#my king of hearts oc? i think about him more often than most of my other twst ocs. but still not a lot compared to Bennet and prospero

[lowcallyfruity]

I hate twisted wonderland because sometimes it will drop a card so brain changing it makes me want to work on my ocs I haven’t touched since 1987

[sukunaslilgurl]

A Christmas Reunion: Sukuna and Irene

The snow fell softly outside the windows of the small, cozy cabin nestled deep in the mountains. The warm glow of the fireplace filled the room, casting flickering shadows on the walls adorned with simple decorations—pinecones, garlands, and a small evergreen tree Irene had insisted on cutting herself. It was Christmas Eve, and though the world outside seemed cold and harsh, inside, it was a haven of warmth and peace.

Irene was busy in the kitchen, humming an old holiday tune as she prepared a simple meal. Her long, dark curls were tied back with a crimson ribbon, and she wore a thick wool sweater that added to the festive charm. Sukuna sat near the fireplace, watching her with a rare, contented expression. His fire-red hair reflected the flames’ light, and his usual sharp demeanor was softened by the calm of the evening.

“You’re unusually quiet,” Irene teased, glancing over her shoulder. “Don’t tell me the King of Curses doesn’t know how to enjoy Christmas.”

Sukuna smirked, leaning back in his chair, his muscular frame relaxed. “I’ve seen centuries pass, Irene. Most of them without this ‘Christmas’ nonsense. But if it means watching you fuss over a tree and hum out of tune, I’ll tolerate it.”

She rolled her eyes but smiled, knowing that was as close to a compliment as she would get from him. “Well, I hope you’ll at least try to enjoy it. It’s not often we get to celebrate something simple, without fighting or running.”

As Irene brought the meal to the table, Sukuna joined her, his presence as commanding as ever. He took a moment to look at the feast she had prepared—nothing extravagant, just roasted meat, warm bread, and a few seasonal vegetables. Still, it was far more than either of them had enjoyed in years of battle and hardship.

“You didn’t have to go to all this trouble,” he said, his tone softer than usual.

“I wanted to,” Irene replied, sitting across from him. “It’s been a long time since we had a moment like this. I thought we deserved it.”

Sukuna nodded, lifting his glass of wine. “Then let’s enjoy it.”

They ate in comfortable silence for a while, the crackling fire providing a soothing background. Irene occasionally glanced at Sukuna, noticing the way his usually sharp eyes softened as he watched her. She reached across the table and took his hand, surprising him.

“What’s this?” he asked, raising an eyebrow but not pulling away.

“It’s Christmas,” she said simply. “And I’m grateful for you, even after everything.”

Sukuna chuckled, the sound low and rich. “You’re a strange woman, Irene. But I suppose I’m grateful for you, too.”

After the meal, they sat by the fire, sipping their drinks and reminiscing about the journey that had brought them here. Sukuna, who rarely indulged in sentimentality, found himself drawn into the moment. The warmth of the fire, the softness of Irene’s voice, and the peace of the night all worked to melt the walls he usually kept around his heart.

As the night grew deeper, Irene leaned her head against Sukuna’s shoulder, sighing contentedly. “Do you think we’ll ever have more moments like this?”

Sukuna wrapped an arm around her, pulling her closer. “As long as you’re around to make me celebrate ridiculous holidays, I suppose it’s possible.”

She laughed softly, the sound light and joyful. “Merry Christmas, Sukuna.”

He looked down at her, a rare smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “Merry Christmas, Irene.”

And for that one night, amidst the snow-covered mountains and the flickering firelight, the two of them found a peace they had both thought impossible.

Hello guys I will start to write short Sukuna headcanons, please be kind 😊 it is my first time and I am having an own OC for my story’s, her name is Irene. I am planing to write soon a spartan Sukuna story and post it frequently. If anyone like this feel free to read it.

Merry Christmas to everyone ❤️

[cremefrappe13]

Dark Choco and Sister! OC

Trigger warnings: mention of death, injury, blood, slight neglect, depression, bullying.

Read at your own risk. I had no idea what to title this story, but here goes nothing:

Ever since the fall of the Dark Cacao Kingdom’s Prince, Dark Choco, Honeyflower, the next in line to be heir to the throne, had never felt so much pressure in her life, especially since she herself knew that she was not suited for the role and her brother was meant for it. She often questioned herself on why he would try to murder their father, but as she worked on the tapestry that was her “homework”, Honeyflower began to remember the moment that took place years ago when she realised that he would be the king, while she would be his support…

Honeyflower was the second born of the pair, therefore automatically making Dark Choco the Crown Prince. She felt alone, watching Dark Choco train with their father while she was left alone to her own devices. Being a second born girl was not exactly a good thing in the Dark Cacao Kingdom. Sure, they accepted women to do what they wanted, but most of the villagers believed that men should lead. Stupid, in Honeyflower’s opinion. However, all she wanted was to be noticed as herself, not as “The Princess”, not as “King Dark Cacao’s daughter” or “Dark Choco’s sister”, but just as “Honeyflower”. She wanted to be the crowned heir, as that would mean her father would pay more attention to her, and more people would respect her for who she was. She did not want to be known because of someone else’s deeds, she only wanted to be known for what she herself had done.

Honeyflower started to try her best to take the place of crowned heir, but none of it worked. She tried doing better than him in academics, and that did not do a thing. She tried being better at combat, which also had absolutely no effect. Everything she did simply got her praise and nothing more, not even from her father. She wanted to be happy about all the compliments she was getting, and that was what she was pretending to be. Honeyflower could not take her dissatisfaction and kept trying, over and over again, to prove that she was more worthy of the throne than her brother.

On a particularly bad day, Honeyflower ran away from the Dark Cacao Kingdom in search of the tiniest light of hope. Anger filled her heart, with tears of sorrow and frustration prickling at her eyes as she ran out of the citadel gates and past the guards. A bag slung over her shoulder, with her important tools of survival consisting of a first aid kit, some tools and her bow and arrows. The tears leaked out of her eyes as she had never before, felt so, so angry.

“Have you seen the Princess? She practically has no use in this kingdom…”

“I agree! It’s not like she could be the First Watcher, Caramel Arrow still surpasses her in that regard,”

“Yeah, and Dark Choco is already the perfect heir to this kingdom!”

“I don’t see any reason why King Dark Cacao keeps her around other than the fact that she’s his daughter though…”

That last remark stung. It stung Honeyflower’s heart, and she knew that they were just verbalising what everyone else was thinking. Why else would her father seemingly not pay attention to her and focus on Dark Choco? The thought bothered her, and the rage stewing in her heart began to boil, and she snapped at the servants once she stepped out of hiding. This only made the situation worse, as she bit back the worst of the insults but still hurled those words of anger at them.

“How dare you speak of me that way! I’m sure Father loves me, and I will find my place in this kingdom! I do not care what you think, but let this be a lesson to know your place.” she had said, with the most furious of tones and a look of unbridled anger on her face. The two servants had scurried off, and Honeyflower was left alone to brood in her endless sea of negative thoughts.

How could she not believe those poisonous words the servants had said? It coiled around her heart, constricting it like how a snake would slowly strangle their prey. The feeling of anger welled up in her the more she thought about it, but Honeyflower had already found herself leaving the citadel gates with her bag in hand, hoping to finally be rid of her torment from the place she was born and raised in.

Honeyflower watched the snow fall onto the frozen peaks, the mountains being her natural hunting grounds as she trekked along a cliff that lead down to the Licorice Sea, where she observed the Peppermint Whales swimming through, their fins cutting through the surface of the waves as she sobbed, quietly slumping down and leaning on a tree. It had already been a few hours, and Dark Cacao and Dark Choco would have realised she was missing by now… She sighed, opening the first pack of rations she had eaten and slowly consumed them, savouring their bitter taste and the familiarity of the food. She slowly got up after her small meal and set off towards the mountains again.

Night was beginning to fall, and Honeyflower was exhausted, so she climbed up a tree with the last of her strength and rested atop the branches, falling asleep almost instantly. She had no idea where she was, but at least she was away from that horrible, terrible place…

Days turned into a week, and Honeyflower could not take the loneliness and silence anymore. She was tired of running, tired of being alone, but she could not go back! There was no way they would take her back, and even less of a chance that her father would even care for her absence right? Honeyflower shook off the thoughts on going back and kept moving forward.

Until an injury she had sustained a few days ago caused her to stumble and fall as it reopened, and it was only then Honeyflower realised she was out of medical tape. The blood flowed out of her leg as she stared at the sky, watching the Northern Lights burst out in colours. Honeyflower treasured this sight, knowing full well she was going to die right there.

How long has it been since she fell? She could not tell.

How bad was the injury?

Was anyone going to find her remains?Would her brother miss her?Would her father grieve over her passing? So many questions, and so little answers.

She was tired… so tired. Her eyes slowly closed as she fell asleep…

Honeyflower heard voices. Was she being delusional? Had they found her?

“Your Majesty! We found the Princess!”

“She’s injured, quick, a medical kit!”

Too heavy… her eyelids began to droop, but then a voice rang out loud and clear.

“Stay awake… don’t fall asleep, little sis…”

Dark Choco? She instinctively thought, trying to open her eyes and seeing her brother’s kind red eyes. Honeyflower croaked out, “I’m tired…”

“I know. But we need you awake…”

“Is Father… here?”

Dark Choco shook his head, saying Dark Cacao was with the other search party. Honeyflower clasped his hand tightly in hers, as she whispered, “I’m sorry… for making you worry…” Dark Choco shook his head, saying, “It’s alright… we’ll talk more later… but for now, get some rest and heal up. Father’s worried sick…” Honeyflower nodded and stared up into the sky as she was having her leg wound treated. It felt as if hours had passed by before she finally closed her eyes and fell asleep.

Then, her eyes opened. The sight that greeted her was a flashbang of light, before her eyes slowly adjusted to the brightness of the room, which she recognised as the infirmary of the Dark Cacao Kingdom. A voice slowly roused her out of the sleepy state she was in, and Honeyflower groaned softly as she sat up to face her father, Dark Cacao. Honeyflower was frightened, but her father simply pulled her into a warm and gentle hug, and she could feel the relief seeping out of him. “You’re awake… we thought we lost you out there, dear daughter…”

“Father..!”

Honeyflower sat up, reaching out into the air as Dark Cacao quickly supported her back.

“I’m sorry… I’m so so so sorry for making you all worry like that… I thought-” 

Dark Cacao silenced her in an instant, hugging Honeyflower as his deep and booming voice whispered into his daughter’s ears.

“My child… you are here now, and that is all that matters. We thought we lost you out there…”

From that point, Dark Cacao told her about what happened to the kingdom while she was gone. Everyone was in a full state of panic, trying to find the lost princess, with search parties and everything in their power was used to find Honeyflower. Surprisingly, it was Dark Choco was the one who noticed she was missing, and organised the search by himself, just informing Dark Cacao what he was doing. That’s when it hit Honeyflower, why Dark Choco was destined to be the king. He noticed she was missing when their own father even missed out on her lack of presence. He was willing to organise search parties and inform everyone of her disappearance. Honeyflower knew a ruler would always go the extra mile to find even one of their lost subjects, and that’s what Dark Choco did.

And now he was gone.

[bluegekk0]

If anything I think you should speak more, because I love everything you write (and draw.) You've been one of my biggest inspirations to go back and give all of my ocs actual stories instead of just designs.

In fact, ever since you mentioned having non-fpk family ocs before, I have been incredibly curious.

Please feed me all of the information like a bird feeding its young, except its letters going into my eyes instead of food going into my mouth

you have no idea how much that warms my heart, i'm really flattered that you see me as an inspiration. it's all i could really ask for

i do have some ocs, yeah. though i will say, the fpk au characters are definitely outliers when it comes to the amount of personality and lore they have. most of my ocs have very basic backstories, and many of them only do because i used to roleplay as them with my friends. a lot of my original designs that i'm attached to don't even have names, let alone personalities

since i'll be posting a lot of pictures, i'll throw this under a read more so it's not too long

i guess i'll start with my oldest oc, a lion king character who used to be my "fursona" (well not exactly, since i've never considered myself a furry. but persona wouldn't fit here) years ago, back in 2012 i believe. she went through a lot of changes over the years, but i've settled on a design that i really like

her name is swahibu (used to be swahili, i wasn't particularly creative, and i changed it recently since it was a bit awkward for her to be named after the entire language hahaha), and she has a little brother named kobe. their lore isn't anything too elaborate, they're essentially scar's grandchildren who used to be outlanders, but after the events of the second movie joined the pridelands. swahibu is bitter and a bit mean, but cares very much about her little brother. she got her scars in a fight with rogue lions which unfortunately ended with their mother's death, so they're now on their own. kobe is a smart cub, and brings a bit of joy and innocence to his big sister's life. as they both resemble their grandfather more than they'd like, they're often the object of nasty comments from those who lived under his tyrannical rule, though they do eventually earn the pridelanders' respect. not much else to say about them, except that i like to hc swahibu as gay. also, they have a very simple family tree that i made to show what their parents looked like, here (might not work if you don't have a deviantart account, but i'm not sure)

--

next up, there's a character i've considered my persona for quite some time, and one i used to put in many funny scenarios with my friends' ocs. he also changed the most out of all of them throughout the years, and recently i gave him a more furry like design as i hate drawing human faces haha

his name is rick, and he's a hybrid of all kinds of different animals. he's very laid back and lazy, though the fact that he's a hybrid gives him some animal-like traits and behaviors. he used to have a backstory but it's kind of stupid so i'm considering changing it, but he was basically created in a lab and then released after it was shut down. now he lives on his own with his cat, jon. he's one of those characters who are very flexible, so if i wanted to, i could modify him to fit into any scenario (for example, he used to have an assassins creed universe version which i used for roleplay years ago hahaha). not much else to say since i'm still in the (slow) process of changing him

--

i also have a lot of dragon characters, most of them were made for the purpose of a larger roleplay story with my friends. in general i take 'dragon' as a very vague term, since to me a dragon can look however you want and all those classification rules are kinda stupid. but you'll still a bit of, idk, i guess a paleoart like direction for their designs, since i like speculative biology and such. also, some of these originated as heavily based on some of my favorite characters at the time, you'll see that with the first one especially

his name is stark and he's probably the dragon that has the most lore behind him. i won't go into too many details regarding the backstory since it's long and very connected to the roleplay (you know, bit of a "you just had to be there" moment haha). but tl;dr he was taken in by a village and raised from hatchling, so he's very docile and a little bit confused. the village was attacked and he was able to survive, but one of his legs was scarred pretty badly, so he noticeably limps while walking. he's a semi-aquatic dragon, so he's an excellent swimmer. funnily enough, he went through a complete "reboot" a few years ago. in the original rp, he was a massive asshole, he'd hurt others for his own amusement and was generally very aggressive and not pleasant to be around. also, he had a prosthetic leg, though i scrapped that as it was far too advanced for the setting i envisioned him in. i much prefer this direction, i love my giant himbo gator-dragon. and i wonder how many of you can guess what character was the inspiration for his appearance (it used to be a lot more obvious in his first design iterations)

(and no, his wing isn't missing. this is just to show his back haha)

these next three don't really have too much backstory to them. well, except for the first one, his name is ithaar, and he was one of my first ocs ever. he went through a massive redesign quite recently, so he has close to nothing in common with his first iterations. the other two characters, eurus and ash, were made for rp purposes quite recently, and so don't have too much lore behind them

ith is a bit of a coward, he struggles with his self-confidence and believes everyone sees him as insignificant due to his small size and inability to fly. he can camouflage, though, so he's a lot cooler than he thinks. also, he moves by hopping around like a little kangaroo. his design is very dromaeosaur-like, with short stubby arms and yi-qi inspired wings

eurus is very pterosaur-like, though much larger than even the largest azhdarchids. he doesn't like the company of others, he's a bit of a loner (with trauma!). he may seem mean on the surface, but his past experiences make him unable to walk past someone who's in need. not quite a gentle giant, though. i think it's easy to see which pterosaurs in particular were the inspiration for his design, though his crests are very dilophosaurus-like

the last one is ash, and she's the newest addition to the roster. her rp session was very short and didn't really add much to her lore, but she's generally a huge jerk who likes annoying others and stealing from them. but of course, it wouldn't be an oc of mine if there wasn't some trauma involved, and she's no exception. she believes she doesn't fit anywhere, she felt rejected by her own kind for her unnatural abilities (she can move things with her mind), and so she copes with it by being a prick. her design was inspired by junker queen from overwatch haha

---

i also have four night fury characters i made during my httyd phase, and i redesigned them about a year ago to be a lot more "natural" in their appearance. they used to be quite a bit more colorful back in the day, and not in the good way haha

their names are vel'ri, sherok, atis and marivo. no real backstory, just vibes. the first one used to be my "main" character during the httyd phase. vel'ri and atis are female, sherok and marivo are male

--

and lastly, some non-dragon characters. these don't really have any backstory that i think is worth sharing, but i still love them very much

this one is named rugat and they're a genderless, shapeshifting magma alien thing. i don't know what they are. i just really like their design. they're aggressive, but they have a soft spot for small, weak creatures. god knows what their reasoning is, but i thought it was a cute personality trait

and these two are named lox and bagel. they're a ragarox, an original species i made years ago when it was cool and hip to have a closed species. they're eyeless cave dwelling lizard things. very chubby. these two guys are not related but they hang out all the time. 🏳️‍🌈 perhaps?

lox, on the left, is the more active and territorial of the two. but he's also super affectionate towards bagel

bagel, on the other hand, is the couch potato. very round and chubby, 10/10

as a fun fact i like to think their long tongues have very distinct smells. lox's smells like lime, while bagel's smells a bit like blueberry

--

and lastly, here are two unnamed characters. i like their designs but i haven't had the chance or inspiration to think of any details about them

the first one is an okapi-like thing. with a kitty face. the second is like a weird mix between a ceratopsid and some kind of mammal

oh and, here's some redesigns of old dragon characters that i forgot to mention earlier. they used to be very different (all but one were inspired by other characters, but you can't see it on their current designs), and i don't have any backstories for them yet. their names are also going to be changed, so consider them nameless for now

(fun fact: the top left one was one of the first iterations of eurus' design, but i decided to turn it into a different character cause i still like it)

[delta-pavonis]

Harlot??

Heeehehe. This is another OC of mine. A dream this time. Named Harlot.

This came from a Tumblr conversation (that has since been deleted by the OP, sadly) where we chatted back and forth about how Hob's dreams would be different because of his age. And what if, because his mind was a strange constant for some time in the Dreaming, he became a training ground of sorts for new dreams and nightmares. And then, upon Dream's return and his subsequent meeting with Hob, what if Hob's mind was closed from all but the King himself, who wished to tend to his lover's dreams? What would the poor dreams and nightmares do, once their Lord realized that they have been using Hob's dreaming mind as a training ground for centuries? Well, of course, they would unionize. XD I never got to that part and I don't think I will ever come back to this, but I really like what I have of Harlot and the other bits of the Dreaming I came up with. Very surrealist, kinda fun. And hey look! No smut!

(And yes, Harlot uses it/its pronouns for itself.)

It figures out that things have changed when it is barred from entering Robert Gadling's dreams. There is no mistaking that familiar and aching tug, just to the left of its breastbone, exactly where a heart would be if it were anything approaching human. No other dreamer pulls at its heartspace just so. That is definitely him. But it cannot find the knob, not even the seam of where it might pry the door open, to enter his dreams. Odd.

It is summoned by humans in so many ways. Most often by lips, or cunt, or phallus. But also hands, breasts, ass, feet, neck. The curl of its hair. The suppleness of its thigh. The rich texture of chest hair. The arch of an aquiline nose. Oh, and bless Old Roy, by the dimples that bracket its bony kneecaps. So many different places where its fantasies begin.

