imaginestraykids

[leouusaurxoxo]

Tsoa was an emotional ride. I cannot think of anything but the afterwords and the two hopeless, lost souls, reaching out in the dark, and light erupts from their touch. Achilles went mad. Patroclus' last thought was Achilles. Even in death and after, roaming as a pained soul, his thoughts were of Achilles.

These men, who killed for the other, also lived for the other; and they died for the other.

Imagine them in the underworld, life cut short because one was— unfortunately — a half-god. Imagine the said god, awaiting the half of his soul, alone and but a mere shadow. A soul without his counterpart. A soul that had once glimmered as bright if not more as sun in the battlefield. Now he waits for his Philtatos. All rugged at the edges and empty.

When Thetis sinks his name beside Achilles, imagine Petroclus. He rushes because Achilles is waiting for him. He is waiting for him with his arms open and Petroclus knew his arms would be open because he was waiting for him. Their skins sizzle as they finally meet, and light as bright as thousand suns spills out.

[bloodlust-1]

You’re too sweet for me ₊ ⊹ part 1

Halsin x fem Tav (dark urge) — Explicit 18+

Summary: Tav takes a dip in the river to calm those pesty dark thoughts, hoping it'd help settle these murderous urges. But things turn interesting when Halsin finds her, offering to keep her company in the water. If only he knew just how pure he was in her eyes, a shame it'd be to destroy such an image.

TW: SMUT!

Note: I like this power dynamic. Halsin’s no match for this attitude. This isn't proof-read yet so pls don't bully me :')

AO3

Lovely photo by @moonslittlestar

Tav pushed back the droplets of water with her palms, fluttering her wet eyelashes against the moonlight by the riverbank. Its light reflected white against the ripples of water Tav bathed herself in.

The cool water was almost therapeutic to her, settling those dark urges so late at night. It'd be a shame if another Alfira incident happened again...

A smile crept on her lips.

Whatta shame for the poor bard.

With a menacing giggle, she ran her fingers through her wet hair, enjoying the sound of the silence of night. It was so calm compared to the rapid evil thoughts that tainted her mental.

Tav knew she had to be a good girl.

At least for now.

A crunching of rocks and sticks startled her, and she quickly wrapped her arms around her bare chest; turning her head towards the sound.

Startled, Tav turned to see Halsin approaching quietly. His tall figure was outlined against the moonlight, and his eyes held a gentle warmth as he looked at her.

“Oh - Tav...I didn't know you bathed around this time. Is it alright if I join you?” he asked, his voice carrying over the gentle sounds of the flowing water.

A mischievous smile played on Tav’s lips, meeting his gaze. “Of course, cause that isn't weird at all,” her tone laced with sarcasm as she nudged her head at him.

Why not? If it was anyone who didn't find this weird, it'd be Halsin.

The air between them seemed thick with unspoken desire while Halsin turned away, undressing each article of clothing off his body.

Tav's eyes trailed down from the bare muscles of his back all the way down to his toned ass. A smirk crossed her lips, turning away to leave him to his privacy as he walked into the water.

What can she say - he was beautiful.

Total eye candy.

With a graceful ease, Halsin stepped into the water beside Tav, the coolness of the river enveloping him. The closeness between them felt electric, their gazes locked in a silent pull.

"It's a peaceful night to indulge ourselves." His eyes traced over the contours of Tav's face and into her collarbones, stopping at the plump of her breasts that hid in the water. His lips parted slowly, "I assume you've been here for some time now?"

Tav caught his lingering gaze and nodded with a small smile, "For only about 15 minutes before you showed up." Tav circled around Halsin, cupping water into her hands and pouring the cool water over his shoulders, "I'm happy it was you who found me."

Tav's hands draped over his back, rubbing the water into his skin, "I am a bit of a lone wolf, but your presence is always welcomed." The coolness from her breath hit against Halsin's damp skin causing him to chuckle at her perfumed words.

"Nature spoils me with someone of your bountiful looks." He leaned back slightly, allowing Tav to run her hands up his back, neck, and then hair with water.

"Have you given thought about what I've said the other day?" He spoke with confidence and Tav let out a laugh.

Oh yeah - that.

Halsin confessed his feelings for her some time ago and she never got back to his proposition. Halsin wanted more than just lingering stares. He wanted to feel her, touch her, please her.

The only problem...He was too nice for her.

These evil thoughts and bloodlust for murder made Tav hesitant to pursue something more with Halsin.

He was so pure and she was the darkness of his shadow.

"Oh Halsin." Tav gently scraped her nails down his back, leaving behind faint red streaks on his skin, "You're too sweet for me."

A chill ran up his back before Tav submerged herself under the water, and Halsin turned his head back, looking around the find her.

Just then, Tav slowly rose up from the dark water in front of him, the water rolling off her body like the softest petal of a flower. Her eyelashes battered with water droplets and it rolled off her bare nipples for Halsin's pleasure.

Tav was an absolute tease. A beautiful mess of a woman who gnawed at his deepest darkest fantasies. Halsin never experienced someone like her and he was practically begging for Tav's attention.

His eyes consumed every detail. Every scar and the faint stretch marks on her breasts. Halsin's eyes gleamed at the soft pudge of her love handles when he noticed them. Tav's body was a piece of art; nature's purest gift.

Tav tilted her head, watching Halsin’s eyes dart around her wet body and then back to her lustful eyes. “You couldn’t handle someone like me,” she teased, a mischievous glint playing in her eyes. “Trust me, I would destroy any innocence you think of me…and maybe it’s best to keep it that way.”

Halsin hummed to her words. Captivated by Tav’s boldness, he felt a wave of desire but masked it with a seductive charm. His voice was smooth as he replied, his words dripping with honeyed persuasion.

“My love,” he began, his gaze intense yet inviting. “Innocence has its allure, but the fire in your eyes tells a different story...Perhaps it is not about handling you but rather embracing the chaos you bring."

He continued, leaning closer to her, his hands resting on her hips, "Even nature's most dangerous of predators has its beauty. You have hunter eyes -" Halsin brought one of his hands to rest on her cheek, bringing her body against his in a tight-knit, "Piercing. Dangerous. But beautiful."

Her breasts pressed against the muscles of his chest and it brought a fever across her cheeks. The sweetness in Halsin's voice was enough to make Tav question her better judgment.

Tav giggled and tickled his muscular arms with the tips of her nails softly, "Mmm, you're so tempting, druid." Tav gently peeled herself away from him. She clutched onto his hands, leading him deeper into the river until the water reached her shoulders.

Tav splashed a handful of water toward Halsin, causing him to chuckle as he playfully splashed back. Laughter filled the night air in this innocent water fight.

Suddenly, Halsin dove underwater briefly, only to resurface moments later in a swift movement, scooping Tav up into his arms, her laughter ringing out.

Tav held onto his shoulders for support as his strong arms wrapped securely around her thighs, locking her in place. Their eyes met in the dim moonlight, their laughter faded into a comfortable silence.

Tav’s gaze drifted down to Halsin’s wet hair and face, illuminated by the soft glow of the moon above. Her fingers traced over his brow, dipping into the crevices of his scars.

She couldn’t help but admire his rugged charm. Had Tav not felt like such a bad influence on Halsin, he would have already been hers since the night of the tiefling party. It’s not like she didn’t already try.

But he denied her.

Oh how the tables turn.

Without hesitation, she leaned in closer, teasingly hovering the plump of her lips over his. Eyes like daggers bore into Halsin, and he shifted her down enough for Tav to hook her legs around his waist.

Tav hummed with her voice soft in a whisper, “I bet you want to kiss me so badly right now, hmm?”

Halsin chuckled deeply in his chest, clicking his tongue softly against his teeth. “You’re making me feel like a young Druid again…I’d chase you like bait on a fishing line.”

Tav wrapped her arms around his neck, laying her head gently against his nape and purring into his ear, “Maybe I’m just waiting for you to bite the bait then.”

Halsin crooked his neck to meet Tav’s gaze. She rested her head on his shoulder and smiled up at him playfully. Tav pressed her thumb over Halsin’s bottom lip, grazing the skin in small strokes, “Remember what you said to me at the tiefling party?”

She dragged her thumb down, pulling his lower lip seductively until it dipped back up into place. His face went hot and she could feel his muscles stiffen.

Halsin closed his eyes, taking in a deep breath before nodding his head to the memory, “I do.”

Tav traced small circles into the nape of his neck, feeling the goosebumps caress her skin as she planted a single kiss on his neck, “And what did you tell me?”

Halsin shamefully answered her with defeat, “That I will not keep you all to myself.” He tilted his head away, exposing more of his neck to her.

“A shame, really.” She scuffed. Admittedly, Tav still held that against him. Rejection was something she never really experienced when it came to sex.

He was the first.

And to see him now, crumbling at the smallest touch satisfied her deeply.

“Now tell me, Druid…” Tav leaned her head up, coming face to face with Halsin, “How are we going to fix this problem?”

She nudged her hips against him, feeling the tip of his hardened length poking at her inner thighs under the water.

“Allow me to take you out of this river and I’ll show you, bratty love.”

Her lips tugged into a smirk at the word "bratty."

Tav's eyes gleamed, and her hands cupped his jaw, forcing his face closer to hers with a tug. A breathy chuckle left her lips before crashing them against Halsin's.

He hesitated at first from her force, but then slowly melted into the kiss, hugging her tighter than before. The drive in her kiss startled him, and he could feel all the emotions spilling out into a sweet kiss on his tongue.

Tav nibbled down on his lower lip, dragging her sharp canine across his delicate skin; causing him to wince softly as the small cut began to bleed.

His blood tasted bitter and warm, but the druid only encouraged her by mixing the flavor between their tongues.

Finally, Tav pulled away with a soft gasp. Her chest rose up and down with lustful eyes, “You talk a big game...I wonder just how well that tongue works..”

Halsin planted a kiss on her jawline, his voice strong and assertive, “I can show you.”

She lifted an eyebrow, “And risk someone catching us out in the open?”

He nodded with flushed cheeks. His eyes fell hazy as the blood on his lips smudged across his skin. The sting of his cut only bothered him for a moment before it all melted away into pleasure.

This painful pleasure was...intoxicating.

She's such a bad influence and he didn't even care.

Tav’s voice was low and husky as she leaned in closer to Halsin, her breath warm against his skin. Her eyes sparkle mischievously, “Very well…but - you got to earn it,” she murmured teasingly with dominance. “Show me, just with your tongue, and maybe then I’ll reconsider your…proposition."

Halsin’s hands instinctively found their way to her hips, fingers kneading gently into the plush of her skin, "A fair bargain. I would have more faith in me, however."

She pressed her index finger across his lips, hushing Halsin. Leaning into him with charm in her tone, "Tongue, not words."

Halsin nodded.

Next part here

Any thoughts? Comment 👇🏼 I love to engage!

[queengiuliettafirstlady]

The Porcelain Doll secrets 

The Porcelain Doll secrets 

Fandom: Ikemen Villain

Pairing: Elbert x July

Part of : Learning How to Love Myself Creation Challenge hosted by @venulus

Tag: Angst Hurt Comfort Body dysphoria Verbal harassment Insecurity Fluff

Word Count : 9.877

Author’s Note: A ball become an occasion for secrets to be revealed and confession to be made bringing two lovebirds closer than ever, past scars got mended and insecurities reassured with the feelings that hold their heart together bounded with love. 🥰

The doll of the title is July due to the her appearance she has often been compared to one. 🤗

Tag list

@kissmetwicekissmedeadly @lordsisterxotome  

@aquagirl1978 @violettduchess 

@nightghoul381 @lichtluv

@william-rex @candied-boys @nuttytani

You can find me on AO3 as QueenJuliet 😊

Thank you for everyone who will like, reblog, or comment please be gentle with me english is not my first language so please do not leave rude comments I apologise for eventual errors I hope you will like it 😊

It was the dark of the night in London, all the mansion’s residents were wide awake, prowling the streets to punish the evil hidden in each corner of the capital.

Everyone had a mission to accomplish in their own way.

Anyone … but me.

The palace was eerily empty that evening offering me quite a rare occasion to roam its halls undisturbed, sighing heavily I leaned against a window frame clutching between my fingers a paper I learnt by heart for as many times as I read it.

Your Honourable Earl Elbert Greetia and his fiancée are cordially invited to the ball hosted by Your Grace Duke of Winchester held on saturday of the current week in his ancestral mansion in Hyde Park.

Wishing this letter would find you well, we await your presence most eagerly.

Faithfully yours.

                                           Lord Sebastian Redford. Duke of Winchester

I knew we should have attended, even more since my lover is a noble … but still my heart refused to yield to it.

Voices of a distant past, half memory half made-up swirled in my mind making me feel dizzy, I shook my head hoping, but in vain, to clear it, enough at least to let me reach my room, in a daze I wander around the hallways, stopping right in front of his room.

I know he had a mission but I hope he comes back soon unscathed, even though I know very well he won’t be, emotionally, wounds I would comfort him from by holding him close, brushing my fingers in his soft curls until he would feel asleep.

I let out a dreamy sigh looking back at our story, one of a kind, rolling lazily in the soft blue velvet sheets of his bed, as my eyes scanned each object we managed to collect together.

Together.

A word that I would have never thought possible between me and him when I first arrived, and that even now I find hard to believe, but my heart mad beating reveals the truth of a love too deep rooted to be forgotten.

Unlike the hateful invite whose pearlescent envelope still shines under the rays of the moonlight, discarded on his nightstand where I left it next to the spare key to his room he entrusted me with.

I never minded information gathering missions, after all that is part of my job, to deal with the most quiet and relatively peaceful part of it, since I am too sensitive to do otherwise.

The fact that bothers me the most is the hatred I have of parties, ever since I could remember even informal ones, but that night, no matter what I thought, I should have participated in that ball whether I liked it or not.

I should have been happy, even looked forward to it, too bad I feel otherwise, I knew it was just a mission, like Elbert and I had done countless times and yet I couldn’t help but feel panic rising in me at the mere prospect of participating in such an event.

Every normal girl would have been excited to join in.

But not me.

I am not normal. 

Everyone my age did their best to make me understand it through countless mockery, I paid them no mind I accepted it even but deep down I saw what it truly was, the tip of the iceberg of insecurities long concealed from the entire world.

I could have given up but the mere idea of leaving Elbert alone in such a place with so many people that would have fawned over him, making him uncomfortable, was unbearable to me and so I accepted.

The week went by in a blur and before I knew it Saturday had arrived.

Little did I know that my insecurities had picked that day, of all days, to pester me and were not going to budge until I felt like a rag, exactly how they wanted.

It wasn’t certainly the first time my kindness made me end up in an awkward situation, or that my low self-esteem tortured me so, but this time I wouldn't have given up because for nothing in the world I would have let him fight his demons alone, for this I accepted to accompany him.

Too bad I soon regretted my choice, cursing that mission as I found myself in the tailor shop Liam suggested to me.

The soft velvet wrapped around me was warm, a suffocating level of  smoldering for my liking, the bodice tight around my abdomen, almost painfully so, especially since my bosom looked a bit too much shown off, but I couldn't do anything about that, the bell sleeves covered my knuckles whereas the gown reached the floor, due to me being not tall enough , barely leaving out only the point of the low heeled dark teal pumps matching the empress teal color of my dress.

The only thing keeping me sane among all that mess was the stark sapphire of the golden engagement ring Elbert gifted me, the one I continue to caress to calm my racing mind trying to make peace with my heart, begging to not let my insecurities show, knowing better than to let anyone know my weakness no matter how much I trust them all.

At times I really do wonder what he sees in me, but it would be an insult to him to forget the immense affection ever present in his gestures and words showing me the depth of a love he held only for me, deep in his gentle heart, enough to tame, for a while, my doubts.

He, who could afford the very best in the world, picked me to be at his side.

He chose me above anyone else.

He wants me despite what I think of myself.

He loves me.

This alone fills my heart with a speck of courage enough to make me steer my resolve and come out of the changing room.

The first who notices me is Roger whose whistle of appreciation elicits me to be bolder, entering the spot of sun shining on the smooth parquet from the window as I swirl around myself giving Alfons and Harrison a front row seat to the show.

I do my best to feign nonchalance, feeling their gazes on me, but my voice betrays my emotions, coming out softer than how I would have liked to be.

“What do you think … of it ?”

The issue of the weird group that followed me to the seamstress is the fact that among them all the one I trust the most is Roger, whereas the other two are … well … pretty good liars.

I would have liked Liam to stay but he had a rehearsal for the following night opening spectacle and so I let him go, not desiring to ask anything knowing how much the theatre was to him.

“It’s pretty.”

His reaction was like a rain on a parade, chilling the little confidence I managed to collect back to square one, with all my inner doubts the word pretty is just what I need to hear, I look down, unable to meet Harry’s gaze any longer, adjusting my bodice as I bite my bottom lip.

I know in his head this wasn’t an insult, he just was listless since the one who dragged him along, bribing him with sweets, was Alfons, maybe the one of the three that know me better due to my relationship with Elbert.

“It looks nothing like the mannequin. I don’t know if it suits me.”

Roger was the first to talk,  perceiving the bitterness from my tone, seeing past my smile straight to the hasty way my finger kept pulling the lace on my back, rolling it around my digit, in a swift move he took it in his own hand leaving it to fall on my back.

“What really matters is how you feel in it ?”

“Disappointed. It looked so beautiful but now it feels like I am only lessening whatever charm it had.”

I gaze down, unable to meet his eyes, doing my best to drown the dark thoughts swirling in my mind, but I should have known he wouldn't let it slide off, even though he always called himself egotistical it was plain clear to me how deeply kind he was past his rough facade.

He cups my face in his hand, a glimmer of concern in his deep amber eyes as he gazes at me, his voice soothing almost like he was reassuring a scared puppy doing his best to make his word get to me.

“July listen to me. All bodies are beautiful no matter the size nor age. You can do anything you like thanks to it. That is all that should matter to you.”

“You are saying … I should be happy ?” 

“You should be proud of what you are always and forever.”

I know he is telling the truth, but it’s much more difficult to let it sink in ever since I always believe I'm not good enough.

“Moreover, there's nothing wrong with being different. You know the world is made of difference and different is not equivalent to ugly.”

I turn to look at Harrison, who wandered next to me, he took my hand in his, in doing so the light shine on the sapphire gem glimmering on my finger, offering me an anchor amidst the stormy sea of doubt swirling in me.

“I know Harry.”

I adjust some wrinkles on my gown, invisible to anyone, but me, offering him a strained smile, catching a glimpse of sympathy in his turquoise eyes.

“Thank you anyway for coming with me. I am sorry for wasting your time.”

“Don’t mention it, no one had anything to do and this is far more preferable than staying in the palace doing nothing anyway.”

I return the gentle squeeze of his hand on mine, looking at him with a smile, hopefully brighter than the one before, reluctantly I slide away from them, faking a composure I don’t possess as I walk toward the changing room.

As soon as I close the silk scarlet curtain behind me I place a hand above my heart beating madly in my chest, swallowing as I could all the insults echoing in my mind, clutching my other hand on the golden looking glass frame to steady myself.

I had done my best to avoid looking too much at my reflection in the mirror ever since I got changed, the same I am forced to see when my gaze jolted up at it, startled by the feeling of two hands landing on my shoulder.

“Our little robin looks upset, I wonder why.”

I am in no mood for jokes and I know he must have sensed it as I pout, my patience is growing thinner, unlike my hips despite the steel grip of the laces he wrapped tight, just like I asked of him, but he seems to care nothing of it as he continues unfazed by my glare.

“It may not seem an universal truth but a lot of girls would literally give anything to have an hourglass figure without needing a corset.”

Alfons voice coo sweetly in my ear but I know better than to believe his words, ignoring the way his hands gently tug one ribbon of my bodice and his warm breath fan over my neck as I meet his gaze in the mirror, soured by the bitter smile I offer him.

“I see you don’t trust me.”

I can’t help but frown at his words, I always knew he was pretty fickle but this was the first time he was so cruel. I know he was trying to cheer me up, but nothing anyone could do or say will sway what I think of myself.

“July of all the time you could, I would like you to trust me on this one.”

There is a shard of honesty flickering in his navy blue eyes while his gloved hands stretch closer to the nape of my neck.

“If you desire I could show you through the others' eyes.”

“Others ?”

“Even Elbert. You may feel what he sees when he looks at you.”

“But it would be an illusion.”

“Would you say it to be such a bad thing, if it improves your self-esteem ?”

“No … but I don’t want to, thank you.”

“As you wish.”

With an exaggerated gesture he takes my hand in his, placing a kiss on its back, I turn to face him only to see his dark coat, pouting as I look up at him.

“What a fierce expression on your visage. I am almost tempted to sweep you away for myself.”

“Elbert won’t be happy.” 

“Would you ?”

“No. I love him.”

“You are so pure I can see why he loves you. In exchange for your honesty I will be too, for this time alone, mind you. I find this dress to be quite flattering to you. It compliments well your peculiar green-grey eyes and your raven curls.”

In so telling he brushes his thumb on my cheek before taking a strand of my hair between his fingers bringing it to his lips before leaning it back on my shoulder. 

“Alfons is right, that color really suits your complexion.”

“Pale as a sheet.” 

I chuckle softly looking at Roger, not missing the hint of sterness in his gaze as he sighs softly.

“Fair, with a touch of red on your lips and cheeks.” 

I smile up at him, collecting enough courage to look at my reflection in the long mirror on the wall.

“Do you really think so ?”

I half-await half-dread to hear the answer, thinking his compliments to be mere lip service but I can’t deny the jolt of happiness bolting in my heart at his words.

“You really do look like a porcelain doll to me.” 

I smile up at him, seeing something akin to a mirth glimmering in his amber gaze as he looks down at me.

“I am so happy to hear that. I really hope to not embarrass him.”

“I don't think he will think that of you, ever.”

“I know … is only that … I want to look pretty … at least to him, tonight.” 

My voice soft, almost pleading to who or what I couldn’t really say … mayhap wishing, for once, to be enough. 

“You already do or otherwise he would have not made you his fiancée.”

I look at Harry, smiling at the sight of him nonchalantly chewing on a candy, wishing his carefree attitude could rub off on me, even a little bit.

