#candlelit tales

[deadgiants]

In contrast to the Hound; Candlelit Tales is doing an absolutely spectacular (so far, only a few episodes in) retelling of the Táin from multiple perspectives. I think the writing of these mythic figures is done really well without changing how the story is fundamentally built. I think it does a great job of presenting how a group of people, or an individual, not very dissimilar from how we are now, would behave in the situation. The multiple perspective for different parts of the story really lets them showcase a wide range of thoughts, feelings, and actions.

I don't remember who I saw on here mention it, but damn I'm glad I actually took the time to check it out.

[ranticore]

every so often i do get people asking for books recommendations for getting into irish mythology (just answered an ask privately about it.. at length) and this one deserves to be in a public post but seriously read The Táin (translated by Thomas Kinsella). This is THE best book and best translation. it's a fascinating look into life under Brehon Law, especially where female characters are concerned - i'm not saying it's not sexist but it's not the sexism you expect from a prechristian story put to writing by monks in the middle ages. this is why you need the Kinsella translation, earlier Victorian translations heavily censored 'unseemly' topics, like expressions of womens' sexual desire (which is almost constant in this book i'm ngl the girls are getting it. cúchulainn's wife emer refuses to marry him until he kills 900 men for her and of course our hero kills 900 men for her what is he, a bad husband??)

but also it's just a good story and extremely funny. it's something a lot of recommendations never really express - it is a story with a sense of humour and you will laugh. it's designed to entertain people around a fire during black winter nights.

it's a written version of the Ulster Cycle, a series of intertwined stories about our best boy Cúchulainn becoming the sole defender of Ulster after all the other men are cursed to experience debilitating period cramps by Macha. He has to defend Ulster because the queen of Connacht is coming to steal a bull belonging to them, and she's doing that because she got in a fight with her consort* over who's the richest and found that their wealth was exactly equal aside from him having a nicer bull. so she goes to war to get her own awesome bull.

best book ever. read it

[fireinthesea-blog]

prefacing this by saying that i've been hardcore ruminating and having intrusive thoughts about this for the past day, so i'm just writing this down to hopefully get it out of my head and i can't promise how coherent it'll be

i've been listening to quite a bit of podcasts since my surgery last week (yeahhh yeeterus at last!). and honestly i've just kinda been blown away by the amount of celtic myth/folklore and scottish/irish history podcasts have popped up since i've been gone, and it's really getting me feeling comfortable with the mythology and the language in a way i never have before. it's a piece that was missing for years for me. which is why it's really driving me nuts that like...

i'm not expecting to agree with everything these people are saying. especially going into the myth podcasts, i very much do not, and with the couple i've listened to most at this point, i'm interested in what these people have to say and have a lot of respect for them as storytellers and for people who surrounding immersing themselves so much in these stories, even when i disagree with what they're saying. for the most part.

but fucking what's with this 'the tuatha dé weren't actually gods' thing? especially coming an episode or two after they went on a whole big thing about how the glorious goddess danu was erased by that nasty christian patriarchy. how can you hold those two views at the same time? the latter seems to imply some damn heavy things about the former to me?

their points were that they weren't all powerful/all knowing/omnipresent/etc/that they die (which i'd recently seen other professionals say and been annoyed by), which is bullshit because there are other gods like that who don't get called into question. they literally said that the irish gods weren't gods like the norse gods, and i'm pretty sure they also fall into a lot of those 'failings'?

their other was that the ancient irish didn't worship their gods??? have i..... missed some things? my brain has stopped working

[giolcach]

real refreshing listening to old mythology and tales. It takes me back to school library days before I was sprout off the main tree, checking out mythology books of every shape and color. no end to the appetite, always something new and wild. I like when I get to catch my roommate up on what I've been learning and listening to and giving them my spin on it, however amateur. telling stories orally, even about what's happened at work, is so fun and I would love to get better at it over time

[fear-is-truth]

𝐡𝐮𝐬𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐝! 𝓢𝐀𝐋𝐄𝐒𝐌𝐀𝐍 . . . headcanons

݁˖ 𐙚 a/n. ۫ i need to be his housewife..

husband!salesman, who keeps his true profession hidden from you, presenting himself as a hardworking, white-collar office worker. he always has a perfectly rehearsed story about late nights at work or business trips, and you’ve never had a reason to doubt him.

husband!salesman, who can effortlessly shift between his calculating persona and the role of a loving, normal husband, a skill honed from years of manipulating people. he uses this charm to seamlessly blend into domestic life, convincing everyone—neighbors, friends, even you—that he’s just a hardworking, devoted family man.

husband!salesman, who has a soft spot for your cooking and always compliments it, even if it’s a simple dish. he jokingly says he only survives long workdays because he knows he’ll come home to your food. sometimes, you catch him sneaking bites straight from the pot.

husband!salesman, who never misses family meals, even when “work” keeps him late. he’ll call ahead to let you know, then heat up leftovers when he gets home, sitting at the table with you to chat about your day while you keep him company.

husband!salesman, who makes an effort to surprise you with small, thoughtful gestures. whether it’s bringing home your favourite street food after work or surprising you with flowers from the local market.

husband!salesman, who has a way of spoiling you without making it feel like a show. he’s well-off because of his job, so when he hands you a generous allowance or a piece of jewellery, it’s done so naturally—he loves providing for you, and you never have to ask.

husband!salesman, who is a total girl dad, absolutely smitten with your two daughters. he dotes on them endlessly, and has a special knack for making them laugh with exaggerated reactions and silly voices, despite his usually reserved nature.

husband!salesman, who always remembers anniversaries, white day, and other special occasions. he arranges for a babysitter to watch the kids, then takes you out to an upscale restaurant, where the two of you enjoy a quiet candlelit dinner.

husband!salesman, who is a fair parent. he makes sure both girls get equal attention and never plays favourites. if one gets a new toy, the other gets one too. he often comes home from “work” with two of everything—candy, stickers, or toys—earning excited squeals and hugs as a welcome home.

husband!salesman, who is the epitome of patience and understanding when it comes to parenting. when the girls argue or misbehave, he sits them down and calmly explains why their behaviour was wrong, ensuring they understand.

husband!salesman, who insists on walking you and the girls to school or daycare when his schedule allows. he carries their bags, holds their hands, and always kneels down to give them a final hug and kiss goodbye, reminding them to be good for you.

husband!salesman, who takes the time to read bedtime stories to your daughters. unbeknownst to you, the folktales he chooses often have a slightly dark twist—cautionary tales about greed, betrayal, or the consequences of foolishness.

husband!salesman, who often initiates moments of closeness, even in a busy household—a soft kiss on the back of your neck while you’re cooking, or tucking a stray strand of hair behind your ear as you fold laundry, he finds has his ways to remind you that you’re still his priority.

husband!salesman, who unwinds once the girls are tucked in, he joins you on the couch with a cup of tea or a glass of soju in hand, listening intently as you recount your day.

husband!salesman, who enjoys settling beside you in bed as you start a k-drama, his arm wrapping around your waist, pulling you close. you lean into his chest, feeling the steady rise and fall of his breath as his fingers trace circles on your back.

husband!salesman, who holds you close at night, arm draped around your waist as he sleeps. even in his unconscious state, he finds comfort in your presence, his grip tightening ever so slightly when you stir.

husband!salesman, who expects a level of perfection and discipline in his household, partly because of his “work ethic” and partly because he believes it reflects the success he’s worked so hard for. he never raises his voice, but a single look is enough to make the girls behave—or anyone else for that matter.

husband!salesman, who does his best to keep his darker side hidden from you, but you sometimes notice the faraway look in his eyes. when you ask if he’s okay, he always smiles warmly and reassures you with a kiss.

husband!salesman, who told you early in your relationship that his father died from an illness when he was younger. it was a carefully crafted lie to keep his darker past buried.

husband!salesman, who ensures your daughters are well-educated and polite, reflecting his high standards. he helps them with homework, encouraging them to excel.

husband!salesman, who has already set up college funds for your daughters, starting them as soon as they were born.

husband!salesman, who treasures family outings. he takes you and the girls to the han river for picnics, amusement parks, and trips to traditional markets.

husband!salesman, who takes home security very seriously, investing in the best systems available. the house is equipped with top-of-the-line cameras, motion sensors, and alarms, all linked to his phone so he can monitor everything, even when he’s not at home. your family’s safety is his priority, no matter the cost.

husband!salesman, who has zero guilt about his double life, especially when he sees your innocent trust or his daughters’ pure adoration. he tells himself it’s all for them, justifying the blood on his hands with the happiness of his family.

husband!salesman, who is ruthless in his profession but draws a strict line between that part of his life and his family. he sees his success—and the life he’s built with you and the girls—as something he’s earned. the people who had to die for it? trash, utterly useless in this world. he never loses sleep over them.

[multific]

A Love Beyond Time

Count Orlok x Reader

Warnings: murder, blood and grief

Summary: A Vampire's love is forever. No matter the centuries or lifetimes. He belonged to you and you to him.  

The castle stood isolated on top of the hill, its rough silhouette was framed by the moon's glow. 

A cold wind whistled as it met the ancient stones, carrying with it the scent of pine and earth. 

Inside those cold, towering walls, your life with Count Orlok had been hauntingly beautiful in its own way. 

Though the villagers whispered fearful tales of the vampire lord, you knew a different side of him. 

To the world, he was a creature of the night and blood. 

But to you, he was a caring husband, a being of depth and tenderness.

Evenings were your sanctuary. 

As dusk fell and shadows crept across the land, Orlok would rise, his pale form emerging without noise into the dim glow of the candlelit hall. 

He would find you waiting by the grand fireplace, wrapped in a thick woollen shawl and a smile on your face.

The fire’s warmth never seemed to reach him, yet he always sat close, drawn in by you. 

You would speak of simple things that happened during the day. While he listened to you talk, his sharp eyes would soften with affection.

He preferred to listen to you instead of talking. Your voice was as if angel's sang. His was deep and rumbly with uneven breathing.

The love you shared was expressed in the smallest gestures, the way he would brush a stray piece of hair from your face, the way you would smile at him despite the coldness of his touch. 

It was a love that transcended fear and mortality.

Yet happiness, especially in such a world, was delicate. 

One morning, just as dawn's first light came, a mob from the nearby village stormed the castle gates. 

They had grown bold, driven by fear and ignorance, they believed that by hurting you, they could weaken the dark figure they so dreaded. And they would be correct.

The Count's only weakness was you. But even in his weakness, there was strength.

You tried to hide in the upper chambers, but they found you. 

They broke down the door where you were hiding.

The plan to murder you was merciless.

Rough hands dragged you and even though you fought and begged, their numbers overwhelmed you. 

Pain shot through your side as they struck you down, and the world blurred into darkness. The last thing you heard before everything faded was the echo of their retreating footsteps.

They ran. 

While you were bleeding, right by the grand fireplace.

When night fell and Orlok awoke, he was met with the scent of blood, a metallic tang that hung heavy in the air. 

Panic filled him as he followed the trail, his heart, long thought dead, pounding with fear. 

He found you lying on the cold stone floor, lifeless and still. 

For a moment, he simply stared, as if refusing to believe what his eyes could clearly see. 

Then a cry tore from him, raw and primal, echoing through the castle's empty halls.

Causing the walls to shake.

He held your broken corpse in his arms, his cold hands trembling as he cried. 

Guilt and grief filled him, each time he opened his eyes, it became more unbearable than the last. Each time he saw the blood. His mind filled with the times when you willingly gave your essence to him.

Now those times haunted him.

Memories of your smile came to him as he cried. 

Tears falling from his eyes.

The one being who had brought light into his dark existence was gone.

His wife was dead.

And he knew exactly who did this. He knew exactly where to go.

The foolish humans living in the village.

Gently he placed your cold body on the floor and collected your pendant. The pendant, a gift from him at your wedding night.

Suddenly his grief turned to anger.

His vengeance was just as brutal and merciless as the villager's actions.

There were screams, people begged. But just as they didn't listen to you, the Count refused to listen to their pleas.

By dawn, the village that had dared to harm his beloved was no more, reduced to ash, blood and ruin. 

Yet even after his revenge, the void within him remained. He knew, nothing could fill that void.

He was alone once more.

He buried you the next night.

A grave right under your favourite tree. Your headstone, simple yet delicate. 

Every day, he visited your grave, speaking softly to the stone as if you could still hear him. 

And each time he brought a beautiful red rose.

He remembered the time when his castle had beautiful roses in its garden by the entrance, back when his castle was filled with light. It was a home not just some ruin.

The only thing he had left was your pendant. He always had that with himself, carried it, held it and even slept with it on his chest.. 

Centuries passed, and though the world changed around him, Orlok remained frozen in time, a ghost bound by sorrow and undying love.

He walked the halls with a simple rose in his hand, down to your grave, then he would tell you how much he missed you. As he touched the stone, he placed the rose down.

Then, one quiet evening, long after the world had forgotten the tale of the vampire and his lost bride, a knock echoed through the castle’s grand hall.

Orlok, now a creature of legend and mourning, moved toward the door, expecting only the wind. 

But when he opened it, he found something he had long stopped hoping for.

“I found you,” you said softly, your voice steady but filled with emotion. You raised your arms as if to hug him. But you stopped.

He stood frozen in disbelief. 

You looked different yet still the same. 

Young, alive and warm, but your eyes held the same familiar light. 

The light that was stolen from him.

You looked like the woman in his dreams, not his nightmares. 

“I remembered. One night, it all came back to me. Who I was, who you are. I knew I had to come and find you, My Love.”

Orlok’s hands trembled as he reached toward you, hesitant, as if he was afraid that you would vanish like a dream. A dream he had many times during the last centuries.

When his fingers met your face, and he felt the warmth of your skin, his eyes filled with hope.

“You’re real,” he whispered, his voice breaking at the end. “You came back to me.”

“I came home,” you said, tears filling your eyes.

For a moment, neither of you spoke, you just allowed him to process everything. 

Then, suddenly, he pulled you into his arms, holding you tightly, as if to shield you from the cruel world that had once taken you from him. 

For the first time in centuries, the cold emptiness within him was replaced with warmth.

A warmth he had lost but it came back to him.

Together, you entered the castle, the heavy doors creaking shut behind you. 

Later that night, as the fire crackled in the grand fireplace and the scent of pine filled the air, Orlok gazed at you with something that words could not capture. 

He traced your features with his eyes, saving every detail to memory.

“I never thought I would feel this again,” he said quietly. “For so long, I existed in darkness, bound by grief. But now…you’ve brought light back into my world.”

You reached for his hand, entwining your fingers with his. 

“I was always meant to find you again. Love like ours doesn’t end. It waits, even across lifetimes.”

"I have avenged you."

"I have heard, thank you" you whispered as he moved even closer to you.

When your lips met in a tender kiss, it was as if the centuries of despair and longing melted away. 

At that moment, time did not matter. 

All that existed was the love you shared.

A love which was ethereal. 

And so, in the heart of that ancient castle, where shadows once reigned, light and love triumphed once more.

Taglist: 

@castellandiangelo @imagines-by-a-typical-fangirl @manduse @jacalineiscomingforyou

@mandoloriancookie @deliciousfestsalad @lilliumrorum @asgards-princess-of-mischief 

@fallout-girl219 @dracaryxzs @snowtargaryen @brevlada24

@mel-vaz @akamitrani @ange-olras @nicholaschavezslut69

​​

~Masterlist~

ˇAO3ˇ

/DO NOT TRANSLATE, STEAL OR REPOST ANY OF MY WORKS TO THIS OR OTHER PLATFORMS/

[hanniewho]

────୨You're The Warmth In My Cold World ৎ────

⋆˚࿔ Summary: Vi found a letter from her younger self and realized how broken she had become, leaving you to make her feel loved and human again.

𝜗𝜚˚⋆ Notes: I actually wrote this yesterday during family dinner, and it's a bit rushed, so I apologize for that 😭

𐙚˙✧˖° Words: 6.1k

༘ ⋆｡ ˚ Warnings: Soft dom Vi, Fingering, Body worshipping, Comfort sex, Nipple play, Squirting, Multiple orgasm, Crying after sex.

⋆✦ Pairings: Pitfighter! Vi x Afab reader

The snowfall outside was a stark contrast to the warm, candlelit room where Vi sat, her eyes glued to the pages of an old, worn-out book. It was a tale of valor and passion, battles won and lost. She felt a peculiar kinship to the characters, their struggles mirroring her own, but in a world of magic and grandeur rather than the gritty streets of Zaun. The fireplace crackled, casting a gentle glow over the worn leather armchair that had become her sanctuary amidst the city's hustle.

