#lots of jewelry and neatly done hair and makeup

[bitchfitch]

I'm trying to design the grinning thing and

For some reason. every single time I make a character whose like, explicitly fucked up and absolutely eats people, i make that character blond and twig thin. And now I'm struggling with that bc i don't need a third blond twink who craves man meat. But I also can not picture the grinning thing as being anything Besides bottle blonde. Which I guess makes them unique bc Bagri/Echo and Chase are both natural blonds. but still it Feels too similar and samey.

I know this blog literally has spooky twinks in the title, but dammit i want the twinks to be more aesthetically varried.

[goldenlikedayl1ght]

false god - m. murdock

a/n: sorry if this is bad i did my best because i have been thinking about him a lot warnings: cursing, smut, cunninglus (reader recieving), exhibition (kind of?) matt has an oral fixation, praise, premarital activites, reader is deaf and uses hearing aids but it's only mentioned once, if i missed any let me know! word count: 1.8k summary: the night before your wedding, you and matt are starving. you want to order room service, matt wants to eat out. pairing: matt x fem!reader now playing: false god - taylor swift "but we might just get away with it/religion's in your lips/even if it's a false god/we'd still worship/we might just get away with it/the altar is my hips"

When the devil finally proposed to you, he did it amongst flames and darkness.

…

Okay, maybe it wasn’t quite as dramatic as that.

Matt had proposed to you in the empty office of Nelson, Murdock & Page where you had met, with the lights turned down and candles lighting up the air around you. It was romantic, just as the two of you deserved.

Planning took a long time, too, with flowers, dresses and food taking over your every thought.

But now, all of that was done. There was nothing to be worried about anymore, as you and Matt specifically requested that if anything were to go wrong, Foggy and Karen would take care of it the best they could and not alarm the two of you unless someone was either dying or threatening to kill you.

So, in less than twenty-four hours, you would be Mrs. Matt Murdock, doomed to a life of lawyer jargon and patching up wounds, with no way out. The thought made you giddy.

The ceremony was going to be held at the church, but the pair of you had moved in with each other a long time ago, so it felt weird to try and avoid each other the night before the wedding and the morning in your own apartment. So, you and your future husband, as well as your small wedding party, had booked a few rooms in a hotel near the church.

You both had your respective ‘last hurrah’ a few weeks prior, so there was really nothing to do after the rehearsal dinner other than head to your room and relax, waiting for your alarm to go off to start getting ready.

You had decided to take it easy, enjoying a glass of wine after what you deemed to be an ‘everything’ shower, taking all the necessary precautions to feel like your best self on your wedding day. You had even bought yourself a nice silk pajama set, white, just like your rehearsal dress, and just like your wedding dress.

Your wedding dress hung freshly steamed in the closet of the hotel room, your shoes placed neatly beneath it. Your jewelry and accessories were laid out neatly on the dresser across from the bed. Your wedding ring sat in a box, inscribed with your husband’s name on it. He sat next to it, your name in braille on the inside of the ring.

In the morning, your mom, your sister, Karen, Marci and the woman who had been doing your hair and makeup for every major life event would be there, coffee in Karen’s hands, as your soon to be husband and his best friend got ready together, reminiscing on how they had landed themselves here.

Everything was perfectly set in place. Your job now was to just get married, and really, how hard could that be?

So, with your wine, you tuck yourself into bed with full intentions of getting a good night’s rest in your silky bridal pajamas.

Except, your job was almost done. There were no more seating arrangements to make, no one else to chase after for an RSVP, no more fittings, and no more menus to create to adhere to you and your soon to be husband’s particular tastes.

So, for the first time in weeks, you weren’t stressed at all.. Which left you with one conclusion:

You missed Matt.

You had seen him a few hours ago for the rehearsal dinner, but you were suddenly left with the conclusion that you were aching for the man you’d spend the rest of your life with.

Before you realized what you were doing, you were calling him.

On the second ring, he answered.

“Hey, sweetheart. Everything okay?”

“Hi. Everything’s great.”

A pause.

“Okay, do you want to talk about anything..?”

“There’s nothing else to do, Matty!” You’re out of bed and pacing now. “I’m stress free, and I can’t even be with you!”

You hear his laugh from the other side of the line, and it makes your heart flutter.

“We have the rest of our lives to spend the night together, baby.” He must have had a drink or two like you, because ‘baby’ is his tipsy nickname for you.

“I know, but I miss you now. And I’m hungry.” You tell him.

“Do you want to come over, order room service, and make out?”  He grins. “You just have to leave before midnight, it’s bad luck to see the bride the day of the wedding.”

You’re putting on your slippers when you pause and consider this for a minute.

“Matt, You’re blind.”

“And you’re deaf, don’t forget your hearing aids, baby.”

“How drunk are you right now? How would I be talking to you if I didn’t have them in right now?” You question.

A pause.

“I can’t wait to marry you.” His voice is softer now, and before you know it, you’re out the door and walking down the hallway.

He opens the door before you can knock, because of all the men in New York, you’ve landed the one with heightened abilities.

“Hi.” You grin, but he doesn’t respond. He simply leans down and picks you up bridal style, much to your objection. He kicks the door behind him closed before he carries you to the bed. He lays you down on it, finding himself on top of you.

“Silk?” He asks gently, his hand on your side.

“Mhm. Bridal pajamas.” You giggle. He just grins and leans in to kiss you. He pulls away from the kiss only to move to your jaw, and then down your neck. “Matthew, I want to order room service, I’m starved!”

His hands find their way underneath your top, his fingers beginning to creep up your skin.

“Me too. Been planning so much, I’ve hardly had the chance to be with you.. To touch you like this.”

You hum softly, but then your stomach rumbles loudly. So, when He lands on his knees in front of you and pulls you forward so that his head is between your thighs, he takes a second to lean over, searching for the room service menu before handing it to you, as well as the phone.

“What looks good, baby?” He asks, leaning his cheek against your thigh. Your pajama bottoms are shorts, so his warm cheek is a sharp contrast to your skin.

“What are you up to, Murdock?” You ask suspiciously, sitting up to look at the menu.

“Nothing, what kind of desserts do they have on there?”

What a weird, secretive man your future husband is.

“Uh, they have a crème brulee, apple pie, angel cake with chocolate ganache frosting—”

“Oo, can you order me one of those?” he asks, starting to kiss your thighs. Your face flushes.

“Sure, But I’m also gonna order the chocolate covered strawberries and the brownie al a mode—”

“Whatever you want, sweetheart.” He hums, “You just have to order it for me.”

You raise an eyebrow at him, but you go to dial the number for room service.

The woman on the other end of the phone is very nice.

As she begins to talk, Matt listens in, but mainly focuses on pulling down your shorts and panties, kissing along your thighs.

Your free hand goes to his hair to try and keep him from eating you out while you order room service, but he is a persistent man.

His lips meet your clit first, and he listens as you gasp, trying to finish the order that he had so kindly requested you to make. His tongue meets your folds, finally satiating the hunger he had for weeks leading up to this.

Your fingers grip his hair, only making him quicken his pace.

“Can I also get uhm—” You can barely think straight. “The uh, Fuck—” Matt’s nose rubs against your clit, his tongue moving at a devastating pace.

“Ma’am, are you okay?” The woman on the other line asks.

“Yeah, Sorry, stubbed my toe on the dresser,” You explain. Matt grins from his place between your thighs. His tongue drags up and down, as if he’s licking every inch of you, like maybe he’ll never be able to taste you again. “The angel cake, can we get two slices of that?” You ask, your fiancé’s pace increasing.

“Yeah, of course. Anything else?”

Matt takes only a moment to stop his assault on your pussy, to add, “The strawberries, baby,” before continuing to lap his tongue against your wet heat.

“The chocolate covered strawberries, and that’s it,” You finish.

“Alright, we have the brownie, the strawberries, and the cake..” She finishes. “What room?”

“Two twenty six,” You tell her. You roll your hips up to try and get more from Matt, but one hand leaves his grip on your thigh to hold your hips down. He knows you’re close, he always knows.

“Oh, are you the bride for tomorrow?” She asks.

This god damn wedding.

“Mhm,” You manage out, biting your lip to try and stop yourself from moaning.

“Congratulations!” She chirps, “Consider the room service complimentary, then,” She gifts.

“Thank you, very much.” You hum.

Matt stops his assault again.

“Ask her how long,” and then he’s back to tasting you, relentlessly.

“How long?” You ask, breathlessly.

“Should only be about ten, fifteen minutes.”

“Okay, thank you,” You say again, your grip on Matt’s hair tightening as you edge closer to your orgasm.

“Of course! Have a very happy wedding day!” And with that, she hangs up, and you toss the phone in the general direction of the machine.

“I’m gonna kill you,” You tell Matt, who stops quickly.

“Do you want to kill me, or do you want me to make you cum?” He asks. He looks really pretty between your thighs.

“Please, Matty..” You give in, and he smirks.

“That’s my good girl.” And he continues to suck your clit, edging you closer and closer. His pace quickens, somehow even more. You let out a soft moan that sounds like absolute heaven to Matt’s ears.

Your thighs are starting to shake because you’re so damn close. Matt keeps his licks consistent, waiting for your release. Your fingers tug on his hair, as you moan, finally hitting your release. He lets you ride out your high, licking all your cum up, making sure to suck up every last drop.

“So sweet and so good for me..” he hums, planting a soft kiss to your clit before pulling away, licking his lips.

“You’re such a dick..” You giggle.

He laughs, kissing your thigh.

“Did so well for me, Sweetheart..” He hums, leaning up to give you a soft kiss. When he pulls away, he slips your shorts back on, and looks like he has a new idea. “Ten to fifteen minutes, huh?”

“Mhm..” You’re just looking at him with such adoration.

“We could probably put that pretty mouth to good use while we wait, right?”

[floraltypes]

May I request 44 with Pete Davidson thank you in advance 🥰

pairing - pete davidson x reader

request prompt - “sitting on the other’s lap”

an - thank you so much! hope this was up to your liking <3 can’t wait to work on some more! so make sure you all are requesting !!!

The lights were blaring brightly, all sorts of colors, ones of blue and red and purple surrounding the large living room. It was clearly a more wealthy persons home, a birthday party for a rich friends of Pete’s and he insisted on you coming with.

Despite being a celebrity and going to your fair share of parties, ones like these, more crazy college rich kids, weren’t your favorite. And normally you wouldn’t see someone like you or Pete here, but Pete had been friends with the man for a while and casted him as the main event, and begged for you to come as well.

You had your worries, or, your publicist had more. Truly freaked when you’d brought the idea up to him, how paparazzi would soon find out and what would all happen. But when chatting about it with Pete not to long ago, it sounded important to him.

———-

“Come on, Kyle might be a bit of a douchebag but it’ll be a great party,” Pete laughed, sitting next to you around the round table with his puppy dog eyes and his thumb lightly rubbing your knee.

“I don’t kno-” You began before your publicist, sitting across from you, Jeremy spoke up.

“Mr. Davison, this idea is absolutely absurd for a woman like Y/n L/n. She has a name to withhold, and attending a immature party like this Kyle is throwing, would be ruining her reputation,” He said, standing up and walking in a circle, clearly stressed.

“How is he always this uptight?” Pete leaned over to whisper in your ear. “How do you deal with it?” He moved back, still having his hand on your knee as Jermey glared at him.

“Pete,” You slapped his arm, looking offended. “I like having someone to make sure I’m making the right decisions, it reassures me. Jeremy does a great job, truly does. And having someone like him is even more needed when dating someone like you,” You smirked as now it was his turn to look offended.

“Still, you might be popular but should still have a life. You’re still young,” He reminded you as Jeremy now walked over, pulling your chair away from Pete and turning you around to look at him.

“Miss L/n. This is important, going to this silly thing will cause a lot more work for me, and is risky, very.”

Pete got up and pulled your chair backwards, closer to him once again.

“So, risks can be good.”

“You are such a bad influence on Miss L/n!”

“You’re going to let him say that to me?” Pete turned you around, shaking you slightly.

“Sorry,” Jeremy shook his head. “Sorr-”

“No, don’t apologize. Pete needs a little messing around every now and then,” You laughed, poking Pete in the chest as his lips that were down turned now spread into a small smile.

“Yeah, someone needs to be the bad influence,” Pete joined in as it looked like Jermey had a little weight lifted off of him.

“Okay. But still. Miss L/n, this party isn’t good and shouldn’t be-”

“What if I said that despite it being like a college party, there will be other celebrities, Kanye or something,” Pete shrugged as Jermeys eyes lit up.

“Perfect, other people, paparazzi will love it but you won’t look odd, you’ll be fine! Oh great! I’ll go figure this out, have fun at the party,” Jeremy smiled, rushing out with his notebooks and folders, running to start contacting others and answering to other phone calls.

Leaving you and Pete to chat some more before more planning would commence.

————

Arriving with your hair neatly done and a small coat of makeup on your face, pretty jewelry decorated your ears and fingers, smiling up at your boyfriend who had a fashionable jeans on and a nice shirt. You wore a small blue dress, fitting you favorably, and truly attracting some stares as you walked up.

Your eyes caught onto others, celebrity friends of Pete’s and a few others. Kyle, or who you assumed to be, looked fondly at the factor of how popular his twenty-fifth birthday party had become. The factor of his father being a successful director being a big part of the reason.

“Pete Davidson! Wow! This is so great that you could come to!” The man smiled widely, pulling him into a tight hug as Pete hesitantly excepted it. “You’re so cool, and everyone is, this is so cool!”

“Ah, no problem dude, your dad has helped me with some roles and shit so this is all good,” He laughed as you walked up besides him, his hand slipping behind to wrap around your back and pull you a bit closer.

“Holy shit! You got Y/n L/n to come!” Kyle exclaimed, his mouth dropping ever so slightly. “You’re like my favorite female actress, so fucking good, and you’re like, even hotter in real life,” He looked at you, like you were a huge idol of his.

Your eyes widened slightly, surprised at how open he admired you and was openly speaking about it. He seemed like a nice man, same age as you.

“Thank you,” You nodded, a smile gracing your lips as he moved closer to try and give you a hug, despite being glued to Pete’s hip.

“How’d you get her to come?” He moved back, turning his attention onto your boyfriend as he pointed at you like you weren’t there. “My friends are freaking out, and I’m so gonna be popular with the girls!”

“That’s great, dude. Perfect birthday present, getting laid,” He laughed, as you just stood there, pulling out your phone receiving a text from a friend.

“But really, how did you get her to come?”

“Guess it’s my stellar charm, gets all the girls pussys quaking.”

“Yeah, sure,” Kyle chuckled before a friend of his came up patting his back, telling him to see him soon. “I’ll definitely meet up with you guys later!” He high-fived Pete, then winking at you, as he jogged to catch up with his friend.

“That was nice,” You looked up at Pete, as he just shook his head, guiding you more into the house as you heard more cars pull up, and soon, cameras flashing.

The both walked into the fantastic house, the music blaring into your ears, songs by popular performers which some of them were there. Kanye’s song filtering through the room as you could catch a glimpse of him talking with his friend in a corner, small drink in hand.

It was surprising how this looked like a college party, it wasn’t exactly, considering just how lucky this man was to get all of these well-known people to come. Having a famous father, with popularity in the directing and music business sure comes with advantages when wanting to have a killer party.

“Any good drinks?” You question, following Pete into the kitchen where fine beers and scotch were laid out, even a keg stand not to far, it made you want to laugh. “So, this is the college experience?”

“Been to a lot of parties like this, sometimes better than the ones I attend now,” Pete mentioned, grabbing a beer and sitting down on a stool in the room.

“Too bad I missed out, maybe I should’ve got rid of the whole celeb thing and got into the keg stand and  sororities.”

“You would’ve gotten all the dicks you wanted,” He spoke casually, as you laughed harshly, almost wanting to slap him once again.

“Oh my.”

“But then again, you have mine,” He winked as you actually got up and smacked his shoulder this time.

“Y/n! Y/n! It’s Y/n!” A girl squealed, rushing over with a group of friends. “Oh my god! Can I get a picture with you? I lived for you in Long Law! You’re character Julie was so hot!” She jumped up and down practically as her friends nodded and pitched in their own compliments.

“Sure!” You smiled, nodding your head and getting ready to pose with the girls.

“This is the best day ever! All the people here! You’re here!” Another girl smiled widely for the photo her friend was taking, going on to compliment your outfit and some of your acting jobs.

You sweetly thanked her and the others for their kindness, admiring how sweet and how great of fans they were.

“Want a picture with me?” Pete peeked over, standing up and walking next to you. “It would be no problem.”

“No thanks,” One spoke, walking away with her friends.

“What the hell? Don’t they watch SNL?”

“Don’t be jealous,” You laughed, taking his drink and a chug from it, handing it back.

“I’m not,” He crossed his arms, sitting back on the stool. “No big deal.”

“And Brad, this is Y/n. She really came, Pete got her too,” Kyle walked over with his friend from earlier, pointing to you and then Pete. “They really came to my party!”

“Fucking cool dude!” Brad smacked his chest, then the both giving each other a high-five. “Y/n, seriously, how you looked at those last VMA awards, holy shit, and here you are in the flesh!”

“Thanks,” You hesitantly spoke.

“No, seriously, you look even better in real life. Surprising cause usually all those girls photoshop their pics to look skinner.”

“Um.”

His eyes were glared to your chest area, bold like his friend but in a worse way. He eventually moved them back to your face, muttering another comment under his breath as Kyle walked away to chat with someone else. Brad pulled his chair up next to you, pulling his phone and putting his head to the side of you, swiftly changing to the camera app.

“Take a photo with me?” He looked you in your eyes, face only a few inches from you, able to feel his breath, making you move your head away a bit.

“I guess,” You muttered as he put on another smile, nearing closer once again and your fake smile reflecting onto the screen. As he clicked the button, his head moved to the side, mouth going to land onto your cheek until Pete stepped in, pulling your stool closer to his. Brad leaned over fully where he almost lost his balance, cursing under his breath as he looked at the photo where you were no where in it.

“What the hell?” He looked at you harshly. “Just wanted a picture.”

“You can have one without kissing her cheek,” Pete commented, as you got out of your chair, moving to stand besides him.

“That wasn’t cool,” You stepped back away from him. “It was fully inappropriate, I hope that isn’t a frequent action, it was disgusting.”

“You know what? You really aren’t that cool, that hot, I was just saying that to try and catch a look at your boobs, get a snap of that and get thousands,” He scoffed, moving out of the kitchen, and pushing through crowds.

“Damn, my feelings,” You smiled, putting a hand on your heart and looking at Pete.

“What a fucking loser,” He mentioned, taking your hand and pulling you closer, allowing you to sit on his lap.

“Romantic,” You leaned up to kiss his own cheek, as he took a sip of his beer. “Oh Romeo!”

“Not that shakespeare crap,” He chuckled, taking a swig as you pulled out your phone, snapping a photo of you and him. He quickly kissed your own cheek as your lips turned into a wide smile, and his arm moved around to lightly rub your waist.

“This party, not something I have a feeling I want to attend again,” You admitted.

“What’s not to love, the shitty lighting, obnoxious music, idiotic people. Come on, tell me!”

“I think you can assume,” You rolled your eyes, texting your publicist that everything was fine.

“Sorry I made you come to this shitty thing,” He kissed you cheek again, placing other ones as you squirmed in his lap, giggling.

“Stop!” You exclaimed with another laugh slipping from your lips. “It’s fine!”

“So, you’ll come to another one with me next week?”

“No way,” You shook your head and from not to far away a photo was taken, quickly blowing up all over twitter as now both of your phones were ringing crazily.

I guess your publicist was right that this night would end with drama, drama about how this practically confirmed you and Pete’s relationship. Sure he wasn’t the best influence, making you step out of your comfort zone and being risky, but he still had your back, being there to catch you despite all of it.

You just laughed on the phone with the frantic Jeremy, placing another chaste kiss to his cheek, as you relished in the feeling of being in his arms.

(pete davidson masterlist)

[house-of-crows]

Many of you know that I collect Vintage Scents. Some of you know that I have "Holy Grail" or "Unicorn" bottles that have been discontinued or reformulated past all recognition. What I hold in my hands tonight is one of those nigh-unobtainable Unicorns.

As some of you may know, I have been chasing a bottle of Joy; or it's 'lesser' flankers; for almost ten years now. Fewer of you know the story behind why. But tonight, through my grateful tears, I want to tell the story.

When I was but a Youngling, I worked at an "upscale" shoe store in a rather upscale outdoor mall; back when those were a new thing in Midwest America. There was nothing I liked better than to peruse our stock; in store and out; and maintain my knowledge of styles, brands, fit, material, and how they were produced. At my height, I could have told you almost anything you wanted to know about where brands held their warehouses and factories, what sort of leather or vinyl was used, stiching vs glued vs both, what brands fit what sort of foot best... I was on every forum, every brand website- And my return customers appreciated the breadth of knowledge.

And then there was the Lady. In all my unfortunate bouts of amnesia and memory loss, her name is the one thing that still escapes me. I could tell you about her home, her incredible closets, the art on her walls... but her name is lost to me. So I simply call her the Lady. She was in her late 80s by the time I knew her, and was born somewhere in-between 1929-1934. (A Lady never reveals her true age and all)

~*~

We met in the middle of a shift, and I was already exhausted by the droves of teens 20-somethings and their petulant mothers looking for prom shoes and wedding heels. Twas the Season. And then I saw Her. Standing all of 5'7", in elegant tango-style pumps, and neatly kept, immaculate vintage Chanel suit over a powdery blue blouse. Her silver-white hair was elegantly done up in a loose knot, and the only jewelry I saw on her was an understated gold wedding band and a pair of drop pearl earrings.

Her voice, up close, was cultured. I never could place her accent, but her tone was modulated, warm, and kind. She never took her upset out on any of the workers in the building, and was always ready to go out of her way to find me to do her shopping for her while she sat on one of the benches. She was everything I ever hoped to become as I age, and I know I fall quite short of her grace and poise... But she was so inspiring.

I found her shoes for weddings. Shoes for evenings out. Shoes for dancing, for walking, for travel, for boating... and while I shopped, we talked. We discussed fashion, art, preferences in style and the difference between being stylish and being fashionable- She taught me so much, and then... a day came when the stress of working a public-side job got to me.

