#no seriously we love quiet time in this house! my question is will you come and tangle your legs with mine while we sit all quietly?

[heymrspatel]

holding you like this before depositing your silly ass into the Sock

sock time! sock time! my silly ass loves quiet sock time!

hoowee look at me. i'm so ready! my lil peets are excited! look look 😧 that’s me looking at you. looking at the sock. looking at you and the sock, ready to be the comfiest baby to ever exist right there in your hands! i'm gonna burrow so good!

*screeching* you, my love. my moon and stars. you get it. i nap now 😴💙🧦

[findmeinforks]

Stay - Paul Lahote X Fem!Reader

Happy 2024! I honestly didn't know what to call this, but I just kept writing and now I'll probably need a part 2 🙃 enjoy 💕 2.8K words

"You have no idea how excited I am. I mean just how long have I been begging you to come live with me?" Emily grinned into the phone that was tucked between her shoulder and ear. She paced the kitchen while whisking a bowl of brownie mix, mindlessly chatting away.

"I must warn you though that the house does get chaotic. But the boys are pretty good about keeping up after themselves," she said while swatting away Embry's hand that almost made a dip in the bowl. He put his hands up in self defense as she rolled her eyes.

"Sounds great. Sam will pick you up at the airport tomorrow at noon. Let me know if you need anything else, and have a safe flight. I love you!" She she set the bowl on the counter, hanging up the phone.

"Was that Y/N? She's moving in tomorrow?" Quil questioned from the table with a mouth full of chips.

"Yes, and I trust that you boys will be on your best behavior in welcoming her..." Emily raised her eyebrow as she pointed a dripping whisk of batter at all the men now surrounding the kitchen.

"Depends, is she hot?" Embry snickered as he sat down.

"Oh....she is." Quil emphasized with wide eyes.

"Get it Embry!" Paul snorted as he clapped him on the back, reaching over into Quil's bag of chips.

"They WILL be on their best behavior. And no one will be 'getting' shit." The booming voice of Sam emerged behind Emily, wrapping his arms around her torso.

He reached his head over her shoulder as she let him lick what was left on the whisk, earning a disgusted "Seriously?" from Quil.

"Hey, but what if she's my imprint??" Embry held his up his finger to argue.

"You know that would be a different story...but we know already she isn't Quil's" Sam smirked at the youngest pack members now disappointed face.

"You guys are kidding right? I've seen pictures. Shes insanely out of all your leagues." Jacob quipped as he strolled to the living room.

"Anything is better than my crushes newborn infant..." Embry muttered under his breath, making all the boys cower in laughter.

"Oh yeah? You wanna say that again?" Jacob challenged.

Sam walked around in between them, looking from side to side at them both.

"THIS is what Emily is talking about. Keep the fights outside boys. I mean it. Just because Y/N knows about the pack doesn't mean she won't get scared if you clowns nearly phase in the kitchen. Are we clear?"

The two reluctantly nodded, Jacob sulking away to the living room.

"But come on, that was kinda funny.." Embry whispered, making the other boys giggle.

Paul shook his head with a smile at his little brother, leaving the room to shower before dinner.

-

There was something about the conversation that stuck with Paul throughout the night. Since Sam had met Emily, all of his brothers wanted imprints. They all saw what it was like to have one up close, and craved it desperately. He grimaced at the thought. The idea of a "soulmate" sounded ridiculous to Paul.

The problem wasn't that he didn't believe in it. Anybody could see the intense love that imprints had for one another, their bond growing with them until old age.

But Paul was not familiar with the term love. He never did get to see the love between his father and mother. She had been his imprint, but passed long before Paul could remember much about her. He watched his father struggle emotionally, never being able to get through the grief of her loss. Sure, he raised Paul as best he could, but deep down it was his mother that would have filled the void in their quiet house.

Things did get a little brighter when Paul joined the pack. For the first time he truly felt like he was part of a real family. He came home to hot meals, genuine laughter, and lively conversation. Not only had he gained a group of brothers, but ones with unwavering loyalty. None of them ever strayed away when Paul lost control of his temper, and were the first ones to help him learn to control it.

Maybe that was the reason he never looked for anything serious when it came to women. What was the point? One little outburst and they were out the door quicker than they had come in. He didn't allow himself to feel anything for them, because they'd end up leaving, and he was saving himself the heart break anyways.

Paul lay awake that night certain about one thing, he didn't need an imprint.

-

You inhaled the crisp fall air. Smiling wide as you looked up the steps to the new home awaiting you, the patio adorned in different flowers and cutesy outdoor decor.

"Oh Em it's just how I remember. You always make it look so cozy," you said as you squeezed the arm of your cousin beside you.

She returned your same smile.

"You're too sweet. I just can't believe you're really here. Come on, I'll introduce you to the boys."

You followed her up the steps, walking through the door to the warm smell of baked goods, no doubt that Emily had been up all night. You chuckled to yourself as you remember how she would go overboard on food whenever she was excited about something and couldn't sleep.

What you weren't used to, however, was being greeted by the several shirtless men. All incredibly in shape with tattoos on their arms, you might have been intimidated if it weren't for their cheesy smiles.

Emily gestured to each of them,

"You remember Quil, and that's Embry, Jacob, Seth, andddd well," she looked around puzzled for a moment. "I guess I'll introduce you to Paul whenever he comes around."

You waved at Quil and shook the other's hands.

There must have been some sort of inside joke, because as you finished with introductions you saw Sam laugh while they collectively let out a small sigh.

You don't think you were meant to hear it, but you caught Sam whisper at Embry,

"Better luck next time kid."

Emily didn't make a big deal of whatever it was, guiding you to your room.

After you got settled in, you found yourself strolling the hallway, looking over all the framed pictures on the wall. You had been over the moon when Emily had found Sam. You've never seen her so happy before, and you could tell he looked at her in the exact same way.

Not paying attention when the bathroom door opened, you collided with a large bare chest that stepped into the hall.

You gasped as two strong arms to match caught you before you fell, luckily, and you embarrassingly faced the one man you of course had no former introduction with.

"I am so, so sorry. I-"

"No no it's fine, are you-"

Both of you started and stopped mid sentence. Your attention had been captured when you two locked eyes. It was like you had been anchored to the floor by them. This warm, fuzzy energy had your entire body buzzing. It was so silent that you could hear your own blood flow in your ears. You furrowed your eyebrows in the haze. What the hell...

"ARE YOU SHITTING ME??"

A loud voice cut through the trance and you flinched at the abrupt sound. The man held you slightly tighter for a moment, as if he was about to protect you from whatever had interrupted you both in this hypnotic state.

Turning around so you both could see that the voice had been Embry, the man looked back and quickly dropped his arms, as if he just realized he had been holding you that whole time.

An unfamiliar emptiness lingered when he let go. He quickly averted his gaze, mumbling another apology before brushing past you, into a room, shutting the door.

-

His imprint. Right there. In the hallway of his own home.

Paul couldn't breathe.

He sat on the edge of his bed, nervously running his hands through his hair in a panic.

You were beautiful.

Breathtaking.

Your smell was intoxicating and your skin was so, so very soft. Your voice sounded like an angel. Your hair-

No.

No, he couldn't let himself think like this. He didn't need an imprint. Didn't even want one in the first place.

Was this some kind of sick joke the universe was playing on him? This girl could have anyone she wants. Why him?

Emily's call for dinner had him taking deep breaths. He could do this. They could live amongst eachother and not have to talk. There's ton of people in this house, it would be rare that the two of them would ever be alone. Right? Right. He could do this.

He walked into the bathroom, splashing cold water on his face. Wake up. It's just some girl. No different than the many that he had been with. Hell, if he could have sex with someone and never think of them again, he could do it. They had barely exchanged a sentence. Barely touched. He would be fine.

-

You sat down at the table, trying to behave as normal as possible. What happened in the hall was nothing. Whiplash. Yes, it was probably the whiplash from running into him. The poor guy seemed shy, and he was most likely just as shook up as you. It was a small accident and nothing more. He certainly didn't seem angry or upset, just caught off guard.

But wow....was he handsome. Certainly more attractive than any lousy guy you'd ever been with. He had this aroma of sandalwood and forest that was enchanting.

Okay, slow down Y/N. Let's not walk in on the first day and jump on some guy. After all, you two are going to be living together. Maybe don't make him uncomfortable in his own home. You shook your head to yourself. Just forget about the whole thing and it will be fine.

Luckily, Emily had started conversations around the table, easily able to take your mind elsewhere.

That was, until he came in the room. There was a beat of silence when he entered, the other boys seeming to look at him like they were anticipating something. When he didn't make a sound or even look up to anyone, slumping at the table and taking a plate, the conversations arose again.

Dinner was excellent as usual for Emily's cooking, and besides your beating heart constantly begging you to look at the man near the end of the table, it was almost normal.

It was when Emily put delicious brownies on the table, that it took a turn for the worse.

"I'M NOT GOING TO TELL YOU AGAIN. SHUT THE FUCK ALONE ABOUT IT" Everyone's head turned to the angry voice. It was him. He was so visibly upset that he was shaking, staring daggers at Embry beside him. Slamming his fists on the table as he stood up, you let an audible gasp slip.

That's when he looked at you for the second time that night. It was a far reach, but somehow you saw his eyes soften. The crinkles of anger in his eyebrows vanished, and he swallowed, before bolting out the door. Sam immediately followed, and Emily sighed, reaching out to touch your arm.

"I'm sorry about Paul. He's very.....expressive sometimes."

Paul.

-

"Leave me alone Sam."

Paul sighed through the mind link, his large wolf racing through the trees.

He didn't mean it. He never means it. But Embry would simply not stop talking. First it was meaningless. He asked what imprinting felt like. Paul had shrugged it off as nothing crazy, hoping he'd drop it there. Then, he had asked him if he planned on pursuing the imprint. Of course he told him he wasn't. He didn't need a soulmate. No matter what his instincts told him. But then, Embry had smiled and thanked him, telling him that you were now "fair game".

That had been when he lost it.

He stopped on the edge of a cliff, breathing in the fresh water air. Sam slowly approached his side.

"Embry only said that to get a rise out of you, you know."

Paul scoffed.

"He can do whatever he wants. I don't care about her."

"Oh you don't?" Sam didn't sound so convinced.

"Even if I did, she wouldn't want me. Did you....did you see the look on her face when I yelled?" Paul replayed it over and over. You had looked absolutely frightened.

"There is a reason she was chosen to be your imprint Paul. You don't know Y/N. She is patient, and most of all understanding. If you talked to her-"

"I don't need to talk to her. I am perfectly fine alone. I don't need a woman, and I definitely don't need an imprint."

Sam sighed.

"Paul. You can do what you want. I'm not the type of alpha to force you to love someone. But believe me when I say that I had a dark past. I was also comfortable with being alone. Emily is the best thing that could have ever happened to me. Having a conversation with her doesn't mean there will be wedding bells tomorrow. All I'm saying is you don't know unless you try."

Paul nodded, and Sam left him with his thoughts.

-

You stared at the numbers on your phone screen. 2:00am. You huffed in frustration. Your mind had been a constant replay of the events today, your mind spiraling. You had settled on the fact things around here were weird, when you had visited Emily and accidentally caught sight of Sam in wolf form. But this energy couldn't have anything to do with that. Could it?

You decided to make yourself some tea to try and relax. Knowing Emily you knew there had to be some in the kitchen. You tip toed in the dark, your body stiffening as you recognized a familiar muscular back that sat at the kitchen table in a dim light.

You were ready to retreat back to your room when he turned his head around to look at you.

Damn, wolves must have good hearing.

"I was just....going to make some tea.." you pointed to the cabinet awkwardly.

He nodded, looking back down at what appeared to be a cup of coffee.

He couldn't sleep either?

You mindlessly tapped your fingers against the counter as you awaited the kettle, praying that if you stared at it long enough, it would speed up the process.

-

Fuck, was this torture. You were like a goddess, standing there in your pajamas, hair astray and up in a haphazard bun. He imagined walking up behind you, wrapping his arms around you, soaking in your warmth while he pressed gentle kisses on your neck. He wondered what it sounded like to hear you laugh...

STOP STARING. Say something. Anything. Just. Try.

He cleared his throat. It must have startled you because you quickly turned to face him.

"I'm...sorry. About what you saw earlier. That's not like me. I-Embry, he can get under my skin sometimes," he rubbed the back of his head.

"But that's no excuse. I'm-um, Im Paul, by the way."

He lifted his hand up in an almost wave. Why was he so awkward? He was never this way with women.

You giggled, and suddenly, he felt like he was in heaven.

"Y/N. And no worries at all, Emily said you can be....'expressive' sometimes."

He chuckled.

"That's one word for it. But I just don't want to scare you off..."

"Well. I think if knowing that you can all turn into a large creatures who can rip me apart and that doesn't scare me away, I think you were okay." You smiled. He could look at that smile forever.

-

He was actually talking to you. Man, was his laugh so perfect. You could talk with him forever.

The kettle screeched, and you reluctantly made your tea.

"Well....I guess I'll see you around, Paul." You took your mug and headed for your room.

-

His name on her tongue. He wanted her to say it again.

"You can stay. If-if you want. I, uh, I don't...know much about you."

You smiled.

"I'd like that."

To be continued......

[romanteacism]

Knight Aemond x Princess Reader Someday

Synopsis: The day of the Knight's Festival has come, and as it comes, secrets are revealed. Warnings: None (yet), Aemond and Princess (not so) Secret Relationship, Princess and Aemond thinking of their future, Fluff, PREVIOUS PART / NEXT PART A/N: I'm baaack!

“Seriously, Aemond… you must be more cheerful! You’re acting as if we are welcoming just mere nobles instead of your family, who you had not seen for moons— surely you miss them, do you not?” You sighed as you could feel the quiet contempt in your knight as you two stood by the castle gates waiting for the wheelhouse of House Targaryen. “Now you’re making me wonder if you would react so coldly if you did not see me for a long period of time,” You muttered and straightened your stance as you saw horses in the distance. “I will have no chance to miss you— I’m always by your side.” 

You turned to your sworn protector, who finally spoke after he had held back his tongue the past few days as he had grown quite annoyed with your insistence on inviting his family. He knew you came from a place of love— that you only wished for him to be surrounded by his kin as he was to receive such a great honor, so he held back his words as he did not want to unjustly pour out his grievances on you. 

“Able to speak again, now are we?” You questioned with a raise of your brow as you had practically been speaking to a brick wall days prior. You did not take it to heart as Aemond stayed silent in your presence— he did not ignore you, nor was he indifferent. You understood that he was just reigning in his frustration at your insistence on inviting his family to court. “Look… I’m sorry if I had pestered you with this matter and did not truly take your reluctance to do it seriously. But I just fear that if you do not invite them, you’ll regret it and…” You trailed, not wanting to list your second reason, but Aemond’s lilac eye implored you. “And what, princess?” He questioned as he slyly stepped closer to you. 

“And because I wish to know your family— more about you… I wish to know more about the man I love.” You whispered, and Aemond felt his heartbeat in his ears. Gods, he wanted to kiss you. To pull you flush against him and feel your lips dance their familiar dance. But as you two were exposed to the prying eyes of the court, Aemond could do nothing. He only took a mental note that when you two were once again in the privacy of your chambers, he would need to kiss you and show how much he loved you as well. Aemond took in a deep breath, restraining himself from doing something untoward, settling for the fact that it was him that you loved. Replaying the words you uttered in his mind to sedate himself. 

You placed a pleasing and welcoming smile on your lips as House Targaryen’s wheelhouse came into view, a bit nervous as you would meet Aemond’s family. You waited silently as squires brought out a platform, and the wheelhouse doors opened, revealing a man dressed in fine green fabric with an embroidered gold dragon on his chest. “Brother!” Aemond’s sibling yelled, his words almost in a drunken slur, but as he drew closer to your side and went to embrace Aemond, the smell of wine was prominent enough. “Let go, Aegon,” Aemond gritted as his drunken brother hugged him tightly. “Still resisting affection, I see— though I’m glad you have not changed,” He laughed as you stood by the side, chewing on your inner cheeks to hinder your amused smile. 

