#MidnightValentine

[wongyuseokie]

PLS SAME. I want and need him too! Thank you so much for reading and enjoying this fic 🥺🥺💕💕💕

Snuggly | k.m.g

Summary: It’s cold outside, and your annoyingly handsome roommate keeps leaving his very comfy leather jacket everywhere around the apartment, and you’ve returned it to him multiple times, but this time you’re sure you’ll just keep it if he forgets it again. Except for the one time he returns to retrieve the jacket, he finds you in the most compromising position possible.

☆ 18+ minors dni |☀︎fluff | ♕ smut | ♥ completed works

Word Count: 2732 words

Pairings: Kim Mingyu x Female Reader

Genre/Trope(s)/AUs: Frenemies (?) to lovers. Smut, angst, fluff. Basically, a smutty fluff piece to keep y’all warm during the colder months.

Content Warnings: Smut and fluff, mentions of Mingyu’s chapped lips. DO NOT EVER GOOGLE IT IS TRAGIC. They both tease and like each other and are just kind of adorable and cute. Mingyu is confident and shy all at once, and it's devastating.

Smut Warnings: Unprotected sex (don’t do this, wrap it before you tap it). Masturbation (female), Mingyu walks in and volunteers to help her out. Fingering, overstimulation. Oral (female receiving). Nicknames? Mingyu calls her baby, and pretty girl. Nicknames, Mingyu calls her Kitten, Princess, Baby. Teasing. Dirty talk, but its mild. I think.

Authors Note 1: Literally no reason for this fic, aside from Rock With You Mingyu being the reason I got curious about Seventeen and remembered him as a ‘handsome guy with the leather jacket.’

Authors Note 2: Thank you to @here4btsfics, for always listening to me go on and on about Seventeen and Mingyu. Thank you for beta’ ing and helping me out with the smut. I struggled. I adore you and love you 💕 A huge thank you to @the-boy-meets-evil for listening to me fret about this fic, up until posting!! I adore you. Also, thank you to @seungkwansphd for listening to me worry too. Thank you so much for hearing me out and listening to me!! Ilysm 🥺🥺💕💕

Cross Posted on AO3 © playmetheclassics 2022. All rights reserved.

“Hey, Y/N, have you seen my jacket? Oh, you’re wearing it,” Mingyu spoke as he walked into the kitchen that evening.

“I keep telling you, Kim. If you leave this lovely jacket around. Then one of these days, I’ll keep it, and I won’t return it,” you teased. Even if you meant every word, his jacket was insanely comfy, and you would gladly take it.

Mingyu smiled as he flopped down on the couch next to you. “Even if you look adorable in it, no,” Mingyu said as he made himself comfortable.

“I’m adorable?” You asked with a grin, and Mingyu nodded.

“Yes, but I still think I look better in the jacket,” Mingyu added, making you roll your eyes.

“Of course you do. With a face and body like that, you could wear anything,” you blurted out, making Mingyu grin.

“You think I’m hot?” Mingyu asked, raising his eyebrows at you.

“Shut up, Kim,” you mumbled, making him laugh.

“It’s okay. I’d say the feeling is mutual. Remember that kiss we shared last Christmas?” Mingyu asked.

“We were standing under the mistletoe,” you countered, and Mingyu shrugged.

“It doesn’t take away from the fact that a peck turned into a proper kiss,” Mingyu added, and you shrugged.

“I hope you are at least consistently wearing lip balm this year. I recall those dry lips,” you teased, making Mingyu gasp dramatically at you.

“Just because I had dry lips the first time we met doesn’t mean I always have dry lips,” Mingyu defended, making you laugh.

“Besides, I know my lips were damn soft that year because one, I kept using the lip balm that you not so subtly gifted me as a housewarming gift and two, you went in for more after, when everyone left,” Mingyu babbled, making you grin shyly.

“I also remember you pawing this exact jacket while kissing me,” Mingyu teased, and you huffed at him pouting.

“Maybe I was only kissing you for the jacket,” you retorted, making Mingyu laugh.

“Possibly, but somehow I still have the jacket, and you keep conveniently ‘stealing’ it,” Mingyu joked, and you sighed in frustration that he had a point.

“But I’m heading out to the gym now. Want me to get you anything for dinner?” Mingyu asked as he stood up, and you shook your head.

“Won’t you be cold? You can have this back for the night,” you offered, and Mingyu smiled.

“Nah, I’ll drive there, besides. I think this shirt accentuates the biceps more. That jacket would hide the hard work,” Mingyu teased, and you rolled your eyes at him.

“Ugh, go away, you’re so annoying,” you mumbled, making Mingyu laugh.

“Bye, bye,” Mingyu said as they bent down to place a kiss on your cheek.

It was just something he did. When he first moved in, you discovered he was cuddly and affectionate. If you had to describe Mingyu’s personality, it’d be like a golden retriever with the clinginess of a koala. It was incredibly adorable and endearing and very hazardous to your health. You had a little crush on him just from the first day you met him because he was incredibly handsome, tall, and built, but when you got to know him, you fell for him. Mingyu was kind, caring, intelligent and clumsy, the perfect balance.

Granted, he broke more things in a week than most people did in a year, but never did he break your trust, plans or anything that ever hurt you. He was incredible, and you knew you were dancing on a fine line, constantly cuddling, flirting, and teasing him, but it was mutual that you both did it. You just knew that if both of you kept going this way, you’d implode and tell him in the most rushed way possible. You couldn’t lose a good roommate over it, so you just kept it to yourself, but oh boy, did Mingyu make that difficult for you.

Mingyu was hell-bent on riling you up, you two were snowed in, and Mingyu had to get his exercise in, so he decided to go shirtless and wear his grey joggers and work out in the living room. Now, you didn’t care what he did. This was your house as much as it was his, but it was sinful. The way his muscles flexed and the sweat trickled down his body accentuated every muscle on his body. You were sure he was Adonis incarnate.

You didn’t mind Mingyu working out. You just minded that he looked that fucking good doing it.

“Twenty-six,” Mingyu huffed out, counting out his reps as you walked into the kitchen.

You had a plan, too. If he wanted to rile you up with working out nearly naked, you could prance around the house doing the same. You wore a lace bralette and tiny shorts and headed into the living room under the pretence of finding something.

“Aren’t you cold?” Mingyu yelped when he saw you. He tried hard not to stare, but he was only human, and all he could see was how little you wore and how wonderful you looked.

“Aren’t you?” You shot back.

“Kitten, I’m working out. I’m sweating, you, on the other hand,” Mingyu responded, and you bit your lip at his mention of ‘kitten.’

“What’s wrong?” Mingyu asked as he walked closer to you.

“Ew, you’re sweaty,” you whined, but you didn’t mind. You had often imagined Mingyu’s sweaty body close and hovering over you. Granted, he was buried deep inside you and in your dreams.

“I don’t think you’d mind if I were sweaty and staring at you like this?” Mingyu teased, calling you out on your bluff and making you bump your hip into the corner of a table.

“You okay, kitten?” Mingyu asked, and you glared at him.

“What is this kitten business?” You asked.

“Just testing to see which one you liked,” Mingyu responded.

“What if I didn’t like it?” You asked.

“How about princess?” Mingyu offered, and you shook your head at him.

“No,” you mumbled, making Mingyu grin.

“Don’t you worry, pretty girl, I’ll find out what you like,” Mingyu said, determined, and you turned away from him to head into the kitchen. You hoped he didn’t notice how you bit your lip at him calling you ‘pretty girl’ or the gasp you stifled.

You were going to kill Kim Mingyu, that much you were sure. You just didn’t know how. You had tried to get to sleep, but every time you closed your eyes, all you saw was Mingyu, sweaty and huffing, his muscles flexing, and your depraved mind could only imagine him like that on top of you, inside you.

“Fuck it,” you cursed, kicking the blanket off your chest, so it covered your lower half. Sitting up, you pulled your bralette off, threw it across the room, and laid back on the bed. You started slowly, hands on your breasts, moving to rub your nipples, moaning as you felt them harden under your touch. While massaging your breast, your other hand travelled down to your pussy. You imagined Mingyu’s large hands on your breasts, flicking and pinching your nipples. You were already dripping, sliding a finger up and down your wet folds, soft moans leaving your mouth as you touched yourself. You circled your clit slowly, moaning, as you slid your fingers down to your dripping entrance. You pushed a finger inside and immediately groaned at how it did nothing for you, and pushed in another and moaned. Two of your fingers at least did something. You fingered yourself, trying so hard to reach your g-spot that you knew Mingyu’s long fingers could reach. You found it useless, so you pulled your fingers out of yourself, placed them back on your clit, and rubbed again, adding more pressure and speed.

It felt good, just not as good. God knows how long you were rubbing your clit, but you felt yourself getting closer to the brink of the release you had been dying for. “Hey, Y/N, do you know where my jacket is? Oh, my goodness! I’m so sorry!” Mingyu yelled out, ducking and covering his eyes once he barged into your room. “Knock much?” You groaned out. You were extremely grateful for the blanket covering your lower half, even if your breasts were exposed. “Sorry, I just heard my name. I think it was quite faint, and I, hang on,” Mingyu slowed down as realisation hit him. “Were you getting off, imagining me?” Mingyu teased, and you groaned. “Maybe, now, can you go so I can deal with this, and you can tease me later?” You barked, and Mingyu shrugged.

“Or,” Mingyu started to say. “Or what?” You snapped. “I could help?” Mingyu offered, making you pull your fingers away from your clit and jump up in shock. “Uh,” you fumbled. Your resolve was melting under his gaze, making you squirm. “If you need some help, all you have to do is ask,” Mingyu suggested, making you clench at his words and tone. “Let me make you cum. You know I’m the only one who can,” Mingyu purred, making you give in. “Fuck, please,” you begged. Mingyu sat down next to you and moved the blanket away. He quickly pulled off your shorts and panties along with it, groaning when he saw your glistening core.

Mingyu moved his hands, trailing up and down your thighs until his fingers could no longer resist the urge to play with your aching core. “Breathe, pretty girl, I got you,” Mingyu eased as he slowly moved his hand down your dripping core and pushed two long fingers inside, making you buck into his touch immediately. “Fuck, pretty baby. You were thinking about me while you were fucking yourself, weren’t you? That’s why you’re making a mess of these sheets?” Mingyu asked, and you could feel the smirk in his voice as he pumped his fingers in and out of your pussy. You could feel yourself starting to unravel and fall apart at his ministrations. “Yes,” you moaned out, the words tumbling out of your mouth before you could think about them. You grabbed his forearm, indicating your orgasm was close. “C’mon, pretty baby, cum all over my fingers. Show me how much you want to cum,” Mingyu spoke as he kept thrusting his fingers in you, rubbing against your g-spot every time.

Something snapped in you, and you came. You whined as Mingyu kept moving his fingers, making you hiss at the overstimulation. “Fuck, I can’t,” you cried out, trying to move his arm away and fingers out of your cunt, but Mingyu had other plans as he leaned down and attached his lips to your swollen clit and sucked harshly, leaving you a whimpering and moaning mess. Mingyu finally showed mercy and sat straight, taking in your fucked out expression as he palmed his growing erection. “Good baby?” He asked, his lips wet and shiny with your release. “So, fucking good,” you mewled.

There was a moment of silence that passed where you noticed Mingyu palming his hardened length, it was then you noticed that he was shirtless, and his sweats were slung very low, dangerously low on his hips.

“More,” you mumbled.

“Use your words. What do you want?” Mingyu responded, his voice deeper and huskier than usual, and it made you clench even more.

“Touch me, Mingyu,” you choked out.

“I just did, pretty girl,” Mingyu responded, making you groan.

“Mingyu,”

“Yes?”

“Fuck me,” you said breathlessly, making Mingyu groan as he palmed his hardness.

“Gladly.”

Mingyu moved quickly as he kicked off his sweats and climbed between your thighs. You felt yourself drool as you took in his naked form. Every inch of him was carved beautifully, and you weren’t sure if you’d call a penis pretty, but he had it. Every inch of him was attractive.

“Take a picture. It’ll last longer,” Mingyu teased when he caught you staring at him.

“Fuck you,” you muttered.

“Oh, trust me, kitten, that’s exactly what you’ll get,” Mingyu replied as he rubbed the tip of his cock against your folds, pressing it against your aching clit.

“Fuck,” you gasped, and Mingyu grinned as he slowly pushed his length into you.

“Fucking hell,” Mingyu cursed as you immediately clenched around him.

“You’re so tight, fuck, you feel so good,” Mingyu groaned as he praised you.

You were babbling absolute nonsense as Mingyu pounded into you. Mingyu reached down and rubbed your clit as he fucked you.

“Fuck,” you moaned and held onto his toned arms.

“You close?” Mingyu asked, and you simply nodded, unable to speak.

“Then cum for me, pretty girl,” Mingyu said, sending you over the edge and making you cum, making Mingyu groan and almost growl in pleasure as you clenched around him.

“Fucking hell,” you moaned as Mingyu pounded into you. His thrusts were quick and deliberate. You could tell he was desperate for a release. Mingyu moved his fingers down to your clit, rubbing roughly against it. He wanted you to cum with him.

“Come on, pretty girl, one more time, cum with me,” Mingyu encouraged as he picked up the pace, making you whimper as you felt him bring you to another orgasm.

“Fuck, fuck,” Mingyu groaned as he pounded into you, making you moan when you felt him release his warmth into you.

Mingyu groaned, burying his head between your breasts as he came, and finally lifting his head, once he caught his breath, capturing your lips in a soft kiss as he gently pulled out of you, rolling onto the bed and pulling you into his side.

“So why did you barge in?” You asked as you turned to place your head on his chest. “I know I didn’t say your name that loudly,” you added with a grin. “I was looking for my jacket,” Mingyu mumbled. “Why were you looking for your jacket at midnight?” You asked, making Mingyu grin shyly as he tried to hide under the blanket, and you tickled him until he poked his head out from under the blanket.

“I wanted to see you, so I was standing outside your door, conflicted, and then I heard the moans. I just kept thinking about that damn bralette and those shorts you were wearing, and I couldn’t sleep. I just kept thinking about you,” Mingyu admitted.

When you smiled at him, Mingyu took it as a cue to continue speaking.

“I’d leave my jacket out on purpose, I didn’t think it’d end up like this, but I guess. I wanted you to keep stealing it so I’d keep finding you and maybe use a cheesy line to make you fall for me,” Mingyu confessed shyly.

“Like what?” You asked.

“Like, I’d say something like, if you want to keep wearing my clothes, you should date me at least,” Mingyu mumbled shyly, and you smiled fondly at him.

“Why are you so damn shy?” You asked, making him blush.

“I’m confessing. I’m a shy boy,” Mingyu whined.

“You weren't shy when pounding into me a few minutes ago,” you teased, making Mingyu whine again.

“I’m taking my jacket back if you tease me,” Mingyu joked with a pout. “Fine, then I’ll be the only girl whose boyfriend doesn’t let her borrow clothes,” you replied, making Mingyu's eyes widen as he smiled.

“So, as my girlfriend, you are entitled to all my hoodies and comfy jackets?” Mingyu asked, and you nodded.

“I’m entitled to something else,” you mumbled into his chest.

“What’s that?” Mingyu asked.

“Your love,” you said, feeling shy as the words left your mouth.

“Oh, that? That’s always there,” Mingyu replied as he pulled you in closer, making you look up at him as he pulled you in for a kiss, and you knew with the way his hands were on your waist you were in for a long night. You weren’t sure how you’d tell the story of you two getting together, all because of a leather jacket and a lack of knocking. You smiled into the kiss. It was a cute story. You’d leave specific details out when retelling it.

[onlymingyus]

back shots with joshua or wonwoo

You've made some good points anon.

cw; joshua hong x afab reader x jeon wonwoo, smut, mean dom!shua, sub!reader, soft dom!wonwoo, unprotected sex, rough sex, degradation, pet names, pushing the reader's head towards the bed, hair pulling, cum on the skin, masturbation, voyeurism

Joshua's groans fill your ears while his hand holds your head to the mattress, his fingers pressing firmly at the side of your face. Wonwoo tilts his head keeping at watchful eye while he sits on the side of the bed just out of reach of you, his cock heavy in his hand.

When you moan, Joshua's cock hitting you so deep that you feel like you are being split open by him, Wonwoo leans forward slightly a smile on his lips. "You sound so pretty baby. Does Shua feel good?"

Rolling his eyes, Joshua's free hand grips your hip tightly when you push back against him fucking yourself on his cock. "Course I do. She's practically grinding on me, Wonwoo. I wouldn't even have to move for her to get off, isn't that right Princess?"

You complain, whines and moans slipping from your lips when Joshua's thrusts slow down teasingly. "Don't pout..." His fingers slide from your face to your hair tugging it tightly into his hand. "Just moan my fucking name and cum on my cock like you want to. You are so tight..."

Wonwoo watches, his hand moving over his shaft quicker when you do moan Joshua's name, your eyes on him, falling to his hand because he knows you want him too. "Not tonight. I'm just enjoying the show beautiful. You gonna cum?"

Nodding your fingers grip at the bedding when you let go causing Joshua to grunt loudly, his fingers falling from your hair in place of holding your hips with both of his hands. The sound of his hips hitting your ass almost deafening until he stops suddenly pulling out of you.

You hear his pretty groans then feel his warm cum hit your back as he paints you like a canvas. Wonwoo groans, his hips bucking towards his hand when he hears Joshua tell him to move. You barely notice he does until you feel his cum mixing with Joshua's on your back dripping along your sides.

"So fucking pretty..."

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[midnightuglystepsister]

Midnight Valentine: SOULMATE SOIRÉE

Chapter II: The Flavor of Love

Part 2

Now, they say that opportunity only comes to those prepared for it.

Well, Alyn had spent two months for this. Gods be damned if that was not preparation enough.

And to be honest, it did not matter if he ended up finding her in the freaking clocktower. It did not matter if he would have to pry her away from Giles or Robert for whatever important meeting. And it especially did not matter if he had to save her from his brother. He would look for her and he would find her.

And he would try, without balking, to be romantic.

Alyn went down the stairs, a bit nervous now, careful to not make any noise. He could hear someone working in the kitchen, the sound of a metal pan being placed on the marble table and then the cupboards being opened and closed, as if someone was looking for something in haste. He tried to suppress a laugh; it was so typical of her to start cooking without having all the necessary items in place and sure enough, as  he took a peek, he saw her reaching into the farthest portion of the shelf above her before taking out what she needed with a relieved huff of breath.

Alyn felt the tension leaving his shoulders, cold dread and panic being replaced by something warmer, brighter, and he watched as she moved methodically, trying to scoop whatever it was on the pan with one clean swipe before transferring it into the bowl she had just taken out. Her hair was pulled back from her face, and her apron was a mess of splatters and what looked like a black singe but he did not want to think about how that happened although he could pretty much guess.

When it seemed like she was in no hurry to look up from where she was working, Alyn braced himself, gripping the gift with both hands, and coughed out loud.

Then he prayed that she would not shoo him away.

“Nico, for the last time, I told you not to -!” But the rest of the words tumbled back into her throat as she looked up and saw him. She froze.

“I’m back.” He said.

“You -! You told me you were arriving tomorrow!”

“It is tomorrow.” Alyn pointed at the clock and her eyes followed his fingers and she cursed under her breath. She looked back at him, biting her lip, her entire face scrunched up in worry and then it showed defeat at being found out.

She sighed out loud, raising her hands. It took everything in Alyn to not cross the kitchen in three steps and kiss her.

“I went up to your chambers and you weren’t there. ” Alyn said. He tried moving closer but just as he thought, she made waving motions with her hands and went to him herself.

“I’m busy.” She said.

“Yes, I can see that.” Alyn angled his head but she blocked his view with her arms. He raised a brow at her. “I can smell what you’re making. I saw all the books in your chambers and in the library too.”

“Goddammit.” She crossed her arms, paused, and then said, “Well it’s for tomorrow - I mean, later, and you have no business here.”

Alyn did not move. “From scratch?”

She opened her mouth. Closed it. Then gave in. “Yes.”

“And you fermented it and all?”

“Took me a freaking week.”

Alyn paused and she would not meet his gaze. “After all these years, you actually followed my steps? You’re making them from cocoa beans? Ground them and all that?”

“Whatever Robert says, I did not have him get them for me.” The blush on her cheeks was apparent now despite her rolling her eyes.

Alyn swallowed again. He badly wanted to kiss her.

“Souvenir?” She was looking now at the box in his hands.

Oh shit.

“It’s uhhh…” Alyn began to stammer and he mentally cursed himself. “I collected these for you.”

“You’re so cute when you’re like that.” She held the box as he gave it to her. She angled her head and they moved to the nearest counter as she began unwrapping the gift that had taken him hours to wrap. When she finally undid the last ribbon, her eyes went wide with disbelief.

“Is this what I think it is?”

“Yes.”

Inside the box was a leather-bound book. She gingerly extracted it, holding it delicately in her hands as if it contained the secrets of the gods. She looked up at him again and then back at the book. She opened it.

Her jaw dropped.

The book was a collection of different confectionary recipes taken not just from the provinces of Wysteria but from other countries as well; there were germanic symbols of the Steiner tongue, the italicized script of Fairmark and the kingdoms farther west, there were even some with the strange symbols used in the far eastern countries that Alyn had forgotten how to pronounce. She scanned the contents, her eyes darting back and forth.  Each and every dessert was carefully illustrated and catalogued and then translated into Wysterian, for her consumption.

For a moment, it was as if she was shaking.

“Is this why you were away all the time?” She looked as if the pieces were clicking into place inside her head. “Is this why you were always assigned at the borders?”

It was Alyn’s turn to avert his gaze.

“Why didn’t you say anything?”

“Isn’t that the purpose of a surprise?” Alyn smiled now. “Happy Valentines, love.”

“Is this supposed to be as practically close to chocolate as you can get?”

“Yes.”

She laughed and threw her arms around him, snuggling against his chest this time. “Gods, Alyn, thank you! And here I was just ready to fight you this year!

“You would have lost.”

“That remains to be seen.” She laughed again. “I missed you so much.”

“I missed you too.”He said, hugging her tighter still. And he wanted more. So much more than just this.

Alyn had had many attempts in trying to be romantic and these attempts had fizzled each and every time. He was extremely private after all, and more often than not, whatever tender words he wanted to say end up either left being unsaid, if not sardonic.

He really wanted to be romantic this time. He reminded himself that he had worked hard for this, had dreamed of it countless of times.

Grab it, Alyn.

The opportunity had just presented itself.

Just say it!

“I want to make it with you.”

She pulled back and looked at him as if he had spoken in a foreign tongue.

