#maybe she cares deep down afterall

[bunnyrafe]

𓊆ྀིWE NEED TO TALK !𓊇ྀི — when soft pogue!reader gets caught up, rafe decides it’s time for some discipline within their dynamic.

♥︎ 𝓃otes: apologies if it bothers you that the first section is in one POV and the rest is in another, just wanted to experiment a bit / set the scene. hope everyone enjoys xoxo

content / warnings -> 18+, MDNI. 1.2k. taboo / toxic themes. father figure bf!rafe & soft pogue!reader AU. controlling behavior, use of daddy & dad, manhandling, impact play (spanking w/ a belt), crying, aftercare.

rafe knows in his heart that his girl doesn't do things to upset him on purpose. at least that's what he would like to think.

he can't imagine her deliberately breaking rules, no matter how vicious her bratty streak may be. she's always been careful to not make him too upset, and is remorseful after the fact if she does manage to get under his skin or do something unsatisfactory. but sometimes, things can't be forgiven so easily.

it all started with a text. her phone vibrated on the bed and that cute, little ringtone she picked out echoed through the room, piquing rafe's interest. she's always given him access to her phone so today shouldn't be any different. he recognizes the name that’s displayed on her screen— a close friend. a fellow pogue.

u act like he's ur dad or smth don't let him control you like that

ugh stop it's not like that :(((

then what's the issue? ??? just sneak away while he's sleeping tonight lmfao

it stings a bit as he reads through the messages, because he knows these are things that normal people her age do. he knows that this is where their age difference becomes a problem even with the dynamic they’ve built…

i'll see what i can do

u better who gives af what that old kook thinks

at first, rafe really tries not to hold it against her. afterall they’re not her words. but as his mind wanders, and he reads over “i’ll see what i can do” time and time again, he wonders how many message threads like this she’s hidden from him and deleted. how many times she’s contemplated sneaking out as if he’d ever give her the opportunity to do such a thing.

he can’t help but start seeing red. he does everything in his power to keep her safe under his roof, only to receive things like this in return. she’ll always be a filthy pogue— he thinks to himself.

maybe he’ll just have to be more proactive when it comes to her.

when you step out of your bath, you immediately wrap yourself up in your fluffiest robe. you pad into your shared bedroom and think about which lotion ‘n mist you want to put on for the day, clearly content now that you’re all soft and clean.

but instead of making your way to your vanity, you immediately stop in your tracks upon seeing rafe’s belt laying on your duvet. it’s a sign that you don’t take lightly. even more so when you hear his footsteps behind you.

he breathes in deep before opening his mouth to speak. the sound of his voice makes you jump despite how calm he is, “go sit down on the bed f’me, angel.”

your eyes are already burning with tears.

rafe stands in front on you as you gingerly take your seat on the edge of the bed, nervously folding your trembling hands in your lap. yet your gaze follows rafe’s own hands intently when he suddenly pulls your phone out of the pocket of his slacks and holds it up with a familiar text thread on your screen— fuck.

“i promise, daddy!” you’re wailing before you can think about what you’re saying, “i wasn’t gonna sneak out!”

rafe purses his lips and nods, locking eyes with you, “oh, i believe you— but y’thought about it, didn’t you?”

you fall quiet. bottom lip wobbling because you know there’s no way you can possibly escape whatever he has planned for you. you don’t put up a fight when rafe guides you to turn around, when they lay you down and he tells you to stay that way in a stern voice. he yanks on the tie of your robe while you're tummy down, stripping it off of you until you're shivering in the cool air of your bedroom.

bare and nervously anticipating his next move.

out of the corner of your eye, you see him pick up his belt. you’re sure he’s wrapping the leather around his fist, getting a good grip so there’s no doubt in either of your brains that the first crack on your plump ass won't hurt like hellfire.

you smell so sweet and cozy to rafe’s nose, like warm sugar cookies and milk. it almost makes him feel bad for what he's about to do to you. especially when he sees you holding your little fawn that’s been resting on the bed to your chest for dear life, wiping your tears with her artificial fur and sniffling into your stuffed friend. his breathing falters for a second but his hands flex and grip around the leather in his fist nonetheless—

“you know the drill, angel face. take your punishment like a good girl ‘n you’ll be fine— dad’ll take good care of you afterwards.”

5 swats on your ass that you're commanded to keep high in the air. that’s all it is— but that doesn’t mean you’re not in hysterics after each one. squirming and sobbing into your bedding as pain induced heat spreads over your entire body, shakily counting after each one. you’re not sure what’s worse. the biting pain itself or the dull ache it brings on between your thighs.

the number you babble out is always followed by an apology ("i'm so sorry, daddy) and a sniffle that tugs on rafe's heart strings. he's more relieved than you are when he drops the belt to the ground with a thud. by then you're delirious.

rafe’s finger tips graze your stinging cheeks, forcing a mewl out of you before he steps around the bed and sits next to your shaking form. he welcomes you into his arms and you’re quick to grab at him, yanking on the crisp cotton of his button up as you situate yourself in his lap with a sore bum.

“wasn’t so bad, was it?” he whispers against your hairline, but you’re still too stunned to say anything in return—

“y’know, baby— i don’t like hurting you, not one bit, but i can’t have you— fuckin’ talking behind my back like that… especially not to your lil’ pogue friends,” he rubs your sides as speaks, “don’t you respect your daddy?”

“i know.” you whisper into his chest, “i promise i respect you, daddy— s’much… no more talking behind your back.”

“that’s my good girl.”

rafe gives you a fat kiss after that. he tucks his fingers under your chin and forces your pretty, little head to tilt towards him. his lips meet yours in such a needy but delicate way, it makes your head spin as you feel loved but understood in the most fucked up of ways— “my best girl,” he whispers into your pouty mouth while you try to chase after him for more smooches.

he pats your thigh, then his hand travels upwards to rub over the skin of your ass that’s hot to the touch. you wince at the contact.

“stay here f’me,” rafe says, and you’re nodding like a loyal puppy before he even explains himself, “gonna get your lotion and some water for you.”

you’re a little reluctant to let him leave, holding onto his larger hand until he swears he’ll be quick— yet you find yourself smiling as he walks away, head fully in the clouds. nothing about any of this is conventional. you never admitted it was… but maybe you’re finally at peace with the fact that no one else has to understand what happens between the two of you. not even your friends.

[eydi-andrius]

Soldier Down (Harvey x Reader)

Synopsis: After the heart wrenching experience of rejection from the last flower dance, you decided to skip it on year 2 making your newfound friends worried

a/n: the idea is all over the place... maybe. i just wanted to write something for my husband of two years, which was Harvey the town doctor. sorry, i got is so bad for him 😭

tw/cw: badly edited... it's 3AM, i wrote it after some idea boost, fluff, mild angst, happy ending

divider: @/cafekitsune

“What do you mean you're not going to participate in this year's flower dance?” Emily almost flipped the sewing machine over when out of the blue you confessed your desire to not join the spring flower dance, an event in which everyone was looking forward to participating, except George who hates the look and smell of the flowers.

Meanwhile, beyond Emily’s shoulder, you watched as Haley, who was in the kitchen, minding her own business, turned her head slowly, frown plastered on her forehead, as she stared at you. Are you for real?, was written all over her pretty face. Haley loves the flower dance. In fact, you know she makes an effort to look the prettiest on that special day. The look of disbelief is so strong, that you found yourself clenching the glass of orange juice you're holding, trying to look small behind it. Wishing that it can hide you from the shame that's slowly creeping in.

Gulping the sweet and sour orange liquid in one go, you prayed that even without alcohol, the citrus would give you courage not to stutter and look like an idiot trying to explain your plan to skip an important event in the valley after experiencing a silly little rejection. Everyone gets rejected here and there. There is no way one rejection left you that traumatized……right?

“Well…..Uhmmm…. I just don't want to. I- I don't feel like joining.” Great. What a plan. And you practiced the reason in front of the mirror way too many times before finally having courage to share this big decision.

Palm sweaty, you tried clenching the evidence of fear on your denim pants, rubbing and squeezing, in hopes that it will help dry your hands. But, it did nothing to calm your nerves, absentmindedly, your right leg started shaking. Head hot from a million thoughts running inside your mind, scared that Emily and Haley will judge you the moment they found out that even after a year, you still can't get over how Harvey declined your offer to dance with him. At that time, when he mentioned that he was working on his courage to ask someone out, it gave you false hope that he may be referring to you. It may sound like a stretch but you thought there was something blooming with your relationship with him. It seems that way….. or so you’ve thought.

In your first year, as an early riser, you always meet the doctor at his clinic. Most of the time, you just see him by his window, sitting in front of the reception, waiting for any of the townsfolk to ask for his assistance. Your interaction started off with shy glances, which turned into a curt nod of acknowledgement, a nod turned into small smiles, smiles became hesitant waves of your hand, and a wave evolved into a morning routine of exchanging pleasantries and coffee before you two start your long day at work and doing your respective responsibilities.

You were so happy, and you admit at that time, you're grateful that despite the doctor being a bit awkward and shy, you two clicked and are forming a bond, and you usually don't admit your feelings easily, but you know deep down that you're starting to like him. He was so sweet and caring afterall. How could you resist him?

So when the rejection came on the day of the event, when you asked him politely to be your partner, then he awkwardly looked away and kindly said no. It felt like a bucket of ice cold water was splashed on your face. Your body went rigid, a chill ran down your spine, until it turned into a scorching fire of shame. After a mess of mumbling apologies, wishing that a hole would open up and swallow you down, you half walk and run as you left the forest and did not watch the whole event unfold. You were so glad that at that time, your tanned skin, after days of being under the sun farming, had hidden your embarrassment well from their naked eyes.

You involuntary flinched, when a firm hand held your shaking leg and effectively stopped the movement. Blurry eyes start focusing on Emily’s face, her eyes reflecting your ashen appearance, pity and worry were mixed on her gaze, and you admit that you feel small and vulnerable in front of her……and Haley, who held your shoulder and squeezed it to give you comfort. You did not notice her coming close at all. It says a lot on how you must have looked in their eyes. They must have been worried sick.

“Sorry. We don't want you to remember anything awful that may have happened that day. But maybe the doctor has his own reasons when he rejected you. It was your first month after all. Doctor Harvey is known to be very awkward and shy. Maybe he was just shy???” Your blue haired friend shrugged as she tried her best to reason out and make you feel better. A scoff was heard from Haley as she disapproves of what Emily said, or so you thought.

“I can't believe I am defending a man but my sister is right. Doctor Harvey is far too much of a softie to purposely play with your heart and reject you after giving you motives.” She tuts. “I bet he was feeling a bit overwhelmed that someone asked him for a dance. You know…. Choosing to dance with him, while the other younger bachelors were around.” She continued as a matter of fact.

You watched as Emily glared at Haley’s sharp tongue and the blonde just shook her shoulders with no care. Chuckling nervously, you twiddle with your thumbs as you process what they’ve said. It is easier said than done. You have been in this headspace for a year, that despite their words being reasonable, you just can't believe it to be true. Doctor Harvey probably has his eyes set on someone smarter. You are quite bright but not as smart as Maru.

“I- I don't know.” Unsure, you look at them, lip on a thin line. Now that you're on the hotseat and being grilled about it, you hope to steer away from the conversation. It's just childish to you, even though the sisters never called you anything similar to that. You felt childish. You were grateful when your phone alarm went off, screaming and screeching, signaling that the gold bars you processed are ready for harvest. After that, you have to go to Jodi and give it to her to finish her request and get some gold coins, which you have to use to save up for summer crops. Still far away per say but better saved up than use your dwindling savings again if something disastrous happens. Just like the last time where your crops suddenly died despite being taken care of.

Also, you just don't want to bawled your eyes out. Knowing Emily and Haley, they will try their best to cheer you up. You know you can't stay here with them trying to boost your confidence without crying. And you don't want to cry. It's too cliché. So with an obvious rush on your steps, you almost jump out of their door and run towards the nearest way to your home, which was near Marnie’s barn.

“Do you really think the doctor is not playing with her heart?” Emily sighed as she watched the door, you almost closed way too loudly, as you obviously rushed towards it, with an intent to run away from the conversation you started. She would lie if she says she’s not worried. Despite the farmer being known to be strong-willed, both physical and mentally, she's also an empath and a softie. You feel things way too strongly. This is why Emily likes you a lot. She can be vulnerable towards you because she knows you’ll understand better than anyone in Pelican Town. And with that, she hopes that only good things come your way.

“Remember the story Abigail told you on your shift? After the accident with the farmer fainting inside the mines, Abigail rushed her to his clinic, barely alive, and he was waiting and ready. Remember that before that, he would often be seen to have his lights on at night, way past his usual bedtime, especially, on days wherein he knew that the farmer was inside the mines. If that isn't love, I don't know what that is?” Haley sighed as she flopped herself on the nearby couch. 

“He is the only town doctor, Haley. That's to be expected.” She doesn't want to be the party pooper but that needs to be addressed as well. 

“Emily…..usually, it would be you defending someone. But weirdly enough, I am doing it this time. So okay, let's make it our mission to help the doctor and the farmer to choose each other in this year’s flower dance. Doctor Harvey is a man of routine, however, when the farmer is included in the equation, he would go out of his way to accommodate her. I just have a good feeling about this. I bet they'll get married this year.” Haley shrugged before she pulled out her phone texting for reinforcements. 

“Luckily, this Thursday is my annual check-up.”

“Remind me again why you two are at my farm?” You blinked as you watched Sebastian and Sam sit at your porch after they showed up earlier while you’re tending to your livestocks.

“How many times do we have to say that we came here to practice? You’re not sensitive to loud sounds. Your farm is huge. We can all jam here together.” He explained.

See…that's the thing. Sebastian, you would understand he’ll come here. He loves the quiet of the farm and would often help you out as a thank you for letting him stay and relax, here and there. But Sam? Sam hates the smell of animal manure. He also hates ducks because as per his story, he was chased down by them when he was a kid. Something is not right but you can't quite pinpoint where it was coming from.

Your suspicion may be written all over your face because Seb shrugged and sighed at his best friend's awful excuse.

“Sam just wants to see Helios.” Seb spoke.

As if on cue, upon hearing his name, a loud bark was heard from afar, and you heard his paws hitting the soft soil before you saw a brown dog, wearing a red collar, rushing towards where you three were standing. Like a giddy kid, Sam's eyes widened and he excitedly kneel and open his arms, waiting for Helios to go towards him. Helios, the smartest pup, went towards Sam without hesitation, knowing he’ll get good treats and pets from him.

You don't want to spoil Sam’s delusion that he was your pup’s favorite, but you and Helios know that it was Harvey he liked the most. Even your old rescue, Helga, the big orange grumpy cat, purrs at the doctor when he visits the farm. Helga isn't nice just to anyone. Even Seb took a long time before Helga finally purred at him. Yet, Harvey was loved at first sight. It was obvious that it was because he is very gentle towards them. You also witnessed a time where he was talking to them. Retelling stories of his childhood where his parents hated pets because they are dirty and a source of diseases. Their obsession and hatred towards the baby animals made Harvey anxious and avoided adopting any pet, not because he thinks they were a handful, but he feels conscience, that he wasn't able to do anything to save the cats and dogs his parents threw away after trespassing in their property.

You bite your lip when you realize that you're thinking about him again. The pang in your chest grows more painful as the day passes by, and the spring flower dance is getting closer, and no action was taken on your end. You want to dance with him. You want your intention towards him to be clear. However, the fear and doubt takes over and you crumple like a coward.

“Hey, you should ask the doctor about this upcoming flower dance.” Out of nowhere, Seb suggested. And there was something that clicked in your head.

So that….was the reason why they are here.

“Oh god no!” You grimaced and shook your head in refusal. Emily or Haley must have told him about what you’ve talked about last time.

“Emily told you?!” You asked, exasperated.

“She doesn't need to. It's a small town. Eventually, everyone will know.” He corrected your assumption and leaned towards the armrest of his seat. Your response was only a sigh, as you focused your attention on Sam and Helios, who was now playing fetch with a ball.

“Sam didn't know about this?” Putting your arm around your chest, you clarified.

“Nah. He does. He got distracted.” He shrugged. Internally, you heavily sighed.

“Then tell me how you found out?” You pry him some more.

“Should I tell you? I mean…it seems like you told Emily and Haley, and not me, your best friend. It kind of sucks.” He pouted.

You playfully slapped his shoulder at that and he only rolled his eyes.

