#my brat southern princess

[hgstuff]

— heather icons

like or reblog if u save and don't repost without credits ✨

[ogenoger]

Twin Peaks: The Return

[scarletg-art]

Some oc lore

[axelsagewrites]

Cregan Stark*Perfect Little Prisoner

Word count: 1181

Warnings: imprisonment, dubcon, f! receiving oral, fingering, over stimulation, teasing, degrading, pet names, smut 18+

Part two of Princess or stand alone

Masterlist here

When your mother sent you north to secure the Stark alliance, she expected you would take a while but now that three weeks had passed and there was no sign of you everyone began to worry. That was apart from you, however.

You dined with Cregan, walked the halls of Winterfell as you pleased, and even your dragon was adapting to the cold. The North had all but shut their doors to the South, sending only one letter that they would not be dragged into Southern issues. You felt no need to complain about any of this. Cregan had been treating you so well after all.

A light knock came from your door. a quick four trap wrap to alert you of his presence before he slipped through the crack. The lantern in his hand had been the only light as he found his way to your tower. “Princess,” he said, his voice smooth as gold as he approached you,

You were sat on your bed, not lifting your gaze from the book you were currently reading as he silently began to undo his cloak. you could feel your skin begin to tingle as you heard his cloak hit the ground with a soft thud followed by the unstrapping of his boots and the distinctive sound of his belt being loosened. “Did you enjoy the dinner tonight?”

“No,” you said, eyes still firm on the page.

Cregan chuckled at your defiance, and you were well aware any other prisoner would not be afforded the same grace. Instead, he just continued to undress, pulling his tunic over his head till he was left in just loose trousers and shirt. “Still can’t admit that us Northerners do things better?” he said, trailing his finger along your jaw as he spoke before gently grabbing your chin, forcing you to look at him.

“Depends on what things we are discussing,” you said, deliberately letting your eyes slowly scan his frame before meeting his gaze again which was hard as ice.

His grip tightened and before you could breathe his lips smashed into yours in an almost wolflike way. The book you had been holding thudded against the wall as he tossed it to the side. His lips moved down to leave desperate kisses down your neck. “You lost my place,” you pouted, as he moved his legs to rest between yours.

His hands found yours, clasping them tightly as he pinned them down by your head, “I’m sure you’ll find it again,” he husked.

You gasped as he began to nip at your skin, “You’ll leave a mark,” you whined as his lips began to suck on your neck, but the whine soon turned into a moan.

He didn’t pull away till he’d left a suitably dark enough spot, “Why do you think the Northern girls wear such high necklines?” he chuckled, going back in for another taste.

Your protests stopped when you felt him tug your skirts up, his hand moving to grip the soft flesh of your thigh, “Quiet now aren’t we princess? Mhm don’t want me to stop do you?” he teased.

“Please,” you half moaned as quiet as a whisper.

“Please what?” he asked, his hand trailing up your thigh till he was only an inch from your desperate cunt.

“Please don’t stop,” you whimpered as his finger ran up your slit, moving up to rub slow circles on your clit.

Cregan chuckled at your noises, “Such a desperate little thing, aren’t you? so needy for me,” his voice was almost a growl as he pushed two fingers in making you gasp. He took the opportunity to kiss you again, this time messy and desperate and full of moans as he began to curl his fingers inside you. his thumb moved to rub circles on your bundle of nerves as he fucked you with his fingers.

You felt him grin into the kiss when he felt your hips begin to buck. He used his free hand to push your hip down to the bed but after only a few short moments you felt him pull his fingers out making you whine. “Such a little brat,” Cregan chastised as he slowly moved his kisses down your frame until you could feel his hot breath fanning your wet cunt, “Don’t even know if you deserve this,”

“Please,” you said without a second thought, “Please I’ll be good I swear just-fuck,” you gasped as he licked a stripe up your cunt.

He moved your thighs over his shoulders as his arms wrapped around them to stop you from squirming away. he was ruthless in his attack, lapping you up like a man starved. His nose nuzzled perfectly into your clit, rubbing it as he fucked you with his tongue.

You didn’t even bother hiding your moans anymore. Your hands moved to grip his hair, tugging on it harshly making him groan into your cunt. the sensation sent shocks down your spine. You could feel your peak rapidly approaching as you felt his arm slip away from one of your thighs.

“Fuck,” you whined as you felt two of his fingers push in, instantly curling into all the right places. With his fingers in place his mouth was free to find your clit, sucking on it gently and lapping it with his tongue. You couldn’t contain yourself any longer as your body began to jerk, and your peak spilt over you like a tidal wave.

Cregan however didn’t stop. Not even as your body went limp and you began to pant. You pushed at his head, but he was determined. You soon found yourself quickly rebuilding to another peak, so quickly you wondered if your body may snap at the overwhelming pleasure as the second one hit harder than the first.

By the time he pulled away his face was glistening, and your legs were uncontrollingly twitching as you tried to regain your breath. “What happened to don’t stop?” he teased but all you could do was look up at him through hooded eyes, “What? Wolf got your tongue?” he said, nipping at your jaw. He pulled away for a moment, pushing the hair out your face, “You really are the prettiest thing in this world,” he mumbled, “So adorable when I’ve fucked the dragon out of you,” he said, his thumb trailing over your lips.

“Never,” you managed to pant out making him chuckle and fall onto the bed beside you.

You tried to move to return the favour when Cregan caught your wrist to stop you, “Not now little one. For now, we rest,”

Cregan tugged you into his side, your head resting on his chest as you attempted to keep your eyes open, “I admit it,” you said finally, Cregan humming in confusion, “The northerners are better at some things,” your words made a loud booming laugh echo through his chest as his arm tugged you tighter to his side.

“Think I might have to disagree with you, their princess. My perfect little prisoner,” he said, kissing the top of your head.

Taglist Sign Up Here

General taglist: @strvngestark @headinfantasy @meg-ro @427120lxld @obx-josie18 @ravenmoore14 @tessakate @justtilly @jjkjbhj @clairacassidy @valeskafics @perla434 @selenestar78 @urmomsgirlfriend1 @urfavnoirette @randomstory56 @qardasngan @https-luvvia @im-the-fucking-lunar-prince @bryandechartisasmolbean

HotD taglist: @qardasngan @randomstory56 @sashadevil766 @idkwhatsgoingonwithme @janii-722 @hypocritic-trash-baby

[rinhaler]

𝐉𝐮𝐣𝐮𝐭𝐬𝐮 𝐊𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭

𝐌𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐦𝐢 𝐅𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐮𝐫𝐨

Baby I Know How To Use a Gun (gun.. gun)

18+, dubcon, vaginal sex, alcohol consumption, cheating, toxic!relationship (they are both toxic af), gaslighting, manipulation, coercion, co-dependency, gun inaccuracies (probably), gunplay ♡ physical abuse?, pussy drunk!megumi, choking, dacryphilia, daddy!kink, bruising ♡, spanking, masochism, minor dildo use, fingering,dumbifcation, pussy spanks, scratching, breeding kink, calls your pussy ‘she’.

words: 8k

Requests:

little pervy brother megumi!

𝐓𝐨𝐣𝐢 𝐅𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐮𝐫𝐨

You Deserve Roses and You Know This

18+, dubcon, vaginal sex, fingering, oral (f receiving), nipple play, dacryphilia, pregnancy, abortion ideation, miscarriage, depression, adultery, breeding, creampie ♡, smoking mention.

words: 4.1k

By the Dim Lamplight

18+, fem!reader, noncon/rape mention, noncon filming mention, hybrid!reader, abuse, kidnapping, stockholm syndrome ♡, whipping mention, Fushiguro's have a Southern twang, branding, fingering, age gap (megumi + reader 20s, toji 40s), lactation!kink, tit sucking ♡ (duh), sir!kink, spanking ♡ (incl. pussy spanks), manipulation, pet names (sweetheart, darlin', honey), cheating, reader has pubes!, tummy bulge ♡, creampie.

words: 5k

Trigger Finger Ready and Got Nowhere To Run To

18+, dub/noncon, mentions of violence/murder, toxic!relationship, free use ♡, manipulation, jealousy, fem!Uraume, degradation ♡, praise, no prep, oral fixation ♡, size!kink, daddy!kink, choking (hands + belt), slight breathplay, exhibitionism, spanking, dacryphilia ♡, dumbification, creampie(s), calls your pussy “she/her”, slight cucking, oral (m+f receiving), restraints, fingering ♡, pussy spanks, squirting ♡, multiple orgasms, double penetration!(one hole), brief anal mentioning, breeding ♡, belly bulge ♡, pet names (princess, brat, good girl, sweetheart).

words: 15.2k

In The World My Demons Cultivate

18+, fem!reader, no smut, dead character, mental heatlh struggles, suicide ideation, grief/loss, drug abuse, pet names.

words: 3k

Two Lovers Entwined

18+, fem!reader, british slang (duh!), brief slut-shaming, size kink ♡, slight exhibitionism, dry humping, spanking ♡, cunnilingus, daddy!kink, vaginal sex, squirting, belly bulge ♡, creampie ♡, pet names (baby, princess, darlin', sweetheart etc.)

words 9.5k

Requests:

Toji & his bimbo sugar baby

Toji noncon w/ virgin step daughter

One night stand

Yakuza boss!Toji

Step dad!Toji is lonely and needs you

Toji + petplay

Yakuza!Toji + brat taming

Thirsts:

bloody knuckle fingering

Yakuza!Toji & Yakuza!Shiu spoil you

Step daddy!Toji making you watch porn

Toji w/ morning wood

𝐑𝐲𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐒𝐮𝐤𝐮𝐧𝐚

Am I (25F) The Asshole For Fucking My Boyfriends Older Brother (28M)

18+, dubcon, mean dom!sukuna, sub!reader, cheating, hate sex ♡, drug taking, weed smoking, blowbacks/shotgunning, heavy degradation, slight praise, fingering ♡, vaginal sex, sixty-nineing ♡, face sitting, squirting ♡, pussy spanking, noncon filming, coercion, manipulation, daddy!kink, creampie, cervix fucking.

