#PLEASE let my girl enjoy her tea in peace for once

[cinammonelles]

WHAT IS IT WITH MOCHIJUN AND HER AGENDA TO NEVER LET DOMI ENJOY HER TEA😭😭😭

[lyneylover]

A Pleasurable Reward

Synopsis: Wriothesley sees how hard his new little assistant is working to keep peace and order in the fortress of meropide even with its tiring and chaotic nature. Impressed with your hard work he wants to think of a way to thank you but he's too busy and stressed with work. Luckily for him a little melusine nurse has just the perfect plan to satisfy both of you!

Warning(s): NSFW content, Cursing, small mentions of blood

MINORS PLS DNI!

Word count: 3.6k words

Another long tantalizing day slowly goes by in the Fortress of Meropide and Wriothesley’s new assistant runs around doing her tasks. During the afternoon she goes to serve Wriothesley his afternoon tea. You knocked on the door gently. “Your grace, I'm here with your tea.” You spoke in a soft tone waiting for him to give her the ok to come in.

Wriothesley lets out a seemingly cheerful hum hearing your soft voice grace his ears once again before giving you the ok to come in. “You can come in.” Wriothesley said in his usual calm voice but with a hint of happiness in it.

You open the door and smile at him, placing the tray with the tea down on his desk. She takes the teapot and pours the tea in the cup letting it cool off before placing it on the small tea plate and placing it in front of Wriothesley.

Once cool enough Wriothesley picks up the tea cup taking a sip. He was met with a pleasant surprise of his favorite flavor of tea. With a grin he looks at you. “Wow and what's the special occasion for you to make me my favorite tea without me even requesting it?” Wriothesley spoke in a playful manner.

You place the documents he had asked for earlier on his desk neatly stacked. “Oh, I just thought you would enjoy it! You've been working hard and I thought this would be a great way to help you relax.”

After you placed the documents down you did a little stretch. “Is there anything else I could do for you this afternoon, your grace?” You asked in a sweet tone.

Wriothesley takes another sip of tea before setting the cup down back on its little plate. “Again you can just call me Wriothesley as I said days earlier I consider you more than as my assistant now you're like a friend.”

He gave you a sweet smile that melted your heart. “Alright then well is there anything else you have for me to do for you Wriothesley?”

He hums in response, pausing and making it seem like he was thinking. “No I don't believe there's anything else I need you to do so I suppose you can take an early lunch break. Call me if you need anything though.”

You nod, waving goodbye to him before turning and walking out of his office. As you're walking out you see Sigewinne walking in.

Sigewinne stops right before opening the door and turns to you. Seeing the small melusine you smile and wave at her. She smiles and waves back before speaking up. “Good afternoon! I hope you've been having a good day. If you don't mind me asking, could you get me some herbs?”

Seeing her cute smile made your heart melt so you immediately agreed. “Oh sure! I was about to go on lunch break but I don't mind, what do you need me to get?”

Sigewinne tilts her head to the side. “Oh if you were going to go on break I wouldn't want to bother you! I could just-”

You quickly cut the girl off. “No no! I insist I can go, I have nothing else to do anyway. What do you need me to get?”

Seeing that you weren't going to back down, Sigewinne doesn't try to argue further.

“Alright if you say so but please make sure to take a break and relax. Like try doing something pleasing to you! We wouldn't want anything bad to happen to you.” Sigewinne said in a sweet voice.

You nod giving her a smile waiting for her to tell you the herbs she needed. Sigewinne handed you a small list of herbs she needed and you read over the list before nodding happily. “Alright I can get you these in no time! I'll be back soon!”

With that you were off to go and get her the herbs she asked for. While you were doing Sigewinne decided to talk to Wriothesley in his office.

She sat there listening to him talk about how he wanted to reward you for all your hard work and even doing extra things you weren't asked to do and not expecting anything from it at all. Yet unfortunately Wriothesley was also so busy and stressed recently so he didn't have much time to think of anything.

This is where Sigewinne came in and gave Wriothesley the idea to do something pleasurable for both you and him to help both of you relax. She even insisted that she set up everything for the moment so he could relax more.

The first step of Sigewinne’s master plan to help Wriothesley and you relax was now in session.

She calmly walked up to one of the few guards on duty tugging on their uniform lightly. The guard looks down at Sigewinne confused and surprised to see the head nurse come and tug on their uniform so suddenly.

The guard quickly snaps out of their shocked dazed and fumbled with their words slightly before speaking. “U-uhm is there anything I can do for you today miss Sigewinne?”

Sigewinne smiles and speaks up. “No need to be worried you're not in trouble! It's just that Lord Wriothesley said that a prisoner has escaped and he wants guards out on the surface to look for them!”

The nervous guard quickly nods and asks Sigewinne for a description of the escaped prisoner which Sigewinne quickly provides a description of what you look like. As soon as Sigewinne finishes, the guard thanks her.

“Thank you for informing me. I will inform some of the other guards about this so some can be on the surface to look while others stay here and keep an eye out!”

Sigewinne giggles with a cheeky smile. “Oh it's nothing! I'm just glad I could help you to find the criminal!” Sigewinne stated in a cheerful voice.

Sigewinne hums happily while walking away from the guard. Stage one of her little plan was complete. Stage two was to make sure Wriothesley wouldn't find out about this. Which would be easy for now as he had paperwork and all she had to do was wait until they caught you.

Meanwhile you were peacefully out buying the herbs Sigewinne was asking for when suddenly you hear a loud voice shout. “FREEZE WHERE YOU ARE! YOU'RE UNDER ARREST” You looked behind you wondering what was going on.

To your surprise the one the guards were speaking to was you. “Wait wait what!? You must have the wrong person! I'm innocent and have done nothing wrong.”

The guard cuts you off. “Please do not argue! You fit the description perfectly and we know what we're doing so come with us without a fight so we can make this easy.”

Not wanting to cause a bigger scene you reluctantly agree and follow the guards. You let them cuff you and take you back to the fortress of meropide. When you get there the first person you expect to see was Wriothesley but instead it's Sigewinne. You try to speak up and find out what's going on.

“Sigewinne do you know what's happening? I didn't do anything and I was arrested. Can you please help-” A guard suddenly told you to be quiet and to not speak to the head nurse.

The guard from earlier walks up to Sigewinne. “Is this the escaped prisoner that you were talking about?”

Sigewinne nods with a big smile. “Yup that's the one!”

The guard nods, getting ready to take you to Wriothesley’s office to see what your punishment would be when Sigewinne stops them.

“That won't be necessary! I'll take this one and you all can stay here and make sure nobody else escapes.” Sigewinne says quickly, taking you away from the guards before they could say anything to her

Most of the walk was silent. You were nervous and confused about what you did and how Wriothesley would react to seeing you. Would he be upset? Disappointed? Your thoughts were swirling around in your head making you zone out. You didn't even notice that you were in front of Wriothesley's office door until Sigewinne told you to stay out for a minute.

She walked into the office and shut the door behind her. Sigewinne felt so excited as the final part of her plan was approaching that she had to remind herself to stay calm and not blurt out the whole surprise.

Wriothesley raised a brow at Sigewinne seeing her come back into his office so suddenly. Sigewinne saw Wriothesley's confusion so she spoke in a bright and cheerful tone.

“Wriothesley! I have a very special surprise for you.” She smiled, giggling slightly.

Wriothesley was intrigued by this so he decided to humor into whatever Sigewinne was doing. “Oh, I wasn't expecting a surprise today. What might this special surprise be?” He questioned with a thoughtful tone that was hinted with playfulness.

Sigewinne quickly went to the door with tiny giggles. She turns to Wriothesley happily. “Just wait right here! Your surprise will be here in just a few moments!”

You struggled to hear what was being said in the room but seeing the door start to open you quickly jumped back from trying to listen to what was going on in the room.

Sigewinnie was giggling while looking at you which confused you but before you could even say anything to her she pushed you in the office which you struggled to catch yourself causing yourself to fall on the floor because you were still handcuffed.

Before the door closed you heard Sigewinne speak. “Have fun you two!” Before she happily walked away.

While you were quietly panicking Wriothesley was busy looking you up and down. He knew it was wrong to be shamelessly looking at you like a piece of meat but he couldn’t deny that the sight of you on the floor and handcuffed turned him on tremendously.

Wriothesley felt himself slowly getting hard just from the sight of you alone. He gave you a smug smile before walking over to you tilting your head up studying you before he spoke. “Now this is really a surprising little gift. I must say Sigewinne has outdone herself this time.”

Wriothesley’s words made you feel flustered and even more confused with the situation. “What are you talking about a really ‘surprising gift’? What's going on? Why was I so suddenly arrested?”

Wriothesley sighed letting go of your chin. “Well I sure don’t know what’s going on either. Trust me if I knew I would tell you but…”

You raised a brow at his words “But what…?” You were intrigued by his words and curious by what he meant.

Wriothsley found your confusion oh so cute making him chuckle a little. “I might as well enjoy it while a perfect gift is right here in front of me.” He gives you a slight smirk. Finally it clicked for you in those moments. You were the special gift that Wriothesley was talking about.

You didn’t know what to think. There were so many thoughts going through your mind. Eventually you finally speak. “So I'm not in trouble?” You questioned.

Wriothesley only sighs and shakes his head. “Nah you're not in trouble, what just happened was you were just tricked by Sigewinne is all.”

You sighed in relief. It felt like the biggest weight was lifted off your shoulders now that you knew that you weren’t in trouble at all. “Well I'm glad to know that I didn’t do anything wrong.��� You said in a cheerful voice and gave a small smile.

Just for a second you looked down seeing a tent in his pants causing a blush to coat your cheeks.

When he realizes what you're looking at the next few moments are spent in awkward silence until Wriothesley finally spoke. “Y’know… you don't have to do anything if you don't want to. I understand if you don't want to and I'll uncuff you immediately.”

You stop him from saying anything else. “I don’t mind Wriothesley... I want to.”

Wriothesley doesn’t waste another second before he smashes his lips against yours which you quickly return the kiss.

Wriothesley picks you up and puts you on his desk to which you spread your legs so he can get between them. He places hot kisses and bites on your skin starting from your jaw down to your neck before he pauses and looks you in the eyes. “Are you sure you wanna do this?”

You quickly nod not wanting him to stop what he was doing.

The second Wriothesley got your consent he didn't wait a second longer he quickly tore off whatever clothing you had on discarding it to the ground. He leans in for another kiss before snaking one arm around you and unclasping your bra with one hand.

Wriothesley began placing slow hot kisses on your breasts before taking one of your nipples into his mouth, swirling his tongue around your hardened bud while he used his hand to pinch and pull the other one.

You let out a small gasp quietly moaning out his name. “W-wriothesley… more please…”

Your words sounded heavenly to Wriothesley. It was like he was hearing an angel call out his name. He felt his pants feeling too tight and you of course felt just how much Wriothesley wanted you too.

You couldn't lie the feeling of Wriothesley being rock hard and pressed against your thigh made you heavily aroused. You could feel your panties dampening with slickness.

Wriothesley unlatched his mouth from your nipple with a wet pop sound. He began to strip you of the rest of your clothes. You shivered under his touch.

Wriothesley used his teeth to slowly slide down your panties while he looked you in the eyes. Finally he got to see just how wet you were for him. Your scent was just divine in his opinion. He grinned up at you. “You're soaked, and it's all for me? I'm truly flattered. Wriothesley teased with a chuckle making you blush and attempt to close your legs.

The second you try to close your legs Wriothesley stops you using a hand to keep them pushed apart. “I don't think I told you that you could close your legs did I?”

You whimpered quietly at his words. Wriothesley decides to stop teasing you and get straight to the point. He slowly slid a finger into your tight hole. Slowly he slid another in up until he finally had three fingers slowly pumping into you.

You bit your lip trying to hold back moans that attempted to escape your lips. Noticing this Wriothesley decides to take it up a notch leaning in and sucking on your clit slowly.

You threw your head back in ecstasy trying your best not to moan too loudly. Just when you were about to climax Wriothesley decided to pull away. This caused you to whimper quietly. “Wriothesley… what are you doing…?”

Wriothesley didn't say a word he only looked at you as he slowly licked his fingers clean of your slick. The sight of it made your core throb. You closed your legs rubbing your thighs together to try and get any small bit of friction.

Wriothesley only chuckled at this, finding it cute and endearing. “Just wait will you? You'll get what you want.”

Wriothesley made quick work of his clothes, discarding them somewhere in the corner with your clothes. Wriothesley picks you up off his desk before bending you over it. He positions himself behind you slowly rubbing his tip against your slicked folds. “You ready? I can stop now if you want but once I start I don't think I'll be able to stop…”

You didn't even listen to a word he said and instead only blurted out. “Wriothesley just please fuck me already!”

With those few words Wriothesley slowly pushed into your slicked pussy. He grunt at the feeling of your walls clamping around him tightly. “Fuck…” Wriothesley cursed under his breath. It was taking everything inside him not to just ram inside you right then and there and you bent across his desk hands cuffed behind your back wasn't doing him any help at all. “Mmm… just let me know when you're ready for me to move…”

The stretch of him bottoming out hurt for the first few moments but soon all you felt was pure pleasure. You lightly buck your hips back against him. “Wriothesley… you can move now…”

Wriothesley didn't wait a second longer. Although he tried to be gentle he couldn't help himself. He grabbed your hips and moved slowly at first bucking his hips into yours, gradually picking up his pace.

Your walls clamped down tightly around him making him groan. “Your so fuckin’ tight… you take me so well… like you were made just for me…” Wriothesley grunted into your ear.

All you could do was moan and cry out loudly while he had you seeing stars. His mushroom head tip kissing your cervix. “W-wriothesley! Ngh~! M- more I want more please!”

He continued pounding into you from behind as you felt your legs beginning to feel like jelly. If Wriothesley wasn't using his hands to keep you in place you were sure you would've collapsed.

The more Wriothesley tip kissed your cervix and g-spot the more the knot in your stomach felt it was going to snap.

Wriothesley reaches a hand down to rub your clit while he pounded into you. “You're doing so good f’me pretty girl… Think you could just a little longer f’me?”

The only thing you could do was whine and nod your head as he fucked you dumb on his cock.

It only takes a few more thrusts before Wriothesley has the knot in your stomach about to snap. “W-wriothesley! Wriothesley! M’gonna cum mph~ hah~! G-gonna…~” Your words were cut short as your vision went white and you clamped down hard around his cock.

Wriothesley grunts, biting down on your shoulder roughly and speaking with a muffled rough voice. “M’gonna cum inside kay?”

You were too fucked out to even care about what he was saying. Wriothesley soon felt the knot in his stomach snap as he gave one last thrust stilling his hips against yours as him hot seed spurted into you.

You could feel rope after rope of his cum painting your walls white. He stayed inside you for a few moments before he slowly pulled out. As Wriothesley pulled out some of his cum dripped out and onto the floor. Wriothesley sighed, plopping down in his desk chair and pulling you back down to sit on his lap.

Wriothesley saw the spot where he bit your shoulder was bleeding slightly so he gently licked the blood from the mark before placing a kiss to your cheek. “You did amazing… I might have to give you a raise just for that performance.” Wriothesley teased as you panted heavily, finally coming down from your high.

“You didn't do too bad yourself.” You teased back.

Wriothesley takes a key and unlocks the cuffs on your wrists. After he takes them off you rub the soreness in your wrists from having the cuffs on so long.

For a while you and Wriothesley stay snuggled up together before Wriothesley gets some towels to clean and dress both of you up.

Wriothesley lets you fall asleep in his arms while he caresses your hair.

Meanwhile somewhere in the fortress one of the staff members tried to go and speak with Wriothesley to talk about some business with him but Sigewinne stopped them. “I'm sorry I'm afraid the duke is unavailable at the moment but whatever business you have with him I can tell him as soon as he's free!” Sigewinne smiled sweetly at the staff member.

The man was getting grumpy and irritated with Sigewinne. “And why can I not see him? What's so important that the duke doesn't have time to speak to me!” The older man snapped at her.

Sigewinne just stayed calm and smiled. “Well he's enjoying his well deserved reward for the rest of the day but as I said earlier you can tell me and I'll tell him for you! But if you don't want to cooperate with that then I'm going to have to request you to leave!”

After a bit of arguing Sigewinne had shot the man with her gun, tranquilizing him for a while and asking the guards nearby to get him out of there.

The next day was pretty normal but this time Wriothesley invited you to have tea with him. As you were discussing a random topic with him something popped in your head. “Wriothesley, did you notice that nobody tried to bother us or speak to us yesterday while we were busy?” You said as you were still confused on the matter.

Wriothesley was about to speak when Sigewinne came in with some papers that Wriothesley had asked her to run and get for him earlier. She smiled at the two of you before speaking to Wriothesley. “I almost forgot to tell you! Some man wanted to speak to you yesterday but unfortunately I had to send him away as I told everyone in the building that you were busy doing something very important. The man didn't really like that response but I handled it! I hope you enjoyed your reward yesterday!”

Sigewinne said cheerfully before she skipped away going back to her office to finish check ups.

Wriothesley sighed and looked at you. “Well that gives you your answer.”

You giggled at his response. “Oh that girl is such a handful but what would we do without our perfect little Sigewinne!” You said while still giggling.

You and Wriothesley sit and laugh together enjoying the rest of your tea time as you discussed more topics.

I feel like I could've did much better with this but because it's late I'll just go ahead and post it I hope everyone enjoys it though this is my first time actually writing something for Wriothesley! I apologize if he's oc here!

Please do not plagiarize, copy, translate, or repost without asking any of my work. All work belongs to ©Lyneylover

[darkficsyouneveraskedfor]

Office Space 2

Warnings: this fic will include elements, some dark, such as noncon/dubcon, and other untagged triggers. Please take this into account before proceeding. It is up to curate your online consumption safely.

Summary: you’re an assistant to private and corporate investigator, Nick Fowler, and find yourself brought into the fold of his shady professional life. 

Characters: Nick Fowler, Jonathan Pine, this reader is known as Elfie.

Author’s Note: Please feel free to leave some feedback, reblog, and jump into my asks. I’m always happy to discuss with you and riff on idea. As always, you are cherished and adored! Stay safe, be kind, and treat yourself💜

💼Part of the Bad Bosses AU💼

When Fowler’s door opens again, you’re quick to sweep back in from the copy room. You do your best to smile as Pine emerges and nods in your direction. A short, broader shadow looms behind him. You’re overly aware of your boss’ observation. 

“Wonderful to meet you, Elfie,” Jonathan nears your desk and offers his hand, “I look forward to working more with you and Nick.” 

“Sir,” you shake his hand across the desk, “nice to meet you too.” 

He squeezes before he lets go. He smells as fresh as the very tree he’s named for. His cologne wafts over as he strides to the door, bidding Fowler a final farewell just before he goes. You quick divert your attention back to your desk. 

“Add tea to the supplies order,” Fowler leans in his doorway, arms crossed. 

“Yes, sir,” you make a note on the pad, “um, is there a specific type?” 

“Tea. I don’t know,” he snips. “Is that catalogue ready?” 

“Sir, I’m still working--” 

“Work faster,” he interjects and spins away. His door snaps behind him and you wince.  

You go back to the copy room and resume your task of scanning the sheets and sorting them into new labeled folders. The work is peaceful. You enjoy the solitary and the simplicity. Yet, you’re uneasy after the change and routine of hosting Mr. Pine. 

Tonight, should be a good cure. Drinks with the girls. Finally. Everyone’s been so busy that you haven’t had a chance to pop down to Retro’s and catch up. You’re already planning out something cute to wear. You have a leather skirt you’d never dare wear to work but you’ve been dying to put on. The deep plum will go nicely with a black top. 

“Lock up,” Fowler’s voice startles you as he calls in from the other room. 

You go to the door and watch him march past your desk; jacket on, briefcase in hand. He doesn’t spare you a look. 

“Yes, sir.” 

“You can leave once you finish that folder. You’ll be making up the hours tomorrow.” 

“Tomorrow? Saturday?” 

“Weekends are in your contract,” he sighs as he pulls open the door, “Elf, you know how I feel about questions.” 

“Yes, sir,” you agree begrudgingly. 

“Noon. Short day,” he states before he lets himself out, the door closing sharply behind him. 

Great. You finally get your night out and you have to worry about work the next day. You guess you can stick to one margherita. It better be a good one. 

You return to your work. It’s not an early day for you. It takes you well past six o’clock to get it all scanned and filed away. You still haven’t sorted through the digital variants. You huff and check your phone. You’re going to be late. You won’t have time to go home and change into your cute leather skirt. 

You lock up and hurry away from the grim office. You catch the streetcar to downtown and wind your way around to Retro’s. The hangover of your long day falls away as you see the familiar neon moniker. Yesssss. You are ready. 

There are a few girls already there. Izzie won’t be there. Her work keeps her in places unknown. It sounds exciting but scary. You prefer the predictability of Fowler and his moods. There's never a sunny day with him but it’s better than trying to figure him out. 

Rosie and Dizzie are at one of the round tables and as you approach, Missie nears from the other side. She’s hard to miss in her bright patterns. She smiles at you as she hums and sits down. 

“I feel better,” Missie chimes, “been holding my bladder since work.” 

“The others on their way?” You ask as you sit on the cushioned bench next to Dizzie. 

“Georgie’s running behind, she just messaged,” Rosie explains, “and Billie’s been quiet today.” 

“Hm, right, I guess we should wait for everyone to be here.” 

“Oo, Izzie just sent something,” Dizzie perks up and nearly drops her phone as she tries to turn up the volume. 

You look over her shoulder and Rosie leans in from the other side and Missie raises herself as Dizzie tilts the screen flatter for her to see. Izzie is hollering as a parachute billows behind her and wind thrashes at her face. Her screams are a mixture of adrenaline, fear, and maddened glee. The video ends and you all look at each other. The oldest of your crew is definitely the bravest. She used to work with Billie but quit to take on military work. It’s quite the change. 

“Wow,” Rosie’s brows pop up, “I could never.” 

“I don’t know, sometimes I feel like throwing myself out of a window,” Billie startles you as she sits beside Missie, “especially after today.” 

“Bill,” you greet brightly. You and her are closest among the group. Just like Rosie and Dizzie stick to each other. “You look...” 

“Tired? Fed up? Done?” She snarls, “I need tequila.” 

“Oof,” Rosie puffs out. 

“Waiting on Georgie,” Missies says. 

“Really? She’s always first here?” Billie squints, “makes the rest of us look bad.” 

“Must’ve been a long day at work,” you shrug. “Can’t say mine was much different and I get to go in again tomorrow.” 

“I’m not getting out of bed if my apartment catches fire,” Billie growls. 

“Oh, that’s too bad,” Missie pouts, “I think Mr. Hansen’s tired of my so no overtime this weekend.” 

“Lucky,” Georgie plops down on Billie’s other side, a flustered mess of glasses and cardigan.  

“What’s the deal?” Billie asks. 

“I was packing,” Georgie takes her glasses off to wipe with her sleeve. 

“Packing?” Dizzie wonders. 

“I gotta go to Barbados tomorrow.” 

“Barbados?” You bluster. 

“Mr. Stark... I don’t know,” she murmurs and shakes her head. 

“Well, George, looks like you and me have to be the responsible ones tonight,” you resign. 

[thekiabo99]

Let Me Help You

This idea came into my head randomly last night lol. Little short drabble of reader helping Lady Dimitrescu ease the pain in her hands, caused by her long retractable nails. Enjoy!

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It was a boring evening at Castle Dimitrescu, you had managed to calm the girls down enough to the point that they were no longer chaos and you found yourself with nothing to do. Whilst you loved the peace and quiet of the castle, you often wished that the girls would become energetic again, for it at least gave you something to do whilst Alcina was away for a while.

You sighed to yourself, closing the book you were trying to read as you looked towards the doorway of the chambers which you shared with Alcina, hoping that she would come through the doorway but unfortunately, she did not. When she did not come through the doorway, you let out a heavy sigh as you stared out the window opposite the bed, wondering what you could do to entertain yourself whilst Alcina was gone.

