#i fell behind both on writing and cross posting here

[vingtetunmars]

would you be willing to wire a joel miller fic based on the song ‘fuck me eyes’ ? anytime i listen to it i just think about joel wanting to show the reader they deserve to be taken care of and treated with nothing but love, something they’re not used to. he seems how other men use and discard them, and he will not let that slide…

Not Just One Night

Pairing: Joel Miller x F!Reader

Summary: You’ve been a regular at Joel Miller’s bar for months—sharing drinks, teasing flirtations, and quiet glances that never quite cross the line. After one too many heartbreaks, you’ve learned not to expect much from men. Still, Joel sees more than you realize. He watched you walk away too many nights, and he’s done staying silent. This time, he’s asking—if you’ll let him, he’ll show you what it really means to be cared for.

Tags: Friends to lovers, mutual pining, soft Joel Miller, implied age difference, Joel Miller is a sweetheart and a gentleman, bar owner! Joel. No descriptions for Reader. No mentions of Y/N.

A/N: Sorry for the wait! I've been so so busy with my thesis defense preparations. I'm so stressed, I basically used writing this fic as a distraction from everything else lmao. Reblogs are appreciated. Please do not steal or cross-post it on another platform without asking. Thank you.

Word Count: 4.8k

masterlist

The bar was quiet for a Wednesday, the low hum of conversation and the gentle clink of glass the only sounds filling the space. You were at your usual seat, elbows on the worn wood counter, eyes tracing the gold lettering on the bottle Joel had just set down in front of you.

“Didn’t think I’d see you tonight,” Joel said, sliding a napkin under your drink. “Didn’t you say you had plans?”

“I did,” you murmured, twirling the glass between your fingers. “Didn’t pan out.”

Joel’s eyes lingered on you a moment too long before he nodded. “Figures.”

You raised an eyebrow. “Figures?”

“Nothin’.” He wiped at a nonexistent spot on the bar with the edge of a rag. “Just mean you always end up here anyway. Like clockwork.”

“Guess I just like the company,” you teased, your voice light.

Joel huffed a quiet laugh, then leaned his arms on the counter to meet your gaze. “Uh huh. You come for the ambiance or for my good looks?”

You smirked. “Bit of both. You pouring drinks with those rolled-up sleeves? Can’t say it’s not working for you.”

He didn’t smile, not really—but there was a shift in his expression, something unreadable behind the warmth in his eyes. You liked making him react. Even if just a little.

“You always flirt this much with your bartender?”

“Only when he plays along,” you shot back, taking a sip.

Joel chuckled low under his breath and turned to grab a fresh bottle. But not before you caught that flicker in his expression—something restrained. Protective. Maybe even something else you didn’t dare name.

You weren’t sure if it was the liquor or the loneliness that kept bringing you back here. Maybe both. But Joel always kept your glass full and never asked too many questions.

He saw more than he let on. You knew that much.

And tonight, he wasn’t just watching you.

He was paying attention.

You were halfway through your second drink when a guy slid into the seat beside you. Tall, clean cut, reeking of expensive cologne and confidence.

“Hey,” he said, flashing a grin. “Did it hurt?”

You blinked at him. “Excuse me?”

“When you fell from heaven.”

You snorted before you could stop yourself. “Wow. Bold move.”

He shrugged, undeterred. “Just trying to make you laugh. And it worked.”

Joel was a few feet away, drying a glass a little too slowly. His jaw ticked when the guy leaned in closer to you, elbow nudging yours like he owned the space.

“You come here often?” the guy asked.

You didn’t even have to think about it. “Yeah. It’s kind of my spot.”

“Then maybe I’ve been missing out.” He tilted his head. “You wanna get out of here?”

It was fast. Too fast. But that was the point, wasn’t it?

You didn’t glance at Joel. You didn’t have to. You could feel his silence from here, the heavy weight of his eyes on your back.

You offered the stranger a smile—tight, performative, but enough. “Sure.”

You grabbed your jacket off the back of your stool, downed the last of your drink in one quick go. Joel was suddenly right there, as if he’d just appeared from the shadows, his voice low and gravel-rough.

“You good?”

You met his eyes. His face gave nothing away, but the look was all there—guarded, unreadable, maybe a little disappointed.

“Yeah,” you said, giving him a soft smile. “I’ll see you, Joel.”

He nodded, stepping back just enough to let you pass.

But he didn’t watch you leave.

He just turned back toward the bar, back to the glasses that didn’t need cleaning, hands clenched a little tighter than before.

You hadn’t been in for a week.

Joel noticed.

Didn’t say anything when you finally showed up, though—just nodded when you walked in, gave a short, almost too-neutral “Evenin’” before setting a glass down at your usual spot.

You didn't smile. Just slumped into the stool and leaned your head in your hand, the heel of your palm digging into your brow like you were trying to press a headache out of your skull.

Joel poured your usual without asking. Pushed it toward you gently.

“You look like shit,” he said after a long moment.

You huffed. “Thanks. Just what I needed.”

He didn’t take the bait. Just raised an eyebrow and leaned a hip against the counter, watching you quietly. The kind of silence that wasn’t empty—it was patient. Like he was waiting for you to say something real.

You picked at the edge of your napkin. “Remember that guy?”

Joel didn’t have to ask which one. He just nodded.

“Turns out,” you said, swirling your drink but not sipping it, “he has a girlfriend. Fiancée, actually.”

Joel’s jaw flexed. His voice stayed low. “Jesus.”

You laughed, but it came out all wrong—tight and bitter. “Yeah. She found my number. Sent me a photo of the two of them on vacation. Said she hoped I ‘enjoyed the leftovers.’”

Joel’s hands were gripping the edge of the bar now, knuckles pale.

You didn’t look at him. You couldn’t. You kept your eyes on the drink, voice quiet. “I didn’t know. I wouldn’t’ve gone home with him if I did, Joel. I swear to God—”

“Hey.” His voice cut in, firm. You looked up. He was already leaning in a little, close enough for just the two of you to hear.

“I know you didn’t.”

The way he said it—no hesitation, no judgment—hit harder than it should have. Your throat tightened.

Joel didn’t ask questions. Didn’t try to make you explain more than you needed to. He just grabbed the rag from the sink and started wiping down the bar again, like he needed something to do with his hands. Like he was keeping himself from saying what he really wanted to say.

“I keep doing this,” you muttered after a minute. “Meeting these guys who say the right things, smile the right way, and then just—leave.”

That silence hung thick between you.

And maybe it was just the dim lighting, or maybe it was the week you’d had, but something in his expression looked like he wasn’t just angry for you.

He was angry because of you.

Because someone had touched you with no intention of keeping you. And Joel—he didn’t say it—but he would have.

If you let him.

You cleared your throat, eyes darting back to the glass. Then, with a deep inhale, you straightened your shoulders and tossed back a sip like it might burn away the last seven days.

“Whatever,” you said, forcing a shrug. “I’m used to it.”

Joel didn’t say a word, but you could feel the tension shift in him.

You slapped your hand lightly on the bar. “Anyway. I’m not here to mope.” You flashed a smile—too bright, too rehearsed. “I’m here to have fun. Forget everything. Drink something strong. Flirt with a bartender. Same old, same old.”

He watched you closely, eyes narrowing like he was trying to read between the lines of your performance.

You stirred the ice in your glass with your finger. “So. You gonna tell me if you finally fixed that janky jukebox, or am I still stuck listening to the same eight classic rock songs from the 70s?”

Joel exhaled a short breath—more of a scoff than a laugh—and shook his head. “Still broken. You’re stuck with Skynyrd and Fleetwood Mac, sweetheart.”

You grinned, a little more real this time. “You say that like it’s a punishment.”

He finally smiled. Not a full one, but it reached his eyes.

“Pretty sure you could recite ‘Landslide’ by now.”

“I do recite it. Weekly,” you said, tapping your glass with a faint smirk. “Like a prayer.”

Joel chuckled under his breath and leaned in slightly, resting a forearm on the bar. “You sure you’re alright?”

You waved him off with a half-laugh, leaning back in your seat like it was all water under the bridge. “Joel. I’m always alright.”

But your eyes didn’t quite match the smile.

Joel noticed. Of course he did.

He didn’t press, though. Just nodded once and reached for the bottle, topping off your glass without asking.

And when his hand brushed yours, he let it linger. Just for a second.

A reminder.

You didn’t have to be fine if you weren’t.

The next time you came in, it was a Saturday night.

Busier than usual. Music a little louder. Lights a little dimmer. The hum of conversation and laughter bouncing off the walls like static.

You slipped onto your usual stool like you belonged there—which, at this point, you kind of did. Joel was already in front of you, pouring your drink before you asked.

“You’re early,” he said.

You offered a lazy smile. “Didn’t feel like waiting around tonight.”

He nodded, lips pressing into a line. His eyes flicked to the rest of the bar, then back to you. “You look nice.”

You did. He’d noticed the second you walked in—your makeup done just enough, neckline dipped just low enough. You looked like someone trying not to look like they were trying.

And he knew that look. Knew what it meant.

You were scanning the room.

Your eyes drifted past him and swept toward a table of guys in the corner, lingering just a second too long when one of them looked back and smiled.

Joel saw it.

You didn’t notice him watching.

You took a slow sip, adjusted the strap of your top like you wanted someone to be looking. Maybe not anyone specific—just someone. Someone who’d make you feel wanted, even if only for the night.

Joel’s jaw clenched. He wiped at the counter with a rag he didn’t need and forced himself to breathe.

He wasn’t a young guy. He didn’t play games. And he sure as hell wasn’t as smooth as half the guys eyeing you from across the room. But he also wasn’t stupid.

He saw the way you tried to laugh things off. The way your smile always faltered a second too late.

So before he could stop himself—before he could chicken out like he had the last dozen times—you felt his voice cut through the low buzz around you.

“You ever think about goin’ out with someone who doesn’t just want you for one night?”

You blinked, turning to face him. “What?”

Joel’s hand paused on the bottle. He wasn’t looking at you now. He was focused too hard on the liquor, on the glass in front of him. On anything but your eyes.

“I mean,” he said, voice rough, quiet, “you ever think about…someone different. Maybe older. Someone who’d stick around. Treat you right.”

You didn’t say anything.

So he filled the silence, his next words rushed—like he regretted saying any of it already.

“I’m not sayin’ it’s a good idea. You’d probably laugh in my face, anyway. Just—forget it.”

You set your glass down. “Joel.”

He finally looked up, and you swore—for just a second—he looked scared.

Like he already knew your answer.

Like he was bracing for it.

You tilted your head, studying him, that same drink going warm between your hands.

Then, after a beat, you leaned in slightly, voice low. Almost amused.

“Joel,” you said, with a tiny grin tugging at your lips, “just ask already.”

His brow creased. “What?”

You shrugged, feigning nonchalance even as your heart hammered against your ribs. “You’re dancing around it like you think I’m gonna throw a drink in your face.”

Joel blinked, caught completely off guard. “I—”

“If you’re asking me out,” you said, voice quieter now, “then… yeah. I’d like that.”

He stared at you, stunned into silence.

You let out a small, nervous laugh and tucked a piece of hair behind your ear. “I’ve been waiting, actually.”

Joel’s mouth parted slightly, eyes narrowing—not in anger, just confusion. “Waitin’? You—what do you mean?”

You bit your lip, suddenly bashful. “Joel. What did you think I was doing? Coming here all the time. Flirting with you like it’s my second job.”

“I thought—” He stopped, rubbing the back of his neck like the words were caught somewhere between disbelief and self-doubt. “I dunno. I thought it was just for fun.”

You gave him a look.

“I mean—” he added quickly, “not that it didn’t mean anything. I just didn’t think you’d ever… y’know. Actually want me. I’m not exactly your age, darlin’. Thought maybe I was just—safe. Easy to tease.”

Your expression softened. “You really thought that?”

Joel nodded, eyes dropping to the counter. “Yeah. Kinda did.”

You exhaled, slow and steady. “You’re not just some guy behind a bar, Joel. Not to me.”

His gaze lifted to yours again, and this time—finally—he let you see it. All the things he’d been holding back in the tight lines of his mouth, the quiet glances, the protective silences.

You smiled, a little crooked now, a little uncertain. “So… is this where you tell me when and where, or do I gotta plan the whole thing?”

Joel let out a breathy laugh, the tension in his shoulders easing for the first time all night.

“I’ll handle it,” he said, voice warm. “You just say yes.”

“I already did.”

Joel picked a small Italian place off a side street you didn’t even know existed. It wasn’t flashy, wasn’t trendy. But it was charming—warm lighting, real candles on the tables, and a piano in the corner that looked like it hadn’t been played since the 90s.

You were smiling before you even sat down.

“This is… kinda adorable,” you said as Joel pulled out your chair.

He raised an eyebrow. “Adorable?”

You nodded, sliding into your seat. “Got me feeling like I'm in the 80s.”

Joel chuckled, settling across from you with a faint smile. “What? People don’t do this stuff no more?”

You grinned. “Not unless they’re trying to impress someone’s parents.”

“Maybe I am.”

That caught you off guard. You blinked, but before you could come up with a comeback, he was already scanning the wine list like he hadn’t just said something that made your heart thump harder than it should.

Dinner was good. Really good. The kind where you kept leaning in, forgetting your fork mid-air because you were too caught up in whatever Joel was saying. He was funny, sharp in that dry, understated way. Comfortable.

He listened. Like, actually listened. Didn’t check his phone once. Didn’t look over your shoulder. Just looked at you.

It was almost disarming.

And when he paid—without the awkward check-splitting shuffle, without making it a Thing—you teased, “You really are old-fashioned, huh?”

Joel just smirked. “Figured you deserved a real night. One without jukeboxes and drunk college kids screamin’ lyrics at each other.”

You laughed. “Careful, you keep raising the bar like this and I’ll start expecting flowers and love letters.”

“Shit,” Joel muttered, deadpan. “Forgot the quill and parchment in the truck.”

That earned a snort out of you.

But somewhere between dessert and the walk back to his truck, your words slipped out, quieter than before. “Usually… guys will do one nice thing. Maybe open a door. Pay the bill. And then expect a night in the bedroom.”

Joel looked over at you. He didn’t say anything, just walked a little closer, hands in his jacket pockets.

You tried to laugh it off. “But if that’s your plan, you must be asking a lot tonight.”

It was meant to be a joke. Light, deflecting.

But it kind of just… hung there.

Joel slowed his step, then stopped completely. You did too, a beat later, suddenly unsure if you’d misread something.

He looked at you—really looked—and when he spoke, his voice was soft. Honest.

“I ain’t expectin’ anything, darlin’. Except maybe another night like this.”

Your chest ached, just a little.

“…Okay,” you said, barely above a whisper.

Joel nodded once, then offered his arm like he was someone out of a damn novel. “C’mon. Let’s get you home.”

You looped your arm through his.

And for the first time in a long time, walking home didn’t feel like the end of the night.

It felt like a beginning.

After that night, things… kept going.

A few dates turned into more.

You and Joel didn’t rush anything—he picked you up for late dinners, brought you to a cozy movie night at his place, even introduced you to the grumpy old dog he swore wasn’t *his* but followed him everywhere anyway.

It was easy.

Warm.

Safe, in a way you weren’t used to.

At the bar, things stayed mostly the same. You still had your stool, your usual drink, your banter. Except now Joel’s hand would brush your lower back when you passed behind the bar. You’d linger a little longer at closing. And he’d walk you home more often than not.

You hadn’t really told anyone, not outright. But the looks said enough. The softness between you two wasn’t exactly subtle.

It was good. He was good.

Which was probably why it started to scare you.

It was just another evening—warm, comfortable, full of laughter—until she walked in.

Tall. Confident. Lipstick sharp. She leaned on the bar, gave Joel a once-over like she knew exactly what she wanted.

You were just heading back from the bathroom when you saw it.

Her fingers brushing the counter. Her laugh. Her eyes locked onto his like a target.

Joel didn’t flirt back. Didn’t even give her much more than a polite nod before walking away to grab a glass.

But it didn’t matter.

Because you’d seen that look before—on other women. Women who didn’t have to try. Who didn’t second-guess every word, every outfit, every glance.

You slipped back into your seat and swirled your drink, suddenly very aware of the weight in your chest. Joel returned like nothing happened, setting a water in front of you like he always did.

“You okay?” he asked.

You nodded. Too fast. “Yeah. Fine.”

But the smile didn’t come easy.

Because the truth was—you were easy to leave.

Guys had done it before. Said the right things, touched your skin like it meant something, then ghosted like you never mattered. Like you were just a waystation before the real thing came along.

And maybe Joel was different.

But you weren’t.

You weren’t enough to make someone stay.

You took a sip to hide the sudden tightness in your throat.

He didn’t even look at her, your mind whispered. But he could have. One day, he might.

You hated that thought. Hated that it felt like armor you’d worn too long to take off.

Joel reached across the table, fingers brushing yours. “You sure?”

You gave him a smile.

One that didn’t quite reach your eyes.

“Yeah,” you lied. “I’m sure.”

Joel walked you to your door like he always did.

Hands in his jacket pockets, pace slow, the sound of your footsteps soft on the concrete. The night air was cool, the kind that made you breathe a little deeper, like it might settle the noise in your head.

You hadn’t said much since leaving the bar.

Joel hadn’t pushed.

But when you stopped at your doorstep, fumbling with your keys, he reached out—fingers wrapping gently around your wrist to still you.

You looked up, startled by the touch. He wasn’t smiling.

“Hey,” he said quietly. “Look at me.”

You did.

Slowly.

Joel took your hands in his, his calloused thumbs brushing over your knuckles like he was grounding himself in the moment—like he didn’t want to risk saying the wrong thing.

“I ain’t stupid,” he said, voice low and steady. “Something shifted tonight.”

Your breath caught, but you didn’t pull away.

Joel tilted his head, searching your face.

“And I think I know what it is.”

You opened your mouth to deflect, maybe make a joke—but he squeezed your hands, just enough to stop the words.

“I saw her,” he said. “I saw the way she looked at me. And I saw the way you looked after.”

You stared down at your hands in his. “It’s nothing. I’m just—tired.”

But Joel shook his head. “No. It ain’t nothin’. You got quiet. Pulled back. Like maybe you remembered every time someone made you feel like you were just there until somethin’ better came along.”

His voice cracked a little on that last part. Like it physically hurt him to say it out loud.

You swallowed.

Joel took a breath. “I’m not those guys. I’m not here just to fill a seat or pass the time or see how far I can get before walkin’ out the door.”

He reached up, brushed a strand of hair away from your face like it was the most natural thing in the world.

“I’m serious about you,” he said. “Been serious since the first damn night you walked in and tried to flirt your way into a free drink.”

That earned a soft laugh from you, quiet and fragile.

Joel’s thumb traced your cheekbone.

“I saw what they did to you,” he added. “All of ’em. Front row seat, week after week. You’d come in lookin’ like you’d been told you were too much or not enough. And I hated it.”

You blinked hard.

“I wanna do right by you,” he said. “However long you’ll let me.”

Your chest tightened. You didn’t know what to say. Didn’t know how to unlearn the instinct to smile and brush things off.

But Joel wasn’t asking you for anything.

He was just offering.

The thing no one else had.

Staying.

You didn’t answer right away.

You couldn’t.

Joel’s words sat heavy in the air between you, wrapping around your ribs like something warm and solid. Something that scared you because it felt real.

He was still holding your hands. Still looking at you like he meant every goddamn word. Like he’d stand there all night if that’s what it took for you to believe him.

And maybe that was why your voice came out so small.

“I don’t really know how to do this,” you admitted, barely more than a whisper.

Joel stepped closer. “Don’t need to do anything.”

You looked up at him, searching for doubt. There was none. Just the steady set of his jaw, the softness in his eyes.

And then his hand moved—slow, careful—rising to cup your cheek. His thumb brushed beneath your eye, over the faint smudge of tired makeup, like it didn’t matter if you were perfect or put-together or even sure of yourself.

“Can I kiss you?” he asked, voice low. Rough around the edges.

That was what undid you.

Not the gesture, not the closeness—but the asking.

You nodded, just once. “Yeah.”

Joel leaned in gently, like he didn’t want to startle you. His nose brushed yours, breath warm between you, and then—

Soft.

His lips met yours like he had all the time in the world. No rush. No pressure. Just the weight of a man who’d waited long enough and wanted to mean it.

Your hands curled into the front of his jacket, grounding yourself in him as he deepened the kiss just slightly—slow and deliberate. He tasted like whiskey and warmth, and something steadier than anything you’d ever known.

When you finally broke apart, your forehead lingered against his, eyes still closed.

Joel exhaled a quiet breath.

“You okay?”

You smiled, breathless.

“Yeah,” you said. “Better than okay.”

And for the first time in a long, long while, you actually meant it.

It was a Thursday night. Slow, mellow, the kind of evening where Joel let you play whatever you wanted on the jukebox and poured you a drink before you even sat down.

You were perched on your usual stool, flipping through your phone, when someone slid into the seat beside you.

He gave you a slow once-over. “Hey there. You here alone?”

You blinked. “No.”

He glanced around. “You with someone?”

Your eyes flicked across the room—immediately, instinctively—toward Joel.

He was behind the bar, pouring a drink, but he caught your gaze in an instant. Paused. Watched.

You turned back to the guy and gave a tight, polite smile. “Yeah. I already have someone.”

He raised an eyebrow, like he hadn’t heard you right. “Oh, come on. Just one drink. I’m not asking you to marry me.”

You leaned away slightly. “I said I’m with someone.”

“But I don’t see anyone.”

You opened your mouth to reply, but you didn’t have to.

Because Joel was already there.

He’d crossed the room so quietly, you hadn’t even heard him until he was beside you, calm and steady, one hand braced casually on the bar behind you.

“She said no,” Joel said evenly, voice low but hard enough to cut through the noise.

The guy looked up at him—slightly confused, slightly amused. “Who the hell are you?”

Joel didn’t raise his voice. Didn’t puff his chest. He didn’t have to.

“Someone who won’t ask again.”

There was a beat. A shift in the air.

The guy scoffed, muttered something under his breath, and got up, walking off with a frustrated shake of his head.

You leaned in, chin resting on your hand as you looked up at him with a glint in your eye.

“Gotta say,” you said, voice light, “that was kinda hot.”

Joel blinked. “What was?”

“You. Getting all protective.” You gestured to his chest with your glass. “Stepping in all calm and gravelly. Like some Clint Eastwood scene.”

He rolled his eyes, but there was a flush rising on his neck. “Wasn’t tryin’ to be hot.”

“Well,” you said with a grin, “bonus points anyway.”

“Are you makin’ fun of me?”

“Maybe a little,” you teased, sipping your drink like it was no big deal. “But you can’t blame me. My man just went all John Wayne for me in front of a whole bar.”

Joel’s head turned slowly, brow raised. “Your man?”

You blinked, realizing what you said a second too late. “I mean—yeah. I guess. Unless you wanna fight me on that?”

He stared at you, expression unreadable for a second… then that slow, crooked smile crept onto his face. The kind that started in his eyes before it ever touched his mouth.

“No,” he said quietly. “Ain’t fightin’ you on it.”

Your heart did a small, dumb somersault behind your ribs. You tried to keep your cool, but your grin gave you away.

“Well,” you said, leaning an elbow on the bar, “then I stand by my statement. My man’s kinda hot.”

Joel chuckled, shaking his head as he walked back behind the bar—though you caught the way his ears flushed pink on the way.

──⭒─⭑─⭒────⭒─⭑─⭒──

The morning light spilled in slow, golden streaks across the bed, warm against your skin and filtering softly through the curtains. You blinked awake to the scent of cotton and him—Joel’s cologne, faint from the day before, still clinging to the sheets.

He was still asleep beside you.

Flat on his back, one arm tucked behind his head, the other resting gently against your hip like his body couldn’t quite relax unless it was touching yours.

You smiled.

Then shifted just a little—enough to scoot closer, pressing your face into the curve of his shoulder, your leg hooking around his without thinking.

He stirred.

A low, raspy sound rumbled in his chest as he exhaled, and a moment later, his arm curled tighter around you, pulling you in like instinct.

“Mornin’,” he mumbled, voice thick with sleep.

“Sorry,” you whispered, nuzzling into him. “Didn’t mean to wake you.”

“S’fine,” he said, eyes still closed, lips brushing the top of your hair. “Wakin’ up next to you’s not exactly a bad thing.”

Your chest warmed at that.

You stayed there a while, tangled in quiet, feeling the weight of his body beside you, solid and steady. No rush. No awkward goodbyes or disappearing acts. Just warmth and breath and Joel.

Eventually, he shifted slightly beneath you. “You want coffee?”

You peeked up at him, barely lifting your head. “Always.”

He kissed your temple. “Alright. Stay here. I got it.”

And just like that, he peeled himself away, sliding out of bed with a quiet groan as he grabbed the T-shirt he’d tossed onto a chair the night before. He shot you a lazy smile before padding out toward the kitchen, barefoot and rumpled.

You stayed in bed, eyes drifting over the doorway where he’d just gone.

And without warning, a quiet smile pulled at your lips.

Because he stayed.

Not just for a night. Not for the rush or the thrill or some empty promise.

He stayed every time.

And for the first time in longer than you could remember… you believed he always would.

[5sospenguinqueen]

Tantrums | Lewis Hamilton x Reader

Summary: After 10 years together, Lewis keeps pushing back the date on when “forever” can start. Realising that forever applies to her job and not their relationship, she makes it clear that she’s had enough. 

Warnings: slight age gap, reader is 32. angst, heavy on the angst. 

