#but this is my last candle and i have a final exam tomorrow and oh my god i might need to get an emergency candle

[official-lucifers-child]

i am literally burning my last candle and i can already feel my anxiety skyrocketing

[stylesberries]

Daddy

Summary: Harry wins a Grammy. You weren’t able to be there. Or were you?

Word Count: 2.0k

Pairing: Harry Styles x fem!reader

Genre(s): filthy smut

Warning(s): sub!harry, a little degrading, daddy kink (a little different from the usual one)

“Harry, you’ve got it. You’ve got nothing to worry about, my love.” You spoke softly looking at Harry’s anxious expression through FaceTime.

“I know, baby. I just can’t help it, you know?” He let his eyes fall to the side of the room.

“Harry, you worked your ass off for this album, every song is so special. You don’t need an award to prove it, but please know that you deserve all of them.” You tried to soothe his worries and stress in the best way you could being so far away from him.

“Now go, honey. You have a long day ahead of you tomorrow. Go get some rest, okay?”

Knowing Harry, he would never hang up first because of how much he wanted to keep talking to you. You took it upon yourself to be the one to do so as the responsible one in the relationship.

“You’re right, Y/N. I’ll call you tomorrow before we start, okay?” He smiled softly, looking at you as if you hung the moon.

You looked at him apologetically.

“Baby, I have an exam tomorrow at that time don't you remember?” You spoke to Harry, smiling at him gently.

Your words seemingly made Harry upset. However, he tries his best not to show his obvious disappointment.

“Oh. Yes, I remember.”

•

“Harry, right here,” Jeff spoke, leading Harry to their table after Harry’s performance.

“Ah, yes okay.”

Harry followed right behind Jeff, his mind far from the said table.

Anxiety and worry filled his thoughts and he felt little to no relief as he didn’t get to speak to one person who could soothe his overflowing brain activity.

You’ve got nothing to worry about, my love.

“I’m okay. I’ve got nothing to worry about. We will talk after she’s done with her exam.” Harry spoke under his breath.

He sat down at the table next to Jeff after greeting everyone and waited for the announcements of nominations and winners in each of them.

Throughout the nominations, Harry kept checking the time to see if he would be able to get a text from you at least. However, no matter how much time passed he saw no notification from the person he most wanted to see them from.

“And the Grammy goes to,” the announcer paused as Harry struggled to get his thoughts together.

“Watermelon Sugar - Harry Styles!”

Snap out of it. Snap out of it. Snap out of it.

Harry kept looking at his lap, struggling to comprehend what’s happening around him.

He turned to Jeff with disbelief written across his face, the thought that kept swirling in his mind being:

“I wish I could hug her right now.”

•

“Aren’t you coming in?” Harry asked Jeff as he exited the car, his hand wrapped under his new Grammy.

“I’m not. Enjoy the night, man. You deserve it.” Jeff spoke weirdly as he closed the door behind Harry and waved at him with a suspicious smile on his face.

“Enjoy my night? Don’t you want to come in and drink with me a bit befo-” Harry spoke as he watched the car with Jeff in it drive off.

Harry stood dumbfounded by both Jeff’s words and his sudden departure.

“Well,” He thought as he shrugged and turned to walk towards his house. Keys kept jingling as he turned them to unlock his door.

Walking into the dark hall Harry turned back to lock the door behind himself and take his shoes off to walk through the house towards his room.

As he reached the door to open it he saw a small light in the dark of the room.

Completely confused now, he saw a lit candle on the floor in the middle of the room.

His first thought was to walk to it and blow it out, forgetting to turn the lights on, too busy thinking about the mysterious candle in the middle of the room.

Bowing down to the candle, Harry took it in his hand and blew it out.

The moment after he felt darkness overwhelm him as a wet tongue pressed itself against his neck.

Horror wrapped itself around the man’s frame before being replaced with comfort as he felt a familiar scent enter his nostrils.

“Y/N,” Harry called out for you in the dark, with a need to be enveloped in you.

“Mhm? How’s my Grammy winner doing?”

“I missed you so much,” Harry spoke to you as he tried to get up and turn to hug you.

“Ah-ah, Harry. I still have some business with you here.” You spoke as you wrapped a blindfold over Harry’s eyes and kissed him on the cheek.

“Fuck. You’ve got something for me?” Harry asked bowing back down with his back turned to you.

You wrapped your hand around the front of Harry’s neck squeezing a little to earn a light groan from him.

“Maybe I do.” You spoke, feeling him squirm as his body was now pressed against your chest.

“Oh, baby. Look at my good boy! Why are you squirming so much?” You kept teasing Harry as your hand tightened its hold around his neck, blocking the air from entering his lungs.

“Ah,” was the only sound Harry managed to push out of his chest as he felt his head lighten.

Your other hand wandered down to his chest. Harry was still fully dressed in his suit but you didn’t mind it. Your hand fell upon the growing bulge covered by the fabric of his trousers.

“Mhm!” Harry whined loudly as he felt your touch, not being able to see anything only made him more sensitive to every little touch of yours.

“What does my boy want?” You ask Harry, moving your hand up and down his boner.

Harry kept whining as he expected you to take action already. However, you had other plans.

“Come on, Harry. Be a good boy and tell me what you want me to do to you. It’s your day so I won’t be too strict. Just tell me what you want me to do.” You spoke right into his ear, hearing a faint moan leave their home between his lips.

“I-,” Harry tried to speak, only to have his dick squeezed to a point where he couldn’t say anything aside from gasping like a little bitch.

“Yes? What was it?” You asked him, releasing the tight hold you had around his dick.

Gasping for air, as he was still being choked by your other hand, he tried to speak again.

“Please,” Harry started, not feeling you squeeze him this time.

“Good start, baby. Continue.” You spoke sternly as you waited for the man in front of you to finally push out the words you’ve been waiting for.

“Please touch my dick, daddy,” Harry whispered the last part, almost to himself.

Your hand stopped moving, as the other one loosened around his neck.

“What did you say?” You asked, taken aback at the word he called you.

Harry froze, his eyes closing under his blindfold.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t-” He spoke fast, wishing he didn’t say anything in the first place.

“What did you call me.”

At this point, it wasn’t really a question. You wanted him to repeat himself.

“Daddy.” Harry caught on pretty quickly, knowing exactly how your voice changed when you were getting more and more turned on.

“Hm. Daddy, huh? If only all the people who watched you perform today knew how much of a filthy slut you are.” You finally pulled his dick out of his pants and pushed your other hand’s fingers into his mouth.

“Ah- daddy please,” Harry muffled around your fingers, swirling his tongue as he spoke.

You stroked him fast right from the start, only stopping to pull your hand to your face and leaning over his shoulder to spit onto your open palm and go back to stroking him.

“Fast,” Harry whined as you didn’t slow down, making his head swirl.

“I’m not slowing down. Filthy whores don’t get to choose when they cum. You cum when I tell you to.” You spoke into Harry’s ear, your lips against his skin.

Whines kept getting louder and louder as you kept stroking faster and faster, watching as the man in front of you fell apart against your chest. His breathing became sharper and his hips started following your hand’s movements. Normally you would’ve punished him for not staying still, but today was a special day, so you would let it slide.

“Harry?” You asked, as your hand moved faster, if that was even possible at this point.

He didn’t have any strength in him to answer you as his moans were the only sounds he could make now.

“I will count till three and you will cum for me.” You spoke, your words full of domination.

“But-”

“Three.” You ignored his desperate want to postpone his orgasm, as he was still on the way to reach his high.

Harry whined, desperately trying to concentrate on the feeling of you stroking him to try to cum to your count down. The sensation was so overwhelming that he felt ringing in his ears and spit running down his chin around your fingers.

“Two.”

His writhing quickened as he was trying to catch up with you, who was obviously not giving him any time whatsoever. Your hand did not give him a single moment to rest and showed no mercy to his sensitive dick and its almost-red tip. Precum was being smeared all over his tip, mixing with your spit as his tears were mixing with his spit.

It was so much but almost not enough. He wanted more. He wanted to cum all over your hand as he was desperately trying to for twelve minutes already, his oversensitivity standing in the way.

“One. Now.” You spoke into his ear, your words wrapped in authority.

A forced orgasm flushed over Harry’s whole being as his eyes rolled back before closing and his breathing became heavier. It felt as if he was washed over by a big wave that showed no mercy to his weak body, pushing him under its waters, as if wrapping him in a warm duvet. His hearing only allowed faint noises to reach his brain, and even those were heavily muffled by the ringing in his ears.

“Harry?”

A faint voice finally reached him after the third try. Immediately after he felt the blindfold being tugged off of his eyes and light moonlight entering his vision.

“Is everything okay?”

She spoke with such gentleness and love, genuinely worried for him being in this state of stun. However, the authority was still present in her voice.

You had already pulled your fingers out of his mouth at this point, your other hand living his tortured cock as well. Pressing your lips against the crook of his neck, you kept looking over his shoulder to watch his eyes start to open, his breathing going back to normal.

“Are you feeling good, baby?” You spoke once again, knowing well he didn’t hear you last time.

“Mhmm. So nice, daddy.”

The little shit enjoyed riling you up just as much as you enjoyed taking the result of his riling up out on him. A knowing smirk fell upon Harry’s face as he waited for you to give his hair a painful tug he always enjoyed.

He wondered what other pleasures you would bestow upon him on this special day.

“I hope you understand that the only reason I’m taking it easy on you today is the fact that it’s an important day for you, okay?”

“That’s one more reason why you shouldn’t take it easy, daddy.”

Pushing your buttons was his favorite thing to do because he knew what followed right after.

“On all fours.��

© all right belong to stylesberries. do not repost or modify.

[migilini]

Hi!! Can you do another request for Charlie Gillespie? Can it be the 5 times he tries to propose and the one time he actually does? Thank you!!

Fifth Time Works A Charm - Charlie Gillespie

a/n: I loved writing this, especially because I’m procastinating to write the next Chapter for my Luke ff. I hope you like it as much as I do.

Requests are open!

Words: 3k

Masterlist

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He knew from the moment he kissed you goodnight on your second date that you were the one he was gonna marry one day. He loved the way you always complained about back pain, yet you never sat normally in any chair and the way you still paid attention to him when he talked about a topic you had no clue on. The spark in your eyes and the curve of your lips when you laughed at one of his awful jokes. Every Morning he woke up next to you was a good one and he loved you more and more everyday. He was totally and completely whipped for you that wasn't the hard part, finding the right moment to propose was. 

1

The two of you were on vacation in Hawaii at the same resort the two of you accidentally met a couple years ago and learned that you actually only lived 30 minutes away from each other. You were laying on the beach, the soft towel brushing your skin slightly, a big sun hat shielding your eyes and face from the hot sun. 

Cold drops of water hit your exposed stomach “Baby look, the water is so nice!” more water hit your warm skin. Screeching you sat up and saw your boyfriend standing over you, with a big smile while he wrenched out his hair, letting all the cold water hit you. 

“It's cold.” you giggled. “And you're warm!” He dropped on top of you, instantly cooling you down with his cold skin. You tried to protest but he was faster and stronger than you are. Putting his elbows around your face, he lifted some weight off of your chest then he stared at you. 

“Hmm? What are you staring at me for?” you asked, amusement evident in your voice. “You just look very beautiful right now. You look relaxed.” 

Blushing, you cupped one of his cheeks and responded “Thank you handsome. I am relaxed, really needed this getaway.” He smiled and leaned down a bit to kiss your forehead, your nose and then your lips. You savoured the saltines that lingered on your lips for a second longer before he pulled away. He got off of you and rested on his own towel. 

Sitting up a bit more, you pulled out your book and read for a bit, when suddenly something made your toe wiggle. Looking over the border of the book, you noticed that Charlie wanted your attention. You looked at him for a moment, taking in his small smile. 

“I have something planned for tonight.” He said and buried your foot in the sand. “Yeah? Care to tell me what it is?” 

“Nope that's gonna be a surprise! Let's get back to the room and get ready.” 

He told you to get dressed casually yet fancy so you wore your hair up in a bun, light makeup with a bold red lip and a flowy maxi dress. You were sitting on the hotel bed when you heard someone vomiting.

“Babe? You okay?” you questioned and walked to the bathroom door. “Did you eat something weird?” the door opened and you were faced with a pale Charlie. “Oh baby.” a small frown sat on your face when you saw him. “Let's stay in. We can do your surprise tomorrow when you feel better, okay?” Pouting, he shook his head “No. I feel fine, let's go.” he went to grab your hand but you took a small step back.

“Charlie, you're sick. There's no harm in staying in today. Health first, adventures second okay?” His shoulders dropped in defeat, there was no way he could convince you to still go out, so he nodded and followed you back to the bed. But before, in a second that you went to grab a water bottle, he pulled a small black box from his pockets and stuffed it back into his suitcase.

Unfortunately he was sick for the rest of your trip.

2

You and your boyfriend Charlie were chilling on the couch in the living room. Charlie was responding to some emails while you scrolled through instagram. The radio was on in the background, filling the room with soft music. It was late evening and you put some candles on and turned up your little lights that were scattered all over the place to make it cozy.

Your ears picked up the familiar tune of ‘It's been a long long time by Harry James’ and a big smile spread on your lips. You jumped up, throwing your phone somewhere on the couch and started pulling on Charlie's arm. “Dance with me.” 

“Baby I’m working.” he said with a grin, already closing his laptop.

“Please just dance to this song. It's our song babe! Then I won't annoy you the whole day.” you pleaded, jumping from one foot to the other, while still pulling on his arm.

“Okay. Just this song. I know how much you love it.” He stood up, his arms finding your waist as you interlaced your hands behind his back. Your manicured fingers immediately start playing with his longer hair. The two of you swayed to the music, he was humming along to the music, while you closed your eyes. He dipped you, waking you laugh. Then you twirled him around your arm. The song came to your favorite part and you wholeheartedly sang along, beaming up at your boyfriend.

‘Kiss me once’ You gave him a kiss on the shoulder and he kissed the top of your head, pulling you closer into his chest.

‘Then, kiss me twice’ You stood on your tiptoes and kissed his forehead and the tip of his nose.

‘Then, kiss me once again’ finally you kissed his lips. Charlie hummed in approval, tightening his grip on your waist.

Slowly the song came to an end when your phone started to ring. Charlie looked at your expectantly, waiting for you to pick it up.

“If it's important they'll call again.” you muttered with your face pressed against his shoulder. Sadly for you both a second later it began to ring again. Groaning the two of you left your little bubble as you picked up your phone.

“Oh hi grandma. How have you been?” You excused yourself with a swift kiss on his cheek and left the living room, leaving behind a lonely boyfriend.

“We got a special request to play this song today.” The radio host announced “I hope she said yes man!”

3

You just finished your last exam of the last semester of college. You were done. Finished. Now you only have to wait and see if you're actually gonna graduate or if you have to repeat the semester. Still, you felt like celebrating. Charlie had interview after interview scheduled for today so you didn't tell him right of the bat. You spent the day doing some mundane household tasks and grocery shopping. The moment your boyfriend was finished for the day, he ran out of your office to search for you.

You laid on the couch, watching a new netflix series when you heard footsteps approach. “You’ve done it baby!” he pulled you off the couch and twirled you around. Giggling you answered “I haven't graduated yet.” 

“And? You will, I'm sure of it because I have the smartest girlfriend in the world and she just finished her last test. This needs celebration!” he left small kisses all over your face. 

Due to the pandemic, you had to stay in the appartement to party. You didn't care though. Charlie ordered something from your favourite italian place and you pulled out the wine from your kitchen cabinet. Somehow the food took ages to arrive and to pass the time you decided to open the bottle.

Wine always had an interesting effect on the two of you, especially on an empty stomach. Charlie got very needy and you always blacked out during the night (He does too but he won't admit it). But the one thing both of you had in common was the touchyness. It wasn't like you two were not always touching when you were sober, it was just that wine drunk Charlie and you took it to a whole other level. By the time you were on your third glass, you wondered if Charlie even ordered the food.

“Could I have this dance with you ma lady?” Charlie held out his hand and bowled a little. You put down your now fifth glass of wine and stood up, taking his hand in yours.

“Oh, yes of course.” This dance was different from the dance you had a couple of nights ago. It was more of a makeout session than a dance. At some point he picked you up, so your legs were wrapped around his torso, yet he still swayed to the non existing music. 

“I love you.” You murmured against his lips. 

“I love you more.” he said and pulled away slightly.

“No way that's possible.” 

“Oh really?” he raised his eyebrow. 

“Marry me then.” he whispered looking you in the eyes with a spark in his.

“Yes! I do!” You slurred and kissed him harshly. A smile spreading on both of your lips.

You woke up the next morning with an aching headache and practically no memory of the evening before. You turned over to see Charlie sleeping next to you. You slowly traced the outline of his face. He opened his eyes and smiled at you.

“Hi” he croaked out in his morning voice that still made butterflies rise in your stomach. “Hey. How much do you remember?” You asked him sheepishly. He pulled you in with his arms, hiding his face in the crook of your neck. 

“Not much to be honest and i'm guessing you don’t either?” You only shook your head. 

“I remember that our food somehow didn't arrive.” 

Next time Charlie should really read the text of the restaurant he orders from, because there was a perfectly cooked meal waiting in front of your door.

4

Charlie missed his best friend and you knew this. So you arranged a little get together with Owen and Jeremy at Owen’s new apartment. Your plan was to drive down from Canada, make a quick weekend stop at Owens and then make your way to your apartment in LA.

Currently it was a monday morning and you were still at Owens. His guest bed was just so comfortable it was harder than normal to get out of bed. On this particular morning, you woke up to an empty side of the bed and some talking from the living room.

Lazily, you put on one of Charlie's hoodies, some cozy socks and a beany. You shuffled to the living room where you assumed the boys would be sitting, not realising that you interrupted a conversation. 

“I don't know man. Everytime I have something planned it goes wrong.” 

“Look Char, In my experience the chance will… morning y/n.” Jeremy was quick to notice your figure shuffling towards them, your eyes scanning your phone. The boys tensed up and quickly tried to do a normal activity. 

