#I love that she's intentionally throwing the game in order to get a rise out of the others just to prove they're not real zombies

[spacevixenmusic]

Source: Train To The End of The World [2024]

[pod95]

Pairing: Finn Balor X OFC (Ciara)

Word Count: 1981

Warnings: Mature to explicit as the story goes on.

Description: After moving to the USA from England to start her career as an NXT superstar, Ciara gets to meet her long time crush, NXT champion Finn Balor. It's clear the pair have chemistry, but when tensions start to rise, will they find they want more than a no strings attached relationship?

So this is the first piece of fanfic I have written literally ever. I will be posting them here periodically, but I already have 6 chapters out on my Wattpad, AO3 and FanFiction pages.

This series will involve romance, drama and (although it will take a little while) some smutt too. Hope you enjoy it! 😊

Chapter 5: Prince Charming

I had a quick shower in my locker room before heading out to the car park, where Fergal was coolly leaning against his car. I was feeling kind of nervous. Up to now every time I'd seen Fergal it was down to pure coincidence. Now we were very intentionally going out for food together.

"Ready to go?" he smiled as I approached his car. I nodded sheepishly in response. "Good. We'll swing by your place so you can drop of your stuff and change if you want."

"That would be great, thanks!" I threw my gym bag into the trunk and climbed into the passenger seat. Fergal turned the radio on low and pulled out of the car park.

"So can you drive back in England?" he asked me.

"To be honest no, I never got my licence"

"Really? How come?" I hesitated for a moment before answering. The truth was simple: I could never afford to. But the reason why was something I wanted to run so far away from that I'd never think about it again.

"Well... I grew up in a poor area and money was tight for a lot of my life. I guess I just... Never got around to it," I lied, before lowering my head in embarrassment.

"Ya know," he piped up eventually, clearly noticing my discomfort, "I didn't learn to drive until I joined NXT. Dusty actually taught me" he admitted, with a hint of sadness.

"You must have some great memories with him"

"Oh I could tell you some stories, " he smiled at me before turning his attention back to the road.

The journey was filled with laughter as Fergal recounted his driving lessons, and soon enough we were pulling up outside my apartment.

"Right, won't be a minute"

I jumped out of the car, rushed inside and dumped my gym stuff in the washer. Knowing that this wasn't a date took a lot of the pressure off of choosing an outfit. I kept reminding myself that this was just a casual meal between work colleagues and not to overthink it. I returned to the car in a nice top and some jeans.

"So where are we going?" I asked.

"Well there's a nice sushi place near here, or we could get pizza-"

"I LOVE sushi!" I interrupted loudly before catching myself "I mean... Sushi sounds great, please"

"Sushi it is!" Fergal giggled, and pulled away from the pavement.

* * * *

As we entered the restaurant, the host greeted Fergal with a warm, familiar smile.

"Mr Devitt! Your usual seat I presume?" he asked, eyeing me before giving Finn a knowing look. It was obvious the host was not surprised to see Fergal here with a new face.

"Yes please, if it's available"

"Of course! Right this way sir. And might I say, your lady friend looks ravishing this evening" he flashed me a charming smile.

"This is Ciara, she's a new superstar. She worked her ass off today so I'm treating her," Fergal flashed that gorgeous smile again, but his quickness to correct the hosts mistake had me a little disappointed.

"Ah, my mistake sir! I assumed... No matter. Can I get you anything to drink?"

"Just a soda, please"

We took our seats in a quiet corner of the restaurant.

"Same for me, thanks" I nodded.

"Right away," he nodded and left the two of us alone.

Our table was next to a large window looking out across a small stretch of beach. Not one of the many that were overpopulated with tourists, but a quiet, peaceful piece of heaven. As the sun started to set, its light was dancing across the surface of the ocean. It was a beautiful sight. I could see why this was Fergals usual table, though I couldn't help but wonder how many women he'd brought here, charming them with the view.

"So, what looks good?" Fergal opened the menu and glanced over the pages.

"Honestly, all of it..."

"I usually just get a sushi platter to share and then order some ramen or a bento box for myself."

"That sounds perfect," I closed my menu and set it down, relieved that he'd taken the lead before I said something stupid. Fergal called a waiter over to give him our order before turning his attention back to me.

"So how did you get into wrestling?"

"My mum is a huge fan, we used to watch it together. She's basically in love with Brett Hart" I giggled.

"She must be incredibly proud," he smiled. I nodded in response, trying to hold back some tears that had started to form. Noticing my sadness, his tone softened, "I know it's hard, moving away from family, friends, boyfriend..."

"Oh, I'm single so that's not an issue but... Yeah, I miss them a lot."

It could have been my hopeful imagination, but the look in his eyes seemed to shift slightly from sympathy to devilish triumph.

"Really? That's interesting..."

"How so?" I asked, playfully.

"Well..." he hesitated before leaning in slightly closer to me. He squinted his eyes in thought, as if he were trying to solve a difficult puzzle. "You're beautiful, so I doubt you're short on options. You don't have any annoying habits that I've seen, but honestly you're attractive enough that most guys won't care-"

"And what if I'm only interested in women?" I teased, enjoying watching his attempts at analysing me. He chuckled cockily and licked his bottom lip.

"Well in that case, all that flirting you did last night wouldn't make much sense would it?"

"I... Suppose not..." I mumbled, my cheeks beginning to feel hot once again.

Every interaction between Fergal and I felt like a game of Tennis, passing flirtatious remarks and enticing glances between us until one of us (usually me) was left feeling embarrassed.

"So that means, you're choosing to be single. Why is that?" he leaned back in his chair and folded his arms, satisfied with his theory.

"I'm just not looking for anything serious now. My career comes first."

"That's smart," he nodded in approval.

We were interrupted by a waiter bringing our food to the table. Everything looked and smelled amazing.

"I just got out of something semi-serious so, I'm focusing on my career too."

I popped a Maki roll into my mouth to hide my surprise. He didn't look like he was lying to me, but Saraya had mentioned last night that he was seeing someone. Maybe she was just taking a dig at him. There was a lot of hostility there after all.

Ugh... Thinking about last night was giving me flashbacks of my piss poor attempt at being alluring. I shuddered the thought out of my mind.

"You ok?"

"Yeah just, kind of embarrassed about last night," I confessed. "I don't normally flirt with complete strangers."

"I could tell, you were really bad at it. Do you always get like that when you're drunk or are ya just that attracted to me?" Fergal laughed, doing nothing to calm my already crimson face.

"I'm always like that, sorry to disappoint. But I did want to thank you for not taking advantage, and for making sure I got home safe. It was really kind of you..."

"Wow. No wonder you're single. You really need to get higher standards for men love. If not trying to sleep with you when you're drunk is your idea of kind, you're gonna be dating a lot of assholes."

I knew he was right, but considering my last relationship, honestly at this stage I'd say almost anything was an improvement.

We continued eating and laughing until finally the bill came. I reached into my bag to get my purse out.

"Woah, what are ya doing? I said this was my treat." Fergal insisted, reaching into his back pocket.

"At least let me pay for half of it"

"Absolutely not."

"You are fighting a losing battle here miss. Mr Devitt is a gentleman after all," the host chimed in, leaving me with no choice but to concede. We thanked him for the meal and said our goodbyes.

It was only when we got outside and it was pitch black I realised how long we'd been here for. Time really felt like nothing when I was spending it with Fergal. The journey home was made in a comfortable silence, both of us stuffed from dinner as I hummed along to the radio, and before I knew it we were pulling up outside of my apartment.

"Here, it's dark. I'll walk you to your door," Fergal switched off the engine and got out of the car.

"Thanks again for tonight. It was nice getting to hang out. Made me feel a little less lonely being here," I reached into my purse to grab my keys.

"No problem, I know what it's like moving to a new country. If you ever need anyone to just hang out with, let me know," he suggested.

"And next time I will definitely pay!"

"Yeah, keep telling yourself that." he beamed.

In the moonlight he looked more gorgeous than I could ever imagine, and I couldn't stop my gaze from wandering. They travelled from the pale blue pools of his eyes, to that intoxicating smile, to the perfect contours of his chest, all the way down to-

"Ahem, my eyes are up here," he smiled cheekily, clearly very pleased with himself that yet again he'd caught me checking him out.

"I was just-"

"No need to be embarrassed love. I take it as a compliment. I actually find it really cute you can't keep your eyes off of me. Besides..." he took a step closer to me and placed a tender hand on my cheek, "You're not the only one who's thought about it."

"Th.. Thought about... What?" I stammered, feeling a pleasant tingling at his touch.

"Oh, you KNOW what" he brushed a strand of hair behind my ear.

"I don't..."

He pushed me gently against the wall and held me there, one hand still caressing my cheek, the other pinning my hands above my head.

"So... You haven't thought about me ripping your clothes off and throwing you onto the bed. You've not thought about how it would feel, me kissing every inch of your body," he moved his face closer to mine until our lips were mere inches apart. His eyes were staring intensely into mine, and the feeling of his breath on my skin made my heart beat faster.

"And you've never imagined how, when you can't take any more, I'd make you feel more pleasure than you've ever felt before."

I ran my tongue along my bottom lip in anticipation. Anticipation for a kiss that never came. A let out a small whine as he pulled his face away and released me from his hold. Hearing this he smirked.

"Yeah, that's what I thought," he sighed, looking very frustrated with himself. "Look, you're sweet... But I don't do sweet. Okay? I do broken and desperate and fucked up. It's just easier that way. Good girls always think they can fix me, and then treat me like I'm the bad guy when they get their heart broken in the process. If you know what's good for ya, you won't cross that line. I'm not your Prince Charming, love."

He walked back to his car, leaving me alone at my doorstep, confused and disappointed as he drove off into the night. I shut the front door behind me and threw myself onto the sofa in frustration. Damn, having him that close to me, talking about the things he was had gotten me all worked up. I needed to get that out of my system before the next time I saw him, otherwise I might just have to show him how wrong he was to call me a good girl.

[madamichaicha]

Chapter 7 - “A DECADE AWAY”

**Apparently there has been a recent glitch on fanfiction.net, which resulted in this particular chapter not showing up correctly. When I go to check the content/chapters of the story it is there, and it even previews correctly, but for some reason it is not visible when clicking through the chapters as a reader. Which is SUPER inconvenient. I want to apologize for this bug, but hopefully, it is only temporary. 

SO, I WILL BE POSTING THE COMPLETE CHAPTER BELOW.

Thank you for bearing with me. I love you all!

CHAPTER 7: SENTIMENTS

"I missed you too, Sakura."

A sad smile graced her lips as she looked upon the mismatched set of eyes that were watching her closely. She could tell Kakashi meant what he said, it was written on his face... or at least the parts of it that were exposed. In their time together on Team 7, she had gotten pretty good at discerning his micro expressions. It made conversing with someone who covered three quarters of their face a lot easier.

“Thank you,” she whispered, “No one's called me that in a long time. Never thought the sound of my own name would be so weird.”

“It's not weird to me. I've thought about it... about you... a lot over the years,” he slurred, his body swaying slightly with his words. “I'm glad I found you, Sakura-chan.”

“Kakashi, I think you might be fever drunk.”

“I'm not drunk, you're drunk.”

“Oh, I think you're loopy enough for the both of us, but thank you. I'm glad you found me, too,” she smiled, drawing close to kiss his cheek chastely.

As her lips made contact, she could feel the heat radiating off his skin and through the mask. His fever had spiked again. Every time she would bring his temperature down, it would return like wildfire. Sakura knew then, that he was definitely not well.

Now was not the time to get sentimental.

“Your fever is definitely back, Kakashi. Sorry, but these damp clothes will have to go, and you'll need to eat this soup. Your body is fighting off a nasty cold.”  

“Dr. Haruno... are you trying to get me naked?” his playful voice accused, his arms coming up to cover his chest innocently.

“I'm trying to get the wet clothes you've been in all day off so that you can eat your soup and break this fever of yours.”

“You jus' wanna see my face, don't ya?”

“Kakashi,” she pleaded flatly, “I'm trying to make you feel better. Work with me here.”

“Nope,” he added boyishly, a finger coming up to boop her nose.

Suddenly, an impish grin lifted the corner of her mouth. As much as she was enjoying this lighthearted version of Kakashi, his fever was worsening, and these clothes weren't helping. If he wanted to do things the hard way, she was game.

“Fine. If you won't do it, I will.”

Before he could object, she reached down to his waist, pulling out his shirt tail. With one swift motion, his long sleeved shirt was ripped over his head and discarded on the floor.

“S-Sakura... what are you doing?” he stammered as she crawled onto his legs and went for his belt buckle.

“You're being deliberately stubborn, and refusing doctor's orders. So, I'm taking matters into my own hands. Now give me these pants!”

She had hoped her brazenness was enough to pull him out of his stupor. With the shock seeping through in his voice, Sakura hoped he would just concede and give her the dank and damp clothing. She feared her bed, too, would soon begin to smell of seawater. But by the time she got his belt unbuckled and his fly unzipped, Kakashi fell back into the bed and began to squirm.

“Oh no you don't! You are starting to reek, and my bed is getting wet. Please just let me have these clothes so I can wash them.”

The wriggling actually ended up helping her shimmy the pants off his legs, so maybe he was beginning to hear her voice of reason. She couldn't really tell though, as he was rather quiet and drowsy looking.

With the pants joining the other discarded clothing on the floor, Sakura climbed back onto the bed, intentionally ignoring the sight of him splayed-out in his boxer briefs, and hoping to finally rid him of the black tank top that clung to his body and face. How anyone could breathe with a wet piece of cloth over their nose and mouth was beyond her.

Hooking her fingertips beneath the taught fabric at his waist, she stilled, feeling a rush of guilt. She didn't feel right about this, but she didn't feel wrong about it either. It was a heady mixture of guilt and pleasure. He was quite the sight, but she knew her goal was to get him dried off so he could rest comfortably.

“Alright, Kakashi. I promise I won't look, but this has to go as well.”

He whined slightly, shutting his eyes in disappointment. He hated that she was right. It's not that he was opposed to Sakura seeing his face, he just wasn't thrilled about how it had to happen. Seems he would have to think of something, and fast.

