#and then held his hand as she rode back home much more slowly

[goldiedraws]

I love them and they love each other ❤

[the-californicationist]

Lost the post but it was so good and I'd love to get your take on it!

Price getting videos of you playing from home while he's deployed, and you aren't exactly quiet. Well, the boys hear it and it leads to them watching it at some point (with your permission of course!). I thoroughly believe Price loves showing off what's his and is comfortable in your relationship to consider sharing you with his team, maybe even in more ways than 1?

Maybe Price and reader record themselves a separate time to show the boys? I don't know I'm frothing at the mouth thinking of Price showing you off!

I am slowly making my way through these asks!! Thank y'all so much for being patient. As soon as I clear out my list, I'll turn the ask button back on.

This premise is so hot! Hope this is sort of what you were looking for?

Show and Tell

Price opened your video in the middle of Ghost’s briefing presentation. Luckily, only the task force was in attendance, but as he played the clip, your lust-filled moans echoed throughout the small conference room, unmistakable. All eyes turned to him, and Ghost halted mid-speech.

“Uh, sorry…” Price muttered, quickly swiping away. 

“Fuck, Cap. I know you showed us her photo, but she is damn fine,” Gaz chuckled, leaning over his commander’s shoulder to try and look at the screen.

“Eyes front, Sergeant.”

“Only seems fair to share, mate,” Johnny quipped, a gleam shining in his eye. 

Ghost put his hands on his hips, 

“If it was important enough to interrupt my presentation, maybe it’s important enough to share with the class… sir.”

Price sighed and sent off a quick text. He was asking you for permission to share. It wasn’t the first time that he’d asked you, but all the others had just been the odd picture here and there; a fancy neglige, or a holiday swimsuit… it was harmless. But, this was something else. To his surprise, you messaged back with an affirmative “Yes!” and a winking emoji. 

“Fine.”

Ghost held his hand out and beckoned for the phone,

“C’mon. We’ll put her on the big screen.”

Reluctantly, and a little worried things had gotten fully out of hand, Price handed over the phone. Your enthusiastic response was the only thing propelling him forward at this point. He wasn’t possessive, but he wasn’t much of a sharing man. 

But, then, there you were… in all of your beautiful glory. You were using your vibrator and sitting on the tile floor of your bathroom, burying a thick silicone dildo in your pussy to the hilt. Your moans echoed through the room again in spectacular 4k. 

“Mmm! Oh! Fuck… John, fuck me. Please! Yeah! Mmm. Just like that. Ungh!”

And then the video replayed on its loop. Every time, your shining lips would buzz with the whir of the vibrating wand, and your pink pussy would stretch to accommodate the toy that you were fucking yourself with, slicking it with your fluids and making it gleam. Your tits were bouncing as you rode it up and down, and your head was thrown back in beautiful abandon. 

“Alright, that’s enough,” Price decided. 

Ghost handed him back the phone with a sly smile, 

“Holy shit, Cap. She’s quite the little spitfire.”

Soap’s hand reached into his canvas pants and obviously adjusted himself, hardening like a stone. He let out a low, approving whistle. 

“She let you share that?” Gaz asked in disbelief.

“Yeah,” Price nodded, not sure what to say. 

“I want to see more,” Soap put a hand to his forehead in shock.

“Well, that’s all,” Price shrugged, and then added, “...for now.”

The whole room shifted a bit. Everyone was on edge. The rest of the briefing went by as quick as a flash, but before everyone left the room, Price suggested, 

“You know, it would only be polite to send one back.”

Later that night, he got three enthusiastic notifications. In each one, his men were jacking off to her, complimenting her, talking about what a pretty pussy she had, thanking her for sharing with them. Unzipping his pants, Price decided to add one of his own. 

As his hand worked him hard, he watched your video over and over again. He imagined how your tight little cunt felt around his cock, and how sweet you tasted. He imagined how you liked to whisper naughty things in his ear, talking to him about sucking him off in front of his task force, making them watch. Price knew you wanted to do more exhibitionism, and he encouraged you when he thought about how hot it would be to watch you discovering that pleasure. 

His cock throbbed in his hands, and he whispered into the phone as he videoed himself, 

“Such a naughty girl, you were, showing yourself to my men. We put you on the projector. You looked incredible, missus. You always look incredible. Had all of us achin’ for you. Thought Soap was gonna come right there. Ungh…”

Price tightened his grip and thrust into his palm, rubbing his foreskin up and over his swollen head, slicking himself with his precome over and over and over until it became almost too much. He told you,

“So, we decided to pay you back. For your gift. Hope you send us some more, baby. So fuckin’ hot. Mmm, fuck… my cock misses you, love. So bloody much. F– Fuck!”

Price’s orgasm erupted from his body, coating his belly in white, creamy liquid. He just kept coming and coming, thinking about how you would look with all your pretty holes filled twice. Stuffed so full with no escape. 

He sent off the files one by one, starting with his own, and he waited for your reply. 

The next morning, he woke up to two messages. One was a text, and the other was a video. The text just said: Wish you all were here with a heart emoji. When he played the video, he realized what you meant. 

You had lined up your toys, four of them, all in a row on the bed. Price pressed pause and went to go find the boys. He decided it might be better if they could all see your performance together. He set you up on the projector again, and his men filed in one by one, eager to see what you’d sent. 

“She said she wished we were all here, so I thought you lads might want to see what she sent.”

“Fuck yeah, we do,” Soap sat front and center, wiping a hand down his face, eyes glued to the screen. 

Ghost chuckled, 

“You’re a lucky man, sir.”

“That’s the fuckin’ truth, innit?” Gaz agreed. 

Once everyone was settled, Price pressed play. 

You were wearing a little black bodysuit made of silk and lace, and he could see your dark nipples through the fabric. He knew which one it was. It was crotchless, and just the memory of fucking you in it made him hard.

You sat on the bed, the four toys spread out in front of you, and you picked up the first one gently. You grabbed some lube from off-camera and squirted it all over the toy and leaned forward, squatting over it, working it into your asshole in tight little thrusts, moaning ever so sweetly as you let it fill you up. 

Then, once it was fully sheathed inside of you, you reached for the two toys in the middle, using the lube that was left on your hands to make them slip against each other. You used one to rub through your pink folds, teasing your hole with the head of it, and then — inch by inch — pushed it into your wet pussy. You took the second one and, with quite a bit of difficulty, tried to fit it in next to the first, stretching yourself out even more than you had in the first video, even with these much smaller toys. 

Price couldn’t believe his eyes. You were like some sort of sex goddess, showing off skills he didn’t even know you possessed, and your screams of pleasure were making him drunk with pride and lust. He heard a zipper go down and watched as Gaz started fucking his own hand, right in front of him. 

“Sargeant,” Price admonished him, but Gaz just shrugged and kept jerking off his long dick, 

“Sorry, Cap. Can’t help it.”

Another long moan from you drew Price’s attention back to the screen. You were reaching behind you, wrapping your arm around your body, and fucking yourself in the ass with the largest toy, calling out to him, 

“John… please. I need your cock… I need all of your cocks… ungh, fuck. Fill me with your come. Every hole. Please?”

Then, for your final performance, you used your free hand to feed the final toy into your throat, gagging on it and letting your drool run down your chin. Your legs were shivering, something that Price knew wasn’t easy to achieve. You must be so damn horny. He smiled, palming himself over his jeans, so proud of you for bringing yourself such pleasure like that. 

Ghost grunted, and Price looked over to see him hunched over, spilling his come onto the floor of the office. 

The video ended, and in the silence, the captain heard the wet milking noises of his men fisting their erections, trying to come to your incredible performance. 

Soap gasped breathlessly, 

“Hit play again, Cap’n. Please…” 

Price smiled, looking down at his team in all of their sex-addled joy, and pushed the replay button.

"Maybe we should all put in for some leave, hm?" Price suggested.

He was met with a very enthusiastic round of approving moans, and he felt the excitement rush across his skin like wildfire.

His pretty girl would have what she wanted, and he would make sure of it.

If you liked this story, you may also like one of my other fics: He Shows You Off! But, please heed the tags.

[xlatiwritesx]

Mbappe angst where his family thinks you might be using him but then they see the real you and they feel bad

There for Him | KM9

Genre: fluffy angst (🤨?)

Words: 1.9 K

Synopsis: after his best friend’s funeral, you spend the night at Kylian’s family home to be there for him. Unintentionally, you prove to his family that everything they though of you was false.

A/N: took me a million years, but here you go, anon!! Hope you enjoy it 🥰.

⭐️⭐️⭐️

The rain was hard. As if the sky understood the hurt that was caused by the event you were standing in and was crying with you.

Your eyes never left him. You didn't get too close, though. You knew him too well to get too close too soon.

Someone else you tried to avoid at all costs was his family. Specifically his mother. She never was fond of you. Accusing you of all sorts of things ever since you started dating her son. Calling you a gold digger, someone who only pretended to he in love with her son because of all his fame and money.

But even his mother didn't know Kylian like you did. She didn't know that he loved cooking. She had no idea that dancing under the stars made his eyes sparkle, or that driving was the best way to relieve his stress.

Just like everybody else, she saw him as a guy passionate and extremely talented with football. The brightest star in everyone's world, but no one saw how you were the brightest in his world.

You, Kylian, his brother Eathan, and their parents got in the car to go home. Kylian rode in the passenger seat while his father drove. You, Ethan, and his mother rode in the back. You still kept your eyes on Kylian, not baring to see him this broken.

He was just telling you how important his best friend was to him, just to lose him in a car crash a few weeks later. He wasn't crying, though. He never did. You hated that. You always told him to cry. That it's bad to keep emotions unprocessed. He never listened, though.

Not able to look at his stone face any longer, you looked out the wet car window to the French streets on your way to his family home. Your mind drifted to all the unnecessary drama his mother would stir because of your stay with them for the coming days. You didn't want Kylian to worry about that. You sighed quietly, already earning a glare from her that you managed to ignore.

When his father parked in the drive way, everyone got out of the car and dragged themselves to the front door. The atmosphere was suffocating. You held everything in as much as you could. It was Kylian who lost his best friend after all. You had to be there for him.

While his family walked in, he waited for you, looking back at you from the top of the porch steps with a slightly outstretched hand. You got to him, took his hand, and squeezed it. You glanced in his direction, but he had already looked ahead, guiding you upstairs to his bedroom.

You feel his family's eyes on the two of you as you passed them to the stairs. You didn't care. This wasn't about your relationship or about you. This was about Kylian and his well being. So you just followed him, holding his hand more tightly.

You get to his bedroom and he pushes the door behind the two of you. You stood by it, watching your boyfriend's every move. He sat on his bed, hands intertwined between his spread legs. You watched him closely as you slowly made your way to him. He didn't look at you once and you took it as a sign to keep going.

You finally sat next to him. You didn't say a single thing. You weren't sure if you were even breathing at that point.

"He's gone, y/n" Kylian finally said softly. Your heart shattered into pieces and his eyes flooded.

You uncontrollably pulled him into you, wrapping your arms around his head that he buried into your chest. His sobs slowly got louder and deeper, tearing you into shreds. You quietly held him tight, letting him cry it all out.

Behind the not fully shut door of Kylian's room, his mother stood, watching you hold on to him as he cried into your chest. She never saw his guard this down. She's never seen her own son be this vulnerable with anyone ever. She's never seen anyone hold him the way you did either. Something about the scene softened a part of her cold heart towards you. She started questioning who you really were to him and how you felt towards her son.

A few hours pass and you had managed to convince Kylian to lie down. He rested his head on your lap as you stroked his head to sleep. You allowed yourself to shed a few tears, unable to keep it together anymore.

His mother still watched, checking on the both of you through the slit in the door. Seeing this new scene only made the warmth spread through her heart. However, she quickly walked away when she saw you get up, slowly lifting Kylian's head off your lap to not disturb his sleep. 

You realized that Kylian hadn't eaten anything all day. You headed to the kitchen to make him something for when he wakes up. The bottom floor felt empty, having no one there. You wondered where everybody went, but you didn't give it much thought.

You opened the fridge, assessing the contents to get ideas of what you could make. You quickly looked behind you, though, having heard footsteps. You realize it's Kylian's mother. She had walked into the kitchen and sat on one of the kitchen island stools.

For a second, you stood there, watching her as you waited for her to attack you like she always did. She never wasted a chance to remind you of how she felt towards you. To falsely accuse you of all sorts of things. But when she didn't say anything, you turned back around to open the fridge.

You pulled out some turkey slices to make him a sandwich. You placed the ingredients on the kitchen island, Kylian's mother still watching you from across it. You focused on your task, careful not to trigger your boyfriend's mother who was scrutinizing your every move.

"Making food?" She finally spoke as you spread mayonnaise on one side of the white bread.

"For Kylian. He didn't eat anything since last night" you answered quietly, not looking at her. She still looked at you, though. Your heart picked up its pace, but you still avoided her gaze. You walked to the glasses cabinet, pulled out a glass and filled it with water.

After putting everything on a tray, you walked out of the kitchen and up the stairs. You got to Kylian's room and placed the tray on his bedside table. You sat on the edge of his bed, looking at his sleeping face.

"Y/n?" He stirred. You stroked his face.

"Yes, my love?" You whispered. He opened his eyes, and pulled you closer to him. You lied down next to him and he wrapped his arms tightly around you, kissing the top of your head.

You lied there. You let him hold you for as long as he wanted. You spent the night like that. None of you said anything. It was enough for him that he got to hold you. And it was enough for you that he did.

His mother watched all of it. How calm he was with you around. How he cried in your chest. The food you made for him because he hadn't eaten since the night before. She couldn't deny it anymore. You loved her son. More than she ever thought you could. And not for all the materialistic things that came with dating someone with a career like his.

She was sure of her son's feelings for you, how much you meant to him, because he never cried. She always thought he hated turkey sandwiches, but there he was eating it because you insisted, which also surprised her because ever since he was little, he never ate when he got sad or upset.

She watched you through the slightly opened door. She looked at the way you were looking at him. She wasn't sure if she, herself, ever looked at him like that.

"What are you smiling at?" She heard her husband whisper behind her. He looked at his son laughing for the first time in a week as you brushed bread crumbs from around his mouth.

Later that night, you walked down to the kitchen to fill a jug of water for the night you were spending. You weren't going to leave Kylian on a night like that.

His mother walked into the kitchen and sat on an island stool like she did earlier. You still ignored her presence and were on your way out of the kitchen when she called your name. You shut your eyes for a second before turning around to face her.

"Yes?" You replied cautiously. Even with the way she treated you, she was still Kylian's mother whom he loved and cherished more than anything. It killed you, but you had to respect her through everything she said and done to you. And it was about time she realized that.

You were taken aback by how soft her eyes were as she patted the seat next to her, inviting you to sit next to her at the kitchen island. You hesitated for a second before slowly making your way to the stool, setting the water jug in front of you.

You watched her closely, anticipating her next move. She just stared at her hands, though, sighing deeply before she turned to look at you.

"I owe you an apology" she broke the deafening silence. She shocked you so hard you almost fell out of your stool. You tried controlling you expressions, but you clearly failed because she quickly elaborated.

"I, I don't know how to start, honestly" she pushed her glasses up the bridge of her nose. You just sat there in utter shock.

"Let's just say you've been absolutely supportive and I can tell that you've been an intangible source of comfort to Kylian ever since his best friend's passing" she went on. You pierced your lips and nodded once, looking at your hands in your lap. Silence took over for a few seconds before she kept going.

"I can tell he loves you a lot and..." she trailed off and you looked back at her.

"I'm actually really grateful to have someone like you in his life, given his career and all that comes with it, and especially during a hard time like this" she confessed and you couldn't help but tear up a little.

You smiled slightly at her and she did the same. You both stayed like that for a little while before she opened her arms. You laughed lightly and jumped off your stool to wrap your arms around her. She hugged you back tighter and you took it all in.

When you pulled away, you looked to your right and saw Kylian at the bottom of the stairs, smiling a little at the scene.

"You can't love her more than I already do, mom" he frowned, walking to you and pulling you to him. He wrapped an arm around your shoulders and kissed the top of your head.

"You don't have to say it. The way you look at her says it all, Kylian" his mother replied, smiling at the both of you.

[the-fiction-witch]

Caraxes

Media House of The Dragon

Character Daemon Targaryen

Couple Daemon X Reader

Rating Sweet + A bit flirty

Daemon slowly climbs down from his black stallion he gives his clothes an adjust before he turns back with a smile to his soon-to-be bride Y/n, sat on the horse in her black gown, He takes her in his arms and helps her down from the horse gracefully before He began to walk off with her hand held tightly in his, until they arrived at the entrance to the Dragon pit. Before entering, however, he stopped.

"Before we go in my love, I must ask you to remain calm. Would you be able to do that for me?"

She held his arm the whole walk rather excited even if she was clearly nervous, she nodded and smiled trying her best not to show her fears, Daemon found her so adorable, an innocent sweet girl, and he wanted to protect her at all costs.

"Then come on, my love."He smiled kissing her hand before he began to walk in,

First was the smell of the scent of dragon, The warm reptilian scent with burnt flesh and stone.

Second was The noise of the Dragons echoing through the large caverns of the dragon bit,

"Now. You must remain calm as I introduce you. I know that it may be difficult, but I ask that you please try not to show your fears,"

"I promise to do my best Daemon" She blushed,

"Your best is more than enough, my love." he cooed kissing her forehead,

"thought I admit Imagined them having a bigger house.”

Daemon chuckled as she spoke. "The Dragon pit here are much smaller than the space they have back at Dragonstone. Back home they have hundreds of acres only for the Dragons to roam. Here we are limited to the cavens,"

“Ohh… poor things,”

“I never like keeping him here long, and even when I do I make sure to take him out alot.”

“That’s very sweet of you,”

"Do you want to meet my most beloved dragon?"

she nodded hiding her eyes behind her hands to be surprised

Daemon smiled wrapping his arms around her waist and giving her a kiss, The dragon keepers brought Caraxes in from a smaller caven to be admired in his full glory as Caraxes lifted his head and looked down at the two of them already the dragon was tense as he knew his master and bonded Targaryen but did not know Y/n. Daemon could already see this would be a beautiful moment that would forever be burned into her memory.

"My love. I want you to open your eyes, and I want you to look up now."

y/n moved her hands and her eyes began far lower but then she quickly corrected from her expectations of the dragon being far smaller than he was and immediately she gulped, fear washed over her for a moment but she did her best to be brave, as she looks up at Caraxes the dragon tall with fiery red scales, bright yellow eyes, a beard of horns and wings large enough to strange a ship, his body long and serpentine like with a neck that slithers and slicks,

Daemon smiled and watched her reaction as she took in the sight of his dragon.

"My dragon, my oldest and most trusted companion, Caraxes." He said,

"he's...big,"

Daemon laughed at her comment as he spoke. "He is indeed very big, but he is a gentle dragon. Come on."

He began leading her to Caraxes, The dragon did not seem happy about this woman approaching but given she was still being held by a daemon he seemed to accept her… for now.

“How uhh how old is he?”

“No one knows for sure, my uncle Aemon rode him as a young dragon all the way until his death,”

“So he was your uncle’s?”

“He was, dragons can only have one living rider. So when Aemon died by crossbow. He was riderless.”

“And then… You?”

“And I found him, after all riderless dragons are often ignored. I was merely a boy but he gave me structure, and purpose at a young age.”

“That is very sweet,”

“Come on, you can touch him,”

She slowly moved closer clearly nervous, "will he eat me?" she whispered her fears already overwhelming her,

"He wouldn't dare try such a thing. Caraxes would never even dream of harming you. Come, he wishes to meet you." Daemon could see how nervous she was, and it only made him want to protect her more.

she moved maybe two more steps closer "...can he hear me?" She whispered

Daemon raised an eyebrow at her question and then nodded as he spoke. "Of course he can my love. He can hear everything we say." Daemon chuckled, and looked to her. "He is a gentle soul really. You see, I have trained him well. He even understands me, come closer, you are nothing to fear my love."

She moved closer now so close caraxes could investigate her with Daemon still behind her protectively Caraxes sniffed at her, his nose rubbing slightly against her. Daemon could see his eyes narrowing as he studied her, and as she remained in place.

Daemon smiled, and gave her hand a tight squeeze. "He likes you. See? Caraxes is quite a sweet dragon."

"I suppose so... Uhhh... Thank you for not eating me caraxes..."

"You see!? Such a nice dragon... Would you like to try and touch him now?"

She was clearly still full of fear as she moved her hand closer and touched the dragon scales for maybe a second, if that. Before she moved her hand away as quickly as she could. Daemon chuckled and took her hand resting it against Caraxes scales his hand ontop of hers as the dragon shifted accepting Y/n as an extension of Daemon,

Daemon smiled, quite impressed by her calm demeanour around such a large beast. "See? You're doing great, he certainly likes you my love."

"he is very nice, very sweet. And a very handsome dragon" she smiled as she began to stroke caraxes by the nose with both her hands

Daemon smiled wide as he continued to watch them, feeling a sense of pride in her. She was so sweet, and had certainly won Caraxes's heart. Which was more then enough to melt his own to see the woman he loved and was to marry bond so happily with his dragon, "He is quite a handsome dragon, isn't he?"

Caraxes responded to her petting by tilting his head back against her, he seemed quite contented with her attention.

"mhm very handsome"

It made him so happy to see her and his dragon enjoy one another, As she continued to stroke Caraxes, Daemon smiled and spoke. "It seems you have my dragon's heart."

"I do?"

"You have. Caraxes is clearly quite fond of you, I can tell. You won him over, and as such I am quite pleased with you. I have the feeling you two would get along just fine with one another."

"I hope so, hello caraxes your very lovely thank you for being nice to me. I think your a very big very nice dragon" she smiled

"I think he appreciates your kind words my love. I believe he would like you to become his friend."

"awww I'm sure we'll be freinds"

Daemon gave her hand another tight squeeze. "I think he's grown fond of you already. I must say, it is rather nice to see him with a woman who does not scream in fear while looking at him."

"I admit he shocked me I didn't imagine he was so big but he's very sweet and handsome. Just like someone else I know," she smiled giving caraxes nose a kiss and then daemons nose a kiss

"I would certainly say the feeling is mutual." He rubbed his thumb against his caraxes nose too, "See? Even my dragon finds you as irresistible as I do, my love."

