#emerald gap necklace

[carolynjcole]

When it comes to making a statement with elegance and sophistication, few pieces can match the allure of the Aphrodite Double Strand 18 Necklace. This stunning necklace, with its intricate design and luxurious appeal, is not just a piece of jewelry; it is a symbol of timeless beauty and grace. I, Carolyn J. Cole, am delighted to share my excitement about purchasing this exquisite piece from Khepri Jewels, and I encourage you to explore this breathtaking creation for yourself.

[yanderestarangel]

♡ — 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐂𝐀𝐍𝐎𝐍𝐒 𝐑𝐄 | 𝐃𝐀𝐃𝐃𝐘'𝐒 𝐅𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐍𝐃!𝐀𝐋𝐁𝐄𝐑𝐓 𝐖𝐄𝐒𝐊𝐄𝐑

— TW: smut, praise, dark themes, age gap, light yandere, age gap, friend of your farher!albert wesker, v!sex, manipulation, nsfw, distorted mind, oral, afab anatomy, blackmail, recorded sex, daddykink, no pronouns used besides 'you'.

♡—Wesker was a sick man, he knew that, but Albert's darkest desires could not be ignored for long. He was your dad's co-worker, and to tell the truth, he hated the man, however, there was something about your father that interested him... You.

♡— Wesker, unfortunately for you, laid eyes on you, it was just small glances behind the dark lenses of his glasses, but soon after, you were already in the scientist's darkest thoughts. He thought you were a precious thing, a little pearl that needed to be protected by him, so he decided to get even closer to your dad, it was so easy to manipulate the man and infiltrate your family that Albert found it pathetic, but he needed you... Being close to you, you were eating away at his mind with every bitter second that passed in the older man's abjacent solitude.

♡— Wesker could just get rid of anyone in the worst way possible and lock you up in a place isolated from everything and everyone, make you his untouched little doll, lock you in a glass dome and watch you all day — he could force you to loving him, worshiping him like a god, he wanted to make you walk on the ground he walks on and see your tongue lick every drop of his seed, things escalated very quickly for him, but he didn't care, in the blonde's head, he was a superior being, and could do anything he wanted.

♡— Wesker researched every strong and weak point of your personality, in a few days he had a folder and raw files of hours and hours of recordings of you, either with the wiretap he secretly placed on your cell phone, or with the cameras hidden behind home — which he put it when he went to your house, to drink some wine and hand over some papers from the umbrella to your dad — or for the hours he spent stalking every post of yours on the internet. He knew everything about you... Absolutely everything, you were his obsession, you were his property and his alone... It didn't take long for you to realize that.

♡— Wesker began with calm touches, as if he were watering a flower, wetting your petals of desire with the nectar of hot, forbidden touches. He would pay you so much attention, wearing the best smile behind his serious and cold face, his lips would always have an expression of comfort for you — He would always shower you with sweet nicknames, telling you how proud he is of you always giving your best to you. college grades, or how good you were. He would divert your father's attention just to visit you in your room, giving you expensive gifts that you had wanted for a long time. "— I just remembered you baby, it suits your eyes, don't worry about the value sweetheart." Albert would speak in a hoarse tone, placing the emerald necklace around your neck, brushing his fingers for too long on your skin and leaving soon after, leaving you with a confused feeling in your chest and a heat in your core.

♡— Wesker has been mentally writing down the best nicknames he can think of. "— My Prince/Princess, My doll, My baby boy/baby girl, My little gem, My good boy/girl, honey, darling, dear, sweet little thing." And all of them are accompanied by mischievous phrases and smiles. " — Good job prince/princess, you did well... Keep it up." " — you really are a cute little thing, aren't you? Making Daddy happy." The scientist would purr in your ear, away from your father's eyes... Not that he cares much, but he loves the feeling of adrenaline, seeing your face blush, you would be a mess for a simple compliment or word of affirmation... It was so cute to him, like a stalking prey, a deer lost and beautiful in the snow.

♡— Wesker knew that resisting his charm was never an option, and it wouldn't be. He is a man who knows how to play his cards right, and it wouldn't take long for him to trap you in his web of manipulation and possession, he would make you his body, mind and soul, break you to the breaking point.

♡— Wesker would have luxurious dinners at his penthouse, calling his family, an excuse to see you again. He would get your dad drunk enough to pull you to some corner of the house and pull down your clothes, slapping your ass hard as he knelt kissing your clit, forcing you to lean against the cold wall while he fucked you out. "— Fuck imagine if your father comes in here and sees his sweet son/daughter like that? Fucking his friend?" Albert smiled mischievously, as he inserted two thick fingers into your hole, stretching you to the sides, leaving you well prepared for him. He would hold you with his strong arms, taking you to the table where your father slept drunk, fucking you in front of the man's sleepy body. " — Fucking h-hell Mmm- imagine if he wakes up? Seeing you like this? Seeing that you're nothing but a fucking slut." He babbled, pushing the base of his dick into your cunt, while you covered your moans with your hand, feeling your eyes roll back into your head with pleasure.

♡— Wesker will fuck you in your own house, making an excuse for your father who needs to recommend some colleges to you, while he aggressively beats you on the mattress, tying your ankles with his tie, while overstimulating your pussy, inserting his shaft repeatedly into your uterus, he'll just take out even the tip and put it all in at once with a sadistic smile on his thin lips. "—I could fuck you like this all day."

♡— Wesker would say such dirty and sweet things to you while turning you into a dumb mess. " — Your sweet little pussy is made for my cock, isn't it?" His free hand reaches down to caress your breasts, pinching and pinching your sensitive nipples, eliciting more moans from your lips. He continues to tease and torment you, pushing you closer to the edge of orgasm before pulling back, prolonging your agony - and his, you could beg and whimper, as he takes a cell phone out of his pocket, focusing on your wet, abused hole. " — Oh, you little slut," he grows. " —I love the way you look when my cock stretches you out like this Ah- Fuck sweetheart-" And just as you're about to fall, he slows down once again, prolonging your ecstasy, the buildup almost unbearable. "—Not yet, my dear," he whispers in your ear, his voice filled with wicked delight. "—You will come when I say so. Only when I give you permission."

♡— Wesker will take several photos of your body covered in semen, in compromising positions and with his dick in your mouth, videos, gifs or any digital media available, he will manipulate and chat you so that you are always his, always stay on his side.

" — You will never run away from me, my little pet... Or else... Your father and all your family, friends... They will know what a whore you are, so just be good and keep your mouth shut, pretty boys/girls don't think."

©𝙔𝘼𝙉𝘿𝙀𝙍𝙀𝙎𝙏𝘼𝙍𝘼𝙉𝙂𝙀𝙇 2023

[tallulah477]

Birthday Gift

Kinkmas Day 2: Titty Fucking

Pairing: Prince!Human!Neteyam x Maid!Human!Reader

Warnings: AgedUp!Neteyam, Tit fucking, Slight dirty talk, Slight possessive/obsessive behavior and language, Cumming on chest/tits

Word Count: 2.3K

A/N: Dedicated to @tsewtx for creating this fantastic AU. Love you, Wren! Catch up on Royalty AU here!

Summary: (Royalty AU) Prince Neteyam receives a lot of fine gifts for his birthday, but the only thing he really wants is you on your knees and your perfect tits around his cock.

Prince Neteyam always receives many gifts for his birthday.

He is recipient to the finest jewelry, made from precious metals and adorned with a multitude of diamonds, emeralds, and sapphires. Amongst the small mountains of gold and silver crafted pieces, hang other pieces of lavish clothing - soft, silk dress shirts in multiple colors, intricate waistcoats that look like they took a lifetime to create.

A new pair of leather riding boots that would look good on him, but that look amazing on you. 

“C’mon, y/n,” He mumbles, dark eyes glittering with desire as they trace along your standing figure. “Show me the new things I own,”

You stand in front of him, clad only in an unbuttoned emerald green silk shirt that falls halfway down your thighs and the leather boots that hug your legs until just below the knee, the little buckles on the sides clanking with each step you take as you walk uncertainty towards him, giving him a small twirl when he silently moves his pointer finger in a circle. 

He grins at your hesitance. So many years of doing this with him, being his good girl, his whore, the perfect little maid for his majesty - and you’re still so shy, like somehow you’re not 100% positive that he's completely and utterly obsessed with you. 

“You don’t have to be bashful,” He says, leaning forwards so he can rest his forearms on his thighs as he gazes at the expanse of soft skin on display, both between the gap of the shirt hem and boots as well as the tempting sliver of smooth, markable canvas shown between the open button down. “You know you’re the most beautiful woman alive.”

The flush on your face and the way you can’t meet his eyes make his cock even harder in his trousers. The hard length pushes at the tight material, threatening to burst the seams. Neteyam stands, eager to be closer to you, to touch you, and relieve some of the pressure. He crosses the room, tall figure towering over yours as he stares down at you, eyes filled with heat as he grips your jaw in his large hand, possessively. 

“You look so pretty in my clothing,” He murmurs, tilting your head up so your plump lips brush against his. 

“Thank you, your highness,” 

Neteyam’s lips are warm against yours as he kisses you, the soft press of his mouth against yours is enough to make your breathing stutter no matter how many times it’s happened before. His lips slide across your cheek, laying gentle kiss after gentle kiss along the heated skin as he makes his way to your ear. His breath is hot against the curve as he breathes, “Are you going to be a good girl for me and give me my present?”

You nod, voice struggling to manifest when he nibbles on the shell of your ear, and you’re just able to force out a squeaky, “Yes, highness,”

He kisses you again, this time a little harder, a little more needy. His free hand moves to brush the soft material of the shirt to the side, revealing one of your breasts to his hungry gaze and brushing his thumb over your hard nipple, before pulling back and biting his bottom lip with a wicked smirk. 

“Undress me then,”

His long fingers tease along the sensitive skin of your thigh as you work carefully on undoing the clasps of his shirt. Your delicate hands push the material off of his broad shoulders, revealing the toned expanse of his chest and your eyes can’t help the way they zero in on the excited rise and fall of his chest and the muscles that shift under his skin. The necklace around his neck shifts in time with his breaths, the small thin golden band he had made for you years ago threaded through the chain lays next to his heart - exactly where it should be, he tells you, until he’s able to put it on your finger officially. 

The metal glistens in the low light of the room, contrasting beautifully against his dark skin, but your eyes are pulled away from the sight when his hand cups your jaw again.

“Going a bit slow, aren’t we?” He chuckles, lips brushing against yours with each word. “You know it’s not fair to tease the birthday boy.”

His hands grip yours, warm palms dragging your own across the strong muscles of his chest and down the flat planes of his stomach until they reach the waistband of his pants. He keeps one of your hands there, and your fingertips gently caress the skin just above the fabric. He guides your other hand down further until you’re cupping his bulge, feeling the thick hardness in your hand.

“Feel how hard I am for you?” He murmurs, hand tightening around yours to make your fingers curl around him through the taut material. “Need you so much.”

“I’ll take good care of you,” You promise. 

Your hands expertly work at the fastenings on his trousers, his length jumping out and slapping against his belly, long and thick and beautiful in its glory. His cock is familiar to you - intimately familiar in the way that every part of your body knows the shape and size of it by memory. Every ridge, vein, and curve - engraved in your brain and heart.

He prefers to fuck you. Is obsessed with the feeling of your tight heat wrapped around his cock like a warm hug he never wants to be released from. He loves to feel the way your pussy clenches around his length, wants to feel your nails raking across his back as he ruts into you, hear your pretty mewls when he pounds your cervix before he floods your insides with his release.

He wants you on your back, or on your stomach, or on your side - it doesn’t matter. He wants you anyway he can have you, just as long as it’s you with him, crying his name as you cream all over his cock.

And he’ll get that. Soon. But for now, he wants this. 

He kicks his pants off, suddenly impatient as he stares down at you. He pulls you towards him, catching you off guard with the force of his tug as he sits on the chaise at the foot of his bed, and you fall onto his lap with a shocked yelp.

“Teyam!” You gasp, and his nickname falls from your lips without you even catching it. 

“Be a good girl and give me what I want, okay?” He grunts, ripping the silk shirt from your body and leaving you entirely bare to his hungry gaze, save for the boots still hugging your legs. “On your knees. Now.”

You rush to comply - the firm, authoritative timbre of his voice sending shivers down your spine as you slide off of his lap and onto the floor. Neteyam leans back against his bed, the weight of his body supported on his forearms as his upper half lounges against the soft covers. His thighs are spread wide to accommodate your position between them and his cock pulses at the view.

It’s not a new sight, but it’s still his favorite sight.

You on your knees, staring up at him with those eyes, batting your long lashes at him with a combined look of shy maiden and sex vixen that makes him want to slide his hand in your hair and push your face into the ground so he can bury himself inside you from behind until the sounds you're making match the expression on your face. But no - he has a plan. He made you promise to give him whatever he wanted for his birthday, and he wants this.

