#my wiritng

[slasherhaven]

I don’t know if you’ve done this before but what about period sex? 🥺 I feel like the slashers are so used to blood it wouldn’t be upsetting to them. (Preferably with Thomas Hewitt because he’s my current hyper-fixation)

I honestly can't remember if I've written this. I thought I had but I can't find but even if I have, I'll happily write it again! Period sex had become a recent interest of mine to be honest...

Period Sex with The Slashers (NSFW):

Thomas Hewitt

Thomas is phased by blood in the slightest, he's been working with it since he was old enough to work after all. However, it's different when it's you that bleeding!

He panics at the slightest sign of you being hurt, always wanting to protect you.

I doubt he has any real knowledge about periods, maybe he knows that some people have them but he definitely doesn't know much more than that.

When you're on your period, he likes to fuss over you and make sure you're alright. Especially after you explained everything about your experiences and if you have bad cramps.

You have to be the one who brings up the idea of having sex when you're on your period, because he definitely won't.

You're bleeding there! He assumes that because you're bleeding it would hurt, which you figure makes sense but you'll explain that you might be more sensitive but it won't be painful.

Thomas just need some reassurances that he's not going to hurt you or anything, and becomes more eager when you mention that orgasms can actually help ease cramps.

The blood doesn't bother him at all, he's not in the slightest bit put off or grossed out, it barely even registers with him once he's reassured that you're not in pain. But he still makes sure to be extra careful with you.

You just seem so...raw, that it could be painful. So, he'll just go slow and be careful.

Since he has absolutely no problem with blood, he will go down on you with as much enthusiasm as any other day. He doesn't mind getting his hands or face dirty.

Michael Myers

Michael has no problem with the sight of blood. In face, it might even lean in the other direction.

The blood doesn't put him off, it actually entices him. Gets his blood pumping like those moments before a hunt.

You might not even have to bring up the subject. He's still plenty open for sex, no matter how heavy your flow.

Still, he's not exactly educated about periods so might assumed your injured. But once he knows you're unharmed, he just shrugs it off as mostly unimportant. Is still going to be interested in sex as he is any other day. More so maybe.

Michael loves to smear the blood around, to have his hands coated in it, smearing bloody handprints over your hips and legs and everywhere else on your body. He has no interest in keeping things clean and tidy, it's a waste of time to even lay a towel down to be honest.

He doesn't take it easy on you either, even if you are feeling more raw and sensitive. In fact, he's only encouraged by your increased squirming and the sounds you make.

Jason Voorhees

Oh sweet Jason.

Sex is already a taboo thing to him, at least in the beginning of your relationship, and so are periods.

You've helped him so much when it comes to having a healthier relationship with sex and you've also taught him plenty about periods, because he wanted to learn, wanted to help you.

Jason always treats you like you're ill when you're on your period, wanting to dote on you and make sure those cramps aren't bothering you too much.

The thought of having sex with you on those days doesn't even occur to him. Not because he thinks it's gross or because he has a phobia of blood, but because he figures it would harm you in some way. I mean, you are bleeding and Jason has only ever associated blood with pain and violence and death. Not exactly sexy.

And when you make a move on him, he's more surprised than anything. You want to do that with him while you're bleeding?

Just very worried and concerned for your wellbeing.

Once you reassure him, he's willing to try it, though. You wouldn't lead him wrong, after all.

He'll lay down the towels and be gentle with you, every touch feather light and tender.

He's not really into the blood, more just unbothered by it. It's there but he doesn't care, it's not a turn on or a turn off.

Brahms Heelshire

Brahms is a horny bastard and if you think some blood is going to put him off, you clearly don't know him well.

Blood doesn't phase him anyway, so it's really not a problem.

You don't have to reassure him or anything, he's already tugging your underwear down.

He doesn't care about making a mess, about staining sheets or surfaces that you will have to clean later.

Doesn't have many feelings about the blood itself other than enjoying the feeling of it, warm and wet.

Will dip a finger in the blood and draw a little pattern on your stomach, just for the fun of it.

Also won't care about washing up before going to sleep, curling himself around you and drifting off while his thighs are still smeared with your drying blood.

You'll have to fight him into the shower, either before he falls asleep or in the morning. Which, of course, only leads into another round but at least he's a little cleaner now.

Bo Sinclair

Bo loves marking you up, claiming you as his.

The two of you might have even given blood play a try before. Bo's definitely into it and has fantasied about it at least.

He's an asshole when you're on your period, always blames your bad mood on it, and is just a general menace.

He's also a huge tease, especially if he knows you get horny on your period.

He'll have you against the kitchen counter, push a hand under your waistband, bring you to the edge of orgasm before slipping his hand out and sucking the blood from his fingers. Leaving you flustered and unsated.

And when he does fuck you, he can't take his eyes off of where you're connected, of where the blood smears over you both.

Vincent Sinclair

Vincent isn't so interested in blood but he's seen more than enough so that it doesn't faze him.

So, he's not put off by you bleeding, he's just more concerned than anything.

If you're uncomfortable or in pain, his mind isn't going to sex. So, you'll probably have to be the one to initiate it.

He's not off put but it, just fusses to make sure you're certain and that it won't hurt you in anyway.

Puts all his focus in making sure you're comfortable.

Despite not being interested in blood in any sexual way, he does get a little curious. It's something new to explore with you and he's intrigued.

He's not very messy with it but finds that he does kind of like the way it stains the inside of your thighs at least.

Cleans you up so tenderly afterwards until there isn't a trace of blood left, just being his sweet self.

Lester Sinclair

Lester is not in anyway phased by dirt or blood or being messy in anyway.

It's not a flattering comparison but he handles roadkill everyday, he's not doing to be bothered by some blood.

The only reason he doesn't really consider having sex during those times is because he assumes you wouldn't want too. Just kinda assumed you don't desire it during that time, especially if you've ever mentioned being in pain with cramps or feeling 'gross' in someway while on your period.

However, he's not opposed to it when you suggest it. He's surprised when you hurry to assure him that it's alright if he doesn't want too, that you understand if he'd not into it while you're on your period.

Lester really doesn't care about any mess you make and you will have to be the person to grab the towels, he just wouldn't even think about it.

Doesn't care how heavy your period is, he has no fears when it comes to touching you or bringing you pleasure.

While Lester really isn't fazed by being dirty, he'll help you both wash up. Afterwards, if you just want to soak in the bath for a while, he'd more than happy to join you.

Bubba Sawyer

Blood is nothing to Bubba, might as well be water to him.

However, he does know that blood usually follows pain, and if you're bleeding, he's going to be concerned that your hurting. And lets be real, he might not even know what a period is.

So, after plenty of explanation and reassurances, we can talk period sex.

Once you've assured him that it's all normal and the pain is more in the cramps than anything else, Bubba really doesn't think much of it. He becomes more concerned about the cramps than the actual blood aspect. The bleeding itself is no big deal to him.

So, when you express that you would like to have sex with him even though you're still on your period, Bubba trusts that you know better than him on whether it's alright for you or not.

For Bubba it's just like the blood isn't there, just an addition to sex that he doesn't really need to worry about because it doesn't mean that he's hurting you.

Billy Lenz

Some blood isn't going to stop him from wanting you, from needing you.

Billy has a complicated relationship with blood. It's always followed negative feelings and experiences but it's also kinda...pretty?

He doesn't want to hurt you or make you bleed but if you're already bleeding and unharmed then...

Truly has no worries about mess, he loves when the two of you end up all sticky from bodily fluids. If that includes blood, that's perfectly fine by him.

He'll grin at you with your blood staining his mouth and cheeks, will smear bloody hands over your body and paint you with it.

He doesn't know why he finds it so enticing, so arousing, but he does. His eyes shine as he paints you both with your blood. And he's able to do all of this without harming you, which is a huge bonus for him.

Like Brahms, he'd happily just go to sleep without washing the drying blood off first. You have to drag him off to the shower and change the sheets because Billy will just sleep in the mess without worry.

Asa Emory (The Collector)

In general, blood is not all that new in your relationship.

Asa has definitely indulged his blood play kink with you, whether it was with your blood or somebody else's. So period sex isn't the craziest thing for him and he's not going to even bat an eye at it.

However, he is going to indulge.

Asa is pretty thrilled about you being more sensitive than usual, ready to find all new ways to torment and tease you.

You're not about to be ruining his sheets though, he's doing to be clean and tidy about it. He's using a mattress protector at the very least, or having you strapped to a table for him to experiment on you.

He has you squirming and pleading until there are tears in your eyes and you feel raw between your legs, even more so than you already did.

Slips his fingers between your lips, having you taste your own blood.

Jesse Cromeans (Chromeskull)

Come on, a little bit of blood isn't going to scare him.

In fact, blood arouses him and he isn't ashamed of that in the slightest.

You can try to initiate or he will, it doesn't really matter. A period isn't going to have Jesse dancing shyly around you.

Blood play is nothing new for the two of you so he turns it unto a bit of a challenge instead.

He'll have you ride him while he's fully dressed, warning you not to make a mess of his clothes.

And if you do get blood on his nice new suit, well...he's just going to have to punish you, isn't he?

Otis Driftwood

Otis is super into blood play and has already participated in it with you if you share his kink. If not, he's at least mentioned it multiple times.

So, this is just blood play without having to tend to wounds afterwards. That suits him just fine.

In Otis' opinion, the heavier your flow, the better.

He paints you both with it.

He loves seeing you covered in blood, the source of that blood is pretty unimportant to him (unless somebody else has hurt you, obviously).

He's not shy about his interest in the blood but by this point, you should know that it's something that turns him on. There is precious little that doesn't turn him on really.

Honestly, let's a little annoyed if there isn't enough blood for his liking but whatever.

By the end, he'd got drying blood on his face, hands, and thighs. Blood clotted in his facial hair and his teeth stained red, the coppery taste on his tongue.

The sheets are definitely ruined and if you don't get rid of them, Otis will keep them stains and all. He doesn't care about some dirty bedsheets after all.

Baby Firefly

For so many reasons, Baby isn't shy about some blood.

If you're on your period, she doesn't see why that should change your sex life unless you don't want to have sex on your period. Which she would respect, she knows how it can make you feel.

But she also knows that orgasms help with cramps and that sometimes a symptom of a period is being horny, and she will use these things against you just to tease you.

Come on, there's no need to deprive yourself just because of a little blood. She isn't fazed! Let her help!

Doodles little patterns all over you with your blood, giggling to herself about them.

Will paint her lips (and yours if you let her) with your blood just for her amusement if nothing else.

See! There can be some perks of a period when you're with Baby!

Yautja (Predator)

You don't have to tell your mate when you're on your period, he can smell it (not in a way that it smells bad, he just has those heightened alien senses).

He panics at the scent of blood first since Yautja don't menstruate so he assumes you're injured in some way.

He's quick and happy to learn though, and then stops being so concerned about it when your period comes along.

Other than the initial panic, your mate doesn't care about blood in the slightest. He's an Yautja, a predator, a hunter. Blood is a daily occurrence for him, it doesn't faze him.

And when he learns that pleasure can ease period cramps, he will practically insist on it for pain management reasons.

Honestly, the fact that you bleed like this monthly and just carry on with your life like nothing is wrong is admirable and worthy of respect in his eyes.

Having sex with you when you're bleeding, well, there's just something so primal about it.

The scent of your blood and your arousal has his own blood pumping and a growl emitting from behind his mandibles.

He loses himself in the sight of your blood, smearing it over your skin, tasting it.

Afterwards, he just holds you, nuzzling at your skin. Both of you still stained with your own blood.

[catholicfacade]

WIP PREVIEW

pairing: joost klein x f! reader, joost klein x f! OC

word count: 3,572

synopsis: Joost Klein accidentally meets the love of his life through a tik tok. Valentine. She’s his complete opposite; quiet, reserved, and a bit cold, whereas Joost is bright, bubbly, and extremely outgoing, almost obnoxiously so. But opposites attract and the art of balance is delicate. Getting to know each other without interference proves difficult at first, but the minute Joost and Valentine realize their pining is mutual it’s full speed ahead for the two of them. Like puzzle pieces, they become inseparable, fitted together like it’s always meant to be. Everyone around them is convinced no two people in the world love each other as much as Joost and Valentine do. But Joost’s growing fame sends him down an unexpected spiral, one Valentine is desperate to pull him out of. It changes everything. The two who were once attached at the hip learn to no longer even speak each others names, desperately still in love, but the damage is unbearable. If only the puzzle pieces can come together again to realize just how perfect they are for each other.

authors note: tagging this as both x reader and x OC because this is written in 3rd person POV, i find writing 2nd person difficult for me because i just tend to write “reader” as self-insert, and i know i am a VERY specific type of person 😅 soooooo lowkey self-ship??? but i think it’s best to just make reader an OC and you can simply swap out her name, pronouns, and traits for your own when it’s necessary. and so i would say Valentine [who i named after my own last name, this is just the name i use for ALL my protagonists in my writing actually😅], she’s implied to be autistic/neurodivergent and generally just socially awkward, quiet, introverted. again, self-insert. she is also goth. i always write protagonists with really heavy, angsty, traumatic backstories so i think that’s also why i turn readers into OC’s because i don’t want to force a traumatic past upon you as reader 😭 there is also “April”, who is a second OC i made for this series, she is Valentines best friend who owns her own alternative clothing company and is very important to the story along the way:))

content: RPF, awkwardness, slow burn, pining, yearning, hint of angst, mention alcohol consumption, masturbation, kissing, fantasizing

!!18+ & RPF, DO NOT REPOST OR INTERACT IF RPF MAKES YOU UNCOMFORTABLE!!

how it started:

At 12pm on the dot, two people walk in, Valentine greets them smiling, “Hallo! Hoe gaat het?” [Hello! How are you?] Her Dutch is limited but she tries her best.

“Hallo, is April hier?” [Hello, is April here?] The girl with dark curly hair asks as she approaches, she’s followed by what Valentine assumes to be her boyfriend.

