#now lyra will take care of the rest

[clarissaweasley-10]

Honestly l have to give it to JLB Grayson's character development is just soooo good he's seriously my most favorite character as of now.He went from being this (handsome)jerk to just a broken guy who tries to hide it from the world. He had been raised to be perfect,nothing less. He couldn't make mistakes, he wasn't even allowed to feel anything.As if this wasn't enough, he was made to believe that everything was his responsibility and if something fails then it's his fault.for the sake of my mental health (even tho most would say that it's a lost case) i won't be mentioning any cliff girls. From that he actually became a guy who accepted that it is alright to be wrong and sometimes you can't help making mistakes. He literally just learned and accepted being human. He learned to let his emotions come and felt them, something he hadn't allowed earlier.Even though shadows of his old self keep coming in between, it's okay, he can make mistakes bcoz he's human we all make mistakes and learn from them,that's the beauty of this journey, right?

[bombuni]

Please I LOVE your puppy yunho drabbles 😭😭

Would love to hear your thoughts on puppy yeo 👉🏻👈🏻 I have such a soft spot for this boy but it's so hard to find yeo content 🫠

(possibly how yunho would respond to MC getting another puppy? Not sure if you write poly or not so no pressure!)

-lyra

contains: nsfw, puppy!yunho (in my head he’s a retriever hybrid) puppy!yeosang (doberman duhhh) switch!yeosang (but he’s really dom-leaning in this), switch!yunho, fem!reader, breeding, threesome, biting kink, voyeurism (kinda)

minors dni

I WENT A LITTLE OVERBOARD BUT. i. Thought this idea was so hot. thank u for even asking this bc OMFFG. And Dw I will write enough Yeosang fics to feed the UNIVERSE!!!!

Yunho’s not too happy about having a new guy in the house. He’s much quieter, pushing Yunho’s attempts at conversation away as if he’s too good for him. His nervous eyes follow his every move and his frost-colored, cropped ears pin his location wherever he is.

You swear he’s sweet to you. And Yunho’s seen it, he is. He sits next to you voluntarily, actually has conversations with you, touches you fleetingly.

You tell Yunho it’s only for a couple days. That Yeosang’s owner was traveling, and he needed a place to stay in the meantime. Yunho’s glad to hear it’s temporary, now cheerily spouting hello’s at Yeosang any time he sees him (still ignored.)

Yunho’s not too worried when you leave them alone to run errands one day. Of course he doesn’t want to part from you, but he understands the need for alone time. He doesn’t protest when you leave, but the door slamming shut and the silence that follows makes his stomach drop.

Gosh, sometimes he doesn’t realize how much he really needs and craves you. It’s like his body is so used to having you 24/7, the sudden departure just causes him to wilt and deflate. He sits on the couch, away from Yeosang, somberly. His chin rests in his hands, blankly watching the TV and counting the seconds until you get home.

Yeosang notices. He doesn’t want to say anything, but Yunho’s pouty lips are making something inside him stir. To Yeosang, Yunho is just a pestering pup. Always yapping and annoyingly sweet. He’s not used to being around someone as endearing as him, and he’s mad he’s falling for his tricks. Yunho subconsciously whines while he watches the clock, so used to you listening to his every beck and call.

“Quiet,” Yeosang mumbles, trying to comfort him, “She’ll be back soon.”

Yunho had almost forgotten about Yeosang. He rolls his eyes, “What do you care? You’re just a meanie,”

Yeosang snorts at the nickname, “I don’t. You’re just annoying.”

Yunho takes that as his sign to push more buttons, suddenly throwing himself onto the couch and laying his head onto Yeosang’s lap, “I’m soooo bored, Yeosangie, let’s do something.”

Yeosang grumbles, but makes no move to leave, “Get off of me, mutt,”

Yunho laughs at that, “You’re one to talk,” he stretches his arms casually, as if this is an everyday occurrence, “Why don’t you make me?”

Yeosang stews for a few seconds, pouting to himself because of his predicament. Yunho has forgotten the whole thing, back to watching the boring program selling pretty diamond earrings.

Ah. That reminds him of something.

Yeosang’s hand crawls sneakily from his side to Yunho’s head, making no sound before harshly pulling on one of Yunho’s brown, floppy ears. A yelp comes out of Yunho as his head follows Yeosang’s directions, the sound turning into an embarrassed moan.

Yunho flushes at that. He’s embarrassed because he thought the only one who could pull those noises out of him were you. He feels like a slut for wanting more.

Yeosang is smirking cockily down at him, a smaller blush on his face, but his hand remains on Yunho’s ear, “See? Dirty mutt,”

Yunho’s cock stirs at that. He enjoys the game of punishment, and his voice trembles in anticipation, “‘M not-“

The door suddenly unlocks and it blurs the lines between what’s happening and you. He’s excited at the thought of you finding him like this. He wants to prove to you both what a good boy he can be.

You turn once your bags are put away and Yeosang watches in real time as the perverted smile on your face grows when you process what’s happening.

“My sweet puppy, what did you do to Yeosangie?” You coo at Yunho, leaning on the arm of the couch with a sweet smile.

You’re so sweet and soft and it makes Yunho want to explode on the spot, “N-nothing-“

Yeosang tugs at Yunho again, “That’s a lie.”

You tsk, your hand coming up to trace Yunho’s jawline and god, he really wanted you to touch him already, but that’s not enough. It’s never enough.

“I’m sorry for my puppy’s misbehavior,” you turn to Yeosang, “I think just for that, he doesn’t get to cum.”

Yunho’s eyes widen at that, “B-but I’m good! I’m being a good puppy!”

Both you and Yeosang give him an incredulous look and he knows there’s no way he’s winning. He hardly does with just you.

He whines pitifully, but he sits back and shuts his mouth in obedience. He knows he’s winning with you when you give him another soft, lovesick smile. But, Yeosang just stares.

Before Yunho can say anything, Yeosang is pulling you into his lap and marking you as his own. His lips trail from your jaw to your collarbone, back to your mouth. It’s intoxicating, watching you both lose yourselves to each other. Yeosang licks a stripe between your neck and shoulder and it sends a shiver down Yunho’s spine.

The room is suddenly too hot for Yunho, his hands and skin yearning, burning to feel any sort of touch from either of you. But, it never comes. He sits, whines, and watches as Yeosang keeps his tongue down your throat. He can’t help it when one of his hands flies down to his aching cock, trying to soothe the urge to pound you until you’re full. Like he usually does.

Yeosang sees out of the corner of his eye, “Don’t.”

Yunho’s eyes brim with tears. He’s shaking, trembling, fucking aching, to feel something (you) and he’s being denied. He can’t take it. To rub salt into the wound, Yeosang bites down on the same spot on your neck he licked, making direct eye contact with Yunho. You moan and thrash against Yeosang, your hiss of pleasure and pain hitting Yunho’s nerves like it’s him who’s being bitten.

“S-sangie,” your tone is all too familiar, needy and desperate and ready to be fucked dumb by his leaking cock. Yunho wants to, needs to, run to you and fill you up already, but Yeosang won’t let him.

Yeosang pulls your pants down hastily and as soon as your garments off, your sweet smell fills the room. It’s something Yunho will never get used to and something Yeosang is now newly addicted to.

Yunho doubles over at the intoxicating smell, his heightened senses making it just about x100 worse for him, “Please, I just wanna- please let me-“

Yeosang pushes Yunho off the couch, forcing him to sit besides your head and watch as Yeosang’s cock finally enters you. God, you’re wet and creaming on his cock as soon as he fills you to the hilt. Yunho can’t stop watching as your pussy sucks Yeosang in time and time again, even if he’s throbbing in pain because of it. It’s something he can’t look away from.

Your tits bounce against Yeosang’s harsh thrusts, both of your moans mixing and making a song Yunho won’t forget. You turn to look at Yunho, all fucked out, and your hand comes out to Yunho like a beacon of light. He groans lowly when he finally, finally feels the relief of your hand scratching behind his ears. It feels too good, too appeasing, too delightful to have your approval again that he almost wants to cry.

Yeosang keeps fucking you, the sound of skin slapping against skin filling the room, “What a pervert, fucking leaking everywhere,” Yunho nods feverishly against your hand, not ashamed of the wet spot forming on his sweatpants, “Why don’t you come play with her while I fuck her then?”

Yunho wastes no time in leaning over you and finding his way to your clit. Long fingers spread your juices over you, already familiar with the way you tick. His forefingers rub at your center feverishly, mouth agape and eyes trained on Yeosang’s cock pistoning into you.

You moan and thrash against Yunho’s fingers, all of the attention on you is too overwhelming. Too good.

“Sh-shit,” Yeosang feels you tightening up against him, driving him to fuck you even harder to fill your sweet hole up faster. His voice passes through you like a thunderstorm, soft but fierce with an underlying, dangerous current.

Yunho smirks up at Yeosang, fingers still continuing their quick pace, “You gonna cum? Hmm? Feel how fucking tight she gets?” Yeosang’s hips stutter, his hands shaking against your skin, and god, he doesn’t want this to end, but he really, really wants to take you all for himself and fill you so everyone knows you’re his.

Yunho leans up to Yeosang, hot breath fanning against his ear and sending chills down his spine when his gentle hand runs along the fur of it, “Go on. She wants it all,” the retriever turns to you, “Don’t you, pup?”

You nod but Yeosang doesn’t take that for an answer, “Tell me how bad you want my pups,”

Your hands tremble against Yeosang, “S-so bad, Sangie, please, want you to fill me up.”

The idea of you swollen and heavy with their pups spurs them on. They both let out a shaky breath, before Yeosang fucks you harder than ever before and Yunho leans up to take all of your moans for himself. You can feel his hips grinding against the couch, the wet spot on his pants growing bigger and bigger. He’s your desperate, needy boy like always.

The sight of Yunho desperately and dumbly rocking his hips against whatever he can find and your tits bouncing is almost too much for Yeosang. He whines as he bottoms out inside you, his hips against yours attempting to reach the deepest part of you. You feel him coating your insides white, twitching inside of you as Yunho coos praise at you.

Yeosang is leaking out of you and there’s still more coming. You start to think he might’ve actually filled you to your capacity. Your body’s too hot now, looking down at Yeosang’s cock still balls-deep in you.

Yunho kisses the dreamy look off your face, “Such a good pup, milking Sangie for all he’s got,” his fingers card through your hair, “Say thank you.”

“Thank you, Sangie.” Your voice is trembling. Yeosang pulls out of you and the whine he lets out is completely involuntary. The sight of your cream-covered pussy is enough to get him ready for another round. He can’t get enough of you now, and he realizes why Yunho can’t be away from you for even one day.

You pipe up suddenly, “Yun, you didn’t get to-“

His tail wags frighteningly fast, “Oh no, I did. Twice.”

It’s hard having two insatiable beings tied to you, but you make it work.

[yuesya]

“Lyra! Have you seen the children anywhere?”

“The bunker.”

“Yes, but half of them are missing. I don’t… if any of them were caught up in another conflict, or ran into slavers…”

“… I’ll go take a look.”

Robin should’ve known better than to take her little sister’s words for what they were at face value.

It hadn’t occurred to her, at first. Robin had spent the rest of the day doing her best to help with the relief efforts, and soothe the rest of the worried children who were extremely distressed by their missing companions. The children of a war-torn world were resilient, but even resilience and concern for loved ones were not mutually exclusive.

In between carrying out her duties, Robin had done her best to search for the missing children, too, hoping that they didn’t wander into dangerous zones where small-scale conflicts were still taking place. There were also slavers to worry about. Men who circled these parts like greedy vultures, and Robin was worried.

Her worry continued to increase when Lyra remained conspicuously missing in their room that evening. But her concerns abated slightly, once she caught sight of a note tucked under their shared table lamp. It was good that Lyra was finally aware that she needed to be more proactive about–

Sister,

The missing children were taken by slavers, and shipped to a different planet. Going to get kidnapped to see where they’re going.

Be back in a few days.

–Lyra.

…

Shock and incredulity are her first reactions, before it’s followed by fond frustration. She can guess her little sister’s line of thought –Robin was concerned about the missing children, so Lyra would find them and bring them back so Robin wouldn’t worry anymore.

Did it somehow not occur to her feathery little mind that Robin would be worried for her, too?

Robin huffs, letting out a helpless little laugh.

Admittedly, she’s… a lot less worried for her sister than she is for the missing children. Even as a young child, the girl had always been very capable when it came to taking care of herself in face of physical dangers. Halovians generally weren’t fighters, not with their slender forms and brittle bones, but Lyra was an exception to the norm. It was why Sunday had, eventually, agreed to Robin’s itinerary –albeit very grudgingly and with great reluctance– when Lyra expressed curiosity in traveling along with her.

“Listen to Robin, alright?”

“Alright.”

… Robin wonders if the current predicament can be attributed to their brother’s parting words, somewhat.

She closes her eyes a moment longer, then reaches for her phone.

Right now, Robin has a missing little sister to find and corral in. Everything else can wait. 

[lucienarcheron]

Smokehounds & Surprises [ Eiris ]

Happy @erisweekofficial day four! What little surprise does Iris have in store for Eris to celebrate the Autumn Equinox? / This takes place in the Spirit Meets the Bones universe. / Find it also on AO3.

dividers by @tsunami-of-tears

“Must we?”

“Absolutely.”

“But —”

Iris shot her husband a look that immediately made him fall silent with a scowl. She tried not to smirk as she adjusted his emerald green-colored bowtie and then smoothed down his dress jacket.

“There. You look as dapper as ever.”

“And handsome, of course.”

“Well...”

Eris narrowed his eyes at his wife and she couldn’t help but laugh. “You look very handsome.” she corrected herself. 

“Don’t I always,” he said and Iris rolled her eyes before turning to give herself one last look in the mirror, smoothing down her loose curls and touching her simple gold crown. She, too, was dressed in an emerald green A-line gown. It was cinched at the waist with sleeves foiled in gold; the beading like scattered leaves. 

“Well.” Iris said again and turned back to find him scowling. She laughed softly, making her way to him, wrapping her arms around his waist. She rested her chin on his chest as she glanced up at him. “So sensitive, husband. Don’t worry, you are the most handsome. That's why I’m always staring at you.”

Eris hummed, wrapped his arms around her, and pulled her closer to him. “And here I thought you were staring at me trying to find the perfect place to bury your knife.”

Iris grinned. “I’m an excellent multitasker.” 

Eris chuckled then leaned in and placed a chaste kiss on her lips. “Well, you certainly are a vision, little gazelle,” he said, his voice dropping and Iris fought back a shiver. “Every day but especially today.” 

“You’re a very lucky male, aren’t you?”

“Indeed, I am.” he mused, his eyes darkening slightly as he licked his lips. “You sure there isn’t a way I can bribe you with one more round before we go? We can —”

“No.” she said and flushed, trying to pull away. “You’ll ruin my hair.”

“I can be careful,” he all but purred, tightening his grip instead. “Your hair does look best wrapped around my fist.”

Iris’s skin heated and she fought back a noise when his hand traced down her waist. Shooting him a stern look, she swatted at his arms until he released her with a smug smirk and Iris straightened, ignoring how flushed she felt.

“If you don’t behave, I won’t show you my surprise.” 

Eris pursed his lips, lifting a brow. He had never been one for surprises and though he’d gotten better at letting himself be excited by the prospect of them when Iris was the one granting him a surprise, it still wasn’t his favorite thing.

“You know I don’t like surprises.”

Iris finally pulled away with a hum and gave him one warning look before clapping her hands once. “Trust me, you’ll like this one.” she insisted and waved her hand. “Now close your eyes and wait here. No peeking!”

Eris rolled his eyes with a grunt but did as he was told and closed his eyes, crossing his arms across his chest. His finger began to tap on his arm as he waited and just as he was about to break the rules for a peek, Iris let out an airy giggle that made the corner of his mouth curl up, and he kept his eyes shut. 

“I don’t trust that giggle, wife. What are you up to?”

His wife snorted in response. “You’re so paranoid,” she said with a huff, and Eris’s brows furrowed when he heard their chamber door open, straightening. 

“Iris –” 

“Open your eyes!”

Eris braced himself with a sigh then opened his eyes and blinked rapidly at the sight.

All twelve of his traitor hounds sat in a neat line with Iris to their left, presenting them with a wave of her hand and a wide grin.

More importantly, all twelve hounds had matching bow ties or frilly bow collars in the same shade as his own tie, in the same shade as his wife’s dress. 

Eris felt his chest tighten as Iris held out a hand to Lyra and his head hound placed her paw in his wife’s hand.

“Happy Autumn, husband.” Iris said with a wide grin, holding Lyra’s paw and waving it at him. 

He couldn’t help his choked laugh, his heart feeling so stupidly full at Iris’s excitement, at the excitement coming from his hounds wagging their tails. “You have got to be joking.”

She let out a soft laugh, shimming her shoulders with a laugh. “Don’t they look lovely?” Iris turned to his smokehounds and waved a hand, letting go of Lyra’s paw. “Say happy autumn to your annoying father, my darlings.”

Iris watched as the hounds started howling as one then nearly tackled Eris in their excitement to be near him. Eris laughed and knelt, petting and cooing at each hound and her heart ached at the sight. She wanted to have this moment painted, and saved into memory. 

She wanted to kiss her stupid husband senselessly. 

Feeling her eyes on him, Eris met her gaze and knew his eyes had softened. All of him always softened around her and it both thrilled him to know he could be this way and embarrassed him endlessly.