It was only pure luck that she was in the building at the time. It doesn't matter what the upset was, it's been years now- but she was there, kindly but firmly taking my arm and walking me towards the employee room. "Don't come back out until you've had a chance to get it out, and fix your makeup. I'll tell them I sent you, if they cause a fuss." No one did.

And when I'd dried my eyes and had a water, I went back out. And she offered me a job. It didn't pay a lot, but neither did my retail work. She gave me more money for less hours, and at 20hrs/week at 7.25, well~ I was ready to move up even if it was less guaranteed.

She made sure I had access to vehicles, the shops she enjoyed, and her home while someone was there. And while I worked, she taught me, intentionally and not, how to be a person who moved through the world with grace and poise and compassion... even if one was not always KIND. She taught me that Good is better than Nice, before I'd ever heard about Into the Woods or Sondheim.

~*~

I could tell a lot of stories about the Lady. But, what happened at the end of our arrangement is most important. When she exited my life as gracefully as she had entered, she gave me a box, and she quietly wished me a life full of joy. She hugged me, as she'd never done before, and wished me well, before she called me a car and sent me back to my little section 8 apartment.

I opened the beautifully wrapped box at a dinged and scratched up coffee table, on a couch that smelled of dog, and was presented with my first-ever taste of Luxury.

The lovely cream box held a neatly folded vintage Hermes scarf, and a small bottle of Patou's Joy. It smelled like a garden at noon on a summer's day with a breeze running through it, and I cherished it mightily. It made its way with me across the country when I ran from my abusive family for the second time, and on the night I left my husband; moving too quickly in order to pack all my things before my father in law came home from taking him to work-

I caught the edge of the bottle on the shelf, it fell from my hands, and broke on the desk below. I didn't have time to clean it up, or to gather the pieces, or even to cry over it before I was running down the stairs and out the door.

This isn't the same bottle. It's not quite the same bottle or vintage. But what this is is a beautifully emotional, kindhearted, and compassionate gift from someone very dear to my heart. This is a lovely piece of my past returned to me, and all the memories that go along with it, good and bad, and in-between. My little piece of Joy.

[bounce-a-coin-off-your-witcher]

A Great Treasure

(Jaskier just constantly getting kidnapped by dragons and dressed real pretty? Yeah. I’m into it.)

tw: gratuitous, almost My Immortal levels of outfit description because I am A Ho For The Look, dragons being horny, Geralt being soft as fuck but also kinda horny

---

The next dragon that took Jaskier wasn’t nearly as sneaky. Nor was it green. The great, sapphire-blue reptile swooped down above the road in broad daylight and plucked the surprised bard up with its great talons, disappearing over the tops of the trees before Geralt could so much as think to pull his sword. The Witcher heard Jaskier’s startled cry echo out over the forest and urged Roach into a canter. He departed from the beaten path and took off in the same general direction the creature had been headed. “It hasn’t even been three full fucking weeks yet. Fuck.”

Hello, Jaskier! I’m a friend of Etheid’s, the dragon introduced herself. The draconic method of telepathic communication still bothered the bard a little but the blue dragon’s voice seemed more sing-song than Etheid’s had been. Certainly more feminine. Call me Lythos, or Lyth for short. 

“Nice to meet you, Lythos,” Jaskier muttered, clenching his eyes shut tightly. “Let’s talk more when we’re on solid ground, yeah?”

Afraid of heights, bardling?

“Just a smidgen of a little bit.”

Worry not, we’re nearly to my tower.

“Another tower?”

Whatever happened to talking on solid ground?

“I’ve been kidnapped by two dragons in one month. I’m curious.”

I doubt this will be the last time you’re kidnapped by a dragon, either. Not until one of my brethren gives up during their turn or loses the bet.

“Their turn? What bet?! What are you talking about?”

I will explain the situation to you more fully when we land. There is much to be discussed. Many things to plan. Many rules to be determined and recorded for the others. 

Jaskier sighed, glad he’d left his lute tied to Roach’s saddlebags today, and let himself be carried off to yet another strange adventure. “So you guys are just going to keep swooping in and stealing me away like this because it’s fun?”

Yes. And because Borch said that you and Geralt are kind-hearted and friendly mortals. We dragons don’t meet many such humans in our travels; we’d like to reward you somehow.

“So you’re rewarding me by kidnapping me?”

That’s why we included the second part of the deal, with the elaborately designed outfits. It’s not just because we enjoy collecting treasures from all over the Continent and squirreling them away to play with later; it’s also our form of payment to you. If you’re dressed from head to toe in silk and gold when Geralt rescues you then there’s no time to stop and take those items off before you ‘escape’. You can keep them or sell them; anything you are given by one of us should be considered payment for services rendered.

“And the service that Geralt and I are providing is...entertainment?”

Correct. It would be unfair to use up so much of a Witcher’s time without paying him.

“You’d be surprised how many people do that, actually,” Jaskier griped. “Village after village, turning him away without payment just because he’s a mutant and a freak. It’s horrible!”

Now you understand why my kin are so desperate for something good in the world. The love between you and Geralt is pure and strong, that is the other reason we chose the two of you.

Jaskier blushed. “We’re just a couple of flimsy mortals that happened to bump into each other and get along. Most of the time. It’s a very human thing to do. There are other couples in need of some emotional urging, if you’re looking to orchestrate a romance.”

No, we wish only to further yours. Now, would you care to look through the clothes I’ve gathered? We have at least another day before your Witcher finds us. 

“Less than a day if he chooses not to pause for meditation, the fool.”

He will not risk losing you, Lythos sighed happily. I checked in on him earlier; he is meditating and gathering his strength. He has admitted his love for you now and is determined to prove himself. How dreamy.

“That is absolutely precious! Ugh, I love him so much.” 

Then let us make you lovely, so that when he arrives he is doubly excited to see you.

“I can’t argue with that logic. Not from such an ancient and wise creature.”

Flattery gets you everywhere, bard, Lythos teased. She huffed out a thin cloud of steam and Jaskier chuckled in return. 

“I know.”

---

“Are you kidding me?”

Absolutely not, the dragon shook its snout. Try them on. Unless you don’t like it, of course; I have other options, too.

“No, it’s all very lovely. It’s just...I get to keep them?”

Of course. I don���t want to make you change your clothes in the middle of Geralt’s daring rescue. That would totally ruin the romance!

“I suppose that would be rather odd. Even Geralt might catch on to something like that.” Jaskier held clothes the dragon had preferred in his hands, glancing once more at the suggested shirt. “What exactly is this supposed to be?”

It’s a tunic, of course. What else could it possibly be?

The bard gesticulated towards the dragon, holding the apparent tunic out for inspection as if he was shocked or surprised by Lyth’s choice. “It’s completely sheer!”

Yes, and it will make you look so very delicate, Lythos urged. Just try it on with the pants. Just once. You can change if you don’t like it, like I said. There’s a whole closet of costumery at your disposal, Jaskier.

The bard sighed and pulled the pants on first. They were made of a deep, peacock blue silk and hugged him in all the right places. He turned back and forth, observing their fit in the full-length mirror Lythos had provided. His legs were defined but the material wasn’t overly tight; it hadn’t bunched up near his thighs or ass like silk of this kind usually did. “Were these tailored to fit me?”

Yes, they were. 

“How? I’ve only been here for a few hours and you pulled these directly from the armoire!”

Etheid passed along your measurements to the rest of us so that we could better prepare.

“Right, of course. Dragons. Bets. All that fun stuff,” the bard sighed. He tugged the gossamer shirt down over his head and tucked it neatly into the waistband of his high-waisted trousers. Jaskier glanced towards the mirror again and discovered that he looked...he looked amazing. 

The shirt had been designed with a low, swooping neckline that revealed both his collarbones and a good portion of his chest. The thin, almost translucent white material left whatever the shirt did cover still almost entirely visible. When he blushed it could be rather obviously traced all the way down to his mid-chest. The giddy bard mussed his hair a little and did his best pouting ‘rescue me’ face; oh yes, that’s the way to do it. 

Jaskier looked downright sinful. 

“You are absolutely brilliant, Lythos! Geralt is going to lose his mind when he sees me in this ensemble.”

So you’ll wear it?

“This particular outfit is my new favorite. I’ll have to wait until the next dragon shows up before we can turn a profit from this whole bard-napping melodrama venture.”

There is always the jewelry. I can give you a few extra pieces to sell since you love the clothes so much; I have too much of the stuff sitting around and collecting dust anyway.

“Would you like it if I let you choose all my jewelry? I’m afraid I tend to go a bit overboard.”

Yes, yes! The dragon huffed happily, filling the space briefly with a cloud of steam. I have temporary earrings and bracelets and necklaces. I even have anklets if you so desire. 

“Goody!” the bard rejoiced. “I love anklets! I never have good enough reason to wear them, though. This will be lovely. Do you mind if I roll the pants up to my knees? Geralt does so love the sight of my bare skin. I think it would drive him absolutely mad if we showed a little ankle for the Witcher.”

Please do whatever you see fit, my friend, Lythos insisted. You must sparkle for your White Wolf. You must look the part of the treasure he seeks to find!

“Ah, so I’m a treasure this time instead of a damsel?”

Hmm, yes. I think that makes it more interesting. What kind of treasure would you like to be?

“Geralt’s,” the bard breathed dreamily. The large, winged reptile rolled her eyes and huffed again.

Duh, that’s the point. I meant like...pirate treasure? A king’s treasure? I’ve never done roleplay before. Mostly just burning down the houses of rude nobles and kidnapping some princesses upon request. I’m not incredibly familiar with human treasure.

“Oh! I could be your hoard!”

You’re brilliant! Of course! This will be so fun. What if you laid in my tail when Geralt arrived? Like I was guarding you?

“Well then how would he get me away without hurting you?”

I could make him give a speech? Woo you away from me with your words?

“Oh, that’s very clever. Very dramatic. I love it!”

We do make a good team, I think.

“Do you have any makeup? This look would be excellent with some eyeliner.”

You are definitely as entertaining and fun as Etheid promised. I’m sure that Aramaris will enjoy you just as much.

“Wait, who’s Aramaris?”

They chose the next lot after me. Then, after Aramaris has their turn, Vertos would like a chance to partake. 

“Hold on a minute. There’s a waiting list of dragons who want to kidnap me?”

And see Geralt come running to your aid, yes. It is rather sweet to watch and we are all very bored. We’re going to see who can make you the prettiest and get Geralt the most worked up. 

“So this is just a game to you?”

As I said before, it is both a game and a legitimate matchmaking endeavor. Additionally, we’re compensating you for your time and trouble.

“I suppose,” Jaskier agreed. “Plus this outfit is absolutely to die for.”

Yes, and now to the makeup!

---

Geralt was very confused and very tired. He had tracked the dragon through the woods to yet another ancient, dilapidated tower. Jaskier was hidden at the top, no doubt, probably terrified out of his mind. This was the second dragon to capture his idiot bard in a fucking month, though the first time had been extremely unorthodox. Just plain odd, really, considering Geralt’s previous experiences. 

Oh well, nothing he could do now except climb the tower and rescue Jaskier.

---

Jaskier was waiting for his Witcher to arrive while reclining within the coil of Lythos’s enormous blue tail His pants were only a half-shade brighter than her scales and the contrast was remarkably artistic (perhaps by design). The bard was barefoot and his pants were rolled up to just below the knee. Lyth had insisted on decking him out in lots of jewelry since Jaskier was to be her supposed hoard. It will be more realistic and believable if you’re dripping with silver and sapphires, bard. He found himself unable to argue with her logic once again.

Jaskier had a handful of thin silver bands around one ankle, a silver cuff around his left wrist, and another bejeweled cuff at the top of his left bicep, beneath the shirt. Lythos had added a thin silver chain around his neck, which fell to just above his chest hair and ended with a teardrop shaped sapphire pendant. Some kind of crushed gemstone powder had been dusted atop his collarbones and into his hair, making him seem to sparkle in the midday sun. He’d added a light, smudged layer of kohl around his eyes to widen and darken them like he had once at court. The dragon had also demanded that he slide several rings of various styles and sizes onto his long, tapered fingers. It will draw his attention to your hands, she explained. You will thank me tonight, I’m sure.

That suggestion had Jaskier blushing brightly and Lythos had nearly snorted fire from laughing so hard at the young man’s reaction. 

Here he comes! She announced, bringing Jaskier’s back to the present. His blue eyes fixated on the thick wooden door that led from the chamber where Lythos lay curled and ‘guarding’ him to the bedchamber where he’d stayed the last two nights. Very shortly after her announcement there was a determined grunt, a heavy thud, and the door crashed open to reveal Geralt. 

The Witcher was breathing heavily and his nostrils were flared but he wasn’t wearing his armor. He hadn’t been wearing it last time, either, and Jaskier wondered if he was already onto their little charade. “You know I won’t win if we battle,” Geralt admitted, staring across the room at the lounging dragon.

His eyes flickered to Jaskier for a moment, widened when they took in the bard’s appearance, and then returned to staring down the monster. 

I don’t intend to fight you, Witcher, Lythos said, projecting her bored words into both of their minds. Jaskier knew that she was faking the cold disinterest but his heart still picked up speed when one of her large claws hooked beneath his chin and raised him into a slightly taller sitting position. Though I suspect that you’ve come to take back my newest treasure and I am loathe to let it go so soon.

The Witcher nodded, unable to form words. He was nervous for the life of his bard but he was also slightly distracted by the way Jaskier was being forced to arch his neck and tilt his head that way. The bard looked so fucking breakable and soft, surrounded by scales and held partially aloft by such a strong and pointed appendage. His eyes were wide and completely focused on the Witcher, his own peril seemingly irrelevant even as he gasped against the scraping claw. Geralt shook his head to clear it and narrowed his eyes even more. “Don’t hurt him.”

It’s my treasure, Lythos hummed dismissively. I will do with the human lad as I please. Go away, Witcher, and leave us to play.

“He’s not a toy,” Geralt growled. He reached for his sword and cursed when his hand swiped through empty air. He knew bringing a weapon up so many flights of stairs was pointless but he still should have kept it on him for safety. Jaskier made a gentle, nervous noise and the Wicher flinched. “Please don’t hurt him!”

You would barter for the human? For his safe return?

“Take me instead,” Geralt offered. He held his hands up in surrender and took a slow step forward. Lythos lowered Jaskier back down to his lazily reclined position and raised her scaly brow. The bard was shocked; he hadn’t been expecting the Witcher to do something so drastic right away. He’d anticipated some kind of argument first.

You would sacrifice yourself for him? Trade yourself to me in order to save him?

“Of course,” the Witcher scoffed. Lythos could hear his slow heartbeat starting to accelerate. “I love him. I’d do anything for him.”

Hmm. Little treasure, what do you think?

“I can’t let him do that for me. He’s a Witcher, I am merely a traveling bard. The world has more need for him than it does for me.”

“Jaskier,” Geralt half-whimpered. A pleading tone bled into his words as he took another step forward, this time towards the bard, “You foolish man. I know you. You’d grow bored here. You’d grow antsy to travel. You’d try to escape and you’d get yourself hurt or killed or...”

I protect what is mine, the dragon interrupted. He will be safe here. I will keep him happy and entertained.

“Please,” the Witcher sighed. He dropped to his knees and bowed his head forward, white hair falling in a curtain around his ridiculously attractive face. “Jaskier was the first good thing Destiny ever did for me. I can’t lose him.”

I have seen into your heart and know these feelings to be true, Lythos intoned. She spoke as if she was making a very difficult decision and not sticking to a vague pre-determined script. You may take the bard and go, but you must hurry. I may change my mind.

Jaskier clambered out from between the coils of her massive tail and allowed Geralt to sweep him up into those strong, stable arms. He clung to the Witcher’s neck and buried his face to hide his smile. Lythos said her final goodbye to the bard alone; I hope my kin treat you fairly. If they do not, let me know, and I shall take care of it. Thank you for the lovely time.

“Thank YOU,” Jaskier mouthed. 

And then they began to descend the winding tower staircase.

---

“I hope I never see another dragon again in my life except for maybe Borch,” Geralt panted, urging Roach into a slightly faster canter.

“Yeah,” Jaskier said, smiling a little to himself. “Running into another dragon so soon after two nearly identical kidnappings would be very strange.”

[chilling-seavey]

idk if you've already been asked this one, but a blurb of Daniel proposing to Avalon? (i loved the first date one! <3)

Emma. You cured my burnout. I stayed up late to write this because it inspired me so. I thank you with every part of my heart omghgh

A/N To anyone reading this, please let me know if you want to be added or removed to my qtvtp series taglist! :)

February 14, 2019

Avalon honestly forgot it was Valentine’s Day until she walked into the kitchen to find two dozen roses on the island framed in three mustard yellow and navy blue Louis shopping bags and Daniel standing behind the spread with a cocky smirk and a mug of coffee in hand.

He took a sip, raising a casual eyebrow to her, “Morning, honey.”

Avalon scoffed with a tired smile at the over-the-top surprise and shuffled over to him to kiss him good morning. The feeling of his lips on hers had her smiling ever wider and she slid her arms around his middle and rested her cheek against his shoulder.

“Happy Valentine’s Day.” Daniel whispered, scratching his fingertips gently across her back with the hand that wasn’t holding his cup of coffee.

“Happy Valentine’s Day, baby.” Avalon smiled sweetly, leaning up to kiss him again.

They lingered there a moment before Daniel was stepping back, “I’m late for work. I’ll be home in good time tonight, okay? We have reservations for an early dinner at 5 at BOA.”

He kissed her again.

“What about these bags?” Avalon asked.

“Open ‘em. Pick something to wear tonight.” Daniel said with a smile, kissing her again before he was tossing back the rest of his coffee and set the empty mug in the sink.

Avalon shuffled shyly over to the spread on the counter and peeked into one of the large bags as Daniel got his shoes on and his keys from the bowl by the door. She watched him gather his things before he was at her side again, pulling her close by her waist, and left her with a strong kiss to her lips.

“I love you.” he said, barely waiting for her answer as he headed for the door.

“I love you!” Avalon called after him just as the front door closed behind him.

She stood in silence for a moment, still having yet to have even woken up all the way, and sighed. She picked up the heavy bouquet of red roses and gave them a good sniff before taking them with her to find a vase from under the sink. The clothing bags sat waiting on the counter as she trimmed each flower stem and set them neatly in the glass vase, her patience more impressive than her curiosity. She always liked flowers. She could do without expensive clothes.

Even still, in the quiet of the house, Avalon took the bags to the master bedroom and set them on the desk in the corner. She straightened out the white sheets over the king size bed and made it up with the few decorative pillows before staring to open her gift. Two dinner dresses were pulled from one bag and draped over the end of the bed: one white with a black collar and one red with a white bodice. The second bag held a pair of black pumps and a black clutch purse. The smallest bag held two different sets of jewelry – a necklace and earrings – one set in silver and one set in rose gold.

Avalon admired the silver set and tilted the box slightly to watch how the morning sun glittered over the diamonds through the glass doors. She snapped the lid shut and set it down on the bed with the rest of the items. A price tag was left behind on the red dress and the number $5,050.00 stared up at her. She exhaled deeply and flipped the tag over so she didn’t have to look at it.

She hated when people bought her things – especially Daniel – because could never measure up…it made her feel like such a burden. But it was a gift and he loved to buy her things and see her in the clothes he would pick out for her so, after lunch, she got herself into the red dress.

Daniel’s smile when he came home and saw her all dolled up in the pretty things he bought her was enough to make it worth it. She was finishing up her makeup in the ensuite and he came up behind her to lean down and kiss her cheek.

“You look gorgeous, honey.”

Avalon leaned back slightly to look up at him with a soft smile, “Thank you.”

With one more kiss, he left her to finish getting ready and to tidy himself up from work. In enough time to make their reservation – Daniel was hurrying as to not be late for something for once which was a nice change for Avalon – they left the house and drove farther into the city. BOA was the most expensive steakhouse in Los Angeles and was visited by many different celebrities. Since their reservation was so early – the sun had yet to set even – they beat the paparazzi to the doors which was a relief and Daniel passed the keys to the valet and led his girlfriend inside without trouble.

They ate together in the dim romantic lighting of the steakhouse, hands brushing from across the table and as they eventually waited for their dessert, Daniel traced the curves of her hand with his finger. She just stared at him; his fading blonde dye admits the roots of brown, his collarbones that peaked out of the top of his unbuttoned collared shirt below the white tee he had underneath, and the perfect cupid’s bow that made up his lips. He was that most beautiful thing she ever saw.

They shared a dessert and Daniel paid the bill – with a generous tip – and they were out of the restaurant and in the car just as the sun was starting to dip behind the buildings of the city.

Avalon leaned over the centre console to kiss him, “Thank you for dinner.”

“Of course.” Daniel smiled at her as they did up their seat belts. “But I have one more Valentine’s Day surprise.”

“Oh God. Alright.” Avalon chuckled.

“The beach?”

“I’d love that.” she grinned. She always loved the beach. Daniel knew this about her well.

They drove the few minutes away to the shore hand in hand, soft music playing through the radio as the past the bustling city streets and plentiful other couples enjoying the early hours of the evening together. Daniel found a parking spot just a bit away from Santa Monica Pier and turned off the car.

“It’s a surprise so I have to blindfold you.” he said.

“Oo. Okay.” Avalon giggled.

Daniel opened the glove box, chuckling at her little lip bite, and pulled out a silk blindfold. She helped him carefully pull it down over her nicely done hair and set it over her eyes. When he kissed her and she startled, he knew it was doing its job.

He got out of the car and hurried around the other side before opening her door for her and helped her step out on the pavement.

“My heels won’t walk well in sand.” Avalon said hesitantly as she balanced herself on his arm.

“Step out. I brought you flats.” Daniel instructed, bending down to help her change her shoes quickly.

“My prince charming.” Avalon teased.

He only chuckled, keeping steady so she could hold her hands on his shoulders while he slid her feet into the black flats instead. The heels were tossed onto the floor of the Tesla and then the door was closed. She was blind to her surroundings but Daniel silently greeted the little camera crew and photographer who were hired to meet them there for that exact time and he started to lead her out of the parking lot and onto the sand.

“I’m nervous.” Avalon whispered and she clung a bit tighter onto Daniel’s arm with both hands.

“Nothing to be nervous about, Aves.” Daniel replied softly, walking slowly to let the camera crew could tuck a microphone in his back pocket of his black jeans just so the audio could be picked up more easily.

When the set up came into view was when his nerves started to set in a little but he only lifted her hand to his mouth and kissed her soft skin. She leaned into him as they walked.

