#see i told you Tristan has eyes

[doomspaniels]

Fabulous Faces Friday: PLEASE THROW THE BAAAAAALL

[sjyuns]

🗒️ 、 INTENTIONS

popular sunghoon x fem reader 1535 words genre fluff mikaela’s note because sunghoon is so tristan dugray coded, inspired by a gilmore girls scene

“I’d kiss you but your boyfriend’s watching,” Sunghoon mumbles, and he’s so close you can feel his breath on your lips.

He holds your gaze confidently, with a tinge of arrogance as his tongue darts out to lick his lip. You think that Sunghoon is the most annoying person in the world, because how can he look so devilishly handsome and have such an intoxicating effect on you.

It all started when he showed up unannounced and uninvited to your birthday party — still in his school uniform, tie loosened and sleeves rolled up with his blazer hanging over his shoulder.

And you should have known better than to let him charm his way into your house. “What are you doing here, Hoon?”

He loves the way his nickname rolls off the tip of your tongue, it's so addictive and he wants to record it so that he can play it again and again, even if your tone is one of spite.

“Happy birthday princess,” Sunghoon completely ignores your words, taking steps closer towards you, “now, where’s my birthday kiss?”

He’s at it again, aimlessly flirting with you. You roll your eyes, a deep sigh exiting your mouth, “it’s my birthday, Hoon.” How did he even know where you lived? You were sure you told everyone you invited not to bring him along.

“So I’ll give you a birthday kiss,” he grins, eyes glinting with mischief as he watches your facial expressions fall, ears burning red as you quickly turn around.

You hate Park Sunghoon and the unimaginable hold he has on you. “I’m going to find my mother. Do not, I swear to god, cause any trouble.”

“Your mother? It’s a little early in the relationship,” he moves swiftly to your side, arms casually slinging over your shoulder as he pulls you closer into him forcefully. “But it’s okay, I’m ready.”

Where in the world does Sunghoon get his cocky attitude from, you think as you try your best to pry and lift his arm away from your shoulder. Despite your surface indifference towards his advances, there were millions of butterflies invading your stomach at his every single action.

Before you can even try to escape, a voice calls your name and you stop to talk to Yunjin. “Park Sunghoon? What are you doing here?”

Sunghoon steals a glance at you, and he thinks you look absolutely adorable as you pout at the image of multiple people seeing you with him; given how you always seemed to have complaints about his overly flirty nature and playboy ways.

But Sunghoon hasn’t fooled around since you transferred into Decelis two months ago, a personal record for him. At first all you were was a form of entertainment, someone who had cute reactions to his smooth pick up lines.

Then it all came crashing down, when he started to feel the need to bicker with you everyday and mess up your hair every time he sees you in the hallways. And somewhere in between the blurred lines, he fell in love.

“Here to celebrate my girl’s birthday,” he cocks his head towards you, who’s palms now cover your face in sheer embarrassment. God, now it’s going to spread like wildfire. His girl?

Yunjin’s eyes widen and jaw drops, “really? You guys are together? But I thought you were with Choi Soobin.” She asks, nudging you.

Sunghoon frowns at her words. Choi Soobin? Since when? Sunghoon literally follows you around school whenever he sees you, and he’s never seen you ever talk to that boy.

“Soobin and I are just friends,” you clarify, “also we are not a couple,” your finger gesturing to you and Sunghoon as you answer the girl.

“Tomorrow we’ll be a couple,” Sunghoon cuts back into the conversation, voice loud, and he catches your surprised expression as he smirks slyly.

Though he continues the conversation without a single stutter or break, Sunghoon’s feeling utterly disgusted. Is that the kind of boy you like? Nerdy losers who can’t do anything for the life of themselves? He doesn’t really like the thought of turning into those types of boys, but whatever you want, he thinks — he’s already practised abstinence for you, he might as well go all the way.

At the same time Sunghoon wonders if you’re really that oblivious to his obvious advancements towards you. He’s made it crystal clear: dumped his girlfriend, follows you around, talks about you literally all the time, and yet you’re still clueless.

And he whisks you away before you find the chance to clarify his words again. He’s determined this time round, to make it extremely straightforward for you.

“Hoon why in the world would you say stuff like that,” you groan, hands slapping his chest. And he grins like an idiot at your touch, if this was what it took for you to initiate skinship with him, he’d be more than willing to proclaim himself as your boyfriend any day.

He places a hand on the place you’d just hit, “it’s painful,” he pouts, and you almost feel a little guilty at your harsh actions, “can you kiss it better?”

Until that. You huff, “i’m leaving,” you announce as you turn away, ready to walk right back into the crowd. Sunghoon quickly clasps his fingers around your wrist, pulling you into his chest.

Your eyes become those of a deer caught in headlights as your body is pressed firmly against his, his arms finding their way to your waist; a gentle but firm hold as he bends down.

“Wasn’t done yet, princess,” he smirks, and you feel some sort of danger looming over because Sunghoon looks like a devil enticing you to commit sin. His black hair styles perfectly like always and his red tie, due to his excessive movements, is now dropping down even more to expose his honey skinned collarbones.

The most you can muster is a mumble, “what,” and your eyes are glassy as you stare up at him, he thinks he might go insane — so close to just moving in to place a kiss on your invitingly soft lips.

“I’d kiss you but your boyfriend’s watching,” and he literally spits the term out, unable to believe he’s labelling someone else other than him ‘your boyfriend’. He knows you guys aren’t together, but just for the comfort of his heart he has to hear it again.

It takes you a while before you process his words. “He’s not my boyfriend, Hoon,” and it’s that short statement coupled with the way you say his name that really breaks it for him.

Sunghoon moves in just as you finish your sentence, and he sinks into your pillowy lips. It’s paradise on earth and he thinks he will never be able to get enough of this feeling.

“Sunghoon,” you mumble when he breaks the kiss, slightly out of breath as you look up with hazy eyes.

He chuckles, “sorry, baby, my bad. I’ll return your kiss back,” and Sunghoon doesn’t hesitate to give you another kiss, fingers caressing your waist as he pulls you closer to him.

This time it’s you who breaks the kiss, way too out of breath to even form full sentences without a few breaks in between. “You just kissed me.”

“Right, I just did that baby,” he smiles, those tiny fangs of his showcased as he gazes adoringly at you. “Actually, I’m looking for a girlfriend.” He pauses, eyeing your flushed cheeks and pink lips, “you looking for a boyfriend by any chance, princess?”

Now that you’re literally glued onto Sunghoon, you take the chance to look at him. Sharp nose, pretty moles that you could probably trace along all day, and his eyes which contrasting to his calm demeanour, held anxiousness as he waited for you to answer.

You’ve thought about dating Sunghoon before. Multiple times. Way more than you should’ve. And you never wanted to ever confess to it, because he was everyone’s crush. And not only that, he was annoying — constantly teasing you and making you flustered by his actions. You’d curse every time your heartbeat started to accelerate at his flirty words. You had thought that there was no way he’d ever like you back.

“I’m looking for a boyfriend,” you admit, letting out a soft giggle at Sunghoon’s overjoyed expression. And you decide that maybe now’s the time to get back at him, tease him a little to get him to stay on his toes, “maybe I should go find Soobin.”

His shoulders drop almost immediately and his arms wrap around your waist securely, chin resting on the top of your head. “No fucking way,” he grumbles, “you’re my girlfriend now. And I’m your boyfriend.”

“Yeah, you are,” you say, voice muffled in the embrace of Sunghoon. And you hear him giggle slightly, the rumble of his chest exposing the boyish feelings your boyfriend was currently going through, “for now.”

Sunghoon lifts his chin from your head, fingers brushing over your cheeks before they land themselves on your jaw. He tilts your chin up, “too bad my intention is forever.” And he places a chaste kiss on your lips again and again.

You are in for a long ride.

© SJYUNS

[marymary-diva17]

New start in life (4)

bridgerton x reader

The ton was all in the buzz since the return of two former scandals member of London high society. Two years they had been gone and now they have returned, back to London after the rumors behind them proven false. Not everything is the same as it was left when the two had been outcast by their families, friends, and society itself.

y/n " my dear husband I'm going to pay a visit to madam Delacroix, along with the other shops"

Tristan " have fun my love as I will be out as well attending some clubs "

y/n " do you wish for me to come"

Tristan " no I will be good my wife and if you buy anything send, the credit to the home and I will buy for anything my wife heart wishes for"

y/n " thank you" you had kissed Tristian forehead before you had left the home with a maid with you as well, your first stop of the day was the dress shop.

Madam Delacroix " y/n"

y/n " hello madam Delacroix it has been a while hasn't it"

Madam Delacroix " yes it has and I have been told you are now a viscountess, that lives in Scotland"

y/n " yes that is true after the scandal was apart of I had left here, and married Tristain"

Madama Delacroix " you and him make a perfect match may I show you some of, my newest fabric colors and patterns"

y/n " yes please"

Madam Delacroix " what is your colors shades blue like the rest of your family or something new"

Y/n " I still have some blues dress but now have gone with colors like purple, red, and green, pink, few others"

Madam Delacroix " well it always comes a time when a young lady blooms into her own person, and I have fabrics that will be perfect for you"

y/n " thank you" Madam Delacroix had shown you some fabric patterns, that caught you eye and that you dressed you pay. After showing you some design and getting your measurements, the dress orders were place.

madam Delacroix " the orders will be sent to your home"

y/n " thank you and payment will be sent today and after the orders are done"

madam Delacroix " thank you and y/n"

y/n " yes"

Madama Delacroix " it good to have you back with us" you had smiled and nodded your head, as you soon left the shop. You are walking down the street passing by some, members of the ton nodding your head to them.

Maid " ma'am they are acting like they are seeing a ghost are all London ton like this"

y/n " well my dear it has been two years most of them are shocked to see I even came back"

maid " umm well I will say Scotland it far better then London" you had laugh at your maid comment, as the pair soon went to walking on the cobblestone road.

????? " sister" you soon looked up to see your sisters and Penelope making walking towards you.

y/n " hello you three how are you doing this morning"

Eloise " good now being at home after last night balls hasn't been happy"

Francesca " what our dear sister will love to say is that our dear brothers, are having a hard time understanding you are married"

y/n " it will take them so time but they will come around soon"

Penelope " None of your brothers should be looking down on you mostly Colin"

y/n " come lets walk before anyone else decide to speak some nice words to us" the group had soon walked into the park as you looked at Penelope.

y/n " so what has Colin said now Penelope that got you so mad at him"

Elosie " she overheard him laughing about her with some other young man"

y/n " my brother the fools well they are all fools expect Gregory"

Francesca " I miss life in bath but now I'm here to get married"

y/n " well I prat for you three but if London man don't do well there are enough fine, young man in Scotland"

Francesca " sister are you become a match maker"

y/n " maybe I was just giving a suggestion"

Elosie " well sister I will still take the offer to Scotland when it comes, as it will get me far away from here"

Penelope " if leaving had done y/n well maybe it will be good for us as well"

Francesca " I have to agree as well"

Eloise " oh dear here comes mama"

????? " y/n" you soon looked and saw hyacinth and Gregory running up to you, they both soon hugged you once they got close. You had huge them back as well.

Y/n " oh I have missed you both so much and look how big you both had gotten"

Hyacinth " sister we are happy you are home we heard the wonderful news, that you are married to Tristian and live in a big manor"

Gregory " yes you also live in Scotland as well came we come visit you and stay for a while"

Violet " children clam down we should wait until your sister invites us over for a stay, or she might move here to be closer with us"

y/n " Well I have spoken with my husband we don't mind having some family staying with us"

Gregory " that wonderful sister where is Tristan"

y/n " away doing the task of the gentleman of the ton"

Daphne " oh so he will run into Antony and Simon"

Kate " yes they had gone off there with Colin and Benedict"

Y/n " oh that sounds wonderful"

Gregory " How long are you going to be here sister"

y/n " for a good amount of time until we need to return back home, and attend to business there my loves"

Violet " you don't have to rush back home you can still be viscountess and live here"

Y/n " I think it will be best if we return back to Scotland as we are need there, and it will be rude if we leave and move here"

????? " good day everyone" the group soon looked to see the Cressida cowper and her mother standing there.

Y/n " Lady cowper and Cressida good day"

Cressida " good day Viscountess Y/n I never thought you will come back, until last night and married to Tristen as well"

Y/n " yes while we were gone we had gotten married"

Lady Cowper " Violet did you attend your daughter wedding"

Violet " no I didn't it was when she was due to go live in the countryside, but we have been talking about another wedding for all the ton to see"

Lady Cowper " oh such a shame to miss your child wedding, oh viscountess y/n do you have any children"

Hyacinth " do you sister do we have other nephew or niece"

Y/n " no there are no children yet but we hope for some soon"

Lady Cowper " oh that good but dear it was such a shame of what happened to you and Tristian being betrayed by your families, but I thought bridgerton sticks together no matter what right Violet"

Violet " oh look at the time we all most get going come along everyone good day Cowpers" Toilet had moved the group away from the mother and daughter.

Elosie " well mother if you hope to avoid anymore scandal on the family name, that might not help"

Daphne " hush Eloise"

Elosie " I was just speaking the truth"

Violet " my daughters we don't need to fight we need to stand together as a family untied"

Y/n " Untied under what cause"

Violet " the cause of you and Tristan"

y/n " mother there is no need as I remember it not good for me to bring shame and poor reputation to our family"

Daphne " sister what was said that night was taken out of turn"

y/n " that is what you think duchess when I myself think other wise, I think it best if I take my leave right now"

Hyacinth " no sister don't leave please"

y/n " don't cry my sister we will see each other again"

Violet " dearest please don't go I didn't ..."

y/n " good day everyone" you had soon crusty to everyone as you soon walked away you, with your maid fowling as well she gave the older women a cold glare but a warm smile to everyone else.

Later that night

Tristian " hello my wife"

y/n " my husband welcome home how was your day at the clubs"

Tristan " well it was going well I have have some drinks with Will, who is enjoying his life in ton"

Y/n " good for him and his family the news of that made me happy for them"

Tristan " yes everything was going well then Bridgeton brothers and Simon had shown up"

y/n " oh well I was out shopping when I ran into my sisters and Penelope, too. being joined by the rest of the family"

Tristian " oh"

Y/n " we then ran into the Cowper family as well lady Cowper, had some words for my mother and me as well"

Tristan " The cowpers are still the same I see so not that much as changed"

y/n " that is so true my husband so tell me more about your day"

Tristan " well it seems like Antony wishes that we never married, by the looks he was giving me last night rumors going around is that he had some suitors planed for you"

y/n " Antony with match making that is a big jest"

Tristian " it seems like none of your brothers love the idea of our marriage, Simon seems to be coming around I don't know ... if we look at it no one can say anything about our marriage mostly Antony and Simon"

y/n " yes after what happened when they were getting married and Antony past relationship as well"

Tristian " oh yes Siena Rosso the opera singer didn't she come to Scotland"

y/n " yes I had been invited by some of the ladies at home and attend, I ran into and we talked she is doing well"

Tristian " good now what this matter on another wedding for us"

y/n " the ton and our families are mad we got marriage without them there"

Tristan " well I love the weddings we had we don't need a redo"

y/n " what if I wanted another wedding husband will you deny me that wish"

Tristian " no my wife if you wish it then I will make it happen" you soon laugh as you looked at your husband.

Tristan " you jest with me don't you"

y/n " yes I do"

Tristian " that why I love you"

y/n " I hope you do love me or you have been living with me for two years, for nothing"

Tristan " I will live the rest of my life and the next life by your side"

y/n " mister charming I see I'm lucky that none of the ladies, of the ton noticed this behavior before we were married"

Tristian " They will never have my attention or heart like you do, and it seems like the males of the ton are upset that I ended up with you as wife a smart and beautiful women'

y/n. " well everyone lost their chance and we are better fit for each other anyways" the couple had smiled at each other no matter what anyone, tried to do they will never break their marriage vows and marriage as well. They will stay with each other for the rest of their lives and soon enough, make a family of their own as well.

[flowerxbunnie]

Star Crossed

Chris x Fem reader

Warnings: angst, cheating/breakup, underage drinking, scene involving cigarettes

“Fuck you Garrett, like actually.” I spat, gripping at the handle of his jeep and threatening to leave.

“What is your problem? You never told me that it wasn’t okay. She’s literally Tristan’s cousin. And your best friend is a guy, I thought you would be okay with this.” he argued, his face plastered with confusion but his voice filled with anger.

“Don’t try to make me feel crazy,” I warned, turning back to face him and pinching the bridge of my nose. “I’m okay with you having friends of the opposite gender. But I don’t care if it’s the Queen of England, since when is it okay to text other girls private details about our relationship?”

“I only do it when we’re in arguments and I need someone to vent to. She told me I could come to her when I was upset. It’s not like it’s an everyday thing.” He throws his hands up in frustration.

“Okay,” I let an angry chuckle out. “I’m gonna call up one of my girls’ cousins and tell him about this right quick then. See if he maybe has some advice for me.”

“That’s not the fucking same and you know it. He’d try to fuck you or god knows what else.” He scowled.

I stare into his eyes, blinking slowly, hoping the hypocrisy behind his words catches up to him. But it doesn’t.

“I just don’t get why you treat me like I’m some horrible boyfriend,” he starts, “I meet my best friend’s cousin at a bonfire, get her number and text her casually and you fly off the handle.”