At that moment the doorbell rings, signing a new client, I turn around to look at the entrance to that private part of the shop in time to see a flash of pink walking in.

“Hello everyone.”

Liam’s bubbly attitude is enough to put me in a good mood. I turned toward him, hoping he would notice me eagerly waiting for his opinion.

I smile at the sight of his cherry blossom eyes widening with surprise as they set on me while a smile brighter than the sun appears on his lips, lightning his soft features.

“Ohhhh July you look stunning.” Giggle of happiness bubbles out from my lips as I return his warm hug, revelling in his sweet scent as he holds me close.

“Thank you Liam.” A flicker of reluctance glimmer in his gaze he pulls away, taking my hands in his.

“Ahhh I am almost envious to not be the one to accompany you tonight.”

“I will tell you anything once I get home I promise.”

“Ahh I look forward to it then. I bet you will make some heads turn too.” 

With a wink he plops down on the sofa leaning back on the pillows as he smiles at me.

“Oh my, this could be quite troublesome to have two good-looking people in the same place.”

Alfons words make me laugh, strangely, managing to make me forget, be it for a little while, the weight of insecurities from my heart.  

The ride toward the mansion that evening can only be described as dreadful, if not for the idly chat Alfons tried to sway my mind with, and the warmth of Elbert's hand engulfing mine.

I squeeze it in return, smiling at him, ever so thoughtful he must have sensed something was wrong since morning for he did nothing but shower me in compliments ever since I showed up for breakfast, without mentioning the passionate kiss he pulled me in after seeing me in my gown.

“I would have rather stayed home.”

“I feel the same.”

Even though I doubt we have the same reason for it.

“I don’t want to share you with anyone. Tonight especially you look even more lovely, like a star.”

I smile as he nuzzles on my shoulder, leaving a gentle kiss on my neck like an overly affectionate cat seeking his owner’s affection, a really beautiful and possessive cat obsessed with his mistress.

There is a vulnerability in his voice as he speaks, wrapping one arm around my waist as he shifts closer to me.

“You are my star, mine alone. I want you all to myself.”

“I am Elbie. I am.” 

The demons in his mind seemed to quiet down as he tightened his arm around me, cooing sweetly in my ear.

“I love you.”

“I love you too.”

He leaves an achingly tender kiss on my forehead, moving me to the core, to the point I struggle to keep at bay tears as he lifts my hand in his, kissing my finger above my ring.

Useless to say he behaves like a proper gentleman all the way, helping me get off the carriage, placing a kiss on my hand whose blush I rush to cover behind my fan, robbing me a yelp as he snuck behind it to place a kiss on my cheek, making me happy even more than words could convey.

His gaze fixed on me, gives me the confidence I needed as we walk toward the palace, my hand on his elbow, as it is proper for a couple, etiquette that didn't reach to damp the bright way I smile at the warm touch of his hand on mine, too lost in each other gaze we barely hear the chamberlain’s voice as he presents us to the hall before we make our way to the ballroom.

It was all a dream.

Then the dream shattered.

Like a mirror cracking in countless splinters shining on the sickeningly fake smile of the nobles looking down at me.

A butterfly caught by a net destined to be a specimen, that's how I feel, walking around the room under the envious eyes of the same people that make the good and bad weather in London's social season ruled by etiquette and unspoken rules, things I am not accustomed to, nor understand, like the outcast I was and always would have been.

I wish he could have stayed with me but the mission comes first and so he had to follow Alfons, I would have done anything to make him stay … but I couldn't.

I told him I would have been alright, but I knew it was a lie he must have seen through judging by his heart's spoken words.

“If you feel uncomfortable, come to me.”

“I will, don't worry.”

I assured him with a smile, but deep down I knew better than to pester him for such a silly reason. I wander for a couple of minutes around the hall but not to no avail, I have yet to catch some interesting rumors, enough to report to him anyway, the urge to run to him and hide away in a corner is strong but he is working and I couldn't possibly be so irresponsible as to leave Alfons alone.

It is already too much for me to be completely useless for this mission, leaving all the gathering information to the others, the least I could do is stay out of everyone's way and beg to fly under the radar, enough to not be bothered by any mockery.

Elbert never minded me being different then why should I ?

As this thought pops up in my mind a flicker of confidence begins to burn in my heart as I make my way toward a group of people chatting next to the buffet table when someone else caught my attention.

A grumpy woman, dressed in brown, looks down at me, before I can escape though I see her marching toward me.

It would have been a sign of being uncouth to not wait, even though something nagged at me knowing I would have regretted it, but Elbert's reputation comes first, I couldn’t make him embarrassed about me, no matter what, and so I stayed.

I am lucky enough to be with him, weird as I am, I can't disappoint him and risk him giving up on me, the mere idea makes a cold shiver run down my spine, I do my best to ignore taking a sip from my water-filled glass.

“You must be Lord Elbert's partner. I heard you were announced as such.”

“Yes, I am. It's my pleasure to make your acquaintance. ”

My words stop abruptly as she talks over me, and what comes out from her lips makes my blood freeze in my veins. 

“For tonight alone I hope.” 

Adding to the uncomfort of the situation are her eyes full of disdain, I don’t doubt shared by those around her.

“Why did you ask ?”

“You see, because I could never picture you as his fiancée.” 

“Why not ?”

“Oh dear you are pretty I give you that but Lord Elbert is a handsome earl, a pretty coveted husband for many and you ... You can't be with him. You are not good enough for him.”

Her word hit the target, like a fist on the solar plexus it took all the air out of my lungs, set on fire by the mere act of breathing, I clutch the glass to the point of hearing my nails claw on its smooth surface, faking composure I take it to my lips, hoping the sip to calm down my nerves.

“But…” 

I am ready to reply, but I was never too good at standing up for myself even more in front of such arrogant persons and so I swallow my retort along with the humiliation of feeling watched by the nobles gathered in that part of the hall.

“Oh please don't protest, it's so middle class to take any advice personally.” 

She frowns looking down at me as I am the weird one, not her for insulting me as it was nothing, with a jolt of her wrist she clacked her fan open and then snapped it close, hitting it on her hand sign she has all intentions to steer the conversation where she want and nothing would have stopped her.

“You are not at the same level but I am sure that someone else will surely do, your pretty face will make some head turn I am sure. You just have to choose anyone … but not him.”

“Why are you telling me that ?” 

I wonder the reason why she is being so cruel to me, but no matter how I rack over my brain nothing comes to my mind, leaving me dumbfounded and wounded by her treatment I had no reason to deserve. 

“Someone has to, my dear. You are a clever girl and as such you must see that Lord Elbert is above anyone. He is a deity worthy of the very best and you, let me tell you, are a bit too peculiar for him, too eccentric, we may say. You are even friends with that actor, what is it called ?”

“Liam.” 

I clench my hand in my sleeves, ready to fight off whatever distasteful insult she would throw about him.

“Yes, him. He may be a star but nothing good comes out to frequent people like that.”

“He is a great person, and a talented artist.” 

I answer back, swallowing the temptation to splash my glass on her slimy face, if for nothing else to not taint Elbert’ s reputation, even though I know he would care very little I still don’t want to make me a nuisance for him.

“To a weirdo he surely is. But for the Ton he is just an entertainer. Exactly like you.”

The words stinging like vinegar on a scar, I can only look back at her wondering what I have done to her too deserves such insults.

But after all, I should have gotten used to it. 

I should have expected it.

I should have … but I didn’t, and now I am paying the price for forgetting a lesson I should have, by now, learned  by heart.

That I am and always would have been an outcast, foolish in believing in people's goodness, mad even in trusting them to be good to weirdos like me.

Voices from the past overlap with the ones in the present creating a hellish noise that was enough to drown out the little composure I have, making me feel dizzy.

Her face looks like a dried plum, as a slimy fake smile plasters on her lips, looking pretty smug for someone who spit vitriol at me just a moment ago.

I glare at her, defiantly and judging by the look in her gaze she didn't expect nor likes that attitude.

“If I may.”

I raise my gown in a courtesy doing my best to keep at bay the urge to flee the palace, walking till I found a quiet corner of the room, her words echoing in my head, rubbing salt on my wounds, making them bleed as I try, to no avail, to patch up, struggling to breath properly.

I hold back all evening but right now I need him, I need to be with him, to feel his warmth, to hear his voice reassuring me of his love.

But the moment I spot him my heart skips a beat, dragging along the others, as it painfully beats against my ribcage.

My throat tightens and the tears, I managed until that moment to hold in, threaten to spill on my cheek, I grit my teeth, begging to forget what I just saw, begging it to be a lie, an illusion even but Alfons is nowhere to be seen, so this must be the truth.

I feel my heart shattering, the sprintles cutting through my skin, I can only clutch my hand over my chest, the gemmed brooch printing its figure on my palm as I struggle, but in vain, to hold it together at least until I will be safe away from there.

He was talking with a girl, and I could see how pretty and graceful she was, feigning innocence as she flirted with him, an elegance I will never have, always too much and never enough for anyone, rage boiling in my veins pushing me out of that mess.

The cold air of the night is enough to freeze me but I didn't feel it as I ran toward the carriage we came with, asking the driver to bring me to Crown’s castle.

It was a lie.

All along it was all a lie.

His profession of love.

Our happiness.

I am nothing more than an object, beautiful as I could be, destined to be owned and discarded like everything he used to have in his room.

And only now I see the truth from lies.

It was a cruel way to find out I am nothing to him like he is to me.

Tears stream down my cheek hastily dried in my handkerchief, swallowing the little whimper escaping my lips, as I bend in two, anger surge in me enough to numb my heartache as we approach the castle.

Once at the palace I knock at the door, smiling wearily at the servant before dragging myself on the stairs, pushing open my door and collapsing on the floor as soon as it was closed.

The mix of sadness and rage explode as I hastily took off my dress, discarding it carelessly along my corset and socks on the floor, tearing away my accessories I slam on the vanity, sliding my large velvet nightgown over my undergarments, not desiring to look at my body any longer than I already have.

The mirror on the wall stares mockinly at me.

I don’t even need to look at him to ask my question.

-Mirror on the wall, Who is the fairest of them all ? 

-Not certainly you, stupid girl. Take a good look at yourself. 

His answer is harsher and more cruel than what I expected, but nothing I haven’t already told myself. 

I take a sheet from the wardrobe covering him with it, even though his words echo in my mind, another page in the list of insults and tease written in my mind the same that came back to the surface to torture my gullible heart.

In any case I am more than sure he didn’t notice me anyway, taken as he was in the conversation. I know he was just gathering information but my jealousy made all that appear much more malicious than how it was and yet I can’t do anything to banish it.

Especially at the thought he had now found something much more beautiful to cling to.

The mere idea take away all my energy pushing me to plop down wearily on the bed, hot tears stream down my cheek as I drown my sobs in a pillow, my hand clench on the sheets as I do my best to breath regularly but struggling to do so, I stretch my trembling fingers to take something from my nightstand but clumsy pushing it off. 

A little porcelain doll he gifted saying he reminded him of me.

A shriek of agony left my lips at the sight of the doll rolled on the carpet, looking like her strings has been cut, even her lips seems to be curled in a melancholic pout feeling alone away from his lover, whose doll still stood on the nightstand leaned back against the night lamp with a forlorn frown on his lips.

Exactly as I feel now that he gave up on me.

Another batch of fresh tears swell in my eyes, blurring my vision until the only thing I can see is the faint glimmer of the ring I hadn't the heart to take off.

There is no way he could love me.

There should have never been anything between us, maybe if there wasn't I wouldn't have suffered so much over a love that mayhap was never destined to be.

What silly dreams did I have ?

What I thought I was ?

My body is a jumbled mess of softness not attractive to anyone, my weirdness clear in anything I do or say, nor noble, nor accustomed to elegance, not an ounce of beauty in me.

Foolish my heart to think that a deity, who could have had the world at his fingertip, would have settled for someone so low, a mere worshipper not worthy even to tie his shoes let alone be by his side, as equal.

Folly of love my gullible heart brought me to trust in, and only now I see that it was all along a dream wished on a shooting star, fleeting and unreal as only a love like ours could be.

On top of all that I had embarrassed him, exactly like I didn't want to, making him the laughing stock of the nobility since his fiancée had the courtesy to leave the ball without telling anyone, nor even the host. 

A lump stuck in my throat at the picture of him being disappointed in me, so much I almost could hear his voice, the same I love so much, telling me he can’t be with me because of his tarnished reputation, affirming he deem me to be not beautiful enough anymore.

I clench the fabric of the pillow, biting on it to muffle the sobs as tears continue to soak it, only one to know the depth of my heartbreak knowing far too well he won’t come to me to repair it, pouring love between each crack like he used to, not now that he has finally see me for what I truly am, a mere servant not certainly a princess, trapped in a tower by a dragon no one will come to defeat to rescue me.

The bitterness of this statement takes my breath away, torment broken only by the knock at the door. I whip to look at it hastily drying my face with the back of my hand, swallowing my sobs in a soft sigh I hope he didn’t hear.

“July are you there ?” 

There is a frantic tone in his voice enough to make my heart tug in two at the idea he had come to me, despite what I thought. The charming prince coming to the rescue of his princess, a romantic trope I can’t help but feel my heart swell with warmth for, knowing he didn’t fully give up on me. Not yet. Still not even that adding it’s enough to snuff out the flame of affection telling me he came out of his love for me.

I bite my bottom lip as I fight the urge to answer him, hoping he will go away, not desiring to impose myself on him even more than I already do.

“July please answer me. Are you there ?” 

I hear panic setting in his usual monotone voice, I really am the worst kind of girl making him worry so much over a  nothingness like me, I feel guilty about the state I put him in. I know that if I don’t answer he probably will wake up the entire mansion making them prowl the streets of London fearing I have been kidnapped.

I sigh heavily, steeling my resolve, my voice coming out at least but so soft I doubt he heard it.

“Yes.” 

Yet he heard, he listened to me as he always did.

“Open me.” 

His request though is one I can’t allow no matter how much I love him, he hasn’t to see that pathetic show I am doing of myself exposing so shamefully my weakness and scars.

Truth to be told, the reason why I don't want him to see me is that I am afraid.

I have learnt at a high price to not show any weakness. Pretend, smile, nod, be polite and everyone will stop at the facade, not desiring to see where the truth lies, no one will mock you for who you are.

“I can't.” 

“Please.”

His pleading tone is like a poisoned apple sanking in my throat, fueling the mad desire to be with him to ease the pain clawing his kind heart.

“I can't … please Lord Elbert … go away.” 

My voice grows wobbly, cracking under the weight of emotions breaking the dam in my heart as they spill on my cheeks dripping over my words as I beg him to do something I deem the only one right to be.

The sound of his steps fade away on the carpet stinge my heart like an ice dagger … but I have no time to wallow in my thoughts because one moment later the metallic noise of the lock being played with takes me out of my reveries.

“I beg you … go away.” 

I am too weak to keep fighting his stubbornness, underestimating once more the weight of the love he has for me, the same steer determination that pushed him to acquire greedily anything he deemed beautiful is now settled on me, and I don’t know if I am mad, and honestly I cared little, but I liked seeing him so clingy, even obsessed, with me.

“I beg you to let me in.” 

He must have perceived something in my lack of answer, mayhaps hearing my heavy sighs, because he frets over to add in a much stronger tone that I know to be unable to reason with.

“I won't leave you nor until you open. I am sorry but I won't go away.”

I sit down on the bed, trying to adjust the sheets as I could in case he would have used his spare key to enter my room, even though I knew him to be too respectful to force him in even if he could.

“I care about you.” 

The aching desperation in his voice is enough to make me get up, in a rush I ran to refresh my face in the sink, hoping to look normal enough, even though I know my red eyes and pale cheeks would have betrayed me, sighing softly as I open the door.

“I am fine as you can see, now you can go away.”

I see in his eyes how my dismissive answer wounded him, but I really can’t bother him with my foolish doubts, especially since I am sure he has far more important things to do than squander his time on me anyway. 

“This isn’t fine to me.” 

His eyes became dark with something akin to anger, dripping on the frown curling his lips, before I could close the door though he slid inside.

“I am sorry for intruding but I can't leave you alone. Not now.”

“Why not ? You have no reason not to.” 

I am touched by his affection I really am, but I hope from the bottom of my heart he hasn’t come all the way to say he want to give up on me, but luckily my doubt are immediately brushed off at the sight of the confusion glimmering in his gaze as he looks down at me, his tone matter of fact as he asks.

“Why should I ?”

“At the ball … I embarrassed you.” 

I sink my upper teeth in my bottom lip waiting with bated breath for the disgust I foresaw coming from him … but in its place I see nothing of the likes, only a quizzical expression in his light blue eyes as he tilted his head to a side.

“How so ?”

The clouds in the sky decided that moment to move away letting the dim light of the crescent moon shine on his golden hair, making him appear even more the deity he is, beautiful as he always was and as much unreachable, for someone like me.

“I went away before you.” 

I slide my thumb on my ring, caring nothing for the light prickle of the gem scratching my skin, unable to meet his gaze, for fear of seeing his disappointment I keep my eyes fixed on the mess of clothes on the floor.

“I noticed.” 

His words hit like lightning in a summer storm. I snap my head up to look at him, meeting his concerned gaze.

“You ... did ?”

“Of course I did. I was about to come to you when I saw you fleeing away.” 

“But that girl …”

He is too clever for his own good, there is no way he missed the hint of bitterness in my tone as a frown curl involuntarily my lips while I grit my teeth doing my best to keep at bay tears from spilling out and ruin the little composure I have.

“The one I was taking information from ?” 

The detached way he talks about her puts at ease the hint of jealousy gnawing in my mind, I unclench my jaw enough to put my tongue to use as I answer.

“Yes, her.”

“It was Alfons’ doing. I doubt she would have talked otherwise. She thought she was talking with one of his accomplices.”

The pleading tone in his voice as he looks up at me, waiting patiently for me to speak, if I was comfortable doing it, nor judging nor chiding me, put me at ease pushing me to confide in him.

“July, tell me the truth, why did you leave the ball all alone ?” 

“It was because of a woman, she started teasing me and since everyone surely agreed with her I thought it was better to go away and let you work.” 

By the time I finished, tears were already pricking at the corner of my eyes, the memory of her harsh words and mocking smile still fresh in my mind, I sniffled to keep my composure, or a resemblance of, in front of him.

“I figured as much. That’s why I stepped in her shadow.” 

I am taken aback by his statement, all along he knew and yet he made me say it in my own words to see if I trusted him enough to, fool I was to think he wouldn’t have noticed it, mad even to think to keep it to myself rather than talk to him, ever able to placate the storm of doubts swirling in me.

“You did ?”

“Of course I did. No one offends my fiancée and gets away with it. No one.”

I am baffled by his behaviour, nor that it displease me, nor surprise after all he can be quite protective of the things he loves, me above all, but I can’t help but be worried about him, I certainly don’t want him to become an outcast among nobles even though it never mattered to him I don’t want him to suffer even more by the hands of anyone.

“But Elbie, she is a noble. Aren't you afraid it’s gonna have repercussions on your reputation ?”

“She is only a baroness. Even if it has, I couldn't care less. She had no right to treat you this way. No one has.”

There is anger burning in his gaze, a threat in his smile as his words sound like a snarl quieted down only by the surprise my confession provokes in him.

“She is right.”

“No.” 

His tone leaves little space for a reply, I perceive his determination and I know that when he is like that nothing will sway his mind nor heart, but my demons aren’t so easy to placate.

“She is right, Elbert. I have nothing to give you, I am not worth fighting for. You can afford so much better.” 

Words that tormented me ever since I got with him finally slip out, enveloped in vitriol and bitterness so much I have an hard time recognizing them as mine, bleeding out from scars never healed of insecurities and anxieties freely lashed out on my sensitive and gullible heart, creating a reality from an illusion supported by the ever present mocking stares of the mirror on the wall, laughing back at me each dress I wore, each question I asked, whose cruel answers echoed in my mind wrapping it in his lies.

“How can I afford better when the best is already in front of me ?”

He cups my face in his hand brushing his thumb gently on my cheek catching the last tears flowing from my eyelashes as they were the most precious dews’ gems he had ever collected.

“July. You are the most beautiful thing that has ever happened to me.”

His words are all what I always dreamed of hearing, piercing into my core with their tenderness, their light shining through the cracks on my walls as they begin to crumble down before his love, lowering my guard for him and him alone, wholeheartedly placing my trust in him.

“Don’t lie to me. Please don’t.” 

My mind and heart are at fight with one another I struggle to keep them quiet as I gaze at him, looking into his eyes to try to see any sign of his honesty or lack of thereof, but what I saw there it’s only the deep earnestness of a pure, kind heart that loves me above anything. 

“I could never, ever lie to you.”

A light smile curls my lips at the gentle plea in his eyes as he looks up at me before sliding to nuzzle softly in my neck, tightening his arms around my waist, moved by his words I slide my arms around his head, bringing him even closer in my bosom, revelling in the ticklish sensation of his locks prickling the sensitive skin of my cleavage.

“Please trust me.” 

The same breasts that so often dried his tears and offered him comfort when he needed the most were now the object of my loathsome stare and shame. I really am a fool if I can look at them that so many times managed to make him happy with such hatred.

He must have perceived the doubts still swirling in me because one moment later he kneel on the carpet from where he presses his face into my soft tummy, that he so often used as a pillow with his arms wrapped around me and my fingers brushing in his locks lulling him to sweet dreams. 

He raises his head to look at me through misty eyes, his lips trembling slightly as his arms tightened around my legs.

“I love you.”

A strained smile on my lips, tears in my eyes spill on my cheeks as my fingers find their way to brush in his soft locks.

“I love you too.”

I cup his face in my hand, smiling at the endearing way he leans his cheek on my palm craving affection, yearning for love as he always did and now finally obtained with me and I would be so cruel to give up on him all due to my doubts when he had never gave up on loving me no matter how weird I am. 

After a while he raises once more to his feet only to take my hand in his, squeezing it gently as he cradles my face in his soft hand, the tenderness in his gaze moving me to the core as his thumb gently brushes over my cheek.

“Am I beautiful ... to you ?”

My voice betrays my heartbreak, all my insecurities collected in that single question, I feel my eyes get misty once more but I refuse to bend over to them, looking straight into his gaze, bright with resolution warmed by love.