"he does?"

"He does, I think your kiss has quite won him over now."

Caraxes nudged his head against her again, and looked up to Daemon with an expectant look.

Daemon smiled, and chuckled before speaking."See. He truly does enjoy your affection."

"awww," she smiled doing her best to hug the gigantic dragon with her tiny arms,

Daemon chuckled at the scene before him "I think it's safe to say the two of you are getting along quite well. Would you like to try and climb on him my love? I believe he would hold you safely if you wanted to try."

"ohh... I don't know, isn't it dangerous?"

"Caraxes would never allow you to come to any harm, and nor would I. I will assure you, you would be perfectly safe."

"well... If you think it's safe. Could I give him something before we go? A treat perhaps... If... Uhh if dragons have treats?"

“A treat?”

“I’m sorry… do dragons get treats?”

Daemon smirked at this, as he spoke."I'm sure he would like a little treat. Would you like me to go and get him one love?"

"Mhm"

Daemon laughed at her answer and nodded slightly. "I shall be back with something in a moment." he gave her a kiss and went to talk to the dragon keepers,

she was a little more nervous now she was alone even if daemon is just across the room, but she smiled and stroked caraxes nose "ummm your a very beautiful boy, I see why Daemon loves you so much"

Caraxes whimpers in response to her words, moving his head against her now that she was alone with him. He seemed to enjoy her words, and after a moment of her caressing him, he began to lean toward her.

she giggled and ran her hands over his scales and gave him kisses softly singing a gentle song like a lullaby

Caraxes seemed to be enjoying the gentle singing and her caressing. Caraxes leaned his massive head against her, his red scales feeling quite hot from her touch. After a moment or two that she spent giving him gentle kisses and caresses, it was quite clear he had found himself quite smitten with her now. After a moment he nudged his cheek against her in an attempt to get her to scratch it, the gentle red dragon wanted all the affection he could get from her. She began to gently scratch his cheek as the dragon nudged her. Caraxes's small yellow eyes seemed to be locked onto hers, and his tongue licked at her hand at one point.

Daemon came back over the keepers having fetched a pig, "I believe Caraxes really likes you my love. I wonder why that might be."

"who knows? Maybe I just smell nice?"

"Perhaps that is it. That you may be filled with a scent that just so happens to attract such powerful dragons." He teased her,

"or maybe... He's just so much like you. You fell in love with me only makes sense a dragon that is such an extension of yourself would love me too,"

He chuckled lightly as he spoke again. “I suppose that could be true,” He nodded, “You think my dragon and I are quite similar then?"

"Umm my big handsome sweet boys"

Daemon smiled brightly. "Really?"

"Mhm, But ones a little more special" she smiled wrapping her arms around daemons shoulders,

"And which of us is more special my dear love?"

"hummm I wonder" she Giggled before she stood on her toes and kissed his lips

Her attempt was quite cute, and his mouth met hers as they kissed. He could feel the passion building, and he couldn't quite contain himself now. He took her in his arms, lifting her body up against him. Their lips locked in an intimate and passionate kiss, Daemon's lips continued to play with her own, as one of his hands found her back while the other hand moved to her soft neck. Their kissing grew more intense now, and he found himself enjoying the moment far more than he thought he would. Daemon's body pressed hers against the wall, and he could feel her curves pressing against him. His hand moved to hold her back while his other hand continued to run its fingers through her soft hair. She was incredibly attractive, and the passion between the two was clearly growing larger and larger. Daemon felt his heart beating faster and faster. And Y/n felt as if she was to faint from the passion, The adrenaline between the two increased as their kisses became more heated. His body moved closer, pressing up against her. He could feel the heat of her body as it pressed against him, it was quite intoxicating to say the least.

they are both suddenly interrupted by the harsh sound of caraxes blowing fire into the roof of the cave they both jumped at the loud noise of Caraxes's fire, Caraxes stared at them both in a disapproving manner.

After a moment Daemon spoke, trying his best to contain a chuckle. "I believe he does not approve."

"I think he might be a bit jealous? Of me or you?"

Daemon chuckled as he spoke. "I believe he is most likely jealous of me." he smirked, "He must be smiutten with you, and now he will want to have your affection all to him self my love."

"ohh I'm sorry I didn't mean to cause any trouble"

Daemon chuckled lightly at her apology. "There is nothing to apologize for my love. You have done nothing wrong. I do believe Caraxes is simply a bit jealous, so I must go back to giving him what he wants. Do not worry about it my dear."

"All alright I do hope I didn't cause any trouble between you" she said nervously

"Don't worry, I admit I got a little jealous seeing him with you too so I can't blame him for getting jealous of you and I?"

"You did?"

"A little my love," He cooed, "Do you think you'd want to ride on Caraxes back with me?"

"Now?" she gulped,

"Not today, another day, with less wind when it's safer for you." he explained, "But? would you want to?"

"I think so," she nodded, "I'd like to,"

"You are just perfect aren't you," He cooed, "I can see it now, you and I riding on dragon back together around dragon stone"

"It does sound nice," 

"And perhaps we will have dragon eggs settled by the cradle,"

"The cradle?" she giggled,

"Umm, Our children will be Targaryens my love. Dragon riders. We could lay eggs in their cradles and have them bond at birth, so we can go riding around dragon stone with our children on caraxes when they're young and then... their own when they are grown." 

"Riding on Caraxes? with our children?" she laughed at what seemed so absurd but she found it sweet at the same time that Daemon wanted his children to ride on his dragon with him,

"Of course," he nodded, "My mother took me to the sky with me in her lap when I was merely three weeks old, as she rode on Meleys," He explained, "Would you deny me giving our children the same?"

"Ohh..." she smiled, "Of course not, I could never deny such a thing. It's very sweet Daemon, I am sorry if my joke of it offended-"

Daemon smiled at her, stroking her cheek for a moment before letting his fingers play with her hair. "There is nothing to worry about my love. come on He likely just want’s his treat." he chuckled

she nodded and cuddled into his chest happily, Daemon wrapped his arms around her body as he held her to his. She was so comfortable, and her being this close felt quite warm to him. His fingers ran through the soft strands of her hair, and he could feel the softness of her skin against him as he ordered the keepers to give Caraxes the pig,

"You are the embodiment of beauty and grace to me, and I cannot help but be drawn to you. The moment I lay eyes upon you I could feel the passion brewing between us, my love. I do believe that the gods themselves must have created you for my own enjoyment, though I would rather have you all to myself and not share you even with my own dragon." he smirked, "you shall utterly be all mine once we are made man and wife. There shall be nobody that can come and steal you away from me, or the gods themselves will hear of my anger my dear."

“I can’t wait till we’re married Daemon,”

“I can’t wait either Y/n,” He cooed, 

[fluloa]

Si fpom

Jake Sully x reader [series, part one]

Home.

That's what your mother whispers to you, mouth stretched into a warm grin as she holds you in her arms. A baby so small, crying in choked whines and all she can do is wipe a hand through your thin threads of short hair. She's exhausted, spent of the hours of pushing and crying and screaming. Ongokx. To be born. Here you were, settled in her arms with a face so sweet and skin so teal. Ronal feels tears dry up on her cheeks as new ones overlap them, "Ma ite. Ma txon."

My daughter. My night. The fire beside her crackles, warming her sweat-dampened legs as Tonowari supports her from her back. The moon's light shines in from the slitted open flat of the tent, highlighting the side of your face. Born in a night. Her little night.

As you grow older, so does your curiosity. You're drawn to the ocean, to the outside of the reef, to the outside of your home. Barely the age of three and you're waddling to the sea foam of the ocean, with your father hot on your feet before he's scooping you up. You just manage to pick up a dirtied seashell before it. "Tomorrow, my daughter. Far too dark now."

He starts walking away with you on his hip, and you look over his big shoulder, arm reaching out clumsily. "Go out there." You wave your seashell, and he takes it from your chubby little hand.

He lows a laugh, "This right here is all you need." He gives your belly a small tickle, before gently moving your head to the view of your village.

When you're four, you're gifted with a baby brother. You sit on your knees from afar as you watch the baby in your mother's arms with curiosity, loud cries filling your ears. He looks so odd to you, a face so small and the stripes on his skin like little spikes. You look to your own. Why are yours more stretched out? And why is he crying so much? Is he hurt?

Your mother looks to you, eyes wearing a tiredness but she smiles, flicking a hand in your direction as she beckons you. "Come look, txon."

You slowly crawl your way towards her, eyes trained on the little being in her arms. You kneel neatly beside her, looking up to her and she nods again, smile brightening as a few chuckles leave her lips. "You can touch, ma eveng."

You warily reach your hand out, placing your palm on the soft skin of his belly. You're fascinated with the way your hand covers most of it. You shift your hand again, instead feathering at his cheek and your mouth cracks into a little smile.

"Tonowari," Ronal quickly whispers, pointing her head to the scene in front of him. His face beams with joy at the sight, placing a hand on her arm as his chest swells with warm pride. At such a young age, you held a sense of maturity, of wiseness. Destined to be a leader. A tsahik. But that didn't mean you didn't have a snap of childish fire in you.

"Ao'nung!" you hiss, refusing to unlatch your grip on the seashell he's desperately holding. He whines, tugging again but it's useless to you. Six and two is a big difference in strength. "Give it— give it!" you scream.

You finally pull, and it's a hard pull. Whipping it out from his grasp and the force sends him to the ground butt first. Hearing the frustrated hisses morph into big cries makes you grin in victory, but the expression drops as soon as you hear the angry thud of footsteps against sand and see the angry look on your incoming mother's face.

During your sixth cycle, you rode your first ilu. Sure, it was a bit on the messy side and you did squirm a bit before connecting your tsaheylu, but as soon as your fingers grazed the wet scales of the animal's neck and you settled comfortable on her back, you were gliding through the sea. Ronal was scared for you at first, but Tonowari's hand placed on her shoulder gave her enough reassurance.

Once you come back up to your parents, your smile is bright, water dripping from your face. Your mother leans over and flicks a few wet stray hairs out from your face. "How was it, txon?"

"Really, really good!" you gasp, earning a chuckle from both your parents. "Can I go further?" you point your finger out, almost reaching to the deeper fill of sea.

Tonowari shakes his head.

"Let me go further!" you whine, dreaded that your father had caught you trying to sneak an ilu after sunset. His grip on your forearm is tight and unforgiving, dragging you away from the coldness of the sea's start and to the dryness of the hot sand. Even if you were twelve, you still held that childish fire.

"I will not let this continue," he snaps out your name. "Foolish girl. One of these days, you'll end up dead."

Your fingers claw at his fist wrapped around your damp skin, tears burning at the rim of your eyes. "I would rather that than be stuck here!" you cry.

He suddenly stops, looks back to you with his face still. "You disappoint me."

He lets go of you, and you slump to the ground, finally letting the tears break from your eyes and drool down your cheeks. You wanted more. More than this land, than this village. But it was out of reach, and you couldn't even attempt to stretch out your hand to catch it.

You feel a hand warm at your shoulder, and you numbly look up, seeing your grandmother eyeing you with a soft sympathy. You clumsily crawl to her, clutching her legs in a hug and a soft chuckle leaves her. "Come," she murmurs.

You're sat at her tent, arms wrapped around your knees as she gently unfolds your braids, drops of water sliding from your hair and sticking to your back. Your eyes are wet, tiredness taking over your body little by little. "What is the matter?" she starts, her tone casual.

"Why am I so different?" you mumble, eyes trained on the ember fire in front of you. "I feel as if I am so apart from everyone else."

"You are your father's daughter," she responds. "He sees himself in you, and he is afraid of that."

"I am nothing like him." You bitter, playing with a cuticle of your nail as annoyance from the events of before settle deep in your heart.

Your grandmother laughs, "You would be surprised. But, ma eveng, you are not apart from everyone else. Different, maybe, but it is not bad. It is a gift."

She takes the final braid out from your hair, humming as she cups your chin with her fingers and turns your face to her gaze. "Lor evenge," she awes. Beautiful girl, she calls you, something that you can't seem to believe each time the words leave her mouth as much as you try to. Her eyes graze over your hair, using a soft hand to comb through it. "You must wear it like this more often."

Your eyebrows crinkle, a smile making its way to your lips. She grins back.

"Come," she takes your hand, bringing you up with her and she skims past her tent, dragging you with to wherever she's going to. She sneaks you past the village, away from the people and fires and leads to you a thick land of rock that's mended through the sand and is perched at the edge of the sea, as flat as the sand beneath your feet. She slips her hand away from yours, stepping onto the rock surface. You watch her with curiosity as she starts to move her arms, and then she turns to you, curling her hand toward you.

You swallow steadily, stepping onto the rock and feeling the gravelly surface graze the bottoms of your bare feet. You begin to follow her movements, unable to fight the grin on your face as she smiles in your direction.

"Dance with the water," your grandmother whispers, voice blending with the soft sway of the ocean. "Feel its waves. Its undertow. Feel it within your body, and move with it. Move with the water, ma evenge."

Your grandmother grows ill when you're fifteen. You can tell in the way her face softens and wrinkles, the way her voice croaks, and the way her movements slow.

Dancing with her at your designated spot, the flat chunk of rock. The night's air cool as it breezes through your unbraided hair, beads jingling on your body as your hips sway. A sudden stop to her motions has your head whipping towards her, rushing to her just before she falls to the ground. "Grandmama," you murmur, pressing a few fingers to her head and worry shocking through your system at the intense warmth that you feel against them.

You yell out desperately, holding her to your smaller body as she begins to slump against you. A few people come, and take her from your arms, rushing her to the healers pod. You follow after them, hot on their heels as you silently beg Eywa for a miracle. You could not lose her. She was your source of peace, your light in the pitch black darkness. She was the only thing that made sense to you.

They lay her out on a blanket layered bed, dipping a bowl of misty green liquid into her mouth. You don't pay attention when the thin curtains of the marui pod whip apart, your parents swarming beside you.

"Mother," your father whispers, kneeling down to her form and rolling a hand over hers. His head suddenly slumps, mouth dipping in a sadness and your heart plumbers.

"Let me see her," you rush, attempting to push past the little crowd of people that surround her. "Let me see her! Grandmama!"

Your mother wraps a hand around your arm, but you immediately shrug it off, forcing your way past everyone as your eyes begin to fog. You drop to your knees, eyes trained on the still, dead face of your grandmother. You suck in a rasped gasp of air, hand pulling on her arm wretchedly as you cry. You scream out, only to be forced away by the rough arms of your father, shoved into his chest as your wails of pain begin to muffle. He lets you cry, lets you hit at his body as despair fills your being. A new tsahik would come forth; your mother.

A little while later, you held young little Tsireya in your arms, allowing her tears to run at the skin of your torso. You push your own need of comfort aside, instead focusing on your younger sister that reaches for the comfort that you need to give. You comb your fingers through her dark hair, just like your grandmama, and mumble a soft tune. "Mawey, hi'i ilva. Aku tikeftxo, teya si fpom."

Calm, little drop. Take away sadness, and fill peace. The beginning of your songcord, the first little bead of your chain.

Past your teenage years and into your early adulthood cycle, you were fierce. A force to be reckoned with. You held that fire within you, and it had only blossomed into a bigger wrath of ember. A gifted dancer, a strong hunter, but a kind heart. A kind heart that your people grew to know, to adore. Wise beyond your years, people said, but a wild, curious and adventurous young girl deep inside. Your father's daughter, just like your grandmother had once said.

"A tsahik in the making," your mother tells you, fixing the crystal woven crown on your hairline. Your head juts up, your chest risen with pride as she then traces your newly tattooed back.

A tsahik in the making that you hope could live up to your grandmama.

— sooo here it is!! ik this chapter isn’t that big but trust me, next chapter will be FAT. lol. pls be kind. <333 also idk if this will get attention or not

to be in my tag list for this series -> here

PART TWO

[only-lonely-stars]

you should know I'm a liar (chapter 1 - crossroads)

[chapter 1 - you are here!] // [chapter 2] - (FFN) (AO3)

Summary:

After the Merge, Lloyd is alone. Ninjago has moved on, and it doesn't need the Ninja anymore. As he's slowly rotting away, Lloyd meets someone he has a bit too much history with: someone who owes him more than a couple answers.

Co-authored by @dragon-gem!

Majorly inspired by this beautiful piece of artwork, drawn by @diamonddogs-terrarium! It's embedded in the text below.

I’m the only one left.

The rooftops weren’t as distracting as Lloyd had hoped. Down at street level, the Crossroads were a barrage of color and noise. Sixteen realms and countless cultures had moved into Ninjago City, making it their own.

Lloyd, a remnant of the old Ninjago, was left behind like garbage.

Memories of the city he loved grated against Lloyd’s heart, in places that were still raw from the last time he’d remembered–

–the last time he’d bled.

Don’t think about it. Just go home.

The way down from this roof, the peak of the Crossroads’ highest building, required a challenging jump to the next building. The pagoda-styled roofs provided a decent footing, but still it took him a moment to calculate just how hard to push himself.

Just before the jump, he reached for his mask, and found nothing.

I really need to get a new suit, he thought with some frustration. This is getting annoying.

He leaped.

Seconds later, he rolled to a stop on the lower roof, and from there, latched onto a water spout. He rode it down the wall, maneuvering his body weight to avoid the clamps that held it to the brick, and was on the dirt street below in moments.

The Crossroads turned a blind eye to him, just as it needed to. A ninja couldn’t always be seen. He needed secrecy, especially because he worked alone–

Lloyd shook his head, trying to banish the miserable thoughts that followed him. Why can’t I focus today? I sound like a supervillain, monologuing everything. Nobody needs that.

Besides… the Monastery was empty. He could cry about his terrible fate as the fated Green Ninja in privacy. Nobody had to know what he did there.

Nobody saw that every night, when he sat before his uncle and father’s pictures in the courtyard, he cried.

His family, his world, the life he was supposed to have. All stolen, according to some fate.

I didn’t ask for this.

He let himself focus on the hustle and bustle of the Crossroads, the comforting weight of his well-worn sword on his back, the sound of crowds, the crashing noises–

What was that?

The sound repeated, and Lloyd turned, hearing it come from down the street. It sounded close, and worse, someone was groaning.

He ran, turning the corner to see a pile of rubbish spread across the street. The majority was a rather tall pile, pinning down a prone figure. A few passersby were approaching the figure, pulling off garbage to let the person stand.

Lloyd watched, not sure what to do.

After a few minutes of garbage removal, a Mucoid stepped forward from the crowd and offered the unfortunate person a hand up. The figure stood– a woman, based on height and frame– and nodded appreciatively.

Lloyd was just about to turn and leave when the woman turned her head.

Green eyes, tinged with pink, watched him.

He watched, too, in mute fascination and horror.

The woman pushed back her hood. White hair came spilling out, now cut to only brush her shoulders.

Still, she didn’t look away, and Lloyd reached for his sword out of habit.

Harumi, the Quiet One, the Jade Princess, his arch nemesis… shook her head.

He narrowed his eyes. “Harumi!”

She flinched as a few pairs of eyes turned toward him. He ignored them, stepping close enough to speak with her. “Please. Not here.”

“Why not?”

Harumi glanced around. “There’s too many people around.”

Lloyd’s skin prickled, fear and anticipation warring in him. She was still the same person who had lied to him, kidnapped him, caged him, tried to kill him. Some people never changed. “I don’t think so. Why are you here? To kill me?”

“No!” She took a step back, looking genuinely offended. “Geez, Lloyd. You have a one-track mind.”

“Well excuse me for wanting to get to the truth. What do you want?” His voice cracked on the last word, betraying its disuse from too much time living alone.

She noticed, and smiled weakly. “Can’t a girl just go about her day in peace? I just got squished by a pile of trash. It’s not been a good day already.”

Imagine how I feel, he thought, but didn’t say. “And what exactly do you do in a ‘peaceful’ day?”

“What is this, an interrogation?”

“If it needs to be.”

She scoffed, and with a roll of her eyes that he’d all but memorized, she stepped past him and began walking down the road. “Fine. I don’t have to stay here and let you insult me.”

“Hey!” He wheeled on her, drawing his sword. “Stop!”

“Or what? You’ll cut me down where I stand?”

“If it comes to that.”

She waved a nonchalant hand. “Please, Lloyd. Do you think I’m really going to let you do that? I can always take you in a fight.”

“Hand-to-hand versus a sword? I find that hard to believe.”

Harumi smirked, and Lloyd felt like a spider had crawled up his spine and settled right on his neck– right where it could bite and bleed him dry. “As if I ever go unarmed. You’re as foolish as ever.”

Lloyd felt his pulse pounding at his temples. “Well– well I’m not letting you go.”

“Oh, no! The Green Ninja isn’t letting me go.” She pouted. “I’ll just have to do whatever he tells me.”

Unkind memories sprang up, of time on a boat and an almost-kiss that he hadn’t quite expected. They made Lloyd white-knuckle his sword grip, all his muscles tensed for a fight. “Explain yourself. Why are you in the Crossroads? Why now?”

“Maybe I’ve been here this whole time.”

“Then why show up now?”

“See my previous comment about having a pile of garbage dropped on me. Seriously, Lloyd. You’re not stupid.” She paused. “In fact, you’re supposed to be the dead one. Why are you questioning me? I have every right–”

“You have the right to remain silent,” Lloyd cut in, irritated by her non-answers.

“Did you take a job as a cop?”

“...No.”

“Then don’t treat me like I’m under arrest.” She rolled her eyes again. “Look. Why don’t we find somewhere to just talk this all out. If it makes you feel better, I can swear on my dead parents that I have zero evil plans right now.”

Lloyd was about to yell at her, but he stopped himself. There was something about her frustratingly casual demeanor that didn’t quite look like when she was tricking him– any of several times. “...Swear it.”

She crossed her heart. “On the lives of all of my dead parents, I swear.”

He watched her closely. Show me a tell. Give me a reason to beat you into the dirt.

She met his gaze with an even stare.

All he got were those green eyes, still with pink flashes now and again. A poker face trained by years in the Imperial court, keeping secrets and telling lies like a second language.