“Morning everybody.” You smiled at them. “Am I the last to be up?” you asked and only got noods in return. Still too sleepy to notice the atmosphere, you made your way over to your boyfriend, who was standing at the kitchen aisle, wrapping your arms around him from behind and nuzzling your head into his back. Your hands instantly go under his hoodie and on his bare skin to warm your hands. 

“Kofe…” you mumbled into his back, barely audible.

“What?” Owen asked, confused while he sat on the kitchen counter, eating a toast.

“She wants some coffee.” Your boyfriend translated with a smile. 

“Oh.. I just used the last capsule... I’m so sorry” Jeremy apologized and offered you the last sip of his cup of coffee. 

“I’m fine, I'll survive thank you though Jer.” You yawned, releasing yourself from cuddling Charlie, knowing you're not gonna be fully awake without a cup of coffee. Your boyfriend also knew this and eyed you closely, then he leaned over to whisper in your ear that he's gonna get you a coffee after his workout. He looked at you lovingly and pressed a kiss to your temple.

“Jesus Christ man, you're whipped. Just ask her.” Owen said while rolling his eyes. The second the last words left his lips all the boys looked at eachother with wide eyes. Owen went to cover his mouth with his hands. 

“Ask me what?” You asked in a soft tone and turned to your boyfriend who had a really panicked look on his face. 

“I- I-uhm…” he stuttered, fiddling with his fingers.

“Charlie here wanted to ask you if you would mind staying one more day.” Jeremy came to the rescue and sent Owen a mad look, while he pulled one of his arms over Charlie's shoulder, who gave him a thankful nudge.

Your face softened “Of course bubby! If it's okay with Owen it's okay with me, we have no hurry to head to LA. I love spending time here. Gotta teach Owen a few tips and tricks of living alone.” you sent a wink in the blonde boys direction.

5

At this point Charlie nearly gave up on asking you to marry him, maybe it was a sign from the universe that the two of you weren’t ready for that commitment yet. You were both still so young and just started with your careers. 

He looked over at your mess of curls that spread all over the pillow case. The peaceful up and down from your chest and the small smile on your slightly opened lips as you slept. He had to ask you to marry him, there was no way he wouldn't. 

The sunlight peeked through the curtains and illuminated the bedroom on this sunday morning in a pretty yellow. You opened your eyes as you heard something shift beside you.

“Where are you going?” You asked, squinting your eyes that still needed to get used to the light. 

“Just for a walk baby. Go back to sleep.” He pushed some hairs back that touched your face. Pouting, you put your much smaller hand on his hand that laid on your face. 

“Noo. Don't go. Come back to bed.” you whined, leaving kisses on his hand. He sat there for a while, contemplating if he could say no to your face. In the end he sighed and you felt the mattress next to you go down. 

“Thank you for staying.” you whispered and pulled him closer, letting your head rest on his chest. His arms wrapped around you and he shifted in a comfortable position, so that you were basically laying on top of him. With the tip of your fingers you drew little constellations on his chest and he played with the strands of your hair. 

“Charlie?” You broke the silence and went to look at his face, propping your chin on your hand.

“What's on your pretty mind?”

“When will you ask me to marry you? Or should I ask you?” You finally asked the questions that have been running through your mind for months now.

He stopped breathing for a second, stunned at your declaration. A wide smile broke out on his lips and he started laughing. You furrowed your eyebrows in confusion. 

“Is that such a funny concept?” You asked, slightly hurt. “I thought you wanted to do it in Hawaii but then you were sick and I also heard you and the boys talking about something. Plus I found the ring.” you admitted. 

Charlie shifted again so you were both sitting up and facing each other. “You found the ring?” he asked quietly. 

“Yeah I put some of your stuff into the drawer and it fell out. I didn't look at it though! I still wanted that part to be a surprise. But you never asked, so im gonna do it, fuck the gender norms. Charlie Jeffrey Gillespie will you...”

“Oh my god. Baby no.” he chuckled and cupped your face, making you stop in the middle of the sentence. “I had so many different ideas planned but something always came in between me actually asking you. So let me do it right.”

He got up from the bed and pulled out the little black box from one of the drawers in your bedroom. 

“Uhm… could you maybe stand up?”

You obliged eagerly, your hands shaking like crazy.

And then it was finally happening. Your boyfriend got down on one knee and looked up at you with tears in his eyes.

“This wasn't at all how I originally wanted to do it but now thinking about it, it's just perfect. I knew pretty early on that you were gonna be the girl I marry one day. I know we’re both still very young but I couldn't imagine myself spending my life with anybody else other than you. You're the person I want to wake up next to every morning and the person I miss the most when I’m away. So would you do me the honours and make me the happiest man alive by marrying me?” he took out the ring with shaking hands, while you tried to stop the sobbing. You got on your knees as well and cupped his face, whipping away some tears.

“Yes! One million times yes!” You kissed him softly, afraid that this was all a dream. Charlie pushed the ring on your finger and lifted you up, kissing you again and again with a tear soaked face and a smile that hurt his cheeks.

[drowsy-writer]

I Can't Stop— regulus black x reader

Summary: An unmovable object vs. an unstoppable force (aka Reader tries to get Regulus to bed) 

Warning:  cursing, angst, bittersweet fluff, crying

Notes: Reader has she/her pronouns and is a Hufflepuff; this can also be read as either romantic or platonic also yes I sometimes face claim regulus as Benjamin Wadsworth pls don’t @ me i’m new here lol

Hogwarts 1975

Every Hufflepuff knows that when 10:00 hits, the kitchen goes silent. No pots boil, no ovens switch on―without the house elves, the place is as silent as the library on a good day. The alluring scents of the day’s meals would linger in the air, hitting the face of every Hufflepuff who entered eager to make it to their common room and call it a night.

Tonight the smells of roasted chicken and creamy beef stew were replaced with the stingy aroma of coffee as two students sat at the end of the kitchen’s massive table, books spread out amongst themselves. Two gigantic porcelain mugs were placed within arms reach and a fresh pot of coffee sat between them.

“Find anything yet?” the Hufflepuff asked. Her [h/c] curls bounced slightly as she looked up from her piece of parchment, observing the pale Slytherin boy across from her scrunch his brows.

“No,” Regulus shut another book and tossed it on top of the stack next to him. He reached over to his mug, which embarrassingly had an orange flat-faced kitten painted on it, and downed its remaining contents. He then slammed the mug on the table and ran both of his fingers through his short ebony locks,” nothing. Yet.”

“House elves are bound to wake up soon,” [Y/N] mused. She cocked her head towards the tiny door sitting next to the fireplace,” maybe we should call it a night.”

Regulus groaned as he reached for the pot of coffee and poured himself another cup. The pot shook a bit as Regulus poured it, the bags underneath his eyes growing darker. [Y/N] looked at her friend and sighed.

“We’ve gone through almost the whole library, Reggie,” [Y/N] said. Regulus took a quick swig of his refilled cup of coffee and cracked open another book,” look! That’s even the same book you opened last night. Cover and all!”

“Nope,” Regulus held up the book and tapped his pale finger on the cover where it read Volume 2. It was [Y/N]’s time to groan as she took her own mug, this one with a silly looking dog on it, and sipped at the now cold contents. Her face scrunched up as she placed the mug down,” Zatara might’ve been a loon, but he was Bullock’s assistant. He probably hid something in here so Dumbledore or anyone else couldn’t find and burn it..” 

“What makes you think that Volume 2 is gonna have something when the first one didn’t?” [Y/N] had got up from her chair, cold cup of coffee in hand, and dumped it down the drain of the sink behind her. She turned the faucet on, rinsing out the mug and gently putting it back on the drying rack. When [Y/N] spun around, she was met by Regulus’s signature scowl,” don’t get your knickers in a twist. You know I’m right. I’m always right with these sorts of things.”

“I know,” Regulus hissed. He looked back down at the book,” but right now, I’m hoping you’re wrong.”

[Y/N] huffed as she sat back down on her chair again. A small yawn escaped her lips but she knew it’d be a while until Regulus decided to pack his stuff and leave. This was the case every night since 2nd year where Regulus and [Y/N] would stay up right before the elves came back in to prep for breakfast, reading and discussing topics both school related and pure nonsense. Neither knew how this little tradition started and, quite frankly, neither cared. It was a breath of fresh air for [Y/N] and a sense of normalcy Regulus craved for within his ever turbulent life. 

As of recently, however, their midnight meetings were overwhelmed with a sense of dread. It had been months since Regulus had properly been exposed to the world of the Death Eaters and of Lord Voldemort, courtesy of his mother. From then on, he had been put into an almost inescapable hole, one that he was intent of crawling out of. Regulus might've not had the luxury of running away like his brother, but he sure as hell wasn't going to give in without a fight.

“So if I am wrong, what’s gonna happen next?” [Y/N] asked.

Regulus quirked a brow as he stopped reading the passage he was on. Not even bothering to look up, Regulus clicked his tongue in thought. He then, to [Y/N]’s annoyance, shrugged his shoulders and continued to read.

“I don’t know. Haven’t thought that far yet.”

“What do you mean you haven’t thought that far yet? We’ve been looking into Horcruxes for the past three months and you haven’t the clue as to what you’ll do next?!”

“Something like that.”

“You're so—,” [Y/N] let out a muffled scream as she buried her head in her hands,” you're insufferable, you know that? Why am I even friends with you?”

“Haven't thought that far yet either,” Regulus smirked. 

“Very funny, Reggie. Now c’mon,” [Y/N] motioned towards the stack of books,” let’s stash these away. We’ve got a Potions exam tomorrow morning, remember?”

“Yes, I remember.”

Regulus didn’t make an effort to get up and continued to read through the book. As Regulus flipped through another page, [Y/N] muttered underneath her breath as she jumped down from her seat and walked over to the Slytherin’s side.

“Alright. That’s it.”

Before Regulus could make sense as to what was happening, [Y/N] wrapped her hands around his waist and hoisted him up from the seat.

“[Y/N]?!” Regulus sputtered, dropping the book from his hands,” let me go!”

“Oh shut it, Black! You need to get some sleep!”

Still in her arms, Regulus tensed as their bodies pressed against one another. He cursed himself underneath his breath as his face flushed red.

“Just put me down. Now.”

“No.”

“[Y/N]—!”

[Y/N] tightened her grip as Regulus squirmed within her hold. She dragged him from his chair to the middle of the kitchen where he finally pushed himself off.

“What the hell was that for?”

“You need to sleep, Regulus! You can’t keep burning the candle at both ends. You’ll fall back if you keep doing this.”

“Well what else am I supposed to do, then? Run away from my problems like my brother? Ignore them? I can’t just turn away from my family and pretend nothing ever happened!” Regulus shouted. His breathing turned ragged, as if he just finished yet another Quidditch match, “what would you expect for me to do?”

“I—I don’t know! I don’t have the answers for everything!” [Y/N] retorted. Regulus groaned as he turned around, intent on picking up where he left off in his book,” but I do know that when the time comes, whatever remnants of a plan you do have, you’ll be too exhausted to do anything about it!”

Regulus stopped in his step as he stared at the rack of spices before him, afraid of meeting his friend’s eyes. He took a deep breath, composed himself, and turned around. His eyes had yet to meet [Y/N]’s as they shifted throughout the room.

“Why are you—ugh,” Regulus sighed as he ran his hands through his hair,” I just—this is how I work, [Y/N]. You’ve known it since 2nd year. Even when I stop, I can’t stop. When I go to sleep at night, my mind is still racing with all this bullshit about purebloods and Muggles and—.”

“But you can’t just—.”

“—And the fucking potions test you won’t stop telling me about! There’s so many things in my mind that I think Bellatrix’s head looks healthy compared to mine! I can’t stop thinking about my family, my house, even Sirius for Godric’s sake! I can’t stop worrying that if I were to put a pause for even a sliver of a second, everything I’ll ever love will cease to exist. I can’t risk that [Y/N]. Not for a second. Not when I have so much on the line.”

[Y/N] looked down at the floor as her friend’s words ran rapid through her head. She touched her forehead with the palm of her hand, dragging them down until they met the bridge of her nose. 

“Fucking—I know that, Regulus. I just—,” [Y/N] gave a pained expression as she pinched the bridge of her nose,”—fuck! I just want you to be okay, ok? You’re my friend. My best friend, actually. It hurts like hell because there’s nothing I can do about it. I can get you as many books as you want, sneak out around the castle as much as you want, lie to as many people as you want , but I can’t—no. I won’t stand here and watch you whittle away. Not when I can do something to prevent it.”

Regulus swallowed hard as his eyes met [Y/N]’s and the pit that had been growing inside his chest began to increase, pushing painfully against his rips. He felt his lungs constrict and if Regulus didn’t know any better, he’d say someone casted a Crucio curse on him and it was slowly ripping his body from the inside out.

“I just can’t let him win, [Y/N],” Regulus mumbled. He leaned back on the table and pressed both hands to his face, rubbing at his eyes as tears began to build up in the corners,” I can’t let that thing win, no matter what.”

Shielding his face from [Y/N], Regulus quietly sobbed as his friend stood in front of him, tears threatening to pour out from her eyes as well. Taking a deep, shaky breath, [Y/N] slowly walked towards her friend and gently wrapped her arms around him. Despite the slight size difference, [Y/N] was able to situate her friend so that his face was buried in the crook of her neck. She combed a hand through his inky, black locks.

“I know won’t,” [Y/N] said,” but I highly doubt snake face over there is going to wait for you to take a quick power nap. We’ll beat him, but not like this.”

Regulus’s grip tightened around [Y/N] and she felt his lips pull into a smile as a low chuckle emitted from him. 

“It’s amazing how you’re not a Ravenclaw with how much wisdom you spout out.”

“Well I’m far more interested in my friends then a bloody book,” [Y/N] stepped back, hands still wrapped around Regulus, and smiled,” now let’s clean up and head to bed. You deserve at least one good night’s rest.”

[hansolmates]

popular-ish | 12

pairing; popular!jk x normie!reader summary; you are way out of jungkook’s league. Or is it the other way around? genre/warnings; self-deprecating language, your typical college!au, jungkook is a piner, shy!oc, oc just wants some damn pizza, maaa yyybeeee eventual fwb 2 lovers au, oc is also a little cold-cutie but who can blame them, dang how did this get so angsty? w.c; 707 a/n; thank u all for being so patient! one more drabble and then the finale! can’t believe it’s almost over :’) &also, i stand by the fact the klairs sunscreen is bomb [masterlist]

“It’s the height for me,” Jungkook says pointedly. 

“You fucker,” Jimin seethes, looking down at his friend’s unnecessarily chunky combat boots, “it’s the micro-cleaning for me.” 

“Excuse me do you not want a clean apartment—” 

“It’s completely unnecessary to clean the sugar crystals off the counter at Starbucks, JK,” Jimin sticks up his nose, “especially when you don’t work there.” 

You don’t know how to fit yourself into this conversation. Every single one of Jungkook’s friends has something eye-catching about them, whether it be Jimin’s charm, Lisa’s boisterous personality or Taehyung’s… everything. They’re all alluring, and impossibly pretty that you can barely look at half of them in the eye. 

Jungkook said tonight’s shindig was small, and he was right. It’s someone’s apartment (Taehyung’s?) and there’s probably around fifteen people, max. The room is warm despite the obviously expensive taste and angular furniture, and you naturally gravitate to a corner of the room where a eucalyptus candle burns brightly. 

Not five seconds after you sit down someone approaches you. 

“Hi, I’m Sana,” she’s so pretty, like a beacon of starlight. Her smile is impossibly white, and she slips her thighs next to yours as she makes room for yourself on the tiny seat. You immediately clam up, clutching your juice with both hands as she leans her face into yours. 

“Hi Sana,” you chirp back, a tentative smile curling at her enthusiasm. 

“Your skin is so nice,” you back away slightly when her rose tipped nail brushes against her cheek, giggling uneasily, “what’s your routine?” 

Your hand floats your face, running your palm over the flushed skin. “Just the usual? It’s five steps. Although I have been forgetting to put on sunscreen in the morning.” 

“Oh, me too!” Sana practically cooes, delighted that you’ve found something in common, “what brand do you use?” 

“I use the Klairs one, it’s a big bottle and really sinks into your skin,” over the years you have been a bit of a skincare junkie, wanting to at least find regulation in one routine even if the rest of your life is amock. “I definitely recommend it, it’s like a moisturizer but with SPF! What’s your skin type?” 

Sana is lovely company, you relax against the seat and squish the throw pillows between your arms, exchanging regimens and favorite skincare YouTubers. You feel warm and fuzzy and you no longer feel compelled to cling to your date for the night. She doesn’t push you to meet new people, try strange drinks, and no bit of malice mars her face. No, you like her. You want to be her friend. 

“Babe,” Jungkook pops into your bubble, brushing your arm against his thumbs. 

Sana gasps softly into your ear, “Oh my gosh, he babe-ed you.” 

It’s then that he notices your new friend’s presence, and he stiffens. You feel his fingers curl lightly into your bicep, and you watch the way his jaw clenches minutely, “Sana,” he says, and she offers a polite smile. 

“Is it eight already?” you ask, eyes darting to the window. 

“Yeah, final exam tomorrow,” Jungkook reminds, “I gotta go to the bathroom, I’ll meet you at the door.” 

He leaves as quickly as he enters, and while you think nothing of it, Sana knows more. 

“You’ve been together long, huh?” 

“Oh, well—” you give a half-hearted shrug, rubbing your sweaty palms in your sweatshirt, “I mean maybe? It’s been a while, but we don’t really go out on dates or anything.” 

“Oh please, we’re young and broke! Netflix and Chill is totally a date!” She slaps her thighs on her skin-tight jeans, as if she’s telling a fact. “Besides, you’ve lasted longer than others. That’s a good sign.” 

You’ve lasted longer than others. 

It disarms you. You know that Jungkook has had a more lucrative relationship history, moreso on the realm of shoddy flings and half-hearted hookups. It shouldn’t matter. It doesn’t matter. There’s no air of arrogance that graces Sana’s expression, maybe she’s genuinely happy for you. Maybe she’s impressed that you’ve managed to keep Jungkook entertained for this long. Maybe she’s wondering why it isn’t her, but someone as inconspicuous and wall-melting as you. 