“Yes. The fairest of them all.” 

His honesty brush away my anxiety,  glimmering in his light blue eyes, captivating me to gaze at him as the last stone of my walls crumble down and the sun of his affection manage to shine through turning the once thorn-maze in a dazzling garden, pouring love in each and every scar where once there was doubt.

At least I feel my lips curl in a smile, as a single tear rolls down my cheek followed by many more, a flood of emotions I found hard to contain until he captures my lips in a delicious, sweet kiss. 

The saltiness of tears mix together with the stickiness of my lipstick, as the strong aroma of champagne melts with the smooth texture of water, still fresh on my tongue.

Reluctantly he pulls away, keeping me close wrapping one arm around my waist, his fingers curling possessively on my hips, his hard chest moulds in my soft bosom as he cradles my face in his hand.

“I love you July to madness. I desire to keep you all to myself to cherish and make you happy. I can’t bear the idea of anyone even remotely hurting you.” 

“I love you too, Elbert, so very much. I am crazy over you and nothing will make me smile more than seeing you happy.” 

“I am happy only when I am with you. I love you as nothing I ever owned. I am a mess but you still loved me, it’s I who don’t deserve your love.”

“Please don’t say that.” 

I lean my trembling fingers to brush over his lips, melting at the sight of it curling to leave a kiss on them. 

“Do you still love me ?”

“It could not be otherwise. Never.”

Reluctantly he pulls away, sitting me on the bed like his personal porcelain doll he lean me back against the pillows as he kneel once more on the floor his ever graceful fingers stretched to take the doll from the carpet, brushing off the dust from her clothes as he hand it over to me. I take it to my chest, hugging her with a smile, happy to see she hasn’t broken despite my clumsiness, before placing her next to the doll of a prince, a gift I made him to keep her company.

The fairytale scene on my nightstand was complete once more, the couple of dolls that looked like us, sat side by side, smiled happily as they held hands, their love destined to be exactly like ours.

I focus my gaze on him, smiling back at me from his place on the bed, a light playful smirk adorn his lips as his gaze set on something on the floor his elegant digits reach to take, in the pale moonlight I see the object glimmering, he offers me no explanation though as he opens it, making its bold scarlet color shine outside its golden shell only then I recognize it as being my lipstick.

His voice is laced with a hint of obsession murking his gaze as he looks down at me, a facet of him I didn't pull away from, ready to embrace and love him as he is exactly like he always did for me.

“It seems my proof of love needs improvement since my kisses aren't enough.”

His movements are swift and precise as I never could have guessed, almost as he was used to it, scarred from a troublesome past he had spent being anyone's beauty doll, one he has broken free from I am happy to think, partially, because of me.

That thought alone warmed my heart as nothing ever could.

He put a spell on me, bewitching me to stare at him, shining bright like a charming prince.

My prince charming.

The same that galloped a horse all through the night to get to the palace before the carriage ever could, a secret his peculiar scent told me of before he even had a chance to. The idea that he spared no effort for me proof enough of his love to quiet the doubts in my mind.

I am mesmerized by the sight of him, his white and blue clothes sticking to his skin, his delicate red lips curled in a smile, his soft blonde locks shining under the warm light of the lamp and his calm yet passionate sea blue eyes, he is the very portrait of a cherubian. 

Mine and mine alone.

His greediness must have rubbed off on me but I don’t mind, I see it as a proof of the unconditional love and deep devotion we feel for one another.

He leans me against the pillows, raising my nightgown enough to lower the upper hem of my drawers. There is softness in his fingers where once there was only skin and bones, due to his habit to regularly eat alongside me, spurred by the meals I cook him as he told me himself, the memory of his honest confession makes me smile, warming me to the core.

My gaze glue to him as I feel his warm lips pepper wet kisses all over my belly, nibbling and sucking on my skin, kneading and moulding the soft flesh in its wake, brushing his fingers on my hips, tracing with his tongue each stretch mark, with his lips each mole, smiling up at me as he prop his chin on it looking up at me as I am was the most precious treasure in all the world … and I knew that to him I am.

He robs me of my coherent thoughts as his fingers make their way toward my plan abdomen, tickling it, making me dizzy from pleasure and happiness at the sweetness in his voice as he bestows professions of love on my body enough to reach my heart, flooding it with warmth. 

“My Princess.” 

A kiss of utmost devotion above my belly button, followed by a delicious sweet one at the center of my abdomen.

“My Queen.”

“My cherished treasure.” 

A soft brush of his lips placed gently on the upper part of my right breast followed by a tender one on my left.

“My precious doll.”

Hesitancy in his features as he looks up at me, his finger hover above my bosom, not daring to touch despite his eagerness to, gently I cup his hand in mine placing it flat on my chest, giving him permission to do anything he likes to me.

A light groan escape from his lips as he unbuttons my nightgown leaving me in nothing but my drawers and my regency corset, I sigh dreamily as the fresh air of the evening brush over the naked parts of my body, but the smoldering gaze he looks at me with is enough to make my heart race wildly in my chest keeping me warmer than the even the sun ever could.

I see him fiddle with the lace, I could stop him but I don’t want to and so I let him, a moan escapes my lips as he tugs at the ribbon holding it close with his teeth, enough to open it just a little bit, an erotic view I don’t have in me to look away.

I bathe a little longer in the lust lidded gaze he looks at me with as he lick his upper lip, smirking as he bends over me to take one of my breasts in his capable hand, caressing and molding it as he pleases, placing a kiss on its upper part, brushing his thumb on my nipple above the fabric, perking under his touch robbing a moan of pleasure from my lips at the relentless combination of kisses and massages as he gently switch his focus to the other one, leaving a trail of red kisses over my fair skin.

At last he looks up at me with so much devotion to have me in tears as he presses a reverent kiss between my breasts, filling my heart with his love.

“My love.”

“My one and only love.” 

In an instant he raise to tower over me only to melt his lips on mine in a delicious kiss I welcome arching under him, feeling the soft sigh of pleasure escaping his lips as I push my hips against his, swallowing my moans as he wrap his tongue with mine, letting him lead that sinful dance of passion as our bodies move in sync alike our heartbeats bounded by unwavering and unconditional love. 

Reluctantly he pulls away looking into my eyes, the same gaze I love so much now dark with lust and possession the same I welcome with open arms as he wraps me in his embrace, holding me close so much I can feel his warmth, nuzzling his head on my bosom, purring in delight as he looks up at me, his eyes overflowing with love enough to make my heart swell with affection at the endearing sight. 

“I love you July only you. You are my precious treasure, my one and only cherished doll.” 

“I love you Elbert so very much.”

There is a raw plea in his voice as he lean his face on my breasts gazing up at me. 

“Please don’t leave me. I really do love you. You are the only one for me.”

“I won't now nor ever.”

A carefree smile curls his lips as he sits on the bed, only to leave an achingly tender kiss on my forehead before tightening his arm around me as we lean back against the pillows.

“I love you as you are, don’t change.”

“I won’t. For you I won’t.” 

I murmur caressing his cheeks with my fingers, brushing some golden lock away from his face enough to gaze straight into the clear warm blue sea of his eyes.

“Please don’t give up on me.”

The shameless words of a weakling I managed to hold in until now come tumbling off my lips, so much I hope he hasn’t heard them … but he is certainly no fool like I was for thinking so. 

“I would never July, ever, for nothing in the whole world I love more than you. I assure you.” 

His warm fingers caress tenderly the apple of my cheek as he brushes his nose against mine, smiling at the sound of my carefree giggles. 

There is a strange vulnerability in his gaze, shadowed by his long eyelashes, latching onto his words as he speaks, reminding me once more of how sensitive and yet strong he is at once.

“Will you do the same for me ?” 

At least he raises his pleading eyes to meet mine, while his fingers on my waist tighten their grip almost as if he is scared I would give up on him, as if I ever could, an anxiety that pestered me too from time to time but that he always managed to brush away like I have done with his.

“Of course Elbie. I could never, ever no matter what.”

The sun returns to his gorgeous blue eyes as he gifts me a tender smile, so bright and happy to captivate me enough to reach and melt my lips on his, welcoming the gentle way he deepened the kiss, holding me close as he ravages my mouth with his tongue before entwining it with mine.

A kiss he breaks off reluctantly, leaning his forehead to mine as we avidly breathe the air in the little space between our lips, until he pulls back enough to wrap his arms around me leaving an achingly gentle kiss on my hair.

Some of my doubts could come back sometimes but I know that every time he will be there to chase away their clouds with the warm, smouldering light of his love.

I sigh softly in his embrace giggling as I feel his hands curl on my waist gripping me tightly, I nuzzle in his chest brushing my lips on his heart, revelling in the light chuckle escaping from his lips, eager to see more I look up at him purring softly at the gentle caress of his fingers on my cheeks admiring the tender expression in his light blue eyes crinkling with affection as I playfully smack a kiss on his cheeks gazing at him with a smile, mirrored by his own graceful lips as he hold me against him, enveloped in the warmth of the blankets we are cocooned in, less smouldering perhaps than the emotion burning in our hearts bounded inextricably together with love.

[l0ve-dov3]

In the Darkness (There is Light) | A Journey Begins

After the War on Convergence, the realm of Iapora was never the same. For half a century, the five kingdoms lived in disarray; constantly at each others necks, never finding rest.

But thanks to an old prophecy, five young knights will rise above all odds. Forgetting the turmoil of their homeland's history, and working together for eternal peace.

note: this is my first ever south park fic omg!!!! i’ve been into south park for years, but never really wrote anything, so i’m excited to to finally get around to it. i apologize if any of the boys are ooc, as it’s my first time writing them, but hopefully as i write more—and develop their stories in the context of the fic—it’ll be better :)

if you prefer to read on ao3, you can find this fic here.

series master list.

—

The Capitol of Iapora was a place to be revered. Anyone old enough to understand its eloquence would agree. The walls were lined with marble, the cream-white color making the space feel regal yet sterile. The windows were stained a translucent blue, unblurring but noticeable, and were surrounded by carvings with details of gold. The entire space felt beautiful beyond any human’s right to perceive it, a clear show of grace, power, and elegance unlike anywhere else.

So of course, it was a grand honor to be invited there. An honor not to be taken lightly, regardless of your status. Nobles, kings, and peasants alike prayed to one day visit this holy sight; and as of now, it seemed that [Name]’s prayers have been answered.

“M-Miss [Name], it is an honor t-to meet you.” Called a voice down the hall, breaking the young woman from her transfixion, “I h-hope your travels proved s-safe and comfortable?”

The young knight chortled, a grin parading across her lips in recognition. “Your tone aims to charm me, Jimmy. Please forget the formalities.”

[Name]’s old friend offered a tight-lipped smile, standing before a double door that dwarfed the two easily. She couldn’t help but notice how disheveled he looked, his brown hair sticking up at odd angles, and his royal blue cloak slightly open. “You’ve arrived j-just in time, friend. The Council a-awaits your p-presence.”

With a flick of his hand, Jimmy opened the doors to the Capitol Hall, the room [Name] had traveled miles to get to. Behind the doors, a room of equal grandeur was revealed, the walls painted with legends, tall-tails, and holy tributes. Nearest to her was a long marble table, and seated around it were five young men, four of them looking no older than her. But she knew, of course, the most important name at the table; Lord Casteann, the man who took it upon himself to invite her here, and the oldest of them all. Jimmy left [Name]’s side to stand beside him, bowing before taking his place by her idol's chair.

“My Lord,” [Name] greeted, kneeling to the ground and bowing her head, “It is with grace that I thank you for this invitation.” Upon finishing her statement, she heard a stifled snicker, lifting her eyes just enough to see the face behind it. A chubby boy sporting a red chest-plate met her eyes, a glint of mischief in his eye as he smirked, unashamed. The crest at the center of his armor bore a red phoenix, wings outstretched and claws barred.

“Firamond.” The young knight whispered to herself, gaze hardening at his lack of respect. The Firamond Kingdom was best recognized by their passionate, sometimes hostile personalities, so it did not surprise her to see his hard glare and sharp grin. However, for someone in the midsts of the Lord, he lacked poise and composure, don’t you think?

Lord Casteann shot a glare at the cocky male, clearly having dealt with this for some time already. Returning his gaze to [Name] gracefully, he replied, “Please, [Name], do rise.” He spoke, voice deep and powerful, “You have been invited here by your stature, not to make a spectacle of mine.” With a sheepish smile, she followed his instruction, standing firmly in place. “Gentleman, this is Lady [Name]. Part of the King’s guard in Asteann, and the most decorated warrior of her generation. I’m sure you’re familiar with her various titles.”

Hushed murmurs filled the room, some of the Lord’s men straightening their posture. The boys at the table seemed shocked by this introduction, maybe even skeptical, as they eyed the girl before them. “Impossible.” Whispered a boy with black hair, the ginger next to him looking equally perplexed.

[Name] rose a brow, hearing the hushed words. She’d dare say she was offended. “Impossible?” She spoke, eyeing the ravenette with unspoken distaste. “I trained in the wielding of light since adolescence, starting at age 5 under the greatest knights and mages in my kingdom. As you are not familiar with my titles, I will recite them for you.” The young knight snapped, sparing a glance to Casteann who looked on in amusement. “To name a few, I am The Best Swordswoman in 200 years, Bringer of Grace, and Lady [Name], Protector of Kings. I am proud of my position, Sir. If you find my physicality to be untelling, I pray for your sake, do not misjudge me further.”

Seemingly ashamed, the boy’s gaze fell to his boots, cheeks flushed as the ginger stared back at her. Her eyes were cold, face hard as stone as she retreated to her seat beside the Firamond boy. Unlike before, he seemed less confident in himself, shrouded in something akin to unease or frustration. Her passionate speech had clearly crushed his resolve.

“That, boys, is a much needed reminder of your place here.” Lord Casteann spoke, giving [Name] a nod of approval, “You come from different kingdoms—different cultures, different alliances—but each of you are gifted knights. Warriors of our century. Do not underestimate the people that you will now work with.” There is a silence, confused and deafening. The group of young adults looked between each other, a clear judgment in each of their eyes. “My children, welcome to the Stoicheío Alliance.”

Alright, even more confused.

“Pardon my language, but what the fuck does that mean?”

𖥸

[Name] and her 4 comrades followed Jimmy down the Capitol’s halls, as Lord Casteann did not allow them to ask many questions.

“Stoicheío means ‘Element’. For now, that is all you will know.” He'd spoken with stern authority, sending them off in the next breath.

“Lord Casteann has p-prepared a quarters for the f-five of you,” Jimmy spoke, eyes forward as they neared a set of staircases, “You are to s-share the living space as your momentary h-home. You each have your own r-rooms, curated to your n-needs as well as your k-knighthood.

While we c-crafted these quarters to serve as a place of c-comfort, we suggest that—in the n-nature of your ‘employment’—you follow a regiment th-that will not stifle your talents.”

They came to a stop before a tall wooden door, which Jimmy opened to reveal their new home. “Good graces!” Cried the knight with blonde hair. It startled [Name] and the others momentarily, but they could not deny that they’d thought the same. Hell, if she weren’t so stunned, she would have cursed. Their living space was huge, and she hadn’t even seen their rooms yet!

The knights wandered aimlessly around the common room, picking through bookshelves and desk drawers. Jimmy, upon leaving, had said something like ‘simply call if you need me’. Truthfully? None of them cared. They were too busy drowning in their thoughts, grateful to receive such stellar treatment from Lord Casteann himself.

The silence was broken by the clearing of a throat, namely, the young man with fiery red hair. He stood awkwardly in place, his eyes shifty as he finally spoke. “If we’re going to live together, we should know each others names.” Stated the ginger, feeling silly beneath their eyes. He looked tense and guarded, and frankly, nervous about the living situation. “My name is Sir Kyle of Larnion, it is a pleasure to meet you.”

An awkward silence followed, each of them waiting on another to speak. After several beats, the Firamond kid gave in. “Jesus Christ. I am named Cartman, Eric Cartman of Firamond. Fight the fire, burn them all, all that.” He rambled, looking very uninterested in their little icebreaker. Due to the events in the hall, [Name] needed no introduction, but listened intently as her new companions introduced themselves. She learned that the blonde, wearing Wingardi—or the Air Kingdom—armor was called Kenny, and offered an array of nicknames. The ravenette she had told off in the hall was named Stanley, or Stan, and upon learning this she gently apologized with his name.

“It is an honor to meet you all. I apologize for losing my temper in the Capitol Hall, it was unkind of me.” [Name] finally said, a sheepish smile on her face.

Kenny shook his head violently, giving her a toothy smirk. “No, don’t apologize. That was totally badass.” He said, “Not enough women who bite back like you, I think. It’s a shame.”

[Name] rose an eyebrow, pleased to find at least Kenny wasn’t a misogynist. “Why thank you Kenny. I pride myself in my ability, so I do not let others tarnish that.” She shrugged, sitting down on one of the loveseats in the room. “I will say though, the lot of you intrigue me. What are your accomplishments? You have told me none.”

Looking between each other, the boys began another silent debate, deciphering who would go first. “Well, in Wingardi I am a Lieutenant to the King’s Army. I train, employ, and lead those with the ability to wield air as well as other gasses.” Kenny eventually began, “Best wielder of the century, well decorated; most of my political accomplishments are similar to yours.” Kenny recited, like second nature. “I come from a poor family, so many people have questioned my ability to perform, but I refuse to allow them the satisfaction of seeing me fail.”

“Sir, we come from very similar places.” Chuckled Stan, shaking his head in disbelief. “You would not believe the things my men say in Glacia.”

From there, the conservation seemed to never end. The group sat in their new living room, sharing their accomplishments till the sun sank in the sky. Tales in battle, struggles in training, bonding through their experience of climbing to Knighthood. [Name] would admit, it was quite heartwarming, and she was suddenly quite comfortable with this living arrangement.

“You must be lying. What the hell even is muff-cabbage?” Laughed Stanley, laying on the floor in the hilarity of Kyle’s story.

“I don’t know!” Kyle groaned, face buried in his hands, “After that, the Lieutenant called me ‘Muff’ for days. The other boys in my classes couldn’t get enough of it.”

The group laughed, Kyle still hiding his face embarrassment. "I think I'll start using that, actually." Kenny playfully contemplated, rubbing his chin in an animated fashion. "Sir Muff of Larnion, very heroic."

"The perfect name for a young warrior!" Stan agreed, a wide smile on his face as he nudged Kenny. The two fell into laughter, and [Name] simply watched. She'd never felt connected to people quite as quickly as this. Of course, she had friends back in Asteann, but they all took time to understand and feel comfortable around. Yet strangely enough, these four boys felt like lifelong friends to her; people she could trust with all that she's worth. The young knight couldn't tell if it scared or pleased her.

Abruptly, a loud knock rapped at the door. Their laughter faded into a confused silence, and slowly, [Name] stood to open the door. “Good evening young Knights." Began a butler, "Lord Casteann requests your presence in the dining hall for an evening feast." He finished, tone flat and professional. When the group did not move, he rolled his eyes, waving them impatiently out the door. "Make haste, we do not expect you to change or look 'fancy'.” He snapped, walking away swiftly. The quintet looked between each other before filing out the door, walking quickly to catch up with the man.

By he end of the evening, the paladins had devoured their favorite foods and desserts, the five being full and exhausted from the meal. They quickly departed, mumbling their farewells with little strength, and retreated into the privacy of their rooms.

[Name] fell ungracefully into her plush, queen sized bed, trying not to let the darkness seduce her into sleep. With a groan, she lazily pushed herself to sit, stripping from her day clothes. She hummed gently to herself–the sound of an old folk tune–as she changed into pajamas, allowing herself to enjoy the calm in the bedroom air. The relief of serenity made her feel light with fatigue, so she climbed back into bed, properly tucking herself under the covers.

“Goodnight my kingdom, fair Asteann. Goodnight my comrades.” She whispered into the crisp, dark night. And before she knew it, in peace, she let sleep take her hand; defining the beginning of a new day, a new journey.

[thenameswinterfics]

Just an introduction post.

I just realized I haven't made an introduction post yet. How silly I am...

Well... Greetings, beautiful people!

Few things to know about me: I'm Winter, I'm 25 years old and I'm from Italy. I'm studying Graphic, Visual and Multimedia Communication at the univeristy and I'm currently in my final year. I'm an INFP, my zodiac sign is Pisces and I'm bisexual.

For a long time I was always on the silent side of fandom, in constant lurking mode. If you see a silent shadow watching over your work, that's basically me.

This is a short list of the fandom I'm in (most actively): The Last Kingdom, Vikings, Vikings: Valhalla, The Wheel of Time, Game of Thrones (with A Song of Ice and Fire content), House of the Dragon, The Witcher, Shadow and Bone, Spartacus, ATLA (the cartoon) Legend of Korra, Merlin, Dragon Age and Baldur's Gate.

In my spare time I also play a role-playing game called "Dungeons and Dragons". I'm mostly a player, although I'm thinking about planning my first campaign as a Dungeon Master. My favourite thing is writing backgrounds for my OC's, maybe I can share them with you in the future.

Just for your personal information, this is exclusively a writing blog. If you want to see my ramblings about fandoms, you can find me on my main blog here (I know, it's quite messy but... hey! That's me, a messy girl!)

A special thanks to my beloved @zaldritzosrose for the icon, banner, mini banners, personal dividers and headers and dividers for my current and future fics! 💜

FIC SECTION

I'm currently writing for Sihtric Kjartansson, a character from the Netflix and BBC show The Last Kingdom. It cannot be ruled out that in the future there may arrive fics from the other characters from the show, as well as from other characters from different fandoms.

I will cross publish my fics on AO3, you can find the links below.

Due to university and personal commitments, and the fact that I'm a terribly slow writer, I haven't planned a regular posting schedule.

If you want to be tagged in my taglist, just send me a DM or leave a comment!

English is not my first language. You may find some grammar and vocabulary mistakes. I'm sorry for this, I swear I'm practicing!

It will happen that some of my fics will contain NSFW contents. So, if you are a minor under the age of 18, please DNI.

I never, NEVER give the permission for my works to be translated (I can translate on my own in my native language whenever I feel the need to) or to be reposted in sites outside Tumblr or used in AI chatbots sites.

