#I went to sleep at 12 why the hell am I awake again

[cottonscrambles]

I have a question for insomniacs on this site.

How do you get better sleep, especially in college? I’ve always had issues with sleep, but I’m not medically diagnosed or anything, and I’m largely depending on my ESA cat to help me sleep at proper times.

HOWEVER, my father is extremely allergic to cats, so when I’m home, my cat can’t stay in my room with me. This has lead to me sleeping at ungodly hours, and I hate it. Melatonin doesn’t work on me, I think my body fights the affect because of trauma or something weird because instead of getting sleepy I become extremely aware and awake. Tea hasn’t seemed to help me either, and I’ve done all sorts of sleeping techniques like tensing your body one part at a time, legs in the air, counting things, clearing your mind before sleeping, etc.

Please help me fellow insomniacs🙏🏻 I’d tell my parents but they are kinda ableist and will instead yell at me about it😅🥲

[gojofavho3]

Pretty much Nanami winned soo, let's do it, Nanami lives, why? Because I said so ‼️

A/n: Again probably english mistakes

When it comes to dialogue I'm not the best, you could see that in the other fanfic that had only one speech, but I'll try do my best. smut with plot

Idk if I should put no minors aloud because that would be a little Hypocrite tbh

Nanami leaved the house a half hour ago, so you were alone on the couch waiting for him. He said it would take time and he probably would arrive home late so you shouldn't wait, but still you wait

Man spreading, looking at the tv and the clook next to it

Watching some random show

9:27 pm

'he said he was going to Shibuya, so he probably arrives at this time' you think as your eyes look at the clook and then goes back to the show

Watching the random show

10:01 pm

Watching the same random show

11:32 pm

Watching the random show

12:56 pm

Your eyes were already tired from the cycle they had to do in the last 3 hours

You look to the living room ceiling, thinking about what to do

" I should get some sleep.. I'm tired as hell, and Nanami would probably scold me if he founds out I'm awake waiting for him.. "

You slowly get up and turn off the tv looking at the window seeing the sky, spacing out in the middle of the living room

Funny, it wasn't not even one star, at least that you could see, you decided to get a little close but stopped yourself in the moment, focusing and going to your shared room, with quiet steps you couldn't even hear your feet hitting the floor

Not even going inside the covers, you just stared to the bed and fall over with the face, putting you to sleep immediately

0:12 am

It was just silent, only your breathing could be heard in that room

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

The front door opens

6:23 am

It was Nanami, his clothes were bloody and almost rip off, his hair was all messy, as he takes his shoes in a hurry and goes running to the bedroom

When he sees your figure almost falling off the bed he hugs you desperately, putting his head on your neck giving small kisses all over it

You obviously wake up with the hug that almost crushed you

" Nanami...? ...Your crushing me..."

" sorry, didn't mean to " he says putting you sitted on the bed, grabbing your hands, putting himself on his knees speaking softly looking into your eyes " god, I thought that was my end, I wouldn't bare losing you without a proper goodbye, that probably would be my only regret..."

You wasted no time to kiss him, as he also waisted no time to pin you down on the bed kissing you passionately, going to your jaw and you cheeks

" b-but, are you hurt anywhere? Do you need any medicine?? You look really.. hurt" You ask pulling Nanami softly out of your jaw looking at his brown beautiful eyes

" no need... I went to shoko first before coming home, didn't want you to worry so much " Nanami kisses you again going down slowly, taking your clothes off like the most care in the world as you do the same for him

His clothes seemed to be held by a very thin thread, so it wasn't that difficult to take off it.

As he takes out your boxes and throws it on the floor, he caresses your dick, going up and down, up and down with one of his hands while the other is grabbing your tights, squeezing them softly, not enough to hurt you

You were red as a tomato as you mantain your eyes shut trying not to do so many noises, but that quickly went away when he started to sucking it

And let me tell you, that guy looked like he was starving, because he was sucking that shit so bad that could fall at any moment

" n-nanami... hm! N-not so hard.. "

" I'm sorry, it's to good " Nanami says as he goes up giving a little peck on your lips, he put himself in your entrance " do you need me to prepare you sweet boy? "

You said no with your head, red cheeks not looking at his eyes to nervous

Nanami nods as he starts thrusting you in a slow speed at first but then started to get more fast, like how gojo got turned into half

Push in

Pushes out

Push in

Pushes out

Push in

Pushes out

You were in tears and a whimpering mess, Nanami kissed all your tears while hugging your head murmuring 'i love you' in every single thrust, he missed you so much while in Shibuya, Seeing his life passing before his eyes, promising he'd come home

Push in

Pushes out

Push in

Pushes out

Push in

Pushes out

Only broker his heart further thinking about it, imagining the sad face his love would have if he didn't come back, it just making him more angry just thinking about how he could would get killed by that blue hair freak

Push in

Pushes out

Push in

Pushes out

Push in

Pushes out-

" NANAMI!!! " his lover yells as he was breathing heavily covering on his own cum, more white then a dream concert, with one eye closed and the other semi closed " c-could you stop...? I'm a little t-tired.. "

Nanami blink his eyes a few times, as he takes immediately his dick out of his lover one, continuing to hug him

" I'm sorry, got a little distracted " Nanami puts you and him inside the covers hugging you close " you okay my darling? I'm sorry that I was tough "

" you weren't tough, just got a little rough at the end, nothing to worry, I'm fine, as long your next to me... "

"...." he kisses you again and And starts rubbing his face against your cheek, kissing it "you should stop being so cute, it just makes more hard to leave the bed in morning"

" then don't leaveeee "

" you know I have to "

It was a silent after that was your head was in Nanami boobs not really knowing what to say

" so, you want to talk about your mission..? "

" not really "

" but could you at least tell me why you space out in that way? "

"..."

"do you remember curse I talked about with you? The one who killed that boy that befriend itadori?"

"Hmmm.... yes! I remember, he tried to kill you???"

"you could say yes, but fortunately, itadori appeared in the right moment"

His lover hugs him more as he gives a little smile and puts his hand on your head caressing it " I really need to thank itadori when I see him next time " you murmured in his chest

"your not allowed to leave bed tomorrow"

"but-"

"no buts, you will relax with me, you deserve it"

"... *sighs* fine"

He knows when it comes to argue with his man and his health is better just accept everything

"now that the mission finally ended you can relax after many hours of work, dw, I'll do your paperwork!!"

He doesn't argue with that and just hugs you further

He knows the mission is far from ending, as long as gojo stayed inside the box, he has to fight to protect the people he loves, especially for his lover

Bonus

.

.

.

" shouldn't we clean up..? "

" yes, but I'm to tired for that "

" I'll clean us both, and the sheets "

Nanami says holding you gently and putting you on the bath while he was changing the sheets like he said

" Nanami? "

" yes dear? "

"l love you "

" love you too "

Finally I ended this man

I wish I knew more english words, it would turn the story more interested, at least that's what I think

If you have any suggestions, please say, I feel like this is shiiit

But anyways

Hope you like it, and see you till next time ‼️‼️

Edit: I forget they were dirty 😭

[heavyhitterheaux]

The Marriage Pact Part 3

For Better of For Worse (Slight NSFW)

Read Part 1 and Part 2 first

Synopsis: Urban urges for Jack to tell you a secret that he's been holding onto, but of course someone else tells you before he does and all hell breaks loose

Pairing: Fiancé!Jack Harlow x Fianceé!Reader

Series Masterlist

Please Do Not Repost My Content Anywhere

Jack had now been on tour for two months and it was around 12 am when all of you were on the plane heading to Prague. Jack and Urban were the only ones awake as you were currently laying on Jack's chest on the couch that was perched in the back of the plane. He was currently scrolling through his phone looking for a necklace that he wanted to buy you since he noticed that you had been eyeing similar ones when Urban came and sat across from him and simply looked at him before saying anything.

"Did you tell her yet?" Urban asked and Jack looked over at him with wide eyes and gestured to you sleeping on his chest.

"Cut the shit. She's sleeping so I know she can't hear us." Urban said in response as he rolled his eyes.

"To answer your question, no I haven't told her."

"Are you? Are you fucking serious? The two of you have been engaged for almost five months! Don't you think that's important to let your future wife know!?"

"Of course I think it's important! I just… didn't think she would actually say yes when I proposed to her."

"You still should have had a plan in place! Like come on, did you really think she was going to tell you no? It's Y/N we're talking about."

"I know, I know! I'll tell her soon."

"You need to tell her like today when we land. She's probably going to be so pissed at you. No not probably, she definitely will."

"I just…. We're in a good place right now and I don't want to do anything to mess that up."

"You not being honest with her is messing it up. Now what if she suddenly decides to go public with it? Then what? And once again did you forget about your future wife being your manager? She could make this go away with the snap of her finger since it's not true. You haven’t seen her since last year, right?"

Jack didn't say anything in response and Urban simply hung his head.

"Sooo since you're quiet there's a possibility that it could be true!? What the actual fuck?"

"I saw her a week before I proposed."

"You… you cannot be serious? And you fucked her knowing that you were going to propose!? What the hell is wrong with you!?" 

"And I haven't met up with her since. I completely cut her off."

"Yeah until she sent you that sonogram pic."

"It's not mine."

"And how do you know exactly? You fucked her didn't you?"

"But I used protection. I'm not stupid."

"I beg to differ. Y/N is going to kick your ass about this. That's why I was so concerned when you told me that you two made a marriage pact.. Ain't no way in hell she would have said yes if she knew this beforehand. All your one night stands are about to come out as soon as you announce that you’re engaged. It’s literally only a matter of time."

"Just don't tell her."

"It's not my place to tell her but you better prepare yourself before you do. We've all seen Y/N pissed and it's never been directed at you and now it will be."

All Jack did was look down at you sleeping on his chest and simply sighed.

How was he supposed to tell his soon to be wife that there was a chance he could have a kid on the way? Deep down, he knew it wasn’t his, but he also knew for a fact that you weren’t going to be satisfied until there was a negative DNA test put in front of you. 

And since he was now on tour, who knows how long it would be until he was able to get one. 

Her name was Gabrielle and Jack was floored when he first laid eyes on her. She wasn't anything compared to you, but for a one night stand she would have to do. He met her at one of his shows in Atlanta and they eventually went out on a date that was actually set up by you so Jack would be able to avoid paparazzi or anyone seeing him.

You met her and thought that she was a nice girl, and didn't think anything else of it. Jack had hooked up with her numerous times with the last time being a week before he proposed to you and the next day he told her that they couldn't see each other anymore. He thought that she took the news well because she didn't seem fazed by it. It wasn't until last week when he was with Urban and got a text from her saying that she was pregnant and that it could be his. His heart immediately jumped in his throat knowing that there was a good possibility that you would leave him once he told you, but at the same time it happened when the two of you weren't even together.

So he thought to himself that you couldn’t be but so mad at him.

On the other hand, since he knew you so well he knew that as soon as he told you that shit would hit the fan and this was about to be hard for him to wiggle out of.

His main thing was breaking your trust. He had told you once he had proposed to you that getting hurt in relationships would be a thing of the past, but the two of you didn’t even make it down the aisle yet and this was happening. 

He knew that he had to tell you and soon before you found out from someone else that wasn't him.

That was literally the last thing he wanted. 

"Before the day is over, you need to tell her."

“I don’t know if it’s that simple.”

“It won’t be because she’ll probably want to murder you. And I am all for letting her at you because what you did was fucking stupid. You know I always have your back, but right now you’re on your own. Oh, and you better hope that she doesn’t tell Ari.”

Jack had been on edge since all of you touched down in Prague and you couldn’t put your finger on as to why. He typically didn't keep anything from you and your plan was to get it out of him one way or another because you always did. Between you and Urban, he couldn’t keep anything from the two of you for very long. 

The two of you were currently in your hotel room resting before he had his show tonight when you cornered him as he was sitting near the window staring off into space. You could tell that he was upset no matter how hard he was trying to hide it. 

"Babe."

"Yes?"

"What's wrong?" You asked as you came over to him and started to play in his curls.

"I'm fine. Just a little tired, that's all." He replied while shrugging but you weren’t buying it. 

All you did was cross your arms and look down at him.

"How long have I known you?"

"My entire life."

"So don't you think I know when you're lying to me?"

"I promise that I'm fine and that you have no need to worry."

“Easier said than done. But I’ll let it slide for now. I’ll get it out of you sooner or later because I always do.” You answered while kissing his cheek and he smiled at you. 

"I love you more than anything and don't ever forget that." Jack quietly said and it left you wondering what he was getting at.

"I love you too and why would I ever forget it?"

"No reason, but just in case. No matter what happens your happiness is always going to be my priority."

"And the exact same goes for you. Did you want to sleep for a bit before your show and then we can get food after?" You asked and Jack quickly nodded his head.

"Will you lay down with me though?"

"Of course I will."

You got comfortable on the bed with Jack following suit and laying on your chest as you played in his hair in order to get him to fall asleep faster. 

About fifteen minutes had passed when you noticed that Jack’s breathing had slowed down so you took the opportunity to set an alarm on your phone and drift off too so that you would have energy for later. 

Jack's second show out of three was currently underway in Prague as you were watching from the side of the stage. You had always admired his confidence and was in awe every single time that he performed.

There was only about fifteen minutes left in his set when you heard him say something that caught you off guard.

"Hold on. I'm almost done, but I want to brag a little bit and for good reason. So, I finally got my shit together and did something that I wanted to do for years. Yall know my best friend Y/N who is also my manager? I mean Urb is my best friend too but this isn't about him and needs to wait his turn." Jack said while laughing and the crowd erupted in screams as you looked to Urban to see what was going on, but all he did was shrug his shoulders.

"She's been in my life literally since I was eight days old and has always been there for me and as we grew older, my love for her did also. So, what did I do? Buy her an engagement ring and held onto it for an entire damn year because I was scared that she was going to say no. But, I finally grew some balls five months ago on her birthday and asked her."

"Oh shit. I had no idea he was going to do this." Urban thought out loud and for good reason, because he knew something that you didn't.

"I didn't either, but is it really a bad thing?" You asked Urban as you turned towards him and all he gave you was a tight lipped smile. But however,  you didn't think anything of it

"Oh, I'm keeping you in suspense aren't I? Well she also decided that she wanted to wake up next to me for the rest of her life so come next year, I'm about to be a married man. I'm not asking her to come out here because she hates being the center of attention, but Y/N…" Jack said as he turned to look at you on the side of the stage as you stood next to Urban.

"I love you and thank you for saying yes for marrying me. You've made me the happiest man on earth."

You quickly mouthed the words 'I love you too.' Before you heard someone scream in the crowd.

"And it's about fucking time!"

"I know, I know and I agree!" Jack responded and laughed.

"But for now let me finish so I can go and love up on my future wife. I'm never going to get tired of saying that." 

By the time all of you got back to the hotel it was around one in the morning and Jack could tell that you were fighting to keep your eyes open seeing as you had to be up in about six hours. One thing that happened while Jack was touring was you not being able to get a lot of sleep. You embraced it however seeing as not many people got an opportunity like this and the last thing you wanted to do was take it for granted.

Once the both of you were in your shared hotel room, you slipped off your shoes along with your jewelry, except for your engagement ring and simply sat on the edge of the bed and stared at it for a few minutes before starting to play with it and twist it around your finger. Jack took notice of this and also how quiet you were being and was concerned that something was wrong.

“Umm, babe? You okay over there? Why are you just staring off into space like that?”

“I’m okay.”

“Wait, you’re not pissed at me right? Because of what I did earlier? I should have asked you before I did it but I figured that it’s almost been five months and….”

