#she gave it up because HE wanted a family

[goldsbitch]

That one night stranded

There is good sex...and then there is good sex. And when you know and love someone, it's very easy to tell when they fall into an anxiety trap and try to fuck it out.

Lando is determined to have good sex only for the rest of his life.

Or - Lando and Y/N get stranded in between flights. accidental 7k epilogue p.2 to That one Christmas flight, but can be read as a stand-alone

warning: angst, shit family, smut, p in v, oral, minors DNI, typos, couple therapists, please leave, i'm not ready for your judgement

//

There were two very different text message chains happening in the hotel lobby, where the young couple stood, waiting for the receptionist who was coding they key card.

Lando's phone was bursting up with family photos, taken the day before. Lots of smiley faces, tables overflowing with food and pictures blurred up, because the person taking the photo was most likely laughing too hard to stay still. And even better - most of the messages were words of praise his family had for his no-so-new girlfriend. He knew well enough his family was proud of him nevertheless. Somehow, bringing home someone who fit in right easily, laughed at the same jokes and earned a sincere approval, filled up a hole he had no idea was present in his heart.

This one night they'd "earned" by the delayed flight felt like a reward. They'd done great together. Alone time was a rare luxury, especially when it was unexpected and not planned out for weeks. He glanced over to her, glued to her phone in a similar way that he was. Only difference being the furrowed brows.

The other text chain was Y/N and her mother. Right when the reality sank in - the fact that no plane would be able to fly to Japan with these weather conditions - her heart did too. She'd somehow hoped it would be different. That her mother would save the snarky comments. Yet she found a way to make this all seem like Y/N's fault.

You should have taken an earlier flight.

She knew it was irrational. But yes, if they had opted for the earlier flight, they'd be in the air by now. Funny, how only parents know the exact formula to make one’s brain switch off the rational part. It was the hidden undertone in the text messages. Her mom would usually save those for phone calls. The last thing Y/N wanted to do at the moment. You're too reckless. Not organized enough. Being late is your fault. Bad planning. Do you even care about seeing me? I took a day off from work to spend time with you. Are you sure about bringing the racer boy over here?

Guilt filled up her stomach and her eyes were glued to the phone, hoping for more letters to appear. Something along the lines like "have a safe flight". Or "I'm looking forward to finally meeting Lando". Words she knew would never appear. She felt her boyfriend's arm embrace her as he exchanged few final words with the receptionist. The specific info got lost on her, but the tone spoke on it's own. Even a stranger could pick up on his unmasked joy and comfort. He didn't mind they were stranded for few hours. She wished for that kind of peace of mind. His family had been incredibly lovely to her. Accepted her the way she was and gave her enough space to express herself. She was ready for "double checking" or some sort of acceptance tests. Expected to have to prove herself to them more. None of that came. Part of her was secretly infuriated by that. There was no way in hell Lando would get the same treatment. Y/N wished she could provide that comfort for him too. It resembled the same feeling she had when he came to her apartment for the first time and she forgot to put away all the mugs overflowing the nightstand. Like something that was her responsibility to fix, clean up before he even knew this was a thing.

"Look at me, honey," he said in the elevator, his finger pulling her chin up. His eyes scanned her with a look she grew to love. Pure, unfiltered adoration. "Feels like we got gifted a night only for ourselves. I can't think of anything better to receive." She smiled as best as she could, trying to get on his level of ease. But one thought sat in her brain, unwilling to make space for anything else. Today's bliss for tomorrow's misery.

"You're right, as always," she replied, trying to convince herself maybe more than him. The kiss she gave him afterwards was to divert his attention from looking at her, because she knew from experience, he'd soon see right through her.

"Have you texted your mom that we'll be late?" he asked, unaware of her bubbling anxiety.

"Yeah, yeah," she mumbled, trying to dismiss the situation.

//

Who cares that mom thinks he's just a reckless celebrity. Would an immature asshole who "can't possibly care about me in the longterm" be say things like that? It was pure fire running through her veins. Maybe it really was a gift, these few hours they got extra. The reality was that even if they'd arrived on time, fresh and dressed up as a cookie cutter loved up couple, her mom would still find something wrong to drill about later. Screw that. Last few moments of solitude.

She was standing in a hotel room bathroom, looking into the mirror, trying to calm herself down.

This worked perfectly into Lando's favor, him still being completely high on the good Christmas vibes. The minute she excused herself, he got on the phone with the hotel concierge and offered to throw any amount of money at them if they'd manage to follow up on his impromptu request. By some miracle, the trail with cold champagne, strawberries and few roses arrived before she returned from the bathroom. When his lovely girlfriend entered the room again, he greeted her with a dramatic spin, rose in one, a tall glass in the other hand. His interpretation of an angelic smile plastered on his face. The plan of catching her off guard worked. She stood there for a moment, taking the scenery in.

"Lando..." she said, speechless enough to muster anything more.

He winked at her and stepped closer. "It is technically our anniversary..." he said, like an open invitation.

Y/N stared at the loved up guy standing in front of her. Mother's voice still ringing in her head. All composure she managed to gain by staring at herself in the mirror gone in a second. How can anyone, ever and anywhere think that Lando, her Lando, is anything but a perfect boyfriend. How can her mother feed her with words like reckless, immature, wild and careless...without ever even meeting him in person. Her phone dinged with the sound a text message and she just knew it was her mom again. She didn't even bother looking at the notification.

"You're perfect, you know that?" she blurbed slowly. Once again, as if more to herself than to him.

His smile grew wider. "I try my best," he noted with a tone that could only be described as playful.

"Many people forget anniversaries..."

"To be fair, it is easier if it's pinned to annoyingly recognized holiday..." he joked and handed her the glass. "Do not ask me when we actually got together, because I don't think there is enough champagne around here for me to apologize for not knowing that date."

She smirked and accepted the glass.

"You did kind of just admit that yourself, you know..."

"I know, but, you didn't ask, so it doesn't count."

He knew her well enough to know that she was about to ask exactly that just to tease him, so interrupted her before she had a chance to even breathe in.

"Toast! To us! To the best outcome a desperate secret meeting at Honda could ever have!"

Giving up on teasing him, she clinked her glass with his. "To the Christmas champagne tradition."

He leaned in and kissed her before tasting the champagne. If it weren't for the symbolic gesture, he'd order anything else. Champagne had a weird undertone of podiums and that was something he hated to get reminded of during off season. But that was not something he needed to tell her.

She gulped the whole glass, happy have something to take the edge off.

"How bizarre, we managed to make it here," she remarked, courage building up.

"Wouldn't have it any other way, honey."

That's it. He was being the ultimate boyfriend, while she was there, barely participating. No more of that. She grabbed the glass from his hands and downed the liquid he barely touched anyway. Surprised Lando only raised his eyebrows and watched her put both of their glasses away.

"Bed. Now," she ordered him, changing the tone of the conversation.

Fascination overruled Lando's facial expression and he obeyed, without a single word. Usually, he was the more dominant one in their sex life. He couldn't help himself, forever horny teenager. But, sometimes, out of nowhere, she whipped up her bossy side. He often fantasized about that when he was alone, racing around the world.

She waited for him to absentmindedly kick his shoes to the corner only to sit at the edge of the bed. Shook her head and nodded toward the pillow. He obeyed and pushed himself further to the back. His eyes were literally inviting her, encouraging her to continue.

With full determination, she took her shirt off, following by swiftly removing her bra. Then she climbed over to him, never breaking eye contact.

Lando wanted to say something, anything, but he was worried that would somehow break the spell. He followed her every move, tuning in. They had spent few days in the family circus and they were about to enter another one. It's been the longest they'd gotten without sex while being in the same timezone. Even though he was not demanding or expecting anything, he was craving it like a starved man.

She wanted to feel hot. Determined to prove that she is a good girlfriend. Swung her leg over his, practically sitting on him. Their lips crashed together in a messy kiss, tongues fighting for dominance. Lando sighed when she parted them. But she was on a mission now. Knowing well enough Lando was a boobs man, she pulled his face towards her nipple and he didn't think twice about what to do next. She watched him suck and pure physical relief washed over her. All will be well soon.

She grabbed him over his jeans, pleased to find that he was already getting hard. Abandoning the kiss, she moved over to gain access to his crotch. Locked eyes with him while opening his zipper, almost violently.

"Take this off," she ordered and boy, did he do as he was told.

The air was heavy with anticipation on both parties.

With thick determination, she knelt over and took him into her mouth. He grew in her instantly, reaching full erection almost immediately.