“Fine. Fine! I’ll spill!” He raised his hand in surrender.

“Haley texted me.” He admitted with a grin.

“You are the worst!” You slap him again, but this time, you made sure it will hurt.

“I’m sorry! Hey! I said I’m sorry! Hahahaha!” Sebastian used his arms to shield himself from your attacks, and he had the audacity to laugh out loud from your hits.

When his laughter annoyed you more, shame and frustration mixed together, you made sure that some of the playful punches actually hit him quite hard. He yelped when he finally felt that you meant it, and used his strength to stop you from your continuous onslaught of him. He grabbed your hands and chuckled at your pouting lips and frowning brows.

There was a pause and you watched as something flashed in his eyes before he smiled.

“Don’t be scared. There is nothing wrong inviting and asking him again. The fifty percent chance of him saying no, is still a fifty percent chance of him saying yes. I mean….if he ever said no” He paused, his face morphed thoughtfully.

“I can always dance with you to the flower dance.” He continued.

You felt warmth from that, and you cannot help but smile.

Sebastian was like a brother to you. It was weird. But the moment you two met each other, there was this bond, that was akin to being siblings that was created.

He always looked out for you, and you always looked out for him. Robin being fond of you was probably one of the main reasons why your sibling-like relationship with him strengthened.

He is like a baby brother that you never had. However, you know that Sebastian always thinks he is the eldest brother which was a lie because you are two years older than him.

Seb’s sincere smile suddenly changed into a cheshire one, and you kind of got a hint that he will make fun of you.

But before you two could banter, a loud, intentional coughing was heard behind you and you froze when the source spoke.

“I- Hi! Sorry for interrupting.” He started with a stutter.

You suddenly realized the position you were at. Sebastian holding both of your hands, your faces inched closer from arguing. Embarrassed, you pulled your hand away from his hold, and like the speed of the lightning, moved farther from Seb, clenching both of your fists. Your face and ears, hot to the tips.

“Hey, doc! What are you up to?” Sebastian casually asked. And you gave him a deadly glare. He only smirked at your reaction.

You panicked as you watched Harvey look in between the both of you, and was about to open your mouth to explain, when the doctor smiled, although forcefully, as he continued.

“Well…uhnnnnm..I replenished the tonics I have at the clinic. I was wondering if you would like to buy some?” He asked, but he was looking down while offering.

“Didn't know you’re selling house to house now, Doctor Harvey?” Seb teased.

Your eyes widened at that, and you mouthed a threat at him, in which Sebastian only replied with a shrug.

“I-I usually don't. But the farmer was always in the mines so..I thought…uhm…I” Harvey’s face turned into a tomato, and his eyes were wide, as he stammered, and tried to explain why he was at your farm. He was caught off guard from the younger man’s question. He felt awfully shameful, the red was even creeping up to his neck.

“Harvey, it's okay. Seb was just teasing you.” You tried to deescalate the situation, and you stepped down from your porch, to come closer to the reddened Harvey.

Deep inside you are panicking for him. His red face, and embarrassed stammer, makes your heart beat faster, infected by his shame. You feel like your heart will jump out of your ribs.

Out of nowhere, Sam suddenly came into view, and tapped the doctor on his shoulder to say Hi.

As if the action woke him up, Harvey flinched, and he suddenly bid his farewell but with reminding you to come to his clinic if you ever needed a tonic when you mine and combat monsters.

You watched his back, as he rode his bicycle away from your farm, watching him slowly going away left a pang on your chest.

When he was out of view, your attention however, was now back to the culprit. With no person to stop you, you removed one of your slippers and threw it at Sebastian, who crouched down to hide, but was still hit straight to his head. He yelped in pain, but soon you heard his laughter.

Sam was oblivious and frowning, when Sebastian’s laugh boomed and he tried his best to apologize and breathe at the same time.

You cannot sleep.

Yoda, forgive you for picturing Harvey’s downcast face when he saw you with Sebastian.

It was an image you do not wish to see. But every time you close your eyes, you see it oh so perfectly.

You don't wish to see Harvey sad or misinterpreting your relationship with Sebastian.

Yet, you have no strength to stand and go to him to explain or clarify.

Because….what if you're just assuming things? What if he wasn't really sad but just surprised? What if? Yoda! Too many what ifs!

You ruffled your hair from frustration, and you kind of forgot that Helga was sleeping beside your head. You profusely apologize when the old cat hissed at you, before jumping down, and comfortably sitting on the jacket Harvey lent for you to use. It was raining, and you were soaking when you visited him at his clinic.

At that time, you insisted that you are okay. That the rain will make your farmer body stronger. But he only pouted at that reasoning, and you cannot help but accept his offer anyways, because he looks so cute when he cares. Technically, he looks so cute in everything he does.

Those memories are precious to you. And you have this feeling that if you let this go, it will be the end of your relationship with him.

You have to make it up to Harvey. Whether he likes you or not. You cannot live knowing he misunderstood. Out of all the people in Pelican Town, you don't want to be perceived wrongfully by Harvey.

After yelling on your pillow, for courage, you stood up, wore your scarf, and started walking towards the clinic. With renewed vigor, you did not think things through, and you found yourself just standing in front of his door. Not knowing what to do.

Thoughts were on a haywire, you were breathing heavily, trying to force yourself, remind your head, why you were here in front of his door at 12 AM.

The courage that gave you strength earlier, slowly diminishes, and you realize how cold it was. Your teeth were chattering and you were shaking involuntarily from the bone chilling wind. You hugged the scarf tighter hoping it gives you enough warmth ... .as you walk back to the farm again. Feeling cowardly when it hit you how stupid you must have looked walking on an unmarried man’s house way past midnight.

You looked one last time at his mahogany door, deciding that whatever good idea you had was probably bad, as you stepped back, retrieved your hand, that was ready to knock, finally ready to just go back home and forget this…

When his door opened, revealing a disbehelved Harvey, glasses crook, hair was everywhere, white shirt soaked from sweat and breathing heavily from probably running from upstairs to downstairs just to meet you.

You were about to open your mouth, was about to ask him how did he know that you were in front of his door, when he explained himself after he was able to breathe.

“Your glow rings. It was only you who wore glow rings in Pelican Town.” Your cheeks heated at that and you involuntarily looked down on your fingers and in there, you were indeed wearing one of your glow rings you use for the mines. It was an automatic response. Wearing your glow rings at night, to see the dimmed pathways better.

“Oh Yoda! I’m so sorry for waking you up!” You panicked, and apologized profusely when you understood that you interrupted someone’s sleep again due to your glow rings. You remembered how the Mayor scolded you to make sure to remove or darken your ring once you walked past the town, on your way home to the farm.

“You didn't wake me!” He countered. “I cannot sleep.” He admitted face was red.

“Oh.”

Was your only response before there was a pregnant pause that swallowed the whole conversation to a full stop. You bite your lip, thinking of many things to say to change the awkward silence. But truthfully, you don't know how. You watch him as he just stands there, cheeks red, hands on his neck, and shyly looking away. The crickets were loud, and you watched as the moths danced around the light post. Although the silence was loud…..it was weirdly comfortable.

“Would you like some tea?” He offered. Breaking the ice.

You nodded, not trusting to open your mouth, afraid to say anything that may sabotage whatever was starting.

You followed him up to his room upstairs, and he guided you to sit on his two person dining table. He apologized for how small his place was and you assured him it was okay, and it was you who was imposing.

While his back was turned on the kitchen preparing the tea, you looked around, and you cannot help but smile on seeing the familiar wallpaper of his room, and the posters of different planes plastered on his wall. You swore, it looks fuller now. It seems like the space for his planes are bigger than the ones for his medical profession. You chuckled at that.

“Care to share?” He playfully asked as he sat the steaming mug of chamomile tea in front of you, its aroma filling a sense of calm and familiarity, which you liked.

“You're building a new model plane again? Looks fun.” You nodded on the new wooden pieces on his work bench. He followed your eyes and smiled sheepishly at your attention and observation.

“Ah..yes. I was hoping to show it to you. Invite you over earlier when…” He paused and looked at you. When you felt his eyes on you, you stared back at him.

You felt like that was the perfect moment to say something.

“Sebastian is like a brother to me. Nothing more.” You explained, gripping the warm and comfortable tea cup, nervous of what he may tell you.

Maybe it was the warm cup, or the shift of energy in the air, that made you feel vulnerable and open as you blurted out a confession.

“Harvey…it was only you I like.”

At that moment, you have forgotten your dilemma that maybe he doesn't like you the same. At that time, you just felt that it was the right time to confess. You thought it was now or never.

You watched as his brown eyes widened, his mouth agape, he looked surprised, face blank from any emotions of rejection or happiness.

You were hopeful until you weren't. His none response jarring your confidence.

It took a couple of seconds before you felt the shame coming back, he was just staring at you, quiet, surprised, not saying a word.

You feel so bad, ashamed, that when he doesn't say anything, you started rapping, telling him he is not required to respond right away, that it wasn't your intention to drop a bomb to him late at night, that it was just you being silly, or probably just from the lack of sleep.

You were mouthing off a hundred and thousand of reasons and explanations, to get yourself out of the embarrassing moment, when you suddenly felt soft lips enveloping yours, warm calloused hands caging your face, moving in the direction in sync with his lips.

It was gentle and soft. Like a warm breeze in the field of flowers. Trees swaying, fallen leaves dancing, and air sweet as a honey.

You were never kissed like this before.

Most kisses you had were inexperienced, aggressive, and wild. This one…you liked it.

No, you love it.

You never thought that kisses could be felt like this. A warmth pooling in your stomach as you place your hand atop his, deepening the kiss, lost in the feeling.

There was only you and Harvey. And you think…. that wasn't such an awful idea to have. You feel lucky and blessed.

You slowly opened your eyes when Harvey let go of your lips, hands still in your face.

“Would you dance with me? This spring flower dance?” He asked. His whole demeanor changed. He felt much relaxed.

“I cannot think of anyone dancing with me that day.” You smiled, leaning closer to his hand. Happy that everything feels like it is in place.

The moment was beautiful and solemn, until a flash was directed on the window where you and Harvey were standing. Both of your heads snapped from its source and you cannot help but guffaw when your friends push against each other, as they fight off getting away first from being caught after they took a photo of you together.

[bigassmoonchild]

this may have been in my head for a few days

but

everyone thinking simons in charge in the household and that hes the one to tell off the kids and everything but they find out that no hes the laid back parent and the head of the household is this 5 foot 8 woman who ends up keeping the boys in line and simons just there smirking at them for thinking he was the bossy one

i keep saying i love the ideas you guys have, but you all are honestly doing so good with these (keep them coming, i'll try to actually answer my inbox when i don't feel like dogwater <3)

you'd bugged and pestered and fought simon for nearly two weeks before he'd finally allowed you to invite the 141 for dinner. 'i just want to meet your other family, si,' you whispered to him one night. 'just wanna know the people who are saving your ass,' and he huffed and nudged you.

after weeks of fighting with him, the taskforce was finally allowed into his home. 'what d'ye think his missus is like?' soap nudged gaz, snickering from the backseat. they were all buckled up, as simon was driving them because he knew the way home. price had made sure they'd buckled up.

'i dunno,' gaz answered simply. 'she's gotta be a beast to be able to deal with the lieutenant,' he added. soap shrugged, gave a noncommittal noise.

'feel like l.t is the one running the house. he's got the military training, after all,' and simon had to stop himself from laughing. him? running the house? that you took care of when he was away? and the kids, who were sometimes the literal spawn of satan? it was funny. genuinely.

and as he pulled up the driveway, he watched as you came onto the front porch. a nice little sundress, one he especially loved on you, and some little kitten heels. christ, he'd have a hard time keeping away from you today.

parking the car, he opened the door and was the first one to greet you. pressing a gentle kiss to your cheek, and allowing you to greet everyone. price gave you a soft handshake, thanking you for inviting them all over. soap, the bastard, pressed a kiss to the top of your hand. your eyes rolled, a little smile forming on your face.

gaz gave you a little wave, smiling softly. he was always rather quiet, but from what simon had told you he'd warm up. you invited them all in, sliding your heels off before stepping fully into the house. simon followed suit, pulling his boots off as price followed his lead.

soap, on the other hand, tried to walk on your freshly cleaned floors. you stopped sharply, staring the man down. 'if you get mud on my clean floors i will wipe it clean with you,' and he blinked at you. there was a few little giggles from upstairs, and you gave simon a little gesture upstairs.

'i can get you guys something to drink? water, maybe some whiskey?' you asked, waiting to move until gaz and soap had both taken their boots off. gaz shook his head, muttering something about being okay.

'water is fine for us, ma'am,' price spoke for him and soap. there were more little whispers and hushed whines coming from upstairs. soap peaked up the stairs, but they turned just at the top so he couldn't see what was happening.

you gestured to the living room around you. 'please, make yourselves at home. simons home is yours, afterall,' and they thanked you. simon had come back down, helping you hand waters off to the others. a few little footsteps came from upstairs, and two little girls appeared there.

'i tried to tell them that the makeup wouldn't work today, lovie,' simon whispered, just loud enough for soap to hear. he turned to see bright pink blush spread across their faces, some lipstick spread halfway to their chins. they watched you take a deep breath.

it was silent for a moment, a little smile coming from you. 'how did you get into my makeup?' and neither of them answered. 'while it is quite pretty, i'm sure our company would much rather see your pretty faces without anything,' and they stood there for a moment.

you stared at the two kids, who looked at their feet. simon stifled a little laugh as the 141 turned to look at him. 'upstairs,' you told them. 'clean that off, make yourselves presentable and come back down when you're ready,' you spoke calmly. they huffed a little, heard a hum from you and hustled on upstairs.

for some time, the group of you spoke. you'd talked about how simon had reacted in the hospital room ('christ, john, he actually passed out. full on, and the nurses just left him there,') and the group cackled.

simon had taken to helping you plenty, keeping the kids humored enough to not begin complaining, refilling drinks and helping set the table.

'sam, honey,' simon spoke up. 'please don't play with your food, if you don't want to eat it, that's okay. we should save it if not,' and she gave a little huffed whine.

'but daaaad,' she complained. 'there's nothing else to do,' and the group watched as you looked to said girl.

sam looked down at the food, dropping the fork. 'sam, apologize to your father,' and soap found himself stifling a laugh. a little girl, apologizing to the big, bad ghost? she did it, rather unhappily, but perked her voice up after you gave another look.

outside of that, dinner went quite well. the other little girl, sara, had kept to her manners. simon took to taking them to get ready for bed while you cleaned dishes with the help of soap.

'diddnae think that you'd be the one to be uptight with the kids,' he spoke softly. price and gaz were in the other room, helping to clean up the living area. 'thought it would've been simon doing all a' that,' you gave a little laugh.

shaking your head, you handed him another plate to dry. 'no, he's the cool parent. he doesn't have to take care of the kids early during school. he gets lucky, they're real bastards when they want to be,' and you gave a fond little laugh. 'love them to death, believe me, but they really take after their father,' and soap laughed with you.

christ, the 141 hadn't been expecting this at all, but it was different seeing their lieutenant be the relaxed person. it was nice, honestly. seeing him finally relax fully in the comfort of his little family.

'don't tell him i told you, but there's another on the way,' you whispered into soaps ear and he spun to look at you, surprise etched on his face.

[lynzishell]

The Past 💛 Atlas

I was over an hour late for the gym tonight, spending the better part of the day in bed staring at the ceiling, and occasionally typing out an apology text to Ash that I would immediately delete.

I had hoped that everyone else would be gone by the time I arrived, but Dawn and Phoenix were still lingering by the climbing machines when I walked in, so I tried (and failed) to avoid them by sneaking up the stairs to the treadmills. Dawn caught up with me before I even reached the first step and knew immediately something was wrong. She insisted on waiting around for me so we could walk home together.

I was annoyed at first, wanting to be alone, but by the time we’re throwing on our sweaters and beanies, I’m glad. Afterall, I’m getting nowhere on my own, just spinning myself in circles. Talking to Dawn is one of those things I avoid until I can’t, and then always wish I’d done sooner.  

“So, what’s wrong?” Dawn asks as soon as we step outside. It’s dark out, making it feel much later than it is, and I can already feel the weight of the season settling in. Winter is always the hardest for me, and Spring is still so far away.

I’m not sure where to start so I just blurt out, “I screwed things up with Asher yesterday.”

“What happened?”

“Apparently, he’s tired of my mixed signals.”

“Have you been giving mixed signals?”