Her mind wandered to the pit fights she had once dominated, the roar of the crowd now replaced by the distant sound of carolers. The Yuletide season had brought a strange sort of peace to the city that she hadn't felt in a long time. The scent of pine and cinnamon filled the air, and she found herself missing the simple joys she had long ago forsaken.

As she turned a page, a letter slipped out from between the book's aged sheets. It was addressed to her, the handwriting unmistakably hers. She hadn't written it. With a furrowed brow, she unfolded the parchment, revealing a note from her younger self. It spoke of dreams and aspirations, of a life beyond the steel cage. She had forgotten about the girl who had once hoped for something more, lost in the haze of blood and sweat that had become her existence.

In a warm, candlelit room, Vi finds a mysterious letter from her past in a book. It stirs feelings of nostalgia and forgotten aspirations, juxtaposed with the peaceful Christmas ambiance outside.

The words stung, a stark reminder of what she had become. Vi's heart felt a pang of regret, a feeling she had buried deep beneath the layers of her hardened exterior. The scent of the book's ink and the crackle of the fire brought back memories of her youth, a time when the world was a canvas of possibilities rather than a battleground of survival. Her eyes grew wet, blurring the ink on the page as she read the innocent dreams she had scribbled down so long ago.

Suddenly, she felt your arms wrapped around her from behind. A warm embrace that was as surprising as it was comforting. Her body tensed at first, instinctively bracing for a blow that never came. Instead, she felt a gentle squeeze, and the soft whisper of your breath against her neck, "You're not alone in this, Vi."

Her heart skipped a beat. She had never allowed anyone to get this close to her, not since she had left the safety of her old life behind. The walls she had built around herself trembled at the touch, unsure how to respond to the tender gesture. She closed her eyes, letting the warmth of your embrace seep into her. The room grew quiet, save for the crackling fire and the soft patter of snowflakes outside the window.

Touched by the letter from her past, Vi is surprised by your comforting embrace, which brings back feelings of vulnerability and a sense of companionship she thought she had lost.

Your hands rested on her shoulders, gently rubbing the tension that had knotted there. Vi leaned back into your chest.She felt your breath on the nape of her neck, a sensation that sent shivers down her spine. It was a feeling she had almost forgotten, one that didn't come with the bite of a knife or the crunch of bones. Your presence was gentle, soothing, and she found herself letting go of the pain that had held her hostage for so long.

The warmth of your body against hers brought a blush to her cheeks, and she swallowed hard, trying to push down the lump in her throat. She hadn't allowed herself to be vulnerable like this in years, not since she had become the feared pitfighter of the underground. Your touch was a promise of something different, something she hadn't dared to hope for. It was as if your arms had cracked open the heavy door to a room she had locked away, filled with the warmth of Christmas past.

Vi took a deep breath, the scent of your perfume mixing with the aroma of the pine and cinnamon, creating an intoxicating blend that seemed to melt the ice around her heart. She could feel the steady rhythm of your heartbeat against her back, a gentle reminder that she wasn't the only one in the room. The words from the letter echoed in her mind, and she wondered if perhaps you had seen the same dreams she had once had.

Vi experiences a rare moment of vulnerability and comfort in your embrace, feeling a connection she had long forgotten. The warmth and tenderness of your touch opens a door to her past, suggesting a shared understanding of her once-innocent dreams.

Her body began to relax, muscles uncoiling from their defensive stance. She allowed herself to be drawn into your embrace, leaning back into the comfort you offered. The warmth of your touch spread through her, reaching places that had been cold and empty for so long. It was as if you had lit a candle in the dark caverns of her soul, casting shadows on forgotten desires. Your hands continued to move in soothing circles, working out the knots of tension and pain that had become a part of her.

With a tentative hand, Vi reached up and placed it on your forearm, the warmth of your skin searing against her own. She felt your pulse quicken, a response to her touch, and she took it as a silent acknowledgment of the connection forming between you. Your arms tightened around her slightly, and she felt the firm press of your lips against the top of her head, a gesture that seemed to hold more meaning than words could convey.

For a moment, she was lost in the feeling of your embrace, the warmth of your breath on her neck, the steady beat of your heart. The words from the letter swam in her mind, and she found herself whispering, "I didn't know I could still want... this."

Vi's body relaxes as she accepts your comforting touch, allowing the warmth of your embrace to fill her. The connection strengthens as she reaches out to you, feeling your pulse and the gentle kiss on her forehead, hinting at deeper feelings and shared longings.

You pulled away slightly, just enough to look into her eyes, and she could see the understanding in your gaze. Without a word, you leaned in, your lips brushing against hers in a tender kiss that seemed to carry all the unspoken promises of the season. The taste of you was like the first sip of hot cocoa on a cold winter's day, sweet and comforting, filling her with a warmth she hadn't felt in what felt like an eternity.

Her eyes widened in surprise, but she didn't pull away. As your kiss deepened, she felt the thawing of something within her, an emotion she had long thought lost to the frost of her life.

The room grew warmer, the crackle of the fireplace now a distant backdrop to the symphony of your breathing mingling with hers. Your hands moved from her shoulders to her waist, pulling her closer, and she didn't resist. The leather armchair creaked under the sudden shift in weight, but neither of you cared. The chill of the winter outside was forgotten as you both found solace in the warmth of each other's embrace.

A silent understanding passes between you and Vi as you share a comforting kiss. She feels the warmth of human connection, her frozen emotions beginning to thaw as she touches your heartbeat. The room's ambiance intensifies as your intimacy deepens, leaving the cold outside world forgotten.

Vi's eyes remained closed, savoring the sensation of your arms around her. It had been so long since she had felt anything other than pain and fear that this sudden affection overwhelmed her. She leaned back into you, her head nestling into the crook of your neck a sensation that was both foreign and comforting.

Your hands began to trace patterns along her arms, sending sparks of electricity through her body. She hadn't been touched with such gentleness in what felt like a lifetime. The weight of your embrace was a stark contrast to the bruising grips she was accustomed to in the fighting pits. Each caress felt like a gentle promise, a whisper that she could let go of the burdens she carried. Her breathing grew shallow, matching the rhythm of your own as your kiss grew more insistent.

The fire cast a warm, flickering light over your entwined forms, painting your skin in shades of gold and amber. The room grew hazy with the heat of your shared passion, the candles casting shadows that danced along the walls as if in celebration. Vi felt her body responding to your touch, the years of solitude and pain momentarily forgotten in the face of this newfound connection. Your kiss grew deeper, your tongue exploring the recesses of her mouth as if seeking the essence of her very soul.

Overwhelmed by your affection, Vi relaxes into your gentle embrace. Your tender caresses contrast with her harsh past, offering her a brief reprieve from pain and fear. The warmth and safety of the moment ignite a passionate response within her, hinting at a potential future of healing and love.

Her own hands grew bold, sliding up to tangle in your hair, the soft strands a stark contrast to the roughened calluses on her palms. The scent of your perfume grew stronger, mingling with the sweetness of her own arousal as she felt her body begin to arch into yours. The armchair groaned in protest, but neither of you paid it any mind. Your hands roamed lower, caressing the curve of her waist, the firmness of her hips, and she gasped against your mouth.

You broke the kiss, your eyes searching hers for any hint of hesitation. Finding none, you leaned in and kissed along her jaw, down her neck, leaving a trail of fire in your wake. Vi shivered, her breath hitching as you reached the sensitive spot just above her collarbone. She had never felt so exposed, so vulnerable, yet she didn't want you to stop.

Your hands moved up to cup her breasts, feeling the soft mounds through the fabric of her shirt. Her nipples pebbled under your touch, and she couldn't hold back a soft moan. You took it as an invitation, your thumbs brushing against the peaks, eliciting a gasp from her parted lips. The sound was like music to your ears, a sweet symphony of desire that you hadn't heard in far too long.

As passion ignites, Vi's hands explore your hair while your gentle touches continue to evoke a sense of safety and yearning. Your kisses travel down her neck, eliciting moans of pleasure. Her body reacts to your intimate caresses, revealing a side of her that has long been hidden beneath the armor of her past.

With a deft move, you pulled the fabric over her head, revealing her nakedness to the flickering firelight. Her breasts were full and round, the dark areolae a stark contrast to her pale skin. "You're so fucking gorgeous." You said before took one of her breasts in your mouth, sucking gently as she arched back with a cry of pleasure. Your hands slid down to her waist, unbuckling her belt with a practiced ease that spoke of countless similar moments.

Her hand traveled up the back of your shirt and pull it off, her fingertips tracing the contours of your spine. You shivered at the sensation, your own body responding to her touch. With a sudden urgency, she reached around and unhooked your bra, freeing your breasts to the cool air. The sight of them, heavy and full, made Vi's breath hitch in her throat.

Her own hands moved to your waist, pulling you closer as she stood, the armchair abandoned behind her. You took a step back, allowing her to guide you towards the soft, inviting bed that stood in the corner of the room. The mattress dipped as you sat down, Vi's eyes never leaving yours as she stepped out of her boots and pants, leaving them in a crumpled heap on the floor.

The candles cast a soft, flickering glow over your bodies as you stood before each other, both naked and exposed. The flames danced in her eyes, a mix of hunger and something softer, something she hadn't seen in a very long time. Your skin was like silk under her touch, and she marveled at the difference from the rough, scarred flesh she was accustomed to feeling in the pits.

With trembling hands, she reached out and traced the outline of your breasts, feeling the weight of them in her palms. Your nipples were like pebbles, hard and eager, begging for attention. Vi leaned down and took one into her mouth, her tongue swirling around the sensitive peak. You moaned, the sound echoing in the room, and she felt a thrill of power at being the cause of such pleasure.

Her teeth grazed the tender flesh, and you gasped, your hand shooting up to grab the back of her head, pressing her closer. The taste of you was like a drug, a sweet elixir that she hadn't known she craved. Her hands slid down to your hips, her nails digging into the soft skin as she felt your legs part, inviting her closer.

The bed whispered a sweet lullaby as you lay back, pulling Vi with you. The weight of her body was a welcome pressure, the heat of her skin a stark contrast to the coldness of the world outside. Your legs entwined around hers, pulling her in tight as if afraid she might disappear if you let go.

Her kisses grew more fervent, moving from your neck to your chest, her tongue tracing the delicate line of your collarbone. She took a nipple in her mouth, and the sensation was like lightning, shooting straight to your core. You arched your back, your hips bucking involuntarily as she bit down gently, eliciting a cry of pleasure from your lips.

Her hand trailed down your stomach, the softness of your skin giving way to the damp heat between your thighs. She found your clit, already swollen and begging for her touch. With a deft flick, she sent a wave of pleasure crashing over you, making your eyes roll back in your head. Your legs tightened around her, your body a symphony of want and need.

Vi's own desire was a living thing, pulsing and demanding. She straddled you, her thighs pressing against yours, feeling the wetness of her own arousal.The sight of your flushed face, the way your body responded to her touch, it was a heady feeling that she never wanted to end. Her hand slid lower, one finger dipping into your slick heat, making you gasp.

Your hips rose to meet her, and she began to move her hand in a slow, rhythmic motion that made your breath catch. Your hands roamed her back, pulling her closer, as if you could absorb her very essence. The sensation was overwhelming, a crescendo of pleasure that grew with each passing moment.

Her eyes locked onto yours, a silent question hanging between you. With a nod, she leaned down and captured your mouth in a kiss that was as fierce as it was tender. Her hand never ceased its movement, and you could feel the tension coiling within you, a tight spring threatening to snap at any moment.

The world outside the window was lost to the swirling snow, but in here, in this warm cocoon of desire, there was nothing but the two of you. Her hand moved with increasing urgency, her fingers dancing over your clit, teasing and stroking until you were on the edge of the precipice. Your nails dug into her shoulders, your body arching off the bed as the first waves of orgasm washed over you.

The room was alive with the sounds of your muffled cries and the slick wetness of skin on skin. Vi felt your body tighten around her, the muscles in your thighs clenching as you came, your hips grinding against her hand. The intensity of your climax was like a punch to her gut, a reminder of what she had been missing in the cold, lonely world of the pits.

Her own need grew more urgent, her clit throbbing in time with your heartbeat. She slid a second finger into you, feeling the walls of your pussy tighten around her. The sensation was intoxicating, a potent mix of power and vulnerability that made her head swim. Your eyes closed, your mouth open in a silent scream, your body lost to the rapture she had brought forth.

Vi watched you, drinking in the sight of your pleasure, feeling it resonate deep within her own core. Her thumb found your clit again, pressing down as she began to fuck you with her hand, her own arousal growing with each of your whimpers. The candlelight danced across your skin, casting shadows that played over the contours of your body, making you seem almost ethereal.

Your eyes flew open, locking onto hers as a second, more powerful orgasm ripped through you. Your nails raked down her back, leaving a trail of fire in their wake. She felt the wetness of your release, the warmth of it coating her hand, and she groaned into your mouth, the sound lost in the symphony of your cries.

Vi felt a primal urge to claim you, to show you the depth of her need. She pulled away from your embrace, her eyes dark with desire as she pushed you onto your back. Your legs fell open, welcoming her in, and she took a moment to appreciate the beauty laid out before her. Your skin was flushed, your chest heaving, and your eyes were glazed with passion.

With a growl that was more animal than human, she bent down and took your other nipple in her mouth, teasing it with her teeth as her hand returned to your wetness. Your body responded immediately, your hips lifting off the bed, silently begging for more. She chuckled against your skin, the sound vibrating through your body and sending another shiver of pleasure through you.

Then she lowered herself so that both of your pussies met, the warm, slick flesh pressing together in a dance of desire. The sensation was unlike anything you had ever felt, a perfect melding of passion and need. Your hands moved to her ass, urging her closer as she began to grind against you, the friction sending sparks of pleasure through your core.

The heat between you was palpable, the air thick with the scent of arousal. Your hips moved in tandem, a silent choreography of want as your bodies sought out the perfect rhythm. The slickness of your skin made it easy for her to slide against you, the sound of your wetness echoing through the room. It was a symphony of need, each movement a crescendo that built upon the last.

Her eyes never left yours, the fire in them burning brighter with every stroke. Your breaths grew ragged, matching the tempo of your hearts as your bodies moved in a slow, sensual grind. The friction grew, a delicious pressure building at the apex of your connection. It was as if you were two flints striking together, sparks flying as you sought the sweet release that only this union could provide.

The feeling of your wetness sliding against hers was a revelation to VI. It was a dance of desire she had never known, a gentle battle of passion that was as intoxicating as any fight she'd ever had. Her movements grew more urgent, hips rolling in a steady rhythm that made your toes curl. The warmth of your skin, the softness of your folds, it was a stark contrast to the cold steel she'd become accustomed to.

Your legs wrapped around her waist, pulling her in closer, as if trying to become one. The sensation of your bodies moving together was a silent symphony, each gasp and whimper a note in a melody of lust. Vi felt the walls of her own desire crumbling, the dam of her control threatening to break under the relentless pressure of your need.

Her own hips began to buck against yours, the friction between your folds growing more intense with each movement. The feeling of your wetness coating her, the softness of your skin, was a revelation. Her thumb found your clit, circling it with a fierce determination that matched the rhythm of her hips. Your eyes grew wide, your mouth opening in silent plea, and she knew you were close.

With a growl, she increased her pace, her body moving against yours in a symphony of passion. Your legs tightened around her waist, pulling her in even closer, and she could feel your heat building, the tension coiling like a spring ready to snap. The room was filled with the sound of your breaths, the slickness of your skin, the gentle slap of flesh against flesh.

Her eyes never left yours, the fire in them burning brighter with every stroke. You could feel the climax building, a crescendo that threatened to overwhelm you both. Your nails dug into her back, leaving red trails on her skin, a silent plea for more. The friction grew, a delicious pressure that built between your legs, a storm brewing in the center of your being.

Vi's movements grew more urgent, her hips grinding against yours, the heat between you like a living, breathing entity. You felt the first tremors of orgasm, a delicate tremble that grew into a quake of pleasure. Your legs tightened around her waist, pulling her closer, your body begging for the release she promised.

The sensation of her wetness sliding against yours was unlike anything you had ever experienced. It was a symphony of sensation, a dance of desire that seemed to resonate in every nerve ending. Her hand remained between your legs, the pad of her thumb pressing insistently against your clit as she watched the passion play out on your face.

Your eyes grew glazed, the candlelight flickering in them like stars in a night sky. "Vi," you murmured, your voice thick with need, "I want this, I want you, forever." The words slurred together in your mouth, a testament to the intoxicating effect she had on you.

Her own eyes searched yours, a mix of surprise and something deeper, something that made your heart stutter in your chest. Her movements grew more deliberate, her body grinding against yours with a fierce tenderness that spoke of a hunger that mirrored your own. The room spun, the candles a kaleidoscope of color and light, as you both lost yourself in the moment.