He watched on as she pushed the material up his chest, exposing his toned torso. His heart rate increasing ever so slightly as he followed her gaze, loving that it lingered on him so outright.

“I thought you said you weren't gonna look?”

“I-I'm not,” she lied, quickly averting her eyes as she felt him raise his arms.

She was seconds away from removing that damned mask of his, and she would be lying if she said part of her wasn't excited as hell. Eyes still closed, she could only feel the ripple of his shoulder muscles beneath her hands as the garment was lifted over his head. Once she felt his head clear the confines of the attached mask, she was left holding the limp article in her hands.

It was off.

Success!

Holding her eyes shut, she was now too afraid to look. She said she wouldn't, and so he had let her remove the offending material. Sakura couldn't betray his trust now. Besides, if she did open her eyes, she wasn't sure she could take the shock of seeing this man in just his underwear. That tight, black underwear that clung dangerously low on his hips. She could feel herself salivating just thinking about it. But she needed to stay focused and sharp.

He's just another patient.

Or at least that's what she kept telling herself as she sat there, awkwardly still holding onto the item of clothing. Clearing her throat, she inhaled a calming breath, tossing the item over her shoulder to join the growing pile on the floor.

“Sakura-chan,” Kakashi beckoned, daring her to take a peak.

When she refused to open her eyes, choosing to turn her head away from him instead, Kakashi made his move. Grabbing her at the elbow, he pulled her forward so she was on top of him. They were nose to nose, her legs straddling his thigh, and yet she still kept her eyes shut. He wondered how long her resolve would last. Surely, the little cherry blossom was still curious.

“How's the fever now?” he questioned, pressing his forehead to hers.

“I-It's... hot...” she muttered breathlessly.

She was all too aware of how close their bodies were now. She tried to focus on anything other than their newfound proximity to one another, but she found herself focusing on his breathing. His unencumbered breath was fanning out across her face, the rise and fall of his chest was pushing up against hers. She could definitely feel the fever everywhere as she lie atop his entire body.

“Are you going to make me feel better now?” Kakashi whispered, his lips barely grazing hers as he spoke.

Her pulse was drumming, her stomach was aflutter, and her mind was racing at the simplest of touches. Lips, bare lips, had just skimmed her own. Sakura didn't know how to respond... she was speechless.

What the hell is going on?

Testing the waters once again, he let his bottom lip tap against hers, in search of any opposition. When he was met with no resistance, Kakashi tilted his chin and closed the minuscule gap between their mouths, kissing her gently. She had yet to open her eyes, but this was a surefire way to distract her from seeing anything below the bridge of his nose.

It was a questionable tactic, but one he was rather enjoying as he planted another soft kiss. Her supple lips were very receptive, and he was pleasantly surprised when he felt her return each one. It was tentative, but tender nonetheless.

When he felt her hand come up to cup his jaw, a thumb smoothing softly over the slight stubble on his cheek, he knew she wanted this just as much as he did. Reassured by her actions that it was safe to proceed, he let his tongue slick over her bottom lip, choosing to deepen the kiss by hoping to gain entry.

Once she parted her delicate lips, his searching tongue began to rub and knead against her own, massaging it delicately. His hands, itching to caress her skin, began to roam her body as they continued their passionate kiss. One hand crept up to the base of her neck, cradling her head, and the other smoothed down her side to the small of her back, holding her more firmly against him.

With the late afternoon sun well on the other side of her building now, her loft was slowly being enveloped in the shadows as they, too, were consumed by the growing dark of the space around them. Throwing caution to the wind, they both allowed their needy mouths to continue their onslaught. Between the panting of their desperate breaths, their bodies began to move on their own accord, neither of them giving much thought to it.

With a rock of her hips, Sakura felt Kakashi buck up against her in return. At feeling the prodding proof of his arousal against her hip, Sakura let out a gasp. Eyes shooting wide open, she froze, unable to move as she stared directly into the needy half-lidded eyes beneath her.

Nearly jumping off the bed and to her feet, Sakura quickly turned away, slightly embarrassed by her momentary loss of control. Adjusting her dress and running a hand through her hair, she attempted to pull herself out of the fog she was trapped in moments prior, fearing only a cold shower would help her now.

“Your... um... soup is getting cold,” she offered, pointing to the bowl on her nightstand.

“Ah...” Kakashi remarked impassively, missing the heat of her body.

Propping himself  up against the headboard of the bed, he quickly covered the obvious bulge between his legs with the blanket. Reaching for the bowl of soup she had prepared, he inspected it closely with his spoon, unsure of what he was looking at.

“What kind of hodgepodge soup is this, anyway?”

“It's loaded with everything you need to feel better.”

“Seriously?”

“It tastes better than it looks, Kakashi.”

“I hope so. I've never had gray soup before.”

“That's just from the black rock mushrooms.”

“The what now?”

“They're a special kind of mushroom that grow on the neighboring island. They are packed full of bioactive compounds that have antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties.”

“And what is all this... other stuff?”

“Well, the base is my own blend of vegetable stock, and contains a little bit of ginger for nausea, stewed leafy greens for iron, dried ginseng for an immune boost, and a few boiled eggs for protein and strength. Now eat.”

“Thank you,” he voiced softly, staring at her now in a silent plea for her to look back at him.

Nodding at his thanks, Sakura abruptly headed for the bathroom on the opposite side of the room, leaving Kakashi to eat in peace. After what just occurred between them, she decided to retreat, her body was still tingling with desire and she wasn't sure if she could take another second of it. A cold shower was calling her name.

Shutting the door behind her, Sakura let out a sigh of relief, the palpable discomfort somewhat dispelled by the barrier.

What the hell was that?!

Licking her lips, she could still taste the remains of their heated kiss. It was all too much to process. Seeing that man for the first time in ten years had sent her through an emotional roller coaster.

At first she was terrified at being found, then she was angry he would take everything she'd built away from her, then she was worried about his health. In the process of making sure he'd feel better, she began to feel something akin to compassion. With a few kind words and a simple gesture, her defenses crumbled.

She had cried her eyes out, all because of a simple hug.

But when the fever came back, all reason went out the window. She felt like he was being particularly difficult, but seeing him so exposed and vulnerable made her feel conflicted. And after their most recent encounter, she felt...

Alive.

Desired.

On fire.

Looking at herself in the mirror, Sakura realized her cheeks were flushed. Her reddened lips and disheveled hair making it harder to forget about the exchange that just took place. Running the sink, she decided to splash some cold water on her face in an attempt to compose herself. She needed to get a grip before her own imagination carried her away.

Why must I overthink things?

Turning on the shower, she deliberated the frigid water that awaited her, eventually choosing the hot steam over the shivering cold. This way, she could at least melt away any uncertainty she might have. Perhaps Kakashi's fever was affecting him more than he let on. For all she knew, it could have just been an elaborate ruse to keep her from seeing his face.

Ruse or not, she had still felt it. All of it. She remembered the warmth of his forehead, his strong jaw, the slight prickle from his five o'clock shadow, his soft lips, his tongue, his erection...

Shaking away any further thought, Sakura quickly undressed, and stepped through the curtain and into the hot spray of the shower. Thoughts quickly evaporating as the scalding cascade rendered her utterly relaxed.

As she felt her body relax under the steaming fall of water, Sakura tilted her head back, allowing the water to stream down her face as she smoothed her hands over her rose colored locks. She definitely needed a thorough cleanse before finishing her work for the day, or what was left of it. She still had to finish the medicated balm she was working on for... Shima.

Shit.

With the reminder of her friend's expected visit, Sakura abruptly seized her fingers assault on her scalp mid-rinse, frozen in realization.

It was true that her whole day had been sidetracked by Kakashi's unexpected arrival, so much so, that she had completely abandoned her agenda for the day. Instantly grumbling at her own bubble-headed behavior since that floppy mop of silver walked through the door, Sakura quickly finished rinsing her hair, harshly ringing out the long ends through her fists as she thought.

She was nervous to have the two meet for some reason, fearing her two worlds colliding. To avoid any tension, she would have to keep Kakashi in her room while she entertained Shima downstairs. He was only swinging by to pick up his ointment, right? Surely he wasn’t anticipating on sticking around for too long. She’d just have to keep him out of sight and none the wiser, explaining Kakashi’s presence wasn’t something she could do so easily. Hopefully Kakashi would be asleep, and Shima would be quick.

Just thinking of the nearly nude copy nin asleep in her bed made her stomach tingle. His name, alone, was enough to cause her body to react. A new, and very peculiar side effect to the reappearance of someone whom she thought history had swallowed up long ago.

Only, it wasn’t the sound of his voice or the sight of his familiar eye crinkle that made her nauseous with nostalgia… it was his smell.

His earthy fragrance made her smile. When he had held her earlier, his shirt was salty with sweat and sea, reminding her of their missions to the Land of Water. The warmth of his skin reminded her of those lazy afternoons they spent in silence, enjoying the rays of sunlight that washed over them on the practice fields after training. And his hair… it still smelled exactly the same. The same pine scent that reminded her of a forest thicket at dawn.

Sakura had first noticed her ex-sensei’s scent the time she had head-butted him to break a stand still as their kunai were locked against each other during a sparring session. After sending him backwards, she barely had time to appreciate the subtle aromatics of his shampoo before he retaliated. It was something she thought she'd never forget.

But over the years, her senses had failed her. It had been too long since she had caught wind of his scent, and these days she struggled to recreate it. With that hug jarring her memory, she had realized just how far off she had been. Nothing could beat the real deal, after all.

It was him and his smell that reminded her of the life she had left behind. Sakura had been removed all these years, come to know and love another place she now called home. And with the brief reminder of what real home really smelled like, she fell apart. The hands that held her were hands from a different time… a different life. It seemed like an alternate dimension to her now.

But while she was busy reminiscing about the past, Sakura missed the shadow creeping up on her from behind the shower curtain, yelping as a hand quickly covered her mouth.

"Shh! It’s just me. There is someone who let themselves in, he’s coming up the stairs. Now scoot."

"Wha-? What the hell, Kakashi?! Are you out of your mind?"

"Shh! It's not my fault you didn't lock the door," he hissed as he climbed his tired body behind the curtain with her, underwear and all, hiding himself from the quickly approaching intruder.

Shit, he's right. Why didn't I lock the damn door?!

Sakura didn’t have time to object to Kakashi’s intrusive actions before she heard a knock at the bathroom door, followed by a familiar voice. Peeping her head out from behind the ivy shower curtain, Sakura nervously smiled as Shima’s eyes met her own.

"Oh, there you are Aya-chan. How very odd of you to be showering during the middle of the day. Need any company?" the dusty haired man offered mockingly, only half serious as he barely made out the impression of a pert nipple through the thin curtain clinging to the front of her body.

"Thanks, but no thanks, Shima. Maybe some other time. If you give me a minute I’ll be down to finish up that… th-that… stuff you said you needed. O-Okay?"

"Alrighty…" Shima remarked suspiciously, his eyes narrowing as he felt rushed out of the room, hurried on his way as if he was interrupting something. The spreading blush on Aya’s face was enough to send the man’s imagination into over drive as he apologized and shut the door behind him.

But the warmth that caused her face to glow vermilion was not from the hot steam or Shima's sudden appearance. It was from a certain pair of eyes she felt burning into her skin, assessing her every detail as she caught his descending gaze out of her periphery.

[sweetobseesion]

ABOUT YEONHWA

•This is a very long post that can be considered a rant ,but I use valid points that sound valid to me .And yes, I hate her for reasons I’ll discuss below.

We all love a independent , strong female lead don’t we?  Especially, a woman who is strong, intelligent female charector in Historical Saeguks, who doesn’t rely on men for support and ruthlessly cry over them.

I have to admit, when I first came across Yeonhwa I was,thrilled. She was completely enchanting on screen, with her looks , posture and aura. Her hatred for Hae Soo didnt put me off so much. But slowly and surely, she started ticking me off as the drama progressed. While we saw many charecters like Soo and So evolve, but we saw her evolve backwards, as in she became far less likable as the episodes progress.

At first when we are introduced to her in her robes with a string of sevants at her beck, we are not denied of her sneaky , smug personality. In fact, the first thing Soo notices was how she likes to put people down in a roundabout way, and her crooked smile and expresion. Which is a very accurate depiction of her personality.

At the very first episode, we see her immaculate manipulation skills as she basicallly manipulates Soo into mixing the glue on her own accord.

I was still rooting for her though, and I was willing to give her the benefit of doubt, as she seemed to genuinely care about her family and So. I very much believed her stance of pushing her brother to get into a stronger political marraige to protect her family and that she had genuine affection for her brothers and their lives, when they tried to get Soo out of a political marraige.

It’s obvious from the first episodes that she and Soo don’t get along. Especially in episode four she clearly gets a rise out of whipping Soo. The actress mentioned there was a reason why she hated her long that wasn’t shown but I think her deep resentment comes from Hae Soo refusing to show respect and easily obey her in the first episodes.That’s why she is so pissed at her.

For Yeonhwa, status and reputation are the most important.Especially after her exile , she works very hard at presenting this sweet, poslished image of herself to the world.She is happy when Soo is about to be married off,but she is pissed when she learns it’s her father. Why? Because that would mean Soo would surpass her in social status and to Yeonhwa nothing more is nightmarish than treating Soo as her equal.

All that pretence came crashing down in episode seven, where her true manipulative nature and motive is revealed. I have to give it to her because boy did she really own this episode. We first see her encouraging her brother to be King while playing the sweet, caring sister. Smiling sweetly and stating to him that she will not mind if she is even sold off, stating she will only marry someone who will help him become King.

Earlier , we see her play the perfect daughter to the King, smiling sweetly, saying pretty much what she said to Wook, that she does not mind being married off, but in a different fashion that shows she trusts and loves her father. We see her try hard to fix her face from showing her true ambition, and saying the right things that only bring him joy.

This sets her on her mission for pretty much the entire drama. Whether it’s marrying one of the princes or being a sister, she only wants to align herself and remain family with whoever eventually sists on the throne.  She wants to be Royalty, for life.

There is no need for love for her, in her mind there is only ambition and power.