Words: 10.6k

DEATH IS NO MORE !

18+, fem!reader, violence, blood ♡, daddy!kink, size difference ♡, age gap, degradation, fingering, orgasm denial, pussy spanks, dacryphilia, finger sucking, vaginal sex, choking ♡, creampie, squirting ♡, pet names (princess, sweetheart, baby).

Words: 10k

Requests:

plug!sukuna after fingering you

plug!sukuna and yuuji double team

noncon w/ step bro!sukuna

plug!sukuna w/ a shy girl at a party

plug!sukuna offers you a treat

sukuna slips his hand/tongue under your skirt

play fighting w/ plug!sukuna

plug!sukuna wants to hear you

jealous uncle!sukuna

cucking!Ino

Thirsts:

noncon w/ new student reader

sukuna's happy trail

𝐊𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐍𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐢

Requests:

mutual masturbation w/ uncle nanamin

uncle nanamin & step daddy gojo

uncle nanamin gives you a vibrator

step daddy!nanami is jealous

date night w/ uncle nanamin

Thirsts:

uncle nanamin

jealous uncle!nanamin

step dad!gojo and uncle nanamin catch u camming!

𝐘𝐮𝐮𝐣𝐢 𝐈𝐭𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐫𝐢

Requests:

yandere step bro!yuuji

𝐒𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐮 𝐆𝐨𝐣𝐨

Requests:

step bro!gojo noncon

step dad!gojo ft. step itadori bros

getting off to you fucking his bestie!

jealous daddy!gojo read your texts!

ex!babysitter gojo & ex!babysitter suguru dp you!

giving step!bro gojo a pussy job

Thirsts:

step dad!gojo and uncle nanamin catch u camming!

step dad!gojo and uncle!suguru

𝐂𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐨 𝐊𝐚𝐦𝐨

Requests:

pervy roomamate!choso

𝐈𝐧𝐨 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐮𝐦𝐚

Don’t You Love It When I Come Around?

18+, fem!reader, dubcon (he's high), toxic relationship, exes to lovers?, rich boy!ino, dacryphilia, pussy eating ♡, light nipple play, vaginal sex, love making ♡, drool ♡, praise, slight orgasm denial, scratching, creampie ♡, manipulation, calls your pussy she/her, pet names (princess, baby/babe, gorgeous etc.)

words: 4.6k

Thirsts:

cum eating

cucking!Ino

[southernfriedtofu]

⋆˚✿˖°𓈒ㅤׂ 𝜗𝜚about me𓈒ㅤׂ 𝜗𝜚⋆˚✿˖°

⊹₊ ˚‧︵‿₊୨୧₊‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹ ˚‧︵‿₊୨୧₊‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹

27yrs old, Leo, Southern POC🌱, mostly retired 🌶️.

nonbinary they/she not a woman

i go by babygirl, princess, bunny, angel, but only if we're mutuals and friends. its also cute when y'all call me Tofu💕 if you know my real name obvs just call me that.

just a collection of stuff i like; jujutsu kaisen, anime, art, poetry, pretty pictures, gay shit etc etc.

i don't want to see your d*ck. and if you send it to me you'll be blocked instantly.

age in bio / pinned or get blocked . transphobes, homophobes, zionists, racists, sexists, & creeps get blocked

free Palestine, Tigray, Haiti, Sudan, Congo.

bisexual / pansexual / femme queer bottom (? brat & controlling in a somewhat switchy way)

neurodivergent (BPD & autism)- sometimes i mention mental illness, hallucinations, self harm, and suicide

feel free to message me if you wanna be friends but please know im terrible at replying

⊹₊ ˚‧︵‿₊୨୧₊‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹ ˚‧︵‿₊୨୧₊‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹

[penncilkid]

Been absolutely going through it for the past few months, so I wanted to write something self-indulgent for myself. Consider this a WIP potentially but also could be its own self-contained short fic. I hope you enjoy /pos

///

Pairing: Alexis/Sam [Note: Pairing exists within an AU where post Sam's turning (years later), they both go to therapy separately, start to heal, and realize they see one another in a new light and eventually start up a romantic relationship again.]

Length: ~650 words

[Other Notes]

Maia = "Darlin" clarification

Sam/Maia (or Sam/Darlin) isn't a thing but they do still meet/are friends

Gave Alexis a new surname cause I said so/she's Cuban to me and I want her name to reflect that

Tag List: @pinksparkl / @romirola / (for the many belated WIP Wednesdays you've tagged me in <3) / @angelicaether / @agentplutonium / @nortyourself

///

Sam inhaled sharply, a soft groan leaving the vampire as he reached for his phone buzzing on the nightstand. He clicked the alarm off, sitting up as his eyes skimmed the notifications. 2 texts from Vincent, a voicemail from Maia— Scratch that, a text from Maia asking for advice with Milo. Calendar notification for tonight's meeting.

"What's the traffic lookin' like...?" he mumbled under his breath, eyeing the time as he checked. William hated preventable tardiness, and Sam didn't want to earn a earful tonight. "Usual time, huh? I'm sure I can get Vincent to stall for time if it really comes down to it..."

He set his phone back down, moving the covers back before making his way to the other side of the bed. He looked down, smiling to himself at how little Alexis had on. When did she even manage to snag his button up after this morning? He shook his head with a grin. It looked better on her anyways.

Sam tucked a piece of her hair behind Alexis' ear, "Princess, it's time to get up." The older vampire stirred for a moment but made no moves to get up. "Alexis Guevara, I know you can hear me—"

"Hearing your Southern drawl isn't incentive enough to get up," she mumbled, though she pressed her cheek against the palm of Sam's hand more. Always a brat, he thought to himself as he fought a smile.

"Princess, you were the one who said we oughta set an alarm so we wouldn't be late to the clan meetin'."

"Yes, and I said that before someone here wore every inch of my body out."

"Didn't hear any complaints when I had my—" Sam cut himself off with a laugh as Alexis flipped him off, eyes still closed. He knelt at the bedside, leaning forward to kiss her knuckle. "C'mon, Princess. Y'know Will's gonna fuss if you of all people are late to the meetin'. And I'd feel awfully complicit knowing we're not starting off this livin' together thing with a reputation for punctuality. So," he punctuated with a kiss against the shoulder slipping out of the stolen shirt. "Can you get up for me? Lil ol' Collins?"

Alexis laid there for a few moments, no reaction verbally or physically. Then, with a sigh, she opened her eyes ever so slightly. "For the record, there's not a small thing about you and you know that."

He laughed, and a smile broke out onto her face. "Good evening to you too, Miss Guevara. Lovely being greeted by beautiful eyes and a beautiful smile on this fine night."

"Yeah yeah, scoot out the way so I can find my clothes." Sam stood as Alexis sat up with a quiet exhale, stretching and pulling her hair out of her face. "How much time do we have before we need to leave?"

"Mmm bout twenty or so minutes. Don't worry bout the time though, I'll keep my eye on that," Sam assured, leaning down and kissing his partner.

"Sounds like a plan to me." Alexis tugged on one of the twists Sam had hanging, smiling to herself as she stood from the bed and walked past him.

Sam watched her go, tilting his head. "Don't you think you're forgettin' to leave somethin'? Somethin' on yer person that don't belong to you?"

Alexis looked over her shoulder with faux confusion, tapping a manicured nail against her lips a few time. "Mmm nope. Can't say I have. As far as I'm concerned, everything I've got on right now might as well belong to me. Oh, but maybe you should go find a shirt to wear, Sam. I don't think we need any bold fashion statements at tonight's meeting," she added with a smirk, turning on her heels and heading for his bathroom.

Sam chuckled, shaking his head with a grin. Troublemaker.

[violetmuses]

Roman Reigns + Female Reader  🖤

Fandom: WWE 

Character: Roman Reigns 

@episodes-ff @expert-texpert @persethegawd @adriennegabriella @fearlesschimera @secretlifeoofmarpessa @mytribalnightmare @adoresmiles @blackgurlnhermoods @babybratzmaraj 🏷

Part 2

====

2021

After meeting ring announcer Samantha Irvin, you joined WWE this year and started to work behind the scenes, catching so many incredible moments. 

“Hey, baby girl.” Pacing back and forth in this ring, wrestler Roman Reigns caught you during one of the matches. 

“Ooh!” Samantha quickly nudged your arm while laughing for a moment. “Get up! He’s not talking about me.” 

“Quit messing around, Roman! Even production cameras zoomed inward to show your amused expression right now. 

“Nope. C’mere!” As this golden sleeve veiled his dominant hand, Reigns grinned and pulled the Southern accent forward. 

“What do you want?” Now, you stood up, crossing both arms ringside. 

Almost towering beyond height while shirtless, Roman glanced down from the ring to watch your own presence. Sweat trickled down that muscular build once more and dark tresses shadowed his chiseled face. 

“I want your number, but hold on. Watch this!”  Roman stuck out his tongue and charged toward the opponent, locking down the most diabolical Spear maneuver to end this match. 

“My goodness! Reigns comes through with a Spear and there it is. The Tribal Chief will retain his title as Universal Champion.” Commentators shouted while credits rolled for the finale. 

—-----

On his way back down this entrance ramp, Roman paused mid-stride and locked eye contact with you, still talking up the victory. 

