#I'M GLAD THAT I PUSHED YOU TO DO IT!!! I'M GLAD MY TAGS ACTUALLY WORKED!!!!!

[reblogging-random-stuff-i-like]

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okay we need some positivity rn so let's play a game and please say something nice to the person who reblogged this

[lunarharp]

"Found out" set in kind of a made-up chapter where the girls are in trouble, or something.

[knifegremliin]

SO GUESS WHO WAS WRONG ABOUT HIS LAPTOP'S HEADPHONE JACK NOT WORKING ANYMORE (it was a problem with the earbuds)

[cherubfae]

𝔠𝔯𝔲𝔰𝔥𝔦𝔫𝔤 𝔬𝔫 𝔟𝔢𝔞𝔰𝔱-𝔩𝔦𝔨𝔢 𝔯𝔢𝔞𝔡𝔢𝔯 || {𝔡𝔲𝔫𝔪𝔢𝔰𝔥𝔦}

ft. laios, marcille, chilchuck, namari, mickbell, & kabru

tags: sfw, bit of blood/gore, alcohol consumption, gender neutral/ implied afab reader (use of they/them), reader wraps their chest!, reader is implied to be a canine-like beast but left ambiguous (wolf, fox, coyote, etc) lovedrunk and flustered babies, pre-established relationship, reader can be interpreted as a beast-man, magically altered being, were-beast, etc!!, they can turn into an actual beast

a/n: I flustered myself writing this lmao, clearly i do not have favorites whaaaa-- haha! it's good to be back. I hope all of you are well and you enjoy this fic!! kabru's got unintentionally longggg <3 -- noah

Laios

Holy crow!! You are so, so, amazing!! This man will watch in awe as you easily strike down your enemy with a single downstroke of your blade. It glides through the monster like butter, a gust of wind from the blow kicking up dirt and debris.

You scoff, nose twitching in disgust as you shake off the bits of blood and gore that cling to the sharp steel. Your eyes drift upwards, ears perking up at Laios's interest. Eyebrow lifting into your hairline in question.

"O-oh, ah, good job!" Laios sputters, a rosy hue coating his cheeks. Lips tilting into a slight smirk you nod in response. You give him a thumbs up, winking your eye playfully at the blonde.

"Happy to help! By the way, why're you all red?"

Laios gulped, "Ju-just kind of warm in here, y'know? M'okay." He tugs at the collar beneath his chest armor for effect, his golden gaze looking anywhere but down at you and your pretty smile. He absolutely doesn't want to fixate how the points of your fangs jut out ever so slightly from beneath your upper lip, and how much he would very much like to touch them.

Marcille

She's no better than a man, she's no better than a man, she's no better than a man--

Marcille, despite the shame that digs deep into her gut, cannot tear her eyes away from you as you wash away the soot and ash covering your arms. Your shirt had been torn by the blast of one her explosive spells, leaving your arms and a bit of your bare torso exposed.

Tracing the path your veins map out, Marcille swallows thickly. Your arms were defined with muscle, not too bulky. You had clearly worked hard to get where you are. A much more experienced and capable dungeon explorer.

"You alright, Marcy?" Your voice floats to her ears, making them twitch. Suddenly bursting into a panic, Marcille blubbers out a screech.

Floundering, she squeaks, "Ah! Yes!! I'm so sorry-- your shirt!! I can fix it!" She grasps her staff, crowding herself in front of you. You wave her off gently, patting her shoulder.

You grin, fangs poking out. "Nah, s'alright. Got another one in my pack." You turn your back to her, peeling off the remains of your shirt, adjusting the wraps around your chest and back before kneeling down to rummage in your rucksack for a new tunic. Marcille damn near passes out.

Chilchuck

Normally he hates being shoved out of the way and pushed around like he's some kid, but with the absolute onslaught you bring during fighting, he's glad to have you looking out for him!

You are so many things: strong, swift, quick on your feet, and can be incredibly brutal when you need to be. You aren't just a threat to an enemy you face, you are a promise. You see to it that any foe will not harm your party.

Chilchuck himself isn't immune to the way you seem to get a bit more feral when he is threatened."He-ey!! What are you--!" He can't stop the way his heart leaps into his throat. His surprised gasp cut short when you scoop him up into your arms, dodging a long bow arrow barreling towards him.

With ears ringing at the deep, low snarl rumbling in the back of your throat, Chil blinks owlishly. He follows your gaze to see living armor being taken down by Izutsumi. Sighing in relief, the halfling relaxes in your embrace. He is incredibly lucky to have you looking out for him! Glancing up at you, his face explodes into a red glow upon seeing your tender gaze already transfixed on him.

Yeah, you might end up being the death of him.

Namari

A person after her own heart!! She revels in the rush of adrenaline that courses through her veins when she takes down an enemy, but you're even a step further than her!

Not only are you strong but you are an amazing asset to the team! You're incredibly versatile with weapons: axes, swords, lances, daggers, bows-- you name it! But what's really killer about you are your claws and teeth! How you can turn into an actual beast when angered enough, determined to fight for those you love. Namari has never met someone quite as unique as yourself. She just wished you weren't in Laios's party, but in hers.

You are immaculate, Namari thinks. She can't help but stare at you from across the bar, watching with an immense yearning as you laugh heartily with Laios and Marcille throwing your pints of ale up in a toast.

"Why don't you go talk to them? O-oh shit, here they come!" Chilchuck slurs from behind his own pint, cheeks flushed pink from the alcohol. Namari sighs, too buried in her own thoughts to register her friend's words. Setting down her cup fingers sliding along the lip of the glass. She clumsily reaches over for the pitcher, gasping as it nearly tumbles off the edge of the table. You catch it with ease, smiling with that same kind smile she loved.

Pulling up a stool, you settle down besides the two on the opposite end. Smiling, you refill your friend's drinks before filling up your own tumbler once more. Chilchuck downs his drink in one go, hiccupping softly. Folding his arms in front of him, he rests his head atop them for a quick snooze.

Snickering, your gaze turns to Namari, who suddenly feels like she's sobering up at a rapid pace. You're absolutely beautiful in the orange glow and warmth of the tavern. Drowning out the sound of the drunkards, she can barely focus on the words you're saying, her eyes going cross-eyed as she tries to read your lips.

"Let's get you home, Namari. I think you need some sleep." You gently muse, standing from your stool. Waving over your shoulder at Laios, you help Namari up, leaning her against your body. Marcille lifts Chilchuck up onto her back like a rucksack, despite his protests he ultimately relented. (They totally bickered like a teen daughter and her middle-aged father about wanting to stay five more minutes)

The night air was cool against your flushed skin. Namari shudders, tucking her chin and nose beneath the wool collar of her shirt, pressing herself closer to you and your warmth. Her hand slides carefully into yours, wobbly smiling when you lightly squeeze her hand. Even in her drunken stupor, she can't fight the awe of how easily you sway her stubborn heart.

Mickbell

If Kuro isn't the first to rush to Mickbell's aid, it's you instead. The more you help rescue him, the more he will start to rely on you, so don't you slack off!!

Mick gets an absolute kick out of watching you blast any sort of enemy away with your strength and he'd never admit out loud how much he enjoys the view, especially if you're defending him.<3 it makes him feel all giddy when you swoop in and save him.

Today was no different than before. A morgue of ghosts swarm the immediate area, dropping the temperature down a few levels. Accompanying the specters, is a lone basilisk. It's dual heads watching Mickbell like a lion on a hunt. Warm puffs of breath cling to the air as Kabru readies his sword, Holm making his way to the opposite end of the basilisk, a jar of holy water in his hands.

The basilisk lets out an ungodly shriek and surges forward. Knocking Mickbell back, you press your body over his, effectively becoming a shield over him. You're snarling, teeth exposed with intent to bite. Mick curls his hands against your tunic, eyes squeezing tight and prepares for impact.

"Now Holm!" Kabru slices downwards as Holm slices upwards, decapitating both heads. Mumuring a silent spell, Holm swirls the jar of holy water around like a lasso, shooing away the ghosts.

Gently prying Mick's hands from your shirt, you place a warm palm to his chilled cheek. His downcast green eyes open immediately, and he throws himself into your embrace, winding his arms around your neck. "Gaaah!! That was so scary!!" Over your shoulder, you miss how Mickbell gives Kuro a cheeky grin and a thumbs up.

Kabru

He has met all sorts of travelers and merchants and dungeon experts. While Laios is one that perplexes him, Kabru's curiosity in you reaches a certain level of fondness he isn't quite equipped to deal with. He knows he will be able to rely on you in the heat of battle at any given time. Your strength is plentiful, but even you have your limits.

"Does it still hurt?" Kabru softly asked. He sits beside you on the stone floor, shuddering at the slight chill that seeps in through his clothing. You lift your gaze to him, blinking slow. Kabru notes how your pupils dilate ever so slightly when you face him, something he feels hopeful for. You return your attention to the wound on your leg neatly wrapped in bandages-- a direwolf bite.

Giving a noncommittal shrug, you finish your handiwork, setting the bloodied old bandages ablaze. "I've had worse. If the wolf had broken my bones, that'd be another story. I don't want Rinsha wasting her mana on me. I can keep up just fine, I won't slow us down."

Kabru takes your chin between his thumb and forefinger softly, forcing you to look at him. "I didn't ask if you could keep up, I asked if it still hurt. You got hurt because you saved me from that direwolf, I've failed you." There's a tenderness in his azure stare.

"It hurts a bit," you whisper, unable to glance away. "You never fail me, Kabru." You smile. Kabru looses a small breath.

"I won't let that happen again. You have my word." For a moment, the world stills and the two of you find yourself leaning in. You can feel his warm breath on your lips, hyperaware of his large palm sliding down your arm to rest on your waist. Your hands slid to the front of his tunic, curling your knuckles into the fabric. He gasps softly when you tug him to you, lips almost touching when--

"HEY KABRU!" The shrill voice of Mickbell jerks the two of you apart. You gasp sharply as your leg knocks into the adjacent stone wall. Kabru is instantly at your side fretting over you.

Mickbell stares you two down from the doorway at opposite end of the room, mouth drawn into a confused expression. "Uhh, hey. Just wanted to know what's for dinner. You two good? Why do you look so red?" He shrugs his shoulders half a second later, deciding he really didn't care to know the answer. Wiggling himself between the two of you, Mickbell sighs and folds his arms back behind his head with closed eyes; completely oblivious to the shared flustered looks you and Kabru are sending one another.

|| ᴘʟᴇᴀꜱᴇ ᴅᴏɴ'ᴛ ʀᴇᴘᴏꜱᴛ, ʀᴇᴜꜱᴇ, ᴏʀ ᴇᴅɪᴛ ᴍʏ ᴡᴏʀᴋꜱ ɪɴ ᴀɴʏ ᴡᴀʏ! ɪ ᴅᴏ ɴᴏᴛ ɢɪᴠᴇ ᴘᴇʀᴍɪꜱꜱɪᴏɴ. ᴛᴜᴍʙʟʀ ɪꜱ ᴛʜᴇ ᴏɴʟʏ ꜱɪᴛᴇ ᴡʜᴇʀᴇ ɪ ᴘᴏꜱᴛ. ᴀʟʟ ᴄʜᴀʀᴀᴄᴛᴇʀꜱ ʙᴇʟᴏɴɢ ᴛᴏ ᴛʜᴇɪʀ ʀɪɢʜᴛꜰᴜʟ ᴏᴡɴᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ꜱᴛᴏʀʏ ʙᴇʟᴏɴɢꜱ ᴛᴏ ᴍᴇ © ᴄʜᴇʀᴜʙꜰᴀᴇ 2024 ||

[dwaekkicidal]

Hii sian!! Im new to your page and i love your writing! I don't know if requests are open rn tho. So feel free to ignore this! I was thinking if you could write something like dom!hyunjin x fem!reader and like hyunjin punishing reader for flirting with some other guys. feel free to ignore it and if you do want to write it i will be more then happy to read it! Also it can involve anything:3

hi nonnie❤! thank you :') I'm glad you've enjoyed everything so far! requests are open :3 if you're ever not sure just check my pinned post!

hope you enjoy hehe <3

Much Needed Reminder

˚ʚDom!Hyunjin x Model!Readerɞ˚

˚ʚ♡ɞ˚ word count: ~2.3k

˚ʚ♡ɞ˚ warnings: fem!reader, rough sex, meaner Hyunjin (my staple at this point sry not sry), dirty talk, ‘slut’ name calling, some spanking, overstim, mentions of edging

˚ʚ♡ɞ˚ notes: fun fact: the name Choi (최) is actually pronounced "Chwe/Chwi" :)

DO NOT republish or translate+post my work!

You’re currently in some random studio in Seoul, modeling for an upcoming collaboration you were having with Beauty of Joseon, a skincare company. Your boyfriend happily tagged along for once, since he finally had some free time outside of his schedule. He sat in the sidelines and watched you do your thing, giving you a huge smile anytime your eyes met his. It led to some of the team’s favorite shots of you: your genuine smile shining from the attention of your lover.

All was going well until a few hours in, you noticed the lingering eyes of the producer staring at your cleavage any chance he could. It made you feel grossed out, but when your eyes landed on your boyfriend’s murderous gaze, you couldn't stop your legs from pushing together. ‘It’s been a while since we’ve had sex anyways… why not make a little game out of it.’

So, a game you started. It started with fake bashful glances at the producer, making sure both mens eyes were on you when doing so. Then, it quickly moved on to overly dramatic whines and puppy dog eyes whenever the producer would come up to you in order to describe a new pose. You could tell by the pink cheeks of the producer and the narrowed eyes of your boyfriend that the game was already going in your favor.

The final straw was when everybody was wrapping up, putting away the products and their cameras. You all but skipped over to the producer, placing your soft hands on his bare arms and squeezing. “Thank you so much, Producer Choi! I had soooo much fun today.” You made sure to say it loud enough so that the outraged boy watching your every move could hear your tone clearly. If Hyunjin wasn’t so blind by anger, he would’ve seen right through your fake act.

However, he is NOT God’s strongest soldier, and the sight of your hands on another man had him rising to his feet. He turned his back to the scene and walked towards the snack tables to grab a bottle of water. You watched him from your peripheral and the nonexistent victory screen was already in your line of sight.

Feeling quite proud of yourself, you suddenly tell the producer that you couldnt wait to ‘have him as a friend’ and quickly moved your hands away from him. You ignored the way his eyes widened and his smile faltered, and you offered him a sweet smile as you swiftly made your way to the double doors labeled “EXIT.”

As you’re walking down the long hallway, you hear long steps following you. You smirk to yourself and make a show to sway your hips with each step you take. There’s a faint groan and you bite your lip to stop yourself from laughing. As you step in front of the door with your name on it, you’re suddenly pushed against it. You let out a sigh as the ‘unknown’ man behind you pushes you into the door, rubbing his bulge between your ass cheeks. He sighs out a low “Jagiya..” and your mouth moves before your brain can stop you from digging yourself into a deeper hole.

“Oh~.. Is that you, Producer Choi?”

The man behind you tenses before essentially growling into your hair. He swings the door open and shoves you in, slamming the door behind him before stalking towards you. You’re quickly turned and pushed up against your vanity, meeting the angry and narrowed eyes of your boyfriend. His eyes dip down to your smirk and he rolls his eyes before grabbing you by the chin.

“You are such a pain in my ass.” He mumbles out, pulling you into a wet kiss and pinning between his body and the table. His hands fiddle with the bottom of your dress, pulling it up and above your head as he pulls away from your lips. You go to complain and ask what he thinks he’s doing all of the sudden but his hand moves to grab your cheeks, squishing them together and making it hard for you to speak clearly.

“If you wanted to be fucked so bad you could have just asked me, honey. No need to go rub your pretty hands all over some filthy freak who you don’t even know. You’re mine.”

You giggle against his hold and when his hands move down to cup your waist, you finally speak out, “Yeah but where’s the fun in that?”

“You think you’re just sooo cute, don’t you baby…” He whispers into your ear, his hands teasingly trailing down your sides to rest against your hips. When you nod with a big grin on your face he can’t stop himself from laughing. “Yeah, you really are. But I think you need a reminder of who you belong to. That cuteness won’t stop me from fucking you stupid all over this room.” He spins you around and roughly pushes you into the laminated table top by the back of your head.

You wiggle your hips impatiently as you hear him unbuckling his belt and pulling his lower clothes down in one go. He lands a loud smack to your right ass cheek, pulling your hips against his own when you squeak and run from the contact. His hands grip onto your waist and pull you back into him, also pushing you into the table to angle you downwards.

His free hand traces his tip along your folds to gather your wetness before pushing in rather impatiently. Off the bat he set a brutal pace, pummeling into you with each thrust as his hands roamed all over your body. He possessively squeezed at your hips and your shoulders anytime he passed them, hoping if he did it enough it would mark his name into your skin forever.

“F-Fuck! Hyunjin, wait! The d-door is unlocked.”

“Good. Maybe I’ll even fuck you up against it and let the staff hear your slutty moans so they know who you belong to.”

You whine at the thought, letting your eyes flutter closed. Your cheeks constantly rubbed against the table as your hands dug into the edge of it. Your hands shakily move near your chest in an attempt to push yourself up. But before you know it, one of his hands trails into your hair and grabs a fistful from your scalp. He angles your head back and uses his grip as leverage to hold you in place against the vanity as he fucked your brains out.

You cry out when your eyes land on the mirror above you. You were met with the sight of your boyfriend’s thick lips caught between his teeth, his eyes narrowed and focused on where his hips smacked against yours. His arm muscles flexed with the sheer strength he used to hold you down, and the sight had your legs shaking.

“Jinnieee.. Fffuck. I’m so close, pleaaase.” Your pleas sounded so desperate, but you couldn’t find it in you to care when one of his long fingers reached under you to rub messy shapes onto your clit. With the added stimulation, it took you no time to gush around him. Your legs shook beneath you as your orgasm ran through your body. It passed fast and once you were finished, Hyunjin quickly pulled out. You didn’t feel him cum and you looked back at him confused.

“I’m not even close yet, so we’re not done. You wanna act like a slut, you’re gonna get treated like one.” He growled out, pulling you away from the vanity and towards the loveseat in the room. He took a seat, spreading his legs widely before pulling you onto his lap. As your hips went to rest on him, he positioned himself so that you sat on his dick. You both let out low moans at the feeling, but his hands quickly moved away from you in favor of resting behind his head. When you made another confused face at him, he just smirked and leaned back against the couch. “C’mon baby. Work for it. I won’t do any of the work this round.”

You whine loudly and frown down at him, getting ready to complain that your legs were too weak but he thrusts his hips upwards roughly after your whine. “Play stupid games, win stupid prizes. Now hurry up before I leave you high and dry for the rest of the day.” You both knew he would never actually do it, he was way too obsessed with you and your body to even think about doing such a thing. But the way he casually lounged had you believing it and you clenched tightly onto him, pulling a cocky smirk from him.

Your bottom lip quivered but you dragged your hips against his, grinding against him slowly for a few minutes. You barely processed one of his hands moving as you ground yourself harder against him, whimpering at the way his shirt rubbed against your puffy clit. There was a harsh sting and a loud slap to your ass that sent you jumping forward. You expected to land against his broad chest, but instead you landed in a grasp that was his long fingers wrapped against your throat. Your gaze moved to lock with his but your eyes quickly shut feeling another slap hit your ass cheek.

“F-Fuck!” you cried out, tightening even more as you felt his fingers tighten around your neck. 

“Do it the right way, baby.” He commanded, moving his hand from your ass to rest on your thigh. You finally lifted yourself and bounced on his dick, letting out desperate moans as you swore you could feel him in your stomach. You rode him like this for some time, only slowing down to admire his features.

He was leaned as far back as the chair allowed, face dripping with sweat as his lips held the biggest shit-eating grin ever known to mankind. From your movements, the hand on your thigh had fallen to your knee and his other hand continued to rest like a puzzle piece against your throat. Your hips stuttered as your orgasm suddenly snuck up on you. Creaming from just looking at your boyfriend must have been a new record.

Your movements almost completely stopped as your thighs shook uncontrollably, but Hyunjin wasn’t having any of that. His hands moved from their spots to grab your wrists, pinning them to your back in an X formation as he pulled you to lean on him. You were too distracted to notice the way your head fell to his shoulder, but you nestled into his neck when you felt his hips begin to slam into you.

You silently screamed from the overstimulation, quickly biting into his neck and crying out against his skin as he gave you no chance to recover. With the way his hands held yours, you had no choice but to take what was given. You felt saliva pooling in your mouth and you tried desperately to swallow it but one deep into your cervix thrust had you seeing stars. It finally dripped down your chin as he spoke up for the first time in what felt like forever. 

“Nice and d-deep, right baby? Just how my little slut likes it?” He stuttered through the teasing statement at the feeling of his balls tensing up, and you could feel his thrusts getting sloppier. You nodded into his neck as your third orgasm built up fast, causing your nails to dig into your palms.

“You’re MY girl. This pretty pussy and this?” He pauses to land a slap on your ass, “This nice ass? Is MINE. Nobody can fuck you or love you like I do.” This sends you over the edge and you let out an porn-star like moan as you cum, your tightness finally being too much for him to handle and he finishes next.

The room is filled with nothing but your combined breaths as your heartbeats slowly return to normal. Your legs shake almost nonstop for a while after you calm down, and you find yourself whimpering at the feeling of Hyunjin pulling out. His dick slaps against his stomach and he coos soothingly against your ear.

Your forehead was still shoved against his shoulder when your eyes finally noticed your drool connecting your lips to his jacket. You shakily pulled away and wiped your mouth with the back of your hand.

You sat on his thighs, feeling his cum drip out of you and onto the floor as his pretty hands massaged circles into your hips and his pretty lips whispered sweet nothings into your ear. Ranging from “You did so good for me, honey. Took me so well.” to “You’re so pretty, my little masterpiece. I got you, I got you. Don’t worry.”

By the time you both return to normal, you’ve been changed into new clothes and Hyunjin has become distracted and newly obsessed with the drool stain on his jacket. He could feel himself getting hard again while staring at it, but forced himself to tear his eyes away once it was time to leave. He grabbed your combined belongings and had you hold onto his arm as he led you to the taxi he had called on the ride down the elevator.

Everything was back to normal and extra sweet as he opened the door for you to sit first, then shoved your things into the truck before taking his own seat. You smiled up at him with those pretty eyes and whispered into his ear, “That was so much fun, Jinnie.. Sorry I flirted with the producer, but you see what my vision was.”

He laughed and pulled you into a soft kiss before leaning into your ear to whisper, “Oh, don’t worry baby, your punishment has barely even started. Once we’re home I’m edging you all night.”

[cheriladycl01]

Could you do SMAU for Toto Wolff with wife reader where she is a huge bookworm and he always so supportive about her passion And the Internet has gone crazy about it. Thanks :))

Bookstagram - Toto Wolff x BookwormWife! Reader

Plot: Taking a look through your bookstagram and how supportive Toto Wolff is of your love for reading. Encouraging you to pursue your dream of writing.

Credit to multibabydoll for the GIF

You loved reading and books. Before you met Toto, you used to be a bookseller and then worked for a publishing house. You actually met Toto because of the influx in Motorsport Romance's that made your company send you to a race to get some ... hands on experience and you ended up having your own sort of Motorsport Romance with a Team Principle.

You ended up marrying Toto and at first it was hard, but when COVID came and you ended up working from home since then so coming to the races had been much easier.

y/user

Liked by lucyscore laurenroberts and mercedesamgf1

y/user: My reads of the month! Really loved both of these and I can’t wait for book to from Lauren!

Book 1: Things We Hide From The Light by Lucy Score

Book 2: Powerless by Lauren Roberts

Tagged 2 People

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lucyscore: I’m glad you enjoyed this one!