I give her a guilty look as I nod solemnly.

“What haven’t you told me?”

Everything. But it’s too much to get into, and the details aren’t important, and she knows me well enough that I'm sure she can fill in the blanks, so I tell her, “It doesn’t matter,” to which she gives me an annoyed look but let's me continue, “But he got pissed and stormed out. I can’t blame him. I don’t know what my problem is.”

“Do you want my honest opinion?”

“Please.”

“Have you ever heard the quote, ‘A person often meets his destiny on the road he took to avoid it’?”

“Yeah. What about it?”

“I get that you’re tired of losing people. And I know that causes you to keep most people at arm’s length. It may feel like you’re protecting yourself, but you’re not. You will continue to lose people if you keep pushing them away.”

“Maybe. But it will hurt less if they leave without getting too close.”

“That’s not true and you know it.”

“Do I?” It feels true.

“Did it hurt when Asher stormed out yesterday?”

Point taken. “Like I was being ripped apart.”

“So, why are pushing him away? You’re only causing the pain you’re trying to avoid.”

“I don’t want to. Not anymore. But it’s like, I don’t know how not to. I can’t explain it. Just, the idea of taking that step, I feel like it won’t take long for him to see that I’m not who he thinks I am, that he’ll realize I’m not someone he can…” My voice trails off, unable to finish the sentence.

“Love?”

The mere mention of the word causes my chest to tighten. I feel my mind wanting to shrug off the very idea of it. So impossible that I feel silly even considering it.

“Oh Atlas. It’s not true,” she insists. “That was the kind of shit mom and dad put in our heads. And I get it, I felt like that too for a long time. I just handled it differently. I chased love as if someone else could come in and take that feeling away. But that just made me toxic and clingy and insufferable. It was my own version of pushing people away. And every time they left it felt like proof that I was right, that I wasn’t worth loving. But it wasn’t true, was it?”

“No.”

“It’s not true for you either.”

I understand what she’s saying, and logically I know she’s right, but there’s a part of me deep down that rejects it.

When I try to continue walking, she stops me, placing a hand over my heart, “I love you, Atlas. And not just because you’re my brother. Because you are caring and kind and gentle and loyal and supportive and I could go on forever. Not only are you worthy of love, but it is impossible not to love you.”

I don’t know what to say to that. It’s the sweetest thing anyone’s ever said to me, and I can tell from the look on her face that she’s sincere. “Thank you.” I reach out and give her the biggest hug I ever have. She’s surprised at first, but hugs me back, squeezing me tight. I don't think either of us realized how much I needed to hear those words. We don't say them often, it doesn't come naturally to either of us, it's usually just implied in the ways we support each other, but maybe we should be saying the words more often. "I love you too."

“So, what am I supposed to do?” I ask as we step apart and start walking again. 

“Do you want to be with him?”

“Yes.”

“Then go talk to him. And be honest.”

“What if it’s too late?”

“Then I’ll be here for you. But there’s only one way to find out.”

Prev // Deja vu // Next

[smrtnik07]

librarians redesigned!!! by me!!! :)

the designs are free to use, i used this as a character design exercise for myself while recovering from carpal tunnel issues! read more for all the individual designs + me ranting :*

first off roland!! i included an angelica in here, i designed her before him, shes very triangular to me.. maybe a bit more messed up than roland tells us about, he is a biased narrator afterall. anyways i wanted his design to match hers nicely, so hes like a rounded square type of guy... i think projmoon designed him to be Just A Guy intentionally, so i played into it. overall the least interesting design of the bunch imo. its on purpose :)

angela !!! my baby :) an important thing here is her bangs. i dont want her hair to be able to recover from however many years she spent with the hard middle part in lobcorp, i think its cute to incorporate it still. swoopy, fluffy hair for her! and the clothes are just a bit more casual idk the librarian uniforms were kinda boring and stiff to me, as much as it does go with her character.. if u wanna be human u gotta experience the joy of sweatpants or whatever. also i didnt add color but i dont want her to be fully white<3 or fully clear skinned.. give her sunspots on her face. she finally gets to experience sun. :)

guess ill go in order of appearance lol. malkuth! whats the headband for if it doesnt keep anything out of her face!! since shes a bit more active than some of her colleagues, i also gave her a ponytail(its also for the silhouette...) also gave her some chubbier thighs.. also maybe a butler-esque coat, at least to me; i just made it a bit more form fitting than the original. playing into her personality or whatever. shes cute.. remember to take deep breaths!!

yesod!! i want to play into the skin issues a bit more, i still removed his gloves but i gave him a poncho, not just for the square silhouette im trying to build but for more coverage. also emo hair over eyes was funny. also wide flare pants for you, boy. just very square and put together in general

hod! this ones my favorite (i even cared enough to give her a pattern on that skirt!!) it was kinda bugging me how in the artbook i couldnt tell who was writing because hod's, malkuth's, and tiphereth's colors are so similar. so hod is pink now, and malkuth a bit more orange. i kinda went for a romantic poet thing here, dunno how much that worked out, but i think out of everyone you can tell shes the literature girl. gave her pigtails !! theyre cute :> also since i removed the coat decoration off of angela, i gave part of it to hod in the bottom of her coat :). cute and round!

netzach is a very strange man to me.. ellipse shape and loose fitting clothes for u. if i saw him irl i wouldnt approach him. not to say i dont like him as a character, i love him, but i want him to look like a depressed guy who would pick up art as a hobby to distract himself and it works. bro is just surviving out there. also gave him comfy clothes to make the surviving easier, down to the shoes and wide, id assume non-denim pants - maybe cotton? maybe sweatpants that dont fit around the ankle? who knows.

tiphereth!! since she's like the teen girl of the group i gave her a skater dress, converse, and a tied coat around her waist.. like how i used to wear as a teen when i was being a hater and recovering from a death in the family that changed my entire life (im still a teen ... 9 more days till im 20 as of posting this). also gave her fishnets i think she would like that. i imagine she would get headaches bc of those dumb braids on her head<3 or maybe bc her coworkers are kinda dumb<3

gebura :) round face, reverse triangle shaped body.. like a true butch lesbian stereotype.. i decided a leather jacket, docs and pants i see metalheads wear would fit her! red leather jacket, of course. also gave her spiky hair just like projmoon did<3 my favorite detail here are the eyebrows, i think their shape is rlly neat! nvm i think its just that gebura is rlly neat. anyways the eyebrows fit her

chesed my boy.. idk i just saw him and hit him with the transmasc beam and gave him , as the kids say, wh0re eyes. i wanted him to have rounder hips and just be round in general. turtleneck and cardigan combo also, i think he would like wearing that. also somewhat curlier hair, or at least wavy would do him well! and a tote bag, i dont doubt that he would go out to read in coffee shops if he could - so he gets a tote bag to carry his sociology books. i want him to look like he would give the warmest, comfiest hugs and be friend shaped

binah!! this one was the most challenging, trying to find the right place for the colors - to not use too little or too much yellow. i still dont think i got it right but this is as close as im getting. long face, long nose, siren-ish eyes.. messed up in the head bird lady that speaks like hannibal! i also dont think a dress really suits her so i opted for wide pants and a fancy black button up .. maybe angela styled her, who knows. also black fingertips which is a trait i like to give the arbiters (including an oc).. just my own little consistency thing i like to do :)

hi grandpa! ok for hokma i dont think the changes are that big? i gave him O shaped legs and his sword thing i turned into a walking cane, gave him a vest (didnt want to opt for a corset but i think he would enjoy the back support for proper posture) . also gave him a mild gradient from darker gray to lighter gray, since he IS the gray part of the ABC trio. gave him salt and pepper hair and an older face. forgot to draw it, but i wanted to give him a silicone tip for the sword so it doesnt dull out, which he can take off when recieving guests

honorary mention to go along with the angelica i mentioned with roland, i mildly changed up her twin(k) brother. i gave argalia and angie the same hair but mirrored, his a bit more curly and hers a bit more spikey, his face a bit more edgy, hers a bit rounder and kinder. not much else to say here, i liked his design as is, but wanted to add him here :)

[citrus-writing]

Hi!! I’ve got some thoughts about yandere!Neon x nen-user + bodyguard!Y/N that I wanna share with you

It all started with something like: "She’s pretty, I want her to be my bodyguard!" Yeah, she liked Y/N just as a "decoration" that’d look good next to her.

Later, she wanted Y/N to be her friend. Moreover, it was important for her that it was Y/N who first suggested that she go beyond the relationship of “bodyguard and boss”.

Neon is spoiled by her father. She gets everything she wants, so maybe she’d think that Y/N's favor can be bought with expensive gifts. Her first gift was new clothes, because according to her, Y/N's old clothes didn't fit her at all! One of Neon’s last gifts was a ring with beautiful pink gemstone (Neon’s got the same, but with gemstone of Y/N’s eye color).

After some time, her sympathy grew into an obsession and a desire to be the only one who owns Y/N's heart and mind. Neon's father burdened Y/N with more and more responsibilities, which led to Y/N starting to feel like a maid(wife) rather than a bodyguard.

At this point, it's too late to try to get rid of Neon. Now she will never let go of her beloved Y/N!

If Y/N already have got a lover, Neon’ll ask her father to kill them.

Also, I think Neon is romantic. I'm 100% sure that if she falls in love, she'll be like Illumi in some way—it'll be important to Neon that Y/N acts according to her vanilla fantasies. However, the punishments for long-term "disobedience" will be her tantrums and scandals. (Also Neon's wishes are much more obvious than Illumi's XD).

I’m sorry for mistakes, eng isn’t my first language and I was a little nervous while writing this

Thank you so much for sending this in, it was a joy to read! I was so inspired I had to sit down and write something out immediately before my thoughts got away. Please don't be nervous to send me things! 

You’re 100% right about neon, her spoiled and bratty nature makes her a doting and controlling yandere who needs constant attention from her beloved darling.

 I may actually write some more stuff for yandere neon, because I think she’s perfect for it. 

------------------ 

I’ve always loved the idea of neon falling for someone who works for her, either as a bodyguard or a maid, it feels natural that someone like neon- who is always surrounded by people she could be considered above- would fall for someone who works for her and who is paid to put up with her. Because she has so few friends, or even people who care about her, I can imagine her getting attached fairly easily. 

Afterall, you’re a breath of fresh air to her, as you're likely not involved in crime or the mafia, and you're brand new to her life. She sees you as somewhat innocent, not unlike herself, and she wants to protect you, no matter how strong or capable you are. To neon, you're a kind person, and people like that need to be protected and looked after. 

I imagine working for neon would be draining; she totes you around like your her newest handbag, showing you off to anyone who will listen, eagerly dressing you up in outfits to match hers, eagerly buying you gifts, even when you say you don't want them. She insists you be with her constantly, throwing tantrums if you try to take days off. 

Her presence is suffocating- but some part of you still feels bad for her. Neon is a girl who is treated like an object by everyone around her, and because of that, you feel sympathy for her. Sure, she’s spoiled and bratty, but deep down she’s a nice girl with a big heart- you’ve seen firsthand how loving she can be towards those she cares about-- even though you haven't seen the half of it yet. 

Despite neon being your boss, it’s possible you may actually start to see her as a friend- even with her obsessive tendencies, neon can be very sweet and endearing, and it’s possible she may win you over by being friendly with you. She buys you gifts, expensive things she knows will impress you, but you're more impressed with how she always seems to know what sort of thing you’d like- it’s like she knows you better than you know yourself. It’d be creepy if the gesture wasn't so kind. 

The ring neon gets for you is beautiful- pink gemstones that glitter in the light, but you feel you can't accept it, afterall, this must have been expensive, and it was more so the kind of thing you would buy a lover than a friend. But neon insists it’s fine, that she bought it just for you and she wants you to have it. How can you say no? It takes a couple days before you notice she wears a matching ring on her hand as well. 

Neon is a lot like illumi, in several ways. 

First, they’re home lives are a little bit similar- both coming from families involved in crime, both possessing nen abilities, and both being rather wealthy. 

Another way they’re similar is the desire to make you a part of their family- both neon and illumi would desperately want you to like and get along with their families. They both share a fixation on the idea of marriage, neon’s gifts of matching rings is the first hint that she desires to be your wife. 

Neon craves a domestic life with you, one where you can truly love her as she’s come to love you, one where your days are filled with nothing but each other, as are your nights. She wants to spoil you and dote on you, and any refusal of her wishes is met with tantrums and fits. 

So just play along with her, it’s easier that way, and deep down, you know that. 

[zwolfgames]

HHOORAY! BG3 update! I hope you will continue the series, but in the meantime, you can't write a little work about the relationship of the squad, because judging by your last work, everyone became a little jealous of the reader and behaved more intensely.

Me when any ask I can answer ♡⸜(˃ ᵕ ˂ )⸝

Hope you meant can write a little work because otherwise I'm embarrasing myself heavily here.

So here's a little breakdown of all the party members' feels towards you and towards eachother at the end of act 1!

Warnings: Slightly jealous idea's

Lae'zel: (Just to mention that if the part of Lae'zel caring for the Gith egg from the creché didn't exist in game I'd have assumed that she hated kids, but that is a mother ya'll)

Lae'zel had been the first one to meet you, so by the age old saying she found you first so you're hers.

At the end of Act 1 she's started to accept that she does care about you and your wellbeing and that it's better to fight for you instead of against her protective feelings for you.

Obviously it's in het nature to be slightly possesive, but Lae'zel doesn't go overboard yet. The other party members are handy for nown they help in fights and that wizards cooks. Atleast she doesn't have to make you meals, Lae'zel already expects you to be disgusted.

The Githyanki woman manages to get along with Wyll, Haslin and surpisingly Karlach as they seem to want the same, protect you. Simple as that. Make it out alive, and maybe give you back to this mother that you keep mentioning if they really have to.

Lae'zel can't work with Shadowheart (obv) and dislikes the tricks Astarion teaches you. She's fine with Gale helping you learn new spells but she personally dislikes the guy just for being how he is.

Shadowheart: The second one you met. The half elf isn't sure what she feels towards you. On one side, you're quite annoying, with your childish behavior and silly jokes. But deep down Shadowheart does feel some sort of responsibility for you. You got stuck in this adventure too. You both have a worm in your brains.

She can sympathise with you and will keep you out of harms way if possible. Though if she had to choose between you or her godess, you're scrapped quite quickly at the moment. Not that that would emain the same after the Shadowfell...

Shadowheart can get along with Lae'zel as well as the gith can with her. So basically a harsh no.

Though the half elf does share some banter and talks with Astarion, and Karlach, she prefers to work and act in solitude, even if thats not possible with the current group. She doesn't have a big problem in letting the rest handle you, it makes it easier for her. But she did feel a strange tingle of jealousy when Halsin ran off with you during the creché fight.

This singular event has made her wary of Halsin, she's more likley to guide you a bit more away from him. Heal you more so he doesn't get the chance to be caring towards you. Yes, it's petty, but she was the one healing you first.

Shadowheart doesn't really have a strong opinion on Gale and Wyll, theyre just there.

Wyll: Wyll has it in him to protect younger ones (as seen by his first appearances) and this obviously applies to you too. He's not exactly fond of the idea that this band of randomly accumelated misfits are your guardians at the moment. He'd like for you to stick closer to him.

Afterall, he is a known hero. He can teach you some swordfighting, or some spells, you don't need Gale for that! And he simply despises Astarion, not for what or who he is, but simply because he's been teaching you how to steal and do other knarly pranks.

That's not Wyll's idea of a well raised child. He could do better if only you'd let him. He is yet to figure out that he can also just hog you like the rest does and that you don't hang out with anyone by choice.

He was glad with Halsins presence up until the creché incident. Echo Shadowheart, he feels like the druid is getting too daring with you. Who does he think he is? He just joined the party! He probably doesn't even know your favourite colour...

Wyll feels neutral with the rest, he can get along with Karlach the most, wich is surpising considering he was tasked to kill her for so long, but he can see the two of them raising you the best.

Astarion: A fan favourite, he thinks he's your favourite too. Not genuinely.. he's got his respectable insecurities. But surely his laid back and 'cool uncle' behavior makes you have more fun, right?

He's actually been quite attentive of your behavior, not having been around kids in a long time has made him intrigued. He can see how you don't look pleased with the other's overbearing behavior. So he won't do so. You can manage yourself just fine, especially with the tricks he's teaching you.

Astarion will push you out of the way of danger when needed. But he doesn't want that to show, he'd rather you think he just finds you funny and that's why he talks to you, not because he's genuinly worried and cares. It's not something he can admit to himself yet.