SIHTRIC KJARTANSSON X READER

THE BLUE BUTTERFLY || Words: 4K || Warnings: Fluff, missing scenes, mention of word "whore" || AO3 LINK

After returning from Datchet, Sihtric spends some free time with you, and a group of blue butterflies catch your attention.

VISIONS OF HELHEIM || Words: 6,1K || Warnings: Fluff, angst, missing scenes, mention of past abuse, mention on non-consensual relationship (not described in detail), mention of character death, mention of graphic violence (not described in detail). || AO3 LINK

Sihtric has never forgotten his mother, whose presence continues to haunt his dreams. And as the Battle of Dunholm draws to a close, you help Sihtric mourn her.

HEARTS OF STEEL, LOVE OF SILK || Words: 3,9K || Warnings: Fluff, domestic fluff, smut, bad smut, very very bad smut, p in v sex, fingering, oral (f receiving), breeding kink, Daddy Sihtric is a warning itself. || AO3 LINK || 18 + ; MINORS DNI

While you and your children enjoy a peaceful, domestic life in Rumcofa, Sihtric comes up with a pleasant surprise for you.

BOUND TO YOU || Words: 4,6K || Warnings: SMUT, mention of death, monsterfucking, oral (m receiving), fingering, p in v sex. || AO3 LINK || 18 + ; MINORS DNI

Since becoming the new lord of Dunholm, Sihtric has ruled alone, with no woman at his side to call "wife". Things begin to change when you begin to appear in his dreams, a human so perfect that he believes he has finally found the one, a blessing from the gods. Little does he know that behind your appearance lies a devil in disguise.

SIHTRIC KJARTANSSON X OC

Coming soon...

SIHTRIC KJARTANSSON CROSSOVERS

Coming soon...

MISCELLANEOUS

Characters

SCIAMACHY || Pairing: Cregan Stark x DragonDreamer!Reader || Words: 4,4 K || Warnings: Angst, mention of death, mention of grief, mention of character(s) death(s), mention of child loss, mention of sibling loss, major spoilers from the book "Fire and Blood" || AO3 LINK || 18 + ; MINORS DNI

As the second child of King Viserys Targaryen and Queen Aemma Arryn, your father arranged your marriage to the young Lord of Winterfell, Cregan Stark, in the guise of an arranged marriage that would strengthen the bond between your Houses. But you are haunted by visions of a bloody war shaking the Seven Kingdoms, and the seeds of your doubt are sown when your sister's claim to the throne is challenged.

AGAPE || Pairing: Osferth x Reader || Words: 2,9 K || Warnings: Fluff, mild smut, mention of religious guilt, mention of male mansturbation || AO3 LINK || 18 + ; MINORS DNI

Torn between the desire to feel you and the sacredness of his vows, Osferth gives you flowers as a token of his love and devotion, the meaning of his love hidden behind the flower's language. But a scouting expedition beyond Rumcofa's borders forces him to confront the devil who tempts him.

COLLABS

THE LIVES OF FRIENDS || w/ @foxyanon, @legitalicat and @zaldritzosrose || Social Media AU || Warnings: Language, sexually charged conversations, mentions of weed usage, occasional alcohol usage, chaotic family dynamics. || 18 + ; MINORS DNI

Rhaenerys Targaryen has perfectly crafted her life to be everything she's ever wanted, becoming a doctor of history at 26. Her husband, Sihtric, is the most supportive man for her and the pride he has cannot be overstated. Through him, she became friends with his adopted family. Lyanna Stark became a model at 18, and loves fun, her family, and Aemond Targaryen. Then you have Cregan Stark, the "eldest" Stark sibling who runs the family animal sanctuary in Winterfell and has found himself falling for Daenyra Velaryon, Rhaenerys' cousin who dreams of becoming a renowned artist who at times feels her Targaryen heritage more than her Velaryon. And then, there's Alisanne Stark, Cregan's twin, who owns and operates her own bakery and is known for being a workaholic until Aegon Targaryen comes and breaks and changes everything she knows to be true. And these are their lives.

Character used: Daenyra Velaryon (OC)

[krisslegacy]

not a lot, just forever

based on the song by adrianne lenker

“i could be a good mother, and i want to be your wife.”

characters - theron shan x q'rea kriss (original female barsen'thor)

summary - post kotet, post crisis on umbara. theron and q'rea have settled down on alderaan for a few months, but their holiday is pleasantly interrupted by good news. short little ficlets of my ocs fr

word count - 1,517

warnings - pregnancy, ptsd, this is pretty tame actually

A/N - no beta we die like men please check this out on ao3 also i haven't written in ages this is just a test

https://archiveofourown.org/works/55307971/chapters/140310274

_________________________________________________________

“Something wrong?”

Still in her evening clothes, Q’rea stood outside in the snow-packed ground, hands folded before her. Gazing out into the moonless night, she was searching for something she could not find.

“Hm?” Her husband came beside her, tucking a stray length of hair behind her ear. The air didn’t feel as cold when Theron was beside her. Everything always did.

“Should I be worried?” Theron said, the seriousness of his eyes scoured her body for invisible wounds. Neither of them were used to this peace, it seemed. Frankley, it unsettled Q’rea too. Never had there been a true moment of peace for her. Certainly never here on Alderaan. A tingle of sympathy swept up her spine.

“Just can’t sleep.” She replied. It wasn’t a lie- her dreamless nights had left her tossing and turning for weeks now, along with the burst of sickness she’d tried to hide. Whenever she’d struggled with sleep on Coruscant or Tython, the best thing for her to do was meditate on the thoughts that plagued her.

Tonight, there were many. Tonight, it was much different, too. But nobody needed to know that.

A long beat of silence stretched between the pair, one that turned much too awkward for a 32 year old Q’rea to bear. “What?”

When she turned her head, it was almost as if they were teenagers again. Theron was staring at her. She’d seen the look hundreds of times, in the most dire of times even. It used to fill her with joy, sadness, melancholy, nostalgia, pity, and joy again because they had always been together. Somehow, they’d always ended up back to this place. Yet now, it would last. It would last because now, he stared unapologetically.

There was no hunger in his gaze, nothing that suggested the near-primal desire they so often shared for one another. No, there was just… love.

Raw, unconditional love. It redded the apples of his cheeks and the tip of his nose.

She had to roll her eyes to get him to laugh.

“Seriously, do I have something on my face?” Q’rea giggled like the padawan she had once been so long ago.

“No,” Theron chuckled, then shrugged. “You just look… different. You’re glowing.”

“Glowing?”

“Yeah. Glowing.”

Glowing. Perhaps it was the Force, perhaps something else entirely. But she could not deny that it flattered her tremendously. She smiled and glanced down.

Theron encircled her from behind, his arms just below her breasts as he gently pulled her against his. The long-missed heat of his body seeped into her, rejuvenating her senses that were nearly numbed from the amount of time she’d been standing in the cold. Q’rea’s eyes fluttered shut as he pressed gentle kisses up her neck, his nose brushing against her ear.

“I’m just making sure you’re alright, you know. We’re over the secretive stuff now.” He murmured.

Yes, they were. And how much better that felt. “Well, I’m not lying. I couldn’t sleep. Cuddling like this though, that might help me now.”

They interlaced fingers, letting the whistling wind take over for their voices to drink in each others presences. In the Force, Theron was always the constant to her. Everywhere, she could sense him as if he were a part of herself. She supposed he was, in a way.

Especially now.

“Theron.”

“Yeah?”

“I think we should go back to Odessen soon.”

He sighed as if he expected her to speak about this topic eventually. “I forget how much you hate vacation.”

Q’rea turned her head to press a soft kiss against the stubble underneath his jaw. “I don’t dislike it. Think about how much time we get to spend alone.”

Theron hummed, a deep sound that seemed to scratch the back of his throat. It nearly sent Q’rea onto her knees, ready to please him in anyway he wanted. But not now.

“We wouldn’t go back for a month or two yet,” She exhaled, pushing the need down through her spine, “just in time to make preparations.”

“As much as I care for the well being of the Alliance, I do not approve of more senatorial dinners.” Theron said.

She snorted. “Never again.” No, that had been a disaster the first time. Now, Q’rea either traveled for her diplomatic duties or simply used a holocomm. “Not that.”

“Are you throwing me a birthday party?” She could feel his grin, even though she couldn’t see it.

“No. Not you, anyway.”

“Then who-”

Ever so gently, she braced her hands over his, sliding them over her navel and down to the lowest part of her stomach. Beneath all of it, warmth bloomed. The smallest parts of the Force stirred. And when the lurch of fear came, when her feet went numb, she closed her eyes and leaned against her husband.

Q’rea knew how loud silence could be. She’d learned it on Umbara. Yet this was a different silence- one that glimmered with shock and hope. It reminded her of the moments where she reunited with her sister, Naerys, and just stared. No words could’ve been formed then. They just drank in what was.

“You’re going to be a father, Theron Shan.”

She turned now to face him, cupping his jaw between both her hands. Theron’s hazel eyes- the most beautiful she’d ever seen- were seeing and unseeing. Distant and yet the closest they ever were. The hairs on the back of her neck lifted as her heart fluttered.

She stroked the cybernetic that rested around and under his eye, drawing only the slightest of shivers from her husband. Her thumb caught the single tear that hung loosely from his bottom lash.

She hadn’t seen him cry often.

His hands drifted back down to her womb, smoothing over the fabric that covered her skin. His fingertips grazed her like she was a sacred idol, something emitting a holy light, and suddenly, she wasn’t just Q’rea. She utmost was the center of his world once again, the only nebula that mattered to him. Theron’s chest swelled with a feeling so overwhelming that it transferred to his hands. They shook until she grasped them in her own.

Like a tide, a wash of cooling calm passed through him. It was Q’rea, he knew, using the slightest of Force abilities to bring him back to the surface of his emotions, helping him swim. He loved her a thousand times over in moments like that.

“How long?” Theron’s words were cracked. She needed to put them back together.

“Two months, I think.” Q’rea whispered back, stroking his thumb. “I would’ve told you sooner, I just didn’t-”

He kissed her knuckles, cutting her off swiftly. “Never apologize.” He was still quieter than she would’ve liked.

“I wasn’t absolutely certain. I didn’t want to be wrong.”

Around a year ago, Q’rea had stayed awake for hours thinking about the future that awaited her, what path she’d want to take. Theron would be a part of it until the end, she fully understood that- and wanted it. Yet the question had always begged to the place in her heart that belonged to the Jedi Order, to what she represented to them. Through the five years of carbonite imprisonment where she was assumed dead, she was still their Barsen’thor. Not for another millennia or two would pass before another was named.

Whenever she turned her head to look at Theron sleeping soundly beside her, the teachings that she’d lived by trickled into her mind. They posioned her happiness, this life she’d found.

She wasn’t meant for this life, this domesticity. But it was what she needed, and she'd never considered what she needed. She’d spent so long caring for others that when she’d glance in the mirror, she didn’t know who she was.

Whenever she looked at Theron, however, she saw the possibility of peace.

Q’rea’s eyes stung with the surge of happiness that passed through her. The urge to tackle Theron into the snow and roll around while laughing from newfound joy was immense. She couldn’t resist the smile that tugged on her lips.

He slid his palms to her face, resting his forehead to her own. Under Q’rea’s fingertips, his pulse hammered wildly. “You’re…incredible.”

A tear ran down into the crevice of her facial scar before he swept it away.

“This is just as much your fault as it is mine.” She grinned.

Though he cracked a quick smile, he attempted to ignore her suggestive comment. “You’ve done so much for this galaxy. For me. You gave a…what, third chance when I didn’t deserve it?”

“Theron-”

“Everything you do, you’re perfect. You’re the strongest person I’ve ever met,” his throat bobbed, “you’re my wife��.the mother of our child.”

She couldn’t wait any longer. Clasping his shirt, she pulled his mouth to hers. Theron was gentle and ready for her, offering his whole soul to her, sweeping his tongue across the roof of her mouth as his hands kneaded her waist.

“Can we continue this inside now?” Q’rea murmured again his warm lips.

She felt Theron’s smile. “Thought you’d never ask.”

[nekoannie-chan]

Poison

Poison

Title: Poison

Fandom: Marvel, Captain America.

Ship: Steve Rogers X Reader,  Brock Rumlow X Reader.

Word count: 310 words.

Square: 4 “Deadly nightshade.”

Rating: Mature.

Summary: You discovered Brock’s secret.

Major Tags: Poison, death of character.

Additional tags: This is my entry to @seasonaldelightsbingo Language of Flowers Bingo. 63.

Links: Wattpad, Ao3, Spanish version.

@saiyanprincessswanie

My native language is Spanish so I wanna improve my writing skills in English if you notice any mistakes, please let me know and I will correct them.

I don’t give any kind of permission for my fics to be posted on other platforms or languages (I translate myself my work) or the use of my graphics (my dividers are included in this), I did them exclusively for my fics, please respect my work and don't steal it. There are some people here who make dividers that anyone can use, mine is not this type, please look for the other people. The only exception is the ones I gifted 'cuz now belong to someone else. If you find any of my works on a different platform and are not one of my accounts, please let me know. Reblogs and comments are always welcome.

DISCLAIMER: I don't own Marvel's characters (unfortunately), except for the original characters and the story.

Add yourself to my taglist here.

My other media where I publish:  Ao3, Wattpad, ffnet, TikTok, Instagram, Twitter. 

If you like it, please vote, comment, and give me feedback to improve my skills and reblog.

Tags: @sinceimetyou @unnuevosoltransformalarealidad @navybrat817 @angrythingstarlight @shield-agent78 @charmed-asylum @pandaxnienke @real-fbi @Smokeandnailz @white-wolf1940 @tenaciousperfectionunknown @xoxonotme @bluemusickid @leyannrae @Harrysthiccthighss @Marvelatthisone @caplanbuckybarnes @sapphire-rogers @lizzieolseniskinda @notyourtypicalrose @hallecarey1 @nana1000night @talia-rumlow @writingshae @alexxavicry @azulatodoryuga @daemonslittlebitch @chaoticcollectivenightmare @endlesstwanted @chemtrails-club  @marigoldreamer @whiskeytangofoxtrot555 @Here4thefanfics @theestorm @patzammit @kmc1989 @somegirlfromasgard @rogersbarber

You were an excellent agent, leading a somewhat routine life, but you never imagined that your life would take an unexpected turn when you met two men who would enter your world and change you forever.

Steve Rogers seemed charming and tender; on the other hand, there was Brock Rumlow, with an intimidating presence and a charming smile that actually hid his true intentions but also appealed to you. Brock was everything Steve was not: dangerous, unpredictable, and passionate in an almost destructive way.

Steve, on the other hand, offered you security and constant love.

One night, you found out the whole truth about Brock. You weren't going to let him destroy everything Steve had helped build; it was time to take down Hydra bit by bit without anyone suspecting. You couldn't let Brock continue to threaten peace and security, so you came up with a simple plan.

You invited Brock to his flat, telling him you wanted to talk to him. Brock came to you, knowing that you would fall into his arms. You offered him a glass of wine in which you had dissolved the necessary dose of belladonna. The dose was potent enough to be lethal, but not immediately. As Brock drank, you watched him with your heart pounding; fortunately, no one knew of your passion for researching and experimenting with both poisonous and medicinal plants.

At first, Brock didn't notice anything. He continued to speak in his arrogant tone, oblivious to the poison coursing through his body. Soon, however, he began to feel faint. Then he collapsed to the ground, unable to move.

Now the slightly more complicated part: getting rid of him and making it all look like an accident. Although it wasn't the first time you had done something like this, you had to act fast; there were still more members to be eliminated.

[oatmealdaydreams]

Rest

Mm, the blue and red gays are at it again! This time, with a little purple as well. May make a general taglist for my fics, so let me know if ya want that and wanna be on it.

Pairing: Logince, background Analogince, gen

Trigger/Content Warning: injury, mild blood

Description: Logan gets injured on a group adventure, and Roman takes care of him.

Extra: written for Day 3: Adventure of @loginceweek2024! Has the slightest hint of Analogince, but it mainly focuses on Logince. Is this queer-platonic or romantic? No one knows! I certainly don’t. Posted a few hours early for scheduling reasons.

[Masterlist] | ao3 link

[read under the cut]

Logan, a lot like Virgil, is an independent Side. He knows how to care for himself, he is self-sufficient as Logic, and he can do plenty of things without needing any help. His partners know this.

So why, please do tell, is Roman insisting he must be spoiled and taken care of?

It’d been an average adventure, or as ‘average’ as it can be with Roman. The Prince took his partners along with him into the Imagination. Virgil needed a break from the Mindscape before his head flew off from all the helpless spiralling, and Logan hadn’t been out of his room much for the entire week. What better way to give them a break than a nice trip to the Imagination? An adventure not too stressful for Virgil, but one to keep Logan’s interest so he didn’t try and go back to his Dungeon-Doom of Work. 

They went on a stroll in the kingdom’s gardens, walking on a stony path. There were trimmed bushes that lined the path, wooden benches around here and there in case anyone needed to rest. This garden was filled with red tulips, violets, and blue balloon flowers. Bees buzzed around the buds and blossoms, some gathering pollen from the middle while others flew back to their hive. Beautiful willow trees swayed gently with breezes that rolled through, rustling the trio’s hair. In the middle of the garden was a fountain, seemingly encased with benches. The water was cold, sparkly in the midday sunshine. 

It was wonderful. Virgil was at ease with the calm atmosphere, and Logan gazed curiously at the different flowers and the bees’ natural behaviours. The resident emo took a spot on a bench as they walked around the loop, right where the fountain. He leaned his head back slightly, taking a breath in. The aroma of the flowers wasn’t overwhelming, sweet and pleasant. Logan stood by a section of flowers, silently watching the bees that hovered and buzzed. He took mental notes on the way the bees would interact with each other, a small smile on his face as he did so. Roman checked in with his Dark Knight, kissing his forehead before heading over to the astrophile. He stepped right beside him, lightly tapping his hip to announce his presence. Logan looked to his side, fondness painted his face when he saw Roman. He turned back to the bees as the world felt slow and calm and peaceful. 

“What’s on your mind, darling nerd?” Roman kept his voice soft and quiet. 

“The bees,” Logan spoke, equally quiet. 

“What about the bees? Tell me what you’re thinking.”

“Well, I find it interesting that these bees seem to be quite sociable, while a few others aren’t. They’re different, given their varying patterns. I recognize the bumblebees, the honeybees, but those two right there,” he pointed to a duo of odd-looking bees. “I don’t know their breed. Are they perhaps a creation of yours?”

Roman glanced over to the pair of bees his genius pointed to, and sure enough, they aren’t any sort of breed from the real world. Not that the Prince knew, anyway. While all the others were variations of black and yellow and brown, these two are weirdly bluish and silver. They almost looked like they were made of gemstone, glistening dark eyes the only similarity between them and the other bees. They had double the amount of clearish wings, their stringers the slightest bit longer. Instead of being fuzzy, their ‘fur’ was noticeably spiky and somewhat sharp. They looked pretty, yes, but Roman couldn’t remember ever creating these specific ones. He’s messed around with creating creatures of his own before, but never any sort of insect or bug. Usually it’s his brother… who does… that…

Oh, shit.

“Logan, step back with me,” the urgency in his partner’s voice caught his attention. 

He did as bid, eyebrows furrowed. They slowly stepped back until they were near Virgil, who looked concerned from his seat on the bench. He tensed a bit as Roman stared rather protectively at the bees. Logan exchanged a look with his worried partner as their prince thought of what to do to avoid aggravating unpredictable Remus Bees. 

“Virgil, I need you to sink out into my room,” the Prince’s voice shifted into one alike a knight’s.

“But, what about-” 

“I’ve got him, Stormy. We’ll be there in a few, okay?”

Virgil nodded, fidgeting with his hoodie sleeves as he sank out. 

“Roman, what is it? What’s going on?” Logan glanced sideways to his royal protector as he moved to be in front of the nerd. 

“Those aren’t mine, ny dearest,” he answered, keeping his voice. 

Logan hummed in understanding, watching the oblivious bees himself. Roman put a hand on his sword, which sat in its sheath. He slowly pulled it out an inch, preparing to use it as a moment’s notice. 

“The exit to the gardens is behind the fiends, so we need to sneak past. Stay behind me, okay?”

“Okay, dear.”

As they slowly sneaked past the devilish gemstone bees, Logan grabbed Roman’s free hand from behind. The knight slightly squeezed it as he held his partner’s hand, a silent we’ll be okay. Everything had been going smoothly, they were so close to the exit of the middle, they’d be one their way out of there soon. But, of course, the bees were Remus’ and nothing about Remus nor his creation will ever be easy and simple. 

Logan accidentally bumped a bush, rustling it. The bees noticed- because f*cking course they did, stupid bees- and immediately flew towards him. Their buzzing was slightly off-tune, unsettling and loud, as they sped towards the detective. Roman unsheathed his sword, pulling his genius along as he rushed towards the exit. He slashed at the bees as he stood in front of Logan, trying to fend them off the best he could before escaping. One of the bees buzzed past his sword, ramming its spiky body against his partner’s face. Logan gasped as it scraped and bled, ducking away. Roman realized how poor of an idea this was when they should’ve just sunk out with Virgil, and he sank them both out as the other bee charged towards the detective. 

Which brings them to now, as Logan is sat on the edge of Roman’s lush bed, all because of stupid spiky Remus Bees. 

Logan rolls his eyes as his prince frets over his scrape. It’s even that bad of a wound, if you can even call it that. It stopped bleeding a few minutes ago, and he finds no reason to worry about it. It’ll heal and scab. However, Roman wipes gently at it, cleaning it with a damp soft rag. It still stings a little, but Logan just softly grunts as it does. The knight focuses on making sure the blood is all cleaned up and gone, and Virgil sits anxiously next to his injured partner. He holds his hand as Logan cringes at the pain from his scrape. As soon as Roman deems it clean enough, he sets down the bloodied rag and turns to Virgil. His eyes soften at how worried his anxious ball of angst is. 

“Love, can you get the first aid kit from my bathroom, please? It should be in the medicine cabinet.”

Virgil nods, “Yeah, I can- I can do that.”

He gives Logan a small squeeze of his hand before standing and heading to the bathroom. Logan watches as his worried partner leaves, turning to his other. 