“You text her about OUR RELATIONSHIP. When we’re at our worst. Why do you need advice from a random fucking girl who you barely know?” I snapped, my cheeks burning and my hands shaking. Tears threaten to spill over, something I hate about myself when I get angry. “Let’s not forget that you went through and liked every single one of her instagram pictures. Every single one. Was that a piece of the advice she gave you? To make your girlfriend look like a fucking idiot?” I fumed, his hands moving to grip the steering wheel with white knuckles. “And how do I know that’s all you talk about, hm? All the texts are deleted.”

His face remains blank as he grabs the gear-shifter and throws the jeep into reverse. His eyes flick up to the rear view and he backs out of our spot in the random shopping outlet’s parking lot, roughly shifting into drive a he pulls out and into the road.

“What the fuck are you doing, Garrett?” I grumble, watching the streetlights lining the road zoom past my window as he speeds down the highway.

“I’m taking you home. I’m not gonna stay with a crazy bitch who thinks she can micromanage my every move.” He spoke, his tone calm and his expression unwavering.

I take a deep breath. I’m done with the arguing.

“Okay.”

I close out of her instagram account, still trying to convince myself that my eyes are playing tricks on me as Garrett’s name is plastered under her newest scandalous photos. I toss my phone into the space between my bed and the wall, knowing it’s unhealthy to stalk her and mourn my relationship everyday. It’s been a week.

Somehow I’ve managed to drag myself to class everyday. The lessons don’t click in my brain this week, my notebook is empty and my pen is dry. I’m not even sure I have a voice anymore. I haven’t spoken to anyone unless I had to. None of my friends know what happened, I’m too embarrassed to come across as the crazy ex-girlfriend who got her heart broken because she can’t mind her own business.

Aside from class I’ve been lying down rotting for the past seven days, going back and forth on if I’m in the wrong or if I’m valid in my feelings. Garrett was right, my best friend is a guy, but I’ve known him since middle school. We know everything about each other, he’s like family. Garrett threw everything away for a girl he had just met, deleting text messages and completely failing to ever mention her name in conversation.

My body feels like it’s physically reacting, my muscles aching and my head throbbing. My mind races with questions.

How can someone who I poured so much of my love into take it and wring it down the drain?

How can I even feel angry? He just wanted a new friend.

Why did he like all of her pictures, even the first embarrassing one she ever posted in 2013?

Why are you so controlling?

Why didn’t he tell me?

Why do you care so much? It’s just Tristan’s cousin.

Is it bad for my boyfriend to like pictures of a girl in a hot tub?

I hear my phone vibrating, but I can’t even find the energy to move the comforter off of my body. I put a pillow over my ears and try to wish it away. I’m tired of the questions. I don’t want to explain why I’ve seemed down.

It keeps going off, vibrating against the wall over and over relentlessly. Huffing, I shove my hand down into the gap and dig for it, pulling it up and squinting as the screen beams light into my eyes.

“Party tonight at the same house as last week. Y/n please get off your lazy ass and come!!!”

“yeah y/n i need to see ur pretty face!”

“If Garrett gets mad tell him he can come too”

“its senior year pleaseee we don’t have many parties left :(“

My group chat is flooded with messages from my girl friends. I can’t even reply right now. Maybe getting out would be good for me, but I really want to sit in my two day old clothes and stuff my face with Oreos tonight. How dumb am I gonna look dancing alone?

My mind races for the next hour, contemplating whether going out will make me feel better or become a huge regret. Garrett and I never officially broke things off, we just haven’t talked in a week. What if he’s pining over it like I am? I can’t exactly just dance my feelings away with some random guy when I don’t even know the status of my relationship.

After a phone call from Sophie and a lot of convincing, I decide it would be best for me to get out tonight. I need the interaction, and maybe a couple drinks if someone was able to bum them from their college friends. I need to hear music, I need to speak with other humans. But I can’t go alone.

My phone hovers over Chris’s name, worried I might wake him up since it’s already late. I click it anyway, the dial tone only going off twice before I hear his voice on the other side.

“Y/n/n, what’s up!” he chirps.

I smile to myself, my best friend always cheering me up whether he knows it or not. “You know, the usual. Coming up with a blue print for a new and improved Golden Gate Bridge. You?”

“Fuck off,” he stifles his laughter. “I’m watching some show Nick and Matt told me about. For real though, what’s up?”

“Sophie is begging me to go to a party tonight. You down to be my plus one?” I question as I shuffle through my closet.

“Garrett didn’t wanna go?” he asks puzzled.

I take a moment and debate whether or not I want to tell him. I really don’t want to bring down the mood of the night. I’m supposed to be having fun.

“Nah, not tonight. He’s on some boys trip upstate.” I lie through my teeth.

“Sounds lame. I’ll be there, what time?” He asks and I hear rustling, presumably him getting up off the couch or his bed.

“Uhhhh like two hours….” I trail off, nervous it might be too short of notice.

“Alright, I’ll meet you at your house and we can walk together.”

“Perfect! Thank you Chrissy.” I feel tears well up in my eyes, actual happiness igniting, even if only a small spark, for the first time in a week.

“Don’t thank me, weirdo.” He laughs. “See ya dude.” The line goes silent.

I spend the next couple hours taking everything slow. I eat a meal, my first fulfilling one since that night. I wash my face, do my hair, throw on makeup to look and feel more alive. I decide on a maroon slip dress, silky and comfortable. As I’m saying my goodbyes to my parents and about to walk out the door, my phone vibrates in my hand.

“What color are you wearing?”

“Maroon!”

I smile as I text him back, knowing he’s gonna wear something to coordinate our looks. As cringe as it may be, that’s just Chris.

We meet exactly where we planned, the chill in the air causing us to walk shoulder to shoulder for any sort of warmth. We don’t talk much, but the silence is comfortable. We never felt the need to force something out of nothing. Nothing is everything with him.

We walk in and we’re immediately greeted by Sophie and a bunch of other people she’s been hanging around.

“Y/n!” She pulls me into a hug. “Where’s Garrett? Hey Chris!” She waves in his direction.

“Boys trip.” I shrug, going into as little detail as possible.

“Oh, well I’m SO glad you came. You haven’t been yourself the last few days.” She says while giving me a look of genuine concern.

“Class has been super stressful,” I lie. “But I’m so glad I came too!”

Chris smiles as he listens in on our conversation, waving at various people who greet him in passing.

He looks so handsome. He’s wearing a maroon sweater with a button up peeking out from underneath and some jeans that fall perfectly over his long legs. I’ve always been so jealous of his ability to throw anything together and make it an outfit, a good one at that.

“Chrissy I love your outfit,” I whisper in his ear, the music too loud to try to talk from a distance.

“Had to layer, it’s too cold for a ratty tshirt,” he jokes. “But I could say the same to you. You look gorgeous.” He smiles and bumps his shoulder against mine.

The night goes on and we drink, dance, take goofy photos in front of a prop wall, and talk to so many fucking people. I’ve went over my social meter for the night, but Chris looks like he’s having so much fun and I would never say anything to ruin that. He makes his way back over to me after a round of beer pong that he absolutely crushed everyone else at.

“I wanna get one more picture in front of the prop wall and then I think I’m gonna call it a night. Gonna walk to McDonalds if you wanna comeee..” he sing songs, giving me a pleading look.

“Thank fuck,” I laugh, relief washing over me. “I was done an hour ago. Just didn’t wanna take the experience away from you.”

“That’s crazy because I was also done an hour ago, but I thought you were having a good time.” He laughs, his nose scrunching up.

We walk over to the prop wall and find someone to snap a photo for us. I grab a pair of red heart glasses, he grabs a bow tie on a stick and holds it up to his neck.

“3.. 2.. 1… and cheese!” The girl slurs before the flash blinds us.

She tosses me my phone and we thank her before slipping out the door, thankfully going unnoticed by Sophie. We giggle and walk alongside each other on the sidewalk, the smell of dewy late night air flooding my nose. The streetlights carve out Chris’s cheekbones as he looks down at me, rambling about nothing and everything all at once. I listen intently, glad to have my mind on anything other than what it’s been rampant with recently.

“It’s fucking cold,” I complain as I cross my arms across my chest and rub some friction onto them.

“Here.” Chris quickly stops in his tracks and pulls his sweater off, his button up left behind. He tosses it my way and gives me a small smile.

It smells like him as I slip it over my head and bring the sleeves over my hands.

“Thank you.”

We make it to McDonald’s relatively quickly. Chris holds the door open for me and we order our food and find a booth to wait in. My feet ache and my hair just feels tangled.

“What a fucking night. I can’t wait to crash after this,” I sigh and lay my head on the table.

His hand comes down to rub my hair, a sweet gesture he loves to do. His love language has always been physical touch.

“Aww, I was hoping you’d hang out with me a little longer. I’ve got ideas!” He whines.

I look up at him with a raised eyebrow. You never know what this kid is going to come up with in the spur of the moment.

“Just wanted to walk around that nature park down the road. Seems spooooky at night.” He laughs and turns his head, standing up as the cashier calls out our number.

We laugh and eat, my mind completely free of any thoughts besides how much fun I’m having with Chris. Ever since we met in 6th grade art class he’s known how to keep a smile on my face. He’s the kind of person you can’t help but be drawn to. His laugh alone is infectious, filling up any room he’s in. He’s such an attentive friend, which is why I’m not surprised when his mood shifts and he starts to question me.

“So what’s been going on, Y/n/n?” He looks down at his fries and scoots them around.

Do we really need to do this right now? I’m prepared to sink back into my sadness once I’m alone. I don’t plan on telling anyone until I’m sure of where we stand myself.

“Uh, nothing really,” I mumble, taking a sip of my blue Powerade. “Just stressed from assignments and stuff I guess.”

“Not gonna fool me, kid. What’s up?” He looks me in the eye this time.

His blue eyes hold so much genuine concern. They flicker back and forth between my own and he blinks slowly awaiting my response.

“It’s Garrett.” I admit.

“What about him this time?” He huffs as his eyes harden, sitting back against his side of the booth with his arms across his chest.

“He… I don’t know. He crossed a boundary and I wasn’t comfortable with it,” I start, breaking eye contact and pushing my hair behind my ear. “And then he acted like I was out of line. He dropped me off at my house and I haven’t heard from him since.”

His gaze softens and he puts his elbows on the table, scooting closer to me with a knowing look. “I figured it had something to do with that. You know I can read you like a book. So is it over, or…?”

“I don’t know. He didn’t say, and I haven’t even tried to reach out.” I close my box of chicken nuggets as my appetite fizzles away.

“I’m so sorry, Y/n. He fucking sucks.” He leaves it at that and gathers all our trash. “Let’s go.”

We walk to a nearby gas station in silence, the mood heavier this time. I wander around the snack aisle as he makes his purchase. I hear the bell on the door ring and look over as he holds it open and nods his head at me. The black bag swings lazily at his side as we walk to the park.

“What did you get?” I ask as we settle on a bench under a lamp post.

“Cigarettes. Oh and a lighter.” He says casually as he pulls them out of the bag.

“What the fuck,” I laugh, my eyes widening as I realize he’s serious. “Why?”

He shrugs, “I don’t know, just figured we could try something new. You’re stressed and shit so I kinda just thought it would be nice, I don’t know.” He flicks his thumb across the lighter and the yellow flame illuminates his face before he blows it out.

“I mean.. I guess. I’m probably gonna cough super bad.” I laugh and straighten my legs in front of me, crossing my ankles.

“Eh, fuck it. I probably will too.” He laughs and rips the pack open.

He brings a cigarette between his lips and holds it there, cupping a hand around it to block the wind. His other hand comes up with the lighter and sparks it a couple times before he gets it to light. He holds the flame against the end and draws in a breath, the tip glowing red as it catches fire. He immediately pulls it away from his mouth and coughs loudly, standing up and holding his chest.

“What… the FUCK.” He says between heaving coughs, small puffs of smoke escaping his mouth each time.

I can’t help but laugh, throwing my hands over my mouth and taking in the sight in front of me. He shakes his head back and forth with his eyes closed, his brown waves flopping around. He extends his arm to me and squats down trying to take control over his breath again.

“Good fuckin’ luck.” He coughs out.

I lean forward and grab it between my fingers, his warm ones brushing mine in the process. He looks up and smiles before shaking his head in disgust again.

“So fucking dizzy.” He says as he sits down fully on the asphalt.

“Baby’s first nicotine buzz!” I joke, stopping my laughter quickly as he squints his eyes at me.

I bring the cigarette between my lips and drag on it, my lungs immediately filling with thick, rancid smelling smoke. I cough one big time and try to hold it in, puffing my cheeks out and attempting to hold my breath. My chest starts burning and my eyes are watering, and my body instinctively coughs over and over to try to clear my airway. I see Chris laughing through my blurry vision, smacking his knees and stomping a foot on the ground.

“Oh… my.. god.” I choke out, my head spinning and my fingers erupting with a static feeling.

“Yeah, shit’s no joke. How do people enjoy this?” He stands up and drags himself back over to the bench, reclaiming his spot beside me and grabbing the cigarette from me.

I cough on and off, still trying to rid my lungs of the contaminants. I throw my head back and my hair dangles off the backrest of the bench. Chris’s hand finds its way to me and strokes my hair softly and slowly. I bring my head back up and look at him, shaking my head with disappointment.

“Can’t believe you would do that to me.” I tease through a stifled smile.

“Just wanted to see what it was like..” he giggles and brings it back to his lips, the end glowing again as he takes a smaller puff.

He coughs once or twice as the smoke billows out of his mouth and dissipates into the foggy air around us. He looks at me with wide eyes. “Hey, that one wasn’t so bad!” He holds it back out to me, gesturing me to try again.

“Uhh.. I think I’m good. My lungs feel like they’re collapsing.” I push his hand back.

“You should try one more time..” he looks away in thought before snapping his head back. “What if we shotgun? I’ll take the brunt of the smoke and you can have whatever’s leftover. It’ll be less harsh that way.”

I’m sorry, but shotgunning a cigarette? First of all, that’s nasty. Does not sound appealing in the slightest. Secondly, I can’t fathom bringing my lips that close to Chris.

“Uhhh..” I trail off and shake my head slightly.

“Come onnnn Y/n/n!” He pouts, scooting closer to me on the bench. “I’m not gonna peer pressure you into it if you really don’t want to..” he says seriously.

“Fine. ONE more time.” I say and narrow my eyes at him.

He nods furiously and scoots even closer, our thighs touching and his cologne strong in the breeze. I can see every detail of his face under the light of the lamp post. His bushy but clean brows, his smile lines, his pink lips wet from obsessively licking them. His hair falls over his eyes as he brings the cigarette back into his mouth and takes a big drag. His eyes widen and he grabs my face in a rush, his warm hand against my cold cheek.

He pulls me close and our noses brush against each other. Time feels like it slows down to a crawl. I open my mouth and he does the same, our lips micrometers apart. His hot breath mixed with the smoke fan over my face as his eyes close, his long eyelashes fanning across his cheeks. I can feel heat in my cheeks that I’ve never felt around him.

He exhales as I inhale, the smoke that was once in his lungs filling my own. I take all that I can and he stays for what feels like a moment too long, his icy blue eyes opening to lock onto mine. I feel a weird pit in my stomach and the blood stills in my veins. Why am I feeling like this?

He pulls back and scans over my face, watching as I exhale and a comically small puff of smoke blows out.

“Well, that was lame.” He laughs and brushes his hair back.

“Yeah, little bit.” I agree flatly.

We sit in silence and finish the cigarette together, our lungs adjusting and my mind racing. I try to take my mind off the feeling of his thigh still brushing against mine, but the nicotine doesn’t have any effect at all. I thought these things are supposed to relieve stress.

Once we’ve burnt it to the end, he rubs the bud against the asphalt and flicks it away. It rolls until it hits the curb and we both sigh at the same time. We look at eachother and laugh at our ‘jinx’ moment, not knowing just how different we were feeling internally but thankful that we feel no pressure to be perfect when we were together.

“I’m so thankful to have a friend like you, Chrissy.” I smile and blow some warm air into my frozen hands.

He smiles lazily at me for a second, an almost sad look flashing across his eyes as his hand comes to lay on top of mine and stroke the back of it with his thumb. “Don’t know what I’d do without ya.”

•••

The morning sun comes out from hiding, her rays illuminating his brown hair on his pillow beside me. I watch his chest rising and falling steadily, a calming rhythm that could lull me back to sleep any day. Nothing makes me happier than waking up and feeling warmth on his side of the bed. I feel whole in his presence.

I look around at our bedroom and realize just how far we’ve come. We’ve both left the comfort of our parents homes and have made these four walls our own. Piece by piece we made a sanctuary like a bird collecting sticks and paper straw wrappers for its nest. I could go anywhere with him and build a nest. He makes everything okay.

I take my phone off the charger and scroll around aimlessly, hoping not to disturb his sleep, his pink lips hanging open and his eyes moving under his lids. I go through instagram and flip through recipes, gym videos, and dog compilations before I’m bored and close it out. I try Facebook and my distant older relatives have flooded my timeline with political garbage, so I close it out too. I open Snapchat and see a memory, smiling as I start to click through the photos and videos taken on this day from the previous years.

The first video plays, a snippet from last year of us in his car, lip syncing to one of our favorite songs. The next one is from the same night, a photo of him with his arm around me in front of the door to our then-new apartment. His eyes shimmered with happiness, mine mirroring his own with a huge smile plastered on my face.