“Nee, maar kan ik jullie helpen?” [No, but can I help you?] Val offers them a gentle smile, unsure if her Dutch is even grammatically correct or not.

“Oh-“ The girls eyebrows shoot up, “You’re Valentine, right?” She suddenly switches to English, Valentine is simultaneously embarrassed but also thankful for the switch.

A blush rises on her cheeks as she nods, “Yeah that’s me, sorry about my Dutch.” She waves her hand apologetically.

“I’m Alanis, and this is Apson.” Alanis smiles and holds her hand out and so does Apson. Val shakes their hands, “Nice to meet you guys, you wanted to film in the store right?”

“Ja, just a little skit about being emo. I wanna seem like a guy who is a total poser and then run out of the store crying when I get called out.” Apson said, maybe blushing a little from having to explain his stupid bit.

It made Valentine chuckle though, “Do whatever you gotta do, man! April told me you have permission from her already so you’re good to do your thing.”

“Thanks,” Apson and Alanis said in unison, which made them giggle at each other.

“Can I borrow some clothes?” Apson said looking around.

“Sure,” Val nodded, “Let me open the changing room for you.” She grabbed the keys and unlocked the changing room at the back of the store as Appie and Alanis brainstormed what the character should be wearing. They ended up picking out a stereotypical e-boy outfit, a black and white striped long-sleeve shirt, a Metallica t-shirt to go on top, some fingerless skeleton gloves, baggy Tripp pants, and a studded belt.

Appie went into the changing room a few minutes later to get ready, leaving Valentine and Alanis outside together.

“How long have you worked here? It feels weird we haven’t seen you around yet, we’re in here all the time it feels like.” Alanis asked, tilting her head slightly to examine Valentine.

“Not long, only a month now. I think we must’ve just narrowly avoided each other this whole time.” Valentine chuckles and Alanis nods in agreement.

“How long have you known April then?” Valentine asks Alanis.

“I got one piece of jewelry here like a year ago,” Alanis shows Val her gemstone necklace, “And now I get all my jewelry from here, look!” Alanis smiles, showing a few silver rings on her fingers and a beaded bracelet.

“Oh, is that moonstone?” Valentine asks excitedly.

“Yeah! Isn’t it so pretty?” Alanis moves the beads around so they flash their colors brightly in Valentines eyes.

“I love it, and it goes perfectly with your outfit!” She said and Alanis thanks her, “My favorite gemstone is—“

“Done!” Apson calls out suddenly, making both of the girls turn, he looks a bit ridiculous, but that’s the point. The pants are definitely a size too big and the belt definitely isn’t helping because they are practically hanging off of his body.

“Let me put some eyeshadow on you.” Alanis mumbles as she approaches Appie, she looks through her bag until she finds the small compact, taking it out to apply the black shadow loosely around Apson’s eyes. He ends up just looking more tired than emo, but again, it must be what works for the skit.

Val just watches from afar with an amused smile on her face, she likes them, Appie and Alanis, they seem like good people. There’s some footsteps behind her and she turns to see a few customers coming in, “Goedendag!” [Good day!] She greets them, they say it back before looking around at some of the shelves at the front of the store. Valentine returns to her earlier work, stitching by hand some stars onto the corner of a skirt.

“Okay, like this—“ Appie talks Alanis through the scene first, he’s speaking Dutch again so Val can’t pick up most of what he’s saying, he’s just gesturing for how and where Alanis should hold the camera when they go to film. He’s quietly rehearsing the lines with her when he perks up a bit, “Wait…Valentine?”

Val looks over at Appie, “Do you mind saying a line for the tik tok? Just the one about me being a poser?”

She grows a bit nervous, “Oh uhhh…I’m probably not very good at acting… I don’t really post on tik tok like that…” She rubs the back of her neck and looks between Apson and Alanis awkwardly.

“Don’t worry, you just gotta go like ‘ew, fucking poser’ and that’s it!” Apson gives the line a little scoff and a little attitude to it. He grins at her, clearly enthused with his new idea.

“Okay…” Val agrees weakly, coming around the counter to stand by Alanis’ side.

“Okay so like this,” Apson says, rerunning through his lines once more while Alanis practices getting the best angles for the tik tok, “And then camera turns, and you say…?”

Alanis turns the camera on Valentine, who scoffs while looking at Appie, “Such a fucking poser…” She says with all the vitriol she can muster.

“Perfect!” Appie shoots her two thumbs up as Alanis turns the camera back on him, “Then, I’ll begin to cry like this, wahhhh!” Appie cries exaggeratedly, then turns and takes a few steps towards the door. “Then I’ll run outside and that’s it, got it?”

“Got it.” Val and Alanis both say.

The three of them get into position, Appie with his back to the door, standing amongst all the clothes, Alanis starting the recording on her phone, and Valentine just off to side, waiting to deliver her line.

“Aaaaaand action!” Apson claps loudly. Alanis zooms in quickly to Appies face, he’s slouching, neck bent at an awkward angle to seem more depressed, the face he’s making makes him look dead inside, it’s exaggerated by the deep black makeup Alanis brushed around his eyes.

“Ik ben zooooo emo….” [I am soooo emo] Apson delivered the line as flatly as he could, adding a bit of a vocal fry to the ‘zoooo’. Alanis snaps the camera back to show his full outfit before zooming in on his face again for the next line, “Ik ben zoooooo depressief…” [I am sooo depressed]

Valentine held back her laughter, perhaps it wasn’t exactly her type of humor, but it was fun to watch!

Apson gave a big eyeroll to the camera, then looked into it, “Niemand zal mij ooit begrijpen…” [No one will ever understand me]

He suddenly grunts loudly, his expression growing more angry, “Ik zit de hele dag op mijn kamer naar muziek te luisteren, niemand begrijpt het!” [I sit in my room and listen to music all day, no one understands!] He yells.

The camera whips around to Valentine, she puts a disgusted look on her face and scoffs like she did the first time, “Such a fucking poser.” She shakes her head lightly.

Alanis whips the camera back around to Apson, he looks like he’s about to scream, “NEEEE!” He bursts into faux tears, and suddenly he turns to run out of the store. Alanis follows, and they pass the customers Valentine had completely forgotten were even in here! They seem completely and utterly confused and Val feels a little bad for them.

As Appie and Alanis cross the threshold onto the street, still filming, Appie still making wailing noises, he trips on his baggy pants and falls. Valentine gasps, Alanis keeps filming, and someone nearly hits Apson on the ground with their bike.

“Ik ben geen poser!” [I am not a poser!] Apson yells his final line, sobbing crying, clutching his elbow, and Alanis stops recording. She helps him up, they’re laughing as they walk back inside but it seems Appie actually got hurt.

“Oh my god, are you okay?” Valentine comes up to them, slightly stunned but also laughing.

“I’m okay,” Appie nods, then turns to the people at the front of the store who are just frozen in shock, “I’m okay!” He waves at them, and they slowly return to what they were looking at in abject horror.

“You’re bleeding a little,” Val frowns when she sees Apsons elbow, “Here, I’ve got a bandaid in my purse.” She moves over to the counter again, opening her bag and pulling out a bandaid for him.

Alanis takes it from her and opens it, “Thanks Valentine.” Appie says warmly.

“You’re welcome.” She smiles.

“I think I should pay for the shirt,” He says while wincing as Alanis applies the bandage to his broken skin, “Pretty sure I got blood on it.”

“Probably a good idea,” Valentine agrees, “April said you could film in the store, not bleed all over her products.”

“Want anything while we’re here, babe?” Apson asks Alanis, who brightens up immediately at the idea of getting herself a little something. “I’ll go get changed while you pick something out.” He says and walks into the changing room to get back into his clothes.

“Can I see your rings, please?” Alanis asks Valentine brightly.

“Of course!” She unlocks the jewelry case behind the counter and pulls out the rack of rings for Alanis to inspect. She picks up one and tries it on, examining her hand afterwards.

“So when will that video get posted?” Val asks.

“I think Appie will post it on Friday.” She studies the ring on her finger before putting it back and picking up another one. “We should be mutuals!”

“I’d like that,” Valentine grins at Alanis and pulls out her phone, opening tik tok and handing her phone to her. Alanis lets her follow both her and Apsons accounts, Val asks to be mutuals on instagram too.

“There!” Alanis says while handing Val’s phone back to her, “You can message me whenever you want to.”

how it’s going:

The sun shines bright outside of Joosts window, he stirs back and forth for a few minutes before finally opening his eyes. The first thing he sees is his Stitch plushie sitting on the other side of the bed, staring at him. He reaches out and grabs it, bringing it to his chest and squeezes it in a bear hug.

“Goedenmorgen.” Joost grumbles while stretching, his head hurts slightly from a long night of drinking but mostly from the way the sun won’t leave his face.

He rolls over onto his back, picking up Stitch again, he stares at the plush toy for a while with his tired eyes, wondering if he’s weird for talking to it or cuddling with it every night. Wondering if that even matters at all. Wondering if it secretly means something about how lonely he is.

But Joost would do anything not to think about that subject, so he tosses Stitch aside and grabs his phone from the nightstand. It’s already passed 2pm and he’s missed at least 15 text messages between his friends.

Stuntje: “You coming out tonight again?” Stuntje: “Bro? U good?”

Tantu: “Beat coming along nicely👍” *1 image attatched*

Apson: “Made a banger post on tik tok! 😂” Apson: “Please leave me a like boys, I bled for this one! 💀” -tap to see more notifications-

Joost sighs through his nose, opening the tik tok app, his therapist has been trying to get him to stay off tik tok first thing in morning but he can’t help it, especially not when his best friend just posted. It’s also not technically morning anymore.

He watches the funny dog video that pops up on his FYP first, liking it and scrolling to the next video. It’s some level 99 brain-rot meme about skibbity rizz in Ohio, he chuckles and leaves a like before scrolling. The next video is an ad and he instantly scrolls. Apsons video finally pops up:

@ apsonarmy posted 1hr. tagged: @ v4lent1ne @ aprilsclosetNL

emos be like 😂💔💀🤘 #emo #poser 10k likes

202 comments

1k shares

There’s big text on the top of the screen that says “EMOS BE LIKE 🧛”, and there’s Apson, fully looking like an e-boy, pretending to be moody and mysterious.

“Ik ben zooooo emo….”

Joost smiles, immediately liking the post. He watches his friend act on screen as the video plays, chuckling as his friends line delivery keeps getting more and more over-the-top with each sentence. And then the camera pans and he sees this girl on screen, she’s wearing tight, leather, flared pants, a grommet belt with a silver star belt buckle, a cute little cropped graphic tee that shows off her midriff, and some silver chains hanging around her neck.

“Such a fucking poser.” She sneers, her voice ablaze with attitude.

Joosts eyebrows shoot up, she has the most beautifully sharp eyes he’s ever seen, and this head full of thick, fiery hair, glossy lips, and gorgeous makeup. She was undeniable, whoever she was. The type of beauty that would end up in every magazines “Top 100 Most Beautiful Women Of All Time” list—No, Top 50, maybe even Top 10. And yet as soon as she was on screen, she was off. The camera points back at Apson’s dramatic reaction. Joost watches as the chaos unfolds when Apson begins running, trips, falls, nearly gets hit by a bike, screams “no” while lying on the streets of Amsterdam, and clutches his bleeding arm.

The video loops…and Joost watches it again. And again. And again. He’s actually not sure how many times he lets it play before the low battery notification snaps him out of his daze. He quickly taps it away, using his thumb to scroll back to the part where the girl calls Appie a poser. He pauses the video when her face is fully in frame and clears the tik tok display. She was breathtaking—literally, Joost was unintentionally holding his breath. He sat there enamored for a while, then brought the display back, checking the “tagged” portion of the caption to see her there, @ v4lent1ne.

Joost clicks on her profile so fast, just to be severely let down when he sees she only has one video available on her profile. He reads her bio;

“Valentine, 27, Designer, Amsterdam.”

221 32 101 Following Followers Likes

Followed by a link to the April’s Closet website. She hadn’t bothered to link her instagram to her tik tok. He clicks on the video, it’s just a cute little tik tok of her lip syncing to Korn in a nice outfit and beautiful trad-goth makeup, the date says it’s almost a year old. She doesn’t seem to have as much of that spark within her as she did in Appies video, maybe it’s because she was just acting for that, but she looked thinner in this old tik tok, maybe more tired somehow. He scrolled away once it looped.

“Valentine…” Joost sighed out loud, letting the name roll off his tongue while admiring her in her tiny profile picture. He went back to Appie’s video and opened up the comments, typing out “I agree, bros not emo, bros a POSER 🤣😂👍🔥” He immediately liked his own comment upon sending it.

Joost realized it was suddenly stiflingly hot under his blanket and that damn sun was still shining brightly on his face. He tossed the blanket off of him, letting the cool air of his room hit his skin, he looked down and saw he was half hard. “Shit…” Joost groaned.

He hopped out of bed and headed into the bathroom, he caught his own gaze in the mirror, messy bedhead, stubble growing in, dirty blonde roots showing through his bleached hair. A mess. But nothing a good shave and shower couldn’t fix.

Joost turned the faucet on in the shower, letting the water run for a minute while stepping out of yesterday’s boxers. His cock sprung free, hanging somewhere between half limp and nearly hard. His pink tip was blushing at him, begging him to give it a little attention. It’s been a week since he last jerked off anyway, might as well take care of it, Joost thought as stepped under the warm water.

He let the water run down his body, rinsing away yesterday’s sweat from the bar, yesterday’s arguments with festival bookings, yesterday’s dull thoughts that kept him numb and unhappy. All that mattered right now was his pretty dick perking up under the warmth of the water and what he was going to do with it.

