#dr zayne

[stardustquills]

thinking about a little quickie with dr. zayne ;) 18+, mdni. wc; 1.7k

-

“a-aah, zayne, mmf!” the doctor’s hand quickly covered your mouth, muffling your noises.

his thrusts came to a stop. he pulled you up, back against his chest, your pelvis still against his desk. he leaned down to whisper in your ear, voice all quiet and husky.

“you’re being too loud. what will the nurses think if they hear you, hmm?” he was right - he did have a reputation to uphold. “be quieter, or else i’ll stop. and i don’t think you what that to happen.”

“mmh-”

“i know, sweetheart, i know,”

he continued his pace, slowly at first and gradually gaining speed before he got to his tempo from before.

you didn’t know your little office visit would turn into this - your boyfriend’s hard cock pummelling into your gummy walls, right into that sweet spot that made made you see stars.

but how could he resist? not with you wearing that cute little summer dress, the one that hugged the curve of your tits and waist so nicely before the fabric flowed around your hips and legs. zayne thought he should show you how much he likes this dress by bunching it around your waist and pulling your panties to the side. after all, what type of boyfriend would he be if he didn’t compliment his girl? he just decided to show his affection physically, that’s all.

and you even brought him lunch, ordering him a meal after you finished your own when you went out with your friends. what a thoughtful girlfriend you were! all the more reason for him to shower you with his devotion.

“good job,” he praised you for quieting down, just like he asked. “doing so well for me.”

“mm-nngh, z-zayne,” you leaned your head back onto his shoulder, your eyes closing with the blissful pleasure he granted you.

“hmm, yes?”

“feels g-good…”

“of course it does,” he kissed your temple with a soft chuckle, his own soft noises of pleasure trailing past his lips. “doesn’t it always?”

you couldn’t help but nod, because he was right. he always made you feel good, like the good boyfriend he was.

zayne was extra cautious this time, though, making sure his hips didn’t come into contact with yours with each thrust. it made him a bit sad, he loved feeling his girlfriend’s plump ass against his hips, the sound of skin slapping together, but he just couldn’t risk the noise. he is the chief cardiac surgeon at asko hospital - he had a reputation to uphold. what would everyone think? the icy, distant doctor fucking his girlfriend in his office. imagine the gossip! it would spread like wildfire.

he couldn’t have that happening.

still, his cock made you feel so good. you were thankful it wasn’t ramming into your cervix like it did at home, always making you sore a day later. the tip kept brushing against that spongy spot in your walls, making your head spin. your legs started to quiver and your hands fell onto his desk, helping you support yourself.

zayne snickered quietly. “h-haah, tired already, sweetheart?” another breath left him as your cunt throbbed around his cock, a feeling he’d never tire from. his free hand snuck down your body, finding your clit. he drew stars with his finger, effectively making your eyes roll into the back of your head, making you see stars yourself. “you can do it.”

“you can’t just, mmmh, walk in here with that pretty dress, o-oh, and expect me not to fuck you.” he murmured gently into your ear. god, it was so hot, the way he spoke so eloquently, even when he was buried in you. he didn’t stutter, never tripping over his words, only a few whimpers breaking his sentence. “such a pretty girl you are. my pretty girl.”

your back arched as the pressure became too much, that coil in your tummy about to snap at any moment.

“zaynee,” your meek mewl muffled against the palm of his hand. he could feel your hot breath. “gon- mmph! gonna come…”

“stay quiet,” he reminded you as his hand slipped away from your mouth, sliding down to one of your breasts. his hand groped, squeezing through the fabric of your dress. it wrinkled under his hand, but that was the least of zayne’s worries. perfectly timed, the strap of your dress slipped off your shoulder, and he took the opportunity to glide his hand underneath, squeezing the flesh without any barriers.

he rolled your nipple under his fingers, eliciting a moan from you. your own hand came up to conceal your sounds, slapping against your face as your eyes widened.

he let himself moan into your ear, “good girl,” he praised as you attempted to keep yourself quiet. “just like i asked. still wanna come, baby?”

you nodded frantically, like you’d turn to dust if he didn’t let you come. and you just might, he’s been doing an exceptional job at making you feel good, the last thing you needed was to come. “yes, yes,”

“what’s the magic word?”

“please, zayne, please,” you panted like a bitch in heat. “so- nngh, ‘m so close!”

“i know baby, i can tell,” his hand squeezed your tit again before flicking your hardened nipple. so hard it hurt. “come ‘round my cock, will you? can you come like a good girl for me?”

you’re so close, and you can’t get enough of him. his voice, his hands, his dick - fuck, you were so far gone. you’re too cock drunk to think of anything but your doting boyfriend.

and he’s close too, but of course he won’t come until you do, because that’s what a good boyfriend does. he’ll always make you finish first before even thinking about his own release. zayne is truly a gentleman, through and through, completely and utterly whipped for the girl that’s pressed against his desk, the girl his cock keeps on sinking into.

“mmmh, there you go, sweetheart,” you praises when he knows you’re coming. pussy walls sweetly clenching around his dick, trying to milk him for all he’s worth.

you had to bite down on a knuckle of yours in order to keep quiet, to stifle your moans as your body tremored. zayne’s fingers slowed, still rubbing delicate circles as you rode the waves of your orgasm. his thrusts gradually came to a stop, his own building orgasm slowly dissipating. he doesn’t mind, of course, it’s something he can take care of later. right now, he’s focused on making sure his girl feels good, making sure she knows just how much he loves and appreciates her.

his cock slips out and you clench around nothing, but you’re caught off guard at his neck words.

“turn around,”

“what? but zayne,”

“please, sweetheart.”

you obey - he’s never one to beg.

zayne helps you sit on the edge of his desk before he drops to his knees, his strong, surgeon hands holding your legs apart as he kisses the soft flesh of your thigh.

he’s so focused on your cunt, all other thoughts leave his mind when the smell and taste hit him. his tongue licks a long stripe on your slit, nectarous and luscious.

he thinks your cunt could satiate his sweet tooth better than any treat.

his eyes flick up to yours, hazel-green ones staring into yours, watching, studying your expression as he starts sucking on your clit.

your eyes are half lidded as you look down at him, one of your hands instinctively finding its way into his hair as the other stays covering your mouth, continuing to smother your sounds.

the corners of his eyes wrinkle as he smiles, hearts floating in his pretty irises. zayne moves so he can stick his tongue into you, greedily lapping up your sweet sap. he moans and whines into your cunt, the vibrations only serving to make you feel even better. he’s muffled but you could still hear him. his eyes closed as he lost himself in you. occasionally, his eyes would open and glance at your face as his tongue worked tirelessly to please, and closing again when he sees that you’re enjoying yourself just as much as he is.

“a-aahmmm,” your back arched as the hand in his hair drove him further into your pussy. “so- oh! there, yes! so good, zayne!”

how could he stop with praise like that? he kept going, tongue pumping as his nose brushes against your swollen clit. you thighs threaten to close around him, trembling as your toes curled in your shoes. he doesn’t let them, using more pressure to force them apart.

your hips bucked, “yes!” you panted, biting on two fingers now, “there, zayne, please! ‘m so, so close, please,” you babbled, an endless chorus of worship for your boyfriend and his skillful mouth.

zayne didn’t even bother to talk you through it, knowing you were close enough already. he let you push his face further into your cunt, your slick coating his chin and nose. he almost laughed against you, loving the way you used and took what you wanted from him, but he’d never admit it no matter how hard it got him.

your second orgasm rippled through you - you came with a whine as your chest rose with each deep breath. you looked down at the man between your thighs, seeing the shiny coat of your arousal on his lips like gloss. zayne had a happy smile on his face, and he placed a peck on your clit before standing up again.

he grabbed a tissue off his desk and promptly cleaned you up, careful and precise. you stayed seated on his desk as he stood between your legs, kissing your forehead after he tossed the tissue.

he leaned back, his hands coming up to cup your face fondly. the doctor opened his mouth to say something, but was rudely interrupted by a series of knocks on his door.

thank god it was locked.

“dr. zayne!” greyson’s familiar voice rang through the door, followed by a number of knocks once more. “there’s a patient here to see you, says they’re feeling some-“

“give me a minute!” zayne called, his head falling onto your shoulder with an annoyed sigh. he took a deep breath, kissing your neck before pulling back and placing a chaste kiss to you lips. you both wish that kiss lasted longer.

“duty calls,” he said apologetically, his hands slipping from your face to your arms.

you just giggled, nodding understandably. “i know.”

-

likes, comments, and reblogs are greatly appreciated <3

[ioczurma]

I know we all know Sylus wants us/MC (whatever) to spend his money, but I’m thinking Zayne might also want that too.

Zayne wouldn’t be as vocal or blatantly obvious about it, but I feel like he would get a kick out of paying for all your groceries, or buying refills of all your skincare. He strikes me as the type that wants to take care of you so badly, he just can’t bring himself to say that outright and will make excuses to accompany you running errands so he can pay for everything.

Groceries? He’s your doctor, it’s his duty to make sure you’re feeding and fueling your body appropriately.

Skincare? He’s your doctor, your skin is your largest living organ, he want to makes sure you’re taking care of that too.

That huge pillow system you glanced at once? He’s your doctor and getting good quality sleep is extremely important for your health.

That huge plush beanbag chair you wanted for the sunny spot in your apartment? Double whammy, you need sunlight for your mental and physical health, as your doctor it’s only right he makes sure you have it.

He just wants to make sure you’re healthy, and happy too. Don’t let anyone dare say he doesn’t go above and beyond for his patients.