“Come on, y/n,” He says, and he’s trying to be calm, trying to stay the golden, level headed prince that he should be, but even he can hear the whine in his voice. “Put them on me. Want to feel them,”

His breath feels like it's stuck in his lungs when you kneel up, hands cupping the sides of your chest as you lean closer and closer to his throbbing erection. His shirt and boots are not the only thing he’s put you in tonight. The fine jewelry of intricately made necklaces and rings he’s received throughout the day also adorn your perfect body. Three very expensive necklaces of varying lengths hang from your delicate neck, the regal blue stone on the longest one hanging beautifully just above the valley of your breasts. 

The feel of your tits enveloping his length has him reeling, the soft pillowy mounds molding around his cock like they were made to cradle him between them. Your hands hold your breasts together tightly around him, the rings on your fingers shining in the light are a variety of mixed metals and glittering jewels, and he decides then and there that he never wants to wear them himself. He only ever wants to see the beautiful jewels on you. 

It’s good, so good - the feel of your breasts massaging his heated length. But he needs more. 

“Spit on it,” He groans, and it’s taking all he has to not just fuck up into the tight space. There’s already a wet line along the opening of the valley from his precum and he’s obsessed with the way your wet skin glistens in the low light of the room. “Spit on it, y/n. Get it all wet and slippery so I can fuck them.”

The sound that rips out of his throat when you do is almost a whimper. His cock twitches when you let the glob of saliva fall from your tongue and onto the flushed tip, the spit coating the head and running down the sides and into the warm and newly wet embrace of your breasts. 

You do it again, adding more wetness to the mix to help with the slide as you glide yourself up and down his shaft. Neteyam lets out a punched out moan, hands balling into fists next to him as his head tilts back in pleasure, eyes fluttering closed for just a second before his head snaps back up, intent on not missing a second of the breathtaking image in front of him. 

Your nipples are just peeking out from the cage of your fingers, two hard buds pointed tantalizingly between your pointer and middle fingers and he mourns the fact that he can’t both fuck your tits and suck on your nipples at the same time. His hips kick up, abs flexing as he rocks into the tight space, and the tip of his cock nudges the blue gem of the necklace with each thrust. 

“So good for me,” He moans, reaching out to run his thumb along your bottom lip. He lets out a shuddering breath when your tongue comes out to swipe against the pad of his thumb. “Yeah, do that. Put your tongue to good use,”

Neteyam’s eyes roll back into his head at the first feel of your tongue on his swollen tip. He rocks faster, hips now completely off the chaise as he fucks your tits with vigor, your tongue lolling out to lap against the head every time it reappears back through the cradle of your breasts. 

“Fuck, you’re so perfect,” He grunts. “So perfect for me.” 

The sensation of his cock tapping against the wet muscle is driving him wild, and he can’t help but watch in wicked satisfaction as your own eyes hood in pleasure at the taste of his precum coating your tongue. He knows you, knows you better than anyone else ever will or ever could. He knows that if he were to sink his fingers between your thighs, you would be dripping for him. 

“You were made for me,” He breathes. He can feel his stomach tightening as his orgasm barrels closer and closer. “Made just for me. Mine. My good girl, my whore.”

You hum in agreement, nodding enthusiastically as your responding moan vibrates through your tongue and against his cock. But it’s not enough. He needs the words - needs to hear them confirmed in your sweet, soft voice. 

“Say it,” He demands. His mind is reeling, desperately trying to decide where he wants to cum. He wants to mark you everywhere - wants to cum on your pretty tits, paint them white with his release and watch as it drips down your gorgeous body. He wants to cum on your face, marking your beautiful features as his just so he can have an excuse to take you to the large tub across the room and wash your entire body clean, only to dirty you up again before you’ve even stepped out of it. He wants to lace his fingers in your hair and drag your head down, sheathing his cock in the warm embrace of your throat and mark you from the inside - it would be less messy, and you wouldn’t be able to wash it off afterwards. “Say it, y/n,”

“I’m yours,” You whisper, thighs unconsciously trying to rub together as you desperately try to keep up your pace and the pressure of your chest against his length. “Your whore,”

“F-fuck!” Neteyam whimpers. “Fuck, fuck,”

In the end, he chooses your tits. He stands abruptly, nudging you back slightly so he can stand properly in front of you and finishes himself off, fisting himself furiously as you gaze up at him with those innocent eyes of yours that just make him want to wreck you even more. He cums with a guttural groan, ropes of white shooting from his swollen tip and landing directly on your heaving breasts.

You look stunning - like a beautiful, fucked out goddess brought to Earth just for him to have and cherish. His cock twitches in interest as he continues to stare at you, and your hooded eyes look up at your Prince in awe.

If you thought you were getting any kind of a break, you were wrong.

**Special thanks to @neteyamsyawntu for the prompt!

Taglist: @eywaite @loaksulluyswife @erenjaegerwifee @f-cklife @beautiful-brown-skin-05 @anastasia1777-blog @localjasmine @tsewtx @skywonder @neteyamswillow

[ewanmitchellcrumbs]

Would That I

Pairing: Otto Hightower x f!reader Warnings: Smut, age gap, keeping it in the family. Word count: ~1.1k Summary: Otto makes sure his pretty, young wife has absolutely everything she desires. Based on this request.

She is smitten with Otto the moment she lays eyes on him. Arriving in King’s Landing she anticipates a week of uninteresting jousts and tedious formalities, but as she sits in the stands, thoroughly uninterested by the spectacle of the two knights charging towards each other on horseback, her eye is drawn to the Hand of the King. He is older than her by at least three decades, but he is refined, tall and ruggedly handsome. While the potential suitors within the capital are seemingly endless, none of them compare to Otto Hightower

Using every excuse within her arsenal over the coming days, she seizes all opportunities to see and speak to him, and is delighted to find he is every bit as charming as he is handsome. He titters at her jokes and she is enamoured by the way his eyes crinkle as he smiles, the green of his iris appearing to sparkle as he does so. His voice is deep, yet velvety smooth and she hangs on his every word. He is intelligent, diplomatic and sharp as Valyrian steel.

Her desire for him intensifies as the days press on, and emboldened by one too many cups of Dornish red following a feast one evening, she leans forward and presses her lips to his, her heart fluttering as she feels the warmth of his large palm cup her cheek as he returns the gesture.

“I have not felt like this about a woman in years,” He tells her.

She smiles at his words. She has not felt like this about a man ever.

There is no need for her to leave come the end of the week, King’s Landing is now her home, and after a hastily put together ceremony in the Sept, Otto Hightower is her husband.

He surprises her with his virility on their wedding night, wringing peak after peak from her pliant body, leaving her exhausted but with a satisfying ache between her thighs the following morning. Otto spoils her beyond comprehension, she wants for nothing and has the finest of everything; jewels from Lys, gowns of Myrish silk and lace, wines from the Arbor. He is diligent in keeping her sated in every aspect of their marriage.

It is obvious his daughter, Alicent, does not approve, though she does not say it, and who can blame her? She has to admit that she’d be annoyed too if her father chose to marry someone younger than his own daughter.

It is not Alicent’s silent disapproval that bothers her, however, it is how the ladies of the court love to gossip. It is not unusual in Westeros for men to wed women much younger than themselves, yet she finds herself at the center of all manner of prying questions regarding the nature of her marriage to Otto. She supposes it is because of the responsibility he holds as the King’s Hand.

“What is it you see in him?” One bold lady dares to ask.

She bites her lip, considering her answer. She longs to say that it sends a thrill through her body to wait upon her knees for him, gazing up at him as he presses the head of himself past her lips. Such talk would cause a scandal, however, so she gives a tight smile and says that he is tall.

“Surely that can’t be all?”

“No, he is handsome too,” She says wistfully, thinking about how he gazes up at her from between her thighs, the softness of his beard tickling her soft flesh, the sensation causing her to clench around nothing.

“Is he kind to you?”

“Oh, yes, Otto is extraordinarily generous!” There is a particular necklace that Otto insists she wears, with nothing else to accompany it, whenever they are alone in their marital chambers. It sits tight against her throat, adorned with emeralds that gleam in the same shade of green as the Hightower house colours. It likely cost a small fortune, but in his eyes nothing is too good for her, not when he is buried to the hilt inside of her.

“Is that your favourite quality of his?”

“No,” She muses. “I adore his dedication to his family.”

The combined heat from the fireplace and lit candles that sit upon every surface of the bedchamber make the room stiflingly hot. She feels sweat trickle down her neck, disappearing beneath the emerald choker that sits snugly around her neck, every green gemstone glittering in the dim light as she rolls her hips against Otto’s.

His grip on her waist is vice-like, every sensation heightened by warmth, as the length of him nudges against a spot inside of her that makes her tense with every undulation of her body. She feels taut, pulled tighter than a bow string until it eventually snaps, sending her headlong into oblivion, waves of ecstasy rolling through her as she collapses against her husband’s chest, triggering his own release.

His fingers stroke gently over her dampened skin as he holds her close. Already, renewed desire throbs between her legs.

“Are you satisfied, my dear?” Otto asks softly.

“I will never have enough of you, my love,” Comes her playful response.

“That is not quite what I had in mind.”

“Oh?” She lifts her head, eyeing him curiously.

“I have seen the way that you and Aemond look at each other, I am no fool.”

She laughs softly, shaking her head. “It is nothing, I can assure you.”

“I do not mind,” He rises from the bed, pulling on a robe. “I wish for my darling wife to be satisfied, to have everything she desires, so I shall make it so.”

He opens the chamber door, uttering “you can come in now” and her eyes widen in disbelief when she sees Otto’s second oldest grandson hovering in the doorway. It seems outrageous to her that he would suggest such a thing, yet she cannot deny the way it makes her pulse race.

“I shall be back in an hour.” Otto informs them both, before leaving.

She is too stunned to speak at first as she takes in the sight of Aemond. He seems stoic and unaffected in his demeanour, until she studies him more carefully. She takes in how his pupil is dilated with lust, the prominent bulge that presses against the lacings of his trousers, and the slight parting of his lips as he struggles to control his excited breaths.

Arranging herself atop the bedspread, she relaxes knowing that he desires her just as much as she desires him. She beckons him to her with a crook of her finger. “Come now, don’t be shy.” He goes to her eagerly.

It is just one of the many perks of being Otto Hightower’s wife. He is nothing if not generous in every aspect of their marriage, and so dedicated to his family.

[nateezfics]

ADORNED

♔ PAIRING — yeosang x reader

♔ GENRE — smut, sugar daddy au, ceo au, ceo!yeosang, sugar daddy!yeosang, aged up!yeosang, fem!reader, dom!yeosang, sub!reader

♔ WARNINGS — smut, unprotected sex, oral (m), masturbation (slight), choking (slight), use of pet names (sweetheart), sexual language//dirty talk

♔ WORD COUNT — 1.6k

♔ SUMMARY — “such a beautiful, expensive little necklace i’ve bought for you. perhaps there is something you could do to pay me back, to thank me for being so doting.”

“You look gorgeous, sweetheart.” Yeosang’s voice was like velvet, deep and smooth. He spoke slowly, and walked in an equally languid pace towards where you stood in the center of his bedroom. You remained still, just as he had instructed, and watched as the gap between you became smaller. His eyes remained on your neck, right where an elaborate necklace hung. The emeralds and diamonds were glittering brilliantly under the dim lights. The necklace was a beautifully crafted piece, unlike any other you had seen. And he had purchased it. Just for you.

And even with his complimentary words and adoring gaze, you couldn’t forget that his gifts always came with a catch; a favor to be returned.

You could see the desire in his eyes as he closed the distance between you. He had been a picture of the loving, doting partner. All soft smiles and adoring words while you tried on every piece of jewelry that caught your eye. Now, back home within the walls of his penthouse, he was a vision of desire. His eyes were dark, and drank in the sight of you hungrily.

A gasp escaped your lips when his fingers brushed against the necklace, knuckles grazing the skin of your collarbone. One of Yeosang’s well manicured brows rose as he studied the necklace, a ghost of a smirk on his lips. “Such a beautiful, expensive little necklace I’ve bought for you. Perhaps there is something you could do to pay me back, to thank me for being so doting.”

There it was, the catch. Yeosang was always blunt about wanting something in return from you. And you were always ready to offer him your gratitude for all the wonderful gifts. Like the necklace that adorned your neck. You smiled. “What would you like me to do?”

Yeosang’s hand returned to his side. “Get on your knees.” You did as you were told, lowering yourself until your knees were flush against the cold hardwood. You looked up at him expectantly. His thumb caressed your bottom lip, and he smirked when your lips parted in a sigh. “Good, now use that pretty little mouth of yours.”

You didn’t hesitate to grope him over his slacks, pressing your palm against his half hardened cock. He groaned appreciatively, and you used that as fuel to continue, stroking him until you felt him become fully solid under your touch. You freed him from the confines of his pants with practiced ease, and wasted little time in taking him straight into your mouth. The sound of his deep voice as he groaned again shot warmth right to your core.

