#him being so widely regarded breaks my heart

[topnotchquark]

Carl Andre dead at 88, comfortable, rich, celebrated in the art world. Whereas Ana Mendieta never got to have her full life and express all that she wanted to explore through her art. Truly the petty injustice of life is cruel in such disappointing ways.

[adragonprinceswhore]

Teaching the Unteachable

Aegon Targaryen x Wife

Summary: When all else fails, Aegon's wife employs drastic measures to teach the unteachable.

Warnings: 18+, banter, (slight) dom/sub, temperature play, wax play, dry humping, dirty talk, Aegon being horny and in love

A/N: So, apparently this smutty drabble I wrote in December turned out to be canon? Anyway, have some more 'Aegon being bad at High Valyrian', but with a fun, sexy twist ✨

Word Count: 1200

. • ☆ . ° .• °:. *₊ ° . ☆ .　

“No, you need to roll your R’s. Like this: zaldrīzes” 

Aegon rolls his eyes before mockingly impersonating you, “zaldrīzes”. 

“No no, place the tip of your tongue by the roof of your mouth”, you explain, demonstratively opening your mouth to show your husband how he should place his tongue to achieve the sound he hadn’t yet mastered. 

Aegon’s eyes light up in mischief as he regards you. “I’m afraid I do not quite understand, my love. Perhaps if you place your tongue in my mouth, you can demonstrate it for me?” 

Now it is your turn to give him an unimpressed look. 

“If you want the realm to view you as a true Targaryen, you need to know how to speak like one”, you chide him, eyes sternly locking with his. 

“I do not give a shit about how the realm views me”, Aegon replies, tone sincere yet playful, “All that is of matter to me is how tempting my wife appears when she speaks of proper tongue placement”. 

You’re sitting next to each other by the table placed a few paces from the hearth burning in your shared chambers, Aegon’s hand continuously playing with your fingers. 

“You come to me sulking over the fact that your High Valyrian is no better than it was back when we were mere babes”, you sigh, “begging me to teach you”

Aegon hums as he bends your ring finger in his palm.

“Yet you do not listen to a word I say”, you scold him, pulling your hand away from his grip. 

“My love, I have come to a regretful realisation”, he replies with feigned gravity weighing heavy in his voice, “I’m afraid I’ll need another tutor” 

You answer his declaration by raising an impassive brow. A grin breaks out on his face. 

“One that doesn’t make my cock hard as soon as she opens her mouth”. 

Your eyes go wide at his crude remark, hand coming up to lightly smack him on the chest for his lewdness. 

“Aegon-“

He winks before moving closer to you, restless hands coming up to squeeze your thighs over your skirts, “Call me husband”

It is hard to stay mad at him in playful times like these, when he uses every charismatic trick he knows. Yet you have to remain strong, if only on the outside. 

“Why should I waste my days teaching the unteachable?”

“I am your husband. Your valzȳrys”, Aegon triumphs, hands moving up to pinch the flesh of your hips over the satin fabric you’re donning.  

One of the candles adorning the wooden table by you draws its last breath, hot wax running down its side. Your finger comes up to collect some, a pleasant chill running through your body at the sudden sting of warmth. 

“You can’t even say that right”, you tell him, a petty ridicule you know he won’t take to heart. Your eyes stay fixed on the wax slowly hardening on your fingertip. 

“Then teach me” 

His hands grab onto your sides tighter, pulling you off your chair and towards him. Instead of giving in too quickly, you resist his demand momentarily, feet steady on the floor to hinder him from pulling you onto his lap.

“Valzȳrys, I think you’re in due need of a punishment. For being such a disobedient pupil, and for talking about your tutor in such lewd ways”, you say, voice serious but eyes shining with mischief. 

Aegon looks up to meet your gaze, the grin on his face growing wider as he nods. 

You climb onto his lap, straddling him. Your noses almost knock together from the close proximity. He brings his hands to rest around your waist, but you grab them both and gently place them on the armrests of the chair. 

“No touching”, you instruct and he nods obediently. 

You’re sure you can sense the rigid proof of growing arousal where your centres meet, and your strict demeanour almost falters at the realisation. You haven’t even begun, yet your husband is desperate for you. 

You fight off a victorious smile as you pick up one candle, flame still burning, and look into Aegon's lilac eyes. The hand not holding the candle moves to untie the strings at the top of the undershirt he’s wearing. 

“If you fail to properly recite the words I ask you to say”, you start, the grin you’d tried to fight off causing the corners of your mouth to twitch upwards, “I get to pour wax on your chest”

Your husband’s eyes light up in intrigue, “And if I say the words correctly?”

“You’ll be awarded the satisfaction of knowing you are coherent in your native tongue”, you respond sternly. Aegon watches you expectantly. 

“Wife”, you begin your unwonted examination, swirling the lit candle between your fingers.

“Ābrazyrys”, Aegon confidently replies, raising his face in pride. 

You tilt the candle to the side, allowing the hot wax to pour down onto his slightly exposed chest. He gasps in surprise and you tut at his reaction.

“Atrocious pronunciation”, you chastise your husband, eyes shining with amusement. He inhales deeply, hands gripping the sides of the chair tightly. 

“Again”, you demand. 

“Ābrazyrys”, he breathes out, a whimper escaping his lips as you pour more wax on his chest. You are now certain that the hardness against your centre is evidence of how much he’s enjoying your teaching method, so you languidly roll your hips against his.

“Ābrazyrys”, you correct him as he grunts at the feeling of your core pressing against his. The wax on his chest had congealed, resembling pearls resting on his flustered skin. 

The alluring sight causes you to momentarily lose your senses, pressing a kiss against his lips; the flustered pink tint of his cheeks too appealing. When you pull away, he follows your mouth for more, but you give him a pointed look and continue, 

“Thank you, wife”

“Kirimvose, ābrazyrys”, Aegon all but moans as you pour more wax down his chest in the middle of his utterance. Having him at your mercy, torturing him with stinging pleasure, has rendered you wanton as well, causing you to roll your hips against his more forcefully to dull the ache blooming there; waiting to be attended to. 

You lean forward, swiping your tongue over your husband's soft lips. He pays no heed to your instructions any longer, hands leaving the armrest to circle your body, pressing you closer to him as he devours your mouth. He pushes your body in a silent plea for you to continue rocking against him, and you comply, eager to soothe your neglected core. 

The passion between you almost causes you to forget the still burning candle in your hand, but you manage to detach from his lips long enough to blow it out, fingertips once again pressing into the melted wax on the top. Before it solidifies over your skin, you grab the sides of Aegon’s chin, messily pressing the wax into his flesh as you steer his face towards yours, kissing him deeply as he hisses in stinging bliss. 

Perhaps he truly needs another tutor? 

One that doesn’t get her cunt wet as soon as he opens his mouth.

. • ☆ . ° .• °:. *₊ ° . ☆

Thank you for reading! 🩵

[churipu]

CALLING THEM "HUSBAND" IN PUBLIC 𓆝 ⋆｡𖦹°‧

featuring. gojo satoru, nanami kento, geto suguru x reader

warnings. none :)

note. this was based off the tiktok trend where you call your boyfriend "husband" in public, i forgot this trend existed until it appeared on my fyp again lmao.

GOJO SATORU. the first time he heard the word "husband" escape your throat when you were both standing in a line to order from a fast food chain, he thought he had heard wrong. but, frankly, he didn't really mind at all being called that — in fact, he felt delighted.

"i'll have the cheeseburger B set with no pickles," you tell the cashier before humming out softly, "and my husband will have the double cheeseburger C set, and an ice cream with extra chocolate syrup."

gojo was silent, he lets you speak and order for him. although his heart fluttered as he sways side to side behind you, a flowery aura surrounding him — gojo pays for the food, and grabbed the tray with one hand with no problem at all. happily guiding you to an empty table.

"so . . . what was that about, hm?" he sat across from you, his chin stuck to the palm of his hand. smiling widely.

"what was what about?" you questioned back, taking a spoonful of ice cream before plopping the fluffy texture into your mouth.

gojo eyed you, "oh, you know . . . me being your husband and all," he sings out, brushing the chocolate syrup that managed to tinge the corner of your lips with his thumb — the male brought his thumb towards his lips, swiping his tongue over the chocolate, "not that 'm complaining about it."

you chuckled softly, "'ts a tiktok trend, 'toru."

the male rolled his eyes, "no, it's not. i will marry you one day, i promise."

NANAMI KENTO. he's actually a bit surprised — and speechless at that. the both of you would be in a date, when you got a phone call from one of your friend. initially, you wanted to let the call ring, but you decided to brush that off your mind and answered the call with a thought in mind.

answering the call, you were immediately questioned with a "where are you?"

nonchalantly, you answered her, "me? 'm out with my husband, why?" and nanami who was sitting across from you with a cup of tea — almost choked when he heard your answer. swallowing down the lukewarm tea down his throat, nanami waited patiently until you ended the call to question you regarding it.

he had to wait for the next seven minutes for the call to end, and the moment your phone retracted from your ear, he was quick to follow you up on it, "husband?"

looking at him, you nodded, "is that a problem? would you like me to stop calling you that?"

nanami shook his head with a small smile, "no, no. i liked the sound of it," he mumbles softly, straining back his lips from up-warding by kissing the edge of his tea cup.

"the sound of what? being my husband?"

he nods, "yes. your husband."

GETO SUGURU. oh, believe me when he will be smug about being called "husband" by you. all smiles, the corner of his eyes crinkling lightly as he gazes at you — waiting for an explanation. geto won't say anything because he wanted you to be the one to explain it to him.

both you and geto were out. it was summer. hot, sweaty, and sticky. what else would be better than an ice cream about now?

geto went out his way to approach an ice cream truck, telling you to go find shade as he gets the sweet treat for you both to enjoy. but when he came back — there you were, sitting on a bench under a shade of a tree, with another boy by your side. someone who is not him.

as he confidently strides over to you, he saw you light up a bit and there you said, "ah, there's my husband."

smug. smug. smug.

he handed you your ice cream, eyeing the unknown male up and down before a slight smirk appeared on his face. that male was nothing compared to him.

"who's your friend, baby?" geto asks calmly, licking his ice cream. his gaze intent on the male's eyes, not breaking the contact. he didn't back down until the stranger walked away nervously, and geto turns to look at you, an arched brow.

"i was in a heap of moment, silly."

he shrugs, "even if you weren't, i'd like you to call me that every time."

© CHURIPU 2024 , DO NOT COPY OR REPOST ANYWHERE

[withwritersblock]

Sunflower

~Sunflower by Shannon Purser~

Author's Note: requested ! also I have no impulse control and as soon as I finished a fic I must post it despite it being midnight my time italics are flashbacks and also trying not to repeat gifs but I have written so many Luke fics I'm afraid I may have to lmaoooo Summary: Y/N gets insecure over being the "average" Hughes girlfriend Warnings: insecurities regarding appearance Word Count: 2,593 Luke Hughes x fm!reader

Luke had two motivations to going to class. One, he wouldn’t be able to play hockey if he didn’t go. Two, there was a beautiful girl that sometimes sat beside him in class. The lecture class was three days a week and usually she would sit two seats away from him. But every so often someone would sit in her usual seat so she would sit beside him. 

He’s only spoken two sentences to her. “Do you have a pen I can borrow?” and “Thanks.” He was sure his voice cracked and went embarrassingly high pitch but she was more than polite. She even let him keep the pen, which he thought was overly kind. 

Here he was twenty minutes early to the lecture, prepped with her pen and his notebook. He had one Airpod in his ear, blasting his country playlist as he stared at the blank notebook page. He was sitting in his usual seat in the giant lecture hall, watching each person walk in and sit in their regular seat. His heart jumped in his throat as he saw her walk in from the opposite side of the lecture hall. 

He kept his gaze on her, she had stopped short looking towards his direction. He watched her walk towards their section of the lecture hall. He dropped his gaze towards the notebook paper as he could hear his own heartbeat. Clenching his jaw, his cheeks heated up because she was coming closer. 

He leaned back in his seat, subtly shifting his gaze towards her. He watched her walk past her usual seat and sit down directly beside him. He felt himself start to smile but he cleared his throat as he turned his gaze towards the paper. 

“I decided to stop fighting for that seat,” she let out, pulling her notebook from her backpack. Luke turned his head, to meet her gaze. “Hope you don’t mind,” she mumbled. 

He pressed his lips together, fighting his grin, “Not at all,” he let out, he leaned forward as he let out a huff of air, “Who knows I may need to steal another pen.”

She giggled but he wanted to punch himself. Why would he say that? That was dumb, very dumb. 

“It’s not stealing if I gave you permission,” she offered as she tapped her pen against the notebook. He looked into her eyes, a soft smile formed to his lips. “You’re here early,” she observed.

