#i wish we could just act in a way that felt right and dress in fun ways outside of the house and just. exist without fear.

[classyrbf]

NOT GOOD ENOUGH! — TOJI FUSHIGURO

SYNOPSIS...after child birth, you don’t feel or look the same as before, brining on new insecurities and anger stirring within yourself

INFO...husband!toji x fem!reader, angst with a happy ending, mentions of child birth, weight gain, stretch marks, feeling ugly, body checking, just very insecure and upset reader, slight jealousy, toji being there for you, not proofread

OTHER...likes and reblogs are appreciated

toji notices how quiet you are when you both arrive back home from Shiu’s birthday party. You didn’t say a word to him on the drive back home and you aren’t speaking to him now that you walked through the door. All you do is head straight to your shared bedroom, heels clicking against the floor. He can’t understand what’s wrong, he’s trying his hardest to piece together what may have went wrong tonight but nothing comes to mind. He was hoping that this night out would be fun and special considering it’s the first time you guys have had alone time since giving birth to Megumi almost a year ago now.

But that frown on your face and the silent treatment makes a pit settle in his stomach because this isn’t you. He follows you to the bedroom where you’re sitting, turned away from him, taking your heels off. “Can we talk?” He breaks the silence, leaning against the wooden door.

“Not right now.” You clear your throat, avoiding any eye contact with him as you throw your shoes in the mess that is your closet. “Can you get out? I need to change.” You’re snatching clothes out the dresser, your tone flat and bored.

“Get out? You always change in front of me—”

“Just get out, Toji!” You walk over to the bedroom door, slamming it in his face and locking it. He stands there, confused.

But behind closed doors, you cautiously remove your dress that you’ve been so excited to wear for months now. Except, it didn’t look how you expected it to. The whole night, the moment you put it on, it just didn’t seem to look right. Your arms had extra fat, your stomach was chubby and everytime you sat down you could feel it hang over your underwear, and your thighs were squeezing against the fabric. But it wasn’t just the dress, it was everything. For weeks and weeks you’ve been feeling like absolute garbage, reminiscing over how you used to look before child birth. The dark circles were new, you the stretch marks on your stomach and thighs that seemed like they’d never go away. The brittleness of your hair, and your mood swings that had you questioning if you’re overreacting or not.

You felt ugly. That’s it. Inside and out. The way you looked and how you acted towards toji and yourself, it wasn’t you. And you would never blame your son over this, no, he was the most precious baby ever, and you loved him with all your heart. You just wish you’d had started taking care of yourself sooner. When you look in the mirror, you’re reminded that your husband can do so much better, thinking of all the attractive women that were trying to talk to him today at the party. You couldn’t help but compare yourself, how much better looking they were and how full of life they looked. Maybe he would enjoy someone younger and happier, instead of having to come home to a miserable, insecure wife who wouldn’t even let her own husband touch her.

You frowned, tears welling up in your eyes as you stared at yourself, the palm of your hand running over your stomach, feeling the loose skin. Your eyes drifted to your sagging breasts, thinking of how they only look good in a supported bra now. Tears. All you felt were the tears streaming down your cheeks, slipping on your baggy shirt and pants to hide each and every bad thing you thought about yourself.

“Mama, open the door. Are you crying?” Toji called from behind the door, twisting the handle back and forth like it would somehow magically unlock.

“I-I’m fine! I’m still getting dressed!” You wiped your tears, a weak attempt at hiding your feelings.

“Bullshit. Open the door, tell me what’s going on with you. Y/n, I swear I’ll break this damn door down. Please, open it.” You shuffled your feet across the floor, unlocking the door for him. He immediately stepped through, concerned eyes scanning over you. “Mama, what happened? What’s going on with you, hm?” He cupped your face, searching your glossy eyes.

You immediately broke, clutching onto him as you sobbed into his chest. “I’m sorry, Toji,” you hiccuped. His arms held you close, wrapping his warmth around you.

“Shh, shh. You got nothing to apologize for.” He kissed the top of your head, caressing his hand up and down your back. “Talk to me.” You shake your head, finding it embarrassing to even talk about, but he doesn’t take no for an answer. He cups your face again and forces you to look at him, wiping your tears away. “Did I do something?” He questions.

“No, no,” you sniffle. “I just…I don’t know how to explain it without feeling stupid.” It frustrates you to your core, having all these bottled up feelings inside of you but finding it so difficult to explain. It’s overwhelming, every single bit of it.

“You’re not stupid. Come here, sit down and talk with me.” He holds your shaking hand while guiding you to the bed, both of you sitting on the edge as you attempt to catch your breath.

“Tonight, I was excited to spend some alone time with you. I got dressed and did my makeup and hair, but…I didn’t feel comfortable or pretty or anything. I haven’t been feeling like that for a good while now, Toji.” Your voice cracks, hot tears brimming your eyes once more. “I look at myself and see how much weight I’ve gained, my stomach, arms, thighs, everything! And I hate it! I hate looking at myself because it makes me so angry and ugly. So, I get jealous and insecure when I see other women near you. Like tonight.” Your lip quivers, hiding your face in your hands. “And I’m sorry I took it out on you,” your voice breaks through the sobs, vision blurry. “I’m sorry that I’m not better.”

“What the fuck are you talking about, Mama? Better? You’re already fucking perfect.” He sits up. “Look at me.” And you hesitantly do so, frowning, your eyes puffy and red. “I don’t care about anyone else but you and our son. Our son that you gave life to, birthed him from your own body. You’re fucking incredible for that. So, no, I don’t give a damn about your weight or stretch marks or anything else your pretty little head is making you overthink about.” He grabs your hand, pressing a kiss to your knuckles.

“Toji…” you trail off. His words only make you more emotional, his reassurance providing you comfort and security.

“You’re beautiful no matter what. I married you. You didn’t marry me. I wanted you the second I laid eyes on you, mama, are you kidding?” He chuckles, making you smile in response. “See, there’s that smile.”

“Stop.” You stifle a laugh, covering your face with your hand.

“Never. You’re stuck with me. You’re stuck with me forever. I signed up for forever, okay? We could be all old and wrinkly together and I’ll still think you’re the most beautiful woman in this world. So, baby, please don’t beat yourself up because you don’t look like some fake ass super model or some random girl you see on the street. From the tips of your toes, to the top of your head, you’re all mine.” He presses a kiss to your cheek, then another and then another, before attacking you with kisses. “I’m so in love with you and so attracted to everything you do, you make it hard not to give you another baby. So incredibly sexy.”

“Toji!” You gasp in shock, laughing at him. “You horndog!”

“Can you blame me, huh?” You kisses your neck. “Seriously, mama, I apologize. I’m sorry that I didn’t realize sooner that you were going through this.” He holds you, pulling you beside him as he lays down.

“It’s not your fault. I’m sorry I didn’t talk to you, and explain my feelings. I thought it was something that would go away on its own—”

“I don’t wanna hear any more apologies from that mouth of yours. Next time, just speak to me. Pull me aside, vent to me, cry in my arms. I’d rather you do that than feel like this ever again. I should’ve been more attentive to you.” The pad of thumb brushes over your knuckles.

“I love you, Toji.” You snuggle into him, basking in his warmth. “Thank you.” He knew just how to make you laugh, how to take all those bad thoughts away and lock them up. You should’ve never hesitated to come to him, he’s always been there for you since day one.

“I love you more.” He presses a kiss to your forehead. “We still have the whole night to ourselves, let’s not waste it.”

“Oh, can we order some chinese? I’ve kinda been craving crab rangoon.” You raise brow at Toji.

He smirks. “Go and get the menu.”

[surielstea]

Embers Entwined

Pairing: Eris Vanserra x Fem!Reader

Summary: Reader was one of the most affected by Beron’s rule, after his death Eris was crowned High Lord and Reader became his personal servant by extension, what happens when she begins to recognize Eris for his kindness and not his cruelty?

Warnings: Beron being a right asshole as usual, and some kissing (*gasp* the scandal!)

A.Note: Sorry it’s been forever!! This one took me awhile but I’m pretty happy with it. Hope you guys enjoy too! Some Azriel smut coming out in a few days also! 💋💋

Word count: 7.9k

The ball was decadent, far grander than in previous years, though I supposed tonight warranted the excess. A special occasion, one that carried far more meaning than the usual frivolous gatherings meant only to remind the rich of their own wealth.

Tonight, the Autumn Court celebrated the coronation of Eris Vanserra. More importantly to me, we celebrated Beron's death.

I would never say such a thing aloud, never give voice to the hatred that simmered in my veins. But I knew I was not alone in my sentiments. Most despised that wretched male—just not enough to ever act against him. Beron had been cruel, but only to those within his grasp. His wife. His sons. His staff. Me, in particular—his personal courtier.

It had been my duty to obey him without question, to smile and nod and endure, no matter what vile thing he asked of me. The words he'd spoken to me, the way he'd toyed with me, broken me, forced me into submission—I would never find peace after him. I knew that.

I stood against the wall of the ballroom, my hands clasped in front of me, a pleasant, vacant smile painted on my lips. The same as always. My black dress marked me as staff, distinguishing me from the nobles twirling beneath the golden glow of the chandeliers. It wasn't an ugly dress—not physically—but the symbolism it carried made my stomach churn.

I was meant to be invisible. To stand for hours, heels biting into my feet, lips aching from feigned delight, waiting. Always waiting for the High Lord's command. That was my place.

But tonight, for the first time at an event like this, someone spoke to me. Not just someone. The newly crowned High Lord.

"Do you not wish to dance?"

His voice was smoother than I expected, rich and effortless, as though the words required no thought. When I turned my head, Eris Vanserra stood before me, resplendent in his deep forest green attire, gold-threaded embroidery glinting beneath the chandeliers. Rings adorned his fingers, catching the light as he gestured vaguely toward the center of the ballroom.

I had known Eris Vanserra since I was a girl—back when my father served as Beron's personal courtier and I trained under him, shadowing his every move. In those early years, Eris and I spent countless hours in the kennels, where I had been sent to feed the hounds, and he had sought my company. Even then, I knew better than to refuse a Vanserra. But it hadn't felt like an order. Not when he spoke so passionately about his dogs, his amber eyes alight with something rare and unguarded.

I had listened, quietly captivated, as he ran his hands through thick fur, naming each hound like they were something precious, something his father could not tarnish. And though I rarely spoke, I knew he never minded.

But time had a way of reshaping things. Our duties grew heavier, our paths diverged, and whatever thread had once tied us together frayed beneath the weight of expectation. I often wondered if he remembered—the girl who once sat beside him in the straw-covered kennels, listening in rapt silence as he spoke of things he loved. Or if I had faded into nothing more than a ghost of his childhood, long forgotten.

I snapped back to the present when I realized my hesitation, startled by his presence, by his question. By him.

I glanced at him only briefly before averting my gaze. I had long since learned better than to expect kindness from the Vanserras, Eris or not. "I'm working, my lord," I answered smoothly, forcing the usual mask into place. "Besides, the late Lord Beron was always particular about the servantry enjoying themselves at these sorts of things."

A flicker of something crossed Eris's face at my words. Perhaps it was amusement, perhaps something else. I wasn't certain. Then, he did something I never would have expected. He extended his hand to me, palm up. A silent command. I stared at it, my heart stuttering.

Was this a trick? A test? Was he waiting for me to disobey so he could remind me of my place? "Well," he mused, tilting his head, "I'm not Beron, am I?"

I swallowed thickly, but I did not take his hand. His amber eyes gleamed as he studied me, something unreadable lurking beneath their molten depths. "You were my father's personal courtier, yes?"

"Correct, my lord."

"And now that he's gone, you're mine." A statement, not a question.

I nodded.

"And you're required to do as I say."

Another nod.

"Then take my hand." His voice was softer now, quieter. "Dance with me." My breath caught in my throat. I hesitated. Was he attempting to humiliate me?

I had seen what his brothers were capable of, how they had reveled in Beron's cruelty, how they had wielded it against others for their own entertainment. I had heard the stories about Eris—his ruthlessness, his ambition, his callous disregard for those beneath him. I had no reason to believe he was any different.

Yet something about the way he stood there, hand still outstretched, gaze unwavering, made my stomach tighten. He wasn't forcing me. He wasn't demanding. He was patient. I hated him for that. For making me doubt my own certainty.

But in the end, I had no choice. With a deep inhale, I placed my hand in his. His fingers curled around mine—warm, steady. Not gripping. But I knew better than to believe in illusions.

Eris Vanserra was his father's son. And I would never trust him.

The moment my hand settled in his, a hush seemed to fall over the space around us—not total silence, but a ripple in the atmosphere, a shift in attention that pressed against my skin like a physical thing.

They were watching. The nobles, the courtiers, the sycophants who had spent years learning to fear and obey Beron, and by extension, his eldest son. They watched, likely waiting for me to make a mistake, waiting to see what game Eris Vanserra was playing.

I was waiting, too. But if this was some cruel trick, he did not let it show.

Eris led me toward the dance floor with unhurried ease, his grip firm but not forceful. A reminder, perhaps, that I was following him willingly. I didn't know what unsettled me more—that he had given me a real choice, or that, despite knowing better, a part of me wanted to believe he truly meant no harm.

The moment we stepped onto the floor, the nearest dancers shifted subtly away, giving us space without making it obvious. No one wanted to be caught in the High Lord's wake, in whatever he was planning.

He turned to face me, releasing my hand only to settle one warm palm against my waist, the other clasping mine once more. I stiffened beneath his touch, the weight of it burning even through the fabric of my dress.

"Relax," he murmured, amusement curling through his tone. "It's a dance, not an execution."

I forced my muscles to remain neutral, my expression placid, though I could still feel the weight of a hundred gazes searing into me. "That remains to be seen."

His lips curved slightly. "If I wanted to make a spectacle of you, I'd have chosen something far more dramatic." He guided me into movement, a slow, fluid step that I had no choice but to follow. "But I much prefer this."

I nearly scoffed, but reeled in my tone, replacing it with a polite one. "Dancing?"

His gaze flickered down to mine, something unreadable within it. "Yes," he admitted, voice quieter now. "It's one of the few things I enjoy."

I arched a brow at him, skepticism bleeding into my tone. "Truly?"

"Truly." A small pause, then, "My mother taught me."

His hold on my waist remained steady, his movements effortless as he guided me through the waltz. "She used to say that knowing how to dance was just as important as knowing how to wield a blade. Both would assist me on a battle field."

I couldn't stop the flicker of surprise at his admission. Not because I doubted his mother's wisdom—if anything, I had always pitied the Lady of Autumn, the horrors she must have endured under Beron's rule—but because I had not expected Eris to share something so personal.

And yet, before I could decide how to respond, he added, "It was the one thing Beron couldn't take from me."

I swallowed, focusing on my movements, on the way his body angled just to keep me steady, to keep the dance seamless.

He was watching me closely, I could feel it. I hated that I could feel it.

"Why are you telling me this?" I asked, my voice quieter than before, as if the words might shatter between us.

His lips twitched, though there was something different in his expression now. A quiet sort of challenge. "Because you're expecting me to be my father."

I stiffened.

"I'm not," he continued, tone smooth, unwavering. "And I think you already know that."

I bit the inside of my cheek, forcing down the retort that sat at the edge of my tongue. I wanted to deny it.

Wanted to tell him he was wrong, that I had no reason to believe him, that I had no reason to trust him. That, after what I had endured, I had no space left in me for blind hope. But I couldn't. Because, for the first time, I allowed myself to see him—not the heir of Beron Vanserra, not the male who had stood by and done nothing while his father ruled with malice, but the High Lord before me now.

Eris Vanserra was dangerous, cunning, and far too quick-witted for his own good. But he was not his father. And as much as I hated it, as much as it made something twist deep in my chest—

He was also undeniably beautiful.

His russet hair gleamed beneath the chandelier light, his sharp, angular features like something carved from fine marble. And those eyes—deep amber, filled with fire and calculation, but not cruelty. Never cruelty. It unnerved me.

I averted my gaze, the pressure in my throat tightening. "I don't know anything."

His fingers flexed slightly against my waist, the only indication that he had caught the tremor in my voice.

"You will," he murmured, voice barely above a whisper. A promise.

I did not know whether it was a comfort or a threat. But I did know one thing—

The game, whatever it was, had only just begun.

As the waltz came to an end, Eris's grip on me loosened, but he did not immediately step away. His amber eyes remained locked onto mine, searching, calculating—always calculating.

I did not look away. I refused to.

Even as my heart pounded against my ribs, even as my throat tightened with the weight of memories that clawed at the back of my mind, I held his gaze.

He exhaled softly, something almost amused flickering in his expression before he lifted my hand, his touch lingering just enough to send a sharp jolt of awareness through me.

Then, with a deliberate slowness that sent heat curling in my gut, Eris pressed a kiss to the back of my hand.

A calculated move. A display of power.

And yet—his lips were warm. Gentle.

He let my hand slip from his grasp, stepping back with an air of ease, as though he had not just sent my already-frazzled mind into chaos.

"Thank you for the dance," he murmured, voice like silk and embers.

I said nothing. Because I couldn't. I simply bowed my head and turned away, ignoring the stares, the whispers that followed me as I slipped back into the shadows of the ballroom.

Eris Vanserra was dangerous. And not for the reasons I had always believed.

I had not been able to get him out of my head.

I hated it.

No matter how much I tried to shove the thoughts away—to remind myself of the horrors I had endured under Beron, of the way his sons had stood idly by for years, of the haunting whispers that surrounded Eris himself—I couldn't stop replaying that moment in my mind.

The warmth of his touch. The softness of his voice. The way he had looked at me, not with hatred, not with indifference, but with something else entirely.

It was a trick. Had to be. And yet, I found myself watching him more than I should have.

Every time he called for something, every time I had to be in his presence, I bowed low, just as I had always done for Beron. I kept my voice neutral, my head down, my routine unchanged.

As if nothing had changed at all. As if I had not danced with him. As if his hands had not burned against my skin. As if I had not spent the past few days wondering, against all reason, if perhaps he was not as evil as I had once believed.

I would not let myself believe it. Not when I had learned, time and time again, that kindness was a dangerous illusion.

So when one of the guards found me in the halls, stopping me with a clipped, "The High Lord is requesting you," a cold dread curled in my stomach.

Requesting me. Not a general summons for any courtiers. Not a task that could have been handled by anyone else. Me.

For a moment, I couldn't move. Memories crashed through me—memories of Beron's summons, of being called for with no warning, no explanation. Of standing before him, knowing what was coming but never being able to predict just how bad it would be.

My hands clenched at my sides. I swallowed hard, pushing down the panic, shoving it deep beneath layers of practiced control.

This was not Beron. I knew that. And yet, my body did not.

With carefully measured steps, I made my way to Eris's study, every inch of me wound tight.

My mind whispered warnings, my heart pounded against my ribs. I forced my hands to remain steady as I knocked once, then pushed the heavy wooden door open.

And there he was—seated behind a grand desk, amber eyes lifting to meet mine the second I entered.

Eris Vanserra, High Lord of Autumn.

And the male who, for reasons I could not begin to understand, had called for me.

I braced myself, preparing for whatever awaited me next. And prayed that I was not about to be proven a fool.

The door shut behind me with a soft thud, the sound too final, too reminiscent of a past I wanted to claw away from.

I stayed near the entrance, hands clasped in front of me, chin dipped ever so slightly—not meek, but neutral. Just as I had been trained to be.

Eris sat at his desk, one elbow braced on the armrest of his chair, fingers resting against his temple as he watched me. Not impatient. Not cruel. Just watching. Then, with that signature tilt of his head, he asked, "What's your name?"