She’s telling the truth this time.

He felt sick to his stomach, but sheathed his sword. “Fine. Say I believe you,” he bluffed. “Come back to the Monastery, and we can talk.”

She raised her eyebrows. “Seriously? You want me in your home?”

“Where I can keep an eye on you,” he corrected, not sure if either statement was more true than the other. “I’ll sweeten the deal, even. We can have an even fight and work out some of these old grudges.”

Harumi laughed, throwing her head back. “You want a fight? Haven’t I almost killed you enough times?”

He glared at her again. “With staves. I’m a ninja. We value the sanctity of life.”

Harumi, for her part, listened to his correction with only a trace of a smug smile. “...Don’t you mean ‘staffs?’”

“No, I meant staves,” he snapped. “Who’s the trained ninja here?!”

She shook her head in dismay. “Clearly not you, or you’d be harder to rile up.”

“I will drag you back to whatever prison replaced Kryptarium, or so help me–”

“Fine.” She interrupted him, and offered a hand to shake. “If you want to work our your repressed emotions by letting me throw you around, then fine. I’d love another chance to show you who’s the boss here.”

Lloyd felt himself flushing, but he took her hand and shook it with as much strength as possible. She winced at his grip, which made him smile. “It would be nice to show you just how wrong you are, actually.”

“Fine. Let’s get on with it.”

“Fine.”

“Fine,” she snapped, always having to have the last word.

Lloyd turned on his heel, heading in the direction of the Monastery, and listened carefully to the footsteps that followed him through the crowd.

If fate wants to punish me, I think I just asked for it.

-------

In a parody of everything normal in Lloyd’s life, he walked the thousand steps to the Monastery of Spinjitzu with Harumi at his heels.

The Merge had made everything discordant, but nothing was more grating than her constant talking, boring into his brain through his ears.

“How is it, being dead? Are you liking being ignored?” She sounded flippant, but the words cut deep, making Lloyd step a little more firmly as they rose toward the not-so-ancient building. “I didn’t like it very much, you understand. Nobody to talk to gets quite boring.”

Lloyd balled his hands into fists. “I liked it, actually. Nobody to talk to leaves plenty of time for meditating.”

“Meditating? What are you, a guru?”

“I’m a ninja master. Meditating is an important part of the job.”

“Please,” she drawled. “You’re just mulling over all your past mistakes, like letting me get squished by a skyscraper.”

“I told you already, that’s not true.”

“And I still don’t believe you.”

Lloyd stopped walking and turned on her. Her expression was smug, a smile pasted across her pale cheeks. “Harumi. For the last time, I didn’t let that happen to you! The Overlord may have revived you before I got there, but I was there.”

She paused, obviously considering her next insult. “You could have been more timely about it.”

“I was a fugitive!”

“I was dead!”

“Gah! You are impossible!” Lloyd rolled his eyes. “Just shut up, we’re almost to the top.”

Harumi snickered. “Make me.”

Instantly he tensed. The look on her face was oddly mischievous, and it sent shivers up and down his spine– a sensation that wasn’t entirely unpleasant.

“No.”

“Really?” She clasped her hands behind her back, fluttering her eyelashes in a girlish manner. “That’s too bad. Seems like you’re stuck with my chatter.”

Lloyd opened his mouth to retort.

You’re only giving her more ammunition. Quit digging a deeper hole for yourself, Lloyd Garmadon.

He shut his mouth, turned his back, and started up the stairs again.

She followed, walking at his side with only an inch of air between them. Every few steps, her knuckles brushed against his.

He pulled his hand back and veered to the side, and then a few steps later, it happened again.

Ignore it, Lloyd. You’re almost home, you can beat her senseless there.

The thought was not helpful, and neither was the one it came with.

This is too much like the first time I met her.

Harumi kept talking, but this time she didn’t demand any replies. Instead, she commented on the Merged Lands, with their nonsensical combination. In the time since the Merge, he’d noticed strange combinations, and she spoke aloud the things he hadn’t mentioned to anyone.

Mountains giving way to oceans of deep purple waters that were safe to drink.

Petrified forests that only reached up to the knee.

She told him stories. Last year, she got caught in a spring snowstorm, and she was trapped in the home of friendly strangers for a week. They weren’t from Ninjago, so she’d been welcomed.

(It wasn’t worth asking if they were still alive.)

She walked the bank of a river which split two realms, and helped the locals build a retaining wall along it. They were using the water to irrigate their fields, and had cooked for her as long as she kept working with them.

(Manual labor? Hard to believe, but…)

Worst of all, in the middle of the Wyldness, she ran out of hair products. As it turned out, the pre-industrial apocalypse was rather unwelcoming.

(He’d had to snort at that one, and her smile in return was unsettling.)

The walk kept going, and going, and going. Lloyd’s thoughts wandered toward his family– and Jay’s much more tolerable rants.

I miss them so much.

I’m a complete moron.

-------

They reached the Monastery, whereLloyd hauled one side of the gate open. “After you.”

Surprisingly, she didn’t argue. “Thank you.”

They stepped inside, and Lloyd was hit with a realization that it was rather sad to be here alone. He’d gotten used to dead silence, but it made him want to cry now that he faced it; that, and throw something off the edge of the cliff.

He ignored both urges, instead shutting the gate behind them.

Harumi blinked. “Did it get larger in the Merge?”

“No,” Lloyd grumbles. “It’s just bigger than one person needs.”

“I suppose so,” Harumi replied lightly. “It still looks nice, like new construction. I suppose I won’t be receiving a tour or a cup of tea?”

He raised an eyebrow at her. “You want to play houseguest? That doesn’t sound like you.”

“No, it’s not. Perhaps I turned over a new leaf.”

“I don’t believe it.”

“You shouldn’t.” Harumi rolled her shoulders, smiling mischievously. “Knives or no?”

Lloyd gave her one dry look. “I told you, staves only. Cleaning blood off stone is harder than it sounds.”

She laughed. “I’ve heard that. But really, I’m not a heathen. I would only try and really kill you after we’d fought a couple times! Imagine if I succeeded the first time– which is quite likely. How awkward.”

“You’ve become a master of understatement,” Lloyd commented dryly, then walked across the courtyard to put away his sword. “Maybe the Merge did you some more good than it did me.”

Harumi chuckled softly, and when he glanced over at her, she was plucking a knife out of her waistband and placing it against the wall— far enough away so neither of them would be able to get to it while they were sparring. “Maybe. It’s been an odd couple of years.”

“Tell me about it,” he commented, focused on re-tying his gi so it wouldn’t get in his way. He hadn’t had a good fight in too long, and the training course wasn’t a great substitute. Could he still take a real opponent, with months or years of cooling his heels only dulling his skills?

It’ll be good for sharpening your skills, the practical part of his mind contributed. Iron sharpens iron.

Harumi taunted, “I can still kick your butt.”

Lloyd scoffed in reply. “Doubt it.”

Harumi’s laugh echoed off the silence etched into the courtyard walls. He approached and stopped in the center of the yard, assuming a defensive position. She stepped closer and did the same. Again he noted the strengths and weaknesses in her stance— how best to knock her off balance, to force her to retreat. She was easily exploited, when done right.

He grinned. I really needed some action.

Harumi grinned back. “You’re so slow. Scared to hit a girl, Lloyd?”

“Is that what I should be calling you?” He taunted back, squaring his heels, and launched himself into a roundhouse kick. “I was referring to you as my sworn enemy!”

“Aww, I’m flattered!” Harumi snorted, dodging his kick and launching an attack of her own. “Sworn enemy does have a nice ring to it!”

Lloyd dodged her punch easily. “That’s what you focus on?”

“What, would you prefer something else? I’ve got a whole host of names I could go by.”

He ignored her comment for just long enough to try to sweep her legs out from under her– and miss, coming back into a standing position. He was just quick enough to block a blow to the head. “Don’t call yourself the Quiet One anymore. You’re not quiet!”

“Pssh, no one calls me that anymore. I’ve also avoided the whole ‘damsel in distress.’”

“Really? Your list of former nicknames is getting long.”

“I could make it longer. I even managed to shake being called your girlfriend,” she shot back.

Lloyd stiffened, despite all his training demanding flexibility and loose muscles, and his rhythm dropped. He stood back, resting on his heels, steadying himself. “...Don’t.”

“Don’t what?” Harumi smirked, still in defensive position. “Are you still going to pretend you don’t know what I’m talking about?”

Lloyd’s annoyance flared into anger. He knew his face was red, and worse, he didn’t care. “I’m not interested in your games.”

“Funny. I don’t believe that you invited me all the way up here to get even. You’re lonely, and I was there.”

He returned to a boxing stance. “I’m not that pathetic.”

“Just a little pathetic,then.” She rolled her eyes. “Tell me I’m wrong, Lloyd. I dare you.”

“We both know you’ll ignore anything I say. Stop stalling.”

“Hey, I’m right here!” Harumi spread out her hands, opening up to a punch they both knew Lloyd wouldn’t throw. “If you have something to say to me, just spit it out already! I’m not going to tell anyone. I’m good with secrets, you know that.”

Irritation won out, and Lloyd threw a kick. He aimed for her head, almost landing it, but she ducked just in time. He lost his balance and took a moment to step back, but the deep, heaving breaths from the failed strike only made him angrier.

“Do you know what the problem is?” Harumi was still talking, and watching him with a heavy gaze. “You’re not used to being alone anymore. You can’t handle yourself now that your team is dead.”

“They’re not dead. They’re missing. It’s different.”

“Really? Then why aren’t you looking for them? You’re just rotting away, up here in your lonely castle.”

“My monastery–”

“Is empty,” she interrupted, crossing her arms. “And you’re empty too.”

Anger won out, again, but this time Lloyd couldn’t lash out. The rules of sparring were too deeply drilled into his mind, from years of training with his brothers and sister. When sparring with a friend, never strike when they’re undefended.

Harumi, with crossed arms and unbalanced posture, wasn’t prepared. Despite how much she grated on his nerves, she was his guest.

He poured his anger into words instead.

“My family is not dead. I’m doing fine, no thanks to you, and all the ways you’ve tried to ruin my life. Insulting me is a step too far, actually! You could’ve walked away, ignored me, left my life again. You came to my home, because I invited you, of your own free will. And now you’re playing it like you hate me?!”

She scoffed. “Hate is a strong word. I loathe you, Lloyd Garmadon.”

“Fine, that’s just as bad! If you’re going to act like you’ve always hated me, then I guess there’s no pleasing you. There’s no such thing as ‘good enough’ for a prissy princess like you!”

Harumi glared at him. “Do not call me that.”

“I’ll call you whatever I want! You’ve always wanted to destroy my life, Harumi. Congratulations, it’s destroyed, and you get to see it!” He gestured at the rest of the Monastery courtyard, just as miserably empty as before she’d come to visit. “Are you happy? You didn’t get to do it yourself, but you still got what you wanted. Is it good enough?!”

Harumi shifted her weight, uncrossing her arms. “Now you’re putting words in my mouth? That’s so mature, Green Savior. What’s next? Are you going to tell me that I should still be dead?”

Lloyd grasped at words, finding nothing good to throw back at her. “You– you really love ruining my day!”

She rolled her eyes and settled back into a fighting stance, fists raised to protect her face. “You ruined your own day.”

Finally! Lloyd didn’t wait for an invitation to whale on her. Instead, he launched himself full-body in her direction.

They collided, and Harumi fell back with a cry of surprise. Her feet slipped out from under her, and Lloyd angled just so she didn’t crack her skull on the stone– not that he would have minded, once upon a time– and instead bore the first impact with her shoulder.

Harumi grunted loudly, and Lloyd took advantage of her dazed state to pin her down by the shoulders and hips.

Red and purple tinged his vision, pounding with his pulse. When was the last time he’d been so angry?

Harumi tapped out, pounding her fist three times against the flagstone. Her breath was coming in gasps, and a secret, evil part of Lloyd wished she would just stop and be quiet.

He sat back, letting up pressure on her chest, and sat on her legs to keep her down on the ground. The haze of anger was beginning to clear, and he realized he was panting just as hard.

The red vision cleared, and he slowly came to see the blinding paleness below him. Harumi, with white hair and pale skin. There was no healthy flush in her cheeks, despite all the exertion. She was more dazed that he’d realized, and presently began to cough.

I did that to her.

Lloyd let up, getting off her so she could roll onto her side. Harumi was heaving full gasps of air, and she curled into a recovery position to regain her breath. He watched with some measure of worry, but within a minute, her cheeks were flushed again.

Good. If she was hyperventilating… He didn’t let himself finish the thought, along with its awful implications. She’s fine. Just don’t get so rough with her next time, Greenie.

When she was able to sit up, she choked out a few breathless words. “You were holding out on me. I haven’t seen you act like that since…”

Lloyd looked away, answering the unasked question. “That’s because I haven’t. I refused then, and I refuse now.”

“I’m not surprised either way… your father is a real piece of work.” She took a deep breath, sounding more stable. “Like father, like son.”

Lloyd bristled. “You’re still insulting me after I almost give you a concussion? You must love to hate me, Harumi.”

“I told you already, I don’t hate you.”

“Oh, right. How could I forget. You loathe me, which is a synonym for hating me.”

“It’s not the same.” Now it was her turn to avoid his gaze. “Besides, we’ve been enemies for years now. If I treated you any differently, you’d think I’m lying. It wouldn’t even be a bad assumption.”

Lloyd couldn’t help scowling, even though she wasn’t looking. “And where do you think I got that assumption?”

She rolled her eyes, but looked at him again. “Probably my devastating betrayal that broke your heart, followed by resurrecting the evil reflection of your dead father, dying as a direct result of your actions, and then acting as the right hand woman for your greatest enemy.”

Lloyd stared at her incredulousy, and she had the audacity to laugh. “Come on, Lloyd. I’m more self-aware than you give me credit for.”

“Could’ve fooled me.”

“Then you’re a fool.”

Enough was enough, so Lloyd stood up and offered her a hand. “If you don’t hate me, then you could have the decency to be honest and tell me how you really feel.”

Harumi accepted the hand up, letting go as soon as she was on her feet. Her hand was smaller than he remembered, but still strong, and he wondered how strong her grip would be if she was trying to hurt him.

As soon as she was standing, Harumi drew back her hand. He thought she would make some witty retort, but instead she took hold of the hem of her hoodie and pulled it over her head.

Lloyd averted his eyes. She wasn’t wearing a shirt, and her pale skin on display made him distinctly uncomfortable– that, and hot under the collar. “Do you have to do that?”

“Do what?” She sounded genuinely confused.

He felt a blush creeping up his neck and ears. “...Not wear a shirt.”

“Oh.” She laughed at him. “No thanks. If I’m going to get hot and sweaty, I’d rather not make my jacket stink too. You’ll just have to deal with it.”

He groaned. “Fine. Then you should at least answer my question.”

“What was your question, again?”

“Your feelings,” he gritted, glancing at her. She was wearing a smug grin, of the type that made his skin crawl– and not entirely unpleasantly, which irritated him even more. “Since we’re apparently working out all our issues today.”

She laughed, throwing back her head with amusement. “Apparently, but you seem content to insult me instead. I can play dumb, if that’s what you’d prefer.”

“Less of a play for you,” he sniped, “and more of a reality.”

Harumi sighed, still sounding like he amused her, and looked him in the eye. “Look, you were convenient at the time, alright? My feelings had nothing to do with it.”

Nothing.

Lloyd watched her, thinking of all the times they’d had this conversation already, all the times she’d held a knife to his throat.

The ways she’d touched him, spoken to him– it was too convenient for her to say that. It was the most convenient option. The easiest answer, to change the topic and make him move his focus away from the real her.

She’s lying again. I need to try something new.

Lloyd turned away from her and approached the wall where the training weapons were kept. “You know, Harumi, I’m not stupid. You might think so, but I’m still the Green Ninja. I’ve had girls screaming over me for more than a decade, and you know what I’ve learned?”

She snorted. “You’ll tell me even if I don’t ask.”

Lloyd was glad she couldn’t see him roll his eyes. She’s predictable now. He opened the cabinet and pulled out two bamboo staves, both engraved with simple words of power his uncle once remembered from ages past.

“Here’s the bit you don’t get, Harumi. Those girls really did like me, even if I didn’t pay them any attention. And you’re no different! You’re not the first to have a crush on the most powerful martial artist in all of Ninjago.”

She laughed at him, but when he looked at her, she seemed uncomfortable. “Believe me, Lloyd, my only screaming at you has been from pure anger. You were the easiest target to reel in, not to mention the most likely ninja to sympathize with a defenseless princess. It’s as easy as that.”

Lloyd closed the cabinet with the butt of one staff, thinking over his next reply. She was watching him, taking note of his reactions. If he wanted the truth, he’d have to force her into a corner.

When he came back to Harumi, he thrust one staff into her hands. “I know a lie when I smell it. You can’t trick me again.”

She took it with a bitter sneer. “Even if I tell you the truth, you don’t believe me. At this rate, let’s just bet on it.”

Lloyd eyed her. “Bet on what? The odds you tell me something true for once?”

“No, stupid. A true, honest answer.” She tested the weight of the staff he’d given her, tapping the ends against the flagstones. “The catch is that you have to beat me in another fight.”

Lloyd spun his staff around, testing its familiar balance. It was just like his uncle’s old weapon, but still too new– there were no ridges or damage, no scorch marks, to attest its age and usefulness. It wasn’t ancient yet, and neither was he. Sometimes he wondered if he’d ever get to that age, but today he didn’t particularly care.

“Will you give me a truthful answer?”

“Only the truth. No tricks, no lies.”

Lloyd thought it over as he examined his staff. It was a tempting offer… would she deliver on it? What if he lost?

He glanced at her. Over so many years of fighting, he’d figured out her tells– she never covered them all completely. Here and there she’d smile, or toss of the hair more than she really needed to. Her fingers would twitch if she lied, like the truth was itching to escape through her fingertips.

She was still, calmly gripping her staff. Truth.

“Swear it to me.”

Harumi rolled her eyes. “I swear on the lives of all of my dead parents. Happy?”

Lloyd nodded, taking the stance required by bo staff combat. “Yeah. It’s a deal.”

Harumi stepped back the same way, raising her staff readily. “Deal. Let’s get on with it.”

They faced each other again. Lloyd watched her, an unshakeable feeling of premonition coming over him.

They were a matched pair, and not really opposites anymore. One predator and one prey, but even the prey was still a predator of its own right. Harumi twitched like prey, but if he went too easily on her, he would lose quickly.

The promise of a truthful answer was too valuable to risk.

I have to win this fight. I owe it to myself!

Lloyd stepped to the side, and Harumi copied him. They began to circle, and he settled into waiting, prepared…

The ghost of a smile, right at the corner of her mouth, betrayed her attack. He had his staff raised in a moment, blocking her blow with a hollow thock!

Harumi smirked, and he smiled reflexively as he threw her off.

She tried again, striking multiple times– high two, low five, a strike toward the ribs. He blocked them all, but the force behind them made him step back once.

With a little more ground, Harumi became bolder and stepped forward again. Lloyd pushed back. She’s got too much momentum.

He gained one step, and they were right back where they started. Their staves cracked against each other loudly, echoing off the silent walls of the courtyard, echoing off the ghosts of the empty space.

Once, these sounds had been second to cheering and laughter…

Harumi moved suddenly, jerking Lloyd out of his reverie. She feinted, then side-stepped, and suddenly they were all turned around. Lloyd had his back to the gates, and she was gaining momentum again.

Stupid! You know better than to get distracted! Lloyd berated himself internally, but he knew why he wasn’t focused.

Harumi was silent: no taunts, no insults, not even heavy breathing. She seemed completely unharmed from her previous fall, and she attempted to hook his staff and pull it out of his hands.

Lloyd turned his staff instead, trapping hers, and pulled. She stumbled, and he freed himself for a chance to land one strike on her right shoulder.

She grunted, stepping back so she could defend more easily.

Factually, Lloyd knew that he was the better of their two. He had more training, better technique, sharper skills, experience. All the things that a battle-hardened ninja should have. Harumi had none of them.

She still gave him a run for his money. Between constant attacks, she spoke. “You know, on the walk up here, I realized something.”

Lloyd grunted, blocking a poorly-timed strike at his abdomen. “Something besides everything you were rambling about?”

“I used to read a lot about you,” she continued, ignoring his jab– and when she ducked, she made a reach for his staff and tried to steal it. Lloyd landed a weak hit on her arm instead, making her pull back.

Lloyd watched her closely. “And?”

Harumi rolled her eyes. “And I remembered that you used to fly dragons up here. You weren’t ever supposed to walk, were you?”

He made an attempt at an attack, but she seemed to be expecting it. “That’s difficult when all your dragons are dead, Rumi.”

“Pity. I like dragons.” She grinned, pausing her attacks. “Did you just call me ‘Rumi?’”

Lloyd’s heart sank to the bottom of his chest– or maybe that was his stomach churning, some unseen power making him sweat. He looked at her with what he hoped was a withering stare. “Slip of the tongue.”

His hope must have been misplaced, because she just kept grinning. “You’re really not a good liar, Lloyd.”

“Then you should know that was true,” he rebuffed, and meant it entirely. “Unlike you, I don’t make a habit of lying to people.”

“You must not be including yourself in that statement.” She rested the end of her staff against the flagstones. “I like the way you say it.”

His stomach churned a little more. “Say what? ‘Lying?’”

“No, idiot.” She rolled her eyes again. “My nickname. It’s nice to have someone call me that again.”

Unsettled, Lloyd only found the presence of mind to smile back at her– and weakly, because he still wasn’t sure he meant it. Last time Harumi had made him smile, she’d tried to kill him. “I guess that’s good?”

“I’d say so,” she said with a laugh. “Especially these days.”

Harumi gave no warning. In a flash, she struck out with her staff and hit against his, yanking it from his hand. Lloyd barely had time to process it before he heard the sound of it clattering against the ground, useless at a distance.

Then she went after his feet, and he fell hard. He grunted in pain as his back struck a particularly rough stone, immediately smarting, not to mention his pride at being bested so fast.

He glared at her. “Hey! That was a dirty trick!” He pushed himself up on his forearms, but before he could stand, Harumi had her staff pointed at his head.