"I wish you were here, Alcina..." you mumbled quietly to yourself, once again wanting to be by her side as you fidgeted with the pages of the book you were reading. When you mumbled that, a knock was heard at the door as you looked towards it, wondering who it was as you sat up properly and adjusted yourself properly.

You knew it was not the girls, for they never knocked, they just straight up entered the room as if it was their own. "Who is it?" you asked calmly, your eyes on the door as you heard someone clear their throat slightly. "Forgive my interruption Ma'am, I assumed that the Lady was in here with you" you heard one of the maids say as you raised an eyebrow. "You may enter, I am decent" you said in a calm voice as the door opened to reveal a small, brown haired maid as she smiled warmly at you.

"My apologies Ma'am, I did not realise you were alone" she said as you smiled back at her, noticing the tray of tea in her hands as you watched her place it on the small table beside your bed. "It is quite alright but... why would you think Alcina was in here? She has been gone for the whole evening" you questioned as the maid looked to you with a smile.

"Ah, the Lady has returned from her adventure Ma'am. I had assumed she had come straight to you but clearly, I was wrong. She had ordered me to bring the tea up to here for her" she explained as you nodded slightly. "Well... that is a relief that she has returned. Thank you for fetching the tea" you said with a smile as the maid nodded slightly, "It is my pleasure Ma'am, please enjoy the rest of your night" she sweetly told you as she turned to leave but as she did, a tall, slender figure approached the door as your face immediately lit up.

You instantly recognised the figure as Alcina as you heard the maid gasp slightly at the sight of her, "Forgive me my Lady, I did not see you there" she said, afraid of what Alcina may do as you saw her looking down at the maid. "Return to your quarters, maid" she sharply told her as the maid nodded and ran off to return to the maids quarters.

You heard her sigh as she ducked through the doorway, entering your shared chambers as she looked to you, a smile rising on her stern face as you looked back at her.

"Good evening, Draga. Forgive my lateness, things took longer than expected" she said, sitting on the bed beside you as you noticed that she was keeping one of her hands well away from you. "Welcome home, Alcina. I missed you" you said lovingly as she smiled warmly at your words, "I missed you too, Draga" she said, leaning down to kiss your cheek as you smiled dumbly at her actions. "How were the girls this evening? I hope they did not give you too much trouble" she said, sighing slightly as you laughed slightly.

"They were chaotic for a few hours but somehow, I managed to calm them down for the evening" you said happily as Alcina chuckled at your words. "I am pleased to hear that, Draga. I am so pleased to return home to you once more" she said in a soft, loving tone as you smiled sweetly at her words.

"I am pleased you are back too, my love. It is rather lonely without you" you admitted as she grinned at you, still keeping her hand away as you raised an eyebrow at her. "Are you okay, Alcina? You seem to be keeping your right hand well away from me" you asked concernedly as she nodded at you. "I am fine, Draga. Do not worry, it is just that my claws have not yet retracted on this hand for some reason. I do not wish to harm you with them by mistake" she said with a sigh as you frowned slightly.

"Aww, I am sorry to hear that my love... Do they hurt you?" you asked, moving closer to her as she sighed again, "Yes, they can hurt at times, Draga. It is like an aching pain that will not cease, but I handle it well enough" she said with a smile as you gently held her left hand, smiling lovingly at her.

"Do you want me to help you ease the pain?" you asked lovingly as she shook her head, "I appreciate your concerns, Draga... but I do not wish to harm you" she said in a caring tone as you laughed slightly. "Alcina, you would never hurt me. Let me help you" you said, gently moving her left hand onto your lap as she smiled lovingly at you.

"How can I resist your face? Very well then, help me" she said with a laugh, moving to sit beside you as you gently began massaging her hand, watching as her right hand rested on her lap. You could see her fingers twitching slightly, indicating that she was indeed in pain as you lovingly placed a kiss on her left hand. You then turned your attention to her right hand, carefully taking it within your own as you admired her claws, wondering how it was even possible for her to retract them in the way that she does.

"Draga... do be careful with that hand" she said nervously as you smiled at her, "Relax Alcina, I want to help you ease the pain" you said as you began rubbing your thumbs over her knuckles. She hummed in response as you worked your way up her hand until you reached her wrist, which you gave a massage to before turning your attention towards her fingers, where her claws were causing the most pain.

You began to gently run your thumbs along her fingers as you smiled to yourself, loving the feel of her larger hand within your two smaller ones. As you worked through each finger, she hummed in delight at the feeling, letting you know that you were doing good as you smiled at her, wanting her to relax and let you help her for once. Reaching the tips of her fingers near her claws, you paid extra attention to these parts as you slowly massaged them, watching as she seemed to relax under your delicate touch.

hearing her calm breathing and slight hums, you carefully and gently raised her hand towards your face, placing a kiss upon it as she smiled at your actions.

"Does this feel nice?" you asked lovingly as she nodded, "Yes it feels very nice, Draga... thank you. I can feel the pain easing a little" she said with a happy sigh as you laughed slightly. As you massaged her hands, you got distracted by her claws, noticing how they were curved and jet black, the tips of them were extremely sharp as well as the edges, almost like really long razor blades.

As you stared at them in awe, they suddenly retracted back within her fingers, making you jump slightly as Alcina chuckled at your reaction. "Did I scare you, Draga?" she asked teasingly as you laughed at her words, "Yeah... you did. I must have done something right" you said with a laugh as she chuckled at your words. "You definitely did, before you did this, I was unable to retract them. You have my thanks" she said, looking to her hand as you held it firmly now that her claws were gone once more.

When you did this, she leaned forwards to pull you into her for a hug as you happily accepted the hug, wrapping your arms around her shoulders as she hummed in delight. "I am glad I could help you, Alcina. I hate to see you in pain" you said as she held you a bit tighter, "I wish it did not hurt me but unfortunately, it does. Thank you for helping me, Draga" she said, gently resting her head atop of yours as you grinned at her words.

"Anything for you, my love" you said happily as she hummed and leaned back, lying so you were cuddled into her side as she kissed your cheek lovingly. "You must be tired, hmm? Why do you not rest your head, Draga?" she suggested as you nodded and leaned more into her.

"I love you, Alcina" you said happily as she smiled down at you, her eyes filled with love as she tightened her embrace on you a bit more. "I love you too, Draga. Now let us rest, I am tired after this evening" she said happily as you nodded and slowly drifted off to sleep.

[c-e-d-dreamer]

A/N: Nesta has had many metamorphosises within the series, but one of my favorites is her relationship with her sister and how that has changed, especially Feyre. And when Noah dropped Stick Season and I heard Orange Juice, I just knew that it was Nesta and Feyre's song. This is short but hopefully sweet. Hope everyone enjoys! cc:@nestaarcheronweek

Read on AO3

The streets of Velaris are strangely quiet this time of evening, most of the residents either wrapped up in their homes or holed up in one of the local taverns for the night. The street lamps and building windows all flicker with golden fae lights, only adding to the ambiance. The first snow of the season falls in soft swirls, catching in Nesta’s hair and eyelashes and further adding to the quiet peace. Even her footfalls don’t make a sound against the snow dusted cobblestones as she walks.

The wrought iron fence that surrounds the River House comes into view, ivy twisting around the metal and up the stone of the home. Just the sight has Nesta’s heart pressing up into her throat, memories breaking free from their cage in the back of her mind and threatening to overwhelm her again. Her skin crawls at being back here again, standing in this place again.

For a moment, the snow melts away around her. For a moment, it’s green grass and flowers. For a moment, raucous laughter floats through open windows and billowing curtains. For a moment, it’s six months ago.

Shaking her head against the cloud of memories, Nesta unfolds the piece of parchment in her hands again, reading the slanting, looping script of her youngest sister.

Come over, please? The party’s gone slower

With a soft sigh, Nesta folds the parchment again, slipping it back inside the pocket of her dress. She swallows down the emotions welling in her chest and pushes through the front gate, following the footpath up the steps and to the front door.

She barely has to knock once before the door is pulled open, Feyre standing on the other side. She’s dressed comfortably with a soft looking sweater and leggings, golden brown hair the same shade as Nesta’s own tumbling down along her shoulders and spine. Though the sleeves hang long, Nesta can still spy paint flecks stuck to the skin of her fingers, can still spy the short nails that are indicative of the habit that still clings to her youngest sister from when they were girls.

“Nesta,” Feyre breathes, offering a small, friendly smile. “I’m so glad you could visit.”

Feyre steps back, gesturing with her arm for Nesta to step inside. Already, Nesta’s eyes start to flit around, noting everything that’s changed. Everything that hasn’t. Her eyes linger on the portraits in golden frames lining the large staircase, lining the hall that leads to the large living room beyond.

“There’s orange juice in the kitchen,” Feyre continues, drawing Nesta’s attention back to her and leading her down a different hall. “We bought it for Nyx, but it’s yours if you want it. I know you got sober.”

“Six months,” Nesta offers, following Feyre into the large kitchen. “On the dot.”

Feyre’s steps pause, and she turns to smile over her shoulder. “That’s great, Nesta.”

She continues deeper into the kitchen and toward the ice box, pulling the door open. Her hands hesitate, and while her back is turned, Nesta recognizes the way Feyre’s fingers curl and twitch, the way her shoulders stiffen. It’s clear that her sister is frowning at whatever she sees, more likely what she doesn’t see.

“Just tea is fine.”

“Right,” Feyre breathes, letting the door fall shut again. “Tea.”

Feyre turns her attention to the cabinets, rummaging to get the kettle full and placed over the flame. The clink of dishes, the shuffle of tea leaves, it all fills the space between them, breaking up the underlying tension threatening to bubble up and stifle them both. With a soft sigh through her nose, Nesta lets her gaze drift back toward the kitchen doorway. Toward the faces and voices she hasn’t encountered since she moved away from the city. They float down the hall and into the kitchen like ghosts on the breeze.

The whole city is like a ghost town, roots and branches twisting like limbs reaching toward her. Shadows creeping out from every corner and alleyway. Nesta feels as much as a stranger in Velaris now as she did six months ago. As much a stranger as she felt in her skin. As much a stranger as she felt in this family.

And if she closes her eyes, Nesta can still see that hillside she passed when she arrived. She can see the white stone, glistening as brightly as the snow that swirled around it. Can see the monument that rises like a beacon, like a ghost all its own.

“I saw father’s grave earlier,” Nesta comments, her voice quiet.

Feyre nearly drops the teacups in her hands, but steadies herself and she sets them down on the counter in front of Nesta. “Elain had the monument built. She tends to the flowers around it every week.”

Nesta hums, taking a sip of her tea. It burns almost as much as the anger flaring through her veins. Almost. No matter the time that’s passed, it still fills her like a raging sea, still scorches like those silver flames she’s tried to swallow down. There’s no escaping it some days. No way to stop it from pulling her and drowning her through her silent screams.

“You know,” Feyre begins, sliding the tip of her finger along the rim of her teacup. “I feel like I’ve been waiting for you to come home for so long.”

“Velaris isn’t my home,” Nesta reminds her, dropping her gaze to the swirling liquid of her tea so she won’t see the expression she’s sure will take over her youngest sister’s face. “Besides, we both know I’m third in the lineup to your lord and savior of a High Lord.”

“That’s not fair, Nesta.”

“It doesn’t matter anyways.”

Feyre sighs, a sound that Nesta knows well, one that tells her that her sister clearly disagrees but is swallowing down her argument. “I didn’t think to ask you where you ended up after you left… or why you left in the first place.”

She says the last part quietly, her voice trailing off, and guilt roils through Nesta’s gut and cloys up her throat. But she refuses to let its roots twist around her ribs, refuses to let it settle. Because she still remembers how it felt six months ago. She still remembers every cut, every bruise, every open wound that festered beneath her skin. Every ache that weighed down her soul. She still remembers the way her heart felt changed until it was little more than an unwelcome intruder in her chest.

“After the war… after the Cauldron, really, everything changed,” Nesta explains, finally raising her gaze back to Feyre’s.

“I know that everything was difficult for you…”

“No, you don’t understand. The world had changed. My life had changed. My heart and my very soul had changed, and yet you hadn’t changed at all.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Don’t you find it strange that after everything that happened, you just went ahead and carried on? You came back here and celebrated as if nothing had happened. Everything had changed irrecoverably for me, and for you, it was just another day.”

“Nesta–”

“Did you know that the last time I drank, I was right here in front of your house? That I passed out right there in your lawn?”

Feyre’s entire face shifts with the admission, pain spilling through her blue eyes. “You–I didn’t know.”

“Gods, I must look like crow to you now compared to everything you have. Just pulling you down.”

Nesta pushes her half finished tea away from her, moving to step back and head toward the door, but fingers curl around her forearm, holding her in place. Feyre’s expression is pleading, but there’s understanding flickering beneath it as well. It’s the sort of look only a sister can give. One who shared the teeth and the claws. One who can recognize and see through any mask or bullshit.

A mirror in the truest sense.

“It wasn’t your fault, what happened to father,” Feyre tells her quietly.

Emotions clog up Nesta’s throat until she fears she won’t be able to breathe. But she doesn’t dare break away from Feyre’s eyes, doesn’t dare pull away from her sister’s grip.

“You didn’t put those bones in the ground.”

—

Taglist (let me know if you’d like to be added or removed): @moodymelanist @nesquik-arccheron @sv0430 @talkfantasytome @bookstantrash @eirini-thaleia @ubigaia @fromthelibraryofemilyj @luivagr-blog @lifeisntafantasy @superspiritfestival @hiimheresworld @marigold-morelli @sweet-pea1 @emeriethevalkyriegirl @pyxxie @dustjacketmusings @hallway5 @dongjunma @glowing-stick-generation @melonsfantasyworld @lady-nestas @goddess-aelin @melphss @theladystardust @a-trifling-matter @blueunoias @kookskoocie @wolfnesta @blurredlamplight @hereforthenessian @skaixo @jmoonjones @burningsnowleopard @whyisaravenlike-awritingdesk @ofduskanddreams @rarephloxes @thelovelymadone @books-books-books4ever @tenaciousdiplomatloverprune @that-little-red-head @readergalaxy @thesnugglingduck @kale-theteaqueen @tarquindaddy @superflurry @bri-loves-sunflowers @lady-winter-sunrise @witch-and-her-witcher @fieldofdaisiies

[galaxiadreams]

Say yes to Heaven.....(Zhongli x reader)

Warnings: None

Genre: Fluff, slight angst

Word Count: 923

Synopsis: In the age of Gods and Monsters, Rex Lapis and Y/n, Goddess of Spring are brought together by the strings of fate.

a/n: This is a little prequel to my other Zhongli imagine: The final Blessing. Please go read it if you would like to! I apologize in advance if there's any grammatical errors! This fic is inspired by "Say yes to Heaven" by the one and only Lana Del Rey! Enjoy!

The goddess of spring. One who brings life, peace, and abundance to all of Teyvat. Y/n was somewhat of a minor god, but no less important, and just as strong as the major archons. She’s strong willed, fierce, and determined to bring prosper to her people. Yet her voice was melodic, her heavenly laughter could melt the coldest of hearts. It was her compassion, love, bravery, and intelligence that captured the heart of the Geo Archon. 

“Morax, staring is rude you know. If you really like her that much, go and interact with her.” The cloud retainer teased, sipping her tea watching the man sitting beside her. Moarx quickly averted his gaze from your running figure in the meadow with Guizhong and stared disapprovingly at the adeptus, a faint red painted on his cheeks. 

Morax sighed, “I don’t think I’ll ever have the courage to tell her my true feelings…” 

“Oh Celestia! You’re the Lord of Geo, God of contracts, why could you possibly be afraid of? Plus, I’ve the way y/n looks at you, I’m sure that girl is smitten too,” Cloud retainer reassured him before giving his shoulders a squeeze, “Go on, talk to her.” 

Morax stood up from the stone bench and wandered towards the meadow in front of him. The two women gave him a beaming wave as they noticed his approaching figure, your starry eyes gleaming in the sunlight. 

“Morax! Me and y/n are heading towards the lake to have a nice swim! Would you like to join us?” Guizhong asked. It’s true Rex Lapis once harbored feelings for the Goddess of Dust, but ever since the day he met you, his feelings for Guizhong melted away, the Archon’s soul was completed. Despite not knowing each other that long, the string of fate already entangled the two souls together completely, an unbreakable bond. Walking towards the two, Morax’s breath hitched when he felt your soft hands grasping his. Beaming at him, you dragged him towards the lake, he couldn’t help but admire your face as she sprinted towards Guizhong in front of them. Relishing simple mortal activities like this were difficult in an archon’s life, especially with hundreds of thousands of people to care for and lead. So Morax pays special attention to moments of enjoyment, memorizing every detail to reminiscence later on, peace never lasts forever. 

“Weeeeeeeeeee!” You let out shouts of glee as you jumped into the lake beside the waterfall, laughing as you resurfaced again. Morax jumped in after you, just to be tackled by the Goddess of spring. The two of you started to get handsy as both tried to win against the other fighting underwater. Laughter of joy and surprise echoed throughout the countryside. After a while, Morax relented and you won the battle. The two swimmed up to the surface and took a deep breath of fresh air. Morax couldn’t help but admire your beauty as water cascades down her face, the wet dress clung to your skin, and your eyes, ohhhhh those eyes. He has never seen a pair of eyes so mesmerizing and ethereal as your’s. Y/n’s eyes were the color of the galaxies, the reflection of the universe. Deep blues and purples balanced each other perfectly, with bursts of lighter shades dotted across your iris exactly like the stars in the night sky. 

“'Cause I've got my mind on you

I've got my mind on you”

Time stops. Both of you were entrenched by each other at this moment, unable to break from each other’s gaze of desire. You’re the half of his soul, and he was yours. Eyes are the windows to the soul, the poets say. And you spot nothing but love and admiration in those eyes of gold belonging to Morax. 

“Would you like to join me for tea later this afternoon? It’ll be a pleasure.” You blushed at the deep, rich tone of his voice. 

“Of course! I would love to!” Oh heavens, you’re in love.  

.............................................................

The little moments over the years brought the two of you together. His acts of chivalry and respect everytime made your heart ablaze. 

“If you dance I’ll dance.”

Falling in love with each other’s charms and flaws, it was a perfect match made by fate. Standing beneath the yellow ginkgo trees, the two of you signed the contract of your love and future. Saying yes to him was saying yes to heaven. Officially sealing the bond between the Goddess of spring and the Geo Archon. Husband and Wife, the two of you will lead your people to glory and prosperity, and nothing will change that.  

“If you go, I'll stay

You come back, I'll be right here

Like a barge at sea

In the storm, I stay clear"

No matter what will come in the following centuries, your heart and soul belong to him, and his belongs to you. No war or famine can separate the two of you. No matter what trials and tribulations blocked your way, he was your pillar of stone. No matter how much pain or anger he’s in, your voice will heal his soul. Your love for each other ran deeper than contracts, deeper than lovers. No matter what happens, the two of you will find each other. Be it in the afterlife or in the next life, the unbreakable string of fate will always tug the two souls together. 

“I've got my eye on you

I've got my eye on you

Say yes to Heaven

Say yes to me”

[literaryfandomangel]

The Promise Chapter Six TW - some talk of ED in this chapter. More towards the last 3 chapters mainly.

When I awoke, I felt disoriented but invigorated. I thought back to my last memory before I fell asleep. Then I chuckled, realizing that I was crushing on a group of guys so badly that just thinking about the blue eyes of the platinum blond caused me to hallucinate. I groaned, falling back onto my bed. 

“You are so gone,” I whispered, shaking my head. I had never been enamored by anyone this fast. The afternoon air flowed into my room, carrying the soft scents of flowers and, of course, the sea. I inhaled, getting out of bed with a smile. I checked the clock, my smile dimming when I realized how late in the day it was. Almost three in the afternoon. I sighed, going to the bathroom and getting a quick shower.

Upon leaving the shower, I blinked the dark spots from my vision. Then I grabbed my clothes, putting on a pair of far too big capris, a tank top with an overshirt. Once dressed, I crammed my feet into my worn Keds, yanking open my bedroom door. I was careful as I descended the stairs. 

My blood and heartbeat were whooshing through my ears, making me keenly aware of how close to fainting I was. I calculated my last meal, determining I had eaten a handful of grapes and half a yogurt container about three days ago. I knew I needed to eat something to keep my body upright. 

“Afternoon, sleepyhead!” My mother greeted me as I came into the kitchen. I smiled at my mother, grabbing the kettle for tea. Once the kettle was on the stove, I grabbed a slice of bread from the loaf and inserted it into the toaster. 

My mother’s eyes widened as she took in the sight of me preparing some type of food. These days, it was few and far between when I was caught eating anything. My mom always seemed grateful when I did eat, and I know it killed her internally to watch her daughter wither away in front of her. But she heeded the doctor’s instructions, which stated not to discuss food or weight with me as it would only push me further away

. 

Once the toaster popped, I grabbed the slice of toast and poured the water on top of the teabag. I let it steep while I sat at the breakfast table. My mom didn’t bother commenting on the small portion, but she did push a clementine across the table. I accepted the small orange, knowing they were only 35 calories a piece. 

My mom eventually left me to my own devices as I carefully tried to eat a clementine with some dry toast. I wrote down my caloric intake in my journal and then began to write. Once full, I got up, throwing away a third of my toast. I did manage to eat the whole clementine, two-thirds of the toast, and a cup of tea. My stomach felt uncomfortably full, roiling with nausea. 

It felt like I had just indulged in Thanksgiving dinner. The last time I had enjoyed a Thanksgiving meal was about six years ago when I was eleven. Then puberty hit, and societal demands to look perfect came with it. 

I walked out of the house with my book in hand. I wasn’t stable enough to exercise yet; lord only knows how Kara, the girl I befriended in inpatient, could jog around the building early in the morning. She weighed less than me then, and right now, I felt like a newborn deer, tottering toward solid ground. 

Sam came out to hand me a bottle of cool water before disappearing into his room again. I rolled my eyes at the nerd, just content to sit inside the paddock. As I sat there, the sun fried what skin was left uncovered - namely, my nose and hands reddened.

I stayed out in the peace and quiet for over three hours. As the sun began to set, I clambered to my feet, swaying as the blood rushed through my body. I waited a moment before heading to the house, where Sam set the table. 

“Mom!” Sam whined as he put the silverware onto the table. I raised an eyebrow, toeing off my Keds at the door. “Aria! Aria can take me, Mom!”

“Alright!” Mom threw up her hands in defeat. “Aria, please accompany your brother to the Boardwalk after dinner.”

I nodded, taking my seat at the table. Grandpa came out of his taxidermy room and sat at the head of the table. Mom sighed, setting a bowl of salad on the table, followed by a chicken casserole. I watched as the rest of my family served themselves. At this point, everyone was aware that whatever was going onto my plate likely wouldn’t be consumed. 

I pushed the chicken and rice casserole around my plate while the rest of my family ate. Sam tried to wolf it down like a wild animal. I narrowed my eyes at him, wondering what was so important that he needed to go to the Boardwalk. Mom reprimanded him, telling him to eat slower and less like he was raised in a barn. I snorted, tearing a roll to shreds onto my plate. 

Once dinner was over, I helped Mom gather the dishes. She washed while I dried the used kitchenware. Soon enough, the kitchen and dining room were clean. I went to my room, wearing the same outfit. I left my hair down but put a scrunchie around my wrist if I needed to secure it into a ponytail. 

“You ready?” Sam asked, impatiently waiting at the door. I rolled my eyes, sliding the Keds onto my feet. Then I nodded, letting Sam go out first. He grabbed the old gray bike while I slid onto my yellow Schwinn. 

