#honey x aster

[teabiscs]

low effort, low quality, chaotic yuri, shitpost

regina is just happy to be here, while the other two lesbeans share a moment

[paperultra]

aries and the turtle.

Pairing: OPLA!Vinsmoke Sanji x Fem!Reader Word Count: 1,169 words Warnings: None

asterism (noun): a group of stars; a constellation; a cluster of stars

The first thought that comes to Sanji’s mind when he sees you curled up on the kitchen floor, rummaging through the box of herbs and spices, is that you’re the single most beautiful creature he’s ever laid eyes on.

“Darling,” he says softly, leaning against the doorframe and smiling a bit when you startle, “you could’ve woken me up if you wanted a midnight snack.”

“O-Oh! Um.” Your voice colors the gentle calm of night into something warmer – and like always, he’s drawn to it like a moth to a flame, walking over and squatting down next to you as you scramble to put back a jar of paprika. “I’m sorry, Sanji, I – er, well, um …”

“What are you looking for? I’ll help you.”

Under the yellow glow of the lantern, you seem to shrink. You duck your head and mumble into the collar of your pretty nightshirt. “That chamomile and lavender tea you made a couple nights ago …” you begin hesitantly. “I wanted to make some.” Your voice quiets further. “I can’t sleep.”

Sanji frowns, angling his head to catch a glimpse of your face. You do look a little more haggard than normal, your eyelids heavy, your shoulders burdened. His heart aches. How long had you laid in your hammock, tossing and turning, until you couldn’t stand it anymore?

“I see,” he murmurs. “Let’s make that tea right away, then, shall we?”

Sanji quickly finds the flowers and some lemon rinds he had sun-dried last week. You insist on helping at least a little bit despite his protests for you to just relax, fetching two teacups and setting some water on the stove to boil as he measures the right amount of each ingredient to put into the infuser.

Once the water is ready, steam billowing up past your heads and to the ceiling, he pours it into the teapot and covers it to steep.

(You don’t say anything while the two of you wait, and although Sanji yearns to coax a smile and a sweet conversation from you, he contents himself with the silence as well, which is just as sweet. You sneak glances at him every once in a while, though. He knows because he does the same, and the attention sends a thrill through his chest.)

Time passes. He pours the tea – first for you, then for him.

“Tell me when.” The silence breaks once more as Sanji spoons some honey into your cup.

“That’s good.”

He stirs the tea up, hands it to you. You blow across the top of it and then take a sip as he watches attentively.

“How does the madam like it?” he asks.

You exhale and meet his eyes for a split second before quickly looking away. A small smile touches your lips. “It’s perfect,” you reply from behind the cup. “Thank you, Sanji.”

Warmth stains his cheeks a gentle pink.

“The sky is clear tonight,” he ventures hopefully as he adds two teaspoons of honey for himself. He picks up his cup and gestures at the open door. “Stars and tea pair well together, if you have an appetite for it.”

You bite your bottom lip. His gaze immediately darts down to it, and he swallows, throat suddenly dry.

“Sure,” you whisper.

And so Sanji gains another precious sliver of time with you. Elbows resting on the railing, hot tea and your presence protecting him from the cold, he stands out on the deck of the Going Merry and tilts his head back to look up at the sky.

He knows how much you love the stars. They are one of the few topics you can talk about without your usual shyness, and he thinks of you every time he sees them, pinpricks of pure light shining through the darkness, guiding weary sailors home. Sometimes he thinks you must have been one yourself, carried down from the heavens. Ethereal. Out of reach.

“This time of year,” you say, and Sanji turns his attention over to the stars reflected in your eyes, “you can see my constellation.”

“Yours?” he questions.

“Yes. Those three stars over there.” Your arm stretches out to point at something on the left, your finger tracing an arc in the sky. “In my home village, parents dedicate their newborns to a constellation three days after birth. Mine dedicated me to the turtle.”

A turtle. That fits you incredibly well, he thinks to himself fondly, considering your quiet tenacity. “How come?”

“Turtles represent good luck and a long life.”

“I see. Well, do you think you’ve had good luck so far in life?”

You hum thoughtfully, looking down into your tea.

“I think so,” you say after some time, hushed. “I’m here, aren’t I?”

A chuckle escapes him. “I would argue that you’re the one who’s brought good luck to us, sweetheart.”

You bite back a smile and whisper a small ‘oh’ as he gently bumps your shoulder with his own. Even now, you’re unused to compliments, but no matter; he’ll praise you at every turn until you finally realize you deserve every word of it.

There’s a brief period of silence before he asks, “What do you think my constellation would be?”

“Your constellation?” It doesn’t take long at all before you reply, pointing upward into a spread of stars that he could never even begin to puzzle out, “The ram. Some call it Aries.”

“What does it mean?”

This question seems to fluster you. You cough and stammer for a few seconds. He sips his tea, the beverage sweet and floral on his tongue as he waits.

“Rams … are artists at heart,” you finally say, glancing over at him. Your eyes, normally wary and somber, glitter. “They’re strong and passionate, but also gentle and kind.”

Oh.

Sanji can feel a blush creeping up his neck to his cheeks. God. Surely, you’ll be the death of him, saying something like that so honestly and with eyes that look like that. He’d move heaven and earth for you if you asked.

“I’ll dedicate my life to living up to those qualities,” he breathes once he can speak again. “Just as much as you’ll live up to yours.”

You take a sharp breath.

“You already do,” he hears you whisper.

And Sanji truly, truly cannot resist anymore.

Your name leaves his lips. He reaches out, hand departing from the dying heat of the teacup and seeking out yours.

You do not pull away when his fingertips brush your cool skin over the railing; instead, you let him turn your hand over until palm touches palm, until the spaces between his fingers are filled with your own and his heart beats to the rhythm of yours.

Sanji squeezes your hand, and every cell in his body begs to falter and fall at your feet.

You rest your head on his shoulder.

The tea cools. But the stars remain as brilliant as ever, and your hand stays warm in his, and everything – everything is beautiful.

[papiliotao]

꒰ 𝒔𝒂𝒚 𝒊𝒕 𝒃𝒂𝒄𝒌 !! ✩࿐

pairings: albedo, alhaitham, childe, cyno, heizou, kazuha, scaramouche, and xiao x gn!reader (separate)

content: fluff, very light angst in xiao’s and childe’s (they still ends with fluff though), kissing, established relationship

summary: in which your boyfriend tells you that he loves you, but instead of returning his sentiments, you decide to mess with him by not saying it back.

a/n: i said that i’d post soon like two weeks ago... oops. nonetheless, i hope you have fun reading this!

₊˚ପ ALBEDO

“What’s the matter?” Albedo asks, tilting his head slightly as the words fall from the tip of his tongue. Vivid teal eyes fill with hints of concern that dance through his irises loftily in a flurry of iridescent petals.

Albedo is worried, but he doesn’t want to make a big deal out of nothing. For now, he’ll test the waters of an unexplored ocean and scope out the situation, hoping that he’s just reading too much into things.

“Nothing,” you answer, tilting your head innocently as if you don’t have a clue what Albedo’s talking about.

Your boyfriend is perplexed, but he’s not an idiot. He’s often been regarded as a genius, and he’s spent almost as much time reading the sentimental words engraved into your heart as he has conducting his experiments. Albedo is absolutely captivated by you because you never fail to leave him fascinated and awe-struck. So naturally, he’s managed to pick up on all your subtle habits and all your strange quirks.

And right now, the expression on your face tells him that something is off. A missing brushstroke on a panoramic painting. A sour note in an otherwise enchanting composition. A sparkling daydream where you feel just a little too lucid.

You know exactly what he’s talking about. You’re just feigning ignorance.

Now all Albedo has to do is figure out why.

“I see,” he whispers under his breath in a tone so soft that even a light breeze would whisk his words off to neverland.

Albedo’s gaze remains fixated on you, his eyebrows scrunched and eyes narrowed.

Then a barely-audible chuckle leaves your lips. You stifle it in an instant, but Albedo has committed the melodic sound of your laugh to memory.

And suddenly everything makes sense.

You’re trying to get a reaction out of him, but sadly for you, you seem to have forgotten one key detail. Albedo is used to solving issues in a calm manner, his temperament akin to aquatic drafts that gently caress the surface of a crystal ocean. Cool and controlled.

“Ah, I understand now,” he says, and your eyes widen. The expression on your face rivals the beauty of a night sky dotted with various asterisms. You’re utterly ethereal. The corners of Albedo’s lips turn up, graced with a smile that shines with the light of a million stars. “You thought you could fool me, but unfortunately, you just gave yourself away.”

A pause. The tension within the air thaws, and the atmosphere becomes light-hearted once more.

“I’m not mad,” he clarifies, staring you dead in the eye, “but I would, however, appreciate it if you could make it up to me.”

₊˚ପ ALHAITHAM

Alhaitham is unfazed.

He sees right through you. You didn’t seriously think this was going to work on him, right? It didn’t take him long to get used to your antics when you first got together, and although you haven’t tried to play as many pranks on him as of late, it’s difficult to erase the devious grin you don whenever you’re up to something from his mind. Nor has the sly look in your eyes slipped from his memory.

Your boyfriend’s ability to read you is almost prophetic — a prediction of the future, yet no stars are read and no omens are required. He makes his predictions based on logic and logic alone.

And unfortunately for you, you don’t possess the same capabilities.

When you ignore Alhaitham’s honeyed words, turning your back to walk away with a coldness reminiscent of the farthest outreaches of the galaxy, he simply shrugs it off and heads to your living room to read a book. He sinks comfortably into a plush armchair, knowing full well that you’ll be back in no time.

Just four pages in, and Alhaitham hears the sound of footsteps echoing down the hallways, filling your shared home with a familiar sort of music. It’s only a few more seconds before he feels a tap on his shoulder — a touch that brings him back to reality entirely, away from the realm of scholarly pursuits.

“Is there anything you need?” Alhaitham asks, meeting your gaze with eyes tinted a turquoise found only in the most pristine of diamond waters. He remains as stoic as ever, not allowing so much as a single hint of emotion to show through his front.

You stare at him, dumbfound, for a few moments. Alhaitham knows what you’re thinking. He’s normally so observant — nothing ever slips past him, and yet this time, he failed to acknowledge the fact that you didn’t respond to his ‘I love you’. Besides that, it’s rather rare for Alhaitham to allow those words to leave his lips in the first place. He prefers to reserve them for tender moments, times where it feels like the only beings present in the vast universe are the two of you. You expected him to be more alert, and yet, Alhaitham has subverted all your expectations.

And it’s all part of his plan.

But then your eyes widen, filling with a light signaling that you’ve just experienced an epiphany. Alhaitham can tell that you’ve realized what he’s up to, and that your little scheme has backfired entirely.

“About earlier,” you start, assuming that Alhaitham already knows what you’re referring to.

Alhaitham smiles.

“What about it?” he questions you, acting oblivious even though both of you know Alhaitham would never be that clueless.

“You acted like you didn’t notice on purpose, didn’t you?” You’re pouting, but your irritation is clearly feigned. Alhaitham knows you like the back of his hand, and although messing with you produces some entertaining results, he would never go so far as to hurt you.

A rare smile graces Alhaitham’s face, as stunning as vivid ribbons of celestial light that compose an illustrious aurora. He’s not typically one to express emotion, but he can’t help himself. You’re just far too irresistible, and if there’s one thing he has a soft spot for, it’s you.

“My apologies,” he speaks in his usual calm tone. “I just couldn’t help myself — not when I knew I’d be able to bear witness to such an adorable display of anger.”

₊˚ପ CHILDE

The silence that hangs in the air is tangible — a thick veil of unspoken words, all consolidated into glacial fractals that cause the atmosphere to glaze over. An icy sort of tension permeates the moment, crystallizing the ambience and morphing it into something fragile.

And everything shatters when your boyfriend speaks.

“[Name],” he frowns, gazing at you with periwinkle hues devoid of illumination. He sighs, swallowing his pride. “Say it back. Please.”

A blank look fills your eyes, morphing once-lively galaxies into monochromatic jumbles of nonsense. For once, Childe can’t tell what you’re thinking, and that scares him. Either you’re messing with him, and you’re an exceptionally good actor, or you’re being serious.

“Say what back?” you say, cluelessness filling your tone filling your tone.

Childe is dumbfounded. It’s true that he tells you he loves you quite often, but he didn’t think that you’d become so accustomed to it that his words would no longer hold any weight. Although he finds it slightly odd, he supposes that even the most precious of glittering gemstones becomes mundane when fortune is the norm. But that doesn’t mean he’s any less disappointed.

“You really can’t tell?” he sighs yet again. He averts his gaze, looking anywhere but at you.

You shake your heart, and yet as you do, he catches a subtle flash of gilded lightning flash through your irises, setting your expression ablaze with hints of mischief. It vanishes as quickly as it appeared, but Childe knows what he saw. The initial melancholy that gripped his heart with cold fingers borne of frost dissipates, and in its place, amusement arises.

Silence. Shock. Disbelief.

And then he bursts out in a fit of sonorous laughter, the sheer volume of each chuckle rivalling that of an intense tempest.

Your eyes widen. It seems that you didn’t expect to be found out, but Childe has known you for long enough to be able to read your emotions. He’s spent an eternity exploring every nuance of your personality — every subtlety and every quirk, the good, the bad, and the ugly. And he loves every part of you.