“Fuck, sweetheart,” he rasped, fingers threading into your hair.

You hollowed your cheeks and sucked, moaning at the taste of him. His size made him a challenge to take, but his hand in your hair guided you, pushing your face into him until his cock fully disappeared into your wet throat.

Yeosang watched you from above just as you looked up to meet his gaze, your eyes shiny and dark. You looked like pure sin like this, on your knees with your mouth full of his cock. He could’ve spent every last dollar on you if it meant he could have you just like this forever. No money in the world could replace the feeling of your lips around him.

His groans and curses spurred you on, and fed the ever growing desire between your thighs. The jewels were heavy around your neck and dangled with every bob of your head. You always felt so confident when he lavished you with these expensive gifts; you never could’ve afforded this life without Yeosang, and you’d always be willing to show him your appreciation. But the reality was that even outside of his wealth, Yeosang was beyond attractive. His beauty alone made you want to be on your knees for him, his money was just an extra incentive.

You were set on sucking him dry, but he pulled you off his cock before you were able to accomplish that. Yeosang snickered when you pouted up at him. “Don’t worry, sweetheart, I am not done with you.” He helped you return to your feet and lead you towards his king bed. “Now strip, but leave your new necklace on.”

You slipped the straps of your dress down your shoulders, pushing them down until your dress fell the rest of the way, landing in a pool around your ankles. You stepped out of your dress, and now you were left in your underwear. And the necklace. Yeosang watched your every move intently, eyes growing darker with every bit of newly exposed skin. You were completely bare under his gaze, and a sight to behold as the jewels continued to sparkle against your skin.

Yeosang looked as if he could have devoured you in an instant; and that was exactly what he was about to do. “Get on the bed and lay on your back.” His voice was strained. You could tell it was taking everything in him to keep composure.

The plush duvet met your back as you laid like he told you to. “Just like this?”

Yeosang swallowed. “Spread your legs for me,” he demanded, and when you didn’t open them wide enough for his liking, he urged you again. “Spread then wider, sweetheart.”

You separated your thighs as far as they could go, fully putting yourself on display for the man before you. Your pussy was wet, and glistened under the bedroom’s dim lights, mimicking the shimmering jewels you currently wore. When you noticed the way he drank you in, you giggled. “Like what you see?”

Yeosang swallowed again, stepping closer to the bed. His lips twisted into a smirk as he enjoyed the way your sex weeped in front of him. “Very much so. Now, touch yourself, sweetheart.”

You desperately wanted him to touch you, but you reached one of your hands down to your sex anyway. You pressed your fingers into your clit, moaning at the touch. You toyed with yourself like this for a few more moments, just until you couldn’t handle the way you felt so incredibly empty. Two of your fingers dipped between your folds and you met his gaze right at that moment. The sensation of your fingers inside you and the sight of Yeosang in front of you had your head spinning already. But your fingers only satiated you so much; Yeosang’s cock was still out and hard, and you yearned for him to fill you to the brim.

“Fuck, look at you right now. So beautiful yet so fucking dirty. All bare for me and touching yourself with those expensive emeralds around your neck.” Yeosang felt his cock twitch at the sight. It begged for attention, and he was a mere second away from crawling over you and stuffing you full with it. He just wanted to watch you for a bit longer.

“Are you going to fuck me, or are you just going to watch?” You huffed, growing frustrated with need.

Yeosang smirked. “Of course, sweetheart. I was just simply admiring.” To your relief, he began to rid himself of the rest of his clothing. He crawled over your body until he was face to face with you. You pulled him in, lips meeting his in a messy kiss. He chuckled against you, amused by your eagerness. Though, he couldn’t deny he was just as eager to bury himself in your wet pussy.

You both groaned at the first push of his cock into your heat. Yeosang allowed you time to adjust, stilling once he was fully seated inside. “Oh my god. I need you to move. Please.”

Yeosang’s lips grazed your ear. “Like this?” He snapped his hips into yours, earning an immediate cry from you.

“Y-Yes!”

Yeosang fucked into you, growing faster and deeper with every thrust and every cry out of your mouth. You were taking him so well, so good. He adored the way you looked beneath him, skin flushed and body jolting with every rut of his hips. The necklace moved to and fro with every bounce of your breasts, and Yeosang was convinced you’d never looked more beautiful. “Taking me so good, sweetheart,” he whispered. “You’re being good for me, all because I spoiled you rotten today.”

Your eyes fluttered open when you felt his hand clasp around your throat just above where the necklace rested.

“Letting me slut you out for a mere necklace.” Yeosang used his free hand to throw one of your legs over his shoulder, the new angle allowing him to thrust into you deeper. His cock brushed against your sweet spot, and all you could do was cry out, eyes rolling backwards from the pleasure.

“I’m so close…”

Yeosang pressed two of his fingers into your clit. “Come on, sweetheart. Be good and cum for me.”

He barely finished his sentence before you came. Pleasure surged throughout your body, his name tumbling out of your lips as you rode out your high. Through the haze you could make out a few of the praises he whispered in your ear to guide you through your release until you finally started to come down.

Yeosang wasn’t far behind, falling apart and pushing into you with one last thrust, his hot release spilling into you. The hand that was wrapped around your throat relaxed, and soon began to fondle with your necklace.

“Now, sweetheart, let’s take this off you and get you cleaned up, shall we?”

AUTHOR’S NOTES — ughhh it took me so long to get this up. i meant to have this whole spoiled event series completely finished ages ago, but tbh i couldn’t ever be satisfied with what i was creating,, so i kept trashing every draft and redoing them :(( from yeosang all the way to jongho…i’ve redone everything. and i’ve been majorly pushing off avoiding this series,, but here’s hoping i can get the rest up soon. i’m really not feeling too confident in this,, so if you enjoyed this i would love it if you showed some support :’) comments and reblogs appreciated!

TAG LIST — @lilie-dctl @mjyungi @marievllr-abg @nebulousbookshelf @northerngalxy @silverpixiedust23 @thesafecafe

(tag list has been redone; if you’d like to be on the list, find the link to my tag list form on the pinned post on my page)

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ALL FICS ARE THE ORIGINAL IDEAS AND WRITTEN WORKS OF NATEEZFICS. DO NOT PLAGIARIZE. REPOSTING WITHOUT CONSENT FROM THE AUTHOR NATEEZFICS IS PROHIBITED!

[unknownperson246]

Could you maybe maybe please please write a little thingy thing where the reader’s sick and Izzy just spoils the living daylights outta her? Also I love your fics sm they’re so fun to read!

Hii. Also thank you so so so much ❤️❤️❤️. I hope you enjoy it ❤️ also I hope you don’t mind I made it a modern izzy fic.

Modern Izzy Stradlin: Spoiled

Words: 510

warnings: *fluff* *age gap*

✮⋆˙ ☠︎︎ ★☠︎ ✮⋆˙✮⋆˙ ☠︎︎ ★☠︎ ✮⋆˙✮⋆˙ ☠︎︎ ★☠︎ ✮⋆✮⋆˙ ☠︎︎ ★☠︎ ✮⋆˙˙

You woke up with a sore throat. Your nose was running and you felt stuffy. It was the midst of December and you were bound to get sick sometime in the winter. Your immune system decided to get sick of you today. You called out for Izzy and your voice was scratchy.

“Izzy” You yell. You already lost the ability to channel your voice any louder. Izzy came rushing into the room.

“Izzy I’m sick babe,” You say sniffling trying to get yourself presentable.

Izzy immediately knows what you need and how to take care of you. “Here are your tissues honey,” He says handing you a box of soft Kleenex.

“Thank you,” you say while grabbing a tissue to blow your nose.

Izzy feels so guilty for not being with you. He has been busy in the studio making music. He goes to the kitchen. He makes you a mug of your favorite mint tea. He came back making sure it wasn't too hot. He hands you the mug.

“Careful babe. It's still a little bit too hot” He says watching you so you don't hurt yourself. 

He feels so bad. He decides he is going to spoil the daylight out of you. He goes over to the store and picks up fuzzy socks to help keep your feet warm. He buys a lot of Advil for those headaches you get when your nose is stuffy. He buys you the healthy versions of your favorite snacks knowing all the sugar and salt wouldn't be good for you. He brings ingredients for some soup so you can feel a bit better. He got all of the ingredients for a recipe he saw in his mom's cookbook which was a gift to Izzy after he got a house. He got you all of the things you needed. Earlier this week you were planning to buy a lot of new products because most of your old ones had expired. He got you all of the things on your list with his money. He got home and had a bunch of bags in his hand. He took his jacket and his hat off. The white snow fell off of his hat and jacket. You saw him rubbing his hands together to help him from freezing. He entered the bedroom and saw you shaking in bed under the covers. He wanted to do more than just buy you the stuff you needed. He went out to a jewelry store and bought you a sapphire diamond necklace with a huge dark blue jewel in the middle surrounded by tiny white diamonds. He bought you ruby earrings. He bought you an emerald bracelet. He loved spoiling you. He came home and took everything he bought you in bed. 

“Thank You.” Babe, you say in excitement.

“Izzy come here.” You say wanting to hold and hug him. 

You remembered that he could also get sick if he came near you. Izzy doesn’t care and hugs you and cuddles with you telling you sweet things in your ear.

[asherbakugou]

Date Outfit and Location

Kai Kalama | (She/They)

Burgundy red dress that falls just past their knees with a boob slit held together by simple straight gold clasps. The sides, starting just below her ribcage and reaching to her waist, have a gap with three simple gold chains attached. Overtop they wore a cropped black leather jacket that reaches just past her boobs. She chose to pair it with golden sun earrings and gold rings to bring attention to their black nails as well as black ankle strap heels.

Kai chose to take Reader to Morimoto's, a fancy and expensive sushi restaraunt that can take months to get a reservation at. It happens to be Reader's dream restaraunt to visit but they've never had a chance to go to because of the prices.

Zane Julien | (She/her)

Pale blue circle skirt with snowdrops sewn along the right side, with a white off-shoulder cardigan, paired with blue converse. Simple clay earrings made to look like snowdrops, and a simple necklace with a shard of diamond bring the entire outfit together.

Zane chose to take Reader to an Interactive Museum because of their mutual love of museums and Readers natural curiosity. It is one of the largest museums in the country of Ninjago and incredibly popular with an aquariam inside.

Cole Brookstone | (They/them)

Deep cut silk white blouse over a black, sleeveless turtleneck paired with a simple silver chain, and a singular black pearl hanging from his earlobe. They wore black jeans with it as well, a wallet chain, and black boots.

Reader decided on the Food Festival, a time when people from all over Ninjago Country gather in the streets and set up stalls, a good opportunity for Cole's first dip back into festivals.

Jay Walker | (She/Her)

Simple blue jeans with bluberry bushes sewn up the calves, tight white sleeveless turtleneck, with a baby blue cardigan that she can easily take off. She paired it with white sneakers, a blue bead anklet, and a string pearl necklace.

Reader chose to take Jay out to a Trampoline Park, the largest in Ninjago, since they both enjoy fun and it has multiple different sections that include laser tag, putt putt, and an obstacle course she hopes to challenge him in.

Lloyd Garmadon | (She/her)

Calf length, tight black turtleneck dress with golden designs along the chest and green glass beads to further bring the designs to life, and off the shoulder loose sleeves with a cuff to keep it from spilling over hands. Black kitten pumps, a gold lotus wrap bracelet, and emerald drop earrings bring the entire outfit together.

Lloyd chose to take Reader out to a fancy restaruant in one of the most expensive places to impress her, even though he doesn't need too. But she is excited to have a date with him, and has never been wined and dined before.

Morro | (She/her)

Ankle length sheer black skirt with pale pink cherry blossoms over black leggings and pale pink sneakers. A pale pink silk wrap around shirt with kimono-esque sleeves and cloud designs along the bottom of the sleeves, paired with a simple silver ring and cherry blossom earrings.

Morro chose to take Reader to a Lantern Festival being hosted in Ninjaho's National Park. The park itself is huge, and so is the Lantern Festival, but its also a little pricey so Reader never had the opportunity to go, even though she wished to.

A/n: The actual dates will be posted one by one as I hope for them to be more detailed, but hope you all enjoy this little tidbit.

[shelby-fangirl00]

Empty Spaces-Part Three

Part Two

Warnings: Smut, language, cheating, age-gap (Enjoy!)

Word Count: 2028

‘Would you like me to help you with your necklace, Mrs. Shelby?’ You asked as she smoothed down her new evening gown she brought back from London. You couldn’t deny how beautiful she looked. She was a vision. You secretly envied her strong features, her long legs and her small frame. She seemed to just ooze elegance and confidence. You were quite the opposite of her. So much shorter than she was. You weren’t thin like she was; you were fuller and thicker than most of the women your age. You tried to imagine what you would look like in that gown, but a dress like that couldn’t possibly fit, let alone pulling it off as well as she did. They didn’t make fancy dresses for women your size. The emerald sequence on her long gown glimmered as your thoughts raced. 

