#and I've never so much as raised my voice

[kruegerspillow]

"My love?" Viktor called out to you.

His gaze shifted away from the Hextech gemstone and landed on you, who stood in the corner of the room with your back facing him. Viktor raised a suspicious brow, his head tilting to the side in a poor attempt to peek at what had gotten you so occupied.

"What are you doing?" He asked, curiousity evident in his tone.

Your shoulders shrugged as you leaned down, one of your hands were busy holding something while the other seemed to be holding some kind of... paper.

"Oh nothing." You brushed it off, your voice wavering—as if you were trying to contain your excitement.

"You're clearly doing something."

Viktor sighed, turning his attention back to the project he was working on. His hands carefully lifted the gemstone as he squinted his eyes, trying to get a better look at it. His brows furrowed before a sudden clank echoed through the lab.

"OW!" You yelled, lifting your leg in pain.

Viktor's eyes widened in panic before he placed the stone aside. He stood up, searching for his cane before spotting it on the ground—right in front of you. You sheepishly met his gaze from over your shoulders.

"And what do you think you're doing with my cane?" Viktor murmured, clearly unimpressed by your actions.

"Vik—ow, you should be grateful." You quipped, lowering your leg before taking the cane off of the ground. "Its design is way too plain, so, I decorated it f'you."

You held the cane in your grasp, walking towards him before offering him the now well-decorated cane. His gaze fell onto the cane, hands outstretched to take it from your grip gently. He twisted the cane to get a full look at it.

"Stickers? What..." he paused, taking in all of the stickers that you've stuck onto his walking stick. "Where'd you get all of this from?"

Clearly, he was impressed, you thought to yourself. There were little stickers of him and you, Hextech gemstones, and even his goggles pasted on it. You gazed at him with pride.

"Doesn't matter," you jested. "Whaddya think?"

He briefly paused, a look of appreciation evident in his face before he sat back down. "It's beautiful—no, that's an understatement. It's... quite magnificent. I've never seen anything as impressive as this. Thank you, my love."

kruegerspillow © 2024 ➵ do not feed my work into ai, repost or translate my work to post it around. Reblogs are much appreciated ୨ৎ

[rosenclaws]

Would You Fall In Love with Me Again || Worst!Logan x Reader

Would you fall in love with me again If you knew all I've done? The things I cannot change Would you love me all the same? I know that you've been waiting, waiting for love

warnings: angsty af, happy ending, sad logan.

wc: 1.5k

a/n: I heard this song and immediately pictured Logan so this fic was cooked up! I hope y'all like it <3 I'd recommend listening to the song while reading or before or after! Its a great musical btw

Logan holds the small piece of paper in his hands. It's been crumpled and flattened countless times. He turns it over in his hands, the faded black in is just bright enough to read. He glances down at it again. Written on it is an address. Laura's words playing over and over in his head.

Find her. She would want to see you.

Would you? Would you want to see him? He's not the same man that you knew. He's not your man. He's not the hero you remember. He's just a broken, tired, old man. He's a coward.

Laura gave him your address shortly after he came to his world. But he never went. He was afraid. This tiny slip of paper would keep him up at night. If the nightmares didn't get to him first than this stupid, little paper did. He debated on throwing it away.

You didn't need him. You were better off without him. But was he? You were his better half. Always had been. Just one look, a meeting. Closure. So he set off to find you one last time.

Each foot step weighs heavy as he marches to your front door. A small cabin tucked away from the the busy town only a few miles away. This is his handiwork. Logan always promised you that he'd build you a house one day, when you two were done with all the X-Men bullshit.

He had already written out the plans back before...before he lost you. Initials are carved into one of the wood boards. His fingers running over the letters, tracing them as his mind floods with memories of you.

He raises his fist and knocks at your door. His ears straining to hear you move behind the wooden door. Though if you didn't answer he couldn't blame you. He's the ghost of the man you once loved standing on your doorstep. He waits and waits and nothing.

His shoulders sag in defeat. What was he thinking? This was stupid. He takes the paper and crumbles it up in his hands, throwing it as far as he could into the woods.

"Pretty sure that's littering." He freezes at the sound of your voice. He knows it's you. He doesn't need to see your face, this voice had been haunting his nightmares for years.

"Logan?" He nearly falls to his knees. His name sounds so sweet coming from your lips. He hasn't heard it in so long. Ever so slowly he turns around, a part of him afraid this is another dream.

"Is it really you?" You're holding a grocery bag, dressed up for the cold weather. He's frozen as you walk up to him. Your eyes shine with tears as your hand reaches out for him.

"Please tell me its you." Your hand cups his face.

Thumb lightly brushing over his face. He looks different. He looks tired. So much pain behind those gorgeous eyes. He melts into your touch. He clenches his fists at his side as he leans his head into your hand.

"My love, how I've missed you." Logan opens his eyes to see the wedding band sitting on your finger. He never got the chance to give that to you.

"Sweetheart...I'm not the same man." He wishes he was. God he wishes he could sweep you up in his arms. Runaway and live in this cabin for all eternity. You smile softly. Your hand leaves his face and he visibly sinks.

"Come inside yeah?" Without thinking he takes the grocery bag out of your hands and follows you inside. There's not much inside.

"Laura told me about you, she sent letters when she came back." You explain as you reach into the fridge and pull out a beer, his favorite.

"I buy a new pack every week, in case you ever showed up." You smile when you talk but Logan can only focus on the bottle in front of him. The guilt eating him alive.

"I'm so sorry." He chokes out.

"For what?" You ask. He looks at you in disbelief, how could you be so forgiving, so welcoming.

"I'm not your husband. I-I'm not the man you fell in love with." He places the beer on the counter. If he closes his eyes he can picture you and him in this little cabin. Be the family you both always wanted. But he's not yours.

"I know you aren't. I'm not a fool Logan. But..." He's not your husband, he's different. He's not a replacement for the man you once loved but your love for Logan was stronger than anything you've ever felt.

"Would you fall in love with me again? You don't know what I've done. I'm not worthy of the love you gave to him." A tear slips down Logan's face.

He sinks to the ground, on his knees. Silently begging to be loved by you once again. The shame of his past chains him to the ground, he can't even look at you.

"What did you do my love?" You cup his face and tilt his head up.

"I lost you, I lost everyone. I can still smell your blood, I can still hear your voice calling to me. But I walked away." He grabs onto your wrists and holds onto them desperately.

"I walked away from you." You wipe away a tear that falls down his cheeks. His normally stoic face crumbles into a mess of despair and loneliness.

"I needed to numb myself. I started drinking, I started killing. I left a trail of blood in my wake." He expects you to cower away from him. To be disgusted with what he's done.

"Once I started, I couldn't stop. I didn't want to stop. I was so angry, so buried in my grief that the only thing I could feel was rage." The grip on your wrists is firm and tight. Not to the point of pain but he's locked around your hands. Please don't leave him again, please.

"Forgive me." You drop his face and it hangs low, ashamed of what he's revealed to you. You've been waiting for him, all this time only to come and disappoint you.

"If you think that's true, that you're not the same man I feel in love with. Then leave."

"W-What?" He's taken aback.

"You want me to leave?"

"I don't want you to leave but you keep saying you're not the same man. So if you truly believe that, than leave." Logan is stunned to silence.

"No." He says without thinking. He's spent every night missing you, thinking of you. You're here in front of him, it's not the same you but he still loves you. He will always love you.

"I can't leave you, I just found you again I...I won't." He stands up and takes your hand.

"This wedding band, I bought it after out first date. I knew, that I was in love with you but I was so scared to lose you." Tears fall down your face as he presses your hand against his face.

"I ended up losing you anyways."

"He told me that story when he proposed." You say softly. He may be from another universe but he will always be the love of your life.

"You asked if I'd fall for you again, how could I not?" He presses his forehead to yours, noses knocking together as you get to take in the man before you.

"I will always love you. I don't care how you got here, where you're from or what you've done. " You close your eyes as Logan wraps you up in his arms. Holding you close as he whispers apologies.

"No matter how long its been, you're mine." You kiss Logan fiercely, tasting the man who you've longed to hold in your arms again.

He's equally as desperate to feel you. His hands squeezing your sides gently as he walks you back until you hit the wall. Your hands run through his hair, the feeling of your wedding band in his hair only eggs him on.

Silently he thanks the universe for bringing him to you, for your forgiving, loving nature. He would have begged on his knees for a chance like this. He growls when you tug on his hair. His hand slipping up your shirt just to feel your skin. When you finally part he refuses to stay too far.

"Tell me Logan, how long as it been." Your heart aches to think of the pain he's been through. The life he's had to live without anyone to calm his self loathing thoughts.

"I can't even remember." He sounds so tired as he buries his face in your neck.

"It's okay, I'm here now."

"I love you." He whispers, a sense of relief washing over him as he utters the words he thought he'd never get to say again.

You had been waiting for him to come home and you would have waited until the day you too your last breath. He's worth it, all that waiting was worth it for you to call Logan yours.

"I love you too Logan, forever."

[aeralux]

Dumb & Poetic 2- Lucerys Velaryon

(part one/part two)

Modern!Lucerys x Reader

Summary: A clash of egos. A rich boy and a scholarship girl. Sounds like a match made in hell. So, obviously, your professor pairs you up for the semester's most important project. A week alone on the sea with the entitled Lucerys... How ever would you survive?

Modern!AU; Enemies to Lovers; Collage!AU

Warnings: SMUT 18+; masturbation (m! and f!); mentions to vaping; sexting; slight Addam x Reader; oral (f! receiving); anal play (he literally just touches the hole a few times, nothing goes in); foul language (no degradation); creampie (reader is one the pill); nipple play; big D! Lucerys (tall guys are 9/10 packing)

Words: in this part 20k (all smut basically OOPS)

Notes: No description of the reader (just that she has hair). English is not my first language. Technically this could be read on its own also. There is a love confession in this one FINALLY. RISE MY LUKE GIRLIES; RISE I SAY!!!!! If you do not agree with any of the warnings, do NOT read.

As you stood outside your dorm, duffel bag slung over one shoulder, you took a long drag from the vape Baela had gifted you, the sweet flavour of apple dancing on your tongue. You couldn't help but think about Lucerys' texts from earlier in the week, the ones that kept replaying in your mind like a broken record.

"I've sailed through storms far worse than any limits your boy could imagine...". Was he taking a jab at Addam? Probably. The arrogance of that man, always needing to one-up everyone and everything. But then again, Lucerys had always been a bit...much. Intense and overwhelming in every way.

You took one last pull from the vape, the smoke curling from your lips as you exhaled. Then, with a deep breath, you squared your shoulders and set your bag in front of you. And as much as you hated to admit it, you couldn't wait to see what would happen.

Lucerys pulled up to your campus in a sleek, black Mercedes, the silver accents glinting in the morning sun. He had risen early to oversee the final preparations for your journey, determined to ensure everything was perfect. As he stepped out, his eyes immediately found you, drinking in the sight of your form and the way the sunlight caught the strands of your hair.

Lucerys approached you with a confident, almost arrogant stride, a smug smirk playing at the corners of his mouth. He bowed low, his eyes never leaving yours as he reached for your bag. "Good morning, princess," he murmured, his voice low and smooth like velvet. "I trust you slept well?" He straightened up, holding your duffel bag in one strong hand. His other hand reached out to take yours, his long fingers curling around your palm in a possessive grip.

Lucerys led you to the car. He opened the door for you, a flourish of gentlemanly gallantry that made you feel a flicker of something suspiciously like admiration. He had always been so arrogant, so infuriatingly self-assured. But he had his moments, moments when he almost seemed... like a real man.

As you settled into the soft leather seat, Lucerys slid beside you, his long legs stretching out. He turned to you, a slow, wicked grin spreading across his face as he started the engine.

"I hope you don't get seasick easily, baby," he murmured, his voice low and heavy with unspoken promise. His eyes met yours, a dark, intense look that made your heart skip a beat in your chest.

You raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on your glossed lips as you turned to face Lucerys. "Baby? Since when did princess turn into baby?" You teased, your voice dripping with sarcasm. You could feel the rumble of the engine beneath you.

Lucerys' eyes flicked to yours, a wicked glint sparkling in their depths. You could see his jaw clenched, the muscle twitching slightly, as he fought back a retort. But you weren't going to let him get to you that easily. No, you had to stay strong and keep your wits.

You settled back against the leather seat, crossing one leg over the other. The skirt you wore riding up just a fraction, exposing a sliver of thigh. "I hope you have good music taste," you continued your tone light with an undercurrent of challenge. "The port's about half an hour from here, and I am not about to listen to shitty music for that long."

Lucerys paid no attention to your words, his blood running hot as he watched you cross your legs, the hem of your sundress riding up to reveal a glimpse of soft skin. He swallowed hard, his mouth suddenly dry as the desert. It made him want to pull over and kiss that smirk right off your face until you were breathless and panting, asking for more.

You reached out, your fingers hovering over the touchscreen display. You could feel the heat of Lucerys' gaze on you, and practically hear the gears turning in his head as he tried to devise a suitable response. But you paid him no mind, focusing solely on scrolling through the radio station options, determined to find something worthy.

"Don't worry, princess, I have excellent taste in everything," he murmured, his voice low and heavy with unspoken meaning.

He turned his attention to the road, his eyes narrowing as he merged onto the highway. The speedometer climbed steadily. Lucerys glanced at you, a smirk playing at the corners of his mouth as he reached out to turn up the volume on the radio.

The sound of classic rock filled the car, a familiar guitar instrumental, making you smile. Lucerys bobbed his head slightly to the beat, his fingers tapping against the steering wheel in time with the music. "This is one of my favourites," he said.

You smirked as the opening riff of Creep filled the car, rolling your eyes at Lucerys' predictable musical choice. "Of course you would listen to Radiohead," you teased, rolling your eyes. You inhaled deeply as the salty sea breeze rushed through the open window.

Glancing over at Lucerys, you couldn't help but admire him behind the wheel. His strong hands gripped the steering wheel, and his veins showed clearly. As your eyes trailed over his chiselled features, you felt a flutter in your stomach, a feeling you tried desperately to dismiss.

But as you watched him, you couldn't help but imagine those strong hands on your body, exploring every curve and contour. You shivered slightly at the thought, a warmth spreading through your core as you squirmed in your seat. Would his touch be rough and demanding or slow and teasing?

You crossed your legs tightly, trying to ignore the growing ache between your thighs. You could feel your panties growing damp as dirty thoughts filled your mind - Lucerys pinning you against the wall of the cabin, his hard bulge grinding against your ass as he ripped your dress off with a growl. The image made you bite your lip as you pressed your thighs together even harder, desperately trying to relieve some of the pressure building there.

You knew you shouldn't be thinking such filthy thoughts about your best friend's cousin, but you couldn't help it. There was just something about Lucerys that brought out parts that craved to be claimed and fucked until you couldn't walk straight. You just prayed that he couldn't read your mind and see the lewd fantasies playing out there because if he did...

Lucerys glanced at you, noticing how you squirmed in your seat. He couldn't help but smirk as he caught you admiring him, your gaze lingering on his hands gripping the steering wheel. He knew exactly, what you were thinking, and could practically see the dirty thoughts.

"Is the music not to your liking, princess?" Lucerys asked, his voice low. He didn't take his eyes off the road, but he could feel the heat of your gaze on him, burning into his skin. He knew you were admiring his body.

"No, I like it," you replied with a casual shrug.

Unbeknownst to you, Lucerys was lost in thoughts about you, far more intense and depraved than you could ever imagine. The air between you crackled with unspoken tension as his gaze lingered on you, revealing a desire beneath the surface of his composed exterior.

Lucerys's cock twitched in his pants as he thought about sliding his hand up your thigh, feeling the heat of your skin and the dampness of your panties. He wanted to tear them off and expose your glistening pussy, rubbing his fingers along your slick folds.

He could feel your velvety walls clenching around his fingers as he pumped them in and out, his thumb circling your clit. His other hand would be busy groping your tits, pinching and tugging at your nipples until they were stiff little peaks.

Lucerys's cock was rock hard now, straining against the confines of his pants. He wanted to free it, to take your hand and wrap it around his thick shaft, showing you just how big and hard he was because of you.

He wanted to make you stroke him, to feel your soft hand pumping his hard cock as he thrust into your fist. He wanted to hear you moan as he fucked your hand, his hips snapping forward again and again until he came all over your fingers.

But more than anything, Lucerys wanted to bury his face between your thighs, to inhale the scent of your arousal as he licked and sucked at your clit. He would bring you to the brink of orgasm with his mouth before sinking his hard cock deep inside your tight, wet cunt and fucking you until you screamed his name.

He knew he should focus on the road, on getting you to the port safely. But all he could think about was bending you over the back seat and taking you from behind, pounding into you with all the lust and desire that had been growing between you for months.

You sighed in relief as the port finally appeared, the marina stretching before you. At least there would be more room on the yacht, some much-needed breathing space from the charged atmosphere between you in the confines of the car.

As Lucerys pulled into a parking spot and put the car in park, you turned to him with a curious arch of your brow. "So... which one is yours?" You asked, nodding towards the various vessels bobbing gently in the water. The yachts ranged from modest sailboats to luxury mega-yachts.

Lucerys smirked confidently, as he followed your gaze towards the marina, a glint of pride in his eyes. He stepped out of the car and walked around to open your door, offering his hand to help you out. As you took it, he led you towards the dock, his stride purposeful and self-assured.

"The Sea Dragon," he declared, gesturing grandly to a massive, opulent yacht that dwarfed some of the surrounding vessels. It was a magnificent sight. The name "Sea Dragon" was emblazoned in elegant, gold-leaf lettering.

Lucerys couldn't help but puff up with pride as he watched your eyes widen in awe. He lived for moments like this - showing off the wealth and status of being a Velaryon. And he especially loved seeing that look of wonder on your beautiful face, knowing that he was the one who put it there.

"She's a custom build," he explained, his voice thick with superiority. "Nobody else has a yacht like her."

As you both approached the bridge, Lucerys placed a possessive hand on the small of your back, guiding you aboard. The deck was polished to a mirror sheen, and the railings were made of intricately carved, polished wood.

"Welcome aboard," he murmured, his lips curling into a smirk as he led you towards the salon. Inside, the space was even more breathtaking - all rich, plush fabrics, gleaming woods, and state-of-the-art technology. A grand staircase swept up to the upper deck, and floor-to-ceiling windows offered stunning views of the surrounding sea.

"This is... incredible," you breathed, taking in the sight before you.

Lucerys grinned at your reaction, looking immensely pleased with himself. "I'm glad you like it," he said, his voice low and smooth.

But what caught your eye was the master suite at the back of the boat. The king-sized bed dominated the space, dressed in crisp white linens and a mountain of pillows. You could picture Lucerys sprawled out on that bed, his dark hair against the white sheets, his brown eyes burning into yours as he beckoned you to join him...

Lucerys followed your gaze to the master suite, a wicked grin spreading across his face as he noticed where your attention had been drawn.

"Wait..." you exclaimed, a sudden realisation dawning on you. Your gaze darted around the area. A frown creased your brow as you looked up at Lucerys, disbelief written across your features. Did he honestly expect you to share the same bed with him, just like that? The very idea sparked a whirlwind of bewilderment and desire within you.

Lucerys leaned casually against the doorframe, arms crossed, his grin widening at your expression. “Something wrong, princess?” he asked, his voice dripping with mock innocence.

You turned to him, narrowing your eyes. “You’ve got to be kidding me,” you said, gesturing toward the bed. “This... this cannot be the sleeping arrangement.”

He shrugged, his brown eyes twinkling with amusement. “It’s the only room with a bed. Unless you’d prefer to curl up on the carpet, this is your best option.”

Your mouth opened and closed as you struggled to find the words. “My best option? Are you out of your mind? We can't just sleep next to each other.”

“Oh, we can,” he said, stepping closer, his grin turning downright devilish. “The question is whether you’ll manage to get through the night without tossing me overboard.”

Heat rose to your cheeks as you tried to ignore the mental image his words conjured—Lucerys beside you, his warm, solid presence just inches away. You folded your arms across your chest, raising an eyebrow in defiance. “I’m serious, Lucerys.”

He stepped closer, his voice softening, though his teasing edge remained. “Look, you're sleeping next to me, princess,” he said, gaze locking onto yours. “We’ve got work to do, and we’ll both need sleep to keep the boat running. So unless you want to start hallucinating from exhaustion, I suggest you suck it up and deal with it.”

You hated how logical he sounded, even when he was infuriating. “Fine,” you said through gritted teeth. “But we’re drawing a line. A big, imaginary one, right down the middle of the bed. You stay on your side, I’ll stay on mine.”

Lucerys raised an eyebrow, the corners of his mouth twitching with suppressed laughter. “You’re seriously suggesting a pillow wall?”

“Exactly,” you said, grabbing a few pillows from the bed and piling them in the centre like a makeshift barricade. “Cross this line, Velaryon, and I swear—”

“You’ll what?” he interrupted, his voice dropping just enough to make your breath hitch. “Hit me with another pillow? I’m trembling.”

You scowled, ignoring the heat in your cheeks as you shoved the last pillow into place. “Just stay on your side,” you snapped, turning away to unpack your things.

Lucerys watched as you busied yourself with unpacking, a smirk still playing on his lips. He couldn't help but chuckle softly at your huffiness, finding your irritation adorable. As you bent over to put your bags away, he let his gaze linger on the curve of your ass, remembering how he had imagined gripping and squeezing it just moments before.

You straightened up and turned to face him, catching him staring. Lucerys quickly looked away, trying to hide his smug grin. "Is there something on your mind?" you asked sarcastically, folding your arms.

Lucerys shrugged, still smirking. "No, nothing at all," he lied smoothly, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "I was just thinking about how comfortable that bed looks. I might take a little nap."

With that, he sauntered over to the bed and flung himself onto it, stretching out languidly. He made sure to take up more than his half of the bed to rile you up. Lucerys closed his eyes and pretended to doze off, a small smile on his face as he listened to you moving about the room.

Despite his feigned sleep, Lucerys couldn't stop his mind from wandering to inappropriate places. Lucerys shifted slightly, feeling his cock starting to harden at the thought of burying himself deep inside you. He bit back a groan, trying to will away the unwanted arousal.

Lucerys forced himself to focus on something else, anything else. He was in deep trouble, and he didn't know how he would get through the next few days without losing control.

You glanced at the clock, noting it was only 10 AM. You smirked as you snatched a pillow from the bed, throwing it at Lucerys' prone form. "Wake up, sleepyhead," you called out teasingly, "We have a schedule. The weather's perfect for setting sail."

Lucerys startled, his eyes flying open to meet yours. You couldn't help but feel a rush as his gaze raked over your body.

You turned and sauntered onto the deck, the warm sun and salty air enveloping you. You tilted your face to the sky, letting the sun kiss your skin.

You knew Lucerys was probably watching you, and you could feel his eyes burning into your back. A secret smile played at the corners of your lips as you walked to the railing, looking out at the blue waters stretching before you. The yacht gently rocked with the waves.

Lucerys followed you onto the deck, his gaze locked onto your retreating form. He couldn't tear his eyes away from your hair dancing in the breeze.

As he approached you, he noticed how the wind had made your sundress flutter, giving him a tempting peek at your smooth, toned thighs. He swallowed hard as he imagined running his hands along your legs, inching higher and higher until he reached the heat between your thighs.

Lucerys stepped beside you, leaning against the railing and mimicking your pose. He could smell the salt and sunscreen on your skin, a combination that made his head spin. "It's a beautiful day, isn't it?" he murmured, his voice low and smooth.

You glanced over at him. "It is," you replied, turning your gaze back out to the horizon. "We should head out now. We have a schedule to upkeep."

Lucerys nodded, his eyes still lingering on your profile. "You're right," he agreed, straightening up and heading towards the bridge. "I'll just go set up everything in. the cockpit."

"I'm trusting you with my life here," you teased, flashing him a playful grin. "Don't screw this up."

His smirk widened at your words. "Don't worry, princess. I know exactly what I'm doing," he said, his voice dripping with arrogant confidence.

Rolling your eyes, you reminded him of your schedule. "We must be at the next marina by 2 AM at the latest. Don't you dare make us late."

Lucerys just laughed as he turned to head towards the bridge, leaving you alone on the deck. You watched him go, admiring the way his hair fell across his forehead.

Shaking your head, you returned to the berth, setting your clothes and the snacks I had brought in your bag. You popped a seasickness pill, hoping it would be enough to keep your stomach settled on the long journey ahead. The last thing you needed was to spend the entire trip with your head in the toilet.

Taking a deep breath, you slipped a sheer swimsuit cover-up on. You knew it would drive Lucerys crazy, but you couldn't help yourself. It was hot and sunny, and you would not sweat the entirety of the day.

Lucerys couldn't help but let his gaze linger on your figure as you made your way towards the cabin, admiring how your swimsuit was visible from under the sheer fabric. His eyes widened as he took in the sight of you.

Lucerys gulped, feeling his cock stir to life in his shorts. He could see every inch of your tanned skin on display, from your toned legs to the swell of your breasts. The way the fabric of your swimsuit hugged your ass.

He forced himself to look away and focus on preparing the yacht for departure. Lucerys double-checked the navigation system to ensure it was in good working order.

As he was about to head out, he paused, glancing back at you. You looked like a goddess, and he felt his heart race just looking at you.

He imagined pushing the fabric to the side and exposing your tits to the sun and his hungry gaze. His cock was rock hard now, tenting obscenely in his shorts. He palmed himself through the fabric, groaning softly as he thought about burying his face between your tits.

Lucerys knew he couldn't keep thinking like this. He needed to focus on piloting the boat, not on fucking you senseless. But the way your bottoms rode up between your legs made it hard for him to concentrate.

Taking a deep breath, Lucerys rubbed his bulge a final time before you made your way next to him.

You glanced at Lucerys, biting your lower lip nervously as you sat beside him. You could feel his eyes roaming over your body, taking in every curve accentuated by the thin fabric of your swimsuit and coverup. 

"I, um, hope you don't mind," you stammered, a blush spreading across your cheeks as you tugged at the hem of your coverup. "It's just so hot out and I wanted to be comfortable. I hope that's okay..." Your voice trailed off, and you looked down, suddenly feeling shy under his intense gaze.

You couldn't help but squirm a little in your seat as you felt his eyes lingering on your body. The way he was looking at you made you feel both excited and apprehensive at the same time.

Trying to change the subject, you cleared your throat and nodded towards the GPS screen. "Have you set up the navigation yet? We should start heading to the next port soon." You kept your tone casual, but there was an undercurrent of tension in your words.

It was an ongoing game of push and pull between you. From heated glances and shy smiles to flirtatious banter aimed at provoking one another, it was driving you crazy. You couldn't help but wonder: Was it having the same effect on him?

Lucerys's gaze flicked away from your body and back to the GPS screen as you spoke. He swallowed hard, trying to regain his composure and focus on the task. "Don't worry about it," he said, his voice slightly strained. "You look... nice." He caught himself before he said 'hot', not wanting to risk making you even more uncomfortable.

"Yeah, navigation is all set," Lucerys replied gruffly, grateful for the change of subject. He pointed to the screen, highlighting the route they needed to take. "We'll sail for about 8 hours before reaching the next marina. We have already planned the course and I have checked the weather forecast."

As he spoke, Lucerys couldn't help but let his eyes wander back to your exposed skin. He imagined sliding his hands over your waist, feeling the dip of your hips as he pulled you closer.

"So, besides teasing the hell out of me, what do you have planned for the journey?" he asked, his tone coming out more flirtatious than he intended.

He smirked at you, leaning back in his seat and stretching his arms behind his head. This caused his t-shirt to ride up slightly, exposing a strip of his toned stomach.

You glanced at him, a playful smirk tugging at the corners of your glossy lips. "I was actually wondering if you could show me how to steer the boat," you said, arching one brow. "Just in case you get tired and I don't accidentally throw us off course," you added with a teasing lilt to your voice.

As you spoke, you leaned forward slightly, giving him an enticing view of your chest.

"I know this is expensive equipment and everything, but I'm a quick learner. I promise," you continued. "Besides, it might be fun to take control... for a change," you sighed, letting the double meaning of your words hang in the air between you.

Lucerys's gaze lingered on your breasts for a moment longer before snapping back to your face. He felt his breath hitch as you leaned forward, your tits just inches from his face.

"You want to steer the boat?" he asked, his voice slightly hoarse. He cleared his throat, trying to regain his composure. "I mean, I'm not sure if that's the best idea. This is a complex vessel, requiring a lot of skill to navigate properly."

He tried to think logically, but you were making it hard to do so. And even though he might not admit it, he did think you were smart and capable of steering the yacht.

"Alright, princess, I'll show you," he said, slightly rough. He could feel his mind reeling at the thought of you taking control, of you directing the boat - and perhaps directing him.

He stood up, gesturing for you to take his seat. As you brushed past him, he caught a whiff of your scent. It made his head spin and his cock throb, squeezing his eyes shut.

Lucerys watched as you settled into the captain's chair, your legs spread slightly apart. He imagined kneeling between them and burying his face inside your wet, tight cunt.

Shaking his head, Lucerys took your hand in his, guiding it to the wheel. "Okay, princess, here's what you need to do..." he said, his voice low and smooth. "Keep the boat steady and straight, just like this."

As you sat in his seat, Lucerys reached out to place your hand on the wheel, his fingers brushing against yours. He guides your hand to grip the wheel properly, his breath catching slightly at the contact.

"Okay, so first thing's first - you always want to keep your eyes on the horizon," he instructed, leaning in closer to point at the distant line where the sea met the sky. As he did, his chest pressed lightly against your shoulder, his breath warm against your ear.

"And your grip should be firm but not too tight," he continued, his voice lowering to a murmur. "You have to be in control, but not so much that you're fighting the boat's natural movement."

"Just like that," he purred, his lips grazing your earlobe. "Keep it steady, princess. Don't let anything distract you from the task at hand."

Your heart raced as the boat cut through the glistening waves, the salt spray misting your skin. You gripped the polished wood wheel tightly, your knuckles white, as you stared straight ahead at the horizon. The sun glared brightly, reflecting off the blue sea. You blinked rapidly, trying to keep your focus. 

A shiver ran down your spine as you felt Lucerys' strong hands cover yours, guiding the wheel. His touch was electric, sending tingles up your arms and straight to your chest. You had to bite your lip to stifle a moan that threatened to escape.

"Am I doing good?" You asked softly, a tremor in your voice. Your pulse pounded in your ears as you waited for his response, praying he couldn't hear it. You didn't dare look at him, afraid you would lose control. Both control of the boat and control of yourself in his presence. The heat of his body against your back was intoxicating. You inhaled deeply, trying to calm your nerves.

Your hair whipped around your face in the breeze, bits sticking to your gloss. At this moment, all you cared about was impressing him, pleasing him. Making him proud.

You prayed he didn't notice how flushed and flustered you felt, how desperately you wanted to lean into his touch. You swallowed hard, your mouth suddenly dry.

"Please, just tell me I'm doing okay," you breathed out, your voice barely audible over the roar of the engine and the crashing waves. You needed his approval and craved his validation.

Lucerys leaned in closer, his lips brushing against your ear as he spoke. "You're doing amazing, princess," he murmured, his voice low and smooth. "Keep your eyes on the horizon and your grip steady. You've got this."

His hands remained covering yours on the wheel, his fingers intertwining with yours. You could feel the rough calluses on his fingertips.

Lucerys's chest pressed against your back as he leaned over you, his breath hot on your neck. "Just like that," he purred, sending shivers down your spine. "You're a natural at this."

Despite the heat of the sun and the breeze off the ocean, you felt a different kind of warmth spreading through you at his praise. Your heart raced as you tried to focus on the horizon. But it was hard to concentrate on anything else with Lucerys's strong body pressed against yours.

"Lucerys, I..." you started to say, but your words trailed off as you lost yourself in his closeness. Your breath hitched in your throat as you felt his lips brush against your neck, barely a touch but enough to set your skin on fire.

Lucerys seemed to sense your reaction, and he pulled back slightly, giving you some space. "You're doing great," he said, his voice a little rougher than before. "Just keep going like this, and we'll be at the next port in no time. Just follow the route on the screen."

Lucerys couldn't take his eyes off you as you confidently steered the boat, your hair whipping around your face and your skin glistening in the sun. The way you handled the wheel with such ease was incredibly sexy, and he felt his cock twitching again in his shorts as he watched you.

He knew he needed to get ahold of himself before he did something rash. Clearing his throat, Lucerys excused himself. "I'll be right back," he said gruffly, stepping away from the captain's chair.

"Yeah... Are you okay?" you asked him, slightly concerned for his sudden need to leave. All you received in reply was a curt nod as you watched him walk toward the bathroom.

Lucerys quickly walked to the lavatory, shutting the door behind him. As soon as he was alone, he let out a low groan, palming his aching cock through his shorts. He couldn't believe how turned on he was, how desperate he was to fuck you right then and there.