Aemond held a look of contempt, but from the side of his eye, he saw you trying to hold back your amused smile. “Princess, my brother, Lord Aegon Targaryen.” Aemond introduced his brother, who only now seemed to realize you were there. His violet eyes widened, and a smirk rose to his lips, a smirk that Aemond knew all too well and was not at all pleased about. “Your Highness,” he bowed and took your hand to place a kiss on your knuckles. Aemond resisted the urge to pounce on his brother as he had the gull to touch your skin. “Tales of your beauty are not at all lies— now I understand why my brother is so insistent on never leaving his post to pay us a visit,” He smiled, and Aemond’s hold on the hilt of his sword tightened. You glanced over your knight, unaware that he was requested home and had been using his post as a reason not to leave. You could only smile at his brother as you could not think of a reply.  

Thankfully, the others that housed the carriage came into view. Your eyes first landed upon a woman with auburn hair that was wholly different from Aemond’s and his brother's. “Mother,” Aemond greeted, and you were shocked to find out that a lady who looked so young and with such different features was the woman who birthed Aemond. Aemond was not given a reply, his mother only cupping his cheek. “It’s good to finally see you,” She said quietly and slowly removed her hand from her son’s scarred cheek. You averted your eyes; in truth, you expected Aemond’s mother to show him a touch more affection, but you suppose each person had a different expression to show their love. Surely, you should have known that well by now. 

“Helaena,” Aemond then uttered, a ghost of a smile on his lips that only you could detect. You turned to the last person to exit the carriage, a girl a few years older than yourself with the same features as Aemond and their brother. There was a constant look of sadness in her eyes even though a slight smile was placed on her lips. You smiled as her violet eyes landed upon you, a slight nod of your head as an acknowledgment. “Princess, my mother, Lady Alicent Targaryen, and my only sister, Lady Helaena.” Aemond introduced as the two of them curtsied before you. “It is a pleasure to meet you all,” You smiled charmingly, and you hid your excitement as they returned it. “I’m well certain that you’re all weary from travel; if you’d like, I can escort you to your chambers,” You offered as you glanced towards the squires who unloaded their trunks. “It’s fine, princess; one of the maids could assist them,” Aemond said coldly as he passed his judging gaze towards his brother, who unshamelessly eyed you. 

“Nonsense! These are your most esteemed guests; we shall at least escort them to their chambers,” You say and lift partly the skirt of your dress to turn towards the castle, Aemond, and his kin quickly following behind. 

Aemond looked over you from behind as you walked with his mother and sister, touring them around the castle and introducing them to the other nobilities you passed. He forwent his usual place by your side so he could walk and watch over his drunken brother. “I must say, brother, you made quite a name for yourself even if you had only left home barely a year ago.” Aegon hummed as he followed the gaze of his brother, who was consistently close to the princess. “Could you believe it? A mere second son, set to inherit nothing— threw away the comforts of his life to become an impoverished knight and less than a year later is to be bestowed the highest possible recognition for a knight of the kingdom! My, my, brother… how is that even possible?” 

“If you don’t simply just sit on your ass and drink your weight in wine, anything is possible, brother— even if you are just a second son.” Aemond gritted as you glanced behind and smiled at him, as always. He could never understand how you did that— how, with just your smile, you could make him forget the anger and rage that was always constant in his veins. You had a possibility to calm his mind and body while barely moving— how is that? Aemond breathed out and bit his cheeks; maybe he shouldn’t wonder why and seek the question… perhaps he should just be grateful. 

“I am quite fond of your sister,” you suddenly said as it was only the two of you roaming the halls, having just left his kin to rest in their chambers. “Hm, Helaena is the kindest and most gentle of us… though her shyness does prevent other people from knowing her more,” You nodded and threaded closer to your knight, earnestly trying to dissolve the damned gap. “You’re kin is very much quiet… “ You observed and Aemond felt a smile twitch to his lips. “And I am well certain that that would not be a problem for you… you have a gift for making even the most stubborn and tight-lipped individuals speak— I should know.” You bit your lip and smiled widely at him. 

You and your knight were to proceed to your chambers, but as your name rang out through the halls, Aemond had a remembrance that that scene had happened before. You turned behind you, and your wide smile turned wider if it were possible, quickly holding onto your skirt and running to leap into your half-brother’s arms. Aemond stayed rooted in his spot as you were spun around while in the arms of your half-brother. Resisting the urge to grow jealous as he held you close, reminding himself that he was your brother. “You need to stop coming unannounced! We have not prepared your chambers!” You exclaimed, lightly slapping his arm, a cross look on your face. “I’m fine anywhere, cousin. You could place me by the stable for all I care.” He smiled, and you shook your head, glancing behind only to realize your brother had yet to be introduced to your knight. 

“Cousin, this is Ser Aemond— he is to receive the Medal of Valor tomorrow.” You smiled and guided him closer to your knight, who bowed. “I know… everyone has heard of your heroicness in protecting the princess. Congratulations, Ser Aemond.” Your brother smiled, and you turned to Aemond, who looked like he was having difficulty returning it. You widened your eyes and implored him to remember decorum and that his coldness was certainly most unwarranted. “Thank you, my pr— my lor— I mean— thank you, my lord.” You bit your cheeks as your brother raised his brow as Aemond slipped with the deepest secret of your family. “Yes, well… I should find the king. I did promise to meet him the moment I arrived, but I knew you’d prefer to be the first to know that I am here.” You smiled further as your brother placed a chaste kiss on your temple before going about his way, leaving you and Ser Aemond. 

“I really thought you could keep a secret,” You sighed as you two continued on your way back to your chambers. “I can! I—I…” He stuttered and pursed your lips as if you had never witnessed him this flustered. “I got confused! I just noticed how similar he looks like the prince and how you have the same eyebrows,” He defended as he opened the door of your chambers for you. You breathed out a laugh and turned to him, flushing your body as you circled your arms around his neck, him taking the initiative to seal the gap between your lips. 

“You know, you are granted the days off during the feast; why are you still here?” You questioned as you two parted for air, Aemond’s eye still on your lips that had a nice hue of pink and was quick to grow slightly swollen. “Are you complaining?” He questioned as his arms around your waist pulled you closer as if it were still possible. “No, but I do wish you would rest.” You sighed, lowering your gaze as you toyed with the buttons of his armor. “I don’t need rest— I’d rather be with you,” You breathed out a laugh again, he always knew what to say to make your heart still and your knees weak. You smiled and rose to the tip of your toes to place a kiss on his cheek before parting from his arms, but he was quick to pull you back and kiss you again. 

Aemond could go on forever— could spend all of his days with you in his arms and his lips against yours. In fact, he intended on it. However, there was always something that pulled him out of his fantasy, this time, it was the knock on your door. You quickly parted your lips and ran to your sitting area. You took a book into your hands and opened it to a random page, pretending as if you were reading, and Aemond shook his head at how quick you were to act. “Come in,” you say distractedly as the second knock sounded out. 

“Ser Aemond… might you excuse us for a moment?” Your brother asked as he opened the door, your half-brother behind him, waiting for the knight’s response. Aemond glanced towards you, who gave him a nod as you straightened your back. “Of course, my prince,” He bowed, and your brother replaced his presence inside your chambers. Ameond stood closely stood by the door, eavesdropping on the conversation taht was to take place between you and your brother. 

“I hear you’ve been telling secrets,” The prince smirked as he stood before you. “I have not!” You quickly defended, looking in between your brothers. But they only raised a brow at you, a family trait, it would seem. “Fine! But it was only Ser Aemond! And we can trust him… he has been sworn to secrecy!” You defended. “Are your lips swollen?” Your other brother suddenly asked, forgetting the matter at hand. “What?” You felt your heart drop to your stomach. “Your lips… they’re bigger than usual.” He said, but luckily, your other brother intervened. “But why did you need to tell him?” 

You sighed and traced the embroidery of your dress. “He thought brother was a suitor, and it concerned him how all of you just let him walk me back to my chambers without an escort… I had to explain to him the situation and that nothing untoward was afoot,” you reasoned but the prince only shook his head. “Then say that he is our cousin!” 

“Even so! Cousins get married, I had to tell him that he was our brother… and I do not like lying…” you pouted. Your brother sighed and pinched his nose, “You must make sure that no one else knows, and Ser Aemond would not slip up again,” He warned, and you nodded your head fervently. 

You let out a breath as the matter came to a close, but you quickly felt anxious once more as your brother eyed you in question. “Your lips are swollen,” The prince observed, and your fingers consciously covered them. They felt warmer and plumper than usual. “Did you eat anything that does not agree with you?” He asked in concern, turning to your other brother, who had been studying to be a maester in the citadel. “Perhaps, maybe the cooks accidentally added shellfish to my soup,” you fibbed, already contradicting your earlier statement as you lied to your brothers.

“But do you not usually break into a rash when you consume shellfish, sister? That does not explain your swollen lips,” Your other brother remarked, going closer to you, and you traced the embroidery of your dress in nervousness once more. “I—I don’t know, perhaps it has taken into different effects,” You reasoned, and the prince shook his head, “I shall call the maester,” he muttered and moved towards the exit. “What? No!” You protested, not wanting to make a big fuss. 

“Sister, the last time you consumed shellfish, you were itching for a week! Your throat almost closed up— we cannot risk it. Especially when we have the feast later this week, I shall return quickly.” The prince said and quickly left, you only saw a quick glance of Ser Aemond waiting by the door as your brother left before it was closed once again. 

“You’re lying,” Your other brother suddenly remarked as it was only now the two of you. “W-what?” You asked in clear anxiousness. “Why would I lie about such a thing?” You questioned him, trying to be rid of the tone of guilt in your voice. He breathed out heavily and took a seat next to you. “Because you’re hiding something— look, sister, I have been studying the human body for years now, and I have seen all the ailments there are— the swelling of your lips is not at all an ailment.” He remarked, and you had no word of reply or defense as you were on the brink of being found out. 

Your brother sighed at your silence, glancing towards the closed door. “How long?” He questioned, and you took a moment to think about his words. “How long what?” You asked quietly. “Do not even try to deny it, sister… I’ve noticed it ever since the ball— I must say, he is quick to get jealous… which explains why you had to tell him our family secret.” You fisted the fabric of your dress at the knowing tone in your brother’s voice. 

“Tell me, how long?” He questioned again. You debated if you should tell him or deny the allegations. You knew the threat that would come if you told the truth, but at the same time, you were dying to be free of this secret, even if only one person knew. And it would seem it was only fair for your brother to know since you had told Ser Aemond about his own secret. “The day after father’s name day…” you whispered and lowered your head, fearing for his reaction. You hear him sigh. You could not even look at him; there was shame looming inside you, for you had been reduced to sneaking around and stealing kisses with your sworn protector. 

“I will not tell a soul… you have my word, sister.” Your brother then said, making you look up. “Really?” You asked, searching his eyes for any falsehood. He smiled, “You two can trust me— as I trust you both to keep my secret as well,” he said, taking hold of your cold, clammed hands. You let out a breath and embraced your brother tightly. “Thank you, brother. And I truly am sorry for revealing to him your secret,” He shook his head, “It’s fine, sister. But I must warn you to be cautious— overly cautious, in fact. If any of the courtiers came to know… gods forbid, your mother, you’ll be married to the closest lord she sets her eyes on!” You nodded fervently, already knowing the risks if ever you and Ser Aemond were found out. “I know, brother… and we are!” You say, but he only looked at you unconvinced as it was quick for him to realize what was happening between you and your knight. 

“You caught us on a bad day— but I swear, we are extremely cautious.” You defended. “I must say, you do surprise me. I wouldn’t think you would think him agreeable… certainly not enough to win your favor. Overly quiet and cold, and didn’t you say before that the man you wished to marry would have brown, curly hair and warm, kind eyes?” He mused, and you shook your head. “I was a child, brother; outward appearance does not matter much to me anymore, and he only appears as such, but once you get to know him… he’s kind, good-humored, and I…” You trialed. “You love him.” He finished your thought for you. You nodded, “I do.” You confirmed. “It’s easy to see, though it does concern me how easily I have realized it, but the court seems blind to the obvious… especially brother and father— which I suppose works in your favor.” He hummed, and you smiled. At least now you know someone will be on your side when the truth comes out. 

You stood by the right hand of your father as the ceremony began. Knights across the realm line up in order of seniority. Kneeling before your father as he knighted them with their new titles and bestowed them the Medal of Valor. Aemond was at the back of the line, those before him had served the realm for years, yet he had barely a year of service. All clamored before this fact, and you could plainly see the ladies of the realm eyeing your knight, with Ser Aemond being the youngest and, in your opinion, the most comely of all. You felt a persistent twinge of jealousy in you, but you had to disregard it and place a pleasing smile on your lips as it could not be obvious that you and your sworn protector had a deeper understanding, and you did not want to dampen the mood of this joyous day. Your legs were starting to grow tired as you waited for Aemond’s turn, and when there was only one knight between you and him, you straightened your stance and discreetly met his eye. 

As Aemond walked down the aisle, knowing at the end line you were waiting for him, he could not help but fantasize that it could be your nuptials. Even though you two stood at the opposite of the traditional way of a wedding, he disregarded that. He knew in himself that one day, it did not matter how— may it be a grand wedding with the whole kingdom’s eyes upon you two, or may it be a secret ceremony; he would marry you one way or another. He intended upon it, in fact. Everyone be damned, it did not matter that you were the princess and he was only your knight. One day, you two would be man and wife. But, of course, he’d have to wait. He’d wait all his life just as long at the end of it you would be his. 

Aemond smiled to himself as he realized his thoughts. Never had he thought he would act as such. To be so… sappy and sentimental, especially when it came to a girl. But here he was, in less than a year, you had changed him. And he must admit, though it was first an unwelcomed change, he was now quite fond of it. Because if it weren’t for you, he would never know such profound love. 

When it was Aemond’s turn, he bowed before the king and kneeled. You waited for your father to say the words and bestow him his new title and the medal of valor, but his silence made you reluctantly turn away from your knight. “I think it best you do it, my darling… he is your knight, after all,” The king smiled, and your eyes widened at the suddenness of his decision. You glanced towards the hall, expecting gazes planted upon you as your father tried to hand you the sword. “I—I don’t know the words,” You reasoned, still not memorizing the phrases he had repeated the whole afternoon. Your father smiled at you fondly, “It’s fine, I shall recite it once more.” He said, and you hesitantly took the sword and took your father’s place in the middle. Ser Aemond now kneeling before you.

You felt your stomach twist as you could not help but fantasize that this was him kneeling before you as he asked for your hand. Your hand held the hilt of the sword tighter. It was a fantasy that you could only hope and pray that would become your reality. One day. You swore to yourself. One day, I’ll be his, and he’d be mine completely… no more pretense. 

You lifted the sword as your father began to recite the words, but the world faded as you locked with Aemond’s lilac gaze. You tried to tone down your smile as he smirked at you, a devilish smirk that only you knew the reason and meaning of. 

Aemond stood straight as he was knighted with his new title. He watched keenly as the sword in your hand was exchanged for the medal. Aemond’s eye never left your frame as you walked towards him and pinned the medal on his armor. Aemond cursed that this was the only acceptable moment for you two to be so close with the eyes of the realm upon you both. But he let go of any frustrations and decided to savor the ever-so-quick moment. 

As you stepped back, the hall erupted in cheers, but you two were deaf as you both were too consumed with the vision that one day, their cheers would be because of your union. Someday. You both swore. 

[lavenderchqn]

✧・┆make a wish — wanderer

— birthday fanfiction for both myself and wanderer, happy birthday skunkly

“Is this… really necessary?” You ask eyes closed as per Wanderer’s ask. “I don’t want to start the new year with a bruised knee, you know?” 

“Of course, it’s necessary,” He replies teasingly. “Who doesn’t love a little thrill on their birthday? Besides, I’m here to catch you if you fall.” He furthers his point by shaking the hand that’s locked in with yours. 