“Jack, calm yourself. I’m not mad. I swear that you always stress yourself out over the tiniest things.” You said while laughing as you took note of how much he had started freaking out. 

“Well I had to make sure, but you’re obviously thinking about something so what is it?”

You took a deep breath before answering him and you felt like it was the right time since you had been thinking long and hard about it since the night of your birthday when he proposed. 

“I’m ready.”

“Ready for what?” Jack answered you while looking at you with a confused look on his face. 

All you did was stare at him until it finally clicked.

“Oh…OH! Oh… are you… are you absolutely sure? Because the last thing I want to happen is for you to regret it.”

“Why would I regret it if it was with you?”

“I just want for you to be…”

You immediately cut him off and grabbed his hand as he sat down next to you.

“I am and I wouldn’t say anything to you until I was. That’s what you told me to do right?”

“Yes, but…”

“But what?”

“I don’t have any condoms with me because I thought that you were actually going to wait until we were married.”

“I’m on birth control so that isn’t a problem.”

“And you’re sure that you’re ready?”

All you did was nod in response and you loved how thoughtful and caring that he was.

“Shit, I told you that I was going to make this extra special, but now…”

“It’s going to be special because it’s you. End of.” 

All Jack did was smile at you before leaning over to kiss you as you felt your heart begin to flutter. Once he had broken apart from you, he motioned for you to move towards the top of the bed. When you were he simply went to hover over you as he leaned down to kiss you once more.

“And at any time you want me to stop, just tell me, okay?” Jack quietly said to you as he began to stroke your cheek. Once you nodded, he leaned down to kiss you again and slowly started to make his way down your neck and to your cleavage that was poking out of your dress. Jack didn’t say it to you out loud, but he had been eyeing you in your dress since the moment you put it on.

“May I?” Jack politely asked and as soon as you had given him the okay to do so, he slipped the dress from over top of your head and took in the sight before him as you didn’t wear a bra with it and only a black thong.

Jack then went back to placing kisses along your body and as he got lower, your heart rate then began to increase knowing what was about to happen.

He played with the band on the side of your thong before looking up at you and making sure that it was okay before going to slide it off. Once he did, he threw it across the room and simply peered down to look at you.

“You’re beautiful, baby. Inside and out. I’m about to get you ready for me, okay?”

“Okay.”

Jack then slowly inserted two of his fingers inside of you while kissing you at the same time. Feeling how wet you were only made his erection start to become painful seeing as he hadn’t been with anyone over the past five months and simply waited for you to be ready for him. 

“And now why am I the only one who doesn't have any clothes on?” You curiously asked as Jack smiled before he leaned up away from you and reached down to pull his shirt over his head to throw it in the same direction that he threw your dress in.

“Now, we can’t have that, can we?”

“No we definitely can’t.”

Jack then hopped off the bed in order to take off his jeans and boxer briefs along with them and you were amazed at the sight as Jack quickly began stroking himself. You could see the precum leaking from the tip, but your focus was on how he was going to fit.

Jack saw the look on your face and immediately knew what you had been thinking as soon as your eyes had gone wide.

“Yes, baby it’s going to fit. That’s what you’re thinking isn’t it?”

All you did was nod before answering him.

“But how?” You quietly asked not 100% believing him.

“I’m going to go slow and take my time, that’s how.” He answered as he once again got on top to hover over you.

“Now, are you ready?”

You simply nodded as Jack told you to spread your legs a little bit more in order to give him room.

When he first inserted himself into you, it felt weird and didn’t hurt, but once he began to move further, you felt that first sting.

“Shit.” You muttered as you tightly squeezed your eyes shut.

“It’s going to be uncomfortable for a minute, but if you want me to stop, all you have to do is tell me.”

“No, keep going.”

“Just a little bit longer, baby. I’m almost there.” Jack said as he began to kiss you to take your mind off of it.

Once he was, he stopped moving in order for you to breathe for a second since he could tell that you were in pain.

“Whenever you’re ready for me to move, let me know.” He said as he placed kisses all along your neck and down the valley of your breasts. Another minute or so has passed when you felt as if you were ready for him to continue.

“Okay, I’m good now.”

“Now let me show you how much I love you and how much you mean to me.” 

You woke up wrapped in Jack’s arms as he was lightly snoring in your ear and turned to your left so that you could get your phone and check for any messages that might have been sent to you after you fell asleep. It was around eight in the morning and you knew that you had a full day ahead of you and wanted to get an early start no matter how much you wanted to lay and stay in Jack’s arms.

Since Jack had announced your engagement last night at his show, the notifications had been flooding in, but there was a particular one that caught your eye. Your heart rate ended up increasing and you were trying to steady your breathing as you shook Jack awake. Because he needed to explain this and explain it now.

“Jack, get up.”

“Hmm, you want to go for another round? Give me five more minutes.”

“Jackman, NOW.”

“Okay, okay. Damn, so impatient this morning. I’ll eat you out for as long as you want so I can get rid of that attitude.” He replied while laughing as he turned to look at you and by the look that you were giving him, he knew that something was wrong.

“What’s…. Wrong? Why are you looking at me like that?”

“So you’ve been lying to me?” You asked quietly while Jack was looking at you confused. 

“Baby, lying about what? What do I have to lie to you for?”

“Then who the fuck is Gabrielle and why is she saying that you are her baby daddy and tagging you in a sonogram picture of her baby?”

Jack then sat up and turned towards you and tried to take your hand, but you immediately snatched it away from him.

“Hold on, babe. I can explain.”

“Then start fucking explaining and this better be one hell of a good explanation in order for me to not kick your ass.”

“We hooked up a few times and I….”

“When was the last time you saw her?” You asked while wrapping the sheet around you and looking at him for an explanation. 

“Um…”

“Jackman, you better not lie to me because I will find out sooner or later and you know that I’m good for it so out with it.”

“A week before I proposed to you.”

You immediately looked away from Jack and simply peered down at your hands in your lap and didn’t bother to respond.

“But, I didn’t know if you were going to say yes or not! And….”

“So you had sex with her knowing that you were getting ready to propose to me without protection and want me to be okay with this? Did I get that right?”

“I wore protection and there is no way that the baby is mine, I promise. You have to believe me baby.”

“Well, didn’t you have sex with her?”

“Yes, but I wore protection like I said!”

“Condoms are only 99% effective so there is a chance that the baby could be yours and you had still been in communication with her so you knew about this shit and didn’t bother to tell me? Your best friend? Future wife? And your FUCKING MANAGER?”

“So, what was I supposed to say? Hey baby, I think I got a girl pregnant who I had a one night stand with?”

“Yes! That is literally exactly what you say! So you were about to just show up with a baby at our house one day and say this is my kid?!”

“For you to throw the ring at me and leave me? I…..”

“You know me better than that and I’ve put up with your shit for how long? The fiance in me might kick your ass and leave you, however manager me is going to try and save your career!”

“I’ll just get a DNA test and this can all go away.”

“Didn’t you make her sign an NDA then why the hell is she posting all of this?”

“Um…. about that….”

“HAVE I TAUGHT YOU NOTHING SINCE YOU’VE BEEN IN THIS INDUSTRY? WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK JACKMAN?!”

“I know it looks bad, but….”

“That’s putting it lightly! You take my virginity one night and the next day I learn that my future husband has been lying to me, possibly has a baby on the way, and also doesn’t get his one night stands to sign NDA’s so that they can embarrass me on social media!”

“Why are you making this about you?! It’s my career that could get tarnished over this! And we weren’t even together when I hooked up with her!"

“So, you obviously don’t care how this affects me? Got it. My last name is about to be Harlow in case you fucking forgot and your career? The career that I MANAGE in case you forgot about that part too. We might have not been together but you knew that you were going to propose to me so make it make sense!" 

“Okay, baby I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that but… I’m sorry for keeping this from you.”

“This is what has been bothering you since we landed isn’t it? And I gave you plenty of chances to tell me but you decided not to.”

“Because I didn’t know how you were going to react!”

“So, you let me find out by her tagging me and you in the sonogram pic on instagram? You could have told me this before you had sex with me. I just feel used and disgusted. I thought I knew you better than that but I guess not. The fact that you know that I always have your back and do anything for you but you decide to hide this from me? We're supposed to be a team, Jackman."

“I….”

“Do me a favor. Listen to me and listen to me good. I do not want to see you, hear your voice, or even be around someone that simply utters your name for the rest of the day while I try to do my best and be a good manager and fix the mess that you created because you wanted to get your dick wet. Get out and go to Urban's room.” 

“But, babe….”

You simply shook your head at him and made your way to the bathroom as you slammed the door behind you while locking it. 

Jack sighed and ran a hand through his curls as he could hear you start to cry in the bathroom not knowing how in the world he was about to fix this. He gathered all of his things while sliding on his sweatpants before making his way towards Urban’s room. He knocked a few times and Urban finally opened it while looking confused.

“Why are you over here?” He asked while moving to the side and letting him in and seeing that he had all of his bags with him.

“She found out through an instagram post and told me that she didn’t want to see me for the rest of the day.”

“About Gabrielle?”

“Yes.”

“I told you to tell her when we landed! Why did you wait so long in the first place?!”

“I… I don’t know.”

“How are you supposed to get out of this one? Because it is literally all over social media.” Urban said as he scrolled through his timeline on instagram. 

"The only thing I can think of is doing a DNA test but I'm not back in Atlanta for another two months."

"And you know good and damn well not to ask Y/N to fly her out here in order to get it or have you fly back just for a test."

"I broke her trust and I have no idea how to get her to forgive me."

"She probably wouldn't have been as mad at you if you had been the one to tell her and not social media."

"And not to mention she finds out after we had sex for the first time last night."

"This literally just keeps getting worse." Urban responded as he hung his head.

"But that's not the worst part."

"How!? How is it not?!" 

"Because that was her first time ever so she told me this morning that she felt used."

"You are such a dumbass. And I can see why she felt like that! You had literally been fucking Gabrielle up to the point where you proposed."

"I guess I'll just give her space but how is that even possible? She literally always has to be around me."

"You better get her a lot of expensive gifts in order for her to forgive you."

"I literally just bought her a car. And besides you know that isn't her thing. I'm better off actually making her something."

"Well get her a private jet next. Shit, I don't know. But if you make something that better be one hell of an arts and crafts project. That shit better be good enough to put in a museum. See I don't have these problems because I'm not a dumbass like you."

"I beg to differ, but okay."

Meanwhile, once you had gotten out of the shower and had gotten dressed, your phone alerted you to a text from Chris who was also Jack’s manager but taught you everything you knew in order to be able to handle things without him and be with Jack full time per Jack’s request.

Chris- Meet me in the lobby of the hotel and grab Jack

You- Is something wrong? Why are you even here?

Chris- I know you've seen it trending that's why I'm here

You- It literally broke less than 24 hours ago so you aren't even about to let me do my job?

Chris- Just meet me downstairs so we can talk

You rolled your eyes at his response and sent a quick text to Urban to tell Jack to meet you downstairs in the lobby. Once you got down there, you saw him conversing with Chris and a woman who you had never seen before. Once you reached them, Chris smiled at you.

"Y/N! Okay good everyone is here so we can go to the restaurant in the hotel to talk and Y/N this is Neelam and I'm bringing her on to manage Jack as well."

"Hi, it's nice to meet you." Neelam said, but you as well as Jack looked at Chris in disbelief.

"Uh, you too but um what? So you think I'm incapable of doing my job?" You questioned Chris as your arms were crossed.

"Y/N that isn't it at all. I know you can do your job well since I taught you everything that you know. I just figured you could use extra help since…."

"Since what?"

"Well since you two are now engaged, I don't want anything clouding your judgment as it relates to Jack’s career. I mean you two were close before, but now it's completely different."

"What does that even mean? My judgment has never been clouded before. His career is just as important to him as it is to me. I will always do what is best for him." You fired back and Chris simply sighed as Neelam was standing there awkwardly while Jack was scratching the back of his neck.

"Y/N, it's just to give you help."

Despite you not wanting to speak to him, you turned to Jack for an explanation.

"Did you know about this?"

"Me and Chris had talked about it, but I didn't…."

"So no one wants to be an adult and communicate around here? And tell me things that are going on? Okay, got it. Wonderful."

"Babe…." Jack started to say, but you simply held up your hand. 

"Y/N, just come on so we can talk about this. I didn't mean to blindside you, but I thought Jack had at least mentioned it."

"Clearly all of the talking was done without me so it can continue to be done without me. Why would he mention that when he didn't even mention the possible baby he has on the way? You know what? Yall can figure it out while I take a personal day."

Once you walked away from them, you went back up to your hotel room and simply sat on your bed and the tears that you were holding were starting to come down your face at a rapid speed all while Jack and Chris were blowing up your phone.

Future Hubby- Babe, please just come back down here so we can talk. I admit that it slipped my mind and I forgot to tell you. I did it to put less pressure on you so we can plan for our wedding. I know you’re pissed at me with good reason but please talk to me. 

Chris- Y/N, I'm only doing this because I want to help you. Please understand that.

All you did was place your phone on DND as you tried to even your breathing. The calls and texts were coming in left and right including from your parents, Ari, Urban just to name a few and you just needed a second to breathe.

About ten minutes had passed before you heard a knock on the door and went to look to see that it was Jack and immediately rolled your eyes before opening it.

"Can I help you?"

"Baby please just talk to me."

"And what am I supposed to say? You left me in the dark about two things and I'm just supposed to be okay with it?" You asked while moving to the side so he could fully come into the room. 

"No and I admit that what I did was wrong and I'll try to fix it the best way I can. Neelam seems nice and I think you'll like her."

"She has one time and one time only to get on my nerves and if she does I want her gone. I don't need to be micromanaged."

"I know you don't, but this is just to have an extra set of hands and that's it. I promise."

"Hmm you've been promising a lot of things lately and have broken each one."

"And it won't happen again."

"I'll believe it when I see it but for now, I'm not believing anything else that comes out of your mouth. I never thought I would ever say that. You have literally broken thirty years of trust in a matter of three hours. You tell me everything and I do the same exact thing to you. Still can't believe you thought that you could hide an entire HUMAN BEING from me."

"I wasn't trying to hide her."

"Her? Oh, her. It's a girl then huh?"

"Well she told me that the baby was a girl. I was just saying." Jack quietly said and all you did was eye him.

"I still mean what I said. I really don't want to see you for the rest of the day."

"But…. You've never missed one of my shows."

"I can still come to your show and not look at you. It’s called being backstage."

All Jack did was sigh.

"What can I possibly do to make this better? I don't like when you're mad at me."

"Pissed and hurt is more like it and truth be told… I don't know. But tell your little baby mama to stop tagging me in shit on instagram. You can start there. As for now, I am going to the spa to relax because I know my blood pressure is through the roof right now. Also, you better hope and pray that the DNA test is negative."

"Wait! You aren't going to leave me if the baby is mine are you?" Jack asked and was low key starting to panic. 

All you did was stare at him.

"Hold on, I know you’re pissed and I shouldn’t have been having sex with her up until the point that I did but like I said earlier we weren’t even together. And I don't want to be with anyone else."

"And like I said before, you planned on proposing and you told me that you had my ring for a whole damn year. And if it's yours that's not the problem. I'll even throw you a fucking baby shower. My problem is you lying to my face about it. For now, I'm done talking about this so go find Urban and bother him."

"Baby…"

"No. You don't get to call me that right now. And Urban knew about this didn't he?"

Now Jack was quiet.

"Yeah, you definitely aren't sleeping in the same bed as me tonight. Get out."