In episode seven, we see her play the sweet sister all over again,but this time to gain the sympathy of her brothers, as she arranges a brithday party for Eun, where she announces the King’s decision to marry her off to incite sympathy and action from them.

This is where her hypocrisy is defined at it’s finest. Because she judged for Soo for getting help from the princes so hard and now she is pretty much expecting the same. And it’s all fine on her part because they are Royalty.

She does get the attention she wanted as Yo offers his hand in marraige,but she sets her eyes on So, in whom she sees great potential but admits needs more power and polishing. As she admittedly stated that she wanted to tame him in an earlier episode.

I think she sees in So a potential to be King,but she also sees in him a potential to be controlled, and that is why she chases him. I think she is very aware of his capacity and true, kind nature and that is why she concludes this.

I guess she wants all the recognition for turning a wild prince into a powerful , capable King.

But the thing is, she is a very skilled liar and her loyalties lie all over the place. She pushes her brother to be king, but she also keeps Yo on his toes without rejecting him completely while she chases So, offering him the power that she is pushing her brother to chase. She very much enjoys people fighting over her as it makes her feel powerful, as clearly shown in her expressions in episode five.

She accuses Soo of playing with people’s emotions and betraying her brother, but she does the exact same thing. Intentionally. As early as episode seven.

I think she hates Soo because she easily won the affection and loyalties of the princes without making an effort ,is easily favoured by them, and is protected by all of them. And she does so without having the ettiquette, understanding of the palace nor does she have the position, but she is easily given all the privilleges, even being allowed to be a part of a royal birthday celebration.She’s a contradiction to every thing she ever learnt and she captures the hearts of two of the men she cares for.

So when Soo manages to get the interest of So, she immediately loses the hold she has over him and silently watches in scathing jealousy as both So and the Princes become completely enthralled by Soo’s performance. She doesn’t understand her and she only sees her as the threat.

We see her continue to put Soo in her place and her hatred and her vengence to have her removed festers in episode nine, when her brother is so willing to give up everything and move to their hometown to settle down with Soo.

Yeonhwa has this clear pretense she uses, playing the victim and having justifiable resons. She cities the reason of protecting their clan and constantly brings up what Queen Yoo did to them. But she contradicts her own grudge, by teaming up with the same person who is responsible for their exile to get what she wants.

I think this makes it clear what her loyalties and priorities lay, she will team with her mother’s enemy and even her own, if that enemy can provide her with the assistance that her family refuses to provide.

So she teams up with Yoo to poison the Crown Prince , while secretly arranging to eliminate Soo at once. I think this is her another tactic,to place a card on the table while hiding one under her sleeve.

When her plan goes awry, she is shocked that the man she has her eyes on will drink the poison for the woman she hates. So she pretends to drink the poison, pretty much imitates So and falls and gets the Queen to expose it, as she weakly states to get help for So. Brilliant execution,on her part.

Most say this expresses her love for him, while I say this exposes her brilliant, conniving mind, and the ability to play the perfect, self-sacrificing women in society’s eyes.She does it mainly because it will be a waste of all her efforts,whether its the scheming or pushing both her brother and So to be King at once.

But Soo escapes execution, but this does get her brother to finally act on her wishes and break up with Soo, and she is delighted. 

She also uses and throws away people, and she tactfully does this with Queen Yoo. And she also places the blame on Queen Yoo for Court lady Oh’s death, which logically the blood really is on her hands, as it was the result of her efforts to have Soo framed. Again, playing with guilt and emotions. Showing no remorse or responsibility.

Her brother, pretty much grows cold and distant,as he now hates her for what she did to his relationship and is willing to offer her up as collateral in order for his bid for the throne. I don’t support him, but he is pretty much stating what she promised him episode seven. She still rejects Yo, as she doesn’t want to be just one of his wives, and approaches So, offering him marraige.

And she finally states and reveals her true colors to him. Finally stating that she was lacking something, despite all the love and privilleges, and finally realised that power was what she needed, when in exile.

She still plays her card as a innocent women perfectly, stating she has loved him for long and is destined to be with him and hence, marraige.

We all know she is doing this to escape being collateral, and will immediately push him to be king if he agreed.

But he doesn’t so she sticks to her brother, encourages him to fake a decree and use the oppertunity to become King.

Feels no sadness when her father dies, silently vows she will reach the very ambition that he didn’t want her to have.

But still she isn’t compeletly loyal to her brother, as she literally offers So her power and the oppertunity to be King while blocking the roads for her brother.I was pretty sure she would’ve been moved if So said he wanted to be King to claim her heart instead of Soo’s. But he doesn’t, so she blocks his path.

In episode fifteen, we see the full extent of her personality, namely her very flaws. We see how hypocrytical, shallow, vain and foolish she really is , while reminding us that she is still very much the person who has mastered the art of the double game. 

We see her get shocked at Wook’s confession, while he’s literally out here carrying the same act that she planned years ago : Poisoning Mu.

We still see her foolishly still have hopes of being Yo’s queen, as she silently hints at the ring he gave her years ago. This was her most foolish moment, as it showed how little she understood or had humanity. I don’t know what caused her to conclude that Yo would still harbor affection for her and take her as his Queen , after she rejected him, humiliated him and betrayed him. In her mind, she foolishly thinks people will accept, love and praise her if she offers them power, but what she doesn’t realise is people act around her that way because they have to, there’s nothing true or genuine about thier motives, and they usually want something from her.Like she wants something from them.

Yo puts her in her place and informs her that she will be sent to Khitan, and we finally get to see her break. She’s very alone in this and this is very much the result of her reckless, misplaced loyalties and scheming.

She goes to Soo to manipulate her into taking her place and to make her give up on So, but Soo refuses and she states the most punchable line of hers yet.

“Now I know why I always hated you. For you, feelings and marriage are just silly games. They aren’t life and death like they are for me.” 

It’s very much a punchable line because it shows how shallow and irresponsible she really is. She ended up where she is because of her own devious, reckless actions but she blames this woman who’s been minding her own buisness and places the blame on her while seeing herself as the victim. 

She is a Princess with a family and it’s not only her who marries to elevate. It’s every woman’s duty to marry well and protect their family in Goryeo.Even Hae Soo ends up marrying for survival,just like she escaped it .She has more pressure becuase well, she is a Princess and it’s her duty. Every Royal family member married someone they did not like because,well responsibility.But she can’t accept it because it’s literally her one disadvantage and she uses it to play victim. Again.Soo’s perception only differs because its quite modern.

She promises she will make Soo regret it, and she plays the double game perfectly. She offers the whereabouts of a wanted Prince to the King in exchange for stopping her marraige, and since the whereabouts happened to b Soo’s quarters, she reveals it So as well, hoping to break off their relationship as she smiles smugly.

She knows very well, that the infomation is going get the prince killed. And the Prince is a brother she grew up with, who is being framed but she is happy that the information is breaking off a relationship she hated.

So leaves the palace for a while and she supports her brother, but she and her mother are quick to switch her loyalty to So when he satges a coup and becomes King.

She then pressures her brother who she used to push to be King, to get his help to now push her to be Queen. And,she succeeds.And still foolishly assumes she has won, as she sits triumphantly on the throne.It’s the night of the consummation,and she is still so naive and foolish,thinking this marriage and power is going to help her win the heart of the man she wanted. While him,the King was being forced into it and to break the heart of the woman he loves. She looks at him expectantly and he just walks away. So she continues her political diplomacy and tells him to get rid of Hae Soo,as she is a “risk”and he basically puts her in her place,telling her to be satisfied with being Queen.

This where we finally get to see her cry,and we don’t feel for her at all. She is sad but not deveasted and it shows how naive she really is . Because all I see is a girl crying,not a broken hearted woman. I guess that’s all she was deep down, a little girl with thirst for power, whose ambitions were nurtured due to her spoiled upbringing, who by her admission, had a brother that never said no to her since she was young.

She doesn’t give up easily ,and she sets off to get the King’s trust and break his relationship with Soo. But the King ignores her and she waits until their relationship is Rocky to seduce him,and she tries to trick him by pretending to be Soo.

This is where in my opinion, I truly understood how her mind works.She is a woman of her times ,yes but she is not exactly a original thinker or a broad minded person. She listens,watches and learns from the scheming woman around her and lusts after power and things that are far from her reach. She is smart but not wise, as trying to trick the King into sleeping with her only exposes her devious ways,makes her look untrustworthy. The thing is for all the times people praise her for her intelligence, they forget that she has born and raised to be that way. Her schemes and plans are meticulous because besides seeing them, she also has nothing but time to carefully think and plan her plots, since she doesn’t have to work nor does she have responsibilitiy like her brothers. I think the drama, did a very good job in aligning her with Yo in earlier episodes.Like Yo,she has the appearances and qualities of the Perfect Royalty,but what they both truly lack is tact,understanding of their true responsibility and original and innovative thinking. They are both not adept at handling pressure and easily break when things don’t go their way. The only difference is Yeonhwa knows how to hide it better.She is corrupt, narrow minded and the definition of wasted beauty and brains,because there is no point in having it all if your priorities and perceptions are fucked up. She doesn’t even want to be a human, she wants to be “ a God above the King”.

The King is furious but this time he sees right through her, and gets her right where it hurts: power. He makes a deal to consummate their marriage and make their child a Crown Prince but in exchange she has to throw away their family and she does , in a heartbeat.

So the King frames her brother and plans to execute him,she doesn’t bat an eye. Her mother approaches her and she basically puts her in her place stating that she is the Queen now and that she has far more things to be concerned about than her brother’s crimes. And her mother is shocked and there is no end to her arrogance.

That is power to Yeonhwa: the need to feel important,powerful,superior and control others and watch as people bow down to her. Everything comes down to her and she has no consideration for anything beyond her. That is why she deserves to be put in her place, as it’s dangerous putting absolute power in her hands, as it’s similar to putting a favourite a toy in a child’s hands. One can only watch as she plays with it until it breaks.

Her brother gets exiled and she still isn’t satisfied and she can’t digest the fact that she has to make sacrifices and get judged while Soo gets all the love. She walks in and as per usual ,places the blame on Soo while saying the most despicable line yet.

“You ruined everything,yet you shamelessly still live?” 

An apt sentence applicable to herself, I’ve always chuckled at how much the things she says to Soo to degrade her are more applicable to her than anyone else.

As she wishes,Soo leaves and dies.But the King doesn’t trust her and doesn’t give her the chance to get involved in politics and she spends her days begging him to visit her and her children. But he’s colder than ever.

The thing about Yeonhwa is ,she has agency and is smart,but she is far from empowering.She props the very system that subjugates her as she only seeks to reap the maximum benefits from it. Her political sense is very narrow ,as it limited to scheming, controlling the clans and elevating herself. The big ambition that she always speaks about cannot be visionary if it doesn’t extend beyond elevating herself. As she would realise later, having the throne won’t make you safe, happy or noteworthy. Because, politics and power is gigantic responsibility more than anything else. This is why Soo unironically ends up having more influence, than her because she sees how the throne affects everyone.We rarely see Yeonhwa understand and express opinions or interests beyond the scheming for power. Authority is making the right desicions , improving the economy, caring for the people ,balancing political and social structure , foreign relations and war tactics.It’s not all power and glory and “ honour and recognition”.This is why sadly, she ends up being a Queen who’s forgotten, despite being the Kings only wife.

I would’ve rooted for her and even accepted her if she showed true,broader understanding of politics and had a true passion for it. But all she has is fascination and obsession.

Powerful Queens throughout history,though hated and slandered at their times, are remembered because they proved to be capable and wise and tended to their responsibility well.No one can deny their ability or legacy,and they mostly sought to uplift their sex during their reign.

Yeonhwa doesn’t care for the responsibility and is very demeaning to her own sex.She usually sees other other women as rivals.Shown through her attitude to Soo or when she asks Yo to divorce his wife.In her mind she is the only capable ,perfect women and other women are below her and she doesn’t bat an eye if they suffer.

Most conclude that Yeonhwa lacks empathy because she was raised in those times. But that’s not true,though you can’t afford love if you’re royalty ,that doesn’t mean you don’t experience it. King Taejo had a love. So,Baek Ah,Eun all experience and show love. Is it just because she is a princess in exile ? No,she very clearly states she lacked something when she had everything as a child. If the exile didn’t happen,she would’ve realised her power hungry nature anyway, as there is no end to her greed and Jealousy, till the end. Even in the last scene we see her hate So’s reforms because she interprets them as gifts to Soo out of Jealousy without realising how powerful it makes her.

The thing is,Just because she is a princess doesn’t mean she is meant to lack empathy. Most conclude this because she is the only princess we see. But the thing is, there is another Princess with the beauty ,wit and scheming skills who can love and be a decent ,kind human being. Her name is Woo Hee,and she sacrificed herself for her people. She was a spy yes,but for a greater cause. She had a horrible childhood , tried to kill and killed a man but that was the true definition of trying to survive. She matured and puts aside her grudges and never inflicts pain on others. Unlike Yeonhwa,she truly understands the responsibility she represents.

If you’re still adamant,let’s take the example of Jung,who was born a Prince and was spoiled in a similar way like Yeonhwa. He can be bull-headed and polarising ,but he understands his responsibility as a prince and fights wars. He loves Soo dearly and selflessly raises her child ,though he never gets the love he craves from her.

All of this leads me to conclude, Yeonhwa is and was the same person she is now. She is vain,shallow ,arrogant and greedy. She wants to be a Kingmaker but she is very shallow and extreme in her execution, as countless scheming displays ambition that never goes unnoticed. Being a Kingmaker requires wit,knowledge, trust and silence. You only help your Prince if he needs it, you don’t push him to it and you try to hide your ambition and knowledge and show your support continuesly . And Soo does this , while Queen Yoo and Yeonhwa make a fool of themselves by putting pressure and scheming. The whole royal family knew of their scheming nature and left them alone in the end.

Her loneliness is well deserved and part of her own making. She threw everyone away and everyone ignored her in the end. She is very much an improved version of Queen Yoo, everyone , especially her family and clan can see it. She stated that she wants power to protect her clan but she proves that she cares little about it,as even in her reign as Queen ,her family was in exile and their clan probably lost their standing. Just like Queen Yoo’s reign.Her mother is now competing with her for the throne.Like she did with Queen Yoo.