‘The gold one, yes.’ She said as she fiddled with her hair in the mirror.

You turned to the vanity to grab the polished necklace. As you crept up behind her to place it over her pretty pale skin, Tommy came into the bedroom. 

‘Here, I think I can handle this part?’ He sighed out as he strutted towards the both of you, taking it from your hands. He was dressed in a perfectly tailored suit, hair slicked back perfectly. He looked more than gorgeous, as usual. Your breath hitched as he snatched the necklace, not even bothering to look at you. 

You stepped back and gawked at them a little too long. As he clipped the necklace in place, his hands fell down her shoulders and arms, seemingly admiring her through the reflection in the mirror, like you weren’t even in the room. Like he hadn’t just fucked you senseless only a few feet away from where you were all standing. You felt like you might be sick. 

‘You’re dismissed, y/n.’ Mrs. Shelby’s voice rang out harshly. Quickly walking to the door, you glanced up at Tommy. His face was snuggled into her neck lovingly. She giggled at his burst of affection from behind you. As you shut the door, you practically fell down the stairs and out the front door. Once the fresh air hit your skin, you tried to calm the heavy breathing. 

That was fucking uncomfortable! You thought to yourself. You laughed, shaking your head. Did you really think a man like that would give a damn about a random maid he fucked one time? God, you felt like a fucking fool. He’s married. You reminded yourself. You felt so naïve for thinking that this would be more than just a one-time thing. 

You huffed out and slumped against the bricked wall on the side of the house. You reached for a cigarette under your stocking, lighting it with a match. Tommy and Mrs. Shelby were going to some fancy party tonight, thankfully. The last thing you wanted to do tonight was serve either of them. 

‘Could I bum one from ya?’ Francis said as she came to stand beside you, pulling out her small golden lighter from her dress pocket. You smiled at her, reaching for another cigarette. 

‘’course, Francis.’ 

‘Are you feeling alright, love? You look so pale.’ She said, studying your expression with squinted eyes. 

‘Yeh, just a rough go of it today, no worries.’ You said quickly, avoiding her eyes. You fidgeted with the fabric of your skirt. 

‘hoping she’d be gone for good this time, yeh?’ She giggled out as she puffed on her cigarette. 

Your eyes widened in surprise and you couldn’t help but let out a laugh. Of course, she knew what was going on. You were stupid to think this hadn’t happened before. 

‘How’d you know?’ 

‘I know everything that goes on here at the Arrow House, dear. Even what you and Mr. Shelby do in the shadows.’ She stated matter-of-factly. She didn’t seem angry or upset, she seemed curious. 

‘It all happened so fast. He’s…well he’s as charmiing as they say.’ You giggled.

‘Oh, I’m sure of it!’ Francis proclaimed. 

‘Just thought I had more time, is all. I don’t compare to her beauty. Must have been a moment of desperation for him.’ 

Francis turned to me, gently squeezing my shoulder in her frail hand. 

‘She is beautiful, yes. The moon is beautiful too, and so is a rose or a rainbow. They are all completely different, but no less beautiful. You’re beautiful too, inside and out, dear. It is a rarity to be both.’ She winked at you before flicking her cigarette out into the grass. 

Tears welled up in your eyes as the words comforted you. Nobody had ever said anything so kind to you. 

‘Oh Francis, you’re too good to me.’ You choked out, wiping away your tears. 

‘It’s only the truth dear.’

The Shelby’s had been gone for a few hours now, and you didn’t expect to see them again tonight. Francis had dismissed you from work just minutes ago. You walked yourself towards the shared bathroom. As you stripped off your uniform and jumped into your long nightgown, you couldn’t help but wonder what they were both doing in the moment. Were they getting along now? It seemed that way when they left. They’re probably out having a great time, enjoying each other’s company, as they should. They are married

You shook your head at your pathetic thoughts. 

Just as quickly as you opened the door, Tommy’s body was shoving you back into the bathroom with him. He pressed his hand firmly over your mouth to keep you from yelping. He placed his finger over his lips, signaling for you to keep quiet. Your eyes widened in shock and confusion. His face was inches away from yours. 

His scent and presence were overwhelming, intoxicating. A part of you was so relieved to be near him again. Another part of you was terrified that his wife could catch him at any minute with you.

Inches from yours, he studied your demeanor. His hand fell from your mouth. His eyes rested on your parted and pouty lips. That crooked smile nearly made you melt into a puddle. 

Pushing your hair back from your neck, he leaned in and whispered, ‘I’ve been thinking about your tight little pussy all evening’ His hand traced over the curve of your body lightly. ‘Can you keep quiet?’ Sending a shiver down your spine. You rubbed your legs together needily at his words. You were aching so badly for him. You shook your head yes a bit too eagerly. 

His mouth hungrily kissed down your body, holding your hips in place as he lowered himself. You couldn’t help the small moans that tried desperately to escape each time his lips made contact with your skin. 

When he reached your waist, he bunched up the bottom of your dress to your belly. The air was cold on your skin, but his warm hands lit you on fire instantly. 

‘T-Tommy wait…’ You tried to strain out. His blown pupils fluttered up to you. He tilted his head in question, not bothering to stand up. 

‘Tommy…you’re married…w-we shouldn’t be doing this…I feel so fucking guilty.’ You whispered breathlessly. He stiffened at your words, his hands freezing on your waist. He chuckled to himself before slowly standing up. He was so close you had to crane your neck to look in his eyes.

His hands held onto both sides of your cheeks, lifting your head up even more.

‘Please don’t feel guilty for the choices I make, y/n. Our relationship is far from saving and that has nothing to do with who we are both fucking. Alright?’ He spoke to you so softly, comforting you.  

‘But…this morning…you seemed so happy? You whispered, looking down at your feet in embarrassment.

The widest smile spread across his face as he lifted your chin up to look up at him. ‘Do you want me to go? Because your body is telling me something else, love.’ Just as he said the words, his hand slid up your thigh so softly, sending goosebumps up your legs. As his hand traveled up further, his eyes never left yours. You both let out a small gasp as his shoulders raised and his hand reached into your thin panties. You were so fucking wet, it was embarrassing. 

‘Shiiiiit.’ You moaned to yourself, letting your head fall onto your shoulder. You sucked in a long breath. Your chest rose and your peaked nipples poked through the fabric of your nightgown. The sight of you forced out a low groan from Tommy. 

His fingers quickly found your swollen nub and drew small circles. As he did so, he pushed your thighs open, giving him better access to you. 

His chest was heaving over yours and you steadied yourself on his shoulders, gripping them tightly. You felt his tendons moving as he brought you closer and closer to the edge. His circles became quicker in pace, making you shake. 

‘Fuck, I need to be inside of you again.’ He panted out, letting his forehead rest on yours. His words egged you on. The burning in your stomach was bubbling up, you didn’t know if you’d last much longer. 

His fingers lowered from your clit, finding your swelling hole. Without warning, his two fingers pushed through slowly. Your hand gripped the back of his freshly shaven head. He used the bottom of his palm to rub against your clit and you nearly lost it. 

You could feel Tommy’s cock throbbing against your stomach through his pants. 

Tommy knew you were close from the way you were breathing and the way you were clenching around his pumping fingers. 

He grabbed the back of your head, forcing you to look at him. 

‘Fuck Tommy…’ You barely whispered. 

‘Come. Then I’m gonna fuck you right here against this sink.’ He panted as his fingers pumped at a relentless pace. 

You sucked in another breath and came hard all around him. Just as you started to come undone, he sealed his lips over yours forcefully, cutting off any sounds you could make. You whimpered into his mouth, forcing a groan from him. Your legs were shaking madly and his arms pulled you against his chest. He was indulging in every movement and sound you made just for him. Fire shot through you and you nearly screamed out. 

Before you could even think straight again, he pulled his fingers out of you and lifted you up on top of the sink. His hands reached and ripped your panties down your thighs. He marveled at the sight of your red and swollen mound. His eyes flashed with lust and he smiled devilishly at you. 

He quickly unbuttoned his pants to only free his aching cock. Feeling brave, you pulled your dress up to rest on top of your breast, exposing every inch of yourself to him. 

He pushed your thigh up and over to spread you open for him. As he did so, he lined himself up with your dripping entrance. You watched your bodies connect as the head of his cock finally slipped inside of you. You both let out a long hiss. Inch by inch, Tommy slid inside of you and your walls trapped him in. 

‘Finally…’ Tommy muttered to himself as his eyes fluttered shut. He found a steady pace inside of you. You watched in amazement as his usually tense shoulders and neck relaxed as he fucked into you so painfully slow. His face started to soften completely and his mouth hung open in pure ecstasy. Tommy looked completely relaxed as he fucked you deep into the sink. You locked your fingers together behind his neck as he held you up by your waist.

‘You don’t know how good you feel, love.’ He practically whimpered out. The sound of him completely undone inside of you made your walls clench around him.  

You were both so wrapped up in the bliss of the moment that you didn’t register the doorknob shaking. Banging was quickly followed after this. Tommy’s hand slapped over your mouth again as he froze in place. 

‘Tommy, I know you’re in there!!! Open the fuckin door!!!’ 

Part Three coming soon!

Taglist:

@lyarr24

@forgottenpeakywriter

@casa-boiardi

@tigernach575

@crabat-the-queen

@adaydreamaway08

@trixie23

@star017

@esquivelbianca

@aesthetic0cherryblossom

@thenattitude

[esta-elavaris]

Part Fifteen [4,160 words] ~ James Norrington/OC

An AU of my completed, 400k+ word fanfic Catch the Wind [AO3], in which Elizabeth, not James, is the one to discover Theodora Byrne after she crash-lands into the world of Pirates of the Caribbean.

Page breaks by cafekitsune.

Also now on AO3 and FF.net.

Masterpost - Part One - Part Two - Part Three - Part Four - Part Five - Part Six - Part Seven - Part Eight - Part Nine - Part Ten - Part Eleven - Part Twelve - Part Thirteen - Part Fourteen - *Part Fifteen*

Tag list [let me know if you want to be added!]: @teawithshakespeare @missfronkensteen @dancerinthestorm

It turned out, much to Theo's hidden dismay, that the going-away dinner was a natural precursor to the welcome back dinner that those in Port Royal liked to throw for the higher-ranking returning sailors after a spell away. It was a good chance, Elizabeth explained, to acknowledge their losses if there were any, to celebrate the lack of those losses if their luck held true, and to give the men their first good meal since they'd set sail. It was a way for them to blow off steam in a classy way, essentially. Unless Norrington was coming, because it was her own personal opinion that deception and humiliation weren't particularly classy – but what would Theo know? She was Irish, after all.

Elizabeth, being Elizabeth, wanted her to wear something evil for the dinner. Evil, here, having the meaning of show-stoppingly beautiful. She'd refused, flat out. Not only because she didn't have the heart for it, but because it'd be transparent and very pathetic, and only make her feel more ridiculous than she already did around most of those whose names were on the guest list. There was no desire in her to show him what he was missing, or anything that reached those levels of utter meltery, because he wasn't missing anything, and she didn't want him to miss anything. She was done. What was the point in playing games that she'd find no fun in?

Only when she insisted that if the matter was pushed, she'd fake a sudden illness and spend the night in her bedroom, in her nightgown, did Elizabeth relent. Highly begrudgingly. At least until she caught the pallor creeping into Theo's face, and the tremor in her hand, as the prospect of the night ahead saturated her with dread, and then their spat was over before it had even truly begun.

So, the lengths of red satin that her friend had been trying to push upon her were replaced by a muted jade gown that had delicate white flowers working its way up from the hem of the skirts, along with the bottom of the bodice. Her one concession was the fabric of the underskirts – a brilliant emerald green that peeked out from the gap in the middle between the overskirts. The hair was understated, too, the updo more a simple collection of curls all bound together rather than something that had her resembling a skyscraper. Finally, she wore her own necklace from home about her neck, more of a totem than an accessory tonight, so she could at least feel like her dad was here with her in some way. In truth, she missed him more sorely now than she had since arriving here, and even the thought was almost enough to send her into a fit of tears.

But she couldn't afford that tonight. Maybe that made the necklace a mistake, but she couldn't bring herself to remove it once it was on.

Tonight would be the worst of it. The first time having to face him again – but at least she'd do so while knowing that his maid, Hattie, would've told him that she returned whatever books of his had still been in her care. Now, he would have no reason at all to speak with her. He'd like that.

James knew that, had Theodora departed, he would have heard so soon upon returning to Port Royal. And while he heard no such thing, he still hadn't the heart to outright ask – not even his own staff – so he remained silent, and when he entered the Governor's mansion that eve, he was relieved when it took no time at all to spot a head of fiery hair among the crowd. Although the relief was hardly devoid of other, more mixed emotions.