(If he damn near begs on his knees, in a drunken stupor, for you to please, please, please keep the extra credit card he ordered for you as an authorized user, because he wants you to spend his money to take care of you, well, that’s a story for a different day)

[cherryredstarz]

Hii!! If youre still taking request would you do how the LADS boys propose 😭 sylus magnum opus cards had got me feeling so domestic 🩷 if youre considering this, thank you

A/n: of course! That memory legitimately had me swooning ☺️

Proposal 💍

Sylus 🐦‍⬛

An extravagant ring.

He’d be offended if it was worth less than at least 5,000,000 dollars—are you out of your mind?

You’re worth more than the entire world

It certainly be fancy but quaint

He’d secretly invite your close friends and family, and hire a photographer

He’d pay for you to get your nails done before hand

You weren’t aware of the proposal however, he does this often

But the nail technician was paid extra for the most gorgeous set of nails

You said yes. Multiple times.

Definitely one of the few times in your life you’d ever see Sylus cry

Caleb 🍎

The ring would be elegant and practical;

Perfect for the Colonel of the Farspace Fleet’s future wife

Caleb’s been planning this since you were children

He’d take you to the park of your childhood

Bought you snacks all day

He’d gently push you on the old swing set you used to play on

When you’d jump off (unsurprisingly), you’d turn to find him on one knee.

Zayne ❄️

He’d choose a modest, but elegant and classy ring with a clear cut diamond and two tiny stones of your favorite crystal bordering it for a more personal twist

He’d take you out to a nice fancy dinner

Lowkey the dinner manipulates you into dressing up

He’d propose privately on the restaurants terrace with a hidden photographer

Booked out the terrace for zero chance of interruption; He’s a private man, after all.

Rafayel 🐠

He’d have spend excessively on a ring he designed himself

Numerous dainty and colorful gemstones like Lemuria

He’d propose on the beach, while on a walk as the sun sets

Your beloved fishie would cry ❤️

Xavier 👽

He’d get a modest but intimate ring, likely with both of your initials engraved either on the inside or outside of the band

He’d take you out on a sweet arcade date, then out for hot pot for dinner

He’d arrive on your doorstep with flowers

Xavier would propose in a private botanical garden, surrounded by your favorite flowers, and then you’d stargaze together 🥹

[frostiexavier]

-ˏˋ Snowy Homecoming ˊˎ

✩credits to XXi_PHYLLIS on X for the photo used ✩

☾ ⋆*･ﾟ:⋆*･ﾟ

ੈ✩‧₊˚ summary: Zayne’s parents invite you to their vacation cabin home for the weekend to reunite and talk about your new relationship.

ੈ✩‧₊˚ warnings: alot of fluff, crying, zayne gets embarrassed ALOT, falling (literally), food mentioned, uhhh idk it gets sappy

ੈ✩‧₊˚ word count: 6.3k

☾ ⋆*･ﾟ:⋆*･ﾟ

“Are you ready?”, Zayne asks as he grabs both sets of luggage and places them in the trunk of his car. His black trench coat flowing backwards as the wind from the trunk hits it.

You can’t deny you are nervous and excited. You have known Zayne’s parents your entire life and are very comfortable around them. However, this feels different, after informing them of your new relationship together they were astounded. His parents were so happy to know you both established a romantic relationship as they have always wanted for the both of you. They adored you and only wanted the best for you and Zayne. They know you so well which puts you at ease but also makes you nervous to see them again after so long. Now being in a relationship with their son, it feels like an official meeting and a big step in your relationship. You have only been dating for about three months but it feels like years since you have both known each other for so long.

“I guess so”, you say nervously, fidgeting with your fingers. Zayne softly smiles and walks towards you. He readjusts your toboggan as you look up to him.

“Don’t be nervous, these are my parents we are talking about. They love you already.”, he smiles as he finishes his adjustment. He can’t help but admire the pink puffer jacket you are wearing with a white turtleneck and black sweatpants. He finds you adorable in your cold weather attire.

“I know that and I love them too. It’s just that, now they are going to see me as your girlfriend and not your goofy childhood friend”, you look up at him and he places his hand on your cheek, cupping it and rubbing his thumb slowly.

“Don’t worry, I know you are nervous but just be your goofy self like you always are”, he smirks and you smile while playfully rolling your eyes.

“Okay I’ll try, I just don’t want them to think of me differently like I corrupted their son or something”, you say and he can’t help but giggle at your statement.

“Corrupt me huh? Who is to say I haven’t corrupted you?”, he whispers in your ear then winks at you. You swat at his arm and he chuckles.

“Alright let’s go my corrupter, it’s supposed to snow soon”, he says making his way toward your door then opening it, waiting for you to take your spot in the passenger seat. You oblige and get settled in the passenger seat as Zayne makes his way to the drivers side. He gets in and you're off to his parents vacation house.

They invited you both to stay a weekend with them in their snowy vacation cabin getaway. The house is right next to a resort that has a big ski slope, snowboarding and other fun winter activities. You have never been to anything like this before so you are happy to be going with Zayne. Your thoughts were interrupted when you feel Zayne’s hand on your thigh. You look over to see one hand on the steering wheel and one hand on your thigh. You instantly blush at the sudden contact. Zayne has admitted that he doesn’t have much experience when it comes to relationships, he was open about this from the beginning. You have been patient with him when it comes to initiating anything physical because you know he is nervous. So anytime he initiates something, your heart flutters a bit.

“Is this okay?”, he asks, looking at you and you smile while nodding. You place your hand on top of his and he lets go of your thigh to interlock your fingers. You look over at him and his face wears a small smile. You both sit in comfortable silence for a while until Zayne asks you a question.

“So, what are you looking forward to doing the most? There are a lot of activities we can do together there”, he says, adjusting his fingers with yours.

“I’m not sure, I haven’t done any of these things before so I’m a little nervous to try them”, you admit that you're anxious. What if you fall down the snowy hill and roll on for miles because you can’t stop? That would be so embarrassing. Or worse, what if you don’t fall and trip for an extended period of time in front of him? The thought alone makes you want to melt into your seat.

“Don’t be nervous, I can teach you whatever you want to learn to do. I have done most of these activities multiple times so I can help”, he says wiggling your hands together for reassurance.

“Okay but you can’t laugh if I fall, trip or make a fool of myself”, you say to him and wait for him to make a promise to you.

“I will try to hold it in but I cannot guarantee that”, he smiles.

“Zayne!”, you say surprised by his response and let go of his hand. You fold your arms to your chest and look out the window.

“I’m sorry but I can’t promise you that. What if you fall in a cute way, I won’t be able to control my laughter”, he says smiling just thinking about it.

“Please forgive me and I apologize in advance if I do in fact laugh”, he says tugging at the end of your puffer jacket. You still face away from him but interlock your hands together again. Heat rises in your cheeks when you feel Zayne squeeze your hand gently.

After about an hour's drive you both arrive at the vacation cabin. The place is enormous and is very luxurious. The cabin is something out of a real estate magazine for very rich people. Zayne parks the car in the driveway and faces you.

“You ready? Remember there is no need to be nervous okay?”, he says, placing his hand to your cheek. You relax against his touch and nod. You know that everything will be fine but you can’t help your nerves. Just as you are about to say something you see Zayne’s parents making their way out of the house and towards his car. He sees the nervousness on your face and turns around to see his parents, he waves at them through the windows of the vehicle.

“Let’s go”, he says and you nod. Zayne opens the door first and you follow suit, getting out of the passenger side.

“Zayne honey oh my goodness, how have you been?”, Zayne's mom immediately goes to hug Zayne and he hugs her back gently.

“I’m fine mom, have you been well?”, he asks and she nods, moving back a bit.

“I’ve been wonderful, sweetie”, she smiles at him. Once his mom says her greetings his dad hugs him as well.

“Welcome back son, it's been too long”, he says, patting his back during the hug. Zayne hugs his dad then pulls away. You can’t help but smile seeing the sweet relationship he has with his parents.

“Good to see you too dad”, Zayne says, pulling away from the hug. As soon as his dad pulls away they all focus their attention on me.

“Y/N is that you?”, Zayne’s mom says in surprise as she looks past Zayne and you make eye contact. You gently smile and wave at his parents.

“Hi, Mr. and Mrs. Li”, you say walking toward them as they make their way toward you as well. Zayne’s mom instantly embraces you in a hug. You hug her back and she holds you gently by the arms as she pulls back.

“What’s with the formalities kiddo? You never call us that”, Zayne’s father says as he pats your head. You instantly feel relaxed and all your nervousness goes away. Zayne was right, it feels exactly like before when I was a kid. Your heart swells at how welcoming they are and how happy they are to see you again.

“Sweetheart you look gorgeous and so grown up. When Zayne told me you both were dating I literally screamed over the phone. I couldn't believe our Y/N and Zayne were finally together”, she says going back in for another hug, this one lasting a bit longer as she sways us side to side. You can’t help but hug her back tightly, feeling a sense of home with them.

“It’s so nice to see you both again. Thank you for welcoming me so kindly”, you say while you both are still hugging. A smile present on your face.

“Oh dear, we are so happy to have you, you can come around anytime”, she says and pats you back as you sway. You make eye contact with Zayne and he smiles, approaching his mom.

“Okay mom, you are going to suffocate her”, Zayne says and pulls his mom back gently from your grasp. She giggles and pulls away, smiling ear to ear.

“I’m sorry dear I got carried away”, she laughs and holds Zayne's arm.

“Oh honey let’s get you inside, we are making dinner we better check on it”, Zayne’s dad insists with a smile and helps her back into the house. Zayne nods at his dad as they both go back inside the house.

“Well I told you they would be happy to see you”, Zayne smiles and you can’t help but feel a sense of relaxation from the encounter.

“Are you alright? Sorry, they were a bit much”, Zayne nervously moving toward you, examining your expression.

“Yeah I'm fine, I feel alot better now and the nerves are gone”, you smile at him and he smiles back down at you. He leans down and kisses your forehead, immediately making you blush.