Joost ran his fingers through his pubic hair, scratching lighting at the forest of hair there, slowly moving down to squeeze it at the base. He had no intentions of teasing himself today, but he couldn’t think of anything worth fantasizing about just yet. Perhaps a familiar pair of lips came to mind but he quickly stubbed out that thought. Too fresh. It was one video. He shouldn’t.

But as Joost slowly pumped his fist around his length, his mind kept wandering back to those same features, he couldn’t help but picture her—Valentine, apparently—gazing at him, watching him jerk off. Her eyes squinted at him, watching him jerk his cock faster now at the thought of her, she’d sneer at him the same way she did in Appie’s video.

“What a loser…jerking off to some random girl you just found on the internet? Pathetic.” He pictured her saying.

Joost wondered what her skin would feel like, what her skin would smell like—he stopped touching himself and pumped some body wash into his hand and lathered it on his cock, careful not to get any inside. The smell was obviously familiar to him, masculine and clean and filled the steam around him with its scent. It would do for now. He could picture Valentine smelling like this as he closed his eyes. He pictured himself standing in front of her, nude, while she was in that same outfit from Appie’s tik tok. He approached her, towering over her, though he couldn’t possibly know how tall she is, he looked down at her and her eyes flicked to his lips.

It’s barely even a lewd fantasy but Joost is stroking himself so fucking fast to it, the soap forming slippery suds under his hand with every long pump he takes. He wants to lean in and kiss her neck, right against her pulse, fuck—he can feel his own pulse in his cock right now. Valentine’s would match his. He cups her jaw and sticks his thumb in her mouth, she gladly suckles on it, it makes him moan out loud, “Fuuuck-“

Valentine sinks, slowly, so slowly, to her knees and looks into Joosts eyes. Joost is massaging the head of his dick now, he’s so close to cumming, just needs a little more. In his mind she takes him into her soft hand, enjoying the weight and warmth of him in her palm. And finally, she leans in to capture his tip between her gorgeous lips. Those fucking lips. With that, Joost is moaning and stroking himself so fast he is coming undone. His white ropes hit the bottom of the shower and get slowly washed away into the drain. He fucks into his fist, mind erratically imagining Valentine in a number of situations as Joost cums. Rapid flashing of doggy style, cowgirl, her tits covered in his cum, she’s just as breathless and red in the face as he is!

He uses his other hand to prop himself up against the wall, panting as the last beads of cum roll down his reddened tip. Breathlessly, Joost returns to reality, he drops his cock from his hand and lets the water beat against body. He’s less tense that’s for sure, but there’s a weird sense of guilt about it, Joost promises himself to never fantasize about her again. And he doesn’t. At least not while jerking off.

The first few days after Appie posted the tik tok, Joost would sometimes go back and watch it, but after a week, he became too busy. He forced Valentine out of his head. The weird, unfinished picture of her he created would still materialize from time to time, but she altogether slipped from his mind as the weeks and even months had gone by.

how its going to go:

“Fuck,” Joost pants looking down at V, her lips are swollen and wet with their combined spit as Joost had all but swallowed her whole, the flavor of her grape lip gloss coating his tongue. Joost’s cock twitches in his boxers, “You know, the first time I saw you in Appie’s video you gave me a boner?”

Val lets out a strained laugh from her breathlessness, “Really?” Her fingers reach up to trace his mustache, the pads of her fingers barely grazing the skin of his lips. It feels like the touch of an angel.

“Ja.” Joost nods, still staring, kissing at her fingertips.

A low, erotic hum emanates from her chest, “I guess it was meant to be then.”

Something flashes in Joosts eyes when she says that, something so deep, it was like watching his brain chemistry change in real time. “You were made for me…” He whispers before dipping his head into the crook of V’s neck and teething a hard bite into her soft skin.

[more coming soon ◝(ᵔᗜᵔ)◜] -ego⋆♱✮

[calzone-d]

Always There (Ted Lasso x Fem!Reader)

pairing: ted lasso x fem!reader, mom(ish)!reader x henry lasso

word count: 3.7k (not the most proofread, sorry!)

warnings: henry being kind of sad, reader x henry fluff/comfort, ted being worried, michelle/jake slander, face-sitting, oral sex (f receiving), ass eating (it made the cut), unprotected penetrative sex, creampie, anal fingering

a/n: that last episode gave me ideas, so that’s how this started. then sad ted made me horny, and that’s how this ended. if you like michelle/jake you may not like the first part of this. or most of my blog? anyways, hope you like it! my inbox is open as always!

summary: you and henry have a heart to heart before you comfort ted in a way that only you can.

find my masterlist here.

---------

Ted was unusually quiet as you ate dinner. You knew Michelle and Jake being in town really struck a nerve, but he’s gotten good at letting that stress go so that he can enjoy his time with you and Henry all together as a family. As you and Henry talked, he kept quiet as he listened in. You decided to not push it in fear of him shutting down, and of Henry hearing. He didn’t visit as much as you wished he could, so you wanted his time with you and Ted to be as happy and carefree as possible. If you had it your way, though, he’d just go ahead and move in. 

Henry had roped you in to help him build a quick lego set before bed. The boy adored you. He had become pretty attached to you, actually. On the couch, Ted watched quietly as you worked together and smiled to himself everytime you’d take over for a while and Henry would lean against you. Henry was obviously exhausted, but he wanted to stay up with you.

Putting him to bed was easy, as always. As he’d gotten older, your usual nighttime books turned into telling each other funny stories and recalling cherished memories. Ted stayed behind to put away dinner while you got Hnery settled. 

“So.. fill me in. How do you like Jake?”

“mm.. he’s okay, I guess.”

“just okay?”

“he only really talks to me in front of mom. and when I tell him things he never remembers… he was the one who told me to be more rough at school! I told him someone hurt my feelings, and he said I should do the same back.. I knew it was wrong, dad’s always told me that.. I guess I was just trying to make him like me. Then he was the most mad at me after.”

you’re silent for a moment as you take in henry’s words. before you can respond, the lasso boy is talking again,

“what do you think i should have done?”

the question shocks you for a split second. you’ve always tried to make it very clear you never intended on being a replacement for michelle. you let henry get to know you at his own pace, get comfortable around you at his own pace.

“well, hen.. i think you should’ve done what you thought was right.”

“maybe..”

“what do you wish you would’ve done?”

“i don’t know? talk to him about it, i guess. kinda like dad talked to you about his feelings the other night.”

your eyes widened as you recalled the conversation. ted was telling you about how he felt michelle had wronged him, which you completely agreed with, but it wasn’t a conversation either of you wanted henry to hear. luckily, with how good of a man Ted is, he didn’t really say anything bad about her that henry could’ve heard, but still. henry’s a kid, his parents relationship shouldn’t have been a concern in his mind.

“hun, i’m sorry you heard that. that was an adult conversation. you know your dad loves your mom very much-“

“no, he’s just nice to her. she hurt his feelings and broke his trust, so he doesn’t love her”

honestly? henry was right. spot on, even. he was a smart kid, but your heart hurt at the thought of him coming to those realizations by himself. you knew michelle didn’t play a part in explaining anything to him, and ted tried the best he could, but sometimes it was hard.

“trust is a really tricky thing, hen-“

“not really.”

“how so?”

“i mean, i trust you. remember that time i fell and scraped my knee? i was sad that you only had brown bandaids and you promised me that we could go to the store the next day and get blue ones.”

you nodded along, remembering the day very clearly.

“the next morning you took me to get them. so now i don’t worry that you won’t be there for me, because i know you will.”

“i’ll always be here, bub.”

“i trust dad. i trust my friends ellie and spencer in class. i trust grandma, and grandpa- ooh and your mom! i like her too. she’s always nice to me when i visit. her cookies are so good-“

henry’s rambling made you chuckle and you pulled him in close.

“…but dad doesn’t love mom. i promise i’m right, y/n”

“and what makes you think that?”

“because he loves you, and kisses you, and tells you how pretty you are.”

your cheeks reddened, “well, he does do that”

“and even when you aren’t there! he always tells me how nice you are and how much you love us. mom doesn’t like to talk about dad, and it’s usually about how he talks too much. her and jake get mad when i talk about my dad.”

it frustrated you the way michelle so easily talked bad about Ted, especially in front of henry. especially when she was the one who seemed to have done some immoral things.

“i’m sorry, hen. you shouldn’t be in the middle, ever.. it isn’t fair. if i’ve ever made you feel that way, i apologize.”

henry shrugged his shoulders and played with the hem of your t-shirt.

“s’okay.. it isn’t you. i just wish i could stay with you and dad. dad is happier now, and you guys order pizza every week.”

you cackle before you can stop yourself, “only when you’re here, hen.”

“oh. well still. being here makes me happier. i like your cat, too. she always comes and sleeps with me at night..”

his eyes fluttered closed as the aforementioned cat hopped up on his bed. you brought a hand up to rub at his back over his shirt, something you always did when he was trying to fall asleep. 

before he could get too comfy, ted came in. he was dressed in his pajamas and his hair seemed as if he’d been running his hands through it often. he sat down next to you on the bed and reached a hand out to smooth henry’s hair on top of his head.

“you tired, buddy?”

henry nodded.

“well i’m gettin’ there myself. i love you, hen. if you need anything come wake one of us up, y’hear?”, ted said before leaning over to kiss henry’s head. you smiled ad ted’s interaction with henry. the way he was as a dad made you swoon. 

“i love you too dad.. goodnight”, henry said as he cuddled back into you. 

after ted walked out, you spoke again. 

“your dad and i love you so much, baby. even if you’re not here, if you’re ever sad or confused or angry.. or anything, you know we’re only a call away.”

he huffed before murmuring, “wish mom would just let me stay.”

your eyebrows furrowed. you wish he could stay, too. his confession tugged at your heart as you pressed a kiss to the top of his head.

“love you, y/n”

“i love you too, henry bug.”

you scratched his back until his breathing evened out and he was asleep. when you were finally able to sneak away from his room, you tucked the blankets around him and turned off his lamp.

ted was sitting on the couch, hair wet and floppy from a quick shower. he looked so domestic and cozy in his t-shirt and flannel pajama pants, but the smile he gave you when he met your gaze didn’t make his eyes crinkle like usual. it was clear something was up.

his eyes stayed on you as you took a seat next to him and snuggled into his side like henry had previously done to you.

“you okay, teddy?”

he contemplated telling you he was fine for a moment. contemplated just brushing it off like he’d been practically trained to do in his marriage for so long. 

“are you happy?”

“beyond happy, hun. i’ve got you, got henry bug, we just kicked ass building that lego set together, too. m’doing just fine.”

ted nodded softly as he mulled over your words. your hand played with a loose thread on his pants until he spoke again.

“just wonder if sometimes i should be doin’ more for you, y’know?”, ted’s words were soft and timid. behind them you could feel the side of him that was terrified of rejection. more specifically, your rejection.

“like what?”

ted’s shoulders shrugged, “dunno. maybe a trip to paris?”

“i don’t want a trip to paris, ted.”

his eyes were sad as he turned to look at you, “where do you wanna go, then?”

you shook your head at him softly. if you listened close enough it almost sounded like he felt you demanded a trip or some grand gesture.

“ted i don’t want a trip anywhere, i want you. i want you and henry, and i have that. i’m happy. with you, our relationship, all of it.”, you paused for a moment. 

 “have i done something or said something to make you think otherwise?”

ted shook his head immediately. “no, not at all! i just.. i’m used to having to guess.. and even when i guessed, everything was still wrong. i just don’t want you to be unhappy and me not know, o-or bored, or-”

“you’re spiraling, honey.”, you grab both of his hands in yours. “i fucking love you, ted. more than you could ever imagine. henry, too. you two make me so damn happy, and there’s not a single thought that’s ever crossed my mind that has anything to do with splitting us up. we’re a family now, ted. we’ve got something fucking great going. m’not interested in losing that, or you.”

ted chuckles at your firm tone, and although it’s a watery chuckle, it makes you smile.

“y’mean it?”

he sniffles and smiles more when you nod. you use his hands to pull him closer so that you can press a gentle kiss to his lips. after that, you move to his cheek, across his cheek bone, and over to his ear.

“i’m more than happy, hun. more than you know.”

ted let out a content hum before putting his hand on the back of your head and pulling you in for another kiss.

this one was more intense, and you swung a leg over his lap as you moved to straddle him. his warm hands found a home on your hips and he gave them a loving squeeze. your lips pressed slow, warm kisses to his neck. soft sighs left his swollen lips as he let his head fall against the back of the couch.

“you make me a happy man, darlin’..”, his voice was low and full of need.

you hummed against his neck in response as you slipped a hand under his shirt, and brushed across the hair on his belly. he let out a soft moan at the way you angled your hips forward to reach the other side of his neck. the sound made you chuckle and you brought your lips to his ear.

“shh, honey. gotta stay quiet for me.”

your words made him whimper, especially combined with the slow movements of your hips against his throbbing cock.

“ohhh-“, his groan was cut off once your lips were on his. his tongue swirled and prodded against yours as you found a rhythm grinding on top of him. you swear you heard him whine when you pulled away.

you bit your lip and smiled at the way his lips chased yours.

“can’t fool around on the couch tonight, baby.. we gotta go to the bedroom, c’mon”

his eager “yes mam” as he got up to follow you only made you more excited.

as soon as you stepped into your room, you slipped out of your shirt and sweatpants, ted mirrored your actions with a smirk.

ted pulled you in by the waist before you could lie back on the bed. his hands were warm against your bare skin and the hair across his abdomen tickled as you pushed yourself up against him. his mouth captured yours in a hot kiss, full of need. his teeth were biting at your bottom lip, tongue swirling with yours as your breathing grew labored.

one of his hands slid up to tangle itself in your hair. he pulled your head to the side as his lips made their way down your neck, and across your shoulders. ted sucked and nipped at your collarbone, leaving marks you hoped wouldn’t be too noticeable tomorrow.