Lucerys unzipped his fly, freeing his thick, hard cock. It sprang up, already leaking pre-cum and throbbing with need, making him whimper. He wrapped a hand around it, stroking it slowly as he thought about burying it inside you.

Lucerys gripped his cock tighter, pumping it faster as he imagined you bent over the captain's chair, your bottoms pushed aside as he rammed his thick shaft deep into your dripping pussy. The image of your ass bouncing against his hips as he fucked you hard and fast, making lewd slapping sounds echoing through the cabin.

Lucerys stroked his cock faster, the lewd sounds of his hand pumping his shaft filling the small bathroom. He gritted his teeth as he pictured you spread out before him, your top ripped off to expose your perfect tits, your nipple stiff and begging for his mouth.

"Fuck..." he whined, squeezing his dick tighter as he imagined licking and sucking at your nipple, rolling it between his teeth and tugging on it. He wanted to mark your soft flesh, to leave his claiming bites all over your body.

Lucerys continued to stroke his aching cock faster, panting softly as he lost himself in his lustful fantasies of you. He imagined you looking back at him over your shoulder with those piercing, lustful eyes as he pounded into you from behind, your tits bouncing with each powerful thrust of his hips.

He could almost hear your needy moans and cries of pleasure as he fucked you harder and faster, his balls slapping against your clit. His hand moved like a blur on his shaft, squeezing and pumping, chasing the release he so desperately craved.

"Shit, fuck..." Lucerys grunted under his breath, feeling his orgasm fast approaching. His cock throbbed and pulsed in his grip as he imagined filling your tight cunt with his hot, thick seed. He wanted to pump you full of his cum, to watch it leak out of your stretched, fucked-out hole as he pulled out.

With a final, harsh thrust of his hips, Lucerys came undone. Thick, creamy ropes of cum erupted from his cock, splattering against the bathroom wall and floor as he rode out the intense waves of his climax. He gripped the edge of the sink tightly, his knuckles turning white as he struggled to stay silent, not wanting to alert you to his lewd activities, slumped against the wall, trying to catch his breath as he came down from his intense orgasm.

After a few intense moments, Lucerys finally caught his breath. He grabbed some tissue paper to clean up the mess he had made, wiping his softening cock and throwing the soiled paper in the toilet before flushing it away.

Lucerys took a few deep breaths, trying to regain his composure before stepping out of the bathroom and making his way back to the main cabin.

He couldn't help but feel a rush of desire and shame as he watched you, remembering the fantasies that had just played out in his mind. He knew he needed to get ahold of himself before he did something rash.

You glanced over at Lucerys, your brow arched in concern as you took in his dishevelled appearance. "You alright? You rushed off pretty suddenly," you teased, your voice laced with playful worry. "Don't tell me the big, brave captain is getting seasick?" You smirked, your eyes sparkling with mischief as they raked over his wind-tossed hair and flushed cheeks.

Your hands still gripped the wheel, keeping the boat on course as you studied Lucerys intently. You couldn't help but feel a thrill at the thought that maybe, just maybe, his sudden disappearance and dishevelled state had something to do with you. The way he looked at you, with those dark, hungry eyes, made your heart race and your skin prickle with goosebumps.

"Seriously though, are you okay?" You asked, your tone softening with genuine concern as you searched his face for any sign of illness or distress. "We're in the middle of the ocean, and I don't fancy swimming back to shore if something happens to you," you joked, trying to lighten the mood.

As you spoke, you couldn't help but let your gaze linger on his broad shoulders and muscular arms, remembering the feeling of his hands covering yours on the wheel. You swallowed hard, pushing down the flutter of nerves and excitement in your chest.

"Just say the word if you need a break," you added, your voice a little breathless. "I can handle the helm for a while longer." You flashed him a warm, encouraging smile, eager to ensure he was all right and ready to continue our journey together.

Lucerys felt his cheeks flush even redder at your teasing question, realising that his sudden disappearance must have seemed suspicious. He rubbed the back of his neck, trying to play off his apparent flustered state.

"No, no, I'm fine," he said, forcing a laugh. "Just needed a moment. Too much sun, I guess." He shrugged, hoping that excuse would suffice. He couldn't exactly tell you the real reason - that he had snuck off to jerk off in the bathroom because he was so fucking turned on by you.

Lucerys's gaze drifted down your body, taking in the tantalizing peek of your cleavage that was on display thanks to your leaned-forward position. He had to force himself to look away before he lost control and pounced on you right then and there.

"Thanks for the concern though," he said, his voice strained. "I really do appreciate you taking the helm. It's impressive, seeing you handle the wheel with such confidence." His eyes flicked back to your face, his expression softening with what almost looked like admiration.

Lucerys knew he needed to pull himself together, to act like the seasoned sailor and not a horny teenage boy. "Just keep going like this, princess," he instructed, his voice low and smooth. "Nice and steady. You're a natural at this."

"This looks good on you," Lucerys murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. "Seeing you captaining the boat with such confidence... fuck, it's kind of sexy." He swallowed hard, realising he had spoken his thoughts out loud.

Lucerys quickly stepped back, clearing his throat. "Uh, I mean... you look good doing anything," he corrected, trying to backtrack. "But I like seeing you in your element like this."

He knew he was treading on thin ice, saying things that flirted with the line of propriety. But he couldn't help himself when it came to you. Every moment in your presence felt charged with a crackling energy, an electricity that made his skin tingle.

You whipped around as you stared at him in disbelief. "Did I hear that right? Did you just call me... sexy?" You asked, your voice pitching up in an incredulous giggle.

Lucerys felt his cheeks burn even hotter at your unbelieving reaction to his slip of the tongue. He rubbed the back of his neck, suddenly feeling like a teenager again instead of a man.

"Don't read too much into it," he said, waving his hand dismissively. "It was just a slip of the tongue." He tried to brush it off, but the way he avoided your gaze made it clear he was lying.

Lucerys shook his head slightly, trying to dislodge the lustful thoughts. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable," he said, his voice a little strained. "I just... I think you're beautiful. But I shouldn't have said it out loud like that." He rubbed the back of his neck, looking away in embarrassment.

Despite his flustered state, he couldn't deny the way his cock hardened in his shorts at the thought of grabbing your tits, squeezing and kneading the soft flesh. He wanted to dip his head down and take one of your nipples into his mouth, sucking and licking until it hardened under his tongue.

"Anyway, just focus on steering the boat," he said, his voice a little hoarse. "The faster we get to the next port, the faster we can... get some rest." The last two words came out a little strangled, betraying the true meaning behind them - that he desperately wanted to fuck your brains out.

You reluctantly stepped away from the wheel, your arms aching from gripping it for so long. "Alright... you can take over," you said, your voice a bit strained as you stretched your arms above your head, trying to work out the kinks. "My arms are starting to cramp up."

As you moved aside, you couldn't help but glance at Lucerys, a hint of shyness in your eyes. You fidgeted with the hem of your short coverup, suddenly feeling self-conscious under his intense gaze.

"I can keep you company though if you want," you offered awkwardly, your cheeks flushing slightly as you switched your gaze between him and the floor.

Lucerys felt his cheeks burn even hotter at your shy offer, realizing you must have noticed his flustered state. He quickly shook his head, rubbing the back of his neck in a nervous gesture.

"No, that's okay," he said, trying to sound casual even as his voice came out a little strained. "I've got this. I'm used to navigating on my own, with or without... company."

Lucerys took a deep breath, trying to collect himself. "Why don't you go and... relax for a bit?" he suggested, gesturing vaguely towards the cabin. "You've earned a break after steering us this far."

He forced a smile, hoping it would put you at ease even as he internally cursed himself for his evident awkwardness. He knew he needed to get a grip before saying or doing something he would regret.

Lucerys couldn't help but let his gaze linger on your body as you stretched, your cover-up riding up to expose a strip of your midriff. He swallowed hard, his mouth going dry at the glimpse of skin. Fuck, you were gorgeous, and he was quickly losing his ability to think straight around you.

"I'm fine, really," he said, his voice rougher than he intended.

Lucerys knew he needed to regain his composure before he acted impulsively, like pulling you into his arms and kissing you until you were both breathless. He had to remember his place, even though every fibre of his being screamed at him to cross the line and take what he desired.

Instead, he approached the wheel and gripped it firmly as he gazed at the horizon, trying to concentrate on anything other than the alluring sight of you. "I'll call you if I need anything," he promised, his tone slightly strained.

You hesitated, a flicker of uncertainty crossing your face as you searched Lucerys's expression for any hint of what you might have done wrong. "Okay..." you replied softly, a slight frown tugging at your lips.

Puzzled and slightly hurt by his sudden dismissal, you turned and wandered slowly towards the bedroom, your bare feet padding softly on the polished wooden floor. You could feel his gaze on your back, burning into your skin as you retreated.

Lucerys let out a low groan as he watched you walk away, his eyes glued to the mesmerizing sway of your hips and the tantalizing peek of skin. He hated feeling like he had to push you away, but he knew it was for the best. He couldn't trust himself not to act on his basest instincts around you.

As he gripped the wheel tighter, he took a deep breath, trying to will away the throbbing ache in his cock. It was hard to focus on anything but the urge to march into that bedroom and take what he wanted from you.

Reaching the bedroom, you climbed onto the plush bed, the silky sheets cool against your sun-warmed skin. You laid back, staring up at the ceiling.

As you lay there, you couldn't shake the feeling that something had shifted between you, the easy company and flirtation of before replaced by a sudden tension. Did you say something wrong? Did you offend him? The thought made your stomach twist uncomfortably.

However, your contemplation was interrupted by a loud ding from your phone. 

"Heyyy! How's the trip, beautiful?" 

A text from Addam. You giggled as you read his message, blushing like a schoolgirl at the endearment. At least someone still found you charming and desirable.

"Heyy! The trip is going well atm. Lucerys has been surprisingly okay... so far"

You attached a selfie you had taken earlier, showcasing your round ass in the skimpy swimsuit as you posed provocatively in the mirror. You knew he wouldn't mind seeing that.

Addam's eyes widened as he saw the seductive selfie you had sent, his heart pounding in his chest at the sight of your gorgeous ass barely contained by the scanty swimsuit. He licked his lips hungrily, feeling his cock stiffen in his pants as he drank in every delectable inch of your curves.

"Fuck, you look good enough to eat," he typed back, his fingers trembling slightly as he tried to focus on the screen. "I wish I was there with you right now, bending you over and fucking that pretty ass until you screamed."

Addam's cock throbbed insistently in his pants as he stared at the photo, his mind racing with filthy thoughts of all the things he wanted to do to your sexy body. He palmed himself through his slacks, biting back a groan.

"God, I want to grab two big handfuls of that perfect ass and spread your cheeks apart, exposing your tight little holes. I bet that hot cunt of yours is dripping wet right now, desperate to be filled by a thick, hard cock," he typed back, his breath coming faster as he imagined pinning you down and pounding into you without mercy.

Addam knew he shouldn't be saying vulgar things, but he couldn't help himself. The sight of your gorgeous curves consistently reduced him to a lust-crazed beast. "I want to fuck you so hard, right there on that bed. I bet Lucerys is just as turned on by you as I am - has he tried anything yet? I wouldn't be surprised if he couldn't resist your charms any longer."

He hit send, hoping you would understand the intensity of his desire, even as part of him felt a pang of jealousy at the thought of you with Lucerys.

You gasped aloud as you read Addam's scandalously suggestive message, your cheeks flushing a deep pink. You couldn't believe he had actually written such vulgar words! The Addam you knew was always such a perfect gentleman. Had your trip with Lucerys brought out a hidden, carnal side of him?

With trembling fingers, you rapidly typed a teasing reply, hoping to stoke his jealousy and desire.

"You'd be happy to know he hasn't tried anything... yet. But I don't know how long he could resist me. You should have used your chance when you had one ;)"

You hit send before you lost your nerve, biting your lip to stifle a giddy giggle. The knowledge that you had Addam worked up into such a frenzy sent thrills of excitement racing through your veins. You knew you shouldn't lead him on like this, but you couldn't help yourself. You were feeling bold and you craved the attention.

You felt a damp patch appearing on the crotch of your bottoms, and you shivered. Addam's crude words had gotten you embarrassingly aroused. You squirmed on the bed, squeezing your thighs together as you imagined Lucerys's hands instead, groping your ass just like Addam had described. The thought of him pinning you down and fucking you hard sent a rush of wetness flooding your core.

You nervously glanced at the time, realizing you still had hours left until you reached the pier. Suddenly, being cooped up in the bedroom seemed far too dull. You had to find a way to pass the time.

Addam's heart raced as he read your teasing reply, his cock throbbing almost painfully in his slacks at the thought of Lucerys resisting the urge to fuck you senseless. He couldn't blame the guy - if he were there with you, he knew he wouldn't be able to hold back from pinning you down and burying his face between your thighs, lapping at your dripping cunt until you screamed.

"Fuck, you can't say shit like that and expect me not to go crazy," he typed back, his fingers flying over the keys. "If I was there, I would have already had you spread open and begging for cock, you teasing minx. I bet that pretty little pussy is fucking soaked right now, isn't it? Desperate to be filled and stretched by a big, hard dick?"

He paused, trying to collect himself before continuing. "I should have never let you go on this trip. I should be the one pinning you down and pounding into your needy cunt until you're screaming my name. Instead, I'm stuck here, achingly hard and leaking just from thinking about Lucerys seeing you in that sexy little swimsuit."

Addam's heart pounded as he hit send, hoping his message would stoke the flames of your arousal. He desperately wished he could be there with you right now, worshipping every inch of your glorious body until you were writhing and begging for his cock. But for now, he could only keep talking dirty to you, imagining you getting wetter and hotter with each filthy word.

You whimpered aloud as you read Addam's shamefully lewd messages, your core clenching with need. "Fuck," you gasped, your hand drifting down to cup your aching sex through the damp fabric of your bottoms. You bucked your hips desperately, trying in vain to find some relief from the throbbing ache between your thighs.

"Addam, you can't tease me like this! :(" You sent back, your fingers trembling as you typed out a pouty message. His vulgar words had you dripping wet, but it was Lucerys's touch you craved. You were trapped on this damn boat with him for a week, and you had no way to relieve the constant, gnawing desire burning through your veins.

You squirmed on the bed, squeezing your legs together as you imagined Lucerys finally snapping and pinning you down, yanking your swimsuit to the side, and sinking his hard cock deep into your soaked, needy cunt. The thought made you moan, your fingers pressing harder against your cloth-covered slit.

But alas, it was just your fingers, not Lucerys's, bringing you closer to the edge. You were stuck in this cabin, at the mercy of your lewd fantasies and a frustrating lack of satisfaction. You just prayed you could make it through the rest of this trip without completely losing your mind.

Addam's eyes widened as he read your desperate plea. He couldn't stand the thought of you suffering from such an intense, unfulfilled desire.

He paused, trying to find the right words to soothe you even as his own cock throbbed insistently, aching to provide the relief you craved.

"If it gets too bad, baby, don't hesitate to take matters into your own hands," he messaged, a wicked grin spreading across his face. "I want you to touch yourself for me, to imagine it's my fingers sinking deep into your hungry little holes as I finger fuck your cunt until you're dripping and begging for more."

Addam's heart raced as he typed out his scandalously suggestive message, his cock pulsing with need as he imagined you touching yourself for his viewing pleasure. He knew it was wrong to encourage such wanton behaviour, especially since you were stuck on a boat with his rival, but he couldn't help himself.

"Fuck," you typed, sinking your fingers deep into your soaked, needy cunt as his filthy words sent shocks of pleasure racing through you. "It feels so fucking good, but I can't help imagining it's your big, thick cock stretching me open instead."

You bucked your hips, plunging your fingers in and out of your dripping sex as you pictured him and Lucerys taking turns fucking you senseless. The mental image of the two tall, handsome men using you like a little toy, their hard cocks claiming your hungry holes over and over, made you throb with desire.

"Mmm, I'm so fucking wet thinking about you and Lucerys taking turns pounding into me until I'm a brainless, cock-drunk mess," you wrote. "Please Addam, I need your touch so badly. I wish it was your fingers sinking into my tight little pussy right now."

Addam groaned as he read your passionate, erotic message, his cock jerking in his pants as he imagined sinking his fingers deep into your dripping, needy cunt. He couldn't believe how brazenly you spoke of your fantasies involving both him and his competitor. It was so wrong, but it only made him want you more.

He paused, a wicked grin spreading across his face as he typed out his following message. "You like the idea of Lucerys and I taking turns pounding into your tight little holes, don't you? Of us using your sexy body for our pleasure, fucking you senseless until you're nothing but a brainless, cock-drunk slut?"

He paused, his cock leaking pre-cum into his boxers as he imagined the delicious sight of your slick walls gripping his cock hungrily. He started palming himself slowly over his slacks, groaning at the friction.

You gasped softly, sinking two fingers knuckle-deep into your soaked, aching sex. Your hips bucked instinctively, as you plunged them in and out, coating them with your dripping arousal. The obscene wet sounds of your fingers pumping into your hungry cunt filled your ears, making you flush with humiliation and lust.

"Fuck, I'm so fucking wet," you panted silently, trying to muffle your desperate whimpers. You couldn't let Lucerys hear you touching yourself like this, couldn't let him know how you were shamelessly fucking yourself on his boat.

Not that it mattered - the expensive silk sheets beneath you were already damp with your juices, a tangible testament to your shameful need.

"Please," you silently begged, even as a part of you felt guilty for lusting after Lucerys while toying with Addam. Tossing the phone to the side to focus on bringing yourself to a peak.

As Lucerys steered the yacht towards the setting sun, he couldn't help but hear strange noises coming from the berth. Mewling and soft whines stemming from behind the bedroom door.

Curiosity overcoming him, Lucerys quietly approached the bedroom door, pressing his ear against it to listen more closely. The sounds of your soft moans and the slick, wet noises of fingers plunging into a dripping cunt filled his ears, making his cock immediately stiffen in his pants. He swallowed back a groan as he realized it was you touching yourself.

Lucerys stumbled back from the door, his face flushing bright red as he processed the incredibly erotic sounds coming from within the bedroom. He couldn't believe his ears - was that really you, moaning and panting so desperately as you fingered your needy little cunt? You had always turned down his subtle advances yet now you were fucking yourself on your shared bed?

His cock started to slowly harden in his pants as he listened to the obscene wet sounds of your fingers pumping in and out of your soaked folds. He palmed roughly through his jeans, biting back a groan at the delicious friction.

Lucerys knew he should walk away, and give you privacy and space, but he found himself unable to tear himself away from the door. He was utterly transfixed, his body burning with lust as he listened to you pleasure yourself so wantonly.

Panting heavily, you collapsed back onto the damp silk sheets, your body still trembling from the aftershocks of your intense climax. "Oh fuck," you gasped out loud, completely oblivious to the fact that Lucerys had been listening in.

Your hair was splayed out messily around your head, clinging to your flushed face as you tried to catch your breath. You could feel your heart pounding wildly in your chest, and your skin was flushed and tingling all over. The wet spot on the sheets beneath your ass had grown larger, a testament to just how desperately aroused and worked up you had been.

Lucerys closed his eyes and groaned under his breath as he heard you cum, whining loudly. He apprehensively staggered away from the door, breathing heavily and unevenly. He knew there was no way you didn't hear that groan he'd let out.

He left quickly before you could find out that he had heard you. Lucerys groaned softly as he staggered back down the hallway, adjusting his pants to try to hide the massive erection that was now straining against the fabric. He knew he should have walked away when he realised what was happening behind that door. But the sounds of your desperate moans and the slick, wet noises of you pleasuring yourself had been too much for him to resist.

He stumbled into the little galley kitchen, pouring a glass of cold water. He downed it in one long gulp, hoping it would take the edge off the fierce lust burning through his veins. But it was no use.

Lucerys knew he couldn't go back out there like this, not with his cock this fucking hard and aching for your touch. He needed to calm down somehow.

Shaking his head he slowly made his way back to the wheel.

Lucerys groaned softly as he stepped back onto the deck, his cock still straining against his pants. He tried to focus on steering the boat, but his mind kept drifting back to the sound of your desperate moans.

Hopelessly trying to regain his composure, Lucerys gripped the wheel tightly as he stared out at the darkening horizon. The salty sea breeze washed over his flushed face, but it did little to cool the burning desire coursing through his veins. He couldn't stop from imagining the erotic image of you splayed out on the silk sheets, your hair tangled and skin glistening with sweat as you brought yourself to a climax.

Lucerys shook his head slightly, trying to dislodge the lusty thoughts. He knew he shouldn't be thinking about you like this, especially after overhearing your display of self-pleasure. But fuck, the way you had moaned and whimpered, the obscene wet sounds of your fingers plunging into your dripping cunt... it had set his blood on fire.

He adjusted himself in his pants, trying to find a more comfortable position for his painfully hard cock. It was useless though, and he knew he would have to take matters into his own hands eventually. The question was, would he be able to resist the urge to storm back into that cabin and pin you down, sinking his aching shaft deep into your needy hole until you were screaming his name?

Lucerys swallowed thickly, trying to focus on the task at hand. They still had hours left until they reached the pier, and he knew he would have to keep it together. But fuck, it was going to be a long night with you just a few feet away, your scent still lingering in the air and your desperate moans echoing in his mind.

He took a deep breath, gripping the wheel tighter as he stared at the darkening sea. He had to get a grip, had to keep his lust in check. But deep down, he knew it was only a matter of time before he snapped and took what he wanted - before he had you naked, wrists bound and legs spread wide as he fucked you into submission.

Slowly and hesitantly, you exited the bedroom, feeling bashful and flustered after your private activities. You quickly changed into a tight top and denim shorts, wanting a change of clothes after the intense session you just had. Your hair was still slightly dishevelled, and your eyes had a dreamy, faraway look as you approached Lucerys at the helm.

"Hey there," you said softly, a faint blush still colouring your cheeks as you glanced at him.

You bit your lip, feeling a twinge of embarrassment as you remembered how loudly you had moaned and whimpered while touching yourself. You hoped Lucerys hadn't overheard your display. The thought made your blush deepen.

"We should be at the pier in two hours, right?" You remarked, trying to change the subject to something more neutral. In truth, the boat suddenly felt a little too small and claustrophobic, especially with the sexual tension hanging heavily in the air between you. You needed fresh air and a distraction before you lost your mind from your constant desire for Lucerys's touch.

Lucerys tensed as you approached, his body still thrumming with lust. He took a deep, shuddering breath, trying to regain his composure before turning to face you with a strained smile. "Hey," he replied shortly, his voice slightly hoarse.

He could feel the sexual tension crackling between you, as thick and heavy as the humidity in the air. He knew you must have heard him groan, must have known he had been listening to you fuck yourself stupid on the bed. Lucerys clenched his jaw, trying to hold back the filthy words that wanted to spill from his lips.

He swallowed thickly, trying to push away the lustful thoughts that had been consuming his mind. "Yeah, about two more hours," he replied, slightly raspy.

He couldn't help but notice the way you blushed and bit your lip nervously. Did you know what you had done? Did you have any idea of the effect your wanton moans and the slick sounds of you fucking yourself had on him? Lucerys wondered.

He turned his gaze back to the horizon, watching the sun slowly sink below the waves. The sky was painted orange, pink, and red–casting a warm glow over the water. But even that breathtaking sight paled to the beauty of you standing beside him, still flushed and dishevelled from your private activities.

"It's a beautiful night," he said lamely, hating how awkward his voice sounded. He wanted to say so much more, to tell you how desperately he wanted to bend you over the railing and fuck you until you screamed, but he held his tongue.

Lucerys shifted his stance slightly, trying to alleviate some of the pressure on his painfully hard cock. Take a deep breath, Lucerys told himself, trying to calm down. He knew he had to keep it together, to act like a gentleman in front of his guest. But fuck, it was getting harder and harder to resist the temptation you presented.

You glanced at the stunning sunset, the vibrant oranges and pinks streaking across the sky, taking your breath away. It was absolutely gorgeous but not as breathtaking as the way Lucerys looked right now–his chiselled jaw clenched, and his eyes darkened with hunger. You could feel the sexual tension rolling off him in waves, making your skin prickle.

"I thought I'd come to keep you company..." you said softly, dropping your gaze shyly. You perched yourself on the seat beside, clutching your phone tightly. It buzzed occasionally with messages from Addam, but you couldn't bring yourself to care right now. Not with the way Lucerys was looking at you, his eyes roaming over your body like a physical caress.

You crossed your legs, feeling the soft denim of your shorts stretch across your thighs. You could feel Lucerys's gaze lingering on your backside, and you had to resist the urge to squirm. Did he know what you had been doing just moments before? Could he hear the echoes of your desperate moans and the slick sounds of your dripping cunt? The thought made you blush, and you looked away, trying to hide your flushed cheeks.

You could still feel the lingering ache between your thighs, the throbbing emptiness that cried out to be filled. And god, you wanted him to be the one to do it. You wanted to feel his strong hands gripping your hips, his hard cock sinking deep into your tight heat as he fucked you hard and fast, just like you had imagined earlier. The thought alone made you clench around nothing.

"Thanks. I was already getting bored here," Lucerys said softly, voice low and slightly rough.

"Did you have a good rest?" He asked teasingly, hoping to get a reaction out of you, hinting at the desire coursing through his veins. He knew he shouldn't ask, but he couldn't help himself. He wanted to know everything about you, even the most intimate details.

You tensed at Lucerys's question, feeling embarrassment wash over you. "A good rest?" You repeated, your voice coming out slightly breathless. "I, um. I guess you could say that," you mumbled, unable to meet his intense gaze.

"I just, um. I was talking with Addam for a bit. He texted me," you said lamely, trying to change the subject. You sat up straight, clutching your phone tightly like a lifeline. In truth, Addam's texts had only fuelled your lust, making you crave Lucerys's touch even more.

Lucerys quirked an eyebrow at your mention of Addam, a flicker of jealousy flashing in his eyes. He leaned back slightly, crossing his arms over his chest as he studied your flushed face with a critical gaze. "Addam, huh? I see," he replied curtly, his tone sharp.

He couldn't help but wonder what had transpired between you, and it left a bitter taste in his mouth. However, he kept his suspicions to himself, not wanting to accuse you of anything without solid proof. Instead, he changed the subject, hoping to lighten the mood. "Well, I'm glad you could join me out here. It's a beautiful night, isn't it?" he remarked, gesturing toward the stunning sunset painting the sky.

You shifted uncomfortably in your seat, your cheeks still burning with embarrassment. "Really?" You asked, surprised by his sudden change of heart. "Cause you sent me away when I offered to stay with you before," you pointed out, still unable to meet his intense gaze. You could feel his eyes boring into you.

Lucerys tensed at your comment, his jaw clenching as he fought back a surge of jealousy. He knew he had been a bit of an asshole before, pushing you away when you offered to stay with him. But he had been so fucking pent up and frustrated, desperate to keep his distance from your tempting body and the way it made him feel.

But now, with the way your cheeks were flushed and your eyes avoided his, he couldn't resist. "I know, and I'm sorry for that," he said softly, his voice rough with emotion. "I just... I didn't want to make things awkward between us. But fuck, I want you here with me now," he whispered, more to himself.

"Tell me," he rasped, his voice low and rough with lust. "What were you really doing in there, sweetheart? Don't try to hide it from me. I heard every fucking sound, every desperate moan and whimper that spilt from your pretty little mouth."

You glared at Lucerys defiantly, your eyes flashing with indignation. "Oh please, don't flatter yourself," you said with a bitter laugh, rolling your eyes. "Just because I have needs doesn't mean I'm some slut. I'm not that easy."

You leaned closer, your voice dropping to a low, teasing him. "Maybe I just have a vivid imagination. Perhaps I was thinking about how good it would feel to have a real man's hands on me, making me come undone."

You couldn't admit that you had instead been thinking of him the whole time, opting for a little white lie. "Or maybe you're just jealous that Addam has the power to get me so worked up. You can't stand the thought of me wanting anyone but you, can you?"

Lucerys felt angry at your accusation, his eyes flashing with an intense, jealous fury he couldn't fully hide. But he quickly tried to reign in his temper, not wanting to let on just how much the thought of you wanting anyone else bothered him.

"Don't be ridiculous," he said shortly, his voice tight and strained. "I couldn't care less who you fuck yourself stupid thinking about. It's none of my business," he bit out, crossing his arms over his chest.

But even as he said it, Lucerys could feel the jealousy burning like acid in his stomach. The idea of you coming undone to someone else's touch, imagining Addam or anyone else bringing you to a screaming climax... it made him want to put his fist through the wall. But he refused to let you see how much it got under his skin.

Instead, he turned his gaze back to the horizon, watching the last rays of the sunset dip below the waves. "Besides, I thought you had better taste than to settle for a loser like Addam," he said coldly, unable to resist the jab. "Guess I was wrong."

You glare at Lucerys defiantly, your eyes flashing with resentment as you lean in close, jabbing a finger at his chest. "Fuck you, Lucerys!" You hiss, your voice shaking with anger and frustration. "You're the real loser here, you goddamn hypocrite! How dare you judge me for having needs when you were the one listening in on my private time like a fucking pervert? That's beyond messed up!"

Your cheeks flush an even deeper shade of red, but this time it's from rage rather than arousal. You can't believe the nerve of this guy, toying with your mind like that and then having the nerve to accuse Addam of being the loser.

You are so pissed off that you're trembling slightly. You step closer to Lucerys, refusing to back down as you stare him down angrily and disdainfully.

"And another thing, you smug bastard," you continue, your voice dropping to a low, threatening purr. "I'll fantasize about whoever the hell I want, whenever the fuck I want. Got it, asshole?" You snap, your eyes boring into his with fierce intensity.

You can feel the anger radiating off you as you stand there, your heart pounding in your chest and your breath coming fast and hard. You won't let this jerk make you feel ashamed.

Lucerys felt a pang of guilt at your accusation, realizing he had indeed overstepped a serious boundary by listening in on your private moment. But despite his feelings of remorse, he couldn't deny the way your fierce anger and indignation only served to turn him on even more. The fire in your eyes, the fury that rolled off you in waves... fuck, it was intoxicating.

But he refused to back down, his pride and jealousy fueling his stubbornness. "Temper, temper," he taunted, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth despite the anger in his eyes. "I didn't realize you were so easily provoked, princess. Guess I hit a nerve, huh?" he mocked, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

Lucerys had never been one for games, and he was tired of playing nice. He wanted to grab you by the hair and drag you off to his bed, fucking the attitude right out of you until you were a mewling, obedient mess.

He leaned in closer, invading your personal space as he stared down at you with a challenging glint in his purple eyes. "And you're right, I am a fucking hypocrite. I shouldn't have listened to your little solo session. But you can't blame a guy for being curious," he defended himself, his gaze dropping to your heaving chest before slowly trailing back to your flushed face.

"Curious?" You scoffed, rolling your eyes at his flimsy excuse. "More like a fucking creep, listening in on private shit. I don't care how rich and powerful you think you are, that's not normal," you snapped, jabbing your finger harder against his chest.

But even as you seethed with anger, you couldn't ignore the way your pulse raced at his proximity. Damn him for being so infuriatingly hot, even when he was acting like a manipulative asshole.

"So what? I'm supposed to just forget about it and be grateful you decided to grace me with your presence now." You spat bitterly, hating how breathy your voice sounded. "Newsflash, Your Highness - I don't give a fuck about your title or your money. You don't get to dictate who I fantasize about or what I do in my private time."

You crossed your arms over your chest as you glared at him mutinously. "You want to know why I was thinking about a real man's touch?" You hissed. "Because I'm fucking tired of boys who are too scared to go for what they really want. Guess that's why you still rely on your daddy's cash and status to get you laid, huh?"

It was a low blow, but you were beyond caring.

Lucerys froze for half a second, his smirk faltering as your words hit him like a slap. His brown eyes darkened, the teasing glint replaced by something sharper, something that burned. He leaned forward, stepping into your space, close enough that you could feel the heat radiating off him.

“You want to talk about going for what you really want?” he said, his voice low and dangerous, carrying an edge that sent a shiver down your spine. “Fine. Let’s talk about it.”

His gaze locked onto yours, and for a moment, you forgot how to breathe. The playful arrogance was gone, replaced by raw intensity. “You think you’ve got me all figured out, don’t you? Daddy’s cash, daddy’s status, the perfect little heir who’s too scared to make a move.” He let out a low, humourless laugh, shaking his head. “But here’s the thing, princess: I don’t need anyone’s help to get what I want.”

His voice dropped, barely above a whisper now, and the air between you felt charged, electric. “And if you really think I’m too scared to go for it, maybe you don’t know me as well as you think.”

