#brought to mind by the recent worlds finest

[rhysazriel]

Meet Me in the Copy Room [CEO!Rhysand]

SUMMARY: Rhysand is Y/N’s boss but he likes his secretary more than he should. (10.8k)

WARNINGS: teasing, swearing, kissing, smut; dirty talk, fingering, oral (both receiving and face sitting), protected sex, multiple orgasms

A/N: this is a fic from my other account that I no longer use, I changed some bits around for it to fit Rhys' character after an anon had requested it!! Also, this is a Modern AU bc Rhys’ vibe screams CEO hehe

Y/N has worked in many places before Velaris LTD. She was a waitress for a brief few months when she was in college at a diner near her dorm. She was also a librarian for six months and a part-time barista in the cafe down the street from her parents home. 

She’s done her share in retail and even a year working in the bank, but as of recent, the past seven months, she’s been employed by Velaris LTD, one of the worlds finest trading companies.

She’s no longer assigned a God awful uniform, nor does she have to converse with the general public and adhere to the customers' every need. No. Now, Y/N has her own little office area with a big reception desk with her own phone and separate line across her boss’ office. 

Now, she has her own computer and a little fax machine and she wears heels with pencil skirts and pretty blouses.

Given, she’s a secretary, but an important one at that. She’s not the kind of secretary that runs pointless errands and gets her boss coffee while adhering to their every beck and call. She arranges meetings in the most elite of clubs and restaurants. She files the reports she’s meant to and she handles his schedule and phone calls. 

He may be the CEO, but Y/N is the one behind closed doors that ensures everything runs as smoothly as it does.

And sure, Rhysand is the literal face and name of his damn company and he should ideally hire someone to run the damn business for him, but he’s also narcissistic and refuses whenever it’s brought up to let another man or woman run his business for him. 

Maybe that’s what she likes so much about her job. That he doesn’t trust anyone to be by his side except her.

It’s something she’s struggled to understand for the longest time. She’s three years younger than him, barely just turned twenty-six, yet he chose to hire her over all the other highly-qualified applicants. 

She hasn’t complained about it, would never. Her job is too good. As his personal secretary, her monthly wage is what four months at the diner used to get her. And don’t get her started on the other perks her position offers.

She’s thankful, and she makes that very clear in every opportunity she gets. She didn’t know Rhysand before she got the job, and if she’s completely honest, she’d never ever heard of him. 

She expected him to be some stuck up prick that didn’t respect women and only cared for his company and business. She was proven incredibly wrong at her interview when he made her a cup of tea and asked inclusive questions her previous employers didn’t care to think of.

Within three weeks of having the job, she’d learned more about him than the colleagues that have worked for him since the beginning of his firm. And she doesn’t mean things like how he takes his coffee and his favourite places to go for lunch. She means she knows what laundry detergent he can’t use because it irritates his skin. 

She knows his mother and sister are the most important women to him, that he sometimes misses his mundane life working with his brothers. She knows the meanings behind almost every single tattoo he has and that while the press made him out to be a cheating womaniser when his fiancee left him two years ago, it was actually her that did the cheating and left him heartbroken.

She’s always wondered why Rhysand trusts her so much. She’s never given him a reason not to, and she never would, but it’s always been in the back of her mind. But then, she supposes she doesn’t know why Rhys does a lot of things that regard her. 

Like how, in the mornings, he brings her coffee on his way past her desk. How he always insists he delivers paperwork to her himself and softly apologises for how much she has to file away. 

Or how he’ll send her cheeky emails from his personal about how annoying Gerione is when she tries to flirt with him. And on more than one occasion, she’s noticed him leaning in his chair to get a peek at her through the window of his office; craning his neck up to see her past the high wall of her reception-like desk.

She doesn’t say anything to him, though. She supposes he’s trying to sneakily check in on her to make sure she’s actually doing the work. Y/N knows she’s not the youngest to work for Velaris LTD, but she is the youngest to be fully employed and not as an intern. 

She’s faced ageism within the company since her first day. She’s either babied by the mothers of the company, or criticised and borderline bullied by the ones a few years older and higher up. She hasn’t much let it get to her, though. She figures she’s clearly a valuable asset if the company is still running and Rhysand still wants her by his side.

Today feels no different from any other. She gets to work at 7:45 AM, a sleepy smile on her lips as she greets Amora at the front desk. He smiles through tightly pursed lips and quickly avoids her gaze, greeting another worker with a high-pitched laugh and kissing their cheek. 

Y/N keeps walking, doesn’t let herself dwell and makes for the elevator. She’s alone until she gets up to the twelfth floor and the keycard clipped to her pencil skirt is gently patting against the left side of her lower tummy.

She doesn’t let her eyes take in her appearance as she walks past the floor-to-ceiling mirror that encompasses an entire 15-foot long wall. She knows her ponytail is tight enough and that her shirt is probably a little wonky because her bag that rests on her shoulder is tugging at the collar of it. 

She also doesn’t let herself look to her right because she doesn’t think she has the energy to pretend to ignore the snickers and grimaces from a few of the thirteenth-floor girls this morning.

Instead, Y/N rounds the corner and gets comfortable behind her desk. Her bag is tucked underneath it and her fingers make quick work of logging onto her computer and getting started for the day. Rhysand’s office is directly opposite her, thin windows either side of the tall door and from her seat, she can see his empty desk and a gorgeous view of the city.

It’s exactly 8 AM when Rhysand greets her with her morning coffee. He’s dressed in his usual slick black suit with a charming smile on those pink lips. Y/N would be lying if she said she’s never thought about her boss in more than a professional way. She’s thought about him in many different scenarios where he has her in many different positions.

“Good morning, Rhysand,” she greets him softly, a gentle smile on her plump lips. 

That was another thing that took her a while to get the hang of. Rhys doesn’t like to be referred to by his last name. The first time she greeted him as such, he waved it off and insisted she called him Rhysand or Rhys. 

It’s been months since she even thought of his last time… to the point where every time she sees it on some paperwork, she struggles to pair it with him.

Rhys takes his time every morning to admire her and her outfit of the day. He’s thoroughly pleased about the tight blouse and many open buttons at the top that offer the delicious view of the swell of her perky tits.

He averts his gaze with another charming grin, and can feel his trousers slowly begin to tighten as he places her coffee on her desk. “Morning, darling. How did you sleep?” he asks, always taking a few minutes out of his morning to make sure she feels okay and slept well the night before.

Rhysand’s never really known himself why he purposely goes out of his way to ask her these things. He doesn’t bother to do much with any other of his workers, nor his previous personal secretaries. 

He tells himself it’s because she’s young and new, so he wants to make sure she feels as comfortable and as included as he can. But she’s only three years younger than him and she’s been working for him for over a year.

He needs to stop feeding himself that same bullshit excuse.

Y/N gleams a pretty smile and leans forward with her elbows on the desk, subsequently pressing her tits together deliciously. Rhysand licks his lips, eyeing up her chest before gazing back at her pretty smile again. But it doesn’t go unnoticed and it stirs something that oozes confidence inside her.

She tilts her head a little, a hint of something mischievous in her eyes but Rhys doesn’t notice. Figures she’s too innocent to catch on to his somewhat advances, but little does he know. 

“Slept okay, it’s just really hot in my house lately… I need to speak with my landlord about getting a new AC fitted or I’ll be stuck sleeping naked until further notice,” she tells him through a seemingly innocent sigh, shrugging her shoulders and as hard as Rhysand tries to hide his bulging eyes, she catches them, along with the bulging in his pants.

He raises his brows in amusement and a lopsided grin pulls at the corners of his pink lips. He tilts his head like she did. “Do you only sleep naked when your air con is broken? Thought that’s something people living alone normally did? Freeing and all. I do it,” he shrugs his shoulders. He’s subtly prying, trying to learn if she still lives alone in that cutsey townhouse just twenty minutes away, or if she’s got a man on the scene.

He watches the apples of her cheeks twitch and he wonders if she’s imagining him sleeping naked. She is. He smirks to himself at the thought of what she must be mustering up in that pretty little head of hers. 

It’s nothing new between the two; occasional flirting and topics that definitely should not be discussed between a boss and his secretary. He likes to watch her squirm and splutter and innocently reply in a way that has blood rushing to his cock. 

He’s always observed her closely during these types of interactions, knows how to read her body language. He’s come to learn when she feels uncomfortable, and she’s never shown any signs of discomfort during said topics.

“And it would be freeing if I didn’t have a friend staying with me that often forgets to knock on my bedroom door before storming in,” she chuckles dryly, wondering if her words would rile him up or not. 

She doesn’t know why they would. 

She figures it’s all just harmless banter between the two; a little bit of flirtatious teasing to loosen them up when things get a little stressy. She’s dead certain someone as successful as him would never actually want anything romantic with his fucking assistant.

His brows raise higher than before, can feel his hand ball into tightly clenched fists and he clears his throat, gritting his teeth behind a hard smile. “Oh? You’ve got a friend staying with you?” he asks in a soft tone that doesn’t suggest he’s pissy that her friend gets to see her naked and between her sheets. 

He wonders what else she does naked between the sheets in the dead of night when she can’t sleep. 

She nods, soft hum verberating in her closed mouth as she types something quickly on her computer. “Yeah, he just broke up with his girlfriend so he’s staying at mine until he can get his stuff out and move into the new flat he’s found.” She watches him inhale a shaky breath through his flared nostrils and avert his gaze to the wall behind her.

She’s got a glimmer of a smirk on her lips, eyes light and playful but he doesn’t notice that. Rhysand’s too caught up with the newfound knowledge that it’s a male friend that’s walking in on her naked. 

She wonders if he’s imagining her naked in bed… or maybe entertaining the idea of her fucking her friend one night when he walks in on her. She thinks that might be it but it doesn’t explain why he looks royally pissed… dare she say; jealous?

She tilts her head when he looks back down at her, jaw still set and he clears his throat, seemingly trying to cool himself down. His elbows are bent as his forearms rest on the top of his desk, his back arched just slightly. 

“Not got anyone else he can stay with? What did they break up for?” he pushes further, hopes she’ll turn around and say it’s because he realised he’s gay. She doesn’t.

Instead, Y/N shrugs her shoulders and her elbow leans on the desk, her chin sitting in the palm of her hands as she gazes up at him leaning on the second level of her station. 

“Things weren’t working, he didn’t wanna be tied down just yet. Wanted to have a bit of fun before settling.” She can see the gears in his head turn and tick away as he hums absentmindedly.

She tries not to squint at him, to gauge his reaction and decipher what the meaning behind his distant gaze is. She tries not to look too closely into his blushing cheeks and set jaw. She tries not to let herself fantasise about him being jealous and wanting her to himself. She tries, but it doesn’t work.

Rhysand hums, nodding as if he gets it and maybe he does. She knows all about his one night stands and sleepless nights at the strip clubs he frequents. She also knows about the countless booty calls that tend to frequent his office, only for him to ask her to call security to escort the women out. 

And she absolutely should not find great joy in watching them huff as security links their beefy arms in their dainty ones, but she does.

Y/N thinks she keeps that secret to herself, but more times than not, Rhysand’s seen the hint of a smirk tug at the corner of her lips when he leans on the doorframe of his office. He knows she doesn’t notice him watching her, he likes knowing she thinks he doesn’t see things. He sees it all.

“Well hopefully he’ll be out of your hair soon enough,” he proposes and she has a sneaky suspicion that he’s subtly asking how long he’ll be staying with her. Which is exactly what he’s doing. Y/N hums again and shrugs her shoulders. 

“Actually, I don’t mind him being there, I quite enjoy the company. Gets a bit lonely in the evenings sometimes, to be honest,” she baits.

She watches with a small smirk as Rhys inhales a deep and hollow breath, bowing his head a little so his chin almost rests against his black tie, his jaw knocking against his shirt collar. She doesn’t know where this sudden confidence is coming from. Can she even call it confidence? She isn’t flirting, just baiting him to gauge his reactions.

“Don’t fancy going out with your girlfriends?” He tries to steer away from the topic of other men in her life, but Y/N isn’t finished just yet. 

“Sometimes, on the weekends, sure. But it gets a bit annoying when guys don’t know how to take a hint and keep trying to hit on you all night,” she sighs in fake annoyance and she’s certain she sees red flash through Rhysand’s eyes.

She lets herself think he’s jealous, protective. The thought of her boss thinking of her in a sexual manner and hating the idea of other men being in her home or hitting on her is exciting. It’s a thrilling rush of blood that causes tingles between her thighs and has her pressing them together beneath her desk.

Rhysand’s none the wiser. His fists clench at the image of another man dancing up her but his cock bloats at the thought of her dancing on a night out. No doubt in a short and tight dress. He knows tonight he’ll let himself think he can feel the swell of her ass rubbing against his crotch, let himself think he can taste her lips on his tongue.

He doesn’t say anything else and Y/N thinks he’s thoroughly fucked in his head. “Well, I’ve emailed over your schedule for the morning. Have a good day, Rhys.”

//

Through the rest of the morning, Rhysand struggles to focus on anything that isn’t her. He’s had two conference calls and for both video meetings from his office, he’s been leaned over in his chair with a strained neck, trying to catch sight of what she’s doing at her desk through the thin window in his door. 

He was more than thankful when the calls ended because when she sat on her knees on her chair and leaned over the top of the desk, her tits almost spilled out of her blouse and Rhysand spent the rest of the hour sporting a rock hard boner.

He thinks she’s doing it on purpose when she comes into him after her lunch break. She’s taken her hair out of her ponytail and it falls in loose waves down her shoulders. 

She enters his office with her hands full of paperwork that just so happen to stop beneath the swell of her breasts so they’re able to sit on the pile; all perky and swollen. She’s got a shy smirk on her lips, too. Like she knows she’s taking her end of the teasing a little further and she lets out a little huff of relief after she plops them onto his desk.

Rhys doesn’t try to hide his stare on her chest and she wonders if he catches her staring at the thick bulge in his pants. Neither parties say anything to the other but as their eyes meet, it’s like an unspoken understanding is pieced together. 

A silent acknowledgement that they both know what the other is doing and that they’re more than okay with it. Like all lines between them are completely blurred and any boundaries are ready to be pushed aside.

He watches her hips sway as she leaves his office, closing the door behind her when she leaves. His neck cranes again as he leans to his side in his swivel chair, watching her type something on her computer through the window again. 

Her brows are furrowed softly as she stands and rounds her desk, meeting his gaze through the thin glass and walking past his office completely. He tries to watch her but she disappears from his line of sight and an email pings through his laptop.

Y/N: Meet me in the copy room.

He’s leaping out of his chair before he can even push himself away from his desk. His strides are long and quick as he rips his office door open and slams it closed behind him. He clears his throat and avoids the gaze of his employees, ignores the ogling looks he earns from the women he knows touch themselves to the thought of him late at night.

Rhysand sneaks his way into the copy room, kicking the door closed behind him. She stands in front of him, leaning against the copier with a flirtatiously shy smile. He reaches blindly behind him and twists the lock, his bottom lip taut between his teeth as he ogles her shamelessly. She feels shy under his gaze, knowing he doesn’t care to hide how attracted he is to her.

She doesn’t have time to feel awkward or rake her brain for something to say because he’s rushing toward her and with both large hands caressing her cheeks, his lips are smearing against hers. 

Y/N reaches up and tangles her fingers in his messily styled hair, twisting the curls and tugging softly. His hands leave her face in desperation as they pinch at her hips before rounding her body and squeezing deliciously at her ass.

She tastes like strawberries; her tongue swirling against his. His mind is swimming and all he wants to do is taste her little honey pot, wants to know if she tastes as sweet down there as she does on her tongue. 

She’s no better. His tongue works skilfully against her, licking into her warm mouth and nibbling softly at her bottom lip. She can’t help but suckle filthily on his tongue, wishing to God she was on her knees as he fucks her mouth.

Both of their minds are hazy; like everything they feel is overwhelming and yet not enough all at once. Y/N feels the pulsing between her thighs, can feel her little lace panties soaking up her arousal and Rhysand’s cock is painfully hard in his pants—knows his tip is fucking leaking and no doubt a delicious purple shade.

“God, I‘ve been wanting to do this for so long,” he admits gruffly into her mouth, grabbing handfuls of her ass over her skirt but it’s too tight for him to spread her cheeks like he fucking needs to. 

Y/N whimpers into his mouth and he hikes her up and onto the desk, just beside the copier machine. He rolls her skirt up her thighs until it’s bunched tightly around her waist. Her clothed pussy sits against the cold wood and she shudders, tugging him between her spread legs.

“Why didn’t you?” She breathes heavily into the kiss. 

His hands are gripping at her thighs; the cool metal of his rings sending chills through her body and she’s desperately stripping him from his suit jacket. He groans, hands rushing back up to her face to cup her jaw while he struggles to fight against her to keep his jacket on. 

He kisses her lips and pulls away, mind foggy but he wants to take his time with her, not have a quick fuck in the copy room and never again after that.

“Didn’t know if you wanted it, too,” he breathes, warm breath fanning across her lips and she reaches up blindly to kiss him again. Her eyes are hooded, lips swollen, and Rhysand’s fucked at the sight of her. 

“I do want to, if it wasn’t already obvious,” she groans shyly, a heavy heat sitting on her cheeks and he chuckles, ego inflating as his cock pulses in his pants.

“I’m gonna fuck you so good, baby,” he promises and her eyes light up before she lets him finish his sentence. “But not here, not now. I want to take my time with you,” he rumbles through his chest, cupping her cheeks again and Y/N pouts breathlessly, her once confident demeanour slowly shifting and she feels a little small under his gaze.

“Fuck me now and take your time with me later,” she bargains, not even the slightest bit ashamed of how forward and desperate she’s letting herself seem. 

He’s no better. The second the words slip from her lips, he’s kissing her again; harder than before. It’s desperate; needy and raw. His fingers are tugging her shirt down and her breasts spill over and out of her bra.

Y/N’s head falls back as he tweaks a taut nipple between his thumb and forefinger, pinching and twisting as he continues his assault down her lean neck. She’s letting breathy whimpers slip past her lips as her head rolls against her shoulder. Y/N scratches at his back, tugging off his suit jacket and he throws it across the boxed room.

Rhys dips his head from her neck, kissing across her clavicle and nipping at her collarbones. He massages hungry open-mouthed kisses across the swell of her tits, circling her pearled nipple with his skilled tongue and she shudders as he envelopes his lips around it, suckling softly and flicking his tongue.

“Rhys,” she breathes in a wanton pant. 

He feels his cock bloat at the sound of his name slipping past her lips in a desperate whimper. Hearing her shudder his name as he latches on her nipple is something he didn’t know he needed to hear.

“Best tits I‘ve ever seen,” he mumbles as he pulls off her with a kiss to her areola, biting at her cleavage. 

Y/N’s fingers are desperately fumbling with his tie, tugging it loose and popping open a few buttons. Rhysand doesn’t give her the time or chance to open more than two before he’s shoving her tiny lace panties to the side and swirling his middle finger through her dripping folds.

Rhys groans at the feel of her; soft and warm, completely fucking drenched. The tip of his finger teases at her hole, swirling around her soaked folds but she wants more, needs it. He seems to sense her desperation because, without a second longer of anticipation, he pushes his finger in and massages at her squishy walls.

He splutters pathetically against her chest, his grip on her hip tightening as he slowly pumps his digit in and out of her dripping heat. 

“Oh shit, you’re so tight,” he groans, completely fucking mesmerised by the way her little pussy is clenching onto him. 

He wonders if his cock will even fit. She shudders breathlessly, thighs willing to clench shut but he doesn’t let them.

His fingers are much longer than hers; hitting deeper than she’s ever able to in the dead of night when she can’t sleep. Her head falls back and Rhysand latches his lips onto her neck, pulling out so his fingertip rests at her hole before he lunges back in with a second digit.

They’re twisting in a ‘come hither’ motion, pads of his fingertips massaging at her squishy spot and she’s quivering and trembling under his touch. Her clit feels like it’s on fire, angry and desperate from the neglect it’s facing so she sneaks a hand between their bodies, holding her weight on one arm as she leans back, and offers herself a pinch of relief.

It’s a filthy fucking sight for Rhys to be privy to; watching her little fingers rub deliciously at her soaked, swollen clit. He’s painfully hard but fuck, he wants to see her cum all over his hand before he releases his bloated cock. 

“Fuck, Rhysand… oh shit,” she’s gasping frantically, legs twitching and toes curling.

He can’t help but wonder how long it’s been since someone last touched her this good. He’s only had his hands on her for a couple of minutes and he can feel how close she is to her tipping point, how badly she needs to explode. He wonders if he’s about to make her cum harder than she ever has before.

She’s getting loud, too vocal for them to get away with the quick rendezvous they’re playing at. It’s when he tests the waters and scissors his fingers before picking up his pace that she falls uncontrollable with the desperate cries and filthy whines. 

He has no other choice than to shove her until her back is pressed against the desk and he’s leaning over her trembling body to press a hand over her mouth.

Y/N’s muffled moans vibrate against his palm and he watches the delicious sight with a deep hunger in his eyes. His teeth are gritted, breaths and grunts seething between them at the sight of her tits bouncing across her chest. 

“Cum, gonna cum!” he hears her muffled voice beg into his hand, a smug grin tugging helplessly at the corners of his lips and he coaxes it out of her.

“That’s it, baby. Cum for me. Gonna cum all over my fingers like a good girl? My good girl?” he spurs her on, eyes rolling at the sensation of her tiny pussy spasming around his thick fingers and fuck, he’s sure he’s about to cum in his pants over it.

Y/N thrashes against the table, chasing her high as he finger fucks her through it. The sounds are obscene; muffled pleas and filthy squelching noises that sound from her messy cunt.

He slows his pace and lets her calm from her orgasm, nosing through her chest and he smears his parted lips across her tits, his tongue sitting on his bottom lip as he does so. Rhysand suckles gently on her pearled nipple as he moves his hand from her mouth and she’s tangling her fingers in his hair, deep breaths causing her chest to ripple.

Y/N’s eyes are fluttering, dazed and overwhelmed and they both know her legs are still trembling in the after-shock. She’s still desperate, though – inhibitions out the window and she no longer wants to play coy or hard to get. She wants his cock and she wants it shoved so deep inside of her that she won’t be able to walk for weeks.

“Please,” she murmurs through half-lidded eyes. Rhys’ brows furrow gently as he pulls off her chest, licking his lips and trying to chase her wanton gaze. When he finally does, he notices just how flushed and fucked she is. He’s a little taken back, if he’s honest. He knows the effect he has on women in the bedroom, but none quite like this for a quick fingerbang in the copy room.

Rhysand reaches for her face, cupping her jaw in his palm and she finally meets his eyes. She’s blinking back rose-tinted hues of arousal to try and see him clearer, but even when her vision isn’t stained with lust, he still looks ravishing and it’s painful.

“Please, what, Miss Y/L/N?” he teases.

Rhysand’s got a sick grin on his face at the way her entire body shudders at his tone and choice of words. She’s a whimpering mess again but he’s barely got his hands on her – one on her hip and the other cupping her jaw. 

“Use your words,” he coaxes. Her lashes flutter angelically across her cheekbones and her lips blabber open and closed like a helpless fish out of water.

“Fuck, need you inside of me. Want your cock.” Y/N’s shuddering at her own choice of words. She’s always loved a bit of dirty talk but not once has it ever really come into play with past partners and if she’s honest, she feels way too shy and filthy. But she fucking loves it.

She loves the way he takes a deep breath – the way he growls to himself to try and fix his composure. She thinks he’s about to give into her, pound her raw and have her sobbing for more, baby, please, I need more! But what she gets is the complete opposite.

Rhysand’s lips hover over her ear, nosing at her neck on his way up before he’s nibbling his way across her jaw until his lips ghost hers.

“Not when you’re so fucked out, Princess. Let me come home with you tonight, back to your place. I’ll be your company,” he nips at her bottom lip, nosing at her jaw again and her head flutters back for a moment, eyes rolling. 

“My place? But my – my friend is there…” she trails off breathlessly, struggling to keep her grip on reality when Rhys begins to suck a bruise against her neck.

He pulls away with a sly grin, eyes hooded and dark and her lashes flutter as she drinks him in. He reaches forward and nips at her bottom lip again. “I know.”

//

She’s nervous as she climbs into his car. He insisted he drive them home and back to work tomorrow morning, which means he plans on staying the night and Y/N is not opposed to that in the slightest. 

But her nerves are getting the best of her when he reaches across the console and lets his hand rest on her thigh, squeezing generously and gnawing on his own bottom lip.

Her mind is working so hard on overdrive that she can’t even focus on one thing to worry about. Rhysand on the other hand, has one thing on his mind and one thing only. Her. 

Excitement is rushing through his veins and he’s sure he can hear his heartbeat in his ears. Blood is rushing to his thick cock and all he can think about is her sweet pussy and how it’ll taste when he has her sitting on his face; the only seat she’ll ever want and need.

They make it to her townhouse in no time and she’s clambering out of the car before he has the chance to switch the engine off. He knows she’s just as nervous as she is excited but he doesn’t say anything on the matter – at least, not yet. 

He follows her up the steps to the door, arms shaking around her waist and he kisses across the exposed expanse of her neck, flicking his tongue over the fresh bruise that’s darkened as the day dwindled on.

Neither of them seem to care that it’s still partly daylight and wandering eyes are no doubt watching on with sickening glances and judgemental stares. Y/N struggles to unlock the front door, too busy trying not to roll her head back in pleasure and anticipation. She loosens up a little as he licks wet stripes up her neck, nibbling on the tender skin and the second the door is open, he’s pinning her against it as it slams shut behind them.

His mouth is on her neck, suckling and licking his way up to her jaw, nipping at the curved edge before he licks across the shell of her ear. “Gonna have you dripping on my cock and screaming in my mouth, Princess,” he promises. His tone is dirty, dark and raspy and Y/N’s thinks she’s ready to submit to absolutely anything he fucking wants.

She’s pathetic, really – nodding frantically – eager to please. She doesn’t make an effort to hurry them to her bedroom. She’s too caught in the moment Rhysand thinks he wants to have her friend catch her being fucked roughly against her front door, let him know she’s already being treated as good as it fucking gets.

“Please, Rhys. Need it so bad, please,” she blabbers wetly. 

He kisses her quickly; hot and sticky. Their tongues are dancing a frantic rhythm but their lips still manage to mould and fit like puzzle pieces. Rhysand’s hands are hot on her waist, trailing up her body until he cups beneath the swell of her pretty tits.

“Please, what? What do you need, my love?” he coaxes, suckling on her bottom lip and she’s got half a mind to push him to his knees and hike her thighs over his shoulders. But she doesn’t have the will power or the guts and she’d much rather him dominate the absolute shit out of her.

His demeaning tone has her shaking – nimble fingers trying to tug and claw at the expensive blazer of his suit. She doesn’t know if it excites or frustrates him, but it does spur him on to tear her pretty blouse open and rip her bra in two. 

He ignores her shriek of shock and latches his wet mouth to her tit, sucking her hardened nipple between his lips and rolling his tongue across it.

Y/N’s head rolls back and knocks against the front door, wanton whimpers and yelps shrieking from her throat. Rhysand spares no expense – he’s grunting and moaning, coursing vibrations and shrills through her body that has her pulsing core blazing. She feels like she’s on fire and Rhysand feels like a starving man that’s finally about to eat a three course meal.

First, he’ll make her cum with his fingers. Then with his cock. And for dessert, he’ll have her on his face while he laps up everything else she has to offer. But Rhys doesn’t take into consideration that maybe she wants to taste him, too.

“Need your cock in my mouth.”

The filthy admission takes him back and for a split second, he’s stunned. Rhys halts his attack on her chest and leans back to get a proper look at her. Y/N’s eyes are blazing a fiery red, one that screams need and touch. She’s fucked, utterly. Messy hair and smeared lip gloss across the lower half of her face.

His own eyes are hooded as he watches her very slowly slide down the door. Her knees are bending and he knows what’s coming, what she’s trying to do. Rhysand has half a mind to stop her, to remind her who’s in charge and that he just wants to taste her, to make her feel good. 

