#never saw her without her bonnet

[emperorcartagia]

do you understand. ive connected the dots

[morgluvsconnie]

BOUND, c.springer

chap.7 | fighting, drinking, arguing, language | chap.6

"these was supposed to be yours yesterday but... you know how that went."

connie said, standing at your door with a bouquet of pink flowers and chocolates. you softly smiled and bit your lip, grabbing the big bouquet and chocolates from him. he then looked at your arm.

"these the same type of roses i tattooed on your arm that night."

you tilted your head. "thank you. really. this the second time you saw me lookin a mess though." you laughed a little.

referring to the bonnet you had on your head and the oversized t-shirt you had on. connie shook his head, "nah, you look good." he laughed. "them was for your birthday though... your third birthday present."

"you funny." you looked at the flowers before looking at him. "you heard from...?"

"he saw my message, he know wassup." connie waved the air before putting his hands back in his pockets. ever since he stayed at your house last night, he never got the feeling to stay away.

you had some kind of hold on him, and it was odd.

"but yeah..." he said after a small silence filled the space between the both of you. "if you feel good enough, eren havin a party at his house tonight. tryna see if you going." he looked at you.

you hummed. "ill let you know." you nodded.

"without my number?" connie frowned playfully. you rolled your eyes with a smile. "i guess you found a way." you mumbled, taking his phone and putting your number in it. "just text me and remind me about it tonight." you said, passing him his phone back.

"i gotchu." connie said, turning to leave. he paused in his steps and turned back around, looking at your lips.

you exhaled, walking closer to him and giving him a peck on the lips. "there." you said, softly pushing him out of your doorway and shutting it behind him.

you walked back towards your stairs and in your room, placing the flowers in an empty vase. "ill put water in you later." you mumbled, sitting on the end of your bed and checking your phone, which you hadn't checked all night.

you had calls and texts from sasha, her asking where you were and if you were getting "fucked."

"what?" you frowned.

"you got fucked last night, i already know. i told mikasa you were either at home slumped or getting fucked. and since you answered, i wanna know who it was, why, and how it was." she said on the other line, making you hum.

"i didnt get fucked by anybody last night." what a liar you are.

"yeah yeah, girl cut the bullshit. i wanna know every detail." she looked at the camera before looking back up and what seemed like her tv.

"okay ill tell you, but sasha dont make a big deal out of it 'cus it was literally nothing." liar.

"i literally wont, just tell me." sasha looked back at the camera.

"so i was with connie-"

"bingo! i just fucking knew it! yknow, i wondered why i couldn't find you and connie after i found ony and i suspected you two were somewhere, and he was beating them doonies down." sasha pointed at the camera, making you roll your eyes.

"alright, whatever. you goin to erens party tonight?" you rubbed your forehead and closed your eyes.

"yeah, and youre going too. you woke up so late, the parties already in three hours." sasha mumbled like it was nothing. "what?" you said in disbelief, looking at the time on your phone.

it was 5 oclock. you really did get put to sleep.

"okay sash, im finna take a shower, dont worry bout picking me up tonight, ill just drive myself. ion plan on gettin wasted no more." you explained, standing up and going towards your bathroom.

"okay girl, love you, bye." she said before quickly hanging up. you put your phone on the bathroom counter before turning your water on and taking a long, steamy, shower.

you really werent in the mood for another party, and you really didnt feel like going out tonight again.

your back was aching, your legs were on the verge of being sore, all because of connie. you didnt even stay out long enough last night to have sore legs from the club, so you knew he was the cause.

but parties were different from clubs. theres was more fighting, drinking, arguing, everything. especially drama.

as you redid your fresh face, applying light makeup, redoing your hair and curling it, and putting your outfit on, you checked the time once again. 7:43pm.

if anything you were gonna be late instead of early due to the sheer amount of people that would crowd the house, even minutes before the official party started.

you grabbed your things, heading out of your house. as you started your car, smacking your lips at the fact that it was cold outside, and you just mindlessly decided to wear a small skirt.

you pulled out of your driveway after starting your music, driving down your neighborhood, pulling your mirror down to make sure your hair looked at least decent after replacing some of the tracks. "damn connie." you shook your head, pushing your mirror back up.

your music got interrupted by a phone call, you glance at your phone, not even looking at the contact before hitting answer. "yeah?" you said, putting your phone in the cup holder.

"wassupppp."

you rolled your eyes, "yes im going connie." you said, taking a turn down erens neighborhood. "well you late." connie said boredly on the other end. "why you wearin that tiny ass skirt?"

you frowned, picking up your phone and looking, not even realizing you were on factime. "why you lookin?" you smiled, sitting your phone in your lap. connie clicked his tongue. "watch yo mouth." he said, walking through the party, at least that's what it looked like.

as you pulled up on the side of the road near erens house, you turned your car off and took your seatbelt off, looking at your phone as you got out of the car. "ima see you in here right?" you walked up to the house, already seeing people on the porch and on the side of the house.

"i hope not." connie mumbled, smiling to see if you found his joke funny.

you hung up.

"not in the mood." you mumbled, opening the door and letting yourself, trying to push past everyone and find where eren and the rest of them were.

"y/nnnn!" sasha jumped up, along with mikasa, hugging you. "i heard about you" mikasa whispered in your ear. you pulled away and frowned at sasha. "dont ask me bout shit else." you pointed at her.

"ight, ight, fuck the kumbaya. wassup y/n." ony dapped you up. "hey ony." you smiled. "damn we cant get no hey?" eren frowned, holding his arms out, referring to him and armin. "can you give me time to speak? hey armin." you waved at armin.

you sat down beside connie, who was looking around the party the whole time. you nudged him a little, the rest of the group babbling about random things.

"you remember what i said right?" you looked at him as he continued looking away.

"bout reiner? yeah, ian worried bout that no mo'." he shrugged, taking a sip from whatever was in his styrofoam cup. your eyes rested on him, you obviously not believing him. connie looked at you and shrugged again. "i swear im not gon touch him." he said, looking you in the eye.

you pursed your lips together before standing up. "sash, mika, come with me, im bouta go get a margarita." you said, making your way to the kitchen and opening the cooler. "girl, why connie lookin so tense?" mikasa frowned, grabbing one after you. you slowly shook your head, finally deciding to tell them about what happened.

"he mad about something that happened between me and reiner. he just got aggressive and grabbed my wrist. connie saw the bruise and i told him not to do nothing 'cus i don't want him to get involved, but he stubborn." you shook your head, taking a sip from your margarita.

mikasa and sasha frowned. "y/n, you wasn't thinking on tellin us about this?" mikasa looked at your wrist. the bruise only faded a little. you looked at the ceiling with a groan. "i don't wanna involve nobody." you mumbled.

you really didn't understand why they wanted to know. yeah, he did put his hands on you, and if anything, you should've told the whole group, knowing they'd jump his ass in a heartbeat.

but you were so damn scared of reiner, you didn't know what he'd do if he caught you by yourself.

"what the fuck he do that for?" sasha squinted. "he thought somethin' was going on between me and connie 'cus hes a fuckin idiot."

"oh yeah, connie needa whoop his ass." mikasa glanced back at where connie and everyone else was. "i know." your lips formed a line, your eyes roaming around the room.

speak of the devil.

they landed right on reiner, who was walking through the crowd. your eyes widened and they went straight to connie. "i know that aint the muh'fucka right there!" sasha pointed. "shit." your eyebrows furrowed.

mikasa looked at you, straight in the eyes.

"y/n. reiner put his hands on you. you don't have a choice but to let connie beat his ass."

you were hesitant.

if you did let that happen, that could mean reiner would target you the most. but if it didnt happen, youd have to hide whatever you and connie had going on.

you didn't wanna hide anything. no, you didn't have to hide anything. you're not a child, you do whatever you wanna do, you fight back whenever you wanna fight.

but seems like before you could even give connie the permission to do anything, he beat you to it. you heard screaming around the spot you'd just left. you, sasha, and mikasa running over and through the crowd to see what was happening.

to your surprise, not only connie was throwing punches, but ony, and eren too. armin recording everything while laughing. with your lips parted and your eyes widened, you walked over to the other side to get a better view of what was happening to reiner and stood there, staring down at him.

his nose leaking, and bruises forming around different parts of his face.

he was trying his best to fight back but getting jumped by three strong guys wasn't the easiest trap to get out of.

"you like puttin yo hands on females? you a bitch." connie said as everyone else got pulled off of him. "dumb ass nigga." ony mumbled, aggressively fixing his clothes as some of his other homeboys pulled him outside to calm down.

"you a whole weirdo ass bitch! jumping one person 'cus you cant fight for yo damn self!" you saw historia run up to reiner, rushing to help him up.

she was always the main problem in your relationship, but just like connie defended you, you were gonna defend him.

"he shoulda never put his damn hands on me, if you got a problem we can take this shit outside too, or nah?" you raised your eyebrows, taking your phone from the side of your skirt to give it to sasha or mikasa, somebody nearby.

you might've been scared of reiner, but you wasn't scared of no little ass girl, or no girl in general.

historia frowned at you before looking at reiner. "whoop her ass." reiner mumbled to historia. that was your cue.

"come on man, ion got no time to waste on yo ass. i can get this over with quick." you shook your head, rushing outside and to your car, grabbing sweatpants from your backseat and throwing them over your skirt.

as everyone had their phones out, you got in the middle of the circle, mikasa and sasha standing behind you to make sure ymir or annie didn't jump in. you pulled your sweatpants up, rolling them up as adrenaline rushed through your body.

as mikasa tied your hair up, she eyed the rest of historias friends. you had no idea where connie was, nor were you worried about it.

"come on y/n." eren mumbled, his hands on his knees as he leaned over, waiting for you and historia to get your round in.

as she stepped in the middle of the circle, her minions screaming for her and most people screaming for you. you posted up, getting your hands ready, as you both went in a circle waiting for someone to swing first, you wasted no time to start throwing straight punches, no hair pulling, no pulling in general.

"whoop her ass y/n, you know what to do! yeah!" sasha cheered you on over the amount of people yelling.

historia was throwing punches, deciding to grab your hair and hold your head down, you, automatically mirroring her actions and pulling her to the side of you, making her trip over her own feet, pulling you down with her.

when you opened your eyes, you saw blood leaking down her face, just like reiner. she tried to kick you off of her, as you felt somebody grab your shoulders, you got more pissed by the seconds.

"let my hair go dumb bitch!" you yelled, whoever was grabbing your shoulders let go and you felt people crowd more around you, the screaming getting louder.

"ight, come on, come on." connie mumbled, grabbing you by your waist, trying to pull you off of historia, someone doing the same to her. but you didn't let go, still swinging hard licks, hitting her in her head and forehead.

"let go, y/n come on." connie frowned, trying his best to pull you away, as he turned his back towards historia, you still had a good grip on her hair. finally deciding to let go, and bring a chunk of her hair with you, you frowned, trying to make your way out of connies arms while yelling violent nothings.

"that bitch know to never fuck wit' me, ion even know why she tried it! she should know bout me!" you yelled, getting dragged away. "shut up bitch, you mad cus reiner finally found the one!" you saw her yelling.

"bitch you wanted beef bout a nigga that be bussin nut and knots in yo mouth, shut up bitch!"

"hush, hush, hush, you drunk. come on." connie mumbled, dragging you towards your car, continuing to hold you. "all three of yall got it out, come on." connie put his hand over your mouth to make you shut up.

you frowned up at him before looking at the ground.

"you good, just calm down. ight? i gotchu." connie mumbled, glancing back at a pissed off eren, storming towards his house.

"he ain't gon hurt you no mo', ight? just get in the car and calm down." connie mumbled. "i wanna go back in the house, ian drunk yet." you muttered, looking back at the house.

"you tryna fight, so no. get in the car bruh." connie looked back again, seeing historias small group leave the house.

"im not gon do nothing to the bitch, ima let her be mad bout a nigga." you mumbled. "i just wanna get drunk." you muttered.

connie looked at you for a few seconds before sighing, slowly nodding. "ima stay for a few mo minutes, but im goin home soon. gotta calm myself down." he muttered, grabbing your hand and leading you back towards the house.

you huffed. "okay."

chap.8

[m0chisenpai]

P.Y.T ( Pretty Young Thing)

Spiderman Across the Spiderverse

42!Miles Morales x black!reader

Warning(s): nothing too crazy. just a bit of cursing

Honestly it’s giving Poppy and Branch

You stuck out like a sore thumb in Miles’ life. A bright pink, bedazzled thumb. He’ll never forget the first moment he saw you, well saw you again. He was out after school with some of the boys, and he saw you with your girls. You two crossed paths once or twice in middle school before you transferred for a bit to one of those downtown academies.

He recalls how you were the oreo that could answer any chem question without flinching at the sheer amount of conversion and what not involved.

You didn’t bag an eye or flinch at the harsh comments, the nickname that made Miles grind his teeth. How’s it your fault you were top three in the science department?

Yet here you were, your hands covered your glossy pink lips that spilled with a laugh that Miles wanted to hear more of. Your nails gleamed with bright charms and some cartoon characters and your other hand tossed a loose bang from your face.

You changed but he still saw the bright pink braces girl with various cartoon charms dangling from her purple kanken.

You all headed into the bodega and he and his boys followed in behind you. One of them said he needed to hit your friends up about something and it was coincidence because the two of you were reintroduced.

Miles found it endearing how despite your loud and boisterous behavior when the two of you got introduced, here you stood quiet as a mouse looking anywhere but at Miles.

You held a pack of candy in one hand and a bottle of water in the other while your groups spoke behind you as you stepped up to pay. But Miles caught your frustration as you dug into your purse.

“I got you” he stepped in and tapped his phone before you could protest.

“Thanks Miles I’m so sorry, next time it’s on me” you give him a smile as you slide the back into the book of your arm.

And it's then when he realizes how much he's missed you since middle school.

“Nah it’s all good you know I got you” his eyes watch as you fidget with your nails and he can’t help but smirk and gently bump you. “Why you acting shy? Used to hear you all the time in the halls.”

You gawk up at him and smack him in the arm. And he notes how your hand lingers a bit. It’s all the confirmation he needs.

“Morales how dare you! You look annoyed I didn’t want to bother you.. and who said you could get so tall.” You crossed your arms.

“I don’t think you could bother me.” And the way you look up at him is enough to know he’s got you wrapped around his finger just as you do him.

“And no one told you to stink your growth with all that coffee.”

“Hey!”

Before you part ways Miles gets your new number and makes sure to save his into your phone.

You slowly find yourself bleeding back into Miles’ life. Short texts get longer. You’re sending hearts within four months, and Mama Rio knows your special knock when you enter the apartment to wait for Miles. She feeds you when you stay the long nights and Mr.Morales doesn’t want you going home for your safety.

When he comes home from his shifts he would stop you before you were heading out and tells you that you might as well stay the night. He was the same gentle giant you remember from back in middle school and he welcomes you into his home with open arms just as he did before.

He’s always quick to give your pops and mom and text when you do stay the night and they’re more than appreciative.

Miles bought a blanket just for you when you slept over on the couch. It’s fleece, pink and covered in a my melody pattern. He even provides a silk pillow in a matching shade cause he knows you won't sleep with a mix matched set. He pulls it up and tucks it in when he sees you fast asleep coming in from a job, and fixes your bonnet before it slips off.