“oh… honey”, you whispered.

ted hummed against your skin as he softly brushed his fingers over your belly and down to your pussy. you knew you were soaked. just the thought of having him to yourself, knowing he was all yours, had you burning with desire.

his thick fingers slid inbetween your lower lips, spreading your slick arousal and occasionally swiping over your swollen clit.

“need you to use me, honey..”, ted’s words were almost inaudible as he moved up to kiss your jaw. a smirk found it’s way to your lips as you batted your eyelashes at him.

“oh?”

“need y’to know i’m all yours. want to make you happy, please baby.”

you pulled him to get on the bed as an idea quickly formed in your brain. ted was always so eager to please, such a giver. he got off on making you feel good and loved being the one to make you orgasm. just knowing he was the only person seeing you and touching you that way was enough to make his cock throb.

you smiled and bit your lip as you instructed him, “lie back, teddy.”

a cheeky smile grew on his face, he immediately knew what was going on. one of his hands reached down to palm himself through his boxers while you straddled him and made your way up his body. by the time you were hovering over his face he was practically drooling in anticipation.

his eyes were lit up once you lowered yourself on him. ted’s arms came up to hold your thighs before he went to work. your eyes locked with his when he took that first lick, and you could tell by the look in them that this was exactly what he’d been hoping for.

he dragged his tongue up and down your folds, moaning at the taste of you. the nose of his you loved so much would bump against your clit every so often, making you whimper. 

you watched as his eyes fluttered closed and he let himself get lost in the taste of you. his tongue seemed to never stop, prodding at your entrance, swirling around your clit, weaving through your lower lips. after a few minutes you brought your hands down to stroke at his hair, but your light touches soon turned into you full on grabbing his hair and using it as leverage.

ted admitted pretty early on that he loved when you pulled his hair. it was one of the first “new” things he’d realized he enjoyed after having sex with you.

your finger tugged gently at his thick head of hair and you slowly ground your hips down on his face. his hands moved from your hips to your ass cheeks, encouraging you and helping you move. the tip of ted’s nose pressed firmly into your clit with every rock, drawing moans out of you like it was nothing.

“mmm, ted.. that’s so good, fuck!”, you had to mentally remind yourself to stay quiet. it was a huge change from your usually loud moans and pleads.

as your orgasm built, you realized it was a good thing you were sitting on ted’s face. he was never good at keeping quiet. it was too easy to get lost in you.

when he finally opened his eyes to meet yours, his pupils were blown and his lids were hooded. you kept his gaze as you reached a hand up to pull at one of your hardened nipples, still using your other hand pull at his hair.

you opened your hand up to palm at one of your tits. the feeling combined with ted’s hands kneading your ass had you right on the brink of what you knew would be another amazing orgasm. ted was moaning into your pussy like a mad man, and the only thing more crude was the sounds that came from him putting in every effort to make you fall apart on his tongue.

“shit, oh- i’m right there baby..”

ted didn’t dare ease up on his grip as you came, holding you firmly against his face as you trembled on top of him. he worked you through your orgasm and when you went to get off his face, your thighs felt like they were going to give out.

as you lifted off him, he continued to lazily tongue at your now dripping cunt. he seemed to follow it with his mouth as you pulled away. you flopped beside him, your chest heaving, as you attempted to catch your breath.

ted, on the other hand, didn’t miss a beat. as you were practically gulping down air, he rolled over and began kissing over the swell of your tits. his face felt wet against you from where he ate you out, and just thinking about the dirtiness of it all had you wanting even more.

your breath hitched in your throat as his teeth scraped lightly over one of the pebbled buds. his lips were red and glistening, making them look even more perfect as he wrapped his lips around your nipple. almost like a chain reaction, the feeling had you squirming underneath him.

by the time he was satisfied, both your nipples glistened with the mixture of ted’s spit, and the remnants of your orgasm.

“you got another in you, darlin’?” his voice was gentle but full of need. his fingers softly stroked the sides of your quivering thighs.

“mhm.. want you deep, though. need to feel you..” your mind was hazy as your words trailed off.

“you know i’ll take good care of you, sweet thing..”

he softly grabbed at your hips, pulling you closer before flipping you over. you were entirely his, completely at his mercy. you needed him so badly you would’ve let him do whatever the hell he wanted.

ted’s hands pulled your hips into him, arching your back in the process. you’d grown needy, and when you softly pressed back onto him it was obvious he’d shed his boxers sometime throughout the night. the hair at the base of his cock was scratchy as it brushed over the skin of your ass. his cock was hot and thick against your swollen pussy, and you could barely form thoughts that weren’t of him.

the feeling of him backing away made you whimper in protest, but before you could speak, his hands were on your ass cheeks. you felt him pull them apart before his tongue collected more of your sweet arousal. ted squeezed your ass as he used it to pull you further into his face, completely burying his face into your most intimate places.

you gasped in surprise as his tongue moved upwards and prodded against your other hole, licking at you softly as his thumb came up to tap against your clit.

“ted, oh my god..”

he barely pulls away, “too much?”

“no no.. fuck please keep going honey”, your words were rushed as you were eager to get his mouth back on you.

just the thought of how dirty it was had you panting and groaning into the sheets. the action itself had your pussy clenching around nothing.

ted’s tongue poked and prodded at the tight ring of muscle as his fingers dug into the flesh of your ass. his thumb continued to tap and rub at your clit, making you whimper and push back onto his face. the man clearly didn’t mind. in fact, it felt as if he pressed his face further into you.

the hair of his mustache tickled but didn���t deter you one bit. ted’s spit was practically dripping between your cheeks when he pulled away.

words weren’t even forming in your brain, but you didn’t need them because a few seconds later the head of ted’s cock was brushing through your soaked folds. luckily, he didn’t tease you and eased himself in.

taking ted’s cock was always a stretch, but with your orgasm earlier and ted’s love for foreplay, it felt a tiny bit easier this time. ever the gentlemen, he still gave you time to adjust before pulling out and pushing back into you.

“honey you’re- fuck, so fucking tight.”

you could only moan in response as you worked your hips back against him as best as you could. with each stroke, his cock brushed your g-spot before nudging against your cervix. your face was buried in the pillow, because at this point, it was the only way for you to stay quiet.

as ted worked his cock in and out of you, you turned your head to the side and rested your cheek against the pillow.

“ted.. can you- shit- put your thumb- mmf, oh fuck!”

it was like he could read your mind. before you finished your sentence ted had brought a thumb up and was spreading the wetness from your previous activities around the tight ring of muscle seated right above where his cock was stuffed in your pussy.

you knew your only choice was to shove your face back into the pillow under your head as he slowly worked the tip of this thumb in. it was the only way for you to be quiet. ted’s cock hit the deepest part of you while he worked his thumb in and out of your ass.

“that feel good, darlin’?”

what he could barely make out as a “yes” left your lips as moans poured constantly from them. ted’s other hand reached around so he was able to rub at your clit, eager for your impending orgasm.

“shit, I can tell, baby. squeezin’ me so tight, ugh”, his accent had gotten thicker and it only added to the mess of fog in your head.

he worked you perfectly until you were on the verge of an orgasm.by now he knew every tell, every cue.

“i feel you, baby. that’s it.. come on my cock sweetheart, take it..”

ted’s filthy words combined with the perfect stretch of his cock, the added sensation from his thumb, and the tight circles he was rubbing on your clit sent you right over the edge.

the little sense you had left is what kept your face in the pillow as you came. your thighs quivered as ted shoved his cock as deep in you as he could manage before you felt his warm cum fill you up.

he eased his thumb from your ass as he pulled out and lied down beside you, immediately taking you into his arms.

“you okay, honey?”

“i’m… im good.. fuck, ted.”, you panted.

ted’s smile was confident as he pulled you in to kiss your face.

“i love you so much. i’m so glad you’re here for us.. so glad you love us.”, he murmured into the top of your head.

“m’not going anywhere, teddy.”

he hummed in response as you both came down from the post-orgasm high coursing through your veins.

thanks for reading!

[csakszavak]

Én nem a “vegyél nekem ajándékot és kényeztess el” hanem a “szeress és tarts ki mellettem” barátnő vagyok.

[gl1tt3r-gutz-and-r0b0tz-sl]

First things first, I'm gonna be rewriting my fic due to new ideas flowing in.

Secondly, let me info dump some things about sparklings in my AU.

The Sparkling's name in this pic is Firefly. She's an Oplita kid.

A Sparkling's gender is in the optic color. Female Cybertronians will have cooler or lighter tones of the color they have. While males will have a more warm hue of said color. As an example of this, Starscream, who was originally forged as female, has a more pink color to the red of his optics. A Cybertronian born as a male with red optics will have more of a fiery orange tint to it, Grimlock and various Decepticons being prime examples. On the rare occasion that a Sparkling is born without an assigned gender, they will have the base color of optics and will be referred to as neutral pronouns. Nightshade is a great example of this. Gender can be changed in the future when and if they decide to.

On the topic of optic colors, the color of the child's optics will be based on the parents. If a Cybertronian with red optics is to forge a Sparkling with a Cybertronian with yellow optics, the chances of that child being born with orange optics is highly likely, with the rare cases of heterochromia occurring with both the eye colors of the parents. 'Pure color' optics, a rather derogatory term, is where a Sparkling has unmixed optics and has had parents with the same optic color, those two being typically red and yellow. Optic colors can also be slightly changed with a film over the optic, much like a colored contact lense, though, it is usually easy to tell.

Sparklings are born with only one base color, a white or light gray (debatable by cyber-parents) this color is the base color of the metal they are made of. A metal that grows with them and allows their bodies to change voluntarily into whatever mode they wish with some limitations based on heritage and age. Typically, they develop the ability to transform once they are six cycles (6 million human years) old.

Sparklings can change their paint jobs when they are old enough to transform. They also can change their colorings whenever they please as adults. The colorings that are typically chosen matter based on the colors of their parent(s)/guardian(s).

Much like human children, they develop to speak coherently at a toddler age. During their infant and newborn stages, they typically babble in unintelligible Cybertronian, which consists of cybernetic sounds and rumbles. Purring is not something only Sparklings possess. Adult Cybertronians also have the ability to purr and do it quite often to convey contentment or happiness to a situation or individual that makes them feel positive emotions. Cooing is something mostly maternal or paternal figures do in front of their offspring or anything they deem fit to be under their care. Typically, those who transform into avian vehicles coo to their young.

Female Cybertronians are typically more aggressive than males. Originally, in Cybertronian history, females were bigger than the males, dominating the planet until they were nearly all wiped out. Over time, and the lack of resources from hiding, they became smaller, some even becoming male to avoid scrutiny. Because of the shortage of females, homosexual relationships are quite common within the males of Cybertron. Some of the females who have managed to escape Cybertron have populated other planets where it is nearly all female.

Avian based infant Sparklings will likely learn how to run or move quickly with the thrusters built into their bodies, typically their backs or feet. While land based Sparklings will learn on their wheels or just like human children.

[glitchy-npc]

59 pretty please? ^^

[Post Re-gene and villain reveal. 778 words]

Ortega fidgets with the small, gold ring in his ear, rubbing the smooth metal between his finger and thumb and it warms quickly under his touch. It's become an increasingly common habit lately, a self-soothing gesture, it helps him think. He only wishes he could focus on what he really needed to get done instead of drifting towards memories of the man who gave him the earring in the first place. 

But his brain never did care about what he wanted and the memories come back anyway.

He remembers sitting in his kitchen and the familiar burn of tequila, a little liquid courage, while watching Tegan set a small box down on the table. 

“Last chance to back out, old man.” Tegan’s lopsided smile was a challenge. Why was that the detail Ortega noticed rather than whether those smiles ever reached his eyes or not?

“Do you really think I would?” He leaned back in his chair, the camouflage of cocky confidence as easy to put on as a pair of well worn shoes. 

“No.” Tegan snorted. “But you could have gone to a professional, they probably would have done it for free, for celebrity bragging rights.” 

“Hey, I’m not being a cheapskate here, besides…” His voice softened when he reached out to grab Tegan’s hand, giving it a quick kiss before the other man could protest. “I want you to do it, I trust you.” Only in hindsight could he see Tegan’s imperceptible wince.

“Fine, just don’t complain if you don’t like it and end up with a scar.” Did he really never used to notice Tegan’s eyes darting to the scar on his lip so often? His parting gift from Retribution. It’s still hard to comprehend they are one and the same. 

Ortega remembers Tegan opening the box and pulling on a pair of black nitrile gloves, the way his hands flexed until they sat just right and how meticulous he was about sanitizing the gloves and needle, along with the sharp smell of disinfectant. He had been that way in the old days too, whenever he had patched him up after a fight, methodical and clean, he thought he had just been overcautious.

But now he knows why. 

Could never risk an infection or a trip to the hospital, not with the tattoos being as good as a death sentence. If only he had known. If only he had been trusted to know.

He remembers Tegan gently pushing his hair behind his ear and repressing a shiver as he applied antiseptic to where the needle would go. How he stood, straddling one of his thighs to be close enough. So close. He wanted to place his hands on his hips, to slide his hands up under Tegan’s shirt and pull him closer. Into a kiss, into the countless fantasies he’d had of them making love in his kitchen. Maybe it was silly but that's what fantasies are. And what they are likely to remain. 

“Ok, keep still.” Tegan commanded, needle poised against his ear. “On the count of three. One…two…” 

He remembers the sharp sting as the needle pierced through his flesh. 

“¡Carajo! You didn’t even get to three.” It took all his willpower not to touch the instrument in his ear. An intrusion. One he wanted.

“You might have flinched otherwise.”

“I wouldn’t have!” The embarrassed surprise stung worse than the needle in truth.

“Don’t be a baby. You still want the gold hoop?” At least that was better than calling him old. 

“Yep, gold’s a classic.” Easy to throw the confidence back up while Tegan disinfected the jewelry. He was proud he didn’t wince as he threaded it through the new opening. Another scar.