You force a small smile, and lie levelly, “We’re not that serious, actually.” 

[imagineddworld]

Unexpected

Pairing: Remus Lupin x Reader

Summary: After serving detention with your favorite teacher, true feelings get revealed. 

Word counter: 3,5 K (3500)

Author’s note: I made Remus a new, young teacher, and the student just turned 18. There is still a 5 years difference, but I tried to make it a bit more comfortable for people who don’t really like big age gabs.

I also tried to make it gender neutral, so if you guys have any tips; that would be great. 

Didn’t proof read this, as lack of time with my exams very near. But I wanted to post something. As expected it turned out longer than I had meant to

Hope you enjoy xx 

The time had come where the seventh years were learning how to make Amortentia. A potion well known to most curious students as the love potion. But it was a very tough one to make. You got all the ingredients right, but the brewing method messed you up every time. Same for today, it had started to fog an odd green smoke. It was at least better than the time where it had blown up in Snape’s face. You had never received such a big punishment as then. You were given 5 essays to write and served detention for a whole month. 

“Detention Miss/Mister (Y/L)”, you heard the cold, monotone voice from behind you, “You can serve it with Professor Lupin after class. He needs help with grading essays”. You already had predicted this outcome to happen, but tried to argue anyway. “But-”, you silenced yourself as soon as you saw his cold glare. You sighed, slumping back in your chair. “Okay”, you mouthed silently, while making a mocking face. “That will be two detentions”, you heard him say angrily. You threw your arms in the air as a sign of annoyance, but didn’t say anything else. You started to clean your cauldron, hoping in the last minutes of class he wouldn’t give you more detentions or worse, gave you another essay to write. He really hated the living hell out of you. As one of the new teachers, together with Professor Lupin, you hand’t expected to be hate so much. You rarely did anything. Perhaps even breathing was too much for him. But there was not much you could do about it. You realized that the hard way. Most of the time you argued with him, but one particular time he had enough of your snarky comments. He had given you detention for nearly two months, making you clean all the little, dirty places of Hogwarts. All magic was forbidden, you needed to clean it all by hand. And as bonus to top it all off, he overloaded you with essays to write. Every week you needed to give two writer essays of 10 pages at least. After that event, you didn’t bother arguing much. 

The rest of the day went by as normal, mostly spend with your nose in your books. As your final class ended, you quickly dropped off the unnecessary books at your dorm that couldn’t fit in your bag. You only kept the ones you needed for your essay. The one you were planning to write after your detention. Your dorm seemed further away from Professor Lupin’s office, resulting in you needing to sprint through the halls. Luckily the halls were less crowded. Only a few students were chatting in the hallway, laughing with their friends and keeping each other up to date. When you reached the door, you were out of breath. Partly from the running and partly from your nerves. Your heart was pounding too, and you hands were shaking the slightest bit. You took in some deep breaths and tried to calm yourself. 

Detention with Remus Lupin made you more nervous than you had expected. He wasn’t just your favorite teacher, because of his amazing teaching skills. But also due to his kind character and beautiful looks. You had unexpectedly started to grow feelings for him. He had an amazing sweet and kind soul. His blue eyes sparkled every time he taught your class something new. Every time you got mesmerized by them, losing yourself into the beauty of the blue irises. Fascinated by the swirls of colors that came out when the light captured them from a certain perspective. His smile never failed to make your heart flutter. Every time he called your name during class, your face became beat red. His scars were a beautiful contrast against his slightly reddened cheeks. 

You had thought the fact that he was your teacher, would disgust you. But technically he wouldn’t be your teacher anymore in 2 months. And also the fact that there were only a few years between the two of you, made it more acceptable. He was a fairly new and young teacher. A lot of girls probably had crushed on him, so you weren’t to blame. It’s not like you could control your feelings. As long as you kept it hidden, you were fine. 

Your hands were shaking more, as you realized what was about to happen. Your heart started to pick up its beat up again, hammering against your chest. You softly knocked on the wooden door. “Come in”, his muffled voice could be heard form inside. With a little creak of the door, you made your way into his office. “Hello Professor. I’m here to serve my detention”, your voice was silent, and a bit shaky. He looked up from his desk full of papers, eyes lighting up the slightest bit. He gave you a sweet smile: “Ah yes, (Y/N). I was surprised when Snape me you were the one who had gotten detention. You never do anything wrong”. A light blush crept up your cheeks. His eyes were entrancing you, making your knees weak. “Well, I messed up the method of my potion, so you know how Snape is. Then I mocked him for his ridiculous behavior and got myself a second detention. So you will be stuck with me again tomorrow evening”, you smiled more confidently now. You didn’t regret your behavior. Snape really was a living hell. It was just your overthinking mind and overwhelming nerves that were bothering you now. As they were most of the time. 

“Oh, Don’t worry about that, dear. I don’t mind your company”, he smile seemed even brighter. The soft candle light really gave him a certain glow that had you mesmerized. It was a soft yellow light, that showed off all his features even better. This soft look in combination with his sweet words really made you swoon. These detentions might were going to kill you. This man couldn’t get any lovelier, at least you thought so. Every time you saw him, some new details had you drawn to him. Another little piece of him you could adore. Like whenever the light hits his eyes right, they looked almost yellow. As if a sun was glowing behind them. That might explain why they gave such a warm and loving appearance. Or the soft shadows that were cast on his face, pointing out his fine bone structure even more. His jawline standing out the most. The combination of his messy hair and wintery sweater, made him look very cosy. He gave off a feeling of home and trust. As if you truly could be yourself around him, even if there were certain boundaries. Maybe that comfort drew you the most to him.

“Well..., you can start with that pile over there”, his voice woken you from your daydream. He pointed to a chair in front of his desk with a smaller pile of papers on it neatly stacked. Your cheeks were flushing a bright red, as you realized he must have seen you stare at him for who knows how long. You placed your bag against the wall, and hung your robe on the hanger that stood in the corner. You carefully picked up the stack of papers and placed them on the desk, so you could sit. Lupin made some room for your pile, as his was literally scattered all over his wooden desk. He mumbled soft apologies in between soft, heartwarming chuckles. After he gave you a pen, some ink and instructions of how to rate these essays, you went to work. 

You had to be honest, it was quite hard to concentrate when you were sat in front of this beautiful man. You often glanced up, admiring him in this soft light and closer perspective. You didn’t dare to look up, but had a feeling his eyes were on you as well. But that could’ve been your feelings sparking up some deeply hidden hope for him ever being interested in you. Every time he leaned over to help you on a certain problem, you could feel your breath halt in your throat. You had trouble keeping your heart rate in control.

“I’m all done, Professor”, you said when you rated the last essay of your pile. He looked up with that loving smile of his, making your heart flutter for the umpteenth time. “Brilliant. Thank you for your assistance today”, he gently took the essays from your hand, and placed them on his big pile of already marked homework. “Maybe I could help you with that potion you were having trouble with?” You smiled widely at him: “Oh, that would be lovely, sir. I really could use some help”. He nodded happily, while his eyes seemed to spark that particular sparkle whenever he got passionated with teaching and helping people. “Do you have your textbook with you?” You mumbled a quiet yes, as you went to grab it from your bag. You handed it over to him, standing by his side on a formal distance away from him. “What potion were you working on?”, he asked while going through the pages of your book. “Amortentia”. As soon as the answer left you mouth, he started to cough lightly seen that he had just took a sip of his tea. “Are you okay, sir?”, you asked him worriedly, placing your hand on his arm. You were a bit unsure if you should touch him or not. But you had acted upon it like an instinct. Luckily he didn’t really reacted to the soft manner, meaning he probably didn’t mind. “Yeah, yeah. I’m alright, dear. Just chocked a bit on my tea, is all”. He cleared his throat and straightened out his back, adjusting his position as a way to recover from his small coughing fit. “So, Amortentia...”, he started off, sounding it bit absentmindedly. “Yeah, I have all the ingredients right. It’s the brewing method that messes me up every time. It always seems to go so well, until it suddenly doesn’t. And I don’t know why”, your explanation sounded like a rambling of quick words put together, making you unsure if he actually understood you. He nodded his head, as he read over the page. “Hmm, well. I’m here to help you. We just need supplies”.

The two of you snuck around the halls, if you even can consider it that. It was still a few hours before curfew and you were with a teacher, so not much trouble could happen. But you still sort of broke into Snape’s classroom, which he wouldn’t appreciate at all. “If we get caught, I am going to blame you. He already hates the living hell out of me”. The tall man next to you chuckled at your comment. “Trust me, love. He hates me plenty, you just don’t see it”. You raised your eyebrow questionably at him: “Why? You are such a lovable person”. The words left your mouth before you registered fully what you had said. His silence made you fear your previous statement even more. Did you mess up? But as you sneaked a look at him, it seemed like he wore a light blush on his cheek. Brighter than he usual reddened cheeks. Indeed it also could be the incidence of light, hitting his skin differently and creating an illusion of colours. 

As you reached the classroom, you quickly mumbled a spell to unlock the door to Snape’s ingredient collection. “Alright, get what you need. I’ll keep watch”, he said quietly, not really looking at you. You listed off all the ingredients you needed, having remembered them from the plenty of times that you had read over the page. You had placed the ingredients on the desk nearest to you, not risking to drop any in the searching process. But as you looked at the amount of pots and bits, you weren’t so sure if every item would make it back safely. “Could you give me a hand, sir?”, you said a bit louder, so he could hear you from the doorway. His head turned quickly to where you were standing. “Oh. Of course, darling”, he smiled, rushing over to your side. He took the bigger part of the items, stressing that it was only right. He could carry them all with only one arm, the other softly placed on the small of your back as he guided you out of the classroom. It must have been a protective, kind manner he always had had in him. You shouldn’t overthink such an innocent thing. But you had to be fair, it really made your heart melt and your skin burn where he hand was placed. It gave you all sort of tingles. 

He opened his door for you, opening his arm to allow you into his office. “Such a gentleman”, you teased, even if your cheeks were burning up. He glanced to the floor, hiding his face from your view. You set all the ingredients on the table, setting them on order of how you would need to use them. Remus placed his cauldron on the table and started to go over the instructions. He mostly gave you the lead, but stepped in wherever you were going to make a mistake. He also gave you useful tips for future potions. “You are doing a great job, (Y/N)”, he smiled form your side, keeping a respectable distance from you. “Well, you are helping me a lot. So, you could say we make quite a great team”, you smirked lightly, not really daring to look over to him. You just focused on stirring in the cauldron. A weight fell of your shoulders when you hear him chuckle: “If you say so, it must be true”. He sounded a little more playful. 

As you added the last ingredient, the liquid turned a beautiful pastel pink. The aroma that came from it was way better than all your previous attempts. You leaned over the cauldron to take a whiff of the odor. “Oh wow, this smells good. It’s way better than all my other attempts. It’s smells like man’s cologne and chocolate”, you said with an excited smile, but it fell soon after. “Or is it just you?”, you asked a Remus with a sad tone. You really wanted to succeed, but after all your failed attempts you didn’t know what Amortentia smelled or looked like. 

Lupin’s eyes were switching between your face and his hands, as if he were unsure of what to say or do. “Normally it smells like what you’re attracted to, miss/ mister (Y/L/N)”. Your eyes widened the slightest bit. Of course you knew that. You were just so enchanted by the smell, that you forgot you were actually outing your secret to the person you wanted to know the least. “Oh, yeah. I know that. But as my other attempts smelled so awful, I thought maybe Amortentia had an actual odor”, you tried to safe yourself. It was partly true, but you tried to cover up the fact that you had outed your secret. You had admitted smelling him, admitting to liking him as the potion had succeeded. “It- It’s alright”, he spoke quietly. A short moment of silence fell over the two fo you. But before it could get any more awkward, you decided to speak up again. “So, uhm. What do you smell, sir”. He seemed to swallow a big lump that had formed in his throat. Slowly he came into movement, leaning over the cauldron as well. He closed his eyes to focus on the scents that he smelled. “Old books and (a scent linked to you)”, he said absentmindedly. He reopened his eyes, but they weren’t focussing on anything particularly. He seemed a bit fazed out, but so were you. Maybe it was the potion, or it was the sudden awareness of your feelings and the position you found yourself in. You were trying to register what he had said previously. Did he smell you? it could be anyone, right? A lot of people must smell like that. You didn’t want to get your hopes up. It would only lead to heartaches. 

You fell back into reality, shaking your head lightly. Once your eyes were focussing again on the room you found yourself in, you realized how close you stood to one another. You must have subconsciously moved closer towards him. When you found the courage to look up, you found his clear blue eyes already trained on you. You felt very nervous underneath his gaze, as if you were being put on spot. You licked your lips as a sign of nerves. Your eyes roaming through the whole room, trying to avoid his gaze. You didn’t know what to do. “No, I can’t do this”, he whispered, stepping a few steps back. “What do you mean?”, you were really confused. Did he meant to do something? You knew nothing could happen between the two fo you. It was wrong in many ways, but you couldn’t help your feelings. You didn’t really expect him to feel anything back. So this came as a hit in the face, as if there had been actual hope all along. “You- you’re my student...”. You nodded slowly, still not getting exactly what he was on to. You had some speculations, but needed confirmation. You couldn’t trust your intuition. 

“I know.. In two months I won’t be. At least if I graduate”. He shook his head lightly, going with his hand through his hair. “Still.. I’m 5 years older than you. We can’t do this..”, he pointed between the two of you. At that moment it hit you. Your speculations were confirmed. You were somewhat embarrassed for how long it had taken you to realize what was happening. “You- you were considering that anything could happen between- between us?”, you stuttered, still not registering it completely. You were feeling like your ears were playing tricks on you. “Maybe...”, he said unsure. Even if you didn’t had your hopes up for anything to happen, still somewhere deep down the sparks of it had hidden. Knowing that he had considered it, but refused to follow through with it, hurt you more than expected. Your eyes started to water, but kept the tear in. Of course he noticed the change. He stepped closer to you and wiped away the single tear that had fallen from your eye. “I’m sorry, love. Please don’t cry”. You forced a small chuckle, smiling at his loving face. “No, it’s okay. Honestly, It’s okay”. Both your voices were quiet as they spoke, not willing to hurt the other even further. 

You couldn’t blame him for this decision. You couldn’t ask such a thing, couldn’t expect such a thing. It was against the rules. He needed to keep a certain distance with his students. The least you wanted was him to lose his job, because of your foolish crush. You respected his decision, even if it hurt. It would be for the better. 

His hand was still on your cheek. It was soft and warm against your skin. You wanted to cherish this moment, even if it was going to break your heart as soon as it ended. His other hand comfortably rested on your waist. “Screw the rules”, he mumbled. Before you registered what was happening, his soft lips were capturing yours in an unexpected but loving kiss. It was soft and tender, but all the while it was full of love. Once the shock wore off, your hands fell to his chest. You softly grabbed the fabric of his sweater. You could feel his rapid heartbeat underneath your palm. He pulled you closer to his body, deepening the kiss. His hand went to the back of your head, not willing to break the kiss yet. Eventually you needed to do so, as you were running out of air. You kept your closeness, both recovering from the unexpected kiss. 

“You are going to be the death of me, love”,he said breathlessly. You chuckled at his comment, leaning in to his chest to cuddle him. You enjoyed the warmth and feeling of being wrapped up in his arms. You looked up at him, being met by his sweet smile and enchanting eyes. “Likewise, sir”, you said before you captured his lips in a second kiss. This time even more passionate. The both of you smiled into it, feeling complete. It felt right. Even if you broke some rules, it was all worth it. 

[pretty-setter-bois]

under the light of a candle

request;  Tamaki x reader candle light dinner ღ

summary; you want to study, but his charms get the better of you, under the light of a candle.

word count; 794™

warnings; none.

     THERE WERE VERY few times that the blond would use his host club charms outside of music room 3, but you were an exception. the school week had been tiring for the two of you, and he’d proposed to take you out.

you had no idea where you were going, or what you were doing, but you looked forward to it nonetheless. you’d really needed this evening, as all the stress from high school had been worming its way into your daily life — the second year of highschool (in japan) was always hardest, regardless of what they said.

after coming home, you plopped all your books on the floor and then yourself on the bed. it truly had been an exhausting day.

your phone beeped. the type of beep when you received a voicemail. kyoya didn’t send voicemails, he was far too professional. honey would be asleep at this time, and mori didn’t send any either. the hitachin twins would rather spam your phone with calls, and haruhi would’ve sent a simple text.

tamaki.

you flip your phone open, pressing the buttons to open your voicemails.

“hello. i’m pretty sure you’ve finished your study group by now, so i just dropped in to tell you that you can come over. or if you’d like for me to come pick you up, i can do that too.”

you smiled at how sweet it was, then checked the time. it was getting quite late, and your study group had taken more time than it regularly did. you decided to get ready now, changing out of your school uniform into something more casual.

after dressing, you added some finishing touches to your outfit and sent a small text to let him know you were ready. you found a pair of socks to slip on underneath your shoes, and went downstairs to do just that.

     YOU’D FINALLY ARRIVED at tamaki’s house after a well-timed bike ride, ringing the doorbell to let him know you were there. instead of him coming down and greeting you like every time he usually had when you’d come over, shima had.

“hello. he’s upstairs.” she offers a small chuckle.

you offer a respectful bow of the head and smile in return, a little confused at why he hadn’t greeted you.

you shake the thoughts out of your head and walk upstairs, having memorized the second estate’s floorplans by heart.

“tamaki?” you knock on the door.

“here!” you hear his voice faintly, opting to go in and follow it.

his room was vacant, but the balcony door outside was open widely. you stepped inside and made your way to the balcony, finding him standing in front a table, finishing the last details of a candlelit dinner.

you don’t say anything, instead watching as your jaw slightly drops.

“do you not like it?” he asks sheepishly, a tone he’d only used around you.