You go from Y/N in his phone to Mi Tesoro.

You’re leaving lip gloss and lashes on his desk and taking jackets of his with you. He’s walking you to the bus and won’t leave till he sees you on it safely and watches your location till you’re in the house.

You begin to show back up in his sketches but he won’t show you. His sketchbook is intimate and when he does slowly show you his pieces your heart swells up.

You always were done up, but on the days when you weren’t Miles still swore you were beautiful. With lashes and without. With a full face or bare. Nails on and off. You were his whole world.

Miles knew about the dudes you used to mess with. He was smart when he could apply himself and he knew that while the relationships ended in good terms and there was no bad blood you settled. And he wasn’t going to build your relationship with him off of settling.

No, you deserved the world and therefore he was going to give it. Because you have him the same treatment in return with zero hesitation.

So when he’s planning to ask you to be his girl. He goes all out.

After school, as always, he asks if you can come by tonight. You agree but today he wants to go up on the roof and you quickly agree. But when you go up it’s different. It’s illuminated and the trail of candles lead you to your usual spot near the edge. But it’s set up with a blanket and atop it are a bouquet of roses and the large strawberry hello kitty you were raving on the phone about last week.

“I’m not the best with words or my emotions. But I know that I couldn’t let this feeling est me anymore. So I had to draw it.” Miles nods his head and you look up at the brick wall and gasp at the sight of…you. But it’s more ethereal, you want to ask Miles how he did such a beautiful portrait but he’s guiding you to look back at him with misty eyes.

“Be mine, please? My girl, my baby.”

And your hand covers your mouth like the first time but your nodding quickly and throw your arms around him and tuck yourself under his jaw.

“Miles you're lucky I used my good setting spray!” you smack his chest as he pulls you into his chest and guides your lips to his in a gentle peck.

“Sorry love I couldn’t help” he smirks down at you.

“Don’t look at me like that” you pout and push softly against him. And he tilts his hand to look down at you.

“Like what hm? How am I looking at you?” And you rolls your eyes and pull him to plant another kiss to his lips.

Tonight he doesn’t chide you about the residue your gloss leaves behind. He’ll wear it with pride. Tonight and the next days to come.

He wonders if they’ll always be like this. He hopes they are.

Because moments like this are always fleeting.

[itzmnne-3-111]

Tears & Kisses♡

(daddy’s home 😋)

You and your husbands first ‘real’ fight!

“No what I don’t understand is why you came home smelling like some other bitch!” You yelled as your husband came back from the store.

You and Simon rarely fought, yeah there’s tiny arguments about where this goes and why some girl was looking at him or you funny but it never truly got heated but when he came back from the store and he smelt like perfume and roses you knew something was up…..Or did you?

“Love js’ listen It’s not what you think-“ Simon tried to explain as he put the bags down on the floor and took a step closer to you. All he saw was your hand in his face as you put a hand on your hip and started to speak “I ask you to go out and get me somethin’ while I make you dinner. And you come back smelling like some bitch from the suburbs. What she look like?” You said as you pushed past him and went to grab your car keys but you were blocked by his arm. “Just lemme talk love, please” he said and gently put his hand on your shoulder. You looked up at him one eyebrow cocked as you crossed your arms “hurry up cause I don’t got all day” you said your voice annoyed and cold. You heard your husband sigh then he slowly put his hands down. “Alright.. was just walkn’ through the mall jus like ya told me. Then went into that store ya fond’ over, Poolta? Bulta?..”

“Ulta” you interrupted “yeh’ tha.” He said then took another breath “went to get you some make up the..shit you put on your lips yeah? Then some broad walk n’ fronta me n started sprayin her body with some shit shot all over me” he said as he looked at you softly, hoping you’d listen to him he was about to speak again before you sucked your teeth and slammed your keys on the table “you lucky cause I woulda whooped yours and her ass” you said then sighed as you put one hand on your hip and the other on your head as you shook it slowly “thank you lovie” he said softly as he came a bit closer. You looked up at him “you wanna..go get somethin to eat? We can go to that English place you like?” You stammered as you tried to figure out a way to apologize without physically saying sorry. You felt a pair of chapped lips kiss your cheek then forehead as he pulled you into him slowly “Nah jus wanna cuddle t’nite” he said as he lifted you up and took you upstairs to your shared bedroom “You better wash that damn shirt though” he chuckled as he kissed your neck and cheek as he held onto your in the bed “corse I will, n’ you can cover me in your perfume” he said as you two fell asleep together ♡

-Bonus!-

Simon groaned as he smelt a sweetish sent coming from downstairs. He slowly walked to see you in his shirt and some shorts as you made another piece of beans on toast “love? What you doin?” He said as he walked up behind you to give ya a little hug “It goes against everything my mama done taught me but..I wanna make you happy cause..I might have did you wrong last night..” you said and handed him the plate. “You’re so sweet love, makin yer’ husban’ happy yeah?” He said then took a bite “even burnt the toast a little cause I know how you like your food n shit..” you said and patted your bonnet before you felt saucy lips press against your cheek “Aww Simon you got bean juice on my face!” You said and wiped your cheek as he laughed “Love you too hun”

(If you didn’t notice I dunno how to like write his accent the way I want but imma learn 😭🙏🏾)

[ddejavvu]

hi daisy love i hope you’re doing well!! i’ve actually had kinda a bad day/few days and so whenever your requests are open if you could give me some remus fluff i would very much appreciate it. maybe one where one of the other marauders says something mean about reader without knowing (sorta something along the lines of “wow, whoever did this clearly must have had no idea what they were doing” not knowing that reader did it) and remus just encouraging crybaby reader and calling her lovely and ahhhh. take care of yourself please mei 🫧

"Okay, next." Sirius grabs at the next shirt in Remus's closet, by some miracle not a sweater, "And- Christ, mate, let's toss this, yeah?"

"Hm?" Remus glances up from where he'd been smoothing out a wrinkle in your pants, eyes landing on the garment in Sirius's hand.

As soon as Remus's attention is off of you, you redirect your own. You wish you hadn't though, because when your eyes land on the shirt you'd sewn for Remus's birthday this past year, your stomach drops.

Sure, it's not perfect. It's not factory made, with clean, straight stitching, or perfect embroidery. But Remus promised you that he loved it, and not only because he loves you.

"Come on," Sirius prompts Remus, who's floundering for an answer, "It looks like a toddler made it. What- did a toddler make this?"

"No, Sirius." Remus huffs, "Put it back. I'm keeping it."

"Mate," Sirius's eyes widen, and he shakes the hanger in his hand like all of the lopsidedness from the shirt will finally register in Remus's brain if he jostles it enough, "Really? Moony, you're a hoarder. This is garbage."

"Enough, Sirius." Remus snaps, hand tightening around your own. You're blinking rapidly, trying to shield your face from Sirius's so that the man doesn't see you cry.

"Go get another trash bag," Remus demands, intent on getting Sirius out of the room, "Go on, go!"

"Ass!" Sirius scoffs, tossing Remus the shirt and stalking to the door, "I said I'd help you clean out your closet, not that I'd be your bloody servant for the day."

You can hear him muttering furiously under his breath as he flounces down the stairs, but you're trying not to listen. Remus keeps the shirt in his lap, leaning over to wrap his arm around your shoulders, "Dove..."

"Remus," You gush in a sob, hands buried in your face, "I- I'm sorry! I knew it wasn't good."

"Darling, yes it is! I love it," Remus urges, and you're sick at how kind he's being to you and your lackluster sewing skills, "Sirius has terrible taste in fashion, love, wouldn't know a masterpiece if he saw it on a model."

"It's awful," You lament, not daring to look at the messy stitching laying in Remus's lap, "I sew like a toddler."

"No," Remus squeezes you to his side, rubbing his hand up and down your tense shoulder, "You sew like a little mouse. Like a sweet character in a children's book, love, that lives in a forest and wears an apron. Look't that," He pulls your hands away from your face, pointing at a particular set of stitches that's crossed in an x instead of parallel, "That's the work of a mouse in a bonnet. 'S the cutest thing in the world, dove."

"But I wanted to sew like a machine," You sniffle, "Like something you'd want to wear."

"Scooch," Remus pushes against your side, grabbing the hem of his sweater. He lifts it off of his head in one swoop, already eagerly working at the buttons on the shirt in his lap. You try not to ogle him, but you definitely don't cry more at the sight of his bare torso.

"There," He settles the shirt over his frame, posture proud and smile kind, "It's perfect, dove. I love it."

"You're too nice to me." You decide, wiping a stray tear away from your eye.

He scoffs, tugging you back into his embrace, "Not true. Could never be too nice to you, m'little forest mouse."

[jazminrhode1]

Hii love I was wondering if could request where the triplets have a younger sister and she is going through a bad break up her boyfriend cheated on her and the boys comfort her and spends the day with her to make her day ( sorry I that doesn't make sense)

For The Love Of A Sister Sturniolo Triplets x Lil Sister One Shot

Summary: The boys have a little sister who is going through a breakup.

Notes: N/a

It was 2pm and their little sister was still in bed, scrolling through pictures of her and her boyfriend on her phone. They had been together for 3 years and she could have never pictured that he would do this.

Her curtains were drawn, she was wearing his hoodie and she had mascara all over the pillowcase. Matt creaked open the door and tried to adjust his eyes to the darkness.

He was holding a plate of food and placed it on her bedside table. “You gotta eat something”, Matt said as he pulled open the curtains.

His heart broke when he saw tears streaming down her face. He could have never imagined that little shit would have broken his sister's heart. He sat on the bed next to her and wiped her tears with his sleeve. "I know it sucks right now, but I promise that it will get easier," he pulled her into a hug and placed a kiss on top of her head. "I've got you, ok? I will always be here for you."

He stayed with her to make sure that she ate something and to ensure she stayed off her phone. When she was done, he took the plate and on his way out said, "Get dressed, we're going out." When she pouted, he insisted "You can't stay in here all day - this shit will consume you."

She forced a smile for the first time since she found out her boyfriend was cheating. Matt was always the one to take care of her when she was sick or upset. He always had the kindest way of delivering bad news and he was assertive without being cruel.

She forced herself out of bed and put on the first thing that she could find to wear. As she went to leave her room she caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror and decided to tie her hair up and take a makeup wipe to her under eyes.

The boys were already waiting in the car when she got downstairs. Chris was leaning against the bonnet and smiled when he saw her. He pulled her into a hug but couldn't find the words to say. As he opened the back door for her to jump in, Nick was already there with a pack of her favorite candy.

"Let's go," said Matt as he pulled out of the driveway. They were heading to the mall to grab Starbucks and go shopping. They put their heads together but, couldn't come up with a better plan than that. Their sister didn't care, she liked Starbucks and she loved shopping especially when it wasn't the money she was spending.

Matt kept checking on her in the rearview mirror as they drove and Chris kept sneaking glimpses over his shoulder. Usually, they were loud and chaotic but, they felt helpless not being able to make her smile let alone laugh.

They drove in silence, listening to Taylor Swift hoping that would lift her spirits but, when All Too Well started playing as they pulled into the parking lot, she burst into tears.

Matt parked the car as Nick pulled her into his chest. “Why wasn’t I enough for him?” she whimpered.

Matt clenched the steering wheel and took in a deep breath. Chris looked away, his heart shattered. How could someone break their little sister like this?

"You are enough", Nick started, "he just made you feel like you weren't by doing what he did."

She couldn't stop the tears from rolling down her cheeks. "You are way too good for him," Chris added as he reached for her hand.

"Come on... let's go inside," Matt said, desperate to get out of the car before he started crying too.

Nick kept his arm tightly around his sister as they walked toward the mall. "You're gonna get through this", he promised. She looked up and he was smiling back at her. As impossible as it felt, she believed him. He was never wrong about these kinds of things.

She grabbed her favorite pink drink from Starbucks and they started walking through the mall. For the first time in her life, she was not at all interested in shopping and wanted desperately to crawl back into bed and feel sorry for herself.

"Look!" Chris shouted. She turned around to see him pointing with a childlike grin on his face. She looked and saw that the arcade was open and knew exactly what he was thinking.

"I'm not going to the arcade," she demanded.

Nick, Matt, and Chris exchanged a telepathic look and then, as if planned, they grabbed her and carried her inside. For the first time in 2 weeks, she laughed - really laughed and they knew that things were turning around.

They spent the afternoon playing Pac-Man and Pop-A-Shot, Chris even won his sister a giant Tweety toy that she had asked their parents for every single time they came to the arcade when they were kids.

Her heart still ached but, she really needed to spend this time with her brothers. She didn't know how depressed before. She couldn't put it into words just yet but, she loved them infinitely.

As the stores in the mall began to close, they headed for the exit grabbing a Blizzard from DairyQueen on the way out.

"Thanks for hanging out with us today", Chris said with a smile on his face. "Yeah," said Matt, "we need to do this more". "Agreed," said Nick, "and not just at times like this."

"So, are you going to come with me to get our nails done tomorrow?", she said. She seemed better, almost ok.

"I'm in!" they said in unison. She laughed as she shook her head.

The ride home felt nostalgic. Nick went off on a rant about Pac-Man, Chris laughed his head off the whole ride home and Matt just smiled and rolled his eyes.

When they got home, MaryLou was in the kitchen making dinner. "Where have you four been?" she asked.

"The mall," Chris said as he headed into the lounge room followed by Nick and Matt.

"Is that a smile I see?" MaryLou observed as she pulled her daughter into a hug.

She nodded as you took a seat at the counter. "I've missed that smile a lot, sweetheart," she said as washed her hands, "I'm glad you have brothers that can cheer you up".

Every day after that got a little bit better. She found out who her true friends were at school and even got an apology for the boy who broke her heart.

More than anything, she knew that her brothers would always be there for her no matter what she was going through and she would be there for them as well.

[laurasimonsdaughter]

Miss Marianne Oliver, nineteen years old and enjoying her first summer away from home, was wholly unprepared for her first glimpse of the sea. The path that led them from the cottage to the beach was winding, climbing for a way before sloping down, and upon reaching its highest point, Marianne found herself suddenly in view of a glittering horizon and an expanse of water the likes of which she could not compare with anything she had ever beheld. She halted, mesmerised, unable to walk on.

A breeze carrying a fresh, unfamiliar scent touched her cheeks and she felt a peculiar, directionless joy she had never felt before. Who had ever imagined such a view!

“Oh Peter,” Marianne exclaimed. “Isn’t it beautiful. I must bring my watercolours next time.”

But her brother had no patience for admiring anything from afar and urged her to walk on, running ahead without waiting for an answer. “It will be better down at the water, I am sure!”

Marianne complied and continued down the path. She approached the beach with the happy solemnity that many others might bestow on a chapel, and Marianne had not walked there five minutes before declaring that there was no place she admired more. Her desire to visit Bath was all forgot, Thirrup, with its glittering waves and distant cliffs could do no wrong.

The weather, which had started fair, grew only fairer still, determined to add its lustre to the scene. Brother and sister both delighted in the sea breeze and the warming air; and while Peter spoiled his stockings by running at the advancing tides, Marianne abandoned her pelisse on a conveniently large piece of rock and let the wind muss the ribbons on her bonnet.