“This was unexpected.”

“Dare I say…a surprise?” 

Eris’s expression flattened and Iris let out a laugh that had his own lips twitching as he stood and the hounds made way for him to walk towards her, crowding around them.

“Keep being cheeky and you won’t get your autumn equinox gift from me, wife.”

Iris gave a playful gasp as Eris pulled her into him again. “You’d deny me a gift after my lovely surprise?”

Eris pursed his lips, fighting a smile as she grinned at him then huffed out a small laugh. “We both know that I cannot deny you anything, unfortunately.” 

“Smart male,” she said and leaned in to place a quick kiss on his lips. “With it being the autumn equinox, I figured it was time for a new tradition.” She lifted her chin with a smile. “By order of me, your very lovely wife.”

“New traditions for the new season, hm?

“Yes. The puppies must be included in our color choices.”

Eris glanced down at said puppies jumping and running around their feet, their excited howls filling the room. “Regardless of how I feel, it seems you and the pups are in agreement.”

“Naturally.”

“Then who am I to fight tradition?” he asked and before Iris could say anything else, Eris’s lips were on hers, sealing their new tradition with a kiss of approval. 

[timetravellibrarian]

Zoro x reader

Soulmate AU

Summary: A man seeks to follow his dreams, following only the path his swords carve for him and wherever his crew goes. Little does he know that the missing piece in his life, his soulmate whom he doesn't admit that he tries to seek would end up in a love-hate relationship.

Chapter Two

_________________________________________

"Your Grace. I present to you, Prince Cassius of the Arkand." The royal Stewart announced.

You sat beside your older sisters. Your brothers sitting beside your father. Being the middle child of five children really put you in the position to get married off, seeing as there was no hope of gaining the throne.

Prince Cassius' escorts had entered the grand throneroom. They came in with a flurry of green and blue, representative of their kingdom's dominant colours.

You were surprised at how they managed to fit a large elephant carrying the said prince, it's back decorated with soft rugs and golden jewels. Your eyes went up and met with fiery brown ones, his smile breaking out at the sight of you scanning his features. Dark hair with skin kissed by the sun. It was a mystery to you on how he hadn't been married years earlier even if he was the same age if not a bit older than you.

The elephant stopped in front of the throne and the prince slid down the elephant without any hassle as though he usually did so daily. The rest of his people followed behind as he walked up to the steps that led to where the royals sat and bowed.

There was a small silence as your father looked over towards your future husband and his parade. He stood up, leading everyone present to stamd up.

"It is an honour to have you present." Your father said, his eyes still cold yet welcoming.

"No your majesty, it is my honour," The prince replied with a silky voice, his eyes glancing at you before a small smirk graced his features," You have allow us to take care of one of the many flowers in your beautiful garden."

You quirked an eyebrow in thought, 'Do I go through photosynthesis too?'

"We hope to nurture and care for her as much as you and your kingdom have, if not, more."

Your father chuckled," I am glad to hear that, bit for now, onto the celebrations. I hear your father may come in later since he's handling another matter."

"He will Your Grace, and he sends his regards as well as apologies for being late."

Your father nodded before gesturing to your kingdom's stewart," Lead them to the dining hall. They had a long journey, they must be hungry."

Soon the visitors from Arkland had followed the man. Their servants heading out to place the large and cute elephant somewhere it could rest. Your father made his way with your mother in hand. Your brother's trailing behind with their own swagger. Your sisters taking a glance at you with a small smile before heading to the dining hall.

Lyra almost seemed to magically appear beside you as you walked," So, what do you think?"

You looked at her," Judging by the fact that he looks like God took his time to make him and that he only gets a wife now, I may be dealing with either a hoe or a Draco Malfoy."

"Actually your highness, people of Arkland are only allowdyto marry from the moment they reach 18. He's had two years to find a wife and only now accepts a partner. " Lyra stated.

"Still doesn't change the–"

"I also hear that he's one of the many who don't have a soulmate mark. Rumours speculate that whoever it would have been must've died long before he could meet them."

Your eyes widened in shock and a bit of empathy started to form withing your heart. How much it like to not have known or felt a soulmate mark on your body. No red string, no tattoo, no initial..

"Well, maybe I'll be a bit kinder then." Your hand went to the sting you felt in the initial on your wrist, pulse beating through it. 'What if whoever they are is hurt?'

The thougt had come one evening when the supposed initial had seemed to fade a bit but now it was darker than it was.

_________________________________________

Zoro had enough. Not only did he feel a weird sense pulsating through his body, hos eyes were searching around for where everyone went. It felt like he was going in circles.

In truth he was lost trying to find where the Arlong Pirates were. Again. Nami had set him free and now that the truth about her having saved Ussop from dying at the hands of the fishmen reviving everyone's hope to save her. But his navigational skills were nonexistent so he resolved to finding someone he knew.

He caught sight of Sanji lighting one of his cigarettes. Approaching the cook he saw Luffy in the distance, without his hat. Nami beside him.

'Im guessing it's time to fight, properly.'

He disregarded the feel of his wounds aching after his fight with Mihawk a few days ago. Now was not the time to lick wounds. It was time to save a friend.

_________________________________________

@mythicallystupid

@mars-mizuko

[hugmekenobi]

S2: The Bad Batch (3)

Chapter Three: Undercover

Gif by @kamino-coruscant

Hunter x femaleJedi!reader

Series Summary: Some time has passed since everything that happened at Kamino and you and the Batch are trying to figure out your place in the rapidly changing Imperial galaxy. And you're having to do all this whilst figuring out where your relationship with Hunter fits into it.

Chapter Summary: A mission assigned to you by Cid sees you and Hunter make some grounds in your relationship.

Masterlist for S1

<Previous Chapter

Genre: Friends (idiots) to Lovers (we're in the lovers stage now)

Chapter Warnings: Not a Crosshair episode (his later episodes will be covered though)! No show plot here, Cid being Cid, bad flirting/flirting to manipulate, having to deal with unwanted advances, mentions of drinking, swearing, suggestive dialogue, semi-public moment of PDA (kissing in an alleyway), mild panic attack description, unwelcomed pet names, welcomed pet names (honey), protectiveness from both these two, doubts and insecurities coming to the surface, Hunter gets a bit carried away (but is a respectful king and stops), angst, fluff and feelings, hurt/comfort, implied mention of Hunter's advanced senses, SMUT (heavy kissing, biting/marking, non explicit descriptions of handjobs and unprotected PinV (be safe in reality please), mentions of oral (f) receiving and fingering, teasing, Hunter doesn't know how to be vulnerable but reader takes care of him this time round, body and general worship)

Word Count: 6.9K

Author's notes: Okay it's here! Apologies for how long it took, I really did struggle with this one but I hope you all enjoy it! Thank you @keep-calm-and-drink-caf cause your advice was very helpful! And thank everyone for your patience! I am on holiday with the fam so Ch4 may be a bit of a longer wait to but I will try to find some sneaky writing time lol

Things were peaceful in Cid’s parlour. Cid had reluctantly let you guys have fewer missions since Tech was out of commission, but you could tell she was waiting for the day he made a full recovery, a day that Tech had assured the rest of you would be very soon. Echo and Wrecker were at the bar and your head rested on Hunter’s shoulder- a more comfortable feat since his armour was off- and the two of you watched Omega and Tech play a game of Dejarik. The peace was soon broken though by a recognisable voice.

“I got it!” Lyra announced as she came through the door, case in hand.

You lifted your head and looked quizzically over at her. “Got what? What are you doing here, Lyra? Not that I’m not happy to see you but…”

Lyra stopped short. “Cid didn’t tell you?”

“Tell me what?”

“Oh uh… I’m sorry, I thought you knew.”

“Knew what?”

“Your next mission. I’m tired of you lot just lazing around here. Time you made some cash.”

You all turned to face Cid as she came back into the main parlour from her office.

“Tech’s not-” Hunter started to say.

“He’s not essential. I’ve found a mission he can help with from here. It just relies on her.” Cid interrupted and she pointed at you.

“Me?” You replied, crossing your arms.

“I can come back…” Lyra said uneasily.

“No, we need that. I didn’t pay you for a social visit.” Cid said sharply.

Lyra walked over to you and handed you the case, an apologetic smile on her face.  

You opened the case and stared at the bundle of fabric, shoes, and jewellery with suspicion.  “What exactly am I supposed to be doing?” You lifted the dress out and your eyes widened.

“Cid, what is this mission?” Hunter asked warily.

“My client needs some intel on the… business activities of a man on the other side of the city. He’s having a party tonight and you’re the way in.” Cid said to you before she addressed the others. “You lot aren’t even needed. It’s easy money.”

“No.” Hunter replied instantly.

“Yeah, sorry, not really sold on that.” You said as you pushed the case away. “My social skills in that department aren’t exactly well developed.”

Cid just rolled her eyes. “All you need to do it get his attention and download his records. Clearly, you got some skill in that area.” She added snidely as she looked from you to Hunter.

You glared at her.

Cid raised her hands to pacify you. “Look, you got the gear right here and there are easy credits to be taken. Goggles can give you something, so he doesn’t even need to go. Right?” She directed her question to Tech.

“Technically… yes.” He replied reluctantly. He knew you well enough to tell you weren’t thrilled with the idea and the look on Hunter’s face also told him that he wasn’t either.

“Come on. I’d owe ya.” Cid pleaded. “You’d be doing us all a solid.”

You sighed heavily and ignored Hunter’s head shake. “Alright. Fine. Lyra, care to help me out with this get up?”

“You got it!” Lyra took the case from you and the two of you went into the back to change.

--

You shed your limited armour and got to work.

“I really am sorry about this. Cid just told me she needed you to look the part, she never mentioned the fact you didn’t know. I shouldn’t have assumed you did.” Lyra said as she kept her back turned.

“It’s classic Cid. She only told you what she deemed to be the necessary information. That often turns out to be manipulated truth or the bare minimum so don’t worry about it.” You appeased. You finished pulling on the dress. You glanced down and analysed your appearance. “Fuck me, Lyra. Exactly what part am I supposed to be playing?”

Lyra turned around and took you in. The floor length dark red fabric suited and fitted you perfectly and the slit was just high enough to grab attention but keep room for eager discovery.  “Okay, I know there was a bit of misinformation but damn I’m good at my job.”

“I want to catch his eye, not an STD.” You adjusted the straps self-consciously. It was a far cry from Jedi robes or civilian clothes and armour. You had seen the get up senators would don, and you were sure even they wouldn't go for something this bold.

“Well, I should hope actually sleeping with him is off the table. Plus, looking good isn’t an open invitation.”

You heaved an irritated sigh. “I know that and of course sleeping with him isn’t going to happen, but that’s not the point. No doesn’t always mean no to some people.” You said gravely as you passed her the necklace.

“It’s a good thing you know a thing or two about fighting then.” Lyra provided by way of comfort as she clasped it. “Plus, there’s no way your man is going to let anything happen to you if it gets bad.”

Her words, in a strange way, did reassure you. You knew you could handle yourself, regardless of the situation and yes, there would be no way Hunter would let you go it alone on this sort of mission, but you hadn’t realised that would be such an obvious conclusion for an outsider. “What makes you think he’s coming with me?”

Lyra just paused what she was doing and gave you a look that screamed ‘seriously?’

You half smiled. You figured the two of you weren’t as subtle as you thought when you were in the more public domain. “Yeah, you’re right.”

“You look the part. Embrace the role and you’ll be just fine.”

“This just isn’t something I’m used to.” You mumbled as you continued to fiddle with the fabric.

“Didn’t you ever have to attend any balls or play dress up as a kid?” She asked as she batted your hands away.

“It was never on the cards for me.” You muttered. You still hadn’t told her the full extent of your past and you intended to keep it that way. For her sake more than anything.

“Hmm well that’s unfortunate cause you’d fit right in. Final touch.” Lyra added as she handed you a small bag. She looked you up and down. “Anyone who doesn’t do a double take when they see you is an idiot. This is going to be your easiest mission yet.”

“I can only hope.” You muttered as you made your way back out.

“Your sergeant is going to struggle to control himself.” Lyra teased as she followed you.

“Shut up.”

--

“Oh wow! You look really pretty!” Omega exclaimed as she tore her gaze away from the Dejarik board.

Hunter, who had replaced Tech for the next match, turned around at her words and he practically gulped. Pretty was an understatement. You damn near took his breath away and he couldn’t find the words to express how beautiful you looked.

Wrecker sent a playful wolf whistle in your direction, giving you an encouraging smile and thumbs up as you looked over at him.

Echo nodded his head in casual agreement at the sentiments expressed already.

“Thank you.” You said, a tad bashfully before you wandered over to where Tech was sitting. “What do you have for me, Tech?”

“Here.” Tech said, not looking up from his datapad as he handed you the drive.

“Thanks.” You walked back over to stand by Lyra.

“What do ya think Sergeant?” Lyra called over to Hunter.

You’d been avoiding his stare for a reason but now you couldn’t help but look over to him as you heard Lyra address him. Your breath caught in your throat as you saw the way Hunter was staring at you and suddenly this mission seemed very low on the priority list and finding a private space became your brain’s main focus.

Hunter cleared his throat. “You’re perfect.” The quiet awe infused utterance was all he could manage because anything else would be inappropriate for general audiences.

“Told you.” Lyra whispered as she nudged your arm. The guy was staring at you like he was willing to get on his knees and worship you the second you gave the word.

You were too entranced by his gaze to pay her words any real attention.

“Good luck.” Lyra said as a farewell.

“Thanks for your help, Lyra.” You said distantly as you registered her leave your side, but your eyes never left Hunter’s.

“Yeah, yeah, you’re wearing a dress, big whoop. Can we get to the important part?” Cid said impatiently before she brought up a hologram.

Cid’s bluntness gave you the required shock you needed to focus on the task at hand. “Who’s the target?” You asked as you crossed your arms and stared at the image of the man.

“His name is Taryn Franco. He’s in the spice smuggling business and is doing remarkably well despite the Imperial presence in the regular smuggling channels. Your job is to find out how he’s manging to do so well.” Cid directed as she brought up a map of the location.

“You want me to get his shipping routes?” You clarified as you studied the map. It really couldn’t be that simple. 

“Yup. Told you it was an easy job.”

“I’m waiting for the catch.”

“The catch is you gotta make him notice you, other than that, the only thing you need to do is a bit of downloading.”

“Once you get a visual on the records, insert that drive and you’ll have the necessary information in two minutes.” Tech added.

“Got it.” You replied as you slipped the datastick into your bag. “How are we getting in? I’m assuming we’re not on the guest list.”

“You’ll have to figure that one out.” Cid said frankly.

You huffed out an irritated sigh. “An easy job would mean we had a way in in the first place.” You griped.

“Be resourceful, it’s not my problem. You better get going.” Cid said dismissively.

“Be safe!” Omega said as she gave you a hug goodbye.

Tech, Echo, and Wrecker waved you off, echoing Lyra’s message of good luck.

You didn’t even need to ask him. As soon as you walked away from Cid, Hunter stood up and followed you out the door and together the two of you made your way to the Marauder, the tension between you palpable and ready to snap at any moment. You just needed to keep it together for a little while longer.

--

“We can pretend I’m your guard as you look for the target. That way I can keep a look out.” Hunter said as you both walked down the ramp of the ship and moved towards the building all lit up and the one that had music blaring from the door and windows.

You grabbed his wrist and tugged him into a nearby alley. “You can’t come in with me.”

“Why not?” Hunter asked with a frown.

“Because the way you’re looking at me right now is making me want to ditch this whole thing and go back to the ship.” You said as you let out a shaky breath.

Hunter really didn’t see the issue with that. He knew you both weren’t enthusiastic about this. “Let’s go then.” He uttered as his hand traced the slit of your dress.

“Hunter.” You chastised as you pushed his hand away. You were having to use a considerable amount of self-restraint. It would be so easy to just blow this whole thing off and Hunter was making it a very tempting idea. He somehow looked even better without his armour on tonight. “Cid’ll kill us, and we need the money. I’ll be quick. In and out, there won’t be trouble but if you enter with me, that’ll make my job ten times harder because it wouldn’t take a genius to figure out our feelings towards each other.”

Hunter nodded in tentative agreement. He knew he would struggle to see you in this environment, and he knew you were right, but he wasn’t going to let you go it alone. He’d go insane. “Okay, I’ll leave you to it, but I’ll come in after you and keep my distance. You need someone to watch your back. ‘No trouble’ isn’t exactly how our missions tend to go.” He offered as a compromise.

“Fine.” You agreed. “I’ll deal with the bouncer to get us in, so we better get moving. Sooner we’re in, the sooner we can leave. And then we can have some time to ourselves.” You added with a sly grin as you nudged past him.

Hunter caught the top of your arm. “If you take less than 30 minutes, I’ll finally let you use the scarf.” He whispered, his lips ghosting behind the shell of your ear.

The tension chord had well and truly snapped. You released a heavy breath. You don’t play fair. With that, you turned your head and kissed him, and you both groaned in relief.

Hunter was quick to assert his dominance as he pushed you against the wall, his hand coming to rest behind your head so as to protect it before he moved it to your waist. Your appreciative moan only helped him deepen the kiss.  

The kiss was desperate, each of you hungry for more but you both were just about resisting the urge to give into what your bodies really wanted to do but the longer the two of you kissed, the harder it got to defy.