It took about twenty minutes to reach the busy Boardwalk. I did enjoy the ride - in Phoenix, it would have been unheard of to ride your bike through town. Too busy and dangerous. As we approached the Boardwalk, the noise amplified. 

“See you, loser!” Sam yelled at me, jumping off his bike. He was quick to chain the bike and ran off into the crowd. I rolled my eyes, struggling with the bike for a moment before it was secured. Then, I wandered through the hordes of people making the best of their summer. 

I leaned back against the railing of the Boardwalk to watch the people go past. It was fascinating to see humans in their natural element. To watch them parade their bodies around as if amid a mating call. I was so engrossed that I had never heard the four men I had been looking for were leaning against the railing beside me. I absentmindedly tried to wrap my fingers around my bicep, hoping I could finally overlap my fingers. I still had about two inches before my fingers would meet. 

I sighed, thinking about how many pounds I still needed to lose. The last time I had been forced onto the scale, I weighed about 92 pounds. My mom almost cried when she saw me standing before her in my undergarments. That image showed her how unhealthy I was, how skeletal I had become underneath those baggy clothes. 

“Fancy seeing you here,” a voice finally jerked me out of my thoughts. I jumped, looking for the owner of the voice.  Chapter Seven

[snwusberry]

pairing: yeonjun x reader x wooyoung

genre: angst, fluff (if you squint real hard)

warning(s): language, food/eating, alcohol consumption, intoxication, a lot of crying, toxicity (yeonjun is a lil toxic ngl), trust issues, cheating mentioned but no one actually did, a lot of tears. love square my dudes. pov changes (sorry). there are many errors. i will try and fix them as soon as possible.

wc: 7k

notes: this is by far my longest fanfic (i had to bust out my laptop for this one) and i'm not gonna lie, for someone with a short attention span, this was quite difficult to write but i wanted to step out of my comfort zone so here it is. i hope you all enjoy this one

playlist:

i don't - sabrina claudio

cry for love - baekhyun

movies - conan gray

fight or flight - conan gray

bleeding love - leona lewis

reader pov

"this is the third time in a row now yeonjun. how many times is she gonna rock up at your apartment drunk?" i ask him, looking at the sleeping girl on the sofa. she’s a little too at peace for someone whos ruining my night right now.

"she comes here because she's most familiar with me. who else is supposed to help her?" yeonjun defends and i roll my eyes, not having any of it. this not the first time this is happening.

"her other friends. it's funny how she's got other friends, isn't it?" i sarcastically remark but he just returns a stern look.

"quiet down, you're gonna wake her up." i raise my eyebrows at the sheer audacity.

"have her sleep somewhere else then. i don’t know, call someone to pick her up and look after her. you're not doing none of that tonight." i tell him.

it's tiring how much this happens. she always does this. she comes up with something whenever she knows yeonjun and i will be together that day, like right now. she appeared drunk on yeonjun's doorstep on the day we decided to spend time together.

"please be serious right now."

"i am being serious. she's not spending the night here." i fight back, trying to stand my ground but i'm afraid i'm fighting a losing battle.

"this is my apartment y/n, not yours. i think that i should be the one to make that decision, no? stop bitching about it." he responds coldly with an unreadable expression on his face. there's a look in his eyes i've never seen before.

"okay then i'll leave."

his eyes soften upon hearing my tone of voice indicating that i am, in fact, upset.

"i didn't mean that." he tries to hold my hand to stop me from leaving but i pull away, getting my things to leave.

"then what the fuck did you mean?" i ask him turning to face him but he just stares, not saying anything. “you said what you said. call me when you drop this act of yours."

once the cool air outside the giant apartment building hits me, i let out a sigh, frustrated by all this. he really said that to me with a straight face and thinks he can just take it back all willy nilly? unbelievable.

i send a text to the person who's been helping me through this somewhat confusing moment in my relationship.

me:

are you busy?

i get a text back fairly quickly, i don't even need to read it to know he's not busy and judging by his patterns, he wouldn't have responded so quickly had he been occupied.

woo:

no

i make my way down the familiar road to one of my best friends' apartments. i've been here many times before but now i feel bad for even thinking about going there because i feel like as of late, i've just been there to complain.

"oh y/n. come in." he ushers me inside his warm apartment.

i make my way in and he walks me to the kitchen where i sit by the small island.

"let me guess, the name starts with m?" he asks, preparing some tea for both of us. i nod but the tears start to fall. i fucking hate when my anger turns to tears because it makes me feel weak. "that's not all, is it?" i shake my head and he walks around the island to pull me into a hug before he shoos me to the living room and he returns shortly after with a cup of tea, handing it to me before sitting next to me listening to everything i'm saying while i rant about what happened with yeonjun.

"that's messed up like how many times is she gonna show up drunk at his door?" wooyoung asks, outraged at the audacity of this girl.

"that's literally what i said to him. i told him she couldn't have gone to anyone else and you know what he said? he said 'she's most familiar with me. who else with her?' can you believe this guy?" i rhetorically ask, taking a sip from the cup. "and then i said to him that she's not spending the night and i kid you not, something in him just switched. he was like 'that's not your decision to make' but like, the way he said it... it was so unlike him. it's like i was talking to a whole different man."

"if this continues its gonna be a problem." wooyoung warns me cautiously.

"i know. i don't like where this is going."

i wake up, sitting up to look around, realizing i crashed at wooyoung's place. everything from last night coming back to me. i remember how yeonjun acted, that i cried and now i'm here.

"ahhh." i groan throwing myself back on the bed. how long is this going to go on for?

"rise and shine." wooyoung calls out a little too chipper. he enters the room and i glare at him. "what's with that face? come on i made you breakfast."

"you didn't have to."

"you say that all the time and yet here we are. come on grumpy." he says, pulling me out of bed.

"i'm not grumpy." i mumble with a pout.

"say again."

"nothing."

"thought so."

he makes me sit down at the kitchen table where the table is set with my favourite breakfast. i thank him, sitting down.

"don't be shy."

i smile at him, immediately digging in.

"slow down. the food isn’t running away." he warns and i apologize briefly.

my phone starts ringing and i check to see who it is but my smile falters and wooyoung looks at me worried.

"who is it?"

"yeonjun."

his face falls at my answer, as if a happy moment was ruined.

"answer."

i nod, answering his call but i take a moment before saying anything.

"babe?"

"hello."

"baby, please come over, or rather, i'm coming over-" his voice sounds hasty, his breathing choppy, as if he ran a marathon.

i look at wooyoung for a second with hesitance and he's just minding his own business but the look on his face shows he's upset.

"don't bother." i tell him bluntly. i'm still not over last night so let me be petty today.

"why? is everything alright?"

"i'm not home." wooyoung looks up and shakes his head making me sigh. "look, i'll be right there. just make sure your friend is not there once i arrive."

"come on y/n not this again."

"i'm serious yeonjun." i hang up before throwing my phone on the table. letting out a sigh in frustration because i don't want to go to him right now. he could at least let me enjoy my morning.

"go on." is all wooyoung says before standing up and clearing up the dishes to wash them. his mood has clearly drastically different now.

"wooyoung-"

"go talk to him. you can't leave these things unresolved like this. go talk to him and sort this mess out."

"but wooyoung."

"no, not another word. besides you can always come back once you're done." he suggests so i just agree.

"okay."

i walk out, calling an uber to yeonjun's apartment building, deciding not to walk there.

i make my way to the elevator where i see mara walking out. i try to avoid her, not wanting to even talk to her because it will just ruin my mood completely.

"oh? look who it is."

dammit.

i put on my fakest smile, turning to face her. "hi mara."

"going to yeonjun's?" she asks and i fight the urge to roll my eyes.

"no i'm here to see soobin. haven't seen him in a while." i respond sarcastically.

"soobin is in the states."

wow i had no idea.

"great then who else could i possibly be here for?" i ask her in the most real yet fake questioning tone.

"why don't you just give up already? no matter how hard you try, yeonjun will always pick me over you anyway." she smugly remarks and i roll my eyes.

"is that why you he asked you to leave for me to come see him at my request, might i add. i wouldn’t be proud to be a choice sweetie." the elevator door opens once again and i get in, waving at her as the doors close.

something inside me is restless though because deep down i have a feeling that she might be right. he's chosen her over me multiple times so i'm afraid she's right.

once i reach his floor, i walk to his door and knock, hearing shuffling before the door opens.

"you didn't have to knock you know. i'd know it's you." he says blankly and i roll my eyes.

"yeah well then i guess we both acting different."

"babe- wait, those are last nights clothes." he looks at me suspiciously and i raise my eyebrows.

"i'm aware."

"then where were you so early in the morning? you said you didn't go home last night?" he questions.

"why do you care?"

"because you're my girlfriend, of course i care, y/n be serious please." i scoff at his words. at this point, i feel like he thinks i’m a joke because he always says that to me.

"i am being serious. you haven't been treating me like i'm your girlfriend so i don't see what's wrong with my question."

"what are you even saying? and where did you go last night then?"

"oh now you're questioning me? you called me over to talk so tell me what you needed to so i can go."

his eyebrows furrow as he looks at me confused.

"i wanted to spend time with you since our date last night was ruined." he says softly.

"and who ruined it?"

"don't start. just please tell me where you wer-"

"wooyoung's place."

his face drops to an expressionless one and he just looks at me.

"why the long face now all of a sudden? what's wrong?"

"you get mad at me for having mara over but it’s okay for you to spend the night at wooyoung's place? how is that fair? besides, i only went there because of you."

"because of me?" he questions and i nod. "why? tell me."

"because he's the one who was able to give me comfort after the way you spoke to me. you chose to let mara crash our date for the nth time." he remains silent. "what now? much like you were there for mara, wooyoung did the same for me."

"was it to spite me?” he asks me and i scoff.

“not everything is about you jun.”

“i don't want you going near him anymore. if you have a problem you come to me." i scoff, rolling my eyes at what he just said what does he think this is?

he has to be joking. he is joking right?

"and if you are the problem?"

he looks at me confused with his head tilted trying to figure out what i meant.

"what do you even mean?"

"i mean that you, choi yeonjun, are the problem in this scenario." i tell him and try to walk out but he grabs my wrist.

"let go."

"not until we resolve this."

i sigh to myself knowing he's right. we need to actually talk about this or it will just get out of control.

"come sit down." he gently speaks walking with me to the living room.

"y/n please tell me what's wrong." he asks once we've sat down. we're facing each other while he holds both of my hands in his, rubbing the back of them with his thumbs.

"mara and how you are around her."

he let's one of my hands go to run his hand through his hair, an irritated expression making its way on his face.

"you always act different when she's around."

"why are you always bringing her into this?"

"she's getting in the middle of us." i tell him and he rolls his eyes.

"baby she's my best friend, that's all."

"and she likes you."

"don't talk shit."

he thinks i'm talking nonsense? it's clear as day that she has feelings for him and it frustrating that he can't see it but him talking to me like this? absolutely not.

"i'm telling the truth. tell me, how come she always has an emergency whenever we're together?"

"i don't know. look it's not right to blame someone else for this. do you not trust me?"

"of course i do! if i didn't trust you, i wouldn't have left the two of you alone together and i would’ve questioned you the way you just did when i walked in. i just want you to see what's really going on here."

"y/n." he reaches for my hand again to hold it. "whether she likes me or not, that shouldn't matter anyway. i love you and only you and that won't change."

"then why do you always choose to be with her instead?" i ask him and he tenses.

"what?"

"you always choose her. whenever it comes down to it, it's always gonna be her. she even said it herself in the lobby and i told her off but i knew deep down that she’s actually telling the truth."

"y/n."

"like last night, for example. she showed up and you stopped our plans to go help her even though there are many other people she could've ran to, then when i walked out, you did nothing."

"this is ridiculous."

"you are being ridiculous, yeonjun. you don't wanna see what's right in front of you."

"are you jealous of her or something? babe i tell you time and time again that she's just a friend!" he raised his voice at me and i pull my hands away from him.

"oh i'm jealous... that's what it is, right? i'm jealous because my boyfriend is making time for someone else. i’m jealous because my boyfriend let's me leave to spend the night with another girl. is that what you're saying?" i question, standing up, ready to leave.

"stop talking, you're making it seem like something it's not. besides you have no right getting upset since you spend all your time with wooyoung anyway."

"BECAUSE HE AT LEAST HAS TIME FOR ME! it's selfish, yes but he has time for me when you are too busy giving all of yours to someone else!"

"are you that hungry for attention that you're too busy looking for it elsewhere?"

"fuck you yeonjun." with that i walk out and go straight back to wooyoung's apartment.

there is a movie playing but it's just background noise at this point because my thoughts are running wild.

i found myself staying at wooyoung's apartment for the past 3 days since my argument with yeonjun.

he let me stay here and he's been nothing but accommodating and i feel like i'm taking advantage of his kindness which is the last thing i want to do.

"wooyoung."

"hmm?"

"thank you." is all i say and he sits up from his seat.

"for what?" he asks, not knowing where all of this is coming from.

"thank you." i repeat, feeling a burning sensation in my eyes.

"y/n." i look down and he moves to the loveseat i'm sitting on. he sees the tears forming on my eyes and immediately hugs me. "what did he say to you?"

i can't answer, the words are stuck in my throat and i couldn't answer him.

"it's okay. it'll be okay."

"i don't think it will." he stops patting my back for a second before continuing.

"don't be like this y/n. he’ll open his eyes eventually."

"i'm afraid it will be too late by then." i say sadly, more to myself than anything but i said it too loud because wooyoung heard.

he pulls away to take a brief look at me.

"what do you mean by that?"

"i'm reaching my limit here."

"don't make any hasty decisions."

"i'm not wooyoung. i love him, i really do, but if loving him is only going to get me feeling like this then it's really not worth it."

"y/n-"

"it's tiring." i tell him letting more tears fall at the thought of possibly ending my relationship with yeonjun.

"whatever you choose to do, i'll be right by your side." he softly tells me with eyes filled with sorrow as he watches me cry. "and if he doesn't appreciate you someone else definitely will. you're a sweet girl who deserves only the best and it kills me to see that that's not what you're getting."

he makes me look in his eyes and mouths something that i couldn't quite catch what he said. he wipes away my tears with this tumbs, all while keeping eye contact with me.

"someone will treat you better y/n." he whispers, letting out a sigh before looking away. "come on, let's do something that'll get your mind off him." he suggests. i don't know what he means by that.

"sure."

"alright, follow me." he takes my hand and takes me to his room, further confusing me.

"wooyoung?"

"shhh." he rummages through his closet and get a long sleeve shirt, handing it to me. "wear this."

"what's this for?" i ask, looking at him.

"just wear it. there's a method behind my madness."

i just shrug and put it on over my tank top and we walk out.

"a rage room?"

"why not?" he asks, shrugging his shoulders before we both walk in and book a session.

the lady explains the rules to us and before i know it, i'm breaking everything around me with out a care in the world. i'm imagining mara’s face before hitting something which really helps get the aggression out.

"FUCK! YOU! CHOI! YEONJUN!" i scream while breaking the things around me. "AND FUCK THAT MARA BITCH TOO!"

wooyoung just looks at me with a wide smile which is still visible through the protective gear.

once our session is over he takes us both to go eat some street food and i feel calm after all that.

"you know, i needed that." i breath out in content.

"yeah?"

"yeah. is it concerning to feel better after imagining someone's face over an object before hitting it to oblivion?" he laughs making me smile a bit, not thinking what i said was gonna be funny but go figure.

"it's not hard to imagine someone's face over something you're gonna throw at a wall."

"who's face were you imagining?" i ask him, turning to face him on the bench.

"the one who made you cry." i stop eating briefly at what he said.

"not too much bow, he's still your best friend."

"that doesn't excuse his shitty behavior." he sing-songs before taking a bite from his food.

"still." i try to grap a fry from his box while he’s not looking but he staws my hand away before i can even get far.

"hey."

"you have your own."

"had my own." i frown showing him the empty box.

"ask next time. here." he says giving me some and i smile, thanking him.

"the weather is so nice today."

"not with that fucking vanilla talk."

"last time i try to create conversation." we laugh together, looking at the sun setting.

i feel a lot better now after going to the rage room and taking out all of my frustration.

"ready to go home?" he asks once we're done.

"can we go to your place?"

"and what will your boyfriend think of that?" he asks teasingly.

"he won't like it but i spent the last two nights at yours so what's another night?"

"i don't want him to freak out on us for that. come i'll take you home."

"please wooyoung. i don't wanna be alone tonight."

"then call yeonjun. i think you both need to sit and talk with a clear mind.”

"we tried that already, remember?"

"try again." he urges and i sigh, taking my phone and dialing his number. it rings but he doesn't pick up.

"voicemail, see he’s still mad. let's go."

“y/n” he warns and i sigh, giving in, deciding not to make this an even bigger deal.

once i get home and wooyoung has left i lay in bed, listening to the music playing on the speaker.

yeonjun and i have been together for 3 years now and we've never gone through something like this nor have i ever considered the possibility of breaking up with him so how did we get this far?

i pick up my phone to text him. i just wanna see something.

me:

yeonjun please come over quick!!

please.

something happened!!

i put my phone down to see if he will even respond.

"in my head we never grow apart. in my head you never break my heart. but we know that's not what we're doing. 'cause baby this not like the movies." i sing along softly letting a tear fall hearing no notification go off on my phone. this is exactly why i didn't wanna be alone tonight.

wooyoung's pov

i sit with san in his apartment just relaxing, catching up, all that fun stuff. it's been quite a while since we actually got to just hang out and talk but right now i just wish more than anything that he'd shut up or change the topic because he is driving me insane.

"i say be selfish." he finally says with a shrug to finish off his little rant.

"what do you mean by that?" i ask him, narrowing my eyes at his final statement.

"look, yeonjun is being a complete dick right now and who does she run to afterwards?"

"me?"

"bingo." he smiles, taking a sip from his can of beer.

"i'm not picking up what you're putting down."

"she goes to you for comfort and you treat her the way her boyfriend is supposed to. be selfish and let them break up. i mean, why are you even trying to help save a dying relationship?"

"because i respect both of them and their relationship. besides, that's just taking advantage of her vulnerability you ass."

sometimes he doesn't think past the present.

"and its not like she'd ever look at me that way. no matter what the state of her relationship with yeonjun is, she will still love him regardless." i tell him sadly. she's deeply in love with him and it hurts me so much because it's not certain if he shares the same sentiment anymore and i'm just here waiting to give her the love she deserves.

my phone rings and i pick up without checking who's calling.

"hello."

"jung wooyoung."

speak of the devil.

"y/n."

"wooyoung are you home?"

her words are slurred and my worry spikes. she's drunk in broad daylight. it's never a good sign.

"JUNG WOOYOUNG!"

i hear her starting to cry judging by the feint sniffing on the ither side.

"are you also tired of me now too?"

"where are you?"

"don't worry if you're busy right now. i don't wanna bother you." she hiccups, before yawning loudly.

"you're not. please tell me where you are."

"the streets." she laughs hysterically before catching her breath. "i'm outside yeonjun's apartment building."

her voice wavers when she says that and my heart sinks. what did that asshole do to her this time?

"i'm coming there okay. don't go anywhere."

i hang up, ready to get my keys.

"where are you running off to?" san questions with a raised eyebrow.

"to pick y/n up. she's not doing too good."

"let me come with."

"okay let's go."

once we get to the complex i see y/n sitting on the ground looking out of it.

"holy shit." i hear san whisper as we run to her and get her off the floor.

"wooyoung?" she smiles widely it doesn’t reach her eyes. she looks a mess with swollen eyes and tears still running down her cheeks. i feel terrible.

"if she can show up drunk at his door then why can't i? why am i not allowed to go to him all vulnerable like she does? i'm his girlfriend, not her!" she starts shouting out of nowhere which draws attention from a couple of people around us.

this isn't fair anymore. if he's gonna keep pushing her around like this he might as well just end this relationship instead of continuously making her feel like absolute shit.

"why doesn't he love me anymore wooyoung? why? why don't you love me anymore yeonjun?! what did i do?" she starts yelling, properly sobbing now, hitting my chest while she speaks.

"get lost." san says, probably talking to someone who is probably staring. i need to get her away from these people looking at her weirdly.

i take her to the car, getting in the back with her so she can sit comfortably.

"what did he do?" i ask her once she’s seated comfortably.

"he kicked me out because that bitch was there. she probably called him crying or some shit but i'm crying too." she points to herself, choking on her tears. "YEONJUN SEE I'M CRYING TOO!" she shouts to no one. i close my eyes, letting tears of my own fall. i haven’t seen her like this before. 'aww, look, you woke up poor mara who’s sad and going through things, and she’s sad and not doing too well.' it's always about poor sad mara! you know, he called me an attention seeker the other day? an attention seeker for wanting the bare minimum from my boyfriend. he's with that girl so much, he might as well be her boyfriend and not mine right?" she humorlessly laughs. "and then he had the audacity to tell me i can't be around you anymore. who does he think he is?”

did he seriously tell her she can’t be around me anymore? but then he continues to act the way he does. if y/n can't confide in me or him then who else is she supposed to run to?

“he's not mine anymore wooyoung. i think i've lost him."

i shake my head as she cries in my shoulder.

where did it all go wrong? i mean, he's never been like this before so what now? why is he acting differently now?

"enough is enough. san, please take her home and take care of her. make sure she drinks water and sobers up. i'll be there soon." i tell san who's in the passenger seat and he nods.

"san is here? hi san." she smiles widely, waving in no particular direction.

i give him the keys and wait for him to drive off before heading to yeonjun's apartment, knocking on the door and i wait for him to open. he's got a look of surprise written in his face.

"wooyoung? what are you doing here?" he asks and i shrug. "come in."

i walk in seeing another pair of shoes already there. he offers me a drink which i decline.

"is mara here?" i ask and he nods. "yeah, she's asleep in the room."

"i see."

what's gotten into him? he used to be the most attentive person when it came to y/n so what changed?

"what on earth do you think you're doing?" i ask him.

"sorry?" he asks me, completely dumbfounded by my sudden question.

"do you think what you're doing is right?"

"what's this all about?" he questions, clearly not expecting me to start asking him questions.

"mara is here sleeping am i right?" he nods. "and where is y/n, if you don't mind me asking."

"i sent her home. she came here, caused a scene and started drunkenly shouting so i sent her home because she could've woke mara up." i wanna strangle him so bad right now but i just scoff, deciding to choose peace.

"doesn't it concern you that she's coming to you drunk at 3 in the afternoon?" i ask him but it seems like i'm talking to a brick wall.

"what?"

"you're so dense."

"look, if you came here to do the same then you can go see yourself out."

"do you understand the shit you're putting y/n through?"

"don't involve yourself, this is between y/n and i." he warns but i'm not backing down. he either does something to fix this or he breaks up with her and he's deciding that today. i don't care anymore.

"no, its between you, y/n and mara so i will involve myself too. y/n has been crying non stop for days now because of you and your inability to see what mara is actually doing here."

"she didn't do anything. y/n clearly doesn't trust me to be around her so she's obviously gonna wanna cause a scene."

i raise my eyebrows at his bold choice of words. so he defends her by belittling his own girlfriend... it's bewildering to me.

"you're unbelievable. through all of this, when has she ever accused you of cheating with mara?" he remains silent. what else can he say? there's no way to defend the way he's acting right now and i will call him out for it. "she does trust you asshole, all she wants from you is for you to not blow her off because mara needs you. she needs you too yeonjun."

i'm saying all of this but a small part of me hopes he stays stubborn like this and they break up. san is right, it is selfish but i wanna be there for y/n the way yeonjun is failing to. she deserves so much more than this and that's what i wanna give her but then again.

but there's a small part of me that know i still don't have a chance anyway. she doesn't see me that way and that's the only reason i'm here trying to help save tis relationship. even if it hurts me in the end.

"i'm with her all the time." he defends and i scoff. there's no way he's actually being serious right now.

"that's bullshit and we both know it. when was the last time you two actually spent quality time together?"

"two weeks ago and then she walked out."

