#his voice when he started with ‘fools on parade’ gave me the most heart and hair-raising goosebumps no lie

[steinwayandhissons]

what’s a song that you actually didn’t like as much when you first listened to it and what was the moment that made you instantly click with it (or if it was a gradual thing)?

[titanicsimp]

Been too long

Pairing: Reiner Braun x Female!reader

Genres: Smut/lemon, fluff

Warnings: Sexual content including; vaginal sex, creampie, oral, general foreplay. Brief mentions of injury and trauma

Summary: You have known Reiner since you were both kids, and though life has separated you, a second chance might be in sight.

A/N: I finally wrote a story about my n1 love 🥺

It’s been over a decade since you’ve last seen Reiner, not counting the little glimpses at parades. It’s odd, the two of you had been so close when you were kids. You had known Reiner since he was 6 years old, and you had stuck to him like glue till the very last day before he went on his mission.

When you had finally pushed yourself to the front of the crowd the day Reiner had returned from paradise island, you looked straight at him, and he had looked back, but his gaze had been vacant. You had been too taken aback to wave or say anything. He had looked straight through you.

From your glimpses and the rumors you had overheard, it was clear that Reiner had changed. You refused to hear the whispers in the alleys about him having lost his mind. He might be not be the same anymore, but you knew that he would never give up. He was strong, not only a warrior by rank. Yet you would be lying if you said you weren’t worried.

❦

Now Reiner had returned from war once again, you were determined to at least speak to him this time. You followed the parade all the way up to the hall where the Warriors gathered and situated yourself outside the building. The guards made you anxious, but the fact that you’re an honorary Marleyan kept you relatively safe. It was okay for you to be there, unless it started taking too long.

When Reiner finally exited the building, you said a quick prayer to the gods and stepped out of the shadows.

“Reiner!”

He kept walking, seemingly so lost in thought he didn’t hear you.

“Reiner!” You tried again, quickly walking after him.

Reiner turned around suddenly, a warning look on his face. You gulped and instinctively took a step back.

When he realized it was you, his expression softened and then turned to confusion as he mumbled your name. “It is you, right?”

You smiled at him shyly. “Yes, it’s me.”

Now you got a good look at his appearance, your heart skipped a beat. His haircut had changed, and he had grown a beard, but the most striking was the way he had aged. Sure, he seemed older than he was, but he looked incredibly handsome.

“Sorry to hunt you down like this, but I really had to talk to you.” You told Reiner and nervously rubbed at your arm.

Your rubbing turned his attention to your arm, making him notice the red band around it. The sight of it made his expression turn cold.

“You.. got married?” He questioned.

You frowned, confused at the sudden question. When you noticed what he was glancing at, you realized why he thought so.

“Oh! No, I’m not married. I’m a doctor, actually.” You told him and couldn’t help but sound a bit proud. The work you had to put in for that band had been exhausting and neverending, but you made it.

Reiner scratched the back of his head and looked away from you. “I see, my apologies.”

Disappointment settled over you at his standoffish attitude. Was he not even slightly excited to see you?

You tried to shake off the feeling and gave him a smile. “It’s alright, we haven’t seen each other for a while... Perhaps we can catch up?”

The glint in his eyes gave you hope, but that quickly faded as he shook his head and sighed. “I don’t have time.”

No, you wouldn’t cry, no matter how much that stung. Looking into his eyes like this and still feeling alone was the worst.

“Ah, of course.”

Reiner turned his back to you and you watched him walk off, your heart feeling like a brick inside your chest.

❦

Another month passed and you heard nothing from Reiner, so you told yourself you were over it. If he thought you would first wait 9 years and then some more he was sorely mistaken!

You angrily pursed your lips at your thoughts as you picked out tomatoes at the market. Forget about him already.

You had filled your bag with the needed tomatoes and had paid the salesman when you turned to be on your merry way, but instead stepped right into someone’s chest.

“Gods! Ever heard of personal space?!” You grumbled as you backed off.

Your face paled when you recognized who you had bumped into. Reiner was peering down at you with that serious face of his.

“Sorry about that.”

You casted your eyes down, heaving your bag over your shoulder. “I-it’s fine, I didn’t realize it was you.”

He simply nodded at your words. You were uncertain as to what he wanted as he stared at you in silence. He didn’t even seem sure himself as to what he was doing.

You cleared your throat. “So, what is a warrior doing at the market?”

Reiner raised the basket in his left hand. “I’m getting vegetables for mother.”

A smile clawed it’s way onto your face. You guessed he was still a mommas boy. “That’s very nice of you, Reiner.”

More silence and staring followed before he finally decided on something to say.

“What clinic do you work at?” He asked.

You chuckled at the question. “How many do we Eldians have?”

The corners of Reiner’s mouth quirked up slightly. “Right.”

It made you feel nervous when you made eye contact with him, like you were a teenager again. “Well, if you ever get injured, you are free to visit.”

As soon as you said it you felt like hitting yourself. “But Warriors regenerate... oops.”

You waved off your own comments. “Injured or not, you are more than welcome.”

Reiner seemed amused, and you were unsure if it was because you were making a fool out of yourself or not, but it made you happy to see him warm up slightly.

“See you.. soon.” He said and waved you off, leaving you with a flushed face to match your tomatoes.

❦

A week later, you just got done with a long shift at the hospital and were getting ready to leave. Even though the soldiers had been back for some time, more and more kept showing up. Some that weren’t healing, some that were traumatized beyond believe, and some that had never come to get treatment and now their wounds were festering. It was exhausting, and terrible to witness, but you were happy you could at least do something to help them.

Darkness had already settled over the town when you exited the hospital grounds. When you turned the corner next to the gate you felt your heart jump in your throat at the sight of a silhouette.

“Hello?”

The figure stepped out of the darkness after you called out to it. You sighed with relief when you saw it was Reiner. “Gods Reiner, you scared me.”

“Sorry.” He said and stook his hands into his pockets.

“It’s alright.” You looked around the area. “Were you waiting for me?”

His lips quirked into a tiny smile. “I told you I would visit.”

That he actually did made you so happy. Perhaps he hasn’t grown as cold towards you as you first thought.

“Yeah, you did. You could’ve just come in though, it’s pretty cold out here.”

Reiner shrugged. “I’m fine. Join me on a walk?”

You nodded and gave him a warm smile. “Of course.”

He lead you through the dim alleyways and you wondered what he was planning. You were expecting him to say something, but he seemed to be mauling over every word again.

When you entered the plaza you knew why he took you here instantly. It was quiet, the cobbling of fountain in the middle of the square the only sound. It was peaceful like this, not crowded like during the day.

Reiner turned to face you, looking slightly nervous. “This is where-“

“I remember.”

The day before he had left for paradise island the two of you had snuck out and met up here. You could still remember how thrilling it had been.

You shook your head and looked down at the uneven street. “Why did you take me here?”

“I... I remembered you liked the fountain.” He responded, a slight shake noticibale in his voice.

“Reiner...” You looked at the small fountain. “If you remember, then you know why I’m not happy.”

His face, so young and hopeful, was still clear in your memories. He had been overjoyed he was now a warrior, finally having reached what he felt he needed to. It had given him the courage to tell you he liked you, and he had promised you he would return so you had to...

“Wait for me.”

You turned back to face Reiner. “That’s what you told me.”

He made a face like you just struck him, distress in his eyes. “I-I know. That wasn’t fair of me.”

You shook your head and laughed sadly. “It wouldn’t have been unfair if you had actually come for me when you returned.”

“I wanted to...” He gripped his forehead with his hand. “But the Reiner I had promised you died long ago.”

“It was too late.”

You took a step closer and felt tears sting at your eyes. “You’re right, it was too late.”

Reiner’s fingers clenched at your confirmation.

“It was too late for those kids, but not for us as we are now, Reiner.” You told him.

You chuckled. “I mean, I’m sure as hell not the same as I was 9 years ago, why would I expect you to be?!”

Silence fell as Reiner let your words sink in, dropping his hand from his face in shock. You could sense his doubt, and you felt it too. There were zero guarantees that you would fall for each other again, but you felt it in your heart that you had to give it a chance.

“I’m not asking you to feel the same way you did all those years ago. I just want you in my life, friend or lover.”

He remained silent for another minute before he spoke up. “Are you sure?”

You smiled and blinked away the tears that had built up. “I am.”

Reiner stepped closer to you hesitantly. “I don’t want to burden you. I’m not-“

You took one of his hands into yours. “I don’t care what you’re not! I want the Reiner that you are, nothing more and nothing less.”

He looked both terrified and happy with you’re declaration. You were scared he would pull his hand back, but he let you hold it. When he looked down at your joined hands, he seemed to relax slightly.

No more words were exchanged, there was no need to. His eyes spoke volumes, and you had said all you wanted to. In silence the two of you reunited, and a new promise was formed.

❦

The tavern is crowded tonight, the people of Marley having been in a surprisingly joyous mood lately. Pints are spread over the table in front of you and your group excitedly chats away with each other, some blaring instead of talking after having a few too many beers.

You had felt so nervous to join the Warriors tonight. Sure, in the last few months you had seen them around and had brief conversations with them, but sharing a whole evening with them was new.

In the end you had been worried about nothing. Zeke, Porco and Pieck had been more than welcoming, and not a single thing regarding their statuses had been brought up. Tonight they had just been people, and you were happy to see this side of them.

You lean back into Reiner’s arm, peaking up at your boyfriend. He raises his eyebrows and glances between you and Porco who is drunkenly arguing with Zeke about what beer brew is the best. You chuckle and roll your eyes at Reiner.

Your heart had been right. It had been a rocky road, and you both still had a lot to figure out, but after years of pining and separation you could finally call him yours.

“My, my, seems like those two had a bit too much.” Pieck notes with a laugh.

Zeke and Porco have quickly moved on from arguing and are now half sleeping on each other.

You laugh as well. “You think so?”

Pieck shakes her head disapprovingly, but her smile stays. She pushes at the men’s shoulders, but besides mumbles she gets no response. “I’ll have to carry them back home. What a pain.”

You sit up. “We’ll help you get them back.”

No way you’re letting poor Pieck drag them back all by herself, walking alone is already enough of a hassle for her.

You look at Reiner, who gives you a hesitant nod.

“Thank you!” Pieck says happily and sighs in relief.

The three of you stand up, rounding the table to haul the drunkards up. You and Pieck carry Porco while Reiner takes care of Zeke. You are happy you have experience with dragging men around in the hospital, otherwise this would be even harder.

“Come to think of it, you haven’t visited our place before have you?” Pieck asks you as the two of you carry Porco through the streets.

You shake your head. “No, I haven’t.”

She glances over at Reiner, who is walking a bit ahead. “I suppose it’s not much to show off.”

You all walk on in silence as you ponder if there’s a reason he hasn’t taken you there.

You meet up with Reiner in the hallway after everyone has been brought to bed and you have said your goodbyes to Pieck.

“I can bring you home.” He tells you.

You frown and shake your head. “I’d rather go to your room, unless you mind?”

He regards you for a moment before he gestures you to follow him. “I don’t.”

When you see his room, you get an idea as to why he didn’t want you to see it. There’s a one person bed, a chair, a desk, and a gun. The walls are painted grey, not decorated in any way.

“It’s... cozy.” You struggle to say.

Reiner sighs behind you as he closes the door. “It’s nothing.”

You turn around and throw your arms around his neck. “Should I be offended you don’t have any pictures of me?”

He quirks his eyebrows. “I don’t remember you giving me any.”

You laugh at his seriousness. “I suppose I’ll have to chance that then.”

You lean in to kiss him, but he frees himself from your grip and takes a step back.

“Reiner?”

It hurts to see him shrink away from you like this.

“Did I do something wrong? We’ve kissed before.” You ask him.

Reiner shakes his head and walks towards his bed, sitting down on it with a troubled look. “You didn’t do anything wrong.”

“What’s wrong then?” You question, your confusion resonating in your voice.

“I should just bring you home.” He says and stands up.

Before he can take a step towards the door, you stop him, putting your hands against his chest. “No! If I’m going too fast or if you don’t want me, just tell me, please.”

“What? Of course I want you! But I can’t-“

You feel frustration starting to bubble inside of you. “Why can’t you?!”

“Right now you can leave!” He shouts out. “If we... I don’t want you to feel tied to me.”

His pained expression absolutely breaks your heart. Gods, you would do anything to bring the peace his mind needs.

You cup his face in your hands. “Reiner, I’m here because I want to be here. I don’t want to leave, I want to be with you.”

“In every way I can be.”

“I think-“ Reiner starts but you give him a quick kiss.

“Stop thinking.”

You stroke his hair out of his face. “If you want me, then please, take me.”

Convinced, he grabs your hands in his and kisses you. His lips move against yours roughly, his kiss desperate.

His hands let go off yours and instead start exploring your body through your clothes. You gasp into the kiss as he cups your breasts, allowing him the opportunity to slip his tongue past your lips.

Your tongue tangles with Reiner’s, your body heating up from his touches. You rest one of your hands onto his shoulder as you grab the back of his neck with the other.

Gods, how long have you wanted this? The fact that it’s finally happening is dizzying.

Not breaking the kiss, he picks you up and carries you to the bed. You mewl as he presses his body to yours. You can feel the heat radiating from his skin even through the layers of clothing.

You are left panting when Reiner breaks the kiss, needing more. It feels like a dream when he starts unbuttoning your blouse and you shiver when the air hits your exposed skin.

He drinks in the sight of you, gaze gliding over you chest slowly.

“Worth the wait?” You tease but blush regardless.

Reiner gives you a smile, and it’s bigger than usual. You melt at the sight. How hard you have fallen for this man yet again.

“Ten times over.” He mumbles as he moves to take off your skirt.

You feel yourself growing slick with excitement as your left only in your underwear underneath him. He hooks his fingers into your panties, but your stop him.

“You first.” You say and tug at his button up.

Complying, Reiner sits up slightly between your legs and takes off his button up and undershirt.

You smile and run your hands over his now exposed chest. His muscles feel so good under your hands that it makes you regret not taking him to bed sooner.

He chuckles at your fascinated expression. Even though he’s glad that you ogle him just as much as he does you, he’s impatient to finally have you fully.

Reiner swiftly takes off his pants, giving you another smile when he’s left in his underwear. “Seems it’s your turn again.”

You giggle and shake off your blouse completely. You unclasp your bra and slowly take it off to tease Reiner. He groans when your breasts are finally exposed, his hands coming up to squeeze them immediately.

He leans his broad form over you, capturing your mouth in a kiss as he fondles your breasts. You wrap your arms around his neck and moan into his mouth.

When he gently squeezes and rubs your nipples, you arch up into his touch. He breaks off the kiss, dragging his tongue over your bottom lip before he moves down. He kisses a trail down from your neck to your breasts before licking over your nipple.

“Reiner!” You moan out encouragingly.

He flicks your nipple with his tongue and sucks softly before he moves on to do the same to the other.

After giving your breasts several more kisses, he moves down again. Your breath hitches when he reaches the hem of your panties.

Reiner looks up at you, and you can easily read his expression, ‘Is this is okay?’, and you mumble a quick yes under your breath. He slides your panties down your legs and throws them to the side.

He lovingly kisses the top of your mount before he lets his tongue slide against the sensitive skin next to your folds. He teasingly continues licking around it before he finally dips into your core.

You thrash your legs at the feeling of his tongue lapping at your slit, and in response he grabs you by your thighs to keep you still.

Moans leave your lips when Reiner pushes his tongue past your entrance. He groans lustfully when he tastes you, making you blush.

He moves his tongue in and out of you eagerly till you feel like you are drenching his face.

When he feels your thigh muscles clench under his grip, he knows you’re close. He takes his tongue of you and you whine in protest.

Your protests are quickly silenced when Reiner’s tongue starts playing with your clit. He slides two of his thick fingers into you while he licks and suck at your clit. You see stars as his finges inside you curl to hit your sweet spot while his tongue drags circles over your sensitive nub.

“Yes! Yes!” You scream out as you cum.

Your walls quiver around his fingers as he continues moving them to ride out your orgasm.

When Reiner removes his mouth and fingers from your cunt, you give him a satisfied smile, telling him without words that he did well.

His hands stroke over your thighs. ���I’ve dreamed of this so many times, but this is better anything I could’ve imagined.”

You sit up, which seems to surprise him. You quickly erase the fear of you stopping this from his mind by stroking your hand over the bulge in his underwear.

Fuck he’s big. His cock is straining against the fabric, his precum staining it already.

“I need to know what you taste like as well.” You whisper seductively and take off his underwear.

You do your best to hide your gulp when you see for yourself how big Reiner is. That thing is going to fill you the brim, but that’s exactly what you want.

You bend over, arching your back in the hope your ass looks good as you take his cock into your hand. He groans breathily when you stroke him, and you feel him tense up and stutter when you wrap your lips around the head. His reactions sound like music to your ears and make you eager to for more.

Deciding to focus on the head of his cock first, you drag your tongue flat over it and then circle it. Reiner’s hand goes to the back of your head, lightly gripping your hair as you start sucking.

When his cock twitches in your mouth, you hollow your cheeks and sink the first few inches into it. You don’t take him into your throat yet, first working your way up and down so you can get used to it.

His groans and pants start increasing and you can tell he’s getting close. Mustering your courage, you breath in through your nose and slide the rest of his inches into throat.

“Shit!” He curses and the hand in your hair tightens.

You keep still like that for a second, savoring the sounds he’s making. When you start taking his cock in and out of your throat, it’s Reiner’s turn to see stars.

Surprisingly, you are doing better than you expected. You are convinced that only he can make a cock down your throat feel good.

“Fuck, you need to stop or I’ll cum.” He chokes out.

You look up at him, and he can tell you have no intend of doing so. Instead you slightly speed up your motions, and it doesn’t take long before Reiner forces you to still on his cock.

He shudders as he cums into your mouth, keeping your face snugly against his pelvis as he does so. You wanted to taste him, and now you are. He doesn’t disappoint either and you happily swallow the ropes of cum he spurts down your throat.

After he lets you pull away, you swallow the remaining cum in your mouth and give him a smile.

Reiner’s face is just as flushed as yours now. “Gods that felt good, but you didn’t have to.” He pants.

You giggle as you wipe off your mouth. “I know, but I wanted to.” You grab onto his shoulders and guide him to lay back down with you. “And I’ll do it again.”

Your words make him grunt in anticipation. His cock is still hard, and as he retakes his place between your legs you feel it poke at your cunt.

You wrap your arms and legs around him and take in his face. You note his stern eyebrows and the little frown creases between them, the slight bump on the bridge of his nose, his sharp jaw and so many more little things. You want to remember them all, so even if he goes away again, you’ll carry them with you.

“Are you ready?” He asks you, pressing a kiss to your forehead.

You nod and give him a smile which he returns. After your confirmation, he positions his cock at your entrance and slowly starts pressing in.

The old bed creaks underneath your combined weight as he presses closer to your body, his cock sliding in and stretching your walls.

“Reiner!” You squeal in pleasure when he bottoms out in you. You feel so full of him.

One of Reiner’s hands strokes your hair out off your face and you can tell it feels so good for him as well.

He gently starts sliding his cock in and out of you, letting you adjust to his size before he goes harder.

You moan and writhe underneath him, experimentally bucking your hips to meet his thrusts now and then. The dull throb of pain that was present at first quickly having faded into intense pleasure.

Reiner groans your name over and over when he starts going faster. You’re so soaked from you earlier activities that your cunt makes a lewd sound every time he thrusts in, filling the room with even more noise. Neither of you care about whether or not someone hears, too lost in each other.

One of his hands moves to stroke your clit while fucking you. Your eyes roll back as your walls twitch around his cock in reaction to the extra stimulation.

“Yes! Don’t stop!” You cry out, feeling your orgasm approach you overwhelmingly fast.

Reiner continues rubbing circles over your clit, giving it gentle pinches now and then and making sure he keeps fucking you at this fast pace.

You grab onto the hair at his neck as you cum, too overtaken by pleasure to notice. He curses but doesn’t mind it, continuing to slip in and out of you. Your cunt feels so good, tightly wrapped around his cock as you cum, that you could do anything to him right now and he wouldn’t care.

Your breathing is ragged and your legs shake as your second orgasm fades away. Even through your foggy mind you realize Reiner hasn’t cum yet, so you start moving back against him.

“You feel so good! I want you to cum inside me!” You tell him boldly.

His eyes widen in surprise but you feel his cock jerk inside of you. “Are you sure?”

“Yes, gods yes!” You cry out.

He smiles and chuckles at your enthusiasm. If only you knew how happy he is that you want him to.

Reiner stills and grabs onto your legs, making you yelp as he unwinds them from his waist and instead pushes them closer to your chest. When he sinks back into you in this position, he feels unbelievable deep inside you.

You scream his name as rams his cock in and out of you hard. Clearly you telling him to cum inside spurred him on.

His face is closer to yours now and you can hear every groan and ragged breath that leaves his mouth, causing your cunt clench around him.

Reiner’s pace becomes erratic as he approaches his orgasm. He presses your legs down further unconsciously, but you don’t mind at all as his cock is the only thing you are focusing on.

With a sharp finally thrust, he grunts your name and empties himself inside you. He kisses you as his hot cum fills you, his tongue quickly finding yours. You continue making out till his cock stops twitching, completely spend.

He gives you gentle kisses after he’s done filling you up. You giggle at him and return his affections by planting a kiss on his nose. Seemingly satisfied and assured that you are happy and okay, Reiner frees himself from your arms.

He seems hesitant to pull out, and when he does he watches his cum drip out of you. The sight almost gets him hard again, but he knows you need rest.

You scoot over to the edge of the bed so he can lay down, nestling yourself on top of his chest and against his side after he does so.

His fingers run through your hair, and as you lay basking in the after glow, you wonder if you should tell him again how you feel. When you look up at him though, you know it isn’t needed. He looks at peace, fully happy and relaxed for once. And those hazel eyes of his which you love so dearly, finally shine again.

[twilightau]

One Day at A Time; Y.JW

main characters; crown prince!jungwon x noble!fem!reader

side character(s); duke!soobin from tomorrow by together

genre; soulmates au, royalty au, a genuine attempt on angst.

warnings; mentions of insecurities, toxic behavior, tears, heartbreak

word count; 3.5k

summary;  in which a spark of curiosity turns into a flame you cannot tame.

networks; @kflixnet, @ficscafe , @k-radio, @enhypennetwork

taglist; @liliansun, @3nh4luvr, @sunbokie, @ethereal-engene, @orpheyeux (sorry if i forgot someone, i didn't note it down rip)

author’s note; part four of The Dancing Princes​. damn it finally up! sorry this took so long i really tried to make the best out of it, tell me what you think?

special thanks to; camille (the angst master) for being such a supportive soul who even made me a playlist to help me get into the angst <3

Behind every smile hides a story. Some of which the writer either parade about every chance they get.

And others that are buried deep down in the hopes the papers will return to their tree and rewrite their own story.

Jungwon has always been an excellent observer. His curiosity was great ever since childhood, yet his role as the future king had limited him to physically explore these curiosities he had about the world, thus he resided into the art of sitting back and learning through visual images. He sharpened his skills in holding eye contact and studied upon the most particular body languages men could show, the crown prince devoted his time to working on his manner of speech and eventually became a young man of a few words that speak hundreds of sentences.

One day, the young boy met a young girl. She was supposed to visit the palace to befriend jungwon’s little sister, but the princess was too shy to leave her bed chambers, giving the queen no choice but to send her son to impress the daughter of marquees Choi. The Choi household had and still has great power diverse business in the kingdom of the Yang family. They were trade masters as well as royal advisors to the king. Before Jungwon met lady y/n, the parents would joke about how adorable it would be for their children to get along, never would any of them dare to think that at the very first day of the pair meeting, their soulmate bond would activate.

It was quite the sight to see; two young souls, barely reaching the age of fourteen, staring at each other wide-eyed as swirls of blues and greens surrounded them.

A heart as big as a mole appeared on their left hands and pink hues decorated their cheeks. They were young, but no fools when it came to acknowledging what a soulmate meant.

“hello, lady y/n.” his voice was barely volumed above a whisper, afraid his voice crack would betray him.

Lady y/n smiled brightly at her soulmate, pulling the hesitant boy into a welcoming hug. “Hello, prince Jungwon. pleased to meet you!”

The two developed a friendship quickly.

Their fated link simply gave the two a little push, but it was their common grounds that brought them closer.

If Jungwon would hesitate, y/n would step in with no doubt. If the crown prince would feel restrained to speak his mind, She would shout out her frustrations out loud. They were compatible in the way y/n was everything Jungwon lacked, and Jungwon was everything y/n lacked.

But just compatibility was never enough, and they were so wrong to believe it could be.

Love had sacrifices of its own, but loving a royal will always take the crown when it comes to sacrificing in the name of the kingdom. Because nothing is easy when the surrounding world depends on your perfection. You had to learn that lesson the hard way.

You were getting ready for the annual start-off of the busiest season of the year. The pairs were to be made and ties to be knotted, it was the season every true intention comes towards the light.

Since you had no mother to accompany, your aunt had granted your father a favor and stepped in to bring his beloved daughter to the ball. Although she had never mentioned bringing her own daughter to the highly exclusive ball, you did not seem to care enough to speak your mind.

“You know, I am most excited to see the crown prince. Rumors say he is finally to join the busy crowd of bachelors this year!” Your cousin babbled away, her mother nodding excitedly at the words. “I heard the royal family wants to find him a wife soon since all the neighboring kingdoms are starting to transition into the next generation of kings and queens, the Yang kingdom cannot fall behind.”