The other half tells him to tear out her hair band and hold her hair and head in place with his fist, tells him to let her stuff her mouth with his length by the front door and pray and hope her friend just so happens to be home.

Her shaky hands are unbuckling his belt, tugging down his zipper. Her knees hit the entrance carpet and she reaches back behind her to tug her hair completely loose from her elastic. Rhysand watches, chin meeting his chest, as she massages out the kinks before throwing it over her shoulder.

He can’t stop staring at her as she tugs his pants down just enough to palm over the thick and hard bulge in his boxers. He makes no effort to bite back a grunt and the soft whine that follows. Rhys’ eyes are on her but she’s got her gaze focussed on his clothed cock.

Y/N leans forward, nosing at his thick length. Her mouth is parted; bottom lip dragging a wet strip across the expensive, cotton material as she makes her way up for the little strip of thin hairs that dust down to his sweet spot. When she gets to the top of the elastic, her tongue slips from her mouth and a bold, wet stripe is licked fatly up to his bellybutton.

She feels him shudder, hands on the fronts of his thighs and they creep up to the waistband of his boxers. Rhysand’s got one hand tangled in her hair, blunt nails scratching at her scalp and the other is leaning against her front door, supporting his crushing weight up.

“Are you gonna take all of me, baby?” he coaxes. 

Spit begins to well in her mouth as she tugs his boxers down and she’s finally face to face with her boss’ thick, long cock. He’s massive, that much she’s certain of and the way his tip glistens an angry pink proves he’s just as eager as she is. She wonders if he’s been as hard since the copy room earlier today.

Rhysand’s tugging at her hair, trying to get her to focus on the situation at hand rather than ogling at his cock. He usually wouldn’t mind, but right now he’s far too desperate to be lodged down her warm throat to think about anything else. His cock twitches as it slaps at his lower abdomen, leaving damp trails of precum in his tip’s wake.

It’s standing tall when Y/N leans forward on her knees. She’s got her palms bracing her weight on his thick thighs and her tongue sits on her bottom lip, licking a bold and wide strip up the entire eight inches of his thick length. Rhysand’s grunting when her tongue swirls around his head before she’s suckling the soft flesh into her mouth.

Her cheeks are softly hollowed and gentle hums of approval sound around him at the salty taste that sits heady on her tongue. Her lips are stretched around his puffy head, the actual width of him nearly choking her but fuck, if she doesn’t love it with every ounce of her dirty little soul.

She’s got those innocent doe eyes staring up at him while she suckles on his length. Relaxing her throat to take him a little deeper, Y/N pumps in a firm fist what she can’t fit; twisting her wrist. 

Rhys can’t keep his fucking eyes off her – puffy lips swollen and stretched and if he sees another dribble of saliva drip from her lips and down the valley of her tits, he’s gonna cum straight down her throat.

“Fuck, such a good mouth. So fucking good, Princess,” he goads. 

He’s gnawing hard on his bottom lip, mouth salivating at the sight of his pretty little secretary on her knees with her mouth stuffed with his cock. Rhysand can’t help his ego from inflating when she lets him guide his hips until he hits the back of her throat, choking her lightly and she splutters around his length.

It’s filthy – the noises her mouth and his cock are making – but Rhysand’s living for it. Pools and dribbles of saliva and precum are spilling and bubbling from the corners of her mouth and the swells of her tits are soaked from it alone. She’s comfy on her knees now and takes her free hand from his thigh to tug his pants and boxers down further.

She’s picked up her pace, sucking harder and fisting the few inches she can’t take. Y/N’s hand snakes further down and reaches around a little until she’s cupping and massaging his aching balls, coaxing the release she knows he’s about to give her. His taste is getting saltier on her tongue and his hips are staggering with each gentle thrust he offers into her throat.

Rhys’ grip on her hair is hard and tight, knuckles bumping at her skull as he tries to drill her head closer to him, to force more of him down her throat. As much as she tries to relax herself, she can’t take him all and she wants nothing more than to bury her nose in the short hairs that lead from his bellybutton to his shaft.

“Such a good girl for me. Sucking me so fucking well, gonna cum,” he warns and praises the young woman and she comes off him with a frantic gasp. 

Her eyes are watering and his cock is soaked, but that doesn’t stop her from spitting the rest of his arousal on his length and pumping him as quickly as she can.

She’s got that confidence about her again as she focuses on his tip, fisting both hands around his throbbing cock as she smears her swollen lips across his sensitive head. She smacks it against her tongue, offering hollow sucks to guide him over the edge.

Rhys’ got his forehead resting against the door and he’s grunting and groaning, biting back animalistic moans. He can’t wrap his head around it, the most sloppy and incredible blowjob he’s ever had. 

“Wanna taste it. Cum, Rhysand,” she whines greedily, one hand leaving his cock to tear her blouse open just enough for her tits to spill out of it. “Cum all over my tits, baby.”

His orgasm washes over him with a heady grunt and hot spurts of white ribbons that smother her tits perfectly. She’s standing on her knees, using the tip of his aching cock as a paintbrush to smear his cum across her lustful chest. He’s smashing his head against the door, trying to blink away the orgasmic-bliss he’s been thrown in and take a grip of reality again.

When he finally looks down at her, stepping back a little from the door, he’s panting and twitching and she’s licking her lips clean. Y/N’s got that innocent sparkle sitting in her eyes again. Rhysand has to shake his head and let out an exasperated laugh. He’s smoothing down her tangled and matted hair and guiding her back to her feet.

“So fucking sexy,” he groans when he takes note of her cum-smothered tits. 

His lips are smearing against hers greedily, and there’s something so exciting and erotic about tasting himself on her sweet tongue. Her hands are soaked and sticky but she still tangles them in his hair to kiss him harder.

She’s too fucking horny to feel shy or embarrassed about what she’s just done against her front door. “Gonna fuck me now? Thought you promised me you’d fuck me with your cock?” she whispers tauntingly against his lips and he grins, still completely fucked out.

Even though he’s painfully hard again, he doesn’t have it in him to sheath himself in her tight little cunt just yet. He’s got stamina, but his poor cock can’t recover from a blinding orgasm like that too quickly. He nods, hands on her ass and he’s groping like a starved man. 

“And I will, Princess. But you got a taste of me, it’s only fair I get a taste of you, don’t you think?” he teases.

She’s putty in his hands, though – nodding breathlessly as her nose bumps his. She can feel his hard cock against her middle and he gives her pert ass a spank, enticing a high whine from her raw lips. 

“Suppose you better show me to your room then, my love… unless you want your friend to come and watch?” he offers, like he wouldn’t be opposed in the slightest.

If Rhysand’s honest, maybe he wouldn’t. Maybe he’d gladly let her friend watch him absolutely ruin her tight cunt.

“Put your cock in your pants,” she breathes, the firm order doing nothing but coaxing dribbles of precum from his dick. He shoves himself back in his boxers but makes no attempt to button up his trousers while she covers her chest again.

Y/N’s got her hand in his as she leads him up the steps of her townhouse, hips swaying more than usual and Rhysand knows, but he’s too horny to tease her for it. All he can think about is having that ass sat on his face and he’s salivating at the thought of her taste.

He doesn’t take in the decor on the walls or the frilly rug on the floor of the hall. He doesn’t even take in the style of her bedroom when she shoves him inside and kicks the door closed. Rhysand, instead, is too busy tearing her blouse open and ignoring the buttons skidding across her oak floors.

She’s no better, eager to get him naked and claw at his tattooed chest. They’re both naked in seconds, hands all over the other in a desperate attempt to get off. She’s guiding him to her bed, tits in his face and he paws at her breasts as she straddles his lap. She expects him to pin her down, to devour her little cunt but he doesn’t.

He kisses her lips and grips her thighs – laying on his back with his head on her pillow and tugging her up his body and she starts to get the hint when she stops on his chest. Rhysand’s frowning, kneading at her thighs and jutting his chin in the air a little.

“Told you I wanted a taste, now come and sit on your throne, Princess.” She’s giddy with excitement and arousal, head cloudy and she lets him guide her up the rest of his body. 

Her entire pussy is slick and swollen when her knees rest either side of his head. He loops his arms around her legs and rests his hands on her ass, squeezing and massaging her cheeks.

“Fucking look at you, baby. So wet and so soft,” he coos, craning his head up to suck bruises on her thighs. Y/N’s got her fingers tangled in his messy dark locks and when he spreads her ass apart, she falls a little and her soaked cunt sits on his face.

Rhysand’s mouth wastes no time, sucking and licking and nibbling at her hole and clit. He’s swirling wet strokes through her folds, deep and long. Her sweet scent is heavy on his tongue and he’s got his eyes squeezed shut in pure bliss. Y/N is a mess above him – head thrown back and fingers tugging at his unruly locks.

“Oh my God,” she whines, breathing erratically but Rhysand’s having the time of his life. 

She shudders as he brings a hand down on her ass, her meaty flesh jiggling before he’s grabbing it again and pulling her apart and further up his face. He’s got a knot in his brow, tongue circling at her weeping hole and he can’t get enough of her taste.

“So good, so fucking good. Don’t stop,” she begs, desperate and eager. 

Rhys lets his tongue trail up the length of her pussy until the flatness of his tongue is rubbing at her swollen clit, enticing moan after filthy moan to slip from her silky tongue. He wraps his mouth around her little nub, sucking and nibbling and she’s seeing stars.

Y/N can’t seem to catch her breath and she’s rolling her hips on his face like she fucking owns him. Rhysand comes off her clit with a little pop, open-mouthed kisses smeared over her dripping cunt and he sucks a swollen lip into his mouth, biting teasingly and she gasps into the dim room.

Her nipples have puckered in the cool air and one hand leaves his head to tweak and pinch at one of the neglected nubs. She’s trembling on his face, thighs clenching around his head as he kneads and spanks at her ass. Rhysand’s grunting deliciously into her cunt, sending vibrations through the woman’s core and egging her on.

He knows she’s close, knew he wouldn’t have to be between her thighs for too long after she came so quickly from his fingers earlier in the copy room, but that doesn’t mean he wouldn’t gladly spend hours devouring her. She’s sweet – sweeter than he hoped and expected – and it’s better than any feeling he’s ever had before. Sweet like watermelon with a tangy hint.

It’s fucking intoxicating and when she cums, it only tastes better. “I’m cuming, oh shit, oh God…” Y/N can’t think straight. 

Her vision is blinding by streaking light that blocks her sight and the wanton and borderline pornographic moans are music to Rhysand’s ears. She’s shaking, body jolting and when Rhys opens his eyes to watch her unravel on his tongue, all he sees is her head rolling back and the underswell of her tits bouncing before her back coils and she hunches into herself.

He’s lapping her of every single last drop she has, desperate to have her taste lingering on his tongue for as long as he possibly can. His cock is overly bloated and sticky as precum sticks to his lower abdomen but maybe his ego is even more bloated, knowing he didn’t even have to use his fingers to get her quivering and begging above him.

“Fuck,” she gasps in a slow drawl. 

Her voice is deep and raspy, like she’s seething as she tries to catch her breath and stop the shakes from taking over in her post-orgasmic state. Rhysand’s kitten licking her softly, moving his head to bite playfully at the thickness of her inner thighs and he traces over a soft, faded stretch mark with his tongue.

“Sweetest fucking pussy I‘ve ever tasted,” he groans in approval. 

Rhys maneuvers them both so she’s pressed against the mattress, and even in her fucked-out, overly-blissed state, she’s still whining and eager for his cock again. She’s insatiable and Rhysand can’t help the amused chuckle that slips from his lips.

“So fucking desperate, Princess,” he taunts.

He takes a moment to admire her, take her all in. Her pussy is swollen, soaked still and he can almost see her clit pulsing as her hole clenches. Her chest is rattling in deep breaths and her eyes are lidded heavily as she creeps her foot up his thigh, reaching for his hard cock.

He hums appreciatively, spreading her bent knees open and crawling between her legs again. He’s got a hand resting by her head to support his weight – the other gripping her chin in his hold and he forces her mouth open as he lets saliva well in his mouth.

She gets the hint, knows what he’s about to do and she’s desperate to get a taste of herself from him. Y/N’s tongue falls out flat on her bottom lip, eyes a little wider and she holds his firm gaze when he spits on her tongue and forces her mouth closed again. 

The sweetness of her arousal is heavy in her mouth and she swallows what he offered before her lips part again and her tongue is licking up at his stubbly chin, reaching for his lips.

Rhysand’s eyes are blazing, dick twitching against her thigh and he kisses her hard, teeth clashing and tongues dancing an uncoordinated rhythm, but it works. Y/N suckles on his tongue as he groans, pinching at her nipple before he reaches down to palm his cock some.

“Need to get a condom,” he breathes into her mouth but she’s shaking her head. He leaves his cock and reaches for her cunt, attending to her fiery clit that’s far too sensitive but she welcomes the touch, nonetheless. 

“Wanna feel you,” she admits, no shame in the embarrassingly desperate statement and Rhysand thinks he’s about to fucking explode on her cunt before he even gets a proper feel of it.

He wants to, needs to feel her slick and velvety walls hug and suck him in, wants to be consumed by her heat and arousal but even in his lust-filled state, his brain is still turned on. He shakes his head painfully. 

“Next time,” he offers, doesn’t miss the way Y/N’s eyes light up at the insinuation but she nods with a desperate, laboured breath.

She reaches to her side for her nightstand, retrieving a foil packet from the top drawer and she rips it open with her teeth before Rhysand can take it from her. His eyes are wide when she tugs it from the packaging and reaches down for his cock. She pinches the tip of the condom and rolls it over his thick head, sliding it slick down his shaft and he’s grunting in pleasure over the act.

“Fuck. You’re so sexy,” he mutters gruffly against her lips and she whimpers, eyes rolling back at the sheer tone of his voice. Her legs are spread wide as he reaches for his cock and rubs himself up and down her folds a few times.

Y/N’s giddy with excitement, pussy clenching in anticipation and he slowly rolls his hips forward, his fat tip nudging through the tight entrance ring of her pussy and she shudders a gentle shriek at the obvious intrusion.

“Oh, fuck!” she gasps out. 

Her chest is already heaving when he begins to sheath himself in, spreading her wide and drilling in deep. Y/N’s eyes have rolled to the back of her head and her toes have curled inwardly and just how much he’s filling her up.

Rhysand’s no better – teeth gritted and eyes clenched shut. His grip on her hips have his knuckles turning white but neither of them seem to mind the bruises that’ll be apparent in the morning. She’s tight around him, warm and slick and even with the condom, he can feel every pulse her pussy offers.

Rhys rolls his hips slowly, getting her used to his thick girth and generous length. Y/N’s clawing at his shoulders with each soft whine until his pace begins to pick up and the bed starts to rock. Her tits are bouncing on her chest, nipples hard and desperate for a good sucking.

He manoeuvres his body to lean his head down, biting on her hard nub and sucking. “Shit, you’re so fucking big, oh my God,” she praises through a strangled moan. He’s snapping his hips, grunting and smirking against her slobbery tits. 

His tongue is flicking over her nipple in quick strokes as his teeth bite softly but she’s keening at the blissful shoots of pain.

“Tight pussy, baby. Tightest fucking pussy I‘ve ever had.” He pops off her breast and smears his lips against hers. 

She can still taste him on her tongue and the feel of his lips on hers is overwhelming. His thick cock is brushing against all the good spots and she can’t wrap her head around how sex could ever feel this good.

“Faster, please, faster. Just like that,” she begs out through another broken moan. He’s seething through gritted teeth as he wills back his animalistic grunts, drills his hips in quicker thrusts and the wet squelches of his cock and her pussy is music to both of their ears.

“Hear that? Hear how fucking wet you are?” he teases, leaning back and shuffling until he’s on his knees between her quaking thighs. “Fuck, you fit me so fucking good, Princess.” He’s gnawing down on his bottom lip, likely drawing blood but he can’t bring himself to care.

Y/N’s got her head thrown back in her pillows, eyes rolled to the back of her head as her lashes flutter like angel wings. “This cunt was fucking made for me,” he growls through gritted teeth as he releases his lower lip. She’s nodding helplessly at his words, crying out in pure ecstasy at the filth he’s talking and she fucking loves it.

“All yours, Rhys. Pussy’s all yours,” she agrees quickly. 

Her voice is broken, high pitched and whiney. Rhysand thinks it’s borderline pornographic and it only makes his cock throb in her cunt. “Fuck,” he seethes, watching the way her full breasts bounce on her chest.

He lets his gaze avert to where they meet – where his thick cock is drilling into her cunt and fucking her into the mattress. He’s completely slick with every thrust that has his dick pulling out of her. His balls are slapping against her ass, slick with her wetness that leaks from her tight hole and even both their thighs are growing sticky from her arousal and their sweat.

Between them, they’re eager messes, desperate for a hot release and it’s haunting the both of them. Rhysand can feel her cunt clench tenderly around him and Y/N can feel his cock twitching between her soft walls. 

“Fuck, can feel you squeezing me baby, making you feel good, Princess?” He knows he’s making her feel fucking heavenly but the narcassist in him needs to hear that bit of praise.

She’s nodding frantically, eager to give him what he wants to hear. “Yes, fuck, yes! So good, Rhys. I love your cock, makes me feel so fucking full.” She’s moaning through every word, sentence broken by wanton cries and pornographic whines. She’s fucking filthy, dribble running down the corners of her lips as she speaks.

Rhysand’s fucked, can feel his release toppling close to the edge but he needs to feel her cum around him first. “Yeah? You like me buried in your tight little cunt, my love? Like feeling me in your fucking tummy?” He sets a firm palm across her stomach, adding just enough pressure to feel himself nudge at her lower abdomen and his head is spinning.

“More, please. I’m gonna fucking cum, Rhys. Make me cum on your cock, make me cum, please.” She’s begging through desperate tears and Rhysand’s ego is through the fucking roof. His eyes are rolling back at the sound of her broken pleads and he leans closer.

He’s got one hand holding his weight by her head, the other locking around her throat. He watches for a moment, still pounding into her, to see if she tells him to stop, tells him she doesn’t like that. But she reaches up and tightens his hold on her throat and her other hand snakes between them to rub feverishly at her swollen clit.

“Harder,” she demands, voice steady and dark and there’s a primal instinct that washes over Rhysand that tells him to fucking obliterate her. He’s choking her as his cock tears into her, weeping in the condom and Y/N’s sobbing beneath him.

Her thighs begin to tremble, eyes rolled right back and she feels like she’s floating. “I’m cuming! Rhys, I’m gonna cum!” Her body convulses under his touch and waves of bliss roll over her. She’s cumming around his cock, shaking and sobbing and whining like a dirty little girl and Rhysand’s living for it.

He fucks her through her state of bliss, grip still tight on her throat until he feels her calm down and he’s ready to explode. Even in her blissed out state, Y/N knows what she wants. She suckles on his thumb as he grips her jaw and takes her spare hand to push him back just enough to pull his cock out of her cunt.

With hooded eyes and swollen lips, she peels off the condom and tosses it to the side. Rhysand’s eyes are blown wide, brows knitted and even in her hazy state she can see how desperate his cock is for a relief.

He’s hissing when she wraps a hand around his wet length and lazily starts pumping his shaft. “If you can’t come in my pussy, I want your cum all over it.” His head falls back at the admission, cock twitching in her hand and it only takes a few futile pumps before she’s smearing his tip across her swollen clit and he’s cumming.

Hot ribbons of clear-ish cum paint her cunt, spilling across her folds and clit in desperate spurts. “Fuck, oh shit. So good, such a good fucking girl,” he’s praising in broken moans and wanton whines.

Y/N’s pussy clenches around nothing as she watches his thick cock slowly soften to one of a slightly smaller size. They’re both fucked out as Rhysand catches his breath and falls to her side, panting and heaving with a sweaty and heavy chest.

She can barely keep her eyes open, thighs still trembling from her post-orgasmic state and Rhysand’s trying to come to terms with what just happened. He’s too infatuated to scold himself for fucking a damn employee. For fucking his secretary.

He can hear her heavy breathing from beside her and he peeks a look, watching her eyes flutter as she stares up at her ceiling. He holds his breath in hopes of hearing any movement on the other side of the bedroom door but all he can hear is his heart hammering through his body.

He takes a heaving breath and looks back up at the ceiling. “You think your friend might’ve heard us?” He speaks up, breaking the silence. He hears her breath stagger and silence before she lets out an uneven sigh and he can feel her chest shaking.

Rhysand turns to her with pinched brows and she’s grinning with eyes squinted shut. “What? What are you laughing at?” She’s giggling again and Rhys sits up to get a better look at her. She’s thoroughly fucked out.

“I don’t have a friend staying with me,” she admits shyly through a broken laugh and it takes Rhysand a hot second to grasp onto what she’s just said. When he does, his eyes widen and jaw falls slack, smirk tugging on the corners of his parted lips.

Y/N turns to him, running a hand through his matted hair and she gnaws on her bottom lip, staring into his fucked out eyes. “Just wanted to try and get you in my bed,” she confesses.

They’re both grinning; Y/N letting out a squealed shriek as Rhysand pounces on top of her and pins her hands above her head, nosing and biting at her jaw and neck. His eyes are gleaming nothing but mischief as his nose knocks hers and he notices the fire in her eyes.

He nips at her lips. “You lied to me? To get me in your bed like I‘m some sort of cheap hooker?” He’s teasing her now and the banter has her stomach flipping. Y/N shrugs, feigning nonchalance, eyes blazing and she licks into his mouth. 

“Worked though, didn’t it?”

Rhysand pulls away from her lips just enough to see the look on her face. She’s shy under his gaze, innocent eyes staring up at him but there’s still that flash of filth and cheekiness that’s loitering behind them and when she gnaws on her bottom lip, Rhysand can’t help but feel completely fucked.

“You little minx.”

let me know what you thought!!

[sugugasm]

DAZED ! - FUSHIGURO TOJI

SYNOPSIS : ❝ what the fuck was in that strain ? ❞

FEATURING : plug! toji x fem! reader

— CONTENT WARNING : minors do not interact !!, black reader written in mind, use and mentions of mary jane, dominant toji, female! reader, whiny toji bc i need it so bad, hair pulling, spanking, squat-riding, blowjob, fingering, use of profanity and pet names such as ᰔ slut, sweetheart ofc, baby ᰔ

— AUTHOR’S NOTE : hiiii. excuse any mistakes !! this was supposed to be out sooner but i haven’t been feeling the best :/ i’ve come around to finishing this thingy so here you goooo !!!! i hope you all enjoy. reblogs and interactions earn you a smooch.

YOU LOVED YOUR BOYFRIEND.

not only did he take care of you, tend to your every want, and give you the entire world— but he had one of the best jobs ever…in your opinion. being a dealer and all, he was always the first of the first to receive and test only the finest of products.

tonight was one of those nights — the testing nights filled with back to back experimental phases within putting his product to work.

a recent partner he’d just adopted to the group had dropped off one of those familiar, brown boxes you always saw him organizing here and there. the moment he brought it through the door, he practically tore it open like a ravaging animal hungry for prey.

you could remember how excited he was to show you the new items that would soon be appearing on his roster, but you also remembered how much of a character he was when he was high. not only did he get giggly, chattier than usual, and playful— but he also got painfully horny. any little move or phrase leaving your lips had his cock thumping against his briefs at a rapid pace.

kind of like right now.

you’re seated on his lap, eating from the bowl of popcorn you'd made moments before as some cheesy action movie drew your attention. the edibles you'd eaten earlier had finally kicked in, followed by the sudden hunger you'd gotten.

after a few bites, you can feel toji shifting uncomfortably beneath you. your mind immediately goes to the thought of his legs falling asleep, but that thought quickly fades as toji begins to grip your hips even tighter than before, “are you alright, baby? am i hurting you?” you inquire, tilting your head to the side and looking sympathetically at him. toji shakes his head, still remaining silent as he begins to slip his hand between your pants and underwear.

your eyes roll, “tojiii, you said it was movie night,” your whines only encouraged him more. he starts to rub circles around your clit, your dampened panties eventually stringing his fingertips with your slick.

“did i say that? i don’t remember.”

without another thought, your head is flung back. his quick fingers felt too good against you, causing your body to jolt. “we’re going to miss the good parts,” you complain, but he snatches his hand away from your dripping cunt and places a light smack on it instead.

“stop talking. watch the movie.”

his harsh tone unintentionally causes your eyes to return to the action-packed scene that has been causing commotion throughout your home. the weed in your system was already sending shivers down your spine, but his fingers playing a sweet melody with your pussy was causing much more.

“t-toji, please—“

your pussy receives yet another slap, leaving you itching and craving more. “be quiet. do you really wanna’ misbehave right now?” his question and subsequent finger entering your pussy caught you completely off guard, making your chest rumble with a loud moan.

“can you be good for me, sweetheart?” he asks, and you rapidly nod your head as an answer, “use your words. don’t play with me.”

toji deliberately thrusts upward slowly, allowing his hips to move to the point where his covered cock rubbed against your exposed folds. even though his fingertips are still fully plugged into you, you start to grind back onto him— eager to feel something more than just this.

“can't hear me or somethin’? you’re doin’ all that movin’ like you wanna’ cum, but you’re not listenin’ to me,” he stresses, moving his fingers around to meet the rhythm of your hips.

“toji, you’re being mean—“ after two minutes of trying to get an answer out of you, the third smack to your cunt gets it. you try to pull him from between your legs by closing your eyes and grabbing his wrist, but he manages it for you.

as he begins to lower his pants, you’re ifted from his lap. he motions for you to kneel, and you naturally do so. you give your boyfriend one last glance before snagging his cock with your hand as your knees come into contact with the cool flooring. his skin was soft despite the fact that he was hard in your palm. “open,” he murmurs.

and you do.

toji reaches over and pulls a pre-rolled blunt from his ashtray before lighting the end as it sat between his lips. he takes a pull, gathering as much as he could before swiveling it around in his mouth as if it were mouthwash. you assumed he was doing some sort of trick, but he catches you off guard when he grabs you by the chin.

he lifts your head up to meet his gaze and leans in for a kiss, but he stops before his lips could touch yours. you then close your eyes as you feel toji begin to blow the smoke into your mouth.

gladly taking it, you pucker your lips to inhale it better. this almost immediately turns into a heated makeout session, but toji becomes a bit too impatient for your touch, “c’mon. put your mouth on it.”

“you started it,” you giggle and that’s when he stuffs your mouth full. he smiles down at the way your lips wrap around the head— so full and soft, gliding up and down his length and taking him down your throat with such ease and greed.

the back of your thighs rest on your calves as you gulp as much of his cock down as you could. drool trailed from the corners of your mouth and spattered onto the floor beneath you as you whimper and gag from the tip of him hitting the back of your throat.

“f-fuck, yn. your throat is so warm, baby.”

the sounds of your gawking and his moaning was enough to make toji fuck your face. there wasn’t much warning, but the tip of his cock hitting your tonsils told you just how needy he really was. his hands find their way to the pretty locs you’d gotten not too long ago— his personal favorite hairstyle of yours— and twists them into his fist as he bobs your head up and down, “a-ah shit. just like that— fuck yes.”

you continue your rhythm, head circling as you slurp the mixture of precum and your own saliva from the base of his cock. the grip he has on your hair is tight— painful, even, but you wanted nothing more than to see him cum.

“make me fuckin’ cum, yn. daddy’s so close, just let me cum for you, why don’t ya’?” he bites down on his lower lip, yanking your head between his legs as the fire in his lower abdomen begins to come to light, “g-god that shit feel’s s’ good.”

he was close, closer than ever. he knew it would only take one last lick of your tongue before— “ah, ah, f-fuck. i’m fuckin’ cumming,” he warns. before you knew it, warm ropes of toji’s seed fills your mouth. a string a groans followed by the sound of him calling out your name repeatedly, holding onto the back of your head as he empties every last bit.

he stretches his arms above his head as his legs continue to shake from the powerful orgasm he just had. you lift from your knees, beginning to straddle him, and although toji was already sensitive enough, he need to be inside of you.

