#My deepest apologies for how long it took me to reply

[bowlerhatwearer]

carrot from Antarctica

Greetings Anon :-.)

I am not a carrot from Antarctica, are you implying that I, Emperor Bowler the I. AND the appendixless, am a CARROT?!

This is absolutely not true and I deny those rumors and will send my penguin lawyers against you! /joking /silly.

Thus I have spoken.

Emperor Bowler the I.

Reinstated Emperor of Antarctica.

Yours sincerely

Bowler

[dragoncopper]

The Apparition - Continued.

A/N: Please read The Apparition first, if you haven’t already, or this won’t really make sense. 

Pairing: Noah Sebastian x female Reader

Rating: Mature

Word Count: 5475

Warnings: Major character death, crying, sadness, suicide, smut, fluff

Link to The Apparition

Read the whole thing on A03 here.

 You

The diagnosis was unexpected. 

You sat in the doctor’s office while she was telling you about it, and you felt shaky and like your breath was not reaching your lungs and that you were kind of floating near your body, but not inhabiting it.  You heard what she was saying, and yet it was not sinking in.

You felt nervous and afraid.  You did not know how you were supposed to feel.  How you were supposed to process the information?  How were you going to explain it to him?

Driving back home you took it slow, no music.  You needed the silence to be able to not feel overwhelmed and overstimulated.  You dreaded seeing his face now.  His reaction scared you more than any of the realities of the situation ever could.  You wanted to protect him from this more than you wanted to save yourself. 

You were sitting on the couch staring off into the distance for a while, you don’t really know how long, before you felt him appear.  He smiled at you and came closer and soon he realised that you were not yourself and he sat down next to you.  You felt the familiar dip next to you. 

‘What happened?’ he asked his voice immediately worried.

You were quiet trying to decide which words to use.  He placed his large hand on your lower back in a gesture of comfort and you felt the heat of it through your shirt. 

‘I am… I have cancer,’ you say, your voice flat, but you needed it all out as quickly as possible.  ‘It already started spreading.  I…,’

‘You just had some neck pain,’ he whispers after being quiet for very long. 

‘Yeah,’ you nod.  ‘It’s in my spine.’

‘How,’ he started a sentence he did not know how to finish.  ‘It doesn’t….’

‘I’m sorry,’ you say to him. 

‘What?  Why are you sorry?’  he asked with the deepest frown on his face.

‘I know this is going to hurt you more than it’s going to hurt me,’ you say.  Looking in his eyes the emotion hits you finally. 

He shakes his head and leans in to you and holds you.  ‘Don’t worry about me,’ he whispers.  ‘What do we do?  How do we fix this?’

‘There’s not much to be done.  It has already spread all over,’ you reply into his shoulder.

‘But surely, they gave you some advice?  Some options?’

‘I can try chemotherapy.  It can slow the spread.  Maybe give me more time, but by the sounds of things there is no fixing this anymore,’ you explain.

‘But you didn’t have symptoms,’ he is trying to make sense.  ‘How, I don’t understand.’

‘I don’t either, Noah.  I am so sorry.’

‘Stop apologizing,’ he says.  He holds you quietly.  After a while you feel his breathing start to pick up and you feel it begin to shake, and hitch.  You hold him back tighter and for the first time since you have gotten the news, you feel the tears prick at your own eyes. 

‘I don’t want to hurt you,’ you say your voice small.

‘Baby,’ his voice cracking.  ‘I don’t want you to hurt.’

 Noah

It took me some time to convince her to do the chemotherapy.  She didn’t want to, arguing that it was pointless.  I argued that it gave her some more time.  Gave her more opportunities to do things and live.  I am sure that she is doing it purely for me.  But I feel we have to try. 

So, we are in the car where Nick is driving her to the hospital.

We moved a few years ago.  She made the amazing and selfless decision to move closer to Nick for my sake.  That way I could have my two people near me.  The move felt like a new beginning for us, we picked a new flat together and moved in and I had an input, and for a while we could both imagine that we were just a normal couple moving in together.

While our lives have so many strange things about it, we were so normal and everyday that I often forgot the fact that I was dead.  She loved me so fully and completely despite the fact that I couldn’t be real for her.  We were happy and delusional and had started to live in our own little world where everything was what we wanted.  This news cracked open that illusion.  Reality caught up with us.

‘You say you have snacks and something to drink?’ Nick asked ad he pulled into the parking area of the hospital.

‘Yes, Noah packed me a whole little goody bag,’ she answered him.

‘I will be here to pick you up,’ he says with small, reassuring smile.  ‘You sure you don’t want me to come?’

‘Noah is with me,’ she says.  That’s all the explanation she needed to give. 

‘I got it,’ I say to Nick.  ‘Thank you, brother.’

‘Good luck,’ Nick said somberly.

She grips my hand to the point of pain as we walk inside.  They take her to a chair with so much shit set up around it.  I stand back and watch as they connect her to all the medical equipment.  Then they slide the thick needle into her arm where the chemicals that is supposed to help her live longer will enter her body.  She doesn’t flinch.  She watches as it slides into her skin and they place a bandage over to keep it in place.  The people at the hospital were being so nice and sweet and told her to not hesitate to call them if she needed anything.  But my sweet girl seemed numb, she nodded along but her eyes were empty.  That upset me so deeply. 

When we are alone, I approach and cup her cheek.  ‘You okay?’ I whisper.

She nods.  ‘I think so,’ she gives me a small smile.  It’s barely there. 

We have to be discreet.  She cannot have a full-blown conversation with a ghost in the hospital.  So, she has a book to keep her entertained.  I sit down in front of her on the floor, she hooks one leg over my shoulder and I roll up her pant leg, and I start massaging her calf and ankles and feet.  She touches my hair every now and then, hugs me with her leg by squeezing me closer to her.  Later we swop her legs. She falls asleep at some point. 

Six hours later, Nick is waiting, smoking a cigarette by his car.  He seemed anxious.  Relief flooded his face when he sees us.  She seemed okay at this time, but I know we are in for a rough night. 

‘How was it?’  Nick asked.

‘It was great,’ she answered sarcastically. 

‘Sorry, that was a stupid question,’ he scrunches his face. 

‘No, I’m sorry.   It was okay.  It’s just really long, that was the most annoying bit,’ she slips into the car and leans back into the seat. 

Nick squeezed my shoulder.  ‘And you?’

I nod in determination.  ‘She took it like a champ.’

‘How did you take it?’  he asked.

‘It broke my heart,’ I admit quietly.

 You

‘Hey, Noah,’ you call to him.

‘Baby?’ he answers.

‘I need your help please,’ you approach him and he looks at you warily.  You take out the clippers from behind your back.  ‘It’s time.’

You can see the moment he realizes and you see the pain in his eyes.   He gets up without a word and walks closer to you and takes the clippers from your hand and then kisses you solidly on the lips.  ‘It’s not that bad yet,’ he says softly.

‘No, but a few clumps came loose in the shower and I just cannot handle it.  I need it to be over with,’ you explain.

‘Okay,’ he nods and takes your hand and he starts for the bathroom. 

‘No, can you do it in the kitchen?  I don’t want to see it in the mirror,’ you say and you feel shy about admitting that.

‘Whatever you want,’ he smiles.  When you’re in the kitchen he drags a chair closer.  You sit down and take a deep breath.  ‘You have a hair tie?’ 

‘Yeah,’ you dig the one you had out of your pocket.  ‘Why?’

‘So can keep the hair I cut together,’ he says and he gently and with so much care gathers your hair together and ties it at the back of your head. 

‘I thought I would feel sadder about this,’ you admit something to him again.

‘It’s just hair,’ he says simply.  ‘You ready?’

‘Mmm,’ and you feel him cut the hair with a scissor, you feel the weight of the hair disappear.  It takes him a moment before he holds the ponytail out to you.  You take it and hold it, run your fingers through it.  He leans over your shoulder and kisses your neck affectionately. 

‘Let me know when I should continue,’ he whispers. 

‘Now, please.’  You say, beginning to feel very anxious.  ‘Let’s get it over with.’

You hear the harsh sound of the clippers being turned on and then he starts running it over your head.  Whisps of hair fall down your back, over your shoulders, past your face and you hold your breath to not get any of it in your mouth.  It also helps to keep the tears back.  He takes his time; you feel him go over some spots to make sure its even.  When he switches the clippers off, the silence is deafening.

He runs his hand over your scalp.  ‘All done,’ he says. 

‘How does it look?’ you ask, brushing across your body to get the hair off you. 

‘It looks like you,’ you hear his voice is thick.  Both of you keep quiet for a moment, both trying to keep composure for the other one.  You busy yourselves with gathering the hair on the floor together and picking it up, using a dustpan to get the finer hairs.  When it’s all clean, he grabs your hand and pulls you to him and he wraps his arms around you.  With your face buried in his chest, you feel safe and like it will all be okay.  His tall frame is concave so he can hold you with as much of his body as he can.

‘Let’s go look,’ you say after a while and you drag him to the bathroom.  Even though you knew what you were going to see it shocks you.  ‘Jesus,’ you say immediately touching where your hair used to be. 

He is behind you nervously. 

‘I don’t hate it,’ you say after a while with a smile.  ‘It looks bad ass.’

He smiles with relief.  ‘It does,’ he agrees.  He steps closer and also touches your head.  ‘You are the most beautiful human,’ he kisses your bald head a few times and then buries his face in your neck.  You feel the wetness of his kisses and tears and pretend not to notice. 

You turn in his embrace and kiss his amazing lips.  God you will miss these lips.  You make the first move and slide your hands under his shirt and lift it up until he lets go for a moment to lift his arms so you can pull the shirt off.  You press yourself against his bare chest, immediately back to kissing him again.  He leads the way to the bed without losing contact with each other.

He lays you down and starts by climbing over you.  He kisses your stomach where the sliver of skin shows and moves your shirt up with his nose and he kisses every inch he can find.  He slides the shirt off with practiced ease and then kisses your chest, between your breasts and removes the bra you had on.  He lavishes attention on you with kisses and gentle bites. 

You grab his head and bring his mouth to yours and then you change your positions, so that he is on his back.  You undo his button, move the zipper down and then shimmy his trousers and boxers down at the same time.  All the way down, you nearly fall off the bed to get his long legs free.  He laughs for a moment.  ‘Do you want me to take your socks off?’ you ask.

‘No, it’s okay.  The pants were almost too much,’ he jokes.

You huff a laugh, ‘It’s not my fault your legs are that long.  Scoot up, please.  You are too tall.’

He moves up against the pillows, and lays diagonally across the bed.  This was really the only way his frame fits on the bed.  You have even taken to sleeping next to the each other stretched diagonally across the bed.  You settle down between his legs that he spreads for you. 

He was already halfway to being hard.  Before you touch him at all, you just look for a moment.  You have been feeling the strong need to memorize some things.  You find yourself staring at all kinds of things about life thinking that you must file it away.  But mostly it happened with Noah, who was worth remembering the most.  Every single inch of his being was being recorded in your mind.  His cock was slowly standing up, his balls contracting every now and again.  He was pale just like the rest of his body, his head slightly darker.  When he flexes again, you wrap your hand around him at the base where your hand almost rests on his balls.  You hear him let out a sigh.  You lick at his frenulum and he immediately bucks his hips. 

‘Sorry,’ he breathes out.  ‘I’ll keep still.’

‘It’s okay, baby.’  You lick again, pushing your tongue against him, before taking the head into your mouth.  You stay there for a while, until he was fully hard in your hand.  You start to take more of him in your mouth.  You go slow, going slightly lower. 

‘Oh fuck,’ he breathes repeatedly.  ‘Baby.’  He is struggling to keep his hips down on the bed and it gives you a thrill to see the impact you can have on him.  Even now.

‘Keep still for me, for a moment,’ you say, looking him in the eye.  He nods.  You sink down on him as far as you can go.

‘Fffffff, I…….  B…baby.’

You smile.  You love it when he couldn’t get a word out.  You keep at him, following the thick veins with your tongue, paying a lot of attention to his glans.  You lose yourself in your task.  You memorize the weight of him on your tongue, the slightly salty taste of his skin.  How his skin is so impossibly soft.  How he reacts to your actions.  How you feel his balls clench every now and then. 

Before Noah, you never understood why women would willingly do this.  Now you felt privileged to get to taste him and see him be so vulnerable with you. 

Eventually he stops you, and sits up to kiss you.  Your jaw hurts a little, but you kiss him back.  ‘Goddammit, I love you,’ he says into your mouth.  ‘Please take off your pants.’

You lay back to wrestle your pants off, he grabs the ends by your ankles and yanks.  ‘Lay back, like you were,’ you tell him.  He complies quickly and without argument.

You straddle his hips, and he moves the pillows so he is sitting up.  With you in his lap, you were closer to a similar height.  Your faces close to each other’s.  He grabs himself and guides himself to your entrance and then you lower yourself onto him.  ‘I love you,’ you breathe out.  You take it slow and just grind into his hips.  His hands moving all over your body, even lovingly over your head.  You breathe each other’s breath, skin to skin, whispering words of love into the other’s mouth, throat, ear.

After you both come, you fall forward onto him and he holds you.  He pulls the blankets over you both and you lay there like this is where you want to be for eternity – him still inside.  ‘I will always love you,’ you try to explain to him what has been battling through your mind.  ‘Nothing is going to stop me.’

He hugs you tighter.  ‘Death has already tried, my love.  It has no power over us.’ 

Noah

Nick drops us off after the final chemo session with bags of food and drinks and I hug the man before he leaves.  ‘I cannot thank you enough,’ I say gripping onto his jacket.

‘My guy,’ he says.  ‘I wish I could have done more.  I am so sorry for you both.’

‘You have done so much for us,’ I say pulling back.

‘Let me know if you need anything else,’ he smiles sadly.

Inside, she is eating food straight from the container.  I leave her, and go the bathroom, where I unroll the old sponge mattress and put a sheet over it, bring blankets and pillows.  I make sure there’s tissue, ice water a washcloth.  Then I join her for dinner and I have nice time.  She is making jokes and smiling at me. 

We shower together, we wash each other’s backs and I can tell she is trying to enjoy feeling human before the side effects hit. 