And Alyn, in turn could feel the blush on his own cheeks, the warmth inside him spreading all the way to his fingertips. He felt dizzy. Part of him wanted to turn around and walk away, to leave her and tell her he was going to look forward to her surprise after all. Besides, he had given her his gift anyway.

Except that was not what he wanted this year.

That was not what he wanted from here on out.

Don’t balk, goddammit. “I want to make the chocolate with you. I don’t want competition between us this year.”

“Are you still saying that I can’t make it on my own?” She narrowed her eyes at him. “Because if you are, I swear to the gods Alyn Crawford, I - !”

“I’m not!” Alyn countered. “And that was not even in any of my sentences! Look,” He placed his hands on her shoulders. More to stop himself from shaking than it was to stop her from stopping him. “I just want to make it with you. I don’t care if we think differently about cooking. I don’t care if our views are miles apart. It never did matter to me then and it doesn’t matter to me now.

“I just want to... this year… all the other years too because…”

She was not moving her gaze from him and he could feel his cheeks getting warmer and warmer by the second.

“Because I just really want to do it with you.”

“If we were not talking about chocolate, that would sound so wrong and so forward and so unromantic.”

“Please give me a break.”

“Oh this is me being very easy on you.”

“Two seconds to get me into the mood and - ”

But the rest of his words were left unsaid. She had moved towards him, tiptoeing and wrapping her arms around his neck again. It took Alyn by surprise and for a few seconds he forgot how to move.

Then he heard something click.

“You’re so easy to distract, sheesh.” She drew back, a triumphant smile on her face. “Something for you whenever you go back to those godawful patrols. Except, please don’t go on them again.”

“Believe me, I’m not planning to.” Alyn looked down and saw a locket. The circle fit into his palm snugly and it was encrusted with what looked like small rubies around twin swords. He opened it and inside was a portrait: a smaller version of the painting Robert had done for the two of them during their first year.

“Heh. The gems matches your cheeks.”

“They do not.” Alyn said, pouting, closing his hand around the locket, his heart hammering in his chest, and knowing all too well that yes, his cheeks were matching the rubies.

“It was supposed to be for tomorrow - no, I mean, today. Was supposed to go with the chocolate.” She jerked a thumb behind her. “But since you’re here already, and you did give me my gift. Well… Happy Valentines too, love.” She smiled up at him again and Alyn could swear he heard angels singing in his ears. “And welcome back.”

Alyn could not help himself. He touched her face. “I’m finally home.”

For the third time, she hugged him and this time, Alyn did not tarry in hugging her back. The fact that he was practically starving for her touch hit him full on and he savored the sensation of her skin against his, of her weight pressed against him.

And for a moment, they stayed like that, quite content in each other’s arms, quite content to be able to feel the other physically present after such a long time of being apart. Alyn buried his face in her hair, taking in her familiar scent. She was sugar and cream and vanilla and -

“Is that… chili?”

“Ha!” She exclaimed, extracting herself from the embrace and almost bouncing back to the tables.

Alyn was confused. “You’re putting chili in the chocolate?”

“Yup.”

“Are you insane?”

“I prefer the word pioneering.”

Alyn was unconvinced, bordering on horrified.

“You look like I’m about to murder a lamb.” She clicked her tongue, straightening. “Isn’t it somewhere in the uhhh - recipe holder you got me?”

“No!” Alyn said, almost indignant.

“Shame.” She shrugged. “So. Are you gonna help me make it or am I going to just shoo you away again?”

Alyn hesitated. Then he shook his head with a resigned grin. “Lead the way through your aesthetic.”

Some would argue that cooking was a science.

There had to be exact measurements of things in bowls with clearly defined markings; there had to be counting of precise minutes, or else everything is going to burn; you had to carefully follow each and every step, unless what you were originally trying to brew was a disaster. There was a practical reason why you have to put cream first before the sugar, why you made sure the batter was smooth and not chunky, and why you should never try to fry anything that was fresh out of the water.

But some people, like her, would argue that cooking was an art.

It was not that they blatantly ignored basics. That would be insane, and she would agree with him on that. Only, cooking was an art because she saw the vast and expansive room for improvement. Why stop pushing when you could explore so much more options? Why stop trying new things just because a few old rules worked?

And as he and she bustled around the kitchen in their aprons, as they melted the nibs and weighed, measured and added the goddamn chili peppers into mix, as the aroma of her concoction finally drifted from the pot and filled the kitchen, Alyn seemed to finally understand what she had meant.

“Here.” She offered the spatula caked with the chocolate.

“You want me to taste this first?” Alyn was incredulous.

“Think of it as me.” She grinned. “Sweet but with a kick to it, ha!”

“More like death.” But Alyn took hold of her hand and licked.  It was sweet – of course it would be sweet – and as he continued savoring the chocolate there was a sudden spice. He brought a hand to his mouth and then said, “It’s actually good.”

She was all smiles, tiptoeing to kiss him.

Cooking was not exactly science.

But, it was not really art either.

And to be honest, he could not decide which outweighed the other. Not that it mattered at the moment because at least for now, as he watched her humming, pouring the finished chocolate into the molds, grinning up at him as she noticed him watching, the only thing that was definite was cooking with her was an experience.

It made him happy

Just as she did.

Just as she always will.

The end.

Original Character by @cyikemen

Written by @theempresskaizer

Illustrated by @midnightuglystepsister

[miabebe]

Tags pt 1

Rivals to lovers is such a fun genre especially when they don't even realise they are the 'I insult my crush to flirt' kinds 😂 @midnightvalentines thank you for reading ❤️ @bbyobbyo ahhh I'm so glad you liked my take on the trope, I hope you look forward to the rest of the series ❤️

@onlymingyus omg Mars thank you for reading ❤️🫂 and I agree, they are so annoying like everyone can see they're so in love, why can't they 😭

@dkluvrsclub ahhhh thank youuu ❤️ It was challenging to write how much they disliked each others habits and presence yet really loved and cared for each other without even realising it, I'm so glad you picked up on it 🤭

@curiousworge @monojoonluvr it's not fair that there's only one choi seungcheol when all want him 😭 thank you guys for reading ❤️

Too Many Beds (Choi Seungcheol)

Reverse Trope Series Installement 1

Pairing - Choi Seungcheol x afab! Reader

Word Count- 13k (don't ask me how I thought I could do this in 2k)

Genre - Enemies to lovers? Frenemies to lovers? Lovers to lovers? Idk man, these two are idiots, that's all. Oh and smut.

Warnings - one mention of blood cause of intense make out wew, other smut warnings under the cut!

A/n - I'm trying to do a Reverse Trope one shot series for all seventeen members, first up Choi Seungcheol :) Next up is 'Accidentally Kidnapping A Mafia Boss' Ft. Yoon Jeonghan hehe send me an ask/message to be tagged in that! Or you can also drop a comment when I drop the teaser in a few days!

Smut warnings - oral (m and f receiving), fingering, brief face fucking, thick dick cheol lol, slight choking, allusions to a breeding kink, unprotected sex (these two are digustingly in love, extremely horny and highly irresponsible, please don't be like them), creampie, mention of the word slut like once, and I'm hoping that's all?

“Absolutely not.”

“No way in hell.”

Seungcheol glared at you as you narrowed your eyes at him.

“I’m not sharing a room with him.”

“I refuse to even breathe in her vicinity.”

“Then maybe I should do mankind a service by being around you more.”

“The only way you can help mankind is by shutting your mouth.” Seungcheol leaned closer, his voice dropping. “You’re not pretty enough for all the stupidity that comes out of it.”

You rolled your eyes. “Rich coming from you. If I had a face like yours, I’d sue my parents.”

“Aw, fifth graders can insult better than you, sweetheart.”

“That was a fact, darling.”

“Ah” The two of you turned to the receptionist, finally remembering her presence as her eyes flickered between you and Seungcheol. “So, the two of you are dating?”

Looking at her incredulously and with unadulterated disgust, the two of you immediately took a step back.

“No!”

“No!”

“I’d rather stub my pinky toe on furniture everyday than date her-”

“And I’d rather choke on my own spit everyday than date him-”

“Oh baby, I knew you were a desperate one. I can give you something better to choke on-”

“Honey, are you sure? I heard you can stack fruit loops on that skinny thing-”

“Enough!” The old woman behind the counter got to her feet, putting her hands on her hips, the never-ending squabbling finally getting to her. “If either of you say another word, I will personally put you both in the tiniest broom closet I can find and trust me, the ones in this lodge are devastatingly small.”

You immediately shut up, dreading that idea more than anything. Seungcheol too became uncharacteristically and thankfully, quiet.

“Now, as far as your room is concerned, your company booked only one room, number-” She glanced at the paper in her hand and pulled out a pair of keys from the drawer. “- 68. If you can bear each other for 4 nights, well and good, get moving. If not, then take your things and get out of here. Good luck finding another lodge in this miserable weather.”

And as though on cue, a bright light, followed by a loud thunder flooded the room, taking all three of its inhabitants aback.

From the corner of your eye, you saw Seungcheol visibly gulp, well aware of his fear of thunder. Seungcheol too heard the way you sniffled, knowing that your rhinitis would only get worse with the humidity rising outside.

Sighing with the realization that there was no way out of this, both of you reached for the keys at the same time, making the old woman snatch it faster than the damn lightning to avoid yet another fight from breaking out. Ringing for the bellboy, she handed him the keys before he took your suitcase and Seungcheol’s bag in each hand, leading the way to your despair of the night.

Seungcheol followed quietly behind you, hands tucked in his pocket, his large headphones perched on his head as he swayed to the music, blatantly ignoring you. You were thankful for that. Since you were little children, you had always craved moments where you could pretend like this man didn’t exist. Why wouldn’t you? Everything about him was a pain in your ass.

You first met Seungcheol when you were five. Your fathers were college mates turned business partners and coincidentally, your mothers were best friends since high school. Naturally, everyone expected the children of both families to be just as close as their parents but alas, even at the age of five, you could not bear him for more than five minutes. He was so aggressive and unruly, always messing up your dolls, always pulling your hair, never giving you a second of peace when he was around. Albeit that behaviour got milder over the years but there were other things now.

Like the fact that your father always preferred to have a boy, a son who could be his heir, someone like Seungcheol. It wasn’t like he didn’t love you but a different side of him came out every time Seungcheol was around, a side not even you could bring out. He would laugh louder, his eyes would shine more, he would seem so carefree. Seungcheol too never missed the chance to rub that on your face, constantly sneering and claiming that your father would be happier if he was a part of the family.

Over the years, your displeasure and annoyance at Seungcheol only grew into a deep dislike. As though it wasn’t enough that the two of you did your entire schooling together (yes, all twelve years of it), he was always present anywhere and everywhere you went - the debate club, the swim team, the dance academy, the cafes, the libraries, the movies - there was no place you were free of him. Ever since you were young, you had longed to escape to a place far away from home just to be carefree and explore and reinvent yourself without the constant looming of a figment of your past. You had hoped that at least after school you’d have the chance to go away from him but as your luck would have it, the two of you were accepted into the same business school, were interning in the same company, were working on the same project, and had come out of town for the same three-day conference together. It was one thing to have to bear this man’s presence all day, now you had to do it all night as well, thanks to your cheapskate company.

As you got in the lift Seungcheol held the doors open for you before settling in the corner opposite yours, keeping as much distance in between as possible. The bell boy looked at both of you confused.

“I thought the two of you are dating?”

You groaned, rolling your eyes, and fished out your phone, scrolling through it instead.

Seungcheol glanced at you before scoffing at the absurd idea of dating you. He wasn’t foreign to that doubt though – people often wondered if they were together and Seungcheol wondered what on earth they saw between them that even resembled a speck of liking or even tolerance for one another.

Seungcheol had honestly not met anyone as stuck up as you. He never understood why his parents constantly considered you as the ideal role model for their son - ‘Look Cheol, she joined debate, you should too’, ‘She got selected in the swim team, you should try Cheol.’, ‘What do you think about dancing Cheol? She’s really good at it.’. Seungcheol was sick of being dragged into everything you were in, only to always be second. He hated debates, he would rather play football than swim, and though he liked to dance, ever since he joined the academy with you, even dancing was not giving him any solace.

Yet he gave his best all the time. He tried and tried and tried but he was always second to you who was evidently a natural at everything. For example, back in the school days, Seungcheol would almost get the same grades as you but at the cost of sacrificing nights of sleep and putting hours and hours into teaching himself. Meanwhile, you would breeze through the notes a day before the test, get a full 8-hour sleep and still score higher than him. As if that wasn’t enough, you’d invite him home, offering to “tutor” him only to constantly berate him about his ignorance, drop snide comments about how you were better, subtly challenge him in a battle that the both of you were well aware he could not win.

No wonder you had no friends while Seungcheol was as popular as could be - who would even want to be friends with you when you were always so cold and condescending towards anything that moved or breathed. If your parents weren’t joined at the hip, forcing Seungcheol to be a constant presence in your life, he wondered who would ever even talk to you? You should have been thankful for him, that he was the one human presence in your life who was always there despite it all, yet you treated him like he was beneath you. He had hoped that at least after graduating the two of you could part ways but the universe apparently loved playing cosmic jokes, putting the two of you together yet again, at the same workplace. And completely up in each other’s space for the next few days as well.

It wasn’t like the two of you hadn’t ever shared a room before - whenever your parents would meet up at each other’s house to drink and talk all night, the two of you had no choice but to crash in the same room, sharing the same bed even but thank God it was usually queen size, allowing the both of you to take two opposite ends, not even your breaths mingling. It had been years since that though…..Seungcheol felt a bead of sweat trickle down his back. He had no idea how he was to spend tonight in this room. Or the next few ones.

Neither did you.

As all three of you stood before the door and the bellboy fumbled with the keys, you glanced at Seungcheol. He looked unbothered as one could be. Perhaps you were overthinking this whole thing. It was a matter of four nights, surely the two of you could at least try to be courteous right?

“What in the...?”

Seungcheol’s voice rang in the empty corridor and you leaned to see what had him so shocked. Your own jaw dropped in a strange mixture of surprise, confusion, and relief.

Room 68 was no average hotel room. It was as big as the entire lobby, 7 heavily pillowed and blanketed single beds aligned from one end to the other almost military barrack style, only small bedside tables putting space between them.

“Room 68 is uh our bachelorette party suite.” The bellboy clarified. “For, you know, those big groups of girls who are hell bent on partying all night together?” He looked away like he was recalling a horrifying memory. “Since it’s holiday season, the lodge is booked out, this was the only room we had left. Is... is it not good?”

Seungcheol looked at you and for the first time in nearly 25 years, the two of you could finally agree on something.

“No.” You stepped in. “It’s perfect.”

It had been years since you had seen Seungcheol half-naked.

Well, you frequently saw him during swim practice in those tight speedo shorts of his, ass all plump and taut but you were not talking about that. You were referring to the sight before you right now, him with a towel wrapped loosely around his waist, his wet hair falling into his eyes as he searched for something in his bag frantically – most likely his aftershave. You knew he must have cleaned up given the conference was starting tomorrow and also that his cheeks were burning because you couldn’t smell the subtle cinnamon spice aftershave that usually followed in his routine.

Seungcheol strangely felt a pair of eyes on him as he rummaged through his things and suddenly remembered he was not alone in the room. He quickly turned, looking for you, finding you curled up in your bed, writing in what he guessed was your journal, unbothered by his presence. You were wearing that cute nightgown with little tomatoes drawn all over it which Seungcheol found funny given how much you hated tomatoes with all your heart and soul. Realising he had been looking for too long, Seungcheol gulped, quickly grabbing the aftershave he finally found and rushed back into the bathroom.

You flinched as you heard the door of the bathroom slam shut, looking up from your journal. Shaking your head exasperated, you returned to your writing. Seungcheol always handled things around him roughly like he was just not built to be gentle - slamming doors hard, breaking at least one coffee mug a month, causing rips in most of his clothes when he would gym because he was so big…. And muscular…. And built…..You bit the back of your pen thinking about how good he looked in his gym wear but if you were being honest, he looked best in a suit.

He’s going to be wearing one tomorrow.

You snapped out of your thoughts realizing you were entering dangerous waters and turned your attention back to your writing. Seungcheol made that process slightly harder as he walked out, furiously rubbing his towel against the back of his head, dressed in a black t-shirt and grey sweats.

As he sat down on his bed, he looked at you sitting six beds across, all the way in the other end of the room, right by the window. The moment the two of you entered the room, he took bed 1, the one against the wall and you took bed 7, the one against the opposite wall, putting the maximum possible distance between the two of you. He let you use the bathroom first, not because he knew you preferred using it when it is dry but because he thought this was the best time for him to call his parents and wish them goodnight….. even though it was still 7:30.

He showered after you did but even now, despite being so far from you, he could still smell your bodywash, the fragrance of lilies, the mildest kind because strong fragrances irritated your sensitive nose. Throwing his towel on the chair he kicked his legs off the floor and lied on the bed, turning to the wall, hearing the faint annoyed click of a tongue. Seungcheol knew exactly what triggered it - you hated it when he tossed damp towels like that. But honestly, he couldn't care less right now, not when there were more important things to deal with tomorrow, not when he was so tired already.

You shut your journal, irritated by his behaviour remembering exactly why being in the same vicinity as this man infuriated you. Flipping the lights off and pulling the covers over your shivering body, you realigned your thoughts towards your goal - Tomorrow’s conference was crucial. You had to look your best and do your best so clocking in 8 hours of sleep was the priority, Choi Seungcheol's character development be damned.

But as you lied down turning towards the window, lightning flashed across the sky, a loud thunder following. You turned to see Seungcheol and his back was facing you, the outline of his figure moving up and down rhythmically like he was already in a deep sleep. Slightly relieved yet still unconvinced, you turned towards him before the sleep and tiredness took you away.

Seungcheol simply stared at the wall all night.

Seungcheol most definitely did not sleep all night.

You could tell by the fact that one, he was up without you waking him and two, he was not there in the room right now. That meant he was out for a run which in turn meant his face must have been all swollen which definitely meant he didn’t get enough sleep. You did notice though that his bedding had shifted from bed 1 to bed 2 and guessed it was because of the coldness of the wall - Seungcheol had the habit of tossing and turning at night and there was nothing he hated more than his bare skin accidentally brushing the cold walls. Considering you were still five beds away from him, you ignored it as you went to wash up and prepare for the day.

When he saw the time on his watch as he finished his last lap, Seungcheol realised he was way behind schedule and that you probably were already at breakfast, sitting with a dozen snide remarks, waiting for him. True enough, as he quickly showered, dressed, and headed down to the buffet, you were there already, going through the proposal, the plate beside you nearly empty. Quickly grabbing a piece of toast and stuffing it in his mouth he walked over, putting on his suit jacket in a hurry. As you saw him approach, you shut your laptop, looking at him top to down in an ensemble that fit him all too well. Seungcheol’s eyes wandered over the pretty way you did your hair, and the plunging neckline of your blouse, a sliver of your pink bra peeking from underneath the fabric-

Both of you cleared your throats and looked away.

“We should leave, the cab should be here in-” He glanced at his watch. “-should have been here ten minutes ago, fuck.”

“It’ll be here in ten.” You pushed a cup of coffee towards him, looking at him pointedly to take a seat. Seungcheol glanced at it then back at you.

“You changed the time on my watch.” He huffed annoyed. “Again.”

“Glad to know you are still capable of basic comprehension.”

“You vile woman.” Seungcheol gritted between his teeth, sitting down. “I showered so fast I thought I was going to pass out.”

“But you didn’t.” You shrugged. “And learn to be grateful Seungcheol, you’re only ever on time when I meddle, so say thanks to me.”

“I’d rather die before I thank you.” He took a sip of the coffee before the extreme bitterness hit his tongue, making him spit it out right back into the cup. “Are you trying to kill me?”

“You did say you’d rather die.”

“Fuck you.”

“I know ten minutes is more than enough for you but personally, I prefer longer.”

Every single time. Every single time you flashed him that sweet, mocking smile and every single time it pushed his buttons like no other. One day he swore to put you in your place but right now he was too low on energy for that.

Well aware that you loved strawberries more than anything, he grabbed the last one on your plate and walked off to the taxi stand, ignoring the way you whined behind him.

“Oh, real mature of you Choi Seungcheol!”

You knew in your stress about perfecting the proposal early in the morning you had forgotten something important and the moment you stepped into the room that night, you knew exactly what that was.

To close the windows.

Thanks to the pouring rain, the water had drenched your entire bed, not to forget, your bag full of your clothes which was conveniently placed right on the mattress, soaking nearly every piece of clothing you owned. Thank God the laundry in the lodge said they would handle it for you so you still had an outfit for tomorrow’s conference but there were still two major concerns - one, what to wear tonight and two, where to sleep tonight.

You solved the first problem (almost) by grabbing your umbrella and heading to the nearest clothing store as instructed by the receptionist only to find out it sold barely any ‘cloth’ at all. It was an adult shop, filled majorly with lingerie of all kinds which were aiming to cover as little as possible. Groaning inwardly, knowing you didn’t have a phone on you to go any further in this weather, you grabbed the most decent nightgown you could find and rushed back.

A hot shower, a change of clothes and a quick meal later you decided to deal with your second problem, moving your things from bed 7 to 6, not too displeased considering there were still three beds between the two of you. You glanced at Seungcheol’s empty bed and then at the time - it was well past 10. Sighing, you settled under the covers pulling out your journal to write but got lost in your thoughts instead.

You were pretty proud of what you presented today - people praised you, congratulated you for a well drafted proposal and even went so far as to offer you jobs in their company. Yet you were not satisfied. Somehow, the one thing constantly running in your mind was the swarm of women who had flocked around Seungcheol the moment the conference was done, ‘mindlessly’ touching his arms, ‘casually’ brushing their chests against his, ‘genuinely’ laughing too hard at whatever bullshit came out of his mouth.

This was not new to you, Choi Seungcheol being the centre of attention wherever he went. He enjoyed it, basked in it, and chose to make a show of it whenever he got a chance. It was all so fake and superficial; you could not bear to stand it. That’s why even though everyone decided to go out for dinner and drinks tonight, yes, all twenty-seven of them, you politely said goodbye citing a headache and took a cab back. You were not interested in casual conversation and definitely not interested in seeing Seungcheol’s pathetic flirting.

Just as you begin to relish his absence and the beautiful silence that came with it, a loud knocking on the door and his voice screaming your name ended your perfect night. Grumbling, you opened the door to a fully drenched Seungcheol looking absolutely frazzled.