You crack one eye open, immediately regretting it as you see how dark it has gotten. A walk at eleven p.m. would’ve been wonderful if it weren’t for it being the beginning of January. Everything got too dark too fast… and with how clumsy you were, getting injured was a given. 

“I know you’re peeking, silly,” Wanderer replies, coming to a halt. 

You quickly snap your eye shut, pretending you hadn’t just been caught. “I wasn’t peeking,” You mumble unconvincingly. “Just… assessing the situation.” 

Wanderer chuckles, the sound warm and teasing in the cold night air. “Uh-huh, sure. And what’s your grand assessment?” 

“That this is a terrible idea,” You say, voice laced with faux seriousness. “It’s cold, it’s dark, and I have the coordination of a baby deer on ice. The further we go, the more worried I get I’ll fall.”

He doesn’t answer right away, but you can hear him shifting around. Just as you’re about to ask if perhaps Wanderer has decided to change his mind about a joint birthday celebration, you feel something on your shoulders. “It’s just my scarf. It’s alright.” He says, his tone softening. Once he deems his work of covering you up acceptable enough, he takes your hand in his. “Trust me just a little longer, okay?” 

You sigh, the crisp air turning your breath into a puff of white. “I already trust you with my life. Me agreeing to leave the house at this hour should count for something.” 

“It does,” Wanderer replies, pulling you forward again. “We’re almost there. Then we can take a break.” 

The faint crunch of snow underfoot is the only sound for a moment as you let him guide you. His pace slows slightly, his steps deliberate, as though he’s leading you to somewhere special. 

“Okay,” He says finally, his voice quiet but filled with an unusual hint of excitement. “You can open your eyes now.” 

You hesitate, bracing yourself for whatever scheme he’d concocted this time. Slowly, you blink your eyes open — and your breath catches in your throat. 

Before you lie a small clearing, blanketed in untouched snow that glistens under the faint light of stars and a crescent moon. In the centre, a single lantern glows softly, casting a warm, golden light that almost feels magical. 

Wanderer steps back, his hand still loosely holding yours. “I hope it was worth the effort, Love.” 

You stare at the scene, your heart swelling with an unexpected warmth. With cation, you look over the edge of the cliff overlooking the Chinvat Ravine. Down there, in the riverbanks, there are clusters of lunar lotuses sparkling in the night. It’s… beautiful.

“It’s… perfect.” You admit, squeezing his hand. “Thank you.” Only when you turn around to face him, do you realise he’s standing with a cake in his other hand. 

“Should be 11:55 right now.” He says, bringing the dessert with a lit candle closer to your face. “Make a wish.” 

You blink, caught completely off guard by the sudden appearance of the cake. “You’ve been carrying that this whole time?” You ask, incredulous. 

Wanderer shrugs, a small smirk playing on his lips. “I told you I had everything under control. Now, focus. Birthday rules dictate you can’t waste time asking questions when there’s a wish to be made.” 

You let out a breathy laugh, the surrealness of the moment sinking in. “Fine, fine,” You say, looking at the single flickering candle. The soft glow of the flame mirrors the lantern’s light, casting a warm hue over the snowy clearing. 

For a moment, you close your eyes, your thoughts swirling. There’s something about the night, the quiet beauty of the scene, and your partner’s unexpected thoughtfulness that makes your wish come easily. 

When you open your eyes, you blow out the candle, the flame extinguishing in an instant. 

“What’d you wish for?” He asks, tone playful but laced with curiosity. 

You shake your head, a mischievous smile tugging at your lips. “You know the rules. If I tell you, it won’t come true.” 

He huffs, rolling his eyes, but the faintest hint of a grin betrays him. “Fair enough.” He concedes, setting the cake down on a flat rock nearby.

“Did you bake this too?” You ask, taking a phone to check the time. It reads 11:59 p.m. Just one more minute. 

“Do I look like the kind of person who would surprise you with a store-bought cake?” Wanderer deadpans, rolling his eyes at your preposterous suggestion. “Of course I made it.”

“Am I in charge of cleaning the dishes, then?” You huff, fully knowing that this will fall to your hands by the time you get home.

With the smirk Wanderer gives you, you realise that was his plan all this time. After all, nobody would want to clean dishes on their birthday.

“Make a wish.” You gently pick the cake up, lighting it up with a lighter Wanderer left right next to the cake. “Happy birthday, love.”

“I hope you’ll betray me one day.” He says, blowing the candle with a playful eye roll.

“You know it won’t come true, right?” 

“Exactly.” 

date of posting — january 3rd 2025

[brainddeadd]

luke bringing his gf home to meet his brothers and they obviously have heard a lot about her from luke but luke is just so soft and in love with her and it’s really cute

Meeting the Brothers

You nervously smooth down your shirt for what feels like the hundredth time, sitting beside Luke in the car. His hand, warm and reassuring, rests on your thigh as he drives. The hum of the engine does little to calm your nerves—meeting his brothers feels like a big deal.

“Babe, relax,” Luke says, glancing at you with that soft smile that always makes your heart flutter. “They’re going to love you.”

“I hope so,” you mutter. “They’re, like… them.”

He chuckles under his breath. “Yeah, but they’re just my brothers. They’ve been bugging me to bring you around for months, so this’ll make their day.”

You chew your lip, letting his words sink in. You know how close Luke is with his brothers, Jack and Quinn, and that makes the meeting all the more nerve-wracking. What if you say something dumb? What if they think you’re not good enough for their baby brother?

Luke senses your tension and squeezes your thigh gently. “Y/N, seriously. It’s just Jack and Quinn. They’ve heard all about you, and I promise, they already like you. I wouldn’t bring you if I wasn’t sure.”

You smile at him, feeling the tiniest bit better. Luke doesn’t usually gush, but you know how much he cares—his actions speak louder than words. And the fact that he wants you to meet the two most important people in his life means everything.

When you finally pull up to the Hughes’ summer lake house, the front door swings open before you even step out of the car. Jack comes barreling down the steps with a grin that’s a little too excited.

“There’s the famous Y/N!” he shouts, as if he’s been waiting all day for this moment. You barely have time to react before he’s pulling you into a quick but friendly hug. “God, Luke doesn’t shut up about you. Thought you were a myth.”

“Nice to meet you too, Jack,” you say with a laugh, instantly warming to him.

Quinn is right behind, more relaxed and less chaotic, but his smile is kind. “Hey, Y/N. Welcome.” He gives you a small hug too, his calm demeanor instantly balancing out Jack’s energy.

As you pull away, Jack throws an arm around Luke’s shoulder. “Dude, you didn’t tell me she was this cute,” he teases, grinning like the annoying little shit he is.

Luke rolls his eyes but smiles anyway, tugging you a little closer to him. “Yeah, well, I figured I’d let her speak for herself.”

You glance up at him, and the look on Luke’s face—soft and completely in awe—makes your heart flip. His gaze is so full of quiet love and pride, as if just standing beside you makes him the happiest person in the world.

Jack catches the look too, and his eyes widen dramatically. “Oh my God, look at you,” he says, nudging Quinn. “He’s in love.”

Quinn chuckles, shaking his head. “Yeah, we know, Jack.”

Luke groans, cheeks flushing slightly, but he doesn’t let go of you. In fact, his arm around your waist tightens, pulling you even closer. “Can you two not?” he mutters, though he’s smiling in that soft, sheepish way that makes you melt.

Jack just laughs. “Man, you’re whipped.”

“And proud of it,” Luke shoots back without missing a beat, making both you and Quinn laugh.

Despite Jack’s endless teasing, the rest of the afternoon is surprisingly easy. They ask you a million questions, but nothing too intense—just brotherly curiosity. You quickly realize that Jack’s hyper energy and Quinn’s laid-back vibe are the perfect mix, and they make you feel welcome without even trying.

Luke stays close the entire time, his hand finding yours every chance he gets—whether you’re sitting on the couch or helping in the kitchen. The little touches are constant: fingers brushing against yours, his arm slung over your shoulder, a quick kiss to the side of your head when he thinks no one’s looking.

And every time Jack catches Luke looking at you with that lovesick expression, he makes sure to point it out. “Dude, you’re literally glowing. It’s embarrassing.”

Luke just shrugs, completely unbothered. “Can’t help it.”

By the time the evening rolls around, you’re curled up with Luke on the couch, your legs draped over his lap while Jack and Quinn argue over what movie to watch. Luke’s fingers absentmindedly trace patterns on your knee, his other arm wrapped securely around your shoulders. You tilt your head to look up at him, and he gives you the sweetest, most content smile.

“You doing okay?” he asks softly, his lips brushing your temple.

You nod, your heart full. “Yeah. I am.”

Luke leans down, pressing a lingering kiss to your forehead. “Told you they’d love you.”

And in that moment, you know without a doubt that this is exactly where you’re supposed to be.

[recklesssturniolo]

can you do one with bestfriend matt and chris or nick wants to play hide and seek, and we end up being in the same spot as matt and he does ✨something to us✨ and we have to stay quiet while chris and nick search for us pleaseee

Hide and Seek - M.S

As per request! Dom!Matt (ish), also had a request to write from Matt/Chris POV so this is from Matt’s POV

A/N: I rlly hope y’all like this cause I do even tho it’s a tad short

NSFW below, leave if you’re a minor

After Nick begging for almost an hour, Y/N, Chris and I gave in and agreed to play hide and seek. All immediately deciding for the first round that since Nick wanted to play so badly, he would seek us all out.

“Okay I’m starting to count go hide!” Nick yells out.

The three of us dispersed around the house trying to find a spot. I situated myself in a tiny storage closet, shutting the door and backing myself up as far against the wall as I could. Nick yells out that he’s done counting and within seconds I hear quick footsteps and the door being opened. Hoping I still couldn’t be seen I stayed silent.

“Matt! Move the fuck over I can’t find another spot and I’m out of time” Y/N whispered, shoving her way into the tiny room and shutting the door.

“Fuck sakes there is literally no room in here for two people” I whisper back.

“Stop talking I’ll make it work” She says back and hushes me.

I didn’t respond and tried to shift myself over but felt Y/N sit herself on my lap, we’ve been best friends for years so this isn’t really that out of the ordinary. I put my hands around her waist and on her thighs instead of them being shoved at my side. I notice goosebumps form on her legs, and her shift slightly. I smirked slightly to myself, did my touch actually affect her that much? That easily?

I’d be lying to myself if I said I never thought of doing anything sexual with Y/N. She was my best friend sure but that doesn’t mean she isn’t hot as fuck. I silently thanked Nick for even wanting to play hide and seek or I never would’ve been in this position. Deciding to take a huge risk, I move my one hand higher on her thigh, and slightly up her skirt, stopping and rubbing small circles on it with my thumb. I notice her breath hitch in her throat.

“You okay?” I ask.

“Uh yeah” She replies.

I then move my hand to the top hem of her panties, pulling them before letting them snap back. A moan escapes her lips, followed by “shit”, signalling to me she didn’t mean for it to come out.

“What? Are you getting worked up?” I ask.

“Matt” She whispers.

“Yeah?” I say.

“You can’t just tease me the entire time, touch me” She replies.

Moving my hand on top of her pussy, still covered by her panties, I whisper “so wet already”.

“Please” She whimpers.

Pulling her panties to the side I begin rubbing circles over her clit, while still exploring and playing with the rest of her pussy.

“Fuck Matt that feels so good” She whines out.

“Yeah? You want my fingers inside of you?” I ask.

“Yes -“ She begins but is cut off from Chris. Making me freeze my actions as well.

“Fuck seriously no way you found me first” He pouts.

“Sucks to suck, now help me find Y/N and Matt. Fuckers are hiding really well” Nick laughs back.

“Are you gonna keep quiet for me?” I whisper to her, Nick and Chris yelling reminding me of the fact they’re actively looking for us both.

She doesn’t speak but nods her head rapidly instead. I slowly push one finger into her, almost groaning myself at how tight she was. I add in a second and pick up my pace.

“Oh my god fuck” Y/N moans. I bring my other hand up and cover her mouth. Fuck I loved her making those sounds but no way I was letting Nick or Chris find us and ruin this.

“If you want to come you’ve gotta stay quiet, wouldn’t want them finding us like this now would we?” I question, but not stopping my actions.

“N-no I’ll be quiet, please I’m close” She whispers back.

Still pumping my fingers in and out of her, I rotate my hand and use my thumb to do circles on her clit. She threw her head back in response to this, and I could feel her quietly moan on my hand due to the vibrations from it. Both of us freeze - me only for a second, knowing she was close but freezing slightly due to hearing Chris and Nick’s voices become louder. Their footsteps becoming worryingly close before retreating away.

“Come on pretty girl, come on my fingers for me” I whisper, genuinely wanting her to come undone for me but also not wanting my brothers to catch us.

She whimpers back in response before spreading her legs open further. Her thighs slightly shaking as I bring my hand back over her mouth in order to silence her moans.

“Mmph fuck fuck Matt I’m coming” She grumbles out against my hand.

Once I knew she her high had finished, I pumped my fingers in and out a couple of times before pulling them out.

“Matt holy fuck that was amazing” She mumbles.

“Look at the mess you’ve made eh?” I say. Referring to her juices being all over my fingers.

“Oh shit, I - sorry you can - “ I don’t let her finish her sentence and instead take her fingers into my mouth, licking them clean. I notice her jaw slightly drop when I do so.

“That was so hot what the fuck” She whispers.

“Couldn’t resist tasting you” I shrug.

“Wait shh shh I think they’re coming to check here” I whisper, “don’t worry we aren’t finished yet”

Moments later the door whips open, Nick and Chris immediately cheering upon spotting us both.

“God why did I check this stupid room earlier? How did you both even manage to fit in it together it’s so small” Nick says, unable to not quirk his eyebrow at the sight of Y/N on my lap.

“Think it’s pretty obvious, she just sat on my lap bro” I laugh back, trying to get rid of any suspicions they could’ve been having, doubting that’d work due to Y/N cheeks still being flushed.

TAGLIST: @devsturniolo @strniolosworld

[kazumist]

EPISODE 18 ✦ THE COMPETITIVE TYPE

LOVE, MAYBE — A CHILDE SMAU

masterlist / prev ep / next ep / wc: 677.

cw: mentions of having a dysfunctional family, eldest daughter struggles, and sensitive things about having a not-so normal childhood

the night wasn’t that cold like you expected tonight.

you don’t really have a clue how you ended up in this predicament in the first place—after ajax offered to accompany you on a late night walk, you just found yourself leaving your doorstep. he didn’t live that far from you; the only distance between his home and your dormitory was probably two or three roofs or so.

but could you really call the place you reside a home?

third grade values class. you remember how your old teacher from elementary school taught you the difference between a “house” and a “home”. a house simply refers to a building that someone lives in. a home, however, is a location (or, in some rare instances, a person) that one feels like they feel a sense of belonging to—a place where they feel like they’re loved. that lesson was probably the one that stuck with you the most.

having a dysfunctional family is not easy; it never was in the first place. it’s complicated. nauseating. stressful. dejecting. hearing your parents regularly argue without even thinking if their children are still present in the room was something you didn’t know how you endured (or is it enduring? it still happens these days anyway). and it’s unfair that you had to be mature at such a young age. being the eldest daughter in such a household is no joke—you can’t make mistakes because you’re supposed to be the “role model”, you’ll be the one who’s going to take the blame if your sibling does something wrong because they’ll say that you’re not guiding them right. (but isn’t it a parent’s job to guide their children in the right path? why do you have to shoulder such a burden?)

“pres!” your trail of thought gets cut off by an all too familiar voice.

“ajax,” you said.

“is that… a textbook you’re holding?” he asks. it was the textbook for your fundamentals of abm class. you looked down at the book in your hands, and you smiled sheepishly at him. “i… kinda got anxious at the thought of not doing anything, sorry.” 

ajax simply sighs at you and shakes his head. “it’s fine, but as long as i’m here, you aren’t allowed to flip through that textbook, okay?”

“... or maybe not. you’re still the one in charge here.” he says, taking back his words.

you let out a soft laugh at him, and ajax swears he just heard heaven. “you know, i never actually heard you say my name. it’s always pres; where did you even get it? not even our own classmates or orgmates call me that despite my position.” as he was about to reply, you added something else to your words. 