We sleep together on the tiny mattress, I keep holding her because she is cold.  She is always cold after.   We fall asleep peacefully.  But soon, I am woken by her ripping herself from my arms and she leans over the toilet on her knees and she throws up all her dinner.  It comes in waves, I kneel behind her and rub her back, keeping my body close to hers for heat.  She starts sweating, but her skin is ice cold.  I feel all the muscles in her back contract as she keeps vomiting.  She is shivering.  Eventually she sits back and I wipe her mouth with the wash cloth.  She blows her nose and takes a few sips of water.  I open my arms and she climbs into me as close as she can get.  I lay us down and cover her with the blankets. 

‘I am not doing it again,’ she says.  I thought she had fallen asleep.  I keep quiet.  I know what she is saying.  I suspected this was coming.  ‘I’m sorry, but I just can’t.’

‘It’s okay, love.’ I rub my hand along her arm to warm her up.  ‘I understand.’

‘I would rather just enjoy what I have left,’ she whispers.

I start crying, but I try to hide it from her.  But she knows.  She grabs my hand, and weave our fingers together.  ‘I’m sorry, Noah.’

‘Don’t be,’ I sob. 

‘You know,’ she sighs.  ‘The part that scares me?  I don’t want to leave you.  I am not scared of anything else.  Everything else is nothing.  I am terrified of not being with you.’

This makes me cry even harder.  I am shaking by the time I get a reply out.  ‘I am scared of a lot of things.’

‘Like what?’

‘This.  Watching you suffer is tearing me apart.  I am scared of you being in pain.  But, yeah.  I don’t know what will happen when…’  I cannot say it. 

‘When I die,’ she finishes for me.

I nod. 

‘Well, if my soul lives on,’ she says.  ‘What if I don’t remember you?  You know how you couldn’t remember anything.’

My heart clenches in pain.  ‘I will remember for us.  I will remind you of everything you need to know.’

‘I am trying to commit things to my memory.  Trying to burn it into my being, so that I will remember.’

‘Things like what?’  I ask, curious.

‘Mostly you,’ she answers.  ‘Running my fingers through your hair, how soft your lips are.  How cold your feet are in bed.  How your hand makes mine look ridiculously small when our fingers are together like this.  Your kindness, and your laugh and how utterly loved and safe I feel in your arms.’

I ugly cry into the skin of her bald head and squeeze our fingers together and pull her body even closer to mine.  I feel her start to hiccup too.  She reaches back with her free hand and cups my head.  ‘I will find you, love.  I found you once, I can find you again.  Just look out for me, I’ll be there.’

When we calm down, we make up scenarios of what our souls will do together.  She is exhausted, but she keeps going.  We fall asleep with wishes hanging on our tongues.

You

After all the bad side effects of the chemo were gone, I started feeling normal again.  My hair was growing back out, I gained a little of the weight I had lost to all the vomiting back and my body felt like mine gain.  It was a dangerous thing.  I could so easily fool myself that everything was fine.

I decided to fill my days with as many good things as possible.  Which meant spending time with Noah.  For months we made a point to just do all the things we wanted.

We have game nights with Nick, where we would play video games or board games, order loads of food, listen to music and waste hours and hours laughing and having fun.  It was so good to see the two friends together.  To see the friendship they had after all the years.  To see a different side of Noah when the two of them were heated in their discussions or arguments about game rules.  I memorized the carefree way he plays.  The freedom is his reactions.

You go on road trips together often.  You pick famous places you’ve never been and also pick obscure spots to go see if there’s anything worth seeing.  Noah always packs bags of travel accessories, he has gotten very good at it.  He remembers all your medicine, your favorite sweets, drinks, tissues and extra jackets for when it gets cold.  He knows how you will react better than you do yourself.  He knows what you will need.  While driving, you guys play the same games you started on the trip to see Nick for the first time.  You hold hands while walking around.  You cuddle and watch countless sunsets from the hood of the car.  Each trip was immeasurably special – not because of where you went, but because of the opportunities you had to burn memories into your soul. 

You spend hours cooking together in the kitchen, picking things you have both wanted to try.  This does not always end in success.  But it does end with dances in the kitchen, or kisses in the kitchen, laughing in the kitchen.  It ends with meals enjoyed together, feeding each other, cleaning up together.  Memories.

Lazy days laying about, reading books or watching movies – as long as the two of you were tangled up in some way, it didn’t really matter.  During this time, you learned by accident that he gets full body chills when you play with his ears.  You realised he falls asleep within minutes if you run your fingers through his hair.  You craved the feeling of his weight on you – his head resting on your stomach, his legs thrown over yours, his whole body on you with his lips against your neck.  You paid attention to all the details.

You and Noah had a lot of sex.  You both always took your time with it, savoring every moment you had to bring each other comfort and pleasure.  Even when you were being rough and harsh there was so much love.  It was a way to show each other the anger, disappointment, heartbreak that you both felt.  And at the same time, it was a chance to be close and pour affection and love into the other one.  Each time had a lot of ‘I love you’s whispered.  Each time had a rush of overwhelming emotion that caused at least one of you to cry.   

When you start to realise that the medicine was not really taking away your pain anymore, you knew it was time to have a conversation with Noah.

While you were in bed, his head resting on your shoulder while your fingers ran up and down his bare back, you take a deep breath before you begin.  ‘Noah?’

‘Mmmm,’ his face squished against you. 

‘I think the time is getting near,’ you say.

‘What time?’ he mumbles.

‘My time.  I don’t think we have very long left,’ you keep your voice low, like it would soften the words.

He lifts his head and looks at you with sadness.  ‘Why?’

‘The pain is getting worse,’ you say with a grimace.  ‘But, the reason I bring it up is because I have a terrible thing to ask of you.’

He closes his eyes.  Like he knows.  Maybe he does.  He knows you better than you know yourself.  This hurts your heart so much. 

‘I don’t want to suffer through it, baby,’ your voice cracks. 

He nods against you.  ‘I don’t want you to either, love.’  You run your finger over the frown on his forehead, wanting to smooth out his worry.

‘Will you help me?’ you ask.  ‘When it’s time?’

He shakes his head with small movement.  ‘I don’t want to,’ his face crumples in pain.  ‘I want to do anything you need, but how am I supposed to do that to you?’

‘I hate that I am even asking,’ you sniff.  ‘I will do it myself.  But I need you there.  I need your face to be the last thing I see.  I want you in my brain when it dies.’

Tears stream down both your faces.  It has been happening so often lately and yet it still broke you to see his nose turn red, his lashes clumped together.  He was still so fucking beautiful.  After a while of contemplation, he says, ‘Alright.’

Noah

Today was the day. 

When it started getting bad, it went downhill very quickly.  Her pain became worse, she had no energy, no appetite.  The life was draining out of her before my very eyes and it was infuriating.  I had rage in me that it had to be like this.  She deserved so much better. 

While I understand her decision completely, it didn’t make it easy for me.  The emotions warring inside me made me nauseous all the time.  But I wanted her to get what she wants. 

I made her her favorite breakfast that she nibbled on a little.  We spoke at length about out favorite memories of our time together.  We tried to make love, but I couldn’t get hard, so I made her come with my tongue and fingers instead.  We cried a lot.  She fell asleep on my chest, even though she said she wouldn’t, she didn’t want to waste any time with me.  But she was tired.  She was tired in more than one way. 

I had to get into contact with Nick to hook me up, because we didn’t know the area like he did.  He asked friends, that asked friends and eventually we got a lethal dose of prescription pain medication that we would use tonight.  She made sure that it was more than enough. 

So that evening, I crushed up the pills in the kitchen, while she was hugging me from behind.  I placed the powder in a glass and filled another one with water.  I placed it on our bedside table.  After a hot bath and a cup of tea she dressed in her most comfortable pajamas and we sat together on the bed. 

‘What will happen to you?’ she asks, leaning into me, her head on my shoulder. 

‘I really don’t know,’ I answer back.

‘What if you are not okay?’ she sobs. 

‘Don’t worry about me,’ I counter. 

‘I only worry about you,’ she cries.  ‘I’ll stay longer if it means you will be okay.’

‘It won’t, love,’ I put my arm around her and hug her into my side. 

‘Here’s what I think you should do,’ she says through the tears.  ‘If you can’t find me, I think you should go to Nick.  You two will take care of each other.’

I laughed.  ‘I did think of that.’

‘I am so sorry,’ she starts.

‘No,’ I stop her. 

‘I am sorry for so many things,’ she carries on.

‘Please, don’t be sorry for one single thing.  Please don’t think that even one single minute with you was not the best moments of my existence.’

‘You can’t remember your whole existence,’ she counters. 

‘I know.  But I know,’ I sigh.

‘You were definitely the best part of mine.  I can never express how much I have loved you since I have known you.  I owe my soul to you.’

I try to find words, but they won’t come to me.  There isn’t really anything I can say to her that I haven’t said already.  ‘You are my soul.’

She calls Nick to tell him she is about to do it.  He is supposed to notify authorities.  They have a brief conversation.  And then I thank him and tell him I love him.

She pours the powder into her mouth, makes a face at the bitterness and then swallows it down with a few gulps of water. 

She kisses me quickly.  ‘I love you.’  Then she lays down and cuddles into me and I hold onto her for all I am worth. 

I grip her while I cry and cry and hope to whatever god is listening that she will feel no pain.  That she will be okay wherever she will go.  I pray that I will find her again.  I feel her breathing stop after a while, her grip on my shirt goes slack, but I keep holding on.  The warmth of her body lingers and it comforts me, until I start to fade away.  I can feel myself slip.  Her peaceful face is the last thing I see before I, too, am gone.

 You

The fog around you is thick to the point where you find it difficult to tell what time of day it is.  Through the wisps of white you see tall trees all around you.  The temperature around you is comfortable, even though it seems like it should be cold, it isn’t. 

You have no idea why you are here or where you are going, and the fact that you cannot remember does not upset you.  You walk slowly through the trees and the almost complete silence until you see a path.  You follow the path as it winds between the trees and the further you go, the fog seems to lift little by little.  Then a warm light becomes visible and as you get closer you see a cabin.  Warm, yellow light glows from the windows, smoke curls out of a chimney, it is calling you closer.

Then when you have almost reached it, the door opens and a tall man steps outside.  Your heart beats faster at the sight of him.  He is wearing all white, beautiful tattoos showing on his skin, his dark hair frames his face.  He smiles at you.  Like he knows you. 

He takes light steps down to you.  ‘Hi,’ he beams. 

‘Hi,’ you say, unsure of what was happening.

‘Are you lost?’ he asks you.

‘No,’ you say.  ‘I don’t really know.’

‘It’s alright,’ he says.  ‘I can help you if you need it.’

You look into those eyes that are so dark they are almost black and you know that he is safe.  He feels familiar.  ‘Do I know you?’

‘Come inside for some tea?’ he says reaching out his hand.  You take it without a thought and your fingers twine like you have done it a thousand times before.  ‘I have a lot to tell you.’

Inside is warmth and comfort and home.  You sit near the fireplace and he hands you a cup and you drink it.  It is just like you like it.  ‘Who are you?’

‘More importantly, who are you?’ he counters.

You frown, not knowing the answer.  ‘Do you know me?’

He nods.

A/N: This part was never supposed to happen, but a comment from someone on A03 put my mind to work.  I’m sorry that this part was also sad, but in my mind, there was no other way to do this.  Thank you to everyone who took actual time out of their day to read my story. 

[that-one-anxious-mango]

You Understand.

Summary: You feel you must be honest with Austin about something before either of you venture further.

Contents: Fluff Ofc! Mentions of virginity and loss of virginity. Overall just a good ole' fashion comfort fic (our favorite).

Pairing: Austin Butler x Black Reader

A/N: Hi! Long time no see! I'm very happy to be posting the first installment of the new year, and I am very excited for what it brings for all of us. I hope you enjoy.

P.S: Everyone PLEASE feel free to comment, I absolutely love reading them and it helps to motivate me to keep going with the series. Also don't shy, re-blog, like, and share if you care! Much love! * hugs*

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“ I can’t believe you don’t like cotton candy. This almost feels like a crime.” Austin goofed, pointing to the small thing of strawberry cotton candy in his hand.

You snorted, “ I can’t believe you do. It’s all nice and dandy until it deflates or melts on your fingers. After that it’s gross.” 

" Plus, I prefer a nice fat funnel cake with all the fixings." You added.

“ You call it gross, and I call it the natural sacrifices one has to make for their favorite fair food. “ He wiggled his eyebrows and took a bite of the sugary confection.

You giggled at how cute he looked and even managed to take out your phone with your free hand to snap a picture of the happy cotton candy boy.

The two of you continued to laugh and joke along the Santa Monica Pier until you came to a comfortable pause of silence. 

That’s when your heart sank at the realization that this was the perfect time to tell him what had been on your mind and heart the last couple of days. You’d even consulted your friends beforehand to make sure the time was right. Once they agreed you knew exactly what had to be done.

So right here, right now, you were going to rip the band-aid clean off in hopes it wouldn’t bleed. 

“ So….” You swung his hand in yours, “ I hate to put some weight on the mood since I know we’re having such a good time.” You started. 

“ Yeah..” Austin replied, tossing his now empty cotton candy paper in a nearby trash.

“ And I can say that these last couple weeks with you have been great, honestly. But I feel like before we continue whatever this is that we’re doing, I need to let you know something because I don’t wanna lead you on.” You said, twisting at the bracelets on your wrist. 

“ Uh huh.” He encouraged me, beginning to feel a bit nervous now. 

“ As you recall, the other night when you came over to return my copy of The Policeman, upon your departure during our goodbyes things got a little spicy an- “ 

Austin immediately went to into apology,  “Again, I’m really sorry about that I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable or anything I jus-”

Quickly you held a hand up to stop him, “ Please. It’s okay. You apologized more than enough the other night. Just wait a second and hear me out, okay. “

He nodded. 

“  As I was saying. Things got a little steamy. Let me just mention again that nothing happened that I didn’t want to. But the thing is….” 

You paused gathering your words right in your brain…

“ I guess I’m trying to figure out a way to say this without sounding completely vulgar.” You rub your now sun-kissed arm as if you're trying to brush the nerves out of your body. 

Austin’s eyebrows rose in surprise, “ Oh. Uh, well. I mean..just say it. Honesty is the best policy and I’m sure I can handle it.”