“What the hell-”

He stopped when his eyes fell on you dressed in a white floor length satin gown, the material seductively clinging to the curves of your body, your leg slightly visible between the slit. You crossed your arms to cover yourself up, feeling conscious under his gaze as he gulped audibly.

“What the hell were you thinking?” He met your eyes, a slight worry flashing behind the anger. “You just disappeared without letting me know-”

“I told you I was leaving.” You walked into the room rolling your eyes. “Maybe if you could see something beyond all that pathetic fangirling you’d have heard.”

“Fangirling?” He looked genuinely confused, following you in as he stripped off his jacket. You tried your best to not stare at the way his pecs were so perfectly outlined under the wet shirt sticking to his body but Seungcheol caught you peering, his features lighting up with amusement.

“Would you look at that?” He smirked. “Someone is jealous.”

“Please.” You scoffed. “I wouldn’t be jealous even if we were the last people on Earth.”

“Obviously, if we were the last people, who would you even be jealous of?”

You sighed. “You know what I mean.”

“I actually don't, sweetheart. If a little action is all you want, you can just ask for it you know?”

“Funny coming from a guy who kissed me just because another man was talking to me.”

The first tea break of the conference had led to an introduction that was surprising to you considering people did not really tend to approach you on their own. It was even more shocking that this man chose to speak to you in the lunch break as well, completely unprompted. He was sweet, not egging you too much with conversation, simply limiting it to work and the conference and then Choi Seungcheol appeared out of nowhere, snaking an arm around your waist, uninvited. Before you could glare at him and send him away, he planted a soft kiss on your cheek, excused himself and led you away from there, only to abandon you the very next second without an explanation.

“You call that a kiss?” Seungcheol scoffed. “You were so swept off your feet, you were this close to spilling details on our quotation for the project. That was actually me shutting you up.”

“Oh yeah?” You raised an eyebrow. “If you really wanted to shut me up, then you should have kissed me on the mouth.”

Seungcheol stared at you wordlessly.

As you began to walk away, he pulled you by the elbow, putting you against the wall, trapping you between his hands on either side.

“Is that how?” He leaned closer, the scent of his cologne taking over your senses. “Because there is nothing I’d love to do more than shut you up.” He cocked his head with a small smile. “And maybe also show you what a kiss really is.”

You tried not to gulp the phantom lump in your throat, cheeks suddenly hot under his gaze. Somehow, as though it had a mind of its own, your hand traced his exposed collar bone, trailing down his chest slowly, eyes following. Seungcheol held his breath under your touch. You stopped your tracks at his hard pecs, right above his heart beating just as fast as yours and looked up at him.

And then twisted his nipple.

Shrieking in pain, Seungcheol stumbled back, clutching his chest.

“What the hell mate?”

You walked towards your bed, grabbing your matching satin night robe and slipping it on. “It's ridiculous that you even think you of all people could show me a real kiss.”

“You forget sweetheart, I was your first one.”

You turned to Seungcheol as he brought up a memory you had actually done a great job forgetting. It was during your senior year - your parents had forced you to accompany Seungcheol to a house party so you could “get more involved in the social scene” instead of holing yourself up in your room all the time. It was a classic game of truth or dare and the worst dare of your life - to kiss Seungcheol for a minute.

Now the last thing you wanted to hear was him teasing you every day about how you were too scared to kiss him so you held him by the collar and pulled yourself into his lap straddling him, your mouth meeting his in a frenzy. If you were being honest, something about that kiss served as your sexual awakening - maybe it was the way he moaned into your mouth, or his hands gripped your ass, or hands entangled in his soft hair or your chest pressed up against his. Whatever it was, there was a video of it that your classmates took circulating somewhere out there, timed around five and a half minutes as opposed to the one minute it was supposed to be.

“Don’t take too much pride in yourself Cheol.” You sat on the bed, leaning back on your hands planted in the mattress. “Only I know how many other guys I had to kiss after that to know what kissing truly is.”

Seungcheol felt his jaw tighten.

Something in you had changed in junior year. Yes, you were still the same antisocial, inhospitable, unapproachable person you always were but somehow every other day, he found you in a new location with a new guy's tongue shoved down your throat. They were not boyfriends, Seungcheol knew that much, and it was the fact that they weren't that made his blood boil with anger.

“You shouldn’t take pride in yourself either sweetheart.” He looked at you with a strange mixture of anger and pity. “There's nothing to feel accomplished about not forming a single real bond in your life.”

The moment the words left his mouth Seungcheol regretted it, knowing he had hit a soft spot. It was too late now; the damage was done - pain was flashing in your eyes.

You looked at the insensitive man before you and laughed at him sadly, mirroring his hurtful words.

“No real bond? I’m afraid you filled that void Seungcheol. Hate forms really strong bonds too.”

And with that you turned away from him, tucking yourself under the sheets, turning off the lights on your side of the room. Grabbing his towel and a change of clothes, Seungcheol locked himself up in the bathroom, your words piercing his heart like no other. Over the years yes, the two of you argued and fought and annoyed each other and couldn’t stand one another but hate? He didn’t ever think that’s what you felt for him. Perhaps he deserved it - he had after all crossed a line with that comment.

He knew you had always struggled around people. He knew that even though you detested taking his help for anything, in every social setting, you would always choose to hide behind him. It wasn’t that you didn’t want to interact, you just couldn’t. You were a sick child since birth, constantly brought down by various illnesses that often confined you to your room - you didn’t go out to play with the other children, you didn’t join the kids on their trips to the ice cream shop, you didn’t go late night camping with your classmates, you didn’t do a lot of what kids your age did.

And when you were old enough, when you were healthy enough to step out into the world, you didn’t know how to anymore. Hence you continued to stay in your own shell, closing yourself off from everyone, wary of any and all interactions. Seungcheol knew all this, that’s why when he couldn't lay his eyes on you in the crowd of the conference, the panic he felt was like no other. He never thought he would ever feel his heart stop but Seungcheol felt it twice today - once when he lost you and the other when you said that. I’m afraid you filled that void Seungcheol. Hate forms really strong bonds too.

You stared out of the window, mildly annoyed by all the light falling in your face, Seungcheol’s words ringing in your ears. It might have sounded harsh but he was right. You never formed real bonds with anyone, you could never bring yourself to. Having spent years all by yourself, you didn’t know what it was like to let another person into a space that was entirely yours. That’s why, though you engaged in all sorts of flings and hookups, you never let it go beyond that - you never let yourself lose your heart to someone, walking away from them before they could walk away from you.

In that sense, Seungcheol was indeed the realest bond you had - just a constantly present, mildly irritating, oddly comforting white noise in your life. It was easy with him - you never had to think in his presence, you never had to wonder whether anything would drive him away, never had to worry about keeping him by your side unconditionally - he was always there. Somehow what you felt for Seungcheol was liberating in a way you hadn’t even realized. Hate could hardly define that; you were unnecessarily harsh earlier.

Seungcheol stepped out of the bathroom, eyes falling on your unmoving figure which he just realized was on bed 6 instead of 7. Noticing the damp sheets and piecing it together, he didn’t think too much of it as he switched off the lights and crawled into his bed.

Hearing the sounds of him shuffling, you turned towards him.

“Are you not going for the dinner?”

“It’s too late now. I would have eaten there if I didn’t have to run back here to check up on you.”

“You could have just called me.”

“I did.” He turned to you, looking at just your silhouette in the darkness. “A few hundred times.”

You checked your phone immediately and it wasn’t a hundred times but there were some fifty odd calls from him and two dozen messages.

“I put my phone on silent during the conference and forgot to take it off.” You mumbled, just a little guilty that he was missing out on a gathering because of you. “Did you at least eat?”

“I’m not hungry, thanks to all the Americanos you kept feeding me all day.”

“If not for that, you would have been snoring in the conference barely an hour after it began.” You turned to lie on your back, facing the ceiling. “And I wouldn’t have had to do that if you’d just obediently drank that double shot espresso in the morning.”

Seungcheol remembered you sliding the coffee cup to him and smiled to himself in the dark.

“Then maybe you should also listen to me and stop munching on those strawberries every chance you get, especially when you know they flare your allergies.”

You remembered Seungcheol gobbling up the last berry and smiled to yourself in the dark.

“Goodnight, you obnoxious prick.”

“Goodnight, you insufferable fiend."

When you woke up in the morning, two things had changed - one, Seungcheol had moved from bed 2 to bed 3 in the middle of the night and two, his shirt was gone, discarded somewhere in the mess on the floor. He was lying sprawled on his bare stomach, his back covered in a thin sheet of sweat, his tattoo shining as the light hit it. Ignoring the sight before you with much difficulty, you shook him awake.

“Get up Cheol, we’re going to be late.”

He groaned, rolling over, eyes slowly blinking open, falling on you first thing in the morning. Even though you were dressed in the sultriest thing he had ever seen on you, Seungcheol controlled himself and tore his eyes away.

“The radiator is right across the other bed; I was literally burning all night.” He mumbled, stretching awake, justifying his move.

You turned towards it noticing how it was in fact between bed two and three, closer to three than two to be honest. Considering Seungcheol was still drenched in sweat, his move in the middle of the night was actually quite pointless, but you chose not to say anything about it. Quickly washing up, the two of you rushed for breakfast, skimming over the presentation notes one last time. Today, neither of you noticed but Seungcheol drank the coffee and you didn’t eat the strawberries.

Day two went by in a flash much like day one. Only this time, you didn’t talk to the gentleman from yesterday, choosing to sit quietly by Seungcheol in the break and he didn’t leave your side either, regardless of all the ladies calling him to join them. In the evening, as the team headed to the city’s best karaoke bar, inviting you and Seungcheol again, Seungcheol brushed them off claiming the two of you had a little more work to do on the proposal. To his surprise, you shot him down, agreeing to join everyone, looking at him with a small smile.

“Don’t be such a killjoy darling.”

Seungcheol knew you were compensating for last night so he followed, well aware that you would most likely want to leave the moment the singing started. Well, he was almost right - you actually wanted to leave the moment you stepped foot into the room, turning to him with pleading eyes. Seungcheol turned you by your shoulder, laughing as he led you in.

“Don’t be such a killjoy sweetheart.”

You sat patiently as the beers poured in and people around you fought for the photobooth props. Seungcheol was sitting right beside you, his thigh a comforting weight against yours, laughing with everyone. As the night progressed, you had downed a beer or two, a slight buzz taking over, not noticing the way Seungcheol had his arm around you now or that you were warmly cuddled against his torso. Soon, one by one, everyone settled on the couches, tired from all the screaming, resorting to chatter instead and deciding on an old-fashioned game of truth or dare. Seungcheol smirked at you and you turned his face away with a soft push.

“So Seungcheol,” The man beside him spoke. “Truth or dare?”

“Neither actually. We should leave now.” He stood, pulling you up, stumbling slightly. “I’ve had too much to drink and it's late, Y/n needs to sleep.”

“Didn’t realize wacky wallflower here also had the bedtime of a toddler.” One of Seungcheol’s many fangirls piqued, jealousy stark on her face. “We can book her a cab, why don’t you stay a little longer, Cheolie?”

You raised an eyebrow, amused at the nickname, and at her jealousy but Seungcheol did not find anything about her words even remotely funny.

“No thanks, I go where she goes.”

“I thought you guys weren’t dating? Then why-”

“That doesn’t change what I said.” His voice dropped an octave. “I go where she goes.”

“Cheol.” You placed a hand on his chest, sensing his anger rising. “It’s fine, let’s stay for a few rounds, yeah?”

Seungcheol looked at you frowning as you sat down, pulling him with you. The girl you already disliked but quite vehemently hate now, spun the bottle with a giggle.

“We don’t have to stay.” Seungcheol whispered as the guy beside you excitedly asked the one across him a question. “You stayed long enough, you need sleep-”

“I’m fine.”

“I’m not.” He spoke between gritted teeth. “Just looking at that foul woman makes me mad. I already said I wasn’t interested in her, she had no reason to be a bitch.”

“Well then don’t you want to put the bitch in her place Cheol?”

You looked at him with big doe eyes which terrified Seungcheol even more. What on Earth were you up to?

“Y/n, you get to ask Yuri!”

You looked at the bottle to see it pointing between you and your little conquest of the night. Hook.

“Truth or dare?” Line.

“Dare.” And Sinker.

“Okay Yuri, then I dare you to not take your eyes off.”

You pulled Seungcheol by the collar, smashing your lips on his, swallowing his audible moan. His hands immediately found your waist, pulling you closer, up against his body, teeth roughly tugging your lower lip. Hand sliding up his neck and across his jaw, you entangled your fingers in his hair, drawing him even closer denying even air the right to come between the two of you. Yes, it was all a show for Yuri or whatever her name was, but at a point, she stomped her foot and got up, running out of the room. Perhaps the two of you should have stopped then or at least when you were running out of breath. But you only broke apart when someone dropped a beer bottle, smashing the glass loudly on the floor. Seungcheol and you looked at it, faces flushed, lips swollen. A low whistle echoed in the room.

“We-” Seungcheol cleared his throat, trying to get his voice back. “We should get going.”

“Y-yeah.” You agreed, getting up and grabbing your things as Seungcheol smoothened his hair with his hand, muttering a small goodbye to everyone. As the two of you stepped out of the room, you found Yuri crying at the entrance, her friend trying her best to console her. Not sparing her another glance, you walked away, Seungcheol following you close behind. As the cold air hit you when you reached the taxi stand, you felt a painful sting on your lower lip, making you hiss. Hand cupping your face, Seungcheol wiped the trickle of blood with his thumb.

“Guess you desperately did need a real kiss huh?”

“Shut up.” You smacked his hand away. “I had to help the poor girl get over her pathetic taste in men.”

“By getting a taste of me?” Seungcheol smirked as you rolled your eyes. Before you could say anything, his stomach let out a loud growl making you laugh and look around, spotting a burger joint.

“Let’s get you a taste of that big boy.”

“Sometimes I wonder-” You stared out of the window at the large clouds rolling in. “-considering our parents are best friends and we are not, do you think our children would be good friends or enemies?”

“Wow, children.” Seungcheol munched on his burger furiously. “I never thought that far.”

“Then think about it now.”

“I don’t know.” He hummed. He hated thinking when he was tipsy. “Siblings tend to have a love-hate relationship.”

“I was talking about our children Seungcheol.”

“So was I.”

“No, I mean, my own children and your own children.”

“Yeah, same thing.”

You looked at him exasperatedly.

“Let’s be honest here Y/n. Who else out there can put up with us for long enough to start a family?”

“We can barely put up with each other-”

“But we have, for almost 25 years.” He slurped on his drink. “There’s a reason why you have never been in a relationship and I have never been in one that lasts. Because whatever it is we share, it’s you and I, till the end.”

“Till the end.” You muttered, reaching for his burger, taking a bite from it. Judging by your expression, Seungcheol could tell you liked his better, like you always do. That’s why he made sure to get it without the tomatoes he usually loved and settled to eat your meal instead. He was just about to ask why exactly you were so lost in thought when a loud thunder boomed across the sky sending a shiver running down Seungcheol’s spine.

Shoving the last of the burger down your throat quickly washing it down with some soda, you began gathering your things.

“We should go before the rain starts.”

Seungcheol nodded, finishing up his meal as you threw the trash in the nearby can. As the two of you left, muttering your thank yous to the waitresses, you laced your fingers with Seungcheol’s, gripping him tight as another lightning flashed across the sky. Thank God it wasn’t too hard to flag down a cab because the moment the two of you sat inside, rain began pouring like there was no tomorrow. As you glanced at the obscurity outside the window, Seungcheol stared at his hand, the one that you hadn’t left in all this time.

There were times when he used to stay over in your room, unable to sleep due to all the thundering while you dozed away oblivious to his presence. Those days, you’d turn around, reaching for his hand, holding it in your sleep. Seungcheol now wondered if that might have been a conscious effort to comfort him.

Perhaps not he thought as you began to nonchalantly hum his favourite song. He wondered if you knew he loved that piece because of how beautiful you looked when you danced to it. He wondered if you knew that the reason he was always around you was to make sure you were alright. He wondered if you knew he always carried an extra inhaler for you, that he had written a long list of your allergies in order from ‘can handle’ to ‘keep away from at all times’, that he was constantly alert about everything you ate, smelt and touched. He wondered if you knew, deep down how much he cared about you…..but sleep dragged him away before he could wonder anymore.

Sensing Seungcheol had fallen asleep, you stopped humming, turning to him, smiling at his half open mouth. Scooting closer, you slowly pulled his head to rest against your shoulder, and he groaned softly, nuzzling into it. The driver looked at the two of you through the rear-view mirror, making your cheeks go red as you looked away.

“Is your boyfriend afraid of thunderstorms?”

You nodded, ignoring the title. “Since he was a child. I don’t think he’s been sleeping too well the last few days.”

“The forecast shows it’s going to be worse today.” The driver sighed. “Look out for him.”

You nodded again. You did look out for him. In your own ways you always did - you always challenged him knowing that was what pushed him to do better. You always made sure to wake him up or at least meddle with his clocks so he was always on time. You always made sure he ate and slept enough, knowing how it threw him off whenever he was deprived of either. Even now you were humming his favourite song knowing it calmed him down. You wondered if Seungcheol knew, that deep down you really cared about him…..perhaps more than anything.

When the taxi reached the lodge, you softly shook him awake after paying, dragging his sleepy self through the lobby. The receptionist's eyes followed the two of you, stumbling away hand in hand, mouth curling into a small smile as you disappeared. You only let his hand go when you reached the room and that’s what jolted him awake.

The silence that descended the room today was different. It wasn’t because the two of you were too tired to say anything to each other, rather neither of you knew what exactly to say given there was so much to. So instead, you resorted to washing up and filling in your journal for the day while Seungcheol worked on a few changes in the proposal for the final pitch tomorrow. Just as he shut the laptop and you shut your diary, the two of you looked at each other before quickly looking away, settling in your own beds, for the night.

You were almost ready to drift off to sleep, before the driver’s words rang in your mind - the forecast shows it’s going to be worse today. Without thinking much, you moved your things from bed 6 to bed 5, muttering that the light from the streetlamps was falling in your face there. Seungcheol did not point out that you could just close the curtains instead and curled up in his own bed, glad you were closer to him now.

He looked at you across the one bed that was in between and suddenly you felt too far, like the distance was too much.

You looked at him as his eyes fluttered shut, thunder rumbling across the sky, wondering if he could hear you across all this space, humming louder than usual, lulling the two of you to sleep.

When you woke up, Seungcheol was surprisingly awake and fully dressed, trying to knot his tie unsuccessfully in front of the mirror, expression focused with a small pout. Propping yourself up on your elbow, you stared at his reflection, eyes skimming over the beautiful features of his face which you never really consciously admired - his thick hair, thicker eyebrows, plump, pillowy lips, his jawline sharp and chiselled. He was indeed handsome, in a way you really liked….a lot.

You wondered why you always looked at him like he was the bane of your existence. Was it because it was easier to bury the unresolved tension under pointless banter? Or did you wantonly show him your worst side, hoping it wouldn’t scare him away, hoping he would stay despite every flaw, every shortcoming. What did it mean if in 25 years, he didn’t leave even once?

Seungcheol groaned, annoyed at his futile attempts, eyes finally meeting yours in the mirror. You slid off your bed, walking up to him as he turned to you. Yawning, you took his tie in your hands, tying it for him. Seungcheol’s eyes drifted over the features of your face as he held his breath.

He could get used to this, the sight of waking up to a sleepy you, your hair all over the place, your eyes slightly droopy, nose red. God you were so beautiful - he knew that, but why didn’t he ever think about it? Why did he choose to fight every remote thought about you with irritating banter? Was he scared that the tension would remain unresolved? And what did it mean if you were still here, right by his side, helping him out in everything big and small, always making sure he was going the right way and doing the right thing, every single day for the last 25 years?

You pushed the knot up to his neck, smoothening the material, patting his chest with a proud smile. Seungcheol gulped as you walked away to wash up, trying to get his breath under control.

When the two of you came down for breakfast, you pointedly avoided the receptionist's gaze. There was no time to deal with more thoughts.

The rest of the day went like that, thoughtlessly. It was a little awkward at the conference considering the little show you two put up last night, so the moment it ended for good in the evening, you bid everyone goodbye, citing you had an early flight and had to leave soon. It was true though, you did have to travel in the wee hours of the morning, but leaving from the conference so soon also meant having to spend longer with Seungcheol, all alone. He agreed with you though, stating his social battery was at an all-time low and that he just wanted to go back.

Today the two of you were somehow sitting on two ends of the car backseat, bodies pressing against the door, in complete contrast to last night. It was a silent ride, a silent walk to the room and a silent session of packing up. Suddenly there were very conscious efforts to not brush hands, or accidentally walk into each other or catch the other person randomly staring, lost in thought. It was only when you were finally done that you asked Seungcheol if he wanted to order dinner. He agreed, leading to a very small and very efficient discussion about what dishes to eat and then silence descended upon the room again. While waiting for the food to arrive, Seungcheol muttered that he was going for a quick run, leaving you alone with the thoughts you could no longer stop from plaguing your mind.

Something had changed over the last 3 days. It wasn’t you or Seungcheol - he was still throwing his damp towels on dry clothes and you were still meddling with his clocks. No, the two of you hadn’t changed. Neither did the arguing, neither did the banter, neither did the subtle flirting, neither did the silent support. No…. nothing had changed. It was all the same. It was all the exact same except now, you were finally willing to acknowledge something you hadn’t even admitted to yourself since the age of five, that-

“I’m in love with him.” You whispered, smiling to yourself.

Seungcheol on the other hand thought running around the lodge would mean those thoughts wouldn’t run in his mind anymore. He was wrong - even though you were not there, like always you were on his mind, in his every thought, in his every breath. Seungcheol didn’t know of a life without you. He also knew that you would be there with him for the rest of his life but for the first time in 25 years, he finally found himself owning up to it - that he truly wanted you be a part of his future, that he could not bear to think of one without you in it, that-

“I’m in love with her.” He whispered, smiling to himself.

By the time Seungcheol had returned, dinner had arrived. Between each bite you searched for the right words to say, noticing that Seungcheol was trying the same. Somehow, neither of you could bring yourself to say anything.

You couldn’t peacefully finish up your journal and Seungcheol couldn’t take a relaxing shower, both muttering under your breaths, practicing long speeches, determined to confess everything before sleeping tonight.

But when all was done for the night, both of you laid down on your respective beds, staring at the ceiling, unable to talk, unable to sleep.

Seungcheol turned his head as you did towards him, making his heart clench a little.

Sighing, he grabbed his pillow and put it on bed 4, lying down, facing you.

You looked at him blinking slowly.

Seungcheol held his breath.