Wasting no time, she started to move, up and down and suck him off. One hand called over to help at the bottom of his shaft, the other used as a support for her to lean on. She quickly got lost in the rhythm and continued, almost like someone dead set on completing a task. She had to prove herself. He was a great boyfriend and she needed to be the best girl he had. Because tomorrow, only ugly judgemental looks from her mother would await. No warm family welcome, this bliss they lived in for the past few days would be long gone. She could almost see it already happening, Lando desperately trying to impress her mother and her just dismissing him, because she had already made up her mind about him.

But he was perfect and Y/N was head-over-heels in love. With her eyes closed, she kept on moving, barely reaching for breath, ignoring the growing pain in her back, because the pit of despair growing in her stomach was louder anyway. It was all worth it for making her lover happy. Because who knows how it will all look tomorrow. If she could back down from the trip, she would. Her mom does not deserve to criticize someone so perfect like Lando.

Out of nowhere, felt his hand reaching over to her shoulder, somewhat bringing her back to Earth.

"Y/N," he moaned, with an unusual undertone. She took it as a sign to speed up her movements.

"Stop," he continued instantly. She froze, not quite sure what had happened.

"Ok, ugh," he pulled away unwillingly. "I can't believe I'm about to interrupt...Whatever amazing thing is happening right now."

She swallowed her own saliva. Got up a bit, slightly mortified. Why did he stop her. What has she done wrong? He never complained before? That's it - this connected with the treatment her mother had prepared instead of Christmas dinner would be the final straw ending their lovey-dovey period. Her thoughts were tripping one over another, making up an incoherent mess.

Once again, he pulled up his finger and arched her chin up.

"Is everything alright?"

Silence followed. He gave her a questioning, puzzled look.

"I thought you liked my blow jobs," she said with a stern look stripped of any emotion.

"Believe me, I do," he said with a heavy sigh. He couldn't believe himself, never expected himself to pause a perfect blow. "But something feels off about you."

She failed. She failed at going with Lando's flow and ruined what was suppose to be a nice romantic holiday evening. Giving up, she threw herself on her back, lying 90 degrees next to him, eyes glued to the ceiling. If they hadn't been so comfortable with each other, she'd feel very small, lying there like that, him with his dick out and her topless.

Lando had hoped his intuition was wrong. But sadly, he recognized the signs correctly. Without knowing this emotion had pained her ever since the plane got delayed, he felt his own anxiety pile up. Only years of mental preparation for his overly demanding job had helped him to avoid jumping into conclusions too quickly. Even though, deep down, he was terrified that her sudden mood change was due to the fact she didn't love him anymore. It was always the first thing he thought about, no matter how much he tried to work on it. But - years of mental training - he was going to cash that in.

He watched her, hoping she'd look back at him. When she didn't, he reached his fingertips towards hers. Her own hand responded instantly and their fingers tangled together.

"What happened...Did I do something wrong?" he opened with, reaching for any clues.

She kept her stare up the ceiling and chuckled. How cute it was, finding him so unaware.

"No. Lando, you're amazing. Annoyingly so, lately."

He took that as an invitation and shifted his body over so that they shared the same angle and joined her at the "staring at the ceiling" activity.

"I hope that is not the problem - I have hard time not being like that," he joked, hoping it would diffuse the tension a bit. The Lando she met a year ago would probably run away in a situation like this. Or maybe even ignored the obvious distress of his sex partner and let he blow him to his release. But not the Lando of today.

Her lips curled into a small smile.

"Oh, if only all of us were like you," she couldn't help but comment sarcastically.

"You know that you're more than perfect to me, right?" There was no lightness to be detected in his tone. She shifted, a wave of uncomfortableness washing her over.

I may be, but not my family.

"Yes, but I need you to know...I need you to understand, that I truly love you and I am totally mesmerized by you. To me, you are perfect. Even when you irritate me to heavens," she admited, making sure to highlight the words of praise. Scared that if she didn't build enough foundation today, there will be nothing to stand on once the challenge comes tomorrow. She'd tried to warm him about the meeting, but it always seemed to go through his ears.

It was like she was speaking in riddles. "Why do you need me to understand that now?" he asked, eyes now fully glued at his girlfriend, searching for some clues.

She felt his eyes on her and out of nowhere felt very naked. "Because...." ...Words were hard.

"Go on, I'm not backing away from this," Lando insisted, trying to get them both on the same page.

A loud sigh. "We had such a great time with your family..."

It was like she was speaking in a language he was not yet fluent in. "Don't divert the conversation," he hissed, eyes on her like she was some sort of target.

"I'm not!" she gasped, almost offended.

Lando was still not following. "My family is basically in love with you, I have messages if you need proof."

"Yeah. And that's the problem," Y/N smirked bitterly.

He leaned closer to her. "I think we should look up a definition of the word problem..." he joked.

She was still burning holes in the ceiling with her look. "We missed the flight. It's another bullet to my mother’s gun." Stupid, stupid mistake.

"Who is she planning on shooting?" Lando asked softly.

"Us, I'm afraid." She finally met his look and the only emotion he was able to read in her eyes was concern.

If this relationship had taught Lando anything, it was that the hard way is sometimes the only way. So, he finally allowed himself to ask the one thing that had been on his mind for a while now. "Does she not like me?"

Deep down he was suspecting this might be one of the reasons why his girlfriend is acting sketchy. He just hoped it was something more trivial. "She's never met you," she whispered, as if she was defending him for something he hadn't yet committed. So far, there had been only one moment when her mom Facetimed her when he was right next to her. One greeting, awkward wave and a smile that was not reciprocated. He made up some excuse to leave them alone promptly after that, feeling like he was intruding on a private conversation.

"I wondered when you were going to tell me that," he remarked, ready to go full on. He was just now allowing the thought that his lover's parent might have been feeding her bitter doubts for some time now enter his brain.

The obvious change of Lando's expression made her stomach turn, kind of like drinking milk that's gone off does. But, they'd vowed to be fully honest with each other after their first big fight. Deep breath. "She um...It's not like you can say she is exactly on board with all of this,“ she gestured between them. 

And there it was. The confirmation he feared. He did his best to remain as calm as possible. "Don't worry, I figured, you sort of hinted at that few times before. And I'm planning on charming the hell out of her. After all, you do share genes. Some of my tricks gotta work on her." It was more of a plea, lacking his general playful confidence. When she studied his look, it reminded her of the times when he was hiding his real emotions in front of hungry reporters.

He told her once he wanted her to be blunt, rather than deceptive in difficult times. The words started to leave her mouth without much of a filter. "But, what if it does not work. She has this habit of making her mind up before I have any chance to affect it."

Somehow, the fact she voiced it, made it easier for him to react. "Honey, don't take this the wrong way. But, I only care about your opinion. It would be great to have your mom on our side...However, I'd like to believe it's not the base of our relationship."

"No, it's not," she said quickly, silently hoping it was going to be enough for them to survive this challenge.

"So, tell me. What does she think about me?" he asked, suddenly craving to know it all.

She bit her lip. "Lando, don't make me say things like that."

Wow. That bad. "I'm used to getting hate from thousands of people who don't know me. I can cope. The more specifics I know, the better I can prepare...Come on, spill it," he countered, trying to convince her that he can handle it. However, it wasn't like he himself was completely sure of that. Her face was expressionless and he nodded to confirm it nonverbally.

"She thinks you're reckless," she spoke slowly, skipping few heartbeats. She was used to being on the other side, praising Lando when he doubted himself. This place, where she found herself at, was not one she liked.

He analysed it for a moment. "Well, I do get into a car every week to purposefully drive it as fast as possible, so I can she from which angle she might be coming from. Nothing new."

"You're a party boy," she shot back faster than she could think.

And he shot right back at her. "You're a party girl, but I assume your mom has no idea, huh."

"No...," she admitted. For some reason, this calmed her down a bit. She finally took another breath.

"What else," Lando's stared at her, following his internal feeling they hadn't arrived to the end yet.

No point in holding back now, she figured. There was a weird ball of tension in her chest, almost asking daring her to push him to the limit. "She googled you. A lot. And she made sure to tell me names of all your model exes. Then proceeded to tell me I look nothing like that," Y/N deadpanned.

Lando knew this was probably the one thing that stung her the most. But, the thought of someone she held so dearly voicing it her was making him extremely angry. "That's just fucked up-"

She continued, before he had any chance to react more.

"And, she thinks you'll affect my school. That the lifestyle around you is shallow and only attracts bonehead people."

Now, this was finally getting to Lando. Of course, he could not let Y/N know that, not in this moment.

"Do you think that too?" he asked, because he craved to know the truth. Sometimes, in the middle of the night, when the world around felt silent and his mind had time to roam freely, he found himself thinking about this. He never really studied and was never going to. His life was based on different approach. He loved it. But that didn't stop him from feeling a bit inferior from time to time.