That’s why he never fails to express his adoration whenever the opportunity is presented in evanescent moments like these. Although times like these sound like they’d be rare, they’re not when he’s by your side. Every second is filled with bliss, and despite the instances where azure skies are painted a dull grey and sapphire oceans turn tumultuous, he always knows that everything will be alright.

“I should have known,” he says. “You were just teasing me.”

Busted.

In less than a minute, your boyfriend has exposed all your plans, and you have no choice but to admit defeat.

“I was,” you admit, hanging your head.

Childe laughs, but once he settles down, he cups your chin in one hand and lifts your head to meet his gaze. With a surprising amount of tenderness, he closes the distance between your lips. Inch by inch.

You lean in as well. Time slows, and he forgets how to breathe. Even though he was the one who initiated the kiss, he finds you utterly enchanting. The beating of his heart speeds up, becoming erratic, desperate for the sensation of your soft lips pressed against his.

And then it happens. Although Childe had been looking for a verbal affirmation of love, this is even better. Fireworks seem to burst in the edges of his vision, painting the world in vivid shades of phosphorescent crimson and rose.

₊˚ପ CYNO

“Say it back. There’s no need to continue on with this prank of yours because cy-no you’re only joking,” he says. His voice is as monotone as ever, as tranquil as cerulean seas beneath a sky dotted with snowy white clouds.

His words provoke no response from you. You simply stare at him, too shocked to speak.

“Do you get it? Because Cyno is my name, and ‘cy’ sounds a little bit like ‘I’ while ‘no’ sounds like ‘know’.”

Cyno watches as your features scrunch in a twist of disbelief, embarrassment, and fear. He internally chuckles, secretly delighting in the adorable expression adorning your face.

Your reactions are always priceless, worth more than the most precious of gold and the most luxurious of diamonds. Because basking in the splendor of your smile is true opulence.

“Okay, okay,” you giggle, the embers of mischief within your eyes flickering, “you win. Please stop with the puns. I can’t take it anymore.” Your tone is playful, light.

The corners of Cyno’s lips turn up slightly as a smile graces his features. He’s well aware that your exasperation is feigned — nothing more than an exaggeration fabricated in order to tease him a little. Besides, if you didn’t like his sense of humour, you wouldn’t even be dating him right now.

“Victory is mine,” Cyno speaks triumphantly in a tone full of a hyperbolic sort of grandeur.

He feels light-hearted for the first time in a while, and it’s in that moment, that fraction of a second, that Cyno realizes something.

Your presence is liberating.

When he’s with you, he’s free from the troubles of daily life. With you, the responsibilities that go hand-in-hand with his status are put on hold, allowing him some time to truly experience what it’s like to be unburdened. With you, he’s not the General Mahamatra, one of the most renowned figures within Sumeru. 

He’s just Cyno.

He feels his grin widen as he opens his mouth to speak once more.

“I love you,” he repeats his words from earlier, his tone one of pure adoration and bliss. The beating of his heart picks up, setting a new tempo that seems just right for the moment, a perfect backing for a myriad of silent declarations.

That seems to do the trick because you admit defeat without hesitation and utter the same words back with an extra one following in tandem.

“I love you too.”

₊˚ପ HEIZOU

“Oh? Do you not love me anymore?” Heizou confronts the problem head-on, feigning sadness. A smirk spreads across his face when he sees your confused expression, but he manages to erase it in an instant, deceiving even the eyes of his partner.

You should have known better than to play a prank of this sort on him. After all, Heizou’s always been one to turn your tricks against you.

As soon as your eyes widen and your jaw drops, Heizou knows that he’s won. To his relief, you don’t notice the way his verdant pools of peridot sparkle with mischief. You’re too absorbed in your panic to sense that anything is off.

He has to continuously stifle bouts of laughter. Heizou finds your reactions slightly too cute.

“N-No! I didn’t mean it like that!” you blurt out in a tone laced with desperation. “I’m sorry. I should have known that you would have noticed something was off. You’re always so perceptive,” you speak sheepishly, averting your gaze. “I just wanted to see how you’d react if I didn’t say it back…”

Heizou chuckles.

“You’re too cute, darling,” he muses, staring you straight in the eyes. “Fortunately for you, my intuition told me that you were just messing with me.”

You groan.

“Of course you figured it out,” you sigh.

Heizou can’t help but mentally agree. He’s already used to solving mysteries, and the fact that the two of you are so close doesn’t quite work to your advantage. Your boyfriend knows you like the back of his hand, and unfortunately for you, he enjoys the thrill of piecing together the puzzles you craft in an attempt to elicit reactions from him.

“I think I deserve a reward for cracking this case,” he says, pointing a finger at his lips.

When Heizou sees your eyes light up, glowing with the opalescent radiance of a nebula, he knows he’s about to get what he wants.

With one quick movement, you lean in nervously to place a shy kiss on Heizou’s lips, clearly still embarrassed by your failure. When you pull away, you take a few steps backwards before gazing deep into your boyfriend’s eyes. In that moment, Heizou realizes that the sentiments swirling through your irises — feelings embodied by the warm hues of a dying sunset — are nothing but sincere.

₊˚ପ KAZUHA

Kazuha knows you’re teasing him. From the subtle grin you’re trying to hide to the mischievous light dancing within your star-flecked irises, it’s not difficult to discern that you’re teasing him.

But despite everything, he decides to play along.

“I love you,” he repeats, gently taking your hand in his. He plants a gentle kiss on the back of your hand, a charming habit more than a calculated measure.

Kazuha glances up at you and smiles — a gentle expression that lights up your day with rays of golden sunshine. In a single flash, your cheekiness vanishes, and instead, an awestruck gaze paints itself across your face.

Kazuha suppresses a giggle. Far too often, he finds himself enamoured with you, especially when you’re flustered. He attempts to memorize the sight before him, engraving every dip and curve of your facial features into his memories.

You’re just far too endearing for him to resist, and besides, you’re his muse. Kazuha isn’t exactly sure how he knows it, but somehow, he’s certain that someday this moment will undergo a metamorphosis within a hall of crystallized memories, transforming from a fond recollection of the past to strings of eloquently phrased words — a haiku.

You look absolutely captivated by him, and although he didn’t intentionally try to send your heart into a frenzy of vivid daydreams and rose-tinted adoration, he’s glad you find him so attractive. A few seconds pass before you give in.

“I love you too,” you whisper breathlessly, grinning at Kazuha before leaving for the day. As soon as you’re out the door, Kazuha chuckles, eyes containing the essence of autumn mingling with a bright moonglow, swirling with amusement.

“I love you more.”

₊˚ପ SCARAMOUCHE

Scaramouche is confused, but he tries his best not to show it. He’s fairly certain that the two of you haven’t argued recently, so why is it that you’re not reciprocating his affections?

Although Scaramouche acts like he doesn’t care sometimes, he knows all your small habits. And as your lover, he finds it odd that you aren’t uttering those three powerful words back. That coupled with the fact that it’s rather difficult for him to express his feelings makes him desperate for a response.

“Are you forgetting something?” he grumbles, not wanting to seem too desperate. Deep down, his emotions cause whirlwinds of conflicting thoughts to swirl in his mind.

He watches as you blink — slowly, gradually as if you want to stretch seconds into eons. A frown etches itself into his forehead, and he feels irritation begin to overtake his heart. Storm clouds, tinted an ominous grey, overwhelm the ambience.

Finally, after what feels like forever, you shake your head.

“I don’t think so,” you tell him.

Scaramouche’s features twist into a pout, and he crosses his arms in front of his chest. Yet at the same time, your boyfriend is embarrassed beyond measure. He feels his cheeks heating up, and he’s absolutely sure that shades of pink reminiscent of a sunrise have begun to dust his pale cheeks.

“Fine,” he breathes out, rolling his eyes and turning away. “Forget it. I’ll see you tonight.” Scaramouche tries to brush it off casually, attempting to erase the odd experience from memory.

He want nothing more than to hear you say those three words back, but he’s far too proud to admit it.

He nearly walks away before he feels a firm grip on his shoulder.

“Wait,” you say. “I was just kidding.”

Scaramouche groans. He turns around in order to face you.

“How irritating,” he sighs. He brushes his hair, silken strands spun of midnight, away from in front of his eyes. Scaramouche can’t believe you were able to sense his vulnerability.

You giggle upon seeing Scaramouche’s grumpy face.

“You owe me for this,” he states.

“I know,” you whisper, stepping closer to him and leaning in.

Scaramouche feels his breath hitch, and before he knows what’s happening, the sensation of your warm lips against his overwhelms his senses. Sparks fly in the edges of his vision, and soon enough, a passionate fire is set ablaze in a grand display of crimson elation.

Although you didn’t say anything in response when he told you he loved you, your wordless exchange of adoration speaks volumes.

I love you.

₊˚ପ XIAO

Xiao sucks in a quiet breath as you turn away from him. It’s not often that he expresses his affection verbally, and the fact that you’re barely responding to his declaration of love is unnerving.

He looks down, strands of seafoam obscuring his gaze, blocking eyes of honeyed amber from your line of sight. However, he raises his head after only a few seconds, attempting to ignore the feeling of unease creeping up on him, freezing his very being with a subtle chill. It’s barely there — a pain nowhere near the sting of a frostbite — yet it still eats away at him, reminding him again and again that something is wrong.

But although Xiao wants to ask you if anything’s bothering you or if he did something to upset you, he can’t. Translating his emotions into words feels far too difficult, especially because in all honestly, this situation is probably no big deal — or so he tells himself. Your nonchalance contrasts with his overthinking, causing doubt to well up within his mind.

In the end, he allows you to leave, wallowing within an aquamarine sea of thoughts. The world has been painted a watercolour blue. Although he refuses to admit it, melancholy overtakes Xiao’s heart, as he’s now both confused and lost.

Did he upset you?

The idea doesn’t seem too outlandish. Xiao’s never been good at interpreting emotions or expressing them, and it’s one of his greatest insecurities as your boyfriend. He’s gotten better over time, but there are times where he still worries about being too oblivious to your feelings.

Unfortunately for Xiao, you’re out for the day, so there’s plenty of time for negative thoughts to ruminate in his mind, festering until they reach the point of becoming a soulless black hole, draining every bit of confidence from him.

As the skies outside the glass windows of your shared home begin to tint with a rosy blush, and a golden light paints the world in shades of ephemeral warmth, Xiao becomes restless. You’ll be back any moment, and then, he’ll have to face you. Anticipation causes his heart to beat in a frenzy as the minute of your arrival approaches.

And sure enough, you return at the exact time you always do.

As soon as you walk through the door, Xiao walks over to greet you, gauging your reactions. When you see him, the corners of your lips turn up in an ethereal smile, and the rest of your face lights up.

Your delighted expression takes Xiao aback. He didn’t expect such a pleasant greeting after the events of this morning, but he brushes it off, allowing a grin to dance across his features in tandem, reciprocating your look of absolute adoration.

“I missed you,” he whispers, stepping closer to you in order to gently take your hand in his.

To assure himself that you’re here in the moment. That nothing’s wrong.

He sighs contently when you don’t pull away. The solace of your intertwined fingers is akin to the tidings of a viridescent spring after countless days of pure white dusting a panoramic landscape. It’s a breath of fresh air after eons spent hyperventilating in the frigidness of a crystallized wasteland, silently fading away amongst seas of sparkling snow.

Xiao can finally breathe again.

And when he laters asks why you didn’t return the three precious words he uttered under his breath earlier that day, as the sun had just begun bathing the world in aureate light, your answer causes his face to heat up.

It was nothing more than a prank.

disappearing back into my gremlin cave for another fifty years now!! thank you so much for reading!

[selineram3421]

*is sleepy but wants fluff* Fuck it.

Soft Kisses

Alastor X Chubby Reader

Warnings? ⚠

⚠ small one shot, cuddles, kisses, fluff ⚠

Today was tiring.

Swamped with work like preparing for tomorrow's art activities, cleaning up the studio, putting away art tools, and having to help make dinner after.

Alastor had noticed and tried to get you to rest but you didn't want to leave all the work to him.

You almost fell asleep while cooking!

Good thing that you were able to catch yourself and finish up what you were making.

Then when everything was done, and Niffty taking care of the dishes. Alastor swept you up, carrying you over to your hotel room.

"Alastor! Put me down, I'm too heavy!", you panicked.

"Nonsense love! You're not heavy at all. Though you do need rest!", he smiled and pecked you on the cheek.

Once inside your room, he placed you down on the bed and laid you on your back.

"Now, don't lift a finger dear.", he said and started to take off your right shoe.

"Honey, really. I can get myself settled in.", you sighed and reached to take off your other shoe, but your hand was quickly snatched up and kissed.

You blushed.

"I told you not to lift a finger.", the deer demon grinned handsomely and kissed the inside of your wrist.

Then he helped you change into something comfortable before getting you under the covers. In seconds you felt yourself start to get sleepier.

"Take a nap darling. You've been up and down all day.", Alastor whispers before kissing your forehead.

As he turns to leave, you take hold of his hand. Looking back, he can see you're fighting sleep just to keep him there.

"Stay? I want to be next to you.", you ask.

"Of course love.", he says, taking off his coat and shoes before going under the covers to join you.

You sigh in content once you wrap your arms around each other, nuzzling your head against his chest as you get comfortable. He hums and rubs your back, kissing the top of your head as you do so.

Feeling a familiar claw finger lift your head up by your chin, you feel a soft kiss. You kiss back, but it's small repeated ones.

"Sleep well."