It was a long time before she was sensible of anything but the sky and the waves, but after a while she spied two figures walking quite some distance away. Two gentlemen, walking very close to the shoreline, whose twin, dark shapes seemed peculiarly enigmatic in the bright weather. One of the gentlemen was dressed in what she believed to be the blue coat of a naval officer, the other wore black, but both, she saw in surprise as they slowly moved in their general direction, were wearing a heavy fur cape about their shoulders. It was their capes, she realised, which had given their silhouettes their peculiarity. The two gentlemen walked as one, in perfect time with one another, seemingly not in talk but in perfect, silent agreement.

She watched them progress across the beach until one of them suddenly lifted his head and seemed to look directly at her. He was too far to discern the features of his face, but they were in full view of one another and Marianne turned hastily away, and, feeling she must say something after looking at them for so considerable a time, remarked:

“Look there! Did you ever see such a thing? Gentlemen wearing furs in summer!”

Perhaps it was a foreign custom? It was certainly a very strange one to adhere to in such fine weather, but how striking it looked.

“When I go to university,” said Peter, who had spoken of very little else since James had gone to Cambridge, “I shall wear just such boots!”

“When you go to university, you would do well to be less concerned with your boots and more with your books,” teased Marianne.

Peter paid her no mind whatsoever and having tired of running, not daring to go any nearer to the water, and knowing his sister would never be persuaded to walk into town unattended, declared that he wanted to back to the cottage. Marianne agreed with great reluctance and she hung back a little, walking slowly while her brother bounded ahead.

She had not yet reached the path, when a voice called out behind her and she turned to see, to her great confusion, the gentleman who had looked at her when walking the shoreline. He was a young man, looking rather breathless at that time, but with a pleasant, round face and the darkest eyes that Marianne had ever seen. He was holding out to her, draped over the sleeve of his black coat, her forgotten pelisse.

“Your coat, ma’am.” His voice was as pleasant as his face, and as breathless as his appearance.

“Thank you, sir!” she blushed, and as she took it back from him she noted that they were almost of a height. The fur coat, she saw, was not as bulky as she had thought; it was an almost sleek, grey-brown fur drawn close around broad shoulders.

The gentleman bowed, somewhat hastily, and quickly turned back to his companion in the Navy blue, who was standing back and looking very much amused.

“Come along, Marianne!” Peter called out from atop a great stone and Marianne, her cheeks red and her mind alive with curiosity, followed.

[Read the rest of this Regency Selkie Romance on AO3~]

[seireitonin]

What alternative subcultures the Creepypastas would be in!!(pt 1)

This was an ask I accidentally deleted! Oops! I also listen to all the music I put in here! So it’s also a small glimpse into what I listen to! Also as some of you know I’m in the scemo and goth subcultures! But I know a lot about alternative cultures period so this was fun to make!

LJ: VICTORIAN GOTH 100%!! / Victorian Circus Core

I mean he’s literally from that era

The feathered shaw, the black and white color scheme, the black lipstick and guy liner with the pale white face!!

Literally a goth king. That’s an outfit I would definitely see at a goth club!(I’ve been to many)

Another part of goth culture is liking horror/ monsters. Since LJ is a monster he’d fit right in!

He’d be accepted by most goths despite his looks bc goths have morbid dark fashion senses themselves!

So if they saw his swirly cone nose and sharp teeth they’d be like: omg! I love your look!

He’d definitely listen to classical music and other goth music Specifically Switchblade symphony and Cocteau Twins

He definitely listens to old PATD

I can see him wearing other Victorian inspired clothes too!

Like dis:

Jeff: Metalhead/ with 90s emo(for nostalgia.)

I mean look at him

He’d definitely shit on nu metal and still listen to it

The long greasy black hair, not showering, thinking he’s better than everyone else yeah sounds like a metal head to me/ hj

He listens Cattle Decapitation, Peeling Flesh, Suicide Silence, Cannibal Corpse, Avatar and literally anything with machine gun drums

He listens to some 90s emo but will never admit

Definitely wears band shirts especially the ones he got from concerts when he was a teen

He loves a good mosh pit

You know, the ones where you come out all bloody?

Yeah he loves those

He can hurt people in them and it’ll be fine? Sign him up! (Man has no pit manners smh)

Definitely a metal elitist

“You like SOAD? Ugh that not REAL metal”

Stfu Jeff.

Yeah. Metalhead to his core.

LJill (I love her, so underrated)

Victorian goth as well, but she leans more in the gothic Lolita side of it

Wears pretty gothic Lolita dresses with lots of black and white lace, buttons and she’ll have a matching bonnet and parasol to match when she’s feeling extra fancy!

She feels so elegant and feminine when she puts her multiple layers of petticoats on! She wouldn’t be caught dead without them!

Her makeup and lipstick is always perfect.

Her hair is always either perfectly curled or perfectly straightened

The goal is to look as doll like as possible ( also because she is one!)

She listens to music box like music if that makes sense?? For example Swan Lake by Fairy Lullaby or Porcelain Eyes

She, like LJ listens to classical music and goth music

But mainly classical and music box!

Will go to tea parties and knows how to make tea cakes and sandwiches

Just a lady all around!

Jane: Trad Goth/ Casual Goth/ Amy Lee

Since Jane is always on the move and doesn’t really have time to get all dressed up

So she’ll usually be in a simple black dress or black pants and a turtleneck

But when she does get a chance to dress up

She dresses trad goth mixed with Amy Lee

She’ll have her hair long with bangs covering her forehead

Trad goth makeup, but a bit more modern,big eyeliner and arched brows

She’ll be wearing corsets and waist trainers

Long skirts, ripped leggings

High heel platforms

She goes all out and she looks great!

Listens to music like The Cure, Siouxsie and the Banshees, New Years Day and The Birthday Massacre

Can do goth dances very well

God she’s beautiful

Toby: Midwestern Emo/ early 2000s emo/ a tad grunge/ indie

He just looks like one tbh

But seriously he had a hard life and emo music gives him comfort

Toby wears flannel shirts, grandpa sweaters, simple tee shirts and pants that are loose but not too loose

Hiking boots, sneakers

He listens to Chidos, The Front Bottoms, State Champs, Real Friends, Nirvana, Yawning, Hail the Sun, The Used, A Lot Like Birds, Static Dress, Mild High Club and many many more

He can play the guitar, drums and sing pretty well

He needed something to keep him busy while he was homeschooled after all! And it took his mind off of the horrible things he was going through

Plus with him feeling no pain, he could practice his hands bleed so his hands are really calloused

He likes to sit in the woods and just listen to music sometimes

He’s a loner like that

Especially in the fall when the leaves are so pretty

He feels almost peaceful. Almost

EJ: Tbh I can’t put him in a single box I feel like he’d be everything

He’ll listen to whatever whenever

Except religious music it freaks him out

Ya know because of the cult that took his eyes

But I see him liking dark ,dreamy music if that makes sense

His taste actually lines up with Toby’s pretty well

Static dress, MGMT, YKWIM by Yot Club, Homage by the Mild High club, My Bloody Valentine, Grouper

Also anything with sad guitars like wish by sign crushes motorist (Toby likes music like this too)

Sometimes even lo-fi if he has to unwind

Jack wears all black most of the time. Just so he doesn’t look too dirty

Black hoodie, black shirt, black pants, black shoes

He also feels like any other color won’t go with his now grey skin

But yeah EJ is just a dude with a wide music taste

We love that for him

Nina: Obviously Scene+Emo= scemo

Do I even have to explain?

She listens to Pierce the Veil, Sleeping with Sirens, Bring Me the Horizon, Paramore, AFI, FOB, Get Scared, Hey Monday, MCR, Ghosttown, Millionaires, Brokencyde, Medic Driod, Dot Dot Curve, A Skylight Drive, ISMFOF ,everything Toby listens too as well(and many more)

Nina wears either all black with colorful hair or has her signature black and pink with more colorful outfits

Cheeta print, skulls, DIY stuff, band shirts, tube tops, tutus, skinny jeans, brass knuckle necklaces, hoop earrings, black eyeshadow, big teased hair with raccoon tails

Yeah she’s 2000s emo fs

Goes to raves and concerts like crazy

But she’s not opposed to any kind of music and will do goth makeup for fun

And wear Jane’s clothes

She thinks goth is really pretty but it’s just not her

She’ll stick with scemo lol

Jason The Toymaker: Steampunk/ Victorian Circus Core

The copper in his clothes

The bright red hair

The long flowing jacket with intimate details

Yeah he’s definitely steam punk

Im not sure what kind of music steampunks listen to but I’d like to know!

Jason definitely listens to Emilie Autumn and old PATD

BEN: EDM

I mean…it was obvious

Skillix, deadmouse, xxxanteria, Luci4, old Flying Lotus albums, 9lives

He’s literally code so I think he’d like it

Not much else to say here tbh

I’m getting tired so lmk if you want a part 2 lol

[elderberries-and-honey]

When the new year began, the days seemed to breeze past them the closer they got to Winifred's due date. By March, she had outgrown most of her clothing, only being able to comfortably fit into her new maternity gown, but she hardly seemed to mind too much. Her only concern these days was the baby coming into the world safely and with Millie's promise to stay and help, she was confident everything would be alright.

As the baby began to migrate south, the discussion of whether or not they would be welcoming another son or daughter became a daily topic of conversation. They'd banter back and forth playfully, insisting they were right and the other wrong, but Lawrence never told Winifred why he was uncertain he was ready for another little girl.

Before Lawrence went off to work each day, he would tell their little one, "now you wait until I'm back, alright?", speaking to the fact he feared missing the birth. To which Winifred would tell her belly, "you come when you're ready."

When the day finally did arrive, Lawrence was off at the pub working his late shift and Winifred sent Beth along to retrieve him. She had almost forgotten how painful labor had been previously, even without the same complications as last time.

Once it started becoming almost unbearable, Millie wrapped her arms around her and began humming softly in her ear while they slowly rocked back and forth. Nothing could truly reduce the discomfort within Winifred's lower abdomen but Millie's soothing presence helped to put her mind at ease while she spoke in gentle voices, guided her breathing and tried to help relax her body.

Eventually though, even the sweetest of lullabies couldn't distract from the pain and sweat began pooling on Winifred's forehead.

Lawrence finally came bursting through the door nearly three hours after Winifred's waters had first broken. He smiled ear to ear at first, excited to meet the newest Baudelaire. But when he saw Winifred's face writhed up in pain, he rushed to her side immediately. "Oh, my wife! I'm terribly sorry, I came as soon as I could!"

"You came just in time," Millie reassured him, "but we can't delay any longer. Winifred, it's time to start pushing." Millie directed them into their places, remaining calm the entire time as they prepared to bring this new little one into the world.

"One more good push, honey, you're almost there." Millie assured her after hours of pushing.

With all her might, Winifred used what remained of her strength to follow Millie's instructions, gripping Lawrence's hand with her own and gave what she hoped would be the last push they needed to deliver this baby.

Over the echo of blood pumping in her ears, she finally heard it, the heartwarming sound of a newborn taking it's first breaths of life; their little one crying in Millie's arms. Relief washing over her, Winifred settled back against Lawrence's chest while her heartbeat slowly began to steady itself back to normal rhythm.

Millie coddled the baby in her arms, counting ten perfect fingers and ten perfect toes as she began preparing to bring him over to the washbasin to clean him off. She had helped bring hundreds of babies into the world, but none had ever felt quite like this before.

Nearly overcome with emotion, she turned to face the Baudelaire's and informed them that Lawrence had been right after all - they were welcoming another son. After processing what Mille had said, Lawrence couldn't help but to notice the way his body let out a breath, not even realizing he'd been holding it in.

Silently, he wondered if Winifred felt any disappointment in the news.

If she did, she didn't show it. After dressing him in a white, laced gown and warm bonnet, Millie passed the baby over to his parents. Winifred was beyond exhausted, but her readiness to hold her baby seemed to outweigh any fatigue she felt.

Both of them were immediately charmed, unable to stop smiling between kissing the little one's head and booping his tiny nose.

"Welcome to the world, Atticus Baudelaire." Lawrence whispered.

next / previous / first

[xhoneywheatx]

Oh Baby (Naruto x black fem!reader)

Warnings: None Category: Fluff Summary: Just my thoughts on me you and Naruto going through the birth of our your first child. Also, this is slightly proofread. I apologize for any mistakes.

(Third person POV)

~~

Y/N tossed and turned for the last time before finally accepting defeat. A few hours ago, you and Naruto finally laid down to rest for the night. She was sure the baby would get through the whole night this time. Y/N was about eight months into her pregnancy, and she blew up like a balloon. She was so big that the ability to put on regular shoes without Naruto's help was impossible. She hadn't even seen her toes in about three months, and she cries about it every so often.  

Now, the baby was playing soccer or something, keeping her awake. She didn't know why the baby was up at nearly 3 in the morning until her stomach growled. At that moment, she realized just how hungry she was. "How am I hungry? I made sure to eat something before bed." She pondered to herself as she carefully threw her legs over the side of the bed. She felt around the floor for her slippers, pushing her pretty white colored piggies into the soft fabric, and stood up once she had them on. Looking back, she saw that Naruto was sleeping on his back with his mouth slightly open with light snores coming out. He looked so peaceful that she was almost jealous. 

Usually, when Y/N wakes up in the middle of the night, he wakes up with her. However, two days ago, Naruto was sent on a mission as a last resort from Kakashi. Everyone else he had in mind before picking Naruto was already set out on missions, and he'd volunteer to do it himself before making Naruto leave Asami in such a state at home. Still, even his assistant was gone on a mission. Naruto wasn't upset at all, which shocked Kakashi. He thought he'd have to talk him into doing it, but he didn't. 

Anyways, the mission ended up lasting until earlier this evening. Even though he was gone, Kakashi had Ino stay with her to help her around the house. She helped Y/N bathe in places she couldn't reach and assisted in dressing her. Ino didn't mind it at all. She was finally away from the hospital for a few days. Once he got home, Naruto thanked Ino for her hard work and took over to which she replied, "Taking care of my baby momma is never a problem!"  

Since Y/N had already taken a bath and was dressed in her most comfortable nightgown and matching black bonnet, he didn't have to do much. He bathed himself and spent a few moments rubbing her sore feet and telling her about his mission. Although it was short, he had to spend most of it on his feet which really took it out of him. It didn't last too long though once he felt himself nodding off the moment he stopped talking. He helped Y/N up the stairs and into their bed before falling asleep when his head hit the pillow. 

Y/N went downstairs and into the kitchen to soothe the rumbling in her belly. With a hand on her belly, she opened the fridge and immediately reached for two brand-new boxes of strawberries and pineapples. Her most recent craving was fresh fruit, so Naruto made sure they were stocked up on her favorites. She pulled the boxes out and shuffled to the living room to begin feasting. 

After finishing the first box and halfway through the second, she was beginning to feel satisfaction. Once completely satisfied, she closed the boxes, placed them on the end table beside the couch, and began rubbing her belly. A flutter of kicks and punches made her giggle at the weird feeling. "Are you happy now?" She asked smiling down at her stomach. 

"I can't wait to meet you and find out what you are. Your daddy and I already came up with names for you. We have one for a girl and one for a boy, but I'm not telling you until I see you." She felt a tiny kick under her hand as she continued speaking. "Your daddy loves you. Don't give him a hard time, okay? He's excited to meet you too." She sighed feeling her eyes getting heavier and heavier. She realized it would take her much longer to go up the stairs alone and decided against it. Instead, she reached for the throw beside her and called it a night on the couch. It wouldn't be the first time she got stuck down there. 