He expected anything, but a laugh. For a moment he figured she was mocking him. Only once she reached to touch his face he realized just how still and stiff he became throuout out their conversation.

"I think it's shallow and bonehead to assume that. I've met some amazing people in your team, smart people who have dedicated their lives into the sport I'd grown to love while watching get so passionate about it."

There was an unspoken question hanging in the air. Lando dared not to say it outloud.

"And, no. I don't think you deserve to be called any of those words. Only when you're looking in the mirror, because that smug face deserves to be punched one day."

He chuckled. It would take him few moment to truly let her words sink in. "You didn't seem to think that one time in Abu Dhabi." That time when he fucked over a bathroom sink and made sure that she watched them the whole time. Lando watched with joy as her face started getting some color again. He couldn't fight his urge to get closer to his partner, break the tension even further. So, he rolled over to bury his nose in her neck. It was almost automatic at this point. None of his previous girlfriends were this understanding of his overly touchy needs. Words were important, but they grew more on meaning when he could feel her skin, explore her light shiver, watch how her body reacted. When he felt her pushing towards his touch, he swung his arm over her, with the notion of providing some heat to her naked chest.

A more comfortable silence fell upon the hotel room. Both of them lost in their own thoughts. Lando was taking in all of the newly found information. It was a heavy burden, not because of the substance, but because it was coming from someone Y/N held dearly. It was hard not to feel a little injustice of it all. But more than that, he was grateful that she was able to avoid internalizing all of that what was fed to her from her mom. He approached all of this as he would any strategy meeting before a difficult race. Find the strengths, capitalize on them and try to minimize the advantage "the opponent" might have. But truth be told, he'd rather not have to have this sort of competition.

"Thank you," he whispered into the crease of her neck. "Thank you for not giving into it all." He hoped, prayed, that was he as saying was true. It was not just about her mom. It was the press, some of the overbearing fans and anyone who dared to challenge them without having any real insight in their relationship. "I know it must be really hard and not exactly what you might have signed up for."

What did I sign up for? 

She reached over to embrace him, mindlessly drawing circles on his back. The pit inside her stomach was growing smaller. Without really intending to, signed up for a partnership, exciting love affair that got out of hand. Anyone who came before him was redundant. He outshined everyone. 

"I’m pretty sure I must have bribed faith in my past life to have you thrown in my life." 

"Aren’t you my little smart poetic girl," he murmured approvingly and started to cover her skin with kisses. Few moments flew by. "We could order some food, put on the show you like and drift away. How does that sound?" 

She understood his intention. It had been a long day and another one was coming. Her emotions were clashing from one end to another and as much as she tried to hide it all, Lando was proving to be hard to fool. And no - she did not want to chill in. Burning all of it out sounded more fun. To be held for a moment, stuck in the timelessness only lightheaded orgasm created. 

He was still trailing her neck with small pecks, arm locking her in. The untamed curls almost tickling like small feathers. Everything was heightened, as if his skin was loudly calling her in. His words of initiating a calm wind down not matching his action. 

"Please, no more of this PG fun. It’s been days."

He stopped all of his movements. "Well then, pray tell, what do you have on mind?"

The next words flew out of her mouth before she could filter them. "Are you in the mood to fuck me?"

"Am I in the mood to fuck you," he repeated, in his signature sarcasm dripping style. He was having trouble processing how his sexual partner could ever arrive to this question. Unsure whether to address her clumsy dirty talk first instead of the absurdity of the question, he arrived at a simple "Charming…".  Of course he was in the mood. Always, anytime and quite literally anywhere.

"Well it's just, it's been quite a tense talk..." she hinted back carefully. To her surprise, his face went into smirk mode. 

"I will ask you the same thing next time you're hyperventilating about school and you come in begging for stress release," he jested, once again making her eyebrows shooting up. 

"I am never begging," she defended, unwilling to give into his narrative. 

And then he shot back, with his signature you-don’t-have-any-chance-to-resist look. "I said what I said."

Blood ran boiling in her veins. If oil had been in such abundance as his audacity, the world would be able to run cars freely for centuries. "Tell me one example of me begging for sex with you."

Lando turned his head slowly. Oh. Oh, it was on.

Very quickly she realized her own mistake. She ran into that one like a fool. "No, Lando, don't-"

"You know, it has been indeed quite a long day, I think I'm gonna hop in the shower and get a healthy dose of beauty sleep," he declared dramatically, sat up and removed his t-shirt. She rolled her eyes as high as humanly possible. No way would follow through with this premise. "Fine, Lando. I’ll be here, munching on strawberries, naked and horny, all by myself," she tried to tease and leaned over to grab one of the bright red fruits from the trail. Eyes locked in with him as she shamelessly sucked on it. There was a glitch and a twinkle in his look. Almost got her thinking she had this one in the bag. He stepped closer, noses almost touching as he whispered: "Have fun, honey," gave her a little peck on the cheeks while having the nerve to grab her exposed breast. His tone was teasing, daring her to dare a little more. It was annoying in a typical Lando fashion.

"Lando, you gotta be kidding me right now," she sighed, impatience getting the better of her. 

"Few magic words and you get exactly what you want from your reckless racer fuck boy,“ he mocked everyone who ever doubted them. "Oh, sorry, forgot to add, very good at taking your edge off. Am I right?"

His presence was more intoxicating than usual. As if he radiated some hormones making her feral. All the complicated emotions leaving the conversation one by one. Nothing but the two of them left in the room. His hot breath on her cheek, fingers circling over her nipple and his body heat reminding her of each time she wrapped her arms around him as he pushed into her. 

"Yes, that you are," she responded mindlessly and searched for his lips with her own. He allowed her a small peck, like a chef would at a tasting menu. Enough to hook, but not enough to fill up. And with that thought in mind he broke their kiss. "Come on, say it. I want to hear it."

Few moments of silence, her breathing heavy and his almost undetectable. Two ego’s fighting a battle so pointless it was almost amusing. She couldn’t just give in like that, no matter how dizzy her head was getting. 

"Fine by me, honey. Your choice," he danced away, letting her hanging. There was something infuriating about how nonchalantly and elegantly he smiled, knowing well enough her was winning this battle. She took a deep breath, closing her eyes as to prevent herself from watching his tone back. 

This. This was her Lando. Always pushing her into a direction she had no idea she wanted or needed to go. Never the same thing twice, somehow, he always dug up something new. 

She sat on the bed, dumbfounded, playful anger replacing all the anxiety she had felt just moments ago. Was this his plan all along, or did he just have a natural talent at steering her mood into a place where she’d happily go and give into anything he’d suggest her to do?

He was grinning all the way coming to the shower. It was a statement, a game and something to ease the tension. Once the water started, he’d allowed himself do a light check-in with his own feelings. It wasn’t easy to hear all those things. In fact, some of them hit a little close to home. Lando made sure to separate what he had heard from Y/N as a person. She wasn’t the author of these thoughts. Someone else was. A person who he had not yet even met. There wasn’t a single cell in him that would doubt that everything she stared had been said by her mother at some point. 

He closed his eyes and aimed his face directly under the shower head. Images of him and Y/N all coupled up at his family house started to come in, like a set of developed photos. So natural, calming and most of all - honest. Comfort memories he knew he’d be reaching for once the new season and it’s challenges catch up, when the distance and loneliness hit. But at that moment, there she was, right next door and probably still a bit fired up by his uncharacteristic postponing of sex. His hand slid over to his crotch, squeezing himself casually and switching up the mental images to less family-friendly moments. He was sort of expecting her to come and join him in the shower. But no, of course not. Not when he set her up like that. They were all too similar for their own good.

When he stepped out of the bathroom, towel purposefully hanging dangerously low, he couldn’t stop himself from simpering. Once he got a look at her, sitting under the covers, phone in her hand and too stingy to pass him more than two looks. But, she did come for the second one and that betrayed her, aiming directly to where his tower barely covered his waist. 

To prove his point, he shuffled his wet hair, sudden movement making her glance once again. It felt really addictive to know he was the centre of her attention, despite how much she tried to hide it. 

Smugness and water dripping from him, he landed shamelessly on the bed, towel giving up on trying to participate. Her reaction was to frown, making her pet peeve of people getting into the bed wet known, once again. Something Lando became aware very early on. He used this information only when the situation required it. No words were said, as he leaned over her, making sure to leave some remaining water drops on her, and grabbed a moisturizer. 

Then he proceeded to slowly plump it and rub it on his body. The unreasonably loud sounds of him doing that were cutting the silence of the room like a knife. 