Requested: @madelynn-sienna (sorry it took so long. i didn’t think i was gonna do it ngl to you because i don’t really write for lewis)

F1 Masterlist

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yn_ln just posted

liked by carmenmmundt, alexandrasaintmleux and others

yn_ln when he feels bad that he’s on the other side of the world for your birthday 

4,444 comments

lewishamilton happy birthday, love. i’m so sorry i’m in australia and not with you but i promise i will make it up to you when i’m home. roscoe promised me he’d spend the day spoiling you 

→ roscoelovescoco yes i’s did’s 

user1 oh to be loved the way y/n is loved by lewis 

user2 no one makes me feel as single as lewis and y/n do 

carmenmmundt @/georgerussell63 take notes

→ yn_ln you tell him, hun

→ georgerussell63 i buy you flowers all the time! 

f1 we’re sorry that a race fell on your birthday. we’ll ask the fia to fix the calendar next year so this doesn’t happen again

mercedesamgf1 we’d give him back if we could. happy birthday, yn

georgerussell63 hang on a second. you’ve not left us yet. that’s not the right car

→ charles_leclerc that’s the perfect car 

→ yn_ln i didn’t buy the car. i just jumped behind the wheel

user3 not me hoping she’d be getting a ring for her birthday 

→ user4 we’ve been waiting for this for the past 8 birthdays

→ user5 it’s been 10 years. we were expecting two rings and a few kids by now

→ user6 i mean, he just bought her a sports car. not very kid friendly 

━━━━ ༻𖥸༺ ━━━━

lewishamilton just posted

liked by francolapinto, sebastianvettel and others 

lewishamilton happy 10 years to the love of my life. every moment with you is an adventure i never want to end

9,448 comments

yn_ln forever with you ❤️ mainly because i can’t be bothered to train some new guy to photos that good of me

mercedesamgf1 can’t believe it’s been 10 years already. it feels like only yesterday yn was making her paddock debut. here’s to another 10 

→ user7 not mercedes commenting like they’re a part of this relationship 

→ user8 well he’s been with yn almost as long as he’s been with mercedes so they practically are at this point 

user9 my favourite f1 couple

user10 i love their rich money vibes

roscoelovescoco happy’s anniversary’s mum and’s dad 

→ yn_ln my precious boy 

→ user11 now she needs a real baby 

danielriccairdo i can’t believe she’s managed to put up with you for ten years 😂 huge love to you both

→ yn_ln ngl, it’s been tough

→ lewishamilton i’m taking the ferrari back 

user12 wedding and baby when? 

georgerussell63 happy 10 year anniversary. yn is my favourite part of you being my teammate 

→ carmenmmundt can we keep her when you go to ferrari?

→ charles_leclerc no. it’s my turn now 

→ lewishamilton i think you’re all forgetting that she’s mine 

mercedesamgf1 just posted

liked by georgerussell63, kimi.antonelli and others 

mercedesamgf1 GET IN THERE, LEWIS 🏆🥇 LEWIS HAMILTON IS YOUR BRITISH GRAND PRIX WINNER 

23,441 comments

yn_ln my love. i honestly have not stopped crying since you crossed that line. i’m so proud of you. you deserved this and proved to everyone why you’re a motorsport legend

→ lewishamilton couldn't do it without your support 🩷

→ mercedesamgf1 it’s true. the mechanics were uncomfortable when they realised they couldn't just keep giving her tissues

georgerussell63 you deserve it, mate

valterribottas well done champ

user1 can’t believe he won silverstone the same weekend he celebrated 10 years with yn 

→ user2 she’s always been his good luck charm. he performs so well when she’s watching

→ user3 they’re the dream team together 

user4 the fact that yn is the only one he responded to

user5 she’s getting it good tonight

skysportsf1 posted a new interview

user6 oh no, lewis…

user7 lewis, she was asking what was next for you and yn, relationship wise

user8 oh, that’s not quite

user9 i hope yn doesn’t see this otherwise i fear lewis might be in the doghouse tonight 

→ user10 i hope she does see it so that she knows he’s not thinking of her future in the same way 

user11 i always thought lewis loved yn as much as yn loved lewis but now i’m not sure

user12 it’s the fact that the poor interviewer looked upset at his answer as well. like she hoped for better

→ user13 we all hoped for better 

user14 it’s the fact that she’s always talked about wanting kids and getting married but has always said they’re waiting until lewis is ready

→ user15 the fact that every year passes and he never indicates that he’s ready for any of it though 

replies to @/F1Wags

user1 lewis still follows yn

→ user2 and still has all of his photos up, including their anniversary post 

→ user1 i’m hoping this means he’s in denial and is still trying to win her back

user3 i can’t believe this is real. she went all the way back and deleted everything related to him in 10 years. even edited posts to delete slides he was in

→ user4 dedicated queen

user5 just fell to my knees in walmart

user6 i’m devastated but i also hope this means she finds a man who will be prepared to give her the life she wants 

→ user7 well, more fool her for staying this long

→ user6 not really. ever think she wanted those things because she wanted them with lewis

→ user8 don’t break my heart like this please  

replies to @/WeDon'tThink

user9 okay but your pen was on fire when you wrote that 

user10 he literally had the best weekend of his life with a 10yr anniversary, winning silverstone and then clearly messed it all up somehow in the end 

user11 if sir lewis hamilton can’t even do right, what hope do the rest of us have in finding a decent man

→ user12 no because they looked just as in love as they did 10 years ago and he still fumbled

user13 i saw rumours it was because he gave her an ultimatum and she didn’t take the path he wanted 

→ user14 what do you mean?

→ user13 apparently “close sources” said that he told her if she wanted kids, she couldn't have him and so she left 

→ user14 wtf!!! good on her for dumping his ass

━━━━ ༻𖥸༺ ━━━━

calvinklein and yn_ln just posted

liked by nicorosberg, fernandoalo_official and others 

calvinklein @/yn_ln is stunning in calvin klein underwear. shop the collection now 

5,533 comments

yn_ln oh okay. i look goooood 

→ alexandrasaintmleux i would let you take me home

→ carmenmmundt me too

→ georgerussell63 excuse me, i don’t agree with this

user1 aha, nico we see you 

→ user2 and fernando

landonorris oh so he fumbled bad 

→ oscarpiastri they’re going to take your social media off you again

user3 is this her version of a revenge dress?

→ user4 more like undress

user5 not sure why you wouldn’t want to marry and give a baby to a woman like that 

→ user6 okay, ew

user7 can we appreciate how she’s handled this with class. instead of speaking out against lewis, she’s been booked and busy and flitting about europe on modelling jobs 

→ user8 just further proof that he managed to lose the best woman ever 

roscoelovescoco you’s look’s nice, mum

→ user9 i know lewis hires someone to run this account but what are the odds that he’s actually behind it now so he can stalk yn 

yn_ln please can we all focus on the clothes and support how hot i look by buying some! 

→ danielricciardo don’t even have tits but you convinced me to buy a bra

━━━━ ༻𖥸༺ ━━━━

lewishamilton just posted

liked by valterribottas, scuderiaferrari and others 

lewishamilton mixed feelings about today. obviously happy for a win but very disappointing for george and the team missing out on a 1-2

7,744 comments

georgerussell63 we put up a good fight today

user1 not really a deserved win though, is it

user2 you fumbled yn and now you’re fumbling wins. you only got this because merc screwed over george 

roscoelovescoco well’s done’s dad

user3 see what happens when you play a good woman, you get a dirty win

user4 man needs to act his age. can’t believe at the grand age of 39, he strung along a girl who loved him more than anything for 10 years

→ user5 destroyed my faith in men for real 

user6 robbed a win from george like you robbed 10 years from yn 

(comments on this post have been limited)

━━━━ ༻𖥸༺ ━━━━

I wrote this out and was really proud of it and then when I was adding the other driver’s versions on, I realised it was the same principal as Daniel’s so I’m so sorry for the repeated plot

Baby Fever Angst Masterlist

requests are open

[excusemyobsessions]

I missed you.

Sylus x MC/You/Reader

Genre: One shot, Fluff, Comfort, Gender neutral Word count: 1190 words

Little note: I was requested to write a scenario in which you haven't seen Sylus for a while and he's all cuddly because he missed you. I hope this teeth-rotting fluff will make up for the angst I posted last time! 🙏🏻

Warning: use of pet names (kitten, sweetie), teeth-rotting fluff, manhandling?

Also posted on AO3.

It had been quite the week. Work had been kicking your ass and you were exhausted.

You hadn't even been able to see Sylus all week. Yes, you texted and called but he was really busy and so were you. You weren't sure you'd be able to see him during your off time either.

A long sigh escaped you when you checked your phone for the hundredth time for a reply that wasn't there.

‘Will I be able to see you soon?’, you'd asked.

The text was marked as read.

You set down your phone and dragged yourself off to the living room.

You were pouting by then, emotions heightened by exhaustion. Plopping down on the couch, you didn't even turn on the TV, just sitting there, arms crossed under your chest, sulking away the time.

You missed Sylus; you missed that confident smirk of his and his sharp eyes. You missed his deep voice and the bite of his words.

You felt like a child, throwing a tantrum, just sitting there, staring off into nothing. But there was no one there to see.

“He's not even here,” you grumbled to yourself.

Finally, you grabbed the remote and then the blanket draped over the back of the couch, tossing it over your legs.

The plan was simple; sulk away the night while watching one of your comfort movies. Hopefully you’d fall asleep soon so you wouldn’t have to miss him like you did.

You’d barely chosen the movie when you heard someone knock on your door. One of your eyebrows lifted, half annoyed, half intrigued, and you stood up to open the door.

Sylus stood there in the hallway, a black wool coat draped over his shoulders, the first few buttons of his also black sateen shirt undone, revealing his sharp collarbone. Rich crimson gaze lifted up to meet yours when you opened the door and he smirked. One of his hands rested on the door frame and slightly leaned over as he was, his tall frame loomed over you. His white hair was messy, windswept.

“Sylus?” you yipped, surprised.

“Hmm, hello, sweetie,” he purred.

He lunged forward, making you walk backwards a few steps as he stepped into your apartment, shutting the door behind him. Long arms engulfed your frame instantly, even before it clicked shut. You were wrapped up in his warmth and the scent of his expensive perfume.

Craving his presence as you had been, you buried your nose against his collarbone and nuzzled into him. Your hands coiled into the fabric of his shirt.

“You never answered my text,” you mumbled against his skin.

Your tone was accusatory as he had indeed left you sulking by yourself. However, you made no motion to pull away.

“I did answer it. I told you I was on my way,” he answered.

His hand found its way into your hair, fingers sprawled out against your scalp, holding you against him.

Did he?

Now you were embarrassed.

“I never saw it,” you admitted, hiding your face in his neck.

Slowly, gently, he guided the two of you to the couch.

In one quick motion, he leaned down, hooked one arm behind your knees and scooped you up. Soon enough you were placed on his lap after he sat down on the couch. He spread his legs a little and you fell in the space in between them. 

You saw his scrutinizing gaze sweep across the TV and the bunched up blanket before it landed on you.

There was mirth in his eyes.

“Were you sulking here all by yourself?”

Sometimes, you hated how he could read you just like an open book all the damn time.

“No…” you lied, averting your gaze.

He chuckled, low and mellow.

“Come here, kitten, there’s no need for sulking anymore.”

He draped the blanket over the both of you and wrapped you up in his arms, caged against his large chest. He hadn't even removed his coat, it was still barely hanging off his shoulders.

You dipped your head down and nuzzled his neck, feeling his chest rise and fall with a long sigh. When you slipped one hand up his chest to rest on his shoulder, you felt the tension in his muscles fade, his long legs stretching out. It was as if he'd been coiled up the whole time he was without you and he was finally, finally relaxing.

You pressed a kiss to his neck, feeling the steady beat of his heart against your lips. His grip around you tightened comfortably and he responded by planting a kiss on your hairline.

Slowly, you peeled yourself away from his neck and sat up straight so you could see his face. His features were calm, his gaze tender, and he watched you with a small smile.

You lifted your hands to cradle his jaw between them, caressing his cheeks with your thumbs. Sylus leaned into your touch and let his face rest on the palms of your hands, turning just a little to plant a kiss over your love line.

Still holding his face with one hand, you allowed the other to move further up, gently pushing a few strands of white hair away from his eye. His eyelids fluttered shut.

You couldn't help but smile.

“You're really cuddly today,” you noted, running your fingers through his hair. “Not that I’m complaining.”

“Even if you were, I wouldn't let you go,” he answered instantly, giving your waist a little demonstrative squeeze.

You giggled and leaned closer to press a kiss to his forehead. He hummed his appreciation.

As you continued running your fingers through his hair, you felt his long fingers slip into the hem of your shirt and sprawl themselves out against your back. His skin was warm and his digits calloused. His gentle touch was tender, full of love which was spread over the extent of your whole back as he explored your skin further.

You kissed the tip of his nose and then the bridge.

“It's been far too long, kitten. I missed you,” he told you in hushed tones.

He opened his eyes then, to gaze into yours and there was no place you'd rather be than right there, lost in that ruby ocean.

You cupped his face between your hands and rested your forehead against his.

“I missed you too,” you confessed in a whisper. 

You could see how his eyes shone with a smile. Your own lips curved in a reflective smile.

His eyelids fell over his eyes and his mouth found yours. The kiss was slow, gentle, dragged out as if you were reminding each other of what you tasted like, what you felt like. As if you could ever forget.

Your heart beat steadily in your chest, beaming in comfort, wrapped up in the security his hold offered. 

“Will you stay tonight?” you asked against his lips.

“Unless you throw me out the door, I don't plan on leaving your side for the next two days,” he responded, stealing another kiss from your mouth.

You had no plan to kick him out either.

[mwphisto]

Sylus: Sunscreen and Salty Kisses

~ Written for @blessdunrest! Hope you enjoy, thank you for requesting!

~ Sylus x Reader fluff! Not beta read, please ignore any errors I go blind writing these

Warning, this post contains: tooth rotting fluff, domestic Sylus and MC doing their thing out in the sun even tho the sun be killing that man's eyes lmao, anything for his wife. Also a little bit of banter, I'd like to think these to crack dirty jokes / innuendos here and there lol. Kisses, giggling, playing in the water, cute cute cute!! Def took some inspiration from his level 70 secret times card hehe.

"Let me put some sunscreen on you, Sy."

You had convinced your lover to go on a beach date - well, it was Sylus. He didn't need all that much convincing if the plans had anything to do with you. "I'll be fine, I tan."

"Nuh uh, mister. You may tan but that doesn't mean you can't get skin cancer." Your lips formed a pout, arms crossing with the bottle of sunscreen clutched in one hand. "Plus..." You sing softly, smiling as if you were about to give him an offer he couldn't refuse.

"...I'll let you put sunscreen on me afterwards." Oh, okay. Well you did go and offer him something he couldn't possibly turn down. Setting the towels on the sand, Sylus collapsed under the umbrella with a sigh. "Well, kitten. When you put it like that I suppose I can't say no."

A content sigh leaves your lips as you kneel beside him. Settling comfortably beside him on the town, you pop the lid of the squeeze bottle and get a considerable amount on your palm.

"It'll be a little cold." you dropped the bottle beside you, smiling as Sylus looked at you. His arms were up, folded behind his head and somehow making the muscles of his torso look bigger. "I'll be alright, it's hot out anyways. I could use something cool."

You got to work, rubbing lotion into Sylus' skin much like how a kitten would knead something soft. Somewhere in the back of your mind you wanted to laugh, you'd never beat the kitten allegations at this rate. Maybe you didn't even want to, the nickname had some truth.

Once you were thoroughly satisfied with your work, you motioned for Sylus to sit up. "Gotta get your back and your face, then you can do me." You caught the small quirk of his lips at your wording, snorting as you smack his shoulder. "Don't be filthy, Sylus."

"I have no idea what you're talking about, Kitten." That comfortable silence fell over you both again, your fingers running along the dips and curves of his back as you spread the lotion around.

The waves crashing on the shore were comforting, beckoning you to go play in them. You wondered how much convincing it would take to get him down in the water with you, surely he'd do it for you, right?

"Back is done, mister. Now we gotta protect that handsome face." You move around him, settling on his lap as you push the sunglasses up and into his hair. "Close your eyes, please."

Your noses nearly brush, carmine eyes observing your face with such reverence you feel a blush creeping up your ears. He closes them with a little hesitance, as if he didn't want to stop taking you in. Though, now with his eyes shut, you could admire him in the same fashion. That pesky eye, however, would always give you away.

You were careful with your movements, spreading sunscreen along his cheeks and nose, rubbing it in with practiced gentleness. You sealed the deal with a quick peck on the lips, smiling as you pulled back to whisper all done. His eyes blink open a second later, lips curving in a smile as he takes the lotion bottle.

"Your turn, Miss hunter. Can't have you catching no harmful rays either." You're giggling, shutting your eyes as he begins spreading the sunscreen across your face just like you had done to him seconds before. Sylus took his time with you - not too much because he knew how much you wanted to get into the water - but enough to insure that every inch of exposed skin as properly protected.

"Alright, kitten. I'd say the sun isn't harming you today." The bottle cap is clicked shut and you're a little reluctant to get off of his lap. "Thank you very much, Mr. Sylus." You kiss his nose as a thank you, getting up before he can chase your lips. "First to get to the water wins, no evol allowed!" You're giggling as you spin to run.

"Playing dirty, Miss Hunter!" but your feet are already hitting the hot sand, laughter bubbling from your chest as you head straight for the ocean. You couldn't even recall where he had whisked you off too, but the private beach had the bluest water you'd ever seen.

You glanced back over your shoulder for a moment, just to see Sylus running after you. A child-like giddiness filled your chest, laughter uncontrollable as your feet hit the waves first. "I win!"

You turn around, the waves crashing into the backs of your claves to see Sylus was still heading straight for you. An excited sort of panic filled you, a warning hey! squealing past your lips as Sylus grabbed you in strong arms. You were lifted, laughing like a love sick fool as he sloshed into deeper water. "You may have won but..."

You cling to him, a vague idea of where he was going with this entering your mind. "Sylus don't you dare-" but he's already falling backwards, your arms and legs wrapping around him like a koala bear as he drags you under the water with him.

You both resurface a moment later, a deep, rich laughter vibrating Sylus' chest as you push your sopping wet hair out of your face. "That wasn't fair!!" You nearly yell in his face, laughing just as hard as he is. "You never said anything about playing fair." There is a boyish grin plastered to his face, his eyes lit with mischief.

"And here I was, ready to give the loser a kiss to soften the blow." Your lips form a mock pout, watching as his eyes widen a little in response. "Well now, we don't have to be hasty with our decisions."

Large hands are splayed across your skin below the water, holding your thighs as you keep yourself glued to him.

"I dunno, don't think you deserve a kiss after attempting to drown me." But you can't keep up the facade, a smile curling your lips as you bring your hands up to hold his face. "Nobody was trying to drown anybody, now about that kiss..." His eyes linger on your lips before peering back into your eyes. Damn him, you're such a sucker.

"Fine, I suppose." And you're leaning in, nose brushing his as you tilt your head a little and seal your lips together. The kiss is warm, tasting like the strawberries you had fed him while also cutting them up to bring to the beach. There was a saltiness to it, likely from the water you two had just dove under, and the scent of sunscreen lingered.

You pull away first, giggling as he chases your lips. Barely a breath of air is sucked into your lungs before he's on you again. The kisses searing yet rapid fire, so totally him.

You'd never want anything different, the waves rocking your bodies as you melted into each other. You had an entire summer to look forward to, and many more beach dates to come.

[joaeriz]

Paige x cheerleader reader, where they were both at UConn, and both ended up in Dallas? Paige as a wing and reader as a Dallas cowboys cheerleader. I wish I could write because I love this idea (also I loveddd the first fic���🥳)

Reporting Live From Dallas, TX!

Paige Bueckers x Fem!Cheerleader!Reader Long-Distance, Angst with Fluff, Slowish burn Reunion, Soft Smut, Established Relationship, Second Chances, UConn Backstory, Dallas Present, DCC Life, Emotional Breakup, Reunion Fic Word Count: ~1.5k

Summary: This request (which I was obsessed with writing) follows Paige Bueckers and her ex-girlfriend, a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader, as their paths cross again after years apart. Both are chasing their dreams in Dallas, but when their past resurfaces, they’re forced to confront what they left behind. It’s a story about love, second chances, and finding your way back to each other. 💙✨

Authors note: HI ANONNNN i love this prompt so much, i really hope i did it justice!! Im so excited for the draft and i couldnt wait to post it till then so here u go:) im not ready for her to go to dallas:( she will be missed in cow town!! (AND THANK U FOR THE SUPPORT OF MY FIRST FIC ILY ILY ILY)

The first time Paige Bueckers saw you, you were halfway through a tumbling pass at the edge of the UConn football field, your ponytail catching the sunset like some kind of magic trick. She was a sophomore, walking back from the gym, earbuds in, hoodie up — until she caught sight of you. Short, graceful, grinning like you had the world in your pocket. You hit the final pose of your routine, and her heart just… stopped.

She didn't even realize she'd taken a step forward until one of your teammates noticed her standing there, staring.

From that day forward, it was inevitable.

You started dating during her junior year, your sophomore spring. It was slow at first — sneaky Starbucks runs, study sessions in the quiet part of the library that turned into whispered confessions, lingering touches on the walk back to the dorms. She’d come to your cheer practices and sit in the bleachers, pretending she wasn’t completely enamored.

You weren’t just pretty, though you absolutely were — tiny, bubbly, your voice like sunshine. But you were grounded, smart, funny. You never cared that she was “Paige Bueckers.” You cared that she was Paige — the one who liked mango smoothies and trash reality TV and wrote little poems in her Notes app when she couldn’t sleep.

She fell hard. And you did too.

For three years, it was everything.

But the year you graduated was the beginning of the end.

You left UConn that spring with a degree, a dream, and a spot on the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. She stayed — chose her 5th year, despite being a top draft pick — unfinished business, she said.

You tried. God, you tried.

The FaceTimes, the voice notes, the long texts. But soon, her schedule filled up with workouts, press, and rehab sessions. Yours was full of training camp, sponsor meetings, and nonstop appearances.

Distance doesn’t kill love. Silence does.

And eventually, there was more silence than anything else.

No messy fight. No final call. Just... the fade. The unanswered texts. The unreturned “I love you” left hanging on the line. Until it was just… over.

At least, that’s what you thought.

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

FLASH FOWARD TO THE 2025 WNBA DRAFT

You heard the news on Instagram like everyone else.

“The Dallas Wings select Paige Bueckers with the first overall pick.”

You stared at the screen for five minutes. Heart pounding. Mind spinning.

And then you turned off your phone and went back to your DCC uniform fitting. Because what else could you do?

She was in your city now. After everything. After all the nights you'd cried in your tiny Dallas apartment wondering if she ever thought of you, ever missed you. Now she was here.

And you hadn’t spoken in almost a year.

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

A WEEK LATER

It was a joint promotional event — the Wings and the Cowboys doing a preseason crossover campaign. A few cheerleaders, a few players. Some media fluff. You were selected because of your “UConn connection.” You almost laughed when they told you.

The day of the event, you put on the boots, the crop top, the confident smile. You looked the part. But inside? You were unraveling.

And then you saw her.

Across the green room.

Blonde hair. Light blue Wings jacket. Her eyes found yours like it was muscle memory.

Neither of you moved. Not at first.

Then Paige was walking toward you.

God, she looked good. Older. Stronger. Sadder, maybe. And when she stopped in front of you, hands in her pockets, all you could think about was how different everything felt — and how much hadn’t changed at all.

“Hey, Cowgirl.”

Your heart stuttered. “Hey, Bueckers.”

A beat. Two.

"You look…" She swallowed. "God, you look incredible."

You laughed, soft. "Still got the charm, huh?"

"I had to. I lost everything else."

The smile dropped off your face.

"Paige—"

"I messed up," she said quickly. “I let you go because I thought I had to chase this dream alone. That I’d come back for you once I’d figured it all out. But you didn’t wait. And I get it. I don’t blame you.”

“I didn’t not wait,” you said, voice tight. “I just didn’t know if you were ever coming.”

Silence again. It said everything words couldn’t.

Then she looked up at you. Blue eyes shining, raw.

“Can I take you to dinner?”

You blinked. “After all this time?”

“I don’t want more time,” she whispered. “I want you.”

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

Dinner turned into drinks.

Drinks turned into a hotel elevator ride full of silence and stolen glances.

And now — here you were. Back pressed against the hotel room door, Paige’s mouth on your neck, her hands everywhere. Hot. Desperate. Familiar.

You gasped as she kissed down your throat. “Paige—”

She froze. Pulled back just enough to look at you.

“I need you to say it’s okay,” she whispered. “I need to know this is real.”

You cupped her face, thumb brushing her cheek. “It’s real.”

She kissed you then like you were her religion. Like nothing else had ever made sense. She picked you up — effortlessly — carried you to the bed and laid you down like you were made of glass and gold.

Your boots hit the floor. Your top came off. Her jacket joined the pile.

You reached up, traced the scar on her knee — the one from surgery junior year. She shivered at your touch.

“I missed you every day,” you breathed.

“I never stopped loving you,” she said, eyes wet.

And then she was everywhere — her mouth on your chest, her hands gripping your thighs, her body moving against yours like she already knew the rhythm. Like she’d never forgotten how to worship you.

She took her time.

You were trembling by the time she pulled your bottoms down, her lips pressing kisses to the insides of your thighs. She looked up at you, eyes dark, and whispered:

“I’m gonna make you remember what we had. What we are.”

Then her mouth was on you, and your world tilted off its axis.

You came undone with her name on your lips, her fingers laced with yours, your heart finally — finally — full again.

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

Sunlight filtered in through the curtains.

You were tangled in sheets and limbs, your head on her chest, one of her hands tracing lazy circles on your back.

“You snore,” she said softly.

You smiled into her skin. “Liar.”

“Okay, barely. It’s cute.”

You looked up. Her hair was messy, eyes puffy from lack of sleep, but she was glowing.

“What happens now?” you asked, not ready to lose this again.

She kissed your forehead.

“I moved here for basketball. But I’m staying for you.”

Your heart caught.

“I don’t know what the future looks like,” she admitted. “But I know I don’t want it without you.”

You exhaled, finally letting yourself believe it. “Then let’s figure it out.”

She grinned. “Starting with brunch?”

You laughed, pulling her back down into the pillows. “Starting with round two.”

And this time, you weren’t rushing toward the end.

You had all the time in the world.

[keithyp00]

❭❭─ღSoft Targets ღ─➣

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x f!super-solider!reader

Warnings/Tags: slow burn, friends?-to-lovers, action, comfort, fluff, mentions of past trauma, violence, spice, angst, tension, possessiveness, praise

MDNI (18+): explicit sexual content (m/f), fingering, unprotected sex, oral (f receiving), dominant!Bucky, praise kink, mild jealousy, emotional vulnerability

Word Count: 2.0K

Featuring Sam Wilson and Joaquin Torres

Author Note: Hi! Nothing important for me to note here but I did wanna ask an opinion! I just rewatched Fresh last night and I was curious if any of you guys would be interested in me posting some crazy one-shots about Steve Kemp (because I really wanna write a psychotic reader). But let me know! This is also my first time posting smut so-

Please do not copy or translate any of my works. Thank you!