His gaze flickered down to your lips, lingering for the briefest of moments before snapping back to your eyes. “So tell me,” he continued, his tone equal parts challenge and provocation, “if I’m just a boy hiding behind his daddy’s money, what does that make you? The girl who can’t stop thinking about him?”

The silence stretched, heavy and suffocating, as his words hung in the air. He didn’t move, didn’t back away, waiting for your response like a predator waiting to strike. There was no smirk this time, no playful banter. Just Lucerys, raw and unfiltered, daring you to challenge him.

Your jaw tightened, and you refused to step back, even though his proximity made your pulse hammer in your ears. The way he looked at you, like he was peeling back every layer and exposing something raw and vulnerable, made your skin prickle with defiance. If he thought he could rattle you, he had another thing coming.

"Thinking about you?” you scoffed, your voice sharp and biting. “Don’t flatter yourself, Velaryon. You might like to believe you’re the centre of the universe but trust me, you’re barely a passing thought.” You took a step closer, your chin tilting up in challenge. “And if you think I’m the one who can’t stop thinking about someone, maybe you should look in the mirror.”

His lips parted, but you didn’t let him speak, pressing on with a venomous smirk. “What’s wrong, Lucerys? Mad that someone finally called you out? I can’t help it if your fragile ego can't handle the truth. You act so untouchable, as nothing fazes you, but here you are, standing so close it’s like you’re trying to prove something. So what is it? What are you trying so hard to convince me of?”

You let your words sink in, watching the flicker of something in his eyes—anger, desire, or maybe both. “Face it, Velaryon,” you said, your voice softening but losing none of its sharpness. “You don’t intimidate me, and you never will.” You leaned in just enough for him to feel the weight of your defiance, your voice dropping to a whisper. “So go ahead. Keep talking about what you want. But don’t act surprised when you find out you’ll never have it.”

You clenched your fists at your sides, trying to keep your breathing steady as Lucerys stared you down, his smug, infuriating smirk firmly in place. That smirk—God, it made you want to scream, to shove him off the boat, to—

“Are you done?” he drawled, tilting his head as if you were an amusing sideshow act. “Or are you planning to stomp your feet like a spoiled little brat some more?”

“Brat?” you spat, your voice rising despite yourself. “Oh, that’s rich, coming from the guy who’s never worked a day in his life! You think you’re so superior, but underneath all that charm, you’re just another spoiled, overgrown man-child!”

His smirk fell, just for a second, but it was enough to give you a flicker of satisfaction.

“Say what you want about me,” he said, stepping closer, his tone low and deliberate. “But at least I’m honest about who I am. You, on the other hand? You’re so busy trying to act like you don’t care, like you’re above it all, but it’s bullshit. You care. More than you want to admit.”

You scoffed, shaking your head. “What the hell are you even talking about?”

Lucerys leaned in, his voice dropping to a near whisper. “Oh, come on. You can’t seriously think I haven’t noticed the way you look at me when you think I’m not paying attention. Like you’re trying to figure out whether you hate me or…” His eyes flicked to your lips, just for a heartbeat, before snapping back to yours. “Or something else entirely.”

Your heart thundered in your chest, the heat of his words wrapping around you like a vice. You opened your mouth to fire back, to tear him down with the sharpest words you could muster—but what came out instead made your blood run cold.

“I was actually starting to like you, but clearly, that was a mistake.”

The words tumbled out before you could stop them, hanging between you like an admission of guilt. Your stomach dropped, dread coiling in your gut as you saw the shift in Lucerys’ expression.

His brows shot up, and for the first time since you’d met him, he seemed genuinely taken aback. But the surprise didn’tlast long. It melted away, replaced by something darker, something more serious that made the space between you feel suddenly, impossibly small.

“Starting to like me?” he repeated, his voice low and rough, like he was testing the words, tasting them on his tongue. “Funny, because I haven’t just liked you. I’ve been losing my goddamn mind over you since day one.”

You blinked, your breath hitching as the confession slammed into you with the force of a wave. “What—”

“I’m serious,” he interrupted, his tone fierce, desperate. He reached out, his hand brushing against your arm. “You drive me insane. Every word out of your mouth, every look, every time you roll those pretty eyes at me—it’s like you’re in my head, and I can’t get you out. Believe me, I’ve tried.”

His fingers tightened slightly, grounding you as your mind spun. “And you think I’m scared?” he continued, his voice dropping to a whisper. “I’m not scared of you. I’m scared of what you’re doing to me, how you’re making me feel things I don’t know how to handle. You say you want a real man? Fine. Here I am, standing right in front of you, telling you I want you.”

Your pulse raced as his words sank in, each one like a spark igniting a fire in your chest. But instead of pulling away, instead of shutting him down like you’d always done before, you stayed frozen in place, your body betraying you as your breath came quicker and shallower.

A part of you wanted to give in, to let him consume you completely as he desired. But you couldn't. You had to stay strong, to keep your head clear. You had to step back, couldn't let him consume you whole.

Distracted, you found yourself blurting out, "Make sure you save the data from today's sail..." Your voice sounded strained and thin to your own ears. You were acutely aware of every place where your bodies touched, every point of contact sending sparks skittering across your skin.

The words felt hollow, a pathetic attempt to sound unaffected, but you couldn’t care. Without waiting for a response, you shoved the door open and stepped outside, letting it slam shut behind you.

The cool sea breeze hit you like a wave, sharp and stinging against your flushed skin. You leaned against the railing, gripping it tightly as if it could anchor you, your heart pounding so hard it felt like it might break free of your chest.

You stared out at the endless expanse of water, desperate to quiet the storm raging inside you. But it was no use. His words still echoed in your head, wrapping around you like a siren’s song you couldn’t escape.

Lucerys felt his heart clench painfully in his chest as you tore yourself from his grasp and fled, leaving him standing there alone with the weight of his confession hanging heavily between them. He watched you go, his eyes dark and haunted as he struggled to process the whirlwind of emotions coursing through him.

For a long moment, he stood rooted to the spot, his mind reeling as he tried to make sense of the intensity of his feelings for you. He had never experienced anything like this before, this all-consuming, desperate need to possess and be possessed by another person. It was terrifying and exhilarating, and he didn't know how to handle it.

But as the initial shock wore off, Lucerys felt a surge of determination rise up inside him. He refused to let you slip away that easily, to run from the undeniable chemistry that crackled between you like electricity. No, he would chase you to the ends of the earth if he had to, until he had you exactly where he wanted you - naked, willing, and completely at his mercy.

Lucerys stood there, his heart pounding wildly in his chest as he stared at the empty space where you had just been. He could still feel the ghost of your touch, the way your body had pressed against his, soft and warm and achingly perfect. Fuck, he wanted you so badly that it physically hurt, like a constant ache in his gut that only your presence could soothe.

He dragged a hand through his hair, his fingers trembling slightly as he tried to regain his composure. This was new territory for him, this intense, overwhelming need to have someone, to claim them and make them his own. He'd never felt anything like it before, not with any of the countless women who had thrown themselves at him over the years. With you, it was different. It was everything.

Lucerys's mind raced as he tried to figure out his next move. He knew he should give you space, let you cool off and come back to him on your own terms. But the thought of you slipping away, of losing you before he'd even had a chance to truly have you... it made his heart hurt.

No, he couldn't let that happen. He wouldn't. He would chase you down, corner you, pin you against the wall until you had no choice but to listen to him. To hear him.

Lucerys took a deep breath, his jaw clenching with determination as he kept sailing the boat towards the marina. In just a few hours he will have you... with no distractions.

Lucerys's mind raced as he kept sailing, his thoughts consumed by you. The way you felt pressed against him, the taste of your skin, the sound of your breathy moans... it was all he could think about. He couldn't focus on anything else, not even the task.

As the sun began to set and the marina came into view, Lucerys felt a surge of anticipation and nervousness. He knew that once he had you alone, he wouldn't be able to control himself. He would take you, claim you, make you his completely.And God help him, but he couldn't fucking wait.

Lucerys's hands gripped the wheel tighter, his knuckles turning white as he steered the boat towards the dock. He could see the lights of the marina growing closer, the sound of music and laughter carrying across the water. But all he could focus on was you, the way your body had felt against his, the scent of your skin lingering in his nose.

He knew he should slow down, should take his time docking the boat. But he was too impatient, too desperate to get to you.

Your heart hammered wildly in your chest as you sat on the deck chair, desperately taking long drags of your vape. But no matter how much smoke you inhaled, your nerves only seemed to worsen. You couldn't shake the memory of Lucerys' intense confession, the way his eyes had burned into yours with such raw, desperate hunger. It made your skin prickle and your core throb.

As the dock came into view, panic washed over you. There was no escape now, no way to avoid the impending confrontation with Lucerys. You were trapped on this damn boat, just the two of you and the pounding of the waves against the hull. You knew you couldn't run from this, from him, not with only one bed on board.

Hastily, you jumped up from the chair and made your way to the cabin, needing to compose yourself before you faced him. You caught your reflection in the mirror - your hair was a wild mess, your eyes were wide and wild, your cheeks flushed a deep, telling pink. You looked like a wreck, like a woman on the verge of losing her mind... and maybe you were.

You paced around the small space, your breaths coming in short, sharp gasps. You felt like a caged animal, desperate to break free but unable to escape the predator stalking you from the shadows. Lucerys... fuck, why did he have to be so intense, so consuming? Why did he make you feel this way like you were drowning in a sea of your own desire?

The engine suddenly stuttered to a stop, jolting you out of your panicked thoughts. Shit. He was here, he was close, and you weren't ready. You weren't sure you would ever be prepared.

Your heart raced as you crept toward the window, peeking out at the marina and holding on to hope that he had somehow forgotten your heated conversation earlier. But deep down, you knew it was futile.

Lucerys climbed onto the dock, his muscles flexing beneath his shirt as he secured the boat to the pillar. He could feel the adrenaline pumping through his veins, his heart pounding in anticipation of seeing you again. He knew you couldn't run from him forever, that eventually, you would have to face the undeniable connection between you.

As he strode towards the cabin, Lucerys took a deep breath, trying to calm his racing thoughts. But it was no use - all he could focus on was the pounding of his heart, the desperate ache in his gut that demanded to be filled by you.

He pushed open the door to the cabin, his eyes immediately finding yours in the dim lighting. For a moment, he stood there, drinking in the sight of you - your wild hair, your flushed cheeks, the way your tits heaved with each panicked breath. Fuck, you looked like a fucking goddess, like a dream made flesh. And he wanted to ruin you, to claim every inch of your body until you were marked as his and his alone.

"You can't run from this," Lucerys said softly, his voice low and rough with emotion. He stepped closer to you, his eyes never leaving yours as he invaded your space. "From us. I won't let you."

Your heart raced as you turned around and pressed your back against the cool glass window, your breath catching in your throat as Lucerys approached you with slow, deliberate steps. You were trapped, cornered, with nowhere to run or hide.

"L-Lucerys," you stammered out, your voice shaky and breathless. You could feel the blood rushing in your ears as he invaded your space. You tried to meet his intense gaze but found yourself unable to hold it for long, your eyes darting nervously away.

You could see the hunger burning in his eyes, the raw, desperate need that made your core throb and ache with longing. You knew you should be fearful, should be running for the hills at the sheer intensity of his obsession. But instead, you felt a thrill of excitement.

Lucerys grasped your chin firmly, forcing your gaze to meet his as he loomed over you. He could feel the way your breath hitched, the way your pulse raced beneath his fingertips. It made him feel powerful, and invincible, like he could take on the world and emerge victorious. As long as he had you.

"I meant what I said earlier," Lucerys murmured, his thumb brushing over your bottom lip and leaving a trail of fire in its wake. "I'm fucking obsessed with you. I can't think about anything else, can't focus on anything but you."

Lucerys leaned in closer, his face mere inches from yours as he pinned you against the window with his hips. "Don't you get it? I want to fucking devour you, consume you until there's nothing left. I want to ruin you for anyone else, make it so you can never even look at another man without thinking of me."

You gasped quietly, a soft sound that escaped your lips as you turned your face to the side, biting your lower lip to suppress the intensity of sensations. Your eyes fluttered shut for a brief moment, savouring the tension that hung between you. Your back instinctively arched against him, the warmth of his body sending shivers down your spine, your chest brushing against his deliciously.

"Don't make empty promises," you breathed softly, your voice barely above a whisper, as your gaze met his. Looking up at him through your lashes, your pupils wide with desire, your heart racing in the stillness of the moment.

Lucerys's eyes darkened with lust at your breathy words, his grip on your chin tightening slightly. "Empty promises? I never make empty promises," he growled, his voice a low rumble in his chest. "I always follow through... on everything."

To prove his point, Lucerys crashed his lips against yours in a bruising kiss, making you gasp softly. A breathy mewl escaped your lips as Lucerys claimed your mouth in a searing kiss. He was pouring all of his longing and frustration into the heated embrace. Lucerys licked into your mouth, his tongue delving deep to taste you, to claim you.

Your own desire ignited like a wildfire in your veins, and you found yourself kissing him back with equal passion, your hands sliding eagerly under his shirt to caress the hard planes of his chest.

Lucerys tore his mouth from yours, both of you breathing heavily as he attacked your neck next. He sucked and bit at the sensitive skin, determined to mark you as his own. "Fuck, you taste even better than I imagined," he panted against your throat, his fingers sliding under your shirt to caress the soft skin of your stomach.

Lucerys' hands were everywhere, groping and squeezing, igniting sparks of pleasure that made you writhe against him. When his mouth found your neck, you threw your head back with a whimper, your fingers clawing his chest as he sucked and bit at your racing pulse. You felt dizzy, drunk on the sensation of finally having him touch you like this, his touch leaving you breathless and aching for more.

Your hips rolled instinctively against his, feeling the hard, thick length of his cock against your lower stomach. It made you throb, made you clench around the emptiness inside you, desperate to be filled by him. You wanted to touch him everywhere, to map out every inch of his toned body. Your hands slid lower, teasing along the waistband of his pants, your heart pounding.

Lucerys shuddered as you touched the waistband of his pants, his hips bucking forward involuntarily as he sought more of your touch. He was already so fucking hard, his cock pressing against the confines of his jeans, begging to be freed.

Unable to resist the temptation of your tits any longer, Lucerys slid his hands up your sides, pushing your shirt up and exposing them to his hungry gaze. He cupped the soft mounds, his thumbs brushing over the stiff peaks of your nipples, feeling them tighten even further beneath his touch.

"Fuck, I've wanted this for so long" Lucerys growled, his voice rough with lust. "Can't wait to get my mouth on these perfect tits."

In a flash of movement, Lucerys ripped your shirt over your head, tossing it carelessly to the side. He dipped his head and took one hardened nub into his mouth, suckling and flicking it with his tongue as his hand continued to knead and squeeze the pillowy flesh. He sucked hard, his tongue swirling around the sensitive bud as he palmed the other tit roughly.

"Oh god, Lucerys!" You whimpered, your back bowing off the window as pleasure rocked through your body like a tidal wave. Your fingers knotted in his hair, gripping the silky strands tightly as you held him against your heaving chest. "Don't stop, please don't stop..." You begged, your voice high and breathy with need.

Each hard pull of his mouth on your sensitive nipples sent bolts of electricity through your nerves, stoking the heat building between your thighs. You could feel yourself getting close already, teetering on the edge of a massive climax from his relentless suckling alone.

"Please, Lucerys, I'm so close already," you panted, looking down at him with glossy eyes. You moaned shamelessly, too lost in pleasure to feel any shame.

Lucerys smirked at your needy state, and he's barely even touched you. "I haven't even touched you, and you're already ready to come undone."

Lucerys moaned against your tit, the vibrations sending delicious shivers through you. "Such a needy little thing," he murmured, his hot breath fanning over your damp flesh.

Lucerys lapped at the hardened bud once more before releasing it, admiring how it glistened with his saliva, blowing cool air over the damp peak.

You tangled your fingers in his dark hair, tugging him up as you crashed your lips against his in a frenzied kiss. You poured all of your pent-up desire into the heated embrace, your tongue colliding with his as you ground your hips against his straining erection.

Your hands roamed greedily over his muscular chest and back, mapping out the hard planes and ridges you'd dreamed about touching for so long.

Breaking the kiss with a gasp, you gazed up at Lucerys with hazy eyes, your chest heaving and flushed. "I don't care if you're teasing me," you panted, a wicked grin on your lips. "I just need you..."

Lucerys's eyes darkened with primal hunger as he drank in the sight of your flushed skin. He could see the desperate need in your body, hear it in the way your voice trembled and broke as you spoke. It inflamed him, making his cock throb and leak in his jeans.

In a flash of movement, Lucerys swept you into his arms, carrying you towards the bed. He tossed you down onto the bed, drinking in the sight of your dishevelled figure against the tangled sheets.

Your heart raced as Lucerys tossed you onto the bed, a gasp escaping your lips at the sudden movement. You could feel the heat of his gaze on your skin, the way he drank in every curve and contour of your body like a man starved.

"I want to watch you touch yourself," Lucerys demanded, his voice a low, commanding rumble. "Show me how you make yourself feel good."

"Don't be shy now," Lucerys purred, his voice a low, seductive growl. "You had no problem doing it earlier," he teased with a wicked grin.

He reached down and palmed himself through his jeans, groaning at the feeling of his own hard, aching flesh.

Blushing under his intense scrutiny, you slowly unbuttoned your jean shorts, sliding them down your legs along with your soaked red thong. A testament to the desire that had been building inside you for so long. You could feel Lucerys's eyes on you, watching your every move with rapt attention.

Meeting his gaze head-on, you brought your fingers to your mouth, sucking on the digits and coating them in your saliva. Keeping your eyes locked with his, you trailed them down your body, skimming over the swell of your breasts, and the dip of your waist, before coming to rest at the apex of your thighs.

You could see the hunger in Lucerys's eyes darken as you began to touch yourself, your fingers circling your sensitive clit in slow, teasing circles. You couldn't hold back the moan that slipped past your lips, your hips bucking slightly as pleasure sparked through your core.

"I wasn't thinking about Addam," you panted, your voice high and breathy with need. "I was thinking about you. I'vewanted this for so long, wanted you for so fucking long."

You plunged two fingers knuckle-deep into your dripping cunt, crying out at the sudden intrusion. The wet, obscene sounds of your fingers pumping in and out of your soaked pussy filled the room, mingling with your wanton moans and whimpers.

Lucerys's pupils were blown wide with lust as he watched your fingers disappear into your glistening folds. The obscene sound of your fingers pumping in and out of your sopping cunt filled the room, making his cock throb and leak in his jeans.

He could hardly believe his eyes as you pleasured yourself, it was the most erotic sight he had ever seen.

Unable to resist, Lucerys quickly shed his own clothes, nearly ripping them in his haste to be naked with you. His cock slapped against his stomach, long and thick and leaking heavily, and the swollen head flushed an angry purple. He wrapped a hand around the throbbing shaft, squeezing hard as he watched you debauch yourself for his viewing pleasure. A bead of pre-cum formed at the tip, slowly dripping down the impressive length.

Your breath caught in your throat as Lucerys's massive cock sprang free, the sight of his thick, pulsing shaft making you moan. You could feel your pussy clenching and dripping, aching to be filled by him.

"I need to taste you," Lucerys panted, his voice strained with desperation. "Need to eat your pretty pussy."

"Please, Lucerys," I whimpered breathlessly, spreading your legs even wider in wanton invitation. You used your fingers to hold your swollen, glistening folds open, revealing the soaked flesh. "I need your mouth on me."

Lucerys's eyes flashed with hunger as he crawled onto the bed, settling between your spread thighs. The scent of your arousal filled his nostrils, making his mouth water and his cock throb with need.

He leaned in close, his hot breath fanning over your dripping slit. "Fuck, you smell divine," he growled, his voice a low rumble in his chest. Unable to resist any longer, Lucerys dove in face first, his tongue delving deep into your soaked cunt. He licked a long, slow stripe up your slit, moaning at the taste of your arousal.

He started with a long, slow lick up the centre of your slit, savouring your exquisite flavour. He could feel your body tremble beneath him, your juices flowing freely onto his tongue. He whined in appreciation, the vibrations rumbling through your core.

Lucerys focused his attention on your sensitive clit, flicking and circling the tender bud with the tip of his tongue. He sucked it between his lips, his cheeks hollowing as he drew hard on the sensitive flesh.

Needy whimpers and pitiful mewls spilt from your lips, your body writhing with pleasure as he devoured your needy cunt.

Gripping your thighs, he spread you even wider and buried his face in your pussy, sucking and licking and feasting on your soaked flesh like a man starved. His tongue delved deep, fucking into your tight channel and lapping up every drop of your essence. He could feel you clenching around the invading muscle, greedily trying to suck him deeper.

"Fuck!" You squealed, your voice pitching higher with each flick of his tongue over your swollen clit. 

He could feel your clit throbbing against his tongue, puffy and sensitive from his relentless assault. He focused his attention there, flicking and circling the tender bud with the tip of his tongue before sucking it hard into his mouth. His cheeks hollowed as he drew on the sensitive flesh, sending shockwaves of pleasure coursing through your body.

Lucerys's hands gripped your ass, squeezing the firm globes roughly as he feasted on your dripping pussy. He spread your legs even wider, opening you completely to his hungry mouth.

"Oh god, yes! Just like that," you whimpered breathlessly, your eyelids fluttering in bliss. "It feels so fucking good, Lucerys!" You mewled, your head tipping back against the pillow as he ate you out with wild abandon. You could feel your pussy dripping and clenching, your juices flowing freely into his hungry mouth. He was unravelling you, breaking you with his tongue, and you never wanted it to end. Your skin burned as Lucerys feasted on your dripping sex like a man starved.

You let out a sharp cry of ecstasy, your fingers tangling urgently in Lucerys's hair, gripping the strands tightly as you held his mouth right against your aching, dripping sex.

Lucerys groaned in approval as he felt your fingers grip his hair, holding him tightly against your dripping sex. He loved how desperate you were for his mouth, for his touch. It spurred him on, making him double his efforts to bring you to the pinnacle of euphoria.

He could feel his own cock throbbing and leaking against the sheets, aching to be buried deep inside your soaked, clenching cunt. The erotic sounds of your pleasure spurred him on, his own hips rocking against the bed as he rutted against the sheets.

"I'm so close," you whimpered breathlessly, body starting to convulse uncontrollably beneath Lucerys. Your thighs quivered and shook as if experiencing a tongue-lashing for the very first time.

Lucerys could feel your body beginning to tremble and convulse beneath him as your climax approached. He could taste your arousal increasing, your juices flowing freely onto his tongue and chin. He lapped at your dripping slit, not wanting to waste a single drop of your essence.

"Don't stop, Lucerys!" you mewled desperately, fisting your hands in his dark locks and grinding your dripping sex against his face. "I'm... I'm going to..." you panted, unable to finish the sentence as the first waves of your climax crashed over you.

"Fuck yes, come on my tongue," Lucerys growled, his voice muffled against your dripping flesh. "I want to taste your cum, feel you gush in my mouth."

A guttural moan tore from your throat, your inner walls clamping down rhythmically around nothing. You were drowning in ecstasy, a sensation only Lucerys could invoke.

Lucerys's own hips rocked against the bed, his throbbing cock leaving a trail of sticky pre-cum on the sheets as he rutted desperately against them. The taste of your arousal, the sounds of your pleasure, the feeling of your body writhing beneath his touch - it was almost too much for him to bear. Your release was intoxicating, and he lapped at your cunt greedily, not wanting to waste a single drop of your essence.

Gasping whimpers escaped your lips, and your chest heaved as you tried to come down from the mind-blowing climax that had just ripped through you. Your pussy clenched around nothing, still greedy and aching to be stretched and filled by Lucerys.

Waves of remaining pleasure shuddered through your body, leaving you trembling and weak in the aftermath. You gazed down at Lucerys through hooded eyes, seeing the smug grin on his face as he licked your release from his lips. You wanted to be annoyed by his arrogance, but you were too lost in bliss to muster up any genuine irritation.

Lucerys looked up at you with a smug grin, his chin glistening with your juices. He licked his lips slowly, savouring the taste of your climax. "You taste heavenly, princess," he purred, his voice a low, satisfied rumble.

Still nestled between your trembling thighs, Lucerys pressed soft kisses along your inner thighs, helping your body come down from the intense high. He could see the way your pussy fluttered, still greedy for more. It made his cock throb with the need to be buried deep inside your tight heat.

"I could do that all day," he murmured, his voice a low rumble in his chest. "Eat this pretty pussy until you're dripping and begging for my cock." Lucerys pressed a final, lingering kiss to your sensitive sex before crawling up your body, trailing his fingers over your heaving breasts and down your sides.

You gazed up at Luke through hooded eyes, your chest heaving as you tried to catch your breath. "Luke," you mewled needily, your voice still shaky from your intense climax. "Gimme your cock," you mumbled, wrapping your small hand around his thick, throbbing shaft. You stroked him slowly, marvelling at how your fingers barely closed around his impressive girth.

Lucerys shuddered, a needy whimper escaping his lips as your small hand wrapped around his throbbing shaft. He could hardly believe this was finally happening, that he was finally feeling your touch on his aching cock. It was almost too much.

"F-fuck, your hand feels so good," Luke groaned, shuddering as your fingers wrapped around his aching shaft. His hips jerked forward instinctively, seeking more of your touch. "I've dreamed about this for so long, about you touching me like this."

Luke's breath hitched as you slowly stroked his thick length, feeling each throbbing vein and ridge beneath your palm. Pre-cum leaked from the swollen tip, dripping down to coat your fingers and aid in their glide along his shaft.

"I need to be inside you, princess," Luke panted, his voice strained with desperation. His fingers dug into the soft flesh of your hips, gripping you tightly as he fought the urge to rut against your hand like a beast in heat.

"Mhm," you nodded eagerly, agreeing with him. You needed to feel him inside you. Now. "Lucerys," you breathed out, gazing at him with hooded, desire-filled eyes. "I want you to take me however you please. Use me..." you trailed off, your voice hitching with anticipation.

Your nails raked lightly down his chest, leaving faint red lines in their wake as you tugged him closer, desperate to feel his heavy weight pressing down on you. You arched your back, pushing your breasts up and out, silently presenting them to him as you spread your legs wider in invitation.

"Lucerys..." you whimpered needily, your hair fanning out around you against the pillow as you stared up at him with pure, unadulterated lust. "Fuck me. Fuck me hard and don't stop until I'm begging you to stop."

"Oh, and I'm on the pill, so..." you smirked, biting your lip. "You can fill me up if you want."

A shudder rippled through Lucerys at your obscene words, his cock jerking in your grip, a spurt of pre-cum dribbling from the tip at the thought of filling you with his seed. "Fuck, yes," he growled, his voice a low, roughened rasp. "I'm going to fuck you until you can't walk; until the only thing you remember is the feeling of my cock splitting you open."

He could hardly believe his ears, scarcely able to process that this goddess was offering herself to him entirely. Lucerys pushed your thighs apart roughly, settling between them. He rubbed the swollen head of his cock through your dripping folds, coating himself in your arousal. Then with one swift, hard thrust, he buried himself balls-deep inside your tight, wet heat.

A guttural moan tore from Lucerys's throat at the feeling of your walls gripping him like a vice. "Fuck, you're so fucking tight," he panted, fighting the urge to come instantly. He paused for just a moment, letting you adjust to his size before he began to move.

"Ah!" You screamed in pleasure as Lucerys entered you in a quick movement, your body arching off the bed at the sudden penetration. "Move, now!" You whined in a high-pitched, needy tone, your hips bucking up eagerly to urge him to start thrusting inside you. You could feel every thick inch of his hard cock stretching you open, filling you. The sensation was incredible, better than anything you had ever felt before.

Lucerys moved your knees apart, pushing them into your chest. Holding you in a rough mating press. He began to move, pulling out until just the tip remained inside you, before slamming back in with a grunt, burying himself to the hilt. He set a hard, fast pace, the bed creaking beneath you with each powerful thrust. 

"Take it, princess," he growled, voice strained with lust as he fucked into you relentlessly. "Take my cock like the greedy little thing you are." His pubic bone slammed against your clit with each thrust, sending sparks of pleasure shooting through you.

You could only mewl and wail in ecstasy as Lucerys was abusing your sopping cunny. Each forceful thrust sent shockwaves of pleasure through your body, leaving you a quivering, writhing mess beneath him.

"L-Lucerys!" You cried out, your voice cracking as he thrust into you wildly. "L-love your c-cock, I love it s-oo much!" You babbled incoherently, your voice broken by his hips snapping into you and your cries of ecstasy.

"I know you do, princess," Lucerys panted harshly, his face contorted in pleasure above you. "I can feel how much you love it. Your hungry little cunt is sucking me in." Your cries of pleasure spurred him on, making him fuck into you even harder, even faster. 

You wouldn't be surprised if the boat rocked by now, the force of Lucerys's thrusts shaking the very foundation of the vessel. It was as if he was a man possessed, driven mad with lust and the primal need.

Abruptly Lucerys stopped his motions and flipped you onto your stomach with a grunt, his hands gripping your hips tightly as he loomed over your prone form. "On your hands and knees, princess," he commanded, his voice low. "I want to you from behind."

You arched your back, pushing your hips up and presenting yourself to Lucerys, your dripping sex and puckered hole fully on display. You gazed back at him over your shoulder with hooded, lust-drunk eyes and a coquettish smirk playing at your swollen lips.

"Mmm, how long have you thought about this?" You purred teasingly, your voice a breathy murmur. "I've touched myself thinking of you, imagining you're bending me over the nearest surface." You rocked your hips back against him invitingly, your round ass jiggling slightly with the motion.

His touch had set something ablaze in you. Never in a million years could you have pictured yourself acting like this, saying such depraved things.

"Don't tell me a strapping young man like you hasn't thought about bending me over." You reached back to spread your cheeks, putting your most intimate places on obscene display for him. "Here's your chance, Lucerys..."

Lucerys groaned, a desperate, whiny sound escaping his throat at the erotic sight of you presenting yourself to him. "Oh, you have no idea," Lucerys panted, his voice strained.

"Fuck, you have no idea how many nights I've lain awake, stroking my cock and imagining this moment," Lucerys panted, his voice strained with need. His hands gripped your hips tightly, fingers digging into the soft flesh of your ass. "Every time I've jacked off, it was your tight little holes I was imagining."

Lucerys leaned down, pressing hot, open-mouthed kisses along the globes of your ass. He nipped and sucked at the tender flesh, leaving little marks of possession. His fingers slid between your cheeks, teasing along the cleft before brushing over your puckered rear entrance.

You gasped sharply as Lucerys' fingers brushed over your most private place, a jolt of foreign but not unwelcome sensation shooting through you. Your eyes flew open as you looked back at him over your shoulder. "L-Lucerys!" You breathed out, a pretty flush spreading across your cheeks.

Lucerys froze, eyes widening in surprise at your sharp gasp. "I'm sorry, did I hurt you?" he asked, concern evident on his handsome face. His thumb rubbed soothing circles over your lower back. "I didn't mean to be too rough..."

"No," you breathed, assuring him that you were fine. "It's just that... no one has touched me there," you quietly added, heart swelling at his concern for you.

Lucerys gazed at you tenderly, his thumb still rubbing soothing circles on your lower back. He leaned down to press a gentle kiss to your shoulder, his lips lingering on your skin. "Shhh, it's okay, princess," he murmured softly. "I've got you. I'll be gentle, I promise."

His fingers slid from your rear, trailing teasingly up your side. He cupped your breast, kneading the soft mound and rolling your hardened nipple between his fingers. "You're so beautiful like this," he whispered against your ear. "Spread out for me, offering yourself so sweetly..."

You sigh softly as Lucerys's gentle touches and sweet words ignite sparks of pleasure across your sensitive skin. Your fingers intertwine, his calloused hand enveloping your softer one. "I, um, I liked it when you touched me there," you confess shyly.

"Maybe you can just... touch it, while you fuck me?" You breathe out, hardly believing the obscene words spilling from your lips. What is this man doing to you? In his presence, you've become a creature of pure, uncontrolled lust, no longer recognizing yourself.

Lucerys's eyes darkened with lust at your shy confession, a wicked grin spreading across his handsome face. "Mmm, I thought you might like that, princess," he purred, voice a low rumble in his chest. "You're going to love the way it feels when I touch you there while fucking your tight little cunt."

His fingers drifted back down your body, teasing along the curve of your hip before trailing over the cleft of your ass. He brushed his fingertips over your puckered hole, applying the slightest pressure, before sliding lower to your dripping slit. Lucerys groaned as he felt how wet you were, ready for his cock.

Unable to resist any longer, Lucerys gripped your hips and thrust forward, burying himself deep inside your tight, wet heat with a throaty moan. He began to move, pulling out slowly before slamming back in, setting a hard, deep rhythm. At the same time, his fingers crept between your cheeks again, rubbing and circling your puckered rear entrance.

