#oh man your style is so charming and sharp and shaped

[canisalbus]

.

[kedsandtubesocks]

your favorite kryptonite

Comic Bookstore Owner!Dieter Bravo x F!Reader

summary: you think it should be illegal for someone this hot to work at your favorite comics & fandom shop

warnings/tags: 18+ ONLY, MDNI. non canon AU. Dieter as a big fandom nerd (affectionate), brief one sided annoyance to lovers, mentions and discussions of various medias including marvel, video games & anime/manga, light use of gendered language, moment of harassment from a creep, Dieter cosplaying surprise, spicy themes, reader wears Dieter’s robe but no physical description is mentioned, light drug use (marijuana), silly chaotic but sweet!Dieter

word count: 4.3k

a/n: So I’m back with another wacky AU LOL this is my love letter to all things wonderfully nerdy & to nerd Dieter who in my heart i believe is totally a Kakashi and Goku fanboy lol the biggest thanks go out to @perotovar & @burntheedges who helped championed this and gave me the power up strength to continue, so grateful for y’all babes! And to you reading this thank you so much ♡

The new mecha anime figurines immediately draw your attention. Their sharp beautiful sleek designs stand impressively and although you might not be a huge fan you admire the striking style.

You’ve been coming to Atomic Planet Shop since your best friend dragged you here in high school years ago. Containing a wide range of things like a whole area to flip through comics, to a wall of Japanese manga - it’s a nerd’s paradise.

Currently you search for a birthday gift to get your best friend and maybe snag a treat for yourself.

“Oh, a fan of Gundam I see.” An eager and new voice calls from behind.

Turning back you discover someone slinking out from behind the register. Normally Raymond, the sweet older man who runs the store, would be here. But now someone new stands in his place and you’re stunned.

The guy emerging from behind the counter is gorgeous.

Scruffy beard, fluffy hair, wearing earrings and rings on his hand, he’s hot. The shirt he wears says “Wolverine Call Me” in a heart shape. His deep chocolate even eyes seem to dance curiously.

“Uh, just looking.” You politely reply.

“Whatcha looking for?”

You explain how you’re here looking for a birthday gift for your friend.

“Oh nice.” He nods appreciatively.

While you’re turned, giving this new worker your attrition, you finally notice the glass shelf behind the register.

Your eyes go wide fast at what you spot.

“Is that a new Stardew Valley cookbook?” You can’t even process the words, you’re still in awe at the sight. Precious little drawings fill the space to show familiar dishes, like pink cake and lucky lunch, from the game. It’s gorgeous and so unique.

“Oh hell yeah, you a fan?” The mystery man exclaims. “You know we have a whole little-”

“Video game section off to the side. Yeah.” You warmly cut him off.

Originally the store had been very comics and graphic novel focused. However over the years it’s evolved to add more fandom-like elements and now there’s even a small but impressive video game focused area.

A sweetly surprised look falls over the guy’s face and it paints him utterly charming.

“So who’s your go-to spouse in SDV?” He asks, wiggling his eyebrows.

You tell him and he nods sagely.

“I always go for Krobus. Gotta respect our cute sewer dweller.” He says.

While you laugh a flutter scurries across your heart.

A ring at the door chimes in breaking your sweet conversation and a cluster of guys walk into the store.

“Guess I’ll get back to birthday gift hunting.” You smile at the cute worker then return to the comic stacks.

Flipping through the different series and passing through many fun options, you catch the conversation off to the side.

The pack of young guys that walked in seem to know the cute worker and snicker with him about something.

“Oh yeah man, so I was rewatching Endgame the other day and the part where Scarlet Witch goes one on one with Thanos? Unrealistic!” One of them cackles and you pause.

Did they not even see or know about how powerful she’s confirmed to be in the other MCU projects? Even then, in the comics Scarlet Witch flat out changes the trajectory of reality. If anything Thanos is only strong because he got lucky.

But you hold your tongue and continue scanning through the comics.

These guys are probably just punk ass kids. You don’t want to waste your energy on these guys who probably also hate on other characters like Shuri and Carol Danvers.

Now the cute store worker scoffs amused but doesn’t correct them. Your face scrunches up.

You thought he was charming, maybe a bit eccentric, like a 90’s vibrant Lisa Frank vibe. Yet now your skin crawls just a little bit thinking he might be one of those unfortunately toxic gatekeeping jackass guys.

You decide to leave now. You still had time to look for a birthday gift for your best friend. So you’ll just come back later. Without a second glance to the cute worker, you slip out and wonder about maybe checking out another store.

Of course, you’re too tired to actively look for another store. The next time you return to Atomic Planet, you pray Raymond is there.

You’re excited and almost relieved to see the familiar eccentric older man smiling toothy at you from behind the counter.

“Well, you’re a wonderful sight for sore eyes!” He greets you and happily you catch up and chat with him.

Suddenly a chaotic bang clamors in. The handsome worker from last time tumbles out from the back room into the front as if he tried to rush over.

“Dieter man, what’s the rush?” Raymond laughs.

Dieter. So that’s his name.

The guy, Dieter, this time wears a Naruto shirt under a sleepy and cozy green robe. His hair is still fluffy and you don’t miss how wide eyes stare at you.

“Hey.” You politely but curtly reply.

“Hi.” Dieter waves and you hate how cute he looks.

“By the annoyed look on your face, I take it you’ve met this new headache.” Raymond chuckles and embarrassment rams into you knowing your annoyance is that obvious.

“Don’t worry, he’s harmless.” Raymond waves. “He cries when he watches My Neighbor Totoro.”

“Hey what the fuck!” Dieter cries and you press your lips together trying not to laugh.

“Just ignore him, honey.” Raymond winks and you grin wide.

After thanking him, you head back to the birthday gift search. Searching now through the manga selection you notice something moves by the corner of your eye.

Turning to the side, a large Totoro plushie floats beside you obviously being held up.

“Please don’t be mad at me.” A high pitch tone acting as the adorable creature's voice speaks out and your lips twitch.

From the side Dieter pops his head out.

His hair, rivaling a bird's nest, creates a cloud around him and his wide doe-like eyes peeking out are so hard to be fully annoyed at.

“You know,” he now fully speaks in his voice, moving to hold the large adorable plushie in his arms. “Never got your name.”

“You have my full permission to beat his ass if you need to, dear.” Raymond yells dully from the cash register and Dieter squawks horrified.

You laugh bright. Turning to the side you see Dieter already holds his hand out. The half crooked grin on his face paints him so boyish.

“Name’s Dieter.”

You shake his hand, finally giving him your name.

“So, do you really think Scarlet Witch can’t take on Thanos?” You offer light.

Dieter sighs loud. “I knew those guys and what we were talking about might’ve pissed you off.”

So he was watching you. That brings in a curious warmth that courses through you.

“Well I do apologize.” He bows his head a bit. You at least appreciate that.

“I bet those guys are the same ones that don’t like Carol Danvers either or even know that Squirrel Girl defeated Thanos.” You add a bit snippy.

“You know your shit, I like that.” Dieter replies proud and the way his voice drips out smooth does something dangerous to your heart.

You shrug but fight off the smug grin threatening to mirror his.

“Maybe you need to go Gandalf on my ass and teach me a thing or two, like maybe over coffee?” Dieter offers and you’re knocked out.

So he feels this spark, chemistry or whatever it is, between you too.

“Maybe,” you reply back with a grin. “For now I gotta get back to gift shopping.”

“You still haven’t found your friend a gift?! Geeze, what kind of bestie are you?!” He cries out teasing and you roll your eyes.

It’s getting harder staying annoyed with him and not taking up his offer to get coffee.

You eventually decide on a comic art book for your friend and then spot the assorted mystery box trinkets to maybe snag a few for her and even for yourself.

“I know everyone says Goku would beat the fuck out of Thanos, but you know who else would too without breaking a sweat?” Dieter’s voice again arrives at your side. He’s rather persistent, your cute, slightly not so annoying gnat.

“Sailor Moon.” He answers himself sagely.

“Yeah, you’re right.” You snicker amused.

He practically beams besides you when you agree.

You ask if he’s a fan.

“Oh hell yeah! Sailor Venus is my fav.” Dieter cries. “I can sing the entire song theme opening for you if you’d like. Not to brag, but that and the second Naruto theme opening are my go to karaoke songs.”

You laugh, feeling it deep into your bones. He’s chaotic, but unbearably endearing.

In a blink, a rush comes in all at once. The fun sweet bubble you had been cultivating deflates and you hate how disappointed you get seeing Dieter scramble to try and work.

When you go check out, you’re surprised he’s the one at your register.

Even though he’s focused on working you don’t miss the way his eyes flicker up to you shyly but with a confident smirk. He turns to fully gift wrap the items knowing they’re going to be a present and you thank him for that.

When you grab your bag he gives you a smooth wink and you playfully glare at him.

Later at home, when you unpack everything, you find an extra surprise in the bag.

It’s a small box of strawberry pocky snacks you know you didn’t buy.

There’s a sticky note attached to it.

A sweet treat for a sweet customer! ( ˘͈ ᵕ ˘͈ ♡)

Call me if you ever wanna get coffee or just talk nerd shit and make me absolutely fall even harder for you

Underneath the message, he left you his number and you can’t believe it. After squealing about it with a few of your friends, you text him.

Dieter replies back quick with the funniest excited cat reaction meme and you realize you might be in the best kind of trouble with this guy.

— . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.—

You didn’t expect the convention to be this crowded. Chatter fills the air as cosplayers move all around.

The booths stretch endless with countless tempting merch.

Your best friend tried to get you to plan a fun cosplay with her. However neither you or her could decide on what to pick in time. Now you're gladly comfortable in an everyday outfit and simply allow yourself to be in awe at the intricate lovely costumes.

While scanning the convention and taking in the beautifully controlled chaos in, you also hope to catch sight of someone in particular.

“Dude, stop trying to look for your hot nerd boyfriend.” Your best friend snorts and your heart trips over itself.

Embarrassed, you chide her and remind her that Dieter isn’t your boyfriend.

“Oh yeah because texting a guy everyday for the past month and going to cute cat cafes with him isn't dating.” She deadpans with a smirk.

You playfully glare at her.

It’s not official and you don’t want to rush whatever this is with Dieter. You haven’t even been to his place yet. You don’t mind though. You’ve just been enjoying getting to know him more.

You learn Dieter’s favorite video game is Hollow Knight and his favorite anime is Neon Genesis Evangelion.

His favorite comic book villain of all time is the Condiment King.

Matcha flavored Kit Kats have become his newest obsession session.

He saw all the Lord of the Rings movies in theater and can practically quote The Two Towers. Still has the comic book his best friend in middle school gave to him. Also refuses to let any of his Animal Crossing villagers leave because he’s so attached to them.

Dieter had made you laugh more than you can count, but he can be a bit ridiculous.

Like when he called you after he got off a late closing night shift to ask if Pacific Rim was real did you think the Kaiju monsters would maybe stop attacking if they found out how much he loves them.

Dieter does have his headache moments, but he’s an endearing kaleidoscope of a soul.

Earlier this week when you visited him at the shop, he said he was going to be here at the conversation. But with how bad the convention center’s wifi is, you haven’t been able to contact him.

“He even said he was coming in cosplay just for today right? Any ideas what he’s showing up as?” Your best friend wiggles her eyes while you and her stroll down an artist alley.

“No!” You huff still upset. “He said he wanted it to be a surprise.”

While you appreciate him wanting to wait for a dramatic reveal, you wanted to know what his outfit was from the minute he told you.

You wanted to maybe try dedicatedly searching for him, but you get completely enthralled by the mass amounts of merchandise delightfully distracting you.

You spot incredible fan art pieces, adorable handmade keychains, and very expensive but beautiful figurines.

It’s like a mini wonderland.

Checking out the cute earrings at the stall you’re at, you lose sight of your best friend. When you turn to excitedly talk with her, that’s when you spot it.

She’s a few steps away, very politely trying to inch away from a guy, dressed in a Deadpool suit without the mask on. He’s talking way too aggressively and getting way too close to your friend.

Immediately you rush over and happily jump in.

“I gotta show you this!” You thankfully have the best excuse to pull her away.

But the guy only takes it as an opening to instead follow you both now.

“Just ignore him.” Your best friend whispers to you.

You and her continue to stare at the jewelry. Yet the guy remains. He continues his discussion and seems to get upset that you or your friend aren’t replying. It’s creepy and persistent especially with how he refuses to budge or take the hint.

You try lightly deflating the situation by apologizing and saying you and your friend just want to enjoy shopping.

“Oh, is shopping all you two came here for? You know, you fucking losers aren’t even in cosplay. Fake ass fans.”

Now he gets really aggressive.

The air and tension shift. The poor cute shop owner in her adorable R2D2 dress even reacts getting upset.

“Look, we just wanna enjoy the con.” Your best friend replies sharp with a hard scowl.

“What in the fantastic fuck do we have here?”

Suddenly Dieter’s voice rings out excited and bright and you almost sob.

You whip your face around to spot him.

Except it is and isn’t him.

His hair is slicked back, gelled and curled. Thick gray colored hairs line his temples. It even looks like he shaved a bit.

He’s dressed as Reed Richards, Mr. Fantastic himself.

The outfit looks based on the classic 1960’s first comic book released aesthetic and it compliments Dieter’s frame gorgeously. His shoulders look unbelievably broad and his even arms seemed bigger in the tight soft baby blue material. You’ve never seen him in something so form fitting and it has your throat drying up.

You’ve even momentarily forgotten about the guy bothering you and your best friend.

“You bothering these two, ya fucking creep?” Dieter says with a nudge of his chin.

It’s hot as fuck.

The guy stunned gapes like a fish and stammers, but no words come out.

“Beat it before I shove a lightsaber up your ass.” Dieter replies bored, but it adds a sense of deadliness to his words.

The Deadpool cosplayer turns on his heels and immediately scrambles away. Your knees almost buckle overwhelmed.

Your best friend and even the stall owner cry out wildly excited in a bright neon awe of Dieter. You swallow back a sob as you turn to embrace him. His warm large hands pat you comfortingly.

“You saved us.” You teasingly sob, but truthfully you know he did.

“I’d been looking for you for a hot minute and was about to make some sort of raptor call noise to get your attention until I saw that shit going down.” Dieter explains.

“What a hero.” Your friend jokingly adds, but you hear it in her voice how grateful she is.

Dieter snickers.

“Guess you could almost say I was fantastic… mister fantast-”

You cut Dieter off with a quick kiss to his cheek before he can make the pun and your friend along with the stall owner laugh.

Gingerly, almost tentatively you move to intertwine your hand with his. He reacts immediately pulling you to his side.

For the rest of the convention Dieter stays besides you, walking hand in hand with you.

Even when you arrive at the booth for Atomic Planet, the real reason why Dieter was here to help work, Raymond waves him away saying to enjoy the convention with you.

Your heart flutters and Dieter squeezes your hand excitedly.

The rest of the time is a blissful geeked out dream. Dieter buys you a few keychains, even treats you and your best friend to a bite to eat.

You came to the convention with your best friend…

But you leave with Dieter.

Especially when your best friend urges you to go home with him and enjoy his hot cosplay.

You give her a look when she cheekily tells you that, but she isn’t wrong. Even when you grabbed the quick bite before the night ended, it was hard trying to ignore the amount of people turning to stare at Dieter with wide curious eyes.

And a little twinge of something faintly possessive bubbles in you.

That’s why when you slide into the passenger seat of his car, your heart drums loudly in your ears trying to fight against the urge to just suck his cock right here in the car.

“So uh…” Dieter begins cautiously and even a bit bashfully. “I don’t wanna sound too aggressive and you can tell me no, but can I kiss you-”

You don’t even let him finish before you’re sliding over the seat to him.

He scrambles and immediately pulls you close as his lips become a magnet to yours.

This is the first time you’re really truly kissing Dieter. You’ve kissed him gently good night before. He’s been cute with leaving kisses to your cheek or even against the back of your head like a Victorian gentleman. But now it’s a raw unraveling getting to tasting him from the source so greedy.

You won’t dare admit it outloud, but the soft feel of his lips, the scrape of his jaw, the smell of his delicious cologne, and how warm he consumes you -

It’s pretty fantastic.

— . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.—

Dieter’s room is a treasure trove.

Framed posters of Pacific Rim, AKIRA, The Iron Giant, and the original Pokemon Kanto generation line the walls. His bookshelf is filled not just with comic books and manga, but various impressive graphic novels.

A mock infinity gauntlet sits beside his television. So many anime figurines, including a really nice Goku one, stand protecting his reading collection.

What surprises you is his expansive and sleek gaming corner which includes a striking computer set up.

“You look hot as fuck standing in my robe and knowing I just came in you a few hours ago is even hotter.” Dieter says from his bed in the most sinful but half groggily asleep voice.

You smirk and continue to soak in his room.

“So do you get good discounts from the store?” You ask.

“Yeah, but it also helps that I co-own it.” Dieter casually tells you. You hear him shifting among the seats then catch the flicker of the lighter igniting.

However your eyes go wide realizing what he said and you whip back around to him.

“Wait?! You co-own the shop?”

“Well yeah, Raymond, that old fuck, is my uncle.” Dieter coughs out as he exhales from the hit he took off his weed pipe.

Dieter even explains how, because his uncle is starting to get a bit older, he decided to step in to help run the place.

“Besides, how else could I show off my extensive knowledge of elvish language other than at the shop?” He says proudly.

How did you just now learn this?

Dieter reminds you of a rubik cube you think you’ve finally figured out, think you found a groove for - until one out of the corners a jack in the box pops out.

Before you can even ask him about the shop or about his uncle, Dieter’s phone goes off.

The loud ringtone sings into the room and your eyes go wide hearing it. Dieter checks who’s calling then denies the call muttering out about how spam scam callers need to be fed to a sarlacc pit.

“Wait…is Cascada’s ‘Everytime We Touch’ actually your ringtone?” You ask, still not believing it.

“Fuck yeah it is, baby! That song is untouchable!” He cries and you can’t help but laugh.

Dieter smirks then pats the open spot on the bed where you had been resting before. Sliding back into the warmth with him, he gently pulls your face to him and kisses you softly.

The taste of the smoke lingers on his lips, but it’s still him beneath it all. You eventually wind up in his arms, cozy and warm in his embrace.

“I noticed the nice audio and mic setup.” You comment while his fingers draw aimlessly against your skin. “You trying to maybe go the YouTuber route?”

“Nah. Maybe. Who knows.” He shrugs. “It’s mainly for something else.”

Now his voice grows a bit distant.

You gently ask him what that something else is and Dieter fidgets

“Don’t… don’t laugh okay.” He mumbles adorably.

You reassure him earnestly you won’t.

He sighs.

“So I’ve been wanting to get into voice acting work.” Dieter reveals with a mutter, even sounding a bit embarrassed

However, you perk up so bright. Turning in his arms you eagerly smile at him.

“Di, that sounds amazing!” You mean those words.

You can’t help but ramble about how great he would be for that. He has the personality for it and he’s told you how he’s done some stage acting work. Plus, it just fits him. You think of all the silly voices he does and you hope now he can make this path a reality.

Dieter’s handsome face falls a bit and you stop. You wonder if you’ve scared him off, or maybe he thinks you’re possibly making fun of him.

You’re about to apologize when Dieter swiftly moves to kiss you feral and fierce. His tongue slides into your mouth with a moan you greedily swallow.

The conversation is put on pause when his hands slide up your thighs, straight to your core, and you fall apart with him once again.

Basking in the afterglow you rest against his chest now feeling sleepy, not even knowing what time it is. You realize being with Dieter is like existing in a realm a bit separated from reality sometimes and it’s beautiful.

“I don’t wanna be that lame guy,” Dieter begins. “But shit, I already really really kind of like you a fucking lot.”

Your lips fight back a smile you can’t beat. You turn to bury your face against his warm bared chest.

“I really kinda like you a lot too.” You admit.

“That’s unfortunate.” He replies and you snort.

“It’s okay. I only want the good discount on merch at the shop.” You reply cheekily.

“Aw! You don’t even want me for my body? Just my discount?!” He cries hurt and even jokingly moves to shove you off.

“Well.” Then he pauses. “Guess I could call my dick a discount, but then again… there isn’t anything short about that-”

You cut him off with an eye roll and he snickers wildly amused.

His fingers move to tickle you, to corrupt you into his same fit of giggles and you wheezing trying to squirm away from him.

Dieter’s hands eventually snake around you and draw you back into his chest. You melt against him willingly and even sigh comforted.

“Next time if we go to a convention, if you feel comfortable with it, you should cosplay.” He comments.

You admit that you’ve thought about it and list a few ideas you’ve had. But mainly, your mind thinks about the different outfits Dieter could go as.

The thought of him now as Doctor Doom instead of the heroic Reed Richards is a glorious thought.

But of course there’s so many other incredible options.

Dieter as Harvey or even Marlon from Stardew Valley.

Even a few anime characters that would fit him so well come to mind.

Specifically Kishibe from the series Chainsaw Man, with his striking cut across his mouth and incredibly lazy hot older demeanor, just fits Dieter so well it stirs something in you again.

“Maybe next con,” Dieter offers and pulls you from your thoughts. “I’m thinking about going as Tuxedo Mask. Do you wanna be my Sailor Moon?”

A couples matching outfit.

You didn’t even think of that. That’s what he was nudging towards.

You didn’t even think of that. But just getting to be beside him is something sweetly moving.

Then thinking about him in the sleek tuxedo outfit, in the white mask, is a dangerous thought you already ache to maybe see come true.

“We’ll see.” You hum with a smile, but when you go to kiss him it feels like a gilded warm promise.

“Never mind. I want us to go as Undertale characters and I wanna be Sans.” Dieter says suddenly and you snort against his shoulder.

This time spent with him, and the promise of maybe something more, is sweet starlit bliss.

[kyeomszone]

fever ○ lee dokyeom

tags. vampire! seokmin. biting. blood drinking. dub con (?). public sex. fingering. penetrative sex (vaginal).

Synopsis: Knowing who your boss was, you knew you would encounter some rather eccentric groups of people. What you could've never predicted was encountering an actual vampire.

A tired sigh falls from your lips as you take a seat at the bar, feeling thin tendrils of exhaustion curling under your skin. You raise your hand, flagging down the bartender to order yourself something light to drink so you don’t promptly fall asleep.

You give the bartender a polite smile as you order a mojito, your nails drumming against the cool glass of the countertop, waiting for the man to return with your drink. Your eyes wander along the hall, taking note of the guests and making sure that the expressions on their faces are nothing short of pleased.

It was the first gala that you had been given the complete reigns of and you’d be damned if there was anything out of place or if the guests had anything to complain about.

You thank the bartender when he sets your drink down in front of you, going back to people-watching. A frown tugs at your lips when you spot your boss standing in the corner, a strained smile on the usually bright man but before you can stand up and make your way to him to prode at what, Mingyu is approached by another man.

You can’t see the other man’s face, just the side profile but even that is not clearly visible. He’s slightly shorter than your boss but just as broad, shoulders accentuated by the blazer he’s wearing and you can see the shape of his nose, long and straight and one that you could climb.

You take a sip of your drink, realising where your thoughts are headed. If it had been any other day, you would’ve let your mind venture in that direction but today, you couldn’t be distracted. However,━ it’s not a crime to look.

You take slow sips of your drink, watching Mingyu talk with the man, a grin on your boss’s lips, a laugh falling from his lips and then, he’s looking at you, hand raised as he beckons you over. You bite back a sigh, leaving your drink at the bar as you walk over to him, your steps slow so as to not trip over the hem of your dress or the too-tall heels you’re wearing.

“Lee Seokmin,” The man introduces himself with a charming smile after you do, the name immediately grabbing your attention because you know it━ know that name. This whole gala had been for your boss’s mentor, a month of you working yourself to the bone for a celebratory gala for Mingyu’s mentor, Lee Seokmin.

You subtly glance at your boss who nods and you have to bite back the barrage of questions that now sit on the tip of your tongue.

But where you had expected greying hair, sagging skin and wrinkles, the man before you looked barely older than your boss. A head of dark locks styled into a half part, skin a rich shade of honey, moles littering his skin cheeks, jaw and neck and he’s handsome, a little too handsome.