You had been many things- a ghost, a weapon, a cautionary tale. But around Sam and Joaquin, you were just... Y/N. Grumpy when tired. Deadly before coffee on some days. And the only one among them that could snipe a moving target while quoting Schopenhauer. (The philosopher of pessimism.)

Which is why you instantly knew something was up the second you walked into the hangar.

Sam was pacing near the quinjet, arms crossed, wearing that specific smirk that always preceded chaos. Joaquin stood beside him, poorly hiding a shit-eating grin behind a tablet.

"No," you said without preamble, tossing your bag down with a loud thud.

Sam blinked, innocent. "No, what?"

"Whatever it is you're planning."

Joaquin chimed in, "Okay but- hypothetically- if we were trying to set you up with someone..."

"I'd kill you where you stand."

"Romantic," Sam deadpanned. "You and Bucky are a match made in hell."

You raised a brow. "We share a mission report from Latvia and very similar trauma. That's not chemistry, that's a war crime."

"Still hot," Joaquin mumbled, scrolling.

"I hate you both."

They grinned in unison. You were doomed.

~~~~~

You didn't expect to see Bucky Barnes again, not really. Not in the civilian sense.

The last time your paths crossed was a mess of cold air, Hydra bunkers, a muscle memory soaked in blood. You remembered snow crunching under boots, steel eyes across a ruined hallway. No bullets fired. Just a pause. A flicker of recognition. Then silence.

Now he stood in the compound kitchen, sleeves rolled, frowning at the coffee machine like it insulted his lineage.

He looked up as you entered, gaze sharpening- then softening.

"Y/N."

"Barnes."

A breath of quiet passed between you. Not cold. Not tense. Just... suspended.

"You cut your hair," he said.

"You grew a conscience."

He let out a quiet breath, one that resembled a chuckle. "Mostly."

Something in your chest unfurled. Carefully.

~~~~~

Sam and Joaquin were anything but subtle.

Suddenly, you found yourself paired with Bucky for everything- training, briefings, field ops, even debrief dinners. Once, you found a copy of your favorite book tucked in your locker- annotated in Bucky's handwriting. The next day, Joaquin 'accidentally' left your hoodie at Bucky's place.

When you showed up to get it, you found the hoodie folded neatly beside two glasses and an unopened bottle of whiskey. A Post-It note stuck to the neck, which read: Stay. Talk. He's not as grumpy as he pretends. -S.

You stayed. And honestly, neither of you talked much, but the silence between you didn't ache the way it used to. It felt like space. Like breath.

Like peace.

~~~~~

The mission in Krakow wasn't supposed to be complicated.

Infiltrate. Extract. Burn it down.

You moved like shadows- silent, lethal. You disarmed a guard with one twist, snapped a lock, cleared the corridor. When Bucky fell in beside you, you didn't flinch. You moved like mirrors, and you had forgotten how easy it could be, trusting someone to have your back.

He grunted as a bullet grazed his shoulder. "You always show off this much?"

You smirked. "Only when you're watching."

By the time the lab was in ruins, and the hostages were evacuated, you were both bleeding and breathless, leaning against the alley wall under sodium-yellow lights.

"You saved me in there," he said quietly.

"You saved me first," you replied.

He looked at you, eyes scanning like he wanted to memorize the whole shape of you. "You ever get tired of being used like a weapon?" He asked.

"All the time," you whispered.

He nodded, then reached out- slowly- and brushed a strand of hair behind your ear. "You're more than that," he stated. "You always were."

~~~~~

He started showing up.

Sometimes with takeout. Sometimes with a book. Once with a cat.

"I thought you didn't like animals," you said with a smile.

"I don't, but cats are an exception. You just looked like you needed someone who doesn't expect anything from you."

"You mean besides you?"

He smiled. small and self-deprecating. "I don't expect anything either."

That night, you sat on the floor, knees touched, the fluffy white cat- whom you named Alpine- curled in your lap and his voice low beside you as he explained his nightmares, things he had never shared with anyone else.

When he asked you what your worst one was, you answered with honesty: "The one where I'm still in that lab. But this time... I want to stay."

He didn't speak. Just took your hand and held it like it was something fragile.

Like you were.

~~~~~

It happened in the quiet, like most important things do.

A mission gone wrong. Rain falling in sheets. You made it out- barely- and sat in the transport van soaked and silent.

You turned toward him, eyes searching. He looked at you like he was already yours.

"You ever wonder," you started, voice low, "what we'd be if none of this happened?"

He didn't hesitate. "I'd still find you."

You kissed him then. Not hard. Not desperate. Just... sure.

It was soft. Anchored. The kind of kiss you give someone when you're finally ready to feel again.

~~~~~

Sam leaned against the doorframe of the training room, arms folded.

"So. You and Barnes."

You didn't look up from the punching bag. "You want a thank-you or a medal?"

"I'll take both," he said smugly. Joaquin fist-bumped him behind your back.

Bucky walked in a few seconds later, shirt clinging to him post-shower. He stopped beside you, handed you a towel, and pressed a quick kiss to the side of your head.

Sam nearly dropped his water bottle. "God, you're publicly affectionate."

You smirked. "Don't make me kick you."

Joaquin clapped once. "It worked, though. Admit it."

You looked up at Bucky. He smiled, shy and warm and real.

"Yeah," you said softly. "It did."

~~~~~

That night, curled against Bucky's side, you let yourself believe in softness. In second chances. In the idea that maybe, just maybe, there was more to you than your kill count or combat record.

Bucky brushed his fingers down your spine and whispered, "You're not a weapon."

You looked up at him. "Then what am I?"

He smiled. "Someone I want to come home to."

~~~~~

Several Days Later

The apartment was quiet. Only the soft hum of rain against the windows filled the silence.

You were standing in his living room, soaked and bruised, tactical gear clinging to your skin like a second layer you hadn't yet learned to shed. Your lip was bleeding. A shallow gash trailed down your bicep.

Bucky hadn't set a word since you left the quinjet.

You watched him from the corner of your eyes as you peeled off your jacket, wincing slightly at the pull of a forming bruise. He hadn't even looked at you.

"You're mad at me," you said finally.

He dropped his gloves on the kitchen counter like he was trying not to throw them. "You think?"

You raised a brow. "I disarmed the bombs."

"You disarmed three bombs, alone, with no backup. You didn't even tell us you went inside the building."

"It was the fastest option."

"It was reckless."

"It worked."

"It could've gotten you killed."

That made you pause. You turned fully toward him now. His voice hadn't raised, but the heat in it was undeniable- burning with something sharper than anger.

Something closer to fear.

Your voice lowered. "Is that really what's bothering you?"

He finally met your eyes- and something in his expression made your breath catch.

"You think I'd survive watching you die?"

Your heart stuttered. "Bucky-"

Before you could say anything more, he was in front of you.

He closed the distance in one stride, and then he was kissing you- desperate, hard, unyielding.

And you kissed him back just as fiercely, blood singing, nerves sparking to life. His hands gripped your waist, pulling you against him. You could feel how tightly coiled he was beneath the surface. He wasn't angry. He was unraveling.

~~~~~

"Bedroom," he growled against your lips. "Now."

You stumbled backward as he advanced, pulling your shirt over your head before you even reached the hallway. His eyes dropped to your chest- he hesitated for half a second when he saw the bruises already blooming there.

His voice was low. Rough. "You let them touch you?"

"They tried," you whispered.

That was all he needed.

He grabbed your hips, lifted you like you weighed nothing, and carried you to the bed. He laid you down carefully, reverently, then stripped off your boots and pants like it was a mission all its own. His eyes roamed over every mark, every scar.

"You don't get to be careless," he murmured, metal hand tracing the side of your thigh. "Not when you belong to me."

You gasped, hips arching into his touch. "Then show me."

He growled- actually growled- and then dropped to his knees at the edge of the bed. "Legs up."

You obeyed instantly, spreading for him.

He didn't hesitate- he leaned in, tongue flicking slowly through your folds, groaning when he tasted you. One of his hands pinned your hips, the older sliding up to spread you wider.

"Oh, fuck- Bucky," you moaned, hand fisting in his hair.

He worked you slowly at first- long, deep licks, sucking gently on your clit until you were trembling. But when you started to squirm, when your thighs started to close around his head- he got mean.

He slid two fingers inside you and crooked them just right. His tongue didn't stop moving. He kept going until you were writhing, breathless, mouth open in a silent scream as you came hard around his fingers.

He didn't let up. He licked you through it, humming like he could get drunk off the taste of your alone.

When you finally came down, you were panting, flushed, wrecked.

He stood and kissed you- deep and filthy- letting you taste yourself on his lips.

"Still mad?" You asked breathlessly.

"I haven't even started."

~~~~~

He stripped down fast- ripping off his shirt, his pants, everything. Your eyes trailed down his chest, his arms, the glint of metal and scars. But it was the look in his eyes that stole your remaining breath.

Dark. Desperate. Dangerous.

"You're mine," he said again, voice like gravel. "Say it."

"I'm yours."

He dragged the head of his cock through your folds, teasing you with slow rolls of his hips. You were still slick, still fluttering from your previous orgasm.

"Beg."

"Bucky-"

He nudged the tip inside. Your breath hitched.

"Beg for it, doll."

You shuddered. "Please. I want you. I need you."

That was enough.

He slammed into you with one thrust- deep and full, making you cry out. You clutched at his shoulders as he set a brutal pace, hips slapping against yours, the sound obscene in what was once a quiet room.

You wrapped your legs around him, pulling him deeper, tighter, closer.

He kissed you- sloppy, desperate, teeth grazing your lips. HIs hand found your throat, not squeezing, just holding- just claiming.

"You feel too good," he groaned. "Like you were made for me."

You gasped, nails digging into his back. "Harder," you whispered.

He obeyed.

He fucked you like he was punishing you- for the mission, for scaring him, for making him feel anything at all. And you took it, crying out with every thrust, drunk on the way he filled you.

And when you started to clench again, your walls fluttering around him, he lost it.

"Come for me," he said, voice guttural. "I wanna feel you lose it."

You did- with a cry that tore from your throat, back arching, body shaking as you came around him.