Taking a deep breath, you grabbed your duvet and joined him on the fourth bed, throwing it over the two of you, lying down, facing him.

Seungcheol slid his hand over your waist, pulling you closer.

You gripped the material of his shirt, snuggling into the warmth of his neck.

Nothing was said that night.

Nothing had to be said as the two of you drifted off to sleep.

It was the harsh morning sun and the annoying chirping of the birds that woke you up.

You stared out of the window surprised at the bright light given the last few days were as gloomy as it could be. Seungcheol’s soft breaths tickled your shoulder as his arms held you tight, your back against his chest. Smiling you wiggled in his grip turning towards him, taking in how much more stunning he looked in the morning light-

Morning?

“Cheol.”

He hummed softly.

“Cheol!”

“What?”

“It’s bright outside.”

“That’s how mornings are Y/n.”

“Oh thank you for enlightening me.” You rolled your eyes. “Might I return the favour by reminding you that we had a flight at 5am?”

Seungcheol’s eyes flew open.

He quickly grabbed his phone from the nightstand, 11am flashing on the screen.

“Fuck.” He muttered, running his hand through his hair. “Fuck fuck fuck, I can’t believe we missed the flight!”

You took the phone from him and scrolled through the app. “The next flight out is tomorrow morning, same time, 5am.”

“But the company hasn’t paid for the room tonight, where will we stay?” Seungcheol groaned. “How could you not wake me up?”

You frowned at him. “And why is it my job to?”

“Because, you don’t like it when I put alarms on my phone.”

“Uh no, I don’t like it when you continue to sleep through the dozen alarms you put on your phone.”

“Whatever your reasons are, I think its been established that you are the one who's supposed to wake us both up.”

“Yeah well thanks to you I forgot to set an alarm.”

“Thanks to me?” He looked at you bewildered. “What did I do?”

“Who asked you to..” You pointed at everything around with the wave of a hand, the two of you only just registering the situation you were in.

“You were the one who came to my bed.” Seungcheol shrugged. “This is on you because you were desperate.”

“Says the one who’s boner poking into my back woke me up.”

Seungcheol gawked at you, stuttering. “M-morning wood is a scientific phenomenon, okay? I can’t help it-”

“I could have.” You muttered, slipping out of the bed.

Seungcheol pulled you back under him, half hovering over you.

“Oh yeah?” He bit his lower lip with a small smile. “How exactly?”

You hummed, “I happen to know some good meditation techniques-”, running a finger down his abdomen, tracing a random design.

Seungcheol grabbed your hand and pinned it to the mattress by your face, leaning close.

“Think of a better way, baby.”

The nickname sent a delightful chill down your spine as you slightly squirmed under him, smiling.

“How about I get you some ice-”

“That’s not what I want right now.”

“Then what do you want right now?”

His eyes ran along the features of your face.

“I want to kiss you.” He whispered. “So bad.”

“And what are you waiting for?”

Seungcheol groaned, immediately pressing his lips onto yours, needy and ravenous, like he had been waiting eons for this. Well, so had you.

Pushing him off you and onto his back, you straddled his hips, kissing him again, rolling your tongue over his. Seungcheol moaned into your mouth, one hand wrapping around your waist, the other holding you by the nape of your neck, taking back control. When you ran your hand over his thick pecs, he pulled away with a dreamy sigh, planting a trail of kisses along your jaw, down your throat.

“Strip for me.”

Sitting up immediately, you lifted your hips a little letting Seungcheol push the material of your nightdress up your thighs and you pulled it over your head, tossing it somewhere. In the ten seconds it took you to do that, Seungcheol was a changed man. The old him wanted to take his time unravelling you slowly, pushing you to the edge but the new Seungcheol felt the animal in him come alive with a throbbing, insatiable desire. It became exponentially worse when you pulled your hair up, tying it with the hair tie on your wrist, baring your neck, perfect breasts, soft stomach….unable to reign it in anymore, Seungcheol lunged forward, hungrily sucking a tit into his mouth, making you lose your balance over him a little, grabbing his bicep half laughing.

“Huh, I really thought you were more of an ass guy.”

Seungcheol let go with a wet pop, looking up at you from between his thick lashes. Oh wasn’t that a sight.

“For you, I’m an everything guy.” His hands gripped your ass hard. “Your derriere does take the cake though.”

You laughed, “Who even uses that word?”

“I don’t know, I have no idea what is coming out of my mouth right now.” He confessed, his tongue running up the gap between your boobs, the sweet and salty taste of your skin driving him insane. “I just know what I want in it.”

“Yeah?” You sighed, threading your fingers through his hair, pulling him back with a harsh grip, before he latched onto your other tit. “I have better things to put in it.”

Seungcheol grinned like he couldn’t wait, flashing his canines, biting his lower lip.

God he was going to be the end of you.

But you’ll beat him to it.

Palms planted behind you, you slid yourself back off his thighs and sat between his legs, lifting your own up for him. Seungcheol’s eyes darkened in an instant and the moment he saw the wet spot in the middle of your pink panties, he could not hold himself back anymore. With a swift movement he was up on his knees before you, hooking his fingers in the elastic by your waist and slowly dragging your underwear along your legs. Like a man starving he crumpled it in his hand, breathing it deeply, eyes fluttering shut like he was intoxicated by your scent.

“I’m going to be borrowing this, for whenever you’re not there.”

“Pervert.” You whispered as he tucked it in the back pocket of his tracks. “But I’m never not going to be there. I’m afraid you’re stuck for life now.”

Seungcheol fisted the material at the back of his neck and pulled it over his head, flinging it somewhere before he put his hands between your knees and spread your legs apart, groaning at the sight before him. You were quite literally hiding his paradise between your legs.

“Trust me,” He reached for a pillow behind him, throwing it to you. “I want to be stuck here.”

The moment you tucked it under your head lying back, Seungcheol wasted no time in crawling between your legs, tossing them over his shoulder, descending on your sex. You felt your back arch off the mattress as he devoured, his tongue, mouth, lips all showing you stars in daytime.

“Fuck Cheol.” You whimpered as his tongue slipped into your hole, his moan sending a wild vibration against it. Bringing your hands to his head, your fingers gripped his hair, pushing your hips up against him “Give me more.”

Seungcheol smirked, pressing your hips down, continuing his ministrations in a way that made your toes curl. Damn he knew what he was doing. For a split second you wondered how he knew so much and an ugly jealousy began coursing through you but it was lost almost immediately, when he began to suck on your clit.

“Cheol….” You moaned, the sudden stimulation too intense for you, a tightness growing deep inside. “F-fuck that’s good.”

Seungcheol knew he was good. Not because he was experienced, not exactly - more because he was desperate to taste every inch of you. If he thought the taste of your arousal was heavenly, the moment your legs trembled and your breaths got harsher and you came against his mouth, Seungcheol knew he’d cast aside the heavens for it. This wasn’t enough.

This was probably the fastest orgasm you ever had, waves of the buzz washing over as your jaw fell slack. You rode it out against his mouth, tense shivers running down your body as his nose grazed your clit before falling limp into the softness of the bed, chest heaving.

Seungcheol was so noisily devoted to making you fall apart on his tongue, he wasn't sure if you didn't moan his name or if he was too entranced to hear it. Either way, he had to go again, keeping in mind to put his eyes on you this time. When he looked up at you, your face was flushed, lips curled into a blissful smile and Seungcheol thought he fell more in love with you, if that was even possible.

“We're gonna have to talk about why you're so good at that.” You half laughed, trying to sit up. Seungcheol pushed you back down, throwing another pillow at you, humming.

“How good was I exactly?”

“Nice try big boy,” You stacked the pillow over the previous one, leaning back against it. “I'm not going to feed your ego.”

“I'll feed myself then.” He smirked before licking a long strip between your folds making you tremble with over stimulation.

“Cheol not yet-”

“If I don't hear you I'm not going to stop.”

And he descended upon you like a mad man again, making you gasp in surprise. You did not think he'd go through with it.

“Cheol I really can't-”

but Seungcheol did not stop.

When he didn’t listen, you reached to pull him off you but Seungcheol was quicker as he grabbed both your wrists in a flash and held them against your heaving chest, continuing to eat the life out of you.

“Seungcheol please.” You couldn’t even squirm if you tried to, held down hard by his brute strength. “I really can’t-”

He looked up, his mouth wet with his spit and your arousal as he licked his lips. Fuck you really loved this man.

“Do you actually want me to stop?”

He was taunting you but there's a slight concern laced in his voice.

You shook your head slowly.

“I thought so.” He chuckled before continuing his act of wolfing down on you.

Your second orgasm began to rush in with an unreal speed and you don't know how Seungcheol could read your body so well already but the little bitch backed out before you could cum again.

“Cheol…”

You whined, frustrated at the feeling ebbing away, desperately clenching to hold on to it.

“I said I wanted to hear you.”

You glared at him, not used to him having the upper hand. He knew he's got you under control when he finally loosened his bruising grip on your thigh to sit up and you opened your mouth on your own accord to let him slip his fingers into them.

“What a pretty little girl.” He sighed as you sucked on his digits. “My pretty girl.”

“Yes yours.” You moaned, as he pulled them out of your mouth and pushed them into his, wetting them more as you practically panted below him.

“I'll do what you want, just put them in me Cheol.”

“You're quite demanding baby.” He leaned over you looking amused. “I hope you deliver as well as you talk.”

“I'll suck the life out of your dick after this I swear, just let me cum again.”

Enticed by the idea, Seungcheol captured your mouth in another one of his messy kisses, his fingers slowly slipping into your heat. You gasped into his mouth, surprised by how thick his fingers were. Oh his dick would probably make you pass out and god were you ready for it.

“Say my name baby.” Seungcheol pressed his forehead against yours, still holding your wrists between both your bodies with his other hand. “Tell me who's making you feel so good.”

“You.” You moaned as he pumped his fingers, slowly stretching you open, your arousal dripping down between your thighs. “Fuck Cheol, faster.”

He obeyed, picking up the pace as you babbled a string of curses, legs squeezing his hand desperate to feel more. Seungcheol sucked on your neck, enjoying the way you were crumbling apart for him. How was he ever going to be away from you after this?

“Oh god yes.” You sighed, as his fingers curled hitting the spot, eyes rolling back. Seungcheol looked at you in awe.

“I apologise if I ever told you that it was annoying when you rolled your eyes.” He continued to push you over. “That was the hottest thing I've ever seen.”

“Yes yes yes.” You chanted not hearing him, too lost in your own pleasure building. Pleased with himself, Seungcheol finally put his thumb over your clit and that was all it took for you to cum all over his fingers with yet another silent scream.

Seungcheol let your hands go and sat back on his heels, admiring his artwork. Your chest heaved erratically like you had forgotten how to breathe, squeezing your tits, hands desperate to claw something. Hair sticking to your forehead, sweat running down your neck next to the bruises he marked, you were a vision to behold.

Seungcheol sucked his fingers clean, relishing the taste of you yet again. You stared at him wide eyed, curious.

“Have you never tasted yourself?”

You shook your head.

“Oh sweetheart.”

Seungcheol pushed his tracks down just a bit, enough to pull his dick out. It's not the longest you've seen but God was it thick, a stark vein running down the length which looked painfully hard. The thought of having him fill your mouth and choking around it literally made you drool.

He pumped it a few times before hooking his hands under your thighs and pulling you towards him with unsurprising ease. You scrambled to raise yourself up on your elbows, watching as he ran it up and down your slit, gathering your release on it.

“Come taste.”

You blinked at the man holding out his dick to you like it was a treat, like he expected you to crawl to him, stunned at just how cocky he had gotten in 20 minutes. Hell no.

You shook your head, tilting it in challenge.

“Come fuck my mouth.”

If Choi Seungcheol had a fatal flaw it was how much he desired control but right now, there was nothing he desired and craved more than you.

Moving over not so gracefully he aligned himself by your mouth, knees planted on either sides of your waist, looming over you.

You immediately wrapped your lips around his tip, humming at the weight on your tongue as he pushed your hair off your face softly.

“I know baby, you taste fucking divine.”

Giving him a half nod, running your tongue over his slit before hollowing your cheeks around him. The mix of your and his arousal indeed tasted….right, like they belonged together.

You tried to take in more of him but you might have underestimated his girth and overestimated your ability. Pulling back with a pop, you licked your lips.

“You're too thick.” Mumbling you tried to push him off you, onto his back. “Let me move over-”

“Oh no no.” Seungcheol clicked his tongue, grabbing the back of you neck, forcing you to look up at him. “It can't be that bad, someone claimed they could stack fruit loops on it.”

You rolled your eyes realising he was a bit too proud of himself. “I still can. I just don't have the cereal to prove it.”

“I'll buy some on the way back and when we go home that's the first thing you're going to do.” He wiped the spit leaking around the corner of your mouth with his free hand. “And if you don't manage to prove your point, that's grounds for punishment.”

You grinned at him.

“Oh you like that.” He hummed, guiding your head back to his cock. “We'll see how much of it you can take baby.”

A lot apparently.

Seungcheol should have known. You were like him - you didn't like to be challenged. That's why the moment he thrusted himself into your mouth, you held onto the back of his thighs with both hands, pushing it in a lot more than Seungcheol had thought you were capable of. Throwing his head back with a satisfied moan, he began moving his hips ever so little, slowly fucking your face, but you had other ideas, taking him as far back as you could, your throat constricting around his dick.

“Alright that's it.” Seungcheol pulled you off him, staring at your confused face. Somehow you had no gag reflex and Seungcheol suddenly had the endurance of a teenager. “Want to actually fuck you.”

He muttered drawing back, kicking off the remaining of his clothes and sitting up, trying to hide his breathlessness.

“Aw Cheol, was I right again?” You laughed, getting up and clambering onto his lap. “Is ten minutes really enough for you?”

“You'll see.” He pulled you into a deep kiss before abruptly breaking away, leaving you confused yet again. “Or not.”

“What?”

“I just realised… I don't have a condom.”

You waited for him to tell you he was kidding but he looked serious.

“Cheol….” He looked at you apologetically. “Ugh Choi Seungcheol, why not?!”

“One, don't call me that and two, I don't know, maybe because this was a work trip and the conference dress code didn't mention dick envelopes.”

You sighed annoyed. “I just always thought you'd carry one on you, xl sized.” You shot his overconfidence down before it even grew on him. “you know, for your head.”

“Oh because I'm a dick?” He rolled his eyes at the comment you had used on him too many times already. “Well, wouldn't that make you a little slut? Since you’ve been in love with me for so many years.”

“Who said I was in love with you?”

Seungcheol looked at you with the biggest, fucking cutest eyes. “Are you not?”

You smiled, surprisingly shy despite all that transpired so far. Honestly, you didn't have to answer that question. What you felt for each other was clear as day.

Putting a finger on his mouth, you whispered. “Less talking, more fucking please.”

Seungcheol groaned. “What do you want me to do? Go buy them now?”

“No…” You hated the thought of him leaving.

“Or…. I could pull out?”

“The last thing I trust in this world is your timing.” You laughed, wrapping your arms around his neck. “Besides, don't you want to be inside me when you cum? Squeezing you tight? Milking you dry?”

“Kinky.” Seungcheol raised an eyebrow, secretly delighted. “And shoot me if I ever say no to that, but you're not on birth control are you?”

“No…” You drawled. “But I can get plan b?”

“Baby, you realize how reckless this is-”

“I know.”

“-we've barely just-”

“I'm aware.”

“-plus your health-”

“Choi Seungcheol.” You pushed him back into the bed, annoyed. “Are you gonna fuck me or not? Because if you don't then I'm gonna do it myself and all you get is to watch-”

Seungcheol, tucked his arm under his head, looking like he liked that idea a little too much.

“-while I cum taking someone else's name.”

His eyes darkened as his hand wrapped around your throat, pulling you down to his eye level, “Try me sweetheart.”

“You know how I feel about challenges.”

“And you know how I feel about sharing what’s mine.”

“Then fuck me like I’m yours.”

Seungcheol smiled, dropping a soft kiss on your mouth, much in contrast to what followed. “Remember, you asked for this.”

One arm wrapped around your waist, he flipped you over, putting you below him once again, the hunger in his eyes burning a lot more now. As he shifted to push your legs apart, hand leaving your neck, a soft whine left you and Seungcheol caught it immediately.

“You’re into that too?” Seungcheol smirked as you frowned at him, annoyed.

“Apparently. I just found out as well.”

“I wonder what else you’re into.”

“You can wonder all you want, after you put that dick into me.”

Seungcheol clicked his tongue disapprovingly. “I don’t like how you think I’d listen.”

Yet before you could talk back, he slid his cock along your folds, the tip slightly dipping into your hole, pulling out the most exquisite moan from you.

“Now that’s something I’d listen to.” He pushed himself a little further, your hands immediately coming to grip his biceps, gasping again at just how big he was. Seungcheol had been dying to listen to you sound like this and god was it so worth it.

You attempted to relax, adjusting around his girth as he eased himself in, but gave up even trying to maintain the facade of composure when he bottomed out, pressing all the way in.

“Fuck yes Cheol.”

He hissed softly, feeling your soft walls flutter around him. He had never fucked anyone raw and after this, how was he expected to just not spend his whole life buried in you?

“Please, move.” You begged, and he folded immediately, his hips slowly picking up pace as he kissed you along your neck.

“We should have done this years ago.” He groaned, wrapping your legs around his hips, pounding faster, harder. “We should have been doing this for years now.”

You nodded half listening, half submerged in your pleasure, nails running down his back. “Let’s just never get out of this bed.”

Seungcheol chuckled, absolutely agreeing with that idea, snapping his hips faster, delighted by the way you were reacting under him.

He wanted to flip you around and take you from the back, mark your ass with the red prints of his hand. He wanted you sitting on him, fucking yourself on his dick while he watched, your head thrown back in pleasure. He wanted to eat you out till you cried, fuck your throat and make you swallow, pull every moan and every whine and ever chant of his name out of you. God he wanted so much but Seungcheol wasn't capable of any of those right now - he had been hard for almost an hour now and your grip around him was like a vice.

“Seungcheol more.” You whined, despite him already railing into you like there was no tomorrow. He still listened though, sliding his hand down between your bodies and finding you clit, well aware that you would probably go unbelievably tight the moment he touched it, rendering him absolutely helpless. Sure enough, you keened, clamping down on him hard the moment he began rubbing circles, a string of curses leaving your mouth.

“Cum for me.” He whispered, hips rutting against yours harshly, holding his own release back desperately. “Cum all over me.”

And you did, the pleasure washing over you in waves, legs tightening around him before they finally went slack, exhausted. Seungcheol pulled them off him, gripping your thighs instead, shifting from an erratic rhythm to quick, deep strokes as he finally came inside you, collapsing on top.

He was careful enough not to crush you under his weight, holding himself up a little so you could regain your breath, watching your eyes flutter tiredly.

“We need to get you cleaned up.” He tucked your hair behind your ear, glancing at your mixed arousals dripping out of you. “I don’t know how long the statute of limitations for ejaculate is….”

For the first time in your life, Choi Seungcheol had managed to turn you dumb, as you nodded mindlessly, not having registered the stupidity that just came out of him.

He chuckled, rolling off you, but you dragged him back by the wrist, wrapping your arms around him.

“Hold me.”

And as though the universe hated you, a sharp knock on the door made you two jump apart. Seungcheol still proceeded to hold you but the knocking only repeated, louder this time. He huffed annoyed, sliding off the bed, grabbing his shirt from the floor and threw it on. Opening the door just a little, half hiding behind it, lower half specifically, he peaked out but his plan was foiled when the receptionist pushed the door fully open and came barging in, throwing her hands around.

“Check out time was 12! You’re late-”

She froze as Seuncheol quickly covered himself with a towel from nearby and you scrambled in a hurry, hiding under the sheets, squirming in embarrassment.

The old woman slowly, still shocked to the core, muttered an apology and walked out of the room as Seungcheol smacked his head against the wall, regretting not wearing his pants.

“You…” She cleared her throat from the other side of the door. “You have till 2. Get it together and get out of my lodge.” She then walked away, the sound of her footsteps fading, before they suddenly got louder again. “I would also like to add that I knew this was going to happen from the moment you two stepped foot in here!”

You covered your face trying not to pass out from the embarrassment as Seungcheol locked the door laughing.

"Why does she sound so happy?"

“I cannot believe she saw us." You groaned. "Who walks in like that-”

“Who cares?” Seungcheol walked over to you. “I cannot believe we still have two more hours.”

“You’re not even ready to go again.” You looked pointedly at the softened dick in his hand that he was pumping lazily. “Besides, we're going to have to book the room again, for tonight.”

“2 hours isn’t enough for you? Oh baby-”

“Our flight is at 5am tomorrow you idiot, we still need a place for the night.”

“Right.” Seungcheol recalled, “I forgot we had to go… that this had to come to an end.”

“Nothing’s ending.” You clarified, putting a rest to his worries. “Didn’t you say, you and I, till the end?”

Seungcheol nodded as you held your hand out to him. He walked over taking it, dropping a soft kiss on your knuckles.

“Say.” And you knew an unholy thought was brewing in that head of his. “We have all this time and there are seven beds here.”

“I don’t care how many there are.” You laughed, pulling him into the softness of the sheets. “I only want one to share with you.”

A/n - this was supposed to be out a few hours ago but tumblr was being a bitch to me. Im adding the tags in the comments! Reblogs with tags, comments and asks are much appreciated, thank you for reading :)

[kakihoden]

based on @rimalupin ‘s Midnight Valentine: Soulmate Soiree story, \

Chapter 5: Chapter V: Chocolate for Two

part 1 || part 2

[rimalupin]

Midnight Valentine: SOULMATE SOIRÉE

Chapter V: Chocolate for Two

Last time (Illustrations inspired by Part 1):

Part 2 (Note: More illustrations will be uploaded by @kakihoden in a reblog post soon.)

Two weeks later…

Nico sighed as he lifted the last few bags from the carriage. He checked if he left any baggage on the coach before following King Byron and Albert into Wysteria Palace.

He tried to remain present and enthusiastic when Giles greeted them and led them to their rooms. He tried to stay calm and focused when Byron and Albert discussed the plan for the day. But as settled down in his room and unpacked his bags, he couldn’t help but think of the Princess. Although two weeks had gone by rather quickly, it seemed like months had passed since he had last seen her. He didn’t want to seem desperate, but he couldn’t help it: he missed her too much.

And today was the day that he’d tell her his true feelings.

Nico pulled a small pink box out of one of his bags. He tightened the red ribbon that sealed the box shut before putting it into his pocket. Byron’s voice called him from outside. With that, Nico stood up and left his room to join Byron and Albert in the hallway.