It was your hands that betrayed you first. Yours had started to wander down Hunter’s chest whilst the other tangled itself in his hair. His had stayed on your waist and the other had slipped under the fabric and had started to caress the inside of your thigh and was steadily moving upward. So, you really had to pull back before you did get too carried away.

You both let out disgruntled sighs as you broke the kiss first.

“I am going to get that information so fast.” You replied breathlessly as Hunter let you go. You knew that moment was a bad idea as it only served to rile you up more, but you really couldn’t help yourself. You smoothed your dress down to regain your composure.

Hunter focused on getting his breathing under control. “Be careful. I’ll see you in there.”

--

“Invitation?” The bouncer asked as he held his hand out as you approached.

You channelled the Force and covertly waved your hand. “You don’t need to see my invitation.”

“I don’t need to see your invitation.” He replied, his voice distant.

“Me and the man that’ll come after me can enter without one.”

“You and the man that’ll come after you can enter without one.” He replied faintly.

You opened the door. You’re good to go, Sarge. With that, you stepped inside where the sound of music and people’s voices talking over it greeted you.

Hunter made to move once he got confirmation from you that he was in the clear.

“Have a good evening, sir.” The guard said with a nod.

Hunter didn’t reply, he just wandered in and set about finding you.

--

Maker it was loud in here. And hot. And it reeked of sweat. Hunter thought as he pushed his way past people in his search for you. He was very uncomfortable, everything was too loud, including his own heartbeat, and he knew his breathing was growing unsteady. He found a slightly quieter corner and he took some calming breaths as he scanned the area for you.

--

It hadn’t taken you long to find to find your host. He was at the bar eye-fucking anyone that walked past. Before you could make your move, you sensed Hunter’s Force signature, but it was filled with stress and anxiety. You projected your own calm onto him. Honey, listen to me. I know it’s loud and I know it’s crowded but focus on your breathing, focus on my voice. Breathe in and count to 5 and breath out and count to 5. We’ll be out of here soon. If you need to leave, you can, I’ll find you when I’m done. You had to fight the urge to go find him and you wished with all your heart that you could comfort him properly, but this was the best you could manage.

You made yourself focus on the job at hand and swallowed down the bile that threatened to rise in your throat at the thought of having to interact with Taryn, but you knew it needed to be done. You straightened your back and channelled an alternate version of yourself that would be able to succeed at this.

You slid into the space next to Taryn and pretended to analyse the choices behind the bar. When you felt his eyes on you, you turned to face him. “So many choices, care to help a girl out? You look like a man who knows a good drink.” You simpered.

Taryn looked you up and down and he liked what he saw. “You got a good eye, doll. Stick with me tonight and I’ll make sure you get only the best. Both in drink, and in company.”

The look he’d given you was the same one he’d been giving everyone else tonight and you very nearly left right then and there but you needed the credits. You forced yourself to lay a hand on his arm. “How could I refuse such an offer?”

He shouted an order over to the droid behind the bar. He handed you a drink and held his own glass up and took a hold of your hip and tugged you closer to him. “Cheers, baby.”

Biting back your grimace, you gave him a fake smile and clinked your glass with his. This would definitely be unpleasant, but it would be very easy to get what you wanted.

--

Hunter released a deep breath. Your words had helped him calm down and he was ready to wait it out but now he was having to keep it together for different reasons. He had spotted you at the bar and had to witness Taryn’s hand crawling all over your thigh, squeezing it and tracing a path from your knee right up the slit of the dress and Hunter knew you and your body well enough to tell that, despite your apparent enthusiasm, you were hating every touch. He only hoped you didn’t have to put up with it for much longer. In addition to this, Taryn kept having people come over to talk to him and each one gave you an admiring stare and would start chatting to you too and you made talking to them look so easy. If he didn’t know you as well as he did, he would’ve assumed you were a regular here.

--

All the interruptions had been driving you crazy. You needed to get this done before someone else came over and you had to feign interest in their seedy business activities and entertain their creepy flirtations. You waved off the newest arrival before you turned your attention back to Taryn. “So, I keep hearing from you and all these people about how well you’re doing, and I must say it’s very impressive. From what I’ve heard, the Empire has been making people’s operations quite difficult. How are you managing to avoid them?” You asked, fake in your admiring tone.

“Well, when you know the right people and have a great business brain like mine, it’s very easy.” He boasted.

“Hmm handsome and smart. How’d I get so lucky?” You flirted.

“Wearing a dress like that certainly helps.”

You resisted the very strong urge to roll your eyes in disgust. “So, can I see how that business brain of yours operates? I’d sure love a peek of your records.”

Taryn shot you a quizzical look. “Why would you want to see my transactions?”

You had to think quickly so you went for the reason you figured would make him forget any lingering questions in his head. “It really gets me going.” You murmured in his ear whilst your hand toyed with the lapel of his jacket. You hated yourself for it, but you knew you wouldn’t be able to keep up the charade much longer.

“Say no more, babydoll.” He downed his drink and grabbed your hand and led you to his back office.

--

To say you were underwhelmed by what you saw would be an understatement. All he did was bribe certain Imperial officials and put his shipments out on the days they were on shift.

“How’s that for a turn on?” He said, mouthing at you neck whilst his hands started to pull your dress up.

You cringed away from his touch. “Before we do that, can you get me another drink?”

You saw the flash of annoyance on his face, and you figured he wasn’t used to people refusing his advances all that often, but you needed him out. “I’ll make it worth your while.” You murmured, batting your eyelashes.

Taryn practically sprinted out the room.

You wiped your neck in revulsion and got to work. “Great business brain my ass.” You said to yourself as you inserted the drive, and it began its download.

--

You managed to get out without being spotted by Taryn and you found Hunter in no time.

“You okay?” Hunter asked instantly, breathing in relief as he saw you in front of him once more.

“Feeling gross but I got the information and yeah, I’m okay. Are you?” You asked.

“He didn’t force-”

“No, I dealt with any attempt, and he didn’t get far.” You replied quickly, not wanting to even let his mind wander down that path. “Are you okay?” You asked again.

“Yeah, I got better after hearing you.”

“I’m sorry about this whole thing. I know it wasn’t easy on you.”

“Or you.” Hunter added. “You were put in an uncomfortable situation and did what you had to do. You were looking out for the squad by doing this. You don’t have to apologise for that. I’m just sorry this was the kinda job you were handed, it wasn’t fair.”

You gave him a grateful smile. “Wanna get out of here?”

Hunter nodded, but he wasn’t able to shake the voice in his head that was bringing up every illogical doubt as weaved his hand in yours and together, you snuck out the party and headed back to the ship.

--

You had scarcely boarded the Marauder when Hunter backed you into the wall of the hallway and began to kiss you. You dropped your bag that contained the stolen information and let out a surprised gasped which he used as a chance to intensify it. You were lightheaded when he pulled away, but he didn’t give you a chance to recover since he lifted your thigh and slotted himself in between your legs and started to kiss along your jaw and neck.

He breathed you in but the things that made you you weren’t there anymore. They were tainted with something wrong and unfamiliar, and he couldn’t stand it.

The way he nipped at your jaw and neck stung and his grip on you was sore and not the pleasurable kind. It told you there was more to this than simple possessiveness. Something was bothering him. The atmosphere between you now was different to how it was before you had entered the party. “Hunter, stop for a minute.” You said through a gasp as his fingers dug into your thigh in a way that was sure to leave bruises- and not the good kind- if he continued to do it.

Hunter stopped immediately and pulled away from you. Seeing the concern in your eyes snapped him out of whatever mood he was in. “I’m sorry. I don’t know what happened. I didn’t mean to hurt you.”

“You didn’t.” You reassured him quickly. “But what’s going on? That was… different. You don’t usually get like that.”

“I know, I know. I’m so sorry.” He went to step away from you.

You assumed things had gone too far with Taryn. You grabbed his hand and tugged him back towards you. “He wasn’t going to get far. He doesn’t even hold a candle to you. I didn’t mean the things I said to him. I don’t understand-”

“It wasn’t just him.” Hunter interrupted quietly as his hand fell to your waist.

“What are you talking about?” You asked softly, running your hand through the hair at the nape of his neck to comfort him.

“Everyone there was looking at you. Everyone. And you fit there. You looked like you belonged. Not with criminals.” He clarified hastily as he saw your brow furrow. “But with people that have something to offer that isn’t just scraping by from one job to the next. And I think it all got too much. You- You could have anyone you wanted. You could have a life for yourself and instead you chose this. You chose us. You chose me. I guess… I guess I just struggle sometimes believing you’re still here. But it’s nothing you’ve done; I just can’t get the voice in my head to shut up and it’s not your fault or your issue. I shouldn’t have taken it out on you like that.” He turned away from you.

Your heart went out to him. You knew it would have taken a lot for him to admit that. So often he was a sergeant first and person with real emotions second. He rarely let his guard down like this. Clearly, your conversation after the last mission didn’t soothe all the insecurities that had built. You knew Crosshair leaving would have left scars, but you didn’t think they ran this deep. You cupped the side of his face and caressed your thumb across his cheekbone. “Well, I’m glad I seem to possess such an acting talent because I was fighting every instinct to not show my disgust at the people there.” You said lightly before you continued in a more serious tone. “Hunter, I am with you 100%, I don’t even think about what my life would be like if I didn’t meet you guys or if I didn’t fall in love with you because it gets too upsetting.” You pulled him in for a hug and held him close. “People leaving doesn’t mean you failed or missed something, sometimes people make decisions that hurt but the great thing about choice is that it can also leave room for future change, you just have to be patient.” You soothed.

He knew what you were saying about yourself was true and he could only hope that what you were saying about his brother was also true. “I love you.” Hunter murmured into your neck. “I’m sorry.”

“I know. I love you too and that’s not going to change.”

Hunter met your eyes once more.

You placed a delicate kiss on to his lips before you pulled away and rubbed your thumb tenderly across his jaw. “Now, to shut that voice up, here’s what we’re going to do.”

Hunter tilted his head at you.

“First, I’m going to take a shower which you are going to join me for.” You crooned as you pushed back part of the scarf and gently bit the skin by his pulse point and sucked a bruise into the skin.

Hunter stifled his groan but his hold on you tightened.

“Then...” You kissed along his jaw, pausing before you reached his lips. “I’m going to both show and tell you all the things that make me happy that I get to call you mine.” You whispered before you kissed him. It lasted for a few minutes before you broke away for air.

“Sounds good to me.” Hunter rasped as he got his breath back.

You smiled at him and began the process of undressing him, a task you took great pleasure and care in before you slipped off your dress and the two of you made your way to the refresher.

--

It wasn’t a completely innocent shower, he still had to work his emotions out, but he was back to his usual self in that regard, and it wasn’t lost on you that the marks he’d left on your thighs and neck were in the places that Taryn had touched you. When he’d used his mouth and his fingers to bring you that sweet release, not once but twice, you’d decided to wrap things up in there. You cleaned each other up and after you turned off the water, you grabbed his hand and led him out the refresher. You didn’t bother to dry off and neither did he. You tenderly pushed him down onto your bunk, so he was sitting but you made no move to follow just yet. Instead, you took him in, and the way he looked had you weak at the knees. Droplets of water were scattered across his tanned skin that were just begging to be kissed away, and his dark hair fell flawlessly around his face and the necklace you had given him sat just past his collarbone. “You’re the one who’s perfect.” You said, your voice barely above a whisper.

Hunter swallowed heavily. “Well, genetics had a helping hand.” He kidded awkwardly as he felt himself growing warm under the intensity of your stare and your words didn’t help. In these particular situations, it was usually him who was the attention giver. This was a new, more vulnerable position for him to be in and it wasn’t one he was used to. But he trusted you and that’s what really mattered here. He reached for you.

Sensing some unease, you let him pull you onto his lap. Your hands found his shoulders whilst his cradled the side of your neck and your waist. You brought your lips, so they were mere inches from his. “Do you know you only have to walk into a room, and I’m left thinking when I’ll have the next chance to be alone with you?”

A low groan left Hunter’s throat and he made the decision to close the remaining distance between you.

Your hands moved to tangle themselves in his damp locks and your slick bodies and lips moved together in perfect sync, the passion and intensity between you never faltered. You only removed yourself to get air, but you didn’t leave him wanting. You pulled on his hair slightly, so his head fell back and more of his neck was exposed to you.

“You did take less than 30 minutes today…” Hunter managed to choke out as you licked away the water on the side of his neck and nipped at the skin.

You smirked to yourself and trailed your lips softly across his collarbone. “Someone’s eager. I’m reserving that for a later date. I told you; we’re doing things differently tonight.” With that, you nudged him to lie on his back and you reached your hand between you. Your mouth hovered above his and you savoured the short, sharp breaths that left him at your ministrations. Focus on my voice. Focus on my touch. Nothing else matters. It’s just you and me. You need me to stop, tell me and I will, okay?

Hunter nodded.

So as things weren’t going to be over before you had said all you needed to, you were ensuring that your movements were enough to satisfy any longing he was experiencing, but it wasn’t enough to fully satisfy him yet. His mildly frustrated grunts and the way his hips were trying to buck into your touch told you though that he wasn’t quite getting the patience memo yet. You pressed your mouth against his. “Ssshh.” You ordered softly. “I got you.”

Hunter looked into your eyes, and he saw something in them that he knew was reflected in his every time he looked at you. The loving way you were looking at him had something so pure and unfiltered behind it. He took a deep breath and relaxed under your touch.

When you felt the tension leave his body, you began. You kissed his untattooed cheek and kept your voice low but there was no hiding the sincere way you spoke to him now. “I love how you look out for us and how protective you are.”

You nudged his nose with yours and kissed the bridge of it. “I love how kind and caring you are.”

“I love how you are with Omega.” You kissed his other cheek.

“I love when you let yourself be vulnerable and that wall comes down.” You kissed behind his ear.

“I love watching you track. I love how you capable you are.” You kissed right by his hairline.

“Your hair not only looks beautiful on you, but I love how you let me pull on it when you’re making me see stars and I need to be grounded.” You didn’t miss the deep groan that left him when you used your free hand to tug on it so you could leave more marks on the other side of his neck that had been without your attention since this had started.

You found his mouth once more and kissed him deeply, lovingly. I love that you know what to say to reassure me. You continued to kiss him, upping the intensity as you did so. An act you knew he appreciated due to the way he cradled the side of your jaw. You let him have a moment of control as he licked into your mouth, drawing a small moan from you. Plus, you know exactly how to drive me wild. You included and you grinned against his mouth as you pulled away slightly to allow you both to breathe. You started to pay his jawbone some care. You laid soft kisses along it.

Slowly but surely, Hunter was starting to forget the outside world for a while. You were being so affectionate and loving and he found himself believing all you were saying. That usual voice that would tell him he was failing, or he was losing you was starting to fade into the background. He caressed your sides and continued to do what you had said at the beginning. You were what he was focusing on now.

You started to kiss your way down his chest, gently biting and sucking the skin and your hand skimmed over the necklace that sat there perfectly. I love how good this looks on you and it means so much to me that you wear it and I love you for it.

Your hand trailed up and down his arm. “I love how secure I feel in these arms when they hold me. Or when you show off how strong you are.” You added playfully before you brought his hand to your mouth and traced your mouth across his wrist before you kissed his palm. “I love how these hands play with a vibroblade. And how talented they are in… other areas.” You teased and you increased the pace of the hand that was between you, relishing in the pleasurable sigh that left Hunter’s mouth.

Hunter knew he was reaching that point of blissful ecstasy. You had driven him crazy but in the best possible way, however, this wasn’t how he wanted things to end. “W-wait.” Hunter said hastily as he grabbed your wrist to stop you.

You tilted your head at him.

“I need-” He swallowed thickly. “I need to feel you.”

You gave him a warm smile and brought your mouth against his. “And what exactly do you want to feel?” You murmured against his lips.

You left him chasing your mouth and instead took his hand once more and brought his finger to your mouth and sucked, emitting a seductive moan as you did so, and your teeth grazed the tip of his finger. “Do you want my mouth?”

“Shit.” Hunter gasped.

“Or is there something else…” You trailed off and ground against him.

A strangled groan left Hunter’s mouth. “Pl-please.” He rasped.

“Please what, Sergeant?” You said alluringly, not letting up on the slow, steady grind of your hips. You kissed him and tugged his bottom lip between your teeth.

“Fucking hell.” He said through clenched teeth, his head fell back down onto the pillow. “I need- I need to be inside you.” He said, knowing he somehow sounded shy, but he was so desperate for you that he didn’t care.

Finding his demeanour rather endearing and as a sign that you’d done your job, his mind didn’t seem as preoccupied anymore and having pushed him far enough and not really wanting to leave him wanting, you lifted your hips. You quieted his groans with your kiss as you started to move with both of your breathing quickly becoming irregular. Force you feel perfect.

Hunter couldn’t help the noises that were leaving him. You looked positively ethereal, he couldn’t take his eyes off you, and you felt incredible. Your words and comfort had helped to ground him, and he knew he was so lucky to have you. He drank in the pleasurable sighs that were coming from you and they were tipping him over that edge.

You had teased him long enough and you could tell he was close by the low moans that left his throat and the way his hold on your hips had tightened that but that wasn’t a problem. Your priority now was his pleasure. His release. And you did everything you could to get him there. You kissed him. You nibbled his earlobe and his pulse point. “I love you, Hunter.” You whispered breathlessly and then you felt him fall apart beneath you. You worked him through it, and it was only when he lightly tapped your hip that you stopped.