Your breaths grew ragged, the words you had spoken echoing in the air, a declaration of something that felt so right it was terrifying. Vi felt your legs tighten around her waist, the heat of your pussy against hers a siren's call she couldn't resist. She whispered back, "You're mine, forever," the words a promise that seemed to resonate through the very fabric of the room.

Her movements grew more urgent, the slickness of your arousal making it easy to glide against you. Your hips met hers, the friction setting off sparks that seemed to ignite every nerve in your bodies. The room was a whirlwind of sensation, the only anchor being the fiery gaze that held yours. The candle flames danced in your eyes, a reflection of the passion that burned between you.

As you reached the peak of your pleasure, Vi felt your body tighten around hers. A sudden, unexpected rush of liquid warmth coated her lower abdomen and the tops of her thighs as she came down from her high. You had squirted, the force of your climax painting a picture of ecstasy on her skin. The sensation was shocking, a reminder of how intimately connected you were in this moment.

Instantly, you felt your cheeks flush with heat, and your hands shot up to cover your face in an adorable display of embarrassment. Vi, caught in the aftermath of her own orgasm, froze for a moment, unsure of how to react. Then she chuckled, the sound rich and warm in the quiet room. "Don't be shy," she murmured, her voice thick with satisfaction. "It's a sign of how much you enjoyed it."

Her own laugh was a gentle rumble that seemed to vibrate through the air, wrapping around you like a warm blanket. Slowly, you lowered your hands, your eyes meeting hers again. There was something in her gaze that made your heart flutter, something that went beyond the physical connection you'd just shared. It was as if you had bared your soul to her in that one moment of vulnerability.

Vi reached up, her thumb gently brushing away a tear that had escaped your eye. "Don't be embarrassed," she murmured, her voice softer than you had ever heard it before. "This is what happens when two people connect on a deeper level."

You felt your cheeks heat up even more, but the warmth in her gaze was reassuring. With trembling hands, you reached out to touch her, your fingers tracing the contours of her face. "I've never felt anything like this," you admitted, your voice a whisper that seemed to carry the weight of the world.

Vi's expression softened, the fiery desire in her eyes giving way to something much softer. She leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on your forehead, the gesture filled with a tenderness that was almost painful in its beauty. "You're not alone in this," she murmured against your skin. "We're in this together." She said as she laid down beside you.

The words seemed to resonate through you, unlocking something deep within your heart that you had long kept hidden. Suddenly, you felt the weight of your emotions threatening to spill over. Your face grew hot, and you buried it in your hands, trying to hide the tears that had started to fall. The warmth of your own embarrassment was a stark contrast to the coolness of your skin, the reality of your vulnerability crashing over you like a wave.

Vi, sensing your distress, pulled you closer, her strong arms encircling you in a gentle embrace. "Hey," she whispered, her voice a soothing balm to your soul. "It's okay. You don't have to hide from me." Her words were a gentle coaxing, a promise of safety in a world that had shown you so little of it.

Your body trembled as you let yourself be held, the dam of your emotions giving way to the warmth of her touch. The tears fell freely now, soaking into the pillow beneath your cheek. You felt her kiss the top of your head, a sweet benediction that seemed to soothe the rawest parts of you. Her hand stroked your back, a gentle rhythm that mirrored the beat of her heart.

"Shh," she whispered, her voice a soft lullaby in the candlelit room. "You're safe with me. I'll always protect you." Her words were a balm to the bruised parts of your soul, a promise that seemed too good to be true. But in this moment, with her arms around you, it was easy to believe.

You felt your body relax into her embrace, the tension of the day, of your life, seeping out of you like water through a sieve. The warmth of her skin against yours was like a warm summer's day, a stark contrast to the cold, harsh world outside. Your tears slowed, the sobs subsiding into quiet hiccups.

Vi's hand moved from your back to your cheek, her thumb wiping away the last traces of your tears. "Look at me," she said softly. You lifted your gaze to hers, the candlelight playing in her eyes, making them twinkle like distant stars. "You are not alone. I am here."

Her words seemed to echo in the quiet room, resonating in the very air you breathed. You searched her gaze, looking for any hint of deceit or insincerity, but all you found was warmth and a fierce determination that made your heart swell. "Vi," you whispered, your voice hoarse with emotion. "Thank you."

Vi's expression softened further, and she leaned down to press her lips against yours in a kiss that was as gentle as it was passionate. The taste of your tears mingled with hers, a bittersweet symphony of pain and comfort, of fear and hope. Your arms wrapped around her neck, holding her close as if you could pull her into the very core of your being.

As your kiss deepened, she felt the last vestiges of your fear melt away, leaving only a smoldering ember of desire in its place. Your legs entwined with hers, your bodies fitting together like two halves of a whole. The candlelight painted shadows across the room, flickering over your skin like a lover's caress.

With a mischievous smile, Vi pulled away, her eyes shimmering with a warmth that seemed to belie the harshness of her past. She leaned in and booped the tip of your nose with the pad of her finger, a playful gesture that made you giggle despite the intensity of the moment. The sound was like a bell in the quiet room, a reminder of the joy that could be found even in the darkest of places.

The sudden playfulness was a welcome reprieve from the passionate intensity that had just passed between you. Her finger lingered on your nose for a brief moment before she leaned in to press her lips to yours again, the kiss a sweet blend of laughter and love. The warmth of her smile was a beacon of light in the candlelit darkness, a promise of happiness to come.

Vi pulled you closer, her strong arms wrapping around your shoulders and her legs entwined with yours. She began to pepper your face with feather-light kisses, each one a tender declaration of her affection. Your cheeks, your eyelids, the tip of your nose – no part of your face was spared from her adoration. The feeling was overwhelming, a gentle reminder that there could be sweetness in the world, even for someone as damaged as her.

Your eyes fluttered closed as you leaned into her touch, your breaths mingling with hers. Each kiss was like a gentle summer rain, soothing your soul and nurturing the fragile blossom of hope that had begun to grow within you. Her lips danced across your skin, a silent ballet of love and comfort that seemed to melt away the years of pain and solitude you had endured.

When she finally pulled away, the warmth of her smile was like the first light of dawn breaking over the horizon of a new day. You felt reborn in the softness of her embrace, your heart pounding in your chest like the drums of a triumphant army. "Merry Christmas," she murmured against your ear, the words sending a shiver down your spine.

You leaned back into her, your heart feeling as if it might burst from your chest. Her hand stroked your hair, her touch soothing and gentle. "Merry Christmas, Vi," you whispered back, the words filled with a warmth that seemed to warm the very air around you.

Her fingers traced the line of your jaw, her thumb brushing against your lower lip. "You know," she said, her voice a low purr, "I've never had anyone to share Christmas with before." There was a hint of wonder in her eyes, as if she couldn't quite believe that she had found someone who could see beyond the scars and the armor she wore.

You nodded, snuggling closer into her embrace. "Neither have I, not like this." Your voice was soft, filled with the contentment that only came from being truly seen and accepted by someone else. "It's been... amazing."

Vi's hand continued to stroke your hair, the gentle rhythm lulling you into a state of pure bliss. Her thumb traced the shell of your ear, sending a shiver down your spine. "I didn't know it could be like this," she murmured, her voice a gentle rumble that seemed to resonate in the very marrow of your bones. "So... good."

You nodded, nuzzling closer to her chest. The steady beat of her heart was a comforting lullaby that seemed to sync with your own erratic pulse. Her warmth was a stark contrast to the cold you had known for so long, a reminder that there was more to life than pain and fear. "Neither did I," you admitted, your voice a soft whisper that seemed to carry the weight of the world.

Vi's arms tightened around you, her chest rising and falling with each breath she took. You could feel the warmth of her skin seeping into yours, chasing away the last remnants of the cold that had once been your constant companion. Her hand continued to stroke your hair, the gentle motion a silent promise that she would never let you go.

The candles flickered in the quiet room, casting a soft glow over your intertwined bodies. The shadows they painted on the walls danced in time with the crackling fireplace, creating a serene, intimate atmosphere that seemed to envelop you both. The scent of your mingled arousal lingered in the air, a testament to the passion that had just transpired between you.

Vi's gaze was fixed on you, her eyes shimmering with a warmth that seemed to belie the harshness of her past. She whispered, her voice barely above a breath, "You're the warmth in my cold world." The words hung in the air like a gentle embrace, wrapping around your heart and filling you with a warmth that seemed to spread through your very soul.

Her declaration was a stark contrast to the cold, hard steel that had been her armor for so long. Yet, here she was, laying bare her most vulnerable truth in the candlelit sanctity of your shared space. The flickering flames cast an intimate glow over the two of you, a visual metaphor for the fire that had been ignited between you.

Her eyes searched yours, the depth of her words reflected in their emerald pools. The warmth of her gaze was a stark contrast to the frigidness of the blizzard raging outside, a beacon of hope that pierced through the shadows of your own fears and insecurities. You felt your heart swell in response, the warmth of her words filling you with a sense of belonging that you had never known before.

The room grew quiet, save for the crackling of the fireplace and the soft sounds of your breathing. You reached up to cup her cheek, feeling the roughness of her skin under your palm. "And you're the light in my darkness," you murmured back, the truth of your words resonating in the very core of your being.

Her eyes searched yours, a silent question lingering in their depths. "What are you saying?" she asked, her voice a low, sultry rumble that seemed to vibrate through you. You swallowed hard, your heart racing. "I'm saying that I want to be with you, Vi. Not just tonight, but always."

Vi's expression grew serious, her eyes searching your face for any hint of doubt. "Are you sure?" she asked, her voice tinged with a vulnerability that was rare for her. "I'm not like other people. I'm... broken."

You shook your head, your voice firm. "You're not broken, Vi. You're strong. You're the warmth in my cold world." The words slipped from your lips like a warm embrace, wrapping around her heart and filling her with a sense of belonging that she hadn't felt in years.

Her eyes searched yours, the candlelight casting a warm glow over the room. "I never knew it could be like this," she murmured, her voice a soft rumble that seemed to echo the tumultuous emotions swirling within her. "To have someone who... who sees me."

You nodded, your own eyes filled with a soft understanding that seemed to pierce the very armor that had protected her heart for so long. "I see you, Vi," you whispered, your voice a gentle caress. "All of you."

Her breath caught in her throat, the words striking a chord deep within her. For a moment, she said nothing, the weight of your declaration hanging in the air like a warm embrace. Then, she leaned in, her mouth brushing against yours in a kiss that was as gentle as it was fierce. "And you're the warmth in my cold world," she murmured against your lips.

[jukednuked]

FREMINET being such a lame loser when it comes to love. he has read so many romance tales that it feeds onto his delusions.

FREMINET who convinced himself that if his first kiss wasn't like the ones they've shown in the books that he keeps in his secret drawer, he doesn't want it.

FREMINET who has always dreamt of being someone's prince charming, who'm he'll hold onto in the middle of the night and share a kiss with as the stars gaze down on them, serving as spotlights.

FREMINET planning how his first kiss with you will be like ever since he met you. candlelit dinner on a roof, sharing shy glances towards one another. maybe a kiss underwater while diving like he saw in the mermaid tales?

FREMINET who's completely off guard when you ask to kiss him to 'ease the pain' after you both were chased by monsters and completely out of breath. yes, this may be the worst time to ask for a kiss.

even with your disheveled clothes and messed up hair with a few leaves here and there, FREMINET couldn't reject your offer when you look at him like that, like you're the most beautiful princess he has ever seen, better than any of the talebook ones.

this would definitely be a one in a lifetime kiss

A/N: (btw you both got stomped by a mitachurl during the kiss lmfa9)

[sanakimohara]

[ BOUND BY BLOOD ] - H. H.

master lists <> + CHRISTMAS EVENT: day two (n/a yet)

pairing: Hyunjin x fem! reader

summary: A seductive vampire who has been watching you for centuries finally reveals himself. As Hyunjin pulls you deeper into his world of immortality, the line between love and obsession begins to blur.

date: December 21st 2024

playlist:

warnings: MDNI + NSFW + BLOOD KINK + ORAL + LOTS OF EXPOSITION + MENTIONS OF WITCHCRAFT & PAGAN HOLIDAY + EXTENSIVE PINING

Yule is more than a concession of sacred days ending in immense celebration. You knew of this from a very tender age, of course.

Your mother impressed upon you how vastly more important it was than any other festivity held throughout the year in your small village. A place nestled in the rocky edges of the St. Romanov mountains, just below the everlasting castle at the very top of the harsh scenery. In a dreary land, everyone would be just the same—sulking like the grey, cold clouds that hung high above, even in mid-summer, and bitter like the bark of the evergreen trees and pines occupying the surrounding woods. Many who lived far and near the little ancient plot began to whisper of its strangely happy and content inhabitants centuries before books made of linen and leather were being traded for secrets on the land they lived on.

Some talked of how women resembled eerily beautiful statues on a winter's night. Others told tales of men who never seemed to age past their prime but nearly always perished under terrible circumstances, whether in secret or for all to behold. You were born to a family who pressed truth into these oh-so-beguiled wise tales made up by outsiders. Yet, that was natural within a family littered with witches and warlocks of every kind.

Young and blessed with slow aging and graceful wisdom, your mother and father took it upon themselves to grant you a moderately lavish life within the strangely quaint village. You went without very little, and whatever your kind heart desired was promptly given. Your demure features disarmed many, growing enchanting as you neared the age of two centuries, looking nothing past the age of two bright decades. One might call it luck -especially living in a jagged and whimsical place. But many who lived beyond called it witchcraft at its finest point -the undead's evil doing.

You paid the assumptions no mind. Content with living a life in your studies of the dark arts under the teachings of your nearly pestering and frazzled mother and her less distracted and elated partner -your father. To some extent, he was a patriarch of the town, never fully taking on the title of its Baron and never desiring to when asked. He helped people experiencing poverty, aided people in need, and advised those who did have a hand in village affairs. On the other hand, your mother saw to the population's superstitions and unusual ailments and guarded their shaken resolves with practiced and refined magik. You had undoubtedly become their most prized offering to the masses. A beauty many could behold but could never understand being kept so hidden away at your family estate.

In turn, you were plagued with loneliness that could only be ailed by knowledge of the arts for so long. Years shifted into another half a decade of unbound youth and restrained confidence for you. Thinking of another century in such a state made your heartache and your head spin with sound worry. The terror struck you at family dinner in the dining hall, and you nearly opened your mouth to suggest an alternative to your parents. However, you were halted in a speech by your ever-so-live mother, who'd been unable to stop smiling since you stepped foot into the candlelit room behind your father's usual late arrival.

"I have grand news for you, my dear!" she beamed, and you perked up in your seat in interest. "Mother?...' you cautiously egged her on, sipping from the blackened wine glass set before your plate of half-finished food. She waited to hear you swallow your blackberry wine before glancing at your oddly silent father. "I and your Papa have a gift for you...well, a surprise, to be more specific."

Please, Mother of Darkness, do not let it be another grimoire. I've already filled in four others.

You prayed to the powers that be in a single silent breath, glancing between them as they observed you. "Oh...please do tell me of it. You know how little patience I have for surprises." The sweetest smile crossed your face, pulled tight by subtle anxiety and held there by a need to seem mildly normal about the implications of receiving a new and unknown gift.

Yet, it fell into a quivering line as your mother excitedly spilled her heart out for you to hear.

"We have found you a match, and he is rather eager about it. More than we are if my senses ring true!"

The light wave of shock that gripped you dissipated into relief. A hot flush rushed through d your veins like a flame catching the edge of fresh linen. Any other woman being told of a secure match might feel her heart turned to icey malice, but all you could taste was wild freedom being attained without much fight.

And you couldn't be happier to have it.

Who this match was and why he was so eager to be one with you was another mystery for different times. Now, you wanted a moment to relish in a world to be discovered outside the village you'd known an entire lifetime and mask that joy from the two beings who gave you such power over life as if their announcement hadn't changed a thing in your reeling mind.

With a deep and steadying breath, you replied, "How fortunate. I look forward to beginning our union."

Your mother nodded, sipping wine while your father grumbled a phrase of contentment. She offered you an all-too-tender smile, her bright gaze sparking as you tilted your head in curiosity. "Is there something more you'd like to tell me, Mother?"

She sighed, humming melodically, then set her glass down to speak again, her tone genuinely matter-of-fact.

"You'll be traveling to meet him at his estate within a fortnight."

This wasn't unexpected, yet hearing it aloud stirred a peculiar thrill within you, an undeniable pull toward the unknown that lay waiting.