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[06605]

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀⠀⠀can't sleep

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀&

⠀⠀buying groceries/ bathing with the pups

⠀⠀pairings : trent alexander-arnold , reader

⠀⠀a/n : enjoy

it was night, precisely 12 am. You should be asleep by now. you looked to the side of you and saw your boyfriend trent, who was currently sleeping. not wanting to wake him up, you lift up the sheets slightly and slid out your bed. you stood up and looked at your surroundings. you cringed due to what transpired last time.

torrential rain hushed your sounds a bit. you went over to the supply closet, opened it briskly, watching the others movement and grabbed a spare blanket. you tip-toed (literally) to the bedroom door. as you opened it it creaked, you felt like a child trying to avoid getting caught by your parents.

closing the door, you exhaled and went over to the kitchen, opened the cabinets getting dog treats, knowing that the dogs are once again notoriously loud. so you decide to bribe them with treats to get your compensation for silence. you went to the living and saw prince and koba awake, both staring at you. they were playing until you interrupted them.

“good doggies” you whispered, attempting to pick up the dogs to let them relax with you as they got high on treats. you plopped them both onto the couch and went back to retrieve your ipad.

entering the bedroom again, you look at trent, who’s dreads are spread out everywhere on the pillow, that beautiful pout of his, his black t-shirt that’s lifted up slightly showing some of his skin, that t-shirt brings out his skin complexion marvelously , the elevation of his chest as he breathes. the moonlight emitting on his skin, bringing it out more. he looks tranquil, just his presence gives you consolation.

you could stand there and just watch him sleep peacefully (woah, calm down there) or, you can get your ipad and get the hell out of here before he wakes up and asks you why you’re staring at him whilst he’s asleep, and you’d just admit to his beauty, because he actually is beautiful but you don’t want to admit it because then he’ll tease you for it.

you got your ipad and rushed on your way out, bumping you toe on the corner of the bedstand, you suppressed a cry of pain and limped your way out of the room.

now back in the living room you saw that both of the dogs were asleep, feeling relieved you slumped back on the couch and watched outer banks for the time being.

a few episodes later, it was now 2:00 am. you were so engrossed in the series you lost track of time, yet you didn’t care. you shrugged it off and continued the series. now, reaching 3 a.m. you heard footsteps approaching you, in lieu of getting up, you just stayed there. not paying any mind to it.

You looked up and saw trent, staring at you with puffy doe eyes and a pout. He looked like he'd just woken up. He didn’t say anything, just stared at you, after a while his eyes flickered to your device. He slumped back onto the couch with you. His head on your shoulder.

"so, whats wrong?”

"can't sleep" you said quietly, feeling the other turn his head, stubble grazing your shoulder. you heard faint snores from him.

"if you need to sleep, you can go to bed."

"only if you come with me."

you sighed, looking at his sleepy eyes. "sure, let's go"

you had to held his hand while going to bed.he pushed you closer towards him, your face meeting his neck. his hands wrapping around your abdomen.

"good night" and you drifted off to sleep.

/

TRENT ❤ 12:20 pm

hey babe, do me a favor and head to the grocery store after please?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀⠀ Y/N ❤🤡 12:40 pm

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀yes. what do you need?

TRENT ❤️ 12:55 pm

eggs, milk, ice pops, ice cream, kinetica protein powder VANILLA, strawberries , blueberries, mango, and for dinner I need spaghetti, alfredo sauce and chicken.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀ Y/N 🤡❤️ 1:00 pm

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀⠀let me know if you want to buy the ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀⠀whole store too👍

TRENT ❤️ 1:01 pm

i wasn't finished, so— juice, naked (drink), grapes, raspberries, yogurt, cottage cheese and pineapple. thank you love.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀⠀Y/N 🤡❤️ 1:10 pm

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀i'm assuming you're going to ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀give me the money for this

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀⠀hello?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀⠀trent.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀read at 1:13

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀─────

you pushed your phone back into your pocket as you headed to get a shopping cart.

after wandering around some time you went to the food section, pulled out your phone again, reviewing the "list" trent gave you. you headed towards the fruit aisle.

grabbed, pinenapple, raspberries, blueberries. you weren't a food expert so you just grabbed and went.

"alrighty.." you grabbed a bag and placed 7 mangoes in, and put it with the rest of your groceries.

/

heading home, you exited the car and unlocked the door, coming right back out to deliver these groceries to your "househusband".

you almost fell due to the amount of groceries, but labor is pain. when you were done you yelled out trent's name, the other appeared from the bedroom.

"here, let me help" he said grabbing some of the bags to place on the island counter, rummaging through them as you placed the other bags on the counter aswell.

"y/n..."

"yea?"

"did you remember to buy the spaghetti?"

you froze, trying to reminisce if you bought it.you didn't. there's no point of lying so you had to be solemn.

"how do you— nevermind, that's fine, we'll manage. thanks for buying these, i owe you one." he placed a kiss on your head and started putting the groceries in their place.

"oh yea, if you go again to the store, buy dog treats again. they're suddenly gone even though i just had bought it a week ago." trent said putting the berries away

your jaw went slack, reminiscing that you fed the dogs treats. but, you can't remember how much. you turned your head swiftly looking at the 2 pups, koba, trying to catch his tail. prince playing with some random toy.

you shrugged it off and went to the living room with the dogs. what he doesn't know won't kill him.

/

it was 9 in the afternoon, you were standing I front of the bed, with trent laying on it of course. but, your attention wasn't on him, it was on the bed actually.

"we need a new bedstand"

"and why's that?"

"because i detest this one. do you know how many times i've stubbed my toe on it. it's like it's out for me!" you exclaimed

"maybe it's time to just wear slippers when exiting out the bed, love."

you narrowed your eyes at him, "no, maybe it's time for a new bedstand, love."

"alright, I think you should come to bed—"trent was interrupted once again by a dirty, muddy koba followed by a dirty prince bursting through the door and immediately jumping onto the bed causing havoc.

they both attacked trent leaving wet, sloppy, and hot kisses on his face. the other seemed disgusted, especially because of how dirty they were. you laughed, enjoying it.

"fuckkk.. i just took a shower" trent got up, dogs still surrounding him. he was now dirty himself.

you picked them both up, "i think it's time for a bath yea?" "you need one to aswell, trent" you giggled and made your way to the bathroom.

you went back into the bathroom, seeing trent in the tub with the dogs. (totally normal?)

"sorry babe but you're going to smell like dog shampoo" you say smiling (i know dog shampoo isn't good for humans 'cause of pH levels and stuff but let's pretend it is for my sake)

trent gave you a side eye as prince was trying to climb up his head. "you're enjoying this completely aren't you?"

"yea. very." you laughed as you scrubbed koba with shampoo. "we should buy them nail caps just for indoors, y'know." trent says as he's holding prince up in the air, analyzing his paws.

"sure, we should buy that with the bedstand that we are going to buy."

"wait, what?"

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀──────

[productivity-at-its-worst]

AUG 17, 2023

i have been off for some time because we were on holiday for 5 days it was so lovely but atst it was hell because there was a beach bar just beside the house we stayed and they played songs really loud until 1 a.m. is it professional? i don't think so. can we do anything about it? no, because they say they got permission from the city hall. does it make you better? NO WAY, IT IS WORSE. the fact that the city hall approved it is insane because it is apparently a human rights violation. however, thanks to them, i am really good at sleeping in loud places now. thank you unprofessionally and unethically managed beach bar. i am putting some images from the place we were, though. i really like that town.

and today, i woke up at 6 a.m. because i wanted to stay awake. i don't even know why but i always oversleep especially when i am in the period of time in which i am not working. i cant wake myself up. i can sleep up to 12 hours if i am not trying. i can even sleep more but i don't want to sacrifice my youth to my sleep addiction, lol. so, i woke up, went out and took a walk, almost got play-bitten by a dog -i like animals from a distance it wasn't a pleasant experience. actually, i am afraid of anything i cant get along well by communicating/speaking (humans included)-, came back home, had coffee, read a couple pages of a book. then i wanted to sleep again, lol. but i stopped myself and started to create a presentation for my private lesson.

i have a test at the weekend i should take to study master's degree. do i study for it? nah, i have things to do such as watching my bedrooms walls while i question myself. i still believe that i and my bedroom walls will be fine, though.

that is all my babblery today, if you read it until now, you are quite patient, congrats! and have a wonderful day!

[immasock]

Iam going to take my word and just dump every idea that pops into my mind here that has piled up in my mind these few days, you might aswell close your requests before I bombard your inbox.

1) Platonic relationships with MC whose atleast 12 - 16 years old

I want hcs from them of having MC watch a horror movie with them then when hoes to sleep, MC wears a white victorian nightgown then shows up beside the brothers' beds in the middle of the night staring at them while they sleep before they actually ask to sleep with them bc they are scared 😂😂. Imagine if they get 'slightly' startled or scared lolol

Wait no that’s hilarious-

I am LIVING for your ideas oh my god

I’m still working on that first one but I gotta do this one

Teen!MC Scaring the brothers after a horror movie

Pronouns: They/Them (but MC does wear a white gown)

It’s movie night in the HoL and no one knew what to watch. You were scrolling through the options when you found a human realm classic. The Ring. Now you weren’t the BIGGEST fan of horror movies but you did like them. So you clicked on it. As the movie went on, everything seemed normal. Mostly everyone seemed to enjoy it. Sure they got scared at the scenery and the jump scares but that’s what the movie is for

Later that night, after everyone else has gone and fallen asleep, you’re still lying awake. You just can’t seem to fall asleep. You just have a bad feeling from that movie. So you get up in your white, Victorian nightgown, and go to your favorite demons room. You slowly open up their door and creep up next to their bed

You stand there, staring at them until they wake up

Lucifer:

This old man was dead asleep

For once

Man’s never gets to sleep

So why you gotta do this to him-

He wakes up

For whatever reason

He opens his eyes and the first thing he catches in his peripheral vision is you, standing over his bed, in a white gown, staring at him

Man is freaked out

He gasps before realizing it’s you and giving you a dirty look

Do you know how late it is?

Why are you up?

Oh. You can’t sleep?

Well no wonder

You ask him if you can sleep in his bed with him and he decides he’ll wait to scold you for scaring him in the morning

For now it’s late and you both need sleep

So get in

Mammon:

He is such a scaredy cat I love him

He hadn’t been able to fall asleep either

So he was on his phone

However he was so engrossed in whatever was on his phone that he failed to notice this child in a white gown sneaking up to his bed

When he finally does notice tho

He screams

And I mean shrieks

It probably woke someone up if I’m being honest

“Human what the hell are you doing here?? Geez you nearly gave me a heart attack!!!!”

He has half a mind to not let you sleep in his bed with him

But if he’s being real, he’s scared too so he very quickly agrees

Just don’t pull a stunt like that again

Leviathan:

Another one that isn’t asleep either

Not cause he’s scared but because that movie cut into his game time and he has to make up for it

He is also way too absorbed in his game to notice you

When you pop up behind him and ask if you can sleep in his room he nearly dies

Man’s jumps out of his chair, falls over, and is still screaming

He realizes it’s just you

Which does not make it better

He starts to ramble about how you made him die in his game and how it took him ages to get to that level so now he has to start over

You’re just standing there like “okay but can I sleep in here tonight?”

He agrees since he isn’t gonna be using his bed but points out that his bathtub probably won’t be that comfortable for you

You don’t care

Of course

And make yourself as cozy as you can before falling asleep

Satan:

Do you have a death wish?

He doesn’t want to hurt you

He really doesn’t

But when he wakes up to you staring at him like that, he comes very close

Can you blame him tho?

You startled the avatar of wrath

He doesn’t actually do anything to you but, because he’s startled, his demon form instinctively comes out

And then he realizes it’s just you and that you’re asking to sleep in his room cause you can’t sleep

Once he calms down he offers to read you to sleep

But because he’s petty he picks a horror novel

Asmodeous:

You’re standing at his bed

Staring at him

In your little white gown like the tiny menace you are

And you poke him

He’s a heavy sleeper

You had no choice

He wakes up

Already not happy that his beauty sleep got interrupted

But then he sees you

And screams

Like a little girl

It’s very funny and it kinda hurts your ears a bit

Some of his brothers definitely woke up

You ask if you can sleep in his bed and, once he’s done scolding you about how you shouldn’t wake people up and how he needs his beauty sleep and that this is all really bad for his skin, he agrees

Beelzebub:

I think Beel is a light sleeper

He hears you come in and go to his bed

And he feels you staring at him

He opens his eyes and looks over to you

The sight of you is a little creepy but it doesn’t effect him all that much

He kinda just asks you if you’re okay and when you ask if you can sleep in his bed he hold up is blanket for you

Belphegor:

Unlike his twin he is a very deep sleeper

Not even the HoL burning down could wake this man up

So you don’t even bother

You crawl into bed with him and fall asleep

When he wakes up in the morning tho

He feels another person next to him and looks over to see who it is

What he wasn’t expecting was you

He jumps

Man’s is wide awake

This wakes you up and so you’re confused as to why he looks scared

He yells at you for scaring him like that

[disasterofastory]

North Pole (Stucky x Reader)

North Pole Santa Claus!Steve Rogers x elf!Bucky x Reader Day 12 - North Pole // December 2022 Warnings: none... I mean...well... Reader is kidnapped

Summary: You find yourself at North Pole with to men you don’t know.

A/N: Okay... I love this idea about Steve being Santa Claus, but maybe it’s a bit weird? And it’s soft dark? Because you now, Reader didn’t agreed to all of this. Anyway, I hope you will enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.

When you wake up, the air smells like cinnamon, chocolate, and fresh snow. It fills your nostrils as you stretch on the bed with a light smile pulling on your lips. Eyes still shut. The lingering sweetness covers your senses, and you have a hard time clearing your mind enough to wake up. The blanket on you is thick and warm. Your hands smooth over the fabric, and it's soft under your touch. Much softer than what you remember it to be. Your eyelids are heavy when you try to blink out the drowsiness of your mind. Your lashes brush over the soft skin under your eyes. And the bed is bigger. Much bigger. You spread your arms, and you still can't reach the edges. Your bed is definitely smaller than this.

The curve of your lips changes into a frown between your brows as you sit up.

Bright light pours into the room through the windows. The white curtains dance to the will of the cold breeze.

And you are in a room you have never seen before.

The bed is really huge under you with a handmade bedstead and a baldachin hanging around it. The fabric is thin enough to see through it. The headboard is precisely crafted and deep brown. The other parts of the room are the same. Everything is handmade and matching. Browns, reds, and greens rule the space.

Okay, you breathe, where am I? You jump out of bed. You wear the same clothes you went to sleep in last night. The dark green carpet is soft under your bare feet. Your gaze moves to the fluffy slippers in front of you. They are your size. Okay, you think again, what the hell is happening here? You can feel the rapid beat of your heart against your ribcage. You step to the window, not caring about the book that falls to the floor when you push the nightstand with too much force.

White snow covers everything you see. It glints in the morning light. You can't even decide where you should look. It's like a picture from a Christmas book. Small, cozy houses surround the square in front of your window. A huge Christmas tree is in the middle. You notice a few shops too. And people walk around in thick, colorful coats, hats, and boots.

Okay, you hum as you continue to talk to yourself, you are dreaming. Or you are in a Christmas movie. No. That's stupid. You are dreaming. Definitely.

"Oh, you are awake." A straddled scream leaves your mouth as you turn around at the sudden voice and press yourself against the window. The nightstand digs into the back of your legs. Your hold on the windowsill is tight as you fight to keep your balance.