“ Yeah? “

“ Yeah.” He quickly replied, curious to see what you’d spun in your mind so obscene that you felt like you couldn’t speak.

You cleared your throat, “Okay. Fine. Here it goes..” 

“ With the way that you kissed me that night with your lips, clung your hands onto the edges of my hips, and the sounds I had to suppress from the deepest part of my being when your hand accidentally brushed against my…lower half. I had half the mind to offer for you to stay the night at my place just so that we could “ accidentally”  keep touching each other in many, many different places all night. “ You divulged. 

At your confession Austin's eyebrows shot up and he could feel his body begin to heat the same way it did that spoken of night, you could tell this by the soft peony color that collected on the surface of his cheeks and the way he looked away to watch the wheel turn on the Ferris wheel. 

You did your best to hide the shy twisted grin on your lips that came from knowing that you’d made him blush. 

When he turned back you could see the cheesiest smile play on his lips , “ I see. Well thank you for your honesty..it’s much appreciated.”

“ You’re welcome.” You gulped, “ So, with that being said I want you to know that while I’m not opposed to us taking our-”

“ Relationship.” Austin offered up.

It was your turn to raise your eyebrows at him. You hadn’t expected him to so casually throw out the R in this conversation. But remembering the words of your friends ringing in your mind you decided to play it cool and test the waters, “ Right. Well, let me just say that no one has asked me to be their girlfriend yet so….” 

“ I’m working on it. “ He said, you noticed the small bit to his lips and willed yourself to try and keep your mind focused. 

“ We’ll see.” You casually replied before continuing with your intended statement, “ But something you should know is….” 

You found the words getting stuck in your throat, but when you looked his gentle smile you found the courage to keep going. 

“ You should know that I am a virgin.” You confessed, “ And it is by choice.” 

“ AND, before you say anything. NO! It’s not because I couldn’t have had sex with someone or because people weren’t interested. Or because something’s wrong with me. But because I believe that sex is an intimate exchange of love between two people and I want my first time to be with someone I love and I know is in love with me.” You affirmed. 

      “ If that’s something that bothers you or you think it’s weird or whatever, then this is where we should just call this now so we can both leave this…thing…while still being friends.” You finished, looking out toward the pier in an act to distract yourself from how hard you could feel your heart beating in your chest. 

It was silent for a moment after you finished, and with each passing moment you were preparing yourself for the age old speech every man gave when he couldn’t get what he wanted from a woman.

It’s not you, it’s me. 

When really they wanted to say: “ It’s not me, it’s you and the fact you won’t put out.” 

Eventually his voice broke out among the chatters of people and whirl of the wind,  “ Well, again. Thank you for being honest with me. I really do appreciate it.” Austin began.

“ No problem.” You nodded, arms folded across your chest, as you still tried your best to hide your absolutely nerve ridden body.

“ As far as your…confession goes, I want you to know that you being a-

“ Virgin.” You quickly interjected, “ I’m a virgin.” 

A laugh was stifled from Austin, “ Yes, a virgin. You being a virgin doesn’t bother me any at all.”

You quickly quirked an eyebrow at him, “ Really? “ 

“ Truly.” He smiled, “ Your choice that you’ve made for your body is entirely your own. And I respect and admire your decision.” 

“ Admire? “ 

That’s a first.

“ Yeah. I admire your reasoning behind your choice. Especially since I felt like when it was my time I didn’t exactly lose mine the way one should have. I was younger and shy. Felt the peer pressure from some people my age, so I just went ahead and did it to say I did it.”  He opened up. 

You were stunned a bit at his honesty. No guy you’d ever come across had opened up to you like this, especially about something so intimate. All it did was make you grow more curious to continue exploring just what kind of species of man you were dealing with.

You shook your head, “ God, I’m so sorry that happened to you. I can tell you from experience I know what that’s like and it’s hard.” 

Growing up around the people you did, all through middle school and high school you were ridiculed about being a “ prude “ or a “ prissy princess who thinks she’s better than everyone “ all because you kept your virginity to yourself.

He smiled, “ Thank you. But don’t go feeling too bad. I eventually had the chance to actually make love to someone and have it mean something. Which is all I can ever wish for you and  anyone else.”

You nodded, “ Right. Well thanks for being so cool about it. Lord knows you’re the first guy this conversation has ever actually gone pleasant with. I appreciate your understanding.” 

Austin didn’t hesitate, “ Of course. You gotta know that I’m not in this for something as simple as sex. As people we both could walk out into the world and find that anywhere.”

“ I’m here because as cliche as it may sound, I’ve never met anyone like you before. And I really enjoy spending time with you and picking your brain. And if one day AFTER I ask you officially to be my girlfriend, you decide you wanna take things up a notch that's fine. If not, that's fine too because that's not the most important thing going on here.” He reached out to regrasp your hand in his and give it a tight squeeze.

You look over directly at him to hold the gaze from his eyes and couldn’t help but catch that familiar feeling that made you all warm and gooey.

It was then you could confirm that you REALLY liked him, like truly were infatuated with the man before you. 

“ Well, I guess we’ll just have to see what happens, huh? “ You said.

“ I guess.” Austin smiled.

“ Good.” You whispered.

“ Great.” He replied, making you both bust into a fit of giggles. 

“ Since we have that settled. “ Austin abruptly stopped in front of the ring toss stand, “ I believe I promised you, young lady. A stuffed cow, and I see the most handsome one hanging from this booth.” He pointed to the adorable white and blue spotted cow plush hanging from the stall.

You couldn’t stop the shrill that invaded your voice, “ Oh My Gosh! Austin, he's adorable.” 

“ I know. He’ll look even cuter in your arms. C’mon honey let’s go.” He happily ushered the two of you over to the booth and into your future together.  

[call-sign-jinx]

Endless Love (Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw) - Chapter 6

summary - Y/N Y/L/N and Bradley Bradshaw have had a rivalry ever since they both attended the same academy. Every chance they took, they always tried to one up each other. One day, Bradley takes the rivalry too far and Y/N ends up in the hospital with serious injuries. Will it make Y/N want to get him back twice as worse? Or will it make her realise that this rivalry between them is childish?

warnings - swearing, enemies to lovers, mention of serious injury, traumatic episodes, reader traumatised from what happened, smut, slowburn, seizures, flashbacks

Main Masterlist Bradley ”Rooster” Bradshaw Masterlist

a/n - hey girlies! it's been a loooooong time since i posted the last chapter. i tried to edit this and add to it but i jus couldn't. long story short i went thru a fat breakup and i jus needed to take a break. and deepest apologies cos this one is so short! hope u enjoy regardless! xx

When I woke up, my head was pounding. I rubbed the sleep off of my eyes then looked around the room. This wasn't my room. This was too tidy to be my room. I got up and opened the door to peer out of it. Yeah this definitely was not my house. Maybe I had a one night stand? Or... I don't know I woke up in an alternate universe?

I walked out of the room and began to smell something. It was fucking gorgeous. Haven't smelt something like it since I moved to the US. I followed the smell and there I saw Bradshaw, shirtless cooking what looked to be a Full English. Wait... why the fuck and where did Bradshaw manage to get the stuff you need to make a Full English?

My focus quickly changed to his figure, damn he looked god without a shirt. Yeah, I have seen him before with no shirt but that was when we were always arguing so I never paid it any mind. But dayum, he looked good as hell. I couldn't stop staring in all honesty, his golden skin tone mixed with how well he'd been working out just pulled me into a trance. I shook my head and quickly walked up to the kitchen island.

"Good morning Bradshaw. Please could you tell me how the actual fuck I woke up in your house?" I placed my chin on my hand as I stared up at him. He chuckled and shook his eggs and he flipped over the bacon, I quickly glanced at it and it was British bacon. Wow...

"So you're telling me you remember nothing from last night?" My brows furrowed and my lips pouted.

"I remember going out to the Hard Deck with Phoenix, getting wankered and then fuck knows what else. Why?" I raised a brow in suspicion and confusion.

"Let me give you the run down. You and Phoenix showed up to the bar with pretty skimpy dresses, you had too many double whiskies for anyone's liking, Phoenix went home so you joined the rest of the Dagger Squad. Then an hour later your 'friend,' can't remember his name, said he'd take you home and then basically asked if you wanna help cheat on his girlfriend. You also said that you're moving out and I offered for you to stay here until you find a new place to live. And you said yes." My jaw dropped. Wait... Thomas wanted to cheat on his girlfriend?... With me?!

"I know, wild night you had sweetheart." He chuckled as he finished cooking the breakfast and plated it all up. He passed me one plate as he sat down next to me and began to eat his.

"Wait wait wait, pause for a second there Bradshaw. Thomas wanted to cheat on his girlfriend with me?" I couldn't believe it, we'd stay up all night so he could talk about how in love with her he was. He even talked about fucking proposing to her. Bradshaw nodded in response.

"Nah what the fuck? That can't be true. He literally took me ring shopping for her the other day." Bradshaw didn't reply, all he did was take his phone out. He tapped it a few times and then placed it on the worktop. It was an audio. It had a few voices in it that stuck out to me. But the one that stuck out the most was Thomas'. The things he said made my top lip curl up in disgust. I furrowed my brows as I looked at Bradshaw.

"We've been friends since I was 6. Why and how the fuck has he turned into this? He used to be so fucking sweet and caring." Bradshaw gave me a sympathetic look.

"Some people just change. It sucks, doesn't it?" I let out a scoff with a smile.

"It really fucking does." I stare into space for a few seconds until I look back to the Full English that Bradshaw has been cooking. "When and where did you find out how to make a Full English breakfast Bradshaw?" Bradshaw gave me a smirk as he sat down across from me.

"The joys of google." He jabbed the bacon and sausage before shoving it into his mouth.

------------------------------------------------------

Today was a slow day at Top Gun. Nothing was really getting done because Maverick and Cyclone were having a 6 hour long argument somehow. I can't even hold a 10 minute conversation let alone a fucking 6 hour long argument. What are they even arguing about?

Phoenix jabbed me on my shoulder to get my attention.

"You wanna go to the beach after this? Maverick said it's some team building technique. Everyone has to go apparently." I rolled my eyes with a slight smirk.

"How is going to the beach going to help us all get along? Also, could I come to your house before so I can get ready? I'm staying at Bradshaw's for a bit til I can find somewhere to live." Phoenix immediately said yes and told me some other girls from the squad are coming as well.

Thinking about the beach and team building brought an idea into my head. Although me and Bradshaw are civil now, doesn't mean I can't mess with him.

[layton-love]

Heartbeat

Professor Hershel Layton x Reader. Reader is referred to once as “lady” but is otherwise ambiguous. Very fluffy and soft. SFW. 1,443 words.

     12:26 AM.

​​​​​​     You were sick of staring, just watching and waiting as his arms raised above his head yet again. He was stretching for the seventh time in ten minutes. Those arms belonged around you right now, you complained inwardly, huffing in petulant indignation. Was he doing this on purpose, just to get a rise out of you? To tease you? Surely he wouldn't be so cruel, not your beloved Professor, you thought half-jokingly.

     “Do you intend to sit at that desk until sunrise, Hershel?” You questioned the archaeologist, glaring at his back, arms folded across your chest.

     “I may have to if you keep distracting me. Perhaps you could try a puzzle in order to pass the-” The Professor was suddenly cut off by a yawn, followed by yet another languid stretch, “-the time.” He finally muttered out tiredly, rubbing the back of his head and neck. Sickeningly adorable. It infuriated you.

     “I'm already facing the biggest puzzle of them all." You retorted flatly, very much unswayed by his suggestion, “You're clearly exhausted, Professor. I doubt you'll be able to focus even if I'm pacified with solving every puzzle in the room for the rest of the night. Come lie down and rest. You can finish your work tomorrow.”

     You heard him hum in thought, followed by a long pause. You knew him well enough to know that this meant that he was actually finally considering your invitation. Your heartbeat began to quicken at this, waiting eagerly with bated breath for his decision.

     “Oh, alright,” He finally surrendered, his shoulders relaxing as he put his pen down. You beamed from ear to ear, sitting quickly upright. You couldn't help but eagerly kick your legs in schoolgirl fashion. “Indeed, you have a point. I've hardly made progress in the last hour, and that certainly isn't entirely your fault.” He turned to you with a playful smile and wink. The obviously delighted expression on your face gave him pause for just a moment as he considered how you'd been trying to pry him from his work for hours now. All that effort just to cuddle with him... You looked so pleased about finally succeeding. His expression quickly softened at this thought, a blush rising in his cheeks. Sheepishly, he began chuckling. "Goodness, dear. It seems I've neglected you a bit too long. It's terribly rude to keep a lady waiting; how ungentlemanly of me. You have my deepest apologies.”

     “Indeed. I'll forgive you when you finally get over here.” You replied, failing to sound truly cross with him.

     “Very well. I'm grateful for the opportunity to make up for my actions.” He half-joked, smiling jovially as he strolled over to the couch where you were. You held out your arms as he took the seat directly beside you and leaned in, allowing you to snatch him into your embrace like a dragon with its treasure. He laughed at your enthusiasm, a warm and delightful sound that rumbled softly throughout his chest. Tugging him down so that you were both lying on your sides facing each other, you nestled your head into him as he returned your hug and hummed a pleasant sigh, smoothly pulling you flush against him. As you both relaxed into the soft blanket-covered cushions, he ran his fingers gently through your hair, looking down at your head pressed to his bosom. The archaeologist could feel his face heating up. You were precious...

     ...

     You could hear his heart beating.

     It was the most wonderful sound in the world.

     Deep, steady, beautiful. This was the very sound of the person you love the most being alive. It meant that he was right here, right here, safe and sound in your arms, and you in his. It was entrancing. You felt as though you could listen to it forever.

     You let your hands wander with an innocent, loving touch, tracing his spine through the woolly fabric of his sweater. Your fingertips glided over his sides and shoulders, memorising the shapes. You felt him shift slowly, resting the lower half of his face on top of your head as he planted the sweetest kiss on the part of your hair. You giggled at this with a contended sweetness in your tone. “You're delightful.”