I click again and watch as our past plays out on the screen in front of me. I can’t help but feel so thankful for the way everything worked out. So much would be different if the world hadn’t knitted us in the exact pattern it planned, one frayed thread and I wouldn’t be sitting in this room with the love of my life.

Click

My smile fades as I scan over the photo. I reminisce on the night, remembering everything as if it were a movie playing in my brain. They used to be some of the best times of my life. He made me so happy.

It’s strange how well you can know the inner workings of someone, sometimes more than your own. You know the temperature they like to drink their water, their favorite salad dressing, the commercials that make them cry. And you sit together and watch the commercials from time to time, because you know the end makes them smile again.

It’s strange how quickly it can all fizzle out, both of you existing in the world without a clue of who the person could be today. Here one minute and gone the next. I know he’s out there. He knows I’m out here. But who is he?

How different would my life had been if I did end up with him? Would I have had the same opportunities, the same zeal for life, would I be happier? Would it be my single biggest regret?

I wonder if he thinks about me and everything we went through together. I wonder if he remembers the angsty songs we played in his car late at night, or the scent of the air freshener I always bought for him when he ran out. Does he wonder what his life would be like with me, or has he moved on and found his own paper straw wrappers?

I know he was in love with me. I knew I loved him. But sometimes things are star-crossed and confusing and they hurt and there’s nothing we can do about it. Sometimes the right people come into your life at the wrong time. Do we pine about it forever, or do we let the world continue knitting while hoping the strings don’t fray?

I look over the photo once more, our shadows on the ground innocent and unaware of the future.

I look over and the boy beside me stretches his arms above him and takes in a deep breath before turning over to me, his brown waves a mess. He smiles from ear to ear and I can’t help but return it.

“Morning, baby.”

“Good morning, Garrett.”

a/n: i sobbed many times writing this im sorry if you like happy endings

taglist: @lustfulslxt @whotfisade @soursturniolo @recklesssturniolo @lxvlysworld @chrisolivia4l @kiarastromboli @mattnchrisworld @cupidsword @kvtie444 @xplrfear @knowingnothingnoel

[im-a-writer--im-in-distress]

Dog or Cat

Insert with: Ruhn Danaan

Reader: Female (she/her)

Words: 800+

About: Just a little fun.

Warning(s): N/A

A/N: Day Four of Ruhn Week 2024! The prompt is "Free Day". @ruhnweek New stories all week!

Bryce sat cross-legged on the floor. "I've got one: Who among us has a dog personality or a cat personality?”

Her mate leaned forward from his place on the couch behind her, raising an eyebrow. “You mean, like, loyal and playful versus independent and judgmental?”

"Sounds like you don't want to be a cat?"

"Not at all," he said, leaning back into his spot. "I see cat. Independent, like my space, and not too big on being told what to do.”

Declan Emmet, busy fiddling with his tech gadgets in his lap, didn't even look up. “Nah, Hunt, you’re a dog. You’re fiercely loyal and protective, especially when it comes to Bryce.”

Bryce laughed. “Like a guard dog. A big, grumpy, overprotective one.”

Hunt rolled his eyes but it couldn't hide the smile on his lips. “Fine, fine. Dog it is.”

"What about me?" Bryce asked, pleased with her own game.

Ithan chimed in, “You’re a total dog, Bryce." "That sounds like she should be offended," Ruhn beamed Ithan with the ball he'd been tossing in the air. The shifter yelped.

“What if I wanted to be a mysterious, aloof cat?”

"You're about as aloof as a golden retriever, Bryce." Tristan snorted, propping his head up with a pillow. "You can’t even fake it.”

Ruhn chuckled. “Sorry, sis. You’re definitely more dog than cat.”

Bryce gave a mock-salute. “Alright, dog it is.”

Tristan pointed at Declan. “The cat in the room is right there. Always always doing his own thing, always playing with his tech."

“I can live with that.”

"Plus, you’ve got that whole ‘don’t mess with my stuff’ vibe.” Ithan added. "You learned that from experience?" Hunt teased. Everyone laughed at his expense.

"What about Flynn?” Ithan asked. "'Cause I think it's pretty obvious he's a dog."

Flynn grinned widely. “Oh, I’m definitely a dog. I love hanging out, meeting new people, having a good time.”

Ruhn shook his head. “He's the poster boy for dog personalities. Couldn't even pick a breed.”

Bryce pointed at her brother. “What about you, Ruhn?"

“Hey, what about me?” Ithan whined.

“Oh, please, you’re a dog,” Bryce said.

Ithan feigned indignation. "I don't know. I can be pretty particular about who I let in my circle."

"No way," Flynn said, picking his head up to look at him from his sprawl on the floor. "You've got the whole ‘faithful companion’ thing down.”

"Always looking for belly rubs and treats, too, just like a good boy,” Declan added in a baby voice.

"Why are we picking on Ithan?" You said, walking into the apartment and putting down your purse and coat.

"We're picking dog or cat personalities for everyone," Ruhn filled you in as you leaned down to kiss him.

"Yeah, and Ithan honestly thinks he's a cat," Flynn said.

Ithan shrugged, accepting his fate. “Nah, I'm a dog. I just didn't want you to assume the obvious choice.”

"Who's next?" You asked.

The room turned towards Ruhn, who looked at you. “What do you think? Which am I?"

“Oh, that’s easy," you said, plopping down next to him. "Ruhn’s a cat.”

Flynn waved his hands in protest. “No way! He’s a dog. He’s always got our backs when we need him.”

"Definitely the most dependable guy I know," Ithan said.

Declan shook his head. “Nah, he’s got that brooding, independent vibe. Y/N's right."

"Loyal, protective, overbearing," Bryce eyed her brother on the last word. "I don't know. I see both."

Hunt chimed in, “He’s a mix, for sure. He’s loyal like a dog but has that mysterious, keeps-to-himself quality of a cat.”

Ruhn smirked at you, "Apparently, you're dating a mystery."

“No, you're a cat," you said, a smile on your lips, before turning to the others. "He hangs out with all of you guys, who are complete dogs, and you've rubbed off on him. But deep down, he’s a cat. 100%.”

Dec raised a hand. "Point of order, we decided I'm a cat. I am not responsible for rubbing off on him."

"No. No, no," you said, pointing a finger at him. "You are not a cat. You're more like a parrot."

Hunt glanced at Bryce. "I didn't know that was an option," he muttered to her.

"A parrot?" Bryce asked you.

"Yeah. He's either perched somewhere with his tech," —you waved a hand at Declan's lap— "or you're squawking gossip."

Flynn and Ithan coughed and covered their mouths as an ohh, burnnn came out, while Bryce and Ruhn nearly fell over laughing. Hunt just barely covered his reaction.

Dec's eyes burned into yours. "And what are you, the cat that ate the canary?"

"Something like that." But your smirk couldn't hide your smile.

Ruhn pressed his lips against your shoulder, still laughing. "That's my girl," he whispered.

"Well, there's no doubt what Y/N is," Hunt said.

You mimicked a cat's claw. "Rowr."

[marchsfreakshow]

Having Their Fill [JPM & The Countess]

Angst. Almost smut.

You knew The Countess switches lovers like that. It upset you and wished to not have be cursed the blood virus anymore. That meant being hers forever.

Warnings: blood mention, body checking, self image talk, weight talk, implied smut & dub-con. Fem!reader

I love this idea, and I hope you like this little thing I made up. Literally re-watching Hotel so I can get this out.

Your perspective.

⊹˚.⋆ ₊꒷ᘏᘏ︶ଓ︶꒷꒦⊹˚ᗢ₊꒷︶ଓ︶꒷

I stared at the image in the mirror. My gorgeous girlfriend, I guess you could call her that, The Countess, bought me it so she could have me look at myself during sex. Why? Fuck if I know. My eyes were always shut closed because of how made me feel while we were fucking. The stars always aligned when we were together, but I never took it too much to heart. Tristan and Liz told me that eventually she would get bored, throw me out and leave me be on the streets.

The body in front of me wasn't fun. It's not interesting, nothing is correct. No one would like this body. Too fat, too thin, too ugly, too skinny, too curvy. Everything and nothing at the same time. A loud sigh escaped me as she came in. "You've been staring at yourself for an hour love.." She said, walking towards me and my naked body. "Never doubt yourself. You're so beautiful. My lovely girl forever."

"Unlikely." I snorted.

"What do you mean?" Her eyes narrowed. People disagreeing with her meant death, but I could never believe her. She let me go and I got dressed. Slowly. My hands felt weak, I couldn't do much. It felt lonely here sometimes.

"I know you. I've been told about your past lovers...it's just a matter of time until you let me go and find another." Trousers on, still shirtless but wearing a bra. Looking up in the mirror, I saw her staring at my reflection.

"That may be true. You are so much different than the people before you." She placed a calm hand on my shoulder, but I slapped it away.

"Not fucking likely! You turn them, make them love you then throw them away or kill them!! How can I fucking love you so much when that fate awaits me.." Seething my teeth, I threw on my shirt lazily, barely doing up the bottom buttons. She did nothing but stand there and watch. As silent and still as ever. My stuff was in my hands just as quickly as I left. Leaving in a huff probably wasn't the best idea, but I just had to go somewhere else. Maybe talk to Liz.

Stomping down the hallways, I sighed and let all thoughts fall past me. Walking quickly was tiring, but my footsteps fell silent as I reached room 64. Another sigh left me, and I knocked on the door slowly, my head hung in slight embarrassment. A creak. "Little bird. Hello my dear."

"James.." I sniffed. His eyebrows furrowed and placed a hand on my back, walking me into the room. "It's..."

"The Countess? Dear, you must realise that she does not like staying with one person for so long."

"she stayed with you."

"I am stuck here, she lives here on her own terms. We have an arrangement so I can see her once every month. It has been this way for as long as I have been a ghost my bird."

I huffed again and crossed my arms, looking away from the ghost. He raised an eyebrow at me. "You should not be so upset with me, you said yes to this deal when the Countess and I agreed to share you."

"share me? That's fucking rich." I chuckled.

"You do remember the deal do you not little hummingbird?" As a response I nodded, barely meeting his eyes. He hummed and smiled ever so slightly.

"doesn't mean you share me though. She has me more than you do."

"Yes, insatiable, isn't she?" His eyes wandered off into the distance, the smile only growing wider. It took everything in me to not slap some sense into him. So I clicked my tongue and sat on the table closest to me. "Either she will come and find you to end your life or I make it quicker and save her a job." James grinned, turning on his heel and walking into another part of his room.

"Both of you find intimacy in killing, it'll probably be the same either way," I mutter, sort of following him like a lost puppy. I didn't particularly find the intimacy in killing, nor did I want to die just yet, but I couldn't take having this ancient curse in me anymore.

"Love, our killings could not be more different." I heard The Countess say from the doorframe. James flashed a smile at her, as she moved her attention between him and me. "I must kill to keep myself alive. He kills for pleasure."

"you describe it so perfectly my dear." He smiled, resting a hand on her back. I rolled my eyes and looked away from the dead and barely-in-love couple.

"Little mouse, what are you thinking? You seem distracted."

"About maybe if I can be let go now? I'm fucking done." James clicked his tongue and shook his head. Well fuck, suppose I'm stuck here now.

The door was closed behind them and James walked behind me and held a knife on my stomach as he wrapped his hands around me. It elicited a quiet chuckle out of the glorified vampire, and she walked towards us. Wow, where was all this sudden tension coming from? I just sighed and rested my head on James' shoulder, deciding to go along with whatever they had planned. Kisses on my neck, my shirt slowly being pulled over my head. Cold fingers on my torso. It made me gasp and I shivered, almost cooling back from the ghost touches.

A sharp blade gently stung my belly, cringing at the feeling. But I felt more kisses and licks, and my trousers, slowly being pulled down from my legs. Freezing air flew past me, causing more shivers. Incoherent whispers as The Countess stood up slowly, and placed a gentle hand on James' shoulder. I could feel their wicked smiles.

My back on the bed, scratchy sheets and then sharps and stings.

A long nail against my neck.

A knife under my breasts.

Heavy breaths.

God, I felt divine, and like I actually needed them. This fucking effect the both of them had on me. "Fuck.." I moaned out.

"You're a good girl, mouse."

James in me, The Countess admiring every part of my body and keeping a hand around my neck, whatever claws she owned, teasing every vein.

It was only a few minutes later when absolute silence.

What on earth was this darkness? Lovingly enveloping me, and making me feel warm.

Then I opened my eyes and I was looking at red. A body dressed in a green sweater and dirty jeans. My sweater and dirty jeans.

My back hit a chest.

"You died wonderfully my little bird." Oh fuck.

"James..." I whimpered, turning on my heel and hitting his collarbones. But the Countess grabbed my hands and pulled them back to behind me.

"None of that now mouse."

What the fuck was happening?? Why? I didn't plan on dying just now. But by the hands of the ones who owned and breathed this hotel. What the fuck else could I do?

"Jesus fuck..."

"you are now here with us for eternity my sweet. You are allowed to switch between the two of us for as long as you please."

Well, Christ okay. Despite the sudden hollowness of not being alive, I pressed a gentle kiss onto the Countess' cheek.

"fine...okay, just, can my body be removed or something?"

"Of course, it can love." The Countess smiled, petting my hair.

Eternity is going to be long...

⊹˚.⋆ ₊꒷ᘏᘏ︶ଓ︶꒷꒦⊹˚ᗢ₊꒷︶ଓ︶꒷

Tag: @babygorewhore @nahoyasboyfriend @coentinim @slvt4jamesmarch @slutforgarlogan @feefymo

[wosowrites]

Canadian Wonders (Jessie Fleming x Reader)

Warnings: None

A/N: This is so cute my heart melts for jessie

Prompt: Reader is australian, and has never seen a lot of snow before. So Jessie takes her to her home town to meet her family and have a traditional Canadian winter.

When you’ve lived in the land down under for 20 years, and then move to play for a huge club like Chelsea at 21, a lot of things take adjusting. But somehow, it wasn’t the intense training, or the new people, that was the biggest adjustment. It was the weather. You never went to university, not being a big scholar and being raised in a broken home with little money. Instead, you opted to go pro right away. You went pro in 2020, and was relieved to know you would have another aussie at the club with you. You and Sam Kerr had been playing together since you were 15 and she was 18. Soon enough, you got known as a pretty dynamic duo, arriving to winter practices in huge puffy coats, and covered head to toe. You were both strikers, and Emma loved playing you both at the top. In a bit over two years, you both reached your 100th game for Chelsea, having collected between the both of you, 169 goals and 32 assists.

In the middle of 2020, you met Jessie Fleming.

You both started dating in 2021, and 2 years later, you were still going strong. Jessie finally decided she wanted you to meet her family in person, and see her home town. So, in january of 2023, you hoped on a plane to London, Ontario. And you thought London, England was cold…

You stepped out of the small London, Ontario airport, the freezing cold hitting you right away. "I told you to put a coat on baby," Jessie said, laughing at your shocked face. "I didn’t think it would be this cold!" You said, shivering. "I warned you!" Jessie said, opening her long winter coat. You quickly dropped your bag at your feet and abandoned your suitcase, putting your arms around her and feeling the comfort of her body. Jessie closed the big coat around the both of you, kissing the top of your head.

You were taller than her only by an inch, but in your cold state, you were hunched over to stay warm.

"How quickly is Eylsse gonna get here?" You whined. "Just texted her, she’ll be here in- oh there she is." Jessie said.

You reluctantly left the comfort of your girlfriends body, pulling away and seeing Elysse and Tristan driving up in the family subaru. You saw the pure joy in their eyes, the happiness of seeing their sister. You felt happy for Jessie, happy she had that bond with her siblings, but also sad that yours hadn’t reached out to you in years.

Tristan and Elysse stepped out of the car, Elysse running up to Jessie and jumping in her arms. Tristan seemed more reserved, more like Jessie, so you opted for a simple handshake. "It’s nice to meet you in person, you’re taller than you seem on family facetimes." Tristan says. "Don’t lie to me," you laughed, knowing very well you were not tall. "Hey, Elysse!" You said. She hugged you tightly, smiling at you wildly. "I love your nose piercing, oh my god it looks so good on you! I’ve always wanted one but I don’t know if it would suit me." You say to Elysse. "You should get one! I know a really good guy if you want!" Elysse said, smiling at you. "I’ll think about it. Let’s just please get out of the cold." You said, grabbing both yours and Jessie’s luggage and bringing it to the car.

"Did you not tell your aussie girlfriend to wear a coat in Canada?" Elysse laughed, addressing her sister. "I did! She didn’t listen!" Jessie answered, watching as her girlfriend and brother put the luggage in the trunk. "She’s a gentleman," Elysse said, smiling. "You haven’t seen anything yet."

———

Michaele and John Fleming met you with open arms. Literally. The Fleming’s were warm, and inviting, the house smelled like fresh food and slightly of paint. You had all finished eating supper, a meal cooked to perfection by both Jessie’s parents, and were now sitting in the living room.

"I’m so happy you all managed to get time off work and school." Michaele said, pouring you a cup of coffee. "Me too, it’s really nice here." You said, thanking her with a nod for the warm drink. "You haven’t even hiked yet." Jessie told you. "Hiking? It’s too cold to hike." You said, shocked people went outside willingly in this weather. "Is not. In fact, that’s our first activity."

It was known to everyone that Jessie loved order. So when she told you that she had specific activities planned, you weren’t at all suprised.