He tilted his head to the side, while he squinted his eyes slightly. “So are you,” he let out. 

“I was trying to get to my seat first,” she mumbled while scanning his features. “But you were here and I wanted to talk,” she let out, her eyes widened slightly at the words leaving her own lips. He ran his hand over his nose as he fought the smile forming on his lips.

“Talk about what?” he let out barely above a whisper. She pursed her lips forward as she fought off a smirk. 

It had been a year since they first started dating. After eight months together, he had joined the Devils. It was hard and nearly impossible but they were determined to make it work. She was still on winter break and was planning on staying in Jersey with Luke for a week. 

She was manuvering through the airport with her suitcase trailing behind her. Her eyes were wandering the airport as she was trying to find her tall curly haired boy. It had been two months since she has last seen him and it was starting to consume her.

She spotted him leaning against a random wall, staring down at his phone. A wide grin formed to her lips as she began walking faster towards him. He lifted his gaze, as if he knew she was close. Instantly, their eyes connected. Luke smiled widely as he shoved his phone into his pocket. He started jogging towards her, he knew he looked ridiculous but his girlfriend was only a couple of feet away. 

She let go of her suitcase as she jumped into his arms, she wrapped her arms around his neck. A chuckle leaving his throat as he tightly wrapped his arms around her waist. “Hi,” he whispered into her ear as he spun her around. 

After a few seconds he delicately placed her on the ground, as he scanned her features with a soft smile on his lips. “I love you,” he mumbled as he pulled her towards his chest again, he was never a fan of PDA. Hugs were the furthest he’d ever take it in public, and she was fully comfortable with that. 

“I love you too,” she mumbled into his ear as she slowly ran her fingers through the ends of his curls. “Your hair is getting so long,” she continued.

“I haven’t really had time to get a haircut,” he let out shyly as he pulled away from her reluctantly. He reached behind her taking a hold of her suitcase. They began walking side by side out of the airport.

“I like it,” she said while glancing towards him again. He smiled as he took a hold of the small of her back, pulling her towards his side. 

~

They stepped into the apartment together, Luke laughing at something Y/N said as his gaze landed on Jack and his girlfriend sitting on the couch together. They were cuddling and whispering towards one another. 

Luke’s smile faltered as he saw them together, Y/N walked in behind Luke. “Hey man, thought you were staying at Nico’s tonight,” Luke let out as he stepped inside, rolling the suitcase against the wall. He quickly wrapped his arm around Y/N’s center back, pulling her to his side.

Y/N couldn’t help but stare towards the girl sitting beside Jack. She’s met her briefly over FaceTime and each time she was shocked at the beauty she oozed. She was an actual model who lived in New York. It was no shock to the hockey world that Jack Hughes would get in a relationship with a famous New York model. Especially one who was as stunning and as perfect as her. 

Y/N looked down towards her attire, the UMich hoodie on her frame paired with sweatpants really made her feel droopy. 

Jack smiled as he stood up from the couch, “Yeah, I was about to take Anna back to her place,” he mumbled as he smiled towards Y/N. “Luke’s been miserable without you,” he let out as he wrapped his arms around her. She hesitantly hugged him back. “Come on, baby,” Jack let out as Anna stood up from the couch. She met Y/N’s gaze, smiling politely before she followed Jack out of the apartment. 

Luke pressed his lips together as he turned his head to the side, scanning Y/N’s features. She had a small frown on her lips while she stared towards the floor. He furrowed his eyebrows as he delicately took a hold of her hand. She tilted her head to meet his eye. “You okay?” he asked, pouting his lip slightly. 

“I’m just tired from the flight,” she muttered, “Can I shower real fast?” 

He nodded as he delicately ran his thumb over the top of her hand. “Want me to join you?” he asked. She shook her head.

“I’ll be quick, I promise,” she mumbled. He nodded as he reached for her suitcase. He guided her towards his bedroom. Her eyes danced around the room excitedly. It was empty beside photos scattered around the room. The photos were mainly just him and Y/N. But there was a lot of photos of him with his UMich team and when he got drafted. 

“Bathroom is right there, beauty,” he mumbled pointing towards the door directly outside of his bedroom. He examined her features once more, she looked tired and all he wanted to do was hold her.

She smiled politely towards him as she walked towards it. He furrowed his eyebrows harshly as he slowly sat down on his bed. She stepped inside the bathroom, locking it behind her.

She stared towards her reflection, cringing at her appearance. She could’ve tried a little harder to look presentable for Luke. She leaned towards her reflection suddenly comparing herself to the girl on the couch. Luke could easily get someone as gorgeous as Anna. 

Jack wasn’t the only Hughes brother dating a model, Quinn recently started dating one. She was also out of this world stunning and the mere perfection of what beauty should be. Quinn has been showing her off to all of his private socials, it was hard to not compare herself to these girls. 

She was average. She was average in looks and in status. She had nothing to bring to the Hughes family. She has mountains of student debt and average looks and an average life. She was boring, how could she compare?

Suddenly she was crying, she wasn’t sure when it happened. The longer she made eye contact with herself, the more the tears filled her eyes. It wasn’t easy being with Y/N, she was hundreds of miles away. It would be easier for him to find a model to fall in love with that lived a few miles away. Why would he want her? She had nothing to offer. 

She took a deep breath as she quickly ripped her clothes off and jumped into the shower, she needed to stop looking at herself. She couldn’t continue to compare herself to the definition of beauty girls. 

The hot water hit her face, concealing the tears falling onto her cheeks. It was embarrassing. She should be confident, he loved her. He thought she was beautiful. She wished she felt beautiful when she was with him, but it was difficult when his brothers chose obviously gorgeous girls. 

After ten minutes she climbed out of the shower, wrapped herself with a spare towel. She walked out of the bathroom towards Luke’s room. He was lying on his bed, shirtless, with a pair of pajama pants on. He smiled towards her admiring her nearly naked wet frame. 

“I cannot wait until this is a view I get every day,” he let out with a grin on his lips. She rolled her eyes playfully as her heart began to race. She glanced towards the suitcase that was zipped open for her. 

Normally she would have some flirty banter to bounce back with Luke but she was quiet. Afraid the tears she had just shed would be evident in her voice. He clenched his jaw, his smile slipping from his lips. She took a hold of a matching pajama set and walked back towards the bathroom. He frowned as he watched her walk away. 

It was weird for her to not simply change clothes in front of him. He wasn’t upset, but he was confused. It took her another few minutes to reemerge from the bathroom. “Are you okay?” he asked bluntly. She nodded as she shut the door behind her, twisting the lock. “Baby, I know you’re not alright, what’s wrong?” he questioned as he scanned her frame. 

Tilting her head back, she took a deep breath. “It’s just been a long day, I’m tired ‘s all,” she mumbled as she walked towards the bed. Luke sat up, resting his feet on the ground. She sat down beside him, his gaze never leaving hers. 

“Did Jack say something to you? Did he say something-”

“No, Luke, I’m fine. I swear,” she mumbled as her lip quivered. His eyes widened. She shut her eyes harshly as she dropped her gaze. 

“What’s going on?” he asked barely above a whisper. She took a shaky breath as she rolled her eyes.

Shaking her head, she let out, “Do you see the girls your brother’s date?” 

He nodded slowly, trying to understand.

“Like they are the definition of perfect,” she let out with a huff of air, “I mean there is not a single thing wrong with them. I mean, you could easily date one of those girls yourself. You could easily get one of those girls to fall in love with you because you are so perfect,” she let out with a sob rising in her throat.

“Y/N,” he let out barely above a whisper.

“I mean it’s expected right? NHL stars are supposed to date the pretty models and the pretty actresses and the-” she let out a shaky breath, “You’re not supposed to be with the average college girl. I’m supposed to be some girl you date before fame. I’m supposed to be some ex you forget about. You’re supposed to have a beautiful family with a beautiful gir-”

He took a cautious hold of her chin, pulling her gaze towards his. His eyes were teary as she scanned his features. “I will have a beautiful family,” he mumbled. She bit the inside of her cheek, trying to stop the tears from falling, “I will have a beautiful family with a beautiful girl,” he continued. 

“That beautiful girl is you,” he whispered while he raised his hand up slightly, his thumb wiping a tear off of her cheek. “I think you are the most beautiful girl in the world,” she rolled her eyes. “I’m serious,” he mumbled. 

“Luke-”

“Let me finish,” he muttered, a small smile on his lips, “I hated that history class. I hated it so much I almost dropped out of the class. I was going to take it online next semester and forget about it. Until you sat beside me, you sat beside me and I couldn’t focus. I couldn’t focus because you were the most beautiful girl I have ever seen. All I could think about was how am I going to get this gorgeous girl out on a date with me,” 

She pulled away from him, dropping her gaze towards the floor. “I was so nervous to talk to you, I asked for a pen and I had a prepubecent voice crack in the process,” he explained, a chuckle leaving his throat. She let out a small laugh. 

He took a hold of her chin again, “I don’t want some girl who’s only personality is being pretty. I want my gorgeous girl who is funny, smart, independent, and the kindest person I have ever met,” he paused as he watched a small smile form to her lips, “You’re the whole package, baby doll,” he let out with a small chuckle.

“You were doing so good until you said baby doll,” she teased. He smirked as she pulled away from his hand. She wiped the tears away from her face, taking in a long breath. “I love you,” she let out as she tilted her head to the side. He smiled as he tilted his head back; fighting tears of his own. 

“I love you so much,” he let out as he pouted his lips slightly, “You know that, right? Am I not doing a good job at showing you that?” 

She shook her head as she stared into his eyes, “Oh my god, Luke, you are perfect,” she mumbled as she quickly climbed onto his lap, straddling him. She wrapped her arms around his neck, she stared into his eyes. “You are doing everything right,” she muttered as she lowered her gaze towards his lips. 

He nodded as he licked his lips. He glided his hands up and down her hips slowly as he leaned towards her kissing her softly.

[fuxuannie]

Unrelated to any of the Kenji thirst I keep thinking to the moment where Kenji is real close to losing his shit because someone made the 'Where's the Japanese Version of the guy' in regards to him and like fuck it hit me hard. I'm mixed like to the point where people can't pin my ethnicity by looking at me and constantly being told I'm not x or y enough to be a member of a community by all rights I do belong to I just I really empathized with him in that moment. I'd love to see some head cannons on how he feels and deals with the "Not Japanese enough" allegations, how he feels about being back in his home country after being in America for so long just overall how he adjusts and navigates through that

❥﹒kenji sato x gender neutral reader

✦. synopsis — request (thank you so much !!)

✦. love mail — requester wherever you may be, you are loved and it’s heartbreaking you relate to such :( you and me both, but thank you for such a heart touching req 😞🫰.

✦. tags — NO SPOILERS, not super x reader focused but elements are there, based on writer’s own experiences, angst-ish (not sure?), mentions of discrimination

Adjusting to life back in Japan was.. no easy feat, really. It had been so long since he was home, it no longer felt right to call it that. He felt out of place in his own skin. No one could tell, after all – it was his charm. But after every game, after every interview, he goes home and feels more disappointed in himself with each day. His own language, it feels foreign on his tongue. Each word he says feels wrong. You’ll be there to reassure him that it’s been some time, of course he won’t be perfect. But that’s the issue; he’s not perfect. He should be. That’s what people expect of him.

Criticism came with the lifestyle, it was a guarantee. But for it to come from his own people? Ouch. It was bad enough that back in America, he was made fun of for his bare-bone English, now back in Japan it’s his barely coherent Japanese. He feels like wherever he goes, he has to feign confidence to not break down. He puts on those damn shades to hide the way his eyes start to tear up when things get too much. Sure, he had gone through shit. But how much can one man take till he starts to break? Kenji can tell you, it’s not a lot. It’s been years and he’s just had to act like it doesn’t affect him.

And if not for the way he speaks, of course they go for how he looks. Now Kenji will admit, he IS a confident man. He loves himself and his image, but he isn’t immune to insecurity, no one is. Your heart breaks whenever he cries in your arms, resting on top of you as he sobs into your chest. You try to soothe his worries, kissing each part of him that he feels insecure about, which ends up just being his whole face. It’s a harrowing sight to see. You just wished you could get rid of all his problems, because for one man to bear it all? It wasn’t fair for his poor soul.

Sometimes you’ll wake up to him watching his old games, he’ll ask you what’s wrong, but you don’t notice. Instead, you see little him and how he smiled. It confused you, the tape wasn’t even playing – it was just paused there. He had that typical smile that most kids had, full of teeth and eyes squinted because of how wide their smile was. You chuckle, he was so cute. You then look back at him, and you try to understand. “I-” He’ll start, running a hand through his hair. “I just.. I missed that smile. The people back in America.. they made fun of me so-” You ran into his arms, engulfing him in a hug that made him feel so warm and fuzzy. And he doesn’t realise it, but that moment brings back that smile. He’s just so happy with you he can’t help it.

