#i hope this will be further explored in the last book
Explore tagged Tumblr posts
Note
do u have any locked tomb opinions to share? I saw u like Ianthe, idk if that's controversial or not? I've seen about a 50/50 split of my limited time in the fandom of people saying they love her/hate her
to be completely honest the locked tomb is more like a fandom in law to me lol as in: i tried getting into the series a few years back, was too confused and gave up but then made a friend who is a big fan and so i decided to give it a second chance and read together with her and i'm glad i did bc i did end up liking it very much but. it was a journey lol. i'm the kind of reader who prefers to have a working understanding of wtf is going on at all times and the locked tomb doesn't reward that expectation and accepting that it's a feature and not a bug took me some time. i liked book one much more when i re-read it. book two is my least favorite bc i was deeply bored by harrow's pov (it does have lots of ianthe tho and the gideon pov part is fantastic). book three is unquestionably my favorite which is surprising bc it doesn't have as much ianthe but ig i liked it the most bc i finally understood wtf is going on, in general terms at least. so the series grew on me and i'm excited for the last book but i'm not such a big fan as to dive into the tags and see what people are talking about, not to mention have hot takes or meta of my own. i mostly just like and reblog whatever my mutuals put on my dashđ¤ˇââď¸
that's why i live in blissful ignorance of tasteless people who don't like ianthe. but even if i were familiar with the Discourse i wouldn't be out here defending her actions or whatever from the haters bc fortunately i only care about how cool she is. especially the way she talks! i feel like women characters rarely get to construct a distinct persona through their dialogue or express themselves through peculiar speech patterns, memorable one-liners, saucy quips etc. as i mentioned in my other posts dialogue is perhaps the most important part of character work for me, if not the most important part of books as a whole. i want to know how characters wield words! i need the scintillating repartee! so gideon vs ianthe verbal showdown in book two is Peak Literature for me lol. i have a list of ianthe quotes i may or may not have been trying to incorporate into my own vocabulary. bc it is a type of energy i wish to take into my futuređ
i'm so obsessed with ianthe's carefully curated persona of a genre-aware secondary villain that i'm not particularly interested in her rich inner life, her secret vulnerable sides or whatever fans tend to zero in on whenever they are confronted with a character who is extraordinary, competent and presents an alluring facade of nonchalance to the world. seriously, no one appreciates good showmanship in these godless therapy speak times anymore :( as a wise woman once said, false things have a piquancy which the real can never matchđ§
that being said, the unwanted guest brought up one more aspect of ianthe's character i'm very interested in - the whole discussion on the permeability of the soul and how it relates to the extent of control one has over one's own self as a lyctor. first of all, the way this short story is written - choreographed, even - and how the info about naberius is revealed is brilliant but secondly the implications of this reveal for ianthe are so tasty to me bc, as a control freak who must maintain the illusion of control over all aspects of my life for my sanity, i love my little fictional power fantasies of excellency and dominance but i'm also morbidly fascinated by narratives that subvert them and expose this perfect control as mere illusion. and ianthe does both: it's fun when she eats naberius' soul in cold blood and proceeds to manipulate, gaslight and girlboss her way through the series and rejects paul's invitation to join the good guys and try Woke Lyctorhood - but it's also very satisfying to see the light leave her eyes when palamedes makes it clear to her that naberius isn't something she used and spat out but a part of her, changing her self indelibly and in a way she can't control or even necessarily detect, challenging her understanding of herself as an independent, impermeable entity, the cool dominant subject in control of the weak loser object. where is the object, ianthe? where is the body, you goose? in which coff-
#how the turntables#i hope this will be further explored in the last book#but yeah#why discuss ianthe's crimes or hopes and dreams or whatever when you can discuss the â¨sprezzaturaâ¨#book tag#sometimes i stumble upon some locked tomb meta and think hmmmm#this is too metaphysical and my brain doesn't work like that#gotta nod sagely tho bc tlt is a staple of depraved booklr canon and i'm nothing if not Cultured#but i'm mostly here for saucy quips and genderqueerness
2 notes
¡
View notes
Text
was talking w a friend about this last night and i think another reason i feel that s3 should combine tvl and qotd is bc i want an actual dynamic between louis and gabrielle. like i've only read the first 3 books in their entirety but the fact that louis and gabrielle spent most of qotd and we don't really get any idea what they think about each other or anything is a crime. and like having gabrielle reveal parts of lestat's past to louis i think continues those threads of a story belonging to whoever tells it and the way gabrielle sees lestat is different from the way louis sees him and how lestat sees himself and the "true" version (if such a thing can exist) lies in the gestalt of all of those things. like a parent sees their child differently than they see themself and a spouse would also have their own perspective. but then bc of how fucked lestat and gabrielle's whole thing is, the lines between parent/child and lover begin to bleed into each other in a similar way that louis and lestat's relationship also has that overlap between spouses and sire/progeny that i think the show has already shown interest in examining in a very compelling way. i think it makes more sense too bc s1 and apparently s2 are incorporating the relevant parts of tvl already so it makes sense to not wholly dedicate a season to a single book going forward (esp bc a lot of these books don't have full plots that are worth adapting lmao)
#louis and gabrielle having an actual dynamic is so important to me bc it would be actually insane#and i'm so angry that the only reason they don't in the books is bc anne didn't like those characters and didn't feel like writing them#but the show obviously loves louis and is interested in exploring his psyche so i hope they keep it up w this and add more layers#and i think there are multiple instances in the series of doubling that are never explored in any meaningful way that the show could-#do a great job w and further the social commentaries they're making in the show#anyway i don't really like speculating on further seasons before the newest one is out but it came up last night and now i'm hoping this is#where they go w it (esp if they do choose to introduce gabrielle in s2 which i don't necessarily think they should)#vampterview
7 notes
¡
View notes
Text
dark protector
đ starring. Choi Seungcheol x afab!Reader
đŽ preview. âWhen Iâm balls deep in your pussy, watching you writhe under me, listening to your pretty sounds- that will be the cherry on top of this birthday,â he explains. âThank you for wanting to make me feel good, but- usually, baby, I like to be the giver.â
tw/cw. mentions of past relationship abuse/trauma/cheating, alcohol, bar fights, Cheol gets grazed with a knife, unprotected sex, dry humping, hand job, blow job, pussy eating, fingering, pleasure dom!Cheol, breast worship, dirty talk, praise, size kink/manhandling, multiple reader orgasms, groping, Cheol is a big muscled tattooed man, creampie, birthday sex, etc⌠I pet names: (hers) baby.
đšÂ rating.18+ explicit I wc. 14.2k
đ aus. tattoo/motorcycle au, nurse!reader, soulmates, etcâŚ
âď¸Â mlist + an.  The tarot deck used in the prologue is âThe Wild Unknown Animal Spirit Guide Deckâ by Kim Krans. I had so much fun exploring a more spiritual-themed plot, the idea of soulmates and spirit guides and such :)
Prologue
Itâs been six months since your breakup. Six months of self-work and healing practices. Six months of connecting with your spirit guides, hoping you can work through this dark period of your life and come out the other side.
Youâve just gotten off a long shift at the hospital, where you work as an emergency room nurse. Cleaning up other peopleâs messes makes you feel a little more whole every day, it shows you that while your wounds might be deeper than the skin, you have the resources to fix things that seem unfixable.
After a shower, you slump onto your couch, your hands reaching for one of your tarot decks. Itâs as if you can feel the energy radiating off your spirit animal cards, and you remove them carefully from the box, holding them close to your chest.
âSpirit,â you say softly. âI think Iâm finally ready to try dating again. But Iâm scared. Iâm scared Iâll end up in the same situation as last time, finding a man who needs to be fixed- I know my pattern is finding broken men, and Iâm done with that. I need guidance. I need some sort of sign that will show up when I meet the right person.â
Part of your healing journey was writing down what traits youâd want in a partner. Youâd made a list that included, âkind, smart, patient, stable, loyal, and protective,â and youâd folded to your own physical tastes by writing âtattoosâ as well. You canât help it, you like the way art looks on skin, and although all the tatted bad boys youâve dated in the past have been assholes, youâre holding onto a hope that you can find a good man with tattoos. You know theyâre out there, you just have to find one.
âSpirit, can you help me pull a card, and whatever animal is on that card could be a tattoo that my future significant other would have?â you ask. âPlease donât choose a lion or a wolf or something super common- I want an animal that is a little more unique, something that couldnât just be coincidence⌠but, I mean, if my soulmate is meant to have a wolf then I guess I can make that work.â
You hate questioning your guides, hate putting boundaries on them. If your soulmate has a stupid, overdone tattoo like every other man with ink, then so be it.
Taking a deep breath, you begin to shuffle your spirit animal deck.Â
Youâre not being too fast with your shuffle, you prefer to sit for a long time and wait for cards to pop out rather than force a reading with erratic motions. Focusing on your breathing, and your ask from the spirit, you wait patiently.
Soon, a card pops out, landing on the coffee table in front of you.
An Elk looks up at you, and you take a moment to assess the card before finding the guide book.
You flip to the Earth section, finding the Elk easily. There are a few keywords at the top of the reading, they say âStable, resilient, headstrong, the father.â
Stable is a word youâd written into your boyfriend manifestation notes, and you consider that for a moment before reading further.Â
âThe great Elk represents the Earth element in its masculine form. This means it provides underlying support and stability amidst lifeâs many changes. An Elk personality is fully established in themselves and knows their core values. They become known and respected for acting in ways that uphold those values. Sometimes the Elkâs ego can become inflated, but for the most part, they make damn good fathers, mothers, lovers, and friends. The world needs more elk energy.â
You think about the type of man who could be stable, whether thatâs financially or emotionally. Youâre hoping to find a man as set and in love with his job as you are- the kind of man you could build a future with. Youâd be lying if you said you hadnât been thinking about kids, and the note that Elk personalities make good fathers and lovers makes the feeling of hope stir within you.
However, the Elk - like the Lion and the Wolf -Â is a pretty common tattoo.Â
âIâm wondering if I should ask for a second card,â you tell your guides. âThis deck has numerous animals connected to zodiac signs. Fish for Pisces, Scorpion for Scorpio⌠I know not all zodiacs have an animal correlated to them, so I wonât use this as a defining factor, but⌠maybe to make things even a little more specific, could you help me pull a card to represent the zodiac sign for my future Elk tattooed boyfriend?âÂ
This feels like a lot. And youâre aware that there are only a few cards in this large deck that will actually connect to the zodiac, so you prepare yourself for a dud card.
You begin to shuffle, and this time, a card pops out even faster than the first. Itâs face down on your coffee table, and you take a breath, willing this to be a sign.
When you flip the card, you find a lion staring up at you.
The lion is correlated with the Leo zodiac, and you swallow thickly, thinking about the traits generally connected to Leos. The words that come to mind are âconfident, loyal, ambitious, and protective,â two of which are traits youâd manifested.
You find your guidebook again, reading the top line of traits: âPatient, regal, a complete master.â
âThe Lion is a master of the fire element and the living mascot of self-transformation. A lion personality dedicates their life to personal and spiritual growth. This dedication inspires some and intimidates others, therefore the Lion is respected by all but known intimately by few. Some mistake the Lion as hard to access or aloof, yet those with a keener eye know better. Lions are observant, stealth, and precise in their words and actions. They do not waste energy or resources. This card reminds us that self-mastery is available to all, no matter where our quest begins.â
You consider your reading as you put your deck away and head to bed. A Leo man with an Elk tattoo, someone who is patient, stable, headstrong, loyal, and maybe a little egotistical, but hopefully not in any ways that would be damaging to you like your narcissist of an ex-boyfriend.
Youâre prepared to not find a man who fits this bill, but you feel a little better about narrowing down the traits youâre attracted to. Some people donât believe in tarot, and while you can understand that, this reading has spoken to you in a way that you canât quite explain.
Thereâs no timeline to the reading, and you wonât be restricting yourself waiting for a man with an Elk tattoo to sweep you off your feet, but it feels a little easier having some parameters.Â
When you fall asleep, you dream of a large man standing in shadows, Elk-like antlers protruding from his head.Â
One:
âTell me again how you found out about this place?â you sigh, getting out of your best friendâs car to stare at the tattoo studio.
âGod, Iâve told you a hundred times,â Sunmin rolls her eyes. âOne of my sisterâs boyfriendâs cousinsâs boyfriends work here.â
âIâm going to need you to say that slower.â
âMy sisterâs boyfriend, Jeonghan, his cousin is dating one of the artists here, and he says theyâre all super hot. And I figured, since your tarot cards told you a few months ago that youâll find some dude with an elk, a tattoo shop is a good place to look for him.â
âOkay, but please donât bring up the actual tarot,â you plead. âPeople judge me for that shit all the time.â
âMy lips are sealed but my eyes will be wide open,â she grins.
The two of you enter the tattoo shop, and the air conditioning is a welcome reprieve from the hot summer outside. Your friend chats with the receptionist about her consultation with an artist named Vernon, and soon the two of you are being escorted deeper into the studio.
Itâs an open plan layout, with small sections for each artist. Only one man is currently tattooing someone, and you suppose that since itâs the morning, they likely get busier as the day goes on.
Thereâs a large man who approaches you and your friend as you sit in Vernonâs section. âHi! You must be Vernonâs ten oâclock consultation! Iâm Mingyu. Vernonâs just chatting with our boss in the back, but heâll be out pretty quick.â
âHi, Iâm Sunmin and this is y/n,â your friend introduces you. âWe have no problem waiting.â
âCool. I donât have a client for a while, I can keep you guys company while you wait for Vernon if youâd like.â
âWeâd love that,â Sunmin beams.Â
âHow did you guys hear about us?â Mingyu asks, taking a seat on the tattoo artist chair.
âMy sisterâs boyfriendâs cousin is dating one of the guys who work here,â Sunmin explains.
âIs your sisterâs boyfriend Jeonghan?âÂ
Youâre shocked the man was able to follow what Sunmin just said.
âYup! Thatâs him!â Sunmin confirms.
âLove that guy,â Mingyu grins. âYeah, Iâm dating his cousin. He told me heâd tell others about the shop but I didnât think heâd actually follow through with it.â
âWell, here he is, following through,â Sunmin laughs.Â
âSo is this tattoo consult for you?â
Sunmin nods. âYup! Iâve always liked ink, got a few small pieces, but I wanted something bigger for my thigh.âÂ
âHow about you?â Mingyu asks. âAny future tattoo plans?â
âNot at the moment,â you respond, gaze shifting to a door that leads to the office in the back. Two men have come out, theyâre both quite handsome, dressed in oversized hoodies that obscure any ink on their torsos.Â
âIâve actually been looking at elk tattoos,â Sunmin lies, âknow anyone with anything like that?â
Mingyu opens his mouth to respond, but one of the men from the back is already approaching. âHi, are you Sunmin?â he asks.
âThatâs me,â your best friend beams.
âIâm Vernon,â the soft looking man smiles. Mingyu gets out of his seat, bidding a quick farewell before going back to his own section. As Vernon and Sunmin begin to talk about her tattoo plans, you find your eyes shifting to the man who must be the boss as he walks over to inspect the tattoo taking place.
Heâs got a nice build, and you can see the outline of strong shoulders even from under his large black hoodie. He rolls up the sleeves, and you can see heâs heavily inked, but from a distance, you canât make out any elk-like marks.Â
Sunmin had done her best to try to ask Mingyu about a tattoo fitting what your tarot had told you to watch out for, but you suppose you shouldnât be shocked that your soulmate isnât in the first shop youâve gone into.Â
You relax against your chair, listening to Sunmin and Vernon talk.
Youâll do your best to find your Elk inked Leo, but you suppose you canât rush the process.
Two:Â
Youâre at a bar with friends when you hear a commotion just outside. As the designated driver of the night, you havenât touched any drinks, and although it might not be anything serious, your emergency room nurse instincts kick in, drawing you to the possible danger as you quickly make your way to the front of the bar.
You catch the tail end of whatâs happening, one bouncer chasing after some guy whoâs booking it down the street, and another man being held back by a second security guard.Â
The man being held back looks enraged, and he manages to break out of the bouncers grasp- which is when you see blood on the back of his white shirt.
âFuck that guy,â the injured man snarles, and when he turns, you catch a glimpse of his profile.
Itâs the man from the tattoo parlour, the one you assumed was the boss.
While he looks extremely pissed off, you canât help but approach. âExcuse me,â you say quietly, grabbing his attention. âYouâre bleeding.â
âAm I?â He looks over his shoulder, grabbing at his shirt where the blood is. âFuck, he must have grazed me.â
Must have grazed him⌠with a knife?
âIâm uh⌠Iâm an ER nurse, do you mind if I take a look?â you ask.
âIâll grab the first aid kit,â the bouncer tells you, darting back into the bar.
âIâm fine,â the tattooed man tells you.
âThen thereâs no harm in me taking a look to confirm that.â You try to smile softly at him.
The man looks at you, narrowing his eyes. âDonât I know you from somewhere?â
âI think I was at your parlour last week, my friend had a consult,â you explain. âIâm y/n.â
He looks you up and down. âSeungcheol.â
You can see the anger and tension dissipating from his shoulders.Â
âWhy donât you take a seat on the curb and Iâll look at your shoulder?â you suggest.
Seungcheol sighs, but does as heâs told. He sits down, grabbing at the back of his shirt. You catch him wince as he tugs the bloodied fabric off, and youâre shocked at whatâs revealed.
Itâs not the slight gash that makes you take a step back, itâs the Elk head tattoo on the center of his spine, with large antlers tangling up toward the back of his neck.
âIs it that bad?â Seungcheol asks, looking over his shoulder at you again.
âNo, itâs not that.â You do your best to compose yourself, kneeling down to look at the wound, although your eyes keep going back to the Elk.Â
The bouncer returns with the first aid kit, and Seungcheol sits there quietly while you clean the wound. âYouâre right that it was a graze, but I still think stitches would be a good idea,â you tell him.
âIâm not going to the hospital,â Seungheol responds while you press gauze to the wound, bandaging him up with medical tape.Â
âWhy not?â
âI just donât like hospitals,â the beefy tattooed man says simply.
You release a sigh. âListen, Iâm going to give you my number, and if thereâs any sign of infection, call me, okay?â
âYou said you're an emergency room nurse, right?â he asks, standing up when you finish with his shoulder.
âUh huh.â Words evade you as you look at his chiseled chest, and you do your best not to be too obvious at the way youâre gawking at him.
âArenât you going to ask me what I did to piss off the dude with the knife?â
âItâs not important,â you respond quickly. âYou identified it as a knife wound, and thatâs all I needed to know.â
âI was in the emergency room one time, got stabbed by some kid outside a strip club, the nurses kept pestering me about the details. Itâs one of the reasons I donât like hospitals,â Seungcheol explains.
âWell, your business is your business,â you tell him. âAll I care about is that your wound doesnât get infected, and you take care of it if youâre not getting stitches.â
Seungcheolâs gaze feels hot as he stares at you, and then he pulls his phone out of his pocket, handing it to you. âHere. For your number.â
Your fingers are shaky as you type in your digits before handing it back to him, and you canât help but notice the way your hands briefly touch.
âI need a drink,â Seungcheol says. âYou coming back inside? Iâll buy you something, as a thank you for not pestering me.â
âNo thanks is necessary,â you try to assure him, but Seungcheol is already reaching for your hand.
âDonât fight this,â he tells you. âLet me say thank you in the way that I know how.â
You allow the big burly man to guide you back into the bar. He orders himself a shot of tequila, then turns to you expectantly.
âUh, can I get an iced tea?â you ask.
âNot drinking?â
âIâm the designated driver tonight,â you explain. âMy friends are over there-â you turn and catch your whole table of friends staring at you.Â
Seungcheol follows your gaze and smirks, offering your friends a small wave. âOkay, so you're a stay in your lane ER nurse, and youâre a designated driver.â
âThat sums it up I guess,â you laugh.
âSheâll get an iced tea,â Seungcheol tells the bartender.
You like that heâs not pushing you. Some people pressure you to drink when youâre out, but you like to have your head screwed on straight on your shoulders. You never know when an emergency is going to happen, and your soul calling is helping people. On top of that, itâs nearly midnight, and youâve got a shift in five hours that you need to be sober for.
âIâm trying to find red flags with you, you know?â Seungcheol says nonchalantly. âBut so far, Iâm not seeing any.â
âMaybe thatâs because I donât have any?â you suggest.
âIâve been told Iâm a walking red flag,â Seungcheol muses.Â
âTattoos can be deceiving,â you point out, although, studies do show that people with trauma are more likely to be inked- all your exâs have had tattoos, and theyâve all had dark pasts. You canât help you type, and staring at the man with the elk on his back, you wonder if this is going to be just another repetition.Â
Your drinks are set in front of you and you watch Seungcheol down his tequila shot. He shakes his head out a little at the taste, and you appreciate the way his dark curls look with the motion.Â
âAnyways, youâre here with friends, I wonât keep you,â he sighs.
âThanks for the iced tea,â you smile softly.
âDonât mention it,â Seungcheol nods.
You mirror the movement, grabbing your drink and heading back to your table.
The moment youâre seated, all your friends erupt into chatter.
âWho was that?!â one asks.
âHe was hot!â another friend notes.
âWasnât that the dude from the tattoo shop?â Sunmin questions, looking after Seungcheol. âIs he⌠bleeding?â
âYeah, itâs the guy from the parlour,â you sigh. âHis name is Seungcheol, and yes, someone tried to stab him outside.â
âJesus!â Sunminâs eyes widen. âBut⌠he bought you a drink?â
âI just cleaned the wound and bandaged it,â you explain. âHe insisted on getting me a drink.â
âWell⌠thatâs nice, isnât it?â one of your friends says thoughtfully.
âI guess.â Itâs clear you donât want to talk about this further, and your friends quickly go back to discussing something else, but you inch closer to Sunmin. âHe has a tattoo.â
âHe has a lot of tattoos,â she laughs.
âNo, he has like⌠this big elk head and antlers on his back.â
âWhat?!âÂ
âDonât make a big deal out of it,â you warn her, not wanting her to raise her voice too loud so your other friends hear. Youâre quite private about your spiritual leanings. Being a woman of science, and ER nurse no less, sometimes it feels like believing in fate isnât something that works well with your job.
âWeâre talking about this later,â Sunmin tells you.
âYeah.â
You sit back, thinking about it.
Obviously your interaction with Seungcheol was short. He came off as a bit of a hot head, perhaps youâd even use the word brash- there was certainly a level of ego that radiated off of him as well, but, at the same time, heâs one of the most handsome tattooed men youâve ever met.
Youâd asked your guides for a sign, and tonight, the Elk had bared its antlered head.
Now itâs up to you to decide if you trust in fate, or if this is all just a coincidence.Â
Three:
Youâre about seven hours into your eight hour shift. Having started at five am, after being a designated driver and getting your friends home at three, youâre quite tired. Things were very busy for a while in the emergency room, but for whatever reason now that itâs noon, things have seemed to calm down a little.
Youâre just sitting in the nurse station with your coworker Joshua when your phone buzzes in your pocket. Itâs an unknown number, and at first, youâre not sure if you should answer it.
Against your better judgement, you bring your phone to your ear, âHello?â
âIs this the stay in your lane ER nurse whoâs also the designated driver?â
You let out a sigh. âY/N.â
âYeah, you.â
âHi, Seungcheol.â
âHi. So, I tried to stitch up the wound when I got home, and Iâm not sure if I did a good job.â
âYou tried to stitch it up?â you ask, already exasperated. âWhy didnât you ask me to do it at the bar?â
âI just didnât,â he says simply.
âSend me a pic of the stitches,â you instruct.
âOne sec.â
You wait patiently, and Joshua catches your eyes. âWhatâs happening?â he mouths.
You quickly mute your call. âSome guy I helped at the bar last night got grazed by a knife, he didnât want stitches, but decided to try to stitch himself up this morning.â
âWhat the fuck?â Joshua laughs.
âOkay, sent.â Seungcheolâs voice makes you hit the unmute button, and you open your messages to see the picture.
Joshua rolls closer, staring at your phone. While Seungcheolâs broad muscular back is a bit of a distraction, the stitch up job on the wound is sloppy, and draws most of your attention.
âSeungcheol,â you sigh. âIâm going to say this in the nicest possible way. You might be a tattoo artist, but your stitching skills are sub par at best.â
The line is quiet for a moment, then you hear a chuckle. âSomeoneâs in a grouchy mood.â
Joshuaâs eyes widen, and he looks at you for your response.Â
âYou would be too if you spent all yesterday sleeping, woke up to be a designated driver for your friends, got home at three and had to be at work for five.â
âOh⌠are you at work now?â
âUh huh.â
âI shouldnât bother you then,â Seungcheol says quickly.
âItâs no bother,â you assure him. âLook, Iâm off in an hour. Iâll swing by to your shop to check out the stitching. Most stitches should be sewn within six to eight hours, weâre bordering on twelve- I just want to make sure thereâs no infection.â
âYou should just go home after work.â
âYou should listen to your ER nurse and let her help you,â you retort, too tired to argue with him over this.
Seungcheol makes a groaning sound. âFine.â
âSee you in an hour.â
You hang up the phone and Joshua looks you up and down. âWhatâs his deal?â
âHonestly,â you sigh, âI couldnât tell ya.â
Four:
You and Joshua often have the same shifts, and you carpool together to feel more green, so itâs Joshua who drives you to the tattoo parlour when youâre done work.
Seungcheol is waiting outside, arms crossed over his broad chest, and he eyes Joshua as the both of you get out of the car.Â
âHey,â Seungcheol says as you approach, âwhoâs this?â
âMy coworker, Joshua,â you introduce them, and Joshua has the decency to hold out a hand.
You hold your breath, releasing it when Seungcheol gives him a customary curt handshake.
âHeâs your ride?â Seungcheol asks.
âUh huh, is that a problem?â
âI just donât feel comfortable having him around while you check out my shoulder, even if he does work with youâ Seungcheol explains. âListen, Iâve got a motorcycle and an extra helmet in the shop, how about I take you home after this?â
Both men look at you, and for a moment, you feel flustered and put on the spot.
Youâve never been on a bike before- but fuck it, youâre too tired to work through Seungcheolâs weird alpha behavior and territorial mentality about you having a male coworker with you.
âThat works,â you agree. âThanks for the ride, Josh.â
âText me when youâre home,â he warns, pulling you in for a hug.
You can practically feel Seungcheol staring daggers at the two of you when Joshua pulls away and heads back to his car.
Seungcheolâs demeanor is a bit icy as he leads you into the shop. You notice Vernon and Mingyu. Mingyu even says a loud âHi, y/n!â and you nod politely as Seungcheol takes you into the back office, closing the door.
âSo, is that dude your boyfriend?â he asks, heading to the first aid kit already open on his desk.
âNo, Iâm not seeing anyone right now. My last ex, uh⌠he did a number on me.âÂ
âYeah?â Seungcheol takes off his shirt while you grab medical gloves to pull on. âWanna talk about it?â
âIâm not sure what there is to say,â you admit with a sad laugh.
âThen you donât have to say anything,â he decides.
âHow about you?â you ask, softly prompting him to turn away from you on his spinny chair so you can assess the wound, gently removing the gauze.Â
âWhat about me?â he counters.
âAre you seeing anyone?â
âNope.â Heâs quiet for a moment. âMy ex was a bit of a shit show too.â
âWell I guess weâre kindred in that at least,â you smile, leaning close to get a better look at his shoulder.Â
Seungcheol shivers slightly, and you think your breath on his throat must have set him off a little, but he stays silent. You notice his hands balling into fists on his thighs.
âI think your stitching can stay, but Iâm going to clean your wound again and rebandage it.â
âSounds good,â Seungcheol responds gruffly.
âWhile Iâm doing this, do you mind if I ask about your tattoo? This big Elk?â You gently graze your surgical gloved pinky finger down his spine, and Seungcheol shivers again.
âJesus, donât do that,â he snaps.
âSorry. Itâs a pretty tattoo, I couldnât help myself.â Your skin is heating with embarrassment, and you notice Seungcheolâs ears turning red too.
âI uh,â he swallows thickly. âMy grandma was a tarot reader. She was always doing these readings, very connected to the Earth and shit. She used to tell me I had an Elk soul, like her. Something about spiritual guidance, protection, kindred souls or some shit. Iâm not super into that stuff, but when she died, I kept having these stupid Elk dreams. Sort of felt like she was trying to communicate with me- if you believe in that sort of thing. Anyways, I figured if I got the tattoo, Iâd feel closer to her, like she has my back.â
This is not the tattoo explanation youâd ever considered would come from a man like Seungcheol, and it takes you a few moments to register it and decide on a response.
âIt sounds like you were very close with your grandma, Iâm sorry that she passed.â
âItâs okay,â Seungcheol shrugs it off. âShit happens.â
And just like that, heâs closing up again.
You wonder if you should tell him about your tarot connections, but you donât want to sound like some crazy chick if you mention your spirit guides pointing you toward an Elk. Instead, you bite your tongue as you finish up his wound.Â
âAll done,â you announce.
Seungcheol doesnât say anything as he stands up and puts on his shirt. âWhatâs your address?â he asks, pulling out his phone.
You show him on the maps where you live. âAre you sure you want to give me a ride? Donât you have⌠clients?â
âI can get you home and be back in time for my next appointment,â he assures you. âThink of this as another way of saying thank you for fixing me up.â
So far, heâs shown two love languages. Heâs bought you a drink, and now heâs doing an act of service. Heâd seemed hesitant on touch today, unlike last night when heâd been drinking, and you wonder what his history in relationships is like.
It sounds like youâve both had shitty past experiences.
You just want to figure him out.
âHave you been on a bike before?â Seungcheol asks, grabbing a small black fullface helmet off a shelf of motorcycle memorabilia.Â
âNo.â
âAre you scared?â
âMore tired than anything else,â you admit with a laugh.
âWell, my Harley has a sissy bar, so youâll be okay.â
You donât even know what a sissy bar is, but you follow Seungcheol out to his bike anyways.Â
âHere, we can put your stuff in my saddlebag,â he explains, opening a large additional compartment near the back tire of his bike. âI donât always ride with these, but for whatever reason, I thought it would be a good idea to have them on today.â
He helps you put your work bag in his bike, and then, he helps you with your helmet, his fingers delicately grazing your throat as he tightens the strap there.
âIf anything is wrong, just tap my thigh,â he tells you, swinging a leg over his bike and starting the engine.
Even with layers of protection over your ears from the helmet, his Harley is loud. It purrs, like a lion, and you stand in a daze for a moment before he makes a motion for you to hop on.Â
Youâre careful of his injured shoulder as you slowly get on the bike, adjusting yourself on the seat.Â
Seungcheol reaches for your hand, settling it on his hip. He opens his visor. âReady?â
You nod.
He nods back, and the bike roars to life. He pulls out of the parking spot, and you hold on tighter, thankful for the additional padding of a safety bar behind your back- is this the sissy bar he was talking about?Â
You canât dwell on motorcycle terms as Seungcheol gets onto the street, the bike moving even faster. The feeling of summer air is hot but pleasant on your skin as you ride between cars. You get the sneaking suspicion that Seungcheol is holding back on his driving-
You could imagine him weaving between vehicles and being a general menace on his bike, but with you on the back, heâs trying his best to be a gentleman.
Youâre shocked at the trust you already have in this man. A man who a little over twelve hours ago, was a stranger.
Youâve never considered yourself an adrenaline junkie, but on the back of Seungcheolâs bike, everything else slips away.
Youâre at your home before you know it, and you almost feel sad when Seungcheol pulls up to the curb. He motions for you to get off, and he joins you on the sidewalk a moment later, quickly helping you with your helmet.
âHow was it?â he asks.
âThat was super fun,â you tell him, beaming.
Seungcheol grins when he sees the expression on your face. âGlad you enjoyed it.â
âListen, keep the helmet for now,â Seungcheol says. âI have your number and I know where you live, so Iâll come back for it.â
You feel your expression drop, and Seungcheol cocks his head to the side, concern written on his face.
âYou good?â
âI just-â you swallow thickly. âSorry, my uh- my ex used to say that to me. That he knew where I lived when I broke up with him. It felt like a threat, and itâs one of the reasons I had to move a couple of months ago.â
Seungcheol is quiet for a moment. âFuck that guy.â
You nod. âFuck that guy.â
Five:
Youâve had Seungcheol stuck in your head. After heâd dropped you off, it had been hard to sleep, your mind preoccupied with his answer about his tattoo. When youâd finally woken up hours later, you hadnât been able to help yourself, youâd pulled out your tarot deck.
âSpirit,â youâd breathed. âI think I may have met him. The Elk. And even though youâve given me the sign with his tattoo, I feel like I need more confirmation. Iâm going to shuffle, and if this is meant for me, can you please give me a love card?â
There are numerous cards within the deck that talk about relationships, partnerships and new beginnings, and youâre hoping that one pops out.
You begin to shuffle, closing your eyes and taking it easy.
Itâs about a minute before a card pops out. Itâs upside down on your coffee table.Â
You take a deep breath, slowly reaching out to flip the card.
The Two of Cups stares up at you, and you donât even have to open your tarot guide book to know what that means. Itâs a card of unity, of partnership. Other than the Lovers, itâs one of the most clear relationship cards you can get.Â
You stare at it for a long while. The Elk may have been a coincidence. The fact that his own late grandmother had been a tarot reader may have been a coincidence. But pulling the Two of Cups, out of any other card, when seaking confirmation- this feels like fate.Â
Part of you wants to be extra sure and ask for the lovers card, but you also think this might be a good time to trust your spirit team. Theyâve guided you twice now, and maybe you have to look inward.
Why are you so cautious that Seungcheol might be the one?
Are you ready for a new relationship?
Youâd thought you were ready- and here you are, meeting a man who fits your type-
Maybe itâs the fact that he is your type that youâre worried. What if he turns out to be a dickhead like the last ones? Youâre still holding onto a lot of fear. You want to protect yourself, which you validate as a legitimate concern.
But⌠are you going to spend the rest of your life frightened?
Or are you going to try to let go of those fears and learn to trust again, even if it ends up biting you in the ass?
The possible risk is heartbreak, but the possible reward is endless happiness.
Fate can only do so much, this is the part where your own actions will dictate the future.
Six:
âSo, howâs that dude with the tattoos doing?â Joshua asks, taking a seat next to you in the nursing station when things have finally calmed down.