“no, no, the opposite actually.” an uncontrollable smile grows on your face. “i can’t begin to describe how much i love it.”

this causes a smile to grow on his face, enveloping you in a hug.

“i know school’s been a little bit difficult for you, since you need to apply for universities this year and all, but i was hoping this could help.”

“it did, thank you.”

you spent the next few hours catching up and eating dinner, enjoying the view, but not more than each others company.

you told him about how the homework and assignments had been piling up, and he spoke to you about how the host club had been doing well, how he’d wanted you to visit.

“as a matter of fact, haruhi says she wants to see you again. i can’t wait for my girls to hang out!”

this brings a small chuckle out of you, reminding you to check the time.

it was almost midnight.

“oh god.” you mutter to yourself, frantically packing your belongings.

“what’s wrong?”

“i have to go home and study, i have an exam on monday.”

“no.”

“what do you mean?”

“i mean you’re being too harsh on yourself.”

“but i have to do this now.”

“don’t worry about it. have fun for today, and i’ll help you tomorrow.”

“tamaki, i really appreciate it, but-”

“no buts! i’m not letting you leave until you’re fully rested.”

“tamaki...” you whine, despite knowing he was right.

“i’ll help you study. i’m not number two in the class nothing!”

“but you aren’t number one.”

“(Y/N)!”

“kidding! kidding!”

“see!” he smiles. “you’re already starting to unwind.”

“you’re right.” you reciprocate the smile. “thank you, so much. i needed this.”

“anything for you.”

anything and everything could happen under the night of a candle, including one of the best nights of your life.

NOTES ☀♕❣⁂ღ

ah i got like a whole burst of requests ily all 🥺

[cosmiclatte28]

Home (Baekhyun x reader)

DOMESTIC FLUFF (?) 

ENJOY! 

The jingling sounds of key and door carefully pushed open resonated through the half lit apartment. Baekhyun locked his door and carefully switched on the light. His foot steps brought him to the living room, which surprisingly was not neat. He flashed an apologizing smile when he saw the scattered books, papers, and highlighters on top of the coffee table and to the girl who fell asleep uncomfortably on the couch. 

A book was covering half of her face; Baekhyun giggled at the sight. He gently placed his gym bag on the other couch, took the book on her face, marked the page with a highlighter and closed it down. He bent to greet her with a kiss and gave a gentle stroke on her shining brown hair. The girl did not move at all, in which Baekhyun deducted she had been too tired this week. He shuffled into the bedroom, took a soft blanket and returned to the sleeping girl. He draped the blanket over her, and left to shower. That girl is Scarlet, the lucky girl who stole Baekhyun's heart and the one he's engaged to.

One of the room that Baekhyun loves other than the bedroom is the bathroom. His marvelous girlfriend amazingly turned this place's dull bathroom into a masterpiece. Baekhyun thanked his hard work which resulted this marble walls and tiles. He thanked his sweats for purchasing him a pulsing bathtub, but mostly, Baekhyun appreciated how his girl did the lights and ambience for this room. The dim relaxing lights and candles never failed in calming his nerves down. The pack of aroma oils she kept on one of the shelves helped Baekhyun breathe even lighter. 

Today he realized, it's not late yet to have a dip. It's only 10 (that's why he knew his girl had been tired, for she usually waited til' morning). Baekhyun opened the faucet, walked to the box of oils and chose his companion for tonight. He decided to go with vanilla and a blue bath bomb. He tossed the bomb when the water's enough and stripped down. In less than a minute, he was groaning from the pulses which hit his tired body and softly moaned from the comfort the oils and bubbles gave him. He closed his eyes for a moment, did some deep breathing, and reopened his eyes.

He scanned the room, his heart warming when he saw the things in this room came in pair. The tooth brush, the towels, and the vanity sets. His eyes traveled one more time to the rack of body wash collections Scarlet owns. He frowned a little when he realized her collections had changed. 

Baekhyun remembered seeing bottles of colorful and super sweet smelling soaps, but now it's replaced with plain bottles. He squinted his eyes and reached for each bottles. Reading off the titles and scents. He frowned when he read "aromatherapy edition". Though he admit the smells are wonderful, he tried to get her message. The bottles were labeled like Sleep, Stress, and Love. He returned them and glanced at the scented candles which Scarlet likes to light when she showers. The fun bakery or fruity smells was replaced too with another Sleep candle. He felt something’s wrong. Quickly he finished his bath, washed, and tugged on his shorts.

He walked out of the steamy shower, bare chested, then tip toed to the dining table. He made himself a glass of warm milk and sat down while looking at his sleeping girlfriend. Scarlet has always been a shining, restless ball of energy, with lots of positivity, just like him. But he was late to realize that she was going through a lot. 

Baekhyun's comeback activities have not allowed him to go home early, except today since two members started to feel sick, nor did it allow him to send texts and sneak calls. He tried to remember when was the last time he checked on Scarlet, and he felt bad when he figured out how much of an uncaring boyfriend he is. He looked at the engagement ring on his left finger and then to Scarlet, played a bit with it, and guilt flooded his body.

When was the last time Baekhyun asked how's she doing? When did he call first or texted first? When did he come home to ask her how her day went? When Baekhyun did accompany her to finish her mountain of home works? When did he really act like her man?

The answer was long time ago. It's always Scarlet who started the conversation, it's always her waiting for him. Scarlet's the one who forced her tired body to stay awake, just to welcome tired Baekhyun home. Scarlet's the one who always asked and listened attentively to how his day happened. She's the one who prepared his bath and bed. 

Every morning they still see each other. Drinking coffees and eating breads, Scarlet usually asked him how his sleep was while packing a lunch for her, and him. Not to forget how she always yawned from staying awake to finish her tasks and woke up early to fetch Baekhyun his breakfast and lunch. 

He felt like a shit, had he ever sit next to Scarlet all night when she typed words into her laptop, while chugging on cups and cups of coffee? Rarely. Yes he tried and failed miserably, but Scarlet never for once put a grudge on this. Baekhyun saw her charged phone on the island. He reached it and opened the lock, swiped until he found the calendar widget. He scanned through it and learned that this month is her final exam weeks; that explains the books and papers. He carefully noted down each day's exam. Baekhyun made a small plan on his mind. A small support which he hoped can help her pass the exams.

After finishing his milk, he walked to Scarlet, picked her up and put her down on their bed. He returned to the living room to pack on her belongings for tomorrow's class and tidied up the couch. After noting the clock, he turned off the lights and joined Scarlet to dream land. Baekhyun counted the hours of sleep, its 23.30, his schedule tomorrow starts at nine, while Scarlet's class starts at eight. He will wake up earlier tomorrow, make her breakfast, and walk her to campus. Baekhyun smiled at himself, then after another kiss he closed his eyes.

The sun rays woke Baekhyun up around 6. He carefully left his bed, washed, and walked to the kitchen. He turned the coffee machine on, heated the water, then prepared two cups. Baekhyun yawned as he checked on their fridge, surprisingly there are eggs, hams, and cheese. He threw his head to the counter and smiled when he saw bread. He noted he has to grab groceries on his way home, this fridge won't refill itself.

Baekhyun finished cooking the second egg, when a fresh showered Scarlet surprised him with a back hug.

"Morning bae, sorry for sleeping deep last night," Scarlet kissed Baekhyun's exposed neck.

"Morning too babe, no problem... I saw your tiring schedules, it's okay to fell asleep. I like it better, for you to stay healthy." Baekhyun said as he plated the egg on top of the bread, then topped it with cheese and ham then bread. He turned the stove off and returned the kiss Scarlet gave.

"Hmm the coffee's ready." Scarlet inhaled the sweet smell of coffee.

Baekhyun grinned, "Just sit down my lady; I'll prepare this for you." Baekhyun poured milk into one coffee. He knew her well!

Scarlet took a snap and updated her Instagram.

"What? I'm just going to post this so your fans can day dream on you."

Baekhyun said nothing to this, he's thankful though that even though some fans hated her in the beginning, by today they shifted to support them and Baekhyun's thankful Scarlet has been strong so far.

"Let's eat. Enjoy your breakfast." Baekhyun smiled.

"Thanks Baekhyun." She smiled and delicately finished her portion.

"How's your sleep?" Baekhyun asked this time, and he did not miss how Scarlet seemed surprised and happy he asked first. Gosh why did he not do this before? Seeing her surprised and happy made him happy too.

"Amazing! I dreamed that a handsome prince came to kiss my nightmares away, oh Baek it feels real," She gazed into the space.

Baekhyun giggled and brought his hand to ruffle her hair.

"How's yours?" Scarlet asked back.

They caught up with one another, exchanged small talks on how the comeback is going, annoyed conversation on Scarlet's never ending tasks, planned about visiting their parents, and many more.

"Come let's get ready. I can walk you to campus today." Baekhyun stood up and collected the dirty plates. He washed them quickly as Scarlet prepared herself.

They're ready. Baekhyun's wearing black and black with a black cap and black masker, on his left shoulder hung Scarlet's school bag, on his right hand the small hand of Scarlet. They walk while enjoying the sun and other couples.

"Baekhyun, I'm sorry if I sound rude.. But can you please return to the pastel and denim looks please? I'm tired of seeing your dark clothes in the laundry." Scarlet spoke.

He did not need to think and nodded, "Sure! I'll dress brighter after this."

Scarlet smiled, "Thanks! It's depressing for me to see your dirty clothes."

Their steps reached the end, Scarlet smiled brightly in front of the campus gate.

"I can take it from here, thanks jagi, good luck with your practice!" Scarlet rose to give a quick peck on his lips and they parted.

That afternoon, practice ended quickly. Baekhyun rushed to the parking lot after changing into a fresh tee.

"Yak, where are you running to?" Chanyeol asked before Baekhyun was gone behind the doors. It is normal for him to rush home, but Chanyeol always asked the details.

"A date probably?" Kyungsoo teased his friend.

"Any special day?" Sehun chimed in too.

"Nah.. I want to go to the market and prepare dinner."

"Wow, did something happen?" Kai asked

"Nothing bad, I just realize I'm not a caring namja..." He blushed

The rest of them laughed it off and just wished him good luck

Baekhyun was thankful today is a Friday and he can leave before 6! Yet he was sure that Scarlet's last class today will end at 6, which gives him enough time to shop and cook.

He rushed to the supermarket nearby the apartment and bought everything needed for dinner and the empty desolate fridge. He restocked the fruits, chocolates, pop corns. He bought home a bouquet of fresh flowers and a letter too.

Once back home, he arranged everything on the refrigerator and began to cook.

Right as he wait for the rice to cook, he arranged the tables and still got time for a quick fresh shower.

Once he he spit the light-blue mouthwash away, the jingles of key made his heart pound.

"Mwoya?" Scarlet gasped in surprise when she was greeted by the dim lit room only from the dining room. She took off her shoes and left her belongings on the sofa. Scarlet stood frozen in front of the dining room.

There stood Baekhyun, all in his boyfriend dreamy look and a bouquet of fresh flowers. Not to mention how perfect his oversized yellow pastel sweater matched his fluffy caramel hair. His eye bags showed naturally how tired he is, no heavy make ups and eye shadows. Just the plain glowing cheeks Scarlet love, to an extend that she will give everything just so his cheeks can glow.

She did not say anything, he was still frozen too, and Scarlet took the moment to melt Baekhyun in her deep meaningful kiss.

"You don't have to do this Baek," she whispered as her lips lingered close to his.

"I wanted to jagiya, here's your flower." He handed her the bouquet.

Scarlet took a deep whiff of the roses and placed it on the vase.

"Wow you cooked dinner!" She giggled as she saw the pile of dirty pans and pots in the sink.

"Don't worry I'll clean them up, before that shall we eat?" He raised his brow.

"One moment!" Scarlet turned to take a quick shower and change her clothes.

She returned only in Baekhyun's oversized baby blue knitted sweater and a messy bun.

"Jja, let's begin" She took her seat and Baekhyun lit the candles.

"I'll bring you to a proper place tomorrow or next week... sorry tonight I rushed.." He shyly said.

"Oh I love this better Baekhyun, anyways your food tastes better than mine! What secrets are you using?" Scarlet ate happily, savoring each spices and sweetness. Baekhyun felt full seeing her this happy. He got it now how mothers felt when their kids finished her meals. It's rewarding.

"Nothing much, I pour my heart into it." He cheekily replied.

Scarlet rolled her eyes on this, "You know what... I owe you something for this perfect surprise. I love you Baekhyun!"

"Well you could thank me with tonight's activity. How long was it again since we did it? Oh damn I've missed your touch." He smirked.

Scarlet's cheeks burned and she finished her glass of water.

"Will you be good for me tonight?" Baekhyun sipped his wine and put on his playful smirk.

Scarlet winked, "We'll see."

[sincerelyella]

All In My Head Part 8

Book: The Royal Romance (AU)

Pairings: Liam x MC (Ella)

Characters belong to Pixelberry; MC Ella Brooks belongs to me.

Song Inspiration: All In My Head by Tori Kelly

A/N: This is the first mini series I’ve ever written and I am so nervous about it! This is set in book 2 chapter 1, after the mess at the coronation takes place. MC has been stuck at Ramsford doing her daily lessons with the Beaumont brothers. Some cannon but mostly went left with this! Liam’s social season lasted about five months. He and MC had been carrying on their relationship since the beginning, they just had to do this in secret.

Thank you @burnsoslow​ for prereading and letting me bounce ideas off of your brilliant mind!

Warnings: Fluff

Words: 1369

Liam led Ella out the door of his quarters, down the stairs and out towards the hedge maze.

“What are we doing out here?”

He looked down at the love of his life and smiled. “You’ll see.”

“Liam, I’m hungry,” she whined. “My apple pie is upstairs and waiting for me!”

Liam chuckled and pulled her into the hedge maze. As they walked together, Ella had an idea. She turned to him and smacked him on the shoulder, “You’re it,” and ran around a corner as quickly as her short legs could carry her.

“Cheater!” Liam yelled and took off after her. All he could hear was her echoing laughter in the maze. Finally he made it to the middle of the courtyard and he saw Ella standing there with her back to him. He smiled wide and walked slowly towards her.

“Ella.”

She whirled around to face him, tears already falling down her cheeks. “W-what is this Liam?” She already knew what this was, she just wanted to hear him say it.

The entire area was illuminated with white lights, all of the hedges had lights draped on them and the tree in the back was wrapped in lights all the way up to the long branches up top. Right in the middle was a bench where letters were lit up with small candles surrounding the large lettering.

“Ella, I’ve loved you since the second I laid eyes on you. I was going to do this even before we found out you were pregnant,” he smiled nervously down at her. “I was actually going to do this the day you fainted,” they both giggled.

Liam reached into his pocket, pulled out the red velvet box and got down on one knee in front of her. Ella started crying harder and put her hand over her mouth. “I’ve waited all my life for you. I’ve always wanted to marry for love and not for an alliance or some kind of political gain. When I became the Crown Prince,” he paused, trying to get his emotions in check. “It was difficult for me to marry for love. I knew I had to marry as a duty to the crown and country. But then you came along, ” he smiled, opened the box with the ring and took her left hand in his. “You came along and there was no doubt in my mind that I could have it all with you.”

Liam’s eyes glistened as he stared up at her. “Ella Marie Brooks, will you marry me?”

Ella sucked a breath in, grinned and nodded, unable to form words since she was crying so hard.

“Is … that a yes?”

Ella laughed and composed herself long enough to yell out, “Yes! A million times yes!” Liam grinned and slid the six carat princess cut diamond ring on her finger. “Oh my God,” she croaked out. “It’s so beautiful, Liam!” She started to sob again looking at her finger.

Liam chuckled as he stood from the ground, pulled her to his chest and kissed the top of her head. “It was my mother’s diamond from her engagement ring and I put it in a new setting for you.”

“I absolutely love it,” she whispered. “Are we going to have a big wedding?”

“It’ll be a big event, my love. The first royal wedding since my father married Regina all those years ago. We can do this as soon as you want.”

“I’d marry you tonight, right here, right now. Although, I’d like to do the royal wedding thing sooner rather than later, because later I won’t be able to fit into a wedding dress.”

Liam leaned down to kiss her softly on the lips. “Sounds like a plan, my queen,” he whispered.

She looked around and admired all the lights. “This is amazingly beautiful, and so very creative,” she smirked at him. “Did you get our friends to help you set this up?”

Liam tried to look offended, “What makes you think I got help … hmmm? You don’t think I can set all this up myself?” Ella continued to look at him with her brow arched. Liam let out a breath. “Okay so the staff set up the lights, Drake and Maxwell set up the candles and the letters.”

Ella laughed and stood on her tiptoes to kiss him. “I knew it!”

“I wanted to do a simple proposal, nothing too over-the-top. Because you’re not over-the-top, and that’s what I love about you,” he kissed her hard on the lips, it was a lingering, passionate kiss that made her dizzy. “Let’s finish what we started earlier,” he murmured against her lips.

“But ... what about … my pie?” she asked in between kisses.

Liam laughed, tugged her hand through the hedge maze, into the palace and up to their quarters. “You can have your dessert … after I have mine.”

**

The royal wedding was scheduled in a month’s time, and the palace staff was running around trying to get things ready. Hana was designing Ella’s wedding dress as well as her own maid of honor dress. In the midst of all the wedding planning and chaos, Ella had her 12 week checkup with her obstetrician the day before the event. She opted to go to her doctor’s office at the capitol since she had been cooped up in the palace for the last month. Liam went with her and called a car to take them to Ella’s appointment.

The couple was taken through the back entrance of the clinic to avoid any press; the public only knew about the royal wedding and not the pregnancy. Ella and Liam sat in the exam room waiting for the doctor to arrive.

A brisk knock at the door startled both of them. A woman with a white coat on came in and curtsied. “Hello, Your Majesty, Ms. Brooks, my name is Dr. Davis. How has pregnancy been treating you?”

“The last month I’ve actually been feeling better. I was having a lot of nausea and vomiting in the beginning. Now I’m just always hungry.”