I think that, all and all, he’s just had to become desensitised to everything. He just shuts down whenever someone says something about how he doesn’t fit in. You’ll defend him, but he tells you not to. It’s a waste of breath. You want to argue that it’s not, that he deserves to be defended, but his defeated look wins you over. He knows there’s no real way to stop them, so he’d rather focus on his practices or making you feel happy. Those are things that matter to him; not something as temporary as his appearance or mannerisms of speech. He’s accepted that, and his priority is your happiness and his. :)

For more lighthearted headcanons, if you were Japanese, you'd offer to help Kenji refresh on writing his Kanji and overall speaking, which he is more than happy to accept. Another case, if you aren't Japanese; he'll ask if you want to learn with him. He's overjoyed if you accept, it brings a positive association and motivation to relearn his language. It wasn't to just please people.

I imagine Ami had become a good friend to you and Kenji, so she offers to demonstrate all the mannerisms Kenji has perhaps forgotten (and you did too/want to learn as well) to help. You both appreciate her helpful hand, and treat her to good restaurants for dinner as thanks. :)

[gay-dorito-dust]

we better get a part 2 for that ford fic YOU KNOW WHICH ONE IM TALKING ABOUT

🙂maybe- okay this is my formal apology to those I’ve hurt with the Ford fic by being a little brutal at the end.

Part 1

*a few hours after the confession*

‘You what?!’ Stan exclaimed as Ford finished telling him about his current situation.

‘Stanley please not so loud, they could hear you-‘

‘You walked away from the person you liked, and not only did you walk away from them but you walked away from them AFTER they confessed to you?! What the fuck Stanford!’ Stan ignored his brother and continued to yell, not understanding how badly Ford has truly fucked his chances with you this badly, god knows if Ford will ever get the chance to make up for this because Stan knows from Mabel that you were heartbroken. ‘What were you thinking?!’ He adds, becoming angry on your behalf since you were too distraught to even feel anything other then anguish.

‘I don’t know! I fucked up I get it!’ Ford replied, equally as frustrated at his actions earlier today, feeling his heart break each time he walked past your room just to hear heartbroken sobs and questions regarding your self worth and it was all because of him. Ford then sits himself down on the edge of his bed and rested his head in his hands, his mind replayed what could’ve been the happiest moment in his life, had he not been stupid enough to get up and walked away from you without explanation.

Stupid Ford, stupid. He thought to himself.

‘I thought this was what you wanted.’ Stan said as he calmed himself down upon seeing how bad his brother was taking this as he sat himself down next to Ford. ‘Isn’t being with them something you’ve always dreamed of happening one day? So why sabotage it for yourself and them?’ Stan then asked as he watched his brother with an observant eye, watching Ford as he caress the lucky stone you gifted him when coming across it while walking through the woods one day.

‘They deserve better than me Stanley.’ Ford said softly as he puts the lucky stone back into his coat pocket where it felt heavier than a small stone should, reflective of his guilt in what he did to you, and your hypothetical life together. He had you saying what he’s always dreamt you’d say, but he didn’t feel as though he was worthy of you and that you needed someone better; so he walked away and out of a beautiful, happy life with you because of his insecurities.

‘They wanted you Stanford, they always wanted you.’ Stanley reassures him with a firm hand on his shoulder. ‘It’s why they confessed to you because they want to be with you no matter what, they mustered up the courage to confess to you despite the fear of rejection, hoping that you wouldn’t be the reason their heart breaks and instead be the reason it laughs and smiles.’ He adds in hopes it encourages Ford to seek you out and makes things right, that and he wants to call you is sibling in law one day, not that he’d ever admit it aloud to anyone.

‘And yet I broke their heart by walking away regardless.’ Ford said defeated as he clenched his firsts. ‘What a fool I’ve been, blinded by insecurity and shame of myself that I didn’t see the hurt I was putting them through in the process.’ Ford then stands up with a look of determination. ‘I must make things right.’

‘Yes!’ Stan exclaimed as he stand up next to Ford, smiling widely as pride flooded his chest. ‘Yes you should! Go get them tiger!’ He cheers as he watched Ford march towards the door before looking back at his brother with a soft smile.

‘Thank you Stanley.’

Stanley smiles back at Ford, winking. ‘All in a days work of being the best twin in existence.’ He said jokingly.

Ford could only chuckle at this as he left his room to venture up the stairs and soon find himself outside your door once more as the nerves came back to him tenfold, but Ford knew that he needed to do this, that he needed to make things right with you once and for all. He takes a deep breath as his heart hammers in his chest as he knocks on your door and awaited.

You opened the door, looking worse for wear with dead eyes that were red from all the tears you’ve shed, wearing a fleece hoodie that Ford remembered brought you comfort from a long day at work, and just looking like you just needed a hug. ‘What do you want Ford.’ You said with no affection in your voice but more so annoyance and hurt.

‘I’ve…’ Ford found himself unable to speak again, he couldn’t convey his feelings into words at all and everything was screaming at him to leave you alone once again, to leave before he brook your heart even further but Ford wanted to be by your side to help heal your heart instead. ‘I’ve come to make things right my dear.’ He finally said and god did it feel good to finally say what his heart wanted to say at long last.

‘How?’ You questioned shortly, wanting nothing more than to shut the door in his face to make him feel how you felt, but your heart still beats for him whether you like it or not, even if he were to crush it in his hands you’d still love him regardless and that was the undeniable, undisputed truth.

‘By hoping that you’d let me help heal your heart and your trust in me again.’ Ford began, ‘I was a fool to leave you after you bore your heart to me my dear and I greatly apologise for that, in truth I like you too but to an extent that it goes beyond words to describe it accurately enough.’ Ford then reached into his pocket and pulled out the lucky stone you gave him and presented it to you.

Your eyes widened, you didn’t think he’d keep such a silly thing but knowing he did only made your heart crave him more. ‘Ford…’

‘Until I have earned your trust and heart back, I shall return the gift you have given me in hopes that one day I shall be lucky enough to be given it again.’ Ford continues with a somber smile but when you started chuckling, Ford couldn’t help but be a little confused. ‘You silly, silly man.’ You said as you gently pushed his outstretched hand back towards himself, ‘the stone is yours to keep, not give back and while yeah I’m hurt by what you did but I know deep down I could never hate nor distrust you ever. I like you too much to suddenly hate you.’ You admitted and Ford quickly pocket the stone before pulling you into his arms, holding you as tight as he could while burying his face into your neck.

‘Thank you my love, thank you so much for entrusting me with your heart.’ Ford said, voice slightly muffed but you were happy to be in his arms and found yourself smiling widely as tears of happiness streak down your face.

‘I’ll always entrust you with my heart, why do you think I gave you the lucky stone to begin with?’ You asked and suddenly everything same sense to Ford as he pulls away from you to lean forwards and kiss you on the lips softly, awkwardly but endearingly as you hummed in content, happy to have your happy ending become reality.

[grandline-fics]

Immune To Your Charms

DESCRIPTION: Soulmates are incapable of harming the other in any way. Normally that would be a good thing but not when you're meant to be enemies.

WARNINGS: It's Doflamingo so it features mentions of killing/ description of injury/ general violence. Some minor fluff and minor suggestiveness(maybe?) Soulmate! AU, Enemies to Lovers

CHARACTERS: Doflamingo

WORDS: 3,922

A/N: Part of the Good For Your Soul Series. I'd gotten sick there for a couple weeks so here's a longer chapter to make up for it all. Things are happening now even just a little but hopefully you all like how it's going.

*REQUESTS ARE OPEN*

DIRECTORY | PROMPT LIST

Chapter One | Chapter Two | Chapter Three | Chapter Four | Chapter Five (here) | Chapter Six |Chapter Seven | Chapter Eight | Chapter Nine | Chapter Ten | Chapter Eleven(coming soon)

——————

Doflamingo felt a rush of triumph flood his body as he grinned widely at the sight of you falling to the ground under the impact of his hand striking you sharply across the face. He relished the yelp of pain and the thud as you slumped against the wall. Even better was the sight of your cheek already bruising from his strike and the trickle of blood slowly dripping from your trembling lips. Your defiant gaze and furious glare remained in place, only heightened now by the shine of unshed tears. With a building chuckle Doflamingo raised his hand with exaggerated slowness and arched his fingers, summoning his strings to attach themselves to your wrists, wrapping so tightly that faint red lines appears against your previously unmarked skin and dragged you against your will until you stood. Adding insult to injury, you were pulled higher until you were dangling in the air and eye-level with him. Another flick and twitch of his fingers and new strings began to slide around your throat, getting tighter and tighter and-

The sound of footsteps against the polished floors outside his office made Doflamingo snap out of his daydream and he glared heavily at the disruption. Whoever that was was going to pay severely for their inability to walk quietly. Slamming his hand on the desk he rose sharply and stormed towards the door, throwing it open and freezing to see you walk by at the right moment. You stopped and tilted your head at him, turning to face him properly as you slowly analysed his tense body and abrupt appearance. Condescendingly you pouted at him. “Aww what’s wrong? Were you hoping I was a defenceless servant to attack?” You asked, the mock concern in your voice thick and smug. “Really my heart’s breaking for your troubles.”

“Yeah, you really look it.” Doflamingo grinned, lowering his arm from its coiled position that had been ready to attack. “And what have you planned for today? Besides strutting about my palace?”

“Oh well I do have a large block of strutting scheduled for today, can’t be avoided.” You explained in false severity. “In between I have a packed diary of meetings and galas. You know how it is.” Doflamingo chuckled at your casual sarcasm. You’d been here for a week already and he still found it a strange mix of aggravating and refreshing to be spoken to the way you did. Even those in his family restrained their tongue in some capacity with him or they regarded him with a small flicker of fear combined with their undying adoration for him. Not you though, you held no fear for him. He watched as you slowly craned your head to look beyond him and into the office, in search of something or someone only to see it was empty. “Well what got you so homicidal this time?”

“You.” Doflamingo answered smoothly. He didn’t feel any need to hold back, instead he waited until you straightened and met his gaze once more before going into further detail. “Your footsteps interrupted the enjoyable daydream I was having about being able to hurt you.”

“Aww had I known I would have interrupted you sooner.” You grinned, not at all surprised. “Was I crying? Begging?”

“No, you were too busy being strangled by my strings to make a noise.” You eyed Doflamingo as he took a step closer towards you, his fingers reaching out to lightly move across your throat, the image of the thin deep red lines digging into your soft skin still fresh in his mind. 

“Fun.” You chimed in, lightly swatting his hand away with ease. “In my daydreams your drowning very slowly.” Doflamingo’s grinned widened significantly at your own confession. How strange to think that other soulmates in their existences must have had sweeter or more intimate daydreams about the other half of their pair, not the ways they’d harm the other like you and he did. 

Behind his red tinted glasses he watched you walk away from him, only turning to step into his office again when you’d disappeared around the corner. As he did so he paused to see Violet a few feet away, watching him intently. He knew that look and rolled his eyes, silently signalling for her to enter his office and even left his door open while he moved lazily to his desk. Doflamingo waited for the sound of Violet closing the door behind her before he looked up to see her approach. “What’s troubling you?”

“It’s not going to work out the way you’re hoping it is.”

“What isn’t?” He asked, leaning back in his seat and propping up one of his feet onto his knee. “I have a lot of things going on. You’re going to have to be specific.”

“You won’t be able to harm them. Ever.” Violet statement was firm and it made him cock his head slightly to the side, grin dropping just a fraction. “Nothing you’ve tried has worked so far and nothing you try in the future will work. Soulmates can’t harm one another regardless of their feelings for each other.”

“There’s a first for everything Violet and you know better than anyone that I always succeed once I set my mind to it.”

“Then perhaps this is the first time that you fail?” She suggested, her eyes steeling slightly as the true nature of the former Princess began to draw itself out from under her pretence of being his loyal officer. “I peered at your souls just now as you conversed. The connection has deepened since that first day you learned the truth. In spite of the cruel words and murder attempts the longer you two are in proximity the stronger that bond is getting.”

“Why are you telling me that, Violet?”

“Just letting you know what to expect so that down the line you can remember that I told you so. You should do the right thing for once and distance yourself from them now. Let them go and have some semblance of a life instead of being stuck here because you refuse to accept they are the one person you can’t kill.”

“They aren’t going anywhere Violet.” Doflamingo all but growled, his expression darkening. 

“Getting possessive?” Violet asked unable to hide the small smile twitching at her lips as she turned and headed for the door. “Fine. Just remember I warned you.”