The suit he’s wearing hugs his form well, trousers making his long legs appear longer, blazer stretched around his arms and back and a simple t-shirt underneath that gave away to rich expanse of skin and you can’t help but swallow when you spot the mole that sits just above a pec.

There is almost an ethereal glow to him. The pull you feel toward him is borderline magnetic and━ alluring, and it amplifies the longer you stare.  

“Oh,” you blink, your cheeks flushing when you realise your thoughts had trailed off to that direction again. You clear your throat, putting on your best smile, ignoring the way his gaze seems to burn into you. “I hope you liked the gala.”

“I did, I was just telling Mingyu that,” Seokmin says with a grin, his smile all teeth and you can see hints of sharp canines━ too sharp to be human and oh…

Oh.

The beauty to him that looked uncanny, the sharp teeth, the fact that he had been Mingyu’s mentor since your boss was a kid and yet Seokmin looked barely older than him?

You knew of the existence of vampires, knew that these creatures of the night walked alongside humans, breathed and lived among them and despite the horror novels and shows, they weren’t more beast than human but you can’t help but feel a shiver run down your spine, thin tendrils of fear curling in your chest.

“You have nothing to fear,” Seokmin’s voice is closer to you, breath fanning against your cheek, nose brushing against your ear. You can feel your whole body tense at his proximity, your heart thudding in your chest. Slowly but surely, your heart starts to slow down, your skin soaking up the dulcet tone of his voice. The erratic beat of your heart grows steadier and steadier by the beat. 

You swallow the lump in your throat when you realise that it’s just you and him now, Mingyu nowhere to be seen and internally, you curse your boss for leaving you with Seokmin. His touch his gentle against the bare skin of your back, nails racking your skin, sending shivers down your spine.

“Mingyu said you were smart,” There is an amused tinge to his syllables, “Suppose I should’ve expected you to figure it out,” his words have now taken a honeyed tone and you can’t help but feel like 

“Don’t hurt me,” You can’t help but choke out, your voice shaking.

Seokmin lets out a laugh, the sound soft and like twinkling bells, “Sweetheart, you’d be the last person I hurt. Don’t think Mingoo-yah would appreciate it if I do anything to his precious secretary.”

You swallow and nod, letting yourself relax slightly. His hand doesn’t leave your back, fingers gently brushing against your skin and this time━ your heartbeat picks up for an entirely different reason. Now that the fear has washed away, you properly account for the close proximity, the way his body was a breath away from yours to the point where you can feel the heat off of his skin.

You blink, looking up at him only to see that he is staring back at you, dark set of eyes boreing into your skin and you can’t help but flush at the intensity in them. You lick your lips, suddenly finding your mouth incredibly dry and you desperately try to ignore the way his eyes seem to darken further, tracing the movement of your tongue.

“Mr Le━”

“Seokmin, love” The man interrupts, thumb brushing against your bottom lip, “Just Seokmin.”

Your brain seems unable to respond as you just dumbly nod, staring at him wide-eyed as he leans down, lips millimetres apart. “I saw you staring, you know,” Seokmin’s voice sounds darker now but doesn’t lose the honeyed quality, “could smell the arousal as you walked over here.”

You flush further at his words, cheeks on fire and skin taking on a pink hue. Gathering whatever confidence you had, you lift your hand up, curling it around the base of his neck as you tick an eyebrow, “and what will you do about it?”

Seokmin grins, sharp and shark-like before he surges forward and captures your lips, sharp teeth sinking into your bottom lip making you gasp. A beat and you find his tongue in your mouth, fingers digging into the skin of your waist as the other cradles your jaw. His kiss is all-consuming, the taste of him on your tongue almost dizzying and you feel like you're drunk.

Distantly, you remember the fact that vampire saliva has the same quality as an aphrodisiac but in this moment, you could careless.

His lips trail down from your jaw, nipping at the skin of your jaw━ biting more than kissing as he moves down and down until his mouth is pressed against your jugular, licking against your pulse, canines scraping at your skin and knowing that he could━ at any moment━ sink his teeth in and leave you at an ich of your life, makes a jolt of thrill run down your spine.

It’s stupid, to give yourself so completely to a predator, have yourself at his mercy but you find all your inhibitions gone, caution thrown to the wind as you try your best to curl into the heat of him.

You feel him move, pushing you back until your back hits the wall and his hand slips under the slit of your dress, thumb playing with the hem of your panties and fingers groping the soft flesh of your inner thigh.

“Seokmin━” you gasp out at the action, eyes snapping open as you stare up at him but he doesn’t move, sucking at your pulse point as his fingers slip under the lace of your panties, fingers running along your fold. “Seokmin, we’re in━”

“No one will look,” Seokmin states when he pulls away from your neck, his fingers dragging the soft material of your panties down until it falls to the floor. “just be quiet, love, can’t control sound like I do light.” 

You nod, biting your bottom lip to hold in a whimper when he presses his thumb to your clit, two of his fingers slowly pushing into your aching hole. But what has a moan almost slip out of your throat is his teeth━ fangs scrapping against the delicate skin of you neck almost hard enough to bleed.

“May I?” Seokmin’s voice is huskier now, a dark undertone that has you weak in the knees and you find yourself nodding fervently nodding, even though an hour earlier, it would have you high-tailing it out.

Seokmin smiles, presses a soft kiss before sinking his teeth in, breaking skin and causing blood to gush out and you?

You feel like you’re in heaven. Lightheaded and fuzzy in the best way possible, heat coiling in your stomach and you can feel an orgasm approaching just from the euphoria that flooded your veins when he sunk his teeth in. Your mouth falls open, head falling back on the wall with a silent moan, back arching as his mouth keeps sucking, the coils in your stomach finally snapping as your orgasm washes over you━ as evident by the way you clench around Seokmin’s fingers.

He stops drinking when your body sags against his, black spots dancing in your vision. You whine at the empty feeling in your whole when he pulls his fingers, blinking when he delicately holds your chin up, making you look him in the eye.

“Okay?” Seokmin asks, his voice soft and you find yourself entranced by the crimson stain on his lips. When you nod, he leans down again, lips slotting against yours and you groan at the taste of copper on his tongue. 

Your breath hitches as he effortlessly lifts you up, your dress pooling at the back, the slit revealing both your legs when you wrap them around his waist. You hands curl around his shoulder, nails digging into the deliciously hard muscles of his back.

“Your not fucking me out in public,” You hiss, realising what was to happen next when you feel his bulge against your core. Despite your words, you can’t help but feel excited at the prospect of him taking you right here and now, in an open ballroom with minimum shadows covering you. It fill you with shame but the throb in your cilt is too much to ignore.

“Aren’t I?” Seokmin’s voice is smug when he speaks, one hand on your waist while the other works to unbuckle his belt and undo the button of his trousers. “No one will see us, love, not unless you make noise.”

“Wha━” you question ending with a gasp as he pushes himself into you, the thick girth of his cock resisting slightly despite the wetness in you and despite your best efforts to hold a moan back, you can’t help yourself as your head falls back, a low sound falling from the back of your throat.

“Seokmin,” you moan out as he keeps pushing himself in, feeling each of the ridges and veins drag on your spongy walls. You’re overwhelmed by the feel of him, almost impossibly full when he finally bottoms out. Your brain barely works, mouth open and drool gathering as he shallowly fucks into you. Pulling back just the smallest bit before pushing back in. With each thrust, he pulls back more and more until his hips are slamming against yours, pace fast and rough, uncaring of you as he chases his own pleasure. His mouth finds itself on your neck again, teeth scrapping against the somewhat healed bite to reopen it.

And he’s drinking again, having you in the most intimate way possible, consuming everything you have to offer and it’s exhilarating and had your veins flooding in pleasure. Your body arches, presses against him when his thrusts grow erratic with each drop of your blood until he gives one final hard thrust and spills in you.

When he pulls out, tucking himself back into his pants, you can feel a trail of cum run down your legs and you’re sure you would’ve collapsed onto the floor if not for his hold on you.  It’s filthy and you’ve never felt this used in your life but you also can’t help but wish for more.

It seemed as if Seokmin could read your mind as he smiles again, the same, sharp shark-like one that has fear and arousal curling in you. “Would Mingyu mind if I steal you for the rest of the night?”

At your answer, Seokmin's smile widens.

[sohin-ace]

Rohan - It's got to be Rohan

This is inspired by something that just happened to Giovanna. I chose Rohan as the mysterious japanese man.

This is kind of crackfic-ey, it's not to be taken too seriously, I just had a moment with @gio-is-writing. Please don't expect any quality from this.

Also no beta, we die like men, we take it raw, my gangsters.

You were seated in the boarding room of the airport, rubbing your tired eyes. No matter how much you loved travelling and how relaxing your vacation was, you could never get used to the stress of boarding, moving around from one plane to the other and walking kilometers of huge airport grounds.

You barely had any sleep at all and your neck was killing you from the poor excuse of a nap you took in the preceeding plane. You felt like your head was about to fall off from your shoulders.

Now you could only wait for your seat number to be called for your next flight back home after another bizarre adventure.

You tried to mute out the dull background sound of people in the airport, staring out the large window right to the vast runway where workers were signaling pilots and directing planes to the parking zone and moving around to who knows where, making sure air traffic was fluid and secure.

Barely able to focus on the boring sight, your eyes instead fell upon not what was across the glass but rather was was reflecting it.

Right behind you was a young man, seated just there. You could make out his handsome features and beautiful face from where you were.

Now, you tried not to stare and act like a creep, but no matter what you did to distract yourself, your attention always came back to this beautiful stranger sitting so close behind you.

He seemed to be about your age, nicely-styled dark hair, and with very intriguing sharp eyes. He looked asian-phenotyped, but you could never be sure of his exact origins. You could only guess he was most likely japanese.

He had came from the same plane you just landed from and your departure destination was a place known to be popular amongst the Japanese population, so you speculated.

But how could you confirm? You could never just go talk to him. You just couldn't dare. You couldn't imagine walking up to random people asking them if they were japanese or not based on nothing concrete.

Talking to him was out of the question, you thought to yourself. He looked so handsome and intimidating. A normal, basic person like you couldn't just come up to him and strike a conversation, not even knowing if he spoke your language at all. You couldn't muster the courage to do so.

In a pit of despair, you thought of the brilliant idea of trying to peek at his phone discreetly through the glass reflection. Maybe you could see which language it was set in, clearing up the mystery once and for all.

... But all in vain unsurprisingly.

You rubbed your temples in frustration. You didn't know why you were suddenly so infatuated with this man, but for your defense, he was the most interesting thing in the boring, endless wait of your boarding.

Ah, yes. Like that could work. You just had a thing for coming up with clever ideas that you would never execute.

You thought. Hard. What would your best friend do in this situation? Maybe you should just throw logic out the window and punch him in the face for daring intruding your already fragile peace of mind.

Or maybe on the other end of the spectrum you should go out there and kiss him until he doesn't remember his own name.

Sighing at your own very stupid and mindless thoughts, blaming boredom and exhaustion for them, you glanced back at whatever just made noise somewhere in the boarding room.

It seemed like the mysterious supposedly Japanese stranger had the same idea and glanced behind him, your eyes meeting for a brief moment.

You couldn't help but take in his features once again, this time even more clearly. His eyes were greener than emeralds and his skin looked as gentle and heavenly as porcelain. You couldn't believe how soft yet inexpressive he actually looked like from this close.

You even took in his strange bandana, suddenly curious about the odd shape and thinking that could make for a great conversation starter. Nothing weird about asking some stranger about their fashion, right?

But alas, before you could even think about opening your mouth, the beautiful man had already turned back around to mind his own business.

You pouted, thinking of the lost opportunity. The butterflies in your stomach and the burning warmth in your cheeks completely staining your proper judgement on the situation.

Oh you two must be meant for each other. You looked back at the same time, your eyes met. That was a sign, you could already hear the wedding bells singing your union. Your heart was stammering.

Oh you couldn't wait to tell your best friend all about this fictional husband you haven't even talked to at the airport, knowing they would absolutely approve of your ectoplasmic relationship and would root for you all the way, like the supportive friend they were.

You stood up. Maybe you could walk around a bit in his direction, pretending you had something to check somewhere farther in the boarding room, motivated by your own inside pep-talks.

You had no idea what you were doing but you hoped to get his attention somehow. Who knew what could happen. There were plenty of people out there having incredible stories straight out of movies where they found love in such improbable ways, meeting people from across the world once and ending up meeting them again in impossible circumstances or somesuch.

Maybe the little child inside you wanted to live that kind of fantasy as well.

You suddenly regretted looking so awful today. Make up and hair barely done and hardly bothered to put on nice clothes for the sake of comfort and practicity on a long and tiring trip.

Trying to act as nonchalant as ever yet still elegant, you slightly turned back around, only to realize you couldn't see him anymore.

...What? What was going on? What happened? Did he leave? Was his seat called while you were turned around?

Your heart pounded in anxiety, aching for a moment, thinking it was over. That you had lost him forever. Your one true love. The delusional love of your life. The man of your dreams. A nameless soulmate that you knew nothing about, yet that you would trade everything for, even your life.

Your lips threatened to twitch as your held back tears, regretting every decision in your life that had led you to this suffering, this tragedy. God, why did love hurt so much? Why did you have to be the one to go through this?

"Why..." You sobbed dramatically in the middle of the boarding room, walking shamefully as your heart bled. "Why did you go... Why did you have to leave me- Oh... Nevermind he's right there."

Your theatrical number instantly switched as soon as you realised you had just wandered too far and were actually walking in the wrong aisle, quickly coming back to where your and his seat were.

You did not care for the strange looks you were receiving from people sitting by who thought you were completely mental, which you probably were.

All that mattered, is that your handsome Japanese prince charming, your very own 'Ouji-sama' was right here, looking as beautiful as ever, staring down at his device and completely ignoring your entire existence.

As soon as you got back to where your belongings were, extremely frustrated with your imaginary lover's sheer obliviousness, you heard the echoed sound of the boarding room speakers call your name.

'Passenger L/N Y/N. L/N Y/N seat B-17, is requested for boarding. Please present yourself at the gate immediately."

Your mother, much more reactive than you, hurried to gather your luggage and walked towards the gate where you were expected.

You grabbed your bag from your seat and instantly noticed the object of your obssession stand up, briefly staring at his boarding pass in hand, confirming his own seat number.

He looked up and sent you an effortlessly handsome look, staring down at you for a moment and you swore you saw his eyes widen for a split second before returning back to his resting sharp look.

You blushed and flinched at his intense gaze, feeling squirmy under his scrutinizing eyes. You didn't know what to do with your hands and averted your eyes, deciding to join your mother who was already waiting in line.

'W-w-what the hell?' You panicked as he elegantly strided in your direction, his expensive-looking clothes framing his body so perfectly he looked like some Versace supermodel. 'Is he... Following me or something?! No way...'

Just as you thought he was about to board in the same plane as you, bringing your hopes up, he talked to one of the airline agents.

"I'm so sorry sir. We indeed called the seat B-17, but it's for the flight GW3180. For your flight you need to go to that boarding room, on the far left." The lady instructed, giving him thorough indications as he nodded in understanding.

You slumped your shoulders in defeat. He wouldn't board the same plane as you, he just got mistaken. Of course, you thought unsurprised, he would probably go back to Japan, he had no reason to join you, now did he? That would be one unsuspecting trick of fate.

You could just watch him as he walked away, farther and farther away from your reach, never to be seen again. Your chest tightened as his legs took your love away, guiding him to fly off somewhere out of your reach.

"Oh, you recognize him?" Your mother called out, noticing how persistently you were staring at the fine man. "He does look familiar..."

You looked back at your mother in confusion, your curiosity piqued. "What do you mean?"

"He reminds me of that one japanese child you befriended when we came here for vacation. Oh it was years and years ago. You were still a little kid at the time." She chimed, reminiscent of old times.

You blinked. "I... I can't remember at all, I'm not gonna lie."

She hummed. The waiting line not shortening one bit she added, "He couldn't speak our language at all, but no matter what you were telling him, he always acted like he understood you and nodded his head." She chuckled and you smiled.

"That's... That's adorable." Your voice softened, wishing you could have remembered such a wholesome memory. "What else do you recall about him?"

"He loved to draw in the sand with you. I wonder if he ended up becoming an artist. I think his name was.... Hmm.." She furrowed her eyebrows and held her chin, deep in thoughts, "Hold on I can't remember it's been so long..."

"Well, I can't really blame you for not remembering a japanese name you heard once from years ago." You bashfully reassured her, but she still tried to remember.

"No. I know I remembered his name because it was the same at that one famous French art school.... I think it was... Ro.... What was it... Roh...an..? I think. Yes, Rohan."

Your eyes widened at the name. Yout delusional self couldn't barely hold back the joy of finally putting a name to that beautiful face that stole your heart. Needless to say you were quick to jump to conclusions like on a trampoline.

That was it. 'It's got to be Rohan!' you screamed in the comfort of your own mind.

Oh and what a beautiful name it was too. It rolled out the tongue so naturally. Rohan. Rohan...

"Oh but it's probably not him. The odds of meeting a kid years later like that in the same place are too small..." Your mother dismissed as she showed her boarding pass to the gate agents, not aware that she was crushing your tiny little hopes. "Oh well, whatever."

You liked the fantasy of some impossible reunion with a long lost childhood sweetheart love story much better. Especially with the way he stared at you, as if he remembered you, after all those years.

But for now, you just had to board on that plane and go back home pretending your feelings have never existed, for there was nothing you could do about it.

You could only dream that it had got to be Rohan.

[twstarchives]

Dress-Up Groom・Voice Lines

● Event: Ghost Marriage (July 7 - July 22, 2020) ● Exclusive Cards: Ace, Epel, Riddle, Rook

Rook Hunt - R

Unlock Card “Everyone fighting so passionately for love is just beautiful!”

Groovy “I’m a huntsman. Capturing hearts is something I’m very good at.” ¹

Home Setting “How do I look? Have I turned into a prince?”

Home Transitions “Marriage...? For someone fickle like me, who grows absolutely enraptured by anything beautiful, it might still be too early to think about that.”

“If something escapes me, I’m going to want to chase after it. It seems romance and hunting have something in common.”

“Beauty is so precious. But it isn’t something that’s determined by looks alone.”

Home Transition (Login Greeting) “Which phrases of love tug at your heartstrings? Do let me know.”

Home Taps “I enjoy writing poetry. But words alone are not enough to express all of my feelings... Ahh, I just can’t bear it!”

“Ace has a passionate heart. Although he wasn’t that pleased when I praised him for it... it’s très bien!”

“I chose to have a tuxedo with the same color scheme as our dorm uniforms. I thought this could be a way to pay my respects to our fallen Vil...”

“How shrewd Riddle is, our Roi du Rose! How fierce! The very being of a crimson rose, whose sharp thorns compare to none!”

“You seem energetic today. Spending each day with you is always so entertaining.”

Riddle Rosehearts - SR

Unlock Card “I can’t understand the bride’s idea of marrying someone she just met. How could anyone fall in love that easily?”

Groovy “My ideal partner? I wouldn’t want someone who’s never on time to anything... Wait, what are you making me say?”

Home Setting “As the dorm leader of Heartslabyul, I’ll be sincerely proposing to the bride.”

Home Transitions “The Queen of Hearts was said to have had a very strong relationship with her husband. If there’s a trick to that... I wish I could share it with my own parents.”

“Rook said that you must declare your love for your significant other everyday. That sounds tiring...”

“What is it? You’re staring at me so intently. ...‘Something feels off?’ Oh, it’s probably because my hair is tucked behind my ear.”

Home Transition (Login Greeting) “Don’t you think the bride’s requirements for her ideal prince focus too much on appearances? I think what matters most is what’s on the inside.”

Home Transition (Groovy) “The roses used to decorate the flower hall were picked from the gardens at our dorm. See, don’t they smell lovely?”

Home Taps “Epel from Pomefiore... Despite how he looks, he seems like a man of strong will. It makes me want to cheer him on.”

“The hedgehog couples and the flamingo couples get along very nicely. That’s good.”

“When Ace is dressed nicely, he comes off as very polite. If only he were like that all the time...”

“Putting on this formal wear reminds me of the times I attended parties with my parents. I remember seeing full splays of cakes lined up that looked so delicious.”

“Ah! Why are you trying to open my blazer? ...Are you curious about the charms on my Albert chain? They’re shaped like card suits.”

Home Tap (Groovy) “Knowing the appropriate behavior for formal occasions is something I’m very confident in. Would you like me to show you how to be an escort?”

Epel Felmier - SR

Unlock Card “I’m a little nervous proposing, even if it’s all an act. M-Maybe I should practice first...?”

Groovy “Could you not tell anyone about my wild outburst earlier? Especially keep it secret from Vil... Thank you.”

Home Setting “Hah... I ain’t really that thrilled about playin’ a prince.”

Home Transitions “I’ve been a veil boy before, but I was really nervous... I accidentally walked with my right leg and right arm in sync.”

“Aside from the ghost bride only ever hoping that ‘someday her prince will come,’ she’s kind of cool... I think.”

“In the future, I could raise apple trees with my loved one, and we could make jam together... I-I mean, that’s just a story! I heard before! Ahaha...”

Home Transition (Login Greeting) “Huh? Was I frowning... maybe? I’m not used to wearing tight clothes like this, so it’s a little hard to move...”

Home Transition (Groovy) “I don’t like wearing clothes like this, but if I showed Meemaw⁠—I mean, my grandma, then it’d make her really happy. Could you take a picture of me later?”

Home Taps “When I grow up, I’m definitely going to get taller, and strong enough to protect the people I love... I hope.”

“Ace is really clever; I think he’d be good at playing a groom. A lot of people tell me ‘What a poor actor you are,’ though so I’m... kind of worried.”

“Are you interested in my brooch? ...Hehe. I kind of like it too. The apple design’s just darlin’.”

“Whenever my grandparents have a fight, they bake their favorite, apple pie, together as a way of making up. I want a relationship like that someday too.”

“Ahh?! What’d you start proddin’ at me for? Pickin’ a fight with me?! ...Oh, what? You were just trying to fix my bow? ...Sorry.”

Home Tap (Groovy) “You want to ride a horse together? We could, but I won’t hold back with how fast we go, so it might get a little scary.”

Ace Trappola - SSR

Unlock Card “I promise that I’ll make you happy forever. ...Somethin’ like that?”

“How do I look? Like a total ‘ideal prince,’ yeah?”

Groovy “Just so you know, I’m only fake proposing! Don’t go thinking I really mean it.”

Home Setting “My proposal’s gonna be perfect.”

Home Transitions “Don’t they always give roses to their crushes in manga and dramas? That feels like it’d be so embarrassing.”

“It’s annoying dealing with ghosts. I kinda feel bad that you have to live with them.”

“Romance, huh...? I don’t really know anything about it, but isn’t it just important to make sure you’re with someone you enjoy being around?”

Home Transition (Login Greeting) “I’ll be winning over the bride’s heart, just like the Ace of Hearts.”

Home Transition (Groovy) “I’m good on romance for now. Right now I got my hands full babysitting all of you.”

Home Taps “‘What does the perfect couple look like?’ Doesn’t that depend on who you ask? Just like how the definition of happiness is different for everyone too.”

“Rook declared ‘The opportunity has arisen, after all!’ and styled my hair for me. He sure is good at it.”

“Can you see the words on my rosette? Sam put ‘em on there using magic... Okay, you’re a little too close.”

“Man, I’m probably never gonna get married till I’m old... What? ‘That’s what they all think’? Yeah right!”

“What is it...? Ah! I bet you were about to say I look weird in this get-up, right?!”

Home Tap (Groovy) “I’m the man that’s right for you... Wait, hey!! Give that back! Those are my notes for proposal ideas!”

Duo Magic Ace: “Dorm Leader Riddle! Are you good if I finish this?” Riddle: “You’ve got some nerve brushing me aside, Ace.”

1.  Capturing hearts is something I’m very good at

The verb Rook uses for capturing (射止める) has a double meaning; it’s used for both “hunting down animals” and “winning someone’s heart.” I went with ‘capturing’ since this is the closest that can apply to both hearts & prey.