Dr. Davis chuckled, “Well that’s completely normal I’d say. Are you ready to find out what the sex of the babies are?” The couple nodded eagerly and the doctor smiled. “Alright, the gel might be a little bit cold,” she assembled all the items needed and turned to Ella. “Go ahead and lift up your shirt just so we can see your abdomen.

Ella lifted her shirt and shivered when the gel touched her skin. The doctor placed the probe onto her abdomen and moved it around gently until she could see fuzzy white fluffs on the screen.

“They’re moving around a lot,” she paused and continued to study the screen. After a couple minutes had passed she finally broke the silence. “Well well well, it looks like you have two healthy … princes in there,” Dr. Davis smiled and looked at the couple with a wide grin.

Ella grinned wide and looked at Liam who was sitting there staring at the computer screen with a shocked look on his face. I have two sons.

“Everything looks great, Ms. Brooks. I know your wedding is tomorrow but since you’re having twins I’d still like to see you sooner than usual. Maybe in about a week or so. Just to make sure you’re doing well. I can come to the palace if that’s easier for you,” she looked at the couple and saw the concern on their faces. “More babies, more check ups is what I always tell my patients.”

Ella nodded, “We understand doctor, thank you so much.”

The couple left the clinic and headed back to the palace. “My queen, did you want to make a statement before or after the wedding about our princes?”

Ella softly stroked her growing abdomen, “I think maybe after the wedding. We have so much to do beforehand that I’d rather deal with it afterwards.”

Liam nodded, “I agree. Let’s get home and get married.”

[a-simple-imagine]

Rose’s Girl

Requested by @kileyrose-2003:  I was wondering if you'd be willing to write a Rose the Hat imagine where the reader goes in a relationship back and forth between members of True Knot, mainly Crow Daddy, and Rose finally gets jealous enough she does the whole "You're mine, Y/n."

Pairing: Rose the Hat x fem!reader, lots of Crow Daddy x fem!reader

Words: 4.3+

A/N - This may not be exactly what you wanted sorry. I hope you enjoy it either way. I didn’t mean to end it with sex 

Warnings - Swearing, kidnapping, sexual references and elements of smut towards the end (nothin too explicit) 

With a tattered copy of The Last Werewolf by Glen Duncan discards by your side, you sit snuggled between the open legs of Crow Daddy who was on a lawn chair just behind you; enjoying the heat radiating from the campfire. You bought the book on the long drive up to the current campsite the True Knot was occupying. You and Andi took a detour into a small bookshop where the owner, who wore the cutest kitten jumper and had to have been in her sixties, recommended it when you asked for something a little different. After a few chapters, you weren't quite sure what to make of it but you were determined to finish it. Right now, however, all attention was on the marshmallows at the end of the stick in your hand hovering over an open flame. Twisting it slowly to ensure a completely golden brown coverage. Believing them to be just right, you pull back and pluck one of the white treats off the end. Sticky white marshmallow goo covering the pads of your fingers as you pop it into your mouth. The next one you offer to the man behind you. Holding the stick up for him but he just shakes his head. Signaling to Andi who was sat a few people away from you on the other side of the fire, she tosses you an unopened bag of graham crackers. Combining the crackers and a marshmallow with the milk chocolate bar you had stashed away for later, you create a reasonably sized S'more. Looking up at Crow again, you offer him the improved snack but not without taking a bite first. He accepts it this time, probably out of courtesy more than anything else. You appreciate it either way. You make another one for yourself, finishing it off in two bites before letting your head fall to rest against Crow's clothed thigh. You liked nights like this, where everything was simply at peace. It could be described as the calm before the storm. The time before everything had to be packed up so you could move on to a new location. Everyone was doing their own thing. Andi and Apron Annie we're chatting as Annie roasted marshmallows. Barry was throwing things into the fire rather recklessly. Silent Sarey walks into the light of the fire, sitting down next to Andi. Grandpa Flick was around somewhere too; you could hear the music coming from his radio.

"Do you wanna come with me tomorrow?" You look up, waiting for him to continue.

"Where?" You eventually ask although the answer was going to be yes. You liked doing things alongside Crow when they weren't strictly business-related.

"Find the kid." He replies casually. "Last check. Make sure we've got the right one?"

Watching the flames of orange and red dance, you nod a little. "Yeah," Both palms against his thighs, you push yourself up and onto your feet. Brushing off the crumbs from your s'more, you collect your book. "You coming to bed?"

Wishing the others goodnight, you come to a halt when you spy Rose the Hat in the dim light of the candles around her. She sat alone on a cushioned bench right beside her Earthcruiser. You wonder why she didn't come over but maybe she just wanted to be alone. Offering her a smile, you're not even sure she can see before pushing her to the back of your mind. Recently you had been spending most nights with Crow and tonight would be no different.

Early morning darkness peeked through the gap in the curtains and you wake from your slumber. Crow snoring softly beside you, he's turned away with a blanket covering most of his body and one arm resting over your back. You close your eyes in an attempt to go back to sleep but after a while, you decide to get up. Slipping carefully out from under him, Crow groans a little and you freeze. With the coast clear, you creep towards the door and exit the camper in search of a change of clothes. The sun was beginning to rise casting a dull glow over the campsite. You imagine everyone else is still sleeping as you stroll over the grass. It was so... quiet. After you had changed, you decide to head back to check on Crow Daddy. Surely he's awake by now.

"You're up early." Twisting on your heel, you see Rose; reaching up and stretching out her arms. Your tired eyes drift over her taking in everything from her long boho skirt adorned with a flower pattern, to the snug t-shirt that said 'Weekend Wine Club. New members welcome' in large black letters. You could tell she wasn't wearing a bra. Her trusty hat sat upon her messy sleep-disturbed hair. "We never normally see you before noon."

"Got a job to do today," An amused smile settles on your lips as you meet her silver eyes. You did like to sleep in but where was the harm in that? Early birds catch the worm but you much prefer when someone else does the work for you.

"Oh," The word seemed more sarcastic than surprised. "And what would that be?"

Before you could respond, two arms wrap around you and pull you closer. "Mornin' ladies," You recognise the voice as Crow. "You ready to go?"

"Morning," you peck his cheek. "Yeah. I was just coming to get you actually. Some of us have been up for hours." You tease, turning back to the other woman as you push out of his grip. "Bye Rose."

Rose offers up a tight-lipped smile but you think nothing of it, waving dismissively and head for the Jeep. Pulling on the handle before waiting patiently as the two of them converse in a hushed tone. They often did this but Crow was basically second in command so you sort of just accept it for what it is. He finally unlocks the car as he heads towards you, the feeling of being watched radiating from the woman left behind. You keep your eyes on her as you pull away and she does the same.

"How far away is the kid?" You mumble - half grumble - leaning down against your hand. The sun had come up now, gracing the land with its early morning light. There were few clouds in the sky and even fewer cars on the road. The radio plays a tune you couldn't place no matter how hard you tried. It was a strange mix of country and rock. Time merging with the endless stream of trees that seemed to surround you. You were getting bored, trees could only hold your attention so long; the river you zoomed past was pretty though. You really should have brought your book, maybe that would have helped kill some time.

"Not far. Can't you tell?" You shake your head a little. Glancing to him and then back at the endless forest.

"Never been good at the whole GPS in my head thing." You explain with a little shrug. It wasn't entirely a lie but it was more like you never actually tried. It was a skill you didn't think you had. Before joining the True Knot, you hardly used your abilities at all. Cheating on exams mainly. You also enjoyed spying on people's thoughts when the boredom got too much. You had heard some pretty sick things over the years but it was mostly just mindless drivel. "Never needed it."

"Not everyone can do it but it's pretty basic." He states matter-of-factly. You'd laugh if you didn't think he was being condescending.

"Yeah well..." your voice drifts off since you don't really have an excuse; shrugging your shoulders. A short silence comes between the two of you filled by the lyrics of the song that was now more rock.

"We're about an hour away. If we find the kid, we should be able to pack up and be gone by tomorrow night."

"Good," you declare with a heavy sigh, spying something which you think is a fox darting among the brambles. "I'm starving."

"It's been a couple months since we had steam. You shouldn't be that desperate,"

"That last kid wasn't all that steamy," you fire back, thinking about the night in question. It had been three months, maybe four if your memory can be trusted and sure you've gone longer without it but you shouldn't have to. You didn't want to. "And Rose is so strict with the canisters."

"She knows what she's doing," He explains. If there was one thing Crow was good at, it was making excuses for Rose. You were pretty sure Rose could do just about anything and he'd find a way to justify it. Not inherently a bad thing, they had a good relationship. It was just a little annoying sometimes.

"Are we running low?" The car screeches to a halt at a small clearing in the woods. Tall trees tower over you in a way that makes you feel suffocated. You spot a few log cabins in the distance as well as group of rubes gathered around a wooden picnic table. It seems your question would go unanswered so you move on to a more obvious one. "This is the place?"

"You can't tell?" You roll your eyes, getting fed up of him not answering your questions.

"Which one is it?" You look to him, his eyes hidden behind dark sunglasses.

"Figure it out."

You stare at him like he's just said the most ridiculous thing you've heard in a long time. Was he not listening to you earlier? "You know I can't."

"Try." You turn back to the camp; wondering what kind of place it was? It seemed like a camp for kids which was cute. How long had it been here? Probably a while. Did many rubes come to visit? How many were here right now? You didn't fancy knowing the answer to that one. "Just close your eyes and focus."

Air pulled sharply into your lungs, your eyes snap closed in order to humor the man. The trouble with your abilities is that they didn't come with an instruction manual. Everything was a matter of winging it so right now, you had no idea where to start. You didn't know what you were looking for or how it was supposed to feel. And so it only takes a minute or two for you to give up. "I can't do this."

"Yes you can, Y/N." He replies firmly, "just relax."

There's a part of you that wants to be honest and actually learn but there's an even bigger part that just wants this to be over. You try to figure it out through Crow, surely he already knows but you're not getting anything from him. Knowing him, he's probably blocking you out. You take another deep breath but this time you actually focus on locating the rube in question. There should only be three people in the immediate area with enough power to satisfy and two of them were sat in this car. You just had to single out the other one. The music dies down around you and a hand gently rests on your thigh, squeezing softly. An image - a feeling - pops into your mind, brief but long enough for you to get a clear picture. "Do you know who it is?"

"Yes,"

"Is it the small blonde with pigtails?" You wonder, slowly opening your eyes again. You don't expect to be right. "Ca- Casey, no Cassie... maybe?"

He nods but in a way that tells you he's not really listening anymore.

"For real?" Your surprise is evident in your voice. It had been much easier than you thought.

"Yes. We give off a kind of signal to each, maybe it's a survival thing I don't know, but we're drawn to each other like metal to a magnet."

"I'm certainly drawn to you," you hum, lips curling up into a smirk. Crow clearly wasn't in the mood for messing around right now.

"They're going on a hike tomorrow. We can grab her then."

Your little adventure came to a quick close and you returned to home base more than happy with yourself. "I wanna tell Rose," There's a hint of excitement in your voice that you fail to hide as you practically leap out the Jeep. You were hoping for praise even if Crow did help out a little bit. Walking through the middle of the camp, you ask around before heading to her door. Knocking twice before barging in. You don't know what you were expecting to see but she was just sat on her bed. Her legs crossed, with what you think is a cup of tea in her hands.

"Did you find her?" Were the first words out of her mouth. She didn't even look up at you.

"Yeah," you reply happily, shutting the door behind you and waking further inside. "Crow helped me with my tracking so I'm basically a pro now."

"You've been spending an awful lot of time with Crow lately." Her eyes flicker to yours as she lifts the cup to her lips. "What happened to the others?"

Your brow furrows. Others could mean literally anyone so you stay quiet.

"What about Snakebite Andi? Weren't you cozying up to her not long ago? And even Silent Sarey at one point?"

"Does it matter?" You inquire. It was none of her business but you're curious as to why she feels entitled to bring it up. "Crow and I are just having some fun. He's.... cool-"

"And a real good fuck." She interrupts loudly. Heat pools in your cheeks but she's not wrong. "Tea? I just brew a fresh pot."

"Uh..." You shake your head. "No thanks."

"There's no need to be shy, Y/N. I've been there and so have you... more than once apparently and also with half this campsite."

A humorless huff of a laugh falls past your lips. The thing about living for a long time was that monogamy could become kind of tedious. Hundreds of years with the same person may seem romantic in theory but in practice, it would become less so. There was love, sure but there was less pressure when it came to sex. You personally found yourself in a situation were you just drifted in and out of a casual relationship with other members of the tribe. The funny thing was that it actually started with Rose; back when she turned you, she became your everything. Things between the two of you actually lasted a while but one day she just... changed. "What's your point?"

"I just don't want you causing problems." Her eyes narrow in and you shift your weight uncomfortably. She was being weird. Why did she care who you slept with? Was fucking Crow an issue because they were close?

"Is that the only reason?" You wonder, letting your playful side take centre stage in case this backfired. "Or are you just jealous that I'm not kissing your ass anymore."

Her hands tensed around the mug. "Watch your mouth."

"Or what?" You challenge, offering her a smirk. "You'll spank me?"

She laughed, more like a giggle than an outright laugh but it was nice. For a moment you thought she was actually mad. "Don't tempt me," She took a slow sip of her tea before placing it down. "Bet you'd like being bent over my knee."

"If I remember correctly," you pause, pretending to think about it. "you're the one who said I was too needy and pushed me away in the first place."

"That didn't mean go fuck everyone else," she snapped before regaining her composure. You had been messing around before but there was no doubt now. You didn't know if it was of you or Crow but Rose was definitely jealous.

"Fuck you, Rose." You hold up a middle finger as you exit her RV. That wasn't how you expected that conversation to go at all. She's allowed to fuck anyone she wants but when you do it, it's suddenly an issue? You half expected her to come running after you, not in a cute romantic comedy way but more in a threatening 'don't speak to me like that' kinda way.

"What happened?" Crow asks as you march past him.

"Go ask her."

As the sun begins to set, you're sat in Crow's lap. After a mug of hot chocolate, you had calmed down significantly and let the argument slip from your mind. You lick your finger, flipping to the next page in your stupid werewolf book. Crow's arms were wrapped around you, keeping you in place as he chats with Grandpa Flick. You don't really notice her at first but she was kind of hard to ignore.

"Come to chat with the commoners, oh so powerful leader?" Sliding your fingers between the pages of your book to ensure you don't lose your spot, you close over it over in order to give the woman your full attention. "Don't you have a dark corner to brood in."

"Ha ha." She utters sarcastically. "I came to talk to Crow. Maybe you should run along so the grown-ups can talk, yeah?"

"What's up?" Crow squeezes you gently, his head resting on your shoulder.

"I was serious." Rose growls, giving you a look. You glance between the both of them, slipping down off his lap. Still had to respect Rose to some degree. You watch them from afar for a moment wondering what they were talking about. Was it about the kid? About you? Or about something else entirely? You'd never know.

Everything was packed up pretty quickly and you were speeding down the back roads by lunch. Tossing Cheetos into your mouth from the passenger seat of Rose's camper; watching  the world go by as you lead the charge. She had insisted you ride with her and you really hadn't the energy to argue. For most of the ride you had kept to yourself, finishing the last few chapters of your book but when that had come to its thrilling conclusion you started playing with the mic. You were trying to tell Andi, who was riding with Sarey, all about the events of The Last Werewolf but Rose kept going on and on about how she may need it for something important. She ended up using it to formulate a plan with Crow. And so you were left listening to the generic pop song that had started on the radio and wondering why you hadn't ridden with Crow instead. You liked Rose but she was quiet today and the tension between you was icy. It hadn't taken long to secure dinner, you didn't even have to leave the Earthcruiser. In an abandoned lot far enough away from the summer camp to not be suspicious, you feed for the first time in what felt like forever or more accurately a few months. You were given shovel duty alongside Annie but you don't mind. Once you were done, you just got back in the RVs and moved on. Heading to the next location miles away from the last. The tribe taking a break at a rest stop to refuel. The place was practically a ghost town. There wasn't much around so you expect that to be why. Perusing the stock of the gas station, the man behind the counter's stare follows you around the store. He obviously didn't trust you and in some ways he was right not to but you'd never steal anything from here so you were pretty offended by the notion. The selection of candy and treats were too great that you just couldn't decided. Eventually you opt for a bag of gummy bears which just so happen to be Vegetarian. Not that it made a difference to you. You also grab some grapes that you found in the fridge, they were purple and came in a little sealed plastic tub. Returning to the RV, the other woman had been waiting. She smiles warmly as you step in and you smile right back. A long discussion follows on why you consume so much rube shit when you don't need to. It was a matter of indulging yourself more so than anything else. You could eat whatever you wanted and not have to worry about the consequences which is like every rube's dream.

The thing with having just taken steam is that it not only made you look young, it made you feel it too so you were sat with energy to burn. There was a certain element to it that made you very... frisky too which was never a bad thing. So, when you finally stopped for the night, it was kind of expected that you'd end up naked in her bed. Crow probably figured that too when you explain how you'd be ditching him for Rose although they weren't the words you used at the time. Your breathing was raged and you were covered in a thin layer of sweat but this was the best you'd felt in ages. Almost in tears over how good it felt. Dark, silver eyes met yours from between your legs. Peppering wet kisses in a winding trail as she crawled painstakingly slowly up your body "You're mine, Y/N." She whispers softly in your ear, lighting a fire inside you. This side of Rose was one you hadn't experienced in a long time and you were loving every second of it. Every touch like a spark of electricity. She knew what you liked and it showed. "Only mine." The nibbling on your ear drifted to your neck. Taking her time before moving to a new spot. She was obviously marking you but didn't care to stop her especially when it felt so good. The others could probably hear the two of you anyway; you weren't exactly trying to stay quiet. You probably couldn't even if you tried. Her teeth pierce the skin, the pain sharp and you immediately push her away.

"You're being too rough,"

"You like it rough," She wasn't wrong. Reaching up, you hold her face in your hands admiring her before connecting in a slow and gentle embrace; tasting yourself.

"Crow's always so gentle with me." You whisper against her lips. Wanting, so desperately, to get a rise out of her. Fuelling her jealous side. She pushed you firmly against the mattress, stranding your hips.