Is the last thing you hear before you let sleep take you.

*slow, slow blink* I'm tired and want cuddles. But I don't have my body pillow, so this is the best I'm going to get.

~Seline, the person.

Taglist@

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ML II for Alastor🎙️

[hollythius]

VANITY | vampire! genshin characters x reader

note | trying something new here! we’re going for multi-chapter, multiple characters x reader, and you get to choose your route! hopefully this goes as planned 😔 general trigger warnings for blood and biting in a (mostly) non-sexual manner.

SYNOPSIS | you receive a letter from a mysterious admirer, inviting you to an exquisite gala. when you arrive, you find various suitors waiting for you— but there’s a catch. they’re all vampires!

first chapter (you’re here!) / next / previous

Dear Y/n,

You have utterly captivated me. Your charms are like the sweetest incense, drawing me nearer like a moth to a flame. When our eyes meet, my heart erupts with joy in a way that words cannot describe. Simply writing to you makes my hands shake in wistful longing. The quill in my hand is as restless as I; and I hope my penmanship is legible. (It would be my worst shame to write to you and have you not be able to read it) Now allow me to get on with the real point of this letter.

I formally invite you to the Dawn Winery next Saturday evening to enjoy a delicious wine tasting and incredible live music. As it is a masquerade, please dress in appropriate attire. I propose a game to you as well— if you can spot me in the crowd, I’ll give you a sweet surprise.

Yours in secrecy,

Your secret admirer.

The love letters were new. You were used to odd trinkets: windwheel asters, berries, a honeyed ale or tasty biscuit. Never had you received such a flowery parchment. Flush rose to your cheeks, tinting them red as you stood on your doorstep. You shook your head, pushing back inside. Sure, it was true that sometimes you stayed awake at night, thinking of who could be behind the gifts. A rich nobleman? A sweet farmer’s son? A librarian, a fisherman, a baker? At times like these, you longed for the touch of your admirer. The country of Teyvat was large, but the incoming fesitival at the Dawn Winery drew in travelers months in advance. Your admirer could be from any reach of the nation! Could they be from your hometown of Mondstat, or the farthest reaches of Inazuma? You would have to find out yourself, should you attend the wine tasting.

Who were you kidding. You were already gathering money for a masquerade mask.

please reblog my work! i spend lots of time on my projects, and it really helps me out :) tagging @ilyuu and @hobieist bc they helped me finalize the ideas for this series!

[astermath]

uhhhh for daydreaming <3

[  NIPPLE  ]  *  your muse licks my muses’ nipples.

— @inkluvs / ivy

♡ aster's 1K celebration ♡

pairing: steve harrington x fem!reader

wc: 0.6K

tags: what the request says lol, thigh grinding, steve being a reassuring sweetheart, some body worship

Steve's kisses leave tingles wherever they meet your skin, soft grunts and words of appreciation being elicited from him whenever they part from your neck.

You were supposed to go out, but you'd been feeling so icky about yourself. The dress you were so excited to wear suddenly didn't look all that nice on you anymore, your hair wasn't cooperating, your makeup didn't look right. Everything was just... Off. So much so that you told Steve you didn't even want to go anymore.

He knew that wasn't true. You'd been raving about this party for days now, and he wasn't going to let your insecurities stop you from going. So, he did what he does best; worship you until you feel better.

You're sprawled out onto the bed, dress pulled down your chest and shuffled up your thighs to give him better access to your skin. He's hunched over you, leaving little love bites all over your neck, shoulders and collarbones.

"So pretty, you're so fuckin' pretty baby... 'M never gonna let you talk about yourself like that." He hates when you talk down on yourself, even though he knows you can't help it.

"Steeeeve..." His name comes out in a long whine, thighs squirming as his frame keeps them spread for him, the fabric of his jeans creating the perfect bit of friction for you to get off on.

"I mean it doll, I won't stop until all you can think about is how much I appreciate you..." He comes up to press a soft kiss to your lips. It's gentle, but assertive. He'll make you love yourself, even if it takes him getting you all stupid on his fingers and tongue, he wants those bad thoughts out.

"And you look so pretty in this dress too, fuck... S'a shame I was bound to take it off you sooner or later, hm?" His fingers trail over the lace on the edge of your bra. "Want me to take this off? Give these pretty tits some lovin' too?"

"Please..." You manage to get out, his thigh between your legs almost being enough to send you over the edge entirely. Steve had this way of consuming all your senses when he was with you like this. Even if you tried, you couldn't possibly think of anything else but your boyfriend.

He obliges, big hands sneaking behind your back, unclasping the last piece of cloth coming between your chest and his eager lips. It slides off your body so easily, discarded onto the wooden floor next to your shared bed.

"God..." He takes a moment to take in the sight of you, hand coming up to cup one of your breasts. "You're somethin' else, doll... You're somethin' special." He leans in, pressing a kiss between the valley of your tits, looking up at you with a loving gaze.

You feel a shiver go through your entire body at the sight of him like this. You know he loved looking at you when making you feel good. And you loved seeing him just as much.

He opens his mouth, tongue dragging from the underside of one of your tits, up to your nipple, giving it a kitten lick or two before closing his mouth around your nipple.

Your back arches off the mattress, hand gripping the pillow behind your neck, a soft whimper leaving your lips that only spurs him on further.

"Hm? You like that honey?" He asks, as if he can't tell.

"Yeah, keep... Keep doing that." You shift your hips, continuing to grind over his thigh. He nudges it further into you, making you gasp and clench over him.

"As you wish." He grins, going down to give the same attention to your other nipple.

Yeah, you've long forgotten about that party. Now you have better plans.

-

-

-

-

[the-iceni-bitch]

𝒯𝒽ℯ 𝒫𝓁𝒶𝓃ℯ𝓉𝓈 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝓉𝒽ℯ ℱ𝒶𝓉ℯ𝓈 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝒶𝓁𝓁 𝓉𝒽ℯ 𝒮𝓉𝒶𝓇𝓈 𝒜𝓁𝒾ℊ𝓃ℯ𝒹

Relationship: lawyer!amazon Natasha Romanoff x plus size!short female reader (Big Red and Peach)

Word Count: ~2.4k

Summary: It’s your birthday and Nat knows just how to spoil you.

Warnings: explicit language, explicit sexual content (scissoring, oral), f/f relationship, so much fluff, a cute cat, reader is a swiftie, they’re in love y’all, SMUT!! 18+ ONLY!!

A/N: In the midst of writing all the wonderful Kinktober smut I had to churn out this little beauty. These two are so adorable, the NY babes are gonna be fun to play with.

I do not do taglists, so if you want to stay up to date on all of my fics, follow my sideblog @the-iceni-library and turn on notifications!

You let out a snort when you woke up, whining and screwing your eyes closed while you buried your face in the pillow to block out the sun. It was your birthday, and all you wanted was to curl up under the blankets and avoid everyone and everything until tomorrow.

“Happy Birthday!!”

“Shut the fuck up.” You growled and frowned at Nat when she walked into the room with a ridiculously large pile of pancakes. With whipped cream. And sparklers. Damn her and her cheery morning attitude. “It’s too early.”

“It’s nine o’clock, peach.” She beamed at you and sat down on the bed, setting the platter of decadent breakfast on the nightstand before stretching her body over yours so she could nuzzle into your hair and kiss your ear. “And I want to spend as much of my special girl’s special day spoiling her.”

“Ugh… fine.” It was hard to stay upset when she was sitting there in just a cami and panties, especially when she bounced happily and made her perfect boobs jiggle in a way that made you want to shove your face between them. “But we’re not going out, right?”

“Of course not.” Nat placed the tray on your lap when you sat up, clapping when you blew out the sparklers and winding her arms around your neck so she could kiss your cheek. “I don’t want to share you with anyone else.” She laughed when your kitten jumped up on the bed and tried to put his paw right in the whipped cream. “Except for little Gus-Gus, of course!”

You couldn’t help but smile when Nat started cuddling the kitten while you ate your pancakes. She kept leaning over to kiss whipped cream off the corners of your lips, and fuck if that didn’t do things to you. The woman had taken the whole day off work just so she could spend it with you, it’s not like you could really be mad about your birthday when that was the situation.

As soon as you were finished she was shoving the kitten into your arms and dragging you downstairs, that gorgeous smile still on her face that made you feel all gooey inside. Then you saw the living room and kitchen and you wanted to laugh and cry all at once.

Flowers. Bouquets on every surface and garlands strung from the ceilings with sprays on the walls. Delphiniums and asters and anemones and snapdragons and ranunculus. All of your favorites. It smelled like an English garden, and it looked like one. Plus there were bright ribbons everywhere, and a hand painted banner that said ‘happy birthday’ in calligraphy. You didn’t know how to react.

“I cannot believe you did all this.” Damn, your eyes were all misty. Maybe she would believe it was allergies? “You’re really leaning into the sugar mommy thing.”

“Or, I just love my little peach and how her face looks when she’s happy.” After she set the tray in the sink she wrapped you in her arms and kissed the top of your head. “And how you pretend like you don’t get all teary when you get nice things. Which you deserve, baby girl.”

“Shut up.” You huffed out a laugh and buried your face in her boobs. “Thank you.”

“Of course, honey.” Nat placed a finger under your chin and tilted your head back so she could look you in the eyes, still smiling when she leaned down to kiss you softly. “I love you.”

“I couldn’t tell.” You giggled when she growled playfully and bit your bottom lip. “I love you too, so much.”

“That’s my good girl.” She kissed you one more time before leading you to sit on the couch in front of a very large pile of gifts. “And now it’s time for presents!”

“Dear god.” You sighed when you flopped onto the couch with the kitten in your lap, chuckling in disbelief when she brought the first of you didn’t even know how many presents to you. “These are all wrapped way too nicely, Nat. I feel bad about ruining the paper. It’s too much.”

“Hush.” She sat down in front of you and rested her chin on her knees. “First off, you deserve all the gifts in the world because you’re wonderful. And second, we need to make your work room more comfy cozy now that you’re home all the time. Give it that peachy flair.”

“Okaaaaaaay…” you unwrapped the first gift as carefully as possible, letting out a shuddering and slightly emotional breath when you got a look at it. “Jesus Christ.”

What could you say, she knew you. Really well. In addition to the beautiful new laptop, she got you a vintage typewriter just in case you wanted to ‘write aesthetically’, which was just adorable even though you had no idea what it meant. There were lovely pictures of the vintage furniture she had bought to fill the space, with promises that the two of you would spend weekends refinishing and painting it together so it would look exactly the way you wanted.

Then there were the borderline excessive Taylor Swift related presents, which did make you cry. You didn’t even know how she found cardigans for every single album, much less little tiny matching ones for Gus to wear. The record player didn’t make much sense until you started unwrapping the vinyls of each album in aesthetically pleasing colors, including each of the ‘Taylor’s Version’ albums with promises to complete the collection as they continued being released. She insisted on putting the Eras bracelet on you herself as soon as you opened it, and her smile got even wider when you squeaked at the tickets to the Toronto show. It was absolutely over the top, but she looked so happy every time you opened something, and seeing her happy made you happy, so fuck it.

“I have no idea how you’re going to keep this up for every birthday and Christmas from now on.” You snuggled into her shoulder and pulled your “Midnights” cardigan closer around yourself, smiling while you looked at the framed vintage print of “Great War” lyrics. “Or where I’m going to put everything if you keep it up.”

“I’ll just have to buy a bigger house.” Nat kissed the top of your head and chuckled softly, turning on ‘How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days’ while she wrapped her arms around you. “Who really needs a retirement account?”

“Um, you do.” You looked up at her and grinned when she started rubbing your hips. “Because I’m not gonna start working again, and once I put you in an old age home, I’ll need something to maintain the lifestyle I’m becoming accustomed to.”

“Old age home?” She scoffed when you just grinned wider and nodded at her. “Little girl, you are asking for your birthday spanks.”

“Wait… Nat!” You squealed when she slapped your ass then tried to flip you over, kicking your legs and trying to get away while she just manhandled you like it was nothing. “This isn’t fair, I’m tiny!”

“Which is just fantastic for me.” She laughed when you yelped as she lifted you up so she could bite your left ass cheek before tossing you over her lap and giving you a good smack. “Tiny and thick, just look at that.”

“Hey!” You pouted and looked over your shoulder when she grabbed a handful of your ass and shook it. “Don’t jiggle me!”

“But I love the jiggle.” Nat gave you another spank and growled when it sent a ripple over your exceptionally voluptuous rear end. “Now, hold still.”

After about five you finally stopped squirming, just wiggling a little each time her hand met your skin. Your breathing kept getting heavier, though, and you couldn’t hold back your soft little whines. Once she got halfway through you were openly moaning like a whore, completely forgetting about the movie and pushing your ass up to meet her hand. Yeah, you were getting wet. Like, really wet. And hot. You didn’t even notice when she landed another solid slap and you spread your legs, biting your lips when you felt your pussy throb. Damn her, she really did know you.

“There we go.” As soon as she finished she yanked your panties down your legs, tossing them somewhere you couldn’t see before she started teasing her fingers over the insides of your thighs. “Just look how messy your pretty little pussy is, peachy girl! And from a spanking. Tsk, whatever should we do about it?”

“Dunno…” you were mumbling and perhaps drooling but if she didn’t do something about the situation between your legs soon you might cry. “Natasha…”

“Aww, did somebody get a little stupid?” Nat just grinned when you nodded as she turned you over and spread your legs even wider. “Does baby need mommy to take care of her and her sloppy cunt?”

