#otherwise dear god I would not shut up ever

[feroluce]

So I finally had time to sit down and play through 2.3 this week and man I have a lot of Feelings about all of it, but today it's about Gallagher and Mikhail because!

The devotion of a dog! Gallagher's dedication lasting beyond Mikhail's death and then some! The way he let himself be seen through knowing it would mean his own death because it would help to accomplish his and Mikhail's dream! The immense regret and long lasting guilt of not helping Mikhail when he needed him! THE WAY MISHA CALLS GALLAGHER "MY HOUND-"

Ahem. I'm normal I swear. Anyway.

And one of my favorite displays of this undying loyalty? This.

This is the record you unlock in 2.3 after Siobahn brings up Gallagher's death in the Dreamjolt Hostelry. Right after "to the Nameless resting in peace... and to Gallagher."

La Messe de l'athée translates to The Mass of the Atheist. It was a short story about a man who goes to church, and is surprised to see another man whom he knows is an atheist attending mass, all alone. When questioned, the atheist says that he attends for a friend. This friend had banded with him when they were both poor, and acted as a father figure to him. The atheist managed to pull himself from poverty with his help, and did everything he could to repay and take care of his friend thereafter.

The friend died of illness some years later.

The atheist is still an atheist. But he attends mass on the behalf of the religious friend that saved him, and recites the prayers he heard whispered on his deathbed. These borrowed prayers are the closest a man like him could get to being a true believer, but he always holds out hope that those beliefs might enter his head.

There is so much in there, in the story they decided on as our final memento of Gallagher, that this is what was chosen to immortalize him, and ARGH OTL

[willows-peak]

*･ﾟ✧ Sending Pics To Nanami

tags: fem! reader, established relationship, male masturbation, nanami fantasizes about you a lot, hand jobs, oral (m recieving), fingering, nanami fat cock truther, pet names (princess, dear, baby, sweetheart, beautiful) nanami talking you through it, mating press, overstim

word count: 2.6k

MDNI

a/n: i saw this drawing right here and almost imploded from horniness. enjoy

⋆｡˚ ♡ Nanami grunted as he nearly slammed the door of his house shut, his body falling against the cold wood as he breathed a sigh of relief. Finally, he was home. Home from the bright school lights, lessons all filed away and paperwork confirming the exorcism of all the curses he'd gotten rid of finished and forgotten about. While that alone would be enough to stress anyone out, he had the added pressure of his pants becoming impossibly tight this morning, thanks to you, and this little 'problem' managed to follow him through the whole day.

Nanami never tried to pretend you didn't have an effect on him, but sometimes, he was made aware of it at the worst of times like today.

You <3

> *4 image attachments*

> "good morning baby :) i've missed you all day, this trip is taking forever to be overr"

Nanami groaned under his breath as he stared at the photos you'd sent, wishing for a second he could reach through his screen and tear off the panties and shirt you were wearing, his shirt no less. Photos highlighting the beautiful way your body curved out around your hips, your thighs pooling out from the position you had yourself in. Shirt pulled up just enough for him to see your breasts falling out from the loose fitting fabric, your face making it into the frame enough for him to see your adorably pouty lips.

Nanami

> "You look gorgeous, dear. I miss you too, we can talk after work today."

His tone over text was always calm, and to the point. If you didn't know him, you wouldn't ever guess he was palming his half hard erection through his slacks, sighing out your name into his empty room as he stared at the phone in his hands, not even risking blinking in fear of missing the details of your body.

But, just his luck. His eyes regretfully broke contact for a moment, long enough to see the time at the corner of his phone. He'd risk running late if he didn't finish getting dressed, regardless of the hard on he was sporting now. So, he was all but forced to readjust his cock up to his shirt, making sure it was unnoticeable before zipping up his pants and hurriedly throwing on his jacket to his car.

And, being the responsible and collected man he is, he didn't even entertain the idea of getting off in any nearby bathrooms or break rooms, even when the throbbing of his hard on was making his brain cells fuzz out by the minute. You really did have him wrapped around your little finger, just a few pictures and he was glaring daggers at the clock sitting next to his desk. Your body didn't leave his mind the entire day, Nanami thanking whatever granted him mercy that today wasn't a day he'd have to speak to anyone, because by god was that not in his available schedule right now.

His hands clenched together as another flash of your naked breasts ran through his mind, everything in him almost screaming to come up with an excuse to leave early and fuck his fists to you until he could calm down. Try and pretend it was your pussy tightening around him as he pushed you into another orgasm, a thick ring of cream forming around the base of his cock as he fucked you though your release-

Nanami threw his head back in frustration as his cock twitched yet again, grumbling and forcing his mind to focus on the work in front of him.

~☆.｡.*

The moan that fell from Nanami's lips at the feeling of his thick hand groping his bulge almost startled him, temporarily making him lucid enough to move to his bedroom to take care of himself. at least he already had tissues in there..

His jacket was the first to be torn off his body, being tossed carelessly to the otherwise tidy floor beside his dresser, his goggles joining the small pile soon afterwards. The cold air of his room washed over him for all but a moment before the overwhelming heat of arousal came back to him, making him hastily unbutton his shirt while he reached for his tie, wrapped snug around his neck. A light sheen of sweat had formed on his chest, tiny droplets clinging to the short hair sitting on the valley of them. He swore through clenched teeth as he threw the thin piece of cloth to the side as well.

Without the support of his boxers, his cock leaned down into the air in front of him, the tips of his fingers able to feel the soft pulsing of the bulging vein resting on its side. He almost felt remorse at the way his hand could so easily wrap around his girth, large fingers reaching base to tip too quickly for his liking. It was nothing like how you did it, your smaller hands struggling to make your fingertips meet as you stroked him as best as you could.

Nanami's hands clambered in his pockets before pulling out his phone, the screen warm from the contact of his thigh all day long. He knew he wouldn't be able to relieve himself without seeing you, not when you were the one who made him like this in the first place. Your photos sat there, unchanged and making his already foggy head spin wildly. He'd left the page of your messages stuck on his screen in his morning rush to work, not daring to close out and lose the sight of your perfect body sitting pretty all for him.

He fumbled with his zipper for a quick second before getting it down, his button popping off and allowing the tough fabric to fall down to the middle of his thighs. "That's right.." he muttered, his hand freely squeezing and stroking over his boxer covered dick now. With the awkward angle it had been adjusted to, the waistband of his underwear had been stained with pre cum, a thin strand of the liquid connecting his tip to the bottom of his abdomen. A quiet 'fuck' made its way out of his lips as his hand pulled the wet fabric down, his cock finally free from its restraints.

And you'd always try so hard, too. your brows would furrow as you tried your best to make your hand fit around him, squeezing down near the base where he was thickest before letting up at his tip. Your other hand was almost always occupied as well, either joining to work his shaft while you slowly licked across the slit of his head, or reaching down to massage his heavy balls and meeting his hungry gaze with your needy one.

Nanami's brow lowered as he pumped his cock, a rough and quick pace as the tension throughout his body didn't seem to go away just yet. He squeezed the now red tip of his length, a droplet of pre cum coming out and painting his hand. The hand that was wrapped around himself now reached to his side where a small bottle of lotion rested, pumping out a few globs before slathering it across himself. As his hand continued squeezing and rubbing up and down, his mind continued wandering to how you worked your mouth around him.

How your mouth would so slowly wrap around him, inch by inch sinking into your mouth and down your throat as his hand came to rest in your hair, playing with it while your nose eventually came to meet with the thin patch of blond hair around his cock. Your pretty lips would be so stretched, too, lines of drool forming and falling freely as he'd use the grip on your hair to carefully move your head backwards.

~☆.｡.*

Your tongue would curl up and caress the underside of his cock, Nanami feeling the way you'd smile when he'd moan your name under his breath. Your throat was so tight, deliciously constricting around him every time he'd push your head back forwards. The way he could catch glances at your fingers rubbing against your pussy through your shorts, cut off moans and sloppy half gags echoing through the room as he held your head still in favor of fucking your throat himself. And you'd take it all, eyes dusting over with tears from the pressure and looking up at Nanami through your long, and soft lashes.

Nanami has slumped down onto the floor at this point, groaning and panting into the thick air surrounding him as he stared at the photos on his screen. The fact that you were wearing his shirt of all things was lighting a flame in him he didn't know he had, his eyelids lowering as his memory gifted him with the last time you'd worn his shirt around him. How it so quickly devolved into you, nestled onto your bed with your legs spread wide and whining at Nanami to fuck you already. His fingers were smoothly scissoring inside of you, a quiet squelching noise reaching your ears and making you flush.

And he'd always feel so bad afterwards, when he could see the aftermath on your face. Cheeks wet with drool and tears, taking deep and short breaths through your puffy lips with his cum making them glisten brightly. But you would always smile up at him, thanking him with a raspy voice and leaning into his palm as he caressed your cheek with his thumb, wiping away any remnants of his cum from your soft lips.

~☆.｡.*

He was resting against your neck, pressing small and casual kisses all across the skin as he shushed you gently. "I've got you princess, it's ok.. you know you need this" he reminded you, chuckling at the way you tightened around his fingers from the basey purr of his voice right next to your ear. Through more begs and whimpers of his name, Nanami would eventually deem you stretched out enough and finally push himself into your wet cunt. And it would always take every amount of restraint he possessed to not move, a true gentleman to the end for you.

"Nanamiii....s' too bigg..'' You squeaked out, hands now tightly holding your thighs to your chest as Nanami bottomed out inside you. But he knew you could do this, you've taken him countless times before, you could do it again. And he would hold your face with his steady palms, pressing his lips to yours as he talked you through the adjustment.

“That’s right, beautiful, relax for me.”

“Breathe for me, in through your nose, out through your mouth”

“You’re doing so well for me..”

“I’m right here baby, I’ve got you”

~☆.｡.*

“Stay with me, sweetheart…Theerre she is”

“Move your hips down, show me how you want it.”

“I know dear, I know.” while he brushes stray strands of hair out of your warm and flushed face.

His hand came down hard to the base of his dick, the wet sound of his precum and the lotion almost mimicking the way your pussy would sound as he bullied himself into you. The way you’d squeak and moan out loudly as his hips snapped down into you, thighs quivering from strain but you would still hold them up for him as he fucked you senseless. Nanami could never get enough of the way your mouth would fall open into an ‘O’ shape as he fucked into you, the head of his cock rubbing up against your g-spot with such precision that you couldn’t hope to last long.

“Fuck, n-nanamiii, don’t- oh m-my god, don’ sstop, ye-es” your eyes could never stay facing forwards when he was fucking you like this, his hips pistoning deeper inside you with every thrust it felt like, his hands tightly gripping onto your hips as he yanked you up and down to meet his thrusts halfway. Sweat started to form on his forehead, abs clenching as he took breaths through gritted teeth. “Stay still, don’t run from this…” he’d growl out, your body squirming around too much for him to fuck you properly.

~☆.｡.*

Nanami, through bucks into his hand and husky calls of your name, fails to notice his fingers hovering dangerously close to the call button next to your profile. You were so close, at the mere press of a finger he would be able to hear your sweet voice again, regardless of the poor quality of the phone’s speaker. He could feel himself growing close, his stomach tightening and his body curling into itself as he fucked his fist for you.

“Jus’ like that, fuck yes..” he whispered to himself, his grip loosening on his phone as he let his eyes close. His fantasies were much too strong to rip away from, especially from how well he remembered the feeling of your wetness dripping out of you onto his balls. And how your hole would try and suck him in when you got close, weakly pulsing around him as you messily begged him to make you cum. “Kento, kento, b-baby, ple-ase i need it, don’ stop-” your sentences were hurried, words being constantly thrown together and cut off by moans and cries as Nanami pushed into you.

His thumb found your clit with practiced ease, rubbing rough circles against it and relishing in the way your shut tight eyes would shoot open in surprise and then roll back with overwhelming pleasure, head tossing back and your back arching as you came around Nanami. Your cum dripped and oozed out of your stretched wide hole and coating Nanami’s cock as he fucked you through it, shushing you and holding you with his free arm as you shook and whimpered out.

“Shhh, t-take it baby, just like that.. Feels good huh?” he’d ask, grinning at the way you choked out a yes and nodded up at him, your body still racked with the aftershocks of your orgasm along with his mean thrusts. “Inside, innsidee, k’nto, give it t’ me, i wan’ itt, oh gggodd-” you’d cry out, sniffling and squirming back at the overstimulation starting to set in. Thankfully for you, Nanami could never last long when you came like this.

~☆.｡.*

A loud moan left Nanami’s lips as his cock throbbed harshly, his orgasm crashing down on him as thick ropes of cum beaded out of his dark red head, covering his palm and thumb as he continued to move his hips up into his hand through his orgasm. His head came to rest against the hard wood of his door, his orgasm slowly tapering down as his body was drained of energy. He let out a long, broken sigh, his hips finally stilling and letting his cock rest on his palm.

He took a minute or so to catch his breath, using the arm that held his phone to wipe his mouth of the drool that managed to escape his lips when he left them parted. Blowing out a deep sigh, he glanced down at the mess he’d made between his legs and noted that his cum had thankfully stayed to the floor and his thighs, avoiding his pants or his belt. His phone blinked silently, indicating he’d received a message. He scoffed out in annoyance, automatically assuming it to be Gojo or his supervisor informing him of yet another week’s worth of filing he was assigned to.

He slid his lockscreen open, noticing the notification had been from you when checking and fixing the scowl that unknowingly made it on his face.

You <3

> 2 images, 1 video

> sorry, i’ve been needy all day without you :(

Nanami, after a few seconds of silently staring at the unopened video, decided to skip the formalities of replying and instead pressed the call icon after seeing you begin to type. 

[yourfavoritewitchbitch]

Chapter 2 - Fortes Fortuna Iuvat (Fortune Favors the Bold)

A Mafia!Steve Harrington AU (featuring Mafia!Eddie Munson)

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Masterlist

Chapter Summary: Loathing toward your husband only intensifies. Fear drives you to stay away from your past but staying away from Steve proves to be harder than you anticipated as he begins to set his newly laid plans into motion.

18+ Only! Minors DNI! (Future smut and mature themes!)

CW: Minimal use of Y/N. Reader is referred to as "Dove." Pet names. Slow burn. Exes to lovers. Mutual pining. Angst. Spousal abuse. Nefarious Mafia deals and plans. Reader's husband has extramarital affairs. Mention of gambling/drugs.

WC: 5.4K

The harsh glare of sunlight streaming through the curtains, along with the shrill alarm ringing in your ears abruptly ends any semblance of peace. An unwelcome intrusion to your senses, feeling as though you had just fallen asleep and not at all ready to face the day. 

Quickly turning over, shutting off the noise and promptly falling back onto your mattress, you pulled the sheets back up around you tightly, burying your head beneath the covers. 

Spending most of the night sobbing into your pillow instead of getting any real rest would make for an excruciatingly long day but your mind just wouldn't let you sleep, spiraling with too many thoughts and scenarios. 

The fight with Nik the night before only solidified the hatred you had toward the man. If there had been love once, it is gone now. What a fool you had been to think this was ever anything more than a business transaction. You just hoped to God you could still serve some sort of purpose. 

You’d seen what happens to mob wives that were no longer needed, either turned out into the cold or worse, some simply disappeared but with your father still holding power over Nik, he wouldn’t dare attempt such a foolish stunt. 

Calling your assistant and telling her you weren't going to make it in had crossed your mind. The warm cocoon surrounding you made it almost impossible to exhume yourself, but you finally sighed, throwing the covers off and stretching with a groan. 

Your feet and limbs feel heavy, crossing the carpeted room into the bathroom, cringing when you finally catch sight of the puffy bags under your eyes. 

The newly formed bruises on your arm grab your attention. Splotches of dark and muted purples and blues paint the otherwise empty canvas of your skin. 

Quickly you turned away, pushing it temporarily from your mind, shedding your silk chemise over your head to take a much needed shower. You let the hot water pour over you, washing away the night before. If only it could remove the evidence lingering on your body. 

You emerge from your room only after getting fully dressed and ready to leave for the day. 

The kitchen was toward the back of the house.  You didn’t spot him until you rounded the corner on the first-floor landing. Nik was sitting there reading his paper, setting it down as you walked in. 

“Sleep well, dear?” Smirking, as he sipped his coffee narrowing his eyes over the rim at you. 

Pointedly ignoring him, you instead reached for a mug turning your back to him. The silence only spurred his intense nature. He loved nothing more than confrontation and getting a rise out of someone. 

“Oh, come now kitten. Everyone has a lover's quarrel. You aren't mad, are you?” A mocking tone that had you seething, as you practically slammed the mug down against the countertop. 

“A lover's quarrel?” You spun around to face him. “Is that what that was, Nik? If that's your idea of love, I'm glad I have no part of it with you.” 

He chuckled as you tried to walk past, but he quickly grabbed your wrist squeezing tightly, pulling you back, as he stood. His imposing stature looming over you to get his point across. If threats fail, he can rely on his brute force. 

“Don't forget, Kitten. Stay away from him.” His eyes were dark and cold as you pulled away. “Or I'm afraid it won't be good for either of you.” 

Your stomach felt nauseated, retreating from the space trying to put as much distance between the two of you as possible.  

“Have a good day!” He called after, his menacing laugh following you out the door.

Staying away from Steve would be easy but avoiding him would be an altogether different story. Deep down, you didn't want him to stay away, you were just as much drawn to him as he was to you. 

Since your morning didn't go as planned, expecting Nik to already be gone so you could enjoy your usual coffee in peace, you had to swing by the small cafe close to the gallery to get your caffeine fix. 