And he followed- burying himself deep, groaning your name as he spilled inside you.

~~~~~

Then you lay together, sweat-slick and breathing hard.

You traced lazy circles on his chest. "Still mad?"

He looked down at you, lips twitching into a betraying half-smile. "Always."

"Good," you whispered. "Means you care."

He turned on his side and kissed you slowly, sweetly. Letting the softness he'd been holding back all night finally rise to the surface. "I care more than I know what to do with," he said against your lips.

You smiled, curling into him. "Then we'll figure it out."

He held you close, like you were the only thing anchoring him to the world.

And for the first time in a long time, he let himself believe he might deserve it.

[intoanotherworld23]

After Hours

Summary: Joel Miller was a very successful businessman, and you just worked for him. Then one night the two of you stay late, and make use of an empty building.

Warnings: mature content, explicit content, smut, unprotected sex, rough sex, submissive reader, dominant Joel, minor spanking, dirty talk

A/N: Hi my lovelies it’s been a hot minute since I’ve posted anything on here, but I’ve just been really busy and couldn’t find the time to write. Hope I still have your love and support, and that y’all continue to enjoy my work! Hope you guys are still obsessing over Daddy a.k.a Pedro pascal. Reblog and comment if you like it they would be greatly appreciated and encouraged. If you have any notes or tips or something nice to say about my work don’t hesitate to express it! Always show support for your fellow writers. If you wish to be added to a tag list let your girl know! Thanks everyone! Enjoy! XOXO

Tag list for everything: @iam-laiya @rosie-posie08 @madzleigh01 @alwaysclassyeagle @mytbel0st @shanimallina87 @marvelstarker-mha98 @powellssugarbaby @lora21 @kmc1989

Tag list for Pedro Pascal: @pedrohoe04 @k-k0129 @livingdeadmaria @angelofsmalldeath-codeine @milly-louise @kittenlittle24 @trisaratops-mcgee @subconsciouscollapse @hooked-on-penapascal27 @red-red-rogue @fellinfromthetop @drewharrisonwriter @vickie5446 @millerfan @lover-of-books-and-tea @bbyanarchist @justajoelsreader

Hall Of Hunks

The office was quiet, save for the faint hum of the air conditioning and the click of your heels echoing against the polished floor. Everyone else had gone home hours ago, but you stayed. You always stayed. And tonight, so did he.

Joel leaned in the doorway, tie loosened, sleeves rolled to his elbows. "You're still here," he said, voice low and a little rough.

Looking up from your screen, smirking. "So are you."

“Touché.” He stepped into your office slowly, as if crossing some invisible line. "I could say I forgot something, but that wouldn't be true."

You stood still, brushing a strand of hair behind your ear. "Then what is true?"

"That I wanted to see what would happen if we were the last two in the building."

Silence stretched between the two of you, thick with anticipation. The tension so thick you could cut it with a knife. Neither of you blinked as his eyes remained glued to yours.

Crossing the space between the both of you, stopping just shy of touching. "And?"

“I didn’t think anything was going to happen.” His fingers brushed your hip, feather-light. "I guess we could find out."

You didn't stop him when he leaned in. When your mouths met, it wasn't tentative . It was the kind of kiss that made time irrelevant. Hands explored, breath hitched, and the sharp thrill of being somewhere you shouldn't only made it more intoxicating.

It was a moment suspended between rules and desire, and you both knew that you had crossed the line long before the door clicked shut behind you.

Clothes ripped off and thrown across the room with in seconds, as your naked bodies fell down on the leather couch on the other side. You on top hovering over his body slightly hesitating on if you really wanted to do this or not.

Joel could sense your worry and reached a hand up to grab your face, and pull your lips back to his. Groaning in your mouth in the most sensual way possible. That was all it took for you to gain more confidence.

“It’s just you and me.” His hand gripping the base as he rubbed it up and down your folds. A shiver running up your spine as he pushed the tip slowly inside you.

“That’s it baby girl, that’s a good girl.” Soft praises echoing in your ear as you slowly sank down his erect cock. His soft hands caressing your skin so delicately. “You feelin all of me?”

“Mhm.” Struggling to speak just one word concentrating on adjusting around his thickness. Twisting your face in an unusual manner causing him to softly chuckle at how cute and hot you looked at the same time.

“Cat got your tongue baby? Can you not speak?” His tone playful and low.

“Joel please.” Whimpering pathetically as you continued to grind your hips back and forth. Joel loved to see how desperate you were for him.

“You like fucking your bosses? Does the thought make your cunt wet? Huh?” His words repeating over and over in your brain as they got more filthy. “Bet that cunt has been dripping everyday for me.”

Joel loved the feeling of your skin touching his. The way your body molded perfectly against his. Like two magnets connecting together. A powerful and intimidating man holding you like a delicate glass cup. Joel was enjoying this way more than what he thought he would, and he was never going to let you go.

“Fuck you are tight.” Large hands holding the fat flesh of your behind squeezing your cheeks in his palm. Feeling so warm and incredibly deep. “Such a shame you haven’t been fucked properly.”

Nodding your head in complete agreement still unable to form a complete sentence. Wrapping your hands around his neck softly, beginning to tremble as you moved your legs to raise yourself better. Joel helping guide your hips so you never lost your rhythm.

“Take it easy baby girl, wouldn’t want you to hurt yourself.” He teased as you started to struggle bouncing up and down. A hand coming down swiftly on your backside in warning, but you never flinched.

“I can do it Joel.” Reassuring him with your glazed out eyes, as he smirked up at you loving the wicked gleam in your eyes. “You’re just so fucking big.”

“Fuck.” That was music to his ears as he wrapped his arms around your back pulling your chest on top of his. Hearing those words sounded like a challenge to him, and did he love a good challenge.

Gasping as he lifted his knees up, and started to pound up into your cunt with no mercy. His warm lips peppering kisses along your shoulder and neck. His hands keeping a firm grip on your ass using it as leverage.

His pelvic hair brushing against your exposed clit it had your thighs shaking aggressively. Joel feeling this smacked a hand against your lower thigh.

“Oh my god.” Crying out so loud that if anyone was on the floor above or below you would definitely hear.

“Nobody else could ever make you feel like this.” Hissing in your ear, and in just mere seconds tears are glistening in your eyes. “My cock, and my cock only can make you feel this good.”

“Yes sir.” Dropping your voice when saying sir, and something switched in Joel’s eyes when you called him that.

Suddenly your body was being grabbed and flipped onto your back. Your skin smacking against the warm leather sticking to your skin. Pulling your legs over both his shoulders, getting right back into the same rhythm.

Drilling into your sweet spot over and over again. Face leaning forward slightly just enough to where your lips couldn’t reach his. Joel always just oozed with confidence whether it was during a business meeting or in the bedroom. A bit surprised a wealthy, attractive man like him would go after with much lower status.

“I’m so close.” Quickly informing him as your body started to tremble. A fire igniting in the pit of your stomach. Head tossed back in complete ecstasy as you couldn’t hold back anymore.

“Let go baby girl I’m right here.” Cooing softly in your ear like he was telling a secret. His deep and seductive voice was sending you right over the edge.

“Oh fuck fuck.” Crying out as your orgasm was rapidly approaching. Joel looking down at the remarkable expression on your face. Loving that he was the one in control for your pleasure. It made him feel like he was invincible.

“Fucking cum around my cock.” Commanding as he gritted his teeth as a hand reached down to your connected bodies rubbing your puffy clit. Rapid circles around your neck causing you to scream as your hands scratched down his back leaving marks.

Your ribcage falling and rising with each unsteady breath you took. Hands falling down to your sides loose and numb. Stomach trembling from your euphoric orgasm you just received. Your battered cunt was feeling sore and thoroughly stretched from his cock. His hands stroking your thighs soothingly waiting for you to come down from your high.

“I’m so glad you decided to stay after hours.” He chuckled to which you laughed shaking your head.

Then a soft knock came from the door both of you looking over your eyes going wide. “Umm when you guys are done in there, I was wondering if I could get my folder I left on your desk.”

[wintrcaptn]

Apples And Butterflies

Joel x Reader

Summary : You caught your bf in bed with another girl two months before winter break. Now with no where to go for the next few weeks, your roommate invites you to her hometown so you don't spend the holidays alone.

But you never expected her dad to be the guy who pretended to be your date so you didn't look pathetic in front of your ex. The same guy you can't stop thinking about...Joel miller

A/N : I am writing a book but I wanted to see what yall thought of it as a Joel Miller fanfic lmao. I’ll only post a few chapters but if it’s not that great then I’ll scrap it haha

Roasted espresso, fresh pastries and a small hint of cinnamon filled the air. It wrapped around me like a warm blanket, comforting. This little whole in the wall cafe had been home to most of the students here in California.

It was a place where I spent most of my time. Either studying, reading, meeting up with my roommate for a quick pick me up.

The cafe was filled like any other day. Many faces here and there; and thats when I noticed him.

Dylan O'Hara.

Standing at the register with her. Her

The girl he swore was just a friend from class, until I walked in on them in bed just a few days into the new semester.

What a great way to start my last year in College.

I had been stuck in my dorm for the past two months since then. Crying over a guy who obviously didn't care. And the one day I finally go out by myself; of course this would happen to me.

Slowly, I backpedaled toward the door. Hoping I could escape before he sees me and—

Shit.

I hate that the register is close to the door…

Dylan turned with his arm slung around his new girlfriend, the both of them glancing around looking for a table.

Panic flared my chest as I ducked. My heart hammering, I swear I could hear it beating.

"I need to be anywhere but here." I whispered to myself, hoping to see any familiar faces or even an empty seat. "Anywhere but—"

There, an open seat by one of the large windows across the cafe. A man in a beige button up, sleeves rolled to the elbows; sat alone with coffee in one hand and a newspaper—an actual physical newspaper— in the other hand.

He wasn't the type of man you'd expect to find here of all places. Surrounded by laptops and over priced oat milk lattes.

His salt and pepper hair fell in loose waves around his face, the kind that looked unintentional but still unfairly good.

He looked like he hadn't smiled since the early 2000s.

Perfect.

I didn't have time to think it through. I made a beeline for him.

"Hi." I said breathlessly.

The man looked up slowly. His eyes, dark brown almost black shade that caught the light in quiet, startling ways. Warm at first glance but layered. Like a forest at night. Still, shadowed, impossible to fully see into. There was a weight behind them, a steadiness that made me feel seen.

I had almost forgotten what I was doing.

His gaze travelled to the chaos behind me then back to my face. Not a single word fell from his lips.

"Mind if I sit?" I asked, already halfway into the seat across from him.

He leaned back into his chair, eye brows furrowing as he crossed his arms over his chest. Giving a barely noticeable nod, while holding his gaze on me.

I set my bag onto my lap and quickly looked back at Dylan, still hasn't noticed me.

Letting out a sigh of relief I met the strangers eyes, feeling slightly embarrassed as we sat there for just a moment in silence.

Great, how am I suppose to act natural if I'm getting caught up in the silence of a complete stranger? A stranger with captivating eyes that pull you in so much you forget how to breathe.

Not once did his gaze falter. Those dark, serious eyes glued to me like he knew I was hiding something.

"You always crash strangers tables, or is today special?" He said, breaking the silence.

His voice caught me off guard. It wasn't because of how deep it was, but the slow deliberate drawl that softened the edges of every word. Southern accent I think? Maybe from Texas? I'm not sure.

It was warm and rough like whiskey on ice.

I blinked for a moment trying to come up with something; anything. "I uh—I just really like this table."

"You're a shit liar." He said, still sitting back in his chair with his arms crossed over his chest.

"And you're surprisingly observant for someone reading a freakin newspaper in 2025."

He let out a faint huff.

Silence fell once again as he went back to his newspaper, completely ignoring me. Which would be fine any other day, but I knew if Dylan were to see me sitting here with this man completely lost in his little world, he'd know I'm sitting with a complete stranger.

I'd look pathetic. Lonely, desperate.

Usually I wouldn't care but I wasn't going to let this asshole think I was pathetic. He doesn't get that from me.

"So, do you usually ignore the person sitting across from you or am I just special?" I asked, nervously playing with the zipper on my purse.

The man let out a sigh and placed his newspaper back down on to the table. "I don't usually get ambushed by strangers. So yeah guess you're special."

"Wow, and here I thought chivalry was dead."

He sat up straighter in his seat, staring deeply into me as if he were trying to figure out a puzzle. It was unsettling, yet captivating to say the least. "You're hiding from someone, aren't ya?"

I swallowed hard and shrugged. "Is it that obvious?"

"You have been looking back at that guy behind you, since you sat down. And you keep playing with that damn zipper on your purse."

In that moment, I let the zipper fall out of my hand and I slowly looked up to meet his gaze. My lips pursed into a thin line.

"I'm right, aren't I?" Suddenly a small smirk formed on his lips almost as if he were amused by this.

"Are you always this friendly to people you just meet?" I asked sarcastically.

"Sure." He said lifting his coffee. "When people interrupt my morning to hide from bad decisions."

I rolled my eyes but I couldn't help the smile slowly forming. "Okay fair, but in my defense I had nowhere else to go and you were the only one with an open seat. So lucky you."

He arched a brow "you're using me."

I swallowed hard, his words stumping me for just a moment.

I was though. I was using him, or intentionally. But I couldn't deny him even if I wanted to. "You know, you also looked like the type of person who wouldn't ask me too many questions." I said. My eyes drifted to the newspaper folded neatly next to him. Curiosity got the best of me. "Yet, here we are."

He looked down at my hand, watching me drag the paper across the table and away from him. "Here we are."

"I never knew they still printed newspapers." I chuckled. "You know you could just read the news on your phone like a normal person."

Before I could finish flipping through the pages, he reached over and plucked the paper out of my hands and set it down beside him. "I don't like phones." He said simply.

I leaned forward, furrowing my eyebrows. "You don't like...phones?"

"Nope."

"Why? You think Siri might be listening? Stealing our data?" I chuckled.

He slowly looked up at me, and gave me one of those unimpressed glances. For a moment I thought he would get up and leave. But—

"Don't trust anything that needs an update every other week."

I couldn't help but let out a small laugh. Just a little bit ago, I was worried about Dylan. And now—now...

"For someone who clearly didn't want company, you're making this bearable." I said.

He glanced at me once again, eyes unreadable. "Don't push your luck."

As I was about to say something, I was immediately interrupted.

"I thought that was you."

I didn't even have to look to know it was Dylan. That familiar voice—smooth, calm, laced with guilt he'd long stopped earning. It snuck down my spine, like a cold breeze. I forced myself to look up at him, and smiled.

"Dylan."

He gave an awkward chuckle as he scratched the back of his neck. "I didn't expect to see you here. How—how're you doing?"

I opened my mouth but nothing came out. Anger and panic washed over me completely, my palms were clammy. He was doing that thing where he pretended to care, as if he had the right to ask. As if he hadn't brought the same girl he cheated on me with here, of all places.

"She's doin fine." The man across from me spoke. His gaze steady. "Ain't that right, darlin?"

I turned to him, taken aback by the way the word rolled off his tongue so naturally. Our eyes locked one each other and there it was again. That grounding calm in his dark stare. He didn't wink. Didn't smirk. Just played along. Plain and simple.

Dylan shot his gaze to the man across from me, his body stiffened for a moment. His face fell with confusion.

I swallowed hard and nodded, playing along with him. "Y-yeah, I'm fine. But do you mind? I'm kind of in the middle of something here."

Dylan glanced between us once again. "Oh uh—good. I'll let you two get back to it then."

He walked away slowly, maybe waiting for me to change my mind. To chase after him. Beg for him back like I had in the past. But I didn't.

Once he was out of sight, I finally let out a breath I didn't know I was holding.

"You alright?" The man asked, pulling me back into reality.

"Y-you didn't have to do that..."I drawled out.

"I know." He said simply. He stood up and grabbed his jacket from the back of the chair. "Wanna get out of here?"

I'm not one who would go off with a complete stranger. Especially when I didn't even know their name. But there was something about him, something that felt safe. And I couldn't explain it even if I wanted to. I just knew I wasn't ready to say goodbye just yet.

"Yeah." I said. "I do."

Feeling Dylan's eyes on me the moment I stood up. The man pushed the door open and held it without a word until I stepped out. A small gesture, nothing flashy, but it made my chest tighten unexpectedly.

The sunlight hit us as we stepped onto the sidewalk, golden and warm, laced with that early autumn crisp. I glanced up at him. I hadn't realized just how big he was. He was tall, making me feel small but not in a fragile way. But in a he can probably pick me up and throw me over his shoulders without breaking a sweat kind of way.

His skin was sun kissed, tanned, a shade that made me think of lazy summers and late bonfires. He wasn't cut like a warrior but he was solid, with thick arms, broad shoulders and chest. He looked like he could carry an entire couch up a flight of stairs no problem. Yet soft enough to fall asleep against.

Shit...I've been staring too long.

I cleared my throat. "So...are you ever going to tell me your name or should I just continue to call you coffee guy in my head?"

He looked down at me, furrowing his brows. "Coffee guy?"

"It was either that or grumpy old man, but that felt a little dramatic." I teased.

A beat passed, then another.

And when I thought he would ignore my question all together, he caught my attention.

"Joel." He said.

"Joel." I repeated. It suited him. "Well Joel, nice to meet you. I'm Y/N."

I reached my hand out toward him and Joel hesitantly took my hand into his. The callouses rubbed against my palm, the slight squeeze of his hand shot a spark through me.

"Didn't ask, but good to know."

I let out a dry chuckle, "wow you're really committed to this broody, man of few words thing, huh?"

Joel tilted his head slightly, that unreadable expression still on his face. "Talking is overrated."

"And yet, here you are. Talking."

His lips twitched, and for a split second I swore I saw a smile on his lips.

"You're persistent."

"I get that a lot." I said.

I hadn't realized how I had my hand in his this whole time as we looked at one another until the sound of his phone ringing snapped me out of my daze.

"Thought you don't trust phones."

He pulled his phone out of his pocket and looked down at the screen. "I don't." He said before turning away and answering the call.

"Hey sweetheart." He said, voice low.

Maybe it was his wife? No...I don't remember seeing a ring. Maybe a girlfriend? Could explain why he is so standoffish.

"I'm already here. Just been enjoying some coffee." He said, glancing back at me then looking away.

Did he mean me? Was he enjoying my company?

"Don't worry, I'll be around. Just call me when you're ready." He said. "Ok, love you."

And with that, he slipped the phone back into his pocket before turning to me once again. His arms crossed over his chest, as he stood quietly.

I wasn't sure why I cared. He didn't owe me an explanation or anything, but the silence of who called bothered me.

"I should go." I said, as I pulled my phone out of my purse. "Thanks again for pretending to be my date."

Joel nodded, eye brows knitted closer together. "Didn't have a choice."

"Right. Well thanks anyway."

In that moment, I turned on my heels and started toward the street to my dorm. I could feel his stare lingering on me until I wasn't visible anymore. And part of me hoped he'd stop me. Tell me he's single and maybe want to see where this could go. But he never came.

God I'm so delusional.

I wasn't mad exactly just annoyed. Bothered? Maybe a little embarrassed.

Joel hadn't done anything wrong, not really. I was the one who dropped into his life like some chaotic sitcom character. And yet, when I heard him call that person on the phone; sweetheart...this feeling overcame me. I had no right to feel anything but there it was, lodged into my chest like an unwanted splinter.

My phone vibrated in my hand, a text from my roommate displayed across the screen.

'Last chance to change your mind and come to Texas with me!'

My roommate had been begging me to visit her hometown with her since we met 4 years ago. And every time, I had plans with Dylan. Visiting his family. But now...this would be the first year I would be alone for the holidays.

At first I was content with my decision to stay here. Bare the holidays alone and just binge watch shows and old movies I've seen hundreds of times...

Until now.

The idea of spending the holidays alone in this town while everyone else went home to family and friends. While Dylan had his new girlfriend meeting his family as if I never existed. It all felt heavy. Too heavy.

I bit my lip, my thumb hovering over the screen. It wouldn't hurt to go. Besides, maybe Texas might be something I need.

'Okay, I'm in.'

——————

Part two here

[hettyoon]

❥︎ Characters; Rafayel, Xavier Game; Love and deepspace

❥︎ Genre; fluff !! Prompt; 𝙃𝙊𝙒 𝙏𝙃𝙀𝙔 𝙒𝘼𝙆𝙀 𝙔𝙊𝙐 𝙐𝙋 || established relationship || 2nd pov

❥︎ Warnings; none !!

❥︎ Notes; this is either going to be a new start for my writing era or I'm going to post this and dip for another year or two, we'll see. (also only rafayel chibi this post cause I haven't had the time to draw xavier <\3)

MAIN M.LIST

❥︎ 𝐑𝐀𝐅𝐀𝐘𝐄𝐋;

Your chest rose and fell steadily with each breath, eyes closed, head cradled by the soft material of your pillow. This was, undoubtedly, the most peaceful moments of your morning, and you lay there in your slumber undisturbed—until a soft, hairy something brushed against your face. It tickled your nose, making you abruptly turn your head to the side. Your hands shot up, rubbing the itching trail left behind by the unwelcome touch. Slowly, you opened your eyes, wanting to uncover the culprit behind your less-than-pleasant awakening.

Of course, that being said, you already knew who it would be. There was only one person who would come into your room unannounced this early in the morning.

A groan escaped your lips as your gaze locked onto the set of pink eyes looking right back at you. "Rafayel! What was that for? And what did you just place on my face right now."

The purple haired man, who was sitting on the drawer right next to your bedside, crossed his hands while lifting his brow at you, as if offended by your words. "Don't look at me like that, you're the one who told me you had an important meeting today, and yet here you are still asleep in your bed at 10am. Do you know how many times I tried calling you before I came here?" He huffed out the last part as if annoyed by the matter, although you knew it was all an act.

"Rafayel, the meeting doesn't even start until 1pm, what are you talking about?" You had a strong feeling he was just using it as an excuse to come see you, but you spared the man the embarrassment of saying that out loud. Plus you thought it was kind of cute of him to do so. Not that there was any need for him to hear that though, his ego is already big enough as it is.

"Details, details." He waved off your words with his hands.

You sighed, simply uses to his antics at this point. Well, it was about time you woke up anyways, but still, "You didn't answer my initial question."

"Oh, you're talking about this?" A small white feather was revealed from between his fingers. "I thought it would be useful for waking you up. I called out your name multiple times and you didn't answer, you have quite the thick sleep."

"Where did you even get that fro– you know what, nevermind. I don't even want to know." Using your feet you kicked the blankets off from your body, sitting up to stretch your body and get yourself ready for the day. "I was just exhausted because of yesterday's mission, I'm not usually that tired."

Rafayel let out a smug grin at your reply, as if he'd been waiting for those exact words to escape your mouth. "I know. Which is why I got us these." He reached out behind him and pulled out two colourful tickets.

Well that you definitely did not see coming. You couldn't believe your eyes, is that really what you were seeing in his hands? "Rafayel, are those for the resort I mentioned to you the other day?" The shock was very evident in your tone and you could practically feel the pride radiating off him. Honestly, you didn't even know how he had heard you talking about that resort the other day. You were just chilling on his couch while he was painting, scrolling through your feed and simply commented out loud on how sweet it looked, it wasn't even a real conversation. You didn't think he would remember, let alone buy you both tickets for it!

It then dawned on you what you had planned upcoming for you these next days and your happiness faltered a bit. "That's really sweet of you Rafayel. I don't even know how you remembered that, but I still have a bunch of meetings and missions I am supposed to take on this week and–"

"Nuh uh uh." Before you could even finish your sentence Rafayel moved to stand right next to you and placed his finger on top of your mouth to seal it shut. "Don't worry your head about all of that, I already got it all sorted out." One of his eyes closed as he shot a wink at you with a grin on his face.

"Sorted out...what do you mean?"

"I asked your captain to let you off for this week, of course. And since you were always so hard working and the wanderer attacks have been on the low lately, she didn't have any problems with that. I made sure to book us the best room too so you can sleep as much as you like when we get there."

Your eyes slightly teared up at his words and at the lengths your lover would go to pull off these sweet surprises for you. "Thank you Rafayel, truly." You wrapped your hands around him in a tight hug, hiding you face between the crook of his neck to conceal your happy tears. "I love you so much."

His hands instantly wrapped around your body returning the hug back even tighter. "Of course, anything for you. And I love you too."

❥︎ 𝐗𝐀𝐕𝐈𝐄𝐑;

"My love."

Your mind was drifting away in a dreamless sleep when you heard the sound of a faint voice calling out to you right beside your head. A few seconds passed before you then heard it again, "My love." Which made you begrudgingly peel your eyes open with a groan to lock eyes with your lover who was plopped down on the floor of your room, leaning on the edge of your bed to make himself eye level with you.

His eyes seem to light up at your physical response to his calls and a soft smile grows on his face. "Ah good, you're awake finally."

"Xavier," The tiredness still lingering around your voice, you let out a small yawn while one of your hands reached out to cup his cheek in you hands, your thumb going back and forth in gentle gestures along soft skin beneath it. "How long have you been here?" Both you and Xavier had keys to each other's apartment, so it wasn't much of a surprise to see him in your room first thing in the morning. Usually, though, it was the other way around, with you being the one to wake him from his nightly rest.

The guy tilted his head seemingly in thought, taking a quick glance at the digital clock sitting on your desk that had the time displayed in glowing white numbers. "Hmm, I've been trying to wake you up for the past 20 minutes, I think?"

Your hand dropped from his face as you shot up from your bed. "20 minutes?! Oh my god, Xavier why didn't you just shake me awake or something." Was he really here calling out to you for that long? Listen you knew you were exhausted from yesterday's mission and the extensive paperwork that followed but not to this extent!

Xavier didn't really seem to bat an eye at your look of surprise and simply continued on with his words. "Well, I tried to wake you up at first but you looked so peaceful in your sleep I didn't want to disturb you. I tried to go make something for us to have as breakfast in the kitchen but I couldn't figure out how to turn on your stove so." He scratched his cheek sheepishly at the end of his sentance but you inwardly let out a sigh of relief. Oh you were so thankful he did not figure out how to turn on that stove of yours. God knows what kind of explosion you would've woken up to if he did.

Nevertheless, you still chuckled at his silliness. Plus your heart couldn't help but warm up at the sweet gesture, even if he didn’t get to fufill it. "Thank you, Xavier. But next time you can just leave the cooking to me, okay? You know what, now that you mention it I'm in the mood for some pancakes, how about I make us some?"

Xavier rose up from his place on the floor and made himself comfortable next to you on your bed. His hand lifted up to comb through the strands of your hair trying to tame the pieces of bed hair that you acquired from your slumber. "That sounds amazing, love." You felt the warmth of his body get closer as he leaned down to place a gentle kiss on the corner of your eye. A little quirk of his that he likes to do a lot.

Your eye crinkled at the gesture and you dropped your head to rest it on his shoulder after he pulled away, nuzzling into the wooly fabric of his jumper. "Next time you should be more firm with waking me up. I don't mind, you know. Plus I feel bad for having you wait for me to wake up like that."

You could feel the white haired man shake his head in disagreement at your words. "It's okay, you deserve the rest anyways, and your presence alone is enough for me." His voice a soft tone as a loving kiss found its way to the top of your head. You cuddled even deeper into his side, placing a kiss of your own onto the clothing against his shoulder. Truly, what did you do to deserve someone as sweet as him in your life.

Although unbeknownst to you, your lover was having the exact same thought as you in that exact moment.

❥︎ As always, comments and reblogs are highly appreciated <33

Hetty

[bucketsp]

snow day

pairing : pazzi

content : fluff (slowburn)

a/n : hi! this will be my first oneshot that i'm posting here. give me any kind of feedback on my writing or prompts to write, i appreciate any kind of support. thank you, enjoy reading! ♡ (i tried my best)

paige sat curled up on the couch in a hoodie too thin for the storm, staring at her phone’s screen until it dimmed. no service. no wi-fi. no light but the soft blue from outside. somewhere behind her, she heard azzi open a cabinet and sigh,

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

snow piled against the windows like the world was trying to bury them quiet, the heater had gone off five minutes ago, and now the apartment was starting to feel the cold creeping in.

"do you have a blanket?"

paige slowly looks back at her, holding up the edge of the small lilac blanket she was already wrapped up in, "yeah, this one.."

azzi shuts the cabinet, looking at the blanket, "well, could i borrow it?"

she blinked, eyebrows raised, lips parted like she was about to go on a rant. “are you serious? this is the only blanket i have here."

"give it to me, you have a jacket on, i only have pj shorts-" paige cuts her off, face still scrunched up "no way, this is my apartment and my blanket, your fault you're wearing shorts while we're being snowed in"

azzi crossed her arms. “i'll figure something out.”

she turned like she was gonna grab a hoodie from her bag, but paige rolled her eyes and shifted over, lifting the edge of the blanket without a word.

“just sit down,” paige said. “don’t be dramatic.”, azzi hesitated. "i'm not cold.”