"without interruptions." i clarify and yeonjun's face drops. i don't know what he's thinking right now but he better be realizing his mistakes.

"you called her an attention seeker for wanting to be with her boyfriend who's too busy with another girl."

"you're making it sound like something it isn't."

"well how am i supposed to know what actually goes down when the two of you are alone together."

that hits a nerve because he yells for me to shut up and i just smile at his reaction.

"don't you ever accuse me of such things EVER. i love y/n way too much to even think about doing that to her so who are you to even question me on that? besides, you're the last one to talk."

"excuse me?"

don't act like you're not always with her. who knows what you two are doing behind my back?" he asks and i raise my eyebrows. someone needs to be here to slap some sense into him because he's genuinely lost it. if he loves her so much then why is he acting like this.

"that's how much you trust her and i? you know, she's never questioned you about mara. you say love her but you don't trust her? is that it yeonjun? and you have the audacity to say you love her then why don't you fucking show it? she sat outside this very building for who knows how long crying her eyes out asking why you don't love her anymore. she asked why mara can come to you in that very state but she can't and she's your girlfriend, no less. you know what else she said? she said she thinks  she's lost you. she said you're not hers anymore. are you hearing me? she's giving up on you and she’s giving up on trying to singlehandedly save your relationship." i tell him while he looks at me with tears forming in his eyes.

oh now he's listening...

"you know, she's told me before that she's thinking of breaking up with you because loving you is hard and she doesn't think it's worth all this pain it’s giving her."

"she said that?" he asks and i nod.

"i'm gonna give you an ultimatum. it's y/n or mara."

"quit playing wooyoung."

"i'm not. either choose mara and end it with y/n and i will personally make sure it ends or choose y/n and stop being friends with mara."

"why? you hoping i choose mara so that she can run into your arms?" he asks rhetorically but that question has an answer already.

"yes i am, actually. she's already doing that, isn't she?"

"you son of a bitch. i always knew you had feelings for her. if you ever say shit like that to me it won't end well."

"look, i was never even trying to hide it. she only runs to me after you treat her like trash. she doesn't see me like that and you know that. that's why i'm here right now. because no matter what my feelings for her are, you’re the  one she thinks about. you're all she talks about. i know i don't have a chance otherwise you two would've broken up the moment she came to me the first time crying because of you. make a choice yeonjun." i say before walking away.

reader's pov

headache. a fucking headache is the last thing i need right now.

"y/n?"

"hmm?"

"how are you feeling?"

i open my eyes to see san standing by the door with a mug in hand.

"horrible. why did i do all that?"

"i made some tea for you." he hands me the cup and i thank him, taking a sip a little too quickly because i burnt my tongue. "easy now."

"sorry."

"what happened yesterday?" he asks sitting down on the edge of the bed next to me.

"where do i even start?"

"ladies and gentlemen. sorry i have a little announcement. attention everyone." i slur out to everyone who's around me in the bar. it's more on the secluded part of the club so i can get away with making a little announcement. i just need these people to listen.

"ma'am, get down from there." a man who's sitting at the bar tries to help me down but i haven't said what i needed to yet.

"hold on i need to tell everyone this. HELLO!! yes."

"ma'am get down or i'm afraid we'll have to throw you out."

"my boyfriend is an asshole." i laugh hysterically, clapping and everything. "YOU'RE AN ASSHOLE YEONJUN!!"

"get down!"

"okay okay i am. relax." the people around me helped me down but i was escorted out because these people are boring and don't know how to loosen up.

i could go to yeonjun. i hope he's not busy with mara right now. i miss him and we haven't spoken in a good minute.

i decide to walk, not really feeling like sitting in a stuffy car.

once i get there, i take a breath before knocking on the door and wait for him to open but nothing so i just enter.

"CHOI YEONJUN!" where is he? "babe i miss you where are you?"

"y/n?" he appears from his room and i immediately run to him for a hug.

"were you drinking?" he asks annoyed. what's his problem?

"just a little. i had like 5..."

"y/n."

"bottles." i burst out laughing but he doesn't seem to find it funny. so uptight.

"y/n you're drunk."

"am not." i pout and he rolls his eyes.

"why are you drinking at this time of the day?"

"because of you. you made me feel like shit when you didn't respond my message yesterday. o drank because you don't care about me yeonjun. you didn't even call to check. WHY DIDN'T YOU AT LEAST CALL ME? TELL ME!"

"yeonjun?" i look at the person calling his name and there stands mara in the doorway to his room.

"babe is she wearing my clothes?" i ask him after eyeing her up and down.

"she's just borrowing them."

"no you are incorrect. YOU yeonjun, took it upon yourself to give her my clothes. borrowing would imply that she asked me to wear my clothes and me allowing her to but it's nothing of the sort. see how it works? come on, go change." i tell her walking towards her but yeonjun holds me back from walking forward.

"what am i going to wear then? jun please speak to her." she is such a bit-

"y/n."

"give her yours then. there problem solved, now everyone can have their tea. i'm so smart." i pat myself on the back beaming at my bright idea.

"y/n you're embarrassing yourself."

"in front of who?" i start looking around to see if there's anyone else here but it's just the three of us. "i don't see anyone."

"me. you're embarrassing me."

"okay but in front of who though?"

"y/n go home, alright, you're drunk and you woke mara up."

"oh sorry mara. i didn't mean to barge into your home and wake you up. and don't even worry about my clothes you can have them. you've already taken something else from me, getting upset over clothes would just be trivial."

"Y/N!" i immediately stop talking, flinching from him shouting my name suddenly. my heart starts rapidly beating and my breaking picks up pace. "please just go home. now."

i nod, trying to hold back my tears as i walk out the door.

"im so sorry y/n." san said, taking my hand in his to try to comfort me. i keep my head ducked.

the door opens and wooyoung walks in.

"san what did you do to her?" he jokes making me laugh a little bit.

"nothing. shut up."

"y/n, can i talk to you?"

"sure." he walks in, sitting down next to san.

"i spoke to yeonjun." he starts off but i don't wanna hear it. anything with regards to him, i don't wanna hear it. his name alone just upsets me.

"let's not mention his name right now."

"i gave him an ultimatum." he blankly says and i look at him.

"what's the point? he's chosen her time and time again, what's the point? and talking about him will just piss me off." i dismiss the idea, not wanting to talk about it further. "let's talk about something else." i suggest.

"you really not gonna talk to him?" san asks and i shake my head.

"i don't want to. you know, something in me keeps telling me to just meet up with him so i can end it, but i'm weak. i'm too weak to do something like that."

"you can't avoid him either though." wooyoung injects but i shake my head.

"then give me time to think things over."

"i'll respect whatever decision you make." he says.

"thank you woo. but please don't let me cause a dent in your friendship. the last thing i want is for you two to stop talking on my expense."

"i'm just gonna say it. y/n, you're too good for him." san says making me smile.

"thank you." i finish my tea and take a shower before heading back to my place.

--

i look through the racks of the detergent aisle. i've been needing to buy groceries for a while.

the past week after the whole incident at yeonjun's apartment have been complete hell. a whole back and forth of emotions and its honestly too much for me but i need some air and run errands and basically get my shit together because i can't let a man put my whole life on pause like this.

my phone beeps and i check, smiling while reading wooyoung's message. him and san have been checking up on me every 3 hours, driving me up the wall here and there but i appreciate it nonetheless.

once i get home, carrying my groceries, genuinely in a good mood after actually taking a walk but ummm.

"what are you doing here?" i ask the girl.

"just visiting a mutual friend." she slyly responds making me roll my eyes.

"get lost."

"no."

"suit yourself."

i unlock the door, going in, shutting it in her face, waving before locking the door.

because i thought a bitch said something. i do not have time today.

i put on my music, deciding to clean up and pack my stuff like the mature adult i am.

while i'm going through my bills, i hear rattling at the door.

now who's trying to break in?

i stand up to go check, deciding to bang on the door to stop this person but then they start again.

"see what i’m not gonna do is deal with this rattling noise going through these thin ass walls, if you wanna get in just knock like a normal person dammit!"

the person knocks and i open the door. why? i don't know, i could literally be in danger.

"what the hell do you want?" i look at the tall man in front of me, not really expecting him to be standing there.

"oh it’s you." i try to close the door but he pushes it and keeps it open. "are you here to shout at me for closing the door in your precious mara's face?" i ask looking at the girl standing behind him.

"i'm here to talk to you."

"i don't wanna talk to you. look i've been having a good day today so please take your little hip attachment and leave."

she looks at me smugly and i decided to just turn a blind eye because she's pissing me off.

"mara please leave." he tells her not even looking at her. her face drops and i look at yeonjun, confused.

"do you want me to wait for you outside?" she asks him, voice getting high pitched as if she wasn't sounding like someone's father while speaking to me earlier.

"go home mara." he sternly tells her.

"jun-"

"leave." he urges making her open and close her mouth like a fish. deserved bitch.

"yeonjun why are you here?" i ask in a defeated tone not really in the mood to talk to him right now.

"i wanted to talk to you. can we please talk?"

"no." i try closing the door again and he stops my from doing so again.

"please y/n."

"i don't want to talk to you right now. please just leave me alone and don't be so rude to mara. go with her and leave me alone please."

"y/n."

"GO."

"i'm not ready to give up on us y/n."

"I TRIED WITH YOU YEONJUN! i've been trying with you. it’s only when i've reached my limit when you come to me with that? it took someone to force you to make a choice for you to realize the shit you’ve done but all those times i've pleaded with you flew over your head. i stood in your apartment drunk as a cry for help and you threw me out because i woke your dearest friend up! i took everything and accepted it quietly. you called me names and i accepted it, you spoke to me however you wanted to and i accepted it. you had that girl in MY CLOTHES, USING MY SHIT SLEEPING IN YOUR BED AND I FUCKING KEPT QUIET. i never once doubted you or your relationship with mara, only to have wooyoung tell me that you had the fucking audacity to question my loyalty to you when i've never given you a reason to. it's not fair so for you to come here, sending mara away in front of me as if to prove a point and demand that i talk to you. it's just pathetic." i yell out to him, finally getting it off my chest.

it felt good to actually say it and dare i say, to shout at him the way i did.

"you're only here because wooyoung gave you an ultimatum and that's what fucking opened your eyes? i'm your girlfriend yeonjun, not a choice and if it's gotten to a point where you havr to you're have to choose me or someone else then please just don't bother choosing me, it's insulting. now please give me some time and leave from here."

he nods his head and i can see the prominent pain in his eyes but i need to stand my ground.

he finally leaves and i shut the door. i truly can't believe this guy.

"fuck you yeonjun!" i sob out quietly. i've found myself saying that a lot lately because who does he actually think he is?

the last couple of weeks have been hell and here he comes all willy-nilly talking about some, 'i'm not giving up on us' well it sure as hell felt like it. after pushing me away for so long he only comes to me now after i've given up? i've told him how i felt but he only listened after someone else told him.

still, after all the heartache, my heart is still too weak to leave him.

i know that mara is the main reason all of this is happening, he's never acted this way until she developed feelings for him and decided to try to separate us, but he still made his own decisions regardless of that. he let her get between us and he chose to treat me the way he did.

he's just a caring person though. that's how he is but if he's caring, then we wouldn't be like this now.

i wanna get back to how we once were but there's this lingering question of 'what if this all happens again?'. i mean, he didn't hesitate to forget me once so what's stopping him from doing it again?

my phone rings and i walk to go pick it up, seeing it's wooyoung calling.

"hello?"

"are you dumb?" he asks me and i furrow my eyebrows.

"okay ouch, first of all, and second, where is this coming from?" i ask him.

"why did you shut yeonjun down when he wanted to talk things out?"

"because i'm tired woo. he's been putting me on the back burner for another girl for weeks before i said anything and when i did, it all just spiraled after that. he spoke to me any which way and i took it but it became too much. i'm tired from all the chasing." i rant out to him, feeling tears forming.

"so what does this mean for the two of you?" he asks.

that's a good question...

the next week has just been me thinking everything through. 3 years together is a long time to consider.

i call yeonjun telling him i’m outside before entering the building. i walk to his door thinking over, knocking on it before he opens it.

"y/n. uh come in." he steps aside, allowing me in. being in here fills my head with nothing but memories of the recent events. that's not a good sign.

"do you want anything?" he asks but i decline.

sitting at the kitchen table in awkward silence, my leg bouncing up and down from the nerves that have taken over.

"i'm sorry for lashing out on you last timea. i didn't let you explain your side of the story which was unfair on my part." i tell him, avoiding eye contact.

"how you reacted was valid. i haven't been the best boyfriend to you for a long time now and i wanna apologize for everything. for the way i spoke to you and treated you. it was completely unwarranted and unnecessary and i should have listened to you the first time, no actually, i shouldn't have given you a reason to feel that way in the first place."

i see tears forming in his eyes as he speaks and it takes a lot in me to not engulf him in a hug to comfort him. i can't do that right now, i need to be headstrong.

"it shouldn't have taken someone else to talk to me about this before realizing what i did to you and i should have managed my priorities better. you know, you're the most important person to me and i didn't show it and worst of all, i questioned your loyalty to me, not once but twice."

that's what breaks my heart more than anything. i haven't given any reason to feel that way which is why i was shocked when he doubted got just me but wooyoung as well. everything between us has been nothing but platonic but clearly he didn't see it that way. a tear rolls down his cheek and i look away so that i don't see him crying, it's my biggest weakness.

i never once did. not even when i saw mara walk out of his room because that's how much i trust him. you can't love without trust and he clearly couldn't seem to trust me and that's what stings the most.

"i should know better than anyone that you wouldn't even think of doing such a thing. look, i regret everything y/n. you shouldn't be apologizing for the way you reacted yesterday, i was wrong, i let someone get between us and i hurt you. that's my biggest regret." he says.

we both have tears running down our eyes but i still refuse to look in his eyes. he takes hold of my hand before continuing to talk.

"i'm not asking for you to forgive me right away because i know that's a big ask but let me earn it please."

"okay. you can earn my forgiveness." i smile weakly at him before quickly looking away. "by letting me go." i finish and i feel his grip on my hand loosen a bit.

and that is why i didn't want to look in his eyes. because i know i wouldn't be able to tell him that had i looked in his eyes.

it hurts to do but i know it's the best decision for me right now.

" y/n, what- what are you saying?" he asks, stumbling over his words.

"i thought about this yeonjun. the things you've said to me, the things you've done. it was so easy for you to forget how to act, who's to say it won't happen again?"

"i cut ties with mara."

"it shouldn't have to get to that point. that means that you'd let this keep happening otherwise. it shouldn't get to the point of you having to choose."

"i don't wanna lose you." he weakly tells me but i shake my head.

"actions have consequences. please let me go. let's end this here." i feel the lump in my throat forming and that's the last thing i need. i can't let myself change my mind now. i've had to think about this far too long to let myself fall back in his arms. it's for the best.

"is that really what you want?" he asks and i nod, not trusting myself to talk. "then that's it."

i let out a breath i didn't know i was holding.

"i love you yeonjun."

"i love you too." he says before letting go of my hand.

i walk out without looking back, because if i do, i'll just run back to him.

‘sorry heart, i guess we’ll just have to start again.’

i let more tears fall as i walk into wooyoung's car.

"ready to go?" he asks and i nod and with that he drives off.

"you missed the exit." i told him and he just smiles.

"i know."

"where are we going?"

"who knows?"

"wooyoung."

"you need to see some scenery, get some air, and let your mind relax so that's why. remember, there's a method behind my madness. there always is." he saus smiling.

"thank you woo."

"don't. you deserve the best and i'll always be there to give you just that." he says to me making me smile.

[shadyruinskryptonite]

Titan Bending Chapter 20

Warning: Violence consistent with cannon, NSFW so MDNI, language, major character death (both consistent with canon of both AOT and ATLA as well as diverging from canon), so much trauma literally everyone is so traumatized, very much slow burn, a little enemies to lovers, SO MUCH ANGST, hurt/comfort, hurt and delayed comfort, AFAB reader

Anything in bold is considered to be a different language and the context will specify what that language may be.

Chapter Warnings: None! This is a cute, fluffy little chapter but there's some important character development.

WC: 3508

Previous Chapter, Next Chapter

Masterlist

Tags: @mochminnie @sseleniaa @naruwitch 

Thwack!

I’m violently awoken by something hitting me and instinctively throw a punch in the direction I was hit from. My room is pitch black so I can’t see for shit, but when I don’t make contact with anything and hear rousing giggles, I can’t help but smile.

“You’re lucky I’ve missed you otherwise I’d be pissed,” I say without addressing anyone in particular.

After her giggling subsides, Suki merely says, “Get up loser, we’re going for a run.”

If it were anyone else, I wouldn’t have stood for such a direct order. But from Suki? I’d follow her to the end of the earth without a second thought. So I get out of bed as nimbly as my tired body will allow and get dressed.

As we run, we don’t talk much unless I’m pointing something out to her. The sun is barely rising and the air is thick with the smell of morning dew. Just being in Suki’s company brings me immense peace and the serene background only adds to the moment. I’m enjoying this slice of normalcy so much, that I honestly lose track of time. Before I know it, Hange is calling us to breakfast like a mother calling her kids to supper after a long day of playing outside.

Arms linked, Suki and I head inside. Once we have our trays, we sit in the same places as dinner the night before. The entire meal is much quieter than normal and as I eat quietly I sneak glances at Zuko to assess the damage. I assume Katara healed him last night, but in spite of this, he still has some gnarly bruising on his face. I’m struck by a strong wave of guilt and suddenly the uncharacteristic silence is suffocating. Luckily, Suki breaks me out of my thoughts.

“So, when are you boys heading out?” She asks cheerily.

She always knows when I need saving.

Aang answers, “Probably as soon as we’re done eating. I want to give Appa ample time because it’s a longer stretch than I’d normally make him do in one sitting.”

We all nod and it seems like that’s where the conversation is going to end, but Sokka kind of absently asks, “What are you all going to get up to today?”

Everyone looks to me and, with a mouthful of some kind of egg dish I shrug. Hange takes this as her opportunity to jump in, “I was hoping you all could do some bending! I’d like to compare y/n and Katara and I’m dying to see earth bending!”

I smile at her continued enthusiasm before looking at the girls questioningly. Katara agrees on all of their behalves.

Tidying up, everyone moves to help the boys load everything back onto Appa. While we head outside, Zuko grabs my wrist and hesitantly asks, “Can we talk?”

I look around a little incredulously before responding, “Now?!”

He huffs. “Well, yeah. If not now, when?”

Unamused with his attitude, I cross my arms and bite back, “I don’t know, when I see you again in, like, three days?”

Sighing, his tone of voice drops. “Please, y/n,” he says pleading with me.

Letting out a sigh of my own I reluctantly agree and we step off to the side for a little bit of privacy. I keep my arms crossed as I stand there staring at him expectantly. While he stutters trying to even begin what he wants to say, the wind catches his now very long hair and carries the scent of his shampoo and cologne to me. He has always smelled like a unique concoction of palo santo, tobacco, whisky, and herbal tea and as soon as it hits my nose I’m flooded by memories of the good times.

Clearly, my face must have reflected the images flashing in my mind because he stops his stammering to check if I’m okay. Snapping back to reality, I realize he’s reached out and grabbed my arm and we’re now standing much closer than we were just a moment ago.

“Oh, uh, yeah. I just remembered something, it’s no big deal. So, um, what was it you wanted to talk to me about?” I say, desperately trying to shove the thoughts back into their locked box in the back corner of my mind.

“I, uh, j-just wanted to say I-I’m s-s-sorry. For what I said, I mean,” he finally spits out, anxiously rubbing the back of his neck.

I’m now fully grounded in reality again. My composure regained, I simply state, “Good. You should be.” He looks at me a little surprised. I heave another massive sigh as I look away and mutter, “And I’m sorry I let my anger get the best of me and took it too far,” snapping back to look him dead in the eye, I continue, “But don’t get it twisted: I’m not sorry that I beat the shit out of you. You deserved that. I’m just sorry I went as far as I did.” Again, he seems taken aback but this time I’m not going to budge.

Zuko looks like he wants to say more but I cut him off before he can further organize his thoughts, “Are we done here?”

I catch his eyebrows raise quickly before he looks down at the ground and mutters, “I was also hoping we could talk about…about us.” He sneaks a glance up through his eyelashes.

I try my hardest to maintain an even expression as I deadpan back, “There’s nothing to talk about Zuko. Like I said last night, you need to get over it.” Without giving him a chance to argue I turn on my heal and begin to walk away but he stops me again and barely whispers, “I miss you, y/n.”

Without turning around, I talk to him over my shoulder. “We should help the others load up, they’re probably almost done by now.” With that, I walk back to the rest of the Gaang.

Fuck, don’t you dare fall for it y/n. He proved yesterday that you made the right choice two years ago. You need to stand your ground!

Making sure to wipe my face of any emotion, I walk up to everyone as nonchalantly as I can. With a, albeit forced, smile I ask, “Sorry about that, how can I help?”

Sokka looks at me accusatorially. “And where were you?”

“Taking a shit, what’s it to ya?” I say without missing a beat.

Just then Zuko approaches with a similarly forced expression and a knowing silence falls over the group.

Continuing on, Sokka throws a bag up onto Appa’s saddle and says, “Well, that was the last thing so nothing now.” Shifting to also speak with Katara, Suki, and Toph as well as any of the Scouts that are within earshot he says, “So we’ll get back to the fire nation tonight. Then tomorrow I’ll leave in the morning on an airship back here which should get me in around mid-day. Then we can leave for Ba Sing Se the day after that.”

We all nod in agreement with his plan and I can feel the kids get excited at the thought of seeing the world. We hug Aang and Sokka goodbye and I notably avoid hugging Zuko, a fact that is not lost on Katara and Suki.

I’ll be hearing about this shit later.

As everyone climbs on Appa, we wish them safe travels and they take off. 

Watching them fade into the distance, I feel someone approach me. Speaking Watertribe so no one else can hear our conversation, Katara asks, “So, you wanna tell me what that was all about.”

Still watching Appa, I try to dismiss her. “Zuko just wanted to apologize for yesterday,” I say trailing off towards the end.

Katara intentionally steps into my field of view, demanding my attention. With a raised eyebrow she crosses her arms and says, “Is that all he wanted to talk about?”

“...No. He also wanted to talk about us, but I didn’t humor that conversation. There’s nothing to talk about.”

In the distance, Hange calls us to the training ground so she can begin observing us, so we all start walking in that direction. This doesn’t stop Katara from continuing our conversation, though.

“You know he’s still very hung up on you.”

Damnit Katara, why do you have to mother HIM now?

“Yeah, I picked up on that,” I say sarcastically. 

“y/n…” She presses.

“Katara.” I stop walking and she stops with me. “He might still be hung up on me, but I am not hung up on him. Relationships end. He’ll just have to get over it - which, I might add, is exactly what I told him.”

She sighs and nods and we finish walking to the training field, but I can’t help but think that’s not the last I’ll be hearing about this.

I can’t be bothered by it now, though. 

As Katara, Toph, and I begin warming up and sparring, everyone else including Suki sits on the sidelines and watches. Since the three of us are preoccupied and some distance away, we have no clue what kinds of conversations are happening.

“One thing that you should watch for is how much more fluid Katara is than y/n. You can’t really see it in the warm ups, but when they’re fighting Katara’s style is a more classic water bending style while y/n fights a lot more like an earth bender or a fire bender.” Suki explains.

“Why is that?” Hange asks.

“Well, Katara learned from more traditional masters. While y/n learned from water benders in the beginning of her life, she spent so much time around earth benders and fire benders that I think she just adapted some of their fighting style. It probably also has to do with her not bending for so many years; by the time she started again, most of her points of reference for combat were other elements.”

Mikasa chimes in, “Hey, why did she stop bending? She gave us a vague answer but-”

Suki cuts her off, “Let me guess, she said something along the lines of ‘I was a very bad person for a while and I was convinced that my bending was the problem’ or something like that?”