“Isn’t crown prince Jungwon too young to be crowned yet?” You asked in worry, both of you were only seventeen by now. It felt like there was still so much youth to explore. Can you when he gets officially tied to the crown?

“Crown prince Jungwon is quite literally raised for this moment, y/n. Amongst all the future kings of Decelia, he is the most ready.” your cousin speaks with certainty. Guilt weighs your heart down, you did not even consider your soulmate's capabilities. Perhaps Jungwon wants the crown as fast as possible, you were not certain about his ambitions. The thoughts drive you into a silence mode, watching the greenery passing you as your aunt and cousin ramble on about any matter.

Once you had arrived, the palace staff announced your presence to the crown underneath the staircase. Everyone watched your cousin and you walk down the stairs with small pretty smiles on your tinted faces.

Before you step foot on the ground, a swarm of bachelors enters your sight, the majority were trying to catch your beautiful cousin's attention, but one bachelor softly cleared his throat for yours.

“Hello lady y/n, I did not know you were to debut this year. What a pleasant surprise!” Duke of Mo Ah, Choi Soobin said, he had gently grasped your hand in greeting, delivering a small fluttering peck on the back of your hand . You smile at the older noble.

“Yes, it was a last-moment kind of decision, I must admit.” You lied to the lad, taking his invite towards the dancefloor in a smooth movement. Your eyes drift towards your soulmate, who hasn’t had the chance to greet you. His perimeters swarmed with beautiful young girls in awe of the presence of the future king.

An uneasiness settled within you as you watched all the perfectly capable women fight for your soulmate’s attention. You felt strange imagining yourself in his arms, but somewhat home in the arms of a man who wasn’t Jungwon.

At the opposite side of the ballroom, your soulmate looks between all the extravagantly dressed ladies to find you. He notices your hesitant bows to the nobles around you, and your pure fixation on the duke who circled his arms around you.

That was the first time your fate in the bond wavered.

Is a man whose life is all about understanding others supposed to love a woman who only cares about her own bubble?

A memory of the two of you laughing in the music room is brought to the forefront of your mind. Just two souls laughing in a child’s innocence, wondering what crazy and cool soulmate bond they could have. You suggested the two of you will be able to hear each other’s thoughts, but Jungwon suggested the two of you could feel each other's emotions. The possibilities were infinite, but the pair of you were just glad you had already found each other.

And just like that, the young couple had manifested their bond.

Jungwon woke up the next day in a decent mood. He called in the servants to help him dress into daylight-appropriate attire and left his chambers for his morning meal. Along the way, he managed to catch a glance of you scurrying away from a few royalties who stayed in the palace for the courting season. He wasn’t sure what happened, but he suddenly felt an overwhelming pain within his chest.

His heartbeat fastened in pace and he couldn’t breathe in the rhythmic way he was moments ago. and like the observer he is, he recognized the symptoms in a second; he was experiencing the pain you felt.

Your thoughts started entering his mind and he heard her spinning words, spelling a dizzy spell on the prince. A mantra of painful words repeated in your usually cheerful voice.

There it was; their soulmate bond. He was able to hear every single suffering you went through behind that smile. He was able to feel every crack in your heart. All the pain because you were bound to him.

That afternoon the prince invited his fated one to the library, where he sat down to look through some literature he had to revise for his private class later on the day. You tried to refuse, but his feline eyes glimmered with such excitement that you were barely able to get any syllables past your lips.

Jungwon sat in total silence, his back straight and eyes trained upon the pages of the book he held in his hands. You watched from a few seats away, studying his facial structures while your mind drifted to all the places you could have explored. Perhaps with him.

A field filled with marigolds or the little market the town square had on Tuesdays and Saturdays. maybe even the little mysterious wing of the palace no one visited in a while. You somewhat dived too deep into your thoughts and Jungwon watched your eyes flutter open and shut until your head started to drop dangerously close to the book you had settled in front of you. The corners of the boy’s lips twitched at your sleepy appearance and he laid his outerwear in front of your book, your head landing on it seconds after with a soft thud. Your dreams lured you to a fantasy far from your reality.

That was the second time you questioned whether you belonged to a man like him.

Was the flawless really meant to meddle with the flawed?

Your solid relationship with the crown prince started to gain small dents day after day. It wasn’t something either of you could prevent. You were simply too different to keep the same harmony of chaos and peace you had established before. A part of you wondered if you did not love hard enough, to be able to withstand all the criticism women all over the kingdom poured over you.

Yet another part of you proposed that the reason you felt miserable in the first place was that you loved too much.

Every time you chose to hide your tears behind a smile, you tried to ease the weight on your prince’s shoulders. But was tainting your pure base of trust with lies worth it? Did he not deserve to know the truth about what you have been going through for the past months?

Wasn’t a soulmate meant to help you heal rather than break further apart?

The question resonated into Jungwon’s mind, and his hand clenched around the pen he held in his hand, an unfinished reply to crown prince Sunoo’s invitation started to drench in pools of ink the crown prince of the Yang kingdom was unbeknownst dropping unto the paper. His brows furrowed together in a troubling frown as he opines about ways to ease your life as a soon-to-be royalty.

He thinks back at the years the two of you spent in peace and reminisces the feeling of hearing your unfiltered laughter, running around the fields of a foreign land while Jungwon shouts for you to slow down, afraid you will slip and wound yourself.

It dawns upon the prince that the tiny heart-shaped mole on his hand was never enough to justify the pain the two of you had to go through for each other.

It was never enough to make right the wrongs of keeping a person who loved the beauty of life within walls of politics and people’s greed. Yet he let it happen because he believed in fate more than himself. Until he finally didn’t.

Jungwon greeted Sunoo with a brotherly hug, the two grinning from ear to ear. The yet-to-be-crowned eyes his friend’s headpiece with envy in his eyes, wondering when it will be his turn to fulfill the duty of his life. Sunoo’s eyes wander to a foreign royal amongst the crowd to which Jungwon responds with a knowing smile.

“Is she your person?” He asks the new king of the kingdom he’s visiting. Sunoo’s pink cheeks give away the answer easily, but the older confirms with a nod. “Hopefully after tonight, she will.”

If Sunoo hadn’t been staring at his lover with such intense love in his eyes, he would have noticed how the shine in his friend’s eyes was dimming the further the night progressed. One of the two was getting his person tonight, while the other was ready to lose his.

Jungwon catches your attention somewhere between the first and second dance sessions. The prince invites you to the balcony, he politely asks you about how the night has been for you so far and you talk about the few acquaintances you’ve made. Your soulmate stops walking once the two of you are out of earshot, and he takes a controlled breath before looking at you with his well-known sharp-edged eyes. Somehow, his eyes do not shine with the usual life within them, they seem tired as if he had faced a battle he is done fighting. You caress his arm as an act of support and a small smile form on his lips.

“Lady y/n, I am going to ask you a question. And I wish for you to answer me in full honesty.” You nod in complying with his wishes with ease as you wait for him to continue.

“Will you find your true happiness once you marry me?”

His unexpected question stops you from continuing your soothing action, stammers of incoherent words rise in your throat, but he stops you from spilling them by laying his hand on top of yours.

“Do not worry, lady y/n. That was not a proposal if that is what concerned you.” He laughs, but the sound does not resonate with any humor or joy. His own soulmate questioned her happiness by his side.

Perhaps, they really were not each other's persons. Your silence spoke louder than the most extravagant words could express, and the crown prince just waited for you to start. He knew you had things to let off your chest, and he chose to stay silent to let you finish.

“Prince Jungwon, please do not misunderstand my silence,” you look into his dark orbs, finding reassurance in them that allowed you to continue. “I do love you, I always have since the day we met.”

“But I was never enough.” You confess.

“Every day, I see my future king in his study, preparing for what is best for his kingdom. I watch you sacrifice bits of your soul to become what you need to become. And as much as I wish for my love for you to be enough, I can’t.” The tears in your eyes were the first thing that pierced a small hole in Jungwon’s act. Your voice is cracked and your eyes puffed, but you continue your speech because you owe him an explanation at the very least.

“I tried so hard, Jungwon. You have to believe me that day after day, I prayed to the skies for them to open my eyes and see that magnificent you all women fall in love with.”

“But I can’t. As the days pass by, both of us are changing into our own defined human beings. And perhaps this version of us is not meant to be. I watch you become someone who becomes the natural definition of discipline and dignity, while I am becoming a soul who yearns for the memories we have left in the past. I want to relive life in the meadows and foreign earth. I want to see what festive events each country beholds and how far the horizon will bring us when we chase her. I want to explore the world…” you trail off, your words and thoughts merge together and you are afraid of the confessions you might make.

“But you can’t if you’re with me.” Jungwon finishes the words you were too afraid to speak. The words are stained in your heart, but you never opened up to see them. The truth you were too foolish to believe in. Your lips are still sealed together, yet the sadness in your eyes confirms every little doubt he had accumulated over the past few months.

You close your eyes in regret, shame, and guilt.

Regret for the things you didn’t do.

Shame for the expectations you didn’t meet.

And guilt for his expectations you couldn’t meet.

You hear the rustle of Jungwon’s movement, he must have tried to comfort you but decided against it in the end. Of course, he wouldn’t, you were slowly becoming a faded person to him. once essential, but slowly a memory.

“Y/n,” he started, and your heart accelerated in suspense. He had never called your name with no formalities, yet the way it rolled of his tongue felt so natural for you to hear.

“I will never force you to stay in a place you do not want to be.” You open your eyes and raise your head to meet his face. He looks at you with a smile so kind that your soul is about to burst out of you, just to return the gesture.

“If I have to let you go for you to be happy, I do it in a heartbeat.”

“But we are soulmates, Jungwon. This isn’t a game of giving and taking”

"If it is the freedom I have to give for you to take your happiness, I don’t see a reason why I wouldn’t do it.”

“Jungwon…” The determination in his features silences you.

“Y/n, you are my fate. And as much as I treasure you, sometimes we have to let go of them. Let me do this for you, and in return, you won’t resent me for the things you had to go through because of me.”

“I never resented you, Jungwon.” The corners of the boy’s kind smile lower by the smallest bit, but he maintains his expression and confesses.

“Somewhere deep inside of me, I had hoped you at least resented me.”

“What do you mean?”

“What is our bond, y/n?” You freeze at the sudden question.

“It hasn’t occurred yet.” The words pierce an arrow through his skin straight into his soul. Jungwon was no fool, and he had his predictions.

But to see the reality dance in front of his eyes, he did not expect it to inflict as much pain to him as it did.

Here he stood, a future king of a country, filled with people who loved him, praised him for being the perfect person. Yet he failed to become the perfect person for the one who was meant to be his perfect fit.

Jungwon laughs to himself, at the absolute disaster of a lover he is and how hopelessly in love he still is, even when he knows you never returned the sentiment for the tiniest bit.

“Go to him, y/n.” He says after a beat of silence. Your confusion is still the most prominent feature of your face, and he is so tempted to caress the frown of your forehead, but he won't.

“I do not understand…”

“Go to Soobin, y/n! How many more things do you think I need to clarify for you?” Jungwon takes a shaky breath, calming his tone as he continues. I am laying all my cards on the table and you refuse to pick me up.

You are just watching me break for you.

“I can hear your thoughts, y/n. I can feel our bond because I love you.” He swallows the lump in his throat, collecting courage to end the fight for her heart, a fight he lost since the beginning.

“Your heart beats faster around him because he can give you the freedom and company you crave. Whenever you are near him, I stop hearing your thoughts. He is the one, emotionally available in a way I can never be. God, at this very moment your mind is still wondering if he is somewhere in the crowd behind us.”

“Jungwon…”

“Go, y/n.” Please.

The young lady lowers her head in defeat, her body moves to turn, and a tiny reflex in Jungwon is about to hold her back, but he fights the urge to hold her in his arms. She isn’t his, and she never was.

A fate he couldn’t have, and thus he lets it go.

And with every step, she takes away from him, another arrow wriggles into the lonely soul of the young prince.

Behind every smile hides a story. Some of which the writer either parade about every chance they get.

And others that are buried deep down in the hopes the papers will return to their tree and rewrite their own story.

Jungwon’s smile never faded, but it morphs into one that conveys each and every crack his heart had sustained for her.

And just like the saying goes, third times are the charm.

A small heart the size of a mole, that had chained two souls to each other, finally fades away as the first drop of regret falls from the crown prince’s face. He watches her approach the man she loved all this time, and he hates to admit, they were made for each other.

if you have come so far; thank you so much for reading! i hope i somewhat managed to get the message across hehe please tell me if you want to be added to the taglist!

[sapphicwhxre]

you

♥︎ pairing: ginny weasley x fem!houseneutral!reader

♥︎ summary: ginny distances herself from you because she thinks you love someone else.

♥︎ requested: yes | no

♥︎ warnings: angst, heartbreak, self hate/comparison, total inconsistency since if you're in the trio’s year you wouldn’t have class with ginny + astoria isn’t in ginny’s year but shush its a fic

pumpkin pasties, chocolate frogs, and all your other favourite treats jumped around in ginny’s bag. the gryffindor girl had gone to help ron woo some mystery girl who he’d taken a liking to and stumbled upon his stash of candies. ginny had called it a fee for her services and decided she’d share her earnings with the girl she loved most, both as a friend and more ─ that girl was you and as far as ginny knew, you were completely oblivious to her feelings.

it was a wednesday afternoon so she could only assume you were having your weekly study session with the gryffindor golden girl herself, hermione granger.

the pep in her step made her red hair bounce on her shoulders, her excitement to see you growing with each one she took. ginny turned the corner, finally at your study spot and she paused. you looked emotional, to put it simply, and you clutched what appeared to be a crumpled piece of parchment that someone had changed their mind about tossing.

there was a nervous gloss to your eyes and ginny thought she should leave, letting you and hermione talk alone. but her curiosity and just the way she cared for you got the best of her.

taking a deep breath and not noticing ginny behind the pillar ─ where she wasn’t so much as hiding, but quietly observing ─ you started to read off of the parchment. “there’s no easy way to say this,” you read clearly, but your shy, quivering smile gave away how you felt about reading what was written. was it a letter? had you written it? “but i love you.”

ginny’s heart stopped. she swallowed thickly, uncertain of how to process the sinking feeling in her chest. you exhaled shakily and smiled, biting your lip and staring down at the words you'd written.

“i love your hair,” you laughed, running your hand over your own nervously. “i love your eyes when you’re happy and the sound of your voice. did you know your nose scrunches when you laugh? it’s adorable. i’ve never met someone who brights up my life like you do. i love how you always know what to say and i love that i can be myself with you. i love your heart, you’re everything i adore. i love when i can look into your eyes because mine fill with the love i’ve only ever felt for you. the only thing more beautiful to me is you. it’s that same look that i’ve never been able to tell if you’ve given me back. my thoughts go cloudy when i’m with you. i love you so much. you’re... you. how could i not have fallen in love with you?"

as she looked at hermione’s angel-like face, ginny felt hot drops of some form of sadness more intense than she even knew possible well up in her eyes. hermione’s lips were parted in awe and she was smiling.

hermione granger, brightest, most beautiful witch of her age. beside you, in ginny’s opinion, but you were right. how could you not have fallen in love with hermione?

you folded up the letter and sighed, no longer reading but still going. “even if you don't love me, it was worth every word. i’ve never regretted anything when it comes to loving you. yours, y/n l/n.”

hermione grinned at you, “that was beautiful, y/n. truly... gods, i didn’t know you had that in you.” ginny fled, not wanting to watch what came next or hear what hermione had to say about how she felt for you. she’d break like the porcelain her skin resembled if hermione said she loved you back... if hermione kissed you, like ginny had only dreamed of.

wiping away the tears that stained her cheeks, she hated herself. y/n loves hermione. she just wished she hadn’t listened. she shouldn’t have fallen for you in the first place or let herself have foolish hope. even more foolish to think she could ever win you over when you could have hermione. older, brighter, and beautiful. she was fool, and now ginny believed had paid the price for it.

but had she stayed only a second longer, she’d have heard hermione’s stunned words. “ginny’s going to love every word, y/n, i know it.” bubbling with nerves, you threw yourself to hug her and squeezed tightly, just as ginny turned to steal one last glance at you. “thank you ‘mione, you’re the best.”

you were inaudible from the distance but there you were in hermione’s arms, giggling and chattering. despite the fact that you were joking about her own crush, ron, the sight only made ginny sick. ginny lost her appetite and made her way to her dorm, instead of the great hall where dinner would be starting in just a few minutes.

the heartbroken girl probably would have thrown up right then and there, had she seen you and hermione walk into the great hall. arm in arm, you were practically shaking with anticipation. of course, she’d incorrectly imagined that you’d be parading in with intertwined fingers and smeared lipstick but through a made up mind, it’d look like all the same.

“where’s gin?” you found a seat next to ron and harry, scanning the table for her red ponytail. through a mouthful of food, ron shrugged and answered, “must have gotten held up.” hermione rolled her eyes with disgust, silently scolding him for his ill manners.

you took the opportunity to tease the two. “never invite me to dinner at your home, save the fighting for your kids.” they both blushed heavily and stammered out how they’d never fancy the other, then immediately spewing out offense at the implication. ron huffed and harry spoke over them, rolling his eyes heavily.

“what about you, y/n? i thought you and ginny would be an item by now,” harry didn't really care either way, but it did seem ridiculous for the two of you to dance around dating for so long, especially since he somewhat saw her as a little sister. and truth be told, everyone was curious about you two.

even ron perked up and hermione smirked knowingly. “leave her alone, it’s none of your business,” she announced.

ron narrowed his eyes and started, “hermione, do you know something?” hurrying to stop them from bickering again, you cleared your throat. “i wrote ginny a letter, laying out exactly how i feel for her. now if you’ll excuse me, i’m going to go find her because i don’t think she’s coming.”

you hopped out of your seat, taking some food for her, and left poor harry alone with the arguing lovebirds to go confess your feelings.

you hummed to yourself, going to knock on ginny’s dorm door. her dorm mate opened the door and looked you up and down, glaring angrily. “what do you want?” she crossed her arms and scoffed. taken aback, you blinked and searched the room for ginny, who was curled up in her bed crying.

“excuse me? get out of my way, i need to see ginny. is she alright?” the girl eyed you, as if scanning you for a lie, and she supposed you were sincere in your concern. “she’ll be fine, just give her some space.”

without another word, the gryffindor slammed the door in front of you and you were left staring at the shut dorm, filled with confusion and a harrowing worry. your hand fell and defeated, you shoved your love letter into your pocket.

you didn’t see ginny the next day in class. or the day after that. she wasn’t talking to any of her brothers, you, or harry and had even turned the other way when you waved her down. it was like she was avoiding you and after a week of it, you came to the conclusion that she must be. ginny’s schedule resided in your mind so you set to confront her after potions. a girl with a mission was a force that should never be reckoned with ─ ginny taught you that.

“it shouldn't be too hard if we get some studying in,” ginny was discussing an upcoming exam with astoria greengrass, a slytherin girl in her year. you rather awkwardly stopped in front of the two and watched them part ways, ginny sending you a scarily pissed off glare. the tension could be cut with a knife and you and ginny blurted at the same time.

“you’re avoiding me!”

“i heard you and hermione!”

anger slipping, ginny avoided your eyes. “well that’s why i’ve been avoiding you. i’m sorry, i know i should be happy for you,” she started to ramble and you stared at her, baffled. happy for you and hermione? “i thought i didn’t care, that i could just push my feelings for you aside. it’s just that when you read that letter to hermione, there was so much... love in your voice. it hurt. i want to be the one you love.”

dumbfounded, you realised that she’d thought the letter was for hermione. “oh fuck, ginny no,” you stumbled, making her step back, assuming you were rejecting her. this wasn’t how you wanted to tell her that you loved her, it was supposed to go better than this. “wait! what i mean is─”

“you made it pretty damn clear what you mean, y/n,” ginny sniffled. “i think it's best if i just─” you cut her off with a kiss. you grabbed her face, kissing her like you’d never tasted something so sweet and you just couldn't get enough. she pulled back, breath heavy on your lips. “but... but hermione,” she whispered and you laughed, eyes fluttering shut and head shaking.

“i was reading it to her to practice on you. it was always for you ginny, it’s always been you.” the smile that you missed all week finally enraptured the lips you’d be kissing as much as you possibly can now that you knew you could. “and besides, she fancies your brother.” ginny thought for a moment and then sighed in embarrassment. but she said nothing as she knew you’d only reassure her and she knew this was how things ought to be.

ginny wrapped her arms around you and melted into your embrace, burying herself in your warmth and tugging you closer ─ though with no distance between you two, the gesture wasn’t very efficient. “so you love me?” she just wanted to hear you say it.

“i love you, ginny.”

“i love you, y/n.”

──────♥︎

[gwynrielendgame]

Gwyncien headcanon

Okay so my headcanon is that Lucien would try to be understanding about Elain and Azriel being together. The mating bond would be the only thing that would make him want to enact the blood duel but he would fight it cause he knows he isn’t owed Elain. Anyways this was the outcome of that.

Gwyn did not know why she was here. She told herself it was for Nesta, but she knew her friend would be occupied with her mate for most of the night. It was true torture to endure this night at the court of nightmares. She insisted that if she couldn't handle the court of nightmares there was no way she could handle the rest of the world. It was a test for herself. She couldn't tell if she were passing or failing though.

"Could definitely be worse." Gwyn whispered back. She tried not to stare. It only made her pathetic she told herself. Luckily though, no one was watching her too closely. No one knew that Azriel and Gwyn were mates which meant they weren't over analyzing the situation right along with Gwyn. When she had dreamt of finding a mate, she never imagined this. The way the bond could actually hurt Gwyn was almost too much to bear. No wonder mates never rejected each other. Gwyn had been so lost in her head, she hadn't noticed Lucien approaching her.

"You look beautiful tonight, Gwyn." The male gave her a shy smile before bowing. Gwyn frowned while looking down at herself. She was wearing her priestess robe with the hood pulled down to cover most of her face for once. She wasn't sure what he was playing at, but decided to play along. Anything to distract her from that wretched couple. Only then did it hit her that perhaps he was doing the same.

"Thank you. To what do I owe the pleasure of your company?" Gwyn lifted her hood off her head and smiled at the red head. Similar in color to her own hair.

"I was hoping for a dance." He held out his hand. His smile turned more confident. He truly was handsome even with that terrible scar running down half his face.

"I don't know how to dance." Gwyn didn't want to make a fool of herself, especially when Azriel and Elain looked so graceful together.

"I'll lead. Don't worry. I won't do anything crazy." He sent her a smirk that told her he would, in fact, do something crazy.

"Okay." She found herself agreeing. Emerie sent her a wide look while nudging her. Gwyn sent a casual smile back. Lucien would never hurt Gwyn. She had over heard the story from Feyre herself. Lucien was one of few males who understood her pain.

He led her off to the floor and swept her into the ongoing waltz. He was close, closer than she had let any male before. Yet there was still a respectable distance between them for a dance. He kept his hand high on her back and she knew it would never veer from that spot. Her heart picked up out of conditioned fear. She took a deep breath to calm herself. He would not hurt her. They were slow and clumsy, but they were dancing which was surprising enough for Gwyn. She figured she would have stepped on his toes by now.

+

Azriel tried to ignore the mate bond as it tugged sharply. It didn't help that his shadows were angry about the situation as well. He kept making brief glances as his mate ineloquently danced along with the autumn lord. He knew Lucien was doing this on purpose. Azriel was unaware how the other male learned of his ties to Gwyn, but this was Lucien's payback for Elain and damn did it make Azriel feel guilty.

"What's wrong?" Elain spoke quietly. She glanced up at him through her lashes before focusing back on the dancing. She looked beautiful tonight, opting for red instead of black which he had to admit suited her much better. He hadn't told Elain that the mating bond snapped into place for Gwyn and him a little over two months ago. He didn't know how to tell her, although if anyone could understand, it was Elain.

"Just keeping surveillance." Azriel wished he had his shadows right now, so that they could keep track of Gwyn. Unfortunately, they still disappeared around Elain. He thought that had been a good thing. Now he wasn't so sure. "What is it like to watch Lucien dance with someone else?" He couldn't help but wonder if it felt the same for her as it did for him. He felt miserable yet had no right to be. Gwyn gave him an option. He just hadn't realized how insistent this bond would be.

"Uncomfortable." Elain decided after a long pause. "I don't really know him, so I should feel indifferent. But I can feel the bond tugging as though it's mad at me." He hadn't expected her to be so honest. He appreciated it anyways. Azriel did know Gwyn though. She was his friend which could be the reason the bond is much more painful than a mere uncomfort. He twirled Elain once more before she announced she was tired of dancing. They both retreated back to the dais where their friends were joking.

"It's not funny." Nesta groaned with a scowl gracing her face. Feyre, Rhys, and Mor were all laughing.

"What's not funny" Elain asked looking towards her oldest sister. Mor decided to answer when Nesta refused.

"It appears that the first man to pique the priestess's interest also happens to be the man that annoys the shit out of Nesta." Amren drawled after taking a seat. A bloom of anger rocked the bond so hard that Azriel's shadows came to life for a brief second before hiding again. The tight squeeze of Elain's hand into Azriel's let the Shadowsinger know that she felt the same way he did. It angered him to think that the first male to catch Gwyn's eye would be Lucien rather than him.