     “And you are my greatest delight,” the Professor replied, his voice soft and gravelly with sleepiness. Your heart skipped a beat at this, and evidently he noticed, a goofy grin being pulled across his face. The Professor then pulled you further up into his arms, keeping you close as he pressed his forehead to your own. His deep, dark brown gaze met yours, his eyes half-lidded. In them swirled a hazy mix of adoration and the cutest sleepiness – but the manner in which he looked at you, so genuinely, so incredibly... It was enough to steal your breath for a moment.

     It was the way you could see honesty in his eyes; you could see love; you could see him. The way there was nothing hidden from you.

     It was the way you felt completely safe when you were with him.

     You never had to question his motivations; you never had to question how he truly felt about you. He had no intention of hiding it, for it was right there on display—not that he had a problem with telling you, either.

     Hershel's eyes crinkled as he grinned, watching with a sense of childish awe as you got lost in his eyes so easily. He could feel your heart steadily beating against his chest; he could feel the gentle thrumming of it increase in intensity ever so slightly the longer you stared. The way in which you simply adored him down to the very bones of your being was breathtaking. He never considered the possibility of finding pure love like this again in his life; he never thought it possible. But now? Every day, every morning, when he wakes up and you're still there, you prove to him time and time again that nothing is impossible. You were incredible. You were his everything.

     Before, he'd tried not to frown when the question of Why? had drifted through his mind. Why did you adore him so? Why him? He wasn't exactly a stupendous or especially experienced lover. You had told him before that he was different from others, and he supposed he certainly was different, but he'd never considered himself to be the phenomenon you seemed to view him as. Over time, he came to the conclusion that he'd just simply have to accept it—accept that you... preferred him. You had your motivations, albeit they were a mystery to him. However, his inquisitive mind wouldn't quite let it go as easily. He tried to pinpoint it, tried to narrow it down, but the pieces just wouldn't fit into place.

     Now, in moments current, as he watched your mesmerised gaze directed at him, felt your heartbeat against him... Something inside him understood. It was wordless; there was no clear written or verbal answer, only the understanding that the puzzle was completed.

     That was enough for him.

     With lidded eyes, slowly, non-intrusively, he leaned in, his lips tenderly brushing against yours. He paused, waiting for a reaction, for permission. His fingers combed through your hair, trailing like the gentle kisses of raindrops down the back of your neck. You leaned in, returning the loving advance. He sighed dreamily, something like relief, as he fully leaned into the kiss, as if he'd been underwater and finally come up for air. The kiss was slow, loving, tender – honest. With feeling, with adoration, with commitment. There was no rush for anything or anyone else. It was all yours; every second of it belonged to the two of you. Those very moments in time—even those, too. His hands slowly trailed down your back, down every curve, the touch of his fingertips like promises. “A gentleman always keeps his promises,” you recalled him once saying. You hoped he would keep you, too. Hershel was a true gentleman, though; of course he would.

     You finally parted for air. You could feel the rising and falling of his chest in sync with yours. You let out a breathy laugh, smiling at him, a gesture that he readily returned. Every piece was in its perfect place, exactly where it was meant to be. Exactly where you were meant to be.

     You could feel his heart beating against your chest in rhythm with yours.

     It was beautiful.

[storiesofsvu]

Solace in Solitude Ch 5

Emily Prentiss x reader enemies to lovers warnings: language, medical talk (some of which is not accurate, don't at me), minor hurt/anxiety, y'all know the drill already. My deepest apologies for how long this update took. Life really took over, ya know? I hope it won't be that long before the next one! Don't wanna miss an update? Sign up for the taglist here! Like what you read? Interact, Tip your writer!🩵

Emily wasn’t sure if it was anxiety or excitement coursing through her veins but she was practically buzzing from the moment the first nurse of the day left her room. The reason for the buzzing of course, was that all that stood between her and getting discharged was your signature. One little scribble on the bottom of a piece of paper and she would be out of this godforsaken hospital room for good, back out in the real world with fresh air, proper food and she could only pray, an actual coffee. She felt a bit like a child on the very last day of school, where you were stuck watching the clock tick each second by while you stared out the window watching the sunny day go by, aching to be running through the field rather than trapped in class, even if all you were doing was watching a movie. She was ready to rip out her IV and wander through the streets of Paris and at least attempt to enjoy this forced vacation.

The issue being that you normally swung by earlier in the day, checking on her and making sure everything was good before you started your rounds on other patients, took in other traumas and dove into surgeries. Emily reluctantly sat through a morning of near silence, no one coming or going from her room while she played scrabble on her tablet before lunch was served. She made sure to eat every ounce of it, on the off chance this was some kind of test, before she spent the afternoon switching between napping and catching up on the most recent season of The Bachelor that seemed to have her enamoured. She swore the sun was almost setting in the skyline by the time you finally rounded the corner into her room, this time you were in cozy clothes instead of scrubs, a small smile on your face.

“Sorry. Things got a little crazy today, how are you?” You asked, sweeping through the room to glance through her chart.

“Aching to get out of here.” She replied with a soft sigh and you chuckled.

“Well… everything looks good.” You flicked the chart closed, moving to the table, “I’ll sign off on these, file them, take your IV out and we can finally be on our way.”

“Are you serious?” Her face lit up and you were pretty sure it was the first time you’d actually seen her smile, “like, you’re not fucking with me?”

“Why would I fuck with you?” You barked a laugh, “I know this is what you’ve been waiting for, I wouldn’t dare tease.”

“No last minute tests or scans?”

“Nope.” You smiled, “everything yesterday checked out perfectly. You’re doing good in PT, incisions all healed, ribs back to normal and in the places they should be. You,” you picked up one of the newer clipboards from the base of the bed, scrawling your name across a handful of dotted lines, “are free to go.” You pulled off the pages of discharge papers that were her copies, handing them to her, “there’s some after care instructions and a few other things in there you’ll need to read over.” Moving through the room you gloved up, swiftly taking out her IV, un-attaching her from the rest of the machines, “alright. I’m gonna go file these and punch out, give you time to make sure you’ve got everything.”

“Thanks.” Emily flashed you a bright smile as you collected all the paperwork you needed and disappeared from the room.

She let out a huge breath of relief, shifting from the bed as her eyes carefully glanced around the room to make sure she hadn’t missed packing anything up, not that she had much to begin with but she still wanted to double check. She had just tucked her phone charger into her bag when you popped back through the doorway, your bag tossed over your shoulder this time.

“Ready?”

“Like you wouldn’t believe.” She replied, cautiously picking up the small duffle, only wincing slightly when she got it over her shoulder.

“It’s not far.” You commented, digging through your bag until you found the spare metro card, passing it off to her, “that’s for the rest of the month.” You seamlessly switched to French as you exited the hospital doors in an attempt to blend in “have you been to Paris before?”

“Yeah.” She replied, pausing for a moment as you nodded toward your right in the direction of the metro, “lived here for a bit growing up.”

“Well, at least you won’t be utterly lost then.”

Conversation fell quieter as you ducked into the station, not only could Emily tell that you’d had a long day she was catching the vibe that you’d had a long week and were very much looking forward to getting home after you’d finished chaperoning her. On top of that, this was her first time out in civilization in months, she was a little on edge, a little rusty in her profiler ways as she discreetly listened to conversations around the two of you, eyes carefully darting around making sure your surroundings were safe and Ian wasn’t magically on the same train platform. You seemed to sense this, discreetly giving her wrist a gentle pinch when your train showed up so it wouldn’t look like you were fully giving her directions, guiding her to a seat at the back of the car where her back could be to the wall and she could keep an eye on things. You still weren’t sure on specifics but you knew she’d been a little freaked out about leaving the safety of the hospital, that this could be overwhelming for anyone getting discharged after that length of time much less someone who was living a fake life currently in order to survive.

A few stops later, you gently nudged at her good side and she followed you out of the car, taking note of what station it was and which exit you took that was closest to your destination. You nodded toward a little market, asking if she wanted to grab a couple of things on her way home and she agreed, silently slipping through the aisles until she’d found enough to last through a couple of days and met back with you at the counter. She felt awkward when you passed off cash to the shop owner, realizing she didn’t have any and you muttered an apology to her as you left the shop, saying you’d left her bank and credit cards in the apartment with her passports and stuff, not wanting to lose them. You took the bag from her so she wasn’t carrying too heavy of a load as you walked up another block and a half and you directed her to an apartment building, using the fob to get through the front door and into the elevator where you scanned it again to make it move.

“Extra security is nice.” Emily mumbled, letting out a breath as she relaxed into the back wall, “and I appreciate the escort, but you really didn’t need to come up with me.”

“I didn’t want you to struggle with two bags.” You retorted and she let out a little laugh, interrupting when you tried to continue your stream of thought.

“Am I not trusted with the key?”

“No, you’ve got your own.” You dug through your bag again, pulling the second chain from it to pass over to her.

“My… own?” She stalled slightly as the elevator doors slid open, glancing between the key in your hand and the one in hers. She watched as you stepped a few feet down the hallway and slid your key into the lock, “do you have a key to my apartment?”

“Seriously?” You raised a brow to her, pushing the door open before silencing the alarm as she scurried out of the elevator and to your side, “they spent seventeen thousand on your funeral, another six hundred and forty two thousand on your medical bills and that doesn’t even cover your ongoing PT. You’re lucky they gave us a two bedroom.”

“What.” Her voice hardened slightly as she stepped into the doorway of the apartment, her lips forming into a tight frown.

“Between their allocated budget and your level of ongoing care it was the best option.”

“You’ve got to be kidding me.”

She stepped into the space, letting the door swing shut behind her and after a brief second thought, she turned to quickly make sure it was locked. The apartment wasn’t small, but it wasn’t giant either, a small entry space filled with a rug, coat and shoe racks and a small table that you tossed your keys and work bag down onto as you kicked off your shoes. A foot or so down on the left was a small kitchen, enough space for most standard appliances and counterspace that curved into a breakfast bar opening up into the living room. The space was tidy, clean, dishes sitting in the drying rack that she could only assume were from that morning, a few blankets tossed over the back of the couch and one of the larger chairs, a few books, some of which looked like medical text books on the coffee table along with a vase of flowers. Off to the right were three doors, each open and it was safe to assume two were bedrooms and the one in between was a bathroom.

“Laundry’s in the basement.” You commented, pulling her out of her trance as you crossed to the kitchen to put the food away in the appropriate places, “the card for it’s with your bank and ID’s on the bedside table.” You gestured towards the room closer to the door and she was safe to assume that meant it was hers, “some extra clothes and things in the closet. Make yourself at home.”

“Yeah.” Her tone was terse, letting out a huff as she kicked her shoes off and disappeared into her room to dump her bag on the bed, looking around the space.

“I’m gonna run down to the gym, you have my number if you want me to pick anything up on the way back.” You called to her as you wandered into your room, pulling your hair up into a ponytail as you grabbed a couple of things.

“Yeah, whatever.”

Her reply was barely audible through the apartment though the slamming of her bedroom door certainly was. It caught you off guard, jumping slightly at the sound before you glanced in the direction of her room through the wall. You hadn’t really thought sharing a space would piss her off like that, hell, after the way she’d been acting through the week you were back at the point that you thought the two of you might actually end up being friends. Rolling your eyes you let out a small sigh, scooping up your keys and grabbing a water bottle from the fridge before you stepped through the door, making sure it was locked behind you.

In her room Emily dropped down on the edge of the bed, her head burying in her hands as she let out a heavy breath. She’d been in such high sprits all day that she was finally going to be free, that she was going to be able to live her life again, be herself again. She’d nearly forgotten why she was in Paris in the first place, that just because step two was done and she was out of the hospital did not mean that things were going back to normal. She still wasn’t able to go home, wasn’t able to call any of her old friends and still had to be alert whenever she was out. Because she wasn’t herself, she was Valerie. And Valerie deserved a fighting change at surviving this mess, even if Emily didn’t.

*

You came back a couple of hours later to a dark and quiet apartment. Considering Emily’s reaction to the shared space you figured you’d give her a little bit longer to adjust to the new environment, giving her a chance to explore the space without you in it while you were out. Instead it looked like she had stayed shut away in her room, not a single thing out of place when you returned.

Flicking on a few lights you changed into pyjamas first, tossing your gym clothes into the laundry hamper, you’d opted to shower at the gym already so at least that was checked off your nightly list. Wandering back to the kitchen you pulled a few things from the fridge to whip together an easy chipotle chicken pasta, pouring yourself a hefty glass of wine to go along with it. Crossing through the apartment you set your dinner up on the balcony, wanting to enjoy the spring evening and fresh air outside of the hospital while you ate. On your trip back into the apartment you picked up one of the novels on the coffee table to indulge yourself with, before you glanced up to the closed bedroom door and let out a small sigh. You took a brief break to quickly plate up the second portion of pasta, topping it with fresh parmesan, wrapping it tightly in tinfoil before tossing the pot into the sink to be cleaned later. On your way back to the balcony you gently knocked on the closed door,

“There’s a plate of food on the counter, I know you didn’t eat dinner.” Was all you said before you slipped back to the balcony, sliding the glass door shut behind you. You figured if she had some privacy and her own space she was more likely to come out to at least get the food if not eat it.

You weren’t sure how long you were outside, but the sun was fully set, a chill in the air pulling shivers from you as you finished another chapter. Figuring that was the signal to head back inside you picked up your things, book going back to the coffee table while the dishes came with you into the kitchen. The extra plate of food still sitting exactly where you’d left it. You sighed softly, sliding it to the side so you could do your dishes, putting away the ones from that morning in the cupboard.  You glanced toward her room, huffing softly before you picked up the plate and stashed it in the fridge, if she wasn’t going to touch it you at least wanted it edible tomorrow so you could eat leftovers.

Emily had fallen asleep not long after you’d knocked on her door, truthfully, she was pretty exhausted. If the sheer annoyance and frustration hadn’t kept her riled up when you were at the gym she knew she would’ve fallen asleep then. She was still recovering after all and even a short journey through the city was more than enough to wipe her out. She’d drifted in and out through the silence and the sound of you doing dishes, listening as you putzed around the apartment a bit before your bedroom door finally clicked shut. She could feel the pit in her stomach beginning to ache and knew she would need to eat something before attempting to get some sleep but she didn’t dare leave her room until long after she’d heard you flick your bedroom light off and get into bed.