“Roman, I don’t see the need to fuss,” he says. 

“How not? You’re hurt, and as your prince, it is my duty to take care of you. I want to spoil you, my dearest genius.”

“Roman,” Logan starts, blushing lightly at the pet name. “I am alright. I doubt I need a first aid kit. You’ve done more than enough by cleaning it for me, dear.”

“Oh specs, but I must spoil you. It may not be severe, but it still hurts, doesn’t it?”

“...well, yes, but that doesn’t-”

“Logan.”

Logan silences himself, faltering. Roman’s face softens.

“Let me take care of you. I want to spoil you. I’m sure Virgil feels the same.”

“But why a first aid?” Logan’s voice is quiet. 

“Because it has bandages and neosporin in it, specs.”

“Oh.”

“Hm. Let us spoil you, please?”

The detective sighs, slumping against Roman’s hand as he cups his injury-free cheek. 

“I suppose, if it’ll help you two stop worrying.”

Roman smiles, “Thank you, love.”

The detective smiles back as his prince lightly rubs his thumb along his jaw. 

Soon, Virgil appears back with the first aid in hand. He plops himself next to his stubborn partner, the injured one, taking hold of his hand again. Logan hums as Roman bandages him, presses soft kisses on his nose. Virgil smirks, joining in the affection train and leans against his astrophile. He presses equally soft kisses to Logan’s shoulder. Logan closes his eyes as his partners spoil him, feeling the care and adoration seep into his skin and into his heart.

[imabeautifulbutterfly]

Choice - Chapter 8

Summary: Din tries to learn more about what happened between you and Luke

A/N: Hello Lovelies,

The story is coming to an end, it'll probably be another two or three chapters, but it is ending. I already have Gym Membership ready to go, at least Crosshair's section. I have to finish Omega's and then the series will be done. Can't believe another story will be coming to a close.

I hope everyone is staying safe. The world just keeps getting crazier. Just know that I love oo.

Warnings: Heart ache, disappointment, regret, silence, finding a home, over eating (not really since it's Grogu), I think that's it, if I miss any please let me know.

AO3 Link   |   OS & MS Master List |   Main Master List  

Previous -> Next

When you came out of the room and realized Luke had left, your heart plummeted. Somehow knowing he walked out on you again hurt twice as much. The only thing he indicated to Din, was that he’d be in touch but neither of you heard anything. Weeks passed with no sign of Luke. You never trusted his timing on things, you learned that the hard way, and truth was if he wanted to find you, he could. 

As the days passed, the hope of seeing Luke again was slowly diminishing. You just wanted an opportunity to talk with him, to clear the air. But the disappointment you’d gotten used to when you were by his side all those years ago, had felt so foreign, it nearly broke you. 

Thankfully, you returned to your comfort and safety before you dwelled on it any longer. To think that Nevarro had become a safety to you, shocked you more than Luke appearing in your life again. 

The home High Magistrate Karga, lovingly bestowed to Din after his service to the people here, was  just as much your home as it was Din and Grogu’s. Din made sure you knew you were welcome there without hesitation. He even made sure to that your room was a sanctuary, that his home was a place you could always rely on. Din did whatever he could to make you feel comfortable and appreciated. He even marked out a spot for your ship. 

As soon as your home came into view in your transparisteel view screen, a smile automatically found its way to your lips. You couldn’t wait to step foot on that soil of land, to hear Grogu’s light laughters, to hear Din’s footfalls as he learned to relax more and more. 

It was still night time when you arrived, you didn’t want to wake anyone and headed straight for your room after a quick shower. It was several hours later when a warm, spicy and comforting smell wafted into your room, waking you from your peaceful slumber. 

As much as you wanted to continue sleeping, the demand for food coming from your stomach won out your demand for sleep. You slowly wandered out of your bedroom, as the oversized shirt you were sleeping hung slightly off your shoulder. 

You couldn’t help smile as you saw Din busy focusing on his task, completely unaware of your presence, “Something smells good?” 

“I made some stew” he answered without missing a beat. No matter how hard you tried to surprise him, he refused to show that you caught him off guard. 

“For breakfast?”

Din turned to look at you, tilting his head at you, “You complaining?”

“Nope. Not at all.” You knew the moment you did, Din would make sure you never got to eat it, all day. 

“Good” he put a steaming plate in front of you, as he placed another plate in front of Grogu.

You couldn’t help watch as Grogu scarfed down ever last morsel in front of him, you simply smiled and chuckled at his antics, “How many plates is that for him?” You asked as you put a spoonful of the warm and delicious meal in your mouth. 

“Um… I think 4 or 5”

“Where does he put it all?”

“Good question”

Grogu simply giggled as he leaned against your shoulder, his eyes drifting closed, now that his stomach was full. As soon as he fell asleep, you placed him gently in his crib, returning back to your own meal.

Din took the seat in front of you, his hand clasped on the table, as his helmet bore into your very thoughts. There was no questioning, that he would eventually ask, it was just a matter of when. He knew if he just stared long enough, without saying anything it would only be a matter of time before you caved. 

You glanced up every few seconds feeling the piercing stare from his visor. You hated it when he started playing this game, you hoped he would say something. The silence and piercing gaze was always a sure victory to the game you two would play when neither of you wanted to talk. Didn’t matter who it was, as soon as the silence and piercing gaze enter the game, whoever was on the receiving end would automatically lose.

You tilted your head, smirking at his glare, “Okay, what?”

He smiled as he tilted his head, mimicking your movements. Din knew how much you hated it, when he did that, mainly because you could see his face but you knew he was mocking you. He hoped it was putting you at ease, he wanted to find out more about what was going on between you and the Jedi, and he’d been patient for the past few weeks, but now he wanted details. He wanted to know exactly what was the reason for your saddened appearance ever since the Jedi walked out.

“You gonna ever tell me what happened with Luke?’

You knew you should tell him the truth, tell him exactly what happened, and why Luke meant so much, but no matter how hard you tried, your eyes simply found your plate more fascinating than anything in the galaxy. I took another spoonful of the stew, ignoring how Din’s gaze was boring straight into my soul.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, you were there when we talked”

He let out a sigh, he was trying to be more active, to actually show you what he felt, what he always felt when you were around him. He simply reached across, moving his hand forward and taking your hand in his as if it were the most normal and casual thing he had ever done. His thumb gently ran over your knuckles, hoping his feelings were showing through. He didn’t want to hide anymore, not from you.

“You know I’m here for you. I can see you’re still hurting and not from the conversation you two had in that abandoned apartment. This pain you carry around isn’t a new, it’s an old pain, one seated deep inside your heart. It pains me to see you baring the brunt of this pain, all by yourself. I don’t want to see you hurt.”

“I’m not hurting” your voice was low, as your eyes slowly focused on his visor. Your fingers tightened around his, letting his strength seep into you, to be able to face this conversation..

“If you weren’t hurting, then why did we have to leave so fast from there?”

“Safety”

Din didn’t say anything, he simply tilted his head as his gaze refocused on your every facial expression. There was no doubt in his mind, you knew he didn’t believe you, he didn’t exactly hide it, but what he wanted you to realize, was that he wasn’t going to let you keep holding on to this pain by yourself, he wanted you to know he was there by your side to help you carry this unbearable weight. Always.

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@liadamerondjarin @badbatch-simp24 @spicymcnuggies @lady-ren @firstofficerwiggles @darkangel4121 @discofern @kavecika @monako-jinn-stories @ladykatakuri @avathebestx @theroguesully @furyhellfire66 @carodealmeida @ciramaris @sprout-fics @twinkofthedink @dindjarin-mandalorian @sarcasmismyonlydefense24 @tortor-mcgee @swissy23 @hearts4ashy

[inquisimer]

to all who feel rain

sneaking in under the wire of OC kiss week day 2 with some somft, tooth-rotting fluff :3 @dreadfutures' Ixchel & Neria share a warm drink and a moment of peace.

read it on ao3 here

Female Lavellan & Female Lavellan | Rated G | 647 words | No CW

-

Neria tripped through the mirror, soaked to the bone and dripping all over the tile. Ixchel looked up from the bar, already smiling. The bar was much more fun with company.

“Storm Coast?”

“Crestwood,” Wringing out her hair, Neria shook the cold and wet from her skin “Maker, why don’t the mirrors ever show up when I’m in Skyhold?”

“Give it time,” Ixchel chuckled. She grabbed a towel from the stack they kept on a warming rune behind the bar and tossed it in Neria’s direction. The elf patted herself dry, then finished the job with a simple drying spell that rippled the air around her as it flared over her skin and clothes.

“Tell me we have something hot to drink.”

Ixchel nodded, reaching for two mugs as Neria settled on one of the bar stools. There was a small cauldron simmering over a low-burning fire and she ladled the rich hot chocolate out in healthy amounts for each of them.

Neria wrapped her hands around the mug and drank deeply, shivering still as the warmth sank into her bones. She hummed and a slow, pleased smile stretched across her face. “Ahhh, that’s exactly what I needed.”

“Josephine can order it from traders out of Par Vollen, if you have coin.”

“Oh, we’ll find coin for that.”

Ixchel swung herself back up onto the bar top. Her bare heels kicked idly at the wood, bumping the oil lamp so the pooling light flickered and danced around them.

“So how is Crestwood?” she asked. Neria’s nose scrunched up and she sighed into her cocoa.

“Terrible, like everywhere is these days. And…odd, in many ways. Things that didn’t add up, coincidences that were a little too convenient.” She frowned. “Of course, we were traveling with Hawke, so my focus wasn’t particularly sharp. I probably just missed the connections that would make things add up.”

Interesting. Ixchel hummed her sympathy into her drink. She could offer little more than vague support—foreknowledge was a dangerous thing, when you held the future of many worlds over in your hand. Still, her steady presence was a comfort to Neria. She cupped her mug close to her side and leaned her head against Ixchel’s thigh.

“Seeking out the Wardens, then?”

“There’s really no other way at this point. I had hoped…well, that hardly matters now.” Neria sighed. I can only assume they have a good reason for whatever’s going on—Warden business rarely makes sense from the outside looking in. We just need to find the one person who can explain the apparent insanity to us.”

After so many years, Ixchel’s straight face was well-practiced. She wore it now, carefully drumming blunt nails down the edge of her mug. Nothing she could say would make much difference. Neria was simply venting in a way she only could to another Inquisitor—to someone who had been there, to someone who understood.

Ixchel set her drink aside and slid over the back of the bar. Another basket sat beside the towels, filled with soft blankets, each wrapped around a warming stone. She unfurled one and returned to her friend, draping it over her head and tucking it snuggly about her shoulders and neck. A shiver caught Neria by surprise—a rippling chill she hadn’t felt settle over her, chased away now. She offered up a grateful smile.

Ixchel stretched up to brush her lips across where Sylaise’ brands decorated Neria’s forehead.

“You’ll figure it out,” she said. “Freezing won’t help anyone in the meantime. Another drink?”

Neria nodded, her smile turning sheepish. Their fingers brushed as she handed the empty mug over, and again as Ixchel ladled it full and passed it back.

“Ma serranas.”

Ixchel gave her a knowing look, full of gentle understanding. “Rest, lethallin. The troubles of your world will be waiting when you get back.”

[wrathfulrook]

Wrathling - Chapter 5

Series Rating: E

Ship: John Seed x Patience Ekner (deputy oc)

Word count: ~4.3k

Series masterlist

Read it on ao3.

Before she even realized she was awake, Patience realized she was in pain. Sharp, white-hot pain, and dull, thudding aches combined and bloomed into an exquisite blanket of full-body agony. And the realization of her pain quickly gave way to the memory of how she got it.

John fucking Seed.

She was going to kill him. Slowly and painfully, like he deserved.

Upon waking, her eyes remined shut, partly because opening them would take effort and strength she didn’t yet have, and partly because she suspected that light would cause the pain in her head to split apart her skull.

Also, she wouldn’t be at all surprised if her eyes were swollen shut.

As she mentally assessed her physical well-being, she slowly became aware of the sound of glasses clinking, footsteps shuffling, and a couple of hushed voices whispering. Patience realized she didn’t actually know where she was. The last thing she remembered was being in John’s bunker, and Joseph coming in. Following that scenario to its logical conclusion, she would expect to find herself in a cell, lying on cold, hard concrete, and listening to a background chorus of screams. Instead, she was lying on something soft and warm. A bed maybe? No, a couch. And the voices she heard were quiet, as if trying not to disturb her rest. Had she been rescued, then?

Joseph Seed’s voice quickly disabused her of that notion. “Where is Jacob?”

“I don’t know,” Faith Seed’s soft, lilting voice chimed in. “I spoke with him an hour ago, and he said he’d be here.”

As if on cue, heavy, thudding footfalls announced the soldier’s presence. “I’m here, I’m here, relax.”

Holy fuck, where the hell was she?

She pried one eye open and was greeted with the sight of tall wood walls, lots of natural light, and a taxidermy grizzly. Seed Ranch. Definitely not rescued, then.

A rapid scan of her surroundings revealed herself to be draped across John Seed’s leather sofa, a pillow tucked beneath her head, and a fur throw over her legs and belly. She was in clean clothes, her jeans and the “troublemaker” top she’d lifted from Lorna’s gone. Instead, she wore a pair of blue flannel pajama pants and an oversized white t-shirt. She didn’t know whose clothes they were or who had put her in them. Probably the same person who had bathed her. The blood that should be covering her was gone, and her long, dirty blonde hair was sprawled around her on the pillow, not pulled behind her in a braid as usual. Patience couldn’t imagine a single Peggie she would be comfortable having bathe or dress her unconscious form.

She gritted her teeth, but otherwise remained still, not wanting to alert the Seeds to the fact she was awake. The back of the sofa hid her from their view and vice versa. She didn’t know what to do, but staying silent and assessing the situation could only help. Probably.

“You’re late.”

“Well I’m here now, so what’s this all about? I’ve got trials to run and soldiers to train.”

Of course he did. Fucking lunatic. Patience heard the heavy scraping of a chair being dragged, followed by two thuds.

“Get your boots off my table! What is wrong with you?”

“John, please,” Joseph interrupted. “We have much to discuss.

“You all know the deputy is of great importance. But, I haven’t told you why. That’s because the Voice had not told me why. Until today.”

Faith gasped, and Patience rolled her closed eyes. She was certainly good at acting her part.

“The Voice spoke to me this morning, revealed a vision. It was as clear as any message I’d received before, clearer even. The deputy was walking towards me in the church…”

Sunlight filtered in through the tall, narrow windows of the church. The air smelled fresh, of pine and linens. The choir sang a soft song that he knew he knew, but couldn’t place. He didn’t focus on it, instead letting the peaceful notes wash over him. The congregation stood, as one, and faced the double doors at the back. They opened and she stepped in. The deputy.

She was the deputy, but she was so much more to him. He loved her, as a Father loved his child, but stronger than with his followers. He cared for her, her well-being, her happiness. She was his family. And it was about to become official.

She smiled shyly as she came up the aisle, demurely looking down so as to not meet the admiring gazes of the congregants. Her white dress fluttered around her with every step she took. Wisps of her dark blonde hair fell randomly, framing her face beautifully, as they came loose from the braided knot at the nape of her neck. She glanced up and her gray eyes briefly met his, shining with unshed tears of joy. The lightest flush tinged her freckled features. She was either nervous or excited – likely both. After all, it was her wedding day.

Her gaze settled on her intended and a wide, adoring smile took over her face. She looked beautiful, yes, but more importantly, she looked happy. Calm. Peaceful. He had never seen her look so unbothered, her features untwisted by rage. The comparison was stark, and he was glad. He was happy to have her officially join his family. He was happy for her and happy for his sibling.

As she came forward, head held high, love and joy alight in her every move, the sibling in front of him stood tall, confident, and happy. To the congregation, perhaps they looked at ease, but he knew them. He knew them better than almost anyone else, except, perhaps, the approaching deputy.

She took her place beside her soon-to-be-spouse, without a single glance his way. Good. She only had eyes for her beloved. The love he felt between the two of them was almost overwhelming. They would do anything, give anything, for each other. After having gone through so much, his sibling deserved this. To love and be loved…

One of the Seeds, either Jacob or John, audibly scoffed, saving her the trouble. Yeah fucking right. She’d marry a Seed when pigs in party hats flew out of her ass.

“You saw yourself officiating the deputy’s wedding? To one of us?” Faith asked, awe in her voice. No wonder Joseph kept her around. She was certainly good for his ego.

Joseph hummed in affirmation.

“I don’t know, Joe…” Jacob said.

“Do you doubt the Voice, brother? Have faith.”

Jacob did not reply.

“The deputy is important because she is to join our family. She will join herself to one of you. The question is who.”

“You don’t know who?” Faith asked.

“No. It is one of you. A specific one of you. It is preordained. But the Voice has not chosen to enlighten me which of you it is. John, you’ve been fairly quiet.”

“…It’s a lot to take in.” Ever political, that Seed.

Joseph hummed again. “Yes. It was surprising to me as well. But, we need to find out which of you is destined for her. We need you together as soon as possible if we are to get the deputy to love you. So, I’ll ask the most obvious question first: Do any of you have any existing desire to wed the deputy? Or any reason you would be opposed to marrying her?”

“Yeah, I can think of a few…” John mumbled. Joseph ignored him, though Patience felt he had a point.

She hated the Seeds and the Seeds hated her.

“Um,” Faith meekly began. “I tend to prefer men… But, if it’s just a marriage of convenience, I guess…”

“No. This marriage is to be based on love. So, it must be one of you,” Joseph said, addressing his brothers.

“Doesn’t matter who. Give her to me. I’ll get her in the chair and get her to love whoever we want,” Jacob offered.

Patience felt herself stiffen in a cold rush of fear. He wanted to brainwash her right into one of their beds. And she didn’t doubt that he could; she’d seen his handiwork.

“No,” Joseph said, far too calmly in her opinion, given the suggestion. “Mutual love. She will love you or John. And she will be loved in return. This is how she saves us. This is the final obstacle to our entering Eden.

“So I ask again: Do either of you want her?”

John snorted. “Not in the slightest.” She’d be offended if the feeling wasn’t entirely mutual.

“I’ll take her. She can stay with me at St. Francis for a bit and we’ll feel it out. I can’t promise any romance, but she’s easy enough on the eyes, so we’ll see how it goes.”

A slimy feeling of fear and disgust rushed through her body. She would not be going anywhere with that man.

“I think that’s a wise plan.” Ugh. She’d always hated Joseph.

She needed to go. Now. Before they shipped her to the vet center as a mail-order bride.

Patience shifted the blanket off of herself, slowly, quietly, and rolled herself onto the floor as stealthily as she could. Unfortunately, that wasn’t very much. As sore and painful as she was, her controlled descent to the rug turned out to be more of a flailing thud. She stifled an agonized groan, but it didn’t matter. The Seeds had gone silent upon hearing her hit the floor.

And suddenly they were above her.

“You don’t appreciate my hospitality?” John asked in that smarmy tone of his.

Joseph knelt beside her head and lightly pet her hair. “This is your destiny, my child. Do not be afraid. You must accept your role in the coming Collapse.”

Faith then bent down and blew a handful bliss into her face.

And as she lost consciousness, Jacob just stared at her, his arms folded and a self-satisfied smirk on his face.

~

“This is so exciting!” Faith called as she flitted about, kicking up the sandy soil of the runway.

John supposed it was exciting, in a way. The Collapse was coming at last, and they were that much closer to New Eden. Though, it was much easier for Faith to be excited, now that she was free and clear of having to marry the deputy. Whether or not she “preferred” men, John wasn’t sure. But he did know that she didn’t like them exclusively. He’d seen the way she’d eye up her priestesses. He couldn’t exactly blame her. But, unfortunately, he had too much evidence against him to use the same excuse with Joseph. So, despite his wishes, his hat was in the ring for the title of husband.

“I’m just glad she’ll be out of my hair for the time being,” John muttered.

Jacob laughed heartily at that and slapped him on the back a bit too roughly, jolting him forward as they walked along his property. “Happy to help.”

“Why did you?”

“Hm?”

“Agree to take her,” John clarified.

His brother shrugged, nonchalant. “Didn’t see why not. She’s supposed to spend time with us both and, like I said, she’s not half bad to look at.”

John could admit the deputy was attractive. Just shorter than him, she had long, slim but muscular legs. Her skin was pale, almost unbelievably so considering how much time she must spend outside. Her time outdoors, though, would explain the shock of freckles coating her face, chest, and arms. Her hair was darker than his sister’s, but not quite brown, and very long, always braided out of her face. Her eyes were big and a cloudy gray color, he’d learned when taking her confession, not blue, as he’d previously assumed. Her figure was athletic, but her chest large, a trait he knew his brother shared his own admiration for. If he’d never met her, he’d love to spend a night in bed with her.

But this wasn’t a night in bed; this was marriage. And he had met her. She was a hellion. A murderer. A being made of pure wrath. He loathed her. He couldn’t picture himself, or Jacob, ever growing to love her. And he couldn’t picture a godless monster like herself ever loving anyone.

Yet Joseph claimed it was true. The Voice had shown him. And if this is what it took to get into New Eden, he hoped Jacob and the deputy managed to find love, and that his brother managed to temper that woman. Still, though, he’d want better for Jacob, and he told him as much.

He laughed at that and shook his head. “Why’s that? Decided you want her for yourself after all?”

John felt his nose and lip twitch in a snarl at the thought.

“Relax. I’ll take her. A pretty young wife that can hunt and fight? There’s worse women out there.”

John snorted in disbelief.

“Besides, I’m trying to find out the Whitetails’ position. The deputy on my side can only help that.”

“I can’t picture you loving her, though,” John said.

“I don’t really believe in love, Johnny. And I don’t think it matters.”

“But Joseph said-“

Jacob raised a hand to silence him. “I know what he said. But as long as I can get her on my side, and we like each other enough to coexist without bloodshed, I think that’s enough.”

John wasn’t sure he agreed.

“I can’t really imagine wrath incarnate as a sister.”

“I’ll keep her in line,” Jacob laughed. He was so unshakeable, even now. John couldn’t imagine what that was like. Stoic among others, but affable with family, no matter the circumstances. John didn’t think there was ever a moment he could have been described as genuinely affable.