“Yes mommy.” You gasped when she propped your ankle on her shoulder so she could pull off her own panties, licking your lips when she hooked a knee over your thigh that was laying on the couch until she was straddling you. “Mommy…”

“Shhh, just let mommy take care of you, baby.”

As soon as she pressed against you you whimpered, your eyes fluttering closed when she scraped her teeth along the curve of your calf at the same time she started to move. She was so soft. And warm. And slick. Her pussy slid over yours easily, her clit right against yours while her hips rolled slowly and sensuously so you could feel all of her. Nat nibbled on your ankle delicately when your pussy throbbed for her, smiling when you moaned and arched your back while your toes curled. You hiccuped when her clit found yours and started moving your hips, gripping the couch cushions when your core began tightening and it got harder to breathe.

The both of you moaned when she began rolling her hips faster, your hand sliding up her soft thighs so you could hold onto her hips while she rode you. Her lips were still pressed to the skin of your calf, sucking on it gently until you had a chain of pretty bruises along the inside of your leg. Nat purred when you tossed your head back and whined at the sensation of her sliding a hand under your cardigan so she could play with your tits, rolling over your nipple with her thumb until you let out another desperate hiccup. You whined when she squeezed your breast at the same time she changed the angle of her grinding, your eyes fluttering open when she bent over you until her lips were brushing against yours.

“My sweet, pretty girl.” Nat cooed into your mouth before flicking her tongue against your bottom lip, taking the hand that was holding your leg away so she could bury it in your hair while she gazes deeply into your eyes. “So good for mommy. Is feeling mommy’s pussy rubbing against yours your favorite, peach?”

“Mmhm… yeah.” Breathing kept getting harder and harder, your breath leaving you in a pathetic whimper while you dug your fingers into her hips. “‘M so close…”

“I know baby girl.” She tugged on your bottom lip with her teeth while letting out some low, pleasant sound from deep in her chest. “Come for mommy. You know how much I love it when you make a mess on my pussy.”

Nat pressed her lips to yours so she could swallow your cry when you fell apart, smiling when you shook in her arms while your pussy fluttered and gushed all over hers. She followed right after you, gasping and letting her eyes fall closed when her cunt spasmed against yours while every muscle in her body clenched and released. When you opened your eyes to watch her it only made your orgasm more intense, your legs tightening around her when her face flushed pink and her eyes fluttered, her teeth sinking into her pillowy bottom lip while her body rolled against yours.

As soon as you had both ridden it out you collapsed against each other, Nat laughing softly and rolling until you were sprawled on top of her while you tried to catch your breath. Neither of you could stop smiling, your eyes bright and happy when Nat pushed your hair away from your face before cupping your cheek with tender affection. You leaned into her touch and wrapped your arms around her tightly, letting out a happy sigh when she leaned up to kiss your forehead.

“You are so precious, little peach.” Nat hummed and rested her head against the pillow that was propped on the armrest, tangling her legs with yours while you pulled a blanket over your naked bottom halves. “Are you having a good birthday?”

“It would be kind of hard not to.” You chuckled when she played with your hair as you kept rubbing your cheek against her chest. “Every day with you is a good day.”

“Hmm, I feel exactly the same way.” She gave your ass an affectionate squeeze. “I hope cuddling for the rest of the day and eating a variety of snacks is acceptable.”

“More than acceptable.” You smiled warmly when she kissed the top of your head again. “But you know what’s even better than cuddling? Naked cuddling.”

“Whatever my birthday girl wants she gets.” Nat beamed at you before sitting up to pull off her cami, laughing when you immediately buried your face in her breasts as soon as she laid back down. “Spoiled.”

“Well, that’s your own fault.” You nuzzled at her breast as you relaxed, letting out a contented sigh when she began playing with your hair again. “Thank you for giving me a nice birthday. I love you.”

“And I love you baby girl.” She kept playing with your hair, laughing softly when the two saw Gus rolling around on the floor and meowing in offense at being forced to wear a cardigan. “And I’m going to make sure every single one of your days from now on is as nice as possible.”

[cowgurrrl]

Okay this is soooo very out there in actual probability of this being logical but the idea of a pool in Jackson or like people are allowed to go out to lake or something or they dig a lake like idek but something that involves reader in a swimsuit and Joel like 😳 in public so maybe a lil bit of jealous Joel in there, I just think it would be so cute and fun and spicy and idek if this makes sense hahaha, I’m so sorry for being awful at explaining ideassss🤦‍♀️🤣

The Snake River actually runs through Jackson so it’s entirely plausible (yes, I did do research for this)

Surprise

Pairing: Joel Miller x fem!reader

Author’s note: I didn’t go into this wanting to write smut but it happened and I don’t hate it?? Please be nice to me I’m just a girl

Summary: Joel has something planned for you [3.3k]

Warnings: language, murder jokes, Joel being a little insecure, Joel the Menace making a return, smut (18+ MINORS DNI), fingering, dirty talk, sex in a semi-public place??, almost getting caught, brief mention of a safe word

Joel Miller is not a spontaneous person. It was one of the first things you found out about him. He hates surprises almost as much as he hates planning them. He's someone who likes to know what's happening and when. He loves a plan. But he loves you more. 

Everyone has gone back to school, and the seasons are in a neverending battle of when one begins and the other ends. The hazy August heat permeates the windows of your house as you lie in bed, hiding from the sun and the rest of your responsibilities. This time of year makes you especially grateful for your early morning patrol shifts. You get to finish up your work before the world has the opportunity to finish preheating, and then the town is quiet after that, with people shuffling off to work or school. Maybe that's why Joel wanders into your shared bedroom with your backpacks in hand.

"Are you doin' anythin' for the rest of the day?" He asks, and you give him a confused look. 

"Besides waiting for our daughter to come home from school? No, I didn't have any major plans." You tease, and he rolls his eyes before tossing your bag at you. 

"Meet me downstairs in five minutes." He says.

"For what?"

"It's a surprise."

"Are you finally going to kill me?" You ask, and he scoffs.

"Honey, if I was gonna kill you, I woulda done it a long time ago."

"Fair point. Suspicion always points to the spouse first," you say, sitting up in bed. "Where are we going?"

"Does the word 'surprise' mean nothin' to you?" 

"Only when it's coming from your mouth."

"Downstairs. Five minutes." He says, effectively ending the conversation by turning on his heels and walking away. You groan in protest but get up anyways. If it's something he planned, it's probably worth getting out of bed for. Still, you shuffle your feet lazily as you put more distance between yourself and an afternoon nap. 

He's almost giddy as you walk out of the house and into the blaring sunshine. Ellie still has a few more hours of school left, and even then, she's gotten over you and Joel walking her to and from class. She's becoming more independent as she gets older, which is fine, but seeing her not need you as much hurts. You talk about it on the way to wherever you're going. Joel says he's noticed the same thing but doesn't want to pry too much and risk being labeled "uncool." You have to literally bite your tongue to keep from asking when he was ever cool. 

When you're far enough outside Jackson's walls, Joel grabs your hand and intertwines your fingers, swinging them a little as you walk through the fields. Rock jasmines and asters shake in the window around you, painting the world in shades of white, blue, pink, and yellow. Sometimes it's easy to forget just how beautiful Wyoming can be, but when vast meadows stretch out to the mountain slopes, and the sky is unbelievably clear, you remember. You look over at Joel with his long, graying hair and scruffy facial hair and smile. It's also easy to forget just how beautiful he can be with his gentle hands and crooked nose. He turns to meet your eyes, taking away your view of his side profile, and gives you a look.

"What?" He asks, and you shake your head. "You're starin'."

"I just like looking at you." You admit, making him scoff. Joel is probably the only person in this world who's unaware of how attractive he is. 

"Needa get your eyes checked." He mumbles under his breath. 

"Big talk coming from a man who refuses to wear his glasses even though he desperately needs them." 

"I don't desperately need 'em." 

"Really?" You ask, and he hums. You lift your free hand away from your body and hold up three fingers. "How many fingers am I holding up?" He tugs on the hand he's holding and pulls you against him until your chest collides with his. The wind gets knocked out of you, either because of the impact or because you can see all his freckles when you get this close to him. He smirks as he stares at you, glancing between your eyes and fingers.

"Three." He says easily, leaning in to kiss you. You move back enough to make him huff in annoyance.

"That's cheating." 

"Mm, I think it's called bein' resourceful."

"Is that right?" You ask, and he hums as he finally kisses you. You indulge him for a second or two before moving back again. "Could you really not see that far?" He sighs and mumbles your name, but you refuse to let it go. "Joel, if your vision's that bad, you need to be wearing them on patrol. I don't want you to make stupid mistakes because you can't see six feet in front of you."

"Look, I hear you. I do. I just..." he trails off, and you raise your eyebrows at him. "It's stupid." 

"Stupider than not wearing them at all?" You ask, and he rolls his eyes—the drama.

"They make me look old, okay? That's why I don't wanna wear 'em," he says. Once again, you have to bite your tongue to stop yourself from making a snide comment. "I'm already one of the oldest guys on patrol, and that's enough for the younger guys to make fun of me. If I start wearin' 'em on patrol, I'll never hear the end of it, especially from Tommy."

"You really care what they think about you?" You ask.

"No," he starts, but quickly shakes his head. "Yes. It didn't bother me, but then they started sayin' they didn't know what you see in an old buzzkill like me, and I just... I don't know." He says. You take a deep breath and wrap your arms around his neck. 

"Does this have anything to do with you suddenly planning surprises for me?" 

"I told you it was stupid." He avoids the question, but you still find an answer. He tries to hide his face in your shoulder, embarrassed, but your hands find his jaw and stop him.

"I don't think it's stupid. I think the other guys on patrol are stupid for saying that and making you think I'm anything but grossly in love with you. I think they don't know what the fuck they're talking about," you say, your thumb brushing against the patches in his beard. "And I think you don't realize just how hot you look wearing glasses," he scoffs, but you don't let him wiggle out of your grasp. "I'm being serious, Joel." You assert, and something behind his eyes shifts. 

"Really?" 

"Are you kidding me? It's, like, annoying how good they make you look," you say, and he smirks. "It's also sexy for you to try to stay alive. So, it's a win-win." He laughs, the sound making the sun shine a little brighter. 

"I mean, who am I to argue with my wife?" He asks, relenting, and you hum.

"Exactly," you say as you kiss him. It was supposed to be quick, a passing kiss to remind him you love him, but when you try to pull away, he's back on you. His big hands snake their way into your hair as he kisses you like he's drowning and trying to pull the air from you. The buzzing bees and chirping birds of the field disappear, and all you can do is hold him. His body is firm against yours, and the soft flannel of his shirt feels perfect beneath your palms. "Was my surprise making out in a meadow? That's pretty romantic, even for you, Joel." You ask as you break away to take a breath that's not his. He groans and rolls his head back to look at the cloudless sky.

"Almost forgot bout the surprise," he says, looking back at you. "You're distractin' me."

"What did I do?" You ask. He grabs your hand and starts leading you through the flowers.

"You were tryna use your woman powers on me."

"Please, explain to me what 'woman powers' you think I possess." 

"If you don't know, I can't tell you." He says like he's answering a riddle, and you laugh. The rest of the walk is spent hand-in-hand with his shoulder bumping yours occasionally as your feet walk over the summer grass. As soon as you hear water lapping over smooth rocks, you look at Joel, who pretends not to hear the same thing. He smiles when you hit the break in the trees, and the crystal water of the river sparkles in the sun. 

You've heard rumors about the water being safe to swim in, but you didn't trust it. Not that it mattered. You and Joel have swum in way dirtier water than the winding blue river in front of you. Still, you were sure that it was a set-up by Raiders. But now, with Joel by your side, in the daylight, it's taking everything in you to not jump in the water. "I thought it might be nice. Just the two of us." Joel says. You nod and rest your head on his shoulder, looping an arm under his and holding his bicep.

"It is nice," you agree. "But we don't own swimsuits," you say, immediately clocking the excited expression on his face. "You're a menace."

"What? I planned a very nice day for us, and I just... forgot we needed swimsuits."

"Oh, you forgot?" You ask, and he nods. 

"I told you, I'm an old man. I forget things easily." 

"Give me a break." You roll your eyes before letting go of his arm and walking over to a big tree. You bend down to take off your boots and socks, and Joel quickly follows suit. His eyes stick to you as you pull your shirt off your head, faded scars catching the sunlight. Once you're left in your bra and underwear, you pause and look at Joel. He's stripped down to just his underwear, too, and you have a full view of his broad frame. 

His muscular chest is littered with scars, some old and silver against his tan skin and others new and still raised and angry. Your favorite is from where he got caught under some fence a million years ago. It vaguely looks like a thunderbolt striking from his collarbone to his shoulder. You can see the goosebumps rising on his thick biceps from where you're standing. His hands are relaxed and open at his sides, visible veins thrumming blood through his body. His belly has rounded just a little since you've settled in Jackson, something he grew insecure about while you reminded him every day that you loved the softness of his body. His strong thighs are a little paler than the rest of him, considering his patrol schedule in the summer, but they're still freckled and scarred like the rest of him. Your breath catches in your throat when he pulls down his underwear and stands fully naked in front of you.