“open up for me,” he demands this while his hands sit on your lower back. his fingers draw circles on the arch in your spine as you tease your entrance with his tip. hissing, you slowly ease down onto your boyfriend’s lap. the veins that decorated his girth carved their shape along your walls, your stomach fluttering.

you begin to bounce and toji chuckles at how greedy you’d gotten. you were pulling at his hair, biting at his neck, and sucking him in all at once while still trying to beg for more, “i-it’s so deep toji! nnn- you feel so good,” you whine.

you feel his lips smearing kisses all over your chest and neck, brushing and leaving love bites here and there. the sounds of the movie you were once watching is now drowned completely out, the only sound being skin to skin and groans. the sticky mess along with the sweat dripping from your bodies was creating a steamy, out of body sensation.

“i love this slutty little pussy,” he expresses with a gutteral moan, hips still rutting into you, “make us cum, i know you can do it.” between his thrusts into and your slams onto him, you’d be cumming in no time. he just fit so well. toji was the perfect shape, perfect length— he was made for you.

“tojiii, m’ close.” your breath hitches and so do his thrusts. toji’s palm moves to the back of your head, holding you close enough to feel his breath trickling your top lip. he holds eye contact, his dark irises almost piercing a hole through you. this is when toji takes notice of the light tears streaming down your face as your orgasm, and his own, funnily catch up to you both.

he smashes his lips against yours and bites down on the bottom. he tastes the tang of the tears that’d reached your swollen mouth, “cum with me, baby. please fucking cum w-with me.”

beyond gorgeous.

“fuck! ooh— m’ cumming! m’cumming!” you chant, and when you do, he finishes too. you feel his warmth spurt into your belly as toji clutches on to you as if his life depended on it. you feel him completely empty himself inside of you with pure glee spread across his face.

once he diles down, he brings his eyes back to yours. toji’s head rests on your chest as he catches his breath, “guess that strain was pretty strong, huh?”

©️ SATORUBI 2023 please do not copy, or repost as your own <33

[iinterstellaarr]

!NOT PROOF READ!

i’ve been reading a lot of suitor!gojo fics recently and was wondering…

what if reader was the one that didn’t want to marry gojo? don’t get me wrong, satoru is an excellent suitor. women and men from all around the world would kill to be in the spot you’re in, but to the confusion of all, you’re incredibly cold.

you sleep in a spare room in the west wing of the estate, staying far away from the man you’ve been forced to call your husband. it might’ve been a servants quarters at one point but you honestly don’t care. walking past him on the way to the wash room to prepare for bed and give him a curt nod of acceptance at your fate. you hurriedly move past him and lock the door on his face before he could speak.

it left satoru in the dark of the hallway with no more answers then the day you two were wed. there was always a sort of melancholy in your polite smiles, and in the way you’d lock yourself in your room for hours. the gojo estate was larger than anything you’d ever seen, and it’d be relatively easy to dodge gojo if you wanted to explore, but your new home brought upon a nausea that you’d never felt before. the winding hallways decorated with the finest furniture and most beautiful paintings made you feel small and out of place.

you grew up modestly, your family having enough money to be comfortable but not nearly as comfortable as gojo. your two families were decent friends, as your fathers fought in the war together and your mothers tended to gossip loudly around the town square. to say you two grew up together was an understatement. you would cry when gojo was taken back to his own house and gojo would fight back as his father tried to pull him away.

as the two of you got older, you grew distant. gojo was constantly on a trip or busy with the future of owning the estate. you almost never saw him and when you did, he was obviously stressed and his mind was elsewhere. you grew apart, and yet here you are now, just as far apart, but desperately close.

the gardens, however, reminded you of home. they were lush and full of flowers of all shade and color. you’d spend most of your time out there, watching as the seasons shifted into something harsher and the gardeners did their work. word got around of the wife sitting in the garden, never seen with company and it made satorus heart burn. when he wasn’t training himself or his men, or settling estate affairs, he would look out the windows at you. his white hair matched the dress you’d adorn as you sit under the gazebo in the center of the gardens, peacefully reading.

he didn’t dare disturb your peace, this was the only time he’d see you smiling, laughing at a book you’ve been reading or at the jokes the gardener would crack on his break. who is he, and why does he have the privilege of making you smile? it made his jaw clench with anger as he walked over.

“the gardens are beautiful this time of year.” he stands a respectful distance away from you, smiling slightly as the gardener shuffles away from you at his presence. his smile is quick dissolved as you only nod and continue on with your book as if he wasn’t there.

he rubs the back of his neck, the silence so thick you could cut it with a knife. there was no genuine reason for him to be speaking to you, other than the fact you were his wife.

gojo was an excellent suitor, yes..

but alas, it was just you two, and the giant wall that was built between.

[hermesserpent-stuff]

Potential script idea for billy batson s radio show segment

The whizz radio intro tones-

Billy Batson then starts speaking through a slightly crackly radio as Fawcett is a city someone lost to time, given its connection to the Rock of Eternity.

---

Welcome to WHIZZ Radio: where we give the latest news, truths, and view in Fawcett City. Brought to you by your host, me, billy Batson.

Starting off with community news, make sure to visit the shrine of Atlas sometime this week with an offering. Cap mentioned that there might be a need for endurance next week, and we should all probably listen. Additional reminder, the festival of Zeus will be happening this Saturday. Stay away from odd looking geese, metal poles and don't fulfill any selfcrearting proficies in a fit of hubris.

Onto traffic!

Main Street and Fifth Avenue are both still under construction from Dr. Sivannas attack and the demon portal last Thursday and Friday. Ms. Marvel and Cap. both played a role in clearing the debris, but there are still major cracks and fissures to Hades. Expect delays.

Now the weather.

Today's forecast includes thick over cast clouds; a good time for summoning souls. Be sure to greet both the living in the dead while going about your day and don't for get that umbrella! There is a slight chance of curses with intermittent showers.

Alright! Time to quickly cover the Capes and Crooks news bulletin. Dr. Sivanna is still missing after his recent bout with Cap. Since he interrupted one of Mercury's races down at the track, no one is quite sure when the Roman god took him. If you happen to see him, please be sure to give Cap a ring to come pick him up.

Keep your eyes peeled for Mr. Mind. The worm escaped prison… again. Holy moly. You'd think they'd make better prisons for him. What is this, the fourth time in two weeks?

*Noise indistinct*

I know, I just figured that out listeners would likely have the same comment. I don't see why I shouldn't point it out of its true

*Indistinct noise again*

Alright! Fine. Moving on from that.

Today's radio broadcast is brought to you by Saturn's candy. Nothing so sweet as a stick of magic you can eat! Try their Caramel cookie candy bars, now with cooked in bloodline curse protect. If your looking for a spot of luck, try their cinnamon apply candy sticks. Saturn's candy. A proud sponsor of WHIZZ Radio!

*Little jingle*

Welcome back to the program. Time for our sister citys segment.

This reporter has just been told by his producers to issue an apology to Black Adam for statements said during this segment of yesterday's broadcast.

*An aside*

Do I have too?

*Indistinct noise*

Fine.

I am. Sorry. For calling you a craized up old fart with too much free time.

There.

Moving on!

Kahndaq currently is continuing negotiations with both the Justice League and the UN to gain a seat at the UN table. Or be allowed in the UN room. While Fawcett recognizes Kahndaq as sovereign, the rest of the world stills sees the country as illegitimate.

Aside from tense meetings, and Black Adam being a kook who keeps coming to mess with Cap due to having a grudge unbecoming of a literal king and ancient man child, Kahndaq is doing fine. The economy is flourishing, despite limited imports and exports due to sanctions. The letters sent by Fawcetts finest and kindest citizens were well received and we should hear back soon if Mercury has anything to do with it.

It's time once again for Billy's opinion of the day.

This week!

Cans and their many used.

Not only do cans offer one of the best ways to have long term storable food, but they also make awesome weapons! We got to see this on Friday when Marvel Jr. and Captain Marvel went toe to toe with demons using a barrage of cans. And the food was still good to eat after the fight!! I love it when things are multi purposed. Now if only they could close the rifts down to Hades…

*Chimes*

Oh! Mercury just dropped a fresh bit of mail! Thank you Mercury! Watch out for old men wandering around. It seems like the Greek and Roman gods are looking to bless and curse some folks today.

Do good, and good will follow.

And keep an eye on the sky for lightning!

This has been Billy Batson, signing off!

[theofficersacademy]

PROMPT 3. AND THE PARTY KEEPS GOING

Time stops for no one, and so this year’s Ethereal Ball begins to amble toward a close. Most attendees stay in the ballroom or its masquerade equivalent, determined to squeeze more dancing and socializing into this evening. Some, exhausted by the night’s festivities, head off to their dorm rooms for a well-deserved night of sleep.

But the night is still far from over! And yet more students are eager to party for as long as they can, especially after weeks of hearing that certain intrepid merchants would be selling hot street food long into the night. Wandering into the town square, you find it bright and filled with festivities: warm food, hard drinks, and small houses rented for private parties among friends.

Warm up with some food…

[ Mulled wine ] - Warm red wine spiced to perfection, ideal for staving off winter’s chill.

[ Chocolate fountain ] - A seemingly endless fountain of chocolate, accompanied by plenty of biscuits, cakes, and cookies to dip in.

[ “Pegasus Cheese” ] - Zofia’s most famed and exotic export (allegedly). A delicate yet firm cheese with a savory, salty, and buttery flavor that pairs well with fruit. It’s good, but perhaps not worth the price tag…

[ H-True-O Water ] - Originating from an artesian aquifer from the frigid lands of Albinea, this bottled water is boasted to be the finest in the world. With all that marketing thrown at you, you can really taste the difference!

[ Forestberry Jamwich ] - A recent mainstay across Fódlan, this sandwich combines sweet jam made from Fódlan’s summer berries with a savory paste made from ground Dagdan peanuts.

[ Romanesco Smoothie ] - A sweet milkshake with a pretty green color. The whipped cream and fruity taste mask the fact that half of this was made with broccoli and other vegetables. Good for sweet tooths who refuse to eat their greens.

[ Dona Dona Fried Set ] - A full-blown meal all on its own, featuring juicy fried chicken, deep-fried cheese with tomato sauce, and a basket of fried potato slices. Every bite you take tastes so good, but feels so bad.

[ Street Crepe ] - A novel take on an old classic, these handheld, stuffed crepes come in varieties both savoury and sweet. A light and fluffy treat to cap off the evening.

Not feeling hungry?

[ Splash ] - Amid the decorations brought in for the occasions is a beautiful three tier fountain sculpted in with Seiros in mind. Come refresh yourselves! But do try not to get soaked.

[ Fireflies ] - Also known as lightning bugs. Get it? … Maybe you want to catch the show, or maybe you want to catch the bugs. It's strange though - are they a new, more resilient species, perhaps? It is the middle of winter after all...

[ Wish ] - Have you ever wanted to wish upon a star, but never been lucky enough to witness the real thing? That's too bad, because these magical stars streaking across the sky probably still don't count, but they are gorgeous - and more than pretty enough to watch with a special someone else.

[ Goddess Tower, Redux ] - Maybe you've already tried and fallen flat on your face earlier this eve. Or have you perhaps been nervously biding your time? The night is young but it trust that it will come to an end - so there's no time like the present to gather your courage and make known your love! Plus the view of the open skies is gorgeous all on its own, and well worth the climb for any singleton too.

[ Lucky Charms ] - What's a magical night without some souvenirs? A particularly enterprising merchant who's been around for the past few balls has come up with a genius lucrative lovely idea: charms and bracelets with the chosen year's theme, so as to remember it by... You should totally get matching versions for your friends, too!

[ Say 'Fromage'! ] - The alumna is already in town with her Photo-Artifex replica and, thanks to many of you, she's done with her testing much earlier than anticipated! She promises a one-of-a-kind keepsake in the form of 'photos' ranging from serious to silly, a variety of props to choose from included. If you're feeling particularly daring, maybe you'll even try out the artifex-box?

Missing something else to cap off your magical soirée? Go for it!

[myhahnestopinion]

THE AARONS 2023 - Best Film

85 films are eligible for The Aarons this year, although it would only be 83 films if you counted every Part One I watched as half a movie. Here are The Aarons for Best Film:

#10. Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.

Margaret is a modern coming-of-age classic, no question about it. It may have taken a long time for Me to be realized on the big screen, but the universal themes of Judy Blume’s seminal novel easily transcend the 1970s period in which the story is set. Director Kelly Fremon Craig brought the right edge to the material, sacrificing neither its complexity nor its comforting qualities, and was blessed to find the perfect star in Ant-Man’s Abby Ryder Forston. Rachel McAdams and Kathy Bates round out the film’s odyssey through identity crises no matter one’s age. When seeking reassurance in such times of struggle, Are You There God? can be viewed as an answer to those prayers.

#9. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem

The latest TMNT film was obviously spun off the success of Sony’s Spider-Verse series, but it quickly mutated into its own beast. In fact, it’s others that should be green with envy: the sketchbook aesthetic of Mayhem’s grungy New York City and its monstrous human inhabitants looks twice as good as films that shelled out twice as much cash. By placing more emphasis on their juvenility than past portrayals, writer Seth Rogan and director Jeff Rowe imbue the Turtles with newfound power: the brothers’ banter has never been better and their search for belonging has never been more affecting. Even those never taken with the Turtles before will find themselves wanting to chime in with a hearty ‘Cowabunga!’. 

#8. John Wick: Chapter 4

Wearing classic cinematic influences on its bulletproof sleeve, John Wick: Chapter 4 is maximalist moviemaking at its finest. The assassin’s ongoing vendetta against the nefarious High Table organization upped the ante once again in its fourth installment, dedicating its indulgent runtime to one killer set-piece after another without ever losing a step. Newcomers Donnie Yen and Rina Sawayama leave their mark on the weapons-grade world tour, but nothing compares to how Keanu Reeves continues to throw himself into the stunt work. With hit after hit, the warrior deserves a rest; creatively though, Wick shows no signs of burnout.

#7. Talk To Me

Talk to Me, in contrast to recent trends of ‘elevated horror’, doesn’t hold one’s hand through unpacking a deeper meaning at the expense of inflicting sheer terror on its audience. An addiction metaphor is hardly a reach for the film that treats communing with the dead like the latest party drug, but even then that takes a backseat to its nightmarish bouts of brutal body horror. With a focus on social media clout-chasing, directors and former YouTubers Danny and Michael Phillipou seek engagement from a new generation of moviegoers. The film is just as likely to scare these prospective viewers off of the experience forever. For horror fiends seeking such macabre stimulation though, Talk to Me is speaking their language. 

#6. How to Blow Up a Pipeline

Even beyond giving xXx a run for its money as the worst movie to try to Google, How to Blow Up a Pipeline is a daring work of cinema. Pipeline channels the spirit of the non-fiction book of the same name into a slick thriller spearheaded by an ensemble of skilled young actors. Despite the direct title, the film doesn’t try to lead audiences to any particular conclusion. Rather, it simply removes any safe distance preventing them from engaging with its characters’ protestations. This ability to play coy is subsequently built upon to ratchet up tension and discharge a mind-blowing finale. From an entertainment perspective alone, it’s worth placing on your watchlist… that is, if you don’t mind possibly being placed on a watchlist yourself.

#5. Killers of the Flower Moon

Martin Scorcese has no shortage of stories on the corrosive power of greed; America is a land of opportunity after all. Killers refines the ideas with which he’s long grappled through a larger focus on the victims left in the wake of that ruination. Along with his expected collaborators Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert DeNiro, the director worked closely with The Osage Nation to bring an appreciable authenticity to the harrowing historical account. The other secret to Moon’s success revolves around Lily Gladstone’s Mollie Burkhart; through her mourning, the magnitude of the crimes becomes ineluctable. Like Scorcese’s last effort The Irishman, Flower flourishes within its extended runtime, patiently intensifying the impact of its conclusive gut-punch. 

#4. Anatomy of a Fall

Anatomy doesn’t stop at dissecting the purely physical aspects of its pivotal event; it would have been far easier on everyone if it had. Instead, the French courtroom drama is just as concerned with how quickly people can tear each other down in both private and public settings and the far-reaching consequences of doing so. The film has unimpeachable judgment in its use of ambiguity when placing a writer on trial for the suspected murder of her husband, with their blind son as a key witness. Propelled by pointed dialogue and a legitimate award-winning performance by a dog, the dramatic twists and turns taken by Fall reason out enough doubt to forever keep one up at night.

#3. Nimona

Nimona rose like a phoenix from the ashes of its initial cancellation during the Disney-Fox merger ready to warm one’s heart and stoke a righteously rebellious attitude. The adaptation of ND Stevenson’s acclaimed graphic novel is made even more animated by the voicework of a fiery Chloë Grace Moretz as the titular shapeshifter and a distinguished Riz Ahmed as her reluctant companion seeking to clear his name. The strength of the science fantasy film lies in its subversive bite, which toys with traditional tropes of myths and monsters. The movie never shies away from supporting everyone’s quest to transition into their best self; the authenticity of this extended allegory is its most transformative element of all.

#2. Oppenheimer 

One half of the phenomenon that blew up the box office this past summer, Oppenheimer may be director Christopher Nolan’s most earth-shattering project yet. The nuclei of his filmography have long been humankind’s evolving understanding of physics and the psyche of tormented men; the story of the atomic bomb perfectly splits the difference between the two. Nolan makes a compelling case for all of human history, with time flowing both forward and backwards, being tied to that moment as well; the film’s fractured storytelling revolves all our petty interpersonal conflicts around an inevitable instance of incomprehensible annihilation. The scale of those couldn’t seem more different, but both are turned into equally incendiary IMAX viewing here by the genius.

AND THE BEST FILM OF 2023 IS…

#1. Past Lives

The best of last year is Past, and next year may very well have nothing better either. Director Celine Song’s debut feature, which follows a married Korean immigrant who reunites briefly with her childhood sweetheart, is far from the flashiest film, but there are few that are this profound. Its remarkability is rooted in an intense empathy for all parties involved, including the woman’s beloved American husband, as they each contend with the questions of choice the situation provokes. It’s as grand a reflection on roads not taken as previous Aaron-Award winner Everything Everywhere All at Once, though Lives, in contrast, deliberately confines itself to the mortal agonies of unknowability. Something that is for certain is that one should not let Past Lives pass them by.

NEXT UP: THE 2023 AARONS FOR WORST FILM!

[thimbledoll]

The Traveling Merchant: Another Satisfied Customer

Previously: https://thimbledoll.tumblr.com/post/702469938259083264/the-traveling-merchant

The party had been on the trail for several weeks now. Their quarry wasn't difficult to track, being easily recognizable and leaving a long string of satisfied customers in her wake, but catching up with something that doesn't sleep is no easy feat.

They'd thought nothing of the rumor at first. A legendary craftsdoll dealing in the finest of goods, travelling the world with her wares, which she sold practically for a song without even leaving her name? Surely these were just the tall tales of yet another drunken vagabond.

It wasn't until several months later that they came to a town that had recently been visited upon by the craftsdoll. People in the town square were ranting and raving about all manner of goods they had purchased and how the doll, seemingly, was capable of crafting anything.

The party could all recognize opportunity when it came knocking. If they could get some high quality weapons at bargain bin prices, it would give them quite the leg up over other Guild parties. This doll must have no idea how valuable her wares were, they all thought.

Gathering some information from the townsfolk about the doll's make, appearance, unusual manner of dress, and which direction she had gone off in, they began their hunt. While her wagon left little impression in the trail, she left a trail of breadcrumbs in the form of reviews.

Each town the party struck upon and the raving endorsements they heard convinced them all the more that they HAD to find this craftsdoll, wherever she was. Try as they might though, each day brought them little progress as the doll trudged on during their sleeping hours.

The decision was made to begin marching through the night. A few nights' sleep was nothing to lose compared to the chance in front of them. Sleep could be made up for, opportunity could not.

The first day was hard. The second was exhausting. The third was grueling. The fourth was mind-melting. On the fifth their sacrifice finally bore fruit; wagon tracks through fresh mud, a clear sign their prize was near at hand.

Doubling their pace, the party finally caught up with the doll just as the sun began to set, screaming and yelling all the way to catch her attention. To their relief, she did hear them and stop, dollishly tilting her head in confusion.

They practically fell to the ground as soon as they caught her, exhausted and sleep-deprived as they were. It was several minutes of awkward silence from the doll and wheezing breaths from the party before they finally managed to explain themselves.

"Miss Doll, we-" their leader stopped for a coughing fit before continuing, "-we humbly seek you out, having heard your tale across leagues of trailway. Your wares have no equal and no man can compare to the breadth of your abilities... We've traveled far and long to beseech your services, that we might better arm ourselves, as we are a band of adventurers in service to the Guild."

The porcelain doll before them, bedecked in her apron and oven mitts, processed a long moment before responding. "While this doll does have a few fresh items she cooked up that you'd likely appreciate, her Witch has been very clear that anything someone's life could depend on was not for sale. She is sorry, but she cannot help you," she said, turning to continue her journey.

The party shared a fearful glance. All their efforts were about to go to waste. Weeks of travel, sleep, and all the coin spent on lodging and provisions gone with nothing to show for it. Without a single word between them, they simultaneously reached the same decision.

They were not leaving empty-handed, whether the goods were given up voluntarily or not.

The doll was easily subdued by the party, putting up little resistance. It seemed ridiculous to them that the doll would carry around such valuable wares when she was no combat model and her Witch had left no protective wards. That wasn't their problem though.

They left the doll in a heap by her cart, a holding enchantment easily restraining her as she sunk into Stillness, magnifying the spell's effect. Digging through the cart's various compartments and chests, they found all manner of armaments; swords, arrows, axes, mauls, the works.

The weapons were like nothing the party had ever been able to afford before. Perfectly balanced and sharp as a bard’s wit, they were a joy to wield. Knowing the doll would be Still for several hours yet, they even took a moment to spar with them, to be sure of their craftsdollship.

Satisfied with their ill-gotten goods, they made for the woods where they thought the doll couldn't reach them with her cart. Leaving behind a bag of coin and their old arms as trade, they departed. They weren't a roving pack of murderhobos, after all. They had *some* morals.

It wasn't long before they all made camp and quickly fell into a deep slumber. The party looked forward to a sleep more restful than any they'd had before. Their hopes were in vain.

Not more than an hour into their rest, they were woken by the ghastly cry of a gibbering mouther, a horrid aberration of shambling flesh and mouths upon mouths full of razor sharp teeth. Tale was their hunger knew no bounds and they'd eat any organic material they came across.

"Come, let them taste steel, comrades!" the party leader shouted, attempting to rouse his compatriots from both their slumber and their horror. Taking a massive swing at the foul beast before him, he jammed his sword straight into one of its many mouths and through its backside.

The mouther cried out a squelching, pained wail that told them all the strike had hit true. Elation quickly turned to sickening fear though, as the chattering creature bit down, clean through the fresh blade without even the snap or twang expected of metal.

Panicked, the party rushed in to try and finish the monster. Slash. Crunch. Pierce. Nom. Bash. Bite. One by one their weapons were devoured. One by one they fell victims to their fear. One by one they were reduced to gibbering statues before the creature.

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

The sun was high by the time Fondant found her attackers' remains. Little bits of armor and gear lay strewn about, many of them bearing obvious bite marks. Elated, the doll exclaimed, "Oh, thank the Maker, they actually liked the taste! No one ever does! But where'd they go...?"

Elsewhere, the gibberer sat content, chewing on the haft of a great maul. Never before had it ever had such a satisfying meal.

End 🧵

(Old story reposted from Twitter)

[healthteatip]

Matcha has been part of the Japanese culture for centuries and is now widely enjoyed all over the world. There are many reasons why Japanese people enjoy drinking matcha, from its unique flavor to its numerous health benefits. Matcha is believed to have originated in China and was brought to Japan by Buddhist monks in the 12th century. Since then, it has become an integral part of Japanese culture, used in traditional ceremonies such as tea ceremonies and in everyday life as a healthy beverage. Matcha is especially popular among health-conscious individuals due to its high levels of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial compounds. It has also been linked to improved mental clarity, increased energy levels, and better overall wellbeing. Matcha is a great way to start your day with a boost of energy and nutrition!Matcha is a finely ground powder made from specially grown and processed green tea leaves. It is unique to Japan and is used in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies as well as in various recipes like matcha lattes, cakes, and other desserts. Matcha has a distinctive flavor and vibrant green color. It contains higher levels of antioxidants, caffeine, and theanine than regular green tea, making it a popular choice for health-conscious individuals. Health Benefits of Matcha Matcha is a type of green tea that is grown and produced differently than other teas. It is made from the finest leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, and it has been consumed in Japan for centuries. This special type of tea has many health benefits, and it is becoming increasingly popular as people learn more about its unique properties. Matcha contains a high concentration of antioxidants, which help to protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. These antioxidants also help to reduce inflammation, which can be beneficial for those suffering from chronic conditions such as arthritis or asthma. Additionally, matcha has been found to boost metabolism, aiding in weight loss and promoting healthy digestion. Matcha also contains high amounts of catechins, which have been shown to help reduce cholesterol levels and improve heart health. Additionally, matcha may help to reduce the risk of stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. It also contains high levels of polyphenols, compounds that may help to prevent certain types of cancer. In addition to its many health benefits, matcha is also a great source of energy. The caffeine in matcha is released slowly over time, providing sustained energy without the jitters associated with coffee or other caffeinated beverages. Additionally, matcha contains L-theanine, an amino acid known for its calming effects on the mind and body. This makes it an ideal beverage for those looking for a natural way to relax and unwind after a long day. Overall, matcha provides many unique health benefits that can be enjoyed by anyone looking to improve their overall wellness. From increased energy levels to better heart health and cancer prevention, this special type of green tea can make a great addition to any healthy lifestyle. History of Matcha in Japan The history of matcha in Japan dates back to the 9th century AD, when it was first developed as an ingredient for the Japanese tea ceremony. Since then, matcha has been used for hundreds of years to create a unique and flavorful beverage that is enjoyed by people all over the world. In recent years, it has become increasingly popular in Europe and North America as well. Matcha has a long and rich history in Japan. It was first cultivated by Zen Buddhist monks during the Kamakura period (1185-1333) as part of their tea ceremonies. The monks would use matcha to make a frothy beverage that served as a meditative aid during their spiritual practices. Over time, matcha became popular among the samurai class and eventually spread throughout Japan. Today, matcha is widely used in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies and also enjoyed in other forms such as desserts, lattes, ice cream, and more.