You had your driver drop you off, letting him head back to the house; no doubt letting Nik know your every move once you dismissed him. Only now you suspect he would double down his efforts to keep tabs on you.  

It was a beautiful morning. You didn't want to dwell when you could enjoy the sites and sounds of the city around you. 

The coffee shop was busy in the midst of the morning rush. You'd placed your order and stood in line for pick up, checking some emails to pass the time. 

Unbeknownst to you, Steve was sitting in the corner watching you with bated breath. He loved seeing you in the mundane every day of your routine. He wanted to soak in every little detail. 

He stood, taking slow, precise steps sneaking up behind you, getting close enough to whisper in your ear before you had even noticed. 

He made a mental note to have a stern conversation with you regarding your lack of situational awareness and being too comfortable with your surroundings. The nature of the lives you led left you exposed and vulnerable at all times, even with hired bodyguards nearby. 

“Good morning, little Dove. You look beautiful, as always.” 

Goosebumps erupted across your flesh, as his breath faintly tickled at your cheek, but you didn't turn around. You didn't want to make a spectacle of the way he affected you, instead taking a step forward putting a little distance between the two of you. 

You were glad he wasn't able to see your face right away, eyes still puffy but less so than earlier in the morning. 

It would be a pleasant surprise, if Nik's threatening words weren't lingering in your mind. You needed to leave without giving him an inclination that something might be off. 

“Are you stalking me, Mr. Harrington?” You smile, as the barista hands you your steaming cup, thanking her as you take it. 

“Is this what passes for coffee now?” He scoffs, after taking a sip from his own, deflecting from the question you just asked, as you finally face him. 

He immediately noticed the usual shine and sparkle in your eyes was dulled, a bit of sadness radiating from you despite your cheery disposition. 

“Well, most of us aren't Italian snobs when it comes to coffee, Steven.” You snarked, trying to keep a playful demeanor but he could see right through it. Even now, he knows you far too well. 

There was a small crease in his brow as you gazed up at him, his hazel eyes boring into yours making it hard to focus on anything else. 

“Tesoro, what's wrong?” He whispered, his playful grin dropping into a small frown, resisting the urge to lift a hand to your cheek, brushing those loose strands of hair behind your ear. 

“Nothing's wrong Steve. I… I should go.” Swiftly brushing past him. 

“Dove? Hey!” Speaking a little more loudly trying to regain your attention, but you were already heading out of the shop, nodding when you caught Eddie's eye by the entrance.

He makes no more attempts to call after you, watching you weave into the crowd and out of sight on the bustling city sidewalk. 

“Ci vediamo, little Dove.” Whispering to himself as he heads the opposite direction, knowing he'll see you again soon enough.

Steve's day had begun like any other. 

Up at 6 am. Morning jog. Shower. Taking his coffee and breakfast in his office going over the day's agenda and business to attend to. 

It had been like this since he was twenty-two, taking over in Italy as his grandfather retired. Only this time he was back in Chicago; his dad was gone, and he was left in charge of everything. 

He had remained a dutiful son, taking care of his mother and Pip despite whether Richard appreciated him or not, giving up trying to earn the man's approval long ago. 

He put his head down and learned all the ins and outs of the business earning his own title and reputation, making a real name for himself in Italy but in Chicago he was still only the son of Richard Harrington. He had something to prove, not only to himself but the entire mafia world. 

No wife, no children, no distractions. He drowned himself with work, content with his routine and the small empire he was building. 

At least, he thought he was content until the day he had seen you again. 

It was by chance, or perhaps fate, if you believe in those types of things. He and Eddie had stopped for lunch at a small cafe when he'd gotten back into town. 

They had elected to sit outside. It was an unusually warm, sunny day with no clouds in sight.

He was talking with Eddie, when something just behind him caught his eye. Narrowing his vision just beyond the older man's head, he spotted your profile as you were speaking to someone at the flower shop across the street. 

He would know you anywhere. Just as beautiful as the last time he saw you. He would dare say even more so now. 

It was as if time had slowed. He continued to watch you as Eddie's words became nothing but white noise in the background of his mind. His heart rate ticked up, feeling as though it might leap entirely from his chest. 

He had hoped to avoid you for as long as possible but seeing you now, he was suddenly racked with a feeling of guilt. 

The guilt he feels from the sins of his past or sudden guilt at the thought of needing to avoid you, he wasn't sure. It gnawed at him, sitting deep in his chest. Seeing you again brought up feelings he thought he was able to bury long ago, laying aside his own selfish need for the good of his family and you. 

You were dressed in a black pencil skirt, silk button up blouse with a matching blazer. His eyes trailed your curves wondering where you were off to dressed so professionally. 

Surely little Niki kept you at home, happy and content. He couldn't imagine you having to lift a finger, let alone actually working.

It was then that Eddie looked up, words trailing off when he finally noticed Steve's focus was elsewhere. He turned to follow his gaze but didn't recognize you the way the younger man had. 

“First time I've seen a pretty face distract you, boss. Y’ok over there?” He chuckled, taking another bite of his sandwich. 

“Eddie, I need you to follow her.” Eyes never leaving you. Eight years later and he knew nothing and everything about you all at once. He needed more. 

“What?” Eddie asked around a mouthful of food, swallowing it haphazardly as his eyes went wide.  “When did we get into stalking strangers? You could just go talk to her like a normal dude if you're that interested.” 

“That's not a stranger Eddie. It's Dove.” The older man turned again, taking a better look at you before nodding his understanding. 

“Got it.” Eddie had dropped everything, doing as he was told. 

He had followed you to the gallery and reported back to Steve, where he promptly paid you a visit.

Eddie had been keeping tabs on you every day since. 

He was able to figure out how your bodyguards kept up with you. They were lazy, most likely bored with their job. Being able to see you was almost too easy. 

-

Steve didn't get distracted. It wasn't in his nature but when it came to you, he couldn't help himself. It's as if he was drawn to you by some invisible force. 

He had a business to run, first and foremost. 

A daunting task lay ahead, but he'd already made headway. He was mending broken agreements and making new ones. Dealings were growing in just the few days he had taken over, proving himself a formidable leader and cunning businessman. 

The relationship he was most interested in was with your father. David and Richard never saw eye to eye, but Steve would be the first to admit his father was a hard to deal with bastard, so he couldn't fault anyone for that. 

Your father always had a soft spot for Steve, watching the two of you grow up together.

It did however come as a surprise that your father had reached out first, the day after Richard's funeral. 

Standing on the sidewalk watching you fade into the crowd after your run in at the coffee shop, he and Eddie headed to a very important meeting at your childhood home. 

Little did either of you know that today would change the course of both of your lives. 

You tried to focus on work. Truly you did but all of your thoughts were swirling with Steve Harrington and then Nik. 

You knew what Nik was capable of, his warnings going off like sirens in your head. The thought of anything happening to Steve because of you made you sick. 

-

There had been something special with Steve. He was your first love. Thinking back to those days, you could never have imagined your life with someone else until you weren't given a choice. 

Richard made sure that Steve would stay in Italy until his dying breath. The two of you being absolutely inseparable made it hard for Richard to control him. He saw Steve as nothing more than a petulant rebel, doing everything to spite his own son. He kept him in line the only way he knew how, busy with work and away from you. 

Your mothers had been best friends, staying close, despite their husbands growing tension toward each other. 

When your mother passed away, Sofia took you in like one of her own. Your father had taken her death quite hard. He had you spending those first few months living at the Harrington's more than your own home, letting him grieve in peace. 

Only being five at the time, the magnitude of what had happened didn't register but you knew she was gone and wasn't coming back. Sofia tried to make it as easy as possible for you, telling Steve that he would always need to look after you. He seemed to take it to heart, doing exactly that from that day forward. 

When it came to you, he was a total pushover from the start. He'd do anything to make you smile, something that would never change.

From sharing ice cream at the park to sleepovers in living room forts, you did everything together, Pip always tagging along until Sofia left.

Richard ended those playdates soon after, taking Steve along on meetings and unsavory business much too young, telling him he needed to toughen up and put away such childish things. Only a man could run the business. 

Attending separate schools made it that much more difficult to see him, only catching glimpses of the boy from time to time when he was allowed to come out on the weekends but then Richard became all the more strict. 

Suddenly summer was the only time he could sneak away to see you. Or those rare times his father was away, you would come over to swim in his pool or watch movies, except Eddie replaced Pip as the third wheel. 

As you two grew into teens, his protective nature only amplified. 

The summer you turned 16, you seemed to mature and blossom overnight. You were beautiful and even then, he knew he was in trouble. 

Everyone quickly came to learn you were off limits. If someone even looked in your direction he would threaten them, including Eddie, who wasn't immune to your beauty and charm. 

It would be another year before Steve finally admitted his all too obvious feelings for you. Being best friends and knowing everything about each other had you falling into it with a simple ease. 

Destiny. Fate. Soulmates. Call it what you will but it seems you were forever to be intertwined with this boy you fell in love with when you were twelve, and you were sure that Steve felt the same. 

When Steve turned 18, things began to drastically change, and Richard was quickly losing any control he had left. He was free, seeing you anytime he pleased, staying out until the early hours of the morning or not returning home at all. 

He wanted to send Steve to school halfway across the country, but he refused, choosing to stay in Chicago for you. If he knew then how everything would have played out, he would have suffered those four years apart. He picked the wrong battle to fight his father for, costing him in the end.

You were afforded four years of bliss before he was ripped out of your life. Four years of promises, hopes and dreams. All gone before they could even begin. 

Duty and honor. Something you would learn all too well. It was under the guise that they needed Steve to learn the business overseas so he could take over the entire empire. 

It was easier to start in Italy. He could take over the small faction and make it his own until the inevitability of moving back to the states to take over for his father. 

Neither of you imagined at the time it would be so permanent. 

Steve and Eddie pulled up to the club that Nik owns, phoning ahead for the small, impromptu meeting beforehand. They had to know what they were getting into, so what better way than to see it all firsthand. 

“Sure, Harrington. Swing by. We can chat.” He chuckled into the line before it went dead. 

Steve hated the man, but he was going to try to be diplomatic, if for nothing else, you. 

The driver opened Steve's door, as Eddie exited opposite him. Both men doing a quick survey of the parking lot and exterior of the building. 

It was a gaudy looking place. Too flashy and in your face. If you wanted the attention this was definitely the way to do it, ensuring to attract the wrong kind in the process. 

Steve curled his lip in disgust, aptly named “Bad Habits” with signs out front boasting “Cage Dancers. Fully Nude Lap Dances. Best drinks in town.”

What a goddamn joke. A boy running a frat house at best. He was never known for his tactfulness, so none of it came as a shock. 

Nik had taken over for his own father shortly after Steve left for Italy, promptly turning this place upside down while also throwing a wrench in the way business was done. He was a wildcard, but unfortunately smart enough to stay ahead of the game. 

The illegal shit was upstairs. Gambling. Drugs. Hookers. You name it. 

Richard had owned a similar establishment uptown. A front for a gambling den but it was more upscale with the storefront advertising a gentleman's smoking club. Not this demeaning and tasteless thing that he was currently looking at. 

One of Nik's henchmen opened the side door on their approach. 

“This way gentleman.” Gruffly spewing, as they followed him.

The interior was just as bad from his initial impression. Smoke lingered in the red and black interior hallway, the smell of cheap perfume and sex faintly present but he didn't expect anything less.

The men that hung out here weren't people that Steve associated with. The sudden realization that you were associated with it saddened him. This is not at all the life you longed for, and he knew it. 

The bald-headed ogre stopped in front of the door at the end of the hall, throwing both men a sideways glance before knocking. 

An annoyed “yeah” came through. 

“Boss, they're here.” 

There was a pause and some shuffling behind the door before it opened, revealing a disheveled looking young woman. Her mascara ran down her cheeks, with lipstick smudged across her chin as she was pushing her skirt further down her thighs. 

She paused when she caught sight of all three men staring at her, uttering a quick “excuse me” before jutting past them down the hall. 

Steve raised his brow giving Eddie a knowing look, telling him to “stay here” as he followed the other man into the room. 

Nik was adjusting himself behind the desk, rolling his sleeves up his forearms before slicking his hair back into place. It didn't take a genius to figure out what he had been up to. It was like salt in an already festering wound, so blatantly doing so in front of Steve. He could have easily hidden it but chose not to. 

It would take everything in him to not come across the desk and wipe the floor with this all too cocky mother fucker. 

“You can leave us.” Addressing the other man, as he finally looked up at Steve. 

“Nikolai, have you been avoiding your old friend?” Steve's voice remained jovial, a stark contrast from the way he felt, reaching out to shake the other man's hand.

Nik didn't even have the decency to stand up to greet him, immediately showing his true colors, grip a little too firm as they shook. 

“Harrington, I never thought I would see the day you'd set foot in my club. My, how the times have changed.” He grinned, looking Steve up and down in an almost predatory way as if he were sizing up his next meal. 

“Well, we aren't our fathers Nik. And it's true, we were friends once.” Steve stayed standing, waiting for an invitation to sit. 

Nik finally stood, turning his back to Steve and striding over to the small liquor cabinet in the corner. 

“Drink?” Finally offering as he began to pour his own from the crystal decanter, no doubt some sort of vodka held within, a Russian specialty. 

“Sure.” He replied, watching him intently as he brought the other glass over, handing it to Steve before taking his seat once more. 

“Sit.” He ordered more than offered, making Steve hesitate a moment before relenting. 

“So, what do I owe the pleasure of your presence today? Will it be business or pleasure? I'm sure I can get one of my favorite girls to show you a good time. I could personally recommend a few.” He sneered, releasing a chuckle. Steve on the other hand saw no amusement in his remark, gripping his rocks glass a little tighter. 

“Thanks for the offer, but I'll pass.” He took a sip of the clear liquid, letting it sit on his tongue a moment before it slipped down his throat, the burn finally settling in his stomach. 

“Suit yourself. Missing out of some of the best pussy Russia has to offer.” He laughed again, taking a sip from his own glass. 

Steve didn't want to stay here any longer than he had to, mostly worried he might do something rash if the conversation kept going the way it was headed. 

“Look, we can skip the small talk. We both know why I'm here. Richard is dead. I'm trying to broker some new deals and I know he made more enemies than friends; your family included. What do you say we have a proper sit-down next week?” Setting the glass down on the desk in front of him, trying his damnedest to hide the way his anger was trying to boil over. He had to stay levelheaded.  

“I'll think about it, Harrington.” He smirked, feeling as though he had the upper hand. “Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm a busy man these days. I'm sure you can see yourself out.” 

“Sure. Just have your people get in touch.” Steve rose, crossing the small room. His hand was on the door handle, opening it slightly before Nik spoke again. 

“Oh, Harrington. By the way, I can always see why you tried to keep Y/N to yourself back then.” A low chuckle escaping him. “She certainly can be a handful. And now, she's all mine.” 

Steve paused for only a moment, not looking back at the other man, letting a breath escape heavy from his nostrils, jaw ticking before walking entirely from the office. 

Eddie was waiting for him at the end of the hall, as they both exited the club. Walking in stride with him before the two men entered the waiting car. 

Steve immediately pulled out his phone, typing away, ignoring the raised brow that Eddie cast his way. He knew his demeanor all too well. He was pissed.

“So, that went well, huh?” Eddie finally asked. 

The younger man immediately stopped typing, releasing a heavy sigh setting his phone face down on his lap. 

“About as well as you'd expect that neanderthal to behave. He's a goddamn piece of shit.” Sighing as he pinched the bridge of his nose between his fingers, feeling an impending headache on the approach. 

“So, plan B?” Eyebrows raised and lips pursed in Steve's direction as he nods his reply. 

“Plan B. And we're making one more stop.” Picking his phone back up, finishing the conversation from before. 

“Got it, boss.” Eddie replied, telling the driver exactly where they were headed without having to be told. 

You'd been sitting at your desk ruminating all day trying to avoid any tasks that would lead you to do any work on the main floor. Your assistant was under strict orders not to disturb you unless it was absolutely necessary. 

Busying yourself with the last of the invoices and emails when a soft knock came to the door as she popped her head in, clearing her throat. 

“Yes, Abigail?” Not looking up from your laptop. 

“Mrs. Petrov, I know you said not to bother you, but you have a visitor out in the gallery. A Mr. Harrington said it's urgent and needs to see you right away.” She nervously chewed at her bottom lip awaiting your reply. 

“Of course he did.” You sighed, tossing your glasses to your desk as you stood. 

“Yes, alright, fine. Let him know I'll be out in a few minutes.” 

She nodded and straightened her posture before closing the door once more leaving you alone. You quickly did a once over in the mirror and smoothed out your dress before following her out. 

The hall to the office was in the back. Turning right led directly to roof access and turning left down the hall led to another door that was directly to the side of the gallery. No one has access back here except you and Abigail.  

Nik’s goons had their orders to sit out front at all times and it suddenly crossed your mind that they had most likely seen Steve enter the building, suddenly sending your nerves into overdrive. 

Your heels clicked across the marble flooring, spotting him with his back to you, studying one of the newest paintings in the far corner. You couldn't tell if he was genuinely interested in it or just biding his time until you met him. 

“Steve?” You asked, coming to stand beside him. 

He turned, hearing your soft voice, meeting you with that warm smile that tugged at your heart. 

“Interesting work.” Looking back to the painting. 

It was an abstract by a little-known artist that you had grown quite fond of. Two silhouettes seemingly tangled together with a kaleidoscope of colors and lines that bled together. Look too closely and you would lose track of where one ended and the other began.

“It is. The artist calls it, Entanglement of the Heart. Their interpretation of true love. You get so caught up in the other person you lose sight of yourself and find it in them. No end, no beginning.” Clasping your hands in front of you. “But I know you're not here for art.” 