Only once the apartment was in complete silence did she finally, silently, slip from under the covers of her bed, pulling JJ’s sweater tighter around her as she snuck around the apartment. With you off in dreamland she finally let herself look around the space properly, it was decorated nicely, although she was sure some of that wasn’t you. This was likely some federal apartment, and Interpol one, maybe even a Doctors without Borders one, that was even more likely knowing her trail had to be covered. But there were still touches she knew had to be you, more personal items that you would’ve picked up over the last couple of months, the blanket over the back of the couch looked particular inviting, fuzzy but not in the overstimulating itchy way, dotted with constellations and she was sure that was yours. She liked the flowers on the table, the idea that you liked to fill your space with something alive, colourful and considering the shape of them you changed them out every couple of weeks, she’d noticed an array of flowers at the market you’d stopped at earlier. Above the tv there were some photo frames scattered on the wall, a few of you with a girl a few years younger who looked an awful lot like you, considering they all looked like travel pictures she figured that was your sister. Another frame looked like a family photo, an older brother from what she could tell from resemblance, who had a couple of kids, your sister and your parents. The third was from a graduation, judging by your age she figured when you finished medical school, the same friends copying over into a couple of other photos, one where it looked like you were a bridesmaid. Little pieces of home you’d brought with you in an attempt to ground yourself and not forget who you were, things that she didn’t have on this particular journey.

Her stomach growled and she let out a sigh, thankful it had distracted her before she could spiral down the hole of not having any pieces of her old life here. She quietly wandered back to the kitchen, not even daring to flick the light on, using the fridge and stove lamp as her resources as she found the plate of food wrapped in the fridge. Her hand rested on the counter as she pulled it out, hitting a patch of condensation where it must have been sitting warm, waiting for her earlier and her head tilted in realization. Directly beside the spot was a three quarter full bottle of wine, an empty, clean wine glass, as if you’d left that out for her along with the food originally. Her eyes darted to the drying rack, a water spotted glass sat there, you’d clearly already had yours. Popping the plate into the microwave she thought for a moment, the only meds she was still on were the sleeping ones and anxiety ones, both you’d mentioned no heavy drinking on, but she was sure one glass wouldn’t hurt. Hell, it would probably knock her the fuck out with the meds and that truly was what she needed if she was gonna get any sleep in a new environment.

She managed to catch the microwave before it beeped, glancing up toward your room and listening for a moment before she pulled open a drawer in search of cutlery. Unbeknownst to her, she actually copied your routine, taking the food and wine out to the balcony to enjoy. She couldn’t help but want to feel the breeze on her face, breathe the fresh air, the coolness of it helping calm her racing heart, help ease her anxiety while she ate. She felt bad leaving the glass and plate in the sink but by the time she was finished her wine her eyelids were drooping so heavily she knew she wasn’t going to make it much longer, enough energy to make sure all the doors and windows were locked before collapsing into her bed.

Emily tugged the blankets tighter around her, letting out a little shiver as she curled around herself. She inhaled heavily, frowning when the scent of detergent was overpowering, only a flicker of JJ’s perfume remained on the sweater. It had stood out so strongly against the chemical smells in the hospital it had been her go to calming mechanism, a memory of home lulling her to sleep. Now so much time had passed it was nearly gone and she knew she would need to wash the thing soon, then it would be gone forever. Her body sunk heavily into the bed, at least this one was more comfortable than her last, letting out a breath a tear rolled over her cheek as she nestled deeper into the pillows. It was only a moment later she was asleep, hoping that her dreams would distract her, that maybe she’d wake up in a different situation, that maybe all of this had been a nightmare of its own.

_______________

@mickey-gomez @momlifebehard @daddy-heather-dunbar @maybe-a-humanbean @rustyzebra @leftoverenvy @kades95 @dextur @supercriminalbean @daffodil-heart @its-soph-xx xx @just-a-torn-up-masterpiece @hopelesslyfallenninlove @peanutbutterprincess @emilyprentisssluvr @lex13cm @zizzlekwum @emobabeyy @riveramorylunar @s1ut4nat @scorpsik @prentiss-theorem @strongsassysexysloane @happenstnces @sapphicprentiss @geekyandgay98 @pagetboobstarcomments @onmykneesformarvel @inlovewithemilyprentiss @desperate-gay @amypoehlfey @overtrred28 @theclassicgaycousin @regalmilfs4me @kalixxh @ara-a-bird @five-bi-five-mind @niyizh @inlovewithmiddleagewomen @tommyriddleobsessed @hotchs-bitch @ollysmulti @kmc1989 @irishavengersassemble @romanoffsho @honeyycat @ratsnestinmyhair @assgardangod @originalbrunettecharacter @elz-artzzz

[notamewsed]

Don't Blame Me - Chapter 9

Pairing: Enver Gortash x Tav (Original Female Character)

Fandom: Baldur's Gate 3

Tags: Slow Burn, Eventual Smut, Power Imbalance

“You’ve certainly made a name for yourself, infiltrating Moonrise and bringing down Ketheric. Quite the achievement, I must say.” Gortash's tone carried a hint of genuine admiration, though it was impossible to tell how sincere.

“We only did what needed to be done.” Aurea met his gaze evenly, unsure of how exactly to navigate this interaction.

“Ah, modesty,” he mused. “But let’s not downplay your accomplishments. Rising above, claiming what’s yours. That takes drive. Not many have the will for it.”

“I assume you speak from experience?” She teased with a wry smile.

“Ambition recognizes ambition, my dear.” He chuckled, low and knowing. “I believe we could be allies… Friends, even.” His grin lingered as his eyes briefly appraised her figure.

“Friends.” Aurea echoed, her cheeks unwittingly burning. “You seem sure of that.”

“Of course,” he leaned into her, voice smooth and certain. “I’d be a fool to let such a formidable ally turn foe so quickly.”

“Especially given the current situation. Orin has a bloody vendetta against both of us now. We must seize her stone and control the brain, or face the city’s ruin. You have my word that I will do no harm unto you. Do I have yours?”

There was a moment of hesitation. The Emperor’s voice thrummed in Aurea’s mind. “I can detect no deceit. This alliance could serve us well. And if it does not, well, we need not honor it.”

“Imagine the power we could wield together, you and I, ruling all of Faerûn as gods.” He spoke, the words building with every breath.

Clearly this man was a lunatic, she thought. But, he was right in one thing. It would be reckless to make an enemy so quickly, especially one whose steel militia could kill them on sight. She stole a glance back at Gale, whose expression looked more pained by the second.

“Tell me you’ll at least consider it.” He implored, his gauntleted hand hovering over his chest.

“I will consider it.”

✵✵✵

A gown had been prepared for her. It was deep maroon in color with gold embroidery etched over the bodice. At first glance, the designs looked botanical, reminiscent of vines from a tree, but were in fact, serpents twisting over one another in elaborate knots. A sweeping cape detail descended from the apex of her shoulders down to the hemline.

It reminded her of the worn robe she’d cherished during her travels—bartered from the quartermaster at the Last Light Inn.

As she sat at the polished mahogany dinner table, Aurea wondered how long Gortash would keep her waiting.

There was a thread loose on the skirt of her dress. Her finger circled the offending string and twirled it between her digits, gently tugging at it.

Her mind churned with more questions. Had he discovered her trespass? Was this dinner merely a preamble to punishment? She told herself she had been careful enough, but Gortash was no fool. One misplaced detail and he would have known something was awry. But would he have suspected it was her?

Her grip tightened, and she snapped the thread free.

“You’ll have to accept my deepest apologies for the tardiness, dear.” Gortash slipped through the door.

“Is there a matter you wish to discuss?” Aurea asked, absently.

“Must I have a reason to invite my wife to dinner?” He replied, placing the pads of his fingers on the table before seating himself.

Aurea met his gaze in silence. Gortash took a sharp inhale through his nose in response, tension evident in the set of his jaw.

Check out the full chapter here:

[lazywriters-blog]

THE LOVELY NEIGHBOR ON THE LEFT

WARNING: May contain triggering content, mentions of harming oneself, and yandere content.

SUMMARY: Jealousy never looked good on anyone, but you thought it looked worse on your lovely gentle neighbor.

Author's note: My deepest apologies for taking so so long to get this out, life slapped me hard in the face and I reeled back, took awhile to get back up. I did realize that betrayal comes from the closest. Hopefully, this will make up for the time I've made you wait.

Her keys rattled as they spun and around in the lock hole, undoing the seal for her late afternoon chores, adjusting the plastic bags in her hands, and moving inside, pocketing her house key she looked at the clock, it reads 6:00 PM.

She couldn't wait to get out of her clothes and lay down.

Carrying the bags to her kitchen she dropped them on the counter letting them sit in the cold air and focused on going to her room to fresh up, stretching out her arm to reach for the switch she thought back about what she should do first.

But when she stopped to see her room in the dark when her hands struggled to find the button, she saw a figure sitting on her bed, and she held her breath staring at the unknown person making themselves comfortable on her mattress.

She turned her eyes to her closet, preparing a plan if she messes up, she should have a rod resting somewhere in the house, she knows she put it in one of her wardrobes.

"You never told me..." he started, he sounded so pained and sad, she instantly recognized the voice belonged to her lovely neighbor. Her fingers worked to turn on any source of light, wanting to take a step back as soon as possible and run out of her home.

Unfortunately for her, he stood up and quickly confronted her panic-stricken face, "Don't run away from me, we can talk." he tried to reassure her, making himself seem as small as possible despite his towering physique slowly walking closer.

She felt like a bunny caught in the spotlight, waiting for the chance to run after she has fooled the wolf in sheep's clothing. She thought he was harmless for the longest time she knew him.

But she was certain she didn't leave her front door unlocked for him to enter.

"Okay- we can talk, what is it?" she softly replied, her shoulders raised while she attempted to draw in a deep breath. He smiled hearing her response, a sort of shy grin she couldn't visualize anyone who forayed into their neighbor's house doing. "I'm sorry for scaring you. I- I umm... Didn't know what to do after I came to... Know of something."

"But I'm glad you are so understanding of me. It's honestly the best thing about you." she glued her gaze on him, eyes peeled open searching for telltales signs of danger. Quietly shuffling back whenever he closed his eyes to gather his thoughts and word his worries. "I know, you probably didn't mean to lead me on. Perhaps, you were just being friendly, and I-- I misunderstood things. But, lately... I've been thinking about you. More than I should."

He held his hands, pressing his trembling lips together, and stared at her. With tears in his eyes.

"I've been thinking of things I shouldn't! It makes me feel bad even thinking about it! I can't go on without addressing it though... I promised myself I wouldn't hesitate, and I would do my best even if it isn't needed, I would keep on trying until I've become what I want."

His hand reached out to clasp her arm but she hastily changed positions and widened her eyes, shrugging him off to make sure she didn't trap herself.

His eyes grew big, then he controlled his breathing. The pain had been written all over his face, now it heightened to a level she has never seen on the grown man no matter how he was cared for.

His lips quiver and willingly tears poured down his cheeks and he sobbed like as if he had just lost a dear friend to death.

"Why... Are you moving away from me? I would never hurt you. Am I a bad person? Do you see me as someone who would want to harm you?"

She didn't say anything, whatever he was going about wasn't normal in her eyes, something was wrong and they knew it.

"Now you wouldn't even answer me?" he gasped a breath through his mouth and fell to his knees, hiding his eyes and allowing himself to grief over a simple matter in a dangerous situation.

He had broken into her house and this would be the first time she's witnessed this.

The sympathetic side of her felt bad about it, the rational part of her just wanted to stay away. Letting him cry and lose hold of himself seemed like a bad idea though, she wouldn't know what to do then, she's a normal person with average talents, and running and dodging wasn't one of them.

She should de-escalate this.

She should make her way out of this with words.

Steadily crouching to him, she placed a hand on his back and gently rubbed his clothed skin, he looked up at her with teary eyes he bit his lip, and smiled a little, grief replaced with a flicker of hope.

"I was thinking, I'm sorry. What is bothering you?" she spoke, "I can't help you if I don't know anything."

He sniffled and locked eyes with her, raising his head back to better look at her controlled features, his eyes briefly traveled to her hand warming his skin, and sheepishly grinned, "Do you... Care about me?"

She wouldn't be telling a lie the first time he asked, "Yes, I care about you. You are my... Bestie." and suddenly, his smile fell.

"Best friend...?" he muttered.

"Yes, the best friend who happens to be my lovely neighbor on the left, and also the one who I'm trying to comfort right now." she smiled.

He remained mum, absorbed in the moment to think about what she said, dancing around a touchy topic that made him break-in the first place. To talk to her, to understand her better than those who have already taken her away from him.

He looked up when her hand squeezed him, and he really couldn't stomach the thought of her kissing someone else and having a family!

"Are you going to get married soon?" he asked, playing around with the subject and dragging on the dread like it was some sort of petty bet.

"...how did you know that? I haven't told anyone around here." she frowned and leaned back, "Did you... How did you find out? Are you mad I didn't tell you sooner?"

"I think, our kids would be cuter." he leaned close, "If it was a girl she would have my features, and if it was a boy he would have yours, their eyes would be a combination of ours, and our son would be mischievous like you. He would have your lips and my nose. Our kids will be so beautiful." he stopped breathlessly, narrowed eyes unfurling in pure glee.

"You would be the best mother, you would play with them and ask them what they wanted to eat before even making anything, you'll love them and I'll love them so much."

"Izuku, stop. We're not even... Married. What are you going on about, this isn't like you at all." she cupped his cheek and hoped it would get him to shut up and not make her run away without a plan B.

"I know... I never thought I would obsess over our kids but after I found out more about you, I couldn't help it! It was the only thing keeping me from losing hope of ever being with you! You'll be perfect and I'll be perfect for you!" he chanted, and just as easily as she had hushed him from crying, it was easier for him to ignore everything and sob.

"It was the only thing keeping me from killing myself! I want to see our kids grow and be successful and they could see how their mother and father loved each other! How much they were willing to sacrifice for them! They would want to find someone like us for themselves--!"

"Stop! What has gotten into you!?" she quickly grabbed his shoulders and shook them, staring at him frightened of what he was implying. They never had anything going on between them. They were just neighbors.

That was the extent of their relationship.

"Do you want to see me kill myself?" he asked pain-stricken by her words, but oddly calm. It made her shudder.