You gasped sharply, shuddering as you felt Lucerys's thick cock stretching you open, feeling him even deeper in this position. Your back arched involuntarily, pushing your hips back to meet his thrusts. "Ohhh god, Lucerys!" You whimpered, feeling him tease your untouched hole.

Your knees trembled, threatening to give out from the intensity of the sensation.

Lucerys groaned as he felt your body tremble beneath his touch, your tight walls clenching around his throbbing cock. "That's it, princess," he panted, voice strained with lust. 

He pressed a spit-slick finger against your puckered hole, rubbing in slow, firm circles, the pad of his thumb pressing against it in time with his slow, powerful thrusts. The sensation was incredible, unlike anything you had ever felt before. Your body shuddered and trembled beneath him, overwhelmed by the dual stimulation.

"Luke!" You cried out, your voice breaking into a desperate moan. Every inch of you trembled, your core clenching and fluttering wildly around his thick cock as it stretched you open. It was almost too much, too intense, but you never wanted it to end. You pushed your hips back to meet his deep, purposeful strokes, silently begging him for more.

Your world narrowed down to the drag of his shaft against your inner walls and the maddening pressure of his thumb circling your untouched hole.

Lucerys could feel your body shaking, your velvet walls gripping his cock like a vice as he pounded into you relentlessly. "Fuck, you're squeezing me so tightly," he grunted, sweat dripping down his chest from exertion. "You're trembling, princess. Does it feel good when I touch you here?"

He pressed the tip of his finger against your puckered hole more firmly as he felt your body quivering with need. His other hand slid around your hip, finding your swollen clit and rubbing it in tight, quick circles.

You let out a pathetic mewl, your voice breaking with pleasure as he touched your aching clit. "Mhm, it's...ahh...feels so good," you slurred mindlessly, drool dripping from your kiss-swollen lips onto the rumpled sheets.

Lucerys groaned at your mindless words and the erotic sight of you drooling in ecstasy below him. "I know, princess, you're taking it so well," he praised breathlessly.

A loud, broken sob tore from your throat as you felt the intense pressure building to a fevered pitch inside you. "I'm g-gonna... Oh fuck!" You screamed, your vision flashing white as your orgasm ripped through you like a tidal wave. Your walls clenched and spasmed wildly around Lucerys's throbbing cock, creaming all over his length. You could feel some of the slick, hot fluid dripping down your thighs as you trembled.

Lucerys let out a loud, whiny groan as your velvet walls clamped down on his throbbing cock like a vice. "Fuck, fuck, fuuuuck!" he cried out, voice breaking as his orgasm overtook him. His hips stuttered and jerked erratically as he pumped wave after wave of his hot, thick seed deep inside your womb.

"Yes, princess, take it," Lucerys growled, fingers digging into the flesh of your hips as he ground against you, making sure every last drop of his release was seated inside your hungry hole. His eyes rolled back in bliss, a fucked-stupid grin spreading across his face as he filled you up, just like he'd always dreamed of doing.

You collapsed face-down onto the bed, your body going limp as Lucerys's hot seed filled you up, painting your insides white. "Mmm, thank you," you muttered mindlessly, still drunk on cock and pleasure, your mind completely scrambled.

You could feel his release leaking out of you, dripping down your thighs as you lay there, utterly spent and satisfied. "You came so much, Lucerys. I've never felt so full before."

Lucerys collapsed on top of you, his sweat-slicked body blanketing yours as he struggled to catch his breath. "Fuck, princess," he panted against your neck, his hips still twitching slightly as the last spurts of his release dripped into your well-fucked cunt. "I've never come so hard in my life." He pressed soft, lazy kisses along your shoulder blades, basking in the afterglow of their intense coupling.

Lucerys's softening cock slipped out of your dripping hole with an obscene plop, your combined releases leaking out and pooling beneath you on the sheets. He rolled onto his side, pulling your limp, pliant body against his own as he wrapped his arms around you in a possessive embrace. 

Lucerys cradled your trembling body against his muscular chest, one large hand possessively cupping the curve of your ass. His fingers absently played with your damp curls as he peppered your neck and shoulder with tender kisses, basking in the intimate afterglow. 

"It's okay, princess," Lucerys murmured soothingly, feeling your body slowly relax against his. "You did so well, took every inch of my cock like you were made for it. I've never felt anything like that before, never came so hard in my life."

He pressed a particularly tender kiss to the delicate skin beneath your ear. "I could feel how much you loved it, loved feeling my cock stretching this tight little cunt, filling you up so deep." Lucerys's hand drifted up to cup the soft swell of your breast, thumb teasing over the hardened peak of your nipple.

You smiled tiredly, your heart fluttering at his tender words of praise. "Thank you, babe," you murmured, the endearment slipping so naturally from your lips.

Your hand covered his on the soft swell of your breast, giving it a gentle squeeze as you snuggled back against his muscular chest. "Loved how you fucked me," you mumbled, your voice hoarse from the hours of moaning and screaming his name.

Lucerys smiled softly at your murmured praise, his chest rumbling with a contented hum as he held you close. "I loved fucking you too, princess," he murmured, voice a low, intimate rasp.

Lucerys pressed a tender kiss to your temple, his fingertips tracing the elegant curve of your spine as you lay draped across his muscular chest. He could feel the steady drum of his heart beneath your cheek, the gentle rise and fall of his lungs as he slowly came down from his high.

"You're beautiful," Lucerys murmured, voice a low, awed whisper as he gazed down at you with a soft, sated smile.

He brushed a few tousled waves of hair from your face, tucking them gently behind your ear. The intimate gesture made his heart flutter in his chest, a warmth spreading through him that had nothing to do with the afterglow of their intense lovemaking.

Lucerys knew, in that perfect, tranquil moment, that he had fallen for you. Hard.

You turned in Lucerys's arms to face him, your heart pounding nervously in your chest as you gazed up at him through your lashes. You didn't want to shatter the intimate, peaceful atmosphere we had created, but you needed to know where you stood.

"Lucerys," you began softly, your voice barely above a whisper, "what happens now?" you bit your lip as you searched his handsome face for any hint of his true feelings.

A part of you feared that you were just another challenge he had set out to win. Now that he had finally had you, would his interest fade? Would he grow bored and move on to the next pretty face that caught his eye?

The thought made your stomach twist uncomfortably, but you pushed it aside. You had to know the truth, had to understand what the future held for you beyond these six days trapped together on this boat.

Lucerys's heart skipped a beat as he gazed down at your lovely face, seeing the hope and anxiety swirling in your eyes. He wanted more. He needed more.

Cupping your face gently in his large hand, Lucerys brushed his thumb tenderly over the delicate curve of your cheek."Princess," he murmured, his voice soft and earnest.

His gaze bored into yours, his eyes filled with a sincerity that made your breath catch in your throat. "This won't end when we reach shore. I want to see you again, want to take you out on dates, spoil you rotten... You are out of your mind if you think I'm letting you go." Lucerys mumbled against your skin in a possessive tone.

You gazed up at Lucerys, a coy smile playing on your lips. "Well, who am I to deny you such a privilege?" You murmured teasingly, your voice a sultry purr.

Your fingers traced soft patterns on his chest, enjoying the muscle beneath your fingertips. You nuzzled into his touch, savouring the warmth of his palm against your cheek.

"I have to admit, the idea of being spoiled rotten by you is rather...appealing."

Leaning in closer, you pressed a soft, lingering kiss to the hinge of his jaw, breathing in the masculine scent of him.

Lucerys shuddered as your soft lips brushed against his jaw. He wrapped his arms around your waist, pulling your naked body flush against his own as he rolled you onto your back.

"I'm glad you find the idea of being spoiled by me appealing," Lucerys murmured, his voice a low, seductive rumble. "Because I have many plans for you, princess." His large hands slid down to grip your hips, fingers sinking into the soft flesh as he held you in place.

He leaned down, his lips an inch away from your own. "But first things first," Lucerys whispered, his breath mingling with yours. "I'm going to kiss you until you're breathless."

"Hold that thought," you giggle, reaching for your phone to send a quick text to Baela.

"Your cousin fucks like an animal... and has the biggest dick I've ever seen :p"

You press send and smile like an idiot at your own text. Quickly, you the the phone away again and got back to Lucerys, smiling into his soft kiss.

Baela snorted back a laugh as she read your message, shaking her head in amused disbelief.

"Oh, my days! I'm thrilled you're having such a... stimulating time during your school project"

"Use protection!!!!"

[stars4noah]

HALLEY'S COMET- two.

{WARNINGS}: swearing, arguments, drinking, smoking weed, a soft noah moment, self-depreciating thoughts, cheating, abuse

w.c- 3,536

a.n- chapter 2 is out!! i'm slowly getting more ideas for this story and learning how to make it last longer and stuff like that. feedback is welcome of course! enjoy :)

if you would like to be added to the taglist, please comment.

{TAGLIST}: @lacy1986 @collisionofyourkissmakesitsohard

"what the hell happened?" a voice spoke, snatching away my attention. i looked up from my spot on the ground, being met with a worried and confused noah.

"this idiot-" the stage tech began, but noah cut him off. "first of all, lower your volume. and don't call her an idiot. [y/n], what happened?"

i bit my lip, nervous for his reaction. "i was walking to my place at the stage in ran into them. he spilled his coffee all over me, now my camera is fried and the lens is broken. which means no pictures tonight."

noah seemed to tense at my words. no pictures? he never just had no pictures. he sighed, running a hand over his face.

"you don't have a spare?"

i rolled my eyes. "not everyone is a millionaire like you, noah."

"drop the attitude." he said, and i tried to ignore the way arousal shot through my body with his stern tone.

"right, well, no pictures for you tonight."

"what, you can't take them on your phone or something?"

i looked at him like he was insane. "you can't be serious. the camera quality of a phone does not even begin to compare to that of an actual camera. i can't just waltz out there with my phone in my hand-"

"yeah, yeah, i get it. stop your rambling." he interrupted. "i guess we just won't have pictures tonight. you can sit in the green room until the show starts, just don't get in the way."

i furrowed my brows. "you're not upset?"

"of course i'm upset, but i've got other shit to worry about right now. you're not at the top of my priority list. we'll talk about it later."

i nodded, and without another word i walked out to the green room with some ruined clothes and a broken camera.

"woah, what happened to you?" nicholas asked as i walked in. "don't wanna talk about it." i said, throwing the camera on the couch and grabbing a drink from the fridge. white claw, of course. it seemed that's all noah ever drank.

"dude, you need some new clothes." he said.

"they're all back at the hotel." i countered.

"i'll get you some from the merch stand."

i turned around to look at him. "nick, it's really not that big of a deal."

he raised an eyebrow. "it's the middle of december, [y/n]. i'm not gonna let you freeze to death with coffee all over your clothes. stay here, i'll be right back."

i sighed, sitting down and placing my head in my hands. how could so much go so wrong in such a short span of time? it seemed impossible. and so incredibly frustrating.

nick came back with a change of clothes for me. a hoodie and some sweatpants. the rest of the show went by well. a lot better than usual, for some reason. but who was i to ask? just the photographer. just the photographer who fucked up the one thing-

"earth to [y/n]." folio said, waving his hand in front of my face.

"hmm?" i looked at him.

"i said we're heading to a bar soon. you gonna join us?" he asked. "oh, i dunno. i'm pretty tired, i might just head back to the tour bus."

"come onnnn! it'll be fun!" he said, throwing an arm over my shoulder. "please?"

i sighed, running a hand over my face. "fine, whatever. but you're buying my drinks. i think i lost my wallet."

we soon arrived at the bar, heading straight for the vip section. i sat down in a booth far away from the others, staring at the wall and sipping on my drink until someone sat down in front of me.

"what's on your mind?" noah asked, crossing his arms over his chest, and i tried my best not to stare at them for too long before looking back up at his face. "nothing." i lied.

"you suck at lying. talk to me." he said.

"why would i talk to you about my problems?" i asked, a little more attitude in my voice than what i meant to let out.

noah furrowed his brows. "i'm just trying to help you. put some effort in. come see me when you got your head out of your ass." he said, and then walked off.

i groaned, laying my head on the table. today has got to be the worst day ever.

i drank a little more than what i meant to, stumbling and laughing as we walked back to the tour bus, nicholas having to hold my arms so i didn't fall flat on my face.

"damn, princess. you're shit faced." noah laughed.

"fuck you." i spat.

"still being a brat, i see." he said, and i rolled my eyes. "don't have to point out the obvious."

"c'mon, lets sit down before you fall." nicholas said, and i reluctantly sat down with a huff.

"so, what were you thinking about earlier?" noah asked. "you first." i replied, he furrowed his brows.

"earlier today. you declined a smoke. you never do that."

he made an 'o' shape with his mouth, trying to decide if he wanted to tell the truth or not.

"don't lie to me." i said, noticing his hesitance.

"i've just got some personal problems going on. nothing big."

i snorted. "what, your girlfriend break up with you or something? wouldn't be surprised." noah clenched his jaw. "i said it's nothing."

"oh, shit. she did!" i laughed. "damn, how's it feel to be humbled?"

noah groaned, throwing his head back. "can you drop it? i don't want to talk about it."

"nah, i'd rather make fun of you instead. give you a taste of your own medicine."

noah was starting to become increasingly frustrated, his fists clenching at his sides. that should've been my first sign to stop, but i was relentless.

"[y/n], give the guy a break." nicholas said.

"no, he needs to know how it feels to be nitpicked at and made fun of over every small thing." i said.

"can you not be a bitch for five minutes? i dunno, show some empathy and compassion for others for once?" noah snapped.

"i dunno how you expect me to be nice to you when all you've ever shown me from day one is disrespect and anger!" i said.

noah laughed bitterly. "are you fucking blind? i try to be nice to you all the time. i try to show you that i'm trying to change and all you do is push me away!"

"and you expect me to believe that you're 'trying to change'? really? i'm not stupid, noah." i slurred.

"obviously you are. drinking that much. you ruined the fucking show tonight, you know that? you screw up everything all the time. no pictures, no media announcements, nothing. it's a wonder i haven't fired you." he spat.

he was a little drunk too, not completely understanding of the words that he just spoke to me. the words that nearly brought me to tears. but i wouldn't allow him to see them.

"good thing you don't have to. i quit." i said, storming out of the bus.

"[y/n], wait-" nick began.

"save it." i spat, drunkenly walking off down the sidewalk to only god knows where.

i ended up taking an uber back to the hotel, hastily packing my things while the others tried to talk me out of it. all of them except for noah. he was probably in his room or something, hooking up with some girl from the bar. why did i care?

"come on, just think about it. you're both drunk. it'll blow over by morning. please don't leave, [y/n], bad omens isn't bad omens without their photographer." jolly said.

i rolled my eyes, zipping up my suitcase. "i've dealt with this shit for ten years, jolly. tonight was the final straw. i'm fucking done. i quit. find a new damn photographer."

and with that, i stormed out.

weeks after the incident, my phone was blowing up non stop with messages from all four members. i was back home in LA, searching for other jobs.

i saw on instagram that they had replaced me with some 'temporary' guy named bryan, which i'm sure he would end up taking my place entirely. he did his job, and better than i did. his editing skills were immaculate, and the angles he could get were insane.

i would never be like him.

photography never was for me, anyways. i wasn't creative enough. every time i couldn't get a shot or edit a photo correctly, i would break down. i needed to perfect, and i was never even close to achieving that goal. nicholas always assured me that practice made perfect, but couldn't nearly 10 years of practicing be enough?

i shut off my laptop, giving up on my job search for the day, and checked my phone. more messages from the group. great. one message had caught my eye, though. from noah.

'[y/n], please come back. i didn't mean any of the shit i said, i was shit faced and talking out of my ass. you're incredibly talented, you shouldn't need someone to tell you that. you should be able to see it for yourself. i know you've seen that we got a new photographer, but he doesn't even compare to you and your skills. we need you, princess.'

i rolled my eyes, shutting off my phone and ignoring the message, just like i had with all the others. with a bottle of hennessy next to me, i lit up a joint, taking a few hits as i turned on the tv.

since i left, i'd been drowning myself in weed and alcohol. not really a good mix, but i wasn't in the right mindset to even care at this point. the only thoughts in my mind were self-depreciating ones. the ones telling me that i would never be good enough. that he was right to say all those things to me. i felt tears well up in my eyes again, and then there was a knock at my door.

figuring it was just a package or something, i ignored it. until it came again.

i groaned, putting out the joint and shuffling over to the front door before pulling it open.

"christ, [y/n], you look like shit." noah said, looking at me and grimacing at the faint scent of alcohol and weed.

"oh, gee, thanks." i said, moving to shut the door again, but he blocked it with his foot.

"wait." he said. "i want to talk to you."

for a brief moment, i considered letting him in. i wondered if the others had knocked some sense into him over the past two weeks. yeah, he was going through a lot himself, but that didn't give him any right to treat me like that. i huffed, remaining stubborn on keeping him out.

"i don't want to talk to you. go away." i said. "give me five minutes. if i can't change your mind, i'll leave. forever."

the thought of him leaving made my heart clench. i didn't want him to leave. i needed him to stay. for some reason, my life felt emptier without him. so i sighed, opening the door again and moving to let him in.

why was i feeling this way?

we sat on the couch, and i prayed he didn't say anything about the countless empty alcohol bottles and joint butts.

"first, i want to apologize. i know me being drunk isn't a proper excuse. hell, there's no excuse for the way i treated you, that night and over the years in general. you don't deserve that, [y/n]. and you were right to want to quit. but that doesn't mean you should. you are the most talented photographer i have ever met in my life. you're- you're beautiful, and funny, and its like you can make photos come to life. i know i said a lot of shit, but you have to believe me. i didn't mean it. any of it."

i finally looked at him. "you're such a liar."

he shook his head. "i'm not lying. you don't have to trust me. you can hate me all you want. yell, scream, cry and hit me. whatever makes you feel better."

i really was gonna take him up on that offer, but decided against it. "what do you want?"

"i want you to come back. you're like family, [y/n]. tour isn't the same without you."

i clenched my jaw. "and what, you think a half assed apology is gonna fix it? everything you said, everything you did? you broke me down all these years, noah, and now i have to pick up the pieces myself. fuck you."

"[y/n]-" "get out."

"what?"

i looked at him. "get. out. i don't want you here."

he sat stubbornly. "i'm not leaving. you're not in the right mindset, i know, but you can't just quit. we need you. we miss you."

i crossed my arms. "prove it."

he furrowed his brows. "what? how am i supposed to prove it?"

"prove that you're sorry. that you're willing to change for me to come back. because i won't be coming back to deal with your sour attitude for longer than i have to. i'm tired of it." i said, and he nodded.

"okay. i'll prove it."

noah canceled the next few shows, which i repeatedly told him was not necessary, but he refused. he was going to show me he cared.

he started off by helping me clean my house. at first, he started by himself, but i refused to let him do it himself. plus, there were some things that needed to be done a certain way or else it wasn't right and i'd have to do it all over again.

"jesus christ, how much did you drink? it's been like, two weeks." noah said.

"too much. i've had the world's worst hangover for the past three days." i said, and noah threw me a water bottle and a bottle of painkillers. "take those and sit down. you'll feel better soon."

"but-" "don't argue."

i sighed, taking the painkillers and washing it down with water before going to the couch and sitting down.

noah continued to clean, throwing away the takeout boxes and empty bottles and even going as far as to mop the floors for me.

maybe he really is trying to change.

i shook away the thought. he could be trying to manipulate me or something. make me think he's nicer and then immediately go back to being mean.

even though there was that nagging worry in the back of my mind, i fell asleep in the couch with the thought of maybe he really had changed. maybe there was a chance at actually being happy.

maybe i had a chance with him after all.

i woke up what i can only assume was hours later, only to find noah no longer in my home. no note, not text, nothing. i should've known better.

a thought crossed my mind. my house was already so clean. there was no use in dirtying it up even more. maybe i could try a different outlet.

so i grabbed a paper and pen, scrambling off random words onto the paper. just random things that came to my mind.

I don't want it. And I don't want to want you. But in my dreams I seem to be more honest. And I must admit, you've been in quite a few.

it wasn't a lie. often times, he would show up in my dreams. i couldn't remember what was happening, but i knew he was there.

silly me to fall in love with you.

falling in love with a man who wasn't available. how stupid could i be? it wasn't going to happen, anyways. even though he was single now, he was a prick. he hated me. i can't believe i ever thought i had a chance.

NOAH'S POV.

i knew it was wrong to leave her there like that. but i couldn't stop myself. when i recieved the message i had oh so desperately been waiting for from alyssa, my feet seemed to move on it's own. my thoughts drifted back to conversation i previously had with nick as i drive to her place. the place we used to share.

"she what?!" nick yelled.

"calm down, dude." i said, my eyes red with previously shed tears.

i'd just recieved a picture from a good friend of mine, keaton, of my girlfriend and some random dude kissing in the mall while i was out on tour. part of me felt relieved. i knew it was wrong, but over the past couple years, i'd been growing feelings for another woman. [y/n], to be exact. why did i feel this way?

"god, dude, i wish she was a man so i could beat her ass."

"i know. just.. stay. i don't want to be alone."

i met alyssa when i was on tour at the very beginning of my career. i bumped into her when i was on a coffee run for everybody, and the way she carried herself, her voice, and generally just everything about her had me to my knees immediately. she didn't know who i was. and frankly, it was a relief. i didn't want to date some crazy fan, so i asked for her number.

we hit it off almost instantly. the first date i kissed her. everything was going fine for the first couple months, and then she started disappearing more. leaving the house more and staying out later. she always assured me that she was just going out with friends, but deep down i knew it was something more.

and really, everyone could see it but me. she was borderline abusive. sometimes physically, but i would play it off as jokes and fun. it was obvious it wasn't when she started leaving bruises. mentally and physically. telling me i would never be enough. that i wouldn't be anything without her. when we argued, she would put me down so far that sometimes, it was hard to get back up. but i managed. i always did.

it might sound absurd. a large, 6'3 and well built man being abused by a woman. and though i looked like that on the outside, it was all just a front. i never wanted to hurt anyone. i never wanted to be mean. i just wanted to be held. to be loved. i wanted her to love me. i wanted her acceptance, because that was all that mattered to me.

that soon proved to be a mistake.

i sighed, pulling into the driveway and sitting for a moment. this was wrong. so horribly wrong. but i couldn't find it in me to leave. i needed to know why she did this. why she left me. was i not good enough? what did the other guy have that i didn't?

i walked into the house and she greeted me with tears, shocking me.

"noah, please. i'm so sorry. i-i didn't mean to, please. i need you, you're the only man i love, i swear!"

my heart jumped at her words, though i knew they weren't true. over the years i'd been with alyssa, i knew she was cheating. lying. but i hated change. and i couldn't bring myself to leave. but keaton giving me the cold hard proof was all i needed to make the final choice.

"you cheated, alyssa. you did that. not me. you have no one to blame but yourself."

"so what, you came back to rub it in my face? tell me it's over for good?" she scoffed, the tears almost immediately disappearing and being replaced with a scowl.

"yes." i said simply.

"fine. he's better than you, anyways. richer, hotter, and he's bigger."

"whatever, alyssa." i sighed, grabbing my keys. i knew this was a mistake. "you walk out that door, and don't you ever call me again!" she shouted.

so i did.

i debated on whether or not i should go back to [y/n]'s apartment. after a few missed calls, i decided against it. she must still be sleeping. so i wen't to nick's house to crash. i'd go back to her house tomorrow, but for now, i just needed sleep.

READER'S POV

i found myself laying in bed, staring at the wall. once again, that void was in my chest. the void that could only be filled by him.

he called me numerous times, but i declined them all. he really had the guts to call me after he left? just left. without a single word. why would he do that?

tears flowed freely from my eyes as i remembered all the past experiences with the band. i missed them. i missed my friends. but i couldn't afford to get hurt again. i couldn't go through that again. so once again, i drifted off to sleep with the thoughts that lingered in my mind, despite my efforts to push them away.

halley's comet comes around more than i do. but you're all it takes for me to break a promise. silly me to fall in love with you.

[honeydixonn]

Back to Friends, Myung Gi

two, 333 (sneak peek)

Nari zoned out staring at the huge number on the wall as they continued to speak about the unsettling factor of the masks and horrid uniforms. Her nails picked at the skin around her cuticles, stopping abruptly when a familiar voice pierced the air.

Her heart picked up in speed as he spoke and her feet raised trying to see where it came from. "What about my phone? Why did you take my phone and wallet? Give them back, please." It couldn't be Myung-Gi. Why would he be here if he was in hiding? Why would he come here, but not to her?

"We're keeping your belongings safe. We'll return them once the games are over." He didn't like the answer he received, he needed to check the markets desperately to gain control of money.

"At least give me my phone. I need to check the crypto market." That's when she knew. The crypto market was still always on his mind.

He couldn't let it go. So she knew that it was truly Myung-Gi. Nari hated his obsession with crypto. Always nagging him about it-- wanting him to close it out and change his channel to something more productive.

Yet, he didn't listen and that's why they're both in this position now. "If I lose money, will you compensate me?" He kept hassling the square-masked man.

The obsession gaining power over every other worry he should be having at the moment. "We will return it to you once the games are over." Myung-Go wasn't having anything the man in charge had to say. All he could think about was his crypto.

"I need to monitor the real-time prices! Do you know how much I've invested?!" His voice raised before he could realize the mistake he was about to make.

"Player 333, Lee Myung-Gi." The man raised a remote before clicking a button causing the screen to change. Nari audibly gasped as a video played of him losing at ddakji, receiving slaps to the face.

"Age 28, used to run a YouTube channel called MG Coin." Nari stepped closer to get a better view of the screen, she hadn't seen his face in months and now he was in here with her.

Yet, the image of him being hurt caused her heart to break. After everything she still would never want to see him being hurt.

"After convincing subscribers to invest in a new crypto coin called Dalmation causing losses of approximately 15.2 million won." Myung-Gi glanced over his shoulder seeing all the faces judging him knowing they're that they were here under the same circumstances.

He caught a glimpse of someone who he thought looked exactly like someone he loved. Someone he trusted with all his heart and pained him to leave her behind. But it couldn't be her, she would never be here, especially in a place like this.

"You shut down and disappeared." The video played him finally winning and receiving money in return, a small smile on his lips at the succession.

"You're wanted for fraud and for violating telecom and financial investment laws. Current debt levels, 1.8 billion won." Nari's eyes widened. 1.8 billion won?

How would she ever help him pay that, there was no way to convince him to come home with that sort of debt. Her hope sputtered within her and every doubt fulfilled her thoughts. It would never be the same again.

The man in charge started naming more players and their debts as the videos changed to their ddakji matches. The reality of everyone's debts weighing heavily on their shoulders.

"Player 114, Ha Nari, 83 million won in debt." His eyes enlarged seeing a video of her in a pretty black dress with her best makeup getting the smile smacked right off her face.

"Nari..." 83 million won? It couldn't be, they must've had the wrong person. How would the Ha Nari Myungi-Gi knew accumulate such a debt?

He wouldn't believe it and he wouldn't believe she was here until he saw her. Until then, none of this was real. Just his kind tricking him. But all he could see was the replaying image of the man slapping her across the face in his mind.

It angered him to have known someone put their hands on her in that way. No one had the right to touch her in any way that harmed her, he knew when he left this place he would find the salesman and hurt him worse than he hurt her.

So he thought.

honey’s note

nothing too serious this chapter

but next chapter… stay tuned, lovelies!

[hanniewho]

Would be okay with a bit of Vi x younger sister reader?

Just a tiny thirst with reader receiving a few things from her gf like a bunny lingerie set, Vi accidentally catches reader wearing it while she’s riding a pillow letting out a few whimpers of Vi’s name.<3

⋆˚࿔ Sisters share with each other, right?𝜗𝜚˚⋆

⋆˚࿔ Summary: Your sister walking in on you being slutty and riding a pillow while whimpering her name?

𝜗𝜚˚⋆ Notes: Nonnie you're something else (in a good way) that ask got my jaw drop but here we gooo

𐙚˙✧˖° Words: 2.5k

༘ ⋆｡ ˚ Warnings: Cheating, Masturbating, incest, Humiliation, Manipulation

⋆✦ Pairings: Older sister! Vi x little sister! Afab reader

"Shit," you murmured under your breath, your cheeks flushing a deep shade of crimson. The pillow beneath you muffled the sound of your hips grinding against it, the soft fabric giving way to the urgent pressure you applied. Your girlfriend's latest gift, a fluffy white bunny lingerie set, had arrived in the mail earlier that day, and you couldn't resist the temptation to try it on.

You had locked your door, ensuring privacy in your shared apartment. The walls were thin, and you didn't want to give Vi, your older sister, a show she hadn't signed up for. But as you rolled your hips in an erratic rhythm, your hand buried between your legs, the fabric of the lingerie caressing your skin, you let out an involuntary whine, a little louder than you had intended.

The sound echoed in the quiet room, and you froze for a second, heart racing in your chest. You held your breath, listening intently. The apartment remained still, the only sounds your own muffled gasps and the rustle of the bedsheets. You exhaled slowly, trying to compose yourself, and resumed your silent, clandestine rendezvous with the pillow.

But as you picked up the pace, the friction of the lingerie against your skin and the delicious ache building within you, the tension grew too much to contain. You bit your bottom lip, eyes squeezed shut, as you whispered, "Vi, oh fuck, Vi..." Your voice was a hoarse murmur, a secret shared only with the inanimate object beneath you.

Or so you thought.

The doorknob to your room began to turn, and a cold sweat broke out on your forehead. Panic flooded through your body as you realized you had forgotten to lock the door after all. You scrambled to sit up, the pillow slipping from under you, and hastily tried to cover yourself with the sheets. But it was too late. The door swung open, and there stood Vi, her eyes wide in shock at the sight before her. She held a bowl of steaming ramen in her hand, her favorite after-work meal, and she had clearly come to check on you after hearing the strange noises.

Vi's gaze traveled up and down your body, taking in the rumpled bunny lingerie and your flushed face. "Damn," she murmured, leaning against the doorway. She was dressed in her usual casual attire: a baggy sweatshirt and shorts that hugged her athletic thighs. Her eyes darkened as she took in the erotic scene, the aroma of the food forgotten as the steam from the ramen curled around her hand.

You yelped, clutching the sheets to your chest, mortification pooling in your stomach like a lead weight. "Vi! What the fuck?" You stuttered, trying to scoot away from the door and cover yourself further. The fabric of the lingerie clung to your damp skin, making it stick to your curves in the most embarrassing way possible.

Vi snorted, a smirk tugging at the corner of her lips. "That's my line," she quipped, her eyes sparkling with mischief. She took a step into the room, the floorboards creaking under her weight. "I've caught you playing bunny more than once, but I never knew you had such... interesting taste in lingerie."

You stared at her, mouth agape, your mind racing for an excuse. But the truth was, you couldn't lie to her. You had always been the clumsy, honest one in the family. "It was a gift," you finally managed to say, your voice barely above a whisper. "From my girlfriend."

Vi raised an eyebrow, her smirk growing wider. "Is that right?" She took another step closer, setting the bowl of ramen on your nightstand with surprising care. "And here I thought you had finally discovered your inner kink." Her voice was teasing, but there was an unmistakable edge to it that sent a thrill down your spine.

You felt your cheeks burn even hotter as you nodded, trying to shrink into the bed. "It's... it's just a thing we do." You stumbled over your words, the heat in the room seeming to thicken the air around you.

Vi sat down beside you on the bed, the mattress dipping slightly under her weight. She crossed one leg over the other, her gaze never leaving yours. "Yeah?" she said, a smirk playing on her lips. "Whimpering each other's sister's name is something you guys do?"

You felt your heart hammer in your chest, the embarrassment morphing into something else—something hot and uncomfortable. "It's complicated," you mumbled, looking away. But you couldn't help the way your eyes kept darting back to her, the way her sweatshirt clung to her chest as she leaned closer.

Vi's smile grew more predatory, the teasing tone in her voice shifting to something darker. "Oh, I'm sure it is," she purred, her eyes raking over you again. "But you know what? I've had a long day, and I could use a little... entertainment."

You swallowed hard, trying to ignore the way your body responded to her proximity. "Vi, please," you whispered, desperation tinging your voice. "This isn't funny."

Vi's smirk grew into a full-blown grin, and she reached out to lightly brush your cheek with the back of her hand. "Oh, but it is," she said, her eyes gleaming. "I can't help but wonder if you're thinking about me like that." Her thumb traced the line of your jaw, sending a jolt of electricity through you.

With a sigh, she leaned back on the bed and picked up her ramen bowl again, the noodles still steaming. She took a leisurely sip of the broth, her eyes never leaving yours. "Be a good little bunny," she said, her voice low and sultry. "Put on a show for your big sister."