———-

Doflamingo had intended to not let Violet’s words strike a nerve but it did. He’d declared from day one that you weren’t going anywhere because he refused to let you be at risk of meeting your end by any other means than his hands. Her assessment that the the longer you two were in each other’s direct presence ensured the bond as soulmates would strengthen also annoyed him. Would new ‘side effects’ occur over time too? Would he be incapable of saying an insult in case it technically counted as hurting your feelings? Angrily he ran his hand through his hair and glared out the window, watching the lights of the streets and houses in the city below break up some of the night’s darkness. Doflamingo scowled at the complication of it all and his mind began to drift back to his intention to draw out stronger emotions from you, to at least make you break in some capacity. If even that possibility was at risk of being taken from him, he became resolved to do that now.

Turning sharply he left his bedroom and made his way down to the corridor your living quarters were at. Grinning, he pulled out his gun and unloaded the full chamber into the ceiling, the gunshots echoing loudly just outside your door. He chuckled at the sound of movement from inside your door. The door to the bedroom opened and you appeared, your face scrunched in sleepy confusion. A long yawn built in your chest as you looked around only to groan at the sight of Doflamingo grinning at you. “Guns again?” You asked with another yawn, trying to rub the sleep out of your eyes to focus on him properly. Slowly you looked at your door to see there weren’t even any bullet holes. “Where did you aim?” You followed Doflamingo’s finger as he pointed up and now you were really confused. “What are you planning?”

“I decided you don’t need to sleep.” He explained with a shrug.

“You’re trying to see if you can kill me through sleep deprivation?” You asked groggily, leaning against your doorframe. Honestly Doflamingo hadn’t considered that, he was just set on seeing if he could torment you. Still he said nothing, now liking this possible solution to the problem. “A little unconventional but I guess it could work? But you know I’m not going to go along with that willingly? I like my sleep too much. So how do you plan on ensuring I don’t sleep without putting your own at risk of your own rest?”

“Oh I have my ways.”

“Without using servants or your fan club?”

“Family”

“Fanclub.” You repeated with a sleepy grin. “Because if they have a hand in keeping me awake then isn’t that the same as my idea of just getting someone to kill me on your behalf?”

“Like I said, I’ll find a way.” Doflamingo chuckled before turning and walking away, now having to start planning. The sound of gunfire tore through the air once more and Doflamingo stopped and looked at the floor. The bullets meant for him lying at his feet. Slowly he turned to see you pointing your own pistol at him. “Now where did you get that?”

“I have my ways too.” You answered before going back into your room. Doflamingo laughed and continued down the corridor. He’d let you have tonight to actually rest.

———-

For the next three days Doflamingo was true to his word and found a way to be responsible for keeping you awake. During the day when you had left your room he’d infiltrated a countless amount of alarm clocks into your quarters all set at specific times so you would woken and have no choice but to get out of bed to find the right one and turn it off. Then when he realised you were starting to find places to sneak off to and nap during the day he intervened by finding you and waking you. This time he found you in one of the libraries, curled up on one of the sofas and sleeping. With a curious tilt of his head he hummed to himself and grabbed the nearest vase of flowers, dumping the flowers and cold water onto your face. While he couldn’t drown you, the shock of the water hitting your face was enough to startle you awake. 

“You’re an asshole, you know that right?” You asked, voice thick with exhaustion and holding none of its usual edge that he’d been used to. With a groan you pulled yourself up to a sitting position and brush the flowers off of your soaked body. Doflamingo observed you silently, unable to stop himself from noting the way your clothes now clung just a little tighter against your skin. “I’m awake you can go now. Go do your criminal King duties.”

“Would love to but I’m just passing time while waiting on a call.” He explained. “Remember your little island you’d been stationed on? We’re going to finalise the deal.”

“Right. Weapons and foot soldiers in exchange for profit and resources.” You nodded slumping back and rubbing your stiff neck. 

“Exactly. I think I’m going to be kind and send them extra men to ensure every Marine is wiped off that island for good measure.” Doflamingo mused and grinned widely when you paused. There was the flicker in your eyes again. Only this time because of your lack of sleep you weren’t able to hide your emotions as clearly. You knew something about the island.

“This group doesn’t know you’re the one they’re working with do they?” You asked, a smile fighting to pull at your lips. ”You’re using an alias?”

“Still an alias they’re familiar with.”

“When your pirate friend calls, ask them if the Midnight Lake is as nice as it sounds.”

“And why would I do that?” Doflamingo asked while you got to your feet and tiredly stretched out your limbs. “What is it you know?”

“Ask him. Don’t ask him. Quite honestly I don’t care.” You shrugged, taking a step passed Doflamingo’s larger frame only to be grabbed sharply and in seconds you were pinned on the closest surface which was a desk, staring at him as he bore down, his face dangerously close. Tiredly your mind began to catch up with your position on the desk surface, your hands were captured in his larger ones, on either side of your head. His grip was like a vice, you could only really tell from the way the veins rose agains this skin but as always you felt no harm in the hold. You glanced away from his hand and returned your delayed attention back to his face. “What now?”

“I asked you what it is you know about the island.” Doflamingo repeated, his grin gone and his tone deeper and calmer which should have made him seem more sinister but still your body felt no fear. You had no need to be. You also had no need to give him an answer, at least not the one he wanted.

“Ask your friend first and then I’ll tell you.”

“Tell me now.”

“God this must frustrate you so much.” You laughed up at him. “I’m not your servant or part of your King Doffy fan club. I’m not going to just do something because you tell me to.” You lifted your foot and set it squarely against his chest, pushing him back so you could sit up. Just at that moment the library door burst open and you both looked to see one of the pirates under Doflamingo’s command freeze immediately at the sight. 

Blankly you blinked at the flustered subordinate as their mouth rapidly opened and shut as they tried to work out if they should apologise, say what they came in to say, kneel down and accept his punishment or just leave. You resumed sitting up and pulled out of Doflamingo’s hold while he straightened. Now back on your feet and walking you felt a fresh wave of exhaustion crash over your body. Your vision blurred briefly and your body staggered in the middle of your step but you managed to recover in time to avoid falling over. Knowing Doflamingo would be busy with his criminal call meant you could quickly change into dry clothes and sleep without interruption. 

———-

“Joker to hear you’re going to send more weapons than originally discussed is such a relief. Truly you’re a godsend. You-” Doflamingo began to zone out of fully listening to the adoring voice at the end of the phone, the overly appreciative words beginning to rub him the wrong way. He was too busy thinking about your suggestion to mention this ‘midnight lake’ and how it was clear you knew something. Even asking if this pirate knew who he was truly dealing with brought more irritation. He wouldn’t treat a betrayal kindly. “Joker?” Doflamingo blinked, his eyes on the map as he sharpened his mind once more. 

“Yes?”

“Sorry, you’re a busy man so I hope I’m not cutting into your valuable time.”

“No, no. I should apologise. I was distracted.” Doflamingo began, sitting back in his seat as he quickly thought of how to subtly bring up the subject without causing suspicion. “My new lover spotted the map you sent. They thought Midnight Lake sounded romantic, it’s made me curious.”

“Midnight Lake?” The voice on the end of the den den mushi repeated, their tone holding some degree of tension. So there was something. “Oh well you can tell them it’s a sight to behold. One of the gems of the island.”

“Good to know…” Doflamingo mused, fingers lightly drumming on his desk. Quickly he summoned a string to slam his office door open, the loud impact echoing through to the man at the other end of the call. “Something urgent’s come up. You’ll have to call me back, give me half an hour.” Without waiting for the only acceptable answer to sound, Doflamingo ended the call and left his office, heading straight to your room. Approaching your door he caught sight of the mountain of broken alarm clocks set outside. He chuckled, not entirely surprised to find you’d managed to find them all. The level of destruction you’d caused on them was a surprise though. Not able to stay and appreciate it fully, he entered your room and approached your bed where you lay, completely unconscious and breathing deeply. 

“Wake up.” He ordered, eye twitching when you didn’t even twitch. Doflamingo drew closer and called out your name, watching your finger twitch but still you remained sleeping. Clicking his tongue he climbed onto the bed and for the second time today he found himself poised over your relaxed form. 

At the added weight onto the mattress you finally stirred. Blearily your eyes cracked open and your heavy head lifted off of the pillows just enough to make out who was in front of you. When you saw it was Doflamingo you made a nonsensical grumble and flopped back down already asleep. You were only partly aware of his hands finding your shoulders but then let out a growl of frustration when you were shaken. “Whaaaat?” You drew out the word as you managed to summon the faintest resource of energy to waken and glare at the man who was unfortunately your soulmate and greatest annoyance in life. “What now?”

“Midnight Lake.” Doflamingo stated. “Tell me what it is and what you know.”

“What’s in it for me?” You asked with a yawn, sitting up and gathering the pillows behind you to at least prop you up since clearly you weren’t going back to sleep yet. 

“I’ll never interfere with your sleep again.” Doflamingo propositioned, catching your attention.

“Deal.” You agreed and gestured for him to start talking. “What did he say about it first?”

“He said it was a sight to behold, certainly one of the island’s gems.” He stated and waited for your response. What he hadn’t been expecting was for your burst of laughter. This was unlike any laugh he’d heard from you. This was not the hysterical laugh you’d made when you learned you were soulmates or the cold, scathing, mocking laughs you threw his way at times. This was genuine warmth and amusement. Finally you let your joy settle and you grinned at him.

“Oh you’re going to love this.” You began. “Well maybe not…Show me the map.”

“It’s in my office.”

“So go get it.” You instructed with a roll of your eyes. Doflamingo glared. It was bad enough you once again getting the upper hand but he wasn’t going to see to your whims. 

Swiftly he hooked his arm around your waist and lifted you out of the bed, carrying you down the corridor while you were too tired to really protest being dragged out of bed once again. If Doflamingo was to keep his word then this would be the last time he could do so. Plus you didn’t want to admit but being held against his chest and feeling the warmth of his body was oddly comfortable but you just reasoned it was because you were so sleep deprived. Before you knew it you were in Doflamingo’s office and sat at his desk, perched on his lap as he pulled the map you asked for into view. Yawning you rubbed your eyes and grabbed a pencil to begin indicating the areas for Doflamingo to pay attention to. 

“Okay firstly you’ve been given an old map.” You explained and Doflamingo’s jaw clenched. “I’d guess at least a year’s difference. Normally that wouldn’t be an issue but given all that’s happened here your little pirate friend is withholding information on purpose.”

“What happened?”

“Well for one there’s no more civilians living there.” You began, your pencil scoring out the names of the towns from the map. “The biggest mine is completely depleted of resources.” Your pencil slowly drew the border of the land that the mine had once occupied. “And sadly for you, there’s no Marine on that island. We left when all civilians had been evacuated and knew there was nothing left of value there.”

“It’s abandoned?” Doflamingo asked with a low snarl as the reality of the deception that was being attempted on him. 

“Not abandoned. Last I heard the Revolutionary Army occupied it to act as a small base of operations or something.” You shrugged, your stinging eyes getting heavier. Doflamingo’s anger was building, the Revolutionary Army hadn’t even been mentioned during the talks. “My guess is your friend is looking to just take your weapons and sell them on after killing your men and making it seem like they died ‘taking over the island’ and fighting the Revolutionaries. They were never intending on setting foot on that island. Plus you can’t give a share of resources if there are none to give. Someone tried to get the better of you.”

“So what was Midnight Lake?” Doflamingo asked, his teeth grinding together while you let out another sleepy laugh.

“Midnight Lake was man-made.” You explained managing to lift the pencil to indicate to its name on the map just beside where the mine was. “It was the waste water from the refinery and smelt atrocious. Certainly not a gem.” With another long heavy yawn you sat back, your eyes falling closed. Doflamingo looked down at the feeling of your body settling against his chest, asleep once again. His fingers twitched at the sight, part of him toyed with the idea of just setting you down on the sofa or taking you back to your room but stopped himself. After all he’d promised he wouldn’t interfere with your sleep ever again and this was just him keeping his word.  

Suddenly the den den mushi began to ring and you slightly stirred, causing Doflamingo’s hand to settle against your head while the other lifted the receiver to answer before you could wake. Immediately you settled and a small sigh broke from your lips. “Joker? Is now a good time?”

“Yes, everything is fine. The previous situation was dealt with but I’ll have to keep this brief.” Doflamingo began, managing to contain his rage against this disgusting weasel who thought they could ever succeed in getting the better of him and steal from him. “Given the amount of weapons and manpower I’ll be now giving you, you’ll have to come to me to collect it. The last thing I want is for my precious cargo to be at risk without ample protection and your ships will be more than enough.”

“O-oh well if you think that’d be best, Joker then who am I to argue?”

“Indeed..” Doflamingo grinned. “Give me your location and I’ll send my closest representative to escort you to the island I’m staying at. I promise you and your men will be given the best welcome.”