The vampire has some opinions on the rest of the group. He can be at ease with Karlach and Shadowheart.. Gale... on occasion.

Before the creché incident he got along with Halsin a bit too, personally the vampire found him a perfect piece of flesh to set his teeth in. But that little manouver went over his non official boundaries about you. He was worried when you dissapeared! He felt like this was something he'd be more inclined to do.. not Halsin..

His opinion on the rest of the party is slightly distrustfull, simply because of how much they smother you and how displeased you look with it. He's very empathic, don't you see!

Karlach: Karlach loves you, seriously, you're funny, you can joke with her and you're helping them solve this worm problem? She thinks you're awesome.

She's missed this playfullness in Avernus so much, just someone to goof off with! And obviously you fight with her, so she will protect you. You're smaller, it's only fair.

Karlach also gets along with Wyll well, same goals and all. She's thinking maybe you could join up with her when she gets her engine fixed and you can all go out adventuring with Wyll. Wouldn't that be a blast?

Now at the end of act 1, she's probably the one your most comfrotable with, even if Astarion would go cry in a tent if you said it. You may not be able to touch Karlach without getting severe burnwounds, but thats really handy, atleast she doesn't manhandle you like a familiar elf.

Karlach was quite furious when Halsin took you away, wich is kind of why they made it out of that Creché alive, her rage fueled the fight greatly.

Karlach wasn't very possesive of you at first, but atfter said event she's grown to accept that this is a hostile enviroment and not all party members can be trusted.

The only one she currently has a galring eye on is Halsin, though she find Lae'zel and Gale a bit unnerving. But she can live with it.

Gale: Your new and trustworthy magic teacher! No he hasn't accepted that you're a sorcerer and that his way of teaching you magic is way too strange for someone that just suddenly made up fireball by themselves. He's a bit oblivious about his teaching. Wich is strange, because he takes notice of all your other signs.

Gale has grown attached fast, he doesn't have Tara with him, and he's been lonely for a while. He's never thought he wanted a kid but you surely seem to make the idea spark in his head. He would explode for you, litterally, but a certain wizard hasn't come to tell hil that's possible yet.

He's a very overbearing guy with this new experience of having a kid, making sure your tent is set up right, making you read to stay smart. And due to him wanting to raise you his way, he's having a hard time getting along with Lae'zel, Halsin and Wyll. Not to mention that he can't stand the vampire! He's hogging you to learn you stupid tricks. Knock is way more important- what do you mean you know that already?!

The wizard has been wary of Halsin ever since you've all saved him. Seems he was right when the man ran off with you. Gale praises himself for his right gut feeling even though he's done nothing to prevent this from happening.

Honestly he just wants this to be over and go home with you in tow.

Halsin: The worst one of the bunch. You came to save him, he saw you (a little kid in his eyes) with a bunch of weird compagnions and knew he had a job to do here.

Halsin was quick with his protectiveness over you. The amount of time he's spend protecting the grove and living as a bear wasn't helping. He'd like to call you his cub, but even he isn't delusional enough to see that you'd freak out at the meaning of it...

Halsin actually doesn't like anyone in the group, he can get along with everyone, yes, but the only one he finds even slightly ok is Wyll.

Sadly his friendly act fell appart when he pulled his stunt at the Creché.

Don't blame him too much, he thought they were all going to die. If they did he would have tracked right back to the grove with you. Actually, that would have been way better for you considering the people you're about to face in the Shadowcursed lands.

There's not too much to say about Halsins behavior around the rest, he's mostly busy handling you, picking you up, subtly distracting you from the rest, teaching you his own learnings.

It's honestly disturbing that he went overprotective the fastest. You just met the guy less then a week ago!

Hope that answers the ask well enough! If not do let me know :3

I honestly have no idea how this concept is even being written, I don't think i was concious for half of the plot i made up. What happens happens, don't die.

And thank you for the ask! If my parents weren't home I'd have squealed. <3

[velvet-paradox]

Stay (ch. 8)

A gift - Cruelty of betrayal - The battle is won - A unity in marriage -The first time is the deepest

Length: LONG Warnings: NSFW 18+ ONLY, strong language, explicit content, oral (f & m receiving), angst, blood mention, fingering, first time, p in v, creampie, detailed smut. ENJOY!!

The air has changed, over night from a chill in the air to actual snow on the ground, flurries of it swirling about. Roofs of houses covered white, boot print marks on travels, wheelbarrows tracks, the smell of wet pine and carefully stoked fire.

König is still fast asleep, his thick arm cradling his head, his fingers twitch in his hair as he slumbers. You watch his bare chest raise and fall, calming really, to watch such a ibrute be this still and quiet. Your eyes rake over his body, radiating heat, some nights you wondered if you even needed a fire, just use his body heat for warmth.

He laughed at that.

You wondered about your parents, looking down at your arm band. Has word traveled to them about your coming nuptials? Would they attend? Would they feel too guilty to watch you marry the boogeyman, knowing they had sealed your fate? Or was it truly the Gods who have given you trials, to overcome, to become and belong to KorTac? Trusting that you were worthy of König and his affections, to be the one to carry down his legacy. Your legacy. Tales would be told, sagas written and voiced down, songs sung.

"You're going to burn a hole into the wall if you keep thinking that hard." König's sleepy voice broke your thoughts like spiderwebs. He was now rolled over onto his side, holding up his head to look at you, one tattooed leg out over the covers.

"How long have you been awake?"

"Long enough to see you worrying; what troubles have my pet so focused, hmmm?" He took a hold of your wrist, thumbing over the bones beneath.

"Our future."

"And what a fine one it will be. We shall have a wedding ceremony, celebrate our union, start on our family. I am eager for it, are you not?" König asked, his eyebrows meeting in curiosity.

You were but… how could you be? The old you, Y/N, would have been terrified and would be desperate to get away from him, not looking hopeful into his eyes, the yearning to be beneath him coursing through your veins. Old layers of your former self were peeling away, day by day.

"I am. Truly, I just do not what it holds."

"Trust the Gods, my dear. They know what is best and if you are still uncertain, we shall visit the Seer."

"What about Ada?"

König clucked his tongue and shook his head, "Nein nein. We shall work it all out, she does not mean to duel with you, not really. I think she is just jealous."

"What if she is not? What if she is serious, König. She could ask for a death match!"

"You really think I would allow such a thing?"

You slithered down into the bed, inching closer so you could look at him, touch his face, so much has happened and maybe you should've fought back, made him realize you weren't some pawn or play thing but when you look at him, ireally look at him; it wasn't about that. It was strange to think of your past, you weren't doing much with your life, living day to day, foraging, taking care of the house and your parents. You didn't have too many friends, not ones that would avenge you or come looking for you. Clearly. You were just there but here, in this bed, in this village in this chapter of your life, you were enjoying the pace.

Helping a new friend devlier babies, getting to know the clan, becoming a stronger shieldmaiden by the hands and structure of Sebastian Kruger, banter with Ghost and Soap. Maybe the Gods were right in gifting you to The Collector afterall.

"Nein."

"Exactly. No harm with come to you, not while there is still air in my lungs." He kissed the corner of your mouth, sighing into you as he wrapped his heavy arms around you.

"Can I ask you something?" You asked, fingering over a deep scar on his bicep that was in your face.

"Anything."

"At our engagement, you said you bought something…"

"Ah, ja. I did in fact."

"What is it?"

"It's a surprise." König hummed into your hair.

"Can I have a hint?"

"Nein. I'll do you one better and show you, after second breakfast."

"Second breakfast? I know you can put away a lot of food but that seems a bit much, don't you think?"

"Nein," he shook his head with a light laugh, rolling you over on to your back. "Not when you are to be my first meal of the day!"

….

You wondered if life would always be like this. The hands of The Collector, the carnage and savagery, the damage he could yield on your skin. Fingertips dug into your flesh, your knees damn near your ears as he folded you in half. Delightfully moaning against your cunt as you squealed, moaning his name, tugging at his hair.

"Hold her open for me." König panted, giving both of your shins a quick and sloppy kiss as you moved your hands from your breasts, spreading yourself wide. "Good job."

König grinned and dove back in to taste you as you dragged your nails down your calves.

Everyone you came across that morning gave you both a wave, a congratualtions, smiling at you both as you made your way through KorTac. Gaz had finsihed making you a cloak for winter, it matched the deep, mossy green of König's own cloak. The cold air had your clinging to his arm, parading you about, boots crunching in the snow.

You walked in tandem up a bit of a hill, houses with rowdy children, clinking and foraging new blades for future raids, a butcher breaking down chickens, tossing scraps to a few waiting strays.

You stopped at the bottom of another trail.

"Do you trust me?"

What an odd question, trusting the man that haunted the dreams of babes but the one you desired.

"Of course."

You could see the light in König's eyes light up, he tucked you closer and asked you to close your eyes. It was strange to be walking blind but you did in fact trust the man next to you, trusted his knowledge of this terrain, the lay of his land. You listened when he told you step over a fallen log, move out of the way. He guided you to the right and finally came to a halt.

He told you to open your eyes.

You blinked them open, looking over the viallge from this incredible height. All his people, soon to be iyour people milling about down there, going about their own morning, cooking, cleaning, teaching, learning. Clouds of smoke from open houses, dogs chasing cats, the pounding of freshly logged wood.

"Where are we?"

"Home."

König put his heavy hands on your shoulders and turned you around. There behind you was a beautiful cottage, paned windows, a plot for a garden. It was beautiful and you hadn't even stepped inside.

"I bought you a home."

Your smiled faded when he only said he about you a home. Not meant for the both of you?

Your face must've gave it away.

"I'm sorry pet, it is too small? I can afford a bigger one if you wish. Just say the word."

"Nein nein, it's perfect."

"Then why the face?"

"I only thought you would have bought a home for the both of us. We are to be married, are we not? We're not going to live together? I understand you have a lot to do, being the leader and example for KorTac but, you'll be so far away from me down there in the hall. What if I get lonely?"

König made a noise and had you face him, your head in his hands.

"My dear pet, this is our home. I bought it for you, for us, for our family. I will be able to see the fjord, who is coming and who is going, everyone will know where to find us," he kissed you through the mask. "This is our home."

"But I thought we lived at the hall."

"Nein pet, I stay there when I need to and since I was keeping an eye on you, it was convenient to stay there. But after our unity, we will be living up here from now on."

"This is all ours?" You smiled and looked around the property, more than enough land, more than enough space, four rooms, a hearth for cooking, a large room for an entire family. Your family.

"Ja."

"So you do care for me?"

König nuzzled your face, hugging you tightly, resting his cheek against the top of our head. "Of course my dear, you question my loyalty still?"

You grabbed him after the tour, tearing off his mask to kiss him hard on the mouth. Stunned by your actions he let you, he let you do whatever you wanted. And certainly did not complain when you got down on your knees, undid his pants and slipped his cock down your throat.

….

Laswell had requested your services and advice for herbs, mentioning that you were the best forager around KorTac. Upon agreement and payment you gladly took her basket and set off into the woodlands.

You found a patch you were looking for, kneeling down and humming a little tune your mother used to sing to you. You never asked about it, just knew your mother would sing it out loud, it would calm you, center you in times of concern. The looming threat of what Ada wanted, a duel was heavy on your shoulders. Grateful the you were being trained to be a better maiden, knew how to use a bow previously, now sword fighting, clashing, striking.

You heard a rolling cart not far off from you in deep in the woods, the creaking and jostling of something didn't bother you, didn't concern you much. That was the trail to another market, one you had frequented when you lived at home. Seemed like a lifetime ago now.

Out of general curiosity you left your basket of goodies and made your way out of the trees, crunching snow, your cheeks on fire from the cold to see the trail ahead. The cart wobbled a bit in the distance. A couple along with it, a mule trudging behind them.

"Out of the lane woman!"

You turned around to see another cart coming your way.

"Mother?!"

"Stop the cart!" Your mother, frantically jumped from the cart and ran over to you, tears in her eyes, sorrow in her voice as she sobbed into your cloak. She looked you over, kissing your face, holding your head to hers. "Oh my child! We have feared you dead for so long! Yet here you are, in one piece."

"Y/N!" Your father hugged you tightly, the three of you together again. Even if only for a moment. "Are you escaping?" He asked after the tears had stopped. "We have room in the back for you to cover up."

"Escaping?"

"Yes child, are you hiding from that monster? Surely you have tried to rid yourself of him." Your father looked you over then, seeing your finely made clothing, newly mended boots.

"I uh, I'm marrying him. He proposed. I am to be a wife and a mother!"

"And you are willing to marry such a man?" Your mothers' voice turned to shock. "Surely you would rather choose death than to be the wife of The Collector."

"Quite the opposite, mother," you proffessed, their looks of dismay and disappointemt made you feel guilty for being even a spirkle of happy with König. "He may be ruthless but he keeps me healthy, satisfyied, well fed. I'm being trained by one they call Kruger, I know how to use a blade now, I have friends and people--"

"Stop this at once!" Your father shouted. You bit your lip. "What sort of poison has he given you to say such things? You sound thrilled! How could you be?"

"I am happy. I had to make the best out of my situation, I refuse to be miserable for the rest of days."

"How? We raised you to be a fighter, this is madness, daughter." Your mother scolded. "Have you not attempted iany to escape from his clutches?"

"Nein."

"Nein? You are even speaking his language! You are not our daughter. When the villagers find you out you want to be with that madman, given vows, rings… we shall be laughed out."

Your heart broke. Bile rose in your throat and unhappy tears welled up in your eyes. "Do not say that, father. I am still --"

"You are not Y/N, oh how disappointed she would be to see you in such a sorry state. Wanting to be married to The Collector, shameful. No child of mine would choose such a dishonorable life."

"Dishonor-- I did not choose this life! This sitaution, unforseen," you swallowed your tears, voice cracking as you did so. The look on your parents face was sad. The had believed you dead and maybe it was better that way, they had let you go. "The Gods chose me."

They both looked at each other in disbelief, shocked that you sounded and looked so sure of yourself.

"I cannot believe my ears," your mother touched your arms band one last time before climbing up on the cart, your father following close behind. "You should be ashamed of yourself."

"You have clearly made your choice, child."

"Y/N, the real daughter, would never have put up with this."

You sniffled, tears freezing to your cheeks as they rode away, they didn't even have the heart to look back.

"You're right," you cried watching their heads slip down the horizon, out of sight. "That's because I am her no longer."

….

You came out of the woods a different person. Emerged in the evening sun with an even colder crisp to the air. A basket full of herbs, eyes still glassy and wet as you passed the tree line, by Keeva and John's homestead.

They had left you. Never would you have thought your parents would willingly let you go like this. The more you thought about it, the more angrier you had become. Rage had been laying dormant for so long you didn't even realize how hard you had made your fists as you marched through the village. They had come to terms that their only daughter was dead already, that you wouldn't last this long. It made your skin crawl.

You couldn't find König, which made your rage worse. Stomping and stalking through the hall. You marched all the way to your room at the back, slamming the door shut before dropping to the ground with a ripping scream. Your forehead to the floor, hands at the nape of your neck. You screamed and cried some more until you heard the door latch open. Heavy boots. Slow steps. You got up and threw yourself at him.

"Hey hey, what is going on? What did he do now?" It was Kruger. You looked up at him with a terrible face, anguish, pain, betrayal.

"It wasn't h-him," You pressed your face into his collar. "I sa-aw my parents."

"Ah, overwhelming after all this time, ja?" He asked, petting your head.

"Nein! They abandonded me, they are disappointed. I dishonor them by wanting to marry König. They said I am inot their daughter anymore," you fisted Krugers cloak, pleading for some relief. "What am I to do? My parents have willingly thrown me away!"

"It's alright, pet. You have us. You have all of KorTac, you have friends, you have König. We are your family now."

After you calmed down in his arms, you sniffled and took several steps back to sit on your bed, head in your hands, tears drying crusty on down your face. "Wh-o will give me away?"

"Is that one of your traditions? Like the arm band?"

You nodded.

The bed creaked when he sat down next to you, offering his hand. "If you wish, I'll do it. I shall give you away."

"You would do that for me?"

Kruger, even behind his enitre mask, you didn't even know what he looked like under there had a smile in his tone and nodded. "On one conditon; you save up all of this rage for Ada. König told me, day one of you being here, to treat you as if you were one of our own and now… you iare."

You made a deal.