But atleast Queen Yoo has other Queens and Court ladies to bully. Yeonhwa has no one but herself and she just has to just settle for it.

In conclusion ,she is the least sympathetic,redeemable villain I’ve come across. What led me to not sympathise with her is how she easily plays victim while she is the most privileged,protected person in the story. Everyone thinks she protected herself,but the truth is she would be nowhere without her position and family. She would be done for if Wook confessed her crimes. I hate it when people who have everything continue to complain about their lives and insist they have it worse more than anyone else,while clearly being ignorant to the suffering of other around them. Every Villain in MLSHR had a redeeming quality,motive ,circumstance or atleast a redeeming relationship with another character. They atleast showed tiniest bits of remorse for their actions and acknowledge villainy. We don’t see her do either ,and she Probably sees her current situation as unfair,still refusing to admit her villainy. She is meant to be hated and interpreted as evil, and I have to give props to Kang Hanna, as she played the role to perfection.

If I had to say one thing about her though, I think marriage for her is survival in a sense that she’s surviving by protecting the only thing she’s known: power. Unlike Hae Soo, while she has her intelligence, she doesn’t have any special skill,knowledge or understanding of life outside the royal family. She doesn’t want to be the wife of a noble or go to Khitain, because it doesn’t provide her with security or position. I think she’s so accustomed to the privileges and riches that she can’t live a life beyond that. She considers it to be lowly and impossible. Her position is the only thing that protects her.While Soo had the favour of four kings,Yeonhwa only had her family and position to keep her safe.

I will admit that she did have her feminist moments, and I appreciate how she was willing to not settle for less. I loved it when she asked if the only way to control women is through marriage and tries to use marriage to elevate herself. But the thing is marriage is control and it all comes down to the value your husband is willing to put on you,especially in patriarchal times like Goryeo. This is discussed in episode five and is very telling of its time. If you’re husband doesn’t trust you and treats you like property,there’s nothing you can do as your worth is attached to the value he sees in you. Do I feel bad for her? No, she very much wanted to reap the benefits of patriarchy than put an end to it . Truth is ,she wanted to control him instead and if she did suceed then only God can help Goryeo.

EDIT: I wondered for long ,why is her character so despicable and greedy,after some contemplation,I’ve reached it.Its for the purpose of historical accuracy, as when you see international version,you see that her mother is plotting to push her grandson on the throne,due to Yeonhwa’s betrayal and thus her nephew becomes King.Historically,Gwangjong mistrusted his five year old son , making her devious and scheming gives depth to that. Her Son ,ruled for five years and had very little interest in politics,which again can be attributed to her ambition and pushy ways. In history her daughters were married off to powerful nobles to establish a strong power base ,which in MLSHR universe proves her to be a hypocrite because we all what she did to escape being married into a noble family.

But it’s exactly what gets her in the end, because at the end of the show her mother pushes her nephew to be King , who ends up marrying her Daughter probably due to her efforts, and her daughter betrays her like she betrayed her mother and becomes his Queen if MLSHR universe is to be assumed. Classic Karmic retribution If I might say.

Gifs: @just-bring-the-coffee and blog a new kind of hobby.

[pink-jindallae]

Night Nathaniel’s side - NSFW

[Nathaniel/Candy] NSFW and a tiny bit hurt/comfort because I’m evil. The story happens after Nathaniel told everything to Candy in episode 11, and they sleep next to each other… But not in my world. Come on Beemove, let us fuck Nathaniel you coward. Words: 6692 Note 1: Candy is still not named. You have NO IDEA how hard it is to not name her when it’s Nath POV  o(╥﹏╥)o

Note 2: This one has more details that the previous one. Please read Candy’s view first before this one here : Candy’s side WARNING: heavily smutty + more angst

 Nathaniel P.O.V.