Your eyes widened in shock, and you felt your pulse quicken. "What? No, Vi, please, don't—" But the protests died on your lips as she took another sip of her ramen, watching you over the rim of the bowl with a challenge in her eyes. It was as if she could see right through you, into the deepest, darkest parts of your fantasies that you had never dared voice out loud.

With trembling hands, you slowly released the sheets, letting them fall away from your body. The bunny lingerie left you feeling more exposed than ever, the fabric clinging to your curves like a second skin. You bit your bottom lip, trying to ignore the way Vi's eyes devoured you, the heat of her gaze like a physical touch.

You reached for the pillow again, your heart racing in your chest like a wild animal. This was wrong. So wrong. But the thrill of it, the sheer naughtiness of performing for your older sister, made it impossible to resist. You straddled the pillow once more, the softness giving beneath you as you began to rock your hips.

Vi's eyes remained on you, her expression a mix of amusement and something darker, something that made your stomach flip. You bit your bottom lip and closed your eyes, trying to focus on the sensation rather than the audience. But it was no use; with every movement, you could feel her gaze on you, searing into your skin, making you wetter than you had been before.

You began to move more erratically, your breath coming in ragged gasps as the tension grew. The pillow felt rougher than you remembered, the friction against your sensitive flesh driving you closer and closer to the edge. "Vi," you whimpered again, your voice barely audible. "Oh, Vi..."

Vi set her now empty ramen bowl aside, the sound of the spoon clattering against the ceramic echoing in the tense silence of the room. She leaned back on her elbows, watching you intently. "Keep going," she murmured, her voice a seductive purr. "I want to see how much you want me."

Your cheeks burned hotter, but you couldn't stop now. The thrill of her watching you, the power she had over you in this moment, was too intoxicating. You began to grind harder, the fabric of the lingerie providing a delicious friction that had you biting back a moan. You felt your orgasm approaching like a tidal wave, threatening to drown you in a sea of embarrassment and pleasure.

Vi's eyes were glued to you, the smirk on her face morphing into something more intense. Her breathing grew heavier, her chest rising and falling with each deep inhale. You could see the hunger in her gaze, and it only fueled your own desire. You slammed down onto the pillow, the material of the bunny tail slapping against the bed with each movement.

With a wicked gleam in her eye, she reached for her phone, the screen lighting up the room. "Wanna call your girlfriend?" she asked, her tone dripping with challenge. "Let her know who you're really thinking about?" The idea was absurd, humiliating, and yet the very thought of it had you on the edge of reason. You felt your body tighten, your thighs quivering around the pillow.

"No," you gasped, shaking your head. "No, please, Vi..."

Vi chuckled, the sound low and throaty. "Then show me," she whispered, her voice a siren's call. "Show me how much you want your big sister."

You whimpered, the sound barely audible over the blood rushing in your ears. You didn't know if you could go through with this, but the thrill of the taboo, the heat of Vi's gaze on you, was too intense to resist. With trembling hands, you reached behind you and unclasped the bunny lingerie, letting it fall to the bed. You were naked now, exposed and vulnerable, but the thrill of it all only made your hips move faster.

Vi's eyes widened at the sight of you, her breath hitching in her throat. You could see the hunger in her gaze, the way her pupils dilated. It was terrifying and exhilarating all at once. She leaned forward, her elbows on her knees, and her hand slipped beneath her sweatshirt, her thumb idly playing with the waistband of her shorts. "Keep going," she urged, her voice thick with desire.

You closed your eyes, focusing on the sensation of the pillow beneath you and the memory of her touch. The sound of her breathing grew heavier, the only sound in the room other than your own. You began to lose yourself in the moment, the line between reality and fantasy blurring until all that existed was the friction of the pillow and the echo of her name on your lips. "Vi," you moaned, louder this time. "Oh, fuck, Vi..."

Her hand stilled on her shorts, and you could feel her eyes on you, watching every move you made. You felt her tension, the heat of her desire as palpable as the warmth radiating from your own body. "That's it," she murmured, her voice thick with need. "Just like that."

You obeyed, riding the pillow with wild abandon, each thrust bringing you closer to the precipice of pleasure. Your breasts bounced with the motion, your nipples peaked and sensitive. The sound of your wetness filled the air, a testament to your arousal. You could feel your orgasm building, coiling like a spring in your belly, ready to unleash.

Vi's eyes were hooded, her cheeks flushed as she watched you. Her hand had moved under her shirt, her thumb now stroking the skin just above her shorts, teasing the fabric. The sight of her touching herself was almost too much, and you felt your body tighten in response. You picked up the pace, your hips moving in a frantic rhythm as you approached your climax.

"Vi," you panted, "Vi, I'm gonna—"

But she didn't let you finish. Instead, she leaned in and pressed her finger to your lips, silencing you with a gentle touch that sent a shiver down your spine. "I know," she whispered, her voice a warm caress that made your stomach flutter. "Come for me, baby bunny."

The permission, the intimacy of her words, was too much. Your body responded with a feral instinct, and you threw your head back with a cry that was half pleasure, half relief. The orgasm ripped through you like lightning, leaving your body trembling and your muscles spasming around the pillow. You rode the waves of pleasure, each one crashing into the next, until you collapsed against the bed, panting and dizzy.

Vi's finger remained on your lips, her gaze never leaving yours. She leaned closer, her warm breath ghosting over your face. "Good girl," she murmured, the smirk on her lips now a full smile. "Now, tell me, do you think about me when you do that?"

You couldn't lie. The truth was written all over your sweat-dampened face and heaving chest. You nodded, your eyes wide with the aftermath of your climax. "Sometimes," you admitted, your voice hoarse and shaky. "I mean, I don't know if it's wrong, but... sometimes."

Vi's smile grew, and she leaned in closer, her eyes gleaming with something that sent a fresh wave of heat through your body. "How often?" she whispered, her breath tickling your ear. You shivered, feeling the weight of her question.

You swallowed hard, trying to find the words. "I-I don't know," you stuttered, your cheeks burning. "It just... happens."

Vi leaned back, her gaze still locked on yours. "Well," she said, her voice a purr, "I suppose that makes two of us." She pulled her hand from her shorts and reached out to trace your collarbone with her fingertips, sending a shiver through your body. "Because let me tell you, baby bunny, watching you like that? It's definitely going to be a regular occurrence for me."

You stared at her, your mind racing. This was wrong. So, so wrong. But your body didn't seem to care. You felt yourself growing wetter under her touch, the aftershocks of your orgasm mingling with the new desire she had stirred within you. You knew you should push her away, tell her to leave, but your voice was trapped in your throat, a prisoner of the thrill and the heat of the moment.

And then, like a bucket of cold water thrown over your head, reality crashed into you. Your girlfriend. The love of your life, who had bought you that very lingerie set. The one you had promised to only share with her. Panic gripped your chest as you realized what you had just done. "Oh my God, Vi," you choked out, pushing at her hand. "I can't believe—what if she finds out?"

Vi's smile didn't waver. "Well, that would be interesting," she said, her eyes still gleaming with mischief. "But for now," she leaned in, her voice dropping to a whisper, "let's just keep this our little secret, hm?" She trailed her finger down your chest, across your stomach, and dangerously close to where your thighs met. "It's just between us. Sisters should share, right?"

The implication of her words made your stomach drop, but the warmth of her touch made your body betray you. You nodded, still breathless from your climax, and whispered, "Right." The word hung in the air, heavy with meaning.

[mothballmilkshake]

Behind the Scenes Writing

This scene was never used, because I decided to start Stolen Moments with their dynamic already being established. The initial first ideas for the RadioApple series I had would have been a bit of a slower burn, but I decided 'slow burn but they're fucking the whole time' would be more fun.

In any case, this would have been set after they'd established a truce of sorts, a reluctant getting along.

“I might be out of my fucking mind,” Lucifer muttered, speaking as much to himself as to Alastor. Alastor raised a brow, glancing down at the man beside him, holding himself back from commenting on his lack of skill with a trowel through sheer force of will.

“I've long suspected as such, sire! What finally brought you to this conclusion?” he replied with a trace of mockery in his voice, canned laughter echoing in the air.

Lucifer's eyes flashed, glaring up at the taller man. It seemed like he was struggling with something, some internal battle that was rather amusing to watch play out on his face. Alastor tipped his head, his smile not moving an inch.

“For some god-forsaken reason – I want you,” Lucifer bit out, a record scratch betraying Alastor's surprise. Of all the things he'd expected the other man to say, it certainly hadn't been that. Lucifer ran a hand through his hair, smudging dirt into the blonde strands and knocking them loose as he gave out a little self-deprecating huff.

“Sorry if that's too blunt. I don't exactly have a lot of experience with the whole flirting thing – I was married to the same woman for ten thousand years, and I didn't know what I was doing at the start of that relationship, either. Look, you don't have to – to say anything, but it's been driving me mad, trying to keep it a secret. So now you know.”

Alastor blinked as Lucifer's voice trailed into a mutter, his eyes going back to the bulbs at his knees. He picked one up with slightly shaking claws, plunging it into the earth as the silence dragged on.

An egotistical sense of smugness welled in Alastor's chest. He'd been wanted before, of course he had, but to know that even the King of Hell had fallen for his charms? Why, it was enough to make a man preen.

Something else fluttered behind that ego, though. A heart-beat sounding a fraction too late, and before he could call the words back, they'd already left his mouth.

“So what do you plan to do about it?”

He wasn't sure why he'd said such a thing. He'd never entertained anyone else's desire for him – had in fact burnt a decades long friendship to the ground because of it. But there was something about Lucifer, something he couldn't quite put his finger on.

Nobody else seemed so capable of getting under his skin, of infuriating him so. Seeking out the king and pushing him to anger or irritation had become an underrated thrill in his day, a bright spark in an otherwise rather repetitive life.

Lucifer's gaze snapped back up to him, shock writ large in those yellow eyes.

“I – are you messing with me?” he asked, glancing around as if he thought Alastor had overcome his aversion to cameras just to pull a prank like this and film his reaction. Something twisted in Alastor's guts, an uncertainty he ignored.

“As hard as it may be for you to believe... no. I don't believe so.”

[im-tempted]

How do I explain to my cishet coworkers that telling me I have to be understanding when one of them is transphobic because they've never met anyone trans before ISN'T FUCKING HELPFUL

[turtlespancake]

me when i write a character who is prone to dooming themself and then they run off and doom themself. core traits are stubbornness and a willingness to disregard their own humanity gET BACK HERE IM NOT DONE WITH YOU

[gentlethorns]

you know what? i'm gonna say it. i miss being seventeen. not for the "glory days," bc they weren't, by a country mile lol. if i had glory days i'd say they were in 2020. but i miss the electricity, the constant undercurrent of euphoria and deep plunging black. i miss the fight i had. i was literally known for being scrappy. i was self-destructive and coping poorly, but goddamn if i didn't burn bright and long. it took me until my twenties to finally start to fizzle out. does the candle with its wax melted down to the base of its glass cage miss when the wick was lit?

[medicinemane]

Few things piss me off more than when I'm researching something, and I find someone asking the question I want answered, and the response is just "you shouldn't want that, just do this instead"

Today, it's me trying to look up a build for this witch farm concept that uses raid captains to manipulate the witches ai instead of using redstone

"Just use the shifting floors farms, they're just about as good" people respond... you stupid prick, that's not an answer to the question actually asked. I don't know about these guys, but me, I want it cause it's novel and there's no redstone, and I like putting bespoke prestige projects on my server... you might have noticed I tend to do form over function on a lot of my farms... so this is about form, the function is just a bonus

Second example, I wanted to see if there was any way to make Terra Invicta load faster, "just don't save scum"... you idiot, one that's just stupid advice, people can play games however they want, but two this once again doesn't answer the question

Like yeah, how dare people want to know if there's a way to make a game load saves faster when loading takes like 1 minute

If they at least phrased stuff like "sorry, I don't know how to do that, he's an alternative you might try", it's not helpful but it's at least polite

But man... I just get tired of people not answering the question being asked and instead answering the one they've decided was asked

(Actually, a legit real problem in the real world such as... with doctors who don't listen to their patient and decide they know what's really being asked. Don't do it, answer the asked question, or at least ask questions to confirm what's being asked before going off pig headed)

[sachermorte]

so the thing about english is that people think it's so divorced from other germanic languages based on like. words. I've even heard people try to insist that english is a romance language. because of that whole messy business in 1066 with out-of-wedlock willy and his band of naughty normans. and now a good chunk of the vocabulary is french or whatever and they're prestigious so not using them makes you sound like a rube and this and that and the other

and yes william the conqueror will never be safe from me. I will have my revenge on him. he fucked up a perfectly good germanic language is what he did. this will be me in hell

but the thing is that most words in, say, german do have a one to one english equivalent. not all hope is lost, for those who still dare to see it. it's just that you 1066pilled normancels aren't looking in the right place

dog (en) ≠ der Hund (de) but der Hund (de) -> hound (en)

look with your special eyes. that one was easier. not all of them are this intuitive because of semantic narrowing and broadening and waltzing and hokey-pokeying and whatever else. I'll give you a few more

animal (en) ≠ das Tier (de)

aha! you think. I've got him on the ropes now.

but then

das Tier (de) -> deer (en)

nooooo!! you whine and cry in gay baby jail. the consonants are different!!! listen to me. listen, I say, putting both my hands on your shoulder. /t/and /d/ are the same sound. you just put your voice behind one of them.

nooooooooo!! you wail. deer are animals but not all animals are deer!!! listen to me. LISTEN. they used to be. animals used to be deer. that's just what we called them. it was a long time ago. it was a weird time in all our lives. it's okay.

let's try for a verb this time

to die (en) ≠ sterben (de) but sterben (de) -> to starve

same principle with the consonants, we're just changing a stop (where we completely stop the airflow and then let it through) for a fricative (where we still let some air go through. idk where it's going. maybe to its job or something.)

to starve used to mean generally to die, not just to die of malnourishment. we do that a lot. we take one word for a lot of things and make it mean one thing. or take one word for one thing and make it mean a lot of things. this is common and normal.

"okay but roland," you say, suddenly coming up with an argument. "what about tree? trees are super common. I don't think we'd fuck around too much with that. the german word is baum! what about THAT?"

"when did you learn german?" I ask, but then decide it isn't relevant right at this very moment. but fine.

tree (en) ≠ der Baum (de) but der Baum (de) -> beam (en)

beam??? you ask incredulously. beam???? BEAM?????? you continue with the same tone and cadence of captain holt from brooklyn 99.

yes. beam. like the evil beams from my eye I'm going to hit you with if you don't stop shouting.

but the vowels!!! you howl.

listen. listen to me. the vowels mean nothing. absolutely nothing. they're fluid like water. it got raised in english.

"WHAT DOES RAISED MEAN"

it doesn't matter right now. they were raised better than you, at least. stop shouting. open your eyes and see what god has given you. they're the same word.

"they're NOT the same word. they mean different things!"

we've been over this. they didn't used to. a beam was (and is) a long solid piece of wood. much like the long solid piece of wood I showed your mother last night.

FAQ:

Q: could english be some kind of germanic-romance hybrid?

A: do you become a sexy thing from the black lagoon just because you dressed up as one for halloween? english may have gotten a lot of vocabulary from norman french, but its history and syntax are distinctly germanic. that's what we base these things on.

Q: okay but what does it matter? this doesn't actually affect my day to day life

A: you come into my house? you come into my house, the house of an autistic man living in vienna austria and studying english linguistics and you ask me what does it matter? sit back down. I was going to let you go but now I have powerpoints to show you

Q: you're stupid and wrong and gay and a bad person

A: I know it's you, Willy

[ch3rriiii-bunn]

You belong to me

Paring: upper ranks + Muzan x Fem!reader

Synopsis: In different pov's, their jealously turn them a bit crazy

Content: possessiveness, jealousy, hinted smut, choking, fave grabbing, slight blood play, demon reader in Akaza, Nakime and kokushibo's part, kidnapping on Douma and Muzan's part, escape attempt, Muzan grabs you by the neck like that one guy in 365 days lol, arranged marriage theme on Muzans part

A/n: yall know that song by the weeknd? had to write some possessive jealous shit based on that song with some demons! WHAAAA I NEVER WRITTEN SOMETHING LIKE THIS!!🥴might do one with the hashira next🤭

Akaza

Akaza is known to not like his fellow upper ranks. You've seen it first hand when Muzan allowed you to attend an upper rank meeting since you became a demon by Akaza. He hated them all with a passion. Especially the ones ranked above him. With this knowledge, what in the hell possessed you to give any of them your attention?

Not just any upper rank, either. Douma in particular. In your defense, once Douma starts speaking, it's hard to shoo him off, especially given that you're much weaker than Douma is, so you play along to keep your reputation on a good note. You simply smile and nod at his nonsense. You knew Akaza wasn't going to step in since he'd rather run in the sunlight than talk to Douma if you were on your own.

How wrong you thought you were. Once Muzan actually left, Douma become more bold. Asking you personal questions, standing to close and even about to hold your hand, but before you could answer, you heard the sounds of blood splatter on the floor. Your eyes widened at how quick Douma's arm was severed.

"Oh, come now, lord Akaza. I was just joking-" "Shut up for once." Akaza snarled at douma in pure disgust. You wanted to say something, but you felt your feet leave the ground. Akaza had grabbed you and threw you over his shoulder and walked away from Douma while holding you. It always amazed you just how fast he was, but you knew how mad he was. The anger was just raiding off Akaza.

Akaza made sure to be far away from the other upper ranks in the infinitely castle and walked into one of the many empty rooms. Akaza put you down, but then, he backed you up against the wall. You felt your back press flat with your hands on the wall as well, giving how close he was to you. "Lord Akaza, please don't read too much into it. Douma was just being an idiot. " You tried to explain, but Akaza wasn't having any of it.

Akaza raised his brow. "So you're defending him?" His voice rasped as he tilted his head to the side. "No.." Your tone softened and looked at Akaza, worried since that wasn't your intentions. "I don't think I've made myself clear enough if my actions haven't shown it already." Akaza said and brought his hand to your collar bone and rested it there for a moment.

"Demon's I hate don't get the right to talk to who belongs to me." Akaza's face comes closer to yours with his lips now inches away from yours. His hand moves from your collar bone, up to wrap around your throat. "And you entertain a demon like him. Even saying his name from these lips. His fucking, name" Akaza's jaw clenched, and his hand tightens kts grip on your throat.

"Aka..za" his name hitched in your throat. His grip was deadly. You could still breathe. However, Akaza's grip was firm. He wouldn't dare kill his precious demon. It was just a "light" punishment. However, he needed you to learn your lesson and to show your loyalty to him and him alone. "Say my name properly. Or is my strength too much for you to speak?" Akaza smirked.

"L-lord Akaza. Lord Akaza~" you say his mamw twice. The second time you say it, you let out a heavy gasp as akaza lossend his grip on your throat. "You belong to me. Understood?" Akaza asked, keeping that eye contact and tightening his hand around your throat if you dared to look away. You nod quickly, your eyes almost teary from the slight lack of oxygen, and you watch Akaza's lips curl into another smirk.

"Good girl." He chuckled and gave you a kiss.

Nakime

Your girlfriend, Nakime, had summoned you to the infinitely castle. It's her job to always summon the 12 kizuki at the request of Muzan. Naturally, you felt terrified but remained to have a calm once you were summoned. However, Muzan was nowhere to he seen. Just Nakime, sitting there, a level above, and you looked up at her in confusion.

"Pardon for speaking out of turn, but where is lord Muzan," you asked, assuming it was him who wanted to speak with you, but it turns out that wasn't the case. "It was I who summoned you." Nakime spoke, her tone a bit quiet yet blunt. You chuckled and cut the formal introduction since Muzan isn't here, and you can speak freely since it's just you and your girlfriend.

"You do know it's probably a bad idea to summon me since you're taking me away from my work. Search of the blue spider lily and all." You grinned at Nakime and palced your hand on your hip. "I was keeping an eye on you. One of upper 4's clones has gotten closer to you. Haven't he? " Nakima said. You detected slight irritation in her voice, mentioning one of Hantengu's clones, but instead of asking a question for a question, you always knew it was better to answer her first.

"Ah, Urogi, yes. I wouldn't say we are close. However, he's a fun demon to work with. He likes to have a bit of joy and humor on our search," you answered. It isn't abnormal for Nakime to use her blood demon art this way. Especially since she's on the lookout to find the ubuyashiki family in the demon slayer core. Still, you couldn't hide your smile knowing Nakime was most likely thinking about you and wanted to check in on you.

"I forbid you to speak to him. Your task is to look for the spider lily. Not entertain each other with humorous jokes and touching," Nakime said. Her words made your heart spot for a moment and knew exactly what she was talking about. Urogi has always been proud of his sharp talons and would often tease you with them, but on this mission, he wanted to take it up a notch and poked your cheek.

To you, it was a wholesome moment. Urogi was just teasing, nothing different he dosnt do to the others, but Nakima had to see that, and she was furious. Urogi only touched you once in a playful manner, and it was enough for her to use her blood demon art to summon her back to you in that very moment. "He was getting too close to you for my liking and being bold enough to do that. Especially bringing those filthy claws of his to touch my woman's pretty face."

During this entire time, her facial expression remained unchanged until now. You could see her lips form into a frown and even watched as her teeth clenched together in a snarl. She was jealous. "Urogi was just being playful. I wouldn't read too deep into it, love. Sekido is probably scoling Urogi right now for wasting time to focus on finding the blue spider lily." You reassure Nakima, but she wouldn't let it go.

"Come here." Nakime took her biwa off her lap and rested it gently beside her on the floor and motioned her finger for you to come sit in front of her. You did as Nakime asked and sat down in front of her. You wanted to explain further to find the right words to reassure Nakime, but before you could, her hand grabbed your face

You gasped. Your breathing became unsteady as you felt her firm grip, her four fingers on one cheek while the other had her thumb, or rather her nail, poking onto your skin. The same spot Urogi poked at. "I will not allow a man's to touch to linger on what belongs to me." Nakime's voice turned cold. "You belong to me." She said as her thumb nail pressed harder, breaking your skin until blood slowly pours out.

Your jaw opens, and you inhale a sharp breath with your eyes barely open as you feel the sting. You're a demon, so of course it'll heal, and Nakime didn't pierce too deep. It was her way of wanting to hear her words come out of your mouth. You kept your eyes on her and eventually spoke up. "I belong to you~" Your voice hitched as you felt nails nail pull away from your skin.

Nakime leaned in closer to lick the blood from your cheek and watched as your cut healed already. She kissed your cheek and then came closer to your ear and whispered, "That's right. You belong to me, beautiful." Nakime said. Her hand lets go of your face and then trails her sharp nails down your neck.

You shivered until her fingers reached your kimono, near your tits and Nakime smirked. "I should remind you of how a woman's touch feels. So you'll never let another man touch you again," Nakime said. You bit your lip softly, feeling the heat rise higher in your body and your thighs squeezing together more. "I want that," you said, and Nakime's smirk only grew.

"Open your thighs for me and lay back. I'll show you how good these fingers work other than playing a biwa"

Kokushibo

His brother has been dead for centuries. Yet his name still echos throughout history but never would kokushibo think that his brothers name, yoriichi, would leave your lips.

Although you're a demon now and have been for a while now, you could still recount memories you had during your times as a human, especially in the demon slayer core. It was basically a law for any of the 12 kizuki to never speak of Yoriichis' name, yet you just had to talk about him since gyokko was curious to know how humans thought of him.

"Yoriichi has sun breathing. That's the best way to describe why he's well known even after his death. He could kill any demon in seconds. It's quite impressive," you admit to gyokko, and he nods his head, humming in response. Kokushibo had already been looking for you, but he never interrupted any of your conversations when you had them. However, hearing Yoriichis' name from you alone set him off to act out.

He came from around the coner and stood behind you. "Do I think yoriichi could beat Kokushibo? Well maybe-" you said but then saw both of gyokko's mouths open as he looked behind you. Your brow raised in question, and you turned around to see what shook him so much, but now you realized. "Kokushibou hi" you smiled nervously at him.

"It was good talking to you, bye!!!" Gyokko hides inside his pot, probably in another one by now, so it was just kokushibo and you. "Listen, I was just- oh!" Kokushibou picked you up, and then you heard Nakime's biwa sound, transporting you back to his home. You knew you fucked up. You and gyokko tried to talk in secret, but now kokushibo was going to punish you, a demon for speaking about yoriichi but in his own way.

Kokushibo put you down, turning your body away from him to face the wall with your body pushed up against it. You grunted from the sudden pressure but gasped once your hair was pulled back to face kokushibo. The view was upside down, but you could see just how angry he was. "You know to refrain from using that name. Have you lost your mind?" Kokushibou said, his deep voice almost turning into a growl.

His hand had a fist full of your hair, and not only that, his lower half was just inches away from pressing up against you. "I know- I was just telling memories from my human life I didn't think it was a big deal-" "and you actually believe a person like him could defeat me. Do you really think that? Dose his name interest you so much that you've forgotten just who's wife you belong to?" Kokushibou said.

You had a confused look on your face. Is he seriously jealous at the mention of his brother's name from his lover? You knew kokushibo was jealous, but you didn't expect him to be this possessive. "I'm sorry~" This is all you could mutter out. "Do not. Ever say that name. Again." Kokushibou crouches down to your ear, speaking slow for his words to be understood.

You mewl softly, biting your lip as you nod quickly, understand his words. "My name should be the only name said from those lips." Kokushibou now brought his other hand up to your chin and holding it while his other hand is still gripping your hair. Your back arches just a bit more once you felt Kokushibou press himself up against your ass.

He let out a heavy breath with a deep moan mixed in. "Having your jaw broken for speaking his name is the normal punishment from lord Muzan, since you're a demon and it'd grow back." Kokushibou grinds himself against, letting go of your hair and placing his hand on your tit.

"However, I have my own punishment. Just for you." Kokushibo's breaths become heavy, feeling himself get into heat, and he whispered in your ear.

"A punishment where you'll never remember to say his name and only mine. You belong to me, my pretty demon~"

Douma

His "church" wasn't a church at all. You made the dumbest mistake to have even joined this religious cult. Your "savor", the one who saved you that day from eating eaten like an animal from a group of demons and showing you such kindness was just a cover-up for his true identity, which was a man-eating demon and not just any demon, the 2nd highest rank in 12 strong demons led by an even more powerful demon. The realization sunk in, and you made an ever worse choice than the first one.

You wanted to escape. You wanted out. You thought you planned your escape for a week, asking around what Douma's schedule was like so you knew the perfect days on when to leave, but that back fired on you. When you noticed nobody outside the temple, keeping guard and, of course, no sight of douma, you made a run for it.

You felt relieved. No one was there to stop you until a dark figure appeared from the shadows and snatched you up like you weighed nothing. "I caught you! You sure ran fast. Are you sure you weren't a demon slayer before you came to my temple?" Douma said, smiling from ear to ear.

You tried to catch your breath from running up, but your breath quickly turned into a panic. Douma frowned for a moment, "Oh you poor thing. Don't be scared. We'll get you back to the temple so you can rest for the night," Douma said. With such fake empathy in his tone, it almost sounded sarcastic.

Douma continues to hold your body off the ground in a bear like hug. His muscles flexed to hold you firmly so you couldn't escape. However, looking at Douma more closely, you noticed changes about him. His teeth looked more like fangs. His body against yours felt so cold, almost like he was dead and worst of all. He had "upper 2" written in his eyes. Was this a demon's technique? How was he able to hide these features on him so well around his cult members.

"I don't want to go back!" Your voice trembled. You tried to speak soft, but the panic got to you. Douma only just smiled, speaking in his cheerful voice. "If you're worried about being eaten alive, don't worry, you aren't my type of woman to eat, but you are my type of woman to be around. So I will be keeping you since you asked for my help to save you from those demons that day, so it only makes sense for us to stay together." Douma chuckled.

"What??" You sighed, looking at Douma with worry, fear, and confusion. "I don't belong to you, so let me go!" You hit Douma, but you knew your strengths was no where near compared to his. Douma places his hand on the back of your head, making your rest your chin on his shoulder while he embraces you more and nuzzling his face to your neck, taking in your scent.

"You still don't get it y/n? You're mine. I'm going to keep you until your time as a human is up." Douma said, throwing you over his shoulder and began to walk back to the temple.

"You belong to me and me alone~"

Muzan

2 years had passed since you were kidnapping, and you were finally back and safe with your family. Although your kidnapper, known as the most powerful demon, kidnapped you was bad, he could've been a lot worse. So you like to think of it that way. He could dispose of you at any moment, even when you couldn't help him find the blue spider lily, but he didn't.

You're family for owning a flower company, educated on flowers even so that's the main reason why Muzan took you but he let you go when you were of no use to him anymore. The bond you had with Muzan wasn't always about his work. There was soft intimate moments between you two but you knew not to get your hopes up since in the end, your knowledge wasn't all that useful and he let you leave, putting his work before you.

Your life continued to move forward, and eventually, you had an arranged marriage. A soon to be husband for you. He wasn't bad. He did promise to treat you right, give you his money and etc but deep down, you knew you couldn't love this man but went along with it for the benefits and your familes sake.

The wedding took place during the night. Your in-laws thought it would be a great idea to see how lovely your wedding dress would look in the moonlight. You asked to be alone in the fitting room, and you turned off the lights. Despite being human, you've gown accustomed to the dark and toy opened the window, feeling the night's breeze. Your hands slide down your sides to your hips, and you smile at yourself in the mirror, seeing just how gorgeous you look.

"You look stunning, my dear. They were right. The way the moonlight shines on that beautiful dress is just Devine," a deep familiar voice said. You gasped and turned your head to the window and saw Muzan, sitting in the edge and watching his glowing red eyes trace every inch of your body and even smirking at how the dress hugs your hips and holds up your tits perfect.

"Why are you... h-how did you find me?" You stepped back. Muzan came into your fitting room further and made his way towards you. Your body froze, but your eyes softened once you felt his hand on your cheek. His hand was so cold. "Do you think I'd let just anyone actually go?" Muzan bluntly said. That line alone confirmed your thoughts from a year ago. You weren't actually free, and like you predicted, Muzan would come back to you. However, it wouldn't be for the reason you think.

"I don't have any more knowledge on the spider lily. Even after you let me go, I couldn't find it." You explained to Muzan, but he only grinned. "I have upper ranks to do the job much better and faster than you," He said. His words cut a bit deep since you used as much energy as you could've helped him before. "But you can be useful to me in... other ways," Muzan said as his eyes gestured to your body and then looked back at your face.

It's like the old feelings came rushing back. In your own sick way, you missed this man. Muzan is the worst, curel and dangerous man-eating demon you could've ever met. Yet you knew leaving with him was a choice you had to make now. Your mind snaps out of it once you head a knock at the door. You and Muzan look at the door and hear a woman's voice on the other side.

"Um, y/n? Are you almost done?" One of your maid of honors asked through the door. "Yes, im-" you paused. Your eyes look down to see Muzan's hand slide on your hip and even slide his hand down lower, just like how he used to, but you stopped him. "I'll be right out. Just give me a minute," you say in a worry, and then look at Muzan, his lips inches away from yours, and you spoke quietly.

"You can come by tomorrow night, and we'll talk about this. You came at such an odd time. " You rolled your eyes halfway, trying not to let all these emotions cloud you. You turned around, but the second you did, Muzan had grabbed the back of your neck, making you gasp as he pulled you back to face him. "Mm.." Muzan brought you into a heated kiss, making you stumble back and sit in the mini table in your changing room.

"Y/n!?" Your maid of honor placed her ear on the door after hearing a thund sound. "If you think for a moment I'd let you have some random mam in bed with you, then you're more stupid than I thought," Muzan said as his jaw tensed. You pant as you feel his fingers press into your neck and you placed your hands on his chest for some kind of support.

"You belong to me, and I'm taking you back. The connection we share won't ever disappear, so don't think for a second it will," Muzan said, pulling you into another kiss. This time, you kissed him back. His words may not have been the sweetest, but you understood them. He wanted you, and you wanted him. He pulled away once he heard hard banging on the door.

"Let's go," you said, lifting up your dress, not hesitating for a moment about leaving. Muzan had picked you up, and you heard a biwa sound, transporting you to Muzan's room in an instant. Muzan, put you down. His hands made their way to your body, with one hand on your ass and the other playing with the zipper on your wedding dress.

He smirked at you, letting out a dark chuckle. "Now. Won't you let me give you that wedding night you deserve to have"

[cocklessboy]

The biggest male privilege I have so far encountered is going to the doctor.

I lived as a woman for 35 years. I have a lifetime of chronic health issues including chronic pain, chronic fatigue, respiratory issues, and neurodivergence (autistic + ADHD). There's so much wrong with my body and brain that I have never dared to make a single list of it to show a doctor because I was so sure I would be sent directly to a psychologist specializing in hypochondria (sorry, "anxiety") without getting a single test done.