His partner sitting next to him hummed quietly. "Whatever this is, it’s not working."

He replied, elegant as ever. "I don’t know what you’re insinuating." He pretended to be as focused on his activity, the same way as he did when doing PR bullshit. "Ah, honey. Would you be so kind and help me reach to my back?" Lando asked overly nicely. Y/N watched him, almost admiring just how bad his acting skills were and how he proceeded with his act without any remorse. He was reaching over to his back, unable to do so, and making it look like the biggest tragedy human kind has ever experienced. And with puppy eyes, he decided to go for a low blow. 

"Please, baby," he said in a tone so insincere it wouldn’t fool a child. This was yet another provocation. 

"You know it irks me when you’re wet in the bed."

He let out a chuckle. She was so bad at keeping herself in check. It was adorable. She just sat there, pretending to be scrolling Instagram, little lines around her eyes forming from how tense her eyebrows frowned. "I do. And we seriously have to get your accidental innuendos under control. Can’t have you walking in public saying these things." He wiggled the moisturizer in front of her face. 

Finally, she snapped. "You are the most annoying and immature guy I’ve ever met. You’re impossible." Lando looked at her, like one would at an angry puppy that’s trying to jump a little too high. 

"One would almost say a miracle, huh."

Once again, he shook his bottle of moisturizer. Having had enough, she snatched it from his hands and put it back on the nightstand.  "It’s a miracle I haven’t killed you yet."

Without missing a beat, he shot back. "And how will we celebrate?"

She let out a sigh so loud the people in the next room must have heard it. Sitting there, not knowing what do with her hands anymore. He wished they were pulling his hair. 

"Are you seriously gonna make me say it."

He simply nodded, arching himself up. If her mind had been clouded before, it was now full on can't-see-further-than-my-nose type of situation.

He leaned over even closer, getting up all over in her personal space. As if that was even a thing anymore. 

Somehow, for some reason he would have yet unpack, his heart was beating like crazy. Say it. 

Accepting that he won what ever this was, she gulped and finally whispered. "Please."

He gave her a questioning look, as if he didn’t hear her. "Hm? Sorry?"

Still debating whether she should smack him or not, she repeated herself. "Please."

"What, do you want me to put the cream on you too? Hydration is important for the skin,“ he teased, enjoying himself immensely. 

"Lando."

"Y/N."

If he were to be completely honest, he was extremely proud of himself to withholding this long. Also, not sure how longer he could go on, given the fact his erection has entered the chat. 

To make it more complicated, she sat up and put her mouth almost onto his. He could smell her aroused energy. Almost taste her on his mouth. And that as even before she licked his lips lightly with her tongue.

"Say it," he mumbled, unable to make it not sound like a plea. 

It was different than what they’d usually do. Many couples dabbled in talking during sex, they never really did. Then something hit her. Like a secret wavelength he was sending her way. Maybe he needed her to talk today. So, finally, she broke in. 

"Lando, please, fuck me.“ 

All those times, he waited for the five red lights to go out only for him to smash the pedal, paid off. Like opening windows in a stale room, he let the fresh air in. Ripped the duvet covering her off, he grabbed her legs to pull her into a laying down position, not even giving her time to gasp. His moves were quick and oh-so-sure of himself. 

"Tell me what you need, love,“ he ordered, while he traced the line of her neck with his tongue. 

He wasn’t certain if she was finding the idea of talking as hot as he did. But he sure as hell hoped. It wasn’t like he needed any guidance at that point. Had every inch of her body mapped out already. But he longed to hear it from her mouth. Towering over her, he nibbled on her neck, one hand running through her hair and the other squeezing her hips, keeping her exactly where he wanted her. 

He noticed she stopped her breathing and locked him with her arms, holding on for dear life. 

"You, I need you, Lando,“ she let out, suddenly all uncertain and shy. It was the vulnerability in her tone that got him. He moved his lips a little lower, so that he could leave a mark on her collarbone, without fearing she’d regret it tomorrow. 

His body was moving on its own. Brushing on her upper thigh, opening her legs up and positioning himself between her. All the blood left his brain. 

"I want you to touch me. I want to walk with marks made from you in public, a secret only you will know.“ 

He was only now realizing how good of a fuel this was for him. Lightheaded, he folded her legs and pushed them to her stomach, making as small as possible. So that she would be completely in his control. 

To grand her wished, he left one mark just below he collarbone and moved to leave a second one on her breast. She let out a heavy breath. 

"Lando, please. I need you inside.“ 

He was almost getting too dizzy not to comply immediately. His erection throbbing into her leg. 

Then, out of nowhere, he flipped them both. 

"Get over me, baby,“ he hummed and positioned himself on his back. She gave him a questioning look and knelt above his dick. 

But he shook his head and grabbed her hips once again. "Up here.“ 

His hungry look must have encouraged her, so she moved until he stopped her, ending up directly above his mouth. "Sit down.“ 

His statement was followed by his strong hands literally pushing her down on his mouth. 

Eyes finally locked again, he smirked for the last time, before he buried his mouth in her. 

Lando wished he knew what he looked like from her perspective. Squished between her, licking and sucking, letting her move in the exact way how she wished. He felt her legs tense up with each move his tongue made. This all got even more intense when he squeezed her nipple between his fingers. 

He twirled his tongue through her folds, circled around the clit, which had her melt. 

"More,“ she demanded and positioned herself so that he could only access. 

Saliva and her juices were mixing in his mouth, the smell of her arousal hitting his nose and making him high. 

He upped his pace and went for the moves he already knew from the past would work. Watching her crumble, barely being able to keep herself up, to the point where she had to balance herself against the wall, was probably becoming his definition of heaven. His tongue moved in a fixed rhythm, exploring every possible place she had to offer. 

"Lando..." she moaned, completely lost due to the moves his tongue was making. 

He felt the urge to stop and take a breath, because judging by the slight movements of her thighs, she was getting close. 

And only moments later, her first release came. Wetter than ever, she held on dearly and with one high pitched sigh, she collapsed almost completely. He had to stop her from crushing his face. 

"Sorry," she let out mindlessly, unable to give him more reaction. 

Amused, he helped her back down and rolled her over on her back. 

Wasting no time, Lando pushed two fingers in her immediately, not giving her any time to calm down or rest. 

Wondering in which dimension he managed to send her off to, he watched, as she squeezed her eyes shut with every little twist her made. As her moans target to get intense again, he shut her off with a kiss. His tongue matching the movements of his fingers. He waited patiently, before he felt like she was getting lost in the same haze as bare minutes ago, only to remove his fingers and stop kissing her out of a sudden. 

Confusion and mild anger washed over her. 

"What-"

"I can’t hear you, baby," he teased and hovered his wet fingers above her mouth. "What was it that you wanted from me? Must have slipped my mind."

The look of pure desperation she gave him was the hottest shit he’d ever seen. 

"Lando…"

"Let’s made a deal, sunshine," he proclaimed and slowly shoved his wet fingers into her mouth. Like the good girl she was, she sucked on them without hesitation. „I’ll stop anything we’re doing, the moment you shut up. Ok?“

They were so close to each other with every possible body part. But it was not enough. It would never be enough. She nodded and he pulled his fingers out, slowly. 

"Deal, Norris."

A lightning shot through his body and nearly split him in half. She never used his last name before, ever. Why was that, out of all the things, doing it for him. She must have picked up on his momentary relapse and gained more confidence with that. "Stop fucking around, I want you inside. Now.“ 

He was already almost touching her entrance with his dick. Eye locked, he reached for her hand and intertwined their fingers. 

"Please,“ she said, loud and proud, making it sound like a demand.

When he finally pushed into her, it was like anything else stopped existing. He belonged there and nothing else mattered. 

"Oh my God, yes,“ she whined, keeping up at her promise. "This is the best shit ever.“ 

Lando’s autopilot kicked in as the last braincell was truly gone. He started to move in a steady beat, finding it incredibly hard to keep himself from literally pounding into her immediately. 

„Faster,“ she encouraged as she held his shoulder with her other hand, to help her find balance. 

Lando was lost, in the best way possible. In her body, in his mind, in the fact that having sex was something completely different when you absolutely adored the person you’d be lying on top of. The built up energy finally finding its release, after days of dancing around. With each thrust, he lost touch with reality more. Only pure pleasure and reminiscence of her voice finding their way in. 

"Oh, God, baby." "Yes." "I need you." "It’s only you." "Shit, you’re so good."

Lando figured a long time ago that, for the lack of better comparison, their bodies must have been made for each other. Different shapes fitting perfectly into each other. They shared their sense of rhythm. It was never too short or too long. She scratched the itch before he got the chance to mention he had one. Lando felt almost sad for anyone who did not get to experience that. 