She raised an eyebrow, and he glared. “You’re a bad sport.”

“Hey, I could have used a dozen other ways to take you down. At least I was quick.”

“That’s not better!”

“You’re really going to complain about this?”

“When you cheated in a fair fight? Yeah, I’ll complain!” Lloyd slapped her staff out of the way and stood up.

“Oh, please.” She put her free hand on her hips, shifting her weight. “Lloyd, it’s not cheating to move quickly. If I took you by surprise, that’s on you.”

“You weren’t following the rules of sparring. That wasn’t a fair win. The deal’s off.”

“I still don’t see the problem,” she argued, watching him with a careful eye. “I won, you lost. By all rights, that means you don’t get any answers from me.”

Lloyd rolled his eyes, searching for some good jab to throw her way, but he came up empty. “Since when do you care about rights?”

Harumi groaned. “You are impossible, Lloyd!”

“So are you.”

“...Touché.” She rolled her eyes. “If you’re so set on it, then let’s go again. Same terms, but if you win or I cheat, you get two honest answers. Does that sound fair enough to you, Green Ninja?”

Lloyd paused to think about it, but the deal was too tempting to resist. The real truth was on the line, and honestly, his broken heart still hurt.

I still want answers.

Lloyd took his time retrieving his staff from where it had rolled away from him. When he came back to face her, he focused on his determination.

No more standing around with my guard down. “Fine. Time for a rematch.”

She nodded, and again they faced each other in ready stances. Harumi held her staff lightly, but in such a way that Lloyd knew she would defend herself. Again, he let himself begin on the defense.

She wasted only a moment.

Harumi threw herself at him, striking her staff against his with another hollow thock! It made his hands vibrate painfully, the sensation running up his forearms. It took more than a little effort for Lloyd to push her off.

She was playing with me before, wasn’t she?

Harumi was silent, and this time, intentional with her strikes. Lloyd had to keep moving– every time he slowed down, she prodded at his weak spots, and once she landed a smarting strike against his shin.

He replied with a jab to the shoulder, making her stumble. Her expression afterward was not angry, per se…

Competitive, his mind supplied, and motivated. You poked the bear.

Not the first time I’ve done it, either.

Harumi was still the Quiet One, even after all this time, and she kept Lloyd on a constant defense. His few thrusts at her were easily parried away. How had he forgotten that she’d studied him, not so long ago, and knew his weaknesses?

Spider bit the mouse, sleep deep…

She’d caught him like a fly in her web, penned him in and trapped him. She was still the same enemy he’d fought for months while living on the run, the same villain who’d given him the slip repeatedly in more recent years.

She did have skill, and it was obvious now.

Lloyd threw himself into a desperate offense toward her legs and head, but it was no use. Harumi seemed to know where he’d go before he moved, and her back was still to an open space, while his was not. She had no problem maneuvering, pushing him back one step at a time, until he bumped against something waist-height.

Harumi took a menacing step.

Lloyd backed again, and tripped over the column which held the switch for the training course.

Despite the stumble, Lloyd raised his staff just in time to block her downward blow.

Harumi, still silent and more than a little intimidating, had a strange look in her eye. Why was it so unsettling?

Her constant chatter had been annoying, but silence from her felt wrong. Where were the insults and the gloating? She was forcing him onto the defensive without even saying a word!

He struck his staff against hers with a fervor, unable to find an opening. When he did find one, she feinted, and the trap closed.

One deft upward motion stole the staff from his hands. She butted the end of hers against his chest, thrusting him to the ground.

He landed hard for the second time, and Harumi pinned him down with one knee pressed down on his chest.

She was breathing hard, panting as she stared at him.

Lloyd swallowed, trying to catch his breath. She's so fast. Her breath was brushing against his face, confusing and disorienting him.

The ground below felt like it was spinning.

They stared at one another. Harumi had that same strange light in her eye, but Lloyd didn’t know what it meant. She eased her knee off his chest slowly, once she was sure he wouldn’t try to fight her off.

(Not that he could.)

“Was that fair enough for you?” Harumi was still breathless, still quiet, still confusing.

Lloyd swallowed. “...Yeah. This time.” His voice was weaker than he liked.

“Are you going to ask me a question?”

Lloyd blinked. “I… I lost. I thought I didn’t get any.”

She shrugged. “Since when has that ever stopped you?”

It was true… and not worth denying it. Lloyd didn’t have to justify himself to Harumi! When had he ever needed her to understand him?

Besides, it always worked. Annoying people led to them putting down their guard. If he was an annoying kid, he’d get his way–

Focus! Lloyd wished he could slap some sense into himself. Harumi was still watching him, and the quiet dragged on to the point where she almost looked bored.

He blurted out the years-old question, not trusting himself to be careful with his words. It would just have to do.

“You said I was the easiest to trick. That you picked the easiest target, and that was me, and– and that’s all it was to you. Was any of it actually real? Anything?”

Harumi watched him, her pupils dilated. Her gaze flicked all over his face.

For a second, Lloyd wondered. Would she answer him?

But…

Was this the real Harumi? A glimpse of the girl he’d actually fallen for? The one he thought he’d known, without all the walls?

(Walls, built with bricks of disgust and hatred, were only that: walls. Not real hatred.)

Harumi leaned down, and Lloyd strained to hear past the ringing in his ears.

She paused, a few inches above his face… and touched his cheek.

He shivered, but her only reaction was a smile. She spoke quietly. “There’s one thing you should know about me, Lloyd. I’m a liar. Feelings are always involved.”

He took a breath, meaning to ask her why, what do you mean–

She silenced him by leaning down, and without bothering to ask, Harumi kissed him.

He froze.

She ignored his abject confusion, keeping the kiss going. It was his first, and he didn’t know what to do. He reached up to touch her face, and when he thought he felt her smile, reached farther to tangle his fingers in her hair.

She sighed quietly, oddly patient as he figured out just what he was supposed to do, and Lloyd suddenly realized just how much he wanted her to touch him.

He’d been starved of the touch of loved ones for so long. It didn’t matter that it was Harumi– her warmth pushed away the loneliness. Her exposed skin was radiating warmth, bringing heat to his face in a rather pleasant way.

He wanted to laugh at the stupidity of it all– he was comforted by the presence of his greatest enemy.

Then Harumi tore away from him, and the moment shattered.

 She sat up, and then pulled away and got off of him. He watched, breathless and confused and reeling. Her shoulders were heaving with large breaths. Her cheeks were rose pink.

She swallowed, speaking quietly. “I… shouldn’t have done that.”

Lloyd felt light-headed, but he sat up anyway. “Rumi?”

“Don’t.” She wouldn’t look at him. “Don’t do this to yourself.”

“Do what?”

She wouldn’t look at him now. Her flush was pretty, bringing color to her normally pale face. She clutched at the fabric of her pants, holding it in tight fists at her sides, and her scarred knuckles were white.

Lloyd hesitated. “I… don’t know what you’re talking about.”

She jerked her head over to look at him. Her green eyes were shining, filled with more emotion than he’d seen from her in a long time– more than she’d allowed as any of her masked selves. Her true self was here, and hurting.

“You can’t trust me, Lloyd. Stop while you're ahead. You got everything you wanted.”

He didn’t allow himself to flinch at the bitterness of her tone. She was angry about something, but he didn’t know what. Maybe angry at herself– it didn’t actually matter, did it?

He looked her in the eye, and in that moment, his determination crystallized into a more powerful motivation. “Stop lying to me, Rumi.”

“I’m not lying.”

“Yes, you are.” He shifted to kneel in front of her, the flagstones digging into his kneecaps, reminding him of the arthritis he’d surely develop in the next fifteen years. “Enough of the lying. Be honest with me.”

“What is there to be honest about? I gave you what you’re looking for, right? Or are you trying to get more out of me?” She looked down at the ground, defeated. “You should know I’m worthless.”

“Stop!” He reached out and touched her knee, and while it made her flinch, she looked at him again. “Harumi. Listen to me.”

She scowled. “How could I not? You never shut up.”

“Enough of this,” Lloyd insisted. This was too important to abandon.

The unpleasant, obvious truth. It was scraped bare, an angry red gash against their futures. It was like every other important relationship in Lloyd’s short, painful life: undeniable.

The bedrock of their broken relationship was painful enough to at least try repairing it.

“I think…” He searched for the right words, watching her expression shift. “...I finally understand you, Harumi.”

She laughed miserably. “Yeah? What makes you think you have any idea what’s wrong with me?”

‘Because we’re the same.” He smiled, trying to be encouraging. “Rumi. You don’t actually want me to leave you alone, do you? You’re not just lying to me– you’re lying to yourself.”

She shook her head. “No. You really don’t want this, Lloyd. You don’t know me.”

“Don’t I? I know what it’s like to be lonely, to be self-destructive.”

She rolled her eyes, so he pressed harder. “Harumi. Listen to me for just five minutes. I want the truth.”

“That’s not what you sound like you want.”

“Well– well maybe that’s not the only thing I want! So what?”

“So you’re asking to get hurt. There is no us,” she spat.

“But there could be! Don’t you want a relationship that’s not based on betrayal?” Lloyd laughed, unable to hide his bitterness. “That’s all I ever wanted from you.”

Harumi scoffed. “We’re not meant to be! We’re horrible to each other. It’s not possible. It’s not healthy!”

“So? Since when do you care about healthy?”

“Since I started to actually care about you! Somehow, I managed to end up caring what happens to your useless carcass!”

Lloyd blinked, taken aback by her shouting. “...Yeah? Obviously.”

She flushed an angry red. “You are so–! Lloyd, we can’t. We’re just not right for each other!”

“Who says?” He looked around, gesturing at the empty courtyard. “The world’s practically ended already. Nothing is what it was before. Why hold on to this?”

“Because I’m going to hurt you again. It’s inevitable. That’s the truth. That’s what we are.”

“That’s what we were!” Lloyd groaned, his heart aching. “It doesn’t have to be that way, Harumi. We could be better, happier–”

“Can we really? How do you know that?”

“I don’t need to know. There’s no way to know.” He reached out and took one of her hands in both of his, and he held on tightly. She almost yanked it back, giving him a dirty look, but didn’t actually make a move.

Lloyd stared her down. “Harumi. Don’t you understand me yet? We don’t have to keep playing this stupid game. The entire world has moved on, we can rebuild too.”

“Oh, sure. Rebuild what never existed, great idea. You know better than to trust me again.”

“Well, maybe I’m stupid enough not to listen.”

She laughed. “You’re not stupid. Don’t make me be the one who’s talking sense.”

Lloyd smiled, absurdly hopeful. “Hate to break it to you, but that’s never how it works between us. That part isn’t going to change.”

Her good humor dissipated. “You’re not thinking straight. You don’t actually want this, Lloyd.”

“You don't,” he countered. “Why not?”

“We both know there’s no future for us. You need someone who hasn’t tried to kill you multiple times. Lying to ourselves won’t change how pointless this all is.”

“It’s only pointless if we think it is!” He leaned forward, daring her to pull away. “Harumi, you have to try to make it work, or it never will.”

“It’s always me who has to try–”

“I’m already trying!”

“Still!” She tried to pull her hand back, but Lloyd kept his hold, and she didn’t end up moving. “...Look. Even if I wanted it to work, it’ll get messed up again. It would be easier on us both if we stopped trying.”

Lloyd watched her, feeling their pulses through their entwined hands.

He saw her, and what he saw made his heart ache with compassion.

Harumi was… anxious, scared, angry. Confused above all else. She wanted comfort, some encouragement that it wasn’t futile.

And he knew how that felt, because that’s how he felt and what he wished for.

“It’ll hurt,” he admitted, watching the way her eyebrows rose in vindication. “I’m okay with hurting, Harumi. That’s how loving people works. But… there’s no one left. It’s just us, and the world is moving on. Ninjago doesn’t need me anymore, and it won’t remember you either. There’s no better time for a fresh start.”

She hesitated, listening, thinking.

Maybe… they could try again. A real shot at actually working. No more lying, no more hurting each other over and over; a real future, a possibility.

Could I actually be that lucky?

Harumi leaned closer, and with her free hand, she brushed one loose curl off his forehead and behind his ear. Her fingers were gentle as she tucked it back, and her expression was soft.

“You’re right, Lloyd. You do need a fresh start.”

Lloyd thought his heart should be soaring, but something stopped him. “...We need it.”

She smiled, the gentlest he’d ever seen her, and her hand fell back into her lap. “No. Not together, or at least, not right now.”

Crack– the sound of Lloyd’s heart fracturing anew. “But…”

She sighed, reaching up to press a finger to his lips. “Not with me, Lloyd, even if we both wish for it. I don’t deserve you, and I never have. If you really want me to love you, then believe me now. Let me go.”

He stared at her, every word a separate blow. Her touch kept him silent.

She’s lying. She’s always lying. The mantra repeated in his mind, like always. You can’t trust Harumi or anything she says.

But she looked so sad! What if she was being honest here? Did it matter, when her words felt like a knife?

Lloyd pulled back and let go of her hand. “I…”

Harumi sighed, and after a moment, she stood up. There was hurt written across her face, in the lines of her frown. She seemed small.

It’s not an act.

She reached down to pick up the two staves from where they’d rolled away, then offered them to Lloyd. He took them numbly, listening to her.

“It’s past time I left, Lloyd. You won’t have to see me again.”

He looked down at the staves, with their uncomfortably new wood and grain, because it hurt less than looking her in the eye. If his brothers and sister had been here, these staves would already be battered and useless from too much training, but they were still new. An artifact of the world which created the Green Ninja, now they sat around and rotted. They would slowly return to dust, just as Lloyd eventually would.

He forced back tears. His voice was pitifully weak. “...Good luck, I guess.”

“Same to you,” she said softly. “Don’t give up yet, Lloyd. Your family isn’t dead, you’ll find them.”

He nodded, not sure what to say to that. “Ninja never quit.”

“I know, believe me.” Harumi stepped back. “Don’t lose that annoying optimism quite yet.”

Lloyd had to laugh, feeling a bit sorry for himself. “Yeah, well, I have a talent for being annoying. I’ll be alright.” He finally looked up at her, despite how it gouged at his heart. “You’re tough, so… I know you’ll be fine out there.”

Harumi smiled, but it wasn’t mean spirited. It was softer, more amused than anything else. “I’ll figure it out. Just don’t die– I still reserve the right to kill you someday.”

“Yeah?” He smiled in return. “Sounds like a date, Rumi.”

She sighed, beginning to walk across the courtyard again. She retrieved her knife and put her hoodie back on, and when she straightened, she was smiling at him. “Thanks for the spars, Lloyd. It’s good to know we’re still evenly matched.”

“I guess you’ll have to keep working at it, if you want to kill me. You might figure it out next time.”

She laughed and pulled open one of the gates. “Just you wait. You never know with me.”

Lloyd nodded as she slipped through the gate. The only thing he could think to say choked him.

Of course I never know! You run away as soon as you’re honest with me.

But there was no way to change a person, no matter how much he wanted to do so.

He didn’t get up until she was well and truly gone. Numbly, he put the staves away, carefully closing their cabinet to keep away the dust.

He sat down on the shallow wooden steps by his uncle’s memorial and rested his chin in his hands.

Then, and only then, did Lloyd cry: miserable, silent, and embarrassed. There was nothing else to do.

Harumi’s words played over and over in his head.

Not with me, Lloyd, even if we both wish for it.

What was he supposed to do? What ‘fresh start’ did she think he needed? He’d only meant another chance for them to… get along? Be friends, or more? At least not try to kill each other every time they met, maybe even enjoy each other’s company. It had been a reasonable thing to want– even something reachable, if it weren’t for her blasted habit of giving up on everything good in her miserable life!

Besides, what about Lloyd? What about his feelings? Harumi was the only person he had left!

He cried a little harder, burying his face in his hands.

And now you’ve left me too!

What do I do now?

[bigasswritingmagnet]

Gkika Gets Got

Fandom: Girl Genius Summary:

"A girl likes to pay her debts, ya?" "So, what did you do for the Jӓger lady?" "Nothing much. She's makin' more of it than she should."

Gkika gets badly wounded on a raid. To her surprise, she is rescued by a mysterious man who seems neither human nor Jӓger; a man who is determined that she live to fight. Gkika would prefer to crawl under a rock and die of embarrassment.

AO3 Link

Damn.

Damn.

Don’t get confident. Her father had drilled that into her head over and over and over. Don’t. Get. Confident. Always assume your enemy is better than you, and fight accordingly.

But nooo, Gkika was the bigshot raider now, Gkika rode with the Jӓgers, Gkika had made it through two raids without a scratch, Gkika was invincible.

Und now, hyu got three whole arrows in hyu, cauz hyu so good at dis.

The one in her side had hit her ribs. She could have pushed through that pain, but the two in her thigh… There was a reason she was crawling her way through the stagnant water at the bottom of the ditch—which would mean infection even if she could get out of here.

There were no tryouts for riding with the Jӓgers, no tests, no athletic requirements. You either lived long enough and fought well enough to be offered the draught, or you didn’t. If she died here, would they even find her body? Would they all say she’d died because she wasn’t good enough, or would they think she panicked and ran? Like a coward.

If she could just get out of the damn ditch.

As if in immediate response to the thought, something grabbed her by the straps of her leather cuirass and hauled her up. Gkika thrashed wildly, her jaw clenched tight—absolutely no screaming, not for anyone’s amusement. The arrow in her side caught on the dirt wall of the ditch, and the pain—

Gkika woke slowly. Her wounds still throbbed a dull, burning ache. She felt pressure on her stomach and something hooked onto her belt. But she wasn’t dead or caged or being torn to pieces by angry villagers, and that was a good start.

Her face was pressed against something soft. She cracked open her eyes and saw a wall of rough green fabric. Where was she?

“Ivan vill be okay if ve tie him to de horse,” said a voice. “Alrik is still breathink but he von’t vake up. His head iz all fonny lookink.”

“Make a sling and take him home. At this point, the Heterodyne is the only one who can put him to rights, if anyone can.”

The voice wasn’t familiar, but the way it rumbled right through her made Gkika realize she was slung over a shoulder like a sack of flour, held in place by a hand on her belt. Gkika shut her eyes again, and felt humiliation rise in her face like a sunrise.

“Found a couple of de town boys, too, dead.”

Oh no. She knew that voice.

“Did you take care of it?

“Ya, ve found some canvas und wrapped dem up. Got deir hats, too.”

That was Goomblast, the biggest mouth in the world literally and figuritively! Who everyone knew had been personally told by Zog that he’d be made a general as soon as he learned how to keep a secret for two seconds in a row! By sundown, every person in camp would know about this—Mechanicsburg would know about this—the Polar Lords would know. Subterranean mole people who had never seen the sun would know that Gkika had run headfirst into a hail of arrows like the idiot she was.   

“Good. Go back to camp, get them buried, get Alrik to the Heterodyne. Don’t wait up—I need to patch this one up, first.”

“Heh. No kiddink.”

Gkika barely heard the sound of the Jӓgers leaving over the flood of her own mortification.

After a few moments, the voice said

“They’re gone now. You can stop pretending.”

Gkika let out a long, miserable groan.

“Just leaf me to die,” she pleaded.

“No, I don’t think I’m going to do that.”

Her “rescuer” did not put Gkika down, and Gkika couldn’t walk anyway so knew there was no point in getting mad about it. So while he carried her through the forest—with no sign of obvious effort—she hung there and let herself wallow in self pity.

An eternity later, he said, “I’m going to put you down now.”

“Good. Leaf me here.”

His response was to sigh and—with infuriating care—lay her down at the mouth of a cave. Gkika refused to look at him.

“I’m going to check if it’s clear. Don’t go anywhere.”

“Oh, hyu so funny.”

He disappeared inside. After a moment, there was a cacophany of growling and hissing, and Gkika considered using that as cover to go find a rock to crawl under. But no, she wouldn’t get very far, and it would be all the more humiliating to have him drag her back.

The man emerged, cleaning blood off of his sword. Gkika glanced at him to see that his face was familiar enough that she knew she’d seen it around camp, but not so familiar she had a name or background to attach to it.

Without a word, he sheathed his sword and scooped her up again.

This time she examined him more closely. He didn’t look that much older than she was, or less human. The strength said Jӓger, the lack of fangs said new Jӓger, but the way he’d given orders spoke of an authority that no freshmade Jӓger would be granted.

He gently lay Gkika down on a bedroll already spread out, and began to putter around the gave, seemingly oblivious to Gkika’s wary watchfulness as he moved spider-wolf corpses out of the way and lit a fire.

Then he rolled up his sleeves, and Gkika saw a spiderweb of scars across his skin, more than any human could survive in the space of a single military career.

“Vut is hyu?” she demanded.

“Name’s Agnar,” he said. “Though I might change it soon. It’s getting a little out-dated.”

Gkikg was about to point out that that was not what she’d asked, when Agnar began to set out bandages, ointments, and unpleasantly sharp looking little tools.

“I told you I wasn’t leaving you to die,” Agnar said, though Gkika hadn’t spoken. 

He helped Gkika to lie back, and propped up her side so he could get at the arrow. Then he handed her a thick piece of wood, which Gkika set between her teeth. Fancy Heterodyne medical mumbo jumbo or no, this was going to hurt.

Gkika threw her arm over her eyes. 

“Hy vvff hy vff fff.”

Agnar removed the stick.

“Hy vish Hy vuz dead,” Gkika said.

Agnar replaced the stick.

“You’re going to wish it even more in a second.”

He was very right.

Gkika nearly cracked the stick in half, and did not judge herself for the tears of pain that streamed down her face as she fought to keep still. She passed out twice: once when he’d pulled the first of the arrows from her leg, the second time when it was over, out of sheer relief.  

When she woke, she was bandaged, the pain was a thobbing ache, and Agnar was cleaning his hands with something sharp and metallic smelling. For a few minutes, she watched him pack away the supplies in silence.

“Vy?” she asked at last.

“Hmm?” he said, not looking up as he began to slice a hunk of spider-wolf meat off the bone.

“Vy stay und risk hyuself to help me?”

“Ain’t much of a risk.” 

“If de pipple from dot town find us, dey vill kill uz both.”