He should apologise. That was not a conclusion that it took him a great deal of time to reach. It would be the right thing to do – the gentlemanly thing to do, even if he was not a gentleman in the technical sense of the word. Nor in the looser sense, if his behaviour as of late was any indicator.

However…she had also asked him to leave her be. It was impossible to respect that wish, while also doing the right thing, which left him with the dilemma of which course of action was more right. The answer was the one he liked least. That he should simply leave her be, as she wanted.

And whatever relief he felt at seeing she was still here was in danger of evaporating when he saw more of her throughout the evening. Her face, and her general demeanour. How often had he thought to himself that there must be nothing under the sun that could possibly dampen her utterly indomitable spirit? Her humour? While the thought had once exasperated him, he now wished his theory had not proven incorrect. It helped nothing that he was the cause of it.

He kept his distance throughout the night, and she did not look at him once, but even when she was on the opposite side of the room from him (which she often was), she did not brighten. While James was placed at Governor Swann's end of the table, Theodora was at Elizabeth's, with Groves at her other side, to her left.

It soon became apparent that he didn't even need to pretend he was not taking stock of her, stealing swift glances here and there when he was sure she was distracted and would not catch him, for she didn't look at him at all. She barely looked at anybody, her eyes downcast and her face distant. It was not the manner of one who was in the midst of a strop – intent on making sure those around her felt the full weight of her displeasure via the mode of uncomfortable silence. So, while she did not smile, she didn't scowl either. When spoken to, she replied, and when spoken at, she listened patiently. But she was not there. Not truly. She did not flee in defeat, but she had put down her sword.

And that fact alone was enough to have his heart sinking down to his shoes.

Dinner passed without incident, and when they moved to the sitting room so that the servants could clear the aftermath of the meal, Groves and Elizabeth seemed in no hurry to leave Theodora's side. As hostess, Elizabeth was soon forced to do so and mingle, but Groves remained, although he appeared content to simply remain by her side rather than engaging in further attempts to pry conversation from her. All the while, her eyes remained far off, much as he suspected his own did when he was busy running over mental preparations for whatever voyage lay ahead.

She looked fetching tonight. Nothing new, really, for she was a fair woman – factually speaking. Bedecked in green which flattered her colouring, and not bedecked in ruffles or jewels that would only distract from the beauty that she herself held. But the difference was that, tonight, she was not as striking as she usually was. Not without the teasing grins, or the glimmer in her eye that so oft betrayed a wealth of things she was not saying.

What it took to snap her back into the room was something he wished had not happened at all. Amelia Simmonds flounced over to the pianoforte, and sat down before it with a flourish. Not content to make a point by halves, she flew into a complex piece that would have had even James himself impressed at her skill – had she not been who she was, and had she not harboured the motive she did. Instead, it only stoked his ire, perhaps pettily content that he had another to level at it who was not himself.

The performance was nearing its end when he looked back towards Theodora again, finding that this time, for the first time, she was looking at him. Indifference still veiled her expression, but this time it was just that – a veil. One hand toyed with the pendant about her neck, seeking comfort, as she watched him silently, as though waiting for a repeat of what had occurred the last time they found themselves in this setting. He knew the fact that he'd been caught changed his expression, but it did not change hers. She gave nothing away. Which, in itself, gave something away, for being so guarded was unlike her. And he'd caused the change.

Finally, after what seemed like an age, she looked away. Murmuring something to Groves, she took a step back, and then turned, departing otherwise without notice. Intent, he supposed, on not offering up another opportunity.

James debated on whether he should follow, but as another seized their chance to play, Amelia was by his side.

"My, Miss Swann really did tame the wild beast, did she not?" Amelia asked with glee.

He realised then, with a dull sense of horror, that she viewed him as an ally against the woman she had pinned all of her ire upon, the moment Theodora had washed up on their shores. Said horror was no longer so dull when he was forced to concede that Amelia's assumption was not unfounded.

"Perhaps she should open a finishing school," she continued. "Or a dog kennel – for training, you understand."

"You are making a fool of yourself, madam," he said flatly.

The grin slipped from her face as she blinked up at him, but she recovered swiftly and forced a laugh.

"No, Captain, I'm making a fool of her."

"Then why, might I ask, is it you that appears ignorant, and not Miss Byrne?"

He took his leave before she could answer, following in the direction Theodora had departed, although he knew not what he would do if he found her.

It seemed another had already beaten him to accompany her, though. Lieutenant Groves' voice met his ears, drifting from the dining room that had already been cleared, and James stilled by the doorway, listening with something that felt dangerously and heavily akin to dread. For the Lieutenant's voice was soft in a way that denoted more than a desire to simply speak quietly.

"I was wondering if I might call upon you tomorrow morning. For…for tea, or perhaps a turn about the gardens. Whichever you'd like best. Or something else, if you'd rather."

"…Why?" Theodora's voice was filled with genuine confusion.

Groves breathed a nervous laugh, faltered for a moment, and then replied.

"Forgive me, but…I think you know why. I should very much like to get to know you, Miss Byrne."

"Oh…I…I see…"

It was silent then, for a few long moments – moments that felt all the longer for how terrible they were, as James wondered if he would find them locked in some sort of embrace if he chanced a look inside the room.

"Lieutenant…" she said finally, falteringly.

James despised the treacherous relief and joy both that coursed through him, for that mode of address entirely betrayed what her answer would be. And it should not have made him happy. Not for Groves' sake, not for Theodora's, and certainly not for his own.

"Please, call me Theodore. Unless it's too absurd for you to say with a straight face, considering how alike it is to yours."

She did not laugh at his teasing.

"I don't intend to be here much longer. But…if you want to come and visit as a friend, I'd love that."

Scarcely two full seconds went by before Groves was responding.

"You're leaving?"

"When I can find the right time, yes."

"Why? Because of…the other night…?"

"Not entirely because of it. I'm not that pathetic. If it was anything, it was a wake-up call. I don't belong here, and I don't want to be anywhere I don't belong. What point is there wasting my energy pretending otherwise? Everybody knows it."

"I think you're allowing yourself to be defeated. If I may be so bold as to say it outright."

"There's surrendering to needless defeat, and then there's recognising that the battle isn't worth fighting in the first place," she said, resignation filling her voice more than woe or self-pity. "I want to be somewhere where people understand me. Where they actually like and know me. That's not wrong. Elizabeth does, Elizabeth has been…has been so impossibly good to me. But I can't spend all of my time cowering behind her skirts and expecting her to stick up for me amongst this lot. It's not fair on her, and I don't want her to. I'm tired, Lieutenant. I've been tired ever since I arrived here. I don't think that's going to change if I remain."

Tired, James knew, was a code for the emotions she would not admit to. Fear, and melancholy. Amongst others.

Groves sighed.

"Very well. But I still insist that you call me Theodore."

"And if it is too absurd?" there was a smile in her voice now – the first display of mirth James' had caught from her all evening.

"I've never been much attached to it. We can brainstorm a new one for me when I visit tomorrow."

"You still want to visit?" surprise coloured her voice.

"You just said we shall be friends," he pointed out.

Theodora breathed a surprised laugh, and he could hear the smile in her voice as she replied.

"Good, then. I'll have a list ready. How do you feel about Beauregard?"

"I feel hopeful that the rest of the list will be more promising," Groves chuckled.

Knowing it was only a matter of time before he was either missed or caught, he turned…and found himself face to face with Elizabeth Swann. Judging by the look she shot in the direction of the room Groves and Theodora occupied, she had heard everything just as he had – and by the one she then levelled at him personally, his reaction had not gone unnoticed.

At first, it looked like she might speak, but the sound of shuffling reached their ears, and it would not be long before they were discovered. So, she nodded in the direction of the passageway that would lead out onto the patio, and then the gardens. James obeyed. He didn't have much choice in the matter, although he held little optimism about what words might pass between them. His last conversation in the Governor's gardens had hardly gone well.

They stepped out into the night, mostly overcast which meant they would not be seen easily here, and Elizabeth turned to him, watching him expectantly. James cleared his throat.

"I feel I must apologise," he said.

She nodded.

"If my actions have caused any awkwardness between you and Miss Byrne, for I know she has become a dear friend to you, then you have my sincerest-"

"To me?" she interrupted sharply. "You feel you must apologise to me, Captain?"

"Only because I cannot apologise to Miss Byrne."

"You cannot? Have you tried?"

"Last we spoke, she asked that I leave her be. I intend to honour that request."

"You shouldn't!"

"It is for the best," he replied firmly.

"The best for whom, Captain Norrington?!"

"For…for…"

He did not hesitate because he had no answer to her question, but rather because the answer was hardly one that he could speak aloud. The best for everybody. For Theodora, because it was what she wanted, for Elizabeth, because it would rid her of whatever suspicions he harboured about he and her friend, and for James himself because…well, it would rid him of any ill-gotten confusion. Regarding what woman he should have been spending his time thinking about.

While he could voice none of that, Elizabeth's shrewd eye seemed to catch it all on his face. Of course she saw it, she was no fool. Not in the slightest.

"May I speak frankly?" she asked finally.

While her voice held none of the sharpness it previously harboured, it was still far from gentle.

"By all means," he said – and he meant it.

Months ago, he'd have sawn off his arm with a wooden sword to have her speak frankly to him, rather than through fifty different layers of propriety and social graces. That had never been a problem for Theodora. No, she—no. That was precisely the line of thinking he was trying desperately to shake himself out of these days.

"How might you have felt, back there, had Theodora accepted Lieutenant Groves' overtures?"

Considering the dread that had seized him upon hearing said overtures, the answer was not hard to come by. It was, however, rather more difficult to admit. Even now, a worry grew in the back of his mind that he had not heard the last of the prospect of their becoming more. Many a stout romance began as friendship, and he had certainly been able to cheer her with remarkable speed. If that continued, she may decide to remain. With him.

"The private affairs of Lieutenant Groves are no business of mine," he said flatly.

Annoyance flashed in Elizabeth's dark eyes once again, as bright as a strike of lightning, even in the darkness the night cloaked them in.

"If I am to speak frankly, you must extend me the same courtesy," she warned.

"I am."

"You are not! Captain, since the last time you were here, I have barely been able to pry a conversation out of Theo. Much less a smile, or a laugh. Does that sound like her?"

Whatever small hope he'd had that her change in demeanour was simply due to his return, a ward to disabuse him of any temptation to approach, died a swift death then and there. His guilt only increased. That, at least, seemed to grant the woman before him some satisfaction where his words could not.

"No, it does not."

"I have since learned, tonight, that you have hardly been in the best of moods since that night, either."

"The gossip of sailors," he scoffed.

Ones who would find themselves buried under ungodly amounts of mind-numbingly boring tasks, once he ascertained who exactly had been spreading rumours.

"Is it?"

"I shall not pretend that I do not regret my actions that night, especially if they caused you distress in your own friendship with your guest, but-"

"She's talking about leaving, you know."

At that, he could not muster an uncaring façade.

"I do not yet know how she intends to do so, but I know that she will. It is not an idle threat. Theo does not make idle threats. Your actions and your treatment of her, she has told me, were a timely reminder that she does not belong here. That she was foolish to think otherwise, and that she was foolish to develop an attachment."

"If she believes her attachment to you was foolish because of my actions, then she-"

"To you, Captain. Not to me. To you."

"Well…I…" he finally stopped gawping long enough to respond properly. "That was misguided on her part."

"Was it?" she challenged yet again.

"Yes!"

"Why?!"

Now, he found himself echoing Lieutenant Groves' earlier sentiments, his jaw clenching and unclenching, staring off into the gardens so he could force himself to speak.

"I suspect you know why."

It was not an easy thing to say. But she had demanded frankness, and so she would have it.

"Captain, I have known you for some time. A long time. I do not believe you would be standing here in such distress if you had no feelings for Theo."

"In which case, that is misguided on my part."

"Why? Because she is Irish? Or because of her social standing?"

"Of course not!"

"Because you still insist she harbours sinister secrets, then? I will confide this in you, even if I know she would not wish me to do so."

"Then you should not-"

"I know everything she has not seen fit to tell others. All of it. There is nothing sinister there, and there is nothing that might impede you. Unless you truly do succeed in driving her away."

"What…?"

"I can say no more on the matter. Trust what I have said."

James stared at her, and she stared back – as though daring him to challenge her. How long had she known the answers he sought? What were those answers? If she said there was no impediment, that would mean…that there was no husband. But how did that explain all of the factors that led him to that suspicion? Elizabeth had hinted at cruelty, but…but one did not have to be married to a woman to be cruel to her. That much made sense. Perhaps…

Whatever theories began to arise, he put a forceful end to them. Those thoughts, at least, he could control. They mattered not, when weighed upon the conversation currently at hand. So he stopped his incredulous staring, cleared his throat, and schooled his expression.

"It makes no difference."

"Why, Captain? Why does it not?" she demanded.

"I have told you why, Elizabeth!" he all but snapped. "Because it is not…it is not…"

"What you had planned?" a strong sort of knowing seeped through her tone.