I blinked. "My name?"

He arched a golden brow, the flickering candlelight making the sharp angles of his face seem all the more severe.

"I'd like to know who to call for to keep my company, so yes, your name."

Company. Was this a game? A test?

I studied him, searching for the trap, but found nothing except expectation.

I told him my name carefully, waiting for the moment his expression would shift, for him to sneer or mock or twist the knowledge into something mean.

But he only smiled slightly, a soft curve of his lips that felt almost out of place on a face like his.

Before I could think better of it, before I could convince myself to stay silent, I blurted, "Have you been lonely, my lord?"

Eris's head tilted further, amusement flashing in his amber eyes.

I stiffened immediately. "Forgive me for asking. That was incredibly impolite. I'm so—"

"I have." He cut me off smoothly, his voice quieter now, but no less firm.

I swallowed.

"I imagined being High Lord would be quite different," he mused, gaze flickering to the stacks of papers on his desk, the glowing hearth, the empty room around us. "Nevertheless, here we are." He nodded as if conceding something to himself.

My lips parted slightly, but I had nothing to say to that. Nothing that wouldn't cross a line I was still hesitant to even approach.

Instead, I dropped into another practiced bow. "Will that be all, my lord?"

His eyes snapped back to me, something unreadable stirring behind them.

"Eris," he corrected.

I hesitated.

"I am not my father," he said, voice quiet but edged with finality, as if he were daring me to argue. "Nor do I wish to become him. So please, call me Eris."

I nodded slowly. "...Well then, Lord Eris."

"Just Eris, my dear," he corrected again, leaning back slightly. "Like friends."

I didn't know what startled me more—that he wanted me to call him by his name, or that he had referred to me as a friend.

Still, I tried to ignore the warmth curling in my stomach as I forced myself to say, "Eris."

His lips twitched, something satisfied gleaming in his gaze. "Good girl."

The praise sent something unfamiliar down my spine, not in the way it had whenever Beron complimented me... this was different.

"Now come, get comfortable." He gestured toward the plush green chairs adjacent to his desk.

I stared at him. "You want me to sit?"

"Stand, lean, lay, I don't care." He waved a lazy hand. "Just relax."

"My lord—Eris," I corrected, still trying to wrap my mind around the strangeness of this entire interaction. "I don't get paid to... relax."

He smirked. "No, you get paid to follow my orders. And I am ordering you to get comfortable."

I stared at him for a long moment, my heart hammering in my chest as I tried to decipher the true meaning behind all of this.

But I saw no malice in his expression. No cruel intent. Just anticipation.

I swallowed and, slowly, I did as he said. I sat stiffly, hands clasped in my lap, my back straight as if Beron himself was still lurking behind me, waiting to scold me for stepping out of line.

Eris, however, did not acknowledge my rigid posture. He only let out a pleased hum, as if my mere presence was enough to meet whatever unspoken standard he had set for this moment. Then, with a flick of his wrist, he returned his focus to the parchment before him.

The only sounds in the room were the quiet scratching of his quill and the faint crackling of the candlelight.

I should have been grateful for the silence. It was better than savage words, better than commands meant to humiliate me. But instead, an odd tension settled in my chest, as if I were waiting for the real reason he'd called me here to be revealed.

Minutes passed. Then—

"You're staring," Eris murmured without looking up.

I blinked, feeling heat creep up my neck. "I am not."

His lips curved slightly, and he flipped to another parchment. "You are."

"I was merely looking in your direction." It was wrong of me to talk back, but something about him let my tongue a little looser, he didn't seem displeased by it in the slightest.

He hummed, unconvinced, dipping his quill back into ink. "And why, pray tell, were you looking in my direction?"

I hesitated. "...I was thinking."

Amber eyes flicked up from the page. "Dangerous habit."

That small smirk still played on his lips, but something about it was softer than usual, teasing rather than taunting.

I frowned, not ready for this interaction to feel comfortable, for me to feel comfortable. "I don't find it particularly dangerous."

"That's because you've never played with fire." He twirled the quill between his fingers before dragging the tip across the parchment again. "Not the kind that burns."

I scoffed. "You forget who I served before you."

He paused at that, glancing at me fully and my heart rate spiked. Too far, I'd gone too far, just a few words and the walls I built were crumbling before my very eyes.

Something unreadable flickered in his expression, but it was gone before I could place it. Instead, he dipped his head slightly, understanding the point. "Then I imagine you know better than most that fire, when wielded incorrectly, only ever destroys."

I stiffened, his words striking something deep within me.

Is that what I was? A thing destroyed? Is that what he saw when looking at me, or himself?

Eris exhaled, shifting his focus back to his work. "For what it's worth," he murmured, quieter now, "I don't intend to wield it incorrectly."

I studied him carefully, as I had done many times before, searching for the game, for the cruel edge I knew so well from his father.

But there was no trick. Only a High Lord—no, a male—focused on his work, offering me something I had never once been granted in Beron's court.

Peace.

I swallowed, forcing myself to look away, to ignore the unfamiliar warmth creeping into my bones.

Minutes passed again in silence, but this time, it didn't feel quite so heavy.

"I was serious, you know," Eris mused, not bothering to look up as he broke the quiet.

I frowned. "About what?"

"Keeping my company." He flipped to another document, signing something at the bottom. "I'd prefer your presence over my advisors any day. They're old and dull. You, at least, have some spirit."

I scoffed. "I think you are confusing obedience for spirit."

"Oh no, my dear." His lips curved in a knowing smirk. "You and I both know you're anything but obedient."

I bristled, opening my mouth to argue, but he held up a hand. "It's alright. I find it... refreshing."

I wasn't sure what unsettled me more—the implication, or the way my stomach twisted at his words. Beron preferred all the servantry to have a fiery spirit, which makes it more fun to break, but he never really could stomp my flames out, and now Eris was sparking the embers. It was dangerous, so dangerous.

Silence fell between us once more.

For a moment, I thought that would be the end of it. That I would sit there, a piece of furniture in this room while he worked, just as I had been in Beron's court.

But then, without looking away from his parchment, Eris murmured, "Tell me something, Fawn."

The way he said that nickname—so deliberate, like he was testing the way it felt on his tongue—sent something sharp down my spine.

"Tell you what?" I asked carefully.

He leaned back slightly, fingers steepled in thought. "Something real."

I hesitated. "That's vague."

"Intentionally so." He arched a brow. "Consider it a challenge."

I narrowed my eyes at him, but he only waited, watching me with that same expectant look, as if he truly wanted to hear something about me.

I exhaled. "I don't like the cold."

His lips twitched. "A courtier of Autumn who doesn't like the cold? Shocking, really." His voice was sarcastic, but something in his eyes told me he knew what I meant.

I shrugged, explaining anyway. "It reminds me of your father." The words left me before I could stop them, before I could think better of them.

Eris didn't flinch, but something in his expression shifted. "I hate the cold, too," he admitted after a beat.

I blinked, caught off guard by his honesty.

He returned his attention to the paper in front of him, but his next words were soft, almost contemplative.

"It's why I keep the fire going."

And despite everything I had come to know about Eris Vanserra—despite everything I feared—those words stayed with me long after I left his study that night.

It became routine.

Every evening, after the day's duties were done, I was summoned to Eris's study. At first, I had thought it was some kind of test, some trick to lull me into a false sense of security before he reminded me of my place. But the days passed, and the cruel words never came. The taunts never sharpened into something harsher.

Instead, I found myself sitting across from him as he worked, the fire crackling between us, filling the silence in ways neither of us felt the need to.

And I was learning things.

Not just about him—but about myself.

I learned that despite being raised under Beron's thumb, Eris did not rule with a hand of iron. He listened—to his advisors, to the reports of the court, to me, even. And when I spoke, he truly listened, as if my words meant something.

More recently I learned that he was—Gods help me—attractive.

That fact had been easy enough to ignore when I hated him, when I thought he was just another Beron in the making. But the more time I spent with him, the more I noticed things I shouldn't—like the sharp angles of his face, the golden hue of his eyes, the way his hands moved across parchment with effortless precision.

It was incredibly inappropriate.

He was a High Lord, for the Gods' sake. I was a mere servant. A courtier, yes, but still beneath him in every sense of the word.

But there were moments—subtle, fleeting—where I felt that he didn't see it that way.

Like when he'd catch me staring and smirk, as if he knew exactly where my thoughts had gone. Like when his fingers would brush against mine as he handed me a book, a touch so brief it might have been an accident, but my traitorous body knew better. Like when he said my name—not the way Beron used to, as if I were an object, a thing that existed for his whims, but as if I were someone worth hearing.

It was dangerous. He was dangerous. And yet, I kept returning to his study, night after night, drawn to him in ways I did not understand.

I was comfortable around him now. Too comfortable. And I wasn't sure if that terrified me or eased me more.

The fire crackled behind him, casting golden light over the room as I sat at his desk, scanning over the trade agreements he had asked me to review. Eris stood in front of the hearth, a glass of whiskey in his hand, watching the flames with a contemplative expression.

"They're bleeding the smaller villages dry," I murmured, flipping to the next page. "The tariffs are nearly double what they should be."

Eris hummed in response, swirling the amber liquid in his glass. "And what do you suggest, fawn?" His voice was rich, edged with amusement.

I exhaled sharply through my nose, biting back a smile at the teasing lilt in his tone. "Lowering them would be a start."

He took a slow sip of whiskey, then turned, his gaze burning even hotter than the fire behind him. "Very well. Lower them."

I blinked. "Just like that?"

"Just like that." He smirked, as if amused by my surprise. "You have a sharp mind. It would be a waste not to use it."

A compliment. A genuine one.

I busied myself with the documents, ignoring the warmth that curled in my stomach. But before I could shift to the next matter, I felt it—him.

The space between us disappeared in a breath. Eris leaned over my shoulder, one hand bracing against the desk as he peered down at the papers with me.

His warmth seeped through the thin fabric of my dress, his scent—smoke, cedar, spice—curling around me, intoxicating. I stiffened, my fingers tightening around the quill.

"See?" His voice was softer now, smooth like velvet. "That wasn't so hard."

I swallowed, forcing my focus back to the parchment. "I assume the next set of reports won't be as easy."

His chuckle was low, deep. "Unfortunately, no."

We worked through the rest of it together, his proximity never wavering, his breath occasionally ghosting against my cheek as he murmured his thoughts. It should have been unbearable. It was unbearable. And yet, I didn't pull away.

Not even when he poured me a glass of whiskey.

I had refused at first, telling him I was technically working but he had simply raised an eyebrow and said, "I won't tell the high lord if you don't."

It burned going down, leaving warmth in its wake, emboldening me just enough to loosen the tight grip I always held on myself.

Perhaps that was why, when we finally leaned back in our chairs, the tension of duty momentarily relieved, I dared to meet his gaze with something close to ease.

"You're a better High Lord than I expected," I admitted, surprising myself with the honesty.

He turned his glass between his fingers, watching me over the rim. "High praise, coming from you."

I rolled my eyes, but the smallest of smiles played at my lips. "Don't let it go to your head."

"Too late," he quipped, grinning.

I shook my head, but I wasn't fast enough to hide the way my lips twitched in amusement.

Eris noticed. Of course, he did. And he leaned in slightly, eyes gleaming. "Careful, fawn. Keep looking at me like that, and I'll think you actually enjoy my company."

I should have ignored the remark. Should have cut the moment short, should have reminded myself that this was Eris, that I was his courtier and nothing more.

But the whiskey hummed in my blood, and I found myself tilting my chin up slightly, arching a brow.

"Who said I don't?"

His gaze darkened, a flicker of something wicked dancing in those golden eyes.

The air between us tightened, the tension shifting into something heavier, something dangerous.

And for the first time, I wasn't entirely sure if I wanted to run from it.

The room was suffocating with heat—not just from the fire, but from him. From the way he looked at me, like he could see through every carefully placed wall I had built around myself.

I should have left. Should have bowed my head, murmured a polite good night, and returned to the servantry quarters where I belonged.

But I didn't.

Instead, I stayed, rooted in place, watching the way Eris's eyes flickered between my lips and my eyes. The tension stretched unbearably tight, wound so thin that one more word, one more breath, would surely snap it.

And then it did.

One moment, we were speaking, our words slow and softened by whiskey. The next—I was in his arms, and his mouth was on mine.

It was a collision, a wildfire consuming everything in its path.

His lips were searing, his hands gripping my waist as if he couldn't bear to let go, pulling me flush against him. I gasped into the kiss, and he took full advantage, deepening it, his tongue sweeping over mine in a way that made my knees threaten to buckle.

He groaned, low and guttural, and something inside me snapped.

I met his fervor with my own, fingers tangling in his hair, feeling the silk of it between my fingertips as he backed me into the desk. The papers we had worked so hard on crumpled beneath us, utterly forgotten.

He exhaled a quiet curse against my lips as his hands gripped my hips tighter, and I—I didn't stop him. I arched into him, into the warmth, the danger of it.

And then—it happened.

A tether snapped into place.

Invisible, undeniable, unyielding.

My entire body locked up as a force stronger than anything I had ever known latched onto my very soul. The bond—a mating bond—solidified between us like molten steel cooling into iron, a force so absolute it stole the air from my lungs.

No, no, no.

I stumbled back so fast I nearly tripped over my own feet, my hand flying to my lips as if I could erase what had just happened.

Eris reached for me, eyes wide, something dangerously close to awe written across his sharp features. "Wait—"

But I didn't.

I turned and ran.

I ignored the way his voice followed me, calling my name, ignored the way my heart thundered in my chest, the way my mind screamed at me that this was impossible, that it couldn't be real, that it shouldn't be real.

Because if it was—if it was real—then it meant I was bound to him. To him.

Not just the male who had been slipping under my skin, infiltrating the cold emptiness I had built to protect myself. But Beron's son. Beron's heir. A Vanserra. A High Lord.

By the time I reached the servantry quarters, my breaths were ragged, my hands shaking as I shoved my door closed behind me, locking it with trembling fingers.

I pressed my back against the wood, squeezing my eyes shut.

This couldn't be happening. It was a mistake. A trick. A cruel, cruel joke.

I was nothing.

A courtier, a servant.

I did not get to have mates.

And certainly not him.

I curled onto my cot, my hands gripping the fabric of my dress as if I could anchor myself back to reality. I forced my breathing to slow, willed myself to forget the feeling of his lips, the taste of whiskey on his tongue, the way his hands had fit so perfectly against my waist.

I did not sleep that night.

I had been avoiding him.

Days had passed, and I hadn't stepped foot in his study again. I hadn't so much as looked in his direction, even as the court whispered about me, about us, about the undeniable scent of a bond snapping into place.

They all knew.

I could feel their stares, the pity in some, the amusement in others. I knew what they thought—that it was only a matter of time before I bent, before I folded myself into the neat little role fate had carved out for me at Eris's side.

I refused.

I stayed tucked away, keeping to my duties, bowing as I always had when in his presence, keeping my head low, silent. I had done it for years under Beron. I could do it again.

Or at least, I thought I could.

The bond had other plans.

It had been clawing at me, a sick, twisting thing in my chest, gnawing at my ribs every time I kept my distance. The more I ignored it, the worse it became, a restless, aching pressure that built until my hands trembled with the need to do something—run to him, scream, sob. I didn't know which.

I was too caught up in my own mind, too focused on fighting the invisible thread tethering me to him, that I didn't notice the male approaching me until it was too late.

"You've been rather elusive, haven't you?"

I turned sharply, expecting him, expecting Eris—

But it wasn't him.

It was Kyden.

My stomach twisted.

Kyden Vanserra had always taken the most after Beron compared to the rest of his brothers, cruel for the sake of cruelty, sneering down at those he deemed beneath him. Which unfortunately included me.

His smirk was slow, predatory. "I almost mistook you for one of the nobility, standing there all stiff and proper. But then I remembered—you're just a servant, aren't you?"

I forced my body not to react, not to let the memories claw their way up my throat. He had that same look in his tawny eyes that Beron always had on one of the particularly hard days.

Kyden stepped closer, voice a lazy drawl. "And yet, despite your lowly position, you managed to ensnare a High Lord." His lips curled, eyes gleaming with something dark. "Or rather, the bond did. Funny, isn't it? How fate makes fools of us all."

I kept my chin high, my hands at my sides. I would not cower.

He leaned in, his breath brushing against my ear. "You reek of him."

I flinched. Kyden chuckled. "It's amusing, really. Eris, of all people, shackled to someone like you." His gaze flickered over me, assessing, and I knew that look—I had seen it before, a lifetime ago, picking apart my worth, deciding how best to use me.

"What do you think he'll do?" Kyden mused. "Surely, you don't believe he'll actually keep you. A High Lord's mate should be powerful, worthy." He tutted. "You are neither."

The words hit their mark, sinking into my skin like tiny blades, because deep down I knew he was right. This is why I've been avoiding Eris, avoiding having that confrontation that will only result in rejection and sorrow.

"I wonder," he continued, tilting his head, "how long it will take before he grows bored of you. Before he realizes you're nothing more than the same little courtier Beron used to—"

A deep, guttural snarl split the air.

And then Kyden was no longer in my space, no longer crowding me like a looming shadow.

Eris had him by the collar, dragging him back, his teeth bared in a vicious snarl beside his brother's throat.

"Say another word," Eris hissed, voice like fire crackling over dry wood, "and I will tear out your fucking tongue."

Kyden, to his credit, did not flinch. He only grinned. "Touched a nerve, did I?"

Eris's fingers tightened, the flames in the nearby sconces flaring wildly.

"Walk away, Kyden," Eris said, voice quieter now, deadlier. "I raised you better than this."

A beat of silence. Then Kyden huffed a laugh, shoving Eris off him with a roll of his shoulders.

"As you wish, brother." He turned to me, and there was something smug in his eyes, something knowing. "See you around, little courtier."

And then he was gone.

Eris exhaled harshly, running a hand through his hair before turning to me.

"Are you—"

I shook my head, stepping back. "Don't."

His jaw tensed.

I couldn't do this. Not here. Not now.

The hallway was silent except for the distant clatter of pots and the hushed murmurs of servants slipping past us, their eyes darting away the moment they caught sight of Eris. I could still feel the ghost of Kyden's words slithering over my skin, the way he had looked at me, spoken to me. But more than that—I could feel the weight of Eris's gaze, burning into me as if he were unraveling every thought in my head.

I didn't want to look at him. Didn't want to feel the way I did when he looked at me.

His amber eyes flickered with something unreadable, something heavy and tense. He hadn't moved since Kyden left, his hands clenched at his sides, as if he was still fighting the urge to chase his brother down and finish what he started.

The silence stretched, thick and suffocating. We stood nearly a yard away from each other in the servants' passages, the house was so vast that to get from place to place quicker in the manor there were secret paths to take. It was odd for the High Lord to even know about them.

I swallowed hard, then whispered, "Why are you here?"

Eris blinked, as if startled by the question. And then, with the ghost of a smirk, he drawled, "It's my house, isn't it?"

I narrowed my eyes. "You know what I mean."

More silence.

His smirk faded.

"I was looking for you," he admitted finally.

I stared at him, heart hammering against my ribs. "You could've called for me."

His expression darkened, and he took a step closer. "Would you have come?"

I said nothing.

He huffed a bitter laugh. "That's what I thought."

I clenched my hands into fists, nails biting into my palms. "It's my job, Eris," I whispered.

His jaw flexed. His fingers twitched—like he wanted to reach for me, wanted to touch me—but he didn't. Instead, he just stood there, looking more defeated than I'd ever imagined a Vanserra could.