You don't know the man at the door. He doesn't look familiar. He is tall and broad. His dark hair is tied up in a bun, and you can see the gray in his stubble even from a distance. He holds a silver tray in his hands with a mug and a plate full of food. "I didn't want to scare you," he speaks again. His smile slowly fades away as he continues to look at you with worry. "You should sit down." "Where am I?" You ask him, demanding an answer. "And who are you?" "My name is Bucky. I brought breakfast." "I don't need breakfast," you snap. "I want to know where I am and how I can go home!" "We should call Steve," he hums instead of answering. "Who is Steve? Who are you?" "Okay," he nods. "We definitely need Steve."

"Why do you need me?" Another voice joins the conversation, and soon, you can see the owner, too, when he stops behind Bucky. He is a bit taller but not as broad, even though you can still see his muscles under the flannel shirt he wears. "And who the fuck are you?" You groan. "We don't swear in this household," he replies with a frown. His bright blue eyes are on you now. Opening your lips, you want to say something. Shout. Yell. Swear. But instead, you stay silent. "You should sit down. You look pale," Steve states. "I don't want to sit down," you argue. "I want answers." "And you will get them when you calm down." "I don't want to calm down!" "Y/N…" "We should just tell her," Bucky suggests. "Get over with it." "Are you sure?" Steve asks, looking at the man beside him. "We had a plan…" "It won't work." "Hey!" You snap at them. "I'm here." "Okay, okay," Steve says, holding up his arms in surrender. "Ask." "Where am I?" "At the North Pole." The answer is simple, but you can't process it. At the North Pole. Yeah. Funny. A weak, humorless laugh leaves your mouth. "And who are you?" "I am, as you would say, Santa Claus, and Bucky here is my most loyal elf."

North Pole. Santa Claus. Elf.

The silence stretches in the air with a hint of tension while they wait for your reaction.

"Oh, fuck you!"

[curseofaphrodite]

Hii, for the halloween special promt list how about 7 and 1 with James Potter, if thats okay obvi.

Prompt 7: Where James Potter doesn’t believe in ghosts so y/n is determined to make him believe.

Note: this is in an AU where they are muggles (cause technically, there are ghosts in Hogwarts) Warnings: Blood, swearing.  | masterlist

“James!”

“What in the hell-” he looked like you climbed into his window in the middle of the night — which was exactly what you did.

“It’s Halloween! What happened to our traditional trick or treating?” You asked, casually sitting down on his bed. He grabbed his glasses from the desk and sat up.

“We haven’t done that since we were 12,” he replied, rolling his eyes.

“Exactly! It’s a forgotten tradition by now!” You said in excitement.

“It’s 11.45, Y/N.” He frowned. “Did you drink a lot of coffee or something?”

“I refuse to answer that.”

“Besides, we used to do a lot of things when we were kids. Like sleep throughout the day, or believe in ghos-”

“YOU DON’T BELIEVE IN GHOSTS?” You yelled and his eyes widened, listening to whether his parents woke up.

Once he was sure no one was awake, he glared at you.

“Why don’t you yell a bit more louder? Wake up the whole street, won’t ya?”

“No, wait, I’m asking the questions here,” you said seriously. “What do you mean you don’t believe in ghosts?”

“Which sane person actually thinks there are ghosts?” James sighed.

“Me!”

“I said sane person.”

“Mean!” You folded your hands. 

A laugh filled the room - one that wasn’t yours or his. His mouth fell open in disbelief, before he rolled his eyes.

“Nice try, Y/n.” He went back to his sleeping position, knowing you’d go down the window the same way you came up.

“Nice try what? You are mean.”

“You can’t be this invested in pranking me, you know. Some might say you like me.” He said, his eyes closed. 

He was getting comfortable in his bedsheets and you didn’t reply, but stared at him like he just sprouted three extra hands.

He opened his eyes to see you unfazed, and just maybe, a sliver of fear crept into his heart.

“The laugh we just heard before,” he explained. “You did it, right?”

“What laughs? Are you okay?” You sounded so worried that he sat up again.

Even though there was only the two of you in the bedroom, why did he feel watched?

“Despite what you think, I’m not a moron.” He said again, though now he sounded doubtful.

You stood up hesitantly. “I think you need sleep, James. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”

The laugh came again, and this time James could pinpoint the direction where it came from. He stood up and walked to the window, poking his head outside.

“What are you looking at?” You followed his gaze and found nothing.

James paled. He pointed to the nearby shed with a shaky finger. 

“Uhm, what am I supposed to see?” You asked slowly, while he looked like he couldn’t believe his own eyes.

In fact, he took off his glasses, rubbed it with his sleeves and put them on again.

“It’s gone!” He said in shock. “I saw it just now and it’s gone! Y/N what did you do? This isn’t a very funny prank!”

“I didn’t do anything!” You said defensively. “Something’s up with your glasses. And I thought you said you didn’t believe in ghosts?”

“I meant those things with a white bedsheet over them! This was a shadow and hell, it had claws. I’m positive I saw blood on the walls...”

“Yeah, you need sleep.” You climbed on the windowsill and he grabbed your wrist.

“Where do you think you’re going?”

“Back to Narnia, where I came from,” you said, rolling your eyes.

“Your sarcasm isn’t appreciated. You can’t leave me alone after you woke me up, and you somehow summoned a creature here — I could be dead and you’ll have blood on your ha-”

“Love, you’re rambling,” You kissed his cheek and his face turned even more red.

“This is why there are rumors of us dating!”

“If we’re not dating, then why am I climbing out of your room at night?”

“That doesn’t mean-”

“And did you not ask me to stay the night a few seconds back?” Your smirk couldn’t get any more smug. He struggled to find his voice again.

“It’s not- there was something there- god, you’re insufferable!”

“Love you too!” You yelled pleasantly before climbing down the wall. 

Once you were sure James got over his shock and went back to bed, you took out a wad of cash and held it up. Sirius came out of the bushes with fake blood on his hands. He grabbed the cash and started walking beside you.

“I don’t get paid enough for this.” He muttered and you smiled, knowing he loved every second of pranking his best friend, just like you did.

[misha-moose-dean-burger-lover]

for @bend-me-shape-me 's SPN advent calendar 2020. prompt: phone calls and late night texts.

Cas isn't a serial texter.

And Dean's a-okay with it.

But for all that's worth, they sure seem to have a ridiculous amount of emotionally significant conversations via, or starting off as, texts. And most often, in the middle of the night.

*

>>> hello, dean. [12:07 am]

Dean jolts up at the sound, realizing he fell asleep still wearing his headphones, with the laptop on his lap (and a new episode of The Good Place playing) and rolls his eyes at himself, hitting pause before he can see what’s happening (because he has good reflexes, and because screw spoilers that’s why) and rummaging for his phone.

At this hour of the night, it has to be something important.

It doesn’t really strike him that Mechanical Engineering majors whose only other selfprofessed skill is air guitar aren't exactly the frontline warriors for midnight emergencies.

Cas's name shows up when he squints at the too-bright screen, and he sits up a little straighter.

<<< hey [12:09 am]

<<< you OK? [12:09 am]

The response is immediate.

>>> do you have peanut butter? [12:09 am]

And as if it's an afterthought, Cas adds.

>>> yes, I'm fine. how are you? [12:10 am]

Dean blinks.

<<< peachy. peanut butter? [12:10 am]

At least this time the response takes a while. Dean wonders if Cas realized it was midnight, and not exactly a time to run inventory on your best friend's stash of condiments.

>>> I ran out. [12:12 am]

Dean sighs, unable to help smiling.

It's not like he's a stranger to Cas's weird cravings when he's high. (There'd been this one time with pie and a traumatized Gas 'N Sip cashier that still sits heavy on Dean's conscience.) But he doesn't think Cas is supposed to be high right now — Dean's usually either invited or informed by an unspoken rule — which just means this is regular "jelly, not jam"-Cas, at his core a weird, persistently sleep-deprived economics major and astronomy nerd, that Dean may or may not have had a crush on for an embarrassingly long time, and who's also prone to grammatically perfect texting, deadpan, Disney references, and bluntness when the occasion calls for it.

<<< pretty sure i have some [12:14 am]

>>> :) [12:14 am]

>>> I'm coming over [12:14 am]

*

And weird as it may sound, that had turned out to be the night Cas told him he was gay. Said it had been a revelating moment, unprecedented and wholly unexpected — and apparently revelations come in pairs because it had been followed by an intense need for peanut butter, and the rest, he explained emphatically, was history.

Dean had just snorted, congratulated him, and brought out the fancier plates for sandwiches — shipped in from home instead of a sale at Target — all the while, repeating to himself in a loop, that this changed nothing between them, nothing at all, and Cas having the capacity to be attracted back to him didn't mean that he ever would be (or for hell's sake, he'd scoffed at his traitorous chick-flick-nonsense brain, is.)

*

The second time had been early — way, way too early and it was by pure chance that Dean was awake to respond at six friggin' am on a Sunday. Like, that’s practically nighttime. 

Goddamn stupidly-fit running-freak.

Dean picks up his phone blearily, tongue in cheek as he clicks on it.

>>> I miss you [6:28 am]

>>> I'd* miss you [6:29 am]

Dean's stomach twists, and he's not sure if it's in a good way, or a bad way, or what-the-sincere-fuck-are-you-talking-about way.

<<< what [6:32 am]

<<< wtf are you talking about? [6:32 am]

Nothing.

<<< cas? [6:33 am]

<<< dude [6:34 am]

<<< cas???? [6:34 am]

Dean swears at his screen, more queasy than irritated. He can't stop fidgeting, so gives up on lying down altogether and hoists himself to his feet. Better to get his friggin' toothbrush since he's already up, and now definitely awake. Cas was so paying for this later.

He comes back, mouth mint-fresh in theory but still tasting awful and of fear and dread, and practically sags when he sees his screen blare with two messages from Cas.

>>> sorry, I had to make a call. [6:42 am]

>>> I'm not taking the job. [6:42 am]

*

And that's how Dean finds out about Michael (Cas's oldest brother, entitled asshole) inviting Cas to join his and Lucifer's (second oldest, bag of dicks) firm the year he graduates — invite, of course, being a loosely used word here for expecting it blindly (out of some crap he calls 'loyalty') and being readily willing to manipulate him into it.

And it's how he finds out that Cas turned them down.

"It's not who I am anymore." Cas had repeated, third time probably, and surer than before, and Dean had nodded earnestly before realizing Cas couldn't see him through the phone, and humming his affirmation instead. "And if I go back there, I'm never getting out again."

Dean'd swallowed.

"I don't want to." Cas had said, voice trembling. "I am — my own person here. It shouldn't be like this but this is the first time I have autonomy, Dean. Here is free will, and here are you. I don't — I can't. I'm not going to let them take it away."

"Good." He'd sounded shaky to even himself. "Don't."

"Yes." Cas had promised. "I'm not going."

*

And eventually they'd moved past the heavy talk into why-didn't-I-hear-about-this-before territory, Dean being righteously annoyed at his best friend for keeping something so huge from him, and Cas making lame (but probably valid) excuses in the name of not knowing how to explain the situation until he knew himself what he was going to do, because Dean may've been the first person he'd confided in about the insane fuckery that been his childhood and adolescence, but that still didn't mean he'd understand this, broken and convoluted.

And then Cas had nicely segued himself out of Dean's target of irritation and added, "They asked Gabriel too, by the way."

"And?" Dean didn't ever have much care for Gabriel (third oldest brother, cares about Cas, still a jerk) but Cas shared an apartment with him, so he had to face him plenty.

"He's running off to Miami."

And Dean had thrown his head back and laughed until Cas had smoothly added, "And I was wondering if you would consider moving in with me." 

At which point, of course, he'd started coughing instead, because holy shit, it actually made sense (Sammy had left for Stanford two months back, and Dean lived alone in a space that had probably been two big even when there were two of them) and might actually happen, but Dean wasn't really sure how much longer he'd be able to hide his crush, sharing a friggin' kitchen with the guy.

*

The third time's after their first date.

(Because, well. It happened.

It happened with Dean leaning across the breakfast table to prove to Cas his bacon was superior (to cookie friggin' crunch, because goddamn is Cas a dork) and Cas taking a bite with their eyes fixed on each other's, and Dean turning red when Cas licked his lips and then, just like that, Cas swearing under his breath (definitely filed for later pondering, that bit), grabbing Dean, and kissing the living daylights out of him.

And Dean had kissed back with everything he had, hands cupping his face, and nearly melting in his arms - but then they'd separated for air and Cas had had an apologetic look on his face and when Dean had tried to lean in to kiss it away, he'd received half a smile and a shake of his head.

"Let's do it the way we're supposed to."

And Dean had known immediately what he'd meant. Let's not fuck this up by becoming best friends and roommates who sleep together. Let's...play safe.

"Okay. Uh," he'd rubbed the back of his neck. "Would you like to go on a date with me?"

"Thursday." Cas had promised with twinkling eyes, though Dean had already known he was going to say that since he knew Cas’s week at least as well as he knew his own, and two days and an anxious half of a thursday later, they went on their first date. Burgers and beer, and Led Zepp, and hands held in the Impala. Four hours later, they were back, and in their respective rooms, and Dean couldn't stop thinking about Cas.)

When his phone vibrates, Dean reaches for the bedside table.

It's at least midnight, it feels like he's been in bed for ages, and the only reason he isn't asleep is because all his brain seems to be capable of at the moment is thinking endlessly about the date. Fortunately, he's not the only one — although he's better at hiding it (practise, he'd say) because his heart is in his mouth the moment he reads Cas's text.

>>> I think I'm falling in love with you [11:43 pm]

>>> already. [11:43 pm]

Dean is very grateful for autocorrect as he types back with too-excited thumbs and a racing heart.

<<< so much for doing it the regular way cas mosby [11:44 pm]

>>> in my defense, it's been years. [11:44 pm]

<<< that part i get [11:44 pm]

<<< me too [11:44 pm]

<<< but youre supposed to wait three days before calling dumbass [11:45 pm]

Jesus, he'd never expected to blush cause of texts, but here they are.

>>> I'm texting. [11:46 pm]

And he guesses he'd never expected to giggle (he's alone there, sue him) cause of them either, but Cas apparently exists to prove him wrong about himself.

<<< good for you [11:46 pm]

He sends, biting his lip, and then lies in the silent darkness for a couple of minute, devoid of text notifications entirely, thinking uneasily — before he gives up.

They're idiots, sure, but nobody is this dumb.

<<< so when the fuck are you coming over then [11:50 pm]

>>> on my way <3 [11:50 pm]

And thinking about the lightening speed of that reply and the fucking heart emoji is enough to sustain him the entire one minute it takes Cas to get there, gently opening Dean's door, and climbing into bed — fitting in Dean's space like it's been made for him, and kissing him in greeting after leaving his phone on the table next to Dean's.

*

As it goes, with the confessions and the midnight cravings (and the grocery lists that keep getting piled onto through the day, and random pickup lines Cas decides are perfect to send Dean daily once he's found a website for puns, courtesy of Claire, and of course, pictures of Grease, which clog Dean's cloud in dozens whenever the ridiculously cute cat does something even slightly out of routine, god bless her lazy soul) Cas might just be a texter.

But Dean's pretty sure he's more than okay with it, so it doesn't really matter.

[a-clowns-words]

9 and with Bakudeku??

9. “You can’t banish me! This is my bed too!”

sorry this took so long, tumblr crash made me lose all my progress 😒 then I had to go somewhere

Katsuki groaned and opened his eyes, just barely enough to see who was poking his shoulder in front of him. He sighed, annoyed at seeing his green-haired fiancé waking him up for the third time that night.

As soon as said greenette saw the other male awake, he smiled widely and went back to clinging onto the front of him with a happy hum. “Heh, yay you're up!”

“Deku I swear..what the hell do you want now?” He grumbled, closing his eyes again as he stayed half-awake against his own will. “You have five seconds to explain why you woke me AGAIN and it better not be like the last two reasons.”