"No!! Are you out of your mind right now? Why the hell would you do such a thing?!"

"So you do want me hurting..." he mumbled quietly to himself, then he laughed but it seemed more so like he was crying. Throwing himself into her arms, he hugged her torso tight and nuzzled into her neck. "I'm sorry... Can you be with me? Can I stay here with you? I don't want to be alone right now... I really need you."

Slowly drawing out a breath she hoped he didn't heed, she patted his back, "Hmm..." she replied, awkwardly sitting on the flour and hugging him was something she did not anticipate upon stepping inside.

Maybe she should have taken her time.

How should she even begin to drag him out of her house and take a sign of relief? She didn't want him near.

"You'll always be with me, right?" he whispered in her eyes, arms lowered to her waist as she stared back at the room, the bed he had been sitting down just minutes ago.

But the topic had been so heavy, it felt hours had passed instead.

"If you want me to--" she answered softly.

"I want you to." he quickly interjected, taking a deep breath and caressing her neck. "Please."

She wasn't weak.

It would just take her longer to fool the wolf in her home.

[francesminos-tt]

“Prince Daeron Targaryen and his consort, Prince Joffrey.”

The banquet hall fell to an uncomfortable silence as the squire announced the arrival of the latest the guests. Prince Daeron was no stranger at court, for the polite and gentle prince had sat at the small council for almost a decade now. He served as Lord Confessor and Master of Laws. It was hard to imagine a gentle person like Daeron to be the master of the darkest and deepest place beneath the Red Keep.

Daeron’s royal consort, Prince Joffrey, however, was a rare sight at court. He was the third son of the deposed queen Rhaenyra, once heir to the throne, now a pawn in the game of politics. Prince Joffrey had been plagued by grief, his health deteriorated after the death of his dragon and his mother. Those who had known him before the dance were shocked to see the once robust and energetic child had become so weak, his cheeks sunken, his eyes dull, and his skin pale like a ghost. Prince Joffrey was constantly sick; the smallest cold was enough to bring him down. He spent most of his time in the isolated quarters of the Red Keep, courtesy of the king, for Prince Joffrey, though a bastard, still had Targaryen blood in his veins.

No one took the political union seriously. Prince Joffrey was too sick to produce an heir. The young omegas in court saw this as an opportunity. They threw themselves at Daeron, leaving meaningful winks and flirting touches, but no one could lure the gentle prince to bed. Daeron participated in their little courting game, but always went back to his shared quarters with his husband for the night.

It had been an entire year since Prince Joffrey attended a royal event. Most nobles even forgot he existed. It was fair to say that his presence today was a shock to everyone.

Daeron entered the hall with his arm around Joffrey’s waist. Both of them wore the traditional color of House Targaryen, red and black, Daeron had a seven-pointed star pin on his collar, while Joffrey wore a heavy necklace made of thick golden chains and an opal at center. Joffrey looked pale and exhausted, but he was beautiful in the extravagant outfit. His eyes were the darkest of obsidian, his lips a nice, juicy red and slightly pouty, his neck elegant and smooth. He easily put all the other omegas to shame. No wonder Prince Daeron was not interested in their flirting.

“Brother, how nice of you to attend my daughter’s wedding.” Aegon raised his cup at Daeron, “And you, nephew. I haven’t seen you for a while.”

“I wouldn’t miss my brother’s wedding.” Joffrey replied; he gasped suddenly before speaking again, “Your grace.”

“I am sure little Aegon misses you. I will let you catch up.”

“Thank you, your grace.”

Joffrey bowed his head respectively. He was so weak that Daeron had to support him by the arm, or he would have fallen to his knees.

“Congratulations, your grace.” Daeron kissed the hand of his sister, queen Helaena, “I commissioned a new gown for Jaehaera from Myr. Joffrey helped me pick out the design. I hope she will like this wedding gift.”

“I am sure she will.” Helaena smiled, “Thank you, brother, and you too, Joff.”

Joffrey shivered at the intimate name. He bit his lower lip as if in pain.

“Are you all right, Joff?”

“I-I am not feeling so well. My apologies, your grace.” Joffrey inhaled sharply and returned the queen’s smile with one of his own, though his smile was strained.

“You haven’t left the room for too long, husband.” Daeron wrapped his arm tighter around Joffrey, “Let’s sit down. You might feel better with a cup of warm wine.”

The couple congratulated the king and queen, as well as the bride and the groom, princess Jaehaera and prince Aegon the younger. Joffrey didn’t have the chance to properly speak to his brother before his husband dragged him away.

The rest of the wedding banquet was spent in a blur. Daeron stayed with Joffrey at the table the whole time, rejecting all the invites to dance. There was one young man from the Riverlands that was bold enough to ask Joffrey for a dance.

“I am flattered, my lord, but unfortunately my legs are no longer fit to dance. I will have to reject your kind offer.” Joffrey said in his politest tone.

The young man blushed for some reason, but his blush soon turned into paleness when the Lord Confessor threw him a glare. Prince Daeron was supposed to be gentle and polite, but why was the prince glaring at him like a bloodthirsty predator?

By the time the banquet ended, it was already midnight. Daeron and Joffrey walked arm in arm back to their quarters, exchanging pleasant conversations with the nobles on the way. However, all the conversations died as they approached their isolated quarters.

Joffrey was shoved into the room roughly. His legs finally gave out and he fell to his hands and knees. His feet hurt like hell. It was a miracle he was able to walk all the way back.

Daeron was on him the next second, turning him over and grabbing his neck. The gentle prince’s purple eyes were cold as ice, but he was smiling and stroking Joffrey’s cheek.

“Does it hurt?” Daeron asked, pulling Joffrey’s long robe up to reveal his feet. Joffrey wore a pair of satin shoes, but the fabric was soaked with blood. More blood oozed from Joffrey’s feet, dripping down to the carpeted floor. At close look, one could see two nails embedded into Joffrey’s heel.

Joffrey didn’t know how to answer. He had been in similar situations before. If he answered yes, Daeron would praise his power of endurance and reward him with a whole night’s rough sex. If he answered no, Daeron would hammer two more nails into him, inflicting more pain until Joffrey passed out.

Daeron loved to see Joffrey in pain. He loved to play the part of a loving and loyal husband of a sick and useless omega. He loved the court’s pity and the attention it brought. Daeron craved attention, for he had never received enough of it in his childhood years.

In order to keep his image, Daeron forced a poison down Joffrey’s throat to make the omega infertile so that he could enjoy the pitiful gaze of the sensitive noble ladies. He mixed mercury into Joffrey’s food to make the omega sick and pale, so he could continue to be the selfless husband. He hammered two nails into Joffrey’s feet tonight to prevent the omega from dancing. How considerate of Prince Daeron to stay at his sick husband’s side instead of dancing with the fine maidens at the ball?

“Does it hurt? Answer me.” Daeron asked again, licking the corner of Joffrey’s eyes. He was disappointed to find there was no tears.

“It only hurts if you allow me to feel hurt.” Joffrey replied, grabbing Daeron’s arm so hard that his fingers dug into the alpha’s flesh.

Daeron laughed and placed a gentle kiss on Joffrey’s lips.

“Can I go back to bed now? I am tired. Please?” Joffrey looked at Daeron with pleading eyes.

Daeron put one arm under Joffrey’s knee and picked him up. He carried the omega bridal style to the bed and gently put Joffrey down on the sheets, before joining his husband in bed.

“Don’t leave me, Joff.” Daeron whispered, pressing his ear to Joffrey’s chest.

“I can’t. You have cut off my wings so I can no longer fly.” Joffrey’s heart was beating faster than usual from the blood loss.

“I love you, Joffrey. You have no idea how much I love you.”

Joffrey closed his eyes. He wasn’t sure how much longer Daeron’s love would last, but he was sure that he wouldn’t live long enough to see it end.

What a shame.

[ask-ikevamp-faust]

Hypotheticals

( Reply to @crowmero reblog. Sorry!! I didn't want to reblog because it was already long 😂 )

Admin: Faaauuust! You got a response!! The marry, kiss, kill thing!

Faust: Oh? Who is Charles being switched with?

Admin: Vlad-

Faust: No.

Admin: ????? You didn't even read everything! 😠 Get over here.

*reads everything*

Faust: I rather switch him with Leonardo

Admin: Why? All the points against Vlad are pretty fair.

Faust: Every claim against Vlad is the exact reason why I wouldn't try to kill him - At least until I find a infallible way - . If I try to kill him without a full proof method, all the points they made that could "potentially happen", will happen in that exact moment. Of course he can just change his mind one day and use us, kill us, or play his mind games, but I believe my odds are better this way than trying to kill him. If they can provide me with a guaranteed method to kill a pure blood I'll it do. Also, if Vlad has had enough alcohol he won't even notice a kiss.

Admin: ... Mhmmmm... So... what about the strawberry incident?

Faust: ... that's irrelevant

Admin: 🤨

Faust: He tried to induce regurgitation, that's all. I'm not saying anything more on that matter.

Admin: So you won't feel guilty about trying to kill Leonardo?

Faust: He'll be fine. I'll try to kill him, he'll probably pass out for a few days but ultimately be fine.

Admin: ... Right... So please explain to me why this wasn't your answer from the beginning. Why put Charles through the idea of being killed for your twisted thought process?? You could've just said all this from the beginning instead of giving these "reasons" why you wouldn't kill Vlad... We all know that you don't do it because you literally can't.

Faust: Look, our relationship may be strange but it is what it is. It's all hypothetical anyway, I wouldn't actually kill Charles for such a pointless reason.

Admin: Meanie 😤 Charles was crying yesterday.

Faust: How is it my fault he took the hypothetical seriously?

Admin: For someone who keeps calling it a "hypothetical" you sure took the thought of the consequences of trying to killing Vlad seriously. You are in no position to judge.

Faust: I'm done with this. I've said what I needed.

Admin: Apologize to Charles!

Faust: ...

Admin: Now 😡

Faust: My deepest apologies Charles. I should have taken our wonderfully twisted family into consideration when deciding this hypothetical scenario. There. Now let go of my sleeve before I bite you.

Admin: Excuse me?! I'll bite you back harder 😤

Faust: That's fine. Let's experiment to see who can bite the other harder, first one to be unable to tolerate the bite has to be a personal slave for a day.

Admin: Eww! You're crazy! Get away from me *pushes him away*

Faust: Hehehe 😈 ... By the way, Crowmero, I don't have another name to use... You can't hide behind anything, I see your marriage thoughts. It's better to be honest, you never know what will happen. You can come be a cat with me and leave your claw marks. If you truly don't like the castle, I have more than enough financial means to make other arrangements.

( That's the end! It's in a different format, but I hope that's okay! Thanks for the fun discussion!! )

[thatfeanorian]

Writing prompt (if you're still taking them!): “It’s okay, I couldn't sleep anyways.” with Russingon! I need more Maedhros/Fingon in my life ❤️

Okay so. Hear me out. I know you sent me this ages ago and I feel horribly guilty and sure it's a little angsty (a lot angsty) but I couldn't let this ask go and I knew I had to write something for it.

Anyways my deepest and most sincere apologies on the (ridiculously) long hold up. Cheers and I hope you enjoy it!

Maedhros X Fingon (Warning for Sauron's general presence in Mae's life)

Maitimo was alone. It was dark again. His vision too blurry with tears and stinging with blood, he could barely make out the bars of his cell, though the sharp clacks of Sauron's boots on the hard stone beneath him echoed deafeningly loud.

"See Maitimo?" Sauron cooed, crouching low and wiping blood from the wound on his forehead, "See how much simpler it is when you just submit to me, pretty one? I can make you so much more comfortable if you would just kneel like this. For me. Always." He smirked, his face swimming into focus, his golden eyes boring into Maitimo's mind, piercing him straight through, strangling him from the inside out and he screamed in pain, thrashing against his restraints against his will before Sauron's presence in his mind tamped down any possibility of movement, voluntary or otherwise.

"This is how you were meant to be," He crooned, cupping Maitimo's face in his hand, long sharp nails digging into his face and drawing yet more blood, "You look so pretty on your knees for me, little king, my slut, my pretty one, my Maitimo--"

"Russo!" Findekáno's voice was loud in his ear and Russandol jerked awake blinking rapidly into the darkness, shaking and ripping his shoulder out of Findekáno's grasp.

"No!" He cried desperately into the darkness, Sauron's phantom still swimming before his eyes, and he felt the bed shift beneath him as Findekáno sat up and hesitantly reached out again, his fingertips just grazing the back of Russandol's forearm.

"Russo? Are you here with me, love?" Russandol let out a shuddering breath, his eyes flickering around the dark room --Findekáno's closet, his shoes layed out in front of it. The fire which had been roaring before he slipped into dreams slowly dying, the warm furs covering the bed, and Findekáno, who was propped up on his elbow, his gaze gentle and understanding.

"Yes," Russandol whispered, guilt flooding his chest as he slumped back down against the pillows and Findekáno took this as his cue to roll over, invading Russandol's side of the bed to wrap him up in his arms, pillowing his head on Russandol's chest, grounding him more than the heavy furs of their bed ever could.

"And where is here?" Findekáno asked softly, not doubting Russandol's assertion but gently prodding none-the-less. Russandol let out a soft sigh, his arms coming up to squeeze his lover against his chest as he replied,

"Dor-Lomion. It's late. We should both be asleep and--" He burried his face in Findekáno's dark braids, "And I'm sorry I woke you up. I don't know why I'm still like this." His voice sounded hollow even to his own ears and Findekáno snuggled a little closer, placing a soft kiss to his collarbone,

"You are perfect," He whispered, a hand coming up to card gently through Russandol's hair, pulling it back from where it had stuck to his face with sweat from his imaginary battle with Sauron. "Sweetheart, you are so strong," Findekáno told him, face gentle but eyes blazing with love and conviction,

"I can't even imagine having gone through what you have and staying so incredibly brave." He traced Russandol's cheek and Russandol felt a tear slip from his eye, reaching up hurriedly to wipe it away with his remaining hand.

"I'm sorry." He whispered again, "I'm sorry I'm so broken and I'm sorry I woke you up." Findekáno looked at him seriously, hand moving back to play with Russandol's hair.