“If they find us, they will certainly try,” Agnar agreed. He speared the meat on a spit and set it over the fire.

“Hy izn’t even a Jäger! Hy is just vun of de idiots dot rides vit dem. Vy vaste hyu time?”

“Not a waste.”

“Hyu iz avoiding de qvestion.”

“Heh. Spose I am.”

Gkika pushed herself up on her elbows and glared at him. He at last looked up at her and tucked a smile away in the corner of his mouth; held up his hands in surrender.

“You think you’re the first person to ride with the Jӓgers to almost get themselves killed doing somethin’ stupid? Most people who go riding with the Jӓgers die doing somethin’ stupid.” He paused, thoughtfully. “Most Jӓgers, too, come to that.”

“So?”

Agnar’s expression grew more serious.

“You didn’t get killed doing somethin’ stupid. You survived doing somethin’ stupid. Hit with three arrows, fell into a ditch, stuck in there for nearly five hours, and you were still movin’ around when I found you. I could have put you on a horse, same as Ivan, but that’d run the risk of more damage. As it is, if you’re careful about keeping the wounds clean and you go see a doctor when we get home, you’ll be fighting fit in time for the next raid.

“I said it wasn’t a waste, and I meant it. A person tough enough to survive taking three arrows makes for a good fighter. But a person who can keep going after that, who can push through the pain, who can flat out refuse to die? That is the kind of person who survives the Jägerdraught.”

Gkika stared at him. Agnar did not respond, but waited for her reaction.

“Hy neffer said Hy vanted to be a Jäger.”

“But you do.”

Gkika looked away.

“There’s two types of people who ride with the Jägers: the ones who do it for fun, and the ones who don’t. The Heterodyne doesn’t look for Jägers in the ones who are here for the fun, and the only way he knows which is which is if someone tells him.”

“Hy iz not ready yet,” Gkika muttered. “Hy’z not good enough.”

“It ain’t about when you think you’re good enough. It’s about when the Heterodyne thinks you’re good enough. Let me tell you: it takes a hell of a lot less time to learn to be a good fighter than it does to learn to ignore the part of you that worries you’re not good enough.”

“Hy vill be!” Gkika growled.

“Sure. But you’ll be ready before you feel ready. S’how it goes for pretty much everybody. It’s natural,” he assured her, pulling a pipe out of his pocket. “When we get back to camp, go to one of the generals and tell them you want to be considered.”

She snorted.

“Zog vould neffer allow it. He hates me.”

“You annoy him,” Agnar corrected. “Which, to be fair, you do on purpose.”

Gkika scowled.

“Iz not my fault he can’t take a joke,” she muttered.

“Fortunately for you, Zog does not get to decide who becomes a Jäger. The Heterodyne does. And if Zog puts in a bad word for you with the Heterodyne—not that I think he will, but if he does—I’ll put in a good one.”

Gkika snorted.

“Und de Heterodyne vill listen to you,” she said, disdainfully.

Agnar reached into the fire with his bare hands and drew out a red-hot coal. He lit the pipe, tossed the coal into the fire, dusted off his steaming fingers, and leaned back against the cave wall. 

“Yup.”

It struck Gkika all at once, and she opened her mouth. Then she shut it.

“If Hy say vut Hy tink hyu is,” she said, carefully, “und Hy iz right, iz dot a ‘hyu heff to kill me’ type ting?”

There was a gleam in Agnar’s eyes, but it seemed like a good one.

“Tough and smart. That’s good.”

Gkika decided to take that as a yes.

She ate the spiderwolf meat, which was gamey and strange, but filling, and fell asleep. When she woke, night had fallen and the fire was banked to coals. Agnar was staring into the dull red glow and smoking his pipe, the two lights casting strange shadows on his face. He looked no older than before, but the proportions of his face were…off, somehow.

“Vut if dey make fun ov me?” she asked.

“For what? Taking an arrow to the ribs and living to tell about it?”

“For needink to be rescued.”

“Oh, they’ll give you grief for it, no ifs about it. If you laugh with them, or make the jokes yourself, it’ll die down faster. Fightin’ ‘em on it just encourages them. But laughing at you ain’t the same as losing respect for you, which is what you’re actually worried about.”

Gkika scowled.

“Und hyu know me so vell, do hyu?”

“I’ve known people like you.”

“Haff dis conversation a lot, den?”

“Only when I think it’ll work,” he said. “And only when I think it’s worth it.”  

Agnar put out his pipe and lay down beside the fire, tipping his hat over his eyes.

“Rest up. We leave at dawn.”

“Vill Hy be able to valk by den?”

“A little bit.”

“You iz going to carry me again, izn’t hyu.”

“Only to my horse. You’ll ride, I’ll walk.”

“Sidesaddle,” Gkika said, suddenly. “Like a fancy lady.”  

Agnar didn’t tip his cap up, but she saw him smile. They fell silent, the night hush falling in around them.

“Tenk hyu,” Gkika said, suddenly. “For puttink me back togedder. Und de odder ting. Hy owe hyu—”

Agnar waved a lazy hand.

“Relax, kid. It was a little patch up and a pep talk. Nothin’ to hold over yourself.”

Gkika decided to say nothing, for now, but in her heart knew she owed this man more than she could ever repay in a single lifetime.

But Hy vill have plenty of lifetimes, she thought, determination settling in her bones. Because Hy vill be a Jӓger.

[luvrbunni]

i was a loserboy a back in early college days. had a friend who was androgynous and transitioned midway thru freshman year that i was down bad for but he had a girlfriend. well she broke up with him when he came out cause she "wasn't interested in dating a dude." cut to us hanging out more, he said he was only interested in women and I respected that, but like, I was down atrocious. one night while just asking each other dumb questions while drinking I confessed to having not gotten past chaste kisses. he laughed and told me that was sad, I told him i knew, and he then told me we could fix that. i was so confused/excited i just let out a "huh?" and he just smirked and straddled me and kissed me. I immediately moaned and bucked against him as he grinded into me. my hands went along his sides down his binded to his hips and held him against me. we furiously made out for a bit and then he got up quickly and dropped his shorts while just saying "Off" so at the same time I scrambled to get my jeans past my legs before he grabbed my cock and while looking me in the eye slid me all the way end. ending with a very pleased MmmMMm before closing his eyes and just rocking back and forth. he took my hand down to play with his tdick while he continued slowly riding me and i sputtered that I was gonna cum already and he kissed me again as he sunk all the way down then we just kept making out as he rode me. I ended up cumming in him another time while he rode me, then we switched to missonary cause he got tired and I emptied another load in him.

thank you so much anon for gifting me with this beautiful novel.... this is like. my dream scenario. will be ill about this for days to come.

ive made a recent friend at art school whos like kind of a huge nerd and we've talked about all sorts of things. i ended up talking about an old bad relationship i had and he said something about being really happy to have met me. we've talked about past experiences, he mentioned never having been kissed before and got a little embarrassed (so cute). there were other things, soft lingering touches during lectures and leaning in a bit too close to talk to me than what's normally acceptable, we slept on each other on the bus back home a couple of times.. etc.

i am becoming maybe increasingly down bad for him and ngl this is only making me worse...

unfortunately we dont see each other as often anymore since we have different classes this semester but ugh... doesn't help that my type is like geeky nerdy guys😞

[lyds323]

I wrote this after tragically losing my best friend in 2023. We wrote many things together in RP. She was truly amazing, as a person and as a writer. She held a special place in my heart and in Masamune's --- and will always remain there. A piece of me died with her and it's been difficult to climb back in the saddle of writing. But like Masamune, I'm trying --- because I know she would have wanted that for me.

Is This Really Goodbye?

He rode Shingetsu hard, the missive still crumpled in his hand, a small treasure securely tucked into his kimono. Wind-blown tears streaked his cheek. 

He gritted his teeth, still trying to comprehend. Why? He shook his head, refusing to believe it.

It wasn't that long ago that they held each other and kissed before what should have been her last trip to the future — after agreeing to be his wife. It should have been a short one! Not.. THIS, DAMN IT!!!

The mare galloped swiftly along the lake, a path her owner had taken many, many times. The sun dipped lower on the horizon, casting pink and blue hues across the sky. Looking up, her smiling face flashed in his mind and Masamune recalled their last private interlude. He reined Shingetsu so hard that the horse protested loudly.

Masamune jumped off and stomped away.

“This can't be.. this can't be…” He repeated the words like a mantra, willing them to be true. His chest heaved with sobs threatening to spill out as he ran a hand through his chocolate locks, desperately trying to hold himself together. 

He took the treasure from his pocket — the one delivered personally by Sasuke. The ninja had arrived alone, his expression unreadable except for the faint trace of what Masamune registered as sadness. 

"Sasuke!" Looking around but not seeing her, he asked, "Where's the lass? Is she trying to surprise me by waiting at our home?" He joked.

But the smile went away when Sasuke silently handed him the thin piece of parchment and shook his head. 

"What's this? A letter from her?" he asked. He took it from Sasuke and began to read.

It appeared to be a story from the future, reporting an accident. His brow furrowed deeper the more he read — until he came across a name. His breath caught as he quickly looked up at Sasuke. 

"This can't be. There must be some mistake…"

"I am sorry, Masamune.” 

Pacing back and forth along the shoreline, the more he thought about it, the more his mind was flooded with images of her — until at last, he came to a halt.

Opening his palm, he stared down at the petite band he had once placed on her finger, now resting in his hand. His blue eye locked onto the golden band adorned with a tiny flower, its center holding a small gem that sparkled in the fading light. He had worked with Sasuke on the design, which the latter had commissioned on his behalf during a trip to the future. He made sure to incorporate the Date crest and a blue stone on each side — so none could deny she was part of his clan. His wife.

He fell to his knees.

A teardrop fell into his palm, breaking against the circle of gold. Unable to hold back any longer, tears streamed effortlessly as he recalled their first meeting and every interaction since — how she detested fish, her love of horses, her fierce reprimands.

He remembered the games they played, the scowl she wore when she lost to him. The memory brought out a gentle smile — how much she hated losing to him. But the smile slowly faded. 

He felt — defeated. Lost. Empty. 

Ever since her arrival, she had slowly become a part of him, woven into every corner of his life—and his heart.

But now, she was gone. How was he to go on?

He clutched the golden ring tighter.

He didn't know. But for her, he would try.

[yoosungisbabie]

you're my gift - day two

@juminweek2019

jumin x mc

rating: G

prompt: receiving gifts

warnings: none♡

word count: 3,045

ao3 link

“You are adorable, Jumin,” she said, watching his jaw muscles tighten and his eyes flicker to hers. She was savoring the way he began to blush when he pulled her into another hug, leaning down to embrace her completely. “That title is reserved for you,” he mumbled, almost in a pout, making her heart flip at the uncharacteristic way he’d spoken. “We can share,” she responded, hearing him laugh through his nose quietly.

°。°。°。°。°。°。°。°。°。°。°。°。°。°。

She hummed lightly to herself, ambling slowly past the shops as she made her way toward Jumin’s apartment building. She was early; he wouldn’t be home from work for another 20 minutes, so she decided to take her time on her way to see her fiancé.

As she approached the small flower shop on the corner, she wondered why the cozy storefront always made her stop and admire all of the different arrangements. Bending down to smell a gorgeous bouquet of lilies, she smiled and wondered if Jumin would enjoy receiving a bouquet of flowers.

Since the beginning of their engagement, she’d been hesitant about giving Jumin gifts. It wasn’t as if he didn’t already have everything, and all of his clients and business partners often provided unsentimental gifts whenever they held meetings or finalized deals. It felt like a losing game for her to try and one-up any previous gift he’d gotten, but that didn’t mean she didn’t want to try.

She glanced around until she found a small, simple bouquet that made her smile. It had a mixture of red and pink roses, daisies, and some gentle, green foliage that made it just intricate enough that she thought it would do.

After purchasing the arrangement and speaking with the shopkeeper about how inviting their storefront was, she continued along the path toward the apartment building. She was thinking it would be a nice change of pace for her to meet Jumin up in the penthouse when he arrived home instead of in the lobby.

She smiled to herself as she rode the elevator up, exchanging a friendly greeting with the chief of Jumin’s security once she’d arrived at the top floor.

“Is there anything you need from us, Miss MC?” he wondered, keeping pace with her as they walked toward the entrance to Jumin’s penthouse.

“Will you make sure he knows I’m already up here when he arrives? I don’t want him to wait for me downstairs,” she smiled, bowing gratefully as he agreed and opened the door for her.

“Thank you,” she grinned, feeling the familiar smell and noise of his apartment settle around her. Elizabeth the 3rd called out to her from Jumin’s room, meeting her at the door excitedly only moments later.

“Hello, lovely!” MC smiled, reaching down to pet her as she slipped her shoes off. She made her way through to the kitchen as the cat followed where she grabbed a simple vase from the cupboard. She prepped the flowers, arranging them nicely and leaving the display visible on his kitchen island.

“Do you think he’ll like it?” she whispered to Elizabeth, receiving a soft meow in reply and chuckling to herself.

“I hope so,” she replied, removing the informational card that came with the flowers from its packaging and leaving a simple ‘I love you’ on the backside.

After only a few more moments, she heard the distant ding of the elevator arriving at the top floor. She headed toward the entryway, turning the corner just as he opened the door and met her eyes in anticipation.

Seeing Jumin soften as soon as he laid his eyes on her was always one of her favorite parts of the day. The slope of his shoulders became less intense, his hands relaxed, and the set of his brow eased up so much that she wondered if it hadn’t been hurting all day.

“Welcome home,” she smiled, rushing over to meet him with a swift kiss and a lingering hug. He pulled her close by the small of her back, exhaling slowly against her and humming a mumbled hello into her ear.

“My last meeting didn’t run over. Was there another strange man in the lobby today?” he wondered, pulling away from her to look her once over. She chuckled, reaching up to loosen his tie slightly and fix a few stray hairs.

“Oh, I can’t meet you up here?” she teased, stepping only a pace away so he could put his briefcase to the side and shrug off his suit jacket. He first replied with a low laugh, lifting an eyebrow at her.

“I’ll admit that I prefer you waiting here in a safe place, but I’m just curious as to why,” he explained, leaning forward to place a soft kiss on her forehead as he awaited her answer.

“I brought a gift home and didn’t want it to be spoiled for you right away,” she smiled, watching his eyes widen ever so slightly and flit around the room.

“A gift? What’s the occasion?” he asked, letting her take his hand and begin to lead him towards the kitchen.

“No occasion,” she shrugged, rubbing a thumb over the backs of his cold fingers. Once they had rounded the corner, she noticed how insignificant the bouquet looked in contrast to his exquisite kitchen and living space. Biting her tongue, she looked up at him, wondering if he would even notice that she’d placed it there.

Instead of looking right past it, she watched as his gaze moved quickly back and forth from her to the gift on the counter.

“You brought me flowers?” he asked, just above a whisper, the question making her stomach tighten even more.

“They made me think of you,” she replied weakly. He reached down to wrap her in a tight hug, making her blink in surprise and hesitate for almost too long in reciprocating his embrace.

“This was an absolutely lovely surprise to come home to,” he murmured into her hair, nearly lifting her off the ground as he pulled her tightly into his chest. She bit back a larger smile, lightly scolding herself for being so insecure.

“Thank you, darling,” he continued, pulling away only enough to kiss her cheek before hugging her tightly again.

“You’re welcome, Jumin. It can only convey a fraction of the love I have for you,” she replied in a whisper, feeling his hands twitch slightly as they splayed out across her back. He didn’t respond, pressing his lips down onto her shoulder for a long moment before finally pulling away.

She was surprised to see the highest point of his cheekbones had slightly reddened, his eyes having a gentle sparkle in them that might have just been from the setting sun across the horizon. He was focused only on her, placing a hand on her cheek and tilting her head up gently.

“I love you,” he said softly, making her heart stutter even though she heard him say it every day, multiple times a day. Placing her hand over his, she leaned into his touch, nodding in complete content.

“I love you, Jumin.”

—

It was only a few weeks later that she decided to get him another gift. They had started having lunch together at his office on a biweekly basis, and it had become such a highlight of her day that she wanted to express that to him somehow.

While exploring the antique shop in the basement of his apartment building one day after work, she came across a picture frame that stuck out to her. While admiring it, she thought of the perfect picture to frame inside it, quickly purchasing it and heading home so she could prepare the gift before their lunch meeting the next day.

“Good afternoon, Jaehee!” MC smiled, walking towards the assistant’s desk the following day and setting down the coffee that she had grabbed on the way. Jaehee smiled, her shoulders loosening as she laughed a little.

“I appreciate you,” she grinned, taking a small sip of the coffee as MC chuckled.

“And I appreciate you, ma’am,” she replied teasingly, knowing that Jaehee felt strange every time MC called her that.

“Enjoy your lunch,” Jaehee chuckled, turning her attention back to her computer screen. MC laughed to herself, walking past her desk and down the hall towards Jumin’s office.

He had begun to leave his door propped open when he knew she was coming, something he would have never done if not for her. She peeked past the door frame, seeing him nearly frowning as he concentrated on his monitor.

“Mr. Han?” she called, altering her voice ever so slightly. His eyebrows twitched downward, his fingers not faltering as he continued to type.

“Not at this moment. I’m waiting for my fiancée,” he replied, almost foregoing a glance in her direction. When he looked up, he immediately sighed in mock annoyance, raising an eyebrow at her.

“Should I have Assistant Kang alert me as soon as you arrive? You are something else, my love,” he teased, immediately standing and smoothing out his slacks as he started towards her.

“Have your phone update you when I arrive at this location if you’d like. It won’t stop me from messing with you,” she replied snarkily, laughing when he narrowed his eyes at her and playfully lunged forward to pull her into his chest. He started to tickle her, pressing multiple kisses to her cheeks as she squirmed. When his hands bumped hers behind her back as she hid her gift from him, he settled, pressing a soft kiss to her lips in greeting and looking at her curiously.

“Did Assistant Kang ask you to bring in a report?” he wondered, leaning forward to look over her shoulder. She pressed the picture frame tightly against her back, holding back a grin.

“No. I brought you something for your desk,” she replied, seeing his expression continue to grow in curiosity.

“My desk?” he repeated softly, stepping back from her so she could present it to him. She pulled it out from behind her back, revealing the picture frame that she had found. It was certainly old, being primarily made of black wood. The frame was outlined in worn, gold trim that had Victorian accents to it, making the whole thing remind her of Jumin. The picture she’d decided to place inside was the photo they’d taken when Jumin had finally convinced her to dress up in a couple’s Halloween costume together last Autumn. It always managed to make him laugh, even just a little.

She watched as his eyes widened and scanned the frame multiple times before he finally looked up at her, grinning briefly before dropping his smile to try and speak.

“It’s–” he started, laughing breathily and shaking his head. “I love this.” She watched him as her heart grew in her chest, her fingertips tingling at the amount of love for him flowing through her veins.

“I’m glad,” she replied softly, letting him take it from her hands and examine it more closely.

“I’ll keep it in my office here,” he nodded, taking her hand in his and leading her over to watch him place it on his desk. “Yes, I think this will be efficient in motivating me when I begin to tire.” He squeezed her hand in his as he continued to admire it, exhaling happily. She looked up at him, seeing how effortlessly he was able to smile and wondering if he had always been like this when he received gifts.

“You are adorable, Jumin,” she said, watching his jaw muscles tighten and his eyes flicker to hers. She was savoring the way he began to blush when he pulled her into another hug, leaning down to embrace her completely.

“That title is reserved for you,” he mumbled, almost in a pout, making her heart flip at the uncharacteristic way he’d spoken.

“We can share,” she responded, hearing him laugh through his nose quietly.

“Thank you for this thoughtful gift. Thank you,” he said softly as she closed her eyes, feeling her emotions bubble up into her throat. She wished she could always make him feel like this. There was so much love for him inside her, and helping to show him even a little bit of it felt like an accomplishment that she could be proud of.

Once she’d realized how meaningful gifts were to him, she put a little more thought into them, waiting for the perfect moment to surprise him with one in particular.

—

After another week of tight schedules, long meetings, and calls that seemed to drag, Jumin was finally finished. He’d been working tirelessly to lock in the biggest deal in years, and all of his efforts had paid off. He’d let everyone in the office go home early, and as he stumbled through the door that night, he felt blessed that his fianceé was already waiting there for him.

“Jumin, congrats!” she exclaimed, having tied up a few silver balloons around the apartment. He smiled tiredly, chuckling as she rushed over to meet him.

“Thank you, my love,” he replied, pressing a swift kiss to her cheek as she stood on her toes to hug him. He reciprocated her embrace, feeling the fuzzy edges of sleep threatening to close in already.

“I’m sure you’re exhausted,” she said, pulling back and taking his jacket for him. He shook his head minutely, smiling at the warmth that constantly emanated from her.

“With you here, I could run a marathon,” he replied, knowing that neither of them believed that. Jumin was more than ready to take time to rest, and he knew that he hadn’t succeeded in hiding how much of a toll the project had been taking on him the last few weeks.

“Okay, strong guy,” she snickered, hanging his jacket up and holding her hand out for him. “I have some wine ready, and I have a little present that I’ve been saving for this occasion.” He blinked down at her, following without complaint.

“You’re much too thoughtful. You didn’t have to go to the trouble,” he said softly, seeing her flash him a feigned look of offense.

“Trouble,” she scoffed, leading him over to the couch to sit down next to her. She handed him a glass of wine, pulling out a large box wrapped in purple and silver foil. Jumin hesitated to continue with the sip of wine he’d been taking, not wanting to stain anything as he moved forward in surprise.

“What kind of present is this?” he wondered aloud, setting the wine down on the coffee table as she giggled quietly next to him. He received the box into his lap, delicately breaking open the wrapping and taking the lid off the box.

Taking out the large, white item, it took his strained eyes just a moment to realize what he was looking at.

“Elizabeth, I think your father needs glasses,” MC muttered under her breath to the cat, glancing back at him as he held the object further away from himself.

“I’m…” Jumin started, trailing off as he struggled to contain the emotions that threatened to spill out.

She had gotten him a pillow of Elizabeth the 3rd’s face. There was no blur; it was a perfect replication of her beauty, and it was unlike any other gift he’d ever even heard of.