Rarely do such fantasies start at the heart, at least so it is for its specific domain. There are myriad other dreams who trade in love and warmth and family and sweetness of touch. Nightmares, too. It knows many of them well. But it is ever so rare that its particular flavor of wantonness starts in the hearth of the heart.

Harlot is its name. It is a fantasy of reckless abandonment of sexual mores, a dream of lust-drunk nights tearing down the scaffolding of society with wild moans, of passion that ignores all taboos until it is all-consuming, until it burns your eyes, your teeth, your fingerprints, your DNA... burns your very identity away and leaves you only named Theirs.

Lottie, to its friends.

Hob would call it Lottie, if he knew it so.

But Hob only knows it by another name.

Stranger.

The Stranger.

Or, fleetingly, while turned inside-out in pleasure, he names it My Stranger.

He has lived longer than so many of his kin, this Hob Gadling, that a fair majority of the Dreaming's citizens have met his dreaming mind, been called upon in one way or another as he sleeps. It is an honored tradition for many, a welcome challenge, never knowing which other dreams and nightmares you will be asked to contend with. There was that one time, when Hob caused Atomat, the nightmare flash of nuclear war, to meet with ancient Ionia, the now-dust-laden dream of chivalric honor, where they… ah, but that is a different story.

Lottie has not counted, but it might be the most frequent visitor to Hob’s dreams. At least Lottie thinks it is the most frequent dream Hob calls to. Yersinia, the nightmare plague, also has held grip on his mind for centuries, never gone for long, as has Demer, the drowning terror. But in terms of dreams…

The first time Lottie was summoned to don a shell of its Maker was the first time it had any inkling what humans actually might mean by embarrassment. But that was centuries ago. Lottie still finds it tiring work - certainly no other human has been so reluctant to use a dream or nightmare to work past their issues in the Waking World - yet it has also become a comfort. Easy and familiar. A constant.

And he is such a reliable dreamer that it is his dreamscape that they often take the wee dreamlings and nightmarelets to. Little does Hob know how many common dreams and nightmares of his culture have whet their teeth on his sleeping mind. Lottie likes to think he would be happy to have helped so many.

Being barred access to him is… concerning. 

How could it be that he has come to be sealed off so well? Really, the only power that could bar a dream so wholly from a dreamer that calls it could be…

Oh.

Lottie runs.

Over hill and dale, through the cobblestone streets of a village, out the other end, sharp left, and immediately onto the top of a skyscraper. It skids to a halt and hollers at the other dream sitting there, his tripod of legs dangling over the edge as it watches the pigeons play. “Chips! Fuck me sideways CHIPS!!” 

The other dream looks up, startled, his long mule’s ears swiveling forward like satellite dishes finding a signal. “Lottie? I thought you were…”

“Lord Morpheus! The King! The King himself is in Hob’s dreams!” 

Chips blinks his too-wide bottle green eyes. “That means…”

“Yes.” This is the first time Lottie has been breathless outside its function. What a terribly distressing sensation. This is why it was not made to be a nightmare.

“Ah,” the other dream looks back out to the horizon. “How mad do you reckon He is going to be?”

“If we are lucky?” It follows Chips’ gaze to where the three round gray birds laugh as they kick the little ball back and forth between them. The ball skids along a rogue breeze and the trio all groan as it tumbles away on an updraft. “If we are lucky… He will only be fucking furious.”

Chips bites his lip. "I didn't think Lord Morpheus would ever come for him, you know? Attend to him directly. Why now?"

Lottie has an inkling. Well, more than an inkling. It has been around a lot longer than Chipchickory, well before Hob Gadling. Thousands of years before. Tens of thousands. It knows how dramatically their King has changed in such a short time, even if it has only seen most of it through Hob’s eyes. It knows exactly the shape and texture that Hob's dreams of the King take. If he doesn't already know, Lord Morpheus will immediately be privy to the human's true feelings the moment he enters Hob's dreaming mind. One can't feel that hearttug and not know.

Hob loves the King of Dreams. 

And the King of Dreams loves Hob. He will come to know that of himself soon enough. Lottie is as sure of that as it is its function.

Oh. But… does this mean Lottie will never be with Hob again? Never once more get to be the fire that rides the waves of his rushing blood? That. That… feels wrong. Lottie realizes that it would miss visiting Hob, after all these years. Huh. Fascinating. But the personal shall not overcome the practical. There is work to do, now. Before the Shaper of Forms comes for them.

Lottie brushes invisible dust off its flanks as it turns back to Chips. “Gather the Mentors. If we are to no longer be able to have access to Hob Gadling’s mind we must plan accordingly. Our training regime will need to change. And we will need to support the young ones who will not be ready for the transition to a new dreamer yet.”

Yes. There is work to do.

________________________________

What Lottie doesn’t expect is to see Hob walking the Dreaming, hand trailing over the tops of the tall grasses of Fiddler’s Green, smiling softly to himself. He is alone. 

Lottie should leave this place. Let Hob be. He is here by the grace of the King himself and no other. Lord Morpheus could appear at any moment. And yet… 

It stayed frozen too long. Hob has noticed it standing just down the hill, where the grasses thin into the dirtbanks of the stream. He waves and starts jogging to Lottie, a bright smile on his sweet face. Lottie, for the first time, yearns. Not as its function, not as a part played in a dream, but as itself. 

“Hullo.” The dear crows feet at the corners of Hob’s eyes are a physical pain for it. “I’m sorry, but… you... even at a distance… you seem familiar. I am still learning the ways of the Dreaming. Is it possible I have met you before? In my dreams?”

You have met me uncountable times, Hob. But never as me. Lottie looks down at the plain sundress on its human-like body, flat chest beneath periwinkle cotton, skin glinting silver in the noonday light. When it looks back up Hob is earnestly expectant and it cannot bring up anything but honesty. “Yes. You know me, Robert Gadling. Well sighted, and well met.” It bows its head in deference. 

Their eyes meet and Hob’s widen, mouth dropping into a small oh. “You’re… I know you.” He steps forward and folds those strong arms around Lottie’s shoulders. “You were my Stranger, once upon a time? Were you not? I swear I can feel it.” His voice wraps around its neck and Lottie wants to sob.

Tentatively, it puts its hands on Hob’s back. “Yes.” Its voice is barely a whisper, tremulous and fragile. “Yes.” No more words come.

It can feel Hob smile into its neck, causing a shiver. “Thank you, dear one.” And Lottie does sob at that. He steps back and puts his warm hands to either side of its face, studying it for a moment. “You got me through some of the worst moments in my life.” Hob presses their foreheads together. “I don’t think money matters here, but whatever Dream pays you, he should double it.”

Lottie laughs. “That is really not how it works here, but I appreciate the sentiment.” They stand like that for a moment, pressed together, before it sighs. “Lord Morpheus is mercurial at best and I would not have him scold either of us for such proximity.” Lottie steps back but takes both of Hob’s hands in its own. “Hello, my name is Harlot, but my friends call me Lottie.”

“Hello Lottie.” Hob squeezes its hands. “You already know me as well as I know myself, so you better call me Hob.”

They both smile.

[scoundrels-in-love]

Hello, I'd like you to break some asses down. No obvious characters for you, gimme: Kafka, Ginko, Ashton and Re-l. Thank.

Hi sibby bibby! Definitely not going easy on me with these, but let's see!

Kafka of Kaiju no. 8

He's so everything one can want in a main lead of a story. He's the beaten up dreamer version of a typical hero that grew up, accepted defeat, but remained kind and supportive. He throws himself whole into a second chance, never looks down on or hates younger people who have their successes come much easier. He's goofy, sweet, relentless, powerful in kindness. 10/10 would kiss on cheek.

Mina and Hoshina, preferable in world's most ride or die battle powerthrouple.

Reno and Kikoru, the kids he randomly found on a street and said 'is anyone gonna love and take care of these?' and then ran off with them without waiting for an answer.

Not involved in fandom enough to know what's popular fanon, but I think he's a needy switch and quite inexperienced because he was pining away for Mina. He takes to learning with gusto as with anything else, though.

That he wholly accepted it is him as person that made all of his efforts worth it, saved lives, not his monster-self. And also Kafkohismina downtime or battlethrouple scenes.

Ginko of Mushishi

He is so. *clenches fist* He says I don't care while he cares, so deeply. There is air of forever haunting melancholy and longing about him. A forever wandering half-myth that yearns to belong, that bears so many stories. He's so everything.

Adashino and Tanyuu. The letter writing ot3 AU we've created has changed me as a person, for the better.

Honestly? Same two. Their relationship is based on friendship, respect, unique bonds that are never on-screen romantic, so you can see them as you wish. Also I think he and Tama Minai have interesting dynamic that would be great to expand further. And of course Nui. Oh Nui.

Hits him with demisexual beam, just like every other character I love.

More on-screen maintaining of friendships with Adashino and Tanyuu via letters and the like. Also I know the point is that he can't settle down, that he is forever wanderer, but my heart can yearn for him to have a place called home.

Ashton Greymoore of Critical Role, Bell's Hells.

I admit I've fallen off the bandwagon and I wrestle with feeling like I misunderstood some things of his character since I can't quite understand some of their latest choices, but, in my heart of hearts, Ashton will always be LOML. I imprinted on them from getgo, instantly saw the undercurrents of care and golden, cracked heart they try to conceal. I just want to take care of them, so so badly, and to let them know they deserve it, no matter what. That they don't have to earn it or buy it. That they just have to be. Embarassingly, closest I've come to making OC to ship with someone, at height of my BH time.

Frankly? No one.

FCG, absolutely. I also think them and Orym make for an interesting 'our safety last, as long as our friends aren't hurt' kind of tank duo.

I don't like him and Fe*rne as a ship. Might be because her character as a whole doesn't appeal much to me, maybe because I don't see them embracing their growth and heart of hearts with her, whatever it is, it just doesn't tickle my fancy, but I fully respect character choices made by players. As long as Taliesin is having fun! He knows Ashton the best. Also I wish they'd been liked and appreciated by fandom for more than just being part of a ship. Before those took off, you could hardly find Ashton content. Even still, the focus on them is often quite shippy.

I am forever haunted by the time their worst fears were shown to be them losing control of themselves and the alternate lives shown as them being a king, a leader. I really wish they could embrace that more, be heard and seen, instead of sometimes their ideas even being attributed to other members of the party. There was a time when I'd have killed for a fic where they become part of Keyleth's entourage/just hang out with Ashari and get a chance to be comfortable.

Re-L from Ergo Proxy.

13 year old me thought she was the PEAK cool. One of aesthetic-bi awakenings. Did I want to be her or just stare at her? Yes. During rewatches as an adult, I have come to appreciate the complexity of her character and most of all, her growth from sheltered, straining-against-it young woman to a driven person with spiky shell, but that shell will also shelter others, if you earn her trust and her care. Considering how much was hidden from her, how much lies and betrayal she uncovered, it's hard to blame her for not being open with it immediately.

Vincent and particularly, Ergo Proxy. She and Mina would be gun-toting, monsterfucking besties for sure.

Pino and Re-l are such an underrated dynamic. There is something to be said about Iggy as well, especially since it's hard to tell if his pre-demise behavior was "truth" or not.

Too arrogant, uptight and demisexual to have had proper previous relationships. Also probably had some truly loser phases of makeup that Iggy has photos of.

I wish she had more time to unpack everything about Daedalus, her grandfather, who she is. The last act of anime didn't give many of these things any breathing room. I am fascinated to explore how she changed and grew in wake of it all.

Give me a character?<3

[thebawdybaldurian]

Liars Night (Halloween Special Part One)

Tav and family get dressed up in costumes to spend the holiday at Astarion’s family manor. They catch up with old friends and find new drama and conflict.

Content and Warnings: lactation fetish, vaginal fingering, discussion of difficulty conceiving/orgasm denial/group sex/breeding kink, oral sex, PIV sex, light bondage, double penetration, anal sex, tit job, squirting.

NSFW Pairings: Femme Tav x Halsin, Tav x Halsin x Astarion, Wyll x Femme OC

“Do you need help in there, darling?” Astarion asked as he knocked on the door to the nursery.

“Just a minute!” Tav called from the other side of the door with a loud huff.

Astarion could hear the tinkling bells from their infant daughter Elsben’s costume and assumed Tav was still getting her dressed. He was anxious to see both his wife and daughter in the Liar’s Night costumes he’d made for them. Shan had been in his all day, deciding to dress up as the family cat, Wisp. The fluffy tail of wire and fake fur had already knocked a few things over, but thankfully nothing that was fragile. Halsin had been goaded into joining his son with an animal-themed costume and was currently waddling downstairs dressed like a bright yellow duckling. Astarion, Tav, Ben, and Ava had gone with their own theme, centered around Ava being a princess. She had been ruling over the house since lunch, her enormous and elegant gown swishing everywhere she toddled around. Astarion was the king, a crown of fake gold set atop his curls and an elegant ensemble and cape to match.

Tav finally emerged from the nursery with their court jester, little Ben currently holding onto one of the curling tails of her hat, making it jingle over and over. “That is going to get old really quickly,” Tav sighed, looking radiant in the crown, gown, and milk-engorged breasts pushed to the sky. Tav noticed Astarion starting at the latter and handed their infant off to him. “She wasn’t hungry enough to get these down to a reasonable size,” Tav motioned towards her jiggling décolletage. “I suppose I could try expressing them before we left, but we are running late as it is.”

“Don’t you dare,” Astarion grinned, leaning over to give her a kiss as they headed downstairs. “Those things are getting us plenty of extra candy.”

Halsin had the exact same reaction as Astarion, his eyes immediately focusing on Tav’s breasts. “Daddy, I want candy!” Ava whined, sat regally on the couch.

“Soon enough, little princess,” Halsin couldn’t stop staring and went over to Tav for his own kiss. “You look incredible, my heart…good enough to eat…or drink.”

“Mmmm, that treat will have to come later tonight,” Tav grinned, hearing the hungry growl in his voice as he pressed his round, stuffed belly against her.

“Are we waiting for your mother to come through the cabinet or is Rolan taking care of her arrival?” Astarion asked, bouncing Ben in his arms.

“They’ll be coming from Ramazith. I think she’s been staying there more often than in Reithwin,” Tav made a gagging face.

“The apple didn’t fall far from the tree when it comes to insatiable lust,” Astarion teased, knowing how much Tav loathed hearing about her mother’s recently renewed sex life.

“What’s wust, daddy?” Ava asked, always ready to repeat everything he said.

“It is something that I expect is going to make Daddy’s hair fall out when you kids are older,” Astarion sighed.

“You’ll be the most handsome egg there is,” Tav teased back, mussing his crown. “Let’s get a move on,” she fastened her own sumptuous cape to her shoulders. “If we want to stop by houses on the way and still make it to the party at a reasonable time.”

“Did you set out the candy cauldron already?” Astarion asked, putting Ben in the pram and going to the icebox.

“And lit the candles in the pumpkins,” Halsin nodded.

“What is that?” Tav asked, as Astarion pulled out a sack that reeked of sulfur.

“Just a little something for anyone trying to give the kids raisins instead of candy,” Astarion smirked.

“Ewwww stinky!” Shan grabbed his tail and used it to cover his nose.

“At least put it in an enchanted bag so we don’t stink up the entire neighborhood,” Tav crinkled her nose.

The family headed outside, Ava insisting on riding in the pram with Ben because she didn’t want to walk. The candy cauldron was full to the brim with treats and the family’s pumpkins sat along the porch. “You really think that sign is going to work?” Astarion asked, pointing to the ‘just take one’ sign set against the cauldron.

“I cast a glyph under it, so if anyone is particularly greedy, they will be in for their own stinky surprise,” Halsin laughed.

Astarion pushed the pram while Halsin walked beside Shan, who enjoyed walking much more than his twin haughty sister. They stopped at several houses who were offering candy, receiving handfuls in the children’s pails and some handed directly to Tav as the owners leered at her chest. Halsin took those to eat, quickly giving himself a stomach ache as they reached the Upper City on their way to the Ancunin residence. “Your parents are so kind for hosting this party,” Tav said, nibbling on an entire pastry someone had brought out for her wonderful bosom. “I know this is more of a Northern tradition.”

“They lived in Neverwinter for a short time after my…adventure. And they were excited to learn you’d grown up there,” Astarion replied, stopping for a moment to stare up at a large manor house. He reached into the enchanted bag that kept his rotten eggs at bay and chucked a handful of them at the windows. Tav looked at him curiously, seeing a bit of tension in his jaw. “The magistrate that first introduced me to Cazador lived in that house,” Astarion replied, his hand trembling slightly. Tav took it in hers, giving it a reassuring squeeze.

“In that case,” Tav reached her other hand into the bag and added a few more eggs across the stonework.

The official story that they’d told Astarion’s father and all of their acquaintances who recognized their newly reappeared son, was that his death had been a ruse. He’d been kidnapped by a gang of thugs and had his memories stripped away, living the life of a cutthroat and adventurer for two hundred years before having his memory restored by the tadpole. Those that had seen the production of Tav’s play, where he was portrayed as a seductive vampire, were told that it had just been artistic liberty to boost female interest. Only Astarion and Tav’s mothers knew the truth and they had sworn Mrs. Calthrenis to secrecy under the threat of never seeing her grandchildren again.

The family stopped by a few more houses of family friends, showing off the children and accepting more lavish gifts from the Upper City residents. They arrived at Ancunin Manor at dusk, the front of the house decorated with gourds, masks, and stuffed mannequins in various costumes. “Your mother really pulled out all the stops,” Tav grinned as they knocked on the door.

“She loves to entertain, just like you,” Astarion smiled, the brief memory of his past overshadowed by his beautiful family.

A servant opened the door, an older gnomish woman who was dressed as mouse. “Oh no! A kitty cat!” She squeezed Shan’s cheeks, standing barely taller than their enormous toddler. “You promise not to eat poor Malira?”

Shan just giggled, accepting a treat from Malira’s pocket. She adored the children as much as Astarion’s family did and spoiled them more rotten than the bag of eggs. “Oh good, you are finally here!” Astarion’s mother, Delise came ambling down the stairs. She was dressed like a fairy and had long wings trailing behind her.

“Hello DeDe, the house looks amazing and so do you,” Tav embraced her. “Thank you again for hosting.”

“Of course, my dear,” she gave both Astarion and Halsin a kiss on the cheek before looking over the children. “Look at my little angels,” Delise cooed.

“I’m a pwincess!” Ava declared, climbing out of the pram to accept some sweets.

“You certainly are,” Delise beamed, reaching into the pram to pull the sleeping Ben into her arms. “And my little jester,” she peppered Ben’s forehead with soft kisses. “Has she been eating well?” Delise glanced at Tav’s swollen bosom.

“For the most part, but just very slowly,” Tav blushed, her breasts feeling even fuller than when they had set out. “I overproduced even with the twins, so I have to express them at least once a day.”

“Better than not making enough,” Delise noted. “Come into the ballroom. There are plenty of games and magicians to entertain the kids and I have so many friends waiting to meet you.”

“There’s my boy,” Astarion’s father, Avaelin, came down the stairs. “And my littlest star,” he took Elsben from Delise and held her close.

“You’re looking well, Papa,” Astarion gave him a half hug.

“Well enough for your mother to convince me to put on hose again,” Lin replied, who was also dressed as fairy. He showed off his green tights. “They are damned uncomfortable, aren’t they?” He shook Halsin’s hand, gently rocking Ben in the crook of his arm.

“My wife can convince me to do just about anything with only a smile,” Halsin rubbed his hand along the tight orange hose of his duck legs, giving Tav a look.

“A pleasure to see you as always, Addy,” Lin reached out to kiss her hand, trying not to notice his daughter in law’s prominent chest. “Do you need to feed little Ben or should I find a quiet place for her to rest?”

Before Tav could answer, more guests arrived behind them, dressed as a troupe of mimes. “I recognize that regal attire!” Gale greeted them, holding little Mara in his arms. Syma was at his side, her black dress barely concealing a new, swelling bump.