“I’m glad she’ll be my sister,” Faith chimed in from just behind them.

Where had she come from? Had she skipped a lap around the entire property?

Faith pushed between the two of them and stopped them in their track as she pivoted to face them. She had an orange flower she had pilfered from somewhere placed in her hair, and two more in her hands. Tucking one behind John’s ear and the other into the breast pocket of Jacob’s jacket, she spoke.

“It’s just me and three brothers. I’m excited for another girl to marry in! I’ll finally have someone to do girly things with!”

If she wanted to do “girly things” with the deputy, she could’ve just married her herself. But John decided to let that go, along with the flower in his hair.

“How do you think it’s going in there?” she asked, gesturing to the house.

Based on his previous dealings with the deputy, John couldn’t imagine it was going well.

~

When Patience woke again, she expected to find herself either in one of Jacob’s cages or tied to his bed. She didn’t know which would have been worse. As it was, she found herself back on the leather sofa in the high-ceilinged living room of Seed Ranch. The sun was still up, though the light falling through the windows was angled differently than when her eyes were last open. She had no idea how long she was out. She couldn’t remember her dreams, just the remnants of green sparkles and confusion. Though the bliss dreams were awful, being in a deep, drug-induced sleep at least prevented her from feeling pain. Awake again, she felt the stings, sharpness, and aches bloom through her.

Fucking John.

“My child, I’m glad to see you awake.”

Patience groaned at hearing Joseph’s voice.

“You’re skeptical of God’s plan.” It wasn’t a question.

Patience snorted and sat upright, despite the throbbing in her skull.

“Here, take this,” he said, handing her a glass of ice water. She did not take it, despite her thirst, instead keeping her gaze level with this until he acquiesced and lowered the glass onto the coffee table beside her. “In case you need it.”

She continued to stare. He leaned back in the plush armchair, making himself comfortable. “You can speak with me. I’m going to be your brother one day.”

He looked so calm, at ease. Like he wasn’t a conniving manipulator. Like he wasn’t talking about marrying her off against her will. And Patience felt rage bubble through her.

“You will never be my brother.”

“The Voice has never lied to me before,” he countered, still very much in his element. “You will marry one of my brothers.”

“Well, I hate to break it to you,” she said with a tone that made it clear she didn’t, “but I don’t believe God talks to you, so your claims don’t mean much to me.”

“You think I’m mad.”

“Probably. But, I haven’t ruled out that you’re just a power-hungry liar.”

He hummed in acknowledgment of her words, not getting angry like she’d expected. “John said that you didn’t believe.”

“I thought confessions were supposed to be private.” She’d be mad if she was a Peggie. As it stood, her ‘confession’ was taken against her will, and she didn’t consider John trustworthy at all.

“They are. I know none or your specific transgressions, only the sin you wear on your chest,” he said, gesturing to the bandaged tattoo on her chest. “However, John thought it prudent to share your lack of faith with me. As the Father, I am uniquely suited to address your doubts. “

Patience rolled her eyes.

Misreading the action, Joseph attempted to placate her. “John only shared that much because he wants to help you. He cares deeply about your salvation, you know.”

“Bull. He doesn’t give a single flying fuck about my ‘salvation.’ And even if he did, it’s only because you told him his salvation depended on it.”

Joseph sighed and shook his head, still playing the part of the magnanimous preacher. “You underestimate my brother.”

Patience didn’t really want to get into it, so she didn’t. Instead, she asked, “So what happens now?”

He arched an eyebrow behind his yellow aviators, leaning forward to rest his arms on his thighs. “How do you mean?”

“Well, I want to leave and not marry anyone. I imagine you won’t let me do that. And thanks to baby brother, I’m in no shape to fight my way to freedom. So. What happens now?” she asked tersely.

“Well, you have a say in that. Do you have a preference between Jacob or John?”

Patience scoffed. “A preference?”

“Any feelings or romantic interest?”

“I know what you meant, thanks,” she snapped. Patience shook her head. “Fuck off, ‘romantic interest.’ I fucking hate you all.”

“Many are resistant to our message.”

“You can’t make me marry anyone!”

“No one is going to make you do anything.” His voice was still obnoxiously level. “You will find love with one of my brothers. You will marry of your own free will.”

“Bet.”

Joseph sighed, much to Patience’s delight, though seemingly more out of disappointment than irritation. Still, it was at least something.

“In that case, you will go north with Jacob and stay with him for at least as long as you’re healing from your injuries.”

Joseph raised a hand to quell the interruption he assumed she’d make to point out that John had been the one to injure her. Which she would’ve. But it’s worth noting.

“This is a gift from God, Deputy. You are being given a loving partner to go through life with, to lead you into New Eden. This should not be taken lightly. You must try to be open to both Jacob and John.”

“You don’t know anything about me. What if I’m a lesbian?”

“You aren’t,” he stated assuredly. “The Voice told me you would find love with my sibling. My sister has assured me it is not her you marry in my vision; you are not a lesbian. You are going to marry my brother. You are going to be saved.” He spoke stonily, his tone leaving little room for argument. “This is a good thing, my child.”

Patience kept a level glare at him.

“I don’t expect you to become a believer in one conversation. I simply ask that you remain open to the possibility of a God who has a plan for you.”

The eye contact between them continued for too long, feeling too heavy, so Patience shrugged, lowering her gaze and turning away. In her peripheral vision, she saw Joseph rise from his chair, take ahold of the water glass and slide it closer to her.

“The bliss can be very dehydrating. You need to drink some water. Excuse me while I retrieve my siblings.”

Once he had left, Patience took the glass, dripping with cool condensation, from the coffee table. Joseph was right about one thing: the bliss was extremely dehydrating. Her throat was dry and she was immensely thirsty. She didn’t actually believe the water was spiked with anything, but she sniffed it briefly anyway, just to be sure. Not finding the sickly sweet floral smell of bliss cloying to the liquid, she drank it down gratefully, half-melted ice cubes and all. It was satisfying but simultaneously not nearly enough. If moving around wasn’t so painful, she wouldn’t rule out rummaging around John’s kitchen for more ice water.

She heard the approaching horde of Seeds before she saw them, Faith’s and John’s voices overlapping before they had even entered the building. Patience couldn’t make out what they were saying and didn’t particularly care to try. She was more worried about the eldest brother, who, upon the family’s entrance, beelined to her on the couch.

Standing above her, arms crossed, he told her, “Up. Let’s go.”

And so it begins.

~

His family now gone, John lay sprawled across the same couch the deputy had been, taking a drag from a recently rolled joint. Rubbing a hand across his face, he let out an exasperated sigh. He tried to focus on the impending Collapse, the fact that New Eden was practically within reach, and not on the fact that his brother had taken a murdering heretic into his home. Yes, she’d been marked. Yes, she’d been cleansed. Yes, she’d confessed. But she hadn’t atoned and showed no interest in doing so. He took another drag before rising to his feet.

Thinking of the deputy, he still needed to go through her things. He’d had one of his faithful toss her belongings into one of the spare bedrooms when he, Joseph, and the deputy had returned. Laying on the bed were her weapons, the pack she carried around everywhere, as well as the clothes she had earlier been wearing- the priestess who bathed and changed her appeared to have laundered them. He moved the folded clothes to the side before grabbing at her pack.

John unzipped it carefully, almost as if he was afraid it would detonate. Of course, that was absurd. Nothing in the pack was out of the ordinary. There were spare socks and underwear, but no other tops or jeans. A folded, worn map of the county was inside. It appeared that hunting and fishing locations were added, but nothing useful to the Project; no resistance locations seemed to be marked. Smart.

There was a water bottle and a first aid kit, as well as a few vials of bliss, bottles of liquor, and baggies of weed. There was a shocking number of bullets, arrows, knives, and explosives. He was almost impressed by her packing abilities. That, or Mary Poppins had gifted her the pack. Still, nothing inside told him much about her.

Moving onto her pile of weapons, he was immediately struck by the absence of a bow, considering the number of arrows he’d found. She carried a decent number of weapons, in a large variety. The most obvious, and largest, were the gray M60 and the silenced, scoped .50 cal sniper rifle. She carried a powerful handgun, a gray .44 magnum. She also carried a worn aluminum baseball bat and a rusted shovel. He rolled his eyes at the brass knuckles he found. But on the bottom of the pile was the most surprising of the bunch, a slingshot.

Picking it up, his fingers skimmed over the well-worn grips. It was clearly heavily used. Possibly pre-owned? He couldn’t imagine the deputy taking out so many of their flock with what amounted to a child’s toy and pebbles. He rummaged through the pack again, looking for rocks. Or did she use whatever was on the ground at the time?

He found no rocks. Instead, his hands once again found the arrows, and an idea dawned on him. He took an arrow, laying it on the frame and notching it into the pad. Raising the weapon up, he pulled back on the band and arrow before releasing, sending the arrow flying and embedded in the wooden wall. It flew with considerable force, but hadn’t landed anywhere near where he had been aiming. However, the slingshot felt small and light in his hand, awkward. In a smaller hand, more practiced and comfortable with the item…

He snorted out a laugh. My, she was just full of surprises, wasn’t she?

John piled the items back into the pack, including the jeans, shirt, and choker she’d been captured in. He pushed the contents of the bag down, but still couldn’t get the zipper to close. He had no idea how she managed to close the bag, let alone tote it around or find the needed supplies within. Lifting the enormous load by the splayed mouth of the pack, he leaned it against the foot of the bed before moving her boots and weapons beside it.

Once Jacob had her under his control, she’d get her things back.

[h50europe]

MERTHUR AU - The Coin - Chapter 2 now available on AO3

Excerpt:

"Would you rather be back on the front lines?"

"Would you like me any less than you do now? Would you even want to be in the same room with me? Wouldn't that go against your principles? And why do you even want to know what I want?"

Merlin lowered his eyes and swallowed. "Wow. Thanks for your candor. I had no idea that my mere presence would cause you so much disgust. I'm glad you didn't throw me out of the van or call the police. I was hoping we could..."

"This isn't a WE situation at all. I kind of got into it. I wish I had gone to senior bingo instead of this peace rally with Morgana and Morgause. Then I'd have saved myself some trouble."

Merlin chuckled.

"What do you find funny about that?" sneered Arthur.

"I think you're one of those adrenaline junkies. Admit it, all that excitement has been good for you. When has your pulse been over ninety lately? Didn't you miss it?"

"Missed what?"

"Getting your body into fight mode? Wasn't it great to feel your body again? To feel your pulse quicken and your instincts sharpen? God, I'd have loved to have seen that, but alas, I was knocked out."

Arthur, who had been watching Merlin the whole time, was struck by the dreamlike look in the guy's beautiful eyes.

"Merlin, it's official. You've lost your mind."

Still, Arthur couldn't help but grin from ear to ear.

Now Merlin asked, "What?"

"Bloody hell, you may have been unconscious, but you seem to have somehow sensed how I felt when the shit hit the fan."

"So I'm right?" asked Merlin, nudging Arthur's shoulder. "Yes, please, tell me I'm right."

(I recommend listening to music from the '60s to get you in the mood, works amazingly)

[superloves4]

I still taste the past - Chapter 3

Relationships: Curufin/Finrod, Celegorm/Aredhel (background) Summary: Finrod wanted to see Curufin, get his closure after all they had gone through, end things once and for all. What he gets is a journey through the memory of where they've been and the choice of where they will go. TW: none for this chapter A/N: Enjoy!

Also on AO3

It became their ritual for many years, they would leave friends and family to meet somewhere, play chess while talking about philosophy. It was something Finrod had grown exceedingly fond of.

People didn't often credited Atarinkë's intellect, focusing rather on his skills and similitude to his father, in fact, Fëanor was what most would talk about when discussing Atarinkë, with the occasional mention to Maitimo or Makalaurë, or lately, Tyelkormo. But with their conversations, Finrod could now see a rather different mind from the rest of the family.

Apart from Carnistir, who enjoyed his own company better than that of others, his older cousins were easy to spot in any crowd, dazzling their companions and garnering their approval, not Atarinkë, however. He'd stand behind and observe, listening more than he talked, it was something Finrod had noticed in his aunt Nerdanel as well, the ability to read others from the shadows and letting others take center stage.

Finrod was fascinated.

He knew his parents were hoping for him to find a bride, now that he'd reached his maturity many hoped he'd follow his parents and marry young, the first of the family to do so when Maitimo and Findekàno failed to provide a new generation. He had seen how Turukàno looked at Elenwë of the Vanya and he knew his brother had been sneaking away somewhere in the night, no, Finrod was not worried, he much rather study Atarinkë than please his family instead.

And there was much to study, like the way he furrowed his brow whenever he was thinking on his next move, the way he couldn't help but bite his lower lip whenever he knew he was about to lose, the way he'd glare at Finrod when he couldn't deny any more.

"Checkmate" Finrod smiled, Atarinkë's king stuck in between his bishop and his horse.

The other scoffed and leant back on his chair "I'm bored."

Finrod smiled "Oh, is it Maquetindo's crushing defeat at the last symposium or your own, that is making you so grumpy?" It wasn't so much that Finrod disliked the philosopher, but Atarinkë liked him, and Finrod liked to ruffle Atarinkë.

"No," the other said, holding his head higher "You're simply uninteresting, Ingoldo."

Finrod laughed, that happened every couple of years, Atarinkë would proclaim he wanted nothing to do with Finrod, only to show up to their agreed meeting point anyway. Finrod enjoyed his look of defeat whenever he returned.

He knew that dance, Atarinkë would get up, dust his clothes as if Finrod's mere presence had dirtied them and then leave with some scathing critique of his ability to entertain. Finrod grabbed his wrist as he got up.

"What do you say then, to something different?"

Atarinkë shifted, unsure at what to do with their broken routine "I'm expected."

Finrod smiled "I'm sure aunt and uncle will make peace with not having you for one night."

He saw Atarinkë's breath catch in his throat, his pretty eyes looking around searching for an answer so he gave him one, taking him away from the safety of the library. He wasn't sure where he was going either, Finrod just wanted to keep Atarinkë by his side a little longer.

He had studied the plans of the castle several times and let his memory guide them up a staircase by the side, difficult to find if you didn't already know about it, it lead to the roof where they could more easily see the mingling. For once, Atarinkë had nothing to scoff at, simply looking in awe to the vision of Tirion under their feet.

"You know, if you wanted me gone you cold have just let me leave," he joked, and Finrod felt him tremble a little.

Finrod smiled "If you're worried you can always hold onto me."

Atarinkë blushed to the top of his ears, as red as the hair his family was known for, 

Finrod brought him closer, holding Atarinkë by the waist now.

"Good enough for you now?"

The other laughed, looking out at the scenery again "It's certainly more interesting than chess, how did you know about this?"

"I'm interested in more things than just philosophy I'll let you know," he faux pouted, earning him a roll of eyes.

"It's very beautiful," Atarinkë smiled, it was the most relaxed Finrod had ever seen him "I think it would look good as a necklace, silver and gold, with jewels of topazes and carnelians, I believe it would fit even a peacock such as you, Ingoldo."

"If you made me a necklace I'd fear for my neck," he laughed.

Atarinkë's smile, however, dampened and Finrod even thought he'd said something wrong, the casual jabs at each other were almost second nature at this point, it didn't fit Atarinkë's pained sigh.

"Why did you bring me here, Ingoldo?" he asked and stared at Finrod with such a sincere fear it truly surprised him.

Finrod gulped, mouth dry, he floundered to find words "I think you know why," he finally said, ready to lay his heart in front of the other boy.

Atarinkë tried to push him away but Finrod held onto him "Ingoldo, you know as well as I do how terrible of an idea this is, we can't, our families would never approve and besides we are too different as people, it can never work."

"I disagree," Finrod said firmly, not ready to give up now "Our families will make peace with our decisions, it is not their choice to make, you are too pessimistic, we are not so different, you know we aren't, proud, stubborn, ambitious, we are of the same stone, tell me you can feel it too."

"It would solve everything!" he continued, letting his forehead rest on Atarinkë's "If the issue is our families, we could solve it all, a marriage between us could bring our families together for the first time. Everyone would be happy."

"See, this is what I'm speaking about, Ingoldo, you're too optimistic, we'll destroy each other in a century," Atarinkë answered, his words were cutting but his mouth brushed Finrod's and their effect were lessened.

"I love you, Atarinkë."

Finrod felt the other shiver and continued "If you don't love me, tell me now and I shall never bother you again, but if none of your fears are from a lack of feeling, I can wait until you see what I see."

"You're a fool and I can prove you're a fool." Atarinkë scoffed.

There, on the roof of Tirion upon Tùna, they kissed, young and insecure, mouths that just learned to open, it was imperfect but it was theirs.

Finrod cursed himself.

[agonyaster]

You’re Just Before Your Time

Sebastian’s just trying to process this all in peace, but someone just has to come and meddle.

sebby beloved.. capcom let him out of your basement i beg

prefer ao3? read here! 

…

The sound of dripping water echoes off of the walls of the courthouse bathroom. It’s such a small thing, halfway across the room from him, but it rings loudly in Sebastian’s ears.

He doesn’t want to be here, but he doesn’t know where else to go; the prosecutor’s chamber is open to just about anyone who knows where it is. Everyone he doesn’t want to see knows where it is, so he cowers in the bathroom like a frightened child on the first day of school. He doubts it will stop Franziska or Kay once they realize he’s gone, but at least Justine has respect.

Thinking about her just makes his stomach roll, so Sebastian clamps his hands over his ears and tries to think of something— anything— to distract himself

It doesn’t work. All he can picture are her frightened eyes as she sits behind the judges bench, skin gaunt as her gaze flits between the door and Patricia; the guilty look on her face as she reaches out for him in the P.I.C. meeting room, her shaking voice growing fainter as he runs away.

He hopes she’s gone. He hopes she reunites with her son and thanks Edgeworth before going back home and leaving all this behind her. She’s probably relieved— now that Blaise is gone she’ll never have to deal with a Debeste again.

It’s just a testament to how stupid he is that he didn’t realize any of this earlier. His father, his grades, Justine. Why would a professional like her want to waste her time babysitting someone like him? She wouldn’t. God, he should’ve known.

It’s pathetic, really. Really, really pathetic.

His sobs reverberate off of the walls, the hand Sebastian’s clamped over his mouth not doing enough to muffle them. He tucks his knees into his chest, shoulders shuddering as he forces his breaths to slow.

The door creaks open and heavy footfalls announce the presence of someone new. Sebastian prays that they’ll leave him alone, to read the damn room and find somewhere else to do their business. But if he knows one thing, it’s that shitty days tend to get shittier. The stranger comes to a stop right in front of Sebastian, their scuffed shoes filling his vision.

“Please go away,” he pleads, “I want to be alone.”

“No you don’t, pal,” the stranger rumbles. Sebastian feels like he should recognize the voice. “You just don’t wanna be a bother.”

“Don’t tell me what I want.”

“Seems like people have been doing that all your life.”

“Wow, thanks.” Sebastian can feel himself tearing up again, but pulls his head up to glare at the stranger anyway. It’s then that he realizes how much worse this situation is than he thought, because the stranger isn’t a stranger at all— he’s that detective who works with Kay and Mr. Edgeworth.

Gumshoe scratches at the back of his neck, looking a little uncomfortable. “Listen pal, I just wanted to make sure you were doing okay. Or as okay as you can be.”

“Well you checked in on me, can you leave now?”

“No can do, pal. There’s no way I’m leaving you alone.” Gumshoe sinks down onto the floor next to him and Sebastian can’t help but cringe away from him.

“Why do you even care? I’m nothing but a fuck up and I’m so stupid I didn’t even know it.”

“I’m not gonna say I know how hard it is to not be as good as you think you are, because I’ve never really been good at much. But I can’t imagine it’s easy, especially with all the other… stuff you’ve got going on.” He makes a vague hand gesture. “You’re allowed a good cry.”

“It’s pathetic.”

“Maybe, but you should be proud of yourself.”

Sebastian can’t help but laugh at that. “Why? My life is a lie, and nothing I’ve ever done was ever actually me.”

“That’s not true. You just won that trial back there, pal. Fair and square.”

“Everyone was helping me. It was one trial.” One damn trial, that von Karma actually did all the work in while he dug through garbage. “Why are you here, anyway? Don’t you hate me?”

“It was your dad’s trial, that couldn’t have been easy. And no, pal, I don’t hate you. You’re a kid who made some shitty decisions because you didn’t know any better.” Sebastian opens his mouth to protest, but the detective silences him with a sharp glare. “And before you say somethin’ stupid like ‘I should’ve known better!’ no, you really shouldn’t. The only person there to teach you that kind of stuff was a real dick.”

“But I’ve-”

“Done bad things? Sure. We all have. It happens, but at least you know now.” Gumshoe pauses, like he’s unsure he should say what he wants to. “I knew Edgeworth when he was your age, pal. He was already a lot more rotten than you ever were and he only got worse with time. He’s trying to make up for it, all those people he hurt in the past. Knowing him, he’ll still be trying when he’s on his deathbed.”

Sebastian stares down at the tile. The overhead lights reflect harshly in it. “At least he can prosecute properly.”

“Jesus christ- are you even listening to yourself? You’re seventeen!”

“And I should know what I’m doing.”

“No, you really shouldn’t! Not everyone can be a prodigy and no one really should!” Gumshoe grinds his teeth. “Everyone parades around Ms. von Karma for winning her first case at thirteen, but does no one realize how weird that is? She was a kid— still is! Why should she be deciding these people’s fates?”

“I don’t know.”

“Rhetorical question.” A crease appears between Sebastian’s brows as he tries to remember what that means. He knows it he does, it’s just there’s all this other stuff running around in his head and- “A question you’re not supposed to answer.”

“Oh.” Then, quieter. “Thanks.”

“You’re welcome, pal. Sorry about that, probably not somethin’ too important right now.”

“It’s okay. I get where you’re coming from.” After all, he’s the poor detective being forced to work with all these prosecutors. “I just… I should be better at this.”

“For crying out loud, you’re seventeen! You shouldn’t have all this stuff figured out— I’d be more concerned if you did!”

“But I-”

“No buts! My baby sister is nearly a decade older than you and she’s still got no idea what she wants to do with her life. She fell into teaching— she’s good at it, but she didn’t know what she was gonna do with her life fresh out of high school! She called me last week in the middle of an investigation because she wanted me to help her name her dinner like our pops always used to do.” He huffs out a sigh. “Is it wrong that she’s still figuring it out?”