âCheol? I uh⌠havenât talked to him since he dropped me off at my place two days ago.â
âIs that good or bad?âÂ
You shrug. âIâm not sure. Weâre both busy people. I work here, and he owns a tattoo shop.â
âI guess thatâs true,â Joshua nods. âMaybe you should call him and see how heâs doing?â
You quirk a brow at your friend. âWhatâs your angle here?â
Now itâs Joshuaâs turn to shrug his shoulders. âNo angle. I think, as your friend, sometimes itâs important to give you a little push. After all, your tarot said heâs your soulmate.â
Joshuaâs one of your only coworkers who youâve felt comfortable opening up to. He knows about all your spiritual inklings, and youâd filled him in on your whole Elk, Leo, Two of Cups fiasco yesterday.Â
âFine, Iâll give him a quick call,â you sigh. âStrictly as a nurse who wants to see how the wound is doing.â
âKeep telling yourself that,â Joshua grins.
You roll your eyes at him, fishing your phone out of your pocket.
Seungcheol answers on the second ring. âHey.â
âHi, how are you doing?â you ask, putting him on speaker phone. Joshua might be encouraging you to do this as a friend, but you know better than anyone that he also loves some good tea.
âDoing okay.â
âAnd your shoulder?â
âGood as far as I know⌠why? You worried about me?â You can hear the grin in his voice, the fact that heâs loving the concern you have for him. âIâve had worse, you know.â
âIâd just hate for it to get infected,â you sigh.
âLook, if you want to do your due diligence as a nurse and everything, how about you get drinks with me and assess it yourself?â he suggests.
Joshua grabs your thigh, eyes widening, waiting on what youâll say next.
âWe could do that,â you respond.
âSounds good, when are you free?â
âIâm off tomorrow.â
âHow do you feel about eight oâclock?âÂ
âThat works,â you nod.
âIâll pick you up at eight then, and bring your helmet.â
You find yourself smiling. âWill do.â
âItâs a date. See you then.â
âBye, Cheol.â
Your heart is racing as you hang up the phone, and Joshua immediately repeats Seungcheolâs words, âItâs a date.âÂ
âItâs a date,â you respond, jittery at the idea.
âSome guys are assholes and say âletâs hang out,â but this one says âitâs a date.ââ
âThatâs a good sign,â you insist.
âA very good sign,â Joshua agrees. âIf this dude ends up being the one, I might just have to get into tarot.â
Seven:
Youâre surprised to find yourself playing nighttime mini golf with Seungcheol on your date. âWhat happened to drinks?â you ask as he pays for your tickets and grabs your clubs from the attendant.
He shrugs. âFigured youâre a nurse so you might not wanna get on my motorcycle after I had a few drinks, also the fact that you were designated driver last time I saw you at a bar- I thought this might be more your style. But, Iâll warn you, Iâm not going to go easy on ya.â
You laugh, pleasantly surprised at how astute this man can be. âI think this will be fun.â
âMe too.â
Seungcheolâs wearing black jeans and a charcoal v-neck that shows off his strong shoulders. Heâs the epitome of your type: a bad boy with tattoos. Yet, when you begin to play, heâs shockingly patient.
âLet me show you how to hold the club,â he suggests on the second hole, waiting for you to nod before he steps behind you and wraps his body around your own. âFeet positioning is key.â He also gently adjusts your hands, and your heart leaps in your chest when he breathes against your throat. âIt might take some time to get used to,â Seungcheol warns, âso donât beat yourself up if it doesnât come naturally.â
You hit the golf ball, and it goes a lot closer to the hole than your first shot had.
âDid it take a while for you to get into mini golf?â you ask.
âNah, I was always a natural,â he teases, flashing you a wink before he takes his own shot.
You admire the way his shoulders look with his back to you. âSo what got you into being a tattoo artist? Into having your own place?âÂ
âWell, my grandma passed, and she left me a pretty big inheritance. She always thought I could succeed as a tattoo artist, but before that I was stuck doing blue collar type shit. I think, the money was her final way of telling me to follow my dreams. Iâm kind of obsessed with ink, if you havenât noticed.â He holds out his arms, which are littered with patchwork. âHow about you? How does someone get into being an emergency room nurse?â
âI just like helping people,â you explain. âWhen I was a kid, I broke my arm falling off the monkey bars. Iâd always been scared of hospitals, but the nurse who helped me in emergency was an angel. She made it less scary, and when it was over, I realized I wanted to be just like her. When people come into the emergency room, itâs never fun. Itâs frightening, and cold- and I want to be there for people who are going through that, to be a warm, friendly face.â
âMy grandma had a light worker's soul too,â Seungcheol nods. âThatâs what she always called it anyways. She wasnât ever officially trained, but in her later years she got into herbal medicine. Anytime I was sick it was lemon and garlic chicken noodle soup with bone broths and the works- always made me feel a lot better.â
âShe sounds like she was an amazing woman.â
âShe was,â Seungcheol agrees. âI donât know you that well yet, but I think she would have liked you.â
You grin. âIs that an important trait you look for when taking girls to mini golf?âÂ
Seungcheol lets out a laugh. âIt should be. My last ex wouldnât have fit the bill, and at the time, I thought that was okay, but it didnât end well.â
âDo you wanna talk about it?â
âIâll talk about mine if you talk about yours,â he suggests. âYou said your last boyfriend was a creep when you broke up, threatened to come to your place and shit, he sounds like a piece of work.â
âHe was,â you sigh. âIâve got this thing for big tattooed men, bad boy types. It always leads to me getting my heart broken. He would tell me I was the one and everything, but I found out he was cheating on me with some waitress at the bar he used to go to all the time.â
âSo what Iâm hearing is⌠Iâm your type.â Seungcheol flashes you a wink and you roll your eyes at him. âIâm just fucking with you. Iâm sorry to hear that. Cheaters are the fucking worst.â
âSounds like youâve experienced something like that too.âÂ
âLooks like both of our exâs were cheating fucks,â Seungcheol says. âI know itâs a red flag to talk shit about your ex or whatever, but some exâs deserved to be talked bad about.â
You nod. âA hundred percent.â
âDid you think you were going to be with your last one forever?â Seungcheol asks after a moment.
âI thought so.â
âMe too with mine, I was just about ready to get her a ring.â He frowns, looking down at his golf ball. With a sigh, he easily knocks it into the hole. âWell, this is just the way life happens I guess.â
Itâs clear you both have very similar wounds. Youâre shocked at how easy it is to talk about this with Seungcheol. Some people say not to talk about exâs on dates with new people, but this almost feels therapeutic. You understand Seungcheol better, and youâre sure he understands you too.
Itâs promising to know he thinks about the future, that heâs ready to settle down, not all men are.
Maybe youâre both in the same boat with all of this, and thatâs a hopeful thought.
Eight:Â
Seungcheol canât seem to get you out of his head.Â
Heâd never thought of himself as a particularly superstitious man. His grandma had been spiritual, and heâd always loved that aspect of her. Heâd enjoyed doing tarot readings and making all sorts of elixirs with her in the garden. Sheâd told him heâd be a successful tattoo artist, sheâd seen it in the stars, and while sheâd been a big part of making that premonition come true, he wonders what else she might be right about.
Seungcheolâs grandma had always told him heâd end up with a healer like her. A doctor, a psychiatrist, a nurse- she wasnât very specific, but sheâd said his soul would call in a light worker when the time was right.
He feels drawn to you, his little emergency room nurse, designated driver, light worker.Â
Itâs been such a short amount of time, but thereâs something unexplainable about the way he feels.
âYou look distracted,â Mingyu muses, coming to join Seungcheol outside the tattoo parlour where heâs puffing on his vape.
âJust thinking.â
âAbout your birthday party tonight, or that girl you brought through the other day?â Mingyu presses, grinning as he bumps his shoulder against Seungcheolâs.Â
Seungcheol canât help but sigh at his friendâs prying ways.Â
âLook you donât have to tell me anything, but summer is almost over and you need a backpack. My angel has been surrounded by testosterone motorcycle rides for months, and weâd all love another girl to be part of the group. You should invite her out tonight.â
Of course Mingyuâs coming at this from an angle of having a girlfriend. He and Wonwoo are obsessed with their âlittle angel,â and Mingyuâs always talking about the joys of being in a relationship. It can get somewhat tedious for Seungcheol.
âDonât you have a client soon?â Seungcheol sighs.
âPoint taken, Iâll leave you be,â Mingyu says, patting him on the shoulder.Â
As soon as his friend is inside, Seungcheol pulls out his phone. He thinks about what heâs going to say to you, before typing out an easy, âUp to anything tonight?â
Heâs shocked by how quick your response is. âItâs Sunmiâs birthday this week so weâre celebrating tonight since itâs Saturday.â
Seungcheolâs mood drops, and a moment later, youâre calling him.
âHi,â he says.
âHi,â you respond. âHow are you doing?â
âNot so bad.â He wants to tell you that itâs his birthday tonight, wants to try to convince you to come, but at the same time, he doesnât want to guilt you, doesnât want to mess up your plans. âWhatâs up?â
âI just⌠I know weâve only gone on one actual date, and I only met you a week ago, but⌠I just want you to know, when I go out tonight, Iâm not going to be hitting on anyone or anything.â
Heâs taken aback for a moment. âI wasnât really worried about that.â
âOkay! Good! I just- I know with your ex and everything- and I just, I figured Iâd clarify, even though weâve only been on one date, Iâm a one guy at a time kind of girl.â
He respects that youâre so direct about this, and he appreciates your loyalty. You really are a good person.Â
âIâm a one girl at a time kind of guy,â Seungcheol says finally. âGlad weâre on the same page about that.â
âMe too.â He can hear your smile, and it makes his heart swell.Â
âAnyways, Iâll let you go. Have fun tonight.â
âI will, bye, Cheol.â
Nine:
Youâre having a great night. The drinks have been flowing, and youâre having a fun time celebrating Sunmiâs birthday. Things are fuzzy in the best way- until you hear a familiar voice say your name.
You turn to find your ex standing close to you at the bar, and your heart sinks in your chest.
âItâs been a while,â your ex states.
You canât even find the words to speak, suddenly getting drunk seems like a horrible idea.
Youâve just started to feel safe again, to feel stable- youâd thought being out with your friends, you could let loose, but now your ex is here and your heart is beginning to race.
âHave you been drinking?â your ex asks, coming to stand closer to you at the bar top, where youâd been sipping a gin and tonic.Â
âI, uh-â your words catch in your throat, and you swallow thickly. âItâs Sunminâs birthday.â
Your ex nods, and when you look toward your table, you see Sunmin gaping at you.
Turning away from Sunmi, your ex addresses you. âIs she still a huge bitch?â
âI-â you want to defend your friend, but you feel frozen. You canât think- youâre completely overwhelmed, and you can hear the blood rushing in your ears, your heart like thunder in your chest.
âWe need to talk,â your ex says next. âCome outside with me.â
He grabs your arm, and then a hand wraps around yours. You turn to see Sunmi standing there, glaring at your ex. âWhat do you think youâre doing?!â she asks.
âY/N and I need to have a chat outside,â your ex sighs, being very dismissive.
âShe doesnât have to go anywhere with you,â Sunmi insists. âHoney, do you want to go with him?â
You quickly shake your head, moving closer to your friend for safety.
âShe doesnât know what she wants,â your ex rolls his eyes, tightening his grip on your arm to the point where it almost hurts.
âWeâre going to the bathroom,â Sunmi insists, somehow successfully tugging you away from your ex.Â
âRun away, but Iâll be right here to talk to her when youâre done.â
It feels like a blur as Sunmi races you to the womanâs washroom. âY/N,â she helps you to the sink, looking at your face. âAre you okay?â
âI-â
Sunmi pulls you to her chest, hugging you deeply. âWeâre going to sort this out,â she promises.
âHow?â You feel like crying. All the emotions come flooding back, the fear, the helplessness-
âWeâre going to call Seungcheol.â
âWhat?â Youâre in shock. âWe canât do that!â
âWe can, and we will. Men like your ex only respond to other men. Weâre calling him. Give me your phone.â
Reluctantly, you hand Sunmi your cell, turning on the sink to splash your arms with cold water.
âHi, Seungcheol?â Thereâs a pause. âNo, this is Sunmi. Iâm out with y/n, weâre at a bar on Elm and fifth street, her ex just showed up- okay, okay, yeah, weâre in the bathroom in the back.â
She hangs up and you look to her for an explanation.
Your friend lets out a sigh. âAs soon as I said your ex was here, Seungcheol said to give him five minutes. Iâm going to keep you here and heâll come get us, okay?â
You nod. âIâm sorry to ruin your birthday.â
âHoney, youâre not ruining anything,â she assures you, pulling you in for another hug.Â
You hold back tears while you wait with Sunmi, and in no time at all, thereâs a knock on the bathroom door. Seungcheol pokes his head in, and you see his expression drop when he sees you.
âWhat happened?â he growls, coming to join you.
âHer ex was trying to drag her outside-â Sunmi tries to explain.
âHe touched you?â Seungcheol asks, anger laced in his words.
You nod, pointing to your forearm.Â
âGrabbed is more like it,â Sunmi breathes.
âOkay,â Seungcheol nods. âOkay, Iâll get you out of here. Just hold onto me and weâll get out of here.â
You nod again, allowing Seungcheol to gently take your hand. He guides you out of the bathroom, and you huddle close to his side as he walks you through the bar- you almost think things will go smoothly when your ex steps in front of you.
âWhoâs this, youâre new boyfriend?â he asks, venom dripping from his words.
Seungcheol stops in his tracks. âSo you must be the dip shit ex.â
âSay that again, asshole,â your ex growls, eyes narrowing.
âYou must be-â Seungcheol broadens his shoulders, âthe dip shit ex.â
Your ex releases a laugh, and then heâs taking a swing. It feels slow and fast at the same time, Sunmi tears you away from Seungcheol, who dodges the punch easily, only to land a blow to your exâs stomach-
âY/N! Sunmi!â Mingyuâs voice appears out of nowhere, and suddenly two strong arms are wrapping around you and your friend. âOutside!â
Mingyu keeps you close as he gets you and Sunmi out of the bar while a commotion ensues in your wake. Four motorcycles are pulled up on the curb. You recognize Vernon, and thereâs another man youâve never seen before.
âCheolâs starting shit,â Mingyu tells his friends quickly.
âWe heard your ex was here?â Vernon offers, giving you a sympathetic look.
âHe threw a swing at Cheol when I got inside,â Mingyu tries to explain. âY/N, weâre going to get you out of here, Wonwoo pass me the spare helmet from the saddlebag.â
âWhat about Seungcheol?â you ask, watching the men fuss.
âHe can take care of himself,â Mingyu assures you, helping you put on the helmet.
âCheol will meet us at our place,â the new man, Wonwoo, says. âWhen he gets hot like this, he doesnât drive very safely.â
âTrust us,â Mingyu pleads. âWe just gotta get you out of here, your ex made the first swing, and nothing good can come from this now.â
You turn to Sunmi and she squeezes your hand. âItâs okay, get out of here. Iâll text you what happens.â
You canât even think as Mingyu gets onto his bike and you awkwardly take the seat behind him. You canât comprehend how things happened the way they did- how fast the altercation had been before your ex had taken a go at Seungcheol.
As you leave the bar, heart thundering in your chest, itâs the most you can do to try to slow your breathing, your body still carrying the trauma that youâd endured with your ex, the wound youâd thought was healed now torn open.
Ten:
âAre you sure this is okay?â you ask as Mingyu covers you with a large fluffy blanket on his couch. âI mean- you just said your girlfriend is four months pregnant and sleeping in the other room-â
âItâs fine,â Mingyu assures you.
âIâm sorry if I ruined your night.â Youâd found your ability to speak again once you felt safe and in Mingyuâs apartment, and now, you canât help the anxiety bubbling inside of you. You feel like a burden- and itâs an all too familiar feeling from your time with your ex.
âYou didnât ruin it, we were almost done anyways,â Wonwoo notes.Â
âAre you sure?âÂ
âY/N, deep breaths,â Mingyu tells you, sitting on the couch next to you, offering your calf a reassuring squeeze.
âIs Cheol going to be okay?â you ask.
âHeâs going to be fine, that man has never lost a fight,â Mingyu explains, smiling softly.
In the distance, you hear an engine revving, and Wonwoo sighs. âThere he is.â
Not even five minutes later, Seungcheol is practically bursting through the door. His eyes find you on the couch, and youâre quick to stand, allowing him to envelop you in a hug. His heart is racing in his chest, heâs clearly panicked, and when he pulls away, he looks down at you with wide eyes.
âAre you okay?â he questions, cupping your face as if checking you for injury.
âIâm okay, are you okay?â you retort.
âJust a few bruised knuckles,â he assures you.Â
You find yourself laughing, and as you laugh, your eyes well up with tears. Now that heâs here, you finally feel like you can take a deep breath, and heâs quick to tug you back to his chest as you cry.
âIâm going to give you a moment, then Iâm going to take you home,â he tells you, hand smoothing up and down your back.
You stay in his arms until you feel a bit better, and when you pull away, Mingyu is offering you a tissue. You clean yourself up, say your goodbyes, then Seungcheol walks you out with the spare helmet in hand.
He doesnât say anything on the way down, but at the bike, he hands you his fullface. âWant you protected,â he tells you, grabbing the bucket helmet from your grasp.
You nod, putting on the helmet and allowing him to help you fasten it up.Â
Youâre quiet as you both get onto the bike, and Seungcheol adjusts your hand to his hip, squeezing gently.Â
The bike roars to life and you take off.
Itâs a different feeling to be on a motorcycle while still a little drunk, and you find yourself throwing your head back to look up at the night sky.Â
Youâve seen the stars before, but on the back of Seungcheolâs bike, it feels like you're experiencing them for the first time.Â
You lose track of time doing this, and the ride is done sooner than youâd like when he pulls up to your building. âCome on, baby,â he says softly, helping you take off your helmet. âLetâs get you upstairs.â
He holds your hand, helping you with your keys to get into the apartment complex. The elevator ride is quiet, but his hand is a reassuring constant, warm and large wrapped around your own.
Heâs never been to your place, and you feel a little self conscious as you open up your door. Itâs a modest apartment, one bedroom- thereâs really nothing to be insecure about, but you think maybe your anxiety from the bar incident is just making you a little crazy.
âHow about you sit down, and Iâll get you some water?â he suggests, helping you to the couch.
You kick off your high heels, curling up on the cushions while Seungcheol putters around your kitchen. He already looks like he belongs here, and for a brief moment, you can forget about your ex.
Seungcheol rejoins you on the couch, handing you the cup. âHere.âÂ
âThank you.â
You sip on your water, trying to breathe properly again.
Seungcheol gives you the space to unwind. He doesnât pester you with questions about the altercation with your ex at the bar, and youâre grateful for it.
âYouâre not hurt, are you?â he asks finally.
You shake your head, your eyes dropping to his hands. âYouâre hurt though.â
âJust bruised knuckles,â he assures you.Â
âThereâs blood,â you insist. âIâll-â
âTell me where your first aid kit is and Iâll grab it.âÂ
You direct him to the cupboard in your bathroom, and he returns with it, setting the case onto your coffee table.Â
âHowâs your shoulder?â you ask as you take out the tools youâll need.
âAlmost better, I heal fast,â he says softly.
It feels good to focus on his wounds rather than your own, and you gently clean the scrapes on his hand. His right fist is pretty badly bruised, and you do your best to treat it. Then you begin to slowly wrap his knuckles, taking your time. Two wraps around his wrist, diagonal across the top to his pinky, under the hand, to the pointer, diagonal-Â
Itâs a nice repetition of motions, and when youâre all done, you lift his hand to your lips, gently pressing a kiss to his knuckles. âAll better.â
You look up at Seungcheol, and he stares back.
Then, he slowly moves in, carefully watching your expression. He stops just an inch from your lips, and you can feel his breath on your face. Heâs waiting for you to make the final move, for you to be the one with control.
With one last look at your beautiful, dark protector, you close the distance.
Itâs a soft kiss, not the kind of first kiss youâve ever had before. Seungcheol doesnât immediately try to dominate you like men in the past have, he lets you set the pace. You lean in closer, grabbing his shoulders to stabilize yourself as you deepen the kiss.Â
Seungcheolâs arms wrap around you, and itâs a somewhat awkward position on the couch like this, so he simply pulls you onto his lap.Â
You lose yourself in the kiss, allowing all your anxiety to dissipate while you enjoy the safety Seungcheol provides.Â
After a while, Seungcheol pulls away, and youâre both breathing heavily.Â
âHow⌠how do your knuckles feel?â you ask.
He laughs, looking down at his hands. âI might black out my fingers when this is all healed,â he admits. âI get into too many barfights. My grandma used to say it was the Leo in me.â
âThe Leo in you?â you repeat, heard thumping wildly in your chest.
âYeah, I uhâŚâ he lets out a soft chuckle, âI didnât wanna pressure you to come out or anything after I heard you were at a friendâs birthday party, but itâs sort of my birthday today.â
Youâre frozen for a moment. âHappy birthday.â
âThanks.â
âYouâre a Leo,â you say again.
âUh huh. Youâre not about to tell me some weird zodiac rule about our signs not being compatible, are you?â
âNo, itâs not that.â You take a deep breath. Just a short time ago, youâd decided not to tell him about the Elk tattoo meaning, and now here you are, about to tell him everything.Â
Youâre not sure if itâs the adrenaline from the bar situation, or the slight tipsyness, but you think fuck it, if he could tell you about his tarot loving grandmother, you can tell him about this.
âA few months ago, I did a reading,â you begin to explain.
âA tarot reading,â he clarifies.
âYeah. And I asked my guides to show me a spirit animal card that would be a tattoo on the person Iâm supposed to be with. The card came up as an Elk- and before you tell me itâs a very common tattoo, I know it is, which is why I asked for further clarification with them telling me the zodiac of this person too-â
âAnd they said Leo,â he breathes.
You nod. âThen, when I met you, the Elk lined up, but I still wasnât sure, so I did another reading on us, and the Two of Cups came out, itâs a love card. So with those two cards, and now the fact that youâre a Leo-â
âIs this your way of telling me you think Iâm your soulmate?â Seungcheol grins.
âGod, I should have guessed youâre a fucking Leo,â you roll your eyes.
âDonât be rude,â he tuts, gently pinching your hip. âIf itâs any consolation, my grandmother always told me Iâd end up with someone in the medical field, and youâre an ER nurse.â
âShe really said that?â you ask.
âUh huh.â Seungcheolâs gaze dips to your lips then back up again. âI wonder if she saw this future.â
Your heart melts. After your last relationship, where the lovebombing came on fast, youâd promised yourself not to get burned by that sort of thing again- but here you are, falling for Seungcheol way quicker than you ever have with anyone else in the past.
Even so, something about this feels so right.
You let out a breath. âOne time with the Elk may have been coincidence. Two times with the Two of Cups card was a little odd. But three times with your Leo Zodiac-â
âI guess the question is, do you believe in fate?â Seungcheol moves closer.
âI think you know that I do,â you laugh.
Seungcheolâs hands squeeze your hips, and he doesnât say anything else as he brings his mouth to yours.
You kiss him eagerly, wrapping your arms around him, pressing your chests together. His tongue glides against your own and it feels like magic- thereâs a bulge growing in his pants, and you canât help but begin to grind down against him.
Seungcheol releases a small groan and itâs music to your ears, prompting you to apply more pressure to his cock when you wriggle against him.
With a sigh, Seungcheol pulls away. âBaby,â he says softly, âyouâve been drinking and I donât want to take advantage tonight-â
âI swear that whole situation with my ex sobered me up,â you admit. âBesides, maybe I want to give you a birthday present.âÂ
âA birthday present?â he repeats with a chuckle.
You nod. âCheol, I havenât even kissed anyone in months- Iâm already practically drenched from making out, you wonât make me wait even longer, will you?â
He studies your face, and you can see the moment he folds. âWe can do this, but at any point if I think you look drunk, we have to stop. I donât want you to regret this being our first time.â
âI could never regret this,â you promise, leaning in to press your lips to his throat.
Seungcheol throws his head back, his fingers digging into your hips again. The low moan he releases tells you that he has a sensitive neck, and you enjoy simply teasing him for a minute while you mentally prep yourself for whatâs to come next.
You do want to move on, and this is one of those steps.
Youâre not afraid of it. You had been frightened about intimacy with someone new, but Seungcheol makes you feel more safe than youâve ever felt in your life.
You want this.Â
You shift a little on Seungcheolâs lap, reaching down to cup his cock with your palm.Â
Seungcheol swallows thickly, his hands smoothing up and down your hips. âAre you sure?â he asks. âYou donât want me to take care of you?â
âItâs your birthday,â you point out. âAnd you took care of me at the bar, I think itâs my turn to show some appreciation.â
He doesnât argue with you, and you can feel the tension leaving his shoulders. He lets out a deep breath. âI know itâs early,â he says, âbut⌠if we do this, I donât want any confusion. I want you to know that youâre mine, and Iâm yours.â
âHonestly? Iâve been yours since practically the moment I saw you take your shirt off so I could clean your shoulder wound.â
Seungcheol releases a chuckle. âReally?â
âUh huh, you make me fucking feral.â
He lets out a groan of appreciation. âItâs been hard to control myself too. That day at the studio, when you touched my back tattoo- I was so close to breaking. Wanted to throw you onto my desk and make you feel good.â
You imagine what that would have been like, and it makes you moan. âWhy didnât you?â
âI could tell you had a past, and I didnât want to scare you off,â he admits. âIâve been⌠trying to be a good boy.â
Your bad boy trying to be good to make you comfortable. You really hit the jackpot with Seungcheol.
âCheol, Iâve told you I have a thing for bad boys,â you tease.
âSo maybe I should take control right now,â he suggests with a grin.
âLet me suck you off, and then you can take control,â you tell him, pulling away. âIâm going to get on my knees now.â
Seungcheol watches you slip onto the floor infront of him, and your hands find his belt. You try to focus on your task of getting his pants off, but you enjoy sneaking glances at him, seeing his pretty face as he tries to keep composure.
He lifts his hips to help you tug his jeans down, and his cock slaps up against his lower abdomen, hard and already leaking.
Heâs a decent size, somewhere between six and seven inches, and his cock is as girthy as the rest of him. You lick your lips, grabbing the base so you can adjust him toward your mouth as you lean in.
âNo teasing,â Seungcheol warns, voice softening when he says, âplease.âÂ
âWouldnât dream of it.â
âLiar,â he laughs, reaching out to stroke your head.
You slip the tip of his cock into your mouth, swirling your tongue.Â
âAnd thatâs the teasing I was talking about,â Seungcheol muses. âFeels good though.â
You sink further down onto him, beginning to suck as you move up and down.
âFuck, that feels even better,â he groans.
When you were with your ex, blow jobs were an expectation, and because of that, you never really enjoyed them. Thereâs something powerful about doing this of your own volition, about making the conscious choice to pleasure Seungcheol.
You close your eyes, getting lost in the motion of providing this for him. Hallowing your cheeks, you suck hard when youâre near the tip, and Seungcheol groans loudly, shifting further down on the couch so youâre not bent over him in such an awkward position.
âYouâre good at that, baby,â Seungcheol says. âBut thereâs only one birthday present Iâd enjoy more than this.â
You let out a âhmm?â sound, an inquiry.
âWhen Iâm balls deep in your pussy, watching you writhe under me, listening to your pretty sounds- that will be the cherry on top of this birthday,â he explains. âThank you for wanting to make me feel good, but- usually, baby, I like to be the giver.â
Your pussy throbs at his words, and you increase your speed on his cock, letting out a moan of appreciation.Â
âYeah? You like that?â he asks. âSay the word, baby, and Iâll make it happen.â
You pull off of him, your hand smoothing up from base to tip to pump him while you address your beautiful dark protector. âI just want to make you feel good a little while longer.â
His expression softens. âMaking me feel really good.â
You grin, returning to your task.Â
Seungcheolâs hand is gentle in your hair. He caresses you while you suck him off, never applying pressure or trying to get you to deep throat him. Itâs an ever constant, soft touch, and youâre shocked at how much of a gentleman this heavily tattooed, bar fighting, Leo can be.Â
âBaby?â His voice draws you from your thoughts. âI know I said you could say the word and be done, but- this feels too good, and I donât wanna bust the moment I begin to fuck you.â
You pull off of his cock with a pop, smiling up at him. âOkay.â
âOkay?â He lets out a shaky breath and grins. âWhereâs your bedroom, gorgeous?â
âRight there.â You point at the door adjacent to the living room.
âCome on, baby, itâs my turn to take care of you.â He helps you to your feet, pulling his pants back up, and youâre shocked when he throws you over his uninjured shoulder, carrying you to your bedroom while you erupt in a fit of butterfly fueled giggles.
Seungcheol lays you softly onto your bed, staring down at you. He takes in your silky shirt and your dress pants, you like to be more classy when you go out, to keep up with your reputation as a nurse.
The two of you are very different people. Heâs black ripped jeans, plain tshirts and tattoos. And youâre classy outfits, scrubs, and a healerâs touch. Somehow, even with these differences, the two of you work. Like Yin and Yang, complementary forces, light and dark.
âCan I take these off for you?â he asks, tugging at your pant leg.
You nod, watching the way he begins to undo your button and zipper. Heâs slow with his motions, precise. Itâs not a rush to get you naked, itâs an enjoyed exploration, and you love the way his eyes glow when you lift your hips to allow him to pull the fabric off your lower half.
âYouâre so pretty,â Seungcheol muses.
âYeah?â
âThat day you were in my shop with your friend, doing a consult with Vernon- I was trying to act like I was watching my newest apprentice work, but⌠I kept looking at you. And then, outside the bar, when you showed up again-â Seungcheol shakes his head, his hand smoothing along your leg gently. âBaby, youâre going to turn me into a believer.â
âInvisible string theory, perhaps,â you grin.
Seungcheol chuckles. âIf thatâs what you want to call it.â
He takes off his own shirt, and you watch the way his muscles move under his skin. Heâs littered in tattoos, patchwork on his arms and chest. There must be a hundred small to medium sized tattoos, and you want to know the story behind each and every one.
But thereâs a time and a place for that, and right now, youâre eager for something else.
Seungcheol gets on top of you, and you immediately thread your fingers through his soft dark hair, pulling his lips to your own.
Your free hand explores his muscular shoulders, careful of the bandage still on his bar wound, and youâre practically tingling with how attracted you are to this man.
He kisses you deeply, cupping your face while his other hand braces him to the bed over top of you.
Your legs wrap around his hips, pulling him closer, and he grinds against your panty clad core.
The pressure on your clit has you moaning, and Seungcheol responds by kissing down your throat. He licks at your collarbone, and then his hand moves from your cheek to your shirt. âCan I take this off?â he asks.
âUh huh, thereâs a tie at the back.â
Seungcheol pulls off of you, and in one motion, he flips you onto your stomach. His warm hand smooths over your shoulder, toying with the tie there.
You hold your breath in anticipation as he begins to undo the corset style back of your slinky top. He leans over you, pressing a kiss to the nape of your neck that makes your body erupt in goosebumps.Â
You enjoy the way he takes his time with your shirt, and he slowly helps you slip it off. Youâre laying flat on his bed, your tits pressed to the comforter, while Seungcheol explores your back with his hands. He traces the curvature of your sides, pressing kisses along your spine. Soft curls tickle your skin, and youâre grinning like the Cheshire Cat at how good this feels.
Seungcheol flips you over again, and his gaze dips to your exposed breasts. âYouâre so pretty,â he muses, gently groping your chest, his thumb grazing over your nipple. You watch him swallow thickly, and then heâs leaning over, taking the sensitive bud in his mouth while you tangle your fingers in his curls again.
With his mouth on your breast, his free hand slips down your body, and he tugs your panties down just enough for him to access your core.
Two digits rub between your pussy lips and you feel him smile against your nipple. âYou werenât lying about being wet, baby.â
âWould never lie to you,â you breathe out shakily.
âNo?â He circles your clit and you moan loudly.Â
âNever,â you repeat, pushing your hips up toward his hand, needing more friction.
Seungcheol rewards you by slipping both of his digits into your wet core, pressing his palm to your clit as he begins to finger fuck you. He sucks on your breast while he does this, and youâre lost in the sensations he provides.
âFuck, Cheol-â you whimper when his teeth graze your nipple, your pussy clenching tight around his fingers.
âWanna make you cum,â Seungcheol says, pulling away from your breast to look down at you.
âThen make me cum,â you respond, nodding at him.
Seungcheol presses one last kiss to your lips and then he shifts down the bed, pulling his fingers from your core. He gets onto his knees at the foot of the mattress, dragging you toward himself and pulling your panties off.
He spreads your thighs. âSo pretty,â he muses. âEverything about you is so fucking pretty.â
Your skin heats, it can be hard to take a compliment, but something tells you that Seungcheol will get you used to this kind of praise.
He leans forward, eyes meeting yours as he presses a kiss to your clit. You jolt at the small contact, releasing a shaky breath.
No one has eaten you out in months, and your core is already throbbing with anticipation.Â
âGonna take care of you,â Seungcheol promises, and you know that this promise extends far past the sexual setting youâre in right now.
He moves forward again, capturing your clit in his mouth while his digits easily slip into your pussy again.
You throw your head back, enjoying the sensation of him worshiping your cunt. Heâs gentle with his motions at first, kitten licking your sensitive bud. You know heâs getting used to your sounds, figuring out what pressure works, what you enjoy, whether thats sucking, or more gentle stimulus.
âFeels good,â you tell him. âLike the way you crook your fingers.â
He responds by applying more pressure to the âcome hitherâ motion heâs making, and you release a whine at how good it feels.
âJust like that,â you whimper.
He sucks your clit harder too, and you moan louder, hips bucking toward his face.
Seungcheolâs free hand finds your lower abdomen and he pins you to his bed, keeping you still while he works on your pussy.
You can feel your walls clenching around him, and Seungcheol releases a groan of pleasure. It adds to your own feeling of euphoria that clearly heâs enjoying this. He hadnât been lying when he said heâs usually a giver, and the fact that he doesnât see this as a chore has you able to enjoy it fully, unlike certain past experiences where men had to be begged into eating you out.
Sex with Seungcheol - even foreplay like this - feels so natural. Youâre not as in your head as you usually are, with his nonverbal communications and moans, you can be certain heâs enjoying this as much as you are, and it gives you the confidence to give yourself over completely to the pleasure.
Sex should always be like this, you realize.
Thereâs no pressure, no worrisome thoughts, itâs just two souls connecting physically in a way thatâs mutually beneficial.Â
Having not been eaten out in a long time, itâs not surprising that youâre extremely sensitive, and Seungcheol works you all the way to the edge before you can even comprehend whatâs happening.
âCheol-â you whimper, threading your fingers in his hair, âIâm gonna-â
You donât get to finish your sentence, he sucks harshly on your clit, and your words become moans as your orgasm surges through you.
His hand on your abdomen keeps you steady as he works you through your high, sucking on your clit until your legs are shaking on his broad shoulders.