The sun was setting almost to the horizon which cast a beautiful romantic orange glow over the sand and illuminated in perfect shadows the seven large black letters that spelt out Marry Me at the end of a makeshift aisle framed in rose pedals and plentiful candles. A few strangers stood a ways off to watch, some with their phones out to record the scene, but the only sound was the gentle crashing of waves on the shore. Daniel and Avalon fell to a stop at the front of the little aisle.

“Trust me?” he asked against her ear.

She nodded.

“Okay.” he took his arm from her and moved away a few steps so he was standing at the end of the aisle, right in front of the letters. “You can look.”

Avalon hesitated a moment but she reached for her blindfold and carefully pulled it off. Daniel took a deep breath as her eyes adjusted to the light and she processed what she was looking at. Her mouth fell open but also broke into a little smile, hands reaching to cover her grin in surprise.

“Come here, honey.” he called softly, holding out a hand to her.

Avalon walked slowly towards him, taking in the rose petals and twinkling candles and the setting sun over the ocean behind them. It was beautiful. The gentle breeze from the water ruffled her hair and the angle at which she stood had the sun making her cheeks glow rosy and sparkled in her brown eyes. It felt like he was falling for her all over again; that same nervous gleeful uncertainty that filled his heart on their very first date.

“Avalon Rose,” Daniel whispered, sliding his fingers into hers and brought her hands up to kiss tenderly as he stared longingly into her eyes, “my one true love. You have shown me what living is…what commitment is…what love is…and endless other lessons that I thought I already knew before I met you. Truth is, I didn’t know anything before you…my story starts with you and I want it to end with you. You’re my world, my therapist, my cuddle buddy, my tone deaf music connoisseur, my partner in crime, my true love, my forever, and my always.”

Avalon’s bottom lip trembled as she listened to his whispered words of adoration, staring into his light eyes like she had every single day before that. He was home to her.

Daniel dropped one of her hands to reach into his pocket and pulled out a Tiffany’s blue box. He opened it as he got down on one knee, revealing the impressively sized pear shape diamond ring that sparkled in the evening sun.

“You’re it for me, Ava. You’re my entire future, baby. I can’t see life with anyone but you by my side. Will you marry me?”

“Yeah.” Avalon breathed without even a second of hesitation, nodding quickly, “Yeah, of course, Daniel.”

He stood up as she pulled him in for a kiss and he wrapped her arm in his arms and lifted her off the sand as the people nearby applauded. She smiled shyly into his neck as he set her back on her feet and he only beamed with pride as he slid the ring on her finger.

“Beautiful.” Daniel whispered, tucking her hand in his to kiss her fingers and then dipped down to kiss her lips, “You’re beautiful.”

“I love you.” Avalon breathed, pulling him in to keep his lips on hers for a few more lingering kisses.

“I love you.” Daniel replied easily, wrapping her up close again. “I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you.”

Tag List: @jonahlovescoffee @randomlimelightxxx @stuffofseaveyy @hopinglimelight @tempus-ut-luceant @br4nd1s @xkelsev @hiya-its-amber @the-girl-who-cried-wolf @bessonbae

[tweedlydumbtweedlydoo]

Off Limits (Spencer Reid) #17

A/N: This is the last official chapter of Off Limits!! The next will be the epilogue. I wanted to drag out the story a little more but I thought it would be good to end it here. 

I can not thank you guys enough for all the love and support of this fanfic. I love each and every one of you! 

Be on the lookout!!! In the next couple of days, I will be posting the first chapter of a Spencer Reid Mini Series (thinking 3 or 5 parts). As well as some Spencer Reid and Derek Morgan Imagines. If you would like to request one, you go right ahead! Send me who you would like with a plot and I will do my best to fit your needs. 

Off Limits Masterlist

Tag List: @on-my-way-to-erebor​ , @haileymorelikestupid​ , @angryknightstatesmantrash​

NOT MY GIF

*******************************************************************************************

Ava laid awake that night, her mind drifting to the woman on the telephone asking for Spencer. She knew Spencer. He wouldn’t do something to destroy their relationship. Ava didn’t have the best luck with men in her life. So, she had trust issues. Spencer knew that and had promised from the beginning he’d never hurt her in that way. Spencer had changed her thoughts on men. He shown her not all men are assholes and that there are still good ones out in the world.

She glances over at his sleeping figure. She can see the soft rise and fall of his chest. She sighs softly before turning over on her side, putting her thoughts aside, she drifts to sleep.

~

The next morning, when Ava arrived to the BAU, Penelope had greeted her at the door, “Hey girlie, what are your plans today after work?” She linked her arm with Ava’s.

“Um, I’m not sure.” Ava shrugs, “I have to pick up Matthew from daycare and then I guess I’ll go home.” She looks at Penelope questionably, “Why?”

Penelope shrugs, “I’m in need of a girl’s day! Or evening for that matter. I need to get my nails done and wanted to do some shopping. Care to join?”

Ava raises an eyebrow, “Will there be wine involved?”

Penelope laughs, “yes my sweet friend. We can get dinner and have one or a few glasses of wine.”

Ava nods, “I will definitely join.”

~

The woman at the jewelry store had called to tell him the ring was ready to be picked up, so now it was time to plan how that night would go. Penelope was to take care of Ava this evening, while he planned the most important evening of his life with Emily and JJ. He had to admit, he was already nervous just planning. If he was nervous only planning the evening out, how would he be in that one moment?

~

Ava and Penelope sat at a restaurant inside the mall. They’d got their nails done then went shopping. Penelope found her a few shirts and such and then had talked Ava into buying this beautiful red dress. She’d spotted it in the window and Penelope dragged her into the store to try it on. It had fit her perfectly and she loved it. It was the first time she’d tried on something and felt beautiful after having Matthew. However, she did not love that price. Penelope talked her into it, saying it could be a treat yourself gift after having Matthew. Ava agreed, nodding with a “Treat yourself!” She knew if Spencer found out how much she’d spent on the dress, he’d probably faint. One needs to splurge every once and a while though.  

Ava handed the waiter her menu and he walked off to put in their order.

“Penelope, something’s been bothering me.”

“What is it? Tell me about it!” Penelope takes a sip of her wine and leans against the table.

Ava sighs, “Spencer was in the shower the other day and he received a call from a number I didn’t recognize. So, I answered, just incase it had something to do with his mother and a young woman came over the phone, asking for Spencer by his first name. When I told her who I was she quickly ended the call, saying she had the wrong number.”

Penelope raises an eyebrow, taking another sip of her wine, “Did you ask Spencer about it?”

Ava shakes her head, “I didn’t want to start anything. We’ve been pretty rocky recently.”

Penelope waves her hand, “I’m sure it’s nothing. It’s Spencer. I mean he’s completely head over heels in love with you.”

Ava takes a sip of her wine. Maybe Penelope was right. She really didn’t have anything to worry about.

~

Ava stood in front of the bathroom mirror, taking off her makeup, when Spencer walked in and looped his arms around her waist, resting his chin on her shoulder, “Let’s go out this weekend.”

She looks at him through the reflection of the mirror, “yeah?”

He nods, kissing her shoulder, “We deserve a night to ourselves. We can get all dressed up. I’ll make reservation somewhere.”

She smiles and leans back into him, “Gives me a chance to wear what I bought today then.”

He gives her a squeeze, “It’s a date then.”

She turns around and wraps her arms around his neck, “You’re something else, you know that Dr. Reid?”

He chuckles, planting a kiss on her nose, “I try.”

~

Penelope had offered to watch Matthew for them. She’d come over and Spencer was going through all the details of caring for him. Fixing his bottle, how much to feed him, when to feed him, where everything was, such as diapers and wipes.

Spencer glanced at the bedroom door where you were getting ready and looked back at Penelope, “Everything is all set for tonight?” He whispers.

She smiles and nods, “it’s going to be perfect.”

The bedroom door opens and the moment you walk out he’s stunned. His eyes went wide, and his jaw dropped. She’d took his breath away in that tight red dress. It hugged her body, outlining her figure. She had curled her hair and it fell neatly over her shoulders. Her face was dolled up with the perfect amount of make-up. How the hell did he get so lucky?

He looked so handsome she thought her knees would buckle. Maybe they should cancel dinner and just stay at home. In bed. All night long. It had been a little bit since she’d seen him dress up this nice. He wore a suit, black, with a white collared button down. Since Matthew had been born, Spencer had grown his hair out. It was curly and the ends barely touched his shoulders. He’d combed it back out of his eyes instead of letting it fall freely.

Ava blushed seeing Spencer’s shocked face. She glances down at her dress, hiking it up a little so it wouldn’t drag the floor as she walked over, “Is it too much?”

Spencer gulps and shakes his head, “No no. You look…” He rakes his eyes over her, “Perfect.”

“Spencer, you got a little drool on the corner of your mouth.” Penelope teased, which earned a glare from Spencer.

“Shall we go before we miss our reservation?” Ava asks.

Spencer nods, “I went over everything with Penelope. She knows what to do with Matthew and where everything is.”  

“Ok great.” Ava looks at Penelope, “Thank you so much for watching him. I promise we should be back before 10.”

“Take your time. Have fun you two!” She calls out as the two of them walk hand in hand out the door.

~

“So, where are we going?” Ava asks as he climbs into the driver seat next to her.

He smirks, starting the car, “That is a surprise.”

~

He pulled the car into the parking lot and she immediately recognized where she was. Her heart swelled at the memory. He’d brought her to the restaurant they’d went on their first official date. She bit her lip and looked at him, he just winked and got out of the car, walking to her side. He opened the door for her and held his hand out of her.

“Spencer Reid, you amaze me every day.”

He smiles and holds his arm out for her, then the two of them walk in. Instead of sitting out on the covered patio like last time, the hostess led them passed the patio to a garden area that looked over the river. The sun had just begun to set. There were café lights draped around the garden. A table big enough for just two, sat in the middle. The table was set with a white tablecloth, a vase of one rose and two tall candles sat on either side of the vase. There was a bottle of champagne in a bucket of ice. Music played softly in the background.

He led her to the table and pulled out the chair for her. “Spencer Reid.” She looked at him as he sat across from her.

“Yes, love?”

“You did not do all this for me.”

He smiles at her, reaching across the table and taking her hand in his, “You deserve a special night. You deserve the best.”

She shook her head, looking around at the garden and the view of the river, “This is breath taking. I can’t believe you did all this for me.”

He was nervous and he hoped she hadn’t noticed. He watched as she admired everything. He’d planned all this for her. He wanted the night to be perfect. And with the help of Emily and JJ, and of course Penelope, it was. His heart fluttered. This was it. This was his moment. He stood and held out his hand, “May I have this dance?”

She smiled, taking his hand, “Why of course.”

He twirled her when she stood then pulled her to him. She giggled putting her hand around his neck. The two of them slowly swayed to the music.

He brought his forehead down to hers and closed his eyes, “Ava?”

She hummed in response, pulling back a little to look at him.

“You’re the best thing that has ever happened to me. That day you walked into the BAU and I saw you, I fell for you.” He shook his head, chuckling a bit, “I knew right then you were the one. Every day after that, I fell for you even more. You have made the happiest man. You’ve given me a beautiful son. You’ve been my sunshine on the darkest days. And I want to make this forever.” He nervously gulps and pulls something out of his pocket.

Ava’s eyes filled with tears in realization at what was happening, “Spencer…”

He slowly gets down on one knee in front of her. His eyes meet hers, “Ava Camp, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?” He pops open the box.

She gasps putting her hands over her mouth in shock. She didn’t even think twice about the answer. He was her future. He was her one and only. Her forever.

“Yes! Oh my god yes!”

*******************************************************************************************

Epilogue will be posted next. 

[average-luck-charlie]

A/N; this is probably the only work I’m going to post on here, but I was very proud of this one. Word Count: 2.6k

TW: Sad/Angsty. Talks about war, although not in a lot of detail.

Edmund Pevensie - The Kings Go To War

*************************************************

'Tomorrow he’ll be gone, and I’ll be left wondering if he’d come back to me or not. Tomorrow I am going to be curled up in my bed refusing to come out. Tomorrow the whole castle will be quiet and solemn. Tomorrow the kings go to war.'

**********************************************

“Y/N? Are you alright? You haven’t been paying attention, it’s not like you.” The young king asked, as he tried to meet my gaze. 

I glanced up at him to see him staring intently at me. “I’m fine, I just have a lot on my mind.”

Instead of answering me, he started placing all the pieces on the chess board back where they belonged. We had previously been in the middle of a game, when Peter informed us about Archenland's need for help. The war between them and Calormen had been going on for a few months, and Archenland was in need of resources. Everyone had been planning and making arrangements, with no time to spare. So there sat the chess pieces, unmoved for a week in a study that went unused. 

“You always feel better after we play.” Edmund said as he placed the last pieces down. “I’ll even let you win if you want. Since you can’t do it on your own.”

I scoffed as I moved my first piece “I could beat you any day.”

He grinned as he leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees. “Game on.”

**********************************************

“Stop cheating!” I groaned as Edmund dramatically hit my king off of the table and onto the floor for the 7th time.

“I’m not cheating you are just predictable.” He said with a laugh before setting the pieces back up.

I got up, smoothing out my dress a bit as I ran my fingers along the spines of the books lining the walls. It was supposed to be Edmund's study, but he ended up turning it into his own personal library.

Once Edmund had gotten tired of my nagging about picking up the books he had taken from the real library and never returned, he decided to make shelves. It gave us something to do, and it only took about two weeks.They weren’t very tall, only about 6 feet, and they lined the top and bottom stories of the study.  A few of them had carvings on the sides, one from each of his siblings, and one from me.

Lucy’s design was the most intricate, with different  flowers, leaves, trees, and lion heads scattered among the wood. Peter’s was simple yet beautiful. He carved the Narnian crest into the sides of his. Susan carved daffodils, and suns onto hers, while Edmund refused to carve one because he said he didn’t want his own work on display in his study.

I didn’t want to carve one either, mostly because I couldn’t come up with what to carve, but also because I wasn’t a very good artist. I was very particular,and if it didn’t turn out the way I pictured I wouldn’t want it where anyone would see it. Once Edmund had pestered me about it for 5 hours straight I gave in and carved a moon, and a lake with some flowers around the edges.  I said it looked awful and asked if we could use it for firewood instead but he waved me off and put it in its spot “Oh shut up it’s great.” He had said before placing it next to the others.

I smiled softly as my fingers dragged along the books, before tracing some of the carvings. 

"Edmund?" I asked, not turning around. I knew how the conversation would turn out but I had to try one last time before he left. 

"Yeah?" 

"Couldn't I go with you and Peter?" When he didn't answer I turned towards him to see him looking at me. I assumed he would look annoyed since I had been asking him all week, but he wasn't. His eyes shined, like he was about to cry but he didn't. He just smiled sadly. "I'm a good fighter so you wouldn't have to worry about me on the battle field. I could help tend to the wounded as well, I do train with the court physician after all. Please?"  As I spoke, I moved back to my chair, leaning against the side of it.

"Y/N-" he started before I cut in again. 

"I don't even have to fight, I can just help out in the medical tent! Or I could-" 

"Y/N!" He said louder. 

I didn't bother looking at him. Suddenly my hands were very interesting because I didn't take my eyes off of them. I just sat down silently, playing with my dress, or tapping my thigh. 

"We've already been over this. You are staying here with Susan and Lucy. You guys have to take care of things here." He said again. It was the same excuse each time. 

" I want a real reason! It's not like I'm queen. Besides Susan and Lucy can handle running the kingdom on their own. If you give me a good reason. A real reason. I'll drop it." 

Silence filled the room, as Edmund ran his fingers through his hair. The only sounds that could be heard where our breathing, and Edmund's silent plea to end the conversation. When I finally looked up from my hands, he was messing with the knight piece of the chess board. After several minutes of silence, a knock came at the door. 

"Edmund, Y/N? Come downstairs, dinner is ready." Susan called out before the sound of her footsteps faded away. 

I rose out of my chair and left the room without my answer. I knew he couldn't have had a good reason, but I also knew that if he asked me to stay behind I would. If it was anyone else, I would have told them I was going whether they approved or not. With Edmund it was different. It was hard to say no to him. The amount of times we got in trouble together was astounding, and most of them were because I wouldn't say no. Not that I very much minded, since Peter, Susan and Lucy would just scold us a bit before letting us go. The whole time I was walking, I never heard his footsteps, nor did I hear him leave the study. 

When I entered the dining room alone, the others gave me questioning looks. I just stayed quiet and sat in my seat, only speaking to say thank you for the food. Lucy started talking with her siblings like normal, which was nice. She always told nice stories, and it gave me something to focus on. About 20 minutes later Edmund finally decided to show up. He apologized for being late, and when he was asked why he just said "I was taking care of something." 

The whole room felt apprehensive. I couldn't tell if it was because of the war the next day or if it was because of the tension between Edmund and I. Either way it was uncomfortable. Lucy tried to be her usual happy self, but you could tell her heart wasn't truly in the stories. I finished before the others, but that's only because I hadn't eaten very much. I had lost my appetite, and spent most of the dinner pushing the food around the plate. Deciding against staying, I excused myself and headed up to my room. 

My room wasn't anything grand, but it was very pleasant. There was a desk against one wall, with papers and ink.  Next to it was a small bookshelf. On the opposite wall there was a vanity with different drawers for makeup, and brushes among other things. There was a small box on top for jewelry. On the same wall was a wardrobe with different dresses and shirts inside. There was a queen sized bed, neatly made, with a nightstand on one side. At the far end of the room was a door that lead to the washroom. It was the same as every other guest room in terms of furniture. It was smaller compared to the bedrooms of the kings and queens, but I didn't mind. After all I was just a friend of the royal family. I didn't actually have any status. 

Once I had entered my room, and shut the heavy wooden doors behind me, I moved to stand in front of the open window. Directly below was the training grounds, and straight out was open fields of green. Spring was one of the nicest times in Narnia. All of the flowers were blooming, beautiful cherry blossom and apple trees were growing. The ground was soft, green, and dewy in the mornings. The sky was always a bright blue, with little clouds in the sky, but it stayed rather warm. The only differences between Spring and Summer in Narnia were the types of plants that grew, and the temperature. In summer it got hot, but not unbearably so. In spring though it was still rather cool, especially in the mornings but warmed up nicely by the afternoon. Spring was one of my favorite times of year. 

I spent a few minutes just looking outside, but eventually went to the washroom to take a quick bath. I didn't take very long, only about 15 minutes. I only really needed to wash my hair, but I figured a full bath couldn't hurt. I got out and changed into a green tunic, that I had stolen from Edmund, and a pair of brown pants. It was getting late and I normally slept in a shirt anyway, so I figured there was no reason to put on a dress again. While sitting at the vanity and untangling my hair, I heard a knock at the door. 

"Come In!" I called out as I brushed out the ends of my hair. The big doors swung open, and Edmund walked into the room, shutting them behind him. I glanced to see who it was before turning back to the mirror. "Have you come to tell me I can go?" I asked hopefully. 

"No. Actually I came to give you my reason." He said as I turned to face him. "You said if I gave you a good reason you would stop asking to go right?" 

I nodded, finally giving him my full attention. He sat on the end of the bed leaning back slightly on his hands. He looked tired, not like he hadn't slept, but like he had done too much. 

"Nevermind" I said with a sigh as I moved to sit next to him. "I don't need a reason. If you want me to stay behind and help here.....I will." I felt guilty giving him another thing to worry about. With all the plans, and having to go to war, he didn't need me causing anymore stress. It was going to be just as hard on him if not more so, he was leaving his sisters behind as well. 

He smiled at me, before laying all the way back, his hands resting behind his head. "Thank you." 

"I do have one condition though." I said, earning a confused look from him. "You do everything you can to come home. I want you and Peter home in one piece. So don't do anything stupid, although that might be hard for you." I said with a grin, as Edmund started laughing. 

"I promise." He said 

"One more thing?" I asked as he rolled his eyes. "I get to stay with you tonight. Seeing as how you are going to be gone for a long while." 

"I don't know... that might be asking too much.” He said with a grin before lying all the way back on the bed. 

“I’ll miss you.... you know that right?” I said quietly as I kept my gaze on the floor “You’re my best friend and I-��

“Will you stop talking like I’m not coming back? I already promised I’d come back to you and that I would drag Peter with me.” Edmund said cutting me off. His breathing was calm, and his voice was level.

I glanced back at him and noticed his eyes were closed. His soft brown curls fell into his face, and he had a small smile on his face. He looked peaceful and happy.

How can he be happy? He’s going to war tomorrow for who knows how long. Why is he smiling?

“How can you do that?” I whispered, as I shifted my gaze to my hands shakily playing with the hem of my shirt.

“Hmm?” He mumbled, as I felt him moving a bit on the bed.

“How can you be smiling!? How can you lay there and act like this doesn’t bother you. YOU ARE GOING TO WAR! People are going to die Edmund, lots of them! You are leaving me behind to go fight a war and I’m gonna be STUCK HERE DOING NOTHING, WAITING TO FIND OUT IF YOU ARE GONNA BREAK YOUR PROMISE! HOW CAN YOU NOT BE WORRIED OR UPSET OR ANYTHING!?” I shouted as tears poured down my cheeks and rained onto my clenched fists.

Silence.... not a word was said, just quiet. I couldn’t hear anything over the sounds of my sobs, and my breathing getting heavier. My chest started to burn and ache as I dug my nails into the palms of my hands. The birds weren’t chirping, the wind wasn’t whistling, the sea wasn’t singing. It’s like everything could tell there wasn’t anything to be happy or cheerful about. 

Edmunds calloused hands softly cupped my cheeks, as his thumbs brushed away some of the tears. Carefully he slid a hand to the back of my head, and the other down to my waist before pulling me down to lay on top of him. He didn’t speak, he just let me sob into his shoulder as his fingers wove in and out of my hair, and his thumb traced circles on my back.

I don’t know how long we laid there, but it felt like forever. I eventually calmed down enough to stop crying, and for my breathing to even out. I didn’t try to get up, and neither did Edmund. We just laid there.

“It does bother me you know. I have to watch Peter and the Narnian’s fight, and I am going to see my friends die. I’m going to be away from you, and away from Susan and Lucy. It’s not easy for me either.” He said finally breaking the silence. His voice was quiet and a little raspy, but he never raised it to its normal level. It was like he was worried someone would hear him. “If I said I was scared what kind of example would that be? People are looking for me to lead them, they don’t want a coward they want a leader. If Susan and Lucy saw me scared, they’d just be more worried when I left. I have to be strong for them. For all of them.”