Matcha is made from finely ground green tea leaves that have been shade grown to increase their chlorophyll content and boost the flavor. The leaves are then steamed and dried before being ground into a fine powder using granite stones. This powder is then whisked with hot water to create a frothy green beverage that is both flavorful and energizing. Matcha is prized for its health benefits as well as its unique flavor profile. It contains high concentrations of antioxidants which can help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. It also contains caffeine but unlike coffee, it has an amino acid called L-theanine which can reduce stress levels without causing jitteriness or anxiety like caffeine can do on its own. The popularity of matcha continues to grow around the world thanks to its rich history and unique flavor profile. It's a great source of antioxidants and provides an energizing boost without any negative side effects making it an ideal beverage for any time of day. How is Matcha Prepared? Matcha is normally prepared using a special set of tools and techniques. The first step is to sift the matcha powder, so that any lumps are removed. This helps to ensure a smooth, even texture when the tea is eventually whisked. Next, hot water (usually around 80°C) is added to a bowl containing the sifted matcha powder. Using a bamboo whisk – known as a chasen – the mixture should be stirred vigorously in an up-and-down motion until it becomes frothy and creamy. This process helps to incorporate air into the drink, creating a richer flavour and texture. Finally, the frothy matcha can be poured into cups or mugs and served. Adding small amounts of milk or cream can help bring out the flavour of the matcha too. Matcha can also be used as an ingredient in various sweet dishes such as ice cream and cakes. With its unique flavour profile and energizing properties, it’s no wonder that matcha has become such a popular beverage worldwide! Popular Drinks using Matcha Matcha is a finely ground powder of specially grown and processed green tea leaves. It is a popular ingredient used in many different drinks, from hot lattes to iced teas. Matcha has been used in traditional Japanese culture for centuries and is now embraced by people all over the world for its unique flavor and health benefits. Here are some of the most popular drinks that use matcha as an ingredient: Matcha Latte: A matcha latte is a creamy, frothy drink made from steamed milk, matcha powder, and sweetener. It has a distinctive green color and a slightly sweet flavor that many people find irresistible. Matcha lattes can be served hot or cold depending on the preference of the drinker. Matcha Smoothie: A matcha smoothie is a delicious way to get your daily dose of matcha. Simply combine your favorite fruits with some ice, matcha powder, and milk or yogurt and blend until smooth. The resulting smoothie will be flavorful, refreshing, and full of nutrients. Matcha Iced Tea: Matcha iced tea is a cool and refreshing way to enjoy the flavor of matcha without having to heat up your kitchen. Simply steep high-quality matcha powder in hot water for several minutes before adding it to cold water with ice cubes or crushed ice. Serve it with or without sweetener depending on your tastes. Matchaccino: A matchaccino is essentially an espresso-style coffee made with matcha instead of coffee beans. To make this delicious drink, simply mix equal parts espresso and matcha powder before steaming with milk. Add some sugar or other sweeteners if desired for extra sweetness. These are just some of the popular drinks that use matcha as an ingredient. With its unique taste and health benefits, it's no wonder why so many people are embracing this ancient Japanese tradition! Types of Matcha Tea Matcha tea is a type of green tea made from finely ground green tea leaves. It is a popular beverage in Japan and has many health benefits. There are several different types of matcha tea, each with different levels of flavor and aroma. Here are some of the most popular types:

Ceremonial Grade Matcha Ceremonial grade matcha is the highest quality matcha available. It has an intense flavor and aroma, and the powder is very fine. This type of matcha is usually used for traditional Japanese tea ceremonies and for making ceremonial beverages. Premium Grade Matcha Premium grade matcha is a high quality matcha that has a milder flavor than ceremonial grade matcha. The powder is still very fine, but it does not have as much of an intense flavor or aroma as ceremonial grade matcha. This type of matcha can be used to make traditional Japanese beverages, but it can also be used to make other types of drinks such as smoothies or lattes. Culinary Grade Matcha Culinary grade matcha is a lower quality matcha that has a more bitter flavor than either ceremonial or premium grade matchas. The powder is coarser than the other grades and it does not have an intense aroma or flavor. This type of matcha can be used to make drinks, but it can also be used to add color and flavor to baked goods or other dishes. Organic Matcha Organic matchas are made from green tea leaves that have been grown without the use of chemicals or pesticides. The organic farming methods ensure that the final product is free from toxins and pollutants, making it safer to consume than regular non-organic teas. Organic matchas tend to have a milder flavor than regular non-organic varieties, but they still retain their characteristic green color and grassy taste. The Benefits of Drinking Matcha Matcha is a particular type of green tea that has a range of health benefits. It is made from the leaves of the Camellia Sinensis plant, which is the same plant used to make other types of green tea. The leaves are shade grown, which increases the amount of chlorophyll and nutrients in the plant, and they are then ground into a fine powder. Matcha has been used for centuries in Japanese culture and ceremonies, and it is now becoming increasingly popular in other parts of the world due to its many health benefits. One of the main benefits of drinking matcha is that it contains high levels of antioxidants. These antioxidants help to protect your body from free radicals, which are harmful molecules that can damage cells and increase your risk for certain diseases. Matcha also contains a unique type of antioxidant called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which studies have shown may have cancer-fighting properties. Another benefit to drinking matcha is that it contains large amounts of caffeine. Caffeine can help to improve mental alertness and focus, as well as providing an energy boost. Unlike coffee though, matcha also contains an amino acid called L-theanine, which helps to balance out the effects of caffeine so you don't experience a crash or jitters like you would with coffee. Finally, matcha is loaded with vitamins and minerals that can help keep your body healthy. It contains vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium and zinc among other nutrients. These vitamins and minerals can help to improve digestion, strengthen bones and teeth, boost your immune system and provide other important health benefits. Overall, drinking matcha on a regular basis can provide numerous health benefits from improving mental alertness to strengthening your immune system. With its unique combination of caffeine balanced by L-theanine along with its high levels of antioxidants and vitamins/minerals – it's no wonder why so many people are now turning to this ancient green tea for their daily health needs! Nutritional Facts about Matcha Tea Matcha tea is a nutrient-dense green tea powder that is becoming increasingly popular in recent years. Not only does it have a unique flavor and vivid green color, but it is also known for its numerous health benefits. Matcha contains a variety of vitamins and minerals, as well as powerful antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation and boost your overall health. Here are some of the key nutritional facts about matcha tea:

Matcha tea is rich in catechins, a type of polyphenol antioxidant that helps promote good health. The catechins found in matcha are believed to be more potent than those found in other types of teas. Additionally, matcha contains caffeine, which can improve concentration and mental alertness. Matcha also contains high levels of the amino acid L-theanine, which helps to relax the mind and body without inducing drowsiness. This amino acid can also help to reduce stress levels and improve your mood. One serving of matcha contains significant amounts of vitamins A, C, E, K, as well as various B vitamins. It is also an excellent source of dietary fiber, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium and zinc. Matcha is also low in calories making it an ideal choice for those trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy lifestyle. These are just some of the nutritional facts about matcha tea that make it such an attractive option for health-conscious individuals. Matcha has become increasingly popular due to its numerous health benefits and unique flavor profile. If you’re looking for a delicious way to improve your overall health and well-being, then consider adding matcha tea into your diet. Conclusion Matcha is a traditional part of Japanese culture that has been around for centuries. It is a unique and flavorful tea that is full of health benefits. Matcha has been used in ceremonies, as a stimulant or for relaxation, and even as an ingredient in food and beverages. Japanese people have embraced the drink as part of their culture due to its flavor, health benefits, and spiritual significance. In addition to its practical use, the tradition of drinking matcha has become increasingly popular among people from all over the world who are looking to experience something new and unique. In conclusion, drinking matcha is a great way to take part in the Japanese culture and experience something that is both delicious and healthy. It offers many health benefits, tastes great, and can be prepared in a variety of ways. Whether you are looking for something to add to your daily routine or an interesting experience while traveling abroad, matcha should definitely be on your list!

[nwbeerguide]

River Barrel Distributing is distributing beers from Austria, Belgium, Germany, and Ireland; via collaboration with the Global Beer Network.

image courtesy River Barrel Distributing

Press Release

In just three years, River Barrel Distributing has brought on 17 different Oregon and Washington craft beverage brands. Now, the company is excited to announce it will be taking its brand list international and will be adding a variety of beers from Belgium, Austria, Ireland, and Germany to its Western Washington distribution territory. 

River Barrel recently partnered with Global Beer Network, an importer of brands including Stiegl, De Brabandere Browerij, Van Steenberge Browerij, Sullivan’s Brewing Company, Flensburger Brauerei, and Boon Brouwerij. The partnership comes after the dismantling of Corwin Beverage Company, a Washington distributor that decided to exit the industry in March after 82 years of operation. Corwin sold its non-alcoholic distribution portion to long-time partner PepsiCo and left behind its alcoholic distributors, Browar Polksa and Kendall’s Pioneer.  

“Global Beer is extremely excited to share our passion for our brands with the like-minded members of The River Barrel Team,” says Jay Farias, GBN’s PNW Regional Sales Manager. “Our brands are the embodiment of the place and culture from which they're born. River Barrel is the perfect partner to join us in connecting our breweries with the bars, restaurants and retailers across Western Washington. Our philosophies are aligned.” 

The partnership gives River Barrel the opportunity to showcase and share the histories of European breweries that have been around for hundreds of years. 

“We’re honored to announce that we’re partnering with Global Beer Network to carry some of their amazing portfolio of imported breweries,” says Joe Cohen, River Barrel Distributing’s Sales Manager. “This marks a significant milestone for River Barrel as we expand our offerings to include some of the finest beers from around the world.” 

Some of GBN’s top-selling beverages include Stiegl’s lagers and fruited Radlers, which are perfect for the upcoming summer season, as well as the popular Bavik Super Pils and Bavik Super Wit from De Brabandere. 

River Barrel Distributing serves the Western Washington counties of King, Pierce, Thurston, Lewis, Snohomish, Kitsap, and Chelan. 

River Barrel Distributing is a Western Washington area distribution company distributing craft beer, spirits, and cider serving the Washington counties of King, Pierce, Thurston, Lewis, Snohomish, Kitsap, and Grays Harbor.

from Northwest Beer Guide - News - The Northwest Beer Guide https://bit.ly/3ozYwSi

[modibuilders]

Real Estate Open Plots in Hyderabad - Great Location and Excellent Prices

In recent years, Hyderabad's real estate market has flourished due to its growing infrastructure and robust economy. Additionally, thanks to significant investments brought by the IT sector, more people are looking to call this city home. The expansion of facilities like transportation systems has only further buoyed the prospects for housing opportunities here, making it an ideal place for individuals, both new and old, to settle down. But with so many localities and builders to choose from, it can be challenging to find the best deal.

 If you're not new to the real estate world, then the phrase "location, location, location" might already be familiar to you. Modi Builders has taken this mantra to heart, and they are delighted to offer open plots in Hyderabad in their new project: Pinewood Homes. This is one of the finest residential projects in Hyderabad, and it's located in a prime spot.

 Pinewood Homes is situated in Aushapur Village in Ghatkesar, and it offers a wealth of luxuries for an unmatched lifestyle. The area's close proximity to Singapore Township, New Infosys Campus, and Raheja Mind space IT Park adds convenience while being near major educational institutions, shopping malls, and business centres provide further appeal.

 With 560 beautifully designed plots, Pinewood Homes offers its residents the perfect oasis to relax and unwind. Among the facilities, this project offers a fully-equipped clubhouse, swimming pool, gymnasium, play areas, and various other plush amenities.

 Pinewood Homes offers unmatched value for those looking to invest in open plots. The cost of the plots is much lower than other projects in the area as Modi Builders own everything upright and doesn't have any third-party investors involved. This attention to detail and commitment to excellence have made Modi Builders one of the most trusted names in real estate development.

 Whether you are looking to invest in a plot of land or if you're simply searching for the right open plots in Hyderabad to build your dream home, Pinewood Homes by Modi Builders is an excellent choice. With a great location and exceptional prices, these open plots in Hyderabad have something for everyone. Call them today to find out more.

[blorb-el]

sometimes superman one-off comics are about teaming up with the thundercats. and sometimes superman one-off comics are about clark weeping as his mind and spirit almost break by seeing the extent of suffering and agony in the depths of Hell. and thats why superman one-off comics are good.

[wannabechell]

Baking With Bloomic 4/4 (Nightowl)

Wooo, we made it gamers! Our journey has reached it’s end. Not to worry, there are still plenty more stories to come 

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

Apartment 201. An apartment you’ve become all too familiar with. 

Standing outside his door for the umpteenth time now, you were just as excited as ever. Anytime you spent with Nightowl was precious time indeed. Whether he invited you over to play video games, run errands with him, or even for late night “study dates” he was the one who lived in your mind. Rent free of course. 

You could hear him fumble behind the door and drop something loud on the floor. “Shit, give me a sec cutie!”

Deja vu at its finest. This also happened the first day you met him in person. 

Soon the lock on his front door clicked and you were met with his signature smirk. “Why hello there~” 

Crop tops seemed to be his favorite shirts as of late. The fabric hung limp off his shoulders, exposing the top of his chest as the apartment lights highlighted his warm-toned skin. You pressed your lips together in an attempt to hide your blush. 

But alas, nothing could be hidden from Nightowl. He immediately picked up on your subtle cues of being flustered, and took that moment to take a step towards you. 

“Like what you see? I could show you more if you like?”

“Shut up!” You pushed past his body and made a break for the kitchen, face heating up faster than you could think. He chuckled, amused by your shyness and closed the front door before following you. There was no way in hell you could let him get away with what he just did. As soon as you placed your bag down on the counter you marched right back over to him and placed your hands on his cheeks, abruptly bringing his lips to meet yours. 

A pleasant hum came from his throat; he melted into the kiss and snuck a hand around your waist to pull you closer, the other one settling on your hip. But you weren’t done yet, oh no. Not till you had him right where you wanted him. With one hand still on his cheek, you moved the other to the back of his head, tangling your fingers in his hair. 

A moan this time, sweet and genuine, followed by a soft “fuck” under his breath. He needed this; he adored when you played with his hair.

Perfect. Just as quick as you brought him in, you pulled away, leaving the love-drunk blonde dumbfounded. He whined, tugging at your waist to come closer to him again, but you refused. “That’ll teach you not to pick on me, cutie~” Taunting his own nickname back at him, you pecked his cheek before turning your attention back to your bag.

Tonight was a special night for you and Owl. Not only was your birthday coming up in a few days, but tonight specifically was your six month anniversary. You beamed at the thought of having spent half a year now dating the world’s cutest architecture dork. But damn you wouldn’t want it any other way. He was everything you wanted in a partner and more. 

The absolute passion in his eyes that sparkled when he showed you his most recent sketches, the way he would hang on every word when you FaceTimed him and told him about your day while you were on a business trip that one time, and his kisses. God his kisses. They were perfect. The way he would hover on top of you, caressing you in his arms, loving you until nothing but his name fell from your lips. The way his tongue dragged along your collarbone- 

“You brought everything we need, right?” Hearing his voice next to you pulled you out of your reverie. Nightowl peered over your shoulder, curious to uncover the contents of your bag. “So, what are we making?”

“Strawberry flavored cake pops.” You smiled, shaking off the intrusive thoughts that paved way to your darker side, and showed him a picture on your phone of what you hoped they would look like once they were finished. “First we need to make the cake batter. Can I trust you with that task?”

He scoffed. “How dare you doubt my capabilities! I’ll have you know that I carried the bake sale at my high school back when I was a freshman. Even my mom was impressed.”

His brown eyes then dropped at the mention of his mother. It happened anytime he brought her up. A few months ago, he finally worked up the courage to tell her you two were dating, and she was extremely displeased. Nightowl was heartbroken for weeks afterward. His mind told him he wasn’t enough for you. That he’ll never be enough. 

When he told you what happened, you dropped everything and went to his apartment. Gentle hands held him that night. No words, no sudden movements, just you and him. More than anything you wanted to make his past disappear. To chuck it way off into the distance, never to be seen again. No one deserved to be treated like that. To have their heart trampled on with no disregard for it. 

He needed you, just as much as you needed him. You were each other’s other half, apart from which neither of you would be as happy as you are now. 

“Hey, it’s okay.” You coaxed, rubbing circles on his back. He shifted out of your reach, not wanting you to feel like you had to comfort him. 

“I know baby, I know. Her opinion doesn’t matter. Let’s just enjoy tonight together. After all, it’s a special one isn’t it?” His finger booped your nose; you scrunched it at him. 

With one final reassuring hand squeeze, you both got to work on the desserts. Much to your surprise, Nightowl was right. He measured each ingredient carefully, making sure there wasn’t too much or too little of anything. Hearing him sing softly to himself while he mixed the cake batter nearly made you a puddle on the floor. 

Soon the cake was in the oven, which gave you two some free time before starting the chocolate coating. Nightowl set the timer on his phone and turned towards you. “Now what?”

You shrugged. “Dunno, I didn’t plan this far ahead.” 

He ran a hand through his hair, looking up at you. Were his eyes glowing?

“Well we could always-”

“Nope. We’re not doing that.”

The blonde fake pouted. “Okay…fine, plan B then.” He moved in, grabbing your hips and helping you sit on the counter. Then he opened the fridge, pulling out a can of whip cream and spraying a large amount on his finger. Confused, you raised a brow at him. “What are you doing?”

Nightowl moved so he was directly in front of you. “A magic trick I learned. Follow my finger. Whatever you do, don’t take your eyes off of it.”

Like an illusionist, he slowly moved his arm back and forth, up and down, in little circles followed by big circles. Your eyes followed like a moth drawn to a flame, body becoming one with his motions. It almost put you to sleep. Until…

Out of nowhere his finger flew in close, and he booped your nose again, covering it in whip cream. Startled, you staggered back, eyes blinking rapidly. Nightowl couldn’t help but burst out laughing. 

“I so got you!! Hahahaha! Oh, you should’ve seen your face, adorable.” 

You were unamused, but impressed at his truck nonetheless. Using your tongue you attempted to lick off the sweet cream, but to no avail. You settled on wiping it off with your own finger instead, using your tongue to clean it off. You then shot your boyfriend a look. “Okay, we’re even now. 1 to 1. This is war Owl. Hope you’re ready for battle.” 

He placed both hands firmly on the counter, caging you between them. “Oh I’m ready.” 

The timer on his phone rang loudly, suspending the battle, for now. You hopped off the counter, took out the cake and set it to cool. Nightowl brought over the bag of chocolates and you both finished the dessert, making sure to always watch your backs in the process. The cake pops didn’t quite turn out as expected. They ranged in various sizes, some lopsided and bumpy, others looking more like egg shapes rather than circle shapes. Nightowl attempted to mold one into a heart-shape, but once covered in the chocolate coating it looked more like a morphed bean. 

But none of that mattered. What mattered was the time you spent together. This crazy journey called life was just getting started. You each took a cake pop, clinking them together like wine glasses before digging in. 

Nightowl pulled you in with an arm, kissing your lips. “Happy six months cutie. I don’t know where I’d be without you.”

You leaned your head on his shoulder, feeling the warmth from his chest. “Happy anniversary my love. Six months down, forever to go.”

[ptergwen]

smoke and mirrors

⇢ richkid!tom x richkid!reader ⇠

w/c: 4.1k

warnings: swearing, drinking, light angst, and implied smut

summary: because of your mother’s insistence on a pristine family image and tom’s messy one, you deny your true feelings for him

a/n: ok ok ok the pics of tom in monaco really made me think and i had to get everything out of my system so here we are! thank you and enjoy x

-

your living room is engulfed by a hushed chatter that comes from far too many guests. half the people, you hardly know. it’s overcrowded, superficial, and the last place you want to be. it’s one of your mother’s get-togethers, as she likes to call them. these things are always far from the casual affairs they sound like.

weeks go into planning, caterers and decorators making themselves at home in yours. the family’s image is everything to your mom, so being a good hostess is her top priority. ironically, she’s more concerned with throwing her gatherings than raising you. so much for family, huh?

the only reason you agreed to make an appearance tonight is that tom might do the same. he’s a really good friend, someone you’ve been able to count on through all the mess that is your lives. you met in high school, when he moved from london to the states. his dad was offered a job promotion he couldn’t pass up. plus, tom and his brothers would be receiving a stellar private education here in america.

it was a win for everyone, especially you. the freckle faced boy who got lost on his way to english class became your closest confidant. tom’s company is such a sweet escape. he’s not interested in opera or the stock market like most people you meet are. he sneaks you out to go on walks at dawn and does shots with you until you can’t stand straight.

as you two continue to grow together, revelations about yourselves have come to light. what you want beyond your inheritances, who you want beyond friendship. you figured out the second part on a faithful night recently. tom showed up to your place with a bottle of tequila. after you drank it down through lots of lime chasers and giggles, he kissed you. you didn’t kiss back.

your heart said to go for it, but your mind pulled you back in. you were so shocked and overcome with new feelings, you froze up. that, and you’d infuriate your mother. although she cares about tom a great deal, she loathes his public figure. he’s always getting papped in places and with people he shouldn’t be. the two of you together would just destroy her.

you still want to please your mom at the end of the day, no matter how deep under your skin she gets.

tom immediately apologized and tried play it off as him being drunk. you grew up with him, became part of each other’s families, which means you know him well enough to know he was lying. he meant every second his lips were on yours.

what you need to do now is something you’ve meant to for a while. the only problem is that you’re stuck at your mother’s party, and tom hasn’t shown up yet.

“y/n, darling,” your mom calls for your attention. she’s dragged you into a conversation with some bloggers, but you haven’t spoken a word. “why don’t you tell us about your trip to spain last summer?” she plasters on her award winning grin and squeezes your shoulder. it’s time to play along.

“oh, it was beautiful,” you halfheartedly reply, more to the bloggers than her. they nod in clear interest. one jots down notes. “we went for a few weeks and visited a bunch of different cities. i’d love to go back sometime.” the typical press formatted answer earns your mom’s approval. you’re off the hook. your eyes start to wander around the room, hoping to set on tom.

“we?” the woman taking notes asks. must everyone pry? “my friend and i,” you shortly reply. you’re standing up on your tiptoes to see over the crowd. you’d think six inch heels would do the trick. “i’m actually looking for him right now, so if you’ll excuse me,” you offer a polite smile and silently pray they won’t ask who. unfortunately, your wishes don’t come true.

the other blogger, a short and stubborn man, speaks up. “just a friend you say? come on, tell us. who’s the lucky fella?” he inquires. your mother raises a firm eyebrow, signaling for you not to.

tom has a reputation for his reckless behavior. it’s your mom’s worst nightmare when the media associates your names under most circumstances. you’re representing her, so she does whatever she can to control how you’re seen. you’re constantly in the papers, being a young socialite and all. it sucks.

“he’d like to stay out of the tabloids, sorry,” you cover for tom, on your mom’s behalf. “i should really go. it was nice meeting you.” the bloggers don’t bother to hide their disappointment as you shake their hands. your mother rubs your back in approval. “thank you for doing that. we’ll talk later,” she speaks lowly. “bye, mom!” you practically make a run for it. 

weaving through the sea of people, you end up by the main entrance. it’s hard not to get lost even though it’s your house. the place is packed with girls just a couple years older than you, wearing pearls around their necks. men’s strong colognes flow through the air. you’re in a form fitting red slip dress and louboutins yourself.

smoke and mirrors is what they call it. you show the pretty parts to distract from your ugly ones.

harrison suddenly comes waltzing in with a lady on either of his arms. you’d expect nothing less. he’s tom’s best friend besides you, considering the failed kiss attempt didn’t change that. their parents worked at the london branch of the same company. they each came to the states and met you. you happily introduced them to your world, helping to make it theirs as well.

“haz!” you meet him at the front door. he’s smirking while he leads the women inside. “fancy seeing you here, isn’t it?” he jokes. “very funny. i died laughing,” you deadpan, curiously eyeing harrison’s plus two. they merely giggle. “listen, have you seen tom anywhere? if he’s coming.” you’re fighting back a frown. “why wouldn’t he be?” harrison questions in a more serious tone this time.

“long story. you have guests to entertain, so i won’t get into it now,” you decide and manage a small smile instead. he perks up. “right. i’ll let you know if i see him?” nodding, you give him a wave goodbye. “enjoy yourself.” “you too, love. cheers!” the girls lean into him, harrison wiggling his eyebrows at you. he’s ridiculous.

hours pass by without word of tom. it isn’t like him to miss an event, especially if you’re in attendance. you despise these exhausting nights, and he’s supposed to be your rock during them. he should have his arm draped around your shoulders, whispering silly remarks to you while you hide out somewhere. you miss him more than you thought possible.

you’re just about to give up when you spot nikki ushering her husband inside. behind them follows tom, clad in a grey checkered suit with his locks perfectly tousled. he’s here. you waited the whole night, and he finally came.

tom kisses his mom on the cheek before strutting over to the drink table, not without a few reporters hassling him. they’re probably looking for another holland scandal to break. he declines their requests for comments on this and opinions on that, instead pulling up a chair next to harrison. the two exchange hugs and fix themselves glasses of champagne, you watching their encounter.

harrison fills tom in on the drama he’s missed tonight while they sip their drinks. tom keeps forcing smiles that don’t reach his eyes. he’s fiddling with his fingers, leg bouncing up and down steadily. those are the telltale signs he needs saving. however awkward it may be, you’re going to have to break your silence. it was bound to happen eventually.

“mate, i’m telling you. she fit her entire first right up her-“ “boys,” you cut into harrison’s story, greeting him and tom. his face tints deep pink upon your arrival. “don’t let me stop you. finish your charming anecdote,” you encourage him and subtly glance over at tom. he’s biting back a grin as he sets his elbows on the table.

“not with a lady present. let’s just… pretend you didn’t hear that,” harrison chuckles nervously and hops to his feet. “i’m gonna leave you two to chat.” humming, you move to take his chair. tom sucks in a breath. “what happened to the girls you brought?” you wonder. “they left. said they got bored,” harrison admits, tom stifling laughter. he elbows his friend for that.

“oh, fuck off. i’ll see you later,” he mopes, flicking your arm for good measure. tom salutes him and grabs his nearly empty champagne. “so long, bruv.”

it’s just you and tom now, seated side by side, silently so. he has no intentions of speaking first. he’s too embarrassed, and you don’t blame him. this is on you. you clear your throat before starting the conversation.

“can i top you off?” you tap the bottom of his glass with a tiny smile. tom shakes his head. “i’m alright, thanks.” he finishes the last sip and sets it down, turning to face you. your smile has vanished. “wasn’t sure you were gonna make it. i’m glad you did,” you change the subject. as if he’s considering the sincerity behind your words, tom furrows his eyebrows.

“mum wanted us to. she dragged me and dad straight off the golf course,” he explains and clasps his hands in his lap. his fingers interlock with each other. you fight off the urge to replace them with yours. “we would’ve been here sooner, but the paps are camped outside.” the hint of a smile forms on his lips, at last. “guess it’s not often you get the town’s finest under one roof.”

“you think i’m one of the town’s finest?” you tease, resting your chin in your palm. something flashes behind tom’s eyes. he looks right into yours, scooting closer. “absolutely. you’re the most eligible bachelorette in this whole building.” you allow a toothy grin to spread across your face. “tommy, stop it. you’re too nice to me.”

the nickname is music to his ears. tom looks you up and down, licking his lips simultaneously. “no, seriously. you look gorgeous,” he muses, you pushing at his chest. he exhales a breathy laugh, and you giggle yourself. “red’s definitely your color.” “reverse card. you wear it way better than i do,” you insist. your fingers tug at the collar of his suit. “too bad you didn’t match me.”

you’re relieved you two can talk like you usually do, light flirting and good vibes. it might not be so hard to put the kiss behind you. well, you can’t go on pretending it didn’t happen. you have to at least discuss the fiasco. tom should know why you didn’t reciprocate, then you can take it from there. whether he still has feelings for you, assuming he ever did, will depend on how that turns out.

“not to ruin the fun, but we still have to talk,” you murmur, tom’s body stiffening across from yours. he’s not sure he’s ready to discuss that. “can it wait? we’re at a party,” tom reminds you, running a hand through his styled locks. “yeah, my mother’s. don’t tell me you’re having a good time,” you playfully chastise him. he simply shrugs. “hardly. you’re the best part.”

you ignore the butterflies roaming about your body.

“you won’t mind a quick convo, then. it is with me,” you attempt to persuade him and place a hand on his knee. tom coughs a bit too loudly, the contact surprising him. “you know what? i think i’ll take you up on that drink first,” he decides with a mustered up smile. “coming right up.” you pat his leg before taking his glass. he chews on his lower lip while you poor the bubbling liquid. that was certainly… odd.

you slide tom his champagne back with an exaggerated wink. tom scoffs at this. “mm, thanks. care to join me?” he brings the alcohol to his lips, eyes never leaving yours. your mother specifically said no drinking tonight, since the press would be here. screw your mother, though. “please. could you hand me a glass?” you eagerly grab the champagne bottle. tom searches for an empty cup next to him.

you two are unspoken drinking buddies at this point.

“here you are, darling,” tom drawls, holding out the glass for you. every time he calls you that, you completely melt. “thanks, tommy,” you purr in response. you’re finally pouring your own drink when someone taps you on the shoulder, and hard. you look behind you to find your mother standing with her hands on her hips, less than thrilled. speak of the devil.

“hello, mother. can i help you?” you make sure to ask rudely. she responds with a smile that’s obviously fake. if tom weren’t here, you’d be getting scolded. “yes, my darling. those bloggers from earlier were hoping you’d finish your interview.” your mom shakes your shoulder in a motherly way. you squint up at her. “didn’t they leave hours ago-“ “they’re back,” she sharply informs you.

she’s lying, and you have a hunch as to why.

frowning, you hold tom’s hand in both of yours. “sorry, this won’t take long. why don’t you go find tuwaine?” you suggest instead. “he’s around here somewhere.” tom gives you an understanding nod and laces your fingers together, even if it’s only for a moment. “must be chatting up some producers or whatnot. i’ll see if i can help.” he’s such an incredible friend to everyone. he deserves the same from you.