“sure,” paige said, patting the space beside her. “come on, i don’t bite.”

azzi gave her a look. “you’re awfully eager to cuddle.”

paige smirked. “i’m just being generous.”

with a sigh that sounded way more annoyed than she actually was, azzi sat down stiffly, arms still crossed, barely touching paige’s side. the blanket didn’t even cover both of them evenly.

“you could at least share,” azzi muttered.

“i am sharing. you’re just bad at accepting kindness.”

the room fell quiet, nothing but the wind outside and the occasional creak from the heater trying to come back to life. a few minutes passed, and azzi finally let her shoulder relax, leaning just enough to brush against paige’s.

paige glanced down at her, trying not to smile too obviously.

“told you,” she murmured, voice low and smug. “not so bad, is it?”

azzi didn’t answer. but she didn’t move away either.

[flemingsfreckles]

Ol’ College Try (18+)

Synopsis: UCLA!Jessie x UCLA!reader You and Jessie finally have bedrooms no longer in a dorm room, meaning you finally have the chance to explore a new step in your physical relationship using a strap on.

Warnings: SMUT (18+), first time using a strap on smut, its a little awkward and clumsy, strap on (R Receiving), Oral sex (R receiving), little bit of frustration and embarrassment, language.

WC: 3.9k

A/N: Hi, I haven't posted smut in months, literally since July, I sort of fell out of the mood for writing it, I'm working on getting back into it but we'll see. I’ll also be honest, I finished writing this and couldn’t bear the idea of rereading it so I’m sure there’s errors, I apologize.

“You have to promise not to laugh when I turn around.” You rolled your eyes behind your girlfriend’s back at her sudden change from confident to less than, all due to some silicone and leather.

“I won’t babe, I promise, just come over here.”

“I feel like it looks weird.” You watch as Jessie swivels her head to peek at you over her shoulder. You had been watching the way her arms and back moved as she maneuvered.

“You can take it off if you’re not comfortable.” You reassure her from where you were laying on the bed, blanket pulled up around your chest, you were shirtless and had been okay until Jessie’s warmth had left as she moved off the bed, suddenly feeling chilly.

“No, I want to at least try, it’s just new and different. What’s that saying they have? ‘Give it the old college try?’”

You smile at your girlfriend “I think it’s technically ‘Ol’ not ‘old’ but yeah babe, it’s okay if you’re nervous, I am a bit.” You admit. You and Jessie have been dating since the third month of sophomore year at UCLA, now upperclassmen, you were able to move off campus and you each had your own apartments just a few minutes from each other. With the new living location came new bedrooms, bedrooms that weren’t shared with another student, bedrooms that didn’t have a lofted twin size bed, bedrooms that didn’t have paper thin walls.

You both had returned to school early for pre-season, her for soccer and you for cross country meaning when you weren’t at practice, your roommates weren’t home and the two of you had a lot of free time. No classes, assignments, projects, or other school responsibilities had started yet. Reveling in your reunion after spending the summer apart, you and Jessie had found yourselves making up for lost time, often in the sheets of each other's beds. Which led to you the other day texting Jessie, being too shy to ask in person, asking if she’d want to try using a strap on you. She had quickly agreed before telling you to send her what you wanted and she’d buy it.

You had been eager to try it, testing out new waters in your relationship. Jessie had giggled when you opened your front door for her this morning, she held a bag out to you with a silly grin. “I feel like everyone can tell what’s in the bag.” She said as you opened the top, peering in to look at the toy. You sweetly rolled your eyes at your girlfriend’s bashfulness, taking the bag from her hand.

It wasn’t long after she arrived that the two of you were in your bed, Jessie’s body weight holding you firmly to the mattress as she kissed you.

You kissed her back hard, enjoying the feeling of Jessie’s hands roaming your body while yours ran up and down her sides. The two of you made out, quickly losing your shirts, throwing back your head as Jessie’s lips came to rest on your neck.

“Don’t, I’ve got photos tomorrow.” You gently remind her as you start to feel her start to suck on the skin. A dejected noise falls from Jessie’s lips as she releases the suction, causing them to vibrate slightly against you. She moves on, kissing down your chest to give attention to your breasts. Your fingers tangle themselves in her hair, pulling gently, gaining a hum of appreciation from Jessie this time. The longer you make out the more impatient you get, starting to grind up into Jessie, trying to hint to her you were ready to move on.

Jessie finally climbs off of you and heads toward where you had placed the bag earlier on the chair in your room, beginning to mess around with the harness and toy, leading to now where she’s shyly peeking over her shoulder at you with the harness fastened around her waist and thighs.

When she finally turns around to face you, your eyes drop to her waist and your stomach clenches at the sight, your beautiful girlfriend and between her legs the bright blue toy. It somehow looked larger sitting against her body.

“Come ‘ere.” You wave her over, hoping to boost her confidence back up as you can see the way she avoids eye contact with you. She crawls onto the bed, waiting for a moment before moving over to you.. As she leans over the toy sticking out pokes you in the stomach. “Hey!” You quickly move your hand down to grab it, moving it away from jabbing into you.

“Oops sorry, I didn’t think about that, not used to having anything there.” She says, laughing slightly as she looks down to see your hand holding it. “Hand on let me just.” She says before pulling the toy to be flush against her stomach.

With the toy no longer separating you, she leans down, finally reconnecting your lips. She kisses you for a moment before letting her hand trail between your legs, her fingers moving the cloth of your panties to the side. You sigh as her fingers begin to work between your legs, collecting your arousal before coming to your clit to rub slow circles. She continues touching you, pulling small noises of appreciation and approval from you as her fingers work.

“Jessie, come on.” Whining into her ear and bucking your hips she finally gets the message and pulls her hand back.

“What, are you ready?” Jessie pulls away from your lips.

“Yeah, I guess.” You could feel a small pit of nerves growing in your stomach, you’d hadn’t done this before, you trusted Jessie, she wouldn’t intentionally hurt you or make you uncomfortable, but it was new to both of you. You make a quick movement to remove your underwear before tossing it to the side and putting your legs back on either side of Jessie.

Jessie sits back on her knees, hand falling to the base of the toy. Her other hand comes up to rest on your inner thigh, pushing it slightly outward, her eyes falling between your legs. A smile comes across her face and you have to look away for a second from her intense stare.

“Hand me that.” Jessie points to the bottle of lube sitting next to your head on the bedside table. You grab it, passing it to her and watching as she opens the bottle, pouring on the liquid. She brings her hand down to begin spreading it. “Oh, it’s kind of cold.” She looks at her hand for a moment, rubbing her fingers together before adding “and slimey.” The bottle gets returned to the side table and Jessie slides herself closer to you, the tip resting on your stomach.

“Just go slow.” You say, putting your hands around her shoulders and lacing your fingers together behind her head.

“I will.” She nods down at you before breaking eye contact to look down where her hips rested between your thighs. Jessie maneuvers and you feel the toy now sitting against your core. She moves it around again before looking up at you quickly then back down, adjusting her hips again causing the toy to move. You feel the tip of the toy bump against a place you definitely didn’t want it going. “Wait.” You push against Jessie’s chest and she looks up, nervously. “Um, higher up, that’s the wrong-”

“Oh my god.” Jessie immediately inches backwards from you. “I’m sorry.” You watch as she drops her head in embarrassment. “I know where it is with my fingers.” She mumbles to herself, her confidence slipping away more and more the longer she has the appendage on.

“Babe, it’s fine, here I’ll help.” You reach down to where the strap hung gently grasping just above where Jessie’s own hand was wrapped around the girth. You take the tip, letting it glide across your clit before beginning to move it downward slowly. “There.” You gently push the tip into yourself before removing your hand placing it onto Jessie’s shoulder. “Go ahead.” You say looking up at your girlfriend who still had a hint of fear in her eyes.

She gives you a small nod and you watch her body begin to move and you feel the pressure of her hips angling forward, the toy beginning to push inside. You can tell by her gaze that she's unsure of what she’s doing, watching you for approval. “Is this fine?”

“Yeah, I’m good, keep going babe.” You nod up at her. She gives you a quick smile before her concentration face returns, her eyebrows furrowed and her bottom lip being tightly bit between her teeth, her eyes wander to where the two of you are connected, still moving her hips towards you ever so slightly. You bite your lip, starting to feel a larger stretch as Jessie continues to push forward. It wasn’t painful, but there was a definite tightness as Jessie bottomed out.

It takes a moment but Jessie’s hips finally are flush to yours and you can feel the fabric of the harness against your legs. Lying there you try your best to relax your muscles, still feeling a little nervous and unfamiliar with what was happening. You're unsure of where to put your legs, did you leave them lying on the bed? Should you bend them, put them around her waist maybe?

“Does it hurt?”Jessie looks between where your hips touch and back up to your face.

“Not exactly, it's just bigger than your fingers.” Your eyes trail to her hands that lay on either side of your waist, Jessie had good fingers, long, thick, but nowhere near the girth of the toy.

“Just let me know when you’re ready.”

“Yeah, maybe try pulling back a bit.” Your fingers dig into her shoulders, anticipating discomfort when she pulls back, only finding it to be not uncomfortable, just weird.

“Right, okay.” You watch, her face still contorted in confusion and concentration. She slowly shifts her hips backward again, just a small amount and the drag of the toy inside of you has you sighing, a noise that causes Jessie to freeze. “Are you alright?”

“I’m good babe, keep going.” You encourage her, giving her shoulder a squeeze, before letting your nails gently rake along the skin of her back. She pushed back in the small amount she had pulled out before pushing back in again.

Jessie slowly pulls back again, this time she drops her head, watching the toy slide out of you. You can see her eyes widen in amazement as she watches.

“Like what you see?” Bringing your hand to her chin you gently pull her face up to watch as she blushes.

“Yeah, it’s good, it’s hot.” She says looking up at you. Jessie gets lost looking at you for a moment, her hips stalling for a bit before she picks up her motion again.

“You can try going faster, or maybe harder?” You’re not fully sure what’s going to feel good. Jessie nods, her curls bouncing in front of her face. Her face is trying to mask a level of uncertainty. “Don’t be so nervous babe, it’s just me.” You bring a hand up to her rosy cheeks, hoping the gentle touch of your fingers will reassure her again.

“I just don’t want to hurt you.” The sincerity in Jessie's voice is cute you think, she was really worried about hurting you more than anything. You also knew her concerns would likely prevent her from fully letting herself go, it would take some time and practice.

“You won’t, fuck me like you mean it.”

Her eyes widen at your vulgar ask before a small smirk comes across her face as she looks at you. She drops to her forearms, her chest meeting yours as she ruts harder into you. Her strokes become firm, a loud noise of her hips meeting yours fills the room for a second before you start hearing Jessie’s ragged breathing in your ear.

“Oh, fuck Jess.” Your words spur her on, she pushes herself up again, thrusting faster, using the full length of the toy.

You get lost in the sensation, letting small moans of pleasure fall from your mouth. Muffling your moans Jessie kisses you hard as she continues to speed up her movements. Her trusts are a bit uncoordinated, a hard one, followed by some quick ones, she’d then slow down, then some shallow, some deep. It wasn’t bad by any means, just unpredictable.

You feel Jessie pull slightly too far out, the tip falling toward the bed but notice she thrusts her hips forward. You bring a hand to her waist giving her a gentle push “Hang on, you slipped out.”

“Fuck, I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be, it’s fine.”

“I’m not good at this.” You watch as she starts to frown, the little bit of confidence she had gained a moment ago dwindling.

“It’s the first time Jess, it’s okay.” Your fingers draw lazy circles across her back, feeling goosebumps arise on her skin.

“Does it even feel good?”

“I mean,” you hesitate, not knowing how to exactly answer. Before you can clarify why you hesitated, Jessie talks.

“I’m sorry.”

“No baby it’s not you. I think I’m nervous, and it’s just something new, and it feels good but not in the mind blowing orgasm way,” you pause looking up at Jessie, you didn’t want to take a hit to her ego. “It’s good though, just like you being inside of me, it’s nice.” You blush as the words come from your mouth, having to break your gaze with Jessie.

“Okay. Do you want me to keep going?”

“Yeah, for a bit maybe? But, can you add more lube please.”

Jessie gives you a smile and a nod, reaching onto the bedside table and adding the liquid onto the toy. When Jessie begins to move again she gently runs the head of the toy across your core, letting it bump against your clit, causing your breath to hitch. You feel the tip at your entrance again and you nod at Jessie when she looks up confirming she’s in the right spot.

There’s a different sensation when she pushes into you this time, you feel as though you’re filled again just how you should be, not even realizing how empty you felt before. You let out a sigh of relief.

“Good?” Jessie cocks an eyebrow at you, you can see the slight smirk across her face, pleased with the reaction you had from her movement.

“Mmmhm.” You hum up at her with a nod.

Jessie lowers her body onto yours, causing the strap to shift deeper inside of you, as the warmth from her chest comes to rest on yours. It feels close, intimate, her body covering yours, your legs wrapped around her back, her face tucked tightly into the nape of your neck. You can hear her heavy breathing as she picks up again thrusting into you. In this position her thrusts are slower but more even, less sporadic, she has more control.

As you go to wrap your arms around Jessie’s back, her hands find yours first. She takes both of her hands interlacing your fingers and bringing them up to rest by the sides of your head.

With each thrust into you Jessie gives your hands a gentle squeeze. It’s a simple gesture, holding hands with Jessie but in the context, it’s overwhelming. “I love you.” You hear her mumble against your skin before she places a kiss.

“I love you.”

After a couple thrusts, Jessie releases one of her hands from yours and brings it between your bodies, she fumbles around before her fingers find your clit and she begins rubbing circles in time with her thrusts. “Is this okay?”

You suck in a breath, the mixture of Jessie’s fingers and the feeling of being full is a new sensation, one your body is still trying to process. You focus on her fingers, fingers that knew your body well, they knew what you liked, what made you feel good and that's what they were doing, making you feel good. “That's good baby.”

Despite the added pleasure from Jessie’s fingertips, you can tell you won’t cum from this. Too in your head about the toy, the newness, the unfamiliar territory, it had you slightly on edge and not the edge you wanted to be on.

“Jess.” You say gently, you hoped telling her wasn’t going to make her feel inadequate.

“Yeah?” She picks her head up from your neck, you can see the small sheen of sweat on her forehead, her baby hairs stuck to it.

“This feels good, I promise, I just don’t think it’s going to, ya know, get me there.” You cringe as you say the words, worried about what her reaction might be.

“Oh.” Her expression is surprised for a moment before her face falls, appearing disappointed. “I’m sorry.”

“No, no, babe it’s not your fault.” Holding her head in your hands you caress her cheeks. You think about what to say. If you mention you don’t feel comfortable enough, she’d blame herself for that though, it had nothing to do with her but Jessie always put her performance, in school, on the field, or in bed, on herself, even if it wasn’t her fault. You had to choose your words carefully with her. “It’s not you I promise. It’s me, I’m just not, I think it’s just I’m not used to there being something inside, it’s good, just new and I’m not quite used to it enough.”

Jessie nods in your hands but doesn’t say anything. You pull her down bringing her ear to your mouth. “Baby, you always make me feel so good, this is no different, you can still make me cum without the strap, that’s even better when you think about it, you don’t need a toy, it’s all you Jess.” Releasing the hold on her, she sits back up, careful not to move the toy around too much while still inside of you. “You always make me feel good babe.” You groan out as Jessie moves to trail her tongue down the side of your neck.

“Should I pull out?” Jessie asks, looking down at her waist.

“Yeah go ahead.” You try and relax as she pulls her hips back, pulling until the toy falls out. You notice Jessie's attention being pulled down to where the toy was now. “Hey.” She looks back up at you with a small half smile. “It’s okay Jess.” You pull her by the chin, bringing her mouth to yours, the toy sticking into your stomach again as she tries to lean over to kiss you. She giggles as her hand again reaches to press the strap up against her abdomen.

The two of you kiss, her tongue gently running over yours, softly pulling on your bottom lip with her teeth, causing you to let out a deep moan. She kisses your cheek, down to your jaw and up to place a sloppy kiss just below your earlobe.

“Can I eat you out?” She whispers following it with a couple more kisses down your neck.

“Please baby.” Your voice comes out more needy and wanting than you expected. You can feel her smirk against your neck and she continues to kiss across your chest, teasing you ever so slightly, taking her time moving down your body.

“Come on Jess.” Your hands find their way to her shoulders and you gently push her down where she was already headed, between your legs. She gives in, letting you push her between your legs. As she goes to lay down, the toy catches on the bed, preventing her from being able to fully lay down.

“Fuck this.” Jessie says sitting up and scrambling off the bed to remove the harness. You laugh at your girlfriend’s frustration with the toy as she pulls and fiddles with the various straps, until the harness loosens and falls off her waist. “Not funny.” Jessie grumbles, placing the toy onto the nightstand.

She wastes no time climbing back between your legs, her hands picking up your thighs and bringing them over her shoulders. She brings her face to your core, her tongue beginning to lick long strokes, appreciating your taste and the feeling of having her mouth back on you. She hums into you. Giving you a few more long licks, Jessie begins to pay attention to your clit.

She gives it a few flicks, her tongue firm before a slow circle around the nerves, her eyes locked on yours intensely watching as you roll them back, enjoying the feeling of her. “You’re so good at that babe, fuck.” You watch as Jessie's eyes light up at the praise. She always liked being praised, being told she was pleasing you. You feel her increase her pressure, adding more suction with her lips, putting all of her focus onto your clit.

“God Jess.” Jessie moans into you in appreciation of your words. Your hand finds the top of her head, running your hand through her hair before gently scratching her scalp, knowing the action spurred her on. You feel yourself finding the edge that you had been looking for, feeling the tightness in your stomach growing, the tightening of your thighs, your muscles all tensing. Your hand holds Jessie's head tight to you, your other hand fists the bedsheet tightly as you peak. Your hips thrust against Jessie's tongue, you feel her hands try to hold your hips steady to let her keep pleasing you, a groan of her name falls from your lips followed by a whine, beginning to feel the sensitivity of your post orgasm. Your hips buck a few more times, trying to escape the now gentle stimulation that Jessie was giving you to work you through your orgasm.

The grip on your hips loosens and Jessie pulls her tongue away after giving you one final featherlight lick, looking all too proud of herself and cockly when she pulls up, resting her cheek on your inner thigh.

“What?” you say, knowing she was just proud of herself. She always was, Jessie would get so cocky watching you fall apart from her touch.

“Nothing, I just love you.”

“I love you, ya dork, come up here.” You motion for her to come kiss you and she does, resting her body weight onto you for a moment as you lips meet. You kiss for a bit before Jessie rolls off of you, lying beside you, draping an arm across your waist.

“Thank you for trying that with me.” You quickly glance at the strap that was still sitting, covered in lube and your slick, on the bedside table.

“I’ll try anything for you baby, I just want to make you feel good.” Jessie says as she leans up, planting a heavy kiss on your lips. “I think I just need more practice.”

“Well I’ll always be interested in practicing with you Jess.”

A/N pt 2: here’s part 2, tumblr is being a pain and not posting it under the tags

[florencemtrash]

The Shadowsinger & The Inkbird: Chapter Twenty-Five

Summary: Y/n's clairvoyance is a gift from the Mother, but it feels more like a curse. With the power to gain knowledge through touch alone, Y/n holes herself up in The Alcove and hopes her powers and parentage will remain a secret. But things will change after the Summer Solstice ball and a chance encounter with a certain Shadowsinger.

Warnings: Physical injury (i.e., Rhys and Cassian recovering post-Koschei), fluff, mating ceremonyyyyyyyyy (y'all I'm so excited I got so emotional writing this one)

The Shadowsinger & The Inkbird: Masterlist

Masterlist of Masterlists

It was strange how the absence of things could be so obvious. How silence could be more obnoxious than a crowded room. 

Three weeks had passed since Koschei’s death, and everyone was afraid to bring attention to the glaring absence of Cassian’s arm and Rhysand’s wings. 

At every meal, Nesta carefully cut up the Lord of Bloodshed’s food, and every night, Rhysand winnowed up to his bedroom. He no longer needed a wheelchair to move around, but walking up the stairs was a battle he won only half the time.

Azriel’s shadows were still missing. Gone to the wind. But their whispers grew in strength each day and Azriel would strain his ear to hear them. It gave you both hope that they’d return in time. 

“Daddy.” 

Rhysand froze halfway up the stairs, leaning against the wall with his legs crossed at the ankles. He subtly hid his hand behind his back, concealing the cane he relied on to walk around his own home. 

“Yes, Nyx.” 

The boy stood with his mother, her hand resting gently on his shoulder. Her wings were on full display, as were Nyx’s, in preparation for their daily flying lessons. For the first time, Rhysand would be unable to join them.

“We’re going flying. Do you… do you want to watch?” Nyx smiled shyly, one arm wrapped around his mother’s leg as he stared at the ground. “I can finally summon my wings during free fall. Just like we practiced.”

Rhysand strained to smile. “Go ahead with your mother. I’ll join you on the balcony soon.” 

“Ok,” the boy murmured and walked down the hall towards his parents’ bedroom. 

Feyre moved to be with her husband, her wings disappearing in a melting of light. She gently cupped his face in her hands. 

“It’s ok, my love,” Rhysand whispered, kissing her palms. Feyre smoothed back the swoop of hair that fell over his forehead. The strands were damp with sweat. “I don’t want you to keep Nyx waiting.” 

“Nyx is a patient boy. More patient than his father.” 

Rhys chuckled, blinking away tears. It was silly to hide these emotions from Feyre — she felt everything he did — but he wanted to at least try to be strong. To be her equal. Her High Lord. 

“Take your time, Rhys.” Her lips brushed against his and a piece of that ache in his chest fizzled out. It was incredible how his mate and wife could ease his burden with such a small touch. “I’ll be waiting with our son.” 

The moment Feyre disappeared into their bedroom and shut the door, Rhysand snapped his cane in half. Wood splinters flew out, embedding themselves in the wall and in the staircase, and he threw what remained down the stairs. 

Feyre, with all her love and patience, gave him the space to be angry. To grieve. But it helped her to know that Cassian, Azriel, and Emerie were already on their way. 

Rhysand made it to the third floor landing without his cane before the pain in his back became impossible to ignore. He sank to the floor. 

“Rhys—” The trio crowded around him. 

“Don’t say a fucking word, Cass.” They froze beside him, tucking their wings in tight. “I used to think the steps to the House of Wind were hard. Now I can’t even climb the stairs in my own fucking house.”

He hated this. He hated this with a burning passion. He was meant to be High Lord. He should have been at Feyre’s side, shaking out his wings and getting ready to taste the wind with his son. Instead here he was, sweat-soaked and shaking in front of his brothers and Emerie. 

After his mother and Selene’s death, he’d promised himself he would never lose his wings. They were a physical reminder of his Illyrian heritage. A heritage which so often went unseen beneath the veneer of a High Lord. Decades spent Under the Mountain had only cemented that promise in blood and salt. 

Amarantha may have stolen many things from him, but she’d never taken his wings. She’d never touched them. She’d never even seen them. 

Poison-laced calls of Amarantha’s whore and half-breed had always paled in comparison to the freedom of flying. A freedom he no longer had. 

“I’m not an Illyrian anymore,” Rhysand whispered grimly. The muscles in his back rolled, and even that small movement sent a thread of pain down his spine.  

Cassian and Azriel were stunned into silence. But not Emerie. Her gaze was too piercing, her tone too frank and unrelenting as she said, “My mother died without her wings.” 

Rhysand looked up at the female, slender and sharp as a blade. 

“At thirty-seven years old her father took a butcher’s knife and hacked them off before burying them in the snow just outside Windhaven.” She cocked her head to the side. “Tell me, was she not an Illyrian then?” 

“That’s not what I meant,” Rhysand said pathetically. 

“It’s exactly what you meant. But you’re wrong. Your wings don’t make you an Illyrian, Rhys. If they did, myself and over half the females in those camps would have been banished from Illyria a long time ago.” 

There was a silence that followed, tense and filled with guilt until Emerie spoke again. 

“Do you know what they say about you in the camps? And I’m not talking about the males who whisper half-breed behind your back.” 

Rhysand took his head. 

“The young females whisper about the day you’ll find them worthy enough to steal away to Velaris — to your precious city you’d never let come to harm. They talk about the shops they’d get to see with the frosted cakes in the windows and the enchanted houses where they wouldn’t have to slave away over a stove or wring towels until their hands bled. That one day, you’ll recognize that they’re dreamers too who’ve only had their worst nightmares come true. The older ones are wiser than that. They don’t talk about escaping to a city they don’t know and don’t love, surrounded by strangers who might call them lesser-fae. They build their lives in the cold, and when the males come to burn it down, they either endure and build it up again, or they fight back however they can.” 

Emerie regarded him carefully, eyes halting on his violet eyes and the sharpness of his ears. 

“Wings don’t make you an Illyrian,” she repeated, “It’s in your blood. It’s what you're born into and the hands that raise you. Never say “I’m not an Illyrian” again, do you understand me?”

Rhysand swallowed the burning lump in his throat. Touched the short tips of his ears and wiped the tears gathering in his violet eyes. 

“Azriel, could you—could you bring me my cane? Please?” 

His brother walked down the steps without hesitation and retrieved the broken halves. 

It was a thing of beauty and strength, carved from ironwood and stained so dark it may as well have been sliced from a night sky. Rhysand put the two pieces together and closed his eyes. 

It was easy, miniscule magic to put the cane back together and far more difficult a feat to stand upright once again. He might have toppled backwards if not for Emerie. She gave him her shoulder to lean against.

“Still an Illyrian,” he murmured. 

It was a promise to himself and to his family. To the three Illyrian warriors who had found him. 

“Still an Illyrian.” Emerie patted his arm. “I understand you’ll still feel some self-pity for a while. It’s natural, but… try not to do it in a room I’m in.” 

“I can do that.” Rhysand leaned against his cane, limping towards his bedroom where his mate and son were waiting. “Oh and Emerie.” She turned her head towards him. “Thank you.” 

“Do you want me to just cut it for you?” 

“No, I like the way Nesta does it.” 

“Since when did you get so picky?” 

“Since I lost my fucking arm, Mor.” 

You snorted into your glass of wine and Azriel smiled as the pair continued bickering. He kept one hand under the table, rubbing small circles into your thigh. It wasn’t until Nesta decided to grace the early morning with her presence that Cassian turned his attention away from Mor, drawing Nesta down for a kiss. 

A fresh bruise painted his cheekbone purple, pink, and blue. 

Nesta gripped Cassian’s chin, turning his face to the side for a better look. “Who did this?”

“Emerie,” he said cheerfully. His grin was brighter than the sun. 

Today was the first time he’d sparred with anyone since he lost his arm and Emerie hadn’t gone easy on him. On the contrary, she’d taken every advantage her two arms afforded her until Cassian felt more tender than a steak on a butcher’s board. He hadn’t been thrown on his back so many times since the mating frenzy. 

It was a dirty, cunning way of fighting and he’d never appreciated the Illyrian female more. 

Nesta smirked at her friend with a glint in her eye that looked suspiciously like gratitude. 

Emerie only shrugged. She hadn’t experienced the same kind of loss that Cassian and Rhysand had, but she’d learned a great deal after her wing clipping. Carrying limbs that no longer worked was not so different from losing them entirely. It was all about a shifting of control and weight — about finding a new center of gravity and using weakness to your advantage. 

“Did you go easy on him?” Nesta asked. 

Emerie snorted. “Obviously not.”

“She fractured three ribs, but they’re healed now.” 

“Very nice.” 

Nesta settled down at her rightful seat beside Cassian and wordlessly cut up his breakfast. 

“Thanks, Nes.” 

“It’s the least I could do.” 

Cassian chuckled and pulled her close until she was nearly in his lap. “Don’t give me so much power, darling.” 

She huffed. “What power?”

“The power to win any argument in the future.” He stuck what remained of his right arm into the air and gave it a shake. It was a gentle, teasing reminder of who had cut it off in the first place. 

Nesta narrowed her eyes until they were two clips of ice. “Don’t make me regret letting you live.” 

“That’s much better.” 

Some people needed a gentle touch after horrible events, but there was nothing gentle about Cassian. He’d been born with the wild in his blood. He knew how to adapt and survive, and if surviving meant he would lose his arm and get more time with his mate, it was a trade he was more than happy to make.

Azriel seemed to be in agreement. He never took his eyes off you. More interested in seeing your reaction than hearing which comment had brought it to life.

Feyre nudged Rhys, eyes wide and eyebrows raised as she looked back and forth from her mate to you and Azriel. 

Now? Rhys asked. 

Yes, now! They’ve been staring at each other for the last thirty minutes. It’s honestly unnerving... Do you think they’ve already accepted the bond?

There’s no way in hell. We would have known. 

Azriel’s terribly good at keeping secrets. 

The fact that they haven’t been missing the last few months is proof enough. 

All the more reason to bring this up now so we can finally put them out of their misery. 

Feyre shot to her feet at the head of the table and Rhysand scrambled to attention after  her. 

“It has come to our attention that we never did say congratulations to a special couple in this room.”