It was quiet and it was brief, but I heard it clearly. His voice cracked. I realized too late why he didn’t raise his voice, and why his hand stayed on the back of my head. Why he kept me facing away from him.

He was crying.

“Being scared doesn’t make you a coward. It makes you human. Anyone who isn’t scared to fight a war is either a liar or doesn’t care about living.” I whispered as I tightened my grip around his waist. “I’ll be strong for you Ed I promise. I’ll look after Susan and Lucy. You don’t have to worry about them. Just focus on winning okay? Focus on coming home.”

“Thank you”

[love-msj]

You Sent Me Flying

INVOLVED: Mercedes Jones & Samuel Evans TIME FRAME: Saturday, February 23rd, 2021 LOCATION: -: New York City, New York NOTES: Valentine’s Day. 

Mercedes eyed her phone as she typed out a response to her assistant, she tried to stay as still as possible as the woman before her completed her makeup for the night. She almost opted out of this event, for obvious reasons but at the last minute she chose to attend it. She was a highly requested guest, which wasn’t a shock, however she had caught wind and a usually invite for one turned into an invite for two. This would be their first public appearance as a supposed couple in the NYC high fashion nightlife. She was scared as hell even if she didn’t show it, her heart had been pounding her chest all day. However part of her felt that this would be a great practice run, right? Or they possible end up looking dumb ass hell in front of four maybe five hundred different notable celebrities and people alike. Exhaling softly she looked up at herself in the mirror and then towards the double doors that lead into another extended part of their Presidential Suite at the Pierre, Taj Hotel where Samuel occupied its space. 

Samuel sat awkwardly in the director’s chair. "Can we?" He said, turning the chair so he could see his profile in the mirror.  The barber worked effortlessly to shape his stringy mass of blond locks into something respectable. They wanted it all off. He wanted a half an inch trim.  They compromised and landed as something just to his broad shoulders. A win for both sides by his reckoning. Now he sat stiffly backed, as the stylist moussed his hair, placing it into a low man bun. Satisfied with his reflection. “Thank you.” He grinned kindly as he got to his feet, nervously rubbing his hand down his sides. "Umm.." He offered his hand to the stylist, a show of gratitude, wondering if a tip was in order.  "You're welcome the barber said with a flamboyant giggle.  Pointing Samuel to the bed, his clothes were neatly arranged for him. "Did you need anything else?" The barber asked, with a long thirsty look. Samuel shook his head no.  Moving over to the bed, he looked down at the suit, eyebrows raised. “This is mine? I mean for me-” He questioned as if there was a mistake.  The barber and his assistant's puzzled nods answered his question.  Without waiting for the audible confirmation, the blurted out another “Thank you.  Then waited on the room to clear so he could get dressed.

Mercedes looked away from the door, her eyes balls themselves the only thing moving as she looked back down at her phone. She hoped that watching the child wouldn’t prove to be too much for her assistant but so far so good. She trusted the woman, it was the child she feared. The thought made her smirk widely “sorry” she said quickly to the woman as she straightened up. Hopefully she didn’t give the young girl a run for her money, and with that she locked her phone and looked up again at her hairstylist began to style her hair, for them they chose something big. Loose curls and extremely full hair, which was a change from her usual silk straight hair styles she pushed for or even her usual bob. She looked at her nails, her eyes taking in the engagement ring that had finally come in. her hands were almost unrecognizable with it on, it left her feeling a series of emotions all the time and she didn’t know why. Maybe because it wasn’t real.

Samuel took his phone from his pocket and dropped down on the bed Facetiming his sister. He fingered the suit idly waiting for the girl to answer.  “Hey! Are you at least trying to behave yourself... “ He could tell she’d just put her fist on nonexistent hips.  “I’m always good. So you asking me that question is really about you.” Samuel snorted, beginning to wonder what the hell his sister's IQ was. “Whatever… but you know the drill.  Happy V-Day and don’t stay up all night.- Nope.. I said what I said.” He countered, before she could raise the objection.  “And I don’t care if tomorrow’s a school holiday.” He added, quickly. Addy sighed scowling at the man.  “Send me a picture of Mercedes. She’s going to be the prettiest woman there.” Addy said glowing. “Will do.”  Samuel said, looking towards the closed adjoining door. “I’m jealous.  You don’t want a picture of me?” Addy rolled her eyes, “No… boy’s clothes are boring” Samuel stood, turning the phone so she could see his outfit. “Woah... “ Addy exclaimed, eyes wide. “That suit is pretty.” Samuel turned the camera back around to face himself. “You like it?” he said shocked. “You have no style Sam. God.” She said, hanging up on her brother. 

Mercedes watched the woman lightly curl and tease the wig on her head and she shifted only slightly as the makeup artist applied the red lipstick on her lips. She had another assistant on standby always, life was easier that way. When the girl walked over and showed her the shoes she had picked out the three the woman offered her a thumbs up. “I like those” she said through her teeth before she asked for the time and when the girl gave it to her she said “thanks” softly. Her makeup was applied and naturally she looked herself over in the mirror she smiled a little making sure no lipstick was on her porcelain teeth. Her pearly whites glistened and she closed her mouth, making sure she liked the work she continued to look herself over. She stayed still as her makeup artist covered her face slightly with her hands and allowed the hairstylist to spray tons of hair spray. When she was finished she curled a few pieces in the back of the woman’s head, before she allowed Mercedes to stand. Mercedes did so and they all looked her over in the mirror. She turned around to check her hair out a bit, there she stood in a strapless bar, and one too many pairs of spanx. “I like it” she told the girl softly. 

Samuel was still chuckling as he stripped off his overpriced tee shirt and jeans.  Everything was new about him, but his soul. He could take comfort in that blackened stain still being intact.  Sliding into a suit that he knew cost more than his entire neighborhood shouldn’t be easy.  But it was.  "Roses?" He mumbled, shaking his head. "I am going to look like a walking flower." He stepped into the pants, toeing into the shoes as he did.  Then pulled the shirt over his lean rippled frame.  Not eating regularly had benefits, soon he would need to put in some gym time to maintain his slender yet muscular frame. He whistled with appreciation, as he picked up the red faced watch. Now this he liked. He fastened it to his arm, admiring himself in the full length mirror. One final adjustment to  the waistband of the pants, then put on the belt. He wasn’t sure who the man in the mirror was. It was certainly someone more worldly than he would ever be.  He shook off his doubts about this whole evening as he grabbed the matching jacket. "It will be fine." He told himself… then repeated it again “There is nothing to worry about.”  

Mercedes moved over towards the gown hanging up and with the help of the young girl she began to get ready, getting into the gown. Her assistant pulled it up over her hips and she allowed to rest off Mercedes’ shoulders as it should. She zipped it up for the woman, placing her hair in front of her shoulders as she did. Once she did, she bent down and rubbed the woman’s legs down with a combination of lotion and baby oil. After that, the girl helped Mercedes into her shoes, zipping them up and tying the ties of them eloquently. When the girl was finished, Mercedes walked in the shoes towards a full length mirror, the girls were pushed up far more than she activated but hey, what could she do? She looked herself over, before her assistant walked over with thousands of dollars in jewelry, the girl placed the 100+ thousand dollar necklace on her neck, her 50+ thousand dollar studs in her ear, the matching tennis bracelet, and her watch on her wrist. The woman was dripping in millions the girl thought as she looked at the woman in the mirror. “You look stunning Mrs. Jones” she complimented just taking her in fully. Mercedes looked at the girl and hid the happiness behind her lips and eyes. “As I should right?” she asked the girl brushing her off, she had to say stuff like that it came with the territory. “I just need our invitation to the after party of the party” she said with air quotes “and my phone in my clutch” she told the girl. She picked up the almost thousand dollar bottle of perfume and sprayed her neck and then her wrist, tapping both together. “What time is it?” she asked again, “I know a photographer wants to photograph me and Samuel” she told the young girl. “Yes he’s waiting near the water fountain, security is in that area. He’s going to snap a few photos and then you guys should proceed to the party. It’s 9:15” she told her thereafter. “Okay” she said “can you see if he’s ready” she asked the girl as she moved to the sitting area where a bottle of wine sat. She needed something to take the edge off a little. 

Samuel opted for the director’s chair. Feeling a bit like a kid trying not to get dirty before church. He licked his lips idly scrolling to his YouTube feed. There had to be something worth watching. Nothing stood out to him. He rubbed at his temples, trying to massage away the tension headache that was building behind his eyes. They had pulled their ruse off once. Mercedes was a lot more convincing them him, but he’d done a respectable job. Right? His eyes moved to the adjoining door as it slid open.  He rose slowly, “Is it time to go?” he asked, putting his iPhone in his pocket. 

Mercedes’ assistant looked at the man, she looked like a totally different person. He cleaned up far better than she expected, she shook her head looking away from him and nodded sheepishly. “She’s ready to go, um, they want to take photos of you two first” she said, tucking hair behind her ear as she looked back up at him longingly before she stepped away. She rested against a wall by the door as she waited for Mercedes to return from the next room. Mercedes poured a full glass of red wine, and she downed it no less. Never really taking a break once her lips touched the glass, thank God for matte lipstick. She fixed another glass full, this time taking it down a little slower before she sat the empty glass against the table trying to calm her nerves. Once she’d inhaled and exhaled a few times, closing her eyes and really settling down. She walked away from the glass and back into the room, she brushed her dress of a little in front idly as she reentered “okay, I am actually ready now” she spoke allowed as she looked at her shoes and the dresses skirt taking them both in, as she stuck her leg out through the split. 

Samuel eyebrows rose and fell at the woman’s odd behavior. “Okay…” He said, easily striding forward. He stepped over the threshold, still puzzled by the assistant's weird behavior. That was until he saw Mercedes. His mouth went completely dry and his stomach twisted into a knot.  Addy’s words ring too loudly in his ears. The red of the dress, hid and hinted, while in places completely told a story, he’d envy any man for reading. She was an absolute goddess. He felt awkward and unworthy to be in the same room with this woman.  At the same time he wanted her more than any person he’d ever laid eyes on.

Mercedes looked up and took Samuel in, damn, he looked really good. She didn’t know how the hair thing was going to work out but she didn’t hate it, which said a lot. She took in his suit that was tailored to perfection and then took in the watch resting against his wrist. Beauty, she thought to herself. She tried not to show an obvious smile as she said “good looking” a bit playfully for her. “Uh” she said awkwardly as she looked at the young girl “my clutch” she said clearing her throat a little. “Here you are,” the girl said, rushing to hand the rose sculpted bag to her. Mercedes nodded and grabbed the bag making sure it’s chain was actually on the inside of it, she simply wanted to hold the bag as is in her hand. “Okay” she said again, looking at Samuel and gesturing with her head towards the door as she picked up some dress material walking towards the door. “You can drop everything off to my home, we will leave the other party and go straight there” she said looking back at the girl quickly before she opened the door to walk out of it. 

Samuel stood stunned in the middle of the room. Mercedes had given him a compliment he did not really hear.  She then rushed off, moving on with things like the world could continue or should be normal. “Wait…” He said, shaking himself awake.  “You look..” He tossed around the average words in his mind that couldn't and won't ever be enough.  He recalled a word from his sister’s latest vocabulary test and said it without any further hesitation. “Exquisite. Like you stepped from a dream.”  hands gesturing openly to the woman still in awe of her.

Mercedes turned to the man and she nodded her head, a silent thank you. Again, he was just saying that, they all felt compelled to do so she wasn’t stupid. Did she think she was ugly? Heavens no. But compliments hardly reached her heart. She never knew a difference from people’s truths or lies when it came to her and this business. As she walked out into the hallway, she dropped the dress and allowed it to flow making her way towards the elevator so that they could meet the photographer. 

Samuel lowered his eyes, hand rubbing at the back of his neck.  He was not sad he’d said what he had. He meant it. But Mercedes' knowing dismissal meant something. This was business.  He cleared his throat and left the suite, getting to the elevator just in time. The doors opened and, as his custom, he moved to the side, holding the door back so she could enter.

Mercedes walked in as Samuel held the door open, she picked the dress up and made sure she was fully inside before she dropped it to the ground again. She inhaled and exhaled slowly, pressing the L button moving to the side. She looked down at her clutch as she gripped in her hands, long nails sparkling under the light. She shifted on her heels as they rode the elevator down and she touched her chest delicate, resting it against the many diamonds she was sporting. 

Samuel stepped into the elevator and stood beside the woman, hand clasped in front him.  She was distracting him. How the fuck? His mouth water, as her perfume found his nose. Jesus… He needed to get a handle on himself for the love of God. For the first time a simple truth came to mind, it had been weeks since he’d gotten laid and right now, his fiancé.. Boss… business partner… was a twelve course meal, and he could eat. 

Mercedes placed some hair over her shoulder as she waited for the doors to open, watching the numbers descend as they moved downward. She looked over at the man for a moment before she looked away and shifted on her heels gently. As the doors opened she picked her dress up gently and moved out of the elevator in the direction that her assistant told her to go, to meet the photographer. When she walked out the building towards the waterfall she said “hi” to the man as he approached with his hands stretched. 

Samuel nodded to the elevator attendant, swallowing hard.  He moved behind Mercedes exiting the elevator, slipping one hand into his pocket, and rested the other on his stomach. He kept his gate at a cool, casual, pace that easily matched the short woman’s purposeful stride. She seemed so professional to him despite the softness of her appearance.   He moved up beside her as they approached the photographer, nodding to the man. 

“Hi Ms. Jones, it is a pleasure. My name is Daniel” the photographer said “and you are a special guest tonight so I was just instructed to take a couple photos of you and you plus-one” he said thoughtfully. “I thought right over here before the waterfall would be amazing” he told her with a smile. “It couldn’t possibly compare to your beauty but it will be a nice background view” he said gesturing where he wanted them to stand. 

Mercedes nodded her head at the man, releasing the dress “of course” she said to him as she moved before the waterfall. She held the clutch with both hands and she looked towards the man. She wasn't one for photos, she actually hated taking them if you asked her. But they were necessary at certain points of time, this she knew, and unlike most photos taken of her around New York in this moment she couldn’t just ignore him and let him do his ‘work’ she must engage. 

Samuel shifted but understood what it meant.  A smirk came to his lips as he moved to stand near the waterfall.  The man was correct.  The backdrop didn’t compare to her beauty but just as before she didn’t even respond to his words, just agreed and moved to stand near him. He fidgeted, but moved in just over the woman’s shoulder awkwardly, like a boy at his first prom.  Truth be told. It was.  

The man looked at the two with a raised brow as they stood there, awkwardly. He ushered them to pose “maybe you could” he said gesturing to the other man as he held the camera up looking at the two through the lens. 

Mercedes offered the man a small smile as he held the camera up, she moved closer to Samuel upon the man’s suggestion. She dropped one of her hands, holding the clutch and looking directly into the lens. Adjusting her hair she looked to the man once more as snapped several pictures of them both. 

Samuel nodded, catching on to the looks they were really after.  As Mercedes moved in closer, had no choice but to place his arm around her waist. With that he tightened his grip, looking down on the woman. He wasn’t going for love.  That would come off as fake. He went with what was nature in this moment. Lust.  

Mercedes felt Samuel’s hand and she swallowed hard, she wanted to look at him but the heat rising on her cheeks wouldn’t let her. So instead, against her wishes she actually smiled brightly, showing off her pearly white teeth for a change. And when the man told them he was done, she looked up at Samuel innocently for a moment before she looked away. “Thanks” she told the man as she pulled away from Samuel and began to walk towards the direction she knew the party was being held. Walking past a multitude of bodies, that seemingly parted the red sea for her as she made way. 

In the last moments as the camera shot away, using lust died away for Samuel.  It happened the moment Mercedes smiled.  It was genuine and bright.  The look of her all a glow, gave him a directive for the evening, keeping that smile on her face. He grinned at the photographer as if he and the man were in on some private joke. He did not rush to catch Mercedes, her short steps could not take her far.  He took her arm as she moved, parting the crowd. He slid his long finger down her perfect skin and then intertwined her fingers in her. “Slow down.” His whispered leaning close to her ear. 

Looking at him she nodded her head “I didn’t realize” she said sheepishly to him, looking away as he laced their fingers. It felt so good to be touched by a man, even if it were just a touch of the hand she thought in her mind. Or was she desperate? Walking towards the entrance of the massive ballroom, she looked around at everyone and turned to the woman standing at the door that gave her a single rose. She offered the woman a small smile as she walked into the room further, a few people watched, others took in Samuel. She for the first time felt like a fish out of water, she any other day never even saw half these people in the room. They nothing more than ass lickers, but today they were in her shoes and she in theirs. 

Samuel chuckled lightly going back to his full height.  “Is tonight business or a kind of pleasure?” He asked, raising his eyebrow. He nodded to the rose lady.  His face fell a bit, as he noted the quick glances or in most cases open stares. “From the looks on everyone's faces, I’d assume you don’t often attend these kinds of shindigs.” He said, tugging at his suit jacket. 

“A little of both, some of these events I get paid to attend, while well it is a Valentine’s Day affair” she replied back to him still looking around. “No, I don’t. Especially not with a man” Mercedes replied through her teeth and she smiled at another Fashion Mogul as she passed them by. 

“A little of both…” Samuel mouthed, nodding his head. He chuckled, looking down at the woman. “Can you drink and dance at these things or not?” He asked curiously. The idea that you could get paid to party too much was unbelievable.  “ooOh… I see.” he said remembering their conversation from before.  Not bitterly but as a simple matter of truth.  “Well,” He grinned. Lifting her arm he brought her hand to his lips and kissed the back of her hand. “Let’s give them something to talk about.” 

“Of course” Mercedes said looking at him “they expect me to be my normal self, though I guess my normal self doesn’t really dance with people that much” she said more so to herself. “People pay to ‘party’ in the same room with me” she shrugged. “Though mostly I have a few drinks then leave, I never stay longer than 15-30 minutes” she told him. As he lifted her hand and kissed it she looked up at him, trying to keep her shock and amusement at bay as she processed his statement. “How so?” she asked  curiously, as she swallowed hard. Though he’d proven his point considering the bright flashes from photographers nearby. 

Samuel eyebrows climbed as she matter of factly said, yes to his question.  Now that was some rich people shit. “Wow… Just to be in your presence.” He whistled low under his breath, gazing into her lovely hazel eyes.  He leaned in close to her ear an excuse to breathe her in, “By having a good time with your fiancé.” He stood back, and raised a challenging eyebrow at the woman. 

Mercedes smirked at him a bit, she didn’t think about it that way often she just knew people were opportunist however factually what he said was accurate. As he leaned his close she held her breath thinking he’d steal a kiss, he didn’t which she was left to decide if it felt her longing for one or happy he hadn’t. At his words she nodded slowly another smirk forming on her lips and she said “of course” back to him. She was going to need a drink or more, along with a cold shower before the night was over. 

Samuel  looked around the well dressed crowd, “Now where is the bar? Or are they bringing around drinks on trays like in the movies?” He asked, staring to move through the crowd again.  “So, My next question is can you dance or is it just a choice not to?” 

“I am sure there are servers somewhere” Mercedes replied back to him as she gazed across the way, seeing someone that was utterly revolting to her head for her and Samuel. “Choice, by choice always” she said quickly to him as she clutched his hand tightly. “Heather” she said before the woman could speak her name first, she looked her up and down and smirked. “So nice to see you out” she lied. 

Heather Radcliff approached the only woman on the planet she despised at this present time in her life. “Mercedes” she said in unison with the woman stepping in line, she chuckled a champagne glass in her hand. “I could say the same about you hermit” she said wickedly as her eyes left the woman and looked the man up and down. Taking him in “Heather Radcliff, Editor in Chief of Marie Claire magazine” she said formally introducing herself as she held her hand out “you must be Mercedes’ assistant?” she asked him next. 

Samuel grimaced in confusion, “Huh?” He asked, rubbing his thumb over the back of her hand.  As the woman came into frame, Samuel tensed. His face darkened at the set of insults that the woman managed to hurl in under five seconds. He gazed down, seizing Mercedes’ eyes with his own, while he let Heather’s hand linger in the air.  In a tone steep in southern charm, “If she asked me to be. That could be arranged.” He said,  thumb caressed the back of her hand again, and he was glad he’d chosen the one with the huge rock on it. After a moment, he reengaged the Heather woman. Smiling, he took her hand brushing a light kiss just above her knuckles. “I’m Samuel. Mercedes has graciously agreed to be my wife.” He said, letting the woman's hand fall away. 

Mercedes eyed the woman slightly as she threw a question at Samuel that made her nostrils flair and caused her to squint her eyes. When the man answered for them she loosened her grip on his hand a bit, calming down a little now though she wished to get away from the woman. Seeing a tray she took an opportunity and grabbed two glasses, offering him “here sweetie” she said lovingly with a smile before she looked back at Heather. “And your-”

“Husband is home, with our two beautiful children” Heather said without looking at the woman instead she examined Samuel a little more before she said. “Something you know nothing about” left her lips as she fixed the fabric on the woman’s shoulder before she walked off. “Enjoy your night” she said cutely as she moved towards another group of party guests. 

Samuel accepted the glass from Mercedes, with a mouthed, “thank you,” and a smile. His face dropped into an angry scowl as the woman said her last piece to Mercedes cuttingly, and walked away almost as quickly as she had arrived. “She’s a bitch.” He said, turning to look at the woman on his arm. “You okay?” He asked sincerely. 

Taking a sip from the glass in her hand Mercedes offered the woman a knowing smile, as she finished her sentence and threw another insult at her. Her eyes followed the woman as she left before she turned to Samuel “yes she is” she told him. “I’m fine, it’s nothing” she shrugged her shoulders lightly before she said “would you like to find a seat?” curiously. 

“So… Did you steal Heather’s man or something? She’s bitter.” Samuel grinned. Craning his neck a bit looking for an empty table. “Come on. I assume there are a pair of nifty little cards with your name on one of these tables.” He asked as they moved on further into the ballroom.

Mercedes chuckled, shaking her head, “hardly” she replied to him “just her job” she admitted. “I couldn’t help it, I am better at it than she is,” she told him. “She’s probably over there telling them I am lying about my engagement” she said looking back. At his words she nodded again taking another sip from her glass as she followed him. 