“I know it’s cheesy,” she chuckled lightly, looking over to see his eyes sparkling with tears. She blanched, panicking and scooting closer to him.

“I’m sorry, Jumin. Do you hate it?” she wondered, watching as he placed it in his lap and felt at the whiskers that had been placed in the cushion as if they were real.

“Why would you think that? This is the most amazing gift I’ve ever received,” he replied, looking at her in disbelief and awe. She held back a bigger smile, sighing quietly in relief and placing a hand on his shoulder.

“You think so? I wondered if you would like to put it on the couch in your office or in the study here at home,” she offered, watching him nod and blink his tears away.

“What an excellent idea. Every time I see this, I will think of my two favorite ladies in this world,” he agreed, moving the pillow back into the box for safekeeping and turning to face her. She grinned, slightly surprised when he pulled her into a hug where they sat.

“I’m sure you’ve had a long day, my love. Would you like me to run you a bath? Is there anything special you’d like to eat? We could even go out if you’d like,” he began, smoothing his hand over her hair as he spoke. She laughed lightly, shaking her head at the outpouring of affection her gift had spurred from him.

“No, I’m alright, Jumin. I’m just here to spend time with you,” she replied with a laugh still in her voice. He hummed, the sound buzzing through her collarbone as he pulled away to meet her eyes. They were filled with such intensity that she didn’t speak before he had a chance to.

“Do you know how much I love you?” he wondered, tracing a gentle finger over her cheek. She felt her heart flutter at his unexpected words, blinking up at him in surprise.

“You tell me every day,” she replied in a whisper, gripping the fabric of his shirt on his forearm that gently held her waist.

“That I do,” he nodded, holding her gaze as their breathing began to slow. “And I know that you love me too. It’s obvious,” he continued, moving forward to kiss the corner of her mouth. She felt her core begin to twist and butterflies begin to swirl, so she cracked a small smile.

“I didn’t realize you liked gifts so much, Jumin,” she said, barely able to speak above a whisper. He pressed another kiss to her cheek, his breath warming her face as he gently laughed.

“Gifts from you,” he clarified, his nose brushing hers as he locked eyes with her once more. She pressed her lips together in anticipation, feeling the heat of his hand against her waist begin to burn.

“You’re my gift.” His eyes looked between both of hers, his eyebrows drawing down ever so slightly before he dove down to bury his face in her neck and pull her into a tight hug once more. He’d lost the ability to form words, feeling like his heart would burst at any moment.

Neither of them let go for a long while, wondering if the other could feel how strongly their hearts were beating with love for each other.

°。°。°。°。°。°。°。°。°。°。°。°。°。°。

thank you all for reading! thank you as well for the overwhelming support you gave me on the first entry for this event! seeing reblogs and likes in my notifications is a lovely thing <3

stay tuned, and thank you again!

Mel x

[lordgrimwing]

Teasing #02

[For C+C week hosted by @candcweek. Prompt: loyalty -- kind of, I tried]

The first snow fell in the late afternoon, blanketing everything in a thin layer of white that reflected the last rays of light. A glass prism hanging just inside one of the windows of the snow-dusted house gleamed in the light, spreading a burst of colors around the living room. 

Curufin sat on the heavy rug in the middle of the dancing light. “Oh!” He said in a delighted whisper. “Look at all the rainbows, Brimby.”

A black-haired baby rested in his arms. Swaddled in the same cloth his grandparents wrapped his uncles in, Celebrimbor was snug and warm and halfway asleep already. His little eyes opened slowly at the words, and he blinked blearily up at the red, green, and blue sparkles on the ceiling. 

The lights were interesting enough to pull the baby back from the edge of sleep. Blinking twice more, he opened his little pink mouth. His father grinned, constantly thrilled by any of his gurgles or burbles. This time, he blew a little spit bubble. It sat on his lips for several seconds before popping.

Curufin leaned down and nuzzled their noses together softly. Celebrimbor giggled. 

“I take it all back,” Celegorm said in a lazy tone, lounging by the popping fire in the hearth and scratching looping designs into a long bone (from a small deer or maybe a large goat) with the tip of his belt knife. “He couldn’t possibly be anyone else’s kid.” 

At the start of the year, the entire family had wordlessly agreed that the fifth son was more than a little crazy when he rode home with Mirioneth from town and announced proudly that she’d be the mother of his kid before long. The repeated reminder that she worked as a prostitute and might be having anyone’s baby fell on deaf ears. Curufin never wavered. 

In an uncharacteristic show of restraint, Celegorm kept his doubts to himself, or at least to between himself and the animals he spent most of his time with—he thought he ought to keep himself as a neutral shoulder for his favorite brother to cry on when the baby was born and revealed to not be his. He hadn’t thought for a moment that Curufin would be vindicated in the end. Yet, after the baby (a little boy with wispy black hair who screamed louder than his mother when he came out) was washed and fed and sleeping soundly, Fëanor took one look at him and said there was no denying that he was part of the family.

Curufin was so delighted with his son’s noises that he didn’t notice the sly jibe in his brother’s words. 

“Yes you are,” He said in a high-pitched voice usually reserved for particularly cute, hapless lambs or kids. “You’re my little boy. Aren’t you? My little Brimby.” The words dissolved into bubbly noises.

Celegorm rolled his eyes and bit down on a smile. He didn’t understand his brother’s obsession but a nagging feeling at the back of his mind warned him to not joke about it too much because once the baby was a little less delicate, he might love being an uncle just as much as his brother loved being a father. He recalled the way Maedhros and Maglor held and played with tiny Amras and Amrod when they were born (he’d been thirteen and more interested in the new responsibilities he was given than in looking after the babies). Vaguely, from the deepest recesses of his mind, he remembered Pa sitting him in his lap and helping him carefully hold new-born Curufin—he was so nervous and excited to have a little brother (Carathir didn’t count because they were only a handful of months apart).

“Curufin.”

Celegorm’s eyes jumped over to the sole armchair placed near the fire. Celebrimbor’s mother sat knitting a painfully slow scarf. Her expression was pinched and unhappy. 

“He’ll stay up crying if you rile like that,” She said.

“What do you know?” Celegorm shot back before anyone else could respond. He straightened up so that he could glare at her easter. The knife bounced in his hand as he pointed it at her. “You don’t care about him. You’re just here to feed him.”

“Don’t tell us what to do,” Caranthir snapped at her from the other side of the room where he was helping the twins warp table looms in the fading light. 

“Caranthir!”

The brothers flinched. Celegorm hastily put his knife away.

Nerdanel loomed out of the darkness in the hall to her and Fëanor’s room, hair half-undone from her braids for the evening. Her ire and flyaway hair seemed to fill half the room. 

“Sorry, Ma.” Caranthir ducked his head, already chastised for his rudeness. That didn’t stop his mother from laying on more, though she restrained her volume thanks to the nearby baby. The others kept their eyes averted, hoping to avoid drawing her attention to their own behavior. Curufin even hushed burbling Celebrimbor, rocking him gently until he quieted and yawned.

When she finished, Caranthir’s face was red with embarrassment. He turned to Mirioneth and, sounding sincere, apologized for what he said. She awkwardly forgave him, no doubt uncomfortable with how they were all looking at her.

Satisfied, Nerdanel turned to Amrod and Amras. “The light’s too poor to work on that anyway. Put those away and clear the table before going to sleep.” To Curufin and Mirioneth she said, “It’s high past time for Celebrimbor to be sleeping if you want any kind of a restful night. Take him to bed.” Her direction for everyone to be in bed before the end of the hour went unsaid but fully understood.

Caranthir helped the ten-year-olds tidy up their threads and move the looks. While their mother was assuredly still listening, Celegorm politely asked Mirioneth if she needed anything before she and Curufin retired; she was a guest after all. Caranthir shot him an annoyed look. She declined, shoved her knitting into a bag, and hurried to the unwed parents’ room, made private by evicting the twins and moving them to the open spot with Celegorm and Caranthir. 

(The rearranging of sleeping rooms was a sore spot for several months but they’d all gotten used to it. Caranthir insisted the twins were better roommates than everyone else in the house.)

Amrod and Amras excused themselves to run out to the barn with a lantern to say goodnight to the sheep. In short order, Caranthir and Celegorm found themselves alone in the quiet living room.

“So,” Caranthir said, face finally returning to a normal color. “Do you think she’ll try to run tonight?”

Celegorm considered the dark windows. “First snow, new moon, no clear road to follow. She’d be foolish to try.”

“So I should hide her shoes, just in case.”

The blond grinned like one of his dogs. “We’ll get Amrod to say he did it if anyone wonders.”

“Right.”

With that, Celegorm went back to work on his bone.

[skellebonez]

Space Courtship (A MoonStone AU Fic)

What happens when you see a screenshot of Ponyo's mom while also working in fics related to Chang'e? ... this.

AO3 Link

Sun Wukong didn't power up the holographic projectors around his mountain observatory often. But when he did...

Well.

He had good reason to, of course.

He could hear the dull thrum of them right now, far off in the distance as he rode his cloud to the tallest peak he could physically create on the mountain. The peak with the careful slot that used to, and was made to, just so snugly fit his staff, reinforced with concrete and steel over the years it was in disuse. The slot that he immediately slotted his staff into and that held his staff as he lengthened it as tall as it could possibly go.

The projectors were, of course, to prevent anyone from the city from seeing anything unusual jutting into space. Like said recently retrieved staff.

Well. Nearly space.

His cloud was going to get him the rest of the way there. It was the way he had been getting out there so far, much as it exhausted him on his long journey to do so. He thought, so long ago, that he would eventually need a rocket to get to the moon. But no, his cloud would at least get him there. Getting back was the problem.

He could always hitch a ride on a shooting star, however, given who he was meeting with. And it was quite a way to ride in style.

Thankfully, he had already finished half of his current project and soon his projectors that hid everything would be a thing of the past.

She was able to mask herself alone with no problem.

He hoped that she would be able to stick around for a little longer this evening.

Their time together was going to be rare now, what with him taking on an apprentice. But it only made him more fond of each moment they would get to spent together.

Perhaps, one day, MK could meet his wife...

Well. Officially.

He'd already seen evidence of her every starlit night.

And just like every starlit night when he sent out his own special way of messaging her, courtesy of the little moon base they had fashioned together, she was already there. Beautiful and serene and larger than anyone or anything on Earth.

She always seemed so serene. He could hardly remember the last time she was truly upset by... anything, really. Well, no, that wasn't true. Not to an extent.

Upset was one thing. She was upset when she saw how he sectioned himself off from the world. Upset when she learned that she would no longer be able to make the moon itself her sole home. Upset when he hurt himself or told her of MK's upset. But not quite in the same way mortals or even celestial beings became upset.

That was to be expected when one was now an embodiment of the cosmos itself, he supposed.

But the last time she was truly upset... he remembered how the sky itself seemed to weep, not with tears but with meteors.

It was as terrifying as it was beautiful.

But always so beautiful.

They didn't even get to exchange words when he touched down on the base before she was upon him, massive form of the night sky itself reaching down and down and down until, slowly, he was encapsulated entirely with barely a fraction of her hand.

"Hello, my love," Chang'e said softly.

Looking into her eyes was like looking at all the stars in the sky all at once and like looking into a black hole as it takes in all the light around it at the same time.

"You're beautiful," he breathed out without meaning to.

"You say this every time we meet, my love," Chang'e said with a soft smile.

"And every time I mean it even more," Sun Wukong said. "Every day I am unable to see you is like being under the mountain once again."

"And what would you do if I..." Chang'e trailed off for just a moment, smirking as he form quickly shrunk down. So slowly, but also so quickly, she was but a fraction of her being. Condensed into 8 feet of beauty and grace that was wrapped in a hanfu of the stars and galaxies themselves. "Was right here right now?"

"Probably this," Sun Wukong admitted, breathless and eyes wide in awe of his beloved's presence before him. At this size her eyes did not shine like stars but like diamonds, a sheer power radiating off he very form making him weak in the knees. But none of that prevented him from reaching forward and cupping her cheek as if she was made of glass. "It never feels any less... intense."

Her smile deepened as she leaned in for a kiss, her lips meeting his in a soft, tender kiss that spoke of love and trust and everything they meant to each other. Sun Wukong wrapped his arms around her, pulling her closer as he deepened the kiss, tongues tangling together in a dance as old as time. The air around them was charged with electricity, the very stars themselves pulsing in time with the rhythm of their love.

For a few moments, they simply lost themselves in each other, forgetting everything else in the world but the warmth of their embrace and the taste of each other's lips. But eventually, they pulled back, breathing heavily, their eyes locked in a gaze that spoke of a love that ran deeper than mere words could express.

"I missed you," Sun Wukong said softly, stroking her cheek with his thumb.

"I missed you too," Chang'e replied, leaning into his touch.

There was a moment of silence, the only sounds they could hear was the daily movement of the machines in space. Not a single other sound could be heard, par for Sun Wukong's own breathing. "But I sense there is another reason for your visit this night. What concerns you, my love?"

Chang'e asked gently, cupping the King's face so gently that the King thought he might actually be made of glass.

"I... You see..." Sun Wukong started and stopped, unsure of how to tell her what had happened. So he decided just to go with the blunt truth. "I... have a successor now."

"Ah," Chang'e said softly, moving her thumbs against his cheeks gently. "The time has come, I see. I am sure you will do wonderfully, my dear."

And there it was. The soft reassurance that she never failed to give off. Of course she knew about his plans long before they came to pass, but it never failed to amaze him how calmly she adjusted to things.

It... did honestly make him sad never to see her excited in the same way he was. But this was HER excitement. And he loved that.

"I know," Sun Wukong said, his voice heavy with emotion. "But it also means...I won't have as much time to spend with you anymore. And that thought...it fills me with dread."

Chang'e's expression softened as she leaned in to kiss him once more, her lips meeting his in a gentle, tender kiss that spoke volumes. "I understand," she said softly. "But perhaps our time together being limited means it will be that much more special. We will cherish every moment we have and make the most of it, won't we dear?"

"Yes..." Sun Wukong said softly, breathing a sigh of relief at the words. "You know just what to say to calm me."

"Just as you have for me in the past," Chang'e whispered, pulling the King into her once more. "You are the only being that can make the super novas cease when my fears and worries take hold of my thoughts. Though, perhaps now, I could put my concerns to more productive means."

"What do you mean?" He asked in confusion.

"I would like to watch over the boy," Chang'e said simply. "When I can. When he is out at night, so you may not worry as much about him yourself."

"I-" Sun Wukong almost lied, said that he was not worried or concerned. But he couldn't. Not to her face. Not to his beloved who listened to him no matter the occasion. "I... am a little concerned he may allow his invincibility to go to his head..."

"Then I shall keep an eye out."

There was no questioning that having Chang'e's eyes on MK would make things a lot easier. Not all the time, of course, he deserved his privacy! But when he was fighting demons or on delivery jobs? Perhaps then it would be a good idea to have the goddess of the night sky and the stars watch over his successor.

"Is this just because you're curious to know who I choose?" He asked teasingly.

"Perhaps a little," Chang'e admitted with ease. "But I can tell you're already quite fond of the boy, with the way your face light up only a short moment ago. Your concern about his invincibility is proof enough to me that you wish the best for his safety."

"Don't go telling him that," the king said with a laugh. "I'm trying to be the strong uplifting teacher who is confident in their student and doesn't show they're worried, ya know?"

"..."

Ah. The neutral face of displeasure.

"Talk to him? Please?" Chang'e said softly, pulling Sun Wukong’s face closer. "For me?"

Her words would have convinced him easily. It wouldn't have actually taken much more than that, maybe a soft batting of her eyes to butter him up.

The soft kiss she pulled him into though?

Well.

How could he not do as she so politely did after that?

"I will," he promised, resting his hands on her shoulders. "Tomorrow, or the next day, but I will. He does have a job after all."

"A responsible adult," Chang'e acknowledged with a smile. "A wiser choice than those before you who have chosen child successors."

He chose not to admit that MK may not be the most... responsible adult. But he was an adult nonetheless. Mostly. He thought.

... was he 18 or 20?

He really should have asked.

Sun Wukong nodded, feeling a warmth spread through him at her words when he put his own concerns to the side.

"Okay," he said, feeling a sense of peace wash over him. "I love you, Chang'e."

"I love you too," Chang'e said, her voice soft and sweet. "Now come, let's enjoy the rest of our time together before you have to go back down to Earth."

With that, she took his hand and led him to a nearby asteroid, pulling him into her lap and resting her head on his shoulder. Sun Wukong wrapped his arms around her, feeling her warmth against him as he closed his eyes and let himself simply enjoy the moment.

As they sat there in the silence of space, watching the stars twinkle around them, Sun Wukong couldn't help but feel grateful for Chang'e's presence in his life. She brought him peace, comfort, and a sense of belonging that he had never felt before.

For the rest of their time together, they simply held each other close, whispering about the future and reminiscing about the past. And as the time came for Sun Wukong to return to Earth, he knew that the memory of this moment and the love he shared with Chang'e would stay with him always.

Always.

[artssleepy]

♡ / instinct leads to comfort

♡ ship: Chisame/BEAST!Pick

♡ genre: hurt/comfort

♡ warnings: description of a panic attack, No beta we die like Beastzai

♡ a/n: I wrote this at like midnight because I was in my emo hours, I hope Nas liked it

Pick had an exhausting day, he was stressed out, Chisame didn't respond to his texts and he was growing more and more anxious the longer he rode the train. He held everything in, he didn't want to make a scene.

Instinctively he got off the train a few stations before the one that is the closest to his home. His feel were guiding him, his brain felt fuzzy and like it was running 100 MPH at the same time.

Breathing became harder and his vision began to get a little blurry. His hand struggled to put the key into the door, were they shaking so much this entire time? They felt numb, he could barely hold the handle as he opened the door.

"Pick?" A feminine voice called, he closed the door and his legs felt like they were about to give in. The woman got closer very gently, it was Chisame...he'd gone to Chisame's appartement?

But why?

Maybe his heart took him there, but his brain shamed him, everything felt so much, too much.

"Hey, hey, Woah there" she quietly said, taking away his bag and putting it to the side, "am I allowed to touch you?"

He tried to speak, but it only threw him into a fit of sobs and hyperventilation. He still nodded. She gently sat next to him, rubbing his back along the spine.

The warmth of their hands seeped through the shirt, they weren't wearing any gloves for once. "take your time... it's okay...can you do the breathing exercises we practiced?"

He tried and failed a few times, but she was always there to tell him it was okay and if it didn't work they could try something else...which seemed to be the case in this scenario.

"Okay, let's try something else", she picked out a little notebook from her skirt's pocket.

"Name three things you can see" the man took a deep breath, looking around the room.

"Your creepy cat clock" she giggled softly before he followed, "the old Halloween decorations and.." he took some more moment to breathe "you."

"That's good" she smiled, looking back down at the notebook "three things you can hear"

The started to lean slowly into their touch, mind getting a bit less crowded as he focused on the noises around him. "Your voice...the humming of the fridge and.." he hesitated a little bit "jazz music?"

"Yeah, not what I usually listen to, I know. I had someone over earlier" Chisame explained "now, can you move 3 parts of your body?"

He tilted his head slightly, one, he moved his legs to sit more comfortable, two, he gently grabbed Chisame's free hand, three. The woman smiled down at him, "do you feel ready to get up? Or do you want me to carry you to the couch?"

The doctor's cheeks flushed a little bit as he asked to be carried. She picked him up on her back and went to put him down on the couch the most gracefully they managed to.

The lady brought him a blanket, a glass of water, a snack and a weighted plushy. She always had these ready in case of a panic attack.

Once Pick felt more comfortable, they simply Cuddled and watched some old goofy horror movies together and fell asleep together on the couch.

♡ End note: sorry if the ending feels rushed I was extremely sleepy

[the-fiction-witch]

Witch's Wand P6

I laid on the chamise with the blanket over me watching as this... samuel man stood beyond the glass door talking with this old doctor he brought out from the local town, no one seemed to understand what I was walking about, samuel was convinced he knew me and that we were married. But I was so confused by all of this, and the more I looked at him the more I realized the small differences, in his clothes, his hair, his personality, it became more and more clear that this man was not the man I loved even if he looked like him. The fact I had changed location, I had changed time, all just by going through a single door. I waited a moment thinking of what I was to do, I needed to leave and return to my own home. He opened the door and came over kneeling beside me taking my hand, 

"Hey, how are you feeling my flower?"

"Confused, and strange."

"I imagine you are. I don't know what's happened to your memory but I'll be here for every moment until it returns,"

"And if it doesn't?"

"Then I'll still be here." he smiled, 

"Would you tell me, what I don't remember?"

"Of course," He smiled squeezing my hand, "we both grew up in Hampstead but didn't meet till we were teenagers, 1818 at the spring festival by the river, you were sitting in the little daisy field wearing your adorable little sage green dress, making flower crowns. I went over using my little sister as a ploy. I told you she didn't know how to make flower crows could you teach her, all just an excuse to sit with you and talk, I thought you looked so beautiful. We talked for hours and we had a few little dates, finally managed to get some confidence to kiss you that Christmas under the mistletoe." he smiled, "I rode my bike every day just to come see you. When I got my job with the orchestra I had to travel but I wrote to you every time I could, telling you how I missed you, how I love you so endlessly my little flower. When I got home I knew I didn't want to be parted from you without you being my sweet wife. So I proposed and we were married, and bought this little house. Our sweet home." 

"That's very sweet, you must love her very much."