[essays-for-breakfast]

One Candle Still Flickers

Melizabethweek Day 2: Heaven and Hell

Please note that this piece contains mentions of blood and violence. If this makes you uncomfortable, turn away now.

Scorching heat. Blistering cold. Air that burns the lungs and tears at the sensitive tissue in the throat until even screams of agonizing pain become an impossible feat. And oh, does he scream.

Compared to even the foulest depths of Meliodas’ wretched hellscape of a home, the Demon Realm, Purgatory offers a charming hospitality no one can withstand for long. He tries, of course. Tells himself that he overcame worse pain, that the frostbites on his arms and the iron taste of blood in his mouth don’t compare to all 106 times he watched Elizabeth die, and that the shredded skin on his fingertips is an illusion summoned by his father.

After all, only Meliodas’ emotions roam the desolate canyons.

The weakest part of himself trapped in the cruelest part of the world.

Somewhere in the smoke-heavy clouds, obscured by the constant ash rain from volcanic activity, the Demon King laughs. Meliodas spits out a lump of blood and sends the towering frame of his father a humorless grin. At least one of them is having fun.

The next step costs him more energy than he has to give, and Meliodas falls to his knees. More ash under his fingernails, another lungful of distillated fume eager to kill him. The searing pain while his illusory organs devolve to embers for the thousandths time almost entices a begrudging respect for his father out of him. He has defied the scorching heat and the blistering cold since the end of the Holy War, and he still has the liveliness to laugh at Meliodas’ failed attempts to escape.

For how long have they played this game now? How many years, decades, and eons have passed since the curse pulled Meliodas into Purgatory?

He doesn’t know. The creator of this ugly fusion between a glacier and a volcano hasn’t bothered to install a clock.

Ash flakes tumble from above and leave black scars on the back of Meliodas’ hand. The forefinger twitches in a desperate struggle to hold onto life, hope, anything that will help him stand again.

“Elizabeth…” he whispers.

“Will you die with the witch’s name on your lips too?” The Demon King’s voice thunders in Meliodas’ head, and a fiery eruption from the nearest volcano punctuates his words.

Meliodas pushes himself on his forearms. “You made sure I can’t die, remember? You’re getting rusty, old man.”

“Your insolent tongue is just as worthless as the entirety of your emotions. They only hinder you from becoming my successor.”

“I’ll gladly take my insolent tongue over a world where I become like you.”

The Demon King points a finger the size of a grown man at Meliodas. “There is no stopping it now. As we speak, my loyal subjects are gathering the Ten Commandments, and your body will soon fuse with their magic. Then neither the Seven Deadly Sins nor your dear goddess will be able to stand against the reborn Demon King.”

“Then I guess I just have to find the exit before that happens.”

The Demon King’s laugh rings for a long time between the twisted rock formations. Meliodas climbs to his knees, but his shell of a body refuses to support the weight of his worries. More ash under his fingernails, another lungful of distillated fume eager to kill him. Another century gone by without a glint of success, without a glimmer of hope.

Purgatory may never kill him. But to survive in this world is to endure endless suffering where despair gnaws at him with every step until he loses himself in shapeless shadows, destined to wander the lava riversides and blizzard-coated mountain peaks for the rest of time.

Meliodas takes another step.

For her. Elizabeth.

He has to return to Britannia before the Demon King can reach his horrid claw around her. Before the curse claims her life anew.

Her face, in the variant as princess of Liones and all the incarnations before her, keeps Meliodas upright and pushes him to scale another cliffside, even as his field of vision shrinks and the shadows at the edge take over.

Golden Warmth. A liberating breeze. Puffy fine-weather clouds as far as the eye can see, an entire ocean of them. And in between these white waves float islands with alabaster towers and grass so eternally green it can only exist in a place far beyond all destructive influences. An endless summer sun caresses his neck.

Meliodas digs his fingers into the ground where he fell, although he hardly feels the sharp pebbles anymore.

Why do the memories of the Celestial Realm return to him now? Elizabeth, the very first incarnation he fell in love with, took him to her home once. They played a dangerous game of hide and seek with the countless Goddess warriors there. If even one of them had seen through Meliodas pathetic disguise, at least one of the parties involved would have lost their head. Despite the threat of discovery, Elizabeth dragged him to all her favorite places with a cheer she rarely allowed herself to show. A vast field of golden wheat hems. The top of an abandoned tower, half destroyed and seized by ivy tendrils.

Amidst the bloodshed of the Holy War and despite the feud that divides their clans, Elizabeth offered Meliodas a hand. With nothing but a smile and her belief in the good in others, she pulled him out of hell. Shoulder to shoulder with her, he saw heaven for the first time.

“Elizabeth,” Meliodas says. He hardly recognizes his voice. “I let you down again. If it’s always ending like this, why’d you take my hand that day? Why didn’t you give up on me?”

The warmth of her presence is so very far away. Where she used to stroke his arms, only freezing numbness remains. Where she used to kiss him, his lips only taste the burning aridity of Purgatory.

But even if she is so very far away, an incarnation of Elizabeth is still out there, alive. Maybe she is standing amidst the chaos of magical and hellfire explosions and leads the war against the cruel fangs of darkness as she always did. Maybe she is gazing into a star-sprinkled sky and waits for his return. Maybe she still believes he will fulfill his promise and free her of her curse.

A blood-red vail has overtaken Meliodas’ vision. When he struggles out of the dust to his feet, he has lost his humanoid shape. A shadow stands in his place, a perversion of the dragon creature with which he shares the name of his sin. Wrath.

Somewhere hidden in the smoke screens, the Demon King triumphs. At last, his son’s emotions have given into hopelessness.

But in a place deep in the insides of the shadow dragon, Meliodas keeps a flame alight. Elizabeth’s face kindles the spark, her gentle hands shield the candle against the hurricanes and hailstorms, and her voice, filled with tireless encouragement, nurtures the beacon.

She fought for him during the Holy War. They fought for each other against the overwhelming might of gods. Even if she is so very far away, Meliodas will fight for her.

As the shadow to her light.

Scorching heat. Blistering cold. Claws that dig into the most treacherous slopes carry him forward, step by step. He tears through Purgatory’s pitiful inhabitants and shreds any creature that hinders his search for the exit. For a moment, he may lose himself and taste this senseless wrath the Demon King wants him to dissolve into. But the flame inside endures.

Years, decades, and eons go by, glaciers melt and magma chambers freeze, while Meliodas fights. For her. Elizabeth.

The dragon creature which serves as Meliodas’ shell roars and bares its teeth. His current opponent is of the nasty type. He doesn’t yield. Neither does Meliodas.

They slam each other into the rock formations, break each other’s bones, and throw themselves at the other as though this brawl is all they’ve ever known and all that ever mattered.

Meliodas should hate his opponent. After all he, aside from the Demon King, stands as the only one with the power to deter his escape. And yet… this gritty, pesky bastard he crushes and is getting crushed by has the air of familiarity to him. Meliodas knows his fighting style. Furthermore, he knows all too well the flame that convinces his opponent to strike blow after blow until they collapse into a heap of limps and shadows.

They both feel the exhaustion in each haggard breath. And yet they both won’t die.

Meliodas’ opponent mumbles something. His words have never quite reached through the shadows clogging Meliodas’ senses, but they gain a new clarity now that the frenzy of battle flees him.

“…holding out for you in the land of the living,” a familiar voice says. “And I… want to see the woman who means the world to me.”

Yeah. I do too.

[thatesqcrush]

Team Bonding

Bryan Kneef x Reader. NSFW. Warnings: dub-con, because he’s her superior. Oral sex, vaginal fingering, and fisting. Yes. You read that right. Also squirting. You have been warned. Oh, and this covers ice-skating in my naughty & nice bingo. This is most definitely naughty. 

WC: 2.8K

***

“Bryan Kneef doesn’t do ice skating.” A voice boomed from down the hall.

“Stop referring to yourself in third-person you psycho.” You rolled your eyes as you headed towards the voice. You paused in front of a decorative mirror in the empty law firm and rubbed lip balm over your lips.

“I told you, Bryan Kneef doesn’t do ice skating.”

You rubbed your lips together, and then made way to the lobby, finding the acerbic head of litigation at STR Laurie, sitting in a chair, with a scowl on his face. Which, lets face it, was nothing new for Bryan Kneef.

“Look, I know this is the last thing you wanted to be doing. But your bosses up there, wanted to make the transition with Reddick Boseman smooth.” You pointed towards the ceiling and then pointed back down. “It’s not my fault we got paired up together. You said I could choose what we got to do. I chose ice skating.”

You walked past him and hit the button, calling for the elevator. You crossed your arms and began tapping your foot, irritated. “Well?”

Bryan glowered and then stood. “Fine.”

**

When STR Laurie announced that they wanted to do a team building exercise with Reddick Boseman & Lockhart, you were less than thrilled. The last thing you wanted to do was spend more time with work on your weekend. Especially when you were paired with Bryan. You were not blind, the man was fucking gorgeous and he cropped up in many a fantasy with your battery operated boyfriend. However, his attitude left much to be desired. He would work you and the rest of the paralegal department to the bone. You knew from his bio on the firm website, that he started himself as a paralegal upon graduating from Northwestern Law – you figured he’d be cognizant of how to treat junior staff, probably having been through it himself. Instead, he chose to continue the cycle of asshole treatment. Bryan tried to get out of it himself, but his own boss Gavin Firth told him to make nice and take part – especially if he wanted to keep leading the litigation department and not give it to Diane. Backed into a corner, Bryan reluctantly agreed.

Initially, he had hoped he would be paired with a fellow colleague who he would be able to convince to blow off this event and hit high end bar with. And if not that, he had hoped it was the blonde secretary with big tits two floors down that he could wham, bam, thank you ma’am and then move on from. Instead – he got stuck with you – the mousy senior paralegal. He knew who were – he knew who everyone was. You had worked with him on a few cases before. You were very good at your job but otherwise, left little to the imagination with your baggy, shapeless sacks of dresses and frumpy sweaters. There was no desire for him to try to get under your skirt. Not when there was a bevvy of women and men he could have, just a dial away.

As the elevator went down, Bryan chose to study your profile. Though you were bundled up to the hilt in a white puffer coat and burgundy hat, he could still see your long lashes and lush lips that had a sheen from whatever you put on them. His nose caught the barest whiff of perfume and he had to admit that it smelled lovely. The elevator landed and you walked out first. He was surprised to see a shapely ass under the dark denim fitted jeans you wore.

STR was close to Millennium Park. You both made way through to the ice skating rink, barely a word between you. You were meeting a few other STR/Boseman colleagues and friends from your department who were already there. Bryan paid for the skating rental and soon enough you were both on the ice. You skated towards your friends with ease, leaving the attorney behind, gripping the sides. A look of panic was on his face as he tried to maintain balance. You turned around and let out a derisive laugh before skating back towards him, offering your hand.

“Is the big bad lawyer afraid of a little ice?” You mocked.

“Shut up and leave me alone. I am here, aren’t I? Go back to your friends and go take your pictures. Make fun of me all you want. Come Monday, I am going to bury you all with doc production.” Bryan sneered.

You skated closer to him and offered your hand once more. “Come on, it’s not that hard – watch me.” You stood next to him. “Your knees should always stay slightly bent. That position lowers your center of gravity, stabilizing you. It also helps you to skate without falling. Also, you should always have your weight positioned over your skating leg. One time you’re skating on the right leg, and the next moment on the left one. Every time you switch legs, you must shift your weight so that it’s over the skating leg.”

You demonstrated what you had explained and then repeated it. Bryan looked at you like a deer in headlights. Your lips twitched into a small smile. “Give me your hand.”

Bryan sighed, his breath causing a small puff of air. “Fine.” He grunted and took your hand. Your hand and his hand were encased in gloves and you mourned the idea that you weren’t holding hands bare skin to bare skin. You skated easily and Bryan wobbled a bit behind, but managing to keep pace. However, at one point, another skater flew by catching Bryan off guard and he lost his balance, falling, bringing you down with him.

“Mother fucking cock sucker son of a bitch!” You swore loudly, rubbing the side of your left ankle. “Ugh, I think I twisted it, you jerk!” Tears pricked your eyes.

“You? How about me?” Bryan snapped. “I can’t even get stand up without falling down.”

“Boo hoo asshole.” Two of your friends helped you up and you tried to bear weight but found that you could not. You were helped off the ice and Bryan followed, clambering to get off the ice, using the wall of the rink to help him.

You winced as you remove the skate, examining your ankle. It was starting to swell and the area was tender to touch. Bryan sat next to you, removing his own skates as well.

“How bad is it?” You heard him ask. You looked at him. “It’s sprained.”

For a brief moment, he looked remorseful. And just as quickly as you blinked, it was gone. “I’ll get us a car; I’ll take you home.”

You cocked your brow. “Excuse me, I can get home on my own just fine.” And stubborn as you were, you tried to stand but let out a grimace of pain, plopping back onto the hard bench.

“Let me take you home.” Bryan replied.

“Wonderful.” You seethed. Bryan returned your skates, along with his and brought over you shoes. You smashed your foot into your sneaker as best you could. Bryan offered his arm and begrudgingly, you took it, and limped out of the park. The ride home was uneventful, again with barely any conversation. You hobbled up the stairs rather comically and it was Bryan’s turn to roll his eyes at your pathetic attempt. You yelped as he suddenly picked you up, bridal style.

“What’s your apartment?”

“2D.” You replied mournfully, feeling embarrassed and humiliated that you could barely manage to get around and now you were being carried like a baby. There was a small part of you, however, that squealed inwardly. You clutched onto Bryan, his body solid and warm. He smelled wonderful and you allowed yourself to pretend to be swept away by the handsome lawyer.

**

“I got it from here, you can put me down.” You insisted once you were both inside. You both took off your coats. Bryan swallowed hard – for all the mousy outfits you wore at work, today you wore a form fitting sweater, which showed off the dip of your hip and swells of your tits.

Bryan carefully set you down and sharp pain shot up your leg and you swore again. “Maybe you should see someone.”

“I’ll tape it and ice it,” you reassured Bryan. “I’ll be fine.” This earned you an exasperated sigh. “I will take some ibuprofen,” you added for good measure.

Bryan grumbled in French about you being stubborn as he made way through your apartment. “I heard that, and you’re one to talk,” you replied cheekily, surprising him that you knew another language. Bryan was further surprised at your modest, but overall modern apartment. He liked the exposed brick and thought your small Christmas tree with its large, vintage bulbs was tacky, but charming in a way. He went into your kitchen and rummaged through your freezer, before returning with a bag of frozen peas.

“Put this on your ankle.” Bryan ordered. You took the bag. You propped your ankle onto your coffee table and stuck the bag on. You looked up at him. “I’m good. You can go now – and don’t worry, I’ll be in on Monday. Thanks for the lift.”

Bryan nodded and turned away, making his way back down your hallway. As soon as he did, you attempted to stand and swore loudly once more. Bryan turned on the balls on his feet. “Christ, Y/N, at least wait ‘til I am gone.”

“Wha—hey!” You shouted as he picked you up again, this time over his shoulder, so you were face to his ass. He gave your ass a playful spank and made his way down your other hallway, looking for your bedroom. “Put me down!”

He found it fairly quickly and unceremoniously threw you onto your bed.

“Are you always this stubborn?” He asked, his hands on his hips. He eyed your bedroom. It was small, like the rest of your apartment.

“Are you always a pretentious asshole?” You asked. Finally, you couldn’t stand it any longer. “Why are you being nice to me?”

Bryan didn’t respond. Instead, he sat next to you. “I know everyone thinks I am an asshole.” You snorted and Bryan let out a defeated sigh. “Okay, so I am an asshole. But I am still a fucking person.”

“The devil has feelings?” You covered your mouth and then cringed. “Sorry. I didn’t mean it.”

Bryan shrugged. “For all the shit I do, yeah, I do.” He turned to you. “Look, I am sorry that I hurt your ankle. And maybe take Monday off – see a doctor. Don’t worry about it. I will make sure it doesn’t count against your PTO.”

You looked at him and you smiled. “Thanks. I appreciate it.”

You were suddenly aware that Bryan was in your bedroom, on your bed. He looked debonair in his burgundy sweater and dark jeans. You could see the dark beard with the tiniest flecks of grey. When he began to massage your foot, you felt desire pool in your most intimate of parts.

“Bryan – I…” You swallowed hard. He looked up at you, his green eyes were intense and he gave the slightest nod to you. You leapt into his lap, ignoring the screaming pain of your ankle and kissed him. Bryan kissed you in return and slipped his tongue into your mouth, seeking and exploring. His hands were over your ass, grabbing at your flesh. He gave you a playful squeeze which earned him a moan from you.

A hand moved up and under your sweater, skillfully unhooking your bra and immediately moving to your breasts. He tugged and twisted a nipple, enjoying how you squirmed in his embrace.

“Let me take care of you,” Bryan replied breaking the kiss. You nodded, panting. You removed your sweater and fished off your bra. His eyes darkened at the sight of your shapely breasts. He couldn’t wait to get his mouth on them.

“Oh yes,” you agreed, practically purring. “I ache.”

Bryan hummed in acknowledgement. He pushed you back onto the bed and helped you out of your jeans. Slowly his hand made its way back under your underwear, along your hip. Your breathing hitched as his hand moved closer to the apex of your thighs. You were already sopping in anticipation.

“You’re so wet,” Bryan noted, a single finger stroking you briefly, before slipping inside. You sighed at the feeling of his finger in you. Encouraging, you pushed your panties to the side allowing him greater access.

Bryan slipped another finger inside of you, his tempo quickening. You began moving against his hand, mewling as he continued his ministrations. His fingers pumped in and out of you faster and faster. You cried out in pleasure. Bryan slowed his momentum before removing his fingers completely. You whimpered in protest and Bryan made a big show of sucking on his fingers. “You are delicious.” Bryan commented and you blushed in response.

Leaning over, he grabbed a pillow and encouraged you to lift your hips, placing the pillow under you. You spread your legs wantonly and unabashedly. Nipping your thighs, Bryan nestled in between your legs, his tongue in your folds, licking you and swirling his tongue on your swollen clitoris. You groaned, and your hands lost themselves in his dark hair, trying to keep him in place. The added feel of his beard along your sensitive skin only heightened your pleasure.

Bryan hummed in agreement and the vibrations sent shockwaves up your body. You arched your back as his tongue flicked on your clitoris as he slipped two fingers back in, all the way deep to the knuckle. Ignoring your aching ankle, your hips rose to meet the thrusts of his fingers. A third finger slipped inside, stretching you.

“Oh shit! Bryan!”

“That’s right, take it.” Bryan whispered. His thumb rubbed your clitoris haphazardly. You like getting fucked by my hand?”

“Yes, fuck, give it to me!” Your legs were shaking. “I am going to cum.” You groaned.

“Not yet.” Bryan grunted. He withdrew his hand and you whined at the lost contact. “Do you have any lube?”

You looked up at him, curious. “Uh, top drawer. Condoms in there too.”

Bryan winked at you and moved off your bed. As he rummaged through your drawer, you eyed the tent in his pants hungrily.

Bryan removed his shirt, leaving his jeans on. Seeing his thick body, with his dusty rose nipples and smattering of chest hair – he was even more hot than you could have imagined. He spread your legs again and dipped his head once more tasting you. You watched as he drizzled lube along your folds and then over his hand. He tucked his thumb into his palm, tapering his fingers and then slowly penetrated you until his entire hand was inside of you.

You let out a sound that was akin to animalistic howl. “Holy shit, holy shit, oh my God!” Bryan began rock his hand back and forth, fucking you with his fist. You felt so full and all you could think – or even say was more, more, more!

“Cum for me,” Bryan growled, his fingers finding that sweet spot that no one else ever had. You sobbed in pleasure and he dipped his head back between your legs and flicked his tongue against your clit. You came hard, shouting his name, grabbing the sheets haphazardly. Bryan continued to pump in and out of you, while looking up at you. A smirk graced his face, and he stroked that sweet spot once more. Your lungs burned as you gasped for air, feeling tremendous pressure and then release as you squirted all over Bryan’s face. Bryan lapped at you through your orgasm until it subsided. Slowly he removed his fist. Moving back up to you, he pushed his fingers into your mouth. “Suck” he ordered. You sucked on his fingers, tasting yourself.

You nipped Bryan’s fingers playfully and he chuckled, removing them. He pressed a kiss on your lips. “Feeling better?”

“Mmmm much,” you replied grinning. Pushing Bryan gently back onto the bed, you climbed onto him. “But I do think more TLC is in order,” you replied taking his hands and placing them on your breasts. “Up to the challenge, Mr. Kneef?”

Bryan winked. “I think I like my odds.”

FIN.

--

Tags: @madpanda75 @tropes-and-tales @delia26 @mgarner1227 @beardedmccoy @youreverycolor @neely1177 @the-baby-bookworm @mrsrafaelbarba @skittle479 @ottosuricato @sass-and-suspenders @mommakat32 @dreila03 @beccabarba @garturbo @lovebennycolon @imjustreallynosy @sweetsummertime99 @whyissvuruiningmylovelife @annabelleb49 @scarletsoldierrr @cesarofangirl78 @redlipstickandplaid @redlipstickandblacktea @zoeykaytesmom @differentshadesofgray @misssirenlove @esparza-army @bananas-pajamas @mishaissocoolike @thefanficfaerie @theenchantedgalleryofstories @catnip987 @choppedgalaxynerd @pieceofshittytitty @ktiz90 @evee87 @itsjustmyfantasyroom @detective-giggles @rampantmuses @jazzyjoi @caked-crusader @rachelxwayne @prurientpuddlejumper @lv7867 @permanentlydizzy @bisexual-dreamer02 @madamsnape921 @averyhotchner @teamsladsandgents  

[passport-guardian-benrey]

How Comic met Fresh

Comic' backstory basically, throughout this Comic is refered to as Ralz, because the name change didn't happen yet

My friend helped with like half of this

Enjoy!

---------------------------------------------------

Ralz teleported away from his bullies, his skull bleeding from a crack they made, he looked around, panicked.

Fresh was wandering in Classic's AU just across the bridge near Snowdin looking for chaos to cause when the damaged skeleton teleported in.

"Hey yo you look like you're not from around here little homeskillet, wassup?!" Fresh grinned at Ralz for a moment then paused. "Yo, you know your sauce is leaking bro?"

Ralz looked at him and backed away. He's really scared, he looks like someone or even multiple people attacked him. His eyesockets are filled with tears.

Fresh halted, his glasses changed to read "woah," and held up his hands in a placating gesture.

"Heyyyy. Yo, no need ta be spooked bro. I'm not gonna hurt ya. You uhh.. You hurt brah? Ya lookin' like you might need help or somethin my dude."

Ralz is shaking, he managed to slightly nod. Tears are running down his cheekbones alongside blood on one side.

"Uhhh ok ok umm... What do ya want me to do? I mean to be honest brah, I don't know how to help."

". . . h-head . . ." Ralz is in pain. He looks like a child, maybe 10 years old. He's small, weak and fragile, he's barely standing.

"Ok yeah.. Gotta stop that business from leakin. Hold up. I got this, check it."

Fresh takes his jacket off and starts tearing it into strips. he then approaches Ralz slowly, holding out the torn strips of fabric.

"Can I?"

Ralz slightly nodded, he's looking at Fresh.

Fresh used his ruined jacket to bandage up Ralz's head. It was oddly colorful for your usual bandages and a little tight but it definitely did the job.

Fresh looked Ralz up and down and let out a low whistle. "You got Jacked. Up. What even happened to you bro?"

" . . . b-bullies . . .th-they b-beat m-me up . . ." Ralz is trying to calm down, everything hurts him.

Fresh frowned and his glasses changed to "un-rad."

"Bullies? That's whaaaack bruh. ... So uhh what next? Wait, food helps you guys heal, right?" Fresh pulls out his inventory and rummages through it. Ralz is looking at him, waiting.

Fresh pulls out a carton of eggs and holds it out for Ralz with a triumphant grin.

Ralz looks at him, confused.

Fresh looks at Ralz, confused too "Not a fan of eggs brah?"

" . . . r-raw eggs a-aren't g-good . . ."