“Aren’t mimes supposed to be silent?” Astarion laughed, giving Gale a hug and grabbing Mara to coo at.

“We were a little rushed in our costumes,” Syma replied, giving Tav a careful hug. “We’ve been so busy.”

“I can see that!” Tav grinned, putting her hands on Syma’s belly. “How many months along and why wasn’t I the first to hear?”

“Four months. We wanted to hold off…since Mara is still so young,” Syma glanced back at Gale with a wink.

“Still in the honeymoon phase, I see?” Tav whispered, pulling her to the side for some quick girl talk.

“We can barely keep our hands off one another,” Syma bit her lip. “And Mara is still nursing. I can only assume what Gale’s colleagues think he is doing when he’s not teaching.”

“I’m sure they can guess,” Tav laughed.

“Not talking about me, I hope?” Gale came over to greet Tav with a kiss on the cheek. “You are looking well, Tiddy, I mean Addy,” Gale blushed deeply at his slip of the tongue.

Syma smacked him playfully on the chest, pulling him in close to whisper “don’t make me put you in a cage again…”

“You think I’d protest?” he growled in her ear, furtively gripping her ass.

“Is this the Gale I’ve been hearing so much about?” Delise wandered over when formal introductions hadn’t been made.

“It is,” Tav nodded as the couple pulled themselves apart. “Delise Ancunin, this is Gale Dekarios and his wife, Syma.”

“So lovely to meet you both and congratulations,” Delise gave them both a warm hug, lingering with Gale for a moment longer. “I can never repay you for restoring my son’s life to him,” she whispered. “Anything you ask, you shall have it.”

“A cold drink and a chair for my lovely wife would be wonderful,” Gale answered.

“Right this way,” Delise motioned, giving his hand a thankful squeeze.

“Why don’t Halsin and I put the girls in a spare bedroom and join you all?” Tav suggested, her breasts starting to ache slightly.

“There’s a quiet room just down the hall,” Delise pointed, ushering the others towards the ballroom.

Halsin took Mara from Astarion and Tav took Ben from Avaelin before they left. They set both infants on the bed and bolstered them with pillows so they didn’t roll off. “Alright,” Tav began unlacing the back of her dress. “You get to drink just enough to relieve the pressure, but not enough for anyone to suspect that it was daddy who was hungry.”

“I think I can do that,” Halsin smiled, following her into the nearby closet.

His lips went to hers at once, helping her to loosen her dress further. Her swollen breasts spilled out with ease, her creamy flesh extra warm and pliable. He cupped one in his hand, gently squeezing the intoxicating fluid into his mouth with a hungry moan. His other hand found his way up her dress, reaching under her panties to softly rub her. “Ahhhhhh, I can’t believe you are doing this to me dressed like a duck,” she moaned, both from the relief and the probing of his fingers.

“You can dress me up in whatever you like for a taste of this,” he growled, switching breasts and suckling her just as hungrily.

“Come here,” she whimpered quietly, needing something to keep her cries muffled as he fingered her faster.

He released her breast from his lips and let her lean against him, circling his fingers with precision as she squealed into the plush fabric of his costume. “Oh…oh…you ducking druid, you make me feel so ducking...” She trembled wildly, leaning further against him to keep upright as her climax buckled her knees. She panted against him for a moment, her breasts heaving as he sucked on the fingers that had been inside her.

“Nothing like a little milk and honey to settle the stomach,” he smiled down at her and nuzzled her nose.

“That doesn’t mean you get to fill up on sweets again though,” she grinned up at him. “I’m going to need some serious butter churning before bed.”

“Double creamed?”

“As usual.”

He quickly helped her stow her wondrous mounds back into her dress, giving them both a thankful kiss first. They exited the closet and found the two girls still fast asleep. Tav left the door slightly ajar so they could hear them if either of them awoke and headed towards the ballroom, arm in arm. More guests had arrived and were mingling, the children entertained in the corner by both a magician and Gale’s attempts at miming his spells. Karlach and Dammon had arrived, dressed as a Phoenix and knight, respectively. They were talking to Syma, who was sat in a chair watching her silly husband pretending to cast a Dancing Lights spell and reaching for the imaginary globes. “Hey, alright, another bird!” Karlach hugged Halsin as they came near. “And you,” Karlach looked Tav over. “You could feed an army with those things!”

“I’m sure,” Tav blushed deeply, giving Halsin another smile. “You two look great!”

“I thought a Phoenix was quite fitting for her,” Dammon beamed at his wife. “And I just threw on some stuff from the forge.”

“Auntie Kowwack!” Ava’s attention from Gale and the magician’s antics had waned and she came running over, nearly tripping on her long dress. Astarion deftly scooped her up in one arm, without spilling a drop of his wine.

“Hey, there’s the little angel!” Karlach grinned, taking Ava from Astarion’s arm.

“I’m a pwincess!” Ava protested again.

“You can be both, sweetheart!” Karlach raised her above her head. “So you can still fly!”

Ava cheered and giggled happily as Karlach flew her around the ballroom, all of her friends and family thankful she’d been given a second chance at life through Dammon’s skill. The display drew the attention of all the other children at the party, who requested their own flights. “Gods damn that cat is heavy!” Karlach finally returned, panting slightly after soaring Shan through the air. “What do you feed him?”

“Let me get you a cold drink,” Dammon kissed her cheek and went off for libations.

“Are you two still considering adoption?” Astarion hesitated to ask, knowing it was a sensitive subject. “The kids adore you.”

“I think we’re both content to be Auntie and Uncle to this growing brood of youngsters you all keep making,” Karlach nudged Gale in the stomach.

“If this one is another girl, we were thinking about naming her Karlach,” Syma rubbed a hand over her belly. “If that’s alright with you.”

“Hells yes!” Karlach swore, forgetting that the twins were nearby and covered her mouth with her hand.

“They hear worse at home,” Halsin grinned, looking to both Tav and Astarion.

Dammon returned with drinks and Delise on his arm, who was inquiring with the smith about placing new ironwork on the house. “You have the most wonderful and talented friends,” Delise gushed, letting Karlach have his arm. “I understand how you all saved the city together.”

“We’re a good bunch,” Tav glanced over to see Wyll arriving with his wife, Giyzlyn. Wyll hadn’t had time in his busy schedule for a costume, but donned a pearl mask that matched his wife’s shimmering unicorn ensemble. Tav waved at the couple, but the newly appointed Grand Duke was swarmed by other guests and it took him a few minutes to make his way over to them. “Hey you!” Karlach gave him a hug that nearly took him off his feet. “Glad you aren’t too important to hang out with us Lower City types.”

“Still the best fried fish in the city,” he smiled, giving everyone else a less boisterous hug and was introduced to Astarion’s mother. “You all remember my wife, Giyzlyn?” Wyll gently nudged his shy wife into their circle.

“Lovely to see you again, Lyn,” Tav greeted the petite woman, trying not to smash her breasts into her face as she gave her a light hug.

“How are the little ones?” Lyn asked quietly, playing nervously with the long, white ponytail attached to her horn headpiece.

“It sounds like one of them just woke up,” Tav heard crying over the low clamor of the party.

“Bets on which one it is?” Syma went to stand, holding a hand to her belly.

“Five silver on Mara,” Tav helped her up. “Ben clearly hasn’t been hungry lately,” Tav added as her breasts jiggled in her tight dress.

“Do…you mind if I come along?” Giyzlyn asked as the men and Karlach had become engaged in looking over Wyll’s new sword and Delise had gone to mingle.

“No, please,” Tav took her by the arm.

Aside from Giyzlyn’s shyness, it had also been hard for her to entrench herself among the group, who had all been apart of the Absolute Crisis in one way or another. She had just been a resident of the city when the attack happened, cloistered safely in her family’s manor. She and Wyll had also been trying for a baby for several years since their wedding, but nothing had born fruit yet. She was deeply envious of the two women that walked beside her and was already preparing a slew of questions after seeing Syma’s belly. By the time they reached the bedroom, both girls were crying, their tiny fingers gripping each other’s in solidarity. “Oh dear!” Syma cooed, scooping up Mara who had fat tears rolling down her cheeks. She quieted a bit in her mother’s arms, opening her mouth to indicate she was hungry.

“Oh gods!” Tav exclaimed when she picked up Ben, smelling a soiled diaper instead of seeing a hungry mouth. “I should have sent Halsin in,” she gagged slightly.

“Does he change all the diapers?” Syma laughed, pulling her dress down to give Mara a meal.

“Unless he’s not home…and Astarion can’t be convinced,” Tav breathed loudly out of her mouth.

“I can help,” Giyzlyn volunteered, standing next to the door.

“Oh, I’d hate for you to soil that lovely white dress,” Tav held Ben as far away from herself as possible and laid her across the dresser to change her.

“I’ll be careful,” Giyzlyn promised.

“There are clean diapers under the pram,” Tav motioned towards the stroller that had been wheeled out of the hall.

She got Ben’s romper undone, shaking her head at the greenish brown stain on the backside. “My sweet baby, there is only so much Prestidigitation can do and mommy just ate a lot of canapés.”

“Here you go,” Lyn set the diaper down, unfastening the soiled one. “I volunteered at the relief camps after the Elder Brain attack. There were so many babies that lost their parents.”

“That’s where you and Wyll met, wasn’t it?” Tav stepped away slightly to let her work, casting a quick spell to clean up Ben’s backside.

“It was. I didn’t recognize him at first…because of the horns. But he was just as handsome as I remembered him from my father’s council meetings. I tried to peek in as often as I could…but couldn’t even muster the courage to introduce myself.”

“You still got him in the end, though,” Tav smiled, sliding the dirty diaper into the enchanted bag that had been alleviated of its rotten eggs.

“I just wish…” Lyn sighed, getting the new diaper fastened. “We both want to start a family…but…how did you two do it? I feel like we are doing something wrong. We’ve been trying so much but…my bleeding still comes every month. You’ve both been blessed twice…and I am starting to think there is something wrong with me…or Wyll.”

Tav looked back at Syma with a sympathetic frown, Mara still suckling on her breast. “It isn’t your fault…even if there is something biologically going on. Stress can have a lot to do with it,” Syma replied. “Gale and I tried for a while without success. We tracked my cycle, took my temperature, I put a cock cage on him to save up his seed until the time was right.”

“A what?” Tav and Lyn said almost simultaneously.

“It’s a little metal cage that goes around his…thing,” Syma motioned. “Some people use it for…kinkier reasons…but it prevents them from getting fully hard and makes orgasming much more difficult.”

“You didn’t let him jerk off?” Tav wondered, getting Ben’s romper done back up.

“I didn’t have the benefit of two donors,” Syma smirked. “And even that didn’t help much. We would argue about which position was best and it started to put a strain on our marriage. Sex became a chore for us. It wasn’t until we started having fun with it, while still trying to keep an eye on when I was most fertile, that it actually happened the first time. We hadn’t quite planned on this one just yet,” Syma burped Mara and clutched her stomach. “But having a house full of love and constantly swollen tits…this one happened the old fashioned way,” Syma grinned.

“Tell me about it,” Tav sighed, glancing down at her breasts that were already beginning to swell again. “Booba?” She looked at Ben for any indication she was hungry. Ben just grabbed at her hat again, jingling the bell on the end. “Oh my gods, child, are you and your father in cahoots? He already had some milk earlier!”

“They…drink from you too?” Syma wondered, gently rocking Mara back to sleep. “Isn’t that…strange?”

“It’s different,” Tav blushed, feeling a tingle in her nipples at just the thought of it. “It’s not like when Ben does it. I know I am feeding her body. With them…it’s like feeding their soul. It’s intimate…and usually a relief when I’m all swollen like this.”

“And they…like it too?” Syma sighed quietly, furtively tracing a finger over her nipple. “Gale still fondles and stares at them, but he seems reluctant to put his mouth anywhere near them.”

“It might not be for everyone. Astarion only does it on occasion…but Halsin…he’d suckle me dry if not for her.”

“Hmmmm,” Syma bit her lip, glancing towards the ballroom wondering what Gale was up to now.

“So, I just need to get bigger breasts?” Giyzlyn chimed in quietly.

“Oh gods, no,” Tav sighed, derailing the topic of conversation with her engorged tits. “I think it helps if you just really focus on the intimacy. Encourage the love to grow instead of forcing it. None of my children were planned, my husbands and I just enjoy each other’s company…a lot.”

“I enjoy Wyll a lot too, but…having to drag him to bed all the time…it does feel like a chore…even when we are both in the mood,” Giyzlyn replied.

“Mara was conceived on a desk,” Syma grinned, setting her daughter back down on the bed. “And I think this one was on a chaise lounge. It doesn’t always need to be in a bed, on your back, cleric-style. Let it be spontaneous and passionate.”

“What about yours?” Lyn looked shyly at Tav. “Even if they weren’t planned. You were able to get twins!”

“You know those dual plows that also lay seeds after?” Tav blushed deeply.

“Tav!” Syma grinned widely. “Dual?!”

“The twins were…consecutive plowings, upside down, in my loft. Ben was both…at once, on bed.”

“Wow,” Syma sighed deeply, her cheeks blushing under her mime makeup. “I suppose we could try it with a Simulacrum…can you excuse me for a moment?” She kissed Mara’s forehead and left the room, her tail swishing behind her.

“Do you want to hold her for a bit?” Tav held Ben towards Giyzlyn, who was taking this all in with both wonder and confusion. “She usually wants to eat shortly after she poops, but not right away.”

“Yes, of course,” Lyn eagerly took the infant, who was babbling happily and still jingling her hat. “So Wyll and I should just focus on each other…and not on getting pregnant?”

“You can keep it in the back of your mind and do things afterwards to help encourage it to happen. I think it is more about connecting with one another on a deeper level than having them make you come over and over after so that the contractions encourage the sperm up…but that can be a connection too…if you make it one.”

Tav gave her a few more anecdotes and positions to experiment with, before Ben was finally hungry enough to reach out for her mother’s swollen bosom. Giyzlyn returned to the ballroom, finding Gale and Syma making excuses for an early departure, their hands grasped tightly and a bead of sweat on Gale’s brow. “Hello, my love,” Wyll gave her a kiss. “Helping with the little ones?”

“Mmmhmmm. I can’t wait for us to have our own,” she nodded, taking his hand and giving it a gentle squeeze. “Do you mind if we grabbed some air? Changing that diaper has me feeling a little queasy.”

“Of course,” Wyll smiled, squeezing her hand back. “If you will excuse us for a moment?”

“Us as well,” Gale grinned, looking at Syma with a hunger. “Perhaps we can have breakfast at the cottage if the invitation to stay there still stands?” He began pulling her away.

“Leaving already?” Tav returned, seeing the vibrating tension between the couple. “Ben had two sips and was done.”

“Random pregnancy craving,” Syma rubbed her belly. “If I don’t get a sausage or two inside me soon, I’m going to be sizzling. I think I saw a place that is open late on the way to your cottage.”

“I understand completely,” Tav grinned. “Those cravings can be powerful. There is a spare key hidden under the bench in the garden. The loft will have a great view of the fireworks…and since Mara is back asleep, why don’t we keep her for a night and let you get some much needed rest?”

“That would be wonderful,” Gale dabbed one of his mime gloves on his brow, smearing the face paint slightly.

“Thank you again, Tav,” Syma kissed her cheek goodbye. “We’ll try to keep it down,” she whispered.

The couple walked out of the ballroom after bidding Astarion’s parents a regretful early goodbye, Syma’s tail already tickling behind Gale’s ear. They briefly peeked in on Mara, sleeping peacefully next to Ben and then made a swift exit, their hands groping one another as they passed Rolan and Tav’s mother, Saera. “It isn’t over already, is it?” Saera asked as they passed without a word.

“I’m sure the second greatest wizard in the land has more important things to do, like practice,” Rolan laughed, nuzzling Saera’s cheek. “I’m sorry I made us fashionably late, but that costume is quite becoming on you.”

“Just like you were earlier,” Saera laughed, having secretly borrowed one of Tav’s bard costumes. “Ha, I made a pun! Or is that a double entendre? My daughter acts like it’s so hard to be clever all the time.”

“I think it’s the latter,” Rolan replied, knocking on the door. “Do you hear something wet?” He asked as Malira opened the door.

“Late arrivals or party crashers?” Malira asked, chewing on some candy with her mouse ears askew.

“Lady Saera Calthrenis and Sir Rolan of Ramazith Tower,” Rolan tipped his wizard hat. He was dressed only slightly more elegant than normal and had attached a fake beard for whimsy. Malira was thoroughly unimpressed, but welcomed them in, recognizing Tav’s last name.

As Malira let them in, the wet smacking grew louder, Wyll’s lips pressed tightly against Lyn’s as they made out in the side garden. “I thought you just wanted some air?” Wyll grinned, Lyn’s hand rubbing against his codpiece. “What’s gotten into you, Giyzlyn?”

“I was hoping you would fill that role,” she cooed shyly, undoing one of the buttons on his trousers.

“Wouldn’t you prefer we go home first?” He asked as she undid another, reaching her hand in to rub him directly.

“Home is boring,” she purred, sinking to her knees to pull his cock out. “I want passion…and a baby.”

“Ahhhhh…anything you desire, my beauty,” he moaned, moving her horn aside so he could hold her hair back.

She sucked him loudly, lacking experience, but having plenty of enthusiasm. “Mmmm…haaa…ahh,” Wyll moaned, pulling her mouth away before he burst. “We’ll need to switch to something else if we want to make that baby,” he panted, brushing his fingers along her cheeks.

Giyzlyn stood up with a smile, slipping her panties down under her dress. “Come here, my duchess,” Wyll knelt to help her, tucking his head under her skirt.

“Wyll!” Lyn whimpered, grabbing onto a nearby trellis to keep steady as his tongue licked between her legs.

They’d rarely taken the time in the past few months to simply give one another pleasure, skipping straight to penetration in hopes of producing an heir. Giyzlyn tried to keep her cries to a minimum, shaking the trellis as Wyll continued to tongue her. “Please Wyll,” she begged, needing to feel him inside her.

“You’re just so wet tonight,” Wyll reappeared from under her skirt, giving his excited cock a few strokes. “I couldn’t get enough.”

“You can have as much as you want after you end inside me,” she lifted up her skirts, propping one of her feet on the trellis and grabbing onto it with both hands.

“What did you three talk about in that room?” Wyll smiled, teasing himself along her hungry slit.

“Just some….ahhhhh….friendly advice for a would-be mother,” she moaned as he eased inside her, gripping the long tail attached to her dress.

He started off slow at first, kissing her neck and gently pulling her hips back. The passion ignited as they heard guests coming out onto the balcony above them to smoke pipes. “Don’t stop, Wyll,” Giyzlyn whispered, the trellis creaking slightly as Wyll fucked her.

“Give me your lips then, my love,” he pulled out and spun her around, picking up her hips and kissing her deeply.

They silenced their moans between their mouths, the trellis tapping gently again the stone wall. The party goers laughed and clinked glasses, oblivious to the scene below them. Someone was watching them, however, seething with brimstone as she plotted. Wyll erupted inside Giyzlyn with a muffled moan, gripping his hands firmly into her hips. “Let me finish you with my hand,” Wyll huffed, moving to set her down.

“No…stay inside me,” Giyzlyn asked, reaching down to circle around her clit. “The contractions will help move things upwards,” she grinned, tilting her hips a little.

She came quietly against his lips several times before she was also completely spent. She lay her head on his shoulder as she caught her breath, gently stroking the back of his neck. “That definitely wasn’t boring,” he smiled when she looked up at him, finally slipping out of her and letting her legs down.

“It was wonderful, my Wyll,” she kissed him deeply. “Should we go back inside or head straight home to do it again?”

“I’ll meet you inside,” he bent down to pick up her panties, pocketing them. “I still need to catch my breath.”

“Don’t be long,” she left him with one last kiss, straightening her horn as she slipped back inside.