Just as she got comfortable and was about to close her tired eyes, Y/N felt a presence behind her, so she turned around to see her husband standing in the arch with a tired smile. "How long have you been there?" She asked, looking back down at her belly. It seemed like the baby was finally calming down. "A few minutes." He responded, his voice deep and scratchy. He walked up behind her and placed a kiss on her cheek before grabbing the boxes of fruit and going to return them back to the fridge and throw away the empty one. When he came back, he took a seat beside his wife and smiled, placing a hand on her belly. 

"Why are you up so late princess?" He asked. Y/N leaned her head on his shoulder and placed her hand on top of his as he gently rubbed her belly. "I could say the same for you love. Aren't you tired?" She asked noticing the pinkish tint in his eyes. "I am, but I rolled over and couldn't find you, so I got worried." He leaned down to give her a quick kiss. "Well, the baby was hungry and wouldn't let me sleep, so here we are." She giggled. Naruto laughed with her. It was nearly every night now that she was getting up to snack on something to feed her hungry baby. No matter how tired he was, Naruto always made the effort to keep her, and his child satisfied. 

Suddenly, Y/N felt a sharp pain in her abdomen and flinched, grabbing the place where it hurt. "Ah!" She cried out making Naruto worry. "Hey, what's wrong baby?" If he weren't already awake, now he is. Her face twisted in discomfort as she tried to fight through the pain. "I-I don't know, but it hurts. I think the baby kicked me the wrong way or something." She talked through clenched teeth and squeezed his hand. After a few more seconds of sitting there, the pain began to subside, and she breathed out a sigh of relief. 

"Are you sure you're okay Y/N? That didn't seem like a kick or anything, ya know." Naruto worried. He'd been there when the baby gave her a hard time and it's never been this bad. He looked at her glossy eyes and began worrying even more. "She's never cried over a kick before." He thought to himself as she reached up to dry her tears before they fell. "I think so." She looked at him and tried to her best to reassure him with a smile. However, another surge of pain hit her in the same spot causing her to cry out once more. 

"Owww!" She squeezed her eyes shut and tried to think of a way to relieve the pain. "Maybe I should stand up." She groaned. Naruto wasted no time standing up and grasping her two hands before gently pulling her up. However, as soon as she stood up, Y/N felt something trickling down her leg and on to the floor. The two of them both looked down and saw the small puddle of clear liquid running on to the floor. "N-Naruto... I think my water broke." Her voice was uneasy and shaky. 

Naruto's blood ran cold. "How is this possible? The baby isn't due for another three weeks!" He panicked to himself trying to understand the situation. "S-so that means it's time, right? The baby is coming right now?" His words were quick from his spiked nerves. Y/N nodded her head and doubled over in as another wave of pain, which she now realized were contractions, hit her. Seeing her in this state made Naruto realize that he needed to get their baby bag and get her to the hospital. He quickly ran up the stairs and burst into their bedroom. He frantically looked around and spotted the green bag at the foot of the bed. Grabbing it, he quickly stepped into his slippers and went back downstairs to his wife. 

Y/N, still in the same position, was now crying from the pain in her vagina and abdomen. "Who knew this would hurt so fucking bad?" She thought to herself as she held on to the couch for dear life. Naruto slung the bag over his shoulder and walked over to Asami and crouched down so she could see him. "I'm going to carry you, okay? It's not that far, so it won't take long, okay?" He waited for her to answer. Asami sniffled and nodded her head. Immediately, Naruto stood up and carefully cradled her in his arms and headed to the door. 

"Don't worry princess. Before ya know it, our baby will be here." He tried to reassure her. She smiled through the pain and began trying her breathing techniques Sakura went over with her as Naruto closed the door behind them. 

"Here we go princess."

~~

At the hospital, Y/N was loaded on a stretcher and put into a labor and delivery room. She was undressed and put in a hospital gown due to protocol. However, she nearly killed one of the male nurses for taking her bonnet off and putting it in the bag with her nightgown. Poor man was scared to death seeing her skunk stripe glow from her starting to activate her jutsu. Naruto snatched the silk material from him and returned it back where it belonged. Although, he didn't mind seeing her head of curls all frizzy and cute. 

From there, she laid in a bed hooked up to an IV to keep her hydrated while they waited for her doctor get there to check if she's ready to push. Naruto sat in the chair beside her, holding and kissing her hand as she fought through each and every contraction with the next one being worse than the last. 

A knock on the door was heard before it slid open. A head full of pink hair peeked through and smiled at the two before she stepped in. "Well, I certainly wasn't expecting you when I was called in." Sakura spoke as she walked over to the nervous couple. "Hey Sakura!" Naruto grinned at her. "Hey Naruto. Are you guys excited?" She asked as she sat down in the swivel chair provided for her. Then she started going through Y/N's chart. "You know it!" 

Y/N was going to answer but yelped in pain feeling another contraction. Even though Naruto panicked and tried his best to soothe her, Sakura only placed the chart down and lifted the blanket covering Asami from the waist down and stuck her head under. 

This obviously wasn't her first rodeo. 

From there she saw that the baby's head full of dirty blonde hair was beginning to crown. "Y/N, I need to you breathe, okay? It's time for you to push." Sakura announced. 

Y/N began getting nervous. She didn't know how to feel about finally giving birth, but the pain from the contractions was more than enough to motivate her. "You can do this princess. I'll be right here the whole step of the way." Naruto entwined their fingers together and smiled at her. She turned to him, covered in sweat and nodded her head. "O-okay." She said through her labored breathing. 

"You can start when you're ready." Sakura threw the blanket from over her head and Y/N's propped up legs so the process could go smoother. This left her exposed from the waist down, but she wasn't worried about it. 

Another knock on the door was heard making Sakura say, "Come on in and start setting everything up." Three medical ninjas walked in with different equipment in their hands that Naruto didn't know what it was for. He looked back at his wife and decided to give her a bit of encouragement since she hadn't started pushing yet. "On three, okay?" Naruto waited for her to nod. Once she did, he began counting "One... two... three," Y/N began pushing with all her might, screaming out in pain as the baby began to move and stretch her out. She squeezed his hand as she held the push for a few seconds before quitting.

"Fuck! It hurts so bad." She cried out. Never has she ever been in this much pain. She's gotten stabbed, blown up, and everything in between. She'd rather go through that pain again than this. It felt as if multiple bones in her body were being broken at the same time. This was hell! She huffed and puffed seemingly out of breath after just one. 

"Good job momma, keep pushing like that for me, okay? The baby will be out right away." Sakura encouraged. "Okay." Y/N struggled to speak through the pain. She was trying to calm her breathing, but the more she pushed, the harder it seemed to breathe. "Come on sweetheart. You got this." Naruto stood to his feet and pressed a kiss on her forehead tightening his grip on her hand. "One... two... three," Y/N screamed out, pushing with all her might, following her husband's counting. She threw her head back and held the push for as long as she could while gritting her teeth the whole time. 

"Good job! Good job! You're doing amazing. The head is through! The head is through!" Sakura encouraged Y/N through her push. 

Y/N let go and decided to catch her breath. "I'm so proud of you sweetheart." Naruto brushed her braids from her face and smiled down at her. She looked up at her husband through her tears whispering, "It hurts Naru." She sniffled. Naruto was quick to brush her tears away with the back of his hand. "I know, sweetheart. Hang in there for me okay? Our baby is almost here." While placing another kiss to her sweat-covered forehead, Naruto's heartfelt moment with her was short lived when Sakura spoke up once more. 

"If you can hold this one, it might be the last push, okay? Can you do that for me?" Sakura looked up from her position to make eye contact with her for acknowledgement. Y/N nodded which Sakura copied for confirmation. "Yeah? Alright, one more big push!" Sakura refocused herself and let Y/N take the lead once more. 

"Look at me baby, look at me." Naruto urged. When she did, Naruto began counting once more. "One... two... three...!" 

Using the last bit of strength she had, Y/N cried out while unintentionally pulling herself slightly upright as she pushed. Both Naruto and Sakura encouraged her the entire way.

"Keep going sweetheart!"

"Yes, yes, yes Y/N! The baby is almost out!"

"You got this sweetheart! You got this!" 

After what seemed like an eternity, Y/N felt the unbelievable amount of pressure in her vagina go away followed by the soft cries of her newborn baby. She breathed a sigh of relief and exhaustion knowing the ordeal was officially over. 

"You did it, ya know." Naruto's voice wavered upon seeing the nurses clean and take care of his child. Tiredly, Y/N looked up at her sniffling husband and placed her hand on his cheek to catch his attention. Looking down at her, Naruto's heart swelled a thousand times over. It was at this very moment he really and truly felt like his life was complete. 

He smiled through his tears and leaned down to kiss his exhausted wife. 

As the medical team cleaned up Y/N, changed her and the bed sheets, the baby went through the process of being cleaned and documented in the Konoha Baby Book. Everything from the baby's name to a picture was input. It was only when the team was finished applying a bit of medical ninjutsu to heal her stretched lady bits that Y/N's beautiful baby was brought to them...

...in a pink swaddle!

"It's a girl!" Sakura exclaimed while holding the baby out to Y/N. With a quivering bottom lip, Y/N took her baby into her arms and began soaking everything in. Their beautiful baby girl had a head full of honey blonde hair - with Asami's signature silver skunk stripe running down the middle. The baby's skin was a nice caramel color being that Y/N was a woman of a darker skin complexion. Most importantly, three little whisker marks adorned her cutie patootie face on either cheek. 

"She looks more like you than me." Y/N directed her sour tone to her husband. "What can I say," Naruto bashfully rubbed the back of his neck before continuing. "I came out looking like my dad too." She giggled and then passed the sleeping baby to her husband. 