We spent the whole evening talking. Well, I should say I. She has quietly listened to everything I had on my heart, sincerely grateful that I reveal her the truth. I had a hard time to begin my story at first, but her comforting hands on mine gave me enough courage. So, I blurt everything. How and why I was where I am now after her departure. Moved, she squeezed my fingers. After a quick glance at her window, I notice that it's already dark outside. The wish to stay is seducing me and I detect on her face the same desire. Maybe I could lay her on the bed and kiss her ... fondle her breasts that eye me up since the beginning of the night with this revealing cleavage. The thought is so appealing. Bad idea. With a lot of strength, I lock the steamy images of us in the back of my head. It may sound silly but I don't want her to imagine I'm trying to take advantage of the situation. Moreover, the possibility that she'll sleep with me out of pity would also annoy me. I tell her about my turmoil, insisting that staying with her any longer would be dangerous. Temptation is so great ... But she doesn't answer, lost in thought. I guess at her gloomy face that she doesn't think about the same thing as me. She is so innocent, it's cute. "Relax. They don't venture into the campus." I reassure her as I get up from bed. "Then I don't understand." She replies, standing up as well. "What's so dangerous?" I can't help but smile more. I grab one of her locks between my fingers, allowing a few seconds to pass. She is keeping a low profile as she slowly understands what I'm getting at. It makes me want to tease her a little bit. "You don't guess?" "I ..." she begins then pauses when my fingers gently brush her neck after putting her hair behind her ear. She swallows her saliva, struggling to hold my stare. I'm even more tempted to play. "You?" I inquire with a low voice, taking a step forward. "… don't know." She gasps. She's so adorable with her puppy eyes. Her orbs lit with an indefinable spark. I can't hold a little laugh back. How far will she pretend? "Really?" I lean my head near her ear and deliberately let my breath crawl on her skin, gaining a long and awfully sexy thrill from her spine. "It's embarrassing for me if you pretend not to understand." My voice is hoarse, but intentionally caressing. I play a dangerous game but her lack of resistance stirs my greed. I'd really like her to answer my advances, and on the other hand, I hope she slaps me to put me in my place. I'm discovering masochistic tendency. I feel her shivering when my finger gently slides the strap of her tank top. This damn garment does nothing to hide her body, fitting her curves like a second skin. I even wondered if she hadn't removed her red blouse on purpose to seduce me. But knowing her, it hadn't cross her mind. It was surely to feel more comfortable in her room. With the same softness, I finally put my lips on her bare shoulder while my hands on her waist yearn to slip under her top. Her skin is creamy and sweet, deteriorating little by little my self-control. I force myself to behave but her reactions only add fuel to my burning state. My beautiful sorceress breaths out an erotic sigh that arouses my senses, heightening the wildfire in me. I press her a little more against me in response. I want to hear her moan between my arms. I want her to scream my name again and again. Has the temperature of the room increased, or am I the feverish one?  Unable to stop, I peck her collar bone with languorous kisses to better savor her taste whereas she tilts her head to the side. Her docility is so provocative, and her delirious perfume tickles my nose. She is completely charmed, arching her back to squeeze herself more against me. This sensual motion makes her breast compress tighter to my chest. "If you say nothing I won't stop." I hear myself panting. My breathing has accelerated and I make a lot of effort to take great inspiration in order to keep my mind clear. I pushed the game too far and now I struggle to contain myself. As she doesn't answer, I go up her throat languidly while her fingers are clenched on my torso. She's as fiery as me. God forbid, if I don't stop now, I'll reach a point of no return. I kiss her cheeks, her nose, each of her eyelids and then finish my run on her forehead. I see her leaning forward, waiting for my kiss impatiently. Nevertheless, I find enough strength to stop there and slightly touch the tip of her lips. "Sorry sweetheart, time's up. I should go home now." I tell her, stepping away. Her only reaction is to bat her eyelashes, perplexed. I've made her a little upset by moving away. An adorable moue displays on her pretty face and I burst out laughing without thinking. She tries to sound threatening, but her cheeks inflated with annoyance give her a hamster-like look. She's way too cute for my sanity. "Do you think that's funny?" She pouts, arms folded under her chest. I doubt that's intentional but her gesture indecently enhances her breast. For goodness sake, she doesn't freaking wear anything under the fabric, I can see her hard tits through it. My blood boils again in an instant. I want to put it in my mouth, taste her, and make her scream ... I mentally slap myself. Stop thinking about improper things, Nathaniel. My sweet temptress seems too annoyed to catch me checking her out shamelessly. She doesn't even realize the agitation she rises in me. "A little bit, yes." I play with her hair again to take my eyes off her divine chest. "Don't be mad, princess. You have no idea how much I wanted to keep going. But no answer no special cuddle. See you tomorrow." With these words, I plant a quick kiss on her forehead and turn around. The longer I stay, the greater I'll be tempted. I risk to upset her but she's now used to me getting on her nerves. As I'm ready to leave, I feel her delicate hand seizing my jacket. Surprised, I turn my head towards her. "Nath, wait! I ..." "Yes?" I ask without hurrying her. However, my state is far from relaxed. Hanging on her every word, I'm waiting for an answer. Perhaps she'll throw herself into my arms and will beg me to take her here and now, on the floor. Or maybe she'll slap me in the face because I went out of line. Contradictory thoughts clash in my mind. I want it and at the same time, I don't. Quite unexpectedly she remains silent, undecided too. Her cheeks redden and she lowers her eyes, unable to hold my gaze. Facing her hesitation, I unwillingly feel disappointment. Her reluctance should be enough for me to leave. Like an idiot, I'm staying anyway. I'm listening. "My roommate is not here tonight ..." she still insists. Her voice is weak. "She's away for three days and I ... well ..." Leave. I have to leave. We shouldn't play like this. We're both lost in what we really want. Neither I nor she are sure. I know I was stupid enough to start this mess, but we shouldn't. Not that way. What if she has regrets after? Hence, I'm going to apologize and go back home alone. Yet, I see myself closing the door despite my frail resolutions. I inhale a moment then turn toward her. I'm so weak against her, she can make me do anything. If it were up to me, I'd make love to her on her desk right now. That's why I desperately try to hold on to my common sense by crossing my arms firmly against my chest to avoid any temptation. I need her to be clear. "So what? What do you want?" I try to look detached, but my mind is troubled and my breathing quickens again. One sentence and I'm all hers. She doesn't say anything though. "I already told you last time, but I don't mess with indecision. If it's me you want then say it frankly." I quickly add to encourage her to speak. My growing impatience makes me mechanically tighten and loosen the grip of my hands on my biceps. I'm a nervous wreck. I feel like a tightrope walker on a cable high above the abyss, ready to fall anytime. I'm still waiting for something, anything. A consent, even a rejection, but that she talks to me. Frustrating enough she stays quiet. It drives me crazy. She gets closer without a word, shaking a little, but she comes. She then slides a hand on mine, forcing me to uncross my arms, before she drops a kiss on my lips while our fingers intertwine. I slightly relax at this gentle contact. Feels like I needed it. Only her can calm me down. My relaxation is however reduced to dust when her palm drifts along my arm and goes stroking my chest. I stiffen under her luring touch. Annoyed by my coat, she doesn't hesitate a second to take it off, it falls loudly on the ground. "You still haven't answered me." I murmur, breathless. Is it really what she wants from me? Her finger silences me immediately. I wince when she gently rubs my scarred lip. I wish she could erase it along with the bad memory… Then her lips kiss my jaw and move up to my throat. I freeze, root to the spot. If I move, I'm afraid my self-restraint will shatter. But damn, it feels so good. She lingers and moans against my skin, marking my neck with so much gusto. I can't hold a grunt and say her name. Luckily - or unfortunately, I don't know anymore - she gets off of me with a playful smile on her lovely lips, visibly pleased of her work. I don't have time to think further that she drags me into her bed by my necklace and lies me down the mattress. In a trance-like state, I meekly let myself fall, standing on my elbows as she straddles me. This scene oddly reminds me of a moment we spent together, when we were in a relationship. She had brought me to her house while her parents were away. I remember the electrifying feeling of being alone with her in her teenage room, like a thief about to ravish a beautiful princess. And as she currently does, she had taken the lead. She even had the audacity to remove my top and tell me that she wanted me. I'm going to think she really enjoys being on top because of what also happened at the gym. Not that I mind. Those memories crack me a smile. "As usual you prefer being in charge. That didn't change." She must have remembered too, since her cheeks are immediately flushing. How can she be so bold and so innocent at the same time? This woman is a real mystery. She pouts again seeing my cheeky smirk. So easily irked, I love it. My cute vixen draws my face near hers by pulling on my necklace once more. "You speak too much." Without letting me answer, she kisses me more intensely. Our tongues clash and begin a lascivious dance and I'm immediately on fire, responding to her call with the same eagerness. "And you not enough." I whisper when our lips separate for a split second, just enough to let us catch our breath. Then I take her mouth again and completely lie down, carrying her with me. She hit on me too, so it's fine, right? Whatever, in any case I wouldn't be able to turn her down. More adventurous, her hands slip underneath my shirt and my abs contract at her touch. Her delicate fingers drawing each line of my muscles smash all the fibers of my being. She removes my top, insatiable, and bites her lip, visibly fascinated by what she sees. And damn, the longing-filled look she throws at me. She doesn't even bother to conceal her lust, glancing at me without an ounce of embarrassment. I feel proud to stir such a desire in her eyes. And God knows how many girls had the same expression, the same thirst. But her... I can't explain how different she is. She knows everything about me and my past. She knows how bad my body was beaten and she loved it nonetheless when I learned to hate it. She loved every part of me, even the ugliest, accepting everything with open arms and never judging. And still now, she does. She's so warm, so compassionate that I… My beauty suddenly breaches my torpor by brushing several kisses on my chest. Right, I don't need to think. Just focusing on her, I close my eyes to clear my head. She can do absolutely everything to me and she does to her heart's content ... Touching, licking, nibbling, every patch of my skin goes through the torture of her lips. Her mouth is everywhere at once like a maddening caress. I'm hard as hell. Her undulating hips doesn't help, sending powerful shocks to my nerve system. I try to stop her so as not to sink into this sweet madness, but she doesn't seem very happy about my initiative. "Let me touch you..." I hear myself begging. I need it so badly that I'm going crazy. However, she doesn't yield to my request and pins my hands against the bed. "No." She is determined to punish me for earlier. The idea of being submissive strangely thrills me a little bit. Fucking yes, she can do me. Her tongue continues its ascent lower, crosses the limit of my navel. The button of my jean pops and I don't even think twice, lifting my hips to help her to remove my clothes. I'm not ashamed to expose myself to her, not when she devours me with such hungry eyes. My only regret is that she's still dressed. I'm craving to see her naked and impaled on my cock, riding me passionately. I shudder with impatience and a bit of apprehension for what that’s about to follow. She bites her lip again, her dainty fingers finally tightening around my erected member. Damn it, that's good. Her hand goes up and down slowly, strokes the throbbing head with her thumb. She drives me fucking crazy. I move my hips accordingly to get more frictions. "Fuck…" I sigh, unable to contain a swearing. My body quivers when she licks her upper lip, my hands firmly gripping the sheets. I can already imagine her taking me in her delightful mouth. Will she do it? God, I want her to do it so badly. She is full of surprises, I wouldn't be shocked if she tries. By the way, where does this dominating side come from? From what I remember, she was just able to cuddle the top of my body, too intimidated to touch anything past my waistline. Well, we were both young and inexperienced so it wasn't unexpected back then. But here she is, masturbating me like she has done it lots of time. Did she practice with another man? I have no doubts she had been in a relationship after me, she certainly didn't wait for me in hope we will go back together one day. And to be honest, I wasn't a saint either. But as much as I hate it, imagining her with another man crushes my heart with jealousy. I'm not entitled to feel that way. Even so, the moron I am can't help it. I suddenly reverse our positions, imprisoning her hands above her charming head and holding her leg to my side. She lets out a hiccup of surprise when I seize her lips, claiming an unequivocal submission. I want her to only think about me, to only feel me. In a fit of passion, I press my hardened member against her clothed core, eager to make her mine and a cry of pleasure escapes her. Her pelvis calling for more rub moves against me. Hungry for touch, she tries to free her hands but I grab her top and tie her wrists with it, revealing her naked chest. Exactly as I predicted. Interesting. "What are you…" "It's your turn not to move." Her feline body is revealed to me like an erotic painting; gorgeous like a goddess with her hands tied, her bounced and firm breasts ready to be cupped, red cheeks, luscious mouth slightly open. A delightful vision just for my own pleasure. Her nipples are hard in a call to be fondled in which I'm not resisting, rolling the pink tip with my fingertip. An exquisite groan passes the barrier of her pretty lips. "I see you didn't wear anything under your top." I tease. I'm not waiting for an answer and trap her nipple between my lip and tongue. Another rapturous sigh rewards me, encourages me to go further and I gladly obey her silent plea. I greedily suck the erected tip, lulled by the charming melody of her cry. She is so tasty, as sweet as a candy. I'm not usually a sweet tooth, but for her I'll make an exception. Losing patience, I bite and she trembles due to pleasure, maybe mixed with pain, so I lick as way of apologies. My passion doesn't seem to bother her. On the contrary, she arches her body in a movement of total submission and this gesture throws oil to my already boiling blood. I want her naked, completely giving herself to me. I hasten to remove all her troublesome clothes. "When one is so beautiful, it's a crime to wear clothes." I declare once her lingerie is gone, last shield to my desire. "And it's a bit unfair to be the only naked, don't you think?" Wasting no time, I slide my fingers to the wet heart of her lust. And damn it, I'm not disappointed. She's already soaked and shivering with want for me. Alluring and passionate, she waves her hips to meet me. She wants more, so much more. I give her what she requests so ardently and I'm gratified by a shameless scream. I finish my territorial work on her chest, satisfied with my masterpiece, then lift my head to watch her without ceasing the fingering. She is breathtakingly beautiful. "Nath… Oh Nath! Nath please!" I've never heard anything as incredible as her begging me with such indecency, my name rolls on her tongue like an incantation. She's so offered that I'm tempted to prolong the torture a little longer. A tiny revenge for earlier. "You're suddenly very talkative. You want something?" The tigress suddenly comes back to her senses and struggles to free her hands. To tease her, I change the pressure on her clit when she opens her mouth, making her stammer broken words. "So?" "I… Ah!" I've just rolled my thumb on her sensitive bud with more insistence. "I want … Hmmm!" "Yes?" I inquire, now marking her neck with possessive hickey. I love getting her to talk while she moans. There is something extremely exciting in her broken cries of pleasure. An aphrodisiac music for my ears. "Y-you… I… Aaaah. N-need. Insi- Ah!" I stop tattooing her skin and pretend to think. "It's not what I wanted to hear." I know fully well what she wants but as she strives to say nothing from the beginning, I'll give her now the opportunity to speak. As a matter of fact, I'm more trying to make her lose her mind so that she has none other than me in her mind. Slowly, I massage the contour of her vagina, deliberately ignoring the entrance. "I say it earlier, didn't I? No response no special cuddle." "Nath please…" She lets out a sob halfway between ecstasy and torment. Eyes wet, she's shaking in my arms but this time it's more like she's about to burst into tears. I suddenly feel bad. What on earth am I doing? I'm being too mean. Punishing her out of jealousy is dumbest thing I've ever done. She doesn't owe me anything. I immediately stop the ordeal and give her time to catch her breath. With difficulty, she slowly calms down and I wait for her agreement to keep going or end the game. "Take me... Now." "Your wish is my command, princess." She sighs, almost relieved to feel my fingers plunged inside her. She's warm and tight and so damn wet. The sensation is so good that I'd love to sink my hard member inside her immediately so she could taste my wild hunger. I strongly refrain my fired instinct. I can't rush things. I have to prepare her properly to receive me. Her eyelids are closing at the slow back and forth movement, she arches her back to better feel me, to better enjoy it.   "I'm sorry for earlier, I went too far. I really want to make it up to you." She only whines of pleasure in response to my statement. "Nathaniel not your fingers…" I chuckle. She absolutely didn't listen to me. "As you want." Well, if the lady asks, the lady will have. I first start by kissing the lobe of her ear then slide towards her soft breasts. "You didn't specify what you'd prefer. What do you want? Tongue or something else?" I whisper as I linger on her chest. Still no response. My little tigress is so intoxicated by her pleasure that she doesn't hear me anymore. A triumphant feeling immediately seizes me. I really managed to make her lose her mind. How long since she last had sex for being so exhilarated to the point of shutting herself up in her own world? She's so needy for me. Not hearing any objection, I continue my way down and her body vibrates, nerves on the edge, when I reach her groin. "Yes, tongue is a good idea…"  I reason more for myself, spreading her legs with ease. A fierce jolt overwhelms her when I switch my fingers with my mouth. Her hips roll in a frenzy way, she's so eager that I need to hold her firmly against the bed to apply myself. She's near her climax thus I press, lap, bring my fingers again, until she explodes into bliss. She doesn't hold back and all her muscles contract suddenly. "Nath!!" she yells more violently, finally reaching her orgasm. And what a scream. Her dormitory neighbors must have heard her. They can listen, for all I care. Let them know she belongs to me. She tries to catch her breath while my fingers prolong a little more her pleasure. I kiss each of her cheeks and stroke her silky locks until she regains composure. Once calm down, I finally free her hands that she plunges into my hair to pull me closer, begging for a kiss and I obediently comply. Our tender kiss turns into a more passionate one when her fingers brush the bare skin of my neck. I'm still hard. Hunger roars in me more ferociously and craves for the carnal union of our bodies. I want her so badly. Before losing my mind completely, I get up. A condom. I need a condom. I always have one in the back pocket of my pants. I look, nothing. Damn, I freaking hope I haven't forgotten it. Now is not the time. She also gets impatient in my back. "Nathaniel…?" I hear the sheets crumple, she must have sit up. I hesitate to ask her if she doesn't have one in her drawers. Otherwise, we have to postpone our sexy session for another time ... I'm still looking after it and finally find on the wanted object. Perfect! I put it on and come back to her, delicately laying her against her bed. Despite my needy state, I take my time to admire her once again. Her cheeks are red with the effort, her pinky lips are swollen, and the pearly skin of her breasts and her neck is decorated with lovebites. Her hair is spread all over her bed like a shaded halo, a few damp strands on her forehead. She displays the most erotic show for my greedy eyes only. She observes me too, her half-closed eyes glowing more peacefully. Feverish and vulnerable at the same time. Almost ... in love. All of sudden, my heart swells with a curious emotion. Am I being too full of myself to think like that? Am I not just having a fantasy with her as the lead actress? I've done it so much that another dream wouldn't be impossible. If I pinch myself, maybe I'll wake up alone in my bed. But everything is real. She is here and she wants me, more than willing to have me. And with such a fiery gaze, I can give her everything. Just a night in my arms if that's what she really wants. She can use and throw me away the next day if that's what she pleases. As long as she doesn't abandon me. "You never stopped loving her, did you?" Amber's words choose this moment to pierce my heart like a sword. "Tell me you want to make love with me." Who am I kidding? I'm just lying to myself. Since the beginning, I want her everything. Not just her body. Not just a night. I want her smile, her heart, her soul. With infinite tenderness, she grabs my face between her hands. Her warmth spreading over my cheeks melts the last piece protecting my heart. I'm so weak against her. This woman breaks all my defenses with one wave of her hand. "What's wrong?" she asks, worried. My hesitation took her off guard. After what we just did, I'd be confused too if I were her. Being reluctant now, when we're so close to satisfy the impetuous desire we're both craving, is ridiculous. Yet I can't move, petrified by anxiety. Do you still love me? I want to ask her. When she looks at me like this, with all the adoration in the world, I find myself hoping that I still have a room in her heart even if I know fully well that I don't deserve it. I don't have the rights to claim her heart. Shaken over the odds, I sigh and close my eyes, letting myself sink against the warmth. I'm no longer the same as I was in high school, the one she loved so much. The simple fact that she didn't turn her back on me like anyone else is beyond me. Isn't she repulsed by the man I've become? After everything I told her about me and my disgusting job. "I don't want you to regret being with me." I finally sigh. We can still give up. With a simple word, she can stop this stupid game of cat and mouse. I'm tired to play. I can't do it anymore. But she doesn't leave. She doesn't run away. She's there… Almost afraid to hurt me, she pecks my face carefully, healing kiss after kiss my broken heart. "Nathaniel… Of course I don't regret anything." "Then please… Say it for me. I… I need to hear it from you." I know it's pathetic of me to crave for her love that much, but I don't want to pretend anymore. I want her to still love me. Or to love me once again if she had ever stopped. I don't even care if she lies. "I want you." I exhale my breath that I hadn't noticed I've held. "Please make love to me." Her decision is sealed by a tender kiss on my lips. Unlike me, she didn't hesitate for one second. Courageous and determined, this girl is afraid of nothing, not even me. I can't help smiling, half amused, half relieved, but above all, eternally grateful. She guides me towards her entrance and in fluid movement I penetrate her. And damn it, she feels so damn good that it's killing me. She's so warm, so wet, and so tight that all my senses are boiling. Each centimeter ignites and consumes my body as if a torrent of lava was flowing through my veins. I take her deeper when she ties her legs around me until no space separates us. Fully inside, I stop myself to savor the delicious sensation. I bury my face in the nape of her neck, breathing deeply the fragrance of her skin. We fit so perfectly like two pieces of a puzzle like we were meant to be this way. I've never felt as alive as I'm in her arms. I sought this emotion with other women for so long but never succeed to find it until now.  I love you so much. "I love you too…" I smile against her skin. I spoke aloud without realizing it and the fact that she immediately answered filled me with indescribable joy. In slow tempo, I begin a sensual dance between our two bodies, every movement deliciously brushes her chest against mine. We kiss each other again, our tongues waltz in harmony with my hips whereas I'm interlacing our fingers together. As I'm taking her, her free hand gently rubs my lower back, sending voluptuous thrills along my spine. In return, I press my fingers just above her ass so she could bend a little and she hums at the new angle. Her moans are more discreet than earlier this time. Not long ago, I wanted people to know but for now, I want that moment to solely belong to me and her. We stay in our own world, just the two of us. I want to be the only one to hear it. She quickly gets greedier, her body moving with me to urge me to accelerate. Since I don't give in, she breaks our kiss, panting, and I stick her forehead to mine. Our eyes meet when I give a more powerful thrust that steals her a lewd cry. I groan with pleasure and pain mixed when she digs her nails into my flesh in response. "Nath faster." No, not yet. I remain focused on my goal to make her crazy about me, only changing the strength I put in each thrust, strong and deep, sweet and slow. "Nathaniel ..." she mewls plaintively. "I ... I need ..." "I know." I'm selfish but I want this moment to last as long as possible. Obviously not in the same opinion, she tries to switch our positions. In any other situation, I would have been thrilled that she rides me. To be honest if I wasn't near my climax, I would have immediately complied. But I'm too close and she, regardless of her protests, not enough. So, I hold her firmly underneath me. All she needs is just a little help to let it go. As if reading in my thoughts, her fingers slip between us two and she starts touching herself. A move as spontaneous as it is lecherous. I sit up to make it easier for her and put her leg on my shoulder, changing the angle again in the process. Seems like she enjoys it seeing how she's divinely arching herself in order to give me an alluring view as a thank you. "You're so beautiful…" However, her provocative gesture doesn't help my self-control that I'm starting to lose. My movements are less controlled and more nervous. And she is still far from her release... Growing impatient, I decide to take things in my hand by replacing her fingers by mine. After a few seconds, her muscles contract deliciously around my member and finally, she melts and willingly surrenders herself to me. Eyelids closed, she's falling deep into a relishing sea with an enchanting grace. I'm bewitched by so much beauty. "Oh Nath…. Yes…" Relieved by her climax, I close my eyes and can focus on my own pleasure. The peak is near. I allow myself to accelerate the pace, hand gripping the headboard to keep my balance. A little faster, a little stronger. And in a split second, the release hits me brutally. I freeze as I'm cumming inside her. I didn't expect such an aggressive orgasm, kind of like my body had waited for her to let myself go completely. It's so powerful that I need time to recover. I do my utmost to catch my breath. When I open my eyes, she's tenderly looking at me with a satisfied smile and I can't help being proud. I slowly withdraw myself of her and she hums, blissful. After throwing the used condom away, I lie down beside her, she immediately snuggles against me without a word. For the first time in many years, I feel appeased, at peace with myself. Everything is perfect, or rather it gives me the illusion it is for now. I come to pray that this night never ends. "I don't want to sleep yet…" she yawns, pulling me out of my reverie. She also wants this moment to last. "Why? Do you want a second round?" I joke even if I wouldn't mind it. Just give me a few minutes. "The idea is appealing but I'm too tired." "Such a wimp." As a punishment for my insolence, she gently slaps my chest. We laugh softly, breaking the tranquility of the night. Soon after the soothing silence wraps us like a fluffy blanket. Still, I feel her agitated. She curls more tightly against me with a gloomy face and I have a twinge in my heart seeing her so fragile. I can easily imagine what she's thinking now. "I'm not going anywhere, love." I reassure her by stroking her hair and she smiles, more relaxed. I seal my promise with a kiss of good faith. How could I go when she is in my arms? Her heavy eyelids eventually close and slowly, her breathing gets a steady rhythm. She has fallen asleep. Avoiding to a maximum to disturb her, I cover us with her blanket then reach out the bedside lamp to turn off the light. The room becomes dark with only the pale reflection of the moon skimming our bodies. No matter how tired I am, sleepiness refuses to take me away. I lay my eyes on her again, she is peaceful in the arms of Morpheus. She looks so pure and defenseless. It feels like she could break or disappear at any moment. What will happen now? I'm afraid I've made the wrong choice by rushing things with her. Not that I regret what have just happened, hell no. I'd redo it a thousand times. What scares me is that I might unnecessarily endanger her. I should have wait for this whole thing to calm down and let it all be behind me. First become a better man, then get her back. I kinda messed up my plan. But would she have waited for me? I doubt it. Beautiful as she is, finding someone else more adequate in every way shouldn't be a trouble. I'm not sure I would be able to bear it but for her I would have made the effort. As long as she is happy, even if it's not with me... Despite common sense she chose me anyway. And now that she's mine again, I can't bring myself to let her go. "What do you love so much about me?" I whisper, brushing her cheek with my thumb. "I wish I could read your thoughts." Tenderly, I kiss her forehead. I swear on all that I hold dear to become a man worthy of her, so that she'll never regret having chosen me. I'll do everything to protect us. "Sweet dreams, little angel." -- I miss her. We spent a good part of the morning together, just cuddling to enjoy each other's presence. It was good not to think and appreciate the present. Unfortunately, she had to go to class and I had to bring myself to leave her. I sigh. Lying in my bed, I absent-mindedly pet Blanche who is resting on my chest. I wonder what she's doing right now. Does she work? Does she still have class? I sigh again while staring at my screen phone. Should I call her? No, it can be risky if she is busy. So a message? She'll answer me when she has time. I retype the same text several times without knowing how to write it. « Are you busy? Can we talk? » I delete it, it sucks. « This morning was nice » Worst. Oh fuck it, I'll get this straight. -    I miss you Sent. I'm waiting for what feels like years to me, eyes lock on the screen. Even if she has things to do, she could still give me some sign of life… right? Not receiving any answers back, I now glance at Blanche who has just got up to go sleeping at the edge of my bed, far from me. I’ve apparently disturbed her. "You two are the same. You play hard to get and once you have what you want, I no longer exist." Blanche has her eyes on me as I speak, then returns to her nap, ignoring me. I'm looking at my phone again. Nothing. What an idiot I am. A freaking idiot in love. I'm dying to join her. Maybe she could directly come to my flat after she finishes her things? My place is still the same so she knows the way. "Would you like to see her again, Blanche?" Her cute little ears twitch slightly. I stirred her curiosity because she comes back to me after stretching graciously. Really Blanche? I sit up to pet the top of her head. "You know I could almost be jealous of your interest in her?" She just curls on my thighs and purrs to curry my favor. I obviously am weak against her little game. As I said, they are exactly the same. Quickly, I write a new message: « Blanche missed you too, you can come later and see her » I think for a moment before sending it. There's something missing. I want to tease her a bit. I submit instead; -    We can go to my flat tonight. Blanche missed you too she would love to be petted I know she'll understand my innuendos. She doesn't make me wait too much this time, I receive an answer right away.  -    Isn't it you who want to be petted instead? Bingo. I chuckle at her response. She has no idea how much. -    Can't deny I hope to get as much attention as her, or more ;) -    Already needy? We just left each other this morning Ouch. She stings where it hurts. But hey, I wasn't the neediest last night. -    Say the girl who threw herself on me last night She takes her sweet time to reply. I'm sure she's as red as a tomato. I would have loved to see her flushing face. Too bad. At least I'll have all the time I need tonight to make her blush if she accepts my propositions... -    Okay I'll come but only for Blanche. See you tonight ♥ Damn, I smile like an idiot when I see her heart-shaped emoticon. I feel like a teenager again. She definitely knows what she's doing to me. "Did you see that Blanche?" I say, scratching her ear. "Your mom is coming back home." **************************************** Author note: Yes, Nathaniel is a jealous freak. And at the same time, he's a little marshmallow ... Don't worry baby, I love you anyway. On a serious note, I hope I've written our favorite blond passion/fear right. He's crazy in love with Candy, change my mind. I don't know how many times I've written he finds her beautiful lol 