Wyll watched her disappear with a smile and then changed his expression, putting his sword back on his belt. “What are you doing here?” He asked without looking away from the door she’d gone into.

“Wyll, is that any way to treat an old friend?” Mizora crept from the shadows, wearing her human form tonight.

“Go back to the Hells,” he spat in her direction. “I am sick of smelling you where ever I go.”

“I thought you’d be used to it by now,” she picked up the mask he’d discarded during his lovemaking. “You changed your hair?” She slid her hand over the tight twists that fell over his forehead.

“Don’t. Touch. Me,” Wyll put a hand to the sword.

“That wife of yours is making all kinds of changes I don’t like,” Mizora purred, prowling around him.

“If you so much as look in her direction…”

“Relax pup, I don’t have any interest in her…she’s just in my way.”

Wyll lashed out, grabbing Mizora by the throat, which only seemed to spur her on. “Oh Wyll, you know just what I like…having me out in the garden just like her.”

Wyll threw her backwards, but she was instantly able to reappear at his side. “Now, now dear. Don’t throw me out until you hear what I have to say.”

“I don’t care for anything you have to say. Leave me in peace,” He turned towards the doorway back inside. “Our contract is over.”

“Not even about that baby you both so desperately want?” Mizora called.

“Say another word and I will cut your head clean off,” Wyll drew his sword in a flash. “I doubt you are here on Zariel’s behalf, so do her protections still stand, Cambion?”

“Your wife is hiding things from you…that is the answer to your nonexistent heir,” Mizora smiled, planting the seed she’d intended and disappeared in a flash of brimstone. Wyll sheathed his sword without a word and headed back inside.

The party was still in full swing inside, much to the delight of the late arrivals. The twins had been lured back to the magician with more candy, leaving the adults to drink and chat. “Gale and Syma are going to fuck on every surface of the cottage, aren’t they?” Astarion sighed after they’d left. “What in Gods name did you talk about in there? Even Wyll’s wife looked ready to ride him in the middle of the ballroom.”

“Just mother stuff,” Tav fibbed slightly, hoping both couples were having fun. “And I helped change Ben’s diaper too.”

“I’m sure you were very hands on,” Halsin teased, fiddling with the laces on the back of her dress, eager for more milk.

“You’re getting sassy with me too?” Tav purred. “Sassy bears don’t get milk with their good night tea.”

“This sassy bear will distract your mother for the rest of the night if I do,” Halsin motioned towards the door.

“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me,” Tav swore when she turned and saw her mother enter the ballroom with Rolan. “That’s one of my costumes!” Tav stormed towards her, her tits bouncing with each step.

“If they fight, what are the odds one of her tits falls out?” Astarion smirked, slightly tipsy from the wine.

“I’ll take that!” Karlach laughed. “The left has been sitting a little higher.”

“No, it’s got to be the right. That’s the one that always makes its way out of her chemise when she sleeps!”

“Does Tav know you talk about her like this?” Shadowheart wondered, having arrived shortly before Gale had left. She was dressed like a cow and was late due to an incident at the farm.

“Oh, she loves it!” Astarion grinned. “Halsin?”

Halsin made a silent grumble in his throat, disapproving of the bet, but watching Tav stride across the ballroom. “Both…they are equally swollen and the hem will come down with the slightest pull,” he licked his lips, remembering how easily they burst forth earlier.

“Addy!” Saera waved when she saw her daughter storming towards her. “You should cover those up, dear. Are you not feeding her enough?” she reached out to pull Tav’s cape across her cleavage.

Tav slapped her hand away and stood with her hands on her hips. “Just what in the Hells do you think you are doing?” Tav asked.

“It’s Liar’s Night, darling. We’re supposed to be people we aren’t.”

“But that is MY costume! How did you even get it?”

“I was looking through the closet for something to put on Ava a while ago and knew I needed a costume. You weren’t using it. I was just surprised that it fit!”

Rolan quietly slipped away to get drinks, leaving the mother and daughter alone. “You could have asked first…and…are those hickeys on your neck?” Tav pulled away the ruffled collar of the doublet.

“Why do you think we were late?” Saera blushed.

“Gods, it is bad enough that you are seeing a man more than half your age, but then you show up late to something Astarion’s mother painstakingly planned and invited you to when she didn’t have to…”

“You are married to a man half your age,” Saera smirked, also putting her hands on her hips. “And I’m fairly certain that is a bite mark on your breast and Ben hasn’t gotten her milk teeth in.”

“Argggh!” Tav screamed quietly, storming off again. Astarion and Karlach had been watching her closely, poised to see if there would be a cat fight. “What are you two looking at?” Tav hissed.

“They took bets on whether one of your breasts would fall out if it came to blows with your mother,” Shadowheart tried to stay out of it, while also stirring the pot.

Tav screamed in her throat again, pulling one of her breasts out angrily before storming off towards the room where the infants were sleeping. She nearly ran into Lyn, who was holding her skirt folded inwards. “Oh Addy, is everything alright? I was hoping you might be able to do something about this?” She unfolded her skirt, revealing two grass stains around her knees. “We tried passionate and spontaneous.”

“Yes, sure,” Tav took in a deep breath, casting another Prestidigitation spell on her skirt before ducking back into the bedroom.

“I think that still counts,” Astarion smiled after Tav stormed off, knowing she was just taking out her annoyance with her mother on them. “And it was the right one, so I win.”

“I’ll go calm her down,” Halsin sighed, handing Astarion his honey mead.

“Keep the teeth below her décolletage this time,” Astarion whispered, giving him a kiss on the cheek. “I’ll be in shortly.”

Halsin found Tav sitting in a chair with her head in her hands, both children still fast asleep and her crown tossed aside. “What’s wrong, my heart?” He knelt in front of her, reaching under her dress to rub his hands soothingly along the tops of her thighs. “Your mother?”

“I have a list,” she sighed.

“Start from the top then,” he whispered, pushing up her chin to look at him.

“This was supposed to be a fun night, but everyone is staring at my chest, wondering why my baby won’t nurse from me, like I’m a bad mother. And I am! I can’t even change a diaper without nearly retching. My own mother gets to go off and do as she pleases, while I’m stuck in place. I want to work again. I want to wear my old costumes and sleep in after being up all night. I want to go on adventures and write books about them, not just try to rehash the stories I’ve done before. I love the kids to death, but I don’t want to start resenting them for keeping me stuck at home all the time. I’m just a selfish fucking asshole.”

“I don’t think anyone believes you are a bad mother,” he gently caressed her face. “We discussed child-rearing duties even before the twins were born. I am more than happy to take care of it all and it doesn’t make you any less of a mother to them if you don’t do any of it. I know it seems overwhelming right now, but we have three very young children that are a lot of work. They will get older and more self-sufficient though. You can start working again and go on adventures without myself and the kids.”

“But I don’t want to go on adventures without you…and make you feel like you have to stay at home all the time either. You’ve already made enough compromises living in the city.”

“I’m happy with the life I have now. I have my family. I can look forward to adventures at your side when they are older, but I am happy right now.”

“I am too,” Astarion stepped into the bedroom, shutting the door behind him. “Yes, it is a little boring staying at home making clothes all day, but it beats bleeding on the side of the road and eating dried meat. We have plenty of time to get into mischief…and we still have a lot of fun together, don’t we?” He knelt beside Halsin, gently stroking her calf.

“Yes,” she smiled, stroking both their faces. “But everything is starting to seem a little routine. We wake up, get the kids settled for the morning, you work in your shop and Halsin does housework, I try coming up with new ideas that are shit. Lunch, then back to the same stuff, dinner, put the kids to bed, make love if we have the energy, rest and repeat. Seeing all our friends…I guess it just made me nostalgic…for not knowing what was coming next. Back when I didn’t have to deal with these!” She motioned towards her swollen, aching breasts.

“Those can easily be taken care of,” Astarion smiled, reaching up to loosen the back of her dress. “As for everything else, we can start to break up the routine. We can work on new costumes together, get Karlach and Dammon to watch the kids for a few days while we slip out of the city. Whatever you need. You’re the wet, sticky glue that keeps this family together,” he purred, letting his other hand stroke between her legs. “So let’s make some more to fill in the cracks.”

“Come here, my queen,” Halsin pulled her out of the chair, leading them all back to the closet.

They pressed both of their mouths against her, kissing together as they freed her breasts. Halsin took one in his mouth to suckle on, as Astarion untied the crimson sash on his waist and used it to gently tie her wrists to the closet rod. He then claimed her other breast, suckling hungrily on it and leaving his own teeth marks. They both worked at getting her panties to her ankles, fingering her front and back as they alleviated the pressure in her tits. She moaned quietly, needing to be used and controlled and fucked silly. Once Halsin had tasted his share of her milk, he sunk to his knees for more of her honey. Astarion unbuttoned himself, letting Halsin stroke him while Astarion continued to finger her ass. “Do you need a gag, your highness?” Astarion asked, finished with her breast and now focused on her neck.

“Uhhhuhhh,” she whimpered, her legs trembling as Halsin sucked hard on her clit. He set her legs on his shoulders so she didn’t need to stand, probing his tongue deeper and getting Astarion fully hard with his hand.

“Do you want us both to fuck you?” Astarion whispered, knotting his silk pocket scarf and putting it in her mouth.

“Please,” she panted through the gag, gripping tightly to the closet rod.

“What a polite, good girl,” Astarion moved behind her, lifting up the back of her dress and cape. He made himself slick with her honey, teasing against her tight asshole as Halsin rose from his knees and began pulling off his duck costume.

“Wait for me, Astarion,” Halsin growled, pulling the plush fabric past his hips and revealing a stiff cock. “I want to enter her at the same time.”

“Ready for an adventure, daring?” Astarion nibbled on her ear, still teasing his tip against her puckering hole, waiting for Halsin to pick up her hips.

“Mmmmm!” She moaned, feeling them push into her in sync, suddenly tight and full.

They pulled her back and forth between them, their mouths at each of her ears as they whispered filthy endearments. The excitement of the party just outside spurred them on, pounding her faster as the closet filled with wet slaps and low moans. She soaked through the gag, her chin dripping with spit as she whimpered and moaned. They finished together this way quite frequently, so Astarion suggested they switch things up even more. “Do you want him to finish in your ass while I cum between those beautiful tits?” Astarion asked, knowing she hadn’t taken Halsin that way very often due to his size.

She nodded enthusiastically, so overwhelmed by pleasure that she couldn’t even speak. They slowed their hips for a moment while Astarion untied her wrists, allowing Halsin to pull her to the floor. He lay her gently on her back and pulled out of her cunt, his cock slick and throbbing. “I’ll go slow,” Halsin whispered, squeezing his thick tip into the hole Astarion had just spread. “Until you want it fast…”

She nodded as he pushed further inside, Astarion hovering over her to watch her eyes roll back in her head. “Mmmmmm, look at her,” Astarion growled, stroking Halsin’s hair as he began fucking her again. “You think she’ll have something to write about now?”

“I…hmmmmnnn…think she will…and we’ll have to come offer relief again once she starts dripping onto the floor…” Halsin moaned, letting his slick fingers play with her cunt as Astarion slipped his trousers all the way off and straddled her chest.

“Up against the windows,” Astarion grinned, settling his cock between her tits as Halsin nuzzled his neck. “So the neighbors can see what a slutty little housewife we’ve made her into.”

“Hmmmmm…she is isn’t she?” Halsin growled, pulling her hips a little faster as Astarion pressed her tits together. “Willing to get on her hands and knees to work…or be worked.”

She grinned at that, her lips curling around the gag as her husbands looked down at her with an equal mix of devotion and lust. She was their wife, first and foremost, and they would do anything she wanted, even work her over in a closet while their friends and family were on the other side of the wall. She might not be able to fully embrace being a mother, but they would pick up where she couldn’t. She took each of their hands in one of hers, Astarion’s pressed against her tit and Halsin’s against her hip. She needed them, she needed this life, even if it didn’t mean constant adventures and a never-ending well of ideas. They were joined forever, by their bodies, by their love, and by their children.

Halsin squeezed her hand tightly, leaning against Astarion’s back as he erupted into her ass, his fingers hooked against her g-spot. Astarion grinned as Halsin moaned against his neck, seeing Tav’s climax also nearing as she bit hard into the gag, closing her eyes tightly. She squealed and shivered as fluid soaked Halsin’s hand, coming all over him. “Late as always,” Astarion groaned, spending across her neck and chin as she still shivered from climax.

She grinned up at him, squeezing her tits tighter together to get every last drop on her and pressing her legs against Halsin’s back to keep him inside her. They caught their breath together, their hands gently caressing the mess they’d made. “I love you both so much,” Tav mumbled through her gag, her eyes blissfully fluttering.

“What was that, darling?” Astarion smiled, pulling her gag out and teasing a bit of his cum across her lips.

“I said, who is going to clean this up?” She grinned, licking it off and begging for more.

“I think we need to call in professionals this time,” Halsin teased. “I knew I should have brought my maid outfit instead.”

“Could you make one for him?” Tav’s eyes lit up as she sucked more cum off Astarion’s fingers. “A really short dress and apron…thigh-high stockings?”

“I can picture it already,” Astarion chuckled, turning his head to give Halsin a kiss. “What do you say?”

“I say, if we are going to start incorporating outfits into our sex life…I have a few ideas of my own,” Halsin growled.

“Until then, I suppose it will have to be a group effort,” Astarion groaned, climbing to his feet. “This really has the potential for some top-quality smut,” he made a frame with his hands. “The queen, on her back, covered in cum from two suitors.”

“Go on,” Tav giggled, putting her hands behind her head.

“One is a king from another land…the other…some sort of duck god,” Astarion looked down at Halsin, dressed only in his bright orange stockings. “The rest of court is waiting just outside with bated breath.”

“They are all ‘bating too?” Tav teased.

“If you wanted to write a court wide orgy scene, I suppose,” he grinned. “There’s some sort of intrigue…she needs to sign a treaty or something…”

“That’s some very loose plot structure, but I like it so far.”

“Oooo! A masquerade!” Astarion suggested, bending down to pick up his trousers as Halsin wiped her chest and neck clean with the untied silk gag. “They could pass notes while they danced…using their mouths.”

“Oh, I like that,” Tav squirmed, looking down at Halsin as he dabbed the cum dribbling from her asshole.

“The story or this?” He purred, stroking her slit with his knuckle.

“Both,” she bit her lip. “Just one more…since I’m such a slutty little housewife?”

“You’re going to overfed our bear,” Astarion knelt beside Halsin after buttoning up his pants, Halsin continuing to stroke her slick lips. Astarion leaned down, teasing his tongue across clit.

“Another group effort?” Halsin smiled, slipping a few fingers back inside her and circling them.

“Yeah!” She whimpered, arching her back as Astarion sucked on her excited pearl.

She was spent again in moments, whimpering into her palm as her legs kicked in the air. “Mmmmmm,” Astarion took one last nuzzle of her clit. “One of us should get back to party before someone comes looking…I suppose that will be me, since I am already dressed.”

“Will you make some excuse that I just needed to lie down for a moment?” Tav asked. “Your mother went to all this effort and I’ve been in here half the time.”

“Of course, my love,” Astarion got up after giving them both a kiss. He slipped out of the closet, poking his head back in to tell them that one of the infants needed a diaper changed.

“That’s my cue,” Halsin got up, grabbing his crumpled duck costume from the floor.

Tav stayed reclined for a moment, listening to the sweet cooing of Halsin as he changed Mara. She knew she didn’t need to force herself to be the perfect caregiver to be a good mother, she just needed to be there, unlike her mother had. She slowly climbed to her feet after unfastening her soaked cape. She folded it up and stowed in under the pram, grabbing some wipes to do a little more clean up on herself. Halsin had already gotten Mara changed and was bouncing her on his knee. “How did you get so perfect?” Tav asked, cleaning up the floor of the closet as best she could.

“I was surrounded and nurtured my entire life. That was life in a druid grove. When my parents passed, there were others to care for me, even when I hid and only talked to Thaniel. It can’t be easy to suddenly become the mother to three children when your own was hardly there,” he replied, trying to keep Mara from sucking on her tail tip.

“I wish I could have met them,” Tav went over to him, seeing that Gale’s daughter was hungry. She offered a breast, which Mara reached for.

“Here,” Halsin gently handed the tiefling off to her and offered her the chair. Mara latched right away, uncaring that it wasn’t her mother’s familiar breast. Halsin gently stroked Tav’s hair, running his fingers through the knots their lovemaking had caused. “I know they would have loved you as much as I do.”

“Do you think the kids would be better off growing up somewhere like that? Instead of the middle of the city?” She looked up at him as Ben awoke and began to fuss.

“I think the little grove we’ve made is perfect enough,” Halsin scooped Ben up in his arms, only making her fuss louder. “And I think someone is finally ready to eat.”

Halsin helped get their own daughter situated against Tav’s other breast, making sure she got a good latch. “Just a moment,” Halsin called when there was a gentle knock on the door. He draped a nursing blanket over Tav’s chest and then answered the door.

“Astarion said you were feeling a little dizzy, so I brought you some tea,” Delise stepped into the room. “But I see you have your hands full.”

“I’ll drink it after, thank you,” Tav smiled.

“You must’ve gotten a lot of practice with the twins?” Delise set the tea on the nearby table. Halsin ducked out of the room, letting Tav have a moment with her mother-in-law and to search for honey for her tea, just like Tav preferred.

“They thankfully weren’t as fussy as Ben has been, but they were still a handful. I regret that you didn’t get to see them as infants.”

“I still get to watch them grow quite a bit. I wish Gale and his wife had been able to stay longer, I owe him nearly as much as I owe you for helping my son back from the darkness. But it was kind of you to offer them a night off, especially with this one teething.”

“I’m just starting to realize that,” Tav winced, Mara done suckling and trying to bite for more. “They’ve been amazing friends to have over the years and I’m sure we’ll have plenty of other opportunities to get together.”

“The Winter Solstice will be here before we know it and I throw a great party,” Delise smiled as Tav wrested Mara’s sharp teeth away, offering to take her.

“We’ll look forward to it,” Tav replied as Delise carefully pulled Mara from under the nursing blanket. Tav checked on Ben, who was still sipping at a slow pace. “Ben might be done with this breast by then,” she sighed.

“You know, Astarion was a leisurely drinker as well. He’d suckle for hours if I let him, but get immediately angry if I stopped…the little brat,” Delise laughed.

“She certainly is,” Astarion gently guided Ava into the room, her cheeks wet with tears.

“What’s wrong?” Tav asked, sharing a smirk with Delise.

“Shan say….I….not a…weal…pwincess,” Ava began blubbering again, more tears spilling down her cheeks. She buried her face in Delise’s lap and collapsed in her usual dramatic fashion.

“You are in this house,” Delise rubbed her back for comfort. “Your father was the little prince here when he was your age…we might still have the throne he made us get.”

“You had a throne?” Tav grinned.

“I think it was just a really nice chair,” Astarion pretended not to suddenly remember holding court over a pile of stuffed animals.

“It was a throne,” Delise mouthed to Tav. “I’ll have grandpapa look for it in the attic and the next time you come over, you can see how you like it, alright?”

“Awight,” Ava sniffled, her temper tantrum successfully defused. “Can I hab mow candy?”

“I think you have had enough sugar for today,” Astarion palmed a few cubes to Tav for her tea. “They didn’t have honey, but Halsin said this would do.”

“Thank you,” Tav smiled, mixing the spoon around to disperse it. “Hopefully I will feel good enough for a waltz with the king before the night is up.”

“My arm awaits,” he bowed, picking up Ava. “Until then, I’ll take this little one for a spin.” He spun her around as he walked out the door, making her giggle.

“They are so much alike,” Delise beamed, Mara growing sleepy in her arms. “You have my sympathies for the next few years.”

“I’ll try to prepare myself,” Tav laughed, checking on Ben again, who was barely latched and falling back asleep. “I think she’s about done,” Tav took a long sip of her tea.