“Joker, your kindness is truly great. There’s no need for pirates as lowly as us.”

“Nonsense, you all deserve it.” Doflamingo chuckled. “We’ll see you soon.” 

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

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[ceebit]

3racha and falling asleep on them

note : fluff™️, So Much Sap, loverboys, cece living vicariously thru these words. it’s not delusion i promise. i swear pls

chan exhales slowly when your head falls on his shoulder. finally. between being too scared to guide you to his shoulder himself in fear of waking you up and praying to anyone that would listen to please not let you hit your head on the window—the powers that be finally listened to his pleas and eased his inner dilemma peacefully.

except, his heart chooses that moment to remind his entire body of your proximity, and he slowly feels himself grow hot. it’s fine, he thinks, and shifts minutely to look out of the window. as long as they’re comfortable.

gently, you shift to wrap your arm around his, snuggling closer to him, and his eyes widen almost comically. he silently wills his heart to please stop threatening to fall out of his chest, that you’ve cuddled before and it didn’t make him this nervous, so what was the issue?

maybe it’s the way the sun streams through the window to halo around your head just right. maybe it’s the peaceful expression you wear each time you’re near him. or maybe it’s just wishful thinking of what could be, if he ever spoke on his feelings.

you’ve been out for half an hour, and changbin’s legs are beginning to fall asleep.

whatever, though. you needed a well deserved break and if getting you away from your laptop meant making his lap your makeshift pillow for the moment, then so be it. it’s not like he had much to do today, anyway.

he brushes your hair away from your face and catches himself smiling at the way you nuzzle into his warmth like a cat. his smile drops, internally scoffing at the absurdity of the small moment, and lets his hand drop back to the couch immediately.

stop it, he chides himself. think happy thoughts. happy thoughts like getting to hold you, for once… maybe if, you’d let him. of you in his sweaters, warm from a toss in the dryer, with a smile reserved just for him and he finds himself realizing he wouldn’t mind—

you shift in his lap to burrow even closer and he freezes.

shit.

“and i told him not to order the smaller size because he’d outgrown it too soon. you know, he’d benefit a lot more if he’d listen to me—”

a gentle weight slumps against his back and jisung pauses. he can faintly hear the confused sound of minho’s voice asking why he’d stopped talking, but his main concern is you. and the fact that you’ve dozed off behind him.

he can feel the press of your cheek against his back, and for a singular (and stupid) moment, he contemplates holding his breath lest you grow uncomfortable. the last thing he wanted was for a frown to tug the corners of your lips down, and after whispering a hushed excuse to the older male, he quietly hangs up and turns to regard you with wide eyes.

who allowed you to be this cute? it should be illegal, he thinks as he slowly shifts you so that you’re curled up against his side. and as he settles back into the cushions, he resigns himself to not moving until you wake up. as long as you were comfortable, he’d sacrifice the feeling in his left arm any day.

back home ⟡ the archive ⟡ join my taglist ⟡ last post

[temis-de-leon]

Dear MC... My Beloved MC...

Characters: Satan x gn!reader

500 followers masterlist

Main Masterlist

Prompts used: confession + accidental confession + sneaking glances + love letter

.

You’re being obvious.

Too damn much.

MC’s words repeated in their mind for well over an hour, but nothing could stop them from ignoring the book on their lap to look at Satan instead. Thankfully, he was distracted with the latest edition of Every Devildom’s Cat Enthusiast’s Encyclopedia, but there was still a thin line between discreetly checking him out and blatantly staring at him for a whole evening and MC would soon cross it if they didn’t control themselves.

But how could they?

Trying to ignore his presence after all they discovered was humanly impossible and, unfortunately, they were very much human.

But something didn’t make sense, not coming from him. If MC had to use a word to describe Satan, that would be blunt. Sure, he was intelligent, pragmatic and quite adorable when it came to his dear feline friends, but above all, he was direct and unafraid to share his true thoughts. That didn’t mean he was inconsiderate, however. On the contrary, he made them feel seen and heard, ensuring they were well cared for and happy.

The words in his letters said so. His wish was to see them thrive and to be by their side the whole time, sharing memories and holding each other. MC wondered, feeling both guilty and honoured, how much of his expensive stationery he had wasted in writing all those confessions only for them to end up covered in blots of ink and discarded under his bed and his endless pile of books.

Although they had to admit, their name was prettier in his handwriting, even when crossed out.

Satan gasped in the chair before them, suddenly breaking the peace of the library and making MC’s heart beat its way up their throat. They looked at him with blushed cheeks, afraid of the possibility of having been caught, but the demon was purely focused on his encyclopedia. His eyes were wide open in fascination, no doubt marvelling at the discovery of a new cat fact.

“Look, MC!” he shouted in a whisper despite them being the only ones in the room. MC could only watch and hope the chimney explained the warmth in their cheeks as Satan got up and sat on their chair’s armrest. He showed them a picture of a medieval painting. The ugliest rendition of a cat stared, with what looked like existential dread, at MC’s soul. “Do you think there were cats that looked like this back then?”

“I sure hope not” they mustered, not moving their sight out of the picture to avoid his gaze. “It looks like Belphie drew it”

The breath of his chuckle reached them and MC had to force themselves to not get startled and recoil, even when their shoulders ached to shrink and hide their exposed skin. Fortunately, he didn’t seem to realise that.

“Are you liking the book?

“Hm? The book…?”

Oh, yeah.

The book.

The whole reason why they went to his room in the first place.

In reality, MC already had said book and so did the bookshelves in the library, just not the same edition as him, which had the hand-written letters the characters themselves sent to each other in the story, maps and author notes regarding the lore and the investigation behind it.

It was a murder mystery fused with an impossible love. Also, the protagonist had a playful, yet lazy cat.

It was right up Satan’s alley.

And he had wanted to share it with them.

However, he happened to forget about his own love letters, thrown across the floor of his room in frustration and visible to anyone who dared open the door.

“You know I already like it” said MC with a nervous laugh, thankful for already reading the book days ago. “Though, I admit, the cover is beautiful”

“I’m glad you agree! I know the artist who did it, actually”

Now, why wasn’t that surprising?

MC fondly smiled as they listened to him, not so subtly studying his features, illuminated by the fireplace, and the curve of his smile when he talked.

“His wife is his muse and he uses flowers for hidden meanings. These on the cover mean something like undying love and trust; the dog represents loyalty, but I think a cat would’ve been better”

That managed to finally make them laugh, which caught his attention. He stared at them in surprise and poorly hidden tenderness, leaning over them to put his arm behind their back. MC tried to stare back, his written words reverberating in their mind more than any other time during the evening, but the weight of the silence was too much to bear.

“So what’s your…”

“I have to tell you…”

MC stopped talking, cheeks flushed in deep embarrassment as he also stayed quiet and nodded his head to ask them to continue, but it was like they’d forgotten how to talk. What was he going to say? Was he going to keep talking about the book? And what were they going to say?

Yeah, so I have to tell you something. When I went for this romance book to your room I saw all the different ways you love me. Isn’t that cool or what?

They’d rather die.

“You have to tell me…?”

“Nothing!” they interrupted him in a hurry, drowning even deeper in shame when his face contorted in surprise, eyes open wide and eyebrows raised. Lowering their face to avoid looking at him, MC grabbed the book until their knuckles turned white and got up, back facing him the entire time. “I’m going to get a shower; talk to you after dinner”

They were lucky they didn’t trip on the carpet, seeing how fast they fled the room. Falling in front of him after all of that was truly the last thing they needed, but they hoped an entire waterfall of warm water and a homecooked dinner would be enough to help them relax and think straight before coming clean to him.

.

.

Except they didn’t even get to dinner.

Perhaps an hour after the mortifying situation, MC found themselves staring at their blurry silhouette in the foggy mirror while tightening a towel around themselves. They were trying to enjoy the remnants of the warmth, vapour still floating in the air, but their mind was too busy and their heart was about to go crazy.

The ink from their name bleeding on the paper as Satan’s indecision had stopped him from finishing the letters remained in their mind, mixing with every part of their body and making them smile like a child with an earnest crush. A part of them regretted ever entering the room, consequently ruining the surprise of being confessed to, but the relief of knowing he loved them back was bigger and more powerful.

Oh, how they wished they could ignore everything and let him confess when he seemed fit, but witnessing such a vulnerable part of him without his knowing left a sour taste in their mouth; the best MC could do was admit what they’d seen and confess their own feelings while they were at it.

With a sudden sense of courage, they got out of the bathroom, immediately jerked at the coldness of the room, and went straight to their closet to get dressed. No one would care if they had dinner in their nightclothes; worse things had happened in that house. However, as soon as they finished and closed the drawer, a pounding rattled the door.

“MC!”

It was Satan, and he sounded impatient. Not like they could blame him.

What would it be better, open the door for him or allow him to enter? In that case, should they welcome him standing or sitting down? On the bed, the table? Cross-legged…? Would he think they were mocking him if they smiled? Should they stay serious?

“Are you there?” he asked with a tinge of nerves. A couple of seconds later, the doorknob slightly twisted, a sign of someone on the other side hesitating to open.

“Yes!” answered MC, rushing to let him in while mentally scolding themselves for the impulsiveness; but just as they were about to grab the knob, the door came right at them and a flash of yellow and green appeared in their vision, blue eyes in the midst of it all.

There were a few moments of silence between them and MC used them all to study his expression. Embarrassment, apprehension, hope… His cheeks were blushing furiously and he was avoiding eye contact, just like they had done to him at the library before.

“I won’t dance around the subject” he said. Blunt. Satan took a hand to his chest as if trying to subdue the beating of his heart and finally asked the dreaded question. “You saw the letters, didn’t you?”

It was only fair to be direct as well.

“Yes”

“So you know”

That wasn’t a question, but MC still felt the need to confirm it.

“I do”

I do too, they wanted to say. I love you too. But Satan beat them to it, closing the door behind him to give them more privacy.

“This wasn’t how I envisioned it, you know? I was just practising because I wanted it to be perfect, but nothing sounded right. Why I fell for you, how I feel for you, what I want for us… There were too many things I tried to say, but I feared it would be excessive for a letter and I kept correcting it. I realize now that I should’ve been more direct in my approach, so, MC: I love you. And I always will. I can only wish you feel the same”

His sincerity was overwhelming and it covered them in a coat of warmth. His eyes were glossy with hope, but his lips barely formed a smile, not daring to get ahead.

“Tell me all those things” finally said MC as loud as they could manage, barely a whisper. “I promise it won’t be enough”

They just hoped no one would come and ruin the moment.

.

.

Taglist: @ilovecandys2010  @ollieoven @kingofspadesdelusion @whimsybloom @tinyweebsstuff

@ay-chuu 🫶🏻

[hellaarknight]

Only yours and yours only

⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️

Genre: fluff Warnings: hint of self deprecating talk

⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️

Chuuya was used to the stares he got when out in public. He knew that he was handsome, he knew that he looked good and that his eyes were indeed mesmerizing. But Chuuya did not pay attention to any of that. He was used to refusing any invitation that came his way from women. Why? Because he had you. He only had eyes for his girlfriend, soon to be fiancee and wife in his books, so any other attention he was receiving was unwanted from his part.

He always made sure to also show that to you so you wouldn't have any reason to doubt him or any concerns regarding where you were standing in his life. Although, he would be a liar if he said he didn't like when you got a bit jealous, on your good days. On the days when you were down and insecurities were eating you alive on the other hand, he would want nothing more than to print in your mind and heart that you had nothing to worry about.

"Chu, can I keep you locked up in your penthouse?"

Your voice purred, a slight tinge of annoyance present. He chuckled, taking a sip from his coffee. You two were out on a coffee date, not really to his liking, but you were eager to have some of the experiences you have missed in highschool or college so who was he to deny it?

" That, my love, is difficult to do. Mori would not allow it. But other than that, as long as I am with you I can stay in the bed, cuddling with you all my life for all I care. Why? "

" I don't particularly like how girls are ogling you today." You pouted and looked around, seeing some heads turning when they met your eyes. " I swear to God, it's like you're enchanting them and you're the only man they see. Not that I can totally blame them, but damn, I..." You stopped yourself before letting more of your frustration spill and just puffed.

Chuuya became serious, he would hate for you to suddenly become self-conscious about something because of others.

" If you want, we can take our coffee and go. But you do know I am only yours and even if they stare, it is not like I'm magically swapped away from you, right? I'm yours, doll face."

You scoffed, surprising Chuuya

"Of course you're mine. What bothers me is that they're totally ignoring the fact that you're with a girl besides you. I'm right fucking here and they look at you like they'd fuck you right here or at best in the bathroom. Even the waitress put her number on the fucking napkin"

Chuuya almost choked on his drink hearing you. This was a different reaction from what he expected. So you're feisty jealous today. He was still debating if he was going to like it, as it could still go horribly wrong and make you spiral in a self depreciating episode.