Somehow, their sex got better every time. 

He missed when she came for the second time, as he was too lost in his own release. His thrusts got more uneven, his body completely arched and then finally - like the slap in the face, pure bliss washed over him. He felt it in what seemed like every muscle, every strain of hair and in every inch of his lower stomach, spreading like nice hot drink in the middle of winter. All was good. There were no problems, only good things. She was perfect. 

He had a hard time recalling what were the exact words they’d share right after he came. The haze started to clear few moments after, when he found himself next to her, puddle of his cum in the middle of her stomach, noses touching each other and light kisses being left like little presents. 

As the heavy breaths grew lighter, he returned back to Earth.

"All good, baby?“ he asked, the sweetness in his tone coming naturally. Searched for any sign of discomfort in her face. He had hoped that she got exactly the kind of release she deserved. 

And many signs pointed towards that. The smile of her disbelief, red flushed face, sensitive skin that reacted to each light touch as if it was a strong grip. 

"I, um. Yes. More than good. Thank you.“ Most people would barely understand with they way she mumbled.

He chuckled. "You don’t have to thank me, ever.“ 

"I was taught that after every please comes a thank you, so pick you battle. All or nothing," she shot back, teasing as ever.

He didn't have to think much before replying. "Well, all of that then.“ 

She nudged him with her nose. "You seemed to enjoy me begging. Though begging might be a strong word. I would never do that." 

Even though she said it in a light tone, he knew it was intended seriously. "Maybe I just really needed to hear it today. That you want me. Need me.“ 

"What I love about this all is that we need each other. Both for different reasons, but that just makes it work even more.“ 

There was comfort in her answer. A realization, an answer to a question they never asked before. 

"I’ll be there for you tomorrow. We’ll crush it, as a team.“

[iamluzgar]

I completely disagree...

Veilguard has the following themes explored: leadership (through Rook's journey, factions, gods, Solas), corruption (of people, of gods), myths (how the myths from Thedas were changed from the original story that we now know), traumas (of losing someone, of being raised violently in a family, of losing your family, of being invaded, of being molded into a specific person, of being betrayed, of being forced to do actions you don't want to do, of duty, of accepting the past of your people), invasion and resistance (of the blight, of the Antaam, of the gods), family (through Lucanis and Taash, but also through the way Neve considers the Shadow Dragons, through Bellara), identity (through Taash, Lucanis, Harding, to an extent to Emmrich), culture (through Taash again, Bellara, but also through the way older games gave us so much propaganda about Tevinter, because they only hear about the upper classes, and we actually get to experience a bit of its culture ingame), the fake division between spirit/demon (through Solas and Spite), blood magic (through the old elven gods and Solas), old elven magic, fade, death (through Emmrich in something that specifically targets the player: "how would you like your remains to be dealt with?"), mourning (Not gonna go into that one but you know several people who die during the game), chronic illness and/or terminal illnesses, the dwarves' past and culture. I probably forgot a lot more.

Like... Does the game asks you whether slavery is wrong or not? No, but the answer to that is obvious, it event shows you slaves and it is sickening. Does the game asks you to take a stand pro/against magister? No, but the answer to that is obvious. Does the game asks you whether we should believe in Andrastian religion? No, but the whole DAI situation showed that the Andrastian church was bullshit already, we know it is, and we know how much now from Veilguard. Does the game asks you to take a stand pro/against magic? I think we're past that point now. We know magic is a nuanced topic and that mages shouldn't be oppressed for who they are. We know there are cultures and society allowing them to thrives without being imprisoned. Those aren't complex sociopolitical issues, those are things that were explored and resolved in other games with a clear yes/no question. Dorian sided against slavery, because he learnt it was bad. At this point everyone and their mother know it's bad. We don't actually need artifically made points like in DA2 where, if you help the mages, they still fuck you up to make you consider maybe they don't deserve the right to exist (I love DA2, it's my fav, but that is not a deep serious political idea).

One point very positive Point of Veilguard is its nuance to the question it was visiting during the game. Should Harding try to commit to her kindness in the face of intense general trauma, or should she accept her anger? Should Taash go towards the Qun or should she go towards Rivain culture? Should Emmrich go Lich or should he keep Manfred? Should Bellara keep her culture's past or should she keep it? Those are all question that have no good answer, because they all come with nuances, with no clear yes/no question, with happiness and possible fulfillment in all cases. Just like in real life, and it's up to you, the player, to make an arbitration of whether you would live preferably in such a way or in another way for your characters. It's a personal discovery journey of what it means to be a person, a leader, a hero, of different pasts, colors, genders, family status, traumas, duties etc. Of making a choice and owning it, for the bad and the good. Veilguard is probably one of the most emotionally mature AAA game in the history of gaming, and we're AGAIN (hello DA2) gonna have to wait 10 years before people realize it.

Like sure, it's not perfect, it's rushed, it doesn't feel like 10 years has been put into it, some stuff in gameplay, level design and UI inventory aren't right, some narration choices aren't great, their choice of focus is debatable, you can't even be a healer mage. But on the themes, thesis, sociopolitical and larger issues? I completely disagree. They also matured in their game design quite a lot in regards to open worlds, quests and its number, and little QoL things I don't remember that made me go "aaah... That's great design". It's just not how we imagined it would be. And yes, me too, I would have loved to have a DA2 in Minrathous, making havroc freeing slaves and beating the shit out of magisters with Fenris, this would have been my favorite thing. This isn't what happened, the game is still very good, it still has incredible qualities if you take it for what it is and engage with the story, the characters and the environment.

I'm realizing there are 3 types of Dragon Age fans.

1) Gamers who play latest big flashy action game

2) UwU kissy dating and besties simulator

3) Interested in the sociopolitical and theological themes and thesis statements the series is historically known for

Veilguard is not made for fan #3. It is a very pretty game that has absolutely nothing it wants to say--to the point that what it says by saying nothing is often times pretty offensive.

[janeyseymour]

The Other Woman

I'M BAAAAAAACK. With this short little one shot thanks to @jeridandridge and her big brain ideas that she let me steal

Summary: you have another woman that melissa has the unfortunate pleasure of meeting. Jealousy ensues.

WC: ~2.8k

It’s been about three years since you’ve started at Abbott Elementary, and honestly? It’s been challenging. Challenging, but rewarding. You’ve found a work family that you actually want to be a part of. But you’re also in a tougher area in Philadelphia, and on top of all of that, you’ve been working on your masters in reading since landing the job as the third grade teacher who took the load off of none other than Melissa Schemmenti.

You feel like you’ve been up to your eyeballs in work, both for your students and for yourself. But now, hopefully that you have your masters degree, that work load will lighten significantly.

The other thing that’s been quite challenging? Masking the feelings that you have for a certain redhead. She always gave off that she was hardheaded, stubborn, and difficult in most situations, but you’ve seen that she has a softer side. You’ve seen the way that she loves her students and former students like her own, how she makes sure that both Jacob and Janine are eating something that has actual nutritional value, her softer side for Barbara Howard, even the simple gestures of bringing Mr. Johnson takeout menus to places she thinks he’ll enjoy. And she’s been incredibly nice to you from the start- something that you’ve learned is entirely out of character for her. She claims it’s because you helped lighten her load, but the truth of it is that she quite likes you- enjoys you even.

Melissa Schemmenti, second grade teacher at Abbott Elementary school, would never have the same feelings that you do- at least that’s what you think. So, after about a year of harboring these emotions, you decide that you have to simply get over yourself and the feelings that you hold. You throw yourself into your work and your classes. During the last semester of classes that you took, you ended up finding a sweet girl who works as a teacher at a school in the suburbs. She helps you to repress the love that you have for the redhead while you’re with her, but as soon as you walk into Abbott again… it’s like Emily doesn’t exist.

It’s not like things with Emily are official either. Yes, she’s met Jacob and Janine at a happy hour once or twice, but aside from that, you would say you’re casually dating her. She would say the same, which is nice. There’s low commitment, minimal effort, outstanding sex.

“So, we’re thinking us going down to Oscars after work on Friday,” Jacob mentions casually at lunch on Tuesday. “You in?”

He knows you’re going to say yes. You love Oscars, and you almost never turn down a good time with two of your coworkers. “You know I’m there. Us four?” You gesture to yourself, Jacob, Janine, and Gregory.

Janine glances to her partner in crime before cutting in. “Us four, Mel, Barb, Mr. J, and Ava?”

“Oh,” you chuckle. “So this isn’t happy hour- this is getting hammered.”

“We just thought it might be nice to go out and have a few beers to celebrate you getting your masters,” Jacob shrugs with a blush creeping into his cheeks.