“Oh gods,” Azriel muttered. 

Your face turned warm as everyone’s eyes and grins fell upon you and your mate.

“You didn’t think we forgot about your mating bond, did you?” Gwyn teased. 

“We were kind of hoping you had,” you said. “Not that we aren’t happy or—” You glanced over at Azriel. 

The first night you’d woken up in the Dawn Court you’d tried to crawl into his bones — an odd mixture of desperation and longing urging you to have your way with one other. Now, you were embarrassed to think that the first thing you’d tried to do after nearly dying, was sleep with your mate. 

Azriel smiled, bending towards you like a flower seeking sunlight in silent encouragement. It was such a small, natural gesture, and one that everyone noticed. Which also meant they clocked the blush on your cheeks as you gripped Azriel’s hand under the table. 

You cleared your throat. “We weren’t sure it was a good time with everything going on. We thought it might be wise to wait before—” 

“No more waiting!” Cassian declared, slamming his fist against the table so hard the silverware bounced. “I swear to the fucking gods, if you’re not in the frenzy by the end of the week, Y/n, I’ll have you force feed Azriel myself.” 

“We agreed we’d be gentle in our approach,” Elain reminded him. 

“There was a plan in place for this?” Lucien sputtered. “And you were a part of it?” 

She scoffed and lightly slapped his arm. Elain was a gentle, lovely creature when she wanted to be, and nothing melted her heart more than a good love story. 

“I think we are in need of a celebration,” Vassa whispered. It was the first collection of words the firebird had spoken in months. 

She’d sat for every meal at Lucien’s side completely silent. But this time, she reached a hand across the table and slid it into yours, squeezing tightly. Flashes of memory passed behind her eyes — memories of Jurian.

They weren’t fae. A mating bond was never in the cards for them. Which was why she felt strongly that you should be greedy with the time you had together. For there was no telling when it would end.

You sucked in a breath. You’d spoken at length about this with Azriel, tossing ideas back and forth during the night when the bond made your blood sing for more contact with the Shadowsinger. More touches.  

But you’d agreed that it was inappropriate to have even a private mating ceremony when everyone was hurting. To abandon them and disappear into the frenzy. 

Perhaps you’d both been wrong. 

Given how quick everyone was to swarm you and Azriel, you were definitely wrong. 

Rhysand hobbled over with his cane, kissing your cheek with a loud, obnoxious smack before aggressively disheveling Azriel’s hair. 

“The cottage—” Azriel began.

“I’ll have it finished by tonight.” Rhysand promised. 

Cassian threw his one good arm around Azriel’s shoulder, tugging him out of his chair and towards the door on a mission. Poor Lucien was also coerced into joining whatever debauchery Cassian had planned for their afternoon. He sulked after the pair with Rhysand. 

Nesta, Feyre, and Mor crowded around you, already deliberating which of the many-frequented boutiques in Velaris they would need to visit for your mating ceremony attire. 

You were positively overwhelmed by the attention and the realization that this was all happening. 

By midnight, you would be mated to the love of your life. 

Azriel slipped out from under Cassian’s arm, racing back across the room and falling to his knees. “I need a moment with you.” He breathed, thinly-veiled hunger in his eyes. 

One nod was all it took before he was guiding you to the kitchen and slamming the door on everyone’s whistling. 

Azriel pressed you against the kitchen door, chest heaving so hard you could feel every beat of his heart against your chest. 

You’d both been holding back with each other ever since returning to the Night Court. Propriety and respect for his brothers had demanded you wait to express your love and wanting. You didn’t want to slap them in the face with joy. 

But now that you had everyone’s overwhelming approval, well… Azriel was finding it nearly impossible to wait even a moment longer. 

He pressed his lips to yours and didn’t let go of his soft grip on your waist until you were both gasping for breath. But then you kissed him back, swallowing his sighs and gentle groans like there was honey on his tongue. Sweet and addictive and—

Rhysand rudely knocked on the door, his sultry voice a purr. “In the kitchen, Azriel? Really? I would have expected more from a gentleman like you.” 

“Fuck off, Rhys.” 

The High Lord chuckled, but slipped away all the same. 

Azriel grinned against your lips, your hands clasped together between your bodies. “I just wanted one last kiss before tonight.” 

“Tonight.” You nodded frantically. 

Tonight. 

You were doing this. You were really doing this. 

Then you realized what he’d said. “I won’t see you before then?”

“I don’t think the others will let us.” 

Your laughs rang in the air, bouncing off the kitchen cabinets like wedding bells. 

On the other side of your door you could feel everyone’s anticipation. And you couldn't keep them waiting much longer. They might just break down the door. 

“I’ll see you tonight.” You whispered before stealing one last kiss. 

“Tonight.” Azriel agreed. His breath curled around your ear, lips brushing against the tip as he promised, “Until then.”

Feyre, Nesta, Gwyn, Emerie, Elain, and Mor descended upon the Palace of Thread and Jewels, all too eager to heap your arms full of the most expensive lace money could buy. 

You were about to marry into the Night Court and had a High Lord father who needed to make up for centuries of fatherly absence. There was more than enough gold to throw around.

“What do you think of this?” Feyre asked, draping the pale blue silk over your shoulder.

The clothier’s shop was bustling in the late morning, but no one dared step foot into the private room your family was set up in. The enchanted curtain blocked out all noise — tthe pinnacle of privacy.

You stood alone on a low platform, swishing the skirts of your dress and imagining what the finished product might look like. 

Farron, the clothier, had been quick to stitch a muslin mock up of the design you’d chosen, knotted fingers shocking in their dexterity as needle and thread disappeared and reappeared in her hand like some trick of the eye. She hadn’t even taken your measurements. One spin with your arms outstretched and she’d set about cutting the exact length of material needed for your mating ceremony gown. 

It was no wonder that she was Rhysand’s preferred clothier.

It still felt like a dream. Some wonderful, impossible dream as you took in the sight of the fabric over your chest. 

It glistened like moonlight and flowed like river water.

“Feyre, it’s perfect,” You breathed, touching the silken threads beneath your fingertips. 

“An excellent choice,” Farron said with a smile. She stood dutifully off to the side, tortoise-rimmed glasses growing her eyes to bug-like proportions.

You were a lovely thing in her eyes. A fine match for the Shadowsinger, indeed. 

Now, no one had told her that that was the cause for celebration. But she’d been clothing the Night Court males for a long while and knew them like the back of her hand. And you? You were made for the Shadowsinger. That much was clear. 

It was from centuries of experience that she classified the soft parting of your mouth and wide eyes. It was the look mates and brides alike adopted when they’d found the perfect dress. The one that would make them feel as perfect and precious as a pearl.

Your brows furrowed in concern. “My mating ceremony is tonight. Will it be ready by then?”

“Pfffft.” The clothier slapped her chest indignantly. “It will be ready in three hours time. You can return once after you’ve finished your shopping and we’ll have a final ceremony look ready for you, my dear.” 

With a dress being sewn together at Farron’s, Mor hurried you along to what she believed was the most critical part of any mating ceremony dress — the lingerie. The ordeal left a permanent blush on your cheeks as you quickly moved on to the shoemaker and then the jeweler. 

“Which one did you decide on?” Mor asked once again. She trailed at your heels, resting her chin on your shoulder as you kept your wares clutched to your chest. 

“I’m not telling you.” 

“Why not?” She whined. Red fingernails grazed the tissue paper that peaked out from the edges of the lingerie box. 

“Because that is for Azriel to know, and only Azriel,” you said, snatching the box out of her grasp. 

Nesta laughed. “What does it matter which pair she’s picked? It’s not like it will survive the first night of the frenzy.” 

Your cheeks burned with color. 

Mor giggled at your shyness. “Don’t act coy now, Y//n. We all know what you four read in your free time.” 

“Don’t act like you don’t benefit, love.” Emerie teased, squeezing Mor’s hip. 

“I never suggested such a thing.” 

Gwyn gagged when they kissed and everyone broke apart into fits of laughter in the streets, leaning against shoulders and stumbling on the cobblestones as they caught their breath. 

You were pressed in on all sides by familiar bodies, a comforting mixture of perfumes, and the sounds of laughter.

It’s happening. It’s really happening. 

Your grin could have put the sun to shame as you bounced on your heels in front of the mirror. 

Pale blue silk dipped down to the center of your chest and fell off your shoulders like mist. Wide, airy sleeves hovered at your elbows, ending in curls of hand-woven lace. A pair of ribbon-tie shoes and ear-tip cuffs completed the ensemble. 

They were both blue for Azriel — for your mate — who currently stood awestruck by the door. 

You didn’t startle when you caught a sliver of his reflection in the mirror. In fact, you were rather pleased to see his slack jaw and glistening eyes. 

“What do you think?” You asked as Azriel slipped out from the darkness and into your old bedroom. 

You hardly stepped foot in here anymore. Azriel’s bedroom had solidly become yours. Your clothes were mixed in with his. Your perfume bottles and soaps lined his bathroom. Your scent was tied to his bed, or rather your bed. 

“I think… I think you’re a dream, Y/n.” He spoke with a sigh. 

He melted into the curve of your neck, hands ghosting over your shoulders with a feather-light touch. 

He shook his head, as if disappointed. 

“No,” he corrected himself, “You’re far better than a dream because you’re real, and I can’t believe you’re mine.” 

“I could say the same about you,” you whispered. 

You leaned back against his chest and breathed deeply, feeling your heart soothe itself to the rhythm of his breathing and the scent of mountain air and cedar trees. 

He was beautiful. Black velvet encased his broad shoulders, cutting out a silhouette of pitch black night and highlighting the glow of his hazel eyes — like two chips of amber aglow in a dark wood. 

You couldn’t stop yourself from staring and threading your fingers into his soft, black curls, eliciting a soft groan from his lips that had your blood stirring to life. 

“I thought we were supposed to meet downstairs.” 

Azriel smiled. “I selfishly wanted to be the first to see you.” 

“That’s not selfish at all,” You hummed. You began tracing the gold cuffs that spanned the length of his ears and the subtle embroidery at the wrists and front of his shirt. They were distinctly Day Court fashions, and he wore them well. “These are new.” 

“I may or may not have reached out to your father for advice when picking out my clothes.” 

“I like them. Day Court colors suit you. They bring out the gold flecks in your eyes.” 

Azriel smiled, kissing the curve of your ears and playing with the sapphire necklace clasped around your neck. The drag of metal and fingertips over your chest had you shivering.  

You gently tugged at his hair and he obeyed the unspoken command to lean down and capture your lips in a kiss. Soft sounds spilled from both of you as he walked you back towards the wall and gently pressed you against it, flatting his hands by the sides of your head. 

Azriel got lost in the taste of you. Your hands in his hair. The feeling of your hips flush against his. Every movement was subtle, but eager, in its wanting and Azriel knew that when he finally had you beneath him, he’d be ruined… If he wasn’t ruined already. 

There was another reason he’d wanted to see you first before relinquishing you to the formalities of a mating ceremony. 

He’d been on edge all day, unused to being the unbridled center of attention among his brothers. Cassian was brash and loud, Rhysand flirtatious and passionate. Even Lucien radiated an undeniable charisma that made him popular within crowds. 

But Azriel had always prized quiet and peace above all else. He wanted to feel that peace again. 

The bond rose within him like high tide, spilling color and light into his chest as you pressed your forehead against his and cradled the curve of his neck. 

He breathed deep and he breathed freely, feeling something in his soul mend itself with a roll of anticipation. A tendril of cold wrapped around his ear and whispered in a language only Azriel could understand.

Too long, master. It’s been too long.

Azriel’s eyes flew open. He’d nearly forgotten the shape of their words — the language that he’d been taught to speak after years spent in the dark. Months of soft spoken words he could barely make out became a chorus of congratulations as they sensed the connection that now bound you and Azriel together. 

They’d known about it since the beginning, but now that you were also aware, they were ecstatic.

Black shadows spilled out from his skin, eagerly wrapping you up in a shell of twisting darkness. They embraced you, kissing your cheeks with cool, feathery touches. 

Azriel swallowed your laughter, hands diving down and lifting up your dress so he could squeeze your thighs and wrap your legs around him. 

It was a kiss made of teeth and longing and relief. With his shadows having returned and a mating bond ready to be accepted, Azriel felt invincible. Like he was cradling the world in his arms. 

But it was ended all too soon by a shadow in his ear that warned, They’re almost at the door. 

Gods he missed having them around. 

You gasped, picking up on the sound of Lucien and Helion’s strong footsteps coming towards the door. They were supposed to walk you downstairs before handing you off to your mate, and although Azriel had made leaps and bounds in earning their blessing you didn’t think they’d take kindly to seeing the Shadowsinger flush between your legs just before your mating ceremony. 

“Shit.” You hissed, untangling yourself from Azriel as he fixed your dress and struggled to hide his laughter. 

You pushed him backwards, masking both your scents and shoving him inside the wardrobe. 

“My Y/n, what are you doing?” Azriel asked. He needed to bend just to fit inside the empty wardrobe. His eyes glittered with amusement, shadows pooling around his wings. 

“I-I was going to try and hide you before my father and brother come inside but” — a handful of shadows curled around your wrists and ankles, intent on becoming permanent fixtures for as long as you were separated from your mate —  “I see that’s not necessary anymore.” 

Azriel grinned and pulled you in for one last kiss. “I’ll see you downstairs,” he whispered just as Lucien’s polite knock came at the door.  

“I’ll see you downstairs.” 

His shadows swirled around him and he melted into the darkness. 

Mating ceremonies were fluid, adaptable affairs. They could be as extravagant and public or as humble and private as one desired. It made no difference. You were his, and he was yours. Now and forever. 

You would have accepted the bond with Azriel in your father’s palace or in a desert wasteland. Still, you had to agree that home was best. 

The largest room in the River House — the dining room — had been cleared out for the purpose of your mating ceremony. Candlelight flickered atop the fireplace mantle where you, Azriel, and the priestess stood, and within sconces dripping with wisteria and baby’s breath along the wall. The light of a thousand lanterns, gauzy and warm, lit up the gardens outside the House.

“All kneel,” the priestess said, holding out two crowns of lavender and lilies of the valley. 

Everyone kneeled in a loose half-circle. 

Her dusty blue robes brushed against the floor as she placed the crown atop Azriel’s head and then yours. At her instruction, you shifted on the floor, facing each other with smiles that couldn’t be contained.

Azriel’s eyes burned bright, as if all the gold in the world had been distilled and dropped into them. 

You took the candles the priestess held out, holding them in your left hand and clasping together your right. 

Azriel snuck a quick kiss to your palm before the priestess could wrap your wrists and hands together with ribbons of blue and gold. She drifted her fingers over the candles and lit them with a flourish. 

Before the Mother, the priestess, and your family, you exchanged your vows. 

Secret glances passed between you and the Shadowsinger. Brief smiles tugged at the corners of your lips. Squeezing hands soothed your soul and grounded you in the present as you spoke the words together:

I give to you the hands of a warrior, lover, friend, and mate, till the darkness comes and our endings wake. 

I give to you my name, to hold on your lips and to pass on your years in hope and longing, in joy and tears.

Blood of blood. Bone of bone. I shall be yours, and you shall be mine. 

Until we return to the earth and hear the Mother’s song. Until the end of our days—

“Until death and beyond,” Azriel whispered the final vows. 

“Until death and beyond,” you replied. 

“Who the hell spilled the champagne!” 

The floor was already sticky with it, grabbing onto Rhysand’s shoes as he stepped out of the puddle. A guilty Feyre chugged the last dregs in the bottle, magicking away the spill with a snap of her fingers and a sultry wink towards her mate. She shrieked with laughter when Rhys limped over to her, collapsing around her shoulders and blowing kisses against her neck. 

Nyx sat at Amren’s feet on the floor, struggling to hold his violet eyes open as she scratched his head with her silver-tipped nails. Amren was not one for parties and regarded the room with bored eyes. 

Mor sat in the seat of honor — Emerie’s lap — whispering gossip in the Illyrian’s ear as you and Azriel tried to make yourselves sparse in the corner. 

You were half-hidden behind Azriel’s wings as he leaned his head against your shoulder. Leave it to you two to hide at your own mating ceremony. 

Lucien and Elain drank wine by the kitchen. She left her hand comfortably on his upper arm and smiled when he tucked a strand of wavy brown hair behind her ear. They were a handsome couple — all pale colors and golden gazes, like sunshine spilling over a new day. 

Helion, entertaining as always, dazzled the group that had assembled around him composed of Gwyn, Feyre, Rhysand, Cassian, and Nesta. Every so often his bright eyes would land on you and he’d wink before pointing threateningly in Azriel’s direction. 

Azriel’s shoulders shook with silent laughter and he dipped his lips to your ears and asked, “Do you think he’ll ever approve of me?”

“He already approves of you, he just doesn’t want you to know.” 

“He’s a smart male for keeping such a secret. My ego may grow too big for you to handle if he compliments me outright.” 

“Didn’t he once invite you to his bed?”

“That’s not very special coming from Helion.” 

You burst out laughing, attracting everyone’s attention as you buried your face in Azriel’s chest to stifle the noise. He laughed aloud as well. Head thrown back, chest and shoulders shaking. It was a full-bodied laugh that harmonized with yours as he wrapped his arms around you and rubbed your back. 

Azriel’s laughter had once been a rare sound, but you drew it out of him so easily, like a musician with their instrument. 

Feyre grinned and clapped her hands together. All at once the dining room rearranged itself. The candle flames grew brighter. A table laden with food and chairs popped into existence. 

For such a special occasion, you and Azriel sat at the head of the table, subtly leaning against one another with your legs tangled beneath the tablecloth as you ate.

There was a cake still waiting to be cut in the kitchen — a cake that you’d baked with Azriel’s name written all over it in invisible ink. 

Nyx twisted around in his chair, eyes utterly fixated on the seemingly endless rows of lanterns glowing in the garden. 

“Mom.” Nyx tugged on Feyre’s wrist as she cleaned his cheek. “When will I get to float the lanterns?” 

Feyre looked to you and Azriel. 

The lanterns were an old Day Court tradition. On the longest night of the year, Day Court citizens dared to step outside into the dark and light up the sky with their own sun-painted lanterns. It was a way to keep the darkness at bay for a little while longer. A time to add your own light to the night sky. 

“Now,” you smiled. “Let’s do it now.” 

You all spilled out into the gardens, cheering Nyx on as he raced ahead of everyone else with short, energetic strides. His wings flared out behind him, catching the name of the wind as it whispered against the velvety membrane. 

“Not yet!” Rhys reminded him. “You need to let your aunt and uncle go first.” 

You and Azriel picked up the largest lantern of them all, delicate rice paper crinkling as you held it up. The starburst-shaped lantern glowed faintly. A burning sun. A fallen star.

Everyone bent over in the flowers and grasses, hunting to find the second-best lantern for themselves. 

“This one’s for Velaria,” Nyx said, holding up a small, round orb. “This one’s for you, Daddy.” A pale lavender lantern was placed carefully in his father’s hand. “And this one’s for Mommy.” 

“Why thank you, honey.” Feyre bent low, kissing her son’s velvety black hair as she held Velaria in her arms. 

“Is everyone ready?” You called out. 

Cheers sounded from all around. Particularly energetic whoops came from Cassian and Mor, who tipped back their heads and howled like wolves, ready to throw their lanterns to the sky. 

Azriel tucked you beneath the curve of his wings and pressed a gentle kiss against your temple before you both let your magic seep into the lantern and sent it skywards. 

There was chatter from all sides. Soft gasps leaving open-mouth stares as a dozen lanterns started drifting upwards like miniature suns. 

“It’s all you, Nyx!” Azriel shouted. 

The boy leapt into action, finding the tallest patch of ground in the garden to make his directorial debut. He fixed the tilt of his bowtie and bent his knees. Slowly and dramatically he curled his fingers, raising his hands upwards like he meant to pull water out of the ground. 

He looked like an orchestra conductor leading his players in a great crescendo as the remaining one-thousand lanterns took off into the night sky. 

You gasped and flung your hands up to your lips. Three hundred and forty-three years you’d been alive, and this was the most beautiful sight you’d ever seen. 

You turned to Azriel only to find that he was already staring at you — at the light of a thousand suns reflected in your eyes. 

You found yourself proven wrong, and not for the first time. The lanterns were only the second most beautiful sight… and you wanted to see more.

Azriel read the idea forming in your mind and nodded. 

Without hesitation, you took his hand, slinking through the now darkening garden as everyone else’s attention was directed towards the sky. 

Lanterns arced through the darkness, staining the sky warm orange as if a painter had swept her brush over the black canvas. 

Shadows nipped at your heels and covered your tracks, urging you onward as you slipped back into the House and then the kitchen. 

You didn’t even bother cutting the cake. After rummaging around in the kitchen drawers for a spoon, you carved out a spoonful of chocolate cake with strawberries and a healthy dollop of whipped cream frosting — Azriel’s favorite. 

The Shadowsinger froze, eyes darting back and forth between the cake and your flushed face. Your eyes glowed in the dim light, marked by a quiet, otherworldly beauty Azriel had never been able to resist. 

“Don’t tell me you’re second guessing this now?” You breathed, moving the spoon closer to his lips. 

“I just… I just want to make sure I remember everything about tonight,” he whispered. 

He adjusted the crown of lavender and lilies on your head, picking up a loose flower petal that had drifted onto your bare shoulders. His touch was soft. Gentle. Reverent as he trailed his fingers up your neck and brushed his thumb along your jaw. 

His lips closed around the spoon, dragging off every crumb and lick of frosting while never taking his eyes off of you. 

It was probably a delicious cake, but all Azriel would remember was the taste of your lips that followed as he drew you to his body. 

When the bond had first snapped for him, he thought the world had cracked in two. Like the sharp clap of lightning across the sky. 

What followed after the sugar and chocolate melted on his tongue was the thunder — a resounding tremor as the bond glowed hot as iron before cooling into something permanent and unbreakable. 

Azriel let out a breathless noise. Something between a sigh and a shudder. He clutched your back, nails dragging lightly along your exposed skin in a way that had you melting. 

“I want to go. Now.” You rasped. 

You wanted him desperately. More than words could describe. 

Azriel scooped you up into his arms, and together you vanished into the shadows before anyone even realized you were missing.

<- Previous Chapter Next Chapter ->

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Author's Note:

Y'all, I just love Y/n and Azriel so much...

THEY FUCKING DESERVE A PROPER MATING CEREMONY LIKE DAMNIT THEY BOTH NEARLY DIED LIKE 3X AND YES I'M GOING TO WRITE A SEX SCENE NEXT CHAPTER, I DON'T CARE, THEY DESERVE THIS, Y'ALL DESERVE THIS FOR PUTTING UP WITH ME FOR THE LAST 6 MONTHS AND OVER 100K WORDS LIKE YOU ARE THE TRUE MVPs AND I APPRECIATE YOU IMMENSELY!!! (*but also, if you're not into reading smut scenes, I'll write the next chapter in such a way that you can just skip over it and not miss anything continuity-wise)

THANK YOU FOR READING!

We're almost at the end I've got like two chapters left, one of which is already mostly written, and maybe the epilogue will be it's own thing or part of the last chapter i don't know and just UGH it's almost over... ok i'm going to end this author's note here because I'm getting sad just thinking about this fic ending

^^ my reaction when I realize I've almost finished the longest/most intensive writing project in my life born out of love for the romantasy genre

^^ my reaction when I realize I've almost finished the longest/most intensive writing project in my life born out of love for the romantasy genre

[cokou]

𝚂𝚞𝚙𝚎𝚛𝚗𝚘𝚟𝚊 𝚃𝚛𝚒𝚘 + 𝙰𝚌𝚎 × 𝙵𝚎𝚖!𝚁𝚎𝚊𝚍𝚎𝚛

sum. Forcing your boyfriend to adopt a new fuzzy friend into the household, maybe you've spent too much time with the fuzzy. ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ tw. Fluff. Jealousy. Law's and Ace's a bit longer cause, favoritism. ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ a/n. New writing style! We could never go wrong with loving fuzzy and cute animals!! Dont transfer or translate in any platforms,this is my only account, will not be cross posted anywhere! masterlist♡

ˏˋ°•*⁀➷𝙻𝚊𝚠

After joining the Heart Pirates and dating their captain, your number one entertainment is to soend time with Bepo and Law. While Bepo does feel embarrassed for your acts to him, you absolutely felt like he's a huge cuddly bear more than a scary one.

He even complained to Law himself that he should get you your very own fuzzy friend since you've bothered Bepo so much he couldn't face you anymore without getting embarrassed! Law, the asshole he is, refused to get you one.

You very much enjoyed the idea and pestered Law into getting you one yourself and have some dignity for Bepo, then, he finally agreed. You both visited a pet shop, and just with it's entrance you couldn't leave anymore. Inside were full of cute animals waiting to be adopted, you just wanted to take them all.

"(Name)-Ya, what about this guy?" He pointed and peeked into the small cage, and there, was a white fluffy kitty who has just woken up from its slumber. Yes, perfect! It looked so cute and cuddly! You already fell inlove with it just by looking! "Awh, look at how much she resembles Bepo!"

You both took her back, and upon your arrival you set her free in her new home, the sub.

For the past few weeks, your attention had been glued to your new friend, not wanting anything on your path. It was so bad you had more pictures of her than you and Law combined! And the way you trip because you watch her instead of where you were going.

Law on the other hand, was definitely not feeling it, he felt like the white furball just replaced him with everything! You shared a bed with her, she gets your attention, she gets to be with you all day! If he were honest, he would blurt out how jealous he was for the furball.

In which, you suspected him for. "Law, are you really okay? You've been quiet and only staring since you sat down."

"I told you I am okay, don't worry." He finally let out a sigh after realizing you weren't with the kitten anymore, that was until he heard meow, and behind you was the kitten. You picked her up and setted her into your lap, receiving a piercing glance from Law.

"Are you okay? You're doing the stare aga— ohhhh..." You had finally realized that he was jealous, not by anyone, but the kitty that you've been giving attention to.

"What?" "Don't tell me you're jealous of our little furball!" You laugh at him. "What?! W-why the hell would you think that?"

"Law, it's quite obvious...come here, lay with us." You invited him with open arms and he jumped right into you.

ˏˋ°•*⁀➷𝙻𝚞𝚏𝚏𝚢

Ever since Chopper had joined the Straw Hats, you couldn't take your hands off his cheeks and head, continuesly patting and hugging him from his cuteness. Even your boyfriend, Luffy had agreed!

Chopper was definitely nice to have around, when you're stressed? You pat him. When you need to let it out? Hug him. He's just so cute and fuzzy! The way you'd kill people when you hear them talk bad about Chopper, because you refuse to let people think that he was a monster.

Eventually Luffy thought that you and Chopper became best friends of how you two always chatter about everything, at first he taught it's what makes the crew more unique.

But eventually, after a month, he noticed how you'd been glued with the reindeer all the time. He taught it was normal since you two were best friends but, this time you might have crossed the line.

"(Name)!! I'm hungry, can you cook meat?" He asked you with the usual big smile on his face. "Oh no Luffy, could you ask Sanji? I'm hanging out with Chopper today.." Bad Idea, you never refused to cook him meat even if you were busy. He knew you enough to just refuse to cook meat for him. The way he frowned as you waved him and went into the dock with Chopper.

Later that night, when everyone was asleep, you felt someone tugging your clothes. "Pst, (Name)." It was Luffy.

"Eh? Luffy? Why are you awake at a time like this.." you groggily whispered. "Just come here" You spproach his area and he pulled you with him.

"Finally some peace between us" He gave you a big grin and placed his hand on your back. "It's been a while you know— you've always been with Chopper."

"Luffy, wh— are you jealous of Chopper?" You came with a conclusion that maybe, just maybe he got jealous of your constant hanging out eith Chopper.

"Hmm...is that how you name it, (Name)? If so then yes!" You plopped your hands on his chest and gave him a giggle. "You could've said so earlier, i would've spent more time with you, Lu"

ˏˋ°•*⁀➷𝙺𝚒𝚍𝚍

It was 100% your idea, you had convinced Eustass to bring company of an animal into the Victoria Punk. Not only because you had no one to talk to other than Killer or Kidd himself, but simply because it was boring out in the ship.

Lucky for you, Kidd agreed to get you one of your choice, in exchange of...things. So you decided to get a Cat of your choice, simply after declaring it's recruitment into the Kidd Pirates. You gave every ounce of your attention to it, even if it means opening the door of the bathroom when you take a shower just incase the furball could come inside and pet itself across your legs.

Well that only happened twice, what DID happen was Eustass peeking at you while taking a shower, which happened about 90% of the time. You didn't mind though.

Back to our fur friend, it bothered the cleaners of the ship on how they'd find furry hair on every furniture they clean. Kidd even complained that your shared bed was full of cat fur and that it was sticking onto his skin! But you couldn't careless.

Everytime you had a chance to sit, the cat eould latch itself into your lap, preventing you from standing up and doing business. Because standing would mean disrespectful!

Now we have an angry Eustass, whenever he wants you to be around him your excuse would always be 'But theyre on my lap' and 'im playing with them give me a while' He was getting fed up with both you and the cat itself.

So you're at the comfort place in the ship, with Kidd having a staring contest with the animal on your lap, whilst you read a book a chill. Then suddenly he spoke up, "Okay that's enough." He stood up, took the cat and placed it outside the room.

"Why'd you do that for?!"

"Oh please, you have all your attention on that animal since it stepped foot into the ship, give it a break." He scoffed.

"Or you're just jealous because i give it more attention than you?" Oh, NOW you're dead. "JEALOUS?? Why would i be jealous over a stupid furry?!" He was. He was 100% jealous.