“Well..mmh..” Izuku groaned and rolled over onto his back, spreading his arms and legs out. “I’m boreddd- and I can't sleep! You make us sleep so damn earlyy!” He whined, turning his head back to Katsuki and pouting when he saw the blond's closed eyes.

Katsuki mumbled something incoherent before he tugged on one of Izuku's arms, pulling him back into him to cuddle. “Babe I love you, but I also love sleep. Go to sleep.” He sighed, trying to hold the greenette tightly though he kept squirming his arms.

“Kacchan! Com’n no fair!” He huffed as he continued to squirm and kick his legs to try and get out of the blond’s grasp. “I’m being forced to cuddle against my will someone help-“ Izuku sighed, eventually giving up and going limp in Katsuki’s arms. “Can we at least do something?”

The blond opened his eyes again, only to roll them at his freckled fiancé. “It’s 12:30am. What the fuck do you want to do at 12:30 am?!” He was tired and quite frankly annoyed at Izuku’s insistence on keeping him up, especially since he’d had a rougher patrol than normal.

“I dunno..oh! What if I played some music and we danced around together? Com’n that’d be so much fun! Please?” Izuku looked up at his fiancé with pleading eyes, honestly just wanting to spend time and talk with him.

Katsuki stared at Izuku a second before sitting up and getting off the bed. He slowly picked up the smaller male and pulled him off the bed as well to place him down on the floor. “I am not dealing with this tonight. You wanna play music? Go ahead, in the living room. But you’re hereby banished from this bed tonight.” He grunted, quickly sitting back down in the bed and laying on his side with his back towards Izuku.

“W-what?! You can’t banish me!” Izuku whined as he jumped back up and tried to crawl back onto the bed. Only to be stopped by one of Katsuki’s hands in his face, pushing his head back. “This is my bed too! Com’n Kacchan!” The freckled male mumbled into his hand before pouting. He refused to leave and, after a few minutes, just let his arms fall so he was leaning into Katsuki’s hand.

The blond turned around again, mostly just for a more comfortable position as he continued to hold Izuku back. “I want sleep, nerd. SLEEP.” He sighed, debating giving in or making some sort of compromise. “If you promise to let me sleep the rest of the night, you can come back onto the bed. And then tomorrow we can stay up late and do whatever you want, how about that broccoli head?”

Izuku thought a second, continuing to pout into Katsuki’s hand before he pulled his face away and nodded. “Alright, alright..tomorrow we’re dancing at midnight though!” He stated, stomping one of his feet to show he meant it, it was really just something romantic he always wanted to do though.

“Deal.” Katsuki nodded and put his arm back down as he made some room for the greenette on the bed. He slowly pulled Izuku back onto the mattress next to him, not even being able to sleep without him anyway even if he didn’t want to admit it.

The two silently pulled each other closer, though Izuku of course had on his usual wide smile as he got pulled into the blond’s arms. He was somewhat disappointed that he had to sleep now, but quickly cheered up when he felt Katsuki’s soft lips against his forehead.

“Night love..” The green-eyed boy muttered, realizing soon after that Katsuki was already asleep again which made him lightly laugh. “Heh you’re so cute..and I can say that without getting yelled at now.” He looked up at the blond, grinning and just watching his fiancé sleep peacefully.

[tomtenadia]

Remember us - part 3

Here we are with part 3.

This was a tough chapter to write.

Please do not hate Rowan, he is confused and scared and what is happening to him is scary.

-------

A slow tune played in the distance of the big garden. 

Rowan took Aelin’s hand and walked away from the big crowd and near the bank of the lake where it was just the two of them.

“Did you drag me here to kill me?”

Rowan in response kissed her and Aelin could not read his expression. His arms went around her frame and pulled her closer for a slow dance on the spot.

His hand brushed her back and let her scent envelope him. 

“Lys and Aedion look happy.” He whispered to her, enjoying the feeling of her in his arms. A presence he would never tire of.

“It was about time.” Aelin said kissing his chest.

“It’s our turn to be that happy, what do you think?” Rowan went down on one knee and gently grabbed her hand pulling it to his chest “Fireheart, I love you. You are my best friend, my soulmate and I want to walk the path of life at your side. I want to grow old with you and still watch silly movies on the sofa. Aelin Galathynius, will you do me the honour of marrying me and let me call you my wife?”

The smile on Aelin’s face became radiant “Yes,” a kiss on his lips “yes, buzzard, I will marry you.”

*

Rowan woke up panting hard. The memory had been very vivid and clear in his head. The colours, the smells, he felt as if he had been there. Aelin had told him about that memory, about the day he had proposed to her at a friend’s wedding.

The memory had felt so real and his hands were now shaking.

It had been a week since that conversation. Aelin had started visiting him on her way to work and sometimes during her breaks as well. They had been chatting and she had been telling more about their lives and answered all the questions he had. The topic he hadn’t had yet the courage to cover was the one about her being pregnant. He felt bad for snooping on the phone but that was his anyway and Aelin had given it to him with that exact intention. For him to read and discover more about who he had been and hopefully unlock more moments.

He was busy with his thoughts that he did nor notice a male nurse popping into his room.

“Time to go.”

The doctor had told him that now that he was awake it was time to finally start his rehab and to try have him walking again quite quickly.

The nurse helped him to shift onto the wheelchair and pushed him out.

“Can someone tell Aelin where I am gone? Sometimes she comes and visit on her break.”

“I am sure nurse Ytger will tell your wife that you went for physio.”

He had started to enjoy and wait eagerly for her visits. He wanted to tell her abut the flash of the day he proposed.

They finally arrived at the gym and a man was waiting for him “Hello Rowan and welcome to hell.” Said the man in front of him “You’ll probably will want to kill me after every session but I assure you I will make you walk again. I always do.” The man said quite smugly “my name is Dorian, by the way.”

For a half an hour Dorian massaged and warmed up and loosened his right leg. Every time he bent his knee Rowan was ready to cry. Until the man got him back on the wheelchair and they reached some parallel bars “now, we try walking.”

Rowan looked at him in disbelief. He could not be serious.

“Come on, hold on to the bars with your hands and pull yourself upright.”

He followed the directions and pulled himself up. 

“Good. Now try to move a step.”

Rowan tried but almost fell on his face if it wasn’t that Dorian grabbed him “don’t put weight on the injured leg yet.”

He was about to try again when he spotted Aelin in her blue scrubs entering the gym. Dorian saw her as well “are you going to look good in front of your wife?”

Aelin joined him “Hi devil.” She greeted Dorian.

“Hi my darling. Your hubby and I just started.”

“Just go easy on him. I just got him back.” And Rowan saw Aelin give him a warm smile. He needed to tell her about his dream. He wanted to revive that day with her, to know how she felt. She had looked happy in the memory. Rowan was also curious to know why she called him buzzard.

For another good hour he did all Dorian told him and by the end of the first session he did manage to walk once the length on the walking bars. Aelin had given him the most stunning smile.

They were now back in his room and she was helping him climb back in bed.

“You must be exhausted. Dorian’s sessions are tough, but the man does miracles.”

“My leg hurts…” he said fully leaning back in bed in a seated position.

“I should let you rest.” Aelin made a move to leave but he stopped her, grabbing her hand for a fleeting moment “stay, please.”

Aelin nodded and sat back down on the chair. He noticed her hand gently move to her stomach in a protective gesture.

“I had a dream.” He told her and saw his wife turn her head to him “it was the day I proposed. You had a green dress and we were at Lys and Aedion’s wedding.” He continued and saw her face break and try to hold back the tears “you called me buzzard.”

Aelin started sobbing. It was just one memory. It was not their entire life but it was something. She nodded eagerly and restrained herself from the desire to kiss him. She missed the contact with him.

“It’s my nickname for you. You hover, like a bird of prey. I have been calling you like that since the beginnings.”

He smiled and decided to tackle the more pressing question he had for her, his heart started racing. He had found out from the phone and not from her. He took a deep breath “I know…” he whispered and she looked up at him with curiosity “I was going through the text messages we exchanged and I found the one where you sent me a picture of our baby.”

Aelin gasped “I didn’t tell you because it would have been too much and you already have enough to deal with.” She was trying to protect him. She had been dying to tell him but for a moment she had put her desires aside and thought about him, how he would react at the news.

“How far along are you?”

“12 weeks. I am just at the end of my first trimester.” And he saw her lift her scrub and could see the slight hint of a bump “peanut, this is dad. Dad, this is peanut.”

Rowan sighed heavily “what if…” how could he explain his fears to her without crushing her? “What if the person I become is not the husband you remember? I don’t know when I will get my memories back. And when I do? Will it still be me or a brand new person with some jumbled up memories? What if you realise you can’t live with a version of me that is just a bad copy of the original?” He was terrified at the idea. 

“To whatever end.” She whispered “that’s the promise we shared on our wedding day. We will go through life together no matter what. Together.” Aelin sniffled loudly “we already went through a lot in seven years of marriage. Two miscarriages that shook us to the core. But we survived. Our marriage survived.” She took his hand feeling the need to a contact with him to dispel the fears in her heart “we will survive this as well.” She was now sobbing and Rowan had no idea how to console her. He had grabbed her hand briefly but still did not feel comfortable enough for contact with her.

“Sorry, it’s the hormones.”

“Aelin, you should move on. Find someone—” but Aelin did not let him finish “Rowan Whitethorn, please tell me you have not just suggested me to leave you.” She stood and shouted at him furious that he could even think about something so outrageous.

“I am not leaving you for another man. You are my husband.” She felt anger rising at the idea he might suggest such thing. It broke her heart that he would give up like that. 

“What if I don’t want to be your husband? Have you thought about me? I am trapped in a life I don’t recognise.” His tone matched hers and at his words Aelin felt her heart break. She took a step away from him.

“You come here and tell me all those thing about our life. Am I supposed to accept them without question and jump back in my old life?”

She did not answer him. Aelin just ran out of the room, heavy tears streaming down her cheeks. And when nausea hit she ran for the toilets and emptied her stomach.

She sat on the floor for a time that felt endless until she got paged and had to force herself to go back to work.

***

Rowan closed his eyes and he collapsed back on the pillow. His soul ached at the words he had said to Aelin. Why did he tell her something he did not believe himself? He was confused and utterly overwhelmed. He had so many questions and he had reacted in the worst possible way. But he was scared of not being able to be enough for her, to transform into a copy she might not like. They had kids to think about too. What if he was going to destroy a family? They deserved better than him.

Waking up and not remembering anything of his life had been terrifying. But that woman, his wife, was willing to take him back no matter what. She was ready to show him a way to find himself again. 

He took his mobile and texted her as soon as he figured out how to do it I am sorry for what I said. I am really scared.

Rowan placed the phone on the nightstand and lay down. He felt exhausted and when he closed his eyes, sleep caught him in his arms.

***

Rowan was standing in front of a crowd. He was in what looked like a ballroom inside and old building. The guests were all dressed up nicely and so was he. At his side there was a blonde man grinning happily.

As soon as the music started he turned his head and saw two dark-haired women entering the venue  and slowly proceed along the aisle in his direction. His gazed drifted away from them as soon as he spotted Aelin at the entrance. She was dressed in the most amazing light blue dress and she looked stunning. He felt like the luckiest man alive. Aelin had chosen him.

She stopped in front of him and he mouthed the words I love you to her. The officiant proceeded with the ceremony until it was time to exchange their vows and he went first.

“Aelin, my heart, once we set our hate aside you became my best friend and then my soulmate and soon I will be able to call you my wife as well. I am ready to face this new adventure together and stay at your side, no matter what. To whatever end, fireheart.”

By the time he finished she was in tears and it took her a moment to compose herself.

“Rowan, my buzzard, life can be unpredictable and cruel, but as long as I have you at my side I know I can survive anything. You are my rock. I am looking forward to our new adventure together. I love you, to whatever end.”

Rowan kissed her not even waiting for the right moment.

“Rowan Whitethorn, do you take Aelin Galathynius as you wife. Promise to respect her and cherish the time you will have together? To love her for better for worse, in sickness and in health till death do you part?”

“I do.” Said Rowan never averting his green eyes from her.

“Aelin Galathynius, do you take Rowan Whitethorn as your husband and promise to walk the path of life at his side. To love him for better or for worse, in sickness and in health till death do you part?”

“I do.” Tears of joy streamed down her face.

A moment later the scent of flowers had gone and Rowan awoke abruptly and the smell of disinfectant hit him.

He had been dreaming again. Their wedding apparently. They had been so happy and he could not remove from his mind Aelin’s stunning smile.

Frantically he grabbed his phone and sadness hit him when he noticed there was no answer from Aelin.

What had he done?

***

That night when Aelin got back home she looked for comfort in her mother’s arms first. She had told her all that happened at the hospital and Rowan’s words. Evalin had let her cry until she was spent.

When bed time came she went for her bedroom and found her bed already occupied by her two terrors. She changed in her pyjama and climbed in bed. Gently she pulled Freyja to her chest and inhaled deeply her scent. As if on instinct, just like his father, Thomas adjusted and moved to her snuggling closer. A pair of green eyes set on her “go back to sleep my love.” She kissed his blonde hair.

“I miss dad.” He said moving even closer and Aelin wrapped her arms around her two children “I miss him too, Tom.”

“When is he coming back?”

“Soon.” She brushed his hair “now sleep, okay?”

“I love you, mum.”

Aelin barely stopped the tears “I love you too.”

She closed her eyes and cried herself to sleep.

[theartofdreaming1]

Here is my attempt at portraying Peeta’s camouflage skills convincingly 😅😅

As usual, my thoughts regarding this week’s prompts and random thoughts on chapters 19-21 are below the cut.

heart

While I love all the banter between Katniss and Peeta, I think my favorite of these three chapters is: “Trust me. Killing things is much easier than this,” I say. “Although for all I know, I am killing you.” “Can you speed it up a little?” he asks. “No. Shut up and eat your pears,” I say. A classic 😄

mind

I always imagined that Cato went after Thresh before coming for Katniss and Peeta because a) Thresh took the backpack for District 2 (which contained the body armor that would make dealing with Katniss’s arrow so much easier) and b) Thresh killed Clove and Cato wanted to avenge her... Although I have no idea how Cato ended up killing Thresh... he was doing pretty well for himself in his grass-y area... Maybe the Gamemakers wanted to punish Thresh for not killing Katniss and generated that thunderstorm and rain to force Thresh out of his refuge, which would give Cato a fair chance to kill him, I guess...

soul

Lol, honestly, since Peeta just generally seems to be motivated by kindness and love/caring, I don’t think it took much for him to keep the star-crossed lovers angle alive (I could easily imagine him actually noticing Katniss in the willow tree early in the Games and offering to take care of the District 8 girl, so the Careers would get the hell out of there, away from Katniss)

Chapter 19:

Peeta, who’s been wounded, is now my ally. [...] I’d loathe any tribute who didn’t immediately ally with their district partner. Besides, it just makes sense to protect each other. - Honestly, this just highlights what a kind person Katniss is, despite her aloof front; her innermost instinct is always to stick together and to protect. Because it doesn’t really make sense for her to team up with Peeta - she knows he’s wounded and won’t be of much help to her, her chances of survival are way better if she stayed on her own, but it’s not something she’d ever consider now that they are allowed to form a team (and only then does she even factor in the whole ‘star-crossed lovers of district 12′ -angle)

Peeta, it turns out, has never been a danger to me. The thought makes me smile. - Aww 😊 (but also, how heart-breaking that the Capitol will do everything in their power to change that, to make Peeta become a danger to Katniss 😢)

He’s very hard to predict, which might be interesting under different circumstances - Okay, but this just makes me think of that exchange in Gilmore Girls when Paris and Rory talk about how you know a guy is right for you:  “Someone who’s compatible but not compatible.” “Yeah, kind of. I mean, you respect each other’s opinions and you can laugh at the same jokes, but I don’t know – there’s just something about not quite knowing what the other person’s gonna do at all times that’s just really exciting.” - fits these two to a T 😏

In fact, I’ve just about decided I’m on the wrong track entirely, that a wounded boy would be unable to navigate getting to and from this water source, when I see the bloody streak - Okay, but how flipping tough is Peeta?! He’s severely injured, with multiple tracker jacker stings and he drags himself to this terrain that is almost impossible to navigate for someone in his condition - a sturdy dandelion, indeed!