“You can head inside and I’ll grab our bags. I know my mom has been waiting for you to arrive for some time now. She has been wanting to catch up”, he softly chuckles and you nod. You take a deep breath and make your way into the cabin.

The cabin was just as beautiful on the inside as it was on the outside, if not more. The first floor was beautiful with wooden accents making everything feel homey. There was an upstairs level and you also couldn’t help but notice the amazing high ceilings. There was a beautiful fireplace with a cute living room set centered around it. The smell of dinner made you feel at home. You take off your puffer jacket and place it on the coat rack near the entrance. You can’t believe his family owns such a nice cabin. You smiled as Zayne’s dad walked back into the living room.

“Hi dear, my wife would love it if you could give her a hand in the kitchen. If you ask me, I think she just wants an excuse to talk to you. I’ll go help Zayne bring in your things”, he smiles and you laugh at him throwing Zayne’s mom under the bus. You always admired their cute and playful relationship. You walk into the kitchen to see an array of entrees and sides displayed for dinner.

“Oh hi sweetie, would you mind helping me set the dining table? I will go around and place the food on all plates. Is there something you don’t like? Just tell me your preferences”, she smiles warmly finishing the last dish she prepared. Everything looked wonderful and you couldn’t wait to try it.

“Everything looks amazing, if you don’t mind I will take a bit of everything”, you say grabbing the dishware and cutlery. Zayne’s mom smiles widely as she starts plating the food as you set the dishes down. Zayne’s mom was always so beautiful when she smiled, it's like she was glowing.

“Of course, you will have to let me know what you liked most okay?”, she giggles and you laugh with her. As you both got done she turns towards you in the kitchen.

“I don’t want to pry in your relationship but I just wanted to say I am so happy you both are together. Ever since you both were kids I always thought you were a good influence on Zayne. Now that you both are grown and found each other again, well it just makes my heart so happy”, she smiles and you feel a sense of belonging and warmth.

“Thank you, Mrs. Li. I always looked up to you growing up and your relationship with Mr. Li. I hope Zayne and I can have what you both have. It’s still new so we are figuring things out but we both are happy”, you smile and she starts to get teary eyed.

“Oh my goodness I didn’t mean to upset you Mrs. Li”, you say, grabbing a napkin nearby and handing it to her. She smiles and shakes her head.

“I’m not upset, I’m just happy. Me and your gran talked about the thought of you two being together years ago and I know this would have made her happy as well”, she says wiping her tears away with the napkin. The mention of gran made you tear up as well, Zayne’s mom notices you holding back so she hugs you in a warm embrace.

“You have always been like family to me and you are always welcomed here. We love you sweetheart”, she says and you begin to cry a bit more. Family and belonging is something you have yearned for and now you have it.

“What's going on? Did something happen?”, you hear the voice of Zayne’s dad ask in a worried tone.

“Y/N”, you hear Zayne as well. Zayne’s mom lets you go and you both turn toward them, tears in both of your eyes. Zayne now in only his black turtleneck and his sleeves slightly rolled up.

“Oh don’t worry about us, we just had a moment”, she laughs and you giggle with her wiping your tears away with a napkin as well. Both of their features soften as they both look between the two of you.

“That's enough sapping, let's eat! We have so much to catch up on over dinner”, his mom says while ushering us to the table. You and Zayne sit across from his parents. When you sit down Zayne grabs your hand and gently squeezes it underneath the table. His gesture makes you smile and you squeeze it back softly.

The dinner was delicious, everything Zayne’s mother prepared tasted like it came from a five star restaurant. You cleaned your plate a bit quicker than you would like to admit. However the conversations lasted longer after all the plates were emptied. Everyone talked about old times and what you and Zayne were like as kids. You talked about how you thought Zayne disliked you as a kid growing up and his parents laughed.

“Are you kidding? Zayne never stopped talking about you when you were younger. He would always come home after school and tell us about your time together and all the jokes you would tell him. He always thought your jokes were so funny he had to share them with us. He would work day in and day out in his room making study plans for you to help you out in school. We always thought he had a little crush on you.”, Zayne’s dad exclaimed. This was new information to you, you looked over at Zayne who was wide eyed. His face painted with the cutest shade of pink, and his ears to match.

“Can we not talk about this?”, Zayne says looking down at his palms.

“Oh he would also look up those little collectables you liked online. He couldn’t afford them so he begged us to do chores around the house so he could buy them for you.”, his dad smiles and his mother shushes him, trying to not make Zayne more embarrassed than he already is.

You remember collectables always showing up in your locker with no note on who they were from. You always assumed Caleb put them there and never questioned it.

“That was you who put them in my locker?”, you ask, looking at him, he doesn’t make eye contact with you. This realization warms your heart, you could honestly cry but you hold back your tears. He only nods, he doesn’t say anything.

“I would also find letters in the trash that-“, his dad continued but was cut off.

“Dad, please”, Zayne asked in a firmer tone. His dad closed his mouth slowly and nodded.

“Honey, let's not embarrass them. Why don’t you both get settled upstairs? Come down when you are ready and we can make hot chocolate”, Zayne’s mom saves him from further embarrassment. You smile and nod at them as Zayne gets up from the table, you follow suit.

Zayne doesn’t say anything as he walks up the stairs and into a bedroom. You follow him and you can’t help but admire how beautifully decorated the room was. There was a fireplace in this room as well with an attached bathroom. The whole room looked neat and spotless.

“This is the only other guest bedroom aside from my parents. I will take the couch downstairs”, Zayne says, grabbing his suitcase and goes to exit the room.

“Wait, you don’t have to sleep on the couch”, you say, grabbing his hand that is holding the suitcase. He looks down at your hands and looks back up at you. You quickly move your hands away.

“I don’t want you to feel uncomfortable”, he says looking at the ground.

“I don’t mind sharing, unless you are uncomfortable, then I can sleep on the couch”, you say and he shakes his head.

“No need, we can share if you are okay with that”, he says and you smile, nodding shyly. The silence in the room made the atmosphere not awkward but not comfortable either. Zayne was obviously devastated that his dad shared details that he didn’t want you to know from his teenage years. He also doesn’t know how to converse with you after that. You take the initiative to break the ice and push away any of his uncomfort.

“So how is your mom that good at cooking? I remember her packing me lunches sometimes but i’ve never had anything like that before”, you smile and you can see the relief leave his body.

“She has always been a good cook but I agree. She must have improved her skills knowing you would be visiting”, he laughs returning his suitcase next to yours.

You sit down on the bed and pat the spot beside you, referring him to sit down. He sits down beside you and you grab his hand. His skin is cool to the touch and you trace the small scars from his wrist down to his fingers.

“So what should we do first tomorrow? What is Dr. Zayne willing to teach me?”, you ask and he smiles

and cocks one eyebrow up at you.

“What are you willing to learn?”, he asks and you put a finger up to your chin, making it look like you are pondering his question.

“Hmmmm maybe snowboarding? Or skiing?”, you suggest and he nods.

“Alright, my mother already bought you an outfit to wear for any activities you might want to do while you are here. We can go to the slope after breakfast tomorrow. How does that sound?”, he says while watching you play with his hand, chill bumps forming on his skin.

“That sounds good. I will have to thank her for buying me an outfit, she is too nice”, you say with a smile and he places his other hand on top of yours. You look up to meet his gaze.

“I-um, we should unpack our things”, he lets go of your hand after a moment of eye contact. He is shying away from you. Is he that embarrassed about what his dad said?

Zayne quickly helps you unpack your things as he does his own unpacking as well. He showed you the cute outfit his mother bought you. It is a winter sports outfit that is pink and white. She also got you goggles to match. Zayne’s mom also bought him one to match but the colors are a dark blue and white with the same pattern as yours. You giggle knowing she wanted the both of you to match. He internally face palms but he smiles, not admitting he likes the concept of you both matching.

After unpacking you both head downstairs to join his parents in drinking some hot chocolate by the fireplace. You all are sitting around the living room talking and having a great time when Zayne’s mom claps her hands together, making everyone gain her attention.

“I almost forgot, I have something to show y/n”, she gets up from her seat and scurries away to the other room.

“Oh no, she is bringing it”, Zayne’s dad laughs and looks at Zayne.

“Bringing what?”, Zayne asks, curious to what his mother has planned.

She comes back with a giant book and she plants a seat next to you, making you sit between her and Zayne. The giant book reads “photo album” and you can’t help but smile knowing exactly what's about to happen.

“Is this what I think it is?”, you ask, smiling at his mom. She nods excitedly and you both giggle to each other.

“Mom, why did you bring this?”, Zayne asks with a bit of a whine making you laugh.

“Zayne let me have this. I have been dying to break out the baby photos since you’ve never had a girlfriend before I could show them to”, she laughs and opens the book. You are Zayne’s first girlfriend? You could feel him tense up against you after his mom dropped more new information about him. You oat his hand to non verbally tell him it's okay.

You join in with his mother basking at his baby photos. He was adorable as a baby. The more the pictures went on the older he got in the photos. Seeing Zayne in this new way made your heart melt. She keeps flipping until she stops on one photo.

“Look here is one of you two when you were little. How precious, you both look so cute”, it's a picture of you and Zayne standing side by side with lunch boxes in hand. You are smiling and posing with a V sign; meanwhile, Zayne was standing beside you with no expression on his face and looking into the camera. You can’t help but find it cute, he hasn’t changed much.

“Can I see that picture for a moment?”, you ask and she removes it from the album and hands it to you. You pull out your phone and snap a photo of it. You put your phone away and admire it a bit more. You look over your shoulder and show it to Zayne.

“Look at you, you haven’t changed at all”, you laugh and he examines the photo. He looks at it then at you as he smiles.

“Neither have you, still adorable”, he states and his mom squeals, making you laugh.