"Okay first of all, it's not a stupid furry! And second of all, you seem pretty defensive, if you're jealous just say it."

"WHAT?! No im n—"

"—Which, you definitely are, come here you big baby. I'll give you the attention you deserve." You cutted him off, now you're gonna be in big trouble.

"And i expect the attention to be filled, get on the bed fucker." It would definitely be a longggg night.

ˏˋ°•*⁀➷𝙰𝚌𝚎

He IS the one who suggested to get a furry friend. He'd definitely be the type to adopt a puppy, and then proceed to name it one of the most basic names ever. You could see the disappointment in Marco's face when he found out he named the precious puppy 'Oreo' because it's fur was Black AND White.

He had gotten you the precious puppy as a gift for your birthday as he found out you're into having pets, and your reason? They were CUTE as hell. He had gotten you a puppy who's fur is at the brownish side.

"Hmm, what should we name him?!" "OH! OH! I know! Brownie!"..."Are you being serious, Ace?" You looked at him, praying that the name he suggested was only for sarcasm, but you were taken aback from his response. "What do you mean babe? Of course i am! It's such a perfect name for him!"

"It's... one of the most basic names I've ever heard. " You spared him a straight face, sending shivers down his spine. "Okay, okay I'll think of another name! Hm..how about Cookie?" Yeah he doesn't have naming privileges anymore.

In the end you both sticked into the name you had chosen for the puppy. Everything was going great for the first week, you buying him all the stuff he needed, the most high qualited dog food, and even his own supplies had beaten yours! With an average of spending atleast thoudands of Berries a week.

The second week hadn't been different at all, except for the fact that now that the puppy was growing, it became even more plsyful towards you. Meaning you, had soent almost all your time with it. On the other hand, your boyfriend Ace, ended up getting bitten at the hand for trying to take away it's toy that you gave.

"Babe! Do you see those eyes that's looking at me right now?! It looks like it's gonna KILL me!" Ace climbed up on a chair when he entered the house unannounced and the dog had decided to chase him for dear life.

"Come one Bae, he won't hurt you like at all! He's an angel!" You petted the dog, causing him to sit. "Yeah if it was opposite day I would've believed you! look at him, it looks like it's gonna bite my limbs of one by one!"

"Come on Ace! He won't bite you!" As soon as you reassured Ace thst nothing eould happen if he stepped down, he tried lowering his left foot down, causing the dog the fully bark at him. "SEE?!" Ace's voice was almost crying.

"Bad dog! You know he's the one who brought you to me right?! He's basically your dad! Go to your bed!" The dog whimpers then climbs it's bed.

"You know, after this i expect a full week of attention all mine! Okay?!" Ace pouts and settles himself down from the chair. You gave him a reassuring kiss, "I promise,"

©Cokou 2024, all works made by me.

[nerdallwritey]

Three Little Words

Summary: “Well, this has been lovely,” Astarion said, making his way to the door leading back into the inn proper. “Anything else we should know before we head off to save the day?” He was already halfway out the door, not bothering to wait for an answer, clearly trying to make a stealthy exit.  You eyed Halsin, who nodded and retrieved the rogue by his arm before he could leave, closing the door behind both of them for good measure. “Let me go, you humongous imbecile!” Astarion pounded his free arm against Halsin’s chest before Halsin released him and refused to let him move a muscle towards the door. Astarion huffed and crossed his arms, turning his nose up at the rest of you. “Is he okay?” Isobel asked.  “This is relatively normal behavior from him, actually,” Karlach said. OR Astarion accidentally says something nice, then acts like an idiot for the rest of the day.

Pairing: Astarion x f!reader Rating: 18+ (no smut) Word count: 8.3k CW: lots of Act 2 exposition, Rolan is a drunk dick, Astarion's scars, sitcom antics, reader is an idiot (and a bard), so is Astarion (not a bard, just an idiot, and more so than usual), Halsin's tits Spoilers: Spoilers for Act 2 (in-game dialogue, plot points, etc.) Also posted to: AO3 FAIR WARNING: This is PART 7 in my series, "Beauty and the Bard." Find the masterlist here.

a/n: PART 7 IS ALIIIIIIIIIVE!!! Thank you for waiting so patiently for this one, I had more planned for it but decided to cut it in half since I already yap too much as it is. I wanted this chapter to be a fresh enough take on the beginning of Act 2, and I hope you all enjoy! This one gets really sitcom-y at certain points which was a blast to write and I hope you have a blast reading! Part 8 is already in the works and I'm VERY excited to share that one with you all!! There's no smut in this chapter, and for that, I apologize. If all goes according to plan, Part 8 will have you covered! (Thank you to my beta @kermitwazowski, and the wonderful @arzen9 for reading!) As a reminder, last time, you fell asleep in Astarion's arms and he realized he's in love with you...

Taglist: Moved to the comment section, since tumblr hates sharing fun with friends - please let me know if you'd like to be added to the list!

You awoke to an empty bed. 

Drearily and with a tired moan, your arm flung out to search blindly in the dark, trying to make sense of your surroundings. Slowly, it came back to you - you’d made it to an inn in the Shadow Cursed Lands. You’d shared a passionate night with Astarion. Perhaps the vampire whose arms you were sure you’d fallen asleep in had rolled off the bed in the night? You inched your body to the edge of the bed, hanging your head over the side and blinking rapidly to get your eyes to adjust to the darkness. 

Nope. No trancing elf. Just a loose floorboard from the night before. 

You flopped dramatically onto your back, staring up at the ceiling. Couldn’t vampires technically hang from ceilings? Was it possible Astarion had somehow sleep… vampired? And somehow found himself snoozing upside down on the ceiling?

No, that was stupid, of course he wasn’t on the ceiling. Though you did squint and stare above you for longer than you would ever admit to anyone. 

Exhaling quietly, you sat up on your arms to scan the rest of the room before your eyes landed on a silhouette hunched in front of the drawn curtains of the room’s large window. 

Astarion was muttering quietly, his arm bent behind his back. “I… F… or is it an E? Is it even a letter?” You heard him sigh and saw his frame straighten fractionally. “What damn language is this?”

You half smiled affectionately, sitting up fully against the pillows. 

“Need some help writing a sonnet, Volo?” You swung your legs over the side of the bed and turned to face him.

Astarion jumped. “Ah!” You heard a loud crash as you saw his darkened form trip backwards over your discarded backpack.

“Astarion!” you cried, springing up from the bed and joining him on the ground. “Are you alright?” You brushed your knuckles over his cheek as he groaned lowly.

His eyes were shut tight in mild pain, but they opened after a moment to blink up at you. When he saw the concerned look on your face, he sat up quickly and backed away from you until his back made contact with your overturned backpack.

You frowned. “What’s wrong?”

Astarion smiled awkwardly. “Oh nothing, darling.” After a second, he said your name softly. 

You narrowed your eyes and stood up, striking a match and lighting the candle on the table parallel to the bed. “I don’t believe you.”

He was staring at you in a way that gave you the sense he wasn’t listening. 

“Hello?” you asked, snapping your fingers. 

Astarion shook his head, regaining focus. “Apologies, dear, you caught me by surprise, that’s all.”

You crossed your arms and smiled. “That little spill of yours kind of gave that much away.”

Astarion rose to his feet and rubbed his backside. “Yes, well…” He held his upper arm awkwardly and avoided meeting your eye. Your brow furrowed, but he continued talking. “I’ve… been tracing the scars on my back with my fingers, trying to read them by touch, but I can’t. They may as well be written in Rashemi.” 

There was something weird about his body language. Like he was trying to hide something from you, but you decided to focus on what he was telling you. Maybe if he kept talking, you’d figure out what was wrong. 

You stepped closer, pausing when he took another step back. You spoke calmly, “Let me have a look.”

“I-” he sighed. “This isn’t your problem, you know.”

“Like hells, it isn’t,” you scoffed with a smile. “Your problems are my problems now.” You stepped forward again and took his hand. He looked you in the eye before quickly looking away. “I want to help you.” You brushed your nose against his.

A chill ran through his body, and you felt his hand tremble in yours. “Fine.”

Hesitantly, he slowly turned his back towards you. 

It was rare that Astarion would purposely show you his back. You’d run your hands along the ridges of his scars numerous times, but he was reluctant to let you look at the hacked flesh directly. You assumed it was linked to the poorly hidden shame he felt towards his past, but you never looked at the marks with anything but admiration for his bravery and a sign of his survival. 

Now, seeing the scars straight on by the light of the candle, you recognized the runes as a language you’d seen written many times in books and in school growing up; Infernal. The language of the Hells.

From what little you could make out, the language was fragmented and strange. This scar was just a piece of a larger text. 

“And?” Astarion probed, looking over his shoulder at you. “What does it say?” Embarrassment and hopeful curiosity coated his words. 

“Well, it’s certainly not a poem. In fact, from what I can tell, it might be part of a devil’s pact.”

His eyes narrowed. “Infernal pact? But not even the whole text?” He turned back to face you. “What was that bastard up to?” 

“Did you ever see Cazador write in Infernal before?”

Astarion thought for a moment. “No. I could have missed it, of course, but I doubt it. Whatever he’s carved in my flesh, it’s a mystery to me.” When he realized you didn’t have some sort of quip to add, he continued. “Cazador was only figuratively hellish - there were never any devils hanging about the crypt.” 

You snorted. “I wouldn’t think there would be. Though, can you imagine Mizora in a crypt? Or Raphael? He’d probably be repulsed.” 

Astarion stiffened visibly. “Raphael… yes…”

You attempted to get his attention back on you by squeezing his hand. “What about him?”

He looked at you briefly, a slight smirk on his lips. “If anyone’s going to know about infernal contracts, he will.”

“I mean… That makes sense, I guess.”

Astarion pointed towards you excitedly. “I knew you’d see the pragmatic side.”

You tilted your head, thinking. “But Mizora’s kind of all about infernal legalese.”

Astarion rolled his eyes. “Sure, but Raphael has more panache. And I doubt Wyll would appreciate us summoning his devilish pact-maker.”

“Good point.”

“Unfortunately, Raphael comes and goes on his own schedule, so we’ll just have to look out for any sulfurous odors or the sound of questionable poetry.” 

That got you to smile. He smiled back, and reached out to hold your elbows lightly. “You will help me, won’t you, darling?”

“Of course I will,” you said, bending up to kiss his cheek. You felt him flinch beneath your lips. “Are you sure everything is alright? You seem awfully on edge.” 

“Me? On edge? Of course not!” His voice pitched up uncharacteristically and broke at the end. “I don’t know why that came out all squeaky because really,” he cleared his throat and lowered his voice comically, “I’m fine.”

You smiled skeptically. “If you say so.”

“Don’t worry about me, dearest,” he released your arms and knelt to go through his own bag. He pulled out a fresh shirt and slipped it over his head. “I think I’ll spend some time this morning studying the art of infernal negotiations.” He kissed you swiftly before pulling away as if you’d shocked him. “I’ll…” you caught him look down at the ring still gracing your left pinky, “see you later.” 

With that, he quickly left the room, closing the door behind him and leaving you with nothing but the sound of Harpers patrolling outside and patrons sitting by the bar.

You exhaled loudly, staring at the door after him. 

Something was definitely wrong. 

Compared to last night, when he was blissed out on your tongue, and kissing your throat with fervent passion, there was no doubt something was bothering him.

But what?

You sat back on the bed, replaying the previous night over in your head. Had you done something wrong? Had you pushed him too hard to do something he didn’t want to do?

No. No, you were fairly certain he had truly enjoyed himself with you. 

But then again, you were very new to sex. And new to Astarion, for that matter. Was it possible he could still pull one over on you, even though you felt like you could read him pretty well by now?

Regardless of whatever was going on with Astarion, it was clear that it had to do with you, based purely on his hesitancy to get close to you just now. 

Sniffing your sleep shirt and feeling suddenly self conscious, you ran a warm bath and scrubbed yourself clean of whatever grime had clung to your body since entering the Shadow Cursed Lands. 

A short time later, you found yourself exiting the bedroom, your hair damp, and fresh clothes gracing your figure. You paused in the doorway, scanning the large, open room that made up most of the first floor. Immediately, your eyes fell on the gaggle of child criminals behind the bar that you’d sicced on Astarion at the Tiefling party.

Smiling to yourself, you took a step towards the bar, only to freeze when you heard the familiarly cool tone of a tiefling wizard. 

“...There’s another bottle of Arabellan dry back there,” Rolan practically spat. “Put it on the bar, then piss off and leave me alone.”

Zaki and Meli, two of the tiefling kids, exchanged glances before Zaki upturned his nose at Rolan.

“Jaheira said we should serve drinks, but that we shouldn't serve drunks.”

Slurring his words mildly, Rolan pointed an accusatory finger at the children. “Jaheira didn’t save your ragged little tail from the cultists. I did.”

You stepped forward and made eye contact with Zaki and Meli who smirked when they recognized you. You winked at them and they nodded before turning their backs on Rolan and focusing their attentions within the bar.

“Given the constant darkness, I know it’s fairly difficult to tell the time, but I’m pretty sure it’s a little too early in the day to get this sloshed.” You took a seat beside Rolan. 

He looked over at you and rolled his eyes. “Oh. It’s you.”

You pursed your lips at his tone and rested your head on your hand. “Hi Rolan.”

“Don’t you get tired of telling people how to live their lives?” He took a big swig from his stein before scowling at you and turning away. “If you’re here to save the day again, you’re a little late this time.”

You sat up straighter, suddenly aware of the absence of Cal and Lia. “What happened? Where’s-”

“Oh, sod off,” he hissed. “I’m only here because you ‘helped’ me and my family.”

“I-”

“I was ready to cut and run back at the Grove, but you had other ideas.” Rolan gestured erratically with his mug and free hand.

You leaned in fractionally, attempting to calm him down enough to tell you what was happening. “Rolan, where-”

“Cal and Lia were taken in by your crap,” he slurred. “You convinced them to play hero, and now they’re gone.” 

You bit your lip and looked around, feeling stupid when you obviously caught no sight of the siblings. “Do you know where they are?”

Rolan wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and whipped his head to look at you with a scowl. “Dead, for all I know. Or in the cult’s tower with the others who were taken.”

“Taken,” you repeated, your voice catching in your throat. You looked around frantically, taking note of the tieflings you recognized. Doing a mental headcount, it appeared that the kids were almost accounted for, minus Mol, who you knew was around here somewhere, and Arabella, who was probably with Mol, but there was a distinct lack of adults you’d met back at the Grove. You spotted Alfira sitting alone at the hearth, with Lakrissa nowhere to be seen. Zevlor was also noticeably missing. 

They must have been attacked on their way to Baldur’s Gate and taken to Moonrise. You hoped that was the worst of it, praying silently to whichever god was listening that the tieflings would be okay. 

As your eyes continued to scan the taproom, you spotted Shadowheart, Wyll, Lae’zel, and Karlach talking pointedly with Jaheira over a map spread out over her desk. Their attention was drawn away from the map for a moment when Astarion strode by them with a heavy tome from a wall of books, over to a table where Gale was reading what appeared to be a small book of poetry. It seemed as though Gale had just recently sat down without Astarion’s knowledge, because the vampire gathered up a stack of books resting on the table and rerouted to an empty one out of earshot from the wizard. 

When Astarion caught your eye, he froze momentarily and you sent him a small smile. His eyes flicked between you and Rolan, his brow furrowing ever so slightly. You shook your head minutely, causing him to turn back slowly towards his empty table and dust off the newest book you assumed was full of Infernal translations of some kind. You pretended not to notice him watching you closely.

Rolan, meanwhile, was still brooding over his ale. “Get the bottle,” he nodded at Meli, “give me the bottle - it’s not hard.”

Meli crossed his arms. “I don’t want to.”

“And I don’t want to give you a lashing,” Rolan slurred, “but I will, damn it.”

“Whoa,” you said, holding up both hands, “let’s not resort to threatening kids just because we’re angry.” 

You laid a gentle hand on Rolan’s arm, only for him to shake you off roughly. 

“How dare you tell me - me - how to live my life. After everything I’ve just said.”

Before you had a chance to respond, a flash of silver glinted before your eyes as Astarion slammed a dagger into the wood of the counter between you and Rolan. 

“Is there a problem here?” he asked, sidling up next to you, and helping himself to a bottle of red wine within reach. His books laid abandoned at his empty table not too far off.

“You gonna pay for that?” Zaki asked with a huff.

“Quiet, child whose name I’ve never cared to learn.” You crossed your arms and gave Astarion a look before he rolled his eyes and extended his neck towards you. “She’ll cover it.”

You rolled your eyes in return and reached into your pocket to hand the tiefling a gold piece. 

“I knew I liked you,” Zaki smirked before running off to show the other kids his loot. 

Astarion raised an eyebrow. “Gold, darling? Really?”

“I think we’ll survive,” you said softly before pulling the knife out of the countertop and laying it gently on its side. 

Astarion caught sight of the blade and refocused his attention on the bitter wizard beside him. “As I said, is there a problem here?” His words came out like a growl and his hand flexed as if preparing to strike, before realizing his dagger was on the counter, and instead opted for a swig of his overpriced wine.

“No problem at all,” Rolan said in mock nonchalance. “It’s only that your partner here led my siblings to their doom.” He slammed his mug on the counter, earning a few curious and annoyed looks from other patrons and passing Harpers. 

“Okay good, so no problem then,” Astarion took another swig of his wine.

“Astarion,” you hissed before turning back to Rolan. “We’ll rescue them.”

“If they’re alive,” Astarion muttered. He nearly choked when you forcefully nudged him with your elbow.

“Bullshit,” Rolan snapped. “If they’re alive, I can save them. They’re my responsibility.” He downed the rest of his drink before boldly turning to face you and Astarion head on. He puffed out his chest, attempting to look bigger. “You go save the world, or your own arse, or whatever it is you do.”

“Hey,” Astarion slammed down his own bottle and rose to his full height, “your useless siblings would be lucky to be saved by her.”

“How dare you,” Rolan moved closer to Astarion, but you weaved in-between them before either of them could get their hands on the other. Patrons were starting to stare. You even caught Jaheira turning to give you a curious raise of her eyebrow.

“Both of you, cut it out.” You placed a hand on Astarion’s chest to keep him at bay, and didn’t dare to touch Rolan again. Astarion, in turn, took your hand and brought it to his mouth for a kiss. 

“Listen here, you shoddy excuse of a wizard,” Astarion clutched your hand to his chest and refused to let it go when you attempted to pry it free, “if this woman offers her help, she means it. And based on our numbers, eight, I believe, as opposed to your, what? One?”

“Astarion-”

“I’d say you should take her up on that offer.”

Rolan scoffed. “As if your oafish party could infiltrate Moonrise unnoticed. I’ll have a much easier time sneaking in by myself.”

Astarion laughed airly. “Oh, please, darling, you set one foot outside the protective barrier on this place and the shadows will come for you. You’ll go mad and join your siblings in the great beyond.”

“Astarion, please,” you said sharply and finally pulled your hand free from his grasp.

“I don’t have to listen to this,” Rolan said flatly. He got up to leave, stumbling a bit as he headed in the direction of the entrance.

Astarion crossed his arms with a smug look of triumph on his face. He called after him with the finishing blow: “Do tell the shadows I miss their cold embrace when they swallow you whole.”

The comment made Rolan turn on his heel and march back, sidestepping you and pressing an accusatory finger into Astarion’s chest. “Why is it so important to you whether my family lives or dies? Huh? Do you get some sort of… boon? From whatever devil created a fanged freak like you?”

Your eyes darted back and forth between the tiefling and the vampire, smiling awkwardly at patrons who passed by and shrugging as if to say, “Can you believe these guys?”

Astarion laughed again. “Darling, I couldn’t care less about the fate of you, or any other refugee for that matter.”

A look of confusion passed over Rolan’s face before it morphed back into a scowl. “Then why do you care about this?”

“I don’t.”

“You do!”

You stepped forward, bringing your hands up to try and offer a showing of peace. “Come on, boys. Rolan, we’d be happy to look for your siblings and help however we can. Astarion, why don’t we leave Rolan to think about it for a bit and-”

Rolan shook his head. “Oh no, I’m going after Cal and Lia on my own, and you can’t stop me.”

Astarion rolled his eyes. “A mistake.”

“Leave me to my own choices, will you?!”

“Not when your choices are objectively stupid and illogical!” He took a step forward, causing Rolan to take an indignant step back. Astarion smirked and looked down his nose at his opponent. “Which is funny, seeing as how you tote yourself around as if you’re some big wizard prodigy.” He took another step forward and lowered his voice menacingly. “Why don’t you use that brain of yours and stay here, where you can’t bother anybody else?”

This time, Rolan stood his ground and raised his voice. “Why do you care?!”

“Because she cares and I love her!” 

Time froze. 

Astarion was locked in a stare down with Rolan, as if his declaration was the most obvious thing in the world and not something that had just changed everything.

I love her. 

The words replayed your mind like the most beautiful melody you’d ever heard. 

Astarion had a way of doing that; reciting words or sounds or phrases that quickly became your new favorite songs. 

But this time, you couldn’t quite believe what you were hearing.

“What?” Your hand reached out and brushed his softly.

Astarion jolted and slowly turned to look at you, sudden panic flashing over his features. “What?”

“You said-”

“Nothing. I said nothing.”

“No, you said-”

He raised his voice to speak over you. “I said something devastating to this wizard, rendering him absolutely shattered, isn’t that right, wizard?” He looked to Rolan for help, but Rolan’s eyes were wide with discomfort.

“Oh, this… was that the first-? While you were yelling at me? Yikes.” He began to back away slowly. 

Astarion lunged forward to grab him, but Rolan’s tipsiness worked to his advantage and somehow allowed him to bob out of the elf’s grasp. 

“Get back here!” Astarion floundered, but you caught him by the wrist. 

“You said you loved me!” You were smiling widely, your heart the fullest it had ever been. 

“No I didn’t!” Astarion snatched his hand out of yours and turned to face you while actively backing away. 

You laughed in thrilled disbelief. “Yes you did!”

“No I didn’t!” He crossed his arms in front of himself as if you were a demon coming to rip his unbeating heart out of his very ribs.

“You love me!”

“No I don’t!” He sounded almost like a child as he insisted he hadn’t just said the three little words you’d been so eager to hear. 

“Astarion, I-”

“Your move, Mol,” a sultry voice reached your ears, somehow piercing through your train of thought and what you had been about to confess. You scrunched your nose at the suddenly overpowering scent of cherries masking a fouler stench of sulfur. 

Astarion was frozen leaning away from you, but his eyes shifted towards the voice and then back to you before he darted in Raphael’s direction. 

“Astarion!” you called after him, hot on his heels.

He barely turned to respond. “Can’t hear you darling, important business must be attended to!”

“This is important business!” you countered.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about, dearest!” He came to a halt in a smaller room connected to the large tap room. You stopped short behind him, nearly slamming into his back. 

Immediately you spied Raphael sitting elegantly in front of a game of lanceboard. Mol was sitting opposite from him, squinting at the pieces and analyzing her current position. 

“You trapped me,” she said, annoyed. “I didn’t even want to take this one.”

“Calimshan rules, dear,” Raphael explained, and Astarion groaned quietly next to you. “The first piece touched is the first piece moved.”

“Boring,” Astarion muttered.

Mol huffed. “That’s garbage! No matter where the knight goes, I’m gonna lose it.”

Raphael’s tone became more stern when he instructed, “Then make the sacrifice useful. Guard your Mystra, or come for my Cyric.” 

“We should really talk,” you murmured to Astarion, who cleared his throat and drew Raphael and Mol’s attention to you instead.

Mol’s face instantly lit up when she saw you. “Look who made it! For once I saved your butt out there with Jaheira, didn’t I?” 

You returned her smile, stepping closer and pretending to punch her upper arm playfully. “You sure did. Can’t thank you enough for that, Mol.”

She gave you a smug sideways smirk. “We’re square now, chief.”

“I guess we are,” you laughed. 

“Say,” she said, “do you play lanceboard by any chance? It’s my first time playing.” 

Judging by the mischievous glint in her eye, you immediately clocked that she was lying to throw off Raphael. 

“Oh, he’s laid a fine trap for you, Mol,” came Gale’s voice over your right shoulder. 

“Where did you come from?” Astarion yelped and clutched his chest from his spot on your left.

Gale opted to ignore Astarion’s dramatic display and continued, “But it looks to me like his Cyric could be dethroned.”

You nodded, thinking back to several lanceboard games you’d played with Gale over the course of this journey. You lowered your voice and nodded at the pieces in front of Mol. “Gale’s right. Put pressure on him. Attack the pieces in front of his Cyric.” 

Mol gave you and Gale an impish grin before following through with the move you both recommended. She looked immensely satisfied when she knocked the piece guarding Raphael’s God of Lies from the board. 

Raphael raised his eyebrows, looking both proud and surprised. “My, the Theskan Double Counter-gambit. Vicious.” He chuckled darkly. “Exactly what I would have done.” 

With another self satisfied smirk, Mol removed Raphael’s Cyric from the board completely. “How’s that for Calimshan rules?”

“Brava!” Raphael said, spreading his arms out wide. “Lovely work. I see I was right to make you the offer I did.” 

Your stomach dropped. “Wait, what?”

Raphael didn’t take his eyes off Mol. “You will consider it, won’t you?”

Without another word, Mol got up and you watched as she returned to the other tiefling kids behind the bar.

“What a lovely specimen she is,” Raphael said as your eyes followed her. 

The hairs on the back of your neck stood up as you turned to look back at him. 

He was standing now. “A blushing apple, begging to be plucked.” He mimed the action of pulling an apple from its spot on a branch, his eyebrows furrowed to accompany his conniving smile. 

You stepped to the side, attempting to block Mol from his view. “Leave her alone, Raphael.”

He ignored your warning and changed the subject. “The Theskan move suggestion was inspired. I had no idea you played.”

Gale chuckled. “I’ve been known to dabble.”

“He’s not talking to you, purple,” Astarion spat the last word as if it were an insult. 

Gale stared at him for a moment before shrugging. “Purple has always suited me rather nicely, thank you.”

“Why are you here, Raphael?” you asked. “To play games?”

Raphael’s expression became almost unreadable. “To play the game. The vast lanceboard of souls.”

“Well that doesn’t sound legally sanctioned by the Lanceboard Committee of Baldur’s Gate,” Gale muttered. 

Astarion rolled his eyes. “I wish you would explode.”

Raphael continued, this time his voice was overly saccharine. “Don’t you worry about Mol. It goes without saying she still has the unconditional freedom to choose the only option she has left.” 

Gale leaned over to you and whispered, “Ominous, that.”

“Quiet,” Astarion hissed, causing Raphael’s attention to turn on him. 

“Now,” Raphael said, placing a hand on his hip and pointing a lazy finger at Astarion, “let’s talk about you. I sense there’s something you want to ask me.”

“I do,” Astarion said, hunching forward as if to make himself smaller, “I have a… proposal… for you.” When you turned to glance at him with wide eyes, he corrected himself. “A proposition! A request. A… deal, I suppose, for lack of a better term.”

“A proposal,” Raphael’s eyes shifted between you two, probably knowing the exact tension that was occurring between the two of you right now. 

It wouldn’t surprise you. 

He chuckled, but didn’t press further. “If you’re hoping to taste my blood, little vampling, think again. It burns hotter than Wyvern Whiskey.”

“This is serious business,” Astarion tried to sound firm before adding, “devil.”

Raphael smirked at him, but inclined his head to encourage Astarion to continue. 

“My old - well… A long time ago, someone carved infernal runes into my back,” Astarion explained. “They are a fragment of a contract. I’d like to know what the full contract says.” 

“Hmmmmm…” Raphael dragged out the sound far longer than necessary. 

Astarion straightened himself, attempting to look bravely back at the devil, but you saw the way he absently tapped his finger against his thigh. The way he blinked a little more frequently than normal.

You turned to Raphael, annoyed. “Don’t play games, Raphael. Help him out.”

“Oh, such impatience,” Raphael said sarcastically. When neither you nor Astarion took the bait to squabble with him, he continued. “It’s something very important to your master. But is it a love letter?” He looked pointedly at you and you did your best to keep your expression even. “A warning, perhaps? Or a deed of ownership? I could give you all the gory details.”

“So do it,” you growled, feeling extremely protective of the man to your left who’d just bared part of his soul to this devil. And Gale.

“Ah ah ah,” Raphael tsked. “You’ll have to do something for me first. Let me think about it and get back to you.”

Astarion stammered and held his arms out dramatically. “You’ll ‘get back’ to me? This is important, devil!” After a moment, he sighed. “When?”

“Don’t worry,” Raphael said, the cunning smile refusing to leave his face, “I’m motivated to help you. Scars often tell such wonderful stories - I think yours might be truly exquisite.” 

Before you could interrogate him any further, Raphael vanished in a sour smelling puff of smoke.

“Good gracious, that’s foul,” Gale plugged his nose and waved his hand in front of his face.

You coughed repeatedly, shutting your eyes tight to make sure whatever residue Raphael left behind didn’t blur your vision. When you opened them again, you saw Astarion hightailing it out of the small room and across the taproom.

“Astarion!” you called. “Get back here, you heathen!”

As Astarion went to open one of the side doors of the inn to escape speaking with you, he slammed face first into Halsin’s chest.

“Oh!” Halsin exclaimed and peeled the vampire off of his tunic. “My apologies, Astarion, I was just coming inside to check on things with Moonrise Towers.”

Astarion held a hand to his forehead. “It’s like you’re made of cement.”

You caught up with him and witnessed him slump significantly. 

“Oh, hello, darling.” His tone was jovial, but his expression was one of disappointment at having been caught so easily. 

You placed your hands on your hips. “We need to talk.”

“News of Moonrise?” Halsin asked.

“No, the others are discussing that with Jaheira over there.” You pointed your thumb over your shoulder towards Jaheira’s desk, where your companions were still listening to her and hunching over a map. “No, I need to speak with Astarion in private-”