“No. I'm not.” He chuckled, looking down and back up to you. Stepping further into your space as you scanned the room making sure no one noticed his close proximity. 

“Dove, are you okay?” He lowered his voice to a whisper despite no one else being around. He studied your profile, because you were afraid to meet his gaze. You could never lie to him, so you stayed silent. 

“That's a silly question. I know something's wrong. Dove, look at me.” When you don't immediately turn or respond, a soft “please” escapes him as his fingertips gingerly hook under your chin pulling your face up toward him.

You inhale deeply, closing your eyes before finally meeting his worried gaze with your own teary eyed one. 

“Honey,” he breathed out. “Please, tell me.” 

Nik's words once again coming to rest at the forefront of your mind had you suddenly taking a step back, blinking furiously at the tears that threatened to spill over as his hand fell back to his side. 

“You should go.” Suddenly pressing your palms to his chest before turning heel toward the back office but he wouldn’t give up that easily. 

“Dove, please.” Reaching out to grab your already bruised arm, halting your escape. The small wince you let out didn't go unnoticed, making him immediately drop his hold on you. 

“Steve, please just go.” You pleaded, suddenly aware that Abigail was watching you, eyes cutting sharply to her then back to Steve. “I have to get back to work.” 

This time he didn't stop you. Slipping his hands into the pockets of his trousers as his eyes lingered on your form before you disappeared into the back, sighing loudly letting his shoulders deflate a bit. 

He caught Abigail on the way out, purchasing the painting he had been admiring, something about it reminding him of you, before slipping back the way he had come avoiding anyone that could be watching.

Later that night, he sipped bourbon as he studied the painting, now hung above the fireplace in his newly renovated office. Eyes flitting this way and that. No matter how hard he tries he can't stop thinking of you. 

“Goddamnit!” Hissing to himself, before downing the rest of his bourbon, placing the empty glass back to the table with a loud thump. 

He now knew two things for certain. 

Nik was not going to cooperate. Much too self-centered to try to work their differences out and much too power hungry to ever give up any stake he had in the city. He wouldn't hear back from him which now led him to unfortunately go with his second set of plans. 

The second thing he knew is that he's still in love with you and wants nothing more than to get you away from the asshole you call your husband. 

He could see the way you looked at him, eyes full or adoration. When he spoke so fondly, letting small compliments and praises leave his lips, he didn't miss the way your cheeks would flush. He was sure you still felt something for him too, but he could also see your trepidation and unfortunately fear. 

The way you always looked over your shoulder when he was with you told him everything he needed to know. You were scared of Nik. 

After today, it crossed his mind that he had already fucked up, pushing you too much before this could properly start. 

He HAD to keep you out of harm's way, which also meant keeping you somewhat in the dark. If anything were to happen to you, he couldn't live with himself. There were already too many moving parts and variables to consider. 

He made his way over to his desk, picking up the phone and making the necessary but dreaded call. It only took a few rings for them to pick up. 

“It's a go. Let's proceed cautiously. I know you've got a lot riding on this as well.” 

Pausing to listen to the words coming from the other end before replying. 

“I know her well enough that she doesn't care about him. I'll do whatever it takes. We can start tomorrow.”

He ended the call, placing the phone back to its cradle, sighing deeply, telling himself it was the only way.

Big risks meant big rewards and he would stop at nothing to get you back and take Nikolai Petrov down. 

Taglist: @micheledawn1975

Want to be added? Just let me know!

[sunnynwanda]

requesting a hero and villain oneshot that involves helium balloons and squeaky helium voices

Birthday

Warnings: language, miserable Villain (I feel represented). That should be it.

"Villain?!" An overly excited voice rang through the air, reaching an off-pitch crescendo by the end of the last syllable, and then came the swishing noise of an inhalation.

"You have got to be kidding me..." Villain mutters under their breath, but it's too late to escape. Hero has found them... again.

Today has been... challenging, to put it lightly. Never in their life could the resident criminal have predicted Hero's reaction to their birthday. Nor could they have prevented it.

When they mentioned their genuine birthdate on the files the first time they got arrested, they could not fathom the absolute disaster it would unleash. Villain had been doing their best to avoid Hero at all costs because their idiotic opponent woke them up at midnight with a loud alarm screaming bloody murder to wish them an early happy birthday. To say that Villain was pissed would be an understatement.

"Haaaappy Birthday to youuu!" Hero sings in a squeaky voice, the effects of the helium quite prominent in comparison to their usual deep voice.

Hero was determined - Villain had to give them that. Determined to drive me fucking bonkers, Villain thought.  

"Shut it, you damn chipmunk!" They snarl, irritation quite evident in their voice.

Not that Hero gives a damn, as they continue screeching in their annoying off-pitch voice. "Haaappy Birthday, dear Villy, happy birthday to youuuu~"

"Oh, for the love of god..." Villain cannot contain the low groan that escapes them, their eyes rolling into the back of their head.

They are entirely done after being subjected to the aggressive celebration of their birth all day long. It's barely afternoon, and they have already received the midnight message, a monstrosity of a cake first thing in the morning, several bouquets of flowers, presents weapons of all kinds and a bunch of ridiculous birthday gifts, including a teddy bear that sang in Hero's voice and Villain couldn't take it anymore.

So, when Hero comes up behind them on their favourite rooftop, their only safe spot in the whole city, Villain snaps, "Enough!"

Hero flinches, not quite daring to sit beside them, "Vill-" They try, but Villain cuts them off, their frustration spilling over.

"Enough," they snarl, all of the pent-up anger bubbling up to the surface, revealing thoughts they'd never share with Hero otherwise, "I hate my fucking birthday, okay? Just stop!"

Villain sighs, running a hand over their face and shutting their eyes in an attempt to calm down. They half expect Hero to get mad at them for not appreciating the effort, but Hero does not. Instead, they sit beside them on the edge of the roof, speaking in a quiet voice tinged with sadness. "I know."

Villain freezes for a moment, turning to look at their nemesis. When they speak, their voice is thick despite their best attempt to sound nonchalant. "What?"

"I know you don't like this day," Hero elaborates, their gaze trained on the horizon to avoid meeting Villain's eyes. "I know it was never a special day for you. I know."

They turn their head to glance at their opponent's profile. Villain is already looking at them, searching their expression for any sign of pity. Lucky for Hero, they find none. They still don't speak, so Hero continues.

"I just wanted to make it feel special for you," they whisper, anticipating another wave of anger to hit them, but this time, Villain does not lash out at them. Instead, they offer Hero a small smile.

"Thank you," Villain mutters, still stunned but no longer as frustrated as before. "Just please don't ever sing in that god-awful voice," they add with a chuckle, making Hero snort.

"What, you don't want to join?" They ask, lifting up the helium balloon. Villain glares at them, but there's no bite to their tone when they respond.

"Never in a million years. Gimme that!" They demand, poking the balloon and letting out a relieved sigh that it's gone.

"I'm not that bad," Hero snickers, narrowing their eyes at Villain, who sends them a look of utter disbelief. They shake their head, a flicker of disappointment passing through their eyes. "Okay, fine, I suck at singing. Sorry for ruining your birthday."

"Trust me, you did not," Villain assures, tilting Hero's chin to hold eye contact. "This was the most infuriating birthday I've ever had, but it was the best one too."

"Happy birthday," Hero repeats, this time in their natural voice. Somehow, that makes them sound more genuine than the helium voice they had been doing all day.

Villain pauses, pursing their lips as they think for a moment. "I have a gigantic cake and a mountain of presents to unpack. You wanna come over?" They suggest, feeling sheepish yet hopeful.

Hero cannot contain the grin that stretches from ear to ear, excitement dripping from their tone. "Yes!"

Villain chuckles, shaking their head at their beloved nemesis. They might not like their birthday, but they do like Hero. And if a celebration of Villain is what puts that grin on Hero's face... Villain can manage.

Hi darling!

Thank you for the request :) It took some time but I had so much fun writing this that I hope it's okay. I had to turn this into a birthday story, especially because I share Villain's perspective and my birthday is looming xD

P.S. I know I've been kinda MIA recently, but I'm coming back.

Love,

Sunny

Masterlist

Taglist: @marvellousdaisy@alltimelowing@lateuplight@surplus-of-sarcasm@betwist @excusemeasibangmyheadonawall @enemies-to-idiots-to-lovers @miaowmelodie @thatonerandomauthor @hhabaddon @burningoutlikeicarus @daemonvatis @weepingcowboywolfbat @thelazywitchphotographer @kaiwewi @soul-of-a-local-bard @pigeonwhumps @aflyingsheepnamedrose @thatneptune @ohwellthatslifesstuff @worldsfromhoney @thiefofthecrowns @crow-with-a-typewriter @qualityrabbitsoup @stargeode @villain-life @villainsblood @whumpifi @glassthedumbass @silviathebard @misskowe @ayeshaturnedtoashes4444 @m4iloblu3

[grapesplease]

i love you (i'm sorry)

astarion x half-drow!male!bard! tav

sum. altair has a panic attack in the underdark (being an ex-slave does that to you) and astarion is the one who keeps him together. he also has some conflicting feelings on his relationship with altair.

an. first altair piece i ever wrote, all of it will be posted here but if you want to find the rest of it its posted on ao3 under the user grapesplease. i love writing for my tav and will be writing much more :)

wc. 2.1k

The silence was deafening.

Astarion knew that something was wrong with Altair, he’d be a horrible partner(?) otherwise. Gods, he’d be an idiot to not notice, whatever was going on with him was obvious to the whole party.

Shadowheart sends him a glare, “Say something to him!” She mouths.

He glares back, mouthing, “What?”

She groans, and Astarion huffs out an exasperated sigh. What would he even say to him? There wasn’t any doubt that he was close to Altair, that was made clear after their first rendezvous at the tiefling’s party, and with how the party expressed their annoyance at them, he knew that they knew too. He still wasn’t even sure that their relationship was anything more than the flirty banter and the occasional late-night tryst.

“I think we should set up camp.” Lae’zel, surprisingly, was the first to speak, breaking what felt like hours-long silence, “I think everyone can agree that a night’s rest is needed.”

Altair’s eyes scanned the area, and he acquiesced, only giving a nod and a quiet, “Alright then..” to the rest of the group.

The elf can’t help but worry, as much as he hates to admit it. Everyone is, as he’d wormed (no pun intended) his way into everyone’s hearts. Astarion doesn’t know if he should go and talk to him, and he doesn’t have the opportunity to. As Lae’zel is, again, the first to speak up.

“Altair.” She stands in front of his tent, Altair flinching as he turns to face her, “What is wrong with you? You’ve been awfully alert, is there something wrong with this place? Or is there something wrong with you?”

Astarion cringes at the face Altair makes when Lae’zel asks if there’s something wrong with him.

“It’s nothing. Lae’zel, I’m just feeling a little off being here."

Astarion scoffs, a little off? As if he wasn’t making the “I’m going to murder someone” face for like three hours straight.

“Underdark doesn’t exactly bring back fond memories, you know, with the whole forced servitude thing..”

She only sighs, grumbling but taking that as a satisfactory answer. “Just don’t let it endanger us, istik.”

Altair lets out a sigh of relief as she walks off, and his gaze flits over to Astarion, realizing he was watching the whole thing. He lets out an exasperated groan, and motions for Astarion to come over. He shuts his book, plastering a flirty smirk on his face and sauntering over.

“So, is there ‘something wrong with you’, dear?” He jokes, mimicking the cadence of Lae’zel’s voice, “You have been awfully on edge, darling.”

“That obvious?”

“Very.”

He groans, sinking down to the ground, his face buried in his hands. “Fuuuck. Gods, I’m stressed.”

“That much is clear.” Astarion retorts, moving to sit down next to him. “Good to know that it’s stress, I couldn't tell if you were wanting to kill me or needed a drink.”

“I go for either right now, to be honest.” He jokes, looking up at Astarion, “I found something here, Astarion.”

He doesn't like the tone that Altair takes, it sends an uncomfortable jolt up his spine. He follows him into his tent, spotting an journal atop Altair’s makeshift desk. The journal's a pretty little thing, its gold embroidery shimmering against the light of Altair's lamp.

“Oh, is it cursed? Is this one for Gale or for me?” He asks, running his fingers over the embroidery. He would've appreciated the work more, if not for how grave Altair sounded.

“It might as well be.” He grabs the journal, flipping through its pages. “I haven't been all too honest with my background, Astarion. I don't think I can hide it anymore, either.”

The vampire raises an eyebrow, “So you're telling me that you aren't just a bard from Baldur’s Gate? What a surprise!”

“I’m being serious, Astarion!” He snaps, flipping to the most recent page of the journal. Astarion tenses up, frowning at him.

“The writer of this journal, she's out to fucking kill me! She found me back then, when I was in Baldur’s Gate, she- she found where I lived, and she's found me here too! Gods-”

His hands grip tightly at the edges of the journal, his breathing getting ragged and uneven. Astarion softly places his hands on his shoulders, trying to ground him.

“Breathe, darling.” He hasn't had much experience calming people, but he hopes that this is working. This is a new side to Altair, one that he’d hid well up until this point. “She's not here, we're safe, and even if she finds us, we can take her, I’m sure of it.”

“No! No, that's how she gets you!” Altair chokes out, looking up at him with fearful eyes. “She pretends, she acts all nice, getting you to trust her- then she tears it all away! Everything! She's already done it once to me, and now she's going to do it again! She’s going to torture you- and everyone here, and she's going to make me watch.”

A sob falls from his throat, his tears leave dark splotches on his pants, “And she's going to do it because she owns me- and- fuck, she’s going to find out I care about you! She’s going to make me fucking miserable, going to make me beg and grovel under the heel of her boot for forgiveness, and then she’s going to kill me.”

What?

..He cares for him?

What a mistake, he thinks, a stupid mistake, putting faith into someone like him.

But this is exactly what he wanted, right? To have Altair, the poor sod, the easiest target, his victim, care for him enough to protect him. To be willing to fight and inevitably die to Cazador or the Absolute for him.

It was the same stupid charade, one he’d done for 200 hundred years.

He forces those thoughts back down, looking Altair in the eye. This- This he could deal with later, his newfound guilt wasn't what was important here. The sobbing mess in front of him was, the sobbing mess that foolishly cares about him was what was important right now.

“Listen, she isn't here. I’m not going to die, I promise. She would've been here ages ago if she wanted to kill me.” He forces back the bile that threatens to rise up his throat as he comforts him, feeling like the biggest hypocrite in the world, “We’re safe, dear.”

Altair only sharply inhales, shaking his head, his long hair falling over his face.

“No- no, she's here, I can feel it, I know. She's fucking hiding in the shadows, waiting to strike!”

“Look at me.” Astarion brushes away the hair from his face, his voice lowering to a whisper. “We're okay, I’m safe, everyone’s safe, I’m not dying today. No one is going to die. I’m still here, and I’m not going anywhere.”

“I- I..” Altair tries to steady his breathing, despite how his heart thumps wildly in his chest. “You promise?”

Astarion tries to hide his guilt.

“Yes love, I’m not going anywhere.”

Altair heaves out a heavy sigh, wiping his tears. Gods above, this was all too much for him, too many of his feelings laid bare for a man who he wasn't even sure really loved him. His true feelings had been unceremoniously spilled, his heart exposed for Astarion to see.

He wasn't a bard who told beautiful tales of romance or adventure, nor a gladiator who fought valiantly for his own freedom. He wasn't any of those fucking things. But gods! He wishes he was! He wishes he had the strength he pretends to have in front of everyone, but now Astarion knows.

He knows that he’s just a scared man, constantly running and hiding from everything that scared him. He knows that he cries like a child, forever terrified of his past.

Altair isn’t someone who confronts his past, he hides like a coward, running away to the far corners of the world thinking that he can hide. He wants to love Astarion, wants to care, he wants to do all of that without the looming fear that it’d be taken from him.

That his past would eventually catch up to him and it’d all disappear.

“Astarion, I..” His face is flush with embarrassment, head hanging in shame, he feels like he could die on the spot, “I’m sorry, for all of this.”

“You have nothing to be sorry about.” He calmly replies, “I think we’ve all been stressed, and it's not like you haven't seen me panic every once and a while.”

Altair snorts, letting out a dry chuckle, “Yeah, last time you did, you ended up killing a man.”

“He deserved it!” Astarion retorts, gasping dramatically.

“Sure, sure..” He wipes at his eyes, but realizes that Astarion is already moving to exit his tent. Was he just going to leave, now that Altair had calmed down? No, he couldn't be alone yet.

He tugs at Astarion’s sleeve, stopping him in his tracks.

The man turns and tilts his head, giving Altair a sultry smirk, “What? You just got your breath back, and now you want me to take it away again? Darling, if you wanted to sleep with me, this is a cute way to ask~”

“No! No, I just want-” He groans, refusing to meet Astarion’s amused gaze, “I wanted you to stay.”

“That’s what I’m offering?”

“Not like that!” His head snaps up to look at him, seeing a brief flash of surprise from the elf, “I don't want to be alone, not yet.”

“Not yet” Astarion feels a pang of familiarity, Altair sounded like he was resigned to being lonely forever, like Astarion himself would be temporary and he’d never talk to him again after this night.

He hates how he can relate so much to that feeling. It only worsens the pit of guilt in his stomach. He wishes he could just leave, but he knows he can’t.

He can scarcely believe that Altair just wanted him to just- be there? To what, cuddle in his bedroll and fall asleep together? He hasn’t done that in centuries, nevertheless with someone else.

“So you just want me to…” he makes a vague hand motion, “to just be here?”

“If you want.” Altair sputters out, a nervous panic seeping into his voice, “I just- I don't want to be alone, I still feel like she's there, and I'm- I’m scared, Astarion.”