"It's not like that." Elain squashed any relationship theories right then. "Lucien wouldn't parade another female in front of me like that." While Elain's proclamation was true, it still made him frown. Perhaps Elain felt a little more than just uncomfortable seeing the pair dance. The rest of the group eyed Elain, but it was Feyre who came to Lucien’s defense.

"You refuse to talk to Lucien and are in a public relationship with our spymaster, Elain," Feyre was frowning as she spoke. "I think he can ask Gwyn, of all people, to dance with him." She finished by rolling her eyes at Elain. Azriel didn't like the insinuation Feyre made but kept it to himself all the same. The conversation quickly cut off as the group watched the pair end the dance with a bow.

+

"It sucks, doesn't it? Watching them be happy together?" Gwyn eyed Lucien. He couldn't know. Gwyn refused to tell anyone, mainly out of embarrassment. She supposed that didn't mean Azriel kept quiet though.

"I'm unsure I understand." She would play dumb for all it was worth. It made Lucien chuckle. He twirled her before pulling her back and continuing the conversation.

"I guessed you two were mates awhile ago. But you confirmed it for me tonight. You watch him like I watch Elain." He gave a sad smile before twirling her again. "I'm surprised he rejected you though. Azriel has been waiting more than 500 years for a mate."

"Not for A mate." Gwyn snapped. She couldn't control her rising anger. Not when it came to the mate bond. "He waited 500 years for the mate bond to snap in place with Mor and then Elain." She used her mind-stilling to calm herself. Lucien watched her intently with his one russet eye.

"He didn't technically reject me." Gwyn started the story she hadn't uttered to anyone before. "I knew he was still hung up on Elain though when the mate bond snapped into place. I told him I didn't want him to feel forced into this. So if he wanted to be with Elain, I wouldn't hold any resentment." Gwyn chuckled along with Lucien at that. The mate bond was not as forgiving. Gwyn hadn't realized how painful it would be to watch him with Elain when she uttered those words to him.

"The bond can be a fickle thing can't it?"

"Why didn't you challenge him to the blood fight? You had every reason to?" Gwyn couldn't stop herself from asking. She was glad he hadn't. It still didn't make sense to her though.

"Besides the fact that he would kill me and Elain would feel that pain? Would finally understand the true torture of the mating bond? Same reason you told him he could be with Elain. I don't want someone to be with me out of obligation." He twirled her once more and she was suddenly overcome with such sadness for the autumn lord. He deserved a mate that chose him. His eyes softened as they made eye contact again. Neither said a word for a solid minute.

“You are quick to underestimate yourself. Is that on purpose or do you truly believe you would lose?” Gwyn believed that at the very least, Lucien would put up one hell of a fight. He was raised by high lord Beron of all people, who was known for his cruelty. A sly smile quirked Lucien’s mouth.

“You’re the first to call me out on that.” It wasn’t technically an answer, but it told Gwyn all she needed to know. He allowed everyone to underestimate him. To believe he is only proficient in fighting. It should have made her nervous, but for some reason it had her laughing.

“I would love to see you kick Azriel’s ass.” It would be the kick to his ego that he needed quite honestly. Lucien laughed before a round of silence fell over them. Lucien was the first to break it.

"You could come with me. We call ourselves the band of exiles. It's just Jurian, Vassa, and I, but it would be better than watching their love story unfold." She was shocked by the invitation. She knew her face showed it as well. She knew she couldn't accept. At least not right now. She didn't want to leave Nesta and Emerie. She didn't want to stop her Valkarie training. The song was coming to an end and Gwyn knew that as soon as it did that this conversation would have to end with it.

"I have something I want to do." Lucien's brows furrowed in confusion, so she elaborated further. "I want revenge. But I'm not ready yet. Would this invitation still extend when I am ready?" Her voice was unsteady due to nerves. She hadn't mentioned her revenge plan to anyone before. A gleam entered Lucien's eye. He knew what she wanted and he would support her through it. The song ended causing Lucien to step away from Gwyn and bow once more.

"I'll be waiting." And then he was walking away. Gwyn floated back to the dais, to her spot by Emerie. She was so lost in her new plans, new plans that Lucien helped establish that she hadn't realized the entire inner circle staring at her. Including Elain and Azriel. Both had unreadable expression but both made her skin crawl uncomfortably. One of Azriel's shadows whipped out at her, barely grazing her wrist. It barely stung, but enough for Gwyn to know the shadows were upset with her. She frowned at them.

"What?" Redness rushed to her cheeks at the attention. She knew it wasn't good attention either.

"What was that about?" Nesta inclined her head to the dance floor. Gwyn didn't want to talk about it especially in front of the inner circle.

"He asked me to dance so I said yes." Gwyn shrugged as though it meant nothing. Truly the conversation had meant a lot to Gwyn. Finally being able to talk about it to someone lifted a weight that she hadn't known was there from her shoulders.

"Is that why you were making goo goo eyes at him?" Emerie teased while nudging her. Gwyn didn't see why this was being openly joked about. Azriel and Elain only went public with their relationship a month ago. Before then the entire inner circle was sure that this would cause war. Gwyn chanced a glance at Azriel, but his face gave nothing away. She looked to his shadows because she knew that those were much harder to control around her. Unfortunately the shadows had disappeared.

"Lucien is my friend." The words were colder than Gwyn had meant, but it turned the teasing air into awkward silence. Nesta and Emerie were searching Gwyn's face for any tells. They came up empty though. It was Rhysand to respond next.

"Sorry Gwyn. We weren't trying to imply anything." His words were kind but it only made Gwyn's face flame brighter. Of course they wouldn't imply anything like that with her. It reminded her of how they all see her. Trauma first. Person second.

She wondered if any of them, besides her two sisters, would ever look at her and see anything other than that day in Sangravah. She peeked a glance back at Lucien and saw him for what he could be. A fresh start. He knew about her experiences, but he wasn't there that day. He didn't see with his own eye what they had done to her. Perhaps Azriel's rejection was a blessing in disguise. Azriel himself had saved her that day. Maybe one look at her face and he found himself back in Sangravah, lifting her weak body into his arms. Before she could sink too far into the memories, she felt the mate bond being tugged at. Her eyes snapped to Azriel's where he was already staring softly back. It only fueled her anger though. She knew he had done it to pull her away from those memories but he had no right. He didn't get to use the mate bond unless he wanted to be with her.

"Stop looking at me like that." It was meant for Azriel, but applied to most of the group as well. Gwyn pulled her hood up and turned back to the dance floor. Her silent way of telling them to fuck off. She felt Emerie link their arms together. Nesta found herself on Gwyn's other side, grabbing her hand.

"I swear if you like Lucien I'll rip all my hair out." Nesta muttered in her ear. It had Gwyn laughing out loud. She gripped her friend's hand harder.

"I'd expect nothing less."

[itcameuponamidnightqueer]

fake dating 10, any pairing you want

damie + “please just hold my hand, that person’s basically undressing me with their eyes.”

trope prompts

//

It’s not that Jamie doesn’t want to be at this school function, it’s just that—

No, that’s a lie. She definitely doesn’t want to be here, and wouldn’t if she weren’t part of the staff. Wouldn’t be here if Dani hadn’t tricked her, really, because Jamie’s usually pretty good about saying no even at work. 

“Rebecca’s back from traveling,” Dani had tried, and Jamie said no because who knows how long that’ll last. 

“Owen said he’s gonna ask Hannah out,” she’d tried next, and Jamie had actually laughed in her face. 

“Someone is actually going to have to physically force those two together,” she’d replied, and Dani’s eyes lit up, prompting her with a quirk of an eyebrow.

In no world does Jamie want to be that person.

Dani had sighed. “Free booze,” she’d grumbled, desperate. Jamie had rolled her eyes and opened the door to her well-stocked liquor cabinet.

Dani had pursed her lips together and turned her face away, almost quick enough for Jamie to miss the grin she was failing to suppress. 

If Jamie weren’t constantly on the lookout for that smile, she might have succeeded.

Dani had sighed again, raked a hand through her fluffy, perfect hair, and flopped back on the couch.

“Okay, fine,” she huffed. “You win, don’t come, we’ll hang out over the weekend and I’ll just tell you all about how lonely I was at the party—my first party without Eddie, which everyone will probably be asking me about and I’ll have to field awkward questions all night—”

Jamie scoffed. “And you think I’m going to magically make them not be awkward?”

“No,” Dani answered, a little too quickly. “I think you’d glare at them so hard they wouldn’t even ask me in the first place.”

“I think I’ve just been insulted!”

“No,” Dani laughed, “you just have that whole—” She scrunched her eyebrows together and set her shoulders, curled her lip upwards into an unmistakable hint of a sneer. Her voice, when she spoke, was half an octave lower and at least six countries away from Jamie’s accent. “—’Don’t fuck wiv’ me’ vibe going on,” she finished.

Jamie had taken a few long moments to blink away the urge to kiss her. 

“You’ve gotten worse,” she’d finally said. “Almost a year and a half working together and you’ve gotten worse.”

“Come to the party and you can spend the whole time teaching me.”

“Dani.”

“Jamie.”

Her eyes weren’t wide anymore; they’d shrunk back to being shy and vulnerable, the stormy kind of blue that Jamie didn’t ever see unless they were alone. Jamie had spent the better part of a year not acknowledging her feelings for Dani, and she was good at it. Not always good enough to escape Hannah’s shrewd gaze, but enough to where it was a genuine friendship, and she only felt the roar of devotion flare up in the quietest, most private of moments.

Jamie was excellent at controlling her emotions. She’d spent an entire lifetime honing that skill, protecting herself from the surprisingly large amount of people who seemed destined to hurt her. 

Jamie had nothing on Dani Clayton.

Dani could suppress any negative feeling until it almost ceased to exist; she had an incredible way of just...willing things not to happen. It had taken months for her to reveal the cracks in her relationship with Eddie, and even then Jamie sat by and watched, completely blown away, by how quickly and how sincerely Dani put the mask back up around people who only wanted to see silk and porcelain. The crazy thing about it was that Dani meant it; Dani gave all of her attention to everyone who asked for it. She didn’t have an insincere bone in her body.

But, god—Jamie’s life had been shit before, and still nothing made her sadder than watching Dani perform.

If all it took for her not to do that was one party, well, she could table the rest of it for later.

She’d picked up her phone and opened up the group chat they had with Hannah, Owen, and Rebecca.

“Right,” she’d groaned, “guess we’ve gotta coordinate who’s driving because the only way I’m getting through this is if I’m very, very drunk.”

.

And so Jamie finds herself at the not-yet-Christmas, ambiguously-winter end-of-semester party, sticking to Rebecca like a leech while she regales groups of coworkers with the same six stories of her very impulsive, wildly successful trip around the world. Dani, meanwhile, hasn’t been answering any awkward questions, from what Jamie’s heard, and is instead relaxed and popular as she chats with all of their friends.

Jamie almost turned around ten minutes in, once it became clear what the tone of the night would be. But there was no sense in bailing when she was already there and hadn’t driven herself, and—

Who would be there for Dani to look at, every twenty minutes or so, just for reassurance or to check in or whatever kind of comfort she might be seeking. (Jamie doesn’t know for sure what it is. She knows what she hopes it is. But that’s something else for the ‘later’ bag.)

She stays. Jamie stays and drinks and laughs and eventually gets sucked into the party of it all, which is why she’s five minutes into her best story of youthful shenanigans that didn’t end in a visit from the cops, and absolutely doesn’t notice the anxious blonde rushing at her from across the room. 

 “Hold my hand, hold my hand, hold my hand,” Dani urges, arm outstretched as she speeds closer. She hits Jamie’s elbow when she gets close enough and finally manages to wrestle Jamie’s hand into an iron grip.

Jamie, sufficiently interrupted, stops talking and looks down. “What’s going on here, then?”

Dani takes a deep breath and plasters on the worst attempt at a smile Jamie’s ever seen, which is still pretty good by most peoples’ standards. “Remember all those awkward questions I thought I’d get about Eddie?” she says through clenched teeth.

“Yep.”

“Thought they’d be full of pity, not flirting.”

Jamie’s head shoots up, trying to pick out the offenders, but Dani slaps her elbow again.

“Don’t look!” she hisses. “We have to make this convincing.”

“Make what convincing?” Jamie narrows her eyes and takes a long sip of her drink. “You’re pulling me into some kind of scheme, Poppins, and I know I’ve told you what happened the last time somebody did that…”

Dani laughs, high and fluttery and nervous in the back of her throat. “Please just hold my hand,” she implores. “Nathan is basically undressing me with his eyes but I think you can scare him off if he sees us together.”

“Nathan?” Jamie starts to scan the room again, a little less obviously this time. “Nathan Ford, the school’s sluttiest social studies teacher?”

“Mhm.”

“The same Nathan Ford who’s walking over right now?”

“What!” Dani straightens up, rigid and spooked like a deer in the road. “I can’t believe—I was so careful; is he stalking me?”

The anxiety is short-lived and replaced very quickly with anger once Jamie can no longer hold in her laughter. 

“You,” Dani says, prying Jamie’s drink from her other hand, “tricked me.”

“You tricked me first,” Jamie winks.

“I don’t even think he’s in here anymore.”

Jamie shrugs. “Probably not.”

“You made me think I was in so much trouble…”

“You’re always safe with me, Poppins.”

Dani finishes the drink.

.

The funny thing is, neither of them lets go. 

Nathan Ford isn’t the only slutty teacher and it doesn’t take Jamie long to get a glimpse of what Dani’s been dealing with, the men—single and married—who look at her just a little too long, a little too presumptuously. Dani, of course, handles it with grace and charm, and Jamie thinks that maybe she didn’t need her grumpy buffer after all.

She holds tight anyway, just in case.

It’s a dangerous thing to do, parade a fake relationship in front of all of their coworkers, but it doesn’t feel wrong or forced. They’re going on a break soon, Jamie rationalizes. School is going on a two-week break and everyone is drunk and no one is going to remember the scandal of the fourth grade teacher clinging all night to the newest member of the art department. If they do...well, everything can be laughed off or pushed down or forgotten eventually.

So they cling and they talk and Jamie expertly lets every too-interested man know, with absolute certainty, that their efforts should be directed elsewhere. She tickles her fingers against Dani’s, throws in a few isn’t that right, love’s every once in a while, rubs a hand on her back when the moment feels right. And Dani—

Dani invades her space—presses their shoulders together, scratches at the inside of Jamie’s wrist, wipes a stray bit of liquor from the side of her mouth after an untidy sip. Jamie feels all of this and lets it wash over her, lets it sink under her skin and warm her body until she feels like she could start a fire with her hands.

The night winds down and people filter out and eventually there isn’t anyone left to fool. But Dani’s hand is still in hers and Jamie is more than happy to be slow and soft with her. She stays, for the tenth and fifteenth and hundredth time.

It’s just the five of them left, eventually, and they migrate to the bar when the party room in the back seems too large for such a small group. They situate themselves on stools in the corner, and the conversation flows without a hitch. It always has with this group—Owen, Hannah, and Rebecca first, then Dani, then Jamie. She’d tell them all how much it really means to know them if anyone got enough drink in her.

Until then, she’ll scoff at group texts and drag her feet to parties and settle into the fact that they all know it’s for show anyway.

She props her head on her hand and listens, quickly approaching the sleepy part of drinking. She tries not to watch Dani too much while they all talk but it’s difficult—Dani is noticeable at a distance and absolutely striking up close. The curl of her lips as she smiles, the way they overtake her entire face if she means it enough (and she usually does); the laughter that pours out of her and directly into the hearts of anyone lucky enough to be listening; the way her ears look bigger when she hooks her hair behind them, how she only does that when she���s in very comfortable company.

After about thirty minutes, Jamie gets up to retrieve their coats before she does something stupid, like playfully tug at Dani’s earlobe or reach in to straighten the collar on her shirt.

She returns shortly, holding her leather jacket and Dani’s very puffy winter coat, and sits down without a word, content to wait for a natural break in the conversation. She folds the coats over her lap and fiddles with a coaster on the counter.

Dani absently reaches back to still her fingers after about a minute. A simple gesture—resting her hand atop Jamie’s, perhaps swiping her thumb across the back of her hand. Nothing like the displays they’d been putting on earlier. So unlike them, in fact, that Jamie doesn’t notice it at all.

Owen, Hannah, and Rebecca can’t take their eyes off it.

“So, what, were you waiting to tell me until I got back?”

Jamie nurses the dregs of her beer. “Tell you what?”

“This, what is this!” Rebecca exclaims, fluttering her fingers in the direction of Jamie and Dani’s still-clasped hands. “I go gallivanting around the world for an entire year and neither of you mention that you’ve shacked up?”

Jamie and Dani look at their hands, look at each other, and start speaking at the same time.

“We’re not dating, it was just a stupid thing for tonight—”

“Jamie’s doing me a favor since Eddie’s gone and men are creepy—”

“Right, sure.” Rebecca squints and fixes both of them with a sly glance. “It’s just for tonight, to ward off creepy men, which is why you’re still doing it since there are so many of them around now.”

“Must have just gotten used to it,” Dani offers weakly.

“Of course, which is why you still haven’t let go.”

Jamie lets go and tries not to telegraph how much she misses the weight of Dani’s hand.

“You’re definitely not dating,” Rebecca continues, “which is why Jamie got up and got her coat and Dani’s, and left the rest of us hanging.”

Dani looks down and finally notices the coat in Jamie’s lap. “You got my coat?” she asks, furrowing her brow.

“Yeah,” Jamie shrugs. “Seemed like you were ready to go.”

“Yeah, but I was—I was still talking.”

Jamie waves a hand. “You were telling the piano lesson story; you always tell that when you want the night to wind down.”

“No, I—” Dani frowns and retrieves her purse from where it’s hooked around the stool; she rummages through it frantically, her movements loose and messy. “How did you get my coat check ticket?”

“Took that from ya ages ago, Poppins,” Jamie answers. “You were so nervous you were gonna rub the number right off it, and then we’d both be shit outta luck.”

Jamie watches as the expression on Dani’s face morphs, unfurls from stern, puzzled ridges and relaxes into fondness, into twinkling eyes and soft cheeks, a mischievous affection that floors Jamie every time she sees it. Every time, she wonders how many people have been lucky enough to have been on the receiving end of this look, and hopes that the answer is ‘very few’.

“We should, um, probably go,” Dani whispers.

Jamie smiles. “We all drove here together,” she reminds Dani, just as quietly.

Dani slumps back. She reaches for her coat but instead of grabbing it, simply rests her hand on top, like she’s waiting.

Jamie breathes deeply and avoids looking at Rebecca.

“Owen, mate,” she says, daring him to tease her, “maybe you could drop off Dani and me first.”

[sashi-ya]

{+18} - Law x Fem Best Friend ♥ CH.2

♥ Daily living with the Heart pirates crew AU  ♥ Spoilers after Dressrosa Arc. Law´s backstory.  ♥ Female reader. Little physical description. Everybody is 18+, canon ages.  ♥ TW: Nightmares related to PTSD. Little NSFW. no further warnings. If you think I should include some feel free to tell me ♥Thank you for the likes and follows, I appreciate it them so so much! If you wanna know when I’ll be updating the next chapters, you can follow me on Twitter @LawIsMyWaifu, come interact I love to have mutuals that love Law and One Piece as much as I do ♥

Word count: 4.1K

» List of parts: {CH1}  {CH2}  {CH3}  {CH4} {CH5} «

Chapter 2.

The sound of his low, raspy voice resonated all over my head, making my body react instantly. I gasped as I felt a strike of pleasure travelling down my stomach to in between my legs. Closing my eyes, unable to move, I didn’t want to move, I wanted him to keep whispering, to kiss my neck… “Hahahaha, I’m sorry, I’m just fooling around, your face, you look astonished Y/N-ya”, he said while laying back on the bed, laughing. I chuckled as I stood up brushing my clothes as if I was trying to fix them. “Stop it, I’m not into that you ass. Goodnight”, I said trying to dissimulate how agitated and embarrassed I was.

Almost running, I left the room, directly to mine, holding on my hand my underwear. I jumped to my bed resting violently on my back. “WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT?” ... a little time passed until I passed out.

Hard knocks on my door woke me up. “Vice-Captain!! wake up! breakfast is ready!!!” Clione shouted from the corridor. “God damn how many times I have to tell this whole crew I fucking hate being awakened with shouting?” I mumbled annoyed, covering my face with the sheets.

I was brushing my hair when I remembered my “memory box” for some reason. Opened my drawer and found the little velvet red box that holds my “treasures”. Inside, there is a photo of my parents with me when I was 7, happy, eating some ice cream with them. It was taken during one of “the white parades”, on Flevance, before everything turned into hell. A little blue bow that my little sister used to wear, some photos of Law, Bepo, Shachi, Penguin and me when we were the only members of our crew. And, a necklace Law made with some seashells as a gift for my 15th birthday, were also inside.

I got watery eyes while looking at it, “I must be getting old”, I thought, “I got emotional over the memories” ... laughed and put everything back to its place.

“Morning..” I said, greeting the whole crew that was already devouring their breakfast. I noticed Law wasn’t there, so I had to ask. Uni told me he was in the control room preparing for the arrival at the next island. I took a few pancakes and some tea and headed to the control room to ask my captain if he needed help.

“Good morning, doc”, I saluted him. Law that was seated facing the controls, turned the chair to look at me nodding. He has more dark circles as always, so I asked him, “Oi, did you sleep last night? are you feeling sick again?”. “I’m ok, I didn’t get much sleep last night. I got caught up with the book I was reading”, he answered with his usual unfriendly tone. “Yeah, right” I answered back, rolling my eyes, and proceeded “Let me know if you need something before we get to the island”.  Left the control room and went back to my room.

I knew him well to know he hadn't slept because something was worrying him, and not because he was reading the old comic book of “Sora, the warrior of the sea against the evil Germa 66”. But hey, Law never shows any emotion besides annoyance if he is not sick.

A few hours later, the submarine got to the shore of some winter island, and we all got ready to accomplish our assigned tasks.  “Ok everyone, we will meet here at 7 pm, is that clear?” told my crew members, everybody agreed and headed to the island.

The temperature was pretty low, and it was snowing. Law was wearing the long black coat with yellow dots and our Jolly Roger that he used to wear at Punk Hazard, his hat and of course the Kikoku over his shoulder. I love when he wears warm clothing, he looks so cozy, hiding his mouth behind the collar. (He does it so his lips don’t get chapped with the cold breeze, haha).  I don't like to wear the boiler-suit when we get to explore islands, so I decided to wear a long yellow coat with a hood, also with our crew's Jolly Roger emblazoned on the left side of the chest.

We asked a few civilians where to find a pharmacy and headed to the destination following their instructions. Law didn’t say much during the walking, as he normally does.

The island seemed a little bit deserted, yet it had picturesque streets, full of colour that stand out from the snow.  It has cobbled lanes, some canals of crystallized water, there were wooden houses and shops with little lights that garnished their architecture giving the place a romantic aura. The scenery behind the city center included big snowed mountains and a big castle over one of the highest peaks.

I saw a boutique with some cute sweaters on display that caught my eyes and I wanted to try them on. “Law, would you mind if I enter here? I want to buy a new sweater.”, I said. Law looked at me and made a gesture with his hand as he was saying to go ahead.

While searching for the sweater I like on one of the clothing racks I saw through the shop window that a few kids approached the captain. The seller asked me if I needed some help, so I stopped looking at him and l directed my gaze to the girl in the shop. So, I forget about him.

After buying two cute pullovers, we continued walking through the picturesque streets.

When we finally arrived at the pharmacy shop, it seemed like it was closed, but the door was open, so we entered. I rang the bell over the counter and waited for someone to show up. Law walked in front of me and had his hand over his sword. I knew he was alert and trying to protect me even if he didn’t say a word. I didn’t think we could be in danger, yet he never fully relaxes when we are outside. After all, he is one of the most wanted pirates of our generation, so it's understandable he trusts no stranger.

After a minute or so, an old lady approached the counter from the inside of the store. She seemed a little weak and perhaps a little sick. She coughed, covering her mouth with a handkerchief, and then greeted us. “Good afternoon, how can I help you?”, she asked. Law handed her a list of supplies we needed, and we waited. “Oi, don’t you think she looks bad? I mean, she is probably sick, should I ask if she is ok?”, I told Law who gave me a disapproving sight. I rolled my eyes, and said, “Fiiiine…”, “You know that I hate you rolling your eyes at me, you did it yesterday and now too. Stop it.” I looked at him with an “excuse me?” face and while I was about to spit an insult to him the granny appeared. “I’m sorry, I put on the bag some of the supplies, but I don’t have everything you need. We are short on medicines'', she informed us and started coughing harder. “Excuse me, Mrs. Are you alright? are you sick?”, I asked as she seemed to lose composure from all the nagging coughing. Law, that hated when I don’t give a fuck about what he had just said, gave me the look of death. “Oh young lady, we are pretty much sick, a strange illness is hitting the island. Even the only doctor in town fell ill. The orphanage, though, is getting the worst part. All of the kids are bedridden”, as she said, the memories of Flevance and the amber lead disease hit me.

Law's expression changed to a more compassionate one and asked about the symptoms they were experiencing. He might be serious, he might not want to get involved in a lot of things, but he is a true doctor. And he can't let people die if he can help.

We decided to visit the orphanage in hopes of helping the sick people, so we asked the old lady to give us directions to it. She said it was pretty far from the city center and told us her husband would take us there with his cart.