"Can we go somewhere more private?" I asked, my voice quieter now, because we were standing a distance apart with maids and cooks scuttling silently past us, pretending they weren't listening, pretending they couldn't see the invisible string between us.

Eris studied me for a long moment, then nodded. Without another word, he turned on his heel, leading the way.

I followed.

The room he brought me to was small, tucked away in one of the unused wings of the estate. A study, maybe, or a reading room—the kind of place someone could go to disappear.

He shut the door behind me, and then we were alone.

Eris exhaled slowly, running a hand through his hair. "Are you alright?"

I let out a sharp, humorless laugh. "I don't know."

His jaw tightened. "Kyden—"

"I don't want to talk about Kyden."

He stared at me for a moment, then nodded. "Then talk to me about something else."

I let out a breath. "About what, Eris?"

He stepped closer, slow and careful, as if I were something fragile. "About why you've been avoiding me."

I scoffed. "You know why."

"I want to hear you say it."

I met his gaze, and the heat in his eyes sent a shiver down my spine. "Because this—" I gestured between us. "—isn't supposed to happen. Because you're a High Lord, and I'm a servant, and this bond—" I swallowed hard. "It's cruel."

Eris's expression was unreadable, but his fingers twitched again, and I wondered if he even realized he kept doing that—kept stopping himself from touching me. "You think the Mother is cruel?"

I hesitated. "I think fate is."

Eris exhaled through his nose, rubbing a hand over his jaw. "Do you hate it that much?"

I didn't answer.

Did I?

Hate was easy. Hate was something I understood, something I could hold onto. Hate had kept me alive under Beron's rule, had hardened me, protected me.

But this? This tether between us, this thing that hummed in my chest, that made my body ache to close the distance between us—

I didn't have a name for it. And that scared me more than anything.

Eris watched me carefully, as if searching for something in my expression. He let out another sigh and retreated, taking a seat on the small leather couch adjacent to the popping fireplace. I watched him silently, still standing by the door.

"I never wanted this either," he admitted, voice softer now. "I spent years ensuring I would never be bound to someone who could be used against me. And yet..." His lips quirked into something bitter. "Yet here we are."

My throat felt tight. "Do you hate it?"

His amber eyes burned. "No."

The breath I took was unsteady.

"You never answered?" he looked up at me.

I opened my mouth. Closed it. Shook my head. "I don't know."

Eris nodded once, as if that answer was enough.

Silence stretched between us again.

Finally, he sighed, rubbing a hand over his face. "You don't have to accept it," he said. "Not now. Not ever, if that's what you choose." He met my gaze, something like resignation flickering in his eyes. "But I won't apologize for it."

He wanted to keep it? Wanted me to accept it?

I swallowed against the lump in my throat.

He tilted his head, considering me. "So what now?"

I shook my head. "I don't know."

A slow, knowing smirk curved his lips. "That's twice now."

I scowled. "Shut up."

He chuckled. "I suppose I should be grateful I got anything out of you at all."

I rolled my eyes, but there was no bite to it.

Eris studied me again, quieter this time. "I meant what I said," he murmured. "I was looking for you."

I looked away. "I know."

Silence settled between us again, but it was different now. Less suffocating.

More dangerous.

Because I wasn't sure how much longer I could keep pretending I didn't want him to find me. I approached his side quietly and sat.

The leather couch was cool against my skin as I sank into it beside him, the silence between us thick with unspoken words. The bond thrummed like a second heartbeat, relentless and inescapable.

The son of the man I loathed most in this world was the one I was expected to love beyond reason.

Fate was a sick, twisted thing.

I sighed, tired of thinking, tired of fighting, tired of everything. Slowly, hesitantly, I tilted my head, letting it rest against his shoulder. His body stiffened for a fraction of a second before he relaxed, exhaling a breath I might've imagined.

It was enough for now.

"I'm High Lord," he said after a beat.

"Painfully aware," I murmured.

"Meaning—there are rules of the Autumn Court that I can... simply get rid of."

I huffed a soft, tired laugh. "You're a lord, not a king."

"Mm, true," he mused, tilting his head back against the couch, "but if Rhysand can bend the rules to marry his mate, so can I."

I hesitated. "His court is much more pliable. Autumn is notorious for its... old-fashioned ways."

"Well, the Autumn Court has a new High Lord." His voice was steady, sure. "Let's just hope I'm changing it for the better."

I smiled faintly, my eyes fluttering shut. "You are, 'Ris."

The name slipped out before I could think better of it, before I could remind myself that familiarity with him was dangerous.

His body went still beneath me.

Then, slowly, deliberately, he looked down at me, amber eyes burning with something I couldn't name.

We stared at each other for a long moment, really seeing each other.

And then, quietly, almost reverently, he murmured, "I'm going to kiss you now."

I nodded.

And then he did.

His lips pressed against mine, slow and deep, as if we had all the time in the world. As if the bond wasn't something to be feared but something to be savored. His hand lifted to my jaw, his thumb brushing over my cheekbone before sliding into my hair, tilting my face up, pressing deeper.

I sighed into him, gripping the front of his tunic as the bond pulsed between us, as the warmth of his body and the scent of campfire and rainy mornings wrapped around me like something familiar, something I could fall into.

It should have scared me.

But all I could do was kiss him back.

Eris pulled away just enough to rest his forehead against mine, his breath warm against my lips. My heart pounded, my thoughts a chaotic mess, but the bond hummed in quiet contentment—as if it had known all along that this was inevitable.

His fingers stayed tangled in my hair, his other hand still cupping my jaw, holding me there, keeping me grounded. "We'll figure this out," he murmured, voice low, steady. Sure.

I let out a slow breath, my hands still fisted in his tunic. "You make it sound so simple."

"It doesn't have to be complicated."

I swallowed hard, my mind already spinning with the realities of what this meant, what it could mean. But as I looked at him, at the quiet determination in his gaze, at the warmth that had nothing to do with the firelight flickering around us, I found myself wanting—just for a moment—to believe him.

So I nodded, just barely.

His lips brushed my temple, lingering there for a heartbeat before he leaned back, his hand finally slipping from my hair. "One step at a time, my dear."

I exhaled, my pulse still thrumming in my throat, and echoed, "One step at a time."

And maybe, just maybe, we'd find our way through this. Together.

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[rue-isabelle]

Aphrodite of Formula 1

Yn had never imagined working as Toto’s personal assistant would put her in the spotlight. Her days were filled with managing schedules, coordinating meetings, and ensuring the smooth running of the Mercedes team. She loved her job—it was busy yet calm, a perfect balance for her. But what she didn’t realize was how much her presence had captivated the entire Formula 1 paddock.

She was beautiful, yes, but it wasn’t just her looks. Yn was gentle, intelligent, and kindhearted, with an easygoing demeanor that made her magnetic to everyone she met. Her ability to handle pressure while keeping a warm smile never went unnoticed—especially by the drivers.

---

Charles and Alexandra

Charles leaned against the wall of the Mercedes hospitality, watching Yn chat animatedly with Toto. His lips curved into a soft smile as he took in her laughter, the way her eyes sparkled with genuine interest in every conversation.

Alexandra stood nearby, fuming. “I don’t get it,” she muttered under her breath.

“What’s that?” Charles asked, not looking at her.

Alexandra crossed her arms. “What’s so special about her? She’s just… Toto’s assistant.”

Charles finally turned to face her, his smile gone. “Don’t talk about Yn like that.” His tone was sharp, protective.

Alexandra blinked in surprise. “I didn’t mean anything by it, I’m just saying—”

“She’s kind, she’s smart, and she doesn’t need to try. She’s perfect just the way she is. She isnt.tge one.getting jealous about every tiny thing. And to be honest, she is a better person than you will ever be. At least she doesn't use me for fame and my name. She would never be a gold digger and has never done anything to you. You are the one acting fragile and shy, while we both know you are just jealous. Yn has always been a sweetheart to you and i wont let you talk liek that to her.” Charles said firmly.

Alexandra felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment. She had tried everything to mimic Yn’s effortless grace, from her style to her mannerisms, but it only made her feel more inadequate. The problem was that she didn't have Yn big heart and good soul.

Charles sighed and walked away, disappointed to call her his girlfriend, leaving Alexandra standing there, humiliated. Her cheeks were a deep shade of red. Some people nearby were giving her dirty looks. She glanced back at Yn, who was now walking towards the drivers’ paddock, blissfully unaware of the tension she had caused.

---

Carlos and Rebecca

Rebecca wasn’t blind. She could see the way Carlos’s eyes followed Yn every time she entered the room. He would light up like a kid in a candy store, his usually suave demeanor crumbling into something boyish and endearing. Sometimes, he would even beg his cousin to take a picture of Yn, just so he could see her every day. She was his wallpaper on his phone after all.

“Carlos,” Rebecca said one evening as they sat in their hotel room.

“Hmm?” he murmured distractedly, scrolling through his phone, looking at Yn Instagram. Oh, how he wished to be there right now. He was the one sending her flowers every week, paying her rent, and sending her random gifts.

“You’re in love with Yn, aren’t you?”

Carlos froze, his thumb hovering over the screen. “What? No! I mean… she’s great, but—”

Rebecca laughed softly, cutting him off. “It’s okay. I get it.”

Carlos looked at her, guilt written all over his face. “Rebecca, I—”

She shook her head. “Honestly, I don’t blame you. Yn is… amazing.” Her voice softened as she spoke.

Rebecca’s thoughts drifted for a moment, imagining herself with Yn, walking down an aisle, just the two of them in some intimate, fairy-tale wedding. She could see it in front of her, their beach house in Malibu. They would go shopping every day, she would dress Yn in the finest clothes. She could imagine Yn pregnant, carrying their child. She would kiss her breathless, lead her into their bedroom and...

She snapped back to reality and cleared her throat. “I’m not mad. I just wish…”

“Wish what?” Carlos asked cautiously.

Rebecca didn’t answer. Instead, she turned away, her mind swirling with thoughts of Yn’s gentle smile. Oh, how she wished to finally leave Carlos. She played often with the thought about breaking up with Carlos and running away. Oh, what a beautiful dream, a life without Carlos obsession over Yn, while she obsesses over her.

---

Max and Kelly

Max was leaning against the Red Bull garage, trying—and failing—to look casual as Yn walked by. Kelly noticed the way his entire demeanor changed when Yn was around. It was infuriating.

“Max,” Kelly said sharply.

He tore his gaze away from Yn and looked at Kelly. “What?”

“You’re staring at her again.”

Max frowned. “I wasn’t—”

“You were.” Kelly’s voice was bitter. “You act like she’s the only person in the world when she’s here.”

“She’s nice,” Max said defensively. “And she works hard. What’s wrong with that?”

Kelly scoffed. “You’re obsessed with her. Everyone is.”

Max didn’t deny it. Instead, he looked back towards Yn, who was now chatting with George and Oscar. “It’s not like she’s trying to get anyone’s attention. That’s what makes her… different.”

Better, was what he was thinking. There were so many moments where Max knew Kelly was just using him for his fame and that he could be a father to Penelope. He told everyone the age difference didn't matter, but it did. He felt like he was in a relationship with his own mother.

Kelly’s jealousy bubbled over, but she bit her tongue, knowing any outburst would only make Max more defensive. Oh, how she wanted that little disease called Yn to vanish forever from her life.

---

Oscar and Lily

Oscar was shy by nature, and his crush on Yn only amplified it. He could barely string a sentence together when she was around, his cheeks turning a deep shade of red whenever she smiled at him.

“You should talk to her,” Lily said encouragingly.

Oscar shook his head furiously. “I can’t. What would I even say?”

“Anything! Just be yourself,” Lily said with a laugh. “She’d probably find it adorable.”

Oscar groaned. “Lily, she’s way out of my league.”

“Everyone feels that way about her,” Lily said, rolling her eyes. “But she doesn’t act like it. That’s why everyone loves her. Including me, by the way.”

Oscar’s eyes widened. “Wait, what?”

Lily grinned. “What? I can’t appreciate Yn too?”

---

George and Carmen

Carmen adored Yn like a little sister. She often invited her to lunch, bought her small gifts, and even shared personal stories about her relationship with George.

“She’s like family,” Carmen said one evening as she and George prepared for a gala.

George forced a smile, adjusting his tie in the mirror. “Yeah… family.”

Carmen didn’t notice the wistful look in his eyes or the way he always seemed to find excuses to spend more time with Yn. The way he always had to walk up those stairs behind her, to make sure she didn't trip (and to admire her ass). Or his need to always show her how to do every training workout right (imaging her sweaty skin underneath his rough palm for a different scenario)

“You should invite Yn to the gala,” Carmen suggested. “I think she’d enjoy it.”

George’s heart skipped a beat. “You think so?”

“Of course! I’ll text her now,” Carmen said cheerfully. Oh, how excited she was to see her baby again. Her beautiful innocent angle.

George nodded, hiding the turmoil inside. He loved Carmen deeply, but Yn… Yn had a way of making the world seem brighter.

---

Pierre and Kika

Kika and Pierre didn’t hide their admiration for Yn. They often joked about being in a polyamorous relationship with her, though there was a hint of seriousness in their laughter.

“She’s perfect,” Kika said one evening as they lounged in their hotel room.

Pierre grinned. “I know. But don’t get any ideas—she’s mine.”

Kika raised an eyebrow. “Yours? I don’t think so. If anything, she’d pick me.” Deep down, she wished Yn would pick them over anything.

Pierre laughed, shaking his head. “We’ll see about that.” Hoping, to one day call this woman their wife.

Despite their playful rivalry, they both knew Yn was oblivious to their feelings—and to everyone else’s, for that matter.

They didn't need to talk about the things they imagined doing with her. If it could just be easier.

---

Yn hummed to herself as she sorted through some paperwork in Toto’s office. She loved the quiet moments when she could focus on her tasks, unaware of the chaos she caused outside her bubble.

When Toto walked in, he raised an eyebrow. “You’re always so calm. It’s impressive, considering how much you have to deal with.”

Yn smiled. “I like keeping busy. It makes the day go by faster.”

Toto chuckled. “You’re something else, Yn. Don’t ever change.”

She didn’t notice the knowing look Toto gave her or the way the drivers seemed to hover outside the door, hoping for a chance to talk to her. To Yn, it was just another day at work—a job she genuinely loved, with people she genuinely cared about.

Little did she know, the entire grid worshipped her.

Part 2. Part 3

[jacaerysgf]

Like a virgin!

s.m: based off a request; youre so sick of being a virgin. So now you’re set on losing your virginity but you’re very nervous, don’t worry your roommate is here to help you and give you some tips. as a “friend”. and maybe just one tip.

w.c: 2.8k

c.w: porn with plot, p in v, riding, virginity lose (fem), fingering (fem), titty sucking, protected sex, not proofread

a.n: more modern jace to feed the crowd, love you guys <3

masterlist

You find unsure of yourself as you stare into the floor length mirror in front of you. your eyes linger towards the clock you have hanging on your wall.

7:15

You wish you were dreading a test or a final project but instead you were counting down the minutes to a much worse fate.

a date.

Not just any date of course, this is the date you planned on finally losing your virginity.

As a senior in college and still being a fucking virgin you were humiliated. All your friends told you your time would come but when was the time coming? You were so sick of waiting anymore and decided the next guy that asked you out would be the guy.

He was a friend of a friend. No you think he’s your friends cousin. Fuck you have no clue. Not that it mattered, all that mattered is that he’s nice enough and he would fuck you. You had seen some pictures of him from you friend and thought he was cute so you just decided to screw it and agree to go on a blind date with him. it was at a bar, not too far from where you were so you just told him you would meet him there.

You walk out of you room to go sit in the kitchen and overthink for the next 25 minutes until you planned to leave. All your roommates were out of the apartment tonight except one. Jacaerys. His back turned to you, shirtless as always cooking something on the stove, he shoots you a hey as you walk by and you let out a meek hello which has him turning around and widening his eyes.

“well hello you.” You roll yours eyes and sit on one of the island stools as he walks over, eyeing what he can see from over the island counter and whistling, “Look at you hot stuff, thought the girls were busy tonight.”

“They are.” He looks at you with raised brows, before he turns back to the stove, attending to what you assume is some veggies, “Then what are you all dressed up for?” He asks before he takes a fork to his skillet and takes a bite from it.

“I have a date.” He begins to cough vigorously, you almost stand to help him but he waves his hands at you and takes a big chug from his water. “What?” “I have a date…?”

You don’t know why he’s acting so weird. Maybe he thinks you are so terrible you could not possibly score a date, You two weren’t exactly close, not that you were with any of your roommates, but you had thought he was the nicest one always offering you some of whatever he was making and was always the only one to clean up after himself and did his dishes often.

“With who?” “A friend of a friend, or i think he’s her cousin.” “You don’t know?” “I’ve never met him?” “You’re going on a blind date?” You feel kind of hurt by his words and look down at your lap, “Whats so weird about that?”

He lets out some mumbled curses before he begins to speak again, “no thats not what i meant love i just didn’t think you were the type to go on blind dates thats all.” He was right you weren’t, it was rare you even went out on dates at all.

“Just felt like doing something new?” You certainly can’t tell him what you truly want out of this. Yet when you answer comes out as a question he turns to your from his place in front of the stove with a curious look. “You sure its just that?”

You nod hesitantly and he smirks, “ah i get it, you wanna get laid,” How can he tell? He laughs at your wide eyes and goes back to cooking. “Don’t worry babe we all get like that sometimes. When was the last time you go laid?” A couple moments of silence passes and he turns to you with wide eyes.

“No way.” You flush, embarrassed at his stare, “No what?” he moves his pan off the stove, turning it off before he stares at you with wonder. “No way you’re a fucking virgin.” You open your mouth and some broken mumbles fall from your lips, “no…” “I cant fucking believe it.” “Why’s it so hard to believe?” Your tone must have come off harsh because he walks back towards you with puppy eyes.

“No no no babe i just cant fucking believe it, a hot babe like you still a virgin, unbelievable.” You flush and turn your head away from him as he begins to stand right in front of you. You cant tell if he’s teasing you or not. Jace was known as one of the hottest guys on campus, but he was never really known as the type of guy to sleep around, of course a few lucky girls would go around bragging that they got to sleep with him and they talked about how much they enjoyed it.

“You dont need to say that…” “Why wouldn’t i? You’re hot as hell, especially right now i mean look at you, that guy would be a fool if he werent pouncing on you the second he sees you.” This suddenly reminds you of your impending future and you go silent.

“Something wrong?” He looks so concerned you can’t help but confess to him, “Im nervous, i dont know what im even supposed to do.” You put your head in your hands in shame, at your age you should atleast have some experience but you could barely say you’ve held a guys hand. You had thought you would gain a lot more experience in college after missing out on relationships in highschool but you barely did anything. And now you were just trying to get it all over with at once with no knowledge on how to do anything.

“Why don’t i show you some things?” You freeze at his words and slowly lift your head up to look at him, “What?”

“Let me give you some, pointers for lack of a better word, so you can walk into your date more confident.”

You hesitate. You’ve always thought jacaerys was a cute guy and you fear taking him up on his offer would only allow your feelings for him to grow . but you dont want to walk into this date a fool so you end up looking at him with curious eyes. “What are you gonna do?” He grins, like he knew you were gonna say that. “Go stand near the couch.”

You are confused but follow his instructions and watch him with curiosity as he walks over to you and stands directly in front of you. “Where do you think this will all take place?” “Were going to a bar in a hotel he’s staying in so i would assume his hotel room.”

“Okay close your eyes.” You close them and you shiver as you feel the ghosting of his hands on your skin, trailing down your face and your neck. “First things first he would kiss you, you okay with me kissing you?” You nod and squeeze your eyes shut, as your heart begins to race. “… You have been kissed before havent you?”