“This mine, you know that?” Reigns kept pulling arrogance and showed off that championship belt. 

“Yes.” You nodded. 

“Yes, what?” Roman arched his brow. 

“Yes, Sir.” You corrected the response, leaving Samantha flabbergasted in person this time around. 

What just happened? You thought. 

*****

Sooner than later, chemistry heated up even more. 

“We haven't talked yet, baby. What’s going on?” Teasing through laughter from the ring, Roman pointed between you and himself. 

“Not my problem, Chief.” You answered Reigns and sent everyone into the biggest frenzy while Samantha joined your side. “Phone works both ways.” 

“Oh, damn. Be careful!” Roman’s cousins Jimmy and Jey Uso pulled humor while ”warning” your statements. Even the crowd almost lost their minds. 

“You a brat?” Roman knelt and the large audience started to whistle on live television once more. His clever use of spice expressed enough without pulling adult themes.  “Don’t make me leave this spot.” 

“Maybe.” You smiled. 

Meanwhile, Samatha couldn’t help laughing out loud this time and almost walked out of the establishment. 

“C’mon. Get over here.” Reigns gestured his calloused fingers to possibly bring you closer right now. 

“All right. Just get a room, man!” Jimmy chuckled in real time while turning Roman away from your direction. 

“The Tribal Chief is testing his dream partner, ladies and gentlemen! Commentators played up this moment before the commercial break. 

_______

Roman pulled another victory and you gathered belongings to leave, but not without catching Reigns in the tunnel. 

“I’m serious.” His strong voice echoed behind you. 

“What do you want?” You offered that same lingering question. 

Because of his press conference, Reigns found new wardrobe and topped dark hair once more, now veiling tribal ink that stood on full display during the match. 

“You.” Roman glanced down to meet your own height. 

“How?” You questioned. 

“I’ll do whatever you say, Princess.” Reigns would step closer, almost meeting the touch your nose. 

“Call me first.” You smiled and walked off, nearly making Roman blush in private. 

[unfortunately-obsessed]

So let me give my own addition to the House of M: Delilah Lehnsherr

Context:

Magneto wanted Rogue to be his queen. She didn't want to be his queen, but still wanted to do more for Genosha and mutants. So the council appointed her as the first prime minister of Genosha, making the country a constitutional/parliamentary monarchy

(which actually happens when a democracy is new)

After Rogue's mandate ended, she and Erik married. This was less shocking to everybody involved

Delilah was born after Genosha was fully established independent country. She's the first daughter of Rogue and Magneto

Born around the 2000s. Girl is exactly like her mother; same lips, face shape, eyes shapes. You can look at her and see that's Rogue's daughter. Her roots are white, but auburn when closer to the tips. The only physical aspect she got from her father was the shiny blue eyes

Miss princess is a little brat that is trying to get herself killed or give her parents an aneurysm. She got half a braincell that is focused on giving a heart attack to the adults around her

She mastered manipulating electricity, but the best she can do about eletromagnetism is controlling ferromagnetic materials. Not as skilled as her father or Lorna. But! She can use strong nuclear force if she focus really hard

So, little rebellious brat, raided her mother's closet one night with the intention to go to a party downtown

That's when the fun happens! As all X-Men kid oc, she was bought to the past (by Apocalypse), helpfully on 90s clothes but unfortunately still got the same face. I imagine her teleporting to the middle of a battle against Mr. Sinister

Looking at her, Logan can see it's Rogue's. Almost same smell, same face.

"Maybe that's a clone?" is what goes through their minds. But then she must say a snarky remark, heavy southern accent, burn one of Remy's cards (with electricity) before passing out

They bring her to the manor after the battle. Xavier can't read her mind, but Remy assumes that his kids with Rogue, because if Rogue was to have a kid with someone, it obviously would be with him.

She doesn't have the black-red eyes, but maybe Remy father got blue eyes? So yeah, he wrongly assumed Delilah is his daughter from the future

The X-Men are, after all, used to time travel shenanigans. And everyone kinda thinks Rogue and Remy will eventually date anyway

When Delilah does wake up, she got no recollection of her life. All she knows is that Rogue is, in fact, her mother. Not so sure about Remy though (that's a weird uncle maybe)

Thus, memory loss + time travel and communication misunderstanding shenanigans ensue! There's no time traveller around so they all gotta accept what this 17yo teenager says

I see Delilah screaming, "MOM!" thru the manor, and Rogue going:

"Don't call me mom!" but answering her calling anyway

Also:

"Maybe Mr. Sinister made her?" Jubilee asks, shifting her weight between her feet, but eager to help

"Are you implying I was made on a lab?" Delilah shakes her head. "Nuh uh. I might not remember much, but I know I was the cutest baby ever."

Delilah talks like a southern quoting Shakespeare btw

[tellmeallaboutit]

WIP WEDNESDAY

thank you @littleplasticrat for tagging me. I am sharing three WIPs and I am tagging @dodorimo @pouralaura @theemptyislost

WIP Nr. 1 (Raphael x Tav), tale madre tale figlia

"Is this the gentleman?" Celeste inquired, her eyes narrowing as she studied Raphael from a distance. 

He was standing by the garden pavilion under the canopy of vines, enjoying a chilled glass of limoncello. Classically handsome, almost mundanely so, with the grin of a man all too pleased with himself. Erik, her husband, stood across from him, looking much less at ease. 

"Less disappointed in me now, mama?" asked Judith, scoffing slightly.

"Could have been worse," Celeste replied. "Could have been better if you'd done things the right way and had a proper wedding. How old is he?"

Judith thought for a moment, trying to come up with a passable answer.

"Forty-five, I think," Judith finally offered.

"The same age your father would have been," Celeste said, half reproachful, half imagining this man as her own husband. "Looks older. Southerner?"

Judith answered each question with a slight delay.

"South of Thar."

"Old money?" Celeste's question sounded more like a statement.

"Ancient money," Judith answered.

WIP Nr. 2 (Rugan x OC), trouble at the disco (NSFW)

“You know the type you seem to be, princess?”, Rugan asked. “A spoiled brat in need of a good spanking.”

"Oh?" she replied. "And you think you're the man to give me one?"

Her slightly elvish eyes raked over him in a thorough appraisal. She hoped he would be the man to give her one.

"With that very leather belt you're eyeing up," Rugan said. "Until that pampered arse of yours is cherry red."

Margaret's breath caught in anticipation and Rugan could feel his cock stiffen at the prospect. He could almost see her imagining the sting of each blow.

"What a brute," she murmured, not without a dash of admiration.

"Somebody should teach you some respect," he growled, his hand sliding up her thigh. "Alas, I suspect the moment I pull down your frilly knickers you'll be screaming for the guards. One thing this life taught me: some risks are just not worth taking."

He reclined in his chair and exhaled deeply.

“So, sorry, lass. Try your luck elsewhere.”

WIP Nr. 3 (Gale x Tav), the Riv'vil

The human male was evidently as dense as a dwarven door.

She had made herself abundantly clear, and yet the riv’vil stood, in his wizard robes, absent-mindedly petting his chin, and said:

“Charmed. Name is Gale of Waterdeep”.

It's no wonder human males are notorious for being slow. Gathering the shreds of her patience, she attempted once more: 

“I am Yvonne Barrison Del'Armgo, the first daughter of House Barrison Del'Armgo”, she said, hoisting her foot onto a boulder and thrusting forward her boot, which was splattered with the viscera of her venture on the nautiloid and needed immediate cleaning. 

Even the sun-dweller should know what being the first daughter of that house meant. It meant he should drop to his knees and prostrate at her feet immediately.

The male didn't blink an eye. She pinched the bridge of her nose and sighed:

“You are permitted to kiss my boot, sun-dweller”.

[o0anapher0o]

Miss Lily and character stereotpyes

I’ve been re-reading @halo4life2017-blog's rewatch blogs and the discussion we had about Miss Lily and about how Lestat might at some point tell us he only killed her because she was actually planning on blackmailing Louis or something like that, and I had some more thoughts I need to get out.

The thing about Lily as Louis presents her is, she’s a stereotype. The ‘whore with the heart of gold’ is a common trope. It’s a cliché the same way the though, street-hard, black pimp is, or the rich European genteel who is abhorred by American racism, the stately southern matron who saves face at all cost even if it means waving off a guests outburst with a comment about the weather, the sassy little sister who supports her gay brother and only wants to see him happy, or the religious zealot who is really a gentle angel when he’s not possessed by the holy spirit. All those are sterotypes that Louis uses when he introduces the people in his life to the story, ways he tries to shape the narrative perception of them. Or maybe lies he tells himself about them.

And all of these stereotypes get dismantled within the first episode: Louis is really a sensitive baby gay who likes to read and cries at the opera. Lestat is a terrifying vampire, who we can rightfully assume has never cared about how black people are treated anywhere prior to meeting Louis, and really still doesn’t.  Florence is an emotionally abusive bitch who happily unloads her own grief on her child, Grace is mommy little princess who deserts Louis when he needs her most to side with Florence and Paul is a condescending brat who shamelessly uses his mental illness for the liberties it gives him (we don’t talk about it enough because mental illness is tricky and Paul is a great character, but the way he acts towards Grace’s fiancé and wedding, and how he talks to the priests when he goes to confession are on a level of entitlement that’s breathtaking. And that’s instances when he’s supposedly ‘right in the head’. My favourite is ‘I wasn’t being rude”, like, yes, you were. Just because the voices in your head told you to say it doesn’t mean it’s not rude to say it and the fact that you’re trying to justify it tells me you know that.).