“Okay I think that's enough for today”, Zayne says in reaction to his mom.

“No I want to keep looking”, you say and continue to flip through the album with his mom.

After what seems like another hour of flipping through photos you decide to call it a night. You didn’t notice but Zayne had already left the room. You wish his parents a goodnight and make your way up to your shared guest room.

You open the door to see Zayne who looks like he is asleep on the bed. You quietly grab a change of pajamas and go to the bathroom to get ready for bed. You remove your makeup, brush your teeth and change clothes before making your way back into the bedroom. You climb into bed next to Zayne. He has one arm under his pillow and the other laying next to him by his face. You can’t help but admire his handsome features.

You don’t even notice what you are doing before your hand touches his face. You brush a few of his bangs out of his face to admire him more. After that you decide to lightly trace his jaw and nose. You lightly graze his cheek and go to touch his lips. But, before you could, his hand grabbed your wrist. Seconds later his emerald green eyes open and look at you. Your body freezes and all you can do is meet his gaze.

“You are so handsy”, he states and you lightly scoff, making him grin.

“Sorry, I just thought you looked so peaceful. I didn’t mean to wake you up”, you say as he lets go of your hand.

“Don’t apologize, I was awake”, he states and you look at him with disbelief.

“So you were faking being asleep?”, you ask him and he shakes his head.

“No, I simply just had my eyes closed”, he smirks and you lightly swat at his chest. He laughs and interlocks your hands together.

“I’m sorry if anything today made you uncomfortable, I wasn’t planning on sharing those things with you. At least not anytime soon”, he admits fidgeting with your hand.

“I wasn’t uncomfortable. I found it enduring that you had a little crush on me. Back then it would have been nice to know that you didn’t hate me. You were always so cold and stern.”, you giggle and he frowns. He swallows and looks back up to meet your gaze.

“I’ve never been good at expressing my emotions. I used to write them down on paper but I am trying to work on expressing them, especially to the people I care for the most”, he says looking back and forth between your eyes. You feel the familiar heat rise in your cheeks again. You knew Zayne cares for you but hearing him say it gives you reassurance that you need from him.

“I know Zayne and I appreciate you being honest with me. I admit I like it when you express your feelings, it makes me happy to know if you're happy”, you smile and he pauses for a moment before pulling you a bit closer to him. The sudden movement surprises and excites you.

“Can I hold you for a while?”, he asks, his face softening and his cheeks rosy.

“Mhmm”, you reply, adjusting yourself in his arms. You lay your head on his chest, you can feel his stiffened body start to relax. He starts to stroke your hair down your back, helping you relax into his touch. You close your eyes letting yourself get sleepy. Zayne looks down at you and smiles, seeing that you have fallen asleep in his arms.

“You don’t know how much you mean to me”, he says just above a whisper and closes his eyes too, joining you in wonderland.

THE NEXT DAY

“Zayne I don’t know if I can do this”, you say nervously as you have your feet locked into the snowboard beneath you. You look down the intimidating ski slope and begin to internally panic. Zayne sees the anxiety written all over your face and tries to calm you down.

“Don’t worry I am right here. I won’t let you fall”, he says holding both of your hands as you begin to gently slide down the hill inch by inch.

“I feel more comfortable if we went over there”, you say pointing past him. He turns around and looks to see the kid training area with a tiny baby hill where all the kids are sliding down. He can’t help but chuckle and you swat at his arm.

“Don’t make fun of me, I’m really scared”, you sah and he rubs the area on his arm you hit.

“Okay we can go over there if you would prefer it”, he says and you nod vigorously, wanting to get off this huge slope immediately. He smiles and picks you up carrying your bridal style to carry you over to the kid section.

Zayne sets you down and you scan the small hill. Multiple sets of parents are helping their kids learn how to ski or snowboard. You immediately feel more comfortable knowing that if you fall it won’t lead to your impending death. Zayne quickly adjusts your helmet and makes sure you are still secure on the snowboard.

“Okay, ready?”, he asks and you nod. He then makes sure to get on his snowboard and secures himself. He holds your hands in his and he helps you start to move. Moving very slowly down the hill and your eyes are glued to the ground making sure you aren’t going to fall.

“Hey, look at me. Relax and just focus on me”, Zayne says in a gentle tone. You nod and focus on his face as you feel yourself slowly glide down the hill. At some point you become less worried and actually start to enjoy it.

“This is actually kind of fun”, you say and zayne smiles.

“Yeah? You are doing great”, he says and you can feel both of you gliding down the hill a bit faster but it feels like you are flying. You feel so free and happy in this moment with him.

“We are almost at the bottom. When I say we are going to bring our boards to the front of us so we can stop okay?”, he says and you nod, listening to his every direction.

“Okay. 3..2..1”, he says and you both move your boards to the front. However, you knock your board against his and Zayne goes tumbling which in suit makes you tumble. He falls back first onto the snow and you fall on top of him. You both groan feeling the impact of the snow on your bodies.

“Y/N are you alright? You’re not hurt right?”. Zayne asks, taking his goggles off to examine you. He takes your goggles off and can’t help but laugh. He smiles and joins you in your fit of laughter. After the laughter fades you both just take a moment to look at each other. You can’t help but lean down and place your lips on his. He is taken by surprise but he gently moves his lips against yours, closing his eyes.

“Eeewwwe get a room”, the statement of a disgusted little boy breaks the mood and your kiss. The boy skis away and you look at Zayne and start laughing again. You roll off of Zayne and he gets up, extending his hand to help you up.

“I think that's enough snowboarding for me, I don’t think it's my thing”, you laugh as he hands you your goggles.

“That’s okay, you are great at a lot of other things.”, he bends down to help you out of your snowboard and then he releases himself from his.

“Or really? Like what kind of things?”, you ask, taking your snowboard in one hand and holding Zayne’s hand in the other. You both begin to walk up the slope toward the exit as he replies.

“Like hunting wanderers, making funny jokes, eating food, kissing..”, he says, trailing off and looking away. You blush at his statement and pick up some snow and throw it at him.

“What was that for?”, he says in surprise, smiling while also scoffing at your sudden attack.

“You can’t just say those things”, you say trying to hide your face from him.

“I’m just being truthful”, he says as you both continue to walk toward the exit.

Once you both reach the exit you change and make your way back to the cabin. When you reach the cabin Zayne makes you some tea and grabs a warm blanket for you to bundle up in. Zayne’s parents were out for the day on their little date so you had some alone time with him. You both watched movies by the fireplace and had soup for lunch to warm your bellies after a cold day.

“I am going to use the restroom I’ll be right back”, you say and he nods pausing the movie you were both watching. He grabs his phone to check in on his parents as you make your way up the stairs to the guest restroom.

You stop in your tracks when you feel something crunch beneath you right foot. You see a piece of crumpled up paper underneath the dresser, you pick it up and you are about to throw it away but recognize the handwriting as Zayne’s. You go against your better judgement and sit on the bed and open the paper.

It reads:

I’m at a loss for words each time we meet. She enchants me with everything she does. The feeling is overwhelming and at times overbearing. Her presence fills me with warmth, making my cold demeanor waiver. It's different but comforting. Is this feeling of love or something close to it? My heart beats rapidly at every thought of her. I cannot bear to be apart from her, not even for a second. The time we spend apart is the time I spend longing for her, waiting to see her once again. She is of a Jasmine flower, sweet in fragrance and an essence of beauty. Leaving me wanting to catch every petal that may fall. This must be the definition of love, if not then what is? Even though I cannot express it, in my heart it feels true. I want her to experience this feeling I have, even if not with me. I want her to be happy and to love unconditionally.

After you read the letter you feel the tears start falling from your eyes to your cheeks. The paper dated back 10 years ago, when you and Zayne were both in high school together. Right before he left for college, not seeing him again until last year.

“Y/N?”, Zaynes voice makes you turn your gaze from the paper to him. He looks at your now puffy eyes to the paper in front of you.

“You weren’t supposed to see that”, he says, stepping closer to you. You pull the paper closer to you so he can’t grab it.

“Is this about me?”, you say looking up at his worried expression, tears still streaming down your face.

“I didn’t realize that was here. It wasn’t meant to upset you. I shouldn’t have written it, I will get rid-”, he says, going to grab the paper but you move it away from him again.

“Did you really love me back then? Are these words written about me?”, you say and he can only nod slowly, his eyes starting to glisten. You stand up meeting his gaze.

“Why didn’t you tell me back then?”, you ask softly, grabbing his hand. He lowers his gaze to your thumb gently rubbing his hand and he meets your eyes again.

“I- just couldn’t, it would have been selfish of me”, he says, a single tear slipping from his eyes. You place your hand on his cheek, wiping the tear away with your thumb.

“Zayne, loving someone is not selfish. I wish I would have known back then”, you say and watch as another tear slips down his face.

“Nothing has changed, those words still remain in my heart. I love you just as much now as I did back then, but even more. I wanted to wait to tell you once we deepened our relationship but I-“, he pauses and places his hand on yours that's holding his cheek.

“Zayne”, you say softly. You have never seen him open up like this, never seen him at his most vulnerable.

“I don’t expect you to say it back. I want you to be happy whether that's with me or someone else”, he says, tears starting to fall rapidly now. He tries to hide his face to wipe his tears away but you place your other hand on the other side of his face.

“Zayne, I don’t want to be with anyone else. You make me happy, you are the one I love”, you state and his expression in his eyes turns from worry to relief. You wipe the tears from his face as he moves a strand of your hair behind your ear.

“I love you so much”, he states and lowers his head to meet his lips with yours. The kiss was soft, slow and full of unconditional love for each other. He smiles and places his hand behind your neck, deepening the kiss. It's not rushed or even lustful, it's full of years of unspoken love and affection.