“Excellent reminder, darling,” Astarion said, straightening up and walking past you, over to Jaheira and the others. “We simply must plan out our next move!”

You turned to watch him go and stood next to Halsin, sighing heavily and pinching the bridge of your nose.

Halsin laid a gentle hand on your shoulder. “Everything alright? I hope nothing troubles the ever growing bond between you two?”

You began walking with him over to Jaheira’s desk. “He’s just being an idiot. He told me something very interesting and I want to talk to him about it more in depth.”

Halsin nodded. “You heard about the night he ran into me in bear form.”

“No, he-” You stopped short and looked at Halsin. “What?”

“There’s the fearless leader these cubs won’t stop talking about,” Jaheira said loudly, causing you to turn away from Halsin and finish taking the last few steps over to her desk. 

You approached Astarion, who stared blankly ahead and made no attempt at hiding the large step he took away from you. You rolled your eyes and stepped forward to stand between Karlach and Shadowheart, observing the map in front of you. 

“You all have been talking for quite a bit.” You noticed different markings on the map, suggesting different routes to take towards Moonrise. “Have you figured anything out?”

Wyll crossed his arms and blew out a breath. “Only that our opponent seems to be invincible, according to Jaheira.”

“So says she,” Lae’zel placed her hands on her hips and repositioned her feet to stand tall. “She has no idea how lethal we are.”

“Ketheric was a Sharran,” Shadowheart said quietly, lost in thought. “He was building an army of Dark Justiciars beneath this village.” She turned her head to look at you. “I knew my Lady Shar’s influence here was all consuming, but… Dark Justiciars?” Her voice took on a dreamlike quality, “Only the very finest proved themselves worthy of the title. They’ve been silent for years but… an entire army? That must have been a fearsome sight.”

“Yes…” Jaheira side-eyed Shadowheart skeptically. She looked at you and said, “To bring you up to speed, General Ketheric Thorm, the Absolutist leader at Moonrise is a formidable foe that myself, my Harpers, and local druids saw to depose - we witnessed him dead and buried. But he’s returned. Not only does he live again, it seems he is no longer mortal. He has become, as Wyll said, invincible.”

“Chk,” Lae’zel rolled her eyes.

“I don’t fancy his chances,” Gale joked as he integrated himself into the group, causing Astarion to jump again.

“So help me gods, you must stop doing that.”

“Supposedly, the Harpers met Ketheric on the road commanding an army of Absolutists, intent on destroying Baldur’s Gate.” Karlach half smiled, proud to be relaying a new Jaheira tale to you. “Jaheira here saw to putting a fucking arrow through his fucking eye, only to watch the bastard pluck it out.”

“‘Like a splinter,’ in her words,” Wyll added helpfully.

Halsin whistled lowly. “Sounds like quite the nasty rival.”

Jaheira nodded. “He healed right in front of me, and chased us into the shadows. Things looked hopeless, but experience has taught me that no matter how bleak things look, there’s always hope.”

“Damn right,” Karlach grinned. 

Jaheira smiled at the tiefling, then looked around at your entire party. “You are that hope.”

Astarion gagged and rolled his eyes, earning an elbow in the side from Karlach.

“We’ll try our best,” you said.

“I was telling your companions here that while protected by your artifact,” Jaheira went on, “you can infiltrate his forces at Moonrise Towers, posing as True Souls.”

“A risky, but clever move,” Lae’zel smirked. “I like it.”

“If we can find out what makes him invincible,” Wyll said, “perhaps we can strip him of his advantage.”

Jaheira nodded. “Together, we assault his tower and put a final end to this blight.”

Astarion sniffed pompously. “You want to make use of our infection.” He placed a hand on his hip and gestured around with his free hand, “Some of us, not necessarily me, of course, I’m rather enjoying the sun when it’s not currently being banished by the Mistress of the Night-”

“Watch it,” Shadowheart warned through gritted teeth.

“Some of us,” Astarion continued, “want to be cured of it.” 

Jaheira watched him carefully. “Any cure starts with understanding the disease. Whatever magic Ketheric’s using to control these tadpoles, it must be at Moonrise.”

“Well,” Gale clapped his hands together, “sounds like we should get a move on if we plan on finding that cure any time soon.”

Jaheira looked to you. “I’ve already shared what I believe to be the best route to the Towers with your friends here.” She nodded her head towards Wyll, Shadowheart, Karlach, and Lae’zel. 

“Thank you,” you said. “Ketheric’s days are numbered - I’ll make sure of it.”

The Harper met you with a sad smile. “Without a cure for your infection, your days are numbered, yet you selflessly offer to spend them fighting alongside us. I like you.”

“Isn’t she the best?” Karlach clapped you on the shoulder, grinning, before clearing her throat. “I- I mean after you, of course.” She smiled awkwardly at Jaheira. 

Jaheira laughed, then addressed all of you: “I promise I will do everything I can to make sure you survive this.” 

Your companions offered their thanks, accompanied by a dramatic eye roll from Astarion. 

“Before you go,” Jaheira said, “there’s someone else you should meet.”

“Gods,” Astarion muttered, “we’re going to be stuck here forever if we keep yammering instead of doing.”

“I’m sorry,” Jaheira raised an eyebrow, “do you wish to be consumed by shadow?”

“If we have a choice,” Wyll said, “I’d prefer not to.”

“Good man,” she smiled at the warlock before looking around at everyone again. “You’re not our only secret weapon.” She rolled up the map laid before you all and handed it off to Wyll. “Isobel - a faithful cleric of Selûne, and a light in the darkness.” 

“Selûne?” Shadowheart wrinkled her nose in disgust. “Why would a servant to the Moonmaiden be all the way out here?”

“You’re lucky she is,” Jaheira gave Shadowheart a look, as if daring her to make another comment on the matter. “She cast the moon shield around the inn. It’s the only reason we’re still alive.” She moved to her right to point at a set of stairs in the small room off the taproom where you’d been speaking to Raphael. “She’s upstairs in her chambers. Tell her I sent you and she’ll see you through the shadows safely.” 

“We already have a lantern that protects us.” Shadowheart crossed her arms. 

“And I’m sure it’s very fine,” Jaheira said. “But lanterns have a tricky habit of going out when you need them.” When Shadowheart didn’t respond, Jaheira added, “Let’s not spurn what few gifts the gods choose to give us, hm?”

You had a feeling the “gods” she was referring to wasn’t the one Shadowheart had pledged her life to. 

“Well I, for one, can’t wait to see what this Isobel has to show us!” Astarion said, suddenly cheerful, and booking it up the stairs. 

Your party watched him go.

“What’s with him?” Karlach asked. 

“Very hot and cold, no?” Gale agreed. “I mean, more so than usual.”

“He’s being an idiot about something he said,” you sighed. “And it didn’t have anything to do with bears,” you pointed at Halsin before he could say anything. 

He simply smiled and shrugged, and followed everyone up the stairs.

“Sounds about right,” Shadowheart said. 

Lae’zel narrowed her eyes. “When has Astarion ever spoken about bears?” 

“He got drunk on one once,” you laughed. “But it wasn’t about that.”

“What was it about, then?” Wyll asked. “We’ve all said silly things we regret.”

“This wasn’t some silly thing, though” you clarified. “It was kind of important.”

Astarion ran out of a room beyond the balcony looking down into the taproom. “Would you all hurry up? I think I found her.”

You approached him as quickly as you could, trying to catch him off guard and reaching for his hand, but he dodged you and slipped back into the room. 

“Astarion!” you called and sped up even more to follow after him. 

You and the rest of the party entered into a large room - sectioned off to your right was a wall with two large doorways that lead into what appeared to be a study, complete with looming bookcases, a desk, and a fireplace. The rest of the room appeared to be a bedroom, based on the large bed with its headboard resting against the back wall, and a number of wardrobes. A large door that you assumed led outside stood next to the bed.

“Fancy digs,” Karlach murmured. 

You paused when Astarion thrust open the balcony door and revealed a woman with short white hair muttering incantations under her breath, surrounded by candles and white light.

“Now there’s a cleric of Selûne if I’ve ever seen one,” Gale said.

“And just how many of those have you come across?” Shadowheart sniffed.

“Quite a lot in my studies, actually. I’ve read about this one cleric of Selûne who-”

“Stop speaking,” Lae’zel hissed as you and your party made their way onto the balcony with Isobel. 

An orb of light appeared in Isobel’s hand and she spun her hands around it, making it grow bigger and brighter with moon magic. High above your heads, a full moon somehow shown down on you, despite Shar’s curse. The eight of you remained silent as she thrust the orb upwards where it met the barrier of the moonshield and reinforced the entire thing with a burst of light. 

Isobel looked up to admire her work before coughing weakly and turning around to face you all. “I didn’t realize I had an audience.”

“Really?” Astarion crossed his arms. “I mean, with me, I can understand, but they sound like a stampede of wild gnolls.” He gestured to the rest of you. 

Isobel gave him an amused half smile. “Please,” she extended a hand back into her room, “join me inside.” 

You purposely let the others go ahead of you and grabbed Astarion’s wrist before he could slip past you again. “I have things I need to say to you,” you said quietly.

“Perhaps later,” he responded, pulling his arm from your grasp and nearly tripping back into Isobel’s chambers. 

You rolled your eyes and followed him in, only to be addressed directly by Isobel herself.

“The True Soul who’s come to save us all.” She looked you up and down and smiled. “I’m Isobel. Pleased to meet you.” She finished with a small bow.

“And you,” you returned her bow and saw Karlach mimic it out of the corner of your eye. “We’ve been told you’re the protector of this inn - the banisher of shadows.” You wiggled your fingers as if telling small children about the boogeyman.

Isobel laughed lightly. “Myself and Our Lady are doing what we can to hold the line. I hear you and your tadpole will be our offense.” 

“Show us what to slay and it shall be done,” Lae’zel offered matter-of-factly.

Isobel scanned your group thoughtfully, the black paint around her eyes making her irises look piercingly blue. “All of you… free from the Absolute’s influence, yet able to walk among cultists. It’s almost too good to be true.”

“Uh, that it is,” Halsin said. “I, myself, remain tadpole free. Though I seek to help rid this land of the shadows that dwell here.”

“Then Our Lady thanks you most graciously,” Isobel nodded towards Halsin and he looked pleased by her approval. She turned back to you. “I’d be a poor cleric indeed not to avail of a blessing when I see one.” 

“Hear that?” Karlach nudged Wyll. “We’re a blessing.”

“We’ll certainly try to earn the praise,” Wyll chuckled. 

“Let me guess,” Isobel raised her eyebrows, assessing your group again, “Jaheira sent you all to beg a protection spell off her favorite cleric.” 

“You got it,” Gale confirmed. 

“If you wouldn’t mind,” Karlach added.

“With pleasure,” Isobel laughed. 

She closed her eyes as a golden column of light overtook her entire being. Lifting an arm above her head, her entire body turned gold until the light concentrated into only the hand she had raised in the air. She brought it down and held it in front of you, palm facing outwards. 

Suddenly, you were all surrounded by the same column of golden light that enveloped Isobel, and a warm calmness overtook your senses. 

Suddenly you knew that the shadows would subside and that you all would be bathed in the peaceful light of the moon once again.

Suddenly, it felt like everything was going to be okay. 

“Tingly,” you remarked.

“Perfect,” Isobel smiled. “That spell will make you immune to the lesser effects of the shadow curse, which will get you closer to the towers.”

“Thank you,” you said, observing your limbs and noticing how they now vaguely glowed with moon magic. Your companions seemed to be doing the same.

“But,” Isobel continued, “there are places it won’t help - places where the curse is darker. Stronger.” 

“And we will destroy these stronger shadows,” Lae’zel lifted her head confidently. 

Isobel exhaled slowly. “The cultists are able to traverse even the deepest shadows, though. I don’t know how - the Harpers are trying to figure it out.”

Shadowheart, who seemed to be more interested in the glowing of her limbs than the rest of you, looked up at Isobel with a scowl. “Selûnite magic. Dark Lady forgive me.”

“Good nose,” Isobel said sarcastically. “Like a nasty little terrier.”

Lae’zel snorted. “She already proclaimed herself to be a follower of Selûne. Were you not listening?”

Shadowheart shot her a glare. 

“Well, this has been lovely,” Astarion said, making his way to the door leading back into the inn proper. “Anything else we should know before we head off to save the day?” He was already halfway out the door, not bothering to wait for an answer, clearly trying to make a stealthy exit. 

You eyed Halsin, who nodded and retrieved the rogue by his arm before he could leave, closing the door behind both of them for good measure.

“Let me go, you humongous imbecile!” Astarion pounded his free arm against Halsin’s chest before Halsin released him and refused to let him move a muscle towards the door. Astarion huffed and crossed his arms, turning his nose up at the rest of you.

“Is he okay?” Isobel asked. 

“This is relatively normal behavior from him, actually,” Karlach said. 

“But please,” you waved a hand in front of yourself, “is there anything else we should know?”

Isobel thought for a moment. “Ketheric is a frightening man. But you have something he doesn’t: allies worth having.” 

You felt a wave of pride wash over you and your companions. 

“Daw,” Karlach kicked at the floorboard under her feet. “That’s very sweet.”

Isobel gave her a small smile. “While you’re all busy at the towers, I’ll be sure to-” 

She froze. 

“Wait. Do you hear that?”

The eight of you strained to hear what she could be referring to. 

Astarion clicked his tongue loudly. “I don’t hear-”

Isobel interrupted him. “Something’s wrong.”

That’s when you finally heard it: The beating of wings followed by a man landing hard on Isobel’s balcony. He wore the uniform of a Flaming Fist, and the way his wings moved seemed new and unnatural. He stood and retracted the black, feathery abominations, before exhaling and walking into the room. 

“Hello, Isobel.”

“Marcus,” Isobel breathed, “is that you? What’s happened to you?”

Halsin leaned forward. “I take it, you know this man?”

“I’ve been blessed,” Marcus said before Isobel could answer. “You can be, too. Come with me and you can hear all about it from Ketheric himself.”

“Isobel,” you said, not taking your eyes off Marcus, “who is this man?”

“He’s a Flaming Fist!” she exclaimed. “Or was. He came with the others when we created this haven.” 

“There are more Fists here?” Wyll muttered. 

Marcus addressed Isobel, “And I thank you for your hospitality.” Then he turned towards you.

You felt the familiar squirm of your tadpole being probed. Much to your dismay, Marcus’s voice rang out inside your head. 

“True Soul, my instructions are clear: take the girl to Ketheric.”

You wrinkled your nose, hating the sensation of his unwanted presence in your brain. In an act of defiance, you needled further into his own mind. 

A haunting face swam into your mind’s eye, its instructions vivid: “nothing is more important than bringing the girl - alive.”

Isobel must have seen the sour expression on your face because she turned towards Marcus aggressively. “What’s going on? If you have something to say, say it.”

“Marcus is trying to kidnap you, Isobel” you narrowed your eyes at the Fist. You looked back at your party, all of whom were already getting into battle positions. You turned to Marcus and took one step forward, bending your knees and dropping into a fighting stance. “Looks like we’re going to have to fight our way out of this one.”

Isobel’s eyes went wide.

“Pathetic,” Marcus spat. “The Absolute sees all - your treachery will be punished!” 

“The Absolute,” Isobel repeated before scowling. “Of course.” She gave Marcus a pleading look when she said, “You can’t believe them, Marcus. Ketheric will never give you whatever it is you’ve been promised.”

Marcus chuckled darkly and spread his hideous wings. “He already has.” He looked at her dead in the eyes. “Time to go, Isobel.”

With that, he reared backwards and roared loudly, far louder than any human of his size should be able to manage. You all stood in horror as you heard screeches and roars from Winged Horrors that flew abruptly into the inn and Isobel’s room. Already, you could hear shouting and screams from down below.

Isobel lifted a hand into the air. “Moonmaiden, guide my hand!”

Before she could cast anything, Marcus let out another piercing roar, knocking you all off guard.

Gale, who’d been standing out of his range, ran forward, a spell already prepped in his hand. When his touch connected with Isobel, she vanished; invisible.

“Good thinking, Gale!” you shouted, pulling your lute off your back and strumming some inspiration in his direction. 

Karlach and Lazel were already knocking back the Winged Horrors with their weapons, while Wyll thrust his rapier towards Marcus. Halsin shifted into bear form and growled at the Fist before taking a slash at him. Shadowheart summoned a circle of Spirit Guardians and rushed into the fray.

“We need to check on the others!” you shouted above the din of the battle. “I think they’ve got it covered in here!”

Astarion twirled a dagger in his hand. “Excellent idea, my darling,” he smirked before thrusting open the doors out into the inn.

To your shock and horror, you both found Raphael standing there, nonchalantly checking his nails. 

“Ah!” he said with fake surprise when he finally acknowledged you both standing there. “Just the lovebirds I was looking for. Remember that favor I mentioned earlier?”

“Right now?!” you cried in disbelief, gesturing to the chaos around you. You witnessed Jaheira shift into a jaguar and swat a Winged Horror out of the air. 

Raphael chuckled. “Oh, I think right now is the perfect time.” He raised his hand.

You and Astarion exchanged frantic glances.

“Wait!” Astarion shouted.

Raphael snapped his fingers.

And everything went black.

[kabsey]

Hey, I really love your thoughts and writing... how about "Boys Night" from the Wholesome Prompts? 🙂 Anything come to mind?

Thank you so much! <3 I had so many different thoughts for this prompt, but this is the one that stuck. Not quite a boys' night per se, but it is a boys' chat and it is at night 😊

-------

When the knock came, Viago glared at the door over the top of his reading glasses. The runner wasn't due for another hour, and he could not imagine who else Marta would allow to approach his study when she knew exactly how tall the stack of his correspondence had grown (she was the one who brought him the post, after all). Rook or Teia wouldn't have even bothered to knock.

Which left Viago no choice but to pause in his writing with a stifled sigh and a curt "Yes?"

The door opened, and the figure who entered explained all: the First Talon went where he liked. If it had been Caterina, Viago would have set his letter aside and risen to greet her.

Instead Viago resumed writing, though he paid Lucanis the courtesy of asking, "Is this urgent business, or can it wait a moment?"

"It can wait."

Lucanis crossed to the bookshelf, his near-silent footsteps drowned out by the scratching of Viago's quill. From the corner of his eye, Viago watched him peruse the shelves with his hands clasped behind his back. Two fingers on his right hand twitched in an uneven rhythm, a fidgety agitation that no lesser Crow would dare display in front of a Talon. From Lucanis Dellamorte, whose knuckles were striped with crisscrossed scars from Caterina's cane, it either spoke to his comfort with Viago or a mind very ill at ease. Possibly both.

Viago ended the letter with the correct signature (he had a variation for each of his regular correspondents, making a fake easier to spot) and set the page atop the outgoing post to let the ink dry. He wiped the nib of his quill, capped his bottle of ink, and placed both items in his desk drawer with his glasses. The soft sound of the drawer closing drew Lucanis's attention, and Viago gestured for him to take the seat across from his desk.

When he was seated, he opened his mouth to speak, but Viago cut him off with a raised hand.

"I can guess why you're here," he said, folding his hands back over his desk. "You want to make Rook a Dellamorte."

Lucanis raised an eyebrow, but a corner of his lips lifted in a self-deprecating smile. "I suppose my intentions have been fairly obvious."

Viago huffed a laugh. "Yours and half of Antiva's."

Lucanis's smile vanished. "Meaning?"

"Meaning I have received inquiries from the head of every House and even some of the merchant guilds besides." As if Rook would stoop to playing bodyguard to some bloated princeling.

For a brief moment, Lucanis's eyes flashed violet. Viago tensed and curled his fingers around the knife strapped to the underside of his chair arm, but Lucanis shook his head and turned to the thin air to his right, one hand lifted in a placating gesture. "Calm down."

"Apologies," he said as he looked back to Viago, and Viago relaxed his hand. "We're just surprised to hear it. Does Rook know? She's never mentioned it."

Viago frowned. "Of course she does. Do you think I would simply ship her off somewhere with no consideration for her opinion?"

"No, of course not," Lucanis assured him. His gaze dropped to Viago's desk as he fell silent. Viago wondered what the demon had to say about the matter. He probably didn't want to know.

"As far as I'm aware," he said, and Lucanis's eyes immediately returned to his, "Rook has no intention of accepting any of these other offers."

Some of the tension left Lucanis's frame, and Viago felt almost reluctant to continue, though he knew frankness was the better road.

"But you should know, I don't believe she intends to accept yours either."

Lucanis stiffened, tense again to the point of shock. "You... What makes you say that?"

"She's expressed to me that she's happy in my House." Viago was not one for providing comfort, but he knew his words were a blow to Lucanis, so he attempted to choose less direct phrasing than he might have. "She's endured a great deal in the past year. You both have. For the moment, she seems to crave the stability of the familiar rather than jumping into something new."

Lucanis's eyes fluttered briefly shut, in an attempt to control either the demon's reaction or his own. But when he opened them, he nodded.

"I'm glad you told me," he said. "It's something I hadn't considered. Perhaps I should have." A hint of a sad smile crossed his face. "You have to be the one to break it to Teia though. She was so sure Rook would say yes."

Viago raised an eyebrow. "You spoke to Teia about this?" Before Lucanis could answer, he shook his head. "Don't listen to her on the subject of Rook. She's always wanted her for herself."

Lucanis stared back at him, lips parted. "She has?"

"Does that surprise you?" Viago asked. Perhaps Lucanis had not paid much attention previously to the movement of Crows between Houses. Teia was notorious for attempting to charm away promising talent.

"A bit," Lucanis admitted. "You don't seem troubled by the idea."

Viago waved a hand. "We have an arrangement."

Lucanis looked even more nonplussed. "You do?"

"Of course." Viago stroked his beard as he considered the future. "We should probably include you as well moving forward."

An odd red flush crept across Lucanis's face. "Include me? In your... arrangement with Teia?"

Viago frowned. "You don't wish to be involved? Your grandmother always—"

One of Lucanis's hands shot up to stop Viago's words, while the other pinched the bridge of his nose. "Viago, I am starting to think—and really, sincerely hope—that we are talking about two different things."

Viago's frown deepened. "We're discussing Rook joining your House."

Lucanis's shoulders shook with silent laughter, and when he looked up, he was smiling. "We're discussing Rook joining my household. I'm going to ask her to marry me, Viago."

"Oh."

That had been such a foregone conclusion that Viago usually forgot it hadn't been formally settled, except for the moments when Teia griped about Lucanis taking too long. They'd already spent whole evenings with her sharing her thoughts on centerpieces and color coordination and other details that Viago couldn't follow, though he attempted to appear interested enough that he would not be kicked out of their bed.

He looked at the rest of the correspondence he had meant to address in annoyance. The runner would arrive any moment.

"You don't need her Talon's permission for that," he groused.

Lucanis only laughed again. "Of course not. But I would like to know that we would have the blessing of her family."

"Rook isn't—"

The automatic denial died on his lips at Lucanis's knowing look. He much preferred when the First Talon bestowed that smug expression on his rivals. Viago closed his eyes and rubbed his forehead.

"Fine. Yes. You have it. Go find her and let me work in peace."

Ever a wise man, Lucanis said nothing more but simply rose and left Viago alone in his study. For all that Teia enjoyed the idea, he had a very difficult time reconciling Rook with a word such as "wife." When he tried, all his mind would conjure was the memory of an underfed girl with a messy braid and bare feet. But not that long ago, he would never have been able to associate the word "hero" with Rook either.

Since he'd managed the one, he was fairly certain that with time, he would manage the other.

[ninii-winchester]

Behind Closed Doors (Part 1)

Pairing : Boss!Dean Winchester X Assistant!Reader

Word count: 1.3k

Warnings: fluff, not proofread, and tbh I don’t even know where this is going.

A/n: new series (hopefully) First time writing an AU. Don’t let this flop please🙏🏻

I DO NOT GIVE PERMISSION TO COPY MY WORK, TRANSLATE IT OR POST IT TO ANY OTHER PLATFORM. REBLOGS ARE APPRECIATED.

Dean Winchester is the CEO of Winchester Co. for the past four years. He’s the oldest son of John Winchester, the founder and owner of Winchester Co., a real estate business. His office corner suite on the top of the floor in the building with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a panoramic view of the city skyline. The décor is modern yet understated, featuring a large mahogany desk, plush leather chairs, and abstract art on the walls. Behind the desk is a sleek bookshelf lined with awards, framed contracts. A smart wall panel controls lighting, climate, and the room’s privacy settings.

On the top floor other than the CEO’s office is his personal assistant’s work space. It’s a sleek, efficient area with a streamlined desk equipped with multiple monitors for scheduling, managing calls, and overseeing the flow of appointments. The space is minimalist, with soft lighting and ergonomic seating, offering both a professional and welcoming atmosphere for visitors waiting to meet the CEO

“Good morning, Mr. Winchester.” Y/n said entering his office. Dean looked up from his computer and glanced at the woman standing in the doorway with a styrofoam cup in her hands. “Got you your coffee.” She said holding it up. The man nodded and she entered the room completely, moving to hand him his daily dose of caffeine, which has been the routine for the past four years.

Y/n reached his side and he took the cup from her hands gracefully and placed it onto the table before pulling her down onto his lap. Y/n gasped at the sudden pull and he grinned up at her.

“Good morning baby.” Dean leaned up to place a soft kiss to her lips. “You’re late.” He commented resting his hands on her hips.

“Sorry boss, my boyfriend is a bit clingy in the morning.” She replied with a mocking smile. “Acts like a baby doesn’t let me leave when I spend the night.” She added with a pout. Dean barked out a loud laugh and it was moments like these that he was thankful for having the whole floor to himself.

“Acts like a baby, you say?” Dean feigned curiosity. “Well tell him you’re my mine and I need you here on time.” Dean mock reprimanded her. Y/n rolled her eyes at his teasing.

Dean Winchester is a private man. He doesn’t like expressing his emotions or talk about his personal life. He’s a workaholic and is married to his work. He had been working at this company ever since he was in college. While perusing his degree in business he did part take in business matters, worked as an assistant for his father. He’d worked hard for this title and four years ago he was appointed at the CEO of the company when his father stepped down.

When Dean was appointed CEO, he clearly needed an assistant too. He confided in his best friend, Castiel. Although Cas also had a degree in business administration he was not interested in taking over his father’s business and was rather interested in charity work and philanthropy. Castiel had suggested Dean to appoint Y/n as his PA, since he knew her from college and she had remarkable skills as well.

Although Dean did appoint her on Cas’ insistence he was a bit skeptical of her skills she needed a ‘recommendation’ to get a job. For the whole year, Dean made her work relentlessly, putting her skills to the test and demanding a high level of performance to prove her worth. And she did. With her hard work and extremely remarkable skills she impressed Dean, more than professionally.

In a typical cliche manner, the grumpy boss fell for his assistant. Though persuading her was a challenge for Dean. She was hell bent on keeping things professional and not wanting to cross the boundaries at her workplace. She was a hard nut to crack but eventually Dean worked his charm on her, showing her beyond his grumpy boss personality and wooing her with extreme gestures.

Now the two had been dating for almost three years and the only person who knew about them is none other than Castiel, the one who introduced them. Even Sam was not in on the secret.

“Can I go back to work, now?” Y/n asked getting up from his lap but he kept his hold firm on her hips, not letting her leave.

“No.” Y/n pouted in response, she hated when he did this, holding her hostage while at work . She really wanted to keep her personal and professional life apart, not wanting anyone to find out or even think for a second she’s sleeping with her boss.

“Dean.” She scolded when he kissed her pouty lips.

“Relax sweetheart, nobody’s coming up here anytime soon.” He shrugged and she sighed loudly, indicating her defeated even if she was reluctant. “Besides, I’ve got news for you.” Y/n raised her brow in curiosity urging him to continue. “We,” he traced her arm with his finger. “are going on a vacation.” Dean beamed at her.

“A vacation? We?” Y/n furrowed her brows. “Who’s we?” She questioned, clearly not understanding the situation. Is this a office vacation or the top officers vacation or just the two of them.

“You and me. A week in Bahamas.” Dean replied casually.

“A week? You want us to take a leave at the same time? It’d rise suspicion.” She whispered alarmingly.

“Baby, if I’m on leave then you’re on leave automatically. Besides, I’ve asked Cas to manage for a few days for me.” Dean replied. “We both have been working our ass off for the past four years, I think we deserve a vacation.” Dean grinned at her and for the first today, she agreed without interjecting. She’s just as much of a workaholic as Dean. She had taken a day off here and there but never a complete vacation. “Besides I’m dying to spend some time quality time with my girl without her grilling me about work.” Dean sassed and she smacked his arm lightly making him laugh.

“I’m not gonna slack off at work just because I’m dating you.” She said matter of factly. “And I do think we could use a vacation.” She finally agreed making his smile broaden. “God, if anyone could you see right now, Mr. Grumpy Winchester.” She giggled when he rolled his eyes. He loved it when she teased him about being a grumpy ass to everyone else except her but he would never accept it in a million years.

The door swung open and sauntered in Castiel in the flesh. Y/n quickly jumped off of Dean’s lap but relaxed when she saw it was Cas.

“Ever heard of knocking, Cas?” She taunted her friend, crossing her arms across her chest.

“Ah lovebirds. Ever the cautious.” Cas sassed back and Dean snorted earning himself a glare from her. “Don’t stop on my account, just wanted to deliver these, personally.” He said holding up two flight tickets to Bahamas.

“Thanks man.” Dean said getting up from his chair and getting the tickets from his friend. Castiel shot Y/n a teasing grin and she rolled her eyes at him, clearly unbothered by his teasing. He thrives in teasing her because she was the goody two shoes in college and the two had become friends after being paired up for an assignment, so seeing a different version of her around Dean, leaves him anything but amused.

“You are a bad influence on the both of us.” Y/n said feigning an angry glare at Cas.

“Oh dear Y/n, I know.” Cas winked and Dean laughed at his best friends shamelessness. The trio’s camaraderie was a reminder of how personal and professional lives often intersect in unexpected ways.

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