König had told you that you could decorate your new homestead as you pleased, he wanted, no, ineeded you to be happy. Whatever you wanted it was yours. His to spoil, to dote on, to treat as kindly as the man could manage. You could tell this was new for him as well, only mentions of sexual actitivies not relationships and certainly inot marriage.

You cried again that night, held tightly to König as he brushed your hair away from your face after you told him what had happened with your parents. He was able to calm you down, proud of you for letting go, that were headed for the future and if that's the way things were going to be there shouldn't be any looking back. You are not going that way.

"What do you think is my best color?" You asked Kyle that next afternoon, all cried out and fresh to be just be Pet for the foreseeable future. Your old life had slipped off your shoulders.

"For the ceremony or in general?" Gaz asked, resizing someones' boots, a pair of pants hung on a rack nearby ready for repair. More snow had fallen in the night.

"For the wedding. I have been to a few and the bride always wore white, do you do that here?"

"You can dress how you want, pet. It is your day." Gaz put away his tools to get up and pull out a few shades of blue fabric. "In fact, I may have something that might spark interest."

"This one looks like his eyes."

"Well I could size you up since your here if you wish. Get you a corset too, I won't complicate things since this will be your wedding night and you'll want ease of access for the consumation I trust." Gaz chuckled and took out his measuring instruments. Having you stand with your arms out wide, the size of your shoulders, the length.

It was all you could think about for the rest of the day until someone grabbed your arm and yanked you in between a few houses off the lane.

"GET YOUR HANDS-- Graves? What do you want?"

He didn't look good, dark circles under his eyes, hair disheveled and you could clearly see a smudge of either dirt or soot, either one did not matter all, across his chin.

"You are in danger, girl. That Ada woman… she wants you idead." He said in a hushed whispered.

"What?"

"I heard her myself. She has been training with that brute in the skull mask."

"Ghost."

"Sure, whatever. I have been watching them train, he's heartless, he knocks her down any chance he gets then fucks her face as a reward." Graves visibly shivered. "Dispicalble."

Which was quite the wording coming from Phillip who literally stole belongings from the dead.

"Ghost wouldn't to actually hurt me."

"He doesn't, but she does. Says you're in the way, that she's wanted KorTac, to sit on the throne you will be in. Having König's babies, having a title. She's not a very good woman, runt. I would be very careful when you battle."

"You heard her say this? When?"

"… I may have been snooping about the hall and I may have found my way to her quarters and pressed my ear to the door." He shrugged.

"Oh you little creep!"

"Oh stop it, like you are some deity!"

"It's not that, it's that you go around prowling after people to see what you can stal from them. Whether it is items, things they have worn and cherished in their lives until you put them in the ground or be it information." You scoled the rugged man.

"If I didn't eavesdrop on Ada and this Ghost, how would I know she wants to kill you, hmmm?"

You thought about what Phillip had said when Soap had bound your wrist with a leather strap after he'd done the same to Ada the day of the duel. Would she honestly attempt to end you? Was she able? Something triggered you into going into attack mode. She would not best you at this.

Soap tugged on your tether, looking you in the eye, making sure it wasn't too loose or too tight.

Your axes clashed instantly, hers going for your neck first, dodging and sliding backwards through the gravel. Boots catching rocks, anxiety and the threat of the unknown left you breathless. Maybe Graves was right after all. Ada berated you, stalking you through the rocks, the clan of KorTac surrounding you. There were cheers and jeers from all sides, any kind of battle was a thrill. You could hear Kruger barking at you to look out, pay attention, to remember your lessons. Ghost was doing the same for Ada.

Your blades CLACKED again, this time being tossed shields. You grabbed yours quickly and blocked a heavy blow. You pushed her back with it, making some dent in the fight. You shouted and pulled the leather strap attached to the pair of you, yanking her down to the ground. She twisted frantically in the rocks, cold as ice against your hands as you gathered up the strap, sitting on her back in an attempt to choke her out.

Ada thrashed as the crowd cheered, digging your boots into the ground for leverage only for the lover girl of KorTac to push herself up and knock you back first into the rocks. She swung her axe again, bouncing off your shield. You could hear Kruger's voice shouting out at you again as you scrambled up. You kicked some rocks up at her face, she did not care for that and instead yanked the strap to bring you to your knees with a thud. A few had lodged into the the leather for sure. Her knee meeting your chin wasn't expected, or the blood that filled your mouth. You spat it out. Ada had the nerve to smile down at you with a cocky smirk.

You finally stood and smeared it across your face.

The rage you held from your parents began to boil, your eyes narrowing to hateful slits, Krugers voice in your ear from the day prior pushed you on.

"You are battling for the same thing, do not show her weakness. She her you are worthy. The worth your parents stole from you."

You took a stance then, locking eyes with König who was observing the fight with his arms crossed over his chest, he looked to be sighing, cocking his head. She pulled on the strap; you pulled back. A push and pull before you charged her, your parents words swirling around your head as you jumped to land on her body hard, she sputtered as you rolled around on the ground. She shrieked when you bit into her forearm to get her to submit, rubbing her face into the gravel.

"To the victor, all the spoils!" Simon announced to the crowd, some exhancging coins on who would beat who as you looked up at him, holding your arm and axe in the air.

As the others of KorTac congratulated you, patting your shoulder and with gentle smiles, all in good fun until you came by Ada. You held out your hand in an honest display of sportsmanship. Even if you didn't exactly like her or agree with the woman, you still had your manners about you. Which she did not it appeared, as Ada sneered and looked down her nose at you, spitting at your feet before huffing away in loss.

….

The archway was beautiful in the winter landscape, coiled with dried ivy and herbs, bound with cordage that matched your blue dress. Gas had even taken the time to embroider some flowers around the square neckline that showcased your cleavage, the added leather corset helped as well. Keeva would not stop gushing over how beautiful you looked, how happy she was for you.

"Are you ready?" she asked, her hands covering your own as your heart pounded in your chest.

"As I ever will be I suppose. I did not see this in my future, I never thought I would get married let alone to a famous leader."

"The Gods chose you, as they have chosen all of us, fated to be. I hated John before we got together, he was so arrogant and blood thirsty, always covered in the stuff. Oh he'd reek of it, strutting around for days as a medal of battle," Keeva mused as you ducked out of your bridal tent, Kruger in his finest attire waiting paitently.

"But, he grew on me and next thing you know, the Gods landed him in my lap!"

"So things do work out."

"They always do." Keeva smiled and kissed your cheek before handing you off to Kruger.

"Do I have to do anything special in order to give you away, pet?" He asked, crunching your boots through the snow, everyone was already standing and chatting away on the side of the hall. Everyone in KorTac was present, including Horangi, Keegan and Roach. Soap and Ghost stood beside König at the altar.

"Nein, just you being here is helping my nerves. We walk down the aisle, you can hug me if you want and then I'm his."

Kruger nodded and off you went.

Your heart was in your stomach the moment König looked at you in your dress, your hair fixed with a little baby's breath wreath made by Laswell and her wife. He held your hand tightly after giving it a quick kiss through the mask.

The high priestess began the short ceremony, no need to drag it out. No objections, no distractions other than the splash of red where the sacrificed goat you would be dining on had laid. Its' blood in the wooden bowl in her hands, your wedding bands, pounded smooth days prior were soaking in it. Your wrists bound togeher as she said your vows.

"And with that, I name you man and wife," she smiled, dipping her fingers into the bloody bowl then splashed your faces. "May the Gods bless you and keep you in health, and give you children. And may they keep the wolf from the door."

KorTac cheered and clapped as you slipped on the rings, you turned to him with a smile, lifted his hood and kissed him, sealing your fate to The Collector.

"Now then; who is to witness your consummation?" The high priestess asked, a hush over the crowd.

"I would like to instill that duty to Horangi, who is most like family to me." König stated aloud.

"I would be honored, brother." Kim agreed and bowed his head.

"Soap, my right hand."

"Also an honor, brother."

You got nervous, two men would being seeing your naked body, flesh only meant to be seen by one. You knew that was how wedding nights were met, but as you told Keeva you did not think that was your destiny. König squeezed your hand then.

"And Ada."

The crowd murmered as she stood moved into the end of the aisle.

"Me?"

"Ja. Had you shown sportsmanship and respect to my wife the other day after your duel you would not be requested to witness us have sex. But since you do not know your place, I will show it to you. Maybe you will make sounder choices next time."

Ada's face grimaced, repromandaed in front of the whole village. How humiliataing.

That look was on her face all throughout dinner and gift giving. All the way up to your new home she was grumbling and complaining, Horangi scolding her to be quiet. That it was her bitchy attitude that got her here in the first place!

The fire in the living room was already lit, baskets of bread and preserved fruit lay on the kitchen table. Thankful because it was just so damn cold out, just the walk from the great hall to your homestead made your cheeks burn.

"I also have one more gift for you, wife." König quipped, motioning for you to close your eyes.

"More?" You laughed, the giggles from ale on your lips.

"It is customary for the husband to gift the bride this. To show her indepence, resposibilty and thanks. Ok, you may open them now."

You did, König had his hands clasped and slowly revealed a tiny grey kitten, it's glowing amber eyes blinking at you. You squealed with delight taking the little darling thing in your own hands.

"Oh!"

"What will you name it?" Horangi asked, patting its head.

"Is it a boy or girl?"

"A girl."

"Hmmm Annika sounds pretty good." You said with a smile.

You left the little fluff ball to explore your home while the five of you found yourselves inside your bedroom. They made themselves comfortable in chairs they could find, warming their hands by the fires burning.

König wasted no time in grabbing your waist and pinning you, with his body to the wall next to the door. Your head thudding against the wood, you tilted it up, hands slidding up his patterned shirt and vest, tangling with the end of his hood.

He grabbed your hand and placed it over his heart. "Do you feel that, pet? It only beats for you."

"You sure are smooth when you know you are going to have sex." You smiled, feeling it beat a little faster. "I'm scared, König."

"Of what?" He asked, looking down at your cleavage, long lashes bashful at his blanat look of desire. His hand on your hip, thumb pushing against your dress.

"I have never had sex with anyone watching before." You whispered as you could hear them talking amongst themselves in the corner.

"Pay them no mind, my love. They are merely here to observe our union."

"How will they know you are not faking it?"

"Because my pet," König hummed ghosting his fingertips over your collar and holding your neck loosely. "There will be evidence."

That statement set you off, you bit your lip and desperately tore at the sides of his vest to rid of it, laughing when his thick fingers got caught up in the ties of your corset. He peeled off the vest, keeping his arms raised above his head to take off his shirt. Your mouth on his chest startled him, a noise leaving his throat as you held him about the rids, his body heat exhilarating you further. You bit at his collar, the taut muscle of his shoulder, his eyes on you when you pressed the flat of your tongue against his nipple. He shivered instantly when you did it again then bit into it. He hissed. You groaned.

You dropped to your knees, undoing the ties to his trousers, his hands on the back on your head, taking off you crown and tossing it one of the witnesses.

"You always look so beautiful on your knees for me, my pet. But tonight, you are ethreal. If I wasn't so certain you were my wife, I would think I have died and you the Valkryie to bring to me Valhalla." He was panting and you had just now loosened his pants to free his cock.

And you thought his body was radiating!

So pretty and thick in your hands, pre-cum already beading at the tip. You heard someone inhale behind you. You leaned forward and cleaned it off, bringing him towards your face by looping your arms around his thighs. You kissed the tattooed skin, running tongue and teeth along the bands of muscles that lay beneath.

"Are we not just here to witness them have intercourse? What is with all this beforehand stuff?" You heard Horangi ask the other onlookers.

Soap snorted. "Oh Kim, we are about to witness something far better than just sex! They haven't done it yet."

"Done what?"

"This is the first time they are having sex together," Ada grumbled as you jerked König off in front of your face, the sale of his skin, the smell of him. "It is going to be… special."

"Ohhh." Horangi answered.

"Maybe I am," you nuzzle your face against his leg, rubbing the crown of his cock against the seam of your lips. "Maybe that is why the Gods chose me. You gave me a home and I'll bring you home."

"Oh fuck." König groaned, placing his hands on the wall as you swallow him down, licking at the throbbing muscle. The more you hollowed your cheeks, moaning around his cock, dragging your nails up and down his thighs, the more feral sounds to erupt from his throat. It drove you further to suck him off hastily.

He fucked your face, boots scraping against the floor, you dared to look up to see him locked in on you. One hand left your head to cup and hold your chin, bopping the tip of your nose. He pulled you off, a thick string of saliva connected still to the tip.

"On your feet beautiful."

When you looked at König you only saw him, concern and anxiety had left you behind. What did it matter any way? this was all planned out, everyone knew the rules. It was still a bit of an odd feeling though when your dress pooled around your feet, baring your body to everyone.

You sat back on your bed, König lifted one leg and undid your boot straps, chucking it to the floor with a thud. You kept your bare foot on his stomach, feeling how his muscles moved when he repeated the process to your other foot. You walked them up to his shoulders, letting them rest there while he bent to take off his own.

You two had done many intimate activities beforehand; sucking his cock, him eating you out like he hadn't had a decent meal in days, masturbating together, kissing. A lot of kissing. You'd seen each other naked, even slept that way but for some reason, when you looked up at your husband, that's what he was. He wasn't just The Collector; he wasn't just König.

He was yours.

As he crawled on top of you, moving your legs apart, hidden from the others' view, he touched your face as gently as he had offered Annika to you. He blinked rapidly as he fit himself between you better, chest to chest, smushing your breasts to his chest.

"König…."

"Ja my dear?"

"I-- I'm ready."

"So am I." You could hear the smile in his voice and you snuck under the mask, kissing across his prickly chin, licking his sharp jaw, kissing his nose, his lips, wherever you could reach. König's hand suddenly joined your mouth party, gathering spit across his fingers, lifting his hips enough to draw circles around your clit, making you arch before easing one of them in. Prodding your leaking slit, gathering up your wetness, sinking in two fingers. Growling as your gasps and moans as he scissored you open for him.

Your legs were shaking when he pulled his fingers free, getting up onto his knees. His tattoos looked glorious and you wondered if you were to receive them as well. You'd played with him before, held his cock in your hand, in your mouth; you knew his size but it didn't fully come to scale until he fisted it above your mound. He tapped it against your lower belly, letting it pulse there for a moment. It touched your belly button and you sat up on your elbows.

"Is it going to fit? That's a lot to take." You worried your bottom lip.

"Don't worry my pet, I plan on going slow. I do not want to hurt you."

König's voice was reassuring as he moved into position. You both nodded and looked down for the first time, watching that part of him push into your hole with a popping sensation. That alone knocked you back into the bed, a strangled moan tearing its way from your insides, you could feel him in your belly, in your ribs, against your lungs. He was everywhere, all at once it seemed and that was just the tip!

"Look how cute you look, eyes screwed up, mouth agape. You'd think you were lost already!"

"Prettiest pussy to take me so well on the first go."

"What a good fucking wife you are for me."

He grunted your name, calling you beautiful, a delight, the prettiest thing he's had on the end of his dick. How warm you felt, how tightly your walls sunk around him the further he eased his way inside you.

Your cunt flooded with a fresh round of wetness, just this light rocking at first, getting you adjusted to his size, his girth was making you sweat.

You whined and covered your face when he hit a certain spot, his thumb strumming against your clit. Someone else groaned and swore. You wanted to cry it felt so good, suddenly he was leaning above you, moving your hands down so he could see you, watching your expression change from slightly painful, to maybe go a little deeper.

"You are so beautiful, bitte, do not hold back from me."

You kissed him hard through the mask.

….

His grip on your hips was only slightly painful, the smacks to your ass were worse but felt amazing. You had run out of words to say, just blubbering and moaning as König was eating you out from behind.

"You like that, my pet?" König asked between licks. "By those cute little sounds you are making I'd say I do not need bother to ask." His chuckle was dark and smooth, he spat and slurped it right back up when you pushed back against his face. You could feel yourself dripping for him.

"I fucking love it." You managed to breathe out, drooling and biting into you wrist. "Oh Gods, I need you!" You sounded like a whore, the sounds you were making, the way you arched, the wholesomeness of your smile when you could hear him fisting his cock, when he spat on you. The wide bite to the inner meat of your thigh.

"Ask and you shall receive, my good girl." Was all he said and then he was inside you once more, holding onto your hips, pushing and pulling you back and forth. The sounds of your skin, both of you full of sweat and adrenaline, his thighs bouncing into your hips. He swung his arm around your neck, making you arch as he towered over you, moaning how good this angle felt. You tilted your head back and biting at the air until you snagged the end of his mask between your teeth.