Seungcheol pulls away, and you open your eyes to watch him wipe the back of his mouth, licking his fingers clean.Â
âStill want this?â he asks, hooking his fingers in the waistband of his jeans.
âMore than anything,â you smile.
A moment later, Seungcheol is as naked as you are, and he gets between your thighs again, lips returning to your own. He doesnât immediately slip his cock into you, instead, he grinds against your core, teasing your sensitive clit and driving you wild.
You kiss him eagerly, threading your fingers through his hair and groping his muscular shoulders, enjoying the feeling of him despite the need growing inside of you.
Youâre reminded again that thereâs no rush.
You can take pleasure in this without feeling like you need to be getting fucked to be worth something.
Youâre a hundred percent sure that if youâd told Seungcheol youâre not ready for sex, he would have stopped, cuddled you, and not taken it personally. Thereâs this feeling that Seungcheol is going to be around for a long time- and as crazy as it is with how short of a time youâve known him, you know that your connection runs deeper than your physical attraction.
Seungcheol shifts slightly, grabbing at his cock. You bite at your lip while you wait for him to line it up with your core, and you break your kiss, panting. Your eyes meet as he slips the head of his length into your wet hole, and you both groan at the feeling.
âFuck,â Seungcheol moans, sinking in inch by inch. âYou feel so fucking good.âÂ
âYou feel better,â you retort, kissing his cheek and nuzzling his nose.
âImpossible,â he grins, burying his face in your throat as he begins to fuck you.
You claw at his shoulders, crying out with each thrust. He fills you so well- he has probably one of the biggest cocks youâve ever taken, and the way he stretches you out is like heaven, like he was made to be in your pussy.
The sounds heâs making are unlike any other pleasured noises youâve ever heard.
Nothing has ever felt this right.
Seungcheolâs uninjured hand finds your own, and he laces your fingers, squeezing you reassuringly as he fucks you harder, his speed increasing.
His lips are hot on your neck, and it feels delightful. You love just laying back and taking everything heâs giving you. Heâs so big, like a warm, weighted blanket covering your form.
Your toes are already curling at how deep heâs hitting, and your thighs shake desperately around his hips.
âCheol-â
âYes, baby?â he asks.
âYou just- fuck, this feels so good-â
âYou deserve to feel good,â Seungcheol tells you. âYou work so hard for others, Iâm lucky I get to be the guy working for you.â
Your heart swells at his words. Past boyfriendsâ haven't ever truly appreciated how hard it is to be an emergency room nurse. You spend your whole shift taking care of others, and that high pressure, intense mentality bleeds into your personal life. It's a sweet relief to be the one on the receiving end, to relax and know that you can fully give yourself up to the pleasure and desire you feel, without feeling obligated to return this favour with future sexual gratifications.
Seungcheolâs lips meet your own, and you get lost in him, moaning desperately as he works your pussy open.
His thrusts slow, and he stays completely still inside of you for a moment, then pulls away.
âCan you shift onto your side for me?â he asks. âOne leg straight on the bed, the other thigh pulled closer to your chest.â
Itâs a position youâve never tried before, but you trust Seungcheol, and youâre quick to adjust. You lay half on your side, one leg stretched between his knees while you bring your other toward your breasts.Â
Seungcheolâs warm hand finds your thigh, and he helps bend you, his free hand guiding his cock to your pussy again.
When he pushes in this time, it feels even deeper, and you let out a squeak at the stimulation.
âYou like that?â he asks, hand moving from your thigh to your breast, where he gently pinches your nipple.
âSo deep- I feel so full-â you whimper.
Seungcheol only grins, and heâs an absolute vision in this position. Heâs practically on his knees, and his chest is all exposed and gorgeous. His tattoos are beautiful as he massages your breast with one hand, the other on your thigh, anchoring you while he fucks you.
Youâre not sure if itâs the sideways angle or what, but heâs hitting a spot that has your toes curling tight, your pussy clenching.
âFuck-â you moan.
âShit, I should have asked this before-â Seungcheol says, voice shaky, âdo I need to pull out or-â
âIâm on birth control,â you assure him. âYou can cum inside.â
âFuck,â Seungcheol groans, rutting into you even harder.Â
âKinda want you to fill me up,â you admit.
âYouâre way too sexy, baby, holy shit-â
You can tell your words are doing a number on him, and it makes your core throb with pleasure.
âCan you rub your clit?â he asks. âWant you to cum with me. I hate cumming alone.â
âYeah.â Your hand slips between your thighs awkwardly, and Seungcheol decreases his pace to give you a chance to catch up to his pleasure.
His movements are slower now, more precise, his cock hitting that spot deep inside that has you crying out again.
âYou look so good like this,â Seungcheol tells you. âMy pretty little nurse.â
For some reason, his words just do something to you, and your core throbs even harder. âCheol, Iâm close-â you warn him,
âTell me when youâre almost there and Iâll go fast again.â
You focus on the sight of him, on the tattoos and muscles, his strong features and the pretty dark curls. His small groans egg you on, and youâre at the edge in no time, giving him a nod. âOkay-â
He releases your breast, using both hands on your leg now to steady himself as he fucks you stupid, your whole body jolting with each motion. You let out a desperate whine, rubbing your clit even harder-
âFuck, fuck-â Seungcheol groans. âFeels so fucking good- fuck, cum with me, baby, cum with me-â
You moan in response, your core clenching down desperately on his cock as your orgasm explodes through you. Your whole body shivers with endorphins, heart racing in your chest.
Seungcheol throws his head back, releasing an extremely sexy groan as he cums with you, fingers digging into your skin as he thrusts slowly and deeply, working you through your orgasms.
You rub your clit until you canât take it anymore, tearing your hand away.
Seungcheol slumps forward, stilling completely, and you greedily grab at his shoulders. He collapses half on top of you, and you thread your fingers through his hair, panting hard.
His forehead rests against your own, and you both just try to catch your breath.
Youâve never felt connected to someone the way you feel connected to Seungcheol in this moment. Itâs all consuming, and it makes you emotional as you come down from your high.
Seungcheol must notice your shaky breathing because he opens his eyes and looks at you. âYou okay, baby?â
âIâm just-â you swallow thickly. âI donât know-â
You canât voice it, canât voice the way youâre feeling. There are so many thoughts swirling around in your head, so many past traumas rearing their ugly faces and making you second guess yourself-
âIâm yours, and youâre mine,â Seungcheol breathes, pressing a kiss to your lips. âIâm not going anywhere.â
And just like that, he can clear all of your anxieties, as if he was able to read your mind and see your fears.Â
Youâve always been drawn to bad boys, to men who you envision as some kind of dark protector- and now, you think youâve finally found the right one.Â
âď¸Â mlist + an. Thank you so much for reading! this fic is written in conjunction to my other story 'crossroads,' read more about Mingyu, Wonwoo, and their y/n here
đ support me by. sending a tip here or here - or become a patron to access monthly bonus content and extensions for fics like this one :) find the Patreon teaser below!Â
đŽ preview. Seungcheolâs thrusts get faster, and he rests his forehead against your spine while he rails you into the blow up mattress at a campsite where anyone could walk by. His baby fever is at an all time high, and heâs fucking you like a man who means every word heâs saying.
cw/ tw.  Unprotected sex, sex in a campsite, exhibitionism, staying quiet during sex, pussy eating, fingering, large/muscled/tattooed Cheol, quickie, baby fever, dirty talk, breeding kink, praise, breast worship, etcâŚ
đšÂ rating. 18+ explicit I wc. 2.6k I teaser wc. 180
đ starring. Choi Seungcheol x afab!Reader
 bonus
Itâs been just under a year since you started dating Seungcheol, and through him, youâve found a family. Many trivia nights, and bowling excursions have been spent with Seungcheol, his friends, Sunmi, her sister, and her sisterâs boyfriend Jeonghan. Once youâd met everyone face to face, it had been much easier to track Sunmiâs convoluted explanation of her connection to the tattoo parlour, and itâs been a joy to become so close with so many wonderful people.
Sunmiâs sisterâs boyfriend, Jeonghan, is cousins with Mingyu and Wonwooâs girlfriend, whoâd had a beautiful baby girl this past January, and now, itâs the babyâs first summer. You donât mind the shift of hang outs to be more baby inclusive, and now, you find yourself at a campsite with the whole gang.
While everyone is quite enamored with the little baby girl, Haesoo, no one is more obsessed than your boyfriend Seungcheol. You always get to see him coddling her while out and about as a group, but in the past three days at this campsite, youâve contracted a serious case of baby fever.
âď¸ to read the full fic AND 2.6k bonus NOW, subscribe to my Patreon, then click here
đš or check out what else is on my patreon here
đŽif nothing strikes your fancy, check out my m.list
general taglist
@gotshinct - @runahways - @milkteade -Â @mocha000
@anothershorthuman - @notbeforelong - @darthlunaa
@chogiwapadada - @meowniee - @pandabur666
@just-here-to-read-01â - @shiningnono - @lovelyhan -
@grilledbananas - @quennlenn - @zezedoesshit
@unlikelysublimekryptonite - @wonwoothinker
svt taglist
@candidupped - @cheolussy - @aaniag - @imprettyweird
@xcynthiaaa
thanks to those who interacted with the teaser
@sourkimchi - @honeyhotteoks - @hearts4yawnzzn - @blspphr3
@amazinggraxia - @biancaness - @iightsung - @luvseungcheol
@9900z - @clownprincehoeshi - @heydaystay - @gimmematchas
@bouclesdefeu - @if-i-like-i-reblog - @gyuguys - 38 @sammylvr
@xcherrywaltz - @bobathi - @simpxxstan - @changbinlov3r
@jeonghansbf - @amultislifeforme - @wonyderful - @markgeollie
@ibelieve-icanfly - @cherrycheoliee
#seungcheol smut#svthub#thediamondlifenetwork#choi seungcheol#choi seungcheol smut#svt#svt smut#seventeen#seventeen smut#scoups#scoups smut#s coups#s coups smut#seungcheol x reader#s.coups#s.coups smut#choi seungcheol x reader#svt seungcheol#seungcheol svt
3K notes
¡
View notes
Text
â read you like a book
sdv!harvey x f!reader
rated e - 5k
Tags: gentledom/service!dom harvey, mutual pining/ yearning, mention of alcohol, flirting, kissing, begging, teasing, body worship, oral sex, vaginal fingering, implied squirting, multiple orgasms
A/N: had the thought that Harvey would know just how to take care of you, and wanted to explore that idea (and still deep in my Harvey-is-a-dirty-talker era)
âYou want to know what I was really thinking about?â Harvey rasps, the tips of his fingers skating against your waist, slipping down to tease against the elastic band.
âI was thinking-,â A finger slips beneath the band, testing the elastic. Inching it away from your skin, but not making to remove them, âA girl like you should be taken care of.â
His voice drops, âAnd that I wanted to be the one to do it.â
(Or - Harvey overhears about your past lackluster experiences, and canât help wanting to lend a hand)
Thereâs the clack of pool balls colliding in your corner of the Stardrop Saloon. The jaunty piano music muted, your fingers wrapping around a sweat-dewed glass.
A late-night Friday evening, the conversation already turning debauched as your off-handed remark of feeling frustrated was quickly misinterpreted and took another turn. Spiraling away from you, with their overlapping ideas.
Your nose crinkling with a suggestion to use the community board, one that has them bent-over with laughter - you could only imagine the shock at seeing such a message.
Help Wanted: Farmer looking to get ploughed. Used to getting a little dirty. If interested, please callâŚ
âCould use an app. Been a while, but I used to do that.â Shaneâs wiggles his phone at you, keying in the website for FerngillFlings. Flashing the front page at you, all while you try to ignore the clench of jealousy that flares to life in your stomach.
Sam leans over you, squinting at the screen, âYou canât tell me that works. Your matches come all the way out here?â
âSure do.â Shaneâs shoulder lifts in a shrug, from where his arm rests on the couch behind you. âHavenât heard any complaints.â
The double-innuendo isnât missed, your tongue poking into your cheek as your head shakes in exasperation.
âHavenât heard, or havenât listened?â Abigail shoots back with a smirk, and he rolls his eyes at her in response.
âAny matches from here?â You canât help but ask, glancing sideways at him in curiosity.
He slumps a little further in his seat, knee knocking against yours, âWouldnât you like to know, farm girl?â
Thick fingers curl around the can before it lifts it to his lips, hiding his own smirk as you stiffen beside him.
Shane infuriated you. Always teasing, never answering a question directly. Deflecting a sly comment with a dry one of his own, until you werenât sure where you stood with him.
Youâd given up a while ago.
Your heart now quite taken with another.
âI think weâd all like to know.â Abigail chimes in, and you send a grin her way.
âI thought we were still talking about Miss Grange Queen?â
Your look turns apologetic - you know Pierre has been prepping all week as well - but she brushes it off, âI donât care. Honestly, I hope you win this year. But he is rightâŚâ
A chipped polished nail taps her lip, before she fixes you with a look of concern, âWhen was the last time you got laid?â
The gulping swallow of your drink goes down wrong, making you splutter. A solid hand thumps you on the back, as your palm swipes across your mouth.
âWhat?â You manage, through watery eyes.
âOkay, we definitely gotta know.â The hand still rests against you, pinned against the plush cushion of the couch. Fingers tapping expectantly between your shoulders.
Yoba almighty.
You know they wonât back down. Even Sam lingers, eyebrows raised as his hip rests against the edge of the pool table.
âItâs been⌠a while.â You hedge, glancing around the room before you can answer. Voice lowering - not worried about the bar, itâs too far away.
More concerned about the booth that sits just across the room. Occupied when you arrived - your gaze flicking to Elliot often as he had sat alone, waiting.
Knowing who would be coming - a little flip in your stomach with Harvey arrived late, red-cheeked from the run, the novel pinched between his fingers.
You thought it was cute. Their little weekly book club. On another night you would have hoped to eavesdrop - figure out what the choice was for this month.
âYou talking weeks? Months?â Sam asks, ignoring the glare from Sebastian, the hip check that follows - indicating his turn.
âPre-farm,â Your head shakes, âTwo years, maybe?â
âYears?â Abigail screeches, as your eyes widen - a hand coming to press unconsciously against a burning cheek.
Unable to help the sidelong look at the table across the way. The heat in your cheek rising to your ears when your eyes meet hazel ones, before youâre dropping your gaze.
âItâs not worth it,â You try to rein them in, all but pleading, âItâs not like itâs all that satisfying either, you know?â
âYou mean you donâtâŚ?â Abigail suggests - looking at you dubiously, and even Sebastian is turning to give you a pitying look.
âI mean⌠sometimes, I guess?â Your shoulder lifts, and then drops, âItâs not a big deal.â
You could get there yourself just fine. Have certainly managed, with your current dry spell. Before, you sometimes would afterwards - alone - easing the unresolved pleasure that licks in your belly.
But youâre sure it wasnât the same as having someone there with you. Having their focus so solely on you.
Itâs not something youâre about to explain. This has gotten too deep. Youâre used to the tales of Shaneâs old one night stands. The occasional complexities that come from Sam and Abigail both dating the same person, but these talks rarely focus on you.
âWhat kind of guys are you fucking?â Shane asks bluntly, making you gasp.
âNormal guys.â You hiss, âBesides, itâs probably just me.â
Taking a sip of your drink then to deflect, the sharp flavor making you cough.
âYou donât starfish, do you?â Sam pipes up, helpfully.
It has you almost choking again.
Shane smirks, âMaybe it is you, Farm Girl. Should have someone here take a look-â
You miss the end of his comment with the sudden, loud scrape of wood. Heads turning to where Harvey half-stands, his chair pushed back. Staring your way, with lips parted and brow furrowed.
âYou got something to say, Doc?â Shane scoffs, his voice a little too loud.
Harvey blinks, and reddens. Coming back to himself, a sharp click of teeth as they close - swiping his half-full glass from the table.
Mumbling something about needing a refill - before his head is dipping, and he makes towards the bar.
Your eyes follow him, before your hand is scrubbing over your face - the heels pressing into your eye sockets. And finally, mercifully, the subject is changed, a collective groan as Sam accidently knocks two stripes in the corner pockets.
But even as the evening fades - you canât quite shake Harveyâs expression from your mind.
The air is cool, hinting at the coming frost. Your jacket shrugged on as you step outside, before plunking down on the cobblestone path outside of the Stardrop.
Itâs dark, late. The scattered streetlights outside offering pockets of the town, the rest cast in hazy shadow.
Thereâs a flare of light to your side. Sebastian sneaking out for his smoke break, now that Robyn and Demetrius have called it a night. You sometimes go with him, keeping silent company.
Content to let your legs dangle, to listen to the croak and groan of the frogs near the river. To let your mind wander.
Tonight though, itâs still so singularly focused.
You donât feel embarrassed about what you said, only that he overheard it. Harvey had so much of his life together - surely a man who was there to discuss books and drink wine would not want to spent his evening listening to the lewd gossip of folks younger than him.
What if he took your words to heart, and thought you were not interested? What if he thought you werenât good? A sigh to yourself then, as you pull yourself together with a reminder. Not that he thinks anything of you.
But⌠you admit that you had hoped.
Itâs only now that you hear voices just down the path, two friends bidding goodbye. That shade of green youâve come to associate with Harvey has your ears pricking up - catching where they linger, near the park benches.
Bravery steeling itself, in your belly.
âIâm gonna head out,â You hear yourself saying, as you push to your feet, âIâll catch up with you guys tomorrow.â
âYou sure?â Sebastian asks, with a smoky exhale.
âYeah.â Itâs distracted. Giving him a wave, just as you skirt around the door that opens behind you.
Missing the pair of eyes that follow you as you leave.
Too far out of earshot to hear the murmured words, as he exhales another held drag from his cigarette, âYouâre missing your chance, man.â
And then the answer, growled out as Shaneâs hands shove deep into the pockets of his well-worn jacket.
âNever had one.â
âHarvey!â You call out, as he splits from his companion.
Missing how Elliot settles amongst the trio of benches, his book cracking open to finish the chapter under the streetlight.
Harvey lingers, in the middle of the cobblestone path. His expression almost wary, your explanation coming in a rush.
âI am sorry if we made you uncomfortable.â Your hands clasp together, fingers twisting, âWe shouldâve been more considerate. You and Elliot were there first.â
His expression clears at that, a slight mark between his eyebrows. Heâs tall, youâre realizing. Not that you didnât know, not that you havenât stood next to him on occasion.
But your heart had never quite pounded like this, never so acutely aware of your proximity - too used to the barrier of the counter in his office.
âNo, uh, not at all. I wasnât uncomfortable.â Harvey clarifies, his voice soft, âI certainly didnt mean to try to interrupt. Iâm afraid that was rude of me.â
His answer sends your mind careening into overdrive. Not quite taking his half-hearted excuse earlier, but too wrapped up in your embarrassment to truly process it.
That has you thinking - realizing that he had some sort of intention. Your heartbeat kicking up a notch, unable to help but wonder.
âCan I ask you something?â Your eyes search his, voice quiet in the night, âYou donât have to answer.â
The slight curve of his lips fall, an almost uneasy look passing his features - though he does not deny you, âIf youâd like.â
âWhat were you going to say?â You ask him âBack in the bar. You can tell me, I wonât tell anyone.â
Your words hang, for a moment. And then silence, enveloped by the soft sounds of the night.
âOh.â He hedges, a hand rubbing at the back of his neck, âItâs, ah⌠itâs just a shame.â
Your eyebrows lift, worry flooding through you as you wonder what he means.
âThat you havenât had a more⌠positive experience.â He finishes lamely.
The worry transforms, turning into a heated curiosity.
âWhy would it be a shame?â
The shade of pink deepens across his cheeks, hidden in the shadows. A finger unconsciously hooking around his collar and tugging.
âBecause thereâs no reason satisfaction canât be mutually inclusive,â He manages, âFrom uh, the point of view of a medical professional.â
Your lips press together to hide your laugh, charmed by his careful answer, âHow I wish that were true.â
And that had him fixing on you, catching you in the brunt of his gaze, âIt could be. Maybe you just havenât met the right person yet.â
It makes your breath catch. That hope flaring to life again. Reading into his meaning, daring yourself to ask, âIs that right? You know anyone around here?â
Only to watch the way his face goes carefully blank - his words slow, âIâm sure⌠Iâm sure you donât need my help to find out.â
Itâs hard not to feel disappointed. Hoping that there was an offer, woven into his words. The bit you had clung to leaves you, with the next exhale of your breath.
âIâm sure youâre right.â Your smile is small. Deflecting with a joke, because itâs all you know, âI donât starfish, by the way. If you heard that part.â
He huffs a laugh, the corners of his eyes crinkling.
âI didnât think you did.â
The look he gives you is at odds with his hesitance in answering. A soft, amused smile that makes your heart flip.
Yoba, you have it bad.
âGoodnight, Harvey.â You smile back - intent on ending the night before you make it worse, âAnd, thank you.â
His answer echos yours, his feet firmly rooted as you disappear into the night. Silence lingering under the soft glow of the street lamp, as his mind races.
âIf you were looking for an invitation, old friend,â An amused voice comes from the benches - where Elliot still sits, his book long forgotten.
âThat was it.â
The television blares as you stretch out on the couch - intent on unwinding a bit further, after a long day. Immediately stripping down to your loungewear as soon as you stepped in the door, cracking a window to let in the autumn air.
Your head rests on a pillow, an old quilt pulled haphazardly around your hips as you watch a rerun of The Queen of Sauce - something that fortunately required little attention.
Because your mind is occupied elsewhere, thinking back to the square with both chagrin and disappointment. Hoping that maybe Harvey had drank more wine than you thought - that maybe he wouldnât remember how you all but threw yourself at him.
Gentleman that he is, he probably just wouldnât bring it up in the first place. You donât know if thatâs more preferable, or less - perhaps you owe him yet another apology.
A timid knock at the door draws your attention, your feet silent as you slip from the couch. You really should move it - giving yourself a view of the small, narrow porch. Maybe installing another light outside.
But this was Pelican Town, you remind yourself - youâre not in the big city anymore. It was probably Abigail, not wanting to head home yet.
For now, you move to the door, pausing to shrug on the worn, plaid barn coat that hangs by the door, buttoning it in an last-minute attempt at modesty.
Your hand on the frame of the door as you crack the front door open, close enough to grab the old wooden bat you have tucked next to the rickety side table.
Eyes going wide when you realize who it is.
Harvey. His face half-turned away, looking like heâs second-guessing himself from your delay - half-way ready to book it down the steps that lead to the packed dirt road.
âHi again,â You nudge the door open wider, leaning against the frame.
He turns back, surprise crossing his features again when he sees you. Eyes dipping down, snagging - slowly dragging back up over the bare skin of your legs, the low dip of the collar, as if he has forgotten himself for a moment.
âHi.â He answers belatedly, blinking as he comes back into the present.
You wait a beat for him to explain, for any sort of sign as to why heâs here. Wondering why he travelled all the way in near-darkness, you knew more than anyone what a trek it could be.
And he must realize, because he blinks again, worry pulling down the edges of his brows, a small crease appearing in the middle.
âI-, well, Elliot-,â Harvey begins, throwing a thumb over his shoulder into the darkness, his other hand still clutching the book from the Saloon. Starting over when he realizes heâs making zero sense, âBack, in the square.â
His lips pressing together for a moment, an inhale of breath before the words rush out, âAm I misreading this?â
An emphasis on âthisâ, a small gesture with his fingers between the two of you. It makes you smile, relief flooding through you - enough to where youâre reaching out, tapping a fingernail against the solid cover of the book.
âI think youâre reading this just fine.â Your head tilts up to look him in the eye, seeing the relief on his own features as well, âWould you like to come in?â
âYes,â He breathes, and youâre stepping aside with a smile - taking his book from him to rest on the little side table.
Hanging his moss-green jacket on your one good hanger by the door, showing him where to put his shoes.
Steps that make the floorboards creak because he doesnât know which ones to avoid - not yet - as he lets you guide him to the couch. Carefully sitting on the middle cushion, the sharp, white starch of his dress shirt standing out against the worn, rust-orange fabric.
Your own feet following until youâre standing in from of him. Not quite believing, as your face tilts down to meet the upturned angle of his own.
Harvey was here.
The man who got more than a little bossy with you when you came in to the clinic with a bad scrape, or a cold. Who always has a smile, who listened intently when you keep him up to date about the new crops youâre growing, even though he knows nothing about farming.
Who you never had let yourself daydream about too often, because he had always kept you at arms length. You had always thought it was part of his profession, or that perhaps he just didnât see you like that.
Like heâs looking at you now - like youâve hung the stars.
You really want to kiss him.
You hope heâll let you.
Slowly, like when youâre approaching a new calf, you move toward him. The slight, automatic spread of his knees as you step between them, before your own knees are bending.
Hands resting on the wooden frame of couch as you lower yourself - until youâre straddling his thighs, bare knees pressing into the worn cushions on either side.
âThis okay?â You ask, close enough to smell a hint of his aftershave, the solid weight of him beneath you.
Hands that slide from their place at his side, up the curve of your calves, until theyâre resting on the bare expanse of your thighs.
âYes.â The word comes out low, fingers pressing against your skin as your own drop to the thick buttons of your coat, slowly working each one open.
Until youâre shrugging the fabric off to pool on the wooden floor - all bare arms and legs beneath in your too-large t-shirt, a pair of cotton underwear.
About to apologize for your choice in clothing - never actually expecting to take someone home - but the hands rise, cradling your face as he tips it to meet his.
A low sound in your throat at his lips touch yours, your hands resting on his chest, fingers fisting in the fabric. A feather-soft brush until you shift, pressing yourself against him as you lean in.
His groan matches yours. Hands moving, skating down your arms, curving around your hips. Your hips roll on their own, seeking the friction of his trousers. Something warm pooling in your belly, when he deepens the kiss.
Encouraging you, as those hands guide the roll of your hips again. As his tongue brushes against lips that part without thought.
Thereâs the sharp punch of fruit on his tongue, paired with the taste of him. A heady mixture, making you feel like you could get drunk off just this.
You can feel him harden beneath you. Pressing against your cleft as your thighs inch further apart. Itâs only when your hands leave his - reaching for the bottom of your shirt, that he breaks away.
His lips kiss-swollen and pretty. Disheveled, his tie crooked, shirt wrinkled from your fingers. Equally dazed, his eyes flicking down to your mouth, and then further again.
âNot here.â Harveyâs voice is a low rasp, unmoving despite his demand.
It has your pausing, until you catch the way his first two fingers slip under the hem, petting against skin.
âBedroom?â You offer, and heâs smiling. Leaning forward to kiss you again. Easing you off him but itâs reluctant - his fingers twining with yours as you stumble into the next room.
Itâs darker in there, the light from the television flickering against the floor. Dissolving as it reaches your bed, your knees parting this time as he stands between them.
Your eyes greedy, focused on his fingers as he loosens his tie, the first few buttons of his shirt. His own drifting over every inch and curve of you. A short intake of air as you tug the shirt from your shoulders, leaving it to drop on the floor.
It feels like youâre on display, but you canât bring yourself to care. Not with the way he looks at you - his eyes snagging on the damp patch between your thighs, the pale fabric darkening with your arousal.
âYou want to know what I was really thinking about?â He rasps, the tips of his fingers skating against your waist, slipping down to tease against the elastic band.
Youâre near-mute. Left nodding, as the bed dips. As he urges you back into the pillows, folding himself onto the mattress with you.
âI was thinking-,â He tests the band, a finger slipping beneath. Inching it away from your skin, but not making to remove them, âA girl like you should be taken care of.â
His voice drops, âAnd that I wanted to be the one to do it.â
You feel yourself clench down around nothing. A low whine in your throat at the tone of his voice. So matter-of fact. Like he knows how to do just what he says.
âCan you?â It comes out strangled, your breath held as his eyes fix on yours, âCould you show me? What itâs like to be taken care of?â
âWould you like that, sweetheart?â He asks - his gaze searching. Slipping a second finger under, the blunt nails grazing sensitive skin.
âYoba.â Your hips feel like they lift on their own, seeking him, âYes. Please, yes.â
He smiles again, the moonlight catching on his glasses. A hand running through tousled curls, mussing them further. Fingers joining yours as your panties join the floor, baring yourself fully.
You expect him to touch you and he does - but not in the way youâre thinking. Lowering himself next to you, guiding your mouth to his again. His hand skimming the inside of your thigh. Fingers slipping along the crease where it meet your hip, inches away from where you ache for him.
âHarvey.â You sigh into his mouth. Chasing it when he pulls back, hearing the pleased hum in his throat. Carefully removing his glasses, tucking them into his shirt pocket.
Then his mouth is dropping to your neck, where your pulse flutters. To your shoulder. All while his fingers trace your skin, making you squirm in anticipation.
When his tongue peeks out to brush against tight, peaked nipple, you hear yourself cry out. Clinging to him again, as teeth graze against your breast - followed by a soothing kiss, his mustache tickling against the soft curve.
âI need you to touch me,â You pant.
Long forgetting what it was like to feel like this. The anticipation swirling in you like a dam about to burst. The desperation - knowing after all this time of wanting him, that tonight he is yours.
Your own hands grasping at him - tugging at the buttons. Pale skin and dark hair appearing with each one that loosens, trying to pull the hem from where it tucks into his trousers.
The hand against your thigh twitches, his gaze dark as he glances up at you. No longer hidden behind frames, you can see how his pupils are blown wide, inching out the hazel.
âI just want to make sure youâre ready, sweetheart.â He rasps, inching closer - fingers parting on either side of your mound.
âWant you nice and wet for me.â
Itâs too much. Youâre too wound up, needy. In your daydreams youâve thought of him - in your bed, bent over the table in his office. Everything pales in comparison to this, turning you into a begging mess.
âI am,â You breathe, âFuck, Harvey. You know I am, Iâm-â
The words break off, turning into a ragged moan as he finally touches you. Parting your slick seam, where youâre dripping from the press of his mouth and the teasing glide of his fingers.
âThere you are.â He hums, though you can feel the way his hips press against yours. Chasing his own urges, seeking friction where he strains.
Your eyes flutter half-shut as he teases as your entrance. Fingertips slick as he brings them up to circle your clit, sparks going up inside your belly.
Watching as he moves, the careful ease from where he lies next to you - now settling between your thighs.
âYoba, youâre beautiful.â
He says it so simply, almost as if in awe. Your thighs start to clamp shut around his hand but heâs smiling - his left palm pressing your leg to the bed, opening you further.
Not used to his gaze like this. It flicks from your face, down to where his hands shift - his thumb rolling against your clit, as his middle finger sinks inside you.
He can feel how you clench around him already. Movements slow, drawing himself out just to sink further each time.
âSo fucking pretty.â He says it again - you think, just to see you squirm. The way your eyes pull from his, the flex of your muscle under his palm.
Transfixed by the way his fingers move. The pressure against your clit, the way he presses deep. Your small room filled with the little sounds you make and the slick plunge of his finger.
Your panting breath catching, turning sharp as his finger crooks on the next pass. Carefully stroking against your inner walls, a throb of pleasure following.
He catches your sounds, a mark forming between his eyebrows. One youâve seen before, in the way he focuses when youâre explaining something about your farm. A sweet stretch of pressure when he adds his ring finger, opening you further as he strokes again.
You havenât felt anything quite like this. A ghost of it, with past lovers. Something that made your muscles tighten, but never so focused.
Like heâs intentionally searching for this spot that makes sparks arc up your spine. Making you ache for more - to be filled by him.
âMm,â He hums with satisfaction, âRight there. Does that feel good?â
Itâs hard to think, with the thrust of his fingers. The circling pressure against your clit. Your own fingers curling - one in the sheets, an anchor. The other drifting up to cup at your breast, unable to help leaning into his ministrations.
âTell me, sweetheart.â
Thereâs an edge to his voice. One that he uses in his place of authority, one that only stokes the roaring flame in your belly. Everything winding tight in anticipation, each steady pump of his fingers hurtling you towards your peak.
âYes,â You moan, âYes. Oh, Harvey-â
His head dips, mouth pressing a kiss against your abdomen.
âGood girl.â He husks, with your answer. The words shoot straight to your cunt, just as you begin to arch into his touch.
âOh, please-â You whine, eyes sliding shut, âFuck, youâre gonna make me come.â
The pinch of your fingers harsh against the tight bud of your nipple. The flicker of pain melding with the tight swirl of his thumb.
âGood.â He all but growls, the words low and rough in his throat, âCome on, honey. Show me.â
Your next moan turns high and long - as that tight string inside you finally snaps. A throbbing pleasure that begins at the apex of your thighs, radiating outwards as you bear down around him.
The hand in your sheets grasping and slipping on your way to him - his hand leaves your thigh to twine with it. Anchoring you as your hips buck into fingers that have gone still, giving you something to clench around.
âJust like that,â He coos, âRide it out, Iâve got you.â
His breath warm against your skin, a kiss pressed to your stomach again, then hip.
âItâs not you,â Harvey tells you, each kiss moving lower, âYou know that, right?â
Your breath catching - it feels like your cunt is still pulsing, when his mouth dips further. Not waiting for your answer this time - driving his point home with the talented tongue that suddenly presses against the bud of your clit, wet and warm.
Ensuring you wonât forget.
A moan is ripped from you, as he teases. Tight pointed licks, a flat lick following. A rough groan as he tastes your orgasm that coats his fingers, only just how beginning to move.
Youâre too sensitive, squirming at his touch. Panting breaths and little jerks of your hips, the tight twist of overstimulation bleeding into something smooth and sweet as honey.
Heâs ruining you for everyone else. The thought is a blurry one, something you can barely snatch. He hasnât even fucked you yet, and youâve already come harder than you ever have.
And is already working you towards a second. A rough groan when you let your fingers leave his to twist in his dark curls. Grasping onto his shoulder with the other one, his shirt wrinkling further.
You want it off. You want all of it off, want him bare and on top of you. Want to taste him on your tongue. Taste yourself against his lips, after this.
Unsure how heâs able to do it. Bring you to the edge again so quickly, but maybe itâs because youâve never desired someone like this.
Deeper than desire, though youâre not quite ready to admit it.
Youâre brought back, as his palm presses beneath your thigh. Hiking it over a shoulder, opening you to be devoured. Those fingers more confident now, sure and slick as they pound into you. Louder now, with the way you coat them, your release smeared across your thighs.
This time when you come, itâs against his tongue.
Brought over with the way his lips close sound and suck. The way he groans at your taste, his clever fingers leaving you breathless.
Choking on your heartbeat as you shatter. His wide palm curled around your thigh, keeping your cunt pinned against his tongue.
This time he can feel your pulse. Each throb of pleasure as it resonates through you. Feel the way you gush for him - his fingers dampening further, across knuckles and the flesh of his palm.