And so, after the school day is done and your door is shut for the weekend, you make your way into the lobby of the school where the rest of your little work family is. You all shove your things into your cars and lock them before you begin the short walk down to your favorite dive bar.

“Oh, I invited Emily by the way,” Jacob says offhandedly as your group travels.

“Who?” Melissa’s rough voice asks.

Your brow raises. “You did?”

“I thought you might like to have your girlfriend there,” he tells you.

The second grade teacher’s face hardens. “You have a girlfriend?”

“No,” you state quickly, shooting your friend a glare. “Emily is just this girl I’ve been seeing casually. It’s not- she’s not my girlfriend.”

“You sure about that?” Janine asks.

“Yeah,” Melissa huffs. “You sure about that?”

You close your eyes and take a deep breath. “Yeah, Lis. I’m pretty sure. It’s drinks maybe once a week, and then it’s just sex. Isn’t that what you were doing with the Captain?”

Green eyes stare at you as she quirks her lips, raises a brow, and folds her arms over her chest. She essentially stays that way for the rest of the walk down to Oscars, making for some uncomfortable tension between the group.

That tension is quickly gone when Ava orders a round of drinks for you all. After that little spat that you had with your favorite redhead (ironically, not the woman that ends up in your bed almost every weekend), you realize that your goal is to get absolutely hammered today. Little do you know, that Melissa also feels that way now. After downing the drink that Ava treated you all to on the company card, the second grade teacher drags her best friend to the bar.

“Girl, what’s got you so angry?” Barbara asks as Melissa takes another shot. “You were fine when we left the school.”

“I-” The redhead pauses to wipe the little amount of alcohol from her lip with her sleeve. “I didn’t know that Y/N had a girl. I was gonna ask her out tonight, but now that plan’s a load of shit, and I’m pissed I didn’t make a move sooner.”

“You heard her,” Barb shrugs. “It’s casual. You still could.”

Green eyes are rolled. “No fuckin’ way.”

“Then you need to try to keep this temper of yours under control, the jealousy too,” the kindergarten teacher chides. “We’re here to celebrate Y/N and her getting her masters.”

Melissa huffs before making her way back over to where you are- already taking your second shot of the day. But then your eyes lock with hers, and you hate how much it turns you on when she’s pissed off. As much as you love seeing her angry, you don’t want to be the one who’s making her feel this way.

“I’m sorry I was a bitch earlier,” you lean in, wrap an arm around her waist, and whisper into her ear. “I didn’t think you’d care if I was talking to someone.”

“I thought-” Whatever Melissa is going to say never gets uttered because Emily walks in, and Jacob and Janine both cheer and giggle. You’ve never moved your hand away from someone so quickly, and you hate that you have to in the first place. Your arm being around that waist felt so right.

“Hey!” Emily makes her way over to you, wraps an arm around your waist, and kisses your cheek.

“Hey,” you smile awkwardly as you return the sentiment. “Uh, let me introduce you to the rest of the group. You obviously know Jake, Greg, and Janine.”

She waves at them.

“This is Barbara, Ava, Mr. J, and…” you sigh softly when you see that the redhead has gone stone faced again. “Melissa.”

Emily smiles at everyone. “It’s great to be with youse, celebrating Y/N gettin’ her masters. I wish I liked my coworkers as much as y’all seem to get along.”

“I’m sure you’ll get there,” you tell her softly. “It took me some time to find my group.”

Emily is handed a drink, and you find that it’s quite nice that she already knows some of your friends- this way, she isn’t attached to your hip. You’re able to play darts with Jacob and Gregory, get in some gossip with Janine, challenge Ava and Mr. Johnson to a chugging competition, and chat with Barbara while your date mingles with your friends. It doesn’t go unnoticed that while you’re conversing with Barbara, Melissa stays silent. 

“I’m heading to the bathroom, and then ordering another drink,” the kindergarten teacher tells you as she begins to shimmy her way out of the booth. “Would either of you like anything?”

“Whiskey, neat,” the redhead grumbles.

“Angry balls,” you request.

Barb’s eyes go wide. “What?”

“Shot of fireball mixed with an orchard,” you explain. “Thank you.”

As soon as Barbara is out of earshot, you scoot in closer to the redhead. “So, you gonna tell me why you’re all pissy?”

Melissa scoffs. “I’m not being pissy.”

“Yeah you are,” you call the redhead out. “No smiles, arms crossed, brows furrowed. Quiet, for once in your life.”

“So maybe I’m a little pissed,” the redhead admits quietly, although she does uncross her arms, and one finds its way around your waist, pulling you in just slightly closer. Liquid courage.

“And why would that be?” you question. “It’s just the gang.”

“And that girl,” Melissa mutters under her breath, but you’re close enough that you can hear it.

“Emily?” you ask. At her nod, you roll your eyes. “At this point, I’m pretty sure Jake and Janine like her more than they like me. And like I told you earlier, it’s honestly just sex. I don’t want anything else with her, and she knows it.”

“Then why’s she here?”

“Because Jacob is convinced we’re goin’ t’fall in love or some shit,” you chuckle. “You know him.”

“An idiot,” the redhead sighs.

“He’s got a good heart though,” you quip. “Just like you. I like you more when you’re nice, you know.”

Your colleague turns to face you slightly, and you swear there’s a blush creeping into her cheeks. “Oh?”

“Yeah,” you smirk, as you reach behind her and tuck the hairs that have threatened to fall in her face behind her ear. “It makes me sad when you’re all pissed.”

Jacob’s eyes follow where Emily is looking- at the two of you, cozied up together in the booth.

“You good, Em?” the social studies teacher asks.

The woman turns to face him with a sad smile. “They like each other, don’t they?” It’s not asked in an angry way, or even in a hurt way. It’s more of a statement phrased as a question. 

Jacob sighs quietly. “I- That’s a question for Y/N.”

Emily just purses her lips in thought before throwing the dart in the direction of the dart board.

When Barbara returns to the booth, it’s apparent to her that the two of you had reconciled. It almost seems to her that her best friend had admitted the feelings she has for you. Of course, she doesn’t voice that. Instead, she just joins the conversation with a smile, happy that things seem to be back to normal.

It’s a long while later that you’re all more than a little drunk, and the Abbott clan decides to call it a night. You thank your friends for coming out to celebrate with you, giving them all hugs as they depart from the bar. The only one that you give a quick kiss on the cheek to is Melissa- an act that does not get past your date.

And then it’s just you and Emily on the sidewalk.

“Did you want to go somewhere else?” you ask. “Or maybe just back to my place?”

“Maybe we could skip the next bar and just head to a diner? I could use some food, and I think we need to talk,” Emily tells you quietly, although her voice feels much louder now that you’re out of the dive bar atmosphere.

“Y-yeah,” you nod along, scratching the back of your neck. 

It’s not long before you’re in a small little diner eating burgers and thanking the waitress for her service. And then Emily sighs.

“Is- is everything okay?” you ask, suddenly nervous.

“Yeah,” she smiles, although it doesn’t reach her sparkling eyes like it usually does. When you look a little harder, you can’t help but note that her eyes aren’t even sparkling the way they usually do when she’s with you. “I just-” Emily bites her lip nervously before letting the words tumble out of her mouth. “I don’t want to be in the way.”

“You don’t want to be in the way of what?” you furrow your brow.

“You,” Emily whispers. “Y/N, I care about you, and I want what’s best for you. Unfortunately, that’s not me.”

“What?” you ask softly. “Em, what are you-”

“I’m not mad at you,” the woman across from you promises. “But you have feelings for Melissa. Stronger feelings than you have for me.”

“I- I-” you stammer out with wide eyes. She’s right, but you don’t know how to say it.

“And that’s okay,” Emily smiles. “She likes you too. Anyone with eyes can see it, and I don’t want to be in your way of finding true love and happiness.”

“W- What?” you continue to flounder. “I- I-”

“It’s okay,” Emily assures you, yet again. “I saw the way that the two of you were flirting. The way she brightens up and comes alive when you’re near her. Your- your eyes sparkle when you look at her. I want you to be happy.”

“Em,” you breathe out. “I- I’m sorry.”

“You don’t have anything to be sorry for,” the woman promises. “You can’t help feelings, and we had a good run. I would still like to be friends- and I had a great time out with your coworkers tonight… well aside from Melissa.”

“She-”

“Once I knew why she hated me, I couldn’t help but understand,” Emily shrugs.

You take a bite of your burger. “How are you always so understanding of everything?”

“We’re teachers, aren’t we?” your date teases.

Despite the fact that the two of you essentially broke up at the diner, the rest of your meal is cordial, and you even gossip about how Gregory and Janine absolutely are going to end up married at some point. 