The fortnight came within a whirlwind of a day. Your belongings were packed and shipped off early at noon, and your father blessed and sealed your treasures an hour before your departure. Your mother sent you off with genuine gifts of goodwill and more excellent fortune, refusing to speak on the mysterious author more than she already had -which only gave you a semblance of a surname from which to paint a picture of him.

Hwang.

It was all you'd know of him until the moon reached its height and your horse-drawn carriage stopped in the gravel walkway in front of his glaringly cold estate. You imagined his features, charm, voice, and sway over those within his power. Sketching his imaginations in a tattered leather-bound grimoire and writing earnest anecdotes of goodwill under each one. You wrote and drew until your hand ached, glad to see the semblance of a large mansion coming into view far across a snow-touched meadow.

The book snapped shut as you refined your focus on the blatantly grand estate. Your mother had called it magnificent when describing where this Hwang hailed from, but she left out the fair detail of how larger-than-life it seemed, with its gardens packed with mere hundreds of people.

A party.

A celebration.

An honoring of Yule.

You had never, ever seen such a large and lavish gathering. Granted, your mother and father never threw one as grand as the one you witnessed now from afar, but the edge of awe was still present as you observed it. People -men, women, the moderately young, and the wise old roamed about.

Some wore masks of gleaming gold, amber, and cherry red. Others wore black veils and cashmere shawls. Everyone in attendance held prestigious looks from afar, dressed in sacred colors starkly contrasting with the pure white snow coating the grounds.

Candles and lanterns were lit to perfection, leaking light into the moonlit night and casting a golden white glow on those who swayed beneath and through them. Shadows danced as many grabbed for waltz partners. A quartet strummed at their instruments and rang their bells into the air. Laughter and speech leaked into the music, piercing the sky.

It was life.

It was passion.

It was beautiful to see.

You ached to join the fun. Think of it constantly, even as the carriage stops at the steps leading straight to the heavy dark oak wood doors carved with the face of Medusa and sealed shut with iron wrought doubles of the letter 'H' leading straight to your new home.

With the help of a kind footman and the relief of a soft gasp, you took tentative steps to the top of the staircase, undeterred by the ice under your heeled boots and the gentle crunch of snow under your every movement. With a step left, the doors creaked open for you, a sudden chill wrapping around you before a steady warmth replaced it. You stopped short, unaffordable of the sudden eeriness, but perplexed to see not a soul standing behind the door.

"Mother of the moon.." you whispered in timid amusement, gazing up at the white sphere gleaming down on your clocked form before allowing its energy to steady your shaken nerves. When your mind could focus again, you bit the inside of your left cheek, slipping into the estate's front doors with a quiet huff, passing by the eyes of Medusa with a solemn smile of thanks.

The doors slammed shut as your feet hit the marble floor inside, loudly clicking its locks with finality as you spared them a final glance before sauntering further into the massive household. The small palace was lit, and not a corner was left cold or void, but not a life in your sight. It seemed as if the tree outside was merely a dreamscape and a phantom of reality within the world you stood in now - a wonderous opener to the spectacle within your suitor's less-than-humble abode. You reached another set of winding staircases. The embroidered carpet gently glistened under an amber-lit chandelier, never seeming to stain your wet footprints and littered with mistletoe, pine, fresh herbs, and trimmed garland. It was neat chaos at its finest, but what took your breath away was the line of blackened roses lining the center. Their thrones were pricked clean off, and their stems meticulously swirled in on themselves and tied off in an alternation of crimson red and deep violet silk ribbons. "How strange..." you thought aloud, pricking one from the warm floor, examining it until its petals were paled compared to the folded letter hidden underneath it.

It simply read in practiced well, done calligraphy,

"My Dearest Love,

The hour is late, and the world outside lies shrouded in slumber, save for me and my kin—ever wakeful, ever longing. I have watched you from the shadows, not with the eyes of a stranger, but with the gaze of a soul tethered to yours by threads spun long before this life. You do not yet know me, but I have known you for an eternity, each passing moment a cruel reminder of my yearning to claim what fate has promised me.

I am writing to you now, my beloved, because our meeting is near. The winter moon will shine brightest on the eve of the year's final breath, casting its silvery veil upon the snow-laden earth. In that sacred hour, I shall come to you. Do not fear the chill in the air or the stillness accompanying my presence. Know that every step I take toward you is born of reverence and an unyielding desire to protect, cherish, and love.

You may wonder why I have chosen you among all others, why I dare to speak of binding our lives together in the sacred vow of marriage. The truth is as eternal as the stars: I did not choose you. Though it beats no longer, my heart has always belonged to you. In your laughter, I hear the echo of joy I have long since forgotten; in your gaze, I see a light that pierces the veil of my darkness. You are the warmth my cold existence craves, the embodiment of all that is pure and eternal.

For centuries, I have wandered through this world, untouched by its beauty and unmoved by its offerings. Yet, the barren void within me stirred from the moment I beheld you, even from afar. My soul cursed as it is, recognized in you its redemption—a love that transcends time, a light strong enough to shatter even the deepest shadows.

I write this letter not to frighten you but to offer you a choice. When we meet, you will see me as I truly am. My nature, my curse—it is not one I would impose upon you without consent. But if your heart, as I suspect, already beats in harmony with mine, I ask for your hand, trust, and love. Together, we will defy the passage of time, weaving a tapestry of eternity that no force can unravel.

Await me on the night of our destined meeting. Do not despair the hour, for it shall mark the beginning of a love that poets and dreamers could only hope to capture. I shall kneel before you, not as a creature of the night, but as a man who has waited lifetimes to call you his own.

Until then, my love, guard your heart, for it is already mine. And know that no force on this earth, nor in the heavens above, could keep me from you.

Yours eternally,

Hyunjin..."

A weight lingered over your shoulders as his name slipped past your lips like pure honey. As if it were planned to happen, and for one explicable reason or another, he had pined for it to be that way on this very night. You pieced things together in the moment it took you to realize them. Every night since your 118th risi, you'd felt a presence -not nearly a calling- but something tethered to your existence. Had that been him for all these years? Watching over you in the smallest of moments. Moving when you moved. Listening when you spoke. Caring when it seemed no one else could. Being there when you felt further trapped in an unintentional isolation.

Were the sharp and bloodborne eyes trailing every move in glimpses of mirrors.?Was he the lurking shadow hovering above your own in the light of a single candle? Was he the one leaving gifts of your desire at the foot of your bed? Each one left with no note or card of recognition but instead wrapped neatly and meant for you to find and enjoy. Wasthee soft chill of breath you felt through the coldest nights? Twinged with a peculiar warmth and steadily streaming against the crook of your neck and behind the shell of your ear.

You thought of the possibilities, fueled by a deep curiosity and security, as you followed the trail of roses left along the ststastaircathrough staircase-through rooTandyandy stopped at a particular door on the second floor, previously leading through the tre right-wing amenities before the abr.aWithhith one big push of both your hands, you revealed what lay within the last unlocked room.

A man, dressed in fine clothing with a more captivating charmed beauty to match, stood before you in a moment of tensed admiration.

He seemed to hold in a breath, lips pressed into a slow-growing smile of recognition as his eyes scanned you in familiarity. Your heart thumped twice its normal speed as he did, and your feet shifted closer to each other as his gaze halted on your flushing face. "He-Hello..." you muttered, unsure what else to say and completely startled to see another person standing in the emptied estate.

Hyunjin did not hold your lack of recognition and frazzled greeting against you; he accepted them. I expect much worse, and he was glad those assumptions did not come to fruition upon your timely arrival.

He found the words to speak and the will to be heard when you took a half-nervous step back, shuffling closer to the doorway in a plain attempt to close it shut if prompted to. "You're quite alright. I've been waiting for you for some time now, so I would like you to stay even if it's for a moment..."

The cadence of his words and the gentle tone of his voice sounded the same as the whisper within your most common dreams. It was healing, charming, sweet, and meant to cause delirium to anyone who heard it without warning. You unconsciously paired it with the letter you'd found. Gripping it in your right hands, your mind collected subtle connections.

This had to be him.

Your allusive and eager suitor?...

"Hwang...Hyunjin..."

"That is my full name, yes..." he jested a bit, treading carefully through your observation of him. However, when your stare found him again, you seemed neither displeased nor perplexed.

"Are you to be my match, then? " you asked, hoping his answer would satisfy your growing uncertainties.

He nodded, nibbling at his lush bottom lip for a split second of tension relief. Then, you noticed his edged canines glinting in the soft light filling the room. Your heart jumped, but your breath slowed at the minuscule sight.

You'd gotten yourself a walking undead of your own, it seems.

Hyunjin's quick eyes caught yours wondering towards his mouth, fixated on the slip-upphe'ddd ma unconsciously but nowhere near frightened or frazzled by the reveal. It eased his rare nerves and allowed him to speak more freely as you inched further into the room to get a closer look at him. "I know stepping into this new life may be very odd to you now, but as I explained in the letter-"

"I've read it twice since my arrival..." you confess in one uttered breath, unable to keep smiling softly at him, "You're a lovely admirer and a gifted writer by all means..." You paused, unsure what to call him and afraid you'd begun to ramble, seeing his head lower at your words. However, Hyunjin flashed a charmed grin your way after half a moment. His pale cheeks flushed a tinge of rouge you thought was a trick of the light. How could someone so confident in their presence be so easily flustered? The answer was beyond you, but it was a question you cherished watching him watch you from across the room.

His smile fell to a slight smirk, eyes cutting to the side for a moment before he spoke again, "You are one charming doll... do you know that?" He chuckled, and you shrugged, eyeing him as he wandered closer with steady strides. "I've been told otherwise..." you confess in a whisper, accepting bated breath as he flows above the top of your head.

A pull surged in your chest, urging you forward into his immobile warmth and drawing your head up at an angle so his face remained inches from your own. Hyunjin stared back, eyes downcast in jaded concern as you hid a coy smile. "Wel, my love, they don't know you as I do."

He spoke of your intentional grace and earned your trust. He is unafraid to let you witness the flicker of vulnerability behind his maroon irises.

It was then that you knew what he thought of you, how he felt, with only your eyes to capture him.

A life to live in the eternity he found himself in.

One year came and went in the Hwang estate; in that time, you'd grown to love hearing that surname replace your own. Hyunjin was far more than a dashing husband and far better than any other living man you had encounteredHisis obsession with you was infinite and dedicated. It showed in every little thing he did for you and was present in every intimate interaction you had with him - even if he took each one no further than a heated kiss and a passing touch of his cold hands over your warmer flesh.

There were times it drove you mad.

His withholding of passion in fear of harming you during such acts was maddening, to say the very least. Sleeping with him had begun to be the only thing you could think of. You are noo longer able to keep such thoughts within the confines of your still-separated rooms during the dead of night and are frazzled by the visceral need to feel him take you.

He knew of your struggles but never acknowledged them. Hell-bent on sticking to his version of affection for as long as possible and undeterred by your subtle begging far longer than you had expected him to be.

That is until the very night you met him came around again.

Sweat shined your skin from the heat of the broiling water you sank into only moments ago. Herbs, spices sprinkled, and citrus shreds floated to the top of the scented bath. It was a relief to feel each component working into your tired body and slowly bringing life back into it as moments of solace trickled into a calm, quiet passage.

Finally, you could rest and not answer another question about decorations, food to serve partygoers of the evening, or what musical set to be played throughout the night. Taking on the task of planning for the Hwang household Yule was tedious and meticulous. Every detail was meant to be perfect, just as you had seen upon your arrival a year prior, but against Hyunjin's well-meant wishes, you took on the assignment with vigor for perfection.

It was overwhelming in all aspects, but you'd done it to the best of your ability, and now you wanted nothing more than to relax before the celebration began. The guests slowly showed themselves.

Your eyelids lowered, fully closing as the hot water sank deeper into your skin—the smell of fresfragranceses swept under your nose in gentle wafts. For a while,nt the world went utterly sti, ll, and you could hear the wind and snow softly blowing outside; your lonely peace was dissolved as a tender kiss was placed at the of your head by familiar lips.

"My love..." Hyunjin greeted you humbly, and you returned the sentiment by peeking your eyes at him. "My prince..."

He smiled at the neverending nickname you'd decided long ago to give him. You held his lingering gaze, tracing the lift of his lips as he leaned in to place a meaningful kiss against your lips. Your hands floated from the water, gently cupping his face as his lips pressed into yours. They were tinted with red wine and the lingering taste of iron blood, but you paid the bitterness no mind, delving for something more profound as he trailed a hand through your damp hair and brushed back the strands sticking to your flushed cheeks.

A fire stirred in your stomach, spiraling as the swipe of his tongue over your own melted the taste of him into your senses. Hyunjin pressed to shift backward, understanding the intensity of your exchange, but had no room to do so as your freshly manicured nails gently dug into the skin of his unblemished face. He stayed still, falling into a pattern of returning slow and wet kisses with you in the quiet of the large washroom. You hummed at his intentional sweetness to please you, smiling as he tilted your head back to rest on his thigh, your right hand cupping your chin firmly as his left raked through your hair and massaged the roots at your scalp. A trickle of drool seeped past your lips, tainted with blood a moment later, as he bit down on your inner lower lip with the tip of a fang. You whined softly as the sudden and short infliction of pain pleasured that he took joy in marking you in such a discreet place and was not timid about savoring the reward of your blood on his tongue, but the mix of elation didn't last long. Hyunjin snapped away from your lips, pressing loving kisses to them as you frowned and whimpered from the loss of connection. "Please do not torture me..." you huffed, legs closing instinctively to put pressure on the throbbing heat between them.

“Don’t…do this to me, “ you repeat yourself, stirring into a fever as his touch on your jaw slid to cup and caress the side of your face as if to lull you back to sanity.

He failed, a rare thing to happen, but something he couldn’t help as you stared up at him with the most unforgiving and pleading stare. “Please…” you utter to him, bottom lip catching between your teeth as his eyes settle across your body in a languid dance. His gaze stops at your chest -barely hidden in the cream-filled water, and you’re tempted to slip out of the bath and let him have a full view if it’ll coax him to give what you so desperately want from him.

Hyunjin needs no further persuasion than a flicker of sadness and disappointment in your eyes. You’re prepared to handle your growing frustration of heat alone and hope it will be done by the time guests arrive, but a simple phrase from him shatters your ideas of doing so.

“You’ve waited long and well enough.”

The sound of praise in his tone has you turning in the water to face him like an excited mutt being given a treat. Your smile returns, and your hands fall to rest on his thigh. “You won’t back down from me?…” You ask out of fear he will, knowing his quick change of mind could be fickle and turned again if you weren’t careful with your intent. Hyunjin stifled a chuckle, unbothered by your eagerness and thrilled to see you smiling at him brightly again.

That generous lift of your lips always made his cock twitch to life no matter when, where, or why it happened.

It was such a curse to him that even now, he failed to think straight enough as you rose a bit more from Luke's warm water to press a slow kiss to his parted lips. The cherry stain on your lips seeped onto his tongue, your tongue slow and delicate against his, steadily licking into his mouth a sweet confidence. He swallowed your noises, smothering them with nips and licks before easing your mouth open for a singular line of his spit to slide down your tongue. You purred at the feeling, sinking into the water a bit as he stood up and spat straight into your throat as if he owned it.

Because he did…and you adored him for it.

“Come with me…” Hyunjin grunted against your ear, not caring about the mess made, as he wrapped a strengthened arm around your waist to pull you from the cold bathwater. You helped lousy in excitement as he did, completely fine with being tossed over his shoulder like a sack of packed sugar cane. “I wasn’t finished bathing-!” You start to scold him despite not having the heart or right mind to mean anything by it, but a tender prick of his fangs to the flesh of your thighs startles you into a fit of giggles.

“And I don’t care anymore, my love…”

“Ca…c…can’t…” you choked on your words, falling to pieces as Hyunjin laid his head between your legs, hair sheened with sweat as your fingers traveled through and gripped every strand it touched tight. “Third time a charm,” he muttered, all too focused on the task in front of him and unbothered by your shaking thighs and rolling hips. “N-no..” you protested in half-sought agony, unsure if he’d even heard you when he earned another shout of his name with a slow and deliberate swipe of his tongue pressed flat to your entrance. He let the wet muscle rest there for a second, nudging it into your creamy walls inch by inch until you tugged at his hair and groaned in pleasurable despair at the feeling.

He added to the pattern, tracing the inner folds of your cunt and circling your bundle of nerves in repetitive motions. You quivered every time, leaking cum onto the fresh linen, and overstimulated in every sense you had left.