You planted light, sweet kisses along his neck and jaw and admired the many love bites you had left in your wake. Still with me, Sarge?

Hunter struggled to find any words. You had made him seen stars and he was still coming back down from the surreal experience you had just provided him, but he was aware enough to know you weren’t taken care of yet, something he was not used to. “You didn’t-”

You stroked the shorter strands on his hair back to silence him as you laid down next to him. “I did. Twice. Right in that shower if you remember. This was about you.”

Hunter let out a disgruntled grunt but accepted it as he kissed your brow. “I love you too.”

“How’s that voice?” You asked quietly as you tossed a leg over his hip so as to get even closer to him.

“What voice?” Hunter whispered in reply as he rested his head on top of yours.

You hummed out a laugh and closed your eyes.

In all the peace, you both had forgotten about the group of people waiting on your return. Your abandoned comms chirped and then Echo’s voice filled the empty space. “(Y/N), Hunter, it’s been a while. What’s your status?”

You and Hunter both groaned but smiled at each other as you sat up.

You reached down and grabbed your comm. “Sorry, Echo. Took a bit longer than expected. We got the data and we’re heading back now.”

“Copy that.” He signed off.

“Kinda forgot the whole point of why we were here in the first place.” Hunter said lightly as he kissed the top of your shoulder.

“I mean, that was the idea.” You said with a coy smile as you angled yourself to face him. “We better get going.” You kissed him quickly once more before you grabbed your dress and slipped it back on with Hunter following close behind.

“If you don’t want any brotherly teasing or awkwardness, you’re uh, going to need to wear this before we get back.” Hunter said apologetically as he examined the marks he’d left on your neck. He hadn’t been too careful about his placements this time around.

You tutted playfully at him as you took his scarf from him and wrapped it around you. “Better?”

 “You make anything look good.” Hunter said by way of reply.

You grinned at him. “Let’s this ship in the air.” You started to walk to the cockpit.

“Hey, (Y/N).”

You turned back around to face him.

“Thank you. For all of it. I- I try so hard to be in control and keep it together. It was nice to not be for a change.”

You made your way back towards him and wrapped your arms around him, sighing happily when he held you tightly against his chest.

“We’re getting the hang of this relationship thing.” You said jokingly before you angled yourself to look at him. “You can share the load, Hunter. You’re not alone.” You said, your tone more serious.

“I know.” Hunter agreed, really believing it this time.

--

As the ship made its way back, Hunter felt a true sense of calm that he hadn’t felt in a while. There would still be uncertainties and he still had his squad to look after but one thing was now certain in his mind: you were it for him. He could face the unpredictable galaxy and protect what he loved with you by his side. He wouldn’t let that doubt creep in and take over like that again. He had you. He had his squad. That wouldn’t change. It couldn’t change. He wouldn’t let it.

Next Chapter>

Tagging: @noeasyisnoisy, @tpwkcalli, @fuckoffthanos, @arctrooper69, @graciexmarvel, @flyingkangaroo, @nightmonkeysstuff, @brujaporfavor, @a-streakofazure, @ladytano420, @dragonrider9905, @keep-calm-and-drink-caf, @yyourmotherr, @xxeiraxx

[kanekoii]

!! trigger warning for sh !!

lyra’s notes -> i don’t really have much to say for this…you can probably figure out why i wrote this without me having to say it outright…

pairings -> boyfriend! luxiem x gn! reader

genre -> scenario, comfort

song -> butterfly - bts

warnings -> directly stated sh do NOT read if uncomfortable, just comfort for some people who might be struggling with the same things i am at the moment :)

!! LAST TRIGGER WARNING FOR SH !!

luca kaneshiro, who will never leave your side once he finds out. he just wants to guarantee your safety, and there’s nothing to be ashamed of when discussing this with him. he’ll cuddle you to sleep every night, his strong grip on you (but gentle around your healing wounds) signaling his undying love for you. he wants to help you in any way he can, and sometimes he just wants to cuddle you to remind you just how much he loves you. he does, and he would never lie about that. he’ll often try to distract you, take you out on dates if you’re up for it. he just wants to see you smile, even if just for a few seconds. he understands that sometimes you can’t help it when you hurt yourself, and he won’t tell anyone until you’re ready to tell a professional.

vox akuma, who will always clean and bandage your self inflicted wounds. no matter how big or small they may be, how shallow or deep, he will never hesitate to clean and bandage them so they heal. he’s been around for hundreds of years, so this isn’t something that he’s never seen before. he loves you regardless and eventually wants to get you the help you deserve because you deserve to be okay and happy. but if he can’t do that now, at the very least let him show how much he loves you in the way he tenderly and gently will sanitize and bandage you up where needed as he gently whispers affirmations to you that he won’t leave, he still loves you so, SO much.

ike eveland, who noticed right away without you telling him. he’s a very observant person, so he notices immediately when something is off. he understands that getting the help you deserve is difficult and scary, so he will never, EVER push you to do it when you’re not ready. and when you are, he will stay with you every single step of the way, never letting go of your hand or straying too far from you. he knows he’s probably being overprotective, but seeing his beloved in such a broken state hurts his heart. yet, he’ll never lose his patience with you, nor will his love ever falter. this doesn’t change how much he loves you and it never would, he’s just worried. he won’t push you to do things you’re not ready for, so if for now all he can do is change your bandages, re-sanitize your wounds, and snuggle you to sleep every time you want to rest, that’s fine by him.

mysta rias, who would never, EVER get mad. when he finds out, the only emotion he feels is concern. why would he ever get mad when his beloved partner is clearly struggling? this isn’t about him anyway, it’s about you and how he just wants you to be okay and happy. much like the others, he would stay by your side as if it would kill him to let to go of your hand or take his arm off your shoulder. he’ll gladly go with you when you decide to get help, and he’ll recommend it to you but won’t go past that. he knows better than most that getting help for these things can be downright terrifying, and he would never intentionally subject you to that. for now, he’ll just stay by your side and reassure you through his acts of affection that this doesn’t make him think any different of you.

shu yamino, who will take care of you. anything you want, he’ll get for you without hesitation. he will barely allow you to leave your bed, bringing you food and drinks and plushies, cleaning and bandaging your wounds every 8 hours or so, anything you want will be done. this is how he shows his care and concern, by pampering you and showering you in love and affection that you deserve to always have. at night, he’ll wrap you in a warm blanket and lay with his muscular arms around you, a silent reassurance that he wouldn’t go anywhere. he would never leave you over something like this, his love was undying and eternal. as long as he gets to help even a little bit with your recovery process, he’ll be happy.

[thefallennightmare]

Moment of Weakness-thirty one[end]

*credit to whoever created the gif. found on google/Pinterest *

Pairings: Mob!Bucky Barnes x reader

Warnings: language, smut, angst, fluff, affair, cheating, violence.

Summary: Reader is the assistant to New York's most feared mob boss, James Buchanan Barnes. He had the picture-perfect life: status in the mob, friends, and beautiful wife. So why can't he keep his mind and eyes off of reader?

Author's Note: The end is here. I'm so glad for everyone that commented, reblogged, and loved this story so much. One story ends, another begins! I apologize if the ending is kind of bleh, I was honestly ready to end it.

Tags(closed): @splendidreads @sebsgirl71479 @mdpplgtz03 @pattiemac1 @unaxv @alana4610 @broadwaybabe18 @themayzittcha @playboystark @raajali3 @ozwriterchick @ragamuffin285 @screamingdying @themorningsunshine @kenziekugler22 @calwitch @sebastianstansqueen @stanaddict @stucky-simp03 @sleyeveryday @loustan90 @lyra-black13 @valsworldofcreativity @cjand10 @tesseract69 @batprincess1013 @subwaysurf45 @arsonfrogger @yoruse @5moremin @lipstickandtanqueray @mandijo17 @joannaromanoff @justsebstan @winters1917 @elizacusi-blog @football1921 @elxvrr

“Careful, Y/N. I don’t want you to hurt yourself,” Bucky cooed in my ear as he slowly and carefully helped me up the stairs. 

I hissed in pain, the soles of my feet still cut up and raw from my excursion into the woods during my escape. He sensed my discomfort so with a quick scoop, I was in his arms as he ascended up the last few stairs and into our room. 

“Steve called the doctor, he’ll be here soon,” Bucky informed while setting me gently on the bed. 

He stood in the middle of the room, awkwardly, as I did my best to get comfortable and when I rested my eyes on him, my brows knitted in confusion. 

“Why are you standing there?” I asked. 

Bucky shrugged when his eyes traveled down all of the cuts and bruises on my body. “I don’t want to make you feel uncomfortable with me given what you went through.” 

I simply patted the bed in front of me, a silent invitation to sit next to me so he sat on the edge of it in front of me and brushed my hair back with his fingers before tying it up away from my face. I couldn’t stop the small smile at the comforting touch. 

I cupped his cheek, my eyes raking over the cuts all over his face.

“Did you fight Clint?” 

He nodded in my grasp then left a kiss on the inside of my palm. 

A soft knock on the door brought my attention to the figure behind Bucky and my lips curled in a small smile once again. Bucky didn’t need to look over his shoulder, he already knew who it was. 

“Everything taken care of?” He said while still keeping his eyes on me. 

“No trace left behind,” Steve said. “Dr. Banner is downstairs in your office whenever Y/N is ready.” 

Bucky gave him a nod of thanks before Steve went to leave but my voice stopped him. The look that he gave me broke my heart, the pieces falling into my stomach. While Bucky seemed to be held together and strong for me, Steve seemed broken and tired. 

“Thank you,” was all I said. 

They didn’t have to tell me what exactly he did to save me, I knew that the both of them did whatever they could. 

That brought a smile to his face before he nodded. “Anything for you, Y/N.” 

Bucky and I were alone again so I let out a deep breath. 

“Are Clint and Natasha-are they dead?” I stumbled out the words. 

Bucky’s vibranium hand covered my shaking ones. “We weren’t going to let them get away with what they did to you, Y/N.” 

Tears brimmed at my eyes as I let out a breath. 

“She was your wife at some point, Bucky. You shouldn’t have done that.” 

He brushed his lips over my knuckles. “I would do anything for you, doll.” 

There was a question that had been burning in the back of my mind the whole two hour drive back home. Bucky and I didn’t speak one word but he did have his hand linked with mine. 

“Why did it take you so long to come for me?” I sobbed, tears now falling down my cheeks. 

Bucky sighed while sitting right next to me now, wrapping an arm around me to pull us closer. I buried my face in his chest, the broadness of it muffling my cries. 

“Steve and I never stopped looking for you. The night you were taken, I heard some commotion from the kitchen and when I ran down there you were gone. All I saw was a note on the table,” Bucky said. 

I looked up at him. “Natasha said she wrote the note pretending that I did.” 

“I knew you didn’t. You always sign your notes with your name and a small heart,” Bucky said while wiping a tear from my cheek with a vibranium finger.

My heart warmed at the tiny detail that he clearly paid attention to. 

“Clint had you hidden really well. No one knew about his cabin upstate. It took Steve days to find you.” 

“What about you?” I asked. 

There was one tear pooling at the corner of his eye but he blinked it away fast, not wanting to cry in front of me. 

“I was a complete mess. Steve had to stop me a few times from destroying everything here. As soon as he found your location, I ran out of here like my ass was on fire.” 

I wrapped a tight arm around him while he carefully lifted my legs over his lap, rubbing my back in soothing circles. We sat like this for a while and with his arms around me, I felt a sense of safety that I hadn’t felt in so long that my body relaxed into Bucky. Slumber was creeping up to me and with heavy eyes, I allowed myself the much needed sleep. 

Until I felt Bucky’s body shake uncontrollably. His cries were not quite by any means. 

I looked up at him and my heart fell to the far depths of my stomach again when I noticed he was crying, tears falling rapidly down his face and onto his lap. His breathing became erratic, choking out sobs. 

“Oh, Bucky,” I breathed while grasping his face. “Please don’t cry.” 

“I thought I lost you, doll,” he said through gritted teeth. 

Bucky tried so hard to keep it together for me, knowing that the last thing I needed was to comfort him. 

“I’m right here, alright?” I forced our eyes to lock, not daring to look away for even a half second. “I’m not going anywhere.” 

To seal that promise, I collided our lips together in a tender kiss. One that was short but had the right amount of passion fueling it. There was no hesitation from Bucky as he slid his vibranium hand behind my neck to deepen the kiss, our tongues exploring each crevice of the others mouths. 

“I love you,” he muttered against my lips. 

My ears rang with white noise while my heart jumped into my throat and I pushed Bucky away, eyes looking at him wide. 

“Wh-what did you say?” I stammered. 

The corner of his lips curled up, the corner of his eyes crinkled. “I love you, Y/N. I have for a very long time. I only hate that it took for what happened to you that made me say it.” 

I was soaring, on cloud nine as some would say, hearing his proclamation. I knew that it took a lot for him to say that, let alone feel this way. 

“I love you too, Bucky.” I replied. 

We shared another kiss only this one was cut short due to Steve calling for us from the bottom of the stairs, Dr. Banner was ready to check over all of my wounds. 

Bucky lifted my chin with his flesh finger. “I promise that I won’t let anything like this happen to you again.” 

I nodded with a smile. “I know.”

[foressfaction]

:Ticci Toby:{A Rewrite}

CHAPTER 4

WARNING:: This story contains EXTREMELY triggering topics such as Domestic/Child/Substance abuse, Death, harsh language, GORE and dissociation triggers. This story mentions mental illnesses and disorders such as Depression, PTSD, ADHD, and Tourette's Syndrome. !!TICS MAY BE TRIGGERING!!

Chapter four

Later that night, Toby sat alone in his room, surrounded by notebook pages full of small doodles. Stick men and symbols, one that stood out the most, a bunch of circles and X's. He found it fun to draw, therefore obviously showed it. There was a knock on his door, glancing up, Toby hummed out a response. "Come in."

The door opened and Lyra stood in the hallway, stepping in to catch first glance at all of the little pages who Toby started to clean up, shoving it all back into the original journal he tore them from.

"Dumb, right? These d-d-drawings, am I crazy? Lyra, am I a freak."

Lyra's eyes widened softly as she got down to sit in front of him. "no no no you're not, who told you that?"

Toby turned and pulled something from his bag, the note that was slammed onto his back when leaving school. He unwrinkled the paper and held it out of her. Lyra's shoulders dropped, it seemed she too had the same reaction to the note as he did when he first laid eyes on it. Her eyes darted back up to him with an angry expression. "You're seriously going to let these kids bully you like this?" Toby just looked down with a huff.

"I've never been put with these kinds of k-kids, i c-can't blame them if they hate me, hah..i'm not exactly that likable."

Lyra was quick to correct him, grabbing his right hand. "Don't say that, Toby, you're the strongest, most lovable person I know, you mean so much to me..i…I can't bear seeing this happen to you." tears were forming in her eyes, her hand squeezing his.

"Here…" She held his hand up and mimicked something with her other hand. "I'm going to show you how to make a fist, okay." She moved his hand into a fist shape, making sure his thumb was rested over his fingers. "Make sure your thumb is always on top, if not, you'll break it." Her words were gentle, and so were her movements. She was careful about his jerky arms, keeping them down if he was going to accidentally hit her or himself. Lyra continued on with explaining the idea of fighting. She did take 6 years of karate before the family broke apart. "Your hands are weapons, don't ever use them unless you have a good reason..if someone hits you first, go crazy, kick, hit, bite even."

Toby laughed a little, it was a weak one, but he did laugh. The idea of biting someone was somewhat funny. "No but I am serious." She admitted, earning his eyes to glance back up, locking onto her worried expression. "Promise me you will stick up for yourself..if this progresses. The last thing I want to see is you hurt."

Her hand still laid over his now fist of a hand. Toby then made a fist with his other hand, showing her. Lyra nodded. "Yep, just like that." She lowered it. "I want you to be…violent when it's the time, but i also don't want to be blamed if you accidentally knock someone unconscious." She slightly joked, but it was also serious.

Toby looked down with a small hum. "Please, Toby?"

He looked up. "Don't hurt anyone unless they hurt you." She warned.

Toby just stayed quiet, but eventually spoke. "Okay, I promise, but wh-what about dad? When he hurts mom—" He was cut off quickly by her tugging his arm. "That's a different story…We're talking kids the same age as you,"

"But when he hurts you—is that an e-e-excuse to hit him?" Lyra quickly just pulled him into a hug once more, squeezing tighter than she usually would. Was this an attempt to shut him up? "Let's not talk about that yet…If it was an excuse don't you think i would've done something about this by now?"

She shivered a little, not letting go. "School will be over in just a few months..it'll go fast, i really hope you won't need to use these." She gestured to his hands, by which she just saw a few new blemishes that covered them.

"Are you chewing on them again?" Lyra asked with a sad sigh.

"mhh yes but- not as much as last year." The last thing Toby wanted were those tight straps of gauze wrapped around his hands to the point he couldn't even use them.

"Okay, get some sleep bud..like actually, get some sleep..it's starting to look like you got into my eyeliner again." she gestured to his dark circles that were beginning to get more and more noticable.

Toby nodded and sat everything that was once strolled out to the side by his night stand. Lyra left the room and closed the door.

Toby looked down to his hands, seeing the gnawing marks and small concrete scrapes from falling so much. His knees and elbows were covered in healing and recent bruises, who knows how many little cuts and scratches he had in total. He never could remember getting most of them.