Samuel laughed out amused by her statement. “That’s what she gets.” He’d considered that. “No doubt.” He agreed, “It will be fine.” he offered, trying to be convincing in a way that would sound genuine.  He knew she was looking in the Heather woman's direction, it’s what all women did. He leaned over and kissed her lightly on her forehead. “We got this. “ 

As he kissed her forehead she smirked at him “okay” she said as they approached the tables, seeing a few seated guests she looked at them as they passed them by. “Mercedes!” a voice rang out happily behind the two. Mercedes turned to see the red head “hi, Pamela” she said to the woman as she approached she and Samuel. “Your seat is at my table, yours and your guest” she said looking over at Samuel taking him in. “Great” Mercedes said just playing the part at this point she found none of these people to be friends or even associates really. They all just shared the same industry. 

Samuel offered the woman a lopsided grin, raising his eyebrow in challenge to the less than believable ‘okay’. “Say it with your chest.” He said, doing a quick impressions of Kevin Hart. He covered his laughter as a new woman approached, taking a drink from the wine in his hand. The constant head to toe looks made the skin between his shoulder blades crawl.  He sighed deeply, lowering the glass, then  placed his hand in the small of Mercedes back guiding her towards their table. 

“You look amazing by the way” the woman said to Mercedes, it wasn’t a lie by any means it was the truth. “I would ask you who are you wearing, but I can just about guess that” she chuckled as she walked with the two. “Oh, pardon me, I am Pamela Nelson” she said to the tall fellow “and you are?” she asked him curiously. 

“Same as you,” Mercedes said, nodding her head at the woman though she was in fact wearing something from last season. That made Mercedes' skin crawl but she said nothing of course, that wasn’t her business after all. They made their way to the table and she smirked “Samuel Evans, my fiancé to answer your real question” she said taking a sip of wine. “Ladies, gentlemen” she said to the other people at the table as she stood before her assigned seat. “Oh please don’t stand up” she waved the people off. 

Samuel took the time as they moved to admire Mercedes. Smirking as the newcomer echoed his early comment. “Doesn’t she.” he added, taking down the rest of his wine in a final gulp.  Thinking movies were good trainers. He moved in behind Mercedes and pulled out her chair standing near it as he waited for her to take a seat. Now his nervous rose in the pit of his stomach. Short conversations in passing were one thing, but now they were cornered. Here goes nothing he thought swallowing his nerves. 

Pamela chuckled at Mercedes brushing her off “oh Mercedes you are such a jokester” she told her as she sat down next to her husband. “So, tell us everything! How did you two meet? I mean I didn’t know you were even dating you are so darn busy Miss” she said. 

Mercedes looked to the woman and smirked, though she wasn’t at all joking. She sat down and looked at Samuel with a smile “thanks” she said before she sat her glass on the table. “Well” she said with a chuckle, they’d talked about ideas but only one stuck. “A art gallery, Samuel is an artist” she said to them smoothly. 

Samuel nodded to Mercedes, unbuttoning his jacket as he moved to take his seat. He pulled at his collar lightly clearing his throat as Mercedes spoke his profession into existence.  Mechanic would have been a more truthful route but when in Rome. “I wanted to draw her, but she wouldn’t let me.” He said, with a chuckle. 

Vivian’s eyes glinted as the handsome pair approached. “Mercedes… What a pleasant surprise.” She greeted, in a voice husky and rich. “Down Pamela. Let her breathe a bit.  It’s clear she's been using her time…  Wisely.” She grinned giving Samuel a proper once over.  Even taking a moment to chuckle at his little joke. “You do look radiant Mercedes. I’ll attribute that to you. I suppose.” She said, all eyes on Samuel.  

At his words Mercedes looked at Samuel yet again chuckling him off, for the, she didn’t know how many times now tonight already. “He’s always joking” she said brushing hair over her shoulder as she looked across the table. “Yeah, well it is love day and it's all in the air” she gestured back to her. 

“That’s small talk” Pamela said back to Vivian, “when is the wedding, I mean. Where will it be? Milan? Paris?” she listed before she gasped “Hawaii?” she listed further. 

Samuel relaxed slightly as the table collectively laughed at his little joke. He sat back in his chair, tapping his foot under the table. 

“Everyone needs a little humor in their life.” Vivian said, rolling her eyes tiredly at Pamela.  She was interested in the answers to the woman's questions but thought a bit of tack was a better approach. “You’re an artist?  Has your work been displayed anywhere?  Mercedes has such impeccable taste. You must be wonderful.” 

Mercedes looked to Pamela and she took a sip from her glass before she sat it back down. “He haven’t decided yet,” she told her respectfully. She looked at Vivian again and smirked at her compliment as she wondered what answer he would give the woman. Did he even know enough about art to pull this off? Probably not and then they both will look like jackasses for sure. Great. 

Score one. Mercedes shut down the questions about when they were actually getting married.  Good thing too, because even he didn’t know the answers to those questions. His eyes shifted to Mercedes as he sat up clasping his hands in front of him.  “I hope my work impresses her. But sadly, not yet.  I’ve always been a great admirer of the works of Cecile Gray Bazelon and the late Joyce Pensato.  Right now I'm working with Harvey Dinnerstein.  He is preparing for a showing, hopefully I should be able to showcase one or two of my pieces. Hopefully.” 

Vivian rested her chin on the back of her hands, smirking at the young man.  Her eyebrows furrowed at the names he dropped.  Not her type of artist to be sure, but names she’d heard before.  “Impressive. You’ll have to let me know.  -Or we’ll have to schedule time to get together. Honestly, I thought you were a model.” She smiled, still admiring the man. “You should let him immortalize you, Mercedes. Let see how good he is good with his hand.”

Mercedes looked at Samuel and tilted her head “I am far too impressed with clothes I assume” she joked as she looked at him again. As he began to list off people she squinted slightly taken back Joyce maybe, the rest were actually out of her league. At his last words she plastered a smile and looked away from him, now that was a huge ass shoe to fill and gap to cover. “A mode” she repeated “he is amazing to look at isn’t he” she said looking at Samuel, that wasn’t a lie. Looking at Vivian “you know I am just so darn busy with Vogue… I am shocked we get as much time together as we do. Me sit still longer than an hour?” she chuckled. 

Pamela smirked eyes bouncing from person to person, “I know” she agreed with Mercedes. The lady schedule didn’t add room for much, they all assumed she’d be alone with her thousand dollar jewels and furs forever, or maybe she just thought that. “Wow, a marriage” she said shaking her head again “you know what comes next, a baby carriage” she sang out. “You a mother Mercedes, how iconic! A mini you strutting NYC, we have to see it” she said nodding her head. 

Samuel chuckled, biting his lip, “You said it not me. He told Mercedes, reaching over  he stroked  her bare arm lovingly, “However, I’ll  let it slide. At Vivian’s compliment he grinned, the tips of his ears to darkening. “You’re kind. I’m just a man who likes to work with his hands.” he told the group looking down at his finger.  “We’ll have to see.  Fingers crossed Cecil like me pieces. “Mercedes is going to be a great mother. When the time comes.  My sister already adores her.” He said reaching for the woman’s hand. Beaming as he told the absolute truth for the first time tonight.  

Vivian eyebrow rose. She’d actually been thinking escort. Mercedes was too driven to find anyone. It was the idle joke of everyone in the fashion industry.  ‘I never kind dear. I’m direct. If painting doesn’t work out.  I’d be glad to take some test shots of you. As a matter of fact.” she reached in her pocket and handed the man a card.  “I insist on it.  Not many men could pull off that suit.”  She exhaled, and uncrossed her legs, “I could see it.  Didn’t think our Ms. Jones wants it.  But one never knows.” she said, asking a question of Mercedes without saying the words. 

Mercedes looked at Pamela, “well you know” she said with a heavy sigh “I’ve already given birth to my career” she said to the woman matter-of-factly. “It was a hard push and pull,” she exclaimed. “However, yes we do have a tiny tot we take care of” she chuckled. “And one day who knows, I may have a child who knows” she shrugged “32 is up there….” she said, looking at Vivian. 

Samuel chuckled as Mercedes dismantled the small jabs of the other woman at the table with grace.  He only wished Mrs. Heather had been around.  Samuel reached the card, tucking it into his pocket. “I’ll think about it.” He told Vivian with no intentions of ever doing so. “She is joking.  I think adding at least two more kids would be great. I want a big family.” He interjected, watching Mercedes face for a reaction 

“Vivian, do you always keep business cards on you?” she asked slyly, before she looked at Samuel. She shook her head and chuckled “and wreck this figure?” she asked him jokingly. “I’m only kidding,” she added, looking to everyone else. “Once things are finalized and we really get to planning. Building our dream home” she said lying through her teeth. “We will, you know, venture into those neck of the woods…” 

Vivian grinned at Mercedes, then chuckled.  “For the right person… Of course.” She answered a wiry grin on her face.  “Mercedes, Mercedes… My, my I must applaud you.” She said raising her glass, “To the new Ms. Jones.” 

Samuel held Mercedes eyes, peeling back layer after layer for her clothes, “That could never be done.” He said, seriously. Then chuckled with the rest of the table, as Mercedes went on laying out a life of lies. He exhaled feeling guilty. She really did need a family. Better yet she deserved one. No matter what she thought.  

Pamela looked to the couple, oh the gossip she would tell from this conversation. By the end of the week all of NYC will know that Mercedes lucked up with a real man is actually going to marry him. Shocking. She raised her glass and smirked to herself before she took a sip. She still had plenty of questions however, but she guessed those could wait. 

Mercedes looked at Samuel, eyeing him another blush hidden behind a playful eye roll. “You mean to the same Ms. Jones, but future Mrs. Evans” she corrected with a smile. The bitch, what did she mean new Ms. Jones? Men didn’t make or break her, wouldn’t move or shake her. What the hell was wrong with these women? 

Samuel raised his glass, smirking at the expression he’d put on Mercedes' face.  “To Mercedes Jones.” He said in unison with the table. His eyes shifted to the woman beside him now she was laying it a little too thick.  There was no way in hell, she’d ever take his name. Even he thought  the idea was laughable. “Ladies if you’d excuse us.  Mercedes promised me a dance.” He said rising to his feet, he turned and offered the woman his hand. 

Mercedes sat her glass back down avoiding the actual sip, before she looked over at Samuel. At his words she smirked a little and said “excuse us” as she moved to stand up from the table. Leaving her clutch and rose behind on the table as she maneuvered with the gown. “Thank God, I was nearly sick of them….” 

Samuel nodded to the collective, smiling as he pulled Mercedes away from the table. “Wow… that was worse than meeting my first girlfriend's dad.” He said, weaving his way through the guests. At the edge of the white and black tile dance floor, Samuel turned the Mercedes and brought her flush against his form, wrapping his hand around her waist, beginning the waltz seamlessly.  “Jesus. I needed a timeout…” He breathed whispers in the woman’s ear.

“They are so annoying, judgmental pricks” she said as she looked back at the table. Mercedes followed the man’s lead and when they reached the dance floor, her breath hitched a bit as he pulled her to him. Feeling his hand on her waist she looked up into his eyes as he began to carry her, again following his lead she moved in time with him. Chuckling, she said “thanks for being a trooper” kindly. “Before you know this will all be over and you are free to do whatever your heart desires….” 

Samuel moved effortlessly around the floor.  His face fell when Mercedes spoke of the eventual end of their entanglement.  HIs eyes rose, finding different faces in the room. Heather, Pamela, Vivian. The thought of any of those women turned his stomach. “Who says I’m not doing what my heart desires right now.” He said, eyes going back to her. He smiles, spinning her out then pulling her back to him. 

Mercedes eyed him, looking over her shoulder before she looked at his face again curiously. At his statement, she squinted lightly at him before he spun her suddenly and pulled her back. She looked at him, she didn’t believe him at all, he was just saying that. Why she didn’t know however. Usually she would have had something witty to come back with but, right now, no. After a moment she finally spoke and said “because I know”.

Samuel chuckled, “You know nothing Ms. Jones.” He said, shaking his head.  “Aside from the interrogation.  I’m having a pretty okay time.” He said conversationally. “Come on. You were enjoying yourself just a little over there. Admit it.’ 

“I know all things Mr. Evans” she challenged a little, listening to him she glanced at a couple who passed by. “Is that so?” she asked him, “it’s not a bad night” she shrugged lightly. “I’ve been to better parties, but none involved a comedian like yourself Mr. Evans. Two kids?” she asked, brow furrowed a smirk on her face. 

Samuel bowed his head in conceit.  “If you say so.” He pursed his lips, “I am not sure.  You tell me.” He said, a twisted smile on his lips.  He stretched his eyes, “That wasn’t a lie.  I actually want two kids. Or more. Speaking of… Are you really going to take my name?” 

“Best of luck to that lucky lady” Mercedes replied without thought. At the question he posed she chuckled lightly “why wouldn’t I?” she asked before she corrected “why wouldn’t I take my future husband’s last name?” curiously. “Do you think I am that shallow… or self absorbed?” she asked him. “You know it’s every woman’s dream to find her Prince, marry him, and in turn become the Princess…” 

Samuel laughed, “That is cold. You don’t want to have my babies.” He said, a mock hurt on his face.  He shrugged, shaking his head. “I never said any of that. I just thought I’d take your name.” He chuckled. “Well, then that settles it. I have to take your name because God knows ain’t nothing prince or charming about me.” 

Shaking her head Mercedes licked her red painted lips, she hadn’t a clue why he had to joke around so much. There was no harm it however it could be tiring sometimes, but she assumed that was just his nature. “You are too much…” 

Samuel stared down at the woman turning his head. “I am.” He agreed.  But this was really him taking the liberty to be free. Something he rarely got to do. He bit his lips face going still, “I want you to accept something for me. Would you do that?” He asked her seriously. 

She continued to move in time with him before she asked her something that made her very uneasy. However, she brushed it off and said “okay, sure” a little hesitancy in her voice still. Despite herself Mercedes couldn’t help but to look into his eyes as she waited for his remark. 

Samuel rubbed his thumb over the bare skin of Mercedes back.  A personal gesture, but perfect for the eyes of the multitude of onlookers in the room. “For tonight stop blowing off complements. You really are the most stunning woman here tonight.” 

At his words she looked off before she looked back at him “okay” she said quietly, Mercedes really didn’t understand why he cared or why that bothered him so much. “That’s easy I guess…” 

Samuel looked down at the woman. She had everything, -was more than he’d ever be.  Yet, she was humble. Why? “Thank you.” He said holding her just a little closer as they glided peacefully into the next song.

[ourooboroos]

Intermission

HELLO. @the-ghost-of-william-herondale and I have begun a TSC AU Challenge wherein we each write AUs and then must use some part of each other’s fic for our next AU. 

(They’ve also posted a fic and it’s wonderful and I 10/10 recommend you go read it!) Here’s my first one! 

Read the full thing below the cut or on my AO3. 

***

“Alec? You’re drooling.”

Alec whirls around, releasing his grip on the thick rope next to him. It springs up a tiny bit, and the pulley above it shudders. Izzy’s smirking at him, her face caked in stage makeup and wearing a loose orange jumpsuit.

“I am not,” Alec says, but he swipes his sleeve over his mouth just in case. “I’m just, uh. Getting ready for intermission.”

Izzy snorts. “Intermission isn't for, like, three scenes.” She reaches out and pats him on the shoulder, and Alec rolls his eyes at her. “It’s okay, you can admit that you like what you see.”

“Shut up.”

“Only because you asked so nicely.”

Alec waits until his sister has gone further into the wing before turning back to the stage. Izzy’s right, they have another song and a half until intermission, plus a short scene and two set changes. He has no reason to be so close to the curtain pull. But. Can anyone blame him for being a little distracted? The school’s star is on stage at this very moment, dressed for their last rehearsal in much too large trousers and an oversized sports coat, and he looks absolutely stunning. Also, he’s singing. And Alec may be in love with his voice.

When Alec’s parents had divorced and his mother had packed up her life along with his, Izzy’s, Jace’s, and Max’s, Alec was… upset to say the least. He loved his life in New York and moving in the middle of his senior year because his father had had an affair was not high on things he wanted to do. Another thing that was not high on that list was working tech crew for his new school’s spring musical.

But then Izzy was cast as Brooke Wyndham and she didn’t have a car to drive home after rehearsal every day and Jace was on the baseball team so he couldn’t help and Izzy begged Alec and the guy playing Emmett was so hot…

So here he is.

It’s been three months of rehearsals and Emmett (his name is Magnus, dammit, Alec reminds himself) has just gotten better and better and could probably play Elle Woods himself, if matters depended on it, and look damn good doing it (as it stands, Helen is playing Elle, but like… Alec can just tell that Magnus would be really excellent as any character, okay?). But Alec hasn’t been able to endear himself to Magnus at all. In three months. And the first actual performance was tomorrow night with three following over the weekend and then, come Monday, Alec would have no reason to see Magnus anymore (he had come to realize, belatedly, perhaps, that they shared no classes or their lunch period, which, quite frankly, was just cruel).

Alec sighs and turns his head back to the stage just as Magnus is moving into the final line of the song. It’s like music to his ears. Well. Better than music. Like angel’s singing. Or something. Whatever.

“Hey,” comes a voice from behind him, and he looks over his shoulder to see another member of the stage crew, a girl he hasn’t spent much time with, but who painted a lot of the sets. He thinks her name is Carrie? Maybe? Her shockingly red hair is much easier to remember than her name, all things considered. “Ready for the set change?”

Alec’s eyes drift over to the large wooden cut out of a mobile trailer set off to the side. “Yeah,” he replies. He and Clary move over and each grip a side of the set piece and wait until Magnus finishes the last note he’s holding and the stage lights dim. A small group of stage crew members pop out from the other wing and carry off the Harvard set and Alec and Clary get moving. Raj runs out with a trash can and a piece of sheer fabric with trash and debris attached to it. The trailer is set slightly to stage right, with the trash can next to it, the fabric spread along the stage floor. Andrew moves to stand behind the trailer, dressed in a grubby tank top and boxers and carrying a large stuffed bulldog. Clary turns and jogs quietly back to the wing and as Alec follows, he bumps into Magnus, who has turned his eyes to the floor as he finds his next mark.

“Sorry,” Alec whispers, but Magnus just sends him a kind smile and raises his hand in apology. Alec’s heart thumps heavily, rapidly, and he ignores it as best he can as he stalks quickly to the wing. Izzy’s watching him, grinning, when he gets back to his spot. “Shut up.”

****

Opening night arrives in a flurry of tickets and programs and two dollar concessions in the school lobby. Alec is standing around backstage with the other stage hands as the cast members prepare in the dressing rooms down a nearby hall. Clary’s doodling something in her sketchbook and Raj is telling some story that Alec is only pretending to listen to. He’s relieved when Izzy pops out of the hallway connecting to the dressing rooms and grabs his arm. “Come with me,” she says, and tugs him into the hall.

Alec furrows his brow but lets her drag him. “Izzy, wha-” but before he can finish, she’s opened the door to the men’s dressing room and shoves him in with a smile. Alec stares at the door for a moment, confused, but spins when someone clears their throat.

Magnus. He stands across the room, near a vanity, already in costume and makeup. His hair is free of its normal faux-hawk and instead parted neatly on one side and combed loosely back. He’s in another too big sports coat and ill-fitting trousers that reach the toes of his Converse, and he’s missing the glitter and jewelry that he donned before dress rehearsals began. His smile is gentle and his voice soft as he says, “Hi.”

Alec knows his eyes are wide, and he can feel the heat creeping up his neck. He’s glad the rest of the room is empty - which, how? - as he backs up a little and his back hits the door. “H-hey.”

Magnus’s smile falls as Alec wrings his hands in front of him. “I don’t…” he pauses to clear his throat again and his gaze darts to the floor before he meets Alec’s eyes again. “I’m sorry, I don’t want to make you uncomfortable. I didn’t even think-”

Ah, shit. “No,” Alec interrupts. “I’m not… okay, I am, but it’s not a bad thing,” he says, sputtering slightly. When Magnus’s lips twitch, he lets out a breath and runs a hand over the back of his head. “What… uh, why did Izzy bring me here?” His eyes flick around the room - the bright lights on the vanities that line one wall, the open wardrobes along the other, the backpacks and sneakers scattered along the floor - before landing on the top of Magnus’s head. Meeting his eyes, which Alec has just realized are the deepest, richest shade of brown, is just too difficult.

“I wanted to talk to you,” Magnus says easily, and Alec’s face grows hotter.

“...Why?”

Alec sees Magnus glance at the clock above the vanities, and takes a peek himself. They have half an hour until places. Magnus takes a step forward and Alec watches, motionless. He wonders, briefly, if this is what an antelope feels like when it sees a lioness about to attack. “You’re new this year.”

“Yeah.”

“And we don’t have any classes together.” Another step.

“No.”

Magnus pauses a few feet away and smiles and Alec finally meets his eyes. They’re shining in the fluorescent room. “So I just… wanted to get to know you better. I’m sorry it’s taken me three months to say anything, but-”

“Better late than never,” Alec blurts out. He resists the urge to clap a hand over his mouth, because, fuck, he’s embarrassing himself, but then Magnus laughs, loud and bright. “Exactly.”

They stand there silently for a moment, simply looking at each other. Alec feels like he’s allowed to now, maybe, and his eyes rove over the planes of Magnus’s face, his strong jaw and his smooth skin, even as he has stage makeup coating his face. It feels weird, staring at him so openly after months of covert glances and watching him from the shadows backstage. At the same time, he can sense Magnus’s eyes on him, and he wonders what he thinks. Perhaps, one day, he can ask him.

“So…” Alec begins, not sure where this sentence is heading. He scratches his cheek. Magnus is smiling at him encouragingly. “You’ve been, uh, really good. Brilliant, I mean. Y’know, out there, as… as Emmett.”

Magnus laughs again, and Alec grins. He thinks he could get used to that sound - it’s almost as melodic as Magnus’s singing. “Thank you.” He gestures to his costume and tugs at the sleeves of his coat. “I’m not a huge fan of the costume, though.”

“I mean,” Alec clears his throat, “there’s the, uh, shopping scene. You look pretty great there.” He quickly averts his gaze, but looks back just in time to see Magnus’s face redden. He preens a little.

“Thank you, Alexander,” Magnus says, voice even softer than it had been earlier, and Alec’s heart nestles tightly in his throat, nearly causing him to choke. Nobody calls him Alexander. Not his mother, his father, any of his siblings or relatives… he’d never been okay with anyone calling him Alexander. But coming out of Magnus’s mouth, it sounds right.