"Tomorrow morning, 5:00 am, sunrise hike. Then skating on the mountain, then I want to bring you to a really cute coffee shop and show you my elementary school." Jessie said. "5:00 am!" You said, but we’re ignored. "Don’t forget your appointment! You’re getting a nose ring at 5:00 pm tomorrow." Elysse said.

It was true, the youngest Fleming had convinced you to go for it. Worse case scenario, you didn’t like it and let the hole close.

"How could I forget? Just you and me for that one, Els?" You asked her. "Yeah, mum and I are making supper. We’re only here three days." Jessie said.

A few hours later, you went to bed in Jessie’s childhood bedroom. It was surreal being in that are, seeing the trophies, the blue walls, the medals and framed pictures. "What would 14 year old you say if she knew that 24 year old you was lying in this same bed with her girlfriend?" You asked her as she traced patterns on your stomach. "I think she would pass out."

———

As Jessie had said, the next morning she had woken you up at 5:00 am. The whole thing was a blur. You remembered her literally having to dress you, and her telling you to be quiet as you tip toed down the stairs. She had bundled you up in a warm hat, a big winter coat, gloves and a scarf. Your hood was up the second you were out the door. You had fallen asleep in the car, and by the time you were to the mountains, it was almost 6:30.

"You ready baby?" Jessie said, opening the door for you and laughing at your grunt of an answer. You didn’t stay mad for long though, as you saw the still starry winter night peeking through the pine trees. "Oh, Jess. This is beautiful." You told her.

The both of you started your hike. Jessie had her camera with her and was taking pictures of you, and the world surrounding you the whole time you walked up the mountain. The snow was mangeable, due to the trail having been plowed. By the time you arrived at the top of the mountain, the sun was rising. Jessie pulled out a cover from her bag and put it in the snow. You cuddled up next to her, sipping a mocha Jessie had made.

The sky was painted orange, pink, red, yellow and purple, it was the most beautiful thing you had ever seen. Well, second most beautiful thing. Jessie would always be first. "I’m happy you brought me here." you told her, peering into her eyes. "I’m happy you like it here." She answered. "One day, when we retire from football, I wouldn’t mind having a family with you here." You told her, nervous of her answer.

You didn’t meet her eyes, that is until she used her gloved fingers to lift your chin up. "I want that more than anything." Jessie said, kissing you lovingly.

[starrylayle]

Soman’s failed POC and Queer rep in the SGE saga — And why criticism is essential to the movie (franchise)

[repost]

Before I start though, I’d like to say that if you have any argument about forced representation, dni. I don’t give a shit that ur faves aren’t white anymore — and please stop fucking harassing Soman and the cast about this non-issue.

Now onto the racial criticism of Soman’s work, which I don’t see talked enough about.

Being a person of colour does not mean you are exempt from racial criticism. I’m sure this is known by now, but in the books, literally everyone is white. Like EVERYONE. And not only that, the beauty standards he portrays and tries to critique (but then fails miserably at unfortunately) are so Eurocentric it’s quite disheartening actually - pale skin, small noses, coloured eyes, etc. The themes are also quite Eurocentric as well — if you had told me that the books were written by a white author, I would believe you.

Now, I’ve always given him the benefit of the doubt here, considering he was writing a middle grade series as a marginalised author, which was a lot more difficult at the time, and because he does genuinely try to improve his POC rep in the later books (even if that does include retconning character’s previous descriptions lol). In that same vein, the cast is also noticeably more diverse, and I truly applaud Soman for that. However, he has not said anything in regards to the racism the cast have been getting, which considering his influence on the fandom, would have been much appreciated. (The only casting choice he actually spent some time defending was brunette Tedros 💀💀 — like mate, get your priorities together!). Also, since whiteness is quite intrinsic to the core themes of the story (I’ll make a separate post on that later), I worry that the movie will unintentionally be pushing it. And if that’s the case, people should be allowed to critique this (hypothetical) poor depiction of race, without it being considered racist. (As previously mentioned — this excludes those fucking weirdos who just hate on the cast coz their faves aren’t white anymore 🙄🙄)

Ok so, in regards to the queer-coding/queer-baiting:

Just like being a POC doesn’t mean u can’t have internalised racism, being queer doesn’t mean u can’t have internalised homophobia, especially to other members of the community. I don’t know why exactly Soman struggles with writing queer rep so much (I mean I can understand in 2013 — but now plenty of middle grade books include queer characters), but he barely has any canon gay rep.

Tristan/Yara, who is not even specified whether they are gay or trans, is one of the first characters to die, with absolutely no resolution to their arc whatsoever - and their queerness is never mentioned again. The next confirmed queer couple are two backgrounder guys who barely have any significance to the story. The couple after that are two evil white boys, who are only confirmed to be queer after they both die. They are are the only relevant gay characters at this point — yet ofc they’re dead, white and evil. This wouldn’t be a problem if there were other (good) queer characters, but since that is not the case, it just comes off as rather… icky.

Now notice how all these couples, as poorly written as they are, are all (white) gay men? There are hints that Hester and anadil might be in a relationship, but it’s never explicitly confirmed.

In addition, sophie and Agatha are explicitly queer coded — (I made a post about it on my acc for anyone’s interested) — they even kiss!! Of course people are going to be mad that they were baited into a relationship that ended up being incesteous! Especially, ESP, considering that Agatha is now a Black girl in this adaptation. We barely see any white canon wlw couples in media — Black sapphics are almost unheard of in the mainstream, especially as leads. first kill, one show that featured a Lesbian Black girl lead (a Dark-skinned one at that!)— got cancelled. And this happens all the time. Lesbians/sapphics, esp sapphics of colour, ESP Balck sapphics are barely given any time of day in our media in favour of centring gay white men in queer narratives, and thus they have every right to be upset at the queer baiting.

I’m not Black, but as a queer woman of colour, Agatha’s character has always been very special to me. I’ve always thought she should be a POC considering how different her and her mum are from the rest of her cookie-cutter village, and queer because she did not fit into conventional notions of femininity. It would be so awesome to see Agatha, a queer woman of colour, as the lead in a high-budget fantasy series. But alas, that is too many marginalised identities for the general audience.

Not only that, the twin reveal was just plain bad writing. It had absolutely no bearing at the story whatsoever and is never mentioned again. It was just done purely for shock value, and for that, I will absolutely critique Soman.

I know that this discourse is tired and worn out — and understandably so, it’s been years. However, now that this movie is approaching mainstream — At worst, this queer baiting can already add to the whole ‘lesbian relationships aren’t serious’ and other terrible stereotypes. At best, it deprives sapphics of much needed representation in mainstream fantasy films.

Remember, unlike with the books, we as fans have the power to influence the story. If the creators see how unpopular the twist is with the public, they can probably change it. We can make a difference! Btw, this doesn’t mean sophie and Agatha should be endgame — I’d like for them to be in a short term relationship and be confirmed as canonically queer — Tagatha can still be the end couple! (Not hophie tho, coz sophie is a lesbian and I despise Hort lol).

[ally-writes-many-things]

Firestarter (Tristan Flynn) 18+

Summary: You had a crush on Flynn for all of your life but being Dec's little sister, Flynn never looked at her like that.

Words: 6.4K

Warnings or A/N: thinking about doing a part 2. Towards the end of the story, there is a very descriptive smut. MDNI with this story.

Art

Tristan Flynn had this charm to him that could draw females towards him with just a single glance, while his intimidating glare could send enemies fleeing in fear. It was this captivating thing that had initially sparked your crush on him.

Currently, he was seated in an armchair, with a dryad nestled on his lap. You couldn't help but let out a sigh, tearing your eyes away and taking a sip from your cup. "Are you interested, Emmett?"

"Interested in what?" You asked in confusion.

"We're all heading to the White Raven. Are you in?" came the question.

"You two have the biggest mouths in town," you heard Bryce remark, causing you to turn your head and see Bryce standing next to Declan, Flynn, and her cousin.

Flynn winked mischievously at her. "I thought you enjoyed my mouth."

"Keep dreaming, lordling," Bryce responded with a smirk.

You glanced at Bryce, taking in her captivating beauty. She exuded confidence with her voluptuous figure, flawless complexion, and mesmerizing eyes. Her vibrant red hair cascaded down her back in gentle waves. She was undoubtedly Flynn's type, unlike yourself. While you knew you were hot, you couldn't compare to Bryce Quinlin's allure. As she turned around and spotted you, a warm smile adorned her face. "Hey, (Name)."

Returning her greeting, you offered a sweet smile in return. "Hey, Bryce."

Although jealousy occasionally flickered towards Bryce and the attention Flynn showed her, you didn't hold it against her. After all, she couldn't control how others perceived her. Glancing briefly at Flynn, who was currently engaged in a steamy makeout session with the dryad, you refocused your attention on your group of friends. Placing your cup down, you nodded. "Let's do it."

☾⋆｡𖦹 °✩⋆

Upon waking up, a pulsating headache throbbed in your head, accompanied by a knocking at your front door. As you opened your bedroom door, you saw your friends sprawled on the floor, fast asleep alongside some unfamiliar guys. Before you could even make your way towards the door, it swung open, revealing Dec standing there. He glanced at the males scattered across your living room floor before directing a pointed look towards you. In response, you rolled your eyes and approached him, firmly placing your hand on his shoulder and guiding him out of your house. "What have I told you about coming into my house uninvited?"

"If you had answered your door the first fifty times or even responded to my calls, I wouldn't have to," he retorted.

"Why are you going through all this trouble?" you inquired.

"Because I turned my attention away from you for a moment and you vanished. I just assumed you had left, but then neither you nor your friends could be reached," he explained.

Your heart began to race. Has something happened to Flynn or Ruhn? "What's happened? Are Flynn and Ruhn alright?"

"Yeah, they're fine," he reassured.

"Why are you here at seven in the morning?" you pressed.

"Just checking on you, since nobody could find you at the party and you were ignoring your phone. Now I know why you were busy sleeping with those guys, who knows what they wanted," he remarked sharply.

Perplexed, you blinked at your brother, wondering why he was speaking to you in such a manner. His best friends frequently slept with random women, after all. "Hold on, are you seriously lecturing me for sleeping with random guys when your roommates do the exact same thing with women? Do you honestly believe I'm foolish enough to bring males home? They brought them here. I didn't even know until I woke up. Declan, you of all people should know I would never do that. I'm not that type of woman," You said, releasing a frustrated sigh.

Declan pulled you into a hug, and you reciprocated. "I just tend to get overprotective. I'm your older brother. It's my duty to look out for you," he admitted.

"D, you made sure I could fend for myself when you're not around. You, Ruhn, and Flynn all did," you asserted, stepping away from the embrace. "I'm not that little girl anymore. Your job is complete."

Declan offered a sad smile. "My responsibility to protect you doesn't end simply because you've grown up. I will always be there for you."

"Yeah, yeah. Now, get to the Aux before they fire your ass," you teased.

☾⋆｡𖦹 °✩⋆

As you stepped into the dimly lit atmosphere of the White Raven, you couldn't help but notice the various scenes unfolding around you. Some people were indulging in drugs in the corners, while others were drowning themselves in alcohol or dancing on the dance floor. Over to the right, in the VIP section, you spotted Ruhn, Declan, Flynn and the dryad from the other night. You rolled your eyes, already sensing that your night was about to become less enjoyable, but you were determined not to let them ruin your fun. You led your friends to your usual table and ordered a round of drinks.

Just as the waiter returned with your beverages, Flynn's dryad friend started making her way towards your table. You let out a sigh, knowing how this was going to play out. "Here we go," you muttered.

"She's going to try to act like she's Flynn's girlfriend," one of your friends predicted.

"They always do," another chimed in.

“If you need anything else, let the bartender know. My name is Myles,” The waiter winked at you three before sauntering away, and just as he did, the dryad approached your table.

She opened her mouth to speak, but your friend interrupted her. "Before you say anything to (Name), just know that you're not special. Flynn will keep you around for, what, two or maybe three weeks before he gets bored and tosses you aside," Your friend sneered.

The dryad's eyes narrowed at your friend before shifting her gaze to you. "Everyone knows that you have a crush on Flynn, but he's not interested in you at all. He's only friends with you because you're his best friend's little sister," she retorted.

You chuckled and turned to face her. "Have you ever noticed the hair tie on his right wrist?"

The dryad nodded. "Yes, what about it?"

"It's mine. I gave it to him a few years ago to hold for me and forgot about it. When I asked for it back, he refused, saying that it's like a piece of me is always with him. So, if you think I don't matter to him, I dare you to go ask him to take it off," You explained calmly as you took a sip of your drink.

The dryad's eyes narrowed further before silently walking back towards the VIP section. "You know Flynn won't be happy about this, right?" she warned.

"I couldn't care less. If he doesn't want me telling off his bitches, he should keep them from running their mouths to me," you replied, undeterred.

You finished your drink and sat it down on the table. With a carefree spirit, you sauntered onto the dance floor, ready to let loose and allow the music to wash over you. As the rhythm embraced you, your body effortlessly swayed and grooved, purely in sync with the music in the club. Your moves became more intricate and mesmerizing with each passing beat.

The bass thumped through your body, elevating your mood and intensifying your connection with the music. With each step, you felt a surge of electricity running through your veins, pulsating with the rhythm. The crowd around you seemed to fade away, and it was just you and the music, in a euphoric trance.

The colorful lights danced across your skin, accentuating your fluid movements and creating an aura of mystique. Everything else became a blur as you surrendered yourself to the music, allowing it to guide you, to release any inhibitions or worries that burdened you.

As you felt a touch on your hips, you turned around to discover that it was Myles, the waiter. Myles was hot and you wanted to feel every inch of him, causing you to realize that you were now ready to move on from Flynn. The constant presence of Flynn's bitches approaching you with intentions to intimidate, driven by their jealousy, had grown tiresome. Wrapping your arms around his neck, you found solace in placing your back against his chest while the rhythm of the club music guided your movements.

Feeling his warmth and steady heartbeat against your back, you let yourself relax and melt into him. His strong arms encircled your waist, pulling you closer. The pulsating beats of the music resonated through your bodies, synchronizing your movements and creating an intoxicating dance between the two of you.

As you closed your eyes, you willingly submitted to the music, allowing it to gently guide your bodies closer in an intimate embrace. Softly, his warm breath whispered against your ear, presenting a question, "Would you like to continue this elsewhere?"

In response, you subtly released your arms from around his neck and nodded in agreement. "Absolutely," You responded with certainty.

☾⋆｡𖦹 °✩⋆

"And today she simply yelled at me," The dryad recounted.

He nodded his head passively as he endured the dryad's ceaseless prattle. The subject matter held no interest for him whatsoever. Together, they made their way to the White Raven to meet with Ruhn and Declan, intending to drown their collective stress with copious amounts of alcohol. Although it had been several days since he had last spoken to you, an underlying annoyance nagged at Flynn. Yet, he forced himself to suppress those rising thoughts as he approached Ruhn and Declan. "Yo, Flynn. We've got a couple glasses of your regular order," Ruhn announced.

"Sweet," Flynn replied, accepting one of the glasses and swiftly consuming its contents.

The trio struggled to engage in any meaningful conversation, thanks to the incessant ramblings of the dryad. Just as Flynn was contemplating ordering another drink, Ruhn's gaze fixated upon someone, causing a mischievous grin to form on his face. "She's going to cause trouble for us tonight," Ruhn remarked.

Curiosity piqued, both Declan and Flynn directed their gaze towards the same individual. True to Ruhn's prediction, she was definitely going to cause trouble for them tonight. Clad in a short form-fitting black dress with a captivating hollow halter neckline that accentuated her every curve, her hair flowed elegantly down her back. Flynn couldn't help but be captivated by her hair, as he often was. He loved your hair.

She exchanged a pleasant smile with one of the males as he walked by, instantly capturing Flynn's attention. He became tense when he noticed that almost all the males in the club were fixated on her. His gaze followed her as she led her group of friends to their regular table and placed an order with the waiter. Flynn noticed the dryad casting a disapproving glare at him, but he paid no mind. All that mattered to him was keeping her within his sight, especially when she was dressed like that. He only realized that the dryad had left when she reached your table.

One of your friends said something to her, prompting the dryad to turn and address you. However, all you did was laugh and say something back before heading onto the dance floor. The dryad returned to Flynn and scrutinized his wrist. "If we're going to be together, I want you to remove that hair tie."

Ruhn and Declan winced upon hearing her demand, fully understanding the significance of that hair tie to Flynn. Declan glanced at the dryad. "I wouldn't do that."

"I refuse to date someone who keeps another woman's hair tie on his wrist. Take it off," the dryad insisted.

Flynn's hand instinctively touched the hair tie before he lifted his arm to show it to her. "You mean this hair tie?"

Flynn forced a laugh before locking eyes with the dryad. "Do you have any idea how annoying you are? Sure, you may be good in bed, but that doesn't make up for how unbearable you truly are. We are not dating, and we never will be. This hair tie will remain on my wrist, unless it breaks. Now, get the fuck out of the VIP section and lose my contact information."

The dryad attempted to voice her objection, but Ruhn swiftly indicated to the security guard to remove her. Flynn paid no further heed to the dryad, directing his gaze towards the dance floor until he spotted you. His heart sank as he witnessed you and the waiter moving your bodies to the music. His hands were against her waist, guiding you effortlessly across the crowded dance floor. There was something festering inside him but he didn't know what the feeling was.