[dyde21]

Kick To The Face

Hey! This is a short story I’ve had in my head for ages. This one involves my OC’s Tyler and Ashe and a training accident. I honestly love these two so much, they mean the world to me. I hope you guys can give this story a chance as well. Cheers!

“Don't just stand there! Keep moving!” Ami's voice called out as she set down her water bottle.

Across the mat, Tyler grunted in response. “I'm trying! It's not exactly easy.” He replied, bringing both of his arms up to block another kick from Ashe. Stepping back, he managed to avoid Ashe's follow up kick, before quickly running to the side.

Ashe followed through with her motion, her eyes locked on Tyler's as she stared at him intently, never leaving him despite her spin. Gracefully, as if she was dancing, she sprung up from the kick and dashed after Tyler. Quickly over taking him, she planted her foot and spun around again, delivering a powerful kick towards his chest.

Tyler managed to raise his guard in time, but he slid back a foot from the sheer impact of the blow. He raised his arms to follow up, but Ashe feinted and landed a clean punch in his side, making him stagger a bit.

He let out a wheeze of air, and saw Ashe's hands hesitate for just a moment. Her eyes betrayed concern, and almost regret. She was practically using him as a punching bag, and she hated it more than he did.

“Keep pressuring, Ashe!” Ami barked out an order, her voice eerily level.

“Yes Ma'am!” Ashe replied, quickly delivering two low kicks to Tyler's legs before she spun around and delivered a heavy one to his side.

Not having a chance to counter, Tyler once again only barely managed to scrape by with blocking her kick. He tried stepping forward to throw a punch, but his leg was protesting. Ashe had delivered too many low kicks, his leg was being sluggish responding to his wishes.

“You aren't fighting back, Tyler! What, you scared of hurting her?” Ami called out, challenging him.

Ashe raised an eyebrow, hopping back for a moment as she caught her breath.

Tyler shook his head. “No! T-That's not it! You made it very clear last time I shouldn't be afraid of that.”

Ashe nodded, smirking slightly. “Good. We aren't just two teens hanging around. You aren't assaulting me, we're sparring. Now fight back!” She reassured him, again. She knew Tyler detested the idea of hitting women, a fact she usually found endearing. He didn't want to hit anyone for that matter. But they weren't your average teenagers. They had to fight for their lives regularly. If he refused to fight back in a match like this, not only was it an insult to her skill, but it could be a grave mistake. Ashe would never seriously intentionally hurt him, but she wouldn't be his only opponent. Ashe wasn't about to lose her boyfriend because he was too scared to fight back against a woman trying to kill him. It was a lesson he had to learn.

But Ashe knew that wasn't the main issue right now.

“I'm trying to!” He snapped as he lunged forward, with a fast jab. He felt frustration bubbling up within him.

Ashe narrowed her eyes. He was still too slow. His movements had too much looseness. She could see what he was doing a mile away. Stepping forward, she spun as she dodged the punch, following through and slamming her elbow into the back of his head. She was about to stop, but her eyes caught Ami's. A shiver shot up Ashe's spine at the sight. Very rarely did she see Ami looking so intense. She was taking this training deadly seriously. She knew she couldn't pull punches, not if she didn't want to hear about it later.

As Tyler stumbled forward, Ashe's leg kicked the back of his knee, bringing him down on one, before she planted her foot in his back and sent him down.

Ashe hopped back, bouncing back and forth between her feet as she kept her energy up as she watched him scramble back to his feet. Say what you want about his hand to hand, Tyler certainly could take a  punch.

“Maybe...” Ashe started off, watching Tyler's chest rise and fall as he struggled to suck in air. It was clear he was getting winded. She had years of hard training over him, even with his good condition, they had been training hard all day. Even Ashe was starting to feel it.

“Again!” Ami snapped at Ashe.

Ashe glanced over at Ami for a moment. To most, Ami would just look stone-faced and determined, but Ashe could see through the cracks in her facade. Ami cared about Tyler pretty much as much as she cared about Ashe. Neither of the two girls enjoyed seeing him so beat up, exhausted, and frustrated. Normally, they'd actually be the first one to seek out the source of his trouble. But this was for his sake. This wasn't a game. If Tyler didn't get stronger, he could lose his life out there. Or one of their other friends could be harmed trying to keep him safe. This temporary pain was necessary to ensure his safety, and if he was willing to shoulder the burden then they would push aside their feelings. At least for now.

Rushing forward, Ashe ducked a punch and shot upwards with an uppercut.

Tyler barely had time to lean back, watching the fist slice through the air right in front of his face. He threw a hook around towards Ashe's side as he stepped back.

Reaching across with her other hand, Ashe caught the blow. She smirked up at her boyfriend. “Nic- Woah!” She barely had time to duck as Tyler's leg soared over her head. It seemed he was getting serious. She threw out a few jabs to his back as he spun around before hopping back. Planting her foot firmly, she spun around into a reverse kick straight towards his chest.

Bracing himself, he blocked the kick squarely with both hands. Ice began to form around his hands as he stared at Ashe with a beastly intensity.

Before he could move, a sharp whistle pierced the air.

“Tyler! No powers!” Ami barked.

Eyes widening, Tyler shook his arms out as the ice shattered and disappeared. He hadn't even tried to freeze them that time.

Biting her lip, Ashe was getting nervous. If his powers were starting to manifest themselves on their own, it meant he was starting to reach his limit and pushing it any more would be dangerous. “We should cal-”

“Again.” Ami's voice cut through her sentence like a knife.

“Tch.” Ashe muttered before stepping forward and delivering two powerful low kicks to Tyler's leg again. He was still leaving his guard down there.

Wincing, Tyler knew he was staying still too much. Ashe wasn't called the “fire dancer” for nothing. Watching her fight was like watching a dancer. She danced around a fight gracefully, as if there was music playing. If he stood still too long, he'd never have a chance of beating her, let alone without powers.

Ignoring the protests in his legs, he rushed forward, bringing his knee up as he reached up to grab her shoulders.

Both of Ashe's hands went up, cupping together as she blocked his knee. Throwing it down, she shoved him back with her shoulders, before hopping back a step. Stepping forward, she spun around and pushed off the ground into a jumping spin kick. The attack was extremely telegraphed, but hopefully Tyler would take the chance to counter the small opening she was providing him. Assuming he could deal with the force behind the kick.

Instantly Tyler knew what was coming. He had seen Ashe perform this kick a million times before, and it always put him in awe to watch. But that meant he also knew how to deal with it.

Stepping forward, he had his plan. He would duck the kick, shove her as she landed, and follow it up with an axe kick to hit her as she stumbled to the ground. It'd be a clean hit.

At least, that had been his plan.

As soon as he stepped forward, his leg burned in pain and stopped responding. He had taken too many low kicks, his leg wasn't able to keep up anymore. Unfortunately he had already committed to ducking, which meant he was awkwardly leaning forward in place. His eyes widened as he knew what would happen before it did.

“No!” Ami shouted, but it was too late. She hadn't been ready to react in time, Ashe was too fast.

The full force of Ashe's spinning kick connected to the side of his face, sending him crashing down onto the mat.

Tyler hit the ground hard. He let out a soft groan, but he didn't move.

Ashe recovered, realizing instantly what she had done. Horror sunk through her body, and she felt her blood turn to ice. “Tyler!” She shrieked out in panic. Instantly she dropped to her knees, gently moving him to rest on her lap. “Tyler. Are you okay? I'm so... I'm so sorry.” Her voice was shaking. Training was one thing, but she had landed a full strength kick to her boyfriend's head. It was pretty much the worst thing she could have done without weapons.

Turning to look up at Ami who had run over, her lip was practically quivering. “I just kicked my boyfriend in the face!” She practically screamed in disbelief before turning back to Tyler.

Thankfully, Tyler seemed mostly okay. His eyes were open, if not a little unfocused. They looked around, clearly struggling to regain composure.

Ashe held him with one arm, gently running her other hand through his hair reassuringly. “Tyler! Are you okay? Please, say something.” She coaxed gently. There was a brief pause. “Please don't break up with me.” She muttered worriedly, earning a laugh from Ami.

“Relax, Ashe. It was just a kick. We've taken worse before, and he's tough. He's just dazed.” Ami offered.

Ali casually walked over, taking a swig from her water bottle. “Why is everyone screaming. What happened over here, is he dead?” She asked curiously, a layer of concern laced underneath her nonchalant tone.

Ashe stared up at her other older sister. “I just kicked him in the face!”

Ali just stared at the girl in shock for a moment, before burst out laughing. “Smooth move hotshot. I've heard of making a boy fall for you, but I don't think this is what they meant.”

“Ali!” Ashe shrieked. “This isn't funny! He could be hurt! Or hate me!” She said worriedly, glancing down at the boy who was just starting to recover himself. “Please don't break up with me.” She muttered again. She was terrified she had just made one of the most important people in her life hate her by introducing his face to her shoe.