" Darling..."

" You know what, I've had enough." You suddenly got up, startling your boyfriend, surprising him when you just pulled him by the collar of his jacket and smashed your lips on his. His eyes wide open, he needed a few seconds until he reciprocated and with one hand cupped your cheek, the other one he put on your tight to make sure you would not fall over from losing your balance.

" That should teach them to stop staring at someone else's man." You huffed, sitting back in your place, leaving a flustered and surprised Chuuya to look at you. " What?!"

" Oh, absolutely nothing, I just realized how much I enjoy being yours and yours alone. Fuck, doll, you definitely look hot when you're jealous"

" If you plan to make me jealous on purpose, I'm breaking up with you, just so you know", you responded slightly embarrassed but your sudden possessiveness that took over you.

"I wouldn't dare to do something like that, you know damn well that I'm yours only. But you're really something else, aren't ya?"

You just gave your lover a side eye, making him laugh. God, he did love being yours and having you as his girlfriend. Maybe this coffee date wasn't such a terrible idea. And maybe, just maybe, you've grown just a little more reassured that he was too head over heels when it came about you, to have time to worry about the gazes he received from anyone else but you.

[smooth-perceval]

The significance of 16.

Charles Leclerc x Fem!reader

Summary: Charles was never on time, and now he only worried if he was too late for her.

Warning: Swearing, Love confessions, angst, fluff, run away bride!! Google translate, my bad writing.

Key: Y/N (your name) Michael (Fiancé name)

Word count: 2,069

A/N: somewhat a quick cute idea- hope you enjoy! I actually found this rather quick and cute- she may have jumped back to him quickly but so would I if I had Charles Leclerc.

Today was the day- I was finally getting married… finally saying I do-

Looking at myself in the mirror, I swayed side to side the dress flowing with me… it seems surreal- it doesn’t seem right-

“Y/N? Est-ce que je peux entrer?” (Am I okay to come in?)

Broken out of my trance I looked at the door- “oh oui -” (yes) moving away from the mirror, I watched as Pascale entered.

“oh chérie, regarde-toi...” (oh darling, look at you…) Smiling wide at me, she held her hands out bringing me into a warm embrace.

“tu es magnifique!” (You look beautiful)

Kissing both my cheeks, she held onto either sides of my arms. “Merci…” (thank you)

Furrowing her eyebrows she leaned in closer. “quel est le problème?” (What’s the matter?)

Shaking my head I smiled waving her off, going over to the window. “rien je vais bien.” (Nothing I’m fine.)

“quand une fille dit : je vais bien, les larmes aux yeux... elle ne va pas bien.” (When a girl says I’m fine with tears in her eyes… she is not fine.) Sitting down on the 2-seater lounger, she patted the seat next to her, smiling so warmly. “parle moi” (talk to me)

Looking out the window I took sixteen deep breaths, before taking a seat down next to her, straight away she gripped ahold of my hand comfortingly. When I finally found the courage, I looked up into her eyes, mascara slowly running down my cheeks.

“Charles est-il là?” (Is Charles here?) nodding her head slowly, her smile now faultering, I only mimicked her. The shoot of pain going through my wounded heart “j'aimerais que ton fils arrête de me briser le cœur” (I wish your son would stop breaking my heart) laughing a little, I looked down at our hands.

“je ne pouvais pas l'attendre éternellement Pascale.” (I couldn’t wait forever for him Pascale.) sighing I accepted my defeat.

I like Michael he treats me right… His there when I need… sometimes- he respects me- he never left me hanging… again sometimes.

“tu l'aime?” (Do you love him?) as if she was reading my mind, I was shocked she asked such forward questions, it cause me to stand up abruptly. “De quelle question s'agit-il ? Je l'épouse-” (What question is that? I’m marrying him-)

“je ne parlais pas de Michael chéri...” (I wasn’t talking about Michael dear…)

“Oh…” falling silent I looked down at the floor, what words was there to give? I pined over Charles for years… since we were kids I’d say, and always got turned away for being too young for him… too young my ass. His 1 year and 8 months older…

“qu'est-ce que j'ai utilisé pour te dire, hein ?” (What did I use to tell you huh?) Smiling up at me she stood up slowly.

“il y a une signification dans le nombre seize” (there's a significance in the number sixteen) smiling sadly at her I moved back over to the mirror, now wiping my mascara off my cheeks once again- this is all I done all morning… repeatedly wipe away tears.

“il est presque temps-” (it’s nearly time) re-applying some concealer and mascara, I fanned my face to calm down my red eyes and puffy lips. Moving up behind me I felt Pascale rest her head against my arm looking at me also in the mirror.

“Je t'aimerai toujours chérie, quel que soit le résultat que tu choisis” (I’ll always love you dear, whatever outcome you choose.) and just like that she left the room, my dad now making an entrance.

“You ready darling?” Looking over at him I nodded my head.

“Dad…” smiling he moved in the room, concern in his eyes. “What’s wrong-?”

“How did you know mum was the one?”

Smiling wide he leant against the now closed door. “I looked at her, and I knew… and when she was walking down that aisle. I couldn’t see myself with anyone else.” He reached his hand out touching my cheek. “You’ll understand, now let’s get you to that aisle” taking my hand, I quickly reached over grabbing my bouquet, taking the slow walk with dad to the ceremony.

There we stood outside the closed doors, and behind there was the guy in about to stay with for the rest of my life… or so I hope. Dad quickly turned it me pulling the veil over to cover my face. Smiling at me once again.

It was real when the pianos were heard, the doors slowly opened, standing there I watched as everyone turned, scanning each person I can see in view- my stomach knotted… once again I was taking sixteen deep breaths, before my feet moved.

My hand gripped my dad’s arm tight- I felt like I was about to walk fire, or drown in a pool of judgment.

The only judgment was me on myself.

We made it half way down the aisle… then I saw him, not Michael- My Charles. His eyes were red, brimmed with tears- and even in a moment like this he still offered a tight lipped smile, his hands were clasped in front of himself- and I only silently prayed he grabbed me and pulled me away.

But he didn’t…

My hand was placed in Michael’s, as a sign that my dad was ‘giving me away’ once done Michael leaned forward moving the veil behind.

“You look lovely-” and I couldn’t help the half smile I returned him…

And now looking at him- it didn’t make sense, I don’t feel the butterflies like I do with Charles… I don’t feel giddy around him- my smile doesn’t reach my eyes, he doesn’t make me want to pull my hair out, he doesn’t scream to me the type of guy that truthfully would go to the ends of the earth and make sure I felt loved- I was more of a convenience… and even if Charles didn’t realise it- he done all that, he made me feel love without realising, wether it was ensuring I didn’t injure myself on sharp corners, or looking after me when I am sick- and beating the boys up when we was younger whenever they would make a horrible comment… But what Charles was so stupid of doing was never realising I was so in love with him while he was loving everyone else and that pained me.

I shot my shot with him fifteen times, and each time it was brushed off with a “you’re only young you’ll grow out of it.” And now? Well his standing there at my ceremony with them begging eyes- maybe I was delusional, but I could see it. I could see him asking me not to go through with it.

“Y/N?” Quickly snapping my head to the officiant with a hum and wide eyes.

“I said do you take Michael Stone to be your lawfully wedded husband?”

I didn’t mean to- but I looked back at Michael and then as always I found myself back looking at Charles.

“I do…” the defeat that I felt in my heart showed in Charles eyes, his head hung low- my eyes fell back onto Michael, welling up with tears.

“Not…” sucking in a deep breath- gasps rang out, I rose my hand to his cheek. Shock plastered on his face- “Im sorry… I love you Michael… but I’m not in love with you” the tears fell, as I watched his face turn more confused. “You don’t love me… we both know it… and I don’t want to spend my life wondering what would have happened if I didn’t do this… but I can’t marry you.” Looking down at the floor, I then looked back up at him smiling sadly. “I can’t marry you when I’m completely and incandescently in love with someone else…”

Nodding his head slowly… Michael reached his hands up resting on my arms, brushing up and down in a soothing manner. “I understand… but promise me he can love you- with love I couldn’t give…”

“I hope so-” reaching up onto my tiptoes I kissed his cheek, before grabbing my dress and speed walking back down the aisle.

Listening to the rustling behind me- someone urgently asking people to move out their way- but yet it didn’t stop me.

Whether me and Charles was meant to be or not- I knew I wasn’t meant to marry Michael… we both knew. Pushing the doors to the church open, I fled down the steps- like Cinderella leaving the ball.

“Y/N- wait!” Turning around I see him running behind practically missing steps as he ran down.

“What Charles-” tilting my head up at him I felt a sense of pride- I just walked out of my wedding- I was invincible.

“Don’t leave me now.” Breathing in heavily, his chest rising and falling catching its breath back.

“Fifteen times I’ve tried with you Charles.” Stepping away from him I titled my head back towards the floor.

“The significance of sixteen.” And before I knew it- the thing I’ve dreamed about all my life- the thing I yearned for finally happened.

His lips were crushed onto mine, one hand behind my head the other wrapped securely around my body. It didn’t take long for me to respond- kissing him back with so much adrenaline and passion. My hands made their way to his chest, as I gently pushed him back…

“Charles…” whispering his name against his lips, I pulled away slowly, looking up at him through my lashes. “What do you want from me…”

“I’m so in love with you.” Blurting out whatever made it to his lips first, my eyes widened a little- both smiling shyly at each other. A light chuckle escaping him.

“I mean- I can’t let you run out my life… not when I am in love with you…”

“I waited sixteen years to hear those words from you-” touching his cheek, I moved away from him looking around.

“I don’t know if I really need to have my hopes crushed by you once again Charles.” Picking back up my dress I glanced back at him.

“Do you know what love is Charles?”

Nodding his head, stuffing his hand in the pockets of his suit pants, trying to make himself smaller. “I felt it every day for 16years- and I nearly lost it today… please tell me there’s a part of you that still loves me” The hope in his eyes was what burned in chest.

Weighing my choices, I finally got what I wanted- I got Charles… was it worth the sixteen year wait, the fifteen failed attempts- sixteen including this one depending how it ends…

And for the 100th time today, I took sixteen deep breaths. “How about some lunch Charlie?”

“Why did I wait this long for you?” Letting out a puff of air he moved in again- kissing me somewhat rougher than before. “God I love you so.”

“You’ll have to wait to hear it from me again.” With one quick kiss and a smile at him, he smiled back so warmly- taking my hand in his pulling me down the street to his car.

Opening the door for me we both looked at my dress and at the car. “This isn’t going to work…”

“Rip the dress-” laughing a little I started tugging at the bottom of the dress the fabric ripping so effortlessly. “I was hoping the ripping clothes off would wait until later-” with a cheeky smile he crouched down infront of me ripping the dress in places I wasn’t reaching.

“I’ll pretend to not hear that.” Blushy faced, I pulled at fabrics to make the dress not so puffy.

“Good thing you don’t need ears to be shown something.” His hand grazed my calf as he stood back up.

“Now- let me take you away Mrs.Leclerc.” Furrowing my brows at him tilting my head slightly. “I don’t plan on another attempt down the aisle any time soon-”

“Your fate was sealed with me 16 years ago.” Kissing my lips gently, I smiled more to myself sliding into his car.

“God the significance of sixteen.”

“The best number chèrie” (darling)shutting the door behind me, it was then I see Pascale and my parents at the top steps of the church smiling down on us, he was right fortunately our fate was sealed.

God I hate loving you Charles Leclerc.

Masterlist

[cryptickane]

Sand Dunes

warnings: suggestive no smut, female reader, reader is curvy and larger than average but nothing super specific, reader is insecure about her body, oberyn loves it, bad self image, body worship, short and sweet 1k.

Beneath the scorching sun of Dorne, you walked with short, hesitant steps, keeping your arms ahead of you as if to make yourself appear smaller. The unforgiving desert landscape seemed to amplify your sense of insecurity.

As you strolled through the Water Gardens, you couldn't help but steal glances at Prince Oberyn Martell, who walked beside you with his characteristic confidence. His dark eyes held an intensity that both unnerved and intrigued you, and you wondered what had drawn his attention to someone like you—a woman who felt like an anomaly in comparison to the many slender, elegant women of Dorne.

As you walked alongside Oberyn, you couldn't help but steal glances at the other women around you. They moved with a grace and confidence that seemed inherent to the women of this region, their lithe figures adorned in flowing silks that accentuated their every curve.

Your gaze lingered on them, and you couldn't shake the feeling of being out of place among such beauty. Their laughter, their poise, and their effortless sensuality—all things you admired and, at the same time, felt painfully aware you lacked.In the presence of these women, your insecurities deepened. You glanced down at your own body, your curves more pronounced, your movements more hesitant. You had always felt like an outsider, an imperfect piece in a mosaic of perfection.