It takes a great deal of effort to admit this to him, and Altair feels so vulnerable. Fuck, he's so, so scared, scared of Astarion saying no, scared that the moment he takes his eyes off of him that he's going to disappear, and that the next time he sees him, all that's left is a mangled corpse.

He’s scared that the man he’s starting to love is going to disappear, and leave him all alone with his feelings for him.

“I’ll.. of course I’ll stay, if you're scared. I did promise, after all.”

Altair shakily laughs, glad that Astarion didn't reject him. Moving to his bedroll, he motions for Astarion to join him, and he obliges, laying down beside him.

“Can we cuddle?”

“You don't have to ask, darling.”

“I know.” The drow turns on his side, burying his face in Astarion’s neck.

“Sappy.”

Astarion’s fingers thread through his white locks, messing with the long strands. It really was sweet of him, and he comes to the dreadful realization that Altair is slowly becoming more to him than just protection.

He wants to ask more about Altair’s past, who was this woman he was so afraid of? Was she really so strong that she’d kill the whole party in one fell swoop? Is she someone who’d torture him, for the sole fact that Altair cares about him?

Shit, he’d almost forgotten about that.

He's still a bit in denial about it, the fact that Altair cares for him, and that he might also care for him back. But he knows that he would never do this much for anyone else, gods, cuddling in the night? Sharing gentle touches while patching each other up and longing glances between battles? He knows that Altair is so much more than just protection.

He knows that he has to reveal his true intentions to him, but whatever confession he has dies on his tongue. The half-drow is sound asleep in his arms, softly snoring into his chest. His heartbeat calm as he buries himself further into the fabric of his shirt.

Astarion knows that he has to confess his real intentions to Altair eventually, but it could wait a little longer. He could wait a little longer to reveal how horrible of a person he was, how he was no different from Altair’s tormentor.

“Good night, love.”

It could wait.

[itspercyintime]

Since I've finished the last olympian, here's my official ranking of the pjo books

Sea of Monsters. This one is hard to top I'm not sorry. My two favorite characters (grover and clarisse) get SO much content, Clarisse is a pirate for a sec, Grover's in a wedding dress, Tyson exists, it's everything I could ever want

The Last Olympian. Also goes insanely hard. The fucking titan war?? Slapped. The angst? Slapped. Percabeth? Slapped. Fucking CLARISSE, GROVER BECOMES THE LORD OF THE WILD RUEGARD ACHILLES AND PATROCLUS PARALLEL GODDD

Battle of The Labyrinth. Would be second if I wasn't so insane about the last olympian. I fucking love mazes and shit, the og trio back together on a quest PLUS TYSON, Ethan and Rachel become relevant, Percabeth kiss, etc etc. I ate botl up left and right that shit slapped

The Lighting Thief. THE OG!! It's so dear to me. Unfortunately it doesn't top the previous three but it's still BELOVED in my heart of hearts. I gotta shut up or I'll start rambling about it god I love that book

The Titan's Curse. It is NOT last out of slander I adore it wholeheartedly it means to much to me but I just can't put it above the others. If any slander at all it's in last place for Bianca's death that absolutely shattered me but otherwise fucking slay book I love it sm

Feel free to fight me

[tinyteaberry]

Yandere! Genshin headcanons

Just for some of my favorites, I'm a little excited to post so this is to keep me sane until I'm finished with bigger pieces.

Hope u enjoy, and feel free to request any specific character for next time as well! <3

characters: Al-Haitham, Kamisato Ayato, Raiden Ei, Ganyu

conent/warnings: Yandere, possesive characters, unhealthy relationship dynamics, manipulative behavior

┊┊┊┊ ➶ ❁۪ ｡˚ ✧

Al-Haitham

-He pretends that he doesn’t know that the way he feels so strongly for you is wrong.

-He almost gaslights himself into believing it's true, too, he’s just so nonchalant about it, it just feels right to trust his own judgment.

-It’s normal for boyfriends to be protective, right? 

-So, it’s okay for him to want to harm anybody who so much as looks your way, or bumps into you, or speaks to you, or sits next to you, or-

-Yep! He doesn’t like it when you disagree with him. 

-After all, it would be foolish to challenge such a high intellect as his. Obviously he knows what he’s talking about, clearly he’s right, so don’t bother trying to argue and admit he’s right.. He isn’t too keen on letting go of his pride, even when it comes to matters with his darling. 

“What? They were practically undressing you with their eyes, so naturally I had to tell them to back off. Really, you can be so dramatic sometimes. I didn’t say anything out of line. Come on, you know it’s best to just avoid other men, anyways.”

Kamisato Ayato 

-He knows that what he’s doing and feeling isn’t right or normal. But, he’s head of the Kamisato Clan, who would dare speak up to tell him otherwise? 

-Not that he’d value anybody else’s opinion, anyways.  

-Although you did- for some reason, it seems as soon as you entered your relationship with Ayato, people began to act very different towards you.

-Even Thoma, usually so friendly, became anxious in your presence.

-Little did you know, Kamisato Ayato deemed having a little word about how they behaved around you necessary. 

-Of course, you were to remain none the wiser of this. So from your perspective, it just seems things change when you become a part of the Kamisato family.

-But if there's one thing in your new life that will remain the same, it’s Ayato himself.

-He weaves sweet words and promises into his threats to you, so that you have no choice but to obey him, and you’d feel bad for ever doubting him. -After all, if you didn’t, he’d feel oh-so betrayed and disappointed in you, dear. 

“Oh love, you have no reason to speak with him again. Don’t you worry your pretty little head about such matters, alright? Or I might not let you into the city again. I just adore you so much, I can’t stand to see you wasting your time on such petty things. So just stay beside me at all times, okay?”

Raiden Ei 

-Oh, yes, the shut-in God of Electro herself.

-Since she spends so much time away from people even nowadays, she just doesn’t see the problem with you doing the same. 

-She survived without interaction from the outside world for so many years, and besides, for you it would be different.

-You had her to be with! So where was the issue? 

-If she was fine on her own for so long, then you could spend eternity with her, and that was that.

-She would take the utmost care to make sure you were comfortable in your new, permanent, home.

-All your favorite flora and fauna in a dedicated garden she made just for you, all of the foods you enjoy stocked up, everything decorated in your favorite colors and patterns…

-It was paradise, truly. All for you. Don’t you love it? Of course you do.

“Nonsense. You don’t need to go out there anymore! We have everything you could ever need right here, so you won’t ever have to leave me. And anyways, I could always have someone from the Tenryou commission deliver anything if necessary. We can remain together now for all of eternity, now! Oh, I’m just so happy. Aren’t you excited for our new life together?”

Ganyu 

-I feel she’s the manipulate type, but without realizing it 

-She just wants to make sure you’re safe, is that really such a bad thing? 

-You’re the only one who she can truly be herself with, and wants to repay you for everything you’ve done for her in any way she can (That being chasing away anyone else you interact with, that is)

-She just adores you ever so much, she has no choice but to take you away to be kept all to herself! It’s for the best.

-She’ll take the best care of you! She helps you pick out your outfits, she’ll bathe with you, cook for you!

-Whether or not you appreciate her affections is up to you, but it’s recommended to at least pretend to enjoy them.

-Otherwise you’ll hurt her feelings, and who would want to upset sweet Ganyu?

“O-oh! Um, I didn’t realize you wouldn’t.. I-I thought you might appreciate it, but it appears I, ah, miscalculated. Hm? Oh, you did enjoy the sweets I baked you? G-good! No, I didn’t put anything different in them, what do you mean they taste a bit strange?”

┊┊┊┊ ➶ ❁۪ ｡˚ ✧

[igbylicious]

so um. @wooyoungisbaby Isak made inquiries abt whichever way Woosan & orgasm denial, how often it happens, whether Wooyoung ever gets to deny San, and oh boy my brain started buzzing lol! it was too long to answer in the replies, so this is ummm, technically a hard thoughts post i guess? very self-indulgent, very stream-of-consciousness

sex-related Woosan musings ahead, with an obvious warning for orgasm denial, but also mentions of dacryphilia & overstim (and somehow it’s abt 700~ words?! brain why?!?!?)

so yes, in pt1 Wooyoung was on a sex ban and didn’t get to cum until he and San were back from their trip lol.

in my head, San does this kind of thing on occasion, but not too often; he doesn’t overdo it bc that will genuinely upset Woo at some point lol. (also bc it means San doesn’t get to fuck Wooyoung either, and San doesn’t want to go too long without fucking Woo :C in like, a sickeningly tender way :C that man yearns for it :C )

also a ban for an entire week like in pt1 is very rare! the opportunity just presented itself bc they’d be with San’s family for the first few days; San had mixed feelings abt getting it on at his parents house, and Wooyoung got snarky abt it so San was like ‘ok i guess you are getting NOTHING for this WHOLE trip then ¯\_(ツ)_/¯’

(ps: now that reader is also in the mix, there are some fun new levels of potential torture to the concept of putting Woo on a sex ban ✪ ω ✪ )

~

for edging / denying Woo during actual sex; yeah that happens a lot lol — but multiple orgasm overstim is almost just as likely! San loves to change it up; but any given time they have sex, there’s decent odds that either one or the other will happen to Wooyoung… or both if he has the energy >:3

either way, both are real solid methods for San to almost guaranty he’ll have Woo crying before it’s over and what can i say? that man likes his Wooyoung a ruined, teary mess lol

~

as for whether Woo denies San…

well. in pt6 Wooyoung did know that San would let himself get edged all day long ( •̀ ω •́ )✧

for this version of Woosan, that’s actually a rare kink with which they might fully flip the script and have Wooyoung domming San. (they do have sex without rigid d/s roles, but it’s rare for this San to get deeply subby. tragically ( ╥ω╥ ) it will kinda sorta happen in the fic one more time tho uwu)

and usually it happens when San is real stressed or overworked or otherwise having a Bad Time™

(or if Woo is really really really in the mood for it, but in that case he will have to be on his best behaviour first lol)

they’ll really take their time for it and turn it into a ﾟ☆*Moment*☆ﾟ and it’s lowkey kinda soft; Woo will tease San plenty, obv! Woo likes his San just as teary and whiny as San likes his Wooyoung lol

but Woo is also acutely aware that he is in the caretaker role for once, and that the goal is for San to feel good and relaxed afterwards ♡ so much bodyworship, soooooooo much praise and cuddling in the aftercare <- and the praise goes both ways, bc San is so proud and grateful to Woo for taking care of him like that ;;

(and ofc when Woo’s subbing, he will ABSOLUTELY pull an edge on San if he can; just to multitask at being a menace AND give his boyfriend a lil treat hehe)

~

…but to come full circle, i’m not convinced that an attempt to put a sex ban on San would work out so great for Wooyoung asdkjadsjk

honestly i’m on the fence whether San’d immediately shut it down bc being the target of punishment is not his thing — but i could see Woo trying it just to be a brat, OR Woo pulls a stunt like ‘you sex ban me? good luck i sex ban you right back’ lol

which derails into an outright battle of endurance bc these two guys are not just incredibly horny but also stubborn asdkjasdjk. honestly they can’t even hold out for that long bc of aforementioned horny-ness and bc they are whipped for each other, but dear god both of them are so fucking stupidly desperate by the time they cave in and shamelessly hump each other again lol oop — and it does cumulate into a round of the shortest but also the MOST high-strung sex they’ve ever had ✪ ω ✪

(bless you Isak for being an enabler, i hope you got smth out of this ♡)

[hx4x4enthusiast]

Fuck around & Find out

Words: 909

Knockout x gender-neutral reader

Warning: this is suggestive and has Dom/sub themes, read with discretion

Every creature is capable of change, that’s what Optimus always preaches and honestly yeah, I agree everyone deserves a second chance. But why for Gods, or Primus, or whoevers sake put a certain hella annoying ex-con, with a with a custom paint job into my life. Don’t get me wrong I am happy that he decided to join the Autobots, but I just want to know why he decided to annoy, out of everyone, specifically me.

“Oh, my dear little cherry, what crawled up your exhaust pipe and died, hmmm?” A suave voice sounded through the otherwise empty storage room, as the owner of the voice struts through the room like he owns the whole base.

By Primus how I hate that nickname. Ever Since Optimus decided that Knockout should learn more about humanity and take over certain responsibilities, he was assigned as my guardian and has taken to calling me “little cherry”. Which then infected nearly everyone else and now everyone except Optimus, Ultra Magnus and Ratchet refer to me by my nickname.

Taking a deep breath, I turn around to face Knockout putting on the biggest fake smile as I ask with the most sickening sweet tone I could. “You want to know something Knockout?”

“I know a lot of things dear; I could give you a list.” Knockout replies in his flirty undertone a smirk fixed on his facete, as he steps closer to my elevated resting place.

“You always bring me so much joy”, I make a pause to let him bathe in the praise and before he can speak up, no doubt to say something to feed his ego even more, I sweep in for the kill and continue, “as soon as you leave the room.”

For a moment he’s frozen, his smirk lacking his normal confidence, just as I was ready to celebrate this small victory, he catches himself again. “Oh, my such a rude thing to say to your guardian and dearest confidant.”

“Ugh you are the most annoying bot, con, being I have ever met,” I huff turning my face away from Knockout not wanting to have to look at his dumb angular face and shiny paint and small waist and deep red optics.

“It seems like someone has quite the mouth on them.” Knockout notes, advancing like a predator to his prey. Positing himself right in front of me and set his servo right behind me so he towers over me.  “You really ought to be taught a better way to utilize it.”

Startled trough the close proximity to him I look around for a way to escape, only to realize that Knockout despite his size, has effectively trapped me. Well shit.

“Aww what is wrong my little cherry, don’t tell me your nervous”, Knockout laughs at me, as he lowers himself “oh where did all your confidence go hmm? Was all it took just a little bit of teasing for your bite to turn tail?

“What no I am not nervous especially not because of an oversized sentient tin can with an ego that would make Cleopatra jealous”, I huff continuing to look everywhere but at the smug mech infront of me.

“My, my such a snarky attitude”, Knockout leaned incredibly close, his intake next to my ear as he whispers, voice dropping an octave lower,” you’re just begging for someone to put you in your place.

Stunned by the forwardness of Knockout all I manage is to look like a fish on land with the way I am gaping at him.

“What is this did I finally manage to shut the little brat up?” Knockout leaned back staring into my eyes challenging me to do anything in opposition, as he forces me with a firm grip to hold eye contact. “Are you going to be good now?”

“I I uhh”, I swallow the lump in my throat under the piercing stare of the ex-con. His optics two piercing rubies that have their attention solely on me, hiding a certain heat behind them.

A chuckle breaks the silence as Knockout regards me with a certain mirth. “Ah I never expected to have so much fun in teasing my little cherry, but your reactions are finer than the best high grade.” In his usual fashion he struts to the door before turning his head to me and with a smirk gives me one last piece of advice. “I held back today, dear”, his voice takes on a dangerous edge, one he used when he was still a Decepticon on the battlefield before he continues, “but if your ever think to turn into a brat again. I will have you on your knees begging for forgiveness. Is that clear little cherry?”

A mute nod is all I can manage, as an answer.

“Ahahah, words my little cherry,” the mech tuts in a disapproving manner.

“Ye-…Yes sir”, I quack out, instantly my hands fly to my mouth as I realize what I just called him. Dread spreads through my body as after a few seconds Knockout smirk gets even wider.

“Seems like the brat does now how to be respectful,” with that he steps through the door and lets it slide shut behind him.

Leaving me wallow in self pitty trying to wrap my head around what just happened. Though one thing was clear, do not fuck with Knockout or you find out what you may not be ready for.

[undeaddove9]

NSFW related// contains genderbend AU with wlw charmoree and ♂ Manon (their names stay the same), cunnilingus, squirting, cheating (Rody and Manon have not broken up yet)

I'm writing this just because I needed to write some culinary yuri... and because I love listening to this song it reminds me so much of them :3

"Me and your girlfriend playin' dress up in my house, I gave your girlfriend cunnilingus on my couch"

Her crush couldn't stop yapping about how sweet and caring her boyfriend is.

Ughhh, why was this stupid redheaded puppy talking about some guy that she's clearly not interested in listening to? ಠ⁠_⁠ಠ

Was there ever a way to shut her up?

Suddenly, a very great idea pops into Vincent's head.

YURIKA!!! ☝️💡

And with that, she's decided to make Rody forget all about her precious boyfriend, Manon. How exactly, you may ask? Well...

"Ngh! Hah—AH! VINCE!!" , Rody lets out a loud moan as her boss was hungrily lapping up at her sensitive folds and clit.

The woman was shakily sitting, now almost slouching, on Vincent's couch in her apartment, with thighs spread wide open, making access for the chef to devour the swollen cunt in between her legs. Her fists were clenching for dear life on the couch cushions near her.

She never expected this, in all honesty. She had an assumption that her boss was just being nice and sweet when welcoming her into her house. She never expected to end up in a heated situation with the younger woman.

Her face looked so fucked out right now. She's sweating like crazy, with her eyes rolling back into her head and her tongue lolling out. Maybe she should just let Vince do her thing. No, she wasn't supposed to enjoy this!

But...

"Hah- holy shit... Vince, please. You can't... I— AH! I'm in love with Manon- nghHH!... I'm not supposed to do this with you haaahh..." , she continued with her stammering words, hoping that her boss would at least consider putting a stop to whatever she was currently doing to her.

Unfortunately for Rody, her words were completely futile. Instead, she received a harsh nibble and tug on her twitching clit, making her scream in sudden pleasure.

Oh god, she was seeing stars at this point.