âFuck.â You moan, when you can breathe again.
You expect him to pull away, after this. He must know youâre more than ready. But instead all you can see is dark eyes, a tongue that slips between the fingers that are still buried in you.
âHarvey,â You gasp, as his tongue then lifts to curl over your clit again, âDonât you want to-?â
Doesnât he want to fuck you?
Isnât he aching, like you are?
âTonight is about you,â He answers firmly. Lips glossy with your release, and despite his words you donât miss the way his hips press into the bed.
âSounds like I got some time to make up for.â
Your head falls back onto the pillow as you huff a laugh, breath catching as you feel his fingers slip free just long enough to work in a third.
Already finding that spot again, as he begins to build towards a third.
If he can read you this easily already, you think dizzilyâŚ
You canât wait to find out everything else he knows.
So here for the Harvey Renaissance đđ would love to know what you thought! Are you enjoying 1.6? (If so what are your mod recs???) | part ii is up here!
#just something fun#this was a wip from 2022 đ but excited to come back to it!!#sdv harvey x reader#sdv harvey x farmer#stardew valley Harvey x reader#sdv harvey imagine#stardew valley smut#sdv harvey
2K notes
¡
View notes
Text
PEOPLE, PLACES, THINGS
Max Verstappen x anthropologist! Reader
Authorâs note : this smau has a special place in my heart, if you havenât noticed Iâm not Caucasian, but was born and raised in Nigeria and a lot of my university life has been centred around studies of the black diaspora. My masters research is on homosexuality and Afro-syncretic religions, so have been trying to figure out how to incorporate it so thought Iâd go full send and thus this was borne.
â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘
INSTAGRAM
peopleplacesthings just posted
liked by lewishamilton, yourbsfuser and 7,500 others
peopleplacesthings: I spent three years (give or take) with the people of the Bahia state in Brasil, researching the afro-syncretic religion of CandomblĂŠ. My research paper on the gender roles within CandomblĂŠ (how men express masculinity, and the role of women as spiritual leaders) will be published online where everyone will be able to access it. Canât wait to see where the world takes me next!! đđ§đˇ
view all comments
yourbsfuser: y/n baby I love you and your big brain, but please take a sabbatical đ. stay in the UK for a while.
â peopleplacesthings: whatâs in it for me? đ¤¨
â yourbsfuser: seeing your family and friends???
â peopleplacesthings: sorry gotta blast, the world is waiting đđżââď¸
user10: your masters research on the linguistic appropriation of AAVE was vital for me completing my dissertation! Thank you so much
â peopleplacesthings: passing down knowledge is the key to preserving culture! I love when I get comments like this, well done my love.
lewishamilton: so youâre free now?
â peopleplacesthings: until my next adventure
â lewishamilton: good to know
â user10: not SIR LEWIS HAMILTON in my old TAâs comment section
â user7: IK đ she was a guest lecturer at my uni like one month ago! Really my two worlds colliding đđ
â user8: how do they know eachother???
â user9: Iâm guessing they must have met one of the times Lewis was in Brazil??
â peopleplacesthings: he is my cousin! heâs much older and way less attractive than me so thatâs probs why you couldnât see the family resemblanceđđ
yoursisteruser: 2 back to back research papers⌠you could use a break from work
â peopleplacesthings: itâs not work if you love what you do đ¤đ¤
â user17: 2 research papers??? How old is she?
â user19: sheâs actually done 3! One for her masters which was only 15,000 words and then 2 more, her 2nd was for her PhD and sheâs published her last two as books. Sheâs 28 if Iâm not mistaken. Iâm not a stalker just obsessed with her work!
â user17: oh so sheâs SMART smart
â user19: bro sheâs DOCTORATE OF ANTHROPOLOGY smart
MESSAGES
TWITTER
MESSAGES
MESSAGES
INSTAGRAM
peopleplacesthings just posted
liked by maxverstappen1, lewishamilton, and yourbsfuser and 43,000 others
peopleplacesthings: I can check getting papped reading in the park off my bucket list⌠maybe I should start a book club! Anyways everything is a learning opportunity so I am currently reading Nervous Conditions by Tsitsi Dangarembga. Donât be so surprised that I read fiction! Nervous Conditions is a valuable case study in cultural anthropology due to its rich exploration of themes related to post-colonial identity, gender, and cultural conflict. If you take my post-colonial anthropology module in September, this will definitely be on the further reading list. Come read with me! đ đ
view all comments
user1: are we sure this is the woman max is datingâŚ
â user3: I was just wondering that, so out of left field đ đ
â user4: I mean what do they even have to talk about? She just lectures him all day?
lewishamilton: how can I take your class if Iâm not enrolled in the university?? đ¤¨đ¤¨
â peopleplacesthings: you canât! Hope this helps
â user5: jeez sheâs so rudeâŚ
â user9: who does she think she is????
â peopleplacesthings: Dr. Y/n Y/ln thatâs who I know I am
user11: so is anthropology all she talks about, or does she have hobbiesâŚ
â peopleplacesthings: I happen to think my field of anthropology; the study of societies, people and culture, is quite interesting. But no I am a person I contain multitudes anthropology is not all I talk about.
user6: not yâall invalidating a woman with a literal doctorate just because she MIGHT be dating your fav⌠pls touch grass
â user13: thatâs what Iâm saying! If anything sheâs WAY out of Maxâs league, hasnât he only ever read like 2 books?? (liked by danielricciardo)
MESSAGES
TWITTER
MESSAGES
INSTAGRAM
peopleplacesthings just posted
liked by maxverstappen1, danielricciardo, lewishamilton and 100,00 others
peopleplacesthings: We DTRâed!!
view all comments
lewishamilton: DTR?
â peopleplacesthings: Define the Relationship apparently
â lewishamilton: my how the tables have turned, miss I donât date drivers.
â peopleplacesthings: DR* I donât date drivers. And what can I say my commitment issues are no match for Max Verstappen
danielricciardo: youâre welcome!
â user4: what could you possible have done
â danielricciardo: I told max to grow some balls thatâs what! Iâm the architect of this relationship
â peopleplacesthings: you and Lewis can fight over that title
maxverstappen1: WE DTRâED!!!!
â peopleplacesthings: hell yeah we did!
maxverstappen1: I love you schat â¤ď¸đ
â peopleplacesthings: 𼚠I love you too
you doofus
maxverstappen1 just posted
liked by peopleplacesthings, lewishamilton, charles_leclerc and 3,456,234 others
maxverstappen1: Did it hurt when you fell from your cultureâs dogmatic view of an afterlife?
view all comments
peopleplacesthings: I think thatâs the sexiest thing anyone has ever said to me
â maxverstappen1: thereâs more where that came from
â peopleplacesthings: oh shucks not in public maxie
â danielricciardo: this is the weirdest foreplay Iâve ever witnessed
user14: how did a man that drives in circles manage to bag my anthro professor??
â user16: shouldnât that be the other way round???
â user14: if you ever attended one of her lectures and saw her in action you would know the answer to that question is absolutely not (liked by maxverstappen1)
â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘ TAGLIST
@forevercaffeinated-lee
@callsignwidow
@a-beaverhausen
@emryb
@c0deincrazy
@dontworryaboutitokieÂ
@c-losur3
@chuxk-lerclerk
@silkenthusiasts
@ietss
@sp1rl
#f1 smau#formula 1 smau#f1 fanfic#f1 x reader#formula one smau#max verstappen x black!reader#max verstappen smau#max verstappen x you#max verstappen x reader#max verstappen fic#max verstappen x female reader
1K notes
¡
View notes
Text
Bucky x civilian reader
JESSY REACHES 500
I wrote this for my most precious bb, @jessybarnes congratulations my angel, you deserve ALL the followers.
Warnings: angstttyy, Bucky's an idiot, fluffyy, friends with benefits to lovers, I hope your chest itches a lil.
Prompt: "I can't keep doing this, I can't keep giving you chances just for you to break my heart over and over again."
"Morning Doll" His husky voice stirred you awake, the cool tips of his fingers sending shivers down your spine as he traced up and down your bare back. "I'll see you tomorrow?"
Bucky barely gave you a chance to respond, throwing the covers off, exposing you to the cool air of your bedroom as he rummaged around for his boxers which he'd tossed off haphazardly the night before.
"Alright" You mustered a smile as he pecked your head, seeing himself out and locking the door with the spare key you gave him. It would be weeks before you saw him again, going back to your regular schedule while he was off saving the world.
You had an interesting relationship with Bucky Barnes.
You'd met when he came to return a copy of the Hobbit at the library you worked at, tossing your a charming smirk before going to browse for more books. One night after a few more flirty comments and innocent touches later, you found yourself with your hands down each others pants, his lips smashed against yours to keep your moans down, the both of you hidden between the bookshelves.
He eventually started coming over to your place instead, exploring every bit of your body like he owned it, spending hours taking you both to new heights until he couldn't move. It was pure sex and the absolute best you'd ever had. Bucky made you forget your own name, only having the ability to moan and take everything he was giving you.
It was the perfect arrangement for him; something lowkey to help with the stress of his job without having to commit to much more. After you started to pick up more shifts at the library, you even gave his own key to your place to let himself in on days where you hadn't gotten home yet.
That was nearly a year ago.
You sighed, pulling the covers back over yourself, his scent still lingering on the sheets and pillow making your heart flutter, already waiting for the next time he'd be over. You hated the feeling, knowing your feelings were going further than what Bucky wanted. You hated every time he had to leave, the butterflies in your tummy fluttering wildly whenever he his name popped up on your phone.
Your heart would beat faster every time he kissed you, biting your tongue from telling him you didn't want him to go, you couldn't just be a person to keep his bed warm, you wanted more, you loved him-
Fuck.
You loved him.
You shook your head, ignoring the tightness that started to constrict your throat, feeling worse than the last time he'd left.
Why the fuck did you fall for him.
-
"Maybe we could go out?" You tried, hoping for once one of your rendezvous wouldn't be just sex. Bucky hummed, holding you closer to his bare chest, your bodies tangled under the sheets after he'd taken you apart, coming straight to your place as soon as he jet had landed.
"Sure, how about we grab coffee next time?" He mumbled, rutting his hips up, already hard again, rolling on top of you, peppering kisses down your neck before you could respond.
"Wait, Bu-oh god" Your words melted into moans as he made himself comfortable between your legs, neither of you brining up those plans again for the rest of the night. He stayed over as always, leaving before you stirred, the bed cold and empty when you woke up the next day to a text message from him.
Had to leave early, see you when I'm back x
You blinked, chewing your lip, debating on how to respond, a part of you still hoping he'd be open to spending time with you outside of just needing something physical.
Sure! Let's go to the cafe nearby? I've been dying to go
You typed and deleted the message 3 times before finally hitting send, tossing your phone aside, anxiety clouding your mind wondering how he'd respond.
Then he didn't.
You waited the entire week for him to respond to your message, the read at 6:03 staring you in the face, making your cheeks heat up from embarrassment, imagining the way he probably opened and closed the chat, forgetting your very existence until he had needs again.
Why did you even try.
You harshly wiped the tears that streaked down your face, chewing the inside of your cheek, freezing when the lock of your door turned, the familiar sound of his bag hitting the floor. You quickly splashed water onto your face, hiding any evidence of emotion when Bucky popped his head into your room, finding you in the bathroom.
"Hi doll" He smiled, wrapping his arms around your waist, dragging you to bed and flopping over, making him self comfortable with his head on your chest.
"Hi Buck" You cleared your throat, hoping he wouldn't hear the shake in your voice, carding your fingers though his hair, instantly betraying yourself and melting into him when his hands made their way up your shirt.
"Missed this" he groaned, his sinful lips kissing down your neck and shoulders, slotting himself between your legs. "Thought about it all week"
All week.
When I waited for you to reply at least once.
You felt your eyes sting, forcing back the way your felt for what was happening in the moment. He made it clear what he wanted from you but you weren't sure how much more you could take. You succumbed to his charm, the sheets warm, your body slick with sweat, your face resting against his chest, his arm holding you securely, letting his warm breath tickle your skin.
"I'll see you tomorrow?" Bucky's nose nuzzled into your neck, pulling away slightly when he felt you tense in his hold, not responding, "Doll?"
"Maybe-maybe we shouldn't do this anymore" Your throat burned with how hard you were trying to keep from crying, keeping your eyes trained on his chest instead of his sweet baby blues you'd fallen for.
"Why not" Bucky frowned while you shifted uncomfortably.
"What are we Bucky"
"Y/n, we talked about this" He groaned, rubbing a hand over his face. You hated the way his arms loosened around you, pulling away his warmth with it, your body curling in on itself as he got off the bed to put his clothes on.
"I know but- I just- I feel used, it's like I'm some dirty secret" you brought your knees to your chest, digging your nails into your palms while he pulled his hoodie over his head. "We've never done anything else other than fuck in my apartment!"
"Its not like that" He argued back, sitting back down at by the edge of the bed.
"Bucky, no one even knows I exist. Tell me, does Steve even know?"
He chewed his lip before shaking his head. He hadn't told anyone about you, not even his best friend. You scoffed, feeling more pathetic than ever, your stomach churning seeing the distance already starting to grow between you both.
"See what I mean? You won't even go out for coffee with me, is just all sex. Is that all I am to you?"
"We both agreed to keep this casual, you know I'm not ready for a relationship y/n, I-I never saw you like that" His words cut deeper, the pit in your stomach growing heavier as he looked at you with pity. "Y/n-
"Fine" You blinked back the stubborn tears that kept welling in your eyes, harshly swiping your cheek as they started to stream down your face, "I get it"
"So where do we go from here" Bucky sighed, a part of him wanting to reach out and wipe the tears that streaked down your cheeks and hold you in his arms, hating the way he could see your heart breaking because of him.
"I can't keep doing this, I can't keep giving you chances just for you to break my heart over and over again." Your voice began to crack, wrapping your arms around your knees, pulling them to your chest, "I-I keep waiting for the day you'd feel differently but I get it, it's not happening"
"I'm sorry" Bucky whispered, almost reaching out to hold you one last time, deciding against it as he got up and made his way out of your room for the last time. His chest ached when he heard the first sob slip past your lips, softly closing the door behind him.
You cried your heard out, the pain far worse than you imagined it to be, wishing you'd kept your feelings to yourself because now you'd lost Bucky forever. You wouldn't wake up to him sneaking into your room for cuddles. You wouldn't walk into your apartment to find him crashed on your couch. You wouldn't wake up wrapped in his arms, legs tangled together with naughty kisses first thing in the morning.
Why did you fall so hard for him.
-
"Alright, what's going on with him" Tony huffed, "He's more grumpy than usual and I'm going to lose my billionaire status with how many punching bags I've replaced within the last week. Rogers?"
Steve shrugged, equally confused and worried as to why his best friend was far more moody than usual. There hadn't been any particularly grueling missions recently and there was nothing scheduled for the month. Over the past few weeks, Bucky had been closed off, secluded in his room, only leaving to spend time in the gym, breaking bags left, right and center.
"What's wrong with you" Steve found the soldier in the gym, grunting between punches, sweat dripping down his body, jaw clenched as he landed another hit, causing the leather to give way with sand spilling to the floor.
"Nothing" Bucky shook his head, hardly registering the sting of his split knuckles, panting while his heart thudded against his chest, having gone at it for the past hour, non stop.
"Buck, this is the fourth bag you've broken" Steve sighed, while Bucky huffed in response, already making his way to the rack to grab a new one.
"This wouldn't have anything to do with a girl, would it?" The blonde smirked, carefully watching his face. Bucky's eyes grew wide, blinking while Steve stared at him knowingly.
"N-no" Bucky shook his head, no, this had nothing to do with a girl, nor did it have to do with feelings. He didn't actually care about this girl or miss her, he didn't crave to feel her warmth, he was perfectly capable of falling asleep without cuddling her to his chest. He didn't miss her sweet laugh or cute shy smile. He didn't care that he couldn't hear her voice anymore and she didn't appear in every single one of his dreams, making his heart yearn for her more-
"Buck, seriously?" Steve deadpanned at his best friends lovesick puppy face while Bucky chewed his lip.
"You knew?"
"Not a lot" Steve shrugged. "Saw you talking to that cute librarian once when I was out for a run with Sam. S'not hard to figure out, considering you went from acting like the world was full of sunshine and rainbows to being a grumpy asshole all over again. So what happened"
Bucky only intended on giving Steve the most sparse details but once he started he couldn't stop. The more he spoke, the more it dawned on him that none of it was casual to begin with, that he'd fallen hard, deeply in love with you.
"You love her" Steve stated, seeing clear at day his best friend was an idiot.
"I don't love her" Bucky scoffed, his cheeks blushing at the way Steve cocked an eyebrow, "I love her"
"Go tell her you punk" Steve smacked him upside the head, chuckling as Bucky dashed out of the gym, running straight to his room to shower and change. He trembled like a leaf he entire time, feeling a mixture of excitement and fear, feeling awful for hurting you, awful for bottling and ignoring his feelings while hoping and praying you'd forgive him.
He thought about all the times he wanted more with you, about what it would be like for you to be his girl, fuck there had been nights where he'd even dreamt of spending his life with you. He hid it all away, convincing himself he didn't need anything else, that it was for the best for both of you even if you did make his heart feel whole.
He knew he wanted to be your man, every time he walked through your door, the stresses of his day instantly melting away, feeling like he was home. Nothing comforted him more than holding you in his arms, never wanting to let go.
He hopped onto his motor bike, swerving through the streets, taking the stairs two at a time to get back to you as fast as he could, not wanting to waste another minute. He shamelessly pulled out the spare key, knowing you'd be home around this time considering he had your scheduled memorized by now. Usually around this time, you liked to lounge on the couch under a pile of blankets with your comfort show on.
"Doll?" Bucky quietly unlocked the door, toeing his boots off, the scent of your home already causing his emotions to fly around wildly. He felt like he was home, whole once again, why did he ever let this go.
"Baby, where are you" Bucky called, frowning when he saw your house keys still hanging by the door yet found the living room empty. He continued to search for you, quietly pushing your bedroom door open, melting at the sight of your curled up form, sleeping under a pile of blankets. He felt a pang in his chest seeing tear streaks down your cheeks, evident that you'd been crying.
You stirred at the sound of the door creaking, shifting in your sleep as he quietly made his way over, gently coaxing you awake.
"Hey doll" he whispered, stroking your face with his metal hand, like he always did when he came over in the middle of a night, usually when he couldn't sleep or whenever missions finished and he immediately needed to come and see you.
"Bucky?" Your voice cracked, rubbing sleep from your eyes, unsure if you were dreaming when you felt the bed dip and his cool melt fingers stroking your cheek, the familiar scent of him making you feel giddy after you missed him so much. "What-what are you doing here"
"I- He paused, unsure of where to even start, guilt already consuming him for making you feel like he never cared for you in the first place. "I'm sorry doll. I'm so sorry"
"For what" You scoffed softly, sniffling back fresh tears that wanted to spill, still struggling to mend your broken heart, "Was there something you needed again" Your defeated voice made Bucky feel worse, realizing you probably thought he was back to use you, when you had all the rights to kick him out of your room immediately.
"No! No baby, never. I-I'm not here for that y/n, I promise" Bucky scrambled to your side, reaching for your hands, pressing them to his chest, his heart hammering against his ribcage. "I'm so sorry for what I said to you baby, it wasn't true, I didn't even realize how I felt about you. I missed you so much" HIs eyes were desperately pleading with you to believe him.
"You-you said you never saw me that way" you whispered, shrinking away from him once again, too scared to let him hurt you a second time. "You left me Bucky"
"Baby, look at me" He begged, hesitantly reaching out to cup your cheeks, relaxing a little when you didn't flinch away. "Please sweets, I mean it. I did see you that way. I care about you, fuck, I love you y/n" As soon as the words left Bucky's mouth, he felt complete like never before. It was like his heart stitched itself back together, feeling free, realizing how true it was. He loved you, more than anything else.
"No you don't Bucky" you couldn't bring yourself to believe him, gasping when he pulled you into his arms, his thumb stroking your face.
"I do doll, I promise I do. I was too stupid to realize it even when it was obvious. I thought about you every second of the day, you know that? Whenever the jet would land, I'd run straight to you because I just wanted to come home. I just wanted to come straight to you. You were my everything, i wanted to keep you protected, just live in a world where it was just you and me. I fell in love with you angel, tried to convince myself every single day that what I felt for you was nothing more"
"Bucky-
"Steve knew" Bucky cut you off, chuckling at your confused, pouty expression.
"What?"
"He knew. He didn't know everything but he knew enough to piece together why I was acting like a love stuck idiot. You have no idea what kind of effect you had on me doll. I was the happiest I've ever been with you. My heart was breakin' without you baby, I just wanted my girl back"
"Your girl?" You whispered softly, your cheeks heating up at the thought while Bucky nodded, pulling you down to lay with him.
"My girl. All mine. Can't believe I tried to ignore it, I've been in love with you for so long doll. M'sorry I hurt you angel, I'll never break your heart again, I promise" He held you to his chest, his words making your eyes water, burying yourself in his warmth. He kissed the tears that spilled from your lashes, before pressing a soft kiss to your lips. "Will you be mine? Really mine?"
"M'yours Bucky" your voice was muffled, clinging onto him while he wrapped his arms around you, stroking your hair.
"Y'know this means you'll have to put up with Steve and Sam" Bucky playfully teased making you giggle, already aware his friends would probably start to follow him once they officially found out about you. "and you'll have to be my date for all of Tony's extravagant shit"
"That doesn't sound so bad" You quipped, while Bucky rolled over, tucking his face against your neck, needily cuddling into you, craving your warmth after weeks of having been apart.
"That's because you've never seen me drink, sugar" Bucky hummed, sleep already starting to claim him, hugging you tightly as he closed his eyes. "Might even drunkenly ask you to marry me"
"I'd drunkenly say yes" you hummed, wrapping your body around his, he warmth of his skin making your eyes grow heavy.
"I love you doll" Bucky whispered before falling fast asleep in your arms, the world once again filled with sunshine with rainbows now that he was finally with you.
His girl.
His home.
#jessybarnesreaches500#bucky barnes x you#bucky x reader#bucky barnes#bucky barnes fluff#bucky barnes x y/n#bucky x y/n#bucky barnes x reader#bucky barnes x female reader#bucky barnes x f!reader#bucky barnes angst#bucky barnes imagine#bucky barnes fan fic#bucky barnes fan fiction#bucky barnes fanmix#bucky barnes fanfiction#bucky barnes fanfic#bucky fan fics#bucky fan fic#bucky fan fiction#bucky fanfic#bucky barnes x angst#bucky imagie#james bucky buchanan barnes#james buchanan barnes#james bucky barnes#bucky x you#bucky fandom#marvel fanfic#marvel angst
1K notes
¡
View notes
Text
ââââ˝ăđđđ đđđđđđ đ đđđđăâžâââ
Category: fluff, smut, harry potter AU
Gryffindor!Bangchan x Slytheric!Fem!Reader
Part 2 ---> here
MINORS DO NOT INTERACT!
As a Slytherin you mostly distant yourself from other kinds of students. You could say you were the female Slytherin. Wise, fast, competitive, full of passion, and maybe a tiny bit cruelity...
Just got to make sure, you keep your social status up.
It was another day. Another day to show your talents. Another day to look down to other and not feeling any guilt by their sad looks, pathetic.
Everyone knew you at the school, thats because you were a tiny bit of a mischief, but during the lecture's you behaved very well.
You also had like three close friends. Their name's were Lee Know, Haerin and Yoongi. How you three met? It is a very simpel story...
You met Yoongi first. When the hat said you were a Slytherin, you were welcomed with big cheers at your table. Immediatly you found a seat next to Yoongi. You two shared the same interests, the same mind you could say. He was your very first friend.
Haerin always seems very sweet but she was just like you, also a mischief. How you two met? Well, the rules are very simple, you cannot walk around when its time to sleep. There is a certain hour were the students put the lights off. One time she wanted to explore the building, we were all freshmans one's and you know how curious we were.
You also had the same idea to wander around. You two crossed eachothers path and became close in a short time. Even tho you almost got caught, but because the school is so big, there was just no way that they could find two little mischiefs on time.
Lee Know was last. How come you two met? You could say your personality is just like that from a cat, but you were a clever cat. Also, maybe you didn't know yet, but you could change your form into a cat, i have the feeling this says enough. Lee Know is a big lover for cats. One time you were just laying in the grass, rolling around. Suddenly you felt a pair of hands petting you.
You walked a bit further and changed back into your normal form. He was to stunned to speak, but also a little bit embarassed. You didn't mind the petting. You two got into a talk and he was asking how he could turn into a cat, ofcourse that is not possible for him. He was sad when he heard it could be only achieved by genetics, but you promised you were his personal cat. Thats how your friendship started.
And now, three years later, you three are still the closest friendgroup. All of you never talked towards others, just because it did not feel right. Also nobody really had a chance to talk to you all, because you mostly ignored them. It was also known your hate for Griffindors. So, they all stayed away, very handy to be honest.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
'What is today's lecture?' you asked Haerin.
'Charms.'
'Excellent, i want to learn some new technique's.'
'For your mischief-behavior?'
'That is right. By the way..' you whispered 'are we going to wander again in the hallways?'
'Ofcourse, its our tradition.'
'We never got caught, not even once. How good are we?'
'Actually you are right. We are just to good.'
'Yes we are.'
You two were gossiping a bit. Talking about all the dorms. Also new paths you could take to explore the school. The stairs were difficult to climb because you had to carry your books with you. Today you would learn some new techniques, hoping that it would finally be something interesting. You arrived at your classroom. There were already some students present. The two of you always sat next to each other so you could always chat.
The classroom was filled with students, you hated that. Especially if some teachers preferred certain students. But what you hated most was that there was one person in your class who disrupted everything. Okay, he just disrupted it for you. Bangchan, one of the best and sweetest boy. Of course he was a Gryffondor, there was no other way. You already knew who he was hanging out with. Honestly, he hung out with everyone, but he also had a group of friends. Lee Felix, he was Hufflepuff, that wasn't a surprise. He was a real sunshine. Danielle was also a hufflepuff and also Felix's girlfriend. You were surprised that he was also friends with Hyunjin, a Ravenclaw. He also tried to start a friendship with you, but of course that didn't work.
Why did he want to be friends with you? That was of course very simple. He was friends with everyone, literally everyone, even Slytherins to your surprise. But he just wasn't friends with your group of friends. Lee Know, Haeren, Yoongi and you also ignored your own students. So it was impossible for him. But what you also didn't know at all was that he had loved you since freshman year. Strange isn't it?
You two were the exact opposite. But sometimes that fits. You could tell that Bangchan was in love with you. You never noticed that because you weren't concerned with such things. Even in class, he would stare at you, always trying to be inconspicuous, but everyone noticed. He was also quite popular with the girls. That is of course not strange, he is very handsome and his smile was the most beautiful treasure.
He tried to chat with you for 3 years. He tried to approach you, but he was too scared. If he saw you with your group of friends, he would leave as quickly as possible. Lee Know and Yoongi never looked friendly, they gave others dirty looks. So Bangchan tried to find a moment when you were alone, but you always had someone with you.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
'We're leaving, so you know the rules. Don't touch our things.' Haerin said to Lee Know and Yoongi.
'If we find out that something has been moved, we will come and get you personally.' you said.
âSo cute, threatening us like that. Don't create too many problems.' Yoongi mocked you.
"We're going to do that anyway, but okay, at least you tried to convince us."
You looked from left to right, just to make sure no one happened to be there.
"Okay, let's go."
You and Haerin sneaked through the hallways. You chatted quietly with each other. There was no one there, not even a teacher in sight, which was strange. The two of you found a room you had never noticed before. There were all kinds of spell books there. Lots of interesting books, to be honest. You took a lot of them, usually the ones you could do the most naughty with.
'We're back, and guess what we've brought with us!'
The boys both jumped straight from their beds and came to you.
"Wow, where did you guys get this?"
'Just taken from a room. We didn't even know it existed.'
'They look very old to me. But wow, powerful spells, perfect.â
"We have 8 more, so two books each, okay?"
You divided the books among yourself. This was a big win for you. Perfect, because you don't learn anything fun in class anyway.
"You guys really need to get back there."
'Okay, leave the difficult matters to us, we happen to be professionals.'
"Alright professionals, go to your rooms."
'Yes, actually, it's already 1am.' "Let's get going."
You dropped Haerin off at her room, unfortunately you two aren't roommates. The distance between your room and hers was quite large. How so? Because this year there were a lot of Ravenclaws, so they occupied a lot of the Slytherins' rooms. So unfortunately you have to go past the Gryffindors' rooms to get to your room.
You were walking quietly to your room. Of course you took some detours, just for fun. You actually wanted to go back to that room, with all those different books. Would you do it? Of course you do it. You turned into another hallway. You hopped around for a while until you saw the door of that mysterious room again. You quietly opened the room door and closed it behind you.
You looked at the different books and slid through the many bookcases. It was a spell paradise. Suddenly you heard the door creak. You saw someone sneak in. It looked like a good Gryffindor had a naughty side after all. You trailed behind the boy and tapped his shoulder.
'Hi there.'
He started and turned around. It was Bangchan.
'What do we have here? A Gryffindor. I never thought a Gryffindor would break the rules. Bangchan isn't it?'
He nodded, he had some books in his arms.
'What books do you have there? Can I see them?'
'O-ofcourse'
You picked up a book and started reading it. The spells in it were pretty boring, just spells to make plants grow faster.
"Not that interesting."
"Why are you here anyway, Princess Slytherin?"
'Discovered this room about an hour ago perhaps? A very interesting room.'
"Very private, don't you think?"
'Yes, that's possible. Do you come here often?'
"Yes, every night, I sneak around here."
"That's weird, we would have run into you anyway."
'What do you mean?'
"I always sneak around here with a friend."
'Really and truly? Maybe we take other paths?'
'That is possible.'
The two of you started talking a bit. He was actually very interesting. The conversations could last forever. But unfortunately you had to go to your own room when the clock struck two. You guys started meeting in that room every night. You tested spells, you talked about other secret rooms. You started growing closer and closer, but you didn't talk to each other during the day. It would be too suspicious.
The two of you walked together one night. Just having conversations, when you suddenly heard footsteps. At the end of the hallway was Snape. He didn't see you yet because he just turned around. Bangchan grabbed your hand and started dragging you. You heard the teacher shout something. The two of you ran to the dorms. Your room was way too far, so he brought you into his room. He closed the door softly. The room was very dark. The two of you heard footsteps. Bangchan dragged you into his bed. Luckily his blankets were very thick. You hid yourself under his covers, holding him tight. You heard doors opening. Suddenly, the door of Bangchan's room opened softly. You held onto his body even tighter.
The door closed again after a while. No one would suspect Bangchan of anything. But suddenly it dawned on you, Snap was checking all the rooms, so he would check yours too. You felt Bangchan's arm around your hip, you wanted to stay here forever, but you had to take action quickly. You jumped out of his bed and went to the window.
âWhat are you doing Y/N?â
âShh.â
You turned yourself into a cat. You slipped out the window and looked from left to right. You saw the window of your room from far away. You started running quickly on the roof. You saw your window and gently pushed it. Luckily you never closed your window. Bangchan watched you push your window.
You quickly changed shape, and started walking quickly but quietly to your bed. You crawled under your covers just in time. Your door opened softly, you felt Snape's eyes on you. He moved closer to your bed and looked thoroughly at your face, just to make sure you were asleep. Luckily you were good at acting, otherwise you would have been caught. He closed the door softly again and you opened your eyes again. That was close.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The next day you were about to start eating dinner, when suddenly Snape spoke up.
'Last night, I saw two students wandering the halls. So we will take strict measures. The corridors will be checked several times, as will the rooms.'
Lee Know and Yoongi immediately looked at you and Haerin, but Haerin looked at them confused.
"I was in my room last night." she whispered.
Suddenly they both looked at you. You didn't notice. Bangchan was turned over and you both looked at each other with worried faces. Lee Know looked from you to Bangchan and then back from Bangchan to you. All three started to grin at each other. You looked ahead again. You saw your friends eyes looking at you. You also saw Snape looking at you, he found you very suspicious.
Supper started and it started to get loud again. Everyone talked to each other.
"Do you have something to tell us?" Yoongi asked.
"I don't know what you're talking about."
'Are you sure?' Lee Know asked.
'Yes, I am very, very sure. Just focus on the food.'
"As long as you focus on the food too, then Bangchan."
You became silent and turned to your friends.
"Can you shut up for once." you whispered.
'There was nothing, was there? I just said Bangchan.â
They all smirked. You kicked the leg from Lee Know.
'Oww! What are you kicking me for?'
You gave him a dirty look.
"Bangchan." Haerin coughed.
You looked up at the ceiling as your friends made fun of you again. "Bangchan."
"Bangchan."
"Bangchan."
"Bangchan." they coughed.
Bangchan heard his name all the time, so he looked your way. He saw you staring at the ceiling. Your friends were bullying you. He grins. After dinner your friends were still orbiting you.
"Bangchan." they all coughed.
'Are you perhaps ill? Because you guys cough all the time. Let me help.'
You hit Lee Know's back.
"Are you feeling any better?" you grinned.
'Ha-ha-ha-ha, so funny, so funny. Does BANGCHAN have the same sense of humor?'
'Shut up.'
'Are you shy now? Is it because I shout BANGCHAN all the time?'
You grabbed Lee Know's earlobe.
'Oww, oww, I'll stop. Let go off mine ear.'
'Will you stop?'
'I promise, I promise.'
'Good boy.' you smirked.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Your friends like to pick on you, don't they?"
'Yes, it is very annoying, but yes. What can I do about it. They clearly weren't raised as well as I was.'
"We can't stay here so long this time."
'Yes, certainly not after today, that speech still gives me the creeps. Snape doesn't trust me, I get that.'
"I trust you."
"Yes, but you are you."
"You're you too, and it's definitely a compliment."
Your cheeks turned a little red, but you immediately cooled it down. After a while of talking and investigating, you left again. You guided Bangchan to his room.
'Sleep well.'
'Goodnight, princess.'
Before you left, you gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. You didn't give him time to react as you sped away. You finally arrived at your room at 1am. You sat under the covers with your eyes closed. You waited for someone to check your room. Your door creaked a little, you knew someone was checking your room again. You waited until that person was gone. When your door closed again, you stood back up. You wanted to go back to Bangchan. You just wanted to be with him.
You opened your window, you turned yourself back into a cat because it was easier. You carefully stepped onto the roof and looked through every window. Just to see which one was Bangchan's. Finally you found his window. You tapped his window with your paw, no answer. You looked closer through his window, but he wasn't there. He was nowhere to be seen. You were a bit disappointed, but you went back to your room.