“You’re here to finish me off, sweetheart?” - What an entrance after having gone AWOL for quite a couple of chapters 👌🏼👏🏼

“Remember, we’re madly in love, so it’s all right to kiss me anytime you feel like it.” I jerk my head back but end up laughing. “Thanks, I’ll keep it in mind.” [...] “Katniss?” Peeta says. I meet his eyes, knowing my face must be some shade of green. He mouths the words “How about that kiss?” I burst out laughing - He’s lying in a river bed, slowly dying, and he can still make her laugh 😊

“You know, you’re kind of squeamish for such a lethal person” - It’s such a small comment, but I can’t help but think that Peeta is just kind of intrigued to discover all these little idiosyncrasies that make up the ever-elusive Katniss Everdeen ;)

Impulsively, I lean forward and kiss him, stopping his words. -  Aww, she doesn’t even want to consider him dying, so she spontaneously decides to cut him off with a kiss👀👀 Honestly, at this point Peeta has elicited 2 (!) spontaneous kisses  (the kiss after the chariot ride and this one) from Katniss, who generally isn’t that big on touching people

“You’re not going to die. I forbid it. All right?” - Stubborn, protective Katniss... But also reminds me of their rooftop “date” in CF and the “Then you’ll allow it?” “I’ll allow it” - exchange

I kiss him awake, which seems to startle him. Then he smiles as if he’d be happy to lie there gazing at me forever. He’s great at this stuff. - KaTNisSs, gurl... 🙄🤦🏼‍♀️

Chapter 20:

But I knew he was injured. And still I came after him. I’m just going to have to trust whatever instinct sent me to find him was a good one. - The very best of instincts, Katniss, don’t you worry😉

Peeta’s struggling to get up when I reach the cave. “I woke up and you were gone,” he says, “I was worried about you.” - Gah, why are the both of them so good?! They just care for and worry about each other 24/7

“How do you feel?” “Better than yesterday. This is an enormous improvement over the mud,” he says. “Clean clothes and medicine and a sleeping bag... and you.” Oh right, the whole romance thing. - Oh Katniss...😐 I reach out to touch his cheek and he catches my hand and presses it against his lips. I remember my father doing this very thing to my mother and I wonder where Peeta picked it up. - Where did Peeta pick this up? From a time his family was less dysfunctional? Observing couples in the town square? Or is he a fricking disney prince and these things come natural to him? Questions, questions...

“You didn’t sleep,” Peeta says. “I’m all right,” I say. But the truth is, I’m exhausted. “Sleep now. I’ll keep watch.” [...] I test his cheek. Hot as a coal stove. He claims he’s been drinking, but the containers still feel full to me. I give him more fever pills and stand over him while he drinks first one, then a second quart of water. - These two are just too stubborn to take proper care of themselves - good thing that each of them is adamant to force the other to sleep/drink/eat when necessary

“Besides I like watching you sleep. You don’t scowl. Improves your looks a lot.” - When presented with the choice of being flirty vs being a cheeky little shit, Peeta will choose being a flirty cheeky little shit every time 😂

“I’m going to make soup,” I say. “Don’t light a fire,” he says. “It’s not worth it.” - Okay, but what he’s actually saying is “I’m not worth it” 😭😭

Katniss telling that story about buying Prim’s goat😊... A young buck, probably a yearling by his size. His antlers were just growing in, still small and coated in velvet. [...] Beautiful. - We are all very much aware of Peeta’s appreciation for beauty, but the same does apply to Katniss, too (she’s just overall more pragmatic)

“Was it [the goat] still wearing the pink ribbon?″ he asks. “I think so,” I say. “Why?” “I’m just trying to get a picture,” he says thoughtfully. -  Peeta is so detail-oriented! I have this theory that this is actually something that enables him to overcome his hijacking; we catch glimpses in MJ of how he inches himself out of his condition by asking/focusing on small details or things most people would dismiss as trivial (Katniss’s favorite color, the color of her dress visiting District 7, her Dad singing the Hanging Tree when Peeta was 6 or 7 years old...) and I feel like it makes a lot of sense - his tormentors in the Capitol either wouldn’t have access to distort these moments or not even consider them to have any significance (since they are all about big, flashy gestures in the Capitol), so these memories would remain untouched. Luckily, Peeta seems to live by Robert Brault’s words: “Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things. “

“Really? What did you cost me again?” I ask. “A lot of trouble. Don’t worry. You’ll get it all back,” he says. - Well, he’s going to cost her a lot more trouble in the future - but we know he’s going to make up for it and bring her much happiness, too 😊

“You’re not risking your life for me.” “Who said I was?” I say. [...] “Of course I’m not going.” [...] “You’re such a bad liar, Karniss.” [...] Anger flushes my face. “All right, I am going, and you can’t stop me!” “I can follow you. At least partway. I may not make it to the Cornucopia, but if I’m yelling your name I bet someone can find me. And then I’ll be dead for sure,” he says. - Soo.. their love language is offering to sacrifice their life like it’s nothing, huh?! 😳😅 

Peeta eats without complaint, even scraping out the pot to show his enthusiasm. He rambles on about how delicious it is, - lol, sounds like a husband trying to get back on his wife’s good side after they had a row 😂

I clamp my hand over his mouth and nose hard, forcing him to swallow instead of spit. He tries to make himself vomit the stuff up, but it’s too late, he’s already losing consciousness. - Ah, the most important indicator of true love: having person A force-feed person B a sedative so they can run off to get them life-saving medicine ;)

Chapter 21:

I lie next to Peeta in the bag, trying to absorb every bit of his fever heat. It’s strange to be so physically close to someone who’s so distant. Peeta might as well be back in the Capitol, - Reminds me how in MJ she’s going to be so close to Peeta (mentally/emotionally) while he will be physically so distant (in the Capitol!)

a tiny orange one [backpack] [...] that must be marked with a 12 - Interesting how that backpack is orange, huh? Why is that? Are smaller backpacks generally orange (like the one Katniss already has) to be more visible or is this simply to connect the backpack to Peeta (though we don’t know his favorite color at this point)? Do the Gamemakers care whether Katniss gets a matching backpack? It just seems like an unnecessary detail to throw in🤔

The table has just clicked into place when a figure darts out of the Cornucopia, snags the green backpack, and speeds off. Foxface! - Honestly, this was a truly brilliant move; kudos! 👏🏼

[Clove] carefully selects an almost dainty-looking number [knife] with a cruel, curved blade. “I promised Cato if he let me have you, I’d give the audience a good show.” [...] “I think...” she almost purrs. “I think we’ll start with your mouth.” [...] she teasingly traces the outline of my lips with the tip of the blade. - Okay, but the idea of Clove cutting off Katniss’s lips is just all kinds of terrifying and disturbing 😨

“No! No, I-” Clove sees the stone, about the size of a small loaf of bread in Thresh’s hand [...] Thresh brings the rock down hard against Clove’s temple. [...] and I know she’s a goner. - Interesting how Katniss describes that rock that basically saves her life (or at least kills her assailant) as bread-sized, huh? “Your district... they sent me bread. [...] Conflicting emotions cross Thresh’s face. He lowers the rock and points at me, almost accusingly. “Just this one time, I let you go. For the little girl.” - Katniss mentions the bread from District 11 as a proof of her alliance with Rue (and the recognition of D11) and Thresh spares her; bread keeps saving her life (while it keeps representing acts of kindness)

Cato kneels beside Clove, spear in hand, begging her to stay with him. - I appreciate this small, humanizing moment with Cato

The last thing I remember is an exquisitely beautiful green and silver moth landing on the curve of my wrist. - I don’t know much about North American insects (not that I know that much about European insects either - just recently came across a relatively rare moth on my walks that I had never seen or heard of before) - is Katniss describing a special/noteworthy species of moth? Or is this a more literary symbolism kind of moth? (Just looked up some symbolism meaning of moths: change/transformation, seeking light; power of regeneration in some Native American mythology, hmm...)

[lin-nin]

Tribulation & Tenderness - Chapter 6

Ship: Main Technoblade x Reader, some Dream x Reader

Plot: You're a princess in a Kingdom suffering a years long famine. In a desperate attempt to help your people, you accept one simple offer: Marriage to the crown prince of a neighboring kingdom. Anything to help your people survive. Surely it can't be too bad, can it?

Chapter List: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Disclaimer:   Cross-posted on Wattpad (discontinued) and Ao3. This is based off of everyone's CHARACTERS. I do not write fanfic based off the actual people.

--

Chapter 6: Farewell Gifts

< | Previous Chapter

The morning sun had begun filling your room, sneaking through parted curtains to cover everything in a warm glow. You had been reluctant to stir, a sense of melancholy hanging around you. You knew exactly why that was. You would be leaving tomorrow morning. There was good and bad to it, you supposed. You were introduced to a taste of freedom and new possibilities that came with this marriage. Yet it still meant saying goodbye to everything you knew here.

You slowly turned over in your bed, moving out of it. Might as well start the day, though. Moping wouldn’t get too much accomplished. You padded over towards the window, peering out of it for a few moments. The sun covered the land beyond the castle in a pleasant glow. Nature carried on like nothing was going to happen, and you couldn’t help but huff. You needed to as well. Even as you looked to the horizon, wondering what it held for you. Hopefully a decent life.

You hardly thought too much as you grabbed a dress, sliding it over your body. You didn’t even know what today held for you, either. You would find out after breakfast, though. That’s usually how things went for you. Taking each day as it came. You slid on your shoes, fastening them tightly. Take today one step at a time. Tomorrow would come when it came. 

The door to your room creaked quietly as you opened it, being careful to shut it softly. It clicked as it slid into pace, and you rubbed your face. Food would undoubtedly help you get in a better mood. Having your mind busy while you were on an empty stomach was hardly a good idea.

“Good, you’re awake. We’ve got a busy day ahead of us,” A voice called out. You jumped, a startled yelp escaping your lips. You covered your mouth as you sought out the voice, glaring at the owner. Dream was lounging against a wall across from you, and you reached out to shove at him playfully.

“Are you trying to make my soul leave my body?!” A laugh escaped him, though it felt almost tense. Was he still bothered by dinner last night? You didn’t care to mess with it, though. He’d likely get over himself. He usually did.

“Maybe I am. Do I get to keep you here if I do?” He mused as they walked, heading towards the dining hall once again. Like it was a normal morning. You truly wished it was, honestly. Nonetheless, you sighed, head shaking.

“You know I can’t stay, Dream. As much as you want me to. This is a matter bigger than you or I. Besides! I think it’ll be good for me, don’t you think?” You beamed over at him. It seemed like it would do you good, truthfully. It was presenting you with at least one option you had never been offered here: Training. The opportunity to fight and defend yourself. You deserved that much at least, right?

“I think it’ll be dangerous. They’ve never had a good reputation, how do I know you’ll be safe?” He threw back in rebuttal, making you sigh heavily. Always fretted over your wellbeing.

“Techno said it’s not that bad, I have no reason to not believe him.” You settled into your normal spot at the table. Breakfast was much simpler than dinner. The food was already set out, waiting to be eaten. You didn’t waste time, reaching for a few various dishes to eat.

“I beg to differ,” Dream murmured as he also sat, grabbing stuff to eat as well. You rolled your eyes, not in the mood for whatever was with him. He just didn’t like Techno, for whatever reason. Always so protective of you. Though it was reassuring in a weird way.

“Whatever you say. What have you got planned for me today?” You queried instead, eager to change the subject away from your fiancé. You really didn’t want to deal with whatever problem there was with that subject.

“Going out to the markets in town. Make sure there isn’t anything that you need before leaving. Let the people in the capital see you one last time. It’ll probably eat most of your day, though,” He said. That was fine. It sounded like a good plan. You could do with a few things from the market. A few things to remind you of home.

You nodded for a couple of heartbeats, finishing the mouthful of food in your mouth before speaking. “That sounds fine to me. I wouldn’t mind picking up a couple of things to bring along. Oh! Techno! Good morning.” The pink-haired prince had walked into the dining hall when you were speaking to Dream. He settled across from you, glancing briefly to Dream before you.

“Good morning,” he finally returned, causing you to smile. Dream practically brooded beside you as your attention shifted away from him. You just elected to ignore it for the time being. He’d probably be just fine once the both of you were in the market. You were allowed to exchange some words with Techno before heading out for the day, at least.

“Did you sleep well?” You asked, reaching for your cup with a contented hum. He nodded in response, gaze moving to Dream. You warily eyed the pair of them, trying to read whatever silent stand off they seemed to be having. Was it over the whole training thing? Either way, it was ridiculous and you did not want to deal with whatever tension was between them.

Clearing your throat, you attempted conversation once more with a soft, “Did you finish your books?” Techno’s gaze quickly pivoted back to you, seeming to forget about Dream for a few minutes. Good. 

“Most of them. I couldn’t finish the last one before I needed to sleep,” He replied. You nodded in acknowledgment. That was impressive, though. It did make you wonder how much he slept. Not like you could tell. Not with that mask on his face.

“Well, you can finish that one today. Dream and I are going out to the market to pick up some things before I leave. I’ll probably spend time with my family after dinner,” You explained. You wiped at your hands, turning to look at Dream and offering him a smile. 

“We’ll have plenty of time to talk starting tomorrow,” Techno mused. There was something almost smug in his voice, and you could hear Dream huff beside you. What the hell had happened with them? You weren’t given much time to ponder, as Dream stood up and held a hand towards you.

“Ready?” He asked, and you nodded slightly. You eyed his hand for a few moments, debating on if you should take it. You ultimately did, allowing him to pull you up. You waved towards Techno, offering him a smile. Even as you were nearly hauled away by Dream, you could hear that huff of his that signified laughter. He met your wave with a shake of his head, returning the action all the same.

You were content, despite how quickly Dream was walking. The interactions with Techno were pleasant, and increasingly less awkward. You caught up with Dream, letting go of his hand as you did. “Alright, do you have any specific plans on where to visit?” You questioned, forcing him to slow down.

“Not exactly. I figure we can just walk through the market, see what catches your eye,” He mumbled. You nodded along, finding it fair enough. You didn’t entirely know what you were looking for. So, for that reason, browsing around didn't seem too bad of an idea.

The walk wasn't too long. Slowly the calm path towards the castle morphed into busy streets, teeming with life. The heart of the capital was alive with noise, vendors in their stalls calling to people in the streets. The smell of various foods wafted in the air around you as you walked, a certain type of happiness settling in your chest. It was easy to forget the melancholy that hung around the castle while you were here.

It wasn't too long of wandering before you were noticed. Vendors would excitedly call to you, trying to get you to buy some of their wares. You did always look, complimenting whatever they were selling half the time. From one stand, you purchased a trinket box, the metal heavy in your hands. The sun caught onto the ornate lid, causing the jewels set into it to sparkle. The sides were less flashy, but still well made, with roses carved into the side. It spoke to you, practically, reminding you warmly of the kingdom you were going to leave.