I guess we're actually doing this, you think as you unclasp your bra. You leave your clothes in a pile under the tree before darting into the cold water together. He ducks his entire head under while you tread, letting yourself get used to the temperature and laughing when Joel comes up with a sharp gasp. "Oh, you think that's funny?" He asks before shaking his head in your direction, frigid water droplets landing on your skin. You shriek and splash at him to get him to stop. He splashes back, making huge swells with his arms, and you have to dive under to swim away. 

Once you call a truce on the water fight, you just swim together. You alternate between floating on your back, watching the clouds float by, and diving deep under the water to see what might be down there. After a few minutes, your bodies adjust to the water, and you can actually enjoy the river currents working against you. It reminds you of all the summers you spent in pools, the ocean, rivers, and lakes before the Outbreak. The memory presses on a familiar bruise in your chest, but it doesn't hurt. At least, not as much. Not when you're here with Joel, making new memories in a new world.

You swim over to where Joel is standing, his long curls touching the water as he looks up at the sky. You wrap your arms around his shoulders and your legs around his waist once you're close enough, and he meets your eyes with a smile. His hands grip your thighs and trace patterns into your skin, the warmth of his touch a welcome relief in the cold. You play with the hair at the nape of his neck as you stare at him. "This a good surprise?" He asks, his voice low in his chest, and you nod. 

"I like doing things like this with you," you say. "But I also don't want you to worry about keeping me interested in you," he sighs at your words but doesn't break away from you. "We've been together for years now. We went halfway across the country together. We have Ellie. You're it for me. I don't care what the younger guys on patrol have to say about it."

"You don't think I'm an old buzzkill?"

"Not all the time."

"Alright, smart ass." 

"I mean, I don't know a lot of buzzkills who go skinny-dipping with their wives."

"See? Gimme a little credit here." He says, pinching your thigh, and you laugh. As the sound dies in your throat, his gaze hangs heavily on you. Suddenly, you're all too aware of his sturdy body under you and his hands on you. You get a little closer to him, and his stomach brushes against your core. A quiet, shaky breath leaves you, and Joel hears it. His lips ghost over yours as his hand dips down, a deft finger grazing your clit. 

"Joel," you cry softly, clinging to him tighter when he presses a little harder. He shushes you as his middle finger ventures lower and just barely pushes into you. More. You need more, and he knows it. Asshole, you think to yourself, but your brain shuts off when he inches a digit into you so fucking slowly. You can feel his smirk when he leans down to mouth at the column of your throat. 

"That good?" He rasps in your ear, and you nod as his hand adjusts to thumb at your clit. You jump a little at the molten pleasure pulsing through you. He chuckles lowly and nips at your earlobe. "I've barely touched you, honey, and I can already feel you squeezin' me." You can't even formulate a response once he starts moving. The slow drag of his finger against your walls is enough to drive any sane person insane. You whine when he pushes another into you and claw at his shoulders. 

Your heart is fast against his chest. Everything you breathe, hear, and feel is Joel. You can't think about anything other than the weight of his hand working you over in the broad fucking daylight. You're close enough to the shore that anyone would be able to see you, but you hope you just look like a clingy couple enjoying a mid-day swim. It's a long shot, especially since he's mumbling absolutely filthy things to you. "You always sound so damn pretty." "Gonna let me fuck you like this?" "You're so good for me, baby." Every syllable makes you feel like you're burning from the inside out. His fingers languidly move in and out of you like he has nothing better to do before stopping completely, and you whine in protest.

"You're f," your sentence breaks off when he quickens suddenly. 

"What was that, sweetheart? Where's that smart mouth now?" He asks. Your hips start moving in time with his ministrations, and he watches you like a man starved. You can feel yourself getting closer and closer as his fingers move faster inside you. You think your blood is thundering through your ears as bliss overtakes your senses, but you quickly realize it's hooves. You don't know if Joel hears it, but if he does, he doesn't stop. 

"Joel, I think, fuck," he rubs at your clit with more fervor, making you see stars. "Someone's coming." You breathe, and his teeth scrape under your jaw. It's all too much. You moan and drop your head to his shoulder, losing all motivation to get him to stop.

"You gonna come for me?" He asks, and you nod. "C'mon, I know you can do it. Come for me." He hooks his fingers, nudging that spongy part inside you, and that's all it takes. Your mouth falls open, and fuzziness takes over your senses. You hold Joel closer as he works you through your orgasm with encouraging words and gentle strokes. Finally, you have to reach for his wrist to stop because you're so overstimulated, and he would live between your thighs if he could.

"Y'all alright?" A voice comes out of nowhere, and you jump. You and Joel turn to see one of the patrolmen from Jackson, James, on his horse a few hundred yards away. He's far enough away that he wouldn't be able to see you're both naked, but he can clearly see your clothes and backpacks on the shoreline. 

"Yeah, we're alright. Just... havin' ourselves a date." Joel says, his voice annoyingly even. James looks confused, so you nod in agreement even though Joel still has two fingers knuckle-deep inside you. If he doesn't kill you, embarrassment just might.

"Well, then," James says awkwardly. "Y'all don't stay out too long. Maria'll have your ass if y'all come back hurt or somethin'." Joel shifts his hand as he nods, and you choke on a moan but try to play it off as a cough. Still, James gives you a look. "You good?"

"Yeah, are you alright, honey?" Joel asks in a mocking tone. You grit your teeth and dig your nails into his arm before nodding at James.

"All good. Just had a little tickle. We'll start heading back to town now. Thanks for checking on us." You quickly dismiss the patrolman, who is more than happy to get the hell out of Dodge. Even if he didn't suspect anything was happening, you know he's terrified of you and Joel. His ideal patrol is not having to deal with either of you and now he just got the whole package plus some. As soon as he's out of earshot, you smack Joel's arm. 

"Are you fucking insane? He could've heard us!"

"Us? I'm not the one who was screamin'!"

"Okay, first of all," you start, holding up one finger. "I was not screaming. Second of all, I told you someone was coming, and you kept going!" He doesn't exactly look apologetic, but then again, you're not really mad.

"You know the safe word just as well as I do, sweetheart. I woulda stopped if you said it," he says, and you sigh. He's right. You hate it, but he's right. You try to hide your smile and shake your head as he kisses you. Slowly, he pulls his fingers from you, swallowing your over-sensitive whines down with gentle licks. A stupid thought wiggles its way into your brain, and you laugh against Joel's lips. Once you start, you can't stop, and Joel looks at you like you're a crazy person. "Now, what is so goddamn funny?" He asks, and you compose yourself enough to look at him.

"Think they'll still tease you over being old after you just made your wife come faster than they ever could?" 

[enretrogue]

𝗝𝗔𝗡𝗨𝗔𝗥𝗬 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯 𝗙𝗜𝗖 𝗥𝗘𝗖𝗦 (𝟭)

.☘︎ ݁˖ = BLACK/POC WORKS | 23' FIC REC M.LIST

HOUSE OF THE DRAGON

AEMOND TARGARYEN

I’d Rather Be Sad With You, Than Anywhere Away From You — @jasonsmirrorball

Idle Hands — @ultraintrovertedgryffindor

Mistletoe — @authurials

A Family’s Love (Modern!Aemond Targaryen) —@vhagarlovebot

An Eye For An Eye, A Child For A Child — @kitkatscabinet

Tell Me It’s Over — @squirmhoney

Unnoticed — @aemonds-sapphire

The Fool Who Thought He Could Kill His Wife — @bookofbonbon

Girldad!Aemond — @midnightsapphire

Dad!Aemond Imagine — @fictionalloverstuff

Aemond Targaryen Looking After His Wife and His Baby Girl — @daenysx

Aemond x Reader — @sapphire-writes

Poppies and Aster — @aemondsbeloved

No Matter What ⎢ Pt. 2 — @sapphire-writes

Dad!Aemond — @cambion-companion

Hide and Seek — @timetravelingpenguin1066

Battle Of Wits — @aemondsbeloved

Flowers — @sapphire-writes

DEFENDING JACOB

ANDY BARBER

Barber v. B.O.B. — @cevansbrat0007 .☘︎ ݁˖

Brat Games — @cevansbrat0007 .☘︎ ݁˖

The Ache — @cevansbrat0007 .☘︎ ݁˖

Baby Blush — @cevansbrat0007 .☘︎ ݁˖

Handsy — @cevansbrat0007 .☘︎ ݁˖

Plausible Deniability — @cevansbrat0007 .☘︎ ݁˖

Straight A-Student — @jamneuromain

MCU

BUCKY BARNES/THE WINTER SOLDIER

Midnight Kisses & Stolen Confetti — @angrythingstarlight .☘︎ ݁˖

You’ve Started Something — @catharsisfalls

Lessons In Love — @violentdelightsandviolentends

All Things Pink — @bucky-barnes-diaries

Protector — @vxntagedior

Enemies-to-Lovers w/ Husband!Bucky — @buckyalpine

Just Between Us — @mellowsaturns

THE RED SEA DIVING RESORT

ARI LEVINSON

You Know I Don’t Mind — @the-iceni-bitch

Taste Of Honey Masterlist — @imaginedreamwrite

Toxic Bf! Ari — @onsunnyside

Protection Masterlist — @mackenzielovee

I Can Tell — @faerieemetal .☘︎ ݁˖

Medfet — @babyjakes

Melting — @onsunnyside

Good For You — @flordematista

Higher Love Masterlist — @imaginedreamwrite

Biker!Ari x Reader — @angrythingstarlight .☘︎ ݁˖

Sleepy Sex Session — @f10werfae

My Favorite Things — @ramp-it-up .☘︎ ݁˖

DBF!Ari — @onsunnyside

Sleepy Hollow — @onsunnyside

Sugar, (Gym), and Spice — @acatwriteshere .☘︎ ݁˖

[tamascarian]

This could end as a story

Part 2

Feat - Tyler Galpin x local witch! Reader

Contains - Time gap, Wednesday Spoilers

P.s: I’m sorry for the gaps, I really wanted to end the story already so I just did this.

Tags: @sardonic-courtney​ @asters-abditory​ @raevyng​ @podraje​​

"Wait.. Let me get this clear. You want to perform some witchy-woo on me?"

"Yes." I nodded at Tyler. It's not like he's going to die or anything.

"Okay, fine. Let's just go on with this." he surrender.

I grinned and took Tyler's hand to perform this spell I saw not long ago. I closed my eyes and started chanting.

I didn't actually told Tyler what this spell was about, but this is supposed to make me his hyde's master.

Yes, about a few days ago when we started talking, I found out that he was indeed the hyde's host.

"Tyler, hey!"

He ignored me. That was a first. I followed him through the stairs and noticed that he looks different. His usual grin wasn't present and his eyes look.. dark for some reason.

Being the curious cat I am, I perform a quick invisibility spell and followed Tyler inside. There was blonde woman who's in a call and she looks destress.

Tyler went inside the restroom when the lady was pacing back and forth and rambling on the phone, I stand there in the corner, waiting for something to happen.

But what happened is just what I didn't expect to see first hand.

The hyde murdered the poor woman, it clawed her until she was torn to shreds. But then, the hyde transform to something I much more didn't expected..

Tyler

He was on top of the dead body but as soon as he realized that, he crawled far away and started crying.

I went to Tyler just as soon as my invisibility spell vanished, he didn't questioned why I was there, he just cried harder.

"Shh, its okay. Its okay." Yes, even if murdering someone is not okay, you just have to say it.

"Uh, its done. I think?" I'm still not sure if it worked or not.

Tyler looked at me weirdly but just as soon as he was about to speak, the door of my cabin flew open and a thing started blurting out nonsense.

"THING! SLOW DOWN!"

"what? expelled? Thornhill? who the hell is Thornhill? Wednesday? expelled? what did she do this time? Tyler? monster? Crackstone? as in the one who burned every witches here? what? where?" I tried my best to understand what was thing saying.

Then thing turned to Tyler and started chocking him to death to the point I needed to intervene using magic.

"Thing, its alright. Yes, he's the hyde, I know. I did something using my magic and I think I know just how to test it."

"Go find help. We're going to look for Wednesday."

Thing was a bit hesitant to go but I promised him I would be the one killing Tyler if things didn't go well for us. Which made Tyler uncomfortable.

I started doing a locator spell to find Wednesday and not soon after the map of Jericho burned, meaning I got my answer.

"Let's go."

"Go where?"

"To crackstone."

-

"Wednesday!" I shouted as soon as we arrive at the crackstone.

I saw wednesday chained and the tomb of crackstone opening.

"You're a bit late, honey." The redhead woman laughed. I stared at her then at Tyler then at Wednesday who's weakly looking at us. Since the first time I met Wednesday, this is the first time I saw here vulnerable.

"Tyler, honey, why don't you make mama proud and shut her up?" The redhead smiled at Tyler but Tyler just stay still, confirming my thoughts.

"Tyler?" he looked at me, "Why don't you shut her up?" I look at the redhead woman who looks bewildered when Tyler started transforming as the hyde.

"Tyler! No" The woman shouted when the hyde start approaching her. She keeps shouting ‘no’ and ‘help’ but I couldn’t care less.

I immediately went to unchain Wednesday and successfully freed her but she was too weak to stand on her own yet when..

The tomb opened.

The very dead, corpse rotting Joseph Crackstone rose from the dead. And to say he wasn't happy to see us would be an understatement.

"Goody Addams!" He lifted Wednesday in the air using his magic stick. What an ironic way to kill someone who he insists using magic.

He went closer to me while Wednesday was still struggling to breathe in the air.

“A witch..” He was about to stab me when the hyde grab me and sprinted outside, leaving Wednesday alone.