You could probably make a similar case almost all other characters, Bricktop, Tom Anderson, Levi, all of them are initially presented in a very stereotypical way and later we’re shown they are not quite what they seem at first (Fenwick might be the exception here, he’s always a horrible racist pig). Except for Lily. She never gets the chance to be shown as more, because she gets killed off-screen and is never brought up again.

But we do get hints that everything isn’t as Louis presents it with Lestat’s throwaway comment on her wretched life, or the fact that it takes Louis two weeks to even notice she was dead, which tells me they weren’t as close as some people seem to believe. (Yes, he was a regular customer, one she might even have liked but they definitely weren’t friends.). So yeah, I won’t be surprised if we do learn about some nefarious goings on she was involved in. That’s not to make Lestat look better btw, he did kill her and the main reason was no doubt to get a reaction from Louis and/or to dismantle his support system, but I do think there was more to it than that just ‘she was a poor substitute’. And just as a side note: since we tend to treat Louis as an unreliable narrator (justifiably so) if and when the time comes we certainly need to look at Lestat’s story the same way, because I’m pretty sure if anyone is trying to make Lestat look better, it’s going to be Lestat.  

[liviavanrouge]

Finding Angels Home pt 11

Livia: *Walks with Rollo, Kalim, Sebek, Leona and Ruggie* Here's The Dark Fields..

Rollo: Tread lightly! Me and Livia are the only ones they won't attack

???: *Roars startling them*

Livia and Rollo: HERE COMES BARBATOS!

Ruggie: WHO'S BARBATOS??!

Kalim: I'M GUESSING HE'S THAT GIANT DRAGON COMING THIS WAY! *Points towards the black and gray dragon flying their way*

Barbatos: *Lands and snarls at Kalim, Sebek, Leona and Ruggie*

Leona: *Stares in alarm* ...it's huge...

Livia: BARBATOS! DOWN BOY!

Barbatos: *Snarls advancing on the four boys, purple flames coming from his mouth*

???: INCOMING!

Livia: *Sighs in relief*

???: *Lands on the dragons back and grabs the reins, pulling Barbatos back*

Kalim: WOAH!

???: Down Barbs! Down boy!

Barbatos: *Growls and huffs, stepping back*

Rollo: *Nods in greeting* Dynia...

Dynia: Heyo!

???: Mom!

Dynia: Ghost! Everyone! Look who's here!

Ghost: *Beams* LIVIA!

Livia: *Laughs, Ghost throwing his arms around her waist* Hey Ghost!

Ghost: I'm so happy to see you!

Livia: Likewise!

Ruggie: Who're these guys?

Livia: Everyone meet the Southern Natives, this is Dynia, she's the chief and her son here is, Ghost!

Dynia: *Waves smiling, a hand on Livia's shoulder*

Livia: These are the rest of the tribe members! Klelk, Carbon, Nara, Miranda, Bringer, Harpy, Greek, and West!

Livia: Everyone meet my fellow students! Leona, Ruggie and Kalim! You guys know Sebek and Rollo!

Southern Tribe: *Bows their heads and kneels* We greet thee Garden Guardians guests!!

Leona: They seem to be very disciplined...

Dynia: *Stands up* We swore loyalty to Princess Livia after she helped me a short while back

Ruggie: She must've did something big, I heard the Southern Tribe are Beast Tamers that don't listen to anyone....

Ghost: She reunited me with my Mom!

Dynia: Livia came to me one day and proposed a deal, Me and my people crash a nobles party and she rescues my son

Ruggie: EH!!??

Leona: Crashed a nobles party?!

Kalim: Why crash a party?!

Livia: I was rescuing lost children and returning them home or sending them to an orphanage I had created near the Draconia Castle so I can raise them myself, the orphanage is called Sapphire Mansion, a few kids reside here now

Ruggie: Aha, can I apologize for calling you a pampered brat upon first meet?

Rollo: YOU CALLED HER WHAT??!

Sebek: Y-YOU INSULTED HER LADYSHIP!!!

Livia: Consider it forgiven Ruggie

Rollo: NO WAY! WHEN DID THIS HAPPEN!!

Sebek: HOW DARE YOU INSULT LADY LIVIA!!

Livia: When I was ten, I left with Aural to do some charity work and I met Ruggie, he said a pampered noble girl brat like me wouldn't give two cares about those below them unless I had something to gain...

Ruggie: *Laughs nervously, looking apologetic*

Rollo: I SHOULD FRY YOU OVER A PIT FLAME!

Sebek: MY LADY IS THE HUMBLEST, MOST KIND AND COMPASSIONATE LADY THERE IS!! YOU QUESTIONED HER GOOD WILL, YOU RUFFIAN!

Ruggie: I'M SORRY, OKAY! MY BAD BUT IT WAS SUS THAT SHE CAME OUT OF NOWHERE BACK THEN!

Livia: *Narrows her eyes, her eyes glowing* Enough.

Leona: *Smirks* Here comes PRINCESS Livia~

Livia: *Straightens her back, her eyes half lidded, a regal aura coming from her* We do not have time for arguing, I came here for the Southern Natives help..

Dynia: *Bows her head* We are at your disposal princess

Livia: Dynia, I want you to send half of your tribe north and the other half south, there are three other worldly beings in the garden, Gantu and two others that Rollo saw

Dynia: Very well!

Livia: *Turns to Ghost* Ghost, mind asking your spiritual friends to aid us?

Ghost: Yes! The Garden spirits say they're eager to help!

Livia: Good

Sebek: *Smiles smugly at Ruggie's surprised expression* Witness the greatness of her highness, Crowned Princess Livia Garcia Vanrouge!

Livia: *Turns away, Dynia splitting her people into two groups* Sebek, I'm gonna need your Unique Magic

Sebek: Right!

Livia: Kalim, Rollo, I need yours as well

Kalim: Happy to help!

Rollo: What's your plan?

Livia: I saw green fire balls being fired into the air this morning, I plan on bringing two of the intruders to us...

Rollo: Won't this attract Gantu as well?

Leona: No it won't.

Ruggie and Kalim: Huh?

Sebek: Gantu's main objective is Angel, he doesn't care about the rest of us because he no doubt knows that we split up

Rollo: He saw that Angel wasn't with us, and he took off a few seconds before you all arrived but he was no doubt still around

Livia: Golden and Jade didn't come, Gantu is searching for them and as much as I hate it, those two aliens that attacked the Sacred Tree need to be put first or the whole Secret Garden will be in danger

Ruggie: Danger?

Kalim: What kind of danger?

Rollo, Livia and Sebek: Poachers

[ilikewritingaboutmyownocs]

intro to my character

I have a lot of ocs that overlap with my friends ocs so I'll list out my ocs which I will write for

Haley Happle

Half shapeshifter half human

Grew up in Georgia but moved to the valley in Cali to be closer to her shapeshifter roots

hates her human side for weakening her shapeshifting ability

LOVES coffee like she never sleeps because she's like "well I don't need sleep I have coffee"

she's my pfp

loves arcane idk what else to put tbh

mean to service workers

What I will write for her

smut

female reader

gender neutral reader

2. Paige Happle

rabbit folk

found eating apples in bunny form on the Happle family orchard and the mother just kinda grabbed her and was like your mine now

enjoys nature and gets really upset at stuff like pollution and littering so much

chappel roan fan

obsessed with apples to the point that she has "hidden apples" in her room and eats nothing else besides apples

was forced to watch arcane by Haley got back at her by making her see wicked with her but Haley loved it

pretty short like 5'2

southern accent

What I will write for her

smut

female reader

gender neutral reader

male reader

3. Perdita

Half demon

looks scary and ominous but is just shy

plays basketball

is like really tall like 6'11

sucks at basketball

room is themed after basketball

stutters a lot

What I will write for her

smut

female reader

gender neutral reader

male reader

4. Elara Dozeberry

Human

monster hunter but very bad at her job

too much compassion makes it hard for her to kill :(

Gun owner (AMERICA RAHHH 🗽🦅🤠🏈)

hates Haley because she makes her feel things

loves musicals

sings in the shower

What I will write for her

smut

female reader

gender neutral reader

male reader

5. Ezekiel

Harpy

Scared of women because they're too pretty

GEEK

tall and lanky

comic book nerd

GEEK

Loves musicals

Listens to Pierre from Natasha, Pierre and the great comet of 1812 on repeat despite not knowing what its about

GEEK

simp

I hate this man

What I will write for him

smut

female reader

gender neutral reader

male reader

6. Beatrice Valois

Spoiled little brat

Princess Literally

never sleeps

loves tea

just a pretty little princess

Fucking idiot

reads books upside down and wonders why she can't read

What I will write for her

smut

female reader

gender neutral reader

male reader

Sorry for it being so long :( I yap a lot

[jonquildove]

nxtalady:

Arya rolled her eyes slightly, but she’d made a vow that she’d try and get along with her sister, just for tonight if anything. She sounded so happy about marrying the brat Joffrey, and it almost made Arya feel sick. She hoped she’d never be like that, she hugging Nymeria, her wife. She had been happy Nym had returned to her, running to her. She came into Arya's window, when it was safe to do so, in her hiding in the forest. Nym had been speaking to her fellow wolves, reminiscencing on a sweet tune, where they simply listened, nodding and barking in reciprocation. She had white fur, with black and grey shading. She had named her after the warrior princess, Nymeria, whom had short grey and black hair up to her shoulders, and wore armour. She thinks she would not get married to a high lord. “You’re going to make me wear a dress, aren’t you? One like the Southern ladies.”

Sansa thought she saw Arya roll her eyes, but she wasn’t completely sure. It raised her defenses, did she just roll her eyes at me? As she stares at the shy sightless and mute girl who wrote in a notebook. She then sighs and ignored that gesture, though, not wanting it to be a damper onto her happy mood. “—It would be lovely if you wore a dress, Arya. You’ll be one of my bridesmaids, if you like.”