With each beat of the music, his grip on his glass grew tighter, his knuckles turning white. His once easy going demeanor morphed into something unrecognizable - a mixture of turmoil, anger, and an unfamiliar emotion. He couldn't stand the sight any longer, couldn't bear to see you leaving the White Raven with another male.

He got out of his seat to push the waiter away from you but he was halted by Declan. "Don't," he urged.

Confused, Flynn exclaimed, "What do you mean, don't? She's leaving with him,”

Declan calmly took a sip of his drink and sighed. "She is a grown woman, whom we have all trained. She is fully capable of handling herself, and she knows that we are just a phone call away if she needs us."

Flynn glanced towards the exit of the white Raven, observing the two of you departing.

☾⋆｡𖦹 °✩⋆

To: Fireststarter

Hey.

To: Firestar.

I saw you leave the club with that guy. Just checking in. You good?

To: Firestar

Hello?

To: Firestar

(Name)

To: Fireststarter

Oh, so you can text Ruhn and Declan back but not me?

Flynn gazed at the multitude of messages he had sent you that remained unacknowledged or unseen. He had reached out to you this morning to check on your well-being, but upon receiving no response, a sense of worry had washed over him. Ruhn and Declan assured him that you were fine, but Flynn couldn't bring himself to fully accept their reassurances. After all, it was unlike you to disregard his messages. So, he found himself standing on your doorstep, inhaling deeply before rapping on the door with trepidation. "Coming," your voice echoed from within.

A surge of relief coursed through Flynn upon hearing your voice; you were safe. However, as you opened the door, his heart sank. Dressed in a male's shirt adorned with visible hickeys on your neck, you greeted him with a casual "Oh hey Flynn."

"Hey. I was just checking up on you. You never responded to any of my texts," he uttered, concern evident in his tone.

"Yeah, sorry about that. I had intended to, but got caught up with something," you explained.

"Yeah, that 'something' would be me," a male voice chimed in from behind the door.

You glanced back with amusement before redirecting your attention to Flynn. "Are we finished here? You can see that I'm alive."

Flynn nodded solemnly, and you promptly closed the door in his face.

☾⋆｡𖦹 °✩⋆

It has been several weeks, and Flynn has not heard from you much, maybe only two or three times. Surprisingly, Ruhn and even your own brother haven't heard from you much either. It was painful for Flynn, feeling like you were pushing him away, and he was unsure of how to handle the situation.

"Have you seen (Name)? She actually seems genuinely happy for once," Flynn overheard Ruhn and Declan talking in the kitchen.

Ruhn remarked. "I think it's all thanks to Myles," he added.

Flynn quietly approached the kitchen and noticed Declan and Ruhn standing next to the island with an opened box of pizza. "Nah," Declan replied, taking a slice. "While Myles may have played a role in her happiness, ultimately, it's her own doing. She's smart enough not to rely solely on one guy for her happiness."

At that moment, Flynn entered the kitchen and went to the fridge to grab a beer. He couldn't help but ask, "So, she's still with Myles?"

"As far as I know," Declan replied, taking a bite of his pizza.

Flynn's grip on the beer bottle tightened. "I don't understand what she sees in him. He's an arrogant asshole," he expressed his frustration.

Both Ruhn and Declan rolled their eyes. Flynn had been complaining about Myles ever since you walked out of the White Raven with him for the first time. "Come on, guys. No, he's not good for her. He's cutting her off from everyone," Flynn argued.

While Declan remained silent, Ruhn decided to speak up. "Actually, Declan and I hear from her almost every day, if not every night. Her friends also hear from her multiple times a day. He's not cutting her off from anyone," Ruhn clarified.

Flynn's heart skipped a beat upon hearing that news. "What?" he exclaimed in disbelief.

"The only person who seems to be cut off is you," Ruhn said softly.

Flynn's breathing became heavy as he processed the information. It felt as though his world was closing in on him. Could it be true that he was the only one you had distanced yourself from? What had he done wrong? "Why would she do that? I haven't done anything wrong," he questioned, feeling a mix of confusion and hurt.

Declan, who had remained silent on the matter, slammed his hands on the table. "You are right. You hasn't done anything wrong. Ever since she was young, she has had fucking feelings for you. But now that she has grown tired of waiting for your attention and moved on, you suddenly want to act jealous and talk shit about the person that is allowing her to do that? Stop treating her as if she is some kind of lost puppy. Leave my sister the fuck alone, Tristan," Declan stated with a venomous tone before storming out of the kitchen.

The only instances when people referred to him by his full name were when he made mistakes or if they were extremely angry with him. Flynn observed his best friend climbing the staircase to his room before turning his attention back to Ruhn. "I am not jealous. She has been with other people before," he explained as he took a seat on the bar stool.

Leaning against the counter, Ruhn crossed his arms over his chest. "This is different, and deep down, you know it," he asserted.

Flynn sighed and covered his face with his hands. "Yes, I do know that, but I can't quite pinpoint what it is. I have never had such anissue with her seeing other guys like this before."

"That's because you were use to her constant attention. Now that she no longer gives it to you, you realize that you never gave her a chance. You never gave that extraordinary, one-of-a-kind girl a real chance. The girl who would do anything for you, and now you can't," Ruhn replied.

Flynn uncovers his face and remarks, "You sound like you were in love with her."

"Maybe I once was, but it wasn't me that she wanted," Ruhn uttered, uncrossing his arms and leaving the room.

Flynn quietly eased himself off the barstool, swiftly draped his jacket over his shoulders, and exited his house. He needed some time alone to ponder over the emotions swirling inside him before discussing them with you. Was he experiencing these sentiments simply due to his familiarity with receiving your attention, or was he truly developing genuine feelings towards you?

As Flynn stepped outside, the cool afternoon air provided some clarity amidst the confusion in his mind. He strolled down the streets, his thoughts consumed by the question of his emotions towards you. The weight of his jacket, a familiar comfort, mirrored the weight of his contemplations.

Flynn had always appreciated your attention and cherished the moments you spent together. Whether it was engaging conversations or shared experiences, your presence in his life had become significant. Yet, as he delved deeper into his thoughts, he contemplated whether these sentiments were merely a result of familiarity or if they held true depth.

He recalled instances when your interactions transcended friendship, filling him with a sense of warmth and happiness. Moments where laughter came effortlessly, and conversations flowed effortlessly. But Flynn wondered if these were fleeting sparks that could scatter in the wind, leaving nothing but ashes behind.

As he continued his solitary walk, Flynn sifted through memories of shared experiences, both joyful and challenging. The genuine care and support you had shown him when he needed it most left a lasting impression. Your unwavering presence had forged a bond that he couldn't easily dismiss.

"Come on, Myles," a familiar voice beckoned.

Flynn's attention was immediately drawn to the voice and he spotted Myles with a different girl, seated at a restaurant's patio. Upon closer inspection, Flynn recognized her as one of your closest friends. A surge of anger coursed through his veins as he witnessed your best friend lean in and kiss Myles. When your friend noticed him, her eyes widened in shock and she muttered, "Oh, fuck."

"What's wrong?" Myles inquired, turning to face the source of the disturbance. Realizing Flynn's presence, he hurriedly stood up and retreated. "This isn't what you think," he pleaded.

Flynn's hand tightened into a clenched fist by his side as he confidently advanced a few steps. "Oh really? It looks like that you are cheating on (Name) with her best friend," he stated.

Myles stumbled backwards, guilt plastered across his face, intermingled with threads of shame. "Flynn, I can explain. It's not what you think," he stammered, his voice filled with panic.

Flynn clenched his fists. His gaze shifted towards your best friend, her expression a mixture of guilt and sorrow. Anguish jolted through his body, shoving away any lingering doubts or denial.

Flynn lunged forward, his fist colliding with Myles' cheekbone. The sickening crack echoed through the streets.

Myles recoiled, his hand instinctively reaching for his throbbing cheek. Anger and desperation twisted his features as he lunged forward himself, his fist aiming for Flynn's jaw. The punch landed, the sharp pain reverberating through Flynn's skull, but it only fueled his determination to wipe the grin off Myles' face.

Ignoring the dull pain that spread from his face, Flynn unleashed a torrent of punches, each fueled by a cocktail of raw emotion. Blow after blow, he vented his anger, that turned to pure wrath. Eventually, with each strike, Myles began to show the invisible cracks, his movements faltering, his strength waning.

And then, like a final act of defiance against the inevitable, Flynn summoned every ounce of courage he possessed. A powerful right hook, fueled by his pain and the agonizing realization of Myles' betrayal, landed squarely on his jaw. Myles crumbled onto the pavement, defeated and broken.

Flynn's gaze was squarely fixated on Myles, who was scattered on the pavement before shifting his attention towards the gathered crowd. He was well-aware that this incident would be broadcasted on the news later, but his indifference remained unshaken. Swiftly, he brushed away the trickling blood from his lip and turned his focus to your best friend. "You are nothing but a fucking whore that gets her ass beatwhen she finds out. I genuinely hope that once your employers become aware of what you did to their daughter, they ruin your pathetic ass life," he uttered, emphasizing his words with a formal tone. “She didnt deserve this. You don't deserve her,”

☾⋆｡𖦹 °✩⋆

When he got home, he disregarded the barrage of questions hurled at him by Ruhn. Explaining himself to him held no importance to him, only one he will explain himself to was you. Entering his bathroom in his room, he flicked on the light, fixing his gaze upon his reflection in the mirror. Various bruises marred his facial features, accompanied by a few cuts on his lip. The cut on his lip would likely heal within a few hours, while the bruises on his face would likely subside by tomorrow evening.

"Gods, Trist," You uttered, his eyes meeting yours through the mirror before he turned towards you directly. Clad in a simple CCU crop top and leggings, he greeted you with a slight smirk. "You should see the other guy," he sheepishly smiled.

Approaching him, you chuckled. "I already did. I was sent the video. Please, sit on your bed," You instructed, bending down to retrieve a cloth from the bottom drawer.

"Firestar-" he began to say.

Firestar.

He gave the nickname "Firestar" after witnessing your Drop and the manifestation of your fire manipulation abilities. Recognizing your initial disappointment upon discovering that you shared this power with Dec, he assured that you were the star among fire users, nicknaming you as Firestar.

“Sit down," you commanded assertively.

He nodded, retreating to his bed, while you soaked a cloth in water. Witnessing you wringing out the excess water from the rag over the sink, he was momentarily captivated. Turning off the bathroom light, you approached him, assuming a position on your knees before him. This image provoked him to almost go feral, a sensation he had never experienced in your presence. Shaking off these unfamiliar emotions, he allowed you to tend to his hand, cleaning the remnants of Myles' blood. After discarding the used cloth in his bathroom, you retrieved another, standing up in the process. Straddling him unexpectedly, you caused his breath to hitch in his throat. He placed his hands on your bare skin. It was while you attended to cleaning the blood from his face that he couldn't help but notice, with heightened appreciation, the sheer beauty that radiated from you. Though he had always recognized this allure, there was something indefinable that set you apart in this moment, something that made his heart skip a beat. Perhaps it was the way your focused gaze softened as you meticulously attended to his wounds, or the way your hands moved with grace and gentleness as you wiped away the blood.

In that moment, everything faded into the background, and he realized that he had been taking you for granted all this time. The simple act of tending to his wounds made him recognize the depth and complexity of emotions he felt towards you. It was as if a veil had been lifted, revealing the full extent of his admiration and love for you.

"Why did you do it?" you gently inquired, placing your hands upon his chest.

"It is one thing to cheat, but an entirely different matter to cheat on you. You did not deserve that. I would repeat my actions countless times, even if it meant incurring you being mad or if it caused you to hate me," he confessed, his grip on your hips tightening.

Though he despised the notion of you hating him, he spoke with unwavering sincerity. He would obliterate anyone who dared to harm you.

"Why him, though? I have been in relationships with others in the past and have experienced cheating before, yet you never did that before," Flynn exhaled heavily. "This is different. I was not bothered by your past relationships because you didn't ghost me. However, it killed me to see you with Myles, knowing you cut me off."

"I didn't want to. He made me," you explained, guilt filling your voice.

"I fucking knew it. I knew you would not cut me off like that. It wasn't like you," Flynn remarked.

"Why does it matter whether I cut you off or not? I assumed you would either forget about me or not even notice," you responded.

This behavior was unlike you. Typically, you exuded confidence and never doubted yourself, even with him. Your fiery personality and self-assurance were always present. "Are you joking?" Flynn questioned.

As you glanced down at your legs that were separated by Flynn's legs, Flynn took a deep breath before gently lifting your chin to meet his gaze. "You are unforgettable, firestar. Do you really believe I could forget about you, especially when I keep this hair tie on my wrist? You know me better than that."

"I am unforgettable compared to the girls that jump at you," you added.

Flynn was incredulous at the words that reached his ears. With a disapproving shake of his head. “Shut up,”

Your widened eyes revealed hurt as Flynn gently brushed his hand across your cheek and into your hair, drawing you closer to him. He drew you nearer to him, gently pressed his lips against yours.

As your lips met, time stood still, and everything else faded away. It felt like a dream, but the electricity coursing through his body assured him that it was very much real. Your fingers seamlessly intertwined with his silky hair and tugged on it. In return, he licked your lips with his tongue, seeking dominance over this kiss. Meeting his request without hesitation, your mouth welcomed his entry with an eager embrace. A delightful shiver down his spine as his tongue slid over mine, evoking a pleasurable moan that escaped your lips, savoring his taste that enveloped your senses.

His touch was electric, sending tingles down your spine as you deepened the kiss, lost in the moment with him. Every movement, every breath, was synchronized as you both moved your lips together.

His hands roamed your body, igniting a fire within you that only he could quench. The intensity of the moment was overwhelming, yet you couldn't bring yourself to pull away. His presence consumed you, drawing you deeper into the depths of desire and lust.

As you reached out to unbutton his shirt, Flynn suddenly pulled away from you and grasped your hands to halt your movements. "I'm sorry, I misinterpreted the situation," You expressed, retracting your hands and preparing to move away. However, Flynn firmly held onto your thighs, anchoring you in place.

“I am well aware that you can feel just how fucking bad I want you as my dick is between your legs but I want to make you know that I just don't want to fuck you. I want all of it. I am willing to take this slow," Flynn explained.

Although he wanted so badly to throw you on this bed and have you scream his name, he wanted you to know that it wasn't just for sex.

After a tender kiss, you reassured Flynn of your understanding. "Let's talk about this after we've fucked," You stated as you proceeded to remove Flynn's shirt.

You position yourself on your knees before him. As you ran your hand over his jeans, Flynn responded by rolling his eyes. Taking your time to savor the moment, you began to unbuckle his pants, prompting him to lift his hips to allow you to remove them. Placing your lips upon him through his boxers, you kissed him before exploring further with your tongue, never breaking eye contact.

Flynn found himself unable to tear his gaze away from you, his breath becoming increasingly unsteady as you continued to kiss and lick him through his boxers. Though the temptation to remove the barrier between you two and take him into your mouth was strong, he restrained himself, captivated by the raw desire in your eyes. With his boxers now removed, you revealed him fully, eliciting a skipped beat from Flynn's heart as you smiled at his size. Firmly grasping him, you elicited a gasp as he responded eagerly to your touch. As you licked and explored every inch of him. “Gods,” Flynn uttered.

Despite Flynn's desire to be more assertive, he allowed you to lead this, not wanting to overshadow the experience for you. While he longed to hear your reaction to him making you gag, he restrained himself, saving that intensity for another time.

The sound of your pleasure as you pushed him to the back of your throat was enough to make him go feral. He couldn't resist grabbing a handful of your hair and increasing the intensity, reveling in the beautiful sounds you made.

As he fucked your mouth, he found pleasure in observing his dick disappearing into your mouth, eagerly anticipating the moment when it would be buried deep inside your pussy. With a guttural groan, he reached his peak and released into your mouth, which you continued sucking until he spilled completely down your throat.

Flynn firmly grasped your throat, hoisting you up from the ground. He kissed you while he removed the hair tie that held your hair back, releasing your beautiful hair from its confinement. He absolutely loved your hair and the way it cascaded down your back like a waterfall of silk. He couldn't resist running his fingers through it, feeling the smooth strands slide between his fingertips. As he continued to kiss you, he felt your body relax against his, surrendering to the desire that burned between you two.

With a low growl, he let go of your neck and pushed you onto the bed. "It's not fair that you're still fully clothed while I'm naked," he remarked.

In response, you flashed a mischievous smile. “Rip them off," you suggested wickedly.

Flynn smiled mischievously in return, taking hold of your shirt and tearing it into shreds, scattering the torn fabric across the room. He noted your lack of a bra when he first caught sight of you in the mirror earlier. Your body responded eagerly to his touch, with your nipples eagerly anticipating his attention. However, he decided to give them attention later as he wanted to taste your pussy.

In a swift motion, he replicated his actions on your leggings, tearing them away and discarding them aside. Firmly gripping your thighs, he positioned himself between your legs and lowered himself onto the bed. Beginning at the base, he traced his tongue upwards along you, eliciting a delicious response from you. The sensation of your moans reverberated through him, further fueling his desire. Concentrating on your pleasure, Flynn shifted his focus to your clit, causing you to arch in pleasure.

As you writhed beneath his touch, Flynn maintained his composure, steadying your movements with a firm hand on your waist. Inserting a finger inside you, he initiated a rhythmic motion that elicited a deep moan from your throat. "Just like that," he murmured, his actions conveying a sense of mastery and control.