At night his room would get pretty creepy. The whole night was the definition of paranoia. Toby would make out black shadows, deep whispers and even started to feel pressure on his bed like something was crawling onto it, or sitting on the edge. Toby would make himself as small as possible when he slept, in an attempt to not be woken up by his mind playing tricks on him.

Weeks would go by painfully slowly. Toby started to feel like he lived at school and only visited home. On this day though…He wished he never did come home.

•••••

[xo-zozo]

could you do what types of dates everyone would go on? like we know avery and jameson go on big fancy adventure type things like on her birthday but what about the rest? (pls include gray and lyra and thea and bex)

ofcc ml!

jameson and avery~ like you said, we already know that they wpuld go on big fancy dates all over the place because jameson likes spoiling her so theres not much to say there

xander and max~ they would go on stuff like roller skating dates and max would have to teach xander how to skate because he wouldn't know how to. i feel like theywould definitly be the basic date type of couple that would also go on bowling and mini golf dates

nash and libby~ sometimes they would go out to dinner together but they would mainly do stuff at home like baking together becuase they care about staying out of the limelight more than the other couples do. like imagine them just skipping around the house together and baking in the kitchen it's so cuteee

grayson and lyra~ from what i have gotten from the tumblr community and the one scene we got of her they would be the really fancy dinner date kind of couple. with this also goes going to shows and plays and stuff like that

thea and bex~ rebecca would drag thea to cute little picnics in parks and she would try to resist but would secretly like spending time with her. after they finish their picnic they would take walks around and stuff like that

my inbox is so full right now i will get them all done soon loll

[creepy-spooghetti]

Hi I was wondering if you could write Cody and Toby with a autistic little sister thank you have a good day or night (·∀·)

I wrote this assuming Y/n has level 3 severity, however if you wanted me to write for one with ASD that's a level 1 or 2, you can send in another ask :)

Also, the little sister is around twelve years old.

︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

Cody

This boy will always, always be there to take care of you.

You were his #1 priority when you were in foster care, and he grew more and more protective over you as time progressed because kids are cruel and someone was always mocking you or making fun of you. He isn't generally a confrontational person, but there were several moments he was beyond eager to break a nose or two.

He was the only one that ever truly concerned himself with helping you, and reading you, and making sure you were okay.

Now that the two of you live in a place where you're consistently surrounded by chaos and crude comments—the majority of which are aimed at you—those feelings have only gotten stronger. The individuals that usually torment you are Johnny, Zero, and even Masky, on occasion (though he never gets too extreme with it).

If you ever get overwhelmed with anything, Cody knows it instantly, and he'll pull you away from the commotion and try to calm you down. He's aware that you have to deal with things that stress you out, but he's right by your side to take your mind off of everything.

Toby

Since Lyra's gone, you are all that Toby has left. He understands being disabled and bullied for something he can't control, which is why he always went to vast lengths to ensure it never happened to you, at least not when he could stop it.

While Lyra grew up taking care of him, he grew up taking care of you. He didn't want Mom to send you to school when you got old enough, as he was all too knowledgable of what that would entail, but she was convinced it would be good to teach you how to socialize, push you past your barriers. He hated such an idea, but alas, she would not listen.

Toby was able to save you from the wrath of your abusive father, and he dragged you with him after the house had been set on fire, cause he wasn't going to just leave you alone.

He knows that your capabilities can be quite limited, so he picks up the slack for you. This makes him pretty busy often, but he doesn't care. He can't let anything happen to you; you mean far too much to him.

He's gentle and patient and caring toward you, and he won't accept any other treatment. When anybody messes with you, rest assured he has your back. He doesn't like getting violent while you're watching, but sometimes that's exactly what it comes to.

Respect and human decency are imperative when anyone communicates with you, and Toby won't have it any other way. You always tell him that you're okay, that he doesn't have to put so much of his time and effort into focusing on you, but he is forever persistent.

[livelaughwhump]

Worthless - Part 20

Masterlist | Previous

Content: ATTEMPTED NONCON (not explicit), mention of past noncon, mention of past captivity, threat of gun violence, crude language, dehumanization, degradation, self-hatred, self-deprecation, former pet whumpee

-

"So how long are you planning to stay?" Lyra asked.

Colleen shrugged. "I have to be back home to pick up the kids and sign the divorce papers with Andrey on Monday, so I was hoping to stay for the whole weekend. Now that I've seen how things are going though, I understand if you want me to leave."

All eyes turned to Karine curiously, expecting her to deliver her final verdict, but the leader merely shrugged. "That's a discussion for all of us to have, and one of us isn't currently present. I don't want to make any decisions without Elliot's input."

Colleen nodded. "I suppose that's fair. Then, would you mind if I stayed for the day until all of you come to a decision?"

Karine shrugged again and folded her arms securely over her chest. "I don't see why not."

"Why don't we just make a decision now?" Yvonne wondered aloud. "Elliot's just in his room. What's the harm in having a group discussion now?"

"The harm is that Elliot's probably still a little sensitive and exhausted from his breakdown earlier," Karine stated.

"Exactly," Lyra added. "Think of it from his perspective. Imagine you just had a panic attack and then are suddenly pulled into a team meeting. It could really stress him out."

Yvonne nodded. "Fair, but I'm worried about leaving him alone in his room all day. Shouldn't someone go and check on him?"

Broderick rubbed a gentle hand over Yvonne's knee. "He's fine, Yve, don't worry. Why don't you and I check on him in a bit? Right now, he needs a bit of space."

Yvonne smiled at Broderick and rested her hand atop his. "Thanks, Rick. You're right. I just worry about him so much."

"We all do," Lyra said. "But Broderick is right. We can't suffocate him. We need to respect his boundaries."

Each present member of the team nodded their heads in agreement. Colleen smiled at the sight. "You know, it's refreshing to see how much you all care about one another."

Karine smiled back. "Of course we do. We're a family."

Colleen sighed, her smile wobbling. "It's good to know that Landon has found such a great family. Makes me a little jealous though, to be honest."

Landon scoffed and wrapped an arm around his little sister's shoulders. "You have nothing to be jealous of, Coll. I can't stand these people."

Landon laughed at his joke while Karine scoffed and kicked him in the shin. "Oh, is that right? Guess I'll be turning your room into my home gym, then."

"Why do you get dibs on Landon's room?" Broderick chimed in. "Wouldn't a medical center be a better use of the space?"

Yvonne giggled. "Personally, I've always wanted a home library."

"No one is doing anything to my room!" Landon yelled.

The room erupted into laughter, each present team member talking over one another; their voices grew louder with each word. Through the utter chaos, no one noticed the complete silence behind Elliot's door, nor the icy chill creeping in through his open window.

. . .

Elliot trudged down the quiet pavement, his once-fluffy socks completely soaked through from the snow. His t-shirt and sweatpants did little to shield him from the cold. His arms were wrapped tightly around his shivering body as tears froze on his rosy cheeks.

He had no idea where he was going, nor what had compelled him to leave the safehouse. He hadn't been outside since his rescue. Had it always been so bright?

Elliot wiped the tears and snot from his face and tried to quiet his unrelenting sobs.

Do you have any idea how pathetic you look right now? Imagine what people would think if they saw you like this. Maybe a new master will find you and take pity on you

Elliot clamped his eyes shut and furiously scrubbed at the tears on his face.

I bet your friends haven't even noticed you're gone. Even if they have, it's not like they'd come looking for you. Rescuing you is the biggest mistake they've ever made

A quiet whimper escaped Elliot's throat as a massive shiver scurried down his spine. Goosebumps rose on his exposed arms and the tear tracks on his face froze.

Elliot had been keeping his head low the whole time to avoid drying out his eyes in the icy wind. When he lifted his head to check where he was going, he raised his eyes just in time for a massive brick wall to appear in his path.

Elliot gasped as he collided with it, falling onto his backside in the snow. He held a hand to his aching forehead and burst into tears. What was he doing? Where did he think he was going? What was his plan?

Elliot curled up into a pathetic ball at the base of the brick wall and leaned back against it. He wrapped his quivering arms around himself and buried his face between his knees. "Wh-What am I d-doing?" He whispered to himself. Maybe the vicious voice in his head was right. Maybe a nice owner would stumble across him and take pity on a stupid, ugly mutt like him. Maybe he'd finally find a place where he could belong.

. . .

As the hours ticked by and there was still no sign of Elliot, Lyra began to grow worried. If he was sleeping, they didn't want to disturb him, but surely he must've been getting hungry. Yvonne was almost finished with supper and Elliot hadn't so much as shown his face once since they left him.

Lyra couldn't help but imagine the worst. What if Christian had come back for him and simply waited for him to be left alone? What if he was already gone and no one had any idea?

In that moment, Lyra had made up her mind. They needed to check on him. They needed to know that he was safe and healthy, just to give themself some peace of mind.

With the sounds of raucous laughter penetrating the walls from the next room over, Lyra stood before Elliot's door and gave it a gentle knock. "Sunshine? It's just me. Can I come in?" When nothing but silence answered, panic began to seep into Lyra's chest, little by little. Their first thought was that he was asleep, but they couldn't help but imagine the worst.

In order to ease their growing anxiety, Lyra gently pushed the door open and peered into the quiet stillness of Elliot's room. As their gaze fell upon his empty bed, their stomach dropped. "Elliot?" They called out as they stepped further into his room. Their panic gripped their stomach and squeezed.

Not again. Please, not again

"Elliot?" Their voice was shakier now. "Please, come out. It's just me; it's Lyra. I just wanted to check on you. I promise everything is okay. Please just come out."

Nothing.

The only sound in the room was that of the winter wind whistling as it crept into the room. It was only then that Lyra noticed the open window and the flurries of snow drifting onto the floor in front of it.

The blood drained from Lyra's face and her breathing ceased completely. "No," she whispered to herself. Her knees weakened and her mind went white.

No, no, no, no, no

"Lyra?" Yvonne's concerned voice said as she knelt beside her panicking friend. In their panicked state, Lyra hadn't even noticed that they'd fallen, nor had they noticed when Yvonne arrived. "What's wrong? Are you okay?"

Lyra's breathing was erratic and their heart was pounding so loud that they nearly missed what Yvonne had said.

"He's-He's gone. Elliot's gone. I-I can't find him. He's gone!" It was with those words that Lyra's resolve completely collapsed and they burst into tears. They wrapped their shaking arms around themself and released a guttural scream of frustration and grief.

. . .

Elliot didn't know how long he'd been gone. After a short rest beside that brick wall, he had since resumed his endless wandering. Cars rushed by him and people milled all around him, some sending judgemental glances his way. Time seemed to move in slow motion the longer Elliot walked.

His thoughts were muddled and his movements were sluggish. Nothing around him seemed real and he began to wonder if this was all just another nightmare.

With that thought bouncing around his otherwise silent mind, a tall man harshly brushed against his shoulder.

"Watch it, kid!" The man shouted.

Elliot had to regain his balance, the momentum nearly knocking him off his feet. He looked up at the man and cringed at the sound of his booming voice. "S-Sorry, Sir. I-I wasn't looking."

The man's face twisted and he studied Elliot with curious eyes. "Do I know you?"

Elliot's skin prickled under the man's gaze. "I-I don't th-think so, S-Sir."

The man stalked closer and Elliot nearly whimpered in fear, but he caught himself.

"You look really familiar. What's your name?"

"E-Elliot, S-Sir." The thought to lie hadn't even crossed his mind until after the words left his lips.

The man shook his head and pursed his lips. "I don't know any Elliots. You sure that's your name?"

Elliot nodded, keeping his eyes trained on the ground. "I-I think so, S-Sir. It's what e-everyone c-calls me."

"Why do you keep calling me 'Sir'?" The moment the words left the man's lips, his eyes widened with recognition. "Oh shit. I know exactly who you are." Elliot shrunk beneath the man's scathing glare and devilish grin. "You're Christian's little whore, aren't you."

Elliot gasped and his eyes grew round as saucers. Tears flooded his eyes. He'd been so worried about running into Master all this time that he never even considered the possibility of running into one of Master's friends.

His voice was shaking uncontrollably as he said, "I-I don't know what you're t-talking about."

The man chuckled darkly and took another step toward Elliot. "I barely recognized you with all those clothes on, but it's definitely you. I've been wondering when Chris was gonna invite us over for another play session with you."

Hot tears trickled down Elliot's half-frozen cheeks.

"Where is your master, anyway? A pretty little thing like you shouldn't be wandering out here all alone. Maybe I should take you home to your master."

Elliot gasped. "N-No, p-please! I-I can't go back there! He was s-so c-cruel to me. P-Please, Sir. I'll do a-anything."

The man's devilish grin grew sadistic and Elliot's stomach dropped. "I really hope you mean that."

"I-I do, I s-swear. I'll do a-anything you want, just please don't t-take me b-back to him."

The man chuckled. "You know, I haven't been able to stop thinking about what your little mouth can do." Elliot's insides churned. "Maybe you should service me and I'll consider being generous if you do a good job."

Elliot instantly dropped to his knees. "I-I will! I'll be good, I promise!"

The man sharply grabbed Elliot by his bicep and hauled him to his feet. "Not here, you stupid slut!" He hissed through gritted teeth. Elliot squeaked as the man's fingernails dug into his soft skin. "There are too many people here. Follow me." The man yanked him down a narrow alleyway, where he sharply smacked Elliot's backside and shoved him back down to his knees. "There. Now, be a good boy and maybe I'll let you go free."

Elliot nodded frantically. "Y-Yes, Sir." Despite his best efforts, Elliot couldn't help the dread pooling in the pit of his stomach as the man began to unbuckle his belt.

It won't take long. Just have to let him do what he wants and he'll let me go. Then this will never have to happen again

Elliot's mind clouded over, his thoughts lost in the fog, and despite his best efforts, he started to cry.

As the man discarded his leather belt, Elliot flinched and whimpered, which alerted the man to his distress.

"Oh, you poor thing," the man said, his tone sounding genuine. His large hand gently grasped Elliot's chin and tilted his head up. Elliot looked into the man's hazel eyes, though his tears distorted the image. "Don't cry, pet." The man wiped away the younger man's fallen tears with his free hand. "I'm not gonna hurt you. In fact, I'll tell you what; if you do a good job, I might just consider taking you home with me."

Elliot sniffled. Those words did nothing to ease his distress. "R-Really, Sir?"

The man nodded and smiled. "Sure. I mean, how could I, in good conscience, leave such a pretty thing like you to become a stray?" He ran his fingers through Elliot's hair and gently caressed his cheek. "You'd be eaten alive out here. You'd be much safer, and more useful as my slave." The man's grip tightened on the back of Elliot's head, his fist knotting in Elliot's long hair. "Now, be a good toy and—"

"Elliot!"

Both Elliot and his assailant turned their heads in the direction of the voice, only to see several large individuals barreling down the alleyway.

Elliot gasped.

They noticed I was gone?

As they came into focus, Elliot recognized every one of his friends. Even Colleen was there, though she stayed near the back, wearing a worried expression and holding her hands over her mouth in shock.

Lyra was at the front of the group, a hand gun clasped between both of her hands. "Get away from him!" They shouted, aiming their gun at the man's forehead.

The man's grip tightened on Elliot's hair and he threw the boy against the back wall of the alley. Elliot yelped and crumpled to the ground in a pile of snow, hot tears thawing his half-frozen cheeks.

Lyra leveled their finger on the trigger, their hands as steady as stone. "I don't know who you are or what you want, but you're gonna step away from my brother before I paint these brick walls with your blood."

Elliot's eyes widened.

Brother?

The man scoffed. "No offense, lady, but you must be mistaken. If you're looking for your brother, he's not here." He gestured to Elliot. "This is just some common whore that belongs to a friend of mine."

Elliot's face turned bright red and a loud sob escaped his throat.

Lyra's eyes narrowed. "Christian Whitlock?"

The man raised a brow. "You know him?"

Lyra's brows narrowed. "Yeah, I know him. He's the monster that kidnapped, tortured, and raped my little brother."

Elliot completely broke down at that. He'd never wanted Lyra to know. He'd never wanted anyone to know. Now, everything was out in the open. There were no more secrets. It was all over. He buried his face in his hands and wept.

The man looked genuinely perplexed at this revelation. "That's—That's not true. Chris said he bought it. He said it sold itself to him."

A fiery anger burned behind Lyra's eyes. "Let my brother go."

The man shook his head. "Wait, hold on. You're telling me that Chris—"

Lyra clicked the bullet into place. "Now!"

The man flinched and raised his hands above his head. "Okay, okay, fine. Just don't shoot." Keeping his eyes on Lyra, the man gently helped Elliot to his feet. Elliot was trembling and sobbing. He was soaked to the bone and shivering uncontrollably on top of his terrified shaking. The man nudged Elliot in Lyra's direction, but the moment he let go of him, Elliot fell to his knees, weeping and hugging himself as tight as physically possible.

Lyra lowered her gun and instantly dropped to their knees beside Elliot, wrapping him in a loving embrace. "Oh, sunshine, are you okay? Are you hurt? I was so worried."

Elliot could hardly speak through the heavy sobs that wracked his small, underfed body. He kept his eyes clamped tightly shut, too distraught to even look at Lyra.

Broderick kneeled beside them and set a soft hand on Lyra's shoulder. "Lye? Let's get him to the car. I can check him for injuries there."