You both pull away and you peck his lips one more time, making him smile.

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner”, he says, pressing his forehead against yours.

“I think I was meant to find that letter, I am glad I know now”, you smile, gently playing with the hair at the nape of his neck.

“Where did you find that anyway?”, he asks, looking at the paper.

“Knock knock, sorry I forgot I left something in here by accident”, Zayne’s mom announces, startling you and Zayne both.

“Mom? How long have you been standing there?”, Zayne asks and she ignores his question.

“Ah here it is, it must have slipped out of the photo album”, she says picking up the letter, winking at you then leaving the room. You can’t help but giggle at her sly tactics. She leaves the room and Zayne is left dumbfounded.

“Your mom really was rooting for us huh?”, you laugh and Zayne turns around and watches you as you giggle.

Zayne walks past you and falls face first into the bed, hiding himself from embarrassment. You sit next to him on the bed and stroke his back.

“There there”, you say between giggles as Zayne screams into a pillow.

☾ ⋆*･ﾟ:⋆*･ﾟ

a/n: I apologize to my Zayne girlies, I have failed you. This one ssuuuuccckkkeeeddd. I was debating on scrapping it because I don’t like it. It belongs in the garbage honestly. Even though it’s trash I hope my Zayne girlies got something out of it. I shall do Caleb next me thinks but I am not good at writing fluff so we will see what I do.

[xinnn6]

🤤🤤

Zayne's EN VA has me in a fucking CHOKEHOLD over this entire event and the Immediate Disorder card altered my entire brain chemistry.

Do you all understand how fucking wild it is to hear our dear, big snowman go from his calm, slightly montone cadence to nuanced, hanging-by-a-fucking-thread feral!?

I'm already this man's biggest fan. He is already fulfilling every voice kink I have on a normal day. But holy hell, this event might have just placed him in god-tier for me. And before people come for me, I'm not saying it worked because "oh, he made his voice lower" blah-blah-blah. NO. It wasn't that his voice was lower or more "sexy."

It was the desperation.

It was the fact that it was still Zayne's voice and soft cadence but heightened to a frenzy with each little breath and delicious whimper showing how hard he was trying to hold on. It was Zayne with all of his icy control shattered. Even MC knew that this man would not let go until he had no other option. Infold is always precise with their animations and storytelling. THAT SMUG SMIRK HE GIVES US WHILE BEING INJECTED WITH FRENZY ENHANCER WAS THERE ON PURPOSE.

I don't think the lines were out of character at all, either. Because if you're a Zayne girlie, you know how much of an absolute menace he is while flirting - even if he goes about it in a subtle way. He's also a naturally authoritative person (soft!Dom 100%), so of course he's going to be more demanding, more confident, and even more teasing when all control is gone. Even his telltale little smirk, as rare as a cryptid, morphed into something absolutely devious and knowing.

"You want me to submit? Let me take what I desire first."

I can write an entire essay on this man, so let me pause here...

In my unhinged haze, I made "audio only" kindled so y'all can listen to this like a Secret Times ASMR and suffer right along with me!

I tried to get as many different responses as possible, but there are some repeat phrases during the interactive parts.

Best Enjoyed with Headphones!

Good End - Full Kindled

Bad End starts at the second interactive section. I managed to get quite a few different reactions!

Honorable Mentions: Warden Zaynie YELLING

🫠🫠🫠🫠

I hope you enjoyed these, and I hope this shows some love to Zayne's English VA! All of the VAs were PHENOMENAL (per usual), but this post is for Zaynie because I didn't expect such a drastic change from his usual, and it was flawless!

What were some of your favorite lines from this event?

❄️ UPDATE: I MADE MORE! ❄️

Link: Savage Overture Post

Link: Immediate Disorder Post

🩵💙🤍🩶���🩵💙🤍🩶🖤🩵💙🤍🩶🖤🩵💙🤍🩶🖤🩵💙

[fireflyhq]

Hot Pot Date

Hii! This is my first SMAU so please go easy on me. I know the Xavier girlies will ask, but for right now I only write for Raf, Zayne, Caleb and Sylus because I'm not well versed in Xavier's character! When I am I'll def write for him. This is inspire by those videos of guys taking their girlfriends to hot pot before their periods!

I took a lot of inspiration from @jinwoosbabyboo and @bronzealchemy ! Please go check them out their stories are amazing

Divider credit: @cafekitsune

CW: Mentions of 18+ themes, MDNI!!!

RAFYAEL🐠

"It's been 800 years"

CALEB🍎

"what—was—that—pipsqueak?"

SYLUS🐦‍⬛

"yes, no, maybe so?"

ZAYNE🧊

"traverse the darkness with me"

[shaiyasstuff]

a dance of ice and fire | zayne | chapter three

synopsis : Betrothed to the Crown Prince for the sake of peace, you are seen as a weapon to be wielded, not a queen to rule. But it is not your arrogant, power-hungry fiancé you fear—it is his brother, Zayne. Once indifferent to the throne, Zayne now moves with purpose, his quiet defiance and lingering glances far more dangerous than any war. As alliances shift and tensions rise, one truth becomes clear: he never wanted the crown, but for you, he will take it

content : medieval!au, strategist/advisor!zayne x princess!reader, reader is also future empress consort, arranged marriage!au, elemental!au, forbidden love, maybe a touch of angst if i’m feeling it, loads of eye-fucking, savage reader and zayne, light smut, minors do not interact.

writer’s note : i think i will try to regulate my posting time starting next chapter! Probably almost every day because i currently do not have a life and i’m dedicated to this series :)) also i have received several asks saying that there isn’t enough “romance” scenes, i’d like to say now that i never intended for this fic to be purely “romance”, it is meant to be that way, suspense, political intrigue, and just reader and Zayne being badass. But anywayy, this is for you lovelies @regalillegal @sugarphoric

quote : “I am fire as I am fury. I am not yours.” - reader

parts | one | two | three

It had rained that day.

Not the sharp storms that lashed against the palace walls in the dead of winter, but a warm, quiet kind of rain—the kind that softened the air and blurred the edges of the world.

You were sixteen, standing beneath the twisted arch of the fire gardens, the scent of cinders and blooming flamevine curling in the mist.

Your ceremonial robes were too heavy, your crown too tight, your patience worn thin after hours of being paraded through the halls like a prized artifact.

You had pulled away. Just for a moment.

And he had followed.

Zayne, in his crisp uniform, slightly damp from the rain, his silver-threaded cloak pulled loose and dragging against the stone.

He leaned against the column like he had nothing better to do, arms crossed, watching you with the lazy amusement that had always infuriated you.

“You’re not supposed to be out here.”

You didn’t look at him. You let the rain soak into your sleeves, tilting your head to the sky. “Neither are you.”

He hummed, a soft sound, and you could hear the smirk in it. “Difference is, no one expects anything from me.”

You turned then, narrowing your eyes. “That’s not true.”

Zayne shrugged. “It’s not untrue.”

You studied him—this boy who wore disinterest like armor, who said little but saw everything, who stood in the shadow of a brother who was born to rule.

“You let them underestimate you.”

His eyes lifted to meet yours, quiet, steady. “It’s easier that way.”

You stepped closer, your voice low. “And what happens when they stop?”

Zayne didn’t answer. Not at first. His gaze lingered on yours a second too long. The kind of silence that carried weight.

“Then I suppose I’ll have to remind them why that was a mistake.”

A beat passed. The rain pattered softly on the stone.

And then, he smiled. Just barely. “You look ridiculous in that crown, by the way.”

You scowled. “I hate it.”

He chuckled. “Good. It’ll suit you when you actually take it for yourself.”

You frowned. “That’s not how it works.”

“No,” he murmured, turning back toward the shadows. “But one day it will be.”

You watched him walk away, the rain soaking into the edges of his cloak, and you didn’t know it then—

But that was the first time Zayne ever said he believed in you.

Not with declarations.

But with truth.

Quiet. Steady. Unshakable.

Like him.

—•

Court had dragged, the air in the war chamber thick with tension masked behind noble civility. Discussions of trade disputes and rising unrest droned on, but the real conflict never touched parchment.

It moved in glances. In silence.

In knowing.

Zayne hadn’t said much. He hadn’t needed to.

Each time the crown prince tried to assert himself, Zayne’s gaze would flicker—cool, unreadable—and a few well-placed words would shift the conversation away.

Not forcefully. But deliberately.

By the time the court was dismissed, the power in the room had quietly shifted, and everyone felt it—though most couldn’t name it.

You rose from your seat, smoothing the fabric of your gown, already preparing for another wave of nobles seeking your favor.

But before you could take a step, Zayne’s hand brushed your wrist. Light. Barely a touch.

“Walk with me.”

You looked up. And that’s when you saw it.

Something in his eyes.

He was calm. But there was a gleam behind it.

Not just calculation.

Movement.

Something had already happened.

You followed him without question.

He led you through the quieter halls of the palace, corridors meant for whispers and strategy, not ceremony. At the end of one passage, a man waited—tall, composed, robed in dark green and silver.

Lord Varyn.

Loyal to the crown prince. At least, until recently.

You slowed, your gaze flicking back to Zayne.

Of course.

He had moved the board again.

Without needing permission. Without making a sound.

Zayne didn’t stop walking until he stood just beside the older noble. “He wants to speak with you.”

You arched a brow. “You arranged this.”

Zayne glanced at you, his voice low. “It was time.”

Lord Varyn bowed his head slightly. “Your Highness. I no longer believe the crown is resting on the right heir.”

You kept your expression still, but your heart gave the faintest twist.

He had done it.

Quietly. Cleanly.

And now, the first real piece had shifted.

Zayne’s voice was quiet behind you, meant only for your ears. “They’re watching you. All I had to do was show them where to look.”