She knew she should have stopped. They were pushing him too hard. He was much more suited to combat with his powers, they didn't need to press him so hard. She was also so stupid! She was careless, she knew she had hit his leg too much. She shouldn't have gone all in in an attack like that. How could sh-

Ashe was cut off from her internal freak out as she felt a hand cup her cheek.

“You're cute when you're worried.” He muttered, still a bit out of it. “I'm fine.” Tyler's voice was growing steadier by the second. He managed to sit up with Ashe's help, a hand flying up to grab the side of his head. “My head hurts a bit though...”

Ashe looked up at Ami, who just rolled her eyes and moved in front of Tyler. “Follow my finger.” She said calmly, moving it before him as she watched his eyes carefully. After another moment of examination she shrugged. “He doesn't have a concussion. Like I said, he's fine.” She said with a pointed expression to Ashe.

After a moment though, Ami's shoulders drooped as her gaze shifted to the ground. “I-I'm sorry Tyler. It's my fault. I pushed you too far. I should have stopped you guys earlier. Or been more alert. I just... wanted to make sure you were ready.”

Tyler reached out, resting a hand on her arm reassuringly. “It's fine. Accidents happen. Good thing we weren't using weapons.” He offered, attempting to ease the tension a bit.

Ami cracked a smile, though Ashe just looked more horrified. “Oh God, what if we were.”

Ali let out a groan. “Oh come on. You're causing a scene. Go hit the showers, it was just one kick. Michael threw a guy into a wall the other day, didn't see anyone fawning over him.”

Ali began to walk away, before pausing and looking over at Tyler. Her eyes studied him carefully for a moment, as if taking in any hint of damage or injury. She nodded to herself, the faintest sigh of relief escaping her. “Go get clean and rest up. You did good today, kid.” She offered, before turning around with a wave, tossing her towel to the side and hopping back into the sparring ring.

Ashe helped Tyler struggle to his feet, her eyes fluttering over him. They took in any possible sign of injury or discomfort. It felt like a knife stabbed her heart every time she saw him wince from movement. The awkward limp in his gait as he walked settled stones in her stomach. She had done that. It was her fault her boyfriend couldn't even walk properly.

Before long, he had managed to stand up straight and gently shrugged off her assisting arm. Ashe bit her lip, trying to suppress her frustration. She knew he could get stubborn when injured, that he hated feeling like a burden. After being on the losing end of their sparring session, and getting injured, she imagined his pride was more wounded than he was at the moment. His state, of course, was just having her maternal instincts screaming in her head. She was about to try and come up with some polite way of telling him to stop being so damn stubborn when she felt his hand snake out and grab hers, squeezing it gently. He was still looking towards the showers, but she knew he was trying to reassure her.

They paused before divide into the locker rooms. Tyler finally turned to look at Ashe, a tired smile on his face, still slightly wincing.

Ashe leaned up, kissing his cheek. “I... I'm sorry. Just... I'll see you after your shower, okay?” She said, squeezing his hand one last time before going her own separate way into the lockers.

A few minutes later, after a warm shower and only minimal self-loathing, Ashe emerged feeling refreshed. Cleaned up in a new comfy pair of shorts, and one of Tyler's hoodies she had “borrowed” a while ago, she emerged out front of the training center, waiting for Tyler.

A few minutes later, Tyler emerged himself, freshly showered with this hair lightly dripping. Ashe noticed the limp in his gait was mostly gone, but he was still wincing and yawning. Subconsciously she had seen him rub his face, and figured he was still feeling the kick a bit. Shoulder's drooping a bit, part of her wondered if she should avoid training with him for a while. She was about to ask him how he was feeling when she saw him open his arms ever so slightly. It was subtle, but it was clearly an invitation. In a flash, Ashe had closed the distance and wrapped him in a hug, burying her head into his neck.

The smell of his shampoo filled her nose and she let out a small content sigh. She felt home again. Shaking her head slightly, she remembered she was about to apologize, not get wrapped up in how much she loves her boyfriend. “How are you feeling?” She asked softly, shifting slightly so she could rest her chin on his shoulder and crane her neck to look up into his eyes.

Seeing his patient look smiling down at her, her heart fluttered a beat. “Better with you here.”

Ashe bit her lip as she reached up and ran a hand through his hair. Her boyfriend was too sweet, it almost made her sick sometimes. She didn't deserve him after kicking him in the face. “I'm sorry.” She said again, her hand pausing in his hair. “I really, really didn't mean to.”

Tyler let out a small laugh. “I know, don't worry. It was an accident.”

Ashe just pouted. “You're too understanding.” She muttered. “It makes me feel worse. All I've done is kick you in the face, how did I come to deserve you?” She half-complained, seeing in his eyes that he truly wasn't upset.

Tyler just let out a laugh, hugging her a little tighter. “By being willing to work so hard with me so I can have a dream of catching up to you guys. By understanding me better than I know myself. By looking far too cute in my hoodie, which you stole.” He said with a small smirk.

Ashe just shrugged as well as she could in his arms. “It's comfy. Girls get first pick of their boyfriend's hoodies. It's in the fine print.”

Tyler just laughed as he let Ashe begin to lead him back towards the mansion. He did his best to hide the limp in his step, knowing just how guilty his girlfriend would be feeling for a complete accident.

Before long they had managed to make it back into the mansion, heading towards their usual spot. The large complex had many lounging rooms stashed away in it, and Ashe and Tyler had sort of “claimed” one from sheer habit of being in there often. Though to be fair, it was one Ami and Ali had claimed years ago. They just sort of inherited it, and shared it with them.

Tyler stood next to the couch, stretching his back when he suddenly felt a pressure to his chest. Finding himself falling back into the pillows, he felt a familiar weight collapsed on his chest, her arms haphazardly strewn across him.

“I'm tired.” Ashe muttered, attempting to hide the smirk she was very obviously sporting.

“So you shoved me?” He asked light-heartedly. “What happened to apologizing.”

Ashe just looked up from where her face was buried into his chest. “You were taking too long to sit down. I wanted my pillow.” She said defiantly. “Besides, I'm still thinking how to apologize properly so I'm just going to cuddle you till I come up with something.” She muttered indignantly.

“You would cuddle me anyways.” He challenged, arching an eyebrow.

“Is that a complaint?” Ashe asked, sitting up slightly.

“Never.” The boy quickly replied as his arm snaked around her waist and shifted her so they were a little more comfortable on the couch.

Shifting her weight and nestling against him a little more, Ashe let out a content sigh. She felt safe.

Reaching over, she grabbed his hand and absent-mindedly began to play with his fingers. She felt the rise and fall of his chest gradually slow as she could tell her boyfriend fell asleep. She felt his arms clutch her a little tighter, and she could hardly complain.

The exhaustion from a day of training was catching up to her. She still hadn't come up with a way to make it up to him, but a quick nap in his arms was too tempting to resist. Soon enough, she had joined her boyfriend in a brief nap.

A little while later, she was the first to wake up. Surprisingly, she felt a blanket draped over the two of them. She was about to wonder who had done it, when she saw a plate with apple slices and peanut butter on the table in front of them. Smiling, she figured Ami must have found them. Leave it to her sister.

Ashe started to sit up, feeling a bit hungry. She had only managed to make it a few inches before the arms around her waist tightened, crushing her closer into his chest. A soft groan of protest left his still unconscious mouth.

Ashe bit her lip, letting him pull her closer again. She felt so safe, so loved, and so comfortable. It was utterly unfair how in love she felt with her boyfriend. His body naturally ran quite a few degrees cooler, especially since he started to use his ice powers more frequently. So rather than feeling hot and stuffy, in his embrace she felt like she was resting her head on a cool pillow. A sort of balance for her own body that tended to run a few degrees warmer.

Ashe just closed her eyes, shifting her head so she could rest it on his chest and hear his heartbeat. For a few minutes, she indulged in the simple pleasure, until she felt him begin to shift more. Shifting in his grip, she managed to look at him. She saw his tired eyes slowly flutter open, looking confused for a moment before her favorite tired smile graced his lips. Leaning forward, she kissed his nose. “Morning Sleepy Head. Can I get up now?” She asked softly.

Tyler just grinned, resting his forehead against hers. “No. I'm still tired and you're a warm pillow.” He muttered, pulling her a little closer.

Ashe just laughed, resting her hands over his. “You're sweet. But I'm serious. I need to pee. So unless you want this couch to get even warmer I'd suggest letting me go.” She offered.

Instantly he let go of her, pouting. “That's no fun.” He complained, finally sitting up and stretching.

Ashe totally didn't stare at the muscles she could see around his tank top as he stretched. Nope. Of course she didn't notice how increasingly defined he seemed to be getting. Ashe totally didn't stare and bite her lip, no matter what anyone said.

Shaking her head, Ashe remembered she did actually have to use the bathroom. “Dinner is probably soon. I'll meet you there in a bit.” She offered, leaning down to give him a proper kiss before she paused. “How are you feeling?” She asked, her blue eyes staring intently at the side of his head, looking for any sign of bruising.

Tyler just offered her a patient smile. “I'm fine. I have a mild headache, and I'm a bit sore all over. But I'm fine. Now go!” He said, kissing her quickly before gently pushing her away.

Ashe just nodded, still assessing him for a few moments before the urge in her bladder became too strong to ignore and she quickly left to find a bathroom.

An hour later, and the couple had found themselves back in the room, stomachs full of food and the night free. They were both sitting on the couch, leaning against each other as Tyler turned on the TV and flipped through the channels idly. He let out a sigh, giving up on finding anything interesting when he stood up. He was about to move away when he felt a surprisingly strong grip lock around his waist, feeling Ashe's face bury into his back. “Don't go.” She muttered in a mildly whiny tone. This caused Tyler just to laugh, prying her grip open. “I'm just choosing a movie. I'm not going anywhere.” He said gently, petting her hair. He knew Ashe was still moping about accidentally kicking him, and was falling into her habit of getting clingy when upset.

Ashe watched him choose a movie, still wracking her brain. She had come up completely empty on ideas for some reason. Seeing him settle on one, she just let out a sigh, flopping over and burying her face in the pillow. Nothing was easing her sense of guilt.

She felt Tyler's hand gently start running through her hair, and a shiver wracked her spine. Her mind cleared for a moment till a thought occurred to her. She popped up, staring at Tyler intently.

Tyler raised an eyebrow, clearly thrown off by her sudden mood swing from clingy to excited. “Hi?” He asked curiously.

Ashe just stood up, kissing him quickly before shoving him on the couch. “Stay here and skip the previews. I'll be right back.” She promised, quickly skipping her way out of the room. Tyler heard a muffled “Ami!” Come from the hallway.

Shrugging, Tyler was just glad Ashe seemed to stop moping. Skipping the previews like ordered, he settled into the couch and waited patiently for his girlfriend to return.

A yawn escaped him as he stared at the door, waiting for any sign of her. Just when he was weighing the pros and cons of a quick nap, he heard a familiar pattern of footsteps as she burst into the room, two bowls in her hands and a bag of popcorn tucked in each elbow.

“Hot. Hot. Hot. HOT.” She muttered repeatedly, stumbling towards the table. Tyler quickly managed to free the freshly popped bags of popcorn from her arms as he set them down, finally getting a good look at the bowls.

Ashe smirked as she saw her boyfriend's eyes light up ever so slightly. It seemed her idea had worked. Handing him a bowl, she made her way over to the wall and flicked off the lights. Cuddling against him on the couch, she began to eat her own bowl. They were both now munching happily on their bowl of angel food cake, whipped cream, and strawberries in the dark, nestled around each other as they watched the opening credits to WALL-E start to play.

Out of the side of her vision, she saw her boyfriend once again picking around the full strawberry in the center of the bowl, saving it for last like he always does. She guessed that for once she could let him have it without trying to steal it.

A few minutes later she had finally finished her bowl and looked over. Tyler was watching the movie happily, still munching on his bowl with a dab of whipped cream on his cheek. Reaching over, she quickly wiped it off, staring at it for a moment before she shrugged and ate it.

Tyler stared at her for a moment, a blush creeping on his cheeks.

Unable to hold back the laugh at his expense, Ashe just cackled a bit before she nestled up against him.

Finishing his bowl, Tyler let out a happy sigh. He was utterly content with this situation. Sure his body still ached, and he was pretty exhausted over all. But he was happy. Ashe was a familiar warmth in his arms, he stomach was full of his favorite snack, watching his favorite movie. There really wasn't much more he could ask for in the world. Leaning over, he kissed the top of her head happily.

Shifting slightly, Ashe tilted her head up to catch his lips in a proper kiss.

After they made out for a few moments, Ashe leaned back, her eyes staring into his intently. “Are you okay? I really am sorry.” She muttered.

Tyler just reached over and cupped her cheek. “Ashe. I'm serious. It's okay. It was an accident, and it's clear you feel super guilty about it even though you don't need to. You made it up to me already by letting spend the day with my amazing girlfriend and even made me my favorite snack. The best thing you can do for me right now is let me enjoy this movie, with you in my arms. Nothing would make me happier.”

Ashe just stared at him, her heart going supernova in her chest. She would never get over how lucky she felt to be with him. Kissing him properly again, she rested her head against his chest. “It's not like you're the only one happy when we're together. I've been spoiled by you today too.” She muttered. “But okay.”

Tyler just grinned, pulling her a little closer as he rewound the past five minutes of the movie before he settled in, nestling just a little tighter with Ashe.

Together they just continued to watch the movie, arm in arm. Despite all the danger they knew they had ahead of them, at that moment they were at peace. At that moment they knew, somehow, in the end everything would work out.

[kingsofchaos]

If you wanted to i'd love to see Gav using his charm and wiles to get the others lads out of trouble somehow, maybe flirting them out of some kind of mess or something?