As they walked down the palace’s corridors, Albert reviewed their lengthy schedule. Nico zoned out while Albert droned out about their itinerary. All that Nico knew was that the cultural fair didn’t start until late afternoon, so he still had time to see the Princess before then. He placed his hand into the pocket where the box was resting.

Byron glanced at him with his uncovered eye. “Nico, is there something on your mind?” he asked.

“Huh?” Nico snapped out of his dazed trance. “Oh, it’s nothing, King Byron.”

Albert gave him an annoyed look. “Brat. If there’s something bothering you, then tell us.”

“You don’t have to be so worked up,” Byron lightly chided Albert. “But Al’s right.” Byron turned to Nico. “You can tell us anything, Nico.”

Nico’s eyes darted from Byron to Albert. After a slight hesitation, he finally started talking: “Well, the thing is, I-.” Suddenly, he saw a small, furry figure scurrying around the opposite end of the hallway. “Chirol?!”

Byron raised an eyebrow at Nico. “Who are you talking about?” asked a perplexed Albert.

But instead of addressing their confusion, Nico raced down the hallway until he reached Chirol, who stopped running around once he saw Nico. Nico bent down and the squirrel eagerly jumped into his hands. “Hey, buddy! I haven’t seen you in a while,” he exclaimed. “What are you doing inside the palace? Shouldn’t you be hibernating or something?” The squirrel merely looked at him with wide eyes. Nico chuckled, and then decided to ask Chirol something silly: “Don’t tell me: are you looking for the Princess too?”

To Nico’s surprise, Chirol abruptly jumped out of his hands and scampered away. “Hey, wait a minute!” Nico said as he got up and followed the squirrel. They ran through several hallways and passed by a few bewildered servants before stopping near a room at the end of the corridor. Nico placed his hands on his knees as he tried to catch his breath. He looked at the squirrel standing before him. “What was that all about?” he asked.

“Did you say something, Leo?” a soft voice asked from inside the room. Surprised, Nico pressed his back against the wall. Chirol climbed up Nico’s shoulder as he listened to the conversation.

“Nope, I didn’t say anything,” Leo replied. “Did you, Giles?”

“No,” Giles said. “Perhaps you’re worrying too much, Princess. You should get some rest before the event.”

“I’m fine,” the Princess replied stubbornly. “I just need to figure out what I did wrong.”

Curious about the situation, Nico carefully peeked inside the room: the Princess was standing beside Leo and Giles in the middle of the kitchen. They were fussing over something vaguely familiar on the counter. Nico squinted his eyes in an attempt to identify what they were making. Hold on, he thought to himself, are those truffles? Nico hid against the wall again as he touched the box in his pocket. He smiled to himself. Looks like my present won’t be much of a surprise after all.

“Well, try to at least give yourself a break before everyone arrives,” Giles advised the Princess. “We don’t want you falling asleep during the fair.”

Nico guessed that the Princess rolled her eyes. “I’ll be fine, you guys. I’ll just make something else: these chocolates turned out to be a wreck, anyway.”

“You’ve still got some leftover chocolate. You could find a way to use that,” Leo suggested.

There was a moment of silence before the Princess responded, “You just gave me an idea.” Nico heard the Princess shuffle about the kitchen, moving bowls and other kitchenwares here and there.

Leo chuckled. “I’m glad to hear that. We’ll see you later then, Princess.”

“Good luck, Your Highness,” Giles added before he and Leo began to walk out of the kitchen. Upon hearing their footsteps getting closer to him, Nico rushed into the nearest room and hid there for a while. He waited for them to pass by the room, hoping that they hadn’t seen him or Chirol. When he was sure that Leo and Giles were gone, Nico slipped out of the room. Once Nico stepped back into the hallway, Chirol jumped off his shoulder and ran into the kitchen. “Chirol!” Nico exclaimed as he followed the squirrel into the kitchen.

~~~

Nico rushed into the kitchen, only to see the Princess talking to Chirol, who was standing beside a large bowl of nuts. “Hey, Chirol! I didn’t expect to see you here,” the Princess said as she offered him a walnut. The squirrel eagerly took the nut and stuffed it into his cheeks. She laughed as Chirol continued to shove more nuts into his mouth. Nico placed a hand over his mouth, trying to suppress a giggle.

The Princess gently stroked Chirol’s head. “You don’t happen to know where Nico is, do you?” she asked the squirrel. He simply looked at her with wide eyes and full cheeks. She smiled and continued to pet Chirol’s soft fur.

Suddenly, Nico’s voice echoed throughout the kitchen: “You were looking for me, Your Highness?”

The Princess jumped at the sound of Nico’s voice. “Nico! I didn’t know you were here!”

Nico walked to the Princess, his hand lingering in the pocket with the box. “Sorry I scared you,” he said. “I didn’t want to distract you from your work.” He gestured towards the clutter of bowls, kitchenware, and chocolates on the countertops.

“Oh, shoot. You weren’t supposed to see that.” The Princess sheepishly crossed her arms. “I was going to surprise you today, so I figured I would make the truffles we made last week. Unfortunately, they didn’t turn out so well.” She picked one of the rolled balls of chocolate. It seemed fine at first, but then it began to melt in her hand. The Princess let out a frustrated sigh. “See? They’re horrible.”

Nico raised his eyebrows. “You made these for me?” he asked, almost incredulously.

He swore that he saw the faintest pink spread across the Princess’s cheeks. “Well, yeah,” she said. “I wanted to give them to you for Valentine’s Day because, well, you know…”

“I actually had the same idea,” Nico interrupted. He fished the box out of his pocket and placed it in the Princess’s hands.

Her wide eyes darted from Nico to the little pink box. She then untied the ribbon and removed the lid. She gasped when she saw the chocolates inside. “Oh, Nico.” The Princess remained speechless as she pulled Nico into a warm embrace.

He returned the hug, stroking her hair affectionately. “I guess this means you like your present?” Nico asked teasingly.

She pulled away slightly and looked at Nico. “Of course,” she said, smiling. “That was so thoughtful of you.”

Nico pressed his forehead against hers. “Well, I’m always thinking of you, so there’s no surprise there.”

The Princess chuckled at Nico’s response. Suddenly, she pulled away. “Wait, I still haven’t given you your Valentine’s Day present. Why don’t you sit down while I finish making it?”

“Oh, uh…. Sure thing, Princess.” Despite his cheery tone, Nico was slightly disappointed that their embrace had ended so soon. But nonetheless, he was still excited for what the Princess had in store for him. While the Princess got back to work, Nico took a seat beside one of the counters. He watched Chirol munch on some almonds as he waited for the Princess’s surprise.

~~~

A short while later, the Princess called for Nico. “It’s done!” she exclaimed. Giddy with excitement, Nico nearly fell off his seat when he turned around to face the Princess. Noticing this, she giggled before handing him a mug. “Here you go.”

Nico observed the milky-brown liquid in the cup, inhaling its warm scent. He gasped in surprise. “Is this hot chocolate?”

The Princess nodded and took a seat beside him. “Happy Valentine’s Day,” she said, lifting her mug.

“Happy Valentine’s Day,” Nico replied, clinking his mug against hers. They sipped their drinks in unison, occasionally glancing at each other over the rims of their cups.

When he way halfway finished with his drink, Nico gave the Princess a bright smile. “This is by far the best hot chocolate I’ve ever had,” he remarked.

The Princess shook her head. “Oh, now you’re over-exaggerating. It’s just hot chocolate. Nothing too special.” She looked down at her mug, which was now resting on her lap.

“But it is! The way I see it,” he said, “Is that if you think of someone when you make something for them, that makes the present even more special.”

The Princess gave Nico a soft smile. “Nico, that is so sweet of you to say.”

“Oh, thank you, Princess. But speaking of sweets,” Nico moved closer to the Princess. “You know, I can think of something much sweeter than chocolate.”

“Oh? And what’s that?” She inched closer to Nico, almost closing the space between them.

Nico smirked at her. “I guess you can’t wait to find out.” Still holding his mug to his chest, he pressed a soft kiss onto the Princess’s lips. She froze at the initial shock at Nico’s sudden actions, but she soon returned his kiss. Although it was short, their kiss was as warm and sweet as the hot chocolate they drank together.

When they pulled away from each other, Chirol hopped onto Nico’s shoulder, curious about what the couple was doing. They both laughed at the squirrel, whose cheeks are still full of nuts. Then, Nico placed his forehead against the Princess’s. “Happy Valentine’s Day, Princess.”

She closed her eyes, enjoying their closeness and warmth. “Happy Valentine’s Day, Nico.”

The end.

Original Character by @cyikemen

Written by @rimalupin

Illustrated by @kakihoden

[incorrectmidc]

Midnight Valentine: SOULMATE SOIRÉE

CHAPTER I: The Amortentia Smells Like Mon Chéri

Part 1

“...his hair as dark as a blackboard. I wish he was mine, he’s really divine…”[1]

Sid couldn’t help the snort that left him as he caught some of the cheesy words the dwarf in cupid’s stupid costume was spouting in the middle of the hallway that mid-morning. Sneaking a glance at the unfortunate human who was being subjected to such torture, he spotted his friend Byron staring impassively at the dwarf, his expression revealing nothing of the embarrassment Sid expected to see.

“Huh,” he murmured almost thoughtfully, realising that he wasn’t even surprised that the recipient turned out to be Byron. The other male was one of the most popular student in Hogwarts despite belonging to the infamous Slytherin House. In fact, Sid sometimes thought that Byron being in Slytherin was only because of his pureblood lineage.

“Byron’s disinterested attitude to anything that concerns romance is both amusing and annoying,” a familiar female voice said which diverted Sid’s attention from the still yapping dwarf. Turning around, he spotted a girl dressed in dark robes adorned by flecks of blue and bronze – the colour of Ravenclaw House – the same as his own. She stopped beside him, her (E/C) orbs lingering over Byron Wagner’s prone form across the hallway before she flicked her gaze to Sid. “So, any of the cupids approach you yet?”

Sid snorted at her question, finding it absolutely ridiculous. Don’t get him wrong. He was aware that based on human standards, he’s quite on the attractive side. With his toned physique, dark blue eyes, and a chill personality, he wasn’t lacking admirers. In fact, as it is Valentines Day, he has already received quite the amount of gifts from his admirers though Merlin’s beard forbid if he ever gets a love confession through a dwarf posing as cupid. “Bloody hell no,” he said, scowling lightly when she laughed at his words. “What are you doing here by the way? Is your professor out on a date?”

She rolled her eyes in response, the quirk of her lips telling him she found the idea quite amusing. “The day Professor Branche goes out on a date is the day girls get their hearts broken.” It was an undeniable fact that the Potions professor, Robert Branche, has got quite the fanbase in the school.

“So ya heading to give him that?” he asked, motioning to the box she was clutching on her hand. With the way the box was wrapped and with a pretty little ribbon adorning it, Sid was certain it contains chocolates.

“This one’s for you, idiot,” she said while thrusting the box towards Sid who immediately accepted it by reflex. “No need to get jealous over the professor, you know.”

“Very funny, (Y/N),” Sid muttered which made her laugh again. Grunting, he opened the box and stared at the perfectly shaped chocolates aligned neatly inside. “And this is the part where you confess your undying love to me.”

“Very funny, Sid,” (Y/N) said, mimicking Sid’s words earlier as she playfully punched him on the arm. “How is it?” she asked when he popped one chocolate in his mouth afterwards.

Sid arched an eyebrow at the question. (Y/N) has been giving him chocolates every Valentines ever since she entered Hogwarts five years ago and it had become routine for the two of them, including the teasing and slight flirting that goes along with it. Why she decided to give him chocolates every year was lost on Sid, not even bothering to ask her about the reason, chalking it up to her quirkiness, for when it comes to her, he learned that sometimes it’s best to not know everything.

But the way she was asking him how the chocolates taste like was really unusual. Not only because it was the first time she asked what he thought of the sweets, but also because of the fact that despite her confident posture, there was a bit of uncertainty lingering in her (E/C) orbs.

“It’s…” he looked thoughtful for a moment, purposefully making her wait in anticipation. “…chocolate-y.”

“How eloquent.” Sarcasm was oozing from (Y/N)’s tone when she spoke again and Sid was definitely not relieved when her usual sass came back and the uncertainty gone as if he had just imagined it seconds ago.

“So you’re telling me you haven’t tried this before giving this to me?” Though his tone was incredulous, Sid was already reaching for another piece of chocolate from the box and as if by instinct, or out of another habit, offered said confection to (Y/N).

“I didn’t want to risk it,” she said before she accepted said treat, letting Sid feed her like it was nothing unusual.

“You brat.”

“There’s no need for you to worry. I make the best chocolates in all of Hogwarts,” she said while she chewed. “Mm, this is good.”

Sid rolled his eyes as he closed the box and tucked it under his robes. “Happy valentines to me then,” he said sarcastically though his dark blue orbs were lit up with amusement.

(Y/N) grinned up at him, her (E/C) eyes glinting as well. “Yeah, happy valentines, Sid.”

Or yet in wise old Ravenclaw, If you’ve a ready mind, Where those of wit and learning, Will always find their kind.[2]

It was a common knowledge not only in Hogwarts, but also in the whole of the wizarding world, that members of Ravenclaw House are characterised by wit, intellect and wisdom. Ravenclaws have a tendency to become very competitive in academics, the thirst in getting to the top obviously palpable.

And it was due to that spirit of competitiveness in class that Sid found his roommate, Leo Crawford, in their, well, room, sitting in front of a cauldron, giving finishing touches to the potion he was concocting that evening. “What the bloody hell are ya doing?” he asked, cautiously leaning against the door just in case he needed to make a run for it. Knowing Leo, he wouldn’t be surprised if the other boy was making something that would transform any living thing into something else.

Or something that’s prone to explode.

Leo, who didn’t seem bothered being caught, placed his index finger on his lips, a gesture to shush Sid. “Nico and I got full marks in Potions today for making a healing potion,” he said, scooping the pink concoction from the cauldron and transferring it to a clear glass vial. “And you know how we get when we get the same marks.”

Unfortunately, Sid thought with a shake of his head, he does. Leo and the Slytherin student Nico Meier, were probably two of the best Potions maker in Hogwarts and they’ve been competing on who can make the most potent potions in the shortest amount of time ever since first year. Honestly, Sid was wondering how the two managed to reach their 5th year without getting expelled for all the chaos their concoctions brought upon the school.

Still apprehensive, but lesser than earlier, Sid inched away from the door and headed to his bed, keeping an eye on Leo in case he does something else more unexpected. “What were you making?” he asked out of curiousity.

Though had he known how much that single act would change everything soon, he wouldn’t have dared open his mouth.

End of Part 1

[1] An excerpt from Ginny Weasley’s Valentine letter for Harry Potter found in the book Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 13.

[2] From one of the Sorting Hat’s songs

P.S. The exciting parts of the story are all in part 2 with @agrossivepatato. HAPPY VALENTINES, MINNA~!（´・｀ ）♡

Original Characters by @cyikemen

Written by me, myself and I - @incorrectmidc ;)

[naughtilynicomeier]

Midnight Valentine: Soulmate Soirée

Chapter VII: Sweet Surprise

Part 2

Albert took the giddy, blushing princess in his arms and set her next to the tub. He turned on the faucet, letting the water run until it was warm while he discarded his jacket and shirt, now rumpled and dirty along with his slacks in the other room. He caught sight of the princess blushing at his body, admiring him as he checked the temperature of the water for her. He smiled softly, and kneeled in front of her, his hands ghosting over her knees. He leaned in and kissed her nose, his fingers swiftly slipping her out of her stockings and garter belt. When he checked the water again, it was just right, and he stopped the drain. Albert gathered the princess in his arms again, settling her in the warm water with a happy hum. He kissed her forehead, watching her eyes flutter shut in delight. Dropping the soap into the water to let it bubble up, he turned away. “I will be right back.”

        Returning to the princess’ chambers, Albert searched the wreckage of clothing and treats on the floor. He chuckled to himself, thinking of the mess of strawberries and other things the maids would never have explained to them. Albert searched the floor, and found the rest of the chocolates, salvaging the remaining morsels into the broken box and heading back to the bathroom.

        He found the princess dozing happily in the warm bubbles, the tub halfway full with water. Albert set the box of chocolates next to the princess, and reached forward to turn off the water. “Sit forward,” he asked, and the princess obliged silently. Albert settled into the water, his legs on either side of the princess. The bubbles rose up around them, just low enough so as not to spill over the porcelain sides. The water was hot, but Albert enjoyed the way it soothed his muscles and his still thrumming core. He leaned back, eyes closing as a heavy groan flowed from his mouth. He rested his arms on the edges of the tub, content.

        The princess leaned back into his chest, making a similarly pleased noise. The two sighed in unison, Albert pressing his cheek into the princess’ hair. The low lamplight glimmered off their wet skin, coating them in fine lines of orange and shadow. He dipped his hand into the water, taking handfuls of the suds and running them over the princess’ dirty skin. The princess hummed, squirming happily in Albert’s arms as he cleaned her of his mess. Albert pressed a kiss to the princess’ cheek, holding her close to his chest as he whispered, “Thank you for my surprise.”

        The princess grinned, blushing. “You’re welcome.” She turned to the side, seeing the box of stawberries, and covered her mouth shyly. “I’m sorry for ruining mine.”

        Albert laughed, eyeing the crumpled candy box and haphazardly piled strawberries. “Nonsense,” he said, reaching out with one dripping hand to pluck a chocolate berry from the box. “Who says you ruined it?”

        The princess smiled as Albert raised the sweet to her lips, and she bit into the fruit with a satisfied noise. “Wow,” she said, licking her lips. “These really are delicious.”

She continued to nibble on the treat from Albert’s fingers, making Albert smile. “I’m glad you like them,” he said, taking the strawberry away when only the stem remained. He reached into the box and grabbed another one, allowing himself a bite of the chocolate. “I have to agree,” he said, offering the half-bitten berry to the princess.

The princess cuddled into Albert’s arms, and gladly took another bite. The two continued to trade bites of the sweets until the box was completely empty apart from a pile of strawberry stems. Their bellies sated with sweets, the couple held each other beneath the warm bubbles. The princess curled into Albert’s chest, offering his jawline tiny pecks of strawberry kisses, and Albert circling his arms around the princess’ shoulders.

“Happy Valentine’s Day my love,” Albert said, pressing his lips to the princess’ forehead.

The princess nodded, her wet skin sticking to Albert’s chest. “Maybe next year we can celebrate it openly,” she said, a twinge of melancholy in her voice. She traced the water droplets on Albert’s chest, linking them together with her fingers and watching them trail back down into the pool of water.

Albert sighed. “You know we will,” he said, hopeful.

The princess sighed, sitting away from Albert. The water sloshed between them, moving into the gap her body created against Albert’s chest. “Giles still wants me to marry Byron.”

Albert stared down into the water, a pang of hurt in his chest. He knew the circumstances better than anyone; the princess needed to find an ideal marriage to link Wysteria and Stein together as allies, and Byron was the best candidate. He was strong, powerful, dignified, and respected. He was everything a princess should want to marry.

And yet, here was Albert. Sitting with the princess naked in his arms, holding her tightly and calling her his love. Albert often wondered how the two of them would ever be together.

“You know I’ve already chosen you,” the princess said, reading his thoughts. She cupped his cheek, her hand warm from the bathwater, and Albert laced his fingers with hers. “I just need to find a way to convince everyone that we can be just as beneficial to Stein and Wysteria together.”

Albert closed his eyes, and pressed a kiss to the princess’ open palm. “Princess,” he said, meeting her eyes. He released her hand, then reached out and pulled her waist on top of his. “I swear to you,” he said, running his hands over her cheeks and staring into her eyes. “I will tell Byron about us, and I will convince him to allow me to wed you in his stead.” Albert took the princess’ fingertips in his, kissing the tips as he vowed. “I will take you as my wife publicly, so that everyone across the kingdoms will know I love you. I will make you mine.”

The princess smiled, wrapping her arms around Albert’s shoulders and pulling him to her. Their foreheads met, their noses bumping sweetly, and they both smiled. “Al,” she whispered, “I’m already yours.”

Albert’s heart leapt, and he tugged her down into a hug. “Princess,” he said, nuzzling the crook of her neck. “Hearing you say that… it’s a better gift than even the most expensive chocolates.”

The princess chuckled, pulling away to cup Albert’s face. “Say it again,” she said softly. “What you said that first night.”

        Albert threaded his fingers into the hair at the nape of her neck, and whispered over the princess’ lips. “I love you, princess.”

        Their lips met in a deep, meaningful kiss. “Albert,” the princess breathed, their hips moving together between the water. “Happy Valentine’s Day.”

The End

Original Character by @cyikemen

Written by @midnightcindy

Illustrated by @naughtilynicomeier

[harajuku-cookie]

Midnight Valentine: Soulmate Soirée

Chapter VIII - The Sweetness of a Promise

Part 2

Reaching the door, you took a deep breath before knocking. The door opening swiftly. Looking up, you eyes immediately made contact with the cool, cornflower blue that you had missed so dearly.

Without saying a word, he pulled you flush against his chest, arms wrapping around you. It was a fairly simple gesture, yet it made your heart flutter all the same. “You’re here,” you breathed, hand momentarily tightening around the box behind his back.

“I am,” was his only reply, but when you looked up, you could see him smiling. Gazing into the calm oceans of his eyes, you noted the gentle ebb and flow of emotions within his irises. The waves of his beauty hit you repeatedly, crashing against you in time with the pounding from deep within your chest. Brushing a stray lock of hair away from your face, he whispered, “please, come in.”

Inside, you both barely sat down on the sofa before Nico entered, bringing tea with him. “Good afternoon, Princess, m’lord,” he wore a tiny smile as he poured your tea. Surprisingly, it was Rayvis who spoke up.

“Nico, thank you for helping to arrange for me to come here, I really appreciate it,” he nodded in his direction.

Once Nico had left, Rayvis took hold of one of your hands in his own, lightly brushing his thumb repeatedly across the back of your hand. The movement happened naturally, both of you easily fitting against each other without any awkward pretence. Sipping your drinks, you basked in each other’s company, letting the silence cocoon you as the gentle sunlight caressed your skin.

Turning to press a quick kiss on your temple, Rayvis got up. “I’m afraid that I must admit that there was a reason for my late arrival last night, and it wasn’t only due to the weather.” He retrieved something from the desk, “it was because I was… preparing something for you because of today.”

“Oh, really?” This was a surprise to you, considering it was not common for men, especially a man like Rayvis, to also give something on Valentine’s Day, but you shook the thought out of your head, keeping your surprise chocolates hidden from view. He returned to sit beside you, holding a large box in his hands.