Sakura decided it would be best to leave the new parents alone for a bit. "I'll be back later you two. Make sure her name is ready to go in the Baby Book!" 

~~~

Three knocks on the heavy wooden door caught Naruto's attention. His fingers were flying across the keyboard of his laptop when the noise was heard. He glanced down at the time and began to wonder who it was seeing him during this hour. His next meeting wasn't due for another few hours. 

"Come in!" He called out focusing his attention on the door. Upon opening the door, he expected to see an adult of some importance greet him with a stack of papers or something. He didn't expect his mini me waddling full speed at him with her tiny little baby arms stuck out grabbing the air. 

"Dada! Dada!" 

His heart swelled hearing the name he's grown used to over the past two years. He immediately rose from his chair and quickly stepped around his desk to greet his baby girl. "Nami! Hey baby girl." He enveloped her in a hug before looking up to meet your adorable gaze. "Hey, sweetheart. Whacha doin' here?" He asked as her stood up securely holding his daughter in his arms. 

Y/N stepped towards him, holding his gaze before leaning up on her toes for a quick kiss. "Nami tell daddy why we're here baby." She asked her subtly grabbing Naruto's hand and the two of them looked at their adorable daughter. As time passed, Nami continued to grow into her face - or should she say, Naruto's face. There was no doubt that this precious princess was Naruto's daughter. From her attitude to her appetite, she was Naruto's carbon copy. The only things distinguishing Y/N as her mother was her caramel skin, silver skunk stripe, and her brown eyes. Everything else was Naruto.  

"Dada fwood!" She exclaimed pointing to the pretty yellow back slung over Y/N's shoulder. Naruto's heart swelled three times over and couldn't help the blush rising on his whiskered cheeks. He's been working nonstop in the office lately due to a few political issues at the border. It's been killing him waking up before his daughter and coming back after she's gone to bed for the past few weeks. Y/N quite literally dried his tears a few nights ago - and with that, she cried right alongside with him. So, to cheer him up, Y/N planned with their toddler to surprise him with a family lunch. 

While Nami was preoccupied with toying with Naruto's cloak, he gazed down into Y/N chocolate eyes and saw his entire future within them. Everything from having a cute little puppy to becoming a grandfather. He witnessed it within her eyes. Just as he did before he closed them to capture her lips in their first kiss as a married couple. 

"I love you so much princess."

"I love you too Naru." 

~~

This was long overdue. I have so many unfinished drafts in storage it's ridiculous. 18 to be exact and they're on our four favorite men: Levi, Naruto, Itachi, and Kakashi. I'm working on them guys! It's just whenever I get a new idea, I start another fic lol. That happened 20 times over the last two months sooooo...... Let me know which person you want to read after this so I can finish their fic. 

I LOVE YOU ALL!

[ikeromantic]

Plucking Berries

Vlad and MC go berry picking for the day. Fluff - approx. 1800 words.

Vlad stands in a small clearing, surrounded by lush greenery and summer blossoms. Light drenches him, turning his pale hair into a halo as if he were an angel, lost in the wild. His gaze finds yours, lips lifting in a knowing smile. He caught you staring. Again.

You blush and wave, pretending you only just now saw him there. You hold up the basket you brought. “Are you ready to hunt for berries?” 

Vlad’s smile widens. “I have never gone berry picking. I am looking forward to it.”

An answering smile lifts the corners of your mouth. You wanted to spend the day with him, a romantic forest walk, with the added bonus of making him one of his favorite strawberry desserts after. Seeing him happy means the world to you.

“Aren’t forest strawberries sweeter than the ones in the market, voivode?” Charles clambers through the undergrowth to where you stand. Too close, as usual, but you’ve gotten used to his need for touch and constant reassurance. 

“They are,” confirms Faust as he steps up to stand on the other side of you.

You don’t have a chance to respond before the priest plops a bonnet atop your head. “Wha - Faust!”

He tuts and shakes his head, tying the bonnet string under your chin. “You can’t run about in the sun without protection. Don’t struggle.”

Charles laughs at your surprise. “Docteur saw you leave without a hat.”

“Thank you, Faust.” Vlad finally comes to your rescue. The other two step back, respectfully wary. “You look beautiful,” Vlad kisses the tip of your nose. 

“It would have been better if you kissed her on the lips. She wants to be kissed there. I can tell.” Charles pipes up, only to be elbowed by Faust.

You clear your throat, trying to ignore the commentary. “So. Anyway. I thought it would be fun to hunt for summer berries. This forest has strawberries and black berries. We might even find blackthorn or lingonberries! If we find enough, I’ll make a tart or some jam from them.”

There are so many recipes you looked at, preparing for today. A whole stack of baking books and notes written on loose paper at the market. You can’t wait to bring your berry haul home to try them out, and see what recipe brings the biggest smile to Vlad’s face.

“Then let us quickly fill our baskets so we can move on to more important tasks.” Faust sighs, eyeing his berry picking basket with distaste.

Vlad ignores the priest’s remark. “I will hope for basketfuls of strawberries.” He takes your arm. “Let’s go.” 

You hear Charles’ chatter grow more distant as he and Faust choose a direction opposite the one Vlad leads you in. You wonder if that was intentional, a little kindness from your vampire friends to give you some time alone with your lover.

The forest is alive around you, the air full of bird sounds and the buzzing of small insects. Squirrels and foxes rustle the brush, and above it all, a light breeze stirs the treetops. Vlad is quiet, a comfortable silence. His arm twined with yours says more than words could.

The empty basket dangles from your free hand, reminding you that this walk through the forest has a purpose, besides getting Vlad all to yourself. If you find enough strawberries, you can make something special for your lover. You peer at every clump of brush hopefully, but see nothing to pick besides flowers. 

Vlad plucks a wild chicory flower and tucks it behind your ear. “Did you know chicory symbolizes faithful love? Usually unrequited. But not always.” His finger traces the shell of your ear. “My wait for you was not in vain.” His gentle smile makes your heart race. 

You lean into his touch. “It’s incredible to me that you looked for me for so many years. You never gave up.”

“I couldn’t.”  He pulls you into his arms and holds you for a moment, his chin resting atop your bonnet.

The love you feel is almost too much to bear. Your heart is so full that it aches. Words catch in your throat and all you can do is hug him back. Being here with him still feels so impossible. Finding each other across space and time in the most unlikely of coincidences. It’s enough to make you believe in fate.

“We were meant to find each other,” Vlad says softly, echoing your thoughts. 

“I love you.” Those three little words don’t feel like enough to describe what you feel, but they are the words you have.

You feel him smile as he squeezes you tighter. “Te iubesc, inimioara mea.” He releases you a moment later, though his arm stays linked with yours as you continue on.

A few minutes later, you spot something red and small, growing close to the ground. You tug at his arm excitedly. “Is that a strawberry?”

Vlad kneels down to look. “It is. And there are more.” He pushes a low hanging branch aside to reveal a small berry patch. 

You clap excitedly. “I can’t believe we actually found some!”

His gentle smile shares in your joy. He picks the ripe, red berries and places them in the basket. “There aren’t many ready to pick. We’ll have to find another patch.” Vlad tells you as he stands and dusts off his hands. 

“Maybe Faust and Charles are having more luck.” You peer into the basket. It’s only a quarter full, if that. Not enough to make more than a spoonful or two of jam. Definitely not enough for a tart. 

Vlad laughs softly and ruffles your hair. “Don’t worry. We will enjoy whatever we find, even if this is all.”

You nod, trying not to let your disappointment show. There have to be more strawberries out here, and you are determined to find them. At least enough to make something special for your lover, something to make him smile.

Vlad takes the basket and carries it as the two of you continue your walk. “I always wanted to go berry picking when I was a child,” he says, voice pitched for your ears only. “I wasn’t allowed to though.”

“Because it was dangerous?”

He laughs softly and shakes his head. “I don’t think so. But it was beneath me, as a pure blood. Something for the servants to do.” His garnet gaze catches yours, the scarlet depths full of layered emotions. 

“I think that’s a shame. They made you miss out on something you might have enjoyed.” You know you can’t really understand what his life has been like - born a noble and more, surviving a violent tragedy, and then living through centuries of volatile change. Even so, you feel sad that anyone would be taught that some people are inferior. Or that some tasks are lesser. 

Vlad cocks his head, studying you with narrowed eyes. “You’re right,” he says after a moment. “My parents would not approve of my flowers either. And I enjoy them very much.” He brushes his thumb across your knuckles, a faint caress. 

You feel a flush grow in your cheeks. Vlad has a talent for making you blush. “They probably wouldn’t approve of me either,” you murmur.

“Likely not.” He smiles. “Such ideas must change. You are proof of that.”

His warm regard leaves you speechless for a long moment, your heart fluttering beneath the boughs of your ribs. You catch sight of something behind him, glad for the distraction. “Are those blackberries?”

Vlad gives your fingers a gentle squeeze, knowing you well enough to understand the deflection. “So they are. But not ripe just yet.” 

“Mmmm. Too bad.” 

He laughs again, and leads you deeper into the forest. 

The sunlight slants through the canopy of leaves above you, turning gold as the morning light turns to afternoon. The two of you chat comfortably as you walk, sharing the little things that make up the tapestry of your lives. It is only when the western sky spreads a crimson stain across the horizon that you realize the day has passed and you have only a handful of strawberries to show for it.

 “We should head back. The walk will be less pleasant in the dark.” Vlad turns to guide you back, but you plant yourself in place as if to stay there. “What is it,” he asks. You are sure he already knows what you are going to say.

 “We didn’t find enough strawberries to make anything with. If we look just - just a little longer, there might be more.” You gesture toward the trees ahead, hoping to spot something worthwhile.

Vlad nods. “We might. But it will be hard to see the berries in the dark.”

He’s right, and you know it. Still, you can’t accept failure. “Yes, but . . . if we can just find a few more . . .”

“Draga mea, why are you so determined? It is getting dark. Let’s go home. Charles can make dinner, and we can have a bath. Together.” His crimson gaze sparks with heat and a promise that bath time will be as much about getting dirty as it is about getting clean.

You take a breath, marshaling your thoughts. “I know you’re right - it is getting dark. But it’s not dark yet! We have maybe an hour? Plenty of time to find enough berries to make something. If we go now, there’s barely enough to sprinkle on top of your pancakes.” 

Vlad studies your face in silence, long enough that you begin to fidget under his gaze. “Are you afraid to disappoint me?”

That’s it, you realize, as he says it. You had so many ideas for how the day should turn out, and now you feel like you are letting him down. Your shoulders fall and you look down. “I really wanted to make you something special.”

“Every day you are with me is already special.” He takes your chin between his finger and thumb, lifting gently to meet your gaze. “I am not disappointed.”

“But you love strawberries so much. You would be so happy if I baked you a strawberry tart or a napoleon or a frasier cake or, I don’t know. It doesn’t matter anyway.” You sigh. 

Vlad laughs softly, running his thumb over your pouting lips. “I do love strawberries. But I already have the sweetest ones I could ask for. Better than any cake or pastry.”

Your eyes widen in surprise. “You do?”

He leans forward, pressing a light kiss to your mouth. The kiss deepens as you react, your lips parting. Vlad pulls you close, lifting you off your feet and into his arms. You forget all about picking berries and baking tarts. You forget the approaching evening, and the darkening sky. There is only Vlad, and the warm velvet of his mouth. 

[smuts-whore]

Title- Pride

Jey Uso x Black Female Reader

Rating- 18+

Warning: Smut

Word count:1429

I just finished my promo so I'm sitting at my vanity bushing my hair. I hear a knock on my locker room door.

I say," Come in I guess."

When I looked up I saw Jey Uso standing at my door. Me and Jey had a complicated relationship. We fuck a lot, like every night but we're not together. I put my melt band on my wig and turned around waiting for him to say something.

"You did good tonight mama", he said grabbing my hand.

" I always do. Ya'll were okay", I said as I giggled as I saw his face drop.

He said," Damn just okay? Maybe because I wasn't the one talking."

"Well that can really be the problem because I don't like when your mouth is open. I'd rather it occupied", I said sucking on his finger.

"Girl you better stop playing while we at work", he said biting his lip.

I laughed and walked out my locker room and was met by my best friend Bianca Belair.

Her eyes grew as she saw Jey walking out of my locker room and then she grinned.

"Are you two together" she asked crossing her arms.

"No of course not", I said scoffing.

"Really that's how you feeling. Well have fun by yourself tonight", he said walking away.

"Why would you say that? That boy is crazy over you", Bianca said while hitting my arm.

"I know I just can't go there with him you know. I'd rather just have casual hookups", I said rubbing my finger through my hair.

"People who are sleeping together every night and can barely sleep without each other are not casual Y/N. Think about it", she said walking away to meet Montez.

~At the hotel~

I'm laying in bed twisting and turning. I can't sleep at all. I want Jey in my arms and not only that I'm so fucking horny. I decided to suck in my pride and text him.

Y/N~ Hi

Jey~ What

Y/N~ Can you come to my room?

Jey~ No

Y/N~ Please I want to talk

Jey~ Sorry not tonight

I threw my phone down while groaning. I do want to talk but I want to get some first and he knows that. You know what I'm going to beat him at his own game.

I got up and went to take a shower. When I got out I went in my bag and grabbed my red and black lingerie. Before putting it on I put on my Victoria Secret lotion all over my body. I took some coconut oil and rubbed it on my pussy.

I put on the set with some black heels. I went to the bathroom and took off my bonnet and fixed my hair and edges. I sprayed the matching perfume on me and sighed looking at myself in the mirror. Damn I'm fine. I grabbed my robe and put it over my outfit for me to walk to his room.

I grabbed my room key and headed to his room which was on the floor above me. When I arrived in front of his hotel room my body started to heat up with want. I knocked and he yelled out that he was coming. When he opened the door he rolled his eyes.

I stared at him biting my lip. He just got out of the shower because he had water dripping down his body and a towel wrapped around his body. His tattoo looked good wet.

"What do you want Y/N", he said knocking me out of my thoughts.

"Can I please come in", I asked and he moved aside so I can walk in.

I sat on his bed and was welcomed by the smell of cologne. I whined and he caught me but chose to ignore it.

"Why are you mad at me", I said looking up at him.

"The fact that you had to ask is pissing me off more. You play too much. One minute you want me and the next your telling people we're not together with an attitude towards it. Make up your fucking mind!"

I jumped at him raising his voice at me. He never does that. Even though I was shocked, I had to cross my legs at the heat that grew between my legs. I bit my lip and he watched my expression closely.

"I'm sorry daddy", I said with a smirk.

His eyes darken with lust at those words.

"I'll take my punishment like a good girl", I said opening up my robe leaning back so I was on display.

A slow "fucckkkk" left his lips and he sat down next to me.

"Strip and lay on your stomach now", he said getting up as I hurried and took off all my clothes and laid on my stomach and arch my back so my ass was in the air.

I felt a smack on my ass and I squealed.

"You always wanna disrespect me but I'll show you disrespect tonight", he rubbed his finger between my folds rubbing small circles on my clit. I whined as he removed his hand but gasped as I felt him push his entire dick in me.

"Fuck you so tight", he said groaning as he started to thrust in slowly. I moaned and pushed back on him. He held my hips to stop me from moving and I groaned.

"Faster daddy please", I said which he quickly did. He started pounding me at a god speed. I gripped the sheets and I squealed at how good it felt. My wetness

"YES DADDY. Don't stop, don't stop, please don't stop", I said as my toes curled.

He pulled me up and my back was against his chest. He nibbled on my ear and said,"Who the fuck said I was stopping."

He reached down and started rubbing my clit fast. I gripped his risk that was playing with my clit as my vision got blurry. He groaned and said "Damn mama" as I clenched my walls around me.

I said,"Please daddy can I cum."

He rubbed my clit faster and said,"Go ahead and cum around daddy you little slut."

That pushed me over the edge and I came saying,"THANK YOU DADDY."

As I came down from my high and he flipped me over and kept going. I grabbed the sheets trying to pull myself off him but he gripped my hips to keep me in place.

"No don't try to run. I take all your bullshit so you are gonna take this dick"he said going faster in my sensitive cunt.