And I was right. Anytime I ever tried to bring up even one of my health issues, every doctor's initial reaction was, at best, to look at me with doubt. A raised eyebrow. A seemingly casual, offhand question about whether I'd ever been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. Even female doctors!

We're not talking about super rare symptoms here either. Joint pain. Chronic joint pain since I was about 19 years old. Back pain. Trouble breathing. Allergy-like reactions to things that aren't typically allergens. Headaches. Brain fog. Severe insomnia. Sensitivity to cold and heat.

There's a lot more going on than that, but those were the things I thought I might be able to at least get some acknowledgement of. Some tests, at least. But 90% of the time I was told to go home, rest, take a few days off work, take some benzos (which they'd throw at me without hesitation), just chill out a bit, you'll be fine. Anxiety can cause all kinds of odd symptoms.

Anyone female-presenting reading this is surely nodding along. Yup, that's just how doctors are.

Except...

I started transitioning about 2.5 years ago. At this point I have a beard, male pattern baldness, a deep voice, and a flat chest. All of my doctors know that I'm trans because I still haven't managed to get all the paperwork legally changed, but when they look at me, even if they knew me as female at first, they see a man.

I knew men didn't face the same hurdles when it came to health care, but I had no idea it was this different.

The last time I saw my GP (a man, fairly young, 30s or so), I mentioned chronic pain, and he was concerned to see that it wasn't represented in my file. Previous doctors hadn't even bothered to write it down. He pushed his next appointment back to spend nearly an hour with me going through my entire body while I described every type of chronic pain I had, how long I'd had it, what causes I was aware of. He asked me if I had any theories as to why I had so much pain and looked at me with concerned expectation, hoping I might have a starting point for him. He immediately drew up referrals for pain specialists (a profession I didn't even know existed till that moment) and physical therapy. He said depending on how it goes, he may need to help me get on some degree of disability assistance from the government, since I obviously shouldn't be trying to work full-time under these circumstances.

Never a glimmer of doubt in his eye. Never did he so much as mention the word "anxiety".

There's also my psychiatrist. He diagnosed me with ADHD last year (meeting me as a man from the start, though he knew I was trans). He never doubted my symptoms or medical history. He also took my pain and sleep issues seriously from the start and has been trying to help me find medications to help both those things while I go through the long process of seeing other specialists. I've had bad reactions to almost everything I've tried, because that's what always happens. Sometimes it seems like I'm allergic to the whole world.

And then, just a few days ago, the most shocking thing happened. I'd been wondering for a while if I might have a mast cell condition like MCAS, having read a lot of informative posts by @thebibliosphere which sounded a little too relatable. Another friend suggested it might explain some of my problems, so I decided to mention it to the psychiatrist, fully prepared to laugh it off. Yeah, a friend thinks I might have it, I'm not convinced though.

His response? That's an interesting theory. It would be difficult to test for especially in this country, but that's no reason not to try treatments and see if they are helpful. He adjusted his medication recommendations immediately based on this suggestion. He's researching an elimination diet to diagnose my food sensitivities.

I casually mentioned MCAS, something routinely dismissed by doctors with female patients, and he instantly took the possibility seriously.

That's it. I've reached peak male privilege. There is nothing else that could happen that could be more insane than that.

I literally keep having to hold myself back from apologizing or hedging or trying to frame my theories as someone else's idea lest I be dismissed as a hypochondriac. I told the doctor I'd like to make a big list of every health issue I have, diagnosed and undiagnosed, every theory I've been given or come up with myself, and every medication I've tried and my reactions to it - something I've never done because I knew for a fact no doctor would take me seriously if they saw such a list all at once. He said it was a good idea and could be very helpful.

Female-presenting people are of course not going to be surprised by any of this, but in my experience, male-presenting people often are. When you've never had a doctor scoff at you, laugh at you, literally say "I won't consider that possibility until you've been cleared by a psychologist" for the most mundane of health problems, it might be hard to imagine just how demoralizing it is. How scary it becomes going to the doctor. How you can internalize the idea that you're just imagining things, making a big deal out of nothing.

Now that I'm visibly a man, all of my doctors are suddenly very concerned about the fact that I've been simply living like this for nearly four decades with no help. And I know how many women will have to go their whole lives never getting that help simply because of sexism in the medical field.

If you know a doctor, show them this story. Even if they are female. Even if they consider themselves leftists and feminists and allies. Ask them to really, truly, deep down, consider whether they really treat their male and female patients the same. Suggest that the next time they hear a valid complaint from a male patient, imagine they were a woman and consider whether you'd take it seriously. The next time they hear a frivolous-sounding complaint from a female patient, imagine they were a man and consider whether it would sound more credible.

It's hard to unlearn these biases. But it simply has to be done. I've lived both sides of this issue. And every doctor insists they treat their male and female patients the same. But some of the doctors astonished that I didn't get better care in the past are the same doctors who dismissed me before.

I'm glad I'm getting the care I need, even if it is several decades late. And I'm angry that it took so long. And I'm furious that most female-presenting people will never have this chance.

[madebycloud]

Ex at Christmas

violet "vi" x female reader — 𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭

summary: christmas is just around the corner, and you've been invited to spend them with your ex-girlfriend's family. only one problem is that your ex-girlfriend has not told anyone that the relationship is over. (requested by anon)warnings/themes: fluff and angst, found family af, fake dating, ex lovers, christmas, family gatherings, secret santa, everyone is alive and happy au, modern au vi just begging for you to take her back? words: 17.8k.... (i got carried away) notes: it's so long i should've cut it into parts but idk where... so suffer (╥﹏╥) — ✩ part one, part two

As always, the last drop is a lively spot. warm, cozy, and familiar. Colorful lights hang from the ceiling, a decorated tree stands in the corner, a 'merry christmas' painted on the wall, even a few strings of garland have been hung from the low ceiling.

People are crowding around the bar. Some are playing pool, some are simply chatting amongst themselves, cigarette smoke curling up toward the ceiling.

Vander's voice snaps you from your thoughts. “Look who finally showed her face around here.” He reaches over the top of the bar to ruffle your hair.

“I know, I know,” you laugh, swatting his hand away. “Things are just... busy, y'know?” 

Vander rests his forearms on the countertop, leaning closer to you. “Just making sure you're still alive. 'Been an awful long while since I last saw you.”

“I've been fine, old man.” 

“Glad to hear you're doing alright kid. Haven't seen you around here in, what, three months? You need to come by more often, keep an old guy company,” he chuckles. “I almost thought you'd vanished.”

“You sound like a grandma with kids that never call.”

Vander grins and winks at you, taking a rag and wiping at the bartop. “You're like a kid to me, so I guess it checks out.”

You scoff but say nothing, leaning against the bartop as your eyes start to travel across the room. A few people mill about that you recognize as regular patrons, but other than that, there's pretty much no one of interest.

Vander snorts and lifts the rag to his shoulder. “We're having our christmas gathering again this year, you should swing by. Just like last christmas, eh?”

A lot has changed for you in the past month, and you've been dreading this coming up. “I... don't know. I don't think so.”

Vander raises an eyebrow. “What do you mean you don't know? Not up to seeing the old gang again?”

“Not exactly,” you murmur, the memory of the breakup is still fresh. It's not that you don't want to see your friends, it's just the idea of seeing Vi again.

You sigh, running a hand through your hair. “It's not that, I just... things have changed, especially recently. I don't want to... accidentally make things awkward or something.”

Vander shakes his head and it almost seems like he's laughing at you. “Why would it be awkward?”

“I don't know…” You sigh, your shoulders slumping in resignation. “Nevermind it, I'm going.”

Your words get a smirk out of Vander, and he reaches over to poke your arm. “That's what I like to hear,” he gives you a wink, folding his arms across his chest. “You better show up or I'll drag you here myself. You know I could.”

“Like I'd let you drag me here, old man—there's no way your back can handle that.”

“Ah, you kids these days have no respect for your elders. You're gonna break my old back and then I'll die,” he pretends to sniffle, making you scoff.

Silco then walks over, looping his arms around Vander's shoulders. The two of them exchange a knowing glance before Silco turns his attention to you. “Look who actually decided to show up.”

Vander laughs as he pats Silco's arm. “Cut the kid some slack. They're just here to have a good time.”

Silco chuckles, his eyes still on you. “So are you coming on Christmas?”

You almost sigh as Silco brings up the party again. You rub at the back of your neck, and just as you're about to answer, Vander beats you to it.

“Yeah, she's coming,” he confirms.

Silco hums, he lifts his arm from off vander, resting it in his hip instead. “Good, I was beginning to think you were going to weasel your way out of it.”

Vander smacks his shoulder. “Lay off, would ya? let the kid breathe.”

Silco relents and waves his hand dismissively. “I'm just saying,” he looks back at you. “We all want you there, you know. It wouldn't be the same without you.”

Hearing them say that makes you feel guilty for even considering not going. You know they mean it. You just hope it won't be too much awkward with Vi there.

Vander nods and smiles. “He's right, you know. Everyone's been asking about you. They'll be happy to have you there.”

“I get it. You don't have to butter me up, old man.”

Vander chuckles, then he glances over his shoulder, gesturing to a small, unassuming box on a nearby table. “Hey, could you grab that little box over there for me?” Silco smirks and nods before moving to get the box, bringing it over and handing it to Vander.

“What's in the box?” you ask.

Vander grins at you, holding the box in his hands. “We're doing a secret santa,” he explains, “and since you’re coming that means you're participating too.”

Your eyebrows raise to your hairline. You'd completely forgotten about the secret santa. You groan in annoyance, running your hands over your face. “I'm still annoyed I got that whoopee cushion from Powder last year.”

“That was a good one. She was so damn proud of herself too, and besides…” Vander pauses, turning to look at you. “You never know, you might get something less annoying this year.” He then holds the box out to you, a smile on his lips.

There's always the possibility you won't get something shitty, but knowing most of your friends... Yeah, that's unlikely.

You look at the box, then up at Vander, sighing. You take the box from him. “I hope you're right, old man.”

Vander chuckles before stepping back to talk to Silco.

You turn the box over in your hands, feeling the weight of it. It's not too heavy, and you almost feel compelled to shake it. But if you do that, you'll probably end up drawing Vander's name, and that's basically cheating.

Sighing, you decide to just bite the bullet. You take the lid off the box, sticking your hand inside. Your fingers rummage around before they eventually close around a folded piece of paper.

You pull out the slip of paper, unfolding it slowly. You glance at the handwriting, then almost roll your eyes.

Of course you got Vi.

Out of all the names you could have drawn, you get the one person you didn't want to get. You could have gotten literally anyone else. Mylo, Claggor, Powder, Silco, or anyone other than Vi. but no, you had to get your ex. Just your luck.

You look at the note again, and the first thought that comes to your mind is...

Well, crap.

You're so focused on the slip of paper in your hands that you don't notice Vander and Silco peeking over your shoulder.

“So, who'd you get?”

Vander's question makes you jump, you quickly stuff the paper into your pocket before they can see who it is.

“No one,” you say, waving your hand to dismiss the question. “It's not important.”

Silco raises an eyebrow. “Then why are you pocketing the paper?”

“It's a secret for a reason.”

Vander and Silco glance at each other, and you can tell they're silently communicating. 

Vander turns back to you a moment later, rubbing his jaw. “A secret, huh? Well, that means whoever you got won't know it's you.”

Silco hums. “That's probably a good thing,” he mumbles.

“That's kind of the point of a secret Santa.”

Vander nods, scratches his beard before his lips turn up in a small smile. “True means you can give them something real nice.”

Silco glances at Vander before looking at you. “Whoever you got is probably going to be very happy when they get their gift.”

You almost snort at Silco's words. Yeah, right. a gift from you? She’ll probably chuck it straight in the trash.

You run a hand through your hair, trying to shake the thoughts of Vi out of your head. You don't know why you're worried about how she'll react. Why care if she'll like the gift? Why care if she's happy with whatever you get her?

The answer is so obvious, but you don't want to admit it even to yourself.

Vander and Silco are still looking at you, and you realize that you have to say something. Any longer and they might figure it out.

You push those thoughts away and force out a small scoff. “If they'll actually like it. I'm not the best with gifts.”

“Oh, I'm sure they will,” Silco says, an almost knowing smirk on his face.

Vander nods. “Just give them something from the heart.”

From the heart, my ass. The only thing you want to give her from the heart is a kick in the ass.

“Because someone's gonna be real happy with something from me.”

Vander and Silco exchange another look again, like they're having an entire conversation without actually saying anything.

You turn away from them, looking out the window. They're probably trying to read your mind, figure out who it is you got. The thought makes your eyes twitch. You don't want them to know. You don't know why, but you really don't want them to know.

“Just do us a favor,” Silco suddenly says, cutting into the silence that had fallen between you. “Try not to stress too hard about it. You'll give yourself gray hairs.”

Vander chuckles at Silco's words, “You'll give us an old heart attack.”

“Ha ha, funny.”

Silco grins at your response. “Well, we're only half-joking.”

Vander's eyes soften. He slaps Silco's shoulder to get him to shut up. “What he means is, you overthink too much,” Vander adds.

You almost huff. Yeah, so what if you overthink? It's a normal thing to do. especially in situations like this, where you're stuck with the one person you don't want to be.

Why keep thinking about her? You need to stop obsessing over her. She made her choice, and it wasn't you.

You run your fingers to your face, trying to think of something else to distract yourself. It's not like you don't know what you want to get Vi. You just don't know if you should get it.

“I don't overthink,” you grumble, shifting your weight on your feet. 

“Oh yes, you do.”

And they're both right about that.. You can't even count how many times you've paced around your apartment, replaying every interaction you had with Vi over and over again in your head. Every word, every touch, and every look. All of it, it's like your brain refuses to let you forget.

You've spent countless nights trying to figure out where you went wrong. What you could have done differently if there was something you could have changed. All of that, just because of one person who tossed you aside without a second thought.

“Listen,” Silco suddenly says, snapping you out of your thoughts. You look over at him as he stands up straight, a smirk spreads across his lips. “You're going to drive yourself crazy thinking about something that hasn't even happened yet.”

“He's right,” Vander gives you a look before continuing. “And for the love of God, stop overthinking.”

If only it were that simple. If only you could just switch off your brain and stop thinking about everything.

But you know damn well you can't do that. Your thoughts are as uncontrollable as the weather, and right now, they're a mess.

You take a deep breath, trying to calm your thoughts.

“I should probably go,” you mutter, and the two men nod. Vander pats you on the back as you start for the door.

“Same place, eh?’ he calls after you.

“Don't think too hard, kid,” Silco adds.

You give them both a small nod as you exit the bar, shutting the door behind you.

Christmas is going to be one hell of a mess this year, you can feel it.

Now all you have to do is figure out how the hell you're going to deal with it.

—

You're standing outside of Vander and Silco’s house, the weight of the present in your hands suddenly feeling a thousand times heavier.

You've replayed this moment in your head countless times, but now that it's happening for real, you're not sure if you're ready.

Christmas music drifts out of the house, it's a familiar tune that you've heard a million times.

You push down the anxiety gnawing at your stomach. You shouldn't be feeling so nervous, it's just a gift. Just a present for a secret santa.

But this isn't just anyone, this is Vi. The one person who you didn't want to get. The one person who broke things off without a second thought.

Stop thinking about this. It's just one night. one stupid night, and then it will be over. You can get through this, you can handle being around Vi for one Christmas. No more thinking about her. No more wondering where you went wrong or if you could have done something to change things. Just get through the night and forget about her.

You take another deep breath, straighten up, and square your shoulders. Then, in one moment, you push open the doors to their house and walk inside.

Your eyes search the room, looking for that familiar pink hair. But you don't see her. Your shoulders relax a little. Maybe she's not here yet. That'll give you a few minutes to brace yourself. No one is around right now, probably in their rooms or preparing for the dinner. 

You were so distracted by looking around that you didn't realize someone was standing right behind you until they grabbed you and spun you around. Your eyes meet their powder blue ones, and your mouth suddenly goes dry.

“What the hell are you doing here?”

“Woah, hey-” you stumble over your words.

“Don't 'woah hey' me,” she snaps, her grip tightening on your arm.

Vander's deep voice cut in before you could even speak. “You've actually came.”

You feel her look away from you, her hand finally falling from your arm. As soon as it does, you rub the skin where she grabbed you.

Vander looks between the two of you and says, “Hand me the gift, kid. I'll put it there.” He gestures towards a christmas tree where the gifts are already sitting underneath.

You quickly hold the present out for him to take.

He takes it before giving both of you another look. “Go easy with your girlfriend, eh?”

You freeze, your heart stopping as his words register. Your eyes widen as you slowly turn your head to look at Vi.

Girlfriend?

“I will.” Before you can even process what's happening, you're being pulled outside.

You yank your arm back from Vi, quickly putting some distance between the two of you. “What's your problem?”

She spins around and scoffs, looking you up and down. “I should be asking you that. What the hell are you doing here?”

“Vander invited me. He asked me to come.”

“Then you should've said no.”

“Wow? just wow.” You take a deep breath, trying to stay calm. “I know that things didn't go well between us, but you don't get to push me out of this family. They're my family too, and Vander invited me here to celebrate. I have as much right to be here as you do.”

You refuse to break eye contact with her. “You can ignore me all you want, but you don't get to decide how I'm allowed to spend my Christmas. If you want to keep acting like this, fine. Ignore me, pretend I don't exist, just like you've been doing for the past months.”

Vi lets out a laugh, rubbing a hand on her forehead. “They do not know.”

You blink at her. “What do you mean?”

She looks over at the entrance and says, “They all think we're still together.”

Your eyes widen. “What?” you almost shout. “Why the hell would they think that?”

“Because I didn't tell them,” she scoffs. “Every time I talk to them, they ask me how you are. Silco and Vander keep making comments about how we make a cute couple. They still think we're together.”

“Why the hell didn't you tell them?” you glare at her. “Were you ever going to?”

“I don't know,” she retorts, throwing her arms up. “They're all so happy about us being together.”

“That's such bullshit,” you snap at her. “That's such a crappy excuse! You should be the one to tell them we broke up.”

She looks away, planting her arm on her hips. “Don't you think I know that?” she shoots back. “It's not that simple. I can't just rip off the bandage like that.”

“Is that it? You’re scared that they'll know?”

“Don’t act like you don’t know how Silco and Vander can get.”

“I know how they get,” you snap back at her. “You’re just too much of a pussycat to face them and tell them the truth.”

Her expression hardens, and her jaw clenches. “Look who's talking. You can't even say no to a little family gathering, but here you are.”

“Don't even start. I didn't come here because I wanted to see you. I came for the family, not for you.”

“As if I wanted to see you either. The last thing I wanted was to have to deal with you all night.”

You look her right in the eye. “Fine, you know what? I'll go tell them right now that we broke up. They deserve to know.”

She grabs your wrist before you can take a step towards the door. “Wait”

You look down at her hand, then back up at her. “What?”

“Don't,” she says through gritted teeth. “Just... don't tell them yet.”

You scoff, ripping your arm away from her grip. “Why the hell not? So they can keep thinking we're still together?”

“Just don't tell them tonight. Can you just give me until after Christmas?”

“Why are you still dragging this out? What difference does it make if we wait till then or do it now?”

“Because it's fucking christmas!” she snaps before dropping her gaze. “Look, it's the holidays. I just... I don't want to ruin Christmas. They've all been looking forward to all of us celebrating together. I don't want to ruin it by spoiling the fun.”

“Wait—let me get this straight. You want to fake it this christmas? Pretend we're still a happy couple?”

She's quiet again. “Yeah,” she whispers, looking down. “Yeah, that's what I'm asking.”

“You’re unbelievable, Vi.” You take a deep breath, trying to keep yourself together. “Do you know how ridiculous that sounds? You're asking me to pretend like we're still together, to pretend that nothing has changed.”

“It's just one day,” she mumbles. “One day, that's all I'm asking for. We can tell them anytime after that, just not tonight, please.”

She even says please. Something about the way she says it makes your heart ache.

She looks desperate, like this really means something to her. Who are you kidding? Of course, this means something to her. 

They're her family, they're important to her. And on Christmas, all they want is for everything to be perfect. perfect food, perfect presents, and perfect couples.

You hate the way she's looking at you with those soft, pleading eyes. She always looks at you like that when she wants something, and you always give in. She does it subconsciously, knowing how to get exactly what she wants. And damn it, it works.

“Fine,” you mutter through clenched teeth. “You've got your damned wish.”

And there it is. There's the look you've been waiting for. That look of relief that comes to her eyes.

You hate that look. You hate how your heart flutters when she looks like that. You hate it so much.

“Yeah?”

“Yes, you've got me for tonight. I'll pretend like we're still together. Happy now?”

There's a flicker of a smile on her face, something quick that's gone before you can even register. “Yeah, thank you.”

She looks away again. Silence falls between the two of you as you shift awkwardly.

This is gonna be a long night.

You let out a sigh, watching as she keeps her focus on the floor. This is so damn awkward.

And it's your own fault for agreeing to this nonsense. There's no way this night doesn't end up being a goddamn catastrophe.

You would give anything to just disappear right now.

Powder's voice snaps you out of your thoughts. Peeking her head out of the doorway, looking at the two of you. “Hey, you two. It’s cold out there, get your asses in here.”

You look at Vi, waiting for a sign of acknowledgment.

She slowly glances up, her gaze meeting yours. “Come on,” she murmurs, holding out her hand.

Taking a deep breath, you take her hand in yours.

You've held her hand so many times before—more times than you can count. Holding her hand used to be nothing, but now it feels so odd. Almost awkward.

But she doesn't seem to notice how out of place it feels. She slowly leads you towards the door, squeezing your hand as she pulls you along.

“How are my favorite love birds doing?” Mylo's voice greets you as you both enter.

He slings a casual arm over your shoulders, leaning on your shoulder to get a better look at you. “It's about time you two showed up. I thought for sure you were just gonna keep making out in a corner somewhere.”

It takes everything you have not to elbow him in the stomach. Instead, you keep a neutral expression and chuckle awkwardly, “Yeah, you know us. Can't keep our hands off of each other.”

“You two are sickeningly in love, it's really cute, actually.”

Your eye twitches, and you bite the inside of your cheek.

“Yeah, we're very in love,” Vi says, and you can tell she's trying not to roll her eyes.

Mylo claps you on the shoulder before releasing you. “Well then, I'm going to go find myself some eggnog,” he leaves towards the kitchen, whistling to himself as he goes.

You turn to look at Vi, and you almost feel a twinge of hatred towards the way she so casually holds your hand, like nothing is wrong.

“Are you okay?”

Her voice brings you back to reality, and suddenly you're all too aware of how hard you're clenching your jaw and the fact that you're basically just glowering at the floor with a storm cloud over your head.

You raise your eyes to meet with hers, and you have to force yourself to release some of the tension. “Yeah, fine,” you mutter. “just cold”

It's a lie, obviously. It's not cold at all. Vander always keeps the place nice and warm.

Not even she's dumb enough to fall for that. She glances around, clearly noticing how you're not really hiding your feelings well.

She runs her thumb over the back of your hand. It's an innocent gesture, one that you've seen dozens of times before. It's not meant to be anything special, it never was. And yet, it still makes your heart skip a beat. 

You have absolutely no idea how you're going to get through this night with both your sanity and your heart still intact.

“Okay,” she finally says, “can you stop clenching your jaw so hard? you look like you're trying to grind your teeth down to the bone. I know this isn't the ideal situation, but please don't go around looking like you want to kill everyone in this room.”

Her fingers squeeze your hand, and you realize just how tightly you're holding her hand in yours. Your knuckles are white, and your fingers are probably digging into her skin.

Gritting your teeth, you loosen your grip. 

“There, that's better.” She lets out a quiet breath. “Please try and just relax for a bit. This is going to be hellish already, so I at least need you to not look like you hate me every second we're in here.”

You let out a frustrated huff, looking away from her. “Please don't act like you care.”

“I'm not acting like I care,” she says, a tone just loud enough for only you to hear. “I do care, and that's the problem.”

Of course she has to say something like that right now. Of course she has to hit where it hurts the most.

Care? care about what? about you? about what she put you through, how she broke your heart?

You open your mouth, but your response dies in your throat. You have no idea how to respond to that.

A loud shout interrupts your thoughts, and you both turn around. “Oi! Time for dinner!” Powder yells from the doorway into the kitchen.

Vi mutters under her breath, “finally.”

Powder grins as she waves you both over. “Hurry up or Vander will eat everything and complain about his bad back afterwards.”

“We're coming,” Vi calls back.

The two of you head towards the kitchen. There's a long table in the middle of the room, covered in a red and green tablecloth. Everyone is already crowded around the table, taking their seats as you two enter the room. Vander is at the head of one of the tables, Silco seated beside him. Mylo and Claggor are chatting amongst themselves as Powder takes her seat beside Claggor.

Vi looks at the seating arrangement and sighs, realizing what's about to happen. She pulls you over to the table and sits down, pulling you down into the seat right next to her.

After a few moments, everyone quiets down and turns their attention to Silco.

Silco places his hands together. “It's good to see everyone together like this today. I am thankful that we are all here, safe and healthy.” He glances around the room in a quick survey, seeming to count everyone's attendance. “And what better time to be together than the holidays?”

Powder lets out a huff. “Can we just eat? I'm starving.” 

Silco raises his hand for Powder to stay quiet. “Patience, Pow. First, let's do something a bit… different.”

Mylo and Claggor glance at each other in confusion. “Different?” Mylo repeats.

“Indeed,” Silco replies. “Instead of just diving into our meal, I thought it would be nice if we all took a moment to share a few words about what we are thankful for this year.”

“We're really gonna do this?”

Claggor nudges him. “Be polite, Mylo.”

“He's right, though,” Powder chimes in.

Silco raises an eyebrow at them both. “Is it really such a hassle to express gratitude at the end of the year?”

Mylo and Powder grumble something under their breaths.

Claggor is the first one to respond. “I think it's a fine idea.”

“Thank you, Claggor,” Silco replies, “I'm glad we have at least one cooperative person here.”

After a moment of silence, Vander speaks. “Alright, then I'll go first... I am grateful for my family,” he says as he looks around the room, taking in the faces before him. “I am thankful for my health, for my business, and most of all, that everyone is still here with me and safe.”

“That's so soft,” Powder mutters, but everyone ignores her.

Vander turns his head and looks directly at Silco, as if he's saying something that's meant to be for Silco's ears only, though everyone can clearly hear. “I'm also thankful for you, Sil,” he adds, the corner of his mouth twitching in a knowing smile.

You're not sure if you're the only one who noticed, but that comment definitely seemed personal and almost a little out of place.

He collects himself quickly and nods at Vander, seemingly not quite sure of what to say. “Thank you, Vander.” 

Silco clears his throat and composes himself, turning his gaze to Powder. “How about you, Pow? Any words of gratitude?”

Powder groans, slouching back in her seat like a child who's been forced to eat her vegetables. “I swear, if you make me say something corny-”

Mylo leans over the table to look at her sister. “Say something nice for once, or you're not getting dessert.”

“Ugh, fine. I am thankful for…” she looks around the room. “I'm thankful everyone's here and we're all... whatever, happy and healthy or something like that,” she mumbles.

“I'll take whatever I can get,” Silco mutters before turning his attention to Claggor. “What about you, Claggor?”

Claggor seems to be taking a moment to think, like he's actually putting effort into what he will say. “I'm grateful for…” his eyes are almost unfocused as he thinks. After a moment, he glances up to look at Vander. “I'm grateful for the family I have here.”

Vander gives him a warm look in response.

Everyone's gaze turns to Mylo, expecting him to go next.

He fidgets anxiously, shifting in his seat as he glances around the room. “What am I supposed to say?...er, fine... My whole life's a mess, but...at least all you idiots are here to make my life more miserable.”

“We love you too, Mylo” Powder teases. “Real touching. I think I might cry.”

Mylo throws a glare in her direction. “Shut up.”

Silco glances at Vi, his gaze lingering as he waits for Vi to speak.

“I'm thankful for…” her voice is a bit quieter than usual, more hesitant. She glances at you before continuing. “I'm... thankful for the people I have in my life.”

Everyone's gaze settles on you next, waiting for you to say something. “Well, I... I guess I'm thankful to be able to still participate in this family gathering, even if I haven't seen everyone in a while.” You take a look at Vi before moving on. “Hopefully I can still be here and spend Christmas with all of you next year too.”

She holds your gaze for a moment, almost as if she's processing what you just said… and then, unexpectedly, a smile tugs at the corner of her lips.

It's a subtle change, barely noticeable, but you see it. and just seeing her smile, even a small one like that, has butterflies filling your stomach. It's been so long since you've seen her smile like that. A part of you misses it, a part of you yearns to see it more often.

She quickly looks away, and you notice that her cheeks have turned a light shade of pink.

“There, we all said our little cheesy bullshit,” Powder says, clearly getting impatient.

Silco turns to Powder, his expression disapproving. “Language, Pow,” he reminds. 

Vander sighs. “Yes, Powder, mind your language” he adds, earning a mock-offended look from Powder.

“Like you don't swear all the time.”

“I do not swear all the time, Pow,” he protests, although you know it's a lie. Even the most proper and upstanding people swear, and Vander is definitely not that.

“Yeah, yeah, sure.”

Vander huffs but chooses not to add anything. Silco lets out a dry cough to redirect everyone's attention. “Right, now that that's over, let's go ahead and eat, shall we?” Silco says, as if the whole moment of gratitude never happened..

“Finally,” Mylo grumbles, “I was starting to wonder if you forgot about why we all gathered here.”

Silco gives him a look. “Patience is a virtue, Mylo.”

“We've all been patient for the last hour, so spare me.”

Claggor lets out a little sigh, but thankfully Mylo and Powder seem to settle into silence for the time being.

Silco nods in approval. “Then, shall we begin?”

Vander gets up from his seat, moving to go grab the food.

Powder and Mylo look at Vander expectantly, and they both look like they're about to get out of their seats. Silco gives them a warning look, silencing them before they can get a word out. “Wait until everything is ready.”

They both grumble, but they obediently sit back down. They're impatient, sure, but they at least know better than to piss off Silco.

Vander returns a moment later, setting a platter filled with food on the table. It looks delicious, and the smell is mouthwatering. Your stomach growls a little, reminding you of how hungry you are.

Powder and Mylo are practically drooling, and you honestly wouldn't be surprised if they lunged for the food the moment Silco gave the word.

Thankfully, he doesn't give them any chance. He simply says, “Please, help yourselves,” and Silco has to gesture for them to wait.

They almost get up and move to the table, and they're clearly resisting the temptation to shove each other to try and get to the food faster.

Mylo lets out a curse, and Jinx giggles in response. Vi stands up and grabs both of them, grabbing onto their shoulders and holding them back from each other.

“Enough, you two,” she scolds, “there's plenty of food for everyone. Chill out.”

They look at her with expressions that clearly are saying, 'no, we're hungry'. Powder lets out a huff, and Mylo looks like he's one more remark away from shoving her sister.

Vi's expression sharpens, her eyes boring into Mylo and Powder. “No, quit the bullshit, you can wait a few minutes, and if you two can't act like adults about it, neither of you are getting any.”

Mylo immediately shuts up at that, his expression turning slightly more guilty. Powder just looks like she's about to protest, a pout forming on her face. Vi glares at Powder to shush her as well.

“Just quit it,” she says. “You can wait, the food will taste better if you don't shove it all down your throats like dogs.”

“Fine, we'll wait,” she grumbles.

Mylo just nods with a pout, staying quiet.

Vi seems to notice their looks, and she rolls her eyes, staying put just in case. She seems wary as she watches Powder and Mylo, her eyes switching from them to the food on the table.

And sure enough, the moment Silco gestures for everyone to get their food, Powder and Mylo are gone, rushing to claim their plates.

Claggor lets out a sigh as Powder and Mylo shove each other for their own plates. No one says anything though, they're all just used to it. This is just how Powder and Mylo are, and they've come to accept it. Vi doesn't even seem as bothered as everyone else does. 

Mylo seems like he's really close to just pushing Powder to the side and snatching up the slice he wants, and Powder doesn't look any better. Honestly, if Vi didn't step in, there was a chance they'd start throwing punches.

And judging from how the others' looks, especially Silco, they look like they're expecting this. 

It's like this is all completely normal, they know to expect this kind of behavior when food, and more importantly, free food, is involved.

Powder and Mylo finally settle down after their little fight, and they finally begin digging into the food.

Mylo is practically shoving it into his face, eating it like he's been starved for weeks. Powder isn't any better, although at least she's not making a complete mess.

Claggor is significantly slower when it comes to eating, choosing to take his time as he slowly eats as opposed to just shoving the food into his mouth.

Vander eats at a decent pace, and he doesn't seem as starving like Mylo is.

The last one to begin eating is Silco, and surprisingly enough, there's a smile on his face. He takes one look at how Mylo and Powder are chowing down on their food, then he turns his gaze and looks at you, as if silently asking if you're going to eat.