You hesitate before you nod and he laughs, “Its okay,” You feel his forehead press against yours and your noses rub together, “ill teach you anything you need to know.” He presses his lips against yours and you lose yourself to him, following his lead. He cups your face gently and hums against your lips, lightly pressing his tongue against your lips leading you to open them, allowing him to slide into your mouth.

Unsure of what to do you just let him do as he pleases, ignoring the way you feel your underwear growing soaked at his actions. He suddenly pulls away from his lips and you open your eyes, and notice hes already staring at you. He looks so beautiful with his bruised lips but he barely gives you any time to admire him as he goes back in for another kiss that has your knees trembling.

He leans you down to lay back on the couch and he leans over you, breaking away from your kiss to leave a trail of kisses down your jaw and down your neck, his hands grip at the dress you’re wearing, moving it down to expose more of your chest so he can continue to press hot kisses against your skin.

You can’t help but try to get any friction by lifting your hips towards his but he pushes your hips down and shushes you when you whimper. “Its okay baby no need to rush we have all night.”

you shouldnt have all night but you can’t think about that right now as he continues to slide down your dress, “Can i take this off love?” You nod your head and watch his expression morph into one of wonder as he takes off your dress and admires you. You can chosen to go braless as it didn’t look good with your strapless dress and you wore a lacy pink pair of panties.

“Look at you baby so pretty fuck, always so fucking pretty.”

He latches onto one of your nipples and plays with the other with his thumb as he slots himself between you legs and begins to grind his hips against yours, when did he take off his shorts? you can feel his hardness press against the wet fabric, hitting you so right you throw your head back and can do nothing else but moan.

You don’t know how long you’re laying there, jace switches which nipple he’s attached to at some point but you barely notice it. Too focused on the burning pit growing in your stomach. You grip onto his hair tightly and he groans, the sensation around you sending shivers down your spine. He pulls off of you and stops the momentum of his hips despite your mumbles of disagreement. “Im supposed to be teaching you remember.” You hadn’t really remember that but you’re more shocked he did.

You nod lazily and he slides his hand down your stomach and toys with the bow on the front of your panties. “Will you let me?” Your heart pounds as you stare at him, you can barely believe this is happening. He looks at you with a soft smile and presses a peck against your lips, “yes.”

His hand slides under the fabric and he immediately curses to himself as he rubs against your folds. “fuck you’re soaked.” You whine as you thrust your hips into his heads trying to get more friction from him. “Please.” “relax ill take care of you don’t worry baby.”

He sticks a finger inside of you slowly and you push your head into the crook of his neck as he lets out some more mumbled curses, “fuck you feel so fucking good.” He pumps the one finger in you a couple times, drinking in your moans before he adds another finger and groans out loud when you bite against his neck.

“just like that pretty god.”

You pulse around him at his praise and he speeds up his fingers, “You like that baby? telling you how good you are for me?”

you nod as best you can into the crook of his neck and he adds a third finger, continuing to press and prod at your insides. Your hands find their to his back and grip onto the skin with your nails and he hisses, his fingers halting suddenly before they pick up a more brutal pace. bringing you closer and closer to your release.

You feel the pit continue to burn in your stomach until you can barely hold it any more and he can tell. “cum let go do it.” You follow his instructions to a tea and come quickly on his fingers, he helps you ride out your orgasm and you can feel your underwear stick uncomfortably to your skin.

He pulls his fingers out and you pull away from him, watching mesmerized as he pulls each of them in his mouth, licking every drop of essence off his fingers.

the two of you stare at each other while you catch your breaths, you hesitantly bring your hands to his face and he leans into your touch dreamily as he pressed his forehead against yours. “we don’t have to do anymore if you don’t want to.” you glance off to the side and eye the digital clock.

7:40

When you wanted to leave. You could get up now and leave, go to the date probably a lot more prepared than ever. but you don’t wanna go. you want to stay here, with him. even if this was just a casual thing to him you were happier losing your virginity to him than some random guy you only know from pictures.

“Please fuck me jace.” He pulls back and looks at you, “are you sure?” you nod, “yes please fuck me.”

With your assurance he wastes no time flipping you over so he’s laying beneath you and you sit above him. You stare down at him with wide eyes, “don’t worry this will feel really good.”

The two of you stand for a moment and he slides your underwear down your legs letting out a couple more swears that have you burning with embarrassment while he drops his own briefs and flops back down on the couch, pulling you down with him with a shriek causing him to laugh.

He rummages around in the side table and pulls out a condom, ripping it open with his teeth before he slides it over himself before he adjusts you over him.

“final lesson, ill lead you itll feel real good i promise.” you nod and he grips onto your hips with his free hand while his other keeps hims aligned with your folds as he begins to push past them and deeply inside you.

you cannot believe you spent your whole life without this what were you doing? it burns but its a burn that makes you feel like you wanna scream from pleasure the lower and lower you sink, you let out some strangled noises as he presses kisses against your bare skin, showering you with praises. “jace,,” “i know baby i know fuck you feel so good its okay you’re almost there.”

You suddenly reach the bottom and the two of you stay there for a long time allowing you to adjust. Yet you grow impatient and scrap your nails against hos chest. “you ready to move baby?” “yes please fuck.”

He grips your hips with both hands and lifts you up before lowering you back down and you swear you’re seeing stars. The two of you moan in sync when he lifts you back up and lowers you back down again. The two of you continue this routine over and over, he attaches his lip to your nipple once again as the two of you pick up your pace, at a certain point he begins to thrust his hips upwards and you throw your head head all the way back in a loud moan.

The pit begins to burn in your stomach again and you begin to move faster and faster, reaching your hands to pull at his hair and he loudly groans at the sensation. “cum baby fuck im right behind you.” His hand reaches down and plays with your clit for a few moments which sends you over the edge. You clench around him, your release slides down around his cock and he releases soon after you, the way you gripped around him serving as his final push.

He keeps you inside of him on his lap while he leans back, looking at you with a smile as he wipes the sweat off his face. “I always wanted to do that you know?”

you look at him in shock and he shrugs. “i know im doing this all wrong but, you wanna go on a date tomorrow? ive just liked you for awhile and fuck this guy, go out with me.”

You laugh and slap him on the chest, “of course i will you idiot.”

he grins and kisses you and you feel him harden inside you. when you give him a look he merely laughs and flips you to where your suddenly laying on your back. “Youre just too fucking hot.”

perm jacaerys taglist <3

@tyronesien @itsbookworm987 @cruelworldlana @smurfelle @ireneispunk @hxtd @venmondiese @urmomsgirlfriend1 @jacesvelaryons

[navybrat817]

Feel the Pulse Beat: Intro

Pairing: Old Money!Bucky Barnes x Female!Reader

Summary: Bucky didn't want to go to Tony's club, but he'll be glad he did by the end of the night.

Word Count: Almost 2.3k

Warnings: Swearing, frenemy behavior, family issues, bit of world building, Bucky Barnes (he's a warning, okay?)

A/N: Oh, look, lovelies! A new AU no one asked for. ❤️ Not beta read and written on my phone, so any and all mistakes are my own. Divider by the talented @saradika-graphics . Please follow @navybrat817-sideblog for new fics and notifications. Comments, reblogs, feedback are loved and appreciated!

“Why am I even here?” Bucky asked, eying the neon sign for Extremis. The one and only Tony Stark owned the club. A mix of people in clothes that ranged from expensive suits to revealing dresses stood in line with the hopes of getting in. “Because I have a car I could be working on as we speak.”

He could fit in at clubs, but he’d take greasing up his hands over dressing up any day. With cars, he didn’t have to pretend to be anything other than himself. There was no need to impress people who didn’t care about him beyond his name or fortune.

Steve, his best friend, sighed. “Because we promised Tony we’d show up. He’s our friend.”

“You promised, not me. He’s more your friend than mine and he acts like I wronged him in another life or something,” Bucky said. Tony didn't outright hate him, but didn’t seem to care for him and loved to give him a hard time. “I doubt he’ll notice if I skip this.”

“He will notice and he’s not that bad,” Steve said, pinching the bridge of his nose. “I swear, between Tony and Sam, it’s like you go out of your way to not be friends with our friends.”

Bucky didn’t comment on Sam for the time being. “Not that bad? Tony has the biggest ego in the city. I’m surprised he didn’t call the place 'Anthony’s' or plaster his name all over the building,” he said, tilting his head. “Given the outside, it wouldn't surprise me if the inside was just as bad.”

Steve snorted, used to his humor after all these years. “You’re in a mood,” he said. Bucky didn’t deny it. “Let me guess: another argument with your dad?”

Bucky hesitated. “What else is new?” He wished he could clock the guy, but he was his old man.

George Barnes couldn’t wrap his mind around why his son preferred cars to the boardroom and networking. Or why he chose to “destroy” his body with tattoos. Or why he wasn't dating an elitist. It was like he couldn’t stand that Bucky wasn't just another version of him. Thank God for his mom who encouraged him to forge his own path and respected his choices.

And, yes, she occasionally allowed him access to the family funds if he wanted or needed them because she adored him.

“I'm sorry,” Steve said, clapping him on the shoulder.

They had grown up together, which meant they either witnessed or heard the ups and downs of their families. Steve wasn’t just his best friend, he was like a brother to him. He knew how his dad could get. And his dad was a good man most days, but he could also be a real pain in the ass.

“Don’t be. Not your fault,” he replied, looking at the sign again. “Never is.”

“It may not be my fault, but it doesn't mean I don’t care,” he said. He was lucky to have a friend like him. “Come on.”

Bucky felt eyes on them as they bypassed the line and approached the man at the door. Even if their names weren't on the list, the confidence he and his best friend carried would've been enough to pique the security’s curiosity. They also had enough money in their pockets to not necessarily flaunt their wealth, but to show that they had it. The same applied to their suits.

“Steve Rogers,” his best friend stated with just the right touch of pride. It was a fine line to walk between confidence and arrogance and he did it well. “And Bucky Barnes.”

“You’re on the list, but those aren’t the names the boss gave me and he won't let you in without them,” he said, crossing his arms over his broad chest.

“Aww, that’s too bad.” Bucky shrugged. It was the kind of shit Tony liked to pull and he wasn't in the mood to play. “Let’s go, punk.”

Steve held out an arm to stop him. “Just wait, jerk,” he said, shaking his head as he looked at the bouncer. “Golden Boy and Tinman?”

The bouncer to his credit looked thoroughly unimpressed instead of amused when he stepped aside to let them in. Bucky grit his teeth anyway, anger coursing through his veins. “That fucking-”

“Hey. It’s just Tony being Tony.” Steve trying to placate him wasn't working. “It’s better than Cyborg, right?”

Tinman. Cyborg. Tony tried to say the nicknames were because his left sleeve looked like a metal arm, but the man said in passing once that he was cold. Heartless. Just because Bucky didn’t show his emotions to people he didn't care for didn’t mean he didn’t have them.

“Tony being Tony doesn’t give him a pass to be a dick, Golden Boy,” he said, holding up a finger. “One hour. You get one fucking hour.”

“Please, don’t call me that,” Steve begged. The man with a heart of gold to match his hair and a pair of fists ready to strike for anyone who needed defending. Everyone in their circle looked to him as a man who always tried to do the right thing. “And fine. One hour.”

As they walked further into the club, vibrant energy surrounded them. Red and yellow lights cast a warm glow to create a welcoming ambience, while plush seats and sleek decor added a touch of glamor and sultriness. The bar, illuminated and inviting, beckoned patrons to select their drinks. The music was perfectly balanced, not too loud or overwhelming, allowing for easy conversation amidst the lively atmosphere.

Bucky didn’t want to give Tony too much credit and make his head swell more, but it was a nice place.

“So, where are we sitting?” He asked.

As if on cue, a woman in a smart black dress approached. Not a single hair out of place. “Pepper, good to see you,” Steve smiled at her. Bucky recognized her now. Tony’s personal assistant, had been for years. She did her job well and the man’s schedule and life would fall apart if he didn’t have her around.

“Good to see you, too. And you two are the first to arrive,” she smiled. “Right this way, please.”

Bucky looked around again as Pepper led them to a quiet VIP area flanked by a couple of guards. The space was just as bright as the main room, but above the center table hung a large, modern crystal chandelier: a focal point that hinted at the Stark fortune. The small stage set up at the back of the room surprised him. Was it for performers or merely for show?

“About time you showed up,” a voice interrupted his thoughts. Tony Stark, the man himself, sat in the middle of a sofa with a glass of whiskey in hand. With his three piece suit and perfectly trimmed dark goatee, he looked very much like the king of one of his many castles. Even had on a pair of his signature sunglasses because who didn't like wearing sunglasses indoors? “Or did it take you old men a while to figure out the names? Told Sy not to let you in without them.”

An apologetic look crossed Pepper’s face. “For the record, I told him not to do that,” she said, gesturing for them to sit. Bucky opted to sit in a chair that he didn't want to admit was extremely comfortable. “But he never listens to me.”

“You still love me,” Tony called after her as she left the area. “No hard feelings about the nicknames, right? It’s all in good fun.”

Bucky huffed as Steve took a seat beside Tony, effectively dividing them. “First the nicknames, and now you call us old men? You look older than we do,” Bucky said, pointing to Tony’s hair. “In fact, I think I see some gray you missed on your dye job.”

As Bucky got older, he had come to love the gray in his own beard and hair. It was a good look. Maybe the right girl would appreciate it.

Tony rolled his eyes. “Barnes. Always a pleasure.”

“Stark,” he said, baring his teeth in a wolfish grin. “Never a pleasure.”

“Cut it out,” Steve chastised, giving Bucky an exasperated look, which only earned him a shrug in response. Did he expect him to play nice when he didn't want to be there? “Tony, the place looks great.”

“Of course it does, Rogers. Did you expect anything less? Though it’s always nice to get a compliment from you.” Tony set his drink down and tapped the screen of his phone, causing the red and yellow lights to switch to blue and white. “That’s your cue, Barnes.”

“Nice lights,” he mumbled, leaning his chin on his hand. One hour…

Tony scoffed. “Would it kill you to give a real compliment, or are you holding back because I own it?”

Bucky narrowed his eyes. “Does my opinion even matter? You already think it’s perfect. I’m sure everyone else has kissed your ass about it, and I don’t feel like chapping my lips.”

Tony sat up straighter. “If I really wanted my ass kissed, I’d call your little sister,” he sneered, nudging Steve’s arm. “She’s free, right?”

“Tony, stop.” Steve warned when Bucky's jaw clenched.

“What?” Tony smirked more. “I heard she just got out of a relationship and maybe I can help her get over that broken heart.”

Bucky almost got out of his seat. Becca was a sweetheart and Tony didn't deserve to breathe the same air as her. “You even think about touching her, I’ll break your fucking-”

“Hey! That’s enough.” Steve sounded pissed off enough that they shut up. “Tony, he’s not trying to be a dick. He just wanted to work on a car tonight. Doesn't mean you need to bring his sister into it,” Steve said to Tony in a calmer tone, giving Bucky another look. “And you know he wouldn't fool around with Becca. You’re letting your fight with your dad get to you.”

Bucky slowly exhaled. “I know.” He felt a pinch of guilt. He had let his dad sour his mood and dismissed Tony’s club when Tony was at least nice enough to extend an invitation. It also wasn't fair to make Steve play referee when he deserved a fun night. “And I think we’re all varying degrees of dicks here.”

Unexpected respect and understanding filled Tony’s eyes, replacing his usual disdain. “Rather tinker with something than hang out here? I get it. And asshole fathers, I get that, too,” he said, downing the remainder of his glass. Bucky had nearly forgotten that Tony had issues with his own dad. “But let’s be serious, we all know I’m the biggest dick here.”

That brought a chuckle out of all three of them. It was the closest thing to an apology. “I would drink to that if I had one,” Bucky joked.

Tony tapped the screen of his phone again in a short pattern and the middle of the table rose up to reveal a decanter and empty glasses. “Top shelf and on the house even though you can afford it.”

“We’re still going to tip. You can give it to the staff working tonight,” Steve offered, pouring each of them a glass and passing one over. “And now that we’ve gotten some of the unpleasantness out of the way, can we get on with the evening? Please?”

The men nodded, but Bucky still needed more than one stiff drink to get him through the hour. At least Tony brought out the good stuff for them to indulge. “I have to ask, where are the rest of your friends?” He expected the VIP section to be overflowing with his usual crowd instead of being nearly empty.

“On their way,” Tony said, waving a hand toward the stage. “I wanted you two to get a private show with my new star because I have a feeling you’ll appreciate her talent more than the others. And when I say this one is special, I mean it. Voice and body of an angel. Or a siren. Whatever you’re into.”

Bucky and Steve exchanged a look. A new star? That was why he wanted them to stop by? “Have you slept with her?” Steve asked pointedly. Bucky almost asked the same question. Tony had a reputation for a reason and being a member of his staff wouldn’t stop him from trying.

“Nope. Not this one. Not for lack of trying,” Tony said, checking the time before the lights dimmed. “She told me to ‘kindly fuck off’ when I hit on her and I gave her a raise because why the hell not?”

Bucky’s eyebrows shot up. “She turned you down? I like her already,” He smirked, instantly intrigued by this mystery woman who didn't fall for Tony’s charms like so many others. “I may even have to buy her a drink.”

“Just wait ‘til you hear her sing, Tinman,” Tony said, resting back against the sofa. “Even you will love her.”

A spotlight illuminated the stage when soft music began to play. The curtain opened wide enough for a stunning figure in a long red dress to step through. Bucky leaned forward in his chair, captivated by your beauty. His heart raced, and his throat went dry as your gaze met his. He tightened his grip on the glass, nearly downing it in one gulp as you moved toward the microphone, but couldn't look away as you smiled.

Where the hell did Tony find someone so enchanting?

Bucky waited with bated breath before you began to sing. One note. That was all it took. He was lost. Gone.

Yours.

Oh, I just had to end the intro there. 😇 I wonder what our reader is like and what she'll think of Bucky. @targaryenvampireslayer @yenzys-lucky-charm @ghotifishreads @tavners @holacia3 a certain edit may come into play later... 😏 Love and thanks for reading! ❤️

Masterlist ⚓ Bucky Barnes Masterlist ⚓ Ko-Fi

[neunnnnnnn]

A shifting storytime that no one asked for 🫶🏾

🙆🏾‍♀️it's a bit long.

Alright so once again the people around me decide to pmo so then I remember this magnificent juicy gift that I discovered by accident one day then I'm like you know what fuck everyone I'm getting out of here for a while.

I didn't even wait until nightime and I go take a nap, I didn't really do a method? I just listened to a calm subliminal while I counted BACKWARDS! That shits kinda weird because I kept drifting to other stuff but I like how "awake" it keeps me. Anyway my intention was an awake shift because I had recently learned that symptoms are actually signs that you consciousness, soul idk... Is trying to leave your body. So at around 23 I start feeling like there is this SHARP ringing and it's was loud and scratchy but I'm like no I'm not giving up and I say affirmation after affirmation because I could literally feel like my body was resisting, my eyes we even opening and I could see my room but I told myself that I'm not giving in.

Tbh you really need the willpower if you are going to shift awake.

Time isn't real so idk how long I was "fighting" but It felt like seconds then my subliminal stops playing and it changes to a song, I'm guessing by Justin Timberlake? Anyway so ofc my eyes are still closed and I panic tf out but then I'm like, " Hehe I fucking shifted!!" I open my eyes and guess what.... I have sleep paralysis 🥲. But looking around my room I had a lot of posters from Michael Jackson to one direction to Ariana Grande etc, so my guess was that I'm definitely in the year 2013-2015. I wield myself out of the sleep paralysis and my body is extremely heavy and feel a bit light headed, it was definitely summer because it was hot as hell!! Anyway I walk around my room and I'm looking at everything and trying to adjust to the fact that I just had to fight my body for this( and it was worth it!!)