How was it that she managed to pin the thoughts he himself could not even begin to untangle with such expert precision?

At that question, her implorations turned from furious to soft, though no less firm despite that. The frown was smoothed from her brow, her eyes no longer blazed, but she did not shrink or falter. James suspected she was incapable of either, much like the woman she championed.

"Captain…James…" she sighed, wringing her hands and hanging her head for a moment before she looked at him once again, resolving herself to the rule of frankness that prevailed over this conversation. "Plans change. That is perfectly alright. It's good, so long as you don't cling to the old one for the sake of clinging to the old one, forsaking your own happiness and that of others for the sake of it. There are…there are times when doing the correct thing, in the eyes of others, can be the wrong thing, if done for the wrong reasons."

He hadn't the faintest idea of what to say to that – nor if he could speak if he even truly tried to do so. Happily, or unhappily, Elizabeth was not finished having her say.

"I am not inside your mind. I believe I am correct, but perhaps I am not. If so, leave Theodora be. I would not have you pursue her as a second best option – in fact, I should never forgive you if you do. But if I am correct, and you're denying both yourself and Theodora a chance at very real happiness because you're too stubborn to see what is directly before your eyes, I shall find that hard to forgive, too."

"However…hypothetically speaking…if the latter were the case," he said slowly, feeling quite numb. "It is far too late to change anything now. Is it not?"

"That, I cannot answer. But there is only one way to find out."

"Oh?"

"Try," she said.

They remained standing there for a few long moments, until Elizabeth finally sighed and clasped her hands before her.

"I would ask one thing of you," she said finally. "We will not discuss it, if you concede. This is for your sake."

"What is it?"

Considering how this conversation had transpired, he did not dare agree before he heard the request. Once, he might have – even if the request involved walking upon molten glass. But now, he could not.

"When you return to your home tonight, put whatever plans you may once have had from your mind," she said carefully. "Only for a moment. A minute, an hour, thirty seconds, whatever it takes. Picture two eventualities. One in which you do the expected thing. And one in which you follow what it is you truly wish to do, if I am in fact correct about what that is. Consider which one brings you more joy. Make that your compass. Not reason."

He did not agree, but he knew he would do so anyway, now that the idea was in his mind. He was a glutton for punishment, it seems. But she seemed not to expect a response, straightening and lifting her chin.

"My father tells me the formalities, in the way of paperwork, are all almost concluded to secure your promotion. You'll soon be Commodore Norrington, I hear. Congratulations – truly. You deserve it."

It was not news, not to him. Although until the ink was dry, he was content for it to be news that had not yet reached the ears of the rest of those gathered here. With a parting nod, Elizabeth swept soundlessly from the gardens, save only for the rustle of her skirts. James remained. Movement was even more impossible than speech was.

She had given him much to think about.

A/N: I really loved the idea of Elizabeth parroting the advice her father gives her in TCOTBP, even though he hasn't actually given her it yet in this timeline. I just think it shows the bond and the closeness between them, that they'd give similar advice under similar circumstances.

[tangentburd]

~ Oh So Fly! ~

From the rockin’ street doves to the coo-l Capuchines We’ll pick and peck apart every piece of bird-based bling Warmers, collars, capes… Gramma’s cornbread cowls? You might as well go back home with your head in a towel!

~ A nonsensical poem I wrote on pigeons and their Fabulous! Bread! Necklaces! for the recent "Toasty Mart" bread x animals zine hosted by @bycmykae. Thanks for the pun fun-filled experience!

Shoutout to @katsuayumu too for making all the super cute and delicious pigeon character art for this piece :D

🕊 [ Read the full poem on AO3 or under the cut! ]

🍞 [ Read the free zine via itch.io! ]

Greetings! Salutations! Birds of a feather! Welcome to the Bread Derby, sisters and brothers! The name’s Pasquale and I’m your host for today— Colomba of keen eye for fashions of the day ~✦

It’s party pigeon time down here in the square Where every-birdy’s decked in their fanciest neckwear Where the have-its flaunt it! And the have-nots want it! Where upper crusts and lower crumbs clash in showers of grit!

From the rockin’ street doves to the coo-l Capuchines We’ll pick and peck apart every piece of bird-based bling Warmers, collars, capes... Gramma’s cornbread cowls? You might as well go back home with your head in a towel!

We’ll see who’s the boss in their oven-baked best! And who’s burnt toast that’s only good for lining nests! Beaks up and b-ready, we’re starting the show Coo! Here’s our first lady—let’s fluffin’ go!

———

Behold! This uppity—I mean, blue-crowned royalty: The Duchess of Dovershire, come to visit from her county With her pearl-tipped crest as though dipped in icing And draped with a most exquisite braided bread ring Such graze! Delicacy! (Maybe a hint of power?) The air and flair of fresh-milled flour—

“How do you do? Your reds and greens are lovely!” Hold up, did... she just say something to me? Why yes ma’am, thank you! I adore them too! It’s just avocado bruschetta, nothing too frou-frou~ She chortles, nods; then away she struts: A portly, pleasant presence in her posh, plaited doughnut.

———

Kerfuffle from the crowds! Cue the world’s favourite Frillback: Pop idol Pae-Dae, in a cushy cape of flatbread Luscious curls of feathers bronze all across his wings A dishy dove indeed: he’s every fledgling’s prince! His shuffling feet pause, his misty eyes find mine I wonder what words might leave a beak so sublime...?

“Wish I could sleep, Mister Host, but I’ll do my best Ask me about the dramas I’ve been filming without rest Or how everyone thinks my wings are hazelnut flakes...” Sigh, a celeb’s life! You can’t ever get a break I’ll interview you next week! Now go and catch some Z’s Your tortilla blanket should be cosy—but don’t let your fans see!

———

An emerald dove patters by, sleeves shimmering green Donning the airiest, fairiest sourdough I’ve seen: Scored like a flower, flour dusted like a lace veil Aw, she’s proud of it! Look at her bobbing tail~ “My name’s Paige Pidgerton, I baked it just today I hope to open my artisan beak-ery someday!”

You’re a natural, miss, this here’s a work of art! But really, is that all you dream of deep inside your heart? She flusters, she flushes, her white headband askew The rosy eyes of a heroine’s fairytale come true! “Maybe... if I can’t bake for everyone in town Then at least for some-birdy I’m happy to be around.♥”

———

You hear them before you see them: Two lean, rugged doves Squabbling, squawking, crash-landing (on the) square from above “I told you to hurry, old man, now we’re late for the parade!” ‘Why don’t you stop by a corner shop again, you ingrate!’ Good day, gentlemen! I might have seen you somewhere, sir Aren’t you G.I. Low, that decorated war officer?

‘Some eye you’ve got, chap! Sharp as this one I’ve got left Better than my grandkid here who thinks he’s bloody EMS.’ “If this thumbdrive don’t reach later, I’ll be toast-er than my toast! Name’s Payload Swift, mister, I’m a racer turned pigeon post.”

(Aha! Do I sense a glorious generation gap? A question trap to set their wings and tempers aflap!) Living life in the fast lane? Your intake must be insane! Care to share with us your go-to holy grains?

“This grilled tuna sandwich melt from Leaven-Eleven’s Is the best thing since sliced bread—a taste made in heaven!” ‘It IS sliced bread, for heavens’ sake! See the junk this boy is eating? Not like this chipped beef on toast from back when I was serving It’s provisions! Nourishment! Blessings for the whole flock!’ “Yeah sure, if only you can eat it without a fork...”

———

A zig-zagging, a tango-ing, a high bird-song and dance A kererū, post-dine-and-wine, down on the bench in a trance That passé office plumage versus bland-as-heck handbag— Lady, your tastebuds are wrecked! And that fruit loaf’s a big red flag!

She waves her bottle—budget Pigeot Noir!—before my eyes “I’ve seen your shows on CooTube, you’re that real fly guy! That Nicobar fella who’s gone way up the pecking order...” Lady, your tastebuds are just fine! Ignore what I said earlier—

“Can you tell me how you’ve been eating every-birdy’s lunch? You’re now rolling in dough, but I’m just rolling off the branch... How can a common quill-pusher like me, Karolie Flee Fly to the top, eat all I want, and still be this carefree?”

Oh Miss Flee, let’s first put my inspiring haute coo-ture aside No matter what you’re doing, you should do it with pride! Push all the quills (and your bosses’ too) until you’re seen and heard But remember: there’s more to you than just this corporate bird!

Sure, your whites, greens and purples may not be the hottest stuff But if you’re a better you than yesterday then that’s good enough~★ That said, please just toss that brick of cursed candied fruit Get a loaf that tastes more chic! With marmalade to boot!

———

So there we go, folks—our roundup of this Derby: A true-blue cross-section of our bling-based society I’ve seen a future star baker, courier, wine connoisseur Stay inspiring, inspired and well rested, you youngsters!

Boast your bread-lace loud and proud, bake it till you make it The true slice-of-life is how you wear it and what you make of it! And to every-birdy else who’s stayed with us throughout— Beak thanks to you all! This is Col. Pasquale, signing out~♫

~ end ~

[carolynjcole]

When it comes to expressing elegance and sophistication, nothing speaks louder than a beautifully crafted diamond necklace. I, Carolyn J. Cole, am thrilled to share my latest jewelry find : the stunning Rani Multi Shape Diamond Necklace from Khepri Jewels. This exquisite piece is more than just a necklace — it's a symbol of luxury and timeless beauty. I highly recommend visiting Khepri Jewels to explore their stunning collection. Just like me, you’ll discover that Khepri Jewels offers unmatched quality and design that you’ll treasure for years to come. Visit our website today!

[elysianymph]

bloodied silk and silver knives

dedicated to @fefifofae

HAPPY BIRTHDAY FAE <33 i'm so so late with this but i wanted to finish it for you anyway. hope you had a great bday. enjoy some serial killer regulily just for you 🫶🏻

Regulus had barely made it through the door when Lily pressed him up against the wall, her thigh between his legs and hands on either side of him. In her gold heels she was just tall enough that Regulus needed to tilt his head up to look at her when she was this close, when they were breathing the same air and he could feel her body shuddering with the weight of the breaths she was taking.

Regulus wasted no time wrapping a bloody hand around her waist and pulling her impossibly closer, like he wanted to merge their bodies together until there was no beginning or end, just the two of them wrapped around each other. Lily closed the gap between them and Regulus was immediately overwhelmed with the taste of liquor on Lily’s lips, mixed with the cherry of her red lipstick.

Lily’s hand came up to his neck, fingers adorned with gold rings, some of which Regulus had bought himself, others Lily had stolen from victims who had no use for jewellery anymore. Red manicured nails dug into Regulus’ throat and he gasped at the sudden touch, Lily swallowed the sound. Regulus could feel her lips twist into a grin against his own.

Lily pulled away just enough to speak. “You're so messy,” she teased, a wide grin on her lips, her red lipstick smeared around her mouth from the kissing. Regulus chuckled at the irony.

“Says the one covered in another man’s blood.” He brought his hand to her chin, tilting her head down and wiping the lipstick from under her bottom lip with his thumb.

“That's partially your fault,” Lily argued, narrowing her eyes at him. Her fingers trailed down his neck to his collarbones, leaving behind white marks on his pale skin. Her hand stopped to play with the necklace Regulus always wore hidden under his dress shirt, an emerald stone on a chain, the same shade as Lily’s eyes.

“And you ruined my new dress with your recklessness,” Lily complained, her lips twisting into a pout as she tilted her head, deliberately trying to make Regulus feel guilty. He rolled his eyes at it.

“What a shame,” Regulud said with not even a hint of remorse in his voice, running his hands down the green slik of her gown and leaving traces of blood in his wake. “It was such a pretty colour too.” He watched as the crimson seeped into the fabric, turning into a dark burgundy colour.

“I hope you know how to get the stains out, pretty boy,” Lily teased, pressing her lips to Regulus’ neck, leaving behind red lipstick marks as she trailed down to his chest. Regulus’ hands went lower, to the thigh pressed between his legs, skin peeking out from the slit on Lily’s pretty dress. Just under the slit, where the pale freckled skin of her thigh peeked out was a garter belt with a small silver knife tucked into it.

“Don’t bother, I’ll buy you a new one,” Regulus said, snapping the elastic of the garter against Lily’s thigh. She pulled away from his neck with a smug expression but before she could make any sly remark Regulus was pulling her back in. “To make up for the mess I made,” he whispered against her lips and connected their lips again.