"Thank you so much for offering your help, young doctors", said the old lady's husband that later told us his name was Gerald. The cart was pulled by two brown percheron horses that opened their way through the white landscape.

We had a small talk during the journey, until Gerald asked, "how long have you been together? Are you already married?". Despite the freezing cold weather, my cheeks turned to fire, and I could sense Law hiding his head even more into his coat and hat. Almost as if clarifying that we were no couple was a life or death situation I said, "WE ARE JUST BEST FRIENDS!". I realized I almost shouted and felt mortified. Gerald looked at us with a little smirk and kind eyes, excusing himself for the mistake.

A few minutes after we arrived at the orphanage. It took us almost 30 minutes to get there and the sun was starting to set on the horizon.

When we entered the place, the situation was worse than we thought. There were kids and adults lying on the ground, some of them shivering, others coughing while others were straight unconscious. A few nurses were working in order to maintain them, but the situation had clearly surpassed them.

Immediately Law and I started working. While I helped the nurses, Law used his ope ope no mi power to scan the bodies of the sick people.

We got to the conclusion that what they were suffering was a type of bacteria that caused the respiratory symptoms and the fever.

During our duty, there were times when our eyes interlocked, and we smiled at each other. I wouldn't say we like people suffering, but, we certainly enjoyed working to save lives together.

A few hours passed since we arrived there, the sun was already set, and outside it seemed as if a snowstorm was beginning. I've lost track of time until my portable Den Den Mushi started to ring. "Oi, y/n, where are you? Is Law with you? Are you alright? We've been waiting for you on the shore! It's 9 pm already and we were supposed to meet at 7!", shouted Shachi from the other side of the line. "Oh my God I'm sorry I forgot to tell you!... you see …" I explained to them what we've been doing and that we were probably not going to return to the submarine in a few more hours.

The kids and the other people began to get better and those who were helping there offered us some food that we accepted happily.

While we were having dinner, Gerald got back from outside, who's been in the forest collecting some firewood. He informed us that the weather was getting really bad so coming back to town would be pretty dangerous.

Law and I agreed that staying there for the night was the safer choice.

One of the nurses, Sister Alley, told us we could spend the night in the cabin next to the orphanage. "I'm really sorry guys, I wished we had a better place for you, we owe you so much. The cabin has a fireplace, Gerald would start a fire to keep you warm”, she said. We both smiled at her and thanked for it.

We walked some meters through the forest until we started to catch sight of a wooden cabin. Despite being a strong pirate, I’m the queen of the clumsy people, so I slipped off with what I assume was an ice patch on the already snowy ground. I was about to hit the ground when Law grabbed me by the waist and saved me from a few bruises. His face in front of mine, the feeling of being safe on his arms, I wished it has been eternal. But the romantic moment was destroyed by Law mocking me. “It must be the devil fruit; how come you are so clumsy? Be careful”, he said, and I told him to shut up, this time I wasn’t embarrassed, but I was almost angry at him.

“Here we are, let me help you with the fire”, Gerald said, opening the wood door that creaked as it moved. The inside felt cozy, there were a few cushions and pillows on the ground next to the fireplace. There were no separate rooms, so in the middle of the lounge there was some kind of mattress with a few blankets over it. Our “host” asked for forgiveness about the lack of separate beds, but Law intercepted him and said, “It’s ok sir, we are grateful to have a warm place to stay until tomorrow. If you need help with any patient during the night, just please tell us”. It might be ok for you, damn Law. Was I supposed to sleep with him? - I mean, I wanted to, but, he was still my best friend, and those thoughts should have been erased.

Gerald wished us a good night and returned to the main building.

I hung my coat and as I love to explore, I started to do so around the little wooden house. The kitchen seemed really equipped, so I grabbed a kettle and some cups. Gerald was kind enough to give us some tea bags, so I thought making some tea was a great idea.

Law was next to the fireplace, wearing only a sweater and his jeans. Apparently he has already hung up his coat and his white spotted hat. I saw him once more with a lost sight that seemed to contemplate the firewood.

Looking at him with my face resting on my arm that was over the breakfast nook, I got lost worshiping his profile. I’ve always adored his upturned nose, his spiky black hair, his facial hair, the contrast between his grey eyes and the tanned skin. How come he has always been so handsome, but I’ve never seemed to fully realize?.

The whistle of the kettle intensified as the water started boiling, but I was so into admiring my best friend's beauty that I didn’t notice. Law turned to me and woke me up from my reverie shouting “Oi, Y/N, the kettle!”. My stupid smile quickly erased from my face, and my whole skin turned red. “Sorry”, I said straight away and turned off the burner.

I served two cups, noticing that the tea has an amazing scent. I believe it was hibiscus mixed with some other spices, perhaps some cardamom and maybe a little hint of clover. The smell of the tea mixed with the slightly one from the logs burning, was wonderful.

I walked to where my captain was, “Here, I think you may like it”, I said and handed him a cup. Our fingers brushed softly when grabbed the tea, he looked at me and said “Thanks”. I sat not so near him over one of the cushions and sipped a little bit of my tea. Law looked at me and stood up from his place. I could sense how awkward he felt when he made a little pause, and then walked away.

Why is he leaving? Did I make him feel uncomfortable?, I asked myself trying to hide little stings of pain on my chest that traveled to my throat. Somehow I felt like crying, and when my eyes started to get slightly watery, Law approached me placing his hand over my right shoulder.

I turned my face to him, looking up with a slightly pouty face. I was about to cry, and I didn’t even know why when I noticed a blue little box on his hand.

He sat next to me and said, "Do you remember when we were 15?, that day when I gave you that necklace I made myself for your birthday? I looked at him confused but I answered, "yes, of course, I got it on my memory box, I'm afraid to wear it outside the polar cause it might get lost and I wouldn't forgive myself if I lose it". He was now looking at the little box moving it around nervously and finally said "I got you a better one". He handed me the little box still not looking at me.

"A present?? OMG Law, thank you very much!" When did you buy it??" I almost shouted in excitement while opening the box. Inside there was a fine rose gold necklace that has a little anatomical heart figure as a pendant. I grabbed it and admired the beauty of the jewelry I had in my hands. The heart had a little red stone crimped on it, that shined with every movement.

"Law, this is too much! It must have cost you a lot of Berries, I don't deserve such a fine jewel!, thank you so much", I expressed with a big smile on my face.

"You do deserve more than this, you know. I'm glad you like it", he said, a little embarrassed. “When you were buying the sweaters, I asked some children there if they knew a jewelry store, turned out it was just around the corner”, he confessed.

“Thank you so much, it is just perfect! You know how I adore hearts; they remind me of you.. “Doctor Heart Stealer”” I almost shouted, realizing I have said too much…

I tried to put it on my neck, but I couldn’t clip it right, so I asked him for help. He stood up, kneel at my back and passed from behind the necklace around my neck.

Some branches hit the window violently as they were suffering the merciless wind of the snowstorm outside.

He struggled a little and finally fastened the collar and when he did, the electric power went off. The fireplace was the only source of light, the dance of the fire created figures with shadows and highlights all around the walls of the cabin. We remained silent, maybe a little scared or even surprised, but enjoying the sound of the weather and the creak of the fire.

He was still behind me, and after a few seconds he placed a soft kiss on my back that sent a shiver through my spine. Once again I was unable to speak, did he… did he just kiss my back?.. Before I could say or do something Law stood up and headed to one of the windows. “The storm seems to be even worse than earlier; don’t you think?”, he said, trying to device something through the window.

I couldn’t focus on anything else than the kiss he softly planted on my nape, minutes ago.  He suddenly yawned and walked to the mattress that was in the center of the room, on the floor. He then took his jeans off and hopped inside the bed, naturally. I remained on my spot, contemplating his actions. “How could he be acting so normal?, I’m right here. He just gave me a necklace, kissed my skin and now he just goes to sleep?” I said to myself, still with a confused expression on my face.

“Oi, aren’t you coming to bed?”, he asked me, freely. “Yes… give me a second”, I said, and ran to the bathroom. The toilet was pretty tiny and basic, but enough for me to hide for a few minutes. “Come on, Y/N you slept with him two nights ago, it’s ok, he is like your brother, it’s ok…” I thought, trying to calm myself down.

I finally left my hiding place and headed to the mattress. Law was lying there, he took off his sweater, probably while I was in the bathroom, so he was only using a white tight undershirt, that molded his torso anatomy. Some blankets were covering the under part of his body from his hips. He had his forearm over his eyes, covering them with his neck stretched back.

I bite my lip, as a reaction for such a tempting scene. I was enjoying it, watching him breathe peacefully. I started feeling hot, so I took off the sweater but not my jeans and approached the “bed”.

I thought Law was already asleep, so I got in bed trying not to wake him up. I muffled myself up with the sheets. I remained still, hearing the snowstorm, fixing my eyes on the wooden ceiling, as the memories of my childhood flooded my mind. It must be the snowstorm, the wind, the cold that triggered these memories. eventually I fell asleep.

“No, stop it, my family, leave us alone!!!!”, I screamed. “Y/n-ya! Y/n-ya!, wake up!” said Law, pulling me out from the terrific oneiric world I was submerged in. I got lost into his eyes, and remained there with tears streaming from my eyes, rolling into my cheeks. Law was holding me close to his body around his arms. “Are you having those nightmares, again? why didn’t you tell me?”, he asked, worried. “This is the first time in ages, I think it must be the storm, perhaps the orphanage, the children…”, I expressed amid tears. My best friend brushed his tattooed fingers through my hair, moving it out of my face, and then wiped the tears from my cheeks.

“Oi, do you remember what happened when I gave you the first necklace?” he asked, trying to distract me. A feeling of warmth invaded my insides, suddenly I felt happy. “I do...” I said, laughing timidly, and continued, “It was my first kiss”. He smiled back at me, and said, “Mine too”.

For a second we both closed our eyes. I was grabbing the pendant with my left hand cherishing it and the memories of our younger days when we kissed for the first time. We haven't had much time to think about love while striving to survive so we forgot about it, letting the days, months and years pass, leaving the experience as a mere child’s play.

Suddenly we started laughing, Law didn't let go of me, and our faces were pretty close. “Everything's better when you laugh, I hate it when you cry, it makes me so sad…” he said, rubbing his thumb over my right cheek. I stopped laughing, as he got even closer. Almost as if the point of our noses were about to touch. I could feel the warmth of his breath over my lips, and he did too. My heart started racing, and the only thing I could hear was the blood pumping on my ears. I wasn’t moving, I wanted him to kiss me, I wanted to kiss him… I just didn’t care that he was my best friend, I just needed him to kiss me.  What is taking him so long? Why am I not moving if I wanted this more than anything?. After a good minute, that felt eternal, he exclaimed “Fuck it”, and plant the sweetest kiss over my lips. A feeling of happiness filled my insides, I’ve never been so joyful in ages, it felt the same way as the first time. I was like a teenage girl experimenting love for the first time. Both smiled still with our lips pressed. I doubted for a second if succumbing to my deepest desires was the right thing to do until he decided to turn the cute kiss into a more passionate one. From then on, the desire I’d been accumulating inside of me took control of my body…

We kept on kissing; Law slid a hand under my shirt timidly caressing the skin of my tummy. The kisses migrated from my mouth to my neck, mixed with little bites that surely would turn into hickies tomorrow.

“Law…” I gasped when his hands reached my breasts. “What?” he replied, whispering next to my ear and pinching one of my nipples in between two fingers…

Chapter 3

Ch1: Link

[kelyon]

Golden Rings 22: An Offer

The Storybrooke sequel to Golden Cuffs

Lacey has a meeting with Mayor Mills

Read on AO3

Content warning for verbal abuse and sexual fear

The clacking of Lacey’s heels against the sidewalk was music to her ears. She felt right, dressed like a whore and parading herself down Main Street. After her conversation with Mayor Mills, the stupid voice in the back of her head was quiet. Finally, things were back to normal. 

Now it didn’t matter that Mr. Gold had been acting like a stranger since October. It didn’t matter that he didn’t want her, that he was fucking somebody else. She didn’t need him. She didn’t have to be “Mrs. Gold” in order to get what she wanted out of life. All that bastard did was pay her. He didn’t own her. He’d given up that privilege months ago. She didn’t have to belong to him. There were lots of other people out there. Mayor Mills wanted to help her. Mayor Mills wanted her.

At least, she was pretty sure she did. It was hard to tell. Lacey had never had a woman look at her the way Mayor Mills did sometimes. It was a sharp, laser-focused look. A look that cut her to the bone and then began to saw into her marrow. Like everything Lacey was, everything she had ever been or had ever dreamed of being, was laid bare for Mayor Mills’ approval. 

Mr. Gold used to look at her like that.

Lacey dug her nails into her palms. Or maybe she was an idiot. Maybe she had been imagining the little signs. Maybe the mayor of Storybrooke would try to help anybody she came across in town, offer them rides in her sporty black Mercedes-Benz. Maybe she would arrange an after-hours meeting with any married woman who called her up. Maybe it was a public service.

Or maybe not.  

She remembered this feeling, this knowing-but-not-knowing. The anticipation. The unanswered questions. The tension gave her a thrill. A thrill she hadn’t felt in a long time. 

Maybe that was why it was so easy to lie when she walked into the pawn shop.

Mr. Gold looked up from his inventory book when he heard her. His eyes were cautious. Afraid? Was this sad little coward really afraid of her? Maybe that was why it was so easy to grin at him, to reassure him with bright eyes and a lilting voice. 

“I wasn’t sure what you were doing for lunch,” she chirped. “Want me to pick up something from Granny’s?”

The corners of his mouth lifted up. It was almost a smile. “No thank you, Mrs. Gold. I brought leftovers from home today.”

She nodded, and tapped her fingers against the counter in front of him. How many times had he fucked her against these display cases? How many times had she dropped to her knees behind the cash register while the shop was still open? He would challenge her to hurry, to suck him off before a customer walked in on them. He told her he would beat her black and blue if she failed.

What kind of things would Mayor Mills want her to do?

“Hey, I’m sorry about this morning,” Lacey lied. “I’ve just been really stupid and emotional lately.”

“You’re not stupid,” Mr. Gold said softly. “I know I haven’t made things easy for you. I’m sorry about that.”

A plastic smile was a wonderful talent. She was used to using it on other people, but now Mr. Gold was as easy to fool as everyone else. 

“It’s not your fault,” she said sweetly, even though she was ready to spit acid in his face. “I just needed some time to myself this morning. But I feel better now. Later today I’m gonna get my hair done. I scheduled an appointment for around five.”

Easy as it was to lie, there was a specific delight in letting him get the wrong idea from entirely factual information. He had taught her how to do that. She would go to Janine’s and get her hair styled. And then she would have her appointment with Mayor Mills at five o’clock on the dot.

And he just nodded, just went along with it. Idiot. “The shop will be closed by the time you’re done. I can pick you up at the salon.”

She wrinkled her nose. Playful, casual. Not a care in the world. “No, I don’t know how long I’ll be, and the weather looks like nothing but blue skies. Besides, you’ll want to start supper. What are we having tonight?”

He began to ramble on about spring onions and fricasseeing, while Lacey counted the hours until her appointment at City Hall.   

****

Officially, the city offices closed at 4 PM, but everybody knew that Mayor Mills stayed as late as she needed to keep the town running.  Everyone admired her devotion, but pitied how often she had to leave her sweet little boy unsupervised. Rumor had it that was why Henry was so troubled, why he kept hanging around shady characters like Sheriff Swan, his birth mother. But his real mother was doing the best anyone could under such circumstances. Henry had appointments with Dr. Hopper several nights a week to keep his moods under control.

Why do you know so much about Regina’s life? Why is that woman the center of the universe in this town? Think about it!

Of course the voice was back. Lacey wasn’t sure if she wanted a stiff drink or a total lobotomy. Whatever would get it to shut up.

City Hall was quiet, that was part of the trouble. The empty hallway echoed so much she could hear her heart beating along with the sound of her footsteps. The voice always started jabbering at her during moments of stillness, moments when she should have been at peace. 

She couldn’t tell if City Hall was serene or creepy. Like most buildings in the rich part of New Town, the design was sleek and modern. The interiors were stark white trimmed in black--plaster walls and gleaming tile floors. Right now, it had the terrible oddness of a place that was supposed to be filled with people, but wasn’t. 

At this late hour, the fluorescent lights were dimmed. During the day the brightness was intimidating, but long evening shadows didn’t inspire confidence either. The doors lining the hall were a fake wood laminate, so dark they were almost black. The only other color came from the occasional piece of corporate art hanging up on the walls. Black and white photos of Storybrooke, all in frames as red as blood.

This is a bad place. You need to leave! 

“Shut up,” she hissed. She would try not to tell Mayor Mills about the voice right away. No need to let the mayor think she was crazy. Besides, if all this went right, Lacey would feel a lot better very soon. 

The door to the mayor’s office was ajar, but Lacey still knocked on the ebony frame.

“Come in,” Mayor Mills’ voice was brusque. For a split-second, fear clenched at Lacey’s stomach. She should listen to the voice in her head and run! Run away from this place that felt like a haunted house, run back home to Mr. Gold or to her father or to Sheriff Swan or anyone but Regina!  

But she didn’t. 

All Lacey did was adjust her purple bustier and walk in.

“Close the door behind you.” Mayor Mills didn’t look up from her paperwork.

Lacey did as she was asked--did as she was told. Her pulse quickened to be obeying orders again. 

Like the rest of City Hall, the mayor’s office was nothing but black and white. The only difference was the clutter of prints and patterns. The wallpaper, the curtains, the upholstery on the conference table chairs--they were all a different print, but they were all monochrome. There was no illusion of serenity here. The room looked designed to disorient.

Even the stone floor was inlaid with black and white. An outline of a circle took up most of the space between the door and the desk. The circle was black, with tapered black flags coming out from the center. It looked like a pinwheel, or a clock, or something a bad guy would use to hypnotize someone in a cartoon. 

Without any other instructions, Lacey decided to stand in the middle of the circle. She waited, at the point where black and white met and disappeared into each other.

Mayor Mills stayed at her desk. After a few more signatures, she set her pen down in a drawer and began to stack the papers neatly into a shiny black file folder. So she was meticulous. Lacey could appreciate that. 

She kept waiting. The mayor didn’t look at her until the desk--a white slab of polished stone set on top of two carved stone pillars--was empty. 

“You were seven minutes early,” she said at last. 

Lacey swallowed and kept her hands at her sides. “Mr. Gold says that punctuality is the virtue of princes, Madame Mayor.”

One perfectly outlined, jet-black eyebrow raised on Mayor Mills’ forehead. “Mrs. Gold, if you’re looking for a prince, I don’t think I can be of any help to you.”

Would it be okay to laugh? Or would Mayor Mills think that was impertinent? Lacey just pressed her lips together and said nothing.

“Do you want to tell me what you are looking for, Mrs. Gold?” 

Now she opened her mouth, but she didn’t have the words to answer.

Rumple. Rumple, help me! Rumple!

“R--r--really, I… I don’t know if I can put it into words, Madame Mayor.”

Mayor Mills gave her a considering look. She stayed at her desk, but leaned back in her black leather office chair. “Sit down.”

Two black and silver chairs sat in front of the desk. Lacey put her purse down in one and perched on the edge of the other. 

“Would you like something to eat?” Standing up, Mayor Mills went to the conference table that took up most of the space on the right-hand side of the room. A large white bowl--ceramic, and shaped so that it looked like a collection of bleached, dead coral--was full of apples. All of them were as red as blood. The mayor took two and held one out to Lacey. “I often find that when I need to think, one of my prize-winning Honeycrisp apples always helps me focus on what’s most important.”

Lacey took the apple and held it in her hands. If she had seen this in a grocery store, she would have sworn that it was a Red Delicious. But of course the mayor would know her own apples. She had grown apples since she was a little girl. The tree that grew these ones was right outside the window behind the desk. 

“Are you going to thank me?” The mayor was quiet, but it was the quiet of a viper about to strike.

“Yes,” Lacey said automatically. “Yes, I’m so sorry, Madame Mayor. Thank you for the apple. And for your time. I--I know you’re busy.”

“I am,” Mayor Mills agreed. Behind her desk, she pulled open a drawer and took out a silver knife. There was a design carved into the handle, Lacey couldn’t tell if it was an apple or a heart. After walking back to the front of the desk and leaning against the edge, the mayor began to cut into her apple. “There’s a lot of trouble brewing right now in Storybrooke. But I’ll make time for you, Mrs. Gold.”

“Why?” Lacey muttered. “I’m just a cheap, trashy slut.”

Grinning, the mayor took a slice of her apple. She chewed, swallowed, licked the juice off her red lips. “Is that what Mr. Gold told you to think of yourself?”

“Yes,” she whispered, looking down at the apple in her lap. She had said the words before to people, said them with a smile, like they were an honor. She had puffed up her own performance like a balloon. Only now she had popped, and there was nothing left of her but tattered shreds of rubber. 

Lacey felt something cold on the bottom of her chin. Mayor Mills held the flat edge of the knife against her skin and lifted her gaze until they were eye to eye. Sitting down, she was looking up at the mayor.  “Is Mr. Gold in charge of you, dear?”

She blinked. “I--He was. But I don’t want him to be anymore.”

“Did something happen?”

“Yes.” Lacey wanted to look down again, but the mayor hadn’t released her yet. “He--he cheated on me. And he’s been keeping secrets from me. And--and he’s just different, I don’t know how to explain it, but I hate it. I hate it, Madame Mayor!”

Mayor Mills took the knife away, and cut herself another slice of apple. She smiled. “He’s not the man you married.” She seemed almost smug to say it. “So now you’re looking for someone who can take his place. Someone who can remind you of why you were put in this world.” 

“Yes!” Absurdly, Lacey felt her eyes begin to well with tears. Those were the words she had been looking for! She had been so right to come here. Mayor Mills knew exactly how to make everything right again! “I--I hope you’re not offended or anything. That I thought of you first when I wanted to find someone who would--would treat me the way I like to be treated.”

“The way you deserve to be treated, you mean.” Her voice was so low, so dark and so dangerous. “You cheap, trashy slut.”

It was like her heart had been ripped out of her chest and she was just perverted enough to love it. Repeating the same words that had just caused her shame, rubbing them in her face. This was exactly the kind of pain she had been looking for. Mayor Mills was brilliant.

She wanted to kiss her boots.

Lacey looked up at the mayor, at the way her crimson dress clung to her curves. Her silhouette was an absolute hourglass, tapering down into legs wrapped in tasteful nylons. So much classier than Lacey’s whorish fishnet stockings. 

Mayor Mills’ eyes were dark and intense. Black, where Mr. Gold’s were brown. Her makeup was dramatic but flawless. Her lips were as red as the apple she was eating, her teeth as white as its flesh.

Lacey had never felt so small before, not in front of another woman. Not in front of anyone but Mr. Gold. She looked down. When she spoke, her voice was a whisper, a breath. “What can I do? In order to deserve you?”

The mayor’s laugh was rich and throaty. It sounded like red wine at a midnight feast. She set down her apple and her silver knife and held Lacey firmly by the jaw with her own silky-smooth hands.

“Let’s make sure we understand one another, Mrs. Gold: You don’t deserve me. You can’t deserve me. Nothing you could ever do would be enough to get you even close to my level. Is that clear?”

“Yes,” Lacey whispered. She couldn’t move. Fear and arousal were too overpowering. “Yes, Madame Mayor.”

“Good.” She took her hand away and went behind her desk. “You know, you’re actually a very lucky girl. Until quite recently, I was content with the submissive I had. But then he… disappointed me, and we had to part ways.”

You killed that poor man, you vile--

“So!” Lacey said, too loudly. “Are we agreed then? Will you take me on as a ‘submissive’?”

Mayor Mills looked at her from her office chair. Her gaze was steady and unblinking. “Do you think you can submit to me? Even though I’m not your husband?”

“Yes,” she said. “At least, I’d like to try.”

“Have you ever served a woman before, dear?” She didn’t wait for an answer. “No, of course you haven’t, not properly. Well, I’ll warn you, we’re not like men. We’re not easy. There’s no one-and-done climax while you lie back and think of England.”

Lacey opened her mouth. Her instinct was to defend Mr. Gold, to say that sex with him had never been like that. But that wasn’t anything Mayor Mills wanted to hear. 

“I’m going to demand a lot more of you than a man would,” the mayor went on. “I’m not satisfied by anything but perfection. And the cocks I use never go soft.”

She shifted in her seat. Were these threats or promises? “I would like to satisfy you, Madame Mayor,” she said softly. “I would like to please you.”

The mayor smiled again. “Of course you would,” she purred. “I think everyone in this town understands the benefits of having a happy mayor.” Her eyes flickered over Lacey’s body. “Are you wearing anything underneath that ugly skirt?”

 A flash of heat went through her body. Partially it was the shock and pleasure at the sudden shift in the conversation. But there was also a bit of embarrassment. Lacey liked this skirt--black vinyl with blue tulle ruffles underneath. Was it really ugly?

“Well?” Mayor Mills said patiently.

“Oh! I--yes. A thong. It’s purple, like my bustier.”

“Mmm.” The mayor smiled like a cat with a bluebird in its paw. “Well, that I simply must see.”

Lacey sprang to her feet. She moved to unzip the tight skirt, but then she got an idea. “May I take off my blouse as well?”