“thomas, so lovely to see you,” your mom interrupts. tom stands up, kissing both her cheeks out of courtesy. “you, too. what a wonderful party. thank you for having us.” despite what the rest of the world believes, his manners are impeccable. “of course. give nikki my best, will you?” your mom puts her hands on his shoulders. he grins at her. “definitely. take care, mrs. y/l/n.” “always a pleasure,” she states, nudging you to come along with her.

you shoot tom one last apologetic look as your mother pulls you along and towards the crowd.

tom is no idiot. he’s well aware how she really feels about him.

when a swarm of guests is surrounding you, your mom lets go. you scowl, crossing your arms over your chest. “why would you do that? i haven’t seen tom in days.” she sighs without a care. “isn’t it time you branch out? expand your social circle?” her manicured fingers ruffle your hair. you push away her touch. “i’m social enough. we were in the middle of something really important.”

you begin to walk away, but your mother takes your arm. “whatever you’re about to do, it’s a mistake. he’ll make a fool of you,” she practically spits. yanking your arm from her grasp, you laugh bitterly. “of me, or of the family name? look around, mom.” you gesture to the spot beside her where your dad should be. “as far as i’m concerned, i have no family except tom. i’m gonna go check on him.”

you’re gone before your mom can stop you. she simply stands there, utterly mortified by what you said.

you run around the house to find tom, stumbling in your heels and not giving a fuck. you’d truly meant the part about him being your family. all the holland’s, honestly. they’re the most genuine and caring souls, and you don’t want to lose the one you’re closest to because of your mother’s delusions. 

tom is in a circle with harrison and tuwaine, the three of them chuckling amongst themselves. you’d hate to bug him, but this can’t wait anymore.

“uh, tom?” you mumble his name, appearing behind him. he steps away with another quiet laugh. “hey, y/n/n. that was quick, hm?” your face gives away your distress. his whole demeanor shifting, tom reaches for your hands. “what is it, love? is something the matter?” “just… come with me,” you croak out.

you manage to smile at harrison and tuwaine, dropping one of tom’s hands so you can lead him upstairs. they each return the smile and share curious looks.

following behind you, tom keeps your hand tight in his own. he’d thought you were going to grill him about the kiss that barely happened. it seems like this is a much more pressing matter. his outburst of emotions can be discussed another time. now, it’s time to deal with yours.

you drag tom into the first room on the second floor, which is your dad’s study. he’s away on business this weekend, so he luckily couldn’t make the party. tom sits down in the office chair. you sit up on the desk, in front of him. your lip quivers the second his worried features come into view.

“y/n/n, what’s going on? why are we in here?” tom wonders, his tone soft. your heart clenches. “i- i wanted us to have some privacy when i told you this,” you sniffle out and blink back the tears forming. you’re sort of shaken from the conversation with your mother, and mostly because you have no idea how tom will react to your confession.

his hands come to stay on your thighs, right below your dress. they feel warm against your bare skin.

“tell me what? i’m listening, yeah?” tom gazes up at you with so much love. “lay it all out for me.” god, he’s fucking amazing. if only you knew where to start. “do you, um…” you trail off, letting your tears subside and words settle. “do you remember when your family made your big debut in town?”

a grin replaces tom’s frown, painting his beautiful face. “how could i forget? you made it quite memorable.” he traces circles on your thigh and elicits a giggle from you. “i spilled a whole thing of soda on your white fucking button down,” you recount with a lighthearted sigh. “right before your dad was supposed to introduce you to everyone, too.”

tom presses his tongue into his cheek to hold back another grin. “took ages to get it out. dad went mad when i didn’t show.” he cocks his head to the side, you leaning back on your hands. “you held me hostage in the laundry room so you could do that bloody stain stick.” your mouth drops open in mock offense. “i had to clean up my mess! i wasn’t gonna let the world meet you covered in pepsi.”

that was one of your earliest memories together. the holland’s threw a party and invited everyone who was willing to attend. they had been hoping to properly introduce themselves to the town, and this was their way of doing so. although yours and tom’s friendship was fairly new, you spent all night together because you had experience with such events.

tom’s dad was making a speech to thank the guests for coming. you and him listened from the snack table, until his name was called. he rushed to go up there while you were pouring yourself a drink. he’d bumped into you, and the bottle ended up all over him. you snuck tom right off to his laundry room.

you’d felt terrible as he stood there shirtless and blushing, you aggressively swiping his button down with a stain stick.

“why do you bring that up?” tom questions and continues circling your skin. you purse your lips. “i dunno. it was the last party i actually enjoyed,” you admit, putting your hand over his that rests on your thigh. “like to reminisce when i’m suffering through one of my mother’s.” his eyes shift to where your hands are laced. “i see,” he affirms. “so, is that… all you wanted to talk about?” “not even close,” you laugh out.

a burst of courage coursing through your body, you say it. “when you kissed me the other night-“ “i won’t do it again,” tom cuts in, trying to avoid the rejection he thinks you’ll give him. “it was a mistake, and i’m so sorry. our friendship is more important than my feelings.” you seem excited to hear that, though it’s not for the reason tom expects. “you do have feelings for me?”

he’d forgotten about his i was drunk excuse.

“um, yeah. i do,” he admits, cheeks rosy and lip caught in his teeth. “but, i’ll learn to put them aside, if that’s what’s best.” “no, no. it isn’t,” you dismiss him and put your free hand on his chest. “i love you, tom. that’s what i was really trying to tell you.” your words bring an instant grin to his face. he chuckles in disbelief, standing from the chair.

“fuck, thank god. that’s all i’ve ever wanted to hear.” he’s between your legs now, his hands moving up to your hips. you’re beaming at him as your arms snake around his neck. a burning question comes to tom’s mind. “hang on. why didn’t you kiss me back, then?” he almost whispers, thumb brushing over your hipbone. “this is gonna sound weird, but… my mom,” you reluctantly let out.

“you’re gonna have to elaborate,” tom prompts you and raises an eyebrow. you can’t hold back your eye roll. “she’s never been a fan of the person you are in the media.” his lips form a line. “i gathered.” your fingers tangle in his curls at the nape of his neck reassuringly. “i was subconsciously scared i would be letting her down in some way, if we were together.”

tom allows your hands to work their way up to his scalp. he exhales contentedly as you play with his ever so soft hair. “i understand, she’s intimidating. what’s changed that brilliant mind of yours about coming clean?” your nose scrunches up when he pokes one of your temples. “oh, yeah. i yelled at her earlier ‘cuz she stole me away from you.” his face lights up. “sexy.” “shut up,” you groan. “someone had to tell her off.”

“good thing it got to be you,” tom agrees with a squeeze at your hip. “‘m proud of you, y/n/n. it’s not easy, standing up to mummy dearest.” you tug on his hair. “like you’d know. nikki is a saint.” “that’s what she’ll have you believe,” he says under his breath, you gasping. his lips turn up in a smirk. “on that note… i love you, too.”

“would’ve been embarrassing if you didn’t say it back,” you acknowledge with a cheesy smile. tom dips his head down to rest his forehead against yours. “yeah, yeah. save the attitude for your mum.” your legs easily wrap around his waist, tom’s breath hot as it hits your face. “let’s give that kiss another go,” you mewl. he doesn’t hesitate to reply. “with pleasure.”

tom’s lips land on yours, you kissing back right away. he smiles into it as your lips gently move together. “about fucking time,” he grumbles, your hands situating in his chocolate curls once again. he’s savoring every second you touch him, kiss him, love him. the taste of your mouth is one he’s craved for longer than you could imagine.

it doesn’t take long for things to heat up, you messing with tom’s hair and tom rubbing your hips. you lay back on the desk as his tongue enters your mouth. holding you by your waist, tom hovers over you. his tongue tangles with yours in a deep kiss. between that and his fingers beginning to massage your thigh, you’re done for. you’re ready to take this a step further by the time he’s kissing down your neck.

“tommy?” you grab onto his shoulders, your head back. his lips detach from your skin with a grin. “yeah, love? ‘s everything okay?” he coos, pressing a final kiss to your collarbone. “more than.” you tilt his chin up to peck his lips. “you wouldn’t happen to have a condom, would you? just thinking ahead.” he laughs breathlessly, reaching into his suit pocket.

“conveniently enough, i do. not sure your dad would like me fucking you on his desk, though.” tom sets his hand on your leg that’s still hooked around his waist. “my room’s always available. carry me?” you make grabby hands and bat your lashes. he hoists you up by your waist, not lifting you just yet. “that would break the news of us, no? your mum’s gonna go apeshit.” he keeps his arms around you, chuckling.

“let her. besides, i know a couple of bloggers that would love to announce our status update.” you peck tom’s lips, grinning as you do. you’re suddenly in the air and being picked up by tom. the surprise of it makes you squeal, clutching onto his broad shoulders instinctively. he gives you the look of adoration that’s reserved for you only.

“we’ll go pop a few bottles with everyone, then we’re celebrating on our own.”

[popculturebuffet]

Kevin Conroy Tribute Review: Batman the Animated Series: Perchance to Dream (comission for WeirdKev27)

In Loving Memory of Kevin Conroy, 1955 to 2022

In Loving Memory 1955-2022

Kevin Conroy was my batman. Sure there have been other greats in the rolls from the Late Great Adam West, to as recently as the thankfully not late but still great Robert Pattinson, but when it came to what sounded and felt like Batman, to what really summed up the character for me and who he was, the triumph of his heroism and feats and the tragedy of his lonliness and pain, there was one man who always came to mind.

It's easy to see why: I grew up with Batman the Animated Series: while I was only about 4 when it first started airing, thankfully Cartoon Network knew what they had and thus warner aired it in reruns frequently, most fondly on Toonami with it's own cool lead in graphics with Batman declaring "I am vengeance, I am the night, I am batman." It was bliss for young me, watching everything from the tragic downfall of harvey dent, to the cold sadness of mr freeze, to that time an alligator man kidnapped the homeless because as I realized last night as me and Jess watched Batman fight a werewolf, this series could get weird. It's where I met my favorite batman Villian Scarface.. and the guy carrying him too. It's what really shaped my perception of the character. I'm not saying no other interpretation is valid, I truly loved the gonzo silver age Batman Brave and the Bold, the recent dark and moody The Batman, the not so recent year one ish The Batman (Cartoon), the utterly fun Burton Batman… there are tons. But you never forget what brought you there and even now as a grown ass man.. the cartoon stands up as a throughly mature work that stands as a solid model for how to hook those young and those old , as both 8 and 30 year old me can attest, to make something for everyone and to show just how broad an appeal animation has.

Conroy's further work on Superman (With the utterly awesome World's Finest four part crossover), Justice League and many, many more just cemented him in my eyes. This was Batman. IT wasn't the only way to portray him but it's hard to argue it wasn't the best.

Yet despite being so essential to my life.. I hardly knew Kevin Conrony it turned out. See in June of this year, I learned I didn't know him at all. I knew what a good voice actor he was but I just never thought, being kinda clueless at times, to actually look into the man. And as he told it in the utterly awesome autobiographical short comic story, Finding Batman

Finding Batman can be found as part of Dc's Pride 2022 a now annual celebration of DC's queer characters, and the issue was made free online for all to honor his passing. I recommend the whole thing, as there's a lot of good stuff.. but Finding Batman was the highlight. As you can guess by the title and as was a shock to me, Kevin Conroy is gay. He has a husband that survivies him and as you can imagine coming up as an actor in the 80's while also being gay.. wasn't easy. The story brilliantly outlines the pain he dealt with, having to hide it like a mask, and loosing rolls simply for who he was. IT's a painful, raw, and ultimately triumphant look at who Kevin Conroy was and why he connected with batman: Like Batman wears Bruce Wayne as a mask, Kevin had to wear being straight as a mask lest his true self be uncovered. And like batman he had ot deal with tons of pent up pain, anger, and heartbreak.. and thus.. perfectly slid into the role. The only reason I didn't review this.. is that I just really can't review an autobiography comic. It's hard to talk about story and tone when the story is VERY real, was very painful to someone and a lot to deal with. It feels wrong. It's the same reason despite equally loving it I didn't cover ND Stevensons comic about them realizing they liked women. Because ultimately it's someone's life story and should be there's to tell, not mine. Most I can do is tell you it's there.

What I can do… is Review Kevin's Faviorite episode, something Kev and I agreed was a good choice: I had thought of it before and kev bringing it up as Kevin Conroy's faviorite clinched it.L While I had PLENTY of brilliant episodes to choose from, this series is rememebred for good reason, I wanted one that really spotlighted Kevin as a performer, that really showed his range, substance and what he could really do. And what better one than when Bruce Wayne contronted Batman? That when Bruce is faced with the very thing that keeps him from being happy. When Bruce gets everything he could want.. and sadly dosen't get to keep it. Ths is Perchance to Dream… and it's under the cut. For Kevin.

Perchance to Dream has a very simple brilliant hook. We start with a normal batman the animated series episode for about a minute: We get one of the greatest opening sequences of all time to one of the greatest theme songs of all time as usual. Seriously the animation, the quick movement, the beautiful use of Danny Elfman's theme.. it all just meshes together perfectly. I probably don't need to tell most of you reading this how great it is.. but sometimes you have to state the obvious because the obvious is so frickin cool.

At any rate it starts pretty simply after that: Batman tails some crooks, goes into a shady warehouse, gets knocked out by .. something.. and wakes up fine in his bed, confused. Then we get the hook as Alfred.. .feels entirely off. He dosen't know what Bruce was up to last night, thinks Robin is some other woman he's seeing ont eh sid eof selina, and more importantly than that.. has no real response to Bruce possibly cheating. Given the guy's main functions are to doll out sass and fatherly advice, it's a nice subtle clue that something is .. off.

The slightly bigger one .. is that the iconic clock entrance to the batcave, the one that's in just about every version of the character… is just a clock. Bruce gets increasingly frustrated.. when the hammer really drops and it finally sinks in just what's going on: Bruce's Parents show up. Kevin's performance of bruce seeing them is also just… heartbreaking. Being Batman… he just.. can't accept their alive. This has to be a trick or a dream or SOMETHING. The other stuff was just off and could just be some sort of scheme, but his parents.. he knows them. They've haunted him, their the reason he became the bat, there's likely not a day he doesn't think of them.. and here they never got shot, bruce is just a happily engaged former playboy who hasn't accomplished much.. it's not the life he had.. but it's a happy one.

Naturally bruce isn't happy or settled, and it's a nice way to have him speak for the audience: the audience too is thrown off by this new reality. They also cleverly get the exposition out about who bruce is in this reality by simply having him ask alfred, knowing it's silly but having him humor him. It also shows that despite the new life.. Bruce is still Batman and Bruce is still a mask. Being thrust into a new reality dosen't change that it only makes him question what's the gimmick? What's the trap? It's what the audience is asking too. It's also likely asking who takes care of the Rogues in a world without Batman? And that's where we get a clever twist after Bruce sees Selina in this reality at the office… and someone comes in announcing batman is outside catching those crooks with his grappling hook.

Yeah turns out BATMAN is still around… and THAT is what convinces Bruce this might be real. And it makes sense: Alfred, Selina , his Parents they all feel off slightly, an idealized version of them without the things tha tmade them real: Alfred isn't looking after bruce like a surrogate father (because his biological one isn't full of holes) and Selina isn't simply a mask for catwoman. His detective alarms naturally grow off. But if he isn't batman, if none of the evidence he ver was batman is around..w as him being batman just a delusion that left him with batman's skills? Is this the real life and was that just fantasy?

It's made more concrete with Leslie Thompkins in this reality. For those not as familiar with her, this series helped boost her stature, she's a child psychologist and skilled physiscian who comforted bruce the night his parents died and one of the very few in most continuities who knows hes batman. So even if he's not here… he's still someone he'd trust and he's still friends with her. She explains it as imposter syndrome: Bruce isn't satisfied with his life and not having earned anything so he created an exciting new one a delusion. It works.. but it's clearly both because the argument is persausive… and because Bruce WANTS it to be real.

It's what makes the episode heartbreaking: Bruce finally gets a happy life: Batman exists…. but so does bruce. He's no longer a mask he can just.. be whoever he wants to be. He has to honor his parents legacy sure… but he no longer has to do so because their cold in the ground. He no longer has to protect the world or fight evil. Someone else is doing it. He can just be.. happy. He and Selina can have an uncomplciated realtionship. He can still do charites and such and get involved in the company again. He can enjoy his parents. He's free.. finally free. And the sheer joy in his voice is so.. kind. We've never seen bruce like this. We've seen him happy.. but we've never seen him content. Finally free to be who he wants to be.

And it makes it that much more heartbreaking, as deep down he and we likely know this isn't real.. and when he tries to read only to get gibbrish.. it' sconfirmed. The sheer heartbreak on his face followed by his breakdown.. it shatters you. Kevin's coarse delivery of "this isn't real' is not of Batman's usual "I figured it out but grufly" delivery.. but of a man realizing his first instinct was correct.. and being broken by it. None of this is real.. it's all a dream. It's also why Leslie's argument likely worked and WHY there's another batman: it's bruce's brain, and the machine he's in fighting him, creating something to challenge his own rightful doubts. He's his own worst enemy.. both because it created the fantasy.. and because he couldn't help but shatter it. In the end he's batman.. and Batman can't help but pull at the strings till the curtainc omes down

From here Bruce tries to find Batman, being half deranged snarling HE DID THIS TO ME, and buying a rope and hook. His behavior is unhinged.. but it's easy to see why: he was the man who had everything.. and now he's just batman again. And while being batman is cool on paper in practice it's being alone, your parents dead and being trapped in a never ending quest, a noble one.. but one that leaves you mostly alone. He has allies.. but he forever will be on this quest. Well until he retires but that's not really the point and still left him with nothing so nyeh.

The police try to bring him in as his parents are looking for him.. but he easily dodges them because Batman, and confronts Batman at the tower of a cemetery. The performance here is stunning: it's Kevin using the bruce voice.. but clearly being batman, while the dream batman is cruel, happily going along with the summation of how bruce figured it out. how is.. kinda stupid. It was a good idea in theory but because the writer got how the brain works wrong it's him saying since dreams are on the left and speech is on the right, you can't read in a dream.

Yeah it's the reverse and it's something even without the internet for research that any of the crew could've looked up.. but it dosne't hamper the episode> it's goofy yes.. but it's not th epoint. The poitn is ptiting bruce against batman, literally showing the reason he can't truly be happy. Bruce gets to lash out. And what's clever is he never says this outright, never says it. but you can feel it. The line earlier is the closest he gets "he did this to me". While on the surface it's him being mad at whoever did this, in practice.. he's mad that he's chained again. while he'll never turn his back on his quest it dosen't mean he LIKES it or isn't aware deep down how deeply unhappy he is, how ultiamtely alone he'll be. he has friends and allies sure.. but deep down this is what he has more than anything, more than a normal life. And it's all he'll ever have.

This story, based on Detective Comics #633 to my suprise though changing some things (i.e. robin is absent), keeps the core: Batman gets everything he could want.. but in the tend the trauma that shaped him into the night.. also means he can't accept it. A fantasy like this worked on superman in the classic for the man who has everything (later adapted after this episode for Justice League Unlimited and yes I will be getting to it someday), because Superman had a happy life. it was trading one life for another. Batman has a life he's proud of.. but one that's inherently rooted in a trauma he never quite adressed, one he instead shaped his life around. It's a vow,a burden, a crusade, a cause, but it's something that dosen't make him happy. This story gives him that.. but the ultimate fakeness of it means he can't truly enjoy it.. and the second he spots the thread.. it' sgone

The why is also brilliant: instead of a mutant making himself into bruce wayne not getting batman and bruce were the same person, long story, it's the Mad Hatter. Sure they coudl've done the original but this works better both for the story their telling with the concept, and just simply that it's someone the audience knows. It's someone they've seen before so it is something they might be able to figure out. IT's hard to sure, but it's something they could see coming.

Roddy McDowell doe sa terrific job as him too, and his reasoning is heartbreaking "You ruined my life. I'd be willing to give you any life you wanted as long as you stayed out of mine" (He's also a simularcrum of jervis, just so we can dance around the identity issue. He can't see the dream and has his copy taking care of it for him). Sure Jervis was a stalker and a pathetic person.. but he's ultimately a very ill man who just wanted to be happy and thought he was doing batman a favor, not realizing that instead… he hurt Bruce worse than almost any villian ever has or will. He gave him something he can never have.. and for that Bruce is furious. He also gets out of the dream despite their being no off switch by jumping off a building.. and the shock waking him. As you do… if you is batman. And if your forever the night… no matter how much you dream otherwise.

Perchance to Dream… is a masterpiece. Going back to it I was in awe of it's deft construction, pacing and timing. But mostly.. I was in awe of Kevin. I wanted to pick a good performance but the torment bruce goes through, his brief ray of happiness and playing off himself. It's all so good. A large reason why I chose this one.. is that it's Kevin's show. There are other actors in it but at the end of the day this is an episode not defined by batman and the cool villian playing off one another (This show was very villain centric and it was awesome), but simply Bruce tortured by being happy. It's a fitting showcase for a man who truly was the night.. and will truly be missed. Thanks for reading.

[kybervisions]

the sun will rise [robb]²

summary: chaos consumes the capital as dorne plans an assault on the reach. the young wolf is named king of the trident, and armies begin marching on highgarden. on the bright side, wedding bells will soon be heard throughout westeros.  

author’s note: [ᵖᵃʳᵗ ¹] the plot thickens (〇_ｏ) sorry this took so long i’ve been moving back to campus and classes are starting :/ plus it takes me a while to write a plot that fits into the world so lmk if y’all like it!! if i make a third part best believe dany will be showing up 

tags: description of reader (vague dornish features), westerosi politics, pain 

When the Mountain’s head arrived at Sunspear, the high lords and ladies of Westeros understood Robb Stark was not a man to be trifled with. His army had captured Lord Tywin's mad dog in the riverlands, the king beheaded him, and now Gregor Clegane’s monstrous head is mounted at the gates of the Old Palace. You invade the Reach with twenty-thousand soldiers and meet with Lord Tarly. 

“Dorne supports Robb Stark’s claim to the North. He has no desire to sit on the Iron Throne. The Lannisters are treacherous bastards that killed his father and now hold his sisters as hostages in the capital. Robb Stark wants justice,” 

“Robb Stark was seen marching north,” Lord Tarly attempts to portray Robb’s choice to take his army to the riverlands as weak, and it angers you. 

“Robb Stark retreated to defend the riverlands against the Lannisters,” You snip and narrow your eyes. “They set the country on fire, and he chose to send his army and help the river lords,” Because he’s a good man. A good king. 

“And what do you want? Why have you brought an army into my country? To set it ablaze?” He’s hostile. It is to be expected, when a force of twenty-thousand Dornishmen appear at your castle.  

“I want to see the rightful heir take the throne, and I want Tywin Lannister’s head on a spike,” 

“Did you ask the Young Wolf for the Mountain’s head?” Randyll Tarly can be more useful alive than dead, all you need to do is convince him to break his oath to the Lannisters. With Robb killing Gregor Clegane, you have quite a bit of leverage.

“No, I told him what the Mountain did to my aunt. How he murdered her children and raped her with their blood on his hands, and then that ugly head showed up. I’m sure Tywin Lannister’s head will come soon enough,” Robb has yet to lose a battle. Lord Tarly must know that.

“Princess Elia was a good woman. What the Mountain did to her is sickening, unspeakable, something only a beast could commit,” 

“And what of the beast’s master?” You ask. If he is so morally repulsed with the Mountain’s actions, will he break his oaths with the Tyrells and the Crown? “Tywin gave Clegane the order to kill your crowned princess and her children, and now he sits on the Iron Throne,” 

“Joffrey is king,” 

“Joffrey is a bastard boy with no sense of true power,” You scoff.  

“You support Stannis?” 

“No,” Stannis would not be a good king. No. In your mind, only a Targaryen could ever sit on the Iron Throne. “I would see Daenerys Targaryen take the throne. It is her right by name, and when her dragons are grown, Westeros will be hers by conquest,”

Daenerys has recently obtained eight thousand Unsullied, and your uncle wants to send your father to escort her to Westeros. 

“So it is true,” Lord Tarly looks to the floor. “The Targaryen has three dragons,” He states. With them, she killed the slave masters and sacked Astapor. Reports say her dragons are now the sizes of small dogs, and they keep growing. 

“The same as Aegon when he conquered the six kingdoms,” You remind Lord Tarly. “You remained loyal to House Targaryen during the Rebellion, the only man to give the Usurper a defeat. Your honor is unquestionable, Lord Tarly,”

“What do you want from me?” The old man sees right through your flattery. 

“You are one of the finest battle commanders in Westeros,” You tell him, continuing with flattery. “Daenerys Targaryen has Ser Barristan Selmy guiding her, but she will need more advisors like you,” No one would ever question Barristan Selmy’s honor, and if he supports the dragon queen, more will flock to her. “A Targaryen will sit on throne again, and the Reach will need a need a new, loyal Warden of the South,” 

“How may I serve?” He asks.

“Help me take Highgarden in the name of Daenerys Targaryen and vow to destroy her enemies,” You’ve never met the girl and she has no idea you exist, but here you are, leading a war in her name, leading your uncle’s war. “Tywin Lannister will not survive this war, but you can. Your family can,” 

And so Horn Hill breaks faith with House Tyrell, Joffrey the Illborn, and Old Lion on the Iron Throne. 

A raven comes in the night with news of your success. Robb smiles as he reads your writing. He rolls the parchment and puts it with your other letters. In the months since his departure from Dorn, Robb has kept close correspondence with you. You now hold dozens of his letters, many in which Robb stopped short of admitting his love for you.  

“What’s got you all melancholy, Stark?” Theon teases as he enters the private chambers. 

“Y/N has claimed Horn Hill, and Lord Tarly has turned against the Tyrells,” Robb tells Theon. “They ride for Highgarden,” 

“That’s a good thing,” Theon states. 

“Yes,” Robb replies. He supposes. Though, he wonders how you took Horn Hill from an experienced and narrow minded man like Randyll Tarly. Had you met him in battle? Were you wounded? Had you convinced the old man to turn against the Crown? 

“But?”

“I want to see her again,” Robb admits. He misses your Dornish drawl. The way you say his name. Your playful little smile. The way your eyes shine. 

“So do it,” Theon smiles. “Demand she meet you here at Riverrun,”

“It’s not that simple,” 

Robb looks at the war map on the table and moves the sun piece representing Dorne on the war map to Horn Hill — Horn Hill and Highgarden are close in proximity and the vast of the Tyrell army went to King’s Landing to help defeat the Baratheon army. Perhaps you’ve already taken Highgarden. 

No one expected Dorne to turn against the Crown and attack the Reach. The Tyrell army rode with Tywin Lannister to King’s Landing, and they’ve remained there ever since, but that won’t last long. Not when news reaches the capital. 

“I could go to her,” Again. 

Robb smiles; he would help you keep the Reach and meets with his generals in the morning to discuss Dorne’s invasion. “My lords, the princess of Dorne has taken Horn Hill. She and Lord Tarly move on Highgarden as we speak,” 

His generals are elated at the news. 

When he returned with forty thousand Dornish soldiers, there was a tide in the war and his army was reinvigorated. With the Dornish aid, Robb helped his uncle reclaim the riverlands, and the riverlords named him king. 

“But for now I ride to the Crag. I will take forty thousand men to Highgarden to help our southron allies take the Reach,” 

“And what about Casterly Rock?” Lord Umber questions. They’ve already made plans to assault the seat of House Lannister. 

“Tywin Lannister isn’t at Casterly Rock. The castle means nothing to me. The Reach, with all its food and wealth, means everything to him,” Robb explains. He’s certain Tywin will move to take Highgarden. 

“They’re still burning our lands,” His uncle the Blackfish states, weary about Robb’s decision to abandon the riverlands and help a southern princess take the Reach.

“That is why I’m leaving ten thousand men in your command, Blackfish,” Robb replies. A seasoned warrior, a veteran of half a hundred battles, he trusts his uncle to protect his kingdom while he rides south to you defeat Tywin Lannister.