"You," He whispered, "Are not broken. You are whole and you are strong and I am yours as long as you will have me." He paused, smiling, "Besides, it's okay. I was already awake and I treasure every moment with you in my arms." Russandol swallowed hard, squeezing his eyes shut and burrying his face once again in his lover's hair, taking in a large breath and feeling himself sink a little further into the feather-soft blankets. Findekáno smelled of sandalwood and lavender and just a hint of something earthy and Russandol loved him. And somehow, undeserving as he was, Findekáno loved him back.

[lothiriel84]

There Will Your Heart Be Also

Spain was a revelation for Mr Thornton, in more ways than one.

A North and South ficlet. AU. John/Margaret.

Spain was a revelation for Mr Thornton, in more ways than one. Unused as he was to southern climates, he had packed his winter overcoat for the journey – only to discover upon his arrival that February in Cádiz was about as warm as July in Milton Northern, the sky and the ocean a brighter, more vibrant hue than any he had seen in his life.  

He was there on business on Mr Hamper’s behalf, but in the evenings he took no small pleasure in wandering the picturesque streets, and wondering which manner of lives men and women could lead in a place like this. It was on one such evening he came upon a vision so unexpected he was left to flounder in astonishment, as if plummeted back into one of the bittersweet dreams which had been plaguing his sleep for close on two years now. 

There stood Miss Hale, more beautiful in waking life than in those precious recollections he kept safely tucked away within the sanctuary of his own heart – and in her arms, a babe, gurgling happily away in that manner peculiar to infants. He’d had this exact same vision countless of times; only, in his dream, the babe was his, and Margaret the loving wife who welcomed him home with open arms.  

That was never to be, of course – he had known it for quite some time, and he thought he had long made his peace with it; but his heart, stubborn thing that it was, had held onto the last shred of hope for months on end, and was now sitting heavy and dull in the middle of his chest, the fiery colours of the approaching sunset dimmed to nothing as he quietly mourned all the things he would never know for himself. 

But no, he could not, would not begrudge Margaret her happiness; young as she was, the lass had already had to bear more than her fair share of sorrow, and he loved her too well to wish her alone and miserable in this world. If she had met an honourable man, one who was truly worthy of her love – then he ought to rejoice in her good fortune, bury his selfish disappointment deep down within himself, where it could never hurt her. Sparing one final moment for a silent farewell to the vision of happiness that would forever be imprinted in his memory, he called upon his fortitude so that he might turn his back to it once and for all. 

“Mr Thornton!” a familiar voice called in that precise moment, as sweet to his ears as a siren’s song luring unsuspecting sailors to their doom. “Mr Thornton, wait!” 

He could never deny anything, not even this. As slowly as Orpheus turning to behold the one he loved above all, he answered the warmth of her smile with the deepest of bows.  

“Miss Hale,” he began, the title falling off his lips out of familiarity, and he could have bitten off his tongue at that moment. “My apologies, I do not know how to properly address you.” 

Margaret, generous heart that she was, looked more confused than offended by his slip. “Was our acquaintance so forgettable that you can no longer be sure of my name, Mr Thornton? I am still the same Miss Hale you once knew, though I no longer reside in Crampton.” 

“I – see,” was all he could manage, his gaze returning to the child in her arms without any conscious permission on his part. “I hope you are well, Miss Hale.” 

“I am very well, Mr Thornton. I wonder – if it is not too much trouble, would you come in for a moment? There is nothing in this world that would make me happier than introducing you to my Spanish family.” 

“If that is what you wish,” he heard himself reply, as if from a distance, still puzzled as to the particulars of Margaret’s – Miss Hale’s, he quickly corrected himself – current situation. He was not best pleased upon finding himself face to face with the very same man from Outwood Station, his hand outstretched in friendly greeting. 

“This is my brother, Frederick,” Miss Hale made the introduction, as if it was nothing – and he just stood there, dumbstruck, as this Frederick person shook his hand with unnecessary vigour, his warm brown eyes dancing with some secret amusement only known to himself. “And this is my sister-in-law, Dolores – as for my niece Maria, I believe you two have already met, though she is a little shy of strangers at present.” 

As if on cue, the infant began fussing in her aunt’s arms, and was promptly handed to her waiting mother. “I do beg your pardon, Sir,” Dolores excused herself in somewhat broken English, and retreated upstairs so that she might see to her daughter.  

“A brother,” Mr Thornton managed at length, looking between the two siblings. Unclouded by jealousy at last, he could see the resemblance – though Margaret was all her father, whilst Frederick had taken more after Mrs Hale. “Why did Mr Hale never mention a son?” 

“It is quite a long tale,” Frederick offered, gesturing for him to take a seat. “I would gladly tell you all about it, for I know you have been a most loyal friend to our family.” 

A friend. That was the best he could aspire to under the circumstances, and he was hit afresh with a wave of shame at how ready he had been to believe the worst of Miss Hale. He sat down heavily, and with a curt nod of the head, prepared himself to hear Frederick Hale’s story. 

.

Margaret had scarcely believed her eyes when she had spotted the unmistakable figure of Mr Thornton, standing to one side of the street as if deep in thought, not ten feet away from her. Her heart had leapt in her throat, and before she knew what she was about, she had called out his name, seized by the sudden fear of letting this unforeseen opportunity to make amends for her conduct go to waste.  

Mr Thornton had listened very intently to Frederick’s explanations about the circumstances of the mutiny and everything that followed, all the way down to his precipitous escape from Milton, on the same evening that saw Leonards’ untimely demise. Margaret had then expressed her sorrow for the falsehood she had felt no choice but to commit to at the time, and had come to bitterly regret since.  

“I only wish you could have found it within yourself to trust me, Miss Hale,” was Mr Thornton’s only reproach, and a very mild one at that; Margaret coloured, hesitated, and eventually admitted she could never have asked of him to choose between his duty as her father’s friend and that as a magistrate.  

At this point in the conversation, Frederick rose, declaring his intention to check on his wife and child; taking his leave from Mr Thornton for the time being, he left the door to the sitting room half open, and joined the rest of his family upstairs.  

“I must go also,” Mr Thornton announced somewhat abruptly, causing her heart to plummet within the cavity of her chest. “It has been good to see you, Miss Hale.” 

“Oh, but won’t you stay a little longer? It’s been so long since I last was in Milton – I was hoping for some fresh news of how mutual acquaintances.” 

Mr Thornton’s face fell so suddenly she felt she had once more succeeded in unwittingly offending him. “Of course,” he replied at last, his tone carefully devoid of any emotion. “What is it that you wish to know?” 

“I trust Miss and Mrs Thornton are in good health,” she ventured to ask, unsettled by the sudden change in his demeanour.  

“They are both in excellent health, thank you. My sister is lately married to Mr Watson; as for my mother, she’s entirely taken up with the care of her grandchildren, and much happier for it, if you can believe such a thing.” 

Grandchildren. Of course, there was no reason for Mr Thornton to remain unmarried – indeed, it was only to be expected that a man of his position in life should readily find a more suitable companion, someone worthy of taking up the role of his wife and the mother of his children. “Oh,” she murmured at length, desperately searching for words of congratulations that would not stick so painfully in her throat. “That is marvellous news, indeed.” 

“Twin boys,” he went on, entirely unaware of the silent battle she was fighting within herself. “Poor Fanny was left quite shaken with the ordeal, but she’s the happiest creature in the world now, I can assure you.”  

“Oh,” she uttered again, feeling quite slow-witted, and entirely wicked for rejoicing at the implication that there might not be a Mrs John Thornton, after all. “Mr Watson is a lucky man, I take it.” 

“A very lucky man indeed,” and there it was, the once familiar bitterness seeping back into his tone. “Miss Hale, I had been hoping to conceal this from you, but I find I can pretend no more; I am no longer Master of Marlborough Mills, and indeed, there is no Marlborough Mills to speak of anymore.” 

Margaret’s heart constricted quite painfully within her ribcage, and it took every inch of her willpower not to make a spectacle of herself by clasping his hands with her own. “Mr Thornton, I had no idea – what happened?” 

He straightened himself, as she knew was his habit when faced with some displeasing circumstance. “The mill had been in a precarious position for quite some time after the strike, and the fluctuations of the market made it impossible for things to pick up again. Mr Watson offered me to take part in a speculation, but I could not, not after – in short, he was successful, while I was forced to give up my business. I work under Mr Hamper now – this is why I am here, to negotiate quite an important business arrangement on his account.” 

“What of your workers?” Margaret could not stop herself from asking. “What of Nicholas, and Mary – and the Boucher children, who is going to feed them now?” 

“It is all taken care of,” Mr Thornton shook his head gravely. “Most of my workers have been taken on by other mill masters, and as for Higgins, Mr Watson has agreed to give him work on my request.” 

At this, she found she could no longer hold back her tears. “You are a good man, Mr Thornton. If only I had seen it sooner – but I did not understand you back then, and of that, I am sorry.” 

“Margaret,” she heard him murmur close to her ear, and she looked up to find him kneeling on the floor at her side. “Take care. If you do not speak – I shall claim you as my own in some strange presumptuous way. Send me away at once, if I must go; Margaret!” 

Margaret made no move to speak; never before had she known such delicious silence, and she rested her cheek against his, truly at home at last. 

[hullomoon]

for the touches prompt game! your choice of pairing for "bandaging the other’s hand and not quite letting go" (aka I am screaming just from the prompt)

thank you for being so patient. what happened is i had half of this written went 'oh no this is gonna be long' but it aside and then forgot about it 😅 as an apology here's almost 1k of alexis/stevie royalty au

Alexis sighed as she dipped the cloth back into the water. The water turned a light pink and she winced at the sight. She removed the cloth and gently squeezed the water out. She turned to face Stevie. “You know,” Alexis grabbed Stevie’s hand and carefully swiped the cloth across her palm, “you really should be more careful.”

Stevie huffed. “It’s my job to protect you.”

“I don’t always need protecting,” Alexis replied. She felt Stevie tense under her touch.

“You’re the princess,” Stevie murmured, “Even if you think you don’t need protection, you do.” She pulled her hand from Alexis’s grasp and waved it in the air. “I mean you saw what happened tonight!”

Alexis let out a small huff and grabbed Stevie’s arm. “Sir Robert is a gentleman. How was I to know that he upset a blacksmith?”

“Because he’s a pompous asshole,” Stevie bit out.

Alexis turned her gaze away from Stevie and focused back to the task at hand. She didn’t think she could explain to Stevie that know matter how much she might not like Robert, he was Alexis’s best choice. The threat on his life now withstanding. “Fine, but next time take a moment to see if they’re harming me or my suitor. I don’t think any of them are worth dying for.” Alexis lifted her head up and met Stevie’s piercing gaze.

When she was first introduced to Stevie, Alexis paid her no mind. She was the sixth knight to be posted as her guard and if Alexis had her way Stevie would end up like the others: gone. She didn’t need a guard. If her family had their way she’d barely leave the castle. Instead, she did her best to ignore Stevie and evade her at every turn. Except, Stevie kept up. Alexis could disappear into the deepest parts of the city only to turn and see Stevie casually chatting with a shopkeeper, one eye trained on Alexis. She decided to pull out the big guns and use her more elaborate disguises and distractions and by the time Stevie caught up with her she’d barely broken a sweat.

It both intrigued and infuriated Alexis. Eventually, after one night when Alexis drank too much and Stevie had to carry her out of the bar did she start to warm up to her. Alexis remembered the careful way Stevie placed her on the bed and the featherlight touch to her forehead that Alexis wasn’t sure if she imagined. As Alexis opened up and let Stevie in, Stevie returned in kind telling her stories about her training and how surprised she was at the offer to be the princess’s knight.

She looked at Stevie now. The furrow of her brow, sweaty hair stuck to her forehead, and how close she was to Alexis. Alexis was accustomed to Stevie’s closeness, it was her job after all, but the intimacy of this suggested something else. She turned away from Stevie and grabbed a jar off a shelf. “Here,” Alexis started. She opened the jar and smeared a thin layer of the goop across Stevie’s palm. “This should help with the healing process, or at least that’s what Twyla tells me.”

“And does Twyla tell you lots of things?” Stevie asked, an arch to her brow.

“Of course, she’s the royal healer. We’ve built up quite a rapport, especially when I first tried ditching my guards. I wasn’t as good as I am now.”

Stevie smiled plainly. “Yes, you are pretty good at trying to slip away.”

Alexis scoffed as she grabbed a clean cloth. “Well, not completely since I can’t seem to escape you.”

If Alexis had said something like this early in Stevie’s tenure she would have gotten a dirty look. Instead, Stevie let out a sharp laugh. Alexis took the cloth and began to wrap Stevie’s hand. Right before she finished, Stevie gripped her wrist and leaned over, right next to Alexis’s ear.

“You can’t escape me, because I can’t keep my eyes off you,” Stevie murmured.

Alexis pulled back and noticed Stevie’s lustful look. As soon as Stevie loosened her grip, Alexis lunged forward and pulled Stevie into a kiss. Stevie’s lips were chapped and eager, chasing after Alexis. She felt the unforgiving rigidity of Stevie’s armor and paid it no mind as she moved to straddle her. They’d been playing cat and mouse for years and finally they both were where they wanted: caught in the embrace of the other. 

[snowlilly]

Okay fine. Dinner

Dinner

"Do you ever go outside?" "I go buy groceries and such." "I meant for fun." "There's nothing 'fun' outside for me." "Am I to take that as a 'never'?" "…" "Aren't you lonely?" Yuzuki lowered his head, looking to the side. "…You've seen how they act yourself. People don't like dealing with those who remind them of the Witch." "That's not what I asked." "You're not getting a different answer." Nemo pouted in frustration over his avoidance. "That's it. We're going out. Now." "Going out? For what?" "Dinner." "At noon!?" "I'm not taking complaints. You've shut yourself in for far too long, and I finally want to eat at one of those fancy restaurants." "But, are you going to be fine? You can't taste the food without… people seeing your eyes." "I'm not going to have my day ruined by some folks staring at me! I can't just hide myself all the time just because of their prejudice, and you shouldn't have to either!" "If only staring was all they did…", he mumbled under his breath.