“Tyler! No! Wednesday’s still there! We have to go back!” I shouted when Tyler started transforming back.

“You really think that would stop Wednesday? We both know her, you more than me.” He rebut.

That really made me think. Just recently, when Wednesday and I were properly introduced, I realized she was the girl who always had grand birthdays I went to. The same girl I went to camp with. The same girl who burned our camp. Nothing really stops Wednesday now that I think of it.

“Okay..” I surrender.

-

Its been weeks since the incident with Wednesday happened and they were forced to have a school break since their principal died. Things with Tyler and I had been surprisingly good.

“Hey..” I called Tyler who was snuggling with me in his couch. Were watching a movie in his house while his dad’s out again.

“Hmm?” He responded, too focus on the movie.

“I was thinking, since.. y’know. We’re both outcasts, why don’t we enroll at Nevermore?”

That made him look at me.

“You really want too?” He sincerely asked. I thought about it before and I really like to be with people like me, living normal and not excluded in life.

“Yeah” I answered.

“I’ll talk to my dad about it.” Tyler and his dad are really getting along now that his dad no longer has to hide Tyler’s identity to him.

“Thanks.” I smiled.

[momiji-bookhouse]

Hey there! I don't know if this is how it works but I would like to request kazuha with windwhill aster for your spring event 😍 not sure if I should add something else but yea lol

[Windwheel Aster]: "Where to?" "Anywhere, as long as it's with you."

Event Masterlist

pairing: Kaedehara Kazuha x gn!reader

genre: hurt/comfort

Farewells are never as simple as a single goodbye.

It often signifies a transition, a step into a new phase in a person’s life that may mean having to change everything that they have known thus far. It may be something uttered in silence, carving into the person’s heart and fusing itself until it can convince them that this is how things are supposed to be. 

Kazuha is no stranger to the silence. From the moment his mother took her last breath while holding his soft weight in her arms, to the day his father joined her over that golden bank — where the bonsai leaves never wilt, where the flowers will bloom forever. The day his last name was reduced to a sharpened blade and a wandering soul, to memories of sublime lightning and pouring ash.

They settled into the blank spaces between his words, burned themselves under his silver tongue. Though people say that time heals all wounds, no healing ointment or blessed water could make it go away, or any easier.

But it was never his intention to leave without saying goodbye to you.

You deserve more than a measly written letter that could not adequately express everything he wants to say to you. You’re more important to him than a few honeyed words that could only glaze the surface.

But everything happened so fast. Crackling thunder. Blinding lightning. The smell of charred flesh and soot. The wind howling his name.

The next thing he knew, he was stowed away on a boat heading towards Watatsumi Island, where rumors of a rising resistance bubbled all the way to the Tenshukaku. The time that he spent with the resistance was not long by any means, but it was enough to build long-lasting friendships and cement his reputation as Inazuma’s most wanted fugitive.

During that time, he was hesitant to even send you a note of how he was doing, in fear that the Shogun’s army would get their hands on it and connect you to him. He would never forgive himself if even one strand of hair on your head was touched. Thus, even when the guilt ate away at him and his nightmares echoed with the sounds of your accusations, he held out.

It’s only when he was secured a spot on the Crux, implored by his friend Gorou, and reassured many times about the trustworthiness of the messenger did he finally decide to send you a letter about his situation. He knows it could never replace being able to see you in person, but a part of him was afraid that just one look at you and he would never be able to stomach leaving you behind.

But you deserve more than a life in the shadows. You deserve a life without worry, to be in the sun and not have to constantly look over your shoulder, to have someone beside you whenever you need them. Everything that he couldn’t give you.

Nevertheless, it doesn’t stop his heart from aching and his stomach from closing on itself as he stands on the deck of the Alcor, eyes fixed in the direction of the place he left behind, where he unknowingly put a part of his soul in the care of your gentle hands.

“Up-anchor in a few minutes!” One of the sailors shouts and the last of the preparation pick up speed. Kazuha reluctantly leaves his post to see if any assistance is needed from him, all the while the truth of the matter hits him harder than lightning off the shore of Yashiori. He’s leaving everything he knew behind; his homeland, his way of life, his friends, you.

You, you, you.

He wonders if you’ve gotten his letter by now. Would you be reading it under the shade of your favorite tree? Would you cry or curse his name as you read the words that he had so desperately poured his heart into?

Surrounded by all these noises, all these people, and he has never hated the silence so much.

Then...the sound of footsteps that stirs the ground, quickly pounding onto the wooden bridge that leads to the ship. It’s resilient and familiar, a sound he can recognized even in his hazy dreams. Kazuha whips his head around, crimson eyes wide with alarm and every breath of air knocked out of his lungs when he realizes that it is indeed you.

Abandoning all thought and reason, he races over to your side amidst the confused and indignant cries of the crew on board. He meets you just as you take a step onto the deck.

“(Y/N)!” Kazuha cries out. “What in the name of all that’s divine and celestial are you doing here?!” He clasps your shoulders, worry lines creasing his forehead as he sees you struggling to breathe, your knees buckling as if you just ran all the way from Narukami to Watatsumi.

“Got...your...le...letter.” You struggle with every intake of air. “Had...to see you!”

His body turns cold, like someone just dumped a bucket of seawater on him. When he sent you that letter, he never thought it could prompt you to make the journey so quickly.

“Kazuha.” The captain’s voice drops down an octave, her eyes narrowing in annoyance at the fact that a stranger just boarded her ship. “Who is this?”

“Captain Beidou. This is (Y/N), a very dear person to me.” He softly takes your hand in his and squeezes it as a sign of comfort.

“I’m sorry for barging like this, Captain.” You speak up. “But there’s something that I absolutely must say to Kazuha. It’ll be only for a moment.”

Her ruby gaze roams over the both of you and the air seems to be charged with electricity. It’s enough to make even the toughest squirm, and he quickly understands her reputation to be true.

“Go towards the bow of the ship,” she finally says after what feels like forever. “And be quick about it.”

“Yes, captain.”

He gently tugs you to the front of the ship, where thankfully there’s barely anyone to disrupt the private moment. Kazuha has so many things he wants to say to you, things he buried in the dark, but when face-to-face with you in the silence, his tongue suddenly feels like lead.

“Were you really planning to leave without saying goodbye?” You say in a tiny voice, hurt interwoven into every syllable.

“I’m sorry, (Y/N). I know the letter wasn’t enough. But I couldn’t risk the army connecting me to you.”

You sigh, the sound weary and tired. “For days I agonized over questions I have no answers to. Where did you go? What happened that day? Are you safe? Or are you...” You choke on your thoughts, the remains of it like poison on your tongue. “I was so confused and scared. So scared that the next time I walk the streets, there would be terrible news waiting for me. I know why you had to leave, but still, you're a terrible, terrible man for making me worried like that."

"I'm sorry. Believe me when I say that I wanted nothing more than to let you know where I was and how I was doing. But I would never be able to forgive myself if something happened to you if they happened to intercept my letter.”

“I get it, I do,” you say. The quiet stretch like a suffocating blanket. “...Are you...really going to leave?”

He nods, slowly and heavily. “I have to. It’s too dangerous for me to stay here. Not with this in my possession.” His hand goes to the lifeless thing tucked in his kimono, its coldness like dead weight. 

Your eyes glaze over as you look at the object, no doubt remembering it when it was pulsing with life. “Then...I’ll go with you.”

He snaps his head up at your statement, eyes becoming so impossibly wide that you fear it might pop out of his head. “W-what?”

“I’ll go with you,” you stand up straighter and say with more resolution.

“(Y/N), you can’t!” He hurriedly takes a hold of your shoulders. “I can’t let you do that.”

“And why not? Less you forget, Kazuha, I’m also a traveler.”

“But this is different! This...” How could he make you understand? “You’ll be uprooting your entire life, you’ll be leaving everything behind. You may never see Inazuma again.”

One of your hands reaches up to cover the one holding your right shoulder, your eyes lowering as you look at him. “Kazuha, I wouldn’t travel all the way from Narukami to here, risking questioning by the army, if I wasn’t ready to do all that? I’ve said all of my goodbyes, even to those who aren’t here anymore. But saying goodbye to you would surely break my heart.”

He swallows, heat prickling at the corner of his eyes. “What if something happens? What if you come to regret your decision?”

“I would rather endure all the waves and storms by your side, than look at the moon and wondering if you’re looking, too.”

The next breath that he exhales is heavy, like it holds everything his heart has hidden. “Okay.” His forehead gently connects with yours, the tendrils of his white hair caressing your cheek. “Okay.”

Of course, that’s not the end of things. The next step to do is to convince Captain Beidou to accept another person on board.

The aforementioned captain stares at you meticulously, causing a cold shiver to travel down your spine, after hearing your request.

“I can vouch for (Y/N)–” Kazuha speaks up, but he is quickly cut off by a wave of her hand.

“Have you sailed before?”

“Yes, multiple times when I travel with Kazuha. I have never been on a ship this size before, but I’m a quick learner!”

“Can you clean after yourself?”

“Yes!”

“Are you willing to take any orders and risk yourself in any situation?”

“Yes!”

“Do you like to party?”

“...yes?”

“Then welcome aboard, (Y/N).” Beidou finally gives you a smile, and you feel like something was lifted off your shoulders. “But I must warn you, if at any point I feel like you can’t handle a life at sea, you will be asked to disembark at the nearest port, got it?”

“Yes captain!”

When it was finally time to raise the anchor and set sail, you and Kazuha find yourself peering over the deck, the sound of crashing waves like a song as you watch the only place that you’ve ever known become farther and farther away from you.

Kazuha intertwines his fingers with yours, and though perhaps you should be a bundle of nerves right now at the prospect of leaving everything you have known behind, your heart is as tranquil as the clouds floating above.

“Hey,” Kazuha turns around to admire the way the wind caresses your hair. “Where do you think we’ll go from here?”

“Oh Kazuha. Anywhere.” You rest your head on his shoulder, a content smile blossoming on your face. “Simply anywhere.”

[ginevrastilinski-ocs]

Glee OCs Masterlist [A-K]

Name: Alaska Devon

Pronouns: she/her

Story: Untitled

LI: Noah Puckerman

Quote: And you know damn well, for you I would ruin myself a million little times.

Pinterest: TBD

FC: Madison Iseman

Name: Audrey Clay

Pronouns: she/her

Story: The Band And I

LI: TBD

Quote: Love yourself, girl, or nobody will.

Pinterest: TBD

FC: Barbie Ferreira

Name: Benjamin Evans

Pronouns: he/him

Story: Untitled

LI: TBD

Quote: Any you've got a smile that can light up this whole town.

Pinterest: TBD

FC: Kit Connor

Name: Carina Fabray

Pronouns: she/her

Story: Untitled

LI: Rachel Berry

Quote: The very idea that you're too kind, too sensitive, too emotional, too enthusiastic, too loving is bat-shit preposterous.

Pinterest: TBD

FC: Aimee Lou Wood

Name: Chrissy Chamberlain

Pronouns: she/her

Story: Untitled

LI: Tina Cohen-Chang

Quote: I've been so lucky, I am the girl with golden hair.

Pinterest: TBD

FC: Peyton List

Name: Christine Schuester

Pronouns: she/her

Story: Coming Of Age

LI: Finn Hudson; Quinn Fabray; eventual Quinn Fabray & Sam Evans

Quote: I am holding my loneliness and she is a teenage girl with puffy eyes, and I love her more than I have ever loved anyone.

Pinterest: TBD

FC: Maisie Peters

Name: Connie Sanchez

Pronouns: she/her

Story: Edge Of Great

LI: Marley Rose

Quote: It's not what you lost, it's what you'll gain, raising your voice to the rain.

Pinterest: TBD

FC: Madison Reyes

Name: Cosette Chamberlain

Pronouns: she/her

Story: Untitled

LI: Cooper Anderson

Quote: Please don't ever become a stranger whose laugh I could recognize everywhere.

Pinterest: TBD

FC: Tilly Keeper

Name: Dahlia Jones

Pronouns: she/her

Story: Untitled

LI: Brittany Pierce

Quote: She was sunshine, I was midnight rain.

Pinterest: TBD

FC: China Anne Mcclain

Name: Dorothy Berry

Pronouns: she/her

Story: Untitled

LI: Mercedes Jones

Quote: I'm so tired of being the girl I am.

Pinterest: TBD

FC: Emma Mackey

Name: Dulcie Klempt

Pronouns: she/her

Story: Untitled

LI: TBD

Quote: The seats are empty, the theatre is dark. Why do you keep acting?

Pinterest: TBD

FC: Kristine Froseth

Name: Ellie Duke

Pronouns: she/her

Story: Coming Of Age; [Multi]

LI: N/A

Quote: When you grow up, you should be just like you.

Pinterest: TBD

FC: Abby Ryder Fortson

Name: Elliott Walker

Pronouns: he/him

Story: True Colors

LI: Rory Flanagan

Quote: I want to be great or nothing.

Pinterest: X

FC: Tom Holland

Dance Team: Charlie Fenlon - Duncan Dayrell - Gigi Collier - Hannah Gloss - Lau Reed - Louis Aster - Midge Beryl - Rosamund Gaulett

Name: Emmett Dove

Pronouns: he/him

Story: Untitled

LI: Waverly Jones

Quote: Even in my worst times you could see the best of me.

Pinterest: TBD

FC: Nicholas Galitzine

Name: Garreth Duke

Pronouns: he/him

Story: Coming Of Age; [Multi]

LI: Emma Pillsbury

Quote: Be the reason someone feels welcomed, seen, heard, valued, loved and supported.