-> y/user: it’s really good!

fan1: i love these!

toto.wolff: Is this the book you were reading on the plane?

-> y/user: Yes, the other one I read at the race track!

laurenroberts: babe! I’m glad you enjoyed! Come to a book signing and I’ll get you a proof of Powerful!

-> y/user: no stop! I’d love that!

DM’s

laurenroberts: Hey Babe, got an event on 29th November, in Florida. You want to come as my special guest?

y/n: id love that! Thank you so much for the invite! I’ll just need to talk to my husband. I’ve never travelled solo and I’m a nervous traveller!

laurenroberts: That’s fine! Just let me know as and when babe!

“Babe, can we talk for a second” you asked your husband as you walk into the kitchen where he is sat with his morning coffee.

"Yes honey what is it?" he asks looking over at you, pushing a glass of orange juice towards you.

"Well, one of the authors that I really like invited me to a book signing.."

"Oh that's amazing sweetheart. Are you going to go?" he says checking his emails not fully paying attention.

"Well, thats the thing. It's over a race weekend... and" you start but his head bolts up to interrupt you.

"You better not be asking for my permission for if you can go, you know you don't have to ask!" he says almost as though he's offended you with think that of him!

"No, no of course not. But I'm scared to go alone, you know how I am!" you explain and he nods remembering the last time you guys flew.

"Well, how about I buy you a nice first class ticket and make the experience worth it. I'll pay for a fancy hotel and a spa evening for when you land ... how does that sound" he grins pulling you into him kissing your forehead.

"You don't have to do that for me!" you exclaim feeling bad!

"Ah no honey, I do this all for you!" he smiles pulling you in for a full kiss.

y/user

Liked by stephaniegarber and ashleyposton

y/n: What do you guys prefer, Romance or Fantasy. I love finding quiet corners at the race track!

Tagged 8 People

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stephaniegarber: Did you enjoy it?

-> y/user: It was so good! I moved straight onto Legend! And Toto brought me OUABH!

ashleyposton: I see those outlines! Thank you for your review on goodreads!

olivia_blake: ahhhh, i hope you enjoy it!

fan1: Y/N is definielty a motorsport romance girlie considering she literally lived one!

->fan2: i forget about this!

"Baby, you have to stop packing so many books!" Toto laughs as he gets out his card to pay the extra bagging expense where your bags had ended up being overweight.

"I'm so so sorry! I didn't realize how many I'd take back with me, American Books are so much more floppy than the ones at home... even though I prefer our covers!" she answers, going to get her card out.

"I'll pay baby don't be silly!" Toto laughs tapping his card as air port staff come over and help you guys take the bags away.

"You are my little book worm aren't you!" he grins pinching your cheeks like an older lady.

"Stop!" you say swatting his hand away.

y/user

Liked by toto.wolff and others

y/n: Toto helped me rebuild my book nook AND took me out for a book haul! It's up on my YouTube now!

Link

Tagged 1 Person

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sarahjmaas: looks amazing!

toto.wolff: I'm happy to help baby!

-> y/user: BEST HUSBAND.

You and Toto had spend the day putting up the swinging chair, and making the room cozy with fairy lights.

He had started to organize your shelves in colour coordination order making a rainbow. You felt so bad when your need to have them in genre and alphabetical order took over.

"Baby, as incredible as this looks, I'm never going to find any books!" you argued and he looks and pulled out Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros.

"See I found you current smutty dragon book!" he smiles handing it to you and your eyes widen at the lingo he was using.

"Have you been... watching my videos?" you ask in shock.

"Mmmm yes honey. i find them very amusing!" he admits and you just stare at him in shock.

y/user

Liked by lewishamilton and toto.wolff

y/n: He looks like this so that I can look like this …

I LOVE MY HUSBAND

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fan1: shes so unserious ... lmao

fan2: and you look fab!

You were thankful that Toto worked as hard as he did, he treated you all the time and you treated him in return.

Your husband was so supportive and was without a doubt the best thing that had ever happened to you.

Taglist:

@littlesatanicassholebitch @hockey-racing-fubol @laura-naruto-fan1998 @22yuki @simxican @sinofwriting @lewisroscoelove @cmleitora @daemyratwst @lauralarsen @the-untamed-soul l @thewulf @itsjustkhaos @purplephantomwolf @chasing-liberosis @summissss @gulphulp @starfusionsworld @jspitwall @sierruhhhh @georgeparisole @youcannotcancelquidditch @tallbrownhairsarcastic @ourteenagetragedy @peachiicherries @formulas-bitch @cherry-piee @spilled-coffee-cup @mehrmonga @bigsimperika @blueberry64857959 @eiraethh @curseofhecate @alliwantisadonut @dark-night-sky-99 @i-wish-this-was-me @tallrock35 @butterfly-lover @barnestatic @landossainz @darleneslane @barcelonaloverf1life @r0nnsblog @ilove-tswizzle @laneyspaulding19 @malynn @viennakarma @landosgirlxoxo @marie0v @yourbane @teamnovalak @nikfigueiredo @fionaschicken @0picels0 @seomako @urdad-hot @tinydeskwriter @ironmaiden1313 @splaterparty0-0 @formula1mount @styl1shl1v

[omi-boshi]

period cramps and a little bit of pining

your best friend omi comes over to take care of you during your period

tags: no plot just gratuitous fluff and yearning word count: 2.2k

through the haziness that comes from just waking up, you hear the muffled sound of knocking, followed by the click of the door unlocking. you poke your head out from under the covers, curious. the sound of footsteps and rustling just outside your bedroom door fill the space and truthfully, you should be more worried that a stranger has seemingly broken into your apartment. however, the lack of angry growling from your sweet great pyrenees and screams of bloody murder from the stranger soothe the concern that tries its damnest to rise above your grogginess. you stay quiet, curled up on your side, head still peeking out. the continuing muffled sounds almost lulling you to sleep, your eyes falling close. that's how kiyoomi finds you.

he pushes the bedroom door open. quietly, he pads over to the bed and crouches just beside where he can see your face. the concerned furrow between his brows softens slightly as he takes in your sleepy form. he debates waking you up, not wanting to disturb the sleep you're finally getting after a night dealing with cramps of the worst kind. he wishes nothing more than to indulge you as he always does but as your closest friend, he knows you have yet to get up and eat. and that takes priority. cautiously, he runs his fingers through your hair and down your cheek which you turn into, seeking the warmth radiating from his skin. the subconscious action disarms kiyoomi. he has to fight through the thumping in his heart to call your name until you finally start waking up. he watches as you rouse from your sleep, grumbling through the whole motion. it tugs a small smile up his lips. your eyes flutter open and the seconds that follow are punctuated by the stillness of the air as you stare up at him, slowly processing his presence. your eyes travel up his figure. the mask dangling from his right ear. the hoodie he wears — the one you usually steal from him. the fuzzy socks you got him for Christmas. the worn sweatpants you've told him many times to replace and yet he never does because it looks fine, you remember him arguing at some point. the memory of it makes you smile. your gaze trails to the soft curve of his lips, the moles partially covered by his damp messy hair — he must have showered before he came from practice — before finally landing on his eyes that quietly watch you. "hi," you finally whisper in what feels like eons. voice scratchy from disuse. "hey, sleepy head," he says just as softly, mirth coloring his tone. "what are you doing here?" "you texted me last night. did you forget?" you hum in confusion, sitting up slowly and pulling your arm from under the covers to look for your phone.

to omi!!! :] Yesterday 10:43 PM

omiii com e over tmrw :((( - from omi!!! :] Yesterday 10:44 PM

You okay? - from omi!!! :] Yesterday 10:44 PM

I have practice in the morning but I can come over after. Is that alright?

- to omi!!! :] Yesterday 11:07 PM

that work s yes!!! and im okya, just kinda in pain and loopy from the meds and sticky ;-; - to omi!!! :] Yesterday 11:07 PM

everything hurts n i cant sleep on my back but it's ok see u tmrw! - from omi!!! :] Yesterday 11:08 PM

It's that time, huh? - from omi!!! :] Yesterday 11:08 PM

Get some rest. I'll be there as soon as I can.

"oh," you mumble, as you scroll through your messages. "i thought I was dreaming." you put your phone down to look kiyoomi in the eyes, a tilt to your head. "i'm glad you actually came though." kiyoomi breathes in deeply, heart thumping so loud — at this point he's sure you can hear it. but of course, you are none the wiser as you continue peering down at him, sleepy smile on your face.

"of course, i would." he returns the smile. “anyway, i didn’t know what you wanted since you didn’t reply to me all morning.” he pulls out a paper bag that was sitting behind him. “so, i just got a bit of everything.” in your curiosity, you sit up straighter to look at the bag kiyoomi has brought. he starts pulling out its contents and showing them off to you with a dorky grin that grows the more items he shows you. there were donuts, churros, chocolates, cookies, mochi, bread of all variations, and a singular bottle of the tea drink you've been raving to him about the past month. "kiyoomi!" you yell, doubling over in laughter. "i can't eat all of this!" "well, good thing there's two of us," he rolls his eyes, grin still on his face. "in my defense, i didn't know what to get." which is a lie. sort of. because everything he got were things you mentioned craving the days leading up to this week. not that you needed to know that of course. "you'd ruin your diet for me, omi?" you pout, eye glimmering in amusement. "that's so sweet! come here!" you reach out to pinch his cheeks, cooing how your omi is the sweetest and kindest person there is and that people would know that more if you stop looking so grumpy, you idiot.he feels his ears flush and he pushes you — nudges, really — to the side, grumbling something about ungrateful spoiled brats. but he can't bring himself to actually chide you for it, not when you're high in spirits right now and he knows how the littlest things could set you off. he wants you happy for as long as your period lets you which isn't long; fickle as your moods are at these times. "alright, alright." he chuckles. "go freshen up and let's get some real food in you first before we eat the sweets," he stands up from his kneeling position on the floor, hand on your arm to pull you up, grunting as he does so. you groan as if remembering why he was here in the first place. you flop helplessly on the bed, boneless, unwilling to leave the inviting warmth of the blankets. "nooo," you whine, purposely obnoxious just to irk him enough to let you go. "i know what you're doing." he tugs again. "it's not gonna work." it's a losing battle, one that you fought valiantly 'til the end. your whining doesn't work and only ends with you thrown over his shoulder. you yelp, thumping his back with your fists in protest as he makes his way through the living room where your dog sees you both and follows you to the bathroom.

kiyoomi gently puts you down, righting your crumpled shirt. he chuckles at the look you send him. to him, you look about as threatening as a baby chick but he rightfully stays quiet. not taking any chances with your knees so close to his crotch. "there are some pads in the cabinet that i bought," he pauses to fix your hair that got messy from being upside down. "it's the kind you always have." you grumble out a thanks, still a bit peeved from being carried out of bed. kiyoomi was right, of course — you do need to freshen up — but you can still give him trouble for it. you're bleeding out and you feel all weird, sue you, right? "while you're here, i'll go heat up the food i got you — it's korean, by the way — and feed snowball too then we can do whatever you want after. sound good?" kiyoomi tilts his head towards you to see your face.

you don't answer immediately, still stubbornly holding on to the frustration of being forcefully pulled out of bed. but just like most things are with kiyoomi, it's a losing battle. again.

it doesn't take you long before you drop the pretenses and meet his gaze. what you see makes the fight in you leave all in one go. his gaze is warm with mirth and... something else. you don't know what it is but it makes you feel shy being at the receiving end of it. you are suddenly conscious of how sloppy you must look right now even though you know kiyoomi would not mind. in your rising embarrassment, you usher kiyoomi out of the bathroom, eyes not meeting his. snowball, who's just so happy to be there, follows kiyoomi out the door. a muffled boof! sounding through the door once you get it shut. you get your wits together and freshen up, taking extra time to deal with the flush on your cheeks that just won't disappear. kiyoomi is taking out the last of the food from the microwave as you come out of the bathroom, livelier now that you've washed your face. he greets you with a smile and calls you to the dining table. lunch is far calmer, a nice change of pace after the hectic ordeal of getting you out of bed. the strange shyness from earlier is forgotten temporarily as you both talk about nothing and everything; how volleyball practice went, how his courses are going, about the new show you wanted to watch with him. once you start feeling the cramps come up again, kiyoomi catches the change in your expression and decides it's time to go back to bed. he hands you the pill you take to treat the cramps and a glass of water. you give him a grateful smile and he ruffles your hair in return.

"go back to bed. i'll be there in a sec," he says, no room for argument. you feel a bit guilty not helping with the cleanup and you tell him as much. he only snorts and tells you it's fine and that it's what i'm here for.

it doesn't do much to abate your guilt but with the cramps only getting worse, there's not much of a choice to be made.

when kiyoomi comes back, he sees you curled up under the covers, eyes shut in pain. he grabs the rechargeable heating pad from across the room and nudges your hand with it. it's only then that you open your eyes.

"hi," you mutter, attempting to smile. "the medicine hasn't kicked in yet." you grab the offered heating pad. "hey, guess we're not watching that show then?" kiyoomi murmurs, knowing full well that you would want to sleep the ache away. you give him an apologetic smile which he only waves off. "i really wanted to watch it too," you mourn. "it's fine. we can watch it another time." he smiles kindly. the silence that follows is somewhat cautious, neither one sure where to go from here. usually, you would have invited kiyoomi into bed by now and he would groan his protest before reluctantly joining you, all the while you would be teasing him about it. but the shyness from before overtakes you and kiyoomi is unusually hesitant as well, eyes darting and feet shuffling in place.

he is the first to break the silence. "i'll head to the living room so you can sleep, okay?" he begins turning away from you. at his words, you hastily sit up. "omi," you call out. he looks to you, head tilted to let you know he's listening. you can barely hold eye contact as the next words stumble through your lips. "um, the-the heating pad falls off when i sleep on my side and, and you know how i can't sleep on my back because the bleeding would leak," you look away from his gaze. "do you... do you mind helping me?"

kiyoomi turns around, regarding you curiously. "and what do you want me to do?" knowing that words will fail you, you silently flip the covers and pat the space beside you. kiyoomi exhales and cautiously takes his spot on the bed, as if this is the first time he's done this. it makes you snort; your shyness and his hesitance, it's ridiculous. and yet you're unable to soothe your increasing heartbeat.

"and then?" kiyoomi asks, quietly.

shaking off the anxiety that's starting to take hold of you, you nudge his shoulder, urging him to lie down beside you. you turn your back towards him, reaching for his hand and slowly guiding it down to lay flat on the heating pad pressing to your lower abdomen. you swear you hear the sharp intake of breath over your shoulder; whether from the temperature of the heating pad or the action itself, you don't know.

kiyoomi is quick on the uptake and lays his palm fully on the pad. it takes you by surprise when he pulls you towards his chest that you can't help the little gasp you let out. "like this?" he asks, almost teasingly. the hesitance from before melting away from his tone. unfortunately for you, it does menacing things to your heart.

with your heart seizing in your chest, you hum your affirmative and relax in his hold. kiyoomi pulls up the covers on both of you and adjusts so that your head rests on his other arm. with the soft thump-thump of his heartbeat combined with the warmth from the heating pad and his body, you are slowly lulled to sleep. "we should talk about this, you know?" you hear just as you are on the brink of sleep and you only hum in response. you hear him chuckle, or rather feel the vibrations of it. And then lastly, a kiss to your hair. "another time then."

what comes after will be dealt with another time. for now, you will enjoy each other's warmth.

i wrote this on a whim because im currently bleeding out and everything hurts so bad and i wish i had an omi to take care of me ;;;;; I've got a more planned out fic that i can't wait to get out there i swear ;;;; pls take this crappy peace offering for now

[justwinginglife]

I've been deepdiving the hoshina tag and you are definitely one of my favourites to read from with the way you portray him 😭😭😭 so I'm wondering how it'd be with him and a reader that's always portrayed as the elegant and forward type... (kind of like shinobu kocho? if you're familiar with her) and on a rough mission he finds her like... heavily injured and he's thinking that it's the first time he's seen her so different from how she usually acts

this is my first time requesting ever.... so if there's some kind or etiquette I'm missing please don't hesitate to tell...........

THANK YOU SO MUCH! This means a lot to me! And, my dude, I just portray what I think of him- that he's the biggest freaking green flag EVER lol. And don't even worry about requesting etiquette, I just joined tumblr a couple weeks ago so you're totally fine, I wouldn't even know either. I'm just glad I could be your first request! Hope I do it justice, thanks again for your support. Also sorry for the wait. Also there were so many different ways I could've gone with this prompt so I hope the one I chose turns out okay.

Honest

There was always a line out the door of officers looking to train with you and today was no different.

Besides the fact that your technique was utterly flawless and you made combat look as graceful as ballet, you were also just stunningly gorgeous. Any man would die just to get a glimpse of you, let alone spar with you. Taking a punch to the face or a kick to the abdomen was an honor if it was from you.

And you were always the same with every man, you never showed any favoritism. You'd give them the same small smile, giving your honest advice when asked, but nothing more than that. You never even blinked at someone longer than you usually did with anyone else.

But even though it seemed like no one had caught (or could catch) your particular attention, there was in fact one man that you had to actively try to subdue your feelings for. You were thankful that no one had noticed that every time a certain Vice Captain walked into the room, your eyes always somehow wandered in the opposite direction of him. And when you'd hear him laugh or even just give out orders, your teeth would clench together to keep from smiling at his voice.

You weren't one to give away parts of yourself easily, having lost all of your family, but one day you'd suddenly found that it was much harder for you to not want to just give everything to him. Especially when you had realized that he was into you too. No matter where you were on campus, he'd make it his mission to find you, to be near you. He'd tell you his best jokes, trying to get you to crack more than just your usual small smile. He'd fight all out with you during training sessions, trying to get you to break a sweat for once, claiming that it did something to him watching you all worked up. It had become quite the strain on you, trying to treat him the same as everyone else when you were dying to just push him up against a wall and kiss him. You'd settle for even just holding his hand or brushing your shoulder up against his. But this wasn't like you- to want such immature, naive things.

You were someone who was wanted, you did not want. You were someone who was needed, you did not need. In fact, you were so hesitant to rely on anything, that if you could've figured out a way to live without oxygen you would've so as to not be indebted to the air filling your lungs.

Your skill and your independence were your swords and you wielded them with grace, distancing yourself from the crowds, but making yourself into a pretty show for them to watch. You were fine if they watched you, as long as that was all that they did. You couldn't imagine someone actually courting you, touching you, loving you.

But you did imagine Hoshina- it was more often than you'd like to admit and it irked you. You thought about just flat out ignoring him, turning down his requests to spar with you. But then he'd be different than everyone else. He'd be someone who spurred enough emotion in you to warrant unnatural behavior. And you refused to give in to emotion, especially emotion so childish and needy as something like love.

So you spent the day the way you always did, giving every officer a proper amount of time to train with you, and ending each session with a curt smile and a nod, gesturing for the next combatant to approach.

But then the alarm went off, signaling a kaiju attack. You thought you'd handle this the way you always did, no mess, no fuss, just efficient and effortless. But this was no ordinary kaiju and tonight was no ordinary night.

You had let all the lower ranking officers handle yoju duty and you had gone straight for the daikaiju. That was not abnormal behavior, you were always confident in your skills and they always served you well. But not tonight.

Tonight, you were humbled in the most brutal way possible.

Your fight had drawn you away from the rest of the squad, and now you were glad it had because you were ashamed to be in such a sorry, gruesome state. You had sustained heavy damage and for the first time in your life, you genuinely considered you might die here.

You thought of all the friends and family that you'd lost to war, kaiju, sickness. You wondered if you were ready to join them. It would be easier to let go.

"But I'm not done yet... I haven't..." You spit up blood, and shakily rise to your feet, groaning at the effort. I haven't even told him how I felt yet, damnit, you think to yourself, unable to speak the words aloud. Without meaning to, you being to cry. You don't have a free hand to wipe the tears away, as one clutches your dripping abdomen trying to stop the flow of blood, and one clings to your gun, aching as you attempt to raise it again. You fire a weak shot but your combat power is high enough that it distracts the kaiju for a moment.

And a moment is all that you need.

"Hey there, princess. You look like you could use a little saving. Don't worry, I won't tell the guys."

Right before your eyes, the beast suddenly splits into little dissected pieces and they rain down on the pavement, pelting the ground.

For the first time in years, you smile a real genuine smile as the Vice Captain holds his hand out to you. You're relieved to be alive to make it to another day, and you're shocked at how relieved you are. You don't remember when life began to feel so precious to you.

Maybe it was when you'd accidentally overheard a conversation where Hoshina was telling another officer that you'd be the one to bring hope to future generations.

Maybe it was when you'd forgotten your lunch one day and he'd sacrificed his lunch to leave it in your locker for you to find when your growling stomach had sent you hungrily ravaging through it for any snack you might've left behind.

Or maybe... maybe it was when your last living relative died and everyone whispered to each other about how cold you were for not shedding a tear and keeping your chin up when all you wanted to do was curl up and cry, but he alone told you in passing (not wanting to make a scene) that it was okay to grieve in whichever way you pleased.

And now he was holding a hand out to you. And you thought if you took it you might never let go. You might want to know where this led, what your feelings felt like when you let them roam wild, what he felt like in your arms.

Before you can decide if you truly want to take that terrifying step, his hand clasps yours and he pulls you in for a hug.

"You did good." He whispers in your ear.

You shake your head but you don't pull away from him. "I didn't. I almost died. You had to save me. I wasn't good enough."

"You're enough. You did well." He repeats, firmer this time.

You sigh against him, exhaling every pent up feeling you'd been holding on to. "Th-thank you, Vice Captain."

He pulls back a little and grins at you. "It's Soshiro, actually."

You bite your lip, trying to force down the warmth that's started to flood into your cheeks.

"You know I've never seen you like this before. It's a good look on you." He teases.

"Shut up, Soshiro."

He grins even wider at you using his first name so soon. "You get your butt kicked for the first time, you actually blush, and then you raise your voice at me? What is going on with you today?" He chuckles, nudging you playfully.

"I think... I think I might want to try something. Something different." You say finally.

He raises a curious eyebrow at you. "And what's that, princess?"

"Being honest with myself for once."

And with that, you pull him in and kiss him.

[spitdrunken]

i am absolutely insane about your headcanons with the vee's, my mind is so full now... this is exactly what i was hoping to find when searching through the hazbin x reader tag after watching the episodes 👁️🙏🏻 please i'm so!! the being a writer for the vee's imagine is such a good idea, val and his.. comment especially got to me..

also, for your consideration:

Val — or all of the Vee's, really —, but, in the beginning, he's really not convinced about the quality of your dialogues, despite all the lines he's read (or, well, has had Vox read to him), so naturally you have to read your previous stories out loud to him, cheeks flushing and squirming when it gets to particularly graphic scenes and his gaze on you is so very heavy, smoke caressing your jaw while you stumble over your words.. It's worse if you've written about them and a character who resembles you, and Val's smile widens when you skip from story to story, mentioning the character — definitely not you — sucking Vox off, bending over willingly for Val and begging for Velvette to touch her, or even take all three of them at once, greedy...

Also the. love potions Velvette makes have me feeling things.. Her or Vox but they might end up putting a drop or four into your glass — purely accidentally, of course! —, and...

this is terrible.. my mind is too full now... i might have to post writing for hazbin now and it is your fault alone.. (affectionate; truly, I've enjoyed your thoughts so very much!! thank you for sharing!)

I'm glad you enjoyed it so much :D!! I had an absolute blast writing it myself, and I've been thinking about it lots!! Your ask made it even Worse (/pos) and I simply had to write more!! Please please please let me know if you write something for Hazbin, I can tell from your ask already that it'll be wonderful! And if you ever wanna chat about these guys, feel free to message me again, haha.

Notes: power imbalance, sexual harassment, heavily dubious/noncon due to love potion usage.