[xirenex]

His Majesty’s Responsibilities

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Group: Ateez

Member: Kim Hongjoong

Word count: 8.149

kim hongjoong x fem!reader - the king and his princess bride

Part genre: smut, slight angst, slight comedy, slight fluff

trigger warnings: marking(biting), reader being tied up, mentions of being neglected, age difference, cowgirl, cockwarming(?), jealousy

requested by kimroieho - thank you once more for this request and I’m sorry that it is delayed until now

Hello, hope you’re having a good time <3 in honor of the real mv (The king hongjoong scene!!!) coming out I wanted to request a dom!hongjoong x brat!reader smut where hongjoong is the king and reader is a princess from another kingdom but they’re having an arranged marriage and reader doesn’t agree with it at first and trys to tease hj by flirting with another member and all ends up to hj being  jealous.. I’m sure you understand what I’m genuinely talking about..

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“And by the power given me by the gods, I announce you as husband and wife. May the blessings of the ancestors of our nation shine down upon these two families’ union.”

You looked into the eyes of your newly husband only to see them mirroring your feelings. 

———

“Your majesty, it’s morning.”

You groaned as your head maid Yujin helped you get ready for the last day of mourning for the death anniversary of your husband’s parents. First off, you would be visiting the shrine to greet the previous rulers with a small disturbance called Kim Hongjoong, who also happened to be your husband with whom you haven’t had a proper conversation with for the last two months since your wedding ceremony took place. Then your routine of duties were to take place until you would have the afternoon off. You were the treasured princess of the Northern Kingdom before you came to be the Empress of Southern Empire. Originally, these two countries were united as one until a conflict rose between two brothers in history which eventually led the empire to be split in two. Yes, your wedding may have granted you an upgrade in title but your marriage was the portrayal of a colossal mistake. 

Your traditional mourning clothes rustled in the silent room when you kneeled in front of your and your husband’s family’s paintings. You have planned your arrival for this early only to have a talk with your husband. Even if the history wrote this marriage as a true love story, it was all due to the late emperor obsessing over strengthening the relationship between two countries. Late Emperor Huijoong left his only living successor a will stating that he must take a royal bride from your country and play a big part in the unification. The elderly council and Holy Temple insisted that ignoring the ancestor’s will would only bring unfortunate events in the long run, thus leading the newly appointed emperor to write a letter to your elder brother — the current king of the Northern Kingdom. Even though your brother had a hard time giving up on his apple of his eye, you were happily accepted into the nation as celebrations held up to a month after your ceremony. The whole process took three years after you and your brother were forced to accept the circumstances since both of the countries were the followers of the same temple. 

“His majesty the Emperor Hongjoong!”

The doorman announced your husband’s entry. You have seen from the corner of the eye that all the maids and guards waiting for you outside bowed out of respect until the door closed behind the dark haired man. 

You didn’t stand up or even act like you acknowledged his presence as he found his place next to yours. No one initiated a conversation until the prayers came to an end and the monks left you alone in the room. 

Still sitting on your knees in front of the paintings, Hongjoong opened his mouth out of respect for your presence. 

“How are you, my queen?”

You hesitated if you had heard him wrong or not and checked his expression by turning only your eye towards him. After realizing that he was serious, you giggled — let’s be honest, it was a borderline laugh that was hardly taken under control since you were not in the right place for it. Your husband turned his head to face you, surprised. 

“Is there something entertaining that I missed?”

He asked genuinely curious. 

“Well, I had thought that my well-being was not of your concerns.”

He sighed and talked under his breath. 

“And I was hoping you had grown up enough to have a proper conversation.”

You watched him bow towards the shrine once more and leave the room for his own schedule. It took you a moment to realize that he was actually intending to leave the conversation at that and the minute you did, you were bowing just as he had done to your ancestors and was chasing after him as fast as you could. Considerably, you struggled more since your black dress was less comfortable to move around with than his mourning outfit but managed to catch up to him in the narrow hall. 

By the time you were walking side by side, you had reached the courtyard which led up to consecutively emperor’s and then empress’s hall where you were handling your own jobs. 

“I think leaving in the middle of a conversation is the childish act here, your majesty, not the wife complaining to her husband.”

He was inwardly thankful for the palace etiquette that was the reason for your followers to give you enough space so that you two could have some privacy. Unlike you, he thought of the conversation you were having quite shameful. 

“A thoughtful wife would be understanding enough of the fact that her husband is actually ruling a country.”

You two had a couple years of age difference which also put a burden on the relationship. That was the trump card your husband used against you whenever an argument arose. Sure, you have had sexual affairs when you first got married out of formality but the emotional part of this marriage was more than lacking. 

“A wise husband would realize that marriages take both of the sides to participate in the relationship.”

Also, while Hongjoong had been raised a ruler, you were always spoiled with the best stuff that your brother could offer you. It didn’t mean that you were snob, neither a spoiled brat. On the contrary, you had been educated on the matters of state and military, earning you a great reputation in your birthplace and a job as a counselor in the less patriarchal kingdom. Unlike your husband who had six more brothers and two sisters, your parents only had you and your brother. If something were to happen to the current king, your older brother, you were next-in-line to the Northern Kingdom’s throne. That was the reason why, it was ridiculous to expect you to be tolerant to the way he ignored you. Plus, to receive nothing — not even a proper glance from the man you were supposed to spend your life with— drove you crazy. 

“Commander Kang was telling the truth when he marked that I would be better suited to stay in the Northern Kingdom.”

Somehow, you missed the sigh that left Hongjoong’s lips marked a different kind of annoyance rather than his usual one. This one actually had nothing to do with how childish you were acting. Ever since the beginning of the conversation, you were looking straight ahead with a slight smile on your face. You must have admitted, maybe he was actually more clever, mature and wiser like he claimed to be but there was one thing you had always been better than him despite his couple of years as a great politician: the ability to control your emotions in situations like these. At least, he was unable to hide his emotions from you.

His elbow brushed your arm as the hallway became narrow and both of your servants decreased in number as some of them had already arrived in their posts. 

“Please spend your precious time on your duties as a governor, my queen. If you have any problems, I’ll make sure to send Jongho over to help you.”

You snorted and fixed the heavy garment on your head before answering him in an offended tone. What he was saying was ridiculous. Anyone who resided in palace would know that.

“With all due respect, your system only allows women to manage the affairs within the borders of the castle and there is a perfectly running system for that — created long before my arrival, gods bless the previous empress.”

Hongjoong got rid of the burden of providing you a clap-back when you arrived in front of the courtyard leading to the king’s office. As your husband hastily said his goodbyes and disappeared in his office, you caught glimpse of the emperor’s closest aides in front of the door, waiting for him. They were the children of nobility who had been raised with the king in order to be of help to him in the future. These five men were also the heirs of the four strong families of Southern Empire. 

They all bowed upon your arrival to show their respects to both of you. The advisors, led by Seonghwa followed Hongjoong in as your eyes focused on his back, dissatisfaction evident on your face. Mingi showed you his cute smile before rushing the documents occupying his hands. Unlike the other two, it was obvious San wanted to entertain you longer with Wooyoung when he told his younger brother Jongho to go in first.

“Good morning your majesty. I hope you had a good sleep.”

San brightened the whole atmosphere as his eyes disappeared when he smiled. You were especially close with these two as their families ruled over the border territories with the Northern Kingdom which eventually led up to you spending a lot of time together until you came of age. 

“Come on, my aides are far enough, drop the act.”

With your words, an evident release of tension came off of both of them even though they kept the honorifics. 

“I was actually starting to get worried of not being able to see you since our lovely king probably forgot that he was actually married.”

Wooyoung was actually genuine in his words since neither you or your husband shared any space for the last two months. Not for the sake of the “holy marriage” but to be able to have some small talks with you. 

“Seriously though, if I haven’t seen you, I was thinking of hanging your portrait up in front of his bed.”

You laughed, attracting the attention of your maid Yujin who was standing a couple of steps away from you. If Wooyoung had actually done what he said, it would surely be a sight to see.

“Well, here I am. When you have time, you can visit me. I can pass it on as a Southern custom or something.”

The emperor’s advisors had no business interacting with the empress. It could also be used by the opposing party in the council meeting but you were somehow sure that you could pass it off. San’s grin made you remember that of a cat’s as he started talking excitedly. 

“But have you seen how people were mesmerized by your presence during the banquet?”

Their newly crowned empress had accepted her people’s blessings on the day when the main courtyard was opened to common people under strict security. 

“I am grateful for the fact that everyone was so kind and understanding in my adaptation period.”

Sure, the two countries shared their founding history and language but over time, a lot of different custom and etiquette appeared that she had to learn prior to her coronation. Then, Wooyoung shook his hand around to focus the attention on another highlight. 

“Yes, but that was already expected. I personally think how our beloved king chased your commander away is worthier to mention.”

You watched as San nodded in approval and the two laughed away as if the subject was actually hilarious. On contrary, you were left in dark as to what they were actually talking about but it piqued your interest since it meant another form of annoying your husband. 

“What do you mean?”

You asked, a plan starting to get in shape. 

“It’s just that—“

A voice coming from a man clearing his throat by the entrance cut through your conversation and all three of you looked in the direction of the emperor’s best friend and chancellor, Park Seonghwa. 

“Gentlemen, we are starting.”

The two guiltily stepped away from you to the hall. As Seonghwa followed them in with his head, you also watched them adoration clear in your expression. Then, you made eye contact with the taller man. 

“I hope you have been adjusting well, your majesty.” 