And for the first time, you realized—this wasn’t him waiting for power.

This was him taking it.

Lord Varyn bowed his head again in deference, but his eyes remained sharp—measuring. Curious. The kind of man who had survived court politics not by loyalty, but by knowing when to shift it.

You looked between him and Zayne, then allowed the corner of your lips to curve, just barely.

“You’re quick to the point.”

Lord Varyn gave a slight nod. “At court, delay is a luxury only the losing side can afford.”

Zayne stepped forward, hands clasped loosely behind his back. His posture was relaxed, but there was nothing casual about the way he spoke.

“The court is shifting. Slowly, but visibly.” His eyes flicked to Varyn, then back to you.

“My brother rules in name, but he’s losing the confidence of those he depends on. His temper’s too sharp, his actions too loud.”

You said nothing, letting him go on.

“He thought marrying you would be the answer.” There was no venom in Zayne’s tone, only fact. “But now you stand beside me in every council session. You speak with weight. You act with power.” He tilted his head.

“They see it. They see you.”

Varyn shifted slightly, enough for you to notice the approval behind his gaze.

“What are you offering?” you asked, directing it to both of them.

Zayne didn’t miss a beat. “Stability. A court that listens. A ruler who knows the difference between command and control.”

Varyn added, quietly, “And a match that would bring clarity to the line of succession.”

The room fell still. That last line was not a suggestion—it was an alignment.

Zayne didn’t react, didn’t press. He was letting it sit. Letting it be your choice.

But everything about his presence told you—this wasn’t just a meeting.

It was a turning point.

You met Varyn’s gaze again, then turned back to Zayne, studying the man who had once stayed behind the curtain, and now stood inches from the throne.

He had moved first.

And now, all eyes were on you.

You let the weight of Varyn’s words settle, the subtle declaration behind them not lost on you. He wasn’t just pledging interest.

He was positioning himself.

You turned your gaze fully to him, your voice smooth, deliberate. “We will need more support.”

Then—you looked to Zayne.

Not as a question.

As a signal.

And he understood. Instantly.

There was no need to speak it aloud. This was no longer about influence. If they were going to move against the crown prince, it would require more than whispered alliances and political pressure.

It would take force.

You returned your attention to Varyn, your tone unchanged, but your words now edged with steel. “What are your numbers currently?”

A beat passed. The air in the room tightened.

Varyn’s expression didn’t shift, but something sharper moved behind his eyes. He straightened slightly, folding his hands behind his back with practiced grace.

“Just over four hundred. Trained, loyal. Mostly stationed along the outer ridges of the eastern garrison.”

Zayne’s eyes narrowed slightly. “The crown’s been unaware of that positioning.”

Varyn gave a quiet nod. “Because I preferred it that way.”

You studied him. His posture, his tone, his calculated restraint. Varyn wasn’t just some noble clinging to influence—he had been preparing. Waiting for the right time.

Waiting for someone worth backing.

“Four hundred is a start,” you said calmly, eyes locking with his. “But not enough to threaten the throne if he suspects us too soon.”

Zayne stepped forward, his voice lower now. “He won’t. Not yet. He’s too busy trying to keep the court from slipping out of his grip.” He glanced at you. “Let him believe he still has you, and he’ll keep reaching.”

“And when he reaches too far,” you finished, “we break his hand.”

Varyn’s mouth lifted in the faintest smile. “Then I suggest we begin coordinating quietly. My banners will not rise until you give the word—but when they do, they will not fall.”

You nodded once.

Not as permission.

As a pact.

The first of many.

—•

The corridors had long emptied, leaving only the echo of footsteps that were no longer there and the faint whisper of torchlight against stone.

You didn’t speak as you and Zayne walked, the silence stretching between you not out of discomfort, but something else—calculation, anticipation, certainty.

The conversation with Lord Varyn was still fresh. You had crossed a line tonight. One that couldn’t be uncrossed.

Zayne led you into a quiet chamber tucked near the old observatory. A fire already burned in the hearth, its light casting long shadows across the walls. No one else would come here. Not tonight.

You stepped inside first. He followed, and when the door shut behind him, it felt like the world outside ceased to matter.

For a moment, neither of you spoke.

Then, Zayne’s voice broke the silence—quiet, but certain.

“That was more than a conversation.”

You turned toward him. “It was a beginning.”

He nodded once, slow. “He’s with us now. One of many we’ll need.”

You stepped toward the fire, your arms folded loosely, your gaze fixed on the flickering flames. “We’ll need more. And we’ll need them to choose us, not just abandon him.”

Zayne stepped beside you, his presence a familiar chill wrapped in steadiness. “They will.”

You looked at him then, studied him. The weight in his eyes, the sharpness of his calm.

“You moved before I ever said yes.”

He didn’t deny it. His mouth quirked in the faintest smirk. “You never needed convincing.”

You let a soft breath escape, something between a sigh and a laugh. “You really were always one step ahead.”

Zayne’s voice dropped, softer now. “Only when it came to you.”

That pulled your gaze back to him. His expression didn’t change, but his eyes—his eyes said everything.

Not strategy. Not power.

You.

And just like that, the heat in the room felt heavier, pressing in with everything unspoken.

Your fingers brushed his, light at first, testing. When he didn’t pull away, you laced them together.

“We’re doing this, aren’t we?”

Zayne’s voice was low, sure. “We already are.”

His hand tightened around yours, grounding you—not just in the moment, but in the war you were both about to wage.

Together.

He stepped a little closer, his other hand brushing your waist, anchoring you. He didn’t kiss you.

Not yet.

But his forehead rested against yours, and the air between your lips was shared like a secret.

“Let him hold the empire in his hands,” Zayne murmured, “for a little longer.”

Your voice came softer still. “He won’t see us coming.”

And in the stillness that followed, the war outside the walls felt a little further away.

Because here, in this stolen moment of fire and quiet, you were no longer standing behind the throne.

You were ready to claim it.

The fire crackled softly beside you, casting golden light across the room and painting Zayne’s features in warm, flickering shadows.

His forehead still rested against yours, his hand steady at your waist, grounding you. There was no rush in his touch, no hunger in his silence—just that same undeniable certainty that had followed him since the moment he made his move.

The war outside these walls felt distant now.

But what stood between you felt sharp. Alive. Inevitable.

You drew in a breath, quiet, controlled. “You’ve changed.”

Zayne didn’t pull back. His voice was soft, near your lips. “So have you.”

Your fingers brushed his chest, the steady beat of his heart beneath your palm. “You stopped pretending you didn’t want this.”

His mouth quirked, a near-smile. “Because you stopped pretending you didn’t see it.”

You didn’t answer. You didn’t need to.

Because everything had already been said in the way you followed him here, in the way you stood this close without flinching.

Because of the way his lips found yours so easily. Measured, ready.

Like he had been waiting.

Like he always knew this moment would come.

Your lips moved with his, quiet but unrelenting, his fingers curling slightly at your side.

The way he touched you wasn’t demanding.

It was decisive.

And you leaned into it.

Into him.

Letting the weight of what had been, and what was coming, melt away just for this breath of time.

When he finally pulled back, his voice came low, rough at the edges. “He’ll come for you.”

You looked up at him, calm and clear. “Let him.”

A beat passed.

“You’re not afraid?”

Your lips brushed his once more, softer this time. “Of him? No.”

Zayne’s smirk returned, sharper now, and he leaned closer, his voice a murmur in your ear.

“Good. Because I don’t plan to let you go.”

You turned toward the fire, still close, still tethered to him by something heavier than touch.

“Then you better be ready to take the empire.”

Zayne’s reply came without pause.

“Only if you’re standing beside me.”

And with that—the moment broke.

Not in silence, not in regret.

But in a quiet, unshakable understanding:

The storm could come.

And you would face it together.

—•

The throne room was thick with tension—stifling, cold, and too still.

Sunlight filtered in through the stained-glass windows, casting fractured light across marble floors, but there was no warmth in it. Only the kind of stillness that came before a storm.

Every noble was summoned without reason.

You stood near the war table, flame-red cloak trailing behind you, chin high. The nobles whispered in tight clusters, casting furtive glances between the throne and where you stood.

And then—he rose.

The crown prince.

He wore black and silver, shoulders squared, the empire’s crest pressed into his chest like a claim. His voice rang out clear and commanding.

“Let the court bear witness.”

Silence fell.

“The alliance between fire and ice shall be bound, as was promised. And before all gathered here, the Princess of Fire will speak her vow. She will take her place at my side—as my future Empress.”

The words were not request.

Not proposal.

They were law.

Murmurs stirred like wind against glass. Some in shock, others nodding, as if they had been waiting for this moment to be forced.

You didn’t move.

You felt the weight of his gaze pressing into you. Challenging. Cornering.

He stepped toward the center of the dais, hands outstretched as if delivering the final blow.

“You swore yourself to the empire. You swore yourself to me. Do not forget what that means.”

Your breath was steady. Controlled. But the heat beneath your skin rose, not in a burst—in a warning.

You stepped forward. Slowly. Each heel against the marble cracked the silence open a little more.

Then you spoke.

“I remember my vow.” You met his eyes. “And I remember who you were when I gave it.”

He blinked. Just once. You saw the flash of something behind his eyes—uncertainty.

“You rule with fear,” you said, voice rising, steady and sharp. “You corner, you command, and now you summon the court like a blade to my throat. And you think this makes you strong?”

His tone dropped, cold and cutting. “It makes me Emperor.”

A hush fell.

You stepped onto the first step of the dais. Then the second. Fire danced around the edges of your cloak—rising, responding, not wild, but watching.

“No,” you said. “It makes you afraid.”

The court held its breath.

“Afraid of losing what you never truly held.”

He stared, unmoving, but his hands curled into fists. Frost bloomed at his feet—uncontrolled, jagged.