Reaching out, you took it from him, a wide smile on your face as you unwrapped your gift. However, once you did so, astonishment passed over your features. “Rayvis-” inside the box, was what clearly seemed like a chocolate cake, what?

“As per Valentine’s tradition, for a man to give their cherished one handmade confectionery, I made this for you. It pains me to admit, but I ended up running behind schedule while making it.” A slight sheepish smile graced his refine features, causing a small giggle to escape from you. The ‘perfect’ man who normally had everything planned out running behind schedule, of course you could tell it bothered him.

“Rayvis, my love… this is beautiful, it even smells amazing. I’m so happy that you made this just for me! I wasn’t expecting to be surprised like this!” ♡(*◜ω◝*)♡

“Really?” He seemed shocked, “but this is Valentine’s tradition, why are you surprised?”

“Because, I think there’s a slight difference in our traditions.” Lifting up your box, you handed it to him. You watched as he opened it up to reveal you heart-shaped assorted chocolates. He blinked rapidly, trying to assess the situation, before smiling, causing you to mimic his expression. “And,” you spoke hesitantly, “to receive something sweet like this from you is an even bigger surprise…”

“I see that is the case,” he spoke with fondness in his voice. “When I was younger, I remember Father giving Mother chocolate-related treats whenever Valentine’s Day came around. I recall waking up in the middle of the night and going to spy the kitchen, because he would always be there, making something to give to her in the morning.” Taking a deep breath, he stared you right in the eyes, “I wanted to do the same thing for you.”

You flushed slightly at his sweet words, I suppose that the tradition was reversed in Bergenia, you figured, as you explained to him that in Wysteria, it was tradition for a woman to give chocolates to her loved one.

“I understand now,” he smiled sweetly once you had explained. He picked up one of your many chocolates, turning it gently in his fingers. “Instead of surprising the other person, we both ended up getting a surprise ourselves.”

“Indeed,” you nodded, staring down at the cake in your lap. “Well, either way, it would be a shame to let them go to waste :)))”

“Quite right,” he took the cake and placed it onto a plate, but instead of handing it back to you, he placed on the table and did the same with his chocolates too. Turning to look to him in confusion, you were met with the slight pressure of his lips against yours. You inhaled sharply at the immediacy of the kiss, sweet tremors flowing through your body.

He wrapped his arms around you, one hand resting gently against your cheek as he placed the other on the small of your back. The feeling of his body flush against yours warmed your skin much better than the sun did. Lips moving in sync, arms wound round each other, you savoured the perfect moment.

Eventually he broke the connection, “as sweet as the chocolates may be,” he spoke in a hushed voice, “they are nothing compared the sweetness of your actions.” Cheeks flushed, you lowered your gaze from him, pressing your hands against you face. He chuckled when he saw that, placing a finger under your chin, raising you face so that he could press one last peck against your mouth.

“These look delicious, my princess, thank you,” he plucked a chocolate from the box and took a bite. As he did so, a sound of satisfaction spilled from his lips. Those same lips that had been on yours just moments ago-

Shaking your head, removing both the dizziness and the thoughts plaguing your mind, you reached out and took your cake. Smiling brightly, you began to eat the homemade treat that your other half had made, his feelings of love saturated each bite. As much as you had been surprised initially, you weren’t one to lie. Being able to eat the chocolates that Rayvis himself had made was definitely a lovely benefit of originating from two completely different countries.

The End

-

Original Characters by @cyikemen

Written by @destinedatmidnight

Illustrtated by @harajuku-cookie

[oh-my-otome]

Midnight Valentine: Soulmate Soirée

Chapter III: Fixation

Part 1 

The palace had been abuzz with excitement as Valentine’s Day approached. It was considered the unofficial start of the social season, the Crimson Rose ball being the first dance of the year.

With its cream walls and golden accents, the ballroom had been transformed by the addition of silky red curtains to match its decor to the mood of the holiday. Their gold embroidery sparkled in the light of the chandeliers, as the curtains puddled on the floor from their towering height.

Inside, away from the winter chill, were hundreds of dark red roses, tucked in every nook and cranny, from whence the ball had long since acquired its name. Roses spilled over the sides of the many porcelain vases, lending the palace a heady, pleasant fragrance.  

Outside, the annuals in the garden were replaced to usher in the romantic holiday, starting with the ones around the large iconic fountain. Red and white Nemesia easily drew the eye to them as the cold night wind blew, swirling flurries here and there.

Leo had just enough time before the celebration began to make something with which to surprise the princess. The ball itself had been a tradition for ages, but tonight, he wanted to do something extra special.

Casting one last look out over the gardens, as a column of snowflakes spiraled toward the sky, adrift in the breeze, Leo turned his attention back to the dessert that he was making. He added the requisite amount of sugar to what was already in the bowl, and bent over the counter to peer at the recipe once more.

Leo had tried not to look glum as the princess handed out her homemade chocolates to everyone, earlier that week. According to her, it was a custom down in town. While he had received his first, Leo couldn’t help but notice the other men in the palace look a little too giddy for his liking when accepting heart-shaped chocolates from his princess.

It was silly. Of course, it was silly. And this he kept repeating to himself as he whipped the spoon around in the bowl, a little too vigorously, only noticing when a smattering of chocolate batter flung onto his face.

Wiping it off, he eyed the small bottle of bourbon that the recipe called for. Typically, he’d never touch the stuff, but when the princess raved about the “spiked” cakes she had sampled at a reading salon, he wasn’t about to let himself be outdone. Even if it meant he had to go to Alyn for baking tips.

It wasn’t that he was big on one-upmanship, but the princess did go out of her way to make chocolates from scratch for him…and those others…no, no…she went out of her way to make chocolates with her own two hands and he wanted to surprise her.

He supposed he still had a lot learn from his princess. He thought back on how her eyes shone upon hearing him reveal that he had never heard of this particular tradition.

“It’s not too often that I can teach you, of all people, something!” she said with excitement. He remembered how her eyes widened as he pressed a kiss to her lips right after she said that, unable to contain himself. Sometimes, she just gets him so...

The idea of thinking of your special person while making something had a certain charm to it, he had to admit, and for a moment, he reflected on how lucky he felt to have met someone who could teach him so much.

Adding the liquor to the contents in the bowl, he swirled the spoon once more, and then poured the batter into the cupcake pans as precisely as he could manage.

By the time the confection had come out of the oven and cooled, Leo felt much more like himself. The excitement of the ball and the scent of the roses, mixed with the aroma of the chocolate bourbon cupcakes, had improved his mood.  

After carefully applying the whipped dark chocolate ganache on the last cupcake, he placed his hands on the counter, arching backwards to stretch and then gave himself a little shake. Baking was a lot harder than he thought it would be.

With the cupcakes nestled on their cooling rack, Leo made his way to the princess’ bedroom where he had already laid out a tiered cake stand and a vase of fresh roses on a side table.

He had asked Giles to use some of the extra flowers as garnish for the table, that morning.

“Take as many as you like. With all of those flowers, no one is going to notice,” Giles had said. The chamberlain had his usual smile on his face, but the look in his eyes was clearly conveying "you interrupted my Michelangelo time for this?”

Leo knelt on the floor by the side table, his face screwed up in concentration as he carefully arranged each cupcake, with its thick swirl of frosting, trying not to ruin an afternoon of hard work. He crawled around the table, vaguely aware of how persnickety he was being, looking up at the cupcakes from all angles to be sure that everything was perfect.

Finally satisfied, he re-positioned the vase of roses nearer to the cake stand, just in time to see a flash of color at the window. 

“Looks great! Looks great!” 

Dusting off his hands, Leo got to his feet and grinned at Sebastian, whose brilliant feathers looked even more vibrant against the darkening sky. Leo opened the window for him, and the Scarlet macaw immediately alighted upon his outstretched arm.

With everything just so, he closed the door softly behind him. Leo placed a gentle tap on Sebastian’s beak, a signal for his pet to not to say a word. The bird bobbed his head in understanding. 

After making his way back to his room, Leo changed out of his everyday clothes and into his more formal attire, so that he may properly escort his beloved princess to the first ball of the year. She was famous for taking a small break during balls, and it would be at that point that he would whisk her away to show her his handiwork. 

After making a quick appearance at the dance, eyeing his pocket watch all the while, Leo found himself in front of her bedroom once more, the princess in tow.

Upon holding her bedroom door open for her, Leo felt a swell of pride flow through him at her audible gasp, her eyes fixed on the many tiers of chocolate bourbon cupcakes.

“You didn’t!” she breathed, turning to pull him into the room with her, the door softly clicking shut behind them. 

“But why? I mean…I’m just…it’s so…” she bounced on her toes a little in excitement, turning happily from the dessert to him and back.

“Just returning the favor,” he said, coming up behind her. “And also to thank you. And...because I love you,” he added.

She turned to face him, picking up a cupcake as she did so and for just a second, he felt a little bit of panic. He hadn’t thought to taste-test them, as he was so focused on making sure he followed the recipe to the letter. And then he had gotten so caught up in putting the frosting on just right. There was also the futzing around with the cake stand...

What if it turned out that they were nothing more than gorgeous looking, but horrible tasting, tiny, humiliated cakes?

He came back to himself as he heard the princess speak.

“Wow.” she said thickly, through a mouthful.

Oh no. Now he’s gone and done it. At least she didn’t say “ugh,” or something.

“You don’t have to finish th-“

“These are fantastic!”

“We should probably get back to the…what?”

“I said they’re fantastic. What’s that saying? You can really taste the love?”

He stared at her. ‘Taste the love,’ she said? He didn’t really understand, but at least she wasn’t dropping to the ground in agony after tasting it.

It took only one step for him to cross the distance between them, and he brushed his lips across hers once, then twice, allowing himself to linger on the last sweet kiss.

Leo watched surreptitiously as she moved to glide the pad of her fingertip through the whipped chocolate ganache frosting. Bringing her finger to her mouth, she closed her eyes as she tasted it, making a pleased sound in the back of her throat.

He was suddenly aware that he had been holding his breath, letting it out unsteadily, but as quietly as he could, praying she wouldn’t open her eyes right then and catch him staring.

Part of him hoped that she would get a bit of frosting on the side of her mouth, just to give him the excuse of touching her soft lips.

“Oh, here, you’ve gotten a little on you,” he’d say.  And she’d blush while he drew near, wiping it away with his thumb, and then licking it off while he gave her his best smoldering look, bold as he pleased.

But she didn’t. Of course, she didn’t.

As if Giles would ever dare to turn out a princess who couldn’t even eat properly. She sampled the frosting elegantly, leaving no trace of it on her lips, and he lost himself for a second imagining how good another kiss from her would taste right now.

Though he had meant to look away before she opened her eyes again, he realized with a start that she was staring right at him, his own mouth hanging open slightly. He tried to laugh to distract from his slowly reddening cheeks, but the sound that escaped him was more like a tight, awkward squawk.

“It’s really very good,” said the princess again, her eyebrow arching as the corner of her mouth slid smoothly into a grin. “I appreciate you going out of your way to make it for me.”

He knew this look, and he felt his body tense in sweet anticipation as she slowly reached out to him. He dropped a hand to her waist, the gesture automatic and familiar, and she fit herself against his body, leaving no room between them.

“Would you like a taste, as well?” she had gone up on her tiptoes and he took a step back, shifting slightly to keep his balance. Her parted lips a breath away from his, Leo’s eyes were already half-lidded, though he wasn’t sure how long they had been that way.

Greedily, he accepted the princess’ kisses, one of her hands carding through the hair at the back of his head while the other traced up his torso. One of them sighed softly, but he didn’t know who and hadn’t the time to care, as he caught her lips once more, brushing her tongue eagerly with his own.

Leo could taste the richness of the chocolate each time they kissed. The sweetness of the frosting lingered on his own breath, filling his senses each time their lips parted.

He walked her slowly over toward the bed, his lips never leaving hers, and when he neared it, spun so that he, himself, backed up into it. He released his hold on her as he nibbled on her lower lip one last time.

“I want to thank you for your lovely surprise,” she purred, “for you see, I have another one for you.”

Tilting her head slowly to one side, regarding him through her lashes, she eased her mermaid-style gown off— the fabric sliding reverently down her body without so much as a sound, as if it too, longed to caress her.

The princess stood before him now, wearing only a little wisp of something silken. From the size of it, it may as well have not even been there. Perhaps one-upmanship wasn’t his style, but the princess on the other hand...

“Sit,” said the princess, her tone soft but commanding.

Leo sat on the bed, one foot still upon the floor, making no move this time to hide the desire in his eyes as he boldly watched the princess step out of her pumps and cross over to where he sat.

Even in the pleasant semi-darkness of the room, he could see how red her lips had become from the flurry of kisses they had shared. Leo’s gaze remained transfixed on her mouth even as she pushed him down, gently but surely, his back pressing against the soft bedding. The mattress creaked quietly as she fit herself against his chest, one smooth leg on either side of him. He was beginning to like surprises like this.

The princess kissed him once more, leaving a sweet chocolate aftertaste as she pulled away with a soft popping sound. She trailed kisses down his neck until she reached his collarbone, causing him to arch reflexively against her, even as she pressed him further into the quilt.

Leo was vaguely aware of his hands, his fingers unbuttoning his jacket and then his shirt with a mind of their own. He had almost gotten his dress shirt completely undone when he felt her hand clasp gently around his wrist and suddenly it was above his head, being pushed into the pillows.

“So impatient,” the princess crooned, as she slid her soft lips up from the crook of his neck to trace along the shell of his ear. Leo made a magnificent effort to suppress the shudder that ran through him, but when the princess slipped her other hand down to trace along his bare chest, a whimper of raw need escaped his clenched teeth.

“I said ‘would you like a taste,’ you know,” her voice half sigh as she dragged her hips over his. They were both still clothed, if you could call what she was wearing “clothes,” but Leo was busy trying to figure out how to best undress the two of them with just one hand. 

“You can have the rest later,” she had slipped back down to kiss his neck again, making playful nips here and there, his wrist still obediently above his head in her grasp.

“Because ‘Nanny’ is almost here,” she murmured, sitting up slowly as she bounced her hips against his for good measure. His free hand snaked around her waist to hold her there and he was rewarded with another playful bounce before she slid away from him in one smooth motion. 

He had closed his eyes, still reveling in the sensation of her body against his and he made no move to get up, barely hearing her words as he imagined all of the things he wanted to do. 

His hands were on the move again, trailing down his own torso toward his trousers, when his eyes flew open and he sat upright on the bed, so quickly that he almost toppled out of it.

“Who’s ‘Nanny?’”

The princess, already wriggling her dress back on, bent forward as she glided the material up her body. She kept her eyes fixed on him as she suggestively adjusted the deep neckline.

“I’m sure that’s ‘Nanny’ now,” was the only explanation she gave as she preened, dress in place, her hair sweeping from over her shoulder with a graceful tilt of her head. End Part 1

Read Part 2 here and over at @aquisces-arts for some lovely art!

Written by @oh-my-otome

Leo Crawford by @cyikemen

[nami331]

Midnight Valentine: SOULMATE SOIRÉE

Chapter XI: The Land of Flowers

Part 2

Half an hour later, the boat docks in Carallia.

Almost immediately, the country’s reputation of being “prosperous”, “relaxed” and the “land of flowers” becomes very apparently true. Everywhere, there are bundling markets, thick crowds of shoppers, and both townspeople and nobles seem to be integrating with each other as if the social gap isn’t there in the first place. As far as can be seen, people are laughing, chatting, walking with each other and relaxing, from couples to families to workers.

And along with this, everything, everything, is consumed by flowers.

The princess stares in awe, eyes circling around her gradually. Roses line the lamps up the streets, and wreaths of flowers are strewn over anything and everything. From the stalls selling varieties of items to the fronts of shops, colourful flowers have been hung, draped or tied to all things possible, creating a lush, inviting, breath-taking paradise of natural beauty. Even in the midst of the town, it doesn’t feel like it, with stretches of fertile, jade grass separating roads and shops.

The town has very obviously taken Valentine’s Day seriously, as well; as Sid and the princess stroll through the streets, holding hands tightly, they can see couple after couple meandering, wandering aimlessly in a blissful haze of love and complete relaxation. Here, promise rings are bought, loving gazes fixed together as they’re fitted onto the fingers of their owners. A little bit away, a young couple both turn to one another, hands behind their backs. At once, they produce bouquets of twelve roses each, their cheeks flushed but grins blindingly bright. They fall about with kind laughter, accepting the mutual gift from their other half, before they set off down the street again.

By this point, the princess is absolutely glowing. Sid’s almost in pain with how hard his heart is pumping, insides churning and clenching at how elated she looks. Her palm is warm against his, fingers curled around his own tightly, almost clinging onto him.

“Sid,” She finally breathes out, sounding almost like she’s choked up with emotion. “This is amazing. It’s so beautiful. It’s incredible.” She turns to him, her gorgeous eyes shining with a thin layer of tears. “Thank you. I know I’ve already said it, but I’ll say it again. I’m so grateful for this. It’s perfect.”

A wave of satisfaction, and another, slightly less powerful, boost of pride washes over him. He’s glad, admittedly a lot more than he ever thought would be possible, that she’s enjoying herself so much and loves Carallia so obviously. He’s wanted to bring her here for a long time, but he had to build up his trust with Giles, Leo and Alyn before they would allow it. He worked hard, putting in much more effort into his own work as well as palace business, in order to do so.

Now, though, he realises that it’s all worth it. He’d do it again and again, a second and third time, a fourth and a fifth, forever. To be able to see such pure happiness in her and know that he’s the reason why she’s feeling such joy… it’s the most gratifying thing he’s ever felt in his life.

He squeezes her hand lovingly, rubbing the pad of his thumb over the knuckle of her own. “Yeah. I’m glad you like it. You’re welcome.” Glancing around him again, he smirks in satisfaction, musing, “I’ve wanted to bring you here for ages. Giles wouldn’t let me without an escort, so I had to be real nice to him to convince him.” His gaze returns to her, and he can feel his own skin flushing, just like her own. “But it was worth it, right?”

She nods fiercely. “Yes!”

He grins again, eyes honing in on his second surprise for her. “Good. Come on.”

Laughing at her surprised squeak when he tugs her forward, he leads her through the crowds, heading straight for a large stall full to the brim with flowers. The man and woman running it spot him approaching, and immediately, they start to speak to each other excitedly, expressions animated. Sid stops before them, the princess confused but curious at his side.

“Hey. Here to pick up my order.” He tells them with a nod. The man’s head bobs up and down, and the woman looks delighted, eyes flicking back and forth between the princess and Sid.

“It’s all ready for you. Oh, my. You’re such a beautiful couple!” She focuses on the princess, gushing, “You look absolutely beautiful, Miss! Your dress is stunning!”

The young monarch’s cheeks tint with a rosy dusting, but she laughs lightly, responding, “Thank you so much! The flowers here are amazing! The colours are so vivid and bright.”

The man, having stepped behind the stall momentarily, returns now. His hands are behind his back, and he practically bounces over, chirping, “There’s a lot of technical nonsense like keeping them in the right conditions, but most importantly of all, you have to love the flowers. If you don’t treat them with the utmost care and respect, it’s impossible to produce flowers in their most beautiful condition.”

Sid lets go of the princess’ hand now, instead raising it to clamp it over her eyes. Her strangled shout of shock earns laughs from the two at the stand, but the man swiftly hands the bouquet behind his back to Sid, who takes it with his free one. The collection of flowers, all in perfect condition, stand out from the rest. They’re a collection of blue flowers, since she told him a while ago that she’s come to love blue a lot more as a result of being with him.

Shifting so the flowers are hidden inside his coat, he removes his hand from her eyes, taking her right one again. She blinks up at him, still seemingly processing what just happened, but he just smirks and gently pulls her away from the stall; he’s already paid for the flowers, but he doesn’t want to give her them out in the open like this.

“Thanks.” He tells the two store venders over his shoulder, giving them a grateful nod. “I appreciate it.”

“You’re welcome! Have a lovely day together!” The woman replies kindly, almost looking in awe at the two. The man tucks her under his shoulder, waving.

“Happy Valentine’s Day!” He calls after them.

“Thank you!” She says, mimicking the wave with her free hand.

Sid guides her through the town again, using the quickest route to get out of the thick of it. They eventually come out of the town and into a more forested, hilly area, where Sid navigates his way up a fading path. The trees, flowers and vegetation are lush and vibrant around them, rich in colour and life, untouched by human hands. The smell of bark and moisture is deep but somehow soothing to him, and once they move further in, the noise of the town fades into a distant murmur. Eventually, all that’s left is the chirping and singing of birds on branches, and the wind whispering around the leaves.

Finally, he reaches his destination. They break through the trees, coming out onto what is a steep hill that used to be a cliff, the face of it nearly overgrown with plants but still visibly made of rock. It’s high up, and when they walk to the edge, it’s possible to see all of Carallia stretching out below them. The princess looks out in amazement at the town they just walked through, then to the side, toward the area of town they didn’t get to. Carallia Palace is visible in the distance, bright and gleaming in the sunshine, and the sea embracing the city spans out before them, still and calm with the gentle weather.

And when they look behind them, through the trees, they can see the rest of the region. Another country is vaguely able to be seen a good distance away, in a flatter part of the land.

“Hey.” Sid murmurs, the flowers now hidden behind his back. He lets go of her hand once more, lifting it to cup her face, fingers holding it tenderly. He gives her his trademark smirk, but his eyes are twinkling with a loving kindness, and a rare, sweet shine, one that takes her breath away every time. She beams up at him, the joy in her face as clear as day. He leans down, kissing her forehead very tenderly, in a moment of more muted affection. Then, he pulls back, finishing, “Happy Valentine’s Day, princess.”

He brings the flowers around now, handing them to her. She gasps quietly, staring down at the collection in awe. Just that expression alone is enough to make his insides warm pleasantly. He points to each type of flower, explaining what they are. “There are bluebells, globe thistles, lupine and perennial geraniums. Flower language and meanings are fiddly, but when you pick the nice ones, bluebells mean delicacy and loyalty, globe thistles mean patriotism and heroism, perennial geraniums can symbolise gentility and elegance, and lupines show imagination.”

“Sid… they’re beautiful. How did you find them all?” She asks incredulously, fingering the petals of the globe thistles very gingerly.

“I’m an information dealer. Finding out stuff like this is a breeze.” He answers dryly, but he’s smirking. He narrows his eyes, studying her body language and coming to the solid conclusion that she’s happy. “You like ‘em?”