“Not worried what other people will think it might mean?” Even prouder he didn’t wince at that. Did that really used to scare him that badly? That other people might suspect he wasn’t straight? 

“Not at all.” He can tell himself now it wasn’t a lie. “Besides, if anyone makes a big deal of it, I can say my boyfriend did it for me. Watch them say something then.” 

“Idiot.” Tegan rolled his eyes but allowed himself to be pulled into the kiss all the same. Something warm and wanted that didn’t chase away the pain but added to it in a way that made everything feel more. 

More present. More real.

Ortega shakes his head. Stops tugging at the earring and rubs his eyes. Tired. No light shines through the blinds, working late again, the dimly lit office a pale comparison to the bright warmth of the kitchen in his memories. 

But that's just how everything feels lately.

[winniethewife]

Quiet moments and Silent Questions (Moon Knight System x reader)

Inspired By @guruan art linked below

https://www.tumblr.com/guruan/707431147652694016/silent-question

Warnings: Fluff, Angst and Flirting. In that order.

Words: 1030

Steven

She and Steven were sitting across from each other in at the café, trying to squeeze in some time together, before she leaves for an inconveniently timed business trip. Things were just really starting to make sense, they had just started to get serious in this relationship, Steven had finally found the courage to tell her he was a system, and what that meant, it was bumpy at first, but she felt like she was handling it well.

So of course the minute the four of them were just starting to get into the flow of things, is when her boss decided this would be the best time to send her to help with the start up with a new branch of the company, in Switzerland, for a month. She had tried to argue she had personal things to attend to at home, but without having a real reason, not wanting to divulge anything about her boyfriend(s?) she was forced to go or say good bye to any chance of a promotion in the next year. So here she was, sitting with Stevens hands in hers their tea cups cold and long forgotten as they opted to just sit together. Enjoying each other’s quiet company.

She could tell Steven wanted to say something, the way his brow slightly furrows, he searches her eyes looking for an answer to the question in his mind. Wets his lips with his tongue, before he looks directly at her, the concerned lines in his fore head as his eyebrows push together, and his dark eyes meeting hers with desperation.

“Can I kiss you? Please?”  He silently begs.

She gave him the smallest smile, before leaning in to kiss him, her soft lips on his, gently moving together. At first she looks into his eyes as they kiss before softly closing them as she puts her hand on his cheek.

Marc

When she got back from Switzerland it was really hard for them to fall back into any sort of pattern. But Marc took the absence the hardest. Which led to him retreating to the headspace more often than not. She tried to be patient but this was starting to become a problem. She would come back to Steven’s flat at the end of the day and there would be signs that Marc had been fronting, things of his left out, or a suddenly fronting Steven or Jake standing in the middle of the room, often confused as to why they were suddenly pushed out. Bothering everyone else involved, Including the cat. He was avoiding her and that hurt. It hurt a lot.

Eventually one day, Steven and Jake convinced him to talk to her. he sat at the end of the bed, hair pushed back brow furrowed, his usual serious expression on his  face. She came in after a long day of work and saw him waiting looking down at the ground as she came in. the silence was tense, but familiar. She got on her knees in front of him and he looked up at her. His face softened, eyes first then his brow rests as his lip gently part. He doesn’t know how to put it into words. He doesn’t know how to ask. But as so often the case his face spoke to her.

“Do you still love me?”  His fear and regret silently calls out to her

She takes his hands in hers and runs her thumbs over his knuckles. Her eyes meeting his as she gives him a gentle smile.

“I’ll always love you, no matter what. I’m not going anywhere. I promise.” She says quietly. He rests his forehead on hers, their eyes close, sighs of relief leave their lips.

Jake

Date nights with Jake we’re always interesting, but nothing short of romantic. But it was actually the unplanned short moments where she isn’t expecting to see him that are the best to her. She was just walking home after having to stay late at work, her office wasn’t far from the flat, but it had gotten dark. She had waved goodbye to a coworker when she turns and under the streetlamp stood Jake, Bundled up for the chilly weather, hat pulled down over his forehead, gloved hands in his pockets. She smiled at him as she approached him he looks up at her with his own slight smile on his face. Offering her his arm, which she gratefully takes her fingers inter woven with his and pushed deep in his plush lined pocket.

They walked together in silence the moonlight guiding their path as she leans into him, shoulders touching, her head resting on his shoulder, her messenger bag over his shoulder as they walked. There wasn’t a need for talking or an explanation of his presence, just the sounds of the city around them was enough. As the wind starts to pick up he pulls her in closer, he wanted to protect her from everything, he probably had the hardest time while she was away for all the different business trips she went on for her job, He’s the one that fronts at the least convenient times to have a relationship, especially one with any distance, but on top of that he can’t protect her when she���s half way around the world or in the middle of fucking nowhere, why did they have an office in Wichita Kansas anyway? But right now, he can walk her home, in the dark and keep her safe.

As they approached the flat she half expected him to give her a kiss on the cheek and head out, either to work some driving hours or do something for the stupid pigeon, but he turns to her, his slight smile widens to a smirk and he cocks an eyebrow flirtatiously as her gives her a good once over. This look definitely needed no translation.

“You…me…Bedroom?” His silent confidence in her answer leaves her laughing.

Hands still intertwined as they get in the elevator, past the front door, under the covers, and even as they fall asleep bodies intertwined with each other, A small dark hairless cat curling up beside them.

---

Masterlist

A/N: Had to Squeeze Pequeña Viejita in there at the end <3

[guzelbirsarapvebebebiskuvisi]

aynı bulutlar ıslatıyor tenimizi

aynı yağmurun sesinde uyuyoruz

aynı yağmuru izliyoruz

bulutun içine sığınmış iki aşık yağmur damlası kopuyor

biri senin pencerene çarpıyor

biri benim

aynı yağmur ısıtıyor içimizi

[justagirlwholikesadam]

Mostly all my fanfic are NSFW and are for mature readers. Please check the tags before reading. Have fun reading these and stay safe! - L

Follow my tiktok to see edits: HERE

Adam Driver’s Characters

Kylo Ren (Star Wars)

Lil Ren

She’s Mine

Paradise 

He’s Mine

Ren’s Bride 

Punishment 

Reunited 

Hard Ren

Saudade

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four 

Chapter Five 

Charlie Barber - (Marriage Story)

An Affair

Henry’s Girlfriend 

Paterson - (Paterson 2016)

The Bus 23

Jude - (Hungry Hearts)

Tenant

Maurizio Gucci - (House of Gucci)

Babysitter of Gucci

Jack Gladney - (White Noise)

Quickie before Class

Rory McCann’s Characters 

Sandor Clegane - (Game of Thrones)

His Queen

His Queen: Chapter 2

His Queen: Nameday

Construction Worker! Sandor Clegane's Headcanon

Dating Sandor Clegane x Hispanic! Reader - Headcanon

Sandor's Secret

Farmer! Sandor Clegane Headcanon

Pornstar! Sandor - Headcanons

Realm's Delight

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

The Wolf Among Men

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Alan Rickman Character's

Severus Snape - (Harry Potter)

"How can I prove it?"

This Feeling Will Pass

Crush

David Thewlis Character's

Freddie Mays - (Gangster NO. 1)

Freddie's Angel

Remus Lupin - (Harry Potter)

In Another Life

His Sweet Girl

Missing My Werewolf Boyfriend

The American: Welcome Back!

The American: Visiting the Dursleys

The American: A Storm is Coming

Communication

Best Friend's Little Sister

Queen Bee - W/ Sirius Black

Bad Day

Birthday Boy

Their Favorite Show

[emmyfairy]

Sound of Rain

Bo Sinclair x reader

guys I’m so soft for him 😩 feedback welcome!

not my gif

Rain was pattering down on the roof, the tinny sound echoing inwards towards the kitchen, melding with the soft snores of a dog, scraping of firm hands whittling a chunk of wood, and the shuffling of sleeves against canvas.

The temperature was a bit cool as you stepped outside, a slight humidity hanging in the air, a calmness caressed your being as your eyes settled onto what you were searching for.

Bo sat in one of the porch’s creaky chairs, posture relaxed and settled, cigarette in hand, beer on the small table next to him.

He looked peaceful, a look he didn’t often sport regrettably.

You let the door clack behind you, wanting to alert the man of your presence, though, you could never startle him, he’s always been far too aware of his surroundings for that, especially with you. He could sense whenever you’re near, he says it’s instinct, you say it’s love.

Luckily he acknowledges your presence with him on the porch, tilting his head back, not looking at you, but opening up his bubble of calm.

You find yourself in the chair next to his, the table in between the pair of you, no one says anything, choosing instead to listen to the rain.

After a few minutes of listening to the pitter-pattering, and watching the droplets splash, you turn your gaze towards Bo. Your eyes trace the lines of his face, handsome angles you know well, jaw less tense than normal, curls soft and pliant without product.

His eyebrow closest to you quirks, a silent question, he was fighting a small smirk from forming, he’d never admit it but he loves when you watch him like this, it makes him feel loved.

You give a small hum, not wanting to say the wrong thing and ruin the aura of the moment.

Turning your eyes towards his drink, finding parallels between the falling rain and the dripping condensation on the glass, you reach out to take a sip.

The taste is a bit bitter on your tongue, but knowing he had already drunk from it made it sweeter.

He doesn’t say anything, simply raising his cigarette to take a puff, knowing he’d give you anything you could ever ask for, no matter what.

The rain begins to beat down heavier than before, a mist ricocheting from the drops hitting the wooden floor in front of your chairs.

Bo shifts, and you can’t help but feel a sadness creeping in, knowing this moment of perfection was ending.

You watch him, as you do, he reaches out, flicking his cigarette away, and gulping down the last dregs of the beer. Placing the empty glass back down onto the table he stands, eyes burrowing into yours, until you stand as well.

Tilting his head as he looks at you, Bo seems uncharacteristically soft, not that you were complaining, but it isn’t often he lets his guard down so much, especially outside of the sanctity of your shared bedroom.

You’re broken from your thoughts when the man wraps his large hand around yours, warmth spreading from the heat of his palm despite the cold glass he’d just been holding.

“C’mon darlin, let’s get ya to bed.”

[lyutenw]

Writeblr Intro 💟

Hello everyone! This is my new intro for my writeblr~

To everyone new to my blog, I am lyuten, I am a 24 yo (extremely tired and done) university student, that has been writing for about 10 years now. I am hoping to be able to self publish my books in 2024, and most of all have a good time here with all of you 🤍

All of my wips will be exclusively here. My update schedule for my newest WIP will soon be announced.

I have a LOT of wips in mind and I get bored way too easily, but I will try to be as diligent as possible🤍

For anyone interested in reading ACOD which I will unfortunately not continue in the near future, head to my old blog intro here, where I have the links to every chapter.

My new wip that I haven't started writing yet, To Kill a God, you can find HERE , and the post containing links to every chapter here (hyperlink coming soon).

BOTH ACOD & TKaG are 18+ and contain a lot of tws, so please read the warnings thoroughly.

I will not be working on anything else until TKaG is done, but a glimpse of any future wips will be here:

(coming soon I guess)

You are all welcome to tag me in any game and ask me anything, when I have the time I will get to all of them❤️

[slasherhaven]

How would a male yautja react to being peppered in kisses and babied with mountains of praise all because he got hurt during a hunt?

Your Yautja Mate Being Spoilt After a Hunt:

At first, he's offended.

He assumes your praise and fussing are you babying him, thinking he isn't strong enough to handle it on his own, that a little bit of pain would be his downfall.

He has acquired many injuries in his life, many of witch have left scars behind. Each scar he wears proudly, each evidence of all the fights he had won.

When you got an injury, you tended to it and moved on. The pain barely even registered with him anymore.

So, he assumes you think he's weak and unable to look after himself, unable to protect you, a poor hunter and fighter.

But you're just cooing at him, cradling his head in your arms and peppering kisses over his face. All of your words were kind, your concern genuine but not accusing him of being weak.

You were lathering him with praise, gushing about how strong and brave he was, how impressive his hunt was.

It almost feels like too much, like it might be insincere, but he knows it isn't.

He remembers that you're human, that your culture is very different to his. When you see a loved one wounded, your instinct is to care for them unlike Yautjas with other adults.

And he does adore all of your affection and softness.

So he leans into your touches, purring when you kiss his face, preening when you stroke your hands over him.

He might not actually be hurt but he'll let you think he is if you're going to give him so much attention.

If anyone else where to treat him like this, he'd bristle and snarl, but your intentions are so sincere and caring.

"Such an impressive hunt, I knew I chose well. Such a strong and capable mate. Let me tend to you."

Yes, he was the perfect mate for you. Perfect for protecting and loving you.

Another purr vibrates up and out of his chest as he nuzzles at your skin.

You can offer to get him food or check his wound, but he grabs hold of you and nuzzles closer.

He really is fine but would never turn down your affection, so why don't you just keep being the sweetest mate ever.

[sesshy380]

I was going to wait until Friday the 13th to post Chapter 13 of tkb 2nd chance, but well...I got antsy and decided to do it today.

Enjoy

[anawrites3]

Commission for @hmmbarkbark 💕💕 Thank you for letting me play with them, love 🥰

[read here]

[csakszavak]

Egyszerűen beléptél az életembe. Nem kértem, és nem is számítottam az érkezésedre. Csak úgy megtörtént, Te jöttél, magadtól. Pont akkor, amikor a legnagyobb szükségem volt rád.

[dr-demi-bee]

We're at War: the Wizard and the Commander

Chapter 5

Chapter 5 is here at last! Thanks for everyone's encouragement - hopefully you love this chapter just as much. :) (I think it'll be stretching past 7 chaps, but we'll see - it does have an ending at least 😂)

Frenemies -> Lovers ~ Royal Court AU ~ Knight x Noble

Pairing: Gale x f!Tav - NSFW Word Count: 8.7k (chap 5; total 34k) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------Summary:

The gala is off to a tense start. Gortash is clearly scheming, and Gale and Miri are determined to find out what. But can they really put their differences aside to work together on this? What about the ever growing tension between them? Emotions run high.