Hyunjin groaned loudly, with a collared shirt falling from his broad shoulders and your legs lazily hanging over them. A tug in your hips brought your scented body an inch closer to his face before he buried himself in your cunt again. Licking, searching, and finding exactly what he wanted. You squirmed and tossed above him, gripping at anything soft and mailable to have a steadying grip, but you couldn’t sit still or stay calm. Hyunjin wouldn’t have it any other way, sinking his fangs into your plush thighs and the soft skin just above your left knee to keep you on edge.

“N-ngh ugh….ah! Ah! Hy-Hyunjin…” you called for his attention, on the of unraveling, feeling his lips wrap around and suckle on your clit generously before his tongue went right back to exploring your insides in a practiced dance. He refused to settle down, looking up at you through fallen strands of dark and damp hair and devouring you with intent as your moans climbed to new octave before a scream tore from your throat at a final flick of his skilled tongue.

It nearly hurt how fast and how intensely he’d thrown you over the edge. A third instance is not more straightforward than the first two; a fourth is meant to top it all off immediately. You panted, feeling wild and shaken but unable to care as a buzzing heat flooded through your veins and leaked onto the sheets in arousal. It stained the soft fabric, your inner thighs -painting the darkened marks he’d left and smearing the trickles of blood he’d caused with small bites, and coated the bottom half of his face as he raised to hover above you.

You caught him in a delirious kiss, too tired to sit up and lock him in your arms but glad he felt no desire for you to do it. Hyunjin caved into you, letting your hands wander over his skin, across his shoulders, down his back, around his waist, and stopping right where his heart should beat in his toned chest.

There wasn’t a throb of life left in him, and you trusted that he saw yours as valuable enough to change.

One day…but not yet…

He answered your lingering question without a word, peppering the corner of your upturned lips with gentle kisses and soft sighs you returned. Your legs remained parted, allowing his free hand to lazily touch and spread your slick along the expanse of your cunt. “Such a pretty little flower for me…so sweet…and so,” he trailed off, nudging your head to the side to sink his teeth into your heated neck, drawing blood and a pleased moan from you as he took slow sips of your blood.

“Soft…” he finished.

His fingers plunged deep into your core, stretching the gummy walls within in slender but tasteful thrusts. You shook from the contrasting actions he was committing. Awed at how full he made you feel despite draining you in the same breath.

Was this the true love of an undead man?

Does the obsession of another once alive come back to life?

You hadn’t the slightest clue to answer both inquires, fixated on watching his fingers pump into your soaked entrance as your head spinning from the lack of blood beginning to take effect. Hyunjin refrained from sucking you dry, driven mad by the taste of you no matter how he got it, but aware of your limits as part of the living. Still, he detached from your neck with a soft and crisp sound, focused on pulling another climax from you.

You were on the verge of another, lashes fluttering as the syllables of his name faded into breathy gasps as your high tiptoed closer, but the slow drag of his fingers from your cunt slowed it to a standstill. “No..!” You yelp in disbelief, ready to shed tears if this was his way of putting a stop to your feigning for him, but your disappointment was short-lived and replaced with pleasant surprise as he shifted to kneel on the soiled sheets between your spread legs.

You watched in particular excitement as he stared you down, rolling his neck once to release tension in it, and licked the remaining droplets of your blood from the corner of his lips while reaching to undo the confines of his trousers. He said nothing as you marveled at the sight of his cock. Your face flushed a bit as he brought it into your view with his large hand wrapped around its inches more considerable length. You refused to speak a word, having imagined the sight of his cock more than once before, but speechless at its true nature being revealed.

Thick, full of stock, and neatly groomed.

You couldn’t take your eyes off of it -merely glancing up at Hyunjin in awe when he leaned forward to press the length of it against your sensitive folds, but shifting your gaze right back to it as he passed over your folds.

“Oh!…mmm..” you shuddered into a gasp and fell into a moan at the sensation. Your insides flipped and twisted, eager to know if his cock could reach new places you’d never forget. Hyunjin clicked his tongue, sparing a glance downward between your bodies before lowering his head to rest against yours, hips set back slightly to prod the tip of his length to your aching entrance. You whined, prepared for the stretch but intolerant of his ever-waning patience. “We’ll miss our first guests if we continue like this…” He hummed, sensing approaching carriages and steeds from afar in the low blizzard rousing the night air. You cup his face, eyes set on his as your lips curl into a coy smile. “Let them wait…Let them wonder where we are the whole night if that’s what must be done..”

He raised a brow, licking his lips while his cock inched into your untouched entrance, watching the fall of your smile into a small ‘o’ shape as he did so. “Your wish is my command, Lady Hwang..”

A/N: I’m sick so this is late but it’s a double feature (Changbin is next)

Other links: Tik Tok + Discord + Instagram

TAG LIST 🖤: @halfwinterhalfuniverse 🖤 @eastjonowhere 🖤 @whatudowhennooneseesyou 🖤 @skz-dorms 🖤

[ BONUS CONTENT + ]

🗣️ Credits to Creator 💜

[himasgod]

🎃How would they spend Halloween night with their partners? Mondstadt! version 🎃

(All! Mondstadt Characters x you! (separated))

LIYUE VERSION

INAZUMA VERSION

SUMERU VERSION

(I think I didn't forget anyone 😭😭 I had a lot of fun doing this, I hope you like it! 100 words per character)

Diluc is reserved, and though Halloween isn’t his favorite holiday, he’s determined to make it a special night. He leads you to a secluded corner of the vineyard, where he’s prepared a small bonfire. The night is filled with ancient stories of Mondstadt, some so dark that it sends shivers down your spine. Diluc doesn’t wear a costume, but there’s something about his elegant dark coat and intense expression that makes him look like a gothic hero from legend. He takes your hand and, with a half-smile, promises to protect you from any “specters” that roam the night, but it’s clear that he’s the one who makes you feel in danger… although not in a bad way.

Kaeya, being the prankster that he is, takes you to a costume party in Mondstadt. He shows up dressed as a vampire, hinting at his mysterious personality. All night long he tells you creepy stories in your ear, letting his soft, whispery words make your skin crawl. As the night comes to an end, Kaeya takes you by the hand and leads you to the outskirts of Mondstadt, saying that he wants to “show you something special.” He leads you to a hill where the stars seem to shine even brighter, and there, under the moonlight, he whispers an loving words to you that leaves your heart racing.

For Venti, Halloween is the perfect opportunity to host an evening filled with songs and scary tales. He takes you to the Cider Lake, where he has organized a small bonfire with some close friends. Venti is dressed as a ghost, a simple costume but one he plays with exaggeration, floating back and forth, looking to playfully scare you. He sings you a ballad about a lost spirit in Mondstadt, his enveloping voice filling the air. Although you are surrounded by friends, at some moments he whispers things to you just for you, creating a charming and intimate atmosphere, as if you were in his own Halloween spell.

Albedo is more observant of Mondstadt customs than an active participant, but he lets himself be convinced to celebrate with you. He invites you to Dragonspine to “see the cold light phenomenon on Halloween night.” The snow sparkles under the moon, and as you walk along, he explains the scientific and magical origin of each phenomenon. He tells you stories of Dragonspine’s creatures, and at some point he falls silent, watching your reactions. Although his explanation is completely logical, you can’t help but notice the mystery surrounding Albedo, especially when he smiles enigmatically at you and takes your hand to guide you on the way back.

Jean is always so busy that Halloween is one of the few times you can convince her to take a break. She doesn’t dress up, but she has planned a little outing just for you two. She takes you to a quiet corner of Mondstadt where she’s prepared a candlelit dinner. Though she doesn’t consider herself good at telling scary stories, she tries to tell one she heard from Lisa, but can’t help but laugh when she gets to the “spooky” part. At the end of the night, Jean lets her composure go for a moment, leaning into you and whispering how much she appreciates these peaceful moments with you.

Halloween is the perfect time for Lisa to have fun with you, and her plan includes a night of potions and magic. She invites you to her personal library, where she has prepared a mysterious ritual of sorts. Dressed in a dark cloak, she teaches you how to make an “eternal love” potion (just for fun, or so she says). She tells you stories of ancient witches, looking at you with her bright green eyes full of playful mischief. At midnight, she tells you that you can’t break the “spell” until you give her a kiss, and she won’t settle for a small one.

Halloween isn’t a family holiday for Razor, but he’s determined to do something special with you. He takes you out into the forest of Wolvendom and shows you how to build a campfire. He doesn’t quite understand scary stories, but he tries to tell you legends he’s heard about wolves that somehow sound that much more chilling in his low, raspy voice. The night is filled with the sounds of nature, and Razor, though he doesn’t speak much, stays close to you, staring at you with an intensity that says much more than he could ever put into words.

Sucrose is preparing a night of science with a spooky twist. In her lab, she has created a series of experiments inspired by the Halloween theme. She shows you how certain potions change color and emit smoke when they come into contact with certain substances. Each experiment has a scientific explanation, but she also allows you to have fun trying and playing with each mixture. At the end, as a surprise, she gives you a small luminous flower that she created for you, saying that it will be your amulet on dark nights.

Bennett is the one who really wants Halloween to be perfect for both of them, although due to his good (or bad) luck, many things don't go as planned. He takes you to explore some of the ancient ruins of Mondstadt in hopes of seeing ghosts, but you end up tripping over branches and falling into puddles. Despite all the mishaps, Bennett laughs and makes every little accident into a fun adventure. In the end, he apologizes for the unexpected events, but you know that the true magic of the night was spending it with him.

Mika is shy but excited to spend Halloween with you. He takes his costume seriously, showing up in a dark cloak and carrying a small lantern to “scare” you. While he’s not exactly scary, you find his efforts adorable. He takes you on a nighttime stroll around Mondstadt, guiding you down lesser-known routes and pointing out points of interest while telling you anecdotes about past explorations. When he gets spooked by some noise in the night, you take his hand, and he smiles shyly, enjoying the moment with a calmness he rarely has.

Eula is a bit standoffish at first, saying that Halloween is just “another excuse to make noise,” but ends up hosting a dinner party at Lawrence’s house, just for the two of you. She’s dressed in an elegant, dark, classic costume that contrasts perfectly with her serious demeanor. During dinner, she tells stories about the old Lawrences in a sarcastic, tongue-in-cheek manner, but every now and then, you notice her giving you a genuine smile, especially when you try to make her laugh. At the end of the night, she leans over to you and, as “revenge,” asks for a kiss to close the evening.

For Rosaria, Halloween is the ideal night to explore the darkness of Mondstadt. She invites you to the Cathedral, where she has prepared a secret walk into the lesser-known areas of the building. With a candle in hand, she guides you through dark passages and whispers to you disturbing legends she has heard. She doesn’t need to dress up to give you the creeps; her mysterious presence does all the work. Halfway through the tour, she stops and leans towards you, making sure you know there is no one else in this part of the cathedral, just the two of you in the dim light.

Noelle strives to make Halloween perfect for both of you. She invites you to a night of “monster hunting,” where she has prepared a treasure hunt around Mondstadt filled with candy and small challenges. Wearing an adorable fantasy knight costume, she guides you through each clue with a sweet and cheerful smile. When the hunt is over, she takes you to a hill where she has prepared a blanket and a basket full of snacks. The night ends with stargazing and conversation, while she tries to remember some scary story she heard about the Knights, although in her ever-optimistic tone, it doesn’t turn out to be all that scary.

Amber is more excited than anyone for Halloween and has organized a night of adventures in the Mondstadt Woods. Dressed as a monster hunter, she takes you to a “base camp” she prepared, complete with flashlights, snacks, and maps. During the night, she has you participate in a scary story contest and at the end she fakes a surprise attack by Hilichurls that only results in laughter. Eventually, the night becomes quieter, and as you gaze at the stars, Amber smiles at you and tells you that she will always remember this Halloween with you.

Barbara decides to celebrate Halloween with you in the most “magical” way possible: by organizing a small costume party in the courtyard of the Cathedral. She dresses up as a charming sorceress and prepares “magic” snacks and drinks (which are basically juices with bright colors and light effects). She sings spooky songs for everyone in attendance and at some point in the night she invites you to dance under the stars. At the end, when everyone leaves, Barbara takes you by the hand and thanks you for making the night special, promising you that you will always have a special place in her heart.

Here is my masterlist, in case you are interested in any more of my work or want to send me a request <3

[valaenatargaryensdragon]

The Queen's Gambit

pairing: Fanon!Viserys Targaryen x Female OC

summary: Vanesha Lannister will not rest until she reaches her goal.

Word count: 1,7K

Warnings: Smut, P in V, squirting

Masterlist 1

Masterlist 2

The Red Keep stood tall, its imposing towers casting shadows over the city of King's Landing. Within its walls, a game of power and ambition unfolded, and at the center of it all was Vanesha Lannister.

She was a woman of intelligence and cunning, possessing a beauty that could captivate even the most resolute of men. But her true strength lay in her ability to identify weaknesses and exploit them. Viserys I Targaryen, the King of Westeros, was her latest prey.

As Vanesha walked through the gilded corridors of the Red Keep, her mind churned with calculated thoughts. She knew of Viserys' insatiable desire for sons, heirs to carry on the Targaryen legacy. It was a vulnerability she intended to exploit to the fullest.

In the candlelit chambers, she found Viserys engrossed in his own thoughts. His brow furrowed as he stared at a map of Westeros, contemplating the future of his dynasty. He looked up as Vanesha entered, and for a moment, his expression softened.

"Vanesha," he said, his voice laced with a longing he could barely conceal. "You look as radiant as ever."

Vanesha smiled, a calculated glint in her sapphire eyes. She moved closer to him, her movements graceful and deliberate. "My lord, I've been thinking," she began, her voice a velvet whisper. "Have you noticed how few daughters my family has produced over the years? It's always sons, strong sons to carry the name of Lannister."

Viserys, ever the dreamer of male heirs, nodded eagerly. "Yes, I've heard the tales. The Lannisters are blessed with sons, while the Targaryens..."

Vanesha's hand gently touched his arm, a subtle caress that sent a shiver down Viserys' spine. "It's a trait that runs in my blood, my lord. And I would be honored to provide you with the sons you so dearly desire."

Viserys' eyes widened, his vulnerability laid bare. It was a promise he had longed to hear, and Vanesha knew she had him ensnared. The courtship began, a dance of seduction and manipulation, and Viserys was utterly captivated.

Years passed, and Vanesha became Viserys' confidante and advisor. Her beauty remained undiminished, even after childbirth, as she presented him with not one, but three sons. The King was besotted, his every decision influenced by the woman who had fulfilled his dreams.

In the shadows of the Red Keep, Vanesha Lannister's ambition thrived, and Viserys I Targaryen remained a willing puppet, unaware of the strings that bound him to her will.

"Gods yes" Vanesha's head fell back, pure pleasure coursing through her body. She wanted nothing more than to stay in this moment forever.

"Viserys please" Vanesha moaned out loud. her thighs burned from the position. Viserys smirked watching her bounce on his cock, she looked like a goddess, his cock so deep inside of her, filling her.

"Take it" Viserys ordered, grunting as he pushed his hips up to meet her thrusts. Vanesha felt her whole body beginning to tremble with the orgasm coursing through her fighting to come forward.

"So close" She cried. her arms wrapped around his neck yelping when he moved. Her whines made his heart thump as he pulled out of her hole.

"Whore" Viserys smirked. he manhandled her body to move her to kneel on the bed. He pushed her down on her hands before entering her again.

"Viserys!" She squeaked, desperate to cum again. Viserys' hips snapped forward into her, burying his entire length inside. He felt delicious, so deep inside of her. He had already pulled an orgasm from her earlier with his lips merely suckling on her breast, emptying them helping her with the ache from not breast feeding their newest addition, Jahaerys, their son was being fed by the wet nurse while Vanesha finished her queenly duties.

"Yes, you like to be filled up, don't you?" Viserys asked. He never felt anymore power than he did with his cock deep inside of her cunt.

"Yes fill me up, give me a child" Vanesha whined, she pushed her hips back wanting him deeper. One of her hands sneaked in between her thighs, rubbing her pearl furiously.

"Cumming" She warned, Viserys picked up his pace. Vanesha's eyes rolled back with pure pleasure. She gasped when he grabbed a fistful of her hair and pulled her back.

"Viserys" She moaned, her back falling on his chubby belly. Her head rested back on his shoulder giving him access to kiss up and down her neck. He pushed her hand away and took over rubbing her clit.

She wiggled in his arm with overstimulation, he was adamant on making her cum having heard that when a woman cums there are higher chances to conceive. After the orgasm he gave her from suckling on her breasts he moved down to suckle on the same clit he was rubbing like a mad man, she made him a mad man and he was happy with it.

"Shit" She wailed hoarsly, her whole body falling forward, the knot in her stomach snapping making her gush around Viserys' cock. Viserys watched proudly as his wife's body trembled under him but refusing to push his cock out, her hips moving back unconsciously keeping him inside.