This shocks Mikasa and the rest of the kids that were around to hear me give that explanation. Finally, Mikasa says, “Yeah, almost word for word. How did you know that?”

Suki chuckles. “Because that’s all she’s ever said to any of us about the topic. We know as much as you do on that front.”

Everyone sits in silence as they watch for a while, aside from Suki occasionally pointing out which forms and techniques were unique. Once I switch to sparring with Toph, Suki quietly speaks up again. “Please, do me a favor.”

She pauses while everyone turns to look at her, but she doesn’t look at anyone in particular as she continues to speak. “Keep an eye on her. If she’s hurt, she’ll do everything in her power to downplay it because there’s nothing she hates more than sympathy or pity. And,” she glances towards everyone from the corner of her eye before returning her gaze to the field. “She has a tendency to be reckless, ESPECIALLY if she thinks someone she loves is in danger.” Now fully turning to look at everyone to emphasize her last point, “And I can tell by how you all interact that she loves all of you the way she loves us. So if one of you is in trouble, she’ll do ANYTHING to help. She doesn’t really have much regard for herself in that way.” Suki looks back at the field now that the atmosphere has turned somber. 

After another prolonged beat of silence, Armin tentatively asks, “What can we do to protect her?”

Suki gives a half smile. “Don’t get me wrong, she’s VERY capable of defending herself. Honestly, she’s probably the most capable person I know despite, or maybe even because of, the risks she takes. But, if you really want to prevent her from being reckless, the only thing you can do is not put yourselves in a situation where she feels like she needs to intervene.”

Toph absolutely bodies me, knocking the wind out of me. As she cackles, I call for a break. The three of us head towards the others, hobbling and wheezing as I go, I immediately pick up on a very melancholic atmosphere.

Still trying to catch my breath, I ask, “Y’all good here?”

Suki immediately jumps up and exclaims “Yep! All good here!” I raise my eyebrow at her but she’s unphased. “Why don’t you take us into town when you’re done here?”

I glance to Hange who nods, saying “I think I’ve gotten a lot to think about from this, you’re free to go.” 

I quickly shower before getting ready to head out of the barracks. When I emerge from the shower, I notice a small drawstring bag sitting on top of my things. When I pick it up, it jingles like coins and upon further inspection I find that that’s exactly what it is. Confused, I dry myself off and get dressed before heading to Hange’s office.

“What’s this?” I confront.

When she looks up from her desk, I can see her looking at it for a moment. “Looks like a velvet coin pouch.”

“I figured that out,” I say sarcastically. “Why did you leave it on my things?”

Now she’s the one confused. Sitting back she says, “I didn’t leave you that.” She reaches out her hand and I give her the bag.

After she looks at it a bit more closely, she sits back with a funny look on her face.

Now, a little annoyed, I question, “What?”

She doesn’t explain her expression, but she says, “Actually, it’s Levi’s velvet coin pouch.”

Still just as confused as when I entered, I thank her and head a few doors down to Levi’s room. I knock without waiting and let myself in where I find him in his usual place behind his desk. I start up the same charade I just went through with Hange. 

“What is this?”

“A coin pouch,” he deadpans.

“Oh my god you’re insufferable. Yes, I got that. Why did you leave this on my things?” I say, my annoyance growing.

“How do you know I left it there?” He counters.

“Because I just asked Hange and she said it’s yours.”

He huffs a little before looking back down at his desk, only adding “We don’t pay you, so if you’re going into town you’ll need money.”

My annoyance drops and for a moment I’m speechless. When I get my wits about me, I finally stutter out, “Oh, um, thank you, Levi. You didn’t have to do that.”

All he says is “I know.”

“Well, would you like me to get you anything while I’m out?”

“I don’t need anything.”

I should’ve known he’d never go for that.

“Okay, well, thanks again Levi. That’s really kind of you.” I say as I go to exit his office. Before I do though, I realize something.

He only responds with a nonverbal “Hm?”

Embarrassed, I turn back to him and say, “Hey Levi?

Looking at the ground, I mumble, “How much is in here exactly? I’m not familiar with your money.”

I don’t even have to look at him to feel his demeanor soften. He gets up and walks over to me, gently opening the bag. Taking out a few different coins he says, “I gave you $50. This coin is worth $10, this coin is $5, and this one is $1. You might get some smaller coins back in change, but that’s what’s in here.”

When I look up at him, we’re eye to eye and I can feel my stomach flip-flop from the proximity. All I can manage to do is squeak out a quick “Thank you” before I turn and nearly run out of his office.

Damnit, fuck you Suki and Katara for putting this idea in my head. I was doing just fine before!

Grabbing the girls, we head into the markets and begin perusing. For the most part we don’t see anything that we want, but when my eyes fall on this beautiful yellow sun dress with little blue flowers, I feel like I have to have it.

“Really, that one?” Katara asks incredulously. “I’ve never seen you wear anything other than all black or your robes from the Fire Nation.”

A little offended, I retort “Just because I’ve never worn something like that before doesn’t mean I wouldn’t LIKE to! I love dresses, they are just impractical most of the time.”

“What would you even wear that for?” Suki asks.

And that’s when I get an idea. “We should have a picnic when Sokka gets here tomorrow! That would be such a neat surprise for everyone!”

Without waiting for their response, I run upto the merchant and buy the dress with the mission now in mind of getting things to prepare a picnic for a bunch of hungry teenagers. As we peruse the market and compare prices to things, I notice one stand in particular that catches my eye. I tell the girls to wait there as I approach the merchant.

“Hi! I was wondering what your best blend is?” I ask brightly.

The old woman running the stand smiles. “Well hun, it depends on what you like.”

“Oh, it’s actually not for me, it’s for a friend of mine. I don’t know exactly what he likes, but I know nothing floral or sweet,” I explain.

She smiles again, and it’s the kind of maternal smile that mends a person. “I have just the thing.”

With her back turned, she continues to speak over her shoulder. “I know just about everyone ‘round these parts, but I’ve never seen you before so you must be with the Scouts. New recruit?”

I chuckle nervously, “Oh yeah, I might be their newest.” I feel bad lying to this lady but it’s much easier than trying to explain who I actually am.

“Who’s this friend you’re buying for?” She asks with all of the tact of a grandmother asking about when you’re going to get a significant other. 

“Oh, his name is Levi.”

She stops what she’s doing and looks at me. “As in Captain Levi?”

I smile and nod. I can tell she’s holding back what she really wants to say but she simply states, “Well, you’re in luck then because this particular tea that I’ve got for you happens to be his favorite.”

I look at her wide-eyed and she giggles a little. “He’s my best customer. If there’s one way to get in good with your boss, it’s going to be this.”

I blush a little and thank her. She hands the tea to me but as I go to pull out the coin purse that Levi gave me, she stops me. She glances down at it, clearly recognizing it to be his, and whispers “It looks like maybe you’re already in with him. This one is on the house sweetheart, as long as you promise to come back and visit me again.”

My blush deepens but I smile broadly at her. “I promise.” She pats my arm gently and sends me on my way.

Returning to the girls, Suki asks, “What was that all about?”

Before I can answer, Toph chimes in asking, “And why is your heart racing?”

I roll my eyes and say, “It was nothing, just a good conversation with a really sweet older lady.”

We continue to scope out the market and Toph mischeviously whispers only loud enough for me to hear, “Liar.”

I meet her with a swift punch to the arm and we go about finishing our shopping. When we get back home, I run to Hange to tell her about our picnic plans.

“I don’t think we’ve ever done anything like that,” She muses.

“All the better!” I laugh a little. “I got the idea specifically so I would have a reason to wear a dress that I fell in love with at the market.”

“You know, I don’t think I can picture you in a dress.”

“Ugh, why does everyone keep saying that!”

She laughs as she grabs me to head to dinner, but I excuse myself telling her that I’d meet her in the mess hall. I grab the tea and Levi’s change and slip into his office. Like I had suspected, it was vacant. I leave the little box and the velvet bag with change on his desk, along with a note saying:

“Thank you so much for the money, it really made it a fun trip. I met a friend of yours while I was out, she guaranteed that you’d like this!”

Happy with my little surprise, I leave to meet up with everyone for dinner.

[lune-de-miel-au-paradis]

Collision

Summary: Maul and Nina have their first fight. Both of their lack of communication and trust issues show up. It’s long and heated. 

Pairing: Darth Maul x OC Nina Cerasus

Warnings: Mention of wounds, medication, anxiety, mutual pining, miscommunication, idiots in love, angst (Let me know if I left out something.) Minors DNI! Every sentence in italics is an inner monologue.

AN: This fic means a lot to me and I worked on it a lot. If you have any advice or comments, please share them with me kindly. I'm posting for the first time in years and I don't want nasty comments to discourage me from posting again. Remember it’s a slow burn! If you don't like it, please go to another blog. I did my best to translate it, so pls forgive me, English is not my first language.

Please enjoy reading!

previous chapter

divider by the lovely Saradika

“Get out of my head if you can’t face me in person!”

Maul heard her firm words toward him. She didn’t even turn, just stared at the landscape.

Earlier that day Maul was meditating by the lake, deeply hidden in the forest of Naboo. 

Rays of sunlight danced warmly on his tattooed chest. This time, thanks to the pleasant weather, he only wore his black pants.

Being in nature meant that one of the purest manifestations of the Force could be felt more strongly and unobtrusively. He could feel it in the soft grassy ground, the gentle trickle of the water, the leaves of the trees and all the living things that were nearby, whether in the lake or in the sky. He could sense the mossy smell of approaching summer in the air.

The Force hummed around Maul, which helped him go deeper in his meditation, helped him concentrate and see and feel everything more clearly. It was as if he saw everything he wanted to see through a crystal mirror.

Zabrak was preoccupied with so many things. His mind was filled with questions that he knew he could not address to his Master. Most revolved around a young woman with particularly green eyes.

The appearance of Nina in the last few days caused a serious disturbance in the relationship that bound Maul to the Force. 

It felt like taking a wrong turn off his path, a misstep from his goal. 

For once, he didn't understand the path he was on, he saw the final outcome towards the big Greatness only as a very uncertainty. 

He had been sitting upright, eyes closed, motionless since coming from the hospital. From the outside, he looked like a statue. A fearsome warrior stuck and frozen in time. Awaiting the adequate moment of awakening, the command to act, spilling filthy Jedi blood.

In his mind, he held the fragments of memories stolen from Nina like pieces of a puzzle. He tried to match and interpret them chronologically. He knew exactly what he was searching for. A presence of his Master. For that unmistakable characteristic, immense kind of darkness. It’s so intense he sometimes even tastes it on his tounge.

He found himself disappointed. Nina was not in contact with his Master, or at least not in these bit’s he could see in her mind. That's why he continued to look at the memory fragments continuously. Scrutinizing every moment. Childhood memories filled with light, music and stars. There weren't many of those. He saw fingers on piano keys, on a telescope, among holobooks. He sensed the smells of paint and sweet cherry. A colorful scarf, a woman's laugh, a gentle caress. Neon lights, bitter taste of alcohol and dancing in bars. Smiling girl with pink hair. An older lady sits with tea in her hand, her face tired but peaceful.

These were followed by memorial images that were imbued with grief and sorrow. A little girl clings to a man -but Maul see this one quite blurry- 

"Don't go! Stay! We need you!" cried the little girl. The man just shook the little girl off him. "This will be the best my little Comet." 

The visions then became vivid of a woman lying on a bed, pale and obviously ill. He felt a strong hand gripping the arm of the little girl he had just seen, albeit already older. "I'm not ready to leave yet! I don't want to leave you my little Star!" 

Maul could feel the fear and panic emanating from the little girl. She was traumatized and understandably horrified by the woman's death, since she was too young to see and understand the occurrence of another death.

Other memories were not particularly significant. 

He noticed a pattern. After each bad memory the next one was more and more vague, confusing and short. He concentrated and with the Force guidance he manipulated them to see them in his mind over and over again, like a holofilm with big breaks. Every rift was dark, filled with anger and grief. He probably accessed and stole some of Nina’s deeply repressed memories. 

He also saw fragments of today's event, her mind showed him. He felt Nina's fear, but her firm resistance when she was attacked today in the city. He saw the attacking Clawdite's face. He saw another man, a man with forest green eyes. He looked at Nina with angry and deep hatred. Who could he be? What if his Master made some sort of deal with the young woman but erased his presence to hide it from Maul? Maul learned a long time ago that he can't be suspicious or careless enough when it comes to his Master’s mind games. 

Pondering the memories didn't solve anything or answer Maul's further questions. He needed to know more. He was sure that there was some significance to their meeting. He felt conflicted. 

He formed a plan. When the starry night reclaimed its territory above the daylight, he dressed and left the lake and the old villa behind. He knew the location of her apartment downtown, but something told him deep inside that he didn't have to go that far for Nina. So Maul decided to rely on the Force, which would lead him to the young woman eventually.

He barely reached the edge of the forest when he saw her. In the darkness, he watched her carefully from among the trees, like a shadow.

Maul didn’t know the answer why but seeing Nina being hurt and vulnerable angered him, made his breathing hard, his hands were both forming thigh fists on his sides. He saw her small form facing him with her back.

Her hair was still a bit damp from an earlier shower, her braid slightly sticking to the back of her a loose knit sweater that evoked the colors of the dawn. Under the sweater her dress was green.

He was so close he could hear her heart breathing which was slow, slower than a normal human heart should beat. Her scent filled his nostrils. Cherry, almonds and mint tea. This time it was more fresh and it mixed with the sweetness of the milla flowers that bloomed at night on Naboo. He closed his eyes, he memorized her nosie, just being and breathing quietly. He liked it. The sound of her existence made him feel light in a way. As if despite all the bad things that happened in the universe, her existence was the only good thing. As suspicious as she made him, Maul had to admit that she still had a peaceful effect on him. He felt an unfamiliar warmth, which was not anger, it was soft.

This kind of feeling of lightness surrounded him, and weighed on his soul. He felt it since they both shook hands a few nights earlier. Then the Force infused this warmth, this lightness, into Maul's being through her touch. This, among others, piqued his interest. That it was the Force or Nina herself? What is the purpose of this? And why right now, before the Great Plan is starting its steps set into motion? If it’s the Force is it prue or is it manipulated by his Master?

He had so much to lose, and he was not ready to fail. He needed more information, and quickly before this wave of new emotions washed over him and made a damage that will be incapable of improving by him.

He needed to dig deeper in her mind, search for more information that’ll answer this feeling he has, and take it.

If he wants to get what he needs to make sense for this whole situation, he has to be ruthless. Yes, he was too weak, too compassionate last time with her. How pathetic of him, that he let Nina get under his skin even for a pathetic minute. To let her be a wedge between him and his revenge, and him and between his destiny: power and greatness. Maul would have chosen these, and sacrificed everything for these without second guessing until now..... 

Why would Nina have an intention with him if this is not a test? What could he offer other than serving his Master's Great Plan? Nina does not fit into this goal, to his life. Yet he wants to be with her. What a conflicting situation…

He was there again. She felt him before she saw him.

He was there. Calm, Collected and powerful energy surrounded the air.

She waited to fill her lungs with the fresh night air, then she spoke, her back still facing him. She wiped her face with the sleeve of her sweater, she didn't even notice she was crying. The moon phases tattooed on her back were slightly visible to him.

She felt something in her mind, barely noticeable, shadowy dark hands with clawed ends tried to reach into her thoughts. They were so careful that Nina almost failed to recognize the strange sensation.

“Get out of my head if you can’t face me in person!” she ordered the darkness. 

He didn’t answer, instead she heard his barely audible soft footsteps coming closer. 

“One is a coincidence, twice is a pattern. What should we call the third occasion?” she said and plucked off a cluster of fragrant jasmine, elegantly lifting it to her nose, inhaling its sweet scent, then fiddling with the flowers in her hands.

First the Pantheon club, then her favorite place by the lake, and now the garden that extends towards the forest and becomes one with the backyard of her home. She wasn’t sure if the hospital visit was real or a vivid fever dream.

“Fate.” His voice was velvety like a lover's touch.

He stepped next to her and began to admire the dawn, whose colorful lights slowly brightened from the obsidian dark night, but even the first rays licked their silhouette warmly. She chuckled softly and turned to Maul, leaning her hips against one of the rock walls.

"You might be able to convince me of coincidences, but you'll never convince me that you believe in fate. It's an ideal for dreamers and romantics. Something says you're not one to be one of them, Maul."

“You’re injured..” Instead of an answer, he just said this, referring to the bandage on the girl's hairline and the bruises on her body.

The deep, rich voice brushed over her skin like a dark whisper, followed by a shiver that meant equal parts of waring and pleasure. She recognized it immediately; she heard it only two times in her life, but it was enough to etch itself into her memories. It was unforgettable, just like the owner of it. 

“You have a talent to turn every question into an observation.” 

“Who did this to you?” he asked, faceing her, his glooming irises searching for her green ones.

“So you were worried about me then?” she asked in a teasing playful tone.

It was not a worry he felt, because there was no bond nor fondness. He felt some sort of curiosity mixed with lust and a little amount of amusement for her. The Force tried to tell him something he yet could not understand, that was the part that made him curious. The problem was that she was not immune to the touch of darkness. So he couldn’t know her without being familiar with her acts and the way she uses truth and information.

“I’m merely curious.”

“Let’s just say this attack was a response to my bold move. The consequences of my decisions.” she shrugged her shoulders.

“Why did all of her answers have to be so nonsensical, yet suggestive at the same time?” he thought.

Maul started to lose his patience toward this situation and toward Nina he wanted answers, and he wanted them now. 

“Why did that man want you to quit? Who is he? And why did you get attacked after talking with him?” he asked in a demanding tone. 

Maul towered over Nina like a hungry sinister shadow, dressed in black to the feet, scrutinizing the young woman's movements and the micro-mimics of her words from under his hood.

“What? How did you..?  Were you spying on me?!” Nina's voice dripped with surprise and Maul could feel the distrust in her with a hint of fear. This filled him with satisfaction.

Nina’s posture shifted, she didn’t step back, she stretched and straightened her spine and shoulders, looking like a cobra before biting.

"I thought you made it clear in our first conversation that you weren't some sort of stalker."

"I am waiting for my question to be answered." Maul said.

The condescending style of tone irritated Nina. Jade eyes were searching for him. She tossed the jasmine branch away. She let it fall down into the depths towards the waterfalls that surrounded her planet. She touched the upper side of her arm, where the fall of the sweater allowed her shoulders and upper arms to be seen. It still had the four horizontal and one vertical mark on her pale flesh. Her dad's hand print.

Maul held out his gloved hand. Nina controlled her first reaction to pull away, inhaled as his fingers tingled over her skin. Baerly and almost gently ran over the bruise. She had goosebumps.

"What do you want from me?" she breathed out the question.

Maybe even Maul himself didn't know exactly.

“Everything”-He thought -“I want everything.”

Instead he said this, pulling back his hand.

“Answers. But if it brings you comfort, if I wanted to kill you I would, on our first meeting.”

“Then ask.”

So he did. 

“Do you know my Master?”

“No. Maybe. What is his name?”

Already with the first question, they entered dangerous territory. Nina souldn't even know about Maul's existence let alone his Master’s. She is always so twisted with her words. Maul has to reframe his questions to get the answer implicitly but clearly.

"Did someone pay you to be there that night at the club? And later in the woods."

"No." she answered firmly but raising her eyebrows questioningly.

"So they blackmailed you? They instructed you? Maybe in a message or in person."

"What? No! YOU were the one who came to me that night in case your memory fails you." Nina stepped closer. “ Are you in any kind of trouble?"

"Answer the question!"

"I already did."

"Why don't I believe you then?

“That sounds like a YOU problem.” 

Maul looked at her with such a sternness that it seemed to Nina that the quiet darkness surrounding him was taking physical form. She inhaled and exhaled a long breath.

“So, if I understand  you correctly, you think that I have some sort of ulterior motive toward you? Except, that I find you attractive?”

Maul just stared at her with piercing golden eyes. She read them easily.

“You imply that not only am I some sort of threat but I am a liar too?”

“That’s not what I’m saying. You twist my words.”

“Well, it jolly well sure sounds like it!” she was angry, he could tell. 

Anger was good, familiar. He could work with that. It was a familiar field, an emotion he could cope with.That he could provoke and manipulate just as he pleased.

“Is this an interrogation? Should I call my lawyer? ” she mused.

“Who was that man who sent you to hospital?” he pushed further.

"This is absolutely none of your business! He is nobody.”

Maul stepped closer, intimidation pouring into the young woman's aura. He can't leave room to dodge. He has to take advantage of the opportunity while Nina is still so vulnerable. He lifted her chin with his index finger. 

“That's a lie. Why do you lie, Starlight?

That name again. That voice!

Maul's voice affected her like a seductive melody, menacing yet veiled in the air between them. Endless wild night, darkness and the promise of freedom mixed with violence. Maul was like the dawn around them, a wild and vivid red beam of light penetrating the calm colors of the night. Orange, purple, rich colors of crimson. Nina never knew she had a voice kink. Now he unlocked this in her.

Her heart fluttered. She didn't welcome the feeling in her chest. She needed space but also yearned for the warmth of his darkness. She felt the butterflies flutter inside her. She needed something to distract herself. She needed space as well as distance.

“You are observing me too closely! I’m not a little bug in your palm!” she pushed his hand away.

“Why are you making this much effort to avoid the question? Are you afraid, Starlight? It's a natural emotion, but it makes you seem like a coward.”

He stepped on thin ice of her patience. 

“You call me a coward?! Funny. If the Force using path doesn’t work out, you should be a comedian!” she laughed dryly. “I'm not sure what exactly you want from me to answer. But I have this feeling that no matter what I say, it’ll never go through your thick skull. You already decided about me. Let’s negotiate then. What is it you except from me?”

“I want your confession.”

“A confession? About what? I didn't do anything!” 

“A confession about me. What did you do to me? Why are you holding me back from my path?” he thought silently.

“I know there was a reason behind today's incident. I know you have something planned. I’m interested in who is involved in this case? What is your goal?"

"Stars above! Felix hired you? It's him, isn't it? I succeeded, I found something and now he's afraid. How much did he pay you to get close to me?"

Nina's gaze was surprised and enlightened, her green eyes glittered triumphantly. She surprised Maul with this question. He had to admit, the young woman proved to be a really good negotiator. She had this gift which she apparently used well.

He did not expect such a turn. Or is she just trying to confuse him?

“I was clearly wrong about you.” he said, implying that he thought she was a weak outsider, a beautiful but ordinary person on this planet. 

“It's okay, most people are. They underestimate what I'm capable of.” She held eye contact. 

Realization hit him. Nina won't say anything on her own. But she was clearly hiding something. The time for asking and answering questions has ended. This time, the Force is needed. Maul was annoyed, she was convoluted with her answers and his patience was running out. He was amazed that it had been this far at all.

He stepped closer until Nina was trapped between him and the stone wall. Nina looked back, the stone wall was up to her waist, behind her was only the dark abyss and night, the stars had already started to speckle the sky, the crescents of the moon provided enough light for her to see the male clearly. 

Damn those eyes! she cursed them. She had to force herself to look away. They were so captivating. So pretty. How could she not get hypnotized by them? 

The stone wall separated her from falling down into the chasm, the place where a few nearby waterfalls cascaded. She certainly wouldn't survive. The other way out is to somehow get them through Maul. This solution also seemed unrealistic, the man didn't hurt her, but Nina could feel the blood beating violently in her ears from the adrenaline and her lungs taking in more air.

With a light movement, he swept a few locks from her face, carefully avoiding her freshly bandaged wounds. Meanwhile, he noticed that several lighter freckles were hiding next to the darker ones.

"Are you afraid Starlight?" he asked, voice low but his tone was light and casual just like he was small talking about the weather, insignificant compared to what really interested him at the moment.