“well… except maybe alhaitham. he calls me that sometimes for some reason when we aren’t even classmates.”

ajax was too quiet for your liking as he walked beside you. “uhm... hello? are you still there?” you awkwardly asked him. “alhaitham also calls you pres?” he asks back. you confusingly  looked at him before replying. “yeah, he does, but he just usually uses my name most of the time.”

“does he have no sense of originality in his bones?” ajax mumbles to himself.

“huh?”

“it’s nothing; don’t mind it. i was the first one to call you that anyway.” 

“er, not really.” 

“...”

“ajax, are you seriously pouting right now?” you deadpanned at him. ajax pouts even more at that question. “no, i’m not.” a laugh erupts from you at his expression. “yes, you are.” ajax lets out an exasperated sigh in defeat. “i was the first one who started to regularly call you pres anyway.”

“well, if it’s any… consolation, i suppose, i like it better when you say it.”

ajax lets out a cheeky smile at your words. “so now you’re smiling? i never pegged you as the competitive type, ajax.”

“well, newsflash, pres! i’m quite competitive, just not in academics.”

“oh, really now? and where are you competitive then?”

“i’m quite competitive when it comes to you, actually.”

oh.

extra notes.

this was kinda fun to write. although initially it was supposed to be a short narrations, as you can see, i got carried away (oopsie)

to avoid confusion: reader lives in a dorm but she was thinking of her family home if that makes sense??

taglist (open): @xianyoon @mitsvriii @kizakiss @kissingkzuha @aethion @phtogravi @ell1e2010 @esthelily @b4tm4nn @hcmay @ivvieene @morganadorodo @kaitfae @kentply @scaranthropy @kyon-cherri @kookiibun @kochothehoe @mekiiiii @ibyobi @iuspired @tetsuskei @kunikuzushis-darling @morgyyyyyyy @chluuvr @scaradooche @kissmiere @a1-ic3 @bubblegum-angelquartz @tiredjxnna @levlucs-kiru @angeilix @cerisescherries @saeskiss @a-talkative-corn @briluvspnk @kamisatoyato @bbysatoruuu @viviixoxosblog @bambisz @chemiru @eternal-dokja @bflyprincess @jamieexistss @monocerosei @enjisthings @jangyung @hahalame @cupid-spams @snzhrchy @ukinya @luciledreamz @bisatanica @bananasquash @almond-t0fu @thegalaxyisunfolding @jaguarthecat [1/2]

[cal-flakes]

hi!! i love your account 💖💖💖 i was thinking about a scenario where dealer!rafe tries to impress your parents/meeting them for the first time and he's trying to be tough but he's lowkey so nervous LOL!!

╰┈➤ dealer!rafe meets y/n’s parents

warnings: mentions of a gun, mentions of drug dealing, light swearing.

summary: rafe’s a little nervous meeting y/n’s parents for the first time.

“baby, you look amazing, stop stressing..” she cooed as she cupped his cheeks with her warm hands. “i know- i know, i just want to make a good impression, y’know?” he sighed, exhaling deeply as he adjusted his collar in the mirror.

“of course rafe, but they’ll love you, you don’t need to worry” she stated assuringly as she stroked the back of his buzzed head, trailing her hand down his clothed back. her forehead creased and her brows furrowed slightly as she felt a unfamiliar bulge in the back of his waistband.

lifting the back of his suit jacket, she gasped disapprovingly as she pulled out the tucked object. “seriously, you were going to bring your gun?” she huffed, exasperated as she placed it carefully in the draw of the hallway dressing table. shrugging, he turned to face her with an amused grin. “just incase..” he hummed, rounding her frame to grab the car keys.

“just incase what? incase my dad comes at you with a steak knife?” she yelled, half serious. “you never know sweetheart” he stated, placing a gentle kiss on her cheek before guiding her out the front door and to the car.

the car drive to y/n’s parents’ house was comfortably quiet as rafe rubbed circles into the exposed skin of her thigh, humming along to the tune of the radio.

“okay, we’re here. any questions?” she asked, turning to face him. his face twisted in thought as he drummed his fingers against the steering wheel. “what did you tell them i do for work?” he queried, the thought crossing his mind last second. “you took over your fathers development company” she claimed, exiting the car as she spoke. nodding along, he followed suit. “not a complete lie i guess..” he muttered to himself.

following her to the front door, he snaked a gentle arm around her waist confidently, masking his quivering insides. “you’ll be fine baby, m’kay?” she whispered as she rapped on the door with her knuckles. humming in response, his eyes flitted between her and the figures closing in on them behind the glass of the door.

“oh my little love! we missed you sweetie!” y/n’s mother cooed as her father stood tall behind the smaller woman, smiling at the pair. “i missed you too momma!” y/n grinned, wrapping her arms around her mom as she smiled at her father.

y/n’s mother stepped closer to rafe as her daughter passed by to hug her dad. “you must be the infamous rafe! we’ve heard so much about you, it’s so nice to finally meet you!” the woman beamed, quickly engulfing rafe in a gentle hug, to which he returned. “it’s great to meet you too miss y/l/n, it’s been a long time coming..” he smiled charmingly.

y/n watched the interaction in delight as she cuddled into her fathers side. “so you’re the one who’s stolen my little girl away from me?” the man spoke gruffly, a playful tone sneaking through his contrasting words. “my apologies sir, i just can’t bare to part with her” rafe joked, playing into his words.

the two men shook hands while y/n’s mother guided her through to the sitting room, offering her a drink. y/n’s features couldn’t contain the ear to ear grin breaking through, so much more in love with the man.

she was quickly followed by rafe as her parents disappeared to the kitchen, fetching drinks and continuing the preparation of the nights meal. “okay, so your dad doesn’t hate me..” he breathed in relief as he stepped closer. “i told you! he just wants to see me happy, and you seem to do a good enough job” she teased, planting a gentle kiss to his lips.

“are you saying i could do better?” he gasped, feigning offence as he pulled away from her. “just teasing baby, you make me the happiest girl alive, and they know it too..”

[leviathans-watching]

could u pls write the brothers x a reader who dropped out of school/college? having a rly hard time rn and i could use the comfort, tysm <3

having a hard time in the human realm

includes: brothers x/& gn!reader (no pronouns mentioned)

wc: .7k | rated t | m.list

warnings: crying, breakdowns, implied depression

a/n: i'm sorry you're having a hard time :(( i wish you all the best and lots of love and comfort. hope this helps! my inbox is open to chat, request, or leave feedback!

mammon exchanges worried looks with asmo when there’s no response when he knocks on the door to your apartment. it had been nearly three months since you’d returned to the human realm and since you’d first separated, you hadn’t missed a single weekly call. until tonight, that is.

and combine that with the fact that you weren’t responding to anyone, weren’t active on any social media, and now weren’t answering your door… mammon’s getting seriously concerned.

“let’s break in,” belphie says, and it’s a testament to how worried lucifer is that he agrees.

“i can pick locks, hold on,” asmo says, dropping to his knees and pulling a bobby pin out of his pocket. man, lucifer must be really worried if he’s not even remarking on this!

a moment passes, and then asmo pushes the door open, rising back to his feet. he leads the way into your apartment, and mammon takes in the dark interior. it’s messy and cluttered, a far cry from the neat and tidy room you’d kept at the house of lamentation, and it’s also silent.

lucifer takes the helm then, moving through your living room. mammon can see a dim kitchen with piled-up dishes, and then gets distracted by another door. presumably the door to your room.

mammon knocks on that one, then opens it. like the rest of the apartment, the room is dark, with thick curtains pulled over the window. mammon steps over the clothes all over the floor, towards your bed, which is messy with sheets and blankets piled up.

but thankfully, there’s a person there too. mammon puts a hand on your shoulder, grateful he can see the rise and fall of your chest. so, at least you’re still alive?

shaking you gently, mammon waits for you to wake. his brothers crowd the bed around him, but stay quiet.

with a gasp, you sit up, looking around wildly. “w-what?”

“it’s just us, mc,” beel says soothingly, and you calm slightly, then squint, confused.

“what are you doing here?”

“we were worried,” levi volunteers. “you weren’t answering your ddd and missed dour call.”

“oh,” you say slowly, probably still waking up. “that was today? i’m sorry, i’ve just been really…busy. and wait, you guys decided to break into my apartment?”

“busy?” says lucifer, dodging the accusation question. “with school?”

you look to the side shiftily, and mammon’s glad his eyes can see well enough in the dark where a human would struggle. “something like that.”

“cut the crap,” asmo says suddenly. “what’s going on, mc?”

without warning, tears well up in your eyes. “i’m sorry,” you say miserably, scrubbing at your eyes with your sleeve. “i’m sorry. i’m just so tired.”

mammon wraps an arm around your shoulders (were they always this fragile feeling?), and pulls you to his chest. “what’s wrong?”

“it’s just so hard!” you say after a breath. “i miss you guys so much. every day. it feels like a piece of me is missing. and as hard as it was to adjust to the devildom it’s even harder re-adjusting now. i miss the house of lamentation and being at rad and all of you. i can’t do this.”

“i had no idea you were feeling this way,” lucifer says quietly, guiltily. mammon feels the same way. how had he not noticed you were hurting?

“i stopped going to my classes,” you continue, a sob ripping free. “there’s no way i can get any credits for this semester. i want to go home.”

mammon locks eyes with his brothers. there’s no way they’re leaving you here tonight.

“let’s take you home, then,” he says, and you blink up at him.

“wait, really?”

“there’s no rule saying you can’t come back,” lucifer says. “i thought that’s what you wanted. after all, you were only supposed to be an exchange student after all. but if we had had any idea of how much this would have hurt you, diavolo and i would have never let you leave. so yes, let’s go home.”

leviathans-watching's work - please do not copy, repost, or claim as your own

[dreamingundone]

Infinite Space

Pairing: Jake “Hangman” Seresin x Female OC Rating/Warnings: No real warnings. Angsty but with a happy ending. Summary: Her life has consisted of work, trying to find her way in the world, and more work. Until he walked through the doors of her bakery. Disclaimer: I don’t own TG:M, Jake, or the lyrics I used for the title and that are at the beginning of the fic, which is from “Infinite Space” by Young Mister. Please don’t repost or translate my work without my permission! Author’s Note: Feeling some type of way about my lack of love life lately. I also read Mixed Signals by B.K. Borison last week and it gave me feelings. So here we are. Hope you enjoy!

Are you listening? Are you sending out a message of your own? Show me some flashing lights Give me a signal I'll be waiting by the window

Baking makes perfect sense to her. It’s scientific, exact measurements that when put together and baked, create something beautiful in the end.

She always thought love was like that too. Two people with the ingredients the other is missing come together, and something beautiful comes out of it. It’s just not been the case for her, ever in her entire life, and it’s something she struggles to make sense of.

It’s not like she’s miserable. She has her friends and her little house that she loves, and her bakery. She spends her days surrounded in a cloud of flour, sugar, and butter, and she makes people happy by giving them birthday cakes, little treats for their friends, and breakfast pastries to brighten up their mornings.

It’s when she leaves for the day that she feels the absence of something to make her feel happy. Her little bungalow, as cozy as it is, starts to feel too quiet sometimes, and if she lets herself think her own thoughts for too long, that emptiness starts to fill her up.

The arrival of the newest Top Gun class keeps her really busy. They come in for sweet treats and coffee and take up space at the tables at the front of the store. There’s whispers about some top-secret mission that no one really knows much about, but also everyone knows about it. It makes her grin. Nothing is ever a secret at Miramar for too long.

She’s in the middle of sliding a tray of mini cinnamon rolls into the oven when the bell over the door chimes, and she frowns, annoyed that someone is coming in this close to closing time.

“We’re–” She turns around and stops, seeing the most bedraggled fighter pilot she’s ever seen standing in her lobby, looking for all the world like he’s been in the air for hours.

“I know you’re about to close, I’m sorry.” He says, dragging a hand across his face. “Any chance you have coffee left? I’ll pay extra for it.”

“Are you okay?” She asks, coming around the counter. She slides out a chair to one of the tables, and he collapses in it gratefully. He looks a little bewildered at her question, like he can’t remember the last time someone asked about his well being.

“I’ll be alright,” he says. “I can go, I’m sorry if I’m–”

“No, I have coffee left. Made a fresh pot a half hour ago. Just let me…” she steps quickly towards the door and locks it, flipping the sign to “closed”. Heading back towards the counter, she grabs a to-go cup and starts pouring, hearing his audible sigh when the coffee steams.

“Long day?” She asks, walking back to the table and setting down the cup.

“You don’t know the half of it.” He says, eyes closing as he inhales the steam. “Seriously, let me pay extra. I don’t mean to keep you.”

She shrugs. “I’ll be here a while longer anyway.”

“Thank you.” He takes a sip, and swallows a groan. She grins. She may be known for her pastries and cakes, but she makes a mean cup of coffee, too. “I’m Jake,” he says, holding out his free hand.

She introduces herself, and shakes his hand. “I’ve seen you here before,” she says, and he nods.

“Anyone who’s been at Miramar long enough knows this is the place to go for breakfast. I think your donuts have single handedly helped me stay in my weight class.” He grins at her now, and it’s such a difference from the man that walked through the door a few moments ago, she’s momentarily blindsided.

“Any reason you’re here in time for dinner, then?” She heads back behind the counter to begin stacking plates for the next day’s morning rush.

He winces. “I’m due back at the base tonight. It’s—” He stops himself, raises an eyebrow. “I really shouldn’t be telling you this.” He stands, and it looks like it takes all his energy to haul himself to his feet. He drains the rest of his coffee in two gulps and sets the mug down on the counter. He starts to dig into his pocket for his wallet, but she waves her hand.

“That one’s on me, Jake.”

And so it goes like that, at least once a week for the next month. Jake comes just before closing to beg for a cup of coffee, and a few times, he scrounges up the leftover pastries to bring back to base with him. He insists he’s not hoarding them all for himself, but really, she doesn’t mind.

Jake is easy to talk to. There’s an alarm bell clanging in her mind every time he leaves, because she knows one day he might not be back at all. He could get deployed, or reassigned, and then where would that leave her?

Right back where she’s been, going home alone at the end of a long day.

They don’t even really know each other besides the basics. She tells herself not to get attached to him, to the way he swaggers in now like he owns the place, that little dimpled smile she’s starting to think is only for her.

He moves from a table to the counter, and watches with his coffee as she preps pastries for the next morning, or does dishes, and he offers a thought here or there about bear claws or croissants or whatever it is she’s trying a recipe for.

In turn, she listens as he complains about work, about the endless training they’re doing for some mission he can’t tell her anything about.

There’s some tension between him and his coworkers that he also doesn’t open up much about, but that’s okay with her. They’re in this little bubble, she and Jake. She bakes, and he samples. They don’t get too deep. She feels like it’s an escape from the rest of her life.

It absolutely aches every time he leaves, and the emptiness she feels when she goes home at night only gets worse. She feels like she’s been waiting forever for a connection like this, and it’s that feeling that makes her hesitant. She’s waiting for the other shoe to drop.

The next time she sees Jake, he’s tense, his shoulders drawn up and face stoic.

“Jake?”

He doesn’t say anything for a while. She starts to get worried, starts to wonder if it’s finally happening - he’s here to tell her that he’s leaving and he’s not coming back - or worse, going to tell her that he’s been being nice by coming here so often, but that there’s nothing really there between them, and he’s sorry.

“I, uh–” he takes a few steps closer, and when he gets within arm’s reach, he stops, looking at her with an unreadable expression. “You smell like cinnamon.” He smiles, his voice a little rough.

“Occupational hazard.” She replies, smiling.

“I’m being deployed.” He blurts, and he flexes his hands like he’s not sure what to do with the energy running through his veins. “I wanted to tell you, I didn’t want to just disappear…”

Her defense mechanism kicks in right away. “That’s okay,” she says quickly, busying herself by tidying up the counter by the register. “You didn’t have to come by just to tell me that. I mean, we’re not–” she gestures vaguely, not able to meet his eyes.