Vanesha shivered as Viserys ran his hands up and down her side to comfort her. She moved back on her hands and looked back over her shoulder at Viserys with a dazed smile. Viserys grinned in return and resumed the movement of his hips.

"I shall make sure your womb is filled to the brim with my seed tonight" Viserys declared. One of his hands moved onto her lower belly and pressed down on it. Vanesha gasped deliciously eating the pleasure he gave. She was ready to give him a millions sons.

"Don't stop" She begged, she was desperate. Viserys picked up his pace feeling his balls tighten, he was close.

"Fill me with your royal seed" Vanesha begged. She was going to give him more children, she was going to choke him with them, she was going to rule him with them.

Viserys' head fell back, her soaked pussy was just right, he has never felt this kind of pleasure before. He wanted to devour her if possible. His thick finger rand down till they reached down between her legs pinching her pearl again.

Vanesha's cried echoed off the the walls losing herself to the pleasure. Each touch made her skin light up on fire. Viserys collected her wetness and moved his hand up to her face. Vanesha opened her mouth welcoming his fingers into her mouth, moaning loudly when she tasted herself on his fingers.

"Good breeding mare" Viserys praised. Vanesha almost fainted right then and there at his words. She sucked his fingers as if they were his cock.

"Viserys" Vanesha moaned around his fingers. He pushed her tongue down, moaning when she swirled it around his fingers.

"Fucking hell, will fill you up with another son" He gasped quickening his thrusts. Vanesha thrashed in between his arms. he pulled out his fingers from her mouth with a pop. Vanesha cried now moans on full volume with nothing blocking them from coming out of her mouth.

She thrashed and cried and pushed back and forward, her orgasm was like fire, her back arched like the one of a cat as she squirted. Viserys pushed his cock inside of her as deep as possible making sure to shoot his seed as deep inside of her as possible, not to waste a singular drop even when he walls resisted him, even when her liquids tried to push him out.

The birth of their fourth son, Aeryn, marked another significant moment in Vanesha Lannister's plan for power and influence within House Targaryen. She had already achieved the unimaginable - securing her position as the mother of four sons, each of them a potential heir to the Iron Throne.

As Aeryn's cries echoed through the halls of the Red Keep, Vanesha held the newborn close, her mind racing with thoughts of the future. She had successfully given Viserys the sons he so desired, and now her attention turned to the next phase of her ambitious scheme.

In the privacy of their chambers, she broached the topic with the king, her voice gentle yet persuasive. "My love," she began, "I cannot help but think of the future of our sons. Aegon, our eldest, is a true heir in every sense. Strong and capable, he embodies the qualities of a future king."

Viserys, who had longed for male heirs, listened intently. "You speak the truth, Vanesha. Aegon is a fine boy, and I'm proud to call him my son."

Encouraged by his response, Vanesha continued, her words carefully chosen. "Rhaenyra is a remarkable girl, but it's well known that sons are favored in the realm. Aegon should be our heir, my love. It's the best way to secure the future of House Targaryen."

Viserys hesitated, torn between tradition and the desires of his heart. "Rhaenyra is my daughter," he replied, his voice filled with paternal affection.

Vanesha placed a reassuring hand on his arm, her eyes filled with concern. "I understand your love for her, my king. But we must consider the stability of the realm. Aegon is the strongest choice, and he would have the support of many lords and allies."

Viserys contemplated her words, his gaze fixed on the newborn Aeryn. He had always dreamed of strong sons to carry on the Targaryen legacy, and now he had them. The idea of naming Aegon as his heir, instead of Rhaenyra, held a certain appeal.

Vanesha continued to work her persuasive charm, planting the seeds of doubt in Viserys' mind regarding Rhaenyra's suitability as an heir. She knew that, with time, she could mold his thoughts to align with her ambitions.

As the days turned into weeks and months, Vanesha's influence grew, and the idea of Aegon as the heir to the Iron Throne gained traction. Viserys, still enamored with his sons, began to entertain the possibility.

Little did he know that his queen, Vanesha Lannister, was orchestrating a quiet revolution, one that could alter the course of history in Westeros. The future of House Targaryen hung in the balance, and the queen's ambitions knew no bounds.

[paradisecouture]

ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIP WITH ALASTOR.

From the moment you crossed paths with Alastor, you were ensnared, captivated by a presence that was as entrancing as it was unsettling. His perpetual smile—sharp and almost sinister—held an allure that was impossible to resist, while his old-fashioned charm made you feel like the leading character in a story of timeless romance. He lavished you with attention, his gaze holding a veiled intensity, and his words, laced with elegant irony, wrapped you in a cocoon of admiration. It was as if he saw through you, past the superficial, and found something worth cherishing, something he alone could appreciate.

As the relationship deepened, you began to see past his polished facade, discovering hidden layers beneath his playful dandy exterior. Behind that radio-show host persona and dark humor, you sensed a heart shrouded in shadows, yet beating with fierce, almost dangerous passion. Alastor, in his strange way, made even the simplest moments feel like scenes from a hauntingly beautiful romance: candlelit dinners where the shadows danced as much as you did, serenades that carried the echo of another era, and midnight strolls through the eeriest corners of Hell, which, with him by your side, felt less foreboding, almost like home.

Though he was fully aware of his demonic powers, Alastor revealed to you a vulnerability that few could ever imagine. In moments of rare intimacy, he shared fragments of his past life—his ambitions, his regrets, his twisted hopes. He showed you a side of himself that he kept locked away from others, as if entrusting you with his most hidden secrets. His smile rarely faltered, yet his eyes often spoke volumes, a flicker of longing, perhaps even melancholy, hinting at an internal struggle between the darkness of his soul and the genuine affection he had come to feel for you. There was a rawness in his gaze, an intensity that felt both thrilling and dangerous, as though he was waging a war within himself.

Despite his occasional aloofness and his humor as dark as the underworld itself, Alastor left no doubt about his devotion. He would surprise you with gestures so thoughtful, so precisely tailored to your desires, that it was clear he knew you deeply, perhaps even more intimately than you knew yourself. His affection was tangible, almost palpable, wrapping around you like a warm, surreal haze that seemed to defy the infernal flames surrounding you. In his presence, Hell ceased to be a realm of torment and became a sanctuary, a secret refuge where happiness, however fleeting, felt possible.

Every day with Alastor was an adventure, an exploration of the countless facets of his enigmatic nature. His love, twisted and shadowed as it was, was fiercely genuine, a passion that seemed to transcend the very laws of the underworld. You knew that life with him would never be a fairy tale, yet the intensity, the rawness, and the strange beauty of your connection made every dark, surreal moment feel like it was worth everything.

[jadeshifting]

— THE HOGWARTS LIBRARY ( AND CREEPING INTO THE RESTRICTED SECTION )

˚　　　　✦　　　.　　. 　 ˚　.　　　　　 . ✦　　　 　˚　　　　 . ★⋆. ࿐࿔

the library at Hogwarts isn’t just a room with books—it’s a labyrinth of enchanted shelves, shadowy corners, and straight-up chaos hidden in an elaborate Dewey Decimal disguise. it’s got that faint scent of parchment and polished wood, with a hint of ink that never quite fades

the organization system? a Ravenclaw’s fever dream, where books shelve themselves according to moods or relevance, and the enchantments sometimes switch them around just for kicks. find the Charms section in row five today? tomorrow, it might be two aisles over and under a Protection Charm

the librarian, Madam Pince, is a force of nature—like if a hawk wore bifocals and had a no-nonsense streak a mile wide. cross her, and she’ll hit you with a glare so sharp it feels like a spell (and at least two weeks of detention)

˚　　　　✦　　　.　　. 　 ˚　.　　　　　 . ✦　　　 　˚　　　　 . ★⋆. ࿐࿔

study groups camp out at the long, candlelit tables, hunched over ancient tomes and half-eaten chocolate frogs. popular picks include “Hogwarts: A History” (to win arguments), “1,001 Potions You’ll Probably Fail to Brew”, and “Unfogging the Future” (mostly to mock Trelawney, though some end up finding it quite riveting). don’t underestimate the less flashy areas—hidden in those dusty archives are one-of-a-kind works, like diaries from the founders and spellbooks that physically hum with power

though, for the more prone to trouble and the less interested in academic integrity, you may find yourself more intrigued by what’s below it all…

˚　　　　✦　　　.　　. 　 ˚　.　　　　　 . ✦　　　 　˚　　　　 . ★⋆. ࿐࿔

THE RESTRICTED SECTION

now, the Restricted Section? that’s not a library. that’s a test of nerve, guile, and how much you really want that illegal knowledge. to get in the front door, you either need a signed note (good luck with that) or a serious streak of rebellion. sneaking past Madam Pince? you better bribe Peeves to not rat you out, dodge the patrolling enchanted quills, and avoid the whispering books that tattletale louder than Filch after curfew

★⋆. ࿐࿔ once inside, it’s like stepping into another world. the FIRST LEVEL is dark and moody, with books chained to their shelves—literal restricted access. they’ll hiss at you or snap their covers shut if you’re not worthy—but it doesn’t stop at books. tucked between the stacks, there are pensieve memories, cursed artifacts, and spell components so volatile they’re kept under stasis spells

★⋆. ࿐࿔ moving deeper down, there are staircases (moving, of course) leading to levels few students even know about. the SECOND LEVEL? all about lost history, with maps that redraw themselves, diaries written in blood, and enchanted scrolls that show what could have been if certain spells hadn’t been cast. the THIRD LEVEL? forbidden magics—runes glowing faintly in the dark, ancient wands that whisper when you pass, and spellbooks so intense they emit heat

★⋆. ࿐࿔ the BOTTOM LEVELS? rumor has it they’re practically alive. entire rooms shift and expand like the castle itself, and the air smells of aged magic and danger. there’s talk of unspeakable artifacts: the blueprint of Hogwarts itself, spells to erase memories entirely, and magical experiments left unfinished. if you’re down here, it’s not for homework—it’s because you’re playing with fire, and you know it

˚　　　　✦　　　.　　. 　 ˚　.　　　　　 . ✦　　　 　˚　　　　 . ★⋆. ࿐࿔

the Hogwarts library is a breeding ground for wild rumors and absolute madcap tales. if you stay in tune with the grapevine, there’s more drama hidden in those stacks than there is in all of the common rooms combined. whispers float about students concocting elaborate heists to breach the Restricted Section, some involving invisibility cloaks, Polyjuice-fueled disguises, or straight-up bribes to Peeves (pro tip: he accepts dungbombs and chaos as payment)

A (NOT-SO) GREAT HEIST

one infamous story is about Barnaby Crasswell, a Hufflepuff of all people, who tried sneaking in by levitating a decoy version of himself in the main library while he slipped into the Restricted Section cloaked under a Disillusionment Charm. he didn’t account for one crucial detail—his floating double started violently spinning like a top and caused such a scene Madam Pince nearly blew a gasket. he landed a week of detention scrubbing potion stains out of cauldrons, and his real punishment? a lifetime ban on borrowing books from Hogwarts

˚　　　　✦　　　.　　. 　 ˚　.　　　　　 . ✦　　　 　˚　　　　 . ★⋆. ࿐࿔

the rumors about what students go looking for? next level. there’s talk of a fifth-year Ravenclaw attempting to track down spells for time travel, thinking he could use it to ace his OWLs by reliving test days (spoiler: he didn’t, but he did live in detention for a month). then there was that Gryffindor who supposedly went digging for a potion to resurrect dead pets after her pygmy puff tragically bit it during a Transfiguration mishap (RIP Buttons). and we’d better not forget about the Slytherin duo who searched for the literal recipe for eternal youth—

then there’s the lore about what’s actually down there. people swear they’ve seen enchanted blueprints of the castle’s hidden passageways, including a map of a supposed 15th dungeon where secret experiments were conducted. others claim there’s a book full of Unforgivable Curses even darker than the standard three, or a locked journal from Salazar Slytherin himself detailing spells that could rewrite magical lineage, and whispers that there’s a potion hidden down there, created centuries ago, that lets you see the face of your true love��but drinking it comes at a price so wild, no one who’s found it has dared

who knows whether any of it’s true? no one—but now that we’ve gotten past what you could find down there, let’s talk about how you could find it…

THE SLYTHERIN’S GUIDE TO BREAKING INTO THE RESTRICTED SECTION: A MASTERCLASS IN CHAOS AND CUNNING

˚　　　　✦　　　.　　. 　 ˚　.　　　　　 . ✦　　　 　˚　　　　 . ★⋆. ࿐࿔

— KNOW YOUR TIMING.

timing is everything, babe. the library’s busiest hours? hard pass. aim for the twilight zone—late evening, when most students are snoozing or panicking about half-done essays. Madam Pince might be stalking the shelves like a hawk, but even she has limits, usually around curfew. keep it sleek and under-the-radar

— THE DECOY DANCE.

step one: deploy a Grade-A distraction. have someone (Pansy’s a pro at this) fake a “library emergency”—think exaggerated fainting spells, loud arguments over nonexistent overdue books, or a rogue enchanted quill causing a scene in the Herbology aisle. while the librarian’s losing her marbles over the chaos, you need to be making moves

— GEAR UP.

no one with any success in troublemaking relies on luck alone. you’ll need…

— an invisibility cloak (if someone’s got connections)

— a silencing charm (those creaky floorboards show no mercy)

— Dungbombs or Portable Swamps (for emergency exits)

— a teensy-tiny Lumos charm (nothing screams “i’m up to no good” like tripping over your own robes in the dark)

— GETTING PAST THE GATE.

the Restricted Section is guarded by enchanted chains tighter than a Gringotts vault. you’ve got two main options:

OPTION A … classic Alohomora. works on a good day, but those chains sometimes have extra spells layered in, so be ready to improvise

OPTION B … the Librarian’s Key, if you wanna be really sure. pro tip? Millicent once swiped it by “accidentally” returning a borrowed book laced with a mild Sticking Charm

— NOW THAT YOU’RE INSIDE.

congratulations on getting this far—now stick close to the shadows; those shelves have been known to move

watch out for enchanted books that scream bloody murder when touched (i swear one almost gave me a heart attack)

know your exit plan before you even grab your prize. fire exits aren’t just for Muggles

— GRAB-AND-GO ETIQUETTE.

don’t be greedy. the golden rule? one book at a time. more than that, and you’ll trip some seriously aggressive enchantments. and for Merlin’s sake, do not open the books in there. half of them are hexed, and you don’t want to spend the next week croaking like a toad AND in detention

— THE GETAWAY.

once you’ve snagged your prize, act like nothing happened. the Restricted Section is a no-go for most students, but if you’re caught on the way out? a well-placed lie about being on an urgent Potions errand (“Slughorn sent me!”) could be the thing that saves your ass

— COVER YOUR TRACKS.

any evidence that points to your daring escapade? destroy it. burn the notes, wipe the fingerprints, and for the love of Salazar, don’t blab about it to any Gryffindors

˚　　　　✦　　　.　　. 　 ˚　.　　　　　 . ✦　　　 　˚　　　　 . ★⋆. ࿐࿔

SOME FINAL NOTES . this method isn’t some ridiculous (Gryffindor) stunt—no theatrics, no martyrdom, just slick strategy and sharper instincts. with these tips, you’ll be in and out without a trace, leaving everyone wondering how the hell you pulled it off. just pure excellence, darling

˚　　　　✦　　　.　　. 　 ˚　.　　　　　 . ✦　　　 　˚　　　　 . ★⋆. ࿐࿔

[zosan-secondchances]

The Pirate King of the North: The Tale of The Bird and The Fox

Main Themes: Villain Sanji, Alternate Universe, Zosan Ship

Warning: Long post ahead and some One Piece spoilers. Contains strong language.

Part 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17

Doflamingo

That fuckin’ asshole!!! Stop them!!!

The crew on board the Numancia Flamingo scuffle about to lower their ship's sail further, attempting to catch up to a particularly fast snail just smaller than their own ship jetting ahead of them. Men at the helm angle the vessel, preparing themselves for the inevitable full frontal assault.

A tall man with long brown hair and blue eyes runs up to Doflamingo, hugging the railing of the ship desperately to stop himself from falling off the speeding ship travelling through rough waters.

Diamante

Doflamingo, there’s no chance! They’re way too fast for us!

Doflamingo

It’s a fuckin’ snail! How is it faster?!

Looking over at the highest point of the snail's shell, he sees a man with long locks of hair stand up straight. He growls angrily at the blonde’s devilish smile across his face.

Doflamingo

I swear to god, I’m going to wipe that shit-eating grin off the face of this world!!!