“Oh, if you insist.” Leaning back in her chair, the mayor picked up her knife and cut off another slice of apple. She ate it, while Lacey stripped down to her lingerie and folded her clothes neatly on the conference table. 

Then she stood in the center of the circle again, in front of the mayor’s desk, wearing nothing but purple silk, black lace, high heels, and jewelry. 

Looking at her, Mayor Mills crunched into the last bite of her apple, then threw the core into the trash. 

“Turn around,” she ordered. “Slowly.”

Lacey obeyed. God, this was amazing. Under the mayor’s scrutiny, every inch of her felt alive. This was what she was made for. This was the reason she existed in this world.

“You're groomed, at least. And it looks like you have some marks,” the mayor said coolly. “Am I safe in assuming they’re not recent?”

“No--I mean yes. They are not recent. Mr. Gold hasn’t touched me since October.”

“I imagine that would be frustrating,” she smirked. “For both of you. Come closer.”

Lacey stood directly in front of the desk. It was like she was here on official business, like she was going to ask for funding to re-open the library or something.

“Bend over, with your elbows on the desk. Lean forward until that pert little ass of yours sticks up in the air like a bitch in heat. I’m sure you’re familiar with the position. Keep your head up, but your eyes lowered. Don’t look at me.”

She did the best she could, remembering that the mayor was only satisfied by perfection. Once she was settled into place, she kept her eyes downcast. Her head was spinning. For some reason, it was hard to breathe. 

Then Lacey felt the mayor’s hands on her throat. 

She gulped,  but didn’t move. Do the brave thing. And it wasn’t that she was afraid of Mayor Mills. But the movement had been so sudden, so unexpected that it caught her off guard. And the mayor did have a very tight grip.

Her hands weren’t cold, but Lacey would have been hard-pressed to call the touch warm. A better word would have been to call the touch… proprietary. Appraising. She was inspecting the goods before she made a claim on them. 

Obediently, Lacey kept her eyes down while the mayor touched her. She couldn’t see her face. She heard her chuckle as her fingers explored the skin of her neck. 

“All these little scars here look like you lost a fight with a rose bush. How did you get them?”

You gave them to me, you bitch! You and your dragon! She made thorns grow into my skin while you made me fuck you!

“I don’t remember,” Lacey said. Honestly, she didn’t remember having scars on her throat. “I don’t think Mr. Gold gave them to me.”

“Hmm.” Despite Lacey’s ignorance, Mayor Mills sounded pleased. Her hand moved from Lacey’s neck down to the upper edge of her bustier. There was enough space between the cloth and Lacey’s skin that the mayor could have slid inside and copped a feel. But all she did was trace her fingers over the mounds of cleavage and pinch.

“Ow!” Lacey yelped, but stayed braced against the desk. It was a little shameful how quickly she reacted. But a sharp pinch could hurt more than a spanking and she was out of practice. Besides, Mr. Gold always liked her to be vocal. He liked to know exactly how much pain he was causing.  

The mayor rubbed at the sore patch of skin and gradually expanded her touch so that she cupped the whole of Lacey’s breast. 

“Oh poor thing,” she cooed. “I’m just surprised to see that they’re real. Of course, it would be a waste of Mr. Gold’s money if you paid for tits and these were the best you got.” 

The mayor emphasized her words with a sharp twist, digging her long nails into the soft flesh.

Lacey gasped in pain. The heat of it started at the mayor’s hand, coursed through all the nerves in her body, and eventually settled between her legs. The gasp turned into a whine, and then a moan.

“Good girl,” Mayor Mills said quietly. “But remember, slut, this is a public building. I can’t have you defiling these hallowed halls with your grunts and groans. You disgusting animal.”

Pressing her lips together, Lacey tried to swallow her hungry noises. 

“Ugh.” She could imagine the mayor rolling her eyes. She could imagine the disdain, the contempt on her face. Lacey was so worthless. And now she had finally found someone who understood that she was worthless, who would treat her like she was worthless.

God, she was so wet.

“Here.” The mayor took Lacey’s apple from where she had set it down earlier. “Don’t think I didn’t notice you refusing to eat this. That was exceptionally rude. Ungrateful, even. If there’s one thing I can’t stand, it’s ingratitude.” 

“I’m sor--” She began to apologize, but as soon as her mouth opened, Mayor Mills had shoved in the apple. Lacey’s teeth broke through the red skin and she tasted the sour-sweet juice on her tongue. After only a moment of having the apple in her mouth, she felt the juice dripping down onto her chin. It mingled with her saliva and made her a slobbery mess. 

“Better.” Now Mayor Mills’ voice was gentle, sweet. She was happy. It was good to make her happy. 

Lacey heard her footsteps move around the desk. She couldn’t see the mayor, and she couldn’t make any noise. Apple flooded her senses of taste and smell. All she could do was hear. And feel.

The mayor was behind her. Manicured nails scraped at the exposed flesh of Lacey’s ass. She would have made a noise, to show how much her body liked the attention, but the apple was an excellent gag.

“You know, I can smell how wet you are, you tramp.” Her hands rested on either one of Lacey’s hips. “You stink. You’re filthy. You’re a disgrace.”

Unable to moan, Lacey shivered. Her hips rocked against the desk for a minute, until Mayor Mills dug her nails in and she stopped. 

“Why do you even wear panties?” She plucked at the straps of her thong. “You always soak right through them. Every time I walk by you, you reek of pussy. You needy, greedy little cunt.”

She couldn’t stop herself. She jerked up, pushed against the desk in a desperate search for any kind of friction. 

“Wriggling like a worm,” the mayor sneered. “You’re not even really a person, are you? You’re just a sex machine, like a junkie looking for a fix. You’re nothing but your need. Just a trio of fuckholes, desperate to be filled.” 

When had Lacey started crying? She was bent face down on the empty desk. The apple in her mouth was the only thing that kept her face from pressing against the cold stone. Her hands were balled into fists on either side of her. She didn’t dare move her arms.

Everything the mayor had said echoed in her mind until she felt the vibrations of the words in her body. Her flesh trembled and shook. Her cunt clenched and it didn’t matter that it had nothing to clench against. She just wanted. Her body wanted...  

“Don’t you dare!” Mayor Mills roared. “I forbid you to come. Don’t you--”

But then there was silence.

Desperate to obey, Lacey tried to stop her orgasm. She had done that often for Mr. Gold. There was a trick to it--pretty much the same thing as stopping yourself from having hiccups. As her body calmed, she became aware that Mayor Mills hadn’t spoken. 

Then she became aware of a breeze swishing back and forth over her nearly-bare ass. It was like when Mr. Gold would pretend to spank her, just to see her jump. He would laugh at that. But Mayor Mills didn’t seem to find it amusing at all. 

“What the hell?” 

Even without seeing her, Lacey could tell that Mayor Mills was clenching her jaw. Again and again, she felt the breeze of phantom spankings. Did the mayor not want to spank her? What was going on? 

“Hands flat on the desk!” the mayor barked. “Let me see your fucking wrists!” 

Her wrists? Why? But Lacey did as she was told. Gracelessly, the mayor pulled on her hands. She turned them around and examined them. While she was distracted, Lacey dared to look up at Mayor Mills. 

She was livid. Her breath came out in huffs and her red lips snarled around bared teeth. Suddenly, she slapped her right hand beside Lacey’s left. 

“This ring,” she hissed. “That’s your wedding ring, isn’t it?”

Lacey lifted her mouth off the apple and nodded. 

Mayor Mills looked angry enough to burst into flames. “Take. It. Off!”  

Hands shaking, Lacey tried to obey. She couldn’t remember the last time she had taken off her wedding ring. Mr. Gold had wanted her to wear it day and night. But what the fuck did Mr. Gold matter now?

When the ring was off, she set it on the desk next to the gnawed apple. She stood at attention, with her eyes downcast. 

The mayor took the ring and held it between her thumb and forefinger. She looked at it, and shook her head. 

“Unbelievable.” 

Yes, it was unbelievable that Lacey would go to a seduction still wearing her wedding ring. What a stupid whore she was. Thoughtless. Sloppy. Ungrateful. 

Mayor Mills tossed the ring back down on the desk, like touching it made her sick. Then she stood up again.

“Let’s try something else.”

For a moment, her anger had abated. Her hips swayed softly as she walked over to Lacey. Gently, she put one hand on Lacey’s neck, and cupped her cheek with the other. She tilted her head back. 

Lacey closed her eyes and parted her lips--but nothing happened. The mayor’s hands moved away. After another moment, Lacey opened her eyes. 

Mayor Mills had one hand extended toward Lacey’s face. It was flat and open, like she was about to slap her. But she wasn’t. She hadn’t. Aside from some pinching, Regina hadn’t been able to do anything to her.

Rumple, you genius!   

When Lacey caught the mayor’s eye, she started and looked away. Without a word, Mayor Mills walked over to the other side of the room. There was a cabinet by the fireplace, from which she pulled out a bottle and a glass.

Her back to Lacey the whole time, the mayor poured out a measure of clear alcohol and drank it in one gulp. Then she took a deep breath. 

Then she turned around. 

“Mrs. Gold, I’m so sorry, but I don’t think I’ll be able to continue this relationship.” She gave a bittersweet smile. “You see, unlike some people in this town, I value marriage. I couldn’t possibly engage in an affair with a married woman.”

“What?” Lacey’s voice cracked. “No, you can’t mean that! I-- Mr. Gold isn’t taking care of me anymore. Our marriage is dead! I--I need you, Madame Mayor!”  

“And you can never know how happy I am to hear you say those things, dear. But the facts are facts--as long as you’re married to your husband, I can’t touch you. Not in any way that matters, at least.”

“Fuck.” Lacey put her hand over her mouth. “Oh fuck, Madame Mayor. I--I really need this, you know?”

“I know,” she nodded. She went over to the conference table and picked up the stack of Lacey’s clothes. She held them out to her. “And I am truly sorry that I won’t get to punish you the way you deserve. But this is how it has to be.” She turned back to her desk.

“Wait!” Lacey clutched her clothes to her chest. “You--you’re just doing this because I’m married, right?”

The mayor nodded again. She had pulled out a paper towel from a desk drawer and was wiping up Lacey’s spit and apple juice. 

“Well, what if--what if I left him? What if we got a divorce?”

Mayor Mills stopped cleaning mid-wipe. For the first time in a while, she looked Lacey in the eye. “Divorces can be messy. They can take a long time. I thought your issue was more pressing than that.”

“I--I don’t know what else to do, Madame Mayor.” Dumping her clothes on a chair, she got on her knees in front of the desk. “You’re right, I do need what you can give me. I need it now, and I’ll do anything to get it!”

She smiled. A light shone in her black eyes. “Anything?”

“Yes. Please.”

“Hmm.” The mayor stood. She began to walk around Lacey in a slow circle. “Well, my point still stands. I simply can’t do anything worthwhile to you while you’re married to Mr. Gold.”

Lacey opened her mouth to beg again, but Mayor Mills lifted a finger and she fell silent.

“And, as we’ve established, a divorce might take a while to finalize. Especially with your husband’s thorough approach to contracts. So I suppose I’m forced to meet you halfway. I’ll just need some proof that your marriage is dead.”

Lacey licked her lips. “Proof?”

“Yes.” When her circle was complete, Mayor Mills was in front of her desk again. The golden ring was still on the surface. She picked it up and handed it out to Lacey. 

It was a bizarre reverse-proposal. Lacey was the one on her knees. The mayor was giving her her own ring back to her, in exchange for a promise to end a marriage.    

“This is part of a matched set, isn’t it?” she asked. “It’s useless on its own. Your husband wears the other one?”

Lacey nodded. 

“Alright,” Mayor Mills said. “So in order for me to have you, I’ll need both of them.”

“What?” Lacey felt her eyes going wide. “You want me to take Mr. Gold’s wedding ring?”

The mayor shrugged. “If your marriage is as dead as you say, he won’t miss it. If it isn’t, then, well, I have no power over you.”

“No.” Scrambling to her feet, Lacey took the ring from the mayor’s hand. “No, I want you to have power over me. I really do!”

A knowing, full-lipped smile. “There’s not much that would make me happier than having absolute power over you, dear. And it will happen, just as soon as I have both of your wedding rings.”

“It will,” Lacey nodded. “I’ll make it happen. I won’t disappoint you, Madame Mayor!”  

[knight-queen]

Lunatic Parade Kanato Sakamaki – (Chapter 4)

[Chapter 1]  [Chapter 2] [Chapter 3] [Chapter 4]  [Final]

一

Place: 洞窟 / Cave

Yui: (This person is, Earl Walter’s butler…!?)

Kanato: ….What the heck does it mean.

It’s very strange now matter how much truth’s that. We could manage everything.

Yui: Ye- yes…

(Just like Kanato kun said.)

(We come to this place just for a coincidence…)

(But it was the perfect timing to get met with him in reality?)

Kanato: ...If you’re his butler then you should know our circumstances. What’s going on?

Butler: ….Huh? What….

Kanato: Therefore, your suspicious innocent-playing side is not revealed.

There’s a limit of patience...How long making a fool of us will make you finally satisfied!

Yui: Ka- kanato kun...Calm down…!

(Anyways...we must have to talk with Butler san)

Umm, Butler san. Do you know when Earl Walter will be back to his castle?

Butler: ...Manager? Why are you asking?

Yui: We have some business with Earl...this is why we have always been searching for you.

We’ll also explain everything to you...please listen!

*After a while*

Butler: ...I see, so that was the circumstances.

In short, you guys want to get back the thing that was being stolen?

Yui: Yeah, that’s right.

(It’s good that he gets it but…)

Butler: I understood the situation….However, I may not be able to say it to the manager.

Kanato: Haah? Why’s that?

Butler: I have intention to return back your heart but I am a servant of the Manager so…

Yui: ….I see

Butler: But I’m grateful for your help. If giving a hint does something, then I don’t mind telling you.

Yui: Eh, really…!?

Butler: Yeah, repay it if someone helps you is something that the manager always tells me.

*Paper*

...This is the card where the hint of the location of my manager is written.

Please receive it.

Yui: Tha- thank you so much!

(What is written...let’s read it right away)

Kanato:  “The night which will have a full moon. The time when it’ll rise up to a remarkably high peak, I’ll return there.”….

What’s the heck? What does it mean?

Butler: I can’t say anything more than that. Please forgive me…

Kanato: I can’t forgive you. Answer it properly.

*Turns into bat*

Yui: (he just transformed into a bat!?)

Kanato: 一 H- hey! I am not done talking!

Yui: (Fa- fast…! He already flew away…)

Umm...Kanato kun.

Kanato: ...kh enough! What’s going on!! Each and everyone...is taking it as a joke!

Yui: Ca- calm down…!

We managed the hit so it’s alright.

Let’s think about the solution written in this card together?

Kanato: It can’t be helped. Looks like I don't have another way but this.

Yui: Mhm!

Kanto: Let’s move back to the hotel...i am worried about your health, plus I wanna change my clothes.

Yui: Eh, but the exit is…

Kanato: I think the direction that the butler flew away will lead us to the exit.

Come on, let’s go.

Kanato: They had made a fool of us this far. I will absolutely get back the heart from that Earl.

一 Monologue

We’d returned back to the hotel safely, we finished taking baths and changing clothes. Following that, we thought about meaning the text written on the card.

“The night which will have a full moon. The time when it’ll rise up to a remarkably high peak, I’ll return there.”

一一 The night which will have a full moon.

We made the conclusion that maybe it is pointing to the full moon.

However…

一一 Remarkably high peak

We couldn't catch that location.

When we’re constantly looking at the map, we’re thinking about it.

End of Monologue

Place: ホテル•モーントシュタイン  客室 / Hotel • Mortstein  Guest room

Yui: (A high place around this city...we won’t understand just using a map)

(....Haa. Where that place could be)

(And also I am somehow sleepy...haa…)

*Yui leans on Kanato’s shoulder*

Kanato: Hm? Why are you leaning? You have to think about it too 一

Yui: …..

*Lies down*

Kanato: …….

If you’re sleepy then just say it...how hopeless.

...But I have recognized your hard efforts...nh…*kiss*

Good night, Yui san, have a nice dream 一

Place: タルト • グリンマーストリート店 / Tart • Glimmer Street Shop

Yui: Umm...Kanato kun. Sorry for sleeping in the middle of work yesterday.

Kanato: ….Seriously. I was feeling heavy on my shoulder when you leaned onto me.

Yui: uuh...so sorry.

Kanato: ...Fufu, just kidding. I wasn’t feeling heavy like that.

By the way, did you have a nice dream?

Yui: ….Yes. Thanks to you for lending me your shoulder.

Kanato: Fufu, Then I’m glad.

Yui: (Somehow I felt like he gave me a soft kiss, but maybe that was a dream too…?)

Kanato: Let’s finish eating.

Yui: Ah...Let’s eat!

*Starts eating*

Kanato: mn….but the way, the high peak place that we talked about yesterday…

Yui: I was also...thinking about that.

The people of the hotel said though, there's a high tower in this town called “Onyx Tower”.

So maybe it’s that place?

Kanato: Onyx Tower huh….

But, if we think of the word, “peak”, then we can also think about the Smaragd Volcano peak I think.

Yui: Oh, certainly…

Kanato: It may be anyone of those. Well, I still know what will be the correct answer.

And the full moon night around this time.

The night of the Demon world is long, therefore the full moon will also be continuing for a while.

Yui: So, raising up ...will basically mean it will be either tower volcano. And the full moon is approaching.

Kanato: Yeah, I think so.

Yui: But which one it can be. Earl Walter must have some business to go to that place right?

Kanato: We don’t know that since we’re not familiar with him.

Yui: Umm...we have to ask the people of the city…

(Hm….?)

Woman of nearby seat:  一 Right? Placing hand in Zatan's mouth….

Yui: (Kh…! It means!)

Monologue 一

一 一 The talkings of the women from nearby seat.

We unintentionally ended up listening the conversation that we heared by the chance.

Zatan’s Mouth which is situated in the Diamante Fountain.

If you place the hand in that mouth, it will tell you the truth.

Those women were saying that no one places a hand more than once because it’s horrible but,

It will be worth to try it so,

We both looked at each other and nodded.

End of Monologue

Yui: ...Neh, Kanato kun.

Kanato: If that’ll really tell us the truth then, we will easily know which one’s correct, volcano or tower.

Let’s get there quickly. I think we can go there by gondola.

Yui: Yes, let’s hurry!

Place: ザータンの口 / Zatan’s Mouth

Yui: (...So, this place’s is the fountain forum where Zatan’s mouth exists huuh)

(There’s so much crowd as I heard, no one’s placing their hand.)

(Why’s that? Shall I talk to others about it a little…)

Umm...excuse me.

Vampire Woman A: Yes? What is it?

Yui: I’d heard that people don’t place their hand in the Zatan’s mouth.

Do you know the reason? We listened to a conversation about whether we should give it a try but…

Vampire Woman A: Eeeh!? I think you better stop.

It is said that if you place a hand, then a misfortune will come up…

Yui: Disaster…?

Vampire Woman A: Yeah, for example, you may get separated from the person you love or something…

Yui: Eh!?

Vampire Woman A: Anyways, you’ll face just terrible things. That’s why, trying it out will be…

Yui: I- I see...thank you so much.

(The person you love will get separated...it is awful…)

(And also….will I get back my heart before something like that happens?)

(Because if the rumours become true then, I will get separated from Kanato kun…?)

(Since there’s no chance that kleinod will break plus Kanato kun said that he don’t care about that )

(Therefore, we better not cross any risk bridge…)

Kanato: ….You’re hopeless.

Yui: 一 kh, Kanato kun!?

(He just put his hand inside that mouth…!)

*sound*

Yui: (Looks like everyone became astonished. I- is it okay…)

Kanato: ……….

I understood. Earl will appear at the Onyx Tower.

Yui: Eh…!?

Kanato: Why are you so surprised? Let’s get there quickly.

Yui: Ye- yes….

Kanato kun, terrible….even though there’s rumour that there can be misfortune comes but you ended up putting your hand there.

More than that...aren’t you afraid? We may get separated from each other…

Kanato: If that happens, then I can take you back.

You can’t be anyone’s thing except me….and more than that, it can't happen right?

Because you like me and I like you so I can’t stand that.

Yui: 一 Ye- yes...thank you *blushing*

Yui: (He will take me back...I see...Kanato kun thought it like that…)

Kanato: Did you agree?

Then let’s get there. Because the full moon is gonna rise up around this time,

Place: Onyx Tower, Inside Hall / オーニュクスタワー内部ホール

Yui: ………

Kanato: ……

Yui: (It’s the time I think….)

Suspicious Man: ….Looks like you waited for a while.

(一 kh, I can’t see his appearance but I can just hear the voice!? Where’s he…!?)

Kanato: You’re the Earl Walter, aren’t you?

Earl Walter: Yeah, correct.

You two come here means you want to say something to me.

Yui: 一 kh, that’s right!

That’s! Give back my heart that you’d stolen! Please!

Earl Walter: ….I knew you’d say that.

I’ll return it back. 一 However, there’s a requirement.

Kanato: Requirement…? What the heck’s that?

Earl Walter: I’ll give her heart back, so I want her to pay the price for that.

Yui: Price….Me….

Earl Walter: Vow that….you’ll get separated from him forever, the person beside you, Kanato Sakamaki. If you vow, then I’ll return back the heart.

Kanato: 一 kh!? *gasp*

Yui: Why such a thing…! I can’t get separated from him…!

That’s my heart in the first place. It’s very weird...to pay the price for that.

Earl Walter: No, nothing is weird. Because it has already become my thing.

I shall make you get separate from him since I’ll give back my precious thing. I need to get that amount of price right?

Kanato: ...Yui san…

Yui: …….

→ Selection

大丈夫 / It’s fine (+correct)

どうしよう/ What shall we do

Yui: It’s fine, Kanato kun.

Kanato: ...kh…

Yui: ...Earl Walter, you’re mistaking.

Earl Walter: ...What do you mean.

Yui: The thing you’re possessing is not my precious thing.

My precious thing is no one other than Kanato kun.

I just can’t exchange the most important thing in trading for getting back the second important one.

Earl Walter: …………

Yui: (That’s right. Kanato kun’s existence is the most precious thing to me….)

(Kanato kun is more important than...my heart, my life.)

Kanato: ...Fufu, fufufuh, certainly it’s as you said.

You said it perfectly, I am the most precious to you.

*Kanato gets closer*

Yui: 一 kh!

(Kanato kun….!)

Kanato: I am happy to have heard your feelings again.

I’ll reward you for this...nh…*kiss*

Yui: ...nh…

Earl Walter: ...fufu, kukuk….HAHAHA!

Yui: Kh, Wha...what’s so funny!

I am serious...with a serious mind, Kanato kun has 一

*Screen shakes*

Yui: Kyaa!?

Kanato: 一kh, the tower is collapsing…!?

Yui: Wh- why...uwaah!?

*Screen shakes more*

Place: Sky

Yui: ( 一kh NO! Suddenly we’re being thrown out一)

Kanato: Yui san! Don’t get away from me!!

Yui: Ka- kanato kun!

(...just a little 一)

*Yui catches up with Kanato*

Yui: (一 I reached him!)

*Fades to CG*

Kanato: ...kh! Yui san!

Yui: Kanato kun…!

Kanato: Hold more firmly. No matter what happens, don’t get separated.

Yui: ...yes…!

Kanato: Of course I’ll protect you. Right now and also from hereafter!

So, you can be relieved. ...It will be absolutely alright.

Yui: Ye- yes…! I believe in you!

Kanato: I love you...I love you so much.

Yui: I love you too.

(I don’t need anything if kanato kun is always by my side…)

(Even though I am in the bottom of hell, I made up my mind to be alive…)

Place: Bernstein Castle, Throne room / バルンシュタイン城玉座の間

Yui: nh...kh…

Kanato: ...Aah, finally you wake up huh.

Yui: Kanato kun...I am in…

Kanato: I also don’t get it quite. Looks like it’s inside the castle.

Yui: It means, it’s Earl Walter’s castle…?

Earl Walter: Yeah, that’s right.

Kanato: 一 kh! What about exposing your appearance at once…!

Earl Walter: Fufu...isn’t that fine. Plus, before getting interested in me, didn’t you notice any certain changes?

Yui: Change…?

Earl Walter: I gave back your heart. You can check it out.

Yui: Eh!?

Yui: (一 kh, really my heart is back…! But when!?)

Earl Walter: With this, everything is over. Thank you for giving me a fun time.

Kanato: Wa- wait a sec! There’s one more thing I want to ask.

Earl Walter: What?

Kanato: I think you must have a reason to give back the stolen thing that easily.

What kind of plot was that? ...Tell me.

Earl Walter: Kuku...that’s right. Well, it’s true that I wanted her heart.

However, you two are worthy of possessing that treasury heart. Thus, I returned it back.

Kanato: ...as expected, it was that huh.

Yui: (I told Kanato kun that we’re not being tasted but…)

(But we’re put on a trial after all...Everything was Earl Walter’s plan…)

Earl Walter: Well, the outside is still in the middle of the parade...It’s boring if you’re just excited but do nothing for that.

Finale is very close. Hereafter, you can enjoy the parade to your heart's content.

Kanato: ...Then, at the end...I want you to show your appearance.

You’d manipulated us all the way.

Isn’t it a polite manner to show appearance even though a little?

Earl Walter: I decided that I can’t do that. Or I won’t be able to make my move to steal from now.