As you continued your trek, an older voice called to you with urgency, a soft, "Princess! Come, come!" An older man beckoned to you, age wearing down his face and hands. You didn't even need to think twice, walking towards him with Dream in tow. The man behind you was busying himself with a stuffed bun he had bought, seemingly content to just follow you. The old man smiled as you walked over, looking down to his wares.

Knives and daggers covered the majority of the surface, though there was an occasional sword or bundle of arrows. The handles had intricate designs carved into the leather, though the blades were no less sharp or decorated. "I hear you're going on a dangerous journey soon," The man's voice interrupted you. You moved your attention to his face, meeting his gaze calmly.

"It's really not as dangerous as everyone is making it seem," You explained, offering a smile. The man just laughed, shaking his head at you.

"Off, alone, with a man too afraid to show his face and hides behind the face of a beast. If he is comfortable wearing the face of a beast, surely he is one himself." There was an edge to his voice and you could only sigh. Gossip from servants traveled fast, and it seemed stories of Techno's appearance had already reached the capital. You didn't care too much, though his words were minutely unsettling.

"You need to protect yourself from him. I have the perfect thing for you- free of charge. We can't have you getting hurt in enemy territory." He explained, rustling around to pick up one of the daggers. You were tempted to protest the price, surely not wanting to take from him. It wasn't right. Even if he did offer. Yet you could tell he wouldn't accept a single coin you gave him.

He presented the dagger to you for inspection, which you did humor. It was a pretty dagger, a dark leather grip with flowers sitting amongst vines of thorns. The cross guard was simple, curved, with a flower sitting in the middle of either side. The pommel similarly matched, while the thorned vines crawled down onto the design in the metal. It felt perfect in your hands, and you could have sworn the man had made it just for you.

You looked up to him, his dark eyes twinkling with something you couldn't place. "It's beautiful, thank you," You murmured your thanks. Any thought of rejecting it had left you the moment the leather fell to your hand. He seemed delighted by this, reaching to take it back to put it in a sheath. The sheath was put into a belt before being handed off to you.

"Keep yourself safe, little one," he told you. You nodded, fingers running along the leathed of the belt. You didn't really wear belts, so it felt almost foreign in your grip.

"Here," Dream interrupted, picking up the belt. He didn't waste time in fastening it around your waist, the dagger comfortably sitting against your hip. It was positioned so that your dominant hand could grab the dagger easily, should you need it.

"I thought you didn't want me to have weapons," You grumbled. Dream was silent as he resumed his earlier position, walking with you once more. With each step, the dagger hit your hip. It was a foreign feeling, but not an unwelcome one. 

"I don't, but I don't trust Technoblade. A dagger is straightforward enough to use. Even you can't fuck it up." He sounded bitter at the mention of Techno, but seemed to divert it to light hearted teasing. You huffed, rolling your eyes.

"Maybe I'll try it on you first." You shoved him with your shoulder, unable to hide your laugh at his affronted gasp.

"You wouldn’t!" His exclamation was followed by a laugh, and you couldn’t help but smile. He was one of the things you would miss.

The sun climbed even higher into the sky as the pair of you walked, with you buying a few trinkets. You bought a few pieces of jewelry from various vendors, too fond of their work to part with it. Who knew when you would be given the chance to visit this market again. You and Dream had stopped by a small bakery to eat lunch, listening to the tales around you and watching the streets.

It was only when the sun was falling, and the daytime vendors began to pack up, that you started your way back. Dinner time would be soon. As the streets emptied, the activity dwindling down, you felt the melancholy creep back over you once more.

"I got you something," Dream finally interrupted, causing you to look up at him. Your eyebrows knitted for a moment, trying to remember when he had snuck off to get it. Or maybe he had brought it with him.

"You did?" You asked, pausing in the street.

"I got it earlier this week, but today seemed a good time to give it to you," He explained, rustling around for a few moments. He grasped a small bag, pulling it out and untying it. He didn't look directly at you as he pulled out the piece inside, instead focused solely on it.

It was a necklace- a very extravagant one at that. You don't think you'd ever had one like it. Multiple strands of beads connected three large jewels together, with charms comprised of smaller jewels in the shape of roses dangling from it intermittently. The light caught the yellow jewels, though red tinged the outside of them. It was always roses, wasn't it? It always had been.

In the very middle sat a metal plate, carved with the image of a picked rose with its thorns clipped. It was pretty. You couldn’t even imagine how much it cost. "Thank you, Dream. You didn’t have to get me something like this," You had started. He huffed in response, moving behind you to drape it around your neck.

"I know, but I wanted to. I hope whenever you wear it you think of me," he mumbled as he fastened it, the comfortable weight settling against your neck. You touched it, smiling softly.

"I will, Dream. Don't make me cry, though. There's too much left to do today." You knew you would be a mess by the end of the night. After all, this was your family you were leaving. It was going to sting just a little.

The walk back to the castle was relatively silent. Dream was thinking about something, but you didn't press. You weren't sure you could handle it right now. Once you had returned and eaten dinner, it was time to spend time with your family. Which, truthfully, you were glad to. Dream didn't protest on going home, though he did send a final accusatory glance at Techno as he left.

The prince didn't linger after dinner, simply bidding you a good night as he went to retire to his own rooms. You were fine with that, though. It let you put your whole concentration on your family as the four of you sat in one of the rooms. You all spoke fondly of everything you could think of. All of you were almost reluctant to say goodnight.

"I can't believe my baby is leaving tomorrow," Your mom finally broached the topic. You offered a sad smile, moving to hug her.

"I'll always write to you," you whispered, face nestled into her neck. She didn't say anything for a long while, just holding you there. You didn't complain, letting her do so. As she pulled back after she seemed ready, she reached for the blanket that had been sat in her lap.

"This was my great grandmother's, and has been passed down to the eldest daughter of everyone in our family. It's your turn to take it," She murmured, handing it to you. The weave was heavy, the red fabric carefully twined with golden accents. You could tell it was old, but you were extremely glad to have it.

"Thank you, I'll cherish it. Should I have any daughters, I'll give it to them as well." It was unknown if you would have children. It depended on how the marriage required itself to be upheld. Your gaze turned to your dad next.

"You always were getting into trouble and going on adventures. Don't get into too much trouble over there, okay?" He murmured affectionately, offering you a hug. This one wasn't nearly as long as your mother's, but that was fine. He wasn't as attached as your mother, nor as affectionate, so the hug meant the world to you.

You had nodded, not trusting your words right now. This was the worst part. Leaving. The goodbyes. Even harder was turning to George, who stared at you with an almost sad smile. "I'm going to miss you. Who else am I going to walk through the gardens with now?" He asked, causing you to give a watery laugh. You imagined he would make do.

"You always did love the gardens, so here's a piece of home. Only some light reading." He extended a hand, holding a thick book out to you. The leather cover was embossed with various flowers, and you smiled. It was a flower guide. Flowers were important to your kingdom, and though you were fond of them you never bothered to learn them. Now it was time, you supposed.

"I'll miss you, George. Try not to have too much fun without me," Your voice cracked as you spoke. He nodded, arms curling tightly around you within seconds. You sniffled, hiding against his shoulder and clinging to him. His hugs were always the best, not having them readily available to you would hurt. You didn't like it.

"Just promise me you'll write and take care of yourself." You could only nod as his voice reverberated through you. You didn't want to let go, but the seconds bled into minutes and sleep was calling you. Even as reluctant as you were, you did let go.

"I'll write to everyone. As often as I can," You said. You choked a little, refusing to say goodbye. Even as you walked with George to your room, you couldn't bring yourself to say the word. Maybe tomorrow would be better. Next Chapter | >

[lunnybunny12]

Sandor Clegane x reader (Reason 1)

Requests are open 

Warnings: Death, Murder, hanging, swearing and prostitution 

Word count: 1230

Part 2 (Reason 2)

Part 3 (Reason 3)

Part 4 (Reason 4)

Master list

A daughter of a whore, raised by nuns, became a thief, ran away to Braavos and was trained as an assassin. That just about summed you up.

You had fought your whole life to get to where you were, to prove you were worthy enough to be apart of a world filled with shitty people. Despite all of that, you still found yourself  laughing at the situation you found yourself in.

"(Y/n) fucking Hill"

Your head shot up at hearing that name. You hadn't gone my Hill since you went to Braavos.

"Ah, so you know our little sparrow do ya Clegane?" Thoros said nudging your side as he sat beside you.  When he saw the look you gave to the former guard he dropped his joking demeanour. 

"The Fuck you doing here?"

Sandor stared at you for a moment before turning to the 3 men behind you. The men were stood on 3 small barrels, hands tied behind their backs and a rope around their necks.

"Chasing them. You?"

"Hanging them" Berec retorted.

"They're our men. Or they were. They attacked a nearby septor and murdered the villagers, why do you want them?" Thoros asked.

"Same reason. I was helping build it. They killed a friend of mine."

"You have friends?"

"Not any more" Sandor said, his eyes darted to you for a second before walking up to your group "They're mine."

"It's the brotherhoods good name they've dragged through the dirt-"

"Fuck your name. They're mine," Sandor said through gritted teeth. " I've killed you once before Beric and I'm happy to do it again."

At the corner of your eye, you saw another one of your group stretch his bowstring and aim an arrow at him.

"Drop the arrow," You said clearly so that everyone could hear and stepped closer to him.

 "He's not going to hurt US... you can have one of them."

The look you got wasn't one of surprise or shock. He was thinking. The other men around you weren't surprised at your boldness, you'd been with them for years and had quickly earnt the respect you were given.

"... Two" Sandor said looking at you.

After a moment of silent deliberation, you nodded to him in agreement.

Just as Sandor was about to plant his axe in one of the traitors heads, Thoros stopped him.

"We're not butchers..."

"Speak for yourselves" you mumbled under your breath with a smile.

"... We hang them"

With an annoyed look, Sandor replied "Hanging? All over in an instant. Wheres the punishment in that?"

"They die-"

"Thay all bloody die. Except for that one" Sandor said motioning to the one-eyed man behind him. " I'll only gutt one of em"

By this point, you had taken a few steps away to get a better view of the scene. The men that were about to die were part of your group once but their twisted sense of right and wrong had lead them to do awful things. They deserved what they were about to get and thankfully others thought the same.

"No" Beric said.

"Chop off one hand?"

"We gave you 2 of the 3 out of the respect of your loss. That's generous."

With a sigh, Sandor dropped his axe " You're all a bunch of Nancies... There was a time I would've killed all 8 of you just to gutt these 3."

"You're getting old Clegane" you chuffed

Suddenly, Sandor kicked the barrel out from under one of the man's feet, sending him falling a short distance to his slow death.

"He's not" Sandor said doing the same to another of the man.

That's when you moved to stand in front of the last man. His eyes wide with fear. You'd admit that you enjoyed watching the fear grow as you let kicked away his barrel too.

When you got back to camp, Beric told Sandor that he was born a fighter and no matter where he went a fight would always find him. How everything happens for a reason Bla bla bla.  It was true that Sandor was a fighter, he had gutted his first man when he was 12 years old and didn't regret it, but that didn't make him a fighter. What made him a fighter was how he continued to live his life and grow stranger with every passing day and by the way he looked he had continued to do so. Beric also said that Sandor would be useful in the brotherhood. How it needed strong men to help is win the upcoming war and how he could help more people he's hurt.

You saw something change in him at that moment. It could have been how he sat or the look in his eye, you weren't sure... but something did change.

That night when everyone was supposed to be asleep, you stayed awake to keep the fire lit. While stoking the flames, thoughts swam around your head like a fish in a shallow pond. The flames shone like a beacon in the pitch-black forest. The occasional snore and animal sounds echoed off of the trees. The stars above were the only thing for the company.

At the corner of your eye, you saw someone lumbering their way towards you. You weren't scared, you knew he wouldn't hurt you.

"Cant sleep Clegane?"

"Not with all these cunts snoring like dying pigs"

"It good to see you haven't changed" You said, eyes gazing into the fire. 

"and there's no point in trying to save face, I know you're still angry with me,"

"And for good fucking reason. You kissed me took the gold and pissed off to Braavos the first chance you got." he quietly seethed. when he put it like that it did sound like an awful thing to do.

With a sighed "Sandor, what am I?"

"I'm not playing guessing games (Y/n)"

"What am I? I'm a bastard, born to a whore and gods know who. No money, no parents, hell not even a name. From the moment I was born, I had to fight for myself because no one else would. I pissed off because after your father died and that brother of yours became the lord, you became the princes bitch in the red keep. There was nothing for me in Westeros, so I left,"

"And what of that kiss then ey? You left that out of your little rant" he said cockily.

You looked at him without a speck of fear in your eyes. His whole life he had never met anyone who looked at him like that and it rendered him speechless.

"That kiss was the only thing of worth I could've given you to remember my by. I knew full well that if I died you'd be the only one in Westeros to remember me ... we were friends once Clegane and you couldn't even tell me you were leaving so I did it first." You said taking a deep swig of ale from a pouch on your hip and then passing it to him.

"Was that the only reason?" He asked taking the pouch from you.

"No. but its the only one I'm brave enough to admit to right now" You joked earning a smile from the man.

[dreamiesdotcom]

celestial | h.rj

Summary: To attribute full sight and still have the ability to describe things to someone who's never seen them means that you've felt the world deeper than anybody else.

Word count: 2164

a/n: idk whats up with me and midnights

Renjun's first question goes like this: "What does the pool look like?"

Naturally, Jeno panics; how do you explain a pool to someone who's never seen it? He's been so used to seeing it on a daily that he didn't even pay mind to the details. He debates on describing a rectangle, and then describing the waters, and then whatever the hell his 12-year-old mind could come up with. Naturally, he fails.

For him, you saved everything that day. You grabbed Renjun's hand, intertwining your fingers before grazing the water. "Do you feel that?"

"What exactly am I supposed to feel?"

"The water. Do you feel that constant flow and the relaxing cold?" you laughed then, patient even for the moody boy. He huffs out his cheeks and nods, you let go of his hands. "That's blue, Renjun. The water reflects the sky, and a pool is like a little ocean. An ocean is like a world filled with blue."

He tries to think of it, vast and endless fields of freedom. He couldn't, though; all he's known about the sky is that it was blue, and that blue is associated with sadness. He takes advantage of the fact that someone's willing to answer his question, and he asks again, "Is it scary?"

"Mhm, for some, it is. I'll let you in a secret, come here." You nod, and then he tilts his head to the side. He hears a splash, and doesn't expect it once he hears your voice after — "I'm actually scared of swimming pools."

"Didn't you just go in?"

"No, that was Jeno. I'm here." You poked a finger on his left arm, and he could tell you're wearing that cheeky grin. His stance softens. "I'm just beside you."

###

It was morning, the sun was shining and the scorching summer heat was kinder than everyone expected it to be. Somewhere around the room, Chenle and Jisung successfully trapped a sleeping Jaemin in a domino prison, Jeno's trying to convince them why this is such a bad idea and Mark is getting scolded by Hyuck. The TV fades to background noise, the plan of cooking extra pancakes long forgotten. Renjun leans his head on your shoulders, "What does the night look like?"

It felt like an odd question to ask as the sun is halfway to its peak, but Renjun's curiosity piques in no time. You hum for a bit to think, "The night is very different to a lot of people."

Very different for a lot of people... yeah, many things in the world are like that. He figured it out years ago when you told him about the swimming pools, and the airplanes, and the rollercoasters. He figured it out when you talked to him about books, when you taught him about colors, about shapes.

He still doesn't know what different looks like, and what importance it holds.