The blonde man laughs at his reaction and pokes his tongue out. He procures something out of his pocket and holds up the item in his hand, tossing it up and down playfully, taunting him in a challenging way.

Doflamingo spits at the sight of his desired Devil Fruit in someone’s hands. He turns his glare towards Diamante.

Doflamingo

I don’t care how, but I want that fucker dead!

The Numancia Flamingo manages to gain enough speed to sail alongside the fast snail. Doflamingo soon notices, however, that it’s not that their ship had gained speed, it’s the snail that had slowed down to pull up alongside them.

Doflamingo yells at his men to attack. His crew begins a barrage of cannonfire, aimed at the bulk of the snail’s shell. As the projectiles fly in the air, flashes of pink and red fly between the vessels. The cannonballs suddenly vanish without a trace.

Doflamingo

What the ever living fuck was that?! You call that an attack?! Keep firing!!!

His men panic and continue their cannonfire as ordered by their enraged captain.

Diamante

Young master!!! There’s no use! Something–someone keeps knocking them out in the air!

The blonde man reappears on the side of the snail’s shell, holding onto the ropes that are securely attached to it. He calls out to Doflamingo in a cheerful melody.

Sanji

Dooooffy~!

Doflamingo grits his teeth in irritation and runs towards the side of his own ship to face the man directly. He watches beams of pink and red continue their flight between their ships, somehow making their cannonballs disappear before they reach the snail.

Sanji brings out the Devil’s Fruit once more, twirling it at the tip of his index finger playfully.

Sanji

So…you come here often, love? What brings you to this part of the New World on this fine day?

Doflamingo

Mr. Prince! That’s not yours to take!

Sanji

Nah-uh! It was in our territory, hence it’s ours!

Doflamingo

You STOLE it from me, motherfucker! It’s rightfully mine!

And since when is this your territory?!

Sanji

Since we moved our fortress nearby!

Doflamingo

Your idea of expansion is a fuckin’ joke! Give it up or we will board your ship!!!

Sanji hooks his leg around the rope to keep himself tethered against the side of the snail’s shell. He runs his fingers along his jaw, thinking deep thoughts, while he continues to play with the Devil Fruit with his other hand.

Sanji

You’re so angry! Relax a bit, will you

Here’s the thing, Doffy, you are in our territory. You’re trespassing, speeding, threatening a fellow king and his subordinates, and now you’re attempting to steal from me? The gall!

Doflamingo

Don’t call me that! I barely know you!

Sanji

So? Let’s get to know one another then!

Would you be up for a candlelit dinner or are you a fuck-and-go kind of guy?

Doflamingo angrily slams his fists against the railing of his ship and turns to Diamante and his men.

Doflamingo

Board them!

Diamante

How can we make it over there when our cannonfire can’t even–

Doflamingo

I don’t care!!! Do it!

Diamante yells at their crew and stomps away to help them.

Sanji

Making real clumsy decisions there, my friend! I wouldn’t do that if I were you. You should be more carefu–!

At that, the Devil Fruit slips off his fingers. The blonde scrambles to catch it but it repeatedly slips from his grasp so he juggles it in the air clumsily before it finally falls off. Sanji tips himself backwards while keeping his legs hooked around the ropes to catch it in time with both hands.

Sanji

Whoops! That would have been bad, wouldn’t it?

Doflamingo

Fucker!!! Don’t you dare lose it!

Sanji pulls himself up and tosses the fruit up and down in his hand again.

Sanji

You are absolutely correct, Doffy!

…I should just eat it.

Sanji opens his mouth and teasingly holds the fruit between his teeth.

Doflamingo

NO!!!

They hear cries of help as Doflamingo’s men attempt to swing from the Numancia Flamingo over to the speedy snail. Out of nowhere, zaps of blue electricity shock the crew midair. They fall into the open water like rain between their ships.

A blue-headed man reveals himself from the other side of the snail then stands mightily on top of its shell. He crosses his arms, as if to declare that Doflamingo’s attempts are of no use.

Sanji

Mmphf Pmmmff Mmmffphf!

Doflamingo

Wh–What?!

Sanji spits out the undamaged fruit into his hand and throws Doflamingo a wide grin.

Sanji

I said that’s quite a moronic move, especially for you! I think they’re still alive though if you want to get your crew back!

Doflamingo

What the hell do you want from me, Mr. Prince?! What would it take for you to hand that over?!?

Sanji

I told you! I want a date!

Doflamingo feels the veins in his forehead pop. He then notices that the snail begins to slow down but the Numancia Flamingo continues to speed through the waters.

Sanji

Hey Doffy! Who’s driving?!

Doflamingo

…Eh?

Diamante runs up to Doflamingo once more, out of breath.

Diamante

Master… our men…

Doflamingo looks around and notices that there is no one else on deck except for him and his first mate. His eye twitches frustratingly at the sight. As if that's not troublesome enough, he hears sounds of footsteps from the lower levels. When he turns to see who it is, a man with green slicked back hair emerges from below deck, gripping two of his crew members by their heads with his massive hands as they cry for help. The green-headed man tosses them off the side of the ship casually, claps his hands clean and crosses his arms, looking bored.

Doflamingo

Who the fuck are you?!

Yonji

You might want to watch out where you’re going.

Doflamingo

Huh?

Diamante

Young master–!

The entirety of the ship suddenly surges forwards as the Numancia Flamingo beaches itself above a spiky rock formation at full speed. Doflamingo and Diamante get thrown backwards and they both land roughly against the far end of the ship. Debris from the front flies over and rains down on them.

The two groan at the sudden stop and take a moment to recover. When they look up, the green-headed man has already vanished from where he was standing.

Germa’s snail slows to a stop behind their beached ship. The blonde is now sitting on top of its shell while leaning his back against the blue-haired man who brings out a bamboo rod and begins fishing on the far side.

Sanji waves at the two remaining men on board the crashed ship.

Sanji

Hey! Need help, love?

Doflamingo and Diamante push debris off their bodies and struggle to stand. Doflamingo limps towards the back of the ship and throws Sanji a middle finger.

Sanji

Now why on earth did you crash your ship into this very stupidly large, hard-to-miss rock formation?

Doflamingo

You did this!

Sanji

It's not my fault that you're not paying attention!

Doflamingo

Fuck off already!

Sanji

Wait, I thought you're after me? Don't you want your Devil Fruit back? And now you want me to fuck off? Make up your mind, man!

Doflamingo

Ack–!

Sanji

So is that a no to help? We can tow your ship while you ride on the shell with us.

Well…whatever’s left of your ship anyway.

Doflamingo

I swear when I get my hands on you, I'm goanna–

Sanji

Hey! I'm trying to be nice here!

I’m being nice, aren’t I, Commander?

The blue haired man taps his chin thoughtfully.

Niji

In your weird unusual way–yeah, sure.

Sanji

See? Come on, I’ll give you our first catch of the day! Nice, fresh and juicy! Maybe I’ll even cook it for you if you’re well behaved.

Doflamingo

Shut up, just–SHUT UP! Give me back my Devil Fruit!

Sanji claps his hands together, happily smiling.

Sanji

A fruit salad sounds wonderful! Do you think that’s been done before? A Devil Fruit salad?

One more question, do you need to eat the whole thing or can we go halfsies? What if you eat two halves? Would you get two abilities?

Wait, that's three questions.

Doflamingo snaps at the blonde’s annoyingly arrogant attitude and takes several steps backwards. He sprints towards the edge of his broken ship at full speed then jumps off at the very end.

Sanji jumps side to side, warming himself up. He speaks under his breath.

Sanji

Here we go, come on.

Niji

Do you want our help on this?

Sanji

No, thank you. I need to speak to him privately.

Niji sighs in boredom and reels in his fishing line to recast it further out in the water.

Niji

You might want to tell that to Pink.

Sanji

Pink? Where?

Doflamingo pulls his fists, intending to deliver a powerful blow towards Sanji. As he closes in midair, the blonde simply eyes him and gives him a devilish smirk. His intrusive thoughts immediately think what that mouth would look like with his–

Before his fist meets the blonde's face, he sees a flash of pink in front of him as a girl with a butterfly-shaped cape suddenly puts herself between him and the blonde. She twirls rapidly, swinging her knee into his stomach, sending him hurling into the shallow stony waters down below.

Doflamingo lands with a loud grunt as the spiky rocks underneath him damage his back. He coughs out blood and he lays there still with his body partly submerged in the water.

The pink haired girl lands on top of him, smashing the rocks on both sides of his head. She straightens up, looming over him with a dangerous glare.

She raises a fist to deliver him a final blow. Doflamingo grits his teeth, readying himself for the inevitable pain.

Sanji

Stop!

The girl stops her punch just inches away from Doflamingo's face. Sanji jumps off from the snail’s shell and approaches them slowly. As he closes in, the girl steps aside to make way and faces him.

Reiju

But I was in the middle of a game with Red…. I'm one point away from winning.

Sanji

Oh? What's the prize?

Reiju

A favour or two. It depends on the gap between the points.

Sanji

Can I join?

Ichiji

No, it would be an unfair fight.

At the corner of his eyes, Doflamingo sees another person with red hair land on top of the snail's shell. He takes a moment to turn away from them in order to hide his eyes, and clean his sunglasses with his cape before resting it on his face again. The blonde yells at him to be heard.

Sanji

How the hell would it be unfair?! Don't you need at least a third player to play judge?

Reiju and Ichiji

Because you cheat!

Ichiji

Besides, Blue’s far more dependable keeping track of the score.

Reiju

I agree.

Sanji

But–

Reiju

Oh, don't be such a baby. Blue’s been keeping an eye on us since you're far too distracted playing with your horndog.

Sanji

My…what?

Niji silently nods in agreement from where he sat, causing Sanji to slap his own cheek, taking offense at the whole idea of being left out.

Ichiji finally settles down next to the grumbling blue haired one who is still fishing.

Ichiji

Caught anything yet?

Niji

No… Cosette’s going to kill me.

Ichiji

Forget it. We’ll just buy some on our way back. She won’t know the difference.

Niji

It’s not the same!

Reiju

Let it go, Red. He won't listen if he's at the mercy of our head chef.

Ichiji smirks and ruffles Niji's head, messing up the fringe of his hair that was neatly sticking out of his metal helmet.

Niji

Stop it!

Ichiji

If you don't ask her out, I will. And if I fail–which you know I rarely do–I'll get Green in on the action.

Niji

Don't you fuckin' dare.

Doflamingo

Mr. Prince, you know that I'm still here right?

Sanji

O–oh, whoops!

Commander, could you give us a moment alone please?

The pink girl hums softly as a reply and gracefully walks off to join the two men waiting idly on the shell.

Reiju

Commander Blue, there really is no use. You can buy live ones from the market nowadays. We’ll just kill them closer to home to make it look like you caught them yourself. Or better yet–we can start our own fish farm if we can get one that’s bearing eggs.

Niji

Leave me alone and let me do this!

…Tell me about that fish farm though.

Diamante

Young master!!!

Grateful for the distraction, Doflamingo lifts his head with difficulty and sees that his first mate is wrapped in chains, held firmly by the green headed man back on his ship.

Yonji

Hey King, what do you want to do with this one? He told me they're collecting Devil Fruits but won't say why.

Sanji

Lock him up. We won't be long.

Diamante thrashes about, trying to break out of his restraints until the green head delivers a swift chop at the back of his neck which renders him unconscious immediately. He lifts him effortlessly over his shoulders and disappears behind the wreckage of his ship.

Sanji

Commanders, can I please get you to look around and retrieve those Devil Fruits from their ship?

Doflamingo

No…!

Niji

But I haven't caught anything yet!

Reiju

I literally just sat down….

Ichiji

I'll do it…I guess.

Sanji

Thank you kindly!

The red headed man lazily launches off the snail and disappears where the green man had gone somewhere in the ruins of the Numancia Flamingo.

Doflamingo attempts to sit up with his heavily bruised body. When his arms give, he falls back onto the rocky waters with a loud splash. The water up his nose and blood behind his throat causes another round of coughing fits.

He hears light splashes next to his head and sees Sanji sit down next to him, stretching his legs into the water. The blonde shuffles a hand into his breast pocket and fishes out a clean and dry handkerchief. He stretches his arm out, offering him the piece of fabric.

Sanji

Sorry about that. I like watching my siblings get along. It's not often we all take on the same mission.

Doflamingo

I hate you all so much.

Sanji

I know.

Doflamingo snatches the handkerchief off his hand and begins to clean the blood off his face. Afterwards, he discards it by tossing it over his shoulders.

Doflamingo

Why did you do this? We're just trying to get home.

Sanji pulls a cigarette from his pocket and lights it.

Sanji

Because you've been a bad, bad boy, Doffy.

Doflamingo

…Seriously?

Sanji

And you get this really cute reaction! Your face gets all scowly and angry. And those veins on your forehead really come out, like your head’s about to pop.

Doflamingo groans and rolls himself onto his elbows. As he pushes himself up, he looks up at the state of his ship and frowns.

Doflamingo

My men?

Sanji

All accounted for. Don't worry.

Doflamingo

You didn't kill any of them?

Sanji

Now where's the fun in that?

Sanji crosses his legs, watching the other man struggle to sit up. He steals a glance at the back of his shirt all torn up and his skin is covered in bruises from Reiju's attack.

Doflamingo

Give it back…

Sanji

You're going to need to be more specific than that.

Doflamingo

More speci–? My fruit! I want my Devil Fruit back!!! Like I keep saying a million times over. What else could it be?

Sanji holds up his enclosed hand and begins stating other things out loud while counting with his fingers.

Sanji

A billion Beri, that one white feather coat you like so much, condensed Seastones, a couple of expensive-looking family heirlooms back when you were a Celestial Dragon–

Doflamingo

Wait, wait, wait, wait–how much have you stolen from me?!

And why did you take my coat…?

Sanji

Only whenever you enter our side of the waters. Take it as your payment for our toll.

And…I was feeling cold and your coat just looked warm and snug.

Oh uh…just so you know, it's pink now. I tried to wash it but someone accidentally put in his red flashy underwear with it and… well….

Doflamingo’s brow twitches angrily as he feels his temperature rise.

Sanji

AHA! That! There’s that look that I love so much!

It's…dry clean only though…isn't it? Sorry.

Doflamingo

You… little piece of shit….

Sanji chuckles, ignoring the man’s angered state.

Above them, they hear a couple of splashes as the red and green haired commanders jump off the ship and land nearby. They transport large partly opened chests that contain Doflamingo's hard earned Devil Fruits from the Numancia Flamingo back to their snail ship.

Sanji

Well done, guys! Just haul them somewhere in the back.

Doflamingo

HEY! Those are mine!

Sanji

Now, now…what on earth are you planning to do with them…hmm?

Doflamingo growls and attempts to stand. Before he can push himself up, Sanji points a sharp and dangerous dagger across his throat. He stills and gulps down nervously.

Sanji

We’re still talking. Sit.

Doflamingo grits his teeth and does as he says. Feeling helpless, he crosses his arms and waits for Sanji to speak.

Sanji

Good boy.

Doflamingo

You want to talk, Mr. Prince? So talk.

Sanji pulls the dagger away and returns to sheathe it back behind his belt. Satisfied with his answer, he offers Doflamingo his cigarette.

Doflamingo cocks an eyebrow at him and takes it. He takes a long drag and exhales, trying to get himself to relax and collect himself more calmly.

Sanji

I need your help.

Doflamingo

Fuck off.

Sanji

Hear me out.

Doflamingo waves his hand that's holding the cigarette, gesturing for Sanji to keep talking.

Sanji

I need a temporary alliance again. There are things that I need to do, and I know you need something from me–several things, in fact.

Doflamingo

You mean like the Devil Fruit that’s in your pocket right now? And those other fruits that you just took from my ship?

Sanji

Among other things.

Doflamingo laughs out loud from the absurdity of Sanji’s proposal. The blonde simply smiles at his reaction and waits for him to calm down and respond.

Doflamingo

You’re barking mad if you think I’d agree to another alliance with you.

Sanji

You still think that I owe you for helping me kill my own father?

Doflamingo

Yes. And…

Doflamingo gestures to the crumbling ruins of the Numancia Flamingo behind him. Coincidentally, the largest mast collapses in itself and falls loudly to the side. The rest of the ship follows as the hull gets snapped in half and the keel practically explodes from the stress of the ruined wreckage. Slowly, one of the halves of the hull sinks into the depths of the sea.

Sanji

Again, not my fault that you didn't pay attention. I'm not the one who sent all your men to swing over and come on board. We had to defend ourselves!

Oh, don't give me that look. Quit being such a baby. It's not a good image of you. I’ll build you a new ship. It’ll be shinier! And more pink! Bird head and all!