Farewell then! Kuku...fufu, Hahahaha!

*White screen for a sec*

Yui: 一 kh!?

Kanato: ...he just escaped away huh

Yui: ….Yes. He really swinged us around till the end.

Kanato: Worst feeling...perhaps it’s been a while I have felt so irritated.

Yui: Kanato kun…

Kanato: If it’s the case then we have no other choice but to forget these by enjoying the parade. Let’s go there, Yui san.

Yui: ...Ye- yes! You're right, let’s go!

一 The End of Chapter O 4

[starry-seongmin]

The Genius Plan - 02�� Liners ft K

themes: crack, fluff?

warnings: none

words: 2.3k+

The gym was silent. Three of the boys were sitting and having an existential crisis. Not just having existential crisis but contemplating life itself and why were they just so goddamn stupid. Why didn’t they think before speaking and why they weren’t being swallowed by the ground. “I can’t believe you two dragged me into this”, Sunghoon let out a groan, glaring at Jay and Jake from the corner of his eyes.

Meanwhile, their two friends were stuck between making fun of them and helping them. They really outdid themselves for sure this time. Euijoo was trying to come up with a plan that would actually work for once while Nicholas was coming up with various ideas, each one more ridiculous than the previous one.

Now what led to this scene? What actually happened which left Jay, Jake and Sunghoon wanting to jump off the roof of their school?

Well, it all began a couple of days ago on an ordinary school day. Well, as ordinary it can be for the five of them. 

Nicholas, Jay, Euijoo and Jay (Sunghoon had taken a sick leave from school) entered their school premises and being the ultimate heart throbs of the school, they obviously had multiple eyes following them and people talking about them as they passed. No matter what gender you were or what your sexual orientation was, your eyes would automatically gravitate towards them. They had this presence about them that left people staring.

But they were complete idiots. And everyone was well aware of that fact. But did it stop them from staring at them? Absolutely not.

Eujoo was someone you would only see in a fictional world. Kind, charming, respectful, a gentleman, charismatic, soft and to top it all off handsome. He was too good to be true. And when he wore a sweater or a hoodie with long sleeves and had sweater paws? You could see everyone just gushing over how soft and cute he looked. He was part of the student council and was friends with everyone. Even the awkward and introverted people felt comfortable in his presence. He radiated warmth and softness. Ask anyone about him and they will keep telling you how nice he is. Like, is he even real? Definitely the type of person your parents will approve of.

Jay would consider himself as that mysterious bad boy which left people intimidated but impressed. Absolutely no one thought of him like that. He was a delusional person. Everyone knew he was a kind hearted and soft person who joked around and loved to make people smile. And of course, like his friends, he was also a complete idiot and not to mention at times, a piece of shit. But goddamn, he is one of the most competitive people you’ll ever meet. Everyone is aware of his R.A.S. 

Nicholas is someone who at first impression looks like a bad boy with his resting bitch face. But when he smiles..oh boy..when he smiles it’s game over. It’s like rainbows appear and cherry blossoms bloom when he smiles. Once people get to know him they would see he is really just a dork who enjoys life. Like, Jay, he is also a piece of shit at times. He would get into trouble with Jay often and the both of them would end up in detention the most. Everyone knew he has the biggest obsession with Rain. Ask anyone and they will tell you of the time he met Rain and accidentally smelled him.

Jake is another one who is the softest and one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet. Is on good terms with everyone and many people stop to talk him especially to hear his accent. His accent leaves everyone bursting the phattest uwus. His friends are over protective of him and everyone knows that. If someone does him dirty, Jay, Nicholas, Sunghoon and yes, even Euijoo will not hesitate to fight them. But no one wants to fight him in the first place. Another one who your parents will approve of.

Sunghoon, now he’s actually the one who intimidates everyone the most and he is not quite aware of it. Absolute prince like features. You will be surprised that there are no woodland creatures and birds surrounding him and singing. He’s the one who people don’t really interact with because of his cold features. Even though everyone knows that when he smiles and laughs, he looks like an absolute angel which calms their nerves a bit and encourages them to approach him even though they’re still a bit hesitant. Also known as the ‘Ice Prince’ because everyone knows how he rules the ice skating rink. You would’ve been living under a rock if you didn’t know about his talents.

Okay back to the story…

Jake walked to his first class which he shared with Euijoo. The teacher had not arrived yet and as the two entered their class, they greeted everyone as they made their way to their seats. 

A shadow loomed over them, specifically over Jake and the two friends ceased their conversation to look up at a girl who was smiling shyly at them, her hands behind her back. Noticing her awkwardness, both of them smiled at her and she visibly relaxed. “Hi! do you need help?” Euijoo asked the girl who shook her head. “I just wanted to give this…little gift to Jake”, her timid voice barely made it to their ears but the little present she placed on their desk confirmed their speculation.

“Oh..”, Jake didn’t know what to say even though this wasn’t the first time someone gave confessed to him directly or indirectly. “Thank you, I really appreciate it but I can’t return your feelings…I’m sorry”, Jake smiled apologetically, letting the girl down easily. Her expression faltered but she put on a smile again. One which was just as awkward as her previous one. “That’s okay, I understand. You can still keep it”, she replied before taking her leave, waving at the two boys.

“Now how many of these do you have?”, Euijoo turned to Jake who was inspecting the wrapping. “This will be my fifth from this week”, he replied.“I feel so horrible when I have to let someone down.”, he sighed, carefully putting the gift in his bag. “At least she took it well”, Euijoo commented. Both the boys shuddered as they recalled those who made a scene or cried after being rejected. 

Later in the day, during recess, Euijoo was on class duty so only Nicholas, Jay and Jake were sitting at their usual place. “Listen, I know what can put a stop to all those confessions and you two breaking people’s heart”, Nicholas proclaimed out of the blue, and quite proudly, at the dejected two who were looking at the confessions they had received today quite guiltily. Nicholas’ words piqued their interest and the two boys shifted their eyes to Nicholas who was stuffing a whole muffin in his mouth.

When he had swallowed the mouthful ever so gracefully, a small smirk made it’s way and he shifted closer to the two boys, leaning forward. As if something was pulling them closer, both Jay and Jake found themselves leaning forward in anticipation to what genius plan their friend had come up with.

“Pretend you’re already in a relationship”

And that my dear folks, was the idea of the year. The idea of all ideas. The very idea which led the five boys to where they are now.

Euijoo was mentally prepared to hold back Sunghoon from attacking them especially Jay. He was also mentally prepared to hold back Jay from attacking both Nicholas and Jake. And the poor boy was already mentally prepared to protect Jake from Jay’s wrath.

“What happened?”, a different yet familiar voice chimed in. All five boys were welcomed by the sight of a friend, a senior from their own school who had long graduated. “Kei hyung..”, Eujoo sighed in relief, thankful that someone more mature and older was there to keep the boys in check before any of them got knocked out.

Nicholas looked like he was dying to spill everything to the oldest boy. He was fighting off a laugh that was on the verge of escaping from his lips and his eyes were glinting with nothing but mischief. He was not even the slightest bit of guilty that it was his ‘fool-proof, one of a kind idea’ that got them in here in the first place.”

But before Nicholas could say anything to the confused K, Jay started complaining about the whole incident and thus, rained on Nicholas’ parade. It felt as if the boy had no plan on stopping and taking a breath with the way his mouth was moving. K, seemed very amused and was sporting a small smile.

“Okay so it all started with us getting confessions everyday to the point we were tired of rejecting people and breaking their hearts. And our genius here, Sir Wang Yixiang the First came up with the spectacular idea of us pretending to be in a relationship to put stop to all this.” Jay stopped to finally take a breath. Sunghoon, however, was not going to stay silent.

“Well, if Nicholas’ idea was genius than your idea was just out of this world wasn’t it!?” he cried out. K turned his head to Jay who seemed very quiet after  Sunghoon brought him up. “What was your idea?”, K, it seemed was secretly finding the whole ordeal very entertaining as his eyes were swimming with humour. 

“I…”, Jay couldn’t bring himself to speak and thus admitting his..now that he thought of it..it was actually stupid. “I told the people I was dating Sunghoon”, he finally admitted, swallowing his pride. K coughed to hide the slip of his chuckle and Euijoo was biting his lip, trying not to laugh. Nicholas, however, was utterly shameless as he started giggling which then turned into loud laughter. Jake, it seemed, was finding Nicholas’ laughter far hilarious than the situation itself as the boy hid his smile by covering it with his hand.

“Oh you’re laughing now?? Wait till you hear what our Jakey has to say”, Jay cried out, trying his best to save the remainder of his dignity. Jake choked when all attention was on him, face reddening. Suddenly he found his shoes the most interesting thing this universe had to offer. “Don’t be shy..tell hyung what you told the school..come on”, Jay prodded him.

Jake opened his mouth and mumbld something which K couldn’t make out at all. After being teased by Nicholas to speak up and embrace it, Jake finally took a deep breath and - 

“I panicked and told the school I was dating Jay”

K had to sit down for this because if he didn’t his legs would’ve given away from how hard he was laughing. Nicholas was now on the floor, holding onto his stomach, Euijoo letting out adorable giggles and even Sunghoon managed to smile. Jay however was pinching the bridge of his nose, sighing and trying his best not to let his emotions take over him and poor Jake was smiling shyly.

“Where were all of you when this happened?”, K asked now that he had regained his composure and breath although, body still shaking. “I was with Jake when he announced his alleged relationship on a fine Tuesday during Literature class.” Euijoo replied, his arm around Jake for comfort. “And before they could tell us about it, Jay had already spoken about his ‘relationship’ with Sunghoon”, Nicholas continued, patting Sunghoon’s back.

K turned to  face Sunghoon who looked exhausted. “What about you?”

“I was at home. Sick!”, he exclaimed. “Do you know how it feels when you come to school after a day and find out that you are now in a poly relationship which you weren’t aware about!?” the boy was hysteric. “And with them of all people!? I mean Jake is okay I guess..but Jay!? Hell no!”

“Hey!”, Jay looked extremely offended. “I would make a great boyfriend, okay? Way better than Jake!”, he protested. “Are you even hearing yourself right now!?”, Sunghoon couldn’t believe his ears. “Why are you guys laughing!?”, he turned to the audience of four who were in hysterics.

“why do comedy shows even bother”, Euijoo giggled. “They can never top this”. 

“I can’t wait to tell the others of this”, K wheezed. Sunghoon and Jay immediately sobered up. “Hyung, you won’t”, Jay’s small voice of betrayal made the Japanese boy stop and stare at him. He was really like a younger brother to him and K knew that he’d do anything for him just to see him happy. “I most definitely will”. 

The face Jay made was one for the books. The face of utter shock and betrayal. It felt like he was stabbed in the heart multiple times. “I thought you were my brother”

“Shouldn’t you be concerned that the whole school thinks you’re in a poly relationship?”, K teased. “But that’s Nicholas’ fault! It was his idea in the first place!” Jay whined, glaring at the Taiwanese boy.

“Hey, I only shared my idea. In no way I said that you two should act on it. It was just an idea, a suggestion merely. It’s the both of yours fault to follow it.”, he brushed off the accusation. Jay, it seemed was not willing to brush it off so easily as he pounced on the unsuspecting boy and captured him in a headlock. 

Nicholas cried out for the others for help but no one bothered to except for Sunghoon, who stood up and walked to the two of them. However, as Nicholas had anticipated, Sunghoon didn’t even try to help him. Oh no..he wanted his share of revenge too.

So, he sat on the floor and made himself comfortable before attacking Nicholas. With tickles. To Nicholas, it felt his end was near, thrashing around like a fish out of water. A couple of minutes later, all three of them were on the floor, breathing heavily. “So am I forgiven?”, Nicholas asked tentatively, between his heavy pants.

“We’ll see”, both Jay and Sunghoon replied in unison.

Nicholas groaned, knowing he was done for. But was he going to learn from this?

Definitely not.

[imaginedigimon]

u got any lgbtq+ hcs for any of the main 12 adventure and 02 kids?

🤔 Hmm...

Now Anon, I’m warning you: I’m probably not going to give you what you want for this. But I’m going to try.

I REALLY HOPE I DON’T FUCK THIS UP, FRIENDS *stressing out a bit I will not lie*

LGBTQ+ Headcanons for 01 + 02 Gang

Tai [Taichi]

Doesn’t know the meaning of the word “straight” except in terms of line segments in math (but even then, he’s a little lost)

He probably saw the pride flag for the first time when he was 14 and because it reminded him of the Crests thought, “I CAN GET BEHIND THAT”

When he learned the real meaning of pride and the LGBTQ+ community, he was even more ecstatic

Has definitely beaten up some homophobes before

And transphobes

He’s beaten up a lot of people in general

Realized after a while that he’s pansexual himself and started painting his face with the pan flag everyday

Will not deny that he has a thing for Matt and Sora at the same time and is happy if they’re happy but would really like to kiss them both pls

Matt [Yamato]

He most certainly questioned his own gender for a while, though he can’t pinpoint when it started

Gabumon told him it didn’t matter what he identified as, they’d always be partners anyway, so that really helped him a lot

It also helped that Tai was willing to beat people’s asses for him

Has also beaten up some homophobes and transphobes (Tai has been the one to drag him away from some fights)

Wears pins of all the pride flags at all times because fuck you haters

Also would like to kiss Tai, just like once or twice or a million times

Identifies as bisexual most likely

Sora

Doesn’t mention it a lot, but Mimi was probably her first kiss (by accident...OR WAS IT?)

She was the type of person who, because she grew up in a very hetero-normative world, wasn’t sure what it meant to like a girl

Probably asked Tai when she was 15 and still thinking about Mimi’s hair and lips when he explained to her that it was perfectly normal

She never forgot that conversation

Has continuously questioned her identity and orientation throughout the years, though only Biyomon has been privy to this struggle

Finally settled on saying she’s queer because she’s not much for labels (especially when she’s in a constant state of questioning)

Definitely asked Mimi to kiss her again just so it wouldn’t be an accident

Izzy [Koshiro]

Always a kid before his time, knew how to explain all aspects of pride to everyone else before they even knew what the LGBTQ+ community was

Has PowerPoints to make things clearer

Around age 17 or 18, he started asking that everyone use he/him or they/them pronouns, and this hasn’t changed since

Everyone said “a’ight” because they love him no matter what

Has always had some kind of romantic feelings for just about everyone in the group, but nothing beyond that

This poor sweetie pie cried the night he realized he was asexual and called Joe, who said in the most intense voice he’d ever heard, “You think that matters to us? We love you, Izzy, and don’t you ever forget that”

Has decided Joe is the coolest guy ever

Started some social media account where it’s nothing but pictures of Tai with various pride symbols painted on his face and it’s blown up

Mimi

Unlike Sora, she didn’t think much about the kiss

She had already accepted that she liked girls by that point

Definitely had a crush on Yolei too, though she played it cool

YOU CANNOT TELL ME SHE DIDN’T CONSIDER MEIKO HER TRUE LOVE

Teases Izzy a lot because she has a bit of a crush on him too, though this confused her because she thought she liked girls

The day she learned the term homoflexible she thought she was dreaming

But she wasn’t

Still, Sora and Yolei and Meiko are her girls and she loves them very dearly

Has the same enthusiasm as Tai and paints the various flags on her face as well (became part of that social media account Izzy started)

You can catch her and Tai at a pride parade screaming at the top of their lungs

Joe [Jou/Jyou]

I’ll admit, he’s probably the token straight? But he’s also one of those guys who’s not afraid to tell Matt he looks handsome today

Has needed to ask Izzy a lot of questions because he’s like me and wants to know and not offend anyone because he’s ignorant or doesn’t know something

Had a moment similar to me where he wondered if he really was straight

Decided he still was, but would support anyone and everyone because that’s just the guy he is

You know how he becomes a doctor? He most CERTAINLY helps with transitioning whenever he can because he’s a GOOD. DOCTOR.

Doesn’t beat up haters, but gives them a death glare that’s just as effective

Wore around a rainbow doctor’s coat because he COULD and no one tried to stop him because they knew he’d quit on the spot

Takeru [T.K.]

Been the guy to say “respect LGBTQ+ rights or die by my sword” or something like that

Lowkey had a crush on Angemon and Angewomon simulanteously and could NOT for the life of him explain why that was

Never told either of them this though

Or Kari

Definitely didn’t tell Kari

Okay yes, Tai is his big brother, but he definitely had a crush on the guy for about 2 weeks before he met Kari and everything changed

Hasn’t told either of them this

Like Sora, has only said he identifies as queer - he’d like to figure it out/delve deeper but is too busy flirting with everyone to care

Brings 5 different dates to his brother’s concerts at the same time and they all have to vie for his attention - it’s usually whoever says the most positive things about his brother

Has done at least 6 drag shows so far and let me tell you - KILLS IT every time

Kari is his forever girl but keeps winking at Ken just to make him blush

Kari [Hikari]

Also had a crush on Angewomon like how could she NOT

Also had crushes on Matt, Izzy, Mimi, and Sora (but not Joe for some reason)

When she realized her feelings for T.K. she got really really nervous (because of all his dates, you see)

Was also confused because she was pretty confused about her range of crushes over the years

Tai came out as pan to her first and she realized that sounded a lot like her

She’s a pan baby and she’s proud of it (and thanks her brother for supporting her)

Gave a rainbow pin to T.K. for his birthday and in return he kissed her

They go to ALL the pride events and nothing can stop them

Occasionally uses they/them pronouns on days she’s questioning

Davis [Daisuke]

Tai was his first love and you cannot change my mind about this

Meeting Kari was like meeting a Tai Who Would Notice Him and that was pretty rad

But he also likes her because of her, too

The world kinda stopped when he met Ken, though

Like damn, look at those soccer skills

I’m gonna be real, I think Davis is soccersexual (or footballsexual for non-Muricans)

Them soccer players be really hot though

Always has questions about the community, but never retains the answers

The PowerPoints, unfortunately, do not help

Eventually gave up and said, “I’M A DUMBASS BUT I SUPPORT YOU ALL”

They tried to tell him he should at least know what he’s talking about

(We’re still working on that)

Wears rainbow shirts with rainbow pants and it’s very atrocious but very appreciated

He is gay. He sometimes does crimes. We accept him anyway.

[T.K. asked him if he wanted to go to a drag show, he said “okay?” and really really loved it now he goes all the time]

Yolei [Miyako]

Mimi is hot, Ken is hot, Kari is hot, Matt’s kinda hot, everyone’s hot

She’s never been able to fully accept this because how is everyone so hot

Mimi was her first love, and Ken was her first boyfriend

She never forgot the firsts

Attracted to any and everyone it seems

She likes to call herself a frying pan and it makes everyone facepalm a little bit

Constantly dresses in the colors on the pan flag because she looks GOOD in them and it’s a way to remind everyone not to mess with her or her community

Tries to pretend she doesn’t know Mimi and Tai when she’s at a pride event and they’re out here acting like fools

But she also loves how unerringly supportive they are

Cody [Iori]

He was the first one everyone came out to, like for some reason he’s that guy

Literally the first person to offer you support

One day he told everyone he was transgender, and while they were surprised, they also didn’t react the way he was expecting

They actually hugged him immediately and said, “But don’t worry we love love love you” and Tai started painting the trans flag on Cody’s face until Cody said, “Guys please fuck off for a sec”

When he becomes a lawyer, he becomes the type of lawyer to defend anyone who was arrested on basis of race/identity/orientation/gender like the boss he is

Suspects he might be ace but hasn’t really delved into it much

He’s too busy scolding Davis for doing dumb things

Ken

Can everyone stop being hot for a sec? -direct quote from Ken himself

He’s in love with all the 02 kids and he’s accepted this

Yolei somehow stole his heart, but T.K.’s winks send it aflutter

He wants them both to stop (but they won’t)

Was completely unaware that Davis also liked him (even though it was really obvious?)

He identifies as bi and, like Izzy, uses they/them pronouns interchangeably with he/him

One of the good detectives on the force. Will bust your ass if you say any offensive slurs about anyone. [Has gotten suspended a few times for doing this BUT IT WAS FUCKING WORTH IT.]

Always the one on duty when Davis gets arrested for his crimes and it’s hecka exhausting

---------

Uhm... did I do good? I’ll admit, I was a little nervous since I myself am straight and cisgender (or cishet, as I’ve learned is the term)  😥  😥

Anon, I really do hope I did a good job!

And if I didn’t you can roast me in the flames of Meramon Hell

[perseusjackson-jasongrace]

Kingdom Collisions XII

Masterlist for other parts, more jercy, crackships and bad ideas

writing fic=more description=(hopefully) improve writing

no prewritten chapters=sporadic updates=as surprised as you about what happens

The water always lies.

"Grover," Prince Percy Jackson squealed excitedly, "Grover, Grover, Grover!"

The boy, barely as tall as the countertop, smiled at his friend with sparkling eyes, "Yes Prince?"

"Will you tell me a story?"

"What about Prince?"

"About the magic world." He said in a conspiratorial whisper.

"How about why the rocks in the river are black?"

Little Percy scrunched his nose, already uninterested in anything about rocks but his friend interrupted before he could protest, "You will like this story I promise." The little boy winked.

His sea green eyes lit up like water droplets in the sun. "Tell me!"

So they sat down cross-legged in the grass, the shade of a willow tree protecting them, and looked at each other as if there was no-one else in the world.

"Once upon a time, long long ago..." Grover started. "There lived two kingdoms, at peace and thriving. One was the Kingdom of Sun or as it was known then the Kingdom of ilanga. The buildings were white, their streets were cobbled grey and the people were beautiful beyond words. They looked like me. Dark skin, and coiled hair. With noses that could smell from miles away, and ears that could hear the softest whispers, and mouths that spoke the kindest words."

"What about their eyes Grover?" Little Percy bounced, energy pulsating from him.

"Oh Prince their eyes were the most beautiful of all. For they were every shade of earth. They were the brown of the sand, and the green of the trees, and the yellow of the sun. Gorgeous worldly shades. The people loved living in their kingdom with its endless summer and it's long days. There was hardly anytime to experience the night for it blinked in and out faster than they could catch it. The streets were always filled with brightness, parades and markets and celebration. Ribbons wrapped around every pole and doors were the colour of rainbows.” Life twinkled bright in Grover’s eyes, and Percy felt so proud just then to have such a lovely friend

“On the opposite side,” He continued, “Joined only by a small brook was the Kingdom of Alina. The night. They were always in darkness, stars twinkling like diamonds above them and the moon always full. Their buildings were made from black rock with tiny flecks of starlight in them so that when it caught the light of the moon it seemed to sparkle. Make no mistake they were not covered in inky blackness all the time. For their streets were lined with precious stones. Emeralds encrusted on their poles. And sapphires for their roofs. Aquamarine where the water met the land. And rubies for the pavements. The Kingdom was rich with jewels. But the people did not consider themselves wealthy for it. No, the stones were as much a part of the city as they were. And oh how the people looked. They were as pale as the moon and with hair as bright as their stars. Curiously they shared much of the same features as their friends across the way. Nose, and mouth, and listening ears. But their eyes," Grover stopped to take in a deep breath

" Their eyes were the colours of their precious gems. Zircon and amethyst and opal and every shade possible. There was no real day except for one or two hours in the early morning when they sky morphed into the palest of blues. It was at that time everyday when the two kingdoms met, the light of ilanga and the dark of Alina. Though they never interacted beyond their shared brook they loved each other intently. Loved each other the only way you can love something that is at peace. Gently and without disturbance. They loved each other alone."

The water always lies.

"Wow," Little Percy blinked, awe radiating from him. "The kingdoms sound wonderful."

"Yes but now we must get to why I'm telling you this story. The people and the land lived peacefully side by side, though not interacting but always knowing, understanding. It was not that they weren't allowed to see one another it was that they couldn't. For they were not made for each others cities. They could not withstand the atmosphere. But-” He placed great emphasis on the word “One day two babies were born at the exact same time on the exact same day. One to the Kingdom of Alina and one to the Kingdom of ilanga."

Little Percy gasped, small hands covering his mouth in shock.

Grover gave a look, "The baby of Alina looked exactly like a child of ilanga and the baby of ilanga looked exactly like a child of Alina. The people were confused and it is the nature of living things to be wary when they are disoriented. So when someone suggested kidnapping there was nothing to be done as the worlds folded in on themselves and the kingdoms declared war. Peace was not an option when children were the cause. Peace was not in their heart when these children were not theirs. So they discarded the two bundles of beating hearts and destroyed each other. But if they had just looked, had just taken the time they would have seen what was right in front of them. For the baby of ilanga that was born in Alina, although had dark skin and black hair had eyes like emeralds. And the child of Alina, born in ilanga, although had skin as pale as starlight and hair as white as moonlight, had eyes the colour of an ilangan sky, a common earthly occurnce in the kingdom. But the people saw none of that and so the children were abandoned and the peace was lost and lands were bloodied. For 25 years. By the tenth year the citizens no longer knew the reason they fought. By the fifteenth year they had lost more than they gained. By the twentieth year their only hope of survival was each other. But nothing changed. The fought, and destroyed, and killed with all the vengeance of the first sword strike.

Grover takes a deep breath, “The first day of the twenty-fifth year two beings, long since grown from the discarded children they had been, stepped onto the battlefield, hand in hand. They stood in that brook, once clear enough to see white stone and flecks of gemstone, now red with blood. Stood in that brook and looked on at the battle still raging around them. They did not say anything, did not do anything but stand. Slowly people stopped to watch them. For they looked as foreign, and strange among the crowd as they once did.