As he was on the brink of adding another finger, the interruption came in the form of his door being pushed open. Consumed by you, Flynn paid little heed to the person, fully immersed in bringing you please.

"What the fuck is going on here?”

Even Declan's voice failed to divert his attention from your clit. "Oh hey, Dec," you greeted nonchalantly.

Your voice exhibited traces of euphoria akin to the effects of Mirthroot, a reaction that elicited a smile from Flynn, aware that he was the catalyst. "What the fuck is this?" inquired Declan.

"Your best friend is eating me out. Would you, I don't know, get the fuck out?" You requested.

As the door closed behind Declan, Flynn intensified his actions, inserting an additional digit within you and increasing the intensity, skillfully manipulating his fingers to elicit loud moans. "Gods, Flynn," you exclaimed, your hand finding their way to his hair as you held onto it firmly.

As he indulged in licking, sucking, and biting, the sounds of your increasing moans only fueled his passion. He savored each and every one of your desperate breaths, keenly aware of your impending climax. "Let yourself go, baby girl," he whispered against your clit.

The vibrations of Flynn's words against your skin proved to be the final trigger, causing you to reach the peak of ecstasy and release all control as you climaxed on his face.

Flynn lapped up all of it before leaning up and pumped himself a few good times making sure he was hard enough for you before he flipped you on to your stomach and pulled your ass up to the air. He lined himself up to your entrance and pushed himself into you. You both groaned at the stretching he was causing.

Placing his hands on your hips, he began to move slowly, mindful of not causing you discomfort as you adjusted to his size. "Fuck me like you mean it, Trist. You're not going to break me," you urged.

"You’re going to regret that," Flynn replied, withdrawing from you momentarily before thrusting back in with force.

A sharp cry escaped your lips as you welcomed the pain. With a firm grip on your hips, Flynn increased the hardness and depth of his movements, leaving you grasping at the sheets.

He moved with a forcefulness that made him acutely aware of every point of contact, prompting you to match your movements with his. "Do you like how I feel?" you asked, your voice purred.

"Yes, baby. You feel fucking amazing. Even if I desired another cunt, which I do not, my thoughts would still be consumed by you," he confessed.

Upon hearing his words, you swiftly positioned yourself on top of him, reveling in the sensation of him filling you completely. "I want to fucking ride you," you declared.

Flynn smiled approvingly and agreed. He rarely allowed others to take the reins, but for you, he would make an exception.

You began to move vigorously on top of him, emitting sounds that reverberated in his ears. Flynn was completely absorbed in the moment, experiencing a level of satisfaction he had never felt before. His declaration that he desired only you rang true, as he was utterly captivated by your presence.

"Gods!" Flynn groaned as you both reached climax. Your ecstatic reaction echoed throughout the room, with Flynn showing no concern for the presence of Declan and Ruhn. As you collapsed onto his chest, both of you breathing heavily, a silence enveloped the room as you rested. Gradually, your breaths steadied, eventually lulling you to sleep, exhausted from it.

As he listened to your breathing, he thought about everything. He thought about the night that you left with Myles. That part of him that died. That feeling. Then that feeling when he saw you with him a few more times. One of those times, something hit him emotionally and physically. He didn't realize it at the time but as he listened to your breathing, it all made sense. “She’s my mate,” He said out loud.

[honeyynymphh]

| The Mark of the Beast |

Cardinal Copia x Fem!Reader rating: E chapter word count: 1.6k chapter 2 of 2 tags/warnings: dom copia, he's a dickhead, fingering, oral sex chapter one

An imposter has apparently been hiding in the abbey, and there is only one way to prove you're part of the congregation. And that is to submit yourself to an examination to find Lucifer's mark upon your body.

read on ao3

I watched him sweep out of the office without another glance in my direction. I closed my eyes and sighed. I couldn’t sit here all night. Quickly I put my clothes back and on shaky legs left his office. I didn’t feel particularly hungry and so I just wandered over to the other side of the abbey to the dormitories. When I pushed through the door, Sister Rosaline was there lounging on her bed and reading some trashy magazine.

“So you’re not an imposter then,” she said, flicking a page as I walked in.

I scowled at her. I was not in the mood.

“No,” I snapped.

Rosaline tossed the magazine on the bed and sat up.

“No need to get your panties in a twist!” she said. “Where was it? Your mark.”

“On my…thigh,” I said, trying to keep calm. I was not telling her where it was exactly. “It was mortifying.”

She shrugged. “It’s just Imperator.”

“It wasn’t,” I said, sitting down on my bed and dropping my face into my hands.

“Huh?”

I scowled at her again. “She was called out! It was the Cardinal.”

“Copia?” asked Rosaline.

“Yes.”

“Ugh, he’s weird,” she said. “Oh well, you probably gave him the highlight of the week.” Rosaline snorted. “Heaven, probably the highlight of his year seeing a pretty girl in her underwear.”

I just made a non-committal noise. I wanted to tell her, but I also didn’t want to breathe a word. He hadn’t done anything, not really. How could I even admit to how easily he had worked me up? Rosaline would probably laugh at me.

“Brother Tristan reckons he used to be a eunuch,” continued Rosaline with another laugh, “and that’s why he doesn’t attend any of the orgies or accept anyone’s invitation.”

“I highly doubt it, Rosaline,” I said.

Maybe I should have just gone to dinner instead of coming here. I didn’t know what to do, I still felt on edge and Rosaline was still talking about Copia.

“Maybe his dick’s just really tiny,” she was saying. “Would explain his foul personality.” She sat there thoughtfully. “I did try to fuck him once, I thought it’d be funny. He told me to fuck off.”

I shrugged. I wasn’t really listening to her. I kept thinking about his mouth on my thigh and wondering what he would have done if I had been bold enough to move forward. Or if I had grabbed his head and brought his face fully against myself. Surely he would have said something cutting and rude to me as he did to Rosaline. But I couldn't stop myself from thinking about it, I shifted awkwardly on the bed.

“Shame it wasn’t Papa Terzo though,” said Rosaline with a dreamy sigh. “I was wearing my best lingerie today. Sister said it was unnecessarily pink and frilly. Tristan said Copia was so rude about his fucking boxershorts.” She laughed. “Though I would have made fun of Tristan for wearing Pokemon boxers too. Did he make fun of yours?”

“Oh, umm no?,” I muttered coming back to myself. “Did…did Tristan say anything about his mark being checked if it was real? Did Sister check yours?”

“With the unholy water?” asked Rosaline, grabbing her magazine back off the bed. “Yeah. It’s not like she was going to perform osculum obscenum.” She let out a short laugh as she flipped the magazine back open. “And Copia is certainly not going to—imagine!”

It was with a sort of sinking feeling in my stomach that I asked, “what is that?”

“Kiss of the Obscene,” said Rosaline with a wave of her hand. “You have to kiss the mark with obscene intent. It’s very old-fashioned. Not very modern says Sister.” Rosaline sighed dreamily. “I wouldn’t say no if it was Papa doing it though.”

I hummed distractedly in agreement, getting off my bed and wringing my hands together. Why had he done that? The bastard! Was it because I was new and wouldn’t know any better? I could understand why nobody liked him much, he was infuriating. Unholy water! He hadn't needed to touch me!

I barely heard Rosaline asking me where I was going as I stormed out of our room. The nerve of that man to do such a thing! I had been so nervous and he had done nothing to make me feel comfortable—he had gone out of his way to make me feel the opposite! Dinner must have ended as I passed a few siblings heading back to their rooms but mostly I hurried through the halls unheeded.

When I found myself standing at his office door, the righteous anger had somewhat faded away. What was I going to say? I should have thought about it more.

“Either come in or leave,” came his voice from the other side of the door.

Sucking in a breath, I entered and tried to shut the door with a bang. But it must have had some mechanic that made it close with a gentle click which just angered me even more. The Cardinal was standing at a bookshelf with a small book in hand. He snapped it closed when he saw me.

“Problem, Sister?” he said, a devious little smile tugging at the corner of his lips

“What you did to me was perverse!” I said hotly.

He moved towards me then until he was only about a foot away and I resisted the urge to take a step back. I was not going to let him intimidate me.

“Are you upset because I didn’t flick you with unholy water like everyone else,” he asked, “or because I didn’t flick my tongue over that needy cunt of yours?”

My whole body flushed and I dropped my gaze. So much for my defences. I shook my head and glared back up at him.

“Well?” he said.

“You deliberately made me uncomfortable,” I managed to say.

“Answer the question, dolce.”

“You did it on purpose!” I did not sound very controlled. But it was hard to remain calm with that smirking face looming in front of me.

“I did.” He moved even closer. “I didn’t know where your mark would be though, that was a delightful discovery. And how fun it was to watch you squirm.”

I couldn’t help but take another step back. I didn’t expect him to admit to it! My back hit the closed door with a thump. He had such a smug look on his face that it just irritated me even further.

“You’re perverse!”

He laughed. “Yes, you said that. And you’re only saying that because I didn’t touch you where you wanted me to.” He moved so close to me that I felt the edge of his cassock brush against me. “Tell me, Sister, is that pussy still wet?”

It was. I suddenly couldn’t open my mouth though, I was feeling too overwhelmed by him and every word indignant word I had wanted to say had faltered.

“Lift up your habit,” he commanded.

I blinked at him in surprise but my hands were already moving of their own accord, gripping the fabric and lifting it up as he dropped to his knees. My chest was pounding and my breath faltered when I felt his hands grip the side of my panties and pull them down to my ankles.

“Well, Sister, clearly I was wrong,” he said smoothly and I felt his hot breath against my thigh, making me shiver. A firm hand gripped my thigh. “You are definitely no pious little princess, eh?”

Like a snake he moved forward fast and licked along the inside of my thigh, tongue swiping across my mark again and making it burn. I couldn’t help but moan at the hot burst of it as it ignited every nerve in my body. It quickly turned into a string of whimpers when I felt his tongue flicking against my folds.

My hands flew out to grip his head, fingers finally getting to touch his hair. It was soft but I was barely paying attention, that nose of his was pressed against my swollen clit and he was tasting me like a starving man. The feel of his moustache tickled and it made my toes curl in my shoes. When I felt him slide a gloved finger inside me I nearly lost my balance, but his other hand held me tightly by my hip. Another finger joined the first and was stretching me as I panted above him. His fingers pumped out of my soaked cunt while his mouth latched onto my clit. Arousal was building within me and I had been so on edge that I was already so close. My fingers were tugging at his hair and there was no stopping me from grinding against his fingers and mouth.

I whined when his mouth left my clit but he was merely moving to suck on my mark again. The intense burn made me cry out but it only made the pleasure more intense. I could already feel my legs starting to buckle as the tension began to tighten and my walls were already starting to flutter around his fingers. Too quickly I was already over the edge, pleasure rolling over my body as I came hard. I could feel the sweat on my back and the way my habit was clinging to it in uncomfortable clumps but I didn’t care.

Looking down at him in a pleasured daze I could see his mouth was slick with my come, the paint smudged across his face as he smirked up at me. My breathing was still coming out in ragged breaths but I managed to slow it down enough to speak.

“Are you going to show me your mark, Cardinal?”

The man stood and I watched as he slowly removed the pellegrina before unbuttoning the many buttons of his cassock.

“Are you going to flick me with unholy water, dolce?” he asked

I shook my head. “I think you may be right and the old ways are better, Cardinal.”

He locked the door.

[doomspaniels]

The bewhiskered mountain man becomes half a punk, but only half.

[blushdrunks]

a closed starter for my beautiful fiancée, @meltsintoyou, from mia davis ( bartolomei ).

she has just gotten home from the food pantry. they gave her what they could and she was making something for noel to eat. she'd already breastfed stephen which was hard enough given she was barely eating herself. she has a tin of formula and her mother was going to try and get more. there was a knock at the door and mia leaned over to check on stephen before kissing the top of noel's head and heading to the door. the moment she opened it, she gasped and covered her mouth with both of her hands.

tears glistened in her eyes and her hands started trembling. "n-no...i thought you were dead," she choked up. "oh my god!" when she noticed he was holding a cane, she looked up at him, "are you hurt? oh, my heart..." she whispered and was shaking as she stepped closer to him and reached up on her tiptoes to wrap her arms around him as tightly as she could without hurting him any further. tears rolled down her cheeks and noel came running and shrieking and then stephen started crying. "noel davis!" she gasped before hurrying to pick stephen up out of his bassinet. "i told you to be soft while your brother is sleeping," she breathed and brought the infant to her chest.

then she looked back to tristan and smiled through her tears, "well, come here...see your son," she whispered and waved him into the small flat. it wasn't anything special, but they had been rehoused so many times. "this is stephen," she added as she walked over to her husband and leaned up to press a kiss to his lips. her forehead rested against his, "you're home and you are whole."

[anonymousonlyanonymoud]

The Lost de Rolo Chapter Two

Scries and Answers

Previous Chp Next

After that morning's revelations and decisions, Vox Machina began preparing for their next journey.

Grog, Scanlan, Vex, and Trinket had all gone to the shopping district of Emon to stock up on healing potions, weapons, and whatever else they thought they would need before setting off. But what surprised everyone, was when Vax had declined to go with them.

They may tease him about the flirting between himself and Gilmore, but there was a genuine friendship between the rogue and sorcerer.

So, it felt a bit worrying that Vax was not jumping at the chance to see Gilmore and only gave a half-hearted reason to go to the temple.

Vex had eyed her brother, giving him a look that said 'We will talk about this later,'

Vax responded with one of his own that told her, 'I know,' as he trailed after Percy and Pike.

The three of them walked in silence, Pike's armor being the main sound as they made their way toward the Temple.

The rogue hung back at the end of their little train, his feet feeling like lead as they drew closer to the temple.

He was happy that Percy would get answers for his sister, Vax truly was. What worried the half-elf was the question he needed to ask, and the answer he may receive.

When they entered the temple, there were the usual groups of worshippers praying to Sarenrae and speaking with the clerics mingling around.

Pike weaved her way through the worshippers, stopping before the familiar elderly man dressed in the robes of Sarenrae and thinning hair on the top of his head,

"Father Tristan,"

"Pike Trickfoot. We welcome you and your friends here," The man said while giving the gnome a slight nod,

"Thank you, Father. We need your assistance on a private matter,"

Father Tristan looked between Pike and the two behind her, his eyes squinting a bit at Vax and Percy before nodding and leading them away from the main hall of the temple.

When they were separated from the rest of the groups, Father Tristan asked what they needed,

"I'm sure you've heard of the latest escapade that we went on," Percy said to which the cleric nodded,

"Yes. The tale has spread about your victory against those unholy creatures that subsequently freed our Sovereign and an entire city from their control," He said, "Many have come to pray for those recently freed. For the Everlight to assist Lady Cassandra as she leads your people through the rebuilding of Whitestone, My Lord,"

At first glance, it would seem like hearing himself being referred to as 'Lord' had little effect on Percy. But both Pike and Vax saw him make a small, jerking flinch that went unnoticed by those around them.

Percy managed to clear his throat,

"I... thank you, Father. I will be sure to inform my sister of the support we have here with the Everlight's followers," He straightened his shoulders and began their business as to why they had come.

The older Cleric listened to why they were seeking his help, a frown forming as Percy came to the end of their tale,

"We are aware that the source we got the information from is possibly the most unreliable out there," Vax said, 

"That is true," Replied the Cleric, "Though, I can understand the need for truth in this matter,"

Father Tristan went silent for a long moment, deep in visible thought as he pondered the situation before saying, "I shall do what I can to assist you, My Lord. But, am I correct in assuming you have nothing that connects to your sister? No objects or clothing that would have belonged to her?"

Percy shook his head, "No. Everything that belonged to my family was destroyed years ago,"

"I see," Father Tristan hummed, "That will make scrying difficult,"

"But not impossible?" Questioned Pike, a hopeful tone lighting her voice,

"No. Not impossible," He replied.

Father Tristan continued his conversation with Pike and Percy, but Vax had distanced himself from the trio. 

The rogue found himself standing before the main altar of Sarenrae and stared up at the image of the Everlight. 

He was never one for prayer, especially since he and Vex'ahlia had returned to Byroden and were told that their mother had been killed. But recently... Vax has been unsure as to where to turn for answers.

Ever since the feast, since Sylas Briarwood had used him as a blood bag, Vax had been having...

Dreams? Visions?

It always happened when he was asleep, but they never felt like dreams.

Vax, when he went to sleep, would fall. However, it wasn't like falling from a cliff. It was more like... Sinking into a pit of honey.

But instead of honey, it was soft feathers that gently lowered him toward into a dark, endless void that was filled with shadows. Shadows that were illuminated by streaks of gold that flew illuminated the darkness.

There would be a gold streak circling around him, weaving up from the ground before becoming level with his chest and branching out in two directions.

The first found its way around a group of people Vax recognized easily as Vox Machina, illuminating their faces with its gold light while a small section branched off to circle tightly around Vex'ahlia.

Vax would always try to walk towards his friends, but the second streak would always pull him back, tugging him further into the darkness until his friends, his family, were no more than a small, golden light in the distance.

He would then be faced with who was on the other end, but could never make out who it was.

This figure would be clouded in a black energy with an electric purple hue that reminded Vax of Delilah Briarwoods' magic. 

Vax would stare at the figure, unable to make out anything other than emerald green eyes that peered at the half-elf through the magic surrounding them. 

The rogue would try to catch a glimpse of the face behind the haze, but his concentration would be broken by the croaking call of ravens as a pale, masked face loomed over the both of them.