[fashioneditswebsite]

"Five Ways to Blend Your Summer and Autumn Wardrobe"

As autumn looms and the back-to-school season approaches, we're gearing up for a shift in the weather. We are in a transitional phase, facing unpredictable temperature swings and inclement weather. This is where a well-rounded wardrobe comes into play, featuring lightweight jackets and substantial knits that can be layered for versatility. When transitioning through the seasons, it’s all about layers (Alamy/PA) 1. Crew knit and tailored shorts Master the art of layering knits to transform your wardrobe seamlessly through the seasons. Embrace the versatility of winter woolen and loafers paired with tailored shorts to transition from cold weather to the lingering warmth of summer days. shrunken crew neck sweater jcrew Marella Crepe Shorts 2. Swap delicate chains for chunky metals.  "Transitioning from the warmer to cooler months often involves updating your accessories. A simple way to acknowledge the change in seasons is by refreshing your jewelry and swapping out delicate chained necklaces for chunky bracelets and bold rings. According to Ben Roberts, managing director of British jewelry brand Clogau, the runway trend for this season is centered around making a bold statement, with prominent, brightly colored gemstones taking the spotlight. Expect rich hues such as rubies, emeralds, and sapphires to dominate the runway, with designers pairing them with classic settings but adding their contemporary twist. Incorporating asymmetric, chunky, and unconventional shapes into your jewelry can help denote a shift into the new autumn/winter season while still using your summer tops and dresses."  Hearts and Medallions Necklace- Zara Charm Necklace -Zara 3. Layered summer dress If you're not ready to put away your summer dresses, you can transition them into autumn by layering them with jumpers, cardigans, trenches, and scarves. Fashion expert Fausta Urte Geigaite recommends pairing a floral summer dress with a chunky knit sweater and knee-high boots. This look provides warmth and style, using summer favorites in cooler weather. Farm Rio Dress LL Bean -Cotton Fisherman Cardigan Knee High Boots -Sam Edelman 4. Swap jeans for skirts It may sound counterintuitive to swap your trousers for skirts when you’re entering autumn, but opting for a denim midi skirt over jeans can immediately transform an autumnal look into a summery one. Pair a rugby polo with a denim midi or a grey knit with a long white skirt for a stylish look. Cropped Rugby Polo Shirt- Gap Midi denim skirt -Levi 5. Swap sandals for sneakers (or boots) When transitioning between seasons, you don’t need to adjust your entire outfit. However, sometimes, the most significant difference lies in the minor details. Wearing jeans, a summer top, a raffia bag, and canvas trainers can immediately transform your outfit into autumn. Pairing a feminine summer dress with sturdy biker boots and a heavy jacket can add a seasonal edge. Patchwork printed dress - Zara Astor Boot- Steve Madden Volley Leather White Tent Bark Read the full article

[latestblogz]

A Journey Through the History of Indian Jewelry

Indian jewelry is more than just adornment; it’s a living testament to the country's rich cultural heritage. With a history spanning millennia, it has evolved with the times, absorbing influences from various civilizations while retaining its unique charm. Let's embark on a journey through time to explore the captivating world of Indian jewelry.

The Ancient Roots

The origins of Indian jewelry can be traced back to the Indus Valley Civilization (3300-1300 BCE). The people of this era were skilled artisans, crafting exquisite pieces using gold, silver, and semi-precious stones. Their jewelry was often adorned with intricate geometric and floral motifs, reflecting their reverence for nature.

The Golden Age: The Mauryan and Gupta Periods

The Mauryan and Gupta periods (322 BCE to 550 CE) witnessed a flourishing of art and culture, and jewelry was no exception. This era saw the emergence of elaborate necklaces, earrings, and anklets, often adorned with precious stones and pearls. Goldsmithing reached new heights, with artisans creating intricate filigree and granulation work.

The Mughal Influence

The Mughal era (1526-1857) brought a fusion of Persian and Indian aesthetics to jewelry design. The Mughals introduced new techniques and designs, such as the use of diamonds and emeralds. The iconic Mughal jewelry, characterized by its opulence and grandeur, became synonymous with royal luxury.

The Rajput and Rajasthani Legacy

Rajasthan, with its rich history and vibrant culture, has been a major center for jewelry making. The Rajput rulers patronized the art, leading to the development of exquisite styles like Kundan, Polki, and Meenakari. These techniques involve intricate gold work, precious stones, and enamel, resulting in stunning pieces of jewelry.

The Modern Era

The 20th century brought about significant changes in Indian jewelry. The freedom movement inspired designs that reflected the spirit of nationalism. Later, the influence of Western fashion led to a fusion of traditional and contemporary styles. Today, Indian jewelry continues to evolve, incorporating modern materials and techniques while preserving the essence of its heritage.

A Modern Interpretation

Noori by Nikita is a shining example of how Indian jewelry can be reimagined for the modern woman. Their collections beautifully blend traditional motifs with contemporary designs, creating pieces that are both timeless and trendy. By using high-quality materials and impeccable craftsmanship, Noori by Nikita has successfully captured the hearts of jewelry lovers worldwide. Their ability to bridge the gap between tradition and modernity is a testament to their creative vision and understanding of the evolving tastes of their customers.

Indian jewelry is a living tradition, constantly evolving while staying true to its roots. It is a form of art that transcends time and continues to captivate the world with its beauty and elegance.

[playtimegarden]

𓆩 Sisko and Veli Vanamo 𓆪

𓆩❀ Profile ❀𓆪

Pronouns: they/them, Sisko (she/her) and Veli (he/him)

Flower: Twinflower, a tiny white and pink flower that grows with two blooms sharing a single stem.

Quote: You may play with us, but we prefer each other. 

Color scheme: white, light hot pink, and jade green

Style type/inspiration: pastel steampunk

Physical description ❀𓆪

Body: pale skin tone TPE, short and slim

Hair: curly ash blonde with light hot pink tips, just past shoulder length, styled in coiled updo on top of the head (hidden under hat) with one loose curl

Face: round, full cheeks and sharp nose (both blushed)

Eyes: downturned, celadon green, emerald eyeliner, pink and white eyeshadow

Lips: round with heavy lower lip, neutral expression, glossy pink 

Sexual characteristics: small breasts, realistic human intersex genitalia, Outer: a small pseudopenis attached to rounded labia that frame a vaginal opening, Inner: realistically elastic vagina with above average depth

Notable features: They are holding hands which have been melted together.

Clothing ❀𓆪

Outer clothes: 

Top layer: white tailcoat with pink silk lining, flared sleeves, and a silver/cameo button

Middle layer: double-breasted brocade vest (pink base with white and green twinflower pattern)

Bottom layer: white collared dress with flared sleeves edged in pink lace and an a-line skirt that has a gap down the center framed by silver buttons, puffy pink pants with green pinstripes that cinch below the knees

Under clothes: green corset with shoulder straps and pink laces up the back, pink silk romper style drawers with white lace edges reaching mid-thigh

Accessories: 

Head: white top hat with pink ribbon and a green bow, cameo twinflower hat pin

Neck: pink silk cravat with white twinflower pattern, cameo twinflower cravat pin

Hands: white wrist length gloves, fleece hand warmer shared on inner melted hands

Feet: pink ankle boots with green laces and white twinflower pattern, white knit thigh-high stockings

Jewelry: silver half heart locket with jade leaf beads and a singular white/pink droplet pearl, bracelet that matches the necklace minus the locket piece, silver brooch of a single twinflower bloom set with pink and white pearls (in ombre) with a small clock dangling from it, small silver twinflower ring set with pearls

𓆩❀ Long Form Description ❀𓆪

Physical description: The Vanamo twins, Sisko and Veli, are life-sized, hyperrealistic thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) dolls of a below average height and weight with a metal skeleton that allows them to be posed fairly realistically. If not for the fact their hands have been melted together, they could be interchangeable. Veli stands on their left, his right hand melted to his sister’s left.

They have a pale skin tone and curly, ash blonde hair with pink tips. It’s currently styled in coiled updos that are hidden beneath their top hats, save for one curl each that hangs beside their round faces, Veli on his left and Sisko on her right. They have plump cheeks and sharp noses, both colored with a deep pink blush. Their celadon eyes are downturned and lined in emerald green with pink and white eyeshadow dusted across their lids. They have rounded lips with a fuller lower lip that are colored a glossy pink and set in a neutral expression.

Sexual characteristics: The Vanamo twins are designed to have realistic intersex genitalia that feels and behaves very similarly to human flesh and is identical in every way. They have pseudopenises no bigger than an average index finger in both length and width that are directly connected to their labia which are rounded similarly to a scrotum. Between their labia is an elastic vaginal opening that can be (carefully) stretched to accommodate as much as the average human vagina in width and is plenty deep enough to accommodate any insertion up to a foot in length. They each also have a set of small, perky breasts with pink, side set nipples.

Current outer clothes: The twins are wearing collared white dresses that have long, flared sleeves and a hem that reaches their ankles, all edged with pink lace. The skirt is an a-line shape and has a rectangular gap down the center with silver buttons to each side that indicate another piece of fabric can be buttoned here to close the skirt. As it stands, it can be seen that they’re also wearing loose, puffy pants beneath the skirt that are pink with green pinstripes and tied below the knee. 

Above the dress they’re wearing double-breasted vests made of shimmering pink brocade with white and green designs of twinflowers. The two rows of silver buttons feature small cameos of enamel twinflowers over pink bases. Above the vests are white tailcoats lined in pink silk with one cameo button on each and flared sleeves that are just shorter than the sleeves of the dresses, allowing the pink lace to be seen about the wrists. 

Current under clothes: Under their various layers, the twins are wearing two more layers. The top layers are green corsets with shoulder straps that further help flatten their slim chests and straighten the silhouettes of their torsos. They’re tied up the backs with pink laces and feature a two piece busk in the front where the steel fastenings can be seen. The bottom most layers are one piece pink silk drawers that resemble rompers in shape with thick strap sleeves and legs that reach to mid-thigh. The hems are edged in white lace and the whole thing is tied up the front with white laces. 

Current accessories: The twins each wear a white top hat that is decorated with a subtly floral patterned pink ribbon, over which is a green bow that is shaped like leaves. A hat pin with a twinflower cameo is set at the center of the bow to hold the hat in place where it is tipped slightly forward. 

Around the neck, wound in the collar of the dress, each wears a pink silk cravat that has a white and green twinflower pattern. It’s held in place with a twinflower cameo cravat pin. Around the neck outside of the collar, they each wear a silver-chained locket that is shaped like half a heart, Veli wearing a left half and Sisko wearing a right. The chain bears several jade beads shaped like leaves and a single droplet pearl beside the locket, Veli’s being pink and Sisko’s being white. 

On the chest they each wear a silver brooch that has been shaped to resemble one bell-shaped bloom of a twinflower, set in an ombre of pink to white pearls. From the bottom of the flower hangs a small, but ornate silver clock that bears only one hand. Veli has the hour hand and Sisko has the minute hand. 

All three hands of the Vanamo twins are covered. Their permanently joined hands are covered by a shared white fleece hand warmer. Sisko’s right and Veli’s left hands each bear a plain white glove that reaches just to their wrist. Above these gloves, on the ring finger, they each have a delicate silver ring that starts with a single twinflower bloom set with a white pearl and wraps around the finger to end in a separated bloom set with a pink pearl beside the first. Above the gloves on the wrists, there are bracelets that match their necklaces, but without the heart piece and with switched pearl colors, white on Veli’s and pink on Sisko’s.

The two wear white knit stockings that go to mid-thigh in length and have a small, subtle scalloped pattern. Over these they wear pink ankle boots with short heels and green laces. They are decorated with a spray of tiny white twinflowers on the sides. 

𓆩❀︶꒦꒷Have a happy playtime!꒷꒦︶❀𓆪

[livredebelle]

Fourteen.

QUINN'S MOTORCYCLE felt amazing. The speed, the wind, the thrill--I loved every part of it and was thankful to have a friend who owned such a kickass ride. There were so many people staring as we pulled up at the entryway and Quinn tossed the bike keys to the valet. Shaking my helmet hair off and running my fingers through my half-curled, half-wavy hair, I felt like a badass making a statement. The motorcycle and the dress I was wearing clashed heavily like a paradox. 

I was dressed in an emerald backless dress with black gloves and a matching Chanel black clasp. No doubt this outfit had cost a fortune; I couldn't deny I looked like a princess, especially with the crystal chandelier earrings and necklace Mother had paired with it. I had put on light makeup, just a little bit of mascara to curl my lashes and rose-colored tint on my cheeks and lips, finished with a natural look. Makeup had never been my forte, but I knew if I didn't cover the basics, Mother would make a scene.

"Remember our objective," I reminded him as we walked in. "We're just going to eat the free food, I'm going to greet my mom real quick, and then we're going to get the hell out of here. Be ready to leave whenever." 

"Got it, Your Highness." He ruffled my hair. "You sure you don't want me to accompany you when you go say hi to your mom? I mean, you look stressed just talking about it."

"Yeah, it's fine. Plus, I don't want you to get caught up in my mess. When I give you the signal, just go and enjoy the party. Make some friends."

"Unlikely, but I'll try." One of his brows shot up defiantly.