"Yes." she said honestly. "But not from you."

Maul lifted his brow. She licked her dry lips.

"More like, afraid of what you're capable of."

"You should be…  But. Do not fear Starlight, this will not hurt, if you let me in.” he said in a calm voice, cupping her face with his gloved hands. 

“What are you doing?”

He closed his eyes and concentrated. He felt her mental walls,as he smoothed the wall around, looking for a gap. They were still weak from the concussion, but he sensed some attempt at resistance, though he slipped in successfully.

This time he avoided the deeply buried memories, concentrating on searching for traces of his Master's presence, any sign that this was a trap. But he found nothing. Nina resisted and pushed him out of consciousness, even if a little clumsily, but Maul still appreciated her attempt more than anyone he'd ever faced. Compared to himself, he was gentle, he did not touch other areas, but there was something that Nina's mind revealed to him unintentionally. The man she was threatened by was her relative. This made her snap. 

A sudden movement jolted him out of his meditative state. She wanted to slap him, but he caught her wrist in the process. 

She was staring at him, she trembled with anger in every cell of her body. Maul couldn't get in deep or full, he saw what she allowed him. Even in weak conditions her mindfulness was strong. She lost her compliant calmness, and she fighted him. 

His hand wrapped around her throat the gold irises that pinned her down burnt like twin suns in the darkness of night. Nina’s hands tore his wrist from her, touching the small part where his cloak and leather gloves don't cover his skin. She shoved at the strong wall of his chest, yet, he didn’ move, he was way stronger than to be pushed by a weak woman like her.

“Don’t kriffing touch me like that”

He searched for her. She was frustrated. He slipped in her mind again, under that frustration he felt her panic, her post traumatic stress. Her attacker tried to suffocate her by squeezing her throat. It was still a fresh memory. She lived it through again now. It was playing on her mind like a holofilm. His expression softened. He slowly removed his hand, and whispered.

“Breathe.” his voice grounded her just like at the hospital. 

He didn’t feel his Master's presence in any way. This calmed him. But when he opened his eyes, he saw her.

Her face flushed, blooming red covered her freckles spreading towards her ears. Her jade green eyes turned dark. She stared at him and if looks could kill, he’d be a dead male by now. He had never seen her this beautiful before. Her beauty became ethereal for him, her anger oosed around them deliciously. Cold fire gleamed in her green eyes. 

“Don’t you ever do this again!” she told through gritted teeth.

Tension twisted between them like an invisible rope, he felt it, as it kept wrapping its limbs around his words and around his neck. It was maddening. Maul felt the urge to push her against the wall, fist her soft hair, claim her mouth and taste her and ignite a fire in his chest.

They were observing each other with cold gaze and anger. None of them had such warmth in their hearts.

“This isn’t the Jedi way!” she breathed hard, panting heavily. Ruby red blood dripped from her nose onto the ground. Probably the side effect of resisting Maul’s telepathic power. " I have to admit I don’t usually like Jedi, and you mister are certainly not fun to be around.”

“I’m no Jedi.” he sounded offended, almost harsh as he snapped at her.

“Says the man with the light saber. So you’re some kind of Force user then?” she raised a brow. 

“A specific kind of Force user.”

“What does this even mean?! So not only Jedi can use and connect to the Force?”

Silence. He made a statement, but didn't add anything to it, and Nina understood that it was a "Leave it !" kind of silence.

“Never mind. Did you at least find what you were looking for, if you've sneaked into my mind so brazenly?”

“Yes and no. I still don’t know what your motivation is.”

“Stars above! You don’t get it! ” she laughed at him. 

Maul lifted his brows; she was clearly a lunatic. Laughing in a Sith's face while it’s cornering her. To laugh in the face of darkness, power, death.

“You still don’t get it! You saw my memories, my thoughts and you couldn’t figure it out.” she was shaking while he still pinned her down. See was shaking from laughing, not from fear.

“You poor man. Here I am thinking he was the one who hired you to get me. Silly boy! I have no plans for you! I’m gonna have my revenge on someone that I used to call my father.”

Her voice was raspy but it dripped with contempt and pride. 

Maul didn't understand why he was so insecure about her. Nina clearly posed no physical threat to him. Nina merely existed in the orbit of her own life, completely independent of Maul's celestial body. Yet... Maul could still feel the gravitational pull between the two of them. He felt mesmerized, like the light of the night lights on a moth. He considered the approach dangerous, but he could not resist.

"So you really are insignificant."

It was a big mistake on Nina's part to make fun of him. Maul stabbed back mercilessly, unable to let the previous insults pass without a counter strike. And she might as well be thankful for him not using his light saber in the process. Nina went silent, stern. The light from her eyes faded. 

His sentence clearly hurt her. Deeply. He saw it in her eyes, yet the satisfaction never came to him. 

“I need space!” She stepped away creating a few steps between them. She thought about hurting him hard with a chair or something heavy. 

“Maybe you have power I will never understand nor carry, but one thing I understand clearly, that you truly are an asshole! We’re done here!” 

She passed by him and went away. He looked at her receding silhouette for a long time, never saying a word, only observing her. Again she left without permission and without fear.

Green eyes. Green dress. The symbol of life and nature.

He always thought red was a powerful color, the symbolism for power and destruction. But turned out green was his new fucking favorite color.

next chapter

Taglist: @stardustbee @hellhound5925 @cloneloverrrrr @the-chains-are-the-easy-part @firstofficerwiggles

Let me know if you want to be added 💖

[ihave-thehighgrounds]

Once Upon A Midnight Dreary

This is a reader insert(not an x reader) about a girl who was reinstated at a different nursing home, and soon realizes the meaning of the cats and ravens

Oh gosh, today is my first day here. Oh! I'm so sorry, I suppose I should introduce myself first, hi! My name is (Y/N), and I just started my first day at a new nursing home called "Senior Living." My first thought upon arriving was one of shock and peace, this home was so beautiful and well managed.. I feel safe here.

I had arrived early so that I could get used to the place I would spend all of my nights, before my job truly began. But when did all of these cats appear? They weren't here when I arrived, why now? Was it a sign that the patients are near death? No, I can't think that, I'm supposed to nurture these people to as best the health as I can. I was assigned to care for this one lady, her name is Mildred Hughes, and this little, fat orange tabby cat wouldn't leave her side; even cuddled up to her while she slept. Maybe these people all had service cats?

"Oh dear, not tonight! Leave you wretched cat!! Begone with your evil curse!!" Said Mildred, and as a few others cried out with her. "Are you alright ma'am? What curse do you mean? Orange tabbies bring good fortune." She looked at me as though I was stupid, "Do you not yet know of the cat curse here? They say that a cat that matches your personality will come to comfort you in your last moments before death, so you will have a friend with you on your journey to those pearly gates of God's great land." Oh... I only just started working here and people are already dying on me. "It'll be a shame to see you go, but I fear we must all move on I suppose. Goodbye, Mildred." And soon, a mysterious man appeared above her, the Grim Reaper. But as she looked into his eyes, he had changed his appearance to that of a friendly face, one she could trust would bring her to the right place. And the cat went along with her! "You will be missed dearly."

"MA'AM MA'AM!! PLEASE WAIT!!" I tried to catch up to my boss, but she seemed to not notice me. When I finally caught up to her, I asked her about the curse around this facility. "Sweetheart, there's no curse. These patients have suffered many things in their life, and most have dementia or alzheimer's, so we try to humor them so they do not think they are crazy." It then hit me that this woman has never visited her patients, why else would she not know? The rest of the night staff have seen the cats, so why hasn't she?

We had a funeral for Mrs. Mildred Hughes a week after, but this kept happening. The cats kept returning and taking the patients away. Until one night when I had been taking care of a man named Myron Johnson, and he thought the cat was there for him, so I tried comforting him in his last moments... But the cat crawled into my lap??? This must have been a mistake, no nurse has died here, maybe outside of the home.. but not in it. My patient was relieved he had longer to go, but I could see the pain in his eyes. "You know young lady, you are the first nurse here that I liked to be around. I liked those chess games and tea times, but most of all... It was nice to know there was someone there who cared about me beyond the money. Thank you (Y/N), I'll see you soon." And with that, I saw the Grim Reaper take the form of my older brother, and as that little manx walked alongside me; I felt at peace for the last time.

But I wasn't...

Thank you so much for reading! I hope you enjoyed reading this as much as I enjoyed writing it. Let me know how you think chapter 2 should go! Was it Myron? Was it the head nurse? Who knows!!

You work in a nursing facility where a cat inexplicably visits patients the night they pass. Tonight they won’t leave you alone.

[partnersrelief]

The 2023 Report Card: Middle East

Photo:  Two students in the Phoenix Learning Center math class, Domiz Camp, Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

It's time for our 2023 Middle East report card!

:: DRUM - ROLL ::

372,473 people were helped, with an additional 132,613 reached in the earthquake response. Over half a million people in the Middle East were loved in tangible ways in 2023!!

1.

Community dialogue

sessions can change the future for generations.*Nara is from Nineveh and although she wanted to be an architectural engineer, the customs in her village led her to an arranged marriage at 16 years old. After attending a Sustainable Peace Foundation community dialogue session, she started encouraging her friends to complete their high school education and that further study can help strengthen their community.

*Name changed for privacy and security.

2.

The last seven

years of Sozan’s eleven years of life, she has lived in a tent. She had felt alone, but now, she attends activities run by our partner, Inhalation of Hope.

“Our teachers were always guiding us through how to be better and be successful in school, how not to let people use us, and how we can keep ourselves safe from harassment. I also participated in math and Arabic classes. During these months of activities, I learned how to plan for my future studies and how to prepare for my education. The sessions with my teachers helped me to think positively and get rid of negative thoughts about my days…now I can deal [interact] with my friends and enjoy my time in a safe space.”

~ Sozan, Iraq

3.

Life skills

training is an upwardly mobilizing piece of the EmpowerME program, and when your world has been thrown upside-down, sometimes it can mean all the world to have help to turn it rightside-up. When Rwaida’s husband was forced to join the military, and their once-quiet neighborhood started being patrolled by tanks, they fled to Domiz Camp, in the Kurdistan region of Iraq. She attended Life Skills Training through EmpowerME and learned about money management. She purchased her own sewing machine and is now designing, mending, and sewing clothes for neighbors. She hopes to hire women in her community, to give them a way to support their families.

4.

Women tell

us how they feel about the Feminine Health Training and Feminine Hygiene kits distributed through Empower ME:

“I love the kits! They are comfortable and feel healthy to use.” “I like that the pads are washable and can be used many times to save money.” “I learned a lot about good hygiene and how to keep my body clean to protect against infections.” “I really liked the section on self-defense. So good.” “[I] learned how to be brave.” “Made me realize how important females are in society.” “Please, keep giving such training – it is so useful.”

5.

Snapshots

because there’s more good news.

Displaced families living in shelters in Al-Hasakah were without food; which is why this community sprang into action and funded food kits containing sugar, rice, burgle, olive oil, tea, spaghetti, chicken broth, and lunch meat.

The Sustainable Peace Foundation utilizes many methods to bring about healing from trauma; here, youth from Mosul are learning to create art.

So much happens at the Phoenix Learning Center in the Kurdistan region of Iraq; one of them is an English class for this local girl.

Motivated knitters, and our friends at Purl Soho, created an income for families in Dawidya Camp, and warmth for children in northern Iraq and Syria.

As displacement increases in Northeast Syria, the need for rehabilitated schools increase. Getting kids back into school is a priority for parents, and to all of us.

Al-Hol Camp is a scary place - especially if you are a child. That’s why we love the child friendly play space, where kids can come, create, make friends, and be, you know, kids.

Your love made this possible.

When you gave, we went!

Yay, you, and this incredible report card!!

One, two, three cheers,

Your friends at Partners.

Donate Now

[universe-of-heart]

The House a Dragon Built

A Rewritten History of Fire and Blood Masterlist Ocs in fic

Author's Note: So this broke me out of a long writer's block. This is a new passion project of mine with the encouragement (and ocs) of my friend @dreaming-of-illusory-flowers so if you have any questions, you can ask either of us lol. This is a Fix-It au!! No Dance of the Dragons! I will put an explanation of Jae Briarwood at the footnote of the chapter for yall to read so there's a little more information. Hope you enjoy!!

Word Count: 8.5K (Yes I know that's crazy) Footnote is around 400 words

Warnings: Same warnings as the show basically. I would rate this explicit just as a general rating, just to be safe. So 18+ pls and thank you. This part covers the first half of the first episode semi-vaguely, semi-in detail. Covers the tourney, so there are fights, and also there is more content involving Aemma just before the birth

The Old King was dead and his grandson finally sat the Iron Throne. Jae remembered the day in the throne room when the old king had the Great Council choose his grandson as his heir, how their fist had clenched behind their back when his name was said and not Rhaenys. They remembered custom, remembered tradition, but the look of pain that crossed her face before the mask fell back into place would never be forgotten. The Queen that Never Was and the one no one would let forget. And her cousin didn’t seem to notice.

However, Jae could not say Viserys was a bad king; the fact that his moniker had quickly become known as the Peaceful was not lost on them. It was refreshing to be without wars during a king’s reign, to enjoy the flourishing kingdom and the joy of a growing family within the Red Keep once again. It was something sorely missed after the death the House of Dragons had been plagued with in such a short amount of time. However, it seemed as if the plague didn’t wish to relinquish its control of the family just yet.

Jaeda should have realized that a calm kingdom had to be counterbalanced elsewhere. For the peaceful king, it was within his own chambers. His wife, as kind and lovely as she was, struggled. They had only had one child survive past infancy and to every lord that had experienced the previous line of succession, they viewed the small family with a sense of anxiety and contempt in their stares. To them, the king and queen’s beloved child was a disappointment.

Their child was a girl. And the kingdom had made it abundantly clear they would not have a queen named heir.

And yet, Princess Rhaenyra was the realm’s delight. She was also her family’s advisor’s delight; Jaeda found herself tutoring the princess herself more often than not and Jayse found himself teaching her the broadest skills of defense he was allowed. He often defended that the princess would have to learn to hunt eventually; it was a tradition of the king to have a great hunt and his daughter was never one to sit idle with her elders fiddling needlepoint and tea. The girl was a dragon as much as her hatchling was, the same fire burning in their twin souls, and she would no doubt burn the world around her if she felt the need to.

The latest pregnancy had been hell on Aemma and Jaeda couldn’t help but feel an ache in her chest every time she smiled tiredly at the advisor. It was her last try for a boy, just to please her husband and kingdom, and it seemed like even the unborn child knew it, too. It had made the last few months pure misery for the poor queen, her nights were usually spent soaking in lukewarm water despite her claims that hot water wouldn’t harm either of them. Targaryens never burned, never boiled, and her baby would be the same. Even still, the maesters and septas wouldn’t allow it. Jaeda remembered how much she hated the feeling that she was powerless to help. Childbirth had never been pleasant for her.

Rhaenyra moved the game piece across the board, steepling her fingers in front of her as she watched the woman across from her. The table had been dragged out into the gardens within sight of the weirwood where Lady Alicent sat under the limbs with a book in her lap. The three of them often found themselves there now that the weather was agreeable, either studying history or testing skills of strategy on a playing board. In fact, Rhaenyra went very few places without Alicent, the back of her dragon and the sky the only places Jae had noticed her leaving the lady behind, but even then the princess had begged her friend to join her. They’d become close companions, she mused to herself with a smile playing on her lips. Closer than most ladies would be with their princess in the same situation. 

Jaeda moved her piece and heard Rhaenyra release a heavy breath through her nose. It nearly sounded identical to when her dragon snorted in annoyance. The princess’ move had been good in strategy, but Jaeda had been playing far longer. 

“Your mind seems distant, Princess,” her fingertip circled a knot on the wooden table, head tilting with a certain interest she always held. “What troubles you?”

“Nothing specific.” Her silver braid slipped over her shoulder as she shifted to reach across the board. “And yet, just about everything.”

Jaeda knew the princess was nervous for her mother. The entire kingdom seemed to be holding its breath with the quickly approaching day the baby was due to make an appearance into the world, as if they knew what hung in the balance the same way the queen’s family did. For the kingdom, it was the line of succession. For the family, it was Aemma herself.

“Any news from your uncle, darling?” She decided to change the subject, drawing her mind away from the shadow looming over the keep. Her uncle casted a similar shadow, however, it was smaller at the moment and one Jaeda could actually cast light on to make it disappear.

“Only in the way I haven’t had news that he’s died,” Rhaenyra sighed, resting her cheek on her fist. “Father has said he is to return before the tournament, but you know how he tends to be.”

“He will be there,” the advisor soothed. Even if I have to drag him from the brothel’s bed myself.

Rhaenyra flashed her a smile laced with sadness. To be an only child in the line of the Targaryens was a rare thing and a lonely thing. Jaeda often thought the princess lucky to have Alicent as her companion, though she could see how the distance in her family hurt her. Each fractured relationship sent a spiderweb of cracks down the family line and the princess had the unfortunate luck of being at the end of that line. Distantly, Jae considered how well a trip to Driftmark would fair. Being near her cousins would do her good.

Jaeda heaved a dramatic sigh, catching both the younger girls’ attention as she stood from the table. “I will have to call this a forfeit on my part, Princess.”

Alicent chuckled from under the weirwood, tucking a scrap of fabric between the pages before she closed her book. Rhaenyra’s eyes danced with a mixture of confusion and mischief as her father’s advisor made a show of looking toward the direction of the sun, musing over her thoughts, and tapping her chin. At the end of it all, she turned to the princess and smiled with a look of mischief to match her.

“If you hurry, I do believe you can fit a flight with Syrax in before the Small Council is called to order.”

The princess nearly went scrambling across the courtyard, grabbing Alicent’s arm as she passed her to drag her with her. Jae simply chuckled, cleaned up the game on the table, and set off back within the winding halls of the Keep.

The Keep was ever busy, people milling about endlessly on their own individual journeys, some carrying supplies from one end to the other, some walking side by side discussing their daily lives. It had all become background noise to Jaeda, the environment fading away as she stalked down the halls to check on the queen. The colors on the walls all bled together, a mix of grey and the black and red of tapestries until they swirled into a singular color.

Jayse swung his sword quickly against the shield of the knight training with him, the world coming into clear focus around him. He ducked when the knight swung, a wide arc angled too high above his head, and the poor man went crashing into the dirt with a thud when Jayse’s shoulder connected with his chest. A few of the other knights jeered from the sidelines, one telling the man now struggling to his feet he’ll have better luck next time. He won’t, but the thought was what truly counted.

“Ser Westerling!” Jayse called out, the commander acknowledging the man with a slight incline of his head. “Have you seen the princess yet this morning?”

“Can’t say I have, Lord Briarwood,” the older man adjusted his seat on his courser, hands resting on the front of his saddle.

Jayse peered up at the sky, brows furrowing in thought. “‘Bout the time she goes to the dragonpit to fly Syrax, isn’t it?”

Ser Westerling muttered something under his breath before having two other kingsguard mount up to follow him. The rest of the guards went scrambling, causing the lord to stifle a laugh at the panic caused by such a simple sentence. Perhaps if they spent less time peacocking for the maids milling about with the younger ladies of court, the princess would not suddenly go missing from the stone walls of the Keep.

Though, Jae supposed that was their fault.

Putting his training sword back in the rack and passing off a few other training garbs to a younger squire, Jayse began his walk to his quarters to change into something less sweat-stained and marred with dirt. A few ladies and lords bid him a greeting, each in passing and never more than a brief word and glancing look. Such was the way of court, more often than not, far too many people with far too little time if it wasn’t the king. Though, he mused once within the walls of his chambers, many of them would be preoccupied by the upcoming tournament being held in honor of the king’s next - and last - child. Even without it being said, everyone in the kingdom had come to the understanding that this had to be the last, no matter which sex it was to be. 

Part of his heart wanted it to be a girl, just to see the look on the face of the Hand himself.

“Slowest brother of mine, are you going to visit the Queen before the Small Council?”

Jayse looked up from the fastenings of his gambeson, smiling at the sight of his sister leaning against the doorframe with a weary look. “And send the maesters and midwives into a fit at the sight of a knight within the Queen’s quarters? Wouldn’t miss it for the world, dearest sister.”

Jaeda’s eyes narrowed, though a grin grew across her lips to match his. “You sent Westerling after Rhaenyra, quite a good idea.”

“It’s almost as though I thought of it.”

“Mm,” she hummed, a knowing look sparking in her eyes before she turned away, the world now in a sharp focus around her. “Don’t doddle, you know how I hate it when Lord Hightower looks at us when you’re late.”

“Only when I’m late?”

She threw a grin over her shoulder. “Dearest brother, I am never late.”

Jayse grumbled under his breath, falling silent as the door shut behind her. 

A young maid dropped a small curtsey as she passed Jaeda on her way to the council room, already anticipating the presence of the king and his Hand to be there. She already knew she would be asked the whereabouts of the princess the moment greetings were exchanged and no doubt Otto would have something to say on the matter, but it was nothing new; it all fell into the daily routine she’d grown accustomed to.

“Lady, Briarwood,” the guards at the door bowed slightly before pushing the door open for her. A quiet word was said by her, a brief thank you and good morning before the sight of the table became her view.

At the head was the king, Viserys, deep in a familiar and friendly conversation with the two men at his table. Not all had arrived yet, as expected, though she had no doubt the Grand Maester and Lord Beesbury would be arriving sometime soon. The only one she held little hope for actually making an appearance was their commander of the City Watch. Poor Prince Daemon. He surely would not be missed at the council table.

“My lords, my king,” Jaeda dropped a small bow, just enough to be respectable to the station of the men before her while also maintaining hers. “I trust you haven’t been having too much fun without me?”

Viserys’ expression was happy and pleased and she couldn’t help the smile that played at the corners of her lips. “Jaeda, my dear, it’s a delight to see you.”

Otto Hightower inclined his head, giving her his usual tight-lipped smile that never sparked at his eyes. “Lady Briarwood.”

Corlys gave her a brief, troubled smile and she knew that something would be brought up at the council. “My lady, pleasure as always.”

“Same to you, Lord Corlys.”

She sat across from the Hand, Lord Hightower, and she knew it vexed him from the way his hand on the table flexed and then moved to fidget with the heavy sphere that sat within a marbled ring. Hers was placed by one of the kingsguard stationed around the room; a dark, swirling sphere of red and black that curled together into the color of blood, marred only by a streak of white that cut through the side like a serpent’s pupil. Or, perhaps, a scar, old and faded and pale against the cloudy expanse behind it. Her fingers curled over the top of it, shifting it until the white slash faced upwards. An eye watching the space above.

The conversation continued, small jokes passed from King to Hand and Master of Ships and to her every now and then. Jayse had joined them since then, bringing news that the Queen was well but quite ready for the babe to finally enter their world and leave her. Viserys chuckled at that, eyes softening at a spot on the table. Jaeda knew that look accompanied thoughts of his future; wife holding a son, Rhaenyra placed safely at both their sides until she came of age for her own union. His son as king, continuing the line of peaceful kings, fulfilling a prophecy only two of them knew. It sounded like a wonderful future of love and contentment.

That was half the reason Jaeda felt a growing pit in her stomach, sharing a look with her twin as he took his place behind her.

As expected, Grand Maester Mellos and Lord Beesbury arrived about the same time, though Lord Strong arrived before, and that was when the council well and truly commenced.

Though, commenced was a strong word for what exactly began.

It was more jokes, more stories, along with a growing agitation brewing in the seat of the ship master. All knew the king simply wanted to focus on King’s Landing now, that his sole focus was on his unborn child that he was set on being his heir. And still, the world outside kept on without him and would continue to do so as much as he ignored it.

Another round of chuckles gave way to the heavy sigh at the end of the table, Corlys finally taking the attention for himself. A modest ask when the entire point of the Small Council was for the king to hear about these types of matters, though all acted as if that use had been put out of practice in the early years of the Old King’s rule.