----------------------Read on AO3-------------------------

"I have an idea," he says, his voice barely above a whisper.

Her eyes slide to him with an arched brow, equal parts curious and skeptical. Gale can feel his heart beginning to race with excitement as his mind works out the details. He leans in close to her, speaking in a hushed tone.

"We could dance," he suggests, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “That could get us close enough you can overhear whatever he and the marchioness are discussing.”

"What?" Miri scowls at him. "I can't dance, I already told you this."

"I know," Gale replies, his voice still low and enticing, "But I can."

He can feel his pulse quickening at the thought - of holding her close in his arms and slowly spinning her about the ballroom floor. His mind is already imagining the feel of her body pressed closely to his, the soft scent of her hair, the warmth of her hands - her body- in his.

Miri doesn't dislike the idea of Gale holding her close. And it would be an ideal way to get close without raising any suspicion. But she was quite confident she'd make a fool of herself. Likely him as well in the process. Her eyes turn back to the dancefloor watching couples move about.

Gale can sense her hesitation, sees the flicker of uncertainty in her eyes. But he is determined to take this chance, to hold her in his arms and feel her warmth against him. To move past their spats and be.

“Just trust me, Miri.” He moves closer still, his voice soft and soothing. His eyes hold hers, silently pleading with her to accept his offer. “I’ll guide you every step of the way.”

"Gods damnit," she grits. "Fine."

A broad grin spreads across his face at her agreement.

"Excellent," he says, his voice filled with excitement.

He takes her hand in his, brown eyes alight with thinly veiled desire. Gale raises her hand to his lips for another soft kiss and a softer wink. Miri rolls her eyes back at him, but she can’t hide the way her lips tip up with a soft smile.

"Now come here."

Gale gently tugs her by the hand to bring her close and tucks her hand into the crook of his arm. With casual ease belying his excitement, he leads her to the ballroom floor below, the music swelling around them. At the edge of the dancefloor, he guides them into the proper position.

He takes the hand at his elbow back into his own, marveling once more at the warmth of her skin and the contrast of her slender, calloused fingers against his hand. Gale clasps her fingers in a firm, but pleasant grip. In this delicate hold, the sharp points of her nails seem almost out of place.

He slides his other hand down and across the silk of her dress into place at her hip, his fingers curling around to the small of her back. With gentle pressure he urges her to move closer to him - perhaps a bit closer than courtly propriety demands. But he can’t help but be greedy.

If he could he would crush her against him outright to feel the expanse of her soft yet firm body against his. With that low v in her dress, if he dipped her right he could place a kiss just between-

Gods he needs to stop or he won’t be able to focus on them dancing at all.

Miri hesitantly puts her free hand on his shoulder, mirroring what she’s seen plenty of times before. She can do this. She’s fought in dozens of battles. Led and slain countless soldiers. One dance shouldn’t be that bad.

But the feel of his shoulder - strong and broad beneath the layers he’s wearing - is surprisingly distracting. And for some gods forsaken reason, Miri can’t bear to look at his face. The heat in his gaze is all too similar to the way he looked up at her last night as he -

Stop it.

Gale tugs her gently onto the dance floor, and her gaze immediately moves to his feet. He can feel the tension in her body, but he's determined to make this dance as smooth and pleasant as possible.

"Relax. Look at me," he says gently, his voice drawing her gaze. Her expression is nothing but tension as those green eyes meet his. Gale keeps his voice low and gentle, soft enough for only her to hear, "Keep your eyes on mine, and follow my lead."

"How am I supposed to follow if I don't see what you're doing?"

Gale smiles reassuringly, his warm brown eyes locking with hers.

"Just trust in me," he murmurs softly, "Feel the music, feel the rhythm in my movements. I'll guide you. I won't let you stumble or make a fool of yourself."

"Good, because that would be the end of both our careers in court." she whispers back sharply.

He begins to lead her through the dance, his movements practiced and confident as he seamlessly moves them into the throng of dancers. Her grip on his hand and his shoulder is tight as iron.

Miri worries her feet will misstep or stutter, that these heinous shoes will snag or falter. She’s so confident in boots - hells, even barefoot- if she falls now she will never hear the end of it. From her men or from the nobility.

Yet, his guiding hand on her hip keeps her moving in step with him. Close to him. His fingers cupped around hers so easily lead her in one direction, then the next. Following is something she hasn’t done in ages, but with Gale it feels seamless.

As they continue to dance, he can feel her tension begin to melt away, her body relaxing slightly as she lets herself be guided by his skilled movements. Gale nearly breathes a sigh of relief that she’s allowing him to lead her. He’s not shocked she can follow the movements - no, she’s graceful and dexterous, more than able even off balance to master even the most complex dances he knows.

Gods, what he wouldn’t do to be able to spend the whole evening just like this. Well, maybe not the whole evening...

"You're doing great," he whispers, dipping his head closer to her ear.

Miri eases into the rhythm with him - treating as flows of a combat routine. Stepping back as the attacker moves forward, pressing the advantage... It starts to feel natural. Natural enough she can focus on the other dancers on the floor without her eyes leaving Gale’s.

His heart swells with a warm sense of satisfaction, an almost smug smile on his lips, as Miri relaxes in his grip and starts to fall seamlessly into the rhythm of the dance. Her long ears tilt upward slightly as she strains to hear Gortash's grating tones among the crowd.

"Can you move us closer?" Miri asks softly. A murmur so sweet and close - innocent words, yet spoken only for him - it almost feels intimate.

Gale smiles at her request, glancing across the dance floor to the target in question, spotting an opening.

His head dip closer to hers and he replies smoothly, smile never wavering, “Gladly.”

Gale leads her expertly around the room through a series of turns and steps, his hand on her hip guiding her gracefully across the dance floor. As they weave in amongst the other dancers, he continues a running commentary in her ear.

"That's it, focus on the rhythm. Feel the music in your limbs, in your movements. Almost there..."

He carefully maneuvers them closer to Gortash, their steps timed to look natural and effortless. As they draw near, he can faintly hear Gortash's distinctive voice, the gruff, arrogant tone almost carrying over the music. And if he can almost hear, then Miri most certainly can. She makes a subtle face of displeasure as soon as they're close enough for her to overhear.

"That's close enough," she murmurs to Gale. His stomach does another little flip at that soft voice so close.

Gale nods in confirmation, his own expression darkening as he glances over at Gortash. With her sensitive ears, Miri can make out enough of Gortash's words to pick up on the gist. It's also far enough that they won't seem suspect.

No one around them on the floor seems to pay them any mind. Save the soldiers stationed nearby looking on in awe at the way the commander is behaving. Miri tries very pointedly to ignore their attention, and their whispers, but it's grating all the same. Bad enough to be forced to parade about like this, let alone dance.

She can hear the marchioness mention something about money - and Gortash assuring her it's for a good cause. That could be nothing out of the ordinary...

He can feel the tension in Miri's form, the slight tightening of her fingers as she listens to the Grand Duke's grating voice. He gives her hand a gentle, reassuring squeeze.

He tips his head in close to murmur, “Keep calm, Miri. We should look natural - look like you’re having a good time, at least.”

She feels something race down her spine at the way his breath dances over her ear. Whatever it is she tamps it down.

"Oh, yes, because this is so delightful," Miri returns, fighting the urge to roll her eyes. “I don’t think anyone will be suspicious if I look less than thrilled.”

Gale notices the slight shiver that runs through her at his words, the way her pulse quickens at his breath on her ear - despite her words. As they continue to move together across the floor, following the curling movements of the crowd, he leans in just a bit closer - his hand on the small of her back pulling her hips nearly against his own.

This dance mirrors the way they’ve danced around each other for months. Years. Only further stoking the growing tension between them - the undercurrent of desire that seems to burn just beneath the surface whenever they are close.

"You know I'd rather be enjoying myself in much more delightful ways with you," he murmurs low and silky. Words just for her ears.

"I'm sure you would, sweetheart," Miri returns, tone heavy with gravitas, but smiling as if he had said something clever. "No need to be so convincing."

Gale's smirk widens at her response, his eyes gleaming with a mixture of amusement and desire. His whole body seems to come alive when that word leaves her lips - the way it immediately draw him back to those fleeting moments together in the dark and the moonlight.

"Oh, my dear, can you blame me?" Gale murmurs back, wearing a charming grin, "I spend all day listening to old men drone on about taxes and trade agreements. I crave a little excitement - a chance to let loose and forget the dreary details of court life."

"Well. You're welcome to come spend some time in the training yard," she teases back with a lopsided smile, “If you need a break so badly.”

"And watch you thrash your soldiers in the sparring ring?" Gale asks, his voice dripping with mock horror and genuine amusement. "I'd rather avoid the ignominy of being thrown onto my back by the formidable knight commander."

Miri huffs a soft laugh, actually flashing a genuine smile. His eyes twinkle with playfulness as he gazes intently into hers.

Gale wants to press it a step further. See if he can’t seize the opening and get just a bit closer to his ever-elusive knight commander. He knows she wants him too.

"Although,” he purrs lowly, “If you promise a more private show of strength later, I might consider it."

"Come now, physical exercise is much more exciting than administrative work," Miri returns with a soft smile. Her hand tightens slightly against his shoulder - a kind of possessive claim against the heat he stokes in her belly. There's something that glitters under her expression that suggests she's considering his suggestion.

"Oh, I have no doubt," Gale replies, returning her smile with a wicked grin of his own.

A turn takes them closer to the Grand Duke and the Marchioness. Gortash is regaling the marchioness with some details about a mechanical something he is in the process of inventing. 'Critical to the success of the war'... but for who?

They share a frown briefly - minds racing to decipher the implications of Gortash’s cryptic remarks. But they return smoothly to the task at hand - Gale a bit faster. It’s easy to put the danger from his mind with such a breathtaking woman in his arms.

"There are few things more tantalizing than watching someone beautiful work up a sweat as they battle against a worthy opponent,” he muses after a beat, “And I can only imagine the other benefits of such... physical exercise."

"They’re plentiful. Strength, stamina, endurance, flexibility..." Miri's smirk turns decidedly coy, before Gale turns her about in a spin. His hands guide her smoothly, her feet keeping the rhythm as they move elegantly together.

Gale's eyes light up with amusement and excitement as he pulls her back in, drawing her close, his hand on her hip pulling her body against his as they continue to move across the dance floor.

"That is quite the list," he says, a slow smile spreading across his face as he gazes into her eyes. "You know, I've always been quite partial to a woman with a strong will and an even stronger physique. It allows for some... exquisite possibilities."

Miri quirks a curious brow at him - quite an interesting revelation on his part. She does her best to maintain the smooth rhythm when he brings her even closer. And she tries not to show how strongly his hand against her lower back and his chest against hers has her pulse picking up.

"Is that so?" She queries, now they stood closer together. "Were your preferences perhaps... influenced in your formative years?"

"Why, Commander, are you suggesting that perhaps my tastes were shaped by a certain knight captain I used to moon over when I was a young apprentice?" Gale chuckles softly, his warm eyes gleaming with amusement and affection. After a beat, he dares to be honest. "I cannot deny that your strength and grace were the very seeds of my own... preferences."

"And now?" Miri murmurs, unable to suppress her curiosity about how time may have changed his feelings. She knows he’s attracted to her, sure. But she’s not sure where his feelings really lie. Nor where her own do, if she’s honest.

The music continues to play around them, a soaring melody that matches the tumultuous emotions swirling inside of Gale's heart. With her so close in his arms, he can feel the heat of her skin, the faint hint of her perfume, the firmness of her athletic form. Firm, and soft, and warm...

"Now..." he whispers, his voice low and seductive. "My preferences have grown more sophisticated with time. I find myself drawn to strength, yes - but also to kindness, intelligence, and a sharp wit. And it seems I am drawn especially to a certain commanding presence."

"I see," Miri smiles softly, feeling some warmth flicker in her chest at his words. They seem not only a clear invitation, as he was wont to do, but also some semblance of genuine praise and affection. "It sounds like you have matured quite a bit."

Gale smiles half-heartedly, a soft chuckle escaping his lips. Can she really not resist poking at him like this? He’s been back at court for a decade and she still treats him like an apprentice.

"Has anyone ever told you that you have a wonderful knack for pointing out the obvious, Commander?" he murmurs, his voice laced with a wry amusement. "Truly, I don't know what I would do without you to point out every flaw, shortcoming, and weakness I possess."

Miri sighs roughly as he manages to spoil it. Her lips press into a thin line, unamused by his prodding. It’s as if he can’t fathom of the possibility! Perhaps he doesn’t see her as more than the mantle she wears after all.

"Have you perhaps considered that not everything I say is meant as an insult?"

"Oh, my apologies," Gale replies, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Here I thought your entire role in my life was to constantly poke and prod at my shortcomings. I must have misunderstood your intention. Surely, you must simply be offering your valuable advice because you care about my well-being, right?"

She scowls at that.

"I'm sure that's hard for you to fathom at such a tender age," she snipes back. She’s grateful at least that now they can finally stop this charade of a dance.

"A tender age?" Gale repeats incredulously, dark brow furrowing at her remark. "I'm not some fresh-faced youth! And you know full well that I'm not some insecure whelp either. So if you're going to insult me, Commander, perhaps you ought to choose better. Something a little more cutting."

Her eyes move from his buffoonery to trail Gortash's back as he leaves the dance floor. Talks of 'infernal iron' and steep price tags nag at the back of her mind. But somehow the irritation with Gale presses to the forefront.

She’s not even listening. Gale lets out a low rumble of frustration, his fingers tightening slightly on her hip. That godsdamn muscle in her jaw is feathering- he knows she’s holding back a growl.

"Is it really so hard for you to just...be kind to me? For once?"

Her eyes snap back to his. Her grip on his shoulder and hand tighten, bordering on painful.