"Oh... I thought they totes were super healthy." Fresh without warning drops the carton of eggs and begins sifting through his inventory again.

Ralz doesn't say anything, He's still not entirely calmed down.

"Hah!" Fresh pulls a box of gushers from his inventory. "This is food... It's good too." He rips open a packet and hands it to Ralz.

Ralz took the packet and quietly began to eat the gushers.

"Good, right?" Fresh smiled at Ralz. The small skeleton just nodded.

"Well that's as bout as much as I know how to help ya with on my own broski." He held out his hand for Ralz to take.

"Can you trust me?"

Ralz looked at him, thought for a second and took Fresh' hand. Fresh chuckled.

"Probably a bad choice bro." and suddenly they were teleported to a different AU. They arrived in a dimly lit workshop with beakers and blueprints scattered about haphazardly. There was a skeleton slumped over a worktable snoring softly.

Ralz looked around, curiously.

Fresh walked up to the slumped over skeleton and shook his shoulder. The skeleton woke up with a start and rubbed at his face "C'mon couldn't you let me slee- F-FUNK!"

Fresh chuckled "Yo mind your manners Sci, there's kids present."

"I thought I told you not to come in here again, last time you contaminated everything and broke- wait kids?" Sci looked around and spotted Ralz, his eyes widening in alarm.

Ralz is nervous, he looked at Sci. He's slightly shaking.

Sci looks to Fresh angrily "Did you do this?!"

"Nah man, nah. Dunno what happened 'zactly... They said somethin about bullies but that's all I got." Fresh flicked Sci's glasses "Take a chill pill dude I just want ya to help me fix this little homeslice up."

Sci ajusted his glasses and gave Ralz a nervous glance. He switched to a low whisper Ralz couldn't hear. "Why? So you ca-"

Fresh interrupted Sci leaning in close, a dark aura radiating off of him. "Don't worry about it bro."

Sci gulped and nodded. He looked to Ralz and stood up. "Hey. they call me Science Sans, Sci for short... You are?"

"R-Ralz"

"Nice to meet you Ralz." Sci smiled warmly at him.

"Lol I totes didn't think to ask their name."

Sci shot Fresh a look and approached Ralz slowly. "Can I check that head wound of yours?"

Ralz nodded slightly, He's hurt in many different places too.

Fresh distractedly picked at his braces and Sci pulled out a chair for Ralz to sit in.

"Sit, please."

Ralz sat down on the chair.

Sci carefully unwrapped the impromptu jacket bandage and visibly winced at the damage underneath. "Sh-SHIZZ, this is bad."

Fresh looked up at the two of them.

Ralz is still shaking, He's scared and cold, a tear rolled down his cheekbone. He's still looking at Sci.

Fresh frowned and started digging through his inventory again while Sci frantically pulled out some antibacterial wipes and began gently cleaning around Ralz's head injury.

"This might sting, I'm sorry..." Sci said.

Fresh blipped behind Ralz and draped something around his shoulders.

"You were lookin a little too chill there dude..."

It was a soft blanket with neon squiggles and shapes on a dark background.

Ralz wrapped the blanket tighter around himself, "Th-thank you"

"S'nothin..." Fresh turned to Sci who was now applying something to the cut to get the bleeding to subside.

"Yooooo can I do anything to help?"

Sci looked at Fresh distrustfully.

"Maybe, if you promise to listen. because last time I-"

"I got it, I got it. Seriously, take a chill pill dawg."

Sci gave Fresh one more sharp look and nodded. "Ok."

With Sci's instruction Fresh began cleaning up Ralz's other injuries while Sci used healing magic on his skull.

Ralz is silent, He's just looking between them, sometimes reacting to the stinging and pain, He's behaving well.

"You're doin so good kid, don't worry we're almost done patching ya up." Sci gave Ralz a sympathetic smile.

He handed Fresh bandages and instructed him on how to properly use them and turned back to Ralz.

"We're mostly done here, but your glasses look busted. I can fix you up a new pair if you'd like."

"y-you can do that? i don't w-want t-to c-cause problems . . . o-only if it's o-okay . . ." Ralz is mostly calm now.

Sci laughed "I've busted mine more times than i can count. Had to figure ways to easily replace them before. " He adjusted said glasses on his nasal ridge.

"I might be able to figure out your prescription with your broken ones, it really wouldn't be too much trouble."

"A-alright" Ralz looked around the workshop.

Sci took his glasses and left the room, leaving Fresh, who had been mostly silent besides the occasional question for Sci, to continue bandaging up what was left of the major damage on Ralz.

Fresh was diligently following Sci's instruction, carefully and firmly wrapping some major scrapes and cuts on Ralz's shin when he spoke up.

"Yo... So I've been wonderin... What happened exactly? And like... Why'd they go and funk you up like this brah?"

Fresh looked up at Ralz, his expression pensive and his glasses displaying "??????"

"b-because I'm weird . . . I look weird . . ." Ralz is sad, he curled up a bit

"i was going back home from school, it was the only day my parents couldn't pick me up . . . so I was going home alone . . . and this one older kid with his group of friends attacked me . . . just because of the way i look . . ." His eyesockets are filled with tears again.

"That's super whack bro. There's not a funking thing wrong with the way you look." Fresh's mouth was pressed in a displeased thin line.

"black isn't a normal color for skeletons . . ."

Fresh shook his head and moved on to bandaging up one of Ralz's ankles.

"There's nothing wrong with you, or what color ya are. Just 'cause it's not as common in that AU don't mean jack.... Diversity is a good thing yo, what if there was only one kind of skeletons? All carbon copies and junk. It'd be mad boring all up in here." Fresh looked up at Ralz the same dark aura from earlier emanating from him.

"I'd like to see them come at me for bein different bro. Show them what I think of bulling." Then as quick as a switch the aura was gone, Fresh beaming at Ralz.

"Don't worry little homeskillet, you don't gotta worry about them again."

"but I would have to see them again when I go back to school . . ."

"Nahhh man you got options, you could come live with me if ya wanted."

"Really?" Ralz looked at Fresh.

"Heck yeah brah!" Fresh flashes a charming grin at Ralz. "And if ya ever wanna go back, you just say the word my dude."

"alright" Ralz smiled at him.

"Nice! I needed a buddy." Fresh chuckles.

"hm?" Ralz slightly tilted his skull to the side.

Just then Sci entered holding a new pair of glasses for Ralz.

"Had to replace the frames... But lucky you I had a similar style as yours already. Why don't you try these on and tell me how they feel." Sci made his way over to the two and handed Ralz the glasses with a smile.

Ralz put on the glasses and looked around, "It's great! Thank you" He's smiling.

Fresh stood up, done bandaging, and Sci nodded.

"Perfect." Sci pulled a small medicine bottle from his lab coat and handed it to Ralz. "This should help expedite the healing process, just follow the instructions on the bottle aaaaand you should be good to go. I'm- I'm sorry though.. I don't know if that crack to your skull will ever heal properly.."

Fresh looked at Sci, surprised. "It won't?"

"I mean I'm not positive... But..." Sci trailed off into uncomfortable silence.

"it's okay i guess . . ."

"Pshhhh It'll just make ya look cooler, no worries brah." Fresh waved a dismissive hand.

"Before you go.." Sci raised a finger "Are you gonna be ok? If you're getting bullied I can-"

Fresh clapped him on the shoulder, interrupting Sci. "It's all good bro, I got 'im."

Sci looked nervously from Fresh to Ralz.

The small skeleton curiously tilted his head to the side.

"Well ok then..." Sci sweats "Guess I better get back to my nap. Oh! Wait first..."

Sci hurried over to his desk and messed around in a drawer, his back to them for a second.

He turned around holding a pill bottle and handed it to Ralz. "For pain, you probably can't feel it too much right now thanks to the healing but your headaches gonna be killer tomorrow..."

Ralz nodded and took the pill bottle.

Sci nervously looked at Fresh and hugged Ralz without warning. He stealthily slipped a note in Ralz's pocket. "It was nice meeting you... Be safe." Sci said a little intensely.

"it was nice meeting you too"

"Wow Sci, brah... You never hug me like that..."

"That's because you always destroy my lab!" Sci snapped at Fresh.

Fresh raised his hands in surrender with a chuckle "'Aight then." He turned to Ralz and held out his hand. "In that case, let's bounce."

Ralz took Fresh' hand with a slight smile.

Sci gave them a halfhearted wave and the two disappeared with a fresh poof, reappearing in an obnoxiously 90's disaster area of livingroom.

Furniture that were just large cushioned shapes, an overly fluffy neon rug on dark flooring loud colorful walls with skateboards, tastefully framed pictures of Furbies and such hung up. A cluttered coffee table with things like tamagotchis, worms on a string, and a spilled over container of slime.

The whole place was littered with various odds and ends and Furbies strewn about everywhere.

"Welcome to my crib" Fresh said with a grand wave. "Mi casa es su casa."

Ralz is looking around, curiously.

"First things first I'mma get you some fly new digs, because your wardrobe is looking heckin whack right now." Fresh looked Ralz up and down.

"You're kinda small... But I think I gotchu. Hold up, be right back my dude." Fresh backed out of the room shooting finger guns "Careful of the Furbies, they get weird around newcomers. But make yourself at home dawg."

Ralz sits down and just waits for Fresh.

There's a loud thud in the other room and a rubber duck noise.

Ralz ignored the noise and looked at the note he got from Sci.

In barely legible chicken scratch it read "He's not a normal skeleton kid. Not sure what exactly it is, but there's something weird about him. DON'T TRUST HIM."

Ralz frowned and put the note back into his pocket.

Fresh skidded into the room sporting a new jacket and an armful of clothes. "YO!" Fresh dumped the clothes in Ralz's lap "Try these on for size homedawg."

Ralz tried on the clothes, the size is good, a bit too loose but it's okay.

Fresh grinned at Ralz "Ayyyyy lookin good, baggy is in ya know." Fresh's glasses flashed the words "fly af" for a moment.

Ralz smiled at him "you didn't tell me your name"

"Oh! You're right." Fresh laughs. "Call me FRESH!" There's a little fanfare and confetti pops from out of nowhere. "And I can already tell we're gonna be the tightest homies."

Ralz giggled, he's smiling "Probably"

[loversarcanas]

Midnight Romeo Ch. 1

Series: The Owl House Pairing: Beta!Luz/Beta!Amity

Luz Noceda finds herself frequenting night clubs to cope with her loneliness. She never expects to find anyone, really, until she’s forced to save a pretty girl from a nasty creep harassing her. Please support the original on Ao3! (trigger warnings for alcohol consumption and minor sexual harassment)

12:35am. The flashing lights and blaring dubstep over massive stereo systems was enough to overwhelm anyone, especially Luz Noceda. She wasn’t really even sure why she kept coming here. For drinks? People-watching? Moping, hoping for a stranger to reach out a hand to her and make a connection? Probably all of the above. Yet, despite how agonizingly crowded the place was and how much it reeked of Mary Jane and sweat, she sat alone at the bar, sipping on her second glass of whiskey and watching wasted hornballs grind on each other.     Luz was a pretty lonely person. She didn’t really have friends to spend time with, her mom worked hectic nights at the hospital to the point where they barely saw each other, and she had nothing but shitty breakups with shitty partners who left her feeling more and more closed up. Nobody could envy her right now. Any last shreds of hope that some gorgeous, charming person would approach her and suavely sweep her off her feet, were stomped on by her own cynicism. After all, who would want her ? Slumped over the bar in an unwashed army jacket, uncombed hair and beanie, probably reeking of booze. Hah, yeah. A real catch, huh.     Her self-deprecating thoughts were interrupted, however, when a shorter, punky looking girl ran up to her and wrapped arms around her. “Oh my god, hiii! I haven’t seen you in so long , babe!” came a peppy, raspy voice from the girl. Luz froze, completely shocked and incredibly confused at just what was happening right now. As well as a little bit flustered, because this girl was very pretty. Before she had a chance to speak, however, the mysterious girl whispered in her ear “ Just go with it, creepy guy behind me ”. Ah.     Luz’s demeanor changed in a heartbeat, cracking a smile and hugging the girl back. “Hey! What are you doing here? It’s been ages!” Pulling away from the hug, she looked passed the girl’s green-dyed hair to see a seething man walking directly towards them. “Hey Amity, who’s this girl? Some friend of yours?” He asked through a fake, gritted smile. Oh, Luz could feel the rotten vibes emanating from him. “Yeah, the name’s Luz. Amity here is one of my friends from college. May I ask who you are?”

The strange man crossed his arms, a smug grin crossing his face. “Yeah, I’m her man of the night. And we’ll be going now, actually.” Venom dripped from each of his words as he tried to grab at Amity’s wrist. The shorter girl struggled and mumbled “Let go” as she tried to pull away, and a new flame entered Luz’s gaze. She stood up and towered half a head over the man, staring at him with an intense anger, reaching into her jacket pocket for her switchblade.     “I don’t think she wants to go with you. Now let her go, or I’ll slice that hand clean off your wrist.” Luz scowled, flipping the blade open. The man visibly flinched, but stood his ground for a few moments more before finally letting go. “Whatever, fucking cunt. She’s an ugly bitch anyway.” He mumbled as he walked back into the crowd. Luz closed her switchblade and looked back down at the green haired girl, who was now rubbing the spot where her wrist had been so roughly grabbed.     Amity looked up at the taller girl in appreciation. “Thanks, uh.. You said your name was Luz? Thank you. I swear to god, men don’t know how to take fucking ‘no’ for an answer.” Luz sighed, and patted her shoulder. “Yeah, guys can be real creeps sometimes, especially at places like this. I’m just glad he didn’t do worse to you. Are you okay?” Amity grumbled, and hopped up on a bar chair next to the taller girl. “Well, not really. My friends bailed on me and I’ve been trying to ward off these dipshit guys all night. I don’t see how anyone enjoys these places.”     Luz stifled a chuckle. “Yeah, I hear ya. But if you hate it so much, why are you here?” Amity let out a heavy sigh. “I came because my friends asked me to. This isn’t usually my deal, but they were insistent. Then they had the gall to fucking leave me here alone. Assholes.” She mumbled, laying her head on the counter. “They don’t really sound like friends if they’re just gonna leave you here.” Luz offered. Amity noticeably shrank when she said that. “Yeah, well, they’re kinda my only option as far as friends go… And they were my ride here too, hah .” She laughed bitterly.     The two of them were silent for a few moments, only being enveloped in the sound of the music over loudspeakers. At one point, the bartender asked if Amity wanted a drink. She lifted her head and ordered a long island iced tea, much to Luz’s surprise. When asked if she wanted a refill on her whiskey, Luz declined, and turned back to Amity. “So, you don’t have a ride home then?” Amity shook her head. “It’s probably fine. I’ll just grab an Uber, or beg one of my siblings to pick me up, haha.” Her laugh was tired, and her eyes looked tired as well.

  While Amity silently drank, Luz watched her - taking in her appearance. Her eyes were sharp and golden, with thick, black, winged eyeliner and smokey eyeshadow. Her nose was long and pierced through the septum. Her lips were thin, covered in black lipstick and adorned with black metal snake bites. Her hair was messy, tousled and long, reaching halfway down her back. Her ears were covered in black piercings, and she wore a fitted band tee and a pink plaid miniskirt. Truly, this girl was stunning. Luz couldn’t help but wonder if this was the princess charming she had so long been wishing for-     ‘Ugh, don’t be stupid’ She thought to herself, and quickly stamped out the idea. Her main concern should be how to get this girl home, anyways. Her friends left her, she’s apparently been dealing with sexual harassment all night, and she’s probably going to be wasted on long island teas before she leaves. “So… Are you gonna text your sibs for a ride?” Amity finished the remains of her glass before slamming it back down on the table. “Yeah I guess I should, probably. They’ll probably make fun of me for getting so wasted, but it’s fine, whatever.” She took out her phone and started quickly typing a message with her thumbs, before setting it down on the bar. She called the bartender back over to order another tea, then slumped back on the counter. “Uh, you sure another one is a good idea chica ? Especially after the night you’ve had?”     The green-haired girl rolled her head to look at Luz, with a dead stare. “While I appreciate your concern, I kinda don’t care right now.” Her phone buzzed and she picked it up to look at the new text, before slapping it back down with a loud groan. “UGH, of COURSE they’re too busy to pick me up. Fuckin great.” Luz bit her lip, wondering what the next step should be. I mean, she barely met this girl, But after the night she’d had, she didn’t want to risk this Amity girl having another run off with a creepy guy. And she knew from experience that Ubers and Lyfts weren’t always the safest to ride in as a drunk girl.     “Hey… Uh, do you need me to give you a ride home then? I really don’t mind.” She waited in silence for a moment, while Amity turned to look at her. “I’m fine, I’ll be fine. Just need to order an Uber, it’s fine..” She trailed off, pulling up the app on her phone. “Listen, I really don’t mind driving you. I’ve had some… not so fun experiences riding drunk in an Uber. They don’t do background checks on those guys, and especially since you’ve been through so much from creeps tonight...” Luz trailed off. Amity let out a huge sigh. “...Okay, fine. But you better not try anything weird either. I can and will fuck you up, or break your car window open.” Luz internally breathed a sigh of relief. She definitely understood not trusting a stranger to drive her home, but she didn’t want this girl to go through worse than she had already experienced tonight.

  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------     1:21am. They walked out of the bar, Luz had mostly sobered up, and supported the shorter girl so she didn’t stumble or trip on the way to her car. Luz’s car wasn’t anything special - it was an old 2002 Honda Accord, silver and a little beat up, but she was sure to keep it clean and in functioning shape. She opened the passenger door for amity with a polite gesture, and made sure she was all the way in before shutting the door and returning to the driver’s side.

  “Wow, your car is old.” Amity said bluntly. Luz laughed. “Yeah? Your point? I still keep her running like a dream. Why? Are you not used to old bangups?” Amity crossed her arms, embarrassed. “Well, my parents are all about having the newest thing. They all got brand new shit at home, fancy imported cars and that shit. They got me a brand new Maserati for my birthday this year. So yeah, I’m not used to ‘old bangups’ I guess.” She looked out the window while Luz started up the engine, and popped in a CD. The music started playing on low, Amity tuning in to the song that was playing.

‘You’re the beach on Christmas Eve,’

      ‘Wrong place, good time, consistently’

          ‘I feel like a walking love song’

      ‘When you do me like that, can you tell my brain turns off’ It seemed to fit the atmosphere pretty well, actually. Luz rolled down the window and let her arm hang out, bringing a much-needed cool breeze into the car. Amity could feel herself nodding off, despite trying to fight it. ‘This girl, Luz… can I really trust her? I mean, she seems really cool, and it’s nice of her to drive me home, but… ‘ Amity’s thoughts ran slowly through her head. She raised her head to look over at the girl in the driver’s seat. She really did have a cool aura about her. The army jacket and baggy cargo pants, while normally not Amity’s style, seemed to fit the girl. Her messy hair, red beanie, adorned with a pin Amity couldn’t see in the dark. She noticed Luz was singing along to the song under her breath. It was kind of cute, actually.     ‘From 7-11s to California Heavens’

      ‘I try to hide with my words, but you just find me clever’

            ‘I found a million places, you’d be worth the chases’

        ‘To go-oh-oh’

  Finally, they pull into a long driveway, protected by overbearing steel gates. Luz stopped the car, and looked up at the massive home behind them. “You live here , Amity? Damn, are you just rich as shit or something?” Amity sighed, clicked off her seatbelt and opened the door. “My family is rich as shit, yes. I try not to think about it.” Luz unblocked her seatbelt and rose to get out of the car, making sure Amity could get in alright. “Oh, wait! Here, hang on a second.” She said, running back to her car to grab something.

  Amity stood before the gates for only a few seconds, before Luz came back with a scrap of paper. “Listen, not that you’ll need it, but…” She looked embarrassed, rubbing the nape of her neck anxiously. “If your friends ever bail on you again or you need to get rid of any more creeps, here’s my number.” Luz handed the scrap to Amity, before shoving both hands in her jacket pockets. Amity looked down at the paper, then back up to Luz, with a smile. “Heh, thanks Luz… Maybe I’ll take you up on that. Amity brushed a piece of hair behind her ear, and turned toward the gates to her house. “Oh, and… Thank you for all your help tonight. Usually people aren’t so kind.” Those words were her last before opening the gates and walking inside.

Luz slumped back into her car, waiting until the girl was fully inside her house before buckling up and starting up the engine. ‘Well, that’s certainly not how I thought my night would go.’ She felt a buzz in her pocket, and pulled out her phone to find a new message from an unknown number. xxx-xxx-xxxx: Hey, this is Amity. Thanks again for tonight.     Luz smiled, and quickly registered the girl in her contacts. As she backed out of the manor driveway, she felt a lightness in her chest that she hadn’t felt in a long time. Maybe going out to clubs wasn't all that bad.

[indestinatus]

Whiskey Business

TIVATOBER 2020 // DAY 7

↳ prompt: Whiskey - rated M (1,954 words)

summary: Tony and Ziva go undercover as a married couple, and… Things go as expected.

A/N: Gratuitous use of trope “let’s kiss to distract them” and I’m not sorry. 

read it on AO3 🥃

“So how did you two meet?”

Tony lifted his gaze to settle on the middle-aged woman sitting at the other side of the table, her smart gray eyes seizing him up as she took a sip of her wine. Among everyone at that dinner, she was the one he was more worried about, her sharp stare making him believe she was seeing more than she let on.

“Oh, you know, the usual.” He gave her his trademark smile and saw her eyes sparkle, a voice in the back of his mind telling him to tread carefully. 

Tony wiped his mouth with a napkin and surveyed the table, noticing the silence that had followed her query. Even if not really obvious, they were all paying close attention to them there, especially to a question that could reveal something as valuable as that. 

There were eight people in total - including him and his partner - and now they were all trying their best not to look discriminatively curious, but Tony had spent too much time studying people in his life to spot an audience when there was one. 

He glanced at Ziva by his side to see she was doing an incredible job in focusing on him - warm eyes and a small smile displayed as if she was remembering a fond memory between them - though he was certain she had already calculated all the best exit routes at this point, her sweet façade a mask only him could see through. 

Tony took the hand she was resting on the table and brought it to his lips, locking eyes with her as he pressed a brief kiss to her knuckles. They both knew it was just for show, but the way in how her eyes widened almost imperceptibly made him way more satisfied than he would ever admit. 

He glanced at the madam at the end of the table again, casting her his best lovey dovey smile before turning his gaze back to Ziva for full effect.   

“I went on a run every morning to keep myself in this great shape—” he hadn’t meant it as a joke, but laughed along as the others did too “—and one day she just came along,” Tony said, squeezing Ziva’s hand in appreciation. 

She rolled her eyes accordingly, an uncharacteristic shy smile tugging at the corner of her lips as if remembering good memories. 

“She’s not really the athletic type, you see,” Tony added, and had to bite back a whimper that rose on his throat when he felt a sharp pain on his foot, certainly coming from Ziva’s high heel. “But love makes you do crazy things. Isn’t that right, honeybunch?” he amended through gritted teeth. 

Tony gave her a lip-tight smile, trying not to protest at the acute pain still radiating from his toes even if Ziva now cast him the most wonderful smile ever, her head tilted a little in his direction. She chuckled right after, shaking her head while the others at the table laughed too, captivated by her charm.

“She struggled to keep up with me at the beginning, but after a few days of chase, I found myself unable to think about anything else.”

Ziva looked at him again, an eyebrow lifted. He mirrored her expression, letting his gaze flicker to her mouth hovering so close to his, lingering for a moment. 

“She’s a real distraction,” Tony declared to everyone, knowing how clear his desire for her was to them.

Well, maybe it was more real than he wanted to acknowledge, but some part of him was thrilled over the fact that Ziva’s mask fell for a split second, her cheeks flushing a bit. 

Perhaps it was the wine?

“I thought you’d be the one to chase her,” a voice interrupted his thoughts. 

Tony glanced up to see it belonged to a man in his late 30s, his face recognizable from McGee’s computer when they had narrowed their suspects’ list a day earlier. The man smirked, but not at him; rather at Ziva, ogling her without shame. She did look beautiful tonight - a maroon dress that showed her low neckline and her hair styled in an updo that complimented it well - but that was hardly an excuse for a free stare when Tony was sitting right next to her. He clenched his jaw. 