Vince looked up sadistically at the heavily panting woman and led out a chuckle in response. "Oh, mon cœur ♡ You don't have to lie to yourself. Your voice may be rejecting me but your enticing body is telling me otherwise. You don't seem like you ever want me to stop, so..... ♡"

That was all she said before continuing to thrust her skillful tongue back into Rody's soaking wet pussy. Only this time, she's doing it roughly, occasionally sucking on her pretty clitoral nub and creating even more stimulation towards her trembling employee.

The auburn haired woman had no choice but to submit to the ongoing pleasure that her body was receiving.

It was driving her crazy. She can feel the pooling heat in her stomach. Her nails were digging deeper into the couch cushions, almost tearing the fabric. The ravenette gave her clit one last suck and... Oh fuck. She's about to...

"VINCE! I'M GONNA CU—haAAAAAAAA!!!", the waitress' words were cut off as she finally came and squirted her juices into Vince's awaiting mouth. The chef lapped up every single drop of her beloved waitress' fluid she could get.

Rody then plastered a satisfied grin on her face with her eyes still rolled back into her head from the aftermath and her thoughts were very much clouded from the intense orgasm she had.

She couldn't even think straight anymore.

Vince, on the other hand, can't help but smile at the older woman in front of her, carefully getting herself up from her previous position.

"So... How was it? Did I treat you better than that Manon of yours, mon cœur?"

"Huh?? Eh? Wh... Who...??"

"That's what I thought ♡"

[calxide]

⸻ FALLEN 🔍

shikanoin heizou x gn!reader | 2k+ words ; no pronouns used for reader. fluff. mini angst (if u squint) near-end but it'll be back to fluff. reader is bitchless and bitter in life. a lot of swearing. heizou kinda a bitch but we love him. mentions of 4nemo, dckz and liyue. mentions of reader's insecurities. ayamiya cameo (i just love my girls).

NOTICE UST PASKUHAN (desc from wikipedia): The Paskuhan is the culmination of the university-wide Christmas activities of the University of Santo Tomas in Manila, Philippines. | SONG USED: Fallen by Lola Amour

WHO WANTS TO BE MY PASKUHAN DATE?

Damn. Why does everyone else have a date, even your friends, except you? The Gods of Celestia truly have their favorites — they're not even trying to hide it.

In every corner you go, you see a couple holding hands, sitting on the other's lap, flirting, cuddling, some even kissing. It was such a gross and horrifying sight to see. You just wanted to go home, tuck yourself in your bed, and watch some Netflix all alone.

Who knew the single-bitchless life could be this boring? All your friends have left you to hang out with their partners, leaving you alone on the crowdy campus of Teyvat National.

whole content under the cut!

You sighed. Archons forbid you from sitting on the grass because you swear there's no place here where there's no couple grossly being romantic to each other.

So, now you're here sitting on the bench, all alone, with an ice cream melting in your hand. How did you end up here? You're bitchless.

Without a thought, you started licking your ice cream like a lone dog waiting for its owner to come back. Can anyone blame you for being such an antiromantic? Just looking at your surroundings is enough to gross you out. Maybe it's the effect of being single and bitter in life.

"Didn't know I'd ever see the day the over-friendly Y/N would be seen eating ice cream alone!" You heard a familiar voice cackling like a devil as he teased you for being alone.

"Shut it, you spawn of satan," you rolled your eyes at him, eating your ice cream nonchalantly.

It wasn't new to be teased by the campus fuckboy (campus crush — he's secretly a sweetheart) for being alone. I mean, you're not gonna lie — he's got that charisma, looks, money, and talent (you gagged at the thought of praising him for having skills). While you? You feel like a piece of shit. A doormat and a complete waste of time.

But, of course, your friends would say otherwise even though they've left you hanging in the air alone. And you love them for that (even though they make you feel so single every single time).

"Dear archons! Heizou, what the hell?!"

Before you knew it, Heizou had already licked a portion of your ice cream.

"Careful, L/N. Your guard should be up any time," Heizou smirked at you, wiping the ice cream that went to his face.

You looked at him as he licked his lips. He looks so damn fine. His lips look so plump and shiny you just want to kiss him — of course, you won't say this to his face, or it will inflate his ego more.

"You're staring way too much," Heizou leaned closer, your eyes meeting.

His eyes are so pretty...

"Are you sure you're not in love with me? Hm?" He teased, closing the gap even more.

His lips...

"Say, do you want to be my Paskuhan date?"

His overall facial features are just so... Wait. What?

You quickly stood up, looking all flustered. "I— I have to go."

Heizou looked at you with a puzzled look on his face as he watched you grab your stuff in a hurry. He was a bit worried if he had scared you or made you uncomfortable.

"And here I thought I was finally getting a date," Heizou sighed at the thought of missing out on having a new taste of Paskuhan.

Holy shit. You are so doomed to face eternal damnation if you ever take a good look at that damned Shikanoin detective Conan wannabe again. Of all the people who you'll like, why him? Why the campus crush — the one that is out of your league?

You swear to every archon that is listening right now (if there's one) to command the universe to stop playing with your feelings. Or maybe they're enjoying the show, laughing at you while eating their popcorn on cloud nine.

Seeing as how the mass of people is piling up, you squeezed your way through the front of the stage. The idols performing today are the only reasons why you decided to stay despite feeling grossed out the entire day. You can't miss this out now, or you'll end up going home downright heartbroken.

Archons forbid you to shout at the top of your lungs, or you'll end up losing your voice. But really, who can resist the charm of 4NEMO's lead guitarist, Xiao? Thank all archons and Gods of Celestia because this university invited a big-time boy group like 4NEMO!

Teyvat National even got LIYUE — Liyue's biggest girl group — and DCKZ to perform! Oh, what a sight. With this whole concert concept Paskuhan offered, you managed to take your mind off being bitchless and Heizou's existence.

"And, for our last performer — we have our monster rookie in the industry, who also comes from our beloved University," the host announced, inciting the screams of many.

"We are honored to have him perform his debut song today... Shikanoin Heizou!"

Roars filled the entire campus, chants of Heizou's name could be heard, and lights were flashed. The crowd was a sight to see for Heizou, but he was looking for one and only person.

"HEIZOU?!" You screamed at the top of your lungs. Contrary to those of others, yours weren't a call of affectionate lovey lovey lovey dovey dovey dovey — it was more of an expression of shock.

HE'S AN IDOL NOW?!

Were you that outdated of the lives of those in your surrounding that you didn't know your classmate debuted? You do not know whether to be proud or envious that he achieved one of his dreams once more. You know that despite his outer persona, he's a very hardworking person on the inside.

Because of your scream, Heizou managed to pinpoint you from the crowd. Your eyes locked with his, his smile growing as the music started.

Everybody started grooving to the music.

"What if I told you that I've fallen?"

The whole crowd's partying spirit got liven up despite being tired from standing for three hours straight for the entire event. But you didn't complain, the song does hit like a truck, and it's definitely a fetch.

His eyes never left yours during his entire performance — it, undoubtedly, gave you butterflies and a racing heartbeat (though you claimed it was because of the coffee you drank early this morning).

"I shouldn't tell you that I've fallen."

With that one last line from his song, the curtains closed.

"And that was our final act for tonight and this year's Paskuhan. We hope that everyone enjoyed this event. See you all next year!" The emcee announced, and the number of people in the crowd started reducing.

The song never left your mind, even after minutes that passed after his performance. It was like a broken record — playing in an endless loop, swirling in your head.

Today was supposed to be your night, given that you've seen the idols you oh-so-loved and adored. But, after Heizou's song? You sure do not know what to feel and think, given that his gaze never left you earlier — as if he was conveying something.

"Y/N! Were you up in the very front?! You're so lucky!" You heard Yoimiya say as she shook your shoulders.

"Yeah," you respond, showing your gallery to them.

"Oh my. You're so up close to the stage. I told Yoimiya we should've gone sooner," Ayaka said regrettably.

Yoimiya chuckled, "Oh, well, at least we enjoyed our date!"

Your eyes narrowed. "Ah, yes, serves you two right since you left me to go with your date. Hmph."

"Hey! Last time you went with us, you were complaining about how you're being a third wheel for the nth time," Yoimiya explained, though you know they just wanted to spend time together alone.

Yoimiya nudged you, "Anyway, you going home yet?"

"Well, I don't think there's more to do here, so—"

"You're forgetting something, Y/N," you heard Heizou's voice from behind.

Ah, yes, I'm trying to forget about you, you damn Shikanoin Heizou.

You cleared your throat and faced your friends, "Yoimiya, Ayaka, you guys can go first."

"Oh, okay! Heizou, you slayed earlier. Okay, bye!"

"Yoimiya has always been a jolly one," Heizou commented. "But you know what brings a smile to my face?"

You crossed your arms and faced this dipshit, "What is it now?"

"You."

"What?"

Heizou laughed, "Look at you! Getting all flustered. Was that the feeling you felt while listening to my performance?"

"Fuck you, Heizou, and you wanting to play with my stupid emotions tendencies."

"Huh?" Heizou was stunned by your response.

Heizou wondered, did he do anything wrong to piss you off? Did he mess up something? Did you hate his song? He didn't know, and he was scared to know the reason. Given your reaction, you looked like you were about to erupt like a volcano — all those emotions and words that were stuck in your throat for a long time are about to burst out of your mouth.

"I like you. And I hate myself for feeling that way," you started, your voice breaking and tears threatening to fall down any moment now. "Your flirtatious habit annoys me to the core because when I'm so close to moving on from this ridiculous emotion, you keep squishing your way to my heart."

"Please stop toying with my heart already, Heizou," you continued.

The lump in your throat finally disappeared when you let those piled-up words out of your mouth. Unbeknownst to you, your tears had also fallen already — putting you in a very vulnerable state in Heizou's eyes.

"I," Heizou found it hard to relay the words he wanted to tell you. He didn't know how to properly explain his feelings toward you without sounding insincere.

"If you're going to apologize, don't," you said, rubbing your swollen eyes.

You know all too well that it's not his fault you're feeling this way. You could've stopped your feelings back when it has started developing, but you chose to ignore them. Now, you're being hypocritical because you're reflecting your anger on him.

"No. I'm sorry," Heizou wiped your tears and pulled you in for a tight embrace. "I should've been more clear to you when showing my real feelings."

"Now, what the fuck do you mean by that, you loser?" You said, burying your head on his chest (although you're hitting him really hard on his chest right now).

"I asked you to be my date earlier this afternoon. But I assume that pissed you off," Heizou explained, sighing deeply.

"You asked me to be your date?" You were confused. Did he actually ask you earlier, or is he just fooling around again? Oh, maybe it was that time you were too fancied by his beauty that your mind completely blanked out and malfunctioned.

Heizou's eyebrows met each other, "What? You didn't hear me earlier, did you?"

Hearing no response from you, Heizou sighed in disappointment. "Guess I'd have to chase after you for a year again. I'll have to wait for next year to ask you out to be my Paskuhan date, huh?"

You broke the hug with Heizou and looked at him with one eyebrow raised, "Why wait for next year's Paskuhan when the night's still not over yet?"

Heizou looked at you with widened eyes. Did you just accept his date proposal? It felt surreal to him. He chased after you for years now, and he can't believe he managed to ask you out (albeit failing on the first try).

"A-Are you agreeing to be my date for today?" Heizou's face was as red as a tomato, and it was evident that he was flustered.

"Tonight. Take me somewhere before I change my mind."

Heizou's face lit up at your words. "Where do you want to go?"

"I'm okay being by your side for as long as I can hide," you stated the lyrics from the song, which made him chuckle.

"So, you did listen to my performance," Heizou said, taking your hand.

You intertwined your fingers with him, "Of course, I'm proud of my dearest friend for achieving one of his dreams."

Heizou chuckled, "I'm glad I told you that I've fallen."

NOTE AKO'Y NAGBABALIK (i'm back) i was gone for a month, now i'm back from hellhole which is school. i have something in mind for mixed signals but i'd rather think about it carefully for now before actually executing my plan sahfauhfaud. anyway, i hope you enjoyed my little silly brainrot of heizou. ust paskuhan made me feel so bitchless, i just had to write this down and share my pain with everyone else. MERRY CHRISTMAS, EVERYONE! enjoy your holidays~

[luciusbetterwife69]

Hate (Vasili x fem!reader)

Pairing: Vasili (Hotel Mumbai) x fem!reader

Attention!! Porn without plot! / Straight to porn!

_______________________

Author's note:

NEW FANFICTION!! Vasili X Reader this time :^ I hope you are fine with me being a little offline- I swear to god I have so much stuff to do...but still: Jason >>>

Also we need to appreciate Vasili more. That boy gets too less attention.. oh, btw..requests are open!! Feel free to ask anything! ^^ <33

_______________________

Yn and Vasili. God, how they hated each other…Vasili was one of the most famous man in the Hotel. His bad luck however, got him to share his room with a very special woman. Arrogant. Egoistic. Rich. Spoiled.

It was yn.

They hated each other with passion…so much passion, that they would let all the hate out in a very rough night together. And well, let's just say that “rough nights” happened very often..since Vasili and her got on each other's throats almost every day.

“Vasili, dear~” she called him to her. Never ever would Vasili call her like that- that's what he thought at least. Sometimes he would eventually give in to her even if he absolutely hated that.

Vasili got up from his chair, where he read his magazine earlier. As he walked towards from where the voice came, Vasili found yn laying on the bed of their shared room. Of course she was grinning. Of course it was pissing him off. Of course she knew exactly that.

“Shut up.” Vasili answered, only giving her a pissed look. Even if his face showed an annoyed expression, he perhaps might just wanted to jump on her and ravish that stupid woman who called herself his roommate.

“Make me, bastard.”

Vasili rolled his eyes. How could a woman be so fucking annoying as yn? And what the hell did he do to deserve her as his roommate??

Without spending any more time on listening to her insults or orders, the Russian man got up, sat down on the bed and grabbed both of her legs with his hands. “Shut the hell up now, bratty whore” he said in the usual cold tone that he always had with her.

Then he got rid of his shirt and put both of her legs on each side of his shoulder. The man looked good, that was out of question, but if only there was a little love in the room right now and they wouldn't hate each other that much.

“I hate you, Russian.” Yn said.

Vasili raised an eyebrow, not caring much anyways.

“Say it.”

“No, bastard.”

“Say it.” He said again.

Yn only remained stubborn, not reacting to his order at all. She didnt care what he said anyways, did she?

Vasili rolled his eyes at her stubbornness. He hated that as well. Her incredible stubbornness…how could someone be that annoying and stubborn?

“мудак” She whispered as Vasili unbuckled his belt, still sitting between her legs while they rested on his shoulders.

As he heard the insult she just threw at him, their eyes met for a brief moment. Enough said.

“Oh? So you wanna get it rough, hmm?” It was a whole different thing if she called him any name that meant something bad..or if she called him a russian name. He was a Russian himself. Otherwise than her.

With another swift move he had her legs off his shoulders, now wrapping them around his own waist as he finished unbuckling his belt. Yn responded with a gasp. A reaction that made the Russian grin slightly. He leaned over her and positioned himself.

Vasili was ready. So was she.

With one big thrust and a precise hip move- Vasili managed to push his whole length in, not caring about what the woman beneath him felt like right now.

Before she could dig her fingers in his back and scratch him, Vasili had already pinned her hands down to prevent exactly that.

Yn squeezed Vasilis bigger hand, feeling how his thickness stretched her insides like nothing else did. She hated to love it:

“Shhh, be quiet now, bratty.” The russian accent was practically dripping from his voice.

Vasili knew that she loved it. It turned her on. That was a game they played every single night.

“Hhh….h..hhh” The only reaction coming from the woman was her heavy breathing.

Vasili began to thrust his hips forward. He wasn't going slow, no, not today. Not when he hated her so much. Not when she told him how much she hated him during it. Vasili loved it.

“I hate you, Russian.” Yn brought out, fighing hard to hold the ragging of her breath back as the russian man set a rough pace.

“Well then…hate me harder, bratty. Come on now~” He answered. “You can do better.”

Despite all the slutty, hate-filled cries she gave him, Vasili kept pounding her in that rentlessless, vigorous pace. One hand pressed her hands down, making her squeeze his hand, making yn hate him further. “Now come on…cant you hate me further? Don't you hate me harder, hm? Cmon let it all out~”

“God damn it, I really hate y-...mmmh…hhh” Yn tried to say, failing as her own voice turned a little more hoarse. Vasili was good.

In all the months where they had been on each other's throats, he had found it most enticing when she was at the point where she couldn't speak. When she could say no more words. When she was at his mercy.

Vasili groaned and his hips snapped forward with such force yn could feel his thickness going inside and hitting her wall.

The Russian wanted to hear that he was the most hated person in her world, and still he was getting yn, in bed and willing to have wild and rough sex every single night.

“You know I love when you say that…so tell…tell me how much you hate me bratty.”

“Oh..fuck you, Russian~” Yn cried out, already struggling to keep her eyes open to look at her roommate leaning above her.

Vasili let go of her hand, allowing the woman to wrap her arm around his neck and even reach his shoulder blades with her hands. One hand of hers dug into his hair, causing the man to breathe out for a moment to get used to her grip. With his now free hand, Vasili gripped the bedsheets while still pounding her at a brutal pace.

Everytime he snapped his hips forward, she moaned louder and louder, her voice echoing off the walls. Vasili loved this so much.

“Tell me again~” He hissed slowly, approaching her neck with his mouth.

“God, I-...I hate you so m-much…~” It was a pure struggle to streak for yn at this point. “Hhh…Ngh~” She simply closed her eyes, letting Vasili mark her neck with a bite on her neck. He had marked her.

“That's it bratty…keep moaning. You caught the spirit.”