And Robb feels the cool sea breeze before news hits the capital of Dornish forces in the mountains bordering the Reach. 

Highgarden falls within a fortnight, and the citizens of Highgarden are gathered to hear Randyll Tarly claim the castle in the name of Daenerys Targaryen. 

After implementing order within the castle, ravens were sent out to inform the other lords of the Reach of Highgarden’s fall and news reached the capital. You write to your uncle, informing him of the developments and asking if he had sent your father east.

You expected the Lannister and Tyrell armies to mobilize after the royal wedding, now in three days, but Dickon informs you of a scout’s recent reports. 

"My princess,” Dickon Tarly unnecessarily kneels after entering the war room. “A Lannister host was spotted on the Gold Road. Some twenty-thousand men,” 

If Tywin was sending an army to take back Highgarden, they would be traveling on the Roseroad. You expected Tywin to move on Highgarden, so you’re disappointed with Dickon’s news. You’ve sent a small host, some five thousand men, to claim houses east of Highgarden and ready the castles. 

“There is still no word on the Tyrell army, princess,” Dickon adds. 

“We should take a vast host north and take Goldengrove,” You think of sending Dickon to command the capture of Goldengrove. He is a good fighter, and the son of a respected lord. House Rowan would bend easier if a Tarly was to ride north.   

And then Maester Lomys enters the war room to inform you that the King in the North is in the Great Hall, asking for the princess of Dorne. 

In the Great Hall, you lay eyes on the stocky, ocean eyed, and auburn haired northman. He looks at you and smiles, making you weak to your knees. He looks so regal. His hair has grown, more red-brown curls decorate his head like a crown. You can see the blood still on his breastplate. The Young Wolf smells of war. 

“You were in the riverlands,” You’re shocked to see him. It’s to be expected. Since his landing at Crakehall, Robb has led his army south to Highgarden, easily taking Red Lake and Goldengrove. 

“I was,” Robb grins. “And now I’m here,” For you, his eyes tell you. 

Your dark eyes pull him closer, and he finds himself entranced all over again. You’re wearing armor now, and your raven hair is now braided in intricate braids that are decorated in small gold metal cuffs. You’re striking, and your obsidian eyes could stop a man’s heart. Robb is sure of it. 

“Have you missed us?” Theon asks. 

“You? Oh, so, so, so much,” You say with clear sarcasm and the smile on Theon’s face drops, making you laugh, oh and how wonderful a sound that is. Robb smiles again; his heart fills with joy. 

“Red Lake and Goldengrove are yours,” Robb proclaims.

You look confused. Your eyes narrow and brows stitch together as your pretty lips part, “I don’t understand,” 

“Robb claimed everything north of Highgarden in your name,” Theon repeats. 

For Daenerys, you think to yourself. The Reach is for Daenerys.

“Thank you for coming to our aid, Your Grace,” You say it so formly. So...detached. “We expect assaults from the northern mountains and the Rose Road,” You inform him of the military situation. 

That is when Robb sees the two men standing behind you. 

“Your Grace, we had not expected you,” Lord Tarly states. He extends his arm, “It is an honor to meet the man that sent Tywin Lannister running,” They shake hands. 

“When riding to Highgarden, we saw troops marching east,” Robb notes. 

“The princess has ordered captains to ride and prepare Cider Hall, Longtable, and Bitterbridge,” Dickon informs the king. “Your Grace,” He quickly adds and bows before Robb. 

“A sharp tactic, princess,” Robb compliments your aptitude, grinning ear to ear at your recent accomplishments on the southron front. Within half a year you’ve mobilized an army through Dorne and took Highgarden from Tywin Lannister. Joffrey may marry Margaery Tyrell, but it means nothing so long as you hold the Reach. 

Lord Tarly takes them to the war room, and you reveal to Robb your plans to defend the Reach against the Lannister-Tyrell army. Robb has never met a woman as brave, strong-willed and intuitive as you. You would make a good queen, he thinks. 

The following night, Robb asks a Dornish soldier to take him to your room, desperate to see you in a setting you weren’t preparing for battle. When the sun rises in the morning, you’re expected to ride for the mountains with Lord Tarly’s son and a host of forty-thousand; Robb will march east with Lord Tarly. 

“Fuck off,” He faintly heard through the door after knocking twice, and he chuckles.

“That’s no way to speak to a king,” Robb says to the door.

Within seconds the door is opened, and he sees you.

“You shouldn’t be here,”

“I wanted to see you before you left,” Robb admits. He sailed and rode for weeks to see your smile again, and now he wants to be at your side for as long as possible. He wanted to feel peace, and now Robb knows he can only achieve that with you in his arms. 

Even while you were readying for war, he felt safe. He felt reassurance that this war would be won. He felt a calmness makes him terrified of losing you. He felt love. 

But now you can’t even look him in the eye, always avoiding his glance. You hug yourself, indirectly pushing your breasts up, and Robb glances at the low neckline of your brown-gold silk nightgown.

He quickly looks away and clears his throat. “You were right. I shouldn’t have come. I didn’t mean to offend. Apologies, princess,” Robb almost turns away, embarrassed with your rejection.  

When he turns his head, Robb sees Lord Tarly approaching, and his blood runs cold. Visiting you so late in the night was a stupid idea, Robb thinks to himself. Stupid and selfish. To Lord Tarly, it may appear you invited Robb to your private chambers, and Robb feels a pit in his stomach at the thought of tarnishing your honor. 

"Lord Tarly, we-” Robb was ready to explain, but the concerned look in Randyll’s face stopped him. “What’s happened?” The continent is at war, a many number of things could have made Lord Tarly white with fear. Stannis Baratheon could have taken the capital. 

“We’ve received a letter from the Vale,” Randyll informs the king and princess. 

They are convinced in the war room. 

“Lady Arryn plans to marry Petyr Baelish soon after the royal wedding,” Lord Tarly reveals to the small war council. 

"The Vale borders the entirety of the riverlands. If they join the war and support the Lannisters, they’ll attack your kingdoms,” You look at Robb, concern now in your eyes. 

“She’s your aunt,” Theon comments. “She wouldn’t hurt her family,” The young boy assumes. 

“My mother says she’s not the woman she once was,” Robb shakes his head. 

“Then we should assume Baelish will pull the Vale into the fold, and the Knights of the Vale will fight for the Crown,” Randyll says. “I suggest we advance the wedding, princess,” 

“And just when would the wedding take place?” You ask, displeased with Lord Tarly’s request and angered he would speak of it in front of Robb. “Now? Hours before we ride for war?" You scoff. You can’t even look at Robb, afraid of facing the wave of sadness in his baby-blue eyes. 

“My princess, it-”

“I will hear no more of this,” You bite, angered with the Tarlys. “You’ll have the marriage you want when the war is won,” That was the agreement. Lord Tarly would break faith with the Crown and the Tyrells, but only if they would be given Highgarden and a suitable marriage; and a marriage with a princess of Dorne would ensure the Tarlys remained loyal to the Targaryen queen. 

“Why are you marrying Dickon Tarly? Why now?” Robb knows why. He understands. Though, his understandment does not make you marrying another man any easier. 

“I don’t love him,” You proclaim. I love you. “I could never love him,” Because I love you. “Our engagement is purely political, to cement the alliance between the Reach and Dorne. If I marry him now, the Tarlys will gain more legitimacy as lords of Highgarden,” 

Robb sighs, “Walder Frey expects me to marry one of his daughters when the war is over,” He tells you, and you can’t even be angry with Robb’s withholding of his engagement. You only feel heartache, knowing your oaths and vows must be kept if the war is to be a success. 

“But I don’t love her,” Whomever she may be. “You are the light of my world. I look at you, and I know that I would-” break my vows, Robb meant to say. He meant to declare his love for you, but he is stopped with a kiss. 

He feels your soft and full lips on his and your slick tongue in his mouth, and Robb kisses you back with the hungry desperation of a man in a desert, pulling you closer to him and wrapping his right arm around your waist.  

You hold his face and pull away from the kiss, studying the look on Robb’s face. The boy is utterly in love with you, and you with him. 

“War is an inconvenient time to be in love,” You whisper, pulling your body away from Robb’s hold. He lets you go. Despite the passion and lust you feel for the northman, you can never act upon it. That kiss will be all you have. You will keep your word to the Tarlys, as unhappy as it makes you. 

Robb half-believed you were ready to throw away your promise to Lord Tarly and run away with him, but he knows that is not the woman you are. As fierce and strange as you are, you are a princess: proud, honest, and true. 

And he is a king. It is expected he keep his oath to Lord Frey. 

Four years Robb has been fighting, chasing Tywin Lannister’s army, winning every battle, but Sansa and Arya are still captives. He just wants his family to be whole again. He just wants to go home. He wants to be yours. 

Before Robb met you, he saw no end to this war, but you gave him hope. Robb sees saw you by his side, your hands in his and taking vows before a weirwood tree. 

“I’m tired,” he sighs, sitting at the edge of the bed, “and it’s awfully difficult to see a happy ending if you are not beside me,” He confesses, looking up at you, dejected. 

Your eyes soften. 

“I may never be your wife,” your words stab his heart, “but I will always be at your side,” 

“Lying is not very princessly,” Why did you kiss him? Why would you give him a single second of serenity before ripping it away entirely? How could you be so cruel? When he is old and blind and can no longer walk, he’ll still remember the feel of your lips on his. The ghost of your lips will forever haunt him.

Though Robb could never find it in his heart to hate you, he tears his eyes away from you, unable to bear seeing you in a wedding gown meant for another. It physically pains him that, within a few short minutes, you’ll be bound to another. 

Robb feels sick. 

Marriage isn’t for love, it’s political, your uncle told you. So, when you envisioned your wedding, you held no expectations that you would ever marry someone you loved. All that you wanted was to be dressed in traditional Dornish garments, to be wed wearing the colors and symbols of your country. 

Instead, here you stand, in a foreign country dressed in unpleasant clothes and jewelry, deeply and unequivocally in love with Robb Stark, yet destined for a political marriage. 

You feel sick. 

“Princess,” Lord Tarly calls for you. You turn and see him standing at the doorway of the chambers, donning his battle armor with a cape of his house colors. “It is time,” 

You’ve never felt such dread before. 

You look to Robb once more, memorizing the shade of his eyes and the way his curls frame his face. “I love you,” You confess in a whisper. “My vows to Tarly will mean nothing because I am yours, until my dying breath, I am yours,” Your declaration breaks Robb’s heart in two, because you won’t be cloaked in the sigil of a direwolf and he won’t wear your house colors. His heart shatters because you’ll never embrace as husband and wife. 

So, Robb rides for Cider Hall before the small wedding ceremony takes place, lacking the strength to witness the woman he loves pledge herself to another. 

[mystic-kitten-writer]

Limerence [M] ︳36

Pairing: Zuko x OC

Genre: Romance, mainly fluff with future smut, and if you squint hard enough - you’ll find some angst.

Rating: SFW

Words: 15400+

Notes: It’s here! It’s been a while since I’ve updated, and I’m ready to get into the groove of things once again. Get ready for the next chapter, it’s the infamous bonus chapter many of you have asked for. I even teased a bit of it here muhaha~ I hope you enjoy, and it brings forth a ton of emotion. Tons of love and thanks for the support!

Please stay healthy and safe, take care~!

Masterlist ︳35 [M] ︳ Bonus pt. 3 [M]

❤ Buy me a coffee? ❤

Limerence: (English/n.) the state of being infatuated with another person.

The moment their eyes locked they knew - the flames within him twisted while the water within her turned. It was a connection, a connection that would lead to love, adventure, and drama.

Tartle

(Scottish/v.) to hesitate to recognize a person or thing; happens when you are introduced to someone whose name you cannot recall.

~ Fire Lord Zuko  ~

Thunder.

It roared through the sky, causing the ground to tremble, the air around us buzzing with an electrical charge—the droplets striking against the windows, a desperate cry from nature itself - the thunder its screams.

But how?

How did the world always know? Matching and dancing with our emotions- was it mocking me? Mocking Yue?

The beams of light that lit up the study, the heated glow from the candlelight rippled from the outside’s growing rage. Shadows lurking, the bitter chill in the air ran down my spine and had my bones aching.

“Lord Zuko-” they voiced, and like that, I was brought back to reality, my eyes focusing. When did I even zone out? A numbness was slithering its way into my mind like the hazy fog that had begun to settle over the Fire Nation.

A leathered-gloved hand reached upwards, pulling the red scarf that always decorated his face under his stubbled chin. His expression, while simple, spoke a million words. I always respected Yue’s ability to study, to read people’s emotions, and at this moment in time; I finally realized what she saw.

Face stoned, yet his eyes never wavered. He was meeting my gaze with a heaviness that mimicked the depths of fire.

“Mihir-” I swallowed. A warning, a confirmation.

Axe.

The General, Axe.

One of the finest warriors the Fire Nation ever housed. A hero for many of the villages in the Earth Nation. A proclaimed traitor till recently, but most importantly, he’s Yue’s dad.

Deep inhale, my eyes shutting for a moment. The turbulent waves of turmoil, but in the end, only one feeling persisted. And if the room weren’t tense, I would’ve snorted because her damn sense of curiosity really did rub off on me.

Dead or alive - that was the question that lingered. Carved on my face as I gawked at Mihir with wonder. And with a stale huff, he spoke, “What do you think?”

Is everyone a mindreader? I ticked, my hand rubbing my jaw.

Yue’s mom was stubborn, or so I was told. But something tells me Yue’s mother wasn’t the only determined spirit. That look in Yue’s eyes whenever a thought popped into her mind, nibbling on her lips as an alluring yet formidable aura would envelop her- from her battle with Azula to Yakone. A force to be reckoned with.

Axe has to be alive.

I could feel it in my bones the moment I read that document, his body unrecoverable. Daughter like father - they’re warriors. Never someone to go down without a fight.

“Are you sure?” I held, and Mihir snickered, my skepticism useless. “I sure hope so, or else I have some random man imprisoned in my house-”

“What-” I gasped, nostrils flaring at the news and Mihir stared at me blankly, “You think that man willingly wanted to come, with me, a secret service Fire Nation militant.”

“That man is Ying Yue’s father-”

“Who, as far as he knows, believes his daughter has been coerced into a far-from-loving engagement with the Fire Lord,” Mihir added.

My hands, settling over my face as I roared into my palms. Forcing Yue? Hurting Yue-The rush that coursed through my body, unleashing every ounce of frustration because fuck.

If it weren’t for the thunder howling outside, the guards would’ve trotted themselves in - wondering who is being butchered. Good job, Zuko. You’re a fucking genius. An absolute gem. Lock up Yue’s Dad. Make him think I am hurting his daughter, a great fucking first impression.

“With all due respect, Lord Zuko, I tried to inform you, but you had a ‘terrible cold,’ and I couldn’t exactly tell Ying Yue, could I?” Mihir spoke as I rolled my shoulders back, my hands weakly falling to my front.

“Poisoned.” I tutted, and Mihir let out a meek grin, “Same shit, different day.”

“I need a drink.” I announced begrudgingly as I turned on my heel, “Want one?”

“I need something to warm up these old bones.”

With a worn step, I found myself moving without much thought.

My fingers were browsing for the nearest bottle, fiddling with the lid as the need to feel that dark burn running down my throat grew. Flashes of lightning bounced off the bottles, twinkling like the fireflies that would appear in the garden at night. My lips parted as empty sighs left me, combing my hair back, and for a moment, that sweet bliss from this morning came rushing.

To feel Yue’s calming touch over my face, her fingers gliding and smiling as her rhythmic pulse had me easing into a deep slumber in seconds. Even the sound of the rain felt different, enchanting; some would say when it was in her presence.

Everything was better with Yue.

From chaos to peace, I flicked my wrist, cutting off the pour to a mere shot for us both.

Not bothering to place the bottle back with the collection, I nudged the cold glass towards Mihir, silently acknowledging. His calloused fingers grazed mine, taking the tumbler and raising it, “To the past not staying dead.”

“For the better-” I added with the thought of Yue seeing her dad once again. And with a low breath, Mihir finished, “Or for worse.”

He is referring to Azula.

The strong taste flooded my senses, wincing at the sudden flavour that seemingly rinsed the troubles away, even if just for a moment. But why was my mood so sour? Why wasn’t I happy that we found Axe? Wasn’t that the plan all along?

My hands felt clammy, beads of condensation dripping down the ridges of the glass and onto my palm. Reunite Yue with her father, lift his status, give Yue a chance to heal…

Ever so softly, I found myself letting the tumbler rest on the study, my eyes catching sight of the adorable scribbles of Yue’s works. Odd, seeing her writing mixing with mine. To not feel so alone…Did the previous Fire Lords feel the same joy?

To have someone by their side or were they all miserable assholes just like-

“When was the last time you visited your father?” Mihir whispered, his voice muffled as his scarf found itself un-bunching from under his stubbled chin. Smoothly, he placed his serving on the study with mine, the glass thud echoing in the room as I lowered.

“Not long enough.” I bitterly retorted as I grabbed my cup once more.

Me coercing Yue into marrying me? Staying with me? My forehead scrunched as Mihir’s words tormented my mind. I knew I forgo putting away the booze for a reason. Readily snapping the lid off, only to pour another shot into my too-empty of a glass.

Forcing Yue into a toxic marriage? I scowed at the mere idea of doing such a thing, let alone with Yue, the bottle banging against the table harder than I had wanted. The sound could have challenged the thunder as the ridges of the tumbler dug into my skin as my lips pressed together tightly, forming a thin line.

A marriage of pure political gain or some sick revenge. Who do I seem like? Do I seem like a twisted fuck? Some monster like my father-

I didn’t realize the tremble in my hand. The alcohol swishing side to side in my cup as I aimlessly stared down the glass. The scent was overwhelming, taking in a lung full as I finally let myself breathe in. It stung, but I couldn’t pull away, staring back at the reflection where that murky liquid swirled.

It was me.

With my hair pinned back, the tips of my red robes just barely making an appearance into the reflection. Despite the casual attire, I dressed like royalty, a King.

But never have I felt as small as I do now.

The banished prince.

The reject, the failure, the less then.

The one who managed to reclaim the throne after overthrowing his father with the Avatar. For years I tried to make peace with the sins this Nation has inflicted, and for a while, I thought I finally made progress. But the scar that pulsed angrily on my skin, my expression white-

I didn’t want Axe to view me like my father.

To think I would treat Yue like how he treated my mother.

Too stubborn of an attitude to admit that I cared about what Axe thinks of me because with the Avatar as my witness, I was in love with Yue. I craved her praise and for her sweet acceptance. I may be prideful beyond reason, but damn, would I get down on my knees for her in a heartbeat. What has she done to me?

With an annoyed sigh, I let the filled glass rest again, shutting my eyes as I tried to even my breathing.

The feeling, the tightening in my chest, as I fought back and forth between happiness and dread wasn’t one of annoyance but nerves. Once again, an awkward teenage boy, trying to seek the approval of a father, just this time, it wasn’t mine.

Everything I worked for up to this point would feel pointless if this whole plan went south. Make Yue happy - that was the goal, my purpose. I need a word with everyone because if there was one thing I wasn’t good at it, it was good first impressions.

I turned on my heel, my eyes shifting once again on Mihir’s figure.

Standing tall yet silent, his wet clothes clinging to his body-like skin. He must be freezing. The muted colours he often wore somehow looking darker. “I’ll request for spare clothes,” I muttered under my breath, realizing how harsh my response was to his thought-provoking yet straightforward question.

I wasn’t exactly the introspecting type of guy after all. Easier to lash than to understand and listen. Soothing jasmine tea with Iroh is in need with some of Yue’s biscuits.

But Mihir merely shook his head, listening to the turbulence outside the wide window that framed the study. “I need to go, check up on Axe, which leads me to my next question.” Mihir started, crossing his arms with a stoned expression, “What do you want to do next?”

Next-

“You have Axe locked up as we speak?” I pinched, recalling that less than favourable detail and Mihir nodded, “As I said before, not exactly welcoming to the idea of visiting the Fire Lord. And after multiple attempts from him trying to burn me, I didn’t want to take any more chances.”

My shoulders dropped, letting my head roll in thought - recalling our conversation back at Ember Island. Axe ran because he’s scared he’ll endanger Yue with his mere presence. Not knowing if the Fire Nation had, or would ever, stop hunting for him. Who knows how he’ll react when he is brought here.

This isn’t a man fighting for his life; this is a man fighting to protect his only daughter—loyalty, family-life, it was more than just important to them. This won’t be some cute family reunion or as simple as meeting up with the gang after a few months. Yue still thinks he’s dead. She said her final goodbyes years ago.

“Give me a day,” I said, raising my head.

Despite the rouge fabric obstructing his face, I could see his light scowl, not pleased with the idea. “A day?” Mihir repeated, a hanging question, part of him hoping he merely misheard me, but I nodded, asserting my request.

“A day. Ying Yue, she needs a day of peace, to relax.” I answered as I relived her exhausted figure cocooned in bed.

While I could see the genuine delight in her eyes as we cuddled, her midnight hair still damp as she snuggled herself as close as possible to my warmth, I could see it. The dark under bags, skin faint. She was overworked, drained emotionally and her chi- I pushed the thought away. Unable to admit that she’s running out of time.

She needs a day to have some peace of mind, not to worry or think. I can’t have her getting any sicker-

“And you?” Mihir questioned, and I tilted my head, pulled from my thoughts, “…me?”

“How are you feeling?”

I took in a deep breath, letting out a short laugh, “I just woke up from a coma. I have my sister trying to kill Ying Yue, my ex-girlfriend is trying to kill me, and now Axe is alive.”

The low chuckle of his, the corners of Mihir’s eyes pinching as he found amusement in my dry humour. “So you’re doing great.” Mihir entertained, and I smiled softly, “I have Ying Yue.”

“Your marriage to her…it’s going to bring upon a great change for this nation..” Mihir stated. A great change? Before I could ask, he let out a long exhale.

Patting himself down and making sure his belongings were on his body. The white hairs of his beard peeking from the warm fabric that covered him. Strange how he could wear such a thick thing. Then again, Yue easily sleeps with a shit ton of blankets despite the heat. Mihir looked once more outside, studying the gray skies as if he could tell time from the swirling clouds alone.

“Better get going, a day of rest before we met again.”

“Thank you for your work,” I muttered.

“Any time, Fire Lord Zuko.” The bow, hand over his heart before he moved.

Watching as his large back turned to me, his shoulders relaxing for a moment before he set off to his next duty. Striding to the study doors, he adjusted his scarf. He was grabbing the ends, ready to tug the fabric tight.

I found my golden eyes travelling around the room, the thunderous roars from outside coming into focus as our conversation died.

My palms rested on the wooden study, feeling the texture beneath me as I continued to scan the papers. Which looked the easiest to finish? Work on a few things while Yue slept away. Lunch is going to be delivered soon, so I’m going to have to wake her. And I smiled softly, already thinking of that pout that would form on her face whenever she woke up. Rubbing her eyes and huffing, ‘another minute, please.’

My fingers danced over Yue’s scribbles, her notes proving helpful in searching for work. And as I pushed aside a pile, something caught my eye.

I perked, tilting my head as tucked underneath a pile was a luxurious paper. High-quality, thick, the emerald colour was standing out like a sore thumb in the clutter of red and beige. It had to be a letter, the corner of a broken wax seal peeking, and I frowned. Why does it look so familiar? As if I read this, or was reading it?

I reached, grazing the papyrus texture, an unexplainable draw, beckoning me to read before a voice interrupted my sudden trance.

“Before I depart, shall I prepare for your Uncle’s return trip? For security.”

I turned on my heel; my forehead pressed at the sudden question Mihir asked. It took me a moment to realize what exactly he had proposed, the green-coloured letter taking hold of my mind. His hand was resting on the doorknob, waiting, and I blinked, searching for an answer.

Shit, he’s right.

Uncle was supposed to leave last week, but he probably stayed behind with me falling ill. “I will inquire with him. An answer when we see each other once again.” I said quickly, regaining focus.

Mihir nodded, “And your condolences? Will you be sending it with Iroh, or shall I prepare a secure line?”

“Condolences?” I repeated, no longer answering over my shoulder but turning my body to face Mihir. The fog over me lifted, eyes narrowing as I took an uneasy step forward. A secure line to the Earth Nation?

Mihir froze.

His sharp eyes were searching, reading the look on my face as my mind ran blank. Whatever passing must have happened while I was under because the last time I checked, no one passed away. Yet the look on his face was proving to me that it was something I should have known, silent for far too long, my gut twisting in knots.

“Lord Zuko…” Mihir rustled, raising his hand to pull down his scarf from his face again, “The Earth Nation’s Queen’s brother, Kayto, passed away on his return trip from here.”

“What-” I exclaimed, stepping forward as my blood ran cold. That rough voice, Yue’s pained expression as she lunged forward-

‘I’m going to kill them the same way I killed Kayto.’

Yakone. He was telling the truth. That fucking-

“Lord Zuko,” Mihir spoke sternly, not realizing he was right in front of me, watching me with the utmost concern because I was glued to my spot.

My hands were balled into fists, trembling with spirits knows what emotions at this fucking point. What was it with us never being able to have a good day? A simple day? Fuck- I hated Kayto’s guts; there wasn’t a single doubt about that, but the thought of dying by Yakone’s hands.

Everyone heard the rumours.

The way he often left the bodies of his enemies. Twisted and disfigured, making sure to leave them in a pool of their blood to show the world he killed them with their essence. Even an asshole like Kayto deserved better.

I could feel the bile in my throat because while the death of Kayto was sure to be painful, what I feared more was Yue’s reaction. She’s going to feel like she failed to protect him. She’s going to blame herself for his death.

“How?” I asked.

“How what?”

“How did he die?” I hissed. I need answers; I need them now-

“N-natural causes, it seems.” Mihir stuttered, an uncommon occurrence as he found himself ajar at the sudden eagerness from myself. He didn’t understand, no one understood besides the gang. Details of Yakone’s words that we have unintentionally forgotten because of everything else going on around us.

“Kayto was found dead in his bed as they were sailing. The man drank excessively and slept around with many women, probably caught something, or his liver finally gave out.” Mihir answered, and I couldn’t help but shake my head.

Bullshit. There was no fucking way Kayto died naturally or peacefully.

“You truly did not know?” Mihir asked, and I tutted, shaking my head as I turned on my heel, “No. When did news of this break?”

“Before you fell ill, they sent a letter-”

The green letter.

With haste, I moved, grabbing the envelope, as I stared at it. I was here…I was standing while reading this, Yue sitting in my chair, Sokka and Suki cuddled. Memories of that day rushing and my head hammered.

It hurt.

My head was feeling like it was going to explode as I fought to scramble the moments right before the tea. Katara apologized; I had an outing with mother-

With a scowl, I rose my hand, motioning at Mihir to come forward because I couldn’t remember a damn thing. Why can’t I remember? Was it because I was out for too long? I would’ve remembered reading about his death unless-

“Mihir, come,” I ordered, ripping the letter open.

The thickness of the papers, breaking the document into two before facing him. The pieces, seemingly untouched as not a single crease or fold, littered the papers besides the first page. I never finish reading it. They were talking about Bloodbenders. I ended the meeting; I couldn’t focus and barely got two pages in-

“Search. Anything about Kayto’s death. This was sent to me right before I drank the tea.”

“So this whole time-”

“I had no fucking clue he was dead.”

Yakone wasn’t lying; he had no reason to. For him to know about his death back at Ember Island, before I or the Earth King’s letter could arrive- he had to have a role, the cause.

Mihir grabbed the papers in my hands, licking the tips of his fingers before he began flipping. Our eyes scanned, searching for any essential information besides Republic City. Money, transfers, nation maps, new borders-

I paused for a moment, a name I haven’t heard in a while making a brief appearance.

‘In other events, Jin has announced her pregnancy. On behalf of the Earth Kingdom, we are arranging a small gathering in celebration in the upcoming months. As a close friend of hers and our Nation, we are eager to know if you will be sending a gift for the celebration or a visit. If so, we will arrange housing and security for yourself and Imperial Consort, Ying Yue, visitation.’

Jin, she’s pregnant- I thought marriage was a big deal, but she’s having a baby.