Alec opens his mouth, about to say as much, when there’s a sharp knock on the door.

“Are you guys done in there? I need to finish getting dressed.”

Magnus and Alec meet each other’s eyes and crack matching grins.

****

Opening night had gone off without a hitch (except for when Lydia tripped over her jump rope during “Whipped Into Shape”), and now it was Saturday. There are two performances today, one at noon and one at 7pm, and everyone involved is ready for it to be a long day. Alec’s packed himself and Izzy a few granola bars, bottles of water, and energy drinks (despite how much he loathes them) just to keep himself awake.

It’s not like he spent most of last night thinking about Magnus and their talk in the dressing room, or the way Magnus had hip-bumped him during intermission, or the way he’d asked Alec for help fixing his hair before the final scene, or the way he’d given Alec one of the flowers that his friend Catarina had brought for him when they bumped into each other in the parking lot before heading home.

Anyway.

The matinee is going smoothly so far, and it’s nearly intermission (actually, this time. Like it really is almost intermission) so Alec is standing near the curtain pull, just waiting for the stage lights to dim and the music to die down. He knows his cue. It’s the end of the scene where Elle finds out she got the internship.

And it’s because he knows his cue that he doesn’t feel bad about blatantly watching Magnus as he points to the board on the Harvard set, pinches Helen, and then quietly makes his way off-stage, heading towards Alec’s wing. Alec smiles at him and goes back to watching Helen sing. But before he knows what’s happening, he’s being shoved against the wall behind him. His eyes widen as Magnus grips his shoulders and leans in quickly and without warning.

And then they’re kissing. Alec relaxes as Magnus presses against him, his lips soft and his body warm. He faintly hears quiet golf claps coming from further backstage and he raises a hand to flip off whoever it is before his hands settle on Magnus’s waist.

Magnus pulls back after a long moment, and Alec can do nothing but stare at him, grinning widely. Magnus is smiling back and I can get used to that, Alec thinks.

“...than before!”

The stage lights flicker out.

Alec spins, pulling the rope and swinging the heavy velvet curtains closed as Magnus laughs behind him.

And yeah. He could get used to this.

[thebleuroseproject]

Ludus

Name: Ludus

Nicknames: Many, but none that really stuck

Pronouns: They/Them, He/Him

Gender: Genderfluid

Sex: AMAB

Sexual Orientation: Marsic, but money is money.

Age: 23 (Lifespan 90-150 years)

Class/Status: Moderate. He gets by and has a little extra from time to time.

Physical Description: 

Height: 6’5”  | Weight: 10.5 stone

Ludus is wiry purple hellspawn with pupiless green eyes that can leave his face hard to read, as it’s hard to tell where he’s looking specifically. He’s hard to miss in a crowd, being tall, often covered in jewelry and clad in provocative clothing that colour-matches well with his skin. A prominent feature are his horns, small and neatly pointed; they curve around his skull elegantly, ending just a few inches in front of his forehead and sitting just above his browline like a sort of natural crown.They are a deeper purple than his skin, and are often covered in various tidbits of jewelry. His lips are naturally purple, only a little darker than his skin, but Ludus is rarely seen without black lipstick, as anyone with a true sense of style knows that this is peak fashion. 

He looms over most people, with his intimidation showing not through his weight or size (because his ribs almost show through his chest) but through his cutting sarcasm and high perception when it comes to people, which some do fear him for. He isn’t afraid to get into people’s personal space when he wants to - which can leave many feeling unnerved, either by the lack of space, the headiness of the scent he wears or by physical attraction to him.

His physicality could still be seen as intimidating in some ways, as it’s clear there is some muscle behind those legs. Where one would expect those legs to end in feet, as they do on MOST humanoids, they instead end in a very solid pair of hooves inset with gold filigree - which look to be very painful if one was to be kicked by them.

There is no beauty without pain, and while Ludus has no tattoos (they don’t always match with their clothes), he has plenty of piercings from his ears to the tip of his pointed tail which he puts in or takes out to match with his current style. His thick black hair is shaved into a mohawk and grown from there, often braided and intertwined with yet MORE jewelry and dip dyed in a bright colour of their choosing. Like every part of Ludus’ body, it is cared for meticulously with an efficient routine. Only the best to look the best, he doesn’t care where it came from. If he needs to kill a puppy for good skin cream, then to the dog house Ludus shall go. 

Quirks: Despite his best efforts, Ludus cannot stop chewing his nails. He often does it unconsciously and then becomes angry at ruining his own manicure. As a result, his nails are always short which is just as well really -  it’s best they are to avoid any unnecessary injury in his line of work. Hellspawn nails, or rather claws at a certain point, can get VERY sharp. Aside from this, Ludus is a very clean individual - a very important habit as a sex worker.

Ludus ALWAYS buys gold jewelry but keeps (and wears) any he is given regardless of colour. He doesn’t mind silver, but in his opinion it doesn’t pop as much as gold does on purple skin.

He doesn’t have a phobia of anything as far as he knows - but he hasn’t exactly gotten out enough to find or SEE a lot of things to be scared of and is drunk most of the time due to his alcohol dependence. One thing he will flinch at occasionally, is someone raising their hand that he interprets to hit him. It’s a reflex at this point, and he hates it but isn’t sure how he can train it out of himself.

Morality: Neutral -   “You do you and I’ll do me - unless I want something from you, or you’re being a shithead to something I personally care about.”

{Art by Kerry}

Personality 

Strengths/Weaknesses: 

Strengths: Perceptive, Bold, Enthusiastic 

Ludus, despite his lack of a formal education, is a very quick learner - although this mostly applies to things of a sexual nature. They will learn very quickly how you like your blowjobs, or what exactly to say to get the job done as it were. His line of work has led him to be flexible and open minded in more ways than one, a fact they are very proud of. It's also given him an excellent fashion sense, although it does lean heavily into sexual wear. 

When it comes to his work and his skin care routine, they are extremely diligent - and perhaps with the right call to adventure, this could be applied to other areas of their life.

For the most part, Ludus is reliable. If you need something done that fits in with his schedule and that he agrees with, he'll get it done. It can be difficult to negotiate with him, but 95% of the time, they're easygoing. The other 5% is when they’ve lost their temper - or when they’re paid to be the dominant or similar.

This easy going nature really does show in Ludus' enthusiasm and lust for life. They are ALWAYS down to party or throw down, and this energy can be very infectious in others. This doesn't mean that Ludus is loud and bouncing off the walls, but he’s definitely the type to have a small crowd around him at a table. He’ll often go with the flow and the desires of the group - but if uninterested, he will just leave. There’s no chance of them slipping away after all, so Ludus will just state his disinterest and take his leave if it’s something he’s not in the mood for.

Ludus is also bold, he is not scared to do what needs to be done (in his opinion - which can lead to trouble). They have NO shame or concern for their well-being or social grace, he grew up as a despised minority in a brothel after all - but please, don't punch the face.

Despite this mostly fast paced lifestyle, mostly given to him by his work, Ludus CAN be caring and does know when the party needs to stop. If he sees someone in trouble or someone that's clearly overworked and/or tired - he will slip them a mug of water or something to help them along. He often did this for his co-workers at the Lupanar, it has almost become second nature to help those struggling from fatigue or hangover.

Weaknesses: Insecure, Impulsive, Complacent 

Ludus is not very forthcoming with his emotions due to his insecurity, and this shows through his flirting outside of work, which could be taken as platonic or sexual. He is bold, but he doesn’t think he’s worthy of actual love, and protects himself by being somewhat of a shy tsundere when it comes to people they like. They will help someone (eg, carry them to bed if they fall asleep somewhere) but will never admit to actually doing so.

This insecurity has led to a tendency to stagnate and just accept abusive relationships and situations as their lot. This has led to slow processing of trauma, and the unhealthy handling of it via the consumption of alcohol like it was water. Despite being a functional alcoholic, he is still a lightweight due to how little he eats, combined with his slim frame. As a result, Ludus is actually drunk most of the time, but you would find it hard to tell due to his experience in being drunk and due to the fact he is absolutely just as bold when he is sober.

He can be kind, but the side that shows most is the one that is judgmental and critical of others which leads to him running his mouth at the wrong time. You would think he would learn after getting hit at the bar/brothel every time he did so, but he doesn’t. He sees it as part of his ‘charm’, some clients like a challenge after all and he sees it as an integral part of his identity - one that he will never let go.

In spite of having a bold and outlandish personality - Ludus is not a leader. He loves parties, but he is not the type to plan them, purely because he is uninterested in the effort that it takes. He brings his ass and the wine, which is all he and anyone else needs (in his opinion). In non party situations, the lack of desire to lead due to effort remains. He’s no babysitter - he would just prefer to point out what’s wrong and let others fix it - rather than having to fix it himself. No one wants to be that sucker in the group project that ends up doing everything after all.

Skills: 

Self taught makeup artist

Knows first aid.

Dances wonderfully

Decent pickpocket

Can use a knife as a weapon - their fighting almost looks like dancing.

Can tie all sorts of knots.

Has the ability to give almost anyone a makeover.

Good bartender, excellent mixologist, amazing dancer (modern).

Education: Ludus has never had a formal education, having been working from a very young age. Of course, his coworkers felt an obligation to teach him the basics (reading, speaking, basic numeracy) as well as skills required for the role (dancing, basic sewing, self defence)

His bardic powers were found by accident in his youth - and he doesn’t know too much about them or the extent of their abilities - he finds knives do the job in most situations. Ludus is very materialistic and prefers things he can see; he would need guidance to really start to focus on magic.

His intelligence comes from his love of gossip and people watching. They spend a good portion of time gathering information by loose lips either in public or the bedroom, and Ludus is often amazed at what people tell complete strangers.

Likes/Dislikes: In their spare time, Ludus can often be found at a bar. They love the taste of alcohol, especially STRONG sweet and fruity drinks. You’d NEVER catch them with an ale or similar unless they were paid handsomely to drink one. His casual drink is a GOOD red wine though, as they’re a bit of a wine snob and he always makes sure to stock up on bottles where he can.

(Fantasy note: Ludus would most likely have an unending flask of his favourite red wine.)

Since he isn’t a fan of eating unless he needs to, Ludus’ preferred side dish with his wine is a good old bitchy gossip. He loves hearing other people tell him about their lives and bitch about their problems, it fuels him somehow, makes his problems feel smaller - just for a little while.

When he’s not drinking and/or gossiping, Ludus is probably shopping. They love looking at clothes and perfume. He’s a fan of deep heady scents, such as jasmine and he likes people around him to be entranced in one way or another, as it’s easier to get what you want that way.

Ludus has learned to love certain parts of his work, even in his free time - he does enjoy good recreational sexual acts or even as a work around to get past certain people barring his path from certain things. In Ludus’ opinion, if you have a resource like money, make sure to use it.

There are other aspects of his work that he does not tolerate while off the clock, and one of these is rude clients - he is a gossipy bitch and a bit of a ‘mean girl’, so he does expect rudeness to be directed at him BECAUSE of this, but if there is no reason then Ludus will lose his temper very quickly. Being rude to those providing you a service or to someone you’ve just met is abhorrent, an attitude that has mainly developed not from rudeness towards him, but from the protectiveness he feels towards fellow sex workers. Ludus EXPECTS to be slapped and then to charm the slapper anyway, but the same treatment should not be given to workers just doing their job. He has no fear of any kind of bigotry, and will happily challenge anyone who doesn’t think his sexuality is ‘right’.

He’s also not a fan of anyone who doesn’t think or do anything for themselves, as they remind him of himself in the past before he realised the truth of his situation, and now this quality in others repulses him. This attitude has now resulted in Ludus doing things by himself as much as possible to the point where he rarely asks for help - even when it may be needed.

Childhood/Backstory: 

Ludus was born a hellspawn to two highly religious humans, who were immediately appalled by what they had produced, as hellspawn were seen as an extremely bad omen, especially when brought into the world this way. He was immediately sold to the only person that would take him, the local brothel owner known as ‘The Wolf’, who “raised” them and set them to work in the brothel far, far earlier than they should have.  

To keep Ludus, the Wolf kept a close eye on what Ludus learned and knew, forbidding them to ever leave the establishment due to hatred of his species and that he, as his guardian, had ‘saved’ them, rather than it being a rather cruel and illegal transaction. Ludus does not remember anything about their parents, and has no interest in ever knowing them after knowing what they did. He assumed the Wolf knew best, and followed his every order and command. Ludus knew no life outside of the Lupanar and didn’t need to - here they were lavished with many gifts from many appreciative ‘sugar’ clients and praised for being pretty. It was true that he was beaten occasionally, isolated outside of clients, and had to do things he didn’t want to do sometimes - but wasn’t that just life? Here, Ludus had everything he needed.

As a result of this lifestyle, Ludus became very materialistic and became obsessed with the things that earned him praise: his body and skill. After all, the prettier they looked, the less they got hit and abused because after all, people wouldn’t want to hurt such a pretty face. He became dedicated to dance practice and his skincare routine, and obsessed with what he ate for fear of getting fat - so he rarely ate at all - but drinking was often just part of the job. When he was being difficult, the Wolf would often get him drunk or drug him, so that the client could be satisfied. Ludus was assured that this was for ‘his own good’.

The Wolf and his coworkers were the only family he had, and while not all the other workers were complacent in their treatment - they had no choice. Bound by magical contract, blackmail or under similar delusions as Ludus, they were a tightly knit group who took it upon themselves to help and teach each other. This group was the closest Ludus ever had to a school, from them he learned to dance, to have sex, to read, to write, to sing and to defend themself when required with knives or information. The Wolf kept a close eye on all this learning, making sure Ludus believed he could never work or be anywhere else. It wasn’t safe, he was too stupid, he was only good here - so Ludus stayed. 

It took many years for Ludus to build up the desire as well as the courage to rebel, and it was for the reason that there must be better wine out there. At age fifteen, they started to sneak out and rebel a little, frequenting other bars and offering their services and their discretion rather than the Wolf’s. While there he often got drunk and told his stories, to the horror of most who heard them. A child doing such things, and to sound happy about it, was horrific to witness firsthand.

Ludus was taken aback at these reactions as they told him what was done to him was wrong, abusive, illegal even!

No, that couldn’t be true…

With the seed of doubt sown, Ludus started to worry about his situation, but didn’t know how he could possibly leave a job he flourished in as well as his family. All he could think of was to gather information from clients, a task he had already been assigned to do by the Wolf. Sex workers were one of the ears of the city and their clients often had loose lips, or were persuaded to have them with pleasurable means. Ludus now started to hoard some of this information for himself, learning anything he could that could possibly be useful for an escape. Blackmail, ships, people of interest - anything he could find. He still had to tell the Wolf enough to satisfy him, but now Ludus did not tell him everything. Stealing spell books from clients and discovering that through his dancing, he could manipulate magic, he honed his talents in secret.

It took many years for an opportunity to arise and for Ludus to feel comfortable enough to leave. He started to distance himself from the other workers - passing it off as being too busy or too tired from work, but it was really just to make the ‘goodbye ‘ easier. On the week of the harvest festival, at the age of 22, Ludus disguised himself and “persuaded” the head of a large entertainment (the music and dancing kind) to hide him in their trailers so he could smuggle out of the city with a nary a word to anyone. He needed to leave the Lupanar at all costs.

While travelling to the next town - he met a couple people he liked and has so far stuck with them, although he is now developing the thick skin some of his other ex colleagues had and not getting too attached to anyone. Being on the outside and talking about his past is continuing to teach him the depths of the evil done to him, and he is not coping well. His trauma response so far has been to drink even more and in order to regain control over his body, he has taken to hypersexuality to do his old work on HIS terms alone. 

Unfortunately, he doesn’t ask for help and often will push people away with a stubborn “I can do it myself” or “I don’t need help” which has led to a lot of trouble and members of the troupe having to drag him out of it. Ludus is strong though, and he staggers (metaphorically) along as best he can, determined to overcome his past.

Profession: Sex Worker | Dancer | Bard

Relationships: 

The Lupanar

Ivellios | ‘The Wolf’ | Male High Elf | Age ??? | Max Lifespan: Around 750 years, presumably.

Ivellios ‘The Wolf’ - A High Elf Wizard that was disgraced from his settlement and family due to his dabblings in the slave trade. He decided to continue this work regardless, branching out into the sex industry. Starting small, he bought others and made them work for little profit until he could purchase a large building in a major city, naming it the Lupanar and really spreading his wings as a pimp that specialised in magical contracts. Ludus was sold to him after he had owned this building for twenty years, having quickly made a name for himself through this brothel. He raised Ludus for his own means with a combination of emotional, mental and physical abuse, forbidding his little toy from leaving the establishment and closely monitoring what Ludus consumed from outside those walls, shaping them into the perfect sex worker. He never thought Ludus would need a contract to stay but underestimated his quarry massively.

Kuqi | Stripper Name: Cookie | Female Goblin | Age 18 | Max Lifespan: Around 60 years

“Come and get your milk and kuqi’s!”

Kuqi ran away from her clan at age 5 (middle aged for an average goblin) before she had to mate with a variety of goblins she really didn’t like. Goblins usually live and die quickly, and there were not many of her clan left so as one of the remaining females, Kuqi was expected to be a brood queen to get the clan back to full strength. Unfortunately for the clan, Kuqi wanted something better, and so she ran away, eventually arriving at the city the Lupanar was based at. Ivellious was amused by her plight and so took her on as a worker at her request - the conditions of her contract being that as long as she continues to work, she gets bed, board and birth control and as a bonus - a longer lifespan than the average goblin.

Ludus was ten when she arrived, and the two have an odd relationship due to the drastically different age rates of their species, and arguably their heights as well. The relationship fluctuated from little sister to maternal figure for Ludus, and back in their youth they got into all sorts of trouble, both having a strong streak of mischief in them. He misses her terribly some days, but knows she wouldn’t leave the Lupanar as she is VERY grateful to Ivellios and LOVES her work.

Mival | Stripper Name: Angel | Male Aasimar | Age: 60 | Max Lifespan: Around 160 years

Born into a superstitious and  mostly human community, Mival was revered strongly as a blessing and a saviour for their small village. He was commanded to do all sorts of petty tasks - ones he found hard to refuse with his polite and mild mannered self. As he grew older, the pressure grew on him - and eventually, he cracked. At age 17, he ran away to the city and he found himself with no shelter, no job, no long term means of survival. But he was very pretty, and a brothel was looking for workers. With no long term goals in mind and wishing to hide from his village - Mival made a pact with Ivellious. In exchange for his service, Merval would be hidden from the village and the people there. Of course, he can leave if he wishes, but his old village isn’t far from the city and he’s not hard to miss with his stark white hair that almost glows in the light. Not knowing what else he could do, Mival stayed.

As one of the first workers hired for the Lupanar, he was age 37 by the time a baby Ludus arrived in Ivellios’ arms. Horrified at Ludus’ treatment, but bound by contract to stay, he did the best he could to be a proper father figure to Ludus. Despite being asked to by a variety of clients, he never touched Ludus sexually and even was known to lose his rarely seen temper when pestered about it. He’s a gentle man, living up to his alias and race and there is not a day where Ludus doesn’t feel like he’s disappointed him during his struggle. A little of Ludus’ strength comes from the gentle faith that this man placed upon him.

Haze | Stripper Name: Haze | Agender Changeling | Age: 55 | Max Lifespan: Around 100 years

Haze is a mysterious figure whose past is unknown, but arrived at the Lupanar at age 32, covered in blood and looking for work… or as they put it..’something better to do’. Ivellios doesn’t like hiring anyone without a contract, but made an exception for a Changeling who he knew would make him a LOT of money in this business and that he could always get dirt on them for a contract later. To this day he hasn’t succeeded in getting Haze to sign anything, and it’s driving him to new levels of repressed rage.

Ludus was 16 when Haze arrived, but Haze had a tendency to keep their distance from everyone - despite being extremely charming while they worked. Haze’s ability is where Ludus got the idea to disguise himself to leave and he often finds himself wondering who Haze is and where they came from.

The Moondroplet Entertainment Company

The M.E.C is full of hundreds of entertainers, but Ludus travelled in the same trailer as these two and so often pairs with them as their dancer to make their performances more visually interesting. Each split off troupe has a quota to make each day and with Ludus’ “extra services”, his group surpasses that easily, and the three of them get on well enough although Henk and Ash have known each other for about four years.

Henk | Flute Player | Male Orc | Age: 28 | Max Lifespan: Around 75 years

Henk was previously a nomadic tribal orc, but was ostracized from his tribe due to a gentler nature than the rest of his species. One day, while out scouting for food he saw the line of trailers and caravans and saw an opportunity to leave his tribe for good. It took some time to convince them he came in peace, but eventually after a few days of camping nearby they allowed him to camp with the rest of the troupe even later, join them. He learned to play the flute by shaving his tusks - and now regularly makes a habit of doing so or removing them for better airflow. When people meet him, they are surprised by his gentle nature and his excellent flute playing.

Ashley/Ash | Lyre Player | Female Fire Genasi | Age: 26 | Max Lifespan: Around 120 years 

You can’t miss Ash, she’s loud, proud and will bowl you over with her sound. The lyre player of the three, her playing is filled with fast, energetic melodies that Henk struggles to keep up with and Ludus relishes dancing to. Ludus and Ash bounce off each other very well, their banter often inducing a laugh out of their audiences on the streets and she’s even known to stoke a rare smile from Henk sometimes.

Ash rarely talks about her childhood, preferring to focus on the present with a crass and blunt attitude - but she does talk about her supportive, ex adventuring mother who told her to chase her dreams of being a musician. She regularly sends money back home to support her mother in her old age but curiously, does not speak of her father - who is rumoured to be a Fire Efreeti.

Location: ????

Previous: ‘The Lupanar’ - a large and well known brothel, owned by an elf known as ‘The Wolf, who has been in the business for many years.

Religious Beliefs: DND: Would most likely be a fan of a Dionysian type god, such as The Moonweaver. If there are no tangible gods like there are in DND, he would not give a toss. Money and himself are their gods then.

Goals: 

1) To start living their life for them.

2) Finding other things to enjoy.

3) Learn to interact and bond with people outside of a sex work setting.