“We played cat and mouse for some time,” chimed in Ziva, as if sensing his attention was elsewhere. She smiled sweetly before raising her hand to cup Tony’s cheek, taking him by surprise for a moment before he played along, leaning into her touch. 

“Until he gave me what I always wanted,” Ziva continued, looking into his eyes.

“A ring?” He asked with a smile.

She shook her head slightly, then withdrew her hand from his face to pat his chest just above his heart. The corner of her lips tilted upwards. 

“A home.”

The women swooned and the men chuckled, and Tony would’ve been moved himself if it wasn’t for the mocking sparkle he saw hidden in Ziva’s eyes. 

“Thank you for inviting us to yours,” she added without giving him time to react. She turned to the mistress and ducked her head, saying, “It’s beautiful.”

“It is,” the woman replied, raising her chin in conceit. “And you didn’t even see the cellar yet.”

“Could I?” asked Ziva, her voice so sweet it didn’t even seem to belong to her. 

“Sure, dear,” was the mistress’ reply. “It’s magnificent.” The woman eyed Ziva with appreciation, then her gaze turned to Tony and the respect immediately died. “Take your husband, teach him a few things. The stairs are just around the corner.”

Before she could change her mind, Ziva was already up, ever so eager to pull him along out of that table filled with criminals to the place they were looking for since they got there—the cellar where they believed the data for the arms shipment was hidden.

°°°

“Superficial much?” asked Tony, watching her rummage through whiskey bottles and cedar barrels.

“I was just doing my job,” Ziva deadpanned, shooting him a glare. “It’s incredibly difficult to ‘keep up’ with your nonsense.”

She cast him an annoyed smile and he returned it, blinking sweetly at her bickering. 

“I think she bought it,” Tony said as he searched behind rows of wine bottles. “I’m starting to believe in it myself, this undercover business is really just me finally showcasing my refined acting skills—”

“Honeybunch,” interrupted Ziva with a tight smile. He looked at her, raising an eyebrow. “Shut up,” she said dryly, the smile dying. “We need to be quick.”

Tony huffed annoyed. “I am being quick.”

“And yet you can not stop babbling.”

If Ziva were looking at him, she would’ve seen the offended face he pulled, but she was rather engrossed in opening and closing big wooden crates instead. Knowing she was right and that they really needed to get that code as fast as possible, Tony focused on doing the same, checking cabinet doors and places where a safe could be hidden.  

“Found it!” exclaimed Ziva suddenly, holding up a flash drive the size of her hand. “Now we just need to give it to McG—”

Tony had no time to think other than to throw himself against her, skilfully joining their hands as he brought them above her head while he muffled her words with a kiss. 

His tongue pushed inside her mouth while he pressed her body against the whiskey cabinets, Ziva’s protesting cries dying out as soon as he squeezed the hand that held the flash drive, telling her the reason. 

She started to play along, releasing the hand that was free to wrap it around Tony’s neck and pull at his short hair. The kiss turned wild in a second, their tongues battling for dominance while Tony pressed his hips against hers, Ziva letting out a low moan that made his head swim. 

Soon Tony’s hand was hooking her bare leg around his hip, the slit of her dress making matters a lot easier. He squeezed her thigh and Ziva bit at his lower lip, the mix of pain and pleasure letting a sound escape from the back of his throat. 

Certainly not thinking properly, Tony pushed her body against the glass cabinets, listening to the bottles of whiskey rattle inside as he did so. He was sure he heard Ziva’s appreciating groan being muffled by his mouth, but the sound of someone clearing their throat nearby kept him from reacting accordingly. 

“Oh,” said Tony with a relaxed smile, licking his lips as he let Ziva’s leg down. He felt a bit lightheaded, his pulse racing even if it was all an act. “Sorry, man,” he added to the familiar face who’d caught them on the base of the stairs—the guy that had ogled Ziva all night. 

Tony glanced at her then, noticing with a flicker of satisfaction that she looked as disheveled as him - her face visibly flushed and her breathing uneven as she did her best to tidy her hair. 

Tony raised his hand to brush a strand off her forehead, and Ziva’s eyes widened a bit before she let them skim over his face with a glint of lust that seemed unexpectedly too real. 

“Like I said,” Tony declared to the stranger, though his gaze was locked with hers, “A real distraction.”

A moment passed and then the man huffed, taking them out of their reverie. With his hands inside his pockets, he walked towards them only to open a nearby cabinet, taking two bottles of wine. 

He looked at them with a smug smile, saying, “Oh, I understand.” Then gave Ziva a once-over, not a dash of shame as he ogled her bare legs. “Completely.”

Tony took a step forward to block his view, and the guy’s eyes snapped to his. Tony narrowed his eyes, clenching his jaw, and the stranger took no longer than five seconds before he gave up on the staring match, shaking his head and walking towards the exit with a small smile. 

Tony huffed. “Douchebag,” he chastised, turning to Ziva. “Flirting with my wife?”

“I am not your wife,” she replied, though her eyes were still sparkling. 

“What’s that on your finger, then?” Tony raised a brow. “A home?”

She let out a low chuckle and, to his surprise, opened the slit of her dress again to expose a hidden pocket high up her thigh—one in which she safely put the flash drive and covered it again with the fabric. 

He must have stared at her bare leg far too long, because Ziva took a step towards him, starting to fix his tie in place with a smug smile on her lips.

“You look a bit disheveled,” she said as she raised a hand to run her finger through his hair, combing it down. 

“There’s very wifey of you,” Tony replied, his eyes marveling at how close her face still hovered in front of his. 

Ziva hummed amused, then patted his chest, and he didn’t miss the way her gaze flickered to his lips for a split second before she drew back. 

Tony watched as she opened one of the cabinets and took out a bottle of whiskey, and with which passing second, he thought more about giving it all up right then and there and push her against one of the doors one more time.

“Risky business,” he thought out loud. This undercover operation was turning unexpectedly dangerous.

Ziva’s eyes sparkled as she passed him towards the stairs. 

“Don’t you mean whiskey?”

Tony watched her go, her hips swaying maybe a bit too much as she climbed up the steps.

“Yeah,” he said, ungluing his feet off the ground to follow her, “Yeah, sure.”

[pagingevilspawn]

Spin The Bottle- Part 2

so, i’m embarrassed about two things, one; how terrible this is, and two; how LONG it took me to write this. i procrastinated so so much. 

to the anon who wanted a part two, i hope you like it! 

(full inpso goes to merder) 

----

Monday

Jo Wilson sat in her latest foster home's room on the edge of her dingy bed, one with a cheap metal base one that probably cost a maximum of fifty dollars, quickly packing up her school bag for the day. It was Monday now. Two days since the party. Two days since spin the bottle. Two days since that kiss with Alex Karev.

Well, less like a kiss, more like a near pornographic make out session.

She couldn't get that kiss out of her head. She'd kissed guys before. She had boyfriends that were great kissers. But Alex Karev? Now she could understand why Leah was so hung up on him.  Along with Heather. And Stacy. And Tina, Irene, and Susan. And she had never even had sex with him.

Wow, he had already slept with all of her friends huh?

The girl gets rid of the thoughts quickly, deciding that they weren't worth her time. Of course Alex Karev was a good kisser. He had to be, considering he had slept with so many women in the school even he had most likely lost count. He wouldn't have been able to sleep with them all if he was a terrible kisser. Nobody would get with him in bed if he couldn't kiss women in a way that made them... desire him. His reputation did do him justice though.  

Because damn, could he kiss.

She huffs angrily as she shoves a black spiral notebook into her backpack, cursing at herself internally.

No, she would not be another one of those girls. She would not be another one of the (frankly countless) women that had fallen for Alex Karev. She would not be another person who had succumbed to his good looks and charm and slept with him. Absolutely not. She was smart. She didn't do one night stands. She was only seventeen and had two serious boyfriends. She didn't want to be another of Alex Karev's one nighters. She was better than that.

With that, she slings the bag over her shoulder and makes her way down the hallway, walking by the passed out foster dad with an empty beer bottle hanging limply from his hand and the foster mom smoking a cigarette on the beat up back porch, rocking back and forth on the rotten wood swing that she hoped would just fall already. Then she wouldn't have to listen to the annoying sound of the metal screeching every time the god damn swing moved.

But it still sucked. Because the boy was still occupying her thoughts. The feeling of his lips on hers, his hands working up her sides...

Nope, no more. No more thinking about him and how she would just be another one to fall into bed with him.

So, screw Alex Karev. Screw him and his ability to kiss like a freakin god.

Turns out, her mind truly did not want to forget about the man from the party.

____

She slams her dark green locker shut, letting out a small yawn as she pushes the lock back into place, dialing the knob back to zero. Before she can even begin to grasp the situation, none other than Alex Karev is leaning against the locker next to hers, a crooked smirk painted on his lips.

"Go out with me." he says.

Jo widens her eyes, but composes herself quickly. Was this guy for real? She didn't even hear him ask to go out with him. He stated it. Who does that?

What an asshole.

"What makes you think I wanna go out with you?" she asks, raising a brow as she watches his face fall slightly, some of his confidence going out the window. Ah, she got it. It was an act. He wasn't as confident as he made himself out to be. It was crazy how much she could learn about somebody from a single question.

He immediately puts the facade back on, but if you studied closely you could tell he was a bit nervous. He was Alex freaking Karev. He's never been turned down before. Rejection in the world of women was practically a foreign thought.

"Because you made out with me." he shrugs his shoulder, as if the answer was obvious.

Ass.

Jo gives him a hint of a smile, she couldn't help it. He was hot. "I'm pretty sure you're the one who kissed me." she answers, internally giggling at the way his mouth opens and closes like a fish.

"You kissed me back." he retorts.

At that she gives him a real smile, making a grin of his own pull at the corner of her lips. He liked her smile, it was bright and happy, one that could turn someone's day from bad to good.

"That I did." she claps back, crossing her books over her chest, probably the most overused move in movies, but who cares. Her life was feeling like a movie right now.

"Then go out with me." he quirks up one side of his lip.

Jo pulls a smirk of her own. This was fun, messing with Alex, that is. "If I remember correctly, I'm ninety nine percent sure you're the one who pulled me back in." she chuckles inwardly at the sight of his mask crumbling a bit. "Or, am I wrong?"

His eyes widen as she smirks and begins to walk away. "Goodbye Alex." she says over her shoulder, giving him a small wave as he stand there stoically.

All of a sudden a signature crooked grin begins to form on his lips. He was going to get her to go out with him. Somehow. He didn't really know how he was going to do that, but he would. He could tell that Jo Wilson was definitely one to stick around for.  

|--•--|

Tuesday

"C'mon, why won't you go out with me?" Alex asks the brunette beauty as they whizz down the halls, occasionally bumping into random students as they make their way to their shared math class.

He was seriously making this difficult for her. She wanted to say yes, trust me she did. She didn't want to be another woman who Alex Karev had managed to woo. But damn, it was hard. Especially when he always looked so freaking perfect. Like right now. His white t-shirt clung to his chest, outlining his toned body and his black jeans, though loose, still managed to outline the shape of his butt. And his hair right now was amazing. She wasn't usually one for hair, but knowing how soft his dark brown locks were made Jo want to run her hands through it again and again. The way it was styled right now wasn't helping. It was messy, but in a controlled sort of way. Like most boys at her school, he had it cut shorter on the sides (not shaved) and longer on the top, and the longer strands stuck out in various places, adding a bit of charm and innocence to his look. And his face was so fucking hot, don't even get her started. His cheekbones were high and his jawline was so sharp it looked like it could cut something. Damn Alex Karev for being so nice to look at.

It would be a lot easier to say no to him if he didn't look like that all the time. Like a freaking Calvin Klein model, that is.    

"Because." she clips back. She had to be firm. Do not fall for his charm. Falling for his charm led to falling for him. Falling for him meant she was stupid, because only stupid people fell for him. They knew what he did. They knew that they wouldn't call him back the next day, and yet, all the girls still cried about it. She would not fall for Alex Karev, because that meant bawling over the bathroom toilet, crying out why he didn't respond to her text message. (Don't ask, she'd seen it happen before. Girls' heart's these days seemed to live in their vagina's)

And sure, maybe going out with him didn't mean she was going to fall for him, but honestly, all of her friend's had spent a single night with the guy and he magically had them wrapped around his finger. Maybe he put a fucking lust spell in their drinks. That seemed to be like the only logical explanation.

So no, he didn't get a date. Because she wasn't going to make a fool of herself. She wasn't going to tell herself she was different, like every other girl before her had. She wasn't going to convince herself that Alex saw something else in her. She wasn't going to humiliate herself. Plain and simple.

"Because what?" Alex asks her as they turn into the classroom, Jo rolling her eyes as she makes her way to her seat in the middle of the class, leaving him standing behind in the front of the room, not even turning back to him as she speaks again.

"Go do your work."

|--•--|

Wednesday

Alex lets out a frustrated breath as he slams his cafeteria tray onto the table, sitting next to Meredith and Cristina, the two women exchanging words through their eyes.

"What's wrong with you?" Yang asks, picking up a fry off his plate and shoveling it into her mouth before he can knock it out of her hand. Nobody touched his food.

His face twists up into a scowl as he lets out some weird noise, shoulders shrugging up and them down. They two girls took it as a way to say 'shut up' and 'you know'.

"Oh it's the hairball!" the raven head speaks up, smiling victoriously as the boy lets out another intelligible sound. Alex bangs his head down on the table, letting out a groan as his hands make its way into his hair, kneading his fingers through it and unconsciously detangling any knots that may have formed since that morning.  

He turns his head to the side, looking directly at Meredith, who had an amused expression on her face. But he couldn't care less about that right now. Jo Wilson had just rejected him again. For the third day in a row. Was he delusional? Did she not feel... whatever the hell he felt when they kissed? Did she not feel the... normalcy of it? The way it seemed so normal, so perfect, so right?

He is starting to think he made it all up, the one and a half beers going straight to his brain and making him imagine things. Because otherwise, why was she rejecting him? He could be charming, he knew that for a fact, and these past few days he had turned on all the charm he possessed and still, nothing. It was weird, being rejected. He hadn't experienced that before.

But he still was confused. Why wouldn't she just go out with him? One date, that's all he was asking for, one. If it went bad, then it went bad. They would get over it and move on. And if it went good, then it could maybe lead to something... more? He had never had the 'more' before. All he had was an abundance of one night stands.

He was getting ahead of himself, thinking about something 'more' with the girl when she had turned him down three times now. Three times!

"Why won't she go out with me?" he asks the blonde, causing her smirk to form into a sympathetic smile. She simply shrugs her shoulders and gives his a little squeeze. Cristina just seemed to find the situation more and more amusing by the second though, judging by the loud laugh she let out.

"Oh Evilspawn," she says dramatically, giving him a slap on the back. "You're acting like you have feelings for the h-" she stops mid sentence, eyes widening as she realizes the truth of her statement.

"Oh my god." she says her face twisting into what could be described as a scowl, but not one of disgust, simply not quite believing the words herself, ignoring the way Alex glares at her. If looks could kill, she'd be a pile of ash on the ground. She composes herself quickly though, the idea of teasing him sounding much louder in her head than being shocked. The girl lets out a low chuckle, "Evilspawn has feeing for a hairball, ha."

|--•--|

Thursday

Jo heads down the school's long hallway to the library for some peace and quiet. The current foster home hardly had any moment of the day that wasn't filled with cursing, arguing, or screaming matches, and quite frankly, it wasn't the best place to study for her upcoming test. She had her head buried in her notebook as she walks down the hall, reading over each line until it was so deeply rooted in her brain that she couldn't get it out even if someone tried to saw it out.

That was how she studied. She needed good grades, and while school did come easy to her for the most part, she still preferred to cram all the information possible into her brain.

At that moment she was a good thirty feet away from the library's front doors, going over a line on cell theorem, it was review, but her teacher thought it would be a good idea to go through it again. She unconsciously says the words she wrote down to herself silently, lips moving as she holds her notebook in one hand, a pen in the other, ready for any parts to be changed or adjusted. She's so deep in thought she doesn't notice a tall figure jog itself up to her until its voice interrupts.

"So-" he can barely get a word out before she lets out a shriek.

Startled, Jo drops her book and pen, letting out a sharp breath as both her and Alex reach down to grab her stuff, her picking up the black gel pen, and him the beat up notebook.

"Jesus, you're gonna send me into cardiac arrest if you do that again." she glares at him, making Alex avoid her eyes as he looks sheepishly around the hall and its abundance of colorful posters, bringing up one hand to rub the pack of his neck, biting the corner of his bottom lip.

She made him feel nervous, but not in a bad way. Jo made him feel something weird in his stomach, something he couldn't quite describe without sounding like a freaking romance novel, and he didn't know if he loved it or hated it.  

"As I was saying-"

"No." Jo says quickly, standing up from her crouched position on the floor and beginning to make her way towards the doors.

Alex takes her shoulder and spins her around, causing them to make eye contact for the first time since that night almost a week ago. The mutual feeling of being able to stare into each other for god knows how long was there, but Alex knew that if he wanted to get anywhere he had to look away from the greenish-gold eyes and focus on her.

He sighs, "Why won't you just go out with me?" he asks.

Jo lets a breath to calm herself down, because if she didn't she could do one of two things, punch him or kiss him. And she only wanted to punch him because she wanted to kiss him. Damn it.

"Because."

He lets out a frustrated sigh. As much as he liked this girl, she really knew how to push his buttons. "That's not an answer!"

Jo stops in her tracks, turning towards the man and glaring at him sharply, eyes narrowed and lips pressed into an unamused straight line.

She kind of lost it then. She just needed him to leave her alone, otherwise she would give in. Jo didn't know why she was so insistent on saying no to him.

If only she knew it was because he would be only person who could make her feel something she had never experienced before.  

"Listen Karev," she starts, her words biting, having an edge to them that she only got when she was passionate about what she was saying. "I'm not going to be another one of the girls in your bed. I'm not gonna be another name you can check off your list" she hisses, pressing a finger aggressively into his chest, her eyes never leaving his.

"I'm not like them, alright?" her eyes narrow further. "So... leave me alone." and with that she walks away, leaving a thoughtful Alex to gather his thoughts.

Now he knew what he needed to do.

|--•--|

Friday

It was pouring rain that day in the neighborhood of Seattle, the sound of water hitting the windows seemed to echo throughout the quiet classrooms. The drops plop down onto the streets and sidewalks, creating tiny puddles in crevices and potholes, perfect for little kids to jump around in, or for teenagers to use as an excuse to dirty their parent's nice rugs, either one worked.

Unfortunately, school had just got out for the day and Jo had forgotten to bring an umbrella. Her car was currently in the shop, so she had absolutely no way to get home except through the pouring rain.

She decides to wait under the steps for a while, trying to see if the rain would lighten up. She shivers in her thin jacket, clothing it close to her body as she could while reading a book she got from the library. Focusing on something other than the cold made it seem a bit more bearable to deal with.

An hour and half later, the rain still hadn't calmed. The clouds were the darkest shades of gray, the winds were making heavy tree branches swing from side to side as the water beat down on everything in existence. Jo - for the most part - was pretty dry, only a few drops had flown her way throughout her time on the steps, which she was very grateful for. She didn't want to have to add water to her already freezing temperature.

She couldn't go inside (she tried) because the doors were locked from the inside. Truthfully, waiting was to see if the weather would change was stupid, but at the time it seemed like a good idea, she realizes that now.  

With a sigh she crosses her arms over her chest, letting out a huff as she closes her eyes and leans her head back against the red brick of the school. Not too long after, she decides that the rain wasn't going to stop anytime soon, so she picks up her bag and begrudgingly steps out into the rain, flipping that hood of her jacket onto her head. It was then the school doors open, a bunch of guys start piling out of the building, laughing and shoving each other. Jo was about to consider asking them for a ride, but decides against it. She didn't to need to drive home with a bunch of boys who (probably) smelled like a wet dog.

Navigating through the cars in the parking lot delays her time, making sure not to bump into any men. The jocks were notorious for getting pretty... handsy with women. The last thing she needed was some guy grabbing her ass.

To her luck, the guys pile out of the lot quickly, only leaving her and one other figure who she couldn't identify, who was just making his way out of the school. She turns back around and begins to walk again, only making it a few steps before she hears her name getting called out.

"Jo!" the familiar voice rings.

Great. Didn't she tell him to leave her alone? She wasn't going to be another girl who's name he could check off in his little black book. Didn't she explain that to him?

She spins on her heel with a huff, "Alex-"

"Shut up and listen." he yells, since he was still a good twenty feet away, standing under a tree, the rain beating down on him, making his hair all messy and soaking his sweatshirt and jeans.

His words catch her off guard. They were typically used in a condescending way, but for reason she didn't get that vibe off of him. It was just his way of saying 'please be quiet so I can talk'.

She wraps her sopping jacket around her tighter, tucking a strand of wet hair behind her ear. She didn't know what the hell he could want. What was there to want?

Alex brings a hand to the back of his neck, openly showing his nervousness, a rare for him. He lets out a deep breath before making eye contact with her. The connection drew her in, even though he was far away. It was like something was drawing her to him.

"I don't want to sleep with you." Alex starts, cursing himself internally.

Jo widens her eyes. She wasn't sure if that was offensive or not.

"Crap-uh, what I mean is that if you go out with me, the purpose of it wouldn't be to have you in bed by the end of the night." he says honestly.

The girl stands there stoically, shocked at his words. Alex Karev... wasn't trying to get into her pants? No, something was up.

"Why?" she asks, the rain beating down on her, the wind picking up and blowing through her hair wildly.

Alex lets out a small chuckle, his face twitching up into a crooked grin. "Because I like you Jo." his eyes were flashing with sincerity. "More than I'd like to admit." he adds, talking loud enough to be heard over the sounds of wind and rain.

Jo's face begins to host a small smile.

No more running.

If it ended bad, it ended bad. But for now, she wasn't going to worry about that. If his main focus wasn't to sleep with her, then maybe something could happen.

She jogs over to him, watching the way his face lights up like a little boy in a candy store, she was sure her's was the same.

The girl lets out an amused laugh. "Fine, a date." she says, Alex's eyes filling up with glee.

"But... I need to do this first." she smirks before cusping his cheeks in her hands and pulling him down into a kiss, grinning against his lips. It was like before. So perfect, so right. The way their lips molded together, like two puzzles piece snapping into place.

She pulls back, a goofy smile on her face as she looks up at him, wrapping her arms around his neck. "Did we really just do all this in the rain like some cheesy romance movie?" she asks teasingly, unable to wipe the grin that had formed. She really liked kissing him.

"Hell yeah we did."

[newtafterdark]

Title: A Beautiful Mess - Chapter 3 AO3 LINK

Summary: Beauty goes to Gorgeous room to check on him after his previous dissociative episode. It leads to unexpected confessions.

- - -

Finding Gorgeous' room turned out to be not as complicated as Beauty had feared. Gorgeous had marked his room with a bright pink heart shape on a nearby floor plan, which had already been a habit of his back home.

Beauty made his way down the halls, occasionally catching a glimpse of some of the people he had seen previously... and a very large dog. Beauty resisted the urge of walking straight up to the group and asking if it would be alright if he could pet it. But there was always time for petting dogs at a later date. Gorgeous was more important.

He shook his head as he felt the all-too-familiar blush creep up his face.

"He doesn't need you being a simp for him right now", he reminded himself as he walked down the hall with more purpose.

Eventually, he found the room he was looking for. Its door had been spray-painted with the same bright pink colour that had been used as the maker on the floor plan. Well, this had to be it.

Beauty let out a soft sigh before gently knocking his knuckles on the door frame, unsure if this world's doors could handle it.

A moment passed before he heard an affirmative deep hum from inside.

"I hope I'm not cutting your beauty sleep short, sweetheart...", he whispered as he slowly pushed the door open, his eyes darting around to locate Gorgeous.

The room was small. A re-purposed storage room, perhaps. Most of the room's space was taken up by a large bed and the countless soft pillows and blankets on it.