“You are mine by oath.”

Without missing a beat, “I am no one’s possession.”

Then—you raised your hand.

The flames at the torches lining the hall burst higher, bright enough to draw startled gasps.

You turned, slowly, addressing the court.

“Let all present remember this day.” Your voice echoed through the chamber. “I was promised to power, not to fear. I was promised to the empire, not to its heir.”

And then—you looked him in the eye.

“I am fire as I am fury. I am not yours.”

The court broke.

Some nobles stepped back. Others exchanged hurried whispers. The divide had been drawn—clear, irreparable.

And from the far side of the chamber, Zayne moved. He didn’t speak. He didn’t need to.

He was already walking toward you.

The crown prince said nothing as you stepped down from the dais—as you passed him without pause.

But the cold from where he stood clung to the floor, sharp and silent.

He knew.

This was the beginning of the end.

Your footsteps echoed as you descended the dais, the flames trailing in your wake slowly dimming, falling quiet. The chamber buzzed, tension strung tight across every noble’s shoulders. A line had been drawn.

And everyone knew it.

The crown prince did not speak immediately. He stood frozen at the center of the dais, expression unreadable. But the frost at his feet crept outward, curling across the marble like veins of ice cracking beneath glass.

Then—his voice rang out, louder than before. Cold. Commanding.

“You would humiliate the crown before the court?”

You stopped walking. Slowly, you turned to face him again.

“I simply speak the truth.”

His jaw clenched. His hands were at his sides, but tight, trembling with restrained fury.

“You insult your title. You insult the unity our fathers built. You insult me.”

“Then perhaps you should ask why so much crumbles around you,” you replied, “every time you try to hold it.”

A gasp from somewhere in the court. The frost reached the base of the war table, creeping up its legs.

The prince stepped forward now, descending one step from the dais, his voice sharp with something darker than pride.

“Enough.”

You didn’t flinch.

“You defy the throne,” he continued. “You defy your duty.”

“No,” you said evenly. “I defy you.”

The frost snapped, a crack tearing through the marble beneath his feet as the chill in the room surged outward, reaching toward you. A few nobles stepped back instinctively. Some didn’t move at all—afraid of taking the wrong side.

But, for the first time, the crown prince truly dropped his mask.

His voice echoed with cold power. “Then you will be stripped of your station.”

The court gasped again.

“You walk away from your vow?” His eyes burned with fury, but his voice remained deathly still.

“Then you walk away from everything. From your title, from the council, from the court.”

Silence.

Heavy. Thick.

Even the fire dimmed.

But before anyone could react—another voice cut through.

“That decision isn’t yours to make.”

Zayne.

He stepped forward, his hands behind his back, his face calm, but his eyes—glacial. Unmoving. Dangerous.

The room turned.

The crown prince’s gaze snapped to him.

“You dare speak for her?”

“I don’t need to,” Zayne said smoothly. He glanced at you, then returned his gaze to his brother. “But you’re not the Emperor. Not yet. Perhaps, if you try acting like it.”

A thin crack of frost spread toward Zayne’s feet, but he didn’t move. He simply smiled—slow, deliberate.

“Let the court remember this day,” he said softly. “You tried to silence fire.”

He paused.

“And you burned for it.”

The tension broke.

Court erupted—raised voices, divided loyalties, the nobles now forced to choose where they stood.

You turned from the dais once more. Zayne was already beside you. No words exchanged. Just a shared glance.

The war had truly begun.

And the empire would never be whole again.

—•

The court had descended into chaos.

Not the kind with blades and blood—not yet.

Because in the world of nobles and crowns, whispers were sharper than swords, and every word spoken in that throne room now carried the weight of a kingdom.

In the days that followed, the ripple became a wave.

Some houses backed away from the court entirely, withdrawing their banners under the guise of “neutrality.” Others aligned themselves more openly—some with Zayne, some with the crown prince, but very few dared to remain undecided.

The empire had fractured. Not with fire, not with ice—but with choice.

Behind closed doors, secret meetings unfolded. Promises were made. Old alliances were tested.

Some shattered.

Others quietly re-formed beneath new names.

Zayne moved swiftly.

Where the crown prince ruled with cold commands, Zayne dealt in quiet confidence, gathering influence not through fear but through certainty—the kind of certainty that made men believe the crown might sit better on someone else.

And beside him stood you.

No longer just the Princess of Fire, no longer just a political tool to be passed between kingdoms.

You had become something else—a symbol. A storm.

A threat. One that cannot be ignored.

Your refusal in court had changed everything. You had burned away the illusion of unity. And from its ashes, a war for the future of the empire had begun.

Whispers of rebellion rose in the eastern provinces, where Varyn’s banners gathered in silence. Scribes in the capital noted an unusual number of military transfers.

And more than one noble who had once spoken in favor of the crown prince now remained conspicuously quiet.

But in the palace, the most dangerous game was still being played.

Zayne and the crown prince walked the same halls.

Sat at the same council meetings.

Smiled with the same teeth.

But every word was a test.

Every look a blade.

And you?

You were the spark between them.

Chosen.

Feared.

Watched.

Not for what you were.

But for what you might become.

The tipping point.

The war hadn’t broken out.

Not yet. But it was coming.

And everyone knew, the first true strike would not be made with steel—but with a decision.

The sun was setting when you found him again.

Not in the war chamber, not in the shadowed corridors where deals whispered to life, but on the old terrace overlooking the southern cliffs. The wind carried the salt of the sea and the scent of old stone warmed by the sun.

Zayne stood alone, arms braced on the stone railing, cloak drifting with the breeze. He didn’t turn at your approach. He didn’t have to.

He always knew when it was you.

You stepped beside him, the silence between you familiar now.

Not heavy. Not uncertain.

Shared.

Below, the waves crashed against jagged rock, constant and restless.

“You’ve set it in motion,” you said, voice low.

Zayne didn’t flinch. “So have you.”

You watched the ocean for a moment longer, then turned your eyes to him. He looked calm—too calm for a man who had just thrown the empire into quiet revolt.

But you knew better.

“You always knew it would come to this.”

He finally looked at you, eyes cool and unreadable. “I didn’t want it to.”

“But you prepared for it.”

A pause.

His lips quirked, dry and humorless. “Because I knew he would force our hand. Eventually.”

You studied him—this man who wore silence like armor, who spoke in strategy and subtle defiance, who had once stood in the shadows and now stood at your side, unapologetic.

“You move like someone used to being overlooked,” you said. “But you’re not hiding anymore.”

Zayne’s gaze dropped briefly to your hand resting on the edge of the stone, then back to your face. “I never hid from you.”

The words weren’t soft. They were true.

You drew in a breath, letting it sit in your chest for a moment before releasing it. “Everything’s changed.”

“It had to.”

You leaned in, just slightly, voice a murmur between you. “They’re going to come for us.”

“Then let them.”

His words were quiet, but beneath them was steel.

The same kind you’d seen in his eyes the day you first defied the court together.

You watched him for a long moment.

Then—your hand found his.

No grand gesture. No declarations. Just a steady, simple touch.

And he let it happen.

Because this wasn’t a moment of passion or politics. This was acknowledgment.

Of what you were.

Of what he had become.

Of what you were becoming—together.

The silence stretched again, this time comfortable, a lull before the tide rose.

“We’ve crossed the line,” you said finally.

Zayne’s hand tightened around yours.

“Then we don’t go back.”

You smile, nodding down at nothing.

The sea rolled below you, endless and indifferent, its rhythm the only constant in a world that had shifted beneath your feet.

Zayne’s hand remained in yours, steady. Unyielding.

But your gaze was distant now, fixed on the horizon where fire-tinted clouds met water.

“I didn’t want it to come to this,” you said, voice quiet. “Not like this.”

Zayne didn’t speak. He didn’t need to. The silence gave you room.

“There was a time I thought I could live within the system. Be what they needed me to be. Marry him. Stand beside the throne. Try to change things from inside the cage.” You exhaled, the memory bitter at the edges. “I thought that would be enough.”

Your fingers tightened around the stone railing, knuckles white.

“I wore the crown they gave me. I smiled when they told me to. I said nothing when they looked at me like a weapon wrapped in silk.”

Zayne turned his head slightly, watching you—not with pity, but with that quiet attention he always offered when your walls cracked.

“And when you stopped?” he asked softly.

You huffed a breath that wasn’t quite a laugh. “When I realized no matter how still I stood, they were always going to set me on fire.”

He was silent again. But he moved closer, his shoulder brushing yours. His presence an anchor.

“And now you’re burning everything down,” he murmured.

You looked at him then, and there was no regret in your eyes—only truth.

“No. I’m just refusing to be the thing they strike a match against.”

Zayne’s lips twitched—just enough to be something like approval.

“You were always going to reach this point. You just didn’t want to be the one to start the fire.”

You nodded slowly, your voice softer now. “Because once it starts, it doesn’t stop.”

He turned fully toward you, his hand rising to tuck a piece of wind-tossed hair behind your ear.

“Then we make sure it burns the right things.”

You didn’t look away.

Because in that moment, you both understood—this was no longer about power. It never really had been.

It was about freedom.

About choice.

And about the fact that neither of you were willing to stand back while the empire collapsed under the weight of someone else’s crown.

“Then we see it through,” you said.

Zayne’s eyes held yours. “Together.”

And with that word, the fire you had been trying to contain didn’t feel like a burden anymore.

It felt like purpose.

The wind shifted, brushing against your cheeks with salt and dusk and the faintest chill.

Zayne hadn’t moved. Not really. But you could feel it—how present he was.

How still.

And yet, inside you, there was a flicker of something else.

Not fear.

Not doubt.

But guilt.

Your gaze dropped to where your hand still rested in his. You traced the shape of his fingers with your thumb, quietly, before you spoke.