Her head bounces up and down, features all but glowing with happiness. “I love them, Sid. They’re so beautiful. Tha-”

Before she can say it again, he dips down, taking her face in his hands. She stops short, then releases a muffled sound of confusion when he kisses her deeply. He breathes in her scent, savouring her warmth and the feeling of her mouth against his, all the while holding her gaze. Both of their eyelids are partially closed, further enhancing the love and passion in their eyes. He pulls back slightly, just enough to murmur against her lips, “This is the second surprise. There’s one more after this.”

She blinks. “Another one?” A very, very slight frown appears on her face. “I only have one surprise for you.”

He finds himself laughing at how worried she is over something so silly, planting a hand on her hair and ruffling it playfully. “Hey, don’t make that face. I’m spoiling ya this time, since you’ve been working so hard and doing so many hours lately. Stop worrying, will you?” When she huffs, cradling the flowers against her chest, he rolls his eyes. Bending over to rest his forehead against hers, he swallows back his pride, admitting, “Anything from you means a heck of a lot to me, so stop sweating it. I’m happy seeing you happy.”

She swiftly finds her smile again, but it’s more teasing now, and he can feel him skin warming once more. He straightens up and turns to stare out at the city, and she steps up beside him, leaning into his arm. He curls it around her waist instinctively. She laughs softly, the sound like a tiny piece of heaven to him. “You’re such a softie, Sid, behind all the tough bravado.”

He pinches her side lightly, drawing a yelped shriek from her. He snorts. “Watch it, princess.”

The next few hours are spent with the two touring the town, taking in all of its sights, from landmarks to shops, to restaurants and flower fields. Soon, the sun is dipping toward the horizon, nearly ready to kiss this side of the earth goodnight, the sky a blazing war of amber and indigo around it. Sid takes her back into the middle of town, escorting her to the town square. There, couples are gathered, many talking excitedly and animatedly, hands clasped or arms around each other, some in tender embraces.

It’s so open and blatant, it takes Sid aback just a bit. He was told that people here are “relaxed” and that affection was a common sight on Valentine’s Day, but this is something else.

Still, he carries on, not stopping until he reaches the centre of the crowd. Now amongst the many bodies stood in the square, they’re anonymous, just two faces in a sea of many more. He nods to himself, glancing down at the princess. She’s still studying the people around her intently, apparently just as surprised by the displays of intimacy as he is. He grins at her wide eyes, then brings a hand up to cup her face. Her head swivels around, and she seems to realise that she was spacing out, blinking.

“What’s going on? Is this some sort of festival?” She asks, voice both curious and incredulous. He strokes his thumb over the soft skin of her cheek, explaining,

“It’s a tradition here. During the day, the couples will go around and shop together, although they have an emphasis on buying flowers since that’s the main industry here. Then, when sunset hits, everyone gathers here and waits for the sun to touch the horizon.”

He tips her chin up and to the side, so that she’s looking toward where the pier is. In the distance, a monument stands tall and proud, a large orb with a gap in the centre. It’s laden with all types of flowers and decorations, and inside the circle is a silhouette of what looks like two angels, their wings spread wide, hands joined. The space under their joined wings and above their entwined hands, a diamond of vision amidst the black, allows them to see the sea and horizon. The sun is very gradually falling toward it.

He leans down, murmuring into her ear, voice low and rumbling out of his throat. “When it touches, you’ll get your last surprise.”

He could get drunk on her scent alone, the smell of rose and vanilla perfume almost driving him insane. When she visibly trembles before him, his body flushes with despite, and his voice drops to a low purr while he simultaneously attempts to keep his thoughts – and words - clean. “Legend says Carallia was created by angels, and that they bestowed the gift of fertile land on it before they left the earth. The country has never once experienced a drought or problems with growing things.”

She gives him a shocked look, tilting her head. “Is that really true?”

His lips twitch into a smirk. “Don’t know. That’s what the locals say, at least.”

“That’s amazing. It’s such a wonderful story.” She breathes out, staring off at the angels before the flaming sky. Then, she jerks around, gasping out, “The surprise! I almost forgot!”

He snorts, watching her reach into her bag, where her bouquet is propped up inside. “You only just remembered?” He ruffles her hair playfully, only finding himself more amused when she sends him a half-hearted glare. “That’s my girl.”

“Shush.” She huffs, pulling out a long, thin box, all black with an indigo ribbon wrapped around it, forming a silk bow in the centre. She holds it out to him, a beaming smile appearing on her face. “Here. This seems like nothing, considering everything you’ve done, but-” Seeing his look, telling her to stop apologising, she sighs lightly. Then, she shakes her head, carrying on in a firmer voice. “Happy Valentine’s Day, Sid. I’m glad I got to spend the day with you.”

Something in his chest aches at the sincerity and kindness in the way she says it. There’s so much love and adoration in her eyes, it’s almost unbearable. He could stare at her all day, every day, just watching the expressions she’s capable of. There’s never a moment when she’s not breath-taking.

Realising that he hasn’t responded yet, he lets a real, genuine smile grace his lips, features shining with rarely expressed joy. “Thanks, princess.” He places his hand over hers around the box, feeling the warmth in her flesh despite there being a breeze. His natural teasing side makes a swift return, and he briefly leans down to whisper, “We can give each other all sorts of surprises later, in your room.”

“Sid!” She cries out, mortified. He howls with laughter, straightening up and taking the box from her. Tugging the ribbon lightly, he removes it, then takes the lid away to peer down at its contents.

He expected chocolate, simply by logic, and he’s right.

At the same time, he’s completely wrong.

The chocolates have all been made, somehow, to be in specific shapes and have certain features. He can’t stop himself from gazing at them in amazement, studying the one that looks exactly like Jess, albeit without the white of her fur. Another looks like a wine glass, one resembles a crescent moon, a heart shape here, a star there… all seemingly crafted with a precision tool by hand, each tiny detail carved into the chocolate with the utmost care.

His stomach clenches, and love rolls through him once more.

Every time I think she can’t get any more amazing, she goes and proves me wrong again.

“You made these?” He asks, still staring down at them, but he’s smiling now. She nods mutely, and immediately, he sees that she’s nervous. Plucking the heart one from the box, he seals the lid with the ribbon again, meeting her gaze with his own intense one. “They’re amazing, princess. Seriously, I’ve never seen chocolates like this before.”

She grins, eyes lighting up with pride and joy. She takes the box and put it back in her bag. As soon as she has, he slides his hands around to cradle her face, the sun now millimetres from the horizon. The chocolate is still pinched between his finger and thumb, but she doesn’t look like she has even noticed. He rests his forehead against hers, his smile tender and loving.

“Thank you. I don’t know how, but every time I think I can’t get any crazier for you, you go and prove me wrong again and again. I love you, so damn much. I swear, sometimes it hurts, how much I want to spend the rest of my life with you.” Her lips part, eyes swiftly moistening with elated tears. She brings her own hands up to hold his face just as gently, uncaring now of everyone around them, oblivious to them all.

“You’re welcome, Sid. I love you too, so, so much.” A peal of beautiful laughter escapes her. His heart twinges. “It hurts me as well, so we’re the same. Let’s spend forever together, and then we won’t hurt anymore.”

Forever, with the girl that I’m in love with. I can do that.

“Deal.” He nods, glancing to the side. Cheers and shouts of excitement sound all around them, almost deafeningly loud.

“Ten! Nine! Eight! Seven! Six!”

The sun’s reflection inches toward its own position in the sky, just about touching, the slightest connection between the heavens and the earth finally made. Sid places one side of the chocolate between his teeth, offering the other to her. Her cheeks burn, just like his, but she copies him and allows her teeth to close around the sweet. Her eyes close. His follow.

“Five! Four! Three! Two! One!”

The pair bite down, each taking a piece into their mouths. The taste of chocolate, different to anything they’ve ever experienced, blossoms out on their tongues, sweet and rich but slightly creamy, then curbed with the slight sharpness of alcohol. The taste, mixed with the burning of liquor, is intoxicating, and just one piece sends pleasure washing through them both, so strong and sudden that it’s almost overwhelming.

“Happy Valentine’s Day!”

The second they’ve swallowed the chocolate, their lips come together, hard and fast, passionate and raw with the intensity of their emotions. Love swells between them, swirling and enveloping them like the taste of the chocolate, and for a long for seconds, all they can sense is each other. The screaming of other couples fades away. The buzz of excitement in the air is numbed, lost to the molten heat coiling in them. The breeze cases to exist. All they can feel is the other in front of them, their skin touching, their bodies so deliciously close.

They don’t even notice as petals are release by couples around them, fragments of colour and life flowing around their blissful oblivion.

All of this happens in mere seconds. When they have to break apart to breathe, they’re both flushed crimson, but they don’t move away from each other. They don’t move a muscle. The princess gazes up at him with lidded eyes, swirling with want and adoration. “I love you.”

He smoothes his thumb over her jaw, returning the deep stare with just as much desire. “I love you too.”

The rest of the night is lost to a haze of chocolate, alcohol and dancing in the town square. The flame of their love doesn’t dwindle once, not even when they return to the palace and stumble into her room.

The sun may have set their hearts alight when it fell into the fire, but it continues to scorch them both, the embers always simmering away into their forever.

The end.

Lloyd "Sid" Grandier by @cyikemen

Written by @deathbymidnightcinderella

Illustrated by @nami331

[onlymingyus]

I'll spit in your mouth...

cw; chwe vernon x reader, smut (minor dni), pwp just some filth, mean dom!vernon, brat!reader, spitting/spit play, ass play, fingering, dirty talk, some thigh riding, degradation, praise, dumbfication, reader called degrading names -- use lube kids

a/n; this is around 600 words -- it's not my fault he put the image there -- then i was tempted into spite smut

Vernon's lips turn up in a smirk when you writhe under him, his fingers covered in lube spreading you open. The soft whines falling slipping out of your lips only spurring him on. His cock resting hard and leaking against your stomach while you roll your hips over his hand letting him work another finger into your ass.

"Needy little slut, spread your legs like I asked you to." Vernon scoffs when you barely make any movement. Instead you practically purr at him using his fingers to try to get yourself off faster. He watches your eyes widen when his fingers slide out of your hole leaving you empty and begging, apologizing for being a brat.

"Vernon...no, god! Put them back in me. 'M being good, see." He watches you spread your legs wider for him only making him raise a brow and laugh. "A bit slow on the uptake, my pretty dumb little baby. Open your mouth..." His fingers hold your chin tight but not enough to hurt, his eyes fixed on yours while he waits for you to listen to him.

Vernon's smirk returns watching your lips part like he asked. His head tilting with a satisfied groan as he rocks his body against yours letting his cock drag across your skin. "Let me see that slutty little tongue. What? You are usually so quick to open when my cock is in front of your mouth."

You pout at him causing Vernon to laugh, you were so cute when you were being bratty and he loved trying to break you. He knew you loved this just as much as he did, your hips were rolling towards his thigh between your legs. Vernon bites at his bottom lip watching you stick out your tongue for him, the shimmer of your spit catching the low light causing him to groan under his breath.

"Pretty...this mouth is so useful." You smirk slightly at his unusual compliment, but you knew he was right. You loved to make him come apart with your mouth and he loved seeing your lips coated in his cum. You start to close your mouth around his thumb when he presses down on your tongue but a disapproving sounds causes you to stop and meet his eyes.

He watches your eyes cross very slightly while you try to pay attention to him. Vernon can't help but to chuckle at how you looked, so fucked out and he had really barely gotten started with you for the night. A soft moan escapes around your tongue when his thumb drags from your tongue over your chin only for you to close your eyes when Vernon spits onto your tongue and into your mouth.

Pre-cum oozes from his tip onto your skin at the sight, most of his spit resting on your tongue but a bit had landed on your cheek. Vernon can't help himself when he runs his thumb over the saliva smearing it just like his cock was smearing his cum across your stomach. "Be a good whore and swallow that for me?"

He watches you smiles as you follow his request, your tongue running over your lips to collect every last drop then finally his thumb once again. "Fuck...very good." With his praise Vernon slips his hand back between your legs slowly working two of his fingers back into you letting you bite down softly on his thumb.

——————————————————

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© onlymingyus - all rights reserved. Reposting/modifying of any fic, or pieces of original writings posted on this blog is not allowed. Translations not allowed.

[medievalbingeprincess69]

Midnight Valentine: SOULMATE SOIREE

Chapter VI: Tale of Two Lovers Part 1: Why I Love Him... Princess’ POV

“I’m going to plan Valentine’s Day, this year, Princess.”

My eyes grew wide in shock and a bit of anger, “But, Robert, I wanted to plan Valentine’s Day this year!”

“Don’t worry. You’ll enjoy yourself.”

“But-”

“No excuses, princess,” he chuckles. “I won’t accept any gifts from you either.”

“That’s no fair!”

“Well then, you can get me a White Day present.”

“Fine!” I cross my arms and pout. “It'll be the best White Day present ever! You better get ready for it!”

“I’m sure it’ll be wonderful,” Robert laughs.

And that’s how I ended up not giving Robert anything for Valentine’s Day...

To be honest, I really wanted to plan Valentine’s Day with Robert. It was our first Valentines since the engagement. Giles had promised us that we’d both get Valentine’s Day off a few weeks ago. So I thought it would be nice to plan something. Recently we’ve both been so busy that we have not even been eating our meals together.

“I slept through our last date and I wanted to plan Valentine’s Day this year to make up for it.”

Robert laughs at me again. He’s been doing that a lot recently. He leans into to me and I feel my cheeks brightening at his gentle smile. 

Our foreheads meet. “I remember, princess. You had the cutest sleeping face I’ve ever seen.”

“Robert!” This direct gaze and his serious tone make me turn away from him. “I’m serious.”

“So am I, Princess.”

He leans in close to me and our eyes meet. For a few moments it feels like we are the only two people in the entire world. 

He’s my Robert. 

My playful, handsome, artistic Robert. With each passing day, our bond grows stronger. I want to be with him forever, just like this.

Our eyes do not leave each others as he whispers, “I want to plan a Valentine’s Day you’ll never forget, because I love you. You’ve been working so hard recently for the good of our people. You inspire me to become an even better leader and an man.”

“Robert…” as he continues to whisper loving words to me, I close my eyes. His voice is more profound and soothing. Each syllable he speaks makes my heart tremble....

God I love this man.

I tighten my grip on his arms and look at him with happy tears in my eyes. I can’t help kissing him and holding him even more tightly.  Our passionate kisses and rough touches lead to a wonderful night of love making. His whispered words are passionate and sweet.

I barely remember the words he whispered to me, but for the rest of my life I will remember the feeling of his arms around me.

 It is days like this that remind me how much he loves me.

I never want to let him go after nights like this. Looking up at his sleeping face, I sigh happily and gently move the hair out of his face. He wraps his arms around me tighter and puts his face in my neck.

“Good morning,” he whispers and sucks on my neck.

“Good morning,” she chuckles at the light airy kisses at my neck. “Robert… Stop…. That tickles…”

“Tell me why you are looking at me so sweetly...”

He finally opens his eyes and I can’t help but stare into his beautiful eyes. After a few long moments of my shy kisses and his sensual touches I give up and tell him, what’s on my mind.

“I’ve missed you, Robert...” He looks up and kisses me again. It was warm and made my heart soar. Every fiber in my body was on the edge and I loved every moment of it. “Robert…” he pulls away from the kiss and I hear his warm laughter.

“If you keep making cute sounds like that I won’t be able to control myself.”

“What if I don’t want you to control yourself?” he smirks at me and it is my turn to kiss him. “We do have a few more minutes...”

“Then let me spoil you…”

I loved moments like this with Robert. His wonderful morning kisses leaving me breathless and sometimes I even forget about everything. When he kisses me like this, I forget everything except him...

But this time I couldn’t help but think about what Robert would have in store for me this time...

I can’t wait for another Valentine’s Day with the love of my love and my dearest friend.

End part 1.

Wanna know where Robert takes you? Check out @ninedrawss tumblr page to read Part 2! Coming soon...

Original Character by @cyikemen​

Written by @medievalbingeprincess69​

Author’s Note: Thanks everyone for taking the time to read this story! This isn’t my first fan fiction, but this is my first fanfiction in this fandom. I hope you enjoyed your Pre-Valentine’s Day romance with Robert. Please let me know your thoughts! I really hope you enjoy the event! Don't forget to check out Part 2!

Congratulations to all the writers and the artist. Thanks everyone for welcoming me into your group!

[sailor-wallflower]

Midnight Valentine: Soulmate Soiree

Chapter IV: A Truly Special Valentine’s Day

“Why do things have to be so complicated?” The Princess asked Giles as they walked to her next meeting with some noblemen. For the past couple of weeks, the Princess had been meeting with all different kinds of noblemen to decide who would be her prince escort.

Giles sighed and said “I’m sorry that things have to be this way Princess. Just hold out for a little bit longer and then we can finally announce to everyone about us.”

The Princess, unknown to everyone except the people in the Wysterian castle, had formed a relationship with Giles. Once Giles had confessed his love to her, the Princess thought that the two of them would be able to announce her choice in prince escort, but sadly she was mistaken.

“I just don’t understand why I can’t tell the other kingdoms that I choose you as my prince escort? All of these meetings with these noblemen that I’ll never choose are really starting to stress me out Giles.” The Princess said to Giles.

He noticed her distress and grabbed her hand and gave it a tight squeeze saying “I know this is difficult for you Princess, it’s difficult for me as well. I want the entire world to know how much I love you, but you know we can’t. You have to meet with other noblemen to show your interest. I’m sorry love, but know that I’m always here if you need to talk.”

The Princess looked at Giles with tired eyes and with a weak smile said “Okay, thank you Giles. I know that this isn’t your fault. But remember that no matter how many other noblemen I meet, I love you most of all.”

Giles smiled at the Princess’s kind words and raised her hand that he was holding to his mouth to kiss it softly. He could tell that some tension left her body and with a smirk said “Oh so when I touch you you feel less anxious? I’ll have to make a note of that.”

The Princess blushed a deep shade of red saying “G-Giles! Don’t talk like that when we’re in the castle, someone could have heard you! Although I do admit, you always help me feel less nervous…”

“My my, I hope that I’m not interrupting anything.” A voice said that made the Princess jump in surprise. She turned around to see Leo with his arms crossed leaning against the wall looking at the Princess and Giles with a playful smile.

“O-of course not! Giles and I were just discussing somethings about meeting with some noblemen. Anyways, is it time for my lesson already?” The Princess asked Leo who responded with a nod.

The Princess sighed and turned back to Giles with a sad look upon her face. He noticed this and gently cupped her cheeks saying “Go ahead. I have to make some preparations for your next visit to see some more noblemen. Study hard and I’ll see you later Princess.”

Reluctantly, Giles let go of the Princess and she turned to walk with Leo to his study. Giles sighed and went back to his own room thinking of ways to cheer up the stressed out Princess.

Once he sat down at his desk, Giles looked at his calendar and saw that Valentine’s Day was only two days away. He remembered the Princess always getting excited over this holiday but not this year. He assumed it was due to all of her stressful visits to other kingdoms that made her forget.

Giles set his elbows on the desk and rested his chin on his hands remembering past Valentine’s Day with the Princess. Every year she would make delicious chocolates for him and how she would always get so excited when he ate them. Giles of course was always grateful and thanked the Princess, but he never knew what to do for her in return. The perfect idea came to Giles on how to repay all of the Princess’s generosity, meaning that he would have to make a visit to a special someone. Giles stood up from his desk and with a small smile decided that this Valentine’s Day, he would treat the Princess for a change.

The next morning, Giles decided to personally wake the Princess up himself. He gently shook her shoulders saying “Princess, it’s time to wake up. I have something important to tell you.” The Princess woke up but was still tired from the previous week’s work. She sleepily rubbed her eyes asking “What is it Giles? And why did you wake me up?”

Giles brushed some of the Princess’s hair out of her face and said “I decided that since you’ve been working so diligently, you can have the next two days off. You desperately need some rest.” The Princess’s eyes widened at his words as a smile spread across her face as she said “Really?! That’s wonderful, thank you so much Giles!”

She quickly got out of her bed to give Giles a hug. Although he was surprised by her gesture, Giles quickly wrapped his arms around her and embraced her tightly. The Princess looked up to him with hopeful eyes and asked “Can I spend these days off with you or do you still have to work?”

With a hint of sadness in his eyes, Giles told the Princess “Unfortunately I do still have to work. But I will be free tonight, meet at the garden at sundown.” Although she was upset, the Princess nodded to Giles. She did decided however to make the most of her day off until she could spend it with Giles.

The Princess had a relaxing day to herself and before she knew it, it was time for the sun to set. She hurried out into the castle’s garden to search for Giles. The Princess wandered around a bit until she felt a pair of arms wrap around her waist. “Giles! I missed you so much!” She said as she turned around to see her lover with a warm smile on his lips. He brought her to his chest and asked “Did you have a good day off Princess? I hope that you had some time to rest.”

The Princess nuzzled her face into his chest and inhaled his sweet scent saying “Yes! I had a great day, although it was sad that I couldn’t spend it with you…” As her voice trailed off, Giles led the Princess underneath a large tree so that they were out of sight from the guards. He then whispered seductively to her “Well, I’m all done with work now and we can do whatever you’d like my dear.”

The Princess’s face turned bright red as she said “G-Giles! We can’t do anything here, someone may see us and-” The Princess was cut off when Giles kissed her lips passionately. She knew that she couldn’t fight him so she melted into the kiss. She gasped when she felt his hand rub her hips as he brought her closer to him.

“I know that you've been extremely stressed these past couple of days Princess.” Giles said to the Princess. He then leaned into her ear and whispered “But you know… We can make this a night that we will both never forget my dear Princess.” Giles then lowered his lips onto hers and gave her a passionate kiss. She moaned softly as he held her closer to him, deepening their kiss even further.

Much to his reluctance, Giles broke away from the kiss and breathlessly told the Princess “I do have good news, no wait, great news to tell you Princess.” The Princess looked at him curiously and asked “What is it Giles?”

Giles smiled at the Princess and with much joy said “I talked to His Majesty today about your prince escort. He believes that you have traveled around enough and that you can choose whoever you like to be at your side.” The Princess’s eyes went wide in shock at Giles’s words but she quickly wrapped her arms around Giles saying happily “Of course I want to choose you Giles! Oh this is so wonderful, thank you for doing this for me.”

“Of course Princess. I would do anything for you. Now, it is starting to get late, why don’t we go back inside.” Giles said as he took the Princess’s hand to lead her back inside. The two of them chatted about the announcement ceremony of prince escort. Giles noticed that she was still not talking about Valentine’s Day.