You take the hint, and you decide to dig into your own food. The food is delicious, and you can't blame Mylo and Powder for basically trying to swallow their food whole.

Vi also begins eating now that everyone's settled down.

Vander lets out a laugh, his eyes crinkling up at the corners. “Slow down a little, you two, the food isn't going anywhere.”

Mylo and Powder both raise their heads at that, and they both look like they're considering it for a moment... but they immediately go back to shoving food down their throats.

Claggor shakes his head as he watches them eat. “You'd think they'd never seen a Christmas dinner before.”

“You know them, they would scarf down all the food in town if they could.”

Powder glances up at that, a small pout forming on her lips. “Hey, it's not our fault we're just starving.”

Mylo nods in agreement, his mouth too full to say anything.

“You both just had eaten before this,” Claggor counters.

Mylo swallows whatever food is in his mouth long enough to argue with Claggor. “And that was hours ago.”

“Yeah,” Powder agrees, “it was practically an eternity since we ate.”

“Two hours is not an eternity,” Claggor retorts. 

“It might as well be,” Powder counters.

Despite the bickering and arguing the dinner feels oddly... domestic, almost.

Claggor looks like the responsible and mature oldest sibling who's done with his siblings nonsense, Vander almost acts like a tired parent, Silco acts more like a stern aunt, and Powder and Mylo act like rowdy kids who are constantly at each other's throats.

Vi sits next to you. She's making sarcastic comments with Silco, laughing at Powder’s jokes, and making small talk with Claggor. She even gives Mylo an unimpressed glare when he tries to snatch all the bread for himself.

It's almost like you're both back to normal. The way she's acting makes your heart ache. She's giving you all the attention a partner would give.

She gives you fond smiles whenever you make a comment, she casually slides an arm around your shoulders, she even scoots her chair a little closer to yours.

Her eyes are soft, her voice is soft, whenever you look at her, she looks back with this almost affectionate look.

It's so normal, that it almost takes you back to your relationship and how you two were before the breakup.

She's even doing little things, like leaning closer to you, letting a hand rest on your thigh, even discreetly grabbing your hand and intertwining your fingers with hers under the table.

You want to hold her tight and never let her go, but your brain keeps reminding you. You two aren't together anymore.

But when you look at her, when she looks at you with that look in her eyes, everything goes quiet. 

Maybe it could work this time.

Maybe you two could just bury the hatchet and move on.

Maybe things could work between you two if you try it out again.

Then you remember the fights, the nights you spent on your bed, crying while Vi was out with friends. You remember how she treated you after the breakup—how she tossed you aside like discarded trash.

You try to ignore it, push it to the back of your head. But it's so hard when Vi sits next to you, close enough for you to catch the scent of her perfume. She smells like cigarettes and leather, something that's so her.

You're so focused on trying to stop yourself from touching her or even getting closer that you're almost surprised when she suddenly leans her head against your shoulder.

She doesn't say anything, just leans against you.

She's so close. She's pressed against your side, her shoulder against your shoulder, her head against yours, her hand on your thigh.

You notice her scent again, now stronger.

Her hair brushes against your neck, the way you can feel the warmth of her body, and the way her thumb draws little circles into your thigh.

She's so close, and yet you want her even closer.

You want to run your hands through her hair, you want to nuzzle your face into her shoulder, you want to feel her hands roaming your body.

You just want her.

Your thoughts are suddenly interrupted by Powder, her question pulling you out of your head. “It's been a while since we've seen you two together,” she says, her mouth still full of food.

Claggor shoots Powder a look. “Powder-”

“Shush, I'm just wondering,” she argues, shrugging casually, “has she been avoiding you?”

“No,” you say before anyone can say anything. “We just... haven't had time to schedule any dates, that's all.”

“For months? Haven't had time to schedule a single date for months?”

“Life gets busy, y’know,” you reply, trying to sound nonchalant.

Mylo scoffs at that. “You two are dating, the least you could do is at least manage one date a month.”

Claggor smacks him over the head. Mylo grumbles and rubs the back of his head, shooting his brother a glare. “What? it's true,” he mutters. “We just kind of... we all miss you.”

Vander gives Mylo a disapproving glare. “What Mylo means is, your presence has been sorely missed around here.”

“We all just... we just want you around more,” Powder puts in her two cents, speaking around a mouthful of food again.

You cast a sidelong glance at Vi. You and her are putting up a pretty good facade so far, but Mylo's question seemed to have put her on the spot a little. She catches your glance, and you give her a look that says, just play along. Vi sighs, her hand squeezing your thigh.

“Look, I-” she glances around the table, meeting everyone's eyes before sighing and putting on the most believable expression. “I know we haven't been as... present as we should have been for the past few months. Work just got really hectic.”

“That's true,” you back her up with a nod. “I had to travel away for a business trip a few weeks ago, so it's been pretty hard to find time to spend together.”

Vander, Silco, and Powder all nod in understanding. They're aware of the fact that you have a job in a big city, so it's not an unbelievable explanation.

Mylo, however, snorts and crosses his arms. “You don't have to feed us some lame excuse for not hanging out with us.”

Claggor gives Mylo another smack. “Would you shut up already?”

“Ow!” Mylo grumbles as he rubs his head again, shooting Claggor a dirty look.

Vander sighs. “Regardless, it's good to have you here for Christmas this time.”

Everyone nods and agrees. Powder grins at you, Silco shoots you a small almost-smile, and Claggor and Vander both look genuinely pleased to have you here.

All eyes then land on Mylo, and he shrugs again, mumbling, “I guess it is good to have you here.”

“See, it's a christmas miracle, Mylo isn't being a little prick for once,” Powder teases.

Mylo scowls at her. “Hey, I'm never a little prick-”

“Bullshit.”

Mylo just grumbles again, his eyes narrowing at Powder. “I just think that-”

“Nobody cares what you think,” Powder interrupts again.

That just causes Claggor, Vander, and Silco to laugh. Vi snorts next to you, squeezing your thigh.

The conversation soon changes to talking about old childhood holiday memories.

Mylo tells a story about him stealing Silco's secret chocolate stash when he was twelve. Silco scowls at the memory, but there's a hint of a smile at the corner of his mouth.

Powder tells a story about the time she accidentally burned the back of Vander's hair with a roman candle. Vander laughs and shakes his head at the memory.

At some point, Claggor chimes in to tell a story about a time he and Mylo accidentally broke a window during a snowball fight. Even Mylo himself laughs at that one.

There's lighthearted banter, friendly jabs, and just a lot of laughter in between. This, this is what it should have been like from the beginning. It reminds you of the way it used to be when you were all younger, but still has a different air to it. In a way, it's almost better than those old days. Everyone's grown, but there's still that same energy that always connected you all as a family... it just feels fuller.

You don't know if it's just the christmas lights playing tricks on your mind, but you swear you can almost see the faintest tearful sheen in Vander's eyes. He's almost always had a bit of parental pride and love toward all of you, but seeing you all sitting here together, happy... damn, it must bring back a lot of memories for him.

Silco even looks slightly less grumpy than usual, his mouth twisting into a barely visible smile as the rest of the table continues talking. Yeah, this is how christmas should be…

It almost makes you forget that all of this is fake, almost makes you forget why you and Vi aren't together anymore. It's almost like just for tonight, you can pretend like things are back to how they used to be.

But you know this will not last. When everything is said and done, when christmas night is over and you're all saying your goodbyes, you have no doubt in your mind that you and Vi will go your separate ways again.

You glance at her, taking in the sight of her laughing with the rest. Her eyes are bright, her smile is big, and her entire face lights up with joy. 

You bite the inside of your cheek, forcing your heart to quiet. 

Vi must notice you looking, because she glances over at you. She's looking at you with that look again. You recognize it so easily.

That look... that damn look she's giving you again. The look that makes your heart stutter against your ribs, the look that makes your stomach twist into knots. It's a look that almost makes you want to lean forward and kiss her.

You almost give into your urges. You almost reach out and push a stray strand of hair out of her face, you almost do something to kiss her, almost.

But you don't, you can't. That would spoil the whole 'still dating' facade, and besides.... you have boundaries.

You give her a little nod, offering a small smile, and you almost swear that you see disappointment flash across her eyes.

She looks like she wants to say something, her hand tightening over your knee again, but she seems to change her mind and just smiles back.

Maybe it's just a figment of your own imagination, you think to yourself. Maybe it was a trick of the light or something.

Claggor reaches over to grab something from the middle of the table, and Silco clears his throat. “How about you two?” he says it casually, like he's just making small talk, but there's a hint of concern in his voice. “Any... any problems between the two of you lately?”

You and Vi both sit up straighter. “Problems...?” Vi repeats.

Silco just shrugs, playing it casual. “I don't know, I'm just wondering... a lot of couples who have been together for as long as the two of you have.” He trails off, but everyone at the table knows the implications.

Mylo grumbles under his breath. “I swear, if you start talking about how high the divorce rate is—” Claggor elbows Mylo, and he shuts up.

Silco just chuckles. “Oh, I'm sure you two can last.”

Powder rolls her eyes. “These two have been together since forever. You guys were like... practically attached at the hip, from day one.”

“Yeah, we were like that, weren't we?” Vi looks back at you.

“Yeah,” you say with a casualness you don't feel. “Yeah, we were.”

Silco hums. “I remember when you two first started dating.”

“Oh, do you remember that?” Vander says, looking at Silco. “I remember the two of them coming to me the day they decided they were going to be official.”

Claggor nods. “Yeah, and they were so... so mushy. All 'you're mine' and 'we're never going to break up,” he puts on a mock high-pitched voice, imitating you and Vi

“That was the worst,” Powder groans, shoving food into her mouth.

Mylo grins and elbows Claggor. “How many times did you have to stop them from making out all over the bar again?”

“Way too many times.”

“By the way,” Mylo says. “You two aren't doing anything for new years, are you?”

You and Vi exchange glances. “..we haven't made plans yet,” you say slowly, trying to think of excuses.

“Oh, you should come join us then,” Mylo says, leaning back and stretching his arms. “All of us are getting hammered down here for new years, you two should come.”

“Yeah, it'll be fun!” Powder pipes up, eyes lighting up. “You guys will come, won't you? promise you'll come.”

You open your mouth, trying to wrack your brain for excuses, but before you can say anything-

“Of course we'll come.”

You turn to look at Vi, and she just gives you a shrug.

Mylo grins. “Good, good! That'll be fun,” he sits up and points a finger at you both. “I swear, the two of you used to be so much fun at parties, it's like you both went boring when you got older.”

“Hey, just cause we're getting old doesn't mean we suddenly became party poopers,” Vi says defensively. “We're still fun.”

Mylo cackles. “Are you now? I never see you two do anything anymore,” he leans back in his seat. “Ever since you got that fancy shmancy job, you've been too busy to have any fun.”

“We know how to have fun, we have—” you pause, trying to think of the word, “responsibilities now. responsibilities that a certain someone is too dumb to understand.”

“I understand responsibilities, but I understand the concept that if you don't get wasted while you're young, then you'll wake up at forty, old and boring,” he says, looking at Silco and Vander. “And I want to make the most out of my young and reckless years. Meanwhile, you've already turned into an old, boring fart.”

You scowl at that, but Silco interrupts before you can respond. “Don't knock on old farts just yet. Some of us are old and still know how to have fun.”

“Yeah,” Vander chimes in, nodding his head. “Just because we're old doesn't mean we don't know how to have a good time.”

Mylo rolls his eyes and waves a hand. “Yeah, yeah, you old farts can still have fun. You just don't know how to have real fun anymore.” Mylo then pouts. “I just... I miss how it used to be, you know?” he sighs, resting his chin in his hand. “Before all that adult crap, when things were easier.”

“Easier,” Powder mutters, poking at the remains of her food. “Yeah, when we were broke and always hungry, real easy.”

Mylo reaches over and flicks her arm. “Easy doesn't always mean money, you dumbass.”

Powder scowls and smacks his arm back. “Don't call me a dumbass, you dumbass.”

“Then don't be a dumbass,” Mylo snaps back, smacking her again.

Powder smacks him again, harder. “Don't you dare call me a dumbass again.”

Before they can start another childish argument, Silco's voice cuts in. “Enough you two," he says, and they immediately grumble and fall quiet.

“Honestly, I sometimes wonder how the two of you aren't still in high school,” Vander mutters under his breath.

“That's an insult to high schoolers, they're more mature than those two,” Claggor jokes, earning him a smack to the head from both Powder and Mylo.

He yells and puts his hands up in surrender, “ow ow ow, ok ok! don't hurt me!”

Jinx and Mylo laugh, while Silco shakes his head. “See what I mean? Children.”

“And they both insist they're mature enough to be out in the real world, independent and capable,” Vander says, while Silco chuckles.

“They're still just as chaotic now as they were in high school,” Silco says dryly. “Nothing has changed.”

Powder and Mylo both glare at him. “Really? like you two were that much better in high school,” she grumbles.

Silco raises an eyebrow at that. “We certainly weren't as immature as some people,” he says pointedly.

“You guys were probably just as bad as us, you just don't remember."

There's a pause, and Silco and Vander exchange glances before Silco snorts. He tries to bite back a laugh, but it comes out anyway, causing Vander to burst out laughing as well.

“I can't-” Vander wheezes between laughs. “I can't believe... you actually…”

Silco doubles over, laughing even harder. After a moment, he manages to gasp out a few words. “Oh, if you only... if you only knew…”

Powder and Mylo exchange confused glances, while Claggor tilts his head. “What? what happened? what's so funny?”

The laughter finally dies down as Silco composes himself enough to speak. “Nothing, it's nothing,” he says, waving a hand.

“All right, all right,” Vander looks around the table. “I think most of us are done eating. Who wants to help with the dishes?”

There's a collective groan from the rest of the table. No one likes doing dishes.

Powder and Mylo immediately groan out a “not it,” and Claggor follows up with “You all know I'm terrible at dishes-”

“Don't look at me either,” Silco grumbles. Vander just sighs and shakes his head.

and that just leaves you and Vi... great, just great.

You're about to argue as well, anything to get out of being stuck in the kitchen with Vi, but she beats you to it. “Yeah, we'll do it,” she says, before you can even open your mouth.

“Oh, I-” you pause for a moment. You had been fully intending to dodge the chore, but now you can't without looking like an ass and leaving her alone to do dishes.

Vi stands up and picks up the nearest stack of dirty dishes, balancing them on her arms as she turns to you. She shoots you a look, almost like she's daring you to try and weasel out of helping.

You get the hint, shaking your head a little and standing up. This is absolutely the last thing you want to do right now.

You follow her to the kitchen, grabbing a few more dishes along the way.

She holds the kitchen door open for you, and you step into the little kitchen with its small stone countertops and simple appliances. You set the dishes down on the counter near the sink, turning to find Vi already rolling up her sleeves.

She's not looking at you, but when she starts to roll up the left side of her shirt sleeve, you swear you can see her eyes dart over to you for a split second.

You pause, staring at the side of her face. You can't tell if she's... no, you must be imagining things. The light must be playing tricks.

She clears her throat, raising one eyebrow. “What, you're not gonna help?”

“No, no, I am,” you hurriedly say, turning away as you start to roll up your sleeves.

You're not going to look at her. Not at the way her forearm flexes when she reaches down to turn on the water, not at the way she bends over to grab some dish soap, and definitely not at the way her shirt tightens across her shoulders.

Yeah, you're definitely not going to look at her. Not at the way her fingers move when she soaps up the dishes, not the way her biceps flex when she bends her elbow, and especially not at the way her hair falls into her face when she scrubs at a stubborn stain.

Why is she so fit?

You look down at your own hands, watching the water and soap bubble up between your fingers. You start washing another dish, trying your absolute hardest to look anywhere except at her.

The minutes tick by in awkward silence, but eventually, your mind starts to wander. After all, washing dishes is pretty damn boring.

You glance over at her again, out of the corner of your eye, watching the way her shoulder blades shift under her shirt. The fabric of her shirt is stretched taut against her shoulders, and you wonder what she looks like under it if she still has all the same muscles....

Yeah, okay, you really have to stop staring at her.

“Can I ask you a question?”

Well, so much for not looking at her. Your head snaps up at the sound of her voice, and you force yourself to just focus on scrubbing at the glass in your hands. 

“Depends what the question is,” you grumble, shifting a little.

You expect her to ask you something about your current life or something generic. What happened when you were gone, what life was like where you were?

Instead, she asks something completely left-field.

“Do you ever think about us?”

You tense up, the glass in your hands slipping a little in your grip. You were not expecting that question. Hell no, you were literally not expecting that question.

How are you supposed to answer that? yes? no? sometimes?

What was she even expecting to hear? did she want you to say yes, to say that you always thought about her, that you would've come back to her in a heartbeat if you could've? or did she just want to hear you say no, to hear that you moved on, that you had to move on because it was either that or let yourself fall apart?

‘Sometimes’ was definitely not the answer you would've given months ago.

Now, though? you would admit that sometimes, after a rough morning or a particularly lonely night, you'd let yourself think about her. You'd remember those nights you spent in her apartment, on her shitty couch, talking her ear off about everything and nothing, the nights where the two of you would sit on the couch and watch tv, her head resting on your shoulder, and you'd wonder if maybe... just maybe..

You wonder if she thinks about that kind of stuff too, if you cross her mind late at night when she's alone. You wonder if she still thinks about the nights where you would stay in bed together, talking for hours after a particularly good round, your head resting on her chest as she played with your hair, or the mornings where you'd wake up and find her making breakfast for you.

Yeah, you thought about her a lot.

But you couldn't say that to her. You can't tell her that you think about it all the time, about how sometimes you can't fall asleep because you miss the feeling of laying in bed with her, about how you always find your hands searching for her in the middle of the night. No, you absolutely cannot tell her that, no matter how badly you wanted to.

“I used to,” you say instead of letting your thoughts wander any farther. “Not anymore.”

You keep scrubbing, even after there's no longer any more dirt on the glass. Just so you have a reason not to look at her, just so you have a shield from the thoughts you know are brewing in her quiet mind.

She's quiet for a moment, and you can feel her looking at you. Looking at you, reading you, trying to figure out if you're telling the truth or not.

After a few moments, she takes a breath like she's going to speak, but then stops herself. It's something you're all too familiar with. She's overthinking something, that much is obvious. She's trying to pick her words carefully, and damn, you just wish she'd spit it out.

The silence feels like it's been going on for a year, but really, it was only around a minute. Your knuckles are turning white from how tightly you're gripping the glass you're washing, and your shoulders are beginning to ache from how tense you are.

“What about you?” you murmur. “Do you... do you think about us?” You force yourself to look over at her, and you instantly wish you hadn't.

She's not looking at you now, she's not watching you suspiciously or anything like that. No, instead she's looking down, staring at the soapy water, and avoiding eye contact with you.

She's quiet for a second, her hands pausing in their scrubbing. “Yeah,” she finally says, “I do.”

Damn it. Her answer goes straight to your gut and twists deep inside you.

You were absolutely expecting a solid “no”, hell, you were even preparing yourself for a cruel “god, no.”

Anything, anything other than “I do.”

She continues scrubbing at a plate as if she hasn't just turned your world upside down. How are you supposed to react to her answer? do you say something, do you not say something?

“Why?” the question leaves your lips before you can stop yourself.

“Why do you think so?”

You don't say anything, you just shrug your shoulders. You genuinely don't know. You'd just blurted out the question without actually knowing what you wanted the answer to be.

Her eyes linger on yours for a few seconds, and you can't quite read them. She looks like she wants to say something, she looks like she wants to reach out and hold you, and you'd bet real money that if circumstances were different, she would've done exactly that.

Instead, she just averts her gaze back to the sink and lets out a sigh. “I don't know... I just do.”

You go back to scrubbing dishes. It's obvious there are a million things that you want to say, that you need to say.

“Oh,” is all you say in response, and the word hangs in the air awkwardly.

You're both quiet for a few minutes after that. It's quiet, except for the faint music playing in the background and the sounds of dishes clinking against one another.

A few times, you catch yourself glancing over at her, trying to pick up any hint of what she could be thinking, what she might say next. But, every time, she stubbornly keeps her eyes down on the dishes she's scrubbing. It's frustrating, the way she just won't look at you, and what pisses you off most is the fact that you understand why she won't look at you.

You have a feeling that if she were to look at you, if she were to meet your eyes right now, she'd either burst into tears or shove you into a storage closet and kiss you until your lungs burned.

You don't know which one would be worse.

It's so quiet, so awkward. You're both just scrubbing and scrubbing, refusing to look at the other.

Every time she takes a breath, you look over at her, convinced she's about to speak. But, time and time again, she doesn't, and the only sound to come from her is a shaky exhale.

It's maddening.

The sound of Claggor's voice finally breaks the stifling silence, and you let out a breath you didn't know you'd been holding. He peeks his head into the kitchen, grinning widely. “Yo, you two almost done here? Powder is about to get impatient.”

You're thankful for the interruption, and judging by the look on Vi's face, so is she.

“Yeah, we're done,” Vi mutters, glancing up from the dish she's been washing for the last ten minutes.

You dry your hands off on a nearby towel, trying to look unaffected. “We're finished.” 

Claggor grins again, “Thank God, Powder is about to start biting people.” He laughs, then disappears back into the main room.

“That sounds like her,” she says with a chuckle, scrubbing her hands off on a towel.

“Guest we should head out there then,” you murmur, trying to get her to actually look at you.

She hesitates for a second, still running the towel over her hands even though they're no longer wet. She looks down for a moment as if she's contemplating something, then finally lifts her head to look at you.

Her jaw is tense like she's forcing herself to stay quiet. After a few seconds, her features soften a little. “Yeah.”

You want to ask her what she's thinking, you want to ask her why. Instead, you just push the door of the kitchen open and gesture for her to go first.

—

“Now that we've had an amazing dinner, it's time for the best part of the night.”

Everyone gathers around, now sitting either on the couch or on the floor. Powder and Mylo immediately get squished together on the floor. Powder mutters under her breath, “Hey! you're shoving me!”

“Only because you're taking up too much space.”

Vander smiles from his spot on the couch. “Alright! It's time for secret santa. Everyone remembers who they drew, right?”

A group of nods and hums go around as everyone pulls out the slips of paper that have the names they drew.

Vander clasps his hands together. “Good!” he says as he looks around the room, his smile getting wider. “Who wants to go first?”

A few seconds of silence, then Powder’s hand shoots up. As always, she's the most excited one. “me!”

Vander laughs. “Well, look at that, our little girl is so eager. Okay, you can go first, Pow-Pow.”

Powder smiles and scrambles off the floor, almost tripping over herself as she pulls a present from beneath the Christmas tree. She glances down at the tag and grins.

She then scans the room with a giddy smile, then her eyes land on Silco.

She bounds over to him, practically shoving the present into his hands as she sits down on the floor next to his legs. 

Silco smiles faintly as he takes the present. “Alright, let's see what you got me, hm?” He's quiet as he carefully unwraps the present, and Powder watches him who barely contains her excitement.

After a moment, the wrapping paper is set aside, and the present is now fully unwrapped. It's just a little box, though Silco is curious as to what's inside.

He glances at Powder as he takes the lid off the box, looking a little wary. Powder just grins at him. “Go on, open it,” she encourages.

He looks back at the box and, with a little nod, reaches in and pulls out the item inside. He holds it in his hands and looks at it curiously, then looks at Powdr with a raised eyebrow.

She's still grinning, and she looks extremely pleased with herself. Mylo glances over to look and snorts out a laugh. “Would you look at that?”

Silco looks at the item in his hands, then looks at Powder again. “You got me…” he begins, trying to sound unimpressed. “...a little shark plushie?”

Powder nods, her grin getting wider, still very pleased with herself. “Yep!” she exclaims, “I got you a little shark plushie. You like it, right?”

Silco glances at the plushie and then at her again, looking vaguely fond. He carefully sets it down on his lap, then smiles a little.

“I adore it.”

Her grin somehow widens even more. She's clearly happy with herself. Silco chuckles a little under his breath, then looks around. “Who's next?”

Claggor shrugs, raising a hand. “I'll go,” he offers, to which Vander nods.

“Go ahead, Claggs,” he says approvingly.

Claggor gets to his feet from his spot on the floor, then moves to the tree. He crouches down and rummages around, looking for the present with the correct name tag.

A minute passes as a few minutes go by. He eventually stands back up, a small present in his hands. He looks around the room, then his eyes land on Mylo, who's now lying down on the floor and looking very bored.

Claggor moves over to him, tossing the present into his lap. Mylo looks up and catches the present, shooting him a glare. “You couldn't have done that a little nicer?” he complains while sitting up.

Claggor just shrugs and gives him a flat look. “Suck it up,” he tells him bluntly before sitting back down.

Mylo scoffs and begins to unwrap the present, ripping the wrapping paper off carelessly. He tosses the wrapping paper away, then looks down at the present as he tears the box open. He's quiet for a moment, looking at the contents...

..and then he groans, covering his face.

“Oh, come the hell on,” he grumbles, though he sounds more whiny than anything else. He glances up from his hands to give Claggor a withering look.

“Dude, seriously?”

“What?”

Mylo just sighs, shooting the toy in the box with a dismayed look. “Really? a stress ball?”

Claggor shrugs. “I thought it was a good idea,” he says, clearly not bothered by Mylo's unimpressed tone. “And you seem to be lacking a bit in the stress management department.”

“Well, excuse me for being a bit stressed when you're being a dick.”

“See, you need the stress ball. You proved my point right there.”

Mylo just groans and throws his head back. He picks up the stress ball and squeezes it hard. “I hate you.”

Claggor merely grins. “I love you too.”

Mylo mutters something under his breath, too quiet for anyone to hear, then looks up as he addresses the group. “So, who's up next? I'm sure there's some poor sap itching to go.”

Silco raises a hand. “I'll go next,” he offers.

Everyone glances at him, then nods and gestures for him to go. He gets up off the couch and saunters to the tree. He scans the presents beneath it, moving a few aside to find the one he was looking for.

He finally finds it and smirks to himself, grabbing the present and standing up. His eyes sweep over the group, taking in everyone's expressions. He then turns and walks over to Vander, holding the present out to him.

Vander glances at the present, then at Silco, taking the present and curiously giving it a little shake. “What is it?” he asks curiously.

Silco just grins in a vaguely irritating way and sits back down. “Just open it,” he replies, his voice dripping with innocence.

Vander raises an eyebrow but begins to unwrap the present meticulously, occasionally shooting Silco a glance, as if expecting something. He peels away the wrapping paper to reveal a small box, then looks at Silco, his eyes questioning.

Silco simply shrugs and gestures for him to go on. Vander quirks another eyebrow up but opens the box anyway, now a little intrigued.

Then a snort finally escapes him. He's now fighting to hold back laughter.

Mylo sits up suddenly, looking at Vander, then at Silco, curiosity in his eyes. “What? What is it?” he asks eagerly.

Vander doesn't answer for a moment. He's still staring into the box, looking like he can't believe what he's seeing.

He then looks up at Silco. “Please tell me you're joking,” he implores.

Silco's smile widens even more. “I couldn't be more serious,” he replies.

Vander lets out a long, suffering sigh, then digs through the tissue paper and pulls something out of the box.

It's a pair of comically large underwear, one that could practically fit an entire person inside of it.

Vander groans, holding the underwear up and staring at them with slight disgust.

Mylo and Powder both start laughing once they register what the present is. Powder laughs so hard she nearly falls over, clutching her stomach as she howls with laughter.

Vi's eyes widen at the sight of the underwear, her mouth dropping open a little in surprise. As much as it pains her to admit it... she just knows the jokes that Silco is going to start making any minute now.

…and she's right.

“You see, I thought it was a necessary gift.”

“Necessary?” Vander repeats, still holding the underwear up in disbelief.

Silco just nods. “Of course. you're getting old, and as you get older... accidents happen.”

“I'm not that old,” Vander grumbles, though he knows it's probably not the best argument.

Silco smirks, raising a hand and waving it dismissively. “Oh, you know what I mean. Things begin to... fail as you age. I simply wanted to make sure you had a spare pair.”

Mylo is now practically rolling on the floor, clutching his sides. “Oh, my god, I can't breathe—this is—this is gold,” he wheezes. Powder is laughing so hard she's choking, practically coughing her lungs up.

Vander sighs again, looking down at the underwear in his hands. He looks like he wants to throw it into the fire and destroy it right there.

He glances up at Silco, giving him a look that clearly says, 'I will get you back for this'.

Silco leans back against the couch and crosses an ankle over his knee, looking all too pleased with himself. “What? You don't like them? I personally thought they were a good choice.”

Vander opens his mouth to reply, but Powder interrupts him.

“Oh, god,” Powder chokes out, “you should try them on. They'd look perfect on you.”

Vander shoots Powder a glare to kill. “No way in hell,” he mutters firmly, folding his arms and sitting back.

But Powder’s not done. “Come on, just try them on,” she wheezes. “It really would be a look for you.”

Vander turns his glare to Powder, his expression clearly saying, 'I will murder you if you keep talking.'

“No,” he replies through gritted teeth.

Even Silco is starting to look amused.

“Just for a second,” she teases, “come on, just long enough for us to see. We won't even say anything.”

Vander lets out another long, suffering sigh.

He shoots a sneering look at both Silco and Powder. Eventually he lets out an exasperated grumble and stands up, mumbling something under his breath as he heads into the bathroom with the underwear.

Mylo falls back onto the floor, clutching his stomach.

Silco is laughing too, watching as Vander heads to the bathroom to change.

Mylo is dying of laughter, gasping for air in between wheezes. “Holy shit,” he chokes out. “He's really doing it.”

It takes a few minutes, but eventually the bathroom door swings open and Vander exits, looking like he regrets every decision he's made that led him to this.

His face is as red as a tomato as he stomps back over to them in the gigantic underwear.

Mylo and Powder are losing it again, falling over and rolling on the floor with laughter.

Silco is smiling, trying to stifle a laugh. “Oh my,” he says, barely containing his amusement. “They look even better than I imagined,” he comments.

Vander can hardly look anyone in the eye, still red with embarrassment. “I hate you. I hate you all.”

Claggor looks at Silco and Powder, clearly trying not to laugh. “You guys are terrible,” he says, a trace of a smile on his face.

Vi can't hold back her laughter anymore, she's grinning from ear to ear. “You look... perfect,” she comments through a strangled chuckle.

Vander turns his glare on her, still red with embarrassment. “I hate you all,” he repeats, shaking his head.

Powder is still giggling from the floor. “I want pictures,” she wheezes, holding up her phone.

Vander looks like he wants to smack her head off. “Absolutely not. I forbid it,” he snaps, sounding as serious as someone wearing comically large underwear can.

Powder just pouts, lowering her phone. “Oh, come on,” she says with a whine, looking up at Vander with puppy-dog eyes. “Just a few.”

“No, I'm not having pictures of me in these... embarrassing things circulating the internet.”

“The internet? Who said anything about the internet?” she replies, a smirk on her face. “I just meant... a few for my own personal, um, research.”

He opens his mouth to say something, but Silco chimes in first. “Oh, come on. Humor her. It's the season of giving.”

Vander turns his glare to Silco, his expression almost murderous. “There's no way in hell—”

“Pleeeease?” Powder interrupts, holding out her phone again.

Vander looks like he's about to argue, but Powder is already giving him those damn puppy-dog eyes that he struggles to resist.

He hesitates, then, with a grumble, he sighs. “Fine, one picture.”

Powder looks like a kid on Christmas. The instant the word 'picture' leaves Vander's mouth, she leaps to her feet and lifts up her phone.

“Stand up straighter.”

Vander obeys, reluctantly straightening up.

“Say cheese,” she grins.

Vander grumbles under his breath, but he cooperates. “Cheese,” he mutters, putting on a strained smile.

Powder snaps the picture, then lowers her phone and looks at it with a satisfied smile. “Oh yeah, you're getting on the naughty list for this one,” she grins, wiggling the phone a little.

Once the picture-taking is over and Vander changes his clothes back, Silco motions for Powder to settle down.

“Alright, settle down. It's time to continue with the secret Santa,” Silco says, looking at the others.

They all nod in agreement, still snickering but mostly focusing on the present exchange.

“Who wants to go next?” Silco asks, looking around the group.

Mylo looks around, then grins. “My turn.”

Powder rolls her eyes, knowing that look on his face all too well. “Here we go,” she mutters under her breath, preparing herself for whatever nonsense Mylo is about to come up with.

Mylo smirks, holding up his present. “Well, I drew someone's name... and it was a pretty easy choice.” He then looks around the group with mock innocence. “Oh, where's my victim?”

Claggor lets out a defeated sigh. “Who exactly is the unlucky person this year?”

“There's only one person who I could have possibly chosen…”

“Would you just spit it out before the suspense kills me?” Powder snaps, impatient.