The words left his mouth after he gave you a small bow out of respect. Unlike the other two who were closer to you in attitude, he put an obvious distance in his tone of voice. Park Seonghwa was graceful enough to be mistaken as a prince. His aura made a great contrast to the mood created by the two trouble makers. He had taken part in your adjustment period in the castle as he was one of the two advisors who had knowledge of the Northern Kingdom’s customs alongside Mingi since they studied in your mother country for a while. At the end of a two-week training, you had also earned his respect alongside his best wishes in by the way you successfully went through all of your duties. As the betrothed of their king, you were actually warned by the advisors out of consideration that things would be eventually turning out this way. 

“Yes, Chancellor, I appreciate your kind consideration.”

He bowed to you once more. Just like you, he was wearing mourning clothes to the previous imperial couple. Even if five years had passed, he was still aware that everything he owned was achieved with their help and allowance, no matter how great power his family yielded. Therefore, as you had been informed, he was one of the numerous people who encouraged Hongjoong to reach out for you. 

“I hope to see your participation in the hunting festival tomorrow.”

At first, your skills in archery came as a surprise to everyone in the palace since it was considered as a skill for men in the empire but as time progressed, your ears became accustomed to people feeling grateful to have such powerful empress.

“Unfortunately, I won’t be actively hunting as I’m expected to accompany the nobles this year. I’ll be cheering up my own soldiers from the standings.”

A week after Hongjoong’s parents’ death anniversary marked the beginning of the founding festival which also happened to be the same day as the date where your husband’s reign started. Due to the fact that this was your first year as the empress and not a part of the delegation of Northern Kingdom, your advisor Yunho came up on strong for you to skip it for this year.

“Although that’s quite disappointing to hear, I’ll be looking forward to next year then.”

Then he asked for your dismissal before going in the office. You waited until the doors were closed by the gatekeepers and then turned around towards your own office at the opposite courtyard to get busy with your designated duties.

About two hours later, you were done with all your work with a lot of time to spare in your hands. Yunho would be taking care of the rest as you had discussed everything that was in need of your permission.

“Well, never in the world would I think being the empress of the Southern Empire would be anything but fulfilling.”

You sighed as you approached the teacup to your lips for a sip. Yunho was sitting on the table to your left as he was finishing up writing all the materials necessary for the upcoming days. The hour following your scheduled meeting period, you would often discuss political matters with him in order to stay up to date with everything going around in and out of your domain. 

“If you were raised as a regular princess in the Empire, you wouldn’t be saying that. I was informed that the Emperor’s sisters are incredibly happy with spending leisure time around their manors until their husbands returned from their jobs.”

Only two of Hongjoong’s sisters were married to rulers of neighboring countries, the rest deciding to marry three of Hongjoong’s advisors. Apart from Wooyoung who actually married out of love, Seonghwa and Mingi harbored a different case as they carried on more of a friendlier relationship with their wives. However all three women stayed far away from both politics and army as they were only taught to be beautiful and graceful. Since you have met them, you actually knew how great potential some of them carried.

“It is a pity, really.”

You murmured in a daze as Yunho gave you a warning with his eyes. Even though he thought exactly the same as you since he was one of the Northern people apart from your own battalion, you were now subjects of the Empire. Therefore, it would be wiser to avoid any conflict with teachings and customs. You finished your tea before calling for one of your maids from outside since Yujin had just went outside for the refreshments. Poor woman had thought that this would take longer so she just left before you could have a chance to stop her. Initially, she was afraid of leaving you and your advisor who was a man alone in the room as you had also refused any other helpers for your work after your adjustment time with Seonghwa was over. However, you persuaded her otherwise when you two started talking about bringing Yunho’s fiancée over as a lady-in-waiting since you were in dire need of any intellectual conversation. He basically threw hearts from his eyes while talking about your childhood friend. 

The younger maid came after a knock on the door and bowed before you started talking.

“Do you know if we can call for the scholars for a meeting?”

You asked to which Yunho replied instead while raising his head from the documents.

“I was informed that they were to meet with the Emperor today. I’m afraid you won’t be seeing them before tomorrow.”

Your lips formed a pout thinking how unfortunate it was. Ever since you have arrived in South, your only entertaining activity apart from the time you spent with your own people were the discussions you had with the scholars about their recent discoveries. However, your disappointment left its place to hope as another idea popped in your head. You continued, clearly forgetting about the fact that the maid was still in front of you.

“So why don’t you entertain me? We can go hunting.”

Your voice stepped out of the ruler’s attire to that of a young lady. Yunho was a close friend of your elder brother to whom he was close in age. Therefore, he had taken part in the squad that cherished you ever since you were born. Putting the role of an advisor aside, he was also like an older brother to you. That was why, it was easy to drop the ruler act next to him.

“I can’t. I have business with Mingi for the preparations for tomorrow.”

You were actually jealous that your tall friend found himself another tall friend to become close to. Yunho cleared away the desk and put all the documents in their belonging place if he wasn’t in urgent need for them before standing up to leave your side. 

“Yes, go and leave me alone. You, San, Wooyoung, Hongjoong all cast me aside with the pretext of your jobs. I’ll be by myself… here… alone…”

You rested your chin on your palm and nagged in a last attempt to make him stay but Yunho only smiled as his conscience made no attempt in budging.

“Why don’t visit your battalion, my lady? I have heard that commander Kang had been looking forward to a sparring session with you.”

You kept silent as changing your whole outfit seemed too much of a hassle for you before Yunho gave an effort of convincing you.

“There are rumors circling around that mentioned how out of shape you are and that’s the actual reason you are skipping out on the tournament.”

The maid that thought herself to be forgotten was actually horrified of the fact that an advisor could mock the Empress, that of an intelligent and strong one, this easily. Just when she was about to become seriously scared for Yunho, you opened your squirmed eyes with determination, a sly smile occupying your lips.

“Please inform Commander Kang that I’ll be coming over for a visit.”

The challenge coming from your advisor was only the cherry on top as you wanted to try what you have pieced from San and Wooyoung from before.

“Yes, your majesty.”

Then, you jerked your head towards the maid and made a follow-up order for her while Yunho bowed and found his way out of the big room.

“Find the head maid fast and prepare my sparring clothes. I’ll be coming after you shortly.”

—————

You came across Hongjoong on your way to your own quarters to change your clothings. He had changed his mourning attire to those in bright colors. The blue and white made such contrast with his pitch black hair that you thought of summoning the Empire’s finest painter to capture this beauty. Your thoughts came to a stop when you realize he was looking at you straight in the eye. Leaving the admiration aside, you regained your usual mocking tone and bowed as if you harbored a lower title than he did.

“It’s a rare occurrence to come across you more than once in a day. What could be the matter for today, did you perhaps need me to prevent that small frown on your face?”

You exaggerated the movements in your hands in order to annoy him before caressing the crease between his eyebrows, to what you saw a flinch in his eye. 

“However, I’m afraid that doesn’t seem to be possible. I think it is stuck that way.”

Mission: successful.

Hongjoong clicked his tongue in disapproval while you smiled merrily in front of him. People around you —who were actually supposed to be putting more distance than they did at the moment— were frightened upon seeing this side of yours. You could see from the side of your eye that some of them were looking around with their eyes wide open. Creating a great contrast, this small dispute earned a high frequency giggle from the of the crowd that was following him. 

Probably Wooyoung

You naturally thought of him despite being unable to locate his whereabouts. It seemed that no matter what he did, Hongjoong never seemed to scold or punish him so as long as he kept it quiet, Wooyoung fooled around to his heart’s content.

Despite your small victory over his nerves, Hongjoong kept his silence and smiled softly as if his reaction before never existed. For this, you felt anger creeping up in your chest but never broke your smile. Then, your husband cleared his throat and decided to ignore the sarcastic comment you made about his usual attitude. Following his hands that joined on his back, his voice reached your ears clearer than before.

“I have a meeting with tower scholars.”

Before he could continue, you murmured in a voice that only he could hear while pouting your lips.

“As I heard…”

You sighed and at the same time, he narrowed his eyes. Sometimes, while you were not focused on bothering him, he would see bits of vulnerability in your face no matter how fast you recovered.

“I will be paying a visit to your quarters afterwards.”

You looked away, bored. Apart from your first three nights of marriage, the only reason he came to your room was for dinner which consisted only of sounds coming from cutlery or your desperate attempts of conversation. After that, he would return back to his own room so there was no reason to look forward to it. 

“Then…”

You bowed while he passed next to you. Just when you were about to continue forward, a soldier from your battalion approached and spoke in a clear voice.

“Commander Kang wanted me to inform you that the training field would be closed for the day so that you can feel comfortable, your majesty.”

Of course, you haven’t realized that Hongjoong came to a stop in his steps upon hearing a particular name as you were truly in proudest seeing the newest recruit of your team.

“Nonsense, I would never feel uncomfortable with my people but regardless, thank you for being so thoughtful.”

Seonghwa nudged Hongjoong to continue on the hall as he thought if he should say something to you. However, before he could form the words in his head, you disappeared. Prior to your second encounter of the day, Hongjoong had discussed your life in palace with his advisors. With them appreciating and respecting you the way they did, it would be impossible to avoid being influenced. However, what would surprise you if you had access to his head was that he started to actually think if he really was the one at fault.

“No, your highness—“

“Seonghwa, I am asking you guys this as a friend, not as your ruler. Drop the honorifics.”

While Seonghwa was hesitant in going on, San carried on with what he wanted to say.

“She is perfect, in every sense.”

Hongjoong raised a brow and kept silent when he saw the uncertain advisor of his to encourage him to go on.

“Her majesty’s, Y/N’s upbringing let her become a capable woman. She had fixed a lot of problems both inside and outside palace for the last two months but her authority is limited compared to what she wants to be involved in.”