The one with green eyes looked to them and said, "We are the children you fight this war over. We are the ones you shed blood for. We are the ones you have killed for. But today that ends. Today we join as one peoples and stop this madness."

The water always lies.

"For remember I told you Prince," Grover looked at him, "That they had killed too many to live separately. Their only hope of survival was to join forces. But the people did not want that. They had been fighting this war for twenty five years and many had not know any other way. Another thing you must know about the nature of living things is that it does not like change. So they refused and they fought more and they continued as if those two beings did not stand before them offering peace. The beings, seeing nothing was going to change did the only thing they could do. The one with emerald eyes slammed their fist into the earth and destroyed the field. And the one with cerulean eyes took that cracked earth and flung it into the air. When it was all over there was no-one left standing, not even them. No, in their place stood a river, with obsidian rocks and water that glistened rainbows. White stone surrounded it on either side. It was the perfect product of both kingdoms."

"So that's why the rocks are black." Little Percy nodded knowingly.

"Yes and the legend is,” His voice lowers, barely a breath, “When the healer and the destroyer finally meet again the obsidian will give away to diamond, the river will once more run clear, and the people will finally be at peace once more."

"I love that story Grover!" He squealed, falling back into the grass with joy.

"I'm glad you do Prince. It is very close to my heart."

The water always lies.

Percy Jackson gasps, and inhales mouthfuls of water. The memory fades, disintegrates from his mind. He grapples for it but it's gone. He is still underwater, although how much time had passed he doesn't know.

His body is bare and his skin is icy but for some reason he can breathe. So he does. Big lungfuls of air. He doesn't have time to think about the Princess of Hekima's attempt at murder, he needs to find his husband. Dead or alive he needs to find Jason.

He let's the current drag him out while some semblance of a plan takes form in his head. He doesn't know who he can trust right now. And he doesn't enjoy being made fool twice. But suddenly something is pulling him up, up, and out of the water. He comes up with a gasp, the world blinding. He is dropped on sun-warmed rock and he blinks himself back into existence.

The water always lies.

Standing over him is Grover.

"What the fuck." He mutters, staring up at his....... friend?

"Why were you in the river? You were drowning."

"I wasn't," He frowns, trying to get his brain started, get his priorities straight. "Where is Jason?"

"Why were you in there?" It is the voice of a King that talks to him.

Percy ignores the question. "Where is my husband?"

"Why were you in the river Prince?" Grover has never gotten angry, but there is a waver in his voice that makes the Prince hesitate. He looks up, into those dark eyes and there is worry and concern, and something wholly unnatural reflecting in them.

"The Princess of Hekima, Annabeth Chase, pushed me in."

Something flashes across the King's expression but he doesn't quite catch it. "I will take you to the Prince."

And then Grover is walking away, through the waterfall and out of sight. Percy doesn't have time to question the uneasy look, or the events that have occurred because the King is already out of sight and he can't lose him in this maze. He doesn't even know it they're still in the tree he woke up in. Gods it seems like days and weeks ago, but it was really only this morning.

"Grover?" He calls, moving through the waterfall and into a cave.

He sees his advisor's silhouette and races to catch up.

"Is your entire Kingdom inside a tree?" He asks, finally reaching him.

It is not Grover who walks beside him. It is a creature as vile and deathly as rotting flesh. It is a creature made of horrors. It is nightmares themselves.

"Gro—Grover—" He mutters, slowly stepping back.

The creature just looks on, eyes ever changing but hollow all the same.

"King!" His voice is full of alarm but he tries to be quiet. He doesn't know what sets this creature off and being the cause of his own demise doesn't sound particularly worthy.

"Grover please."

"Will you make your wish Crown Prince Perseus Jackson?" It hisses abruptly.

"What— what wish?" He's caught so off guard some of his fear slips away.

"You have a wish Prince of Mare, I hear it in your heart."

"I—" He doesn't know what to say, do, be. He wants to run. But those long spindly legs look devastatingly fast and he knows he doesn't stand a chance. "I don't have a wish."

It chuckles, throaty and unpleasant. The sounds scrapes in his ears. "Oh but you do little prince. Tell me your wish and you can go."

The water always lies.

He takes a deep breath. And another. And another. It was easier underwater. "I wish to see my husband."

The creature laughs, and laughs, and laughs, and the sound dissolves into the cave, echoes like broken shards.

"Are you sure Prince?"

"Who are you?"

"I am the partidari." It gives some twisted form of a smile. "And your wish is my command."

Before he can protest, stop it, end this, the creature becomes dust and then disappears altogether and in its place is the unmoving body of Prince Jason Grace.

Something cracks in his chest as he dives for his husband, and when his arms go through him he breaks altogether.

"Where are you?" He sobs.

Thousands of meters below, at the bottom of the river, nestled like a sleeping God between charcoal black rocks, is Prince Jason Grace. Unmoving, unconscious, and alive.

Prince Percy Jackson curls into a ball and cries for the life he no longer recognizes, the friends he no longer has, and the husband he had once hated so vehemently it became something else, something different, more.

And down below in that river of rainbows, obsidian rock give away to diamond.

the destroyer cries.

the healer dies.

and the water never lies.

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

Tags (if you want to be added to/ taken off the tag list just let me know, all my channels of communication are open):

@nishlicious-01​

@queen-of-demons-and-hell​

@leydiangelo​

@sparkythunderstorm​

@makos-bi-awakening​

@aalikun​

[aurelacs]

Ten of Wands

An Ezra/F!OC Red Dead Redemption AU

WORD COUNT: 3k

CONTENT: mentions of spousal abuse, drinking, 

A/N: Thanks y’all for your patience! There’s only a chapter and an epilogue after this one! Hope you enjoy! Also next chapter will have smut I promise.

This is set in the Red Dead Redemption universe, however there’s no spoilers for either game, and you don’t need to have prior knowledge of the games to understand the fic. I’m just using RDR for the setting and the time period (1899). Hope you enjoy!

chapter list | masterlist | read on AO3

IV. The Hanged Man

West Elizabeth was far more frightening at night. 

The way the moonlight bore through the trees cast long, ominous shadows along the worn path the two bounty hunters chose to take. Annie was tempted to talk, to ask the man where he was taking her, but she didn’t want to push her luck. The dignity he provided her by letting her ride with him was more than likely the only kindness he would afford. So she rode in silence. The sound of the horses hooves beating against the soil the only sound that late at night. It crushed her spine with the weight of the implication and dried up her throat. This was her death march, paraded through the state so far into the evening there would be no one to mourn her, to ask for her final statement, or write down her last words. The bounty hunters, referring to each other only as ‘Morgan’ and ‘Smith,’ talked idly, like she wasn’t there. 

About halfway through the ride, Annie began to recognize her surroundings a little more. Panic began to set in. Even as she was being tied up, the concept of imprisonment and death was so foreign it did little to scare her. To be so close, to have the knowledge that it was, in fact, guaranteed, made her bottom lip tremble. In that moment Annie realized that she didn’t want to die. It wasn’t because of Ezra. Without him, she could live, and she knew that, but she wanted to feel his lips on hers. She wanted to make it to the end of her life fully experiencing what it was like to not have to look over her shoulder. It had been so long that she forgot the feeling. She wanted to reach Armadillo and feel the sand crunch under her boots. She needed to breathe long enough to forget her husband’s face, to make it to the point in her life where she could call him her late husband.

Her heart sank, low, further than the pit of her stomach, as they rode under the ‘Strawberry’ sign. She thought the river that ran through the town looked better in the moonlight. The sheriff’s office was located next to the hill that housed the hotel. The dark wood of the building blended in with the hill and made it look like the office and jail was built into the soil. It gave the building a foreboding presence, as though the hill and the office and the hotel were a solitary castle looming over her. 

The porch light next to the door was the only light on across the whole town as the two men hitched their horses. Morgan grumbled a faint apology as he hoisted Annie over his shoulder to help her down off his horse. The three of them all stood by the door. Morgan knocked, hammering on the door until the sheriff hollered at them for waking him up. The transaction was nearly wordless. Morgan handed the sheriff Annie’s bounty poster, who then directed Morgan to lead Annie to the cell across from his desk before handing the men their bounty payment. 

“D’you know anything about a bounty for the man she was with? Blonde patch of hair, looks like an outlaw,” Morgan asked.

“Nothing here, but you can always try Valentine. If you’re heading that way, can you let Sheriff Molloy know I got her here?”

Morgan grunted in response and left. 

“Valentine is full up, so you’re gonna be with us for the time being. Sheriff up there’s supposed to come talk to you at some point, but he likes to take his time and who knows if those boys will actually let Curtis know you’re here.”

“What good will talking to me do?”

The sheriff shrugged before lumbering back to his cot and falling asleep. 

Days and nights passed in near silence. Sheriff Farley, as Annie came to observe, wasn’t much of a talker. He snored, loud enough to occasionally shake the floorboards of the office. She learned that Strawberry’s jail had five cells, one upstairs where she was, and four more downstairs, out of sight. Annie overheard Farley one night, as he conversed with the mayor, mention that the downstairs cells were for the more ‘worrisome’ offenders. The statement gave her a spark of hope. She knew it wasn’t often that bounties were put out on women. Maybe he could read between the lines of a woman killing her husband. Or perhaps he merely saw her as less of a threat because she was a woman. Either way, Annie still felt mildly appreciative. If she craned her head hard enough, she could look outside and see wagons passing through the town. The same position gave her the opportunity to feel the sun on her face right before dusk. Her situation was already hard enough, she was grateful to not have to experience it with the ones she heard screaming below her. 

A week into her stay, or what she believed to be a week, Annie gave up all hope in Ezra coming for her. It was a child’s fantasy, to think that he would risk his life and freedom just to save her. She couldn’t find it in herself to blame him, either, even though when she asked herself if she would have come to save him, her answer was a resounding ‘yes.’ What a fool she was to have waited. If she told him, then and there, as he waded out of the lake, how she felt about him, he might’ve been here. Or he would’ve left her. Either way her chest would have been stinging a little less. 

More time passed with no word from Farley on the whereabouts of Valentine’s sheriff, or her life. As a nervous habit, Annie would undo and redo her braids constantly until her fingers ached. She paced around her cell. There was no clock in the office, so she measured the time by the sheriff’s actions. Everyday he followed the same routine: breakfast at the butcher’s stall, sit in his office and read the newspaper, smoke his pipe, taunt the downstairs prisoners, if the sun had yet to go down when he was finished, he would invite the mayor for a drink, where the mayor would talk about his grandiose plans for the sleepy, yet beautiful, town. His talk reminded her of Ezra: weaving tales of splendor, swearing up and down that Strawberry’s beauty could not be contained. The mayor echoed Ezra’s sentiments, convinced that the work he was putting into it would make a difference. Annie was sure that Farley was going to kill Mayor Timmins because he no longer wanted bounties to be advertised in Strawberry. It figured that she would be the last, she thought.  

One morning, maybe three weeks since the bounty hunters had found her, sheriff Farley woke her by knocking on the bars of her cell. A man stood next to him, a handlebar mustache doing nothing to contain the permanent scowl on his face. Farley introduced him as sheriff Molloy, the one from Valentine and Annie’s blood ran cold. The one who would decide her fate stood there, looking unimpressed at the supposed cold-blooded killer before him, half-asleep and half paralyzed from fear. 

“I hope you didn’t pay those boys the full bounty for this,” he gestured over at her, looking sullen and beaten.  

“They didn’t seem to be the most innocent of sorts either. Didn’t wanna cause a fuss.”

Molloy laughed. Farley grabbed his pipe from his desk and made his way outside to give the two some privacy. He stood there silently with his arms crossed for what felt like an hour before speaking. 

“Why’d you do it?”

“That’s it?” He nodded. Annie was confused. Weeks of waiting and that’s all he asks? No hint of a greeting, an apology. She was hoping that maybe the sheriff would tell her how her husband’s family was doing. They would probably be in the front row the day she hangs, but in an odd way her life had felt so sheltered in the months since she killed him that hearing something was preferred to this. To the brusque ire of a man that she knew had already decided that she was going to die for what she did. 

“He hurt me,” she answered.

Molloy scoffed. “I was hoping for a more interesting answer. Not many lady killers ‘round these parts, but they all have the same reasoning.” “Maybe because they’re all telling the truth.”

“Maybe they’re all lying to try and gain some sympathy before they get hanged,” he said as he leaned in closer to the bars. The scowl on his face grew deeper. She started to wonder how many other women in her situation had the misfortune of seeing his face right before a hood was placed over their heads. 

“My husband beat me. He would scream at me if there was a speck of dust on the floor when he came home from hunting. Chased me around the house with a knife if he didn’t like the way I sneezed or walked or spoke, when I did. I let him hurt me for over ten years. I had it.” Annie didn’t realize she had started crying until her voice broke. “It’s been months and I still call him my husband. I still love him, but I’d do it again. If you’re gonna hang me for that, then so be it.” 

“I’m going to hang you for killing your husband, Mrs. Gray. I don’t care whether or not you regret it.” 

Hearing her name felt like a whip cracking. She had gone so long without the sound of it that it was foreign in her ears, like the sheriff was addressing a stranger. For so long she referred to herself internally as Annie Cobb that it didn’t register. It was her trying to move on, trying to turn back into the woman she was before she married her husband, but it didn’t have the same spark. Her identity had always been ‘Mrs. Gray,’ her maiden name taken from her too soon, before she could form herself outside of her husband. But Cobb never resonated. Maybe in her next life she’ll have a name that fits her better, like Michaels, or Robinson. Or Bird. 

The dread that churned in her stomach kept her from sleeping more than an hour at a time. It would jolt her awake with the sudden urge to run, and her heart wouldn’t stop racing until her brain finally managed to process that there was nowhere to run. At the third bout, Annie awoke to find Farley fast asleep, his snores once again bouncing off the wooden walls. Night had fallen, deep and heavily, on the town. It mirrored the night she was first brought back to Strawberry; the lantern once again the only thing illuminating the entire town. It was never intentional. Every morning he forgot, Malloy would grumble on for the rest of the day about the waste of oil. This night, this mistake, however, cost him more than a nickel’s worth of lantern oil. 

Someone entered, not with a knock, but with a bang, stirring the sheriff from his slumber so harshly he wasn’t able to collect his bearings in time to demand an explanation. The glow of the lantern backlit the visitor and made it impossible for Annie to make him out until he spoke, and even then it was only a hunch. Sheriff Farley stumbled over towards the voice, eyes still crusted with sleep and legs uneasy. He managed his way over to his desk, propping himself up with an arm before asking who had the nerve to bother him so late at night. The man closed the door gently, opposite to his grand entrance. Out of the porch lantern light, the office was enshrouded in darkness until the sheriff lit another lantern at the corner of his desk. It wasn’t until the light illuminated the rest of the office that Annie realized. 

“I do apologize for intruding so late into the evening, but I saw the lantern still on, and where I come from that means a gentleman is open for business.” 

Ezra looked different from when she last saw him. He looked a little more ragged and worn down. The bags under his eyes had grown darker. His hair was unkempt and she didn’t see his hat anywhere on him. The blonde patch of hair caught the light just right. Ezra made no attempt to speak to Annie; he didn’t even look her way as he adjusted the heavy-looking satchel that hung upon his shoulder. His kept his deep, brown eyes focused entirely on the sheriff. 

“I recently purchased myself a new abode in this beautiful little town here and my father always told me to start a new journey with alcohol. And who better among the locale to embark on that sojourn with than the sheriff himself?” Ezra reached into the satchel and forcefully placed two bottles of Kentucky bourbon on the sheriff’s desk. He pulled up a chair, not waiting for permission or refusal and sat down, eagerly awaiting his next move. Sheriff Farley eyed Ezra curiously. Nevertheless, he walked over to the cabinet by his cot and dug out two glasses. He smiled up at the sheriff. Not once did the two men take their eyes off one another. 

“Do you have any idea what time it is?”

“When I said ‘recently,’ it was not an exaggeration.” He leaned back in the chair. Ezra’s body language gave off a kind of confidence she had only seen from him once before: in Blackwater, towering over his debtor. Annie grew worried that he might try the same stunt again. 

“I have always heard the people of Strawberry are of a hospitable color. At least, that is what they say in Saint Denis. It is possible that they simply meant poor,” the sheriff shot him an angered glance, “but hospitality is taught, never bought, wouldn’t you agree, sheriff?” Farley grunted in response. Ezra poured the bourbon halfway into both glasses before drinking his in one go, and encouraging the sheriff to do the same. Sheriff Farley’s eyes shot up to the blonde in Ezra’s hair. The coolness of Ezra’s composure broke for a second, not enough for the sheriff to notice, but enough for Annie to start worrying. She recalled the question the one bounty hunter had asked him when she first arrived and wondered if he made the same connection. 

“Sheriff, please, I insist, drink! There is more than enough for the both of us and I want to make sure your graciousness is equally matched.”

“Is there no way to do this tomorrow,” Farley asked, choosing to match Ezra’s drink. 

“Not according to my father’s superstitions, no,” Ezra chuckled. “It has to be as soon as you sign the deed, and the gentleman I was dealing with for this parcel was quite a character. He absolutely insisted we negotiate until the very last second of the day” He took another swig of the bourbon, this time directly from the bottle. 

“Was it Mr. Rose by chance?”

“The one and the same!” 

Ezra opened the second bottle of bourbon and passed it to the sheriff as he began to tell Ezra stories about the man. Farley eagerly grabbed the bottle by the neck. Engrossed in his tales, he continued to absentmindedly sip on the alcohol, his slowly inebriated mind searching for threads to connect his thoughts. On occasion, Ezra would take a swig from his bottle to encourage him. It was a lengthy plan, but one that seemed to be working. Every time the sheriff tried to stop, Ezra would bring up something else to try and get him talking again. 

‘I have heard that your mayor is a curious one.” 

“He’s trying to run me out of a job, is what he’s tryin’ to do!” He slammed the bottle onto his desk, and Ezra laughed as some of the liquid came sloshing out of the neck and on the sheriff’s hand. Annie’s worry grew again as she peered over to the window and saw daybreak trying to make its way over the horizon. 

“I’m sure the mayor is only doing what he deems best.”

“The mayor is- he’s- the sonuvabitch-” the floorboards shook as the sheriff’s head slammed against his desk, just nearly missing the bottle. Annie wasn’t sure if he was dead or merely sleeping.  

The first time Ezra acknowledged her was as the first snore ripped through Farley’s body. He looked over at her and held a finger up to his lips. As quietly as he could, he toed over to the sheriff’s slumped over body. He gently fiddled with the key ring that hung from his gun belt. Annie could see his hands shaking as he tried every key on Annie’s cell before finally reaching the correct one. She hadn’t realized how long she had been holding her breath until the cell door finally popped open, and the only thing standing between her and Ezra was a couple feet of empty, unfettered air.  

“Missed you, little bird,” he smiled, breaking the heavy silence. 

Tears fell freely from Annie’s eyes, the mix of emotions overwhelming her senses almost to the point of collapse, and she nearly jumped from where she was sat and into Ezra’s arms. Free not only was she of Strawberry jail, but also of any hesitation she might’ve been holding onto with regard to how she felt about him. She buried her face in his neck and took in his scent, something she didn’t realize she missed. His arms gripped onto her something fierce like she would float away and out of his grasp if he didn’t hold on. It was as though the time apart wore away any inhibitions they might have had. The sheer elation of their reunion being the only thing that was on their minds. Ezra came back for her. 

That’s what mattered. 

Tag List: @immundusspiritu​ @borderlinedindjarin​ @aforces​

[pcygoldenchild]

The Racer

🥀summary: Sehun loves going fast. All his life he’s been in the fast lane, in first place. But he’s got his eyes on a prize that isn’t his and plans on getting it.

🥀genre: smut&angst//mafia/racer au!//adult themes//sexual content//Sehun POV.

When you buy a new car, you get a sense of keeping it for a while. Wanting to make new memories with it and cherish it for as long as you can. A cars life can be as long or short as the person who drives it wants it to be. The driver has all the control. What a fucked up relationship.

I may be a drift racer. I may push my cars to the limit. But anything they feel, so do I. And there is no better feeling than going fast. Fast enough to feel your heart race through your fingers on the wheel. That’s when I’m one with my car. When I feel everything she feels because it’s one heartbeat.

I’ve been racing for a long time. Since I could remember, I’ve loved cars. But racing was something cars brought to me. They pointed me in the direction of the fast lane and I haven’t left since.

But racing isn’t all I do. No, I’m a wanted man all over. Racing has its demons, it’s illegal. But racing is the purest thing I do. I’m a killer. A man of no morals or mercy. That’s just the mentality you have to have in a world like this. This dark life where you can’t trust anyone or anything to be as the face it shows. But it’s not so bad. Look at me, I’ve managed.

In fact I’ve managed pretty well. You see, I’m a big shot. A fast man with fast tendencies. I’m quick with my actions. If I want something, I get it. If I see it, it’s already mine. And that’s how I’ve come to be the man in my position. The fastest on the coast and the most dangerous.

But every man has a weakness. You’d think mine would be cars, and it is. But I’ve got another prize I need to get. It’s a real fine prize. One in a million. So rare I can’t get it out of my mind.

Y/N. She’s a boss among men. A woman among girls. I’ve had my fair share of pussy to keep me going. I’m not much into relationships. But I’d be willing to give her anything she wants. But she’s got someone doing that for her already. But he’s so fucking bad at it.

I first saw her at a race. I wasn’t racing but I always attend. I’m a living legend, why wouldn’t I show up?She was with her pathetic excuse of a husband. He’s nothing. She’s more important than he is. He’s short and muscular but one hideous man. They married for a deal and now he parades around with her like he’s hot shit. But he’s the most scared little thing. An ego of a child and the mindset of a idiot. What she sees in him is not a question. She sees him the same way everyone does. An imbecile.

I didn’t say anything to her that day. She was too distracting. All I could do was stare and admire from a far. And I couldn’t let anyone know who my next move was on. She’s been approached by a lot of men. None have been able to even make her laugh. Not even blink an eye at them. I love it.

Tonight there’s a race across the city. It’s a pretty loaded race. A new batch of rascals to fall in love with the asphalt on their tires. I’d be a fool not to go. Besides, everyone treats me like some celebrity. What kind of role model for these kids would I be if I didn’t show up?

But in all seriousness, I could care less about those kids and their rebellious needs to drift race with their parents cars. I know she will be there. Her husband pretends to like racing and goes for every single one. And she accompanies him just in case something goes down, she will protect him. If she were mine, she’d never have to worry.

The streets are dark but the track is lined with cars. All different colors and styles. I decided to go with my classic Porche. It’s new but it’s classic in the sense that I don’t race it. I just ride around in it and if I happen to need to push the limits, I will. Black and sleek with dark windows. The inside is spacious for a coupe and red interior leather. A real beauty.

I make my rounds. Greet the guys who have been with me on this journey but hate me because they wish there were in my position. Ignore the girls that I’ve fucked and left alone because they were dumb enough to believe I was actually interested. Intimidate the kids who look far too young to be wasting their youth on illegal racing that could put them in jail for the remainder of their young adult lives. But none of these people are worth my time. I go to sit back on my car scoping out the premises. The race would start soon but there is no sign of my prize.

“One day I’d like to see you race, Sehun. See what all the hypes about.” a voice said from next to my car. And I knew who it was. I didn’t even care to look at him.

“You have. You bet against me remember?” I said. He was being the annoying little shit he is. He’s seen me race plenty of times. And he’s bet against me twice.

“Maybe. If I did it’s been a while. Memories a little foggy.” he said doing his dumb waddle to come in front of me. And there she was being dragged along with his arm around her petite waist. Looking just killer. She wore a black leather jacket and a white v neck with jeans. It was a simple look but her body and attitude was enough to make her look ten times better than anyone you’d ever seen.

“You lost 20 grand. Twice. I know you remember. I’d take you as a better gambler than that. But then again no one takes you as a good anything.” I laughed at him. He was the type to be tough outside but a bitter shrewd on the inside. Not a bone to be scared of in his body.

“Nice car.” she said. Her voice. Goddamn her voice. It wasn’t all high pitched and girly. It had character. It had roughness to it. It was a voice I’d like to hear every second of the day.

“Wanna take a ride? She’s a smooth one.” I smirked at her and I could have sworn I saw her smirk back. She did. But her little Mr. Penguin turned her away.

“She’s got a great ride.” he said. And I couldn’t help but laugh. Was he insinuating he’s a great ride? That’s a joke for the books.

“I highly doubt it.” I said. And she laughed. I could go on and on about her laugh and her smile and her mannerisms all day but you get it.

“I’d watch your self Sehun.” he said. As if anything his empty threats did were make you feel bad for the pathetic bastard.

“Or what? What exactly will you do?” I try to say seriously but the smile on my face was slowly deteriorating his ego. A smart man wouldn’t step to me. But I don’t expect much logic from him.

“Gentlemen. Let’s not cause a scene we will have to finish.” she said. Her voice cutting me like a knife. It exposed my very soul to a new world and she wasn’t even trying.

“What’s so wrong with a harmless drive little man? Don’t you trust your wife?” I tease just a bit. This was fun. And she was actually speaking to me with amusement. I made her laugh at the expanse of her own husband who was standing right next to her.

“I trust her more than anything. She is my wife, Sehun. But I don’t trust one part of you. You’re a ruthless scum.” he said and I could taste the disgust in his words. But the only disgust was that he wasn’t me. And that sounds like a personal problem.