You crawled through your window. Suddenly you saw him standing in your room, Bangchan. You looked at him in surprise. He didn't see you, because you can turn into a black cat, and it was dark, so that was pretty normal. You walked over to him and changed back to your normal form. You tapped his shoulder again.
'Hi there.'
He turned around with a smile.
"Hello there, princess."
"What are you doing in my room?"
"Just visiting you."
'Just visit? Are you sure about that?'
'No...' He smiled at you with his beautiful dimples.
You put your pinky in one of his dimples.
'Beautiful.'
His cheeks turned red from this interaction. He placed his hands on your hips.
His face came closer to yours.
His eyes shone with the reflection of the moon. Your eyes wandered on his face. His face came closer to yours every second until your lips touched. The kiss was soft and tender. He turned you over so he could push you onto your bed.
His hands wandering on your body. Your lips reconnecting again.
"We have to be quiet, honey."
"We'll be quiet."
You started undressing each other until you were both naked. You looked at each other from head to toe. It didn't feel weird being naked around him. He gently laid you down on your own bed. His arms were muscular, his body was actually muscular. One of your hands squeezed his bicep. You both started giggling quietly. He gave you a quick kiss before positioning himself at your entrance. He first felt if you were wet enough. (Of course you were.) He slowly started pushing himself into you. It took some adjusting at first, but it didn't take long to get used to it. He grabbed one of your hands and pinned them against the mattress.
He pumped into you slowly. You tried not to moan. His hands felt soft. It was such a romantic interaction. Your hands went into his hair and you started to stroke it. His curls sometimes fell in front of his eyes, so you pulled it back. He started sucking on your neck, you had to bite your lips to keep from moaning. He adjusted his position at a moment and he found your sensitive place. He started hitting that spot.
Your legs were shaking at one point. You surrounded his hip with your legs. So you could push him closer to you. His kiss made you a little dizzy with pleasure. He started to be a little faster. You moved from back to front because of this event. At some point you felt your orgasm coming. You tried to say something, but the words wouldn't come out. You couldn't do anything. Bangchan of course saw that you were very close. He caressed your cheeks and whispered sweet words in your ears. He started biting your earlobe playfully.
'Cum for me, little princess.'
You dropped yourself onto the bed in pleasure. He kept pushing himself into you until he came with a groan. You both layed next to each other on your bed. You had never done this before. Yes, you were still a virgin, but that's normal at Hogwarts. When did you have time to make love, when the teachers were constantly watching the students.
"Never done this before." you said suddenly, breaking the silence.
'Never?'
"You did?"
"Mean I had practiced."
"You mean with someone there?"
'No... just... with myself...'
'You shouldn't be ashamed of that. Everyone does that at some point.'
'You too?'
"Maybe did it once."
"What were you thinking while you... did that?"
'Just someone.'
"Who was that person?"
"You still don't know?'
You turned over so you were on your side. You looked directly into his eyes.
'Me?'
Your cheeks turned red and you looked away from him.
'Hey, you shouldn't be ashamed of that. In fact, I'm glad you thought about me.'
'Do you?'
'Yes.'
He moved closer to you, his arms embracing you. You felt his warmth. His body was sweaty. You grabbed your blanket and covered him and yourself with it. You nuzzled yourself into his neck. Your arms hung from his.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The sun shone through your window. You looked around and saw Bangchan still sleeping. You thought it was all just a dream.
'Wake up.' you whispered in his ear.
He looked around the room for a moment. His hair was all messed up. You kissed him on the cheek.
You walked around the school with Haerin. Gossiping about anything and everything.
"I heard Bangchan has a girlfriend."
You started to stutter a little.
'How so?'
âI heard he's sneaking around with her, a Slytherin. Do you know more about that?'
You cleared your throat.
'No.'
She grinned at you.
"Hmm, sure." she said under her breath.
Lee Know and Yoongi came towards you. Their faces said it all.
âHi, Y/N. Slept well... last night.'
"Yes, probably."
'Slept well, didn't you?'
"Why are you all so weird."
"We're not weird at all, if anyone here is weird, it's you."
'Nice for you.'
"Let's change the subject, you know, I really like someone."
'Who?!'
"A raven claw."
âEww.â
âHwang Hyunjin.â
'That dramatic case?'
'Yes.'
"Have you tried talking to him yet?" Because staring at him from far away isn't really going to help.'
'I do not dare...'
'Just let me do it.'
Haerin tried to stop you but it was too late. You saw Hyunjin standing with Bangchan. You came towards him, Bangchan smiled at you.
âHi, Hyunjin is it?â
'My friend there.' you pointed at Haerin who completely panicked.
'she wants to get to know you better.'
'She wants to get to know me better?'
'Yes. So yes or no, because you wouldn't keep a lady waiting, would you?'
'Is she free between 3pm and 4pm?'
'Probably.'
"Then send her to me." '
Thank you for your time.' you winked at Bangchan, who melted away.
'You are welcome, he wants to see you between 3 pm and 4 pm.'
Hyunjin waved at Haerin from a distance. She almost fainted.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
#skz#skz imagines#stray kids#skz x reader#stray kids x reader#stray kids imagines#skz fluff#stray kids fluff#skz smut#skz scenarios#stray kids imagine#stray kids fanfic#skz fantasy au#bangchan x reader#bangchan x you#bangchan x y/n#bangchan x female reader#skz bang chan#bang chan x reader#stray kids bangchan#bang chan smut#stray kids bang chan#straykids x reader#straykids imagines#straykids smut#straykids fanfic#bang chan#skz stay#lee know#lee know x reader
426 notes
¡
View notes
Note
bonjour cy-lindric, j'ai une petite question. when I was a young person, I read The Three Musketeers and then eagerly started to read Twenty Years After and was so upset at what had happened to my beloved young heroes that I put the book down and never picked it up. what do you think, should I try again?
Bonjour !
After reading The Three Musketeers, I also wasn't sure I wanted to read Twenty Years After, and I took a break inbetween both to read something entirely different (The Locked Tomb, iirc). I think my reason for that was kind of the opposite of yours ; I enjoyed T3M a lot and loved the characters, flaws and all, but by the end they had somewhat crossed over the line into being Too Awful and the lack of retribution left me a bit frustrated. I didn't see it as a failing of the story - on the contrary, their strong character flaws and downfall in the conflict with Milady is one of the most emotionally intense and compelling parts imo - but I wasn't sure I felt like hanging out with these guys for a few hundred more pages at that point.
If your vision of the characters as a young reader was a very positive and perhaps idealized one, I can imagine why you might not have enjoyed entering into Twenty Years after. The illusion of glory has worn off ; the characters have separated, they live unremarkable lives, and their personalities have evolved drastically with the passing of time. It's almost a brutal return to reality.
For me though, it added layers of characterization to the point where now it's clear to me that this version of the Inseparables is by far the one I prefer.
I hope it's ok if I take the opportunity to talk at length about what I like about TYA below the cut. TL;DR : I love that Twenty Years After is a more realistic look at the big four's personalities and how they evolved while still keeping them thematically coherent, and that TYA makes them confront the reckless and cruel shit they did in their youth.
Spoilers ahead obviously.
We've often talked about how T3M is at its core a story about the end of knighthood. It's a tongue-in-cheek approach at chivalrous initiation, set at edge of the modern world, inbetween the time of ballads about knights in armor and that of adventures about journeying gunmen and soldiers. I think TYA embodies that particularly ; the story of people who have carried the last of these intense, dangerous chivalric ideals in their youths, and who have now grown into middle aged adults who need to find their place in the world.
For a good chunk of the book, the big four are separated into two teams ; that in of itself might discourage some, but imo it's genius. Instead of the natural two-by-pairings, Dumas goes for a d'Artagnan+ Porthos and Athos + Aramis split on opposite sides, which makes for good drama and develops lesser explored dynamics. D'Artagnan and Porthos form a scrappy team of opportunists with money on their minds, and Athos and Aramis a more idealistic duo fighting for a noble lost cause. I think it's a bold choice but also premium sequel writing.
I also love the way the young and wild characters we knew evolve into middle aged men ; at their core, they're still the same, but they've all changed and struggled against the sunset of the golden age in their own ways.
D'Artagnan, after knowing such adventures and subsequent rapid social ascension in his teenage years, has been met in his adult life with the harsh reality that he is, in fact, not a noble knight but a soldier on payroll. His modest origins give him little hope for any further career advancement, and he takes on a new mission in his early 40s for a man he has no devotion for and a cause he doesn't care about, simply because he is bored and broke. D'Artagnan still has his quick wits, his strategic talent, his fencing skills, but he has grown out of the excesses of pride of his teenage years. I loved meeting him again in TYA, and it made so much sense to me that his bouts of anger and aggressivity would be a youthful trait that he'd ended up taming. He also realizes now a lot of what seemed like funny adventures and necessary violence was actually kind of fucked up ; that was a shock to me, as their shenanigans are treated so lightly in T3M, and tbh it healed me a little. Grown up d'Artagnan is cunning, calculating, down to earth and realistic. My foxy little man. I love him.
Porthos, likewise, has been struck by the weight of reality. He has made the sensible choice and got married to the rich widow who sugar mommied him in the first book. Now she's passed, he is rich, but he still fails to earn the respect of the high society he evolves in because he's not high born enough. Like d'Artagnan, he's stagnating and bored and now that he goes back adventuring it has nothing to do with the queen or the kingdom or honour ; it's about getting his damn nobility title.
Athos, on the other hand, is the eternal knight : the only truly high born of the four, and still hopelessly holding on to a time gone by. It's no surprise imo that his storyline brings him into the english civil war, doomed to fail at saving a king who'll end up executed right in front of him. TYA acknowledges more clearly than ever that at 28 yo, Athos was a depressed alcoholic, and an embodiment of what an excess of aristocratic righteousness can do. In TYA, he is sober and moisturized and a DILF, and now he's running around frantically looking for absolution for his numerous crimes. It's delicious.
Aramis is maybe the hardest pill to swallow. TYA confirms the T3M hints that he isn't really the prim and proper romantic boy he acts like he is, and that he's possibly the most hypocritical and ruthless of the four. It might be a harsh one for Aramis fans who like him better as a cute bean, but I love the early onset of remorseless conniving bloodthirsty ambitious Aramis. Another harsh bit might be the evolution of Aramis and d'Artagnan not really liking each other ; they were always the least close combination, and imo it makes sense that their personalities would clash. I think it's clever and compelling conflict.
Now, obviously, if you've cared enough to read all this and if you know me a little, you know that a huge highlight of the book for me was its late-appearing antagonist, Mordaunt. Mordaunt is the son Milady had with her english husband. Because of the Musketeers' intervention, he's grown up in poverty and has been denied his father's inheritance. He's now a Roundhead working for Cromwell, and set on avenging his mother at all costs. Mordaunt, unlike his mother who was this beautiful and dangerous force of nature, is very uncool and pathetic. She was the primordial snake, he's the gutter rat. Obviously, I love that in and of itself, but it's also kind of striking image of the wretchedness of what they've done to her, a fucked up little goblin ghost come back to haunt them as they're trying to make their life worth living again. This time, their enemy is not a cunning political rival with a flamboyance of body and mind akin to their own ; it's a shitty little guy with bad skin who wants to kill the king and punish the murderers. Watch out babes, it's the modern world coming for you.
Of course, they're the Four Musketeers, and they did what they had to do, so they get together again and swear friendship and keep going their way. But they're also old guys with difficult personalities in a world that's never going to be the same. I think it's a cool book.
233 notes
¡
View notes
Note
If request are open, could I ask for a pt. 2 of the siren song/hearing you sing, for Law, Marco and Ace please?
DESCRIPTION: The first time they hear you sing captivates them
WARNINGS: None
CHARACTERS: Law, Marco, Ace, Crocodile, Kid
WORDS: 2,612
A/N: Thank you for this request, I'm fond of this idea so I'm glad to revisit it with more characters. I hope you like what I came up with for these guys
*REQUESTS ARE OPEN*
DIRECTORY | PROMPT LIST
âââââââ
LAW
When Law begins to ponder things heâs relentless until his curiosity is sated and the answer he sought was his. Usually these pursuits in knowledge took a small amount of time to accomplish because of how driven he would be and what he needed to know would be in one of the many hefty books in his, nestled somewhere amongst the thin papers and tiny printed words. However if the clear answer wasnât there, at the very least his books pointed him in the right direction of an island or person who could tell him what his mind was currently fixated on knowing. This current question however could not be revealed to him through books or other masters of particular fields of intellect. No, the only person who could relieve him of this question was you. The question: what did you sound like when you sang?
It had honestly been something heâd never given much thought before. The cause for the nagging question had come one evening when heâd emerged from his study one evening and came across Bepo who was in a more cheerful mood than normal. Curious about the clear change in his navigator, Law couldnât help but ask for the cause. It surprised Law to hear your name come from Bepoâs mouth. Then the surprise became confusion, youâd been part of the crew for a while now, why would you suddenly affect him? Obviously needing more information, Bepo continued. âI heard them sing! Theyâre amazing, itâs put me in a great mood ever since.â
While Law knew music could affect a personâs mood, he hadnât seen something so strong which began to stir his curiosity more. Already he wanted to hear your singing for himself, mostly to see if the change in mood was something that happened for everyone that heard it but also because on the slightly childish reason he was annoyed Bepo had heard you sing before he had. He was aware of his attraction to you and to know that you were a singer only furthered his interest in getting to know you better. However he couldnât just order you to sing for him, thatâd be overstepping things entirely and while he was your Captain, he wasnât going to act like you were his to order about to please his personal whims. No, if he was to hear you it would have to come about naturally.Â
Sadly he wasnât able to hear you for himself right away. With the current layout of the crewâs work patterns and the long stretch of travelling through a particularly turbulent part of the sea it meant everyone was laser focussed on their tasks to ensure the Polar Tang navigated the waters safely. This meant very little time for relaxing. For the duration of the journey everyone mostly ate their meals and went to bed in the spare windows of time they had between shifts. It wasnât until the submarine surface at the new island that everyone let out a sigh of relief. Since you were the last one on watch you wanted more than anything to go and sleep. You could explore the island later and returned to the sleeping quarters while the others prepared for disembarking.Â
Law knew the island was a peaceful one so he opted to stay behind while you slept, letting everyone else explore. Heâd even let the Polar Tang stay above the waterâs surface and enjoyed the quiet this rare occurrence brought. Without the echoing sound of the water enveloping the Tang, without the sounds of footsteps against the metal floors and heavy doors shutting, and without the constant whirl and hum of the engines and computers, Law found himself enjoying the peace as he lay on his sofa, eyes closed in contentment. Then he finally heard the answer to the question.Â
Through the empty corridors, the song broke out and carried itself clear and alluring. Law sat upright and looked to his partly opened door as your remarkable voice practically called to him, pulling him from his seat and urging him to come closer to the source and he went oh so willingly, it was practically hypnotic. In a blink it seemed, he was standing in the doorway leading to the stairwell that would take him to the top deck. There you sat on one of the steps, singing perfectly and smiling when you saw him approach. When the song came to itâs natural end you had a look of satisfaction on your face.Â
âIâve always been curious about how good the acoustics were when the ship was silent. Definitely better than Iâd hoped.â You explained. Law couldnât help but chuckle, glad that both of you had found the answers to the questions youâd had and that for both of you it was more than worth the wait.
MARCO
Truth be told Marco hadnât really paid you much notice when you first joined the Whitebeard Pirates. He learned your name and face at the first introduction and some of your medical history out of necessity but because you were in Izouâs division, everything else about you was a mystery and not exactly one heâd be in a hurry to unravel. For the first months of your recruitment, polite conversation only happened in the groups and parties on and off the ship. There wasnât much one on one time between you both so you just melded into the background for the most part, only coming into view when you were needed. As long as you were loyal to the family that was the crew, pulled your weight and worked hard that was all that mattered.Â
Then after a while, Marco did begin to take a slight notice. In fights you were capable and swift, able to act without hesitation while also making sure you werenât acting foolishly and out of impulse. Everything you did had a purpose. You also had a good sense of humour and attitude that allowed you you settle in amongst the others quickly. You also werenât afraid of voicing your own opinion and were ready to argue your point if something disagreed with you. Sometimes heâd find himself on the receiving end of that but anything you gave him, heâd return in kind. There was no real animosity between you both, any arguments between you were swiftly settled and you both returned to your own coexistence on the ship.Â
Sometime along the way, Marco began to notice that Whitebeard held a certain soft spot for you, he couldnât exactly pinpoint where it came from or when but it had left him curious about it all the same. Still, he didnât pry into Popsâ reasoning for this. Whitebeardâs business was his own, for all Marco knew you simply reminded him of someone from his past. Knowing heâd probably never know, Marco pushed the curiosity and settled his mind on the things that were important such as the care of Pops and the crew.Â
Then one night when Popsâ pain had flared to the point he found himself unable to sleep and not even the soothing flames of Marcoâs Devil Fruit could remove the ailment entirely, Whitebeard asked for you. It wasnât long before the nurse that had been sent to get you reappeared with you following close behind. With a kind smile, you approached his enormous bed and sat on the edge with enough room to ensure there was space for Pops to remain undisturbed.Â
âRough night Pops?â You asked with a knowing look.Â
âCould say that, or maybe I just wanted my children to fuss over me a little more.â Whitebeard grinned, always trying to reassure and keep things light. Despite his words, he dismissed the nurses until it was just you and Marco in the room with him.Â
âSo what will I start with tonight?â You asked gently. âYour favourite one from home?â
âYeah, always like that one.â Whitebeard nodded, letting his eyes close so he could focus on Marcoâs flames while you began to sing.Â
Marcoâs eyes widened at the sound of your voice, so strong and yet so sweet, pulling his focus from Popsâ face to look fully at you. You controlled your singing expertly, the sound just as reassuring and soothing to Pops, the song one heâd known since a boy, comforting him as an extra salve to his discomfort. Another form of healing and just as powerful as the Phoenix who continued to look at you in awe, with fresh eyes and he couldnât help but think it was such a shame heâd allowed you to fall into the background for so long. Perhaps if heâd given you more notice sooner, heâd have been there the night Whitebeard had heard your singing while you were perched up in the Crowâs Nest and understood his soft spot for you from the beginning.Â
When you finished your song, Marco uttered out a single word. âBeautiful.â You whirled your head around to finally meet his stare, eyes widened and lips parted in surprise. Cursing inwardly Marco cleared his throat and quickly looked away from the force of your eyes that he now found just has much power over him as your singing did. âThe song.â He added, trying to recover his brief slip, not wanting to make you uncomfortable around him. âPops is sleeping now. You can go back to bed if you want.âÂ
Slowly you looked away from Marco and you smiled to see Popsâ chest rising and falling steadily, already fast asleep and thankfully looking more peaceful than he had been. Still you remained where you sat and shook your head. âNah, Iâll stay. He might wake up again.â You explained before looking back to Marco smiling at him, trying not to seem too eager. âYou got a favourite song Doc?â
âA fewâŚâ Marco admitted with a relaxed smile, glad you had decided to stay.
ACE
It took a lot to get Ace angry; unwarranted and unnecessary violence to innocent civilians who couldnât defend themselves was one thing, disrespect to Whitebeard was another. When someone somehow managed to combine both things at once? He was beyond furious. His hands shook as he stared at the townspeople trying to help each other whether with medical aid or helping to clean up what was ruined and find what was still salvageable. Ace ground his teeth together and balled his hands into tight fists, flames rippling over his arms in growing fury. âIâll fucking kill them.â He snarled, beginning to step forward.
âWoah, woah there hothead.â You quickly darted in front of him and stopped his advance towards the ruined town centre. âTake a breath and calm yourself.âÂ
âCalm?â Ace demanded looking at you in anger. âThis is Popsâ territory and someoneâs attacked it. Look behind you! We have to get those bastards back it and these people!â Only a small group of you had been sent out to the island to investigate reports of an unallied ship sailing close. By the time youâd arrived, theyâd already docked and begun to wreck havoc. None of you could let this stand. It startled Ace to see you werenât taking it seriously, instead you were fixing your anger on him.Â
âTake your own advice, Ace and look behind you.â You snapped harshly. âThese people are terrified. We need to support them first, theyâve had enough of seeing violent pirates for one day. Popsâ people are the priority.â
âBut-â Aceâs mind began to clear slightly from the angered haze that had settled over his eyes when he glanced behind you to look at the civilians. He took a slow breath and sighed. âI just want to make them pay.â
âThose nobodies arenât getting away, we destroyed their ship the second we docked. Theyâre trapped here and the others will track them down in no time. Come on, letâs do what we can here first. These people need to see friendly faces.â
Ace hated how you were right. Taking another breath he calmed himself of his outward fury and nodded, signalling you to start walking towards the town. By the time the both of you came into their line of sight, you saw their initial panic fall away to relief. The older members of the town recognising you immediately and hurrying over. From them you learned that those who attacked hadnât realised the island was Whitebeardâs territory until the sound of your ship approaching reached them. When they learned of their mistake they fled into the forest and mountains nearby. While you were glad it hadnât been intended to be a declaration of war against Whitebeard, their attack would not be forgiven and their fates were sealed.Â
Still though, you and Ace kept your minds firmly on the people, first aiding their cleaning of the mess made. Your calm personality and Aceâs naturally charming nature swiftly allowed the civilians to relax and fall into conversation with you, leading those that had been hiding with the children to come out. Immediately the children flocked to you and Ace in excitement, knowing they were safe. You grinned to see the youngsters ultimately decide in unison that Ace was the perfect target to climb on and a laugh broke from your lips to see four children were hanging onto his outstretched arms for dear life while their legs dangled in the air.Â
You were happy to see that the children had managed to distract Ace from his earlier anger just as much as he had served to erase the fear these people held. Already you could feel the shift in energy and just as youâd finished the cleaning, the others in your group appeared triumphant with the news that the pirates that had attacked had been swiftly dealt with. Now in the need to celebrate, food was prepared and furniture was assembled to create an impromptu party to celebrate and turn the bad day into a good one.Â
When the food was served you took pity on the children who still excitedly clung and pulled Ace who while was having fun, wanted nothing more than to eat and enjoy the meals he could smell. The others in his group, his family cruelly taunted him by declaring how good their food tasted. You laughed and rolled your eyes, taking pity on him faster than the others. You approached one of the townspeople who youâd helped locate his missing guitar and sat beside him, asking him to play a song you knew. Immediately his face broke out into a grin, he played the quick and cheerful song and you started to sing.Â
Like a flick of a switch all of the children and Aceâs heads snapped towards you, immediately fixated with the sound. Some of the adults had even started to dance to the song. In all the time Ace had known you, flirted with you, adventured with you, how had he not known you sang? Even more, how had he never know you sang so beautifully? Even with him now free from the swarm of children whoâd demanded his attention he was following them to where you were seated and singing, unable to look away and completely lost in the power of your voice. There was nowhere else he could possibly find himself wanting to go.
From their spot at the table, the remaining members of Whitebeardâs pirates in the group grinned at Aceâs expression and utter captivation in you. Slowly they shook their head at how their Division Commander was obviously smitten with you. They were already aware of his feelings for you and that was before heâd heard you sing. He was powerless against you.
------------------------------------------------
TAG LIST (If I've missed anyone or if you want to be added just let me know) @3v37773 , @tsaaps , @i-am-all-love-puns-and-lazy , @sanemisnonexistenteyebrow , @fiery-captain-spider-santa @kabloswrld , @atanukileaf , @chaotic-on-main
#one piece#one piece imagines#one piece scenario#one piece x reader#one piece x you#one piece fic#one piece fanfiction#trafalgar law#law x reader#law x you#marco the phoenix#marco x you#marco x reader#portgas d ace#ace x you#ace x reader#one piece law#trafalgar d water law#trafalgar law x reader#trafalgar law x you#trafalgar one piece#trafalgar op#trafalgar d law x reader#law op#law one piece#marco one piece#op marco#portgas d ace x reader#portgas d ace x you#portgas ace x reader
339 notes
¡
View notes
Note
Hiii! I recently saw your hyuka fic and oopp... my heart thumped a little bit harder. đ And i saw that your requests are open??? Iwanna drop by to say my request, if possible, just a steamy make-out sesh with taehyun after class in the library đľđđ
- đŁ
between the pages
WHEREIN: you share a heated session with taehyun
彥 pairing: taehyun x gn!reader 彥 genre: suggestive 彥 warnings: make-out sesh, detailed kissing, minor language
SEUL SPEAKS! im so glad u enjoyed blurred boundaries (â§ââŚ)ďž ur requests didn't have anything specific so i took it to my imagination, anyhow, hope this is what u were looking for! (not proof read)
the library had always been your secret refuge, a place where the noise of the outside world faded away. the hours after class were yours alone, tucked away among the towering shelves. today, the soft afternoon light filtered through the high windows, casting a golden hue on the rows of books.
as the last bell echoed through the quiet halls, taehyun caught your hand, pulling you into your favorite hidden alcove. the air was thick with anticipation. his eyes, dark with longing, met yours as he pressed you gently against the cool wooden shelves.
"missed you," he whispered, his breath warm against your ear. before you could respond, his lips claimed yours in a fierce, hungry kiss. it was a kiss that spoke of weeks of suppressed desire, of stolen glances, and unspoken words. his tongue slid against yours, exploring, teasing, and tasting every corner of your mouth. he pulled you closer, his hands roaming your back, fingers tracing intricate patterns as if committing the shape to memory.
your hands found their way into taehyun's hair, tugging gently, eliciting a low groan from him that vibrated against your lips. you deepened the kiss, your tongues dancing in a rhythm that felt both familiar and thrillingly new. taehyun's kisses became more urgent, more insistent, his lips capturing yours again and again, each kiss more demanding than the last.
your breaths mingled, hot and heavy, as taehyun took his time savoring the taste of yours. he nipped at your lower lip, drawing a soft gasp from them before soothing the sting with his tongue. his kisses were a mixture of tender and possessive, making your heart race and your knees weak.
reluctantly, taehyun's lips began to trail away from your mouth, moving to your jawline, then down to the sensitive spot on your neck. his kisses grew more insistent, leaving a trail of heat in your wake. his teeth grazed your skin, eliciting a soft moan that you quickly silenced, aware of your surroundings.
taehyun's hands were everywhere, tracing the curves of your body with a reverence that made your heart race. he pulled back just enough to meet your gaze, his eyes smoldering with unspoken promises. "you drive me crazy," he murmured, his voice rough with desire.
before you could respond, his lips were on yours again, trailing downward. he kissed along your collarbone, each press of his lips igniting sparks on your skin. his hands slipped beneath the hem of your shirt, fingers skimming the warm skin there. each touch sent shivers down your spine, igniting a fire that threatened to consume you both. his lips traveled further down, exploring the delicate skin, leaving a path of burning desire in your wake.
taehyun's touch grew bolder, his hands sliding up your sides, thumbs brushing against your ribs, drawing them impossibly closer. his kisses were intoxicating, each one more fervent, more demanding. he nipped at your collarbone, his tongue soothing the marks he left behind, drawing soft whimpers from your lips.
just as taehyun's kisses began to venture lower, the sharp ring of the bell shattered your heated moment. you both froze, breathless and flushed, the spell broken. taehyun rested his forehead against yours, his breathing ragged. "saved by the bell," he muttered with a wry smile.
reluctantly, you straightened your clothes and smoothed your hair, exchanging one last lingering kiss. "until next time," taehyun promised, his voice a low murmur that sent a thrill through you.
Š 2024 seoulzie
#kang taehyun x you#kang taehyun x reader#kang taehyun imagines#taehyun x reader#taehyun x you#taehyun scenarios#taehyun imagines#taehyun smut#Kang Taehyun smut#txt smut#taehyun hard thoughts#taehyun hard hours#txt hard hours#txt hard thoughts#txt x reader#txt fanfic#txt fanfiction#txt imagines#txt oneshots#txt ff#taehyun ff#taehyun oneshot#taehyun fanfic#taehyun fanfiction#taehyun#kang taehyun#txt taehyun#kpop imagines
200 notes
¡
View notes
Text
Teacher's pet. // Prof! Alex Turner X Stud! Reader (Smut) Part 2 of 3.
prompt: (Age Gap/Smut) Alex, an undergraduate professor, wasn't known for his friendliness until he found himself gradually warming up to you. Your remarkable writing skills, particularly directed at his class, heightened his interest even further. He's determined to show you firsthand just how talented you are, even if the journey is challenging. Eventually, both of you realize that resisting this connection is futile, and you must let go of your inhibitions to explore what lies ahead.
words: 9K.
a/n: I'll need to add one more part, I hope you still feel like reading them! Thank you for waiting all this time! (I'll try my best to finish the last part soon)
HERE'S PART1
Alex promptly notified campus authorities about the boys. Although he didn't know their names, his detailed description enabled other professors to identify them. He ultimately concluded that they weren't a real threat, just a bunch of troublemakers. Nevertheless, he did his part, unwilling to let the situation slide and subject himself to any torment for having overlooked their inappropriate behavior. In the same way, he'd be watching you just as closely, not only because he wanted you to be okay but also because of the intensity that had built up inside him (thoughts and a tiny bit of obsession) after the last time he saw you.
âŚ
His messy and crooked handwriting on the napkin somehow lingered in your mind. Not as much as the possibility of him being someone other than yours, but it persistently surrounded your aura. Your idealization of Professor Turner did not fit with him being a traitor, so yes, the way you portrayed him in your mind did not allow for such a possibility unless he proved otherwise. And that hurts, from deep within your core to the bitterness in your mouth and the burning in your throat. It was frustrating, yet you still wanted him around. What continued to motivate you to read the book he had given you and delve into his notes was the feeling of having him by your side, reading every word with you. Sometimes you were certain that if you closed your eyes, you could hear his rough, accentuated voice blending with the characters.
Perhaps, if you were his age and already held a degree, maybe even a professor specializing in romantic literature, there might have been something between you two. Picture it: a rainy afternoon, your head resting on his chest, his warm lips near your ear as he read to you. You hadn't openly acknowledged it yet, but you felt a certain compatibility despite the numbers of years difference. It took you a while to realize, but his demeanor softened whenever he saw you, his gaze growing more serene, and even the beloved wrinkle between his eyebrows had time to relax. His voice became gentler. You weren't completely oblivious to these cues, though you did have your doubts.
It all traced back to that one night when he had come to your aid, opening your eyes to the possibility that he could belong to someone. The faint, woody scent of his blazer had found its way to your home. He had even apologized for pulling back from a kiss, not wanting to be rude, and left his phone number in your belongings with a simple message: "Call me if you need me, lilâ one." He left no room for doubt; your mind still spun, and you felt helpless, uncertain about what steps to take. But your desire to do something about it burned brightly.
"I can hear your breathing," his tone was relaxed. Just as you hoped it would be with you, and then you wondered if he could recognize you by your breathing alone.
You remained silent, there was no plausible reason or emergency that had made you call. It wasn't strange, just unusual. He laughed, which made you imagine him with a cigarette between his fingers, taking a breath on the balcony with his mouth slightly open to blow out the smoke. Maybe he just smoked too much, and you weren't obsessed.
"It's okay, little one. We can stay in silence." He laughed, in a way that filled your lungs, and the little wrinkles around his eyes appeared for contemplation. At least in your mind, just for you.
You exhaled, your eyes filling with tears. It wasn't exactly a desire to cry, but you felt genuinely sad knowing that you weren't and wouldn't be his.
"How do you know it's me, Mr. Turner?" You wanted to sound playful, but your voice came out so shaky that it made calling him that seem inappropriate.
"It was a guess. Besides, I can't think of anyone who would call me at this hour and stay in deep silence. And, well," there was a pause, his guttural and muffled breathing making you take a deep breath. Enough time for a drag, you thought. "You know, I was âoping youâd call." He was sincere, typical of him. He always seemed too clear when he wanted to be. Everyone said he was strict, but you couldn't think of a time when he had made his students confused or uncertain about something he demanded. Demanded, that was a word that suited him in the classroom.
"Waited?" And you saw him nod with a sweet look for you, as if he were by your side. In fact, he just mumbled. "Expected me to be in trouble?" You tried to sound more cheerful.
There was a pause; you lay down, staring at the walls until you buried your nose in the pillow in a hug. He was close to his phone; you could hear him wet his lips and breathe lightly. You wanted to run your fingers over his face and hair again, but you couldn't deny that this was as magnificent as it got.
"Not at all, but I wouldn't hesitate to save you." His eyes closed tightly. The silence grew deeper, still comfortable, it was cute. If you had the chance, you would kiss him before that, before it got too cute. "I'm sorry," he said, not sounding regretful, just reluctant due to your brief absence.
You laughed, not saying anything, but it was enough for him to understand that everything was okay.
"Are you sad?"
Then you felt the pillow get a little damp.
"Am I really that transparent?"
He let out a breath through his nose, his lips curving. If he closed his eyes just right, just like you did, he would also be able to feel your fingers dancing around him.
"Only when you write, but I blame myself for watchinâ you too much during this time." You sounded the same way as when he pushed you a little too hard with his pragmatic comments, and although he found it adorable, over the phone, without being able to do anything about it, it made him a little uncomfortable. His words took brief seconds to be spoken; he wondered if you noticed how nervous he was that he needed to formulate sentences before speaking. And even then, he regretted some of them, not that they were bad, but he didn't want to hurt you.
"I guess I am,"
"Guess?" The air caught in your throat, the back of your nose starting to burn, and you feared it would be difficult to keep tears from flowing.
You didn't want to comment on the woman in the photo, at least not at that moment; you wanted to enjoy being with him as much as possible. Taking a deep breath, you decided to omit the reason but still let him know that you were genuinely upset. Maybe it was because he had helped you; you didn't know why, but you trusted him to a moderate extent that included your feelings. You believed and knew that talking to him would make you feel better.
"I think I'm just stressed," it wasn't a lie. His body shivered, unable to hold you close to comfort you. You felt a little pathetic making such a confession to a 37-year-old man who didn't have the same problems as you.
"I feel like I'm trying so hard for nothing, the days of writing have been a burden, and everything I write is so thought out and time-consuming that I feel like no one would want to read it, I'm almost certain I'm a fraud. I'm just waiting for the day they'll realize." Your throat was already scratchy enough to be closed from the middle to the end; your face was wet, and your head pounded in pulses. This was a recurring thought of yours; you had never verbalized it to anyone.
He listened, his steady breathing becoming slightly faster, and in a way, it calmed you over the phone. The whimsical feeling that he was there for you, even if it was a situation made up in your head, put you at ease.
Alex had noticed that you were insecure about your writing; it was clear how you reacted to his notes and negative feedback. But that was one of the things that made you good, the persistence in wanting to recognize your mistakes, listen, and do things differently. He wished all his students were like that. Although you had a special place in his mind and heart. Alex found you talented and determined; weakness didn't align with your gentle and loving personality. He wanted to make you see yourself through his eyes and free you from that feeling.