If she did, she’d see the way he blinks rapidly, taking a small step back, before clearing his throat. “Right.”

She forces a bright smile and looks up, seeing how he’s still standing by the door. “I appreciate you letting me know. I’ll have to stop leaving the coffee pot hot past three in the afternoon, now.”

His answering smile is a little brittle. “Hopefully not forever.” He looks like he wants to say something else, but he just nods at her once. “I won’t keep you. Thanks for… well, for everything. The last few weeks.”

“You’re welcome, Jake.” She says. She wishes she could just open her mouth. She wishes she was brave enough to tell him that she wishes he would ask her out for real, instead of coming by for a cup of coffee and pastry. She wishes she could just say that his company over the last few weeks means more to her than he knows.

She doesn’t.

He leaves.

……………….

What if I never reach you What if I never get to see your face I've been dying to break through I know you're somewhere out there in the infinite space Somewhere out there in the infinite space

Not being picked for the Dagger mission would have been a blow to Jake’s ego on any day, but it’s especially a kick to the gut a week after his last conversation with her.

“We’re not–”

She had said it so quickly, so casually, he was just glad that she hadn’t been looking at him in time to see the way he felt it like a physical blow.

He’s not stupid - he’s not in love with her or anything, but he feels… something. He felt it the minute he came in, hoping the bakery was still open, desperate for a decent cup of coffee to give him the boost he needed to get back to work.

When he looked up and saw her there, it was like a punch right to his chest. She had flour on her cheek and there was the smell of butter and cinnamon in the air, and she asked him if he was okay.

That was all it took, really.

He kept finding excuses to come back, and at first he kept saying it was because he’d never had a neighborhood place, a place where he walked in and they knew his name and his order. This was better. She knows his name, and that he likes his coffee with one sugar and one cream, and sometimes she gives him a free cookie or croissant or asks him to taste something she’s working on.

That’s all it is.

A place where he can go where she doesn’t know him, doesn’t know that everyone calls him Bagman, doesn’t know that he’s a grade A asshole to his friends on a daily basis.

He can be someone else. And the worst part, the part that really makes him wonder where it all went wrong, is that he wants to be someone else. He wants to be better. He wants to be more deserving of that smile he gets from her when she puts that cup of coffee in front of him.

Maybe he read it all wrong. Maybe she was just being nice, humoring the exhausted pilot who kept showing up and mooching her coffee.

He runs a hand over his face, trying to concentrate on the mission specs for tomorrow. Even though he’s the spare for this, he’s determined to be ready for his moment, to prove he’s supposed to be here.

Of course the whole thing goes sideways, because of course it does. His heart is in his throat and he feels helpless the entire time, and finally he just does what he needs to do.

He says fuck it, and he takes off, unable to listen to a second more of everyone else deliberating whether or not they should sit there while Mav and Rooster get killed.

So he goes AWOL, and he does what needs to be done. It’s the first time in a long time that he’s felt he did the right thing, and he can see it in the eyes of all his squadmates.

It makes him feel more like the person he is when he’s around her.

It scared the shit out of him, too - the entire day was one non-stop adrenaline ride.

He wishes he was back in San Diego, wishes he could drive the few miles from base to the bakery, and let her talk him down. She’s always got that smile, and she always smells like chocolate and sugar, and he wishes he wasn’t such an idiot.

He should have asked her out weeks ago, so there wouldn’t have been that awkward moment. At least then he’d be sure he hadn’t just imagined the connection between them, that he wasn’t making it up. He feels like he’s known her for years, and he doesn’t even have her phone number.

He resolves to fix it as soon as they get back, as long as he’s not facing a court martial first.

...............

She wonders how Jake’s deployment is going almost every day. She keeps herself busy, tries not to replay every second of their last interaction in her head, and tries to convince herself she did the right thing.

But the look on his face when she told him not to worry about ghosting her… was there something there?

She feels like she’s been waiting for her person for so long, that it seems impossible that one day he’d just show up out of the blue asking for a cup of coffee. But what if he did?

What if she ruined it by trying to protect herself?

Too busy daydreaming, she groans as she looks down at her ruined bowl of buttercream frosting, moving to the trash can to begin scraping it out. All day she’s been like this, distracted and making mistakes.

She’s watching the clock drift closer to time to go home, and without much else to keep her busy, she’s dreading going home where all she’s going to do is overthink more than she already is.

The chime on the door surprises her, and her heart stutters.

“Any chance you’ve got one of those cinnamon rolls left?” A familiar voice asks.

Her heart lurches. “Jake?”

He looks tired, but his eyes are almost sparkling as he looks at her. “Hey.”

“You’re back.” She blurts, and immediately feels stupid. He’s standing right in front of her. Of course he is. It doesn’t deter him, though. If anything, it only makes him smile wider.

“Before you say anything, I just want to tell you that you were wrong, the last time we talked.”

Her brow furrows. “Wrong?”

“When you said it wouldn’t have mattered if I didn’t let you know I was being deployed.” He takes a few steps closer. “When you said we weren’t…” he trails off, gesturing between the two of them. “I know it’s just been a few weeks, and I know we’ve only had conversations over coffee about non-important stuff.” He ran a hand through his hair, looking like he was struggling to find the right words. He looked up to meet her gaze. “I’d like to take you out, if you’ll let me.”

Everything she’d been feeling over the last few weeks felt like it landed on her shoulders in the moment. She felt the relief of knowing that she wasn’t alone in her feelings. She felt guilty for pushing him away in the first place.

“I think I owe you an apology, Jake.” She says quietly, coming around from behind the counter. “I just… I didn’t know if you were just being nice to me, coming here all those nights. I didn’t want to assume anything. And I didn’t want you to feel obligated when you came back.”

He frowns. “I kept coming here for you, no offense to your coffee.” He takes another step closer, so the tips of their shoes are almost touching. “The cinnamon rolls are a plus.”

She laughs, and his grin widens.

“Is that a yes? You’ll go out with me?”

“Only if you tell me what happened on this not-so-secret top secret mission.”

He rolls his eyes. “Everyone around here is such a gossip. I can’t tell you everything but I can tell you about how I was a hero and saved the day.” His smile is smug.

“Perfect.” She says, and there, in the warm light of her bakery, surrounded by everything she’s ever known, she thinks she’s finally ready to take the leap and see if he’s the one she’s been waiting for, the other half she didn’t know she was missing all these years.

And for once, she’s not scared anymore.

[writingquestionsanswered]

I'm a teen aspiring author. I live in a house with three children and my walls and door are not very soundproof. Do you have any tips to get focused not by reducing distractions but getting focused while still being in the middle of chaos?

Focusing Despite the Chaos

Even if you can't eliminate distractions, it's still worth trying to minimize them, so I want to start there... then I'll get to what to do if you can't. Here are some things you might be able to try...

1 - Minimizing Noise - In a perfect world we could all afford a nice pair of noise cancelling headphones, but there are other ways to minimize the noise that reaches your ears. For example, many convenience stores and stores with pharmacy areas sell packets of disposable ear plugs for just a few dollars. These can reduce noise enough to make it less distracting, so definitely worth a try.

2 - Utilize Continuous Sound/"Noise Colors" - Continuous sound, like the deep rumble of a waterfall or the gentle roar of heavy rain, falls on a spectrum called noise colors. White Noise covers all frequencies equally, so it provides a soothing background hum that can help to minimize other sounds. You can find white noise generators via different apps and places like YouTube or web sites like A Soft Murmur. Or, you can put on a loud fan, air purifier, air conditioner, etc. Pink Noise is a little softer, like the fall of gentle rain, so this might be something like a fan on a lower setting. Brown noise is a step lower than that, like the ambient noise you get from having the window open on a quiet but breezy day. White, pink, or brown noise can be a great way to reduce the impact of chaos coming from the rest of the house.

3 - Put on a YouTube Ambience Room - YouTube is absolutely bursting with "ambience rooms" and channels dedicated to study music, sleep music, relaxation music, etc. These can be a fantastic way to promote focus, not only because they give you something steady to listen to, you can often find things that gel thematically with whatever you're writing, which can help you block out other distractions.

4 - Try a ZenWare Writing Program - OmmWriter, ZenWriter, Focus Writer, and others provide features that help you focus on your writing, such as simple interfaces, special typing sounds, white noise and sound generators, and word counters. These are not typically free but are usually reasonably priced.

5 - Shift Your Writing Time - Even a chaotic house has its quiet times. It could be early in the morning before everyone else is awake, late at night after everyone else is in bed, during mealtime, or when everyone is away. Pay attention to when the chaos is at its lowest each day and try to utilize those times for writing if you can.

When you can't minimize the chaos...

Any combination of the above tactics can still be great ways to help you focus a little more, even if it doesn't really reduce the noise or chaos. Just having things like a special screen or special audio to focus on can help you mentally block out distractions. To some degree, it's something that takes some trial and error--to see which tactics work for you--and practice. I know writers who can write on plans, trains, buses, car rides, in the middle of busy places... it's just something they did out of necessity and got good at with time. You will, too. ♥

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

I’ve been writing seriously for over 30 years and love to share what I’ve learned. Have a writing question? My inbox is always open!

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[arcriotwrites]

~𝒯𝒽𝑒 ℬ𝒶𝓇𝑜𝓃'𝓈 ℬ𝓊𝓃𝓃𝓎~

Helmut Zemo x AFAB reader (gender neutral names) 18+

Warnings: Swearing, smut, choking, teasing, hand kink, fingering, oral (female anatomy used), established dynamic, brat taming, dom!zemo, use of petnames (Bunny, Darling, etc.)

Author’s Note:

I am back with another one! I feel like Zemo doesn’t get enough love as it is so I’m writing for him😤. I’ve had this idea for a long time and finally have found the brain power to write it. This is an 18+ fanfic, PLEASE TAKE THE WARNINGS SERIOUSLY! Enjoy!

The bright lights and loud music of the bar seemed to welcome you in. Wolfman’s Bar sits along a quiet street in Madripoor, if there is such a thing as a quiet street here. The entrance is in a back alley, needing strict access to even enter the bar. You step onto the concrete sidewalk, knocking firmly against the heavy metal door. The metal vibrated with the bass of the music, your attention on the man as he opens the door. He takes one look at you and steps aside, welcoming you in. A smirk rests on your lips as you saunter in, noticing many people turn and whisper to each other upon your arrivals you pull the maroon leather jacket off of yourself and drape it over the back of one of the barstools, taking a seat. The bartender comes over to you almost instantly.

“What can I get you, Jester?”

The name rolls off his tongue with a hint of fear and you can’t help but feel proud.

“A dirty martini should be fine.”

You watch as he quickly shuffles off to fulfill your request. As you sit there, you feel your phone vibrate in your back pocket, you pull it out to look at the text.

Carlos: Slight trouble with current mission, need 2 more days to fulfill your wishes.

You let out a frustrated sigh as you type back, your back straightening slightly.

Me: You have one day. If the money isn’t transferred by this time tomorrow, the hunt is on.

You let out a deep grumble as you hit send, sliding your phone into your pocket once more. You tap your fingers in your lap as you wait for your drink.

You suddenly feel a hand between your shoulder blades, your right hand flying to your thigh, pulling your handgun from it’s holster.

“Calm down, darling. It’s just me.”

His voice hits your ears like a drug, causing a shiver to run down your spine. You turn around to see him. Before you stand Baron Zemo, or at least what everyone here knew him as. You knew him as Helmut, being the only one who is allowed to use his first name.

“Welcome back, Helmut. What brings you to my domain?” You ask, a smirk settling on your lips as he sits on the barstool next to you. You clip your gun back into the holster that is strapped to your thigh. As you do so, the bartender sets your drink down in front of you and you nod a thanks at him before taking a sip.

“I had some time off so I figured I’d pay you a visit. I heard the Powerbroker has taken a step back huh?” He asks, his eyes never leaving you as you set your drink back on the bar top.

“Yep. With Selby dead thanks to you and the Powerbroker regaining a home in the US, that leaves Madripoor with no leader, at least until recently.”

As you speak, you can’t help the proud smile that falls on your lips. You run your fingers along the base of your martini glass, wiping off a smudge. You turn to look at him once more, noticing confusion evident in his eyes. You let out a soft laugh, seeing the wrinkles of his face deepen as he puts on a curious expression.

“What do you mean by that, darling?” Your smirk only deepens at his question, finishing your drink swiftly before standing from your chair and grabbing your jacket from the back of it.

“C’mon. We can talk more at my place. I got a nice house in high town.” You say as you start to walk out of the bar. You feel a hand on your wrist pull you back. As you turn you almost slam into his chest.

“You know the rules. Follow them.” His voice sounded deep and gruff in your ears, his tone commanding. A shiver runs down your spine as you remember what he told you during his last visit.

Never stray too far from me.

He chuckles deeply as he watches you process what he said. You swallow hard, nodding before turning and starting to walk towards the exit, slower this time. You look back at him every few seconds to make sure he is right behind you. As you exit the bar, he grabs your hand. The feeling of his hand in yours has your mind fogging a bit, the feeling so familiar yet from so long ago.

Once you reach your house, you bring him inside, shutting off the security system. As you flip the lights on, you see him taking off his coat, draping it over the black armchair in the foyer. You walk into the living space, glancing around as you light the fireplace. The warmth of it makes you hum slightly as you feel arms wrap around your waist. You look down and see the deep purple sleeves and aged hands that rest near your stomach. A smile breaks out onto your lips as you lean into his touch.

“I missed you, Baron.” You whisper softly, hearing a slight hum vibrate through his chest. You always knew that name affected him and now was no different.

“I missed you too, Bunny.” As the petname rolls off his tongue, you can feel your mind fogging again, just like it had earlier when he grabbed your hand. He always called you that. To him you were something delicate, something to handle with care. No matter how wild you could be, you were always his soft, delicate bunny.

You hear him chuckle as your eyes close, not having noticed you were now fully leaning into him, a blush creeping up your neck and to your cheeks. His voice is husky now, his accent thick.

“Did my Bunny miss my touch hmm?”He smirks as he speaks, you’re able to hear it in his voice. All you can do is nod, scared that your voice will betray you if you try to speak but he cuts you off in your actions.

“Ah ah ah, words, darling. You know how this works.” His tone becomes authoritative, causing you to shutter against him.

“Yes, I did.” You say, your voice coming out soft and obedient. It was as if your body was acting out of need, not want. You needed his hands on you, you needed him to keep speaking to you like this. A part of your brain flips, starting to drift in thought.

What would happen if I didn’t submit?

A small smirk crawls its way to your lips, slowly sliding yourself out of his arms. You turn to look at him, a mischievous glint in your eyes as you cross your arms over your chest. You watch as he looks you up and down, as if examining his prey. He seems to scoff slightly as you look at him, determination evident in your posture.

“Actually, I don’t need your touch. I am perfectly fine getting off by myself.” You spit out, smirking the entire time. You knew the words you spoke weren’t true, all those late nights whimpering his name into your pillow out of frustration. You watch as he raises his eyebrows, shaking his head as he smirks.

“Oh is that so, bunny? So you weren’t frustrated with my absence? You didn’t miss my hands tracing your body, feeling every inch of you? You didn’t miss me leaving marks on your thighs, owning every inch of you?” As he speaks, he takes steps closer to you, starting to walk you back against the wall. He towers over you now, your back flush against the wall as you realize he has trapped you just as he planned. “You didn’t miss the way my tongue felt as I licked that pretty pussy clean?” He whispers in your ear now, his voice deep and gruff. His words have you leaning your head back against the wall as you close your eyes, taking a deep breath to try and stay nuetral. You feel his hand wrap around your hip, his thumb digging into your side. God his hands always interested you. They were so callous and rough from his work, covered in scars from the countless fights he got into. Despite this, he always touched you with the softest touch. The veins that ran down his forearms and into his hands always had you mesmerized, remembering all the countless nights you spent tracing them when you couldn’t sleep. Though there was another side to those hands. The way they held a gun so steady, he could get a headshot from a mile away. The way that they ran down your sides and to your legs, spreading them open as they had many times before.