The fact Vox even bothers at all to take the time to sit Valentino down and read to him is already a show of your quality— He really wouldn’t go through wrangling him like that for just anyone, especially not with Val getting a bit pissy when being reminded your works were being compared to his. He needs to be told that, obviously, Val, some mere written words are never going to compare, especially not in earnings, to his creations. This placates Valentino. But all Vox gets for his efforts are a lazy flick of one of Valentino’s four wrists, his eyes not even looking at him. “Look, I still think it fucking sucks. But if you wanna hire them so badly, whatever. I’ve got better shit to do than listen to daddy’s horny story-time.” Suffice it to say, he becomes a lot more… Amiable (poor you) once you’re actually working there, and he has a face to attach to the stories. He can tell upon first glance that you’re one of those pathetic little hermits, too scared to leave your own shitty apartment, barely scraping by— He’s recruited plenty of those types as whores, after all. So easily pushed around that it shouldn’t give him nearly as much satisfaction as it does.

When Valentino practically demands you join him in his room and read your previous work to him, you sputter out protests, heart skipping a beat. Every employee in the company has something bad to say about this man, and so he’s about the last person you want to be caught alone in a room with. Especially not his bedroom.

“Ah, sir, I’m not really sure—“ But he’s already wrapping one of his arms around your shoulders, pulling you flush against his side as he drags you through the halls. The first thing that strikes you is how different the texture of coat is than you were expecting. It doesn’t even feel like anything at all. “Oh, sweetheart, call me Valentino. No need to be so unfamiliar with each other.” He practically purrs, a single finger tracing up the contours of your chest. “I feel like we’re going to get quite familiar.” If all the alarms weren’t ringing in your head before, they most definitely are now. But there’s nothing you can do. His grip on you is tight and, underneath his red coat, you can feel the hard metal of a pistol pressing against you.

He takes you to his room, walls covered with posters featuring himself, and you hardly have the time to look around before he sits you down on one of his red couches, still caught underneath one of his arms. It’s hard to think, much less speak, as Valentino starts to prod you to pull out your phone and start reading. “No need to be shy. You’re such an artista, aren’t you? Don’t keep me waiting.” It’s easy, at first. When the scene hasn’t grown explicit yet, and you can pretend you’re only reading the text out loud to yourself like you always do, making sure the sentences sound right. But Valentino makes it hard for you to distract yourself entirely. He rubs circles on the skin of your thigh, and the smoke from his pipe has long since been the only thing you can smell. The red smoke makes your head a little hazier, tongue a little looser— Though that all just might be because you’re not getting enough oxygen. Your every muscle is tense and, you think, this is what being a prey animal must feel like. The first time you stutter out the word ‘cock’, Valentino barks out a laugh, loud and sudden, entirely contrasting with the sultry demeanour he’s been putting on the whole time. You jump, gaze flickering from the screen to his face, before continuing. It gets worse when you realise exactly what story you’re reading out loud to him, one of the ones you’d never even posted anywhere, so utterly self-indulgent and poorly thought out that you regret it with every ounce of your being. (Unbeknownst to you, Vox has already read every draft you’ve ever typed up, but that’s neither here nor there.)

“Sorry, can I maybe, um, read a different one?” You practically squeak out. “I realised I have some better drafts, and…” “No,” Valentino shuts you down, tone temporarily harsh. “Don’t get too fucking cocky now, you’re already taking up enough time as it is. Shit’s about to get interesting, finally.” He’s saying all of this as if he wasn’t the one to drag you there in the first place.

So you trudge onward, reading as fast as you possible can, just trying to tough it out. As you read about a scared, unaccomplished demonic main character catching the eye of a trio of some of the most famous demons in town—through entirely unrealistic circumstances—you can see his grin grow wider from the corner of your eye. His nails dig into the flesh of your thigh, the smoke surrounding your face turning to caress your cheeks.

“So, let me gets this straight… You wrote about a trio of powerful demons with matching names, taking turns fucking an absolute nobody silly. One of them’s a pimp, the other a fashion designer, and the other a business man.” Valentino doesn’t give you the chance to respond. “Greedy little slut. You even chose this one specifically to read out to me, huh? Seems I got you all wrong,” he hisses out. “This must be a dream come true for you, isn’t it?”

Let’s just say that you got enough ‘material’ to write another four or so stories, just from that line alone.

----- A drop of love potion, and models always behave the absolute best, or so Velvette thinks! (As long as you don’t put in too much. It’s very hard to take good pictures when the girls keep trying to kiss you.) No bitching, no whining, only an easy to pose, cute demon to work with. And if she dresses you up in clothes that reveal more than they obscure, purely for her own enjoyment and usage, who’s going to blame her?

Certainly not you. You won’t remember a single damn thing. Not even the parts where you babble on about how pretty and gorgeous and cool she is, and how you’ve admired her for so long— All things she’s heard a million times before. Normally, she wouldn’t care less about it, but such words coming from someone with only a drop of her potion in her system means they’re all the absolute truth. She thinks it’s almost cute when it’s coming from you, really. ------------ Vox, on the other hand, would be more likely to use his hypnosis on you than a love potion. Just to have a few minutes in the middle of a meeting where you’re practically putty in his hands, all of your usual anxiety and shame having slid right off of your shoulders. He doesn’t feel any guilt about it whatsoever. Having read all of your works, he finds it safe to say that this is the exact kind of scenario you would enjoy…

And even if you didn’t, he still would. He gets a bit of a thrill out of the loopy, relaxed smile on your face as you nuzzles your cheeks against his arm, professing all of the thoughts you had about him before working at VoxTech, and the ones you still have today. It’s during one of these exact moments, that he’d likely find out that Valentino had fucked you already, something he hadn’t found necessary to mention. They’ll have a bit of a discussion about that later!

[httpiastri]

first of all CONGRATS ON 3K!! 💗😫 I've loved your Pepe work and I'm so checking out your other works 😭💗

saw the 3k celly and I couldn't resist myself 👉👈

how do we feel about a small Pepe blurb with the touch starved prompt: "one just casually sitting down on the other's lap and they start internally freaking the hell out" ??

furthermore,, could it be the reader being the one that is touch starved and Pepe just casually grabs em and sits them on his lap and is the reader the one freaking out?? 🤭

🍈 – send me a driver and a prompt from this list of hugging prompts, these touch starved prompts, or these kiss prompts, and i will write a short blurb for you!!

author's note: thank you so much!! and im glad you like them aaa 🥺 i loved this idea !!!! but lol i thought a blurb was 500 words, not 100-200. still doesnt explain why this is 1.2k. 😶 i had time over on my flight so this (and the paul "blurb" ive got scheduled for later) was the result. hope u enjoy :)

3k celly !!

(college!)pepe marti x reader

there are a lot of fun ways to spend a free saturday evening.

but being squeezed into a room with a bunch of drunk students, with music so loud you can barely think? not one of them.

you had been about to refuse your friend's suggestion to tag along, as you always do, before she had uttered the magic words. pepe will be there.

you were already planning outfits in your mind when the words left her mouth, suddenly feeling like no piece of clothing you own is enough to impress him. how could any piece of clothing ever be good enough for someone like him?

disappointment, though no surprise, fills you when your friend leaves you the second you enter the apartment of some guy in her physics class, to search for that other guy she's been crushing on for weeks now. so, here you are, in the living room belonging to some student you don't know, being pushed around by students you also don't know, with some song that you've never heard blasting from the speakers.

thankfully, even in a crowded apartment like this one, it isn't hard to find pepe. the sound of his sweet, intoxicating laughter can be heard from miles away.

he's sitting on a couch in the corner of the room, red solo cup in one hand and phone in the other. he's showing something on his phone to his best friend christian who's sitting next to him, his giggles sending a wave of relief through your body.

pepe's eyes light up when they meet yours, a sliver of surprise in his smile as you make your way over to him. he says your name like it's what he was made to do, like no other words have ever fallen from his lips. "i almost didn't believe your friend when she told me you'd join her tonight," he tells you. "i'm surprised."

"i'm full of surprises," you answer, tilting your head to the side slightly.

"of course you are. like that dress, very surprising." that statement isn't very surprising in itself; your friend, ever the fashionista, noticed your stress over your choice of outfit for the night instantly, lending you one of her favorite dresses with the words you'll look adorable, he won't be able to stay away. but the fact that pepe has noticed you enough to at least in some way collect an idea of the types of clothes you would and wouldn't wear is surprising to send a shiver down your spine. "you look great."

you can't control the redness that threatens to spread across your cheeks at that, but your gaze shifts to the ground to at least lessen some of your flusteredness. pepe doesn't miss the gentle smile that makes its way onto your lips, though. christian understands this as his cue to leave, jumping out of his seat and bolting away in just a second. pepe taps the now free spot on the couch, and you slip down next to him without another thought.

"did you get to the kitchen already?" he asks, gaze burning into the side of your face as you pretend like fixing the hem of your dress is something you actually need to do and not just a way to occupy yourself. "or do you want me to go get you something to drink?"

you shake your head, eyes flickering over to him again. "i'm alright for now, but thank you."

he nods over his cup, bringing it up to his lips to take a sip. the action has the muscles of his arm contracting and… has he always been this muscular, or is it just the light of the apartment? either way, he makes it look so casual – he probably doesn't know he's the object of your current mental assessment – as if the feeling of his jeans against your bare knee isn't distracting enough. "i'm glad you came," he says after he's lowered the cup. "the party was bound to be boring without you."

there it is again; that relief you felt earlier. a sliver of a confirmation that this thing that's been going on between you two these last few weeks isn't just one-sided. unless he's just toying with you, as you've heard certain men like to do, which doesn't exactly help soothe your worries.

but pepe isn't like that, you have to remind yourself. that's one of the reasons you fell for him in the first place; he's gentle in a way you can't credit a lot of men to being, like a mild breeze instead of a full-blown storm.

someone turns the music up even more, something you would've assumed was impossible a minute ago, as if to say you're thinking too much. fewer thoughts, please.

you take a deep breath, eyes meeting his. "i'm glad you're here, too."

"what?"

you let out a short laugh at the way his face contorts as he tries to hear what you're saying over the loud music. "i said," you start, voice growing louder. "i'm glad you're here, too."

pepe nods, though you're not sure if he actually understood or if he's just faking it, before saying something you have no chance of catching. you raise your eyebrows, tilting your head slightly and jokingly bringing a hand up to the back of your ear to hear him better. you did not expect him to lean forward, nor the warm huff of air that meets your ear when he speaks into it. "it's a little too loud, isn't it?"

you nod when he leans back to look at you, the corners of your lips tugging upward at the sight of his own smile. you shrug, trying to figure out a way to solve the issue; you came here to talk to him, not to just sit next to him all quietly because you can't hear each other. you gaze around the apartment, only to find a pair of speakers placed in about every corner of it, which brings back that disappointing feeling from when your friend left you just minutes ago.

but pepe has other plans. before you can interject, his hands find your hips and lift you up to straddle his thighs sideways. it's a swift motion, and he makes it seem like you weigh about five grams, leaving you pretty completely speechless. "i figured we'd hear each other better like this," he says, one hand reaching over to grab his cup again from where he must've placed it on a table nearby just moments ago, while his other hand stays planted on your hip. when you don't say anything, his eyes rake over your face, a hint of guilt in his expression. "sorry, is this okay?"

you take a deep breath, pushing the butterflies in your stomach away for just a moment and gathering the courage to nod. "yeah," you say, trying to sound as convincing as possible. "i just… wasn't expecting that."

the chuckle he lets out vibrates through your body, too. "well, get used to it." that damn smile of his appears again, the one you just can't stop yourself from mimicking. "i like having you close."

as his hand slips past your hip and around your waist, you allow yourself to lean into him a little, impressed by the way you find yourself enjoying your new seat very much.

impressed by the way it feels like this seat was made just for you.

[demaparbat-hp]

Hi Dema!! Your art is fantastic and even the lineart is awesome! Solid and confident in where it's thick and where thin. I really like how your style has characters look more realistic and they have specific consistent features. Your blog has a pleasant atmosphere, and you're skilled in weaving AUs! There's a lot of details and structure, and I'd like to ask if any of them have a full story arc? Could you do a list of all of the AUs? Is there a motif that you especially like that repeats in any of the AUs? And whenever you add comments to my stuff in the tags I literally smile, it makes me want to keep at my plan to create everything I have in mind. So I'd like to spread this joy! I hope you have a nice day! (from late-draft ^^)

Hello, Late-Draft! I wasn't expecting this ask at all but I'm so glad to have received it!

First of all—I'll try to hold myself back from giggling like a schoolgirl. I'm having a sempai noticed me moment over here and that's just embarrassing. So give me a second to compose myself, if that's alright?

Okay, I'm back.

Now, on to business.

Character design, especially when it comes to facial features and how they're unique to each person, has always been a passion of mine. I always try to have a solid design for each character. I choose which features feel like the character in question, which face feels natural to draw, and go along with it. I love drawing Katara as much as I love drawing Zuko. Meanwhile, I seem to be on a never-ending battle against Sokka's features. Woes of an artist, I suppose.

Character design is actually one of the reasons I love your work so much, in case you hadn't noticed. I'm currently experimenting a bit with a different style... Hopefully it won't be long before the artwork is done and I can share it over here. I'm so excited for everyone to see it!

Now it's time for the reason we're all here.

I have said it before and shall say it once more: AUs are my lifeblood.

I love them so much! Building them, daydreaming the scenes, thinking of the characters and how they differ from their canon versions. The arcs and the themes and the worldbuilding. Building AUs is my passion, and I have so many of them!

There are a lot of motifs and themes that tend to repeat themselves in several of my AUs, I believe.

You'll notice that most of my stories are Zuko-centric, with a heavy emphasis on grief and humanity. There's the question of what makes us human and how to move forward when the whole world seems to push you back. I put a lot of stock in metaphors and symbolism within the narrative itself. I'm especially interested in the nuance of war and how it affects people emotionally, physically, and psychologically

I also tend to reutilize some elements of the lore and/or worldbuilding! Such as the Painted Lady's backstory, or the existence of War Children within the ATLA universe.

Now, the list!

I think I'll start with my current project, if that's okay :)

For the Spirits (New Gods AU)

Zuko was a child when he met Agni. Then, the spirits started coming to him. Eyes hidden in the hallways, voices pleading for help, for recognition, for remembrance.

Zuko could see Agni. He could see the broken remains of a Great Spirit and the empty smiles of amnesiac ghosts.

And they could see him in return.

I've been working on this AU for a long time, but only now did I get the chance to start writing the fic (linked up there!). I'm extremely excited about FTS and where the story will lead us in the future, but I'll try not to spoil too much.

It's a Zuko-centric story, with a heavy emphasis on Spirits and humanity. I'd like to add a warning for depression/mental health issues.

To Hesitate (Lee & Kya AU)

As she watches Lee and Kya avoid each other's eyes from across the room, the phrase comes back to her, swift and silent:

"To hesitate is to lose."

.

As Song treats the victim of an unfortunate interaction with a rare poisonous flower, her day takes an unexpected turn when it becomes apparent that the old man's nephew and her assistant have history.

A vivid history.

The Lee & Kya AU is a vibe, a feeling. It's probably one of my oldest AUs out there as well as one of my dearest.

A classical Lee and Kya From The Tea Shop AU, full with wholesome fandom tropes such as: fake (but not really) dating, fake identities, Ba Sing Se shenanigans, vigilante stuff, White Lotus missions, Iroh is a great Uncle, Zuko is an awkward turtleduck, and, of course, the fluffiest fluff you'll ever see.

Other than that, Lee & Kya is probably one of the less plot-focused AUs I have. However, that doesn't mean that there aren't scenes I can't wait to write or a canon divergence or two where Zuko is concerned.

(I have another fic posted but I'll leave that one to the end. You asked for a full story arc and, oh boy, does Soundless deliver.)

Kintsugi AU

Closer to being canon-adjacent than canon-divergent, Kintsugi is yet another Zuko-centric AU (and are we not noticing a pattern over here?).

I'd love to explain it in depth, but I believe the caption of the artwork linked above does a better job at explaining than I ever will.

Kintsugi is the art of decorating your scars with pieces of Agni.

In the Fire Nation, the amount of golden marks are a sign of status. Only the Royal Family can afford to seal every single wound with Kintsugi. Such is the weight of this tradition that, among the ones with Agni's blood, it is the highest mark of dishonor to have a natural scar, for it proves you aren't worthy of the privilege.

After the Agni Kai, Ozai forbid Zuko's scar to be sealed with Kintsugi. The boy wasn't worth his title, his traditions or his pride. Zuko would be broken, but he wouldn't be beautiful. Not anymore.

(And sometimes it's easier to pretend he never was)

Kyoshi Warriors AU

One of my absolute favorites!

In this AU, Ursa took Zuko and Azula with her when she was banished, so they could start anew. With help from Iroh and the White Lotus, she managed to relocate her freshly burned eight-year-old child and her crying daughter to Kyoshi Island.

Years later, when Avatar Aang and his companions first arrive at Kyoshi Island, they're met by the Kyoshi Warriors and their leader, Noriko of pale skin and warm brown eyes.

The Gaang leave Kyoshi Island many weeks later with a new companion. And if Jian Li, with his war paint and his scar and his dual dao, gives the island that he has called home for so long one final, longing glance as they fly away on Appa, they pretend not to notice.

Hunters AU

We're starting to dwelve deep into dangerous waters!

This is a Katara Joins Zuko In His Quest To Find The Avatar AU, with a twist!

This AU was born as a writing experiment. What if we take Katara's character, and change one of her core characteristics? Katara, who looked up to the Avatar as a saviour figure, now blames him for leaving and allowing the Fire Nation to wage war on the world.

Then comes Zuko, a banished Prince with a crew full of traitors and his own agenda. Zuko wishes for nothing more than to dethrone his father and end the war. He is a White Lotus member, an honorable, driven young man, and he has a plan.

The catch? He needs to take the Avatar to his father if he wishes to regain his title and be able to rightfully take the throne. Oh, and he will deliver the Avatar to the Fire Lord—but nobody said it had to be in chains.

Halfblood AU

I watched Blue Eye Samurai a few months ago and it destroyed me. The idea of a half-blooded child dead set on getting revenge for their very existence stuck with me, and this AU was born.

Kanna made a life for herself in the Earth Kingdom after leaving the North. Katara was raised by her grandmother in a small village, being taught to hide her bending if she wanted to live peacefully in a place she was only half of. Her mother had died in childbirth. Her father, a nameless warrior from the Southern Water Tribe who had loved Kya and left her behind, didn't know of Katara's existence.

Katara took over Kanna's clinic after she passed away. Always taking care of others. Always suppressing her need to bend. Always wishing for more.

One day, he arrived. A half-child, just like her. But while she was of Water, he was a son of Agni. He was searching for the man who brought him to this world. The man who scarred him. The man whose face he couldn't recall, whose name he did not know. The man whose specter had chased his mother to her grave. The man who would die at his hand.

The answers were hidden in a small teashop deep within Ba Sing Se. Lee offered her a way out, and Katara took it.

Soundless (Uiscefhuaraithe)

Katara of the Southern Water Tribe has hands scarred by fire and great talent, though no teacher.

Zuko is a mute War Child, a herbalist and healer, and the Blue Spirit. He bears the mark of fire, and the scar of the blade that took away his voice.

The first time they met, the Blue Spirit had just saved her, tough not before her hands got burned. The second time they met, his name was Lee, and he was healing her.

They live in war and they will fight, if not for the world, then for themselves.

You asked for a full storyline, and I shall deliver!

Soundless is probably the only AU I have fully planned. Three-books, Azula redemption arc, role-reversals and all.

This AU has everything. From travelling through the Earth Kingdom together, to odd character team-ups that somehow manage to work, and a major goal/conflict to resolve.

Zuko and Katara must find their way to Omashu in an Earth Kingdom ravaged by war as they also grow to understand each other, themselves, and the world around them. They meet with new and old alliances, keep their ears open for rumors of the Avatar (They say he is an airbender, Lee. Do you truly belive that?), and do their best to always be two steps ahead of their pasts.

Meanwhile, both the Northern and Southern Water Tribes are searching for the runaway heiress, Aang must find his way alone on this new, hostile world, and Azula must face the revelation that, despite what her father has stated for the last two years (liar, he lied at her! Her! He lied he liedliedliedlied), her brother might just be alive.

I'm sorry for making this such a long answer! I just get very excited about these subjects and don't know when to stop. If you made it all the way down here: thank you again.

I hope you have a good day ❤️

[jetii]

Mutually Beneficial Arrangement

Part One | Part Two

Pairing: Thorn x Senator!Reader / Thorn x fem!Reader

Words: 13,570 / 34,682

Tags/Warnings: 18+ only! enemies to lovers kinda, forced proximity, bodyguard!Thorn, protective!Thorn, smut, unprotected sex, fingering, oral (f receiving), manhandling, spanking, marking, dirty talk, kind of a lot of dirty talk and most of it is so unserious, size kink?, Thorn is a cocky bastard but it's earned, he's actually very nice despite the tags, there's an epilogue

Summary: You're the most infuriating charge Commander Thorn has ever had the misfortune to babysit, and yet, you're also the one he finds himself falling for.

A/N: I have nothing to say but 🤭

Previous Work | Next Work | Masterlist

"Well, Senator, it's been a pleasure," the Governor says.

Thorn forces himself not to roll his eyes. It's the last day of the week, and the final event you have to attend before returning to Coruscant. It's an evening dinner, and the guest list is filled with politicians and government officials and people Thorn has heard more than enough of over the last several days. Thankfully there have been no surprises, and the night has passed without incident. Now, everyone is exchanging pleasantries and saying their goodbyes.

You smile, the perfect image of politeness, and Thorn wants nothing more than to get the two of you out of here. You're clearly tired, and he can tell that the constant stream of socialization is wearing on you. He's surprised that you're able to maintain such a positive, energetic disposition. He would have lost his mind days ago.

"Thank you, Governor," you say, dipping your head. "It's been a wonderful visit, and I'm glad to have had the opportunity to work with you and your staff."

Thorn stifles a sigh. He's heard this same speech several times already, and he's had to listen to the others respond in turn. It's an endless cycle, one big charade, and Thorn is grateful that it's finally ending. He's ready to go home.

The Governor beams, a wide, genuine smile on his face. He claps you on the shoulder, a gesture that seems far too familiar, and Thorn has to resist the urge to push him away.

"Of course, Senator," the Governor says. "We've been honored to host you. I only hope that our hospitality has been satisfactory."

"It's been wonderful," you assure him, and Thorn nearly chokes.

You're lying through your teeth, and it's obvious. Two of his staff tried to assassinate you, and there's a very real threat against your life, and yet you're telling the man that it's been a great visit. He doesn't know whether to laugh or shake his head in disbelief.

"I've had a lovely time,” you say.

"Come back any time, my friend. It's always a pleasure having you here," the Governor replies, and you laugh, the sound low and melodic.

"Don’t say that, you’ll never get me to leave," you tease.

This time, Thorn does roll his eyes, grateful that his helmet is hiding his expression. The Governor lets out a loud laugh, clapping you on the back once again.

You take a step back, and Thorn takes a step forward, placing himself between the two of you. It's a subtle movement, one that the Governor doesn't seem to notice, but you glance at Thorn, a look of amusement and gratitude on your face.

"I wouldn't complain," the Governor laughs. He turns to Thorn, his gaze sweeping over him. "Take care of our Senator, Commander."

"With my life, sir," Thorn says, a note of steel in his voice.

"Good man," the Governor nods and turns back to you. "Safe travels, Senator. Let us know if there's anything else we can do."

"Thank you, Governor," you say. "Have a good night."

The Governor bids you farewell, and the two of you part ways, with Thorn trailing after you as you make your way through the crowd.