And then you’re seeing Emily off in an uber for the night before walking back to your own apartment for the night.

You take off your makeup and change into a pair of sweat shorts and an Abbott hoodie before settling on the couch with a beer and really taking in what Emily had said to you. She knows that you have feelings for Melissa. She also seems to be convinced that your redheaded coworker has feelings for you. 

Your eyes glance at the clock. It really isn’t all that late.

Before you know what you’re doing, you dial Melissa’s number.

“Hello?” the redhead’s gruff voice crackles through the speaker.

“Lis?”

“You dialed me, you know it’s me, hun,” Melissa quips.

You can’t help the giggle that bubbles up out of you. “I know it’s a long shot, but would you want to come over?”

“Emily isn’t there?”

“No,” you roll your eyes. “She and I- I think you and I need to talk, and I want to do it before I lose my nerve.”

You can hear the redhead pull herself off her couch. “Fine. But you owe me money for the Uber I’m going to take.”

“Deal.”

Your colleague shows to your house about twenty minutes later, and you can’t help the smile that finds its way to your face when you take her in. She’s just in a pair of leggings and a tank top, her hair tied up messily, but God does she look beautiful as ever.

“No just sex tonight?” Melissa smirks.

You shake your head. “Not tonight.”

“Well that-”

“Not ever again, if this goes well,” you tell her as you invite her into your apartment.

Sculpted eyebrows furrow. “What does that mean?” she asks as she settles on the couch.

You take the opportunity to sit next to her and pull her in closely. “Em and I- we… uh, talked.”

“Okay?”

“I- I don’t really know how to say this, so,” you trail off as you cup her cheek with your hand and pull her in for a soft kiss. Her lips are frozen against yours for a second before she fully comprehends what’s happening. She kisses you back before pulling away.

“Y/N, I don’t want to play-”

“Emily and I broke things off,” you tell her. “After we left the bar.”

“And why the hell would you do that?”

“Because,” you smile as you look into her eyes. You can see that she’s hoping you say it’s for her. “Because I have feelings for you, not her.”

“What?” she asks, despite her wish for you to admit that to her. It clearly shocks her.

“After everyone left, we went to get burgers, and… she told me it’s clear that there’s something between the two of us. I’m tired of trying to hide my feelings for you, Lis.”

That’s all Melissa needs to hear before she pulls you in again. 

@schemmentis @thesapphictimelady @marvel210 @itisdoctortoyousir @morgana-larkin @doesthatsuggestanythingtoyou @sweetcheeksschemmenti @megamultifandomtrashposts @lemz378 @http-sam @melissaschemmentisbranzino @imaginesmultifandoms @sexysapphicshopowner @lilfartbox1 @maybe-a-humanbean @imlike-so-gaydude @a-queen-and-her-throne @notinmyvocab @melanielaufeyson @dvrkhcld @cosmichymns @sasheemo @m1lflov3rrr @ricejucie @temilyrights @emilynissangtr @squinnchy @dopenightmaretyphoon @emeraldoceansstuff @shinyfaerielights  @blkmxrvel @marvelwomenrule @sarahjohannson @casualfoxwitch @babytakeittothehead @schemmentits

[tackykachowch]

By the way, did we ever talk about how stupid it is that they made Silco the reason Felicia died? I don't mean that he killed her personally, but that he jumpstarted violence on a peaceful protest. Because that's sooo who Silco is, right? A character who makes impulsive and poorly thought out decisions, right? A character who goes into a fight headstrong without carefully planning his moves and strategy and just YOLO-ing it, right? Right?? ......sigh

And don't even THINK about giving me the whole "wElL hE cHaNgEd SiNcE tHeN dUh" crap. Even s2 is smart enough to show us him writing something in a notebook in a flashback, which implies that he was the brains behind the Lanes' creation/revolution as a whole. And if he was he would never sabotage his own plans with something so stupid as throwing a single molotov at enforcers. Literally who does that???? Silco we know would probably organize an attack under the guise of a peaceful protest, but not just. Straight-up ruining just a regular peaceful protest. That's stupid. And Silco is the last character in arcane that would do something stupid. Literally the whole plot of season 1 relies on him being intelligent and sneaky with his plans are you kidding me.

[sapphira-mydnyte]

🐍Blond Bombshell Snake King🐍

Ominis knew he had a reputation to keep up, but not what everyone thought it'd be entirely. Although he came from a family of dark witches & wizards, the few things that Ominis even considered keeping up were his manner, his pride & sharp dress sense. True, he was blind, but his wand allowed him to see everything like anyone else could & with great detail when it came to clothes. He was THE pickiest of guys when it came to outfits because of his heritage, but that was understandable. Salazar, for as dark as he was, still had a sense of style about him & that wasn't lost to Ominis. He'd at least do the founder right by dressing well like the rest of the professors, if a bit more high end like Headmaster Black did.

Those that were lucky enough to see him out in town? Oh, the jealousy among the men was higher than any game in the world. Why? Ominis left thousands of ladies aching in his wake, but not out of hatred... no. Ominis' other four senses were sharpened to make up for his lost eye sight & as such, he had the BEST smelling cologne that money could buy. A lot of what he had were actually gifts bestowed upon him by the Sallow twins, especially Sebastian. Whatever Sebastian couldn't wear because it either gave him a headache, made him break out, or didn't mix with him very well, Ominis wound up getting. Needless to say that Sebastian was also left a bit jealous about all that Ominis got out of him because it smelled better than Honeydukes most of the time! In the end, though, Sebastian's jealousy was put to rest since it was going to good use & Ominis loved every single bottle of it that he got. For the few that he did buy, they were the most expensive of scents, but, in Ominis' opinion, his family didn't deserve their riches for hurting the innocent.

Ominis didn't keep those riches to himself though. He spoiled his girl like the queen she was to him & bought her whatever outfit, perfume, shoes, parasol & hairstyle she wanted. Granted, he kept the bills paid in full as well, but his girl deserved to be treated right & nobody in his family was going to ruin it for him! Although she teased him at times & made him burn with a fever when he didn't want to be in such a mood, he couldn't help but turn into a kitty around her.

Those that saw Ominis with his lady out on the town were left in shock because none of them had ever known a Gaunt to be... nice. He was even nice enough to the other ladies in town to leave them in tears. Whether they were pureblood or not, even the muggles were treated well by him at his job. Word did get back to Hogwarts about him on the daily too, but the professors couldn't help but smile & sometimes cry over seeing it. Ominis was truly the sweetest of the heirs, sweeter than everything in Honeydukes & he deserved the world for finally redeeming the dark house of Slytherin. 💚🐍

Adult Omi dressed in Victorian aristocratic fashion must be cool...🫠

[lolitastories]

Yoni

Bucky Barnes

Scenario: Y/N is helping Sarah decorate a party but gets interrupted by two little fellas. What started out as teasing will end her up with more than she prepared for, but she wasn't complaining.

“So, you are the girlfriend?” I look over the picnic table to see two boys moving to sit down.

“She can’t be his girlfriend!” The other boy laughed as he turned over to me. “Are you?” I opened my mouth to answer before Sarah smacked both boys in the back of their head. Both boys letting out and ow.

“Mind your business.” She gave me an am sorry look before turning her attention back to the boys. “How about you do something more useful and help her with these balloons? The boys nod. Sarah sets a box full of decoration on the table before leaving. I couldn’t help but let out a chuckle to their stern faces as they looked down.

“Yes.” I simply respond which makes their heads pop up. “We have been dating for a while.” I smile remembering how long we have been together, 8 months.

“Why hadn’t he introduced you yet?”

“Wait, does our uncle Sam know about you?”

“He would’ve let it slip by now” He turns to his brother as the other nods in agreement.

“He surely would have made a joke or two to make uncle Bucky feel uncomfortable” The older brother chuckles.

“He didn’t mention uncle Buck-” The older one shoves the younger one slightly.

“Shut it Cass!” His eyes motion over to me and the younger one nods and they go back to blowing up the balloons. If I can’t let these two young boys tell me what they are hiding I should no longer be allowed to be an agent.

“Well,” I began talking, getting them to look back at me. “I am glad to finally meet Sam’s nephews. Bucky always talks about you two” It was true. He likes to spend his time bothering Sam but I know he likes to come around the boat because Sam is family and so were the boys.

“¿Really?” The young boy Cass, smiles widely. “He probably tells you he prefers me over AJ.” He proudly says.

“There is no way! I am older and he tells me thing young kids like you wouldn’t understand” Cass looks over offended and crosses his arms.