Lyra nodded. "Elliot? I'm gonna pick you up, okay?" Elliot didn't respond, so Lyra went ahead and gently lifted him into their arms. Almost instantly, he clung to them like a child to their mother, sobbing into her shoulder. Lyra gently rubbed his back. "Shh, it's okay. I'm here. I've got you. We're going home now."

The man watched them, still aghast by the news he'd been given. As Lyra carried Elliot to the waiting vehicle, Karine approached the man at the back of the alley. "What's your name?"

The man shook the fog from his mind and said, "Uh...R-Ryan Cooper."

Karine quietly repeated the name back to herself once before she said, "Great, thanks. I'll be reporting you to the authorities for sexual assault and accessory to kidnapping." Karine turned to leave without another word.

Ryan's eyes widened. "Wait, I swear I didn't know." Karine glanced back at him over her shoulder. "Christian told me the kid was a sex worker. He told all of us that. We had no idea he'd been kidnapped."

Karine's expression didn't change. "Save your excuses for the jury." She turned to leave again, but Ryan grabbed her arm to hold her back.

"Wait! Please!" Karine glowered at him and he instantly released his grip on her. He held his hands up placatingly. "I'm sorry, but I can help. As long as you don't report me, please."

"Give me one good reason why I shouldn't."

Ryan didn't even have to think about it before he blurted, "I can tell you where Christian is."

Karine's hard expression softened ever-so-slightly. "I'm listening."

-

Chapter 20 is finally here!! Sorry for the long wait, but seeing as this is my 20th chapter, I wanted it to be a little more whumpy than my normal chapters. I was really unhappy with how it was coming along, so that's part of the reason why it's been so long. The other main reason is holidays and traveling put writing on the backburner a bit.

Next up is a drabble request that's been sitting in my inbox for months, and I'm so excited to finally get to it! So stay tuned for that!

Taglist:

@l-antre-des-merveilles @pigeonwhumps @nicolepascaline @burningkittypoet @whumpinggrounds @suffering-and-misery @make-them-scream @honeycollectswhump @rabass @whumpdreamz @clairelsonao3 @ofclrosewriteswhump @cepheusgalaxy @pinkraindropsfell @mj-or-say10 @considerablecolors @whatamidoingherehelpme @whumped4whumplover @ladybizarre96 @theaustralianfrog

If anyone wants to be added to or removed from the taglist, please let me know!😊

[honeybummer]

Chapter 23: "I Love You" - "BloodStained" by HoneyBummer on A03 Has been posted, as of Monday!

I've been dealing with a sinus infection so next chapter coming Monday!!!!! <3 Full Chapter Below:

— Lyra —

“I love you,” she whispered against his lips.

The silence was heavy. 

He pulled back, his eyes hungry but softening. It killed her that she needed to know what he was thinking as he stared at her. 

Should she not have said it? Would it scare him away?

Lyra leaned in again, hoping a kiss could break the silence, but Astarion pulled back slightly, his hold on her still firm. He studied her with an intensity that made her feel exposed.

“Lyra,” he began softly, his voice a gentle warning, “don’t say those words unless you truly mean them.”

Her breath caught in her throat. “I do mean it,” she insisted, her voice trembling with emotion. “I love you, Astarion. I—”

But before she could finish, he pressed his lips to hers, silencing her. He leaned back, his forehead resting against hers, his breath warm on her skin.

“You don’t have to prove anything to me,” he murmured. “I need to know that when you say those words, they come from a place of certainty. You’ve been through so much, and I won’t take advantage of your vulnerability.”

His eyelids closed, and his piercing red eyes faded from view. His brows furrowed, showing that he was holding back emotion. 

Fuck, how could she be so foolish? She had been so focused on herself that she rarely thought about how he felt. 

He still didn’t have the wife he wanted. The love of his life was essentially gone, and this… other person was impersonating her. 

What must that feel like?

What must it feel like to hear them say “I love you”?

Was it a knife in his chest every time?

What must it feel like to know they might never come back?

To have to listen to them complain about the extraordinary life he had built for them?

To fuck that person when you want to make love?

Astarion kissed her neck softly. “You don’t have to say anything at all, Lyra. I’ll take care of you.”

Tears welled in her eyes as she realized how deeply he understood her, even when she struggled to understand herself. She wanted to lose herself in him, to feel loved and whole again, but he was right. She needed to be sure.

“I’m not going anywhere,” he whispered, dragging his lips along her jaw. “We’ll take this at your pace, and when you’re ready—truly ready—I’ll be here.”

But she was ready. Lyra knew she loved Astarion. How could she not?

Astarion carried her to the bed, and he laid her down on sheets that were still unfamiliar to her. His fingers moved to the straps of her dress, but she stopped him. 

“Look at me,” she said. 

It took him a moment, but then his ruby eyes found hers. Lyra cupped his jaw, and his eyes softened at the touch. Lyra realized then she had never pleasured him in any way. At least, not since she lost her memories. Her old self may have done nice things for him, but she hadn’t. Not really. She had always just allowed him to take her. And she acted like it was a chore when it was always the most incredible feeling. 

She did her best to ignore the self-loathing. “Do you not want to do this?” she asked quietly and selfishly. 

If he said no…

She would have to deal with that. 

“Of course I do.” His hand rose to touch hers, still pressed against his face. The warmth of his touch sent a shiver through her, but it was the tenderness in his gaze that nearly broke her.

“Yet, it hurts you. Doesn’t it?” She could feel the tension between them, like a fragile thread threatening to snap.

Astarion’s eyes seemed to pierce through her, searching for something deep within her soul. “I’m always hurt,” he replied, his voice raw and honest.

Ouch. 

Lyra had said the same to him the other day, right before they lost themselves to their passion in that fortress by the sea. She didn’t care, in that moment, if he hurt her—she just needed him. 

But now, standing in this dimly lit room, with all the unspoken pain hanging between them, she realized she didn’t want to cause him any more pain. He had already been through so much. 

“It’s because I’m not her, isn’t it?” she asked softly, her voice barely above a whisper. The question hung in the air, heavy with the weight of all her insecurities.

Astarion’s expression softened, but there was also a flicker of something else—regret, perhaps? He didn’t answer right away, and the silence felt suffocating.

“You’re not quite the Lyra I’m used to,” he finally said, his voice gentle but firm. “But that doesn’t mean I don’t care for you. It’s just… different now. And it’s hard because I miss her—miss the parts of you that she was. But you’re still you, and I’m still me, and there’s still something here between us.” He cleared his throat. “And I’ll never forgive myself if I give up on you.”

Lyra felt a tear slip down her cheek. Deep down, she knew that she wasn’t the same person he had once loved, but hearing him say it out loud was still a painful confirmation. She wanted to make him happy. 

“I don’t want to hurt you,” she whispered, her voice trembling. “I came here hoping you’d make me forget. But… you shouldn’t have to make love to someone you don’t.”

He looked taken aback. “You think I don’t love you?”

“I know you don’t. I can see it,” she murmured. “The way you look at me… It’s not the same. You hesitate. It’s like you’re holding back. You love… her , but not me.”

“I–” he hesitated and looked off into space, thinking.

“I’ve been holding back because I’m scared,” Astarion admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. “I’m scared of hurting you, of losing you again, of getting close only to have you slip through my fingers. Every time I look at you, I see the woman I fell in love with, but I also see someone who’s been through unimaginable pain. And I don’t know how to help you find your way back—back to me, back to yourself. I second-guess every choice I make. I question my reasoning. I hate myself when you are hurt. I–” He sighed. “I feel as if I can do nothing right.”

Lyra’s heart clenched at his words. She had been so focused on her own fears and insecurities that she hadn’t considered his. “But could you love me?” she asked, her voice small and uncertain. “As I am now?”

She wondered how much more she would have to change in order for him to love her—love her, not the person she used to be or the person he hoped she could be. 

Could he love her exactly for who she was at this moment?

Astarion nodded, his eyes locking with hers, filled with an intensity that made her breath catch. “I already love you, Lyra.”

She shook her head, not believing he could love someone so pathetic and broken. 

“I loved you the moment you stabbed me in the heart inside the bell tower.”

Tears slipped down her cheeks, and he wiped them away. 

“I loved you when you fought me every step of the way of our reunion. I knew you didn’t have your memories, but you were still the same person I fell in love with. You are . You may think you’re not her, but you are . You have that same spark, the same stubbornness, the quick wit, the passion, the ferocity.”

Lyra hung her head as a sob tore itself from her throat. Astarion leaned in and kissed her cheek.

“I love you because you’re strong and brave, even when you feel lost. I love you because, despite everything, you’re still fighting. Fighting to find yourself, to find us – fighting to do what’s best. You ran because you didn’t want to hurt us, and I’m sorry for calling you a coward. You’re not. I realize now you were just trying to do what’s right.” He kissed her other cheek. “I love you because when I look at you, I see the woman who made me believe in something more than just survival.”

He kissed her lips this time. “I love you because you make everything brighter even in the darkest moments. I love you because you push me to be better, kinder, and stronger. And most of all, I love you because you’re Lyra. My Lyra . The light of my life.” She shivered as he kissed her trembling lips again. “You’re not the same, but neither am I, and that’s okay. We’ve both changed, but my love for you has only grown.”

Her tears fell freely now, but there was a flicker of hope in her heart.

“This only goes to show how powerful our love is. It is beyond the reach of gods and the grasp of hell itself. No force in any realm can tear us apart, and we’ve proven that. We are bound by something deeper, something that transcends time, memory, and fate. When this life ends, I will seek you in the next. I’ll find you in every single existence. You are my Sun – the one thing I was never allowed to have. And when the planets die, when every single star blinks out in the universe when the cosmos breathes life anew, it will be us—the first heartbeat of creation, the spark that sets the realms spinning once again. Through every life, every death, and every rebirth, I will find you, and we will begin again, forever entwined.”

Lyra’s shoulders were shaking now, body trembling as she listened to his words. Still, she couldn’t fathom his love. How could she? 

Astarion tilted her chin up until her eyes met his. “I love you,” he swore. 

His confession was everything she could ever hope for … and more. 

Lyra could hardly breathe properly. 

“I’d be a fool not to love you,” she said, her voice trembling. “But, I am a fool. And I still love you. I do.”

His composure finally cracked, and he kissed her, a kiss that was more than a meeting of lips—it was a collision of souls, a merging of everything they had been, everything they were, and everything they would become. It was fierce and tender all at once, filled with a desperate longing that spoke of their trials and the love that had survived them. Lyra’s hands tangled in his hair, pulling him closer as if she could press herself into his very being as if she could lose herself in him and never be apart again .

Their breaths mingled, each kiss deeper, more fervent than the last, as though they were trying to convey in this one embrace all the words left unspoken, all the love that had gone unsaid.

When they finally broke apart, their foreheads rested together, the heat of their breaths mingling in the space between them. Astarion’s hand cradled her cheek, his thumb brushing away the tears that had fallen. “We will never be fools for loving,” he murmured, his voice rough with emotion. “We are eternal, my love. You and I, forever.”

Lyra’s heart pounded in her chest, but for the first time in what felt like forever, it wasn’t from fear or doubt—it was from hope, from the overwhelming certainty that no matter what lay ahead, they would face it together. With a soft sigh, she closed the small distance between them, capturing his lips in another kiss, sealing the promise of their love with the warmth of their embrace.

“I’ll do better,” she promised. “For you both. I’ll do whatever’s best.”

He shook his head and kissed her. “It’s just us tonight. Let it just be us.”

He was incredible to her. So sweet. So thoughtful. 

And it was time she showed him how grateful she was. 

Lyra’s hands slipped down his chest and he shivered. She trailed her fingers along the dips of his muscles and kissed him. Astarion’s moan sent shivers down her spine, and she could feel the raw desire building between them. Her hands moved lower, exploring the hard lines of his body, and she felt a surge of heat that matched the desire in his eyes. Her heart was racing, but she wanted to do everything in her power to make him feel loved and whole again.

His mouth was urgent as he sucked at the skin on her neck, leaving minor marks that would fade by morning. 

Her dress disappeared, and Lyra fumbled with the waistline of his pants until he tugged them off and pressed his naked body back to hers. 

The heat of his skin was intense, and she pulled him tighter, needing more of it. 

Lyra still found the decency to check his boundaries. “Are you sure?”

He nodded. “I want you.”

Thank the gods. 

Astarion's breath was hot against her skin as he whispered, "I want you more than anything." His voice was thick with desire, but there was a tenderness beneath it, a reassurance that this moment was as important to him as it was to her.

His hands roamed over her body, tracing the curves and lines as if memorizing every inch, every shiver of her skin under his touch. Lyra arched into him, her own hands exploring the familiar yet ever-new terrain of his body.

As he kissed her again, their lips meeting in a fevered dance, Lyra felt the last of her doubts melt away. There was no room for fear or uncertainty here, only the overwhelming need to be as close to him as possible, to feel him with every fiber of her being. She pulled him closer, her nails grazing the skin of his back as he settled between her legs, his body fitting against hers like they were made for each other.

Her underwear was soaked by the time he removed it. He kissed her thighs in a teasing way, his hands roaming up her stomach and finding her breasts. He rolled her nipples between his thumb and forefinger at the exact moment he licked her core. 

"Oh, Astarion," she breathed. 

He smiled against her skin as he licked her again, pressing kisses against her folds.

She arched her back, her heart pounding with anticipation and arousal. Her breathing quickened as he expertly teased her soft flesh with his tongue, causing her to moan softly with each stroke. 

His fingers caressed her nipples, and she was already so sensitive. Her hips bucked against his mouth, the rhythm mirroring the pounding of her heart.

Astarion's tongue moved in slow, lazy circles. He continued his sweet torture, occasionally nibbling gently on the soft, tender flesh of her lips. It felt so good, and she couldn't help but moan.

She impatiently pushed one of his hands down her body, wanting him to use it. 

"Please," she begged. "More."

His fingers made their way to her wet core, slipping inside of her and creating a new wave of pleasure. She could feel him touching deep inside her, everywhere that only he could reach. She felt like she was melting like she was on fire.

"Is this what you want?" His voice was hot on her skin, and she trembled. "Look at me."

Lyra bit her lip as she met his gaze. She squirmed under the contact but didn't want to feel uncomfortable. She wanted to enjoy it. She could be vulnerable with him. 

When she met his gaze, she felt the intensity of their connection. It was so intimate that she shivered. 

"Yes," she gasped. 

His fingers curled gently against that tender spot inside her. "You want this?" He sucked at her clit, and she moaned. 

"Yes," she whimpered, her hips bucking against his hand.

He chuckled, the sound vibrating through her core. "Good. Let me see how much you want it."

Without warning, he plunged his fingers deeper into her, his thumb rubbing hard against her clit. Her breath hitched, her body arching off the bed as he pleasured her with his skilled touch. 

With each thrust, her walls tightened around him, almost like they wouldn't let him leave her.

The pleasure was overwhelming; it built and built until she could take no more.

"Astarion, please," she panted, her nails digging into his shoulders.

He smiled against her skin as he increased his speed, adding a third finger to further stretch her sensitive entrance. Her moans grew louder, her hips bucking wildly as she neared the edge of ecstasy.

"I want you – inside me," she cried, her body screaming for release.

"Not yet, love." His teeth clamped down lightly on her clit. "You know the rules."

With that, he began to suck on her clit, his fingers moving in a frantic rhythm that drove her closer to the edge. Her body trembled uncontrollably; her breaths came in short, gasping pants as she clawed at the sheets beneath her.

Her walls began to spasm, clenching and fluttering, but she hadn't reached her peak yet. The ascent was glorious . 

"Gods," she uttered. 

"It's just us in this room, Lyra." His fingers pumped faster inside her. "They can't hear you now."

Her fingers dug into the sheets, her body tensing with pleasure. Gods, she was almost there. 

He curled his fingers and began massaging that sweet spot at the same moment his thumb rolled over her clit. 

Her mind was shattering, and sweat beaded on every inch of her skin. 

"Can I taste you, love?"

She moaned out a response, not quite understanding. 

She shattered as his teeth sank into her thigh. 

The impact of his teeth was sharp and painful, but in that moment, it was as though her mind could no longer differentiate between pleasure and pain. 

Astarion's name was a silent scream from her lips as she arched her back, her body trembling uncontrollably. He pulled mouthfuls of her blood into his mouth, and she felt the connection. It intensified the moment.

Her climax tore through her like a tempest, leaving her gasping for breath and shuddering with aftershocks. 

He continued to stroke her until her walls stopped fluttering. Then he pulled his fingers from her and sucked on them greedily. His mouth kissed up her thighs, stomach, and breasts until he was taking her nipple into his mouth and biting it softly. 

He sucked on her, combining the flavors of her arousal with the saltiness of her skin. His hands kneaded her breasts, and she suddenly felt that she would burst if he didn't enter her. 

"Please," she begged. 

She was lost in the moment. 

His mouth was on hers, and she groaned. He lifted her legs and spread her further. His cock brushed at her entrance, and she tried to wrap her legs around his waist to pull him in, but he pushed her legs forward. 

Back arched, she panted for his touch. The anticipation built within her like a fire, burning with the intensity of a thousand suns. But he only trailed his fingers along her inner thighs, teasing her with the promise of fulfillment.

With a forceful movement, he pushed the backs of her knees forward until her legs were pressed against the bed.

Astarion had twisted her in many positions, but this one was new. 

At least to her. 

He moved forward, his shoulders fitting under her legs so that he pressed her further into the bed, spreading her before him. 