For this being your first time you surely weren't wasting any of it. The way he seemed to mold to your gummy walls, the way he could bully his cock into you over and over without pause, slick and horny for each other. After several months of fooling around it had come to this.

When he pulled out you yanked him him on to the bed, climbing in his lap as he sat, wrapping his arms around your back, your legs around his waist. You lifted the mask to kiss him, sink your teeth into his lip, lick into his mouth. Riding him was a lot easier than you thought, must be the mixture of your juices and desire. He held your face as you rocked and fucked down onto him.

"König…"

"Ja, he's here. Your king is here."

"You feel so good." You sobbed and tried to catch the drool leaving the corner of your mouth, he was quick to swipe it away with his thumb.

"Oh yeah? you like being stuffed full of your husbands' thick cock, ja? who knew you could take such good care me, take such a size in this warm little hole. You are full of surprises, my pet." He matched your breaths, your moans, groan for groan.

You whined and rolled your hips. "König I… oh Gods, that's it! I'm gonna' cum, you're so fucking big!" You cried out and hung your head against his shoulder, lost in bliss. Fucked stupid you started mumbling a set of three powerful words.

Your husbands hands found purchase on your hips, taking over as you clearly were just a lump in his sturdy arms. "Cum with me, my love, cum for me. Now."

"Fuck yeah! Fuck me just like that, bitte bitte."

With a shout you did just that, pulsing around him, little jerks coming and going as he shot rope after rope of his cum inside you. It was so much. You were so fucking full of him, his cock and his seed. You panted breathlessly, laughing in his arms and rose up.

The evidence that you were the one fated to him, solidified your unity, with very little effort a glob of cum drooled out of you. Had covered his cock and sack and you flopped over on your back.

Soap gave you both a round of applause which only made you laugh harder, even König let himself indulge a bit.

"I have never seen someone so happily fucked in my life!" Horangi exclaimed as the three of them bid you a good night, Ada gave you a look but said nothing and Soap gave a thumbs up.

"Thank you." You finally had caught your breath enough to squeeze his hand, laying your head on his chest.

"Nein, my love. Thank you," he tore off the mask and kissed all over your face, licked at your chin, kissed your neck. He gave your breast a light squeeze and held it in his massive palm.

"Can we go again?"

König laughed harder this time. "So soon? Let me regain my strength first. You my love are an animal!" he pressed his forehead to yours then and sighed. "And I do too."

"What?"

"What you were saying before… I love you too."

@powerfultenderness

[midnightmoonkiss]

MINORS DNI 18+

Dom! Wednesday Addams X AFAB! Reader

Characters are aged up and live in their own home

Period sex in the shower, mentions of blood

Use of strap-on

Wednesday Addams would totally fuck you on your period.

She’s never been afraid of a bit of blood, afterall.

Though, she would prefer doing it in the shower. There was something so mesmerizing in the way red stained the water below and washed down the drain, the splash of color and the tightness of your sensitive cunt only ever spurred her on.

Now, Wednesday may be sadistic, but pain unwillingly brought to you by something other than her always made her frown. Even a paper cut, though she’d press a kiss to that. She couldn’t exactly kiss this wound so easily, not with her mouth anyway.

Wednesday never minded the pain that came with her own, she only had fairly mild cramps. Oh, how she would switch with you if given the opportunity.

She would fight mother-nature if she could for hurting you, but she supposed that was just her own love for you was making her a bit foolish.

She would fight mother-nature if she could for hurting you, but she supposed that was just her own love for you was making her a bit foolish.

And so she began doing what any girlfriend not afraid of a mess would do, easing your cramps with a plastic cock attached to her hips.

Of course, this was only after holding a heating pad to your stomach didnt work as well as it should.

You were so cute when she brought up the fact that masturbation and sex could relieve pain, a deep flush painting your cheeks and shoulders - she could feel the heat beneath your skin as her cold fingers brushed over it.

But who were you to oppose when she clearly was wanting to help you? Shoving your pride aside was easy enough when it came to her. Not to mention.. you were rather aroused. You blamed your unstable hormones on this.

And so here you are, warm water cascading down you back and relaxing your tensed muscles as your hands press up against the pristine walls of the white shower. Your body felt extra fragile, sensitive, whimpers falling from your mouth with every delicate touch of hers on your heated body.

You could feel the weight of her favorite black strap on resting against your ass, and excitement rose inside you - butterflies overtaking the stinging pain.

Her lips pressed a sweet kiss against your shoulderblade, nimble yet still cold fingers pass over your pebbled nipples as you gasp.

She smirks against you, taking just a moment to lightly pinch and roll the buds between her digits, adoring the way you whined her name.

Her hands then rested against your hips, keeping you steady as she slips the cock between your thighs, rubbing up against your sensitive folds.

She had already prepped you, fingers stuffed deep in your sweet cunt not three minutes ago.

It was hard not to feel embarrassed, especially with all the taboo surrounding periods and such, but you guessed she just loved you enough to not care. Or maybe she wouldn’t care regardless, she wasn’t exactly the kind of person to give a fuck about societal norms.

“Its just blood.” Is what she would say.

She had stepped out for a moment to attach the strap on and grab silicone lube before eagerly jumping right back in, sliding the glass door shut.

“How are you feeling?” She asked sincerely, watching in fascination as you grinded against the strap, blood already dripping off the tip.

“I,” you began, your words getting caught in your throat as she suddenly began to thrust the cock against your dripping pussy, her chest flushed to your back. Pleasure bit at your nerves as the bulbous head rubbed against your clit, “I should be asking y-you that.. you’re the one with- a-aAh! The, the strap-on in the shower..”

You hoped she wouldn’t get chaffed or anything just because your uterus stabbed itself and wouldn’t stop throbbing.

Truly, it warmed your heart that she was willing to do this, even being the one to suggest it. She is amazing. You’d devote your entire being to her, worship her should she asked.

She huffs, stilling her and your hips, much to your dismay, to get you to focus, “Answer.”

Giddy, you smile to yourself. “I’m feeling okay, cramps still there. I think the biggest thing we need to worry about is not falling and breaking our limbs.”

Brushing some of your wet hair behind your ear, she whispered against it,

“Only a fool would allow you to fall.”

Your heart fluttered.

With that, she pulls her hips back to expose the dildo once more, reaching to the shower’s shelf to grab the lube and apply a generous amount before guiding it back between your spread legs, head now pressed against your clenching entrance.

“Safe word?” Wednesday absentmindedly asked, just to make sure.

“Pink..”

She hums, “Good.”

Slowly, she inches it inside of you, watching you like a hawk to see any sprinkle of discomfort, but you.. you were a bit lost. The sudden stretch, the coolness of the cock, lewdness of this act.. the knowledge that it’s your beloved Wednesday doing this.. your head felt foggy as a moan left your parted lips, your eyes fluttering shut as you braced yourself and focused on the feeling.

The warm water only added to the experience as she bottomed out inside you.

The goth girl quietly stood behind you, her hands on your hips once again as her black wet hair framed her face and got glued to her shoulders and back.

With a pathetic mewl, you ground yourself against her cock, adjusting quicker than usual due to how turned on you were.

“Please,” You nearly sobbed, your emotions getting the best of you, already feeling overwhelmed, “Please Wednesday, please move..”

How could she deny you?

She’d treat you like the royalty you are to her, fucking into you nice and slow just to drive you a bit mad, to hear you plea, but maybe a bite or two wouldnt hurt.

What’s shower sex without a little choking?

Oh, she was going to have fun with you.

[abiiors]

falling for you ❤️ // matty healy x reader

promptober '23 - day 10

a/n: might be one of my favs of this month?? writing this made me so giggly, i do very much love the song cw: smoking?? umm nothing else, i don't think wc: 950

a leaf crunches under matty’s foot, shooting a tendril of thrill through him. giddiness and adrenaline is an amazing combination, he’s realised. especially if she's with him, holding the flashlight in one hand and his hand in the other. 

if only so she won’t get lost in the darkness. 

they are breaking into a graveyard at 1 am afterall. what else do bored teenagers do on nights they feel rebellious? so matty allows himself another excited grin knowing she can’t see his face and tugs on her hand. 

“scared?” he teases, giggling when she scoffs quite bravely. 

“you wish, healy.” 

he should commend her, really. the tremor in her voice was quite well hidden that time. 

“well you did just enlist me to finish your dare so…”

“matty!” behind him he can hear her anxiously biting down her nails, bitten red and raw and down to the skin. he tuts, the pot calling the kettle black but at least she stops. 

“you won’t tell ross would you?” she asks sheepishly.

stifling his laughter seems almost impossible then, so much so that he stops abruptly and she walks into his back, making him burst out laughing anyway. a hand comes up from behind him—her slapping a palm over his mouth, muffling his cackle. 

they both look at each other, matty with tears streaming down his face and her with a slightly annoyed glare that’s quickly melting away. he gulps in air to calm himself down, to breathe in the scent of her skin. jasmine. just like it’s always been. 

“wouldn’t…” his voice comes out muffled and she immediately moves her hand away, making him feel a little cold. “wouldn’t tell ross, i promise. don’t wanna ruin your stellar reputation! he’d never let you live it down.” 

“yeah, alright matty,” she rolls her eyes but the laugh in her voice is unmistakable. “you care about my reputation so much, sure, i believe you.”

“hey!” he protests, jogging up to her when she starts walking away from him and deeper into the graveyard, a little brave now. “why wouldn’t i care about my best friend’s reputation?” the word stings, he swallows it down. 

matty catches up to her, walking side by side as he stares at her profile illuminated by the moon. the old smudged eyeliner under her eyes, the faint dusting of freckles, the slight curve of her lips that fights to be free even when she’s trying so hard to act annoyed at him. 

it disarms him thoroughly, so much so that he has to shakily light a cigarette just so he would have something to do with his hands. 

it’s not new though, she always disarms him, he always lights a cigarette to stop his hands from shaking. at this rate, his lungs would shrivel up well before his heart does from the joys of unrequited love. 

“there she is,” he points into the distance, putting on his old-man spooky voice. “old dorothy and her old grave. you know what to do…” 

he’s well aware of the local legend and so is ross. hence the dare—she has to chip away a piece of stone from the oldest grave in town and bring it to him. and it has to be done on a full moon's night according to george the folklore connoisseur. 

she gulps involuntarily, lingering a bit and toeing the grass. matty watches, amused, as she tries to gather courage. the girl he’s known all his life for being tough as nails scared of a harmless local legend. 

“don’t take two though,” he teases, wiggling his fingers in front of her face. “you know what they say—dorothy punishes the greedy.”

“i don’t even want one piece, why would i take two?” she mutters, wiping her sweaty hands on her jeans. matty wants to kiss them, place a tiny kiss on her palm. maybe even on her lips while he’s at it. 

shakily he takes a drag of his cigarette, exhaling the smoke.

“give me that,” she practically demands it, barely waiting for him to hand it to her before she takes a deep drag, cheeks hollowed, eyes closed. when she opens them again, she looks calmer. then she turns to him and blows the smoke in his direction in tiny rings and matty damn near goes into cardiac arrest from that alone. 

“right, here i go!” she jumps in place once, twice to hype herself up while he tries to recover. and then just like that, she sprints into the night. towards the moss-covered crumbling grave. 

matty takes another drag. and then one more just in case. 

not even half a minute later she’s jogging back to him, only a silhouette in the moonlight before her triumphant face becomes clear. her fist is held high in the air, the little piece of mossy rock hoisted like a trophy. 

“all done!” she whoops cringing instantly when matty hurries to shush her. 

unmistakably a porchlight turns on in the distance. a grumble—something about “rowdy teenagers” and a flashlight shines on them, blinding them for a moment. 

she squeals, pocketing the stone and grabbing matty’s hand. 

“run!” he yells, laughing maniacally as they run out the graveyard, hand-in-hand, all the way until they’re out the wrought iron gates and in a little alley before bursting into wheezing and fits of giggles. 

she pumps her fist up giddily. “oh ross can suck my dick, i did it!” 

matty stares, memorising the details of her face, of the curve of her lips, the glee in her eyes. the way her hair blows in the wind, unruly and slipping out of her claw clip. 

she looks alive. his heart thuds in his chest. 

it really is a shame that he’s a coward. 

lemme know what you think <33

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add yourself to the taglist

[sugar--brown]

It's 2am...

You know what that means...

The Mechanisms ramblings!

Erm erm. Today's topic:

Aurora and Jonny. Their relationship. Their places as the eldest both at the same time. Being siblings. Being attached to Carmilla.

A bit of background! We know that Aurora is an orphan sentient moon made of flesh and organic stuff. Carmilla adopted and raised as her kid. (Don't ask any questions for all this, I have no clue how it works). But at some point, she left or had been kidnapped by ciberians. Ciberians who decided that turning an organic sentient moon into a war spaceship was a good idea. Aurora went throught countless of body's horror and torture and then was used for wars by her tormentors.

Meanwhile! Jonny is kind of adopted by Carmilla after his father and his father figure. He's mechanised and becomes immortal. Somehow, he decided tosteal Aurora and claims her as his own.

What do you think happened next? Carmilla came aboard, right? No one else is here and Carmilla sticked around until Toy Soldier was recruited. And she's immortal so Aurora had to recognized her, right? And they would be both overjoyed to be reunited, right?

Until Carmilla made the presentations. Jonny feels threaten by Aurora because "what do you mean the ship is sentient" and "how did you raised a moon and you never told me". Afterall, he's travelling with her for a while now. They are - as much we know - the only immortals in the whole universe. She saved his life. He must be attached to her.

Meanwhile, Aurora had to feel threaten by Jonny. Because "you replaced me with some kind of wild racoon" and "how can I compete with someone who looks just like her and who can interact naturally with her". Her first impression of him was that he's cruel and violent. And she just got back her mum! She won't let anyone take her away from her!

Carmilla should have been stuck in the middle of tug of war, having to deal with two very traumatized young adults barely out of teenagers years craving her attention. Maybe they even fought (Aurora is winning because... well... spaceship.)

But it settled down. They bond, surely. Because Jonny is concerned with her safety in the track "Aurora's strike". Plus, they love their mum so foghting would make her sad.

And then... the others came in their family. And suddenly, it's not Jonny versus Aurora for Carmilla's attention. It's Jonny with Aurora for taking care of their baby siblings freshly mechanised. Who is the oldest? No one is sure.

But all in all, I think Jonny and Aurora share a very special, sweet, deep siblings bond.

TLDR: Jonny and Aurora are typical oldest siblings and it's a shame we don't have much about them

[snapescupoftea]

𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐚𝐲...

𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐨: Your beloved has promised you something that stuck to both your hearts. However, will he able to keep that promise?

𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬: SPOILERS FOR CHAPTER 223 AND 236!!! Also, this could be cringe and Gojo may not act like how he's supposed to canonically.

𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫'𝐬 𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐞: This was stuck to my head so ofc I'll write it. Also, I'm sooo, so sorry for not heing able to write nothing last April😔.

"Someday, my love, when this is all over, I promise you, we'll get married, start a little family and leave all this behind, alright? Just you and me, I promise you."

Was what he told you on a date years ago before he became the strongest sorcerer, before he was given such a big responsibility, before Amai died, before Suguru...

Even after everything that's happened, that never stopped him from loving you to bits and bits and bits, he still reminded you that he's ok and that he, as the strongest sorcerer, will fight Sukuna and win, resolve all the other complications and then retire as a sorcerer to live in a peaceful life with you.

So why...why were you on your knees, grasping for breath as tears continued to flood down your eyes non-stop?

Why was it that you were the only one crying and sobbing there? Why wasn't anyone doing anything? Did they not care? Had they not noticed?

No...

No.

You knew that they did care, how could they not anyways? It's just that it wasn't the time to grieve at the moment.

You weren't supposed to be crying here, it wasn't the time for that, you should've gone off to join the others as soon as it happened.

You knew that too.

But who could blame you, really?

You stood there, and watched as a cruel, heartless man named Sukuna, split the love of your life into two. Watched, as the man who had risked his life and given his all, failed miserably, resulting in the lost of his life. Watched, as everything just...fell apart for you...

How could you not cry and sob as that happened?

He promised, promised that he would kill Sukuna and end this all, just for you, no... not just for you, for him too, and Yuji, for everyone, but most importantly, you.

You knew deep down that he wasn't going to be able to defeat Sukuna, you felt that deep down, as if you just knew this wasn't going to work.