Beauty chuckled as a well-toned arm reached out from under several blankets to flip him off.

"Are ya feeling a smidge better? I just... wanted pop in to let ya know that everything's settled. They know what they need to know now. Anything else... well, that's up to you, doc."

Beauty watched as Gorgeous slowly pulled his upper body free of his blanket hoard.

In moments like this, Beauty was reminded why had given the man the nickname "Gorgeous" in the first place. Gorgeous ran a hand through his messy curly hair, as he looked up to him, his bright green eye faintly glowing in the dark.

The warm light of the salt lamp in the corner made his jawline & cheekbones look so much softer than the bright light they were used to from the resistance hideouts.

When Gorgeous slowly waved his hand in front of himself, smirking, Beauty knew he had been caught staring once again.

"S-Sorry. You... really don't need this right now.", he said, already moving to get comfortable in the beanbag chair on the other side of the room.

"Bullshit. Get over here."

Hearing Gorgeous say that without any hesitation in his voice made Beauty freeze like a deer in headlights for longer than he'd like to admit.

"A-Alright, alright. Can't get enough of my charm, huh?", he managed out.

Gorgeous rolled his eyes at him.

"Boots off. Actually... everything off. Don't want that Combine garbage on my bed. Uh, there's ... a pair of shorts in that box to your right."

"M-My size?", Beauty asked in confusion, already in the process of opening said box.

Gorgeous propped up his head on one of his arms, letting out an affirmative hum once more as he watched Beauty get changed and eventually sit down on the bed beside him. He raised an eyebrow as he looked up at Beauty, but before he could say even one teasing word, Beauty's eyes locked with his.

They stayed like that for a while, until Beauty started playing with the fabric of one of the fluffiest pillows on the bed.

"I know you never said you minded me.... liking you, but if this is too close and too persona- HURGH~!"

Without a warning, Gorgeous had wrapped his arms around Beauty's midsection, effectively pulling himself on top of the man. Gorgeous quickly let go & sat up, getting comfortable on Beauty's thighs, his own knees resting on either side of the smaller man.

"Shut up. Just 'cause I'm ace doesn't mean I hate this. ... or hate you. You know that. A crush doesn't change jack shit between us."

Beauty was staring up at him, taken by surprise & still slightly short on breath. His pupils were blown wide, his usually carefully styled hair a mess.

Gorgeous reached down, gently pushing a loose strand of hair out of Beauty's face. A soft smile tugged on the side of his lips.

"You are the one person I can stand being stuck with in dumb places. We bicker and throw heavy shit at each other that would kill anyone else and we laugh about it afterwards. We crash through walls and annoy the fuck out of the Combine by launching each other at them. I... can't do that with anyone else."

"Yeah, maybe, but you shouldn't have to put up with me looking at you all the time like you're my everth-"

Beauty cut himself off, frowning as he turned his head to look away. He was starting to understand why Gorgeous always became so grumpy when he nudged the taller man to talk about his feelings.

"Hey."

He heard Gorgeous talk but stayed stubborn. Maybe he could will away the awkwardness and they could just fall asleep. He'd even sleep on the floor if it would make Gorgeous feel less weirded out-

"Hey, Beauty."

Why did Gorgeous have to use his nickname right now? Gorgeous knew that it would always make him look at him, regardless of what he was doing. Like a lovesick puppy, Beauty would follow him to the end of the world only to hear Gorgeous call him that once more. He was hopelessly in love.

Beauty felt Gorgeous gently nudging his chin to look back at him... and he didn't resist. There was no reason to.

Dark teal eyes once again stared into bright green ones.

They had done this song and dance for as long as Beauty could remember. Never quite sure where they stood with each other or even what to call what was going on between them.

Rivals? Frenemies? Best Friends? Partners? Dangerously-Close Co-workers at best?

The countless post-shift karaoke nights with cheap beer came back to mind. The hangover breakfasts. Falling asleep on the tram to work with his head resting on Gorgeous shoulder. Worrying about where he went when the Resonance Cascade happened. And waiting... for such a long time with the smallest glimmer of hope to see him again. Alive.

And he had almost lost him again. To whatever or whoever had eventually decided "hey, maybe you should actually be with him, you small gay mess of a man".

Beauty blinked away a tear, barely resisting the urge to hide his whole face from the man who was still sitting on him. Hiding his dumb gay yearning was useless at this point.

He sniffled as Gorgeous leaned down once more, practically now propping himself up on Beauty's chest and stomach.

When Gorgeous finally spoke up, his voice sounded ... unsure, awkward even. Like this was his first attempt at being careful with his words, knowing full well that even one wrong word could do so much damage.

"There's... something I figured out about myself. Since I've been here.", he said, resting his chin on his crossed arms on top of Beauty's chest.

"Being away from everyone at home helped. Made me able to face some bullshit you had tried to get out of my brain for years. So, let me say this once. To you. And don't forget-"

Beauty felt almost frozen as he watched Gorgeous reach up and run a hand through his hair, playing slightly with one of his longer grey streaks-

"... I'm grey-asexual. Got barely any motivation to bother with people in general, but when sex happens, it happens. Romantically... I don't know yet. But I know one thing for sure-"

He leaned up further, pressing a brief kiss to Beauty's neck, earning a sharp inhale from the man under him-

"I never regretted anything we did together, got it? Hell, without you, I wouldn't even know what I could stomach and whatnot."

He pulled back and moved slightly up, his nose almost touching Beauty's.

"I trust you. And I love you. Bitch."

A long pause.

And Beauty shoved Gorgeous off him, as they both shook in uncontrollable laughter.

"DON'T YOU QUOTE OLD VINES AT ME WHEN WE'RE BEING SERIOUS FOR ONCE, YOU ABSOLUTELY JACKASS!! OH MY GOD!! I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU!!", Beauty exclaimed, still crackling as he grabbed a nearby pillow and hit Gorgeous in the face with it.

Gorgeous caught it with ease, mocking Beauty with a wide grin.

"You love me for it."

"I DO AND I HATE IT!! ... uh-"

The pillow was dropped instantly, as Beauty's face turned beet red at the accidental confession.

It didn't help that he found himself scooped up in Gorgeous arms almost immediately.

"Good. Because I meant it too. The "I love you" thing.", Gorgeous said, pressing a soft kiss against Beauty's temple.

Beauty hid his increasingly red face behind his hands.

"Aw geez, Gorgeous... you're breaking this old man."

The man in question smirked at that, resting his chin on top of Beauty's head.

"Funny you mention that. Turns out I have a thing for old men-"

"OH SHUT UP!"

"Make me."

Instantly, Beauty didn't care about his blush anymore. Nor his years of painfully awkward yearning.

"Alright, if that's what the doctor ordered~"

He leaned into the crook of Gorgeous' neck and got straight (ha, as if) to work on a hickey like his whole life depended on it. He felt the taller man's grip on him tighten, a hand wandering up to pull slightly on his hair.

Beauty eventually pulled back, admiring his work.... and how positively dishevelled Gorgeous looked laying among the pillows below him. Breathtaking. If he'd know an artist, he'd commission a painting of this view.

"L-Looking good?", Gorgeous asked, clearly more focused on the quality of the hickey than his whole appearance.

Beauty let out a soft chuckle at that and laid back down, wrapping his arms around the taller man's waist.

"Always."

[razorblade180]

OC test: Flex

[Not in the literal term. All the boys here will simply show off their style and charm in an attempt to steal some hearts and blush some faces.]

Kovu:So in other words...

Sparrow:Eye candy. Crank up that testosterone the best way you know.

Jael:A bunch of shirtless guys sounds boring.

Eliza:You heard the woman. Be bold and unbuckle those pants!

Jael:No! Not at all what I meant!

Jacquelyn: *turning away* (Probably for the best if I don’t witness this.)

Carmine and Valerie:....

Yujin:*red* Doesn’t this seem shameful?

Summer and Veronica:Shhhhhh

Veronica:Oh yeah, should we get the guy out of tree then?

Carmine:What guy?

Veronica:The guy I smell in the tree. He’s been there awhile. He has the scent of a bird.

An eerie silence falls amongst the group. Carmine slowly turns towards the tree, shooting a death glare. She takes a massive lunge towards it. Aero immediately emerged from the top, flying out of reach from Carmine’s very lethal hands.

Carmine:Who told you that you can be here, huh Aero!?

Aero:Oh quit with the theatrics. I know you’re happy to see me.

Carmine:Say that within arms reach!

Aero:No...

Nick:Who that?

Summer:And what’s his number?

Kovu:That would be Aero. He probably snuck in when I was let inside. His semblance has a way of catching people off gaurd, making it easy to pull a fast one on them. Hi Aero.

Aero:Hey goodie goodie. Mind doing some good and pulling the thorns off of this rose.

Kovu:Carmine, he’s not gonna leave. Might as well suck it up and let him be.

Carmine:I’ll let him be injured and begging for mercy. That’s what I’ll let him be.

Yujin:Wasn’t there supposed to be a test going on?

Eliza:Well one guy has already started.

Yujin:What? Who-oh my goodness! Tenzen! *red*

The street performer had removed his shirt when nobody was looking, then out on an opened hoodie. Tenzen’s abs were on full display with his broad, strong chest. His pants were replaced with shorts that showed off his toned calves. He put up the fox ear hood and casually drunk a water bottle. As usual, Tenzen looked playful, yet overwhelming attractive. It didn’t help that his shorts hung a little lower than they should’ve.

Tenzen:What?! Too stupid?

Eliza:The only stupid thing here is how your body looks like a mannequin. I know dancing makes you fit but sheesh.

Tenzen:It’s the martial arts.

Veronica:Nice.

Sparrow:Oh we’re starting? I guess I can show a bit of skin. After all, a sailor isn’t a sailor if he isn’t drenched and showing off.

Under these rules, Sparrow felt a little bad for the others. He was the guy here that could be considered truly grown. That maturity came with knowledge in many things. Charm was one of them. His hands pulled off his shirt fluidly. A stroke of his hand running through his hair not only showed off his trained body, it flexed his biceps. Unlike Tenzen, Sparrow had a body that was bulked up. Muscles were beefed up and made to form a temple that was hard as stone. His diabolical brown scruff and brown tanned skin gave Sparrow a rugged look that Jacquelyn sneak a peak and Eliza gulp the moment his other hand casually hung from his right pocket. Even Carmine was surprised by the older man.

Carmine:Wow, a shirt hid all that? You bench logs or something?

Sparrow:The military doesn’t train weaklings you know?

Eliza:(Eight years. Just give about eight years Sparrow.)

Kovu:My, my, that looks fun. But not as fun as that white haired cutie.

Summer:M-Me!?

Kovu:*flies down* I know a face like that anywhere. Who would’ve thought a Schnee would have such kind eyes? Not an icy glare at all. *rubs her face* You got a name?

Summer:I, uhh, yeah! I mean who doesn’t. Hehe wow you’re really umm close. Wait, my name! You’re probably still waiting for-

Nick:It’s Summer; and if you’re looking for the Schnee icy glare then look my way.

The chill of a glare sharper than any sword pierced right through Aero as he saw the white haired boy. Yeah, he’s definitely a Schnee. He respectfully stopped touching Summer and stood before Nick.

Aero:Cold, dagger like glare, white hair, and short. Yeah, you’re Weiss’s kid alright. How cute...

Nick:Call me short again and I’ll cut you down.

Carmine:As much as I would love to see that, Aero might be a little much for ya unprepared. Case in point, he’s not in front of you.

Nick raised an eyebrow and blinked. In that moment, Aero was gone. The boy was standing by Eliza, pinching her cheeks.

Eliza:Ow! How did you-

Aero:You’re a familiar looking face. Between your hair color and skin tone I almost thought Mona was here. I bet-

Carmine:No.

Aero:Well that’s the end of that I guess.

Eliza:Stop pinching me!!!!

Sienna:He’s a bit of a weird one.

Jael:The word is rude. He’s giving me a headache. Not to mention dragging out this test.

Aero:Hmm? What, the sexy thing. I thought that was over. I mean I’m here and everything. Y’all fighting for second place?

Sparrow:Hmph.

Veronica:That’s confidence you don’t see regularly.

Valerie:Call it like it is. He just shit talked every guy here into bringing their A-game.

Kovu:Oh Aero, you dummy. If you wanted me to play with you so badly then you just had to ask nicely...

The air in the room quickly changed. The two boys faced each other and smirked playfully. Kovu dragged his sharp finger nail down his shirt, tearing it. Aero laughed and proceeded to remove his own. Apparently this was a normal thing between the two. The tall boys got closer until Kovu was able to push Aero gently against a wall, wings spread out. Kovu was taller by an inch and buffer. His torso was well defined along with his chest, but the main focus was his arms on each side of Aero. Not only were they big, but each muscle group was blatantly visible. The boys eager eyes were focused in on his cocky younger friend.

Aero casually propped up his foot on the wall and put his hands in his pockets. Aero was no where near as bulky as the beast before him, but he cut to perfection in more ways then one. Faded scar ran across is toned body. The small black gages and wind swept hair only elevated his attitude. Everyone but Carmine were confused about what they were watching.

Valerie:Ummm are they about to make out?

Eliza:*red* I don’t know....but I want to.

Veronica:I think they might do more than make out.

Summer:(I’d pay to be in the middle of this beef sandwich.)

Yujin:Carmine, please explain.

Carmine:Nothing to explain. This happens sometimes. I don’t know why.

Tenzen:KISS!!!

Aero:They’re totally looking more at me than you.

Kovu:Bitch you wish you were this sexy. Don’t let those little girls in Vacou hype you up too much. They’re easy.

Aero:Don’t talk about your cousin like that.

Carmine:....

Everyone:....

Carmine:.....

Sienna:Y’all fu-

Carmine:YES, MOVING ON NOW. Lucas, take off your pants or something!

Lucas:Nobody wants that.

Sienna and Summer:Well...

Lucas:I am not taking my pants off.

Jael:Wet t-shirt. Then we can put everything behind us.

Jacquelyn:You can try and enjoy this a little sweetie.

Jael:Make this a women challenge and I’d be-... wait, I’d have to participate in that. God this sucks.

Lucas.Tenzen, pass me a water bottle.

Eager to please, Tenzen tosses two. Lucas caught both midair and poured them right onto his face; his white tank becoming completely drenched in the process. The fabric clung to his body, pressing against every crease, every conceivable worked out muscle. The others looked amazing, but Lucs might as well be photoshopped. Was fat even on his body! His back looked strong and legs even more so. Lucas’s hair stuck to his face and he let out a agitated groan. Despite that, it actually made him more appealing to Eliza. Others were admittedly distracted by his body to even notice his face. A xylophone could be played on a body like that.

Tenzen:Damn, I thought I was in shape before today.

Carmine:Aren’t you a shit in?

Lucas:I can still work out, and no. I just don’t deal with people or feel bad about staying in indefinitely.

Jael:A shut in!

Jacquelyn:That’s like...the definition.

Aero:Eh, not bad I guess.

Lucas:Little boy, I can snap you like a twig. Don’t get snippy with me.

Aero:Oooo feisty. Well if we’re done here-

Yujin:Hold on. Nick hasn’t gone yet.

Nick:Can you shut up!!!!

Yujin:Oh, hehe, my bad. I thought you’d be excited?

Nick:Why? I mean...sigh what’s the point? Not in the mood to embarrass myself.

Kovu:What?

Aero:Yeah that’s a smart move. I mean look at him compared to the rest of us. It’s like night and day in here.

Carmine:Aero!

Nick:He’s right. No real muscles, strong features, facial hair, scars, height... just a shrimpy sixteen year old with cash. *Smiles* Honestly I never really seen much good about m-

Valerie:Oh give me break. Do you really think any guy could hold a candle to you!? You’re caring, quirky, driven, and humble to a fault. Nick you’re so-

Nick:*wide eyed*....

Valerie:*red*Ummm y-you get the point. So don’t even think about discrediting yourself.

Nick:I uhhh appreciate the compliments, but those traits are exactly a flex or considered sexy.

Veronica:Lies!!! What’s sexier than a caring young man!

Nick:Abs.

Eliza:Oh for the love of-you’re all ridiculous.

She marches over to Nick and grabs him by the collar. Her hand rises to slick his hair back to clearly show of his beautifully tired eyes and gentle face, unmarked by anything but except self inflicted stress. It’s a shame he wasn’t feeling competitive. He may not know it, but that always captured a room. Eliza took off his vest and unbuttoned the top two buttons of his dress shirt. The crowd was left stunned by the simple transformation. He looked more regal than usual, yet casual.

Eliza:Sexy doesn’t mean naked dummy. And as far as physical traits go...*red* there’s a reason all the girls flock to you. You’re...annoyingly handsome. Some might even say pretty.

Nick:*blushes*

Eliza:And then you do that! Can we agree Nick wins and move on!?

Everyone:Yeah.

Aero:I guess I’ll take second.

Lucas:You mean third.

Kovu:He actually meant fourth.

Aero:Rude.

Carmine:Good.

[toxiccaptain]

Bully OC Meme

[template by @video-space ]

Name: Jackson Bianchi

Pronouns: He/Him

Sexuality: Bisexual

Clique: Greasers

Personality: loyal, genuine, good-natured, hardworking

Weapons/fighting style of choice: brick / pocket knife

[Dialogue]

Greetings:

-Aye man, what’s up.

-How’s it going dude?

-Hey.

-Oh hey there

-Hello ma’am

-Hello sir

-What’s up

-Heya

-How is it?

Saying Goodbye:

-I gotta go, see ya

-Bye dude.

-See ya later

-Ah, I must go.

-I’ll catch you later

Chasing:

-I’ll catch up eventually!

-You can’t run forever!

-Get back here coward!

-Running won’t save your face from my fist!

-A game a chase, fun!

-You can run, but you can’t hide!

-I’ll hunt you down!

-Where do you think you’re going!?

Out of breath:

-Maybe,, smoking isn’t ,,the way to go

-Damnit dude,, I feel out of shape

-I,, could’ve swore this was easier,,

-Guess,,I gotta lay off the smokes,,

-Holy hell,,

-I’ll get you,, later

-I’m getting too worked up on a shrimp

-Maybe if I wasn’t in this jacket I’d get you

-I shouldn’t be outta breath this quickly

Walking around talking to themselves:

-Maybe if the prefects weren’t around, I could’ve done more damage to the kid.

-I wonder what peanut thinks of me.

-The Harringtons will get what they deserve, eventually.

-Wonder if the greasers enjoy my upgrades.

-I need to buy more parts, or steal them.

-I need to sharpen my knife.

-Johnny needs to leave that tramp Lola, she has nothing to herself.

-Lola shouldn’t call herself a cheap slut if she even opens her legs for Hopkins.

-Maybe being rich has its perks, but that shouldn’t be known.

-Those stupid preps make me wanna light their stupid house up.

-Everything is boring, why can’t there be more blood.

-This school should get new parts for the cars.

-Gotta upgrade my ride.

-Peanut is a charming dude, wonder is he thinks the same with me.

-Gotta visit dad soon.

-Stupid prefects, always have to ruin the fun.”

-If crabblesnitch really cared for security then why’d he get a bunch of kids to do it.

-Id choke him out if I got the chance.

-I’ll break their face if they got near him.

-If I picked up peanut, would he be mad?

-I forget Larry doesn’t like the nickname peanut, but I think it’s cute.

-I enjoy being around girls but I like peanut more.

-Vance is kinda cute, is that too gay to say?

-I surround myself with guys that are good looking, and I’m not complaining.

-If johnny likes guys, I’d take him off lolas hands

-Being tall sucks sometimes, but it’s fun to pick people up.

-The girls in this school aren’t that half bad looking

-Beatrice isn’t that ugly, I wonder what everyone sees

Conversing:

-Did you hear about the new kid? Thinks he’s the toughest kid here.

-Smith is someone to stay away from, he really can piss people off.

-Heard burton flirts with the girls, surprised that bastard isn’t in prison.

-Poor Galloway man, all he wants to do is drink.

-Something’s going on between crabblsnitch and Danvers, and it’s weird.

-Danvers doesn’t like me, which makes it harder to get away with some things.

-Did you hear about the jocks? How they like to play with their balls, hate to be in their position

-This school is filled with nothing but morons. No offense

-Ms.phillips likes to be friendly with me, should I be weirded out?

-The prefects in this place suck.

Conversation responses:

-Damn man

-Yeah dude, I hear ya

-That sucks man

-I feel you man, but stuff happens.

-All we gotta do is let it slide for now.

-Once we get out of here, maybe things won’t be as bad.

-Wouldn’t doubt it dude.

-You said it man.

Complaining:

-ah man, everything stinks in the dorm

-dude, what the hell is up with everyone, you either love em or hate em

-hate that I can’t have what I want around here

-what does Lola have that gets so much attention, Shes so fake

-I’m attractive and smart, why are the idiots getting the good stuff

-can’t have fun, I bring up how much I love seeing dead animals and all of a sudden they think I’m mental

Unknown/cut dialogue:

-they can’t put me on meds, I’m not mental.

-at least I’m not the one taking medication

- do you get lost in the color red too?

-ever wanted to hear how a bone sounds when it breaks?

-I was invited to a party by tad himself, I think it’s a setup but I kinda wanna risk it and go

-keep barking at me and I’ll bite your head off

-people like to test the waters, only to regret it soon after

-I’m not gay but I’d totally make out with him

Starting fights with cliques:

[bullies]

-cmon you hardheaded punk, let’s go

-you’re gonna get a beat down

-let’s see how much blood comes out your skull

-you’re too weak to push me around loser

[preps]

-c’mon rich kid, can’t buy your way outta this one

-put your money where your mouth is preppy

-I’ll dirty your damn vest with your blue blood punk

-might have money but I’m sure you can’t fight

[nerds]

-your glasses are gonna need a repair when I’m done with you

-you supposedly know it all, let’s see how true that is

-you nerds can’t handle the heat

-you’ll get more than a wedgie when I’m done with you

[jocks]

- cmon meatheads, let’s see how much you can handle from a real challenge

-you idiots are really asking for it

-you’re not tough, you’re just all talk

-your helmet won’t save you from that you got coming to you

[townies]

- you guys aren’t even smart enough to stay in school

-why you even trying? You got nothing to your name!

-you think you scare me? I got a knife with your name on it idiots

-you act more like animals than people, no wonder you’re away from the school

-I’ll call the pound on you losers

Requesting an errand:

-hey hopkins, you got a minute?

-yo jimmy, I’ll give you a 20 if you get me something

-aye, dude help me real quick, I’ll pay

-do me a solid and I’ll give you cash back for it

-Help me out, I’ll give something in return, I swear

Friendly comments:

-hey there dude, how are things holding up for ya?

-it’s good to see you’re doing well

-you look good today

-you’re a cool dude, I enjoy talking to you

-looking sharp Hopkins

Unfriendly comments:

-who let the rat out of its cage.

-smells like someone left the trash out

-best keep it moving or else we’ll have problems new kid.

-does it hurt moron?

-guessing they had no room with the freaks for ya

-you gonna cry loser?

[Extra]

Demanding Flowers:

-would be nice if you showed some interest

-words can only go so far

-you gonna give me something for memory?

-a gift would be nice

After receiving flowers:

-look at you, prepared and such

-awe, for me? Aren’t you a sweet thing

-how cute, making me feel all special

-you’re very charming

Before kissing:

-wanna see how far it’ll go?

-Ya know, I can give something else back if you’d like

-I’d like to see if you’re as sweet as you seem

-you expecting something in return?

Post-kissing:

-not bad for someone of your standards

-This doesn’t make us anything

-Sweep me off my feet why don’t you

-can tell this isn’t your first rodeo

-you got guts for doing that

-I won’t lie, I enjoyed that

[i have no friends so I ain’t tagging anyone]

[princessvicky01]

The Peacock and the Vixen

Since it’s valentines day, me and @inner-muse have decided to share a swoon worthy romance!

It features my oc Annabel Trevelyan and hers Lord Asharion as they trade glances and much more at a masquerade party. 

If you have a thing for dashing lords, firey ladies and steamy seduction, then you might just enjoy this co-written fic. NSFW - Lemons.