Hongjoong was informed through her background check that in the Northern Kingdom, she kept her right to the throne until her brother would have a son with the crown princess. However, as it was far from being common in the Southern Empire, he had never given a thought to how capable she actually would be. Instead he was forced to be focused solely on her spoiled and bratty behavior. 

“She wants attention like a ten-year-old. No one can expect me to be wherever they are, whenever they want. She is a source of humiliation for me, her mouth looser in front of the on-lookers than when we are actually supposed to have quality time together.”

Wooyoung was staring at his king with an expression that disapproved every word that left his mouth. He was comfortably leaning back on his chair with a leg on his other knee.

“I don’t even know if I should bother explaining why you are wrong…”

Before Mingi broke his silence and raised his head from the program for the upcoming festival, Jongho nudged Wooyoung so that he would stop from going further.

“I personally think that she may even become a better conversation partner for you than any of the lords in the council.”

“Yes, I agree. She’s interested in the same fields as you are.”

Hongjoong took a sip from his now-cold tea while San expressed his agreement with his tall friend. 

“How so?”

Somehow, Hongjoong unsuccessfully imagined his wife talking about politics but the image continuously drifted to one where she blabbered about the new woven products that the merchant brought in the palace, resembling to that of his sisters. Then, Wooyoung snapped and talked in a rushed and high pitched tone.

“If you stopped considering her as a child and actually saw our empress an equal, you could actually have an actual conversation with her without being the subject of her jokes. She is lonely in this palace, Hongjoong. No matter how close we are to her, there are boundaries that we have to hold. Only you can help her adapt in here and I’m sorry but you are awful at it.”

This time, Wooyoung earned a soft slap in the neck from Seonghwa.

“What?”

“Oh, just hush.”

————

You barely dodged the wood stick that scraped a piece of your hair, taking the risk to be able to trip Yeosang on the ground. 

“So…?”

You stared in his eyes as you straddled him and pushed the rod to his neck. He gave up and sighed before closing his eyes in defeat.

“Her majesty is far from being rusted.”

“And?”

You pressed on his airway some more so that he would go on. 

“I’m not saying all the time but you are better than me today.”

“Fair enough.”

Grinning because you won, a good amount of breath left your lungs as you exhaled loudly before throwing the rod aside and leaning your forehead on his chest. Kang Yeosang had been your sparring partner since the day you started learning how to be efficient on the battlefield from his father. The man who was breathing as hard as you were at the moment was the third son of the North’s best swordsman and commander. He stepped forward while you were busy preparing to move for your marriage and volunteered to accompany you as the commander of the Empress’s forces. Most of the soldiers were chosen from your own battalion back home so, none of the advisors considered strange when the soldiers asked to spar with you from time to time during the small durations that you could ask about their well-beings. As the time progressed, soldiers from other divisions also took part in your trainings but Yeosang was the most entertaining as he was and fought as an equal. 

“Are you feeling up to it enough for another round, Yeosang?”

“I’m afraid it is getting late, your highness.”

You raised your head to check the sky and realized that the sun was nearly down for the day. You rolled to the sand next to him and closed your eyes while giving yourself a moment to catch your breath until you felt Yeosang standing up. 

“Did you make any promise for a late dinner or would you like to eat with me?”

Before you actually made sense of what he asked you, a lightning stroke in your head and you raised, getting help from the hand he held out for you. 

“Ugh! I can’t believe it.”

“What?”

You fought off the sudden vertigo that came from standing up rapidly and shook off the dust on your clothes. Yeosang followed you while you stepped away from the training field as fast as you could. 

“I was supposed to eat dinner with-“

Your words got cut off when you saw the individual who was watching you with his arms crossed from the entrance. Yeosang stopped before you and bowed to your husband.

“Me.”

Hongjoong pushed himself up from the wall that he was leaning on and smiled. Somehow, you were sure that the expression on his face was nowhere close to a husband that was happy to see his wife.

————

“Hongjoong, I really am sorry for making you wait this long.”

He had dragged you in his quarters before you could utter a word after reaching him in the training field and ordered the servants to clean you up while he waited for you inside. You realized that he had changed into a robe while you were in the bathroom and before he turned back to face you, your apology escaped your mouth. Your face was looking down in guilt. You never had a great relationship in the first place and yet it was your fault to ditch him after grumbling all day how disinterested he was towards you.

Unlike your expectations, he only turned around and sat before the meal that was prepared for you on the table. You followed him and sat across him while he poured a glass of drink for himself. As the servants thought that you would be spending the night here, they only covered you in a robe, just like your husband.

“I really had no intention of doing so but the time passed faster than I thought it would.”

Only silence welcomed you while he grabbed his glass and drank the alcohol in one go. Frustrated, you started speaking in a higher tone, spilling the words from your mouth as a murmur.

“Looking at it, you could have sent a maid or something. .”

That was when he met your eyes the first time after he caught you late himself in the training hall. Your husband laughed as if you had told him a ridiculous joke, his eyes wide in anger.

“Oh, so you mean that I am the one at fault here?”

With a stupid moment of courage increasing the rate of adrenaline in you, you nodded your head and pouted your lips.

“Well, yes. I don’t even know why are you so angry over a mere two hours. You had stood me up on our third night and arrived at dawn.”

Your excuses further triggered his displeasure but you were so into the act that you have missed his clenched jaw. Then, another moment of silence ensured, making you think that maybe you have succeeded. Your hand reached your own glass for a sip from your own wine, until then you weren’t aware how thirsty and hungry you were after a couple of hours of training.

“Have you been that bored in palace?”

His comparably silent voice caught you unprepared and you raised your eyes to meet his. 

“Sorry?”

Unlike you, who was buried in food, he had maintained his position. His following question came out louder with a feeling you couldn’t quite distinguish.

“Were we unable to entertain you to the fact that you had to lean on your belovedcommander?”

You nearly choked in soup as you finally understood the meaning behind his anger. You may have been young but you had your own share of heart affairs back in Northern Kingdom. Instead of taking a step back, you hid the playful smile that nearly appeared on your face and cleaned your mouth with a tissue. 

“To be honest, I really was. You always mention how busy you are while I can finish my job in half a day. Commander Kang was really helpful in filling my boredom.”

After the words left your mouth nonchalantly, you checked his reaction from the side of your eye. He aggressively took another big sip from his glass, finishing it. You raised on your knees and seductively got closer to him and while you made it seem like you were focusing on pouring the liquid, his eyes were focused on your face. 

“Do you know what he said when I told him I was afraid of gaining weight if I sat around lazily and ate what the cook prepared for me?”

Hongjoong appeared to be uncomfortable when you avoided going back to your own place but instead sat next to him, dangerously showing off your curves under your robe. Even before, he was aware of how your training clothes revealed your body shape even if it wasn’t showing any skin. Each time you wore it, all the soldiers in the Empire fought their instincts whereas the people from the kingdom were never affected by it.

“He told me that he would make sure I would never skip another training session.”

His head got closer to yours but you didn’t even flinch, let alone stepping back.

“With him?”

“With him.”

The next moment you knew, he was holding your chin with a single hand, squeezing your cheeks with his fingers and pulling your head to his for a kiss. At first, you were caught off guard. He had never been this eager to be with you. However, the more you leaned your head back despite reciprocating the kiss, the more he pulled you from your waist with the arm you haven’t even realized circling around you. You were close to choking when Hongjoong found fit to release your lips. Your mind was too blurry to realize how turned on he was upon seeing your flushed cheeks and moist lips. He wasn’t keen on being sexually active with you since he still considered you as a child and wanted to give you some time to grow up despite the fact that you were way older than the legal age where you would be considered an adult. However, at that moment, he wanted you with the most primal instinct that he contained. 

“We should eat.”

You nearly murmured the words before averting your gaze after realizing your husband had been waiting for another kiss with his tongue grazing his lower lips. A tiny smirk appeared on Hongjoong’s face when he barely skipped mentioning that this was the most docile he had seen you. 

“I am thinking of going to bed early tonight. Commander Kang promised to train with me tomorrow morning.”

Yes, you knew the fact that you were actually playing with fire but were you aware of your husband’s limits or how far he could possibly go? The answer would be a big no. Also, still playing the game despite the blush on your cheeks maintaining their presence was not the best idea that you had ever came up with. 

Just when you stood back on your feet, he threw you on his shoulder, a tiny scream escaping your lips consecutively. Next thing you knew, he was looking down on you where you were thrown on the bed.

“What the hell, Hongjoong?”

You turned your head away when he leaned down to close the distance between your lips. However, that didn’t stop him but instead, led him to change the trajectory to your ear. 

“So… you will be getting up early, I assume.”

The breath that caressed your ears, followed by a sharp bite sent shivers down your spine. Hongjoong restrained your fists from hitting him by holding them with his right hand. Although he seemed to be one of the smallest members of the what you called them the brain team, he was strong enough to be able to imprison you this way. His following words left a scared impression in you when he looked straight in your big eyes with that demonic look of his. 

“Then I’ll just have to make sure to get you to stay awake until dawn.”

His kisses followed down the road towards your chest. You moaned when he pulled your robe to the side to reveal your left breast open, leading you to inhale sharply to which he simply smiled. Still holding your hands with one hand, he grasped your breast and put the hardened nipple in his mouth. The sounds coming from the way he sucked the stimulated tip mixed with your haggard breathing and his movements only came to a stop when you couldn’t help but moan. 

“You got one thing wrong, dear.”

You feel yourself being pulled into a daze while he spoke seductively, a bit lower than his usual tone. He pulled the string that held your robe intact and tied your hands with it, leaving both of his free enough that he could stand on his knees and looked down on you. 