I quickly realise that it's not any of my dr's so atp I'm like Idc I'm still staying. I look in the mirror and I notice that I am skinner and I have red hair with an anchor tattoo on my chest ( the girlies were also popping!!🙂‍↕️) I go downstairs and my parents are a different race. So I was like, "yeah I'm definitely adopted in this reality" I have an older brother that was definitely emo and a younger sister but she's my sister from my cr.

I act normal and head over to the living room and my dad stops me and tells me that my little sister wanted to go with my brother for a walk and asked if I wanted to go with them, so I say yes and right on que my brother comes down all dressed up and that's when I realise that I'm still in my pyjamas so I excuse myself and go change. Words cannot describe the joy I always feel when I open a closet and find clothes that I've ALWAYS wanted to wear 😭 anyway I dress up ( 2015 style because there's no other way?) we are at a park and I'm just looking around, really taking in everything because even though I've shifted before, it will NEVER fail to amaze me that we can literally hop from one reality to another, it will never fail to amaze me tbh. Like I'm currently sitting in a park with a different family, name, country?!

I wish I did something interesting but we just sat and chatted and got to know about the family I was in. I stayed there for 2 days before realising that I was going to open school soon and I was a senior?!! 😭 Like no thanks I finished highschool, then I went to sleep that night, with the intention of shifting back here.

~ For my subliminal users, the sub I used ⬇️

https://youtu.be/A67unsIchbU?si=fLzUqVSPhL90SZWV

[cheolieji]

Seungcheol

warning: Smut,unprotected sex, breeding kink and idk what else im too lazy

A/N: This is in no way to say mingyu acts like this. it's just part of the fiction

not proofread

I'm lowkey bad at writing smut🫢

feel free to send requests!

check [17] (pink highlighted) to see my yes and no's

seungcheol is the type of guy to walk on the street side of the sidewalk

seungcheol is the protective boyfriend everyone wishes for

the perfect and clingy boyfriend

you wanna wear a short dress? go ahead, he can fight

a guy just looks at you the wrong way, his fist is tightened, his jaw is clenched, and his death glare... goddd if looks could kill

you love it when he's protective over you

but something happened that made you think, is he a little too protective?

now you're sitting in his living room beside him, hands rubbing against each other, nervous to say it

seungcheol, of course, notices this. "You okay hun?" "Yeah! why wouldn't i be?" weird... but he just nodded his head, turning his attention back to the show playing. the sound of tv playing in the background mixing with your thoughts, should you really ask him about something so little that could turn into a heated argument?

"Hey-" "babe-" "Yeah? you say it first"

"no its just uhm. i" his eyebrows raised in confusion. What are you trying to tell him?

"Okay. will you promise not to get mad?" "Of course baby, why would i get mad at you?

"You know how we went to the kims gathering?" he just nods "yeah and how mingyu kept looking at me and stuff?" "Where are we going with this" his eyebrows still raised

"Nothing like that. It's just the way you were glaring at him. felt a little.... i don't know.. rudee? I'm sure he didn't mean it like that. " "Ah, that? i know him, babe he doesn't have good intentions. when he looks at someone like that, it means he wants something out of them." he pauses for a second, "and plus, you're mine..."

you blushed in your seat

"okay good i guess... i thought you were being a little too protective"

"Hey. It's good to be protective over what's mine!" he giggles while hugging you and placing you on his lap. and you're straddling him now. Suddenly, the air shifts

noticing this, seungcheol pulls you in closer before pressing a kiss on your lips. It starts to turn into a makeout session with you grinding on him while heavy breathing leave your mouths

"Can i?" As he's looking down at your pants, you nodded. he takes your pants along with his off. "No panties? want me to fuck you that bad? huh?" You nod again, eyebrows furrowed. "Say it, baby, i wanna hear you" "yes please cheol just fuck me, please"

he teases your opening with his dick before slowly entering your already wet cunt. shit did he get bigger?

"You feel so good, baby, just for me." Now he's fully inside you. He waited a bit for you to get used to his size

he's balls deep inside you, and you're a moaning mess, but he's looking at you like you're the prettiest thing in the world

he's hitting all the right spot "ah- cheol please" your gummy walls wrapped around his thick cock feels like heaven, for the both of you

he's leaving hickeys all over your neck as you're riding him like there's no tomorrow

bouncing on his dick as you're moaning his name loudly. it's like music to his ears

you feel the familiar pit in your stomach "fuck cheol im gonna cum" he lets out a loud grunt before cumming inside you "fuck ill fill you with my babies"

" gonna make you forget about that fucker" he continues thrusting inside you until you reached your high before softly kissing you

you let out a loud moan before falling on his shoulder. "You know, if you wanna put babies inside me, we should probably do more." "you wanna move it to the bedroom?" he carries you to the bedroom for a night of pleasure

[sualocin]

“I wasn’t lying when I said that I loved you.” Ch. 1 - Harsh Beginnings

Emp!Commodus x Reader

summary: you are to be married to the emperor of rome, but he hates you. or at least he acts like it.

content warning: angst, hurt / comfort, commodus being a dick

word count: 1.8k

a/n: It is my mental illness and I get to pick the delusions. AU where Marcus died of natural causes (because I don't want my boy to go through the pain of killing his father), Maximus and co are fine with no threat to overthrow Commodus (yet?). Also I whole-heartily ignore the sister mess in this fic because god dammit let me live in my delulu thoughts where his ending is happy (because he deserves love and kindness). This is literally such a self-indulgent fic but I try to not describe the reader besides clothing and the use of female pronouns. If you catch something that does not fit let me know!

no beta reader we die like gladiators

blog dividers by @cafekitsune!

masterlist . . . read it on ao3 . . .

Commodus looked regal, sitting there in his throne above the bloodstained arena. Cerulean eyes focused on the fighting gladiators below, face propped up with his right hand, adorned with the jeweled rings of an emperor. Something like boredom was plastered across his face, at least it seemed that way from your position slightly behind him and to his left. A fitting placement for someone supposed to be the Emperor’s wife. Even seated there, fully dressed in the matching deep purples and blacks of your husband’s outfit, you felt as if you didn’t belong. At least he made it feel as if you didn’t. 

From the moment you were told that you were to be betrothed to the future Emperor of Rome, you knew it would be difficult to learn to love each other as much as your parent’s love each other. Yet, it was so easy for you to fall in love with him, almost at the first sighting of the aforementioned man. His charming smile, that you now know he put on as a mask to hide his anger from having a woman he did not know thrust into his life as his soon to be wife, as well as his enchanting words that hid his true feelings of disdain towards you, made you feel comfortable at the time. As you got settled into the palace, and interacted with his sister Lucilla  and her son Lucius more than him, the feelings of being unwanted began to sow inside of you.

It truly wasn’t bad at first, you would see him at meal times, and there he would be ‘pleasant’ to you. As pleasant as ignoring your existence could be. He instead only interacted with his sister and nephew, purposely excluding you from whatever conversation he was holding with them. There were however, a few times he did try to get to know you, most likely at the behest of Lucilla.

It was an early evening the first time he decided to enter your temporary chambers, the blazing sun just beginning to set in the expansive sky. The final meal for the day not yet served, but already you wish for the sweet comfort of your bed.

“What was your life like? Back with your family?” He questioned softly, hands fiddling with his various rings as he sat on one of the chairs provided to you when you arrived. He seemed almost nervous to be completely alone with you since your initial meeting.

“It was nice, a beautiful city if I’m honest… I was surrounded by loving parents and the greatest teachers they could find. Rolling green hills that would sprout with flowers every spring,” You replied, thinking of your beloved homeland and the wonderful people and animals that still resided there even with you gone.

Taking a moment to relish in the fact that he was sitting in your chambers, conversing with you rather than ignoring your presence entirely, you observed his more casual outfit. It consisted of a red chiton over a black tunic with a patterned cape over his right shoulder. It looked absolutely marvelous on him, but you were definitely not going to say anything like that to his face at this point in your limited interactions. Because no matter how glorious he looked, he still seemed to be upset with your presence in his and his family’s home.

“It sounds like an alluring place to call home. Do you miss it?” He asked as he finally brought his gaze up to your eyes. The genuine curiosity in his eyes confused you, wasn’t he disgusted by your mere presence? What made him have a sudden interest in your previous home? Unable to respond with his cerulean eyes boring straight into yours, you got up and moved to lean against the doorway to the balcony of your chambers in order to look out onto the great city of Rome. The slight breeze coming in makes your light blue, nearly the same color as his eyes thanks to Lucilla, stola and palla flutter behind you. 

“Of course I do,” You blurt out immediately, almost taking on a snappy tone. Tensing yourself up at the suddenness, and more importantly the rudeness of your own response to him, you feel your face heat up in embarrassment. Your hands raise to grasp at your biceps to comfort your rising anxiety, your grip tightening when you hear the chair Commodus was sitting on scrape against the floor as he shoots up at your response. Even from across the room you can hear the way he inhaled sharply. You were too afraid to witness his most likely anger fueled reaction, so you stayed facing the city and the setting sun.

“I did not ask for this betrothal!” He exclaims, hands slamming down on the table. His breath coming out in short huffs. Tension just radiating off him in waves.

“I didn’t either,” You manage to croak out as your eyes begin to mist over, fingers tightening their almost impossible tight grip already. At the sound of your voice, Commodus lets some of the tension release as he realizes just what his little outburst did to you.

“...I am sorry,” He whispers, gaze focused on the table below him, sincerely regretting his anger towards you. A second passes after his apology, and then he rushes out the door leaving you to wallow in your feelings of anxiety and uncertainty. 

The last meal of that day was tense, no conversations were held that night between anyone as they ate and drank. Not even between Lucius and his mother. It was as if anyone who entered the room could sense that something had happened between the two of you. You could feel Commodus glance at you every so often as the meal went on, but you kept your eyes on your own plate and cup. As soon as you finished, or rather as soon as you felt you couldn’t stand to be in that room for any longer, you excused yourself back to your chambers. It was after you left that Lucilla finally spoke to her brother.

“Commodus, what did you say to the poor girl?” She asked, resting her chin on folded hands and looking straight at him. She knew he could not lie to her, at least she would know if he did.

“I told her what I felt I needed to,” was the only response she would get from him before he abruptly got up from his seat and left the table. 

‘Perhaps they are more alike than they realize,’ Lucilla thought.

It was about two days later when Lucilla caught you watching Commodus train, tunic-less mind you, with his praetorian guardsmen in the expansive courtyard. She could see your eyes following his movements, so intensely zoned in on watching that you didn’t even hear her approach.

“He is quite proud of his swordsmanship,” She told you as she stood behind you. You rapidly inhaled and jumped slightly, hand moving up to fall over your racing heart from the scare.

“Gods above! Don’t sneak up on me like that!” You harshly whispered over your shoulder at Lucilla, heartbeat steadily calming down from the unexpected interruption. You turn your gaze back to the ongoing spar. Hearing the grunts and exclamations coming from Commodus and his guardsmen was very alluring, along with being able to see the sweat that drips down his exposed body. Even with the feelings of hatred towards you, he was a handsome man. Who could fault you for thinking so? 

“How are things going between you two?” Lucilla asked, coming forward to stand by your right side and face you.

“He hates me, doesn’t he?” You retorted. Head shifting to have Lucilla in your frame of vision. The sounds of the spar fading to the background.

“Commodus… he needs time to trust people. I think Lucius and myself are the only people he truly trusts with every fiber of his being. I wouldn’t take it to heart if he has done anything to upset you,” She explains, left hand coming up to rest gently on your shoulder.

“Do you feel anything for him? In any capacity? Knowing where your feelings stand could help me with giving you proper advice,” Lucilla continues, eyes full of sympathy for your ongoing problem.

“The worst thing about this situation is that I think I do feel some sort of way towards him that isn’t absolute contempt or hatred,” You said, taking a deep breath before you continued.

“I see the way he treats you and Lucius. I see how gentle, kind, and compassionate he can be towards the people he loves. It hurts me to know that I will not receive that same treatment he gives you, because I am simply not someone he loves or will ever love. Even if I desire to be,” You admit your thoughts to Lucilla with a slight tremble in your voice, your true emotions about Commodus rising to the surface of your mind and heart. 

“The wedding is in a month's time, how could I get him to feel some type of way towards me that isn’t pure hate?” You could feel your eyes misting up from the anxiety deep inside you about everything that has and will happen to you because of this arrangement.

The spar in the background was beginning to wind down, both Commodus and his guardsmen started racking their weapons and wiping away their sweat from their hard workout. Turning your head towards the courtyard at the change in noises, you were greeted by a very glorious sight. Commodus, still tunic-less, basking in the rain of cool water being poured over his head. You felt your cheeks burn at the very enticing sight before you. Being able to witness the vision of a dripping wet Commodus with his head tilted towards the sky and his eyes closed was like looking at a god among humans. Lucilla, dropping her hand from your shoulder and turning her head towards whatever had caught your gaze again, was not shocked to see you eyeing her brother. She hid a quiet chuckle behind her hand at the sight.

“You look at him with such wonder in your eyes. I think you enjoy the sight of him more than you let on,” She said, words shocking you out of your trance forcing you to look towards her again.

“Come by my chambers when you’re done here, we will discuss your situation at length,” Lucilla winked at you as she turned and walked away towards the inside of the palace. You faced back towards the courtyard, cheeks still hot from the words said to you and the beautiful visual you had gotten, startled to find that Commodus had been watching you and his sister interact just out of earshot. His piercing cerulean eyes caught yours, but you could not identify what emotion was held in them. Could he tell what you and his sister were talking about? Gods, did he hear? You broke the miniature staring contest between the two of you and rushed towards the location of your temporary chambers, wanting to get away from the awkward situation brewing between you two.

There's the first chapter! I wanted to get back into fanfiction writing for a while now and having little fics about this subby lil man got me kicked into gear! Idk how many chapters it will have, but I am excited for this story to unfold!

tags: @darknessisafriend

[im-not-a-ghost]

Who's your next boo?

Group 1

General info | Death, The Moon, page of swords, Queen of pentacles, 5 of cups, 3 of pentacles

This person is an introvert, a lone wolf, someone that doesn't share a lot of information about them. They have a rather juvenile yet mysterious vibe. They give me Wednesday Addams vibes. This is someone that is very intense, serious, they don't joke with connections. If they let you in their circle, that means that they trust you and that isn't an easy thing for them to do so you should feel lucky, kind of feeling. This is someone that feels very unlucky in love and relationships overall but is extremely effective when it comes to their job and studies. We have someone who's witty, snarky, productive. A workaholic. Someone that works well in teams, especially when they feel encouraged and valuated. This person is a major stalker. When you think you got them figured out you discover a new layer of their personality that puts everything in question. They, however, have figured you out right from the start. This is someone that is extremely observant. They could be into occultism, mythology, horror movies, documentaries about history or science, dark fantasy movies and novels, and so on. They have a very deep personality and can be very giving, generous, kind. However, they appear extremely cold and ruthless towards others, especially when you don't know them. This person is known to have a shitty personality and a lot of people may bad mouth them. But the reality is that they know nothing about your person. And they want it to stay this way. Your person doesn't care about what other people think. They are fine with being alone if it means protecting themselves from harm. They've been through a lot so they are extremely wary around people. But once you get past their shell, you will discover a true diamond. In terms of zodiac signs, I'm getting major Scorpio vibes, as well as Cancer and Taurus. When it comes to their physical appearance, I'm picturing someone rather small with a very bold look. They could wear a lot of black, but it doesn't have to be. Even if their clothes are colorful, the way they dress gives a very strict and dangerous kind of vibe. They could wear a lot of leather, boots, baggy clothes, bombers and so on. I think their skin is rather fair, but again that doesn't have to be the case for everyone. However, there is definitely something about their eyes, especially if their chart is heavily influenced by Scorpio. And their face can sometimes look expressionless or rigid, a bit like a porcelain doll. In certain situations that can be kind of creepy.

Context | 3 of cups, 2 of cups, King of pentacles, 5 of cups, 7 of wands

You may meet them in a working context or because of your work in an indirect way. I'm picking up on someone being dissatisfied with how things are going in their career. At some point, that person decides to act on it and try to tip the scales in their favor. For some reason, that person ends up at some sort of a gathering. Somewhere entertaining, where people are having fun. It can be a club, a bar, a concert, a convention, a family reunion, a celebration held by a company to wish someone well. You get my drift. In such context, both of you meet when you least expected it. I feel like on both ends, going to this gathering wasn't part of your initial plan. But you both felt like you had to go. For some of you, this meeting may already have happened. However, your connection with this person is in it's beginning stages. I get a feeling of someone competing to get the other's attention. People just mindlessly having fun and trying to forget about their issues. Feeling relieved and optimistic about life again after a long period of self doubt and struggles. It's like this meeting is happening at the right place and the right time but both had no idea they needed each other so badly until they crossed paths.

Signs to look for | The Lovers, The Sun, Death, Wheel of Fortune

When a major shift is happening in your life and you feel like you're going through a rebirth in all areas of your life, that may be a sign that this person is coming into your life. When you are starting to feel positive about love and relationships again, when you feel like you're finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. After an important decision that changes the game for you, whether it's in your career, in your studies or on a personal level.

-> Other possible signs : apples, clouds, doves, snakes, Gemini season, May, June, numbers 6/19/13/10, Leo season, July, August, skeletons, sandtimer, Scorpio season, October, November, crowns, sphinx, egyptian mythology, fixed signs, wheels

Group 2

General info | 7 of cups, 2 of pentacles, Temperance, The Lovers, Judgement, 9 of swords

In terms of Zodiac signs, we have Libra, Gemini, Sagittarius, in other words mainly mutable signs. This is someone that could be described as "wishy washy" by others. They may be the type of person that struggles to make decisions, that often times feels indecisive when faced with many options. Someone that may have a hard time focusing on one thing at a time, and that may include people. We have someone that likes to remain in their comfort zone because it reassures them. We have someone that also lives a very balanced life. They always do the same things over and over again without getting bored. They are rather optimistic about life, even if they tend to overthink and may struggle with depression at times. This is someone that is shy around strangers and tends to keep things surface level with people in general. They can seem a bit naive and dreamy, a bit of a perfectionist sometimes. They are sociable to some extent and wish to get closer to people but they have a hard time opeining up for fear of rejection. This is someone that is curious and enjoys trying various hobbies, they may enjoy traveling and meeting up with people from various cultures. In terms of their physical appearance, I'm picturing someone rather slim, tall. That has a very casual vibe to them. Someone that people barely notice on the street because of how shy they are. This may be someone that walks silently and doesn't engage in conversations unless they've been invited to. Outside, they are the type to keep their headphones in their ears and come back home as fast as they can. They may have a fear of crowds and stutter sometimes. They could have wavy hair or long bangs that hide their eyes. They could wear a lot of hats or caps. They give me Tyler Galpin vibes. They're sweet and kind, they don't cause much trouble but they don't know how to act around people. They may have a hard time processing their own feelings, let alone that of others. They tend to have social anxiety.