"Daddy stop please", I said as I felt tears run down my face at the over stimulation I feel. My entire body felt like it was on fire. He reached under me and rubbed my clit. I could help the screams and tears that came out. I clenched around him and before I could stop it I squirted all over his cock and his lower stomach.

"Damn mama that was sexy. You think you can do it again".

I whined knowing I was about to have a hell of a ride.

Four orgasms later and him finishing on my stomach we we're finally done. He pulled out of me and i winced at sensitivity that I felt. He went in the restroom and came out with a white rag and cleaned me and him off. He pulled the covers over us and I laid in his chest as he wrapped his arms around me.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said it like that", I said looking up at him.

"Why do you play with my feelings Y/N. I have told you over and over how much I love you but you act like you feel the same", he said rubbing his finger through my hair.

"My pride. I really do love you it's just easier if I pretend I can be without you but I can't. Tonight alone in my room I thought I was gonna lose my mind the way I missed you. Your smell, your arms, your kiss, your penis", I said as we laughed at the last part.

"So you love me" he said smirking knowing he has me as his now.

"Shut up and go to sleep Jey", I said laughing.

He kissed me and then released my lips and kissed my forehead. He turned off the lamp on the nightstand and we cuddled up and went to sleep.

[zo1nkss]

the way ppl treat Stede leaving his family is so upsetting tbh.

Tell me you've never lived your entire life bearing the weight of expectations you literally cannot meet without telling me.

Like y'all forget this was a repressed gay man. He didn't leave "on a whim", that is a gross misrepresentation by A STRAIGHT WOMAN who went on to THRIVE in his absence.

And don't come at me with any of that "But Alex, No One Said Mary Was Straight In Canon" no one said Stede was gay either! Cut the semantics, this is not about your frilly little queer headcanons. Mary has only ever been intimate with men in canon, at least in the case of i stances she enjoyed. The same goes for Stede and we all accept this means he's gay. Idc what u project onto Mary Bonnet, we're discussing /canon verse/ content here.

It's extremely homophobic of y'all to just hop on the bandwagon of a str8 woman grossly misunderstanding the turmoil her husband was experiencing in order to center herself as a victim in a situation where - frankly - she was a complacent bystander at best.

Like yeah Mary saw it as a whim bc he did not communicate with her. But we KNOW, it is shown IN CANON, that Stede spent years deliberating that decision. That is LITERALLY the opposite of a whim, plz shut up!!

The fact that y'all cannot recognize an unreliable perspective when you see one shows me you shouldn't be doing in-depth analysis of these scenes bc u literally do not understand how to read the intentional implications if they smacked you across the face.

[dustyp3arls]

𝜗𝜚˚⋆

Obamitsu.

Collage Au

Tw: cursing Jealousy Blasin sanemi mitsuri obanai uzui and shinobu.

Bad spelling / grammar

Part 1

𐙚⋅˚₊‧ ୨୧ ‧₊˚ ⋅ᡣ𐭩⋆.˚ 𐙚⋅˚₊‧ ୨୧ ‧₊˚ ⋅ᡣ𐭩⋆.˚ 𐙚⋅˚₊‧ ୨୧ ‧₊˚ ⋅ᡣ

Obanais point of veiw

When i first saw her i couldn’t even think. She walked past me smiling and laughing talking to.. Tomioka a beautiful woman talking to him. Her pink and green hair falling down her back, her eyes glistening in the sun. I couldn’t move just stunned. I didn’t think I could love, especially at first sight. I was knocked out of my daydream by sanemi.

Third person point of view

“Dude i know your not starting at fuckin Kanroji” Sanemi said with a teasing giggle. Obanai shot up and began to sweat. “U-uhm no!” He said with a hint of blush peaking from his mask “Kanroji.. thats her name” Obanai whispered to himself , Sanemi laughed “Dont tell me you’ve never ran into her. Shes Tomiokas and Kochos best friend they eat lunch together like every day” Obanai gave a smug look. “You know i dont pay attention, lets just go back to our dorms already it’s getting dark” Sanemi rolled his eyes “what ever you say micro penis” “SHUT THE FUCK UP” Obanai snapped back

Timeskip at the dorms

“Oh yea Genyas coming over soon so i can help him do his hair” Sanemi spoke locking the door behind him

“Ok I don’t really care im just gonne be in my room the whole time.”

“Yea whatever man” Obanai dropped his bag at the door and walked to his room closing the door behind him. He rolled up the sleeves to his black sweatshirt as he sat down opening his phone. “Kanroji huh?..” *he said looking her name up on instagram after a few scrolls he found her. He inspected her page like she was some criminal. A soft smile appeared on his face as he sees her pictures, until he almost dropped his phone, the words “single” in her bio almost killed him. He almost screamed into his pillow like a teenage girl in love. He pulled off his mask and hit the follow button throwing his phone onto his bed after, when he felt his phone vibrate he jumped. He checked to what it was , she followed him back. He was hot pink he couldn’t even think he was actually going to scream. “I-i need to calm down” *he muttered to himself as he grabbed his towel and headed to the bathroom. He took of his clothes and jumped in the shower letting the water pour over his head “What if she doesn’t like short guys” he said to himself almost choking on his words. He got out the shower and changed into his pjs. He fed his snake Kaburamaru he sat on his bed letting Kaburamaru wrap around his neck. He opened his phone to see that mitsuri liked and commented on his post. It was a photo of him and his snake,He was holding his snake while he sat on the ground at a park. Mitsuri commented “Cuties!💗” making obanais heart flutter. He jumped up as he heard a knock on his door and someone opening the door it was Genya. “Hey Obanai!” Genya smiled “oh hello gen” obanai gave a warm smile back. Genya shuts the door and heads downstairs with sanemi. He put kaburamaru back in his cage and he layer down on his bed. He liked mitsuris coment and turned his phone off. Thoughts flooding his head. He began to drift off falling asleep.

RING RING RING

The next morning Obanais timer went off he put on a white t shit and a black tie with a pair of black pants. He walked downstairs to see sanemi and genya sleep on the couch he scoffs and thought. “Atleast genya remembered to put a bonnet on”

Obanai shook Sanemi “yo wake up its 7:02”

Sanemi woke up and looked around.. “go without me ima be late anyway..” he said tired Obanai shrugged and spoke “alright” He unlocked thedoor and walked out. He was walking to his first class until he saw Tomokia Kocho and Kanroji. “Its her.. he thought” Shinobu spotted obanai and waved towards him “Hey iguro!! Come join us” Obanai was stunned but he did walk over sacred out of his mind but he had to play it cool. He didn’t like Tomioka very much but he was friends with Shinobou wich right now was a big plus. “Hey kocho” He warmly smiled under his mask. “Hello tomioka , and kanroji right ?” *he smiled and turned at mitsuri he couldn’t let her know he already knew her full name even her middle so he had to play it cool he couldn’t make a fool out of himself infront of her. Mitsuri giggled “Yep you can call me suri,” “well hello then suri” he smiles “i have to get going to my first class you al have fun tho” Obanai waves as he walks off. Thoughts barging into his head “oh my goodness a nickname already..” his heart was gonna jump out of his chest.

Timeskip end of day

Obanai walked back alone sanemi never showed up. His phone buzzed as he got a message from uzui a party invitation. Ofcourse the first weekend and hes already throwing a party.. but what if mitsuris there. Obanai thought. He texted back uzui quickly.

“I’ll be there”

part 2??

[yourlastbraincell-kiwi]

“Always.”

A/N: I wrote this a while ago, but never finished it. It’s an Aidan Gallagher x Black!fem!reader. Y/N is me tbh, I’ve been wearing wigs for the rest of my highschool days, and still do, because I didn’t like the way my natural hair is. And this is really for comfort, that when I do meet someone, I hope this is how they’d react.

Synopsis: You and the cast of The Umbrella Academy were invited into this huge event. And this is how I thought Aidan would react, when he finds out the love of his life, is going to wear a wig.

Today was the day.

It was the first time you had went with Aidan to an event together. So you’d have to look killer, ready to snatch people’s wig off when they saw you.

You had ordered a really stunning and gorgeous lace front wig. It was a light brown, with a hints of a light orange, in every other strand. So there was no way, in hell, you weren’t going to wear this today.

You hopped out of the shower, wrapping at towel around your body trying to keep warm from the cold air, facing the now foggy mirror, hearing a gentle knock at the door.

“Yeah?”

“Hey, just wanted to tell you, we have plenty off time before the event, so don’t rush.” You smile, cheekily, before saying, “Okay, thank you, Mother Em.” You can practically hear the eye roll, as she sighed and her she moved away from the bathroom door and descended down the stairs.

Y’know ever since you had been in the show with them, they have become almost like a second family to you. And you didn’t know what you’d if you haven’t meet the 7 of them.

And you also didn’t know what you’d do without having met Aidan. He was just…AHH. He was a lot of things that just couldn’t be put into words if you tried. It was damn-near impossible.

But if you tried, he was just an amazing person all ‘round. He was sweet, caring, kind, all that and more. And when he asked you out, you said, no. Only because you wanted to do it first, and he smiled and said ‘yes,’ but he was secretly trying to calm his heart, after thinking you actually didn’t want to go out with him.

The first date was like something out of a fairytale, except not. He ordered take out and you both spent time hanging out at his house, watching movies on his laptop. It doesn’t sound much like a fairytale, but who said fairytales required magic and horse drawn carriages?

As long as you both had each other, it was more then perfect.

“Hey, (Y/N)? You done yet?”

“Oh! I’m done, my bad!”

You had rushed out of the bathroom, towel still wrapped around you and you had went to the other bedroom to change into something cozy, and put your hair up into a silk bonnet.

Your really hair was nothing crazy, you did in fact take care of it, but in all honesty it was much easier to just have something styled and ready to wear for you, all you gotta do, is glue it to your head after putting makeup down on your wig cap. If I’m feeling cute, gather some baby hairs and swoop that shit.

Done. Did. Period.

Another stunning look.

And you’ve done it copious amounts of times, it was like second nature to you.

You walked out of the room, and went to sit on the couch in the living room, with Emmy and Elliot.

“Look who’s finally, out of the dungeon.” You gasp, and put a hand over your heart. “Excuse you, I was changing in there.”

“It took you damn-near thirty minutes. What were you doing? Giving yourself a full spa treatment?”

“No! But I’d be a liar, if I said, I didn’t need to one of these days.” You unlocked your phone going straight to the camera, looking at your face. “You guys gotta come with! I’ll treat everyone to a nice day at the spa.”

“That’s sweet. Thank you, (Y/N).” You smile, and give Elliot a side hug. “It is, but is she just trying to bribe us for using up all the hot water?” You roll your eyes toss a pillow at Em, but she blocks it with her hands. “Oh shut up!”

Not long after, the sun began to set and the moon rose, shiny brighter then ever. You had gone to Aidan’s home to change, as y’all had agreed upon before hand, that you both were going to the event in the same car.

You had done everything else, then last but not least was putting the wig on. Leaving it for last, was probably not the best idea, but you had gotten so caught up, at yourself looking amazing in the dress, you picked out you almost forgot. Almost.

You were putting on it, and didn’t notice someone was standing behind you, observing.

“(Y/N)?” Aidan asked, as you mumbled a curse word. And you absolutely dreaded turning and facing him, but there was no why you were getting out of this. Is not like it a was a secret, that you wore wigs, the majority of the time. But you thought you’d tell him before he’d find out like this.

But now’s a good a time as any, right?

“Hey..”

Great start, (Y/N). Beautiful.

“Take it off.” Aidan said, walking up and leaning against the bathroom doors entrance. “You can’t be serious.”

“Oh, but I am.” He says as gentle as possible, not trying to sound rude or anything when he said it.

I slowly took it off, along with the wig cap, I didn’t have time to even glue down, to reveal my real hair. It almost looked a small do to the bobby pins holding it in place. Feeling nervous, I place a hand over my hair and Aidan had token it off, with the utmost care and adoration.

“Don’t hide it.” He says, taking the wig from my hands, then the room was filled to the brim with an awkward silence. “You know I didn’t do this to hurt you, right? I could never hurt you, or a fly for that matter.”

“Five would say otherwise.” You said, looking down at the floor, like the floor had suddenly become the most interesting thing to you. You had no clue, why you brought Five into this, but unbeknownst to your knowledge, it worked out later on.

“Okay, but Five is just a character, a fictional one, at that. I play him, but I’m not him. I’m Aidan.” He said, putting a hand on my cheek, making sure you were looking at him, when he said the next part. “He was also a killer at one point, and that is something, I’ll never be. But you on the other hand are gorgeous, and that’s what you’ll always be to me. Absolutely gorgeous. With or without the wig.” He said, holding the wig gently, in his hand.

He smiled at you and you smiled, blinking back the tears, that were brimming your eye lids. You look away and close them, one lonely tear falling down, taking some of the makeup off with it. Aidan grabs your chin gently, grabbing a tissue to lightly dab that salty liquid away. And you hug him so incredibly tight, telling him you love him with every fiber of your being. And tells you the same.

You stand up straight and take a deep breath. Before you grab your wig from him and walk over to the mirror.

“What are you going?”

“Putting the wig back on. What else?” You said, as a matter-of-factly, leaning over the sink to touch up your makeup. “But I thought we-”

You give a slight nod, turning to look at him over your shoulder. “Oh we did, but after all the money I spent on it, we best be getting to wearing it and I do plan on looking hot, sexy, and beautiful today. You best believe.” You said, pushing him out the bathroom and closing the door on him, and Aidan shakes his head laughing.

[labellefleur-sauvage]

The Highland Fox and The English Rose

Summary:

Elain Archeron, the middle daughter of an enterprising English merchant, has been raised with one goal in mind: become the wife of a respectable Englishman. Everything else—her interests, her desires—didn’t matter. But when her father convinces her to enter into an arranged marriage with a brutal Scottish Laird to save their family from ruin, Elain is suddenly forced to reevaluate everything she thought she wanted in life.

As the newly appointed Laird of a derelict clan with a crumbling castle, marriage was the last thing on Lucien’s mind. His entire life is thrown into disarray when he is forced into a marriage contract he didn’t sign, to an Englishwoman he’d never met. 

But Lucien harbors a dark, ruinous secret that affects more than just himself, and he is determined to resolve the issue at hand. Together, the Highland Fox and the English Rose will go on a journey that will force Elain and Lucien together—or drive them apart.

Read on AO3. Masterlist.

XXX

Chapter 3: You Have Taken What is Before Me and What Is Behind Me

“Beg yer pardon, maam, but I doona’ think ‘helping out in the kitchen’ is somethin’ the Lady of the Hoose like yerself should be doin’, y’ken.”

Elain scowled, then turned and put on her most charming face for the head maid. “But Alis, surely going downstairs to conduct a thorough review of the kitchen and its staff is well within my duty as Lady of the House, correct?”

“Frankly ma'am, tis no’,” Alis replied shortly. “As head maid, it’s mah job to oversee the runnin’ of the castle, especially those areas tha’ the Laird and his wife should never haf tah see.”

“It’s not going to kill me to go downstairs and get my hands a bit dirty,” Elain shot back, hands on her hips.

“It verra well might!” Alis said, a hand on her chest, like the thought of Elain going into the kitchens gave her heart palpitations.

“Yes, death by oats, I’m sure we’d be the shame of Scotland if that were to happen!”

“Aye, tis it exactly!” Alis replied, triumph in her dark eyes.

Elain frowned. She needed to try a different tactic. “I know the castle has been without a Lady of the House for quite some time—“

“Aye—the old Laird was a confirmed bachelor. I’ve been managin’ this keep for well over fifty years!”

“And you’ve done a wonderful job,” Elain said placatingly. She was being somewhat serious—despite being slightly drafty, barren and missing a few stones here and there, the castle at least ran smoothly from what she had seen, all held together by the slight woman standing in front of Elain. “But wouldn’t it be nice to have someone else helping you?”

“Aye, it would, but it won’t be ye,” Alis said with a finality that made Elain realize she lost this fight. “It’s no’ proper for the Lady of the Hoose to wander down to the kitchens, or, or, gallivant outside in the woods, or ask to dust, for goodness sake!”

“Well, perhaps I can—“

“No,” Alis said. “There are plenty of other things ye can do to occupy yer time, like reading, or sewing.”

“For twelve hours a day, though?” Elain cried.

“Ye’ll be much busier when ye and the Laird start having bairns,” Alis said shrewdly, and Elain’s stomach dropped. “If there’s any advice ye need on getting started…”

“Er, no, that’s quite alright,” Elain stammered, blushing wildly. “I think I do actually have a bonnet to sew, goodbye!”

Elain fled, Alis’s throaty chuckles fading behind her as she rushed down hallways and staircases, uncaring of where she was going. She found herself at the doors of the library and pushed them open, sighing with relief when she saw that Nesta had vacated the premises for a time.

Elain sat down wearily on a low couch. How embarrassing, for Alis to point out what surely everyone in the castle knew: that Elain and Lucien weren’t even resting in the same bed at night together, much less seeing enough of each other to make a child. 