“No.”

“Then why is it wrong that you still are?”

He hesitates before answering. Sebastian knows what he wants to say, but he needs a better answer than that. It isn’t a proper answer, not a good one. He says it anyway. “I dunno.”

“So there’s no reason for you to talk to yourself that way.”

The logic makes Sebastian’s skin crawl. It should make sense, it should, but-

“It’s just not fair to everyone else.” Gumshoe stares at him in confusion and Sebastian grips at his sleeve. “All the people who deserved the things I ‘did.’ T-this jacket was for the top student in the prosecutors course at Themis— I shouldn’t have even gotten in.”

Sebastian takes the red jacket off of his shoulders and stares at the prosecutor’s badge pinned to its lapel.

“There was a kid in my grade,” he starts, trying to remember the name. All he gets are hazy smudges of blonde hair and an accent he can’t quite place. Of course he couldn’t remember the name, probably didn’t even care enough to learn it. “He was good. He deserves this.”

“Maybe so, but there’s nothing you can do about that now.” Gumshoe fiddles with the pencil he had tucked behind his ear. “If you’re so worried about it, why don’t you work so you can face him again? Even if it’s just to apologize. Might be the closure you need.”

“You’re a lot smarter than I gave you credit for.”

“Thanks, pal.” He tucks the pencil back behind his ear. “And I know it's real easy to get caught up in the legal world, but you gotta remember there’s a world outside all this courtroom stuff. There’s other stuff that can fulfill you.”

Sebastian thinks of all the nights spent alone as a child, his father not coming home until the ungodly hours of the morning. “Shouldn’t my job be my priority?”

“When you’re doing it? ‘Course. But you wanna know what I call someone who works all the time?”

“Dedicated?”

“Sad. It’s great if you like your job, but when it's the only thing you got goin’ for yourself? Not so great.” Gumshoe looks up at the ceiling. “You don’t need to worry too much about that though, you’ve got your fancy stick.”

“What?”

“The thing you’re always waving around? And that you kept hittin’ yourself in the face with?”

“Oh. My baton.” Even now, it’s tucked up his sleeve. Sebastian can’t remember a time without it. “It’s for correcting- conducting, I mean. Music stuff.”

“So you like music?”

“Yeah. It always made sense to me.”

“Maybe it can help you make sense of prosecuting too- I dunno.” Gumshoe laughs heartily. “Not really my area of expertise, but if it makes you feel better it's enough, yeah?”

“I… Yeah.”

Silence falls over them, or as much silence as you can get in a place like this. Gumshoe’s laughter is still reverberating off of the walls, water still dripping into the sink. Beyond the door, the faint chatter of voices has died down.

It’s the detective who breaks the silence, clapping his hands together in some sort of call to action. “As nice as this place is, we should get going. Ms. Courtney’s worried herself sick over you.”

His words send anxiety clawing at Sebastian’s stomach. “Why?”

Gumshoe blinks in confusion. “She cares about you…?”

“Why?”

“I dunno. I don’t know her well enough to say anything, and even if I did I wouldn’t. That ain’t somethin’ for me to say for her. Besides, it’s hard to explain why you care about someone. You just do, yeah?”

“She should hate me.”

Gumshoe’s face is red again. “Well she doesn’t, and there’s not a whole lot you could do to change how she feels.” He huffs out a breath. “It stinks to get the rug pulled out from under you like that, and it’s gonna hurt for a while. I won’t lie to you and say it won’t. But it’s something you need. Everyone gets humbled one way or another.”

There’s a lot Sebastian wants to say to that, but he keeps his mouth shut. “You still didn’t tell me why you came to find me.”

“Because I’m not gonna sit here and watch you throw your life away because someone taught you that you don’t deserve love.”

Sebastian is quiet.

“I know it’s a lot more complicated than that but… that’s just the way I see it.” Gumshoe sighs. “If you really do wanna be left alone, I’ll find a way to get everyone out of the courthouse so you can get away.”

“Don’t do that. You’re right, I really should go talk to everyone.” He tugs at his gloves. “Justine, at the least.”

To say Gumshoe beams would be an understatement.

[yourlocaljonghoe]

Best Friend!Ateez and you sharing a bed - Scenario. || OT8.

Summary: Unexpectedly, you're forced to share a bed with your best friend. What will happen when you realize there's so much more than friendship between you?

Pairing: OT8!Ateez (individually) x Reader

Genre: Fluff, Suggestive (18+, mdni!!)

Wordcount: 7.1k

Warnings: Dirty thoughts, kissing, alcohol consumption, allusion to sex (yet nothing too explicitly), grinding against each other, mentions of erections and feeling horny

A/N: Hello, I'm back with my first ot8 post! This was requested by @foxinnie8, I really hope you like this <33 I struggled a lot finding a scenario for each of our boys, but it ultimately was a good challenge for me and I enjoyed writing it a lot! Big thank you to my little assistant and bestie @yunho-mp3 for helping me and constantly listening to my rambling, ily!! Please like, comment and reblog and if you want more scenarios go ahead and request! Divider credits to @firefly-graphics!

Taglist: @yunho-mp3, @kyukyustar, @hwapetals, @foxinnie8, @preciouswoozi

Available here on AO3.

With a scream caught in your throat and sweat on your brow,you bolted upright in the bed after another terrifying nightmare. As your heart raced and your breathing quickened, you tried to shake off the remnants of the haunting images that seemed to grip your mind. With trembling hands, you reached for the glass of water on the bedside table and took a long sip, willing yourself to calm down. The dim glow of the moonlight filtering through your curtains illuminated the familiar surroundings of your room, providing some small comfort in the midst of unease. Gradually, as the adrenaline began to dissipate and your body started to relax once more, you determinedly pushed away thoughts of those nightmares. 

Park Seonghwa 

Hwa, your heart earned.

Let him sleep, your mind screamed instead.

“Fuck it”, you muttered. You needed your best friend, and you needed him now. 

With a deep breath, you reluctantly swung your legs over the edge of the bed and padded quietly across the cool floorboards to the door. As you reached for the doorknob, your hand hesitated for a moment before you swallowed your pride and turned it slowly. Stepping into the dimly lit hallway, you made your way to your best friend's room, barely making a sound as you navigated through the darkness. When you reached his door, you paused for a moment, inhaling deeply and exhaling slowly in an attempt to steady your nerves. Then, with a gentle knock on the door, you whispered his name, still somewhat unwilling to disturb his peaceful slumber but needing his reassuring presence more than anything else at that moment.

And there he laid, the most beautiful man you called your best friend, bare chest barely covered with a blanket, his soft body screaming both comfort and sexiness. As you stood there, unable to think clearly, completely entranced and suddenly very, very aware of how attractive Park Seonghwa really was - not that you didn't know, but goddamn - the man was pulled from his slumber, and he slowly opened his eyes, a mixture of confusion and concern appeared right on his handsome face. As he registered your presence and caught sight of your disheveled appearance, understanding dawned, and he immediately pushed aside the blanket to make room for you. 

“Come here, angel”, he softly whispered, his smile reaching his tired eyes.

Your breath hitched in your throat, and all of a sudden, it was too much. Taking a step back, your back hit the door with a harsh thud, and Seonghwa looked more confused than ever.

“I-i can't. I'm sorry, I don't know why I came here, I-I should go-”

Seonghwa sat up quickly, his expression turning from confusion to concern. "No, wait," he insisted gently, reaching out a hand towards you. "You don't have to go. It's okay, I'm here for you." The sincerity in his voice made your heart ache.

How could you tell him that you weren't ashamed of sharing your emotions with him, but scared of what you wanted to do to him right now, while he stood before you, bare chest on full display, in a dark room, just the two of you alone…

Just minutes ago, you were shaken up by a terrible, frightening nightmare, and now, all you wanted was to get your brains blown out by your shy, pretty roommate.

“H-hwa”, you whispered, yet it sounded more like a desperate whimper, a plea for him to take care of you, to take your mind off those terrible scenes from your dream.

And he understood, his cheeks blushing, his Adam's apple bobbing up and down as he searched your eyes for any sort of doubt, but you knew he'd found none.

“Y/N, we should-”

“-talk, I know, Hwa. Let's talk tomorrow, please. I need you, and I need you now. T-tomorrow we can talk, sort it all out, but now I just… please take care of me, Seonghwa.”

Just seconds later, you laid on his bed, his figure hovering above you. Both of you were breathing heavily, nervous, yet ready for each other, as far as you could tell from his ominous erection pressing against you.

His fingers flirted with the hem of your sweater. “C-can I touch you?”

His voice was hoarse and nervous, and you felt the same way too, so you took his hand in yours, squeezing it reassuringly. You really, really wanted this.

“Yes, Hwa. Anywhere.”

He moved closer, licking the rim of your ear. “Anywhere? Really?" 

“Really.” 

Twisting your neck, you pulled his mouth to you for a brief, wet kiss, sucking his tongue until his vision turned white around the edges.

You let out a choked sound, and he paused. “Okay?”

“Yes.” Your hips tipped, pressing yourself tighter against his hand. “Please.”

He lifted his head for a moment, raising himself up on his arms enough to make eye contact, and you groaned at the sudden absence of that incredibly talented tongue.

“Everything okay?” His mouth was wet from your kiss, his pupils wide and dark. “If I do something you don’t like, just tell me. Or if you want me to stop-”

“Don't stop, Park Seonghwa”, you moaned, pulling him close to you again,”don't you dare stop tonight. Or ever again.”

Kim Hongjoong

“So… seems like we'll have to share a bed.”

“Well, looks like we don't have much of a choice, huh?” Hongjoong said with a friendly smile, trying to lighten the mood. “I promise I won't hog the blankets. We can just put some pillows between us, I guess. It's just for one night, it'll be fine.”

You tried to play it cool, tried to appear as calm as he was right now, but the idea of sharing a bed with your friend made your cheeks turn a little pink. "Yeah, no worries," you replied, hoping to sound casual. After all, you two were just friends, right?

If only your stupid heart knew that as well.

Today, the two of you went to an art exhibition in another city, a trip you've been excited for awhile now. Hongjoong loved art and fashion and asked you specifically to accompany him and you, of course, did happily without hesitation, deeply enjoying the beautiful art displayed there and his cute rambling about his favorite pieces. It was a delightful evening you two spent together, with lots of banter and laughter.

Well, and then the two of you forgot the time and ended up in the only motel that had a room available. So here you were now, both in your fancy clothes from the exhibition, contemplating the awkward situation of having to share a single bed. It's not exactly the most ideal circumstance, but whatever, you had to live with it now.

You both quickly set up a makeshift barrier with the pillows and after that, you quickly excused yourself to freshen up and headed to the bathroom. As you turned on the hot water and stepped into the shower, your heart raced uncontrollably. You desperately tried to focus on the warmth of the water and the smell of the shampoo the motel put there to use, anything to distract you from the fact that you were about to share a bed with Hongjoong. 

Once you were done, you dried off and changed into your underwear, taking a few deep breaths to calm your racing heart. It's just for one night, you reminded yourself. Sighing, you gathered your courage and made your way back to the room, where the man of your literal dreams awaited you - half naked, just like you were now. 

When you entered the room, you knew it was over for you.

There, right before your very own eyes sat the most gorgeous, attractive man you've ever seen, and the sight made you weak in your knees. His hair was a little disheveled, his muscles were beautifully defined and his face - god, these pretty features, those plump lips you've been dreaming about so often and those dark, brown eyes… that were now staring right back at you, catching you drooling over him; the man you called your best friend.

Shit.

As you sat down onto the bed, time seemed to slow down. Every detail of his appearance was etched into your mind as if to be remembered forever. The quickened pace of your heart was evident, and you fumbled for words. Your best friend's presence had transformed into something entirely new, awakening emotions you never knew existed. Caught in a moment of utter disbelief, you grappled with the realization that your feelings for him had veered far from mere friendship. You didn't know when and how, but it was an undeniable fact. 

“Shit,” you whispered under your breath, grappling with the tumultuous thoughts racing through your mind.

“What's bothering you?”

Hongjoong's voice pulled you out of your thoughts, and you quickly shook your head, trying to act nonchalant. "Nothing, just tired," you mumbled, avoiding eye contact. It was now or never. You had to push these feelings aside and get through the night without revealing your turmoil. Yet, as you both lay down on the bed, the physical closeness of your bodies only intensified the emotional storm brewing inside of you. The sound of Hongjoong's breathing in the quiet room seemed deafeningly loud, echoing each heartbeat that betrayed the depth of your feelings for him. As much as you wanted sleep to overcome you, it stayed frustratingly out of reach - taunting you with dreams that could never be realized.

And then, Hongjoong shifted closer, so close in fact you could feel his warm breath on your neck and- oh…

Something hard was poking your ass.

You quickly put a hand over your mouth to suppress the moan that almost slipped out, but it was too late.

Hongjoong already knew the effect he had on you.

Slowly, his hands grabbed onto your hips, harshly squeezing the flesh he was finally able to touch, pushing his closed erection even more onto your barely clothed ass, and it made you almost lose your mind.

“J-joongie”, you whimpered, desperate for more, your legs rubbing against each other for some sweet release.

“When you wore that dress today”, your best friend started talking with that sweet, raspy voice of his, his lips biting and kissing your neck up and down, “I thought I was going crazy. Wanted to pull it off you the entire fucking day. And now you're laying here, half naked, fuck, it made me so hard just looking at you.”

His fingers wandered south, hovering over your clothed and wet pussy. You could feel his lips curl into a devilish smirk.

“I know you're wet too, baby. The way you looked at me earlier was all I needed to know, but I still wanna hear you say it, Y/N. Say you want this. Say you want me.”

“P-please, Joongie”, was all you could utter.

He only hummed, and then his fingers introduced you to places best friends should not explore together.

Jeong Yunho

“And remember kids: don't do the naughty here, the walls aren't exactly thin”, your mom teased, laughing as she saw your reddened cheeks and widened eyes. You've never felt more embarrassed and all you wanted at that moment was for the ground to open up and swallow you.

It was your family's yearly skiing trip, something you were not quite fond of - not because you didn't love your family, you did so very much, but because they wouldn't stop their relentless teasing, no matter what. And to be honest, you were sick and tired of it.

When will our Y/N finally get a boyfriend?

Over the years, you started to resent this question more and more. You knew they meant no harm, yet they also wouldn't respect your boundaries and you simply had enough.

So for this year you had a plan: bringing your best friend Jeong Yunho with you, but pretending he was your boyfriend. 

At first, it seemed like a great idea. Now… you weren't so sure anymore.

Behind your embarrassed figure, Yunho only laughed as you closed the door and put your head against it, sighing, glad that inappropriate comments like this were finally over - for now, at least. 

Yunho, sensing your discomfort, walked over and gave you a reassuring squeeze on your shoulder. “Hey, don't worry about it”, he said with a gentle smile. “We knew this might happen, right? Remember our plan?” You nodded, recalling the pact you both had made before embarking on this trip: to support each other through the teasing and to act as convincingly as possible in your fake relationship. Taking a deep breath, you tried to shake off the embarrassment and focus on enjoying the vacation with your family and Yunho by your side. 

Tomorrow, you could deal with their comments again, as embarrassing as they were. What worried you now was how the hell you'd survive this night with your alleged boyfriend in a bed together.

“Let's go to bed now. After all, we gotta get up early tomorrow right, my girlfriend?”

For the first time that day, your cheeks did not redden out of embarrassment. 

As you settled into bed after your nightly skincare routine, you couldn't help but feel the awkwardness in the air. Yunho, ever the gentleman, had given you plenty of space – even suggesting that he could sleep on the floor if it made you more comfortable. However, you insisted that it wasn't necessary, as the whole point of this charade was to make your family believe that you were in a relationship. The two of you lay there in silence for a while, finding solace in the darkness of the room. Eventually, soft laughter from Yunho broke the silence.

“What's so funny?”, you whispered, a pout forming on your face as you turned around, now face to face with your fake boyfriend. 

“You just- you just look so stiff”, he chuckled quietly. “I won't bite Y/N. It's just me, remember?”

Yeah, that's the problem you big, idiotic, sweet, attractive man.

Gathering the courage, you slowly breathed in and out, finally relaxing and turned around to face Yunho, letting out a small laugh as well. “I know, I'm sorry. It's just... weird, you know?” 

Yunho nodded in understanding, his eyes meeting yours with nothing but warmth and reassurance. As the silence stretched between you two, your heart raced slightly at this newfound closeness in the dimly lit room. So close that you could feel each other's breaths. Mustering up your courage once again, you let out a quiet question that had been lingering in your mind for a while now. “Hey Yunho, do you think our plan is working? Do they actually believe we're together?”

He thought for a moment before giving a small nod. “I think so, and if not, we'll put on a more convincing show tomorrow.” You smiled at his determination and felt your heart swell with gratitude for having such an amazing best friend by your side. Slowly but surely, the awkwardness dissipated as the two of you fell into a gentle conversation laced with laughter and comfort. You talked and talked, like best friends always do, and then after another round of laughter, you felt it for the first time.

The air around you had changed.

Yunho was close, you realized, too close for a man you only considered a friend. And you… didn't mind at all.

Your heart pounded in your chest as you noticed the way his eyes lingered on your lips before returning to meet your gaze. A sudden surge of emotions flooded through you, making it difficult to think straight or remember the original plan. As if reading your mind, Yunho hesitated for a moment before gently taking one of your hands into his, intertwining your fingers. His touch sent a shiver down to your spine, and the anticipation of what could happen next hung heavily in the air. It was then that you realized that maybe, just maybe, this fake relationship wasn't so fake for either of you anymore. 

You couldn't deny the chemistry and sparks that seemed to grow with each passing day, and now as you laid there - breathless and close - it became evident that whatever was happening between the two of you was true and real. With a deep breath, Yunho broke the silence once more, murmuring softly, “Y/N… can we talk about this?” 

It wasn't just a question; it was an invitation to confront what had been lurking beneath the surface all along - feelings both exciting and terrifying that threatened to topple the carefully built charade neither of you could maintain any longer. And as you swallowed hard, preparing yourself for what may lie ahead, you knew one thing for certain: things between you and Yunho would never be quite the same again.

And that's exactly what you wanted; you wanted Jeong Yunho, now.

“What would you do when I said that I really, really need you right now Yuyu?”, you whispered, your hands finding their way into his soft looks.

Yunho’s eyes widened, his Adam's apple bobbing up and down, yet he found his composure rather quickly, a smirk now adorning his features. 

“I'd say we'd have to be very, very quiet, baby girl.”

Kang Yeosang 

There was a reason you've never gone camping before, and it was a very simple one: you were utterly scared, no, terrified of every sound coming from outside your tent.

You promised Yeosang to be a big girl and survive a night alone in order for him to be comfortable - he apparently wasn't a big fan of sharing tents with anyone, at least his friend Wooyoung said so - but now, after a few hours of laying wide awake and hyper aware of everything happening outside you were not so sure anymore. You were a scared cat, and you should've admitted that sooner.

As you laid there, trembling at every rustle of leaves and snap of twigs, you started questioning your decision to accompany Yeosang on this camping trip. You knew how important it was for him to explore nature together with you and his other friends, a group of young men you met for the first time today, and reconnect with the great outdoors; he constantly raved about the serenity and peacefulness that came with it. Desperate to impress him and strengthen your bond, you reluctantly agreed to face your fears head-on. Now, staring into the darkness that enveloped your cramped tent, you regretted not voicing your concerns earlier. As the night wore on, each eerie noise amplified your fear and apprehension. 

Unable to bear the mounting solitude any longer, you took a deep breath and mustered the courage to unzip your tent. Peering outside cautiously in search of Yeosang's tent, you decided that maybe braving the night with someone wasn't such a bad idea after all.

With your heart pounding in your chest, you cautiously stepped out of your tent, the cold night air sending a shiver down your spine. The moonlight filtered through the dense tree canopy, casting eerie shadows on the forest floor. As you tiptoed across the campsite, clutching your flashlight for dear life, you strained your ears to listen for any sign that the others were awake. Approaching Yeosang's tent, you hesitated for a moment, your fear battling against your desire not to seem clingy or needy. Finally, unable to withstand the terror gnawing at you any longer, you quickly unzipped the tent and got inside.

“Yeosang?”, you whispered quietly into the darkness.

To your immense relief, Yeosang was still awake and immediately sensed your fear. He whispered back: “Hey, what's wrong?” 

His voice was calm and comforting, making you feel somewhat protected. 

“Okay so I am not the tough girl you think I am, I am absolutely terrified and I will die if I stay alone in my tent any longer so please let me stay with you I promise to be quiet and not pull your hair and-”

“Okay okay”, Yeosang softly laughed, his deep voice calming you down in an instant as he stopped your incoherent rambling. “Stay here. It's fine, I don't mind if it's you.”

I don't mind if it's you.

How dare he just casually drop that and expect you to be totally normal about it.

As you settled down next to him, your heart rate finally began to slow, and the earlier terror started to subside. The warmth of his presence and the sound of his gentle breathing lulled you into a sense of safety. You glanced over at his sleeping bag, noticing how he had arranged his things meticulously around him - a stark contrast to the chaotic mess you had left in your own tent. 

Yeosang's steady presence beside you now seemed to make everything feel more manageable, and you couldn't help but feel a little grateful for those terrified moments that led you here. 

“Besides”, he began, a somewhat teasing undertone laying in his voice, “what did you think I'm hitting the gym for? To protect you from those terrible monsters outside, of co- h-hey, what are you doing?”

“Well, I have to see for myself if you're really capable of protecting me”, you teased. 

And goddamn, those muscles were no joke. As you squeezed his arms, Yeosang suddenly became very quiet and tense, but you were too busy comparing the size of his biceps to the size of your head - terrifying, if you may say so.

When did your best friend become so strong? When did his handsome, sweet self get such fucking muscles? 

“Y/N.”

“Hm?”

“If you keep doing this, I won't be able to contain myself any longer.”

You froze, suddenly very aware of the intimate situation you had put yourselves in. Releasing his arm, you sheepishly glanced at Yeosang, who was looking at you with a mix of amusement and lust in his eyes. The air between you two had thickened, heavy with unspoken emotions and tension. 