Context | 3 of wands, 4 of swords, 3 of swords, 7 of cups, 6 of wands

For this group I am picking up on health and travel related causes of meeting. I'm picking up on someone deciding to take a break from something in their life that has really exhausted them. That break ends up being a travel of some sort. It could be a short term travel or a really big one, it depends on your situation. That person is really hurt and needs to take time for themselves to overcome whatever pain they are going through. It could be because of a break up, because of a burn out, because they've lost a loved one or because they are struggling with important health issues. Anyways, this person chooses to cut ties with whatever has been weighing on their mind and get back to a more cheerful spirit. Both of you may be going through a similar experience and this could be the reason why you bond very quickly. This connection could start as a friendship. For some reason, I'm picking up on a race. Maybe both of you decide to do a marathon or something sports related to take care of your respective health and have an activity that can help you take your mind off of your worries. That could be running, swimming, hiking, anything really. I get a feeling of you two celebrating a victory of some sort and this bringing you closer. This happy event could be the trigger that turns this friendship into a romantic connection.

Signs to look for | 4 of wands, The Lovers, 9 of pentacles, Death

When someone around you is getting married or engaged in some type of way, when you are choosing to remain single and start anew instead of building a relationship with a partner, when you are cutting ties with someone from your family/close circle thus choosing your well-being over people pleasing. When you feel like you are doing good on your own and don't need anyone to feel valuable and worthy of love. When you are prioritizing your needs and happiness over that of others. Those are all signs that this person is near.

-> Other signs : mannor, forest, celebrations (marriages, birthday parties, winning a sports event...), clouds, snakes, apples, doves, Gemini season, May, June, numbers 4/6/9/13 , a public garden, an important domain, an iron gate, skeletons, crows, sandtimer, Scorpio season, October, November

Group 3

General info | 10 of wands, The Moon, The Star, page of swords, 7 of wands, 3 of pentacles

This may be someone that is an influencer, a celebrity of some sort or at least someone that uses social media a lot in the context of their work. This is also someone that is very busy and currently single. This is a person that feels burdened and exhausted by the important amount of responsibilities that they have to deal with on a daily basis. This is someone that is very secretive, hard working, a fast learner, someone curious, chatty when they feel like it, with a strong mind and a combattive spirit. This person likes competition. They strive to be the number one in everything they do. They could be studying on the side, when they're not working to improve their skills and sharpen their mind. In terms of zodiac signs, we have Cancer, Leo, Aquarius mostly. When it comes to their appearance, this is someone that is conventionally attractive. They have a bit of a trendy nerd aesthetic or overworked light academia vibe. They're quite classy when it comes to the way they dress. It's not exhuberant but you definitely feel that they have the money. This is someone that is sociable but tends to be alone because of how busy they are and how much of a workaholic they can be. They may have a bit of a mischievous look. What I am mostly picking up on is someone with a strong jaw, that tends to frown their eyebrows and looks tense. They may wear glasses from time to time. They give me Xavier Thorpe vibes. This is the type of person that hides their kindness behind a cocky brawler attitude. They may sometimes be voluntarily arrogant to keep certain types of people away from them. They don't like to be messed with and appreciate their tranquility. Despite that, most people still admire them and they may be very popular among their peers, especially if they hold an important position.

Context | 6 of cups, 5 of swords, Judgement, page of cups, ace of cups

You may be going back to your childhood home. If not, you are recontacting old friends or acquaintances. I feel like someone here is trying to make peace with their past to be able to move on romantically speaking. So maybe you decide to contact your ex partner to have a discussion about what went on between you and close that chapter. Or you contact one of your old friends to catch up on what's been going on in their life because you miss them and you feel like you haven't been fair to them. Maybe this is a group thing. Anyways, that initiative leads you to meeting this person. The connection is instant. You're quick to judge this person and know that you like them, that you're interested in them. They may reciprocate the feeling. Whether you or they make the move first I feel like this connection is going to evolve rather quickly. Within the night for some or a few days later, you are going to be kissing and asking each other out. For both of you, this may be a rebound connection. It may be quick for you to be with this person and just as quick to seperate ways. But I feel like you'll have a good time with them and keep good memories of them. They may remain your friend even if you break up. For some of you, this person may be one of your exes. If you weren't in a relationship with this person in the past, you at least were interested by them to some extent but this may not have lead to anything when you first met them. But now that times has passed and both of you have evolved, you may be in a better disposition to be together.

Signs to look for | ace of swords, 9 of cups, 7 of cups, 4 of pentacles

You may be dreaming of this person before you meet them. You may receive an unexpected message, either from them or someone you both have in common. You may be saving money for a dream of yours, if that is your case, that may be a sign this person is near. You may also receive positive news, unexpected news about a project that is dear to your heart. You didn't talk about this project to your loved ones. This is something that was a secret. You may hear a surprising rumour.

-> other signs : snakes, daggers, crowns, feathers, piglets, roman architecture, old roman temples, numbers 1/9/7/4 , water sign seasons, taurus season, greek mythology

[ashwhowrites]

I just watched clips of megan fox in transformers. Pleasee can you write Eddie x older hot neighbour that he instantly smitten on from the first day she moved in. But he is embarrassed thinking it wasn't appropriate, so he always tiptoeing around. Wayne grown sick of eddie's antics and encourage him to properly pursue her. Eddie who is previously insecure of himself being inadequate for a mature woman, turns to be a great young father.

I hope this is what you wanted and you enjoy it. Thank you for requesting 🫶🏻

The older woman

Eddie was minding his own as he worked on his cigarette. But his ears perked up as he heard the sound of a truck driving on the gravel. He watched as a woman stepped up, dressed for the hot heat in Hawkins. She wore a tank top, tight in the right places, and small jean shorts. Eddie felt the sun beaming down on him as his hairline began to sweat. He swallowed the dryness in his throat when she noticed him staring.

"Hi there, I'm Y/N, we must be neighbors." Her smile had Eddie's heart running. He threw his bud to the ground and wiped his hands down his sweat shorts.

"Eddie," He said as he shook her hand. He ignored the buzz of electricity he felt. She was even hotter up close. "Need any help?" he offered, his eyes trailing over to the amount of boxes that sat in the truck bed.

"That would be amazing."