The embarrassment she felt now still paled in comparison to her wedding night two weeks ago, when she brazenly dropped the bedsheet hiding her bare body from Lucien’s gaze. Elain had been a little tipsy, true, and wanted to be the brave and fierce woman she needed to be to thrive in Scotland… and apparently she thought showing her naked body to her new husband would accomplish that.

Not that Lucien had objected. She had watched him staring at her flesh, dumbstruck, as his eye slowly traveled down her body, his mouth gaping like a fish. Elain had observed him, too, particularly the bulge under his kilt that grew and grew the more he openly looked at her body. Rather than frighten her, as her aunts had warned her, the sight of his covered manhood had only excited her. 

She groaned. Elain hadn’t been able to even look Lucien in the face the next morning at a terse, private breakfast between the two of them, and she had excused herself at the first moment she was able. Since then, she and her husband had been playing a competitive game of cat and mouse, with the twist being neither one wanted to win. At this point, though, Elain wouldn’t object to running into Lucien, frustrated and embarrassed as she was, if only because it would give her something to do.

Elain absentmindedly grabbed a book laying on the table and flipped it open. She had been spending more time in the library here than she’d ever spent in one before, if only because it was somewhere different than her formal sitting room. There she could sew, or gaze out the window at the pretty loch with its brilliantly blue waters… and that was it. 

Now, she found herself looking at a map of the Scottish highlands, with major towns and monuments drawn in along the numerous clan lines. Her eyes darted over the page—there were the Vanserra clan lines, far to the southeast; to the east were the Norse-descended MacDonnells. There was a large port town called Adriata to the south, a bog not too far from here, a sprawling settlement in the northern mountains called Velaris, a lonely island off the northeast coast with a single monument called Sangravah—

There were a few knocks on the door. Elain closed the book and tossed it on the table—it was probably Nesta, coming to check on Elain for the hundredth time in the past two weeks. “Come in,” she called dully.

“Ye look like ye could do with some cheering up.”

Elain lifted her head. The beautiful, red-haired woman Lucien had looked so happy talking to at the wedding was peering around the door, taking in Elain all alone in the library. “Unless ye prefer the company of books over people.”

Elain stared, too shocked at the woman’s abrupt appearance to offer a greeting or ask her who she was. 

“You doona ken who I am, do ye?”

At Elain’s shaking head, the woman sighed deeply. “I hate to break it to ye, Elain, but yer husband is an eejit. Cannae even be bothered to let his poor wife know that company is coming. I’m Vassa Fraser, Laird of Clan Fraser.”

Elain was stunned. “Laird? Women can be lairds?”

Vassa shrugged, shutting the door behind her and walking towards Elain. “Me dad didna have anyone else to pass the title to.”

“And everyone just… accepted that?”

“Och, no,” Vassa said, smiling cruelly, “but I made it quite clear that if I wasna the next Laird of Clan Fraser, there would be no Clan Fraser at all.”

Elain swallowed, unnerved by this new Laird. “I apologize that I wasn’t here to greet you, Laird Fraser,” Elain said stiffly, resorting to the politeness that had been drilled into her at a young age.

“Tch, say nothing of it,” Vassa said, sitting down casually on a couch across from Elain. “It’s no’ yer fault yer fool of a husband cannae be bothered to notify his wife of visitors. I can give his ears a good clapping, if ye want me to.”

She spoke so plainly and intimately of Lucien. The jealousy that she’d felt at seeing Vassa and Lucien talking at their wedding flared inside her. “Do you know Lucien well, then?”

“Aye,” Vassa said cheerfully. “He helped me take the Clan’s title by force several years ago. He literally beat back the other contenders so I could claim the throne, so to speak. Lucien’s deadly with a sword when it comes down to it.”

There it was—more casual violence from these people. Elain wasn’t sure she’d ever fully get used to it. Still, the trepidation Elain felt towards Vassa was nothing compared to the envy she felt at this woman having some type of closing relationship with Lucien. “Is that the extent of your… relationship with Lucien?” she asked coldly. 

Vassa’s eyes widened slightly at Elain’s frosty tone. “Aye, it is,” she said, far more gently than Elain thought she’d respond. “We’re verra close friends and fellow lairds—nothing more.”

Elain exhaled. “I—good, thank you.”

“Besides,” Vassa smirked, “I already have my hands full with my own man. He’s English himself.”

Elain perked up. “Really? How did he come to be up here?” With you , went unspoken.

“Part of the English military sent to crush the, er, slight rebellion my own wee fight to take the Fraser title caused,” Vassa admitted with a wince. “He took one look at me and threw down his weapons right then and there.”

“I see. Sounds… exciting.”

“More exciting than sitting alone in a library in a cold castle,” Vassa noted. “How are ye getting on?”

Elain blinked, startled at the abrupt shift in topic. “All right. I’m settling in.”

“Has Lucien been showing ye around? Helping ye?”

“Er, well, he’s very busy, isn’t he?”

Vassa huffed an unimpressed laugh. “Aye, but ye should be his priority at the moment. Tell me plainly: how are ye doing?”

Elain took a moment to study Vassa. Her bright red was cut short, falling to her shoulders in slight waves. A pair of the brightest blue eyes she’d ever seen gazed back at her steadily, undeterred by the foreign English woman in front of her. Vassa was fierce and proud, a true Scotswoman. She remembered Eris’s advice from the night of the wedding: speak plainly and be direct. 

“I’m bored,” Elain began, sitting up straight. “I have nothing to do here. The staff won’t let me do anything they fear is unbecoming of my station—I can’t go outside the castle walls, nor do anything to help run the castle, even though I’m its new Lady.”

“Are ye surprised the staff at the castle are so similar to your English staff across the wall?”

Elain blushed. “Yes. I thought—“

“That we’d be boorish brutes eating out of our hands and sleeping on the ground?”

Elain scoffed. “Well now, I didn’t think it was quite that desperate up here.”

Vassa grinned. “That’s alright. The Highlands aren’t as fine as what yer accustomed to in England—”

“I’m not concerned about that,” Elain tsked. “I had few freedoms in England. I thought Scotland would be different, that as a married woman I’d have more allowances than before, but it’s been the opposite. I could at least take a stroll into the neighboring villages by myself back in England. It’s incredibly frustrating,” Elain ended bitterly. 

Vassa sighed. “Aye, most Scottish women aren’t too limited in their day to day lives but yer no’ a Scottish woman. I know, it’s no’ fair,” Vassa said when Elain tried to interject. “Some folks this far north… don’t care much for the English, and Lucien is a new Laird himself. Suddenly he has a foreign new wife, rather than marrying the daughter of one of his minor lords or land owners, to gain their favor? Until people can be trusted, ye may need to stay safe in the castle,” she ended delicately. 

"So I am to suffer alone until Lucien’s people decide they’re not going to harm me?”

“Well, ye have yer sisters for a time, don’t ye?”

Elain huffed a laugh. “My sisters are driving me insane with their constant worrying and nattering and complaining. My eldest Nesta does nothing but make snide remarks about the state of the castle and Lucien, and Feyre leaves in order to explore the countryside on her own, regardless of the consequences. They bicker about everything, then tut about how sorry they are that I’m stuck here for life.” Elain took several deep breaths to calm her racing heart. “It’s so annoying!”

Vassa chuckled. “I’ve no sisters but plenty of girl cousins—it’s the same everywhere. They’re always criticizing me and fussing over me in the same breath.”

“How do you deal with it?”

“I ignore them,” Vassa said simply. “At the end of the day most of them are a bunch of daft bampots that are taking their frustrations out on me. And I have Jurian to talk to, relieve some… stress, y’ken.”

“Must be nice,” Elain muttered. 

Vassa arched an eyebrow. “Do ye not see Lucien enough?”

Elain held her tongue. Perhaps the worst indignity of her entire situation was that her new husband couldn’t even be bothered to check on her and make sure she was settling in alright. She knew Lucien was busy— running a clan was difficult—but Elain was apparently dead last on his list. The resentment towards Lucien that had slowly been growing ever since their wedding day threatened to bubble over, but Elain kept herself in line. 

“That’s something I can discuss with him the next time I see him, whenever that might be,” Elain said bitterly. 

Vassa swore and shook her head. “That fuckin’ doolally,” she muttered to herself. “Absolute roaster.” Vassa looked at Elain thoughtfully. “Do ye enjoy the gardens?”

Elain raised an eyebrow. “The flowers and trees, outside,” Vassa went on. “Do ye ken where it’s at?”

“Yes,” Elain said slowly, trying to figure out why Vassa changed the conversation so abruptly. 

“It’s particularly lovely at night, under the full moon, like tonight,” Vassa replied, looking at Elain pointedly. “It might be good for ye to be out there. Tonight especially.”

“Er, alright,” Elain said unsteadily. “Perhaps, after dinner—“

“No! Ye should definitely wait until much later. Midnight, or just before.”

Elain tilted her head. “Is this some sort of joke?”

“Not at all, Elain,” Vassa said happily. “The garden is so lovely at night—“

“As you keep repeating.”

“That I think it would be verra good for ye to be out there tonight,” Vassa ended, looking far too pleased with herself. 

“Perhaps I shall take a midnight stroll in the garden then,” Elain said slowly. She didn’t think Vassa was trying to trick her or be cruel but it was a very peculiar insistence to ask of Elain.

“Good, good!” Vassa stood up. “Is there anything else on your mind?”

“Actually,” Elain began slowly, remembering something that had been bothering her since her wedding night, “how exactly are Lucien and Eris Vanserra related? Lucien said they were brothers but they have different surnames.”

“Ah.” For the first time, Vassa looked supremely uncomfortable. “They, ah, they’re blood brothers.”

“So Lucien was born a Vanserra?”

“Aye,” Vassa hesitantly agreed, looking anywhere but Elain’s face. 

“But he’s somehow Laird of Clan Macpherson?”

“His mother was a Macpherson.”

“If Eris is older than Lucien, why wasn’t he chosen to become Laird of Clan Macpherson?”

“Will ye look at the time,” Vassa said, looking around. “I have a meeting to attend—with Lucien, I’ll make sure to clap him around the ears for ye—so I’ll see you at dinner, aye?”

“Yes, but—oh! Goodbye!”

Vassa flitted away, her long tartan dress trailing after her. Elain was left with far more questions than answers.

Nesta came into the library shortly thereafter, and just like she had been doing the past two weeks, immediately began alternating between complaining about the castle and clucking after Elain. Feigning a headache, Elain rushed back to her bedroom and threw herself on her bed. 

She shouldn’t have set such lofty expectations for herself, Elain realized. She was only setting herself up for disappointment and heartache. It was clear Lucien wanted nothing to do with her, and while she had hoped for that on the way to Scotland, Elain at least thought he’d spend some time getting to know her, or that she wouldn’t be a prisoner in her new home.

Elain sighed and began getting ready for dinner. She’d go to the garden tonight, as Vassa had urged, and she’d begin the long and sad process of accepting that she was in a lonely marriage for the rest of her days. 

XXX

“So, how’s the pretty new English wife?” Tamlin asked.

Lucien grit his teeth. If one more person asked him how his marriage was going…

In truth, most days he forgot he was a married man. He and Elain slept in separate beds in separate rooms nowhere near each other, they never supped together, and they never exchanged more than a brief hello when they passed each other in the halls, and even that was rare.

And for what would be the best part of a marriage for any man, well… it was difficult to convince your wife to lay with you when she wouldn’t even look at you. Not that Lucien had even tried to convince Elain of the mutual benefits of a sexual relationship.

Was he tempted to risk everything he’d been planning for months on the chance to spend some time between his wife’s luscious thighs? God help him, he was. Whenever he thought of their disastrous wedding night, the only thing he could remember was a flushed and angry Elain proudly and unabashedly standing naked in front of him before his bed, her curvy body on full display. It was the most unexpected sight he’d ever witnessed, and Lucien thought that perhaps his English wife wasn’t quite the meek dormouse he had assumed she was. He had never gotten so hard just from seeing a bare woman before. His mind often wandered on its own, imagining what she tasted like, how she’d feel wrapped around his cock, what sounds would escape that pretty little mouth as he fucked her…

But he couldn’t get distracted. Between caring for his lands, the castle, managing his new trade routes and the fragile relationships he was cultivating with various lords and lairds of all of Scotland, and putting the finishing touches on his soon to be enacted plan, he had no time to spend any time with his wife, sexual or not. Lucien did feel a little guilty—he could imagine how frightened Elain must be, cooped up in a drafty castle with no one but her sisters to keep her company—but Lucien couldn’t think of that right now. At least, here in the castle, she was safe. 

“She’s fine,” Lucien answered eventually. Probably true. 

“Is she adjusting to Scotland well enough?”

“Er, aye, I believe so. Some of the food is a bit off putting for her, but she’ll get there.”

“It’s a shame her father left so soon. Perhaps that would have settled her down a bit.”

“Small mercies,” Lucien muttered. Mr. Archeron had hopped onto a departing wagon train the morning after the wedding, barely waiting to say goodbye to his daughters before he left to inspect the trade routes and roads to which he had bartered his daughter and forced Lucien into.

“Do ye see her much throughout the day?”

“Eh, not so much,” Lucien answered awkwardly. “We, uh, both appreciate our solitude.”

Tamlin nodded like he understood this perfectly. “All of the sisters appear to appreciate their own solitude.”

Lucien grunted noncommittally, too focused at the moment on balancing the estate’s ledger. They were only slightly in the red at the moment, rather than swimming in it like in previous months. 

“Nesta does spend a significant time alone in the library,” Lucien said. “And Elain…” What was Elain up to? He certainly never saw her enough to ask, and none of the staff bothered to keep him up to date on her comings and goings. “Elain is learning how to run the estate,” Lucien finished lamely.

“Feyre spends much of her time outdoors,” Tamlin supplied. He stood at the window, staring out over the wide forests that stretched beyond what their eyes could see. “She’s quite the huntress.”

“Interesting,” Lucien deadpanned, trying to look engrossed in his work so Tamlin would take the hint and leave. 

“Perhaps I will arrange a hunting party and ask her to come.”

“Sure.”

“And perhaps I’ll invite her to my lands when she and her sister depart, for a short stay,” Tamlin went on, eyeing Lucien from the side of his gaze.

“If it pleases ye,” Lucien said, making a show of rubbing his eye and fiddling with his eyepatch. 

Tamlin hummed. “I think I see Feyre in the courtyard now—perhaps I’ll see if she needs someone to accompany her.”

“Aye, aye, very good,” Lucien said, quickly standing up and escorting a thoughtful Tamlin out of his study with a few thumps on the back. “Feel free to borrow one of the horses—not Ajax, he’s a bit of a bastard, but one of the mares, like Daffodil.”

Finally Lucien was alone, but not for long. Three soft raps on his door, then Jurian quietly let himself into Lucien’s office.

“Where’s Vassa?”

“Said she needed to make a detour before our meeting. She'll be along when she’s ready. Is everything all packed? Food, clothes, maps, weapons?”

“Aye,” Lucien answered. “I’ve double checked everything, left plenty of notes without the exact details to Dougal, ye and Vassa and her men will patrol my borders while I’m gone—I think we’ve done everything we can.”

“What are you doing if the weather delays you?”

“Press on even at night,” Lucien answered, their practiced what-if scenarios fresh in his mind. “Trade Ajax for a fresh horse, if it comes to it.”

“And what if the roads aren’t as friendly as you expect?”

“Put my sword to good use,” Lucien said darkly. He didn’t want to have to kill anyone on his journey, but if it came between him and his goal…

“Not your pistol?”

“Only for emergencies. I doona have much ammunition, and it’s more for decoration than protection,” Lucien admitted, taking the heavy gun out from his desk. It was one of the few possessions he had taken from Clan Vanserra when he left, more as a final statement to Laird Vanserra than anything else. It was covered in bronze plating and delicate, black filigree along the barrel and chamber. “Lot of good this’ll do me on the road.”

They continued rehearsing the plan. A nervous weight settled in the bottom of Lucien’s stomach. So much was riding on him, and so much could go wrong at any one moment. 

The door to his study slammed open and Vassa strode in, her eyes blazing with fury. Both Lucien and Jurian shrunk back as she advanced on them.

“Ye, Lucien, are an ass!” she shrieked, swinging her arm back and punching his shoulder, then unsheathing her dirk and pressing it to his bare neck.

“What the hell are ye on about?” Lucien gasped, his shoulder aching and heart racing. He tried to lean away from the metal at his skin but Vassa only pressed it harder against him.

“Have ye been completely neglecting Elain for the past two weeks? She’s miserable and lonely! Have ye even uttered a friendly word to her at all?”

“I’ve been busy, as you well know!” Lucien snapped. “After this is taken care of—“

“Oh, ye were just casually going to go on yer way and come back months later and expect Elain to be waiting like a faithful pet? What’s wrong with ye, ye daft fuckin’ fool!”

Lucien flushed. “It’s safer for her this way!”