"It'll be too tight," she moaned against his mouth. 

He kissed her softly. "You can take it."

Astarion's eyes met hers, filled with confidence and desire. He brushed a lock of hair from her face, tracing its length with his fingers before gently cupping her cheek. With a low groan, he pressed into her, keeping eye contact. 

She wondered if her pupils dilated as wide as his did. 

The sensation was intense, new, and electric. She felt him everywhere. 

With slow, deliberate movements, he began to thrust in and out of her, her walls clutching him tight and pulling him deeper. Her breaths were ragged, her whimpers and moans growing louder. With each thrust, he pushed himself farther and farther in, stretching her with a blinding sensation.

She clawed at his back as he pushed in further and further. He grunted, matching her intensity, his skin slick with sweat as he pressed into her.

With a final, powerful thrust, he bottomed out inside her, his fingers gripping her waist and pulling her tight against him.

She was powerless beneath him. But, she had never felt more loved. 

One of his hands moved to clutch the back of her neck, the other on the bed, bracing himself. 

She shivered at the anticipation, knowing it would be a long, long night. 

Astarion paused and looked at her deeply. "I love you, Lyra. Don't ever forget that."

She nodded, her lip trembling. 

He leaned down, his lips on her neck, his tongue tasting her passion-wrecked skin as he whispered, "You are mine, and I am yours."

He rolled his hips gently, and they both groaned. 

As he traced the curve of her neck with his lips, Lyra shivered, not from the cool night air but from the electric charge of his touch. His kisses were like droplets of rain on parched earth, awakening a deep, primal need within her.

He pulled all the way out of her and then pushed back in, causing her to feel every thick inch of him, every sweet, delicious moment. "I love you," he said again, locking eyes with her until he was all she could see. 

"I love you," she said back. 

He pumped into her, slow and steady. 

It wasn't the fast, intense pleasure she had come here to find. 

It was soft, deep, and sensual. 

And it ignited the pleasure in her even brighter than she had imagined. 

His one hand bracing himself went to entwine with hers on the bed, and he looked at her deeply, thrusting into her, never seeming to stop. 

He kissed their entwined hands, her cheeks, her lips, … everywhere. 

The world beyond their embrace ceased to exist. In that moment, they were the universe, a galaxy of stars bound together by a force as old as time itself. 

He whispered words of adoration to her, each syllable a pledge of his undying love.

And as the stars in their galaxy collided, their bodies melded into one, flesh meeting flesh, skin meeting skin, and soul meeting soul.

She shattered underneath him as he watched her. 

She had never felt such pleasure, such intense love. 

After she broke, he began to pound into her, stretching her walls and giving her the animalistic side of him she knew lurked within him. 

He groaned as she clenched around him, her muscles tightening in response to his thrusts.

The room was filled with the sounds of their lovemaking, the bed creaking beneath their weight. Her nails dug into his back as she arched her hips to meet his, her passion matching his own.

Her cries of pleasure turned to incessant moans.

"Fuck, Lyra," he groaned. "I can't–, I can't hold back much longer."

"I never need you to hold back," she whispered, pulling his face closer to hers so that she could taste his lips. "Let go. I've got you."

He thrust deeper, his cock hitting her sweet spot over and over again until she screamed out his name in pleasure. Her third orgasm tore through her until it fused with another one, and she was wailing incoherently. 

Astarion was loud, his own moans reverberating in her ears, filling the room. 

It was intoxicating knowing her body was making him feel so good. 

She felt so desired. 

So loved. 

His hips snapped against hers until he groaned, spilling himself inside of her. 

His cock twitched and throbbed inside her – she felt every movement. 

Wetness seeped from between her thighs.

Astarion collapsed, making sure not to smother her with his weight. 

She wouldn't care if he did. 

All she could do was lay there, panting heavily, her body wrecked and her mind reeling from the intensity of the experience. Her heart pounded wildly in her chest, and she could feel Astarion's breath hot against her neck as he caught his own breath.

The room was filled with a heavy silence as the two of them lay there, tangled in each other's arms, their bodies still connected in a most intimate way.

Her body was still buzzing from the pleasure, the entirety of herself feeling alive.

It was overwhelming.

And then, she was crying. 

Tears streamed down her face, mixing with the sweat that clung to their bodies.

Astarion picked up his head. "Love? Did I hurt you?"

She shook her head quickly. 

"What is it?" he murmured, propping himself up so that he wasn't putting much weight on her.

She shook her head again. Not sure how to explain herself. The tears were just coming out. She couldn't control it. 

She couldn't explain it. It wasn't pain, it wasn't sadness. It was a mix of everything. The intensity of the experience, the emotions that came with it, it all just hit her at once.

Astarion's eyes searched her face, trying to understand what was happening. "Lyra, tell me…"

"I just… I feel so… loved," she managed to choke out.

Astarion's eyes softened, a small smile curving his lips. "Truly? 

She tried to smile, nodding her head quickly. 

He smiled back at her, and then his gaze dropped to her lips. He leaned forward, capturing them in a tender, chaste kiss.

"I'm glad," he murmured, wiping her tears until they stopped flowing.

They lay there for a long time, kissing, touching, whispering words of love. 

When Lyra could feel her legs again, she pushed at his shoulders so that he fell on his back. 

He grinned, somewhat surprised by her actions. "What's this?"

Lyra wanted to pleasure him. It was time she did. 

She straddled him. She kissed his neck, his chest, and her hand found his already hardening cock. She pumped it in her hands a few times before lifting herself more, and she began grinding against him. 

Suddenly, she was very nervous. 

She had no memories of ever riding him… or anyone, for that matter. 

She didn't see any old memories of her fucking him when they camped together or when she got a few glimpses of their married life. Whenever she had been astride him, he always controlled the movements. 

She … didn't really know how to do it. 

Lyra paused, looking at him. "I– I don't remember," she started, chewing on her lip. 

He seemed to understand her caution. 

"When we traveled together… I never let you," he said softly. 

She raised her eyebrows. "You don't like it?" It made sense, she guessed. He seemed to love being in control. Dominating her. 

He cleared his throat. "Sex was always a challenge for me. With you, I was able to experiment with what I was comfortable with. You… tried it – a couple of times, but I never let you do it for long. It… made me feel out of control."

Lyra suddenly felt ashamed, as if she was using him. 

But, the point of this was to make him feel good since he was always making her feel so, so good. 

His hands trailed up her thighs, and he gripped her hips, pulling her against him, using her to grind against himself.

"We did it when we were married. After you retrieved my soul, I began to like it. I felt… good with it."

Lyra couldn't help the groan that escaped her lips as he kept pushing and pulling her body against his. The friction was delicious. 

"How– how do you like it?" she gasped. She was sure there were plenty of ways to do it. Perhaps he still wanted to be partly in control. 

"However you want to do it," he responded. 

Lyra nodded and placed her hand on his chest, pushing herself up. She leaned in closer, their lips almost touching, her eyes meeting his.

"I want to make you feel good," she whispered, her breath warm on his face.

His eyes darkened, the intensity of his gaze making her stomach flutter with anticipation.

He nodded, his own desire evident in his expression.

Lyra took a deep breath, steadying herself, and slowly lowered herself onto him. Her cunt was already slick with both of their arousals, so he fit easily in her. 

When she sank fully down, she gasped, feeling him deeper than she normally could. 

Her eyebrows furrowed as she moved against him, not expecting the intense sensation deep inside her. 

His large hands moved from her hips to trail down her arms, and then he laced their fingers together. "Use me."

So, she did. 

She moved her hips, experimenting with the sensations, searching for the right angle, the right rhythm. She lifted herself by pushing against his hands.

Her core trembled as she felt him hit a spot deep inside her, and she arched her back, moaning his name.

Astarion's eyes were locked on her face, watching her every move, taking in her expressions of pleasure. He couldn't seem to contain the grin that spread across his face as he watched her

Lyra's movements became more urgent, her heart pounding as she found a rocking motion that sent waves of ecstasy coursing through her. Astarion's hips followed her lead, setting a rapid pace that often caused their bodies to slip and slide against one another, causing him to groan with desire.

She could see the intensity building within him. She knew she was giving him the pleasure he craved. His fingers tightened around hers, pulling her closer, and her heart swelled with the knowledge that she was making him feel this way.

"Fuck, Lyra," he groaned, his breath hitched. "You feel so good."

She groaned with him, and then the pleasure became a bit too much, and her movements started to become sloppy. She gripped his hands tighter, needing more support. 

Astarion was there to help her. He sat up and clutched her hips. Her arms moved to wrap around his neck and shoulders. She clung to him.

He helped her find a better position, adjusting her body so she could maintain the pace and depth she enjoyed. He helped move her hips to that steady rhythm she needed, his strength evident in the way he kept them on course. The connection between them grew deeper and stronger.

When he bit down softly on her shoulder she begged him to bite her. 

He wasted no time. 

His ice-cold teeth sank into her neck while her nails dug into his skin. 

Her moans turned to breathy screams as he drank from her.

It all felt so wonderful.

When the beat of her heart began to quicken even faster, he pulled away and looked at her.

He moved them faster, harder. 

"I love you," Astarion panted, his gaze never leaving her face.

Lyra's eyes filled with tears again. "I love you too," she whispered, her voice shaky with emotion.

Their lips met in a fervent, passionate kiss as they continued to move together, their bodies becoming one.

He kept rocking against her, moving with her, kissing her every chance he got. 

When her cunt spasmed almost painfully around his cock, she felt him release inside her again. 

Then, he was pulling her down on top of him, kissing her forehead and cheeks, saying how grateful he was to have her. 

Annoyingly, her tears came again. 

It was all just… overwhelming.

The moonlight spilled into the room, reminding Lyra of… everything . 

Tomorrow, they would be a complete family. 

She would make sure of it. 

Astarion kissed her, time and time again, until she fell asleep in her own bed, for the first time in months. 

[lyranova]

Hiya Lyra!!! Again CONGRATS ON 900!! I'm sure you'll hit the 1k soon enough :D But... umm... would you terribly mind if... you could make a Medical AU for Fuelara? If not, then Fue x reader is absolutely fine!!! Anywho... I was inspired a little by my former colleague's office, and so.. Lara (or reader) would be a pathologist with a somewhat spacious corner office, with a small couch, that is a pull out couch (nothing fancy, but y'know)

And Fue, the oncologist, would be on a very long work streak, and be on call, after having worked for... many hours, and he ends up catching a nap at the end of his work day on the couch, because she won't let him drive home sleep deprived. Just pure fluff an taking care of each other?

Again: Congrats!!! All the love and support from me ^^ <3

Hiya Laura! Ahwksjskwkwj thank you so much 🥺💕, I would say I don’t think I’ll hit 1k but…it’s starting to look like I might 🙈! Of course I don’t mind you asking for Fuelara, I would be honored to write for them 😤💕! This became less of them taking care of each other and more of them snuggling and teasing each other, but I still hope you like it 🥰!

Word Count: 1,348

Warnings: None

————

The corner office was quiet, the only sound echoing through the room was the clicking of the keyboard as Solara’s fingers glided across the keys with precision. That was the beauty of this place; no matter how loud and chaotic it was in the hospital, it was always quiet and calm in this office.

That was why Solara Equinox snatched it up as soon as it had been offered to her. So that way she could have peace, quiet, and a place to relax after a stressful day.

This place, in a way, was her retreat; her sanctuary.

And she wasn’t the only one who felt that way.

Her office door opened softly, and her green eyes glanced up from the computer screen to see a very tired looking Dr. Fuegoleon Vermillion standing there.

With a heavy sigh he closed the door behind him, closing his eyes for a moment, before he slowly opened them again and walked over to her couch. He took off his doctor’s coat and place it over one of the chairs before loosening his tie and sitting down on the sofa.

“ Is your shift finally over?” She asked him softly, her voice gentle and warm as she turned her chair to fully look at him.

Fuegoleon nodded slowly.

“ It is, thank god,” He said gratefully as he leaned his head back, his eyes closing again.

For the past two weeks he had been working long hours since he had been the only Oncologist and Oncologist surgeon on call for the entire hospital. With every passing day Solara had watched him grow more and more exhausted and that only made her grow more and more worried.

There were many times where she had worried that he was going to collapse, but whenever she confronted him about it he would always tell her that he was fine and that all he needed was more coffee or a short nap.

She sighed, it was a wonder he hadn’t collapsed!

But now it was over, and Fuegoleon could get the rest he deserved.

“ Luckily I have the next two weeks off, and I plan on taking full advantage of it,” He told her with a quiet chuckle, his eyes remaining closed.

“ As you should; after all, you’ve earned it,” She said. “ Do you have any plans? Aside from sleeping.” He hummed in thought.

“ Hm, well, I was thinking of asking a certain someone if they would like to go on a small holiday with me next week when they also had time off,” Fuegoleon began, a knowing smile on his face and a glint in his slowly opening eyes.

Solara smiled coyly.

“ Is that so? And who might this ‘certain someone’ be?” She asked teasingly, clearly knowing who he was referring to.

“ Let’s see; they’re beautiful, amazing, very intelligent, kind, warm, patient, and the best Head of Pathology I’ve ever seen,” He told her softly, a loving look in his tired purple eyes.

She couldn’t help but blush at his words, and her smile widened ever so slightly.

“ My, they sound truly amazing!”

“ They certainly are.”

“ You’d better not let them go, otherwise someone else might snatch them up.”

“ Oh believe me, I have no intention of ever letting her go.” His tone and gaze were serious, but his eyes were warm, caring, and full of love.

Solara’s heart skipped a beat for a moment before she cleared her throat and turned back towards her computer.

“ I happily accept your offer of going on a holiday together, Doctor Vermillion,” She told him in her professional tone, making him chuckle. “ Shall we decide on the location tomorrow evening?”

Fuegoleon nodded in agreement.

“ What time is it?” He asked her after a few minutes, Solara hummed as she glanced up at the clock on the wall.

“ It’s around 7:30.” She told him before she went back to typing, but she paused when he let out a small sigh.

“ I should let you finish your work,” He said as he slowly stood up.

Solara’s eyes narrowed.

“ Where are you running off to?” She asked as she stood up and crossed her arms. Fuegoleon turned towards her with a slightly confused gaze.

“ Home?”

“ And how are you planning on getting there?”

“ By driving?” He told her with a confused frown, his voice sounding perplexed.

She quickly shook her head.

“ No you are not,” She told him sternly as she walked around her desk and towards her sofa. “ you’re staying here and are going to get some much needed rest.”

Fuegoleon blinked in surprise for a moment before quickly shaking his head.

“ I can’t,” He began quickly as he watched her begin to take the cushions off her sofa. “ If I stay here I’ll only be bothering you as you work.”

“ But it would be very negligent of me as both your girlfriend and as a doctor if I let you drive home in your current state,” She told him firmly as she looked over at him. “ Besides, you won’t be bothering me; in fact, you being here will actually help me finish all of my work quickly.”

Realizing that there was no arguing with her, Fuegoleon sighed and began to help her pull the couch out in order to turn it into a bed.

“ Here's a blanket and a couple of pillows,” Solara said as she handed the items to him.

“ You know I can call just a cab to take me home-,” He began but the rest of his sentence died in his throat as she gave him a small glare that said ‘I will not tell you again’.

He cleared his throat and gave her a small nod of thanks before he placed the pillow and blankets onto the bed, sat down on it, and slipped off his shoes and tie.

As Solara went to walk back to her desk she suddenly felt something wrap around her wrist gently, and when she looked down she saw Fuegoleon’s hand gently holding it.

“ May,” He began hesitantly, his cheeks slightly red and his gaze averted to the side in nervousness. “ May I be so bold as to ask you to…lay down with me?”

Solara felt her own cheeks burn slightly before a small, playful smile appeared on her face.

“ If I didn’t know any better I would think that you were asking me to do something inappropriate with you,” She joked in a playful tone, and watched in amusement as his face only turned more red.

“ I-I didn’t mean-!” Fuegoleon began quickly, but Solara chuckled.

“ I know what you meant,” She replied. “ and I would be happy to rest with you, but only for a moment. I’m waiting for some test results to come in from the lab.”

Fuegoleon nodded, and moved over on the pull out couch in order to make room for her to lay down beside him.

She slid under the blanket and curled into his chest as his arms wrapped around her and held her close.

“ Finally, I can get a good night's rest now that you’re by my side, keeping me warm, and making me feel safe and loved…” Fuegoleon muttered sleepily into Solara’s hair, making her heart pound in her chest.

She…made him feel safe and loved?

“ Same here, Fue,” She admitted softly into his chest as she closed her eyes and listened to the soft drumming of his heart beat. “ I’ve missed having you by my side these past two weeks.”

Fuegoleon hummed in agreement before his once elusive sleep finally took him.

Solara waited a few minutes to make sure he was good and asleep before she tried to get up and get back to her computer, but as she squirmed and wiggled she found herself stuck against his chest. He had her firmly secured against him, and just as he said before; he had no intentions of letting her go.

With a resigned sigh she accepted her fate and rested against his chest, closing her eyes as sleep also came for her; those test results could wait an hour or two.

—————

Thank you all so much for reading and I hope you all have a good day~!

[rosalinrabbit]

Nectar of the Gods

Blue Banisters Track List

Pairing: Robb Stark x Fem! Mormont Reader

Warnings: Hurt, hurt no comfort, past relationships, family deaths, briefly mentioned violence, final goodbyes, pure angst, Robb being an idiot and putting the North in danger

Summary: After the death of your aunt and your father, you knew you had to return to Bear Island. You couldn’t take it anymore, watching Robb live a life you weren’t a part of any longer. When the King in the North himself finds you packing your bags, many things left unsaid finally come to light.