"I don't think you are, lilâ one; I know you're not," the pet name brought a smile to your face, and Alex noticed, his chest warming with the satisfaction of successfully soothing your worries. "You'll reach your goals. You write well, pay great attention to detail, and I love every touch of romance in your writing. I mean it now, and I'll mean it even more in the near future. Youâre quite meant for this." He settled into his bed, clearing his mind as he imagined you lying beside him. Alex could almost see your gaze darting away from his, just as you often did during his lectures, as if you hoped he wouldn't notice.
You wouldn't admit it, and he wouldn't discover it, but you felt more confident and better in this emotional aspect after his classes. You recognized that you felt even worse about this in the months before you even knew Alex. Now it was different, and you liked that.
"Do you really think so?" It didn't sound like you wanted to hear him repeat the same words. It was more like you still had traces of doubt. He could even see your nose wrinkling, a habit of yours when you were uncertain, which he found endearing. Just like hearing your weak voice like that, no matter how wrong it may be.
"Sometimes I'm certain that I'm not worth the opportunity that someone needs to give me so I can succeed in something, something that hasn't even happened yet and might never," Alex didn't let you linger on that and hushed you until your voice diminished. If he found it painful to hear you talk about yourself this way, he couldn't imagine how you were dealing with it inside your head. "I don't want you to talk âbout yourself like that." His voice was firmer, and you shrunk back; it was good to hear above all. "You'll make it. You're worried âbout a future you can't control. You're still young, and you haven't even finished your degree. Give things time. Like I said, you're talented, and you'll have good opportunities. And I'd help you in any way possible." Inside his head, he concluded, and in the impossible too. He wished he could hug you, have your body close, and be sure that you were comforted and that your voice was no longer filled with tears, but all he had were words.
Even without a turn of phrase, he noticed you calming down, and he could feel your exaggerated heartbeat through the call. Or maybe that was just his worries. You were a mess. And even though you were frustrated, he didn't want to be anywhere else that night but on the phone with you (even though he preferred you in person next to him).
"Do you think it gets better with time, Mr. Turner?" You smiled; it was forced, he knew that, but he was relieved that you were trying. Then he scratched his nose with a funny look, the way you called him still sending shivers through his body, but he also found it cute how the sound came from your lips.
"The insecurity you're feeling?" You nodded in a mumble. "It doesn't get better, but we learn to deal with it better, I think." You laughed again, with more enthusiasm, and Alex felt accomplished, feeling his own cheeks blush.
"Thank you, Mr. Turner." You said softly, closing your eyes, the phone pressed against your cheek, still hugging your pillow even tighter. His breath truly acted as a calming agent on you.
"Little one?" He noticed you were tired. "You can call me Alex if you want; there's no reason to be so formal." He felt awkward asking for that, even though the whole situation was awkward.
"Okay," you said softly, not quite able to bring yourself to say his name. The way you sounded thoughtful even with such a small word made Alex chuckle quietly in a discreet way. You were so adorable in his eyes.
Silence took over, in the same warm and familiar tone as throughout the call. You began to smell his scent on your sheets and remembered lying there with his blazer before, although for now, it was likely just a figment of your imagination. But it felt so real; you were really drowsy from sleep.
"Turner?" He murmured to let you know he was still there, finding the evolution of you avoiding "mister" quite sweet, as it made him feel less old compared to you than he actually was.
"I've been writing different works; I'd like you to take a look. I like it when you assist me without taking away my freedom." He ran his hand over his abdomen, his body warm, and he felt guilty once again for pulling you into this with him, even if that was your will too.
"I'd love to. I'm free tomorrow if you want to come over." It sounded subtle and right. Neither of you could tell if it was the effect of sleep, but he liked the idea of having you at his house again and being able to talk to you outside the academic environment. You took a while to respond, and he almost took back his earlier words.
"Is it not a problem?" Your mind went back to how he could have someone who was his person.
"No," he said, not sounding pensive, but he was wondering if someone important at the university found out it could give you problems. He knew it wasn't right for him, but he didn't care as much about what could happen to him; you had more to lose than he did, you were at the beginning of your academic career, and he wouldn't do that to you. "Do you think it could be a problem for you?"
You denied it, realizing you needed to speak for him to know the answer. "No, I think it's a good idea," you concluded, deciding that you would make the most of it, whatever it was. It was the first time you felt attracted - you liked him, you were a bit obsessed, you were afraid - and you were almost certain he felt the same way, and you didn't want to waste it.
After a few short minutes, you continued, "I love the way you write about being in love, as if there's only room for that one person in your head, and nothing else matters. I hope that if someone ever falls in love with me, it's at least 10% of how you describe that feeling." He knew you read his publications, yet he felt a delightful warmth, like receiving a handwritten note from your middle school crush confessing the same feelings. He appreciated your work, and your appreciation of his made him feel great. "Maybe I'm too busy being yours to fall for somebody new? I won't settle for anything less." Although Alex had written this a while ago, he found himself contemplating how well it matched what he felt for you.
You couldn't find more words, but both of you could sense each other's presence, the subtle laughter, and the soft breaths. Words weren't the sole means of communication; you both comprehended the situation and willingly let things progress at their own tempo. With this feeling of ease, you slipped into a peaceful and rejuvenating slumber, so unaware of it.
A few before this, he commented about needing to dispose of the ashes and the ashtray, and your face brightened in the darkness upon realizing you were right. He was smoking this whole time. Once you drifted off to sleep, Alex allowed himself to do the same, filled with the assurance that you were safe.
âŚ
Your gaze appeared distant, and your fingers, on the verge of digging into your arm's skin due to impatience, twitched nervously. You leaned against the wall, seeking to evade the curious glances of passersby, well aware that your tension was conspicuously written across your features.
"Hey, what happened?" His voice carried deep concern, and as his gaze met yours, you couldn't help but fear that someone had issued a threat you were blissfully unaware of. He didn't hesitate, closing the gap between you, his proximity sending shivers down your spine. He was clearly worried.
It took a moment for you to find yourself as you briskly navigated the corridor leading to the reception desk, anxiety clutching at your chest.
"They're having issues with my documents, for dear God. I need them to apply to some campus. I did everything correctly, notified them of my need for these documents, and I'm still well within the deadlineâŚ" Your voice trailed off, caught in the charged atmosphere, your mind aflame.
His gaze remained steady upon you, his countenance markedly soothed now that your anxiety had heightened the stakes of the situation. He adjusted the bag slung over his shoulder and extended a reassuring touch, his fingertips coming to rest gently upon your hand.
Moistening his lips and making that soft, almost playful sound one uses to capture a cat's attention, you couldn't help but release a small, albeit apprehensive chuckle, providing relief to both you and Mr Turner; he was doing well.
His presence, grounding and reassuring, helped to temper your nerves. He remained with you until your breathing found its way back to the present.
Glancing around, his eyes found no one in close proximity. He dipped his head slightly to align himself with your level, a tremor of emotion causing your cheeks to twitch. His face and the tip of his nose were red.
Running his fingers softly across your cheek, he offered you a warm smile despite your obvious reluctance stemming from the absence of his hand in yours.
"It's alright. Everything's going to be just fine, little one." His voice gradually dissolved your anxiety and the gripping sensation in your chest. He brought his fingers to his lips, tenderly kissing them before tracing their path back to your face.
First, he lightly pressed against your forehead, then your nose, and finally your cheek before his hands slid back into his pockets.
Unbidden, the thought crossed your mind that he would've kissed your tears away, a gesture of comfort he was undoubtedly willing to extend, if only the circumstances allowed. And then your mind ached at the brief reminder that you had woken up in the double bed in his room that night.
His laughter filled the space, eyes glistening with warmth, and the wrinkles around them adding to his features. In that moment, you fervently wished he could be yours, even as your self-awareness acknowledged the depth of your feelings.
"Where do you intend to apply?" Your gaze descended to his chest, buttons undone, and a gleaming chain vying for your touch.
"Huh, I... I plan to apply to a university in California. That's the crucial one, although I'll be submitting applications to others as well. Missing this deadline is simply not an option."
He nodded in understanding, skillfully alleviating the awkwardness you felt over your hesitant words. You remained unaccustomed to the unwavering attention he directed your way, where your words and actions seemed to bear a significant weight. He made you feel noticed and appreciated, you liked that.
"Give me a few minutes, and I'll be right back."
That said, he didn't take long to re-enter the room you had left about 40 minutes earlier and resolve your issue. He emerged with a furrowed brow, the self-assured smile gradually returning to his lips as he made his way back to you. It almost felt unfair how swiftly he had solved the problem, but then you remembered that he wasn't known for his friendliness to everyone. You imagined the firmness in his voice and expression as he demanded to know the whereabouts of your documents from whomever happened to be present. A sense of relief washed over you as he asked if this was what you needed and handed you the envelope. With a quick glance inside, you confirmed that your documents were indeed there.
He seemed genuinely pleased to have been able to help, but you didn't quite notice. Your reaction was instinctual as you rose on your tiptoes and let your body collapse onto his, your arms wrapping around his neck and pulling him close. He took a deep breath, unprepared for this, but he managed to keep his bag from slipping off his shoulder and circled his arm securely around you. His nose brushed against your hair, and he hoped your scent would linger on his clothes for at least a few more minutes.
It was brief, both aware of the potential consequences of this closeness. You apologized, although a smile remained on your face. He could have frozen that moment in reality, gazing at you for hours, your short shirt rumpled from your previous touch, knee socks slightly disheveled inside your tall boots, while you clung to the documents he had just retrieved. The silence wasn't uncomfortable; it was evident how you found comfort in each other's presence. And he easily concluded that you suited California.
"I need to go," he said, his thoughts consumed with the image of you sitting in his classroom in a few hours and potentially at his home later if you hadn't changed your mind. He didn't want to bring it up, wanting the decision to be entirely yours. If you decided not to show up, he'd understand, and you knew that. You appreciated the pressure he removed from you. His desires were quite evident, and even though you still needed to address the matter of the photo in his room, his intentions were anything but unclear.
âŚ
On that day, you sat a few desks behind due to the front-row seat's creaking issue. Every time he entered the room, your attention soared. You enjoyed admiring how he placed his brown bag on the desk, neatly rolled up his sleeves to the elbows, and adjusted his blazer before starting the class. However, you noticed how his eyes searched for you before initiating this ritual, his face stern and composed, his hand tracing his jaw until he reached the spot where he found you, a few desks back. Your radiant smile met his timid one, and your hands fidgeted with your skirt. At that moment, you both knew that neither of you concealed your feelings well. It was evident in the softening of his expression upon finding you and the shy smile that curved his lips; with crooked lower teeth and cute prominent lines. It warmed your heart.
The following minutes went as expected, with your heart racing when he addressed you, and he posed questions that he was confident you could answer or raise thought-provoking ones. You remained addicted to gaining his favor, even though you no longer needed it. There was no doubt you were his favorite one.
"I think that's enough for today," he murmured, dismissing the others, which included you. Yet, you hesitated to pack your things and leave. You wanted to show him that you still intended to meet him later, fearful that he might think otherwise.
Initiating the conversation didn't come naturally. You leaned against the closed door, observing him tidy up the last of his belongings. You felt uneasy, and he sported a self-assured smile. He was yours, soon you'd gradually become aware of it.
"It's okay, little one. We can stay in silence," he offered, approaching you. Your nervousness was palpable, and you couldn't even contemplate forming words. "There's no one on the other side of the door," he reassured, peering through the small glass window. "I wouldn't force or manipulate you into anything you don't want to do." He was cautious, but the idea that he thought you might think of him like that made you shake your head vigorously.
"I know you wouldn't, Professor Turner." His nose wrinkled slightly as you insisted on calling him that. His cheeks gained color, and you loved that.
You pushed your hair back, trying to clear your head. "I just wanted to confirm that you still want to see me tonight, and also to say thank you for helping me after the bar incident. I don't want you to think badly of me. Iâ" You paused, swallowing hard. Dry throat, just like your eyes, which couldn't stop blinking. His attention was fully on you, and it didn't help. Seeing your struggle, he moved closer, gently removing your hand from your hair. He whispered while still close, "I don't think anything bad 'bout you, and I'll still be waiting for you if you want to be there."
You nodded, your eyes lost in his, feeling as if you could almost touch his skin without making physical contact. Your hand involuntarily touched the collar of his shirt, your palm pressing awkwardly against his chest, feeling the warmth of his body beneath the coolness of his necklace. His fingers followed yours, resting on top of your hand with a pleasant size contrast. Your touch affected his body in ways you couldn't fully fathom, but he was better at concealing it. Your mind briefly entertained the idea of his lips brushing against yours, but this thought was soon supplanted by a lingering kiss to your forehead. Your chest met his as in an embrace, and it lasted long enough for you to feel his fingers below your knee, lifting your high socks until they were even with the other. It sent a great burn through your thigh and made you want to keep him close, but then he was stepping away. "I just want you to feel comfortable with me, pet." Your words once again choked in your throat. You wanted to hear him say he wanted you, but you refrained from vocalizing it, and you understood, but you still longed to hear it from him. Just as you wanted to shout that you felt good with him, despite being a novice in matters of the heart.
âŚ
In your imagination, Professor Turner was someone who didn't shy away from the daylight, and you believed he was just that, even though it was amusing to picture a darker side to him that other students described. When you told your roommate that you wouldn't be back that day, and she suspected it might be related to him, you received a playful, "Take care, don't let him pull you to the dark side." It made you laugh and think about how some of your classmates had asked you to talk to Alex about his grading approach because they had noticed his fondness for you and were in desperate need of a miracle. You didn't think your intervention would change anything, but your curiosity would lead you to take the risk.
The air felt trapped in your lungs, and there was still an alert in your mind that being there was wrong. Students were gossips (your friend even more so), if he had someone, you would know, right?
"I thought you might be hungry," he gestured for you to enter. The same calm and gentleness that always characterized his demeanor toward you, as your roommate had reminded you over the phone just minutes ago. Your mouth quivered, and your hands turned cold as he looked at you. His expression was meticulous, as if trying to read every one of your signals. The sensation within you intensified as you adjusted your knee socks, and his attention followed you until he realized how his hands clenched around nothing. This time, it was you who laughed.
"I wish I could say you don't have to pay for things for me, but honestly, I wouldn't have had the money to come here," you explained, with more than a hint that you might be less financially stable than him. The age difference still nagged at your mind, but you had promised yourself to make the most of this situation. He had covered the Uber ride, just like last time, and now you felt guilty about him spending money on your meal, even though you found it adorable.
He was flushed, certainly not from embarrassment. "It's okay, I don't mind. I want you 'ere." It sounded so formal and yet so natural of him, it made you wonder if he did this often; seduce their own students. It was quite a torment for you to add to your worries, had he ever done that before? And why were you bothered by that? Why did you want to be the only one who had ever gone through this with him?
You only realized that you were standing there staring at him when you felt his hand lightly press your back and guide you to the living room. There were sheets and pillows on the wooden floor rug and the light was dim. He had thought about that and it made your cheeks hot, you were unable to contain a smile. Before sitting down, he took your bag off your shoulders and murmured, "Your thoughts are quite noisy, little one."
He sat next to you, his shoulders pressed against yours. Your legs stretched out and your uncontrollable fingers played with the hem of your socks. You kept your eyes on the orange colored juice and some bread, your belly emptying and your head becoming fuller. âI just,â you looked at him, his messy hair and tired look but still giving you all the appreciation. "I'm not used to it, I guess."
"I'm not sure if it helps you either, but, I'm not, I'm not in the habit of bringing students to my house. You're the first one." You smiled, the weight of your body joining him. Alex noticed you becoming more comfortable and brought his hand closer to yours, then you rested your palm in his; bringing your fingers over the veins and calluses on his fingertips. You bit your lip at the thought of him actually playing the guitars in his room. And then you felt heavy once again at the thought that you wouldn't be able to be present in the moment with him if you didn't know if he had someone else.
You were careful to pull your hands away from his, stealing a piece of bread and pouring yourself some juice. His gaze on you was unmistakable, hard to ignore. Even though you enjoyed it, you felt like you were caught doing something bad.
"You can talk to me," he said, nothing but reassuring. "The last thing I want is to make you uncomfortable." And he didn't, it was in your head, and deep down you knew it.
As the orange, viscous liquid touched your lips, you noticed his flushed cheeks going harder, even though he remained confident. It was the same Mango and Passion Fruit blend you had at the campus bar. Your face lit up with a smile, and he wished it could always be like this. "This is almost an obsession." He laughed too, relieved that you didn't think he was crazy for it.
He had indeed asked in the following days what that drink was, and he had learned that you always ordered that, he was just trying to make you comfortable around him. Little did he know that it didn't take much. "I swear my intentions were for the best," he concluded to have succeeded as he held your gaze for a little longer, and then your head rested on his shoulder. Your arm was lazy at first but within minutes, it was around his waist, brushing the top of his pants and then pulling your body closer. You felt the scents mingling, and your head grew lighter. He kissed your forehead, and you closed your eyes, savoring the feeling. Silence was indeed a great friend of yours, something you both cherished.
"Do you have someone?" You weren't as confident as you'd like to be, though you thought the answer was no, you still feared the response. He held your chin close to his, so near that you could see the scar near his eye and the more expressive fine lines. A tear threatened to escape as he appeared puzzled. You didn't like letting him think that you thought ill of him, but you couldn't move forward without answers. "Please, say you don't." Your voice faltered.
He ran his fingers over your face, letting his forehead rest against yours. He definitely didn't like seeing you upset. "I don't have anyone romantically," he chuckled softly, finding it attractive how you nestled into his touch. Even though you were uncertain, you wanted to hear it from him first, and he found that so mature of you. He felt guilty for thinking of it that way, as a warning that this wasn't entirely right.
You nodded, your heavy gaze fixed on him, and yet he stayed with you. "But what 'bout the girl in the photo in your room and the double bed..." Your body tensed, your face pliable in his hands.
Alex felt the weight of it and wanted the words to sound painless for you. It wasn't your fault, and there was an easy explanation; it was a concrete and unchangeable situation, only painful. He held you close when he saw the tears welling up in your eyes, with just the right amount of strength, and his chest ached as his own vision welled up. "I don't have her anymore, not anymore," and with that, you understood. His gaze and his voice, the tone of affection, you didn't feel jealous, and in a way, you understood.
Your response was to cradle his cheeks and kiss his face, not liking to see him sad gave you the courage you'd been seeking all along. His arms enveloped you, a subtle embrace, his nose brushing against your thin top, your bodies aligning inch by inch. It felt right, and it didn't seem so wrong anymore.
He chuckled against your neck, lacking much humor. "It's been a while, I'm not trying to replace her or anything." His hand traced his eyes, and you nodded in understanding. You didn't sense that from him. "It's okay, I just didn't expect that and got scared." You whispered, letting your nose touch his while his forehead sweet bangs tickled you. Soon, your fingers were lightly tugging at the nape of his neck, and he didn't avoid your gaze; he only seemed upset about worrying you. Your lips brushed his eyes, tasting the saltiness, making you feel compassionate.
Nevertheless, you let your lips touch his, soft and warm, drawing out a lingering sigh. His grip tightened around you, and with that, your hands went from entwining his collar to pulling him closer, as if you could make it better; you wanted to make him feel great.
He solemnly withdrew from you, keeping you close while planting kisses on your face as he did so. As he pulled back, you realized that your senses were more attuned to him than to yourself. You couldn't pinpoint at what moment during all this you ended up in his lap. You didn't feel bad about it, but you still felt like you should.
"I'm sorry," you began, but he didn't let you pull away from him. He didn't need to explain, but he did it anyway. "I stay 'ere to teach, not because of her. I loved her, and I probably still would, but I'm not bound to her in any way, or sustained by being in love with someone I won't see anymore. I just don't see myself forgetting her entirely after years as if nothing had happened, just as I don't want to make you think this distances me from you or makes you believe I'm trying to replace her with someone else." He was precise, his voice trembling like never before. The coherence as something he had planned to say before hurt you; he wanted to say it but avoided it, and you didn't blame him. "I just want you to know these things." Your response was to hug him, craving the ability to merge with his body. It was dramatic, but you wanted to take some of that weight off him. His broader back, along with the embrace, covered you entirely, and you could feel his breathing calming as your thighs and arms clung to him.
With your head feeling lighter, your face nestled deeper into his chest. Your nose brushed against his neck, his warmth matching yours. The roughness of his baby beard made you smile into nothing. You could swear you felt him shiver. He kissed your face, his lips finding every space from your mouth to your neck, and your jolly reaction was to pull him closer by his t-shirt's collar. Your body burned, in a comforting way, and before falling asleep with him enveloped in you, you thought about how you should have done more or even asked for more. You no longer felt hesitant towards him.
âŚ
Your eyes slowly opened, the lighting still cozy, just like the feeling of his chest. He held you tightly, his chin nestled on the top of your head, making you feel whole as one. As you shifted in his lap, you wanted to squeeze him, feel the flesh of his waist, and unbutton more of his shirt to accommodate your hand. You needed to take a deep breath, unable to avoid the initial sweat on your forehead. He let out a sigh, his fingers tracing your back and holding you as you bit your lip to hide a smile. His dark circles were more pronounced, his skin softer, although his eyes slightly puffy. You snuggled back into him, and he accommodated you, sealing the moment with more kisses.
"I'm sorry, Turner," the muffled laughter left you happy too, not that you weren't already. You ran your wrist over his mouth, he was still fixated on every part of you. In truth, you might not have known what you were doing, or you were just nervous. You didn't want to disappoint him.
"It's okay," he ran his fingers in circles on your waist. Your skirt crept up, and the position improved as he leaned against the wall. You could feel him better, every inch of him, and the thought that you were arousing him made you tense up a bit, even though it was good. He noticed and held your face, his lips touching where you had just tried to dry because you forgot you needed to breathe through your nose when kissing someone, "Hey, it's okay, lil' one. We don't have to do anything you don't want. I like you being with you."
You took his neck, your lips soft and moist, albeit timid against his skin, making him release adorable sounds that made you want more. This caused you to grip onto him, your hips moving closer to his, and you wished he would touch you, even if just for the mere thrill of feeling him.
"Please," you sighed, his face pressed against yours. Your fingers toyed with the closed buttons of his t-shirt as you shifted your gaze to your hands. Alex understood that you weren't entirely sure about what you were asking for, and this sweetly confirmed how much he considered you nothing but a good girl. It was evident that you wanted to be wonderful for him, and it was adorable to see in your eyes how you were eagerly waiting for him to lead the way in this dance of desire.
"I'm all yours, princess." He concluded with a mixture of pet names that both disconcerted and melted you into him. You took a deep breath as the pressure of his large hands adjusted your hips, your knees slightly burning, but you couldn't help but create the necessary friction to feel him better. You could indeed feel all of him, from the light fabric of his dress pants to the zipper, hitting you perfectly. "I know, little one, you're doing so great," he praised, mesmerized by how you lightly closed your eyes and then opened them to him, and he nodded in agreement, acknowledging your success. It was attractive to see you feeling secure and knowing how to make yourself feel good. With your hands still held against him, he intertwined his fingers with yours, allowing the remaining buttons to be undone, and then your palm found its place into his flesh.
He held you tighter, your body against his. "Don't move both together, use your legs or just grind against me, or you'll get tired quickly," he sounded precise, his deep and raspy voice filling you up. You obeyed. "That's my good girl," he said in a husky growl. This effectively worked to keep you going with him. His fingers gripped your nape, pulling your head to look at him, gazing down at your sleepy and pleading look. He clenched his jaw, sure that he could surrender for so little. His lips landed on your neck, his nose burying into your skin, so soon his teeth were pulling you into a light and pleasurable bite.
And then you were his, his hands working on you better than your legs were trying but failing to reach that level. Soon, he removed your top with the same gentleness and urgency with which he pulled you to him just to devour your breasts. His grip traveled to your waist, his tongue tracing the sensitive skin, encircling how hard they were and sucking them into his mouth as if it was genuinely pleasurable for him. The tip of his nose brushed against your skin, and he caused pain by nibbling on the flesh ready for him to take. You found yourself liking how every sound you made was heard by him, and he understood every nuance to repeat or intensify whatever he was doing to you.
You fit him well; being with him and having him wrapped around you made you feel confident. You had been embarrassed to be so spontaneous with someone before, but with him, it was different. His calm presence over you, the tranquility and affection, as well as the satisfaction in his eyes and touch when he saw you well, made you want more and more of him and to surrender yourself to him even more.
"You're so delicious," and he meant it. He squeezed you tightly, and you were worried you might have marks afterward. In a way, you liked it; you wanted to see him sprawled over you when it was all over.
And at all times he paid attention to your high socks, fixing them in the right place and smoothing them so they wouldn't move from where they were; keeping them pretty on yourself.
To soothe your whimper, he nestled his thumb against your clit, adjusting his movements until it felt like it was working for you. Alex was flushed, and you wanted to capture the look he was giving you. He didn't feel entirely guilty, but something weighed on him, as if he were corrupting you; the sensation wasn't bad at all. He pulled the flimsy fabric upwards, giving you more traction, lightly laughing at the pastel color and the central bow, knowing that it would haunt his mind for many days to come when he was feeling drowsy. It was magnificent, every detail of you, and he marveled at having your tired and prolonged sighs and teary eyes, just as he always thought they would be when your weak body collapsed onto his in such adorable spasms.
âŚ
Your body ached, but the electricity in you felt good. Your hands ran clumsily through the pleasurable haze. He placed his lips on your forehead, lingering there until your body melded to his like a magnet. "I need to go, but I don't mind if you stay 'ere, lil' one," he sounded even better after waking up, husky and lazy, yet strong. Gradually, you became aware of the fact that you were in his bed, wearing the button-up shirt that you admired on his body. You smelled like him. You remembered him covering you with it, draping your figure while he kissed your collarbone gently. You were so drowsy that you were so certain it had been a dream.
"Go where?" You asked absently, looking around. He pulled up your socks, your legs entwining with his beneath the sheets. He loved this, wanted to have you there forever. You slept so serenely, comforted by his touch, and he thought about leaving you there. But he remembered how scared you had been at the idea of him leaving without notice the night he took you from the bar. He didn't want to cause that in you again, especially knowing he wouldn't be there when you woke up. "I have to teach in the morning, but I'll be back in the afternoon. I don't mind if you stay 'ere if you want."
"And do you want me to stay?" Your lips quivered; you understood his careful approach to your desires, but you wanted to hear it from him without reservations.
"I want you to stay, very much. I still need to read your new work, and I want to hear more from you." Your smile widened, and your face met his neck. He stroked your hair, keeping you close. You had almost forgotten that you had tucked prints of your writings into your bag to leave with him, or to have him read while you waited for his shrewd criticisms. You didn't care as much anymore; you wanted to hear him. You wanted to hear everything he had to say about you, whatever it may be. This thought, combined with the reminder that he preferred printed works over email submissions, made you beam more against him. He pulled you close, looking at you curiously.
"Okay, I can stay here, old man. It's good that I can finish reading the book you gave me." His cheeks flushed, and he got up, making you laugh more and grumble in disapproval. Alex didn't make a fuss and went to the wardrobe, putting on a clean t-shirt and taking off the pants he had worn earlier. He was serene, and he didn't mind you watching, your calm eyes on him, unraveling with each visible patch of skin. You wanted to scream about how everything in you wished this could be your routine. When you looked around, the photo was no longer there, and it didn't seem strange. In fact, you didn't feel jealous of it. However, knowing that he had put it away in another place made you feel good. You thought you might ask him more about it soon; she was important to Alex, and you understood and respected that. You thought it was only fair for him to know you didn't think badly of it.
"Promise you won't be too harsh when reading my stuff?" The buttons were still opened when he turned to you, his eyebrow arched, and his chocolate-colored eyes sparkling.
"I'm not cruel," you huffed, making him suppress a sly smile. "At least not with you." Your cheeks burned. He went into the bathroom, leaving the door open as he grabbed his toothbrush. You followed, sitting beside him on the large sink, attentive to him.
"You know, they told me to ask you to go easier on the students, at least in my class. They all seem to think you're pretty tough," you mentioned.
He chuckled. You liked this, it was intimate and comfortable. His hair was messy, and his shirt was slightly wrinkled; he was perfect. He wiped his mouth and kept his brows tense, "I'm not; the world is just not as perfect as most of you believe, and not everyone is as good as you." He was such a cute old bastard. You arched your brows, mimicking the expression he often made, and he laughed, softening for you. "I won't harm anyone; I just think lower grades make you all work harder." He clarified, placing himself between your legs, and you soon enclosed him in your embrace.
"That's cruel and unfair, Professor Turner." He kissed your face, seeing that it bothered you more than you pretended it did. "You don't have to agree with me, pet."
"And I don't." You sounded more irritated, and he liked that. "It's not very fair."
He laughed, nodding. "Well, know that I'm not going to change." You shook your head but stayed there. You pulled him closer, buttoning up the shirt just as he did, and then folding the cuffs as you had noticed he liked to leave them. He enjoyed that with a great goofy smile.
Briefly, his mind wandered to how he didn't have another place besides there. He might have already renewed the campus contract and then planned for another season in Europe. But for the first time in a long time, he found himself questioning that decision. He could go to other places if he wanted; his qualifications allowed him to move beyond where he was. Basically, all it took was his own mind. So he thought about postponing the decision of whether to renew or not. Things might change.
"Turner, aren't you going to be late?" He snapped back to reality, kissing your lips before he actually heard everything you said. His fingers played with the elastic of your knee socks, tugging gently and then letting go, causing you to gasp in pain against his mouth. "It's funny how you want to punish your students but don't even care about arriving on time." You narrowed your eyes, trying to sound intimidating, but your breath gave you away quite well. "You look beautiful like this." He ignored the irony and felt your legs tighten around him. "In my shirt, princess," he whispered between lip nibbles, amused at how easy it was to leave you speechless. He lifted your hips from the sink, aligning your body better with his.
"I want to feel you, taste you on tongue, princess, is that okay?" His nose brushed your face, trying to soothe you as his hands roamed around you, feeling you tense with nervousness. He loved that. Your lips touched his, with wetter and more intense kisses, and you felt silly when you realized from the way he was smiling that he wasn't talking about that. You swallowed hard and nodded. "I just won't know what to do," you said, feeling dizzy as you held your breath. "Don't do anything," his hands comforted your body, and you leaned in so that he could remove the damp fabric from under his (yours) shirt. "Just relax, don't think 'bout it for now." You agreed, eagerly watching him kneel in front of you.
You did as he said, settling in more comfortably and following his eyes as he spread your legs, playing slowly with your socks before slipping your legs over his shoulders. He kissed the inside of your thigh, his nose diving into the area, and then his teeth nibbled the skin as you gasped. He chuckled with delight. "Are you going to teach me how to make you feel good too, Mr. Turner?" He couldn't resist your sweet voice. He nodded, giving a kiss to your center, your flesh glistening in anticipation. "I'll do whatever you want me to do, princess." And then that new, wet, and firm sensation invaded you, your eyes closed, your lips parted in a brief, silent sigh. Your breasts were highlighted in the white t-shirt, so hard that they were attractive to Alex's gaze from time to time.
Your fingers clutched his dark hair, while his eyes remained closed right after taking a great look at you, and he released such a beautiful prolonged, satisfied groan. The taste made him a little dizzy, but he loved every second of it. "You're divine, did you know that?" You couldn't respond anymore; his nose caressed you, and his fingertips marked your delicate skin. He liked the time he was taking; it was nothing more than his tongue, and he relished the sensation of exploring you slowly. You also liked it, and that was enough for him. He could feel his chin wet and his breath falter, but he couldn't stop even if he wanted to. "Don't stop, please." And all you heard was the hum of his confident laughter against you, along with the recent texture of the beard growing, while you only thought about making it easier for him as you spread yourself further and fully surrendered to him. You just knew you would feel the same way tasting him on your lips and tongue.
...
taglist: @ohladymoon @indierockgirrl @bloo-wisteria @bellaturner @cosmoschaotic @nikisfwn @andrews-lovr @nela-cutie @artimonkii @alexturnersbbg3 @blackberryblossom @lilmisssweetdreams @alexshotelandcasino @tbhclove @rostarblog @babieswiftie @yourstartreatment @atticssmellgood @aacheinthejaw @mingods
tagged only for teacher's pet (the one who asked for and people who asked for the part2) : @thenightslikeawhiirlwind @missbabyjay @kayla1717 @ladydraculasthings @tyatthiapoewy @depthhell @hvncae @raven-ql @kittyrob0t @jakethsims @mayaawesome10 @michelleisheres-blog @love-me-until-ilove-myself @est3va @viviannagiorgini
google forms!ÂĄ (taglist)
Let me know if something is wrong or if you're not comfortable!
Also, I'm taking thoughts/ideas for part3 (it'll be the last one, I promise!)
#alex turner#alex turner x reader#alex turner smut#alex turner x y/n#arctic monkeys#alex turner fanfic#alex turner x you#alex turner imagine#fanfic
438 notes
¡
View notes
Text
Love and Deepspace Timeline: Xavier
This is all speculation and should not be taken as fact, I have made a previous post about Zayne, but as stated there I do not have the necessary cards to make one for Rafayel and will direct you to this post by u/joonmin on the love and deepspace subreddit. This post is being made before I have managed to complete the Myths date (as soon as I hit level 55 it is over for you hos) and will be updated at some point once I have finished it, but I think I have enough information to explain Xav's overall timeline and hopefully clear up a few things for people missing his cards.
I have included a TL;DR at the end of the post for people who don't want to get lost in the weeds of theorizing.
Some information from that post about Zayne will be re-hashed here to help provide context about the game's setting. SPOILERS FOR ALL IN GAME CONTENT UP TO CHAPTER 8, VARIOUS MOMENTS, AND ANECDOTES, PROCEED WITH CARE.
Current Timeline
The current timeline where the main story of LAD takes place is set in the year 2048 in a place called Linkon City. We are told that the Deepspace Tunnel opened 14 years prior and that is when wanderers started invading earth. There is a lack of understanding about why this has happened, and it has sparked an interest in space exploration in the hopes of finding a solution.
The Hunters Association is sort of like an adventurers guild? It's supervised by the government, and is sort of split between Hunters like MC and researchers attempting to understand what makes the wanderers tick.
This includes researching protocores, currently the only thing the hunter's association knows for sure is that they contain a great deal of energy, and that they can cause disease in humans based off of which category the protocore falls into. This is confirmed the be what is wrong with MC, and appears to be a problem all versions of her share.