Vasili moaned as well, snapping his hips forward and not giving any sign to slow down orgo softer. Thrusting. Pounding. Snapping. The russian man really gave no sign of mercy.

They would keep this toxic relationship. It would not work somewhere else, but it did work in this hotel room.

“I hate you…I fucking hate you…I hate your beautiful, sexy body…I hate your smooth skin…I just hate you.”

With every single ‘I hate you’ Vasili thrusted deep into her, certainly hitting the woman’s cervix. He would watch how yn’s eyes rolled back slightly whenever he did that. It was pure satisfaction for him. “I hate you…I hate you so much…my bratty little princess…my slutty, bratty little princess…”

Yn tho, felt herself losing slowly. Not only did she feel herself slowly getting tighter, but Vasili as well. Yn was close. Terribly close.

“God damn you're so tight…” His Russian accent made it so much sweeter.

The woman couldn't answer, her breath hitched and her fingernails surely left marks in the man's skin.“Oh my lord, fuckkk…~” Yn moaned again. Her voice was hoarse and desperate. “Please…I-..ha-”

“Mmh~” Vasili groaned in response, not letting her finish her sentence. “Say my name, bratty. Say my name.”

That was the point where she lost it.

Yn closed her eyes, narrowing her eyebrows and opening her mouth again- only to say nothing and let her breath rag in her throat. She was gasping for air, digging her nails into Vasilis shoulder blades.

The womans hips buckled, lifting her back up from the matress as Vasili gave her one last deep thrust to feel a wave of pleasure.

Before she could moan anything, Vasili had pushed his lips against hers and kept her quiet. In betweeen that deep and angry kiss, yn still moaned a quiet “Vasili~” into his mouth.

After the russian had pulled away, he still remained leaning over her to let his climax run its course. His strong, heavy body covered hers, he panted against yn’s neck as their hearts beat furiously against their both chests.

With a depp breath and a finaly move Vasili pulled out, letting his fluids run out of yn’s still wet cunt. He rolled off her body and laid next to her.

“I hate you, russian bastard…fuck you…” Yn breathed, panting just as much he russian roommate did.

Vasili chuckled. His breath slowly came back to normal. With a still slightly flushed face and a necks covered in sweat, he gave her a sly grin.

“Bratty…” He smirked.

[thelaisydazy]

The Chains of Devotion

Chapter 1

Prologue

Wafting incense and cheers met the lamb as they looked over their flock, their adoring flock of followers.

“Good morning everyone,” the lamb cooed, smiling sweetly. Holding out a hand, the red crown atop their head floated and transformed into a thick, leather bound tome. They skimmed over the records of sermons past, lists of rituals and names of followers long since passed, naturally or otherwise. “Today we celebrate the life and passing of the devoted Pagre.” The tome snapped shut and the lamb swept their hand forward, beckoning the elderly otter towards the center of the ritual circle. “Pagre, you’ve served our congregation for many moons and now it is time for you to take your rest.” The elder smiled and held out his arms, closing his eyes to accept his fate.

The lamb smiled back before holding out their own arms. They closed their eyes for a brief moment before the power of the red crown crackled through the thick air and they rose from the floor, bathed in a crimson glow. The pentagram beneath the otter lit in purple flame as a portal to the gateway opened above. Pagre was lifted from where he stood, faltering only a moment before raising through the portal and vanishing in a flash of bright white light, the clattering of his cane on the wooden temple floor the only sign he’d ever existed.

As the ritual came to an end, the lamb lowered to the floor and blinked the bloody redness from their eyes, looking out over their enamored following. “He will be greatly missed and we will forever remember all that he gave to us.”

—

“He could have lived a few more years,” came a quiet voice.

The lamb looked up from the coins they’d been counting. A nearly black cat covered in red sigils approached, tidying the sleeves on their red robe.

“Maar,” the lamb smiled stickily. “Pagre grew weary, it was time for him to go on to greener pastures. He deserves rest.” They fastened the pouch that held the gold coin and put it away, turning their full attention towards their spouse. “Although if you were so attached I'd be happy to bring him back.” The lamb tapped their chin thoughtfully. “He’d probably be able to work a few more years as well..”

“You should have let him live out his life naturally, as intended,” Maar bristled, stepping up to the podium at the head of the temple. “It’s so rare we see elders, they deserve to enjoy what time they have left.”

The lamb advanced, meeting Maar, wrapping a bandaged arm around their waist. “The good die young, sweet Maar,” the lamb purred sympathetically. “You know that..” The lamb lifted a hand, pressing it to Maar’s forehead. “You must be unwell my dear.. perhaps we should stop by the healing tent.”

Maar shoved the lamb away, baring their teeth. “You and I both know that isn’t true!” they hissed. “That is a lie you tell the others so that you can keep murdering those who grow too old to work!” They dug their claws into the podium, scaring the wood. “This has to end Lambert. You aren’t this cold.”

If the lamb’s heart could beat it would have shuttered in their chest at the sound of their name. Coming from Maar they could listen to it again and again. Gods below it was a wonderful sound.

“Where is this coming from lovely?” Lambert asked more softly. “Have I done something to hurt you? If I did, you have my most sincere apologies.”

Maar snarled then, their anger boiling now. “Don’t lovely me,” Maar spat. “I tolerated your sacrifices, even turned a blind eye to your... indulgences. But killing the loyal once they’re too old? That’s where I draw the line.” Claws gripped Lambert’s collar, pulling them close enough to Maar’s face to feel their breath. “That is where I can no longer stand down. This ends or there will be consequences.”

Red flashed in their eyes and their hand gripped Maar’s throat, lifting them from the floor. “You dare threaten me?” they bellowed, tightening their grip on the cat. “I brought you in when you were nothing. You owe me your very life.” They threw their spouse to the temple floor, crimson arcane energy like static around the pair. “Do not question me again!”

Maar scrambled to their feet, fleeing from the temple and leaving their lamb to their rage.

—

Red camelia flowers appeared under Maar’s nose, their sweet smell almost intoxicating. They looked up at their once lovely lamb, who looked down at them with an old warmth, like the embers of a candle long snuffed out. There was a new scar across their cheek, it was shallow but fresh. Feeling the gaze of the rest of the camp on the pair, the feline took hold of the bouquet and forced a grateful smile. “You’re so thoughtful,” they murmured.

“Anything for you,” Lambert cooed, nuzzling against the top of their head. The lamb then swept away, handing off a bag of food to another follower before vanishing into the temple.

“Aren’t they sweet?” a fluffy yellow duck sighed. “You’re so lucky Maar!”

“I suppose I am..” Maar said, looking off towards the temple.

—

The night was cool and quiet. Maar was curled up in their shared tent with two of Lambert’s other spouses: Noryn and Tybrena. Noryn was a little gray mouse, sweet as camelia flowers and just as delicate. Maar still remembered Lambert coming to them early one morning before the sermon, warning her that the mouse had begged them to marry her and that they simply could not deny such a sweet creature. Tybrena, a strong-looking raccoon, had approached Maar about proposing to the lamb, asking for their blessing. Maar, recently wounded by the lamb’s marriage to Noryn, lacked the strength to threaten her away from their spouse. The raccoon at least tried to be a friend, offering a shoulder to cry on and a listening ear when Maar needed it. 

Sleep had not yet found Maar,they’d never seen the lamb so wild. Perhaps they were overreacting. Pagre’s death had looked peaceful, perhaps the lamb was right and it was for the best.

A branch snapped out the tent, making Maar jump up from their bedroll. Their ears twitched as they listened more intently. 

“Wake up.” It was Lambert's voice. They sounded.. empty. 

“Oh leader.. it's so late..” The old yellow duck from earlier. What did the lamb want with her? 

Maar’s heart stopped. How old was that duck? The cat scrambled to their feet, kicking Noryn awake as they did. But they didn't stop to apologize, they had to save that duck. 

The tent flap tore open in time for Maar to see the duck crumble lifelessly to the ground, a gash in her throat. Lambert was standing over her, the red crown transforming from a blood-soaked sword back to its original form. Maar dove at the body, desperately trying to save a life already snuffed out. 

The lamb's fist closed tightly seeing their spouse fretting over what was already done. Getting in their way. Defying them again. They stepped forward but were interrupted by a small voice from the tent behind them. 

Noryn crawled out from the tent, rubbing her eyes before her gaze landed on Maar and the old duck. The lamb's eyes widened as they reached to stop her. 

She screamed.

The sound startled the rest of the camp awake, more and more followers gathering around to witness the gruesome scene. Before anyone could speak, Maar raised their voice.

“You're a monster,” they snarled, still clutching the duck’s body. Followers whispered around them as the lamb glanced around, sputtering for one in their life.

“The Red Crown demanded the spillage of blood,” the lamb said, wiping their hands.

A growl rose in Maar’s throat and they stood, leaving the body on the ground. They walked right up to the lamb, standing toe-to-toe with them. “It wasn’t the crown Lambert,” they snarled. “You just can’t stand the idea of anyone not working under you.”

“She knows peace now,” the lamb insisted.

“And in her final moments she only knew terror as her leader brought a blade down on her for no other reason other than their own selfishness,” Maar pressed. They narrowed their eyes at the lamb. “Would you kill me when I am old and gray as well?”

—

Lambert’s eyes widened as Maar’s accusation, the anger they’d felt leaving as hot shame washed over them. They tried to wrap their arms around the cat but they slipped away. “My dear Maar.. I could never..” A small hand grabbed their arm and the lamb looked down to see Noryn looking up at them with her wide eyes.

“Please, tell me it wasn’t you and I’ll believe you,” she whimpered, her hands shaking. Behind her Tybrena appeared, placing a hand on the mouse’s shoulder and looking pleadingly at the lamb.

“Are you daft?” Maar spat, their tongue sharp as a blade. “That monster was standing over her body, and you’d believe anything they’d say, simply because they said it?” The cat shoved themself between the lamb and their wives, casting their eyes on the lamb.

The lamb sucked in a breath before sighing out with that practiced honey sweet smile. “I do not know why the crown wants what it wants,” they spoke smoothly. “It pained me to draw my blade on a loyal follower, but if it would save my flock from hardship I will do all that is necessary.”

An agreeable murmur rose from the crowd, easing the lamb's nerves. They extended a hand to Maar, who was looking around in disbelief. "Please, lovie," they coaxed softly. "Let’s not be rash. There’s a plan for all of us." Their eyes flicked briefly to the cat’s lashing tail, a reminder of their fourth spouse, thankfully away from this… unfortunate incident.

Maar growled, shoving past them, cursing under their breath as they stormed back to their tent. The lamb watched them go, knowing this wasn’t the end of the fight. Turning to Noryn and Tybrena, they offered gentle comfort, murmuring soft, sweet words before sending them and the rest of the flock back to bed. A solution was needed for Maar’s sudden lack of faith.

—

“Good morning, everyone!” The lamb greeted their flock in the temple. The congregation looked weary, with some members standing further back than usual, whispering amongst themselves. Yet, the lamb smiled down from the podium. “I know last night was stressful for everyone, so I thought it would be good for the flock to let off a little steam today.” The red crown transformed into a box that the lamb held delicately in their hands. “Everyone will take a ball from the box. There are only two white balls, the rest are black. The two with the white balls will be today’s combatants.”

The flock lined up, each member taking a ball from the box. When everyone, except for the lamb, had taken their ball, they were permitted to look. A brown dog howled in excitement, jumping up and down at the chance to play rougher than usual. The lamb’s gaze swept over the crowd, searching for the second white ball holder. Their eyes landed on Maar, who stood frozen, wide-eyed, staring at the ball in their palm.

—

The white ball mocked Maar, glaring up from their palm. Slowly, they raised their head, locking eyes with the lamb. The lamb’s icy stare sent a chill down their spine. Tyjul, the dog, was far bigger and stronger than Maar. The realization hit like a fallen tree: this was no random selection. The lamb had rigged the lottery. This was punishment for defying them.

The crowd shifted, creating space for the fight. Tyjul leered at Maar, barely containing his excitement as the temple bell tolled above their heads, signaling the start. The dog lunged forward, swinging his massive fists. Maar ducked, backing away, swiping at him with their claws, but they might as well have struck stone. Tyjul snarled, snapping his jaws at Maar, who retreated only to be shoved back into the ring by the followers behind them.

Normally, the cult cheered during a fight, but today, a heavy silence hung over the temple. Even they weren’t foolish enough to believe this was mere chance. Tyjul lunged again, this time knocking Maar onto their back. His fists slammed down with bone-crushing force. Maar’s cheek shattered, and the scent of blood flooded their senses. Dazed, they looked toward the podium where the lamb watched, their gaze cold and unreadable.

Tyjul's fists continued to rain down. Maar’s world spun as pain shot through their skull, each blow echoing like a death knell. Their vision blurred, but Lambert’s face remained clear—calm, detached. This was the lamb’s doing. Lambert would keep killing, as if lives meant nothing.

For a moment, the beating paused. Maar lay motionless, Tyjul hesitating as he looked up to his leader. The lamb raised a hand and pointed their thumb toward the earth. Tyjul understood. The final blow came, and everything went black.

The lamb’s indifferent gaze was the last thing Maar saw.

Chapter 2

[emotionalcadaver]

Part 13: Dance of Darkness

Fandom: Peaky Blinders

Pairing: Tommy Shelby x Grace Burgess x OC

Summary: Their day starts with a funeral, and somehow it only gets worse from there.

Word Count: 3,389

Notes: I am so sorry that it’s taken me so long to get this out! I’ve recently been juggling finishing up college, family visiting, some health issues, and my other stories so things have been a little chaotic. But I hope you enjoy this next installment! No warnings.

Previous Part • Series • Fic • Next Chapter

Chapter 1: Bird of Doom

Lucy tugged her black coat a little tighter around herself to protect against the chill of the wind that brushed lightly over the graveyard. Her eyes fixed dully on the pile of dirt that sat beside the open grave, every once in a while flicking over to glance at Ada, holding little Karl close to her. The priest’s words were little more than numbed mumblings. Nothing that he had to say was of much value to Lucy anyway.

She supposed that there was something twistedly funny about the whole thing; a priest standing there, speaking of God and heaven and eternal souls, when the Devil was standing right there over the grave, hands crossing in front of him, head bowed just enough so that his hat hid his eyes in its shadow. So that no one could tell if the orbs with which he used to see were red or blue. His shoulder brushed against hers, an eternal, warm comfort in the otherwise harsh coldness of Birmingham.

When the priest had finished speaking, Tommy took a few measured steps forward and cleared his throat, giving a brief, yet heartfelt speech about his late dear friend, Freddie Thorne.

Thunder rumbled. Esme and John’s baby was crying. The black veil that was covering Polly’s face flapped in the wind. Every once in a while, Ada’s chin would tremble; the only evidence that she was fighting back tears.

Lucy had to give her credit for how well she was handling the whole thing. Perhaps Tommy’s little sister was actually much stronger than she had ever given her credit for. 

The ceremony ended with them each taking a handful of dirt in their hands, tossing it into the grave to splatter onto the top of the coffin already settled in the hole. Taking a step back for the next group to toss their handfuls of dirt in, Lucy trailed behind Tommy and Ada towards the exit of the cemetery. Ada had her arms wrapped around herself, while Tommy spoke to her in a quiet voice, trying to convince her to come back to Birmingham. Ada ignored him, instead focusing on the unfairness of the wealth he had acquired over the years. As if he needed to feel guilty of the rewards he’d more than earned through years of hard work and diligence.

“So now they’ve made you ashamed of us, eh?” Tommy cleared his throat, raising his cigarette to his lips. Lucy sighed, linking her arm with his in what she hoped would be some form of comfort. Much as she understood where Ada was coming from in a way, she didn’t understand why she had to be so harsh with the rest of the family when they just wanted to help her. Not to mention that all she ever ended up accomplishing was hurting Tommy’s feelings, hard as he may have tried to hide it.

Polly came up behind them, interrupting to give an update on Karl, who was off playing with his cousins. She smiled through her veil, then took a step forward. “Ada. Are you coming home?”

“I’m going home,” Ada corrected. Tommy was looking down.

“It’s alright, Pol. We make Ada embarrassed.”

“That’s not what I said,” Ada snapped back.

“You didn’t have to,” Lucy said. Tommy tightened his grip on her in silent warning, and she locked her jaws shut before she said anymore while Tommy tried to explain to Ada the potential danger she would be in during the expansion in London. She wasn’t convinced. 

“The expansion means it’s gonna be dangerous to be a Shelby in London for a while,” he shot a look at Ada that was notably concerned, particularly for him.

“Yeah. Well, I’m not a Shelby anymore. And I’m not a Thorne now either. I’m free.”

“I’m not sure that argument is going to be persuasive with the gangsters in London, Ada,” Lucy tried.

Ada looked at them all. “I’ve got to get Karl home.”

Polly reached out to her as she walked past, but then pulled her hand away. Tommy had his lips pressed together, drawing in a slow, deep breath, worry etched into his face like stone even as he told Polly he would get some of their men to watch Ada’s house until the danger was over.

It had started up raining, big fat droplets splattering down onto them from the sky. A man on a motorbike had come roaring up the path, speaking urgently to Arthur, who began to walk promptly towards them, gesturing to Tommy, who moved to meet him halfway. Lucy went to follow, but not before she heard Polly muttering under her breath.

“Till the danger passes. That’ll be the bloody day.”

∗ ∗ ∗ 

“You’re really sure that you don’t want me to come with you?” Lucy fretted, crimson painted lips rubbing together with worry.

“Yes, love, I’m sure,” he said, trying hard not to let her fussing irritate him too much. She was just worried; he couldn’t exactly begrudge her that. “I need you to begin organizing a clean up and refurbishment of the pub. I don’t want it to be out of commission for very long.”