“My lords.”

Corlys sounded tired, strained and burdened with his news of the Free Cities. Newly named the Triarchy, they had traveled to Bloodstone to wipe out a group of pirates that had made the Stepstones their home as of late. Jaeda hummed thoughtfully, turned fully in her chair as she watched the map unfurl on the empty place at the table. She knew the King would not bite at the thought of a war beginning; it was not how he wished his reign to go. No matter how many of his advisors may advocate for a war to simply end tensions, she knew he did not wish to send men to their deaths, though in the end, it was inevitable and unavoidable. Men would die one way or another at the end of a sword - either on a battlefield or in their own streets while their children screamed.

She blinked, feeling Jayse’s hand on her shoulder grounding her back to the topic at hand. 

“They call him ‘The Crabfeeder’.”

The door creaked open and the princess hurried through, trying to make herself smaller and hidden from the council members. Smaller wasn’t the way of the Targaryens, however, so she simply readjusted, trying to appear as if she’d never been late before, that this was the exact time she was meant to be there and not a moment sooner.

“Rhaenyra, you’re late.” Her King father wouldn’t let it pass, however, and Jaeda chuckled as the princess shot her a look, pressing a kiss to her father’s cheek.

“A king’s cupbearer must not be late. It leaves people wanting for cups.” His tone was teasing and gentle, a smile playing on his face the entire time.

“I was visiting mother.”

Viserys sniffed, brows furrowing slightly. “On dragonback?”

Rhaenyra huffed out a laugh. “Ask Lady Jaeda.”

The king sent his advisor a look as she simply smiled, Rhaenyra stopping at her cup first. 

Lord Beesbury went on to comment about Daemon’s absence and his City Watch and again Jaeda lost her focus. Otto had been suspiciously silent and Jayse behind her had been paying enough attention for both of them. So, instead, she stared at the Hand, trying to pick apart his thoughts from within his head, her fingers skimming the surface of the orb in front of her. When the Hand was silent, she knew he was plotting and she was determined to discover what it exactly was. 

Jaeda had never been thrilled at the idea of Otto Hightower becoming Hand of the King even in Jaehaeyrs’ reign. Viserys’ own father had been named Hand just before the man now in front of her, though that had only lasted the better part of a week before he had passed. She refused to believe it a coincidence and had kept her eyes and ears trained on the current Hand since his place in court had been announced. All that was left to do was wait.

“The Crown has heard your report, Lord Corlys.”

Jaeda bristled. Report, not request. A plead for aid by the Crown and yet they acted as if the Sea Snake had merely stated the weather or worse - he asked for a second helping of a meal. He looked from Otto to his King, as if trying to see if the sentiment was shared. A second great sigh was heaved by the lord at the foot of the table and Jaeda’s nail tapped at the marble plate under her sphere.

“Shall we discuss the Heir’s Tournament, your Grace?”

“I would be delighted.”

“The king is a fool if he is so blind to turn away from his kingdom.”

“Evermore the fool to ignore his pregnant wife.”

The door swung closed behind Jayse as his twin stalked her room. Every council set her on edge and the two of them often held their own sort of council in private after. While he stood at the door, ever her guard, she sat before a mirror to tug at the pins in her hair.

“The queen will die,” she murmured, catching her brother’s eyes in the mirror. “She’s lost too many.”

He hummed in thought. “Meanwhile, the princess fills the role of the perfect heir.”

“The kingdom won’t want her.”

“No. She’s missing the one thing they believe an heir should have.”

“Don’t be crude,” she chided, standing with her hair spilling down her back and shoulders. “But we know it’s the reason they passed over a better heir towards the end of Jaehaeyrs’ reign.”

Jayse hummed again. “Every moment I spend in the Small Council, I miss Princess Rhaenys more and more.”

“Perhaps we should change and advise Driftmark instead.”

There was a humorous tone to her voice as he held the door open for her to pass through and he couldn’t help but chuckle as he followed. 

“Westeros would burn to ash the moment we left.”

Jaeda hummed. “Just like home.”

“Have you seen to the king’s injuries lately?”

The conversation turned as they melted back into the business of the Keep, where people milled about them and they couldn’t speak as plainly as they wished. While neither was afraid to speak their mind to the King, very few others deemed it appropriate of an advisor and knight to discuss the king in such a manner and the twins would prefer to keep their current record as spotless as they could. No hidden riddles could be passed outside the heavy doors of personal chambers and conversations had to veer away to more mundane discussions.

“The maesters have asked for my knowledge of herbs to make a strong tincture for the ones that refuse to heal. Though, I fear that natural remedies will only do so much.”

Jaeda’s hand folded over her brother’s arm, bumping their shoulders together. Jayse ducked his head slightly so only she could hear him.

“Then, perhaps, we will have to see what unnatural remedies will do.”

It was early the next morning, too early, that Jaeda found herself back in the council chamber, glowering at Daemon from across the table. Her brother was stood behind the prince at the moment, stoic-faced as the King and Hand made their entrance and everyone but Daemon and her stood in respect. He looked oddly pleased with himself, unable to sit still and the hint of a smile playing on his lips like a cat who finally caught its master’s bird. The expression fell into one of challenge, daring Otto to continue his thoughts and looking all the more like a predator staring down its prey as the Hand sat beside Jaeda. 

The prince was a mess. The smell of blood flowed off of him in waves and it would take patience to sort out his hair after the helm and chaos of the night had blown it every which way. 

“Carry on. You were saying something about my impunity.”

“Don’t be difficult,” the advisor scolded, leaning back in her chair. She looked the most at ease out of everyone at the table, though a simmering fire burned behind her eyes that still remained locked on the king’s brother.

“I’m simply asking for the Lord Hand to continue his conversation, I fail to see how that makes me difficult.”

Her eyes sparked and Daemon leaned back from the table.

“Darling, I wouldn’t push your luck tonight.”

His armor creaked as it met the backrest of the chair.

Daemon and the king’s advisor were often far too similar to get along. Many at court had once joked that they had to have been engaged somehow; it was seemingly the only reasonable explanation as to why he plagued her so often. However, since they’d both been given a seat at the Small Council, many saw it for what it truly was, with both twins. 

Jaeda acted as the brother’s older sister and they fell into line accordingly. Viserys valued her insight endlessly and sought her out for multiple matters, mundane and extravagant. Daemon seemed to be driven by the sole mission to have her attention, regardless of what consequences followed. The baby brother in every aspect. Jayse was no exception to the family dynamic and Daemon growing up would challenge him endlessly. If there  was ever a sword in one of their hands, everyone knew the other was clashing steel against it. It had been that way for years. However, Daemon just couldn’t seem to grow past the years of sword fighting.

Otto cleared his throat and Daemon’s eyes snapped back to him, the predatorial gaze returning after being scolded like a child. “You are to explain your doings with the City Watch.”

The prince bristled. It truly was no secret that he hated the Hand of the King, a feeling he shared with Jae entirely, and it felt as if the entire Small Council heaved a sigh as the battle began at the table. Because it was always war with Daemon; it was as deeply entwined with his soul as his dragon was. It seemed fitting, honestly; the Blood Worm and his bloodthirsty rider. A pair created within the Seven Hells themselves.

“Your new ‘Gold Cloaks’ made quite the impression last night, didn’t they?”

“Is that what we’re calling it now?” Jayse muttered, catching how Jaeda’s brow quirked over the prince’s shoulder. Right. Now was not the time for that.

Later, however…

“The City Watch is not a sword to be wielded at your whim; they’re an extension of the Crown.” 

Daemon leaned forward against the table again, turning to stare at Otto. The man spoke with enough contempt that he was halfway convinced he could threaten him with treason. If his brother was more often on his side, he might’ve been tempted further. He still wasn’t fully blind to how quickly he’d fallen into the role of Hand after his father’s death; how eagerly he gave council both publicly and privately to Viserys. Otto wasn’t like Jaeda. Otto Hightower was a man too often pushing his own agenda under the guise of the Crown.

Daemon loathed him.

“The Watch was enforcing the Crown’s laws. Wouldn’t you agree, Lord Strong?”

The attention shifted to Lyonel Strong, who looked like he wished to be anywhere else. Jaeda wondered in slight amusement if he had mentally traveled back to Harrenhal. 

“My prince,” he sighed, preparing himself for a back and forth that always occurred with the second prince, “I don’t think-” 

“We are not here to argue whether you were enforcing laws, Daemon,” Jaeda rubbed at a spot above her left brow, as if the mere discussion gave her a migraine. Perhaps it did, it was Daemon after all. “We are here to discuss the monstrous brutality demonstrated and encouraged in our streets.”

“‘Monstrous’?” He nearly laughed, a not entirely sane humor glittering in his eyes. “Nobles from every corner of the realm are right now descending upon King’s Landing for my brother’s tourney. Do you want them mugged, raped, murdered-”

“Daemon.”

“And, forgive me,” he turned towards the Hand, tone the slightest bit sharper, “but you mightn’t know this unless you left the safety of the Red Keep but much of King’s Landing is seen by the smallfolk as lawless and terrifying.” 

“You aren’t exactly helping to improve that outlook with the way you carry about.” Her hand was resting on her sphere again. The prince nearly relaxed; that posture for her was often one of disinterest or at least detachment from the subject at hand. However, the look on her face said otherwise.

And then her nails tapped sharply against the smooth marble and he knew she was only holding it to keep herself from grasping his throat from across the table.

“Our city should be safe for all its people,” he continued, looking to his brother for some support on the matter. Any support at all. Viserys glanced at Jaeda who watched him the same way.

“I agree.” That one sentence broke much of the tension, Daemon’s own shoulders dropping ever so slightly within the metal walls of his armor. “I just hope you don’t have to maim half my city to achieve this.”

A smirk tugged at the corner of the prince’s mouth. “Time will tell.”

Jayse smothered a scoff.

“We installed Prince Daemon as commander to promote law and order,” Lord Corlys, for the first time since the council rejoined, spoke on behalf of the rogue prince. “The criminal element should fear the City Watch.”

The prince nodded towards the Lord of the Seas in as much appreciation as he typically showed others. “Thank you for your support, Lord Corlys.”

“If only the prince would show the same devotion to his lady wife as he does his work, Your Grace.”

Jaeda couldn’t control her eyes rolling. “Spare us another argument over marriages, Lord Hightower, tis not the time or place for such discussions.”

“The prince has a duty and has yet to fulfill it in a manner befitting his station-”

“And you would know what befits my station, Lord Hand?” Daemon questioned, voice raising. 

Watching from behind the prince, Jayse wondered if Otto had blinked once since he began staring down Daemon. Jaeda’s head tilted back in barely contained annoyance, biting back a groan that threatened to upset the flimsy façade of decorum the council now wore like a curtain. More than likely a sheer curtain, based on the nervous shifting of the kingsguard around the room.

Otto’s hand curled into a fist on the table, though his expression remained stoically cold. “Lady Rhea is your wife, a good and honorable lady of the Vale-”

Daemon gave a lopsided smile in response, deeming the conversation merely a joke. “In the Vale, men are said to fuck sheep instead of women.”

Viserys’ head dropped with a sigh before he looked at his advisor.

“I assure you, the sheep are prettier.”

Jaeda’s chair scraped against the stone loudly, the wood creaking as she stood and picked up the orb from the marble plate. “If we are no longer discussing the actions of the City Guard, I believe the council has finished its duty for the morning. My King, any closing words before I threaten both your brother and your Hand for using the Lady of Runestone as a Cyvasse piece in a disagreement?”

The chamber fell silent for only a moment. In that moment, the king looked half relieved, Daemon looked ever so pleased to get a rise out of someone, and Otto looked as though he would help her strangle the prince himself. Viserys nodded and her sphere rested back on the marble as she remained standing, awaiting a dismissal. 

“This council has, at great expense,” the king pulled his brother’s attention back to him, still smiling to himself, “bettered the City Watch to your exacting standards. Enforce my laws, but understand, any further performances like last night’s will be answered.”

“Understood, Your Grace.” Daemon stood, then looked at his brother’s advisor as he gathered his gauntlets and helm. “Do you require an escort, my lady?”

She just sighed, turning to walk through the old wooden doors. “Not the type you require, my prince.”

Jayse slung his arm over the prince’s shoulder as he began to stalk out of the room. The knight knew the prince’s penchant for blowing off steam always included liquor, women, or fighting, sometimes all in one night, and considering how the entire meeting was about the amount of bloodshed within the kingdom already, well. Perhaps a guard for the prince was needed.

The next day started just as early for Jaeda. One of the queen’s maids had rushed into her chambers, telling her the queen had requested her presence before the bustle of the day’s events began. Jaeda felt her heart sink for a moment before she was following the young girl down the ever-winding halls to the queen’s quarters. She could hear the memory of the queen joking a moon ago that perhaps she should begin referring to them as her dungeon; she hadn’t been able to leave them in so long, they might as well have been.

The first thing Jaeda was hit with upon entering the chamber was how heavy the air was. It was a pressure no heat could compare to, weighing like armor on her shoulders the moment she was past the threshold and saw the queen half bent over with an iron grip on the foot of the bed. She was standing at least, that was good. Moving would help the birth go quicker. As long as they didn’t lay her on her back.

“My queen,” her voice was soft as she came to her side, reaching to hold her hand tightly.

Aemma reached blindly for her husband’s advisor - her friend - and managed a shaking, wobbling smile. “Jae,” she breathed, “it is today.”

“He’s impatient, it seems.”

The laugh the queen let out was shallow and faded into a sigh. “It seems. I-I want to see Rhaenyra before…before.”

Jaeda nodded, her other hand reaching to cup the queen’s elbow. “Is it only labor pains so far? It hasn’t fully begun?”

From the lack of blood on the white gown the queen wore, she could only assume it was only the beginning pains of labor wracking her body. The five previous births had instilled a primal fear and anxiety into both of them, neither truly knowing how any of them would end. It was always tears, always another scar on the heart. And still, there was always another.

Aemma shook her head, lips pressing into a thin line as another wave of pain passed through her. “At least the lords will not have to fear the tourney being for nothing.”

“If you can still joke, there is nothing to fear.”

The door creaked again and Rhaenyra leaned through the doorway before moving past some of the maesters and maids. “Mother?”

“Darling,” Aemma’s tone sounded relieved as if the presence of her daughter made her labor all the easier. “Darling, come here.”

Rhaenyra flanked her mother’s side across from Jaeda, brows drawn down in worry. It made her look older than her ten and four years and Jae felt another pang in their chest at the sight. For a moment, their vision shifted and it was Rhaenyra clutching their hand, begging for it all to be over.

Aemma’s thumb soothed over the lines between her daughter’s brows. “Today, my love, I want you to enjoy the festivities.”

“I would rather stay with you.”

The queen just shook her head with a kind smile. “You are allowed to enjoy it even while I am here, my darling girl. I want you to.”

Rhaenyra frowned again before her mother’s shaking hand cupped her face and pressed her forehead to hers. “As soon as they are over, I am coming to see you.”

“And you will tell me all about the fights and who wins. I must know which knight will be your favorite.”

Finally, a small smile appeared on the princess’ face as she pressed a kiss to her mother’s cheek. “In excruciating detail, I promise.”

Aemma laughed breathlessly.

Reaching the door, Rhaenyra looked back at the two still standing at the bed, nodding to her father’s advisor before leaving. Aemma’s demeanor shifted again, falling against the structure of the bed more in support. 

“Your Grace-”

“Jae, please,” she pleaded, halfway between a joke and truly begging. 

Jae let out a short laugh through their nose. “Aemma…I worry for you.”

“This is the last one, I’ve made Viserys promise me. No matter what happens.”

“That is what I fear. The ‘no matter what’.”

Aemma hauled herself to stand upright again, stumbling slightly as it felt like fire dripped from between her legs. Her grip on Jae’s hand changed as well, now holding it tight enough to bruise anyone else’s hand. Jae was different, however; it barely felt any different.

“Oh, gods be good,” the queen whispered, a pool of fluid forming at her feet. 

Suddenly, there was a flurry of robes around the both of them, just outside of Jae’s realm of concern as they simply held onto Aemma. They couldn’t shake how final it all felt.

No matter what. This was the last one.

Jae pressed a kiss to the queen’s silver hair, brushing it away from her face. “No matter what happens, I will protect your family. Rhaenyra will be safe.”

“Thank you.”

It was the last words the queen said to her before Grand Maester Mellos shooed Jaeda out of the room. The last image of Aemma being guided back into the bed seared into her mind.

Just outside the door stood Rhaenyra, arms crossed over her stomach in a way that mimicked an embrace. It was one of the moments that Jae’s well-structured walls they’d put in place all but crumbled from years of neglect. The current house of Targaryens had wormed their way into the old Valyrian’s very soul, the queen and princess most of all.

It was a family they dreaded losing after centuries of detachment.

Jaeda pulled the princess into her side, arm wrapped over her shoulders as they began the long walk back to Rhaenyra’s chambers to dress her for the day. There were no words of comfort that would make a difference to her. 

No matter what.

The stairs to the royal box felt endless, especially in a tight stay, and Rhaenyra made a vow to herself she wouldn’t allow anyone to lace it so tight again. However, she’d been in a hurry, had rushed the kind handmaidens that had been dressing her, and had all but bolted from the seat before her mirror the moment the last pin was in her hair. Jaeda had walked with her out to the tournament grounds, but her being missed from the box wasn’t as worrying as the princess. She gathered herself behind the chairs before picking her way quietly and calmly as her father’s voice rang over the entire field of people, announcing how special this occasion was now that her mother had begun her labors. Jaeda glanced over at her as she ducked to run to her seat, falling into it beside Alicent with very little grace. 

Jayse laughed beside his sister and Jaeda smiled, brows still creased in silent worry.

The crowd erupted in deafening cheers. It felt less like a celebration and more like a war cry to her.

“May the luck of the Seven shine upon all combatants!”

The king and princess exchanged a look as he sat back down, though he cracked a small smile when she adverted her eyes. She was late, yes, but it would be fine. He knew how important her mother was to her.

The crack of lances echoed with each hit, the ringing of armor following soon after. It was dizzying and filled to the brim with crackling anxiety as each house’s boys and men raced toward each other on horseback with the intent to unseat the other. Quite a few were bold enough to ask a few of the ladies in the box for their favors, wreaths of leaves and flowers woven into circlets that slid down the lance onto the arm of the knight.

It was every bit as amusing as it was sobering, watching these men play war with each other.

Alicent and Rhaenyra studied each crest on the shields as they jousted, muttering between each other as they pointed out the houses that did the best. An Arryn there, a Baratheon there, even a Tully and Tyrell and Greyjoy had appeared and fought for their place in the Heir’s Tournament. Neither had expected it to be nearly as fun as it was and yet both remained enthralled in their own little space together, the princess’ hand resting on her lady’s arm.

“What house is that?” Rhaenyra pointed to the knight that had just unseated a knight of house Tarly, his shield of green with the archer standing proudly still on the ground by his challenger’s horse. “A mystery knight perhaps?”

Alicent hummed softly. “No, a Cole, of the Stormlands.”

The princess made a noise as she nodded. “I’ve never heard of House Cole.”

A Baratheon knight soon came to ask for the Princess Rhaenys’ favor, boasting that he didn’t truly need the luck, but requested it nonetheless. Jaeda bit the inside of her cheek to keep from snickering at the princess’ face as she turned back to her husband, conspiring in whispers only they could hear. 

And when the knight was unseated in a rather embarrassing way, his feet nearly meeting his helm as he toppled ass over head, well. He simply deserved it for calling her the Queen who Never Was.

The knight of House Cole was reigned back in, banner removed from its stand as another squire placed a bright red banner where it had stood. It was an unfamiliar sigil, a blonde-haired figure that looked like the Maiden herself draped in a red dress that bled into the fabric behind her. Above her head was a golden loop crossed over itself and connected in a way you could trace it forever if you wished. The knight that rode past the banner held a shield with the same house symbol, though even many of the older members of court now whispered over which house that was. Perhaps a new one?

Alicent frowned, absentmindedly picking at her fingers. “Now, that is a mystery knight…”

Rhaenyra covered her hand with hers. “A new house could make this quite fun.”

Both girls tilted and turned their heads to try to glimpse what the knight looked like under his armor and when they couldn’t, both leaned back into their chairs with a sigh. It would make sense with the armor trying to protect the knights as best they could that no sight would be visible without moving the visor.

Still, it was disappointing.

The knight rounded his horse, settling into the saddle as a squire handed the lance to him, letting him rest it on the stirrup of the saddle. The mystery knight sat quietly, calmly, as his opponent was announced and armed opposite of him, shield glimmering dark blue in the sunlight. The white bird swooped downward as the shield came up.

The start was called and the horses bolted.

Another crack, another knight fell, and the Maiden’s knight lifted his shield as the crowd cheered.

Drums announced Rhaenyra’s uncle as he raced past the man draped with the symbol of House Targaryen. The mystery knight fell into the line of other knights as they all awaited a chance to go against the City Watch’s commander. Jayse wondered how many of them were pissing themselves at the idea of it.

The king watched with a content smile as his daughter laughed to herself, watching her uncle preen on the top of his horse as he watched each knight closely. This was the peace he craved, even amongst such chaos and “wanton violence” as his Small Council had called it. The kingdoms needed this, he thought. Just a moment to live and experience the strength of the men that lived within it and protected it.

Daemon’s lance lowered at Otto’s son, Gwayne Hightower, and the King and Hand exchanged a look. Jaeda smothered a smirk as she rested her cheek against her fist. He truly did make a sport of getting a rise out of his brother’s hand.

Rhaenyra reached for her friend’s hand again, Alicent now chewing at her nails out of fear for her brother. It was one of the reasons she had been dreading these games, even in good fun there had been blood drawn. Knowing Daemon, it was anything but good fun, if fun at all.

Daemon looked up at the stands, a smile on his face as he found the narrowed eyes of Otto Hightower. That was all he needed. He snapped his horse into action and the fight was on.

The first contact of their lances had them both shattering against their shields, Daemon leaning back over the back of the saddle at the force. He wasn’t unseated, though, and he was able to pull him back up before his horse circled back around the fence and another lance was thrown into his hand. The next pass saw Daemon leaning down, his lance used against Gwayne’s horse instead of the knight.

The horse tripped, folded, and nearly landed on top of the boy. Alicent jumped, grasping for Rhaenyra, and Otto found himself nearly out of his seat. The horse stood, other men came to help the stunned and injured Hightower boy, and Alicent looked to her father. Nothing could be done at the moment and the fact he was alive was enough for now.

Daemon trotted his horse in front of the stands, smiling up at his niece and her companion as they leaned against the fence around them.

“Nicely done, Uncle.”

“Thank you, Princess.” He looked to Alicent, who still wore a thinly made mask of neutrality over the worry. “Now, I’m fairly certain I can win these games, Lady Alicent. Having your favor would all but guarantee it.”

Rhaenyra gave her uncle a look as Alicent fetched her green wreath, nervously dropping it down the lance. “Good luck, my Prince.”

Daemon grinned, turning his horse away before looking at his next opponent. However, he frowned and snapped loudly as a squire carried a red banner with black dots across it. 

“Bring the Maiden Knight out instead! If he wishes to join the Great Houses, let him prove it!”

The crowd cheered again as the banners were changed and the mystery knight reappeared, though didn’t fall back into line when the lance was given. Instead, he too also rode up to the stands where the princess still stood with her friend, stunned at the demand Prince Daemon had given.

Rhaenyra looked down at the knight, catching the sight of green eyes behind the spaces in the visor. She smiled at the thought that there was finally a feature to pair with her image of the knight in her mind. “Do you wish my favor, ser?”

The Maiden’s knight nodded, bowing slightly on horseback. Still, he didn’t speak and the princess wondered if that was part of the game. Still, she hummed and fetched her ring of red and black, missing the fact her father was no longer seated behind her.

The wreath slid down the lance, resting just above the curve that protected his hand. 