Oberyn, however, seemed to see beyond your self-doubts. His gaze remained unwavering, a hint of admiration in his eyes that made your heart flutter with a mix of uncertainty and longing. You wished you could see yourself through his eyes, to understand what it was about you that had captured his attention amidst the splendor of Dorne.

As the sun beat down upon the two of you, you continued to walk beside Oberyn, his presence both a comfort and a source of confusion. You couldn't help but wonder if he saw something in you that you had yet to discover—a beauty that went beyond the superficial, a charm that lay hidden beneath the layers of your insecurities.

Oberyn's gaze lingered on you, and you instinctively tried to make yourself smaller, your steps becoming even more cautious. The thoughts of your perceived imperfections weighed heavily on your mind, and you couldn't help but feel like an outsider amidst the allure of Dorne.

In the midst of your internal struggle, you heard Oberyn's voice, soft and soothing, breaking through the insecurities that had held you captive for so long. "My dear, there's no need to hide yourself. The sands of Dorne may be endless, but they hold no secrets from my eyes."

His words, though unconventional, carried a reassuring warmth, and for the first time, you dared to meet his gaze with a hint of curiosity. There was something about Oberyn's unapologetic acceptance that made you question the harsh judgments you had imposed upon yourself.

The golden sands stretched far and wide, mirroring the curves of your own body, which you had always regarded with a mix of admiration and insecurity. Oberyn, a man of both charm and confidence, had taken a particular interest in you, despite your hesitations. As you strolled through the gardens together, a warm breeze rustling the palm fronds, his eyes never left your form.

His words, like a gentle caress, had a way of making you feel both beautiful and desired, and you found yourself drawn to him in a way that defied your insecurities.

"Would you like to tell me what troubles your thoughts, my dear?" Oberyn's voice was laced with genuine concern as he continued to walk beside you, his stride matching your hesitant steps.

You hesitated for a moment, your gaze shifting from the distant horizon to the man beside you. Oberyn's dark eyes held an understanding that encouraged you to open up. "It's just... I can't help but feel unsure of myself. I'm nothing like the women here, they're so confident and graceful, and I..."

Oberyn stopped and turned to face you, his expression softening. "And you feel like you don't belong? Is that it?"

You nodded, a heavy sigh escaping your lips. "Yes. I've always been more curvaceous, but it is more visible here, I see the way men look at them, the way they never look at me. I can't help but compare myself to them."

Oberyn smiled, a reassuring touch to his lips. "Would you like to know what I think? You are like the sand dunes of Dorne—unique, with your own allure. The curves that you see as imperfections, I see as the embodiment of the desert's sensuality."

His words were unexpected, and they left you feeling a mixture of surprise and warmth. "You do?"

Oberyn nodded, his gaze unwavering. "Absolutely. Beauty comes in many forms, and it is not practical to confine it to any one ideal. Your uniqueness is what sets you apart, and it is what has drawn my attention."

You couldn't help but blush at his candid admiration. "Thank you, my Prince."

He extended a hand, his fingers brushing against your cheek in a gentle caress. "You are a treasure, my love. Embrace your individuality, for it is what makes you truly beautiful."

As Oberyn's thumb traced the curve of your cheek, you felt a sense of acceptance and comfort wash over you. In that moment, you began to let go of some of the insecurities that had held you captive for so long, realizing that your uniqueness was something to be celebrated, not hidden behind meek posture or unfitted dresses.

Oberyn, ever the observant man, smiled as he noticed the change in your demeanor, his gaze smoldering as he leaned in closer, his voice lowering to a sensuous whisper. "Remember, my love, it's the curves in the sand dunes that make the desert come alive."

As Oberyn's warm breath brushed against your earlobe, your heart quickened in response to his intimacy. He slowly pulled away to look you in the eye. His thumb traced your lower lip with a delicate touch, sending a shiver down your spine. The intensity of his gaze, as he looked at you up and down, left you feeling exposed and vulnerable, yet an unfamiliar wave of desire washed over you, mingling with your newfound confidence.

[atinystraynstay]

24 to 25 - Kim Seungmin

Synopsis: After begging from your family, you brought your boyfriend to spend the holidays with you. What will they think of him? More importantly, what will he think of them?

Pairing: non-idol! Kim Seungmin x fem reader

Genre: fluff, established relationship

Word Count: 2.2k

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Christmas Eve was always such a magical time. It was the time of year that always filled you with warmth, regardless of how cold it was outside. From driving around to see all the houses decorated with lights to spending quality time with family you don't get to see often, you wouldn't trade it for anything in the world.

After hearing your excitement about the holiday season, Seungmin was insistent that it was time to meet your family. You two had started dating in April of this year. You had bumped into each other while grabbing coffee, nearly spilling on one another. Who would have thought that, that encounter would lead to you being with the love of your life.

"Are you positive you want to meet my family? Like it's not just going to be my parents, pretty much everyone is going to be there." "Y/n, sweetie, I want go. I mean, we've been together for more than half of the year. Don't you think it's time to meet your parents? You met mine."

Seungmin had a point. And he knew he did too. You were prideful in being able to call Seungmin yours, and you wanted everyone to know it. You were just a bit anxious because you know how big of a deal it is to bring your significant other for the very first time especially during the holidays.

However, all your worries melted away when you saw how naturally Seungmin slipped into conversations with your relatives and parents. He was mingling with everyone while you took the opportunity to catch up with your cousins. Everyone seemed captivated by him.

At the moment, you were sitting at the dining table with your sister and her fiancé, enjoying a cup of white wine. Seungmin was in the kitchen, with your mother, helping clean up after the feast she made. She tried insisting that she didn't need the assistance, but Seungmin wouldn't take no as an answer. The sight of them chatting and laughing warmed your heart from your position at the table.

"So, little sis, are you happy?"

You had to take your gaze off of your boyfriend to look at your sister. Both her and her fiancé had wide, somewhat suspicious grins on their faces which caused you to raise an eyebrow.

"Of course I am. I'm so happy I was able to fly home to be with everyone. It's been long overdue!" "You know that's not what I'm talking about," she responded.

You tilted your head in silent confusion. What was your sister talking about? Seungmin always adored that habit of yours, always teasing you that he only liked you because you resembled a puppy.

"You know, with Seungmin? Do you think he is the one?" Her fiancé blurted out.

Your eyes went wide, mouth falling a bit open from the shock. Your sister turned around to smack him on the shoulder. "So much for being subtle," she murmured. She looked back at you, smiling apologetically before turning towards you fully.

"Um, well for your information, I do really like him. He is someone that I feel very comfortable with, that I can laugh and cry with. He's my first real relationship in some regards. The guys I dated in the past just don't compare to him. We're able to talk things out, able to be real with each other. He's just so different, but I don't think we're at that stage where we're thinking about that kind of grown up stuff," I laughed, trying to ease my own nerves. "Well, I hate to break it to you, little sis, but you both are adults now, and I don't mean to cause a panic or anything. I was just curious, you know? This is the first guy you've been eager to show off. I figured there had to be something different."

She was right. Seungmin was different, not even comparable to your exes. He was a guy with ambition, but always sought out new opportunities. He never settled for doing the expected. You found his charm and his wit some of your favorite qualities about him. While you two might have disagreements every now and then, Seungmin tried is best not to let it go into an argument. He wanted to talk things out first before it got to that level of escalation. He was mature yet had a playful side that his friends, family, and now you knew very well.

"All I'm saying is that it is nice to see you happy, y/n," your sister's fiancé commented. "And if it means anything, we all approve of him."

You couldn't help but grin at his words before looking at the two of them. "Really? You guys actually like him?" They nodded their heads quickly, almost to the point you were concerned their heads were going to pop off. Both of them began to list the qualities that they liked about Seungmin - mentioning his humor to the way he wanted to help out all your family members, even thought it was his first time meeting them. He just fit into the family so naturally.

You glanced over towards the kitchen where Seungmin was. You couldn't help but blush a bit, hoping that Seungmin wasn't overhearing the conversation that was going on between you and your sister. However, much to your surprise, you saw Seungmin laughing with your mom before she hugged him. The sight alone melted your heart, especially since you and your mom were close. Her approving of him meant the world to you and it looked like he sealed the deal.

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It was a tradition in your house that family sticks around in your parents' house so everyone could be in for Christmas morning. Especially now that you and your siblings were of drinking age, it was important more than ever to your parents that you guys stayed the night.

You were under the assumption that your parents would want separate bedrooms for the couples. Honestly, you were excited to have a sleepover with your sister for the first time since you guys were little. But once again, you were surprised by the actions of your mom. She had matching pajamas resting on your childhood bed - one for you and one for Seungmin. They were plaid pants with a long sleeve shirt that had a puppy wearing a Santa hat on it. Seungmin was over the moon to say the least.

Everyone was getting situated into their respective beds for the evening. You were brushing your teeth, doing the last bits of your skincare routine. Seungmin was sitting in bed, back against the headboard, and scrolling through his phone. He probably was catching up with the rest of the guys to see how their holidays have been so far.

"So be honest with me. What do you think of my family? I'm sorry if they are a bit much, but I did get you a fair warning." "Baby, after meeting them, I love you even more," Seungmin said, almost too calmly.

It was having the opposite reaction for you as the words really sunk in. Love me more? Your heart was racing out of your chest, and your body felt warm and fuzzy.

With urgency, you finished your nighttime routine. You had to find out what Seungmin meant by that. There was no way after meeting your family that Seungmin isn't overwhelmed. Your father decided to ask him every question under the sun about his job, his preferences, his intentions with you - he got a deep interrogation. Your mother took a gentler approach but still wanted to get to know him. Your younger cousins wanted to play with Seungmin, almost hanging onto him until he gave him. You were even exhausted.

You leaned against the threshold of the bathroom, looking into your room. You had your arms crossed over your chest as you looked at Seungmin. He was truly someone you didn't want to imagine life without. The reason why you were so hesitant about letting Seungmin deeper into your world was because you didn't want to scare him off. Things were going so well between the two of you. You didn't want to risk ruining what you had going on, whatever it may lead to.

"Why are you looking at me like I grew a second head?" He laughed. "Because I'm afraid you're sick. Are you sure you feel ok?" You laughed. "I mean, come on. I know meeting someone's family can be overwhelming, so there is no need to sugar coat."

It was then that Seungmin let out a sigh. Yet he kept a smile on his face. You were getting mixed signals from him, but that was Kim Seungmin for you. He was a man who never liked letting people know his next move. He shook his head playfully before setting down his phone on the bedside table. Here comes Mr. Serious. He had pushed the covers away from his lap. You thought for a second he was going to meet you halfway.

Turning to face you, he opened his arms towards you. That was your cue to head towards him and not ask questions. Seungmin was always the guy who knew what to do to ease your racing heart. Maybe he could sense the way you were nervous to the point your heart was ready to leap out of your chest. You shuffled over before you found yourself by his side of the bed.

Once you were within arms length, Seungmin did waste time. He wrapped his arms around you and pulled you down onto the bed. That immediately sent you into a fit of laughter which caused him to laugh as well. God, that laugh. It was heavenly. His grip around you was tight, just enough so you knew that you weren't expected to go anywhere else. It was loose enough that you could at least adjust to a comfortable position. With Seungmin's back against the headboard, you were sat in his lap.

"Now, y/n, sweet girl," he hummed. "Do you really think I'd lie to you?" "No, I don't but-" "No buts," he laughed.

With one arm wrapped securely around you, the other took a gentle hold of your chin. He tilted your head up so you had to look in his eyes, so you knew how serious he was being.

"Your family is loud, but they are very friendly. They made so much effort to ensure I felt comfortable. I felt like I was a part of the family already. Why were you so hesitant about me meeting them? Hmm?"

You let out a shaky sigh. Seungmin always had a way of pulling the truth out of you one way or another. He went above and beyond to create an environment that made you feel safe and loved. Which also meant that you could never lie to him.

"Because I thought you were moving too fast. I didn't think we were at that phase where I introduced you to my family because I didn't want you to be scared off by the line of questions you might receive, especially from my parents. I know they mean well, but I didn't ruin what is happening between us if people were eager to know when we might get married or when we might have babies or do all that sort of adult milestones." For a moment, it was silent. You bit your lip and quickly looked away from him. Fuck, did I say too much? Did I place unnecessary anxiety into his mind?

"And where do you think things are going between us, angel?" You looked up at him slowly. He was looking at you like you were the most important thing in the world. Because you were to him. He hated to see you troubled by anxiety, especially when the holidays re meant to be full of joy. If talking it out is what you needed to do right now, he was prepared to listen for however long you needed him.