You stop, pausing to speak with a few more guests, and he takes the opportunity to look around the room, searching for any signs of danger. Things have been quiet since the attempt on your life, and he’d personally interrogated the would-be assassins to ensure there would be no more surprises, but that doesn't mean he's not going to remain vigilant.

There's a momentary break in the crowd, and you catch his eye, a tired, grateful smile on your face. It's the first time all night that the two of you have been able to lock eyes, and Thorn's stomach flutters. He's never been more thankful for a helmet, because he's pretty sure that his face is as red as his armor.

You nod, a subtle movement, and Thorn responds in kind before he turns his gaze back out at the crowd.

He doesn't have a name for what's happening between the two of you, and he's not sure what to call it. All he knows is that it's something. Something significant.

You're still pushing his buttons, still teasing him and testing his patience, but there's an undercurrent of something deeper. A respect, and an understanding, and a desire that makes his heart race. He doesn't want this to end, and the idea of returning to his old life, without you, is unbearable.

As the room starts to empty, and the staff begins cleaning up, Thorn notices that you're nowhere to be seen. His heart drops, his blood running cold, and he frantically scans the room, searching for any sign of you.

He spots you a moment later heading out into the gardens, and his shoulders sag with relief. He moves to follow you, and then hesitates, not sure if he should intrude. He doesn't want to bother you, and he doesn't want to ruin the moment. But the idea of leaving you alone is too much for him to handle, and he's out the door in an instant.

The gardens are empty, and the moonlight filters down through the trees, casting a soft glow on the stone path. The air is warm, and the sounds of the city are muted, and Thorn takes a deep breath as he tugs off his helmet, relishing in the peacefulness.

He can see your figure in the distance, and he picks up his pace, not wanting to lose sight of you. You're walking slowly, your back turned toward him, and he pauses, watching as the breeze catches your hair and the moonlight shines on your skin.

You look beautiful, and he’s struck by the sudden realization that this is the last time he's ever going to see you like this.

In a matter of hours, you'll be back on the cruiser, and Thorn will return to his regular duties, and this chapter of his life will come to an end. And, even though he knew it was coming, the thought of it makes him feel hollow inside.

He doesn't want this to be the end, and yet, he doesn't know how to stop it.

Thorn takes a deep breath and starts down the path, making his way towards you. The sound of his boots crunching on the gravel causes you to turn, and you look up at him, a fallen flower twirling in your fingertips. 

He catches a glimpse of a strange expression crossing your face, your eyes shining, and he frowns.

"What is it?"

You smile, shaking your head, and his frown deepens. You're looking at him with a sadness he’s never seen before, and he's not sure what to make of it. You're not wearing your usual mask, and he's not used to seeing such open emotion on your face.

"Nothing," you reply with a shrug. The look is gone as soon as it appears, and you turn your attention back to the flower, rolling it between your fingers. 

"Tell me," he orders. His voice comes out harsher than he intended, and he winces. 

You glance at him, raising a brow. "What's with the tone, Commander?"

"Just tell me," he says, softer this time.

You sigh and look away, your gaze sweeping over the garden. It's a warm day, and the scent of flowers drifts through the air. The two of you are standing in the middle of the courtyard, the sky a deep blue above you. It's easier to see the stars here than it is on Coruscant, and Thorn is reminded once again that he's far from home.

"This is it," you murmur.

"This is...what?"

"This is the last night," you say, and he swallows. "After tomorrow, we’ll be heading back on Coruscant, and then your assignment will be over."

He knows this. He's known it since the beginning. But hearing you say it is still like a punch in the gut.

“It is,” he says, his voice thick, and he looks down at his boots.

You're both quiet, and the tension between the two of you seems to grow. Thorn doesn't know what to say. He’s not sure if there's anything that can be said. He's not good at this sort of thing, and the last thing he wants to do is make a fool of himself.

"So we have one more night," you say, breaking the silence. Your voice is soft, and Thorn can hear the sadness in it. It makes his chest ache, and his throat tightens. "One more night before everything goes back to the way it was."

"Yes," he says, his voice barely above a whisper.

You take a deep breath, your chest rising and falling, and Thorn can't tear his eyes away. He's memorized the curve of your lips, the line of your jaw, the softness of your skin, and he's not sure if he'll ever get another chance to see it again. Not like this, at least.

You meet his gaze, and he sucks in a sharp breath, the air catching in his lungs.

"I just wanted to say that I had a lot of fun, Commander," you tell him, a smile tugging at the corner of your lips. “I'm glad the Chancellor saw fit to send you to protect me."

He feels the same, and more, and yet he can't bring himself to say the words. The fear, and the shame, is holding him back, and he hates himself for it.

"It's been my pleasure," he finally manages, the words feeling hollow. It's not enough, and yet, it's all he can give. He wants to say so much more, but the words are stuck in his throat, and he's not sure how to make them come out.

You tilt your head, looking at him with an amused smile, and you shake your head and laugh. "No, it hasn't."

Thorn stiffens, and he's not sure whether to be offended or embarrassed. It's true, he's hated this assignment from the very beginning, but that was before he got to know you. Before he saw the real you, and fell for you, and wanted nothing more than to be with you.

"Senator," he warns, and you chuckle.

"Commander, please. You can be honest with me, you know," you say lightly. "I won't mind. I can't imagine being forced to be the sole guard of an uppity senator was a very high priority for you. Especially when said senator has a habit of disappearing."

"You're not uppity," he tells you, and you snort, rolling your eyes. "You're not."

"You really are an awful liar, Commander."

"I'm not lying," he insists, and you give him a knowing look.

"So, why are you so keen to get out of here?" you ask, tilting your head. "You must be eager to get back to your usual duties. I'm sure it'll be a relief not to have to worry about me anymore."

"I'm not keen," he says, and you raise a brow. "It's just..."

He trails off, his words failing him. He's not sure how to explain what he's feeling, and the more he tries, the more frustrated he gets.

"What is it?" you prompt, and Thorn sighs, scrubbing a hand down his face.

When his hand drops, his mouth presses into a thin line, his eyes searching yours. "You want me to be honest?"

You nod.

"Fine.”

He takes a deep breath and squares his shoulders, trying to ignore the way his heart is hammering in his chest. He has no idea where the sudden surge of bravery has come from, but he's determined to ride it out, no matter what happens.

“I hated this assignment. From the very beginning. It's been a pain in my ass, and a major distraction from my duties. I've had to deal with more bullshit in the last month than I have in my entire career, and I'm more than ready for it to be over," he admits, and your lips quirk up in amusement. "And it's been even worse because of you."

Your eyebrows shoot up. "Me? What did I do?"

"Yes. You've made my life a living hell, Senator.” Thorn swallows hard, the words spilling out before he can stop them. "Because, every time I was near you, I couldn't concentrate. I couldn't stop thinking about you, and wondering if you were okay, and wishing that things were different. You drive me crazy. You've always driven me crazy."

You stare at him, your mouth agape. Thorn is breathing heavily, his heart pounding in his chest, and his ears are ringing. He can't believe he's just confessed all that, and he can't believe he actually meant it. It's like a weight has been lifted off his chest, and he feels better than he has in weeks. But, now, the fear is setting in, and his stomach is tying itself in knots.

He's said too much, and he knows it. But, it's too late to take it back now.

You're still staring at him, and Thorn can't read the expression on your face. There’s a long silence, and he wonders if you're going to say anything, or if he's just screwed everything up. The suspense is killing him, and he's tempted to put his helmet back on just to escape the awkwardness.

After a moment, you close your mouth, and you look down, your eyelashes fluttering. Thorn watches as a smile spreads across your face and your cheeks turn pink.

A warm rush of relief washes over him, one that leaves him feeling lighter than air. He doesn't know what's going through your head, but he's pretty sure it's a good thing.

"You really are full of surprises, aren't you, Commander?"

Thorn shrugs, the corners of his lips quirking up. "Only when you're involved, Senator."

Your eyes crinkle, and a soft laugh leaves your lips. You shake your head, looking up at him with a fondness that makes his heart ache. He can’t fight the urge to reach out and touch you anymore, and so he does. He cups your face, his thumb caressing your cheek, and you lean into his touch, the smile on your face growing.

"So, why are you so eager to leave? Is it because you can't stand being around me?" you tease, and Thorn laughs, the sound low and husky.

"No, I don't think that's it," he murmurs. "The problem is that I don't think I can stay away from you."

You tilt your head, the amusement on your face turning into something else, and Thorn can't tear his gaze away. You're looking at him, really looking at him, and he feels the world around him fade away.

"Then don't," you breathe, your voice barely above a whisper.

Your words hang between the two of you, and Thorn finds himself leaning in, his heart racing. You're close, and his hand is still on your cheek, and all he can think about is how much he wants to kiss you.

And, for once, he lets himself do it.

His lips brush against yours, and you gasp, your body stiffening. Thorn’s stomach clenches, a rush of panic washing over him, but before he can pull away, your hands reach up, cupping his face. 

He melts into the kiss, his free hand finding your hip, and he pulls you flush against him. You let out a soft moan as his tongue darts out to taste you, and he groans, his grip tightening as your hands grip his chest plate.

The two of you move together, the kiss turning from sweet and gentle, to heated and passionate. You taste sweet, like the dessert you'd eaten earlier, and he finds himself quickly getting lost in the way your lips move, in the feeling of your body pressed against his, in the sound of your soft gasps.

He's never felt this way before, and he never wants it to end.

You're the most incredible thing he's ever experienced, and he doesn't want to let you go.

You pull away, and Thorn can't help but chase your lips, a low whine escaping him. You laugh softly, pressing a kiss to the corner of his mouth, and then you take a step back, putting some distance between the two of you. He doesn’t let you go far, his hands still gripping your waist, and he searches your face, his heart hammering.

"That was..." you trail off, a dazed look in your eyes. Your cheeks are flushed, and your lips are swollen, and you're looking at him like you're seeing him for the first time. It makes his heart race, and a smug satisfaction settles over him. He did that.

He can't stop the laughter that bubbles up from his chest. "Incredible? Amazing?" 

You roll your eyes, shoving his shoulder playfully, and his grin widens.

"Shut up."

"Yes, ma'am," he replies, his voice soft and teasing.

You give him a stern look, but there's a smile tugging at your lips, and Thorn can't resist leaning down to capture your lips with his. You hum, leaning into him, and his arms wrap around you, pulling you close.

You break the kiss, and Thorn leans his forehead against yours, his breath coming in ragged gasps.

"I think we should save the rest for later, Commander," you murmur, and Thorn's heart skips a beat. He's not sure if he heard you correctly, but the way your fingers trace the edge of his jaw is all the confirmation he needs.

"Okay," he agrees quickly, his voice hoarse, and you give him a satisfied smirk.

"Good," you hum. Your thumb moves across his mouth, wiping the lipstick from his lips, and Thorn has to resist the urge to capture your finger between his teeth.

You press one last, lingering kiss against his mouth, and then pull away, stepping out of his arms. "Now, I should get back to my quarters. We can finish this there."

Thorn blinks, his eyes wide, and his jaw drops. He's not sure what to say, and he can only stare at you in shock. You've completely caught him off guard, and the confidence and boldness you're showing is enough to make him weak in the knees.

"We can?" he stammers, and you laugh.

"I think we both know that we've been dancing around each other for weeks now," you reply. "Don't act so surprised."

He can't deny it, and he doesn't try.

"Are you sure about this, Senator?"

You give him a wicked grin, and Thorn swallows hard, his stomach tightening.

"Of course," you say lightly. "You don't think I'd let you kiss me like that and then walk away, do you? No, Commander, I want the full experience."

He blinks, and then lets out a short, surprised laugh. You're shameless, and it's one of the things he likes most about you. He doesn't know how he got so lucky, or how this is even happening, but he's not about to back down from the challenge. Not when you're looking at him like that.

"And you think you can handle that?" he murmurs, his voice dropping lower. His hand trails down your side, brushing against the curve of your waist, and you shiver, a soft sigh leaving your lips.

"Oh, Commander," you breathe. "I know I can. Can you?"

Thorn's hand cups your chin, and he leans in, his breath ghosting over your ear. "Oh, I'm sure I can handle whatever you've got, Senator."

You let out a shuddering breath, and he smiles triumphantly, feeling a thrill run down his spine.

"Well then," you purr, a mischievous gleam in your eyes. "We’d better head back. We have some...negotiations to discuss."

Thorn laughs, the sound low and rumbling, and he offers you his arm. "Do we, now?"

"We do," you confirm as you loop your arm through his. "We’ll have to see if we can't reach a mutually beneficial arrangement."

"It could take a while, Senator," he teases. "You're a very stubborn woman. We could be here all night."

You let out a laugh, and the sound fills him with happiness. He can't remember the last time he felt like this, and he's not sure if he ever has.

"Oh, I'm counting on it, Commander."

The moment the door to your apartment closes behind the two of you, Thorn finds himself pushed up against it, his back slamming against the wood, and a gasp escapes him as your lips crash against his. His helmet clatters to the floor, forgotten, and his hands come to rest on your waist, his fingers digging into the soft fabric of your robes.

It's the middle of the night, and Thorn can barely see you in the darkness, the moonlight shining through the window casting the room in a dim, silvery light. The only other source of light is the soft glow of the city outside, and he feels like he's in another world, somewhere far away from reality.

It's a nice feeling, knowing that the two of you are alone, that there's nothing keeping you apart, and Thorn doesn't waste a second.

He tears off his gloves, and his hands slide under the hem of your robes, pushing them up. Your skin is soft and warm beneath his touch, and he can feel the heat of your body as his palms skim over the bare skin of your thighs. He squeezes your hips, drawing you closer to him, and a low moan slips from your lips.

You're both desperate, the need to feel each other's skin overwhelming. Your hands are everywhere, exploring every inch of him, and Thorn's skin feels hot, like he's burning up from the inside.

"Senator," he mutters, his mouth trailing along the line of your jaw. You hum, tilting your head back, giving him access to the column of your neck, and he doesn't hesitate, his lips skimming over your skin.

"Commander," you breathe, a breathless laugh escaping you when he bites down on the spot where your neck meets your shoulder. Your fingers curl in his hair, tugging sharply, and Thorn grunts, his hips bucking forward and grinding against you.

"You know, Senator, there are a lot of things that I've been thinking about," he tells you. His mouth presses against the curve of your shoulder, his hands slipping higher to brush over the curve of your ass. "A lot of things I've wanted to do with you."

You chuckle, a breathless sound that makes his blood heat. "Oh?”

Thorn noses aside the neckline of your dress, exposing the smooth skin of your shoulder, and his mouth immediately finds your collarbone, his tongue sweeping across it. "Mhm. I have a very active imagination, you know."

Your hips roll against his, and Thorn hisses, his grip tightening. Your lips brush against his ear, your breath hot against his skin.

"Do tell, Commander," you whisper. "I want to hear all about it."

"All of it?" he asks, and you hum, nipping at his earlobe. His skin prickles, and he feels the shiver run down his spine.

"Every single thing."

"Well, first, I've thought a lot about what you'd feel like," he starts. His hand moves to your front, pushing the fabric aside until his fingers brush against the bare skin of your abdomen, and you inhale sharply, the muscles flexing under his touch. "What you'd sound like, when I touched you."

He moves his hand lower, his fingertips trailing along the edge of your panties. You bite your lip, and he pauses, searching your face. You're flushed, and your eyes are hooded, and Thorn swallows, his blood heating.

"Is that all?" you ask, and he chuckles, shaking his head.

"I’m glad you asked, Senator," he says, his fingers sliding over the fabric of your underwear. You gasp, your hips bucking forward, grinding into his hand. He can feel how wet you are, and he bites back a groan. "Because I've had quite a few ideas lately."

"Oh, really?" you ask, your voice low. "Tell me, Commander, what else have you been thinking about?"

Thorn grins, and then, without warning, his hand slips into your underwear, his fingers sliding between your folds. You cry out, your body going tense, and Thorn's other hand wraps around your waist, holding you steady. He works his fingers slowly, his touch gentle and teasing, and your head falls back, your eyes fluttering shut.

"I've thought a lot about how you'd look, sitting on my face, with my tongue buried inside you," he whispers, his mouth moving along the curve of your jaw. Your breath hitches, and he bites back a smirk, his fingers continuing their slow exploration. “Or how you'd look on your knees, looking up at me with those pretty eyes of yours, begging for more."

You let out a low whine, and he can feel your thighs quivering, your hips rolling into his hand.

"I've thought about bending you over my desk, or pressing you against the window. Maybe even spreading you out on my bed, keeping you there until I'm satisfied."

You whimper, your hands coming up to grip his shoulders. His fingers rub tight circles around your clit, and you grind against him, a soft moan escaping you. You're soaking wet, dripping onto his hand, and the feel of it makes his cock throb.

"You have a filthy mind, Commander," you tease, and he grins, his nose nuzzling the spot behind your ear.

"I told you, I'm very creative," he says lightly. "And there's nothing I can't accomplish, if I put my mind to it."

"You are very dedicated, I'll give you that," you mumble, a soft moan escaping you when he finally pushes a finger inside of you. You're so wet that he has no trouble slipping another in, and your hips rock, a shuddering gasp escaping you. "Fuck."

He searches for that spot deep inside of you, his fingers curling, his eyes fixed on your face. He's watching you carefully, gauging your reactions, and when you let out a sharp cry, he knows he's found it. Thorn grins, his thumb pressing down on your clit, and your whole body stiffens, a breathless moan falling from your lips.

His free hand moves up to cup your chin, his thumb brushing against the seam of your lips. You open for him, and his thumb slips into your mouth, stroking the velvety heat of your tongue. A groan rumbles through his chest as you suck on his finger, your eyes locking with his.

"Do you like this, Senator?" he murmurs, his breath fanning across the skin of your neck, and you nod, a muffled whimper escaping you.

"Mhm," you groan, the word turning into a sharp gasp when he crooks his fingers again, his pace quickening.

He presses a kiss to the underside of your jaw, his lips brushing against the shell of your ear.

"I'm going to fuck you so good," he growls. "Gonna make you feel so fucking good."

You whimper, and Thorn bites back a smirk, his hand gripping your chin, forcing your head up. Your eyes meet his, and he can see the desire burning in them, the way your pupils are blown wide with lust. His other hand speeds up, his thumb circling your clit, and your hips start to rock, matching his movements.

"You've been driving me crazy for months. But you knew that, didn't you?"

"I have," you admit, a breathless laugh escaping you. The sound turns into a soft moan as he thrusts his fingers deeper, and Thorn's hand tightens, his eyes never leaving yours.

"It was very cruel of you, Senator. Do you know how hard it was to stay focused when you kept making me blush? And all those little comments," he mutters, and your eyes flash with mischief, a grin tugging at the corners of your lips. "You knew what you were doing, didn't you?"

You bite down on his thumb, and his eyes widen, a low groan leaving him. "I had a feeling."

He lets out a low, rumbling laugh. "So you've been trying to drive me crazy on purpose?"

"Yes, and it worked, didn't it?" you ask, and he grins, cupping the back of your head, his fingers tangling in your hair. You gasp, a shudder running through you, and he tugs on it, pulling your head back until his lips can brush against the shell of your ear.

"You have no idea," he breathes. "You have no fucking idea."

He pushes you backwards, and your back hits the wall with a soft thud. Thorn drops to his knees, his fingers still pumping into you, and he shoves your skirts aside so he can get a better look. He's rewarded with the sight of your slick-covered thighs, your soaked underwear stretched over his knuckles and he lets out a low groan.

"You're so fucking beautiful," he breathes. His fingers slip out of you and slide over the damp fabric of your panties, and his thumb strokes over the swollen bundle of nerves, teasing you. "And so fucking wet. Look at how wet you are for me."

You let out a soft whimper and nod, your hands gripping the hem of your skirts. Thorn's eyes flicker to yours, and then he leans in, pressing his mouth against the fabric, his tongue swiping over it. You cry out, your knees buckling, and Thorn's hands grip your thighs, keeping you upright.

He sucks at the fabric, and the taste of you explodes on his tongue. You're sweet and tart and perfect, and he can't get enough. He can feel your clit throbbing beneath the fabric, and he moans, his tongue licking a hot, wet trail over it.

"So good," he whispers. "So fucking good."

He pulls back to tear your underwear down your legs, and then he quickly shoves his fingers back inside of you. His free hand grabs hold of your leg, lifting it up and draping it over his shoulder. You're spread open in front of him, and Thorn licks his lips, his eyes hungrily taking in the sight of you.

You're a vision. Your skin is flushed, your hair mussed, and your eyes are glazed over, half-lidded with pleasure. Your breasts heave, and the soft sounds of pleasure spilling from your lips fill his ears, the only other sound in the room the wet slap of his hand as it works inside you. 

"I'm not gonna stop until you come on my face," he murmurs, and you moan, your hands tangling in his hair, tugging on it sharply.

"Then what are you waiting for, Commander?" you taunt breathlessly. 

His lips quirk, his eyes darkening.

"I guess I'm just waiting for you to beg."

"Don't hold your breath," you shoot back. Thorn chuckles and shakes his head.

"That's alright," he says. "We've got all night."

You glare down at him, and he meets your gaze, his lips curling into a smirk. He leans in, his nose nuzzling the crease of your thigh, and then his mouth closes over your clit, his tongue flicking over the sensitive bud. Your body stiffens, and a loud cry escapes you, your foot digging into his back as your hands fist in his hair.

He's not gentle. There's nothing tender about the way his tongue is licking at the seam of your pussy, or the way his fingers are pistoning into you, or the way his teeth are scraping over the sensitive flesh.

He doesn't want to be gentle.

He wants to make sure that the next time you see him, every single time you look at him, you're reminded of how good it felt to have his mouth on you. You're going to remember the way he made you fall apart, and the feeling of his hands on you.

You're going to be ruined, and Thorn is going to make sure that no one else is ever going to be able to measure up.

"Fuck," you choke out, your voice raw, your chest heaving. He can't help but grin, his teeth nipping at the soft flesh, and you let out a sharp gasp. "Don't stop, don't you dare fucking stop."

"Come on, Senator," he growls, his fingers speeding up. He feels your cunt clench around him, and he groans, his eyes fluttering shut. “Come on my face. Show me how good I'm making you feel."

Your breath comes out in harsh pants, and he can tell that you're getting close. Your muscles are tensing, and your hips are jerking, and Thorn doubles his efforts, his mouth sucking hard on your clit.

"Ah, Commander!"

Your hips buck against his face, and your hands grip his hair, holding him in place. Your entire body tenses, your thighs quivering, and then, with a sharp cry, you come undone. 

Thorn lets out a strangled laugh as you writhe and shudder above him. Your walls flutter around his fingers, and he can feel your release dripping down his wrist, coating his knuckles. He laps it up, his tongue dipping between your folds, and he can't help the way his hips grind into the floor, desperate for some friction.

He doesn't stop, even as you whimper and your body starts to tremble. He keeps going, his tongue working against your clit furiously. He can't get enough of the way you taste, and he doesn't want to stop. He could do this forever, he thinks. Just bury his face between your thighs and eat you out for hours, making you come over and over again.

You let out a sob, your body going taut as he pushes a third finger into you, stretching you open. He thrusts into you, his mouth working relentlessly, his teeth scraping over your clit. Your hips rock into him, grinding against his face, and Thorn grunts, his eyes locked on yours.

"Oh, oh, oh," you gasp, your voice strained. "Fucking hell, Thorn!

The sound of his name falling from your lips is enough to make him groan. He pulls his fingers out, and then immediately thrusts them back in, his mouth latching onto your clit. Your entire body shudders, and then you're coming again, a hoarse scream tearing from your throat.

He hums at the sound, a smug smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. He didn’t expect you to be so vocal, and he can’t help but wonder if anyone can hear you. If the guards on duty can hear the way you're crying out for him, the way you're screaming his name.