As your mind started to drift, you could hear him chuckle. You hadn’t noticed you had zoned out, blushing deeply when you noticed you are gripping his sweater. You blink a few times, slowly letting go of his shirt, clearing your throat.

“Still trying to be defiant.” He states it as a fact, not a question. The disappointed tone in his voice makes you falter slightly, like your brain is fighting itself. Without any time to prepare, his hand comes up around your throat, squeezing the sides in a tight grip as he presses you back into the wall harder. “Come on now. You know exactly where this would get you, pinned to the wall, unable to breathe. Hm? Did you want this? Did you plan this since you saw me? Planned to work me up so that I’d fuck you senseless hm?” His angry tone makes your head spin. You can’t tell if it’s the lack of oxygen or the way you can feel his hand sliding from your waist to the front of your shorts that is making you feel lightheaded. You can feel him undoing the button and zipper, anticipating his touch. You craved it. Him feeling how wet you are because of him, his finger teasing your clit until you are sobbing, begging him to fuck you. Yet as your mind reels, his hand comes to rest back on your waist, his grip on your throat loosening slightly. You gasp, feeling your lungs burn as you try not to cough. He smirks, chuckling at your red face as he runs his thumb over your cheek.

“Look at you. You’re so desperate aren’t you? It’s taking everything in you to not fall to your knees and beg me to take you right here right now. I can see it in your face. I can see it in the way your hips pressed against my hand when I undid your shorts. You need me so badly yet you won’t say it. You know the rules, Bunny. I won’t do a damn thing until you ask me to.” His voice is stern, a teasing tone tagging onto it as he reminds you of the rule you hated most. You hated asking him, vocalizing your filthiest desires seemed like a nightmare. You swallow hard, feeling his hand against the front of your throat. You clear your throat, your eyes glazing over as you look up at him, deciding that your current aches are far more important than the anxiety rising in your belly.

“Please touch me, Baron.”

Your voice comes out just above a whisper. You watch the smile spread across his face, a mischievous look falling over his eyes.

“There you go. You did such a good job, Bunny. Come on, let your Baron take care of you.” He speaks softly, his tone completely different than the stern one he held moments ago. He takes your hand, leading you over to the leather couch that sits in front of the fire. He takes a seat, spreading his legs open. “Take those shorts off for me, darling.”

You can tell it’s a command yet his voice comes out gentle. It’s as if he is silently letting you know you can back out. He was always doing that, making sure you were ok and comfortable, letting you know you could stop at any time. You nod softly as you slide the shorts down your legs, stepping out of them and kicking them to the side. You watch as his eyes fall over you, his tongue poking out to lick his lips.

“God… I missed looking at you.” He whispers out, breathless. You blush deeply, the red tint now spreading to your ears as he looks at you like a predator watching its prey. “Come here.” He motions with his fingers as he speaks, adjusting how he sits to sit back further on the couch. You walk to stand in front of him, your hands clasped behind your back. You feel your mind fully leave, any thoughts you had fog over and the only thing you can focus on is him.

He suddenly grabs your waist and turns you around, pulling you to sit In between his legs on the couch, your back flush to his chest. His cologne fills your nose like a drug, making you hum in delight. He lets his hands roam you, sliding down your back and around your waist, finally rest on your thighs. You can feel yourself squirming slightly, the puddle you sit in becoming uncomfortable.

“Do you want me to take care of you, Bunny?” He voice is soft in your ear, the words spilling from his lips like a prayer. There he goes again, asking you if you are ok without being direct.

“Yes, Baron. Please.” Your words come out broken, not expecting to hear yourself sound so desperate. When you speak, you feel his hands grip your thighs, gently spreading them apart.

“There you go. Let me control you, bun. Just relax ok? I’ll take good care of you.” His voice fills your ears as you feel his middle finger lightly drag up your underwear. As his touch reachers your clit, you jump in his lap, slamming your legs shut out of shock. You hear him chuckle as he pulls your thighs apart again, continuing his feather light touch over your underwear. “Look at you.” He presses his finger into the wet patch that had soaked through; “so wet for me already.” You nod quickly at his statement, feeling your hips rise, trying to chase his touch. Both of his hands grip your hips, slamming you back onto the couch. “Stay still.” His tone is stern, dangerous. The contrast in his gentle touch to his aggressive tone makes you whimper.

“Give into me, bunny. Come on. You almost had it, then you got too greedy. I will touch you however and whenever I want.” His tone is soft, gentle, as if trying to coax your body into doing as he says. You relax back against his chest, resting your head back onto his shoulder. “There you go.” His touch returns to your clothed pussy, rubbing gentle circles against your clit, feeling the wet spot grow as he does so. You can feel his shit eating grin against your head, placing a kiss to your forehead. You let out a breath you hadn’t noticed you had been holding, soft moans leaving your lips. You bite your lip as his speed and pressure picks up, your legs starting to shake at the shocks that run up your spine. As it begins to be too much, he withdrawals his hand causing you to whine in protest.

“Sshh bun, you’re ok, patience.” His tone is gentle once more, soothing your aching body back against his chest. You feel his finger slide your underwear to the side, his finger starting to run up and down through your wet mess. He hums in approval as he slowly traces around your entrance, feeling how your body quivers against him. You moan as he finally touches you, finally feeling what you have needed for the past 7 months. Finally having what you dreamed of every night.

He slowly pushes the tip of his middle finger into you, going in and out slowly, gently.

“You’re so tight, darling. Is all of this mess for me hmm?” His voice is teasing, slowly putting more of his finger into you with every push. All you can do is nod, moaning as he pushes his finger fully into you. “Your body missed me, darling. I can feel it in how your walls throb against my finger.”

His statement makes me shiver, feeling his other hand slide up your chest to your neck, gripping your jaw gently and pulling your head back so you look at him. As he does this, he rapidly picks up speed, sliding a second finger into you. “If you didn’t miss me, bunny, then how come your pussy is making a puddle on this couch for me hm? How come your body is shaking in pleasure as if you haven’t felt this in months hm?” His tone is still gentle, almost mocking you as you moan loudly against his neck. The pleasure mixed with his words makes you writhe in his lap, gasping as tears start to roll down your cheeks. It’s too much, the way he taunts you, teases you while fully handling your body in anyway he wished.

As it all builds, you feel your climax reaching its peak, desperately needing the release you had waited months for.

“Baron please! Don’t stop…. M-I’m close.” You gurgle out, your body shaking against his as he fingers you relentlessly.

“Come on, give it to me, Bunny. Show me how much you missed me.”

At his words, you cum, feeling your hips stutter against his hands as he continues at a brutal pace. You gasp and moan against his skin, eventually biting into his neck as you groan. As you come down from your high, he slows down, eventually pulling his fingers out of you. He examines the glistening digits, seeing your gaze on his hands. You watch as he slides his fingers between his lips, sucking them clean. The sight has you squirming, seeing him savor every inch of you. He pulls his fingers from his lips and wipes them on his dress pants. He smiles softly down at you as you look at him dazed, your head empty.

“Do you want me to clean you up, darling?” The question doesn’t process in your brain for a few seconds yet you find yourself nodding without hesitation. He picks you up, laying you on your back on the couch. You look down at him as he crawls down your body, sliding his tongue over the mess on your thighs. The feeling makes you gasp, shivering against the cold leather. You watch him as he makes eye contact with you, sliding his tongue up between your folds, watching you as you moan. His slides his tongue over your clit, noticing how you jump at the contact. He smirks against your pussy, licking at you slowly and gently. Once he decided it was enough torture, he sits up.

“Come here, Bunny. Let yourself doze off, ok? That was a lot after our long break hm.” He says, chuckling as you shakily crawl over, curling up against his chest. You can hear his heartbeat, the sound making you smile. He was really here, he was truly here to take care of you after so much time apart.

“I love you, Baron” the words come out of your mouth as you doze off, the last thing you hear before sleep takes you;

“I love you too, Bunny.”

[daceydeath]

Ateez with an Older Significant Other

Pairing: 08t x reader Word Count: 3.1K Genre: Fluff Warnings: Swearing, Suggestive themes

How Ateez would deal with their significant other having some insecurities about their age and the age gap between them.

AN: This is obviously purely fiction and doesn't represent the preferences of any of the members. It's purely just a scenario my brain came up with try not to take it too seriously.

Hongjoong: "Should I package this up for your personal assistant while you continue browsing sir?" The sweet accented voice of the boutique assistant's voice rang out over the quiet of the shop, making you look up to see who she was speaking to since you were almost certain it was only you and Hongjoong in the shop.

""I'm sorry?" Hongjoong instantly answered, sounding confused but remaining as polite as possible.

"Oh, is the older woman you are with not your assistant? should I have said manager?" she apologized quickly looking slightly panicked.

"No, it's fine" you interrupted, holding up your hand to prevent her apologizing further "yes please package that up" you smiled warmly despite the fact that you felt sick to your stomach. She smiled in relief and began packing the bag that Hongjoong had chosen as he looked at you, his eyes a mix of emotions that swirled rapidly. He paid quickly and you took the bag into your hands thanking her before making a quick exit from the boutique.

"Baby?" Hongjoong questioned as you swallowed hard as the crisp breeze blew past you smelling of coffee and fresh pastries, you knew you shouldn't have come on this quick trip to France with him but he had announced that he wanted to walk the streets holding your hand and getting to be invisible for a day.

"I'm alright" you mumbled quickly, maintaining the air of nonchalance as best you could even though you knew he would see straight through the act. He knew you too well.

"Bullshit" he whispered into your ear making you unintentionally sigh as his breath tickled your cheek "We're heading back to the hotel and we will come out again later once you feel better".

You walked back to the hotel your fingers interlocked with his as had shielded you with his umbrella when a light sprinkle of rain appeared looking every bit the heart throb to millions you knew he was. Arriving back to your shared room he dropped your bags and pulled you into his arms holding you tightly.

"Do you think I'm too old for you?" you mused into his chest absorbing his warmth.

"No, I think you're absolutely perfect" he mumbled, squeezing you tighter.

"Joonie, I am not perfect" you hummed, letting him go so you could look at his face "I'm old enough to be mistaken for your older manager by cute little shop assistants".

"Baby I love that you are older than me" he smiled reassuringly cupping your face gently "You understand my responsibilities and you allow me time to do my job without needing to be reassured that I love you all the time, without the drama of not feeling able to trust me around the girl groups".

"You are too pretty for your own good Joonie" you swallowed hard, leaning in to kiss him softly, the feeling of his lips on yours helping to melt away your worries.

Seonghwa: Secretly dating an idol was hard, there was no doubt about it but Seonghwa was worth it so every time he was snuck to your house for a date or you were snuck into the dorms you were grateful. The staff had always been kind to you during these times you guessed they were relieved that you weren't some giggling stupid girl who couldn't keep her mouth shut but rather a woman with a career and responsibilities of her own that wasn't begging for Seonghwa's time every moment of the day.

Opening the door you greeted one of the usual staff who would take you to a secondary location to get in another car to take you to the dorms so that no one clued in to who you were or where you were going. She was always very polite and friendly talking to you about your shared interests like your pets, what movies or dramas you had seen so you were always relaxed with her. When you arrived at the dorms you went up the garage stairs one floor before you got into the elevator and met with one or more of the other staff who would take you up walking into the hall you overheard them waiting for you

"I can't believe a man as good looking and sexy as Seonghwa wants to waste himself on an old woman like her?" one snickered.

"She isn't old and you're just jealous because he would never be interested in you" the other sighed loudly, sounding bored.

"She's so much older than him though, it's gross" the first huffed, doubling down on her dislike of you. You opened the door loudly then closed it to make it seem like you had just arrived and hadn’t heard their gossiping.

"This way noona" the second one smiled, leading you to the lift and taking you upstairs to the dorm, waiting until the doors closed before she turned to you "Ignore her she is jealous of you".

You nodded, smiling tightly at her as you made your way to the dorm door, you knocked softly waiting for Hwa to open it pulling you instantly into his arms.

"What's wrong, my love?" he whispered, instantly picking up your sadness.

"Do you care how much older I am than you, Hwa? Is it going to be a problem later?" you murmured into his chests.

"No, why would anyone care? I'm in love with you, only you" he soothed as you pulled yourself back together "who told you otherwise?".

"One of your staffers called me an old woman and said us being together was disgusting" you sighed looking up at his face, his eyes going from worried to angry in a flash.

"Well she won't be one of our staffers for much longer then" he frowned, "but you my love, you I love with my whole heart".

Yunho: Age was always something unspoken between the both of you, he knew you were older than his members and he had told all of his members that you were their noona and you knew that he was too young to be tied down too tightly. Sitting scrolling your phone on the couch behind him, Yeosang and Mingi who were sprawled out playing video games you couldn't help but smile as Yunho leaned his head back to rest against your thigh.

"Yunho this isn't the best date idea for noona, to just sit and watch you squabble with each other" Hongjoong scolded lightly coming in from the almost entire day he had spent in the studio.

"Noona doesn't care what we do as long as we are in the same place" Yunho groaned before he could be lectured again making you smirk a little.

"Noona is a lady you should be treating her like one, not having her hang out with you behaving like a teenager" Hongjoong muttered knowing Yunho was not going to listen anyway. After whatever raid, their party was on, Mingi got up to stretch, then went to get snacks and Yeosang went to get a drink, leaving just Yunho and you.

"Is he right? Would you rather being going out to cafes or museums or something?" He asked softly to sit in front of you to take one of your hands in his.

"No Yuyu, I know that those things aren't as interesting to you so I am happy to stay here while you raid with Mingi and Sangie" you sighed as he smiled widely.

"Are you just saying that to make me feel better?" he asked, poking one of your cheeks.

"No I want you to do what you want in your downtime, you have so little of it after all" you smiled reassuringly "But if it bothers you that I'm older right now then I can go home again".

"NO!" Yunho lunged forward pressing his lips to yours in a sweet kiss "I love that you let me be me, you don't try to change me, you just accept days like these or days when I take you for fancy dates". His face so close to yours his confession came out as a whisper

"Love you my Yuyu" you whispered, kissing him slowly as he moved to pull you into his lap on the floor, his large hands finding their way to your hips and arse.

"Ah my eyes" Mingi groaned in faux offense as he walked in on your slightly more compromising position.

“Shut up” Yunho mumbled, kissing you again.

Yeosang: Laying beside him in bed still coming down from the orgasm he had just given you, you couldn't help the need to ask him what had been sitting in the back of your mind for the past few months. Sure you had talked about it when he had first asked for you number and again when he had asked you out for a date but it hadn’t really ever been discussed between you as a couple.

"Does it bother you that I'm older than you?" You ask rolling onto your side and propping yourself up on your elbow as your eyes gaze over his face and shoulders

"No" he opened one eye to look at you still basking in his post coital bliss.

"Because it's not just a year or two I'm a lot older" You pressed not sure if he understood what you were getting at.

"I love that you're older, I love that you know so much, I love that you have experience and... I love that you can guide me" he blushed prettily as he spoke chewing on his lower lip slightly.

"I love you too Sangie" you smiled as he reached out to cup your face leaning forward to kiss you.

"Besides you don't care I'm younger so why should it matter to me?" he smiled as a look of realization crossed your face.

"Round two then?" he smirked as you whined under his touch.

San: While you waited for San to return to the dorm from the gym you had been chatting with Seonghwa and Mingi not really knowing that San had never told them how much older you were than him so when you had inadvertently let it slip that the gap was more than they realized it had a more dramatic reaction than you expected.

"Wow I mean he told us you're our noona but we assumed it was a smaller gap than that" Mingi gawked as his eyes widened slightly.

"Oh" was all you could get out before you heard the front door to the dorm open and San's gym bag hit the floor while he took his shoes off.

"Hey pretty baby, you're early" he grinned, dropping a kiss onto the crown of your head as he walked behind the couch you were sitting on.

"You never told us noona was way older than us" Mingi announced looking at San who was standing behind you.

"Song Mingi!" Seonghwa chastised "you don't tell a woman she's old even if she's 90, what is wrong with you? Noona isn’t even old".