Michael and Jeremy have been dealingwith a particularly unpleasant crew, forced into a fake civility every coupleof weeks when they go together to collect shipments or demand payments. It’sthe sort of thing Gavin would normally be involved with, at least in the earlydays of establishing a relationship, but no one really wants him near this oneat all; the crew in question is incredibly unstable, more mercenaries in anever-shifting arrangement than anything like the close-knit loyalty of theFAHC, and their leader is absolutely the worst of them. Some smarmy bastardwith a stupid name neither Jeremy nor Michael deign to remember – Taylor orTristen or Troy – he’s always intentionally rude, stopping just shy of openlymocking the Fake’s with an arrogance that even his own people seem to despise.Itwould be so much easier to just kill him and move on but no matter how muchMichael and Jeremy argue Geoff won’t have it. Something about relations, how forall Toby(?) is an asshole he’s got enough power, a nasty enough crew, that it’ssmarter to just wait them out for now, get whatever they can out of them beforeit all goes south. Which is easy enough to say when Geoff’s got very little todo with them, but nonetheless Michael and Jeremy suck it up, go to everydealing with clenched teeth and itchy trigger fingers, and life goes on.After one such meeting, maybe threemonths after this unwilling relationship began, Michael and Jeremy drive out tomeet Gavin for drinks, Jeremy tuning out as Michael rants the whole way to thebar because all he wants is a beer or twelve, wanted to just go to their normaldive but Gavin had insisted on coming out to this fancy yuppie shithole. It’s stillfull of crooks but mostly the rich, stuck-up variety instead of honest thugs, thekind of place that likely only stocks pretentious brews, but Gavin offered topay so here they were.Gavin’s already there when they arrive,leaning carelessly against the bar, all fake flirty smiles and inviting anglesas he holds court, surrounded by half a dozen admirers - though two inparticular seem to be jockeying for his attention. Thing One had just turned togrowl something at Thing Two when Gavin notices his Lads coming through thedoor, lazy showman grin brightening into something more genuine as he shakesoff his fans and flounces over. The group is less than pleased, more than onethrowing absolutely filthy looks that have Michael sneering nastily back whileJeremy not-so-innocently flexes beside him, neither making any effort to hidetheir weapons and quickly sending the one idiot who tried to follow into a hastyretreat. Gavin just laughs, grabs a tray of beers before towing his boys backtowards a booth.That should really be that, except apparentlyGavin’s not quite finished with whatever game he’s playing. It’s clear his focusis still on Thing’s One and Two rather than the conversation happening aroundhim; he asks all the right questions, hums sympathetically in all the rightplaces, but nothing gives away Gavin’s drifting interests quite as much as thepalpable feeling of having his undivided attention.  Michael asks, Gavin ignores him in favour of throwingan all too familiar smile towards the bar, and Jeremy groans, thunking his headagainst the table and wishing he’d just gone home.It’s not genuine interest, there’snothing honest in the way Gavin’s eyes narrow, nothing sweet in the sharpnessof his grin, which is just as well really because Gavin certainly knows how topick them. Thing One is gorgeous in a poisonous kind of way, tight blackclothes and blood red lips only accentuated by the wicked looking scar curvingacross her cheek. Thing Two isn’t quite so put together but is no lessimposing, big and blonde and definitely armed.They both tracked Gavin’s movementacross the room like starving dogs, sneering and snapping at one another asthey turn back to their place at the bar where they’d obviously been sittingtogether before Gavin stuck his big nose between them. Jeremy and Michael tosseach other a glance, long suffering but confident; it wouldn’t be pretty butpresuming it was two on two they could take them. That’s the grim reality ofdrinking with Gavin when he’s in one of these moods; there’s no saying there willbe a fight, but you’ve always got to be ready for the moment he tires ofcivilised society and pushes someone into violence just because he can.And Gavin is definitely in a mood, openlyplaying the two against each other every time he passes on his way to the bar;brushing against one, flashing her a secret little smile, only to make eyes atthe other on his way back, the man half rising from his stool as Gavin laughsand trots back to the booth. When Thing One ducks into the bathroom Gavinsteals her seat, leans right into Two’s space and orders them each three shotsbefore slinking off again. When Thing Two walks off to answer his phone Gavin’sback to buy One a drink, something straight and dark and far more impressivethan his own neon cocktail.So goes the rest of the hour; it’s blindinglyobvious by now, at least to anyone on the outside, that Gavin is drivingheadfirst into one hell of a fight with no sign of hitting the breaks. Hisadmirers are getting steadily drunker, louder and nastier with one another asthey try to compete, and Gavin just keeps throwing fuel on the fire.It finally comes to a head when, on yetanother bar run, Gavin brushes past them both and zeroes in on a third man who’d just arrived, abandoningcoy touches and heated looks for his thickest accent and most charming smile. Thethree at the bar clearly knew one another, the Things had been friendly enough whengreeting the third, but the longer Gavin stands there chattering away thecooler their interactions become, shoulders growing stiff and tight as fistsclench and voices rise.Seemingly oblivious Gavin keeps stirringthe pot, whispering something to one, winking at another, brushing off someone’sreaching hand only to skate fingers down the other’s arm, until eventually hetosses his head and stalks off in a huff, triumphant little smirk sneakingacross his face as an all-out fight breaks out behind him.Michael, who’d been growing snippier andsnippier all night, is fed up with pandering to Gavin’s nonsense when he andJeremy actually had to work today. He gets himself going on tirade about justwanting to drink and forget the assholes Geoff has them dealing with, not watchGavin flutter his eyes at idiots and destroy their friendships for his own sickamusement. Jeremy tries to agree wholeheartedly but Gavin interrupts him withan exaggerated pout that quickly bubbles into laughter as he croons back, asinfuriating as ever, aw Bois, don’t I alwaysdo right by you?Timing as spot on as always Michael doesn’teven get to snap a reply before an almighty crash has the three of themspinning around just in time to see Mystery Man #3 tripping over the flooredbar stool, turning just far enough in their direction to reveal himself as noneother than Todd (Tommy? Theo?). He’s reaching into his jacket in a way that hashalf the bar twitching towards their own holsters but its already over, Thing Twograbbing at his arms while Thing One ducks in from behind, rapid jerky motionof her arm unmistakable as she makes good use of a knife.There’s shouting now, people moving inevery direction as even the bartenders pull out weapons but Michael and Jeremyjust turn back to Gavin, eerily synchronized in their surprise, and Gavinsmiles. Climbs to his feet and buttons his jacket as casual as you please, all C’mon lads it’s getting a bit too loud inhere innit? Like the bane of their last few months isn’t bleeding out onthe floor, like Jeremy isn’t still open mouthed in shock, like Michael isn’t chokingback laughter all vicious and brilliant, adoring affection so familiar on his grinningface.Tomorrow Geoff will get a phone call.Will hear that Travis was taken out in some kind of scuffle, died slow andbloody in a bar just outside the city. He’ll hear that it was an inside job,some escalation of a drunken argument between Travis’ people, that their wholecrew is in uproar and already splintering apart, not much of a threat to anyonebesides each other. Geoff will know that despite their desire Michael andJeremy couldn’t have had anything to do with it, death witnessed by far toomany to be a frame-up, will know that even Gavin, who’d been sniffing aroundthe deal ever since his precious Lads started complaining, can’t possibly haveforced Travis’ crewmates to kill him. And yet, tomorrowGeoff will glare at the three flopped all over his couch, faux surprise at thenews doing nothing to hide the way they’re as unapologetically self-satisfiedas overgrown cats, and will know with the absolute surety of any harried parentthat somehow, in some way, this mess was absolutely their fault.For now, though, three friends spill laughingout of the bar, hopped up on petty vengeance and unmatched camaraderie, on thesweet victory of their chosen reality; the night is young, the city is theirs,and the Lad’s remain untouchable.

[sparda3g]

Kingdom Chapter 568 Review

It feels like forever since we last read a new chapter. After that intense cliffhanger, I was waiting anxiously. At last, the new chapter has finally arrived and although the problem seems to be over, it’s only moving along. What an awful time to be the Mountain Tribe, let alone Qin Army. This was a very gripping chapter from start to finish that will leave you hanging; perhaps literally.

The last chapter left on a moment that seems nearly impossible for Yotanwa and her men to escape, let alone survive from the massive size of army. She doesn’t give in or even show a sign of fear; she is a bona fide leader that we all need. It boils down to her and her men to fight and survive to see the next sun. This chapter immediately jumps in to the clash; waste no time to witness the massacre.

It’s a bloody hell mess with both sides slaughtering each other. It’s astounding that I can follow the action in each panel with pile of men, knowing whose getting killed or identifying certain character. These panels represent the Mountain Tribes at its finest: close combat, savage beasts, and live to die. It’s insane how Yotanwa’s men are really pushing through the barrage of enemy, but then Bajio manages to break through to create a path, because he’s a certified beast. I have to admit, I was afraid that he was going to die here. But it’s okay; my fear doesn’t end there.

Yotanwa is an amazing leader. If she didn’t have that charisma from the last chapter, for all we know, they probably would have die there. Luck has it, there’s hope for they have made their grand escape. What’s interesting that the sun rises speech she did last time isn’t just encouraging words. She meant it as a game changing plan. She sends Ramauji to deliver the message to the Chieftains to order them and their tribes to avoid pursuits and wait for the sun to rise. Once it rises, they will regroup and intentionally left the other piece blank.

It comes down to survive in order to claim the victory. Clearly, she has a plan in mind that will ensure their victory, but the main problem is they have to withstand the enemy until the sun rise. This keeps the tension strong since anything can happen. The rest of this chapter grasps your attention, leave you wondering how they can hold on. It’s like how Qin once described the war plan; going into the enemy territory will likely corner you. Actually, it’s similar to the last battle of the Coalition War Arc; only this time, Yotanwa has to play the survival game.

I have to say, it was pretty satisfying to see King Rozo’s reaction to the aftermath; one in which should have been his victory. Oh, I can’t wait to see his head flies. All that cockiness for nothing. It’s a gruesome scene with bodies on the floor, yet he has the nerve to have his horse step on a corpse’s head. Yeah, I so can’t wait until he gets what’s coming.

Kousonryuu survived, luckily for him; so much for the cockiness, eh? He explains the story of what happened that can be summarized to, “Yotanwa and her men are incredible.” He also lost his hand by Bajio because once again, he’s a certified beast. Love that guy. King Rozo gives me an impression that he’s ready to kill him off for failing an easy task. As much as I hate him, his glare is intimidating.

I feel that if it wasn’t for Shunsuiju in present, Kousonryuu may have been slayed, so thankfully, he’s spared. King Rozo, on the other hand, spares no one, so the next target is the Commander-in-Charge Gaez. Keep in mind, he’s not dead; in fact, he’s chasing after the enemy as they speak. King Rozo’s logic is to find him, kill him, and replace him with Geaoh. What the hell?! Also, he will kill his family. If Kousonryuu was part of his tribe, he will be torture and then die. All the more reason to hate him.

Although the battle at the Ground of Walls is over, the pursuit is still hot. Yotanwa escaped and divided her men into groups to go separate ways. This means the scenario has become a chase scene or in her case, a survival. It’s pretty cool change of pace that we don’t often see in this series, so I like this a lot. To add more tension, King Rozo has gathered the Gan Clan, the tracking experts, to send and find them. They have incredible senses from their noses and completely dedicated to hunt them down. They look vicious as hell. Let the hunt begin.

The intensity resume once she and her men are spotted by Quanrong Army. It gets even crazier when reinforcements ambush from their front; cornering them with no choice but to fight. It speaks volume with her men preparing to sacrifice their life for her, yet she disapprove that intention and tells them to save themselves. That’s really noble of her for she doesn’t want anyone to die for her. That small detail makes me like her even more.

It’s non-sense how Quanrong Army literally throw themselves to the collision, so they can take down Yotanwa. Surprisingly, it worked. You can’t fault her there; she tried her damn best to kill, but they threw themselves like foolish beasts. She splits apart from her group and as said before, will regroup when the sun rises. Her damaged state was unseen of, probably because we are used to her being the dominant force. It’s rather shocking to be honest, but no man or woman is invisible.

The atmosphere shifts to a survival horror genre with Yotanwa hiding in the forest. Gan Clan proves to be worthy foe for they have tracked down her location. I was surprisingly awed by her words about the fallen warrior. There were two survivors, but she claims there’s only one now. Toji was a warrior that fought to protect until he breathes no more. I don’t know much about him but her line was awe-inspiring enough for me to feel sympathetic. What a leader. Just before her time is up, Bajio arrives again to protect. I won’t repeat it here, but undoubtedly, he’s the strongest warrior.

The raw display of overworked Bajio is dazzling. The lighting and shades tell a story of his persona. That said it saddens me to know that only he came out alive from his group. Once more, Yotanwa’s line moved me for she gives her apology for overworking him and his steed, who later dies. Not going to lie, that legit hurt me a bit. I don’t like the sign I think I’m seeing. It tells me Bajio’s time is here. It doesn’t help when he has open wounds as well. Don’t do this, Hara.

Bajio and Yotanwa have to run away, because not only they are outnumbered, but she injured her ankle in the battle. She fought for so long and that one fall earlier did good number on her legs. She still insist Bajio to save himself, but he won’t break his loyalty. Seriously, I have a really bad feeling about this. Then, the chapter ends on a literal cliffhanger.

Bajio is running while carrying Yotanwa, only to stumble upon a cliff that supposedly lead anyone to their death. He’s going to gamble this chance and Yotanwa, hopefully not her final words, let alone his final words to hear, tells him, “I trust you.” Off he jumps and it ends right there. Talk about sneaky move, Hara. Took a break after a drastic cliffhanger; now, taking a break due to the holiday after an actual cliffhanger. Well played.

The visual maintains the gruesome nature of a war with bodies on the floor, literally blood bath, and the haunting vibe of end is near. I don’t know if the break helped Hara in the artwork, but there are some really good brutality display with seriously good lighting effects. I especially like Bajio’s close-up soaking with blood and a beat-up mask that greatly present his raw nature. The tone is captivating, starting with head-on collision, to entering the danger zone, to a survival horror scenario.

This was a hell of a chapter that continues to make me ask the same question: how the hell they can win? This chapter proved that it won’t be easy to survive. Yotanwa continues to impress, though this time, it’s her nobility that inspired me. Bajio was badass as always from start to finish. The art is very solid with impressive shadings. The end is a hell of a cliffhanger. Another long wait to see the outcome. Dammit, Hara...