Pinterest: TBD

FC: Paul Rudd

Name: Honey Hayes

Pronouns: she/her & they/them

Story: The Band And I

LI: TBD

Quote: I am bitter. I am seventeen. I am searching for the exit.

Pinterest: TBD

FC: Sophie Thatcher

Name: Jake Berry

Pronouns: he/him

Story: Untitled

LI: Blaine Anderson

Quote: Be gentle with me. I'm more delicate than I look.

Pinterest: TBD

FC: Felix Mallard

Name: Jean St James

Pronouns: she/her

Story: The Rose Song

LI: TBD

Quote: How silly of me to forget that I am the love of my life.

Pinterest: TBD

FC: Olivia Rodrigo

Name: Jennifer Glynn

Pronouns: she/her

Story: Untitled

LI: Linda Berry

Quote: How can I ask anyone to love me when all I do is beg to be left alone?

Pinterest: TBD

FC: Liz Gillies

Name: Kathleen Bao

Pronouns: she/her

Story: Untitled

LI: Artie Abrams

Quote: Just because my dreams are different than yours doesn't mean they're unimportant.

Pinterest: TBD

FC: Lana Condor

Name: Kaylee Hummel

Pronouns: she/her

Story: Untitled

LI: Sam Evans

Quote: Gonna find the strength, find the melody, 'cause you showed me how to do it.

Pinterest: TBD

FC: Danielle Rose Russell

Name: Kipp Hudson

Pronouns: he/him

Story: Untitled

LI: Noah Puckerman; Brittany Pierce; endgame Mike Chang

Quote: Mother says I was a dancer before I could walk. She says I began to sing long before I could talk.

Pinterest: TBD

FC: Milo Manheim

[ferios-favorite-styles]

♬おすすめの曲 プレイリスト♪ Ferios List 198

2024/5/18～5/24にリリースされた邦楽の中からチェック。個人的に聴きたい曲を集めたリストです。

【掲載アーティスト】

Simple And Clean(Re-Recording) / 宇多田ヒカル Honey / Hiyadam, Yo-Sea ANEMoNE / Tina Moon 矮大 / Yuima Enya, J.A.K.A.M. R / mol-74 いたいの、いたいの、とんでいけ(feat. 『ユイカ』, KAFUNÉ) / MAISONdes, 『ユイカ』, KAFUNÉ Is / Coldhot 風が知っている / DJ KRUTCH, LUVRAW ニューデイズ / くじら, カゼヒキ YDY / ゲスの極み乙女 dawn / Sincere 群れる青 / アイニー, ニト。 恥じらってグッバイ / Little Black Dress アイワナ / 冨岡愛 揺れる / カノエラナ my time / xiexie sister / チョーキューメイ Moon Shaped / Homecomings 燈 / 9tree, ZIW, KIKUMARU, Calli Stephus, K'z Tyler, 11, bill marcos, DAI, Kethug, NAGAN SERVER, Vue du monde 五月雨 / NORIKIYO Lucky / Nulbarich, Sunny, UMI 遊星X / WurtS 22 / TOFU, MIKADO, 7, lj GAMEOVER / Daoko 大人は忙しい / otsumami, mikan ペインターラット / Unknöwn Kun 巡ル / yutori タヒ神サマ / Bye-Bye-Handの方程式 RATATATA / BABYMETAL, Electric Callboy -EP3- THE SQUID / ASTERISM, Acky Bright 九十九 / Gill Snantch Silver Sonic / Newspeak 信号のない街 / きゃない デジタルノイズを走らせて / 山本大斗 いちごミルク - MON/KU Remix / Tomggg, ena mori, MON/KU Silent World feat. KYONO, Ryu (Ryu Matsuyama) / ADAM at, KYONO, Ryu Matsuyama Down Somebody / LilyClone jitensha / kurayamisaka

[starlostseungmin]

okay listen, new years eve, the clock is about to hit midnight, skz x moots and what song is playing in the background as they share the first kiss of the year 🎤

to be really honest anon, it took me a decade to find these songs jsjsks i realized that i don't really listen to love songs that much so here's all i can do! thank you for coming by btw 🫶🏻

@cosmic-railwayxo x hyunjin

— this actually perfect if both of them decided to go on a date together at midnight, welcoming the new year just the two of them on a cliff with hyunjin's car parked beside them. the view from the cliff where you could see the city lights felt so peaceful and away from all the noises, but they are expecting to hear the blasts of fireworks in any minute now and when the clock strikes midnight, that's when the kiss. who knows right? they are so in love with each other.

@hyunverse x han

— same with deni and hyunjin, rin and han decided to celebrate the new year together so they're on a vacation, more like honeymoon. two of them stayed in their hotel room waiting for the fireworks display that can be seen as a whole from their full length windows. they shared a kiss after the countdown and the song finally reached the last chorus.

@asters-abditory x jeongin

— you know there's something about this song that suits the new year vibes (this will give spoilers from my upcoming innie fic) two of them celebrated new year in the camp, but they decided to wait until midnight. aster and jeongin were seen on the top of the waterfalls and jumped. when they reached the river below and rose up, they shared a kiss as the fireworks blasted by their camping mates.

@seungly x seungmin

— now seungmin is the sentimental, yet romantic one. sunny and seungmin were standing at the rooftop together after they wanted some time of peace despite the louds noises from hyunjin's new year's eve party in his house. seungmin would fix her hair as he stared on her eyes, smiling before leaning for a kiss with the fireworks blasting up in the sky.

@comet-falls x minho

— this is like confessing their love for each other which they never really get to show. minho's a tsundere and he barely say things to honey of how he loves her so much but he wanted to make the new year's eve as an opportunity to make her feel how much he loves her. “you are the best thing that’s ever been mine.” he said as they kissed.

@l3visbby x changbin

— can u imagine how changbin would take ola's hands and take her to a dance? like changbin would definitely do this especially when he song feels like sentimental and makes the mood for having a romantic moment. and after twirling her around, changbin pulls her closer to his body and leaned forward for a kiss with the clock strikes midnight and everyone cheered for the new year.

@zoe8stay x chan

— this song is actually perfect for a wedding but let's just say that zoe and chan has been married for like a few months and they decided to spend new year's eve together on a beach resort. they would walk by the shore hand in hand. when they saw people already preparing to light up the fireworks, they stood together with chan's arm around her waist. the clock strikes midnight as they looked at each other and kiss.

@lix-ables x felix

— this is one of my favorite songs from this artist and i feel like this would suit kriss and felix. they have been pining all over the place and that's when felix decided to take the opportunity to confess. just like minho and honey but this time, they'll turn into lovers after being friends for such a long time. felix would say how hard it was to confess to kriss because he didn't want to risk their friendship but then kriss felt the same. felix promised and eternity with her using this song as the fireworks roared, sharing a kiss.

[coulsons-fullmetal-cellist]

Sexy Bespectacled

(Dieter x horror loving female reader)

Summary: you find out Dieter’s big secret

Warnings: does bad eyesight count? Dieter gets silly and horny, lots of film directors get mentioned, saucy suggestions, being woken up is always unpleasant

Check out masterlist here

A fact not many people now about Dieter Bravo is that he requires glasses.

He can see fine right in front of him and at a small distance, but any further and he’s squinting to see. He managed to get away with hiding his poor eyesight by wearing his prescription sunglasses, having lost one too many pairs of regular glasses and hating contact lenses.

He never watches any of his films because he could never see the screen at any premiere.

He had to reveal this secret to you early on in the relationship as you wanted to go on dates to the cinema and he wanted to actually see the cinema screen.

You didn’t realise you had a thing for glasses until you saw Dieter wearing his own; he somehow managed to look both adorable, sophisticated and sexy. He needed to be seen out in public, but he seemed reluctant about that.

“I think everyone will really like the glasses look”.

“Nah, big celebrities don’t go out in glasses”.

“Lots of them do”.

“Which ones”

This required some thinking: “John Landis, Guillermo del Toro, Bong Joon-ho, Ari Aster, John Carpenter…”

“Ones that haven’t directed horror films?”

That required more thinking: “George Lucas, Steven Spielberg, Francis Ford Coppola…”

“You’re only naming directors, honey cakes”.

“I don’t know much about actors; I don’t have that much interest in them, except you, of course”

“Of course” he nuzzled into your neck.

“I’m sure there’s at least one actor I know who wears glasses” you said, ignoring Dieter’s ministrations “I can’t remember though and it annoys me. I just need to not think about it and I’m sure it’ll pop into my head”

“I can think of a good distraction…” he was curling his arms around you so you could no longer ignore him.

Later that night, you remembered. You almost jumped out of bed, excited that you remembered.

“Stanley Tucci!”

Dieter awoke with a start, mumbling something about evil canaries.

“Stanley Tucci wears glasses!”

“What time is it?”

“And everyone like Stanley Tucci”

“How are you awake?”

“He’s a very likeable man and I don’t know why more people aren’t trying to be like him and wear glasses. You like him, don’t you?”

Dieter just nodded sleepily.

“And you’re just as sexy, so you’ll have that added sophistication. Don’t you agree?”

Dieter just sleepily nodded again.

“So you’ll go out wearing your glasses more?”

“At this point, I’d agree to being tied up naked to a bay hale and being spanked”.

It was only then that you realised how late it was.

“Oh no, I’m so sorry I woke you! The thought just came to my head, and I wanted to get it out of my head in case I forgot it in the morning”

Dieter mumbled something akin to an “it’s okay” as you pulled his head into your chest, kissing the top of his head.

“Honey cakes”

“Yes?”

“Please don’t tie me up naked to a hay bale”.

“Don’t worry I won’t”.

“Feel free to spank me though.”

[judeschoices]

Captivated

Book: The Royal Masquerade

Pairing: Judith Aster x Kayden Vescovi

Rating: T (Teens)

Summary: Kayden wasn’t never really fond of the nobility, save for a few people who didn’t look down at him as if he was something they found stuck to the bottom of their expensive shoes. So when the queen released him from his duty from her side to attend the Masquerade Ball, he was far from pleased. Though that all changed when he found himself captivated by a pair of honey brown eyes.

'Oh for heaven's sake, Kayden! Go out and have some fun while you're still young!'

I resisted the urge to roll my eyes as Queen Kendra's words rang in my head as I silently did my rounds in the ballroom. As much as I've come to care for the aging queen, she's as pushy as ever.

I enjoyed my post by her side in the quiet throne room perfectly fine.

Being amongst the glamour that was the Masquerade Ball wasn't my idea of a reward I could enjoy.

I glanced around at the nobles as they mingled amongst themselves.

Her Majesty certainly outdid herself by picking the theme. An event where everyone gets to hide behind the safety of a mask.

Not that anyone here has ever been willing to show their true face, to begin with.

Couples who came together would gaze longingly after another in hopes of another rendezvous encounter over the shoulder of their partner.

Allies laughed and chatted with one another, while one of them is gaining intel to undermine the other in hopes of gaining their assets.

Gold and jewels decorated their necks and fingers to flash in front of others as a way to hide the crippling debt their house is in.

To show one's true face within this corrupt court is asking to be stabbed in the back.

Which is why I much rather be anywhere than here...

"Now presenting Lady Annalisa of the House of Aster and her entourage!" None of the nobles turned to see the newcomer. To my knowledge, the House of Aster is a common House welcomed by Queen Kendra.

However, none of the nobles approved of this.

To break centuries of tradition and allow new blood to enter their circle was simply far too scandalous to them. Anything new or unfamiliar is something that all the nobles feared.

Whether they realized it or not.

Glancing in the direction of the entrance, I studied the new lady in court.

A rather tall but slim woman. Fair skin, long curly dark brown hair, and blue eyes. Lady Annalisa was indeed a vision. I wouldn't be surprised if one of the noblemen took a fancy to her if they were willing to get their heads out of their arses long enough to look past what house she came from.

The new lady at court seemed to be busying herself by chatting with another woman.

One I have never seen before either.

She stuck out like a sore thumb in the sea of fair and pale skin women with her dark skin tone, much similar to my own. Her hair was done in an updo, however, I could see that her hair wasn't loose but in a style, I've heard to be called "locs". As different as the style seemed... it suited the young woman. With her hair up, it revealed her smooth shoulders and elegant neck for all to see. An admiral blue dress clothed her short figure. I could spy the gold and silver accents in her dress.

Her back was turned to me so I couldn't continue my assessment of this woman. Lady Annalisa gave the woman a cheeky wink before disappearing into the crowd.

The mysterious woman finally turned around and I found my breath catching in my throat.

Honey brown eyes sparkled behind a black and blue mask decorated with a feather, eerie similar to a quill. She took in the ballroom with childlike innocence. I resisted the urge to smirk when she delicately sniffed the air, catching a whiff of a servant's fresh bread on a platter.

There was something that was utterly adorable about this mysterious woman.

I narrowed my eyes at her, curious about who she could possibly be.

Just as I turned to walk towards her, her posture stiffened suddenly.

Following her line of sight, I resisted the urge to frown.

In midst of a sea of desperate women grappling for his attention, stood Hunter Fierro.

Heir to the House of Fierro and unproclaimed heir to the throne of Cordonia.

Since Queen Kendra never had children of her own, she looked towards the other Houses to find an heir. Hunter was the one who caught her eye. I could never be more glad of this, seeing how vain and greedy everyone else is. Save the House of Beaumont, of course.