Nemo decisively marched ahead, seemingly impervious to the concerned whispers and mutters rising up wherever they passed. It was difficult for Yuzuki to keep up with their pace, but at least he only had to follow the breach created in the crowd. "Where are we going?" "I don't know." "What are you looking for?" "Whatever seems good enough." After a few minutes of aimless walking, they finally stopped at a restaurant with a luxurious facade. "Nemo, that's one of the finest restaurants in town!", he quietly reprimanded them. "And?" "And? Well…" He struggled to find the right words to explain. "I'm not going to change my mind now." "A-at least take a minute to cool down. You shouldn't walk in glaring like that…" "…Fine." They took a deep breath and put up a smile, then opened the door to the restaurant and walked up to the front desk, a concerned Yuzuki trailing behind them. "Can we get a table for two, please?" "Certainly-", the man at the desk started, but got hung up on that word when he looked into the guest's eyes. "---not, I'm afraid! We have a full house tonight," he frantically changed the sentence's direction. Nemo suspiciously looked around. "…The restaurant is half empty." "We're completely booked out for the day!" "I don't see any reservations on the table-" "My deepest apologies, but if you would please leave, you're holding up the line!", he exclaimed as he got in front of the desk. "There's no one behind us-" "Good day to you, please come again at another-" Yuzuki cut in between Nemo and the restaurant employee basically shoving them out of the door. "Are you the manager here? Are you seriously going to treat them like that?" "I am, and your friend is ruining the atmosphere of our establishment," he replied with a harsh, lowered voice, emphasising the word 'friend' in such a degrading tone it made Yuzuki's blood boil. "I'm about to ruin more than just the atmosphere-" "It's okay, Yuzuki," Nemo interrupted him, "I'm… actually not that hungry. You can go eat by yourself. I'll wait for you back at my place." Without waiting for his response, they rushed out of the restaurant. "No, Nemo, wait-" Yuzuki shot an icy glare at the manager. "Bastard," he hissed, before running after his fleeing friend.

He found them crouching in a small, dark gap between two houses, staring at the ground with a downcast look on their face. He sat down next to them. "Nemo…" "I'm sorry. I boasted about not letting it get to me before… But in the end, I couldn't handle it after all." "No, you- you don't have to apologize for that. I knew this could happen, but you were so determined to go, I didn't even give you a proper warning. I should be the one to say sorry." "I really…", tears started welling up in their eyes, "…wanted to enjoy the food with you." Yuzuki pulled them closer and let them cry on his shoulder as he wordlessly held their head in one arm and stroked their back with the other. Once they calmed down, he stood back up. "…Let's go, Nemo." "Where?" "We're going back." "To the restaurant? But they threw us out…" "I know. I've got an idea." "…You're not going to cause a scene, are you?" A devilish grin spread across his face. "Oh, absolutely." "Huh!?"

In the evening, the very same restaurant was graced with the presence of two ladies in elegant dresses, a dainty one with blue lipstick and black hair styled into a bun; and a tall one with red lipstick and a hat with a large brim, sunglasses and white bangs covering her face. "Might we perhaps get a table for two in here?" the dainty one asked with a smooth, silky voice. "Y-yes, of course, right away, madam!", the manager stammered, clearly distracted by the quiet one's appearance. "Pardon me, but is your companion a celebrity?" "No questions, please! And by all means, no staring. She is here incognito. We'd both be very grateful if you'd respect our privacy." "I-I see. Well, I'll be sure to have the finest table ready for you two!" "Much appreciated."

"I can't believe this worked." "I can't believe he was ogling you like that when he couldn't get you out of here fast enough earlier." "What's that proverb again? 'Looks can be deceiving'?" "That's not how you use it. Like, at all." "…Proverbs can be deceiving?" "Pfft. Yeah, that works."

Once they were done with the food, the woman in blue stood up, approached the other still sitting in her chair, kneeled down in front of her and pulled out a small box with a (definitely real) engagement ring inside. "Neplutonia, will you marry me?" The audience was already about to clap as 'Neplutonia' rose from her seat. "No, Yusephine! The food and service is so atrocious in this place, it opened my eyes! You never treat me right! I am in love with another! I am going to marry Bertibald! Goodbye!" After finishing her dramatic speech, she stormed out of the restaurant. "Noooooo! Not Bertibald!", Yusephine wailed in despair, and followed suit. "Hey, you didn't pay for your food!", the manager yelled after them.

Outside, Yuzuki jumped into Nemo's arms, who had already tossed the sunglasses and hat aside. "You deserve an Oscar for that performance." "Can I get a 'Yuzuki' instead?" "You already have me, silly," he chuckled, and gave them a light kiss on the cheek. They snickered and lifted him into a bridal carry. At that moment, the agitated manager barged out of the door. "Come back and pay your bill- hey, I remember you! You lot were here earlier!" "Fuck you! This is for making my friend cry!", Yuzuki yelled while flipping him off. Then Nemo spun around and sprinted away with him in their arms. The manager tried to chase the pair, but it was clear his pace was no match for Nemo's outstanding speed. "I'm going to call the knights!" "The knights can suck my ass!" "Keep that damn witch out of my restaurant!" "Like we're ever coming back! Much less with money!", Yuzuki shouted back at the manager, who had finally lost his stamina and gave up his pursuit.

Nemo ran through the city like a whirlwind. Even if the knights were to show up, they would never be able to catch them by foot. Yuzuki knew he was light and significantly smaller than them, but he hadn't thought his weight would have so little impact on their agility. Mid running, they began acting again. "Marry me, Yusephine! You're the only one for me!" "What about Bertibald?" "Oh, he dumped me." "Why's that?" "Didn't wash my toenails." Both of them started laughing. "Oh, Neplutonia, you crazy woman with your filthy toenails…" Yuzuki trailed off as he gazed at Nemo, smiling so brightly as they dashed through the streets. "…I could never say no to you."

[devilishoon]

SORRY, BABE

— Jay

summary: while having sex with bf jay, y/n is getting hurt and can't continue (request)

pairing: park jongseong (jay) x fem!reader

warning: smut (+18), dom! jay, fluff, blood, y/n's first time, fingering, after care, ...

word count: 661 words

notes: english is not my mother tongue, i apologize in advance for my mistakes.

hope you enjoy this @tinymoonbluebird ! <3

You were devouring his lips for the first time in weeks and, my god, you've missed their sweet and heavenly taste. You bit his lower lip in order to let his pleasant breath join with yours, and your fingers came closer to the nape of his neck, making Jay gasp.

"I've missed you". His iris took on a darker tone as his hands sloped down your body.

"So have I", you replied, already longing for his lips.

Suddenly, his hands were feeling your ass without any shame, but you couldn't pay attention to this last action because his lips were spreading wet kisses all over your neck, reclaiming your entire attention.

At some point, he got rid of your jeans without you noticing, pushing your panties aside and playing with your clit right after.

"I wanna fuck you so bad", he whispered on your ear once you started to squirm, inserting his middle finger inside your pussy. He really knew how to make you feel good with his fingers.

"Fuck me then", you moaned, unable to control yourself.

Jay ignored your words in an attempt to keep his composure, but what he didn't know was that, doing so, he had just invited you to provoke him.

At first, you touched his member above his pants, accelerating his breath and driving him crazy; and then, taking advantage of the power you already had over him, you pumped his cock, putting an end to his patience.

He was practically on the edge thanks to your playful hands and your warm tongue, which you also used as one of your temptative weapons.

"I can't wait no more", he took one condom from those he kept on his nightstand's drawer. "I'm gonna fuck you right now", he warned you in advance as he adjusted the condom on his length.

"Finally, god thanks", you smirked, feeling more and more needy as you looked at his hard cock. "Not gonna lie, I'm quite scared, cause your cock is huge, but I can't wait to have it inside of me."

"If a baby can come out of there, I think you can handle this, babe", he said and got on top of you, lining his dick towards your entrance with his free hand.

"Do it". You held his strong arms waiting for him and, finally, he entered you without giving it more thought.

"That's it...", he groaned. "How does it feel?", he looked at you from the top, looking twice as attractive.

"It hurts", you confessed. "But stay there, maybe I just need to adjust to it."

"Ok, let me know when I can start moving", you nodded as a response.

Even if it was hurting like hell, you wanted to continue and take your relationship further, so after some minutes of deep breaths and kisses, you asked him to start moving again.

"Does it feel better now?", he asked and licked his red lips, moving his hips slowly.

"Nope, it doesn't, take it out, please", you closed your eyes, trying to deal with the pain he was causing you.

"Done", he pulled his dick out and caressed your face. "You did it well, don't worry", he left multiple kisses on your forehead, comforting you.

Jay didn't understand why it hurted so much, so he averted his eyes where your intimate zone was and noticed that some blood have stained his bed sheets.

"I'm sorry, maybe I wasn't ready, I...", you started to judge yourself for not being able to handle that situation, getting his attention back.

"Babe, it's ok, next time I'll be more cautious", he tried to cheer you up.

"I'm sorry, I love you", you finally looked at him in the eye and confessed him your deepest feelings.

"You don't have to be sorry, love you too", he smiled, kissing your lips smoothly. "Now let me bring you a towel, babe, your pussy bled a little", he kissed your cheek before getting out of bed.

[imaginativeamateur]

[Itachi Uchiha X Reader] First Snow Season 2 {Prologue}

Season 1 Prologue

Pairing: Itachi Uchiha x fem!Reader

Note: It's been a very, very, VERY long time, but I am back after a seemingly infinite period of hibernation! Thank you for still staying with me! Okay, I have spent the last month getting inspiration and ideas for this plot, by this I mean watching drama reviews LOL, so expect heartfelt moments in this season, but the beginning is quite angsty! I feel like you all deserve fluff for First Snow because of what we have been through, honestly! I will be uploading weekly and updating the masterlistS, yes, I am creating a new one for this series! My taglist for First Snow is all over the place right now, please, if you requested but I haven't added you, comment on this post! Thanks! This is just the prologue so expect more hehe :) Enjoy!

“How have you been?” 

Itachi’s words rang in your ears like a siren. Amidst the light breeze of spring, you felt your heart closing shut. “Better than I used to,” you replied halfheartedly and the room fell into a deep silence. It was the first time you met him, again. You expected that you would, sooner or later, face the Uchiha, given that you were still a part of the Clan, but not for a matter like this.

After you returned to the North, everything was centered around rebuilding the place, everyone was in high spirits that they finally found their way back home. At first, you used their jubilance to drag yourselves through the endless days, to be their role model, you supposed. At night, when they would be returned to their families, you would sit alone in your own place, piecing together the letters your parents left behind, gazing at their belongings, and crying yourself to bed. Being back to where you were born and raised, now without your family, did nothing but add salt to your open wounds yet to heal.

If home was a place for assurance and serenity, you were the farthest from home.

Earlier in the week, you received a letter from Kakashi outlining that he and Itachi would be coming to the North to hand over the Clan’s responsibilities. Your heart shuddered at the thought of having to come face to face with the man you could never forget, for good and bad, who you would never be able to mistake even in your sleep. You narrowed your eyes and fixated them back onto the figure standing several feet away from where you were, unfathomable. However, your gaze lingered on the person standing behind him, a woman.

“Why is she here?” You cleared your throat and sucked in a quick inhale, feeling a bit nauseous as you spoke. The sight before your eyes was enough to shake you to the core—Izumi stood casually with her hands intertwined behind her back, smiling slightly at your perplexity. Your face was ashen when the two of them exchanged glances—disgust. 

You never heard of any information regarding her release, nor her appearance in your land. Feeling your burning stare on his back, demanding an explanation, Kakashi shook his head sideways and stepped out, closing the door behind, leaving you and the pair inside your office.

“Izumi will be living here from now on to atone for her mistakes,” Itachi did not waste an extra second to spit the words out. “She will be working like all other members, helping to rebuild the place.”

“Hello, Y/N-san.” She bowed. “I am truly sorry for everything I have caused, for all the things that I made you go through. I was blinded by jealousy, but right now, I want nothing but to fix my mistakes. Please accept my deepest apology, Y/N-san.” 

You opened your lips to say something, but before you could, Itachi interrupted, telling Izumi to go outside and wait. You glanced as her back disappeared, still in disbelief. Itachi took a seat across from you, beginning to pull out some documents. You crossed your arms and furrowed your brows, “Is this a joke? You never spoke to me about this. Do you think that I’m here just here for show?”

“Before giving me a lecture, would you listen to what I have to say, first?” His voice was as light as a feather.

Your blood boiled. You wanted to ask if he would, if he was you. But Itachi’s deadly gaze, though unwavering, spoke volumes. He slid the papers across your desk and folded his hands on his lap. “Izumi is now released on parole, the Advisors want you to be in charge of her.”

“I won’t,” you smirked, “I can’t.” The raven-haired remained expressionless—he expected this from you. You shifted in your seat, slowly dropping every word with gritted teeth. “It’s out of my capabilities—what she did and what she will do. Just like whatever happened to get her out of prison.”

“Stop beating around the bush.”

“I was just wondering how talented she is to be able to walk away from her punishments just like that.” You chuckled lowly, “It was only three months.” Itachi seemed rather disturbed and you took satisfaction in it. Leaning forward, you smiled gently. “Is it her money? Her status? Her skills? Perhaps her body?”

Itachi was taken aback by your forceful candor, his face stiffened. Never in his memory had he recalled this side of you. The woman sitting in front of him was no longer the Y/N that he used to know. For a moment, he felt the urge to apologize, for ruining you, but he knew his effort restraining his emotions the moment he saw you—the moment you left his side—would be in vain if he let his heart overtake his mind. Instead, Itachi looked outside at the cherry blossoms dangling in the wind ever so slightly with a condescending curve on his lips. “You’re not…wrong, but there’s one thing that I need to remind you, Y/N.” There was more into the situation that he wished you would know, but for your sake, he was willing to play the devil. Itachi tapped the table, relaxed, but his words were the opposite. “You don’t have a say in it, better take the easy way out. You are smart, make the decision that you won’t regret. You have the lives of many in your hand now.”

With that, he pushed himself up and turned for the door. You bit our lips, your eyes growing red the louder his words repeated in your head. Succumbing to the highers—not your morale, but your route. You crumbled the papers in your hand and released a trembling exhale. Right now, you were overwhelmed with an inexplicable sense of frustration, regret, disappointment, and loss. But what you did not know was that on the other side of the closed door, someone quietly blinked away the tears that were yet to shed—this was the only option.

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