Eddie spent two hours sweating next to her as they moved her boxes inside. He felt his shorts get tight whenever she bent over. He learned she was single, and he had no idea how. She was older, but Eddie didn't care. He was smitten by her on the first day.

~~~

"Those flowers seem to be coming in great," Eddie smiled, he came from Hellfire and saw Y/N out in her front garden. She was on her hands and knees as she pulled out the weeds. Sweat dripped down her neck, and Eddie tried not to stare.

"Seems like someone had a good eye for placement," she flirted, she sent him a wink. Eddie wasn't as stone-cold as he thought. She could tell the younger boy had a little crush on her, from how he blushed or played with his curls when she was around. She enjoyed making the boy nervous.

He stuttered out a thank you before he raced back into his trailer.

Wayne watched from the window with a smirk, he sipped on his coffee as Eddie practically ran in.

"Smooth," Wayne teased

"Shut up," Eddie groaned as he went into his room.

~

Sadly, Eddie didn't get any smoother, he looked like an idiot when he talked to her. He felt that his crush was inappropriate so he tried his best to be a friendly neighbor.

Y/N sat in her front yard, swimsuit on as she soaked in the sun. Eddie watched from the window, wishing he was on her lips instead of the cigarette she inhaled.

"That's creepy," Wayne said, scaring the world out of Eddie.

He jumped and acted like he was looking at something else. But it didn't matter, he was caught.

"Kid, just ask her out instead of staring like a stalker." Wayne sighed. "She moved in two months ago and all Eddie did was tip-toe his way around her.

"No way, she's older! She will probably laugh in my face if I ask her out." Eddie groaned, he shut the shade and looked over at Wayne.

"She wouldn't. I've met her and talked to her. She's very kind."

"You can't talk to her! What if she likes you" Eddie panicked

"Flattered, but she doesn't. But what about all the other guys she might meet in town? Really want to take the chance?"

Eddie thought of Wayne's advice and bit at his lip. He could take the shot, what is the worst that could happen?

"Fine." Eddie huffed and opened the door.

He took a deep breath as he walked over the small distance.

"Can I get a hit?" his voice reached her ears and she smiled. Her eyes shut as she simply held it out for him to take.

Eddie sat next to her tanning chair, liking the way she was at a higher ground. He could see her skin glistening with sweat as he grabbed the cigarette.

God knows he needed it

He inhaled it and let it calm his nerves. The tobacco on his tongue as he relaxed.

"You know windows work both ways, right?"

Eddie froze as she smirked and turned her head to look at him. She flipped up her sunglasses and took in his blushed face.

"Yeah..."

"I hope I gave a good show,"

Eddie was smitten by how much confidence she had, and how she knew he was tied around her finger.

"A ten out of ten review," Eddie joked, he smiled as she laughed.

"Wow, the boy does speak!" She cheered as she sat up, and swung her legs to the side. Her hot legs were inches away from Eddie as she leaned down and placed her arms on her knees.

Eddie didn't say anything as he inhaled another hit before he passed it back to her.

"Can I ask you something?" he asked, he looked up at her and squinted as the bright sun was above her head.

"Yeah, wanna go inside for a drink?" She offered, her eyebrow raised like she was hinting at something.

Eddie coughed but nodded.

She stood up, and Eddie whimpered as her whole body was now on display inches above him. He wanted to get on his knees and kiss every inch he could reach.

She held out her hand, he grabbed it and stood up. As they walked in, he looked back at the window. He rolled his eyes as Wayne stood watching. She was right, the window worked both ways.

"You old enough to drink, Eddie?" she asked as she grabbed two beers from her fridge

"Not that young, sweetheart," he said as he grabbed it from her hand, easily cracking open the top.

"Good," she said as she sipped her beer, "what did you want to ask?"

"Not many people pick to live here, were you running from something?" Eddie asked, he leaned his arms on the counter

"I left my ex-husband, and needed to be somewhere he wasn't." She shrugged, leaning on the counter, across from him.

"I'm glad he ran you here," Eddie admitted

"Yeah? How come?" she asked, leaning closer

Eddie licked his lips nervously as she was inches away from his face

"So I can...ask you out" Eddie confessed, his eyes flicked down to her lips

"Alright, let me hear you ask," her eyes flicked down to his lips

"Can I take you out to dinner? Tonight?" his eyes back on hers, "on a date"

"Yes you can," she smiled, her lips inches from his but she pulled away. She laughed as Eddie didn't care to hide his disappointment.

~

Eddie sat across from her as she sipped her wine. He took the time to admire how breathtaking she looked in the restaurant lights. The low glow smoothed her skin.

"What are you staring at?" she asked as she set down her glass

"You," Eddie said, a small smile on his face as he leaned back in his chair

"You do that a lot, huh?" she turned her head to the side with a smile

"Can you blame me? I never want to look away."

Y/N felt butterflies in her stomach. She didn't know if feeling so beautiful because of a younger guy was a good thing. It was frowned upon, but she didn't care. The heat in his eyes was what she had been searching for in her marriage.

"Smooth talker," she said

"Dirty lover," Eddie replied, a smirk on his face

"Are you trying to get in my bed, Eddie?" she asked her chin on her hand as she looked at him through her lashes

"I hope so," he laughed as he leaned forward, "but I'm trying to win you over."

"You'll score," she said with a wink

~

Eddie drove them back to the trailer park, his hand on her thigh as he hummed along to the music

"Want to come in?" Y/N asked as Eddie walked her to her front door

"Course," Eddie smiled, a silent cheer in his head as he followed her in

They settled on the couch and played a random movie. They talked through two movies, getting closer. Her body was practically on top of his as their words became whispers.

"I don't think at my age I'm supposed to feel like a teenage girl," Y/N said, her face inches away from his.

"I was worried I wouldn't be mature enough for you, so if you want to be a teenager, that'll make it easier for me" Eddie chuckled, his arm wrapped around her shoulder. His fingers softly trailed up and down her skin.

"Don't worry about being anything but yourself for me. Because I happen to really like the boy next store," she said with a wink, "plus," she whispered, moving onto his lap. "I like having you in the palm of my hand."

Eddie shivered underneath her body, itching his lips closer to hers.

"You want to kiss me?" she whispered, moving her arms to wrap around his neck

"Yes, please" he breathed out as he licked his lips

She didn't say anything, just placed her lips on his. Eddie put his palms against her back as he pushed her body against his. He wanted to inhale every part of her.

He whimpered as he felt her tongue slip inside his mouth

He might have to thank Wayne for this later

Tags!

@bmunson86 @mxcheese @ladymunson @michaelfuckinglangdon @z0mbie-blah @biittersweet @mirrorsstuff @somethingvicked @micheledawn1975 @ago-godance @magnificantmermaid @tlclick73 @hargrovesswifee @cityofidek @silky-luxe @lokiofasgard616 @loving-and-dreaming @eddiemunsonsbitch69 @thegemaqua @ashlynnkennedy @strangerthingsstories5255 @harringt8ns @pleasinghellfire @whoscamila @stusdollface93 @gretavankleep37 @bellaisswagger @arlxt @ineedmentalhelp123

[allywritesmanythings]

Dicking you Down (L. Kennedy) 18+

Summary: just pure smut. Little to no plot

Words: like 2k?

Warnings or A/N: MDNI. Female receiving. Male receiving. P in V. Fingering. Eating out. Just finished watching a play through of RE2R and RE4R and I couldn't get Leon out of my mind. My first Leon fic. Hopefully it wasn't too ooc for him.

For what felt like the hundredth time, you couldn't help but roll your eyes at Leon. His cocky attitude seemed to have multiplied tenfold ever since he rescued the president's daughter. Some of the newer employees, hired during his mission, were openly ogling him. "Do you ever fucking stop talking, Kennedy?" you finally snapped.

The room fell silent as everyone turned to look at you in shock. "Oh, please. Don't act surprised. We all know it's true," you added, unapologetically.

You faced Leon directly and spoke your mind. "Enough with the hero act for rescuing Ashley. Any of us could have done it if given the chance. Many of us have faced far more dangerous situations than saving a teenage girl from parasite-infested kidnappers," You declared, rising from your seat and striding out of the room.

☣

Hours had passed since the encounter, and now you were back in your office. Admit it or not, you secretly wished for the same longing looks from Leon that he was giving those new employees. You'd be lying if you said you didn't crave his attention. The way his clothes hugged his muscular frame, driving you to distraction. Your thoughts wandered to how his strong arms would feel wrapped around you as he fucked you, imagining his touch and taste.

As you tried to focus on the reports sitting on your desk, the image of Leon kept invading your mind, causing a warm sensation between your thighs. You shook your head, trying to clear your thoughts, but they kept returning to him.

A knock at the door interrupted your thoughts, and you looked up to see Leon standing there. "What do you want, Leon?" you asked, crossing your legs under the table.

"I want to know what your deal is," he replied, entering your office and making himself comfortable in one of the chairs.

The way he sat only fueled your desire. With one arm casually draped over the chair beside him, his broad chest was on full display as his legs spread slightly apart.

"You want to know what my deal is?" he asked.

"Yeah, I do," you replied.

You uncrossed your legs and made your way to the door, shutting it firmly and turning the lock. Though you were fairly certain you were the only ones left in the building, you couldn't be too careful.

You approached Leon and straddled him, feeling your dress ride up your thighs as you held his chin to meet your gaze. "My issue is I want you to fuck me," You confessed.

Leon's hands eagerly grasped your thighs, lifting your dress. "I thought you couldn't stand me," his voice was low.

"I never said I hated you. Sure, you can be annoying, but that doesn't change the fact that I've been craving you for a while," you admitted.

After a moment of silence, Leon pressed his lips roughly against yours.

Your fingers weaved through his hair as he roughly guided your hips to grind against him.

He bit on your lower lip, wanting access. You obliged, parting your lips as his tongue explored your mouth, deliciously savory flavor that filled your taste buds.

His lips traveled along your neck, sending shivers of pleasure down your spine. He slowly licked from the top to the bottom of your neck, before biting down just above where your neck met your shoulder. As his teeth sank into your skin, you couldn't help but buck against him, eliciting a moan from his lips. Breathless, he asked, "Are we really doing this here?"

"We're the only ones here, aren't we?"

"Yeah.”

You slipped off his lap and your hand slid up his pants, feeling the outline of his boner. "Do you want to go back to my place, yours, or just have me right here, right now?" "Fuck, you look sexy on your knees for me," he breathed.

"So, do you want it now?"

Leon nodded in response.

You flashed a smile at him before popping open his zipper and freeing him. You proceeded to lick the entirety of his length, causing him to moan. You took him fully into your mouth and started to bob your head on him.

He forcefully grabbed a handful of your hair, pushing himself deeper into your mouth. You gagged as he reached the back of your throat, eliciting a response from him. "Fuck. That sounds amazing," he moaned as he repeated the action several times.

After briefly holding your head in place, he released you, allowing you to take a quick breath before resuming sucking his dick. Your hands work in sync with your mouth to pleasure him. You could feel him getting closer to his release, his moans growing louder and his hips thrusting slightly. Finally, with a loud groan, he filled in your mouth, the salty taste flooding your senses. You swallowed it all.

Leon pulled himself out of your mouth and gripped your neck, urging you to stand before he pressed you against the desk. Releasing his hold on your neck, he tugged at the hem of your dress, pulling it over your head and tossing it to the ground. With a swift motion, he tore off your panties.

He lifted you up and sat you on the desk before dropping to his knees in front of you, his gaze fixed on your form. "Now, that's a sexy sight. On your knees for me," Leon said with a smirk. "I'll gladly get on my knees for you,"

With your legs draped over his shoulders, he lowered his head to your core as he started to lick you.

His warm tongue flicked and teased, sending shivers of pleasure through your body. Each motion was deliberate and skilled, expertly finding every sensitive spot and driving you closer to the edge. You let out a loud moan as his tongue worked its magic, taking you higher and higher into a state of pure ecstasy.

Your hands reached down to grasp his silky blonde hair. His movements grew faster and more desperate, his desire matching your own as you both chased the release that was tantalizingly close.

He was aware of how near you were, so he used both hands to pull your ass closer to the edge of your desk. With one finger inside you, he began a slow, deliberate movement that made you arch your head back in ecstasy. "Yes, fuck, yes," you moaned.

After a few rough pumps with just one finger, he decided to add a second, intensifying the sensation. Each time he reached deep within you, he skillfully curled his finger, hitting that magical spot that sent waves of pleasure throughout your body. "Just like that. Keep going," You moaned.

With a final, deep plunge of his fingers, you felt the wave of pleasure crash over you, your body arching in blissful ecstasy. He continued to lap at you, drawing out your pleasure until you were left breathless and completely satisfied.

You pulled him up to meet your lips, tasting yourself on him as you kissed. “Get the fuck in me now,”

“Eager? Are we?”

"For you, definitely," You gasped, spreading your legs for him.

Leon chuckled as he stroked himself, then rubbed himself against your pussy. A sharp moan escaped your lips as he entered you. "You're so tight," he whispered.

"You're so big," you replied breathlessly.

Leon began to move slowly, but you didn't want it to be gentle. "Fuck me like you want it, Kennedy.”

Leon pulled out of you completely before plunging back in with force. A cry of pleasure escaped your lips as Leon established a rough and relentless rhythm.

His hands gripped your hips tightly as he pounded into you, each thrust sending waves of pleasure coursing through your body. The sound of skin slapping and your cries filled the room, mixing with the primal grunts and groans escaping Leon's lips.

You wrapped your legs around his waist, pulling him closer as you matched his movements, meeting each thrust with equal fervor. The intensity of the pleasure building between you was overwhelming, each sensation heightened by the primal connection you shared in that moment.

As Leon's pace quickened, you felt a familiar tightening in your core, signaling your imminent release. With a final, powerful thrust, you reached your breaking point and came all over him. He swiftly withdrew and pushed you back onto the desk. With your elbow supporting you, he pumped himself a few times before releasing a deep groan and coating your boobs and stomach in his cum. He admired his handiwork with a grin, as if it were a masterpiece.

"Not the last time we do that," you remarked, locking eyes with him.

"If you were craving me dicking you down that badly, all you had to do was ask. We could have been doing this much sooner," He replied with a smirk.

[musubi05]

Could you do a actress reader who plays winchesters sister where she comes into the dressing room and everything looking pale and overwhelmed but plays it off to jared and jensen that’s she fine (even though they don’t believe her) then they go to film a scene and she ends up passing out

╰┈➤ Acting Fine

Jensen Ackles x actress!reader (platonic)

Jared Padalecki x actress!reader (platonic)

Summary: You felt off today but you didn't bother on checking for a fever. You regretted it instantly after the scene you caused. Warnings: Passing out and hospitals

The minute you woke up from your dream, you knew something was wrong. It wasn't just the pounding in your skull or the desperate thirst that had you downing nearly two bottles of water. It was the heaviness that wrapped around your body like lead, the kind of ache that lingered deep in your bones. Even the comforting darkness of the trailer, usually your safe place, didn't help.

Still, you pushed yourself up from the bed, wincing as the movement sent a pulse of pain through your head. The past two days have been rough with filming. Rough to the point where sleeping in the trailer was easier for you instead of going to one of the boys or your house. Today was supposed to be a big one. A lot of the episode centered around your character and her brothers, a rare opportunity for the three of you to dig deep emotionally. You'd been looking forward to it, even rehearsed your lines twice last night despite the pounding in your head. You didn't want to let them down.

Dragging yourself to the tiny bathroom in the trailer, you began the slow process of brushing your teeth and hair. Even that felt like lifting weights. Every movement required effort, every light you flicked on felt like staring directly into the sun. The fatigue in your limbs wasn't normal. Neither was the buzzing in your ears, like someone had turned up the static in your brain.

Still, you didn't dare look in the mirror. Not because you were afraid of what you'd see, but because you already knew - you looked as bad as you felt. You were about to step out when something caught your eye: a coffee cup with a breakfast sandwich placed on the mini kitchen counter. Your favorite. The kind of sandwich you usually inhaled before your coffee even had a chance to cool. But just the smell of it this morning turned your stomach.

Next to the food was a note:

Good morning, kiddo. Got you your favorite. We'll be in the dressing room waiting for you. - your favorite person

P.S. your favorite person is me, right? - Jar

P.S.S. Don't listen to him. We all know it's me. - Jen

The corners of your lips curved a little bit as you could practically hear their voices in the note. You didn't have the heart to throw the food out, so you gently placed it in the mini fridge. But you grabbed the coffee anyway. Maybe the caffeine would do something. Anything.

The morning air felt cold as you stepped into the dressing trailer, the fluorescent lights casting a harsh glow on your pale skin. You barely glanced at your reflection as you set your coffee down with a trembling hand, hoping neither Jared nor Jensen would notice how off you felt. Of course, that was wishful thinking.

You can feel their worried stares watching you as you make your way over to the closet to get your outfit. Jared sitting on the couch already looking like Sam was the first to speak up. "Morning, Y/n. I see you saw the food."

You put on the best smile you can hold right now. "Yeah I did. It was delicious." You set the outfit down on an empty chair. "The note was funny too."

Jensen chuckled a little bit from his makeup chair. "I am your favorite right?"

"Uh, I'd like to object. I'm obviously the best." Jared said with his finger pointing up like a nerd.

"I don't know how you guys aren't related." You rolled your eyes and went to the bathroom to change. You went slower than usual making sure that you don't get too dizzy. After getting your clothes on you, splashed some warm water on your face hoping that it'll help wake you up. You stared down at the sink a little longer before going back out there.

"Hey, Zabrina had to run out to go get something but she'll be back soon." Jensen reported to you. As he walked by he rested his hand on your shoulder going for the couch next to Jared but stopped instead. "Are you feeling okay?"

You forced a laugh, waving him off like it was nothing. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just didn't sleep much. Long night." It sounded believable enough, but inside, you felt like you were unraveling. Your chest was tight, your limbs shaky, and there was a strange buzzing in your ears that hadn't gone away since you woke up. Still, you couldn't afford to be the one who slowed things down. You sat down on your chair and straightened your shoulders, hoping Zabrina would do enough to hide the shadows under your eyes.

Jared glared at you through the mirror but you didn't stare back. Instead, you pulled out your phone and looked through Instagram trying to look distracted. The only thing distracting you was the pounding in your head.

Soon, Zabrina did come back with a few new makeup tools and started with you right away. Charmaine also came in and made sure your hair was good for the cameras in the messy bun your character always have. Jensen and Jared kept doing the talking as you kept quiet and listened. You'd mostly join in on the conversations but you were too tired to care enough.

"Girly, are you doing okay? You're pretty warm." Zabrina asked but in a low whisper as she put the brushes down.

You shook your head with an innocent smile. Your eyes big as if you didn't know what she was talking about. "All good. It might just be the layers of this costume." That wasn't really a lie. There were lots of layers for the scene today sense it was supposed to be taking place outside in the middle of the night. Anyone would feel a bit warm in this.

She just nod her head and dismissed you. You got out of your seat a bit too fast - your eye sight turns into a fuzzy black and gray blur. You held onto the counter for some support, having to blink away the clouds in your eyes.

"Hey, you sure you're doing okay?" Jared asked. Jensen immediately got up, ready to dive if you fell.

You stood up straight and grabbed the coffee cup. "Never better. You guys are such worry-warts. Don't you guys get a bit dizzy when you stand up too fast?"

"No... not really." Jared says as if you asked him if the sky was purple. Jensen stood there just watching you walking out the trailer with a smile on your face.

Jared was about to follow you immediately but Jensen put a hand on his chest to prevent him from moving. "Let's keep an eye on her," he said quietly. "Something doesn't feel right."

"Don't have to tell me twice." Jared let out a breath of air and patted Jensen on the back before catching up to you.

The bunker set was warm under the studio lights, the familiar hum of equipment and crew bustling around offering some strange comfort. The cameras rolled, and you fell into character as the long-lost Winchester sister, standing firm beside her brothers in the face of another supernatural threat. You could do this. You'd done it a hundred times before.

Jensen said his line then Jared delivered his. You said yours better than you thought you would. No hesitation. No stutter. Maybe today wasn't going to be bad. It's just some dialogue and walking around, not some crazy fight scene.

A few hours later, you guys have gotten through some scenes. Was it easy? No. You wanted to go in the bathroom and throw up sometimes. You tried to drink water but your stomach hated every drop for some reason. The twists and turns it made when you walked over to the little snack table was painful. Yet, you still held back from asking for a break or telling someone something's wrong. Jensen and Jared mostly called for the breaks. You didn't want everyone to think your overreacting and make their day any longer.

This scene now might be the end of you. It feels like gravity is your worse nightmare with how hard it's holding you down. You can feel your body get colder by every word that was spoken. Right as Jensen delivered his line and Jared stepped toward you in the scene, the world suddenly tilted. Your vision blurred, black creeping in from the edges. You swayed, tried to focus, but the sound faded to a distant echo.

Voices swirled in and out like waves, too muffled to make sense. For a moment, you weren't even sure where you were. The familiar scent of the set - dust, wood, faint cologne - was replaced by antiseptic and something cold pressed against your forehead.

"Y/N!" Jared lunged forward, catching you just before your head hit the floor. The camera operator cursed and the director called cut, but no one moved until they saw you weren't getting up.

"Call a medic!" someone yelled.

Jensen was immediately kneeling beside you, helping Jared lower you gently. "She's burning up," Jensen muttered, panic creeping into his voice. "Y/n, hey - come on, open your eyes."

You didn't respond.

⛧

You were unconscious, curled under a blanket with cold compresses pressed to your forehead and neck. Your lips were pale, skin still clammy, but your breathing had evened out a little.

Jared paced the length of the room, chewing the inside of his cheek raw. Jensen sat beside you, barely blinking as he watched for any movement.

"I should've said something earlier," Jared muttered, stopping by the sink. "I saw it. She looked terrible when she walked in."

"We both saw it," Jensen said. "She told us she was fine. We should've known better."

"Yeah, but she's like us, man. She doesn't want to be the reason anyone has to stop production."

Jensen nodded slowly. "Yeah, that's what scares me."

The silence hung heavy between them.

Then your fingers twitched.

You blinked slowly, your eyes adjusting to soft lighting overhead. Not set lighting. Fluorescent, clinical. The medic trailer.

"Hey - hey, she's waking up." Jared's voice, low but urgent, tugged you fully into consciousness. You turned your head toward the sound, wincing at the pounding in your skull.

Jensen appeared in your field of vision, crouched next to the cot with a furrowed brow and that rare look of real fear in his eyes - the kind you'd only seen when something unscripted happened on set. "Hey. Easy," he said gently. "Don't move too fast."

"What…?" your voice came out hoarse. You tried to sit up, but Jensen's hand was already on your shoulder, steady and firm.

"You passed out," Jared said quietly, standing just behind Jensen with his arms crossed and his expression unusually serious. "Mid-scene. Scared the hell out of everyone."

Your brows knit as you processed that. The last thing you remembered was Jared stepping toward you in character, and then… nothing.

"I told you I was fine," you murmured, half in defense, half in shame.

Jensen let out a slow breath, something tight in his posture finally easing - just a little. "Yeah, well, you're a shitty liar."

Jared nodded, his jaw tense. "You should've said something instead of just 'fine'. You looked off the moment you walked in."

"I didn't want to screw up the schedule," you whispered, your throat tightening - not just physically. "We've already been behind and-"

"Hey." Jared cut you off, his voice softer now as he moved closer. "You don't screw things up by being human. You're not just a character, alright? You're you."

Jensen glanced at the medic, who gave a small nod and stepped out, leaving the three of you in a moment of quiet that felt heavier than any scene you'd filmed.

"You were burning up fast. You were probably running a fever all day." Jensen added, every word filled you with embarrassment. You couldn't believe you had passed out in front of everyone.

You looked between them, tears burning behind your eyes, but you blinked them back. "I'm sorry."

"Don't be," Jared said. "Just… don't do that again. If something's wrong, say something. We've got your back. You don't have to carry stuff alone - on-screen or off."

Jensen sat back, rubbing a hand down his face. "Okay, so you're gonna rest, and then we'll talk about how you face-planted in the most dramatic way possible."

You gave a weak laugh, and for the first time all day, it didn't feel forced.

"Deal," you whispered.

"Oh also," Jensen smiled as he pulled a bag and a water bottle from the ground, "your sandwich, missy."

You groaned, knowing where this is going. "Jen, I don't think I can eat anything right now."

"Just a few bites to get something in you. Please?" Jensen asked.

"Don't make me use the puppy eyes." Jared warned. Those damn eyes. They'll always be lethal. You reached your hand out flat and Jensen placed the bag in your hand. You slowly and unwillingly took a bite of the sandwich.

"That's our girl." Jensen smiled and ruffled your hair softly.

[gguk-n]

Grand Prix Morning (Oscar Piastri x Reader)

Congratulations Oscar on his first win!!

Summary- After watching the Hungarian GP and seeing Oscar apologise after his first win, you wish you could make him feel special and that he deserved it. So, you go to bed and wake up on the day of the GP!

{Reader's POV}

I wasn't sure if I should be happy or sad right now. Oscar Piastri just won his first race in Formula One and in his second season. That was such a proud moment until you remember the actual shit McLaren pulled on their drivers. I had been watching the race today, Oscar was pretty good in the beginning and being his fan I obviously hoped that this was the race he finally got his first win. But after the pit stop and Lando leading I didn't think possible; until I heard the radio message. I had mixed feelings. I rejoiced watching Oscar cross the chequered flag. But then I heard his message, apologising. It broke my heart into a million tiny pieces. But what could I do? My voice would be a tiny whisper in the sea. I shut my TV off, not in the mood to watch any of the post race stuff; because I felt bad for Lando too. I couldn't bear sitting through the interviews. So, I made myself some dinner, watched a rom-com to get my mind of things and went to bed, earlier than usual. I would deal with my emotions tomorrow.

Now when you normally sleep, you expect to wake up in your own bed, as an adult at least. When you were kids, that was a different story. My eyes were adjusting to the dimly lit room and a figure in front of me, walking around the room as quietly as possible. The room looked like a hotel room and the figure in front of me was Oscar Piastri. "Oscar" I said out loud. "baby, did I wake you up?" he asked like a deer caught in headlight. "No" I replied tentatively. Was this a dream? Was I this sad that this is how I was coping? "What's the time?" I asked reaching for the lamp. "It's 6 am. I'm gonna get some exercise done before I head to the paddock" he said while tying up his shoe lace. "I'll come with you when you leave for the paddock" I stated; scared to be alone where ever I was. "Sure babe" he replied, striding up to my side of the bed, leaning down and leaving a peck on my lips before whispering a bye against my lips and heading out.