He hopes they can. He hopes the entire damn city can.

"That's it, Senator," Thorn coos, his tongue gently lapping at the mess between your legs. You whimper, your hands pushing his face away, and he lets out a rumbling laugh, his nose skimming the inside of your thigh.

He presses one last kiss to the apex of your thighs before he sits back, admiring his work. Your skirts are rumpled and pushed up to your hips, exposing the smooth expanse of your trembling thighs, and you're gasping for air, your chest heaving. You look absolutely debauched, and the sight makes his blood heat.

Thorn grins, licking his lips, and he watches as your eyes lock onto the movement. “Did that live up to expectations, Senator?"

"Not bad, Commander," you pant. "I'm impressed."

"I told you, I always get the job done."

You laugh, the sound turning into a low moan when he removes his fingers from you, a thin line of slick connecting them to your cunt.

"I guess you did.”

He smirks, bringing his fingers to his lips and sucking them clean. His tongue slides between the digits, and he sees your eyes darken, a breathless laugh escaping you.

"Are you satisfied, Senator?" he asks, his voice dropping, and your eyes glint, a smirk tugging at the corners of your lips.

"For now," you murmur.

He lets out a rumbling laugh, leaning in and pressing a kiss to the inside of your thigh.

"Good. Now it's my turn,” he says, his nose skimming the line of your leg. He sees the way your cunt clenches, the way the muscles of your abdomen flex, and his smile widens. He wants to bury his face between your thighs again, but he has other plans.

"What did you have in mind, Commander?" you ask, your voice heavy with desire, and he gives  noncommittal shrug, his hands sliding down the length of your legs, cupping the back of your knees.

“I’ll show you.”

 Without waiting for a response, Thorn wraps his arms around your thighs, picking you up and throwing you over his shoulder. You yelp, your hands gripping the edge of his breastplate, and he laughs. His hand slides under the hem of your skirt, his fingertips brushing against the curve of your ass, and he hums, giving it a firm squeeze.

"Commander!" you cry out as he slaps your ass, the sound echoing through the room. You let out a surprised squeak, and Thorn smirks, his palm smoothing over the stinging flesh.

"Senator, I can assure you that this is in the best interests of everyone," he says lightly, and you snort, slapping him gently upside the head. He chuckles, giving you another quick swat. He doesn’t miss the way your hips buck, the soft whine that falls from your lips.

"In the best interest of who?"

"You, for one. And me. And any poor souls that have the misfortune of having to deal with us," he tells you as he walks. “We're going to spend the rest of the night working things out, Senator. The sooner we reach a conclusion, the sooner everyone will be happy."

"Well, when you put it like that, how can I refuse?"

"I knew you'd see it my way," he replies, his hands skimming over the curve of your ass, and then, without warning, his fingers dig into the backs of your thighs, and he lifts you, swinging you around.

You shriek, laughing and swatting at his armor, and he can't stop the smile that spreads across his face as he adjusts you, wrapping your legs around his waist. You're warm and pliant in his arms, and the feeling of your arms looping around his neck sends a shiver down his spine.

You look up at him, and his breath catches at the sight of the warmth in your eyes. He's never seen you like this, and he's definitely not used to seeing you this vulnerable. He can't help but be amazed at the trust you've put in him. It's a powerful feeling, knowing that someone like you, someone who could have anyone they wanted, is willing to let their guard down with him.

It's not a feeling he's particularly familiar with, but it's one he wants to get used to. He's tired of pretending, and he's tired of being afraid. He wants to know what it's like to be close to someone, and to be wanted, and he's never been more certain that you're the person he wants to experience that with.

He's spent months chasing you, and now, finally, he's caught you.

He can't imagine a better feeling.

Thorn carries you through the darkened apartment, his hands gripping your thighs, and you press kisses along his neck and jaw. Your lips are soft and warm, and he lets out a contented sigh, his eyes fluttering shut.

He’s memorized the layout of the apartment, and he doesn’t need the lights to know where he's going. He can find his way to your bedroom in his sleep, and he's not surprised when his foot nudges open the door.

The curtains are open, and the moonlight spills through the window, bathing the room in a soft, silvery glow. He’s sure the view of the gardens would be beautiful, if he bothered to look. Right now, though, all he can focus on is the woman in his arms.

His gaze falls on the bed, and he feels a thrill of anticipation run through him. It's huge, bigger than any bed he's ever slept in, and covered in plush pillows and thick blankets. Thorn lets out a rumbling laugh, and then, without a word, he tosses you onto the mattress.

You bounce slightly, a soft squeak escaping you, and he takes a moment to admire the way your hair fans out beneath you, your robes slipping off your shoulder. You're gorgeous, and the sight of you lying in the middle of the bed, spread out for him, is almost too much for him.

You prop yourself up on your elbows, your eyes locking with his. "So what did you have in mind, Commander?"

"Strip," he orders, his hands coming to rest on the fastenings of his belt. "I want to see all of you."

You don't move, and he raises a brow, tilting his head.

"Unless you'd rather I tear those pretty robes off of you," he says, and something flashes across your face, your eyes darkening. "Which, honestly, I'm perfectly fine with. It's been a long day, and I'm not feeling very patient."

"You're awfully demanding, Commander," you murmur, and his lips quirk, his gaze fixed on yours. He drops his belt to the floor, his kama coming along with it, and his chestplate follows, his pauldrons and vambraces soon joining the pile.

"And you're not listening," he replies lightly, his voice dangerously low, and he watches as your eyes widen, your cheeks flushing. "Maybe I should show you just how serious I am, Senator."

"As much as I love the idea of you tearing my clothes off," you say softly, pushing yourself up and sitting on the edge of the bed, "I do quite like this dress. It's new."

"I like it too," he admits, his gaze following the curve of your neck, the dip of your collarbone.

You chuckle, rising to your feet. "Good."

His eyes lock with yours, and Thorn swallows thickly, his throat suddenly feeling tight. He watches as you step forward, your hands moving to the fastenings of your dress, and his breath catches in his throat, his heart hammering in his chest. His fingers slip over his codpiece, his eyes following the movement of your hands. By the time he’s managed to unfasten the plates, he sees the top of your dress sliding off your shoulders, the fabric pooling at your feet.

"Oh, fuck," he breathes. He can't help but stare, his eyes roaming over every inch of exposed skin, and you let out a soft laugh, stepping out of the fabric, leaving you completely bare.

"What?" you ask, and Thorn doesn't respond, his mouth suddenly too dry.

"Maker," he mutters, and your smile widens.

"Like what you see, Commander?"

"You have no idea," he growls, his hands suddenly moving as fast as lightning, his armor dropping to the floor.

He's desperate, his body aching with need, and it doesn't take him long to shed his armor. The plates drop to the floor with a series of loud clanks, and Thorn doesn't bother looking down, his eyes locked on yours.

By the time he's pulled off his briefs, you've unhooked your bra and tossed it aside, and Thorn has to stop himself from lunging at you. His cock is throbbing, painfully hard, and the sight of your bare chest makes him feel lightheaded.

He moves quickly, his hands finding your waist, and he lifts you, your legs automatically wrapping around him, your hands cupping his face. You feel incredible, the soft skin of your body pressed against him, and for the first time, there's no armor, no titles, nothing separating the two of you.

And when your lips brush against his, the kiss is softer than anything he's experienced before. He sighs into the kiss, his arms tightening around you, and he feels your legs squeezing around his waist, a soft whimper falling from your lips.

"Senator," he breathes as you part, his nose brushing against yours, and you lean in, your forehead resting against his.

"I don't think we need those titles anymore," you whisper, and he nods, a small laugh escaping him.

"Yeah. Okay."

You lean in, and his lips meet yours once more. This time, the kiss is more urgent, and his hand slides to the nape of your neck, holding you in place as he kisses you, his tongue slipping between your lips. You taste like mint and spice, and the feeling of your mouth against his sends a shock of pleasure down his spine.

Your hands slide down his neck, his shoulders, his chest, and Thorn groans, his muscles tensing under your touch. You hum, nipping at his bottom lip, and then your hand slides lower, wrapping around his length, and Thorn's head drops back, a shuddering moan falling from his lips.

"Fuck, sweetheart," he chokes out, and you grin, your thumb rubbing against the head of his cock. "That's—"

You squeeze, and his hips buck, a sharp cry falling from his lips. His knees threaten to give out, and Thorn grunts, his body shaking.

"So big," you murmur, and a strangled laugh spills from his mouth, his eyes rolling back.

"Don't worry, sweetheart," he manages to croak. "I'll go easy on you."

You scoff, rolling your eyes, and Thorn grins.

"I'm kidding," he murmurs, and then, without warning, he pushes forward, pressing you into the mattress. Your back hits the soft covers, and Thorn climbs over you, his weight resting on his elbows. 

Your hair fans out beneath you, the moonlight bathing the sheets, and he takes a moment to admire you again before he leans down, his lips trailing over your neck.

"Fuck, I could get used to this," he mumbles against your skin. Your hands tangle in his hair, and you arch beneath him, a soft moan escaping you.

"Yeah?"

"Mmhm," he hums, kissing along the curve of your shoulder, his hand coming up to cup your breast, his thumb flicking over your nipple. 

Your gasp turns into a whimper as he sucks a mark into the skin, and he can't help the swell of pride he feels, his gaze drifting to the mark. It’s a deep purple, stark against your skin, and Thorn finds himself smirking. You’ll have no trouble hiding it underneath your robes, but every time you move, every time you touch it, or when you catch a glimpse of it in the mirror, you're going to remember the way his mouth felt on you.

"You look good like this," he says, his voice thick with arousal, his hand drifting lower, and your eyes flutter shut, a soft moan escaping you.

"On the bed, or marked by you?"

"Both," he says with a chuckle. Thorn feels his heart skip a beat, his cock twitching. The image of you, splayed out on the bed, covered in his marks, is a very appealing one. “I could do this for days. Cover every inch of your body."

"Maybe next time," you tell him, and he raises a brow, his lips trailing over the valley of your breasts.

"Next time?"

"Unless you're opposed to it, Commander."

"I am not," he growls, his fingers brushing over the seam of your cunt. "Definitely not opposed to that."

You shiver, your thighs parting, and Thorn lets out soft breath, his gaze drifting to the apex of your thighs. He can't believe he's actually here, that you're letting him touch you. It's been months since the first time he saw you, and while he's imagined this moment more times than he'd care to admit, none of his fantasies can compare to the real thing.

"I'm glad we're on the same page, then," you say lightly, and Thorn can't help but chuckle, his fingers dipping between your folds.

"Senator, I'm not sure if I've made myself clear," he starts, his fingertips sliding through the slick dripping down your pussy. You let out a strangled moan as he spreads it along the swollen lips, his thumb teasing the throbbing bud of nerves. 

"But I am very interested in there being a next time. And the time after that. And the time after that. As many times as you want. In fact, I'm willing to work on a very generous schedule, and I'm open to negotiation. But only with you. So please, Senator," he says, his thumb pressing against your clit. Your back arches off the bed, a strangled moan falling from your lips, and he grins. "Be reasonable."

Your eyes flash, a breathless laugh spilling from your lips. "I'll have to take it under advisement. You've made a very compelling case, Commander."

"Oh, that was just the opening argument. Now," he continues, his fingers circling your clit, his other hand reaching between the two of you and grabbing his cock. His eyes lock with yours as he rubs the head against your dripping slit, and a whimper spills from your lips.

"Let's see how the rest of the debate goes."

Your response is a gasp, a sharp moan escaping you when the head of his cock dips into your entrance. Your hips rock forward, taking more of him in, and Thorn bites back a groan, his fingers tightening on his cock.

He wants to take his time, wants to tease you, wants to push you right to the edge and make you beg for it.

But he can't. Not tonight.

The thought of being inside you, the heat of your body surrounding him, is too much. He needs to know what it feels like, needs to feel you around him.

And judging from the look on your face, the way your eyes are fixed on the space where the two of you are connected, you need it just as much as he does.

Thorn doesn't waste any more time.

With a slow, steady push, he slides inside of you, his head dropping forward, a choked groan escaping him. You're so fucking warm and wet and perfect, and it takes everything in him not to slam his hips into yours. He wants to, he really fucking does, but he's also trying to be careful.

He hears you whimper, and his gaze moves to your face, his brow furrowing when he sees the wince.

"Oh," he says softly, and his hand moves to the curve of your hip, his thumb stroking the soft skin. "You're so fucking tight, sweetheart. Is this okay?"

"Yeah," you mumble, a breathless laugh escaping you. You're flushed, a sheen of sweat covering your skin, and Thorn doesn't move, doesn't push in further. He waits, his hand caressing your hip, his eyes searching your face. "I'm just not used to..."

"Big?" he supplies with a smirk, and you roll your eyes, a huff escaping you.

"No. Well, yes. But it's been a while."

“Ah," he hums, and then he leans in, his lips brushing against the shell of your ear. "Do you want me to be gentle?"

"No," you say, shaking your head.

His brow furrows, his head tilting to the side. "No?"

"I want you to fuck me, Thorn," you murmur, and his throat bobs. He feels the way your cunt clenches around him, the way your body tenses, and a strangled groan leaves him. "Please."

It's the please that does it.

It's the way the word falls from your lips so softly, so desperately, that has him snapping his hips forward. A choked moan spills from his lips as he pushes deeper, and he can't stop himself, his entire body trembling with the effort of holding himself back.

You're so warm and tight, and it's all he can do to keep still, his breath coming in short, ragged gasps. He can feel your body adjusting to his size, can feel your muscles clenching around him, and he grits his teeth, his nails digging into the soft skin of your thigh as he hitches it around his waist.

"Fucking hell," he breathes, and he feels you squeeze around him, your back arching.

"Maker, you're big," you mumble, and Thorn's lips curl into a smirk, his hand moving to cup the back of your knee. 

"Told you.”

You roll your eyes, and he chuckles, kissing along the line of your jaw as he pushes your leg up higher.

"Just relax," he whispers against the column of your throat. "You can take it."

He hears a muffled noise come from your throat, and then suddenly he's buried inside of you.

You both groan, the sound filling the room, and Thorn's hand tightens, his hips grinding against yours. He keeps the pace slow and steady, not wanting to overwhelm you, but soon, you're pushing back against him, a soft whimper falling from your lips.

The noise sends a shiver down his spine, and he can't stop himself. He starts to move faster, pulling out farther, his mouth hot on your throat.

"Look at you, taking me so well," he purrs, and he sees the way your body reacts, the way your legs wrap around his waist, urging him deeper. "Like you were made for me."

Your hand grips the nape of his neck, and a sharp hiss escapes him as your nails bite into his skin. His hips snap forward, the head of his cock rubbing against the spot deep inside of you, and you let out a low cry, a strangled sob escaping you.

He watches, enraptured, as the last of the tension melts away, and then you're wrapping yourself around him, your nails digging into his shoulders, your legs tightening around his waist, and he loses himself.

You're so tight, so warm, so perfect, and Thorn can't believe it's taken him this long to get his hands on you. The feeling of you squeezing around him, the sounds spilling from your lips, are more than enough to drive him crazy, but there's something about the way you're looking at him that makes him ache. There's so much warmth and trust in your eyes and he can't help but think that it's for him. Just him.

"Fuck," he breathes, and his hips start to rock faster, harder, his lips crashing into yours. "You feel so fucking good, sweetheart."

He's always prided himself on his self control, on his ability to stay calm and rational, but you're turning everything upside down. All he can think about is you, all he wants is you. He doesn't want to stop, doesn't want to slow down, doesn't want to be anywhere else.

"Fuck, Thorn, yes, yes, yes, yes," you chant with each thrust. His hips speed up, the sound of skin slapping against skin filling the room, and his fingers dig into your hips, the mattress squeaking beneath the two of you. Your eyes are closed, your head thrown back, and Thorn can't stop staring at you.

He's close. So close.

"Say my name again," he growls, his tongue tracing a path along the line of your throat.

"Thorn," you moan, and he feels his heart clench, his lips curling.

He's never heard anything sweeter.

Your arms wrap around his shoulders, your hands gripping his hair, and he buries his face in the crook of your neck, his mouth latching onto the soft skin.

"Are you gonna come for me, sweetheart?" he breathes, and your legs tighten around his waist, a loud cry escaping you. "I want to hear you scream my name. Come for me, let me hear how good I'm making you feel."

A sharp cry falls from your lips, and Thorn's pace falters. He's so close, so fucking close, and he's desperate to hear you say his name. It's all he can think about, all he wants to hear.

"You're not going to let me hear the end of this, are you?" you mumble with a breathless laugh. Your lips curl into a smirk, and Thorn laughs too.

"Not a chance."

He kisses you again, and then his hands slide down the length of your thighs, gripping your knees and pushing them apart. His hips snap forward, his cock bottoming out inside of you. You let out a surprised squeak, and then he's pulling out almost all the way before slamming back into you.

“Oh, fuck, Thorn!" you scream, and his lips curl into a smug grin, his chest puffing up with pride.

He's never been one to gloat, but right now, he can't help it. He's not just satisfied.

He's fucking elated.

"That's what I wanted to hear," he growls, his voice thick with lust, and then he's pushing in deep once more. His hand drops between the two of you, his fingers finding your clit. Your back arches under his touch, and your hands moving to grip his biceps, your nails digging into the taut muscle. He lets out a low groan, his hips speeding up, and his gaze travels down your body, his eyes fixing on the spot where the two of you are connected.

He's not sure what it is about it, but the sight of his cock buried inside you, the way the head of his cock is sliding in and out of your body, is pushing him closer and closer to the edge. He doesn't want to come first, but seeing you stretched open, seeing how deep he's able to go, is making it hard to hold back.

He wants to feel it. Wants to see your body tightening around him, wants to see you come undone.

And when he rubs his thumb against your clit, his other hand moving to your breast and his mouth latching onto the column of your throat, you give him exactly what he wants.

"Fuck, Thorn!"

The words spill from your lips as you come, and Thorn groans, forcing himself to keep his eyes open. Your cunt is squeezing around him, and it's too much. He can’t move, can barely breathe, can barely think.

He manages to hold out for a few seconds, his eyes flickering between the place where the two of you are connected, your release spilling around his cock, and your face, your eyes wide, your lips parted.

Then, with a sharp cry, he falls over the edge, and everything goes white as he spills inside you. He hears you gasp, feels your arms wrap around him, and his own arms come up to wrap around your waist. His head drops down, his forehead pressing against the skin of your neck, and he moans, his hips jerking forward as the last of his release spurts from his cock.

It's intense.

His mind is spinning, his head swimming. His whole body is tingling, and his breath is coming in short, ragged pants.

He doesn't know how long he stays there, buried inside you, his breathing slowly returning to normal, but eventually, he manages to push himself up onto his elbows, his eyes locking with yours.

"Hi," you say, and Thorn smiles, leaning down and pressing a quick kiss to the tip of your nose.

"Hi," he mumbles, and then his gaze drifts to the mess he's made, and his cheeks burn. "Sorry about that. I should have asked. Or pulled out. I wasn't thinking."

"Don't apologize," you tell him, your hand cupping his cheek. "I wasn't either. And I didn't expect you to. It's fine."

"Okay," he says, and then he smiles, his gaze drifting over your face, the flush on your cheeks, the way your hair is fanned out beneath you. "Are you okay? Are you sore?"

"Not too bad," you say with a soft smile. Thorn can't help but grin wider, leaning down and pressing a kiss to the curve of your neck.

"Good," he hums, and then he pulls out of you, his cock falling limply against his thigh. He's still half hard, and he can feel his pulse pounding, his skin heating up, the urge to sink into you again already starting to rise. His hips rock forward, his cock dragging through the mess he's made, and he bites back a groan.

"Do you need anything?" Thorn asks as his thumb strokes the smooth skin of your stomach, his gaze fixed on yours. "A glass of water? A bath? Food? Anything?"

"I'm fine, Thorn," you assure him, and he smiles, leaning down and kissing you again.

"Are you sure?"

"I'm sure," you say, laughing softly. “How about you?"

"I'm perfect," he replies. It’s true. He can't remember the last time he's felt this good. His body is loose and relaxed, his mind blissfully empty. He doesn't think he's ever been this happy.

"Perfect?" you echo with a laugh. "You seem awfully sure of yourself."

"Well, I just fucked the hottest, most brilliant, and definitely the sexiest senator in the entire galaxy," he says, his hands skimming up your sides, his fingers tracing patterns over the swell of your breasts. "So yeah. I'm pretty sure I'm perfect."

"Smooth," you tell him. "That was smooth. How did I not notice that before?"

"I guess you've just never paid attention," he says lightly, and you chuckle, shaking your head.

"Oh, I was paying attention," you murmur, and Thorn grins, his gaze locked on yours. The words send a shiver down his spine, and he leans down, pressing a soft kiss to your lips. He feels the way you melt against him, and his cock twitches, the muscles of his abdomen flexing.

He can't believe how easy this is. He's never imagined it would be like this, not with you. He's spent months thinking about it, dreaming about what it would be like, wondering what you'd say, what you'd do. He's thought about everything. But he's never imagined that it would be this effortless. That the two of you would click this quickly. That it would feel this natural.

But then again, the two of you have been dancing around each other for a long time, and maybe it shouldn't be surprising. Maybe this is how it's supposed to be.

Thorn dips his head, his lips trailing down your jaw, his tongue darting out and tracing a path down the line of your throat. He hears you sigh, and his lips curl into a smirk, his teeth scraping against the smooth skin.

“Are you tired?” he asks as he presses a soft kiss to the hollow of your throat.

"No," you reply with a soft chuckle. “You?”

“Not even a little bit," he murmurs. Your hand reaches out, stroking the side of his face, and he turns his head, pressing a kiss to your palm.

You grin, and Thorn feels his heart flutter.

"Good," you say, and then he's being rolled over. You straddle his lap, a mischievous look on your face as your eyes lock with his. Thorn's breath catches in his throat. "Now, Commander, I believe you mentioned having an open schedule? I was hoping we could discuss the terms of my proposal."

His lips curl into a grin. "I'm listening."

Thorn isn’t really a fan of parties.

They tend to be loud, and crowded, and full of people who have nothing better to do than get drunk and gossip.

He's not much of a drinker, and his social life consists mostly of spending time with the other Commanders. And while he has no problem talking to strangers, he finds the political aspect of these kinds of gatherings tedious, and the constant stream of politicians makes him a bit uncomfortable. He’s wearing his dress uniform, which is tight and stuffy, and his boots are polished to a mirror finish, and the idea of having to spend the rest of the night standing around, making small talk with people he doesn't really care about is the last thing he wants to do.

But, for you, he's willing to make an exception.

"Senator," he greets you with a nod, his hands clasped behind his back. You come to a stop in front of him and offer him a warm smile, inclining your head.

"Commander."

"You look lovely," he murmurs, and he doesn't miss the way your cheeks turn pink.

"Thank you," you say, your lips curling into a smirk. "So do you."

He chuckles, his eyes still roaming over your body.

The dress you're wearing is beautiful. It's a deep red, the fabric shimmering in the light, and he knows that the color matches his armor perfectly. It hugs your figure in all the right places, the neckline dipping down to reveal the smooth skin of your chest, and he can't help but imagine how good the fabric will look pooled on the floor.

He's not even trying to be subtle anymore.

He's not ashamed.

The two of you have spent the past three months getting to know each other. You've gone out for drinks, spent hours in your office and his, and nights holed up in your apartment. You've gone to dinner, taken walks through the gardens, and watched countless holofilms.

He's met your friends, introduced you to the other Commanders, and he's had more sex in the past three months than he's had in the entirety of his life.

He's happier than he's ever been, and he doesn't care who knows it.

"I hope you've been enjoying yourself," you say, and Thorn smirks, unable to tear his eyes away from the exposed skin.