“You being late was never the case.”

Your body was in the open for him considering that you weren’t given undergarments after your bath and your chest was seductively moving up and down while you tried you best in stabilizing your breathing. You rubbed your legs to each other as he stared down on you. Then, just like he was imitating the position from the training hall, your husband straddled you and leaned in until his face was in front of yours. 

“No matter how close you were growing up—”

“Oh… you saw that?”

You vocalized your question without thinking before he shut you with a flaring anger obvious in his eyes. Being late because of training with Yeosang was one thing but lying on him would not fit any man’s limits. You tried easing your chances before the frown on his face got stuck…

“To be exact, I was simply leaning on Yeosang because I was tired.”

…but you were a total failure when you also mentioned him on a first-name basis. His eyes squinted as he stood back up and thought of what he should do with you. Then suddenly, he pulled your legs apart and pushed in two fingers at once without warning. You were a little wet from the previous stimulation but it wasn’t enough to help you avoid the pain. Your eyes closed while your back arched and you opened your mouth. Your breathing was cut off as you simply tried to adjust the perturbing force that entered you. Before you had the chance to get used to it, Hongjoong started pulling his digits off and on until his thumb started rubbing your clit on a steady rhythm. The pain left its place to pleasure, eventually causing tears to fall of your eyes. However, just before you reached your climax, he stopped. You flashed open your eyes in a fit of anger but you were unable to move your hands since they were still tied. 

“Tell me you are only mine to love, dear.”

It took you a moment to realize what he said but before you could form a response, he pushed the same digits in and leaned in to bite your stimulated nipple. Your moans were about to reach your highest pitch when he pulled you off the edge once more and this time kissed your lips before pushing his tongue in your mouth. Without you being aware of it, your saliva fell through your left cheek. You became conscious of the wetness only when Hongjoong’s free hand tried to squish your cheeks once more. 

“I’ll crave in your mind that you belong to me so that you’ll want no men from now on next to you.”

You moved your hips, still completely aware of his fingers’ presence in you to which he chuckled and completely stepped away from you. 

“Look at you.”

Despite his mocking gaze, his eyes were burning with passion, his member obviously rock hard under his robe. 

“What would our subjects would think if their strong and capable empress cried from pleasure under her husband?”

The words that would normally make you furious only worked in causing a strange feeling under your stomach and you opened your legs apart, begging him between your sobs. 

“Please, Hongjoong.”

If he didn’t do something about this, you were thinking about finishing yourself off. However, he was a man who always surpassed the expectations. Your husband took off his robe and lied down next to you before lifting you up so that you would be straddling him. However, just when you were about to take him in, he tightened his holds on your waist, constricting your movements. 

“I’m sorry for not realizing how hard it was for you.”

His narrowed eye and completely different aura from how vicious he was a minute ago struck you as odd and you felt confused. Then, as if he had never said anything, his hands pulled you down on him. The sudden penetration caused a pleasure which made you disregard the words that you were waiting to hear ever since the first night of your marriage and your hips started moving on their own, of course getting a big help from his own hold on you. 

“I’m close, dear.”

His words rang loudly in your ear but the only sound that left your lips were the sobs from the intense situation. Before your shaking legs gave up on you, you found your balance by leaning on Hongjoong’s chest with your still-tied hands. Strangely to you, it actually resembled a lot to how you were with Yeosang in the training hall. As you were drained, your husband helped you by jack-hammering you for the last couple of thrusts until you fell limp on him, white flashes cutting your vision. You could feel his hot liquid filling your insides as you bit his collar bone to prevent your consciousness from drifting away to no avail. The last thing you felt was him untying you before you were pulled in embrace, his member still deep inside you.

————

The sun was shining bright on your face as you finally opened your eyes from a deep sleep. You were embracing Hongjoong as he rested his chin on your head while you used his arm as a pillow. Only below his waist was covered as you found yourself admiring the abdominal muscles that were naturally obtained by training regularly until you felt his eyes on you.

“Good morning, my dear.”

“Good morning, husband.”

You let his sleepy voice bless your ears as he pulled the cover towards your chest and hugged you once more. 

“How come we weren’t woken up? I think it’s past noon.”

Your question made him frown as he remembered getting rid off Seonghwa and Yunho away sleepily before they had a chance to see any of you naked. 

“I told them to cancel every event planned for the day until we have to eventually get out of bed for the hunting festival. They were more than happy to leave us alone in the hopes of an heir, I assume.”

The idea of hitting him crossed your mind but the night would eventually be a material of gossip when your maids would find the bite marks on you while getting you prepared, so you let him go. 

“By the way, I don’t remember taking a bath. How come my hair is all wet?”

Without him opening his mouth, you came to conclusion that it was him who took care of you after you passed out. It actually suited his personality as he was the one who secretly took care of people if his advisors missed something. Thinking about it, it was the best sex that you have ever had which came with an apology. A small smile appeared on your face as you nuzzled your nose towards his shoulder. 

“Maybe I should get you angry more often.”

What you said as a joke led to him snapping his eyes open and pulling you under. As if he was really offended, the frown that you have gotten used to re-appeared on his face and he pronounced the words clearly. 

“Don’t. even. dare.”

Hongjoong really hated hurting you. Yes, you were no longer a child in his eyes but he still felt responsibility over you both emotionally and politically. He hasn’t re-gained the previous position until you nodded to let him know that you have understood. 

“I must apologize… for my behavior towards you until now.”

You turned your eyes towards him and gathered your focus to listen to what had been on his mind. You wanted a sober explanation why he apologized out of nowhere during sex, to be honest. Who wouldn’t?

“I have been told to expect that you would be different from my sisters but it never occurred to me that I would have to meet you in the middle. It didn’t dawn on me until my advisors told me… that I’d have to re-arrange my routine to make some time for you and appreciate you as who you are.”

Your index finger drew circles on his bare chest while he gave out a sigh, thinking back on his past mindset. 

“Even though I am older than you, we are married now and I have to see you as an equal. You are not my subject. Even if we weren’t married and you weren’t accepted as the mother of the nation, you are a royal.”

The words lingered in your mind for a while. Truth to be told, you couldn’t be considered fool-proof either. You had never been clear in expressing your standing and all you did until then was to nag and sometimes mock him in front of his subjects. Just when he was about to get nervous about how silent you’ve been, you opened your mouth after gathering your thoughts. 

“I’ve liked you Hongjoong. Not particularly as a man but as a ruler. You were just… kind, wise and understanding of your people, so I wanted to have a good relationship with you.”

Your husband gave a small sigh of relief but wanted to frown since a significant amount of excitement flew butterflies in his stomach. Yes, you had made him aware that you wanted attention but to hear that you have taken a liking to him could still be considered as an achievement for a man who made no effort to be liked. 

“However, I must apologize you too. Instead of doing all those things that weren’t fit for an empress of your empire, I should’ve come to you and tell my feelings straight into your face.”

Hongjoong simply smiled and kissed your forehead and that was it… No more further words were exchanged about it but you knew deep inside that somehow, you would work this relationship up. However, after that day, not only your relationship improved for better, but also the Southern Empire had gone through major changes in its patriarchal system. 

[zutarabender]

@zutaramonth​ day 14: Steam Babies

---

"You don't have to do this."

Her father was wrong. Kya had to do this. Girls didn't usually go ice dodging, but it wasn't unheard of. A Firebender, and the Fire Nation's princess... Well, that was somewhat more uncommon. Her father had insisted on completing the trial when he'd begun dating her mother, but to Kya's knowledge, no other Firebender had ever been allowed to do so.

In any case, she couldn't turn back now.

"I thought you'd understand, Dad," she groaned, gripping the ropes of the sails as if she were hanging on to a lifeline.

"I understand. I'm just making sure this is really what you want."

Kya turned her head around, meeting her father's eye with more determination that she'd felt in her entire life.

"More than anything."

For all response, her father grinned.

It was on. There was more at stake than their safety if Kya failed. As she steered the sailboat through treacherous waters, the wind against her face was electric, invigorating. It was the same mix of excitement, tenacity and spite that she'd experienced the time her brother Oki had been challenged to an Agni Kai. The challenger had been some brat at school who couldn't accept a Waterbender as his Crown Prince. In the end, Oki had won by boiling the skin off of his opponent's arm, then had shown mercy by healing the burn.

Kya dreamed of a world where everything was just and simple, but the ripples of the long war were still felt. Kya and her brother had become experts at navigating those obstacles, and their parents had been no different.

Ice dodging would be a walk in the park.

When she touched land, safe and sound, Oki was the first one to congratulate her. Her parents hugged her, the few curious children who had gathered to watch cheered. Adrenaline was still rushing through her veins and her head was spinning from the ups and downs the waves and tides subjected her to, but she faced the adults of the tribe with fire in her eyes. Her fire.

And in the end, when the time came for the completion of the ceremony, it wasn't her father rewarding her. That wouldn’t do; this was something else they would have to do their own way. The honor was given to her Uncle Sokka, the beloved Chief of the Southern Water Tribe. His ever-present grin told her all she yearned to know. Kya hadn't needed to prove herself to be loved, trusted, and welcome.

"Well," her uncle started, loud enough that all the present could hear. "You're a woman now. And a strong one, too, but that's only fitting. My sister earned herself this mark when she was your age."

“Get on with it, Sokka” Kya’s mother muttered. “This isn’t about me.”

Both Kya and Sokka chuckled softly, the momentous occasion suddenly brimming with familiarity.

“Fine. There you go.” Sokka’s thumb traced a symbol on Kya's forehead, one she knew too well by shape alone. "Kya, you took this challenge head-on, as you always do. There’s little I can say to do it justice. I award you with the Mark of the Brave."