“This one certainly is,” Delise got up to put Mara back on the bed. “You know, I think Astarion started nursing better once I started eating more ginger. Maybe it gave my milk some extra flavor?”

“I’ll try anything,” Tav laughed as Ben’s mouth popped off and her head sagged against her.

She got up and put her back on the bed next to Mara, careful to keep the blanket draped over her breasts so Delise didn’t have to see the bite marks her son had left. She tucked herself back into her dress and returned out to the ballroom with Delise. “So let me get this straight?” Karlach asked Rolan, as they chatted in a group. “You dressed like a wizard and you are a wizard…where is the fun in that?”

“I’m a different wizard,” Rolan sighed, pulling his beard down to take a long drink.

“Sure,” Karlach nodded, her mood brightening when she saw Tav returning with Delise at her side. “You feeling any better, Sweet Cheeks?”

“Loads better,” Tav blushed, realizing the entendre she’d just made.

“Yeah, Astarion and Halsin looked pretty pleased with themselves,” she whispered lowly, nudging Tav with her elbow.

“Is my daughter finished with her temper tantrum?” Saera returned with another drink for Rolan and herself.

“She just finished nursing two infants,” Delise snapped, still at Tav’s side and not a fan of Saera. “I can’t imagine you took the time to do that with her when she was a babe?”

“She received a very special formulation of milk, alchemical boosters, and a hint of the Weave to boost her spell power. She was casting 2nd level spells at five,” Saera boasted.

“I was six,” Rolan said proudly.

“Congratulations,” Delise smirked. “You’ve come a long way in so few years.”

Both Tav and Karlach guffawed at Delise’s dig at their age gap. Saera scowled at Delise, making a quiet grumble in her throat after taking a long sip of her drink. “We aren’t all so lucky to be able to buy our children into good schools,” Saera shot back, glancing over at Astarion still dancing with Ava.

“And he was still top of his class,” Delise challenged, taking a step towards Saera.

Both mothers seemed keen to continue their verbal jabs about their parenting, so Halsin tried to steer the conversation in a different direction. “This little gourd-shaped pastry is quite good,” Halsin noted, chewing happily. “Did Malira make them or did you buy them from a shop?”

“It’s an old family recipe,” Delise turned her attention away from Saera. “I will have her copy the recipe down so Addy can make it at home.”

“My stomach would certainly appreciate it,” Halsin smiled, feeling Tav give his hand a thankful squeeze at defusing the bickering. “Though my waistline might not.”

“I like you a little squishy,” Tav replied, pressing herself against his padded, plush belly. “Though not this squishy.”

[mithrilhearts]

Alright folks! I know I'm not really doing much for the AU-Gust event for FOTFICs, but when given the opportunity to finally write something for my beloved @i-did-not-mean-to, I simply HAD to! It's definitely not my usual sort of writing, but I had fun with it.

I hope you enjoy it, my friend!!

Characters: Ori x OC, Nori

Prompt: Poorly timed confessions + "Sorry I took so long"

Words: 1624

The mountain had been won, and restoration over the winter had been anything but dull, so for these quiet moments, Ori often found himself near the back of any gathering of dwarrow, even during meals if he could help it. Thankfully, ever since Bilbo had come into the company, some of the more hobbity ways of life had merged their way into the lives of the dwarrow. Perhaps that was more Thorin’s doing than anything, to help keep his new interest feeling at home, but it did give the others a fair chance at properly taking care of themselves.

At least when supplies and provisions were not something they had to scavenge for.

Sitting tucked away at the farthest end of one of the large stone tables of the feasting hall, Ori had a blank journal spread in front of him, food casually to the side, and a look of pure thought across his features. A bead sat stationary within the gutter of those blank pages he had yet to decorate with ink. The bead was immaculate, just as it was important. It was a reminder of the things he had left behind prior to this quest of Thorin’s that had now come to a close.

There were so few things that had made it all the way from Ered Luin to Erebor, and this was one of them. A small, but hardy thing, much like the dwarrowdam who had gifted it to him. Plucking the bead and rolling it between his fingers, a fond curve pulled at the corner’s of Ori’s lips, examining the design of that which was most special to him. He wondered how Lílja was doing these days. Was she still the studious dam he remembered? Or too busy breaking the hearts of many a dwarrow with an axe in hand?

Or perhaps breaking them literally.

It often made the scholarly dwarf wonder what she had seen in him, for she had been a force to be reckoned with. Smart, lovely, and fierce. Sighing to himself as he rolled that bead around once more, Ori’s lips dropped, his eyes falling closed and remembering a time that felt like so long ago…and yet, wasn’t that long ago at all.

The night before leaving Ered Luin, after many months of shy glances and careful gestures, Ori had been ready to pour his heart out. At first, he had thought of simply writing something and leaving it behind for Lílja, such as a letter or a poem, something to truly get his thoughts down, but in the end, he’d opted for verbally stumbling his way through a proper confession of his admiration. 

Much to his surprise, while formerly forehead to forehead with the lovely dam he missed, Ori’s feelings had been reciprocated with the bead that was currently being rolled between his fingers.

A clap against the back of his shoulder sent the dwarf nearly jumping out of his skin.

“Thinking about your beaut, again, little brother?” Nori teased, fully thrilled to have caught Ori off guard as the younger dwarf fumbled with that bead, clutching it to his chest. “You could always write to her, you know.”

“The ravens have been working hard to deliver far more important things from our king to his sister, I would hate to overwork them…” Ori sighed, not bothering to shrug the arm that was suddenly slung over his arm as he relaxed, his eyes falling upon the bead in his palm once more. “I do miss her though.”

“Anyone with eyes can see that. Even Bilbo’s caught on!” Nori teased, reaching a hand over and playfully tweaking Ori's cheek, and finally getting a swat in his direction. “I have faith that you’ll get to see your dwarrowdam sooner rather than later.”

“Much as I would love that, I can’t help but believe that Lílja will be upset with me for leaving her like I did,” Ori lamented with a roll of his eyes before they settled on the king and consort-to-be that looked so dopey and enamored, reminding him of the doe eyes he’d been teased about making at Lí. “Did we look like that?”

“Even more sickeningly sappy, I promise.”

Trust in Nori to be honest, anyway. Ori took the words with grace though as he felt a smile pull at his lips, offering a grateful nod towards his older brother. “Perhaps I’ll have to come up with something more romantic if she ever speaks to me again after that poorly timed confession. Perhaps a bead of my own? Or a poem…”

“Or one of the thousands of sketches you’ve done of her since we left. I’m sure she’d keel over just knowing she’s not left your mind since we hit the road.” Squeezing Ori a bit in that shoulder-slung grip. “She’s a fine dam, you know.”

“She is!” Ori’s voice rose an octave, agreeing excitedly and quickly. “She’s fierce, and smart, and her beard…” The longing sigh could have blown the entire mountain away if it had just a little bit more force.

Hearing the quick scraping of boots against stone, Ori perked up to notice Thorin racing beyond his table, Bilbo at his heels and mentioning something about the first caravans from Ered Luin. Sharing a glance with Nori, Ori was quickly on his own feet as other dwarrow were also trickling their way to the main gate to welcome the first of those from the Blue Mountains. “You don’t think…?”

“Let’s go get your dam,” Nori urged, pushing Ori along.

Waiting anxiously, Ori bounced from foot to foot, a bead still clasped in his hand while a journal was long forgotten back in the feasting hall. His eyes were constantly moving, recognizing most faces, but none stuck out to him as important as the one he wanted to see. While watching Thorin embrace his sister, and how she eagerly was greeting Bilbo, it only produced a small smirk of amusement, but his attention continuously moved from dwarf to dwarf. 

Whatever small surge of hope had flooded Ori’s chest began to wither away, right up until the point where he heard his name ringing loudly like a gong, It felt like the world had slowed as a particular dwarrowdam emerged from the caravan crowd with a very unimpressed look to her face as her eyes met his. It felt like being caught in the grip of trolls, that gaze, and Ori almost wished he’d stayed behind with his journal and his memories.

“She looks mad,” Nori whispered from behind in his ear, keeping the younger dwarf from tucking tail.

“Thank you for pointing that out,” Ori hissed, already aware of that fact as the dam in question was stomping his way. Furious as she looked, the warmth that bubbled about in his heart couldn’t be helped. She looked just as lovely as he remembered. The way her beard moved as she did, and the little glimpses of those heavily pierced ears, and the tattoos! He’d take an angry Lílja any day, over no Lílja at all.

“Best of luck, little brother,” Nori teased before retreating back a few steps, eager to watch from afar as the dark haired dam got within reach. All he hoped was that Ori didn’t stumble over his words again.

Bracing himself as Lílja stormed her way over, Ori forced a smile to his lips, shy as it was. “Hi Lí,” he barely stammered at least, his fingers locking together as he half expected for an axe to land in his skull, or a fist to clock his jaw.

“Hi? That’s all you have to say?” Lílja huffed as she took those last few steps and her arms moved, though not in the way anyone expected considering her stomping display across the stone. Instead, her hands moved to cup the sides of Ori’s face gently. “I’m sorry I took so long…” she murmured. 

Reaching up to clasp around Lílja’s wrists, one hand awkwardly while hanging onto a bead, Ori felt his heart flutter, practically soaring to the heavens as his grin widened. “What do you mean? I’m the one who left—”

“And to say you were simply leaving for the Shire!” Lí snorted, “but…I’m sorry I took so long in getting here so that I could tell you to never do that again. Or at least take me with you! Our foolhardy king could have likely used a bit of sense among his company!”

Ori couldn’t help but laugh, flashing a glance over towards Thorin, Bilbo, and Lady Dis. “We had a bit of unexpected sense join our company, but I’m certain having you along would have spared us many headaches.”

“The Hobbit, over there?”

“Our burglar,” Ori winced as he watched Dis’ skull crash into Bilbo’s, and Thorin practically fell over in worry at the gesture.  “And the future Consort Under the Mountain, should he survive Thorin’s sister. You will love him just as we do,” 

“I can’t wait to meet him then, but until then, tell me all about this quest, for I have missed you dearly.” Lílja was quick to bonk her forehead far gentler against Ori’s before latching onto his arm, ready to be escorted deeper into the mountain and get a full retelling of the Quest for Erebor, now that seeing the victory had calmed her once worried heart.

“Of course, amrâlimê. I have a whole journal to show you!”

Typical Ori, and the truth of it was, seeing him alive and well had calmed her, not Erebor, not the king’s success, but Ori, and she wasn’t planning on letting him out of her grasp anytime soon—come dragonfire or high water.

[madmaxxing]

Nosith questions!

1- Favourites thing(s) about this character?

I personally really like the themes he's got going on. There's a lot of body dismorphia, trans undertones within the Owen to Nosith pipeline, but ultimately, my favorite part of Nosith is that he's a less than pleasant person who knows he's a dick, who has very little desire to be more than the bare minimum polite not to get kicked out, but he will go above and beyond for the people he loves.

I've been thinking of a point, future in the campaign where Nosith has to take up the mantle of the king his previous body; Owen, was born to take. He's very displeased by it, it's a job that forces him have to deal with people, often people he considers less than, but I think he'd really try to strike at corrupt systems and make living better for people. He's got the attitude to be a good, if very impersonal ruler.

Of course, the reasoning he gives is that if this is his kingdom, the lands are his, the people that work the lands are his... he doesn't want some second rate kingdom. He's not going to settle for less than excellency. His people will be educated, they will know how to do their jobs, and the army will be strong and capable to defend the land if it comes to that. Asa, if she wants to rule, might have to take on the more emotional side of dealing with the crowds.

While Owen has known the people through the filter of being able to go back home to the palace every night, Nosith has made it to the surface from the depths of the ocean. He knows hardship, and he takes pride in hard work, as long as it's not senseless.

2- What song(s) remind you of this character?

I've got a whole playlist for him! It's in chronological order of meeting the rest of the goth squad, the breakup with his goddess, and eventually finding love again.

However, I think the best fitting one for him is Cold Cold Man by Saint Motel.

3- Do you like this character?

He's my blorbo, my dearest little one.

4- Would you write about this character?

Oh boy. I have written about him, I've spent literal entire nights talking about him.

5- What do you not like about this character?

He's often unnecessarily callous. While he's the reason I've grown to love evil characters, he's so damn difficult without having to be.

Also, his voice. He's got a really guttural, growly voice and it's the reason I'm trying to push for him getting back his human body earlier in the campaign. I need to learn how to do his voice without wrecking my throat.

6- Favourite thing this character has said?

"You might have a hard time believing not every god's a piece of shit, but they're not that far unlike us on that regard. Some are bad, some don't care, and some are good. Their actions ripple through our lives and our world at a much larger scale than they might realize."

7- What do you like most about this character?

He wants, almost above all, to learn, to keep learning. He's a very, very determined person and there's little things that sway him for long if he's got something in mind.

10- Who do you like to ship with this character? (If you do of course) Is it another character from the cast or is it an OC?

Gosh. Um um. The canon ship Nosith has is Nosith/Asaithen. They are adorable together. But I'm a multishipper at heart and I can't say I haven't thought of how a relationship of him with some other character would look like.

The toxic ones are Thorah/Nosith and the absolute worst one is Thesisa/Nosith, I believe she might just keep him on an actual leash <3

Since one of Nosith's pivot points is a warped, toxic and often one-sided love, he lends himself really well for these kind of toxic ships. Nosith/Aiy'ig is literally the Twitter parasocial creep-a-zoid having a crush on a celebrity ship that is like, a Thing for most of the campaign.

11- Who do you not like to ship with this character?

Goes without saying that any relationship with the closest culties is an immediate no. Anemone and Gu'ga'Thak are his siblings, and Alexotof is, in his mind, no better than an animal that coincidentally can speak.

14- What outfit would you really like to see this character wear? Or what’s your favourite outfit of theirs?

Nosith says he's a real pragmatic guy but he's kind of vain <3 I think he'd look gorgeous all prettied up in gold and fine robes.

Up to this point, his outfits have been a plain black robe with a cloth mask, a filigree gold and black robe, masked still, and then he switched to a more combat oriented leather armor with a hood + half-cape combo.

16- What do you think would improve this character? Like, character-arc wise?

I think he needs to learn to actually respect his teammates. Thorah he 'respects' because she's proven she can crush him; Asaithen, she's a big source of information about his past life, and now she's also the other aquatic member of the team, so he's not the only weirdo choosing to sleep overnight in the river.

Unfortunately he doesn't respect Shade too much and it really shows in how he behaves with her.

17- Have you ever had a crush on this character…?

He's a bit too close to facets of me for me to have a crush on him.

18- What’s something you associate this character with? E.g. a certain colour, object or scenery?

His gold and ruby ring <3

[dcvilgrams]

All the hearts arranged in rainbow order. And SMILING FACE WITH SMILING EYES on behalf of The Smiling God

❤️ RED HEART — what are three of your oc's positive traits?

his creativity, his organizational skills, & his dedication to his family

💔 BROKEN HEART — what are three of your oc's negative traits?

his anxiety/self-doubt, his tendency to jump to often irrational and self-deprecating conclusions, & his dependency on others

💘 HEART WITH ARROW — what and/or who do(es) your oc consider the most important to them?

the thing he considers most important is his family. he worked incredibly hard, suffered so much, & literally even died to keep them and have them stay in his life. nothing is more important to him

🧡 ORANGE HEART — does your oc tend to prioritize family or friends?

to Xhura they are very borderline one and the same, but nothing comes above his family. now his family is self-made and not really comprised of blood-relatives (in the strictest sense) as much as it is comprised of people he is close to, but the circles of 'friends' & 'family' have a very large overlap for him

💛 YELLOW HEART — how many languages does your oc speak? what language(s) are they learning, if any?

as a human, or as I will consider 'actively,' two: english and japanese

but as a demon & especially being tied to Barbatos he obviously knows many more should he need them; which I will call 'passively:' so many

💚 GREEN HEART — does your oc prefer being inside or outside?

it kind of depends on the day & on his mood, but Xhura isn't exactly an outdoors-y kind of guy so more often than not inside

💙 BLUE HEART — does your oc have any cool/special powers and/or abilities? how are they with magic, if it exists in their world?

well, he does have a set of primary & secondary wings as well as a tail; inherited from his transformation into a demon following his permanent stay in the Devildom

he's not the most naturally adept at spells—not like Satan for example—but he does have an affinity for passive magic where his connection with Barbatos is concerned. most of his spellcasting doesn't involve incantations when it isn't very specific magic

💜 PURPLE HEART — what is your oc's ancestry/genetic background?

his lineage on his mother's side can be traced all the way back to Lilith and her human children, while his lineage on his father's side can been traced back to a japanese woman named Ryoko; who the Demon King—Diavolo's father—took as his bride

🖤 BLACK HEART — has your oc killed or seriously wounded anyone before? have they broken someone's heart and/or broken someone's trust?

Xhura did kill a man by the name of Josiah Clarke; a sorcerer who led a twisted and misguided cult of angel-worshippers under the guise of 'Michael,' & who kidnapped Ayla (@houselamentation's mc & Lilith's doppelganger) in the hopes of turning Ayla into Lilith through perverse magic

dude had to die. I think that much is obvious

as for breaking someone's trust... well it could be argued that he broke Ayla's trust when he was the one who suggested to Diavolo that she be temporarily barred from the Devildom following the incident involving her developing magic & the Ring of Light...

but that's more a matter of opinion. he thought he was doing what was best for Ayla in the hopes that she would get help

🤍 WHITE HEART — what are three of your oc's neutral/questionable traits?

everything must be color-coded, his eye color changes based on the situation & his mood & who he is with, & he unknowingly named his zombie iguana plushie Spooge & refuses to rename it even though he now knows what the word means

😊 SMILING FACE WITH SMILING EYES — what are your oc's career/general life desires? what do they want to get the most out of life?

Xhura never really had any life goals once he was forced to move away from japan & his dream of attending university there & becoming a historian was taken from him

now, though, he's fully embracing a future working towards becoming a royal historian for the Devildom, taking great care in his duties as a Lord of Hell, & wants to help realize Diavolo's dream of peace

details about ocs! | my ask

[multifandomweirdo3]

The Elven Enigma - Chapter 1

Thor x OC

Word Count: 1778

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

"How much longer is the ceremony?" Nym asks.

"Hush, sister. He hasn't even reached the steps yet." Sif replies. She groans quietly, rolling her eyes.

"I say we leave." Loki whispers from her other side. She chuckles, quieting when she sees Frigga silently scolding them.

They watch as Thor reaches the steps, kneeling and removing his helmet. He lifts his head and winks at his mother before dropping his attention to Nym. He winks at her too and she rolls her eyes. Loki scoffs in disgust and she reaches up to pinch his arm. Odin stands and taps Gungnir to the floor, quieting the cheering crowd.

"Thor Odinson, my heir, my firstborn. So long entrusted with the mighty hammer Mjolnir, forged in the heart of a dying star, its power has no equal, as a weapon to destroy or as a tool to build. 'Tis a fit companion for a king. I have defended Asgard and the lives of the innocent across the Nine Realms from the time of the great beginning." Odin says.

"Loves to hear himself talk." Nym mutters as she rolls her eyes, making Loki chuckle.

"This is nothing. You should hear his condescending lectures." He tells her.

"I have." She reminds him, knowing more often than not she was getting lectured alongside him. She pays attention to Odin again as Thor begins to fidget, knowing it must be important.

"Do you swear to guard the Nine Realms?" He asks.

"I swear." Thor promises.

"And do you swear to preserve the peace?" He continues.

"I swear." He repeats.

"Do you swear to cast aside all selfish ambition and to pledge yourself only to the good of the Realms?" Odin asks.

"I swear!" He shouts, raising Mjolnir.

"Then, on this day, I, Odin Allfather, proclaim you..." He says, trailing off as he focuses on something distant. "Frost Giants!"