The Peacock and the Vixen ❤

Asharion smirks below his mask, preening just like the peacock it depicts. It had taken even less time than usual to attract an adoring crowd; the anonymity of a masquerade emboldened even the most timid. The relative anonymity, anyway – no one seems to have any trouble recognizing *him.* The hair is a dead giveaway, he supposes, flowing loose over his shoulders in coppery waves – though he likes to think that no one else could possibly match his style, either. Really, who else could pull off a coat trimmed in actual feathers?

He does so love to be the most fabulously alluring person in the room.

Though he has to admit, some of the Ladies’ gowns could give him a run for his money. Not that he minds all that much— especially with half the ladies in question are busily fawning over him. He’s lost count of how many compliments he’s given, how many hands he’s kissed, how many playful kisses he’s blown. Maker, but this is a glorious night!

Seduction was thirsty work, however. He excuses himself – effusively, of course – and makes his way to the sideboard. While he could probably get half a dozen drinks hand-delivered with a word, he prefers to give himself a little break and pour his own wine. The glamour and power were as intoxicating as any fine vintage; he did try not to let it all go *completely* to his head.

He’s not the only one seeking refreshment. His eyes widen behind his mask as he emerges from the crowd to behold a vision of scarlet and gold, helping herself to a glass of fine white wine. The mysterious Lady looks up as he approaches. She is utterly stunning, with a tumble of dark hair, full red lips, and luscious curves – but it’s her sultry smile that most intrigues him, lighting up her face below her vixen mask. Something about her niggles at his memory, but he can’t place her for the life of him.

“If I may... you have exquisite taste, my Lady.” Bowing smoothly, Ash offers her his most charming smile. “I’d thought to indulge in a glass myself, but if you linger here much longer, I’m afraid I shall be drunk on beauty before I’ve tasted a single drop.”

"Do you use that line on all the ladies, Lord Asharion?" She makes a point of using his name as he pours a drink, curious to see if he knows her own, or if she remains the mysterious lady in red. "If you'd like to make me weak at the knees," her smirk turns decidedly naughty. "I'm afraid you'll have to try harder than that."

Annabel had been enjoying watching the throng, the colours and fabrics of the garments on display tonight catching her eye with shimmers of silver, emerald greens and fiery reds. Although, the latter appeared to be simply Lord Asharion's natural hair. She toyed with the end of her own, briefly wondering how copper locks of fire would look against it, before returning to her drink.

Drink she would need to get through the evening, no doubt. She'd already lost count the number of dances she'd twirled for, the number of hands that had 'slipped', by accident of course; noble lords would have her believe they were clumsy fellows. A sharp word and fiery glare were usually enough to make them stutter apologies - apparently, they weren't accustomed to ladies taking offence at their clumsiness. It seemed in a room full of Lords there was not a single gent. Funny really.

As she spies Asharion break from the crowd, she could swear he pauses on sight of her. His reaction, however subtle, is compliment enough to bring out her sultry smile. Perhaps he is the gentleman she seeks? Perhaps not— but either way she desires to find out. His outrageous flirting cracks a smirk that glitters in her eyes. For once it seems she's caught some welcome attention.

The first quip that comes to Asharion’s mind is entirely inappropriate for polite company. “Only the ones who take my breath away,” he says instead, lifting his glass in a light toast. The wine is indeed delicious – although, with a beautiful woman watching, he can’t resist exaggerating a little, humming and wetting his lips with a deliberate flick of his tongue. What was the point in having a mouth made for kissing if he wasn’t going to flaunt it?

The lady’s smirk has only widened. Her mystery – and her restraint – have only made her more intriguing. It’s rare to find a woman who doesn’t immediately swoon and giggle at his attention, nor simply rebuff his advances. The challenge makes his pulse quicken— though as always, he’s wary of overstepping anyone’s boundaries.

“Were you seeking solitude, my Lady vixen? Or shall I continue my attempts to sweep you off your feet?” He can’t shake the feeling that he ought to know who she is... “If I can manage to entice you half as much as you’ve enticed me, I shall consider myself a very lucky man... but if you’d rather be alone tonight...?”

“Oh, no, my Lord Asharion, by all means continue. I want to see if your silver tongue is all it’s rumored to be.”

Ash grins, sinful and eager, and offers her his arm with another little bow. “Seeking my tongue already? My, my, how forward of you,” He winks and is rewarded with a light, musical chuckle. His heart flutters in his chest. Maker, who *is* she? He steers them towards the nearest private balcony, rather selfishly wanting her all to himself for a while. “I am glad you’ll suffer the company, my Lady. Having glimpsed your radiance, the rest of the ballroom is beginning to pale in comparison.”

He gives her a smoldering sideways glance, eyeing her up and down— and very carefully lingering on the shadowed glint of her eyes beneath her mask. Nowhere else, no matter how much he might want to stare at those luscious curves... He’d learned long ago that if he wanted to get anywhere with anyone worth his time, he had to think with his head, not his cock.

Small wonder women flocked to him. A shining beacon of finery with a charm to match, and she is more than a little intrigued. Truthfully, she hadn't expected to catch his eye; she never had in years gone by, and yet he steers her away to a scheduled spot.

She'd always glimpsed him from afar, usually trading quips with her older brother. Of course, he'd attracted her attention, she's not blind and had easily lost moments to watching his graceful movements through the crowds. She'd been introduced, received that winning smile and a kiss on her knuckles that made her heart flutter, but he'd always then gone ahead and fluttered by, more interested in girls his own age. However, time changed all things, it seemed. Here she stands captivating his attention, and she intends to take full advantage of that, even if just for tonight.

The heat behind his glance threatens to flush her skin as it rushes through her, but she manages a small smile, almost coy, and a flick of her hair.

"So the crafty Vixen has captured the majestic peacocks attention, has she?" His smile is all the answer she needs. "It’d be rather foolish to turn down the chance to spend time with Ostwick’s finest bachelor."

He practically preens at the compliment, and Annabel can’t help but smile warmly. It's rather endearing. "And I am no fool." She leans back gently against the rail, making sure to emphasise every curve with a slight hitch of her hip. "I shall enjoy indulging myself in your company, Lord Asharion."

Ash‘s gaze travels down her body once again, slower this time. He can’t help but linger a little; the tantalizing promise of soft flesh beneath tight fabric is more than even he can resist. He’s grateful for the dim evening light and his mask, for concealing the flush of his cheeks. She smirks as he finally meets her eyes again; he chuckles, acknowledging his wandering gaze with a tip of his head.

“A vixen indeed,” he murmurs, low and husky. Settling beside her at the rail, he picks up her hand to lift her fingers to his lips. He keeps his eyes fixed on hers, a sultry smirk of his own tugging at his lips. “With every passing breath, I grow more astounded that I found you alone... Surely I’m not the only one who sought to bask in your presence, my Lady?”

“Mm… The rest sought far more than my mere *presence.*” She tosses her hair, a note of bitterness coloring her tone, and Ash growls softly. With curves like hers, he can guess what sort of liberties the lesser lords had been taking – but just because it was predictable didn’t make it any less abhorrent. How dare anyone try to take advantage of a Lady?

“In that case, I’m glad you shooed them off,” he says seriously. “Such rabble are far beneath you.” He’s still holding her hand; now he brushes his thumb across her knuckles, letting the warmth seep back into his tone. “But I can assure you, you’re in much better company now. If I do say so myself, that is.”

“Well, I’d hardly be here if I thought otherwise, now would I?” The playful lilt has returned to her words, bringing his smile back in full force. For a minute, he’d been concerned he’d spoiled what was shaping up to be a lovely conversation – but it seems he needn’t worry.

“As I said before, my Lady... you have exquisite taste.” His grin flashes against the velvet backdrop of night. He can’t help but wonder if she would taste exquisite as well... but he’s more determined than ever not to let his carnal urges guide the conversation. Whoever she is, this Lady deserves nothing but the utmost respect.

The husky drop of his tone is downright intoxicating. Maker, but how she can't wait to make him rumble, to feel the tingle of his soft caress, and hear hot, wanton, moans mumbled against her skin. Annabel's teeth can't help but nip at her lower lip in approval, polished ivory digging into supple ruby.

“Well, thank the Maker for good taste,” she twirls her crystal wine glass playfully. Lust has quickened her heart, his dark smouldering smirk already making her ache. No wonder the ladies battled so hard for his attention. Bold, as always, and flushed with confidence from his hungry gaze she steps towards him, closing the gap until she's running her hand down the velvet of his arm.

“If I might be totally honest,” she leans closer, body now pressed against his so she can drop her voice to a sinful whisper. “I'm far more interested in *your taste*,” with a mischievous smile she grants him a little space again, the erotic purr of her tone lost to all but him and the chill of the night.

“It appears to be uniquely exquisite,” her tone returns to it's playful nature, her fingertips briefly caressing the feathers on his lapels, curious and tender. “I'm intrigued to find out just how true that is…” Annabel had found that this was the point when most men fell apart, stammering and blushing as lust soaked their minds, yet she gets the distinct impression she's met her match in dear Lord Asharion.

“Are you, now?” He purrs. As she leans against his side, he moves a stray lock of hair behind her shoulder, his fingers brushing feather-light across her skin. “Mmm, and here I was just thinking the same of you, my Lady.”

Mirroring her intimate gesture, he runs his fingers lightly up her arm. When she makes no move to pull away, he shifts his weight away from the railing, and lifts her chin with a delicate knuckle. “Would you care for a sample, dear vixen?” He murmurs, hot and sinful. The nip of her teeth against ruby lips makes his pulse quicken. Maker, how he wants to feel her mouth on his...

As if answering his silent prayer, she closes the gap between them. He kisses her, slowly and thoroughly, wanting to savor and be savored in turn. It’s a delicate dance, maneuvering around their masks – but the decadent slide of her lips on his is more than worth it. When they finally part, she’s pressed up against him once more, her fingers clutching at his lapels, her bosom pooling against his chest. It’s more than enough to make him stir in his trousers, but if she can feel him beneath all the ruffles between them, she gives no sign of offence. Indeed, she seems as reluctant to pull away as he is.

Ash strokes along her jaw, staring down into her eyes, trying to plumb their depths beneath her vixen mask. “Who are you?” He whispers. “I’m certain we’ve met before— but I don’t see how I could have overlooked such an incredible, alluring woman...”

Annabel reflects his softness back with a glowing smile. “Hmmm, well perhaps if you continue to impress you'll get to find out. Take off my mask...” Now it's her turn to run her thumb up his jaw, and skim it over the gold and emerald edge of his disguise as she tiptoes up. “And so much more…” With a whisper her lips ghost over his, soft as rose petals, before they sink deeper into another slow, tantalising kiss.

His taste lingers long after his lips pull away, and already Annabel craves more. Exquisite indeed. She's been left near breathless by a single, slow-burning kiss, her bosom lightly panting against him like something from a romance novel. Perhaps gentlemen did exist, and perhaps so did real romance... Stroking his lapels in her fingers she tries to ground herself, lest she pounce and devour the poor man. There would be plenty of time for that if the twitch of his groin was anything to go by.

The tilt of his head is gentle, as is everything about him, save for the smoulder in his eyes. Dark pools that search hers intensely, trying to solve a riddle but seeming to only become more lost in whatever he finds in her gaze.

Ash hums into the kiss, his hands coming to rest against her hips. He’s panting lightly when they part, his pulse racing with desire. Andraste preserve him, she’s as good a kisser as he is. He closes his eyes for a moment, calming his breath and his heart... and reminding certain other parts of his anatomy who is really in charge. The primal, carnal parts of his brain served his conscious mind, not the other way around.

Opening his eyes again, he peers down at her earnestly, one hand rising to caress her jawline. “Ahh, such a cruel temptress, leaving me to languish in ignorance all evening...” The only thing his soft doe eyes get him, however, is a naughty giggle. His lips twitch in response, despite his best efforts to keep up the playfully mournful facade. “You, my mysterious Lady, are simply delightful. Not to mention delicious...” The husky edge is creeping back into his voice. “Do you have any idea what you’re doing to me, sweet vixen?”

She bites her lip again, practically purring, and presses even tighter to his chest. “Hmm, I can guess...” A subtle roll of her hips sends a jolt of pleasure down his spine. His breath catches, his grip tightening around her waist.

“Naughty, naughty,” he rumbles. Her wanton noise sends another ripple of heat pooling in his groin. He can feel his control starting to fray at the edges – which meant it was time to diffuse the tension between them.

With a rueful little huff, he disengages from their clinging embrace and returns to a more gentlemanly position by her side. Their wine glasses lay forgotten on the railing beside them; retrieving his, he takes a careful sip to cool down the simmering fire in his veins. “Forgive me, my Lady – it is far too easy to let oneself get carried away, in such an... intimate, exchange. And I have no wish to turn this into a mere tryst. You have me far too captivated for that.” He tips his head to her, smiling warmly.

Annabel returns his smile. She truly hadn't expected for him to be interested in anything more than a simple, albeit, passionate liaison. Impressed once again by his chivalry, by his restraint, she returns to lean herself against the railings, her pose distinctly erotic, from the right point of view: it would take little more than the lifting of her skirts to claim her, scandalously, right here and now.

"I'm very impressed with your restraint Lord Asharion," she casts him a naughty sideways look. "It far exceeds my own, but that's not really saying much. My family is known for being....hot-blooded." She teases him with the tidbit about who it is he's been so enthralled by but doesn't divulge any more.

She takes a sip of wine, trying to clear the haze in her head that had been fueled by the taste of him, by his subtle musky scent and warm embrace.

"Ah! There you are Lord Asharion!" The almost shrill tone of Lady Elizabeth cuts through sultry tension. Annabel gives her new date an irked and weary glance before turning to face the small throng of pastel pinks and purples.

The insult is brazen, as is the women's attempt to physically place herself between Annabel and Asharion. Annabel's lips twitch with a growl, heckles bristling as she bites her tongue, glare flaring with molten heat as the Lady takes Asharion's arm and attempts to actually steer him away! As if he were too precious for the likes of her company. She knows that's exactly what her rival thinks, but she's far too caught out to come back with a witty retort, and far too angry to trust herself to open her mouth.

The butterfly of Elizabeth's mask barely hides her disdain when she spies Annabel, but the three women with her quickly turn their focus onto the handsome Lord as they flock around him. "You left before I could tell you about what happened to Lady Margaret's poor little poodle... Such a horrid affair..." Elizabeth’s eyes flick to Annabel then back to him with a pleasant smile. "It was mauled by a damn mangy fox, of all things! Pesky vermin. A blight to every manor if you ask me, why they can't stay out in the wild where they belong I'll never know."

Annabel appreciates the soft touch and flicks her hair back, radiant and defiant as ever. "Yes, well, I'd rather be a fox over a leashed yappy pet any day. And to be fair, she's usually far worse, she must have been playing nice for you. No doubt I'll be tripped over accidentally or have wine split on me by one of her ever so clumsy minions," Annabel huffs out a growl and spins back to the balcony, anger and hurt all muddling her mind. 

“Mind yourself, Lady Elizabeth,” Ash says softly. “You know I have no tolerance for disrespect.” In this, at least, he doesn’t play games. Lady Elizabeth was perfectly lovely on her own, but her manners left something to be desired with a posse in tow. He frowns beneath his mask, glancing at his mysterious vixen. No wonder she hadn’t joined his usual crowd if this is how she was treated. She’s practically radiating hurt and anger. Unacceptable.

Elizabeth pouts, tugging insistently on his arm. It would be a pretty expression, if not for the ugly feelings behind it. “Why, Lord Asharion, you ran off on us! Surely you can’t blame me for being a little put out...”

Ash peels her fingers off his coat, gently yet firmly. “Jealousy does not become you, darling Elizabeth. I don’t recall anyone giving us trouble when it was *you* I ran off with last week, hmm?” She gasps, and glares at him, but he simply stares calmly back, refusing to be baited. With a huff, Elizabeth yanks her hand from his and flounces off. Ash sighs in exasperation. He’d make it up to her later, he supposed.

Then again... perhaps not.

The rest of the little gaggle are dithering, casting uncertain glances between him and their vanished leader. Ash clears his throat, nodding pointedly towards the balcony doors. “Ladies? Unless you’ve anything more to say about my choice of company tonight?”

They scamper off, trailing ribbons and perfume. Asharion scowls after them. “I had thought I kept better company than that,” he huffs. “I hope that little... episode... has not spoiled your evening too badly, my Lady.” Looking sideways at her, he gives an apologetic little bow, a hand pressed to his heart. “If there is anything I might do to make up for such rudeness, of course, you need only ask.”

“You were awfully polite to those, those, jackals, Lord Asharion.” His vixen props a hand on her hip, her stare a challenge – but he can sense the insecurity beneath it. The whole thing is so stupidly unnecessary! It’s hardly the first time he’s been fought over, and it’s always unbearably petty. He sighs mournfully.

“You’re right. Lady Elizabeth’s cruelty did not deserve a gentle response. I make it a point to be polite to everyone— but that does not mean I lend any credence to her cruel words whatsoever. You have just as much right to a place at my side as anyone else.” He might not know who she is, but he knows that much with certainty. He touches her arm, wanting nothing more than to sweep away every trace of lingering upset.

"Corner a vixen like a rat and then complain over being mauled." She shakes her head with another puff, trying to shift the petty irked emotions. Elizabeth really wasn't worth it and she won't let her spoil such a pleasant evening. More than pleasant in fact... Although learning he'd wooed one of her rivals a week ago brings her notion of romance back down to earth a little, he is only wooing her into bed after all.

"She wasn't just saying that because I was by your side, she's been saying things like that since we were knee-high, although "stealing her man" will likely mean I have to make sure I pour my own drinks for a while. She does enjoy spitting in them and subtly letting you know at the most inappropriate moments, yet apparently, I'm the uncivilized one..." She trails off with a sigh. All of this is hardly his problem... Just another day at court. Just another part of the game.

"I'm sorry," Annabel adds finally, playing loosely with her wine glass, before gathering enough courage to look back up at him, eyes hopeful. She may be wearing a mask but they betray her feelings as clear as the summer sky, her truly greatest weakness in a world of lies. "I hope that, well that all this, hasn't deterred you?... I did rather enjoy the taste of you..."

Asharion’s frown only deepens, his eyes going storm-dark as she speaks. Playing the Game was one thing – he’s no stranger to the shifting web of power at court – but this... this was not politics. This was bullying, pure and simple. His heart aches for the vixen before him, so bold and yet so vulnerable, with her soul shining out from behind those sparkling blue eyes. And despite everything, despite being marked as a target, she still had the courage to be bright and brazen and beautiful.

“You have nothing to apologize for, my Lady.” Stepping up behind her, he slips his arms around her waist, encircling her in a light embrace. “Rest assured, I am anything but deterred. If anyone deserves a night of splendor and sweet passion, it is you, dear vixen. I may not be able to make up for a lifetime of petty abuses, but I can very well try.”

The Lady in his arms half turns to melt against him, her head resting on his shoulder, that little spark of hope flaring brighter. He presses his lips to the top of her head, nestling a kiss amidst the dark silk of her hair above the delicate ears of her mask.

“If anything, I should be the one apologizing,” he murmurs. “It seems dear Elizabeth’s pretty face conceals an atrocious lack of nobility— and our dalliance must have only encouraged her. If I’d realized what sort of appalling behavior was going on behind my back, I would have put a stop to it. Or ceased associating with her, at the very least.” He shakes his head, disgusted with the whole situation.

“It’s not your fault either, Asharion.” Her fingers brush tenderly down his lapels once more, comforting rather than seducing, this time. He smiles softly at the sweet gesture, and is rewarded with an answering smile, small but warm. How much he already yearns for that smile... How perfectly she fits in his arms...

Maker, he is well and truly besotted. And he doesn’t even know her name.

“Hmm, perhaps not. But I still intend to make up for it.” Lifting her chin, he favors her with another brief, warm kiss. When he pulls back, the playful sparkle has returned to his eyes. “Hmm, what do you say we show those yapping poodles where a vixen truly belongs?” She cocks her head curiously, and he smiles once more. “Right in the center of court, naturally. Just beside a certain dashing peacock.” He winks outrageously. Her answering giggle makes his heart glow with warmth.

“I like the sound of that, my Lord Peacock. What did you have in mind?”

“Well, I was wondering...” Taking a step back, Ash sweeps her an elaborate bow and holds it, one elegant hand raised in invitation. “...If you might honor me with a dance, my Lady?”

Annabel watches his playful and flamboyant actions with a growing fizz of excitement in her blood. The bow, however, breaks out a beaming smile full of unabashed delight as she bounces on the balls of her feet. It's not the correct reaction, she's been schooled long and hard over such matters, but it is her natural one.

"I'd love to, dear Lord Asharion," she takes his hand with perfect poise and elegance as she tips her head in thanks. She had not actually been raised in the wild afterall.

Linking her arm through his, she steps out to match his stride with the distinct clink of her heels and swish of fabric around her ankles. Holding her head high and his arm snuggly, she dismisses the world around them, and any spiteful looks cast her way. The only looks that mattered are the ones he gives, and right now they brim with confidence and smoulder with rekindled desire.

As they take position on the ballroom floor, she finds her hand seems to fit naturally in his and for some unknown reason, it makes her smile fondly. Silly really, to let herself be swept up by romantic notions once more, but she just can't help herself.

"Hmmm... carry on like this Lord Asharion and it won't be long before you earn my name," her naughty smile glitters up at him and she tiptoes up once more so her purred whisper can burn hotly against his ear. "I can't wait to hear it groaned from your lips..."

Asharion had found himself grinning as her excitement had bubbled out of her. It was hardly the usual response, but it was awfully endearing. Her innocent glee then segues smoothly into a true Lady’s refined grace— and from there, descends once more into pure molten sin. She fascinates him like no one else. It’s not just her beauty that’s enthralling him, now; he could easily spend weeks exploring her every sparkling facet.

Not that his purely carnal attraction has diminished. A rich chuckle rumbles in his chest at her sultry murmur; he gives her hip a little squeeze. “Gladly, my wicked vixen— but only once I’ve heard you moaning mine.”

Her eyes gleam up at him within her mask, shining with desire and sparkling with a coy teasing light.  “Moaning? Why, my dear Lord Asharion... I expect you to make me *scream* it.”

That startles another chuckle out of him as their dance begins. There’s not much time or breath for banter as they sweep smoothly through the motions, scarlet silk and azure feathers swirling together in perfect harmony. His Lady is a wonderful partner, graceful and athletic, with a dash of cheekiness thrown in: she presses rather closer than is proper, and splays her fingers against his chest instead of resting her hand on his shoulder. He smiles the whole time, more than pleased to share in her joy.

Annabel can’t help but become lost in him, in them, Asharion really is as majestic as he'd always seemed, his timing is perfection, as is every movement he makes, every muscle she feels...

Maker but *he* is perfect. Annabel knows she really shouldn't let herself be so swept away by a dalliance that won't last, but he is impossible to resist. His hands hold and tug her waist to lead the way, firm but fluid, and more importantly, they never slip or fumble. She can just imagine his slender fingers digging into the bare skin of her hips, helping to guide them.

Skin flushed pink, she twirls for him as he spins her around, a flurry of red and gold that sweeps to settle over every tantalizing curve. As he tugs her back, she allows herself to gracefully fall and melt against his chest. Resting in the crook of his neck as the music slows, she nuzzles under his jaw in pure affection, beyond mesmerized. The audience is long forgotten as the dance fizzles out, only registering as applause beings to sound. Remembering they're not as alone as she'd like, Annabel pulls back slightly and reaches up once more to whisper his reward with a delicate kiss peaked against his cheek. "It's Lady Annabel."

The rest of the world had fallen away as she twirled. She’s beautiful. Radiant. How could he have ever overlooked this woman?! It’s maddening. He wants to push back her mask, to see her face... And even more, he yearns to tilt her face to his and kiss her, deeply, passionately, till his arms are the only things holding her upright. But the first would be a betrayal, and the second was impossible in the middle of a crowd. All he can do is hold her close, and hope she sees fit to end the torment of his ignorance soon.

And then she does. Asharion’s breath catches at the gift; he whispers her name, in pure adoration— and then his eyes widen as everything clicks into place. “Lady Annabel... Annabel Dracon Trevelyan?” He stops short of adding ‘Bryan’s little sister’ – *that* would be a disaster from which he would not soon recover.