"I don't know exactly, Minnie," you confessed. You looked him dead in the eye. He froze a bit, almost looked a bit let down.

"I don't know because I like not knowing. We don't know what is going to happen tomorrow morning let alone in a year from now. What I do know is that I really like you Seungmin and I really like where we are at the moment." Seungmin smiled in response to your words. The worry that flashed in his eyes at the beginning of your ramble was completely forgotten about. It was now twinkling with happiness and excitement. It looked like you had given him the greatest gift of all time.

"Oh, sweetie. That's all I needed this whole time. I want to continue to get to know you and get to know the woman whom I want to experience it all with. That includes meeting your family, you know," he chuckled. "And we might not know what the future holds for the two of us, but what I do know is that I love you. And I'm excited about what the next month, next year might hold for us."

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Note: Just a little something for the holidays! Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, I hope your season is filled with joy and light. 🩷

[hectorfrombritain]

This is the fourth woman, she seems to be walking back home without a care. Yet I'm following her, making sure to stay hidden in the dark and keeping my distance.

I cursed under my breath, I tripped onto this random soda can and now she seems to have noticed me. I could feel my heart race and my stomach swell up with this sick feeling. I can see her nervousness in the way she's walking now.

She took out her phone, calling someone, hoping it's not the cops about some stalker behind her back.

I pretend to walk the other way and leave her be for a while, as I just keep an eye, as she breathes a sigh of relief and goes back to her neighbourhood, without suspecting a thing.

I follow her with great care this time, trying not to get caught despite having low faith in my inexperience.

Climbing the tree near her backyard which goes up to her room, I hurl a rock I picked up earlier to her window, the sharp sound echoed through the calm night. Until I realised that it's not going as planned, she was awake, I've been seen by her now. I have to make a run for it. I could feel the sensation of the noose during the death penalty around my neck. I decided to ignore that feeling. However, I'm sure that eventually they, the cops will make a connection regarding the previous cases and this case, with them having a face to go by for their investigation now. This isn't going as planned. Although I'd be lying if I said I don't like the odds, being unfamiliar with the things I do, but very familiar with the feeling of being hunted, gives me a strange sense of pleasure, almost like a lover’s hands around my neck, probably the reason why I always keep coming back to it.

Still, I'll do what I came here for, to complete my goal. I waited a few hours until the cops decided to go back, claiming what she saw could've been an early dream since she was asleep. I've never been so glad about the incompetence of the police up until now.

I went back into her house, through the window I broke and hid in her closet as I watched her through the keyhole, with her clothes all over me, holding the cold blade of the knife in my hand, sliding the edge over my fingers to confirm the sharpness. I feel the sweat drip down from my forehead, down to my wrists, the feelings are unsettling, I'm questioning myself about whether or not what I'm doing is right, but from what I know, I'm too far out to back off now.

I stood there, waiting for the time, listening to the wind rustle in through the crack in the window I made. The creeks of the floor, the sound of the wall clock ticking, and the prolonged tension running through my veins.

Until, I see a hand, making its way in, it was the man indeed. Her crazy ex who has been after her, getting in through the hole I made in the window so he wouldn't go through the process of picking the lock. The footsteps are deafeningly loud for some reason, with my stomach tightening up as he comes closer, until he stands directly in front of her, then I bash open the door, stab him, paying attention to getting a clean cut and completing the job in the first attempt.

Unfortunately, I could hear his scream break through the air, it's too late now, she's awake. I'm not allowed to be seen, not by the people I'm supposed to protect, protecting them is all that's necessary even if I lose myself in the process. Except this time perhaps. My work now is done here, she will remain safe. I'm still unsure about why I do this, or if this is the right way, considering the police and their incompetence, however I see her eyes, wide with a look of horror in them, yet I know it doesn't matter, it never does, I mustn't be seen, neither by the ones I protect, I must move on, to the next, for I'm not their saviour, just the shadow beside them, except shadows get tired too.

[olivsie]

Something I like about epic the musical is that it Gives it's changes to the original text an actual Purpose

( The first couple paragraphs are basically a rant regarding retellings. If you only want to hear about epic Skip to paragraph 4)

1. I am a bit annoyed by the lack of. Understanding as to why RETELLINGS aren't the most historicaly accurate things in the world. Sorry to break this to you, but that's both just how they work and I would guess how they reach success. Ancient Greece is a much different culture than our own, And most of us would be terrified to actually live back then. When you are Trying to create content That is based on ancient Greece And you want it to be successful/ At least reach a wide, and notably, MODERN audience. You're likely going to have to take some creative liberty And change a few things. Don't get me wrong, YOU DO NOT HAVE TO LIKE RETELLINGS KNOWING THAT FACT ( Me personally, I'm not the biggest fan of Miller's novels Even though I do like epic) BUT IT IS SOMETHING TO BE AWARE OF. And because of that I don't think I would ever expect a retelling to be perfectly accurate And I don't. I had interest in mythology LONG before epic the musical But I didn't actually read the Odyssey until getting into epic. I did not expect it To be just like the musical, I knew Odysseus was going to be much more of an asshole, along with other characters. The odyssey and epic are different pieces of media to me And I am not less of a mythology nerd for liking epic ( Though I will admit that sometimes I take tiny little fun facts of mythology And like to think of them in the context of epic, but that's just for fun.)

2. The Only time being a fan of retellings is wrong as if you genuinely believe they are perfectly accurate And refuse to listen to anything else ( Which has definitely happened, And mythology nerds have the right to be annoyed at that)

3. Some people only like to consume real mythology media, Others like both real mythology and retellings, Others only like to engage with retellings (I would hope they have the self-awareness to know It's not real mythology, From what I've seen some do and some don't, Unfortunately)

4. Ok. now on to what the title of this long ass rant says

I like that epic the musical Retells the story, Not only to both cater to modern audience But Also with its OWN purpose of man versus monster.

Obviously, this is not the point of the original text. Mythos Odysseus does not give a single fuck About the stuff that epic odysseus does. I don't know why the creator Decided to rewrite it this way, (If he's ever said why let me know) But I would assume he wanted to make something about the oddessy And this was simply a very creative way to Translate that for modern audience.

I like this because, yes, holy damn. It does have changes from the original text. But it's not JUST changing it. It's changing it with a purpose

It feels reminiscent of some kind of Dramatic play. the way that epic characterizes.

Polites' kind nature is Representative of the Concept of being merciful Represented in his lines such as " This life is amazing when you greet it with open arms" /"There is so much guilt inside your heart, So why not replace it?"

While in contrast you have eurylochus with more ruthlessness and cautious nature, this is Found in some of his lines such as "You rely on wit, and people die on it" /"we don't know what's ahead" / "I say we strike first. We don't have time to waste so lets raid the place-" /"Let's just cut our losses, You and I and let's run"

And then you have Odysseus, the man/monster. The first act of this Musical is his internal struggle With what He should be On that scale. And the other characters Represent this struggle in the song monster

" Is the cyclops struck with gilt when he kills, is he up in the middle of the night? Or does he end my men to avenge his friend and then Sleep knowing he has done him right?

When the witch turns men to pigs to protect her nymphs, is she going insane? Or did she learn to be colder when she got older and now she saves them the pain?

When a God comes down and makes a Fleet drown Is he scared that he's doing something wrong? Or does he keep us in check So we must respect him and now no one dares to piss him off"

He then Applies this to himself

" Does a soldier use a wooden horse to kill sleeping trojans cause he is vile? Or does he throw away his remorse and save more lives with guile?"

And this marks his turning point of deciding that Ruthlessness It's ultimately worth it if it means Getting home, as aeolus says "The end Always justifies the means"

It's in my opinion, a very creative way to go about retelling a myth. Is it accurate? Absolutely not. For example, circe (From what we know) is not protecting When she turns men into pigs, For all we know, she could just do it because Shits and giggles.

Her character and most others in epic is changed from the original. But it's not ONLY changing for the sake of apeling to the modern Western audience and being successful like Many other retellings. It is also and mainly changing for the sake of influencing the plot that Jorge Rivera herrans crafted For the sake of Retelling epic. It is creative and I enjoy it despite knowing it's not accurate.

[romancecroc]

Lucanis (This is a bad idea, pt. 1)

Hello, hello. I felt like re-writing some of the Lucanis romance scenes (I treat them more like one-shots). Here's the "this is a bad idea" scene:

Rook had the tendency to just flirt with everyone. Whatever was happening, whoever it was. Some might call it confidence. But honestly, it was rather the very solid belief that nothing was going to happen anyway. So why not have some harmless fun?

Maybe it was because she never considered herself sexy. The word felt weird. She’d been called funny! Humorous. Witty!

But sexy? Not really. Every time somebody made a move on her, the nerves took over. Forget matching the alluring energy - all that came out of her mouth was a joke. And a nervous giggle after.

Which is why she was currently freaking out. Just a little bit.

“Nothing I’m seeing makes me want to look away” just flew out of her mouth. Lucanis had just expressed shame regarding the second Spite incident.

She didn’t realise she was expressing her thoughts out loud. They somehow got out. Her crush was supposed to remain hidden - and now it sounded terribly obvious. Almost like a confession. 

But that wasn’t the problem.

She said all kinds of things all the time.

The problem was the reaction.

Lucanis didn’t laugh it off. He didn’t roll his eyes about how silly that comment was.

He was looking right at Rook. Something… shifting in his eyes. 

And that really freaked her out.

“How do you do it?” Lucanis said, breaking the temporary silence with a low voice. 

“Do what?” Rook responded, almost coughing between her words. She leaned against the pantry wall, trying to shrug it off. 

Whatever she was seeing must just be her imagination. There’s no way.

“Break apart my perfectly gathered clouds of doom.”

Any attempts of disbelief started to crumble.

She looked at him wide-eyed. If it wasn’t obvious then, it was now.

Oh shit, she thought. Is this actually happening? 

“You deserve better than to deal with my mess.” he finished, holding Rook’s gaze.

A million responses were brewing in Rook’s head. All the wrong kind, of course.

I’m a professional janitor. I’ll go out of business without a mess!

I’m cleaning up the blight. Surely I can clean you up as well!

But for once, she could hold them back. Aware that they could sound insincere. After all, he was being honest with her.

But her silence was interpreted as a rejection. Lucanis lowered his eyes to the floor, slowly taking a step back.

“You’re more-” Rook finally blurted out, taking a step forward to maintain their previous distance. She instinctively grabbed his arm to make sure he didn’t step away any further. Her face was warming up too.

Now his eyes were widening.

“You’re more than what you’re going through. And I think you wear it well! Incredibly, if I’m honest. You’re amazing after all.”

There was a pause.

Rook finally realized she was still holding on to his arm. Within seconds she let go of it and glued herself against the pantry wall again. Almost like looking for shelter to hide her embarrassment. And her blushing face.

Speaking from the heart? Being sincere? It felt like her entire body was being pulled apart from both sides. She still couldn’t believe all the things she’d said out loud.

“Anyways, I’ll leave you be and-” Rook said, calming herself and closing her eyes. She could walk out like this. As long as she didn’t maintain eye contact, she wouldn’t have to witness his response.

But then she could hear steps. Walking towards her.

She slowly opened her eyes and by the time she could fully comprehend the scene, Lucanis was standing in front of Rook. Slowly leaning against the wall himself, towering over her.

He was so close, she could feel his breath against her skin.

“Rook… You like to walk a little close to the edge.”

The way he spoke her name almost sounded like a growl. He also made sure to maintain eye contact.

Somehow whatever thoughts he had were very visibly expressed through his eyes.

“So do you.” Rook responded, slowly gaining the courage to gently tap against his vest.

“You know this is a bad idea…” he whispered, slowly leaning in closer. 

“Sometimes a bad idea is better?” she chuckled quietly, mirroring his movement. Her hand resting on his cheek. Inching closer.

And then a flash of purple gleamed through his eyes. Any closeness broken apart by Lucanis stumbling backwards, grunting while holding his head in pain.

“Lucanis!” 

Rook rushed in to keep him from collapsing. After a few seconds of head shaking, the purple faded away - his eyes turning back to normal. 

“I… need to clear my head.” Lucanis muttered in a self-defeating tone, grabbing his gear from a cabinet.

There was an awkwardness hanging in the air. But Rook figured Lucanis had more pressing matters on his plate.

Whatever… this was, it could wait. Or maybe it was just a temporary moment?

“Rook.” Lucanis said, interrupting Rook’s train of thoughts.

Before she could respond, he had reached for her hand. Raised it. And then gave it a gentle kiss.

“Thank you again for checking in on me.” he said with a warm smile, bowing slightly and then headed out.

She stood there for a few minutes. Until she finally regained control of her legs, walking back to her room as if in automated mode. Barely containing the smile on her face.