****

"What's this?" Volstagg asks as they enter the room and find the table overturned, Thor and Loki sitting on the steps. Nym rolls her eyes and waves her hand, using magic to right the table. The place settings return to their proper place and the food piles itself at the edge of the table, ready to be taken away.

"If it's any consolation, I think you're right. About the Frost Giants, about Laufey, about everything. If they found a way to penetrate Asgard's defenses once, who's to say they won't try again? Next time with an army." Loki tells his brother.

"Exactly." Thor agrees.

"There's nothing you can do without defying Father." He says. Nym groans, knowing that's all it takes for Thor to act. "No, no, no. I know that look." He protests as Thor gets to his feet.

"That's the only way to ensure the safety of our borders." He tells him.

"Thor, it's madness." He argues.

"Madness? What sort of madness?" Volstagg asks.

"We're going to Jotunheim." He answers. Nym rolls her eyes, dropping into one of the chairs and propping her feet up on the table.

"What?" He scoffs.

"This isn't like a journey to Earth where you summon a little lightning and thunder, and the mortals worship you as a god. This is Jotunheim." Fandral tells him.

"My father fought his way into Jotunheim, defeated their armies and took their Casket. We would just be looking for answers." Thor argues.

"Your father is an idiot." Nym scoffs. Sif pinches her arm, telling her to shut up.

"It is forbidden!" She protests, making Thor chuckle.

"My friends, have you forgotten all that we have done together?" He asks. "Fandral, Hogun. Who led you into the most glorious of battles?"

"You did." Hogun replies.

"And Volstagg, to delicacies so succulent, you thought you'd died and gone to Valhalla?" He asks, making him laugh.

"You did." He agrees.

"Yes! And who proved wrong all who scoffed at the idea that a young maiden could be one of the fiercest warriors this realm has ever known?" He continues, looking at Sif.

"I did." She replies.

"True, but I supported you, Sif." He agrees. "And my Nym, am I not your favorite person in all the realms?" He asks, smiling at her.

"No. That would be my sister or your brother." She says, crossing her arms over her chest and raising an eyebrow.

"Third?" He asks.

"That would be your mother." She stands and pats his arm. "You can be fourth." She tells him, smirking when he growls in annoyance.

"My friends, we're going to Jotunheim." Thor announces.

They head to the stables and the others mount horses as Nym shifts into a falcon to fly above them as they ride. Her feathers match the white color of her hair, just as her transformations always do. They come to a stop as Heimdall blocks the way, but she flies past him, landing inside and shifting back.

"Took you long enough." She says when they finally join her inside.

"Nym, what have I said about flying in here?" Heimdall scolds.

"Obviously, I'm not going to stop doing it, so let's save some time and get going." She tells him. He shakes his head but she sees him trying not to chuckle.

"Be warned. I will honor my sworn oath to protect this realm as its Gatekeeper. If your return threatens the safety of Asgard, Bifrost will remain closed to you and you'll be left to die in the cold waste of Jotunheim." Heimdall warns them.

"Couldn't you just leave the bridge open for us?" Volstagg asks. Nym rolls her eyes.

"To leave the bridge open would unleash the full power of the Bifrost and destroy Jotunheim with you upon it." He answers.

"I have no plans to die today." Thor says. Nym groans and rolls her eyes again.

"None do." He tells him before sending them through to Jotunheim.

****

"We shouldn't be here." Hogun says after they land on Jotunheim.

"Let's move." Thor tells them, leading the way. Nym groans quietly but shifts into an arctic fox and follows.

"Where are they?" Sif asks as they don't spot any Frost Giants.

"Hiding, as cowards always do." He answers.

"You've come a long way to die, Asgardians." Laufey announces.

"I am Thor Odinson!" He replies.

"We know who you are." He tells him.

"How did your people get into Asgard?" He asks.

"The House of Odin is full of traitors." Laufey says.

"Do not dishonor my father's name with your lies!" He shouts.

"Your father is a murderer and a thief! And why have you come here? To make peace? You long for battle. You crave it. You're nothing but a boy trying to prove himself a man." He taunts.

"Well, this 'boy' has grown tired of your mockery." Thor replies. Nym tenses as the Frost Giants around them form weapons of ice, readying herself to shift forms.

"Thor, stop and think. Look around you, we're outnumbered." Loki tells him.

"Know your place, Brother." He says.

"You know not what your actions would unleash. I do. Go now, while I still allow it." Laufey announces.

"We will accept your most gracious offer." Loki tells him. He turns and begins walking away. "Come on, Brother." Thor grunts in frustration but turns and follows his brother.

"Run back home, little princess." The Frost Giant taunts.

"Damn." He curses.

"Next?" Thor asks after smacking the Giant away. The Giants attack and Nym shifts into an Asgardian wolf, fighting back.

"Don't let them touch you!" Volstagg warns after they've been fighting for a while.

Nym turns, spotting a Giant kneeling in front of Loki, grabbing his arm. She growls and charges, grabbing the Giant in her teeth and tossing him away. They watch as his skin shifts from blue back to his normal shade and look at each other.

"We are absolutely talking about this later." She tells him, communicating telepathically. He nods and they turn, ready to go back to the fight. Before they can, they watch Fandral be impaled with a spike of ice.

"Thor!" Sif yells as Hogun and Volstagg remove Fandral from the ice. Nym joins them, shifting into a horse so they can move him.

"We must go!" Loki tells him.

"Then go!" He replies, still fighting. She whinnies as the Frost Beast begins to wake and they quickly get him off her back, knowing she's the best one to defend against the creature.

"Run!" Volstagg yells, carrying Fandral over his shoulder. The others follow as Thor continues fighting. Nym shifts back into a wolf and rushes towards him, planning on dragging him with them by force. She growls as the Beast starts chasing the others and quickly changes direction. She rushes after it, quickly catching up. She leaps into the air, shifting into her own Frost Beast.

The creature roars as she smashes into it. She continues ramming her shoulder into it, trying to keep it away from the others as they run. They step on a weak patch of ice and it crumbles under them. They both roar as they fall, but they dig their claws in and begin running under the ice.

They reach the edge of the cliff and climb over the edge. Nym roars, dragging the creature away from them. They begin fighting, using teeth, claws, and the spikes at the end of their tails to try and defeat the other. The Beast manages to knock her off balance with a headbutt, and slashes her side.

Nym roars, falling onto her side as the creature swipes her again. It rears back and roars, preparing to go in for the killing blow. Before it can, Mjolnir flies through its mouth, coming out the back of the creature's throat. It roars as it falls to the ground dead before falling over the edge of the cliff.

"Nym!" Sif yells, rushing towards her sister as she returns back to her normal Elf form. Thor and Loki quickly follow, dropping to their knees next to the sisters. They stare in horror at the gashes across her side, blood darkening the snow under her. Her skin, already so pale, now completely white.

"Come on!" Loki tells them, carefully lifting the unconscious Nym into his arms. They rush towards the others as the Frost Giants reach them. Thor shifts Loki and Nym behind him as the Frost Giants begin to swarm them. Before they can reach them, the Bifrost opens and Odin joins them.

"Father! We'll finish them together!" Thor shouts, raising Mjolnir.

"Silence!" He hisses. Laufey rises to meet him as they watch.

"Allfather. You look weary." He tells him.

"Laufey, end this now." Odin demands.

"Your boy sought this out." He replies.

"You're right. And these are the actions of a boy, treat them as such. You and I can end this here and now, before there's further bloodshed." He says.

"We are beyond diplomacy now, Allfather. He'll get what he came for. War and death." Laufey threatens.

"So be it." He replies. He raises Gungnir and the Bifrost takes them away.

[i-did-not-mean-to]

Hello, it's me 😈

I came here to ask you to please write that fic - Cyrano de Bergerac style - with this storyline: "Fíli and Thorin getting in a political fiasco over a woman - the advisors choosing a woman for Fí and Thorin starts liking her for himself".

Thank youuu! 💙💙💙 (And please tag me!)

Sincerely,

Lathalea the Enabler 😈

Dear @lathalea, I am sorry to say that this will be in 2 parts (at least)...

So, here we go <3

A queen

Words: 1,6k

Warnings: None

Characters: Thorin x OC

“Don’t you think that’s a bit excessive?” Thorin leaned against the doorframe, watching his sister scribble invitations furiously; the look of ice-cold impatience she threw him chased a shiver down his spine, but he conjured up a half-hearted smirk just to annoy his little sister.

“I’ve given up on you,” she replied acidly, “but I will not let my son dawdle away his best years waiting for the right dam to just fall into his lap.”

The king found that assessment rather unfair and more than just a little insulting; after having healed from his near-fatal wounds, sustained in an epic battle that had rid the earth of Azog once and for all, he had focused all his strength on rebuilding his kingdom.

It was hardly his fault that wooing shell-shocked maidens had not been amongst his highest priorities.

His sister’s amazing battle plan – temerity as well as a dash of foolish hope truly seemed to run in the family – was not exactly confidence-inducing though; she had foreseen to submit her poor son, his heir, to a string of young, to a parade of available maidens in hopes that at least one would catch his eye…and his fancy.

Thorin knew that Fíli was not excessively interested in that kind of proceeding – having taken the boy all the way to Erebor, where he had almost died, had allowed the king to get to know his nephew in ways his own mother could not fathom – but that he’d agree nonetheless to assuage his own guilt; relations had been tense since Dís’ arrival in the ancestral halls of her family.

Of course, she was relieved and happy to see the men she loved most regain their colour and their health, but the long months of doubt and anxiety had worn deep grooves into her fierce heart and beautiful complexion; therefore, the boys were ever eager to make her smile and so was Thorin.

“I shall be in attendance,” he grumbled reluctantly.

“You will?” Her luminous eyes settled on him with that mix of mischievous joy and affectionate mocking that had mellowed his heart countless times in their childhood; she was his baby-sister still and he would have dared much more than to merely accept one boring evening to soothe the burning agony still lingering just beneath the surface. He knew that he had done her wrong when he had risked leaving her life as abruptly as their father and grandfather had, taking her two young sons with him as he fell; until the end of his days, he would carry the memory of her first cry – harsh and wailing as the one a wounded beast uttered before expiring – upon seeing them bandaged and ailing.

“Anything for you,” he assured her and – unable to restrain himself – strode over and pressed an insistent kiss onto the top of her head, hoping she’d read the gratitude in it; he had lost her good graces – even if only temporarily – but never her love, and he would owe her reparations for that loyalty alone until the end of time.

Thorin was bored out of his mind; most of these young dams – paraded like pedigreed beasts – were much more interested in the king’s halls than in the young prince who was still bearing the marks of exhaustion and injury in his sallow complexion and slightly limp posture that was so unlike the vibrant energy he had once been known for. 

“What about this one?” Kíli – who could not have been prevented from attending this charade by guards and locks – leaned over and nodded jerkily at a lady who reminded Thorin of a garment washed too often and too vigorously; everything about her seemed somewhat faded and diluted, from her indecisive smile to the mousy brown of her wispy hair. 

Fíli made a face before declaring quickly but with little conviction that he was sure that this particular candidate was a lovely, kind, and caring dam; for someone who had stood at death’s door though, she was not invigorating enough by far to stand any chance of dispelling the tenacious shadow of gloom dogging their every step. Not like the young woman probably already waiting for him in the stables; impatience started needling him and he waved the dam aside with a harsh fluck of his wrist.

Just when they were about to give up on their unsuccessful scheme though, the door was flung open and a last dam hurried in; her hair – of a charming strawberry blonde that shimmered with echoes of copper and gold as she moved purposefully to catch up with the end of the line – had partially escaped the simple bun at the nape of her neck, and her dark grey eyes flashed like polished steel as she looked up at the dais, undaunted. 

Thorin’s heart gave a small leap at her sight; she was visibly older than most of the others – barely out of their mothers’ arms – and she moved with the self-possessed confidence of a woman who could take care of herself. Even though she was nowhere near traditionally beautiful, her deportment spoke of pride and decisiveness which piqued his interest.

“This one,” he proclaimed sternly, much to the surprise of his family who had not expected him to take an active part in choosing a bride for his nephew.

“I don’t know,” Fíli mumbled, “she looks feisty, and not in the fun way.” He shrugged apologetically, unlike his uncle, he had never intensively thought about what women’s lives had been like in the refugee settlements or in their absence during the quest; his mother had shielded him from the bitter truths as much as possible to keep his childhood and youth unblemished.

Hence, he only saw a dam who looked almost angry at being ushered forth in so dispassionate a manner; his thoughts were oriented towards the future and this lady’s mind and soul seemed veiled in the frayed raiment of a bitter past. From the archaic and simplistic garments on her back to the stubborn set of her full mouth, she radiated a hardness that did in no way correspond to his desire for rejuvenating growth in Erebor.

“She looks too pretty and too old to have wanted a husband and not found one,” Kíli agreed; he was a notorious charmer and would – one day – have his pick among the girls of the realm for, by the time he was called upon to find a wife, Thorin envisioned Erebor to be stable and thriving once more.

“Maybe she had other priorities,” he echoed his own previous thoughts absent-mindedly; he was enthralled by the gravitas of this stranger in whose eyes he read the echo of his own suffering, and he was strangely comforted by her calm gaze meeting his own unflinchingly.

With a shrug, Fíli waved the lady closer and dismissed the others; he did not yet have the courage to tell his mother and uncle that he had already found the woman his favour had settled on, mainly because he was afraid that they’d refuse and reject the truth of his soul in favour of a more advantageous match.

He would play this charade a little longer, he decided, maybe even pretend to be heartbroken in hopes that his misery would mellow their own hearts and minds so that they’d agree to let him court – and eventually marry – the young warrior dam whose riding skills and joyous laughter made his heart soar.

“You shall join us for dinner tomorrow,” Thorin declared imperiously before turning away abruptly when her stormy eyes settled on his countenance once more with a mix of shock and challenge. 

Fíli had to ram his elbow into his brother’s side to keep him from looking to and fro between the quickly retreating silhouette of the king and the flabbergasted dam who – just a second too late – curtsied elegantly and retreated as well.

“Hmmm, that went rather swimmingly,” his mother commented in a tone that betrayed her own doubts in regards to what she had just witnessed.

“I guess so,” Fíli replied with another shrug and – the ordeal apparently over – he got up with a hasty explanation that he wanted to go out for a ride to clear his head; in truth, he was about to tackle the second torturous duty of the day: telling the one who held his heart that he – at least on the surface and for all eyes to see – was to court another dam he had no real interest in.

Thorin cursed himself; of course, he had seen that dam before when she and her friends walked around the courtyard, laughing in subdued, pealing voices, but he had never given her a second glance.

He had not sought a bride and he did not want to find one for himself now either, not really, but the mere idea that his foolhardy nephew might ruin her reputation by starting to court her only to lose interest midway angered him more than it should have.

Fíli was a good man, a good prince, and a good nephew; he had learned at Thorin’s elbow, and he would not bring disgrace upon his family.

That had ever been enough, so why did the king doubt him now?

Oh, but she was precious – gleaming and beautiful as a pearl in his eyes – and he didn’t want her to be handled carelessly.

There was but one solution to this dilemma; he would have to guide his nephew in this courtship as he had done with every other skill mastered by the young prince, yes, that was a perfectly reasonable and unselfish plan.

Despite the fatigue weighing heavily on his limbs and minds, Thorin started making a list right away, drawing on court gossip and his own limited experiences with the fairer sex as he chose appropriate pieces of poetry and entertaining activities that he’d chaperone personally…to make sure nothing went wrong.

Indeed, Fíli’s happiness and success were of the utmost importance.

As he lay in bed – too tired to write anymore but too mysteriously miserable to sleep – he almost believed himself.

So there's the beginning of this :D

I hope you've enjoyed this <3

-> Part 2

Taglist:

@laurfilijames, @fizzyxcustard, @linasofia, @myselfandfantasy, @legolasbadass, @midearthwritings, @guardianofrivendell, @mismaeve, @middleearthpixie

[ot-hoe-me]

OC: Asteria Violette Gaudare

For IF: @spider-lilies-if​

“Announcing Her Royal Highness, Crown Princess Asteria Violette Gaudare, Daughter of King Aris Vermillion Gaudare; Heir Apparent to the Kingdom of Vanthelia; and Débutante into Society. Now, please bring your hands together as the Princess shares a dance with her father the King, to open the beginning of the Social Season.” - Master of Ceremonies for Asteria’s Debut Into Society

Name: Asteria Violette Gaudare

Gender and Pronouns: Female (She/Her)

Appearance: Asteria has pale skin and waist length pale white hair that has been described as being like starlight or moonbeams. She also has heterochromia with a gold/yellow left eye and a purple right eye. Standing at 5′7″ fully grown, she has delicate features with a slim build and soft curves. She often wears soft or pastel colours in her day-to-day wardrobe, but has dresses with richer hues for court functions too. (Very similar but not completely the same as this dollmaker, for example the hairstyles are extremely limited but I WAS pleasantly surprised at the fact that it lets you pick eye colour individually, and that it has yellow and purple options.)

Personality: Asteria is a kind and gentle person, patient and sweet to the point it’s very often remarked on ‘how is it possible that that man has raised such a pure and innocent soul’ and honestly Aris agrees with them. He wonders every day on how it’s possible that he of all people was blessed with such a child, who is surely the best in the whole world. But of course he worries about her too. Not only about how many people would want to steal her away to bask in her presence, but how many people just in his own court would want to take advantage of her good nature. Of course he will protect her in every way possible so she can stay as she is...but that’s only as long as he is alive, and he knows he has even less time with her than most fathers have with their children. So while he encourages her kind disposition and sends many many bodyguards with her when she ventures into town to visit the townspeople/play with the children/do charity work etc. (most of them are stealth though and not easily visible) because he wants the people to love her (to prevent a coup once he’s gone) he also prepares her to outmaneuver the snakes in mental warfare and diplomacy, the latter which she is much more gifted than him at. 

Orientation: Panromantic Asexual

LI(s): Valar Oryvale Fleuret (Main, Engaged-from-Childhood path), NB!Kamil Zahir, M!L / The Angel

Pet(s): Peryton (Valar’s route), Jackalope (Kamil’s route), Griffin (L’s route) but in my personal headcanon, in my heart, Asteria has all three at the same time.

Skills: With the limited information I have, for now I’m thinking of having her strongest skills be Tinkerer (but in upgrading things rather than making from scratch), and her Bloodline powers but with Sharpshooter close behind (skill with guns rather than a crossbow.)

Relationships: I’ll get more in depth once we have a demo, but for the RO characters, Asteria’s relationships with each of them can easily be summed up as if she’s not romancing a certain character, she’s friends with them instead. With the exception of L who’s a secret romance who I’m guessing you can only unlock them under certain circumstances and can only interact with them with the intention to romance??? And also S because again, they are a secret who can only be unlocked a certain way and since Asteria is good and noble, S won’t be interested in her at all and because of that they may never even meet. And if they will, it’s as enemies.

And of course besides her chosen RO, her Papa is the most important person to her in the world and she loves him so much! And of course she loves the rest of her family too which includes Ren, Canna and Intira.

Trivia:

- Of course, Aris teaches Asteria how to garden once she expresses proper interest in it and time spent in his greenhouse is definitely parent/child bonding time. But when she’s a toddler she is also there “helping” him garden by digging in the dirt. But this is definitely something they both enjoy.

- No matter what, Asteria would name her first child after Aris with a boy being named Aris and a girl named Aristia (but if that child was NB I feel like Aris is a pretty gender neutral name anyway so that would be a good name for an NB child of MC’s too.)

- Having Aris’s and Asteria’s initials be the exact same was actually an accident on my part, but it’s actually nice since Asteria could use any of Aris’s monogrammed things without changing anything and vice versa.