"Shit sorry, I didn't mean you are old I just thought you were like a year older than Seonghwa so I was surprised that it was more than that" Mingi apologized apparently just realizing what he had said.

"It's alright Mingi, I am older than San" you smiled lightly as San instantly noticed the tension that is now locked in your shoulders.

"How about I shower, you change and we go out to eat?" San tilted your head back to look at him, his eyes soft as they made contact with yours.

"I would love that Sannie" you smiled properly as he took your hand to lead you around the couch and up the hall to his room. Once he opened the door and you crossed the threshold he cupped your face fully kissing you like you were made of glass and had to be treated with the utmost care.

"Do you care that I am so much older?" you mumbled anxiety pooling in your stomach.

"No, never have and never will, pretty baby" he grinned, pecking your lips again "and Mingi will be sending you the largest bunch of flowers he can find to your office tomorrow".

"Sannie!" you playfully smacked his broad chest.

"He made my pretty baby doubt herself so he will apologize" he shrugged pulling his shirt over his head "now do you want to shower with me or just get changed?"

Mingi: Both of you being fairly casual people had made it incredibly easy for you to be together, you were happy to lay on your couch in Mingi's arms watching movies or binging TV shows, you were also happy to sit on his bed or on the couch reading in the dorm while he wrote or composed just being with him made you happy so the idea that your age difference would be a problem hadn't dawned on you until he mentioned that he wanted you to come stay with him during a break they were all getting before the next part of their tour.

"Mingi, what if your parents have an issue with us being together?" you asked tentatively as you watched him pick out his clothes to pack.

"Why would they have a problem bunny? I love you they will too" he turned looking deeply confused, his lips pouting slightly as he pondered your face.

"Baby boy, we have a pretty large age gap, it might bother them" you sighed as he added a small frown to the pout.

"It won't and if it did, hypothetically, they would just have to deal with it. You're my bunny and I won't let you go" he huffed coming over to you to wrap his arms around you pressing his face into your neck breathing in deeply.

"I don't want to be the reason for a fight, baby boy, especially with your family" you whispered.

"You won't be bunny" he mumbled against your skin "I already told them you are older than me and that I am happy".

"I only want to make you happy" you giggled as he pressed delicate kisses against your skin.

"You make me the happiest my bunny" he grinned before tackling you down onto the bed.

Wooyoung: Wooyoung had taken you to dinner after he finished his schedule earlier than expected, to an Italian place that he wanted to try out. You could feel the waitress' eyes on you when she sat you a mix of jealousy that you were with him but also something that looked a lot like judgment to you.

"Does it ever bother you that I'm older than you?" You asked as you watched him from across the table twirling his pasta on his fork.

"Should it?" he raised his eyebrow at you playfully.

"Woo, not everything is a joke" you sighed, picking up your wine glass "I'm serious".

"I know sweetness, and your age has never been and will never be a problem" he smiled genuinely, his eyes showing utter sincerity.

"Even if I can't give you children?" you whispered, admitting your deepest fear out loud, he may not yet have thought about it but you had he was still too young to want to be a father yet but you would be too old in your own mind by the time he would likely be ready.

"We already have my brother and Sannie?" Seonghwa puts down his cutlery and takes your hand from across the table “How many more kids did you want?”.

"I meant actually children" you chuckle looking at his lopsided grin.

"I don't care about hypothetical children, sweetness, I care that I get to spend my life with you, that is all that matters to me" he squeezed your fingers softly.

"Although I do love the children we already have" you conceded making his face light up.

Jongho: Your relationship with Jongho wasn't exactly new, you had known all of the members for a couple of years since you also worked in the entertainment industry except unlike idols who had to worry about their image. You were a production assistant for Music Core so your relationships were never scrutinized.

That didn't stop your surprise when flowers started arriving at your office or when eventually Jongho worked up enough courage to confess how he felt and ask you on a date. You had always found him beautiful but assumed he would never show any interest in you given your age compared to his but six months later you found yourself in his dorm sitting on a sofa having the strangest conversation of your life.

"Jongho it isn't that we don't trust you or that we don't think you mean it when you say you love her it's just that..." Hongjoong explained before Wooyoung butted in

"But noona is much older than you and I don't know if that is such a great idea since she works in the media" Wooyoung said as tactfully as he could, which to say was not tactful in the least. "What if you start wanting different things?"

"That is not what he means" San turned to you as you just looked between the 8 of them all seemingly wanting to throw their two cents in as once "Wooyoung can be an idiot at times".

"Don't insult her hyung" Jongho snapped, raising his voice slightly, making the others look a little wary.

"No one insulted anyone" Yunho interrupted carefully “we are just concerned about you”.

"Wooyoung literally just did" Jongho ground, looking more annoyed with each sentence uttered

"Maybe it would be easier if I just left so you can all sort this out without me" you sighed, effectively silencing them all with a sad smile.

"No, please, we don't want you to think any of us have a problem with your relationship with Jongho" Seonghwa turned to you looking a little lost on how to continue.

"I know I am older than Jongho, that is a well established fact, but if it is going to cause issues I can only apologize and ask you to move past them. I cannot change my age" You rationalized as calmly as you could to keep them from arguing again. “And if it’s because of my job, you know that I am never going to say or do anything that would jeopardize Jongho or your careers”.

"I don't care if she is older" Jongho announced, his eyes full of defiance as he looked at each of the members "I love her and I don’t care what you think". You reached for his hand and squeezed it fondly knowing how big a step it was for him to admit to the others he loved you, he brought your hand up to his lips kissing your knuckles gently as he looked at you with soft eyes.

"Awww so cute" San cooed, smiling widely as Wooyoung got swatted on the back of the head by Hongjoong.

AN: Thank you for reading my beloved ones, as always all your support, likes, reblogs and comments keep me well fed xx

Taglist (open): @christopher-bangnaldoskzz @armystay89 @damnyouficc @roamingpolar @tara-skyhold @bakedlilgoonie , @krishastumblernow , @mrsseals16 , @fawnpeaks @leeknowinggg @uno7 @tanzen-ist-gold

[b2cute]

Ready or Not?

soft dom!chris x fem!reader

notes: sorry this took so long i’ve been pushing back writing but im going to try and write more. send requests!!

warnings: obv smut, praising kink, pet names, fem receiving, fingers in v, fluff, semi-public, almost getting caught, READ AT OWN YOUR OWN RISK

enjoy ☺️

word count: 1k

*y/ns pov*

“YES! You better start counting” Chris laughs in relief. His brothers and I were playing hide and seek outside in their neighborhood after getting bored inside the house. It was a chilly night with clouds and what seemed like it was about to rain, but that didn’t stop us from playing. Matt had just been chosen to be the seeker, while, me, Chris, Madi, and Nick go hide.

“Okay it’s only smart to split up, me and Nick will hide together and you and Chris do the same, fair?” Madi whispers. She always takes the games so seriously and it is better never to argue against her ideas. “Sounds good to me” I reply. Before I can say anything else, a hand rips me away from Nick and Madi and I look to see Chris dragging me to a hiding spot. We have been in a relationship for quite some time, but it has been very, well… vanilla. I don’t know why, but it’s not as I imagined Chris. I still love him and all, it just shocked me a bit.

“This is perfect” Chris exclaims, gesturing towards a bush-like area. It was so small, maybe fitting 1/3 of me. I crouch down before Chris and he hurries right after me. “Ready or not here I come!” Matt yells from across our hiding spot. We were barely entering the bush when Chris pushed me to his lap, my back against his chest. He was sitting with his legs crossed and my body fit in between him. I couldn’t help but let out little giggles because of how exciting the game was going until I felt a hand the size of my face being brought up to my mouth. “Be quiet ma, or Matt will hear you” Chris whispered. This only made me laugh more but I eventually calmed down.

A few moments passed by and we heard voices near us “C'mon are you serious” Nick whines. I turned my head back slightly to look at Chris whose eyes were already staring into me. Nick and Madi have just been found meaning we were the only ones left. I was starting to get sore from my spot and leaned my head back against Chris’s chest followed by a sigh. “You okay ma, what’s up?” Chris asked. “Just tense from this small space, I’ll be fine though” I reply as I shut my eyes momentarily before feeling Chris’s hand sneak up to my thighs.

“I know what to do to relieve you, ma. Can you stay quiet for me y/n?” Chris chuckles. I slowly nod my head before Chris uses both hands to separate my legs, planting them on either side of his. His long, slender hands sneak to my clothes cunt as he rubs my folds through the layers. “Mmm... Chris” I groan. The heat in between my legs begging for more attention. “What is it?” Chris smirks through his question, only slowing his movements down. “Need mor- please “ I complain, the sudden sensation of his fingers lost.

“Take these off for me” he whispers. Without wasting a second, I quickly slip my jeans and panties off in a swift move. “Needy aren’t we y/n” Chris laughs as he takes my thighs and spreads them out again. He takes his fingers and uses my wet arousal to lubricate his fingers, slowly rubbing my puffy clit. I let out a rather loud moan, covering it up with my own hands this time. Chris continued to speed his movements up, making it harder for me to stay quiet. “All these pretty little noises for me, is that right?” Chris remarks, his smirk almost visible even though I wasn’t facing him. “Y-yes… all for you Chri-“ I was cut off by his fingers slipping into my drenched cunt.

“I think I heard something over there” A voice calls out. Shit. Chris begins speeding his movements up, rubbing my swollen clit in one hand, and curling his fingers into me with the other. He left sloppy kisses on the back of my neck, surely leaving marks behind. “Princess has to finish, even if they watch” Chris grunts. His arms slightly flexing as his movements don’t slow. This only made me closer to my climax. His fingers repeatedly bruised my g-spot and my body was starting to go limb.

“A-almost there” I manage to whisper, not wanting Matt to catch us. I turn my head and put it in the crook of Chris’s neck to cover my moans. “Good girl, letting me touch you outside. Come for me baby” His praises were enough to send me over the edge. “I'm coming!” I spit out, my hands grabbing onto Chris’s legs for stability. The knot in my stomach becomes undone as Chris’s movements don’t slow down. My hand reaches down for his wrist, finally letting him slow down. His movements come to an end as he pulls out of me.

I come off his lap and turn around to face him, still sitting down. “Open,” He says as he drops in fingers in my mouth. “Want you to taste yourself, look at the mess you made” Chris gestures to his pants. He came in them while fingering me. I suck on his fingers and use my touch to move my way around, removing his fingers with a pop sound. I finally notice his pants and can’t help by snicker. “Oh my god” I cry out as I shift to put my pants on. I take Chris’s face into my hands and pull him into a kiss.

It was passionate and loving but had needy emotions to it. I let go and lean my forehead to his looking into his icy, blue eyes. “I love you so much, Chris,” I say. “I love you more, ma” he replies pulling me into a warm embrace. His strong cologne entered my nostrils. We stay like this for god knows how long, not even noticing the rocks kicking as footsteps approach our hiding spot.

“Found them”

taglist:

@mqttittude @luverboychris @knowingnothingnoel @whicked-hazlatwhore @mattsdinosweater @n00dl3zzz @sophssturn @sstvrnioloo @sturnioloenthusiast @lolasturniolo @mattsleftnipple03 @ilovemenwithlonghairr @lovingmattysposts @lacysturniolo @guccifrog @hearts4chriss @gamermattsgf @mangoposts @strawberrysturniolo @sttzee @stunza @fawned01

[maddgyu]

BITTERSWEET ‧｡| choi soobin

ᯓ ex!soobin x reader

ᯓ genre: angst

ᯓ warnings: swear words, toxic ex(?), and kissing(no smut)

ᯓ note from author: ENJOY and don't take this story seriously. this is my first-ever story, so i hope you'll like it

︶ ֢ ⏝ ֢ ︶ ୨୧ ︶ ֢ ⏝ ֢ ︶ ֢ ⏝ ֢ ︶ ୨୧ ︶ ֢ ⏝ ֢

7:35

Watching the snow pour softly outside, you sipped your hot coffee, completely relaxed. the smell of coffee made the atmosphere comforting, added by the soft jazz playing through the speakers. you turned your attention to the people around you and saw couples nearby enjoying each other's company. after finishing your coffee, you packed up your things and left the cafe. as you walked home through the quiet snow, the yellow glow of the streetlamps cast a warm light on the scene. you loved how peaceful it was. this feeling made you think about soobin - it has been a year since you broke up. he seemed to have disappeared completely from your life after the breakup.

While still lost in thought, you barely noticed that you've made it to your house already. you stepped inside, went through your routine, and were just about to get into bed when your phone rang.

It was soobin.

you stared at your phone for a second, thinking wether you should answer it or not. in the end, you decided to pick up the call. " hello? " you said, trying to hide the nervousness from your voice.

There was a brief pause on the other end, until soobin's familiar voice broke the silence. " Y/N?, i know it's been a while, i need to tell you something "

You stood there in silence, not knowing what to do. " Y/N? " soobin said softly, breaking the silence. you finally managed to reply, " yeah, what's up? "

He hesitated for a moment before asking,

" i know it's late, but could we meet up if you're not busy? i just need to talk and explain some stuff. "

After taking a deep breath, you decided to agree, as curiousity got the best out of you. after a few more moments of discussion, soobin confirmed he would head over to your place.

40 minutes has passed and you're sitted cross-legged on your couch, scrolling through your phone while waiting for soobin. the house was in complete silence until a soft knock coming from the front door was heard. you got up from the couch, making your way to the door. as you opened the door, soobin stood there. he was wearing a black scarf, and a dark blue sweater.

" hi, " he said in a soft voice, his voice gave you the chills. his breath was visible in the cold air.

You stepped aside to let him in, trying to keep your face straight, trying to ignore the awkwardness between you. you led him to the living room, where you both sat down on the couch, sitted beside each other. the awkwardness and silence was heavy.

Soobin faced you, taking a deep breath before breaking the awkward silence.

" so, it's been a while. " turning your head to face him, you gave him a slight nod. He turned his gaze away after meeting your eyes, scanning the room, fidgeting his hands.

" i should get you a hot drink. how's hot chocolate? " you asked, standing up from the couch. he looked at you for a second then gave you a slight smile. " oh, hot choco's fine. thank you "

You smiled at him back before making your way to the kitchen. a few minutes later, you came back from the kitchen holding two mugs, as the rich aroma of cocoa warms the room. you handed the hot chocolate to soobin, gratefuly accepting it with a smile as you sat down.

" how are you? " he asks, before taking a sip from his hot chocolate.

" not much has changed. What about you? "

" i'm doing good. i just came from a fresh breakup. "

hundreds of question start to fill up your mind. you gave him a confused look then looked at him for a second, completely shocked on what he just said.

" it just didn't work out. that's why i came here. i wanted some closure and i needed to talk to you. i've been thinking about this for quite some time now, and I just realized how much I hurt you. " he added.

" soobin, you're confusing me. you came here just to announce that you just came from a recent breakup and needed to talk to me? " you said firmly

" it's not just that, y/n. " he said in a gentle way, starting to feel a bit nervous about how the conversation might end.

" so what now? what do you want from me?" you said, raising youe voice, unable to hold back your frustration.

He let out a loud sigh before setting his mug down on the coffee table. " i wanted to see you, to explain things, and to apologize. i feel guilty for how i ended things; breaking up with you the day before christmas was fucked up. i made a mistake letting you go. i thought leaving you was the right thing, but it only made me realize how much i miss you."

Your heart ached at his confession, as tears welled up in your eyes. " soobin, it's been hard for me too. but it's not that simple to just pick up where we left off. i had waited for so long to hear these words. you left me without an explanation, and you're here asking for a closure? "

Soobin looked down at his hands before looking back at you. then, he took your hands in his, interwining them. the feeling was comforting and familiar. " i know, but i am willing to do everything if you'll give me the chance. i miss you, i miss us. "

You took a deep breath, starting to feel the pressure. " this is a lot to process, " you let out a soft chuckle as your voice was starting to shake slightly. " i need to heal and find my own path. i can barely even understand myself, i don't know who i am. my main goal after the breakup was to really focus on myself " you knew deep down that you still wanted him, but you had to prioritize yourself first, and that's what pained you. it felt like you were wasting a chance.