"Is that right?" She questions, holding you in place for a few seconds. Her fingertips dancing gently over your chest. You didn't dare move and she knew as much. "Is he better than me?"

"Verdicts still out," you reply, shrugging your shoulders just a little. "I think you're gonna have to prove yourself."

"You're playing with fire, little one." There was a smirk on her lips as she ghosted your lips. "Best be careful you don't get burned."

You never liked that phrase. Her smile faded into the night, meeting your eyes. Her body was considerably less tense. "Did I hurt you?"

"You're good, maybe just don't bite so hard."

"That I can do." Slithering back down your body, she pauses around halfway. Kissing the spot just below your belly button before looking up at you. You let out a groan of impatience that utterly amused the leader of the true knot.

"Tell me, Y/N." She started, using her forefinger to draw invisible shapes over your stomach. "Who do you belong to?"

You knew the answer she wanted. You also knew the correct answer. And then there was the one that would piss her off. "Not you,"

Rose sighed softly. "You best change that answer if you ever want this to happen again."

"Plenty of other options." You muse, smiling up at her. Rose watches for a moment and then with a firm nod, she starts to climb off you.

"If that's the case then," You grab her wrist before she can leave. Looking at her with sad eyes and a little pout.

"No- wait." You want to pull her back into bed. "I'm sorry but you can't just leave me like this."

"Oh, sweetie." She pats you softly on the cheek. "I think you'll find I can. Maybe think before you speak next time."

"Rose," You whine, squirming underneath her. "Please, baby. I want you."

"I almost forgot how much I like making you squirm." Rose chuckles playfully. "Do you ever beg for Crow?"

You shake your head. They were two very different people when it came to sex but both good. "He can probably hear you begging me to fuck you." She told you quietly. "All needy and wet for me."

You close your thighs, rubbing them together in an attempt for any kind of friction. Rose gently taps you on the nose, a stark contrast to how rough she was being earlier. "Stop that right now."

You do as you're told and she gets back between your thighs. Cries of pure pleasure ring out from your throat. You forgot how good she truly was but then again, maybe that was the steam talking. It always felt fantastic after steam. Either way, you didn't want it to end anytime soon and knowing Rose, it probably wouldn't.

Tired and a little sore, you wake up enveloped in Rose's arms. Running a hand clumsily over your face, you toss over and nuzzling against her chest. She felt warm and safe and you wanted nothing more than to drown in it. Rose squeezes you gently, a lazy kiss placed against your temple. “My good girl.” If you could live in this moment, you would. Your breathing evens out and you begin to drift back to sleep Maybe it wasn't so bad being Rose's girl... at least for now.

[howaboutleeches]

curious prompt; Luco and Mc’s 1st introduction at the palace, as Doctor Devorak’s apprentice. Lucio already sick w the plague, and MC his designated nurse and the whole thing involves Lucio being kind of reluctant to accept help from a mere apprentice but after some time and perhaps delirious fever dreams there’s some kind of tension, MC questioning helself etc? More angst and drama ish than actual smut or fluff really, just a side of this relationship i think we don’t see enough of 😖🌸

My beautiful sunflower

Word Count: 2,421

"Are you sure he won't be bothered by the change?" I made my way through the palace halls, making sure to always stay close to my mentor.

"Absolutely! Lucio gets annoyed by many, many, things, but a new face was never on the list" Julian squeezed my shoulder, trying to ease my insecurities away.

I sighed, regretting all my life decisions until the present moment, and held my books tighter. I was just an apprentice, for haven's sake! And Julian trusted me enough to look after the count. "It won't be so hard, trust me. It will be just like babysitting, really." Why did I ever trusted him?

The hall started to become narrow and the number of doors along it was becoming scarce, leaving a single golden door at the end of the hall, shining against the candle holders fixated on the wall. As we approached the door, our footsteps being the only sounds echoing on the hall, barks were soon heard coming from the other side of the door. A smile formed on my lips and I rushed excitedly to the door but Julian held my shoulder, giving me the most serious look I have ever seen on his face.

"Don't. Pet. Just don't" And after that he just kept walking. I followed him and when I finally reached my mentor, he was already knocking at the door.

"Oh, it was about time. I was getting frustrated already, Jules! Mercedes and Melchior are great company, but they don't talk back, you know? I mean, where were you? I sent a letter yesterday and I expected you here sooner!" The count opened the door, still blabbing "It's not a lot to ask for a little company and...who's this?"

He eyed me up and down as he had a judging expression, that slowly turned into curiosity and lust. He took a step closer to me, blantly ignoring Julian, and extended his golden claw to my face, but not touching it, only letting it linger close to me, like he could feel my energy.

"Um, this is (Y/n). She's your new nurse. My...apprentice" As the words left Julian lips, I could see Count Lucio's face turn to horror.

"An APPRENTICE? YOU DARE TO BRING A MERE APPRENTICE TO TAKE CARE OF ME?" He backed away from me, pointing his golden finger to Julian's face. "YOU COME BACK WHEN YOU HAVE A REAL DOCTOR"

And with that, he dramatically turned around, grabbed the frame of the door and slammed it on our faces. Julian sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose. He turned to me, glaring deep into my eyes and pointed at my folders.

"Those papers, let's call them the "Lucio Guides", are going to help through your nursing time. The blue folder contains all info of Lucio's relationship, the people who are and aren't allowed into his room and some duties he still has to do as a Count. The Purple one contains his medication, the right time to take them and other precautions related to his health. The red one...contains his life story and ways to "handle" his personality. Please be careful with this last one. I only decided to share such private information because it will be easier for you to bond. I trust you. You start tomorrow. Now hippity-yay, let's cure this plague!"

- ♡ -

After grabbing all of the medicine I needed, I rushed back to the Count's chambers. First thing I learned about him is that he didn't like to wait. So I would make my second first impression really stand by showing up, not on time, but early. I balanced the papers and medicine bags on my hands while fast-walking through the halls. I passed several servants that greeted me kindly and wished me luck. That last part really made me apprehensive.

Only my footsteps were heard on Lucio's room hall. I approached the door and lightly knocked on it. Barks could be heard on the other side of the door. They started to get closer and soon scratches against the door also could be heard followed by a vicious scream.

"Just come inside at once, I need heeeeeelp" The Count's nagging could be heard from the other side of the door.

I slowly opened the door, letting both of the dogs sniff me curiously as I looked for the Count. He was laying on his stomach, completely spreaded out with his head buried on the pillow.

"Oh Jules, you have no idea of how much I have suffered these last hours, I really-- oh, it's you" He only lifted his head and dropped it again, dissapointedly.

"Good to see you too, Count. So tell me about this suffering you had" I closed the door and the dogs lost interest on me, jumping on the bed and making themselves comfortable.

"Oh nothing much. It's not like you could help me anyway" He decided to sit up and stare at me. I couldn't help but to gasp.

"Count...your eyes!" I rushed to his side, dropping the folders on the floor, and held his face, analyzing his eyes.

"That's the best pickup line you could come up with? C'mon I'm not interested in some apprentice"

I grabbed a small mirror that was laying on his nightstand and shoved it into his face. He yelled in horror.

"WHY ARE MY EYES RED? WHY ARE MY EYES RED APPRENTICE? YOU HAVE TO FIX THIS" I grabbed the mirror from his hands and threw it on the bed, startling the dogs a little.

"Listen to me! First, my name is not apprentice, it's (y/n). Second, I am going to help you, but you have to stop being so harsh with me. It only complicates my work. Do you understand?"

He sighed dramatically and mutter something under his breathed and agreed to do as I said. I made a few quick exams on him and started to write on my papers while he sat on the edge of the bed.

"Am I going to die?" The Count bluntly asked while facing the floor.

"What? Count I-"

"Just call me Lucio"

"Lucio, right" I looked at him, feeling bad for his state and walked to the bed, sitting close to him. "I can't lie to you. You're not well and you need a lot of treatment. But I'll do my best to make sure that you'll be feeling a lot better in no time. Deal?"

He stares at my extended hand for a few seconds before taking it reluctantly and shaking it lightly.

"I better not regret this"

- ♡ -

Two weeks later, and my patient-doctor relationship with Lucio had improved a lot. He had stopped calling me "apprentice", made a few jokes and, sometimes, he even called me by a cute nickname, getting intensely flustered afterwards. It was cute.

As I walked toward Lucio's chambers, I heard a hushed conversation happening on the other side of the door. I tip toed my way to the door and leaned into it in order to listen better.

"So...a dream?" What was Julian doing in there?

"Yeah, but it wasn't just any dream. She was in it"

"Did you really ask me to come here just to tell me about your sex dream with my apprentice?" I could hear the disgust on Julian's voice.

"No,no,no, it wasn't a sex dream, I swear! Let me tell you what happened, sit down"

I couldn't just stay there and listen to that! I had to think fast and do something about this situation. I harshly knocked in the door and I could hear both of their surprised gasps on the other side of the walls. Quick footsteps approached the door, and I faced a red faced Julian when it was opened.

"Heeeeey (y/n), how are you? You look fine! Lucio doesn't she look fine?...I mean...of course you think she looks fine...I mean...I'm leaving. Let's find a cure!" And then he rushed past me and vanished on the corridor.

Lucio and I just stared at each other for a few seconds, his face turning red and I couldn't identify if it was because of the plague or the embarrassment.

Mercedes and Melchior rushed to me and jumped up and down, wanting some attention. I rubbed their heads and entered the room, closing the door behind me.

"So Lucio, any updates? How are you feeling?" I walked to the nightstand to grab my papers and started analyzing them.

"Nothing (y/n)" He said, trying to keep his voice steady.

"What happened with the whole nicknaming thing, huh?" I fake pouted to him.

He chuckled softly and grabbed my chin. "Nothing, sweetheart"

We just stared at each other's eyes for a few moments. I could feel him getting closer to me, and I knew his intentions. I wasn't complaining thought. He suddenly turned around and coughed really hard into the sheets. It was the kind of cough that I have heard before.

I looked at the sheets he had coughed into and saw a big stain of blood. Looking up at his face, I noticed how pale he was. He had a thin line of blood running down his chin and I instantly grabbed a cloth to clean it up.

"Is this the first time that has happened?" I asked while cleaning the blood out of him

"...No"

"What do you mean "no"? For how long is this going on?" My hand freezed on his face.

"...Two weeks" He looked at me sheepishly and then looked down.

"Two weeks? Lucio! Why didn't you tell me this before?" I grabbed his face with both my hand to make him look at me.

"I don't know...do you even really care?"

The hurt on his eyes and his voice was evident. He looked as if he was about to cry. I held him close and he wrapped his arms around me, sobbing on my shoulder.

"It's just that, everytime someone enters this room, they wish something! They wish to fake that they care or they wish me dead at once. Please tell me your neither of them."

"The first time I came here, I just wanted to get my job done. But now we're in this together" I separated our bodies and held his shoulders "I'm not leaving your side, no matter what. I'll always be here for you. Always."

His eyes widened and he smiled through his tears. He rubbed his thumb on my cheek and pressed our foreheads together.

"Just like my dream" I shot him a questioning look while giggling and he just shook his head. "I think I figured what your definitive nickname should be."

He extended his hand to a vase near the nightstand, without breaking eye contact and placed a flower behind my ear, smiling widely.

"My beautiful sunflower"

And with that, we shared a passionate and true kiss.

- ♡ -

Julian hadn't slept in days. The pain consumed his whole being, not allowing him one single moment fo rest. He marched down Lucio's wing's halls holding back his tears.

He held the doorknob and tried tuning it, only to find the door locked. He banged aggressively on it only to hear a mocking laugh from the inside.

"Oh sweet (y/n), my beautiful sunflower. Where have you been? Missed me much?" Lucio opened the door only to find a sleep deprived and angry Julian, with bags under his eyes, red from crying.

The Doctor pushed the Count hard, making him fall on the floor. Lucio couldn't be more offended, and his face showed.

"What the hell Julian?" His response was a paper thrown at him by the Doctor.

Lucio grabbed the paper, reading it carefully, his face growing paler by the second. He looked at Julian, seeking some comfort, but only found hate.

"She's dead because of you. YOU GAVE HER THE PLAGUE. DIDN'T YOU, LUCIO?" Julian cornered Lucio, making him stand to appear more confident.

"What are you talking about? She was fine a few days ago. I saw it! She was here, and she was fine!"

"Oh yeah?" Julian crossed his arms "And what exactly were you two doing here?"

Lucio silenced himself, but by the look of his face it was obvious. Julian pressed him against the wall, holding him by the shirt.

"You idiot. That's exactly how she got the plague. You gave it to her. You killed her" He let go of the Count "I hope you're satisfied. Did you at least have a good time?" He scoffed and walked away from him, leaving the room.

- ♡ -

It was around midnight when Lucio roamed around the streets of Vesuvia. He walked around until he found what he was looking for. The docks. He placed himself on the farest spot he could find and sat there. Staring at The Lazaret. Where his love was. Where her body was.

His tears fell on the sea, making small portions of the water move. He chuckled as he remember you telling him stories of the sea. How you traveled all your way to Vesuvia, obviously exaggerating some points to make him laugh a little. It always worked. But soon the grieving feeling came back to him, making him cry even more.

"I miss you so much. So much. I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to, I swear! I wanted...I wanted to marry you, dammit! I needed you. I need you. You said you would never leave me. That would be by my side always"

He rose to his feet, looking angrily at the small island on the horizon.

"How dare you to leave me like this? I. NEED. YOU...PLEASE. please come back to me, sunflower. I don't know what to do without you"

And then he just stayed there. For hours. Barely blinking, only letting the tears roll down his face, not even caring to dry them. "They will go away eventually", he though, "just like her".

When the sun shone its first rays on the horizon he knew it was time to go. He kneeled down and started to look on the insides of his cape for something. He removed a single flower, a sunflower, from it and gently placed on the water, letting it folow its own path.

"I'll have you back, my beautiful sunflower. I promise"

And every night after that, he visited the docks, leaving a single sunflower on the sea, hoping it would travel all its way to his lovers heart, and somehow, bring her back.

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

Bruh, I cried writing this. I hope you're satisfied. Because I sure as hell am.

Love you all, you guys are very creative with requests ❤

Request: Open

[celestialinent]

Learning Curve

“Good morning. Call me…”

Persephone stared down at the phone, eyes wide. He’d texted her this morning, while she was on the train to school. She’d been delighted to hear from him after the disaster of their second date.

It hadn’t been the worst date in history, Eros assured her on the phone afterward, but she had absolutely no reference point, and setting the table cloth on fire seemed like a pretty tremendous failure.

Still, he was texting her, that was a good sign.

Or it had been. Then she’d actually read it. What did that mean?

Good morning. Call me…

Persephone hadn’t had a phone for very long, only a year, but she understood subtext. If conversations with Artemis and Eros weren’t enough, it had turned out that most of her classmates were avid texters themselves. No one phoned anymore. Or so it had been explained to her.

She went into her first class feeling anxious, and even though he’d asked her to call her, she held off. Her Botany exam was today, and even though she was fairly confident she’d ace it, she would rather wait until after to be broken up with.

Gods. They’d only been on two dates. But obviously he knew she was unworthy now. She was clumsy and young and why would the King of the Underworld want to be with a stupid little village girl?

“Perse?” Tori prompted. She startled, turning to see him holding out the exam sheet. He sent her a confused look, not unkindly. Their relationship had its rocky patches, but after she’d forced Hades to give his roommate the eye back, they’d settled into a nice polite acquaintance.

“Oh, yeah, sorry,” she murmured, taking the exam with an anxious smile.

He blinked. “Nervous? Don’t worry. I’m sure you’ll do fine.”

She smiled a little wider, touched that he would try to reassure her. “Thanks…just, you know, normal test jitters.”

Turning back and placing the exam softly on her desk, Persephone tried to banish any doubts from her mind. Now was not the time to mourn the death of her fledgling relationship. She had a break at lunch. She’d probably cry then.

The test went swimmingly, as did the debate in Godly Law, and the reading discussion in Epic Poetry. Class was not the issue.

When her break finally rolled around, Persephone took the short walk to the center of campus and found a nice secluded tree to sit underneath. She wanted privacy if she was going to handle whatever the hell that text meant. What she really needed was Eros, but ever since he’d found Psyche she hated to interrupt their happy couple bliss with her convoluted thing, or whatever it was, with Hades.

Swallowing thickly, Persephone drew her phone out of her pocket, thumbing at the screen and staring down at the tiny red notification over the text app. One. She opened it, staring at the message through narrowed eyes.

Well, it hadn’t changed in the hours since she’d received it.

She thought back to last night, searching for any glaring offenses, other than the table cloth. It had seemed to go well, all else told, and he’d driven her home after and given her a very polite kiss to the cheek.

So she’d knocked over a candle? Who still ate by candlelight anyway? Gods, were they living in the Titan Ages?

They’d been dancing around each other for months, and the first date had been a literal dream. Maybe she’d been arrogant to think they’d gotten past the worst of it, gotten past all the awkwardness and the self-doubt. Being with Hades felt right, it felt exciting and satisfying. Persephone thought he felt the same new rush of eager joy, but maybe she was wrong.

With a deep and sorrowful sigh, she swiped up and started tapping at the keyboard.

just got out of class. free to talk?

His response was immediate

           All clear..

What the hell did that mean? With a frustrated huff, Persephone called him, leg bouncing as she fretted. The phone rang for a beat too long, and she worried that he was playing some kind of cruel trick on her. Then he picked up.

“Hey Sweetness!” he chirped. She smiled involuntarily.

“Hi!” she practically cooed, cringing internally at the huskiness of her voice. Gods, she was a goner.

“I assume you got my text?” he asked, and her stomach dropped.

“Uh, yeah I did. Is everything okay?” She hated how small her voice sounded.

His concern was apparent even through the phone. “No. Why, is everything okay with you?”

“You sounded angry,” she admitted.

“I sounded—Persephone it was a text!” he sounded outright confused.

“Yeah, and it sounded angry. Good morning. Call me? That sounds very ominous!”