"Hyuck loves the night. You hear his laughter, right? He likes going on adventures and feeling the wind. I think, to him, the night looks like a harsh passing of the breeze you felt when we went out on a drive." He takes in your words. These days, he gets better with understanding metaphors — he learned that blue is not just a shade of sadness, and that sky doesn't always mean blue — he understands your words better. "But me... I just sleep. I don't like the night very much."

"Huh?"

"Have you ever been in a silent place, Jun?" you asked softly. "Not the silence you can fill with music. I'm talking about blank, emotionless silence; the one that echoes. The one that haunts you. The one that makes you feel alone. That's what the night looks like for me."

Renjun wanted to nod, and he wanted to say yes because he's been in that silent place for the longest time. It's all he's ever known, and it's all that he's ever seen; it's the only thing he sees — black, echoing, loud nothingness.

He didn't, though.

Instead, he asks a question, "What do you think about the night?"

"I think it's a question." comes quickly in a reply. "I still don't know how a nightmare town gives life to dreamers, but it does. It's a question I do not want to know the answer to."

Renjun knows of the stars and the sky, and you'd tried to explain their light by telling him what blinding comfort was — think of all your loneliest moments being washed away by the fire I told you about, and that's pretty much it, 'jun — and he knows of the big, gazing moon that changes shape now and then. It's what makes up most of the night, Jeno had said, so he knows that too.

What he doesn't know is why it seems so vicious to you, and what he doesn't know is that if he could see, would he have chosen to close his eyes to not witness such complex sadness.

###

It's at times like this when solace blooms in his heart. The rest of the world seems to be fast asleep, but he's so awake, so aware, so alive. You sit beside him, yet again brought him to the place you and Jaemin frequents in, and he ignores the jealous feeling in his chest. It's at times like this that Renjun realizes he's falling.

"Your smile must look beautiful," he wonders out loud. "Can you please tell me how your smile looks like?"

"Me?" You replied nonchalantly. Your chuckle passes as cold as the night breeze, and he wonders how the poet would write themselves as poetry. The blankness of your words dulls the hope in his eyes, "I... don't like it. My eyes... they always look tired. I always look tired. I hate myself."

For a moment, he dwells on his thoughts — Jaemin's brought you here, and you're more frequent here together, and he's seen how you looked against the glimmering stars. Did he fall in love? Did he want to keep you all to himself, like a little secret? Did he want to kiss you until all spite of yourself vanishes from your soul? Jaemin must've, Renjun knows. He knows because even blind, he's aware of how beautiful you truly are; not only he's heard it from his friends, but he feels it strongly. He couldn't see the city lights that he's heard of so many times, but he knows you shine brighter than them.

Hell, he couldn't even see you — he couldn't even see anything, but he knows you do. He knows you are. You think he's wrong, that he's more gorgeous, but he reaches for your hands.

He doesn't know what beautiful looks like. He just knows that it's breath-taking, soul-stealing, ethereal, and you.

"I think you smile like euphoria. I think you smile like the sound of music boxes, those with lovely tunes," he says, eyes closed and breathing fast. "I think... "

'I love you.' oh, how he wished it's easy to say those words. He purses his lips. "...you're one of the most beautiful people I've ever met, right next to my mother."

Beside him, you chuckled and held his hands. "You're sleepy."

"I am. Right now, I'm sleepy and I know you're beautiful." He squeezes your hands, looking at the direction he knows you're at. He lets out a shaky smile, "Tomorrow, I will be wide awake and I'd still think you're stunning."

It's at times like this that Renjun realizes he's falling. It's at times like this that he fears how much he can't wait to crash.

###

Renjun's biggest fear among many is that he'll never feel like this again.

He fell too hard. He fell too quickly and too harshly and he's only noticing it now when the impact makes itself known and he couldn't stand up. He knew that he was scared, he knew that he was afraid then, but only now did he know what it truly meant to be terrified; when he's sitting beside you on the roof, feeling the wind pass by, and he couldn't help but wonder what if it's not us, but I can never love the person meant for me because they're not you?

It's a silly thing, maybe. He did not believe in many things and fate is not one of the few he believed in. He thinks that love is something you choose for yourself — it's something you decide on your own. He thinks that the only problem in 'not being made for each other' is that you relied too much on what the stars wrote, and didn't write your story on your own. What even are these stars, aside from unknown giant speckles of light? Why should they decide someone's life?

He adores them, he knows, and now he can't help his curiosity: "How do the stars look like tonight?"

"They're bright. Very bright."

He swoons at the content sigh you let out before speaking, and he lets himself indulge. It's at moments like this when he lets himself feel, where he relishes in the adoration he nestles.

"They ought to be," he whispers to himself. "They gotta be bright if they're trying to outshine you."

Giggles fades to laughter, and genuine words burn forced. He could almost taste the bitterness of your words, "You haven't seen me."

Does he need to?

"I don't need to," he concludes. "There's so much more to you than what I couldn't see."

Because it's true. All those years you held this something in you, a piece of an old soul and an unknown heavenly something you ignored just so you could spite yourself. You had this way with words, this certain understanding of the world that he's never found in someone else. Renjun thinks that to attribute full sight and still have the ability to describe things to someone who's never seen them means that you've felt the world deeper than anybody else, and to know that the world is cruel but still choose to keep your eyes open is something that should be admired.

Right now, you're the closest to him you've ever been, and he bathes in the feeling of your lips hovering above his.

"I'm a mess, Huang Renjun."

"You're an art in progress," he whispers back, eyes fluttering shut as you close what little distance you have left. "But even half-made, you're a masterpiece."

###

If somebody asked Renjun if he ever saw this coming, he'd say "Why the fuck would you even ask me that question?"

Alright, jokes aside, never in his mind did he think life would turn out this way. First of all, a lot of unexpected things have already happened, but he's stubborn so of course, that doesn't convince him. He should've felt it coming, but of course, he refused to. After all, why would he even think of his best friend laying beside him on his bed, talking about random things all night in every way domestic? Why would he even think of you two being together, whispering sweet nothings to each other? He's guilty of doing those, yes, but that doesn't mean that he knows the answer. In a spur of the moment decision, he asks another question — "Why'd you choose me?"

"You're the only one who wanted me—IT'S A JOKE! Hey, hey, I was only kidding," you laugh, finding so many things entertaining about the fact that he's unamused. He preens at the soft kiss you placed on the edge of his lips, and then even more when you whisper, "You're the only one I wanted."

Normally, this is where his heart would do those weird flips and antics. This is the time where he'd feel like he's in another world, like he's invincible and oh so lucky to be thoroughly adored by the person he loves so much.

It's only that sometimes, Renjun feels unreasonable. He's sensitive and insecure and it's so much easier to find flaws in himself than to appreciate the things that made him who he is. Sometimes, he needs to ask some things he's not exactly sure of, things much like: "Even with... even with my eyes... like this?"

And it's you, and it's never dull when it's with you, everything is always beautiful and poetic. He doesn't know where that voice was coming from, but he hears it in his mind, and it tells him to trust you.

A butterfly kiss on each of his eyelids. A hand warm on the top of his hands. The rain pours heavily outside but it's muffled enough that it's calming, and all that he can think of is warm, so warm, so loved. You hold your foreheads close and keep them close for seconds, before you press a soft kiss on his lips, "Your eyes are beautiful, my love."

And for once, Renjun's not afraid to ask — "How do they look like?"

Beautiful and so much more.

"As if something straight out of a magical dream, because you are. You are magical," you whisper, breathing in slow intervals. "You are the closest to celestial a human could be."

[alinastracker]

I MADE SOME BREAKFAST IF YOURE HUNGRY for my beloveds pls if u so wish

ANYTHING FOR U MY LOVE

Better Late Than Never

Mal had been half-watching a replay of the England-Scotland game, half falling asleep the previous night when his phone sent him jolting awake.

Beep-beep, is that my bestie in a Tessie? Fresh blow out, skin on tan, ooh, she ready Bitch, you look goodt, with a T at the end I'ma hype her every time, that my motherfuckin' friend

He knew from the ringtone alone who was calling, so where normally he might pause before taking a call — he'd go mental talking to one more damn scammer — Mal answered instantly, fumbling to bring the phone up to his ear.

"'Ello," he answered, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes. He quickly checked the time on his phone and frowned. 12:30 AM. His roommate slash best friend slash unrequited love of his life never called this late. She was either already home, sitting beside him on the couch watching a bad movie, or settled in her destination for the night. Genya's. Inej's. That asshole she'd been hooking up with.

"Mal?" Alina said, her voice shaky. It sounded like she was crying.

He was up in an instance, already moving to the door, stuffing his feet into slides and grabbing his keys, any thought of sleep long forgotten.

"Send me your location."

By the time she did, he was already in the car, flooring it out of the building's parking garage. Alina was sniffling, trying to hide just how upset she was. But he knew, he always knew.

"Did he hurt you, 'Lina?"

"Mal—"

"I swear, I'll kick his ass. I can call Nikolai for backup, but I'm sure I can take him on my own."

"Can you stop being a stereotypical man for five seconds, please."

He sighed. "Right, 'course. Sorry." Mal glanced at the GPS on his phone. Thank the saints she was close. "I'm five minutes away. Do you want me to stay on with you?"

"No," Alina said, followed by another sniffle that only made him drive faster. "Just hurry. And can we get chips?"

Twenty minutes later, they were back at the flat, Alina with a McDonald's bag and chocolate milkshake in her hands. Her makeup was smeared all over her face, a mess of black smudges. How dare her, he thought, still look so fucking beautiful.

Mal had tried asking her what happened, but she'd only shaken her head.

"I don't want to talk about it," she had said, her voice so delicate that he nearly turned the car around and let toxic masculinity win this round.

Instead he took her to get her food, then drove them home. Let her lock herself in her room, and by the sounds of it, cry some more.

It was morning now and Mal was standing in nothing but his old plaid jim-jams, fixing up breakfast for the two of them. Crepes, because he knew she loved her sweets, and hash browns, just in case she still had a hankering for potatoes. He got out their old wooden serving tray they only ever used when one of them — or more often, both of them — were sick and wanted soup in bed. Mal stacked up the crepes, piled on the hash browns, bringing all the sugary syrup and wicked hot sauce she liked for the respective items, and knocked on her bedroom door.

Alina appeared a few moments later. She was still wearing last night's clothes, her hair up in a clip yet still all over the place, some of the makeup still holding out on her face. She looked tired, and he wondered how much she had actually slept.

"What's this?" she asked, the hint of a smile on her face.

Mal shrugged. "Err, I made some breakfast, if you're hungry?"

"Crepes and hash?"

He nodded.

She smiled a real smile then — the smile he liked to think she saved for him alone, but he knew better. Alina motioned for him to follow her in, and they settled on her bed together.

"This is all for me?" she asked, holding up the single fork he'd brought along. When he nodded, she laughed. "Mal, this is enough food for an army. Go get a fork, you dork." She backed up the statement by poking his side, and Mal blushed.

A moment later, he was back with a fork, and for a while, the two of them ate in silence.

When they had reached the point of only picking at the remaining food, he asked, "Do you want to talk about last night?"

Alina sighed. "I do suppose I owe you an explanation."

"You don't owe me anything," Mal said. "I just want to make sure you're okay."

She looked down, fiddling with the end of her dress. The fabric had started to bunch up, exposing so much of her thigh and — no, nope, this is not the moment, Malyen.

Blowing out a breath, she said, "I went there for a hook up. You probably guessed that. But, I don't know. When it came to actually . . . hooking up, something in me just didn't want it." She was still looking anywhere but his face. "And I told him that, and he stopped. He didn't try — it wasn't like that. But he got really, really angry. Said I had no right coming over and drinking his alcohol and dressing the way I did just to hold out. And then I started crying and he got even angrier."

Mal couldn't help it. He pushed the breakfast tray away and wrapped his arms around her. Alina relaxed against him, tucking her head under his chin. She always had been tiny like that.

"I was just really scared. So I ran out and I called you. That's it, that's all that happened. It was my fault—"

"Don't you dare," he whispered into her hair. "It's not remotely your fault, Alina. I don't care what you drank or how you dressed. You should know that more than anyone, miss self proclaimed raging feminist."

Alina laughed, and it was better than any song he'd ever heard. Just hearing her laugh after last night, after hearing how upset she had been. He hadn't really relaxed, he realized, until that exact moment, with her safe and laughing in his arms.

"I'm sorry, Mal," she said softly, taking him by surprise.

"Sorry for what?"

"For doing this to you, every time. Any mess that I get myself into, I always call you, and you're always there. Every time."

"Of course, 'Lina. You don't have to apologize." Mal swallowed the lump in his throat and hoped she hadn't noticed. "That's what best mates do, huh?"

"Right," she muttered. "Best mates."

"You don't sound very pleased with that," he teased, disguising the sting in his chest.

The room was dark for a Sunday morning, storm clouds ruining any chance for sunlight. But he could still see the look on Alina's face as she pulled back, the same look she got when she was doing something new, whether it be riding his skateboard for the first time or asking out a stranger, nervous but determined.

"You're right," she said, softly, firmly. "I'm not pleased with that."

Time was moving too fast. In a blink, Alina was closer than ever, pressing her lips to his. And like an idiot, he froze.

She pulled back when he failed to respond, disappointed but not defeated. "Sorry," she said. "There's a reason none of my hook ups have been working lately, and I just had to try."

Mal shook his head, trying and failing to form words. So he forced time to slow and kissed her instead. Softly, firmly. An exploration he had imagined so many times, and none of them held a light to the real thing.

Alina curled her arms around his neck, pressing herself closer. She was so soft, from her lips to where his hand rested on the small of her back. When she ran her tongue along his lower lip, Mal opened for her, and they moaned into each other. She tasted sweet from the syrup with the occasional lick of heat from the hot sauce. Though there was plenty of the latter between them already.

Neither of them said anything for a long moment when they finally pulled away, sucking air into their lungs. But their eyes were locked, and after all these years, they never needed words.

Alina was on him again in moments, their kiss no longer soft and sweet, but hard and desperate. Mal bit down on her lower lip, she felt her way across his bare chest, left scratches down his back when he started kissing her neck.

He's not sure which one of them kicks the breakfast tray off the bed. Maybe they both had a role. But at the sound of crashing dishes, they broke apart once more.

"Oops," Alina mumbled.

"Shit," Mal breathed. "We should probably clean that."

"Yeah, 'suppose. Ants or whatever."

A moment of silence stretched between them as neither made a move toward the mess on the floor.

"I mean, the ants won't move too fast," Mal reasoned.

"Not at all. We're on the third floor, anyway."

One look, and Mal reached for her again. Alina giggled as his mouth found her neck once more, her hand taking hold in his hair, directing him. Meanwhile, he was positive he currently had the most throbbing erection of his life. As if sensing this, Alina rolled her hips against his, and when she gasped, he knew she had felt it.

"'Lina—"

"Saints, Mal. You're . . . wow."

He was blushing again. "I'm sorry."

"Sorry? Why the hell are you sorry?"

"Because you were just talking about that twat pressuring you for sex! Not exactly time for the erection from hell!"

Alina laughed. "Mal, I didn't want fuck him. But I've wanted to fuck you for five years."

"Well now you tell me."

They both laughed then, and Alina pulled him into another kiss.

"Better late than never?"

Mal groaned as she rolled her hips again. "Definitely."

That morning, after living in their flat for three years, Mal and Alina got their first noise complaint.

Two Months Later

Mal was half-asleep, half-watching some shitty horror movie on a lazy Sunday afternoon, when the sound of his phone had him jolting awake.

Can I go where you go? Can we always be this close forever and ever? And ah, take me out, and take me home You're my, my, my, my Lover

He didn't have to check before answering. Mal knew exactly who was calling.