“I know you didn’t want this.”

Zayne tilted his head slightly, watching you. Saying nothing.

“You never cared for power. You were content to stand in the shadows, to pull the strings and let your brother wear the crown.” Your voice dipped, softer now, heavy.

“But now you’re stepping into the fire. Into something that was never meant to be yours.”

Still, he didn’t speak.

So you went on.

“And I can’t help but wonder if it’s because of me.”

His brow twitched, almost imperceptibly. But his hand didn’t pull away.

“I dragged you into this.” You swallowed. “I made a choice in that court. I struck the match, and now the whole empire’s watching to see if it burns. I didn’t mean for it to fall on you.”

Zayne’s fingers tightened around yours—not harshly, but enough to make you stop. To feel him.

“You didn’t drag me anywhere.”

You looked up, and there it was again—that quiet, unshakable certainty.

“I stepped forward the moment I saw the path.” He paused, eyes locked on yours. “And if I’m walking it beside you, it’s not a burden. It’s a choice.”

The words sank into you slowly, like warmth returning to frozen skin.

But still, something in you resisted.

“You’ve already sacrificed more than you ever intended to.”

Zayne gave a faint breath of something like a laugh—barely audible. “I’ve only ever sacrificed what was worth letting go.”

A pause. He leaned in, his voice quieter now, just for you.

“But I’ve never once considered letting go of you.”

Your throat tightened. The weight of it—his resolve, his loyalty, the way he never asked for thanks, never asked for anything, not even now—it settled into your chest like something too sacred to name.

You reached up and placed your hand against his chest, feeling the steady rhythm beneath your palm.

“You should’ve walked away when you had the chance.”

Zayne smiled then, slow and sure. “You should know by now, I don’t run from fire.”

And you believed him.

Because he never had.

[aikkyuu]

???? THAT’S FOUL😭

[fayfaygoes]

I had something funny in mind when I read this line so I drew it

The drawing

[purinbunnii]

The Hunger Beneath

Days passed.

You should have been terrified.

But Zayne was not cruel.

He did not touch you. He did not demand anything from you. In truth, it felt like he was the one avoiding you. You would catch glimpses of him in the halls, in the vast, empty rooms of the castle. Watching from the edges, his presence a shadow at your back.

And yet, something was wrong.

You noticed it in the way his hands trembled when he poured himself wine at dinner. The way he never ate. The way his eyes lingered too long when you brushed hair from your neck.

He was starving.

You realized it one night when you awoke to find him standing at the foot of your bed, his breath uneven, his fingers curled into fists.

He did not move.

He only watched.

You should have screamed. But somehow, you already knew—he didn’t want this.

And yet, something in him needed it.

When he finally spoke, it was a whisper, hoarse with something raw and broken.

“You should be afraid of me.”

You weren’t.

Not yet.

But you would be.

Because one day, the hunger would win.

And you weren’t sure if you would stop him.

Or if you even wanted to.

@luli-lads

[sylfhia]

Esto es más dirigido al público hispanohablante.

Quiero compartir esta lista de reproducción del cual subo en orden todos los capítulos de la historia principal de Love and Deepspace traducido al español.

Lista: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9pGZLoad_t8U-j0RJ7FBMZztEgmpmwV7&si=xBHp-Z42hZ8gZdDV

𓎟𓎟𓎟𓎟𓎟𓎟𓎟𓎟𓎟𓎟𓎟𓎟𓎟𓎟𓎟𓎟𓎟𓎟𓎟𓎟𓎟𓎟𓎟𓎟𓎟𓎟𓎟𓎟𓎟𓎟𓎟𓎟𓎟𓎟𓎟𓎟𓎟𓎟𓎟

╌╌﹒UNDER DEEPSPACE ✦︵

⋄ Capítulo 1 (To Begin) ⋄ Capítulo 2 (The First Mission) ⋄ Capítulo 3 (Talented Hunter) ⋄ Capítulo 4 (Under Twilight) ⋄ Capítulo 5 (Eternal Aurora) ⋄ Capítulo 6 (Endless Night) ⋄ Capítulo 7 (Moonlight Under Sea) ⋄ Capítulo 8 (Galactic Sunset)

╌╌﹒LONG-AWAITED BEVELRY ✦︵

⋄ Capítulo 1 (Ambiguous Chaos) ⋄ Capítulo 2 (Breakthrough)

╌╌﹒PROLOGUE TO TOMORROW ✦︵

⋄ Capítulo 1 (Eye Of The Storm) - Thorns Under The Moon (En proceso)

[ollieneedsamilkshake]

I put up a Zayne edit for shits and giggles and it actually got some love 💪💪

Anyways here's another edit of my Husband

(I don't know what the song is, but I don't known it, so no-one sue me :) )

[scorpyuu]

✨ Nightly rendezvous ✨

Before 🍎 comes home.

Which one is your favourite?

[b-ibilly]

Are we seeing this zayne girlies?!

AND THE BUSINESS PROPOSAL SCENE ?!

[ilovemitsuya]

How he used to look at MC vs now.

his smile<333

[khioneee]

zayne hates the way you look in a hospital bed.

the sheets are too white, the room too sterile, and the iv in your arm makes his stomach twist in ways he won’t admit. you look smaller like this.

too still, too quiet. it doesn’t suit you.

‘you should get some rest,’ he says, his voice even, professional. detached, like a doctor should be. but you know better. you always have.

‘you’re here again,’ you murmur, tilting your head just enough to meet his eyes.

he doesn’t answer. instead, he adjusts the blanket over your shoulders, making sure it covers you properly. it’s a useless gesture because the room is warm, and you’re not shivering.

but he does it anyway.

a ghost of a smile tugs at your lips. ‘you should be more careful, doctor,’ you tease, voice quiet but laced with something familiar, something warm. ‘the others might think i’m your favorite patient.’

he should roll his eyes. scoff. say something sarcastic like he always does. but this time, he doesn’t. instead, he just shakes his head, something unreadable passing through his gaze before he looks away.

for a second, you swear he almost says something. but then he pulls back, his hand leaving your blanket, his presence retreating ever so slightly.

you let it go.

it’s late when he comes back. the overhead lights are dimmed, the quiet hum of machines the only thing filling the room. you’re half-asleep when you hear the soft click of the door, but even in the haze of exhaustion, you know it’s him. you always do.

‘you should go home, zayne,’ you mumble, voice thick with sleep. ‘get some rest.’

‘i was.’ his voice is quiet, careful. ‘didn’t feel right.’

‘you care for me too much.’

‘nonsense,’ he said instead. ‘there’s only way too much or none at all.’

you force your eyes open, blinking up at him. he’s standing at the foot of your bed, hands in his pockets, his coat slightly wrinkled like he’s been running on autopilot all day.

‘zayne—’

‘you said something earlier,’ he interrupts, and there’s something in his tone—hesitation, maybe. or something heavier. ‘about being my favorite patient.’

you let out a tired huff of laughter. ‘what, did it offend you? i can take it back.’

he exhales sharply through his nose, not quite a laugh, but not quite nothing. then, after a beat, he moves closer, just enough for his voice to drop into something barely above a whisper.

‘you’re my most important patient.’

the words settle between you, sinking into the space where exhaustion lingers, where unspoken things have always gone unsaid.

you study him, taking in the way his jaw tightens, the way his fingers flex at his sides like he’s resisting the urge to reach for you.

‘yeah?’ you murmur, softer this time.

his gaze flickers to yours, steady and certain. ‘yeah.’

you don’t say anything after that. but you don’t need to.

instead, your eyes drift to the chair beside your bed. ‘you’re staying, aren’t you?’

he doesn’t answer, but he doesn’t have to. with a quiet sigh, he lowers himself into the chair, shifting slightly to get comfortable. not that he ever will. the chair is stiff, unforgiving, and he’s been running on too little sleep for too many days.

but he doesn’t complain. he never does.

you watch him for a moment longer, the steady rise and fall of his chest, the way his eyes linger on you even as he leans back.

‘go to sleep,’ he murmurs, closing his eyes. ‘doctor’s orders.’

you want to argue, to tell him he should be the one sleeping somewhere comfortable, but the weight of exhaustion is already pulling you under. the last thing you see before you drift off is zayne, slouched in that uncomfortable chair, his breathing steady, his presence unwavering.

and for the first time in a long time, you don’t feel alone.

because you never knew it. never realized it.

but zayne became a doctor for you.

when you were little and scraped your knee, he was the one who pressed plasters to your skin, his hands careful, his touch gentle. when you sniffled from the sting, he’d ruffle your hair and say, ‘there. all better.’

when you climbed trees too high and got stuck, it was zayne who came running, scolding you under his breath as he helped you back down. and when you fell, because you always fell, he was the one who knelt beside you, wiping the dirt from your palms before you even had the chance to cry.

when you got sick, he was the one who snuck into your house with soup he swore wasn’t that bad, sitting by your bed even when you told him to go home. he would press the back of his hand against your forehead like he had seen adults do, frowning like he could will the fever away just by staying close.

when you started training to be a hunter, he was the one who patched you up after every battle, every wound, every brush with death.

he never once told you to quit, but every time he stitched a cut or wrapped a bandage around your wrist, his hands would linger, as if memorizing every scar.

and now, when the world threatens to break you, he’s still here.

still taking care of you. still choosing to stay.

you wake up hours later, the room still cloaked in soft, early-morning silence. the first thing you notice is the warmth around your wrist.

zayne.

he’s asleep in the chair, his head tilted slightly, dark circles visible beneath his eyes. his hand is wrapped around your wrist, fingers loose but still holding on, like he fell asleep taking your pulse.

like he needed proof that you were still here.

still breathing.

you shift slightly, just enough to tighten your fingers around his. he stirs for only a second but doesn’t let go.

and neither do you.