He gave you a nod, giving you a reassuring look as his thumb gently rubs the back of your hand. " just take all the time you need. i'm not rushing you. i just wanted you to know how much you mean to me "

Nodding as you tried to wipe you tears away with one hand, soobin's heart ached. he felt guilty for what he did, he never expected that the pain he had caused was far greater than what he had expect. he softly let go of your other hand and reached out to wipe your tears. after wiping your tears, you both sat in silence for a moment, making the atmosphere much more heavy. " i should go now. i'm sorry our conversation ended like this. " soobin gently pats your head before standing up, just like what he do when you were still together.

While walking him to the door, you felt a wavering of sadness. he stepped out into the cold night, then turned around to look at you, both of you hesitated for a moment, exchanging glances. you moved closer to him and leaned in for a kiss. your lips met softly, as you tiptoed to reach him. he caressed your cheeks gently, his touch was warm and soft, making the kiss more passionate. his lips were soft and the kiss was slow and full of mixed emotions. after you pulled away, you fixed soobin's hair, moving his bangs away from his face, as he looks into your eyes deeply. " i love you, soobin. but right now, i really need learn to be alone. " you said in a soft tone, moving your hands away from his hair. he gave you a smile then nodded. " thank you for giving me a chance to explain. "

You watched as he turned around to leave, slowly disappearing into the darkness. as you closed the door, you leaned against it, as tears start to stream down your face. you felt that this was the hardest decision you had ever made, but deep down, you knew it was the right one. for now, focusing on yourself and your own journey is the most important.

[raccoon-eyed-rebel]

Part 29

Masterlist

Series Masterlist

Part 28 🟣 Part 30

A reverse harem vampire AU ft. Mikey, Marshall, August, Sherlock, Charles, Melot and Napoleon

Series summary: Somehow, you've managed to live with your boyfriend and his roommates for months before finding out they're vampires, but the real shock first comes when they find out you have a special quality. A quality the guys would love to make use of...

Warnings: ongoing vampire shenanigans, an interesting proposal, Melot behaving like a child (it's not Mike for a change. Actually Mike is the sane one in this chapter??? Idk what happened.)

Word count: 2.8k (?) (Word isn't cooperating, okay)

A/N: I've got some seriously busy vamps in my brain these days... Hope you guys enjoy!

@geralts-yenn @deandoesthingstome @ellethespaceunicorn @summersong69 @mis-lil-red

@sillyrabbit81 @livisss @itsrubberbisquit @ktficworld @proud-aroace-beastie

@plaidcat4815 @wa-ni @lovemusicpart2 @lizzystuffsthings @manysecrets2020

@sarcasmoverlordxo @mysweetlittledesire

The house was quiet. Quieter than usual, that is, because with only one human being and six assorted creatures of the supernatural variety, it was usually pretty damn quiet to begin with. You wandered the countless halls, searching for… anyone. Literally anyone.

Where were you? And more importantly…

“Lost?” Leon. The past week had taught you that you could always count on him to show up unannounced. “They’re out, you know?”

Out doing what? Leon smiled at your question. “Running. Climbing.” He appeared behind you. “Crushing a tree or two…” A strange tingle trickled down your spine, following Leon’s index finger, until he suddenly pulled his hand away. “Beg your pardon, I forget myself. Anyway” — he appeared in front of you again — “Marshall might indulge and provide fresh venison for tonight. Although I’m pretty sure we still have a sufficiently stocked freezer.”

After… that night — barely twenty-four hours ago — this really came as no surprise.

“And why aren’t you with them, instead of here, bothering me?” you sneered. For some reason, Leon always managed to get on your nerves, even if he hadn’t quite deserved it.

“I’m a demon, sweetheart,” he taunted. You hated him calling you ‘sweetheart’ almost as much as you’d hated it when August called you ‘princess’ in the beginning — maybe even more. “I’m not quite as fast as them, and nowhere near as strong.” He offered you an arm, and without thinking, you took it.

“Besides,” he said as he guided you through the halls, “vampires may have crawled out into the light over the past centuries, but I am first and foremost a creature of the night.”

“Allergic to sunlight?” you asked, looking around you as you let yourself be led God knows where.

“I’m not abducting you, sweetheart — it really bothers you when I call you that, doesn’t it?” A devious smile lay on his lips as he asked the question. “We’re headed for the kitchen. I’m parched.”

“Alright.” With Mike missing all morning to appear by your side with tea and water, you hadn’t remembered to drink anything. “So, about the sunlight?”

“I’m not allergic. I can survive in the sun as well as you can at night. It’s just that I require certain energies to sustain me, and they are more abundant between dusk and dawn.” Right. Sex demon. Leon ushered you into the kitchen with something resembling urgency.

“Please, sit,” he gestured at the bar stools. “Can I offer you some tea? Water? Coffee? Anything else, perhaps?”

“What do you want, Leon?” Part of the reason he got to you so much might have been that the man could never give it to you straight.

“To talk,” he said, rolling his eyes. “I have a proposition. It’s unconventional, but I’d appreciate it greatly if you listened to it in its entirety.”

Ah. So he did want something from you.

It was safe to say that the fact you’d been blessed with relentless curiosity had come in handy more than a few times over the past months, and it came as no surprise that this time, too, you found yourself curious rather than terrified at the prospect of this proposal.

“Alright, I’m listening,” you said as you watched Leon rummage around the kitchen at a delightfully normal speed. “And tea would be great, thanks.”

Without thinking, you wrapped your fingers around the glass in front of you. Wait. How did that get there?

“Mike may have mentioned something about your bewildering inclination to simply not drink anything, if given half a chance.” There was definitely judgment in his voice. And his eyes. And in the way his lips drew together in a tight line. Oh, and there was that sigh. It was subtle, but that didn’t mean you missed it. “Why don’t you take better care of yourself?”

“I have four vampires doing it for me,” you deadpanned.

“Potentially six,” he said, the corners of his mouth turning up slightly. “And a half, if you play your cards right.”

You didn’t doubt that that was a hint towards the offer you were about to be presented with. “From where I’m sitting, I’m the one with a great hand,” you said, calming your nerves with a quiet, steady breath as your curiosity spiked. “You’re the one who has to tread carefully, I feel.”

A breeze blew past you as Leon moved to stand behind you, and as much as you wished for yourself to have gotten used to it by now, the move still startled you. Damn him.

His hands landed on your shoulders, and he squeezed lightly. Then, he was back at the counter, opposite you.

“Alright,” he said as he put your cup of tea on the bar. “You’re not wrong. And I won’t blame you if you decline my offer. After all, we barely know each other, and it is a proposal of a rather intimate nature — for you, at least. Less so for me. I simply need to eat.”

Oh. Oh. It wasn’t unexpected, per se, that the offer was related to that, but still… You knew what he was and how he fed. And now, you were somehow going to be asked to be a part of that.

“You want to feed on… me?” You already hadn’t understood this when he brought it up the other day. How did this even work? Did you… “So, what? You want to sleep with me?” The words were out before you had thought them through, and when Leon started laughing, you wanted to die of embarrassment.

“My apologies,” he said, “it’s an understandable question, but not quite what I was going to suggest. Although I wouldn’t pass up on the opportunity if it presented itself, I must admit.”

You stared at him for a few seconds — very long seconds — and sighed. “August?” You didn’t have to turn around to know he walked into the kitchen.

“There goes our privacy,” Leon said softly as he leaned on the counter.

“What’s going on here?” August asked, clearly suspicious of the scene in front of him. And with good reason. He knew — probably better than anyone — that you and Leon hardly got along great.

“Your darling brother wants to fuck me,” you said casually.

August had already begun to make himself a cup of coffee, and you watched his knuckles go pale as his grip on the countertop tightened. Leon knew better than to try and deny it.

“It’s not much of a compliment, princess,” August said softly after taking a deep breath. He turned to lean against the counter, coffee in hand. “My brother wants to fuck everything that moves.”

“Isn’t that a little stereotypical?” a suddenly appearing Mike weighed in. Marshall, Sherlock and Melot walked in soon after. They seemed equally surprised to see you and Leon having your little tea party.

“How fantastic,” Leon sneered. “The whole gang is back together. Sweetheart, I was hoping to have this conversation in private. Do you mind—”

“What you want does not just concern her,” Mike said sharply. “I’m staying. And I doubt the others will let you talk them into leaving.”

“At the very least it doesn’t concern Melot at this time, or Sherlock… potentially ever,” Leon tried, his eyes almost pleading with Mike to reduce the crowd.

“What does he want?” Sherlock asked. He was probably the only one who didn’t already know — and that included Melot, which you really didn’t mind as much as you probably should have.

The others looked at each other, then at Leon, then you before turning back to Sherlock. No one said anything.

“I’m not making this easy on him by telling you,” Mike said. “Like, don’t get me wrong, it’s not weird or anything — not weirder than we’re used to anyway. But I want him to ask for it” — he shot Leon a sharp glance — “himself.”

“Alright, out with it,” August sighed, clearly already running out of patience.

“Do I get to make my case without interruption?” Leon asked. It wasn’t the worst question. August looked halfway ready to lose his shit, and it probably wouldn’t take much to put Marshall on edge, either. Everyone nodded in response to the question. “Alright. We’re all aware of what I am, what I do, and how I feed, so I suggest we skip the biology lesson and move straight to the request—”

“You’re not screwing her,” Marshall snapped.

“Well, so much for no interruptions.” Leon rolled his eyes. “If it’s all the same to you, I don’t feel like I have to suffer through this for a simple question, I’ll take my l—”

“Marshall, shut up and sit down. And August, not a word out of you, either.” You watched, trying to control your face while both men begrudgingly obeyed your commands. You looked at Sherlock, who nodded approvingly. “Leon, please continue. I’m listening.”

“When I decided to spend my summer here—”

“You mean ‘showed up completely unannounced’?” Melot asked, scowling at Leon.

“Melot shut. up.” The moment the words left your mouth, you felt you’d overplayed your hand.

He appeared in front of you, his face so close to yours you could feel his breath on your skin. He was cold — very cold. “Did no one warn you that my age might provide a bit of an obstacle for those newly acquired powers of yours? What was your plan, my Queen? Send me to my room like a petulant child? Have me sit on the floor by your feet like a dog? I’ve been through it all, your highness, I—”

“Melot, that’s enough.” Sherlock’s voice was barely a whisper, so low you had trouble understanding what he said at all. “I must say the introduction has given me a good sense of what this request will be. Mike, am I correct in assuming it indeed does not concern either me or Melot?”

Mike nodded solemnly.

“Then I shall take this as my cue to leave, and you” — he grabbed Melot by the collar of his shirt — “are coming with me. And you’re staying with me until you can— Speak of the Devil, Priya’s timing couldn’t have been better. Come on.”

They disappeared, and the kitchen went awfully quiet for a moment, until Leon cleared his throat. “As I was saying: When I decided to spend my summer here, I was aware of the existing arrangement. I was, however, unaware of the… shall we say ‘intimate advancements’ within that arrangement.”

“And long story short, you want in?” you asked, hoping to speed things along a bit. It still wasn’t entirely clear to you how this was all going to work without… sex.

Marshall raised his hand, to your surprise, and you nodded. “Thank you. If I may answer that question you didn’t ask… It won’t work out without sex.”

“But he said he didn’t want—”

“For the sake of honesty, I didn’t say I don’t want to,” Leon reminded you, “but rather that that was not what I’m asking.”

“Then what are you asking?”

“I’m asking if I can feed on your passive sexual energy,” he explained briefly. That wasn’t nearly enough information.

You turned to August, vaguely remembering a conversation you’d had with him. “I thought succu— I mean incubi only fed off… Orgasms?”

“Is that what he told you?” Leon laughed. “I don’t blame him, of course. But I’d hardly dare to lecture you on vampires and their habits, despite my technically dual nature.” He sounded annoyed — maybe rightfully so.

“The people who work for me like their jobs, August, but they don’t have orgasm after orgasm on stage.” Napoleon sighed and shook his head. Whatever remnant of understanding you’d had about what was going on in this conversation was gone now, and you were lost.

“Rewind and freeze, guys. Passive energy? People who work for you?”

“The details of my occupation are best left for another conversation. To answer your other question: Passive energy refers to any kind of consumable energy a succubus or incubus can feed on, that they are not involved in creating. Orgasm isn’t a requirement at all — any incubus worth his salt can pick up on far more subtle kinds of energy. Now, it is generally acceptable to munch on the small things without asking — flirting, tension, a kiss or other displays of affection, et cetera. Now, when things progress beyond that most humans would consider feeding off that without asking for consent a major violation of privacy—”

“Just… humans?” Was that such a completely unreasonable train of thought, then?

“A few centuries go a long way in changing your perspective on a host of things,” August explained patiently. “You’ll experience some difficulty finding a strictly monogamous vampire over the age of… let’s say two-fifty.”

“Are there monogamous incubi? Is it ‘incubi’ or ‘incubuses’?”

“Either of those is correct,” Leon answered with a charming smile. “And to answer your question bluntly: no. As a species, we’re exclusively non-monogamous — not necessarily unwilling to enter into serious relationships, but monogamy would be… torture.”

“Questions about your kind aside…” Was Mike the one keeping a conversation on track for a change? What had the world come to? “Get to the proposal. I mean… I have my answer ready to go.”

“Right.” Leon nodded. “Well, without further ado: I’d like to request permission to feed on the available energies in this house.”

You’d seen it coming for a while now, but the question still took you by surprise on a level you didn’t quite understand. It was quiet for a while, and your face got hotter with every passing second, because everyone was staring at you.

In the end, it was Mike who broke the silence. “I’m okay with it.” No surprise there, really.

“It’d be hypocritical of me to be opposed to this,” August said next.

“I’m willing to pay my share in your current arrangement, if that makes you more comfo—”

“No!” That didn’t sit right with you at all. Four pairs of eyebrows shot up in surprise at your answer. How were you going to explain this? “That agreement comes with the responsibility to provide them with food no matter the circumstances. I don’t think I can promise you that.”

Leon nodded. “I understand that. That said… Do you have an answer for me at all?”

Pushy. Arrogant. Annoyingly sure of himself. Why on earth did you like that about him?

“Pardon my ignorance, but how does this work?” you asked, your voice trembling ever so slightly. There wasn’t a doubt in your mind that the guys picked up on that — especially since Mike put his arms around you and put his chin on your shoulder.

“You’re asking me if I have to be in the room, aren’t you?” For someone who didn’t read minds… “I don’t read minds, sweetheart. But I do read people. And your face has subtitles.”

Great. “Yeah. That’s what I’m asking.”

“I don’t have to be,” he answered plainly. “I’m not opposed to it, either.”

“Watch it,” August growled.

“Can’t blame me for trying, brother.”

“Okay, so… It would be much like August… listening in, then?” You took a deep breath. That didn’t sound too bad — not that you were in any way dead set against his presence, either… As soon as you caught yourself with that thought, you heard Mike swallow hard.

Dirty little pervert.

“Does that still surprise you?” No. No, it definitely did not. You side-eyed Marshall, who tried hard to fight a dirty smile off his face.

“You’re no better.” The remark made him chuckle, and an image of your night in the shower flashed in your mind for a moment.

You cleared your throat before turning to Leon again. “I think my diplomatic answer would be that I’m fine with you feeding off anything that doesn’t happen behind closed doors,” you said slowly. “Other than that, I’d like the opportunity to go on a case-by-case basis, but I don’t see how that would work.”

“My guess is that someone would be available to communicate your wishes,” Leon offered. “And if not, well… It’s ‘no’, unless it’s ‘yes’, right?”

“That sounds agreeable.” You could feel your heartbeat in your throat, which was unusually dry, but your hands were so sweaty that you didn’t dare to pick up your cup.

“Hm, no door in sight,” Leon muttered softly. “Lucky me.”

His teasing would be the death of you, dammit! “Keep in mind that me not taking on any real responsibility in this matter, means I can deny you everything. You might want to consider playing nice.” “Where’s the fun in that, sweetheart?”