My brain had short circuited. Oscar Piastri kissed me and called me terms of endearment. This has to be a dream but those pink lips were so real, warm and slightly dry and peeling. The way his hand cupped my cheek when he pecked me, the warmth still lingering against my skin. I reached for my phone to check what weekend it was; to my surprise it was the Hungarian Grand Prix today. The race Oscar won, maybe I'm here to wrong the right. I quickly showered and got dressed. If I got to be a WAG even for a day, I was gonna enjoy it. I wore a pretty coral midi dress. As I sat there in the room waiting for Oscar to return, a smile etched on my face as I went through my gallery.

We had been dating for a while, since his F2 days. He was all the bit romantic as I imagined him to be. My parents loved him, his parents loved me. This felt like a fairytale. There was one problem, Oscar would probably know that I was someone else and not his 'girlfriend'. I don't know how this version of me acted. The jig would be up so soon.

Oscar walked through the room, all sweaty and red from the work out. "Lemme shower and then we'll get breakfast" he said not even looking up while taking his shoes off. The moment his eyes travelled up from my legs to my face, a smirk plastered across his face. "You look gorgeous" he said almost breathless. I couldn't help but giggle. "You look hot" I replied. "Only for you" he shrugged. I felt the heat rise up from my cheeks. "Can't believe I can still get you this flustered, even after so many years" he smiled with amusement. I got up from where I was sat, "You'll get me flustered even when I'm an old lady" I muttered. "That's the plan" he grinned.

A freshly showered Oscar was proving to be the bane of my existence like out of the gym Oscar was. I wanted to jump him, but it didn't feel right and I wasn't taking advantage of him like this. The way to the paddock was filled with casual talk. Who knew Oscar could talk. At the paddock, we greeted the other drivers and fans we saw along the way. The McLaren hospitality was bustling with both pole and P2 starts were McLaren's. I tried to speak to their race engineers to gauge the strategy but I wasn't allowed. I even tried to talk to Lando and Oscar about the race, but they were busy discuss the details amongst themselves to pay much attention. I spent the majority of my time trying to figure out what I was supposed to do to change the scenario. I wanted Oscar to win but not with the mess McLaren created.

As the race progressed, like I had watched it play out. I realised, I wasn't meant to change the process or outcome. I was just here because I hoped and prayed to be able to comfort Oscar and celebrate his win like I hoped he was supposed to enjoy his first win. I watched McLaren fuck it up whilst I stood there next to him. I heard Oscar apologise for the second time, shattering my heart again. I rushed to see Oscar with the staff in tow. Oscar got out of the car and looked around, our eyes met. He came running with his helmet in hand, "I won" he whispered, only for me to hear. "I saw" I replied with tears in my eyes. "I'm so proud of you. You've come so far Oscar. You're the Hungarian Grand Prix winner, don't apologise for your win whatever it may be" I whispered. Oscar's face inches from mine, his eyes glistening with tears at what I said, "I love you, Y/N Y/L/N" he said out loud while wrapping his free arm around my waist and pulling me in for a kiss. The kiss was a mixture of tears and sweat, since the two of us had started crying. I cupped his cheeks, deepening the kiss, our emotions were all over the place. "Go and get your trophy, I'll wait for you" I said while pulling away from the kiss. "Be right back" he grinned and left to get weighed.

The podium celebration was bitter sweet, but I was not gonna let this over shadow his win and do what I was here for. I quickly got flowers delivered to the hotel and some sweets. I waited for Oscar to be done with the media and stuff while scrolling through my phone. The discourse was on another level, but the pictures of me and Oscar kissing were circulating every where. I wish I could take this back with me. Oscar's mum called and we were on the phone for a while. My parents called us to congratulate him as well. It felt so weird to hear Oscar was my boyfriend.

Oscar found me in his drivers room. "There's my grand prix winner" I stated. Oscar wrapped his arms around my waist, lifting me up in the process. My hands stabilised myself on his shoulders. "I'm so happy we got to celebrate this together" he mumbled against my skin. "Me too" I muttered. "By the way, your mum called. You should talk to her later" I said urging Oscar to put me down. "Are you angry with me?" he asked, placing me on the ground. "What? no" I replied. "You've been calling me Oscar or nothing at all the whole day. I didn't think much of it before but now you said your mum when you normally say mum" I was caught off guard, "It's nothing like that" I tried to diffuse the situation. "My mum texted me too about your win and yours called. I just wanted to clarify" I said. "Oh" he hummed. "Now, let's go. Let's have a Oscar Piastri worthy celebration" I continued. "Like what" he asked. "Dinner in bed and a movie of your choosing." I answered. "Finally, I get to choose." he laughed.

We got back to the hotel, where there were quite a few flowers. I may have gone over board. We entered the room which looked like a botanical garden at this point. Oscar smiled taking the scene in. "For me" he whispered. "For you" I whispered back. "I wanted to show you how much I love you and how proud of you I was. This is just a small token of my happiness Osc" I said. "You're the reason Lando calls me Osc. Find a new nickname. I don't like sharing it with him. But thank you for this" he remarked. "Sure darling" I announced. He walked through smelling all the flowers. We spent the rest of the night watching a movie Oscar had picked and eating our hearts content.

I was scared to fall asleep, what if I woke up back where I was supposed to be. What if this 'reality' ceased to exist? As my eyes got heavy, keeping them open was a task. Oscar had started succumbing to sleep having switched the TV off. "Thank you for making my day even more special then it was." He mumbled. "Thank you for letting me show how loved and appreciated you are. I love you Oscar. Today, tomorrow and always." I whispered kissing his forehead; letting sleep take me. If I woke up back in my world, so be it. At least I made Oscar's day.

When my eyes opened to the bright sun shining from my window, no Oscar in sight. A silent tear fell from my eye. I wiped it away. Happy that at the very least I was able to heal my heart, and maybe his in another universe.

my heart wanted to write this for a while

[bellarkeselection]

Could you do a will halstead x reader where they’re engaged and she’s a detective in intelligence, she’s been having stomach pains for about a week but put it down to cramps or stress whenever someone asked especially when Will asked but then at work she collapses and when they take her to med they find out the pain was appendicitis and Will’s like why didn’t you say something before

Didn’t Want You to Worry

@annieradcliff

“Y/n, are you sure you're okay in there?” My fiancé Will asked on the other side of the door. We had both gotten dressed and ready for work, me as an intelligence detective and he an ED doc. Unfortunately I felt harsh pain hit me so I went and sat down in the bathroom waiting until they went away.

I assumed it had to be cramps or something like that. Except I didn't think my period was supposed to come for another two weeks. “I'll be fine, Will. It's just some cramps is all. If you need to go to work that's fine.”

“Okay. You know I can stay home if you want to and take care of you if you're not feeling good.” He explained through the other side of the door.

Pushing myself up off the ground I felt them disappear allowing me to open the door and give him a half smile. “Seriously it's nothing. My period is probably coming earlier or it's just stress from the long case we've been working on.”

“Okay just call me if it's gets any worse.” He leans forward planting a kiss on my forehead before he left our apartment.

Making my way to work I was simply sitting down at my desk moving through fingers files on the computer till another wave of pain shot through my body. “Ah! Son of a bitch.” I winced gripping the wood of my desk underneath my fingernails.

Voiets office door opened and Will's brother Jay came out coming over to talk to me. “It's crazy to think you're going to be Mt sister in law in a few more weeks. Hey are you alright?”

“Just some pain stomach pain today - are you bringing Hayley to the wedding?”

Jay sat down on the edge of my desk scanning his eyes over me. “Do you want me to get you some advil?”

“No, I can get it myself. I have some in my locker. I'll be right back.” Standing up from my desk chair I had managed to walk into the hallway before my eyes grew heavier and my body fell forward where I collapsed into the nearest door.

I could hear Jay holler my name, coming around the corner to see what had happened. “Y/n! Oh geez. Voiet call an ambulance.”

“Jay - I'm - okay.” I croaked out barely able to keep my eyes open.

He brushed hair out of my face seeing I was struggling to stay awake. “Just hang on, Y/n. We're gonna get you to Med.” After that I must have blacked out because the next thing I knew I was waking up in the ED, laying on one of their hospital beds.

I began looking around the room noticing that there was an iv in my left hand and the screens were popping up with all different kinds of numbers clearly reading my vitals. “Where is she. Where is she, Msggie!” I recognized Will’s voice coming down the hallway.

“She’s in here.” Maggie drew open the curtain to my room.

Will bolted inside the room rushing to my bedside. “Y/n! Oh my god I knew something was wrong this morning. Why were you trying to act like it wasn’t?” His eyes scanning over mine almost a mile a minute.

I shake my head wishing he wouldn’t worry. “Will, I just got light headed. I'm probably dehydrated. Just give me some liquids and I'll be on my way.”

“Y/n, Jay told me you collapsed st work. That isn’t something minor.” Will spat me with worry in his voice.

I huffed crossing my arms over my chest seeing the curtain move again and Dr. Manning enter the room with an iPad in her hands. “Hi Y/n, how are you feeling?”

“I'd feel a lot better it I was out of - he-ah!” I gasped holding my stomach trying to curl myself into a ball on the bed.

Will rubbed my lower back keeping his other hand on my shoulder eyeing his friend. “Nat, what's wrong with her?”

“I wish I could say it was something minor but it’s not. You are actually going to need surgery. You have something wrong with your appendix. That’s why you’ve been feeling so much pain for the past couple of weeks.”

Will sent her a look asking. “Can you give us a minute, Nat. Y/n, why didn’t you tell me sooner and just have been lying about it.”

“I didn’t want to worry you. You already have enough on your plate with getting the wedding venu and everything else. I didn’t want to add onto the stress when I really believed it was my period cramps or stress myself, at least until this morning.”

Will closed the gap between us, cupping my face in his hands kissing me deeply. “I’m gonna be your husband, babe. You don’t have to keep things from me. I’m always going to be here for you.”

“Thank you, Will. I - I really appreciate you saying that to me,” I sniffed through happy tears relieved that he would be for me no matter what came our way. Our jobs in day to day life was hard enough, but we’d get through everything together. “I love you, Will Halstead.”

He smiled down at me, kissing my forehead sweetly. “I love you too, soon to be Mrs. Halstead.” I must have gotten pretty lucky to end up calling him my husband for the rest of my life.

[sttm99]

Lost Moments:

BAKUGO FINDING OUT HE HAS A DAUGHTER WITH AN EX

Part 1

Part 2

Triggers? Angst...

Part 3 :

Bakugo didn't know who your fiance was. He didn't want to burden himself with the information; picking at the man's flaws and accomplishments, looking for where he was better and where he was worse.

So he stayed away from your private life. He had no idea the situation he'd be walking into.

You'd asked that Bakugo meet you at a park nearby, and he'd obliged quickly. Going out of his way to prepare to meet you and his son.

His wife didn't want to comment on the amount of cologne he'd poured on himself, or the fact that he was wearing his favourite watch, or that he'd even brought out a brush for his hair.

He was meeting his son, his 7-year-old son. He wanted to look good for his son... it had nothing to do with you. The extra care that she could see him putting into his dressing had nothing to do with you.

"Excited?" She asked, leaning against the doorway of their shared bedroom, a tight smile on her lips as she watched him.

His daughter was currently asleep after going against her parents' wishes and staying up late the night before.

Bakugo glanced over at her through the mirror. "Obviously. I want the boy to like me." He said gruffly as he turned around then.

She nodded with a soft hum as he walked towards the door. "You're his dad. I'm sure he'll love you."

Bakugo scoffed. "I left his mom to raise him by herself. If he's anything like me, he's gonna hate me a bit."

"Let's hope he's nothing like you, then?" She laughed softly, reaching up to press a kiss to his lips.

"Let's hope so..." Bakugo kissed back quickly before patting his wife's side and walking out of their house.

He was just about ten minutes early, choosing to sit on a bench near a pond as he waited. He let out a soft breath, trying to come up with things to tell his son, conjuring up scenarios and what he'd do.

It didn't last long, the mind running. Because soon a nice-looking car was parking near and Bakugo watched as you got out from the passenger seat.

What was weird was the little smile on your face. He hadn't seen you smile since the break-up. He'd wanted to believe you just didn't smile much anymore.

In truth, you just didn't smile around him.

But seeing you now, grin wide as you got out of the car and pulled open the backseat, and your son got out. The boy looked just like Bakugo but acted so different. He slouched, arms folded over his chest as he frowned up at you, looking uncomfortable.

But you just held on to his shoulder and walked around the car to the park where Bakugo was. He'd stood up to greet you, but stopped short when he watched you stop at the driver's seat, bending a bit to press a kiss to your fiancé's lips.

His blood ran cold, and he didn't know why. His stomach dropped, and his mouth became dry.

Because he was so unused to seeing you show such casual affection to someone else. It felt alien, unreal- like cotton stuck in his ears and some film blurring his sight.

He cleared his throat as you approached him, your son right next to you, with Bakugo's colour palette, but your lines.

"Bakugo." You began, and it hurt him so much to see that empty look gloss over your face again, like he was unworthy of seeing the real you.

This was what he was relegated to; this- this detached stranger of a person he'd known so well so many years ago.

"This is Miko," I gestured to your son, who was standing so close to you, looking up at Bakugo with apprehension. "Your son."

"Hey." Bakugo mumbled to the boy, with furrowed brows and pursed lips. "Hi, I'm-"

"I know who you are." Miko cut him off with a frown.

"Oh," Bakugo said, hands by his side lazily.

What was he to say to the boy? To his son whom he didn't know.

Luckily you were there to help.

"Why don't we go somewhere to eat?" You suggested, already leading Miko to the outdoor eating area nearby.

Bakugo followed after you both, this time his palms balled into fists as he watched you and Miko walk together.

Just you two. Which was probably how it had been for several years, and Bakugo wished so badly that he could have been in the picture as well.

"So..." Bakugo stared at Miko as he spoke. It still felt weird, seeing this child who looked so much like him. This- this big, little child who was meant to be Bakugo's son but had never met him.

It still felt surreal. He'd skipped a large chunk of the whole growing up phase he'd had with his daughter. Bakugo had missed the baby cries and giggles, the dirty diapers, toddler walks, and everything in between. And was suddenly thrust into this reality, of a boy who was meant to be his own son.

I have a son.

'I have a son', Bakugo thought to himself. 'I have two kids... two different women.'

It was a lot to process.

"You're my dad, huh?" Miko asked with furrowed brows.

Bakugo gulped and nodded, his eyes flitting to you momentarily. You still had that empty look in your face. He turned away, focusing back on his son.

"Yeah. I'm your father."

His son still had that weird, wary look on his face, like he was still trying to come to terms with it all.

"And you're going- I mean..." He let out a breath. "You're going to be around now?"

This time, Bakugo looked up at you before answering, as though waiting for your approval. You looked at him briefly, flitted your eyes to your son, and then looked back at Bakugo, urging him on.

"Yes. I will."

"Will we be doing family stuff together now?" Miko asked, leaning forward just slightly. "Like, all of us together... if- Takashi isn't available, at least."

"Takashi?" Bakugo asked with furrowed brows.

"My fiance." You replied swiftly.

Bakugo gulped at the mention of that. His eyes had already gone straight for your ring, but was obscured by the table. He preferred that.

He hated the sight of that ring despite how often he glanced at it .

"Well..." Bakugo began. "About the family stuff-"

"We can get to that later on." You interjected, raising a hand to rub at Miko's shoulder, smiling down at him affectionately. "You should focus on getting to know Bakugo a bit more."

Miko nodded, and Bakugo tried to estimate how long until you'd be comfortable referring to him as 'your father' when talking to Miko.

"That girl that was with you that day- at the mall. That's your daughter?" Your son asked Bakugo, a tiny shine of excitement in his eyes.

Bakugo nodded, a small quirk in his lips as he thought of his daughter. "That's your sister. You should meet her properly one day."

Miko laughed softly. "She's very... ah- active."

Bakugo chuckled softly. "Yeah. She's quite a handful."

"What's her name?" This time you were the one that asked.

"Maya." Bakugo says softly, his whole attention on you, taking in everything. He's looking at your hair, your earrings, lips, eyes, and cheeks. He's looking at it all.

You've grown. He's seeing it properly again. You've grown so much, you look so mature.... so solemn, too.

"So... when would I meet her?" Bakugo looks back to Miko.

"Whenever you want. I'm sure she'd be glad to meet her brother, too."

Tags: @bangtanksea22

[bbieangel]

Love the Joel fic!!! plsssss do an Arthur cramps one!!!

Moon Cycle — Arthur Morgan x F!Reader

A/N: I loved writing this! It's my first time writing anything that's not set in the present world so please bare with me <3 And yes, the title is a reference to Melanie Martinez's song :) As always, thank you for your requests and I hope you love it!

Summary: Even when you try to act tough, Arthur Morgan always sees right through you. And, the day you finally allow yourself to feel weak, he's there to help you with your cramps.

Tags: Fluff! A LOT OF FLUFF. High honor Arthur. Self-deprecating Arthur, we all know how he talks to himself. Mentions of his past (Eliza and Mary Linn), reader has a uterus and is menstruating, she doesn't wear the typical clothes that women used in the 1800's (think of it more like Sadie, she dresses like her). This is set before Arthur even knows he's sick.

Word count: 7.8k

Divider by @/peony chance on Pinterest!

Since day one, you had never failed to amaze the whole Van Der Linde gang with your dirty mouth and ways of pissing off Miss Grimshaw. To say the least, they had grown fond of you. And even if you could look after yourself just fine, you laid awake in your cot endless nights just wishing someone was there for you in times where you felt the most vulnerable, needing attention like the dog the gang had adopted. He always ran around, sniffing everyone and looking for any hand that would give him back scratches.

One particular day you had gone out to rob a stagecoach that a guy in Rhodes had told you about. Dutch assigned you to go along with Arthur, the gruff looking, almost giant man. But you knew he hid something else behind his blue-green eyes that often held a hint of tenderness whenever he looked your way.

"Now, stay right behind me, princess."

He muttered as he covered his face behind the rock you were prompted at, making sure the drivers didn't see you.

You groaned. Of course that, out of all of the women in camp, he would call you princess. But he didn't do it for the reasons you thought.

"Call me by my name, Morgan."

You muttered and he let out a deep chuckle, rumbling through his chest and sending butterflies to your stomach. But you wouldn't let your face show that, after all, you kinda liked being called princess by him.

The stagecoach robbery was a success, feeling like a breath of fresh air after what seemed like the gang had been cursed or just ran out of good luck.

Arthur counted the money effortlessly, the flicking of his fingers looking elegant. It was ridiculous, you thought as he you waited for your part.

"Don't forget to give some to camp, princess."

He said, pointing a finger at you. But he knew not to worry about you contributing to the little box Dutch had beside his tent, he had seen you do it more times than anyone else in the gang.

"You don't need to worry about me contributing, Arthur."

You said with a soft smile as you both rode back to camp, side by side, enjoying the nice weather and the views.

—

Later that day, you were sitting up against a log in front of the campfire. A bead of sweat fell down the side of your face and into your shirt. Arthur was going to tease you about it, but he held himself back when he saw the slight frown on your face and your knees being held against your chest.

He sighed, knowing that caring about you wasn't the best decision. He couldn't bring himself to like anyone else, not after Eliza and Mary. But that soft, empathetic part of him was stronger than any of his insecurities, and it needed to know if you were okay. Which you clearly weren't.

He slowly sat down beside you with a look of concern on his face, and placed his calloused hand on your shoulder.

"You alright, princess? Did you get hurt? You should've told me—"

"I didn't get hurt."

You interrupted him. You were about to snap at him for teasing you, but when you looked into his eyes, glowing by the fire crackling in front of you, you noticed he was being genuine. So your expression softened, and he saw it, making his heart flutter and long to open up to you more.

"I'm.. I have cramps. It's that time of the month.."

You spoke quietly. You had grown to know it wasn't okay to talk about it, let alone tell a man about it. They found it disgusting, a woman bleeding monthly was seen almost as a sin, something you couldn't talk about.

But Arthur couldn't care less. He had killed people and had seen countless bodies, massacred by some fool. Hell, he'd seen his son be born. He could handle speaking about a monthly small amount of blood coming out of a woman's body naturally.

"I understand. Is there anything I can do for you?"

He asked, and your eyebrows shot up in surprise. Why wasn't he acting disgusted by what you just said? Why didn't he tell you to just suck it up?

It took you a few seconds to answer.

"I—Uhm.. I don't know, actually. Can you help me get to my tent? I think I might've stained my clothes and I don't wanna get teased about it."

You spoke, your eyes darted towards the fire once again. It was fine if he declined, you would understand. But, once again, he surprised you.

"Yeah, let's go."

He said and wrapped his arm around your shoulder, helping you up. He looked behind his shoulder to make sure no one was paying attention to see the small stain in your pants, and led you to your tent.

"I've heard.."

He cleared his throat before speaking, the slight pink tint on his cheeks gave away the soft embarrassment he felt.

"I've heard that peppermint or chamomile tea helps, the ladies were talking about it the other day."

He said and you couldn't help but smile softly.

"Yeah, it does. I just ran out of both herbes."

At that, he raised an eyebrow. Why didn't you tell him? He would've gone looking for some if it brought you comfort. And, against his better judgement, he chose to speak.

"You should've told me. I'll make sure to bring you some."

He spoke gruffly, but unable to hide his growing softness and tenderness for you.

When he helped you into your cot, he made sure to cover you with a blanket before turning on his heels to go away. He figured you might want to be left alone.

"Wait."

You called out to him. You knew better than to call over a man who wouldn't hesitate to put a bullet between anyone's eyes, but a part of you knew he only did it when absolutely necessary. And that he would never, ever touch a hair on your body.

"Can you.. stay a little while?"

You asked, your cheeks turning a cute rosey shade. At that, he gave you a light chuckle.

"Yeah, 'course."

He sat down on the edge of your cot. You could see the sympathetic look in his eyes when your face would scrunch up every time a cramp hit harder.

"I'm not usually like this, I can take the pain—"

"No need to explain to me. I know it hurts and I don't need you to act tough all the time."

He cut you off, easing some of the embarrassment you felt. Maybe it was stress, maybe your hormones were fighting against you, but this cycle felt different. It hurt a lot more, making you sweat as you tried to deal with the pain.

The tension between the both of you only continued to grow, hidden desires behind your eyelids that none of you could speak about. Heartbreaks and loss were two things you were too familiar with, and couldn't bring yourself to experience once again.

So he didn't speak as he laid beside you, carefully, treating you as if you were made out of porcelain and he didn't want to hurt you. His hand went to your lower stomach and began moving it gently, massaging the zone.

You let out a sigh of relief—how did he know exactly what to do? As if reading your thoughts, he spoke:

"Mary told me this works. I didn't figure it out on my own."

He spoke quietly, and you felt kinda bad. How could she be such a fool to break up with such a kind man?

"Even if you didn't figure it out on your own, I'm grateful you know about it."

You spoke softly.

"Can I tell you something, Arthur?"

You asked, you heart pounding in your chest as if it wanted out just to be gifted to Arthur.

"'Course, princess."

He responded, his hand never stopped moving as he saw the look of relief in your face. A hint of a smile tugged at the corner of his lips when he noticed it was working.

"You're a good man. And anyone who doesn't see that, is a fool. A damn, blind fool."

You spoke and his eyes widened at that, letting you take in more of the particular color they had. You were so close to him yet none of you could move.

"I ain't much of a good person, princess. I've done things I'm not proud of, killed folks just because.. There's a price on my head."

He said, looking at you with that self-deprecating look he gave anyone who even dared to call him good. He wasn't good, he was a fool who didn't know how to be kind, how to be good. Or at least, that was what he thought of himself.

But on the contrary, you didn't see him that way, and he knew. So you doubled down, going along with your stubborn nature.

"Well, to me you are good. And nothing will change my mind about that."

You spoke in a firmer tone, placing a hand on top of his shoulder and rubbing it softly. He swore you could feel the way his heart jumped at your small gesture.

After a few minutes of just contemplating each other's faces, trying to read each other's minds, he spoke.

"You deserve someone better than me."

At that, you frowned. He couldn't tell you what you deserved and what you didn't, who you could or couldn't like.

"No one has ever cared about my cramps before. No one... No man has taken the time to try and make me feel better."

His expression softened. How could anyone treat you badly about something that wasn't your fault? But again, he reminded himself, it was 1899. You didn't live in a fair world.

"I couldn't just let you be in pain."

"Exactly."

You said. Everything he did or said was just another reason as to why you considered him a good man. After fighting against your fears, your mind, your insecurities, you leaned slightly closer. What were you doing? You didn't know. But the sight of his lips covered by his always perfectly trimmed moustache was something almost magnetic that pulled at your heartstrings right when you were the most vulnerable and needy.

"Princess..."

He tried to protest. His breathing hitched as he felt you slightly closer, his eyes kept darting towards your plush lips without even thinking. His heart thumped against his chest in a way that almost hurt.

"Do you trust me?"

His eyes shot up at yours. Of course he trusted you, even if a part of his brain begged him not to, he wasn't doing what his brain wanted. He was following his heart at this point, and his heart wanted you. Only you.

"I do."

He responded, his deep voice was now soft.

"Then.. Let me."

You whispered and pressed your lips against his, without giving your brain the possibility to make you think about it twice. You stayed still as you waited for him to pull away, to shut you down and never talk to you again.

But he kissed you back. He kissed you back, and his hand tangled on your hair as he did. Every move, every action was so gentle, so careful. And you couldn't be more grateful for that.

His other hand never left your lower stomach. He was determined to end with your cramps, even if his own hand ended up cramping after massaging your skin for so long.

He didn't leave your side that night. If anything, the whole situation only brought the two of you closer, to the point where he would look for excuses to sleep with you all curled up against him. His arm wrapped around your waist, holding your frame up against his chest. All while keeping a soft smile on his face even when he slept.

Because what started with the two of you being scared of letting anyone else in, ended up with Arthur going out of his way to look for anything that would relieve your pain. He would even ride his horse for hours until he found peppermint.

But in the end: all you wanted was the warmth his body provided you with and his hand pressed against your skin.