“Anything?” Mihir asked as he let a few papers drop on the study, his eyes continuing to scan about. I shook my head, not realizing a small smile had formed on my face, refocusing my attention on the matter at hand.

Rather than tossing the paper with the rest, I put it aside. A trip to the Earth Nation with Yue. It would be her first out of Nation appearance as impending Queen. The last time I visited, I went with Mai…

I’ll let Yue decide, handle it. I can trust her on these matters. And for some odd reason, the sudden realization that I had someone to rely on had my shoulders easing.

We searched; the sound of papers sweeping against each other as we tossed and browsed challenged the commotion outside. The rapid flipping caused the pieces close to us to flutter. Where was it? Would it not be the first thing in this damn novel he sent us?

The death of his brother-in-law seems like big enough news for the Earth Nation to report upon-

“Here!” Mihir perked, and just like that, I let the papers in my grasp drop.

I inched, our shoulders touching as Mihir flicked the paper straight. He was jamming his finger into the course paper, denting exactly where the announcement started. The cursive, both of us holding our breath as there it was. He’s really-

“It is with regret that we announce the death of Her Royal Majesty’s brother, Lord Kayto. During his return trip from the Fire Nation, Kayto passed away peacefully in his sleep. A memorial will be taking place within the upcoming weeks-” Mihir read, his voice trailing as he let the paper go limp in his hands.

Kayto is dead. And no one knows it wasn’t a ‘natural’ cause but a few.

But why is the Earth Nation hiding the fact that his death was a murder? Would they not have seen his body? Unless Yakone went against his usual; a clean murder.

‘I’m going to kill them the same way I killed Kayto’ his words played in my head, and that’s when it finally fucking clicked.

Yakone’s threat, he didn’t mean kill us in a gruesome manner. He meant that he could murder anyone, us, without a single soul suspecting fool play. Kill us, and make us suffer while letting our loved ones think we died happily. He’s bragging, taunting-

I clicked my tongue, eyes squeezing shut because Yakone got away with murder. And not just the murder of anyone, but a high-status, elite from the Earth Nation. The Queen’s brother.

What do I do?

There wasn’t a doubt in my mind that Yue would be eager to tell the truth to the Earth Nation. That was just who she was, and I swallowed hard because I knew better.

Without physical proof, word of mouth meant nothing. And if I say something, the mere idea that he passed away from his return trip makes it seem like the Fire Nation had something to do with it. As if we killed him. The beginning steps of a war brewing.

“Lord Zuko?” Mihir spoke, and I cursed.

Shit. I keep zoning out. I shook my head, pinching the bridge of my nose because my head throbbed. So many details, critical parts, like gears in a machine, twisting and, in some way, affecting each other. Everything is connected, and Mihir wasn’t stupid to miss it.

“There is more to his death, isn’t there?”

“Yakone,” I spoke plainly. His name alone was enough to convey my worries.

A pest, no matter how many times we tried to swat him away, he managed to vanish right when we had him in our grasp. A chaotic force of nature, with a power that only Aang could counter. But even then, I had my worries.

Could Aang face Yakone? Katara mentioned once that only a Bloodbender could outplay another. She’s powerful, but Yakone, he was on a whole other level. But Yue-

“Does this connect with your altercation during your time off?” Mihir breathed, and I perked, “Who told you?”

“I am not your secret intelligence personnel for no reason.”

A truly cunning man. He was hiding behind his red scarf with a fozy smile. I crossed my arms, “Yakone told us about Kayto’s death before this letter was even sent or arrived. We figured he was bluffing.”

“...he killed Kayto.”

“There’s more,” I whispered, my voice dropping pitch because there was something odd about everything.

The tears that ran down Yue’s face after our battle. He knew the tale, the story behind the cranes that were tattooed on her skin. My stomach was in knots because I could no longer let the thought go. I needed to know, hoping it was nothing more but my overactive imagination.

Mihir, sensing the tense atmosphere leaned forward as I gave my final order.

“Ying Yue’s mother, Kasa Jiang, and Yakone...I want a full report, in particular, family history.”

“Yakone?” Mihir snorted, shaking his head with bewilderment.

It was like I said a terrible joke, struggling to understand why I would say such a thing. Don’t blame him. Any effort to search for the most basic of details proved nearly impossible. But my expression didn’t waver; my lips pressed as I stared forward.

Only then did Mihir go quiet, realizing I was dead serious.

“With all due respect,” Mihir started, raising his hands as if to ease the rejection of such a request, “Yakone has managed to avoid us because we have been unable to find a single piece of dirt about the man. I’m good, but not that good.”

“That’s why I said, look at Ying Yue’s mother,” I answered, and the thunder crashed once again.

The lightning was illuminating the room, highlighting the dread on Mihir’s face, his eyes sunken. He realized what I was suggesting. And never did I wish to be wrong as much as I did right now.

The green envelope rustled in my grasp, letting it roll and twist. The felt-like texture was oddly comforting, distinct from the typical lightweight paper. The pads of my fingers swiped at the wax seal, feeling all the ridges and divots and imperfections.

At one point in time, the wax was hot, sealing the envelope shut of its horrors. And for the nth time this day, I hitched a breath.

Shutting my eyes briefly, thinking of how to break it to Yue. There really was no easy way. The look on her face, her doe-like eyes were filled with tears. I hope she’s asleep—avoidance seeming like a viable option at the moment.

Cursing, I walked down the hallway, staring past my sullen reflection in the windows.

The storm that was outside somewhat calmed, the crashing and roars no longer echoing in the kingdom. Mihir got lucky, it seems. Faint rays of the sun managing to peak from the gray clouds.

The weather these past weeks seemed uneasy, bouts of rain and sun happening at once. But the puddles that laid outside, animals gradually crawling their way out of their burrows, was all the evidence needed to show that a nasty storm was once here.

My footsteps felt heavy, the green folder in my hands begging for my attention. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t ignore it. No longer appreciating the nature outside, something Yue had taught me, but sulk.

It was just so evident; the colour, the size, the thickness. Every servant and guard was eyeing the stupid thing before giving a greeting. Maybe I could just burn the damn thing. Not share the news, keep it a secret, because how-

How the actual fuck am I going to tell Yue? Another audible exhale, dragging my feet towards our bedroom.

Just don’t tell her, simple as that.

No, you idiot. No more hiding or lies; she deserves to know the truth.

But you know it’ll hurt her-

“Lord Zuko?” A voice spoke, and I rose my head, realizing where I was.

They stood on guard, their hands resting on the large bedroom doors, ready to open them for me. But they wore an expression of concern, and of course, they noticed this stupid thing. Their eyes were darting awkwardly to the formidable folder that laid rest in my grip.

My thumb dug into the opening, genuinely toeing with the idea of burning it and throwing the ashes out the window. Pay them off; they’d never tell a soul what just happened—a win-win.

“Has lunch arrived?” I asked, anything to avoid talking about these wretched papers, and the guards shook their head, “Any moment now. But Avatar Aang stopped by. Requesting an impromptu meeting with, and I quote, ‘the gang,’ sometime after you and Imperial Consort Ying Yue have eaten.”

I snorted.

Despite being the Avatar, Aang wasn’t quite suave with etiquette. Talking informally with anything or anyone.

“Send word that I accept,” I said with a pressed smile, “and if you’ll excuse me-”

They quickly got the hint.

Their gloved hands spread along with the wooden frame, applying gentle pressure, yet the doors creaked, revealing its age. The warmth of the sunlight began flooding into the hallway, and I sent a silent prayer to the spirits.

Please, let Yue be asleep. Let me crawl into bed, hug her from behind, erasing and forgetting about the joys of Axe and the death of Kayto-

And just like, I melted.

Moments like these, I honestly wondered if someone as perfect as her could be true.

An uncontrollable reaction, a spell, a trance.

The soreness in my muscles, the ache of my bones; it all disappeared as the stupidest of smiles would appear on my usually stoic expression. What have you done to me?

All these years, denying and dismissing every notion of love, a soulmate. It was a foolish idea, a fleeting dream. Royals, Fire Lords, they never married out of love. They married for politics, for money, for power.

Love…It was a concept to laugh at, and it was one thing I was unconsciously jealous of whenever I saw Katara and Aang, Sokka and Suki. Free to be with who they want.

All these years, alone and bitter as I sat in my office. Fleeting romances; they came and went, none of them staying, working. No one looked at me with the kindness that Aang gave Katara or listened as Suki did with Sokka.

Love?

It was a lie. A stupid concept for the hopeless-

But there she laid.

Perched on her elbows with a smile as bright as a million suns. Her shoulders were relaxed, Yue gazing up at me with a tenderness people could only fantasize about. It was like she was staring right at my soul, past every flaw and scar.

She was love. And even better than that, she looked renewed.

At peace, light as a feather.

A single breeze, and I would find myself desperately reaching to the skies to pull her close once again. I didn’t even notice I was inching my way to her naked figure, questionably covered by the pulled blankets. Her dark hair was cascading and overflowing onto the bed, the upper part of her tattoo completely visible to the prying eye. I was tempted to run my fingers along her soft skin, enticing those sweet purs.

"Zuko,” she sung, pulling me closer, “what’s that?”

The spell was broken.

Swallowing hard and unable to breathe. The reason I was here, the burden in my steps to this festering headache. No matter how hard I tried to hide it, Yue knew. That was her strength, one of the many reasons I fell in love with her.

Her brows pinched together, elevating her naked figure off the bed and tucking the sheets close to her chest for some modesty. She could see the conflict, a personal storm brewing in my head, worse than the one that just hit us.

Cause in my hands, I held the truth.

And the truth was never pretty.

“Zuko,” Yue spoke, her voice wavering, and I could hear that tremble of her lip. I can’t hide the truth from her. My job is to protect, support, and care, but I’m not protecting her by hiding this.

And after a pregnant pause, I lifted the document, “Love…did you read this?”

The sympathetic cast she held upon me shifted, eyes drifting to the envelope in my hands. She took a moment, studying the green-coloured paper, but once her eyes fell over the wax seal, she lit up. She recognized it.

“I didn’t…I wasn’t sure if I should after I saw it was addressed to you, personally. Did you not see the note I left on top in the study?” It must have fallen off. But I perked at her statement, “How did you know I went to the study?”

Yue gave me a small smile with a blush, tilting her head. “That’s where I left it, and even then, there are only two places where I can find you,” she said before a tongue-in-cheek expression swiped over her delicate features, “This bed, or the study.”

What a brat- I like work and sex, sue me.

A dull smile came upon me as I strolled to her side, to rest. The red against her skin, her tiny hands were clinging onto the blanket. The little banter, she did it on purpose. And effortlessly, she let her delicate touch fall over my thigh, squeezing.

“That letter…it’s something terrible, isn’t it?”

I sighed, Yue, nibbling on her lip as she stared at me. Patient; Yue was so utterly patient it was frustrating.

She was never pushing or prodding, despite her curious nature wanting to do so eagerly. It was different from everyone else. Expecting me to open up and know every thought in my mind-

“Not all terrible,” I said, recalling the news of Jin’s pregnancy. The softness of the mattress gave way under me, Yue’s body dipping in. It’s been such a long time since this room felt like home, comfortable and safe to be in, especially with her.

But Yue shook her head, “But not good enough for you to smile.”

“Love-” I exhaled, and Yue interrupted, “Zuko.”

Her voice was forceful, a tone not commonly heard. Passive in nature, but I could tell she was having none of it at the moment: a new assertiveness, newfound confidence.

“No more secrets.” She told, her gaze not wavering, and for once, I shut up.

A cloud was passing by, casting a dark haze before the breeze pushed it away, allowing the sunlight to pour into the room once again. And it left a radiant flush over her figure as her fingers drew aimless circles along my lap.

She was thinking, her mind buzzing and lips parting to speak, but not a single word left. She doesn’t know where to start. If she genuinely wants to know, and I smiled pitifully. My job is to support.

With a careful drop, my hand fell over hers, pulling it close to my chest. “Love…” I breathed. The back of her hand feeling the thumping of my heart while I felt her racing pulse under my fingers. Sluggishly, I moved the green document, placing it before her.

“It’s your choice. I want you to tell me what you want.”

“I want to know.” She spoke confidently. She didn't stutter, expressing what she wanted and I nodded.

With care, I let my thumb push past the wax seal. Not a single word was spoken between us, only the sound of papers rustling.

Yue was waiting as I fiddled with the stack before plucking the page that contained the truth that she has been wondering all this time. I could tell from the tremble in her hand; she was anxious. The paper was jittering as she stared at me with round eyes, “Is this it?”

“Just this page, my love,” I said and with that, she read.

The truth was, I didn’t know when it hit her - and that was the scariest moment of all.

Yue, a ball of expressive emotions, wearing her feelings on her sleeves. Not afraid to laugh and cry. But the whole time, her body was still. Her breathing oddly even as the tremble in her hands stopped.

And if it weren’t for me, leaning closer, to take a good look at her face, I would’ve missed the tears that threatened to tumble over her rosy cheeks.

A silent, pained cry.

“Yue-” I gasped, twisting my body, pulling myself closer to her frame. But she looked up at me, a hurt smile on her face.

“He said he could die happy.”

Like glass shattering on the ground, Yue’s composure crumbled. Breaking into a million pieces as her head fell into my chest.

To care.

“Love-” I whispered, embracing.

Arms tight, my hand cradling her head close as her tears fell over my chest. The feeling, the sounds of her trying to breathe as I felt her chest constrict in agony.

My stomach, in knots because it hurt.

It hurt to hear her cry, to see her in distress and unable to do anything. Her body, already so tired and weak, despite all the rest in the world, was fighting to handle it all.

I swallowed, forcing myself to contain the waves of emotion Yue managed to pull from me. My eyes were glossy as she shook like a leaf. I hastily wrapped the blankets around her cold figure, creating a false sense of security from the evils in the world.

Listening to her sobs, I was struggling. A losing battle to contain the resentment that was tempted to erupt—the rage that coursed through my veins and the urge to lash because Yue was in pain. I felt hopeless, pathetic-

He’ll never get away with it.

To capture Yakone-make him suffer, hurt like he has hurt everyone—the only other person who could challenge my father in terms of evils.

Yue’s fingers clenched my robes as she fought to steady her breathing. Her eyes were puffy, her nose red. “I-It’s stupid,” Yue sniffled in my chest, her words muffled, “I had this feeling the whole time. T-that something terrible happened-”

“This isn’t your fault-” I started, ready to dispute her expected guilt because this was Yue. She cared to a fault. Seeing and wanting the best for everyone. But Yue shook her head, “I know that now.”

My eyes widen because that was the last thing I expected. S-she’s not crying out of guilt like I assumed-

Yue, the one who sleeps with a teddy bear, teared up when she accidentally stepped on a flower. The one who risked to save her life for our friends and family in a heartbeat. She was an emotional sponge, housing everyone’s pain.

‘I don’t want to be the main character,’ she said once. She just wants everyone to be happy and safe.

For her not to blame herself for this- 

I smiled softly, stroking her hair back as I let my thumb brush her cheek. She smiled back, despite the tears that stained her face.

“I-I’m going to get strong, Zuko.” Yue hiccupped, furiously wiping the wetness from her eyes with the back of her palm. Her voice, despite the stutter, held a strength. Something that I knew was always in her but untapped until now. “I’m going to protect my friends, my family, and be the best Queen this kingdom has ever had.”

Yue was strong, stronger than anyone seems to give her credit for. Mistaking optimism as naiveness and her tears for weakness. I chuckled under my breath because Yakone-

Poor Yakone. 

He has no idea what was about to hit him.

“Idiot.”

“Fool.”

“Stop moving, you royal pain in the ass!” Katara shouted, and right away, Toph spoke up, “Hey, that’s my insult.”

I rolled my eyes, huffing as Katara stood before me, her water retracting from my head. In part, I was surprised she didn’t try to drown me; the annoyance in her eyes clear as day. But despite her frustration and lectures, she kept a nurturing touch, minus the slap across my head at the end.

“What was that for-” I grumbled, and Katara frowned, “For making us worried.” 

Aang stiffed in a giggle, but he couldn’t contain it the moment everyone else joined in. Based on their robust laughter and chatter, you would have never thought we were relaxing in the library.

The massive bookshelves, seemingly endless rows were lining the grand room. The high ceilings gave an illusion that the books reached the spirit world, scrolls from who-knows-when quickly found and lit up by the hanging chandeliers. The multiple windows made the room seem friendly, a much-needed upgrade from the original layout of the kingdom.

It’s crazy…Like night and day, it was hard to believe how much the kingdom had changed.

The walls were no longer dark muted colours and the art intimating, installing more windows to bring in the light and allowing more decorations besides weapons and guards.

Even the typical clothing and fashion have changed over the years, with no more sharp features or pointy shoulder pads. Something I was happy to get rid of after the number of embarrassing incidents of people getting caught on each other.

But the most significant change was when Yue came.

More flowers, more throw pillows, soft blankets thrown over the couches. Yue baking in the kitchen with the staff and going around the kingdom, gifting everyone who worked a cookie or muffin as a quick treat.

The smell of the kingdom was no longer of ash but of sweet baked goods, her fresh bread one of the kingdom’s favourites.

She brought life with her smiles and warmth with her touches. She may not be popular with the royals, but that wasn’t who I was trying to please. The kingdom’s morale had changed entirely, and even I found myself more considerate of the staff. A valuable lesson I learned from her, not by lecture, but by watching and learning.

I frowned.

Because while Suki gave me hugs and Sokka and Toph busted my balls, they all wore giant smiles. Letting me know about any further revelations that were found but happy that I was here and healthy. But Yue sat on the couch, her eyes staring out far in the distance.

Her chin was resting on her palm, her plain pink dress moving under the subtle breeze as a fluffy pillow laid on her lap. Her expression, it was like she wasn’t fully present, engaged. Smiling here and there at the jokes Sokka would say before letting it fall back down.

She’s thinking, and carefully, I moved, sneaking my way out of the conversation.

I quietly sat beside Yue, expecting a reaction, but her eyes were dull. And mindful not to startle her, I let my hand rest on her thigh, calling Yue with a whisper.

Right away, she perked, turning to me with a shy expression as she came out of her thoughts. “I’m sorry-” she muttered, collecting herself as she looked around the room. But no one paid much attention, chatting amongst themselves about Mai, Azula, Kayto-

“How are you feeling, love?” 

The same question Mihir asked me today and a question Yue always asked others. But it wasn’t until recently people questioned how she was feeling, today being the first that she expressed her wants and desires—a family...with me.

Yue looked taken aback, her hands falling over mine as she toyed with the flowy fabric of her dress. “I’m...I-I don’t know.”

A sad smile on my face as I cupped her hand. Letting myself rest on the sofa, back leaning, enjoying the lush fabric underneath us. I gave her the time and space she needed to think, and she didn’t need much before talking once more.

“...I...feel like...I know, but I can’t accept it.”

“His death?” I asked as I turned my head, and Yue was already looking at me with a nod.

He was the bad guy.

The man who tried to hurt her, attacked her, yet Yue held him in such a regard that made me wonder why. What did she see that I didn’t? She said his last words was thanking her, and I bit my tongue, unsure whether to ask.

Yue let out a small giggle, her cheeks rosy as her knees brushed mine, “You’re just as bad as me.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Your curiosity.” Yue beamed. 

I couldn’t help but chuckle, shaking my head as I let my thumb caress her palm. I knew it was ticklish for her at times, but she never did pull away, too much of a sucker for the contact.

“What did you see in him? I didn’t wish for his death, but...” I trailed, emphasizing my point, and Yue nodded with understanding. “He was just a puppet to Yakone...and I can’t imagine being a toy in someone's wicked plan…”

I sighed at her words, her statement hitting hard because that was my life: me and Azula, another cog in the machine. If only I could be the Iroh or Yue in her life, then maybe...just maybe, I could have my sister back.

“That day, when he left...his eyes- they were a gorgeous green. He looked so calm, at peace…nothing like the person who went on the walk with me...besides the flirting.” Yue smiled under her breath.

I rolled my eyes, bashful and regrettably jealous. Yue raising her hand to conceal her giggle, those eyes of hers sparking seeing the reaction she pulled. Like a child, I crossed my arms, and Yue's laughter only grew, leaning against my shoulder as she tried her best to wrap her arms around my bicep.

“Is the Almighty Fire Lord jealous~?” she pestered.

“You can’t be jealous of a dead man.”

“Mm, I think you proved otherwise.” 

I pinched her nose, causing her to squeal. Her smile, though. Despite the playful pout, her eyes were brilliant, a particular life to them rather than staring off in the distance.

She’s beautiful, and before I could utter another word, Sokka’s voice cut in, “What’s that bruise on your neck, Princess?”

Yue wearing her emotions on her sleeves was both a blessing and a curse.

Easy to read and gauge her mood with a casual greeting, but it also gave away the simplest of facts, or in this case, far from family-friendly actions. I found myself smirking inwardly because I made no promises not to do it again.

Her cheeks turned cherry red, stumbling over her words as Yue couldn’t put together a single coherent thought. Sokka’s blue eyes narrowing, raising his hands as he started pointing at her and me erratically, “Y-you did not-”

The sly smile on Suki as she and Katara started snickering. Aang began kicking the imaginary dirt on the ground, playing oblivious to the chaos about to unfold. And Sokka’s face was turning a shade of red I have never seen before, stumbling over his words as hard as Yue.

He’s going to kill me. Do what the tea failed to do, and if given a chance, bring me back from the dead just to kill me once more- “Hey man, you see those swords over there?” I pointed, Sokka raising a brow before pivoting on his heel to see.

That was all it took for me to grab Yue’s hand, yanking her figure off the couch.

The fluffy cushion that rested over her flying into the air, her feet floundering and fighting to regain some sort of balance. Yue let out an adorable gasp, me pulling her along as I spoke a simple command.

“Run.”

The shouting and cheering as Aang swung a gust of air behind us with his wooden staff, the wind twirling before it grazed the bottom of our soles, giving us a running chance of making out of this alive. Toph snorted as our steps hammered against the flooring, ricocheting off the books that littered the place.

But the cherry on top was the bewilderment in Sokka’s voice as he watched our figures turn into fleeting dots. “He literally just woke up from a coma. How-when-” Sokka shrieked, and like music, Yue was laughing.

Her hands gripping mine tightly, unable to stop the temptation to look over my shoulder and stare.

Her plentiful black locks were fluttering in the wind as we ran past the library doors, the guards shooting us odd looks but not saying a word as they heard Yue’s giggles. Her face was red, her eyes glistening with joy, a gummy smile painted over as she tried her best to match my steps.

“Zuko!” She shouted with glee, her fingers tangling with mine as tears of merriment decorated the corners of her eyes.

“We gotta hide!” I insisted, and Yue’s eyes sparkled, “The gardens!” 

Before we knew it, we were splashing in puddles like toddlers. Running down the stone pathways, mud catching on the ends of our clothing, our shoes muddy. I’m never going to hear the end of this from Lia- but Yue was having the time of her life.

The droplets of rain falling from the trees onto our skin, our pace finally slowing down as the bushes and vegetation grew in density. The sun struggled to shine through the overarching trees, the flowers smaller in size than the large ones that decorated the busy paths.

We literally ran to the edge of the garden, and with the realization, Yue’s grasp slipped from mine.

Crouching over, my hands fell over my thighs. My heart was racing, breathing laboriously as my cheeks felt flushed. A burn running through my legs as it has been a week since I’ve actually moved, let alone engage in any physical activity.

The closest thing was the sex this morning, and even I had to admit it took a lot more energy than it should. But it was worth it. Especially seeing the lovely afterglow on Yue and the innocent smile that matched. Sure, it may cost my life, but I couldn’t help but grin because we really did just get away with that.

“He,” Yue tried to talk between pants, “he is going to kill you.”

And I don’t doubt that at all.

I stood up straight, brushing back my non-existent bun. The elastic that held my hair fell into my grasp, not bothering to fix it but let it sway in the warm breeze. With the sun pouring over our figures, I had to shut my eyes for a moment because it felt freeing.

To hear nothing but our heavy breathing, the dewy air against our skin. The things I never appreciated or noticed until Yue. She always said it was the simple things in life that can bring the utmost joy, and fuck, was she right.

Seeing how the droplets of left-over rain caused the sunlight to reflect, I looked over her, a halo effect appearing around her figure. She looks divine. Her head titled upwards as Yue peered up at the sky, her arms resting by her side. Her cheeks must hurt from how much she smiled in these moments, beginning to inch my way to her calming stance. 

My arms slide around her waist, her back pressing into my chest, feeling each other’s heartbeats.

“Consider this your morning run,” I muttered into her ear, snuggling my face close to her neck, enjoying the coolness of her skin. Her scent engulfed me, sweet and already smelling of the grass after only spending not even a full ten minutes out here. Nevertheless, it was comfort.

Yue’s arms welcomed me, tightening the hold I held over her as Yue’s head titled backwards, resting over mine. She was silent, listening and letting her weight shift to where my hot breath tickled her neck. 

“Zuko…”

“Mhm?”

“I want to plant a flower in the garden...in memory of Kayto.”

I froze, pulling back slightly, to stare down at Yue. Where did that come from? And with the loosening grip, Yue effortlessly twirled, her hands draped over my chest.

“A...flower?” I repeated, and Yue nodded, “He always called me that, flower or petal, and he did seem to like them.”

“And you want to do this because…?”

“When my parents died, I never got to say goodbye. To go back and make a proper grave or memorial…” Yue breathed, smiling softly as her fingers toyed with the hem of my top. The skin of my chest was peeking underneath the red robes, her nails grazing the skin and causing a shiver to run up my spine. 

She’s opening up to me about her family. My lips pressed tight, listening to her words carefully because I was no fool. I knew how important this was for me to hear, to support, despite my distaste for the man.

“I got this tattoo, for them, after years. But it doesn’t change my wanting to go back to the Earth Nation and say goodbye.”

“Love, you don’t have to explain,” I whispered because I saw the look in her eyes. It was painful for her to think about, to express to me, but Yue shook her head and put on a brave face despite it all.

“I want to, Zuko. Kayto wasn’t the best person; I know that. I also didn’t know him for long either, but part of me wants to say goodbye in a way that we’d both like.”

My response?

It was simple, “Let’s do it, love.”

Yue’s eyes lit up, her mouth parting in surprise. “You want to plant a flower with me?”

“We can plant it tomorrow; I took the day off.”

Yue pouted, “A day off? Can you afford a vacation-”

I clicked my tongue, “Of course I can; I have you to help, don’t I?”

It was funny how Yue always teased me for loving or being excited over paperwork. But the look on Yue’s face at this moment, realizing that I wanted Yue to help me, to work by my side, had me holding back a prideful smile.

For far too long, I pushed her away from duties of the Kingdom, from responsibilities out of fear. And not because I believed she couldn’t do it, but because I can’t admit when I need help.

But I can’t rule this Kingdom by myself anymore. Not when I got a taste of having a partner. To know someone has my back no matter what. I knew I could always rely on Aang or Sokka for help, but seeing the passion on Yue’s face- this was more.

“Ahh, and love, we’re heading to the Earth Nation in a few months. An old friend of mine announced her pregnancy. I’ll leave you the details; handle the matter.” I dropped casually, not wanting to point out the evident excitement on her face from me giving her the duties of her role.

Not that I would leave her alone with no guidance, but there was no sense of worry in me. She could do this; I know she can. Too determined to not, and I was curious to see if she indeed got this trait from her father or not.

“M-me?” she exclaimed, in shock that I so quickly dropped this fact upon her, and I let my hands pat her hips, “Yes, you. And during our trip there, we’ll make a stop by your village. Give your parents the burial, the memorial they deserve.”

And Yue let her face fall in my chest, hugging me so tight I swear she was going to crush a lung.

I could feel her giant smile, her body trembling with happiness as I planted a soft kiss on her forehead, “Let’s pick a flower for Kayto.”

“A rose?”

“Too classy for him.”

“He did say orchid once, so maybe that?”

“Are those hard to grow?”

“I heard they can be quite fussy.”

“Sounds like him-”

“Zuko!”

“What? I’m just being honest-”

There were different types of headaches.