Though I would be more glad if Hunter never locked eyes with this woman.

Disentangling himself from the too-friendly hands of those noblewomen, he approached the dark skin beauty. I was still too far away to hear their conversation, but it wasn't hard to guess that he was flirting with her.

The kiss on the hand cemented it.

I fought back a growl that threatened to crawl up from the back of my throat.

With one last flirtatious glance, Hunter left her alone. Without wasting a second, I planted myself by the woman's side. She turned and let out a soft gasp, raising her gaze to meet mine.

I ignored the odd flutter in my chest.

"You've made quite the mysterious appearance," I muttered softly, sizing her up. She eventually got over her initial shock once she heard the sound of my voice, narrowing those honey-brown eyes ever so slightly. Her full lips quirked up in a small smirk.

"I could say the same for yourself." I raised a brow at this.

'Cheeky.'

"There are rumors of people sneaking in," I said casually, eyeing her reaction. If she was nervous, then she gave away no obvious tells as her smirk only grew wider.

"Interesting how a man in a mask is questioning my motives for being here. I'm sure we only have our faces to hide," she chuckled.

'A woman who could hold her own. Interesting.'

"Oh? If that's the case, then you should have no issue showing me your invitation." I was intrigued to see how she was going to dodge this one.

"Why, aren't you eager to know my name?" I blinked, taken aback by her boldness before schooling my features.

"And what if I am," I asked, daringly taking a step closer to her. She glanced at me under short, curly lashes.

"Then you have to be far more charming than that." I narrowed my eyes at her faux innocence.

"I can't decide if you're being cunning or coy," I pondered aloud. The woman let out another chuckle.

"Then I'll leave you to decide in peace. If you would excuse me, kind sir..." I felt my heart drop to my stomach as the mysterious woman turned to leave. Despite our short conversation, I wasn't ready to let her slip out of my grasp just yet...

"Wait," I called out to her. I held out a hand to her, bowing at the waist.

"May I have this next dance?" Her questioning gaze was trained on me once again.

"First you were questioning my presence here and now you're asking for my company?"

"Consider it a pleasant way of me keeping my eye on you," I replied smoothly. Her eyes narrowed and her lips formed into a thoughtful pout. As if she was trying to pick me apart and figure me out.

She's most certainly not like the average noblewoman.

"Unless there's someone else you've promised your next dance to?" As if on cue, her eyes glanced over to the dancefloor. Where Hunter was waiting idly beside it.

I bit the inside of my cheek.

Whilst I had a fair share of women throw themselves at me, I could never compare to Hunter. He's far more charming than I. As well as pure blood. I wouldn't be surprised if she said-

"No. I haven't." If it wasn't for the years of training myself on schooling my emotions, she would've seen the evident surprise on my face.

A woman declining a dance with the unproclaimed heir to the throne?

That's something one doesn't hear every day.

But I can't say I'm displeased with this turn of events...

"Wonderful," I said, offering her a small smile. The dark skin beauty placed her small hand in my larger one as I escorted her to the dancefloor.

From the corner of my eye, I noticed Hunter perk up at the sight of her. He was ready to make his way toward her until he realized who she was with. The disappointment flashed in his eyes for a brief second before he offered her another charming smile.

"Enjoy your dance, my lady," he said. She returned his smile.

"Perhaps we'll dance another time. Have a wonderful evening, kind sir." He nodded at her before sending me a brief stern look.

'Message received, Your Highness.'

"You're quite popular this evening," I said as we reached the center of the dance floor. She bashfully shrugged her shoulders.

"It's a nice change of pace." We took our initial positions just as the band started a new song. With her childlike innocence, I wouldn't be surprised if she tried to take out a few of my toes.

Though I was pleasantly surprised to find her following my lead with ease.

"You seem to know your way around a dance number," I observed. She smiled and gave me a cheeky wink.

"Perhaps you're just an excellent lead." Whether she knew it or not, this is the second time she's surprised me with her flirtations. The first woman ever to really achieve such a thing.

"It would be the first that anyone has said that," I replied slowly. She laughed freely, a deep but sweet sound escaping her throat. The sound of her laugh reminded me of the feeling of drinking a cup of hot chocolate. Just warm and rich. The sound was addicting...

"Oh come now. I'm sure many ladies simply envy to have a dance with you. It wouldn't surprise me if I had several eyes trying to burn me alive by being able to have the opportunity to," she said, two rows of pearly whites winked at me as she smiled.

'Just who are you?'

With her vote of confidence, I grew bolder with my movements and she was able to match me step for step. Bracing my arm around her back, I dipped her back, never breaking eye contact with the beauty in my arms.

Her eyes spoke of her trust in me as well as her evident delight. Pulling her back up, she followed as we spun with grace.

"Very few move with such little effort..." She smirked.

"One mustn't belabor grace," she informed me. I cracked a smile at this. Twirling the woman under my arm, she spun effortlessly against me before I brought her close to my chest.

Her honey brown eyes sparkled under the chandelier lights as she locked eyes with me.

"Who are you, really," I whispered. She tilted her head at me.

"Tired of our game already," she teased.

"Why play games if one can ask directly," I questioned. The music started to fade and people were looking for new partners. I bit my lip, unwilling to release her.

"Looks like our dance has come to an end and I still don't know who you are," I said. She smiled cheekily at my misfortune.

"You had your chance." I held her hand.

"I would like another." Her smile grew wider.

"That isn't something I have to give..." Normally I would be tired of useless banter but with her, I feel like I could go all night.

"A bargain, then. We continue our dance on a private balcony and can use that chance to... discover the other. If I can correctly guess your identity, then I will allow you to guess my own." She looked as if she was raising a brow.

"You seem to be going through an awful lot of trouble in figuring out my identity... And you truly believe you can guess it from only a few tells," she asked in disbelief. I resisted the urge to smirk.

‘Got her.’

"Only one way to find out, my lady..." She paused for a single moment before squeezing my hand.

"Alright, you've convinced me," she chuckled. Perfect. With her hand still intertwined with mine, I lead her to the balcony. The soft echo of the music could see be heard from where we were. I turned to find curious eyes already looking up at me.

"Now, I believe we were near our dance's end?" She chuckled.

"I believe you are correct," she affirmed. I allowed my hands to snake around her lower back, preparing to lift her. Naturally, the mysterious beauty followed, delicately grasping my shoulders to hold herself up. Her eyes were trained on the city lights below as I spun her in the air, the moonlight bathing her in its eternal glow.

Almost enchanted by the sight, I carefully set her down.

"That was breathtaking," she said after a moment of silence.

"For you as well," I asked, knowing full well I wasn't talking about the scenery. She met my gaze for a moment before lowering her eyes, holding a hand to her cheek.

"So... about this bargain... I'm intrigued to know when questions you have floating around in that head of yours." I raised a brow, resisting the urge to smirk. It's incredibly rare for me to make a woman blush, partially because I was no charmer. That was more of Hunter's lane, even my half-brother's. But also due to the fact, that the women at court wouldn't spare me a second glance.

After all, who would want to flirt with the son of a bastard?

To make this mysterious beauty blush... felt invigorating.

But I decided to indulge her in her not-so-subtle subject change.

"If I only have one chance, I want you to tell me if I'm right or wrong," I said, even though I felt extremely confident about who she could be based on our short time together. She regarded me with a head tilt, waiting for me to continue.

"You've been in awe of the palace, so you're no regular at court. This must be your first party. As we dance, I could feel the calluses on the tips of your fingers, right where a quill should be. And your mask... the feathers look like that found on a quill as well..." Wide eyes regarded me as I placed the final nail in the coffin.

"You're a starry-eyed scribe from the library, and you snuck into the ball." The masked woman squared her shoulders before clearing her throat.

"I'm... I'm exactly as you say." I rose a brow, slightly surprised she didn't deny my claim. Whoever this woman is... she's quite bold and confident in who she was.

And doesn't seem to be ashamed of any of it, in the most humble ways possible.

"Welcome to the palace. Is it everything you hoped it to be?" She bit her lower lip, eyeing me wearily.

"Everything and more... you're not going to tell anyone, are you," she asked softly. I shook my head.

"Even though I should... but you impressed me." She let out a small sigh of relief.

"You're not the only one, kind sir. I didn't expect you to infer so much on so little." I smirked a little.

"It's a skill of mine... Now as part of our bargain, it's your turn..." Those honey brown eyes looked over me carefully, as if she was picking me apart bit by bit.

"Hmm... for you to be such an excellent lead, you must be a veteran at these events. You display a sense of confidence and wear a unique mask, so that could symbolize a sense of importance. However, you dress practical, not at all like the other noblemen here, as if you need to be ready for anything. Your clothes are also dark making it easier to melt into the shadows. You were able to sneak up on me with ease so you must be used to being a background character to get around..." Despite my poker face, I was surprised at her intellect.

"So you must be the black sheep of the family. A possible spy or special guard for the crown," she concluded, waiting to hear my answer. I chuckled.

"There are some things a mask can't hide." She gave me a cheeky wink.

"Not when I have a clever eye," she teased. I shook my head fondly at her boldness before gazing out over the balcony.

"This view is one of the few good things about the palace," I mumbled softly.

"It's gorgeous..."

"If you look up, you can see all the stars in the sky. Some say that they hold our fates." She let out a soft hum.

"And I take it that you're not one of them," she asked knowingly.

"If our destinies were truly set, then you wouldn't be here tonight," I answered. She let out a small sigh.

"However I could only live this fantasy for a night..."

"Until you decide to live it again," I challenged. She lifted her gaze to meet my own.

"I can't simply shape my future on command," she retorted.

"You've given me cause to disagree, my lady." I took a step closer to her, placing my hand a mere inch away from hers before returning my gaze to the night sky.

A comfortable silence fell between us and I felt compelled to turn to face her once again. I allowed a lone finger to trace along the side of her mask. The woman turned to me as I mumbled a soft request,

"I would like to see your face." She graced me with another smile.

"Only if I'm able to unmask you as well," she offered. I chuckled.

"Another bargain then. I accept." The young scribe stood still, eyes closed, as my fingers danced along the delicate skin of her jaw and around the mask before carefully pulling it off.

Her eyes fluttered open, gleaming under the moonlight. I felt my breath hitch softly in my throat.

Soft smooth dark skin. Dark full arched brows. A button-like nose. Full plush lips. Those honey brown eyes...

'Gorgeous... she was gorgeous...'

"I've wanted to put a face to a person, but I didn't expect that face to be so beautiful," I whispered softly with a fond smile. She let out a chuckle, low and sweet.

"Then I expect to be greeted with a similar feeling." I felt her fingertips dance along my jaw before lightly grazing the edges of my mask. Slowly, she lifted it off.

I felt my heart begin to race as she gazed at my face. A slow smile formed on those full lips.

"We finally meet face to face," she said softly, almost breathlessly.

"It was well worth the wait," I answered in kind. She rose a brow, smile still in place.

"So? Did you find what you were looking for," she asked.

"In a way..." Our eyes were trained on each other as we seem to slowly gravitate toward one another. Her lips were just mere inches from mine and I felt something stir within me. We reached out to each other.

My arms snaked around a slim waist.

Hers found purchase around my broad shoulders. I lowered my lips close to her ear.

"Tell me what you want," I whispered softly. She shivered in my grasp, wearing down the plump flesh of her bottom lip with her teeth. My eyes narrowed at the sight, the feeling in my chest growing strong with need.

"Anything you ask, it's yours... but you must tell me," I urged, my voice coming out in a hoarse rasp. The woman drew herself closer, tilting her head upwards at me in an inviting manner. Our lips were just a mere inch apart.

"I... I want you to-"

"Ahem." Glancing over my shoulder, I found a well-dressed servant, averting his gaze from our intimate embrace. The woman rolled her eyes before pulling away from me with a soft chuckle.

"Yes, Vasco? How may I help you?" I wanted to groan. But of course, she knows him. The servant, Vasco looked both alarmed and flustered.

"Apologies, my lady! But this is somewhat of an emergency." I silently watched as the dark skin beauty straighten her spine, eyes narrowing in a serious gaze.

"Emergency? What happened?" I rose a brow. Her voice went an octave deeper, still smooth as honey, but commanding.

"I found the queen's invitation, which means I gave your sister the wrong one! I would remedy this situation myself and offer my resignation at once, but I cannot find your sister. I fear that she's been summoned to meet the queen early. She would look foolish handing out the wrong invitation," Vasco quickly stated. Her lips quirked upward for a split second at him mentioning his resignation, as if it was some inside joke before growing serious once more.

"Then I'll give it to her. We don't have a second to lose, Vasco." The man nodded before handing her the invitation and instructing her on where to find the throne room. She slipped on her mask once and before turning to leave, I reached out and held her hand.

"Before you go... may I get your name," I asked softly. She let out a soft laugh.

"Judith... Judith Aster. And you, kind sir?" I gave her a rare smile.

"Kayden... enjoy the rest of your night my lady." Before she could fully slip from my grasp, I pressed my lips against her knuckles. I glanced up to find a soft look in her eyes as well as a shy smile. She thanked me and hurried off, leaving me alone to my thoughts.

'Judith... such a lovely name for an equally lovely woman... There's no telling when I will get the chance to see her again, but at least she left me with the sweetest memory a man could ever ask for. I never would have thought I'd see the day a woman has captivated me so, but I know we met for a reason. I hope to see this to the end...'

Just as my night seem to be looking up, the sound of screams brought it crashing back down.