“I wish you the best of luck, my Maiden Knight.”

The knight tilted his head before lifting the lance to press the favor against his helmet, just about where his lips would be.

When Rhaenyra turned, Jaeda was watching her and her father was missing. Ignoring the sinking feeling in her gut, she smiled, returning to sit next to Alicent. No one else had left the stand and a part of her reasoned that perhaps her mother had asked him to be beside her or the babe had been born quickly and safely and he was to be the first to meet his new child. Especially if it was the son he wanted.

The first pass had the mystery knight’s lance splintering in his hand. Rhaenyra reached for her necklace with a gasp, worrying her fingers over the grooves of the Valyrian steel. Lances were changed quickly, horses turning to face the other again before bolting down the path again. The mystery knight adjusted his shield, the image of the blonde maiden flashing briefly before it was a blur of red and gold.

The next pass, Daemon twisted from the hit, foot caught in the stirrup still. His body hit the metal rail, grinding horribly against the back of his armor that sent chills through Rhaenyra and rattled in her teeth. The necklace was held tighter between her fingers and she leaned further in her chair as her uncle tumbled off his horse and rolled.

The crowd was deafening as the Maiden Knight dismounted, Daemon screaming for someone to bring him his sword. The Valyrian steel sang as he drew it, swinging around to face the knight with a snarl. Now that he was off the horse, the princess noticed two swords were attached to his belt, one on each side, and she wondered if he used both at once. He only drew one, leveling it with Prince Daemon with a tilt of his head.

Did he want to do this? 

Daemon’s first swing hit the red shield, glancing off of it as his dragon shield rose to hit the knight’s helm. He was quicker than he thought he’d be, moving smoothly in his armor as his sword rose again and again to hit the prince’s shield. The corner cracked and splintered, though a good hit to the outside edge of the knight’s own shield sent him off balance for a kick to the side, sending him sprawling. That couldn’t be it, could it? The crowd roared, echoing in the steel helmet.

She didn��t want it to be it.

The knight twisted, sweeping his leg before throwing the shield at the prince, scrambling to his feet in the same movement. The shield caught the prince’s helm and stunned him for the moment it took the second sword to unsheath. The princess gasped and felt Alicent reach for her, but it wasn’t out of fear. It was out of amazement, out of awe.

Daemon dropped to his knees, shield shattered next to him with two swords at either side of his throat. A silent order to yield met with an equally silent denial until his eyes glanced up at the box behind the knight. His niece, watching with wide eyes, Jaeda sat with a stony expression, and his brother nowhere to be found. 

Dark Sister dropped to the dirt and the swords at his neck left, leaving both of them heaving for breath in their armor. Someone announced the victor behind them, shouting how the knight of the Maiden had made the gods and his family proud. He didn’t care a thing about that, however, all he cared about was seeing who had dared to make a fool of him like that.

When the knight turned, Daemon rose, grabbing the top of the helmet and pulling. The crowd that hadn’t stopped screaming suddenly fell silent as bright gold curls fell down to the knight’s shoulders, weighed down by sweat and sticking to her face.

Her face.

In the crowd, her brothers and mother pushed away from the others, no doubt journeying to meet her where her armor would be removed and she would once again be faced with her reality.

Fallon Lannister turned to face the prince, smiling through her gasps for air. Despite it all, she was proud. She’d unseated and beaten the Rogue Prince of Westeros. No matter what happened after, she would always have that to her name. She turned again, looking up to the princess who now stood to see her clearer. Fallon took great effort in bowing, arms out as she did, before grinning up at the girl who had given her her favor.

“It seems the Princess’ luck is all I required!”

Rhaenyra laughed, turning to her father’s advisor before she noticed how many people were leaving. Important people. Small Council people. Except Jaeda.

Jaeda, who just looked at her with a neutral expression, but eyes that filled with sorrow.

Rhaenyra dropped into her seat.

When she returned to the Keep, she didn’t even ask what had happened. The look from Jaeda had been all she needed to know.

It was the last one, no matter what happened.

Born to a noble Valyrian family nearly 300 years before the Doom, Jaeda was never meant to survive. She was a cursed dragon's birth and was a test subject on artificial life used by her father. She was hidden away due to her more draconic appearance for most of her childhood and teen years. Jaeda was able to explore only through books and experiments of her own. She was able to hone her magic abilities to glamour herself to be able to hide her scales, horns, wings, and tail. With her draconic appearance gone, Jaeda was able to fit in Valyrian noble society. As she aged, Jaeda discovered her gender fluidity and transitioned magically into a more masculine form, Jayse. While switching back and forth between genders, Jayse felt like home while Jaeda felt like the strong stone walls protecting it. When the close family friends, the Targaryens, moved across the Narrow Sea, Jae followed some time after. Jae, knowing that they were moving to a less accepting world, started the experiment their father could never finish. To fit in once again, Jae made a magical construct to pass off as a twin so they could peacefully exist as both of their genders. The construct could not exist without their magic nor without a part of their consciousness at all times. Just like Jae, the construct's gender could be changed at will, much like a glamour. When they settled near Dragonstone after the Doom, Jae was one of the last surviving noble families of Valyria. During the Conquest Jaeda assumed the role of an advisor to Aegon and his sister-wives while Jayse assumed the role of protector. Switching fluidly between gender and roles, the "twins" had almost everyone convinced they were two separate people. As the conquest proceeded in Aegon's favor, Jae had decided to change their surname to something more Westerosi as a show of faith to the newly conquered kingdoms. Jaeda and Jayse of House Briarwood were seared into history. When Aegon was crowned King, Jaeda officially stepped into the role of the King's Advisor, separate from the Hand of the King. Jayse did not step up into an official protection role, but rather a more informal one. However, he still kept a watchful eye on the new royals. And these roles were theirs for the centuries to come. The Lord and Lady Briarwood remained unchanging as the Targaryen Kings came and went. Advisor and the Watchful Eye.

[zhonglisteafriend]

How Royal!Yandere!bts met y/n and realised their feelings

Literature Club Headcanons

A/N: Jins Headcanons became so much longer than the others TT I wanted to keep it short but please enjoy 

Warning: Yandere behavior

Namjoon 

Is y/n’s tutor once a week

They consider each other friends well y/n does Namjoon basically plans his future life with her as his wife already

Manipulative 

Good at sweet talking other people 

He is also good in planning and strategizing

Bonds with y/n over their love for books

Jin and Namjoon are pretty passive-aggressive at family dinners 

One of the best students in school 

Hoseok 

Is y/n’s caretaker 

He looks after her and makes sure that she is well

He takes that job really serious, more than anyone else

Makes sure she eats and drinks enough, if she is stressed, that no one talks bad about her or bullys her and makes sure she gets enough rest like a boyfriend

Hobi always makes y/n smile

I mean he makes everyone smile but he just focuses on y/n

Seokjin 

Heard from his family that Namjoon is now tutoring someone who came into the school because of the special program and that more people began to like him because he is so nice and humble to watch over this poor girl

He instantly wanted to make her life a living hell

The next day he went up to y/n and straight up said 

“I only wanted to know who that ugly low life is to be friends with my Cousin” 

He was completely catched of guard because y/n just smiled at him und left with a “Now you know” 

He was so confused by that response that he thought about it the whole day 

The next day he went up to y/n and Hoseok who were eating lunch

Hoseok gave him a death glare but Jin just pushed him away with a “Out of my way low life” which made Hobi more furious 

“What I am about to say is pretty cliche but I don’t know how to phrase it differently. After what you said to me yesterday I realised that you are special and you deserve to be in my presence” 

“Please just let me and Hobi eat in peace”

“You call him Hobi?!” 

Jin was pushed away by Hoseok and sighed 

Normally he wouldn’t even look in her direction again after this but he just couldn’t stay away 

He began to bother her more and more until she kinda considered him a friend

Yoongi 

He heard about that girl that Hoseok takes care of and started to study her more and more

What was just curiosity and hate for Jung Hoseok started to become an obsession and hate for Jung Hoseok 

If just Hoseok wouldn’t exist he could easily talk to you 

But that wasn’t possible 

Until one day she became part of his Music class and they were put together for a projekt 

They easily became friends 

And Yoongi realised one night of songwriting that y/n became his muse and that he needed to have her

Jimin 

He may be a prince but he is the King of rumors and knows all the tea about you before you know it yourself 

He is really flirty with every gender and is really charming 

Of course sooner or later he will know about y/n 

He learned that the special girl who got 5 from his closest enemies is in fact in his dance class 

Jimin watched her for a while before taking action 

He charmed his teacher and became her partner 

Every second he spent together with her Jimin was more and more sure that y/n and he must be soulmates

Y/n was made for him and he for her 

Jimin knows things y/n didn’t even tell anyone 

No one will take this precious angel away from her

Taehyung 

Tae heard about y/n but just didn’t care 

That girl can’t be special when she is wasting her time with them 

But one day she came into his art class as a model to paint and he was mesmerised 

Y/n was so beautiful if it would have been just him in the room he would have drawn you nude 

The other ones in the class can never be able to paint a women like her 

From that day on not one day went by without him drawing you from his memory but that wasn’t enough he studied her house and broke in one night to take pictures of y/n’s sleeping form

He can never get enough of her

Jungkook

This boy knew early who y/n is because they share a few classes together and sit beside each other in English and Biologie

He thought that she is pretty and they changed a few words here and there 

But only the moment he heard about the other boys being around you like moths around a lamp some feelings bubbled up in him 

Anger and rage 

He wanted to rip them all apart 

First he didn’t know why this young man was so confused 

Until he realised that he feels all of that because of love 

Jungkook doesn't know much about love because he doesn't get much himself 

But if this is love he never wants it to stop 

Jungkook want her all to himself

[bumbleklee]

Bestieee reading your parenting headcanon lowkey gives me baby fever. Can I please get some hcs on Diluc, Zhongli and Albedo taking a lil family portrait. Aksjkakajaka it's going to be so cute :'D. Thank you for your hard workk <3333

sorry this has taken so long bff hope u enjoyed it

before reading: 100% sfw, cut for children/parental + length

diluc

he kins a frantic, middle aged white mom when family portraits roll around

he's so busy dressing the twins and getting them ready that he forgets to get ready himself and despite his efforts to be on time, your family is always late

diluc hired a photographer from mondstadt to come down to the winery for the day and the maids create a makeshift backdrop with the items around

this year, your twins are two and are making the family portrait quite difficult

For a moment, it was peaceful. Your family was positioned in front of the grape vines, a child in both you and Diluc's arms. The photographer only snapped one photo before a butterfly flew by and your daughter twisted her body.

"Come on..." Diluc pleaded softly, trying to turn her attention back to the camera. The little girl only whined and began to struggle even more in her father's arms. Diluc sighed and bent down, placing the toddler on the ground and holding her hands. "Mind if we take a quick break?"

With your daughter on the hunt for the butterfly that passed, your son craned his neck around. "Daddy?" He asked, watching Diluc walk away with his sister.

"Daddy will be right back," You tried, bouncing your son on your hip but the boy only whined similar to his sister. "Diluc?"

Soon enough, the tall man came back into sight holding a still-fussy toddler. "It flew away," He told you, resuming his spot next to you. "Let's just get these photos done with."

Only your twins got distracted by something else seconds later and wiggled their way out of both your arms again. Diluc apologized profusely to the photographer to chase down his toddlers once again.

The family portrait didn't come out good this year.

zhongli

when your second daughter is born, you're the one to suggest taking a family portrait to celebrate your family coming together

zhongli, being zhongli, decided you needed extravagant outfits, a professional photographer and a beautiful background and before you could complain, he had everything set in stone

shortly after sun rise one morning, your little family trekked to the guyun stone forest to meet your photographer

"Daddy, my outfit itches," Your older daughter complains. Zhongli is holding her hand and lifting her above any uneven ground. "Why couldn't I wear my panda shirt?"

"Your panda shirt isn't appropriate," Zhongli tells her quietly and you roll her eyes. But these outfits were just for a photo so you say nothing. Your younger daughter, who was only a baby, was sound asleep in your arms.

Zhongli leads you to the area and your photographer is waiting. You get started right away and sit down on the bench. He poses your family accordingly and you can't help but feel stiff.

You notice the four-year old squirming in Zhongli's lap, muttering about her itchy outfit again. You think nothing of it until she's leaping off his lap and nearly throwing her clothes off of her. Zhongli looks mortified and you hold back laughter.

He jumps up after her and tries to grab her but she slips through his fingers. The photographer thinks the situation is hilariously and snaps quite a few photos of the scene. Finally, Zhongli wrestles your daughter back into her traditional dress.

When the photos get back to you, you can't help but sneak the photos of Zhongli chasing your daughter around before he can get a hold of them and throw them out.

albedo

the day that your family portrait was supposed to happen, your son woke up horribly sick

he was throwing up, had a fever, and wanted to do nothing but stay in bed all day

and, of course, that's what you did

albedo still wanted something to hang above his research desk so when you brought your son out to the living room to lay on the couch with you, albedo observed you with his sketchbook

Your son had finally fallen asleep after hours of feeling miserable and you took advantage of the situation to cuddle up to him on the couch. A warm blanket wrapped around the two of you and Albedo placed a cup of tea for you on the coffee table.

"I'm sorry we couldn't do the portrait today," You said sweetly as Albedo took a seat in the armchair. A sketchbook and a pencil laid on his lap and he tied back his hair.

Albedo smiled at you, "We can do one anytime. He needs to rest."

You hummed in response and pressed a kiss to the top of your son's head. Your eyes eventually fluttered closed and you fell asleep. Unbeknownst to you, Albedo wasn't just drawing anything in his sketchbook.

He was drawing a portrait of you and your son for himself. He couldn't stop grinning the entire time, wondering how he got so lucky to be blessed by such an amazing partner and child.

When you both woke up some time later, a beautiful hand-drawn portrait laid on the coffee table. It was a million times better than any photo could ever capture.

[discopig]

That Other Girl (Thomas Shelby x Reader) [Part 3/3]

Part 1 | Part 2

Warnings: swearing

Word Count: 2,244

It had been a week since your argument with Tommy, and you hated admitting it, but you missed him. As much as Tommy was a busy man, and a lot of your time spent with him involved him doing some sort of work while you kept him company, you still spent every day together, and this was the longest you’d ever been without speaking to each other throughout your 6 year relationship, and it was hitting you hard. You found that time moved extremely slow, and seeing as you weren’t on good terms with Tommy, you didn’t really get the chance to hang around the Shelby household, so the loneliness was starting to become overbearing.

You decided to distract yourself by going back in to work at the Garrison, and as much as you would have liked to avoid Grace and Tommy for as long as possible, you still had bills to pay and didn’t like the idea of the customers you’d grown to know over the years, getting used to Grace and you not being there. She had already turned Tommy into an idiot, you weren’t going to let her stop your earnings as well.

You walked into the Garrison to find Harry behind the bar polishing the glasses, Grace nowhere to be seen. 

“Well look who it is” Harry smiled at you, “ready to get back to work eh?”

You couldn’t help the smile forming on your face as you’d missed Harry and work

“You bet I am, my ankle’s not all there yet but I’ll take it easy”

You joined him behind the bar and started sorting out the liquor bottles that were all over the place from the previous night. You had been working for about half an hour when the door to the Garrison opened and Grace walked in, her eyes going solemn as she spotted you.

“You’re back to work I see” she spoke, tying her apron and joining you behind the bar

You wanted to pull her hair out, but you figured it wasn’t her fault Tommy had taken an interest to her, especially as she’s knew to Birmingham and might not have known of your relationship, but you still didn’t like her as you couldn’t shake off your suspicions of her having something to do with that  copper

“Yes I am, slowly trying to get back into it, my ankle really screwed with the balance of things”, you could tell she wasn’t really paying attention to you.

“Thomas talked about you, you know?”, you went rigid at the sound of Tommy’s name, especially coming from her mouth, “He hasn’t been doing good without you, shows up every evening and drinks bottle after bottle. Had to lock him out once, he almost broke the door down” she rolled her eyes at the thought.

You felt worry creep up inside your veins, as angry as you were at Tommy, you still cared for him and couldn’t find it within you to throw away years of your feelings from him because of your argument, but when you looked up from the bottle you were holding, at Grace, the worry seemed to fade away as you realised he had just been spending time with her while you hadn’t heard from him

“He tell you what happened?” You asked, wanting to know just how much he might’ve shared

“No he didn’t tell me anything, just said you two had a fight, lots of rambling about how he was gonna lose you, how he fucked up. I felt sorry for him but then I figured I don’t know what he did, and maybe he deserves whatever’s going through his head”

You nodded slowly at her words

“He came by a lot when you were out with your ankle”

“What did you talk about?” You had assumed that if Tommy refused to tell you, maybe she would

“About life I guess, I’d tell him about my life back in Ireland and he’d tell me about all sorts, ranting about work, his brothers, nightmares” she replied, “he spoke a bit about you, your family” she stated the last part with an edge of disgust, you sat in silence, lost in her words, “I don’t think you’re good for him”, you snapped out of your daze.

“Excuse me?” You asked, astonished

“You and your little posh family, you’re not like him, your roots are different and I can tell he’s getting tired of it.” You almost had to hold your jaw shut  to stop it from dropping to the floor. What was it with people bringing up your family? You had been in Birmingham for years, and most people wouldn’t be able to tell you were any different from those born and raised in the city, if not for your slightly differing accent. 

You were frustrated she brought up your family as Tommy had yesterday, but then it clicked that she must’ve been the one to feed him all those ideas about you being some posh brat while Tommy was shit-faced drunk, and you were pissed. Not only at her, but at Tommy as well for being stupid enough to even acknowledge anything she said about you

“Listen here you freak”, you glared at her “I don’t know what you’re doing in this city, and why you think you have the right to speak on who I am and my relationship, but you best believe I will find out, and when I do, I’ll have no issue kicking you out myself. First out of my bar, and then out of my fuckin’ city, you hear me? I’d kick you out right now if I could” you spat.

Grace stood there silent, and you returned to sorting out the bottles, trying to control your anger and not knock Grace out with a bottle of very expensive whiskey

You had decided you’d had enough of being lonely, and dragged John out of the house to go to the new museum that had opened a few weeks back. John wasn’t thrilled, museums not being his thing, but he was happy to spend time with you, cracking his highly inappropriate jokes every 2 seconds.

“Tommy’s been doing horrible you know that angel?” 

You couldn’t help but scoff at his words

“Please no Tommy talk for today, I just want to enjoy the museum.” You tried to brush him off, but you couldn’t help but worry for Tommy.

You were strolling around the museum, John’s arm lazily thrown over your shoulder, looking at different paintings and sculptures, when you spotted a familiar head of blonde hair in front of you, standing next to a man. You quickly pushed John behind the wall next to you, and slightly peaked your head out to spy on her

“Psst, John, who’s that man standing next to Grace?” You had never seen him before, and your first thought was her father, but then you remembered what she told you about him

John peaked his head out above you, and squinted his eyes to get a better look at the man, who as if on queue turned his head back to look around the museum suspiciously, as though he was searching the area, forcing you and John to quickly fall back behind the wall to hide yourselves

“Holy shit” John whispered, taking his hat off and running his fingers through his hair, his expression a mix of being deep in thought, and being dumbfounded

“What? What is it John?” You asked, eyes jumping all over his face trying to make sense of the situation

“That’s the copper. Campbell.” 

You were sitting next to John at a family meeting, Tommy’s eyes boring into you as you avoided his gaze. It was the first time you’d seen him since your argument, as he’d seemingly been avoiding the Garrison, and consequentially, you. You were feeling a bit better about the whole situation now that your suspicions had been confirmed, but you weren’t quite ready to confront Tommy about it. 

The meeting went on for a little over an hour, Tommy groggily heading it. Just as everyone was about to leave, seeing as the meeting had come to an end, John spoke up

“Y/N was right” 

Everyone looked between you and John, confused

“Grace is working with Campbell.”

You saw Polly’s smug expression from the corner of your eye. Of course she knew

“What? How do you know?” Arthur asked, Tommy was still silent, a dazed look on his face

“We were at the museum”, you saw a spark of hurt in Tommy’s eyes at the mention of you and John going somewhere together while you had been away from each other, “and we saw her talking to the copper, they were all suspicious and everything Arthur, you had to have seen them, looking around the place like a pair of guilty kids hiding from their ma” John scoffed “I’m regretting giving her all those tips now...” You smacked his arm

Everyone awkwardly stared at Tommy, but his eyes were locked onto yours

It was the middle of the night when you suddenly heard banging on your front door, waking you up from your peaceful slumber. You groggily trudged towards the door, as you rubbed your eyes to try and keep yourself awake, however all the energy seemed to rush back into your body when you opened the door and saw Tommy standing outside, his tired blue eyes piercing into your y/e/c ones.

“Can I come in?” He croaked out

You didn’t know if it was the hour of the night, or the sight of him, tired, at the door, but you didn’t have it in you to send him away, so you stepped to the side to let him in, his eyes roaming over your apartment as though he was there for the first time, even though it was basically his second home.

“Would you like some tea?” You asked, worried he might be cold from standing outside

“Yes please”

You led him to your kitchen where he sat on one of your dining room chairs, you noticed he sat in the same one he always sits in, right opposite the stove, so he could watch you cook. You boiled the tea in silence, before pouring it into the mug he had brought over once and never taken back. It was a simple white mug that Finn had scribbled on with crayon when he was smaller, the crayon never seeming to wash off no matter how many times you scrubbed the mug. The both of you sat in silence, sipping your tea until Tommy spoke up

“I’m sorry Y/N” He looked at you with sorry eyes

“Thomas...” You began

“Please don’t call me that” He pleaded

“But it’s your name. What am I supposed to call you?”

“Tommy. I’m Tommy. You always call me Tommy, don’t change that.”

You stared down into your mug, not being able to meet his eye

“I fucked up Y/N, I was in a bad place and I know it’s no excuse but I was so tired and it just seemed so easy to walk in there and fill my system with as much alcohol as possible”

“You believed what she said about me being some stuck up cunt, you didn’t listen to me when I told you she wasn’t to be trusted” as angry as you were, you were mostly sad. Sad your relationship with Tommy had come to this point

“I know Y/N, and I know I fucked up and I know I made a huge mistake I’ll never forgive myself for, but I love you, I love you so much and I can’t live without you. Just this one week without you has broken me and you don’t know how much it hurt me to see you and not be able to hold you, not have you by my side. To know that I wronged you.”

You were staring into his eyes, trying your hardest not to cry

“You’re only saying this because John confirmed she was working for the copper...” you meekly replied, not believing your own words

“No. I was going to speak to you after the meeting because I’d finally gotten the chance to see you. That other girl hadn’t even crossed my mind once”, his voice was firm and you could tell he was determined to have you forgive him

“Tommy... I don’t-”

“Y/N please, give me another chance, I don’t want to lose you because of something so stupid, because I’m so stupid. Please Y/N I can’t live without you” You noticed a tear run down his cheek and struggled to control your own emotions. You loved him and it broke your heart to see him so upset.

You got up from your seat, panic glossing over Tommy’s eyes before you walked up to him and hugged him, his head resting on your stomach with your arms holding his head close to you

“It’s okay, I forgive you, just don’t cry, please. It doesn’t suit you” You smiled down at him, your hand holding the side of his face as you used your thumb to wipe away the tear on his cheek, Tommy leaning into your touch

“And you really are stupid”, you half cried, half laughed “promise me you’ll never do that again” you held out your pink to him

He smiled up at you and took your pinky with his own 

“I promise.”

AAAAAAH this is the end guys! I decided to give it a happy ending because fuck it why not! This is my first completed series and I really hope you guys enjoyed it. I went a bit crazy with the ending and I hope it’s not too cringe or disappointing, I just couldn’t stop myself. I was thinking about making a version where the reader ends up with John instead (because I love John), so let me know if you would be interested in that

Requested tags: @namelesslosers​