You had the stress headaches, realizing that you’re bringing a previously thought to be a dead man back to life and introducing the said person to their daughter. Then, there was trying to remember information after being in a coma for a week headaches.

And then you had these headaches.

The front of your head pulsing as the sunlight was far too bright, and I was tempted to submit a petition of silence because this- this is an I drank too much the other night, and it’s here to make its presence known headache.

My hand fell over my forehead, groaning under my breath, as the taste of alcohol still lingered despite brushing. The heat in the air, a gorgeous day without a doubt, as the birds were singing bright and early.

But it was that soft breathing along my neck, realizing that I couldn’t move my arm, that took my attention. Begrudgingly opening my eyes despite wanting to fall back asleep to look downwards, and damn was it worth it.

Yue, tucked perfectly in my arm, like two puzzle pieces coming together.

It was like we were made for each other. Yue the perfect height for our hugs, my chin resting on her head and her arms embraced my waist. Or in cases like these, Yue’s head easily rested between my shoulder and neck, her arms hugging the teddy I gifted in a stronghold.

Feeling her body against mine- the softness of her skin, my marks ornating her figure and trailing under the covers, had me grinning to myself. At this point, pyjamas were useless. A pointless piece of clothing because it seems from the moment I have awoken, we never managed to wear them for long.

The evidence?

The pile tossed to the side, her panties dangling on the couch. 

My hand swiped the strands of hair that tumbled over her face, tucking it behind her ear as she drooled away. She was lost in her dreams, my fingers gently caressing her features.

There were so many details to learn and memorize. From the wrinkle on Yue’s forehead whenever she got annoyed or her eyes glittering when a thought popped in her head. My thumb, resting over the cupid of her lips, relishing the fullness and the naturally rosy pigment.

I hummed, my hand shifting, unable to stop the temptation to draw sporadically along her neck. Yue was twitching slightly in her sleep, ticklish from the gentle sensation, nudging her face further into my shoulder.

Should I wake her? We barely got any rest, between the club, the drinking, and the sex. Fuck, the sex. Pushing the more than pleasant memories away as quickly as they came.

My eyes shifted to the window; the curtains were already drawn as we forgot to do so last night.

The sun was high in the sky, and I swore under my breath. So unlike me, to sleep in. The morning riser, while Yue was the night owl, sleeping till dinner if it were up to her. But with the window open, I could smell the spices in the air, hearing the distant voices of the maids carrying the food in preparation for lunch.

“Will you be eating with me?” a honeyed voice asked, and my attention snapped to them.

Yue was gazing at me with her doe-like eyes, smiling colourfully despite the tiny yawn that escaped. Her eyes were a bit swollen, still in need of some extra rest, but regardless, her head nestled itself in my chest.

“Good morning, love.” I purred into her hair, placing a deep kiss on her forehead. My voice was raspy and dry, hugging her tight.

"Good morning~" she happily sighed, squirming in her spot.

I mused at the action, surprised she could even move after last night, letting my touch wander down her back. I can’t help it, loving the shivers that would run down her spine as I let my fingers caress her skin, ghosting.

Arching in my touch, a blissful expression on her face, “You’re insatiable.”

I let out a laugh, snorting in disbelief, “Me? Oh no, love. You’re the needy one.”

“Says the man who is trying to seduce me first thing in the morning.” 

“I’m merely appreciating what’s mine. Is that so wrong, my love?”

Yue shook her head with a laugh. Perching herself on her elbows under my arm, as she rose a brow. “Does that mean I can appreciate what’s mine too?”

She’s gotten so much bolder, outspoken- I love it.

At heart, she was still the well-natured woman I fell in love with. Blushing at a mere peck and eager to please, but there was this air of confidence around her. Speaking her mind, asking questions, this push and pull dance we would find ourselves in.

Not afraid to challenge me, throwing me in a whirlwind because I never knew when she would decide to banter back, or when she’ll blow a kiss, anymore. Her playful qualities were shining brightly, a breath of fresh air that not only I needed, but the Kingdom.

Growth. That’s what I was seeing, and I couldn’t be prouder of her.

A lazy smirk, licking my lips as teasingly hummed, “I won’t be against it.”

“You did promise me I wouldn’t be able to walk tomorrow morning...and I think I can still walk.” She challenged, and that was all that was needed for me to steal a kiss.

Yue tumbling over my figure, our chests pressed together as I held her hips over the warm blankets. Her moans, eyes fluttering shut as our lips moved. Everything, from her straddling over my waist to Yue running her fingers through my hair, felt natural.

Unable to stop my groans of satisfaction, kisses growing rougher as the heat between us grew.

“Zuko-” Yue moaned, rolling her hips, and both of us parted ways with bliss.

I can’t get enough. My hand was tangling in her hair, guiding Yue’s head back so I could place kisses down her neck. Tongue drawing, her pulse racing as she sucked in a breath with every lap-

Yue jumped.

The knocking on the door, so bloody loud, Yue squealed. Tumbling off my body as she hogged the blankets as a barrier of modesty. What the actual-

“Fire Lord Zuko, this is urgent.” The person from the other side of the bedroom shouted, knocking insistently, not stopping for a moment. I hissed under my breath, looking over Yue’s figure to make sure she was covered.

“Zuko, what’s going on-”

“I don’t know, love- enter!” I commanded, and the doors flung open not a second later.

Their brown eyes lined with mine, not even considering the less than the questionable scene before them as the guard stood tall. He gave a curt bow, apologizing promptly, as he removed his helmet, tucking it under his arm.

“Your presence, Lord Zuko, is needed immediately.”

“What for?” I questioned, sitting upright as I frowned, and the guard swallowed, “I think you should see for yourself.”

Let the spirits have mercy over my soul- “I’ll be there in a minute.”

“We’ll be waiting in the study.” He spoke before rushing out of the room. I was tempted to think it was because he did piece together what was about to transpire between Yue and me, but I shook my head.

Something...something is going on-

“Zuko?” Yue quietly expressed, her hand resting on my shoulder while she carefully studied my face. I forced a smile, “Don’t worry, love.”

“Let me help you get dressed-”

“Don’t you have a tea date with my mother and Kiyi before lunch?” I rose, and Yue gasped.

“Oh my gosh, I completely forgot, damnit!” Yue panicked.

I had to chuckle, throwing the blanket off my body, not caring that we were both currently naked as can be. But Yue hugged the sheet close to her chest, her cheeks turning red, seeing me unconcealed as I stood up.

“I thought you wanted to appreciate.” I bothered before walking over to our closet, grabbing the nearest article I could find.

I didn’t even have to have my eyes settled over her to hear Yue’s pout. Yue’s blush intensifying in colour as her blanket-covered body entered the closet behind me. “I hate you,” Yue grumbled, and I grinned.

I slipped the soft fabric over my arms, the golden sash neatly folded on the rack for me to tie around my waist. I would not bother with the redundant Fire Nation emblem in my hair because it seemed an unnecessary waste of time, recalling the serious expression on the guard.

This was urgent. But what could it be? News of Yakone, Azula- is Aang in some sort of trouble?

“Zuko,” Yue spoke, pulling me from my thoughts as I pinned my hair back thoughtlessly.

I had been rushing through the motions, lost in my ideas, recklessly walking to the bathroom to wash. Yue’s body was still draped with the sheets from the bed, studying me the whole time.

Her fingers toyed with the fabric around her figure; her hair brushed behind her ears. It gave a clear view of the markings that ran down her chest, her expression soft. “I’ll be the gardens, with your Mother...and if you need me, at any time...you know where to find me. I’ll be there.”

A smile of comfort as she leaned against the bathroom frame.

Her head titled, resting, as she followed my actions of putting down my toothbrush onto the marble. She has my back. A shoulder to lean on. Her way of offering help without being pushy.

“Lunch, it’s a date,” I promised, and I could see Yue’s eyes shine.

“I love you, Zuko.”

“Love you too, babe.”

“I’ll let you get going now-” Yue said as she let herself bounce off the frame before she added, “And try not to yell at the councilmembers again. I swear, they were going to burst into tears after they left your office last time.”

I had to laugh, her hips swaying as she tiptoed out. The ends of the sheet trailing behind her like a gown. It’s not like she doesn’t look gorgeous wearing it, making even a plain dress look rich.

With a look in the mirror, I saw myself.

For someone who was rushing, I had to admit, I didn’t look half bad. While my outfit was more modest than usual, I didn’t have much time for the fantastic, nor was I in the mood. The dark red robe with a low neckline, the golden embroidering was adding a touch of ‘regal.’

It’ll suffice. 

I stepped out of the bathroom, hearing Yue shuffling through the closet for a dress to wear. A final goodbye, my eyes catching a glimpse of her pulling a striking red gown. It was decorated with golden flowers, a dress that would hug her body sinfully. She’s going to be the death of me, my hands fiddling with the handle- I opened the door.

My gut dropped.

Taking in a sharp inhale, moving intuitively, like a madman. My hands clutched the doorknob from behind, shutting it with a thunderous slam that shook the Kingdom. A red scarf illuminated by the sunlight right in my line of sight, like a fire. What is he-

“Mihir?” I choked, and it was then everyone realized I made my exit. The usual formalities, bowing and greeting were nowhere to be found because Mihir stormed forward.

His gloved hands swept upwards, tearing the scarf down and under his chin with haste. His rough actions caused the scarf to loosen around his neck, resting over his shoulders like a shawl, but he didn’t seem to care in the slightest.

Mihir’s eyes were intense, lips fixed as his appearance seemed pale. With a deep inhale, his words so light, like he couldn’t believe what he was saying himself, “He’s here.”

No fucking way-

“Axe?” I asserted, my head spinning at the news, “He’s here. In the kingdom, right now?” 

“And he almost escaped twice. Injured one of the guards.”

“Bloody fuck-” I hissed, hands falling over my face.

We can’t do this here, in front of the bedroom. Yue can probably hear all of the commotion, the door slamming- I stepped, nudging my head forward. A silent signal for everyone to get moving, now.

Keeping pace with my strides, we practically ran to my study. Mihir whisper shouting as we raced, “We agreed on today.”

The workers of the kingdom all pressed themselves against the walls, unable to utter a greeting as they watched with a twist of curiosity and fear. A group of guards, following behind us as we moved with a purpose. Our steps sounded heavy as we marched, the hallways feeling much too small to house such a group of people. 

I frowned, “You’re right, but a warning would’ve been nice.”

“Not being burned alive would be nice too.” Mihir sarcastically responded, and I glared, “He’s not a happy man, Zuko. The moment he sees you-”

“I’ll handle it,” I said with force, annoyed at the constant reminder that Axe was less than happy to see my face. I get it; he hates me. Like everyone else who seemed to meet me for the first time.

The study doors coming into view, more guards posted before the room, and I swore. As if the guards that trailed us weren’t enough. They’re treating Axe like a criminal, the opposite of what I had wanted. Like trapping a wild animal in a cage, he’s going to lash. 

The guards welcomed our presence, eyes shifting between Mihir and me. 

“Let me go in by myself.” I started, and Mihir shook his head, “With all due respect, Lord Zuko, he’s dangerous. He’s a trained killer; you are his number one target.”

“He’s not going to listen if we all go in.” I reasoned, remembering every single political meeting I had to attend.

Iroh and Aang, while they were light-hearted in nature, knew how to work with people for a reason. Gauge and react, make the person feel comfortable and safe, bring their guard down. My hands balled into fists, standing tall.

This was the moment of truth; there was no going back. I’m going to make things right how things should have always been.

“I’m going in,” I declared, stepping foot inside the room, confused as I couldn’t see a single person. It’s empty-

A chain pressed against my neck, my body jerking backwards as I found myself crushed against someone else.

I choked, eyes widening, as I fought the urge to react. Extinguishing the flames that rose from my palms, the guards rushing inside with their weapons.

I heard the rumours that meeting the dad of your partner was always nerve-wracking. That was their child. An overprotectiveness because they wanted the best for them and not someone who will leave them heartbroken.

But I think I take the cake for the best greeting with my future wife’s father, currently in a chokehold with a rapidly heating chain around my neck. Yue’s father, locking me in a defensive trap, could kill me in a second.

Everything was happening so fast, feeling the overwhelming heat around me as flames were ready to burst, and I shouted desperately, “Halt!”

An act of mercy.

Palms open, arms in the air, ignoring the painful burn as I struggled to breathe underneath Axe’s death grip.

Everyone stilled, smoke filling the room as every person restricted their bending. “Lord Zuko-” Mihir warned out of fear, but I shook my head, “Leave us. It’s an order.”

The pressure around my throat slightly lifted hearing my strange request, but I didn’t move an inch. Taking a deep breath as the struggle alleviated. I need to get this situation under control. I can’t do that with them around.

I could see the conflict in everyone’s eyes.

My order, a contraction to the training that was drilled in their minds from day one. Their job was to protect me, and yet here they were, regrettably shuffling their way to the door, leaving me behind with a man who could kill me in a snap.

The last thing I saw from my side view was Mihir’s stone-cold eyes, glaring at Axe, wishing he could stay behind. And all I could do was let my body ease in Axe’s grip, trying my best to assure everyone I was going to be okay.

I hope I did the right thing.

The tension in the room was thick as if there were a dozen people inside, but there was only us.

Axe and I, alone.

Our breathing was filling the void of the lack of noise, as everything I had thought beforehand, things I wanted to say, left me. This was Yue’s dad. I found him-

“Bold of you to dismiss them,” he rustled in my ear. And for some odd reason, hearing Axe speak for the first time, regardless if it was a veiled threat, was the best thing in the world cause it meant he was alive. 

“Some would say stupid.” I mused, replying to Axe’s comment. And, somehow, as I could do with Yue, I just knew the corner of Axe’s lips curved upwards at my self-deprecating joke. 

“I feel a bit sad to kill a fool.” Axe insulted, and I bit my tongue.

His voice was deep and hoarse. Axe’s tone alone telling a million stories of the pain and suffering he has endured all these years. Yue comparing people to books, and his book would consist of multiple volumes filled with grief.

But hidden underneath the threats and taunts was a softness that reminded me of Yue. A person who has a good heart, forced into situations that hurt them more than the person they were facing. She really is like her Dad-

“I much rather you don’t kill me, truth be told.”

“And why would I listen to you?” Axe snarled, pulling on the chain to emphasize his point that he could kill me right now. I was stuck between his shackles, with no way out.

With my arms still held high, I let myself be exposed, vulnerable to any force or attack he may unleash. I could see a bit of myself in him, a resentment manifesting into anger. I was lucky to have my friends and family but Axe-

“You sent one of your people to hunt for me. Dragged me back to this disgusting place, and you are holding my daughter hostage as if killing my home; my wife, wasn’t enough.”

“That wasn’t my intention-”

“Then what was it?”

“I wanted to reunite you with Yue.” I snapped, and Axe froze.

It was like his mind short-circuited, and then I realized he probably never heard his daughter’s name in all these years. I was the first to ever talk to him about Yue, an essential part of his past wholly lost.

I let out a long sigh, shutting my eyes, trying to reel in my frustration at the situation, “She told me everything.”

“Lies,” Axe spoke through clenched teeth, but I heard the waver in his voice.

A part of him hoped that she did willingly tell me everything and was not forced. He knew of the tortures the Fire Nation were capable of, probably required to inflict some of them himself. Even my stomach twisted, imagining ever hurting Yue in such a grotesque way.

“I wanted to surprise her. I can prove it.”

“How?”

“In my study, hidden underneath are the documents removing your status.” 

He didn’t respond.

Wary, doubtful, and I cursed because I needed to gain his trust, even for a little bit. The pain from the chain around my neck was starting to radiate down my body. At least the heat he had applied to it was gone.

“If you let me go, I will take your chains off.” I reasoned, realizing that Mihir left the keys on the study before us. But Axe was having none of it, “I don’t trust you.”

“And I don’t expect you to, but if you want to see Yue, the proof, you’re going to have to.”

Axe mumbled under his breath, his frame tense as he struggled to make a decision.

“If you want, forget the proof. I’ll take you to your daughter right now.” I nudged, hitting his weakness, despite how manipulative it would be. The tension of the chain loosening by the second as he toyed with the idea I proposed.

But I could sense the reservation in his grip—a final push.

“I promise with my life,” I whispered, and I found myself flung forward.

I struggled to catch my footing, my hands crashing into the study as I took in a deep breath. The burn around my throat, my hand was rubbing the spot. I could feel the skin raised, irritated and red.

Before I could get comfortable, a heated hand fell over my shoulder. Fingers were digging into my arm, shackles slapping my back as I found myself yanked upwards.

Twisting, jaw-dropping, as my eyes widen. S-she looks just like him-

Honey-coloured eyes that seemed to shine in the sun. A warmth in them despite the death threats, he muttered. His hair, salt and pepper, was messy and uncombed. A few strands were tumbling over his face, just like how I found myself combing Yue’s hair in the morning, tucking it behind her ears.

But the kicker?

He was biting his dry lips as he stared down at me, and I laughed. Axe was staring at me in confusion, thinking I’m an absolute madman, but holy fuck- Yue’s habit of nibbling on her lips came from him.

“She looks just like you.” I held, not realizing I spoke what was on my mind, such a Yue thing to do and Axe stilled, “Don’t talk about her like you know her.”

“But I do.” I shoved, thrusting his frame off myself, grabbing the keys to his shackles.

I let the metal twirl around my fingers, walking over to him. He stood in a defensive stance, his hands balled into fists, despite the chains preventing him from moving as freely as he wished. 

With Axe standing a bit away, the sun entering through the large window behind us, I could now take him in in his entirety. His clothes were worn and torn; quick, hand-made patches lingered about as the ends of his pants were frayed. While he had a robust frame, feeling the muscles under his clothing, something was off.

For someone who had me pinned, uttering threats that had me thinking that I was genuinely going to die today, he wasn’t as intimidating as I thought. He looked...sick.

He was barely surviving, most likely eating and drinking scarcely, trying to minimize his presence as much as possible, even at the cost of his health. He was so scared to ruffle a feather, to bring suspicion of his existence in fear of endangering Yue. He would give up his life for her...so that’s what a real father is like.

“Raise your hands,” I said, and Axe wearily listened.

He was letting his stance loosen just a tad as he shoved his hands forward. His skin was filthy, littered with scars and dried blood. He really did put up a fight, and I sighed, “I’ll let the nurses look after you-”

“I want to see my daughter, now.” Axe insisted.

That waver in his voice present once again. He’s so desperate to see Yue, and I swallowed, thinking of what Yue would do to reassure someone.

‘Smile. It’s the key to unlocking hearts.’ I shook my head, bewildered that Iroh’s infamous quote popped into my mind, but-

While I wasn’t trying to romance Yue’s father, that’s for sure, a smile...it really can do wonders. It’s the reason why I ended up with Yue. Why I can sleep at peace every night because I know she’ll be by my side in the morning.

The chains dropped onto the floor with a loud thud; I looked up at Axe, offering him a smile that I often gave Yue, “Let’s go see her.”

“You’re going to let me walk free like this?” Axe questioned, shaking his arms to emphasize his point. Suspicion laced with his words, and I shrugged, denying him much of a reaction, seeming unbothered, “Why would I not? You’re a free man who I didn’t hunt after but searched.”

Axe glared, and I huffed regrettably. I couldn’t help it, resisting the urge to fight back against Axe’s headstrong attitude. A good impression, Zuko.

Don’t rock the boat.

My hand rested against the study door; I knew the guards would be waiting outside, their ears glued to the other side, listening for a call of distress. Please don’t attack him- Signalling to Axe to follow because I will hold my promise.

The creaking as I gradually opened the door, intentionally letting my head peek out as the guards sprang when their eyes settled over me. I scowled, shaking my head as my hand inconspicuously waved them off. Damnit-

“Leave.” I whispered harshly, and Mihir looked at me astonished, “You’re alive-”

“I’m bringing him to Yue,” I spoke, ignoring his comment, as Axe stepped out of the room.

Whether or not he heard me speaking, I was unsure because he seemed far more fascinated by the world outside those study doors. His eyes twinkling as a spark of curiosity filled him.

Axe’s golden eyes were scanning the walls, staring at the decorations that filled the palace. He even sniffed the air, smelling the flowers and food, the scents sneaking their way inside from the open windows. 

He looked confused and shocked, and that’s when it clicked.

“It’s not like what it used to be. I made sure of that.” I quietly commented as I began walking down the hallway. I didn’t have to look over my shoulder to know Axe was following me, keeping his distance as I heard his slow steps tentatively follow.

The last time he was here, roaming the halls with authority and status, was during the war. Sneaking information in and out of the kingdom and feeding said information to the Earth Nation in hopes of protecting the innocent. He and his wife were selfless.

This was my only chance.

Whether or not he believes was not up to me, but I needed to make this clear.

“Yue’s not here unwillingly...I can promise you that.”

He didn’t respond. Why would he? Two of the most emotionally closed people walking awkwardly down a hallway sounds like a great plan.

Think Zuko, think. What would Aang or Katara do-

“We met at the Southern Water Tribe; Avatar Aang really was the matchmaker.” I awkwardly mumbled, never hating the act of small talk as much I did now.

To my horror and delight, I got a response.

“The Avatar?” Axe exclaimed, and I looked over my shoulder, shock written on his face.

But just as quickly, he bit his tongue, regretting showing so much emotion. I smiled, nodding as we walked down the hallway—that hint of vulnerability showing gradually. I was making progress.

I could recognize the garden doors up ahead, the royal families walking in and out from their afternoon tea, ready to clean up for lunch. If that’s the case, Yue may be by herself or just saying her goodbyes-

I kept an eye on Axe, trying to remain at ease despite the jumbled thoughts.

The further we walked, the less tense he was, and I patted myself on the back because it was working. This whole, being friendly and in tune with emotions, something I was struggling with since the day I was born, I somewhat succeed.

Axe’s shoulders were easing, letting his hands sway by his side as he looked at every window, staring into the gardens. He suspects Yue would be outside if I were truthful, still remembering her joys and habits. Certain desperation in his eyes as his fingers twitched.

“Yue is best friends with the Avatar. He invited me to visit, and that’s when I met her…I guess you could say it was love at first sight.”

“...I don’t believe you.” Axe stubbornly grumbled, crossing his arms, and I shrugged because the doors were before us, “Don’t take my word for it. See for yourself.” 

I stood aside, stilling as Axe stared through the glass doors.

The waterfall Toph and Suki built was magnificent, children feeding the turtle ducks along the shore. It was what most people would say was the highlight of the garden. All the paths lined with blossoming flowers, leading back to it.

The trees were swaying, blossoms fluttering with the wind and littering the green grass. Spotting the flower underneath one of them, the one we planted for Kayto.

But in my opinion, the true highlight of the garden was Yue. It took mere seconds to spot her; she just has this magnetic pull that had everyone’s attention drawn to her.

Leaning over Kiyi, her red dress glistened under the sun. That halo-like effect from the other day was magically appearing, nature itself knowing she was the real star of the gardens.

She wore her infamous sweet smile on her face the whole time. The type of smile that reached your eyes, and even when your cheeks hurt, you can’t stop because you’re just so damn happy.

If you listened closely, you could hear them laughing as Yue pinched Kiyi’s cheeks.

Mother playfully patting Kiyi away before reaching for Yue with an enormous hug, planting a kiss on her forehead. A loving embrace, Yue shyly letting Mother brush her baby hairs out of her face and tucking them behind her ears. They were chatting, saying their goodbyes as I noticed the servants cleared the tea tables.

Would Axe be able to spot her as easily as I? It has been years since they’ve last seen each other. I frowned, unsure of what to do.

Awkwardly I rose my hand, looking over at him to point-

“She’s okay.” He broke.

Silent tears were running down his face, seeing his daughter for the first time in years.

His whole demeanour and expression shifted, nothing like the man who was just in my office. He looked relieved. As if the weight of the world was lifted off his shoulders, and he realized how tired he was.

Axe’s eyes glossy, taking deep breaths, trying to compose himself, but he couldn’t. He stayed glued to his spot, watching Yue waving at our family as she twirled in her dress. 

“Axe…” I softly spoke, unsure of what to say or do. He was so overwhelmed, struggling to process what was right before his eyes.

“I’ve dreamt of this day. To see her.” Axe whispered with disbelief. As if he couldn’t fathom that Yue was right in front of him.

Free to hug, to love once again.

“You can go to her, you know.” I encouraged, my hand leading the way to the glass doors that separated them. And Axe turned to look at me, wiping a tear away with his torn sleeve.

“No.”

“What-”

“I can’t.” Axe gasped as he looked back at Yue.

All this work and he doesn’t want to see his daughter? Were the tears even real? Genuine tears of loss over seeing his daughter once again? A bubble of anger rising in me, clicking my tongue in annoyance. How can he do that, say that-

“What do you mean no.” I hissed, stepping before him, cutting his view of Yue.

Axe looked taken aback, not understanding my anger as I puffed, “That’s your daughter. How much she’s suffered, missed you, for all these years. And you say no.”

“Look at me!” Axe shouted, shaking his clothing, dust and dirt falling onto the ground around us. I found myself silencing, realizing what was going on.

He’s embarrassed.

He doesn’t want Yue to see him like how he is. Compared to all the royals, even the workers, he stuck out like a sore thumb. Stubble framing his jaw as Axe ran a hand through his dishevelled locks. His face screamed of shame, not wanting to be seen or acknowledged of who he once was.

“She won’t recognize me; nobody does.” Axe told, fatigue laced in his tone, “I’m old, and I’m dirty-”

“Me and you both know. Yue isn’t like that.” I interrupted, staring at him in the eyes, “She just wants her dad back...please.”

Never have I begged, but at this moment, I put my pride to the side, letting Axe get one good look at her one more time.

Yue was plucking flowers, most likely to decorate our bedroom, utterly oblivious to us watching. I could see the want in Axe’s eyes, so badly wanting to run to her. To hug her and let her know how he missed her.

It was a risk.

A considerable risk, but for Yue. I’d do anything.

I placed my hand on his back, Axe jumping at the contact as I felt his heavy breathing. A push- 

“I promise she won’t hate or think differently of you.”

“How are you so sure?”

“I’ve kept all my promises up till now, haven’t I?”

His steps were shaky, hands trembling by his side as he nervously patted down his clothing. It was happening. No ifs, ands, or buts, Yue was getting her Dad back.

With an encouraging nod, I lead the way, carefully opening the garden door.

The sun kissing our skin, both Axe and I took a nervous inhale. Our surroundings were lost to us, tunnel vision upon Yue as I waved to towards her.

There was no going back now, Axe shaking beside me as I called her out.

“Love.”

Yue perked right away at the sound of my voice.

She was turning on her heel, standing upright from picking the red and yellow flowers. Her hands were folded in front of her, holding the bundle by the stems by her waist, spotting my figure.

“Zuko~!” she cherried, skipping towards me, not noticing Axe beside me right away. But her cheerful skips began to slow, her pace reducing in speed rapidly before coming to a full-blown stop.

I saw her expression flatter, tilting her head as she looked at Axe with confusion. Her eyes were round, tearing, as she bit her lip, doubt eating her alive. Yue brought a hand to her eyes, rubbing them furiously, unable to accept what she was seeing.

Her bottom lip was quivering, the bundle of flowers shaking as I could hear her take a deep inhale.

“I-I’m sorry-” Yue started, wiping away a tear from her eyes as she spoke, our figures getting closer. But her eyes were locked on Axe, struggling to keep her composure. “Y-you just reminded me of someone...someone I lost a long time ago.” Yue cried, trying to swallow back her whimpers as her cheeks turned red.

She was getting flustered, embarrassed for making such a scene, thinking she had mistaken a guest for someone else.

And Axe laughed, shaking his head, not waiting for my slow pace but rushing forward to Yue.

The bundle of flowers that were in Yue’s grasp dropped to the ground, a sob coming from her as she threw her arms around his neck, tears pouring down their faces because he finally said it, “Button, it’s me.”

Copyright © 2019 Mystic-Kitten-Writer, inc. all rights reserved. No reposting, modifying, or translations of any kind allowed. Thank you for your cooperation.

Disclaimer: I do not own any Avatar characters portrayed in this story besides Ying Yue Jiang, Lia, Kima, and any future creations.

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