Other | Trivia

CANON VOICE: Toddrick Hall. Singing and Speaking. (was Alaska Thunderfuck)

Character influences: Mollymauk Tealeaf, Angel Dust, Irene Adler

Physical Afflictions:  N/A 

Mental Illnesses: Body dysmorphia, PTSD

COMPLETE LIST OF PIERCINGS: 

Ears, both sides: Earlobe x4, Helix x4, Industrial, Tragus

Nose: Nose piercing, stud on each side. High Nostril, stud on each side, Septum.

Face: Eyebrow Piercing, one on both sides. (he wears the left the most.)

Lips: Snakebites, Medusa

Tongue: NONE - he has so many things in his mouth going in and out it’s dangerous.

Genital: Frenum ladder.

Tail: Eight, four on each side. Often studs, sometimes rings.

Other: Nipple (both), Hip, Collarbone, Naval.

He’s an aspect of me: Ludus is a fragment of me, specifically the part of my sexuality I can’t express because I’m not brave or attractive enough - so I made a character that was. He also got my eating issues from my youth, I didn’t eat sometimes because I didn’t want my father and brother to mock my cooking or what I was eating or because I just simply didn’t have the energy. I personally still have body issues but I’ve largely given up because I don’t want to exercise in a gym or people to look at me. Ludus is essentially made partially of a person I wish I could have been, mixed with my own repression. They’re their own person though, but they’re very close to my heart.

Ludus dances because I find good dance beautiful, it’s one of my favourite youtube rabbit holes I go down. He was made almost exactly a year and two months after a traumatic event, and I’m not sure if he’s a response to that yet. I think he’s mainly a repression response.

He’s attracted to power and people puppet masters but he knows they’re bad for him. Actual kindness is what he wants, to be someone's pet yet valued for who he is as an individual.

Intimidates others for power - Think IRENE ADLER

But they’re still mostly a sub and have to know they want something first, which is rare because he still doesn’t know what he wants.

He developed blackmail as a way to keep himself safe in the bar because no one else was gonna do it for him and it’s not like he could work anywhere else (well, that’s he was trained to believe).

Rarely shouts.

Can sing.

Urban Fantasy Setting Notes: His phone is black but usually has a bright pink bedazzled phone case with a pop socket. He adores it. Plays guitar in private (prefers acoustic - gentle vibes). Probably interested in learning piano. Has an OnlyFans and NSFW twitter under LEWDICROUS. 

Fantasy Setting Notes: Dance bard. Fond of using daggers. Rogue /bard? 

The Moondroplet Entertainment Company is indeed named as a nod to The Fletching and Moondrop Traveling Carnival of Curiosities.

The lipstick comment “but Ludus is rarely seen without black lipstick, as anyone with a true sense of style knows that this is peak fashion” is absolutely a Homestuck, specifically a Kanaya reference, well, as close as I could get.

He was named on 27/07/2019 which is his sort of birthday, and he was tangled in with the “essence” of Lux for the longest time - I thought they were the same person. The original character idea was a half gnome/half tiefling bard with purple skin, and gold teeth. They were an absolute gremlin, but I couldn’t hone in on them because there was just nothing there - and then over a year or so Lux and Ludus developed. Arguably him and Lux are twins (not story wise tho), which is an idea I quite like.

[peter-parkourwrites]

Birthday Wishes

Warnings: swearing, a little bit of underage drinking, mentions of sex, peter being a complete dork

Summary: It’s Peter’s birthday, and you don’t know if it’ll go the way you want it to. It has to be perfect for him. But will it be? (that was bad I’m tired gn)

A/N: Happy Birthday Peter Parker, the dorkiest of dorks in the mcu I love you. Anyways I hope you all like this!! Ily xx, ~ devyn <3

Word Count: 2.5k of pure fluff

~~

Peter’s birthday was in three hours and to say you were unprepared was… an understatement. Of course you had a huge party planned for him, a surprise party… which you hoped he hadn’t picked up on with his ‘Peter-tingle’ as his Aunt and now yourself liked to call it. 

You pulled out all the stops, even going as far to ask his boss, Tony Stark if you could host the party at the compound. He wholey agreed and here you stood, clad in black skinny jeans, a navy blouse, and black heels. Your hair was curled and nicely tied away from your face, which adored some simple makeup and dark red lipstick. 

Considering it was the Avengers compound you had sent out invitations to everyone, saying to dress relatively nice and byoa. Bring Your Own Alcohol. But Tony had said he’d ‘spike’ the punch. Which if you all knew, in retrospect it wasn’t really… spiked in a bad way.

“Ned said he’d be here with Peter in two hours!” MJ called as she shut her phone off and took a chip from the snack bowl. You huffed and stepped off the latter shooting her a playful glare as she continued to eat away at the snacks.

“Those are for the guests, Michelle,” You teased and took a potato chip for yourself before turning back around to inspect the scene. 

The ballroom of the compound was where Tony hosted all of his gala’s and charity events. It was full of life, four large chandeliers hung from the tall ceilings, the lights casting across the gold rimmed furniture, and reflected off the large, window to ceiling windows. A bar was at the far end of the room, currently closed off other than a punch bowl, and some small snacks. There was one large table by the front entrance for presents, and smaller circle tables scattered around the room, white table cloths placed over them neatly, not a single wrinkle in sight. 

“Call in the team, we’ve got decorating to do and a cake to get.” You said pulling out your phone to call the bakery to see if it was ready. MJ nodded and walked through the compound to retrieve the heroes for help. 

When you came back into the ballroom after an annoying argument with the bakery, you almost laughed at the sight. The heroes you looked up to since you were small were trying desperately to untangle fairy lights, and arguing about the best way to hang up the red and blue streamers. MJ just stood off to the side, a small smirk on her face as they continued to bicker.

“Mr. Rogers, Miss Romanoff, do you think you guys can handle getting the cake and two dozen cupcakes?” You asked typing away at your phone, responding to Ned’s frantic and nervous messages. “I’d do it but I have some last minute things to get together.” Raising a brow at them you smiled when they nodded and Steve and Natasha walked off. “You can handle them?” You asked, walking up to MJ, and motioning towards Bucky, Sam, Tony, and Thor as they continued to bicker and play tug-of-war with fairy lights. 

“I think I got this.” She said with a confident nod before clearing her throat. The last thing you heard when you left the room was her telling them what to set up and to not break anything in the process.

You walked down to your car and climbed in, taking a deep breath as you let the stress on your shoulders fade away momentarily. In all seriousness you probably should have known planing Peter’s 18th birthday, pretty much on your own would be a major pain in the ass. Sure you had the help of Ned, May, MJ and the Avengers themselves but you put most of it in your own hands. The color coordination, the right decorations, calling for the cake, making and sending the invitations, buying snacks, and setting up what to do for Ned and Peter so they wouldn’t even be a minute early. It had been a lot of work, but you’d do it all again for the sake of keeping Peter on his toes and happy. 

You pushed open the door to the small jewelry shop and smiled as the bell went off. The person behind the desk greeted you as you walked around a bit before approaching the front desk. 

“Hi I have a piece I ordered a few months ago… under the name (Y/N)? It was supposed to be done today…” You said, hoping it was finished. A slightly confused look crossed her face as she typed away at the computer and it sent a wave of nerves over you. 

“Oh! Yes, here it’s in the back let me grab it for you.” She said with a small smile and walked off through the back door. You played with a loose strong on your blouse and let out a shaky breath, you hoped it was perfect. Peter deserved the best, after two years of dating that’s all he gave you and you wanted to do the same for him. “Here you go.” The woman said with a bright smile. “It’s certainly different than anything we’ve ever done. But I hope it’s to your liking.” She handed you the small box and you opened it, a wide smile growing on your face. 

“It’s perfect. Thank you! How much will it be?”

“No no no! I told you the lights are supposed to go over the banner! Not in front of it!” MJ’s loud voice echoed through the hallway to the ballroom. You let out a small sigh and walked in alongside Natasha and Steve, holding a box of cupcakes. 

“MJ?” You called as the three of you walked into the room. Your eyes lit up with excitement, everything looked amazing. Red and blue streamers were strung around the room, decorating the tables and walls. Along with dozens of white and gold balloons tied to a small weight on every table, and taped to some walls. The floors had small specs of silver confetti and a few… beach balls? Must have been Tony’s little addition. You chuckled in adoration and placed the cupcakes off to the side in the bar fridge along with the cake. 

“Do you know how many avengers it takes to string up lights? Because I didn’t and now I do. I hate it.” MJ grumbled and hopped up onto one of the bar stools with an exaggerated groan. You snickered and patted her shoulder. 

“I do not… tell me later yeah?” You asked walked over to the front as she sent you a nod and took a sip of coke from her cup. 

“Betty, Cindy, Abe!” You screeched as you saw the three of them walking through the hallway. Running up to them you pulled them all into a tight hug and they all gave you a warm smile. “Gifts go on the table to the left, snacks and drinks are scattered around. MJ is in there somewhere with the team.” You said before walking off to the front doors to greet everyone.

“Hey kid, how’d the party turn out? I haven’t poked my head in yet since I left after streamer hanging.” Tony said walking alongside you to the front door. You chuckled and shrugged. 

“It looks amazing… Thank you for letting us host it here Mr. Stark.” You laughed and gave him a big grin. Tony smiled and placed a delicate hand on your shoulder. 

“Call me Tony. I feel like we’ve known one another for months, with how much Pete talks about you.” 

“Oh god I hope it’s not over the top embarrassing.” You groaned and peeked out the window to see if anyone was approaching the door. 

“He did mention something about getting your wisdom teeth out one time, and smashing pineapples on the ground.” He said with a light chuckle. You smacked your head with the palm of your hand and sighed.

“Dammit Peter… Yeah I was so high from the pain meds I thought I could find Spongebob… Peter woke up in such a panic only to find me on the floor crying surrounded by pineapple mush.” 

“Sounds like quite an experience.” He chuckled and crossed his arms over his chest as someone knocked on the door. You opened it with a smile while Tony stood behind you, clad in a dark grey suit, glaring towards the group of teenagers before flashing them a toothy smile.

All of the guests had arrived and Peter was two minutes away, according to Ned. You gulped down the last of the punch in your cup, hoping the bit of alcohol would calm your nerves before Bucky started yelling.

“Car! He’s here! If anyone fucks this up I’m gonna murder someone!” Followed by Steve whacking his non-metal arm and Nat shouting back in response. Once everyone had quieted down, F.R.I.D.A.Y turned off the lights and would alert everyone when he was at the door. Once her mechanical voice whirred through the room everyone crouched down in the respective hiding places and you held your breath. 

This was the moment you had been waiting for, for months to come. So much planning all down to one small moment. 

Suddenly the door swung open, lights flickered on, and everyone jumped up.

“SURPRISE!” filled the room as Peter jumped back with a laugh, a large smile curling on his blushing cheeks. The team reached him first with large smiles and open arms. You chuckled as he wiped away happy tears, and wrapped his arms around his mentor. 

“And here’s the brains of this lovely operation.” Tony said, grinning proudly at you, his hand on Peter’s shoulder as he led your boyfriend to you. Immediately, Peter’s strong arms pulled you into an embrace. You let out a small yelp followed by a low chuckle as your arms wrapped around his waist. Your fingers delicately playing with the curls at the nape of his neck. He nuzzled his nose into the crook of your neck and let out a deep inhale.

“I love you.” He whispered against your skin and you smiled, your heart beating wildly in your chest, you could swear the whole room heard it. 

“I love you too, Pete.”

“So you really pulled this all off… just for me?” He asked, seeming almost embarrassed that you went to such lengths for him. You nodded sheepishly and tapped your index finger against his nose as he pressed his hips to yours and leaned his head back to look at you.

“I did. You deserve it.” You whispered, placing a chaste kiss to his cheek. “Now come on let’s go party!” You cheered and gripped his soft hand in your own and led him to the dance floor. 

The night was full of dancing, light drinking, snacking, chatting, and lots of short and sweet kisses from Peter. He would go off to talk to groups of friends but always managed to stay close by you, or even drag you with him, keeping a loose arm around you waist. Steve and Thor rolled out the cake, and you all sang a chorus of happy birthdays. One in Russian from Nat and Bucky, an Asgardian version from Thor, and the classic. 

The party had died down a bit and now you and Peter were one of the few couples swaying around to James Young’s ‘Infinity’ on the dance floor. You rested your head against his shoulder, your palm resting comfortably against his chest as you kept your other arm around his waist. His arms were looped around your waist, his head pressed against the top of yours. Peter was humming along to the song quietly when you perked up.

“I have something for you.” You whispered dragging your nails across the fabric of his dress shirt. 

“Hmm?” He hummed, keeping his head resting against your hair. You smiled and placed a kiss to his jaw before pulling away. He almost whined at the loss of contact but when you wrapped your delicate fingers around his own he felt drunk on happiness, once again. With soft giggles and shushing filling the halls of the compound, you made your way up to the room Tony had made for him, where your gift to him was currently sitting. You pushed open the door and motioned for Peter to sit on the bed. He agreed and let out a small ‘oof’ as the bed sunk. He hadn’t slept in this room in so so long, he really needed to change it up. 

“Okay close your eyes, and hold your hands out.” You announced as you held the small red baggie behind your body. He laughed and shook his head.

“I swear to go babe, if this is some weird sex thing I’ll-”

“Shut up you dirty minded boy.”

“I’m a man now.”

“Oh whatever.” You groaned and lightly kicked at his shin. He rolled his eyes playfully before closing his eyes, his hands reaching out. You took a deep breath and pulled the box out of the bag. You slowly placed it against his warm palms and spoke up. “Okay open your eyes.” When he did, his face flashed with worry. Were you proposing before he was?! Was he too late?! But he ignored those thoughts when you sat down next to him, resting a hand against his forearms. He took in a deep breath and carefully opened the velvet box.

His eyes lit up, and he could’ve sworn his heart skipped a beat as he looked down at what was in it. A small silver chain held a silver moon, and a tiny black spider pendant. Alongside it was one for yourself, a golden chain with a sun pendant, and the same tiny black spider. A small gesture, that held so much meaning for you both. Peter always referred to you as his sunshine, as cheesy as it was, because you always seemed to light up any room you were in. You brought him pure and utter joy. And a moon for how you always worried when Peter would go out and not come back, but every single night he would send you a simple moon emoji or a photo of the moon when he was out so you’d know he was still safe. 

“I-I love it…” He whispered, holding back tears. He let out an exasperated laugh and wrapped you into his arms. You giggled as he pressed quick kisses along your neck.

“Happy Birthday Peter. I love you.” You whispered, pulling him away from your neck so you could look him in the eyes. He cupped your face with his free hand and gently brought his lips down to yours. Your mouths moved in sync and he could swear fireworks were going off around you. When you both pulled away for air, he rested his forehead against yours.

“Best birthday ever.”

[dreamyhyuns]

Divina Commedia - G-Dragon (4)

Chapter 4

I suddenly came to the realization that I was about to open up and talk about one of the weirdest days of my life. I walked slowly around the house and I looked at all the pictures on the walls. They all had one thing in common- they showed just me and him. I sat on the couch in the living room. The sun had just set, and the city lights had started to faintly shine. I had to think of all those these things that happened that day before I put them into words, so I spent quite some time there looking at the beautiful skyline, but my mind wasn’t there. The clock on the wall indicated it was already 9:20 pm and I decided I was ready to let it all out.

 “The day that came after our trip to Daegu was my 20th birthday. I woke up to sunrays warming up my face and a sleeping Jiyong next to me. He looked so peaceful and his breathing was steady, his messy hair changed into beautiful shades of light brown and gold as the sun laid on them, his skin was glowing, and he had one arm around my body. I moved closer to him and he opened his eyes lazily before holding me with both hands and rolling me onto his chest. ‘Happy Birthday angel’ he said with his beautiful morning voice, I brushed some of his hair aside and I kissed him, ‘I love you’ I whispered and we laid there, looking into each other’s eyes as if it was the first time we woke up in each other’s arms. After lying around, talking about random stuff, Jiyong told me he had to go to the studio, but he’d be back as fast as he could to celebrate my birthday. With those words he got up from the bed and he got ready quickly. After he left I spent my morning replying to wishes and phone calls from my friends and cousins. I was in the middle of talking to my best friend on the phone when the door bell rang. A big white box was handed to me by one of the guards from the gate of the house. I set the box on the couch and I unwrapped it; a beautiful red silk gown was neatly folded in there. Before I could even take the dress out of the box, Jiyong called me, ‘did you get the dress?’ he asked, and I knew from the tone of his voice that he was smiling. ‘It’s so beautiful’ I said as I ran my fingertips over the expensive fabric. ‘That’s just the beginning baby, I have prepared so much for today, be ready by 6:00, we have a reservation, alright honey?’ ‘I’ll be ready by then don’t worry’. After we hang up, I started running around the house in excitement. It was the first time we went on such a fancy date just the two of us and I couldn’t be happier. It was already 3:30 pm and I had to start getting ready. I took a really long warm bath to relax my nerves for tonight. After I got out of the bath, I started doing my makeup and I realized I had to look extra nice for tonight; I’d be standing next to the celebrity G-Dragon and not so much my boyfriend Jiyong, since we’d be in public. Once my face was ready, I started straightening my hair in hopes of looking more put together. At around 5:15 I walked into the bedroom, I took the dress out of the box to wear it and to my surprise there was a small paper unnderneath; ‘check the sock drawer in my closet’  I dropped the dress on the bed and I ran immediately to his giant walk-in closet, I knew exactly where the sock drawer was so it didn’t take me long to find a black jewelry box in there. I opened it and inside, a pair of long cluster diamond earrings laid there. Immediately I called him, I couldn’t believe he bought these ‘is everything okay?’ ‘uhm I don’t know, did you buy me the earrings you had in your closet?’ ‘yes, why? Don’t you like them?’ ‘no, it’s not that, it’s just… that’s a lot of money Jiyong’ ‘honey don’t worry about stuff like that okay? I enjoy spoiling people I love. I’ll see you in a bit don’t be late’.I put on the dress, a pair of not so high black heels (he wasn’t that much taller than me either). my hair was in a low ponytail that made my earrings show more, I looked at myself through the mirror in his closet and I was shocked by how much better I looked like this. Before I knew it, the time had come to go to my fancy dinner and a newfound kind of adrenaline ran through my veins that I adored. The sky was turning purple when I was walking down the driveway of the house to his parked Lamborghini outside. I took a deep breath and when the gate opened, I saw Jiyong standing in front of the car, looking at the floor. He looked beautiful as always, but he had a nervous look on his face. He was wearing a maroon velvet suit, the top was a little oversized for his body, but he made it look so good on him. He didn’t wear a shirt underneath and a part of his chest was exposed. He had his beautiful brown hair as usual; he knew I loved his fluffy hair, so he had kept it as is. he had little to no makeup on that toned his eyes and his overall image was very professional and intimidating. When he saw me arrive, his eyes went from my head to toe and his mouth hang a bit open. Once he snapped back to reality, he came close to me, gave me a small hug ‘you look beautiful in this dress’ he whispered while hugging me, I could feel his breath against my neck which gave me shivers. We got into his car and we drove to one of the most beautiful restaurants in the city. It was on the 23rd floor of a huge hotel that overlooked the Namsan park; I had only heard about this place but now I was going to celebrate my birthday there with my boyfriend. When we arrived there we were informed that his manager had booked the entire place for us tonight because he didn’t want us to worry about our privacy on such an occasion. ‘I didn’t know your manager knew about us’ ‘he kind of could see it for himself but it’s okay he’s gonna support us no matter what’ Jiyong replied as we were seated in the middle of the beautiful restaurant we had all to ourselves. The evening went by smoothly, the food was more than great and Jiyong was perfect as always. We talked about all sorts of things, and he kept complimenting me even if I blushed like a tomato every time. When we were done, we decided to go back home and chill for the rest of the night- since January Jiyong was trying to cut down on the alcohol, so going to a bar or a club afterwards wouldn’t be the best thing for him.The moment we arrived home, Jiyong went to take a shower and as I was taking off my makeup, my parents called me. It all went normally up to the point where they asked to video call me because they hadn’t seen me in a long time. I had no other choice, I quickly ran to the living room and when they saw me in the dress I was wearing their expressions changed, the huge house behind me raised questions I knew I had to answer. The first one to talk was my father that asked where I was because this looked nothing like my apartment, I quickly blurted out that I was in a friend’s house which made them angry and they demanded to know the truth. Then I told them about my  relationship, that we lived together and that he was the one who bought me all that I was wearing. At that point they were both expressionless and none of us talked. After this rather long silence, my mom told me to call them back once I looked like myself and not like someone’s escort and she immediately hang up. I ran to the bedroom, Jiyong was still in the shower, so I quickly took off everything I was wearing, and I threw on one of his shirts and a pair of shorts, I went to the kitchen to get some privacy again and I called my parents back. They still looked very angry with me and they started bombarding me with questions. They were mostly about Jiyong; what he does for a living, why are we dating, for how long but the thing that was the last straw for them was his age. When I told them that he was nine years older than me, they became enraged. My father threatened me that if I didn’t break up with him now I would no longer be his daughter, my mother didn’t even try to understand me, she just agreed with my father. They didn’t even want to know how I felt for him, or just his name- all they heard was that a rich celebrity almost a decade older than me had me as his hostage in his house. They didn’t give me a chance to explain anything. At some point through their yelling I lost my temper too and I told them that if they can’t accept my relationship with Jiyong I don’t want them as my family because they don’t want to see me happy and they hang up on me, again. As soon as I put the phone on the counter, my legs felt powerless and slowly I sat on the cold kitchen floor, my back against one of the counters and I started crying. I couldn’t believe what had just happened, suddenly I felt so alone. My own family didn’t want me, and I didn’t know what to do, breaking up with Jiyong wasn’t even an option, I couldn’t even picture leaving him, he made me so happy. I kept crying and I heard footsteps approaching me ‘what happened, who was yelling at you?’ I heard Jiyong say before sitting next to me on the floor. I looked at him, my eyes were red from crying and I was shaking- it was a mess. When he saw me like this his, calm expression quickly turned into a concerned one and he didn’t know what to do. ‘Can you please hold me for now, I don’t want to think of anything’ I said between my sobs and before I could finish my sentence he had already pulled me in his arms, I was sitting there in something that resembled a fetal position; my head was on his chest, my hands were holding my knees close to my body and he kept his arms locked around me. As I kept crying, he kissed the top of my head and he kept repeating ‘I’m holding you now don’t worry, I’m here, it’s gonna be okay’ after a while I’m pretty sure I fell asleep and he carried me to bed. I woke up sometime around midnight and I was alone, I got up and I walked to the living room, he was lying on the couch watching tv. When he saw me smiled and sat up ‘are you feeling okay?’ ‘yes, aren’t you sleepy’ ‘not really, I’m watching a movie… do you want to talk about what happened?’ ‘well’ I said as I took a seat next to him. ‘I told my family about us and long story short I don’t think they consider me their daughter anymore’ I said and I laughed a little at how dumb what I just said sounded, but Jiyong didn’t think it was funny, at all. ‘Are you serious?’ it was the first time I had seen him this angry with something I told him. ‘How could they say such thing to their child? I can’t believe they did this to you on your birthday for fuck’s sake’ ‘it’s okay Jiyong, please don’t start yelling too’ with those words he instantly went back to normal, he then put his hands on my shoulders, and he looked straight into my eyes. ‘Screw them baby, if they can’t respect your choices, they’re not your family, I’m your family from now on’ after that declaration he kissed my nose and he whispered ‘I’m here for you okay?’ before we cuddled up to watch the movie he was watching but shortly after I was asleep again in his arms. His words felt oddly reassuring and somehow, I didn’t worry too much about the family I had lost that day, because I became a part of another one.