"I love, you." He said stroking my cheek, "beyond measure my flower." He cooed, 

"That is so sweet samuel,"

"Perhaps I need to remind you of how much I love you," He smirked moving to kneel on the sofa with me,

"Ohh I uhhh-"

"shh it's okay, the doctor is gone now. we're alone." He smirked, leaning down to kiss my neck softly 

"ohh uhh samuel I uhh-"

"It's alright my little flower, I'm sure it'll remind you of our sweet love, of our passionate time together." he cooed leaving a trail of sweet soft kisses down my neck as his hands slipped up my thighs, I blushed hard but he smirked and leant down kissing my lips softly and sweetly, I smiled and kissed back running my hands across his chest, he felt like Jack but thinner with not as rough fingers, and stronger arms, his hands pulled up my dress all the way up to my waist, "You are so beautiful," he cooed between kisses as he pulled his hands back unbuttoning his trousers and tugging them down and pulling out his shaft giving it a firm stroke, "that dress does look amazing on you, I kinda want you in that dress every night." He smirked, as he kissed me deeply and passionately as he held my thighs and gently guided himself inside me, I gasped which he took as a chance to intensify our kisses as he held my thighs apart as he moved his hips back and forth with gentle but smooth thrusts,

"Ohh Samuel..." I blushed hard and giggled, 

"Umm I've missed you my little flower," He smirked kissing me more intensely "Been so long since were passionate and spontaneous, I like it." He growled kissing my lips with intense passion and I happily kissed him back, this continued for what felt like hours his slow gentle but passionate work which let the pleasure build slowly like a winding spring getting tighter and tighter until I reached my high which made him bite my neck and keep going letting me ride out every moment of pleasure until he suddenly pulled out and sent his seed across my thighs "You are so perfect, thank you very much my little flower."

"You're welcome Samuel," I giggled,

He smiled and cleaned up my thighs and kissed my stomach, "You rest I'll make you some tea," He said kissing my head before he headed out of the room.

I suddenly felt terrible that I could have been taking the place of a woman whom samuel loved so much, I forced my blanket off and got to my feet I tried to leave trying to get back to the bedroom I arrived into but the door was locked this keyhole not like the door I entered though. 

Then I perked up, I pulled the wand from my pocket and pointed it to the door and watched the glittering dust move around the door until the door lock changed to be the lock from the door I came through, I rushed over and pulled open the door stepping though to the small room I entered in. 

[ariyacl]

closed starter @pearcecallahan

location: ari's house

The drive was spent with them chatting, while Ari tried to keep her hands to herself. The last thing she wanted was them to end up wrecking. Once they got back to her place, she led him into her house, their hands still intertwined. Without a word, she tugged him towards her bedroom. As they crossed the threshold, she turned to face him, her eyes dark with desire. She reached for the zipper of her dress, slowly pulling it down. The fabric slipped off her shoulders, pooling at her feet. She stepped closer, placing her hands on his chest and gently pushing him onto the bed.

In one fluid motion, she straddled him, her weight settling comfortably on his lap. Her fingers traced the line of his jaw before tangling in his hair, pulling him closer. “I want you so much.” Their lips met in a searing kiss, hungry and demanding. As they kissed, her hands moved to the buttons of his shirt, deftly undoing them one by one. She could feel the heat of his skin beneath her fingertips, the rapid rise and fall of his chest. 

Pearce Callahan.

pearce couldn't help but smile as she led him into her home. it was no surprise that she wasted no time, especially since the two of them had been flirting the entire dinner. pearce's eyes never left her, even as they entered her bedroom and he couldn't help but to let out a moan at the sight of her. he was more than positive that he was never going to get tired of the sight of her. he allowed her to push him back onto the bed and took in a deep breath. he still couldn't believe she was his. 

once she was on top of his, his hands found her curves and he ran his hands over the exposed skin. "i'm yours baby girl." he breathed out before she connected their lips. his tongue slipped into her mouth, enjoying the feeling of being this close to her again. he felt her hit the last button of his shirt and he shrugged it off of his shoulders before lifted her up by her thighs and switching their position so that he was on top of her. "i've been patient," he started, "but i can't wait to fucking taste you again." he added, his fingers looping the band of her panties and pulling them down her legs, his lips trailing down to position himself where he wanted to be most.

Ariya Chakri-Langley

As his hands roamed her curves, her heart race, igniting her arousal. 'I'm yours, baby girl,' those words made her want him even more. She kissed him deeply, savoring his taste. A gasp escaped when he flipped her onto her back, the sudden change had her biting on her bottom lip. Her breath hitched as he trailed kisses down her body, each touch leaving heat on her skin. She was already wet, and aching for him. As soon as his mouth met her pussy, she moaned, "Fuck, baby. Feels good." 

Her fingers gripped his hair as she rode his mouth, hips moving with his tongue. Her mind clouded with desire, all thoughts fading. There was only him and the incredible sensations he elicited. She couldn't remember feeling so wanted, so desired. "God, Pearce," she gasped, back arching. "Don't stop. Please, don't stop." Her grip tightened as she neared the edge. She was completely his, unable to care about anything else. She was completely his, unable to care about anything else. The world outside this room ceased to exist, and for once, she allowed herself to be fully present in the moment.

Pearce Callahan.

he wanted to treat her. Pearce wanted to show the girl just how much he wanted her and that’s why he didn’t hesitate to take control. His tongue slid over her in one eager swipe, moaning at the taste. It was something he’d never forgotten and he was sure it was something that he would never get tired of. 

His tongue continued against his soaked core, tongue focused on both sucking and licking her clit. The way she moaned for him only turned him on more and he could feel his cock straining against his jeans. His hand clutched her thigh and he held her legs open as his tongue continued against her, alternating its movements until she ultimately hit her high, which is exactly what he wanted. But even as she did, he didn’t stop his ministrations against her pussy and instead, allowed his tongue to keep going as it lapped up her cum.

Ariya Chakri-Langley

Her body shook as his tongue worked its magic. She had missed this - his touch, his taste, the way he made her feel like she was the only woman in the world. "Oh god, Pearce," she moaned, her fingers tangling in his hair as she rode out the aftershocks of her orgasm. Her pussy clenched around his tongue, sending jolts of electricity through her body. She saw stars, screaming his name as she came undone beneath him. She lay there catching her breath, then pulled him up for a deep kiss. Tasting herself on him sparked new desire.

"Fuck me," she whispered, voice thick with need. "I need you inside me now." Her hands roamed his body hungrily before she rested on his cock—stroking him. Looking into his eyes, Ariya felt something stir in her chest. God, she was falling for this man. She should have known it was happening, even before they slept together. Now, there was no way to stop it and she didn’t want to stop it.

Pearce Callahan.

he felt her let go against his tongue and he loved the way she moaned his name. Her noises of pleasure made his cock ache with need, especially once she practically screamed his name. He really didn’t even want to pull away but did as she pulled him up toward her lips. His lips met hers in a hungry kiss, his hand cupping the side of her face and his chest pressing into hers. There was something about feeling her skin again his own that he really enjoyed. 

He nodded his head, his nose nudging against hers. “Yes ma’am.” He breathed out. his hand slipped over her curves and landed on the outside of her thigh, his hand lifting her leg up to push deep inside of her. A low moan left his lips, “fuck, you feel so good.” He grunted, his hips moving at a steady pace as his fingers dug slightly into her skin.

Ariya Chakri-Langley

Ari already knew she'd never get tired of this. He was great for her, keeping her calm, and damn, the sex was amazing. When he entered her, she hissed in pleasure, her back arching on its own, nipples brushing against his chest. “Baby fuck," she moaned, gripping his shoulders. "You feel incredible." She moved her hips to match his thrusts, getting into the perfect rhythm. The tension inside her was building again, like a pressure cooker ready to explode.

Their lips crashed together in a hot kiss, tongues tangling as they moved as one. She pulled back, panting, and locked eyes with him. The way he looked at her made her heart go crazy. "Harder," she demanded, her voice rough with want. "I need more of you." She wrapped her legs around his waist, pulling him in deeper with each thrust. The room was filled with the sounds of them going at it—skin slapping, and heavy breathing.

Pearce Callahan.

he absolutely loved the feeling of her body pressed against his. Pearce dipped his head down and caught one of her nipples in his mouth, his tongue flicking over it. “Mm,” he started and shifted over to her other breast as their hips moved in sync. His lips pressed hot kisses against her skin, trailing up toward her lips and kissing her back. 

He eventually pulled away to catch his breath, his dark eyes meetings her as he did exactly what she said and slammed his hips into hers, “fuck, that what you want baby?” He breathed out, his hand squeezing the outside of her thigh. “Fuck, ariya,” he breathed, his tongue poking out to tease her top lip. “Mm, I want everyone to know you’re mine.” He cooed, his lips moving back down toward her neck and nipping at a patch of skin.

Ariya Chakri-Langley

With each thrust and flick of his tongue on her nipple, she grew wetter, her pussy clenching around his cock tightly. She might've had sex before, but nothing like this. It was like he knew exactly what she wanted without her having to say a word. When his mouth hit that sweet spot on her neck, she tilted her head, giving him better access. "Mark me. I'm yours," Ari whispered, her nails digging into his back as he pounded into her. His lips on her skin sent shivers through her, and she couldn't hold back her moans.

Her head was spinning, consumed by the guy on top of her. The way he moved, touched her—it blew her mind. She wanted more, needed to be completely wrapped up in him. "Yes, baby, just like that," she gasped—her hips met his thrust for thrust. The pressure was building, and she knew she was close. Her hands roamed his back, feeling the muscles work. Her heart raced from the intensity of it all. The room blurred around her. All she could focus on was on the pleasure he was bringing her.

Pearce Callahan.

he was doing anything and everything that he possible could to pleasure the woman under him. Her pleasure certainly came before his own but his was an added benefit. “All. Fucking. Mine.” He grunted, speaking each word between each rough thrust of his lips. 

Once he was satisfied with the mark he left on her neck, he pulled back slightly to look at her face. Nothing turned him on more than the look of ecstasy on her face. His hand slid over her curves and between their bodies, his long fingers finding her clit. “Come on, baby. I wanna hear you scream my name again.” He panted.

Ariya Chakri-Langley

She'd never realized how much she craved belonging to someone until that moment. The usually chill guy's possessiveness lit a fire in her she'd never felt before. His words hit her like a freight train, sending tingles all over. The sting on her neck from his lips marked her as his. "All yours," Ari mumbled. Everything else faded away, leaving just them and the mind-blowing sensations.

When he found that sweet spot—his fingers rubbing her clit—her back came off the bed. She was right there, about to lose it. His command pushed her over the edge and yet again, his name tumbled free. "Pearce!" Her nails dug into his back as she rode out her orgasm, her inner walls clenching tightly around him. She gasped for air, her heart pounding in her chest. Never before had she experienced such intense, all-consuming pleasure. It was as if Pearce had unlocked something within her, a primal need she didn't even know existed.

Pearce Callahan.

when he liked someone, he really liked them and he didn’t want to lose them. That person being Ariya and he could definitely already feel himself falling for her. “That’s right, baby girl,” he spoke in a husky tone. “All mine.” He added. He knew that that women may be turned off by the fact that he was so possessive but she wasn’t and he was grateful for that because he wasn’t at all good at sharing. After all, that’s what caused his first marriage to end. 

As her body came off the bed, he couldn’t help but smirk because that meant that what he was doing was exactly what his lover liked in this moment. The sound of her screaming his name for the second time that night had shot a jolt of electricity and excitement through his body. “Mm, I love when you scream my name like that,” he grunted in her ear, “gonna make me fucking cum.” He added breathlessly. It wasn’t just the moan that sent grin over the edge but also the way her pussy clenched around him. With a few more sloppy thrusts, he spilled inside of her and tilted his head back as he focused on just how good all this was. It seemed as though the more the two of them were together, the better it got and he couldn’t wait to keep this going with her.

Ariya Chakri-Langley

Goosebumps rose on her skin at his uttered words. Mine. It aroused her further. "All yours," she mumbled again, her brain foggy with lust. Her nails dug into his back as she rode out her orgasm, her inner walls clenching tightly around him. She gasped for air, her heart pounding in her chest. Never before had she experienced such intense, all-consuming pleasure. It was as if he'd unlocked something within her, a primal need she didn't even know existed.

As he grunted in her ear about loving her screams, she felt another wave of arousal hit her. His breathless admission that he was close only ramped up her own pleasure. She held on tight, her body still quivering from the aftershocks. When he finally reached his peak, spilling inside her with a few final, sloppy thrusts—a smaller orgasm rocked her. She watched him tilt his head back in ecstasy, liking how incredibly good it felt to be with him.

Pearce Callahan.

Pearce had a permanent need to feel his girlfriend against him, especially in a moment like this. He noticed the way her orgasm too over her and he still couldn’t bring it in himself to stop, he wanted to continue pleasuring her. He wanted her to be completely satisfied when it came to their life in the bedroom. 

His face completely twisted in pleasure as he came inside of her, his body still pressed against hers. He panted as he slowly came down from his high and peered down at her, “that was so fucking good.” He breathed out and leaned down to capture her lips in a slow kiss, his hand coming up to cup her jaw as he poured every emotion he felt for her into this one motion. “You want more?” He mumbled against her lips, his lips trailing over her jaw.

Ariya Chakri-Langley

Ariya's breath came in ragged gasps as she basked in the afterglow. Her body tingled all over, still sensitive from the intense pleasure. She gazed up at Pearce, a smile on her lips. When he spoke, she nodded lazily. "Mmm," she hummed in satisfaction as he leaned down to kiss her. She returned the kiss passionately, cupping his jaw in return. Her own hands roamed his back, tracing the marks her nails had left earlier. The slow, deep kiss ignited a fresh wave of desire within her.

As his lips trailed along her jaw, sending shivers down her spine, her mind raced. His mumbled question about wanting more made her pulse quicken. She turned her head, capturing his lips in another heated kiss before pulling back slightly. "What do you think that answer is?" she whispered against his mouth—her hands slid down to his hips, pulling him closer.

Pearce Callahan.

he couldn’t help but smile down at her, his lips moving against hers. Pearce genuinely could see himself with this girl long term and this was really the happiest he’d been in a long time, even if it was a little scary to give his heart to someone like this. “Mm,” he paused, pecking her lips a couple of times, “have I ever told you how much I like you?” 

He hummed against her lips as she pulled him in for a deep kiss, a smile on his face at her words. “I’d say that means you’re not done.” He teased and kissed her back, his hand resting on the side of her neck. “How do your legs feel, hm? Think you can ride me, babygirl?”

Ariya Chakri-Langley

Her eyes locked onto his, searching for any hint of insincerity, but found none. Ari bit her lower lip—a coy smile playing at the corners of her mouth. "I don’t believe you have, but just so we’re clear I like you too," she murmured, her fingers tracing lazy patterns on his skin. "More than I probably should." At his teasing remark about not being done, she let out a low chuckle. "You know me so well already," she mewled. His question about riding him left her smiling.

"My legs feel just fine," she replied, her voice husky with renewed arousal. "But why don't you flip us over and find out for yourself?" With that, she wrapped her legs around his waist, using her strength to roll them both over so that she was on top, straddling him. She leaned down, her lips barely brushing against his ear. "How’s that?" she whispered, nipping at his earlobe playfully.

Pearce Callahan.

the way he felt about her was one hundred percent genuine and he never wanted her to think that it wasn't. his face lit up at her words, his heart skipping a beat at the sound of her words. maybe it was a little ridiculous or cliche but he felt like a teenager all over again and it'd been so long since he felt anything like this. "oh? more than you should? why's that?" he teased. 

smiling as she flipped the two of them over before he really even had a chance to do so, his hands smoothed over her curves and rested on the outside of her thighs. "perfect. i love seeing my girl on top of me." then again, he was pretty sure that he'd like her in any position. there was no doubt about that. his hands shifted once more, hands landing on her breast and allowing his thumbs to flick over her nipples. "why don't you show me how much you want more, hm?"

Ariya Chakri-Langley

Ari gazed down at him, her long hair falling in a curtain around their faces. His question about why she liked him more than she should made her pause. She bit her lip, considering her response carefully. She didn’t want to make him feel bad. "Because I never get attached," she murmured. "And feeling scare me." She leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to the corner of his mouth. "But I can't seem to stay away." With that, she deepened the kiss and she arched into his touch as his thumbs teased her sensitive nipples. 

"Mmm… I'll show you exactly how much I want more," she purred. Slowly, she began to rock her hips against him, building a steady rhythm. Her hands splayed across his chest for balance as she moved. She leaned down, capturing his lips in a deep, passionate kiss. As she pulled back slightly, she whispered against his mouth, "Is this what you wanted to see, baby?"

Pearce Callahan.

he understood as she spoke because he certainly found himself a little afraid to fall for the woman in front of him as easily as he did. Pearce nodded his head in response to her words, “it’s been a while since I’ve allowed myself to get this close to someone but you’re proving to be worth it.” He added before she sealed their conversation with a kiss, his lips immediately moving against hers in response. 

The fact that the two had yet to part just turned him on all over again. His eyes shifted from her face to her chest, watching as her breasts bounced as she moved on top of him. “Mm, you look so fucking good on top of me.” He muttered and reconnected their lips, his tongue moving into her mouth.

Ariya Chakri-Langley

Her body responded eagerly to his touch and words. Normally, she wouldn’t even care what a guy says about her. But this one seemed to have a way about him—especially when he told her she was worth getting close to. His compliment made her smile against his lips, and she met his tongue with her own, deepening the kiss with a soft moan. Her hips continued their steady rhythm, grinding against him with increasing urgency.

Breaking the kiss to catch her breath, Ariya leaned back slightly, giving Pearce an even better view of her body. Her hands trailed down his chest, nails lightly scraping his skin. "Fuck," she breathed, her voice husky with desire. "I can't get enough of you." She picked up the pace, her movements becoming more insistent as pleasure built within her. Ariya's eyes locked onto Pearce's, her gaze intense and filled with lust. She bit her lower lip, stifling a moan as she felt herself getting closer to the edge. "Tell me how much you want me."

Pearce Callahan.

pearce had no problem telling the girl on top of him how he felt about her, especially when he was so sure about how he felt for her. He moaned just to her mouth, his fingers tangling in the woman’s hair. His entire body filled with pleasure as her hips moved against his in an eager manner. 

His hand fell from her hair and gripped her hips, his own moving against hers. He couldn’t help himself. “I’m yours, baby girl. All fucking yours.” He assured as his eyes met hers, his eyes focused on the way she looked as sped up the movement of her hips. His hand fell between her legs, thumb finding her clit as he rubbed slowly circles, “I want you so bad, ariya. I love the way you feel when you come undone around me. You feel so good.” He cooed. While he allowed her to be in control, he still couldn’t help but want to bring her to her job and so he did anything he could to do just that.

Ariya Chakri-Langley

She gasped as his words washed over her. His declaration was exactly what she needed to push her along. She leaned down, whispering huskily in his ear—nipping his earlobe. "That's right, all mine." His words turned her on even more, and she rode him harder. When his hand slipped onto her clit, she let out a soft moan. The circles he traced felt amazing, sending waves of pleasure through her. She arched her back, pressing against him harder. Their eyes locked, full of need.

"Fuck," she breathed, rolling her hips, loving how he filled her. Her hands roamed his hard chest, nails lightly scratching. She was getting close. His touch and words were pushing her to the edge. She bit her lip, trying to stay quiet, but failing. "I'm so close," she panted. "Don't stop." She tugged his hair gently, kissing him hard. The tension built inside her. She broke the kiss, throwing her head back. "I'm gonna come," she cried out.

Pearce Callahan.

he did what he could to take care of her. Pearce thrived off of ariya’s pleasure and the way she reacted to the way he touched her and felt inside of her. “Fuck.”  He cursed as she pressed against him harder, his free hand resting on her hip and his fingers digging into her skin. 

As she warned him about her high, he thrusted up against her in a rough manner. “Come on, baby. Let go.” He coaxed, his ministrations against her clit speeding up to help push her over the edge. He could feel the way her pussy began to clench around him and he couldn’t help but moan, his own cock aching for a release as she moved on top of him.

Ariya Chakri-Langley

She trembled with pleasure as Pearce's movements sent shockwaves straight down to her pussy. When he thrust up against her roughly, Ari cried out in ecstasy. His words of encouragement pushed her even closer to release. She clenched around him and her nails dug into his skin. The sensations were overwhelming and even if she wanted to, she couldn’t make herself stop. "Oh god, baby," she moaned. "I'm so close. Don't stop."

His fingers moved faster against her sensitive bud, and she teetered on the brink. The pressure built inside her. With a few more deep thrusts, she finally tumbled over the edge. "Pearce!" she cried out as her orgasm washed over her. Her body shuddered with pleasure, as stars exploded behind her eyelids. The release was intense, almost cathartic.

July 28, 2024

Pearce Callahan.

moaning out the way she did was something he was proving to get used to and he loved every sound that slipped from her kiss swollen lips. He could fell her nearing her high and he couldn’t have been more thankful that the two of them trusted each other enough not to use protection because he couldn’t help but love the way she felt around him without any barriers. He grunted as she cried out his name and moved hips his slowly, attempting the allow her to come down from her high but only for a few moments. He was beginning to crave a taste of her and so, without a second thought, he lifted her up and tugged her toward his face.

There was something g about the smell of her arousal and the way she was already a dripping mess that made him want her more. As he placed her in a position for him to taste her, he leaned up and wrapped his arms around her legs before allowing his tongue to dive into her wet pussy, an immediate moan leaving his lips at the taste of her.

Ariya Chakri-Langley

Ariya gasped as she came down from her intense orgasm, her body still trembling with aftershocks. She could barely process what was happening as Pearce suddenly lifted her up and repositioned her. Still seeing stars, she found herself straddling his face. The sudden change left her breathless and disoriented. "Baby, fuck..." she whimpered as his tongue delved into her sensitive flesh. Her thighs quivered around his head, her body oversensitive from her recent climax. Despite this, waves of renewed pleasure coursed through her as Pearce expertly worked his mouth against her.

Her fingers tangled in his hair, torn between pulling him closer and pushing him away from her overstimulated pussy. The conflicting sensations of pleasure and overstimulation left her panting and moaning incoherently. Her hips rocked involuntarily against his face, chasing the building tension once more. She bit her lip, trying to stifle her cries of ecstasy. The way he devoured her had her head fell back as another jolt of pleasure shot through her body. "Oh god," she gasped, "You're going to make me come again."

Pearce Callahan.

he was never going to get tired of the way her body trembled for him. He wanted more of just that and that’s why he moved her to his face. Of course, that wasn’t the only reason. Pearce craved the way her pussy tasted. He hummed against her sensitive core, his tongue lapping over her and taking in the sweet taste of her high. Pearce couldn’t help but smile at the way she was reacting to him, especially as he felt her thighs shaking on either side of his head. 