“What? I was saying good morning, and I wanted to hear your voice,” he explained, still sounding quite baffled.

“You put a full stop! And the ellipses? Very ominous!” she insisted. The relief was there, surely, but now she was frustrated. She’d worried all morning that he was going to crush her heart, and the whole thing was a simple misunderstanding?

“Ellipses?” he asked, voice getting distant for a moment, he was quiet for a moment. “Oh,” he said, voice returning. He sounded bashful. “I didn’t mean to do those.”

“Hades!” she snapped. “I was terrified!”

“Terrified of what?”

“I was—well I was afraid you were…” she couldn’t bear to say it, squirming with discomfort. Persephone was so thankful he couldn’t see the full-bodied flush she was suffering from. All of this, a total and complete misunderstanding.

“Kore,” he murmured, suddenly serious, “I had an amazing time last night, table cloth and all. I was actually going to ask if you wanted to have dinner again Thursday.”

Persephone gasped, taking the phone away from her ear for a moment so she could flail around a little bit. She felt like she might jump out of her own skin, she was so excited. “Yes!” she exclaimed, bringing the phone back to her face. “I’d love to!”

“Good,” he replied, and she could hear the wince through the phone. Oh. Too loud.

“Good!” she agreed.

“Hades,” a voice barked from somewhere in the room with him. It sounded like Hecate. Persephone grinned, imagining the goddess sitting through the peculiar one-sided conversation.

“Sorry Sweetness, duty calls,” he grumbled.

“It’s okay!” she reassured him. “I’ll see you at work tomorrow.”

“Can’t wait.”

“Stop laughing!” Persephone snapped. Eros was laughing so hard he had stopped making any sound, and Artemis looked to be on the way there. The pair of them were slumped against each other on the couch, eyes closed in mirth. Psyche was sitting in the armchair, looking incredibly confused.

“S-Sorry Perse, but- but that’s- that- Gods!” Eros clutched his stomach, trying to reign himself in.

“Can I see it again?” Artemis asked, hands reaching out to grab at Persephone’s phone. The pink goddess glared, tucking the phone back into her pocket.

She’d asked to have dinner with the three of them in order to ask for some much-needed advice and catch up with her friends, but they were now spending about twenty minutes laughing at the whole situation.

“It’s not funny!” she grumbled. “I was really worried!” “I really am sorry, sweetheart,” Eros wheezed, composing himself after a few more moments of laughter. Artemis was too far gone at this point. “It’s just…you’re dating an absolute old man.”

“Stop!” she whined.

“Does he always text like that?” he asked.

She shrugged. “I never noticed it before. I guess.”

“Is it quite impolite?” Psyche asked. She was new to Olympus level technology, and she’d just gotten her first phone last week.

“It’s funny,” Artemis snorted. “That’s how my mom texts.”

Persephone made a face. “Mine too.”

“Oh, is she finally texting you?” Eros asked.

“A little. I’m gonna give it another week before she finally stops trying to make me change my mind.”

“Can we get back to the matter at hand?” Artemis asked. She’d finally sat up, although her skin was still flushed from the exertion of her laughter. She was finally winding down. “Your boyfriend texts like a dad!”

“You should really teach him not to do that,” Psyche said.

Eros turned to stare at her. “You’re one to talk! I can’t even get you to text me!” “I don’t understand why I would. We spend a lot of time together. And when we don’t I’d much rather phone.”

Artemis, eyes wide, pointed an accusative finger in Eros’ direction. “You too! Both of you are dating grandparents!”

“Pardon me!” Psyche gasped.

Persephone’s phone dinged just as Artemis started laughing again and Eros rushed to explain their friend was only joking.

Hey…. How are you….

Persephone groaned, turning the phone around so her friends could see Hades’ latest text. “Tell me what this is supposed to mean.

The laughter went on for hours.

[daisukitty]

29.12.2020

Hey y’all ! Just a recap on my 2020.

So, for the past few years I’ve been busy with my job and other shenanigans. I finally decided to begin my journey in working abroad, I’m looking at you IRELAND. Why Ireland? I have two aunts who work in Hospitals abroad (Ireland and America), they always share stories about their job and life abroad, I find Ireland more enticing because I think the weather and the mood in Ireland would suit me better than the US, I am a person who enjoys cool cold weather after all. Anyways, I sat and took the IELTS exam twice on 2019 but sadly I did not reach a passing mark in my writing test in both of them. Luckily, a close friend of mine invited me to take the OET exam, albeit it was rather expensive I gave it a go and thankfully passed the exam. Passing the exam was my ticket to apply in Ireland as a Non-EU applicant.

The NMBI process was easy once you have all the available documents at hand, the waiting part is tough but it’s over within 6 months or less. The part where I had a hard time was procuring my PRC documents, I had to go to Davao City since it needs to be sent by a Regional office. So, amidst the pandemic and the threat to visiting a covid-19 hotspot, I really needed those documents so I had to force my mom to let me go even if I travel alone. It was the first time I drove to Davao by myself, and what do you know my tire exploded, I wasn’t hurt (THANK GOD!) and I had a spare tire, a bystander helped me find a car mechanic to change the tire. It was a 4 hour ride, time was ticking, by the way I cried when I got back on the road thinking ‘I could have died back there.’ So I arrived at PRC and I find out that they were about to stop accepting applicants because they’re only open in the Morning and I got there at 10:30am. Close call but I got in. I started processing and then I was informed that there were no stamps left, the stamps are needed for processing documents. My heart sank, I asked them where I might be able to buy the stamps, but they said even the ones selling outside has none left, and they don’t know when the stamps will be available. My heart sank even deeper, I came there with only one goal and I almost got into an accident and I won’t even get what I came for. The NMBI deadline was nearing its end and the PRC documents is the only requirement left. If I don’t get this now, I will have to reschedule my appointment and the next available date is past my NMBI deadline. I was teary eyed, thinking of just leaving and accepting my destiny, I went to the gate and talked to the guard eating his lunch. He told me to go back inside and wait for him, so I did. After a few minutes he approached me together with an applicant, the guy gave me 2 stamps, he said he brought four earlier, so he gave it to me. I paid him, and I paid the guard. I felt so blessed, I was being helped by strangers whenever I encountered problems. I finished processing and went home directly.

After a month of waiting, I received my Decision Letter from NMBI (October 25), that day I began sending my CVs to various Hospitals and Agencies who are advertising for Theatre Nurse vacancies. November 09, I was chilling at home drawing on my pen tablet when my phone suddenly rang, my eyes widened and my heart beat fast after reading [IRELAND] on my phone screen, I picked up my phone and frantically paced around the house, it was from an agency called CCM recruitment. The call went like this:

agent: Hello? Is this [my name] ?

Nina: Yes, yes maam, speaking.

agent: Okay. I am from CCM Recruitment, are you available for a pre-screening interview right now?

Nina: (right now? I’m not prepared...I need to prepare!) uhm, I’m actually at work today maam (LIES!)

agent: oh, is that so, sorry for calling at this hour.

Nina: No, no, i’ts fine maam. I’m off duty tomorrow.

agent: Okay, can we have the interview tomorrow?

Nina: Sure maam, at what time would that be?

agent: same time. okay? talk to you tomorrow nina.

Nina: thank you very much for calling maam.

And that’s how I escaped because I got scared of not knowing what questions she’ll throw me. I researched some examples on pre-screening interviews and asked a group of nurses with the same experience on what I should be expecting. The day finally came, her first words were ‘sorry ha, natagalan.’ so I thought, ohhh a filipina? My agent was a filipina, I felt a bit relieved knowing that. She just clarified things about my experiences and background, most of her questions were about what I have written on my CV. When I heard the words ‘Okay nina, I’ll help you land a job here in Ireland.’ I was screaming internally! I reviewed my CV after the interview and found a mistake on the year when I started in the OR, I was scared I thought that I would loose my credibility as an applicant and that they would be disappointed and reject my application. I emailed Maam Beth (agent) about the mistake and she replied ‘noted.’ I got my confidence back, I felt blessed to have a kind and understanding agent like her. 

December 2, I received a call from Maam Beth, she was bearing good news:

Beth: Hello nina, sorry medyo natagalan tayo, ilang weeks din tayo na tengga.

Nina: Hello maam beth, no worries po maam.

Beth: soo, my good news ako, may interested na employer sayo no, 2 hospitals and scheduled for interview next week. (SHOOKT) yung CHI and yung isa naman Blackrock, bale may webinar so mag attend ka ha.

Nina: wow, thank you po maam beth.

We discussed about the schedule of the interview and what to do to prepare for an interview. I attended the webinar but it focused only on CHI, I found out later that I was not short-listed for CHI so I focused on Blackrock Clinic Hospital. December 9, the interview schedule was later at 11pm which is 3pm in Ireland, I was told that the interviewer will be the Matron of BRC (Carmel). I was super nervous, I just left the window open, she was late for 30 minutes, I got scared coz I thought she skipped my file or something. When I saw her on the screen I said “oh Hi maam, I saw you on youtube.” A bit unprofessional but she chuckled and I gained a  bit of confidence. The interview lasted for 15-18 minutes, she asked about my experiences in OR and some situational questions inside the theatre, she asked if I would be able to handle their hospital since my current hospital is not as busy and stuff like that, she asked if I’ll be able to pass the RCSI exam, and many more. The interview ended, I did not really know if I did well or if my answers were enough to pass but I lighted a  candle in the Church and prayed to pass. December 10, I received a call from maam beth, at first she asked if we discussed the salary and I said no she didn’t tell me. I thought, the salary wsnt discussed by her because maybe I didn’t pass the interview...I felt sad, but then maam beth broke the silence with a “congratulations”. I was overjoyed, I PASSED!? I PASSED!! She told me about the salary and the RCSI exam and about the next steps. The next day I signed the contract.

I’m still currently processing the papers that were sent by Ate beth (she wants me to call her that and not maam) and some requirements that I need to secure like GP check-up and vaccination status, I’m still employed in the Philippines right now, the next RCSI exam is  on March 2021, I’m not sure if i’ll be able to sit that one with the current pandemic but I’m hoping for the best! I AM FAVORED AND BLESSED IN SO MANY WAYS! I guess my next post will be when I arrive in Ireland.

[a-robin-among-thorns]

Show Your Work

Word Count: 1,592

This started out as a little rambling inspired by a cute tumblr post but ended up being something cathartic during my own finals week. Either way forgive me for not being very present lately. 

Of her reasons for attending the college what had thus far borne the most apparent fruit was Chise’s desire to experience the normal life of a girl her age. Well, as normal as life could be in an underground secret facility of Alchemist, Inhumans and talking cats. And she was currently facing down perhaps the greatest equalizer of all academia: Finals. 

The gauntlet thus far had been fierce. Latin and economics had left many victims in its wake at the start of the week, herself only just managing to scrape by. She was given one day of sanctuary before having to return to battle for Magical Theory earlier that evening. The final trial awaited her in the morning. 

It was Thursday night while she ate dinner that evening. Although she had given a convincing performance of appearing unaffected, her current motions of dinner where all a front to appease the Silver One’s rath. If given the choice she would have holed herself off to study until the late hours of the night, her tummy too restless to allow food, but the entire manor had made their displeasure with the said course of action well known. She was forced into self-preservation whether she liked it or not. 

At that thought she huffed a small grin around her soup, a sound quickly picked up on from her worry wort mage across the table. He eyed her curiously as he often did when a matter of human interaction was just out of his understanding. Fragrant orange soup silenced the action as it slid past her lips and down her throat. Chise did not wish to belittle Elias’ questions, but her energy would be needed elsewhere in the coming hours.   

Her spoon clinked gently on her napkin. “Thank you for dinner Silver.” Chise praised as she tidied her mouth with a napkin. “I’m going to get ready for bed.”

The curiosity Chise had hoped to distract in Elias’ eyes, instead bloomed and refocused. His head swiveled to the clock, confirmed his suspicions, and returned to her. “It’s awful early for bed, is something wrong?”

“Nothings wrong!” She answered a bit too eagerly for her liking, “I’ll just be leaving for class early tomorrow.” Chise said across the dinner table.

Taken aback Elias placed his teacup on its saucer, focusing his complete attention on Her. “Why is that? I had thought your exam didn’t begin until 10:30?”

Chise sighed, “it does but I want to get a few good study hours in beforehand.”

“There is no need to strain yourself.” He urged gently. “You’ve studied plenty and you’ve done well in chemistry thus far.” 

“I know, I know” She sighed knowing on some instinctual level that he was right and she was being silly, “but I’m teetering right at 90 percent. I don’t want to make a mistake and fall to a B.” She stood to avoid further questions and quickly placed her plates in the sink. She shouted goodnight over her shoulder and hurried up the stairs. 

“Are you sure you’re alright?” Ruth echoed in her mind. His desire to ensure his master was not straining herself permeated his mental presence, nestled alongside his desire to finish her uneaten carrot stew. “I am,” she assured uncertain if he had been convinced. But feeling the odd sensation of carrots and ginger intermingling among her senses as she brushed her teeth, Chise chose to believe Ruth had found some peace with the decision. 

As she opened the door to the bedroom she blinked in surprise. At the bed’s edge stood Elias buttoning up his nightshirt. “What are you doing?” She asked dumbfounded.

“Preparing for bed.” He answered still absorbed in the task at hand. 

“How come?” Chise rose an eyebrow, Elias rarely went to bed past midnight. 

“So I can come with you tomorrow.”

“Oh,” she rose her hands defensively, “You don’t need to do that, didn’t you already present your final today? You should enjoy the day off.”

The last button slipped through its hole underneath the shirt collar. “Now how could I do that if you weren’t here?” He said missing the bloom across Chise’s face. “Besides, you can study in my quarters. It’s more comfortable than the student lounge. And fewer distractions I’d suppose.” He finally turned, fully acknowledging her presence in the room. “Unless you don’t want to, of course.”

Guiltily, her eyes searched the room aimlessly. “No, it’s not that I just...planned on leaving very early, before sunrise…” Chise’s words were swallowed down her throat as Elias crossed the room taking her cheek in hand.

“I can deal with an early morning if it means ensuring your safe arrival.” He nuzzled her temple affectionately. 

“Well...ok,” She relented. “...but don’t feel like you have to.”

——

A musical tune that would have been pleasant under any other circumstance jostled Chise out of her warm sanctuary of sleep and blankets. She snapped her eyes open quick to grab her phone off the nightstand and silence the alarm. Breathing deeply she forced herself to sit upright in darkness untouched by sunlight. Beside her lay Elias’ still comatose form, his back rising and falling to the rhythm of a gentle rumble. She knew what he said last night but still couldn’t bring herself to break him out of his slumber needlessly. 

Slowly she pulled back the comforter and lower herself lightly to stand. The bed creaked as her weight left the bed and she froze. Elias’ breathing hitched dissolving into a grumble. Chise stood still hoping he would fall back asleep, to no avail. Elias rose to his elbows yawning loudly. “G’ morning, Chi...se. Give me a couple...minutes I’ll get dressed.” 

A tight line formed on Chise’s lips. “Elias...really, you don’t have to..”

“I know but I…” He yawned again shaking his head as he stood, “want to.” 

All further attempts at protest met similar counters until Ruth glaring up from his restful spot in Chise’s lamplit shadow finally silenced her.

Groggily they got dressed and downed the tea and toast Silver had set out for them. Soon they were off through the countryside, through the phone box short cut and walking into the college. The artificial sun that rarely reflected an accurate time of day burned their eyes as they made their way to the professors' quarters where Elias’ private room resided. 

Chise had to admit that Elias was right that his room was more comfortable and quiet than the study rooms. Despite the early hour, they had already come across a handful of sleep-deprived students chattering and cramming in the halls. There was still one distinct problem though, the only surface suitable for Chise to study on was Elias’ desk, where he had already sat down. 

“Um, Elias may I…” 

He patted his knee in invitation. Not what she meant but she didn’t have any objections. She sat down on his lap where he immediately wrapped his arms around her waist in what was now familiar affection. She located her textbook from her bag placing it open on the desk. She went over the practice problems, an anxious jitter set in her knee and fingers. 

“You are tense,” Elias stated causing Chise to jump. “You have studied well,” His hands caressed her belly fondly, “You have nothing to worry about.” 

Chise sighed, “I know, it’s just...I can’t help but worry about it. Even though I know I’m prepared and I’ve done well before.” The words Elias and others had told her in earnest attempts at comfort found their way onto her tongue. She wasn’t upset that they had tried to assure her, quite the opposite. But she felt shameful that despite her efforts the words had reached her brain and not her heart. “I suppose I’m just scared that I won’t be able to do well again. That my success so far has been a coincidence. I have a hard time believing I can do it.”

The gentle rumbling that often signified that Elias was carefully weighing his words vibrated against her. “Students far less driven and talented than you have succeeded before you. I should know a handful have taken my course.” Chise snickered despite herself. “Besides,” He angled his skull onto her shoulder, meeting her eyes sidelong, “even if you fail, the exam does not determine your worth. Neither as a student nor a person.” 

Chise’s hand stilled at his words.

“That said, you know the material better than you think, just review and…” His words were cut off by a snore as his head slumped against her shoulder. The lights of his eyes snuffed out like birthday candles. Chise snorted. “Thank you, Elias.” She cupped his cheek, nuzzling affectionately before she returned to her practice problems. The clock ticking was much less foreboding while surrounded by the comforting weight of her husband embracing her punctuated by his steady breath.

—— 

Come 10:30 Chise was standing outside the chemistry classroom. Her fingers still fretted nervously, but her feet felt grounded and firm. She looked down the hall where Elias and Ruth stood. Ruth flashed a thumbs up, although he still appeared somewhat grumpy that familiars were not allowed in the testing area. Elias waved as his eyes curved in a smile. Chise waved back before a creak broke the silence in the hall. The door opened and students poured into their desks reading the board instructions briefly before diving into their papers. 

Chise read the first question and smiled to herself. He was right, she did know the material better than she thought. 