The events immediately following the opening of the Deepspace Tunnel are referred to as the Catastrophe due to the amount of destruction caused by the influx of wanderers. This is what birthed the N109 Zone. According to the in game Spacepedia, it is surrounded by various other "no-hunt" zones, which it further clarifies as being places with "a chaotic Protofield and frequent Wanderer appearances," i.e. really dangerous places for people to live let alone go to. Civilians are outright banned and hunters need special permission to enter because of just how dangerous these places are considered to be.
Unlike Zayne and Rafayel, Xavier does not have an alternate self yet. The versions of him in his myths card and all of his anecdotes are all the same person, just at various points in his long life. The technicality of this is addressed in one of the shareable posts: Immortality No Longer A Dream! The article goes into detail about how a new biotech company using protocores to regenerate the heart. You can share this article with each of the three boys, who have different types of reactions, but Xavier's is not one of surprise or skepticism, but of acceptance. The article itself talks about immortality as something everyone will one day be able to accomplish, but Xavier disagrees.
Xavier's first two anecdotes, A Special Vacation and Passing By, both establish how exactly he has been living his life on earth since his arrival. We learn that he has been doing his best to keep a low profile by moving between various jobs and tries to avoid making friends. As mentioned by @exactlycleverpirate in the replies of this post (who has made their own timeline you can check out here) "Xavier says he has been on Earth for 214 years, and that this will be his last. That means he arrived in 1834. We also see in one of his Tender Moments, that he rented a book from the library 30 years ago. So he has definitely been on Earth longer than the Deepspace tunnel has been around." Chapter 8 ends tells us that soon Earth and Philos will be in alignment for the first time in billions of years, which is likely why Xavier says this year will be his last, but I am unclear about what exactly that will cause.
We learn that there are other immortals from the same place as Xavier living in Linkon City, and that some of the see him as a traitor. We can assume that many of these immortals are involved with Onychinus due to Xavier's knowledge of and interest in their organization.
It's not clear how or when Xavier chose to start working as a Deepspace Hunter, but the other jobs he's taken all seem to be related to the military/evol combat. He is also very keen on fighting wanderers, so being a hunter is a good way for him to hide in plain sight. Which is what he has been trying to do.
His Precious Bonfire date suggests he has been a hunter longer than MC and has a reputation of not participating in team events. He has the highest level of access to the Hunters Association database and seems to have a good working relationship with Jenna, who seems content to let him do his own thing. She also attempted to assign MC as his partner, in part seemingly because she wants to protect MC's evol.
There is of course also the concept of Lumiere, a legendary hunter who appears during the catastrophe caused by the Deepspace Tunnel and wreaked any wanderer he came across. He has a light evol, a giant bounty on his head, and looks exactly like Xavier when we see his wanted poster in Chapter 8. While MC might have her doubts, since we the reader know Xavier is immortal, it's not much of a jump to say these two hunters are the same person.
Chapter 8 gives us more detailed look at the exact dynamics these immortals have with each other, but I think it makes sense to talk about Xavier's origins first so we know where he is coming from.
Philos Timeline
As I said on my other post, all of the Myths cards take place on the planet of Philos. In the present timeline, Philos is no longer a planet, just a lonely core floating in deepspace at the other end of the deepspace tunnel. In Xavier's third anecdote, When Shooting Stars Fall, we finally learn what Philos is: it's Earth. An Earth that has been reborn by substituting the planet's old core with an artificial one and with a different name.
Now this anecdote takes place in the year 214, which is explained to us as meaning 214 years has passed since Earth was destroyed and reborn as Philos. How does that make sense if we are currently on a very much alive earth with a very dead Philos on the other end of the Deepspace Tunnel? No clue, but I think that's going to be one of the main focuses of the story. Something had to happen to Earth to make it become Philos, and then something happened to Philos to make it uninhabitable. Given what we know, both are likely related to wanderers.
I also want to briefly mention that in Rafayel's myths card, it is mentioned that the sea is missing so the Lemurians have no home. Based off of MC's description of the weather and how "fragmented landmasses" are being held together, I wonder if the re-birth of Earth as Philos is what caused the seas to dry up? And if so what role did MC have in the creation of Philos if any?
This anecdote is from the pov of MC who is studying at a school she simply refers to as "The Academy." It is unclear if this is the same school as she and Xavier are attending in his Lightseeker cards, but based off the uniform he wears and the sword he carries I think this is likely meant to be a highschool of some sort, and the Astria Knyght Academy is a form of military school equivalent to a college.
Xavier's words about immortality being a privilege come into play here as we learn something about MC: she always seems to have heart problems, specifically she always seems to have Protocore Syndrome, the exact same disease she currently has. In this anecdote she explains it as being a birth defect that has only one cure, a special protocore. One that supposedly can cure any illness.
Protocore disease prevents the patient from living forever, something Xavier finds very hard to accept. He abandons MC for a month without telling her where he is going to try and find this Protocore that she needs to live, but comes back too late. By the time he finds her, the core can't save her and he holds her as she dies. She asks if he thinks they will meet in her next life and he promises to always wait for her.
We know current timeline MC has shards of an Aether core in her heart, and that her heart is currently stable. While the anecdote does not outright say that the cure to Protocore Syndrome is an Aether core, Xavier's knowledge of them and his emotions when MC brings them up to him makes me think it probably is. Currently we do not know how an Aether core can be obtained, other than (assuming that is what he brought MC) Xavier was injured getting one. The MC here says she is unable to live for more that a century, something that has changed in her next re-incarnation but we don't know why.
When MC re-incarnates she is brought under the tutelage of the Grandis Knight, the personal knight and retainer to the King of Philos. Xavier is the Crown Prince of Philos, and is also studying under swordplay under the Grandis Knight. She has no memories of Xaveir, who does not tell her about their shared past despite holding on to the gift she made for him: a star sword tassel. This doesn't seem to bother him as much as you might expect, he mostly just seems happy to have her alive again.
She is stupid jealous of that tassel because Xavier openly admits to being in love with the girl who gave it to him. But he also speaks about her and the MC in the same sentence if that makes any sense? He sees both versions of her as her, and just as he promised he intends to wait for her so they can be together.
Xavier is an interesting character (to me anyway) because he has a pretty clear arc to his attitude towards his relationship with MC as he ages. He starts off as being shy in the third anecdote, then he moves to being openly teasing and affectionate (outright asking to elope and saying things that make it sounds like they might have been betrothed) in his lightseeker cards, to how he is at the end of his myths date and currently with MC: restrained in his interactions with her but unable to completely keep himself away. Why he has become restrained, why he thinks he needs to distance himself from MC is unclear. What is clear is that he has no interest in taking the throne from his father, a man he actively hates and does not seem to see eye to eye with. While their relationship seems to have always been tense, the breaking point is during Xavier's Gladius Ceremony.
The Gladius Ceremony is a sort of coming of age ceremony where the heir proves their ability to ascend the throne by killing a wanderer with nothing but their lightblade. Something happened during that trial that Xavier does not want to talk about and MC mentions he has "changed" since then. Like he left part of himself behind????
As an interesting note this trial takes place in a forest, a sentient forest much like No-Hunt Zone 7 in chapter three.
Xavier says he cannot be the man his father wants. What his father wants is not clear, but I personally think it has something to do with what wanderers are as Xavier seems to have a degree of sympathy towards them if they show a degree of sentience. It also might have something to do with how Philos was made, as both MC and Xavier acknowledge that the planet is dying.
The MC mentions that Xavier leaves her a lot but always comes back within a specified time frame. He goes on expeditions into Deepspace, but never tells MC what he is looking for and we as a reader do not learn. He does, however, mention finding a newborn planet filled with flowers and offers to take MC there if she will give up on being a knight. She is confused, as her entire life's purpose has been to be his knight, and doesn't fully comprehend a world where Xavier isn't going to be king.
But the card story starts with MC being crowned Queen, with Xavier as her Grandis knight, so we know that's what will happen. So neither of them got what they wanted in the end.
The "Lightseeker" title of Xavier's card refers to a unit of knights that are commanded by the Crown Prince and answer only to the royal family. Their duty is to keep Philos safe from Wanderers, much like the modern day Hunter's Association. Both the MC and Xavier are training to become Lightseekers, and have a sort of rivalry for the spot. MC keeps beating Xavier when they spar but he seems to have the stronger Evol so they're quite equally matched. It's stupid cute how everyone but Jeremiah thinks they hate each other, speaking of which:
Jeremiah is a friend of MC's in the same class as her. He's also her wingman who keeps trying to help set her and Xavier up, something Xav doesn't seem fully aware of. He's stupid jealous of their friendship which Jeremiah seems to find really funny (he's the only one who knows how delulu they are for each other and seems to find a lot of enjoyment in teasing them.)
Jeremiah also ends up being a knight under MC's command after they graduate the academy. Xavier however... goes missing after a meeting with his father and does not reappear even after he dies. He is missing for a period of 200 years until MC finds him again in the same forest that his Galdius Ceremony took place in. He saves her from... something. An illusion? A cosmic vortex? Whatever it was Xavier has discovered something that affects the health of people's hearts. And he seems determined to not get close to MC or let MC get close to him because of it.
I think it might just be because she is about to die from her disease, which she doesn't seem aware she has but always does, and Xavier doesn't want to have to watch her die again. But I haven't finished the card yet so I don't know.
He also seems to be under the impression the whole world is going to end now, and not just Philos.
The last thing we need to take from all of this information about Philos is the existence of a group called the Backtrackers. Xavier was with them once, but he isn't anymore. MC was seemingly under their care and, according to his Passing By anecdote, traveled through the Deepspace Tunnel with them but was lost. I'll explain more about what I think about them now that we're ready to return to the present timeline, but just know that the Backtrackers are A) from the Philos timeline and B) likely immortal just like Xavier is.
Back to the Present
In Chapter 8 you are either introduced or re-introduced to Jeremiah, who now owns a flower shop called Philo, likely named after his home planet of Philos. He is a friend of Xavier's and they both share the same current goals, which includes protecting the MC. Jer's job in this chapter is to provide MC with a fake identity to use in the N109 zone, but he does provide us with some information to try and tie up some loose ends with Xavier's timeline.
While the Nonintervention principal he refers to probably does have something to do with MC, it also likely just refers the fact that since both Xavier and Jeremiah are from Philos and therefore the future they are trying not to interfere with the timeline too much. Something that whoever blew up MC's house does not care about anymore, implying that if that was indeed Onychinus then we can assume they likely are also immortals from Philos who want MC and her Aether core for something.
When MC finds Xavier again after his 200 year disappearing act he is leading a squad of Lightseekers from various units. I think these are probably the Backtrackers, and that there was a split in the group after the MC and the Aether core went missing during their journey into the Deepspace Tunnel. We know that at least Xavier has been here longer than the Deepspace Tunnel has been, but there is room for speculation around Jeremiah and the others. As Pirate again pointed out in the comments, whatever disaster during the travel the Backtrackers took into the Deepspace Tunnel likely caused them to arrive at a bunch of different points in time.
While this confirms that Xavier and Jeremiah are not from this timeline it raises a lot of questions about MC. Her memory is constantly spotty, and I had wondered if that had something to do with the Aether core... but now.
With the way Xavier tries to limit his interactions with her and says he's the last person who should be trying to get close to her I wonder if Xavier is worried MC is being erased from time? Or if she belongs to this timeline so while he loves her, while he wants to be the one she chooses, he subconsciously knows he's from a doomed timeline and therefore unable to stay with her. This also raises questions about the other two love interests; we know MC has forgotten things about Rafayel and I theorized she has forgotten something about Zayne. Is this because they also don't belong? Does MC not belong? Or is it something related to the trauma MC experienced from being experimented on?
TL;DR
This was all pretty complicated so I thought I would sum up the basic points because I felt a bit incoherent.
Xavier is the Crown Prince of Philos, a future version of Earth that was created by replacing Earth's core with a fake one.
This fake core allowed the citizens of Philos to live forever unless they had the rare heart condition know as Protocore Syndrome, something the MC always has no matter how many times she is reborn.
The cure to Protocore Syndrome is a rare Protocore that Xavier tries to get for her but gets back with too late. He watches her die and while he was already shown dislike seeing her injured, this seems to turn it into a genuine trauma of his. He is shown to be deeply distraught seeing her gravely injured or sick in multiple moments/dates and is determined to take care of her. In a rare decision by the writers, this does not appear to manifest itself as a desire to not see her engage in combat as he trusts her ability to take care of herself, just maybe not her willingness.
MC is reborn and begins military training with Xavier intending to become his knight, but Xavier refuses to take the throne of Philos for reasons he does not share with MC. He also begins disappearing for long periods of time on journeys into space. On one of these journeys he finds a young planet filled with flowers and attempts to convince MC to elope with him and abandon her dreams of being a knight. He seems uncertain if MC's desire to be with him is just because she has been told she is to be his knight or if it is because she genuinely loves him; Xavier knows which one he wants it to be though.
After talking with his father he disappears for 200 years and founds a group of knights investigating a forest with an unstable Protofeild where killed Wanderers simply don't stay dead. It is my theory that these are the Backtrackers mentioned by past MC, Jeremiah, and Xavier.
Xavier arrives in this current timeline in year 1834. Other immortals from Philos begin to arrive in the current timeline at different points and agree upon something they call the Nonintervention Principal, likely to keep from destroying the spacetime continuum too much. What they are refusing to intervene in is unclear.
The Backtrackers made a journey through the Deepspace Tunnel with future past MC and an Aether core, but something goes wrong and she disappears. Xavier has been waiting to see her again ever since he got here, and intends to wait forever.
There are more immortals than just Xavier and Jeremiah living in Current Timeline Linkon City, some of which are very likely allied with Onychinus and searching for the MC. Why is related to the Aether core in her heart, but might also have something to do with her Evol.
It is my personal belief that many of these citizens of Philos used to be in the Backtrackers, but even if they didn't they see Xavier as a traitor to his people and more importantly to them. Why is unclear, but I imagine it might be because of their goals for the MC and her Aether core. In a broader sense it might be because they intend to do something to current earth to save their home, and Xavier disagrees with that but the two things do not seem mutually exclusive.
Earth and Philos are about to be in very close alignment, and both Xavier and Jeremiah expect something bad to happen around that time.
Final Thoughts
I would be interested in knowing the direct Chinese translation of these particular lines from precious bonfire to see if there is any difference to them... but honestly this is one of the things that sold me on him. She dies and he follows the traces of her light until he finds her again, and he tries to keep her alive but he fails and so he follows her again.
I saw at least one post wondering of Xavier will betray MC and rip the Aether core out of her heart, and I want to clear that up here. I understand why people might think this if they haven't read any of his anecdotes but no, that's not going to happen unless it's the only way to save MC's life. Xavier very much wants to keep MC alive, his efforts to distance himself and withhold information from her are always done to serve that goal.
Rafayel is the one who has a pretty good reason to want to cut out MC's heart, not Xavier. And I do mean good reason I don't really hate him for it and am not trying to imply he's a bad character or a bad romance option for it.
One of Xavier's immortal friends is name Noah. There is always a chance that this is a coincidence, but there's a part of me that wonders if he shares the same name as Dr Noah because they are the same person. The anecdote he appears in involves Xavier getting him a new identity so I don't think they're likely to be related.
I actually really like MC , Xavier, and Jeremiah's friendship and sort of hope it gets some focus in some small way in the future. Jer and Xav had to have bonded over losing MC, not to mention Jeremiah spent 200 years fighting Wanderers with MC under her command. She talks about him as being her best friend!!! I want to see more of him!!! (if he doesn't have a partner and if I can't have Tara x Jenna I should be allowed Tara x Jeremiah)
I'm worried there might be a plot point that involves Xavier dying in the future and then maybe we get to meet a different timeline version of him and end up on the opposite side of the "can't tell this ghost wearing your face how I really feel" spectrum.
Speaking of which I like how Xav seems to respect MC's current life and doesn't expect her to be a carbon copy of her past selves. It's nice (stares at critically acclaimed mmorpg villain Emet Selch)
Anyway that's it. I'll update the post when I finish the Myths card, which I fully expect to make me cry like a baby. If anything confused you my askbox is open, just because I write for twst doesn't mean I am not open to talking about this if I made mistakes or if you feel like any of this was unclear.
205 notes
¡
View notes
Text
(Un)disclosed
Based off this post I made yesterday about Hua Cheng collecting Xie Lian smut throughout the centuries. Enjoy!
Warnings: suggestive content, long post
...the ornate, white robe slid down the prince's shoulders like water, the gold embroidered silk pooling at his feet in a glittering heap. He looked up at the commoner, a coy look in his eyes as he gauged the other's reaction. His skin, perfectly stretched over his form, bore no markings or imperfections, flawless just like the other had expected it to be. His neck and the tops of his shoulders turned a very light pink, just like the apples of his cheeks.
It was a sight equal parts beautiful as it was arousing, so overwhelming that the commoner fell to their knees as if in worship. "Your Highness..." they spoke, voice reverent, eyes glinting with adoration as they stared up at their prince. "I don't deserve to look at you like this, you're-"
The prince's hand came to cup their face, looking down at them with gentleness and a subtle hint of something dark and hungry in his eyes. "Earn it then."
"How, Your Highness?"
The prince carded a hand through their hair and took one step closer. "You know how."
"I don't, my prince, I know nothing." The commoner whined, so willing to please their voice shook. "Please, won't Your Highness teach this lowly one?"
"Open your mouth."
Xie Lian shut the small book with such a powerful thud that the brittle pages nearly clapped between the old, hard covers. His face burned with shame, fingers trembling as he placed the offending item back on the shelf he had taken it from, all but shoving it into position.
Xie Lian had never read such a shameful text before - granted, erotic art and writing never interested him and so he never looked at any of it, especially considering the requirements of his cultivation path - but to think the first ever he would lay eyes upon would be one of himself was far too ironic!
He should have known not to snoop around Paradise Manor when Hua Cheng was not there - but he became antsy in the ghost king's absence and even a little lonely, so what was he to do but try to explore the nooks and crannies of his husband's abode?
But though he had started off thinking he might find peculiar items, explicit stories of himself definitely exceeded all of his expectations.
It was likely Hua Cheng had stored that book away to ensure no such inappropriate and perverse stories circulated to soil Xie Lian's reputation further - of course whoever had to have written such things did it to make fun of Xie Lian, most likely after his fall, turning his image into one of a salacious lover rather than an ascetic god for the sake of mockery.
With a sigh, Xie Lian calmed hid shaking hands and reached for a second book, hoping to find solace in another story that would be as fascinating and enrapturing as the many pieces of literature Hua Cheng kept in the Manor's main library.
Opening another small book, this time a red one, Xie Lian flipped through the pages until he reached tge one where the book's spine had broken. That page must have been read often!
"Your Highness, this humble one is-"
"Silence." The prince's authoritative voice rang through the main hall of the palace. "Have I allowed you to speak at all?"
Their eyes widened and they swallowed dryly, looking up at Xie Lian with tearful eyes. The kind, gentle smile and soft gaze had been replaced with a sharp, cold look, the very picture of authority and respect a crown prince should be. His features did not look any less regal, though, even anger and disdain fitting his handsome face.
"N-no, Your Highness..." they replied at last, voice quivering with fear. "Please punish me... I've wronged you too much, my prince, I've been disobedient and audacious..."
A small, barely there smile pulled at the prince's lips, a dangerous look in his eyes.
"What punishment would be fit for the likes of you, then?" He asked, voice almost playful had it not been so dark.
"Kill me, Your Highness..." their voice came, small and fearful. "I deserve to die..."
"It would be a waste, though." The prince quickly intervened, taking slow, small strides around the other. "A waste of a good servant, and a waste of a good body."
Their eyes widened, following the young royal's movements until they could no longer turn their head, Xie Lian now standing behind them.
"I have decided on your punishment." He spoke, tone low, so close that his lips nearly touched the other's ear. "And you will take it - and like it."
Xie Lian dropped the red book to the floor with a small yelp, so embarrassed he felt like he could have burst in flames. Had his people truly seen him in such a shameful way?! Had it been lust and desire that he instilled in their hearts rather than righteousness and grace?!
Xie Lian couldn't possibly remember of any instance where he had behaved suggestively as a young crown prince, not to mention he had never shared a bed with anybody until he married his now husband, Hua Cheng. Why would people come up with such terrible stories about him if they had no root in reality? And to think they could be so vastly different... he had been portrayed as wanton but gentle in the first one, only to be turned into a depraved royal in the second! Had he truly instilled such fantasies?
With a defeated sigh, Xie Lian sat on the small chair beside the reading table in the corner of the room, folding his arms on it to lay his head down and hide his burning cheeks. Could he be considering himself grateful that Hua Cheng had locked all of these away or even more ashamed thinking perhaps Hua Cheng had read them?
Xie Lian hoped the ghost king hadn't... he did respect Xie Lian greatly, but Xie Lian knew what kind of perversions his beloved could conjure in their bed (and other places, some more creative than others!)... could he have read all of these terrible stories himself?
Xie Lian felt even more flustered at that thought, and lifted his head from the table, trying to stir his attention elsewhere. His eyes fell upon another small book, an incospicuous black one with a red tassel bookmark halfway in it.
Hua Cheng had definitely begun reading that one, so Xie Lian hoped it was a normal book this time and not another pornographic depiction of the crown prince of Xianle taking someone to bed more or less gently.
The creature had to have been some kind of ghost, a powerful thing wielding a sort of dark energy that acted as both its limbs and life force. Whatever had willed it into existence must have been angry and resentful, the dark forest reverberating with growls and haunting moans as it skittered among the trees like a feral beast.
The young prince did not have the time to react this time, though, and he failed to dodge the many winding limbs stretching towards him - and so, despite his valiant efforts, his arms were bound above his head, pulled taught, and his legs, though kicking, had been spread apart and held in place by the creature's tentacles. This way, his spine bowed forward, arching against the merciless ghost's hold, writhing incessantly in an attempt to escape.
He put his whole strength into every attempt to free his limbs, thrashing like a fly caught in a spider's web, but all he managed to do was tire himself out, breathing heavily as sweat glistened down his body, soaking the remaining tatters of his clothes and making them stick slightily to his skin.
His guan had long been lost in the fight, and so his long hair flowed down his back nearly to his knees, further sticking to the sweat dripping down his back and making him overheat even more.
When it had become apparent to him that struggling was futile, Xie Lian tried calling out for help - but the beast had lured him too deep into the forest for anybody to hear, and so he had given that up quickly as well.
There was no more time to think, his heartbeat picking up as he felt two of those ghostly limbs suddenly caress his neck, one wrapping around it whilst the other slid up and down his chest, tearing the material of his robe.
But when Xie Lian tried to struggle, the limb around his neck tightened until breath could no longer fill his lungs, so he stilled, watching with wide eyes as the tentacle tore at his clothing, leaving him bare.
It wasn't until two other limbs slid up his thighs that the prince realized what was going to happen to him, one of them wrapping around his-
"Gege?"
Hua Cheng's soft voice tore Xie Lian's attention from the story and he immediately fumbled to close the book, his shaking fingers barely managing not to drop it.
"S-S-San Lang!" He shakily replied, feeling as if he had been caught doing something unmentionable. "What are you..." he cleared his throat, realizing he sounded high-pitched, "What are you doing here? You're back early!"
"I am not...?" The ghost king spoke, a controlled expression on his face as he continued, "It is past midnight."
"Ah. I must've not noticed..." came the sheepish response. "I've been...uh...reading..."
"I see..."
A long stretch of silence followed, neither of the two daring to say anything or even gaze at one another for more than a few seconds. It seemed that they both shared an understanding of what they should have been addressing but neither had the courage to speak up.
It was Hua Cheng that did, though, when the quiet became unbearable.
"Gege, I'm sorry..." his expression became ashamed, saddened even. "I understand if you find me repulsive now-"
"San Lang, did I not tell you I could never find you repulsive?" Xie Lian spoke, his voice soft, "I just wish to understand. What are these books? Why have you been collecting them?"
Hua Cheng swallowed, feeling every bit as mortified as Xie Lian did, even though his demeanour didn't betray much.
"Gege knows I have loved him for over eight centuries but I have not had the honor to stand by his side until recently. Despite this, my love for you never faltered - it grew and developed to what you know it to be today. This also means I have lusted after you as well."
Which, in truth, Xie Lian was not exactly surprised about. It was a given, after all, and it wasn't as though they didn't have sex nearly every night - all that desire had to have come from the same place the love did.
"So... I have found a...niche of writers that created these... erotic stories about his highness, the crown prince of Xianle, and...I have kept them for my own...use."
"Use?" Xie Lian quickly parroted, feeling a strange heat pool in his stomach.
"Yes. I am sure gege knows what I mean..."
Xie Lian's eyes drifted towards the black book and the red tassel that lay in it. "Is that one your favorite?"
"One of them." Came the strained reply, Hua Cheng's voice betraying a feeling of both vulnerability and excitement.
"I see." Xie Lian looked up the tall shelf, stretching nearly to the ceiling, and he couldn't suppress a small, muschevous smile as he leaned against the table on his palm, toying with the ring on his necklace with the other. "Then, would San Lang wish to share his other favorites with me, then?"
"Yes, Your Highness."
77 notes
¡
View notes
Text
Summary: Chishiya missed you after a game.
Genre: Smut
Pairing: Chishiya x fem!reader
Warnings: unprotected piv (wrap it b4 u tap it!!), creampie, that's kinda it, but lmk if any other's. ( no mention of y/n )
Word count: 2,227
You were sat on your bed, a book between your fingers as you waved your eyes left to right between pages.
Your door creaked open, which caught your attention as you looked up to see Chishiya walking in, his head was down as he shut the door behind him.
"Hi." You greeted him, watching as he avoided eye contact and sat at the edge of the bed.
You raised a brow and looked around, confused why he was acting a bit strange. I guess strange isn't the word for it. He was always silent, but always with his head up.
"Chishiya..?" You spoke again, hoping to finally catch his attention.
You sat your book down and crawled over to where he sat, sitting on your heels as he finally turned to you, looking up through his eye lashes.
"I haven't seen you all day." He stated, catching your gaze and staring into your eyes.
You scoffed, looking down on him. "Yeah. I didn't feel like playing. But, I still have plenty of visa days." You grinned, watching as his eyes drifted around your body.
He didn't care that he could see he eyes exploring you, he did this every time he saw you. You thought he was just a pervert; couldn't help himself. But he just liked the view, the thought of you being his, the thought of being the only person you'd allow to see you stripped of clothing.
"How was the game?" You whispered, your fingers slightly grazing his clothed arm, snaking up to his neck. Your fingers slid beneath his hair and placed your palm on the back of his neck.
Your touch made him smirk, his eyes going up to your face. "Glad you weren't there, you would've died." He said matter-a-factly, although his voice was sharp and well thought out, his body was melting to your tender touch.
"You're probably right." You smiled, leaning your head down in an angle to capture his lips in a soft kiss.
He quickly obliged and rested into the kiss, bringing one of his hands out of his pockets to place behind your head to push you further.
After a second, you pulled your lips apart with a lazy smile. "How much did you miss me?" You muttered.
"I don't know how you want me to answer that." He replied, his voice nonchalant as he kept his eyes on your own.
You scoffed as you leaned back down to press another kiss, this time softer, more passionate than the last.
When you pulled back an inch to look at his face, his eyes were still closed like he was registering and trying to keep the touch of your lips still on his, even though they weren't.
You almost laughed but put your lips back onto his in a pity manner, putting more effort into it this time. Chishiya had all intentions of keeping the kiss soft and organized, he was never messy.
He brought his hand up to tuck your hair behind your ear, and rested his palm on your cheek. His other hand found its place on your waist.
He could feel you pushing deeper into the kiss, but he tried what he could to get you to slow down. When you nibbled on his bottom lip and moved your tongue eagerly around his lips, he couldn't deny it.
His mouth parted for you to slide your tongue inside, exploring his mouth as he let you.
Chishiya wasn't one to be sloppy, he chose to be clean and organized because it had always been better that way. Being messy never had any pros and found no point in it.
You however, you always enjoyed the messy aspects of being intimate. The sloppy kisses that ended in salvia all around each other's mouths, the look of pussy drunk on Chishiya's face when he gets up from between your thighs with you still on his tongue.
Although you've never actually seen him pussy drunk, you've had your fantasies.
"Chishiya," You panted, watching the string of saliva follow you as you pulled away.
"Hm?" Chishiya hummed, bringing his thumb to swipe across your bottom lip and using the back of his hand to wipe the salvia off his lips as well.
"Need you..." You muttered, sliding your palms up his chest and to his shoulders.
He smirked, in his mind calling you pathetic for even admitting that. But he thought about his reply, like he did with every response. "I know you do." He finally said, cupping his hands on your waist.
"You always say that." You said, a smirk of your own on your face. Your thumb and your index finger gripped onto his zipper, all intentions of pulling down; but your body felt frozen and you were unable to move.
"Here," He mumbled, looking down to where your hands were placed. He moved his hands towards yours, making you move them so he could pull his zipper himself.
You watched as he pushed his jacket off his shoulders, eyeing his figure and oblivious to the way he was looking at you as he let his jacket drop to the floor.
Your eyes moved to his, you smiled at the way he stared at you. Almost admiration in his eyes, pupils blown out with pure lust, and that glint in his eye that always told you he was up to something.
You let out a breath, the sound of it almost felt like relief when you bit down on your bottom lip.
You found yourself getting closer to Chishiya. Your legs finding their way to either sides of his thighs to straddle his lap. Your lips moved to his ear to whisper, "I'm all yours."
Chishiya's eyes widened and glistened with anticipation. His Cheshire grin was wider than before, with a poor attempt to hide his expressions beneath his nonchalant one. He hid his face in your neck, quickly nipping at the soft skin.
You gasped at the small bite he made with his teeth, his hands moving down your waist to grab handfuls of your ass.
He manipulated your body, pushing you into the bulge in his pants with a soft groan. You moaned at the feel, and even the thought of having that effect on someone as nonchalant, closed off, and cold, as the man in front of you.
Your hands moved from his shoulders to his face, cupping his cheeks. When he didn't bother to look up at you and continued to bite and leave marks on your neck. You took it into your own hands (literally) to move a hand to the back of his head and grip onto his hair. You pulled on it, a pained groan coming from his mouth but you ignored it by slamming your lips into his.
"I'm tender headed." He mumbled, complaining about the grip you had in-between the kiss.
"Sorry." You responded, releasing your grip on his hair to push his shoulders down to fall with him as his back hit the mattress.
Your hips pressed into his bulge, pressing down to earn sounds that sounded pornographic coming from his mouth, vibrating the sloppy kiss.
You pulled away to sit up, a proud grin on your face as you looked down at him. His eyes lazy, and his kissed lips agape with heavy breathing.
Your hand trailed to your back, pulling the string that connected your bikini top. You pulled it down, throwing it to the side as his eyes admired your figure. His thumb massaged circles into your waist, finding himself subconsciously snaking his hand up to cup your breast, slightly squeezing it.
"You're beautiful." He murmured under his breath, his eyes moving from your chest to your face to see the small smile that was plastered on your face.
"Glad you think so." You responded, bending down to peck his lips before whispering, "It would've been real awkward if you didn't."
Chishiya chuckled in reply, smiling and raising his brows as if to say 'that's true' without speaking.
His hand moved back to your waist, both of his hands squeezing your hips as a warning before turning you both over. You yelped at the sudden movement but let out a laugh when you saw the way he looked at you.
He was worried for a second; the yelp didn't sound like his definition of fun. But when he noticed your mouth curve back into a smile he let out a breath of relief, pressing a kiss on your forehead.
Your face softened at the touch, the realization that this didn't feel like a one time thing, like you usually felt during this. He seemed too soft, so intimate but so gentle by the way he pulled back to catch your reaction.
His brows furrowed when his view hit your face, "Why do you look like that?" He blurted.
"I don't--I don't know." You muttered. Your stomach was fluttering, your face bright red with blush and you hadn't even noticed the way you looked at him, the look he saw as well.
"You okay?" He asked, raising a brow. His elbows were weak beneath him with the way he was holding himself to hover over you.
"No." You admitted, but before anyone could say anything else you grabbed his face and slammed your mouth into his, making a quick turn to sloppy.
He let his elbows buckle beneath him, falling further onto you. He moved his free hand down your waist, feeling you shiver beneath him. He dipped two fingers into your bikini bottoms, yanking them down your body.
When it hit your knees you pulled them off yourself with your feet, your hands still occupied on his face and your mind lost in his taste, smell, touch; all your senses over loaded with just him.
He grinded his clothed cock on your now naked core, a small gasp falling from your mouth and into the kiss, granting a smirk from Chishiya.
He quickly pulled his pants down, not able to wait any longer. He grabbed ahold of his cock, giving it a few pumps before dragging it in-between your folds, gathering your arousal on his leaking tip.
He raised his brows at how wet you were, catching him by surprise in all honesty. It made him even harder at the thought of having this effect on you.
"Fuck, Chishiya. Hurry up." You groaned, grazing your lips together.
He hadn't realized how long he'd been teasing you for, with a hum he finally sunk into you. With every inch you let out a soft sound of pleasure that made him go deeper.
The stretch of his cock and the way he slightly grazed your cervix made your hands slam onto the bed to gather handfuls of the sheets. He stayed still, waiting for you to tell him to move with a weak moan.
He couldn't wait any longer, he took it upon himself to pull in and out of you, quickly catching a steady rhythm to push inside you.
"Oh, God!" You moaned, throwing your head back and arching your back into him.
"So tight," He whispered into your ear. "And--Shit, so wet." He groaned, holding onto the sheets above your head.
The more he went on, the harder his thrusts got. He couldn't control himself, drowning in the sounds of skin slapping skin and your moans that made his head spin.
You moved your hands to his back, pushing himself into your chest and digging your nails into him, "Faster, Chishiya." You whimpered, your legs moving to wrap around his waist.
Your entire body hugged him, feeling his warmth and the pleasure he brought you. But you felt the need to be closer, wanting to be one person intertwined forever.
His hips hit yours, moving to your request as new sounds of the bed hitting the wall moving through his ears.
"Gonna cum inside you," He moaned, "It'll feel so good, I promise." Chishiya added, his hips stuttering inside you, feeling you tighten around him.
His dick pulsated inside you, your mind hazed in pleasure and lust, unable to even open your eyes. The moment you felt him paint your insides in cum, you followed with a loud moan, your body coming off the bad and your hands slamming back into the bed.
Chishiya let his body weight fall onto you, uneasy and heavy breaths coming from his mouth as he felt your heartbeat on his skin.
"You're too good, f' me." You laughed, your hands going back to his back to rub the scratches you left him.
"No." He whispered, his hot breath hitting your ear as his chest moved up and down against yours.
Chishiya took one final breath before he attempted to get up, but you used your nails to push him back down with your eyebrows knitted together.