His tongue shifted, going to circle against her clit. Despite knowing how sensitive and overstimulated she might be, he took the nub into his mouth and sucked after she warned that she was close. There was always a sense of both excitement and satisfaction that wanted over the man when he made his girlfriend come undone.

Ariya Chakri-Langley

Her body shook as his tongue worked its magic on her clit. She gasped and moaned—grabbing his hair tighter while waves of pleasure rolled along her body. It was too much and not enough all at once, making her head spin. When he zeroed in on her clit, she let out a sharp cry. Her hips moved on their own, pressing against his face as he sucked on the sensitive bud. It was all too intense for her overstimulated body to take.

"Pearce!" she cried out, squeezing his head between her thighs as another mind-blowing orgasm tore through her. Her whole body shook violently, her vision going spotty as the pleasure reached its peak. She struggled to breathe, overwhelmed by how intense it all felt. As the aftershocks died down, she fell forward, holding onto the headboard for dear life. Her chest heaved as she tried to catch her breath. She glanced down at him, her eyes heavy and a dazed smile on her face. "That was...incredible," she panted, though there was a smile on her lips. “I want to return the favor.”

July 29, 2024

Pearce Callahan.

if there was one thing that he loved, it was the feeling of her fingers in his hair when he was pleasuring her. On top of that, he couldn’t help but love the way she rode his face and he couldn’t help but moan against her wet  core. He squeezed her thighs as she hit her high, his tongue helping her through it until he was sure she was fully satisfied. 

He gazed up at her, his hands shifting her to sit on his stomach. “I’m glad I could do that for you. Have I ever told you how sexy you look when you’re coming undone?” He asked, hands rubbing over her sides. “If I haven’t, just so you know, that’s easily one of my favorite things to watch.” He announced before pulling her down for a kiss. “Yeah?” He mumbled against her lips. “I’m yours so do as you please.”

Ariya Chakri-Langley

As she was trying to catch her breath, Ariya found herself repositioned on his stomach—still breathless from the intense orgasm. She leaned down, kissing him deeply and tasting herself on his lips. The kiss reignited her desire, sending tingles through her body. "Mmm," she hummed. "I'm glad you enjoyed the show. Maybe we should record it sometime," she teased, half-joking as her hands explored his chest. God, the man was hot. How was he even real? Nodding, she murmured, against his lips, "In that case,” another peck, “let me show you how well I can use my mouth." 

She trailed kisses down his body, giving his abs extra attention as she traced them with her tongue. Stroking his length, she teased him a little before taking him into her mouth. She used every trick she knew, swirling her tongue and taking him deeper. Her eyes flicked up, watching his face contort with pleasure.

Pearce Callahan.

he could help but to cock an eyebrow in response to her words. “Yeah? I think I’d love seeing that on replay.” Especially when the two of them couldn’t be together but he wouldn’t ask that of her, even if the thought of it kind of excited him. He couldn’t help but to allow his hands to roam over her, even in this moment where the two of them were just talking in between rounds of whatever they decided to do next. He smirked as she spoke and kissed her back before she had a chance to fully pull away. 

His eyes watched as she trailed down his body and he couldn’t help but to let out a moan as she touched him. His cock ached for her and he wanted nothing more than for the woman to pleasure him in this moment. “Mm, that’s right, babygirl. Just like that.” He breathed out, his hand coming to the back of her head and tangling in her hair. He couldn’t help but to tilt his head back, lips parted as she pleasured him and eyes closed as he focused on just how good this all felt. “Fuck,” he breathed out, his hips shifting slightly and thrusting into her mouth, “keep going baby. I’m so fucking close.”

Ariya Chakri-Langley

She couldn't lie, it was satisfying to watch him react to what she was doing. The way he moaned and grabbed her hair only made her want to do more. Ari sucked harder, taking him deeper as she picked up the pace. Her eyes watered as the tip of him hit the back of her throat, but she stayed put and ran her hands roamed over his thighs, feeling how tense he was getting.

When he pushed into her mouth, she relaxed her throat further, determined to make him lose it. His words got her all worked up, and she hummed around his cock, adding to the fun. She glanced up, watching his face and the pleasure featured on it. She could tell he was close by how his body was reacting. She went all out, using every move she knew to push him over the edge. Her tongue ran along the underside of his length before she took him deep again, her hand pumping the base of him.

Pearce Callahan.

his toes practically curled into the bed, a moan leaving his lips as she only took him deeper. Ariya knew exactly what to do to both bring him closer to his high and drive him absolutely crazy. His fingers tightened in her hair, his eyes rolling back. He couldn’t believe how good this all was and it was only getting better with time. He couldn’t stop the strained moan that fell from his lips as he finally came undone, his load shooting into the back of her throat. “Fuck, arjya!” 

This orgasm had him panting. His eyes were closed as he came done from it all and once he felt as though he was recovered, his hand reached out for her and smiled slightly. After pulling her up to place a sweet kiss on her lips, his arms resting around her waist. He loved being his close to her. “You’re amazing, baby. I still can’t believe you’re mine.” But he wasn’t going to give her up easily now. He cared entirely too much about her. His hand ran over her back, fingers tracing her spine. “I love being like this with you.”

Ariya Chakri-Langley

When he came, Ariya swallowed, sucking until she got every drop. As his breathing steadied, she slowly made her way back up his body, placing soft kisses along the way. She melted in his kiss, her heart racing—though this time, it had nothing to do with her need for him. His strong arms around her waist made her feel safe and cherished. She nuzzled against his neck, breathing in his scent as her fingers traced lazy patterns on his chest.

"I know I am," she teased in response to his praise. "But so are you too." And she meant it—she had never experienced such mind-blowing intimacy before Pearce. Every touch, every kiss set her body on fire in the most delicious way. "I love being like this with you too," she murmured softly. "It feels so right, so perfect." Her thoughts wandered to how freaking lucky she was to have found him. This wasn't just about getting off—it was so much more. For once, she felt like someone really got her, appreciated all of her. It was a pretty awesome feeling, if she was being honest with herself.

Pearce Callahan.

he was in trouble. Pearce was in deep with the woman on top of him and he couldn’t help himself. With each passing moment, his feelings continued to grow stronger and stronger. His arms tightened around her waist and smiled against her lips. This relationship was something he’d been looking for, for a long time and now that he had it, he was going to do whatever he could to keep it. 

He agreed with every word that managed to come out of her mouth. This did feel right. Nothing had ever been this good for him as far as love had gone. “Yeah,” he started and nudged his nose with hers, “this does feel pretty perfect.” He paused to steal another kiss, “when are you doing to let me take you out on another date?” He asked, his smile widening at his own question.

Ariya Chakri-Langley

This man was going to make her fall for him hard, and while she hated the idea before, she didn't care now. His arms around her felt like home, and she found herself smiling against his skin. When he asked about another date, she chuckled. "We just went on our first date and you want to go on a second one already?" She pressed a kiss on his lips, her eyes sparkling as she continued to tease him. "You sound so greedy."

But truth be told, she was just as eager as he was. The thought of spending more time with him made her happy. Happy. Who would have thought it was possible? She traced her fingers along his jawline, marveling at how right this all felt. "Well, if you're that desperate to see me again," she teased, "I suppose I could pencil you in. How about this Tuesday? I'm off call and could use some fun." It was crazy how quickly things had progressed between them, but for once in her life, she was letting herself just feel, without overthinking everything. And damn, did it feel good.

Pearce Callahan.

his body was so relaxed in her presence. Pearce really felt as though he could really let his guard down and be himself around her. He didn’t feel as though he had to hide anything for her and he was thankful for the relationship that was developing between the two of them. “Of course I do.” He replied without a moment of hesitation, his lips moving to kiss her back a moment later. “If wanting to send all my free time with my girl makes me greedy then so be it. I just want you with me.” He didn’t want to come off as clingy but he did want to be honest about the way he was feeling and what he wanted from her. 

He loved the way her fingers traced over his skin and he couldn’t help but smile up at her in almost a lazy manner. After their night together, he was pretty tired but even so, he could lay here and talk to her all night. “Tuesday sounds amazing. I’ll come by and pick you up around lunch time? We could spend the day out together.” He suggested, fingers playing with her ends of her hair. “If you’d rather me pick you up at dinner time then I’m alright with that too. Just let me know what’s good for you, babygirl.”

Ariya Chakri-Langley

Ariya kissed him deeper, aroused by how into her he seemed to be. Already she had a feeling he was going to be a huge part of her life. She could see them staying over a lot. "I can't say I have any complaints over there. I want to see you all the time too. I just hope you don't get annoyed when I have long shifts." Her heart fluttered at his words. This man was something else entirely. She loved how he called her his girl, how he wanted to spend all his free time with her. Because she was in the same boat.

"Lunch time sounds perfect," she murmured, rubbing her nose against his and pressing a kiss on his lips. "We could grab a bite, maybe take a walk on the beach?" The thought of spending an entire day with Pearce made her giddy with excitement. "And don't worry about my shifts, babe. I'm sure we can figure something out. Maybe I'll just have to sneak you into the on-call room for some... stress relief."

Pearce Callahan.

his heart was so full for her. Pearce almost forgot what it felt like to have someone this close to him and to care about someone in this way. Ariya was easily going to make him fall in love with her and as scary as that was, he wouldn’t want to do it with anyone else. “I won’t get annoyed. I know you have to work and I’m patient.” He reassured and leaned forward to lay a sweet peck on her lips.

He nodded at her suggestion. “I like the sound of that. Maybe, you know, we could do a picnic on the beach and then go for a walk afterwards. I could make us something good.” He still wanted to good for her as much as he could or to take care of her where he could. He just hoped that she would accept that sometimes. Chuckling, he smiled up at her. “Yeah? A quickie to make the shift go by faster and to help you relax? I could do that.”

Ariya Chakri-Langley

Her heart raced as she melted in his arms. His understanding about her work touched her. She'd always struggled balancing her career and time with family, but this was different. Pearce was her boyfriend and he needed her time too. "A picnic on the beach sounds perfect," she murmured, kissing the crook of his neck. "I can't wait to see what culinary delights you come up with."

She smiled at the idea of quickies in the on-call room. "You're going to be trouble, aren't you?" Ari teased. "But I like it. I’ve never done that before. Could be a lot of fun." He would be here own McDreamy, or was it McSteamy? Probably more of a combination in her opinion. She moved to straddle his lap, leaning it to steal a kiss while grinding against him. “I was wondering which one will you be. McDreamy or McSteamy? I’m thinking you’re both.”

Pearce Callahan.

he was never going to hold something against her that wasn't her fault. pearce knew that she had to work and there was nothing he could do about that. he just assumed that she would make time for him wherever she could. he smiled as she agreed to his idea, "good. that's what i was hoping you'd say." he ran his hand over her back, enjoying the feeling of her smooth skin under his fingertips. "i'll make it something good. you don't have to worry about that."

"i might be. i don't want you to think that just because i'm older i'm boring. i'm far from that." he reassured. pearce knew that it could get him into some trouble but that seemed to be the least of his worries as long as he was going to be able to be with her. his arms wrapped around her waist as she straddled him, a lazy smile appearing on his lips as she ground against him. "mm, suppose that depends on the situation." he paused and flipped them over, "right now, i hope i'm mcsteamy." he added and leaned down to kiss her.

Ariya Chakri-Langley

Her heart raced as he flipped them over, her eyes darkening with desire. She loved his confidence and the way he took charge. She couldn’t be the only one who found him sexy, right? The feel of his body against hers was driving her wild. "Oh, you're definitely McSteamy right now," she purred, running her hands along his arms. "And I can't wait to see what other surprises you have in store."

His kiss left her breathless, and she responded eagerly—her tongue moving with his. When they broke apart, she smiled. "You know, I can understand why some women are after older men. They know exactly what they want and how to get it." Ariya rolled her eyes at his remark. "Do I look shallow to you? Trust me, it's not just your looks that have me hooked. It's everything about you—your mind, your heart, the way you make me feel. You're the whole package, babe." She traced his jaw lightly. "And right now, what I want is you. All of you."

Pearce Callahan.

there wasn’t anything he loved more than seeing the way she looked at him. Pearce cupped her cheek, his thumb running over his bottom lip. “You have no idea what I have in store for you from here on out.” And that didn’t just pertain to their sex life. He was going to treat her better than she’d ever been treated and he was going to make sure she was satisfied in every aspect of their relationship.

He let out a breathless chuckle as the two of them broke apart and nodded his head, “I do know exactly what I want and that’s you.” He wanted to make sure that she knew that too. He had every intention on making his feelings know. He smiled at her words, “all of me?” He teased softly and leaned down to peck her lips, his tip pressing against her entrance. “This too?” He breathed out.

Ariya Chakri-Langley

Her breath caught in her throat as she felt him pressing against her. She trembled, her skin heating up. Looking up at him, Ari saw the same hunger in his eyes that she felt. "Yes," she managed to get out. "Especially that."

She locked her legs around him, pulling him in close—her hands went exploring, feeling every hard muscle on his back. It hit her then how perfectly they fit together, like they were made for each other. Any worries she'd had about them dating flew right out the window. "I want all of you, baby," she whispered, her lips right by his ear. "I want to know everything about you, to be there for you like you've been there for me." None of the words were untrue. She could feel something growing between them, something great. While it scared the hell out of her, she was all in.

Pearce Callahan.

he was convinced that the two of them were missing puzzle pieces and now that they found each other, they were exactly where they needed to be. Pearce had been hoped to find someone to love at some point after his divorce and he was almost positive that ariya was going to be that one. 

As she locked her legs around him, he pushed her into her and let out a soft groan. She felt incredible and he couldn’t get enough of how perfectly she hugged his cock. His free hand came up and cupped her cheek, eyes on the woman under him. “I’m completely yours, ariya. I’ll tell you anything you want to know.” He assured, his moving at a slow pace, one that he would describe as torture but he wanted to take his time with the woman.

August 2, 2024

Ariya Chakri-Langley

Ari let out a soft moan as he entered her, her body instinctively arching to meet his. A whirlwind of emotions hit her—desire, affection, and a touch of vulnerability. His words struck a chord deep within her, and she found herself wanting to bare her soul to him completely. The slow pace was driving her crazy in the best way, ratcheting up the tension inside her. "Pearce," she breathed, her voice rough with desire. "Harder." She rolled her hips, encouraging him to move. Her fingers wound through his hair as she pulled him down for a deep kiss.

When they came up for air, she gazed up at him, her eyes dark with want but also glimmering with something deeper. "I want to know everything about you too," she whispered. "Your hopes, your dreams, your fears. I want it all." A soft moan escaped her as he hit just the right spot. "But right now," she panted, "I just want you to fuck me." Her legs tightened around him, urging him deeper.

Pearce Callahan.

he couldn’t help but moan  as her body reacted to him. The way they fit together and the chemistry the two of them had together was undeniable and honestly something she didn’t want to end. He nodded slightly, lips meeting hers in a deep kiss and moaned softly into her mouth, his hips pulling back slightly before shifting forward and slamming his hips into hers, groaning against her lips as he did so. 

Panting, he nodded in response once more. He knew that he couldn’t actually hold a conversation right now as far as the deep stuff went and he wanted nothing more than to give her exactly what she wanted. “Yes, ma’am.” He breathed and shifted his hand down to her hip, his hand grasping her skin as he did what she said and continued to slam his hips against hers.

Ariya Chakri-Langley

Her breath caught as he moved against her, her pussy clenching around his cock. His touches aroused her and she could feel herself coming close to the next orgasm. Her eyelids popped up to look at him, seeing the mix of care and desire in his eyes. Pulling him closer, she kissed him, hungrily. Her fingers traced his back as she got lost in the moment. The slow pace was driving her crazy in the best way.

When they broke apart, both were breathless. Ariya smiled, her heart full. She realized how happy she felt with him. Her worries faded away in his arms. For once, she felt truly safe and understood. Pushing the thoughts to the side, she rolled her hips and felt more of her arousal spilling free—especially when the tip of him hit her sweet spot. "Baby, fuck…" she murmured, eyes locked on his. "I’m so close."

Pearce Callahan.

his face twisted in pleasure, lips parted and eyes full of lust as he gazed down at the woman under him. Pearce couldn’t help but note how beautiful she was in moments like these and he loved being the cause of those sweet moans that managed to escape her lips. He kissed her back, tongue slipping into her mouth and tangling with hers. 

He let out a heavy breath, hips continuing to move in a rough manner against hers. As she warned the man that she was close, he did anything he could to bring her over the edge. His thrusts sped up, hand moving between the two of them to rub at her sensitive bud. “Come on, baby,” he breathed, “let go for me. I want to feel you cum around me.”

Ariya Chakri-Langley

As the sensations intensified, Ari buried her face in Pearce's neck. "Oh god, Pearce," she moaned as she came undone. Her body trembled as waves of pleasure washed over her. Stars bursting before her eyes. She clung to him until her body went slack "Mmm… I could get used to this," she whispered, pressing a kiss to his lips before snuggling up to him. 

When was the last time she’d felt like this? Cherished and womanly. Not ever. She was a practical woman and had never cared to stick around after sex. For once, her usual walls came down completely—feeling utterly content. Her eyelids grew heavy as exhaustion set in. She traced lazy patterns on his chest and mumbled, "That was incredible. But I think I need a quick nap if we're going to continue this later." She yawned and added with a sleepy smile, "Wake me up in a bit?"

Pearce Callahan.

it didn’t take long for his own high to follow, especially with the way she shook against him and moaned his name. His hips jerked against hers as he finished instead of her and then kissed her back. This was the live. He couldn’t remember a time where he was so happy with someone. It had certainly been a while, that’s for sure. 

He shifted next to her to lay down, his arms pulling his girlfriend against his chest and his lips pressing a kiss against the top of her head. Chuckling at her words, he nodded slightly. “I think we both need the rest.” He agreed, his eyes closing a moment later. Waking up to her was something he was certainly looking forward to and he just hoped that he wouldn’t wake up only to realize that this was all a dream.

COMPLETED

[tcmuses]

“ you left and— i thought you weren’t coming back. ”

Though Tomas had not known exactly what to expect from marriage, his experience so far was even further from what he could've imagined. He hadn't planned on marrying for a while, and it wasn't a very well kept secret that his betrothal had been forced upon him. He understood why, of course, and they'd done a good job in finding him a wife despite it being a punishment. Leonor was of incredibly high standing, and every bit as beautiful as her portraits had made her out to be. Unfortunately for him, it seemed that she was entirely opposed to marriage--or at least a marriage to him. She'd wept the entire ceremony, and for days after. He was no stranger to being unwanted, so he'd assured her she wouldn't need to be around him if she didn't want to be. Her trust and affection had to be built slowly, and though he held no expectations, he was eternally grateful she'd given him a chance after all.

He'd thought things were finally going well until Leonor's confession. Though no expectations of faithfulness had been placed upon her, the admittance of her kiss with Magdalen bore the familiar sting of betrayal. She'd thought herself doomed to a loveless and chaste marriage, and as she told it the kiss had been Magdalen's idea regardless. Surprisingly, it wasn't even the kiss that had hurt the most. Though Leonor swore that her feelings for him were true, she also couldn't deny that she still harbored love for her closest companion.

Though she assured him that nothing had to change, Tomas could not avoid the feeling of doubt that gnawed at his insides. How could they truly move on without the closure it was clear she craved. How could she ever truly be happy in their marriage without certainty that what she had with Magdalen could not be rekindled. Though she had not the heart to do it himself, Tomas would not deny her the chance to find out. Frantically, he'd written a letter to her former companion, but as just as he was to hand it off to one of his servants, he'd decided to deliver the letter personaly. He left by horseback, early in the morning. The ride to the King's castle was a day's journey, though he chose not to rest overnight. He'd never felt at home in the courts, and he'd certainly never cared much for the courtier's judgemental glances. After handing the letter off, he'd turned around and quickly rode back home. In truth, though his heart still ached over Leonor's uncertainty, he longed to be with his wife once more. They'd yet to spend this much time apart, disregarding the first week of their marriage.

When he arrived, his steed was exhausted, and his body was ached from the pain of two days journey. Though his stomach protested his decision, Tomas had chosen to head straight to his chambers. He craved the comfort of bedding, and the warmth of his quilts. As he meandered through the hall, a sound he instantly recognized filled his ears. Leonor's soft sobs could be heard, even through the shut door. Alarmed, he gave the door a push. The wood creaked and groaned beneath his palm, and Leonor quickly shot upright upon hearing it. Tomas' brows furrowed at the sight of her, eyes puffy and nose red. It was clear she'd been crying for a good while now. Without stopping to think better of it, he rushed over to the bed, sitting down beside her. "What ever is the matter, my love?" He questioned while his eyes scanned her body for any sort of harm that may have befallen her in his absence. She would not meet his gaze, and the thought that she might not crave his comfort suddenly struck him. He attempted to shift further from her, to give her space if that was what she wished, but her trembling hand reached out to touch his own. "You left," she sniffled, looking up at him with big brown eyes, "You left, and I thought you weren't coming back." Tomas was befuddled, concerned that such a thought would even cross her mind. "What?" he exclaimed before he could stop the word from tumbling out his mouth, "How could you think that?" This time, he shifted closer to her. The hand that did not hold the weight of his body reached out to tenderly cup her cheek. His thumb slid across the soft skin, wiping a tear away. Leonor closed her eyes, leaning in to his touch. He took the initiative to slide the hand from her face and around her shoulders. He pulled her close to his chest, though he worried he smelled of rain and horses. If he did, she seemed not to mind, nestling her head against his neck. "I've not seen you in two nights, and we," she paused to sniffle once more, "Our marriage has seen better days. I feared after what i've told you that you may no longer want me."

Tomas' heart sank at the thought that he could ever not care for her. Leonor had been the perfect wife. She was sweet, and kind, and she never looked upon him with anything other than tenderness. "Leonor, my love," he shook his head, "I will never leave. For as long as you wish me to, I will be by your side. I admit, I should have spoken with you before I left, but I would never leave without the intent to return." Leonor looked up at him, her lashes wet with tears. When she said nothing, he leaned down to kiss her forehead, hoping to give her further reassurance.