“Perhaps, but ye could have at least gotten to know her a bit, taken her for a damn walk, do the bare fuckin’ minimum a husband should do for his wife!” Vassa’s eyes were blazing and her hand was shaking with rage. Lucien winced as he felt the trembling dirk in her hand nick the soft skin of his neck.

“Vassa,” Jurian said sharply, “I doubt slashing Lucien’s neck would make Elain any happier.”

“I’m no’ sure about that,” she said darkly, withdrawing her blade and sheathing it. “She asked me what happened to ye that made ye take the name Macpherson.”

Lucien froze, his hand half-way to his throat. “And what did ye tell her?”

“That she’s better off asking ye directly. And ye will, I’ll make sure of it.”

Lucien relaxed. “Aye, I will. But if I tell her that, I’ll have to tell her everything.”

“And what’s so bad about that?”

“The less she knows, the safer she’ll be,” Lucien snapped. He brushed his hand over his throat; his thumb came back slightly bloody. “Ye know what some of those Lairds would do to someone like Elain if they turned their attention to her, just based on where she’s from. She’s so innocent and delicate—“

Vassa snorted. “I doona ken about that, based on what she had to say to me. But promise ye’ll talk to her before ye leave.”

“I promise,” Lucien said, his stomach tightening even further as he lied to his dearest friends. 

It was far too dangerous to trust Elain with this, to bring her into his closet circle so soon after meeting her. Afterwards, when everything had settled, he would woo Elain properly—she deserved that, and selfishly, Lucien didn’t plan on staying celebite for the rest of his life. 

To get to that point, he had this one final task in front of him. Unrolling a map, the three of them bent over his desk, making the final preparations for his journey.

XXX

Dinner that night was an awkward affair.

As there were numerous guests at the castle—Vassa and Jurian, and another Laird friend of Lucien’s, Tamlin Stewart, plus Nesta and Feyre—the staff had nicely done up the ornate wooden head table that hadn’t been used since Elain’s wedding night. A fine lace tablecloth was spreading over the table, and the most delicious scents and foods—mouthwatering roast chickens, the skin golden brown and crispy; individual rabbit pies, spiced and slightly sweet; potatoes basted in butter, slathered in salt and mustard; delicate and herby greens; and freshly baked loaves of yeasty bread—filled the hall.  

Elain sipped her wine. Perhaps Alis had a point—Elain would only be a nuisance in the kitchen for a feast like this. 

Nesta sat stiff in her chair, shooting small, distrustful glares at the Scots around her. Elain hadn’t told her much of what was—or wasn’t—happening between her and Lucien, feigning marital privacy, but it seems Nesta still found a reason to be angry with her hosts.

Feyre had no such qualms. Her and Tamlin—a hulking beast of a man, with wavy, shoulder length blonde hair, green eyes and a crooked nose from one too many fights—sat together at one end of the table conversing quietly with each other.

Elain paused and took a moment to study her youngest sister. She’d rarely seen Feyre around the castle in the past two weeks and had quickly stopped wondering where she’d gone off to each day when she showed up for dinner each night. Feyre had proven she could take care of herself; why should Elain bother worrying after her?

Elain thought she had an idea of how Feyre was occupying her time as she watched her younger sister giggle at something Tamlin muttered to her. Elain nearly dropped her potatoes at the sound. Feyre, giggling like a schoolgirl, at a man, no less. It was nearly as foreign to Elain as hearing the same sound from Lucien.

Speaking of her husband…

Lucien looked more tense than usual. Elain could see the tightness in his shoulders and jaw, and the way he gripped his utensils to eat. Elain stared, transfixed, as one of his large hands poured himself another ale, as the muscles in his forearms flexed, his golden brown skin seeming to glow despite the dim firelight in the room—

“And how was yer day Elain?”

Vassa was politely looking at Elain as if she didn’t know exactly how her day was. She pulled her gaze away from Lucien’s body.

“It was fine. At this rate I’ll have the entire contents of the library read this time next year.”

There was a thump and Lucien suddenly grunted. “And do ye enjoy reading?” he asked in a pained voice.

Elain furrowed her brows. Vassa was looking at her far too innocently. “It’s an acceptable way to pass the time.”

“Anything in particular caught yer eye?”

Elain paused. “I’ve enjoyed flipping through the books on Scottish history and the maps of the clans, so I can begin to better familiarize myself with the different Lairds.”

“Oh!” Lucien said, his eye widening. “That’s… aye, verra good.”

And dinner ended exactly like it had every night before: with awkward silence between her and Lucien. 

Elain wrapped her shawl tighter around her shoulders later that evening. There was a chill in the air. If she were back in England, this would be a perfect summer’s night.

But she might as well forget all about England and her family and everything from her old life, Elain thought miserably, sitting on a stone bench in the back of the garden. Her life was in Scotland now, and as a woman, that life now revolved around her husband.

What would her life be like if she had married Graysen, rather than Lucien? She’d actually know her husband, and would have had a choice in the matter. She’d be in a familiar setting around people she knew and understood.

But it would be the same monotony she’d spent her life up until now living. With Graysen in the militia, she would rarely see him, perhaps only a few weeks a month or less, if he were called away. She would spend her days reading or sewing or entertaining guests, would receive countless visits from her sisters, and would most likely have a child by the time of their one year anniversary. It would be the same sort of dreary existence that Elain found herself in now.

The only difference was that all the time and effort her mother put into raising Elain into the perfect Englishwoman wouldn’t have been wasted on some uncouth Scotsman. Though even that wasn’t fair. She’d seen enough from those working at the castle and Vassa to realize that the Scots weren’t the maniacal, faerie worshiping heathens the pamphlets made them out to be. It was just Lucien who couldn’t be bothered to be a decent husband.

Elain huffed a breath, standing up. This was stupid—Vassa was clearly playing a joke on her, getting some sort of sick amusement at the idea of an Englishwoman freezing herself at nothing but her own insistence. She stood up and made her way across the garden when a sudden movement caught her eye.

The light from the moon glanced upon a flash of red along the back wall. Elain wasn’t sure if she had imagined it until she heard a scraping sound come from the stone wall behind her.

“Vassa?” Elain asked, moving towards the sound. “Vassa, is that you?”

The sound stopped. Elain rounded a large bush and came face to face—or face to chest, rather—with Lucien.

“Oh!” she gasped, nearly falling down before Lucien caught her by her shoulders and steadied her. They looked at each other in shock. Elain could see Lucien’s remaining eye widen with surprise before he let go of Elain like he had been burned. “I—I didn’t know—“

“What are ye doing out here?” Lucien asked, frustration filling his voice. He hadn’t managed to relax since dinner; his shoulders and neck still looked tight. 

Elain’s eyes widened at Lucien’s tone. He seemed frustrated with her ? “Is this garden not part of my new home, and am I not allowed to wander the castle freely?” Elain snapped back.

“Aye, but no’ when it's night and pitch dark out! Why are ye out here?”

Elain considered telling him that Vassa told Elain to be out here, but decided Lucien didn’t need to know everything Elain did. “Perhaps I enjoy visiting the garden at night, when the light of the moon can… shine down on all the lovely plants.”

Lucien stared at her incredulously. “What sort of dumb English bollocks is that? Is this how ye spend yer nights, skulking about in the dark?”

She pursed her lips, a hand on her hip. “And what if it is?”

“It’s a bit odd and I’d prefer it if ye brought someone with ye when ye take yer midnight strolls,” he said, looking up at the bright moon anxiously. “Come on, I’ll get ye in—“

“No! I’m fine out here!” 

Lucien tsked. “I can see ye shivering. Stop being so stubborn, lass, and come inside with me.” He reached out a hand for her. 

Elain took a step away from him. “I don’t want to!” Elain was aware she sounded like a petulant child but Lucien’s tone of voice grated on her, her resentment towards him rising within her. How dare he try to tell her what to do, when he hadn’t spoken a word to her in days before tonight?

“And what were you doing out here? You’re also ‘skulking about’ in the dark, same as me.”

“I’m, er, conducting a sweep of the grounds,” Lucien replied, looking anywhere but at Elain. “We’ve reports of seeing foxes in the hen houses.”

Elain raised an eyebrow. “Interesting. And you thought the middle of the night—in the garden, nowhere near the livestock—was the best time to conduct this search?” She looked him up and down. “And aren’t you a bit overdressed to look for a simple fox?”

Lucien avoided looking at her. He was wearing a kilt, the same green, dark blue and gray pattern he’s worn on their wedding day, knee length worn brown boots, a thick white shirt and a brown jacket. A dirk hung from his hips, and his back—

“Is that a crossbow?”

“It’s a verra wilely fox,” Lucien said evasively, looking at the moon again. “Let me get ye back inside.”

Elain glared at him. “First you compare me to a dog, then you ignore me for days, brazenly lie to me about what you’re doing, and attempt to coddle me like a child. What a fine husband you are!”

“Well, yer acting a bit like a bairn at the moment!” Lucien hissed, advancing towards her and reaching for her again. “Come along!”

“Ah, yes, are you afraid that the fox you’re hunting is going to attack me?” Elain sneered, dodging him again. “At least being attacked by a fox would be more exciting than how I spend my days now!”

For once, Lucien looked a bit guilty. “I’m sorry, Elain,” he said quietly, grimacing slightly. “I ken the past few weeks have been difficult for ye. I’m a bit busy with… some things at the moment.”

Elain recognized that Lucien appeared sincere in his apology, but she was too worked up, too angry to accept his kindness and docility so easily. “Too busy that you couldn’t bother to come find me and talk to me at all in the past two weeks?” Elain goaded.

The guilt vanished from Lucien’s face, replaced with a look that reminded Elain of their wedding night. “Doors open from both sides, ye ken.” He looked at her fully, glancing down to gaze at her body before settling on her lips. Elain was suddenly aware that she was only wearing a thin shift and the shawl around her shoulders. “But now that ye have me here—“

Elain hadn’t realized she was backed against the garden wall until Lucien stalked towards her and Elain couldn’t back away. She gasped as Lucien towered over her, his strong arms bracketing her head. 

“Well, wife,” Lucien said huskily. “What do ye want to talk about?” 

This was completely unexpected coming from Lucien, given his frosty behavior before, but not entirely unwelcome. Elain mentally cursed herself for being so weak when it came to Lucien, that all it took was a heated glance to melt her, before she remembered her anger. “You—you’ve been ignoring me!”

“Aye, I have,” he said softly, lowering his head so he was barely inches from her face. This close to Lucien, Elain could make out a tiny scratch on his throat. “Though it pains me so.”

“Does it really?”

“Aye, it does.”

“You’ve a horrible way of showing it,” Elain snapped, fighting to resist Lucien’s charm as his warm lips brushed her temple. She gasped softly at the touch, and felt her knees start to shake. This close, she could smell him so clearly, his long hair dancing across her face: crackling wood from a fireplace on a cold, rainy day, a touch of sweetness like a freshly baked apple pie, and a deep, rich scent that reminded her of the ale they served at dinner. Elain closed her eyes to steady herself. “And I’ve been so lonely and bored here.”

“Verra unfortunate,” Lucien whispered, his lips barely landing over her full cheek and continuing their downward path. 

“You couldn’t bother to let me know that we had visitors today. It made me look–” Elain shuddered as one of his large hands settled on the indent of her waist, his long fingers spanning her body and tightening against her flesh– “very foolish as the new Lady of the House.”

Based on the shaky breath he let out, Elain knew Lucien was as taut as she was. “A tragedy of the highest order.”

“And, and,” Elain swallowed, losing her train of thought as Lucien kissed his way along her jaw. He stooped down to trail feather-light kisses down the column of her throat, and Elain couldn’t stop the small moan that escaped her lips, especially when his lips continued going down, down, down…  

She felt Lucien chuckle against the sensitive skin of her throat, his warm breath dancing across her skin like embers from a fire. “And what, Elain?”

“And you left me alone and naked on our wedding night.”

Lucien groaned, pressing his lips into her forehead. “Which I’ve sorely regretted. How would ye have me apologize to ye?”

Elain looked up at Lucien through her eyelashes. His face was half-cast in shadow; all she could see were the silver scars on his face and the rough eyepatch covering the space where one of his eyes should have been. He looked dangerous and feral, and Elain felt desire suddenly and swiftly course through her body like a raging river.

It made absolutely no sense. Elain shouldn’t desire him like she did right now, especially after the abominable way he had treated her and the rude things he had said to her, even if he had apologized. She had been raised to expect gentle civility and respectful kindness from her peers and eventual husband.

But Elain didn’t want gentle or kind from Lucien, at least not now. His lips lightly sucked the skin under her ear, and Elain couldn’t contain her moan. What Lucien was doing to her body with so little effort was unnatural, like a clever and dangerous fae trying to seduce and tempt her into running away with him, and she was powerless to resist. 

Elain had never seen or met such a wild and dangerous man as Lucien, a man who wore his mysteries like a cloak and for whom violence was like a second skin. 

Elain wanted him desperately. 

“You owe me a proper wedding kiss,” Elain breathed. 

He groaned softly, then barely brushed his warm lips against her cheek, a whisper of a promise of more to come. “Like that?”

“I thought the Scottish had more fire in them than that,” Elain shot back, breathing hard and keeping her sharp eyes on Lucien.

“Aye, we do,” Lucien growled, his eye ablaze. His hand skimmed down her waist to her hip and roughly squeezed her flesh, his touch branding her even through her nightgown as Lucien tugged her close to him. Elain gasped at his aggressive touch—it was exactly what she needed, a way to feel something and let out some of the frustration that had been growing inside her the past two weeks. Elain reached up and gripped his biceps as hard as she could, wanting Lucien to feel the same pain and yearning she felt for him.

Based on the groan he let out, Lucien understood her loud and clear. “It seems my wee English wife isn’t the quiet, demure lady I thought she was,” Lucien rasped. Quick as a hawk, his hand not gripping her hip cradled her jaw. Elain stopped breathing, the fire in his eye turning her to stone as his thumb rested on her full lips. 

Elain was truly ensnared under Lucien’s spell—that was the only explanation she had as her tongue darted out and barely stroked the pad of his calloused thumb. Just from that small touch, Elain got a taste of rich, loamy, soil, freshly washed linens, and an unknown, bitter aroma as they all wafted across her tongue. 

Lucien slowly dragged his thumb down her lips. “An e bana-bhuidseach thu, air mo chuir gu mo mhilleadh?” he asked thoughtfully, almost to himself. His hand stroked her jaw, his resolve hardening. “Damn e uile—bidh mi gu toileach air mo bheò-ghlacadh leat, a ghràidh.”

Elain had no idea what Lucien was saying but she didn’t care, not when he was staring at her with more feeling and want in one eye than anyone with two eyes had ever looked at her. Elain couldn’t breathe, not when his gaze darted to her lips, not when he gently tilted her head back, not when he licked his own thick lips, and not when he slowly lowered his head towards her. She had never wanted anything more in her life than to feel Lucien’s lips against hers, and Elain knew, when his lips touched her own, his fire would start an inferno within her that neither of them would be able to put out—

Somewhere close by, a twig snapped loudly, followed by some loud jeers and laughter. Elain and Lucien froze as the sounds on the other side of the garden wall gradually dissipated away, the silence of the night overtaking them once again.

Elain glanced up at Lucien, who looked stricken, all traces of his desire gone. “I’m sorry,” he whispered. “We—I shouldna’ have let it get that far.”

Her heart cracked a little. Her and Lucien had finally started forging a connection between the two of them, and he instantly regretted it when it was over. Elain pushed him away and righted herself, ignoring the throbbing between her legs. 

“You’re right,” Elain said angrily, tears burning the corner of her eyes. “God forbid you spend time getting to know your wife!”

“Elain, I didna mean—“

“I think you meant exactly what you said. Leave me.”

“I can walk ye back inside.”

“I don’t want you to!” Elain snapped, her vision blurry. “You ignore me, play with me, then say such hurtful things.” She balled her fists up, her nails digging into the palms of her hands. Her eyes stung with unshed tears, but she refused to cry. Elain looked Lucien straight in the eye. “I had very little say in this marriage, but I’m at least trying to make it work. You’re a horrible husband and I want you to leave now.”

Lucien looked devastated. “Elain—“

“Leave me!” she yelled, her resolve crumbling. “Just leave.”

Elain was aware of Lucien walking away but of little else. Sobbing, she made her way to a bench and sat down, letting all the frustration and anger and sadness leave her, wishing, with all her heart, that she had listened to Feyre and leapt from their carriage and gone back to England.

XXX

Translations:

An e bana-bhuidseach thu, air mo chuir gu mo mhilleadh?: Are you a witch, sent to ruin me?

Damn e uile - bidh mi gu toileach air mo bheò-ghlacadh leat, a ghràidh: Damn it all-I will gladly be enchanted by you, my darling.