Word Count: 2.8k

A/N:  This is the start of the Blue Banisters Track List!! (A new project which is likely going to be a bit inconsistent in terms of order and posting)

This fic is a mix of show and book canon if that makes sense? I was rewatching the show and every time we get to the whole Robb x Talisa plotline I lose my mind at how weird it is but I digress. 

You are in charge of your own media consumption. Please read responsibly.

Do not translate or re-upload any of my work. Works are only cross-posted on AO3.

< What sweet world is this? Honey on the vine..

School kid dreams came true, then passed in the night

I used to dream about people like you, now I don’t know why… >

-Lana Del Rey, Nectar of the Gods

You hurried to pack your things from the tent you had once shared with your aunt, the one you still shared with two of her daughters, your cousins, Dacey and Lyra. Maege’s oldest and third oldest. The rest, Alysane, Jorelle, and Lyanna, remained at Bear Island. 

The she-bear is no more. When her daughters decided to remain by the King’s side, you knew you could not. Then, the message came from up North. From the Wall.

To your luck, the raven’s message landed in the hands of Catelyn Stark, not her son’s. It was Catelyn who came up to you, pulling you into her tent to talk alone. Her eyes alone saw the tears when she told you.

Your father was dead. Killed by his own men in a mutiny beyond the wall.

You were taught better than to react in the way you did, in disbelief and agony. In shock. You had stared at the older woman for a few moments before you could even process her words, yet your eyes seemed to beat your mind to it, tears streaming down your face as you stared past Catelyn, towards the opening of the tent and out into the beyond. 

When the sobs broke through, you felt her hands on your arms, holding you up so you wouldn’t fall over, bringing you close and providing you with the comfort only a mother could, even though you would never get to call her by that name.

Even though she herself had expected you to one day.

You were thankful that Catelyn atleast understood your pain. While you hailed from Bear Island, while you held the name Mormont and were loyal as can be to House Stark, while you knew how to fight and lead like the rest of your family, the pain of it all weighed on you. As much as you tried to hide it, for the pride of your house, for your own dignity, it was far too much, and you and the Stark matriarch both knew the pain went beyond the death of your father.

It was everything inbetween. 

The two Stark girls whom you loved like sisters, in what felt like increasingly mortal danger because of Robb’s rebellion. 

The death of your aunt, who cared for you as though you were her own when your mother died, when your much older half-brother Jorah disgraced the house, and when your father left to take the black.

The fear for your house and your future, leaving your dear young cousin Lyanna at home and in charge of Bear Island with her mother’s most trusted advisors.

The fact that your father was killed by his own men, by the job he had commited his life to. 

The heartbreak of Robb moving on.

The anger caused by his stupidity.

The moment you learned he had married that Westerling woman, the one who traveled along with the infantry, healing men who probably didn’t have a chance, you knew this war was doomed. Not because of what Walder Frey would do, but because of Robb’s clear lack of foresight. How could he not see what the rest of you saw? All for one woman.

You had never asked that of him.

Your engagement had been broken off when the war began. He told you he wanted to keep the engagement but did not want you to be a target, and you had told him that the greatest chance he’d have at winning this war was through an advantageous marriage. One that would offer far more than your family could. You didn’t do it because you didn’t love him, no. The both of you were desolate at the reality of it all. In your mind, you hoped he would refuse to marry throughout the war. Hoped the “young wolf” would be strong enough, that he wouldn’t need to. But you knew better, and you knew he needed the numbers. If Arya and Sansa were going to survive, he needed a stronger army and a wife that could offer more to him standing by his side. 

When he promised to marry Walder Frey’s daughter, your heart broke. Yet the passage was worth it. The North was worth it.

You would do it a thousand times over for Sansa and Arya, and you’d do the same for your own young cousins that were like sisters to you. Not that Dacey and Lyra needed protecting, but if they did, you would do it for them without much thought. 

For his family, for his sisters, you broke the engagement. 

And Robb threw all of that away, and the North along with it, by marrying Talisa.

As you changed into more suitable riding clothes, you couldn’t help but think of the past. Of when you thought you had it all figured out. You closed your eyes, and tears slipped out at the memories of him.

Holding his hand and walking through the glass gardens. Braiding Sansa’s hair. Chasing after Bran and Arya as they climbed up walls and through windows.

Or when he kissed you in the Godswood, telling you that you were standing on the spot where you would eventually marry.

Lies.

You would never have any of those things again.

“Y/n?” 

You startled at Robb’s voice, wiping away any stray tears and turning around to prepare to face him, hiding your bags behind your back. 

“Yes, your highness?” You responded bitterly as he entered the tent on your response.

“Please don’t call me that. When did you ever get so formal?” He muttered.

“I’ve always been formal to those who require it.”

“I do not require it of you.”

“Your station and our relationship does.”

“You mean our lack of a relationship?” He bit slightly before calming again.

You stood, unmoving, eyes glazing past him as you waited for him to get on with it. He stepped forward and you stiffened.

“I had realized we never spoke about Maege…” He stepped even closer and his hand reached up before you quickly took a step back from him, confused at his purpose and his words. He looked at you with a pained expression at your coldness, and it just made you angry. None of this was your choice. “Your aunt was a great woman,” he began. “I know you loved her deeply, and she looked after you like you were her own. I am truly sorry for your loss.”

Perhaps, under different circumstances, Robb’s condolences may have made you soften. May have had you second-guessing your choice to leave. Now, looking at him, you could hardly recognize the man you once loved. He spoke with the compassion he always seemed to hold within him, yet the way he stood, the way he looked, he had this strange self-righteousness. As if this could save you from your pain… and what of your father? He must not know.

You stood there staring at him before you spoke, in as neutral a tone as you could muster. “We have all made great sacrifices, your highness. I believe my aunt may rest easy knowing her own sacrifice, that of her life, saved countless others.” Unlike you, you thought to yourself. No, he sacrifices others. Not himself. 

Robb wasn’t an idiot, and his expression sunk at your words. “I appreciate every sacrifice that has been made on behalf of the North.”

Sadness and anger were welling up within you, and gods, you wanted to yell at him. You wondered if you could still get away with something like that, yet you simply muttered, thinking of your father, your aunt, the stark girls. “And a great many, indeed.”

“Y/n… do not insinuate that I do not know sacrifice. I have lost as much, if not more, compared to all those here.” 

“Whatever you believe,” you spoke, looking directly into his eyes, “it doesn’t really matter in the end, does it? It doesn’t matter what we’ve lost, it’s already gone.” You turned your head away, willing tears to stay put in your eyes.

“I am sorry.”

You didn’t know what he was apologizing for. “It is what it is.”

“I made you a promise. And I broke it.”

“You did.”

“Why must you always act like it doesn’t matter to you?” He scoffed, frustrated. There was a pause. “Were you.. were you packing up your things to leave?”

You turned to look at your bags on the bed.

“I don’t know what you want me to say, your highness.”

“Don’t call me that, please, for gods sakes. And all I ever wanted was an ounce of pushback from you! We were to be married, and you gave that away so easily, yet now you punish me for it every day because I married Talisa!”

“Robb,” you spoke harshly, stopping his rant, giving him what he seemed to want. An honest response. “You’re right, I am angry with you. Just not for the selfish reasons you think I am.”

“Well if you’re abandoning the war effort, it’s better for me to hear it now before you’re taken prisoner.”

You sighed at his childish threat. “I think you haven’t seen a single thing I’ve done. Of course breaking the engagement mattered to me! How could you not see that? You know how much I loved you, how on earth could you really think I gave that up so easily? Without second thoughts? I did it for you! And you’re so far up your own arse at this point that you can’t even see that! I sacrificed my love for you for the lives of your sisters. For the chance to win this war. Is that not a good enough reason for you? It’s not that you married Talisa, it’s that I agreed to end the engagement while under the impression that it would change the tides of the war. That you would marry a Frey and secure the twins. But you didn’t do that, Robb. And it felt like a knife in my back.” Robb stood a few paces away from you, a hurt expression across his face, one of shame and sadness. “I made that sacrifice for nothing.”

“I love her. That’s why I married her. I loved, I still love, you… I could not marry a woman I did not love. It wouldn’t have been right for either of us.”

“This is not about love, Robb. It is about duty, and honor. I know you believe what you did was honorable, honorable to the sanctity of vows and marriage… but you killed hundreds if not thousands of our men with your choice. Is that worth it to you? Is that truly so honorable, if it meant breaking your promises?”

“We will make it right with the Freys, and pay our debts another way. But you, you broke your promise to me. And now you stand here with your bags packed, is that not breaking your promise, too?”

“I did it for your family! I did it to try to save your sisters, and I did it for you! How can you not see that? And I’m leaving now because my family is in trouble, my cousins just lost their mother and now must rule the island. I’ve given up so much for you, for your family…” You rose your voice in anger, beginning to lose control of your emotions, hands beginning to shake as you tied up your bags.

“Even if they are family, what would your father think of you being a deserter?”

“Do not speak of my father-“ your voice broke, tears welling up in your eyes. 

“If you were under his command he’d have you killed for abandoning your position, y/n,”

“He’s dead, Robb!” You yelled, eyes locking to his, tears dripping from your eyes like spring rain. “My father is dead.”

“Y/n- I didn’t know,” Robb’s face had fallen to one of sympathy, his hand reached out for you, to comfort you like he had so many times in the past. And this time you let his hand reach your shoulder. You stiffly let him protectively put a hand on the top of your head, and pull you into his embrace. After a moment, you relaxed into his warmth, exhaling shakily as the tears kept coming. “I know how much he meant to you. I am so sorry…”

“Robb, you have to let me go,” you whispered, and you knew he understood you meant he needed to let you return home, because his hold around you was maintained. “I don’t have anything left for me here. I want another chance. A chance to be happy. I want to protect and defend my home, and the family I have left.”

“I can’t,” he told you earnestly. “I can’t.”

“You’re married, you moved on… So why won’t you let me?”

“I didn’t, really. I couldn’t.”

“But you did. You can’t take any of it back, Robb. And I know that I can’t either.” You paused to collect yourself before continuing. “Do you want to know how my father died?”

He was silent for a moment before asking, “how?”

“His own men killed him. There was a mutiny.” His grip around you tightened. “My father was an incredibly respected man. And in the end, no matter how much he did right, he did not pay enough attention to what was right in front of him. I don’t think he ever considered just how possible it was that his men would turn on him.”

“The North is stronger than a band of criminals. We have a family name to stand behind, we have bannermen who swore oaths for generations. It is different,” he rationalized, looking down at you. And you looked up, and then, you could remember why you fell in love with him. With his handsome face and dark curls, his fierce yet pragmatic nature, the overwhelming protection, and the way his adoration for you shone through his eyes. The way you could feel it. And your heart hurt, because you thought he might be wrong. His eyes stayed on yours as you spoke.

“Nothing is as strong as it seems, Robb… You just crossed Walter Frey. One of the most selfish men I’ve ever met, the lord of a great river lands house, and of the crossing, which you desperately need for this war… I could be wrong. I could be, but I’ve already lost you. I’ve already lost your sisters. I’ve lost my aunt, who raised me as her own, and I’ve lost my father. I cannot be here anymore. There is nothing for me here, and while I can never forgive you for the choices you made, I also cannot bear to lose more of you than I already have.” 

Robb brought his hands up to your face, brushing the water from your eyes as his own eyes welled with tears. 

“You have to let me go,” you pleaded again, voice barely even a whisper. 

“I know,” he nodded. “At least let me get a horse and supplies for you. Meet me at the eastern edge of the camp.”

And with that, he quickly withdrew his hands, leaving your tent without a second glance.

As you waited, you ensured you had packed everything. You double-checked the items and re-laced your boots before throwing on a warm cloak and stepping outside. The air was growing colder, and with the winds came winter.

You quickly made your way to the edge, and by the tree line you spotted him. Standing with your horse, already saddled.

He was silent when you approached, and could not meet your eye as he took your bags and attached them. He automatically held a hand out to help you mount, but when you took it, he looked at you again. And he truly looked at you. His eyes ran over the details of your face, like he was committing it to memory, and held your hand like a lifeline. He looked at you with sad desperation, pulling you into a hug once more, tucking your head under his chin and holding you so tight you could hardly breathe. When his grip loosened, he placed a tender kiss to your forehead, and within it held every memory, and every touch. 

“You know where to go. Just promise me to be careful. Go quickly, don’t stop for anyone… I love you, y/n.” His voice sounded hoarse, too much emotion behind it to even speak of.

“I love you too, Robb,” you told him, staring deep into his eyes as you cried for what felt like the millionth time that day. “And I am sorry that wasn’t enough.” 

He simply nodded, and helped you onto the horse.

He did not look at you as you fixed the hold on the reins or the lay of your cloak along your back, but as you urged your horse into a galloping pace and you looked back, his eyes were fixed on you.

You knew then that you would always love him, and no matter how lost he made you feel, and while you could never forgive him, you could now move forward. You knew you could find your way.

Whether Robb made it through or not, your situations wouldn’t change. Too much had transpired to ever go back.

No, even if you both survived this war, you knew that this would be the last time you ever saw Robb Stark.

[likeafairytale]

“How is my sister?” - Aeron to Miakoda when Lyra is ill

Miakoda was sitting on the edge of princess Lyra's bed. The poor thing was sick for a week already, and lately she had difficulty to get out of bed. When the first sign of sickness appeared, Miakoda was assigned to bed rest with her. As a vampire, she was immunized against any disease possible, and as no one knew if it was contagious or not, prevention it better than cure. The girl was sleeping peacefully, at least that was what her heartbeat made believe. Miakoda was wiping Lyra's forehead with cold water when she heard Aeron's voice. Anyone would have been startled by his coming, for he was quiet, but the vampire heard him from down the stairs. She barely looked at him, to focus on Lyra's temperature.

She had to admit that she was surprised to see him there. To see anyone, really. First, the Le Feys weren't the most affectionate family; none of them visited Lyra since she was sick –until now at least. Her mother barely tried to have news from her daughter, when Miakoda tried to give her some news about Lyra's state, the High Queen dismissed it as non-important. This broke Miakoda's heart to see a mother so indifferent to her own child well-being. None of her brothers asked about her, at least until now. Aeron probably came secretly because showing that you care for another being was a sign of weakness for Morgana, and even if it was clear that Aeron was her favourite child, that does not mean that she won't be disgust to know he cared for his little sister.

After a moment of silence, Miakoda finally put down the sponge she was holding into a bowl, before turning around to face the fae prince. She noticed that he wasn't looking at her. She was just there, in front of him, but he only had eyes for his sister, and she couldn't help but think that it was quite adorable. Miakoda looked at the young man closely, without showing that she was staring. From all the Le Feys, Aeron was the one she knew the less, and she did not know if it was a good thing or a bad thing... The vampire decided to not think of that right now, so she shook her head, looking at Lyra who was slowly moving during her sleep.

“Her temperature is normal. Her heartbeat too. She will survive, she is stronger that what people think.”

“I know that too well.” Aeron said with a smirk, and this time he looked at Miakoda who looked at him back, frowning. “Do you know what she has?”

“I suspect the flu, and chickenpox. She complained that she was itchy. It won't last more than one more week.”

“I see.”

Now, they were both silent. Both looking at the little princess who cough and moan in her sleep. Miakoda took back to sponge in order to wipe Lyra's forehead, when she felt Aeron's presence near her. He might just want to come closer to see his sister's state, but Miakoda had to admit that his presence so close made her uneasy. She almost dropped the sponge on Lyra's face because she was startled to see him so close. For a moment, she froze. Unable to move, as if she was a puppet, and Aeron the puppet master. She was tensed, and if he wasn't a prince, it'd been a while that she would have pushed him. Maybe aware of her discomfort, Aeron stepped back a little, and Miakoda did not notice she was holding her breath until now. Blinking, she shook her head, her attention back on Lyra who was still asleep.

“Thank you. For taking care of her.”

“If not me, no one would.” Miakoda said without thinking. It's only once the words were out of her mouth that she understood their meaning. Eyes wide open, she turned around to look at an amused Aeron. “That's not what I wanted to say!”

“Don't apologize, you're right. No one would have stepped in. Mother would have surely let her die if it wasn't for you.”

Miakoda smiled politely, letting a silence sink in. she could tell that prince Aeron wasn't the kind of men to enjoy a little bit of peace and quiet, because he couldn't stay still. She opened her mouth, ready to talk, but was cut short by movement in the bed. Lyra woke up, a bit groggy, coughing, but a smile on her face when she saw her brother in the room. No doubt that Aeron was her favourite brother. Miakoda stood up to let the place to Aeron, who came closer to the bed.

“You are here! I dreamt of you, did you play with fairy dust for me?”

“No, not this time. But I can stay and make you dream of pleasant thing.”

“Oh, Mia, can he stay, please?” The little girl asked, pouting. She felt a bit better now that Aeron was there, but still, it was obvious that she was sick. Miakoda's eyes went back and forth from Aeron to Lyra, before she smiled politely, bowing in front of them.

“If his majesty wishes to stay with his sister, I cannot refuse.” This must be the right answer because Lyra clapped her hands with happiness, making Miakoda giggled. The vampire decided to let the two siblings together, in order to go get some food for them.