She’d melted back against his chest as soon as they’d ducked behind the draperies. Her cheeks are flushed pink, her eyes shining like sapphires. “Please,” she whispers back, and so he does.

She nods. Now that he knew, it was obvious... as soon as he stopped looking for the girl she’d been, and started seeing the woman she’d become. He’s staring at her, he realizes; there’s a trace of anxiety in her eyes. He smoothes out his dumbfounded expression, a heartfelt smile taking its place.

“You have grown into a remarkable woman, Lady Annabel. I am privileged to have you at my side tonight.” He caresses her cheek before turning to lead them off the dance floor. Letting the court see them together was suddenly not nearly as important as being alone with her once more: he leads them to a draped alcove in the corner, not quite as secluded as the balcony, but much closer.

“May I kiss you again, dear Annabel?” He has to show her he doesn’t think of her as a child anymore. That she’s opened his eyes at last.

This time, he laces one hand through her hair to cup the back of her head. The other arm wraps tight around her waist. It’s a smoldering, fervent kiss; insistent, but never rough, rich and warm like melted chocolate, like molten sin. Annabel’s hands clasp behind his neck, her back aching as she moans into his mouth. Her breasts are soft and full against him. He could swear he can feel her heart, thundering in her chest...

When her knees go weak, he guides her backwards a step to press her back against the wall, and kisses her some more. The mystery of her had been driving him mad all evening; it was time to return the favor.

Annabel had worried for a moment her name had deterred him. That the connection to her brother, or maybe being several years younger, or even the simple ‘hot’ nature of her blood might have taken the shine off her appeal. As he kisses her though, every trace of anguish is burnt away, dashed by the thunder of her heart and the heat he stokes in her veins.

Clasping at his neck, she gasps with pleasure as he presses her into the wall, beautiful, magnificent man. She feels his fingers dig tight through the many layers, she's crushed between him and the stone and honestly, nothing has ever felt better.

The kiss deepens and flows effortlessly, mouths meeting and melding together, his tongue sliding over hers until she steals a cheeky nip of his lip. The huff of his chuckle only serves to make her more desperate, panting a moan against his lips as she feels him twitch against her. Hitching her leg up, she drags his hips down against hers and his wanton rumble shudders pleasure right down her spine. Damn, he could take her right here against this wall for the whole court to hear and she would gladly drag out his every thrust…

“This is the spot, they said-”  a shocked gasp escapes two Lords a mere moment after the drape is partly lifted aside.

Annabel doesn't care, too consumed by her new lover to notice. It seems Asharion, however, has more sense, and pulls away. She let's his lips go but keeps him pinned to her with the firm hold of her thigh. He is going *nowhere*. Panting, flushed and dishevelled, she spies the two Lord's, with hands over gaping mouths, cheeks flushed pink and eyes blown wind by the scene they'd mistakenly uncovered.

“Lord Asharion… I… I… We were just… Just looking for you…”

Ash‘s fingers clench even tighter around her hip. He closes his eyes for a moment, takes a breath, and then turns very slowly to face the intruders. He says nothing, letting his piercing stare do the speaking for him.

“Er, I’m sorry my Lord, we didn’t think you’d be so—“

“Is the ballroom on fire, Lord Gareth?” Asharion doesn’t raise his voice; he doesn’t need to. The haughty lift of his chin, his icily crisp diction, and the edge of a growl rippling beneath the words are more than enough.

“N-no! No, wel just—“

Ash’s voice drops further, rumbling in a true snarl. “Then. Get. Out.” In another heartbeat, they’re gone. He turns back to his vixen— to Annabel— both of them still breathing hard from the kiss.

“Now then, where were we?” He smoulders with anger and desire alike, their mingled heat darkening his eyes and deepening his usual purr to a husky growl. Annabel shudders deliciously. He smirks. “Oh yes, I was busy kissing you to within an inch an inch of your life.”

She pulls his mouth back to hers at the same instant he dips his head. Pinning her hips with his, he devours her, drinking in her wanton moans and returning her passion in kind. The kiss is rougher than the last, hotter, but no less heartfelt. Delicious, sinful, magnificent woman...

“Come to bed with me tonight,” he whispers hoarsely against her lips, when at last they break for air, pressed so tightly together it’s impossible to tell whose thundering heartbeat is whose. “I want you, my Lady Annabel, in every possible way...”

Another hot kiss, her hands cupping his jaw, her body crying out for him with every beat of her heart. His request is unexpected, most men would just assume a woman so wanton would fall into their bed. It's sweet and chivalrous- but then again so is he under all the smoulder.

"Hng... yes," she nods, eyes peering up through their golden frame, burning with sincerity, with want. "I want all of you..." her murmur is breathless in the heat between them. Her lips drag over his until she can suck tiny kisses along his jaw, drinking in the scent and taste of him as if he were the finest wine. "Please..." the panted plea is made, hot and wanton, against his ear, her hands now roaming over the lithe muscles of his shoulders as she yearns to explore him, to know him. "Take me."

“Of course,” he rumbles in answer. He sucks hard on her lower lip, and then nips it lightly, chuckling as she moans again. If this is how she sounds when he’s teasing her in an alcove, he can only imagine how fantastically decadent she’ll be in the bedroom. But he wouldn’t have to imagine for long.

Asharion draws back slowly, intending to offer his arm once more, but Annabel clings to his side. He chuckles again, carding his fingers through her tousled hair. “We shall have to walk through the ballroom, my Lady,” he points out. “As much as I enjoy the sight of you like this, I should like to keep it for my eyes alone, not the entire court.”

“Hmm, I could, it’s true.” Catching her hand as she takes his arm, he brushes her knuckles with a kiss. “Some other time, perhaps, but not the first. I am a not-so-secret romantic, at heart.”

She sighs dramatically, but straightens up, tossing her head and smoothing the front of her dress. “You could simply take me right here, my Lord,” she murmurs, eyes glinting, coy and playful. Ash huffs a laugh as he straightens his jacket.

“Would you like me to purr for you, dear peacock?” She murmurs. “To moan…” her fingernails lightly prick into his scalp. “To groan…” her fingers rake through his silken locks which glitter brighter than any mask. “To praise you with every breath… to call your name as I come undone, to blaspheme as you claim me…” her hips rock lightly against his as she speaks.

“So I'm starting to see,” Annabel's eyes may be dark with pooling lust, but they still cradle a gentle warmth for him. “Another time then… hmm it's probably for the best,” she tussles her hair to fall as loose waves. “I'm known to be… hmmm. Rather vocal, when enjoying myself.” Now he gets her smirk once more, one which he returns, his hand lightly stroking her jaw and settling to cup her chin up at him.

“I can imagine…” his words trail off as he gently wipes smeared lipstick from her plump lower lip with the slow drag of his thumb. “I only hope I can make you sing for me, my darling Vixen.”

Her breath, her heart, catch in her chest for a moment, held there by his majesty, by the depth of his smoulder, his eyes almost hypnotic as he gazes at her. Then a tiny smile, almost cheeky, spills onto his lips and brings out her own. Clasping both his cheeks in her hands she doesn't kiss him, instead, she reaches up and nuzzles at his cheek, as any vixen might.

Pulling back ever so slightly, she lets him catch the naughty sparkle in her eyes, eyes which promise all the above and so much more. Inch by inch, she prises herself away, all too eager to peel that mask from him and bask in his beauty, his undivided attention. Slipping her arm through his, she trades an almost innocent sideways glance at him, the perfectly rosy-cheeked Lady once more. “Shall we?”

Ash scrapes his nails lightly down the back of her neck, eyes dark with lust. “If I told you every sweet sound I wanted to draw from you, my wicked temptress, we’d never make it out of this alcove.”

Ash preens at her regard, shaking back his hair with a rippling copper shimmer. But nothing could distract him long from her, not even himself; reaching up, he cups her face between his palms and cocks a brow, asking the same silent question. Annabel’s teeth dimple her full lower lip once more as she nods. Near breathless in anticipation, Ash lifts her mask just as gently as she’d lifted his, setting it carefully aside.

With a great deal of effort, he gathers the scraps of his lordly composure and tips her an elegant nod. They receive a few knowing glances as they weed their way through the crowd. They’re perhaps a little hastier than was strictly proper – but Asharion’s eagerness in such matters was entirely familiar to the court.

Ash leads his Lady up the grand staircase, along tastefully furnished halls to his private quarters. Opening the door for her, he bows and gestures gracefully. “After you, my Lady.”

Annabel is on him as soon as the door clicks shut behind them. Grabbing his jaw, she pulls him down for a hot, urgent kiss; with a purring growl, he wraps his arms around her waist and responds in kind. When they part, panting slightly, she drags her fingers through his hair again, making him hum contentedly. After a few soft moments, she toys with the edge of his mask and tilts her head in question. At his nod, she gently lifts the brilliant enamelled mask away, then pauses to stare, lips curled in an awestruck smile.

He studies her face as if it truly is the first time he’s seeing it – and in a way, it is. The flush of her cheeks, the sparkle in her eyes... “You are... so beautiful,” he whispers, caressing her cheeks with his thumbs. This time, when he leans in for a kiss, it’s feather-light, sweet and soft with admiration.

Annabel notes how they light up the moment her mask is gone, and although he must say such things to all the women, that doesn't make them feel any less genuine. The softness in the kiss steals her breath away, unexpected, but wholly welcomed. She wraps her arms up around his neck and nudges him into a private slow dance all their own, bodies hugged close as their lips tenderly explore each other. Nothing has ever felt like this, no one has melted her with such ease, no one captivated her so completely. It isn't just his looks or his gentleman's manners, it's the honesty, the sweetness, the softness refined by steel.

Somehow she'd forgotten how beautiful he was. How refined. How elegant. As if he'd been sculpted by hands with exquisite skill, and coloured by the finest artist. The shine of his copper mane, like liquid fire, is almost as mesmerising as those eyes, dark and rich, begging to have their depths explored...

He’s finally free to stare and Asharion’s eyes gleam with erotic anticipation. The dark shimmer of her hair catches his attention, however, and he drags his eyes up, over the bare skin of her shoulders and the smooth line of her neck. A deep, near-silent purr rumbles in his chest as he moves to stand behind her with casual grace.

“Please, my lord, allow me.” With a delicate swivel, Annabel is facing him. Rather than stepping towards him though, she reaches out and tugs on the front of his trousers, pulling him close and making him smirk all at once.

Annabel buries her fingers amidst the ruffles on his shirt and wriggles her hips to settle herself, a naughty gleam in her eyes, and he moans unabashedly. Grabbing the back of her neck, he pulls her down for a steamy kiss. By the time they break apart, she’s tugged his shirt open, baring his lean muscled chest. She drags her nails lightly down that strip of bare skin as she sits up. Running his hands up her bare thighs, he favors her with a sinful smile. “Hmm, it seems now we can begin, darling Annabel...”

“Your wish is my command, my Lady Annabel,” he murmurs huskily. Grasping under her rear, Asharion hitches her up against his hips; with a delighted giggle, she locks her legs around his waist, allowing him to carry her over to the bed. The pressure of her heated core against the bulge in his trousers has him panting by the time he sets her on the mattress, but he has breath enough to chuckle as she clings to his neck, dragging him down on top of her.

He makes for a magnificent sight beneath her, his chest rising and falling in time with her own.

“Not quite,” she grins back, full of delightful mischief, sliding her hands up her own back Annabel arches decadently as she unclasps her bra before tossing it away. The moment she’s free she feels his grip on her thighs tighten slightly. With a flick of her hair, she basks in his undivided attention.

Delicately leaning over him, Annabel splays her hands against his chest. Running her palms slowly down his torso until she reaches the few remaining buttons left of his shirt, with a sharp sudden tug she tears it, popping buttons free to send them flying with a wicked little chuckle. 

“Naughty little vixen,” the husky rasp of his reprimand pools heat between her thighs, hot enough to make her fingers curl into his waistband. 

“Don't tell me you've not been dying to be set free ever since you first swept me aside, dear, lord Asharion…” her own voice purrs with molten desire, desire that doesn't wait for an answer and instead sees her hand wrap around his cock. He's already wet and so she slides her hand in a long slow pump. Mmmmm, seems every part of him is perfection, including the little strangled gasp he gives at her touch.

Hips bucking in unabashed pleasure, Asharion finds his hands climbing until they are kneading her scrumptious rear. Maker, she is sinfully divine, responding to his every wanton touch with moans erotic enough to make a saint blush.

As his fingers slip to rub over her heat with only thin, damp, panties between them, her eyes close as she shudders over him. He basks in her pleasure as he takes his time, stroking, teasing out little wanton sounds. Glorious woman. 

A sharp shot of pleasure shots up his spine, distracting him from all else as she mimics him, palm teasing circles over his tip. A lesser man would have come undone right there and then, the woman, the goddess, over them proving too much erotic sin to bare. Asharion, however, simply moans then chuckles richly. It seems he's met his match…

The warm touch of her is sharply contrasted by a rush of cold air as she tugs his trousers down so he can kick them away. Fingers wrapping around her panties he tugs as he rolls her, releasing a mischievous giggle from Annabel as she squirms free of their confines and settles under him. He can't resist touching her, feeling her wet heat slide along his fingers, imagining how sweet her nectar tastes even as he nuzzles against her curves.

Wet fingers trail over her hips then up to brush circles over pert nipples that harden with every touch. There is one, greedy knead of her chest to fulfil his most basal desires, before his lips descend to lap and suck against that pert little bud. Asharion feels her nails carding through his hair, her moans growing louder as his devotion grows stronger, more earnest and incessant. 

Never has a lover absorbed him so, and when she pleads, a panted whimper just for him, he can resist her no longer.

She can't breathe as he enters her, breath hitching with a gasp as he stretches and fills her with a divine glide. Maker preserve her… one time will never be enough... How could it be, when he drives pleasure singing through every nerve with every slow, deep, roll of his hips. 

Every pump delivers another ripple of ecstasy that shoots up her spine to release a deep-throated groan from her chest. Needing more, needing all of him, Annabel finds his lips and claims them with her own until she's moaning into his mouth, blunt teeth dragging over his plump lower lip as he pants and increases his speed. Each hit now comes firm and fast, the pleasure too much for her to bear as it surges through her with every rut, every smack of his flesh against hers made in glorious harmony.

Her nails dig into his skin, into the lean muscles of his back and those in his tight, peachy rear as it clenches with every slam. His name spills from her lips, urging him onwards, singing his praises in a way few lovers ever earned. When his mouth crashes over hers, moaning her name with passionate devotion she comes undone around him. Body shuddering as she cries out, a wordless sound borne of pure ecstasy, blinding her to all but the euphoria he sends lurching through her veins.

Another few ruts follow, dragging out the shimmer of pleasure before she feels his muscles clench under her hold, his breath catches then gives way to a deep rumbling groan as he pulses then spills hotly inside her. 

Humming softly to herself, Annabel cards her fingers through his damp hair, riding high on a cloud of bliss that renders everything obsolete save for the thunder of his heart against her chest. After a moment, he groans as he seemingly comes too, lifting his gaze to hers, face haloed by fire as his hair tumbles over them both.

 “Hmmmm, and how was that, my lady?”

There is a softness to his lopsided smile that matches his tone and Annabel can't help but return it. 

“Just as magnificent as you, my Lord,” smile growing she chuckles and presses herself up to peck a kiss against his lips.

Even the most charming can be lost for words. Still recovering in the wake of shared bliss, Asharion can do little more than chuckle at her reply. After a moment of serene smiles, his forehead comes to rest against hers. He brushes a stray lock of hair away from her face, tingling with a glowing warmth, and nuzzles close against her. “Good,” he breathes. His thumb stroking up her jaw is just as tender as the words on his lips. “You deserve nothing but the best, darling Annabel… And I intend to deliver.”

-

Thank you for reading! If you enjoyed it, then don’t forget, Likes, reblogs and comments show love!

[breaniebree]

Chapter 229 Sneak Peek

This is for all of those who are gave me much needed love today to soothe my poor writer’s ego.  You’re the best and the reason I share what I write with the world and not just keep it for myself.  

Specifically, this one is for: @weasleycousin @liesadventure @casually-ananarchist-tomato @notthatchhavi @pommewom @imwhite1086-blog @emergencybitch @queen-owlhead @lasagnelady @carpenl @james7594 @dreaming-thoughtless @mennataha02 @rainycollectorlight-universe @runningtwiceasfast @thisismegz @bluestwitch @siriusblack15 and many, many, many more.

I love you! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

You are amazing!

Thank you for taking the time out of your days to read my little story!

And remember, reviews are what us fanfiction authors are paid in :D

Chapter 229 Hinny Excerpt...

The afternoon sun had come in while she was daydreaming as she and Harry were adding more hay into the stalls.  It was hot and humid and her shorts and vest were sticking to her.  Colt had said it was close to ninety degrees and she could feel the heat of the sun, so thankful for the sun protection charm that she’d used on herself.  Ginny snuck a look over at Harry.  They were behind the stables, working with the hay bales, the forest at their back and for the first time in what seemed like all summer — she was completely alone with him.  It was rare for them to find a moment alone.  Someone was always around between Colt, the ranch hands Calvin and Tucker, Flo, Sorcha, Misha, Zee… it was nice and confining at the same time.  She and Harry were never alone enough and she missed him, missed touching him.  Merlin, she wanted her hands on him, she thought.

He had pulled his shirt off in the heat of the afternoon sun and she couldn’t help but take a moment to just look at him.  His broad shoulders and lean muscles made him look more man than boy.  The glimmer of sweat on his skin looked oddly appealing and she had a sudden desire to run her hands over him, to taste the salt of his skin.  The small white scars on his back from the horntail glimmered in the sunlight.  His black hair, as messy as ever, stood on end in a careless fashion that suited him so well that one would think he’d styled it that way.  He wasn’t traditionally handsome, she supposed, but there was something distinctive about him.  

The sharp jawline, the black stubble that peppered his chin and neck showed that he hadn’t shaved in probably about a week; his adorable ears (and who knew ears were adorable, but his were)…  His skin tanned a lovely gold from the summer sun (he didn’t need to worry about a sun protection charm), the pale white lines of skin where his jeans dipped low, made her lick her lips, eager to look and see just how pale he was beneath the denim.  As he turned, she let her eyes wander down to the dark happy trail that disappeared beneath the waistline of his jeans.  Her brown eyes hungrily eyed the soft v-lines on either side of him.  When he stretched those arms out, bending to pick up the fresh bale of hay and she tilted her head to look at his arse.  He definitely had a bum made for those jeans, she thought with a smile.  Then those green eyes met hers and just like always, they punched through her like a bolt of lightning.  They were impossibly green, like almond-shaped emeralds, and so incredibly beautiful behind his round glasses.

It had always been his eyes that drew her in first.  The long, gorgeous lashes that any woman would kill for, outlining those perfect almond-shaped orbs.  The bright vivid green that changed from dark to almost hazel-green, depending on his mood.  And when those lips curved into a knowing smile, she only grinned back at him.

“See something you like, Ginny?”

Ginny, knowing that she had been caught, only shrugged.  “I was just thinking that we should get more apples for the horses.”

Harry dropped the bale of hay to the ground and took a step towards her so quickly that she took an automatic step back.  “Oh, really?  That’s what you were thinking about?”  She swallowed when he stood in front of her, his hands resting on her waist.  “Apples?”

Ginny’s breath hitched when his head bent to kiss her and she let out a whimper when he stopped a breath away from her lips.  “Apples, yes.”

His grin was quick, those emeralds twinkling in amusement, and he pulled away.  “Sure, let’s go get some apples.”

He made to go; Ginny linked two fingers through the belt loops of his jeans and tugged him back towards her.  “Get back here and snog me, Harry Potter!”

Harry chuckled.  “Why? I thought that you weren’t checking me out?”

Ginny only stood on her toes and tugged his face to hers for a long deep kiss that made her moan against him.  “Prat.  You bloody well know I was checking you out.”

“I know no such thing,” he teased, kissing the tip of her nose.  “I’m a bit of a mess really, can’t imagine why you would be.”

Ginny ran her hands up his sweaty torso.  “A sexy mess.”

He chuckled and kissed her again.  Ginny melted into him, basking in the feel of his warm body pressed against hers.  Her fingers looped through his belt loops tighter, pulling him closer and his hands slid around her waist to grip her bum.  She stood on her toes and he lifted her, grinning against her mouth when she wrapped her legs around his waist.

“How is it that I have you all to myself this summer yet I can barely find a moment alone with you?”  he murmured, trailing his mouth over her jaw.

Ginny made an mmm sound as she pulled his lips back to hers.  She kissed him deeply before she kissed his cheeks, his nose, his chin.  “I love your grandparents.  They’re so much fun and so interesting and I love spending time with them — but — the lack of privacy around her is starting to feel the Burrow.”

Harry chuckled and kissed her again.  “You can say that again.  I want some time alone with you.  I miss our tower room.”

Ginny’s fingers let go of his belt loops as she slid down his body, back to her feet.  She trailed her fingers up his chest and then back down through his happy trail, across the brass button on his jeans, and then danced them down the zipper.  “Me too.”

[...]

“We should get some more apples for the horses though.  They like them,” Harry said.

He moved back to the door, bending to reach for his discarded tee shirt on the ground inside as a beautiful blonde stepped into the stables.  She had legs up to her ears and her blonde hair was shoulder length and framed her face in careless layers.  Ginny watched her eyes land on Harry’s arse, slowing moving up the length of his body, and all she could think was: Mine.  She made to step closer just as the blonde spoke.

“Should have known you’d get hotter.”

Harry grinned in surprise.  “Harley!”

The blonde laughed and launched herself into his arms, and the little squirm of jealousy in Ginny's gut surprised her.  She took another step closer again, eyes on how the blonde had plastered herself against Harry’s naked chest, and wondered if it would be going too far for her to grab her by the hair and pull her away from him.  

“God, you got tall too!  Cal and Tuck told me that you were back here and I just had to say hi!”

Harry grinned, his hands on her arms.  “You racing yet?”

“Next year,” she said with a grin.  “I have my own horse now.  His name is Davidson.  Get it?  Harley riding Davidson?”

Harry chuckled.  “That’s great!”  His eyes sought Ginny’s and he smiled at her.  “Harley, this is my girlfriend, Ginny.  Ginny, this is Harley Mills.”

Ginny stepped over to them, trying not to show that she was jealous.  The young woman before her was gorgeous: Long legs made for the denim she was in, slim build.  She could be a model.

“Hi,” she said, hoping her smile looked friendly.  She had a sudden desire to claim Harry as hers.

His arm came around her shoulders and she immediately put her hand on his flat stomach, her brown eyes on the blonde.

“Hi,” Harley said.  “It’s lovely to meet you.  Harry’s a great guy.  You’re lucky.”

“I know,” Ginny told her.

Harry linked his fingers with hers and warmth spread through her.  “It’s me that’s lucky.”

Harley smiled.  “Well, Tuck and I are actually dating now.  Been almost two months.  He’s a sweetie.  Maybe we can all go to Flo’s for a milkshake, catch up.”

“Yeah, that’d be great.”

Harley nodded, smiling at Harry again.  “Awesome.  Tomorrow at four?”

“Uh, sure,” Harry told her.

She grinned widely and then kissed Harry’s cheek before she waved goodbye, heading out of the stables.

Ginny looked up at Harry to try to see the expression on his face, but his lips dipped to hers, softly and tenderly, and she melted into him.  Her lashes fluttered open as she looked up at him.  “What was that for?”

“Just being here.  Do you mind grabbing a milkshake with Harley and Tucker tomorrow?  We can always cancel.”

“Do you want to go?”  Ginny asked, not entirely sure if she wanted to know the answer.

He shrugged.  “It would be nice to see her again and I think that I’d like to know more about what she’s been up to.”

Ginny stared at him a moment, unsure how she felt about his words.  “Well, a Weasley never turns down food.  Even if it involves eating with her boyfriend’s ex.”

Harry bent his head and kissed her softly.  “Are you jealous?”

“Of that model gorgeous woman out there?”  Ginny asked, lips twitching.  “No, never!”