Her arms were crossed over her chest. “Alright. I’ll make the calls.”

“I’ll meet you after,” before he could step out the door, she took a step forward, wrapping her arms around him in a tight hug. Tommy rubbed her back in what he hoped was a soothing manner.

“Don’t die.”

He bit back a laugh. “I won’t. Promise.”

Stepping back, she pecked him once quickly on the lips. “Okay.”

Tugging his hat on, he stepped out the door and began walking briskly down the road, pulling a cigarette from his case and setting it between his lips, lighting it. She’d been a little more clingy than normal, as of late. He wondered if it had something to do with Freddie. Perhaps his rather sudden death had affected Lucy more than he thought. Or maybe it was the knowledge that soon they would be heading back into London. And London for Lucy held a lot of conflicting, dark memories.

It wasn’t like he particularly minded. And if being closer to him made her feel safe, he wasn’t about to scold her over it. But this particular meeting was one that he needed to attend alone.

The explosion at the Garrison while they were at the funeral had taken him by surprise and put them all on edge. He was hoping that this meeting would reveal at least some answers as to who was behind it.

Then he could send Lucy to cut their eyes out. 

∗ ∗ ∗ 

He spent the entire walk back to the office stewing, his frustration only mildly dissipated by the time he threw open the big double doors to his office. Lucy was sitting at the round table near the fireplace, scribbling at some papers.

“Oh hey, you’re not dead,” she said, greeting him with a chaste kiss after he’d shut the doors behind him.

“Funny,” he grumbled dully, walking to the desk at the far end of the room, tossing his hat onto the wood surface and collapsing into the chair behind it. Lucy came around, hopping up to sit on the desk in front of him, finger trailing over his arm.

“It didn’t go well?”

He just grunted, one hand holding his cigarette, the other snaking around her waist, and she laughed in a combination of delight and confusion as he pulled her from the desk to instead sit straddling his lap, burying his face in her neck. She smelled like cigarettes and her perfume, and when her fingers petted through his hair and massaged at the nape of his neck, he allowed himself a brief reprieve of peaceful contentment. Amazing, how she could almost instantly make him feel better with just a simple touch.

“It’ll be alright,” she said. Tommy nodded, leaning back from her neck to look into her deep green eyes. He would tell her about the new situation with the Irish and the assignment they had forced upon him in a moment. For now, he just wanted to bask in having her nearby. Allow her presence to soothe his irritable mood and shot nerves. 

“The information you gathered about that Irene O’Donnell and her son came in handy,” he informed her.

“Oh, good.”

“I need to make a call,” he reached for the phone, pulling it from its cradle. Lucy made a move to get off of his lap, and he tightened his arm around her waist. “Just where do you think you’re going, eh?”

She laughed again as he pecked a kiss to her jaw while he tucked the phone against his ear.

“This will just take a minute,” he promised. Lucy nodded, body resting more heavily against his chest as she got more comfortable. 

∗ ∗ ∗ 

She sat on a stack of crates beside Tommy, legs swinging. He was leaning against the crates, eyes staring out the opened entrance of the garage. Neither of them said anything, both just silently brooding over the task that the Irish had assigned to them.

Well, technically to Tommy, but he’d gotten permission to bring her along. And it wasn’t like she was going to just leave him to carry out the assassination on his own.

They both snapped to attention when Moss approached them.

Tommy mumbled a few orders to him, handing him a wad of bills from his pocket.

Moss pocketed the cash. “I’ve got some information you might be interested in. No charge. An old friend of ours is coming back to the city. He’s, uh, just passing through, he says,” as he continued to describe this ‘old friend,’ Lucy’s blood grew cold, jaw clenching. Moss bid them goodnight, and they both watched as he walked away. Lucy hopped down from her seat on the crates.

“He can’t mean who I think he means, can he?”

Tommy pressed his lips into a thin line and Lucy groaned.

When she’d heard from her sources of information that Grace had shot Campbell in the leg at the train station, she’d laughed for about a solid five minutes. When she’d told Tommy, he’d grinned, eyes dancing with silent mirth and approval. It was the least that the old bastard had deserved.  

She’d hoped that the multiple humiliations, both public and private, that Campbell had suffered during his stint in Birmingham would mean that he would be reluctant to show his face in the city again. 

Apparently not.

“Is it just me, or is our list of potential problems growing by the day?” she asked.

“No,” Tommy said, tossing his cigarette to the ground. “It’s not just you.”

∗ ∗ ∗ 

They arrived late to the family meeting on purpose. Half the time John or Arthur were late anyway; they might as well get a taste of how fucking annoying it could be.

The hum of Polly’s voice was the first thing Lucy heard as Tommy held the door open for her to step into the betting shop, but when they strode into the room, everyone went silent. Polly had been staring at Esme tactfully from where she was standing near the double doors. Esme was seated on the stairs, a book in her lap.

“I’m told only family are allowed to speak,” she said. Lucy felt her eyebrows lift. News to her. Eyes snapping accusingly to John, he met her look with a stubborn glare. It was no secret that if John had it his way, Lucy would probably have gotten her lips sewn shut by now. Jackass.

“Everyone’s allowed to speak,” Tommy disagreed. “On your feet, Esme. Let’s hear what you have to say.” John cleared his throat, shifting from foot to foot. “I speak for our household. So, could–”

Tommy fixed him with an ice cold, stern gaze. “John, this company is a modern enterprise and believes in equal rights for women,” Lucy didn’t think she’d ever loved him more than she did in that moment. He looked back at Esme, again encouraging her to speak.

She put her book aside, bracing a hand on the banister to raise herself up to stand on the staircase, towering over the rest of them. “I’m not a blood member of this family,” she started. “But perhaps, indeed because I’m not a member, I can see things in a different light. So I’ll get to my point–”

“That would be nice,” Polly ground out. Lucy felt a sudden rising desire to slap her. These people. They really seemed to have no appreciation for how cold and unwelcoming they could be; how difficult it was to actually become a member of their inner circle. And how intimidating it was to speak to them all the way that Esme was. Of all of them, Tommy was the only one who had actively accepted Lucy into the group with open arms. Still, after years of nothing but loyal service, the others froze her out.

It was hard not to be bitter about it. 

Esme spoke in her soft, low voice. About the things she had heard about London and the wars that were forged down there between the gangs. “London is just smoke and trouble, Thomas,” she concluded.

“‘Thomas?’” Polly quoted incredulously. Lucy rolled her eyes. That was his name, wasn’t it? Or did Polly think that she was the only one who had the right to call him by it? Tommy leaned his shoulder against the doorframe, watching Esme closely as she spoke. 

“Thank you, Esme,” he said, taking the glass of whiskey Arthur offered him from over his shoulder. “Firstly, the bang in the pub had nothing to do with London. Understood? The bang is something I’m dealing with on my own with Lucy. Secondly, we have nothing to fear from the proposed business expansion so long as we stick together. After the first few weeks, nine tenths of what we do in London will be legal. The other tenth is in good hands. Isn’t that right, Arthur?”

“That’s right,” Arthur concurred.

“Some of you in this room have expressed your reservations. Fair enough. Any of you want no part in the future of this company, walk out the door,” Tommy gestured. Lucy glanced amongst them, waiting. “Right now,” he was staring specifically at John. “Go and raise your chickens. For those of you with ambition, the expansion process begins tomorrow.”

At that, Polly started. Arthur brought his glass to his lips, smirking.

No one moved towards the door. 

∗ ∗ ∗ 

“Polly. Give me the combination.”

She ignored him. Straightening, he shoved his hands into his pockets. He supposed that she was overdue to have another fit with him about the way that he was running things. But still, the last thing he had wanted to hear when he came in to open the safe was how he should have spoken to her first before making decisions about the expansion. Or to be questioned about why he had gone to the Black Lion pub. 

Oh, and she had changed the combination to the safe. Probably just to annoy him. 

Why, why, why did they all insist on making everything so bloody difficult all the time?

“What happened to the pub is Irish business. We’re in a situation where, for everyone’s safety, it’s best if some things remain undisclosed.”

Polly looked up at him, setting down her pen. “You’ve told Lucy.”

Tommy sighed. “Lucy’s helping me with it. But there’s no reason to get the rest of you involved.”

“But you tell her, and not me?”

He looked at her, levelly. “Yes.”

Polly’s jaw twitched, but she thankfully didn’t push the matter anymore. “So why tomorrow?”

He internally counted down from ten, and then told her, again, his plan to head into London while all the bosses were at the races. The Italians and the Jews had been at war for months, and the Jews needed allies.  

“Yeah, but we don’t,” Polly shot back.

“We need a foothold at the southern end of the Grand Union. The Jews control Camden Town.”

“How do you know all this?”

“Lucy has eyes and ears in London. They’ve been providing us with information.”

“Information that you trust?”

“Lucy’s information is rarely bad, Polly. She does good work. And she knew the current leader of the Jews during the time that she lived in London. She didn’t know him well, but she knew him. That gives us an angle in.”

The expression on Polly’s face was fearful and suspicious as she fretted. Afraid that he was going to get himself killed. Probably even more afraid that he was going to take the whole lot of them down with him. 

Still, he tried to explain. To get her to understand.

He was pretty certain that he failed, in that regard.

“Now, please, open the fucking safe.”

Polly looked away only for a moment before standing and going to the safe. “You know it was a fine speech you made in there, about this company believing in equal rights for women. But when it comes to it, you don’t listen to a word we say.”

He looked away, keeping his jaws locked tight. He listened to Lucy. He listened to her advice and her opinions all the time. But he doubted that would count for anything to Polly and her absurd, undying hatred of the woman who was both his lover and his assistant.

∗ ∗ ∗ 

“Love, are you okay?” Lucy was curled up in the seat by the fireplace, glass of whiskey balanced loosely in her hand against her thigh while she watched him where he was seated at his desk. 

“I’m fine,” Tommy mumbled without looking up. “Why?”

“You’ve been quiet. More than usual.”

Sighing, he set his pen down, leaning back and rubbing at his eyes. “It’s nothing.”

“Did Polly say something to you?”

“Polly always has something to say to me these days.”

“Mm,” she angled her head in agreement. Resting his knuckles against his lips, Tommy examined her. 

“Lucy?”

“Yes?”

“I…you don’t think that I don’t listen to women, do you?”

“What? What do you mean?”

“I mean…you don’t feel like I ignore your opinions, do you?”

“What?” she looked truly stunned. “No! Never!” she unfolded herself from the chair, striding across the spacious office to him in a quick few paces. Setting her glass down on the desk, she smoothed her hands over his hair. “I’ve always felt like you listen to me. Even when we disagree or you decide to go against my suggestions,” a rare occurrence, admittedly. They were so often on the same wavelength when it came to most things, business and otherwise. She shot him a knowing look. “Polly just thinks every idea she’s ever had is pure gold. If you’d listened to her, the company wouldn’t be even close to what it is now and she’d still be buying secondhand jewelry and telling fortunes on the side to make an extra buck. I’m not saying she doesn’t have good ideas or insights, but she’s not always as irrefutably correct as she tends to think she is.”

Tommy hummed. “Yeah. You’re right,” he leaned his head against her, feeling the steady thumps of her heart through her clothes. “Thanks,” with a sigh, he decided now might be as good a time as any to bring up the other thing Polly had said to him that had been prickling in his head since their meeting. “She thinks it’s Grace’s fault.”

“What? How?” Lucy stiffened at the name, and with his ear against her chest he was able to hear the way that her breath caught in her lungs.

“Who knows? She seems to believe that I don’t trust any women now ‘cos one betrayed me,” he tipped his head back to stare at the ceiling, as if the answers for how to deal with his aunt were written up there somewhere. “She says that I should just forget about her.”

Lucy started unconsciously fiddling with the plain gold rings that adorned her hands, staring at a spot on the wall. Her eyes contained the same lost, pained expression that he was sure crossed his own every time he thought of Grace. 

“Easier said than done.”

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[asmutwriter]

A True Lady (Part 3)

Anthony x Reader

WORD COUNT: 4046

From beginning / Previous / Next / Master List

WARNINGS: time period sexism, talk of sex, character is born out of wedlock, swearing, mean gossip, walks in on someone having sex

DISCLAIMERS

-   This is fiction. Please always talk to your partner before doing anything and make sure they are ok with what you are doing beforehand

A few months pass when you get word about the baby. Then a few more months pass when you are invited to a weekend at the Duke’s and Duchess’ house that will end with a ball to meet the child. Making your way into the house, you are met with Eloise straight away, nose in a book. She lifts her head up as she nearly walks into you and smiles widely when she realises who it is. She hugs you tightly as you wrap your arms around her “hello my dear”

“I can’t believe it’s you again. Please tell me you are still unmarried and independent from societies roles?” you nod as she smiles and links arms with you

“Where is the child?”

“Upstairs taking a nap in the nursery. The others went for a walk but they should be ba-” as if they heard the door opened to the Bridgerton family opening the door. You smile widely as you hug Daphne, then bowing to the rest of the family. One which you do not recognise

“Who are you?”

“This is the third eldest brother, Colin” you nod

“Pleasure to meet you Sir” he nods and bows his head to you slightly. You turn to Daphne “May I meet your baby?” she nods

“I shall go get him” you nod and wait in the entrance, talking to all of the family whilst the lady of the house gets the newest addition. You smile as you see the baby. Well, a bit bigger than a baby now as you could only get to see him a few months after he’d been born. She hands him to you as you smile

“You are gorgeous. Yes. Oh look at you” the child smiles at you as you making cooing noises at him. You look at Daphne “how was the birth?”

“Honestly it was painful”

“Yeah I can imagine. Pushing a child out of your vagina can’t be easy” you notice Violet look of discomfort once again “Sorry lady Bridgerton for my language. But you must also know it can’t be easy given you’ve had eight of the little devils” she lets out a small laugh at that and nods in agreement “are you feeding him yourself or have you hired a wet nurse?”

“I have hired a wet nurse. I don’t always have the time to feed him otherwise. But I do try to when it is convenient” you nod and start talking in a baby voice

“I would offer but my chest doesn’t work like that. No it doesn’t. Oh you are just the cutest little guy around. I’d say you’re the handsomest little man in this room. Possibly even the handsomest person in this room” you smile and kiss the child’s cheek, handing him back to the mother “I’m glad you were able to have a child eventually” she nods

“So am I. And hopefully, so long as I can persuade my husband, we may have more”

“Good god don’t wear the poor man out” you smile at her. “May I walk around and admire your house?” she nods

“I need to go and attend to some things before dinner. Should be at 6 o clock” you nod

“I’ll see you then” you smile at her as you look around her house. You’ve not been here before so you wanted to see all the rooms. You walk into a room with various art on the wall. One catches your eye and you go over to it, admiring the work. You hear the door open and shut but don’t pay it much attention.

“It’s nice seeing you again” you hear Anthony say next to you

“Yes indeed it is Lord Bridgerton” you turn to him and smile. The door opens once again as Eloise almost bounds over to you and takes your arm.

“Apparently my sister has invited your friend round for the ball tomorrow. She said that apparently this may help you with your nerves of going to your first ever ball” you nod and smile

“Yes. Thank you. I think I remember she may have written it in her last letter to me” she nods and smiles at you.

“Let me show you my room!” she grins at you as she pulls you away from her brother. He chuckles slightly as you look at him. A small ‘have fun’ coming from his lips.

At dinner time you are sadly running a bit late, having lost track of time after Eloise gave you a book to read in your free time. You practically run in and then slow down as you see everyone already sat down waiting patiently for you. You nod slightly and sit down “Umm Daphne?”

“Yes?”

“You said my friend is coming tomorrow?”

“That is the plan yes”

“Is it possible for her to stay the night?”

“I’m sorry but I don’t think we have any more rooms for guests”

“Oh that is fine, she can share my room with me. We used to do it quite often so I know it won’t bother either of us”

“Oh well yes then, so long as she turns up”

“She better be here. I may shit myself otherwise” Violet looks at you in displeasure as Benedict and Eloise hold back laughter. The younger siblings looking confused at your language “Sorry Lady Bridgerton. Sometimes I forget it’s not acceptable to use certain words” she nods slightly at you. You murmur to Eloise “I am shitting myself though” she laughs and covers her mouth

-

The next day you wait in your room, looking out the window in hopes of seeing your dear friend when a knock is heard at your door. “Come in”. Eloise walks in

“Hello”

“Oh hi” you continue to look out your window when you have a sudden thought “how did Daphne describe me to you and your family before you met me?”

“I don’t-”

“Please. Be honest. You are my friend”

“She said that you were a nice and kind girl. But that you didn’t understand social normalities and although looked proper you didn’t always act it” you nod

“Is that why your mother hates me?”

“Mother doesn’t hate you”

“She defiantly does”

“She doesn’t understand you. There’s a difference. She’s used to people like her. You aren’t like her. And there is nothing wrong with either of you, you are just different” you nod and play with your dress

“I feel so out of place here. Constantly” she nods and pats your shoulder “I-I just feel like the laughing stock of everyone. I know I am not but sometimes I just miss my old life. Don’t get me wrong, I was out of place there, but I didn’t need to remember how to play the piano or what spoon is for what meal. I wish I could go back to how it was. But if I hadn’t had that happen then I never would’ve met you and your family. And you are all so kind. Beautiful people, inside and out” you wipe your eyes, fearing tears could fall any minute. Another knock at the door “come in”. Benedict walks in

“The guests are arriving” you nod and stand up, straightening your dress.

About 30 minutes pass and there is still no sign of your friend. You stay in the corner of the room, not dancing or talking to anyone. Just enjoying the free food and music. Anthony walks over to you “You look sad”

“No shit” you eat a grape

“Whatever is the matter?”