And yet, you still decided to put your faith into him and hope, just hope, that you were wrong.

You were starting to think that maybe, it wasn't just you who doubted the whole thing, and that it wasn't just you who decided to go with their hopes instead.

He was everyone's only hope afterall.

You all had planned, that in any case that Gojo wasn't able to defeat Sukuna, you'd all get in position to join the battle the second it happened.

And yet, it didn't seemed like it was a problem that you didn't go into battle according to plan. It was as if they had made another plan without you, as if they knew you weren't going to come. Not when all...this just happend. You couldn't blame them really, it would have been a burden if you just decided not to join the battle after such careful planning.

You saw the look on Yuji's face, that sympathetic look he had for you before he swiftly moved into action.

He knew. They all knew.

So you sat there, sobbing and gasping for breaths as you tried to process all this information. Shoko was there too, though she just ended up watching you in pity, she knew that comforting you would only put you into more of a stressed state while being in denial, it'd be better to ket you process all this for a bit before breaking the already known news to you.

As you sat there, you wondered if maybe...just maybe... some where in another world, another life, that someday did come for you. That day where you'd leave all this behind and spend the rest of your lives with Gojo and everyone else, but most importantly, him.

That someday, everyone, your old friends, Suguru, Nanami, Haibara...your students, Nobara, Megumi, Yuji, Maki, Toge....

That someday, you'd all just spend some time together, preferably, all carefree and having fun in a beautiful grassy and flowery grasslands.

But as Shoko came closer to rub your back and try soothing you...

Deep down you knew...

That someday never came for you...

[flutterbyoz]

More Hetty/Trevor musings

This post is a little long and I probably shouldn't be looking so deep into this but it's something that's been on my mind for a while and though I'm not great at explaining or deciphering scenes, I needed to write it down. Other people may interpret the scene differently but this is my take on it.

One of my favourite H-Money scenes is in 'Alberta's Descendent' when Hetty finds out that Trevor has given up his room to Nigel. Whether the writers meant this scene to be anything significant or to mean something or not, I think it is quite an important moment for both Trevor and Hetty.

For Trevor, it's a selfless act, he knows he won't gain much, if anything, from it, especially as at that point he's already called things off with Hetty. He's also made it pretty clear that sleeping in the library isn't something he want's to do but he does it, for her.

While it could be argued that maybe he does it to try and get back with her, I don't see it that way as he was the one who broke it off in the first place and he asks her to leave rather than trying to get her to stay. For me, what the scene is showing is that Trevor is a good guy, he cares about Hetty and puts her wishes above his own. Even though he doesn't really care who finds out about them he wants to prevent her from having to experience the embarassment of their secret getting out.

The other reason this scene gets to me is Hetty's reaction, it's almost as if she's realising that some of the assumptions she had of him previously were wrong. I don't think she expected him to do what he did after calling off their affair as I highly doubt Elias ever did anything like that for her in life so to have a man do something so selfless for her, especially with their liaisons, at that point, being over, is likely not what she's used to. Her expression when she turns to leave is, to me, not only showing some realisation that maybe he isn't the kind of man she thought he was but there might be some regret there too. She doesn't want this thing with him to end but I don't think she a, knows how to tell him, or b, is really sure she knows what it is she does want.

Everytime I watch it, which is quite often, I just can't help but think that IF, and that's a very big IF, they did turn this into something more than friends with benefits then this scene could potentially be a small part of explaining why. I think what happened in that episode made them both think about things a little differently than maybe they had before and Hetty opting to out them on her own was a big thing for her to do. And though as we see a little later, their attempts at a public relationship don't exactly go well, it doesn't stop them wanting to be together despite it being an ideal time for the writers to break them up properly if they wanted to. It makes me think they have something planned for Hetty and Trevor, what that is I've no idea and I could be completely off with all of this but it's fun to speculate.

Afterall, they are so interesting and so ridiculous that they keep me glued to everything they do, they are taking up the majority of my brain space at the moment. I just need season 3 to hurry up and get here so that I can not only see what else they get up to but also have more scenes to forensically analyse and obsess over!

[hoeforhao]

Tum Se Hi (Its about you, Just about you) J.W.W

୨୧pairing : co-worker!wonwoo × g.n reader

୨୧author's note : how can i not do something for my moon's birthday!!! the title is from one of my favorite songs of our culture. I have tried to include the closest translation at the places the song's verses have been used♡

"What about the flowers tho? I want exactly two thousand and three lilies to adorn the hall by 6p.m sharp!!You remember that right?" a raspy hushed voice whisper talks to Chan, part time pet sitter at the shelter and full time Mr.Wonwoo's baby.

"What are the lovebirds chirping about huh?Lemme in your gossip too nah!" sudden contact of his shoulders with a warm pair of hands, pulls wonwoo out of the conversation and makes him stern his face so that the big secret doesn't spill out to you before hand.

"Nothing dumbo. We were just planning on what to do for cinnabun's birthday." the moment that those words escape his crevices, witnesses a slight drop in your smile and a deep sigh making its way out of your lungs.

*Cinnabun was one of the furrbabies at the cat shelter you three worked for, whose birthday was the next day. But that wasn't the reason for your sigh. I mean why would it be right? She was your favorite babie afterall. It was just cuz you thought that wonwoo even remembered bunbun's birthday, but ironically not yours. Your 20th birthday that was today. Yes today yet you had to act like there was nothing today. Why? Because you knew no one remembered and no one cared! Except....*

It was around 5:30 in the evening when you were finally done with your daily work schedule,be it feeding the babies or cleaning up after the menace pies.

Even if the world forgot to celebrate your presence, doesn't mean you will too, right? That's what you kept on telling yourself while buying that one slice of caramel cheesecake from the bakery next to the shelter, this morning.

Consoling yourself with all the "yes y/n you matter" and "so what no one remembers? it's still your special day", you gingerly make your way to the room where all the cattos were.

"Wait! Why is it all dark? Where are the babies? Did they all fall asleep already?" your heart clenches at the sight. Maybe you truly were just a mistake the universe made and now tried conveying to you at every point that you're nothing but an unimportant living piece of dirt on this planet. Else, why would everything be against you, on your OWN GODDAMN BIRTHDAY!!

"Looks like I'm just not meant to be even the tiniest bit happy on my day" these are the last words that part your lips, as you twirl on your feet to go back home.....just when a tug of guitar strings rings in your ears and....

Baaton mein baatein teri, raatein saugaatein teri ( my talks are full of you, my nights seem to be a gift from you )

Kyun tera sab yeh ho gaya,hua kya

( why has everything of mine become yours? what happened? )

Mein kahin bhi jaata hoon ,tum se hi mil jaata hoon ( anywhere i go, seems like i meet you )

Tum se hi, tum se hi ( it's about you, just about you )

Your legs have started feeling numb, you're too scared to even turn back to see the prettiest constellation being presented to you. Just you!

"Happy birthday y/n! I know all these years you've felt like you didn't deserve to celebrate your special day, the day this universe created the most beautiful lily ever. The day the missing puzzle piece of my being was carefully wrapped up in the shiniest of papers and presented to your parents." teardrops following each other down your cheeks like a colony of ants bringing home food, while wonwoo's bulky firm arms pull you into the warmest embrace known to mankind.

"Y-you remembered? B- but how?" trying to speak casually while being a crying mess is definitely not your cup of cocktail for sure. "And what about the cats? Where are they?" a panic instantly shines on your forehead as wonwoo pulls you by the shoulder and turns you towards the masterpiece he has created.

All your babies were lined up like little kids at a birthday party, wearing silly little princess and knight dresses while the room was decked up with white lilies all over. Your work table was now being occupied by a two tier vanilla caramel cake that specifically spelled out "Going Twenty" alongside your favorite brand of soju. But all of these still felt small infront of that satin sash that said " Happy Birthday to the prettiest star this galaxy had to offer".

And that's where you lost it. Dropping to your knees on the floor while shielding your entire face beneath your palms, you started wildly sobbing. No one has ever made you feel this special and what did wonwoo do? He turned the eternally cursed day of your life into the most beautiful one.

"Don't cry dumbo. Today is the day to celebrate with spirits and cakes not with tears and sobs princess" that same pair of arms wrapped around your torso, gently pulling up your body from the ground ; the arms that now felt like home and the embrace that made your heart fill up with nothing but sheer joy and peace.

"How can i ever thank you for this wonu!! All these just f-for me...for a girl who's only your co-worke..." before you could even finish blabbering like an absolute idiot, one of wonwoo's slender fingers lands on your lips forcing that ignorant mouth of yours completely shut.

"Just a girl? Oh how naive you're love. Only if you realized that you're not 'just a girl' for me but my entire sky; the canvas upon which i shine the brightest every night. The lost piece of my painting I've been trying to finish all these years"

'W-wonu y.." idiotic of you to even try speaking midway when the person you've adored all these time is now pouring his heart out to you.

"Y/n, I've loved you three summers....will you let me love you the rest too?" the restricting fingers finally drop down from your lips as wonwoo bends down his head, tears threatening to fall out of the two moon crevices on his forehead.

"Will it be a problem if we walk down this path together, hand in hand?" a soft pair of paws cups wonu's cheeks, gently wiping off the stray drops of tears staining his mochi buns.

"Thank you y/n." that's all that comes out of his mouth as he literally throws his entire body weight onto you while wrapping you into the tightest yet gentlest hug....head resting on your shoulders.

"Thank you more wonwoo" you calmly whisper into his ears while your hands took turns in patting his back and his satin soft perms.

"Uhh hmm looks like someone forgot to thank the one who helped him TO ARRANGE ALL THIS AND IMPRESS HIS LOVE" Chan's sudden intrusion is all it took for you two to come out from being an intertwined vine.

"You sly little boy!!! Did all of these just under my nose while acting all normal huh!!" and that's how a typical chase between the real life Tom & Jerry of your shelter ensued....wonwoo quietly looking over his moon being all giggly and happy, with stars in his eyes and sheer love in his heart.

[goldenempyrean]

Hi! Could I please request sick reader x Scarlett where R passes out from heat/exhaustion/whatever and Scarlett panics a little/ takes care of us until we come to? Maybe on set for a movie or sth? Just soft soft wife Scarlett please. Thank you so so much!

Way Too Warm

〚 Notes - Hey, hey, hopefully you’re having a great day. I’ve never really written for heat exhasution so this is new leaf for me, no promises of how medically accurate things are :P Anyways! Enjoy :D 〛

〚 Summary - Filming in the summer had its drawbacks. Especially when they came in the form of a rather unpleasant bout of heat exhaustion. But theres no way Scarlett is going to let you go through it alone. 〛

〚 Wordcount - 1312 〛

〘 Check Out My Masterlist! 〙

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The harsh heat from the sun beat down against you. It beat against everything really. Whilst filming in the summer was great, it really did have its drawbacks, especially when you had to film outside. One being the intense temperatures which you’d have to work in and today was no different.

Temperatures had reached an all-time high and if you were being honest, it had started to affect you. It had begun when you’d failed yet again to a decent night sleep. You’d hardly slept, mainly because of the sheer stuffiness of your trailer, another negative effect of the intense heat. The feeling of fatigue had gradually washed over you and before long you’d felt a headache begin to settle behind your eyes.

By some miracle, you’d managed to somewhat cover up how you felt, shrugging off your costars concerns, and everything had gone pretty smoothly too so far but as fate had it, that didn’t last long.

By the time lunchtime rolled around you felt awful, you could hardly keep yourself awake not to mention the thick cloud of fog which had taken refuge in your head. It felt like everything around you was being filtered through a sheet of cotton.

Looking down at your schedule, you saw that it was time to film your scenes with Scarlett. This was always your favourite part of the day. Scarlett was on the team of producers along with being one of your co-stars which meant during her work-hours were hectic meaning you only really saw her if you were filming together. Of course, you’d still see her after the day had finished, you did share a trailer afterall but it was always great to see her during the day too. So, you took a deep breath, readied yourself and stumbled down to set.

“Hi, my love,” Scarlett smiled wide when you finally made it onto set. It turns out walking is alot harder when your view of the world feels like it’s spinning around at 90mp/h, “You okay?” She asked, noticing your spaced gaze.

“Im fine.” You fibbed, waving off her concerns. You could tell she didn’t quite believe you but at that moment your director called for everyone to get into positions, so she had no choice but to drop it.

What happened next, in your mind, was nothing short of embarrassing. Scarlett gave her line perfectly but when it came to you… nothing? Your mind went blank, completely and utterly blank so instead of speaking, you just stood there awkwardly, looking off at some distant point.

“Cut! Y/N, what was that? Is everything alright?” The loud voice of your director snapped you out of your haze.

“Im sorry! My mind just went blank.” You apologised before getting back into your position, airily mindful of Scarlett’s eyes as she looked over you with an expression you couldn’t quite recognise. Was it worry?

"Just give me a minute."

You took a deep breath weary of Scarlet's eyes follow you, and not just her eyes. Her whole body seems to pivot toward you but still, she only watched as the both of you got back into your original positions.

"Action!" Your director shouted again.

You tried. You really did try. But that pain gnawing at your temples began too much, the world spun. it became hard to process what was going on around you and you found yourself tongue tied yet again.

Scarlett tried to cover for your mistake, inventing another line for her character. However, your director appears to be tired of your antics and calls out the command once again, "Cut. Y/N, I don't know what's going on with you today but if you're going to waste my time you can head back to your trailer."

Scarlett shot him a look that you’d hate to be on the receiving end of. You took a step forward as you began to stammer another apology, but a wave of nausea came over you, causing you to stop and cup your arm around your stomach as you winced.

The next thing you knew, your peripheral vision went black as your knees buckled, giving out beneath you sending you dropping to the floor with a thud.

“Y/N!” Scarlett shouted as she rushed over towards you, kneeling beside you in an instant, “Fuck. Are you okay?”

Your head felt unimaginably heavy as you struggled to fight against the urge to close your eyes. Barely registering Scarlett’s touch as her worried hands cupped your faces. But your efforts were in vain as only moments later, your vision swayed and dimmed as you inevitably blacked out.

You weren’t sure how long you were out. The next time you opened your eyes, your head was resting in Scarlett lap as she cradled you, quietly whispering words you couldn’t quite hear.

You made a noise of discomfort and confusion as you slowly came round, “Mm.”

“Jesus Christ Y/N, you almost gave me a heart attack.” Scarlett breathed a heavy sigh of relief as she helped you move up into a sitting position. She kept her arm around your shoulder to support you, but it was as her arm touched your exposed skin that she noticed the intense heat coming radiating from you. Prompting her to place her palm over your forehead.

“You’re way way too warm sweetheart,” Scarlett voiced as she kept her cool hand pressed against your forehead, calling over for the on-set medic so he could take a look at you now that you’d come too.

Ignoring your protests, the medic came over and knelt down with the two of you, he handed Scarlett cool, damp cloth which she used to gently dap along your forehead whilst making sure to keep her hand clasped around your own as the medic started his observation, looking over you with an unreadable expression.

“Headache?” He inquired.

You nodded.

“Fatigued?”

You nodded again.

“Have you been feeling nauseous at all?” He asked as he reached into his bag, rooting over before pulling out a thermometer.

“A little.” You admitted, not missing the small worried glance Scarlett gave you hearing your answer.

The medic hummed as he held his thermometer to your head. It was the fancy kind which required no actual contact for it work. Seconds later it beeped, the small digital screen gave off an orange light as it displayed the numbers ‘38.7’.

“You’re running a fever. A pretty high one at that, combined with your other symptoms I think it's safe to say that you’re experiencing heat exhaustion.” He announced before standing up, “you shouldn’t work for the next day or so, not until this heat dies down a little. Try your best to keep cool and your symptoms should slowly go away too.”

“Thanks.” You gave a weak smile as the medic left to go and sort out some paperwork and you slowly began to pull yourself up.

“Easy there,” Scarlett soothed as she helped you stand, “I guess we better get you back to the trailer, you should’ve said you weren’t feeling well. Heat exhaustion isn’t a joke y’know.”

“I know, Im sorry.” You sighed, taking Scarlett’s hand in your own, “I didn’t think it was that bad.”

“It's alright, let’s just get you cooled off, a cold shower should make you feel better too.” Scarlett smiled as she began to lead you away from the set, “you’ll be okay, is there anything else I can do to make you feel better sweetie?”