"Well, Senator, I've been having a wonderful time," he murmurs, and he sees your eyes darken as his gaze flicks back up, a shiver running through you. "And it just keeps getting better and better."

"Commander," you say softly, a smile curling at the corner of your mouth. "This is a public event. We're supposed to be acting like professionals. And here you are, being so inappropriate."

"Ah, Senator," he says with a grin, leaning down and pressing a kiss to the back of your hand. "There's nothing professional about the way I want to bend you over the nearest flat surface and fuck you senseless."

Your cheeks flush as you freeze, your lips parting, and Thorn’s smirk widens against your hand.

He's come to realize that, as much as you enjoy the flirting and teasing, the part that gets you going the most is when he's bold. When he's not afraid to tell you what he wants, not afraid to take what he wants. When he tells you how badly he needs to taste you, when he shows you just how much he craves you, the effect it has on you is immediate, and it's something he's grown very fond of.

You're usually so collected, so poised. The idea that he can make you melt like this, can break through the polished exterior and see the woman underneath, the woman that only he gets to see, is a heady feeling.

And Thorn can't get enough.

"Careful, Commander," you chide him, but there's no heat behind it. 

You both know the rules. As much as the two of you may enjoy pushing the limits, neither of you are willing to compromise your professionalism, and neither of you are willing to put the other at risk. You have a reputation to uphold, and while it's not exactly illegal for the two of you to be together, it would be frowned upon, and it would be easy for the press to twist the story and create a scandal.

So the rules are simple.

When it's business, it's business. You're Senator, he's Commander, and you keep the lines drawn. You don't touch, don't flirt, don't do anything that would raise eyebrows or make people suspicious. The only people who know about the two of you are your friends and the other Commanders, and Thorn is confident that they can keep their mouths shut. Even if Fox had nearly passed out from shock when he'd found out.

As soon as the work is done, though, all bets are off. As soon as the two of you are alone, he doesn't hold back. And neither do you.

And, after three months, the lines have become blurred. The distinction between personal and professional is starting to fade. It's becoming more and more difficult to keep things strictly business. But the two of you manage.

For now.

"Senator," he says with a smirk. "I'm always careful."

Your gaze travels over him, a small smile curling at the corners of your lips, and Thorn feels a thrill run through him. There's a spark in your eyes, a heat that's simmering beneath the surface. He knows what you're thinking, and he can't blame you.

The two of you are alone. Well, as alone as you can be, considering there are hundreds of people milling around. But no one is paying attention, and Thorn can't resist the urge.

His hand turns to lace his fingers with yours, his grip firm. He doesn't move, doesn't take his eyes off you. He sees your cheeks flush, and your eyes widen.

"Senator," he says softly. You glance around, your gaze shifting from side to side. There's no one close enough to notice, and your lips curl into a smile, your fingers squeezing his.

"Commander," you reply. He squeezes your hand back, his eyes roaming over your face.

"Have I told you how beautiful you look tonight?"

Your blush deepens, your eyes darting down, and you laugh. "You have, actually." 

He hums, a low sound that rumbles in the back of his throat. His thumb strokes over the back of your hand, his gaze moving over the room. No one's looking, no one's paying attention. He doesn't have to worry about the others finding out.

"And have I mentioned how much I love the way you look in red?"

"Only a few times," you say with a grin. His lips twitch into a smile, and he steps forward, tightening his grip.

"Well, I do."

You laugh, and he feels a rush of affection surge through him. He's always loved the way you laugh, the way your whole face lights up. You have a great sense of humor, and Thorn finds himself laughing more and more, a result of your wit, and his growing fondness for you.

It's not just the sex.

Although the sex is definitely a huge part of it.

He loves talking to you, loves spending time with you. Loves seeing the way your face lights up when he walks in, the way you look at him when he kisses you, the way your eyes narrow when you're working. He loves the way you tease him, the way you push his buttons. The way you challenge him. The way you make him laugh.

He doesn't know how he's managed to find someone who makes him feel like this. But he's not about to complain. There isn’t a day that goes by where he isn’t grateful for the chance that brought the two of you together, and for the fact that he got his head out of his ass long enough to pursue it.

He doesn't think he's ever been this happy. And he can't imagine that feeling fading anytime soon.

"Thorn," you say softly, and his eyes lock with yours. "It's been three months. How are you still making me feel like this?"

He chuckles, a wry smile curling at the corner of his mouth. "I could ask the same thing about you."

"Yeah?" you ask.

"Yeah," he says with a nod. He glances around the room once more before he leans in and presses a soft kiss to the top of your head. He sees you freeze, your eyes going wide, and his lips curl into a smile. 

"You know," he whispers, his breath brushing against the shell of your ear, "there are quite a few empty rooms in this building."

You shiver, your teeth catching your bottom lip, and he chuckles. "And what are you proposing, Commander?"

His grip tightens on your hand, and he feels your fingers dig into his palm. His lips brush against the skin behind your ear, and a soft whimper leaves your mouth.

"A very thorough and detailed demonstration of just how much I appreciate that color on you," he murmurs. He takes a moment to admire the blush coloring your cheeks. "If you're interested."

"Oh, I am," you say, your voice trembling slightly. Your eyes flick down to his mouth, and then back up to meet his. "Are you sure you're willing to risk it?"

"Sweetheart," he murmurs, a smile curving his lips, and then he lets go of your hand, his palm brushing down the length of your arm. "I'm always willing to risk it for you."

Your eyes narrow, a wicked smirk twisting at the corner of your mouth, and you turn and look over your shoulder. Thorn raises an eyebrow.

"Then you won’t mind dancing with me first," you say lightly.

Thorn freezes. His heart stutters. His eyes snap open.

"What?"

"Dancing," you say simply. "It's a pretty basic concept. Two people move in sync to music. Have you heard of it?"

“I’m familiar with the concept," he replies dryly. “I'm just not sure why you want to do it. Especially here."

"We're at a party, Thorn," you say with a grin. "It's what people do."

"But it's not what we do," he points out. He's not a dancer. In fact, he's never danced before. He has no idea what to do, no idea where to put his hands, or how to move. And the idea of doing it in front of all these people when there’s so much at stake is making him uncomfortable. "Why can't we just go somewhere private?"

"Because I'm having fun," you say with a shrug. Your expression is neutral, and there's a glint in your eye, and Thorn realizes that you're trying to mess with him. That you're pushing his buttons.

He narrows his eyes, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Oh, I see. You're playing games."

“Me? Play games? Never."

He huffs out a laugh, shaking his head. He should have seen this coming. He should have known that you would push the envelope. He's spent the past three months testing the boundaries, and he can't fault you for returning the favor.

Besides, there's something about the way you're smirking up at him, the challenge shining in your eyes, that makes him want to prove himself. Makes him want to show you just how bold he can be.

“You’re serious?” he asks. You nod, a smile curving your lips.

"Absolutely."

Thorn sighs. His heart pounds, his pulse racing, and he runs a hand through his hair, his eyes flicking to the crowd. He can't believe he's actually considering it. Can't believe that he's seriously contemplating doing something so reckless, something so stupid. Something so completely insane. He can’t believe you’re asking him to dance in the middle of a crowded ballroom as if there aren’t hundreds of eyes watching, as if people aren't constantly talking and judging.

He can't believe he's even thinking about it.

But then again, maybe he should.

Maybe this is what the two of you need. Maybe this is the best way to finally make the lines between personal and professional disappear. Maybe it's the best way to prove that he's serious. That he's in this. That you're more important to him than any of it.

It's a risk. A big risk.

“You know, Commander," you say, leaning in and pressing a kiss to his cheek, and his heart flutters, "you don’t have to do it if you don't want to."

He swallows, his throat tightening, and his eyes meet yours.

Your gaze is warm, and soft, and full of affection. And for a moment, Thorn is overwhelmed.

This is it.

This is the moment.

He can see the emotion written across your face, can feel the intensity of your gaze, and he can't help the wave of love that surges through him. He can't hold back. Not anymore. Not now. Not after everything.

His heart beats faster, his stomach knotting. He knows he should think about this, should take his time, should consider his next move.

But he can't.

It's now or never.

Thorn’s lips curl into a smile, and he leans down, pressing a soft kiss to the corner of your mouth. It's short, and sweet, and chaste, but it's the first time the two of you have kissed in public. The first time the two of you have let anyone see just how close the two of you are.

His lips brush against yours, and then he pulls away, his eyes searching your face.

"No," he says slowly. "I want to. I really, really want to."

He takes a deep breath, his gaze sweeping over the room. He sees the people milling about, the senators, the delegates, the dignitaries, and he can't help but smirk. It's like a challenge, and he can't resist.

"Just promise me you'll tell me if I step on your feet," he says lightly. You grin, a spark of mischief flashing in your eyes, and then his hand is taking yours, pulling you towards the dance floor

He feels the eyes of the crowd following him as he leads you through the room. He knows that they're wondering what's going on. Why one of the clone Commanders is escorting a senator onto the dance floor. Why he's smiling. Why you're laughing. He knows they're wondering why the two of you are standing so close.

But he doesn't care.

All he cares about is the way you're looking at him.

"Thorn," you murmur, and his grip tightens on your waist, his free hand grasping yours. He checks to make sure he’s got it right, and then his eyes meet yours, his heart hammering against his chest. "You don't have to do this. You can change your mind."

"I know," he says, a smile curling at the corner of his mouth. "I don't want to."

"Okay," you whisper, a soft smile gracing your lips.

"Hey," he says softly, and you look up at him, your gaze locking with his. "I love you."

Your eyes widen, your breath catching in your throat, and for a moment, Thorn panics. Maybe he's gone too far. Maybe he's moved too fast. Maybe you weren't ready to hear it.

But then your smile widens, a light chuckle leaving your mouth, and you lean up, pressing a soft kiss to the side of his jaw. "I love you too."

His chest tightens, and he laughs, his forehead dropping down to press against yours. He closes his eyes, taking a deep breath, and then the two of you begin to move.

You're graceful as always, and he's pleased to discover that, while he may not be a dancer, he's not terrible. And while the music is loud, and the room is full, it's almost like the two of you are the only ones there.

The world falls away. The lights dim. The crowd disappears. It's just the two of you, holding each other, swaying in time to the music.

Thorn looks down at you, a soft smile on his lips, and he leans in, his mouth brushing against yours. Your lips part under his touch, and his tongue darts out, teasing, tasting, and then he pulls away.

"We should do this more often," you murmur. He smiles, his nose brushing against yours.

"You have a habit of making me do things I wouldn't normally do.”

You chuckle. "It's a gift."

"I think it's more than that," he says, and you grin.

"What do you mean?"

"I think," he says, his thumb stroking along your waist, "that you're just so irresistible that I can't help myself."

Your gaze drifts to his mouth, your tongue darting out and running over your bottom lip, and Thorn smirks.

"I think that might be the case for both of us," you say with a smirk. Thorn laughs, shaking his head.

"Senator, are you saying that you can't help yourself around me?"

"That's exactly what I'm saying."

"Well then," he murmurs, his hand squeezing yours, and then he leans down, his lips brushing against your ear, "we should probably find one of those empty rooms and make good on my proposal."

You laugh, a low, sultry sound, and Thorn feels his blood heating, his skin tingling. His fingers tighten on your waist, and his hips press against yours.

"I think that's an excellent idea, Commander."

His lips brush against the skin just below your ear, and then he pulls back, a smile curling at the corners of his mouth. "Let's go, Senator."

The two of you move off the dance floor, heading towards the back of the room, and Thorn glances over his shoulder.

There are eyes watching, whispers spreading, and he knows that, come morning, the two of you are going to be the talk of the city. He's going to be fielding calls from his fellow Commanders and the Chancellor, and there's going to be a mountain of paperwork and questions and interviews. There's going to be a media circus, and he knows that the next few weeks are going to be a nightmare.

But for once, he doesn't care.

Because he loves you, and you love him, and that's all that matters.

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[slocumjoe]

danse's romance route has some potholes

so, this post woke me from my slumber, have a ramble

This has always been a weird point for me, but I never got around to really figuring out what it was exactly until just now. I think all of the romantic candidates have out-of-place flirting, at least here and there, but Danse consistently has dialogue options to flirt with him at exactly the wrong fuckin time. The odd thing about Danse is that, most of the time, the normal Good/Yes answer is more romantic or sincerely affectionate than the flirt.

So, the Flirts.

The only Flirt that works is when he talks about his fear of losing people, and Sole says, "I care too much about you to do that to you." It's the first Flirt, and he responds by saying you've given him "something to think about." I've gone on about how Danse has never truly felt cared for. Sole's voice acting also sells this Flirt by being somewhat timid, unsure of saying this, but wanting him to know.

Danse's talks go Kreig > Cutler > Haylen > Help Im A Robot. The first time you can flirt with him is in the Cutler chat, where the "I care about you" line comes up. It's not out of left field from the conversation. It's affectionate, it doesn't overstep, but it pushes the line and makes Danse consider "oh shit, there's a lil something something going on here."

The "Would you hold me?" line is much less subtle.

Danse talks about how he doubts himself after Cambridge and Sole's reference to him hugging Haylen makes it seem like they've just been waiting for him to shut up to use that line on him. It's out of place, it circles back to a topic we've moved on from, and it's so overt it sucker-punches everyone involved, including the player. It's blunt.

The other options of "I'm here whenever you need me" or "I'm glad you feel better" are less flirtatious, but they imply more direct concern and care for Danse. Both lines are about Danse, and Sole being there for him. The actual Flirt is what Danse can do for Sole. This is such a weird nitpick, I know, but it comes off not as romantic, but more like Sole is trying to hook up with him. That would work with someone like Hancock, or maybe Piper, but Danse's romance involves more subtlety and slow-burn elements. It's too forward.

So, in his final talk...

It's literally "Kitten I'll be honest, Daddy's about to kill himself" "haha no don't kill yourself you're soooo sexy"

It comes right after he's having a lot of emotions about his reason for living. This is not the time to put the responsibility of a relationship on someone. Again, this is a flaw of the 4 Affinity Talks system. If you're just going for a platonic relationship with Danse, his talks work great, but his character arc is unfinished anyway. They have to shoehorn romance in there, and it doesn't have the room to develop naturally. It's why Sole has to explicitly say "Would you hold me ;>".

The strangest part is that his neutral/Friendly dialogue options are more affectionate and relationship-building. Again, the other options in the Haylen talk comfort Danse and reassure him.

Honestly, I think the best option, for all romancable companions, is within arms reach. You know how, if you don't romance someone, they'll bring up their last talk again and give you a barn door of an opening to broach the subject of a relationship again? Just. Do that/ It's literally what I did when I romanced Danse; don't romance him as soon as possible. Let it marinate.

The second chance to romance him goes the exact same way, eyebrows to space and all. It just takes place after Danse confesses how close he feels to you and trusts you and not RIGHT AFTER BLIND BETRAYAL.

It's easy to fix the pacing just by not going for the smooch ASAP, but the flirting is awkward. It's worth noting that the line before the Haylen flirt "It's comforting to know that I can speak to you as more than just your commanding officer" has it's own Flirting tag on it. Danse flirts with Sole here, canonically.

A cheap and easy rewrite is Sole echoing the sentiment with something like, "It's comforting to know that you're more than my commanding officer." This leaves room for interpretation. What else is Danse? Sole has an idea, but leaves Danse to wonder about it. It also confirms to Danse "yes, we have a personal bond and this isn't just a work thing."

I think the core of Danse's romance is this dude realizing that he's loved and cared for, truly. Cait has a similar arc, but hers has different complications and contexts than Danse. Danse needs a slow-burn romance full of soft moments and instances of Sole reminding him of his own humanity, even long before the synth thing.

It's worth noting that the "i care too much about you" line is still kinda overshadowed by the "But I wanna be a mutant" joke. That joke makes him laugh, he jokes back without missing a beat, and it's a cute little bonding moment between him and Sole. Romance isn't just overt flirting, it's the little things that make you think the other person is special. How many people do you think can make Danse laugh? Especially about becoming a Super Mutant, right after being told about Cutler? Danse thinks Sole is funny. He thinks it's a cute little joke. He's charmed.

Then Sole sucker-punches him with an explicit ask of physical contact and emotional exploration and the moment is lost. For the Halyen talk, you could have an option where Sole asks, teasingly, if this is going on the report, and Danse laughs and contemplates what Maxson would think. Maybe he even comments about how rumors spread on the Prydwen, implying that he knows there is something between you two for people to gossip about. This would later tie in to The Reveal, where Maxson says the same thing.

[hgfictionwriter]

Getaway

Jessie Fleming x Reader

Summary: Jessie's in her head about your friendship and if it can be something more. Can a vacation getaway change the trajectory of your connection?

A/N: Get ready for shy, sweet, awkward Jessie doing her best to not get in her own way and win over her girl. Someone requested fluff and while this isn't quite it - it's on its way lol. No warnings for this fic.

"Um, can I get you a refill?" Jessie asked as she spied the near empty glass in your hand. 

"Only if you're getting one," you responded with a nod to the cup Jessie was holding.  

Niamh and Zee had both retired for the night and it was now just Jessie and you around the firepit of the villa the four of you were renting. Jessie wasn't a night owl and she was actively fighting the weight of her heavy eyelids, but she wanted to stay up with you. And frankly, she was a bit of a lightweight when it came to drinking as well. She was already feeling a bit of a buzz and wasn't entirely confident about having another drink. You noted her hesitation and smiled.  

"Doesn't have to be a boozy drink. I could go for a late night tea instead." 

Jessie smiled gratefully. You knew her so well.  

"Sure, let's do that," Jessie said. 

When Jessie returned a while later with two steaming mugs of tea, she also had a bag of crackers tucked under her arm and handed them to you. 

"Oh my gosh," you said as she sat up to receive the items. "How did you know I wanted a snack?" You blew on the hot beverage before taking a tentative sip. "And you remembered how I take my tea. Thank you." 

"Of course," Jessie said, hiding a pleased smile. An easy quiet fell over the two of you as you sipped your drinks. Jessie had to make a concerted effort to focus her gaze on the fire and to not stare at this beautiful woman across from her. She should really just enjoy the silence and your company, but an urge had been nagging her and her resolve was fading. 

"So, how are you liking it here so far?" She asked.  

"It's beautiful. Obviously," you responded with a light chuckle. "I'm loving it. Thank you again - to all of you - for letting me tag along on your unofficial team trip." 

"Oh, no need to thank me or any of us. We're all super glad you're here," Jessie said. She did her best to push down the awkward or self-criticizing feeling that was starting to bubble up inside of her. 

It's just Y/N, she had to remind herself so she wouldn't get caught up in analyzing her own words and actions. 

When Jessie first met you through Niamh over a year ago, you hit it off. At the time, Jessie made a point of not giving it too much headspace. It was just one meeting after all and it could have been a fluke. But when you saw each other again at another event, it became evident to Jessie that there was actually something there. Your chemistry was natural, banter was easy, and your conversation led to some deeper things and you ended up talking late into the night. Jessie was reserved, even shy, so warming up to someone so quickly and feeling comfortable wasn't the norm.  

Just as Jessie was working up the nerve to ask you for your number - an extreme rarity - it came to light that you had a girlfriend. That brought everything to a crashing halt. 

Jessie had been furious with herself for misreading your connection and for almost making a fool out of herself. She was even more upset with herself for how disappointed she felt by this turn of events. It had only been a couple of conversations and she shouldn't be so affected. Regardless, she most definitely didn't want to get caught up in any drama. So when you parted ways that night she dismissed the notion that it could've ever been anything more. She was committed to pushing you from her mind and that was the end of it. 

However, your paths kept crossing and that chemistry didn't go away. In fact, every time you talked, Jessie found that you lingered longer and longer in her mind and that feeling in her chest grew warmer and brighter.  

In time, Jessie convinced herself that being friends wouldn't be so bad. And, truthfully, it was mostly good. There were, regretfully too many, moments where Jessie had to do everything in her power to not reach out to hold your hand or to not let it show when mention of your girlfriend sent a dagger through her insides, but Jessie's life was undeniably better with you in it than even the thought of one without.  

Knowing that you'd never be anything more made things simple enough, not easy, but the lines were undebatable. However, since you and your girlfriend broke up a couple of months ago, things were different and Jessie was having more and more difficulty navigating your dynamic. The chemistry was still clear as day for Jessie, but did you feel the same? And even on the off-chance that you did feel the same, were you ready for a new relationship? And now that you'd been friends for so long, Jessie had to weigh the cost of risking your friendship. The thought of losing you terrified her.

All of the drama she'd been trying to avoid seemed to be closing in on her despite her efforts. She should really just let it all go, but it was proving harder and harder to. 

"Did you and [y/ex] ever talk about visiting here?" Jessie asked clumsily. She had to resist the urge to sigh in annoyance at herself. She watched your reaction carefully; if you were put-off or perplexed by the inquiry, you didn't let on. 

"No," you answered nonchalantly and shrugged. "She wasn't really big on travel. So, it never really came up. I've always wanted to come here though, so this is perfect." 

"Oh yeah, me too," Jessie said quickly - too quickly. She fought off the wince that threatened to cross her face. She cleared her throat inaudibly and redirected. "Um, I haven't really checked in in a while. Uh, so, how are you? You know…since the break-up." 

It seemed that no matter how many times she’d rehearsed these conversations, they just never really came out the way she wanted them to. Maybe it was a good thing she had a bit of a buzz, because otherwise she'd probably be sinking into her chair and praying to disappear at how clunky she was approaching this. 

"You're sweet," you responded with a small smile. Again, if you were thrown off by any of this, you weren't letting it be known. "I'm doing well. Honestly." Jessie didn't fill the silence that formed and you went on, dropping eye-contact and swirling your tea distractedly. "It was the right decision." 

"That's good," Jessie affirmed with a nod. "I mean, if you're not in love, no point in dragging things on."  

"Exactly. It wouldn't have been fair to either of us. And truthfully, it was a long time coming," you said returning a nod. You let out a quick exhale and sat back in your chair, a faint smirk now forming on your face. "And what about you? Anyone on the horizon for you?" 

A deep blush immediately began to burn on Jessie's cheeks. She forced what she hoped was an easy laugh. "Nothing on the horizon." 

You shot her a discerning look. "No one? The entire time I’ve known you you’ve never been remotely interested in anyone. So still no one?” 

"What?" Jessie defended, her voice rising in pitch. Her cheeks were on fire as she frowned at you. "I'm too busy. I'm gone like every other week, and sometimes for weeks at a time. That's not exactly the best foundation for a relationship." 

Great. Just go ahead and tell her all the reasons why you'd make a crappy partner, Jessie thought disparagingly. 

To Jessie's surprise, you smiled. 

"That right there tells me you'd be a good partner. It's very thoughtful. I mean, from what I've seen, there are a lot of others who don't afford partners - if you can call them that sometimes - the same kind of care and consideration," you relayed. "That said, life is short. Even if your schedule is crazy, if she's the right one for you, you'll make it work. And if you're the right one for her, she won't mind that your schedule is crazy. It'll make the moments that you're together that much sweeter." 

If Jessie's blush was about to fade, that last part had the opposite effect on her. All she could do was offer a tight smile. 

"I suppose that's true." 

She cleared her throat, building herself up to shift the focus of the conversation back to you.  

“Uh, you mentioned your break up was a long time coming - what did that mean?” She tried to make it sound casual, but she feared the chances of that were quite low. She added quickly, “You obviously don’t need to tell me anything. You just never really said why you broke up and I just-” 

“It’s okay. Really.” You mercifully interjected. You settled further into your chair with a heavy sigh, your gaze drawn back to the drink in your hands. You took a few moments to formulate your response. “I think it just became apparent to me that my feelings for her weren’t what they should be. She deserved more. And I do, too.”  

“That’s very mature. And takes a lot of self-awareness,” Jessie offered.  