I laughed. It felt so odd, but at the same time, because Quinn was with me, I felt more relaxed than I thought I would be. Bringing him had been the best decision. As we entered the hotel lobby and checked in with the concierge, my eyes scanned the room. There were a bunch of older people I didn't recognize at all; maybe they were all employees of Lexington Analytics--which would make sense. Because of the age gap, Quinn and I stood out like a sore thumb, but it couldn't be helped. 

"All right, Miss Everly, Mr. Hildebrand--if you would please follow me."

The concierge led us inside a dimly lit ballroom, where soft classical music played into the background of idle, polite chatter. As we walked over to our assigned table, I spotted her in the corner of my eye... and immediately started feeling sick.

Mother was dressed in a sleek silver gown, with her hair daintily styled up into a fancy bun. A tall, scary-faced older man stood next to her with one arm around her waist. He had a slightly muscular build; his face was dark, with a stern scowl painted on his face. The two were having a conversation in hushed voices. The closer they came into view, the more painfully my intestines twisted inside my stomach. Oh, God, I couldn't do this. My fingers started to shake.

"Hey, you okay?" Quinn, noticing my discomfort, stopped abruptly. "We don't have to do this. We could just turn back and go home, right now, and no one would be able to tell."

But no sooner had he said those words when Mother made eye contact with me. I froze immediately.

"Honey!" She waved us over. 

Quinn gave me a sideways glance. "Last chance."

I shook my head and took a deep breath. Now that it had come to this, there was nothing else to do but face my fear head-on. I lifted my chin in false confidence and walked over to her table, with Quinn silently trailing by my side. A whisper of a smile came across my lips. Despite everything, he wouldn't leave my side at a time like this. I appreciated that. 

"Good evening, Mother," I said in greeting, my hands balling into fists.

"Hi, Rina." As soon as she called me by her pet name for me, Heath's face flashed into my mind. "And your friend, to whom may I owe this pleasure?" Her fake and overly sweet voice made me instantly nauseous.

"This is Quinn. He's a friend from school."

"Hello, Mrs. Everly, and thank you for the invitation to such an elegant party."

"Oh, my! Well, I like him already, honey; he's well-mannered. Which, to be honest, I wasn't quite expecting!"

"Melanie," the man--Richard, was it?--rebuked in a low voice.

"Oops, there I go again, saying silly things," Mother gushed. My lips pressed firmly together. Yep, I was already dreading this. "I'm sorry, it's just been so long since I've last seen you that I could hardly contain my excitement. It's been, what, three years, is that right, darling? Since the day you ran out from home and nearly gave me a heart attack." She smiled, but I didn't. "I look back on that memory fondly, now, so don't look so serious. Oh, goodness--I didn't even make introductions yet! Richard, this is my lovely oldest daughter, Irina."

"How do you do." Richard firmly shook my hand in an iron grip. I flinched unwillingly, and the palm of my hand began to sweat, so I was relieved when he rescinded his shake and continued, "I am the president and CEO of Lexington Analytics. Welcome to our dinner party. I assume you've heard from Melanie the news of our engagement?" When I nodded without comment, he said, "Good. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Irina, and I very much look forward to being your newest addition to the family. Things will be very different with me as the head of the household, but I would appreciate your cooperation during this transition time." 

Spoken like a robot, and a true business leader. I could tell I would not be fond of this old man. "The pleasure is mine. Should I call you Richard, or Mr. Lexington, or...?"

"Please, call me the former. I would prefer not to be addressed as Mr. Lexington when I am not in the office." Really? I doubt it. "Melanie, have you seen my assistant? I told him to be on standby so he could participate in introductions, but it seems he's gone missing."

"Wasn't he speaking with one of the company sponsors thirty minutes ago? Oh well, I'm sure he'll pop up sometime. Meanwhile, I don't see Rosalie around, either."

Shit. Just as I'd feared--Rose was here. I wasn't sure what to make of that; my mind was completely blank.

"Still, I'm very glad you're here, Irina," Mother said. "You and Quinn should get some dinner, and we can meet back at the table once you're done eating while I go and locate your sister." With that, she made a graceful exit; similarly, Richard excused himself to go talk with a member of the town council about business matters. 

I let out a big breath of relief in a whoosh. That had been so stressful.

"You had a sister, too?" Quinn asked finally, his arms crossed. "Huh. Interesting family setup you have here. And your soon-to-be stepdad seems like a real optimist," he commented sarcastically.

"It's gonna be okay, because after today I won't have any reason to see them. Things will go back to normal--we're much happier when we're not in each others' lives, believe me."

"You have beef with your sister, too, then?"

"Ahhh... no, Rosalie's... complicated." 

"I hate that word; you overuse it too much."

"I can't help it. Look, she's probably the one who would hate me the most for running away from home three years ago, okay? So that's why things are tense with her, too. I've been avoiding her because I didn't want to think about the past, but now..."

"Now there's no avoiding it, is there."

I shook my head disdainfully.

"Well... the worst part of it is over, so why don't we go grab some food like your mom suggested? It can't get any worse from here, and I'll be on your side, so don't fret." He winked. "And after we eat, let's make a grand exit, shall we?"

"Yeah... Look, I'll meet you up near the food; I think I need to go to the bathroom first," I said shakily. I was beginning to feel the blood draining from my lips; I was dangerously nauseous. "I might need to throw up a little bit."

"Yikes. Are you going to be okay? Should I come with?"

"Nah, are you crazy? I don't want you to see me like that. I'll be right back." 

Sighing heavily, I dragged myself to the women's bathroom, taking a good look at myself in the mirror once I was safely within its confines. My face was ghastly pale--I did not look good, to say the least. The plan was to make myself puke so I could get some temporary relief, then have some ginger ale for dinner so I could leave sooner. 

Once the first part of the plan was executed, I staggered out of the bathroom stall and rinsed my mouth with water, as well as wiping the cold sweat off of my face. I still looked like a ghost, but at least my insides felt much better. Although I knew Quinn was probably waiting for me, I was tempted to head the roof for a smoke, so I did. He would be fine; he was great at socializing, after all. It would only take five minutes. Convinced, I took the hotel's fancy gold elevator to the top floor and headed straight to the roof. Once it arrived, I stepped outside, savoring the feeling of the fresh cool night air on my face. Ah, much better. The roof scenery was nice; there were flower beds all around, and I felt as though I had walked into some kind of Wonderland. The scent of the flowers and the full moon shining its heavenly light below made me feel dazed and dizzy, as if in a spell. I took a couple deep breaths to steady myself. I was already starting to feel a lot calmer and took out my stoges when I heard the sound of low voices coming not far from where I was standing. My brow furrowed in confusion. Someone else was up here, too? Maybe that person also needed a smoke break? Whatever, it was of no concern to me. I lit up the cigarette and took in a deep breath of toxic fumes when my thoughts were interrupted.

"...Are you seriously saying no to me right now? You do know who I am, right? I could make your life hell." 

A woman's voice rose higher and higher--she obviously sounded peeved. Oh no, more human drama--definitely not what I needed. I started to turn away from the sound of the conversation.

"Miss Smith, pardon my offense, but there is a considerable age gap between the two of us. In other words, I am not even the slightest bit interested in you. I was merely being polite to a well-known sponsor of the company in hopes of getting the president on your good side. Unfortunately, it seems the rumors that you are quite dull and an unpleasant cow were quite true."

That voice... why did it sound so familiar? Yet I knew instantly who it was. I froze... no way. 

Heath?

My first instinct was to hide to the side, in the shadows, away from the direct line of sight. I acted on it and bolted, holding in my breath. 

"You--" the woman sputtered. She did sound older than him, but to call her a cow was... unexpected and shocking. I had unwittingly become an audience member... it felt wrong to eavesdrop, but at this point I couldn't escape without making it evident that I had been here this whole time. 

"God, you're dumb. Don't you understand?" Heath's voice turned icy; he sounded as if he was sneering. "I'm the future beneficiary of this company and its assets. So step aside, know your place. You only ever got invited to this party because of your contribution last year, but this year you've incessantly disappointed us. Maybe it's time to revoke your shareholder status... you recall the terms of the contract we signed, don't you?"

"You're... the young master? Nonsense. I heard he came from the Ashford family... I didn't think a lowly servant like you would be--"

"Yes, that's me. The president and I are tied through personal circumstances--none of which I have to share the details with you, but do you finally understand?" Heath's voice turned sinister. "If you know what's good for you, you'll leave right now before I make your life a living hell."

I heard the sound of heels getting louder and louder until she reached the elevator, and then with a soft ding she was gone. I would've run like mad, too, if I were in her shoes. What a terrifying thing to hear...

I couldn't confirm it, but my gut told me it really was him. If what he'd just said was true, then that would mean he worked with Richard. How could this be? Our fates were so messily intertwined. I hated that fact as soon as I came to the realization. I would have to stop seeing him immediately--good thing I hadn't returned his text from yesterday.

"Hmmm... I smell smoke. Is somebody there?"

Crap, my cigarette! I hastily snubbed it out against the wall I was leaning on. I mouthed a silent prayer, Please don't come over here. Please don't notice me. 

The last thing I wanted was to get caught up in someone else's mess. The more I thought about it, the more I came to realize that coming tonight had been a huge mistake. Sure, my future in college would have been jeopardized, but surely there would be some university within the vicinity that didn't pander to my mother's insane wishes? I should've tried harder to fight back, but when cornered I had given up. That was the part about myself that I absolutely detested. 

Once Heath realized what kind of a person I was, how would he react? Did he know my mother too? So many questions. Not enough time. My heart beat loudly in my chest in anticipation. Please, gods, don't let him find me. 

It became eerily quiet, and even after I counted up to 100 seconds, it remained quiet. Maybe he had left? No, I would have heard him stepping into the elevator... I peeked out from the shadows, ready to bolt, when I noticed a bigger shadow was looming over me. Bad feeling. I hesitantly looked up...

...and came face-to-face with Heath Ashford, in the flesh.

He was dressed in a formal suit and a silver tie, and he wasn't wearing his glasses today. His bangs were slightly pushed back and he smelled like soap. 

Fuck. Fuck, fuck, fuck. Me and my shitty luck.

"What do you think you're doing?" he asked sharply. I bit my tongue. What was I going to say?

"What, you think you own this building or something?" I huffed, trying to sound unperturbed. "Obviously I was here for a smoke. I was invited to this party they're having downstairs. What are you doing here?"

"Oh, that--I was invited, too." Heath stared at me. "How long were you here on the rooftop? Were you eavesdropping on me?"

Here it was, the moment of truth. Not. "No. Why are you so full of yourself all the time? I told you, I just came here for a smoke break--nothing else. It doesn't even mean anything to me that you're here at this party. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to head back downstairs so I don't keep people waiting."

"Oh? Like who?" He leaned closer, notably pressing me up against the wall. Um. I couldn't think properly; all I could think about were his flirtatious text messages from the day before, and before I knew it, I was caught in his trap like a hunted animal. My face felt extremely hot. Quick, say something!

"Not that it's any of your concern, but my family and my friend." 

"...You heard, didn't you? You heard the whole thing." His voice was low and velvety, barely above a whisper. "Why were you spying on me? What game are you trying to play? Even though you didn't return my messages... I was really hurt by that, you know."

By this point, his face was so close to mine that I could not only smell his soapy scent eminating from his neck, but also his sweet breath and see all of his full, long lashes in exquisite detail. I felt intoxicated, even though I hadn't drunk any alcohol.

"I'm telling you, you're wrong... what do you want me to say? It sounds like you want a confession out of me."

A ghost of a smile crossed his lips. "That I do."

"What the--freak. We haven't even known each other that long; don't you think you're being a little inappropriate?"

"Time is fleeting, Miss Everly, and I don't think human relationships can be amounted to how long one knows another. It's much more about the quality than the quantity, wouldn't you agree? All I know is that each and every time I've met you, it's all so interesting and amusing. I want to get to know you better starting now. Is that so bad?"

"Uhh..." I was speechless. He had some nerve to be saying such embarrassing things so boldly. Ugh, and he called me Miss Everly again. I hated it! I needed to be honest with him--there was no way anything was gonna happen between us. "I feel like I'm talking to two different people. When I'm with you, you act so nice, but I could always tell it was sort of a facade... So what if I overheard some stuff you said? It has nothing to do with me, anyway. I just want to go back to the party; I don't want to be here with you." 

"Are you sure?" He leaned in even closer. Now he was so close that our noses would touch if I dared move a muscle. Definitely couldn't concentrate on anything now. My willpower evaporated into thin air. "If you ask me, you're the one putting up a front. I could tell from the moment we met that you were something special. Do you truly feel nothing when you're alone with me? Not even the slightest bit of interest?" 

"Stop fooling around."

"I'm not, Rina."

"Ugh! Can you quit it? You're not allowed to call me nicknames that you decided on arbitrarily! You're so frustrating."

"You're the one who's frustrating," he muttered. He obviously looked very irritated. Then, without warning, he closed the distance altogether, and pressed his lips urgently to mine.