Doflamingo

With the money you stole from me….

Sanji

Hey! How I acquired that two billion Beri is not important.

Also I know that you don’t have enough proof. My commanders are really good at covering up fingerprints and any form of evidence.

Doflamingo

You just admitted to it!!! And didn’t you say that you stole one billion…? Why is the number climbing up?

Sanji

Guilty until proven. You barely even noticed three billion Berri missing from your treasury so clearly you don’t need so much gold. Look–

Doflamingo slaps his forehead from the whole ridiculousness of the situation.

Sanji

I need to attend the Levely. And I know you have been extended an invitation for the next one.

Doflamingo grins. He laughs his deep maniacal laugh.

Doflamingo

What’s wrong? Are you offended that you didn’t get an invitation to the party? 

Of course you didn't get one. You're a new king. They don't just let anyone in. It's taken years for me to properly be seen as one. Meanwhile…

All you’ve done so far in your rulership is to tear down your father’s legacy that he and your ancestors worked so hard to build. He used to take part in it. And now they're wondering what the hell you're doing to everything he owned.

Sanji

I stand by the decisions I have made and I have no regrets doing so. But…I need to be there this year. It is imperative that I attend.

Doflamingo

So what you’re saying is that you’d do anything for me to help you attend the Levely…. That I can ask you for whatever I want and you have no choice but to do as you’re told?

It was Sanji’s turn to laugh out loud. Doflamingo loses his smile at that.

Sanji

Oh no, dear. Far from that. Sure, I’m happy to discuss the terms and conditions with you for a fair exchange. I do admit that you’re my first most preferred choice though. But I’d be a fool if I don’t have any other options to turn to.

Doflamingo raises a curious brow at that.

Doflamingo

I'm your first choice? Why?

Sanji gives him a wide grin. He stands.

Sanji

So I can do this….

Slowly, Sanji lifts up a leg and straddles himself on Doflamingo’s lap. He spreads his hands out, gliding them from the tips of his shoulders to the wide of his neck.

Doflamingo makes a growling noise from the back of his throat and grips the blonde's waist, pulling him close.

Doflamingo

And you think this is enough? With everything you owe me.

Sanji

Please, you're the one who owes me. Killing Germa’s previous ruler also benefited you, Warlord.

Sanji slides his hands up to cup Doflamingo's face. He pulls him to lightly touch his nose on his, teasing him.

Doflamingo

How did you know…?

Sanji

Let's just say that I have my sources….

Sanji grinds himself over Doflamingo's erect cock, earning him a soft moan in return. Slowly, he turns his head gently to the side to face the horizon beyond them.

Sanji

And…I did escort you home. With all my commanders in tow.

Doflamingo sees small shapes in the water making splashes towards a large familiar island in the distance. When he squints his eyes, he can see his men floating on lifesavers swimming towards the shores of Dressrosa.

Doflamingo

Oh, for fuck's sake…. We were that close to home?! You said we're in your territory!

Sanji chuckles and pushes himself off the man. He walks towards the edge of the rocky surface and watches the events on the distant island.

Sanji

I am serious about that date though.

And… you know how much I'm worth.

He turns and throws Doflamingo a den-den mushi. The man catches it with a single open palmed hand.

Sanji

As for the Levely…think about what you may need from me. You've told me before that you wanted a more permanent alliance, so let's talk. Call me when you're ready.

Or you know…just for fun.

At that, Sanji walks off to return to his snail ship.

Doflamingo

Wait.

The blonde stops in his tracks and looks over his shoulder.

Doflamingo

I think I may have a way for you to get in…but you may not like it.

What are you doing tonight?

Sanji gives him a smirk.

Sanji

Oh, you know. Probably the usual stuff. Scheming. Plundering. Expanding.

I'm curious to hear as to what your plan is, Doffy. It sounds like you already took this into consideration.

Doflamingo

Want to come by and… talk? Usual time and place.

Sanji

…Talk, huh? Sure.

But you're not allowed to touch yourself until I get there.

Doflamingo

Deal.

Sanji

Oh…one last thing.

How did me and my…commanders go today? Do you think we work well together?

Doflamingo

Well enough. You're too…comfortable with each other. Too cuddly and domestic.

Sanji

No, we’re not! We’re the opposite of that! We hate each other!

Doflamingo cocks an unimpressed eyebrow at him and gestures a hand towards the now wrestling red, blue and green commanders as they try to fight for the one fishing rod they have, demanding that they each want to take a turn to show Blue “how it’s done”, while the pink one tries to pry them all apart atop the snail’s shell.

The blonde pauses then begins to laugh, walking towards them. When he nears the edge of the rocky terrain, he turns his gaze to him one last time.

Sanji

Maybe they just hate me then.

Doflamingo

If you want my advice?

Sanji

I don't think I do.

Doflamingo 

Kill them. Before you get too attached. Having siblings while running a kingdom can get...complicated.

Sanji

You're mad. But…I'll keep that in mind if they give me a reason to.

Sanji winks at him, sending shivers down his spine. The blonde gives his commanders a wave, signalling them to start up the snail as he jumps on board.

Niji

Did I hear that right? That you'll kill us if we give you a reason to?

Sanji

Hey, I think you have a bite!

Niji

ACK–!

Yonji

For the record…we all heard it. It came from your horndog.

Doflamingo

What–?! Stop calling me his horndog! My name is Donquixote Doflamingo!!!

He watches the Germa vessel with all its passengers depart. They all bid him farewell in order of age.

Vinsmokes

Bye, Do–Donqui... uh… Duffy!!

Until next time, Mr. Don!

See you, loser!

Don't forget our date later, Doffy~!

Later, bird for brains!

Doflamingo

Close, but not quite.

Getting there but say the whole thing next time!

That's even worse.

I won't, Mr. Prince!

See you, Winch-for-arms.

Yonji

Not an insult, but alright!

Doflamingo can't help but smile to himself, feeling the start of an attachment to the blonde and his armada of a family. After a few moments, he sighs exasperatedly and stands on his feet.

Diamante

Young m–master…

Doflamingo looks up and sees his first mate poking his head out from the unsunk side of the wrecked ship, still coiled around in chains.

Diamante

What the hell was that all about?

Did you at least get your Devil Fruit back?

Doflamingo

…A practice run. Mr. Prince needed an assessment of his performance with his commanders so I gave it to him.

And no…I didn't get the fruit back but apparently I got a date so….

Diamante lets out a defeated sigh.

Diamante

So…what now? How are we supposed to get home?

Doflamingo

We swim.

—

Law swipes his sword upwards, clipping strands of hair from the blonde's fringe.

Sanji ducks down at the last second. A nervous sweat drops from the side of his brow as he takes several steps back.

Sanji

Getting better, Traffy. But I still need to see more of that footwork. You leave your left too open.

Law

Hmph.

Sanji

How are you feeling?

Law

I could eat….

Sanji

Yeah, alright.

Law

You're not going to insist that we keep going?

Sanji

I'm not a monster. No one starves under my watch.

Law sheaths his sword and hums in acknowledgement.

Law

So…

Sanji begins circling around him, occasionally picking up small pebbles from the ground.

Sanji

So what?

Law

How was your uh… date… with Doflamingo?

Sanji

Good.

Law

Just…good?

Sanji

Since you insisted on the details…

We had a good talk then fucked for two days straight–no…three? Something like that. We eventually needed to eat and Niji came by several times to see if I'm ready to go home.

Law

Please spare me the colourful details….

Sanji

Hey! You asked.

Law

I was asking about what happened afterwards and the Levely! Did you get what you needed from it?

Sanji

You can say that…

With a flick of his wrists, Sanji sends the pebbles in his hands to fly towards Law who grabs one end of his coat and pulls it up to his head, blocking them before they hit him.

Law

Stop that!

Sanji

What? It was one last test to see how much you've improved and if you were paying attention!

To answer your question, let's just say we both got what we wanted. It’s…when we formed a more permanent alliance and….

Law

He ate the Devil Fruit?

Sanji nods.

Sanji

Yes. The very one that he's after.

We cut it up and–

Law

Are you about to paint me a picture?

Sanji

Then I put it all over my–

Law

Please, don't.

Sanji

…Then he–

Law

Mr. Prince-ya!

Sanji

What? Talking about it helps!

Law nurses the bridge of his nose with his fingers, trying to ease the now increasing headache from having to listen to Sanji's many back stories.

Sanji takes the opportunity to flick him one last pebble but Law redirects it away from him by raising his sheathed sword slightly so it bounces off its handle.

Law

Will you quit it?!

Sanji

I promise that's the last one. Great progress today, Traffy. That'll have to do…for now.

Law

I haven't even beaten you yet….

Sanji

I know. Let's resume training after the festival.

And…please don't call me by name in public. You'll get in trouble.

Sanji pockets his hands and proceeds to walk through the path towards town. Law follows him closely behind.

Law

Why me and not you?

Sanji takes a deep breath, and looks up at the silhouette of the tree canopy against the starry sky.

Sanji

Anyone who knows my identity becomes a target from the Marines…. I can't have that with the Marimo. I was hoping that it would be secret from you for a while longer. They're relentless, and they'd do anything to learn more about me.

Law

Is…that why you haven't told him? Because he could potentially lose his Warlord status?

The blonde chuckles.

Sanji

Even if they did question him, he wouldn't know…it's the safest bet. He didn't even bother asking me about it. Can you believe it? Two decades and not one question. He just does what he's told as long as there's a fight in it so he can get better than Mihawk.

So bloody adorable…. I could squish his face. And…other things.

Law

You're trying to shield him from the Marines…the very organisation who he's working for.

Sanji

If you want to put it that way….

Law

And…I already have a bounty. The Marines are after me no matter what. As for my crew….

Sanji

I lost it in a bet.

Law looks at him in astonishment and disbelief.

Sanji

Bepo has a surprisingly good poker face, okay?! He gets all sparkly and cute with those…big teary bear eyes….

If the Marines somehow find out how much you and your crew know about me, your bounty will either increase or they'll want you only “Alive”. Both, if you piss off the wrong officer.

Law

I guess my crew has done well so far…. I had no idea that they knew.

Sanji

So…whose tongue slipped?

Law

Does it matter?

But honestly? …It was all of them, if you can believe it. I think they found your last stash of pre-made cocktails.

Sanji

Hah!

Law

And…Doflamingo?

Sanji

He begged for it so he could call my name in bed.

Law

Ugh…

Sanji

What? This is why I don't skip details on my dates! That's where the intimate details surface. I was younger and didn't realise how much it could have impacted his life…. Sometimes I do wonder if he's gotten in trouble because of it. Unless he's that good at hiding things for me….

Want to hear how it happened? It was the second time we got together. He–

Law

Please, please keep it to yourself. I really don't want the image stuck in my head of my arch nemesis doing the unmentionable.

Sanji

Are you sure? It's a good story!

Law

I'm good, thanks.

…You don't have any more feelings for him, right?

Sanji opens his mouth to say something immediately. After a few moments, he finds that he's unable to answer the question.

Law

Seriously?

After all this time? With everything he's done to you?

Sanji

Can you blame me? He's the one who got the Marines and Admirals off our backs after Sabaody. Even after finding out that I'm travelling with you.

That takes guts. And a manic amount of dedication. It's not easy to ignore his efforts.

The doctor frowns at that. He keeps his gaze straight, thinking deeply about the situation at hand.

Law

I didn't realise that he's responsible for putting out fires. I thought we'd run into more trouble by now…. The papers seem to be the only issue left.

Sanji

Morgans is my problem. I'll…have to pay him a kind visit next time I'm able to.

As for the Marines’ involvement… Doflamingo is the only one who has the connections to do what he did. I don't even know if any other Warlord has the same pull with the navy other than a former Celestial Dragon.

Law keeps quiet at that, wondering what things would be like if Corazon was still alive and how he'd personally handle incidents if it's him that's in trouble from the Marines.

He suddenly stops in his tracks and shoots a glare towards a cluster of tall bushes. Sanji takes a step behind him, studying his reaction. He purposely drops his guard to give the doctor an opportunity to prove himself.

Sanji

Talk to me, Traffy. What do you see? What do you feel?

Law

I feel…odd. Like…my instincts are telling me to fight or flee….

Right now it's…both? Like I have to stand my ground. It…my body wants to find out more.

Sanji hovers a hand over Law's shoulder and gently clasps it. He gives him a gentle shake.

Sanji

Try to relax. Don't fight it. Let that instinct guide your senses. Just go with the flow.

Whatever's behind that bush might not want you to see it just yet. But that's the next step. You need to feel around it to identify it. Sort of like deducing through the process of elimination.

So tell me… what do you see?

Law

Ugh… that just makes it a bit more complicated but I think I get the idea.

I see… a very grumpy… very angry… is that… a ball of… grass?

A familiar green-headed swordsman emerges from behind the bushes, stumbling forwards and lands face first into the ground. His hair and clothes are disheveled and filthy from the jungle.

Sanji

Close. It's a Marimo!

----------

"The Other Side" Hazbin Hotel cover is stuck in my head as I drew the cover ❤️

[mercurianchild]

Venus in the 11th house

🦋Venus in the 11th House:

Love flourishes in the garden of friendship🦋

Nestled within the realms of human connection, Venus finds her haven in the 11th house, where bonds are forged amidst the laughter and shared dreams of kindred spirits. Here, love isn't confined to candlelit dinners or stolen glances; it blossoms in the vibrant tapestry of friendship.

Imagine a gathering of souls, each unique in their essence yet bound together by a thread of mutual understanding and affection. In this space, Venus, the celestial muse of love and beauty, sprinkles her enchantment, weaving tales of camaraderie and shared joy. Within the walls of the 11th house, relationships take on a kaleidoscope of colors, painted with the strokes of shared interests and a genuine appreciation for each other's quirks. Here, friends become family, and the boundaries between platonic and romantic blur into a beautiful mosaic of affection and admiration.

With Venus in the 11th house, the heart finds solace in the company of kindred spirits, drawn together by a magnetic force that transcends mere companionship. Social circles become sanctuaries, where love flows freely, unbound by societal norms or expectations. Yet, amidst the warmth of friendship, Venus also teaches the delicate dance of balance and harmony. She reminds us that true love celebrates the individuality and autonomy of each person within the group dynamic, fostering an environment where everyone feels seen and cherished.

In the realm of the 11th house, Venus invites us to embrace the beauty of collective joy and shared experiences, where every smile and shared moment becomes a testament to the boundless capacity of the human heart.

So, let us raise our glasses to Venus in the 11th house, where love flourishes in the garden of friendship, nurtured by the gentle breeze of connection and the radiant warmth of camaraderie.

[30somethingautisticteacher]

Thanks for the prompt @judymarch15!

Wait, that scar is actually from a tracheotomy? From choking on bread?" Tommy asked, eyebrows shooting up.

Buck nodded, his face turning the color of a ripe tomato. "Yep. Worst. Valentine's. Ever."

Tommy snorted. "Wow, Evan. When I brought up Valentine's Day, I was not expecting a cautionary tale about the dangers of baguettes."

"What can I say? I live life on the edge," Buck shrugged, grinning. "That's why I usually try to be on shift for Valentine's. Less risk of death by dinner roll."

Tommy rolled his eyes. "Well, what would you say about celebrating this year with someone who promises not to let you choke on your food?"

"Mmm," Buck hummed, tapping his chin. "Did you have someone in mind? Maybe a skilled helicopter pilot with excellent reflexes?"

"Haha," Tommy deadpanned, swatting Buck's arm. "Keep it up, and I might reconsider my offer."

Buck's eyes widened in mock horror. "No, wait! I'll be good, I swear."

Tommy chuckled. "Alright, alright. So, here's my grand idea: we alternate Valentine's Days. I plan this year, you plan next year."

"Ooh, I like it," Buck nodded. "But can I call dibs on planning our anniversary? I've got some ideas..."

"Deal," Tommy said quickly, looking slightly alarmed. "But maybe we keep it simple, yeah?"

Buck grinned mischievously. "Define simple. Because I was thinking a scavenger hunt across the city, ending with a candlelit dinner on top of the Hollywood sign. Too much?"

Tommy laughed, shaking his head fondly. "You're ridiculous."

"Yeah, but you love it," Buck winked.

Tommy leaned in, a mischievous glint in his eye. "True. But I can tell you one thing, Ev," he purred. "No bread."

Buck burst out laughing. "Deal. I'd hate to ruin the mood with another emergency tracheotomy."

"That's the spirit, babe," Tommy grinned. "And I promise to pick somewhere with good soups. Can't have my sweetheart risking his life over a crusty loaf, can we?"

"My hero," Buck batted his eyelashes dramatically. "Saving me from the perils of carbs, one Valentine's at a time."