"Sometimes it seems that way," Miri returns with a calm that belies irritation simmering beneath, "As you seem dead set of perceiving my words and actions as anything but."

Gale's eyes narrow, his frustration mounting. She can’t twist this back onto him. He only barely maintains the rhythm of the steps. It falls from fluid to stilted.

He struggles to maintain his composure, to keep himself from lashing out in anger. But the tension between them is palpable, and it seems like one wrong word could ignite the already smoldering embers of their argument.

"And why, pray tell, would I perceive your actions as anything but deliberately cruel?" Gale hisses back, only just keeping his voice down. "Have you ever tried... oh, I don't know... being nice? Showing some semblance of empathy, or gods forbid, affection?"

Miri bristles as he so easily dismisses her kindnesses and the rather copious amount of affection she has given him over the last two days in particular. She’s been protecting his ass for years. Aiding him in council and out. Clearly it's not good enough for him. Greedy little shit.

"Maybe I will. Once I manage to find someone who appreciates it." She masks the hurt in her voice with frustration. Her voice is threaded with a growl rather than the pain that threatens to spill free.

She opens her mouth to say more, but the music swells to a crescendo and then a finale - and the other dancers on the floor all stop to applaud. They almost stumble as the dance ends before either of them has time to process.

The applause around them pulls them back to the present, and he lets out a sharp exhale as he looks to Miri. She steps coolly out of his hold, a cold gulf forming between them as she to steps aside and join the other guests in showing gratitude to the musicians. He feels a flicker of disappointment mingling with his frustration.

Gale draws in a slow, deep breath, his mind swirling with a mix of emotions. On the one hand, he's frustrated with her apparent unwillingness to acknowledge their complicated relationship, but on the other, he can't help but notice the hurt in her voice.

Their frustration heightens the ever complex web tangled between them, each too stubborn to admit their true feelings. Both sharing furtive glances - thinking how the other is so wrong. Yet both feeling the same impulse to drag the other away and kiss them senseless - show them how they feel.

Their attention is drawn up to the top of the grand staircase, where King Ravenguard clears his throat to begin his welcome speech. Gale and Miri watch as King Ravenguard steps forward, addressing the gathered guests. He speaks of peace, prosperity, and the future. Baldur’s Gate pushing through the war, coming out for the better.

But Gale and Miri's minds are elsewhere.

Gale’s thoughts swim with their unspoken words and unresolved feelings. He glances back at Miri, a mixture of irritation and longing stirring within him as he watches her stern gaze moving. Despite their disagreements, he can't deny the profound effect their relationship has had on him.

Miri is only half listening to the king. Her eyes are trained on Gortash, who continues to whisper in the ear of the marchioness towards the front of the ballroom. She cannot let Gale distract her from her duty to the kingdom.

Above them, King Ravenguard invites Gortash up to speak. They watch the greaseball in question ascend the stairs to join the king on the dais, his eyes gleaming and his every step exuding confidence. Time for his usual gala pontificating about money and supporting the city of Baldur's Gate. Miri's eyes flit about the crowd to take note of observers. Her gaze flickers up to Captain Cliffgate - Miri still needs to discuss her concerns with her. No good opportunities for now. It could wait. Even Gortash isn't foolish enough to attempt something now. Half a platoon in the room, even ignoring her, Cliffgate, and Gale.

Gale's notices Miri's eyes flitting around the room, taking in the other guests. He can see the wheels turning in her mind, a mixture of concern and thoughtfulness etched on her features.

She sighs, not bothering to muffle the irritation in her tone. Miri doesn't have the patience to listen to his inane prattling. Laced with self-glorification and an unhealthy dose of arrogance. She turns on her heel, not caring about subtlety, and exits the dance floor - nobles all too eager to make way for her when the recognize the steel gaze of the knight commander approaching.

Gale shifts his gaze between Miri and Gortash as she slips across the room. She’s so brazen about flagrantly disrespecting the Grand Duke - part of him is thrilled to see her do it, but the other part knows it’s not doing her any favors.

He huffs a deep sigh of his own, fighting the urge to follow. It’s not as though he wants to listen to Gortash prattle on any more than she does. But he also knows how it would look if he were to trail after her immediately.

So he stays and listens for a few minutes more.

Five minutes pass.

Ten.

Fifteen.

And Gortash shows no sign of slowing.

Although he’s still annoyed with Miri, he can't help but be a bity antsy - eager to discuss what she might have overheard. Now would be a good time, considering the weasel isn’t in a position to do any more plotting while he’s orating till he’s blue in the face. Perhaps it's time to put aside their differences for now and see what the Grand Duke is up to.

He checks over his shoulder for the striking combination of deep red hair and blak and emerald silk. She’s easy to spot - leaning in an alcove against the far wall, wine glass in hand.

Subtle as he can manage, Gale extricates himself from the crowd a few steps at a time. Once’s he’s free of the throng he gravitates toward her as if pulled by some undeniable magnetic force.

He approaches Miri with a hint of apology in his eyes. Miri sighs, her own expression slightly rueful. An unspoken apology - and far from the first.

"Bored already, are we?" Gale says, a hint of teasing in his voice.

"Not like he ever says anything remotely interesting," Miri grumbles back, their voices hushed despite the distance form the dais and the bulk of the crowd.

Gale chuckles, his eyes shifting back to Gortash up on the platform, delivering his usual grandiose speech. He nods in agreement with Miri's grumble.

"You're right. It's always the same empty boasts and empty promises. I don't know why the king keeps letting him up there every year." He glances back at Miri, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "But then again, I suppose it gives us something to complain about."

Miri gives him a wry half-smile. "As if we couldn't find something otherwise."

Gale returns her smile, his own expression now mirroring hers. A silent easing of tension for the moment.

“What did you make of what you overheard?” he asks, his voice lowered to keep their conversation discrete.

"I'm not sure. He's building something with expensive parts. And he's convinced she would be willing to contribute as a 'loyal follower'. But everything is rather vague, of course..." Miri huffs a sigh of frustration. She captures her lower lip between her teeth and chews on it briefly. "The mention of infernal iron, the vague nature of his project... it could be nothing, but it could be something more sinister."

Gale nods in understanding, his sharp mind already working to piece together the information she's given and trying desperately to ignore the way his eyes want to fixate on those sharp teeth or the lip between them. Gale frowns slightly, fixing his gaze on Gortash instead. His brow furrows in thought.

"And from their conversation, it seems the marchioness is all too willing to contribute...” Miri adds, “Perhaps her loyalty is to him, instead of to King Ravenguard."

"That is my suspicion, as well,” Gale replies, his eyes flitting to the Marchioness at the foot of the grand staircase. Watching Gortash with doe eyes. “And were whatever this is for the good of the kingdom, I imagine he would have brought his clever idea to council by now."

A flicker of concern flashes in his eyes as Gale turns his attention back to Miri, his expression growing serious.

"I've been tracking some rumors in the lower city,” Gale returns softly. “Whispers of a cult that's been gaining more followers as of late. Could be nothing, but with the Banite’s knocking on our door I don't trust Gortash's motives at all."

Her brows furrow at the possibility of cult movement in the lower wards. As if they don’t have enough trouble on their hands. Insurgents would add a few hundred more headaches they don’t need - and if Gortash isn’t loyal...

She finishes her goblet of wine before she responds.

"We should discuss that more. For now we should keep an eye on him and see if he does much more 'fundraising' for this project tonight."

"Agreed," Gale nods, his gaze fixed on Gortash's form. His mind is a whirlwind of thought and speculation, but he tries to remain focused on the present. "We’ll keep a close watch on him. No doubt he’ll continue to speak of his project to anyone with deep pockets who will listen. For now, we should keep our ears open and our eyes vigilant."

His gaze flicks back to Miri, noticing a subtle shift in her expression. "Is there something else on your mind?"

"No," she returns softly, her ears shift from a high raised position to something slightly lower. "Just listening to whispers."

"Ah, there you go again.” Gale smirks and his eyes sparkle with a mix of amusement and affection as he gazes at Miri, his frustration with her fading slightly. “Being vague and cryptic. It's almost cute."

"I'm being quite literal," she whispers, shooting him a wry glance.

Gale chuckles softly, his brown eyes twinkling with humor.

"Ah, of course. My mistake." His smile softens, a hint of fondness in his voice as he regards her. "So what whispers have you been listening to? Anything we should be concerned about?"

Miri shakes her head softly.

"Just the idle chatter of nobles," she returns.

More than a few within her hearing range are whispering to one another under their breath - poorly veiled criticisms of the young king, of the state of the war, of her leadership. And even less subtle commentary about her as a person. Or less than, typically...

Nothing she hasn't heard before.

Gale's eyes narrow slightly, his ears trained on the whispers surrounding them. He can hear the subtle jabs at Miri's leadership and her person. His thoughts swirl with a mix of frustration and admiration. He admires her strength in the face of such constant scrutiny, her ability to keep her composure in the midst of it all. Despite their differences, he can't help but feel protective of her.

He turns to her with a supportive smile. "Pay them no mind. Anyone who can't see your talent is a fool."

Miri manages a soft smile back. It's tempered by the uncomfortable way her feelings push and pull around Gale. He seems to pull her in only to push her back again. When it comes to anyone else, he's quick to defend her - assume the best in her. But between them....

There’s a smattering of applause that escalates to a full round when Gortash finally shuts his trap.

King Ravenguard resumes the control to commence the gala dinner. The king gestures towards the elaborate feast laid out in the adjoining hall and invites all the guests to dine and drink, and to make merry in celebration of the coming prosperity of the summer season.

Gale glances around at the gathered guests, all of them nodding and murmuring their approval at the King's words. Gortash is amongst them, his false smile stretched across his face as he stands behind the king. Gale can't stand the sight of him, can't stand to see him pretending to be a pillar of the community when they both know the truth.

"Let's go find something to eat," he says to Miri, his eyes still trained on Gortash. "Before I lose my appetite completely."

Miri nods, her eyes watching the King and his guard. "At minimum I find myself in need of a strong drink."

"Right there with you," Gale mutters, his eyes still scanning the room for any signs of danger. He feels on edge, like a coiled spring ready to snap at the slightest provocation. As they make their way towards the banquet hall, he whispers to Miri.

"Keep an eye out for anything suspicious. And don't get too drunk."

"I assure you they have nothing in the larder capable of getting me drunk," she retorts with a huff.

Gale chuckles at her response, feeling some of the tension ease out of his body.

"Well then," he says with a grin, "You know what they say - a challenge only makes the reward all the sweeter when you succeed."

He glances around at the extravagant feast laid out on the table, his eyes lighting up as he sees the array of dishes. And the spread of fine drink.

"Oh, perhaps they may have some things that could get you drunk after all," he teases with a smirk.

"You're incorrigible." Miri returns with a sour look.

Doing her best to look poised and not pissed, she finds a seat at the end of one of the long dining tables. Gale chuckles as he follow suit, sitting across from her. As they sit down, he glances at her with an amused expression.

"You know you love it. What fun would a court dinner be without me?"

"'Fun' is perhaps the wrong choice of words," she returns with a shake of her head and a roll of her eyes.

Gale starts to dig into the food, sampling a bit of everything as he goes. His eyes dart around the room, constantly scanning for any signs of trouble - but a bit more relaxed now that he’s got food in hand.

Miri is more selective - almost exclusively meat and occasional vegetables. She eats with a hand over her mouth to keep her teeth concealed. She's more conspicuous about her attending to Gortash - keen ears listening to his blithering conversations.

Gale eyes her plate, amused at her choice of food.

"You know, it's a royal feast, not a hunting trip," he teases. "Perhaps something a bit more refined? A cheese pastry, perhaps?"

He sees the way Miri’s ears shift subtly, and his eyes dart to Gortash seated a few tables over. He leans in close and whispers, "What's he saying? Anything of interest?"

"No. About as inane as your dietary advice," she replies, shooting him a look. "And you don't need to get close to whisper to me."

"Just taking the chance to flirt with a beautiful woman," he replies with a wink. His eyes flicker towards Gortash, his expression darkening and his grip on his silverware tightening. "I'd take a plate full of snails and worms over hearing that fool's voice.”

“Be grateful for your limited hearing, then," Miri returns darkly. The makes a face at him, clearly unamused. The man has absolutely no guile. Thank the gods he’s not usually necessary on a covert operation. As is he’s making this one neigh on impossible and it’s hardly started. His gaze doesn’t even stray from the direction of Gortash’s table.

"Do try to be a bit more subtle, Lord Dekarios." She kicks him under the table, causing him to wince and snap his gaze back to her.

"Ow! Bloody hells!" he hisses, rubbing at his sore leg. Gale grits his teeth and shifts his leg out of kick range as he retorts, "Subtle? You're one to talk, Commander.”

She gives him a look that just says ‘really?’

"I'm doing my best," he mutters. "I just can't stand the sight of that worm. He's up to something, I can feel it in my bones. But what...?"

He pauses for a moment, his eyes narrowing as he tries to catch any snippets of Gortash's conversation. "I can't make out anything from here."

"Stop trying," she pleads in a low hiss. She intentionally taps her fork against his plate to draw his attention back to her. "You are atrocious at subterfuge."

Gale scowls at the jab to his ability to stay unnoticed.

"I am not! I just have better things to focus on," he mutters in protest. He turns his attention back to his food, picking at it with a petulant expression on his face.

"And for the record, your skills aren't that great, either," he jabs back. "That foot under the table was rather obvious, Commander."

"There's dozens of acceptable reasons I might kick you. Significantly fewer for the court mage to look like he's taking notes on the Duke's every breath and planning an assassination."

Gale bristles at her words, his eyes narrowing. He stabs at his food with his fork, clearly annoyed.

"Taking notes?" He repeats, the indignity clearly evident in his voice. "I am not taking notes."

He shakes his head, his frustration growing. "I am... paying attention. That is the job of any good court mage, after all."