“W-what do you mean”, you asked, your cheeks a deep shade of red you were sure he could see even in this utter darkness.

Yeosang hesitated for a moment, his eyes never leaving yours. “Let's just say”, he began, his voice barely a whisper, “your touch has a powerful effect on me.” 

Your heart raced as the truth of his words began to sink in. The feelings you had been trying to suppress for so long now suddenly seemed to be mirrored in his intense gaze. Swallowing hard, you decided to take a leap of faith and reached out for Yeosang's hand, intertwining your fingers with his and slowly leading them to where you needed him the most, a deep moan leaving your lips once his fingers found your most vulnerable spot.

“You have this effect on me too, Yeo.”

“I can tell”, he hummed, “and I'm about to intensify it so much more, pretty girl.”

Choi San

“Why the hell did I agree to this”, you grumbled, unable to even move an inch since Choi San was squeezing  hugging the living shit out of you.

“You love me, that's why.”

You wanted to wipe that smirk off his face so bad, but he was right; you could never say no to him.

And so, since San impulsively stated he'd spend the night at yours today, you had no other choice but to also agree to a rather odd sleeping habit of his: the need to hug something or else he wouldn't fall asleep. Like a baby.

Of course this man forgot to actually bring something he could hug, so, he decided to use you. Simple - for him, because for you, it was a whole other story.

The two of you spent nights together often, it wasn't bothering you that he slept in one bed with you. What bothered you was how fucking close he was, how nice he smelled and how good he smelled.

You felt your face heat up as you tried to calm your racing heart. Just focus on something else, you told yourself, attempting to concentrate on the gentle sound of his breathing and the soft rhythm of his chest rising and falling when he finally fell asleep. But it was a futile effort, and you only found yourself becoming more aware of the physical closeness between the two of you. How can he sleep so soundly like this? you thought, frustrated by how easily San seemed to have drifted off into dreamland while you lay awake, trapped in a turmoil of emotions. 

As the hours crawled by, fatigue finally started to win out against your embarrassment and discomfort. Your eyelids grew heavy, and eventually, you couldn't help but succumb to the pull of sleep even in San's tight embrace. 

It was a dreamless sleep, and a short one as well, because just hours later, you were pulled out of it rather quickly. At first, you were too sleepy to understand what was happening, but after pulling yourself together and getting more and more aware of your near surroundings, it dawned on you.

Choi San was humping you in his sleep, all while letting out moans and whimpers that immediately awoke you within a mere second.

And as embarrassing as it was, it made you feel things you never felt before.

Panic and curiosity fought within you as you debated whether to wake him up or not. This was clearly a dream of his, and you couldn't just let it go on, especially considering the awkward position it put you in. But at the same time, you couldn't help but feel an unfamiliar warmth spreading through your body; a forbidden desire that you had kept hidden for so long was slowly awakening. With a nervous breath, you made your decision. Gently, but firmly, you shook San awake.

“S-san, you gotta wake up- oh”, an unexpected moan slipped out of you as you felt his hard erection pressing against your stomach, his whimpers becoming even louder and more desperate. 

His eyes fluttered open, confusion dancing across his features as he tried to understand the situation. When realization finally dawned on him, San's face turned beet red with embarrassment. He quickly pulled away from you, stammering out an apology, his voice barely audible and shaky. “I-I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to... I don't know what came over me.” You could see the genuine remorse in his eyes, almost making you feel bad for waking him up.

You took a deep breath, trying to calm your racing heart. Your voice was gentle, yet firm as you responded: “It's okay, San. It was just a dream. But maybe... maybe we should try sleeping separately for the rest of the night?” 

The concern in his eyes as he nodded in agreement made it clear that he didn't want anything like this to happen again. For whatever foolish reason, his quick agreement hurt. As you settled into your respective sides of the bed, the distance between you felt like both a relief and a loss. Now more awake than ever, you were left alone with your thoughts.

And then, you asked a question you maybe shouldn't have asked.

“What did you dream about?”

“W-what?”

“You heard me, Choi San”, you only responded calmly.

San's eyes widened, taken aback by the sudden question. He hesitated, glancing away nervously and fiddling with his hands before finally finding the courage to answer. “I... I dreamt about you”, he confessed, his voice low and hesitant. “That red dress you wore at my birthday party… you had it on while you-” 

His gaze met yours for a brief moment before he quickly looked away again, unable to withstand the intensity of your stare, “while you straddled me and then- then you took my hand and let me touch you wherever I wanted and-” 

You listened carefully, feeling your face grow warm as San recounted his dream in a hushed tone. The forbidden desire you had been trying to suppress flared up with each new detail he shared. There was no denying the fact that you weren't just merely curious about his dream; you were genuinely interested in it, and the thought of it ignited something within you. You swallowed hard, trying to decide what your next move should be. Your heart thudded loudly in your chest as you made a bold decision.

“I want you to show me exactly what I did in your dream, Sannie.”

“Yeah I know I'm gross- wait, what?!”

You giggled, slowly getting closer to his figure once again and put your hands on his strong, muscular chest.

“Right, my bad; will you please show me all the naughty things we did together in your fantasy, Sannie?”

And oh, he made sure he showed you every. single. dirty. detail.

Song Mingi

In the middle of a terrible snowstorm, you were laying in your bed wide awake while slowly but surely freezing to death - maybe you were a bit over dramatic, but it sure as hell felt like that. Because the electricity wasn't working, you had no other choice but to only warm yourself with as much clothing as one could wear and your soft blanket, and it still wasn't enough. 

And yet you still didn't want to accept Mingi’s offer of sharing a bed just this once to stay warm together. 

As the night wore on, the temperature in your room continued to decrease. You could see your breath in the air and started to worry about how long you could endure this frigid weather. The comforting thought of a warmer room, even if it meant temporarily swallowing your pride and accepting Mingi's offer, began to grow more and more appealing. After another hour of shivering under your ill-equipped blanket, you finally decided that enough was enough. You cautiously got out of your icy bed and made the trek down the hall to Mingi's room, hoping for a much-needed reprieve from the relentless cold. As you entered his surprisingly warm room, you silently acknowledged that this was indeed the better option for surviving the night.

You hated the heat, but for the first time you envied Mingi of his much warmer, comfortable room.

“Yo, are you awake?”, you whispered into the darkness, quietly closing the door behind you.

Mingi, who had been tossing and turning under his own blankets, startled at the sound of your voice but quickly realized it was you. “Yeah, I'm awake”, he replied, his voice barely audible above the howling wind outside. He sat up and shifted over in the bed, making room for you. 

“C'mon”, he said, patting the empty spot next to him. Hesitantly, you made your way over and crawled under the warm covers, allowing yourself to finally relax as the heat from Mingi's body began to seep into your shivering limbs. You both lay there for a few moments in silence, simply enjoying the warmth and each other's company.

Until Mingi had to ruin this peaceful moment.

“I thought you were fine on your own, Miss stubborn?”

Despite your initial reaction to roll your eyes at his comment, you knew that Mingi had every right to tease you. After all, admitting defeat was never something that came easy to you. “Alright, alright”, you muttered, burying your face into the cozy pillow to hide your embarrassment. “I guess I should've just accepted your offer in the beginning.”

“I don't understand why you didn't just do it.”

At that, you grew quiet for a moment. Because there was a reason, but one you just couldn't admit; your attraction for your best friend.

As you laid there, contemplating whether or not to reveal your true feelings to Mingi, the room seemed to grow warmer with the intensity of your thoughts. You had been friends for years - could this single moment change everything between you? But, as your body grew comfortable within the warm embrace of the bed and Mingi's calming presence beside you, you couldn't help but feel a sense of reassurance wash over you. 

Eventually, you mustered up the courage and whispered softly, “Mingi, there's something I have to tell you.” 

He turned his head towards you, waiting for your confession. Your heart raced as you said, “The real reason I didn't want to share a bed was... because I've been developing feelings for you.” With bated breath, you waited for his response.

But as he didn't answer, you were immediately alarmed. Sitting up in a haze, you looked down at his tall figure beside you, only to discover your best friend being as red as a rife tomato.

“Y-you- I mean, you l-like-”, he began stuttering, his eyes wide open and filled with utter confusion. 

Seeing him laying there, a shy, stuttering mess did something unexplainable to you; all of a sudden, you felt a rush of power and arousal rush through you.

All you wanted at that moment was to ruin him.

So, with an unexpected burst of confidence, you decided to take control of the situation. You began to straddle the still dumbfounded man, slowly letting your hands explore his upper torso, feeling him harden underneath you almost immediately. 

“I can just show you, princess”, you said seductively, and Mingi, being the obedient good man he was, agreed in an instant.

That night, the cold could not bother you even a little again.

Jung Wooyoung 

Your eyelids fluttered open, and the soft glow of the moon bathed your cozy apartment in a gentle wash of silver light. Suddenly feeling thirsty after a night of extensive partying, you navigated through the dimly lit living room, trying to be as quiet as possible. Then, your gaze landed on a very ridiculous sight that yet never failed to bring a smile to your face – your best friend and roommate, Jung Wooyoung, curled up in a ridiculous position on the sofa, a half-empty bottle of soju resting precariously on the coffee table.

What a liar he was, saying he'd clean up right after all the guests went home, yet here he was, snoring loudly while the living room was still a complete mess. You sighed.

“Hey, sleepyhead,” you said, nudging him gently with your foot. “Time to move to your own bed.”

He grumbled incoherently, one arm thrown over his face. “Noooo, 'm comfy right here.”

You rolled your eyes and made your way to the kitchen, pouring yourself a glass of water and chugging it down immediately, the cold liquid making you feel better right away. You heard shuffling coming from the living room, indicating that Wooyoung was in fact moving to his room. After storing your used glass into the sink, you made your way back into your room, tired and ready for another round of sleep, only to find your best friend sprawled across your neatly made bed, snoring softly. “Wooyoung, come on,” you urged, trying to suppress a giggle. “You can't sleep here.”

He mumbled something about how your recently made sheets smelled better and buried his face in your pillows, looking blissfully content.

Sighing, you managed to pull off his shoes and jacket before sliding under the covers. As you settled into the warmth, his body shifted closer, pressing against yours in a way that sends tendrils of heat tingling through you.

“Hey,” he murmured, his breath warm against your neck.

Your heart stuttered as you turned to face him, the air tinged with electricity and something unspoken yet undeniably present.

‘Hey,” you whispered back, feeling the weight of his eyes on you, the tension crackling between you both. You gulped, trying hard to hold eye contact, but his intense gaze made it hard to not shy away. He did not seem drunk at all, but fully aware of his surroundings. Fully aware of you. 

For a moment, neither of you spoke, simply allowing the silence to settle as you studied each other's features, highlighted by the moon's ethereal glow. Wooyoung's eyes seemed to hold a question, something that remained unspoken but swirled in the air between you, leaving you feeling both exhilarated and vulnerable. Your breath hitched as he hesitantly reached a hand towards your face, gently brushing a strand of hair behind your ear. He smelled like wine, yet his eyes seemed clear, filled with both admiration and lust. His touch was soothing yet electric, awakening sensations you had never allowed yourself to explore before. As his face inched closer to yours, your lips nearly touching, you couldn't help but feel like this unspoken moment could change everything. And with a nervous exhale and an unexpected surge of courage, you closed the gap between you two, sealing a kiss that would mark the beginning of a new chapter in your friendship - the end of it, hopefully. 

Your lips met in a slow exploration, allowing yourselves to savor every sensation and acknowledge the emotions swirling beneath the surface.

As you parted from that intense but tender embrace, you opened your eyes to find him still gazing at you with an expression of awe and wonder; it mirrored your own unspoken thoughts. It was at that moment that the two of you quietly acknowledged what had been hidden for so long - that there was indeed something more profound growing between you in this cozy apartment bathed in moonlight.

“You will remember this tomorrow, r-right?”, you stuttered. 

His lips met your neck, officially marking you as his, and a whimper left you right there. You couldn't see it, but you knew he had this signature grin of his on those dangerous, kiss-worthy lips.

“Of course. I will take what's mine as soon as you open your eyes tomorrow. Probably won't even be able to wait until you're fully awake.”

Dear Lord, you could not wait what that man would do to you as soon as he was finally sober.

Choi Jongho

“N’ then he actually cheated on her, can you believe that Jongho?!”, you slurred, all while barely being able to walk as your best friend opened the door to your apartment.

Today, you went out with Jongho and the other boys, eventually drinking a few shots too much as you all caught up with one another. 

Jongho couldn't help but chuckle at your drunken antics, shaking his head in disbelief as he held onto your arm to steady you. “Alright, alright, let's get you to bed before you spill any more gossip”, he said in a teasing tone. 

As you made your way down the hallway towards your room, you continued to ramble which left Jongho completely unfazed though; the poor man was trying his hardest to get you to bed safely, but in your state you didn't realize that, so after him only humming occasionally and otherwise ignoring you, you grew frustrated with him and tried to free yourself. 

In an effort to regain control over your own balance, you stubbornly swatted at Jongho's arm, accidentally tripping yourself in the process. The sudden movement took him by surprise, but his reflexes kicked in and he managed to catch you just in time, preventing a collision with the floor. “Whoa there!” he exclaimed, securing his grip around your waist to keep you upright. “Let's take it easy.”

Realizing the gravity of your near-fall, your frustration gave way to embarrassment. You mumbled an apology, trying your best to stand straight on your wobbly legs. Jongho merely sighed and offered you a reassuring smile, tightening his hold as he continued guiding you toward your bedroom. As much as it annoyed you when he didn't engage with your tipsy musings, you couldn't help but be grateful for his unwavering support - even in the most inebriated of moments.

“I'm glad my best friend is sooooo strong, otherwise I might have kissed the floor right there”, you giggled, patting his strong, muscular arms.

“Oh wow”, you muttered, in awe as you squeezed his arms more and more, feeling underneath you just how strong your best friend really was.

Of course you knew that. While his personality may be teddy bear like, Jongho was notorious for being able to break apples with his bare hands, but knowing about his strength and now directly feeling it were two completely different things.

And in your very drunken state, his strength made you unbelievably horny.

Jongho, seemingly unaware of the effect his strength was having on you, just chuckled at your reaction and shook his head. “Honestly, you get more ridiculous with each drink”, he playfully teased. 

As you both finally reached your bedroom, he assisted you in sitting down on the edge of the bed. “Maybe next time we should stick to non-alcoholic drinks”, he suggested jokingly, though there was a hint of sincerity in his voice. Carefully, he helped you remove your shoes and made sure you were comfortably tucked beneath the blanket. Before leaving the room, he handed you a glass of water and gently reminded you to drink it to help with a potential hangover in the morning. His nurturing nature left a warmth in your chest that made your heart swell with gratitude while also fueling your attraction. 

Many thought Jongho was a particularly cold person, but when with the right people, he was nothing but funny and caring, just like right now - while all you wanted was for him to use his strength, doing whatever he wanted to you.

“Hey, you still with me Y/N?”

“Fuck me, Jongho”, you blurted out.

Jongho's eyes widened in surprise at your sudden, bold request. For a moment, he hesitated, uncertain whether to be alarmed or amused by the effect of alcohol on you. Then, he let out a soft laugh and shook his head, clearly understanding that you were not in the right state of mind for such things. “Alright, Y/N, I think it's time for you to sleep this off”, he advised gently, his voice carrying a hint of embarrassment and concern.

“No, you don't understand! I'm not joking! I've been wanting you for so, so long. Everyday I'm reminded of how sexy, strong, cute, funny and nice my best friend is, and when that woman flirted grinded onto you at the club today all I could think about was me doing this to you, and then you'd grab me and kiss me and touch me and-”

“Fucking hell”, Jongho muttered, his eyes dark and filled with lust as he looked down at you.

Taking his jacket and shoes off and slipping underneath the sheets beside you, Jongho looked not once broke eye contact, staring at you until you were squealing in frustration. 

“If you'll be a good girl and go to bed I'll let you do whatever you want to me tomorrow, hm? What do you think, baby?”

Never in your life have you agreed to something this fast.

[rainywerewolfmoon]

The Fairyland

Ao3 link here The Fairyland - Chapter 22 - Princessmh9 - Multifandom [Archive of Our Own]

Chapter 22: The Bond

{As they come to an aisle of stalls, Genevieve sees a stall all on its own in a corner.}

{Genevieve} I am going to take it, that is Shadow's stall {Hannar nods yes.}

{Hannar}We had to have him separate from the other stalls. It got so bad he actually broke the stall dividers {he says shaking his head sadly. As they got near to the stall she could see the back of Shadow, but before Genevieve get any closer, a horse leans his head out of the stall, making Genevieve jump a little in surprise.}

{Genevieve,} You scared me a bit there {She says as she realized Kendra's hand is not on her shoulder. The beautiful grey Shire cross Andalusian nickers as she hear Kendra chuckle coming in front of her as she hugs the horse.}

{Kendra,} giving our guest a shock, are you? You cheeky boy, Steel, {she says fondly as a mother would to a child as he neighs in delight.}

{Genevieve} So this is Steel, {she says delighted as Kendra smiles proudly.}

{Kendra} Yes. This is my baby Steel. He has been mine since my first day of training, and we have been together for years {she says with a proud look in her eyes as Steel nuzzles her, making her giggle.}

{Genevieve} May I pat him please Kendra?

{Kendra} Of course you can, he loved to meet you {she says as Genevieve holds out a hand as Steel sniffs it before nuzzling it gently and loving.}

{Genevieve} He is so soft and so handsome, {she says as Kendra beams in delight.}

{Kendra} He is a good boy. Been through a ton of battles with me, he has, and not once has he fell in them though so many of his stable friends has and very few of them return {she says softly as she hugs him. Genevieve feels sorry for Kendra and Steel. No doubt those who never returned fell at the hands of the Unseelie and Wild Hunt when they crossed boarders and classed with the Seelie. She wonders how the Realm and the Folk of it has survived this ongoing war with the outcasts for so long.

{Genevieve, her voice filled with empathy} It must have been incredibly difficult for both you and Steel to face such battles and witness the loss of your friends. The resilience and strength that you both possess are truly remarkable. I can only imagine the hardships endured throughout the ongoing conflict.

{Kendra, her expression somber} The Realm and its inhabitants have indeed endured much suffering, but we hold on to the hope of a better future. Each day, we strive to bring an end to the Unseelie Court and Wild Hunt's reign of terror. It is individuals like you, Genevieve, who offer us a glimmer of hope and remind us that change is possible.

As Genevieve continues to pat Steel, she feels a sense of connection with him. It's as if she can sense the weight he carries and the loyalty he possesses, despite the trials he has faced.

{Genevieve, softly} Steel, you've been a steadfast companion to Kendra, haven't you? Your courage and loyalty are truly admirable. I'm honored to meet you, my brave friend.

Steel nuzzles against Genevieve's hand, his presence offering a sense of comfort and encouragement. It's a small moment of respite amidst the turmoil that surrounds them.

{Kendra, grateful} Thank you, Genevieve, for understanding and showing kindness to Steel. It means more than you can imagine. Your ability to connect with the horses and the empathy you demonstrate give me confidence in your bond with Shadow.

With Steel by their side, Genevieve, Kendra, and Hannar continue their journey towards Shadow's stall, ready to meet the enigmatic Kelpie who holds the key to their intertwined destinies. As they approach, Genevieve can't help but feel a mixture of anticipation and nervousness, unsure of what lies ahead but steadfast in her resolve to help Shadow find peace.

Suddenly, a wild looking Stallion rears up, screaming like crazy, before kicking and bucking in his stall as a panicked Dwarf tries to get away from him.

As the chaos erupted in the stable, with the angry stallion and the panicked dwarf, Genevieve's attention was immediately drawn to Shadow's stall. Her heart raced, and an unexplainable connection surged within her, resonating with the glowing necklace around her neck.

Without hesitation, Genevieve moved forward, her steps guided by an unseen force. She stood before Shadow's stall, the necklace's luminous glow casting an ethereal light upon the scene. She could feel the weight of Shadow's pain, his fear, and his mistrust.

Speaking with a voice filled with understanding, Genevieve addressed Shadow, acknowledging the torment he had endured. She reassured him, assuring him that he was now in a place of safety and compassion. Her words echoed with sincerity, resonating deep within Shadow's wounded spirit.

The necklace pulsed with a radiant intensity, its magic intertwining with the flicker of hope in Shadow's eyes. In that moment, he ceased his wild rampage and fixed his gaze upon Genevieve, his ears pinned back and his body tense with wariness.

As she extended her hand, Genevieve turned her head away, trusting in the power of connection and empathy. The stable fell into a hushed silence as all eyes remained fixed upon the unfolding scene. Hannar, Kendra, the dwarf, and even the horses held their breaths, waiting for the profound moment to unfold.

Puck Oberon and Queen Titania joined the gathering, their presence a testament to the significance of this encounter. Kendra and Puck exchanged a brief nod, their skepticism momentarily suspended in the face of potential prophecy fulfillment. A familiar elf, standing alongside King Lindor, observed with hope and anticipation.

Shadow took a hesitant step forward, pausing as if weighing his choices. And then, with a breath of surrender, he leaned in, his velvety muzzle touching Genevieve's outstretched hand. A soft snort escaped him, a mixture of relief and vulnerability.

As Genevieve opened her eyes, a brilliant smile graced her face. The connection between them had been established, a bond forged in compassion and trust. Shadow, seeking solace, turned to face her, his head resting gently upon her shoulder. Genevieve embraced him, wrapping her arms around his neck, their hearts beating as one.

King Lindor, overwhelmed with the realization of the prophecy's truth, spoke in awe, invoking the name of Merlin himself. The Elf, a witness to this profound moment, beamed with joy, affirming the significance of their meeting.

In this embrace, a new chapter began, their destinies entwined. Genevieve and Shadow, united by understanding and compassion, embarked on a journey that would test their courage and reshape the Realm. Their bond served as a beacon of hope, inspiring others to rise against the forces of darkness and work towards unity and harmony.

With Shadow's trust and Genevieve's unwavering determination, they would confront the challenges that lay ahead, guided by the wisdom of the necklace and the support of newfound allies. The Realm trembled with anticipation, for within this connection lay the potential to reshape their world and bring about a brighter future for all.