“Thanks,” you said simply with a faint smile and a shrug.  

Jessie waited a beat to see if you would elaborate more, but you didn’t. Jessie contemplated what to say next and although she didn’t fully trust where her instincts were taking her, she went with it nonetheless.  

“Um, I know it’s only been a couple of months, but is there anyone on the horizon for you? Like, are you looking to date again?” Once more, she did her damnedest to make it sound like idle curiosity. She watched you carefully while you considered your response.  

“Mm, I’m taking my time, I suppose,” you eventually replied. “But, with the right person, I’d be all for it.” 

Jessie nodded as she continued to map out how to navigate this discussion. She wanted to push, but fear around jeopardizing your friendship confined her in a lot of ways. She had to be careful.

“And I guess you know better now what you want versus what you don’t want,” she said. You nodded as you peered over your mug at Jessie.  

“Yes, that’s true. I do.” 

Jessie was about to ask what you were looking for when your phone buzzed and the screen lit up, distracting you both.  

Jessie felt an irrational, yet thankfully fleeting, wave of jealousy come over her as she imagined the text was from your ex, as unlikely as that would be. Regardless, she studied your expression as you read the text, noting the discerning frown on your normally gentle features.  

“Everything okay?” Jessie asked.  

“Oh, yeah,” you replied, your frown dissipating as you locked your phone. “My sister’s just making some questionable decisions. Nothing serious,” you assured with a chuckle, “but she felt compelled to tell me.” You drained your drink, setting it down on the table. “It's 1:30.” You announced as you held up your phone to show the time. No wonder Jessie was so tired. "What time did we want to head out tomorrow?" 

"About 9," Jessie replied, now suddenly struggling to stifle a yawn.   

"Okay, shit. Sorry - I kept you up. I know you normally go to bed a lot earlier than this," you apologized. Jessie was quick to dismiss the notion. 

"Not at all. Well, yeah, I go to bed earlier normally, but we're on vacation. I didn't even realize it was so late," she said, hesitating for a moment before going on. "And I always enjoy our conversations." 

"Me too." 

Jessie could've beamed. It wasn’t much, but it made her happy nonetheless. She smiled, but tried to tamper it.

“I guess we should try to get some sleep though, hey?” You proposed. Jessie hoped that she was right in hearing a hint of regret in your tone. Even though Jessie didn’t want the night to end, morning was going to come quickly.

She stood and began gathering up the glasses and other items.  

"Hey, I can take mine. Don't worry." You protested, but Jessie was already walking to the kitchen with all of the dishes in hand. "Gosh," you complained lightly as you followed her in, "you never let me take care of anything. I'm still not over you carrying my luggage in for me. And Niamh's never going to let me live that down. Or maybe even you, for that matter." 

Jessie was glad she was hunched over loading items into the dishwasher otherwise you would've caught a new blush forming across her cheeks.  

"You're an 'acts of service', aren't you?" You proposed as you leaned an elbow on the table to prop up your chin.  

"Huh?" Jessie asked as she closed the dishwasher door and straightened up. 

"Love language," you elaborated. Jessie started to stumble over her words when you interjected. "It can be for anything - not just romance. Friendships too. It's just how you show you care." 

"Oh, yeah I guess, then," Jessie conceded. "Um, what are you?" 

"'Words of affirmation', for the most part. 'Quality time' is pretty high too, though," she answered.  

"Oh, so we're not that compatible.” Jessie risked the joke before she could stop herself, ensuring to tack on a teasing smirk to alleviate as much weight as possible given she broached your compatibility. 

"Excuse me?" You protested with a laugh. "That's not necessarily true. I enjoy receiving acts of service. So there's compatibility there. Do you like receiving words of affirmation or do you like quality time, I guess that's the question." 

Jessie subconsciously started scratching the back of her head and averted her gaze.  

"Um, I don't particularly like compliments, but I guess it depends on context, I don't know," she trailed off. "And I'm an introvert and I need time alone, but, if I like someone I do like spending time with them." 

"Well, it's not just strictly compliments," you corrected, drawing Jessie's eyes back. "It's like," you paused briefly, seeming to contemplate something before going on, "if I say, "Jessie, even though I didn't need you to carry my luggage in, I appreciated you doing so. It made me feel welcome and cared for. You are one of the most thoughtful and sweet people I know - you are important to me and I feel lucky to have you in my life." 

Jessie's cheeks began to burn yet again. Her heart was racing and the eye contact you held quickly became too much. She tried to distract with a roll of her eyes and an amused laugh.  

"Right," she said.

Thoughts clamored in her head and no single one stood out as the right thing to say. She was aware of how too much space was starting to fill your conversation.  

"Well, I should let you get to sleep," you said softly, relieving Jessie of the task of finishing her thoughts. Jessie cursed inwardly.  

"Oh yeah, sure," she said, running a hand through her hair. "Um, well I'll walk you to your room." The words were out of her mouth before she could stop them. She couldn't stand how awkward she was sometimes. 

"Okay." Despite the odd proposal, you accepted with a gentle smile.  

You chatted quietly as you walked upstairs, past Jessie's room and further down the hall. You should've said goodnight right away, but instead Jessie found herself drawing out your goodbye. It didn't seem like you were in a rush, so Jessie cast aside the doubt that was crawling up inside of her. 

When you finally said 'good night', Jessie wrestled with the act of hugging you or not. She debated it heavily and was outrageously close to initiating it, but when the moment came she ended up turning on her heel and giving a small wave instead. She had to resist the urge to slam her bedroom door when she got inside over how frustrated she was with herself. 

When she finally turned off the light and got under the covers to sleep, she was wide awake. The way sleep had been pulling at her prior was now fully replaced with reflections of the night and irritation with herself. She sighed and let her arms fall heavily at her sides as she stared blankly up at the ceiling. More thoughts swirled inside her head and she screwed her eyes shut before forcing herself to breathe and trying to relax.  

Despite her best efforts, she tossed and turned for a while before finally admitting defeat and pulling out her phone to pass the time. Maybe it was the lingering alcohol, maybe it was the lack of sleep, but it was after 2:30 when she pulled up her conversation with you and sent a text with a screenshot of the test she just did.  

"Confirmed. Acts of Service. And I actually do like Words of Affirmation." 

To her surprise, three dots appeared in the bottom left of your conversation. Jessie's breath caught in her throat and she remained motionless watching the dots fade in and out. 

"I knew it. So what I'm hearing is, we are compatible lol." 

Another breath caught in Jessie's throat as she read your reply. Her chest was burning and she was grateful for the fact that this was over text. She actually had the chance to think about what she wanted to say. 

"Definitely. Though I'm not surprised." 

"Tell me more." 

Jessie fidgeted as her mind churned with possibilities. This was a moment where things could change - a moment she told herself for more than a year that she didn't want or need. You were friends. Good friends. What if she misread things again - she had before. What if she ruined everything just because she couldn't control herself. 

"Shouldn't you be asleep?" 

She chickened out. 

"I couldn't sleep." 

"Apparently, neither could you." 

Jessie exhaled shakily.  

"True." 

"Well, it's silly that we're texting. Why don't you just come over." 

Jessie's brow furrowed in deep confusion as she read your text. She reread it just to be sure.  

"We have to be up early. I don’t want to keep you up." 

She was such a coward. A heavy feeling fell over her chest making it harder to breathe. She let the phone fall against her. It buzzed. 

"Okay. Well, if you change your mind, come on over. I'm not tired, so I won't be falling asleep soon anyway." 

Jessie locked her phone and set it down on the bedside table. She rubbed her temples and sighed deeply. 

The tight, heavy feeling in her chest kept growing and nagging at her despite how she was trying to breathe and decompress. Of course she shouldn't go to your room. She should just go to sleep. And of course your offer didn't mean anything. Why would it? You were friends. Always just friends.  

What was she doing?  

She wasn't sure how much time passed before she sat up in her bed. She didn't even really realize she was doing it until she was straight up and staring at the wall ahead of her. She swallowed heavily and her heart began to beat loudly in her chest as she swung her legs over the side of the bed and stepped onto the hardwood. She took a steadying breath before she stood and crept over to the door, opening it a crack. She peered down the hall and saw the faintest glow coming from your room. Was your door open? 

Jessie swallowed her trepidation and began to softly pad down the hall, mindful to make as little noise as possible. As she neared your room, she confirmed that your door was ajar. Jessie's heartbeat was loud in her head now as she slowly approached the door. She knocked very faintly before pushing it open a few inches to peek inside. 

The tension that was holding Jessie's shoulders high towards her ears suddenly fell from her and she exhaled silently upon seeing you casually laying in bed under the glow of your phone and waving her in. 

"I told you I wasn't tired," you whispered as you sat up.  

"I couldn't sleep either," Jessie told you as she quietly closed the door behind her.  

A belated self-consciousness swept over Jessie at the realization that she was standing here in her pajamas, a t-shirt and shorts. She subconsciously tugged down the hem of her shorts.  

She sees you in a t-shirt and shorts every game. Calm down, she chided internally.  

Jessie quickly took in her surroundings, now suddenly unsure of what to do. Her eyes settled upon a chair at the desk in the corner of the room. She walked over there and began turning it so she could sit.  

"Jessie, don't be silly. Just sit over here," you said as you scooted over and patted the spot next to you on the bed. 

Jessie hesitated, but didn't want to make a big deal out of it, so she nodded and came over and daintily took a seat on the far edge of the bed. Her ears burned hot as she felt you shooting her a look, coupled with a soft laugh.  

"It's okay, Jessie. Relax. It's just me." Your voice was warm and reassuring and Jessie felt tension leaving her body once again. 

Conversation started up once more and you talked further into the night. Jessie had no idea what time it was anymore, but it didn't matter, she was happy where she was and didn't want it to end. Eventually, you laid down onto your side and propped the pillow up under your head with a yawn. Jessie was about to offer to leave when you gestured to the spot next to you. 

"Lay down. Make yourself at home," you said.  

Jessie didn't want to get too in her head about this. She did this kind of thing with teammates and it didn't mean a thing. Did it mean something now? Or was it just like with her teammates - nothing. She cast the thoughts from her head and laid down on the covers. When you told her she could get under the covers, she dismissed it and even though she was chilled, she insisted she wasn't cold.  

"So, tell me," you said when a small lull formed in your conversation later on.  

"Tell you what?" Jessie asked, her eyebrows knitted together in confusion.  

"Tell me why you're not surprised that we're compatible," you responded lightly. 

"Oh," Jessie said, her mind suddenly sharpening at the twist in your conversation. Her previous nervousness returned, but this time a certain calm surrounded it. "Well, I mean, we've always gotten along really well. Friendship-wise.”

Old habits died hard.  

“Hm. That’s true,” you said quietly with a nod of acceptance. A couple of moments passed. “In terms of compatibility - love languages aside. What are you looking for? Not friendship-wise. You never say.” 

It was true. Jessie was very tight lipped about it, even with friends she wasn’t in love with. She endured relentless teasing about it, but she just didn’t like putting herself out there like that. However, right now, in the dark, lying next to you, things felt different.  

“I…,” she trailed off momentarily before finding her resolve and her voice. “I want someone who I can be myself with. Someone who will be my person. Who I can talk to about anything and everything. Who I can be vulnerable with – I have to be at my best all the time and for so many people, so to be able to let my guard down means a lot. But, just as easily, I want to be able to have silly and goofy moments together. Someone where doing something as simple as grocery shopping or cooking together can feel like an adventure. I don't know – just that one person who can be my anchor when I'm constantly on the move and trying to live up to others expectations, and I want to be that for them as well, even if I'm 1,000 miles away. No pressure for me – or her – to be anything other than who we are." 

“That’s beautiful. Truly. And you deserve that and more,” you said. Your gaze lingered for a moment before you went on. “Whoever you choose in the end is going to be a very lucky person.” 

“Thanks.” Jessie had to force herself not to protest. And I want it to be you, she thought. Instead, she said, “I mean, same with you.” 

Even in the dark, Jessie spied the small smile you gave her.  

“You’re too nice to me,” you said with a soft chuckle as you nestled into your pillow further. “Thank you, though.” 

“What do you mean?” Jessie asked. A shy smile formed on her face as she went on. “I mean, words of affirmation here, you deserve it. You’re one of the best people I’ve ever met. And, yeah, I feel really lucky to have you in my life. And, um, whoever you choose to be with next…you deserve to be spoiled by them. They should take care of you,” she began to stammer, “well, not like take care of, cause you’re totally independent, which is awesome, but you know, Acts of Service.” She winced and did her best to rally and finish strong. “What I mean is they should make you feel, every day, like you’re the best thing that’s ever happened to them. And that there’s no one else in this world for them.” 

“Wow. See? You’re amazing, Jessie. Honestly. Thank you. That means so much to me.” 

“Yeah, no worries,” Jessie quickly dismissed with a light laugh.  

Neither of you spoke for several moments and the tension became too much for Jessie, causing her to quickly change subjects.  

She wasn’t sure how much longer you talked, because the next thing she knew, she was opening her eyes and you were fast asleep next to her. A rush of panic went through her momentarily before she just allowed herself to relax. She debated getting up and leaving, but she indulged herself instead. It was too comfortable laying here with you and, truthfully, she may never get this opportunity again. She took in your sleeping form and before she knew it she was asleep again.  

The next time Jessie woke up, the veil of relaxation and drowsiness quickly dissipated as she looked down to see that you were cuddled into her arm. Jessie lay still as she processed the situation, but couldn’t ignore the butterflies fluttering around in her stomach. After a few moments, she steeled herself and began to carefully disentangle herself from you. Though she didn’t want to leave, she didn’t want to take advantage.

She took one last glance at you. The first breaks of dawn started to filter into the room, casting you in warm light. A lump formed in Jessie’s throat, the feelings inside of her threatening to overflow. Jessie turned and retreated to her own room to try to catch a couple more hours of sleep. She was positive that if she managed to find sleep, she’d dream of nothing but you.

[ssaeri]

we fall to ashes

☆ tags: alex x gn!reader, he finds something that he never expected to see on your farm, this was going to be angst with an angst ending, but then my sister begged me to not write a sad ending, so have this relieving happy ending instead, LOTS of alex spoilers! ☆

Alex stretches his arms over his head and breathes in deep. In the distance, he hears chickens screaming—a sure sign that he's getting closer to your farm. The walk from his house isn't short, but while his grandparents would complain about the distance, he finds it ideal for cooling down after his harder work-outs. And he gets to see you at the end? He'd say that's a winner winner chicken dinner situation...out of earshot from your coop, at least.

"Hey there! Evelyn's boy!" Pam calls from his right.

He slows to a stop and waves. She sits in the driver seat of her newly repaired bus, window fully open, and takes another swig from her Joja Cola. Immediately, her face scrunches.

"Mornin', Pam!" he yells back. "How's that alcohol detox going for you?"

"Awful." She smacks her lips and holds the can up to her eyes, searching the ingredients for what makes it so fucking nasty. You often joke that it's the bitter taste of capitalism. "I could go for something stronger in this heat. You think the farmer has an extra glass of pale ale?"

Alex's smile tightens. Ever since Pam and Penny's trailer turned into an actual house, Pam's been doing her best to break old habits and he's glad for it—he can finally walk by her without the reflexive gag and hurried steps. You telling me I stink? she used to ask, angry in her drunken stupor, until she remembered why he showed up on his grandparents' steps nearly two decades ago.

She must read it in his expression now because she waves him off with a roll of her eyes. "I'm kidding, kid. Tell 'em I said hi. They're the only one who takes this damn bus anyway. I might as well take a nap." She slides sunglasses onto her face and reclines her chair until he can't see her anymore. "If I'm still here by the time you go home, wake me up."

Classic Pam, he thinks as he continues to your farm. Your dog is already running from the front door to greet him, panting and barking and disturbing your horse's peace.

"Come on, buddy," he laughs, shooing your dog until he can push open the gate. "I was supposed to surprise them."

Alex scratches your horse's ear as he passes its stable. Grape vines twist and sag on the trellises you've set up for the season, the structures nearly bursting with fruit, and he makes a mental note to stop by tomorrow to help with the harvesting. Maybe it could substitute for a work-out. He's helped you ship boxes of produce before and wondered how ripped he'd be after a month of your lifestyle. Between the trellises, the melons are just starting to come in. He doesn't know how long it takes for them to ripen, only that they taste really good when you drop off a basket for his grandma.

He calls out your name. Not in the fields, not in the pasture. Your new greenhouse, maybe? You were muttering something about ancient fruit last night. Or the mushroom cave, something he still can't believe is a feature on your farm. If Demetrius could add that, maybe Alex could talk you into installing an outdoor lifting station.

He walks past your workbench and active machines...

...and walks backwards again, hoping that his eyes are deceiving him. Crystalariums reproducing diamonds to sell, charcoal kilns working double time for enough coal, bone mills churning out fertilizer, geode crushers crunching rocks into pebbles, furnaces roaring as they smelt ores into bars—and right on top of the furthest furnace sits a wrapped bundle he's only seen in his (second to) worst nightmares.

He hears your content humming now, somewhere in the main farmhouse. Under normal circumstances, he would've called it cute, but the sound rings mockingly in his ears as he approaches the darkened flowers. A wilted bouquet. Fuck.

.

.

"Oh, hey there!" Alex called out as you got closer. He tossed his ever-present gridball into the air. "You here to catch fish again? I think you can find salmon in the river this time of year. At least that's what I heard."

Once you came to a stop in front of him, you shook your head, hands still behind your back. "I'm not fishing today," you said. "I actually wanted to give you something."

"Yeah?" His lips quirked into a grin. Another toss into the air. "Wouldn't happen to be a Salmon Dinner with extra lemon, would it? Those are one of my favorites, but I can never catch any salmon myself. Another egg would be cool, too. I've been adding your weekly deliveries to my workout meals."

You only shifted from one foot to the other, unable to take your eyes off his shoes, and a part of him faltered. You weren't intimidated by him, were you? Ever since you found him crying on the beach, he had been a little more flirtatious than usual, layering on the teasing and showing off. Maybe he came on too strong. Haley always told him that subtlety wasn't his strong suit. The grip on his gridball changed as he tossed it higher.

"You okay there? Did I do something...wait, this is—ow!"

The ball bounced off his head and landed in the grass, but he couldn't care less. He pointed to the bouquet in your hands. Not a regular bouquet, but the Bouquet made to order by Pierre. In a place as small as Pelican Town, there was no need for Pierre to have it in constant stock, so when the signature blooms made the rare appearance, they attracted everyone's eyes.

"...you want to get more serious?" he asked, incredulous.

Something in your expression changed, and you drew the flowers back to your chest. "Oh, sorry, did you not?" You gave him a wide smile, already stepping away. "I must've read the signs wrong. My mistake."

"No! That's not—I mean, you read the signs correctly. I, uh, I feel the same way." He rubbed the back of his neck, feeling his face flush. "So I guess we're together now? Should I be asking you out on a date or something? Or wait, are you asking me out on a date? How does this work?"

You laughed, a genuine sound this time. "We can continue the way we were before."

And so you did, but some things changed for sure. He could hold your hand now as you ran errands around the town, carrying half of the gifts you handed out to the townspeople. He could kiss you goodbye at his door in the evenings, though George cleared his throat loudly every time. Alex remembered making some snide comment about his grandpa, who yelled out a gruff I heard that! before being shushed by Evelyn. When It Howls in the Rain was being shown at the town theater, you bribed him to a screening with the promise of Stardrop Sorbet, but as much as he loved the treat, he would've gone anyway—it was one of his favorite movies with one of his favorite people. Good thing he'd seen it before because he spent most of the time staring at your side profile, wondering when he could finally go pro and have you stare at him on a screen.

.

.

Your dog nips at his fingers. He pets it absently. He thought everything was going fine between the two of you. Just yesterday, you came over and had dinner with him and his grandparents. You told them about your mining adventures in the Skull Caverns and, to his horror, showed off your old stitches from Harvey. (George chided your reckless behavior and gave old-timey advice that you nodded along to.) You talked about the new farm you're setting up at Ginger Island—Ancient Fruit wine all year! you told them excitedly. It's a farmer's heaven!—and the Beach Resort you're trying to restore. (Evelyn hummed at your energy, asking rapid-fire questions about the flora there.) You even promised to bring over a season's worth of eggs and leeks as soon as you got your hands on them. (Alex's mind flashed to the old mariner and the mermaid's pendant he could see hanging around your neck in the future.)

So why is a wilted bouquet sitting here, right on top of your furnaces?

No point in guessing when he can just find out the answer right from the source. He takes the flowers and goes to your door, knocking twice. It opens before he has time to second guess his choice.

"Alex! I didn't know you were coming over," you say, beaming at him. He wants to immortalize this version of you: face full of dirt smudges and t-shirt collar soaked through with sweat, yet glowing in your element. Until your eyes drop to his hands. "Oh, that's..."

He sets his jaw. "Can I come in and talk?"

Your expression falters further at his cold tone, but you step back and lead him to the living room. Your dog trots in and settles by the TV, head on its paws, watching with blank eyes. Alex sits in his usual spot and you yours, and suddenly he hates how familiar he is with your space.

It's still silent.

You clear your throat. "So," you start, wiping your palms on your jeans. A nervous tick he knows well. "What did you want to talk about?"

He puts the bouquet on the coffee table between you.

"Right." You pause, likely waiting for him to continue, but he doesn't say anything. "Alex, can you at least be less mean about this? I feel like you owe me that much after all this time together." He says nothing. "Like, tell me what's wrong instead of sitting here stone-faced. Things were okay. Why are you breaking up with me—"

"Why am I breaking up with you?" He barks a laugh. "Baby, I found this outside on your furnace! I'm not going to beg for you to stay, but what the hell is this?"

Your forehead furrows. "What? I wouldn't."

"If it's not yours and it's not mine, then whose is it?"

"I don't know! Alex, I wouldn't—I never even thought about breaking up," you insist. "Why would I lie about that?"

After scrutinizing your stricken expression, his relief comes in waves. He sinks into your couch, hands rubbing at his face.

"Are you okay?"

"I'm fine, just—" He laughs again, the sound mostly air. "Yoba, that scared me. If someone left this here as a prank, I'm hunting them down tonight." He lifts his head to look at you and opens his arms. "Can you come over here?"

You wrinkle your nose. "I'm gross."

"You could be playing in mud with your pigs, and I'd still jump in."

With a roll of your eyes, you hop over to curl into his side and he buries his face in the crook of your neck. You stink, but so does he after a good workout. Now that he thinks about it, he's still in his gym clothes.

"You scared me, too," you tell him, gaze trained on the table. "Not the best thing to see on a Friday afternoon. But now I want to know whose this is. Did you check it for clues?"

"Didn't bother. Thought it was yours." His arm around your waist tightens as you lean forward. "Does it matter?"

But that doesn't stop you. You have the bouquet in your lap now, prying at the blackened ribbon and wrapping. "Look at this," you say, holding it between two fingers. "The ribbon isn't blue, and Pierre always uses blue. The wrap is pretty much disintegrated, but this corner—he always puts his store brand." You suck in a breath. "Oh, duh! Where did you say you found this?"

"The furnaces right outside by the workbench."

"Okay, so mystery solved. This is mine, but not in the way you think."

He raises an eyebrow. "Explain. Don't say you're breaking up with a secret partner because I don't think I can handle a second shock right now."

"I made a wildflower bouquet to put on Grandpa's grave a few days ago, but I totally forgot where I put it, so I made a second one. This one must've been the one I misplaced."

He blinks. "How the hell did you not notice it since?"

"I came back from Ginger Island yesterday and went to sleep right after dinner! The flowers must've wilted from the furnace heat."

"You," he says slowly, pinching your cheek and ignoring your squeak, "are the absolute worst. I can't believe you nearly broke my heart and it turned out to be a whoopsie."