- I MAY BE WRONG but I feel like Aris secretly has a lovely singing voice/storytelling voice. So even in to adulthood he would read Asteria a bedtime story or sing her to sleep if she asked, but she only requests it when she’s sick. When she was a child he also sang her to sleep if she had a nightmare but she also asked to be hugged while he did so, so she could feel the vibrations of his singing in his chest because she found that comforting as well. And then he’d just end up staying the night since she wouldn’t let go of his shirt even while asleep, and let’s be honest, why WOULDN’T he want to cuddle his child the entire night? That’s right, this is one situation that he would not fight to get away from lol. I also imagine her singing him to sleep when she can see he’s exhausted, and making him go lay down at the very least, and her tucking him in for a change.

- The way I’m imagining her from having to stop him from threatening (and going through with) poking people’s eyes out because they look at her wrong or for too long at her debut when she’s 16. WHAT IF HE MADE THE GUESTS WEAR BLINDFOLDS THE ENTIRE TIME LMAOOOO it wouldn’t actually happen in canon, but just imagine. But I think the suggestion would definitely be raised by him though, before some brave soul being like ‘your majesty this is impractical’.

- I’ll put more parent/child headcanons and romance/friendship headcanons here when I think of them.

[humaudrey]

Hey! :D, do you have any Ben and Evie headcanons? <3

Most of the headcanons I come up with usually pertain to the Rewrite series I've been working on (that, to be honest, I'll probably never get around to publishing, le sigh), so I'll just give you those.

Ben's one of the few guys to appreciate Evie's brain and her heart. And her grace and etiquette because damn, she's really rocking his country's colors like a Queen and oh snap, Audrey caught him staring didn't she?

He apologizes profusely for Audrey's outburst, and he and Seth (Snow White's eldest son, my OC) suggest reinstating Evie as a Princess. She considers this at first but later turns it down when Queen Snow approaches her after the fight during Ben's Coronation.

Teasing, there's lots of teasing. Ben constantly mocks her subtly flirtatious bow when they first meet while Evie recites his speech verbatim in a mock English accent.

Accidentally matching each others outfits, even when they're just friends, and later taking photos with each other as if it were on purpose (Audrey was only jealous because DAMN they look GOOD).

Study buddies. Evie preferred to either read alone or with Carlos but since FG separated the seven VKs, they didn't have many classes together. This led to Ben one day plopping down in a seat next to Evie, reading quietly until he asks her a question. He already knows the answer but this allows him to show Evie that they're equals here.

Ben turns to Evie for fashion advice every single time since her second day off the Isle when he catches a glimpse her walking down the hall and muttering something under her breath before the buttons on his blazer change from yellow to brown because dear God, what was he thinking?

She even designs his Coronation outfit, much to his parents chagrin.

(In my fic) Ben's heartbroken after realizing he was spelled by Mal and Evie's the first to confront him and apologize.

Evie realizes her feelings for Ben as Ben still manages to stand up against the naysayers at Family Day, despite knowing what Mal did to him.

And Ben realizes his feelings for Evie as she pushes Jay, Uma, and Gil away to get to Chad, puts him to sleep, and angrily struts away with the rest of the VKs. (He has a thing for bad girls, we all know this lol)

Ben definitely didn't make Evie a Councilor just so he could see her more often. (He did but Evie's also proven herself up for the task, and to ensure that they stay on task, he also appointed Uma as a Councilor too. Uma isn't stupid, she rolls her eyes as all of the flirting but once they start dating, she teases. The second they get distracted though, she separates them)

Immediate panic when Evie isn't sure if her liking Ben is because she likes Ben or if she was raised to like Future King Ben, and she clearly doesn't want to satisfy her mother's desires.

When they do start dating, Evie takes the social media presence like the future queen she will be. No one was a harsher critic than her mother, the news and the paparazzi are just child's play in comparison. ("The least they could do is get my good side...")

Ben appearing on the news, with a loosely buttoned shirt, addressing the latest threat in Auradon with a very noticeable lip print on his neck in a very familiar shade of red may have been what tipped the public off about their relationship.

Evie enchanted all of the mirrors in Ben's castle so she can come and go as she pleases (she can travel through mirrors, roll with it).

Later in the future, she becomes the first Queen to ever have her own fashion line, and the first to design her own wedding dress as well as the bridesmaids' dresses (Mal, Audrey, Lonnie, Jane, and Melody, Uma was away at sea but still came to the reception).

[imagine-it-to-be-true]

Fix You - Caius Volturi x FemOC Three Shot: Part 1

Hey guys! Thanks so much for reading. Hope you like the one shot. I do take requests! Please have a look at my list of characters, and the rules. Feel free to reach out.

Notes about the One Shot:

Summary: As Caius walked around the streets of Volterra, he came across a girl being assaulted and badly injured. He couldn't explain the pull he had towards her, but all he knew was that he needed to save her. Caius Volturi x Fem!OC. Mentions of blood, injury and death. Nothing too gruesome though. Also posted on my Fanfiction page.

Word count: 2679

Firstly, I don’t own Twilight, the Volturi, or the image used.

I sincerely apologize for my Italian and Greek phrases; I don’t speak a word of the languages and was at the mercy of Google Translate. 

Caius’ wife Athenodora does not exist. 

Also, imagine him how you want but I much preferred his appearance in New Moon, so that’s how I described him.

~ Enjoy :)

Cloud cover in Volterra was a rare sight. Most days the sun shone brightly, making the town not particularly an ideal place for vampires. Yet here they were, the powerful three, the ancient kings who were tasked with up-keeping and enforcing secrecy of the vampire world, in a town where they remained inside the walls of the Volturi Castle. Caius often wondered why the coven chose to remain there, and not move to a less sunny place. A lack of opportunities for outings meant that he was falling intellectually behind. One need not look further than his clothes, not to mention his mentality to see he was not one for modernity. Not that he cared. Humans and their achievements were so minuscule in his eyes. Nevertheless, he enjoyed the opportunity to venture out into the town, feel the cool breeze on cloudy days like today and observe the lesser kind. It was remarkable for him how the world changed since his childhood in Ancient Greece, yet the scape of Volterra harked back to it with its old buildings.

Caius was lonely. He was angry and cruel; many would even say sadistic. But no, the last part was not true. After over 3000 years of living alone, never aging, never moving forward, being forced to hide himself, and never seizing to hunger, it’s no surprise that one would become angry. But he was not a sadist. He did not enjoy the pain of others. He fed only when he could no longer contain his thirst, not over-indulging himself. But he understood the need for justice, and was not tolerant when punishment was due. This was often mistaken for sadism.

Volterra was extra busy lately due to an overwhelming influx in tourism. One could no longer walk in peace. The pushing and shoving of the crowded streets became too much for Caius. He looked around him, and noticed a less busy street to his right. The more he followed, the less people were there. He kept going until he was left alone, in peace, and stopped, and leaned his back against the wall, closing his eyes and taking a deep breath, exhaling through his mouth. He took a moment to collect his thoughts. And that is when he heard it. 

From his right, came a feminine scream. It snapped Caius out of his thoughts. It sounded desperate, and then quieted down before he heard the female’s voice again, yelling in English with an American accent, “PLEASE! Somebody help me!” In one swift motion, Caius pushed himself from the wall and walked towards the pleas. He rounded a corner and between two buildings, there was a thin, dark alleyway. It was there that he found the source of the commotion.

A tall, heavy-built balding man had a significantly smaller female pinned up against the wall with his body. His left hand grasped her around the neck, while the other clutched a gun to her head. Caius spoke Italian - one of the many languages he’s mastered - so he understood plainly the filth coming out of the lowlife’s mouth as he barked at the poor girl. She, however, was clueless and sobbing, begging him to leave her. 

In the split moment that he observed the scene, Caius’ eyes landed on the female. She was small, about 5”2, looked to be in her early twenties and very slim. Her hair was golden blonde, long and fell in thick, luscious curls down her back. She did not appear to be wearing much makeup, yet her eyebrows were naturally prominent and neat, and her lips were full, petal pink in colour. But it was her eyes which Caius noticed immediately. They were large and the most captivating colour: a mix of emerald and sapphire. It was as if staring into the waters of a deep, stormy ocean. However, when they met his eyes, they were full of terror. She quieted her struggle and looked at him, as if calmed by his presence, mentally begging him to save her.

Typically, Caius did not give two thoughts about humans. Yet this time was different. The girl before him stirred something inside of his frozen ancient heart. His eyes shifted from the girl and landed on the lowlife.

“Togli le mani da lei, feccia.” (Get your hands off her, Scum.) he snarled.

The man jumped in surprise and turned towards Caius. When he saw him, the lowlife sneered. Compared to him, Caius did not look all that threatening. He was tall and well-built, but thinner than the scum. His fashion choices didn’t help either. His near-white blonde hair combed to perfection and pushed behind his ears. He wore a blood-red dress shirt, paired with a black blazer and black dress pants, topped off with a silky red scarf. He looked like an escaped runway model, not a man that could do damage.

The man Caius addressed continued sneering and chuckling. 

“Cosa hai intenzione di fare al riguardo, bel ragazzo?” (What are you going to do about it, pretty boy?)

Caius took a large step forward and retorted, “Strapparti la testa e bere il tuo sangue è divertente?” (Does ripping your head off and drinking your blood sound like fun?)

The man raised his eyebrows in surprise at the viciousness, but still obviously not taking the situation seriously. He laughed and turned back to the girl.

“Vedi, bella ragazza? Sta cercando di mettersi in mostra per te. Ma è solo un ragazzo. Lascia che ti mostri cosa fanno gli uomini.” (You see, pretty girl? He's trying to show off for you. But he's just a boy. Let me show you what men do.)

Before Caius had a chance to comprehend or react, within a fraction of a second, the gun pressed against the girl’s temple was lowered. The scum aimed it at her stomach and shot twice. She screamed in pain, and dropped to the ground, gasping.

Caius took a second longer than normal to realize what had just unfolded. The man had the gun pointed at him now. He aimed at his chest and fired. When Caius was hit, he did nothing but stand there. Then came the second shot and to the scum’s surprise, he did not drop. A smirk began to form on the vampire’s face, before he simply said, “Avresti dovuto scappare quando ne avevi la possibilità.” (You should have ran when you had the chance.)

As the man continued pointlessly shooting at Caius, the vampire closed the distance between them in less than a second. He grasped the man’s neck with his right hand and pressed him up against the wall, lifting him up with one arm. The man squirmed and groaned, futilely attempting to free himself. Caius didn’t enjoy hurting people. But this time was different. He snapped the man’s neck and threw him down, like discarded trash. He took a breath and turned to the girl on the ground.

She was no longer making sounds nor moving, but lay there motionless, face down on the ground. Caius could see a large red spot in her stomach area, with blood seeping through the thin fabric of her white summer dress, her blonde curls hanging like closed curtains over her face. Caius leaned down, extending a hand to gently move them aside. He pushed the curls behind her ear, running his knuckles down her soft cheek. Those beautiful storm eyes were closed.

“Can you hear me?” He whispered to her, but she did not stir. 

Caius felt a deep pain in the pit of his stomach, and a pressure rising up to his throat. He felt anger, rage, but most prominently sorrow. He had this feeling like he never wanted anything more in his life than for her to look at him and say she was alright. The situation was not made easier by the fact that her deliciously smelling blood was pooling more and more. 

Quickly, he reached into his blazer pocket and pulled out his iPhone. Alec had gifted it to him the year before, and this was the first time he’d use it. He couldn’t figure out the damned thing; books and scripts were more useful anyway. With some effort, he found the number he was looking for in his contacts and dialled it. The ringing seemed to go on for ages, until finally…

“Dr. Carlisle Cullen speaking.”

“Cullen. You are speaking to Caius.” He barked into the phone. A silence followed before Carlisle hesitantly responded, a hint of fear in his voice at what the Volturi king might want.

“Lord Caius. I was not expecting you. To what do I owe the pleasure?”

“I am with a human. She was shot with a gun in her stomach twice. There is a significant amount of blood. She is not responding to me. Her eyes are closed and she is not moving. What shall I do?” He spoke in a hard, fact-based tone.

“Well Caius, it sounds like she might be dead…” before Carlisle could finish his thought, Caius cut him off.

“You are foolish to think that I would waste my precious time calling you to hear something so unacceptable. Tell me how to fix her!”

“Okay, I’m not sure if she can be. But let’s try. I need you to put the phone on speaker.”

“What is that?! Talk quickly Cullen, her bleeding has not seized!”

“Okay, Caius, you see the small picture of a loudspeaker on your phone? Push it.”

Caius did as he was told. “Now what?”

“Put the phone down on the ground. I need you to turn her on her back. GENTLY! Don’t forget you’re a lot stronger than her.”

Caius gently pushed the girl’s shoulders and was able to turn her on her back, grabbing her head so it did not hit the concrete. It was then that the significance of the wound became apparent, as did the scent of her blood. It became nearly too much for the vampire. He was close to damning it all and indulging in her sweet taste. But then he looked at her perfect face. How he longed to see those beautiful eyes again.

In a struggling voice, he spoke, “Alright, it is done.”

“Now, take your index and middle finger and push both to her neck, under her chin, on the side of her throat. You should feel her heartbeat if she’s alive.”

Caius did as he was told, but initially could feel nothing. After a few failed attempts, he hung his head. Just as he was about to remove his fingers, he felt it. So faint and tiny, but it was there.

“I feel it! It is very faint! But I feel it.”

Carlisle waited a moment before speaking. “Can you describe the wounds to me? Where are they specifically?”

“They are both in the same place. One is at the base of her ribs to the left, and the second is just under it.”

Carlisle sighed and softly spoke, “Caius. She’s not going to make it. She’s on her last few breaths now, and we can prolong her suffering, but we can’t-“.

“No!” Caius cut him off, “She will not die. There must be something to be done!”

“Well… you could always change her.”

Caius let out a breath. He would not wish his own endless existence on anyone. Not to mention the unbelievably excruciating pain of the process. After 3000 years, there was one thing he remembered with vivid accuracy: his own change. But at the same time, he was in a panic. He was not sure what it was, but the thought of her dying was destroying him inside.

He swallowed and spoke in a gentler voice to Carlisle, “Is there any way to manage her pain during the change?”

“Morphine. It needs to be injected before the venom. Give it 5 minutes to take effect and then change her.”

“Thank you,” Caius whispered before hanging up.

He immediately gathered the woman into his arms, lifting her up with ease, and began running back to the castle. He made it in a matter of minutes, storming through the doors of the great gathering hall, where Aro and Marcus were speaking to Jane. Immediately, all eyes were on Caius and the little bundle in his arms.

“Brother,” greeted Aro with his child-like smile, “you came home with takeout, I see,” he cackled. 

“No! Do not approach me now brother. I wish to change her, and so it will be. No one comes near her!” Caius exclaimed. His two fellow kings looked at each other, befuddled. “Jane,” Caius turned to her, “find me a shot of morphine immediately and bring it to my chambers.” With this, he stormed out of the hall. 

Aro, with a confused look on his face, took a step to follow, only to be held back by Marcus. “He cannot just bring some random off the street and claim her as his own!” He exclaimed, but Marcus shook his head and smiled.

“I felt their bond. He has bound himself to her. Neither might realize this yet, but they are mated. She is his now.”

———

Caius rushed her to his room. He gently placed her on his bed, which he hadn’t used in years for obvious reasons. As he laid her down, the girl began to gain consciousness. She began feeling the pain of her injuries. Tears started fall down her cheeks and she softly, weakly moaned in pain.

Caius sat down next to her, brushing her tears away with his thumb, gently pushing her hair back away from her face.

“Shh, it’s alright. Breathe.” She seemed to respond to this by attempting to open her eyes, yet not having enough energy to do so. Caius was dying inside, seeing her suffer. He couldn’t explain why. This was the first time in 3000 that he cared so deeply about the well-being of anyone, let alone a weak human.

“Breathe for me. That’s it. You’re alright.” He whispered. She tried, but couldn’t. She attempted to say something along the lines of “I don’t want to die,” but was only emitting squeaks.

“Shhh, don’t talk. He’s gone, I’ve got you. There is not a place in the world safer than here with me.”

Just then, Jane burst through Caius’ doors with a large syringe filled with clear liquid. She quickly handed it to Caius and stepped back, lingering. Caius turned to her and harshly barked, “Leave!” She bowed and turned on her heels, heading out the door.

The girl had opened her eyes briefly and saw the large syringe. This frightened her, and she attempted to cower away. Caius returned his attention to her.

“Shhhh. Don’t be afraid. This will help you stop hurting. I will fix this. I will fix you,” As he spoke those words, a tear formed in his own eyes and rolled down his cheek. He was about to change her. Was it really fixing her, or was he selfishly wishing she would fix him? Give him companionship he so longed for? He didn’t care. He took the syringe and injected the morphine into her quickly, being as gentle as he could. Then, he waited. He needed her to stop crying. This would indicate the pain was gone and the morphine had taken effect. He held her hand, whispering sweet nothings to her. When she began quieting, he gently asked her.

“What is your name, omorfiá mou?” (My beauty), the last part in his native Greek.

She gasped and whispered, “Andromeda.”

Caius smiled and thought about how fitting the name was. The pain was gone now. He turned to her and brushed her hair out of her face. 

“Close your eyes, my beauty.” He gently brushed her hair back away from her neck. Leaning down, he brushed his lips on her ear, whispering “do not be afraid. You will live forever. You are mine now, and I will never let anything hurt you again.” 

With that, he sunk his teeth into her soft skin, and the journey to her transformation began.

[lubdubsworld]

Desire.

CEO ! Jung Hoseok x  Married ! OC 

Summary : Tall Handsome CEO Hobi meets dainty delicate country girl, Elena and falls head over heels. Too bad she’s already taken. 

Genre : Infidelity, Morally ambiguous characters. 

Chapter 1

On Fridays, Jung Hoseok liked to unwind. 

After a whole entire week of heading Gwihan Inc., going over proposals, signing off on acquisitions and baby sitting his two younger siblings who were just entering the company business, Jung Hoseok liked to relax on Friday evenings, usually with a glass of wine, maybe some good food from the Chinese restaurant down the street and occasionally with some company of the feminine variety. 

As the CEO of one of the largest conglomerates in the country, Hoseok was pretty much a household name in Seoul. Not just because of his dashing good looks and his staggering business acumen, but also because of the incredibly humble, down to earth persona that he wore . 

Never in the history of Korea, had there been a more approachable and friendly multi billionaire Chaebol prince : the very personification of generosity and kindness. 

At the young age of 34, Jung Hoseok charmed reporters and celebrities and his fellow businessmen with alacrity . 

Affectionately nicknamed the Sunshine CEO, Hoseok’s dimpled smile was a staple and he was well known for being fair and even tempered, the first to extend his hand in friendship to anyone. 

Which was a wonderful reputation to carry of course but it also made people forget that for all his sunny disposition, Jung Hoseok was still very much human. 

And he did not build his company ( once on the verge of bankruptcy because of his unscrupulous father ) from scratch, by being a pushover. Which meant that Hoseok had to balance being a good guy and a firm guy and sometimes it was such a fucking pain in his ass. 

“Hyung, come on....it’s just for a few hours. It’s fun.... “ Kim Taehyung could whine like no other. Korea’s top model, Taehyung or V as he liked to be called had a deep voice which could also do a full 180, making Hoseok’s ears ring, when the younger wasn’t getting his way. 

Like right now.

“Tae, i’m so fucking tired, i need a drink and a shower and I’m crashing into my bed. I am  not  bar hopping with you morons. I’m too old for that shit. “ Hoseok groaned, watching Taehyung and his photographer husband slur and sway after one drink too many. It was already a little past eleven in the night and he had every intention of sleeping for the next thirteen hours at the least. 

“Awww hyung...its not a bar...it’s a strip club ... Come on , hyung live a little. “ Jeon Jungkook was adorable,  like a bunny,  but also a brat that never took no for an answer. Together , the couple were pretty much indestructible. 

Too tired to argue with the two of them, he groaned .

It was going to be a long, long night. 