Miri rolls her eyes. She takes another serving of roast pork.

Gale lets out a huff of frustration.

"Fine," he mutters, his mood becoming increasingly sour. "You want me to stay out of it? I will. But don't come crying to me when that snake sticks a dagger in our back."

He takes his glass of wine and downs it in a single gulp, the liquid flowing down his throat like a waterfall.

"I'll sit here, silent and complacent. Like a good court mage."

"Don't be petulant," Miri returns, eyeing the way he drinks his wine warily. "I'm asking you to leave the listening to me. If he breathes a word of interest I will tell you."

Gale rolls his eyes, setting his empty glass aside.

"And what exactly do you want me to do then? Eat? Drink? Flirt with anyone in a short skirt?" He frowns, his mood soured further.

"Gods above." Miri pinches the bridge of her nose as the tension escalates. Bad enough to have to listen to the most annoying worm on the continent, but now she has to deal with Gale acting like an overgrown child. Again.

Gale lets out a bitter chuckle at her reaction, his frustration clearly building.

"Oh, I'm so sorry Commander," he mocks, "Am I not entertaining enough for you? Should I put on a show? Maybe juggle some fireballs?"

He leans in closer, a dangerous gleam in his eye. "Or perhaps you'd rather I turn all that energy towards more destructive purposes? I have a lovely spell that turns men into toast."

"Please," he huffs, sitting back again. His tone drips with sarcasm as he goes on, "I'm sure your ears are just bleeding from the sound of his voice. How have you managed to keep from throwing your knife at his smirking face?"

He picks up a piece of cheese and plops it into his mouth, his expression dark. Miri ignores the majority of his dramatics as she drains a goblet of wine. She chooses to seize on the less incendiary of his comments to reply to, arching a fine brow.

"What makes you think I have a knife on me?"

"Oh, please," he replies, his lip twitching slightly. Gale rolls his eyes, a hint of amusement in his expression. "You're never without a blade, even when you're dressed for court. No doubt you have at least three hidden on your person. A knife in your right boot, perhaps?"

She intentionally crosses her legs so that her foot sticks out from beneath the end of the table, reminding him of her high heels.

"Not one on me, I'm afraid."

Gale's eyes narrow at the revelation, his expression turning thoughtful as he stares at the expanse of her leg. Gods, she’s practically taunting him with that long expanse of coppery skin. His eyes trail up the criss-crossing straps of her shoes until it disappears beneath the table. He has to physically resist the urge to dip beneath the table to see more.

"No knife on your person?" Gale muses, "That's a first. Or maybe it’s somewhere more conspicuous. Maybe I should start asking to frisk you before we have our little encounters."

His tone turns suggestive as he leans in closer, his eyes full of mischief. "Of course, I'd have to be quite thorough."

Miri snorts.

"I'm never defenseless," she returns. She picks up her refilled goblet and intentionally taps her sharp nails against it. "Even without a blade."

Gale eyes her nails with a raised eyebrow, his expression a mix of amusement and doubiousness.

"Oh? And what exactly are those supposed to do? Scratch me to death?"

"They've been known to do that," she returns without amusement.

Gale gives Miri a withering look, his eyes filled with skepticism.

"Right, and I suppose you've personally tested this theory, have you? Tell me, how many men have you scratched to death with those pretty little talons? A handful? A dozen?"

"Let's not ask questions we don't actually want answered, hm?"

She looks at him over the rim of her goblet. The solemnity of her gaze suggests he should drop the line of inquiry. Gale chuckles at her response, his humor returning.

"Touché." He leans back in his chair again and studies her for a moment, his eyes taking in the glint of her nails in the candlelight.

"Remind me not to get on your bad side, eh?" Gale smirks as he raises his own goblet, freshly refilled.

"Far too late for that, I'm afraid," she returns playfully with a smirk of her own.

Gale doesn’t take it so playfully. Instead, it feels like a jab, another wall put up between them. He rolls his eyes, his expression turning slightly sour.

"Oh, I'm well aware of that," he grumbles. He shakes his head, sighing. How can he bridge this damnable gap? He contemplates it for a few moments, watching Miri enjoying another serving of pork. His annoyance dissipates slightly, replaced by a hint of amusement.

"So, how exactly do you plan to do this? Are you going to lurk in the shadows like a thief behind tapestries? Or perhaps you'll sit in my lap, feigning interest in my oh-so-enthralling conversation?"

Miri nearly chokes on her wine. She coughs a couple times. "I'm sorry, what?"

Gale chuckles at her reaction, his mood brightening slightly.

"Oh, I was just contemplating how you might continue to eavesdrop on Gortash's conversations in a discreet manner. Obviously," he adds with a smirk. "But I do love that reaction. I must file that one away for future reference."

"I can hear him just fine from here," Miri grits back.

Gale chuckles in amusement.

"You and your exceptional hearing," he mocks, shaking his head in mock disappointment. "It's not fair you get all the fun. But I suppose I will indulge you. Let us continue to eat in silence, and pretend that Gortash doesn't exist until you have exhausted all the food and drink in the hall."

Miri scoffs indignantly at the last comment, her disinterested look melting into a scowl.

"And what is that supposed to mean?"

Gale chuckles at her reaction, his amusement growing.

"Oh nothing, Commander. Just commenting on your impressive appetite." He leans in closer, a devious glint in his eye as he lowers his voice to a whisper. "Tell me, how do you manage to fit so much food in such a small body? Are you secretly part-Tarasque, perhaps?"

Oh, so now instead of pouting he’s going to resort to petty insults? How mature. Her scowl deepens and she rumbles a low growl.

"Mind your tongue."

Gale chuckles at her warning, his expression turning mischievous.

"What's wrong, Commander? Not used to being teased? Don't like being reminded that you don't quite measure up?" he mocks with a smirk. He leans in closer, his voice dropping to sultry murmur. "And as for minding my tongue, well... a bit late for that, isn't it?"

"Don't quite measure up?" Miri repeats with an incredulous brow raise.

Gale shrugs, his expression filled with mockery. Miri stops eating

"Well, you are a bit on the short side, aren't you?" Gale goads, a hint of amusement in his voice. "I mean, I could practically fit you in my pocket. Not exactly the ideal size for a Commander, is it."

"I see," she returns venomously. "That's rather amusing coming from a snack."

Gale bristles at her comment, his eyes narrowing slightly.

"A snack, am I?" he retorts, his tone sharpening. "Well, I'll have you know that I am not a snack to be trifled with. I am a scholar and a wizard of considerable talent."

He sits up suddenly, his expression filled with a mixture of anger and hurt. "And you’re just a barbarian from the woods with animalistic abilities. We are not the same."

That’s a step - or twenty- two far. And she’s had enough. Enough. Enough of these games and enough of these self-righteous humans.

Miri lets her fork clatter to her plate and pushes it back suddenly. She downs her goblet of wine, then stands and immediately starts striding from the feast hall and back out into the larger ballroom.

Gale watches her leave with a mixture of confusion and annoyance on his face.

"Excuse me," he mutters, standing abruptly and quickly following her.

He catches up to her in the ballroom, now sparsely populated, his face flushed with a combination of anger and humiliation.

"What in the blazes was that about? Are you really that riled up because of some petty insults?"

"Am I?" Miri huffs, not stopping for a moment as she storms across the hall. "What do you care?"

Gale scoffs, his frustration mounting as he tries to keep up with her. "Oh I don't know, maybe because we have a job to do here?"

When she doesn’t reply he groans loudly, jogging to keep pace with her. How is she so bloody fast in those shoes?

"We are supposed to be observing Gortash! Learning his secrets, not tearing each other apart. But oh no, the oh-so-mighty Miri can't handle some words."

"I've listened to more than enough for one evening. Not a single person in this gods damned gala has an interesting thing to say," she hisses.

Gale rolls his eyes, his annoyance written all over his face.

"Oh, excuse me for assuming that you had a modicum of patience like a reasonable person." He shakes his head, his tone growing more impatient. "We have a job to do. You might have spent years living in the woods like a savage, but the rest of us have had to learn to be civil in order to advance. And that means engaging in conversation, even with people who aren't necessarily the most interesting."

Miri rounds on him with an outright snarl, sharp teeth bared.

"I have lived in the Gate and served the crown for a century. Do not think to lecture me about how to be civil or patient."

Gale scoffs, his own patience wearing thin.

"A century? Congratulations, you've managed to survive a hundred years while avoiding intelligent conversation." His tone is laced with irritation, his eyes narrowing as he looks at her. "I'm not trying to lecture you, I'm trying to get you to focus on the task at hand. But instead you're storming off like a child throwing a tantrum because some pompous noble hurt your feelings."

"You're right, he did," Miri bites back, "And I was foolish enough to believe he was different. That he had a shred of respect for me."

Her voice drops soft and low, full of acid and anger and hurt, "But I will not make the same mistake twice."

She whirls on her heel and continues hurriedly striding from the hall. As fast as her stupid short legs will take her in these gods damned shoes.

Gale watches in disbelief as Miri storms off, his frustration and confusion mounting. He starts following after her again, his brow furrowed with confusion.

"What in the hells are you talking about, Miri?" he calls after her. "Who hurt you? And why do you even care about their opinion? You're a Commander, for Mystra's sake!"

The moment they step outside the ballroom she stops, practically ripping her shoes off - the cords around her leg snapping as she yanks them off. Miri turns to him, face flush with anger and some other emotion. Her heart is pounding in her ears. And the fact that this hurts so gods damned much is infuriating.

"You're right! Why the hells should I care!" She growls. "I should stop expecting things to be different. They won't be. They never are."

Gale's irritation melts into bewilderment as he watches Miri's outburst. Her anger and frustration are palpable, and he feels a twinge of guilt for his earlier insults.

He hesitates for a moment, conflicted between his need to focus on their mission and his growing concern for Miri's well-being. Finally, he speaks.

"Miri...what's going on? You're acting like someone's deeply hurt you. What happened?"

Her growl escalates. And she bares her teeth even as tears start to threaten her vision.

"For the most brilliant man I've ever known, you are truly an insufferable idiot."

"Insufferable idiot?" Gale repeats, his eyes widening in disbelief. "You're the one throwing a tantrum like a child, and I'm the insufferable idiot?"

He throws his hands up in frustration. "You're supposed to be a soldier, Commander! You're supposed to keep your emotions in check. You can't just fly off the handle every time someone says something you don't like. It's unprofessional."

"You're right! Gods forbid I also be a fucking person," Miri returns softly, tone cold as ice.

"A person?" Gale echoes with a scoff. "A person wouldn't behave this way, Commander. You're acting like a rabid beast, ready to bite anyone who comes near."

Miri’s eyes go wide, and he can see the tears glimmering in her usually iron strong gaze. He looks at her with a mixture of frustration and worry, his tone softening slightly.

"Miri...tell me what happened. Something must have provoked this. We can figure it out together, but you have to talk to me."

"No. You've said enough for one day."

She doesn't stay to hear his retorts, immediately storming down the stairs. Gale watches her go with a mixture of bewilderment and frustration. He knows he should just let her go, focus on their mission, but something about her reaction bothers him.

He hesitates for a moment then with a muttered curse, he follows her down the stairs. He starts hurrying after her, his expression a mixture of irritation and concern.

"Miri! Wait!" Gale calls after her, trying to catch up.

Gods damn it all. Fucking impossible stubborn clueless idiot! She hikes up her skirt in her hands and starts to run. Her bare feet slapping against stone and tile as she takes those long graceful strides.

Gale curses under his breath as he sees Miri start to run. He can't believe she's running from him.

"Damn it all to hells-" he mutters, his frustration mounting. He breaks into a run after her, his robes swirling around him.

"Come back here, you insufferable woman!" Gale shouts, his breath coming in gasps.

Miri sprints to her chambers, throwing open the doors and slamming them shut behind her. Gale reaches her chambers just moments too late. He hammers his fist against the door, his expression livid.

"Miri, open this door right now!" he shouts, his anger rising. "You can't just shut me out like this!"

"No!" She shouts back. "Leave me be!"

"Leave you be?" Gale repeats, his irritation reaching a boiling point. He bangs his fist against the door again, his voice rising. "I'm not going anywhere until you tell me what in the nine Hells is happening. We have a job to do, and you're acting like a petulant child! I will not let you jeopardize the safety of the kingdom just because your feelings got hurt!"

"Fuck off!" She shouts back, her voice cracking. "Finish eavesdropping yourself - I've had enough for one day."

Gale stops abruptly, his anger cooling slightly at the sound of her cracking voice. He lowers his fist and leans against the door.

"Miri...please." his voice softens, the anger fading from his tone. "Talk to me. I can't help you if you won't let me in. Just...tell me what happened, and we can fix it together."

"Figure it out yourself!" Miri yells.

She can't decide what's worse. That he could say such cruel things so flippantly after claiming- or maybe pretending- to be different. Or that he can't seem to fathom that he hurt her. That it is his cruelty that stings more than any other.

She throws the stupid shoes at the door and they bang off the wood with a clatter. Gale flinches, his heart clenching at the sound. The pain in her voice is evident, and he knows he’s made a mistake.

But his pride won't let him cave so easily.

He bites his tongue, his jaw clenched tightly, resisting the urge to shout something else. He leans his forehead against the door, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Please, Miri... just talk to me. Whatever I did, I can fix it. Just let me in."

"No." Miri growls back. "Goodnight."

Gale bangs his fist against the door once more, his temper flaring again.

"Bloody hells! You can't just shut me out like this! We're supposed to be a team! You can't just-"

Gale lets out a frustrated sigh, running a hand through his hair. He's torn between respecting her wishes and his desire to fix things. With a muttered curse, he steps back from the door, his frustration mounting.

"Fine." He grumbles, his voice flat. "I'll leave you to your tantrum. But don't think this is over."

With that, he turns and strides away, his mind racing with all the unspoken words as he slams the door of his own chambers shut.