"Not yet," You pleaded, letting your eyes shut. "Just a while longer."
His eyes moved down to where you were still connected, but sighed in defeat when he felt your legs tighten around his waist, he wasn't one to argue. Especially, since all he could think about was your velvet walls tightened around him.
And all you could think about was the way his dick rested inside of you, humming in content and a soft smile on your face.
reposts and comments are appreciated<3
#rocky's chishiya fics#alice in borderland#alice in borderland fandom#aib#imawa no kuni no alice#realisticjupiter#writing#fanfiction#fanfic#alice in boderland x reader#chishiya#chishiya alice in borderland#aib chishiya#chishiya smut#chishiya shuntaro#chishiya x reader#smut#chishiya x you#chishiya x fem!reader#chishiya x y/n
163 notes
¡
View notes
Text
bookstore cryptid dream part 11 -- the kidnapping installment
--
âWhatever happened to that poetry book?â Hob asks one day, sitting with Dream in the living room. Heâs not sure why it comes to him.
Dream looks up from his book on the history of chocolate, tilting his head in question.
âThe cursed one,â Hob elaborates.
âAh.â Dream closes his book, looking very serious now. âI locked it away, somewhere safe, suitable for books such as that.â
âDidnât destroy it?â
âReleasing such magic can sometimes have⌠unintended consequences.â He shakes his head, as if remembering prior such instances. âBest to simply contain it.â
âHow many books like that are out there?â Hob asks curiously. Every day, he learns some new thing about the world from Dream. And how dangerous some books can, apparently, be.
âThere are a selection. They are rare. For most books, their power lies in the words themselves. No need for occult spells.â
âHuh.â Hob supposes that makes sense. âBut you donât lock those ones away?â
Dream shakes his head. âNo. They can be dangerous, though.â
Hob is still wildly curious about these actually magic books. Not that heâd particularly enjoyed getting cursed, but still, he wonders if any such thing will ever cross his path again. He supposes he should hope not.
It is fascinating, though.
--
Dream is missing.
It isnât like last time, when The Library itself had been gone. That had freaked Hob the fuck out at the time, but now, he knows what it meant â that Dream had felt The Library itself was under threat, and had locked it for safekeeping.
Now, The Library is still there. The door creaks open, unlocked, as Hob pushes on it, letting him into the tiny foyer and first winding halls of stacks. The selection changes periodically â todayâs categories include HOPE & ITS DISCONTENTS, âLibrariesâ (rather meta, Hob thinks), Books of Emptiness (Hob takes one off the shelf out of curiosity and finds it, indeed, empty), and S P E L L S, most of which seem to be dictionaries, actually? Strange. But then, that is The Library.
This is the third day of Hob coming back to The Library in the hopes of finding Dream, and having those hopes dashed. Hope and its discontents, indeed.
Everything is in its place. But Dream is nowhere to be found. He hasnât been coming home. His books are still on the nightstand, his cardigan forgotten on a chair in the cafe. His study is the same, too, cluttered with notes and journals, abandoned cups of coffee on desks and side tables.
It hurts Hobâs heart to look at, even more than finding The Library gone. The place feels empty without Dream there. As soon as Hob steps in the front door, he can tell Dream hasnât returned, simply for how grey everything feels.
He hopes nothingâs happened, that Dream was just called away on some urgent errand in the middle of the day, when Hob was busy, and itâs taking him longer than expected to resolve it. Dream is criminally bad at using his phone, to the extent that Hob sometimes isnât convinced he owns one, and might just have forgotten texting is something he can do. Theyâll have to have a talk about that, because heâs giving Hob a heart attack, but still itâs the best case scenario.
But itâs the worst case scenario thatâs swirling in Hobâs head.
Dream has disgruntled customers at times. Heâd gotten into a fistfight with one, back when theyâd first met. What if someone took their ire even further? Hell, what if the owner of that cursed poetry book came back for it?
Hob sighs, slumping into Dreamâs desk chair. Even if something terrible has happened, he hasnât the first clue how to go about finding Dream. Heâs kept an eye out, while exploring The Library, for any indication of what could have happened, but to no avail. Heâs well and truly starting to panic. The Library has doors everywhere. Dream could be anywhere.
His eyes land on Dreamâs journals, still laid open on the desk. Normally Hob doesnât pry into Dreamâs notes. But these are dire circumstances. Hobâs going to lose it if he doesnât do something.
He picks up the top notebook and reads the entry itâs open to:
â MG thought destroyed ack. lost 1916? JC report OAM magic picked up Sussex summoning what??
Hob groans. âDream, could your notes be any more fucking unintelligible?â Apparently, his mind works too fast to write in full words, instead of just shorthand.
He flips through a few more pages of notes, skimming them, but not getting much. Then a few pages in, he finds a letter tucked into the journal. In someone elseâs handwriting, it reads:
Dreamâ
You never use your goddamn fucking phone so hereâs a note. You know I wouldnât have to be so obscure if we could just use encrypted texts? Fucking luddite. Anyway. I found the damn thing. R.B. + Co. Pretty sure weâd know if they succeeded in using it so we still have time. I think I have a way in. If I retrieve can you neutralize it? AND FUCKING CALL ME WEâRE SHORT ON TIME!
âJC
In case you forgot how phones work: 020 9281 5555
Well, thatâs something. The same JC from the notes? What exactly are the two of them trying to neutralize?
Hob has no idea. But at least he has a clue now.
--
Hob paces back and forth in his living room as he calls the number for âJCâ, absolutely no idea who heâs going to get on the other end. But hopefully, they might know whatâs happened to Dream.
âHello?â A gruff womanâs voice answers the line.
âHi, Iâm looking forâŚâ he doesnât actually know her name. ââŚJ?â
âWhat?â
âLook, Iâm looking for Dream,â Hob says in a rush. Might as well lay it all out. âIâm his boyfriend. Heâs been missing for three days.â Maybe âmissingâ is overstating it. But maybe itâs understating it. âI found your phone number in his notes and wanted to know if youâd seen him.â
âLikely story, pal,â she says with a scoff. âDream keeps his boyfriend out of all the occult shit. And good thing, too. I wish I could keep myself out of it. What do you really want with him?â
Itâs sort of gratifying that other people in Dreamâs circle are also protective of his secrets, even if itâs frustrating in the moment. But, âkeeps him out of the occult shitâ? Exactly how much âoccult shitâ is Dream dealing with on a regular basis?
âExactly what I said,â Hob says. âHe doesnât usually disappear like this. His notes said you two were looking for something? Something dangerous?â Did Dream go after it? Is that what happened?
âMOTHERFUCKER!â she screams, and Hob pulls the phone from his ear with a wince. âI am going to KILL HIM!â
âDonât hang up!â Hob yells before she can do just that. âWill you come meet me? Iâll give you my own address, if it helps. You know where The Library is?â
âThe Libraryâs got multiple doors, mate,â she says, sounding marginally calmer now.
Right. Fuck. He gives her the actual street name this time, and she saysâ
âBe there in a moâ. Your idiot boyfriendâs got himself in a right mess I expect. Because heâs a fucking idiot.â
Just as Hob feared, then. âTell me about it when you get here,â he says, and then, when sheâs hung up, goes to gather Dreamâs journals.
--
A smart, tough-looking woman greets him at the door to the cafe, which Hobâs closed for the time being, an hour or so later. âJohanna Constantine,â she says, sticking out a hand, which Hob shakes. âSo you really are the boyfriend. Huh. Hob, right?â
âYeah.â Hob isnât sure whether to be touched or alarmed that Dream talks about him with his random occult acquaintances.
âHe has a photo of you two on his phone,â Johanna explains. âNot that he uses it, the rat bastard. God Iâm going to murder him when I find him.â
âLetâs sit down,â Hob suggests. He has coffee ready, more for something to do to still his restless hands while waiting than anything.
âRight,â Johanna says, as she sits down at a table. She gratefully takes the coffee he offers. âSo, Iâm choosing to trust you. If you fuck me over we will have a serious problem. Okay?â
Hob raises his hands in surrender. âI literally just want to find Dream. Iâm worried sick about him.â
Johanna takes a long sip of her coffee. âRight. So. My business is managing occult stuff, yeah? Exorcisms and the like. Stopping it before it hurts anyone. Iâve been trying to track down this particular book. Spell book. Dangerous stuff. What it can doâdoesnât matter. It was thought lost for ages, or destroyedâwouldnât that have been great. But Dream and I both wanted to get it off the streets, once it popped up again. Thereâs no good hands for that book to be in.â
âYou two friends?â Hob asks.
âEh,â says Johanna, âsorta. Mostly work friends, I guess. I first got Dreamâs help with a spell book a few years back. Heâs the best one to go to for that sort of thing, as Iâm sure you can imagine.â
âYeah,â Hob agrees, mulling over this whole side of Dreamâs business he didnât know about. It makes sense, though. Dream, the expert on all books. Even this book, whatever it is, must ultimately belong to The Library.
âAnd now heâs gone after this book,â Hob guesses. âBy himself.â
âI told him I would retrieve it,â Johanna says, gritting her teeth. âAll I wanted was his help locking the thing away after. But no. Had to do it all himself.â She sighs.
âIt must have really concerned him,â Hob says.
âIt concerned me!â Johanna exclaims. âAll the more reason not to go alone! Idiot.â Itâs said with fondness, though.
âSo, what are we going to do?â Hob asks.
âWe?â says Johanna, raising an eyebrow.
âListen, I donât care about the bookââ
âYou should,â Johanna says seriously.
ââWell, I donât. But I do care about Dream. If heâs in trouble, then Iâm not just going to sit here.â
Johanna looks at him appraisingly, then nods, satisfied. âGood,â she says. âI know who has the Grimoire, so I know where heâll most likely have gone. How good are you with a cricket bat?â
âHow about a knife?â Hob says.
She startles. âChrist. Alright, then. I wonât ask, but good.â
âJust tell me where to go, and Iâll be there,â Hob says seriously, and for the first time, she gives him a smile.
âIâve been hoping for an excuse to give Roderick Burgess a good thrashing. Guyâs a prick. Alright, Dreamâs boyfriendâletâs go get the stupid librarian."
--
Itâs decided Hob should be the initial decoy because, according to Johanna, âpeople always think I mean trouble, and you have this sort of wholesome coffee shop owner thing going on. Knife skills aside.â
Hobâs not sure if itâs a compliment or not.
âHeâll definitely think he can scam you,â Johanna adds. That oneâs definitely not a compliment.
So Hob goes to an event Roderick Burgess is hosting, showing off all his antiques. He brings with him an old book from The Library, ostensibly to âsellâ. Forgive me, Dream, he thinks, as he pulls Magicks of the World off the shelf. Promise I wonât let him keep it.
Itâll get him in, he hopes. Itâll get Roderick Burgessâs attention, at least enough to let Johanna slip past. The book is proper old, nearly falling apart, and while it may not be actually magic, it at least is about magic. He hopes itâs enough.
âRemember,â Johanna says, as theyâre stepping up to the door, âjust keep his attention. Iâll search the house to see if I can find Dream, or the Grimoire.â
âYou really think heâs keeping Dream hostage in this house?â Hob asks incredulously.
Johanna snorts. âIf he thinks Dream can help him decode the thing? Yeah, absolutely. I told you. Guyâs a selfish prick.â
That seemed to be putting it lightly.
Hob isnât sure heâll be content with being the distraction if he finds out Roderick actually has Dream captive. But he calms himself for the time being.
--
Hob absolutely hates Roderick Burgess the second he lays eyes on him.
Heâs managed to corner Burgess in the sitting room of the old manor house. His book in one hand, drink in the other. The man is fucking seedy. Hob could tell immediately, even if Burgess pretended at gentility.
Hobâs already decided that Roderick does have Dream locked in a room somewhere. Call it instinct.
Roderick gives Magicks of the World a look of cool disinterest as Hob hands it to him, but it shifts to grudging surprise. âThis is actually old,â he says. âUnlike the fake crap people keep trying to pawn off on me.â
âI was told you had a discerning eye,â Hob says with false admiration. â1612. Genuine article.â
âHm. This is of some interest,â says Roderick. âCome to my office.â
Hob follows him, hoping Johanna is having some success finding Dream.
Roderickâs office is much neater than Dreamâs study. it feels like the affected study of someone trying to come acrossas a studious gentleman. Hob hates it.
And there on the desk is a thick, leather-bound volume that Hob knows instantly is the book Dream and Johanna have been looking for. He isnât sure exactly how he knows. He isnât at all magical. But he just knows. He can feel the eerie energy of the thing.
âIâll give you six hundred pounds for it,â Roderick says, laying Magicks on the desk.
Hob startles. Thatâs actually a lot of money for a single book. Sorry, Dream, he thinks.
âWhere did you get it?â Roderick asks.
âOld bookshop,â Hob says. âDonât think they knew what they had.â
âThey never do,â Roderick muses.
He hands Hob six hundred pounds, cash. Hob takes it, dumbfounded.
âTell me,â he says, pretending hesitance. âI only know how to tell the age. How to know if itâs genuine. The magic stuffâthatâs beyond me. How do you make sense of it?â
âI have my sources,â says Roderick. He seems to delight in being enigmatic. âThere are⌠certain experts. If one knows where to look.â
Certain experts. Hob grits his teeth. âYou willing to share a name? I have a few books myself Iâd love to get better appraised.â
âIâm keeping that to myself for now. Trade secrets, you know.â He smiles to himself, meanly. âValuable sources, those, in this business.â
Hob decides two things. One: he can definitely take down an old man. Two: he doesnât care if he goes to prison.
He picks up a heavy statue from the desk and, before Roderick can react, cracks him across the head with it.
Roderick drops like a stone, and Hob snatches up both Magicks and the Grimoire, and flees.
Shit. That might have been ill-advised. What if Dream isnât in the house, and Hob just caused permanent brain damage to the one person who might know where he is? Shit.
Nothing for it now. He hurries through the halls, books under his arm. He turns a corner, then another, and where the bloody hell is he? Thenâ
He nearly runs directly into Johanna and Dream.
Hob thrusts the books at Johanna, and takes Dream in his arms instead, pulling him into a tight hug. Dream hugs him back, pressing his face into Hobâs neck with a soft little sound.
He looks rough. His hair is a disasterâmore than usualâand heâs wearing the same clothes Hob vaguely remembers him putting on that morning several days ago, before he disappeared.
âHey,â Hob whispers, âI was really worried about you.â
ââm sorry,â Dream murmurs, clutching at him.
âThis was extremely fucking stupid, Dream,â Johanna says, in a tone that suggests sheâs said so already. Thereâs worry there too, though.
âYes, point taken,â Dream says.
âI love you,â Hob murmurs against his cheek, before pulling away to look at him properly.
Thereâs a bruise on Dreamâs cheek that makes Hob very glad he smacked Roderick upside the head with a statue. More than that, he looks a bit⌠haunted. Hob will have to get more details later. Right now, they need to get out of here.
âWhere the fuck is Roderick?â Johanna demands.
âI might have killed him,â Hob says, not feeling very bad about it. âNot totally sure.â
âNo loss,â says Johanna, holding the books tightly.
Hob keeps Dream close. Dream is looking at him in wonder. Like Hob is the last possible thing he had expected to see. Freedom itself.
Hob kisses his forehead. And then they get the fuck out of there.
--
âYou should really rest, Dream,â Hob says.
Dream is currently doing something to the Grimoire. Binding the pages. He doesnât seem willing to let it go until heâs made the thing safe.
He sighs. âIn a moment.â
âDreamâŚâ
Dream finally puts the book away in a drawer in his desk, kneels before the desk, and draws some complicated symbol on the wood. Perhaps he had done the same with the poetry book, Hob thinks.
Though Hob suspects that the Grimoire is significantly more dangerous.
Finally Dream stands. He seems⌠a bit listless, now, having finished with the book. Even in the soft lighting of the Library study, the awful bruise on his face is stark, a deep plum mark. He looks at Hob, hands twisting together, expression vulnerable.
Hobâs heart hurts. He hopes he did kill Roderick. But now, he holds out his hands to Dream.
Dream steps over to him, and Hob brings him into an embrace. Holds him tight. Whatever determination had kept Dream going thus far seems to evaporate, then, and he sags against Hob, trembling slightly.
âLetâs go home, yeah?â Hob murmurs against his hair.
âYes,â Dream sighs.
He locks up the study, which Hob has never seen him do before, and then, once theyâre downstairs, locks The Libraryâs front door as well. He leaves a sign that says, âClosed for the time being.â
Hob leads him across the street, back upstairs to his flat above the cafe, and steers him to the bathroom. He perches him on the edge of the tub as he turns on the tap and lets the hot water fill up.
Dream is still shivering a little. The poor thing is probably desperate for a bath, not to mention food, Christ.
âWhat did he want with you?â Hob asks, helping Dream out of his jumper. Dream winces as he pulls it off over his head, and Hob grits his teeth. âDid he hurt you?â
âHe had been trying to use the Grimoire,â Dream says, as Hob kneels to help him with his slacks. âBut there was a symbol he could not decode. My⌠approach⌠to try to take the book back was⌠not as clever as I had hoped, and I was intercepted. He demanded I translate it. When I refusedâŚâ he trails off. Heâs naked now, and Hob can see a dark bruise stretching up his thigh, another working its way up his back and over his shoulder. âWell, he did not take well to being told âno.ââ
âBastard,â Hob swears, and Dreamâs lips quirk up.
âQuite.â
Hob kisses the bruise on Dreamâs thighâif only that would do more to actually heal itâand Dream smiles faintly.
âWhatâs that book do anyway?â Hob asks.
âItâs meant to summon Death,â says Dream, and Hob feels a chill, like the universe itself is protesting that possibility. âI do not think it has ever been successfully used. But the magic is certainly potent enough.â
âGood thing you got it back, then,â says Hob. He helps Dream up, then supports him as he steps into the tub, sinking down into the warm water with a sigh.
Hob strips off his own clothes and follows him, slipping behind Dream and pulling him back to his chest. Dream leans his head against Hobâs shoulder.
âThat was all very silly, you know,â Hob says against his cheek, arms wrapped around Dreamâs middle. âI was very worried about you.â
âI am sorry,â murmurs Dream. âIt was⌠poorly thought out.â
âJust a bit.â
âBut,â says Dream, a hint of wonder in his voice, âyou came to rescue me.â
Hob kisses his cheek. âOf course.â
âHobâŚâ starts Dream. âHow may I say this⌠you are not exactly a rough type I would expect to be performing heists.â
âHey, you donât know everything about me,â Hob says indignantly. âSecond, youâre a librarian, and you tried to break into the manâs damn house first. Thirdlyââ
âAnd yet,â Dream interrupts, âyou still came to help me. Roderick Burgess is a dangerous man. That was ill-advised.â
âDidnât seem very dangerous when I smacked him in the head.â
âI am saying I appreciate it,â says Dream, with a little chuckle. âAll the more so for the danger you put yourself in.â
âYouâre my boyfriend,â Hob says. âI love you. Of course I came after you. Donât be silly.â
He wishes he had gotten there sooner. He chokes up, thinking of Dream stuck in some room, uncertain of any rescue. He tucks his face into Dreamâs shoulder, tears beading along his lashes. âPoor darling.â
Dream reaches up and strokes his hair. âIâd be curious to hear about your criminal past sometime,â he murmurs, which has Hob chuckling. âDid you really kill Roderick Burgess?â
âDunno,â says Hob. âHope so.â
âMy boyfriend is more dangerous than I thought,â Dream observes, lips tugging up. He sounds quite satisfied about it, and Hob kisses the corner of his lips.
âIf he comes back Iâll kill him again,â he says.
Dream shivers, leaning more heavily against him. âYouâve unlocked the two keys to my heart,â he whispers, and itâs only partly joking.
âOh yeah?â Hob says, lips still brushing his cheek. âViolence committed on your behalf is one?â
Dream nods.
âWhatâs the other, then?â
Dreamâs lips twitch. âScones.â
âIâll have to fulfill that one in a few minutes then, too,â Hob says, grinning.
âSo you shall.â
âWould it make you doubly horny if I killed somebody with a scone?â Hob asks. âOrâ?â
Dream turns around in his lap to kiss him, wrapping his hands around the back of Hobâs neck. Hob rocks back with the force of the kiss, leaning back against the tub. âYes,â Dream declares, and gives Hob another peck on the lips.
âIâll find someone to kill,â Hob promises. âYou have anyone in mind?â
Dream giggles. Joy looks good on him, after everything. He tucks his nose in against Hobâs shoulder again, and Hob holds him close, runs a hand up and down over his back, careful of the bruises.
âI will think of something,â Dream promises.
Hob kisses his temple, and resolves to keep a closer eye on his boyfriendâs supernatural activities in the future.
And to buy Johanna Constantine a drink some time, too.
#dreamling#bookstore cryptid dream#even dream the cryptid librarian isn't immune to getting put in the bowl. so to speak#dream of the endless#hob gadling#the sandman#my writing#i've read through this many times hopefully there are no more typos XD
190 notes
¡
View notes
Text
Knowledge
Summary: You arrive at Kingâs Landing and Prince Aemond Targaryen shows you that some knowledge doesnât come from books.
Pairing: Aemond Targaryen x fem!reader
Warnings: NSFW. Bickering. Aegon being a cockblock.
A/N: I like to imagine that Aemond would feel ďżźthis natural pull towards someone who takes an interest in books, so this is my attempt at exploring that. Hope you enjoy it!
Disclaimer: The books mentioned are actual existing works in the universe GRRM has created: The Fires of the Freehold and A Caution for Young Girls.
Word count: 1.5k
The first thought that crossed your mind once your stepped foot inside the Red Keep was that illustrations and vague descriptions from visitors didnât do it justice. It was most definitely a place fit for kings and queens, no doubt.
You had come with your mother and father as guests to King Viserys, but it had been Queen Alicent who greeted you upon arrival.
Aegon Targaryen was introduced first, promptly taking your hand in his with a dashing smile and planting a soft kiss to it, vaguely mumbling he was at your service should you require anything, earning a glare from his mother.
Next was Helaena Targaryen whose kind smile warmed your heart, but whose words took you by surprised when she asked if you had many spiders back home, earning a compassionate smile from her mother.
Last, but not least, was Aemond Targaryen who was ever observant and not quite inclined to introducing himself until his mother asked him to. Twice. Even then, it he uttered not a single word and merely bowed his head at you. His eyeptach was neatly kept in place over the eye he had once lost.
Queen Alicent had a fourth child who was away in Oldtown with the rest of the Hightowers, Daeron.
But as excited as your parents were, you yerned to wander the long corridors that held so many secrets and richness.
So by the time you exited the throne room, you told your parents you were out for a walk.
It wasnât a lie.
You needed to see it.
Your inner child beamed in anticipation as you strode along the vast halls that led to your destination. Fortunately, your maester had provided you with the exact location.
Heart drumming fast, you halted before a closed door before taking a deep shaky breath.
You gripped the handle and pushed inside with ease.
And there it was.
Sitting atop a vast stone surface, that was framed by countless burning candles, lay the skull of Balerion.
Your eyes took in the overwhelming sight of such an imposing piece of history.
Reaching the edge of the stone slate, you felt the dense warmth that radiated from the candles, wax sliding down and hardening across the surface, creating beautiful and irregular sculptures.
Balerionâs skull was enormous. His teeth stood upright as sharp knives and you wondered how many had met their demise impaled on them.
âWhat are you doing here?â
You nearly jumped out of your skin, immediately whipping around to see Aemond Targaryen standing a few feet away to your left, arms laced behind his back. âPrince Aemond,â you gasped, stepping away from Balerionâs skull. âI apologise⌠I⌠lost my way while trying to find my bedchambers.â
His face was hard to read and silent fell for a brief moment before he narrowed his exposed eye. âIt is not wise to roam the castle halls by yourself.â
You nodded, bowing curtly. âOf course, my prince.â
Aemond gave you a long, penetrating look that made you feel extremely bare. âThere are seveal trapdoors. You wouldnât want to end up somewhere⌠unpleasant,â he drawled out that last word in a low tone.
âI apologise.â
âYou do not have to,â he said. âYou are our guest.â
His reassurance eased frantic beating of your heart and you felt your chest heave, as you allowed yourself to breathe freely once more.
Aemond Targaryen was undoubtedly intense. You reckoned he would have no trouble having men cower before him with little to no effort.
Tense moments rolled by and as neither of you were inclined to further the conversation, you shifted to face the dragon skull.
Just when you thought the two of you had settled for a comfortable silence, his soft voice was heard, âBalerion.â
âThe black dread,â you added with a nod. âIt is said that whenever he took flight his wings would swallow entire cities in shadow as he passed overhead,â you paused briefly to see Aemond sliding a hooded look at you. âHis fire was as black as his scales and wings, burning so hot itâd turn sand to glass.â
Your passion for dragons and Old Valyria suddenly took over you like a tidal wave. There werenât many people whoâd share the same enthusiasm in discussing such topics, but you figured a Targaryen prince might.
Especially one who had claimed Vhagar. The word had spread like wildfire back then. Even in your young years, you could tell it was a great deed. Prince Aemond Targaryen had bonded with the largest dragon alive. The dragon who had fought alonside the very dragon whose very skull lay in front of you.
But Aemond didnât look impressed.
In fact, he seemed positively uninterested⌠bored even.
Feeling overwhelmed by the weight of his unmoving glare and deafening silence, you reached out to touch some of the scalding wax that had pooled around one flickering candle.
âZaldrÄŤzes iÄ kraj.â
A powerful dragon.
That caught his attention and his eyebrow arched lightly with newfound interest. âYou speak High Valyrian?â
You let out a low chuckle, breaking eye contact with him. âI am not knowledgeable enough to speak it fluently save for a few words I picked here and there.â
From the corner of your eye, you saw Aemond take slow steps in your direction. âAnd how did you come across such words?â the curiosity in his voice was palpable.
You cleared your throat. âMerchants from the east would share them with my maester,â you replied. âAnd books.â
It was barely noticeable, but you watched as his eye widened every so slightly at the latter.
You were so entranced with the sudden proximity, youâd allowed droplets of wax to scorch your thumb, causing you to wince in both pain and surprise.
Aemond extended his own hand to toy with the molten wax that ran down in rivers of yellowish white. Unlike you, he was perfectly able to endure the heat as it was expected from Targaryens.
âWhat books?â
You brought the pad of your thumb to your lips, pressing a gentle kiss in an attempt to ease the burning sensation. âThe Fires of the Freehold.â
His eye followed your motion. âYou read history books?â
âWhy so surprised?â
A side-smile curled his lips. âHave you read the entire book?â
Oh. He was testing you.
âThat would be impossible,â you said, inwardly grinning as his eye widened yet again. âMany scrolls are missing, but I have had the opportunity to visit Oldtown and read the ones available.â
âHmm,â he said, his smile dropping slightly. âMy younger brother has provided me with some copies of the scrolls.â
âDaeron, is it? Heâs in Oldtown, correct?â
A glimmer of impatience crossed his eye. âWhat do you make of that book?â he asked instead.
Was he testing you again?
âWell, it is always interesting to take a look at the past and try to understand what might have led to certain events.â
Aemond cracked the hardened wax on the tip of his fingers and nodded. âIndeed. Books feed the mind and provide unmatched knowledge.â
âWhat books do you read?â
âMainly history and philosophy.â
Aemond seemed deeply invested in the conversation now and that did wonders to your ego. History holds Targaryens in high regards and whether itâs through fear, respect, or both, the people of Westeros would bend their knee to them.
So having this young prince, whose reputation preceded him, indulge in your interests was surely unexpected, but welcomed.
âIt is my understanding that theoretical knowledge must be balanced out with a practical approach,â he said in a low voice.. âIf youâre to read a book and not apply that knowledge, then it just stays stagnant in your head, rendering it useless. Would you agree?â
âTo an extent,â you said, enjoying how the low flames flickered and were casting orange and yellow streaks along the side of his face. âBut I believe certain books are more prone to such approach than others. You cannot take a history book and approach it as you approach a tactical one. Would you agree?â
Aemond snapped a surprised look on you, as if you had uttered a complete string of nonsense. His visible eye never left your face and you kept on glaring at him, wishing you were able to know his thoughts.
âDid I say something wrong?â you asked carefully.
âNot at all,â he said, clearing his throat, and to your relied he sounded amused. âAnd have you read such a book?â
You shook your head. âThere is one Iâd very much like to get my hands on.â
His eyebrows shot up as he waited for you to carry on.
âA Caution for Young Girls.â
You spotted a very notorious disapproving look twist his handsome features, which didnât surprise you. After all, erotic books did get a bad reputation across the realm and would often be banished.
âYouâve heard of it,â you concluded.
âOf course, but I would not indulge in reading such depravity,â he said as a matter of fact.
âIt is a book written by a woman,â you said, unable to hide the amusement in your voice. âHow depraved can it be?â
âDepraved enough to have lords burning copies across the Seven Kingdoms,â Aemond replied readily.
You shrugged. âThen Lady Coryanne Wylde must have done something right when she wrote that book,â you then turned to him. âIf her tales warrant such reaction from men, then it makes it all the more interesting.â
Aemond made a sound that was halfway between a chuckle and a cough. âSurely, you donât think there is any valuable knowledge to take from that book.â
âI disagree. The practical approach you speak of would definitely benefit from the theoretical one provided in its pages.â
âAnd what knowledge might that be, my lady?â
âI have only heard rumours, of course,â you said, shrugging once again. âBut matters of the body â specifically a womanâs body â are worth diving into.â
Aemond seemed slightly taken aback by your bluntness and you vaguely wondered if you had maybe overstepped the line.
âAs much as I agree,â he began, tilting his head a fraction. âI highly doubt a young lady such as yourself would find any use in it.â
You narrowed your eyes. âHow can you be so sure? You told me yourself you havenât read it.â
Aemond stared down at your face. âI havenât, but my elder brother has definitely flicked through a few pages,â he said with a hint of disdain. âIf he finds it entertaining, then Iâm certain of the level of perversion.â
âFor someone who indulges in the knowledge books can offer, you sound awfully judgmental, prince Aemond,â the words left your mouth faster than your brain could process.
âNot all knowledge comes from books.â
âI disagree.â
He tilted his head and gave you a measured look. âDo you, now?â
âI believe there is always something to be learned,â you said with a nod. âUnless you believe yourself above such knowledgeâŚâ
Oh.
Maybe you had done it this time.
But your worry soon vanished as Aemond gave you a curt smile. âDo you think Iâd need to read that book if I were to court you, my lady?â
You immediately stiffened and felt a lump form in your throat.
âDo you think you would need to read that book if you were to accept my advances?â
OhâŚ
The conversation had taken an unexpected turn to say the least and your mouth just hung open.
Aemond had the nerve to chuckle, visibly amused. âWhatâs the matter, my lady?â his voice was low, but the teasing spoke volumes. âShould I find you a book from our library, so you can seek knowledge to formulate your answers?â he finished with a curt smile as his eye dropped to your lips.
He was standing close. Too close. From that distance, you were able to make out the intricate details of the dragon brooches that lined the length of his leather coat.
Collecting yourself, you gazed up at him and returned a smile. âAnd what advances would those be?â
He had probably hoped his mocking words were enough to silence you, but two could play this game and Aemond Targaryen would soon get a taste of his own venom.
âWouldnât you like to know.â
âI would,â you said, tilting your chin up to face him dead on. âUnless youâre all talk and no action, my prince.â
Aemond pinched his eyebrows together, creating two deep furrows between them as he kept his gaze on your lips.
You rode on instict and decided to press him further. âWhat is it, my prince? Should I fetch you a book so I may have a reply from you?â
He closed the gap between you two in a heartbeat, and then you felt him press his body lightly into yours.
But something else caught your attention through the delicate fabric of your dress.
Oh.
âPrince Aemond?â
You werenât imagining things.
Oh.
Aemond Targaryen was hard.
You could barely feel it through your dress, but it was definitely there.
âI can see that this conversation is pleasing you,â you said, empowered by the sudden revelation.
Aemond shifted lightly, his head lowering to meet yours, hot breath fanning your skin. âI find it most invigorating, indeed.â
âAre you courting me?â your voice was but a whisper and your chest heaved, pressing into his own.
âDo you need a book to be able to tell that?â Aemond mocked before grazing his lips along your cheek. âDo you reckon that book would inform you how a Targaryen prince courts?â
Your hand snagged his left arm seeking urgent support, eyes fluttering shut as you suddenly felt scared to just breathe.
His lips never fully touched your skin and it was torturous to hold back from the urge to taste him.
âWould it tell you how to get a Targaryen prince hard?â he whispered in your ear, making a point by pressing his lower half further into you.
You truly wanted to succumb to his velvety teases, but suspected he wasnât yerning for that.
âI got you hard with just words, prince Aemond?â
He said nothing. He only brought one hand to cup your chin, thumb brushing across your lips. There was allure in his silent ministrations, the only sounds you could hear being your thumping heart and his heavy breathing.
The throbbing between your legs was nearly unbearable, specially when you could feel him so willing for you.
âIâm not interrupting something, am I?â an amused voice rang out.
Even though Aemond remained perfectly calm, you sharply turned your head to spot prince Aegon standing across the room, looking positively entertained by what he had just run into.
As if scalded by fire, you tore yourself away from Aemond, straightening the fabric of your dress before bowing. âPrince Aegon.â
When you straightened back, you watched as his eyes roamed the length of your body before shifting to Aemond.
âOh, brother,â Aegon said, not even trying to hold back his laughter. âSeems like our guest is giving you a hard time.â
Your eyes widened as your mouth dropped open in disbelief, embarrassment gripping you hard.
âCareful, brother,â Aemond said, adjusting his eyepatch. âI will not entertain your idiocy.â
But Aegonâs attention had long since left his younger brother and his gaze was fixed on you, an ear-to-ear smile crossing his face.
âWas it the other way around, my lady?â he asked, still keeping his distance. âWas my brother giving you a hard time?â
Before you could bring yourself to reply, you watched Aemond shift beside you, sending his dagger streaking off in Aegonâs direction in one smooth motion.
The dagger lodged in the wooden wall with a clunk only mere inches away from where Aegon stood.
âYou missed,â he gloated with a grin, far too amused for someone who just had a blade flung at them.
Was he⌠drunk?
âDeliberately,â he said with a wry smile, shifting his weight onto his other leg. âYou know I never miss.â
âYou can try to deflect as hard as you wish, little brother,â Aegon chuckled, slowly but surely taking a few steps towards the door. âBut it still wonât be as hard as your cock is right now,â he finished before slipping through the entrance at lightning bolt speed.
Aemond bolted from your side, chasing after his brother.
In the back of your head you vaguely wondered what historians would make of this and what books they might write on these two Targaryen siblings.
1K notes
¡
View notes