Mylo huffs. “Jeez, have some patience,” he grumbles. “Anyway, my secret santa is…”

Vander sighs, looking like he's already regretting this. Claggor puts his head in his hands, bracing himself.

“My secret santa is, drumroll please…” they reluctantly drum their hands against any surface near them.  “My very special secret Santa is…”

Claggor covers his face with his hands, looking like he's praying.

Mylo grins, looking from face to face, savoring the moment before he does the big reveal.

“My secret Santa... is Powder!”

“Fuck!” she groans, burying her head in her hands.

“Aww, what's the matter, Pow?” Mylo grins, holding up the wrapped present.

Powder lets out another groan, glaring up at him. “You're the worst,” she mutters, looking like she's praying to any god out there to just put her out of her misery already.

Mylo grins, clearly getting a kick out of her misfortune. “Come on, don't be like that. It could be worse, I could have gotten you a box of spiders,” Mylo teases, shaking the present in her direction.

Powder looks like she's seriously considering that as a better option. “You know what? Give me the spiders. Spiders would be better than whatever it is you got me.”

“Nice try. You're not getting out of it that easily,” he says, holding the present just out of her reach. “You have to open it, come on.”

Powder grumbles in protest, then reluctantly reaches out for the present. She snatches it out of his hands, shooting him a glare. “If I die from this, I'm going to haunt you for the rest of your life,” she mutters, slowly tearing the wrapping paper.

Then, Powder tears back the last piece of wrapping paper, revealing a plain black box. “What the hell is this?” she mutters, looking like she's already fed up with whatever shenanigans Mylo has come up with.

“You're going to have to open it and see for yourself.”

Powder grumbles, giving Mylo a glare that could freeze hell over. She slowly opens the black box, not sure what to expect.

“Please tell me this is not what I think it is,” she mutters, looking like she's two seconds away from throwing the entire box at Mylo's head.

The others lean in closer, curiosity getting the better of them.

“You did not get me what I think you got me.”

“Oh, you're going to have to be more specific than that,” he replies, trying to hide his smirk.

Powder glares at him, her jaw clenching. “You know what I'm talking about,” she snaps, looking like she's contemplating dumping the contents of the box over his head.

Mylo just shrugs, holding up his hands in mock surrender. “I honestly have no idea what you're talking about.” 

Vander just rubs his face with one hand, knowing that this situation is about to spiral out of control.

“You're telling me,” Powder hisses through clenched teeth, “that you didn't get me exactly what I think you got me?”

“Like I said, you'll have to be a bit more specific,” he responds, looking entirely too smug for his own good.

Powder looks like she's about to explode. “Mylo, I swear to-”

Claggor cuts her off, knowing that she's about to blow her top. “Calm down, Powder,” he says, placing a hand on her shoulder.

“I'll calm down when the box goes straight over his head.”

“Why so angry? I thought you'd be excited.”

“I can't wait to make you eat that box,” she mutters, her hands clenching into fists.

“Oh, I'm so scared.”

Vander interjects, trying to diffuse the tension. “That's enough. No need to start throwing things around.”

“I was just having fun.”

“Yeah, have fun with a black eye.”

“Enough,” Silco says, giving both Powder and Mylo stern looks.

Both Mylo and Powder grumble, reluctantly backing down a bit.

“Can we all just get back to opening presents, please?” Vander asks, sounding exasperated.

The others nod in agreement, though Powder still looks like she's not done with Mylo yet. She glares at him one last time before reluctantly returning to her seat.

Mylo just grins, clearly enjoying having gotten the last word in. He takes his own seat next to Claggor, looking very pleased with himself.

The others exchange glances, silently agreeing to not let Powder and Mylo be too close to each other for the rest of the evening.

Silco clears his throat, getting everyone's attention. “Now, who's next?” he asks, looking around the room.

Vander nods, leaning back in his seat. “I'm up next, I guess,” he mutters. He rummages at the gifts under the Christmas tree. After a few moments of searching, Vander finally finds the present he was looking for. He picks it up, holding it in his lap.

“This one's for you,” he says, handing the present to Claggor.

Claggor takes the present, looking curious. He glances down at it, then looks up at Vander with a soft smile. “Thanks,” he says, starting to unwrap it.

Once the wrapping paper is off, Claggor is holding a box of assorted tools. They range from pliers to wrenches to screwdrivers.

“Just like you requested,”  Vander says, watching as Claggor starts inspecting the tools.

“Wow, these are great. Thanks, dad,” he replies, running a hand over the tools in the box.

Vander smiles, clearly pleased to see that Claggor likes his present. “I thought you'd like them. I saw them at the pawnshop the other day and figured you could use them.”

“I definitely will. These are a huge upgrade compared to what I have now.”

Vander reaches over and pats Claggor on the shoulder. “You deserve it. You've been working your ass off lately.”

Vander looks around the room, looking for the next person to take their turn. “Alright, who's up next?” he asks, eyeing everyone lazily.

Mylo's head suddenly snaps up, a smirk on his face. “Oh goodie, it's Vi's turn.”

“Come on, Vi, your turn,” Silco says, looking a little amused.

“Yeah, yeah. Hold your horses,” she mumbles, getting to her feet and making her way over to the christmas tree.

Vi crouches down, rummaging through the presents. After a few moments, she finally finds the present. She grabs it, standing back up. She looks over at you, looking a little bit like she's been caught doing something she's not supposed to do.

She makes her way over to where you're sitting, holding out the present. “Here, this one's for you,” she mutters, looking a little tense.

You take the present from her, looking down at it. It's heavy in your hands, the wrapping paper slightly crinkled from how hard she was holding it. “Thanks, Vi,” you say, looking up at her.

“Don't mention it, babe,” she mutters, her voice sounding a bit strained.

Powder and Mylo both let out a chorus of ‘aww’ when they heard her use the nickname.

“Shut up, you two,” she says, glaring at them both.

You start unwrapping the present, tearing off the festive wrapping paper to reveal what's inside.

Once the wrapping paper is off, you're holding a small box. It's plain, made of brown cardboard, and doesn't look like much. But as you look back up at Vi, you can see a hint of nervousness on her face.

She's watching you intently, her expression almost anxious. It's a look you don't often see on her face, and it's a little startling.

Still curious, you glance back down at the box in your hands. You lift off the lid, opening it slowly.

There, nestled in a bed of tissue paper, is a necklace. It's a silver chain with a small silver heart pendant. It looks delicate and beautiful, and judging by the look on Vi's face, she spent a lot of time picking it out.

You slowly reach into the box, lifting the necklace out of the tissue paper. You hold it up, letting the chain dangle from your fingers. It glints in the light, the pendants catching the glow from the Christmas tree lights.

Vi is still watching you intently, her eyes fixed on the necklace. She shifts a little on her feet, looking like she's holding her breath. 

“Do you like it?”

You look up from the necklace, meeting her gaze. “Yeah, I do,” you respond, your voice just a little bit shaky. “It's beautiful.”

You hold the necklace in your hand, running your thumb over the pendant. Without even thinking, you reach up and clasp the necklace around your neck.

It fits snugly against your skin, the pendant resting on your collarbone.

You look up, catching Vi watching you as you adjust the necklace. “Looks good on you,” she says, her voice lower than usual.

“Thanks,” you reply, still running your thumb over the pendant.

Mylo and Powder both let out another chorus of ‘aww’ clearly touched by the sight.

Vi shoots them another glare, her eyes narrowing. “Would you two shut up, for Christ's sake?”

“Oh, come on, sis. It's cute” Powder teases.

“Ah, young love,” Silco says. 

Vander chuckles, nodding his head. “I remember my younger days.”

“Don't you mean your younger hookups?” Silco shoots back.

Vander grins, holding his hands up. “Guilty as charged.”

Silco laughs, shaking his head. “Some things never change.” Then, he glances around the room, looking for who's turn it is next. “Lasty, who's next?” he asks, looking at everyone present.

You look around, seeing that almost everyone has given out their gift. It's obvious that your turn is next. “I'm up next.”

You get to your feet, making your way over to where the presents are. then you hold the present in your hands, not looking up quite yet. You can feel Vi's eyes on you.

This is it. You take a deep breath and look up, meeting her gaze. 

You walk over to her, your heart beating a little faster. You feel a little bit nervous, but you try to push it down.

You stop in front of her, holding out the present. “Here you go, babe.” 

Vi's expression softens a bit, her eyes darting down to the gift in your hands. She reaches out and grabs it, looking slightly puzzled.

You watch silently as she unwraps the gift. 

Vi looks at it, her eyebrows raised. “Is this... a sweater?” she asks, a little bewildered. It's clearly hand-knit, with uneven stitching and a clashing color scheme.

“I made it myself,”

“You made it?” she asks. “Like, with your own two hands?”

“Obviously..”

“I mean... it's…” she starts, her voice trailing off as she tries to find the right words.

“It's hideous?” you suggest.

She winces a little, looking like she can't deny it. “Yeah, kinda…” she mutters.

“Hey,” you say, mock-indignant. “I spent a lot of time making that, you know.”

“I can tell.”

“Then, try it on.”

Vi hesitates for a moment, looking at you a little warily. “Seriously?”

“Seriously,” you nudge her. “Just try it on, for me.”

She sighs, clearly realizing there's no way out of this. “Fine.”

She pulls it over her head, struggling a bit to get her arms through the sleeves. The fit is a little awkward, and the sweater seems a little too small. But somehow, it kind of makes her look... cute?

She tugs at the sleeves, looking down at herself. “How do I look?” 

You pretend to look her over, like you're seriously considering the question. “I dunno,” you reply. “it's... something.”

“Be serious. I look like an idiot, don't I?”

“Don't be like that” you tease, reaching out to straighten the collar of the sweater. “It's not that bad.”

“Not ‘that bad?’” she repeats. “Are you kidding? I look like a walking christmas tree,” she groans, tugging at the sleeves yet again.

“I think you look…. fine”

“That's the best you've got? 'fine?'”

“What do you want me to say?”

“I don't know,” she mutters, sounding slightly petulant. “Something more than just 'fine’”

“Okay, okay,” you say, holding up your hands. “Let me rephrase that, you look…” you pause, scratching your chin “...very christmas-y”

“You really know how to boost a girl's ego.”

“I didn't realize you needed your ego stroked.”

“I don't,” she protests, a little flustered. “I'm just saying, a little bit more enthusiasm would be appreciated.”

Silco clears his throat, drawing everyone's attention. “Ahem, now that the present giving is concluded…” he glances around at the crowd.

Silence falls over the room as everyone waits for Silco to speak. The tick-tock of the grandfather clock is the only sound that can be heard.

Silco glances at the clock, a smile on his face. “It appears to be midnight,” he says, pausing for emphasis. “Which means…”

A chorus of “Merry Christmas!” rises up from the group, everyone sounding festive and cheerful. 

You look back to Vi, who is still fiddling with the sweater. “Merry Christmas,” you whisper, not wanting the others to hear.

She glances at you, a small smile touching her lips. “Merry Christmas to you too,” she replies, her voice just as quiet as yours.

Awkwardly you glance down at the carpet, unsure of what to say next. 

“Hey,” she says suddenly, her voice drawing your attention. “Can I talk to you for a second…? In private?”

“Sure,” you agree, following her as she leads you away from the group.

She leads you into a small back room, closing the door behind her. The room is dimly lit, with only a few bare light bulbs lining the walls. Aside from a few boxes and some old crates, the room is empty.

She turns to face you, leaning against the wall. She's quiet for a moment, her gaze averted to the floor. you can tell she's trying to find the right words, fiddling with the hem of the sweater again.

“Listen,” she begins, finally meeting your eyes. “I know this is weird, and I know things are... difficult right now. But…” she pauses, letting out a short sigh. “I just want to say one thing…”

“Go on,” you encourage.

“I…” she starts, then falters. Her tongue darts out to wet her lips, nervousness flitting across her features. Her gaze drops to the floor.

“Well, I just…” her fingers fumble at the edge of her sweater. “I just... I miss you.”

Your heart skips a beat as she finally says the words out loud.

You've been wanting her to say that for weeks, months even. After everything that's happened between the two of you, you desperately wanted to hear those very words fall from her lips. But now that she's saying it...

What the hell do you say to that?

You're speechless, stunned into silence by her honesty. You open your mouth, intending to say something, anything. but words seem completely lost to you at this point. You just stand there, staring at her, dumbfounded.

“Say something,” she finally says, her voice tense. “Say anything. You're just staring at me like an idiot.”

“I don't know what to say.” Because, you really don't know what to say. You have so much you want to say, but somehow the words get stuck in your throat.

“Say you hate me. Say you never want to get back together. Just... say something.”

She's waiting. Waiting for something, anything. An opinion, a response. something, anything from you. But what can you say? Do you tell her the truth—that you've missed her so much you can't even sleep at night? that the last month has felt like a living hell, having no contact with her?

You want to tell her that you hate her for throwing you away just to come back around wanting something from you again, but your tongue feels like cotton.

“Say something… yell at me, curse me out, anything!”

But her tone gets under your skin, and suddenly you feel the anger start to build inside of you. 

Who does she think she is, demanding a response from you? she's the one who tossed you aside without a second thought. You're sick of this. You've done everything for her, given her everything she wanted, and here she is, pushing you for more.

It is too much—all too much. Without a word, you turn from her, heading toward the door. You can't do this anymore. 

You hear her call out your name as you shove open the door, but you don't stop. You make your way back, stopping at Vander's side.

“Vander, I'm going to head out.”

Vander nods, giving you a knowing look. He can tell something's going on, but he's wise enough not to press the issue.

“Alright, kid,” he says gruffly. “Get some rest, yeah?”

You nod your head, forcing a smile onto your face. “Yeah, I'll try,” you mutter, giving him a wave before starting towards the exit.

When you pass by Silco, he gives you a curious look. You catch his gaze and give him a small nod.

Finally, you make your way out the front door. The cold night air hits your face, making you shiver. You take a deep breath, preparing yourself for the walk home.

But then you hear the door swing open behind you, her footsteps hurry after you.

“Wait!” her voice calls out. “Wait, stop!”

You keep walking, your steps quick. You're trying to get as far away from her as possible to outrun all of the feelings that came rushing back to you—

“Let me walk you home.”

Her words cut through your thoughts, sharp and unexpected. You falter, your steps slowing down.

You stop walking, turning around to face her. “What?”

She's standing there, looking like a kicked puppy. Her shoulders are slumped, her expression sheepish. She can tell you're not happy she's followed you out here, but she looks like she doesn't care.

She lets out a huff, her breath coming out in a white cloud in the cold air. “I just... look, whatever happened in there, whatever happened between us... just let me look out for you. Just let me walk you home. I.. I have to know you're safe.”

“I don't need a babysitter,” you practically growl, your irritation obvious. “I can handle myself.”

Vi flinches at your words, but she doesn't back down. If anything, she squares her shoulders and lifts her chin. “I know you can,” she snaps. “I'm not offering to babysit you. I'm just... I'm just asking to walk you home.”

You glance back at the entrance of their house, the warm lights and sounds spilling out into the cold night air. 

You turn back to look at her, your voice softer this time. “You don't have to walk me home. We don't have to keep up the act anymore, I'm going home and... you've got better things to do than worry about me.”

“Screw the act,” she mutters. “I'm walking you home. It's not up for debate.”

You stare at her, baffled by her insistence. “Seriously? What's the point, Vi? We're not together anymore. Why bother?”

Her jaw clenches, her shoulders tensing. You know she hates this. She hates hearing you say it. Her heart is on her sleeve, and you're tearing pieces out of it, right in front of her.

“Because I care!” she snaps. “Maybe it's hard for you to believe, but I still care about you.”

You shake your head, scoffing at her words. “No, no, no, you don't get to act like you care now. You're the one who broke up with me. You're the one who walked away and left me.”

“I made a mistake,okay? I was a damn idiot, and I screwed up.”

“A mistake?” you echo, scoffing again. “You ended everything, and now you want to walk me home? What, you think that makes up for everything? You think it’s that easy? You threw away everything we had like it meant nothing, like all those months we spent together meant nothing.”

Your voice is trembling with anger as you continue. “And then what did you do? You went around, throwing yourself at anyone that gave you a second glance, like I never meant anything to you. Yeah, I know all about that. So don't try to act like you actually care when you clearly didn't give two shits.”

She looks away, her jaw clenching. “I was trying to get over you. I was trying to push you out of my head and it hurts like hell. Every night, every morning, it was like there was a hole inside of me, and no matter how hard I tried to fill it, no matter how many times I went out, how many times I tried to forget you, nothing worked. You were stuck in my head, and I hated it.”

She takes a step closer to you. “I know it sounds stupid. I know it doesn't make any sense. I just... I needed something to distract me, something to keep me from thinking about you. Because it hurt too damn much to think about how much I messed things up.”

“Yeah, congrats. You did a damn good job at distracting yourself, huh? It sure as hell didn't take you very long to get over me.”

She winces again, the guilt written all over her face. “You have no idea how many times I wanted to reach out to you. How many times I thought about coming back to you and begging you to take me back.”

“But you didn't,” you say. “You didn't reach out to me, you didn't try to fix things. So why should I believe you now? Why should I believe that you're sincere when you didn't care enough to fight for us before?”

She looks down, unable to meet your gaze. “What was I supposed to do?” she whispers. “I messed up. I messed things up and I don't know how to fix it. I don’t know how to take back what I did, how to make things like they were before I messed up. All I know is that I miss you. I miss you so damn much, and I’d do anything to have you back.”

You swallow hard, your throat suddenly dry. Everything she's saying, it's everything you've wanted to hear for months. It feels like a dream.

But you can’t let yourself fall back into this. Not when you’ve worked so hard to move on. Not when you’ve spent so many nights crying into your pillow, reminding yourself that she didn’t care enough to fix things, to fight for you.

“Why now—Why do you want me back now, after all this time? Why didn’t you want me back when it mattered, when I needed you?”

She looks up at you, desperation in her eyes. “Because I was an idiot! Because I was stupid, and scared, and I thought walking away would make it easier, but it just made it worse. Because I spent every damn night regretting that I let you go and wishing that I could take it all back. I'm sorry. I'm so damn sorry for what I put you through.”

“Sorry doesn't fix things,” you say, your voice shaking. “Sorry doesn't take away the pain, sorry doesn't undo what you did.”

She nods, a tear slipping down her cheek. “I know saying sorry won't magically fix things, but I am sorry. I'm sorry for hurting you, I'm sorry for walking away, I'm sorry for everything I did wrong. Just... just give me a chance. Give me a chance to make things right.”

She takes another step forward, her eyes pleading. “Give me a chance. Let me prove to you that I love you and that I want to make things right. If I screw up again, you can toss me to the curb and never speak to me again. But please, just give me one more chance.”

“I don't know,” you murmur. “I just... I don't know.”

“I'll do anything. I'll get on my knees every day if I have to. I'll beg on my hands and knees. I'll crawl on my hands and knees. I'll grovel on the ground. Just... please, just give me one chance.”

“I'll think about it. Just...just give me some time to think things over.”

“Okay, okay. I'll give you time or whatever you need. Just please don’t shut me out completely.”

Without hesitation, she envelops you in a tight hug. Her arms wrap around your waist, her face burying into your neck. Her body clings to you, every part of her desperate and needy. “I miss you so much,” she mumbles.

You stand awkwardly, unsure of what to do. But then, your body betrays you, your arms slowly wrapping around her.

For the first time in a long while, you're holding her again. Her warmth, her scent, her touch—it’s all so familiar, so painfully familiar. So damn familiar that it hurts.

“I hate you.”

“I don't blame you,” she pulls back a little, her hands coming up to cup your face.

She lifts her hand, brushing a lock of hair away from your face. “I hate you so much,” you repeat, a tear falling down your cheek.

“I deserve that,” she says, her thumbs gently wiping away your tear.

“Damn right you do.”

You have no idea what to do or what to feel. Everything is a mess, and you're drowning in it.

For now, all you could do was hold her tight and bury your face in her shoulder. 

You hated how good she felt against you and how right it felt to be held by her. You hated the way your heart skipped a beat whenever she whispered in your ear. 

Damn her for making things so confusing, for making you feel so damn much.

You felt her hand rubbing your back, her fingers tracing circles over your skin. It was a soothing gesture, a silent apology for all the pain she had caused. It only made things worse, making your heart ache even more.

If only things had been different. If only she had been more communicative. If only she had been more sensitive to your feelings. If only she had been there for you when you needed her.

If only she hadn’t walked away and left you broken. If only she hadn’t hurt you the way she had.

And most of all, if only you had been strong enough to push her away and protect yourself from this mess.

But here you are, standing in the middle of a street wrapped in her arms. You felt like a fool, like a damn idiot, for still wanting her after everything.

You wanted to hate her, you wanted to make her suffer the way you had suffered.

But how could you hate her when she was looking at you like that? how could you hate her when she was holding you like this?

It wasn't fair. It wasn't fair that she still had this kind of effect on you. 

Her eyes met yours, and you saw everything you had missed, everything you had longed for. and you knew, right then, that you were in damn trouble.

—

In the window, Vander and Silco watched you and Vi from afar, the soft glow of the christmas lights casting shadows over their faces.

Silco takes a drag of his cigarette, the smoke curling around him as he exhales. “Your little plan worked quite well,” he says, looking at Vander with a sly smile.

Vander just shrugs, sipping his drink. “I don’t know what you are talking about,” he replies, keeping his expression neutral.

“You're not fooling anyone.”

Vander hums, taking another sip of his drink. “I don't know what you mean,” he says again, keeping his gaze locked on you and Vi.

Silco let out a puff of smoke, a smirk playing on his lips. “Don't play coy, Vander. You knew damn well what you were doing when you rigged that secret santa.”

“I may have had a little influence,” he admits.

“A little influence? oh, don't downplay it. You wanted them back together, and you knew exactly how to make it happen.”

“I have had a hunch that they still cared about each other,” he says, his voice casual. “And plus, I don't want to see Vi moping around for the past months.”

“And we couldn't have that, could we? seeing her moping around like a lovestruck puppy.”

Vander nods. “She was really terrible at hiding it,” he says. “always pacing around, always looking like she lost a puppy.”

Silco takes another drag of his cigarette, blowing rings into the air. “It was painful to watch,” he says, shaking his head.

“It was like watching a kid trying to hide a secret… I just hope they figure things out.”

“I agree,” Silco says, his eyes flickering over to you and Vi. “Hopefully they can work things out.”

Vander hums in agreement. “Only time will tell.”

They watch in silence for a moment, seeing how you and Vi are still holding each other.

“I still wouldn't forgive you for that damn underwear you got me.”

“That was the funniest thing you could have received.”

Vander grumbles, narrowing his eyes at Silco. “I do not find it funny to receive underwear as a gift.”

notes: idk what is happening

[bunny-jpeg]

lust is a loaded hand gun

max verstappen

cw: smut/pwp, ferrari!reader, baby fever, seduction, cowgirl position, alcohol/drinking, breeding, the reader wants to have a baby and chooses to have it with max, max is not aware

this bunny runs on comments & reblogs! feed the rabbit!

part 2: love is a kick to the stomach

this sounded stupid. but you wanted a baby. and while that was an easy task for most women, you knew that there was something impersonal about picking from a catalogue. reading profiles felt weird, like you were looking for a used car rather than the biological other half of your child. even if you'd raise them without a father, you'd rather have a night of passion than an awkward doctor's visit.

charles leaned back in his seat and asked, "why don't you and i just make one." he shrugged his shoulders. he considered himself close to you. you had been teammates for a little over two seasons and prior to that you knew each other. he didn't mind being the one to help you bring a child into the world, "i can be his uncle and he'd never know."

but, as close as you were to your teammate. you had other drivers in mind.

you made a face, "no offense, charles. but it would feel like doing it with my brother." being teammates meant you two knew too much about one another. you worked well as teammates and rivals because you were more like siblings. while you appreciated the offer, you felt it was weird.

charles asked, relaxed in his seat, "why are you doing this anyway? isn't there a million ways for you to have a child."

you shrugged, "i want to be a mom, i don't know. leave my seat behind to another woman and let her make all the history. i'm honestly tired. i've reached the peak and now." you sighed, "i want something else. i've got enough money to retire and let my future child retire before they're born." you crossed your arms, "i don't want to be doing this shit until i'm forty and just degrade in the skills department. end on a high note." while it was not an insult to other driver's on the grid. you felt bad that they never got to really be parents due to the schedules.

"so you need to seduce a driver to make that happen."

you nodded, out of the corner of your eye you spotted the driver you had your eye on. while you eyed the man crossing your path, your voice got softer, "and i think i know just the driver."

charles looked over to the direction you were looking at. he noticed who was walking by and he looked back to you, shoulders dropped, "max. you're going to seduce and have a child with max?"

you looked back to charles and shrugged, "why not? what's not to like?" max wasn't a perfect man, sometimes you wondered about the mechanics of his brain. but, you knew your child with him would lay waste to the track in the future.

"i can name a few. do you want them alphabetically or severity of it?" charles asked.

you gave him a look, "it wouldn't be hard to get him to sleep with me. you, me and the rest of the garage has seen how he looks at me. i mean who else do i have to choose from? either they're too old, they're rookies, or they have girlfriends. and i'm not getting a heel in the eye because i'm trying to have a baby."

charles rubbed the bridge of his nose, "i think you just like him."

you tensed up for a moment, "no. this is all just simple. scheming... nothing more. i don't expect to trap him with a child. he is free to live his life after i'm done with him."

charles found it hard to believe. not on your end, but max's. he had heard at sickeningly lengths about how max felt for you. it was probably the most eloquent the driver had ever been. if you got pregnant by him, he'd be getting a ring the next day. he sighed once more, "then have fun with the wold champion. i'd say to be safe, but i think being unsafe is the whole point of this."

you gave the once over of max in the near distance and smiled, "don't worry charles, you'll get all the details in the morning." which earned a groan from your teammate.

-

it started over a bottle of wine and ended in the motor home of red bull. you and max had gotten frisky over the evening. you wondered if anyone was selling the photos of you two in the back of the restaurant to tmz or some other trashy outlet. you had shared two bottles of wine over dinner. the benefit of being as wealthy as you were, you could throw the cash onto the table and giggle as you stumble out of your place.

you knew someone had a photo of max kissing you at the table to 'taste' the sauce that came with your meal. as if he couldn't take some from the plate.

but back in the motor home, you had dropped your purse by the door. in the dark of the place, you two were starting to get undressed. heels kicked to the wall, your bracelets set on the coffee table. your dress was on the floor by the bed, your bra over the lamp by the bed and your panties on the bed.

"i'm on top." you said as you kissed max's lips. he tasted like wine and fine dining. he tasted and smelled expensive. in all fairness he could be worth more than a micro nation. he was not an easy man to buy, but the currency of sex was in high demand. max wanted you, and you knew that because he got on his back without much argument.

you were both naked on the bed. the faint lights gleamed through the large windows as you rubbed up against max with no other lighting. you could see his face against the shadows of the night. his blue eyes were like gems and they pulled you in. whoever he ended up with would be very lucky.

but tonight you needed him. he was an important piece in your plan. you rubbed against him and with a little help, you sank down onto his cock. while cowgirl wasn't the best position to try and get pregnant, but it ensured that your plan would work. any position is a working one.

"you're beautiful."

"i know." you said as you rubbed yourself against him. you braced your hands on his strong chest. he was a handsome man, he was good at what he did and he was a winner. you knew anyone would be lucky to have him, but tonight was the perfect partner. you knew a child with him would be perfect.

you continued to rub up against him. the roll of your hips were methodical. this wasn't the first time you slept with a man. you moaned when max groped your breasts, massaged the flesh between those bear paws he called hands. soon you sank on his cock and shuddered, feeling the heat raise in your belly.

this was a mission, no time to get attached. you were both tipsy from the alcohol and the driver under you were more handsy than ever. you try not to feel the emotions that came with it. the feeling of being attached to someone you were having sex with. you batted charles' assumptions about your feelings for max out of your mind as you rode the dutch driver.

you were determined to get pregnant tonight. you measured it all down to a t, all you needed was for max not to get whiskey dick. you curved your back to get closer to him, your lips met his as you moved up and down. his cock was snug in your, but it went in almost perfect. the blunt head hit against the furthest parts of you. your heart hammered in your chest as you moved your hips.

you pushed hair out of your face before your braced your hands on his chest once more. he was very toned, you almost wanted to joke about what happened to his slightly kinder chocolate addiction. but that was neither here nor there.

"you feel so good." he grunted, "why haven't we done this before? fuck." he panted, he could feel the heat in his cheeks as you rode him. he had been with others before but being under you was a pleasure no money could buy. you were really good at it, knowing exactly how to make him feel good.

"good things take time." you panted, part of you wondered what would happen if you covered his mouth. you didn't need the dirty talk, this was a mission. if you wanted a casual friends with benefits, you'd try something online or another in the paddock. fucking max was a certainly that you'd get pregnant. it didn't have to be intimate or soft. it was a means to an end, and you'd get there no matter what.

the sounds of your fucking filled the room as you continued to move against him. you raked your nails down his chest, catching his nipples which made him moan. he was cute on his back, letting you take over. you wondered how deep his affection for you went.

you didn't want the emotional baggage of it all. tonight you were both drunk and having sex in the motor homes. it would be a one night stand before you two finished out the season. you could feel the heat across your back as you stared at him.

his eyes were closed and his mouth slightly open as he panted heavily. there was heat in his face and you felt something tug in your chest. he was beautiful, you hated to admit it. but max verstappen was a pretty boy.

he was already blissed out, his noises forced you by the movement of your hips. you licked your lips and without thinking, you left a mark on his collarbone. it was stupid, but it excited your further.

you continued to move against him. your breasts bounced with each move of your hips. you felt moans in the back of your throat and a hum in your soul. pleasure was close and it wasn't long before you really worked yourself onto his cock and finished.

the tightness around his cock made max's back arch a little bit. he could feel the heat in the back of his head. his heart pounded as he watched you continue to ride his cock. he panted heavily and soon climaxed as well. you made sure to get everything you could out. you kissed him once more before you stopped. when you pulled away you got off of his waist and laid down on the bed.

"wow." he said out of breath.

you didn't want to talk. instead you turned your head to kiss him on the lips to keep him quiet. there was no time for mushy romantic bedroom talk. you needed him to fall asleep before you could leave.

you tried to count down the seconds, placing kisses across his heated face. you reminded yourself that there would be some lucky enough to keep him for life.

when you pulled away from his lips after one last kiss, he curled up beside you and right then fell asleep. you stayed awake, when the heat cooled in your body. you hoped your mission was a success. the lust and the alcohol still made its rounds in your body. but you were lucid enough to find your clothes in the dark and slip out of the motor home before morning.

you'd never bring up the event to max, only briefly mentioning it to charles. you'd drive harder after that, in the end you'd secure a world championship. as you kissed the trophy and your country's national anthem played, you were already pregnant with your child.

-

your retirement was a shock to max. you could've easily decorated your home with many trophies over the next few years. but at the end of the 2024 season, you bowed out. you thanked fans and told them that it was a new chapter in your life. and then like that you fell off the face of the earth over the off-season.

max tried to find ways to contact you. where did you go? what happened? why leave at the height of it all? the more he thought about it, the more questions were raised in his head. he asked around the paddock, even going as far as to ask charles where you went. the other drive shrugged and told him that you moved back to your home country with a "little extra luggage". there were no social media posts. nothing. it nagged in the back of his brain for what felt like a lifetime. what happened to ferrari's princess?

it wasn't until almost three years later, max had claimed another world championship. it felt like these days he was riding high. he was still the best. but as he walked into the paddock to train for the upcoming season, he stopped in his tracks. he felt like he was splashed with cold water.

there you were, three years older with a glow to you. you were laughing with charles and lewis, you looked different but in a good way. you were in overalls and a ferrari shirt underneath. you were more curvy than you were when you were driving. and while you were still beautiful like the sun, pulling max in. what made his stomach drop was who was in your arms.

a young boy, with big curious eyes and round cheeks. he held onto you tightly, his small fists in the fabric of your shirt. he seemed curious about the track, but not scared of how big it all felt. while max would've assumed that you got married and had a child as a lot of people did. but that's not what had happened.

max knew right away at the first glance of your son. looking at him was like looking at max's childhood photos. even in features that matched your own, your son carried a lot of max in him. the itch in his brain after you fell off the earth all those years ago came back, this was where you went. the boy looked like him and if he was right about the boy's age then dates lined up. there was no question. max verstappen was your son's father. and when you noticed him staring. you simply smiled and gave him a wink, shifting the boy in your arms and pointing at the me. when your son smiled, max felt something in his gut. looking at you, holding your (his) son, made max feel like he was home. and all those feelings he had been carrying poured back into his head and heart. the same emotions that allowed you to bed him. <3

sequel: love is a kick to the stomach