“Leave it up to your wife then. What can I do that she can’t control? You may be the least threatening person out there little man, but she’s a fierce being. Fire in her just like me.” I say as I look at her. Her gaze was hypnotic and angelic but so devious. I didn’t care that I was clearly flirting with her in front of her husband. And neither did she.

“I’ll go. And I don’t want to hear a word of this.” she said looking down to her dumbfounded partner. The look in his face was priceless. But he let her go. It’s obvious who wore the pants and the power.

As we pulled out of the lot, she laughed. Her laugh burned. I imagined the burning of rubber on the streets as the feeling of my heart whenever she did anything. Anything that let me see her different from what others did.

“What’s so funny?” I ask gripping the steering wheel tight enough to hide my excitement. Because in all honesty, I was more than excited to have her in my car on her own will.

“You making my poor husbands vein pop out of the side of his temple.” she said smooth as day. Voice like honey. Words like poetry.

“I don’t think I’ve ever heard you laugh before.” I said. It was an impulsive response. A response based solely on my reaction to the sound.

“Well that’s because you’ve never given me anything to laugh at Sehun.” she purred. My name coming from her lips was seductive even if she wasn’t trying to be. I would see her look over at me everytime I spoke or she spoke. Her attentiveness making my limbs go numb.

“You’re a tough cookie. Needed to make sure my material was right before I gave it a shot.” I said after a while of smirking to myself. My own brain going against me making me picture the way she’s taking in my features as her eyes lock on my jaw or my eyelashes. I look over at her at a red light. The red reflection on her golden skin as her eyes meet mine felt like being on a drug. Her lips were plump and all I could think of was how wasteful it was for them to be used on a man like her husband. We just stared at each other in silence. The light seemed to stay red way too long. Her stare was unwavering. Her eyes only leaving mine to look everywhere else on my face. She let out a hum of appreciation or content, I can’t tell, just before the light turned green on her face. I broke away.

“I think it’s time to show me your skills if you want us to fuck in the back seat Sehun.” she said. And the words made me hard. But the confusion really made that hardness die down. It was written all over my face. It was a surprise to say the least. But she was always straight to the point. And I had to swallow the excitement dancing on my tongue trying to force a smile that she would love to see.

“Seatbelt.” I demanded. I was going to show her a good ride. A game is nothing new to me. And this was my area.

We sped off into the street and I figured why not go the route the racers would be going. We cut through a lot of streets and alleyways to go all the way around the track and cut through the middle. My turns were sharp and precise. The squeal of my tires like music to my ears. It was effortless to me. I sat relaxed and at ease with her right beside me. It’s a shame I need to pay attention to the road going this fast. The times I looked over at her, she looked exhilarated. The same joy I felt when I first went fast. We reached the third quarter of the track in less than 10 minutes. Record time as it takes 47 minutes to get there the way I came.

“You know, I’ve always admired you. Besides being the only attractive racer out here, you’re smart. I guess you have to be in your line of work. Aren’t we all smart killers?” she said after I put the car in park.

“I’ve always admired you. But who doesn’t. Never would I think it would be this easy.” I said honestly. I wasn’t calling her easy, she was far from it. I was just saying that this did not require the amount of suave you thought you’d have to pull out.

“Sehun I’m in your car because I want to be. If you want to call it easy, then it’s easy. But I see it as this. I’m giving you a shot that many want. I finally gave you a chance to win me over. So what will you do to claim your prize Sehun?” she said turning to me. She pushed off her leather jacket and raised an eyebrow at me. The moment seemed surreal. The effect of having one less layer on her body was making my neck hot. Her body was only covered by so much. My hands trembled to touch her. To claim my prize.

“What was it you said earlier about fucking me in the backseat?” I asked because this is what she was hinting at. We’re both adults, no need to play games or beat around the bush.

“I don’t know. Let’s get to the back seat and find out.” she said smirking. And I was down. I mean this could have been very well an attempt to kill me. But chances were, I did not care. I’d die a happy man.

She climbed to the backseat. Her small body easily fitting through the seats. She sat in the middle and stared at me with her bottom lip between her teeth. When I went to join her, she held her hand out for me to stop.

“What do you think about when you see me?” she asked. The question caught me off guard. What do I think about when I see her? Honestly, nothing. I can’t think straight.

“Nothing.” I said. To anyone that would be a pretty alarming response, but to her, she knew what it meant. She smirked and began pulling her shirt up over her head. Her skin looked so soft. She wore a black lace bra, of course she did. Her collar bone looked so enticing, so inviting. Her waist and hips created the most delicate curve.

“What are you thinking now?” she asked. Her voice never ceased to make me melt.

“You look so beautifully innocent to be so deadly.” I said breathlessly. My heart was racing. I just wanted to be back there with her, feeling her. She laughed her angelic laugh and ran her hands down her body to her jean button. I watched as she undid them and pushed them down letting her long soft legs bask in the moonlight. Her panties were see through and black. My eyes couldn’t help but devour her lower half. I wanted to leave marks on her inner thighs. Wanted to taste the heaven between her legs.

“Sehun there’s something I’ve always thought of when I saw you.” she spoke as her hands went to the clasp if her bra.

“You’re a handsome devil yourself. A devious man who gets what he wants.” she said as the bra straps fell from her shoulders. My heart couldn’t stop it’s attempts to leave my chest. My cock uncomfortable in my pants, I need to take everything off.

“But you never came for me.” she said letting the bra fall. Her beautiful breast on full display. Her nipples hard and begging for my lips. I was too in shock to realize that I was still fully clothed.

“And you are still not moving and fully dressed while I’m here waiting for you to take me.” she said pulling her panties down and spreading herself, all for me. I looked at her in silence for a minute or two. I’ve never been so speechless in front of a woman. She was beautiful from her head to her toes. Every inch of skin sculpted to perfection. I could tell that my stare did something to her. Her chest rose and fell deeper the longer I stayed silent. But I couldn’t stay silent for long.

“It’s not that I didn’t want to get you.” I said sitting up a bit in my seat to take off my jacket and shirt. Her eyes immediately going to my chiseled physique.

“But a prize this perfect takes time to acquire.” I said as I unbuttoned my jeans only pulling them and my briefs down enough that would tease her. I made my way between the seats and to the back. She moved to the side as her eyes stayed locked on mine.

“And I’m willing to go any length to make sure that prize stays mine.” I said. Her hands were gripping the seat and I wasn’t even touching her. But then I was.

I pushed my lips to hers. Push isn’t a good word, I devoured her. Her lips, her tongue, her jaw and neck were all enticing enough that I had to taste it all at the same time. Her hands played on my skin, up my abs and chest, down my back and spine, on the bit of skin I exposed to her at my waist.

“I want the entire length Sehun.” she whispered as her hands came to the front of my jeans diving into them and my boxers. Her small hand wrapped around my length. Her small, small fingers.

I shiver at her grasp and wish nothing more than to give her what she wants. I push my pants and briefs down in one smooth motion letting myself free. Her eyes break from mine and meet my cock. Her lip going between her teeth as her throat whines. All at the sight of me. The sounds she’d make with me inside her...

I push her back and waste no time in grabbing her legs. I spread them apart and then pull her to me. I’m rough when I have to be. And she made it impossible not to be.

“I need to hear you. Don’t hold back sweetheart. Because I won’t.” I said as I lined up with her. Her warm cunt soaking my tip. It was euphoric. I dived in before she could respond but she listened. Her choked scream and the way she wrapped around me making my dick twitch. She was so tight and warm. Her small body being fucked by me, someone twice her size. Her hips so small I had to grip hard to fuck into her how I needed to. Her movements of her hips doing everything as she tried to control her breathing. It was driving me crazy watching her body move and her voice tremble as I fucked her. I couldn’t help the way my rhythm faltered everytime it got to be too much. Every time she tightened around me to the point where I could cum. Every time I went so deep inside her that she screamed louder than the last. Everytime I brushed against her spot making her thighs try to close. It was all working for me. Every last bit of her was tearing me apart. Her nails dug into my wrists on her hips. Her pleads and cries of pleasure.

I took my time with her. Slowing down when she needed it. Speeding up when I felt like it. Fucking her and rubbing her clit until she shook. Only to stop and start again until she did it again. I could have went on for hours like that. Making her a mess as her screams bounced off my windows. Her screams so high pitched they could shatter the glass. But she couldn’t take it. She made me cum when she did. Her power of tightening around me and not letting me breath was more than I expected it to be. She had full control over me. Her eyes meeting mine as she did so. It’s like she knew I was done for. Like she knew this was her time to make me cum. Her tight pussy only getting tighter making me cum inside her. I came a lot inside her.

I couldn’t catch my breath. I pulled out and let my cum fall from her hole into my seats. I didn’t care. It was a sight to see. She sat up and more spilled out of her. She grabbed my face and pulled me to hers. Her lips grazing mine in a smirk.

“I think you’ve claimed your prize. But I’m non refundable.” she smirked. I let out a breath. I don’t know what I was expecting but that wasn’t it.

“So what does that mean exactly? Don’t start using code now. You’re always so blunt.” I said honestly as I grabbed her face with one hand. I needed her to say what she meant. Say it to me.

“I’m yours.” she said looking into my eyes. Cars speeding by as their headlights passed on her face. The sound dull under the thudding of my heartbeat.

She’s mine.

[tangodancerxxxmumu]

meet... niobe bulstrode ( the prince of demons, asmodeus )

age: 25 / ageless

pronouns: she / her

birthplace: gerrard’s cross, england, uk

species: demon ( former banshee )

sexuality: bisexual ( demiromantic )

occupation: none

faceclaim: margaret qualley

&. “you have my permission not to love me; i am a cathedral of deadbolts and i’d rather burn myself down than change the locks.” --rachel mckibbens, “letter from my brain to my heart”

under the cut are multiple triggers, including ( tw death, tw grief, tw loss, tw violence, tw depression ). if i seem to have missed anything, please let me know.

niobe was born into moderate wealth in a town in south buckinghamshire. ( ironically, given her last name, near bulstrode park itself ). the only girl, middle child stuck inbetween a set of twin older brothers and a baby brother, she never quite found her footing in her family or the world at large. whatever her mother had wanted in her daughter, niobe was anything but. even as a child, the girl was rambunctious, short-tempered, and had an obsessive need to prove herself beyond her brothers. she rejected femininity, possibly because her mother endorsed it so heavily. there was, however, one way in which the mother and daughter could relate--they were both banshees.

her father had wanted all sons. while her older brothers pleased him, he wanted more. sons brought with the family power, carried on the bulstrode name. despite this, niobe was her father’s favorite child, and he remarked one day that she would’ve made a better son than a daughter. after that, niobe took on several more masculine traits–independence, leadership within her groups, an assertive nature that didn’t go unnoticed, arrogance.

it wasn’t until she was six years old that she met someone who truly understood her--corban, the son of a family friend. while he’d initially been brought in to befriend her older brothers, the pair of them clearly hit it off right away. they spent most of their time together, writing to each other when they were apart. niobe had never been fanciful about emotions and didn’t use the term lightly, but believed they were soulmates. she even told him about her abilities, and while she was sure he didn’t believe her, he didn’t mock her or run.

the older she got, the more her mother desperately wanted to make her look more... presentable to society. after all, her friends would have lavish parties, and she couldn’t parade her daughter around if her daughter refused to wear dresses and smile prettily. there became this routine where niobe would be allowed to dress as she wishes at home, at the boarding school they went to... but her mother would make her dress up to leave the house. niobe felt like a joke in the outfits, and a burning rage began to grow in her. she started getting into fights at school, at home, in public... anywhere. corban usually joined in, though she learned she was much better with her fists than him. no matter. she’d do a good chunk of the damage, and he’d be backup.

as niobe grew, so did her love of sports--soccer, specifically. she practiced every day, learned tactics, eventually trying out for teams. she ended up making a professional british league at twenty one. her mother wanted her to go to university and meet a nice man. her father, as much as he loved his daughter, wanted his wife happy. it caused a huge fight, and, in the dead of the night, niobe packed a bag, grabbed corban from his house, and the pair of them left. their families begged for them to return, but they’d long decided that all they needed to get by was each other.

the shitty flat they were living in was worth it for the freedom it gave them. corban was able to bring home men and women without judgement, and niobe was able to dress as she wished and come into her own more. the fights still happened, but less frequently. more often, they were provoked. they were happy, for a change. she’d been training her banshee abilities with her mother while she was younger, and occasionally she’d receive a text from the woman begging her to come home so she could continue, but she never did. being a banshee... never fit in with the plan.

two years after running off, niobe and corban were celebrating his twenty-fourth birthday by bar hopping, just the pair of them. around two in the morning, they decided to walk back to their apartment, taking a shortcut through their typical alley. normally, it was empty, but that night, a few men had been waiting for them. men they’d fought before. men who were angry. they were in no state for a fair fight, and they were outnumbered. it didn’t take long before two men were restraining niobe, the other two knocking corban around until he was on the ground. they kept hitting him, and hitting him, and this strange feeling was flooding niobe’s body. this awful sort of energy... then they began to bash his skull in against the concrete. she shrieked, this inhuman wail that made the men let go of her, and as they ran off, she knew her friend was gone. she’d felt it. 

niobe became a mere shell of herself after that night. she stopped leaving the apartment, not for practice or anything. she was kicked off of the team, which should’ve hurt, but she felt nothing. nothing but this ebb and flow of intense sorrow to intense apathy... and then back. she’d always been thin, but she lost her muscle, her definition. she spent hours in his room, staring at the art on the walls. she cried until she shook, then wailed until her voice was sore, but nothing helped. she could remember how it felt when he died. and it went on for months, this pain. the better part of a year she spent, losing herself... until a dark witch showed up.

if this were anyone else’s story, perhaps the witch that showed up might have taken advantage of her state. perhaps, in another tale, the witch would’ve heard about her and played her for a fool. but niobe... she was ready to be gone. she’d found the witch, a darker one, begging her to let something else take control. she wanted power, wanted to be rid of this grief... she didn’t want to think about corban anymore. and the witch took pity on her, invoking a powerful demon to inhabit her body as niobe, for the first time in almost a year, smiled.

asmodeus was the prince of demons, and an ancient being. biblical. he was the very snake that seduced eve into eating the apple in eden. he’s a demon of wrath, of sex, of prophecies, of treasures. married to the demon lilith, his wife. the demon found a sort of beauty as he possessed niobe, one he hadn’t seen in a while. a sad poetry to the tragic greek name. as the pair fused, niobe fading within herself, he decided to take on the persona.

niobe hasn’t been within herself for years, but that’s what she wanted. the demon within her has adopted her body, her identity, her sex. she eventually settled in bellport, maine, drawn by the magnetic pull of the small town. now, she’s exploring. niobe isn’t home, but you wouldn’t know that looking at her.

[ahsokadrabbles]

𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫'𝐬 𝐞𝐯𝐞 [tony stark x plussize!reader]

request:  I was hoping you could make me a story for tony and a chubby reader who was shy around him and he picks her up and she freaks out afraid to hurt him and she gets real embarrassed and runs away and he finds her after like 5 mins and helps her feel better?

warnings: body confidence issues, overall pretty fluffy!

word count: 2,360

It was New Year's Eve at the Avenger's base and everyone was looking forward to attending one of Tony Stark's extravagant parties, except for you. You were one of the more reserved Avengers and you weren't much of a party animal. You never went to any of his big celebrations and always made sure you had a way to get out of the base on the nights he was throwing them. This time it seemed as if Tony was finally catching on to your plan. "Good morning, Y/N." Tony slyly greeted, well aware of what he was doing as he dropped an envelope in front of your bowl of oatmeal. "What's this?" You asked, laughing softly as you traced your fingertips over the ornate seal that held the envelope together. "Why don't you open it and see?" The brunette man said from the other side of the counter as he sipped orange juice straight from the carton which you scolded him for before opening up the letter. "Oh," You hummed, feeling your stomach tie itself in knots at the words printed on the page. "New Years Eve party, huh?" "Well, I kept thinking about how you've never been to one of my parties and how you always have something to do," He explained, the same playful, fox-like grin on his handsome face. "So I just wrote you an invitation, special, just for you, Miss Y/N. Now you have to come!" "Thank you, Tony, but-" You managed to stammer out before he cut you off. "Nope, you're gonna go no ifs, ands, or buts about it!" He exclaimed, playfully holding a finger out towards your lips. "Fine," You huffed, your face flushed bright red at how adamant he was about you going. "Wear something pretty, young lady!" He called out as he walked out of the kitchen and down the hall. "Ah, shit." You grumbled to yourself. You were in deep this time.

That afternoon you went out with Natasha to go dress shopping. Out of all of your coworkers, Nat was one of the people you knew you could truly call a friend, besides Tony, but you thought a little more of him. You could tell her anything and she'd listen so carefully and when you asked for advice she was always honest. Not only was she honest and a good listener, but she was also uplifting, and suddenly, she also thought she was a celebrity stylist. "Are you sure about this, Nat?" You asked, looking at the sparkly gold dress she was holding up with uncertainty. "Positive." She said, holding the dress up against your frame. "Go try it on!" You sighed and took the dress out of her hands, walking into the place you dreaded the most; the fitting room. There were one too many times you could recall of you being younger and sitting in there crying when something wouldn't fit. You had grown up now and knew that the size of your jeans didn't define you as a person, but you still got a bad feeling every time you stepped foot into a fitting room. You shimmied out of your clothes and slipped into the dress that to your surprise fit like glove.

"Did you get it on okay?" Nat asked from the other side of the door. "Yeah," You called out, smoothing the sparkly gold fabric out against you. The dress was definitely out of your comfort zone and drew attention to places you normally wouldn't want people looking. The top half was flowy and low cut, showing a tasteful amount of cleavage but it was more than you'd ever want people to see of you. The bottom half was more fitted and cinched to your waist, but it flared out towards the bottom and gave one of those so-called 'hourglass effect' popular magazines always raved about. "Are you going to come out of there?" She laughed, a head of red hair suddenly poking beneath the door as she tried to sneak a peek. "Hold on, pervert." You giggled, happy that you had your friend to lighten the mood. "Be honest, okay?" You said, a hand resting on the lock of the door. "When am I not?" She replied. You unlocked the door and stepped out, earning a gasp from Natasha. "Is it bad?" You winced, scrunching your face up at her shocked expression. "Y/N it's perfect!" She exclaimed. "I feel like I look like a lampshade, and it's a little itchy." You replied, tugging on the fabric. "Don't be a baby, it's just for the night." The redhead huffed. "This is the one, let's go check out!"

That night, you and all the other girls crammed into Natasha's room to do each other's makeup. For the first time in a while, you truly felt confident. Normally, it felt as if you were just getting by as if you and your body were just coexisting, but tonight you fell in love with yourself. You were laughing and smiling harder than you ever had and the party hadn't even started yet. Before you all went downstairs, Wanda wanted to get a picture of the whole group and for the first time in forever, you were excited to have a picture taken of your whole body. Once everyone applied the finishing touches to their makeup, you all headed downstairs. "Well, would you look who it is!"Tony exclaimed, coming up behind you and putting a hand on your shoulder. Being touched always caught you off guard and made you feel a little self-conscious, but you managed to keep your cool and carefully shrug out of his grasp. "Hey, Tony." You greeted, turning around to meet him with a smile. "Aren't you happy you came? Oh, do you want a drink?" He was moving faster than you could even think and before you knew it a flute of champagne was in your grasp. "Hey, Y/N!" Rhodey greeted, walking up to stand beside you. Standing beside Tony seemed to attract you quiet the crowd as a few other Avenger's joined into the group too. "How are you liking your first Stark party?" "It's great! I'm having a really good time actually." You replied, laughing softly as you sipped on your champagne. Rhodey's eyes kept shifting back from Tony to you as if he knew something you didn't. "Tony, there are a few guests here I don't think Y/N has met yet, why don't you go introduce her?" He said, his tone sounding almost staged. "Great idea, Rhodey!" The shorter man replied with the same awkward enthusiasm.

Tony paraded you around the room, introducing you to his colleagues as if you were a world-famous celebrity. "And this is the guest of honor, Y/N. Y/N these are our very own, Guardian's of the Galaxy." He said, gesturing towards an odd array of guests, the strangest being a raccoon. "I've never met a rodent in a suit before." You whispered to Tony as you walked away, earning a laugh from him. "Well, if you had come to my parties before maybe you would've met them already." He teased, his hand lingering on the exposed small of your back just long enough to bring out your nerves. You thought all the alcohol Tony was pumping into you would've given you otherworldly confidence, but now you were just flushed and nervous. Thankfully, he was too drunk to get offended by you slipping from his grasp for the second time that night. It's not that you didn't like Tony, it was that you did like Tony and you didn't want him feeling you up and then realizing that you weren't his type after all. Saving yourself the embarrassment of being turned down was worth missing out on what could've been in your eyes.

The night carried on and the clock ticked closer to midnight. You planned on getting out of there a few minutes after midnight as your nerves were starting to become more than you could handle. You were sat with Carol Danvers and the Guardians from earlier, listening to their space adventures, when Tony called for everyone's attention. "As most of you know, I like to take a picture with the guests who attended my New Year's Eve party every year. So if you know the drill do me a favor and help get everyone together." Everyone began to shift and stand and head towards the staircase where the picture was taken every year. You only knew this because one of the halls in the base was completely lined with photos of that same staircase with a different year engraved into the frame. "Stand beside me, guest of honor?" Tony asked, flashing you that million dollar smile that just melted your heart. "Of course." You bashfully replied, letting him take your hand and guide you towards the front of the group. "On three!" The photographer said, beginning to count down. On two, Tony swept you up into his arms and you gasped quietly, wrapping your arms around his neck. You forced a smile as the camera flashed even though all you wanted to do was run away out of embarrassment. "I-I didn't hurt you did I?" You worriedly asked as Tony put you back on the ground. "No, not at-" You had already darted off towards the bathroom as a tide of shame swept over you. As you quickly walked down the hall, the sounds of the party began to fade and the light grew dimmer. You were beneath a great wave now, all the sounds around you were muffled and soft and everything was dark and blurred from the tears in your eyes that threatened to spill over. "What's wrong with me?" You groaned, burying your head in your hands. You made yourself look like a complete fool and your chances with Tony had been squashed. You thought you had blown it.

You walked to the bathroom and shut the door behind you. Disregarding your makeup, you splashed cold water onto your face. You were floating back up to the surface now and the tide was receding. Your breathing began to steady as you sat yourself down onto the toilet seat, tiredly rubbing your temples. It felt like hours had passed when a quiet knock sounded from the other side of the door. "Y/N, are you in there?" Tony asked, his ear pressed against the door to see if he could hear your breathing. "Yeah," You called out, your voice hoarse from talking over the music all night long. He opened up the door which you had failed to lock and came inside, undoing his tie and unbuttoning a few buttons on his shirt. "It's hotter than hell out there." He huffed, tossing the strip of fabric onto the counter. "You okay?" "I've been better, to be honest." You sighed, looking up at him and biting your lip. It was quiet while he thought out his next words. "Do you want to tell me what's wrong or...?" "There's nothing you can really do about it unless your superpower is undoing years of trauma." You joked, a soft smile playing on his handsome face. "Well, if it makes you feel better, I too have years of trauma under my belt." He replied, sitting on the edge of the bathtub and looking over at you. "Exactly, and it makes me seem like a joke." You sighed. "Hey, everybody's trauma is valid. You wanna talk about it?" Tony offered. "Well, mine doesn't involve being kidnapped by terrorists or having to fight aliens so don't get too excited. I just hate myself. Plain and simple." "Oh," The brunette said. "Straight to the point, I like it." You laughed and shook your head. "Can you take anything seriously, Stark?" "Sure, but how am I gonna make you feel any better by sitting here and brooding along side of you? Somebody's got to do some smiling around here." He poked the side of your face, causing you to break out into a grin. "I just felt so embarrassed about you picking me up. I try to hide the way I look and when people touch me I worry they can tell what I'm hiding underneath all of this." You sighed, gesturing towards the sparkling dress covering your body. "I'm trying to get better and trying to learn to love myself, but it's just so hard." You broke down, a single tear slipping down your cheek. "Hey, hey, don't get too sappy on me now," Tony said. You caught him off guard when you wrapped your arms around him and squeezed tight. "Can we just stay like this for a bit?" You meekly whispered into his ear. He didn't reply, he just smoothed your hair out against your back and held you just as tight. "I just wish you saw what I saw," Tony said softly, holding you out in front of him. "You're a beautiful, brilliant, and strong woman. You blow me away every day and I'm so thankful I get to be around you." You blushed hard and brought your eyes down to the floor. "Your body doesn't define who you are, okay? This defines you." He said, poking the side of your chest where your heart was. "And this." He poked your head, motioning towards your brain. "I know what I think about you shouldn't really matter and that this is all up to you, but you don't need to change, I think you're perfect."

"Happy New Year!" The cheers of Tony's guests rang down the halls. "Shit, I made you miss it! I'm sor-" Suddenly, his mouth was against yours. He was a gentle kisser but moved with skill. None of the late nights you spent thinking about this very moment could prepare you for this. "The only thing we missed was the glitter cannon." He said, pulling away from you and grinning. "Glitter cannon? You're kidding right?" You giggled. "Nope, but this was even better than one hundred glitter cannons and fireworks, and I love fireworks." He noted. "You're such a dork." You said, unable to wipe the grin off of your face. "I know."