[turtletaubwrites]

I Knew It Would Hurt ~ Part 9

Pairings: Zoro x Fem!Reader, Sanji x Fem!Reader

Word Count: 4,715

This is part 9 of the Series 'We've All Got Needs,' linked below:

We've All Got Needs Masterlist

Ao3 Series Link

Summary: You're waiting for the boys to make their decision. Waiting is really fucking hard.

Rating/Warnings: Explicit Sexual Content, Fem!Reader, 18+ Only, MDNI, Reader-Insert, Smut, Angst, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Fluff, Relationship Discussions, Relationship Drama, Vaginal Fingering, Cunnilingus, Penis in Vagina Sex, I left out some tags to avoid spoilers but there’s nothing crazy if you’ve read this far already

A/N: Here's another rollercoaster, and it's the longest one so far! I'm super grateful for all of your interactions with this story. I've loved turning that little smut scene into this fun character dynamic, and I really hope you enjoy this next installment. Thank you!!

A soft knock at the door woke you, and for a moment you felt fine. Then you remembered. 

“I’ve got your breakfast, can I come in?”

Nami frowned when she saw you. She set your plate down on your desk, then pulled you into a hug.

“This whole thing seems like a lot of work. I’m here if you need me, okay?”

“Thanks, Nami. All I wanted to do was take a long shower, and now I might be breaking up with two people I’m not actually with.”

“Gotta be careful about those showers, they can fuck you up.”

You gave a laugh that might have been a sob before squeezing her tighter. 

“Love you.”

She pulled away, but grabbed your shoulders, leaning her face toward yours.

“Love ya too, weirdo. What do you need today?” 

“Um, can you bring me my field notes? Chopper knows where they are. I’m just gonna work in here today, I’m not ready to people.”

“Of course. I can bring you your other meals too if you want.”

Sighing as you nodded, memories of recent times in the kitchen fought you as you tried to shove them down. 

“Luffy really thinks you’re sick now.”

“He might not be far off. I feel like shit.”

After Nami came back to drop off lunch later, another knock came, freezing you on the spot. 

“Hi, it’s Robin.”

You cringed a bit, embarrassed for her to see you like this, but you let her in. Her eyes combed over you, lips pursing as she stepped inside. She kept a noticeable distance between you.

“Y/N, I came to apologize. I shouldn’t have been pushing you like this, I knew you were overwhelmed already. I’m so sorry I added to your struggle.”

“No, Robin, it's okay. You helped me! I really needed to hear what you said.”

Robin let out a breath, but her brows were still tensed. She looked down at the ground before meeting your eyes again.

“I shouldn’t have pushed myself on you. I’m sorry, Y/N.”

Her normally steady eyes looked heavy, a sight she rarely shows.

Reaching for her hand, you felt a gentle smile warming your face.

“I’m not sorry.”

Her lips curled up just a bit, and she squeezed your fingers gently. 

“I’m so glad to hear that… How about we wait on that date until everything settles?” 

You almost argued that you didn’t need to wait, but you realized that you did. 

“Thank you, Robin.”

She brushed a strand of hair from your face, and you breathed in her lovely scent.

“Thank you, Y/N. Let me know if you need anything. I’ll do what I can to calm the rest of the crew.”

The comfort that Robin's presence left you with made you feel safer, warmer. 

But it was as if that feeling of safety made room for your body to feel the rest. 

Sitting at your desk staring at your field notes, your vision started to blur. You had to close your journal to keep tears from staining your monographs.

You kept your sobs silent, not wanting anyone to hear. Then you remembered why you’d gotten so good at keeping your screams quiet lately. You had to cover your mouth as you choked, louder sobs escaping you now. 

Why did I do this to myself? I knew it would hurt. Just not this much, not so fast. I should have stopped. 

But you hated that thought. The thought of not enjoying the short time you’d had with both of them. The pleasures, the laughter, the growing warmth. You didn’t want to lose any of it, even if it would hurt less. 

You tried not to think about what choice they would make. The only one you wanted felt selfish. You’d get to have everything.

And if you didn’t get to have everything, then it would be nothing. You knew that even if one of the boys chose to leave, and one wanted to stay, you couldn’t continue with only one. There was too much heat between all three of you. You knew it would drive an even bigger wedge between them, potentially tearing them, and the crew apart. 

I can’t do that. 

So it was all or nothing, and your body was preparing you for the worst. 

A knock shook you from your spiral and you moved to the door, expecting Nami. Wiping your tears and shaking your arms, you checked.

“Who is it?”

“Hi, Y/N. I’ve got your dinner, and I didn’t eat any of it.”

Your eyes went wide, but you let your captain in.

“Thank you, Luffy.”

He walked right in, setting your plate on your desk before plopping on your bed. 

You stared, not sure what to say. He pointed to your desk chair, and you felt suddenly terrified as you sat and faced him. He watched you like he was sizing you up.

“Robin told me and Chopper why you’ve been weird.”

“O-Oh?”

“I’m the captain, Y/N. I need to know my crew is okay.”

Fear iced through you, and you stared into your lap. He should kick me off the crew. I’m splintering his best fighters, endangering everyone.

His hand stretched toward you, and he touched your shoulder until you met his eyes. 

“It all seems a little crazy to me.”

You let out a near panicked laugh before you caught yourself.

“Yeah, me too.”

“But you care about them?”

His deep eyes looked so soft, his voice intense.

“I do.” 

Nodding, he crossed his arms. 

“They care about you too, Y/N.”

You felt your lips shaking, heat rising in your throat. 

“As long as you care about each other, and keep fighting for your dreams, I’m happy.”

Hot tears spilled down your cheeks as Luffy started to smile. 

“Can you be happy too?”

Your lips pulled into a strained smile as you tried to stop your tears. 

“I’ll get there, Luffy. It’s just rough right now. But I’m glad you’re my captain.” 

Luffy was beaming at you now, then stretched to ruffle your hair. He leaned toward you, and whispered softly.

“Will you keep giving me the extra food Sanji makes you?”

You burst out laughing, and Luffy’s smile stretched even wider.

“Yes, captain!”

Luffy grabbed you in a hug, twirling you as much as he could in the small quarters. This is family. 

As he left he gave you one more serious look. 

“Y/N, please tell me next time something is hurting you. I’m your captain and I need to know.”

“I promise, Luffy.”

All the emotions of the day had you feeling empty, but now it was more pleasantly numb. Your biggest fear of losing your place on this crew, in this family, those fears were shrinking away from you. Soft tears of relief left your eyes now, and you tried to comfort yourself against the hurt of losing Zoro and Sanji. At least I won’t lose them completely. 

That thought brought back more of the pain, but you shook it off. It was getting late, and you wanted to get some air. Steeling yourself, you picked up your dishes and went down the hall, hoping to sneak them into the galley before sitting out on deck. 

You crept against the wall, listening to check if Sanji was inside or not before heading in.

But you heard two low voices. 

“You don’t know her like I do.”

“I care about her, Marimo. I care about her enough to share her with you. Can you say the same?”

You tried to force your body to turn around, to head back to your room, but all you could focus on was not shaking the plate and silverware in your hands. 

Your heart was in your throat, and you felt faint as you waited for what felt like hours for his response. 

“Yeah, I can, idiot cook.”

A gasping sob escaped you, and you tried to cover your mouth. Instead, you dropped your dishes, the plate shattering at your bare feet. You stared at the broken porcelain, and started laughing hysterically. 

“Y/N!”

They both rushed out, concern in their eyes. 

“Are you hurt?” “You okay?”

You were too out of it to respond, and kept laughing as they both tried to lift you. Zoro won, lifting you in his arms, while Sanji brushed along your feet and legs, checking for glass. 

Your breathing slowed as you felt Zoro’s racing heart, and you felt like you could fall asleep in his arms. He carried you into the kitchen while Sanji swept up the broken plate.

Zoro placed you gingerly in the booth, his brows furrowed as he looked you over. 

“Needy, please. Are you okay?”

You smiled at the nickname, and looked at them both as Sanji joined you at the table. 

“I’m okay.”

Neither of them seemed convinced, but you couldn’t explain the rush of relief and happiness that had just torn through your already overwhelmed system. But you tried. 

“I didn’t mean to. But I heard you.”

You felt your lips quivering again as they both seemed to soften. 

“It’s okay if you still need some time to think-”

“I don’t need time my love-” “I’m good, Needy-”

Your cheeks hurt from the smile that stretched your face, especially when they both grinned back at you. 

Then your mouth stretched further into the biggest, loudest yawn you’d ever felt.

“You need some sleep-” “Let’s get you to bed, dear-”

Zoro went to lift you, but Sanji tapped his shoulder. 

“You just carried her, It’s my turn now.”

“I’m not letting a pervert cook into her bedroom when she needs to rest.”

“Boys,” you commanded with another yawn. “Flip a coin or something please, I’m tired.”

Your yawns were mixed with tired giggles while you saw them rustling through their pockets. Sanji’s satisfied laugh, and Zoro’s grumble gave away the winner. 

Sanji lifted you gently, and you smelled cigarette smoke and spices on his jacket. Zoro followed close, opening the door, and hovering while Sanji set you in bed, drawing the covers over you. 

“Good night, darling-” “Good night, Needy-”

“Night, boys…”

A soft knock woke you, and for a moment you felt all that sadness. Then you remembered.

You sat straight up in bed, hoping that it wasn’t a dream.

“Who-Who is it?”

“Your favorite navigator, lazybones. Do you want to come to breakfast?”

You jumped out of bed, stumbling.

“Yeah, I’ll be right out!”

Your reflection looked dazed, and you slapped your cheeks a few times, laughing. You hurried to get ready, and had to stop yourself from racing down the hall. 

Everyone was there, already digging into their plates. They all turned to stare at you with teasing, or cheesy faces. Your face flushed, and you bit your lip before climbing into the empty spot Zoro had saved for you. You were next to him at the edge of the table, where Sanji stepped up to bring you what looked like a mimosa with tangerine blossoms for a garnish. 

“Hey, why don’t I get one of those?”

“Apologies Nami, dear. I will whip one up for you right away. Would you like one as well, Robin?”

“That sounds lovely, Sanji.”

“Hey, don’t hog the booze, waiter. Make me one of those too.”

“You haven’t earned it, moss hea-”

Everyone's clamoring voices died down as you burst out laughing, almost hysterical, but so full of joy and relief. 

Luffy grinned, stretching to hit your arm lightly with his fist, Chopper looked confused, Usopp was asking Sanji for his own mimosa, and Nami and Robin laughed with you. 

The boys had stopped arguing, and were both staring at you. Until your skin flushed red again, and your laughter hiccuped and faded. 

“Ugh. I love you, Y/N, but this is gonna get annoying real fast.”

You stuck your tongue out at Nami as she winked, and fell into quiet joy while you tried to listen to the group. 

Sanji kept bringing you delicious gifts, and you’d wink at Luffy so he could snag them. Each time Sanji came your way he would give you a soft peck on the forehead, or shoulder, or knuckles.

A low grumble moved through Zoro, but all he did was wrap his arm around your shoulders, pulling you into his warmth.

Feeling like you were going to pass out, you didn’t even hear most of what the crew were saying while they teased you. 

You caught yourself doing your happy food wiggle dance, and couldn’t seem to stop, even humming now and then. The crew left the three of you there, and you didn’t hear their goodbyes, just beamed lazily at them.

Sanji brought his plate to the table, and cleared his throat until Zoro begrudgingly scooted over, dragging you with him to make room on the bench. Sanji winked at you before diving into his meal, and you just sat there wiggling, out of your mind. 

“I knew you were fuckin’ needy.”

You laughed while Sanji spluttered, and you patted his knee to calm him.

“What do you mean, Zoro,” you smirked up at him, teasing. 

“You know what I mean. So fucking spoiled.”

“Don’t listen to him, angel. You deserve to be spoiled, to be-”

Another bout of hysterical laughter left you, and eventually they joined in. 

Finally, you gained some control of yourself, and tried to hold a conversation. 

“I’m so happy you both chose to stay with me.”

You stopped them both from speaking at the same time, realizing that it would be difficult to get much done with all three of you in a room. 

“We definitely need to keep checking in, and figuring out boundaries. I don’t think my brain is up for that today though.”

“What are you up for, my dear?”

“Mm, I like this,” you sighed, rocking back and forth against each of their sides. 

You caught Zoro rolling his eyes, and you stuck your tongue out at him. 

“What about you guys? Your needs matter too here. What do you need?”

Neither spoke for a minute, and you played with your spoon. 

“I guess, um…”

You looked up at Zoro, desperate to hear him actually express his fucking needs. 

“How do we figure out time for just us?”

He said those words softly, and you knew how huge it was that he hadn’t said it with anger or frustration. You smiled up at him, then at Sanji who seemed to be waiting with rapt attention. 

“Well, we can always check in, and change things if the system isn’t working out. But how about for now we stick to alternating days? Not just for sex, but for our time together?”

They both nodded, Zoro slowly, and Sanji with an eager smile. You squeezed both of their knees before reaching for the last of your mimosa. 

You sat back, and they both tilted to see you better. You fought more laughter at what a lovely pair they made. 

“Y/N, dear-” “So who-”

They glared at each other, until Sanji did a small mock bow to let Zoro go first. 

Zoro’s mouth twitched as he looked away from both of you before continuing. He didn’t meet your gaze when he finished his question. 

“Who’s turn is it?”

Your lips parted, and you watched them both look guilty while they waited for you.

This is crazy. How did I manage this?

Zoro cleared his throat, leaning with his elbows over the table.

“Yesterday was supposed to be my day.”

“Technically we didn’t finish my day before that.”

“You’re really gonna pressure her ab-” “You’re the one that’s pressuring her Mari-”

“Technically today was supposed to be Robin’s day.”

Your words shut them both up, and it took way too much effort to hold in your satisfied smile at their expressions. 

Zoro looked shocked again, as if he’d blocked that out of his mind. Sanji’s fists had clenched, and you could see the veins in his neck and face throbbing as he turned bright red. 

You couldn’t help it. A small laugh escaped you. 

“Don’t worry, Robin and I decided to wait on our date until things are settled.”

You could have sworn you heard a tiny whimper from Sanji’s throat. 

“How about we start things fresh with a coin toss?”

They both reached for a coin and threw them in the air, calling out the choice. You laughed as they both lost their own tosses. 

“Let me do it.”

You’d grabbed Zoro’s coin, and tried to mimic them. You kept throwing it onto the table, or failing to catch it. The coin would drop on your lap, both of them reaching for your thighs to grab it for you, growling as their hands touched. 

“Gods, can you guys just agree on which one of you tosses the coin? Pretty please?”

Sanji ended up giving in to your wishes again first, letting the swordsman toss. Then Zoro swore as the coin fell in Sanji’s favor. Sanji kissed your cheek while Zoro left the table after rubbing along your shoulders.

“See ya later, Needy.”

“Wait!”

You rushed over to your surly crewmate. The man who had walked in on you in the shower, and declared that you should fuck. You laughed softly at how crazy your life had been since that moment. And you couldn’t be more grateful for it if you tried. 

“What,” he asked, his brows tensing as you laughed.

“It’s nothing,” you whispered, standing on tip toes in a silent request for a kiss.

His look of surprise deepened your smile, and he gripped the hair at the back of your neck when he pulled you to his lips. 

A soft cough sounded behind you, and Zoro hummed as he pulled away to smirk at the cook. You nudged him out the door. 

Turning around, you saw his eyes wide, waiting. You leaned toward him, feeling his soft lips kiss the corners of your mouth before pulling you into his arms to breathe along your ear. 

“All to myself?”

Sanji’s raspy voice made you moan, your body still so ready even with all that had happened. You almost felt high, like all the emotions had left your body buzzing. 

You looked up into his soft eyes, watching his lips part when he noticed how heavy your breaths were. 

“D-Darling. I didn’t mean… Let me-”

He froze when you gripped his arms to keep him from pulling away. 

“I want all sorts of lovely moments with you, Sanji, and I know we’re going to have them.”

The sweet smile that bloomed on his face made your heart dance in your chest for a moment, and you had to take a deep breath. 

“I don’t want you to feel bad if we start today where we left off.”

You let heat fill your eyes as you wet your lips. Sanji’s eyes seemed to be pulled to your mouth, and you saw his breath hitch. 

“A-Are you sure?”

Grinning at him, you nodded as you bit your lip.

He lunged toward your lips again, but you pressed your hands to his chest.

“Maybe we should go to one of our rooms now that everyone knows?”

You gasped as he looked at you like he was about to eat you. 

“That’s too far, sweetheart. How about I take you in the pantry?”

You’d barely breathed out your ‘yes,’ before he lifted you into the air. He pulled you so fast, but still managed to grip you in a way that was comfortable. Your arms and legs wrapped around him, and he groaned while you kissed and licked along his neck. 

Setting you gently in the walk in pantry, he held your face while he kissed you before rushing out. You tilted your head after him, but moaned when he returned with a condom and lube. Memories of your first time with him, and the sting and pleasure of his thick cock pulsed through you. Your eyes fell back in your head, and he gave a satisfied chuckle as he turned on the small light before closing the door. 

“My sweet, Y/N… How can I show you how special you are to me?”

“You can tell me all the filthy things you want to do to me.”

You pulled your panties off from under your skirt and threw them at his chest. 

Sanji had to catch himself against the wall as he moaned, almost dropping the lube. 

He already looked wrecked when he met your eyes, and it drove you crazy. 

“What do you want to do to me, Sanji?”

He was panting as he watched you pull your skirt up, so slowly. You took the condom and lube from him, and set them on a shelf.

Skin on fire, you didn’t know what had gotten into you. But you wanted him now, and you couldn’t stop yourself. You pressed yourself against his chest, looking into his blown out eyes. Both of you cried out when you dragged your hand along his length, already so fucking hard. 

“Sanji, I asked you a question.”

Your words came out soft and dark. You watched his eyes flutter, and you wanted to speed him up. Taking his hand in yours, you whispered his name before pressing his fingers into your wet folds. 

He moaned so loud, and your knees went weak. He had to catch you, then he pressed you against the wall, shoving two fingers into you.

“You are so fucking perfect. My sweet, dirty angel.”

Crying out at his praise, your body started shaking for him. 

“P-Please, Sanji.”

He rutted against your thigh when you begged, and the feel of his clothed shaft rubbing against you made you whimper.

“I can’t believe you’re letting me do this to you. Such a beautiful, lovely girl. And you’re letting me touch you like this, where anyone could find us.”

He moaned into your ear, breathing in the scent of your hair. 

You cried out his name, already feeling on the edge, ready.

“So gorgeous. Let me take care of you, angel. Let me make you feel good.”

“Yes, Sanji, please.”

He fell to his knees with a moan, tasting your needy cunt with that skilled tongue. His two fingers kept up their work while he swirled his tongue ring around your clit. 

You had already started shaking before he plunged that third finger into you, and then you were gone. You shoved your own fist into your teeth, and panted as you bucked against Sanji’s face, coming on his tongue. 

He licked you up like he was dying of thirst, while his three fingers kept prepping you. 

He looked up at you, face glistening in the small light. 

“You taste divine, my sweet.”

You moaned as his fingers kept working you. 

“It’s probably time for me to prep for lunch, darling.”

You whined, grinding on his fingers. 

He groaned, then checked his watch. 

“Please Sanji. We’ll have so many more times to play for longer. Please fuck me against the wall right now. I know how much your perverted mind wants you to.”

You moaned as Sanji’s hand twitched inside you, his head falling back as he moaned. 

“Please Sanji, I know you’ll take good care of me. Please, please fuck me now. I know you’d love it if someone caught us.”

He fell forward, mouth hanging open as his face pressed against your hip. 

He was still taking too long. 

You gripped your fingers into his hair, and pulled his face to yours. 

“Sanji, are you going to make me beg?”

You watched his eyes harden, and cried out as his long fingers worked you with even more strength. 

“A lady always gets what she wants in my kitchen.”

You moaned his name as he stood, kissing his way up your neck.

His fingers left you, and you clung to the wall as you watched him free his cock from his slacks before dragging the condom and lube down his length. 

He came toward you, and lifted your leg so that your foot rested on a low shelf. His hands trailed along your neck, then your thighs. Your back arched as he teased his shaft along your entrance, the size of him so warm against you. 

“I can’t believe how lucky I am.”

His whispers against your cheek while he dragged his tip along your clit made you shiver for him. 

“To have such an exquisite beauty, coming on my face in the pantry.”

You cried out, clawing at his shoulders. 

He slapped his thick cock against your entrance a few times while you moaned for him. 

“To have such a gorgeous pussy, aching for me to fill it.”

“Fuck, Sanji, please!”

“Of course, darling.”

Biting your lip, your head fell back as you felt him against your center. Not even pressed into you, and your body was readying. 

“That’s good, angel. Breathe for me. You know I’ll take care of you.”

You moaned for him, scratching your nails down his striped shirt as he pushed into you, so slowly. 

“Gods, Sanji-”

“Shh, darling. Just breathe, and take me, baby. I know you can, you’re so perfect for me.”

Your pussy clenched around him, and he thrust the rest of the way in as he moaned. 

“Sweetheart, you okay?”

“Y-Yes, Sanji.”

“Good girl… So perfect.”

As Sanji’s thick cock started pumping into you, slowly, then faster and faster, you forgot where you were, who you were. Just the sharp pain and pleasure of him inside you, and his endless, delectable words were all that held you to reality. His breath was hot on your face and neck as he panted his praise along your skin.

“Y/N, your pussy is fucking heavenly, baby. Fuck. Just like that, I feel you squeezing me so hard. You want my cock inside you, don’t you angel. You want me to make you feel so good, to take care of my perfect girl.”

“Yes, Sanji. Please take care of me.”

He moaned at that, shoving into you, thrusts becoming staggered. He reached down, massaging your clit while you gasped.

“So soft, so good for me…There you go darling- fuck, yes Y/N, milk my cock like a good girl- fuck-”

Sanji came into you with whimpered moans while you shattered around him. He had to hold your slumped body up, gingerly removing himself from you while you cried out. 

You whimpered as he pressed soft kisses to your face, before reaching for your panties on the floor. He gave you a satisfied smile as he used them to wipe you clean, before using them to clean himself off after removing that very full condom. 

You moaned while you watched him rub your panties on his cock, his eyes heavy lidded even after what you’d just done. 

“You’re gonna need to buy me some new panties if you keep taking all of mine.”

His breath came out heavy as he smiled.

“Oh I plan on buying you so many special gifts, my sweet.”

Miraculously, you made it out of the pantry with time to spare, even rushing for a quick shower before heading back to lunch. 

Even though it was Sanji’s day, it looked like meals were going to stay a shared time. You sighed as you leaned against Zoro, dampening his shirt with your still wet hair. 

“Y/N, do you know if we still have any yarrow? I remember you said it can be used to staunch bleeding, and I’d like to keep some on hand if we run out of our other supplies.”

“Y-Yes Chopper. I believe we do, but I’ll check after lunch.”

I really should get back to work at some point. 

But with Zoro’s warmth at your side, and Sanji’s wink while he started on dishes, you weren't sure how you were going to do that. 

Especially when you met Robin’s deep blue eyes, and saw her lips curve in that teasing smile. 

Who knows the next time we’ll be in danger again? I should enjoy this bliss for as long as I can.

Your selfish little smile at that thought felt oh so good. 

I guess I really am Needy after all. 

Thank you for reading! 💜

TurtleTaub Fanfic Masterlist

Part 10

Tag List: @astheni-a | @ferns-fics | @heilee | @iamn1ya | @ghostfacefricker6969

A/N: Thank you for reading! Let me know what you think about where things have landed! I know I've been posting daily updates, but I'm visiting family for the next few days so it might be a couple days until the next one. Unless I get bored, I will be bringing a tablet and keyboard with me 😅

Buy me a coffee ☕🙏🏼