Giles had returned the Princess to her room and as she settled in her bed, Giles asked her “So, Princess do you have any special plans for tomorrow?” She gave him a puzzled look and shook her head saying “No, I just plan on relaxing. Thank you again for the day off Giles.”

He sighed mentally to himself and felt bad for the Princess since she was so stressed out that she forgot about Valentine’s Day. Nevertheless, Giles gave the Princess a soft kiss and said “That sounds like a good plan. I hope that you have a good, restful night Princess.”

She gave him a warm smiling simply replying with “You too Giles.” As he shut the door to the Princess’s room, Giles let out a sigh. He walked back to his room feeling sorry for the tired Princess but he smiled to himself because he knew that he would make this Valentine’s Day a one that she would never forget.

End of Part 1

Original characters by @cyikemen

Written by @sailor-wallflower

[leorysxi]

Midnight Valentine: SOULMATE SOIRÉE

Chapter IV: A Truly Special Valentine’s Day

Part 2

The next morning, Giles woke up happy with the events from the previous day. He knew that the Princess was excited about the announcement, but today was Valentine’s Day and he had to get started on the gift he was going to give to her.

Giles walked to the Princess’s room and quietly opened the door to make sure she was still sleeping. He saw her sleeping peacefully, getting the rest that she deserved. Giles wanted desperately to crawl into bed with her and get some rest himself, but he had a plan to attend to.

He walked to the kitchen and looked for some sort of recipe to make chocolate. Giles mentally scolded himself knowing that he should have been better prepared since he realized that he had no idea how to make chocolate. He gave up on looking for recipes and decided to just wing it. Giles grabbed some random ingredients that he thought would work and started preparing. He grabbed anything he thought would work, baking powder, salt, sugar, water, cream, and anything else that he could find and started mixing them together, having no clue what he was doing.

“What on Earth are you making?” A low voice said as Giles jumped at it. He turned around to see that the voice was Alyn who now had a look of disgust on his face and Nico who looked like he was trying not to burst out laughing. Giles replied coolly “It doesn’t concern either one of you, so I suggest the two of you leave now.”

Nico peeked over Giles and started to bust out laughing saying “What are you trying to make? Poison?” Giles just rolled his eyes and ignored him as Alyn also looked to see scattered recipes and smirked asking “Are you trying to make some chocolate for the Princess since it’s Valentine’s Day Giles?”

Giles slightly blushed and looked away saying “So what if I am? Don’t you two have something better to do then bother me?” Nico looked at Giles and genuinely said “We can help you Giles! I mean at least help you get started, we don’t want you killing the Princess with your cooking!” Alyn nodded in agreement as he helped Giles get some cocoa powder, milk, butter, and flour to make chocolate and said to him “But Giles, I thought that you were fond of sweets? How can you not know how to make them?”

“Just because I enjoy eating sweets does not mean I know how to make them… But thank you both for helping me.” Giles said to Alyn and Nico as they finished getting all of the ingredients out and ready. Alyn smiled and Nico beamed saying “Of course! I feel so bad for the Princess, she’s so stressed out that she forgot about Valentine’s Day. But this is a great idea Giles, I bet she’ll really appreciate it!”

Suddenly, a knight came in the kitchen and looked at Alyn saying “Sir, we are having some issues with border patrol and we need your help sorting it out.” Alyn nodded to the knight and looked at Giles saying “Looks like I have to go. All you have to do is stir the ingredients together and then let it set. See you later Giles.” Giles gave Alyn a smile and said “Thank you for all of your help Alyn.” And with that, Alyn and the knight left, leaving Giles and Nico alone in the kitchen. Giles then turned to Nico and said “I have a task for you Nico. I can finish making the chocolate now so I need you to make sure that the Princess doesn’t come into this kitchen okay? If she asks where I am, tell her that I’m in my room doing work. Got it?” Nico smiled giving Giles a thumbs up saying “You got it! I’ll make sure she doesn’t see you in here. Bye Giles, good luck!”

When Nico left, Giles felt much more confident and finished stirring the ingredients together. He then choose a mold where he could put his gift in for the Princess. Once he finally finished preparing his chocolate for the Princess, he went to his room to change into his best outfit and then went to the Princess’s room.

Giles knocked on the door to the Princess’s room and a soft “Come in” came from the inside. Giles took a deep breath and entered the Princess’s room to find her seated on her sofa reading a book. She turned to Giles and gasped seeing how dressed up he was and said “Giles, you look lovely! But why are you so dressed up?”

He smirked as he walked over to the Princess, his chocolate for her hidden behind his back. “Do you still not know what day it is Princess?” Giles said playfully to the confused Princess. She gave him a puzzled look and asked “No… Is there something special going on today?” Giles sighed and told the Princess “Look at the calendar Princess.”

The Princess’s eyes went wide when she saw that it was Valentine’s Day and she had completely forgotten about it. “Oh my, I guess that I was so stressed out that I forgot about Valentine’s Day. I need to start making chocolate now!” The Princess said as she stood up only to be stopped by Giles who held a hand up to halt her. “Giles? What is it?” The Princess asked as she noticed that Giles was holding something behind his back.

Giles smirked and said to her “Well, since you always make chocolate for me on Valentine’s Day, I decided to treat you this year.” He pulled out the chocolate from behind his back and watched as the Princess looked at it excitedly. Giles presented the chocolate in front of the Princess and said “Happy Valentine’s Day my dear Princess.”

The Princess happily accepted the treat and gave Giles a hug saying “Thank you so much Giles! This was so kind of you to do for me. I seriously can’t believe that I forgot about Valentine’s Day… But this is so wonderful!” Giles smiled down at her and stroked her cheek asking “Well aren’t you going to try the chocolate? I made it myself you know.”

“Oh! You made it yourself Giles? Now I can’t wait to try it!” The Princess said as she giggled and broke off a piece of chocolate to try. “Mmm it’s delicious Giles! It’s the best chocolate that I’ve ever had.” The Princess said contently a warm smile formed on her lips. Giles noticed that she had a little bit of chocolate on the corner of her mouth and licked it off of her.

“G-Giles! What are you doing?!” The Princess asked becoming flustered at Giles’s action to which he only replied with a playful smile. “What Princess? You had some chocolate on your mouth and I wanted to help you get it off.” He then noticed the Princess’s fingers had some chocolate on them as well and he grabbed her hand, bringing it to his mouth and licked her fingers seductively. The Princess was blushing deeply while Giles only laughed with her saying “You’re such a tease Giles!” But she then started laughing as well.

The Princess then noticed something from inside of the hollow chocolate sparkle. She picked it up to see a ring and looked up to Giles asking “This ring is beautiful! But why is it inside the chocolate?” Giles smiled and took the ring from her and placed it on her ring finger saying “It’s an engagement ring. Since we can finally make our relationship public, I figured you needed something to show everyone how much I truly love you.”

Giles looked into the Princess’s eyes and noticed tears starting to form and with a worried tone, he asked “What’s wrong Princess? Do you not like it?” Without answering, the Princess embraced Giles, tightly holding onto him saying “It’s perfect Giles. Thank you so much. This is the best Valentine’s Day ever.” He smiled at her and held her tightly to him and kissed the top of her head.

“Well you know, the day isn’t over yet, let’s spend the rest of the day together Princess.” Giles said to her. She smiled and nodded at him as Giles wiped her remaining tears away. “I love you so much Giles, thank you so much again for everything.” The Princess said as she reached up to kiss Giles passionately on the lips.

Giles returned the kiss as their mouths perfectly fit each others, he reached to pull the Princess closer, sliding his tongue into her mouth. She moaned softly at his action as she wrapped her arms around him to deepen their kiss. The two had to break apart to catch their breaths, Giles smiled at her saying “I love you too Princess, more than anything in the world. Happy Valentine’s Day.”

The end.

Original Characters by @cyikemen​ ​♡

Written by the lovely @sailor-wallflower​ ♡

Illustration by @leorysxi​ :3

[narsi-dafna-blog]

Midnight Valentine: SOUMATE SOIRÉE

CHAPTER X: 

Part 2.

“Duke Howard, can I see you in my office?” Giles motioned Louis towards his study after Louis had just finished giving a dance lesson to the Princess one January morning.

Once inside Giles presented his case to Louis. “It appears the Princess has had little luck in finding a prince consort. She’s very shy, as you know, and she struggles to socialize with candidates.” Giles sighed. “Balls and arranged engagements have been very unsuccessful in assisting her search for a suitor.” He sat with his elbows on the desk, lacing his fingers together and resting his chin in his hands.

Louis eyed Giles through the strands of hair that fell in his face. “You know how I feel about this whole situation and your attempts to make me prince.”

Giles flashed him an innocent smile. “I know, I know. It’s just that, Valentine’s Day is coming up, and with no suitor- I’m afraid the Princess will be depressed and discouraged. Leo and I decided that she needed someone to take her out to enjoy the day.”

Louis leaned against Giles’ desk, propping his foot up on its side. “Why don’t one of you take her?”

“We thought it would be better if it was not someone from inside the palace, she doesn’t need her tutors, or attendant, or riding instructor for that matter to take her on a date, that’s too obvious. Perhaps spending the day with you would help her gain some confidence.” Giles was giving Louis a toothy grin.

It was Louis who let out a heavy sigh this time. “I suppose.” He said. “As long as I wasn’t second choice to Grandier.”

“Of course not. You were the first person to come to mind.” Giles gave Louis a nod.

Valentine’s Day arrived, and Louis made true to his promise and showed up at the Palace to take the Princess on a “date.” It was warmer than usual for a winter day in Wysteria, and Louis dressed in casual clothing; leather oxfords, a pair of slacks, and a thick cardigan over a button-down shirt.

“Duke Howard.” The Princess greeted him formally, giving him a curtsy. He responded, taking her hand and kissing the back of it.

“Princess.” He said. “Today is a fun day, please call me Louis.”

“Louis, of course.” She replied. “I am wearing the perfume you purchased for me.”

Indeed, Louis could smell the light scent of Japanese Cherry Blossoms. At Giles’ urging Louis picked it out for her after Giles had arranged their date. He’d had Nico deliver it to the Princess as an early Valentine’s Day gift.

Instead of a carriage, the couple took a less formal handsom cab to town. The two sat in silence as the cab bumped along the cobblestone streets and the noise of shod horse hooves clacked along at a steady cadence.

When Giles had first approached Louis about becoming prince consort, he’d immediately refused. He told Giles of all of his reservations; the volatile Princess System, his resistance to royal life and holding a position of power, and especially arranged marriages. He held nothing personal against the Princess, but he believed it was best to stay out of the mix of potential suitors. She was very sweet, and seemed to be an absolutely wonderful person- all the more reason he thought she should have stayed away from royalty.

The first stop was lunch, and Louis had chosen a quaint café in town. He escorted the Princess into the quiet shop and the two sat at a table in the corner and ordered. The café was decorated with ornate rugs over dark wooden floors, a large stone fireplace with a mahogany hearth, and paintings done by famous Wysterian artists.

Louis observed the Princess as she sat nervously in her chair. “I think you’ll enjoy this place, Princess. Have you been here before?”

“Uh-yes.” She said, her cheeks flushing slightly and her gaze turned away. “I came here with a potential suitor before.”

“Oh. Well, how did that go?” He forced the small talk.

She played nervously with her hair, twirling in around her fingers as she spoke. “Well, I ordered soup and I was talking about how we should better fund orphanages, and sometimes when I’m really passionate about something I use my hands a lot. I ended up knocking the bowl into his lap.” She sighed and her shoulders slumped. “It was a huge mess. He wasn’t very happy.”

Louis stifled a chuckle. “Well, it’s just soup.” He made an effort to console her.

“He refused to see me again.” The Princess’ gaze wandered. “That’s how it’s been with every suitor.”

“You spill soup in all of their laps?” Louis teased. “I’m glad you got pasta this time.”

She relaxed and rested her elbows on the table as she opened up to him. “No, that was just one incident.”

“I’m sure it’s not that bad.”

She took in a deep breath before speaking. “I’ve spilled tea on two others, hit one in the eye with a badminton birdie, another in the shin with a croquet mallet, kneed one in the groin during dancing, and kicked one in the face when dismounting my horse.”

Louis bit his lip to keep from chuckling. “That’s… quite a lot of damage.” Louis said as he slowly reached for the cutlery at her place setting. “I think I’m just going to set this knife somewhere out of your reach.” He teased her gently. “You seem very well controlled during our dance lessons, and I see Leo, Giles, and Alyn are still intact, what is it about your courting engagements that make you so nervous?”

She shook her head with a frown and their lunch arrived, distracting them from any further questions.

The afternoon continued without any incidents, a trip to the market, and then to the candy shop where Louis purchased a box of chocolates for them to share, lastly they headed to a nearby park at the edge of town. The couple found a quiet place in the grass to spread a blanket and share the candies as the sun began to set in the western sky.

Louis continued to observe the Princess as she was smoothing a corner of the blanket. She had been shy most of the day, but Louis had managed to pick topics familiar to her and she seemed to grow more comfortable around him. She had a different air about her too, perhaps it was the setting, and the fact the pair could just be themselves, they called each other by name and wore casual clothes; just like other couples. Today she had worn a button down and a cardigan as well, along with a knee length shirt and a pair of tights and Mary Janes. Louis’ mind wandered… she had been a commoner just like him, who better to guide her a long than someone else who had been there, isn’t that what Giles had intended all a long?

“So Louis, why did you want to come here? It’s going to be dark soon.” Her questioned snapped Louis back to reality.

“I spoke with Giles about celebrations for Valentine’s Day for Wysterian, I hope you don’t mind me taking the liberty.” Louis was sitting on the blanket, leaning back on his elbows. “Giles said that you had mentioned you love fireworks, so I suggested that the Palace set off fireworks for a celebration and Giles had the local news-papers advertise to the townsfolk. We kept in a secret for you, as a surprise.” He smiled gently, his face flushing a bit.

The Princess turned towards him. “You… you did all that as a surprise for me?” She whispered and her mouth fell open for a moment. “Thank you, Louis. I-I don’t know why to say.”

Louis was lying in the blanket and he propped himself up on one elbow. “No worries. Just enjoy yourself.” He instinctively reached out and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

A silence fell between them as they gazed at each other for a moment, and then a sudden burst of light and a loud shriek distracted them.

The two lay on the blanket, snacking on chocolates and strawberry champagne as the fireworks appeared one after another in the night sky. At first there were a few pops and sparkles, and then the intensity grew, colors, and shapes, rockets that snaked through the sky, lighting the Palace and everything below. A few others had gathered in the park, and people came out of their houses to watch the show, “ooo’s” and “aaahhh’s” could be heard from the villagers.

As the show ended the villagers gathered their things and left, leaving the two alone, now only the moon shone down on them illuminating the park.

The Princess sat up and began placing items back into the basket. “I suppose we should return to the post and get a handsom bad back to the Palace.” She gave Louis a smile. “Thank you for all of this.”

Louis sat up as well, and placed his hand on her forearm. “Tell me one thing before we go, please.” He said. “You haven’t done a single disastrous thing all day to me. Tell me why potential suitors make you so nervous.”

The Princess froze, a look of terror crossed her face. “I-I-uh.” There it was again, her immense shyness.

Louis softened his voice. “It’s just me… you can tell me.”

“Duke Howard, can I see you in my office?” Giles motioned Louis towards his study after Louis had just finished giving a dance lesson to the Princess one January morning.

Once inside Giles presented his case to Louis. “It appears the Princess has had little luck in finding a prince consort. She’s very shy, as you know, and she struggles to socialize with candidates.” Giles sighed. “Balls and arranged engagements have been very unsuccessful in assisting her search for a suitor.” He sat with his elbows on the desk, lacing his fingers together and resting his chin in his hands.

Louis eyed Giles through the strands of hair that fell in his face. “You know how I feel about this whole situation and your attempts to make me prince.”

Giles flashed him an innocent smile. “I know, I know. It’s just that, Valentine’s Day is coming up, and with no suitor- I’m afraid the Princess will be depressed and discouraged. Leo and I decided that she needed someone to take her out to enjoy the day.”

Louis leaned against Giles’ desk, propping his foot up on its side. “Why don’t one of you take her?”

“We thought it would be better if it was not someone from inside the palace, she doesn’t need her tutors, or attendant, or riding instructor for that matter to take her on a date, that’s too obvious. Perhaps spending the day with you would help her gain some confidence.” Giles was giving Louis a toothy grin.

It was Louis who let out a heavy sigh this time. “I suppose.” He said. “As long as I wasn’t second choice to Grandier.”

“Of course not. You were the first person to come to mind.” Giles gave Louis a nod.

Valentine’s Day arrived, and Louis made true to his promise and showed up at the Palace to take the Princess on a “date.” It was warmer than usual for a winter day in Wysteria, and Louis dressed in casual clothing; leather oxfords, a pair of slacks, and a thick cardigan over a button-down shirt.

“Duke Howard.” The Princess greeted him formally, giving him a curtsy. He responded, taking her hand and kissing the back of it.

“Princess.” He said. “Today is a fun day, please call me Louis.”

“Louis, of course.” She replied. “I am wearing the perfume you purchased for me.”

Indeed, Louis could smell the light scent of Japanese Cherry Blossoms. At Giles’ urging Louis picked it out for her after Giles had arranged their date. He’d had Nico deliver it to the Princess as an early Valentine’s Day gift.

Instead of a carriage, the couple took a less formal handsom cab to town. The two sat in silence as the cab bumped along the cobblestone streets and the noise of shod horse hooves clacked along at a steady cadence.

When Giles had first approached Louis about becoming prince consort, he’d immediately refused. He told Giles of all of his reservations; the volatile Princess System, his resistance to royal life and holding a position of power, and especially arranged marriages. He held nothing personal against the Princess, but he believed it was best to stay out of the mix of potential suitors. She was very sweet, and seemed to be an absolutely wonderful person- all the more reason he thought she should have stayed away from royalty.

The first stop was lunch, and Louis had chosen a quaint café in town. He escorted the Princess into the quiet shop and the two sat at a table in the corner and ordered. The café was decorated with ornate rugs over dark wooden floors, a large stone fireplace with a mahogany hearth, and paintings done by famous Wysterian artists.

Louis observed the Princess as she sat nervously in her chair. “I think you’ll enjoy this place, Princess. Have you been here before?”

“Uh-yes.” She said, her cheeks flushing slightly and her gaze turned away. “I came here with a potential suitor before.”

“Oh. Well, how did that go?” He forced the small talk.

She played nervously with her hair, twirling in around her fingers as she spoke. “Well, I ordered soup and I was talking about how we should better fund orphanages, and sometimes when I’m really passionate about something I use my hands a lot. I ended up knocking the bowl into his lap.” She sighed and her shoulders slumped. “It was a huge mess. He wasn’t very happy.”

Louis stifled a chuckle. “Well, it’s just soup.” He made an effort to console her.

“He refused to see me again.” The Princess’ gaze wandered. “That’s how it’s been with every suitor.”

“You spill soup in all of their laps?” Louis teased. “I’m glad you got pasta this time.”

She relaxed and rested her elbows on the table as she opened up to him. “No, that was just one incident.”

“I’m sure it’s not that bad.”

She took in a deep breath before speaking. “I’ve spilled tea on two others, hit one in the eye with a badminton birdie, another in the shin with a croquet mallet, kneed one in the groin during dancing, and kicked one in the face when dismounting my horse.”

Louis bit his lip to keep from chuckling. “That’s… quite a lot of damage.” Louis said as he slowly reached for the cutlery at her place setting. “I think I’m just going to set this knife somewhere out of your reach.” He teased her gently. “You seem very well controlled during our dance lessons, and I see Leo, Giles, and Alyn are still intact, what is it about your courting engagements that make you so nervous?”

She shook her head with a frown and their lunch arrived, distracting them from any further questions.

The afternoon continued without any incidents, a trip to the market, and then to the candy shop where Louis purchased a box of chocolates for them to share, lastly they headed to a nearby park at the edge of town. The couple found a quiet place in the grass to spread a blanket and share the candies as the sun began to set in the western sky.

Louis continued to observe the Princess as she was smoothing a corner of the blanket. She had been shy most of the day, but Louis had managed to pick topics familiar to her and she seemed to grow more comfortable around him. She had a different air about her too, perhaps it was the setting, and the fact the pair could just be themselves, they called each other by name and wore casual clothes; just like other couples. Today she had worn a button down and a cardigan as well, along with a knee length shirt and a pair of tights and Mary Janes. Louis’ mind wandered… she had been a commoner just like him, who better to guide her a long than someone else who had been there, isn’t that what Giles had intended all a long?

“So Louis, why did you want to come here? It’s going to be dark soon.” Her questioned snapped Louis back to reality.

“I spoke with Giles about celebrations for Valentine’s Day for Wysterian, I hope you don’t mind me taking the liberty.” Louis was sitting on the blanket, leaning back on his elbows. “Giles said that you had mentioned you love fireworks, so I suggested that the Palace set off fireworks for a celebration and Giles had the local news-papers advertise to the townsfolk. We kept in a secret for you, as a surprise.” He smiled gently, his face flushing a bit.

The Princess turned towards him. “You… you did all that as a surprise for me?” She whispered and her mouth fell open for a moment. “Thank you, Louis. I-I don’t know why to say.”

Louis was lying in the blanket and he propped himself up on one elbow. “No worries. Just enjoy yourself.” He instinctively reached out and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

A silence fell between them as they gazed at each other for a moment, and then a sudden burst of light and a loud shriek distracted them.

The two lay on the blanket, snacking on chocolates and strawberry champagne as the fireworks appeared one after another in the night sky. At first there were a few pops and sparkles, and then the intensity grew, colors, and shapes, rockets that snaked through the sky, lighting the Palace and everything below. A few others had gathered in the park, and people came out of their houses to watch the show, “ooo’s” and “aaahhh’s” could be heard from the villagers.

As the show ended the villagers gathered their things and left, leaving the two alone, now only the moon shone down on them illuminating the park.

The Princess sat up and began placing items back into the basket. “I suppose we should return to the post and get a handsom bad back to the Palace.” She gave Louis a smile. “Thank you for all of this.”

Louis sat up as well, and placed his hand on her forearm. “Tell me one thing before we go, please.” He said. “You haven’t done a single disastrous thing all day to me. Tell me why potential suitors make you so nervous.”

The Princess froze, a look of terror crossed her face. “I-I-uh.” There it was again, her immense shyness.

Louis softened his voice. “It’s just me… you can tell me.”

The End. 

Original Character by @cyikemen​ 

Written by @astridapples​ 

Ilustration by @narsi-dafna-blog​ 

P/s: Sorry for the lack of illustration due to personal problem. I will update the drawing asap. Hope you will understand :(