Vax would jolt awake in a cold sweat after meeting the dark holes of the mask were eyes were supposed to reside.

He'd been unable to make sense of, whatever these things were. But, Vax needed to be sure this was nothing in relation to the Briarwoods. 

Delilah Briarwoods had been a damned necromancer, it didn't seem beyond the realm of reason for her to be able to reach out to the living. And if she were trying to make some kind of connection with the living world through Vax, the half-elf needed to find out how to severe it before she succeeded,

"Hey, Stringbean?" Vax tore his gaze off of the Everlights image and looked down at Pike who returned his gaze with worry, "You okay?"

He glanced back up at the altar before responding,

"Yeah, Pickle, I'm okay. Just thinking things over,"

His friend looked unconvinced, but temporarily dropped the subject and pointed to where Father Tristan and Percy stood,

"If you're sure. We're ready to start,"

The room Father Tristan led them to was dimly lit with candles as a bowl of what Vax assumed was Holy Water sat on a small table.

The older Cleric stood at one side of the table while the members of Vox Machina stood at the other,

"This may take a moment," He murmured while focusing on the water, "And as I said before, Lord de Rolo, this may not work,"

"I understand," 

Vax could see Percy's fists clench at his sides.

Father Tristan began speaking down toward the Holy Water, casting a spell that made it glow as the surface shimmered.

There was a blurred image shown that began to fade as soon as it appeared, prompting the Cleric to renew his spell with vigor. His eyes scrunched in concentration as Percy grasped the edges of the table with shaking hands.

Pike rested her hand against Percy's, and the Lord glanced down at her. The gnome offered an encouraging smile then turned toward the water, prompting Percy to the same as Vax came to stand beside them.

The water's surface was still blurred, but it slowly began to clear after a few excruciating minutes to show them the image of a young woman with striking white hair that was pulled back into a loose braid,

"Is that her, Percy?"

Percy didn't answer Pike as his gaze was fixated on the image before them.

Vax stared at the image from over his friend's shoulder, studying what was shown in the water.

The woman was walking down a crowded street that looked familiar to Vax.

He'd walked that street before, looking for the people who were after his sister. 

Vax had followed a dwarf with a staff made of tongues into that building.

Vax had walked down that street, away from that building with a threat looming over his head, while the new brand on his back burned under his cloak. 

The group watched the image in the water as the woman, whom Vax assumed was Percy's sister, entered a tavern that the rogue recognized.

But as Ciara stepped inside, the image flickered and blurred before fading completely, showing only their reflections in the water,

"No! No!" Percy's head shot up and his eyes landed on Father Tristan, "Bring it back! The image! That was her! Bring it back!"

The Cleric shook his head with a weary sigh, "There is something blocking my sight, My Lord. I'm afraid that I am unable to-"

"Try! Please just-"

"Percy!" Pike was now between Percy and the table. The gnome grasped his hands tightly as she said, 

"Percy, for an image to be disrupted like that- Something had to have disrupted it,"

"But we didn't see anything, Pike!" He exclaimed, "We only saw her walk into a damned building! And we don't even know what or where that is!"

"I know where that is," Everyone turned toward Vax who had slunk back into the shadows of the room, "I know that place,"

Percy reached Vax in two steps and grasped the rogue's arms, "Where is she, Vax?"

The half-elf remained silent for a long time before carefully peeling Percy's fingers from his arms,

"Westruun,"

"Westruun? Are you sure?" Pike questioned, "I don't recognize where-"

"Pike," The serious tone of his voice had her cutting off, "I know that area. It's in Westruun,"

Percy stepped away from Vax, his shoulders dropping in relief, "Westruun is only a day's journey from here. Ciara is closer than I could have ever imagined,"

"There is a darkness about her, My Lord. Even through the scrying I could see it," Father Tristan added, "I'm unable to discern what caused it, but don't imagine your sister has had a good life,"

The members of Vox Machina all tensed as each of them remembered a smoking demon made of shadows that had made itself known underneath the Castle of Whitestone.

A harsh sigh left Percy as he began pacing the room while violently tugging at his hair,

"But she is alive! And we know where she is!" He whipped his gaze toward the older cleric, "And right now, that's all that matters to me!"

With those last words, Percy stormed out of the room, the door slamming against the wall as he left.

Pike sighed while gently clasping her symbol of Sarenrae before apologizing to Father Tristan,

"We do appreciate the help, Father, truly," The Cleric waved his hand in a slight dismissal,

"I can understand his frustration, Pike Trickfoot. Though I do not appreciate it being thrown at me,"

Pike apologized a second time and made to leave the room, but stopped when she saw that Vax hadn't moved,

"You go on a head, Pickle," He said, flashing her a tight smile, "I'll catch up,"

Worry was still visible on her face as she nodded and exited, leaving Vax and Father Tristan.

The Cleric tilted his head, "Is there more assistance required of me?"

Vax sighed, pushing off of the wall to stand more in the center of the room,

"Yes. I am, worried that the Briarwoods have, left some kind of mark, or, connection to me," He said, then began explaining the dreams, or visions, he'd been having.

Father Tristan listened carefully to what Vax told him and thought for a long while before agreeing to check for any dark arcane energy that maybe clinging to him.

He placed his hands on either side of Vax's head and murmured a few words as the symbol around his neck began to glow. 

A divine energy began to pulse through Vax and he felt a warmth fall over him. It wasn't invasive like Sylas' charms had been, but it was more like a friend welcoming him home, a secure embrace that made him feel safe. But, despite the warm feeling, it still felt uncomfortable having someone else in his head so soon after the Briarwoods.

It lasted about five minutes, then Father Tristan let his hands fall to his side as Vax released a breath he had been unconsciously holding.

He blinked a few times and looked at the Cleric, fearing the worst as Tristan began to speak,

"I can say with absolute certainty that there is no dark magic left by those unholy creatures," The weight on Vax's shoulders immediately lifted.

But it came back crashing down on him with Father Tristan's next words,

"There is, however, someone watching you," Vax stiffened, "But there is no darkness within this gaze. I cannot say who, but there gaze is, divine, in nature,"

Feeling more confused and uneasy than before, Vax questioned,

"Why would something like that be watching me?"

"I cannot answer that, Vax'ildan. I have a feeling, that the answer will be one you must decipher for yourself,"

---

The small tavern was quiet when Ciara de Rolo entered. But what surprised her was the fact that it was empty. Even though it was about midday, there would be some signs of life roaming about.

But at first glance, it seemed like Ciara was the only one there.

However, there was a man sitting in a darkened corner, the red glass of his monocle glinting at her through the low light,

"You were almost late," He tsked, "You know how dangerous it can be, to be late,"

Ciara said nothing as Spireling Shenn stood and began making his way toward her.

The man towered over Ciara as he stepped directly before her,

"Oh, why so quiet? I do love our chats,"

She dared not move and carefully forced out,

"You called me. That means you have a job,"

Shenn's face twisted into a smile, "Down to business as usual, Little Bird. Very well, very well,"

The Spireling straightened up and motioned for her toward the table,

"Sit. Have a drink and we'll discuss what I need from you,"

Ciara pursed her lips, closed her eyes, counted to ten, then sat across from the Spireling and braced herself for the long, drawn out meeting she would be forced to sit through.

[crimsonlyinglilly]

Day 3 “Well, well, well…”

| Hiding | Ambushed | Stalking |

More June of Doom, more Caged Founder.

Elijah learns how they mean to keep him captive as Tristan shows off what the ritual did.

Warning for violence, and Tristan's creepiness(veiled Rape threat)

-----

It takes Elijah six days to wake after the ritual, he’d been left unchained, laid on the floor, they had arranged for him to be washed and his clothes replaced.

Aya hadn’t questioned why Tristan had looked so pleased at the long white tunic along with the plain slacks.

It’s proof of Tristan’s confidence in the magic is the fact he’s the first to enter the cell after they receive a word of movement being heard, Aya following.

It was just the three of them again, Tristan hadn’t wanted anyone else and Aya saw no reason to risk anyone if the spell had failed so she told the witches to remain outside, to seal the room if anything went wrong.

Elijah lunged for Tristan the moment he realised there was nothing to stop him, Tristan made no attempt to move or avoid the attack.

Aya watched as Elijah froze, his hand wrapped around Tristan’s throat but the hand didn’t tighten to choke, to crush his throat or tear his head off, things she knew he could do, things he had done when they captured him.

Elijah’s brows furrowed for a second before he moved again, it was clear he had aimed to take the other man’s heart only to find his hand came stop, resting flat against his chest almost like a lovers caress.

She saw the way Elijah’s eyes widened as he looked at his own hand in shock before he looked away from it to Tristan’s face.

Aya didn't need to see that to know he was smiling.

Elijah stumbled backwards, growing understanding and concern appearing on his face.

“Well, well, well…” Tristan called as he stalked after their retreating Sire. “Having trouble Elijah?” Tristan asked before catching the other man’s wrist, using his shock to pull it towards him dragging Elijah with it.

Elijah's attempts to free himself were weak if barely there. 

“Tristan.” he hissed. 

“This is working far better than I had thought.” Tristan mused, as Eijah continued to struggle to free his wrist.

“What have you done?” Elijah asked, looking between Tristan and her, she refused to let anything appear on her face even as she noticed a hint of fear in his voice, this was for the best of their people.

Elijah would come to understand and accept that, he didn't have a choice in that now.

“What I told you I would.” Tristan answered “I keep my word after all. Ensured you can no longer be a threat to any of those born into your Sireline.”

He had barely finished speaking before he struck,  Aya almost missed the movement Elijah suddenly stumbled back but not far as Tristan kept the hold on his wrist and used it to pull him back.

Elijah looked back up blood trickling down the side of his face before the split in his eyebrow, caused by one of Tristan's ring healed. 

Elijah narrowed his eyes looking between them before with a quick movement ripped his wrist free the sickening cracks explaining how.

A trapped animal could chew their leg off to escape, Elijah broke his wrist and hand to slip it from Tristan's hold, before vanishing in a burst of speed.

Aya feels a rush of air behind her but as she turns all she sees is the blur as he escapes before she could grab him.

“Running Boy.” Tristan called, dropping his voice and changing his cadence, Aya recognised who was trying to mimic, but Elijah's reaction made it clear as for a second he froze.

Just enough time for Tristan appeared in front of him, both hands wrapping around his throat.

“He got close, did he?” Elijah asked, smirking as if he wasn't the one in danger, before shifting from amusement to an almost disappointed tone, “I thought i told you to run-”

Elijah's words were cut off when his back slammed into the wall hard and Tristan’s hands squeezed, cutting off Elijah from speaking any further.

Aya know it’s instinct that has Elijah suddenly gripping Tristan’s arms as he chokes. Yet he can't do anything, he can't break or bruise or even dig his nails, so Aya watches as Elijah Mikaelson holds Tristan’s wrists uselessly.

After a time Tristan releases him, stepping back and watching as Elijah fell to the floor gagging and coughing as his body tried to take in the air it didn't really need.

The marks around his neck were almost a black collar, and as he tried to speak the only sound to escape a broken weeze, vocal cords still too damaged.

Tristan didn't let him heal as he grabbed him by the hair and dragged him toward, back to the middle of the room.

“It seems you're going to need a lesson to help you accept your new situation.” Tristan said with a false put upon sigh.

Aya watches as Tristan unleashes years-centuries of resentment and hate, taunting their sire as he does, Elijah doesn't let out a sound, other than the sharp grunts of pain he couldn't stop.

Aya suddenly realised why Tristan had been so pleased by the tunic, as even with Elijah’s healing preventing any marks remaining the white showed the blood clearly. 

----

“Of course there is one fall back about this.” Tristan said as he stepped back from the crumpled form of Elijah. “Anyone outside of the Strix could also be of your sire line so really shouldn’t let you leave now, since you can't defend yourself.”

Red eyes surrounded by dark veins became visible as Elijah gathered the strength to push himself into a sitting position. Tristan stepped back toward Elijah, lifting one foot up to place on his chest and push him back down.

"However the Strix, to repay it's heroic founder's choice of undergo the spell to protect them from him, will forever protect and guard their Patriarch." Tristan explained.

"Your story is that I volunteered for this." Elijah asked in disbelief, sounding breathless from the pressure on his chest.

 Tristan's foot trailed from his chest down one of Elijah legs before it stopped over his ankle, he smiled down.

“You’ll play along with this little story.” Tristan said, making it clear it wasn't a question.

Elijah glared back, Tristan grinned and placed his weight down slowly.

All their hearing caught the sound of bones cracking and breaking.

Elijah hissed but make no other noise and pulled his other leg to him.

“I’d like an answer.” Tristan told him as he twisted his foot, grinding the bones beneath it.

“Fine.” Elijah growled but sighed when Tristan stepped back, dark veins fading and eyes return to the human brown.

“I suppose that’s everything sorted then.” Tristan said pleasantly after watching Elijah on the ground for several moments.

“Not quite,” Elijah spoke quietly as he surprised them both as he pulled himself back up, not putting any weight on that leg but straighten up he turned to Aya, ignoring Tristan, "Aya, they were your people, you led them to their deaths. Shouldn’t you avenge them.”

It’s his eyes, looking at her with disappointed like she was the one that failed him, that abandoned her, that killed her people.

She shouldn't.

She didn’t attack those who weren’t a threat.

And Elijah wasn’t anymore, he couldn’t harm any of them and he couldn’t take them with him if he got killed, the Strix wouldn’t let him risk himself.

But the dead were not coming back.

Gavriel was dead, Mary was dead, Akana and Kaze were dead, they followed her for centuries and they were gone.

She let go of her control and let out her anger her grief.

She came back to herself as she caught sight of Tristan watching silently with a raised eyebrow.

Elijah looks up at her, tongue licking the blood from his lip as the split heals. Her hands were covered in blood, his blood, the blood that had made her, a gift once, now it tied them all as one.

Something Elijah would have to accept.

The disappointment was gone from his eyes, replaced with triumph and she almost flinches as she realised she had played into his hands.

Let him used her to punish himself for the hesitation that had led him to this.

He would use this as a reminder every time she would approach him to work with the Strix.

'Fine' she thought taking a breath before she hit him again.

If he wished to be nothing but a prisoner he could be.

Loyalty is a fine trait, noble but like everything else, too much destroys, our friend will destroy himself one day. Gavriel had said in despair, once in the aftermath of Mikael.

Eventually, the boredom, having nothing to focus on would drive him to re-join them.

She turned and walked away, she didn’t want to see the sight of him anymore.

 —--

Elijah watched as Aya stormed away, his blood still on her fists, even as all his injuries healed, a simple beating wasn’t going to leave a mark.

He pushed himself back up, refusing to let it show when his newly healed ankle rolled under his weight.

His healing was slower, likely an aftereffect of healing from the ritual, time without blood and this recent altercation.

Correction he thought If they had kept going they might have left a mark.

And he could do nothing, they hadn't been lying or overconfident, Elijah couldn't harm them in any way.

He couldn't free himself from Tristan's hands, couldn't defend himself, hadn't been able to break Aya’s neck, he had felt his hand freeze up before he could touch her.

It might just be Tristan and Aya, he'd have to find a way to check on that with the rest of Strix, but he doubted it.

“I'll have clean clothes and a washcloth sent, we can't have our honoured founder looking such a state.” his first sired voice dragged him from his thoughts

Elijah couldn't withhold the grimace at the reminder of the mess he must look, blood and other fluids must have stained him during the beating while he was distracted by the pain.

“You're enjoying this too much.” He told Tristan, mostly to ignore his slip.

“Really how so?” Tristan arched a brow at him, as if the glee wasn't glittering in his eyes didn't give him away.

“I can smell your excitement.” he said, his disgust clear, Tristan enjoyed bringing pain to others, along with their past, this had to be one of Tristan's dreams.

“Which means Aya could and yet she left you with me, knowing you couldn't defend yourself.” Tristan chuckled as he made the veiled threat but Elijah met his look unimpressed, even before he added “Fear not, you know I don't force that, it should be your honour for any of my attention.”

Elijah knew Tristan, which meant he knew his limits, unless he had changed much in the last nine hundred years, Tristan’s pride couldn't take needing to force himself on another.

And Tristan could and would only change for Aurora.

“You understand now don’t you? There is no other place for you, what use are you to your siblings when you can’t defend yourself, how many out there will you be helpless against.“

“I will not simply-” he started, stopping suddenly as Tristan closed the space between them to appear right in his face.

“No, you won't will you?” He didn’t flinch as Tristan laid a hand on his cheek gently, he wasn’t going to ever flinch from Tristan de Martel he swore to himself. “but I will enjoy watching you give in.” Tristan leaned closer to his ear to whisper “and helping you learn those lessons.”

Elijah drew himself up to his full height, making the most of the difference between them to look down on Tristan. 

He wasn’t unfamiliar with being physically helpless, Klaus had pushed him past his limits after Katarina had escaped, Mikael’s training on some day could be best described as him attacking until his sons learnt to take his hits and stay upright.

Pain he could take, he had been raised to bear it.

Tristan met his disdainful look with a polite smile but smug eyes.

Unfortunately Tristan knew him far more than he ever wanted an enemy to.

“I've sent word, your siblings know you’ve returned to the fold.” Tristan called back as he stopped at the door.

“They won't-” he started to quickly, cursing him mentally for revealing to much by just that as Tristan cut him off.