You shrugged, ignoring your discomfort as the hot sun shined down onto you, magnifying your nausea, “I just need to cool off,” You tried to sound assuring, giving a soft smile as the pair of you continued towards your trailer, “Thanks for taking care of me.”

“Of course, now, let's get you inside.” She smiled as you approached your trailer, “I promise you’ll start feeling better soon.”

[tarttheart]

THE TWO TIMES THEIR RELATIONSHIP GETS EXPOSED AT WORK AND THE ONE TIME IT DOESN’T MATTER - JAMIE TARTT x OFC

summary: the two times their relationship gets exposed at ofc’s workplace and the one time she doesn’t care

word count: 3.3k

warnings: language and sexual references

1.

The first time Ashley’s work found out Jamie was her boyfriend was all Jamie’s fault. He thought he would surprise her at work like how she came by Nelson Road all the time. He thought it would be cute and maybe they’d have a good time in the printer room or something. He thought it would be fucking brilliant if everytime she had to print something out, she would remember his hands all over her.

Well, surprised, she was. Ready for office sex, she was not.

Jamie had decided to rock up to the branch. Ashley was busy with a client so he thought he would sit and wait only to be ushered into a private room by her manager, attracting hushed whispers and curious looks as he walked past.

“I’m sure he doesn’t bank here.”

“Why is he just sitting there waiting? Surely he’s got a personal banker.”

Jamie sat in the room, taking in everything about Ashley’s workplace. How unusual. Although, really, he was the one with the unusual workplace. Afterall, how many people in the world really kicked a ball around the pitch for a job?

“So, what do you think? We think we have all the products and offerings available to really support you in your career and life journey. I mean, I already support you. Big fan. Go Richmond!”

Jamie blinked when asked for his opinion, “erm, I’m here for Ashley?”

Her manager blinked at him blankly, “Ashley only banks businesses. She won’t be able to help you with your accounts unless you have a corporate entity?”

“Ah, yeh, sure, I’d like to see Ashley, please.”

Her manager furrowed his brows, “Any reason why you’d like to see Ashley in particular? I assure you that all of us at the bank will provide the same level of service.”

“She’s me girlfriend? I just wanted to surprise her at work.”

“Oh,” Ashley’s manager’s mouth made the shape but never quite made a sound.

“Right, let me get her.”

He left the room and Jamie could hear more hushed whispers outside before he heard the same quick footsteps that left his house that morning.

When Ashley ripped into the room, he knew he was not going to get to have fun office sex. Maybe, angry office sex?

When she sat down and glared at him, he knew sex was off the table.

“Why are you here?” She asked in a hushed angry whisper as she took her seat across the desk out of habit.

“I thought I’d come surprise you. Like when you come to Nelson Road.”

Ashley paused, taking a deep breath as she tried to dispel the rage she had felt when her manager pulled her out of her meeting.

“Jamie, I appreciate the thought and gesture but this isn’t like Nelson Road. I can’t have visitors coming in if you don’t have an actual business purpose to being here.”

“What if I have a corporate thing?”

Ashley smiled a little, “maybe if you have a corporate thing but you don’t and you’re not starting one so you can stalk me at work.”

Jamie looked disappointed and Ashley stood, moving to crouch down next to him so she could look at him properly.

“I’m sorry, Jamie. I know you meant to surprise me and I’m really happy to get to see you in the middle of my day but this isn’t how things work here. You can’t come again, all right?”

Jamie nodded and he stood, pulled Ashley up to standing as he did. He gave her a tight squeeze and a little peck and she squeezed back trying her best to convey how much she appreciated the gesture and assuage any guilt he might be feeling.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to bother you.”

She smiled tenderly at him as she neatened his fringe so they were out of his eyes.

“I’ll see you tonight, yea?”

Ashley nodded, “see you tonight, Jamie.”

Ashley thought she had managed to do enough damage control when the whispering at work stopped. She entertained a bit of it at the start but eventually people moved on. Her boss still occasionally asked her about Jamie and Richmond but everyone else respected that it was part of her private life.

Then, one day, her manager asked if she could get an autographed Richmond jersey to auction off at a charity luncheon. While Ashley was reluctant, she found it a lot harder saying no to a good cause. On that note, she hoped Rebecca and Keeley would do her dirty work for her and turn it down so she had an excuse to get out of producing the jersey however unlikely it was. Unfortunately for Ashley, they had decided it would be a good publicity opportunity and handed over a signed jersey.

“Say it’s from anonymous.”

And while that was what was announced, the snickers and side glances from her colleagues gave her away in a heartbeat. Soon, Ashley had everyone and their mother asking her about her ties to Richmond.

2.

The second time everyone at work found out about Ashley and Jamie was an accident.

Ashley had changed jobs and managed to keep her relationship a secret. It’s not that she felt ashamed of Jamie but it usually invited more questions than she had the capacity to deal with. Having said that, life was comfortable and Ashley liked the comfort. She liked how cleanly she had compartmentalised her life with days at work like any other regular associate and nights in with Jamie, be it at her little apartment halfway between Richmond and London or at his fancy mansion.

Perhaps having such a seemingly perfect routine (to Ashley) lulled her into a false sense of security because when the subject of the charity gala came up, Ashley agreed. Jamie was initially surprised but when Ashley asked if she could dodge the red carpet, he laughed and agreed. He was just excited to be able to attend an event with Ashley and see her all dressed up.

It had been a calculated risk, Ashley knew, but she thought it would all be fine. And, it had been until Ashley exited the bathroom only to run face first into Molly Thomson, the office gossip.

“Ashley?”

“Molly, what are you doing here?” Ashley asked, paling a little.

“My parents are donors and Dad is overseas tonight so Mum asked me to come with her. I thought it was you earlier. Did I see you with Jamie Tartt?”

Ashley choked at her question. So, she had probably seen Jamie and Ashley acting chummy earlier. Ashley was not quite sure how to respond and looked up a little blankly at an excited Molly.

“Yea, he’s a good friend,” Ashley tried, knowing it was futile. Even if Molly had not witnessed anything particularly scandalous, she had a knack for spinning some great tales.

“Looked closer than friends, I’d say,” Molly winked before excusing herself. She walked past Ashley and went on with her night at the gala leaving Ashley an anxious mess when she returned to the table.

Jamie knew the moment he saw her that it had happened again and while Ashley threw back enough champagne that night to dull the headache that had been brought on from the Molly sighting, it had not been enough to tide her over the weekend. Jamie tried his best to alleviate her newfound work anxiety for the rest of the weekend but to no avail.

When Ashley walked into the office on Monday, she was met with wide eyes and hushed whispers. She sat at her desk and sighed, covering her face with her hands as she willed it all to go away.

“So, Jamie Tartt?” April from the Credit team asked excitedly, popping up next to her.

This was a bad dream that was not going to end.

When Ashley returned home that day, Jamie was unsurprised to find Ashley updating her resume as she started on yet another job search.

3.

The last time Ashley’s colleagues found out about her situation was definitely deliberate. Ashley had moved into a more senior, managerial role at a new company and had settled in as best she could. Everyone had been pretty welcoming which was a really great sign. But, some were a little overly friendly which was less great.

“I got you a matcha latte, your drink of preference,” Charlie offered with smile, setting the drink down on her desk.

Ashley looked up awkwardly. She knew what he was doing with all the dinner invitations and coffees. No matter how politely she declined, he persisted, teasing that she would agree one day. Even when Ashley had explained that she already had a boyfriend, Charlie was convinced that he was either fictitious or could not measure up. Otherwise, why did he never come for anything with Ashley when they had events? Surely, it’s because she was ashamed of him.

Then, there was even the time Charlie invited her to the football, insisting he had some of the best seats in the house. It took all the restrain she had for Ashley not to bite back with a “highly doubt it” as she rejected him firmly yet again.

But it had not fully sunk in that it meant Charlie would be there that weekend while she was cheering on Jamie, which was why she was startled when he called out to her as she made her way to her seat in the stands. While Keeley and Rebecca always offered her a seat in the box, her fear that the camera might pan over and she might be found out was always at front of mind.

“Didn’t take you for a Tartt fan,” Charlie remarked, gesturing to the name on her jersey.

“Yea, big fan.” Ashley shared honestly.

“Huh, who knew?” Charlie said before gesturing to his friend standing to the side of him, “this is Dan, he’s a good mate of mine. You’re here with your boyfriend? Is he a Richmond supporter too?”

“Yea, you could say that but unfortunately not. He’s working today,” Ashley offered easily, loving how little she was lying today.

“Oh, right,” Charlie smirked, “well, Dan’s a good mate of McAdoo. He’s got some inside scoop on Tartt, I think.”

“Oh?” Ashley looked up, slightly amused about what they might share about her boyfriend.

“Ah, yea. Issac said Jamie is in a committed relationship. Has a girlfriend, can you believe that?”

Ashley laughed a little, hoping it did not sound too awkward given the oddness of the entire situation.

“Yea, she must be fit, hey?” Charlie asked, nudging Dan to prompt him to keep going.

“Must be someone famous for sure. My cousin was interested in Jamie, she is proper fit… Runner up for Top Model and Issac said she was no competition for his girlfriend. Said, his girlfriend was a real sweetheart and so nice and that they were great together.”

“Oh, really? He said that? Wow,” Ashley said, trying to hold back a smile as she feigned surprise at the discovery.

“Yea, Issac wouldn’t say who though. Maybe Florence Pugh or something.”

Charlie laughed and the pair started speculating about the identity of Jamie’s girlfriend, unaware that the person they were discussing was the person standing right next to them.

It was unbelievably sweet of Issac to protect them as a couple like he did and for saying all that he said when neither of them were listening. It warmed Ashley’s heart that people like that surrounded Jamie and hence, her. The support and the love was just wonderful.

And then, Ashley had a realisation. Their relationship was not just theirs to keep a secret. Ashley spent time at Nelson Road with the team. She was a good friend to all and her doing that meant everyone was also in on their secret. Everyone had inadvertently also become their secret keepers and that just did not sit right with Ashley.

“Well, I have to get to my seat now.”

“Yea, go greyhounds!” Dan offered and Charlie smiled and waved as she walked away suddenly feeling the real weight of her decision to hide their relationship.

It took another two dinner invites and another invite to the football before Ashley moaned about it to Jamie. His ears prickled with rage and jealousy. How dare this guy hit on Ashley? How dare he not take Ashley’s no for an answer?

Jamie was fuming in the locker room.

“I can’t do nothing,” Jamie said in the locker room as he asked for advice on how to get the message across to another guy that Ashley was off limits without appearing at her work.

“Maybe you should send her flowers?” Sam offered.

“Or, fine wine?” Richard suggested.

“Yeh, yeh, not bad…” Jamie nodded and he was immediately onto ordering the most luxurious bouquets and hampers that he could find for her.

Which meant that Ashley was confused when reception called her down to pick up the three biggest bouquets she had seen in her life and two hampers of fancy chocolates and champagne. She had been so overwhelmed that Ashley had had to phone multiple colleagues to help her take it all to her desk.

With everyone standing around, curious about the sender, Ashley opened the card to feel both embarrassed and unsurprised to find Jamie’s name at the bottom of each of the cards in the biggest and boldest font. Ashley smiled at the heartwarming gesture which was such a Jamie way of telling Charlie to back off.

“Who are they from?” Brenda asked, squealing as she watched Ashley open a card.

Flushing the brightest shade of crimson, Ashley used the card in her hand to try to fan her face, “just my boyfriend.”

“How cute! Is it your anniversary or something?”

Ashley laughed and shook her head as she collected all five cards from the assortment of gifts that now overwhelmed her small workspace.

“LOVE YOU LOADS JAMIE TARTT XX”

“YOU’RE THE BEST! JAMIE TARTT XX”

“HAVE A GOOD DAY LOVE JAMIE TARTT XX”

Ashley slowly read through each card, laughing at Jamie’s adorable protectiveness. She looked over at Brenda who had rolled over from her seat next to Ashley and she knew Brenda had seen the name that was in size 144 font at the bottom of the card based on her stunned expression.

“Your cards all say Jamie Tartt.”

And for the first time in her life, Ashley spoke easily, “yea, my boyfriend is Jamie Tartt.”

“What?” Brenda screeched, attracting the attention of Charlie who had been bypassing their desks as he returned from a meeting.

Charlie took to joining the crowd who were now buzzing.

“What’s going on?”

“Ashley’s boyfriend is Jamie Tartt.”

“Hang on a minute,” an incredulous Charlie asked when he managed to push his way to face Ashley, “you’re dating Jamie Tartt?l

“Yes,” Ashley responded clearly, making eye contact.

“No way,” Charlie laughed like it was the biggest joke but his laugh was met by a grouchy Ashley pulling out her phone and flashing a recent photo of Jamie and her.

Charlie paled at the sight of the photo, “the girlfriend Issac was talking about… that’s you?!”

“Yea, Issac is such a sweetheart.”

“Why didn’t you tell anyone?”

Ashley looked at his a little angrily, “why should I?”

Charlie grimaced, “I thought you were joking about the boyfriend thing.”

“I wasn’t joking,” Ashley said flatly, “I told you, I have a boyfriend.”

“You didn’t tell me it’s Jamie fucking Tartt!”

Annoyed, Ashley stood, causing Charlie to take a step back. She absolutely hated making a scene but this was not her fault. It was Charlie’s. Maybe a little bit of Jamie’s fault but mostly Charlie’s.

“Why does it matter who my boyfriend is? I wouldn’t go out with you anyway. You don’t seem to know how to respect what I have to say, so why would I?” Ashley glowered, picking up her empty tumbler for a trip to the pantry for a refill.

After gathering herself, Ashley sat back down at her seat, ready to attempt with work. Some people had the decency to pretend that nothing had happened but a good number were in awe. And then, there was Charlotte who was Ashley’s closest friend at work.

“Word on the street is that your boyfriend is Jamie Tartt. I assume we are going to need to go grab some a hot drink so you can catch a breath?”

“Yes please, thank you,” Ashley sighed, grabbing her purse and heading out with Charlotte who provided a little safe space for that hour or so for Ashley to get everything off her chest like how she had looked for a new job everytime she had been outed in a workplace because she wanted to be taken as more than “a footballer’s girlfriend”. She feared being put in a box and having her promotion opportunities restricted because people expected her to quit but Ashley was tired of it. Ashley was tired of keeping secrets and making others keep her secrets.

Besides, things were different now. Ashley had worked her arse off to get herself into a position that proved she was more than serious about her career regardless of what she had going on in her personal life. Ashley knew she had a voice that was worth something in the workplace unrelated to who her boyfriend was.

Charlotte nodded, “it sounds like you’ve made your decision so put on your big girl panties and show them what’s what.”

When they returned to the office, Ashley’s energy had markedly changed. The confidence and boss energy radiating off her as she sat down at her desk and let all the looks and whispers roll off her back.

Things calmed down a little and by Friday, it seemed almost like everyone had known forever. Charlie was still sulking around the office but that was definitely a him problem and not an Ashley problem.

“We are going for drinks tonight at the usual, you joining?” Brenda asked Ashley sometime in the afternoon as work slowed down.

“Yea, why not?”

Ashley could really use a drink or two after the week she had had but also, it seemed like as good an opportunity as any. A nice casual setting and on such short notice, hopefully that meant no one could get too weird about things. Ashley shot off a text to Jamie asking if he was free and smiled at the thumbs up reply.

Ashley held her pint nervously, watching the door for a familiar face. She was halfway through her second pint when Jamie entered, looking a little confused when he spied Ashley alongside her colleagues. Ashley rushed over, holding his hand as she dragged him over to her colleagues.

“This is my boyfriend, Jamie.”

Jamie looked at her curiously. All Ashley had said was to come grab a drink with her, he had not been prepared for the occasion.

Jamie wrapped his arm around Ashley, leaning in to check if she was feeling all right but Ashley piped up before he had a chance.

“I’m sorry I hid you for so long.”

“You’re okay with everyone knowing?”

“Yes.”

“You’re sure?”

“Yes.”

Jamie’s brows furrowed, not fully believing her so Ashley decided she would elaborate. Perhaps context would help him out in this situation.

“I was scared before. I didn’t want people in my industry to look past me for opportunities because of who my boyfriend was but I think it’s okay now. I might not be a CEO or CFO but I think I’ve reached a point in my career where I’ve proven enough about myself. And for the people who don’t think so…”

“Fuck them,” Ashley and Jamie said in unison with a smile.

Jamie leaned in, kissing Ashley on the top of her head lovingly, “thank you, it’s going to be great.”