“I feel like a duck at a chicken party” he laughs lowly but stops when you glare at him

“All the men and woman look gorgeous and I’m just here looking like a little girl playing dress up... I hate it” a couple of women walk past you

“That’s the one who inherited her father’s estate correct?”

“Yes but I wouldn’t trust her”

“No I wouldn’t either. Poor girl, a bastard to a lonesome woman”

“I heard that not even the mother wanted her”

“She must be awful to be around then”

“Not even a whore wants her, she must be bad”

You take in a shaky breath as you brush the comments off “I hate it here” you repeat as you look at the brother

“It’s fun is it not?”

“No. Definition of fun is being able to dance and sing and drink. Not sit and look pretty in the corner, waiting for a man to come and ask me for a dance” you show him your dance card “no names. No one wants to dance with the bastard who inherited the money and didn’t marry into it” you fiddle with the card around your wrist

“Would you like to dance with me?”

“Wouldn’t that be scandalous?”

“Possibly”

“Then no. My reputation is already shit, I don’t want to ruin yours as well” he nods and you both sit in the comfortable air around you. You hear a familiar voice near you

“Hello, I’m looking for Emily?” you turn and see Lily. Tears prick at your eyes as you wave at her to join you. She comes over and hugs you

“You have no idea how happy I am that you’re here” you link your arm with her. She looks at the man next to you

“Have you not danced with her?” he shakes his head

“She turned me down. Pretty much broke my heart” he mocks as you roll your eyes

“Take her to dance. Even if she refuses and threatens to murder you, it’d be worth it to see her dance” she wiggles her eyebrows at you as she meets his gaze once again “she’s been practicing her dance skills” you elbow her slightly. “If you don’t go I will embarrass you in front of all your posh friends” you shake your head as she unlinks her arms “Oh my you would like to dance. Oh it’d be my pleasure sir” she starts swaying in the corner, exaggerating each step until you turn to Anthony

“I’d like to dance now actually” he nods and smiles as your friend stops and waves goodbye at you. “Shit I’ve forgotten everything...”

“It’s ok. Just look at me and I’ll count you through it ok?” you nod as you look into his eyes. He smiles as he starts counting the steps for you. Telling you when he’s going to spin you or something similar. Once the dance is over you bow to each other and you both go back to your friend who is trying (and failing) to talk to one of the men.

“The blokes here really have no taste. He just turned down my lovely offer”

“What was your lovely offer?”

“I said I’d give him a blowie for a fifty. When he turned it down I said how about a twenty and he walked away”

“You can’t just say you’ll gave a men that and then ask him to pay. He’ll either pay you or ask if you get payed or do it for free”

“I thought rich people just didn’t have sex though. To busy looking prim and proper. I thought I’d be doing him a favour. Plus he was hot so it was a win win situation” she looks at you “do you think I should ask him if he’ll do it for free?” you grab her hand

“No. I think you should leave the poor gentlemen alone” she looks at Anthony who is standing awkwardly next to you

“Do you want a blowie for a fifty?”

“No. I’ll pass on the offer” she looks him up and down

“What about for free?” you both turn to look at him. He clears his throat and avoids eye contact with both of you. Your friend smiles before she looks around at the various people and meets the gaze of a young man who quickly averts his eyes. She smiles and turns to the brother “two questions. One, who is that gentleman over there?” he looks

“I think he’s one of the various lord’s sons”

“Cool. How do my tits look?” he looks down then back up quickly

“They look... they look like a chest?” she rolls her eyes

“Hopeless” she turns to you “boob check” you look and nod

“Looking very nice. That dress does wonders to them not going to lie”

“Oh thanks. It’s a new dress. I would say I made it myself but we both know I’d be lying” you chuckle as she kisses your forehead before she heads over to the man. “We probably won’t see her again until like 1am. We should probably also keep your sister away from any and all bedrooms just to be safe”

“I seriously wish I was brave enough to just walk up to someone and ask them such personal questions” he says before Eloise walks over to you both

“Brother do help me. Mother is trying to get me to dance with a man”

“Oh you poor dear” you exclaim, smiling at her and offering her your hand “may I have the honour of joining you for this dance? But in the corner where no one can see us dance because I’m awful at it” she laughs and nods, taking your hand “shit how do I be the man in this situation” Anthony moves your hands to where they are needed for you to be the one taking the lead as you dance in the corner, falling over each other and laughing. The song finishes and you bow to each other.

“Hopefully mother cannot see me over here” she looks around “where did your friend go?”

“Umm, she needed a nap so has gone upstairs to my room” you look slightly disgusted as you look at the male near you “she’s probably gone to my room, right?”

“Possibly”

“I mean, even if she has I am going to change those bedsheets. I can’t can I because I don’t have a reason to in someone else’s house”

“Why would you need to change the sheets if your friend is only taking a nap?”

“What if she’s not in my room? Like I’d be alright if she was cause I could just sleep on the floor. But if she’s not and someone else where to go to bed”

“We should probably go find her. I can help you navigate the house” you nod

“Can I come?” the sister asks. You look at her brother, he shakes his head slightly

“I’m sorry love, she sometimes sleeps naked and I know how embarrassed shed be if she thought you’d seen her that way”

“But my brother can go?” you go closer to her

“She values your opinion more. If she has a hair out of place for him its ok, a hair out of place in front of you she’d practically die on the spot just thinking about it” she nods and smiles to herself slightly “We’ll be as quick as we can” you start to make your way upstairs with Anthony. The two of you making sure no one sees you sneak off together. You get up there and listen. Hearing the slight moan coming from one of the rooms you walk towards it. “Do I knock? What if it’s not her?” he shrugs

“Just, knock and walk in” you nod slightly and knock on the door. After a few seconds you open it. Seeing your friend riding the man she saw earlier, both completely naked. You grab Anthony into the room and shut the door. The man hearing the noise and quickly moving out of your friend and grabbing his clothes, hurriedly putting them on as he goes to exit but you grab his arm before he does.

“Fucks sake Lily”

“What? A girl can’t have a little fun”

“Look. If you are to do it, can you do it in my room please? You’ll be less likely to be interrupted there. Also I have the key to that room” you hand her the key “Lock the door behind you. Don’t make a mess. If you do I will actually murder you. I’m looking at both of you” you let go of the man’s arm “it’s two along from this one, on the left. It has a dress hanging up over the full length mirror that’s pink with butterflies” they both nod and hurry off to your room. “And now my room is going to look awful”

“Why do you say that?”

“I know how… active she can get” you rub your eyebrows slightly “I might just sleep in the bath actually. Might be the cleanest place tonight. Or I can at least make it the cleanest” he chuckles as he watches you.

“I’m glad they left. This is the room I’m staying in”

“Oh god I’m so sorry. I’ll get you some clean sheets” he shakes his head

“It’s ok. Honestly”

“Are you sure? It’s no hassle to me” he shakes his head “So long as you’re sure” he nods and smiles at you. You look at the four poster bed. Going over and gently touching the woodwork. 

“I want to apologise for how I acted”

“What do you mean?”

“I’ve been thinking about that night in the garden. I took you for granted and I apologise” you look at him confused

“But we just chatted, did we not?” he shakes his head slightly

“I’ve been thinking over the events of what happened… I shouldn’t have kissed you” so it wasn’t a dream

“Hardly the worst thing in the world” he nods slightly and averts his gaze

“I am still sorry about it. It has been bothering me since. You are a lady and I did not treat you like one. I apologise for my actions”

“Well apology is certainly not needed but I will accept it if that will make you happy” he smiles slightly as he looks at you

“We should head back to the party” you nod, both sneaking back into the room. Just as Eloise walks up to you

“There you are!” she turns to you “I was just about to come and find you. Now you missed mother making me dance. No thanks to you two who just abandoned me. But I found Col so it’s not fully the end of the world” the third child turns to face you both. You smile at him

“I don’t know if we have spoken properly but I’m Emily” Eloise looks at you

“Did you manage to find your friend?”

“Umm yes. She hadn’t gone to my room so it’s a good thing we went up. Otherwise I think it may have been a nasty shock to whoever’s room she was in”

“Whose room was she in?”

“Umm, Lord Bridgeton’s rooms actually” you pat the man’s hand as he smiles next to you. Catching the glance of his younger brother though

“Why was she in your room?” the younger boy asks

“She was having a nap. Do keep up” Eloise rolls her eyes at him

“She is now in my room napping. I do hope she wakes up before I go to bed, otherwise I will be without a bed for the night”

“I thought you said you shared a bed with her a lot though?” the girl looks puzzled

“I do... But where the bed is bigger she is more likely to take up the whole bed despite my efforts to stop her”

“Man coming this way” Eloise says. You turn just as a very handsome man steps near you and bows his head

“Hello M’lady” he takes your hand and kisses it “You look-” he glances at your body, making you feel uncomfortable “exquisite. Why have you not been on the dancefloor yet?”

“Oh I have. Lord Bridgerton and I went on earlier”

“Would you want to dance with me?” he holds his hand out. You laugh and cover your mouth

“I’m sorry sir, I think if I dance with anyone I don’t know I may actually piss myself with embarrassment” he looks shocked at your words as the three siblings try not to laugh. “But thank you for th-”

“What she meant to say” you here Colin speak up “is that she’d be delighted to” you glare at him as the man takes your hand and leads you to the dance. After you’re pretty sure you apologised more times then you actually stepped on him you go back to the three siblings

“I thought you were meant to be the nice brother” he laughs

“Whoever told you that was very wrong” you glare at him but notice your friend walking down the stairs. She walks over to you, dress and hair completely out of place. 

“Jesus Christ...”

“So I have good news. He is much more experienced then he looks so that was very nice and I had an excellent time” she motions at you “I would say you can give him a go but I think I wore him out” 

“I’m so glad you shared that piece of knowledge with us” you straighten her dress for her “God who taught you how to dress?”

“Hey. When a man starts snoring and farting after your 3rd time you just get out of the room before he starts to stink up the place”

“Great, a random man is now sleeping in my bed” you try and sort her hair out. You cringe as you feel wetness in her hair, moving your hand away “Actually, I’m going to let you sort out your hair” you look disgusted at your own hand. “Oh, this is my friend Lily. Lily this is Colin, one of Eloise’s brothers” she looks him up and down and goes to say something “No” you say as you grab a napkin and wipe your hand on it

“How do you know what I was going to say?”

“Because I’ve known you for 10 years. No you cannot ask the young man that question”

“You’re no fun”

“You will break your wrist again if you have more than one in the hour” she rolls her eyes as you watch confusion hit the siblings. You smile at them all “Sorry. We have had a very... active life”

“How did you break your wrist?” Eloise asks and Anthony speaks up 

“I don’t think we should be asking her. It seems like a troublesome time of her life”

“I agree with our brother. We should let her have her own private stories”

“Oh but it’s a fun story...” she pouts and starts picking her nails when the handsome man from earlier walks back over to you. Your friend notices him and very unsubtly pushes her dress up to help expose her chest. He takes no notice of her as he smiles at you

“Would you like to dance again? You are much better then you said you were”

“I’m sorry but I’ve already promised my friend here-” you grab Colin’s arm “to a dance. But I’m sure my friend” you look over at Lily “would be happy to dance with you” before anyone can object you drag the brother to the dancefloor “I am awful at dancing just so you know” he laughs

“I’ll lead don’t worry” he smiles at you as he takes your hand in his to do the dance. Thankfully the song is relatively short so you don’t have dance for long. Lily comes back over to you

“Would you object to me trying to bang the hot guy?”

“Yes. 100% yes. Why do you want to bang him? All that I got from when I danced with him is that he’s a misogynistic prick”

“Oh I defiantly wasn’t listening”

“Yeah I can tell what you were thinking with. But no you can’t. I value your worth too much. Plus surely you hurt down there”

“Nope I’m as loose as a wild horse” 

“Disgusting” that’s when you remember the party and you slowly turn to see the 2 brothers just not looking at either of you due to politeness, the sister just looking confused “God. Spends her whole life being an innocent human and one night with me and it just all goes out the window. I need another drink”

[forgedroyalseal]

His Worst Nightmare

Chapter Six

Lady Pauline was not a violent woman. She knew that words held more power than fists and that the pen was mightier than the sword. She truly believed that there was never a problem that couldn’t be avoided with diplomacy if properly addressed.

She was also sixty seconds away from throwing Halt into a moat.

“Tell me what happened O’Carrick or I swear to god I will make you regret ever meeting me!” Pauline’s hands twitched at her side, desperately wanted to run her hand through her hair in frustration. But she resisted. The carefully pin coils had taken the better part of an hour and it was not yet midday. She still had several meetings that she had to look somewhat presentable for.

“Leave it be Pauline. I don’t know how many times I have to say it!” Halt shouted. Before this week, he had never shouted at her. Now it seemed as though all he did was yell. Or cry, but he tried to pretend otherwise. The first couple days after Halt had moved into Redmont, he had been a silent shadow of himself. He hadn’t said a word about what prompted the move. Even now, all he ever said was that he wished to be left alone. But Pauline refused. She knew something bad had happened. Something horrific. Something that kept Halt awake each night if the purple bruises below his eyes were any indication. She had tried everything she could think of. She had been gentle. Reassuring. Kind. She had used every tactic to open communication she had been taught. She had been empathetic and supportive and patient. And now, she was being angry and pushy.

“Halt, please. You can’t just bottle this up like you try to do with every other emotion you have. This secret is killing you, and I for one refuse to watch it consume you.”

“Go away.” He growled

“Not happening.” She matched his tone.

There was a knock at the door and a familiar head of flaming hair appeared in the doorway. Pauline sighed in relief. “Finally, my reinforcements have arrived.”

“Lady Pauline, always a pleasure.” Crowley smiled before walking over to Halt. He crouched down in front of him so Halt was forced to look down into his eyes. “So, want to tell me what’s happened?”

“Go back to Castle Araluen Crowley.”

“That’s not happening until we get you sorted out. Now, if you won’t tell me as your friend, then you’ll have to tell me as your Commandant.”

“I resign.”

“I deny your resignation.”

“Crowley-“

“Pauline,” Crowley interrupts without breaking eye contact with Halt, “would you be dear and fetch Will? I’m afraid he’s the only other person who might be able to snake the story out of Halt and get him sorted.”

“No!” Halt leapt to his feet, eyes wide. “Leave him be.” The was a frantic note of panic in his voice and Pauline and Crowley shared a look. They had finally found the pressure point to lean on.

Crowley rose beside him, “Why? According to Gilan you said he’s hurt. Though it can’t be that bad since you’ve locked yourself in this room rather than helping Horace and Gilan take care of it. I’m sure he’s perfectly capable of making his way across town to come visit.”

“He’s not. He needs rest, not you two badgering him.”

“Will’s a sweet boy, he’ll be more than happy to check on you. He wouldn’t want you to be this upset, not if he can help.” Pauline reach out towards the door, but Halt lunged past her, slamming the door shut.

“Please, don’t bother him. Please.”

“Why not Halt? What’s happened to him? Why aren’t you with him?” Crowley’s voice was firm and authoritative.

“It’s my fault.” Halt’s resolve crumbled away with the words, the fight and anger leaving his body, replaced with waves of guilt. “I’m the one who hurt him.”

Pauline took his arm and gently steered them to the sofa. Crowley joined them and placed a hand on Halt’s shoulder. “Start at the beginning Halt. Tell us everything.”

And with a heavy sigh, he did. He spends the next hour describing every gruesome detail, unwilling to leave anything out, to minimize the roll he played in Will’s torture. He finishes with his letter to Horace and Will’s reaction to him once he finally came to. Fat tears ran down Crowley and Pauline’s faces, for Will condition of course, but also for the pain and guilt Halt carried.

“It’s not your fault.” Pauline grasped Halt’s hand in hers.

“Of course it is.” He pulled his hand away from her, clenching it into a fist. “I’m the one who hurt him. I’m the one he’s afraid of.”

Crowley began to protest but Halt cut him off. “And don’t say that it’s not my fault because I was forced. I’m the reason we were in that position to begin with. The man was after me. He wanted me to suffer, Will was just the means that he chose to do so. Time and time again Will has been hurt because of me, or because of the Corps. I should never have gotten involved in his life. Look at where it’s lead him.”

“Halt, Will chose to become a ranger. He put the work in, he fought for it. It’s what he wanted. He wasn’t forced into this life, and he certainly didn’t go in blind. Will is brave and has always wanted a life of adventure, if not with the rangers, then with the knights. Don’t discredit Will by pretending he wasn’t in control of his choices.” Crowley said firmly.

“And as for the matter of him being better off without your involvement,” Pauline added, “don’t forget how you found him. Orphaned, alone and scared. You provided with him sanctuary. You gave him a family. You saved him from a life as a nameless field worker and gave him a purpose. Don’t you dare wish all that away from him.”

“I don’t know how to fix this.” Halt admitted quietly.

“This isn’t something that can just be fixed. What’s done is done, the only thing we can do is support Will in anyway we can.” Pauline says. “And I promise that avoiding Will like he’s a leper isn’t supporting him.”

“We are all going to visit him first thing tomorrow. And I’m going to see if Rodney has any advice. He’s got more experience dealing with these type of injuries than I do.” Crowley stood, grateful to have a clear course of action.

Halt gives voice to his greatest fear. “What if he doesn’t want to see me? If he’s scared of me?”

“Then we try again the next day. And every day, until he’s ready to start mending the bond between you.” Pauline kisses Halt on the cheek. “Try to get some rest dear. We’ll be by in the morning.”

Once he was alone again, Halt moved towards the window and stared out to the forest’s edge, where he knew his little cabin stood, containing the most valuable thing in his life. Please give me chance Will. Please let me make this right.