[honeymoonjin]

Chapter One

Summary: When you hear that your recently deceased grandmother left you her property in her will, at first you think that a dinky old cottage in the middle of nowhere isn’t going to mean much for you. But after spending a night there, you discover something far more valuable than the house itself: a hidden door that leads to another time, the same place but over 200 years in the past. In the late 18th Century, there is a king who will die before his 21st birthday unless you can save him. Will you help him, even if it means leaving your own life behind?

A/N: It’s here! Please enjoy the first chapter of my new fantasy AU, Sovereign! It’s been a joy to write so far and I hope you love it as much as I do!

“Okay, what time was it again?” You adjust your cellphone, clamping it between your ear and your shoulder as you rohjdojwiggle a worn key into the front door.

“Come on, Y/n, we’ve been through this! It doesn’t matter what time you come over as long as it’s before 2, because that’s when I have to get ready for work. Maybe like ten? That should give us a decent block of time to hang out.”

You smile at your boyfriend’s lilting voice and finally get the door to unlock and swing open. “Okay, can do. I just got to my grandma’s old place, so I’ll be spending the night here, and then I’m all good to go this morning.” It’s musty inside, but not actually that messy or dirty. You tug your overnight bag in behind you and close the door, wandering around the cramped cottage aimlessly as you chat on the phone.

“Oh, yeah, what’s the big idea with that? I don’t get why I couldn’t come with and keep you company.”

“Something in the will,” you mumble half-heartedly, “it makes no sense, but she wanted me to come here when I received the rights and spend a night alone. I don’t know, she was a pretty superstitious and sentimental lady. I’m sure she had a reason.” You come to a stop in the poorly-lit hallway, staring at a strange sight on one of the walls. “Anyway, this house is so far away from uni and it’s not exactly prime living. I’ve already called mum to get her to give me the details for our real estate agent. Maybe whatever cash I make off this dump will help put me through my last year of med school.”

Jimin laughs on the other end. “From what I’ve heard, you’d be lucky to get a couple coffees in exam season for the price that place is worth. You’d be better off keeping it, maybe one day you and I can move in together.”

You squat down as he talks and run your hand along the wall. For some reason, embedded no more than two feet off the floor, is a crystal doorknob. You had assumed it was for a cupboard, but there weren’t even any seams in the wooden panels of the wall where the door could be. You try twisting it experimentally, but it doesn’t give.

“Y/n?”

“Hm? Oh, yeah, Jiminie, that would be really nice.” You stand up again and continue down the hallway, dismissing the architectural oddity. “How about you come out here tomorrow night and see what you think of it? It would need some serious renovation, but we could make it work.”

You pause as you hear shuffling on the line. “Fuck. Sorry, baby, one of my classmates just text to say our grades for the midterm have been put up, I’m gonna go check.”

You smile softly. “No worries, I’ll see you when I come over tomorrow. Should be there around ten, like you said. I love you.”

“Love you more. Bye, baby.”

When the line goes dead, you put your phone away and decide to not bother with cleaning the place up at all before retiring. It’s nearly midnight, and you came straight here after a day of classes, so you’re ready to go set up the spare room.

You hadn’t really visited this place often in recent years; truthfully, you hadn’t seen your grandmother much since you grew up. You did have faint childhood memories of listening to her rambling for hours about what flowers fairies liked to grow in their gardens and how to listen to the trees whispering. Your parents quickly realized all her stories of magic and fantasy were making you a very dreamy young girl, and from the age of around eleven or twelve they stopped taking you out to the countryside to visit.

But now here you were, full circle. Lying in the narrow guest bed you had frequented as a child, one year away from graduating from medical school, something you had no doubt she would’ve found cold and absurd. She had liked to tell you you’d become a princess or a witch or something wonderful like that. Doctor didn’t sound nearly as exciting.

The exhaustion from the day as well as your reminiscing pulled you quickly into unconsciousness, and you slept well enough until a loud thud awoke you.

You shot up in bed, heart racing. There were no other houses for miles with the cottage being so far from the city, and it was untamed forest rather than farmland, so if the racket was an animal that had somehow gotten in the house, it was probably wild. After waiting a few moments, three similar thuds resonate through the small building. With one hand clutching your phone, torchlight on, and the other rubbing at your sternum in an effort to calm down, you sneak slowly out of your room and into the hallway. Blinking to adjust to the glare of your phone light, you barely pay attention to your surroundings, fully focused on the racket coming from the kitchen.

Upon arriving, you relax with a great sigh when you’re confronted not with a fox or a rat or a burglar, but an overly fluffy black cat sitting delicately on the kitchen bench, licking a paw. Below him is a misshapen pile of candles, another one of your grandmother’s obsessions, that the cat has apparently pushed off the counter.

You click your tongue and hold out your free hand gently. “Here, kitty kitty. Here, kitty kitty. Oh, you’re so cute! Where did you come from, kitty?”

You recoil when what can only be described as a scoff comes out of the creature’s mouth. But, like it could understand you perfectly, it leaps gracefully onto the floor and leads you back the way you came, tail swishing impatiently. You follow dumbly, until the cat comes to a stop in the hallway, in front of an open door.

You frown and stare at the black shadowy square in shock. The doorknob, which before seemed so absurdly placed, was now attached to a door of the same wood paneling as the wall, swung open to reveal an open space behind it. You swear just earlier today, or perhaps at this point it was yesterday, that doorknob wouldn’t move at all, and now a cat was sitting in front of it moodily, licking a paw and whipping its tail against the carpet.

What was odder still was the height. It wasn’t a full doorway like the rest of the house; really, were it not for the apparent depth of the hole, you would’ve called it a cupboard. Nevertheless, the cat blinks up at you with baleful silver eyes and slips into the blackness, completely disappearing from your view.

You patiently wait for a few moments for it to have a look around and come back out, but there’s no sign of it. “Kitty,” you call out awkwardly, “come out of there. Where did you go?”

But silence is your only response, so you just sigh and hunker down on your hands and knees, gingerly sticking your hand into the cupboard, which, judging by the way your arm disappears down to the shoulder with no back end in sight, is perhaps a room more so than a cupboard. You wave your outstretched hand back and forth, but the only thing you come in contact with is roughhewn brick, scratching your knuckles as you pull your hand back.

Whatever it is, it isn’t a room or a cupboard. It’s a hallway of sorts. Your grandma has a secret hallway in her house. “Okay, you got me, I’m coming in now, kitty.”

After no response, you prop your phone up so that the light splays as far into the darkness as possible and begin the crawl. Your shoulders scrape against the sides and your hair keeps catching on the rough edges on the ceiling, but you crawl on.

It must be no more than five or so meters that you travel before your hand knocks against a solid wall instead of more open air. Fuck. You’re at a dead end, with no space to turn around. But just before you can start to panic at your situation, you remember the cat. It must’ve gone somewhere, so you tentatively push against the solid wall, only to feel it give way beneath your fingertips. It’s another door.

A warm light greets you, but it’s such a change from the pitch black of the tiny crawlspace that you squint, pulling yourself free finally. When you do open your eyes again, you look around in confusion. The walls are lined with bookshelves, some filled with incredibly ancient-looking leatherbound books, and others with glass jars containing unidentifiable powders and herbs. Some of them even have objects floating in some strange clear liquid. In the middle of the room is a table covered in papers and rudimentary laboratory equipment, like thick glass beakers and iron crucibles.

You don’t recognize this part of the house, but even if you did, something’s clearly not right. Because to the far right of you, in the corner of this rather large room, is a hearth with a roaring fire blazing inside it. And directly in front of that is a tall man. Your instinct is to scream, but the stranger seems awfully calm for having broken in and started a fire, so you just clear your throat awkwardly.

He turns around, and you’re taken aback by how young he is. You never expected good-looking young people to stoop to thieving, but there’s a first for everything. “May I help you?” he questions pleasantly.

You frown at his patronizing tone. “Uh, yeah. Maybe start with why the fuck you’re in my house.”

He brushes down his hair, a startling silver that glints in the firelight. “This isn’t your house yet, actually.”

You tilt your head in disbelief, finally standing up off the ground to be a little more on level with him. “Are you serious? Yes, it is. The will was signed two days ago. Who are you?”

His eyes soften as he stares off into the middle distance. “The will? So, she’s passed away then.” His gaze flickers back up to you. “I hate to break it to you, Y/n, but you don’t own this house yet. In fact, you won’t own it for another two hundred and seventy years, give or take.”

You feel your blood run cold. “I’m sorry, what?”

“Welcome to seventeen-forty-three, Y/n.”

TAGLIST Message me or send an ask to be added to the taglist for Sovereign, and never miss a new chapter!

[kpopmultifan127]

Thunderstorm Nights

                                            Thunderstorm Nights

It was a dark stormy night and the sound of the thunder and the brightness of the lighting always frightened her. She couldn’t sleep and as she lay there staring at the ceiling at 1 in the morning wishing he’d come back home already and be with her. Her boyfriend Jeno was too busy to be with her during the storm because of his tour. She hadn’t seen him in weeks because he had to prepare non stop with no rest to make sure this concert was perfect. Dee had to do her best to stick out the storm and get some rest for her final exams were coming up and needed to study as much as she could. A text message lit up her phone as she checked to see it was she felt at ease to see who it was from.

From: Jeno My Love

01:03 AM: Are you ok? I know the storm must be scary for you I’m sorry I

can’t be there with you. :(

To: Jeno My Love

01:05 AM: Don’t be sorry. I need to learn to be more brave with this and not always count on you to be here. Why are you still up? Are you still rehearsing?

From: Jeno My Love

01:09 AM: We just finished our final rehearsal until our first day of the tour. I heard the storm outside and I knew you didn’t like thunderstorms and so I wanted to see if you were ok.

To: Jeno My Love 01:11 AM: I’ll be ok now that I heard from you <3

Then suddenly after she sent that text she received a FaceTime call and it was her love Jeno calling. As she picked it up she smiled to see a familiar smiling face on the other end. “How about I call you like this” he told her with a smile. His smile always made her heart skip a beat and she felt warm inside. “I really wish I could be there with you” he added. “I do too. But you’ve worked so hard for this, my fear of the storm shouldn’t stop you for living your dream.” She responded then added, “plus I’m a lot better now that I see your face.” They both smiled and continued to have a conversation that made her forget about the storm. Before they knew it the time flew and it was already 3 AM. They both needed to get their rest somehow.

“How about we stay like this until you fall asleep?” He told her as they both laid their heads on their pillows. With a small smile she responded “ok.” So as they laid there looking at each other through only what could be their phone, is the closest they could get to each other. A loud BOOM from the thunderstorm startled her and she cringed her eyes shut as she then heard, “hey I’m still here with you. It’s going to be ok.” Hearing him say that made her feel more and more relaxed as she drifted away to sleep. As he saw her drift to sleep with a soft whisper “goodnight my love” he hangs up the phone to get his rest as well.

It’s 07:15 AM and her alarms goes off to wake her up for a bigger day. Today was her the day she had to begin studying for her exam and today was the first day of their concert. It was still a little gloomy outside but the thunderstorm seemed to have passed. She went in the library where she met up with her friends Bri, Yuta and Doyoung to study together for their exams. As she got to the library Bri and her boyfriend Johnny was there. “Where’s Yuta & Doyoung?” Dee asked while unpacking her books. Bri then replied, “they should be here any minute” as I sat down I saw Bri eyeing down Johnny. “Um are you guys ok?” I asked her. She then looked at me and replied, “yes we are but there’s a leech next to me that won’t let me study” looking at Johnny as she said it. “Ok ok I get it I’ll leave” he responded then added, “sheesh you’re so grumpy when you have exams coming up”

He then felt a lil kick in the shin as it was from Bri to get him to shut up and leave. Johnny then got up and left saying goodbye to both girls. Just as he was leaving Yuta and Doyoung came. “Sorry we are late, music class was running late.” Yuta said as they both started to get settled down on the table to begin studying. “Dee the thunderstorm was pretty bad, were you ok last night?” Doyoung asked her, knowing she wasn’t a fan of thunderstorms ever since she was a kid. She then replies, “Yes I was ok. Jeno FaceTimed me to make sure I was ok and stayed on until I fell asleep” after she told her friends that you can hear a little gag noise come out of Bri’s mouth as she was disgusted by what she heard.

“Oh my god I wanna throw up” she said to them. “Oh shut up Bri, you and Johnny are just as bad” Yuta said as they all giggled. With a huff Bri got upset “ugh whatever can we just study please” so they all sat there in silence and began to study. Helping each other with anything that made them question a problem. As the day went by, the skies were still gloomy and drizzles came down here and there. She told herself just as long there was no thunder and lighting she’ll be fine. She wish she could’ve gone to their concert but it was too hard for her as she had finals coming up and was too far from the venue to be driving back and forth.

When she got home, she showered, ate and caught up on a few of her shows before she began to study a little bit more before bed. She looked at the time and knew the concert was about to start. She decided to send him a text message to cheer him on.

To: Jeno My Love 07:30PM: Good luck tonight my love! You and the guys will kill it tonight! I’ll be cheering for you here at home.

She knew she wouldn’t be able to get a reply as he was busy getting ready with hair, makeup and woredrobe. As she set her phone down she saw it light up, a text message from Jeno.

From: Jeno My Love 07:35PM: Thank you! I’ll work hard and think about you while being on stage. <3 How do I look?

She then also received a photo of him in his outfit for his first set. His hair slicked up like how she always liked it, wearing his outfit from their GO era which was always her favorite. All she could do was smile.

To: Jeno My Love 07:38PM: You look amazing like always. You’ll do great!

Finishing up their conversation with her sending a picture of her blowing a kiss. She then began to study as the night got later she ended up falling asleep with her head in her books. Her alarm went off again at 07:15AM to start another day. She woke up checking her phone to see a few texts from Bri.

From: Johnny’s other half 10:30PM: Bitch don’t forget to bring your chemistry notes you promised I could borrow them.

As she read her text with an eye roll she moved onto the next message which was from Jeno. She lit up and open to read what he had sent.

From: Jeno My Love 01:11AM: Thank you for that photo I had it on my mind all night. I just got back to the hotel and day one went well. I hope you slept well and just a few more days and we can see each other again.

As she finished up checking anything that was sent to her phone she got ready and left for school. When she stepped outside it began to rain, the rain still hasn’t gone away as the news reports said thunderstorms will form again sometime this week. She met up with her friends again, Bri being the first one she saw. “Where’s my notes Dee?” She said. Dee the replied with an eye roll, “good morning to you too” as she handed her the chemistry notes she had promised Bri. Then Doyoung came alone. Dee looked around and then asked , “Where’s Yuta?” Doyoung then replied, “He has his first exam today.” Yuta had one different class from us so his exam was a day earlier than ours.

Dee then looked up at the sky to see it get more and more gloomy. Thinking in her head I hope there’s no thunderstorm tonight. I just need to survive 2 more days. She checks her phone to see if she received anything from Jeno at all….nothing. With a sigh she went on with her day. As the night fell closer she did her usual night routine before studying. She knew Jeno must have been tired with all of this tour stuff she didn’t want to disturb him and didn’t text him.

The big day was finally here, her exams and the final day of the concert. She just had to get though the rest of the day and go home to relax because no more hardcore studying until the end of the year. That time came where she was ready to get exams over with already. As she got to her class Bri and Doyoung were already therend ready to go. They had 1 hour to finish their exams and they began silently. She sat there double checking her answers before she turned it in.

“OH MY GOD WE ARE FINALLY DONE WITH EXAMS!” Doyoung said as he stretched and gave his 2 friends Dee and Bri a hug. “Shall we celebrate?” He then added. Bri then looked at him and said “You’re paying” with a laugh Doyoung agreed to it and they looked at Dee.”You coming?” Bri asked as she added, “You year dhim, Doyoung is paying” she politely declined as she was tired from studying and just wanted to go home. Doyoung then added, “oh yeah it’s the last day of the tour. You get to see him” Dee then responded with a soft smile, “yes he does finish but I won’t be able to see him until tomorrow”

As she got home to relax. She showered, ate and once again caught up with some of her shows as she drifted off to sleep. Dee was then woken up with a loud BANG and a bright light. She looked outside to see a thunderstorm had began once again, but seemed worse than before. She looked at her phone to see what time it was, the clock on her phone read 02:45AM. She thought in her head the concert was long finished, even though she knew he might have been sleeping she was way to scared to go back to sleep.

So she tried to call Jeno to see if he could calm her down. All she got was straight to voicemail. She then tried a couple more times and all went straight to voicemail. Another loud bang and bright light lit up the room as she screamed. She couldn’t handle it as she began to cry, then the power goes out as the thunderstorm caused the power outage. Dee didn’t know what to do other than try her best to stay calm. She lit some candles her friends gave her as a bday present awhile back.

She sat on the floor near the candles as she tried to call her friends to see if they could come over. But with the power outage she couldn’t get through. Once another bang went off as she curled up into a ball while crying and covering her ears. She was so scared and tried her best to cover her ears from hearing the thunder she didn’t know her door had opened and closed. She then felt someone tap her arm as she jumped and screamed in tears she sees Jeno standing in front of her. “Hey hey it’s just me it’s ok!” He said to her dropping his things to grab her.

When she realized it was Jeno she couldn’t help but let out more tears as she was happy to see him and she was still frighted from the storm. “What are you doing here” she said while in tears, then added “I thought you weren’t going to be home until tomorrow” He then looked at her whipping the tears away from her eyes, “My manager knew you didn’t like thunderstorms and offered to drop me off here so you wouldn’t be alone” she sat there shaking as he helped her up back on the couch.

“Are you ok?” He asked her while setting his things down. She sat there and nodded slowly that she was now ok since he was there. Then another loud bang went off as she jumped into his arms. He held her tight letting her know she was safe with him. She sat there in his arms as she slowly began to calm down. With the sound of his voice, the warmth of his hugs and the beat of his heart calmed her as she knew she was always safe. He then kissed her on the top of her head as she hugged him tighter and tighter. He threw the blanket that was sitting on the couch on top of the both of them as she looked at him with a smile. He smiled back and kissed her on the lips. As the night fell darker they stayed like that and slowly fell asleep in each other’s arms.