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

The club was called Desire, nothing like the posh high end places Hoseok was used to. It wasn’t a dump or anything but the decor, the furnishings and the clientele all screamed middle class, which wasn’t Hoseok’s usual scene. 

At all. 

But apparently, Jungkook had stumbled on someone here during one of his photography stints. 

A dancer called the ‘ White Dove’. 

The White Dove was apparently, one of the most sought after dancers in the club, because she only performed twice a month. She didn’t do it for the money, no one knew why she did it. But according to Jungkook, she was the most sensuously arousing woman he had ever seen in his entire life. 

 she moves like water, Hyung, fluid and transient. ...like the laws of physics don’t apply to her body, it’s like magic. 

Which was high praise, coming from a gay man. 

A gay man who had actually majored in dance in college. 

And even Taehyung hadn’t even looked all that bothered, watching his husband sing praises about someone else’s body .

“Would love to have both of them in my bed at the same time hyung, how do i make that happen?” He’d asked, glassy eyed. 

Hoseok had gagged, elbowed him in the ribs and moved away. 

But his dongsaengs could be pretty darn insistent and so here he was, on a friday night, half asleep from exhaustion, stumbling behind Jungkook and Taehyung as they led him to a private room, at the back of the club. 

The room was wide, shaped like a semi circle, with an elevated stage up front. Just a couple of feet away from the stage, three sofas lines the curved edges of the wall. 

Taehyung and Jungkook lay wrapped around each other in the first one, closest to the door and Hoseok did not want to see them touching each other so he skipped the middle sofa, choosing to recline on the sofa in the farthest corner.

 A very dim light hung right over his head , offering very little by way of illumination but he supposed that was the point. The dancer would be distracted by a well lit audience. 

And while he had been quite opposed to the idea when the evening began, Hoseok couldn’t help but admit , that seated on the cheap maroon sofa, with tacky vinyl upholstery, in a dimly lit room, he couldn’t help but be intrigued.

Who  was  this woman?

“Hyung, you’ll love her!! She’s totally your type!” Jungkook called out excitedly . 

Hoseok threw an amused look at the pair, shaking his head before turning around to stare at the stage again. The lights in the low lying ceiling dimmed, the one on the stage turning on gradually and to his surprise, he felt his breath catch when the stage curtain moved, gentle ripples on the satin surface. 

Music began pouring in, smooth and sensual and intrigued and then a voice followed , feminine and soft.

“Good evening. I’m Elena .... or as they call me, the White Dove. Thank you for letting me entertain you tonight.” 

She sounded absolutely delectable and Hoseok felt his eyes widen, lips parting in shock at the voice.

Soft and sweet, dainty and almost elegant. 

Low and submissive, like she wanted nothing more than to make him happy. 

Like honey in his ears. 

It sounded so out of place , in this cheap dingy strip club. 

She sounded like a fucking princess. 

And then the curtains parted, revealing a petite, svelte figure.

 Hoseok sat up straighter, eyes wide as he stared at her. 

She wore a mask, covering the upper part of her face and leaving only her lush, plump lips on display. They were an alluring red, bright and radiant in the golden light. She was dressed in a small robe, full sleeved and falling to her knees , showing off her slim, curvy legs and her skin was honey tinted, smooth to his gaze. 

Hoseok swallowed and as he watched, she threw a smile, soft and gentle and absolutely serene. 

It was the smile that did it for him.

Innocent and altogether lovely, like the kind of smile you would give someone you had loved for a hundred thousand years and he felt himself aching for it, wanting more of that gentle voice, more of that dazzling smile. 

As he watched she stepped fully into the center, the light bathing her in gold as she lightly gripped the pole and stepped forwards fully, lips parted in a smile as she bowed. 

Hoseok had sat through enough strip shows to know that this was different. Elena took small, hesitant steps into the light, tugging on the belt around her waist, the short velvet robe sliding off her shoulder gently. 

Hoseok’s throat went dry when he saw what she was dressed in : A ruby red lingerie set, with satin bows along her neckline, applique orchids all across her torso , the hem of her dress stopping just an inch below her waist, revealing satin bikinis that hugged her ass so tight his finger itched . 

He wanted to touch so bad. 

She grabbed the fabric of the robe  and instead of tossing it away, she folded it, moving to place it on a chair in the corner of the stage, gently before tossing another smile, this time apologetic. 

“I’m sorry, i need to wear this again and I don’t want it to get dirty...” She giggled then , her voice like the tinkling of a bell and Hoseok was so gone , he couldn’t think straight anymore. 

He gripped the edge of the sofa, the last vestiges of sleep leaving his head. 

And then the music began, low and soothing and seductive and she began to move. 

Elena was a phenomenal dancer, that much was obvious in just the first minute. She moved easily, and perfectly, her long legs wrapping around the pole with ease, her hands gripping it with ease but it was her gaze that drew him in....

She clearly thought Tae and Jungkook were the only ones in the audience so she kept her gaze on them, hadn’t seen him at all and she looked at them with eyes that begged for approval. She smiled often, threw her hair back and jerked her shoulders in question, asking unsubtly if they liked it, and Jungkook and Taehyung responded with enthusiasm, cheerful shouts of “ so gorgeous, beautiful sweetheart....” filling the room.

Hoseok leaned back against the couch, his breath leaving him in a harsh exhale. 

This wasn’t the kind of woman he had been expecting.

 He had been prepared, for brash and bold and seductive and sensuous. A woman who knew how to use her body to get what she wanted.... The only kind of woman he had ever met in his entire life. 

But Elena.... 

She looked so desperate to please, so desperate to be good and it was evident in her eyes, the thirst for praise , for approval. She wanted to be good and she wanted someone to tell her that.... to tell her hat she was beautiful, that she was perfect , that she was absolutely scintillating and Hoseok wanted nothing more than to be that someone. 

To be the person who rained kissed all over her body, gentle touches all over her as he breathed praise into her ears, told her how perfect she was, how enchanting and how unreal she was. 

How she was the kind of woman he would never ever tire of......

The kind of woman who deserved to be worshipped on the satin sheets of his king sized bed. .

And he would. This wasn’t going to end like this, he thought , his heart pounding. It couldn’t. 

He felt his heart pound as the performance ended, as she stepped back into the limelight and bowed, all sweet smiles and gentle gratitude. 

Taehyung and Jungkook jumped to their feet applauding cheerfully and she laughed. 

“Thank you for coming today. I hope you enjoyed my little dance. I would love to see you again. “ She smiled, cheerful and bright. 

She finally turned to his side of the room, eyes widening when he finally pushed away from the shadows, moving into the pool of light in the middle of the room.

“You were absolutely gorgeous sweetheart.” He said gently.

Her eyes went wide, lips parting in surprise and e watched her eyes travel up and down his torso, catching on the lean width of his waist, tongue peeking out to lick her lips as her eyes stayed glued to the front of his crotch, where his rock hard dick was probably very poorly concealed. 

“You’re the one to blame for that, princess.” He said with smirk and her eyes jumped to his, a blush blooming on her cheeks so fast that it made his head swim. 

Fuck. 

Fuck she was gorgeous. 

He glanced at his friends, both of who were looking between him and the dancer with knowing looks. 

“Dinners on me tomorrow if you two leave right now.” Hoseok said softly. 

Laughing, the pair waved good bye, closing the door behind them. 

Elena stood on the stage, still staring at him like he was a full course meal and he moved back to the middle sofa, lowering himself down before spreading his legs and patting his thighs. 

“How much for a private....conversation?” He asked quietly.

She hesitated.

“I.. i need to ask the manager.” She said hesitantly. 

Hoseok felt a grin creeping up his face.

He pulled his phone out and dialed quickly. Less than a minute later, the manager stumbled in, bowing almost ninety degrees. 

“Mr. Jung.. you called?” The man was breathless.

“Elena and I are going to be occupied for the next hour or so.... I don’t want us to be disturbed.” 

The manager looked very surprised, glancing at her with wide eyes. 

“You want to... ?” He asked quickly and Elena blushed. Hoseok was oddly impressed that he had asked for her consent. Well at least this place wasn't as sleazy as it looked.  

“Just a conversation.” She whispered. Hoseok felt his eyebrow raise in surprise. 

Wait, did she really think he wanted a conversation? Had he been too subtle? Was the hard dick and the invitation to sit on his lap not forward enough? 

The man gave her a  confused look but nodded. 

“Of course Mr. Jung. Anything you like.” he bowed again and left , locking the door behind him. Hoseok glanced at her, watching as she slowly climbed down the stairs 

Elena hesitated, before slowly moving to get her robe. 

“Leave that.” He said , a little more sharply than he intended and she startled a little at his tone. 

“Okay.” She whispered, scratching the back of her neck nervously and smiling a little.

“I’m sorry...I don’t usually do this... I... I’m married.” She said with a laugh. 

Hoseok froze .

It felt a little like someone had dumped a whole entire barrel of ice cold water all over his head. 

Of course she was fucking taken. 

Of fucking course.....

He was such a fucking fool....

“Oh..” He croaked, voice breaking and even that single syllable dripped with so much disappointment  that she noticed. 

Her eyes flashed with something and she carefully climbed off the stage, walking up to him. He held his breath as she came closer, standing right between his spread legs. He wanted to touch but he wasn’t sure if he was allowed. 

Her hand rose up and he felt his breath catch when she lightly touched his hair, patting the strands carefully. 

“you have really thick hair.” She giggled. 

“Does you husband know you’re here?” He said softly. 

Her gaze flitted to him. 

“No. “ She said softly. And then she pressed in closer, enough that her knee brushed his thighs and he gripped her waist with both hands, instinctively.

“No?” 

She bit her lips, eyes shifting away from him.

“He doesn’t... understand.” She sighed. 

Intrigued, Hoseok tugged her closer and she tumbled into his lap. He pulled her in till she was seated on his thighs, legs thrown over the couch as she nestled into his chest. 

He gripped her harder and God, she felt like a delicate bird in his hand. His arms stayed firm but inordinately gentle around her, and he swallowed scared to move because he was afraid he would break her . Scared to let go because he was afraid she would fly way. 

“What doesn’t he understand sweetheart?” He prompted. 

She turned to look right at him and he wanted to take that mask off so badly. To see her face in all its glory. 

“That I need this...” She whispered.

“To dance...?” He prompted and she sniffled a little.

“No.” She whispered. And then her eyes met his again, bright and somehow desperate. 

“What then baby? Why are you here?” He asked although he could already suspect it.

“To be desired. “ She smiled that same sweet smile of hers.

And really, not even a saint could resist that breathtaking smile.

And Jung Hoseok was so , so far from a saint. 

She was the one who owed loyalty to the unknown husband. Not him. So he was going to just take what he was being offered. 

He grabbed her chin, tilting her face to kiss her hard, his tongue forcing its way in before she could get her bearings. She didn’t protest, her body going limp in his arms a he looped her arms around his neck. 

He flipped them over , till she was flat on her back on the couch and he was on her, grabbing her thighs and spreading her legs, grinding his clothed erection down into the heated center of her body as he kissed her. 

She whimpered, hands scrambling to clutch at his shoulders. as she kissed him back. And he wondered if she lied, telling him that she was married. There was a world of inexperience in her kiss , absolutely no finesse in the way she spread her legs wider, hips jerking up to chase friction. 

But what she lacked in experience, she more than made up for in enthusiasm.

“Relax baby... We don’t have to rush...” He kissed her again, drawing back to stare at her and she looked a little out of it. 

“Please.. I just... i need...” 

Something about the look on her face made him pause. It was a familiar look. He’d seen this look before. 

Not in the last decade no, but ....that desperate, confused inexperience took him all the way back to his senior year in  high school when the Queen Bee , Kang Sejin had finally agreed to let him fuck her. 

For the first time. 

Hoseok stilled completely, refusing to believe it. 

How old was this girl underneath him? She couldn’t be younger than twenty five. 

“How old are you?” He demanded.

She stopped trying to yank him closer and went still, staring at him and licking her lips. 

“I’m twenty seven.” She said finally and he frowned.

“You’ve done this before right?” He asked stupidly. 

Of course she had...she said she was married for fuck’s sake. 

But her eyes widened and she looked away and oh. 

Oh. 

What the actual fuck....

Hoseok scrambled off her, his head swimming with disbelief. She choked out a sob and sat up, hugging herself and he felt his heart break when he saw the tears swell, spilling over her lashes and God, that pout on her face. 

“Elena.... “ He held his hand out, wanting to touch her again but she scrambled to her feet and backed away. 

“I’m so sorry... i don’t know what I was thinking...” She bowed, her tears flowing freely now. “ Please...forget this ever happened...” 

Hoseok stared at her as she ran up to stage, grabbing her robe and disappearing behind the curtain quickly. 

He stood there, still painfully aroused as he tried to process what he’d just learned. 

A virgin, he thought in sheer disbelief. 

The stripper I nearly fucked right now is a fucking virgin. 

His legs stopped working as he collapsed on the sofa. 

So much for unwinding on a Friday. 

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

“Listen, I know this is dumb but you really need to stop bringing this up so often.” My husband gave me an annoyed glare, his handsome face scrunched in impatience as he stuffed a couple of files into his leather briefcase. 

“Why ? We’re married... we’ve been married for four months now!! Why won’t you touch me?! “ i demanded, exhausted and tired and so guilty. 

Guilty because I’d come so close to cheating on him. 

“Because i don’t get a hard on when i look at you. Because I never wanted to fucking marry you in the first place.!!” He snarled and i bit my lips feeling my heart hurt at the familiar words, the pang still just as painful as the first time he’d said those words to me. 

“But you did...” I reminded him, following him to the door. He growled, throwing the shoe closet open and grabbing his work shoes. 

“Elena... I’m not in the mood for this.” He said sternly.” I’m running late and Hoseok ssi’s supposed to be inspecting our department today. Do you have any idea what an important man he is? I need this meeting to be perfect if I want to get that promotion.... I can’t let anything distract me.” 

“I’m your wife...not a distraction!!” I protested. 

He ignored me, tying his laces and giving me one last look of loathing. 

“if this doesn’t work for you, call your fucking parents and go back to that no good village of yours. We’ll get a fucking divorce and I’ll stop paying for your parents Hospital bills and then we’ll see how you survive.” 

I stared at him, hurt and upset. 

“Yesung...”

“I need to go. “ He stormed out of the house, slamming the door shut behind him. 

I let out a shaky breath, my hands trembling as I tried to get my bearings. It was so hard, doing this. Waking up day after day to cater to his every need and i wondered if it had even been worth it, agreeing to marry him just for the chance to pay for my parents. 

Surely, there could have been another way? 

Why had I agreed? 

My mind flashed to the gorgeous man in the club the previous night. 

 How much for a private conversation.....

 For a second i had been tempted. 

I had actually considered asking him to pay me in return for sex. Maybe if he wanted to do it more than once.... Maybe he could keep me with him. 

And then I could use the money to pay for my parents’ care and i could divorce Yesung. 

Surely that was better than being shunned in your own home? Being made to feel ugly and unappealing. 

I had been so close to doing it last night. So so close and then that man---he had somehow sensed it. Sensed that I hadn’t ever had sex before. 

How embarrassing that had been. He had guessed that I was a virgin and I couldn’t help but wonder how. 

What had i done wrong? i had hugged him, kissed him back and yet he had realized that i had no idea what i was doing or what i wanted. 

How humiliating that had been. 

I bit my lips.

I missed dancing. 

Twice a month in some sleazy club hardly made up for fifteen years of training to be a dancer.  

I missed the ballet school that I had to quit when my dad lost his job.

 I missed Busan. 

I missed my old life so bad. 

Sighing I went back to the kitchen to fix my breakfast when my eyes fell on the packed lunch and i groaned. 

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

Yesung’s company was easily the most luxurious building I’d ever been. Thankfully, I’d dressed well enough, a yellow summer dress with floral prints. I’d left my hair down, even put on makeup. I looked pretty and i wanted nothing more than for my husband to look at me with a little appreciation. 

Yesung was a tall, very handsome man and i had really genuinely liked him when his parents had offered to set us up for  a  seon.

 He had seemed genuinely interested and it was the only reason I’d agreed to marry him. But apparently, his parents had forced him into the whole thing and he felt nothing but deep resentment for me. 

It was so unfair but i wasn’t ready to give up yet. 

I had every intention of winning my husband over. 

The lady at the reception gave me a visitor’s Id and told me where I could find my husband and I quickly walked over to elevators, nervous because I was the only one in flashy summer colors, all the employees dressed in muted tones of brown and grey. Flushing, I kept my head low as the elevator climbed all the way to the seventeenth floor. When I stepped out of the elevator, I caught sight of Yesung at once. He was talking to a tall man, who had his back towards me . 

“Yesung!! “ i called out brightly. “ You forgot your lunch!!” I held the bag up and my husband’s eyes snapped to me widening in surprise. 

I smiled and kept walking until the man talking to my husband turned around. 

My smile froze on my face, my brain processing the very familiar features. 

I stopped walking , my legs stalling . 

No. 

Oh, God no.

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

“Yesung!  You forgot your lunch!!” 

Hoseok felt his entire heart turn over in his ribcage at the sound of  that  voice. 

No.. No way...it couldn’t  be.

 He turned around, stunned and his eyes caught a flash of lovely yellow, bright and incandescent in the dreary dullness of the office and oh god, it was her. 

It was Elena. 

She looked like sunshine.... Like one of those yellow tulips you saw in wall papers. Fresh and beautiful and even more breathtaking in the bright light of day and Hoseok felt like his brain had been fried. 

She had seen him too and the look on her face said it all. 

Guilt and horror flashed in rapid succession and those lips....those cherry red lips he’d tasted three days ago....they parted in shock. 

Hoseok felt his mouth go dry as she went completely still. 

“I’m so sorry sir... I don’t know why she came here!!” Kang Yesung’s voice drew him to the present and he frowned, watching as the man stalked over to her. His fists clenched as he saw the man grip her arm, hard. 

Elena winced, looking hurt and something in Hoseok just snapped.

Completely forgetting where he was , who he was.... he stalked over , hands coming up to shove Yesung hard. The man, completely taken by surprise, stumbled and fell , crashing into the filling cabinets with a loud noise. 

Everyone in the office went still, staring at him in sheer disbelief 

And he knew exactly what they were thinking?

Did the Sunshine  CEO just physically assault an employee? Was the world ending? 

Hoseok stared at Elena.

“Are you alright? “ He whispered. 

She was gawking at him, but also rubbing the skin where Yesung had grabbed her and before he could stop himself, he was reaching for her arm, brushing her own fingers away and stroking the skin with his. 

“That looks like its going to bruise.” He whispered. 

He whirled to glare at Yesung, who had pulled himself together and was now staring between Hoseok and Elena, shock written all over his features.

“Is this your code of conduct when it comes to women, Mr. Kang?” His voice came out loud and angry , almost a furious snarl. 

Yesung turned an ugly shade of red. 

“She’s my wife sir. She ...she knows she can’t visit me ...” Yesung was gaping at him. 

“So you’re going to assault her?” He demanded. 

Yesung closed his mouth quickly. 

“Are you alright, El-” He stopped himself , “ Mrs Kang.” 

She was looking at the floor.

“Yes , sir.” Her voice shook and he could see her hands trembling. The urge to draw her into his arms was so overwhelming he had to clench his fists to stop himself. 

“Jungkook! “ He called for his assistant. “ Please drop Mrs. Kang back home. Make sure she doesn’t need anything else.” 

Jungkook bowed and smiled wide at her.

“Please, this way, Mrs. Kang.” 

Hoseok stared at her and she glanced at him, one small fleeting glance heavy with guilt and confusion and worry. 

He closed his eyes, trying to get his palpitating heart under control.

Oh, God he was in so much trouble. 

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

Also please give this fic a lot of love!!!!! My baby never gets the love he deserves!!! 

author’s Note : 

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!

i LOVE jUNG hOSEOK. 

THAT’S IT THAT’S THE TEA. 

Feedback is how you repay me so don’t be shy <3