“Really?” he asked mockingly, amusement clear in his voice even as he kept his tone mild “from my reports your brother has grown quite paranoid over the centuries. Isn't that why two of your brothers remain in their coffins?”

The door shutting was loud in the silence as Elijah found himself alone, unchained but more trapped than ever before.

The door may be unlocked but surrounded by vampires he couldn't fight back against. He sank to the floor, cracking the flooring with supernatural strength and let out a heavy breath.

That strength meant nothing when he couldn't use it.

He was in trouble.

[geralts-yenn]

Ray of Sunshine

Modern AU Melot (Tristan&Isolde) x OFC (second person pov)

summary: just some simple fluff and smut containing a beach, a bonfire, a guitar, a motorbike and a tattooed guy

warnings: alcohol and drug use, fingering, oral (f receiving), protected p-i-v sex

word count: 3,1k

A/N: My lovely @raccoon-eyed-rebel finally made it! She worked through the same new years eve party eight times with all of the 8 lovely inhabitants of 179 Crescent Street. I am so proud of you, babe!

You really deserve a treat for that one!

So I wrote this one just for you, Nina - hope you like my Nina-indulgent Melot 💜🖤

“Come on, Isa, I am already in my pajamas. I'm pretty sure you'll live if I don’t join you.“ Isa whined a little more into your ear, but in the end she said goodbye and you were finally able to sink onto your couch and drown in your misery. You were so awfully tired. You struggled with your classes, with your job and with your life. 

You zapped through the TV channels, but nothing could get through to you. Frustrated, you grabbed your book and tried to read, but when you realized you were staring at the same words for minutes you gave up.

“Fuck it!” you told yourself, got up and changed into some shirt and jeans. This should be enough for a beach party. 

When you arrived, you knew that it had been the right decision. The sounds of laughter, conversations and a girl singing to a guitar reached you as well as the scent of fire and marijuana that wafted through the air. Your mood was already better than it had been all week.

“Nina!” you heard a cheering voice and in the next moment Isa hung around your neck. “You changed your mind!” 

Isa and you got back to the bonfire and she handed you a bottle of beer.

As the night went on you felt at ease, surrounded by happy people, music and the sound of the ocean. Isa handed you a joint and you took a long drag before you passed it on to the girl next to you. You were really glad that Isa had asked you to join her, finally your head had stopped ruminating for a while.

After some time you heard the sounds of bike engines. You looked over to Isa. “Tristan is coming?” you asked with a smile. You really liked Isa's new boyfriend. She has been so happy ever since she met him. You had never seen her so much in love. 

“I hope so. He didn't know if he could make it.” Just a minute later you saw two guys parking their bikes at the side of the road nearby. Both men left their helmets and leather jackets on their bikes and headed over to the party.

Your eyes widened when you realized it was not only Tristan who came to join you, but also his foster brother Mel. You had met him a couple of times before, and to say that you had a huge crush on him was an understatement. 

Which was no surprise because who wouldn't fall for him, looking so damn handsome with his long curls and his cute face covered with something that was more than stubble but not enough to really call it a beard. 

You watched him approaching the fire. He looked like he belonged on the cover of a magazine, rugged and impossibly cool. He wore some ripped jeans and a black tank top that allowed you to ogle over his tattooed arms. It was just rude how good he was looking.

Isa got up and ran over to the men, jumping right into Tristan's arms. They immediately started kissing as if they were alone and not standing in the middle of a whole crowd of people.

Mel just chuckled and continued to walk. When he reached the bonfire he glanced around and when he saw you he smiled and dropped at the spot Isa had left seconds before.

“Hey Nina, nice to see you again.” Your heart skipped a beat when he gave you a hug. You were glad that you were intoxicated just in the right amount, so you'd be able to talk to him without being too nervous. And so you did. 

He asked you about college and your job but you didn't want to talk too much about that as it was too frustrating. So, when you both saw Tristan and Isa leave the party for a more quiet place, you took the opportunity and talked about them. 

Mel told you that Tristan, as Isa, was very much in love, almost unrecognizable, but that it did him really good. “He's a completely different person. He's so happy, it almost makes me puke sometimes.” Mel chuckled deeply, a sound that made you shiver.

“Yeah, I know what you mean, it's awful how cheerful Isa is at the moment. It's so sweet, you get a toothache just from watching.”

Mel and you continued your conversation and you couldn't help but notice how he looked at you. His eyes were following every one of your movements, and every once in a while he shifted and seemed to get nearer to your side.

You tried to ignore the hopeful feeling that built in your stomach. You didn't want to add another disappointment to your life right now.

The girl that had played the guitar stopped and put the instrument against a rock. 

Mel got up and went over to her. “Hey, do you mind if I play for a while?” he asked her. 

You weren't aware that he knew how to play, and you were more than thrilled to see him doing so.

Mel sat down again beside you and you watched as his fingers started to move expertly over the strings. The sight of his hands and arms moving over the instrument and his face in a deep frown, eyes closed in concentration, made you melt completely in adoration for him. You thought you couldn't fall harder for him until he started to sing. His voice was deep and rich, and your whole body was covered in goosebumps as soon as you heard him.

Everyone else around you disappeared from your vision, it was just Mel and you, the fire, the sea and your racing heart.

And then you listened to the lyrics of his song:

She enters the room and all eyes are on her Her tales bring joy and her smile is pure Her voice, a melody that touches the soul All fears melt away, you feel whole

She's the perfect blend of light-hearted, cute, and beautiful No one else compares, she's truly wonderful With her around, life is always bright

So here's to the girl with the rainbow hair You're a ray of sunshine, beyond compare May your radiance never dim, shine on with all your might For there's no one else like you, you are my light.

Your mouth fell open when he sang the last verse. You just blinked at him, unable to form a thought and not even realizing that you had stopped breathing.

Mel put down the guitar, leaned over to you and let his hands run through your colorful strands of hair. His face was so near, you could feel his breath.

“Can I kiss you?” he whispered, the words coming out soft as the sound of the ocean.

You nodded, your eyes closing as Mel leaned in, his lips brushing against yours, and pulling you in close. 

You kissed for what felt like an eternity before you finally pulled back and looked into Mel's eyes. His pupils were blown wide. 

He got up and held his hand out to you. “Come with me?” he asked you and you were happy to follow him to the outskirts of the party, where the noise of the people faded. 

He sat down on the sand and pulled you in his lap.

“I've wanted to kiss you so bad since I first saw you,�� he told you. And as if to prove it, his mouth was on yours again. 

Although you were far away from the fire now, you felt heat pooling in your center. Your hands traveled over Mel's arms and neck and finally settled in his chocolate curls. 

Mel pressed his hands firm on your hips and as you grinded against him, you could feel him growing under you.

Your hands moved to his chest and you pressed against his hard pecs, parting your face from his. 

A small whine escaped him when you denied him another kiss.

“Take me somewhere else, Mel!” you requested with a smile.

He looked at you, confused.

“What? Why?” He almost sounded like a child who got told to stop playing with his favorite toy. And the puppy eyes he gave you melted your heart.

You chuckled and played with the collar of his shirt.

“Because fucking on the beach is only fun in movies and cheesy novels.” you explained with a wink.

Mel's eyes got wide when realization hit him and he got up so fast that a loud laugh escaped you.

You both walked over to his bike, holding hands, and he gave you his helmet and jacket. You climbed onto the seat behind him and wrapped your arms tight around his waist. Mel brushed his fingers over your hands and turned to check that you were seated comfortably.

The vibrations when he started the engine made you bite your lip. Mel was driving along the ocean road. The wind was blowing through your hair and you felt free and happy like never before.

When Mel turned into a driveway and stopped his bike, you were almost sad that your ride was already over. But as Mel wrapped his arm around your waist and started to kiss you, you knew what came next would be even better than this motorcycle ride. You both couldn’t stop with kisses and touches as you made your way upstairs to Mel's apartment.

Mel opened the door and guided you to go first. He gestured with his arm and even bowed slightly. 

“Welcome to my castle!” he said and you giggled at the silly comment.

“So, are you a prince or a robber baron?” Mel's smile grew over his face. 

“Guess tonight I was the minstrel” You both laughed. And you knew that seeing him like this, as an absolutely adorable dork, you would just fall harder for him.

His apartment was small but cozy. You always loved to see someone’s home for the first time, as you thought it gave away a lot about the owner. There was a dark leather couch that looked comfy, a small kitchenette, a big bed with disheveled sheets, quite an impressive bookshelf, two guitars hanging on the wall and, surprising you, a lot of well-kept plants. You really liked what you saw.

Mel guided you to sit on the couch. “Can I get you something to drink?” he asked as he was walking over to a vintage record player and put on some music.

“No, just come here and kiss me.” you told him. That Mel didn’t need to be told twice. He sat down next to you and pulled you close. His hands rested on your hips as you started kissing again. 

But soon both of you got impatient. You climbed onto Mel's lap and your hands tugged on his shirt. Mel took your hint and pulled it over his head. As you saw his wide bare chest, you couldn’t hold back a gasp. You sank your hands on his pecs and traced the tattoos that covered his skin with your fingers. 

Damn, you wanted him so badly. So you got up and pulled him with you as you made your way to his bed. You unbuttoned your jeans and roll them down your legs. Mel let out a small growl as his hands brushed down your naked thighs. His eyes traveled over your whole body and he leaned down to you and whispered: “Nina, you're fucking gorgeous.”

You answered him with another hungry kiss and hands that wandered all over his body. 

Hastily, you worked on the belt of his jeans. “We need to get rid of those, baby!” you told him. Both of you were fumbling with his buttons until his pants finally dropped to the floor. Next, Mel took care to remove your shirt. Your underwear were the last bits of fabric that needed to go, and when that was done, both of you dropped onto the bed, relishing the feeling of skin on skin.

Mel's lips trailed along your neck while his hands were on your rib cage, one of his thumbs carefully brushing over the curve of your breast. He sank a little lower and took one of your nipples in his mouth. The sensation of his warm tongue made you moan. You nuzzled your face into his dark curls, taking in the scent of his cologne that clung to his hair. 

Mel's fingers slowly trailed down your side to your hip bone, resting there for a few seconds and drawing circles on your skin. Then he changed direction and his hand found its way between your thighs. 

When his calloused fingers ran through your wet folds, you both groaned. His movements were as skillful between your legs as they were with the guitar. While his thumb took care of your clit, two fingers pumped into you and you soon felt tension building in your core.

You felt his erection pressing against your thigh and your hand sank down to touch him. But as you wrapped your fingers around his cock, Mel withdrew himself. 

“No, sweetheart, not yet. I want to take care of you first, I want to cherish you!“ 

He pressed your shoulder down onto the bed and started to place feathery kisses on you. From your temple over your jaw, down your throat to your sternum and then going down to your belly, he was exploring your body with his lips. Mel looked up at you teasingly as you both knew where you wanted him to move his lips next. 

“There’s so many things that I want to do to you!” he whispered with a deep, raspy voice. “Please tell me what you want me to do!” His eyes were dark as they rested on you.

“I want your mouth between my legs!” you replied, almost whining. Mel smiled contently when he heard you pleading and obeyed. He began with soft, chaste kisses on your inner thighs that soon changed to needy sucks and small bites. His mouth slowly approached your core with every kiss until he finally found your wet folds. He flattened his tongue as he lapped through them.

And as if your taste awoke something in him, he finally stopped his teasing and he dove right in, devouring you like he was starving. His mouth worked on your clit just in the right way to make you squirm beneath him. You were already on the edge when he dived his tongue into you, his thumb replacing its spot on your pearl. 

“Oh, fuck, Mel, don’t stop!” you cried out and Mel did his best to follow your wish and fucked you with his tongue while his thumb rubbed over your clit in just the perfect pace and pressure. Mel worked you up so fast and intense like you had never experienced before when you were eaten out and you came hard, screaming his name and arching your back. 

With small kitten licks he guided you through your orgasm until you were able to move again and you pulled him up to you. As Mel bent down to kiss you, you felt his shaft pressing against your stomach, twitching between your bodies.

“If you really want to take care of me, you better shove that cock into me soon!” you said, and Mel chuckled mischievously at it. 

“How can I deny you anything like this when you look so gorgeously spent.” After another ravishing kiss, Mel pulled a condom out of the drawers of his nightstand. He knelt between your spread legs and slowly pumped himself, while his eyes never left yours. Swiftly he wrapped himself with the latex and then he sank down onto you again. 

You felt the tip of his cock running along your slit and then slowly pushing into you. He spread your walls and when he was fully buried in you, he stopped his movements. Mel pressed his forehead against yours and you drowned in the dark pools that were his eyes.

That moment felt like the world had stopped turning, everything felt like it was in slow motion. You took in the music playing in the background, accompanied by Mel’s panting breaths, the mixed scents of cologne, fire and sweat, and the salty taste of Mel's skin that still lingered on your tongue. And then you felt him move inside of you. 

He started with long and slow rhythmic thrusts that made you squirm under him. You wrapped your legs around his waist and grabbed him at his shoulders, trying to feel him as deep as possible. 

Accompanied by breathy moans, Mel bit by bit increased his pace. Soon he was pounding into you erratically. He bent your legs over his shoulders and with the new angle he hit you exactly where you needed him with every stroke. 

You were losing your composure, with every move your moans got louder as you felt your climax approaching. Mel lost his rhythm, too, he was rutting into you desperately now. Pearls of sweat ran down his temples. You watched how his cock disappeared into your body, how his hand kneaded your breast firmly, how he hovered over you, mouth agape.

Mel felt your walls clenching around his cock and he responded by jerking his hips into you hard. You were finally falling apart under him, your legs trembling as you felt your release rush through your body. With a whimper, Mel pushed one last time hard into you and reached his own peak. 

Slowly, Mel retreated and left your cunt gripping around nothing. He slumped onto the bed next to you and reached for your hand. You entwined your fingers, both still catching your breaths. 

A ray of sunshine was falling onto your face, disturbing your sleep. You blinked a few times, not yet really conscious. The sun was way too bright, so you shut your eyes again. But you enjoyed the other sensations that you took in. There was the scent of fresh coffee, the warmth of the sheets you were buried in and the tunes of a guitar playing softly.  

As you slowly stretched your arms with a yawn, the guitar stopped playing and soon you felt the mattress dip beside you and a warm hand was softly stroking over your back. Mel’s face appeared above you, he cupped your cheeks and pressed a kiss onto your mouth.

“Good morning, sunshine!” he whispered in your ear before he pressed more kisses all over your face. He lay down and pulled you in his embrace.

“Hey!“ you answered simply and just blinked at him, smiling uncontrollably.

[zorria]

I wasnt sure how to go about answering this because you said you wanted your name hidden so I hope this is okay lol 🥺❤️

But anyways in my opinion I don’t see it as Nakaba putting Percy on this pedestal and saying fuck you to Tristan at least not in my eyes

It’s just More so the fact that the demons love Percy because percy saved the dying demons when he was a baby from the behemoth so they ended up seeing him as their savior and treating him like one of their own

Now with Tristan it’s different because the demons hate Tristan and are racist towards him because he’s half goddess and as Gawain said in the beginning of the arc some demons still hold a grudge for what happened in the holy war. Now this doesn’t condone them being racist and hurtful and straight up threatening to kill Tristan just because he’s half goddess like that’s actually fucked up cause like what the hell he can’t control that, that’s not what I’m saying but what I am saying is them acting like that is in my opinion In character.

The way Tristan reacts to this situation is also In character in my opinion because it starts to bring out his self conscious side and makes him start to have doubts and leads to him feeling like he’s not even worthy to be in the demon realm at all and it’s understandable why he would only want to visit the demon realm once thanks to how they treated him

The reason I say it’s not Nakaba putting Percy on a pedestal is because he’s not actively using it as a way to pin Percy against Tristan it’s just more so the fact they both had to different experiences while Percy is loved by the demons Tristan is not

But I can definitely see the demons coming around towards Tristan once he shows them how powerful he is and by helping save the demon realm

Now as for the rest of what you said in my opinion zeldris didn’t just immediately shoot down chions idea of them using Tristan’s Saint coat to protect them what he said was

That while yes they may get some protection with Tristan’s Saint coat it won’t be enough to withstand the negative force of the behemoths negative energy. So mainly he was just saying they can use it it just isn’t an affective means to get to the behemoth. At least that’s how I see it

And as for the demons loving Percy and them seeing him as someone who can do no wrong well that has at least some what of a reason

As zeldris said in this chapter the demons owe their lives to Percy because he was the one who saved them in the first place they quite literally would not be alive without him. So them not blaming Percy when they should and yes I agree they probably should’ve been a little mad cause wtf lol snd maybe not let him off Scott free it’s understandable why they don’t blame Percy because if not for him In the first place they would already be dead

So to them being sealed is a worthy Sacrifice because Percy already saved them once before so that’s why they aren’t all that mad which is a little strange cause like again tf but makes sense

Now as for why zeldris and the others aren’t mad like Nasiens it’s mainly because as much as they should be angry and upset it won’t realistically get them anywhere it won’t help fix their situation so as like Tristan Said they’ll just have to leave it up to faith and let things unfold but until then they can worry about what they can change right now which is the behemoth situation

And well as for Nasiens being mad that’s still valid as fuck because Percy quit literally betrayed him when he told Percy not heal that chaos knight and still healed her anyways without thinking of the consequences so him being mad this chapter is very much valid in my opinion he’s still hurt

But yeah this is just my opinion sorry if it’s long as fuck I just had to break stuff up in parts ❤️