[becauseicantthink]

Temptation part 2(b)

Hello again!

Warnings: slight sexy times. It’s late, I didn’t re-read. Please forgive my shortcomings.

3 hours into this bet.

^^^ The dress. Leila is a little more curvier than the model.

I'm pacing up a storm behind my bedroom door. The black dress sways around me. I glance at myself in the mirror again. I'm wearing minimal makeup, only a pair of earrings as jewelry and nude heels. The black dress wraps around me, with how low the cut is, it was impossible to wear a bra, so if I get too cold, people will notice. My hair is loose and tumbles neatly down my back. On second thought, I grab a black shawl out of my closest and wrap it around me, just to secure myself from too much cold. This dress accentuates the size of my boobs, to a point where I'm a little uncomfortable. But Hannah was right when she said that I should win this bet. My heart is pounding in my chest. I slip the shawl off my shoulders and fold it. I notice a stretch mark on my thigh, poking through from the slit in my dress. I'm not very self conscious about stretch marks, it's not something I can control. Although with my powers, I could probably make them disappear, I don't think I want them to. I check the time, it's half 6. Why is Peter Parker late? Just as I think that, a knock sounds at the door. Fuck. There's no backing down now. Shawl and clutch in hand, I open the door. And then I die. The sight of Peter floors me. I struggle to remember how to breathe. My skin heats up as I drink him in, wearing a delicious black suit. I can hear my heart pounding. The sound fills my ears. 

"Damn." Peter whispers first. I nod my head in agreement, looking at him. I'm so turned on, that I'm not sure how I'm going to make it through an hour standing next to him. He was absolutely stunning, with his hair combed back, no sign of the adorable boy I first met two years ago. Who was this sharp jawed sex god in front of me? "Who are you and what have you done with innocent Peter Parker?" I say. His mouth tilts up into a smile. He extends his hand for me to take. I grasp his hand and try my best to stay in control of myself the nearer I get to him. He doesn't say anything until we're inside the elevator. He presses his lips to my ear. I suck in a breath as tingles overcome me. "Sweetheart, by the end of tonight you'll never use 'innocent' to describe me ever again." I want him badly in an instant. " I don't doubt that, Parker." I say, avoiding his eyes. He presses his nose against my neck and I stiffen. " You smell lovely." He comments. My blood boils. Why does he get to me so easily? "Thanks." I say sharply, pushing at his shoulder to get him a little away from me. He laughs lowly, the sound pools in my stomach. This is going to be a long night. Tony hired a car to take us to the party. It was obvious he cared a lot about Peter, and about me. He had a slight soft spot for orphans I guessed. I slid into the backseat of the car whilst Peter gave the driver the address. When Peter finally settles beside me, his clothed thigh rubs against my exposed one and it takes everything in my not to react. "Where...are we going?" I ask gently, looking at him from the corner of my eye. We begin to move. His arm comes around my shoulders, slotting his body against mine perfectly. "My friend, Harry. It's his birthday today and the Osborns don't know how to do things subtly." I turn to look Peter in the eyes in disbelief. "Harry? Harry Osborn?!" My voice kicks up a notch. Holy crap. "So, you attract billionaires huh?" I joke. His mouth lifts, looking at me. 

"Leila, I- I think you look beautiful tonight." The way he's looking at me makes my heart beat in my toes. I look into his honey brown eyes, and I feel so light and warm. I take his hand slowly and smile. "Thank you. I think you look-" I want to say fucking delicious but my mouth chokes on the words. "- incredibly handsome." Phew. Nice save. My words are true though, he's positively stunning. It's a side of him I've never seen, a side I might be falling for. I smile up at him. " Don't think one compliment will have me begging for you." I taunt. His hands rest on my thigh hotly. I jolt a little. His rough hands rub against my thigh. Heat pools within me. I hear my breathing become shallow. I watch him lick his lips, I try to look away. My body and mind is in a battle, but suddenly they both agree on one thing. I lean toward him, my hand moves behind his neck to pull him toward me. He moves willingly, his hand grips my thigh firmly as my lips touch his. I pull back slowly, his eyes open slowly and he smiles at me. 

“That was amazing.” he says. 

I smile in response to him and I look down in response to feeling my phone buzz. It’s a message from Hannah. “Send me a selfie.” It says.

“Let’s take a picture.” I say holding my phone out and snapping one, once Peter gives his approval, I send it to Hannah before i change my mind. A few seconds later, my phone buzzes off repeatedly. I don’t have to check because i already know it’s Hannah freaking. 

We pull up at a hotel. There’s a crowd in front and a lot of camera flashes. Peter steps out first and holds his hand out for me.

We go straight to the penthouse via a private elevator. I keep in close proximity to Peter, my arm wrapped in his, every now and again my chest presses against his arms. I can feel him tense every time it happens. The elevator opens, and we’re greeted by Harry himself.

(Okay i can’t fit everything into this post without making it really long so... part c? hahahaha)

[stcrsaligned]

sunset headcanon using these prompts. 

1. What does their bedroom look like? (expanded this to her studio unit, since that means it's all her bedroom) It's messy. Her bedroom is really the loft space in her unit. The stairs to the loft space are littered with her shoes on nights where she comes home from a show with the Rainbooms and just goes to bed. The bed is never made. The bookshelves above her bed space are neatly organized though as these books are often the ones that comfort her the most on nights when she has nightmares. She has a nightstand and a small dresser in the loft space. The nightstand has things like her retainer, hair scrunchies, notebooks and pens, about 80 half-used chapsticks, a bottle of lotion, stuff like that. 

The dresser isn't full of clothes (she keeps those in a wardrobe near the bathroom). The dresser is mostly old notebooks full of ideas or assorted notes that don't mean much any more. Things that she can't quite get rid of live in that dresser. 

The rest of the unit is pretty messy too. She has close hung over a beaten up couch (the couch itself has a blanket that Rare made her). There's old takeout on a small end-table next to the couch. Her TV console has DVDs, video games, books, some sheet music. There's also a plant for no disernable reason other than AJ came by at some point and said she needed living things. There's also a plant above her dresser near the bathroom because she liked the look of hanging plants. 

The wardrobe and dresser are both near the bathroom. The wardrobe barely shuts because of the mix of clothes and she sort-of stashes her laundry bin in there and it's more than overflowing. 

Her dresser is half-neat. There's a space for her jewelery and it never quite makes it back into the jewelry box. She swears Rarity will haunt her for this. 

Under the stairs are some boxes, and her amps. Along the wall of the stairs to her bed are her guitars. She keeps her flame one above the landing for ease of use. 

Her desk is under the loft bed and is the only clean place. With her depth studies on magic & the world she lives in, she needs to keep it clean to think. She has a white board on one of her walls that has scribbles of notes and trailed thoughts. There's books lining the shelves here. Some library books, stolen from when she was bad. 

The bathroom in the loft is barely a room. It's a toilet, sink and shower cramed into a closet space. The kitchenette near the front door is worse. She has a hot-plate instead of a stove, which is fine since she doesn't cook. She has a 4-foot-tall fridge with a small freezer component. There's a sink and enough counter space for her microwave and dishes (if she ever washes them).

2. Do they have any daily rituals? It does depend on the day. She wakes up early on school days since the Rainbooms have 0 period band practice. Though, "early" usually means about 20-minutes before she needs to leave. She grabs a shower, changes, gets her guitar and school stuff, and runs off. After classes, she has a part-time job at the mall, then either goes to one of the girls' house to study and do homework or goes home. She's fairly smart and can get through her work quickly (not as quick as Twi, but pretty quick). Any time after her work is done, she often starts looking into magic and will stay up late doing that.

3. Do they exercise, and if so, what do they do? How often? Sunset loves running. She tries to work it into her schedule, but usually the most running she does is to school when she's late. She doesn't mind traditional work outs, but she feels freest running.

4. What would they do if they needed to make dinner but the kitchen was busy? Sunset is queen of microwave dinners because she cannot cook and she usually forgets. If the kitchen is truly busy, she will forgo food or just talk to whoevers cooking and pray for a bite to eat.

5. Cleanliness habits (personal, workspace, etc.) Personal cleanliness is good. Although her workplace is a mess (see her bedroom), Sunset takes great care in her personal appearance. She really wants to control the perception of people, so she's fairly clean and looks it. She's only ever a slob in her own home.

6. Eating habits and sample daily menu She's bad at eating. Mostly, she tends to get wrapped up in something and forgets to eat, so when she does eat, it's a lot at one time (like a vacuum). Her daily meal is often coffee in the morning, huge lunch at school with whatever is available (& sweets Pinkie brings in), dinner at the mall if she can swing it or dinner with the girls if they're hanging out, and only like an apple at home.

7. Favorite way to waste time and feelings surrounding wasting time Sunset doesn't really like to waste time? She likes to be constantly doing something to push away her thoughts. If she's wasting time it's with her friends either with music, shenanigans, shopping, or fashion.

8. Favorite indulgence and feelings surrounding indulging Sunset indulges in magic, more than she should considering what it did to her last time. But she wants to find the limits. She's a researcher and now with Twi, she can look into it. I don't think she realizes it's indulging though.

9. Makeup? She typically wears eye liner, does her eyebrows, and sometimes wears red lip stick, but she doesn't have time for full face all the time.

10. Neuroses? Do they recognize them as such? She's more relaxed. Twi has more of the neuroses. Sunset is only neurotic about her home study space.

11. Intellectual pursuits? Magic primarily. She wants to know what makes her powers work and why. She wants to know the connection between the realms.

12. Favorite book genre? Her comfort books are young adult/new adult contemporary. She doesn't like fantasy -- feels she's lived too much of it.

13. Sexual Orientation? And, regardless of own orientation, thoughts on sexual orientation in general? Bisexual. She thinks people should live and love the way they want to as long as they aren't hurting anyone.

14. Physical abnormalities? (Both visible and not, including injuries/disabilities, long-term illnesses, food-intolerances, etc.) I don't like the way this question is worded, but PTSD.

15. Biggest and smallest short term goal? Play an official gig with the Rainbooms and make new friends

16. Biggest and smallest long term goal? Understand why magic is reactive to friendship and therapy.

17. Preferred mode of dress and rituals surrounding dress Dresses more punk, switches often between studded skirts and pants, wears a lot of leather and jean, her color swatches are orange, purple, hot pink, and black.

18. Favorite beverage? Smoothies, but she never has time or money for them.

19. What do they think about before falling asleep at night? Anxieties. Usually that her friends hate her. She really has to force herself through exercises Shy taught her.

20. Childhood illnesses? Any interesting stories behind them? Nope.

21. Turn-ons? Turn-offs? Ons: intelligence and friendship Offs: Gloating, hatred, selfishness

22. Given a blank piece of paper, a pencil, and nothing to do, what would happen? She would probably doodle, surprisingly.

23. How organized are they? How does this organization/disorganization manifest in their everyday life? Not vary and it drives Twi and Rare up a wall! Her notes for her own work are organized, but everything else is just chaos!

24. Is there one subject of study that they excel at? Or do they even care about intellectual pursuits at all? Sunset has a real strong grasp of magic itself after so many years of study. She really does like to look into other pursuits (especially with science since that was less common in her original realm). But she doesn't like literature as much unless it's for enjoyment and will focus more on musical pursuits.

25. How do they see themselves 5 years from today? Finishing a degree in neurosciences with a thesis on exploring the use of magic within the brain.

26. Do they have any plans for the future? Any contingency plans if things don’t workout? She really wants to tour with the Rainbooms, but she's worried the girls are going to focus on their dreams (And that it doesn't include the Rainbooms). So she's focused on her dream of getting a neuroscience degree.

27. What is their biggest regret? Turning into a demon and ignoring friendship.

28. Who do they see as their best friend? Their worst enemy? Princess Twilight is her best friend (though, she does love SciTwi, she knows there's a difference). 

I think Adagio is closest to her worst enemy. Sunset really doesn't trust her, and even though Sunset wants her to change, the two just grate on each other.

29. Reaction to sudden extrapersonal disaster (eg The house is on fire! What do they do?) Sunset thinks clearly and comes up with a logical quick solution.

30. Reaction to sudden intrapersonal disaster (eg close family member suddenly dies) Sunset shuts down hard and shuts everyone out.

31. Most prized possession? Her journal for communicating with Princess Twilight.

32. Thoughts on material possessions in general? She's had to give up a lot, so there's not much she would ever want to take with her. But she thinks you should keep things that mean something as long as it doesn't hinder you from growth.

33. Concept of home and family? Without blood relations in the new realm, Sunset relies on the girls to be her family. The new realm is definitely "home" and her birth-realm was definitely not.

34. Thoughts on privacy? (Are they a private person, or are they prone to ‘TMI’?) Sunset is pretty private about her personal problem. She's not prone to TMI. She listens a lot more.  

35. What activities do they enjoy, but consider to be a waste of time? Doodling.

36. What makes them feel guilty? Her past. She has really struggled to get over it and she is growing. She works hard to not think about it and even more to be better than it.

Ruining peoples lives, manipulating them, stealing, and forsaking friendship are her worst sins and she tries to work on everyone of those.

37. Are they more analytical or more emotional in their decision-making? It depends on the situation. Analytical in physical issues, and emotional in personal issues.

38. Would they consider themselves a Type A or Type B personality? Type A trying to be a Type B

39. What recharges them when they’re feeling drained? Music.

40. Would you say that they have a superiority-complex? Inferiority-complex? Neither? She used to have a superiority-complex. She now has neither.

41. How misanthropic are they? She's not.

42. Hobbies? Music, studying, magic.

43. How far did they get in formal education? What are their views on formal education vs self-education? She's in high school and could definitely complete college. She thinks education is important and thinks it depends on the person. certain subjects she can self-teach, but she knows she needs help and more "formal" education for others.

44. Religion? None.

45. Superstitions or views on the occult? She is not very superstitious, and feeds into the occult with her magic search.

46. Do they express their thoughts through words or deeds? Deeds at this point.

47. If they were to fall in love, who (or what) is their ideal? Sunset is looking for companionship. She really values intelligence and sharing that together. Her ideal person is out of reach forever now (and she knows that, and she's happy for her). She wanted a princess and the version in this world is definitely her friend and maybe she could fall in love with her, but she knows it's not the same. Princess Twi was someone who cared for her and saw past all her shit and wanted to help her be better which is what Sunset needs. But they were also so good at figuring things out together. They were willing to listen and share and she needs that.

48. How do they express love? Through actions. Coffee on the desk while the others working. A kiss on the side of the head. Flirting from across the room. Love songs.

49. If this person were to get into a fist fight, what is their fighting style like? Sunset is no-hold-bar. She fights dirty. She's scrappy and unafraid.

50. Is this person afraid of dying? Why or why not? Yes. Sunset definitely has the feeling of needing to be remember (she tries to shake this, but it's definitely still deep in her). Dying means people might not remember her. I think if she got over that, she wouldn't fear dying.

[voyagerofthesun]

Repost this and fill in your muse’s own information and answer the questions. Tag 8 people to fill it out once you’re done. Feel free to skip certain questions!

Tagged by: @red-string-assassin and @fireballofinsanity Tagging: @akarxuu, @kurosis, @sword-of-saiqa, @devilofthecresentisle, @tiedbyaredstring, @redhotmetalvinea, @riftsguardian, @huntersxandxangels

(If you’ve already done this, feel free to ignore the tag)

NAME: Sinbad NAME MEANING: Lord of Sages; Lord of the Sindh AGE: 34 GENDER: Male ETHNICITY: Parthevian NATIONALITY: Sindrian

WHAT TIME DO THEY USUALLY GET UP IN THE MORNING?: Very, very late unless someone takes the effort to wake him up. Despite his natural instinct to sleep in til noon, Ja’far often makes sure he stays on schedule so Sinbad begrudgingly wakes up at the crack of dawn.

WHAT IS THEIR MORNING ROUTINE?: A quick stretch, maybe take some time to admire the view from his balcony before jumping into a quick bath. Attendants will often arrive to help him dress and make him look presentable before he goes to the dining hall for breakfast.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE THEM TO GET READY IN THE MORNING?: Around one to two hours. The needlessly long and difficult matter of waking him up coupled with his meticulous hair grooming often takes up a lot of time.

WHAT TIME TO DO THEY USUALLY GO TO BED?: Depends on how busy he is. He often goes to bed relatively early when there are no urgent matters to finish or when there are no festivals to sneak away to / participate in.

DO THEY FALL ASLEEP EASILY? DO THEY STAY ASLEEP EASILY?: It takes a while for Sinbad to fall asleep especially when he is sober. As such, he usually drinks a special tea that relaxes him long enough to drift off. Once he goes to sleep, he’ll stay asleep like a log.

WHAT POSITION DO THEY SLEEP IN?: Sprawled all over his bed like a spineless starfish. Snores a lot too.

WHAT IS THEIR HANDWRITING LIKE?: He has learned to write neatly due to Rurumu’s insistence. But Sinbad’s handwriting often reflects his mood. If he is focused and determined to get work done, his writing is neat and legible. If he is starting to feel bored, his lines will be sloppier. He also has a tendency to doodle on the margins of important documents (much to Ja’far’s chagrin).

DO THEY PREFER TYPING THINGS OR WRITING THINGS?: Writing. (Even in modern verses, Sinbad would prefer handwritten letters. It makes them feel more authentic and personalized.)

WHAT FORM OF ART (I.E. SCULPTURE, EMBROIDERY, PAINTING, ETC) DO THEY LIKE?: Sinbad appreciates all forms of art especially after all the different kinds he has seen in his travels. But he has a special weakness for paintings and jewelry - the former due to its uncanny ability of capturing the ‘spirit’ of the person or moment, and the latter because it’s, well, shiny and sparkly.

ARE THEY AN ARTIST THEMSELVES? WHAT KIND OF ART DO THEY DO?: If literature counts then Sinbad writes his own fantastical stories. He would like to learn how to paint or sculpt, though.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THEIR FAVORITE BOOKS?: Sinbad is biased af so of course he enjoys reading his own works. In general, he prefers books about adventure. In modern verses, Sinbad always keeps a copy of Machiavelli’s ‘The Prince’ in his personal collection.

WHAT GENRES OF MOVIES DO THEY LIKE?: Action, Buddy Cop films

WHAT MUSIC GENRES DO THEY ENJOY?: Anything that sounds good on a long journey

WHAT ARE SOME OF THEIR FAVORITE MUSICAL ACTS?: In modern verses, Sinbad is a huge fan of Les Miserables. He might have tried out (and played) for the role of Jean Valjean a couple of times.

DO THEY PREFER THEIR MUSIC TO SOUND A CERTAIN WAY?: Not really. Sinbad is open to different kinds of music.

ARE THEY A MUSICIAN THEMSELVES?: No, not really. But he’s always eager to learn new things.

DO THEY ENJOY MUSIC FROM CERTAIN DECADES? IF SO, WHICH DECADES?: The 80′s.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THEIR FAVORITE PIECES OF CLOTHING/OUTFITS IN THEIR WARDROBE? IF NOT APPLICABLE, WHAT DO YOU THINK WOULD BE SOME OF THEIR FAVORITE PIECES OF CLOTHING/OUTFITS?: Sinbad is fond of - and perhaps literally attached to - his earrings. They were given to him by his mother, symbolizing how he became the ‘sun’ in their lives. He rarely takes them off and sometimes ends up sleeping with them on.

HOW MUCH ARE THEY WILLING TO SPEND ON CLOTHES?: Quite a lot, actually. Sinbad has a keen eye for design. As king of Sindria, he also makes sure he is presentable most of the time since he is his country’s most notable representative.

WHAT COLORS AND PATTERNS ARE PROMINENT IN THEIR WARDROBE? WHAT COLORS AND PATTERNS DO THEY WEAR THE MOST OFTEN?: Colors are predominantly white, violet, and gold. Sinbad is also fond of vibrant splashes of color - most notably sunshine orange and deep-sea blue. He often dresses according to his mood so patterns vary.

WHAT KIND OF CLOTHES DO THEY LIKE?: Loose, airy clothes that allow freedom of movement. In modern verses, Sinbad is a bit more inclined to follow trends because he pulls them off (literally and figuratively) with great ease.

DO THEY WEAR MAKEUP? WHAT TYPE DO THEY WEAR?: Sinbad does not wear makeup but he does have an extensive skin care regimen that involves shaving, hydration, and exfoliation. This is true for all verses.

DO THEY WEAR/DO YOU ASSOCIATE THEM WITH CLOTHES FROM A CERTAIN DECADE? IF SO, WHICH?: Modern verse has Sinbad following all the latest trends so... late 2000′s?

WHAT FONT/FONTS DO YOU ASSOCIATE WITH THEM?: Trajan Pro. It is sleek, commands attention and doesn’t have any lowercase letter options. Basically someone yelling intelligently (which is Sinbad 80% of the time).

WHAT COLORS DO YOU ASSOCIATE WITH THEM?: Violet, gold, ocean blue

WHAT NATURAL ELEMENTS (GEOGRAPHICAL FEATURES LIKE MOUNTAINS, ANIMALS, SEASONS, LOCATIONS, PLANTS, ETC.) DO YOU ASSOCIATE WITH THEM: The tumultuous sea, the clear blue sky, summer during its brightest and hottest days