“Well you want to know something he didn’t tell you about the girl he met at the restaurant?” AJ goes to cover his mouth but Cass is quicker and moves away. “He told me he didn’t ask her on a date but when he told her about you she ran away!” I bite my lips from bursting into laughter.

“She did not!” AJ throws himself at the younger brother, but Cass slides back. “She probably didn’t want to be with him because he told her you still need mommy to sing you to sleep!” He teased that Cass didn’t take another second to jump at him but thankfully he was lifted off before he could reach AJ.

“Is that how a man should behave in front of a lady?” I look over admiring Bucky. Cass was just casually hanging while Bucky had his metal arm wrapped around his chest. AJ stood up,

“No” He looks down. I hear Bucky let out a sigh and place Cass on the floor. The boys like on demand turn towards me and apologise. “Can we still help you?” I smile nodding.

“Because you two are so cute I will allow it.” The boys smile and take back their seats. I looked up towards Bucky who had a wide smile.

“You’re much prettier than Leah either way” We all look over at the words that suddenly came out of Cass’s mouth.

“You don’t even know what she looks like!” AJ says.

“Yeah but I know what she looks like!” He points over to me. “Uncle Bucky can’t do better than her” The boys laugh agreeing with each other.

“Enough!” The boys froze hearing Sarah's voice, I felt my cheek redden a little too. “Go find Sam” They boys scurry to run off. “See if he can do something with you two” She shakes her head whispering the last bit. “Sorry about those two.” She places her hand on one hip leaning on one side.

“Don’t worry about it.” I looked over towards Bucky who was scratching the back of his neck, looking at anything other than at me. “You know I would actually like to talk to them more. Seems like Leah, made a great impression on them.” I moved my eyes away from Bucky when he looked up with widened eyes.

“Oh honey,” She laughed, coming over to place her arm around my shoulder. “Since you’ve walked through the doors they couldn’t take their eyes off of you” I join her in the laugh. “I have my hands full with those two.” She lets out a sigh as she fixes her posture. “I have to check on the food but I will be back to help you out with the decoration-”

“I got it,” Bucky interrupted as he moved forward to grab some balloons out of the pile. Sarah nods and makes her way back into the kitchen. She leaves so the only thing we could hear right now was how the waves hit the side of the boat. The seagulls flying over or singing their song. The distant chatter of the boys probably bothering Sam. The sound of some metal that was being worked on the boat.

“So,” I keep on looking at Bucky. “Leah?” He sets the half blown up balloon and finally meets my eye.

“The small restaurant I met Yori in.” I nod understanding what he was talking about. He told me the old man set him up on a date but Bucky ended up leaving. Yet he forgot to mention her name. I let the balloon I had in my hand fly out making the annoying noise.

“Didn’t you take me to that restaurant on our second date?” I tried to remember but it's been so long ago. Bucky shakes his head.

“I took you on a restaurant date for our first date”

“ahh.” I nod.

“Before you told me you hated restaurant dates,” I looked up smiling at his embarrassed/sad tone. I get up walking around the picnic table to his side. I wrap my arms around his shoulder from behind and lay my head on his shoulder. His eyes were focused on a far ahead item as I twisted my head to look at him.

“I know your 1940’s heart beats for that kind of date,” I place a kiss on his cheek, gaining his attention. “If you want to take me on those dates I would do it for you” I smile trying to seem convincing.

“You can’t trick me like you can do to everybody” I furrowed my brows trying to act like I didn’t know what he was talking about. “I am not taking you to that restaurant” I stomped my leg and pushed myself away from him. I go to walk away but he grabs my wrist and pulls me onto his lap. He circled his arms around me making it hard to leave. “But I can woo you just like in the 1940s” His metal hand moved up to grip my jaw.

“Did you woo her just like in the 1940s?” I raise my brow not making it easy for him to change the subject.

“You are not going to let this go are you?” I shake my head.

“Did you bring her flowers like you did for me?” His lips fall into a flat line. His hand dropped to my lap. “You did, didn’t you?” I scoff, shaking my head. I wasn’t mad, honestly it was endearing he was such a gentleman. “Now I really have to meet her and more because you told me not so long ago that I was the first girl you were interested in after becoming Bucky again.” As I spoke the words it was like I was becoming rabid on my own words.

“I was telling the truth!” He holds on tighter as I try to get away from his hold. “I tried to speak to you but you were never interested,” He softly let out. I am an agent of shield and it wouldn’t be good to become involved with an avenger. Now that he was steering away or no longer much involved, he was able to separate personal with business, that is what made me say yes to a date. “When you left for almost a year's mission, I was missing you” My eyes scanned over his face. “I was yearning for something that wasn’t mine,” I had instantly moved to grip his face. “Sam and my therapist told me to get out there and that was when Yoni set me up with Leah.” I will have a talk with Sam later, traitor. “I wasn’t lying when I told you, you were the first girl that made my 1940s heart beat again” How can I be made at that?.

“Was I really that standoffish?” Bucky lets out a chuckle.

“Doll,” He looks me in my eyes. “You were colder than winter” I laughed at his sudden joke. “Is a good thing with other man but when I tried to get to you, you would immediately shut me down”

“It just took me some time to warm up to you but see, now we are here” I move forward yearning for his lips on mine.

“You two and your puns should be blowing on balloons not blowing into each other” we pull away hearing Sam walking up to the table. I was going to make a snarky comment until I heard the boys running around Sam to sit on the picnic table. I smiled teasingly and I went for an innocent joke.

“You don’t want any more nephews?” I could sense Bucky tense up. “Maybe a niece this time?” I pat Bucky on the shoulder before getting up from his lap. I walk past Sam but he takes hold of my arm and leans down to whisper in my ear.

“Seems like you froze the soldier” I look over and smile. I turn back to Sam and with a mischievous nod and smile we turn over to Bucky at the same time. “I would love a niece actually, what do you think buddy?” He speaks to Bucky but he doesn’t flinch.

“I don’t mind which comes out as long as it has his eyes.”

“Oh yes, those beautiful blues” Sam and I continue to joke around until Bucky pushes himself up. He looks dead at my eyes and struts towards me until he drags me away alongside him.

“¡Hey!” Sam screams from behind us. “You are supposed to help with the party, where are you two going?!” I look over to Bucky wanting to say something, but he leaves me speechless once again.

“I am going to make you that niece!”

[thewayitalknj]

Since a few of you kindly asked for a Part 2, here you go! Thanks for the love!

Warnings - reader feels a bit insecure for a split second! Word Count - 2.6k

Part 1 | Part 2

You stare at him, cold blooded. So he did figure it out? You shut the door behind you and reach for the silk robe hanging on the back of the door. 

“Aw come on don’t cover up because it’s me-”

“Eddie, what the fuck are you doing here?” 

He makes a silly dance move, trying to be funny but definitely not helping. “What do you mean? I came for a private dance.” 

You finish tying a bow and cross your arms. “How did you know I work here?”

He gets up and walks towards you. He moves your robe off to the side and points to your birthmark. “This. I noticed it while you were dancing.”

You sigh and look back up at him. He stifles a laugh, “Ed, this isn’t funny.”

“Why didn’t you tell me you were a fucking dancer?”

“Oh yeah, because that’s a great conversation starter-” You notice him looking you up and down. “Stop looking at me like that.”

“Like what?” 

“Like I’m hot or…some shit.”

“Well, I mean-”

“Look, I get off at midnight. We can go back to my place to chat afterwards if you want. But for now, you can hang in the dressing room. We won’t be back there until we close up anyway.” You open up the door and motion for Eddie to leave.

“...does this mean I don’t get a private dance?” You give him a stern look this time, “yes ma’am.”

As you enter your front door Eddie goes and takes a seat on your couch as you head to your bedroom to change into more comfortable clothes. When you take a seat next to him just a few minutes later you explain everything to him.

You have been working at the strip club for over a year now. As much as you loved working at Family Video it just wasn’t paying enough. Bianca was a regular at FV with her family, and you grew a work-type friendship with her. One day she came in by herself and asked if you wanted to come to a charity event they were holding at the club. She immediately made it clear how odd it sounded about having a charity event at a strip club but assured you it was always a hit ; how the money went towards good causes in the city and the toy drives were always overflowing. You wanted to show your support so you went and had a fun time. Bianca introduced you to everyone, from her boss to her coworkers to regulars. It was a strange family-oriented work environment you never imagined. When Pam, the owner and boss, asked if you were interested at all in working for them you turned it down. But when bills started piling up and the holidays were around the corner you thought earning some extra cash would be helpful. So you went back, and was hired right from your interview. 

Pam explained how the club was run by women for women only. Everyone took you through training, first just as a waitress. You learned tips and tricks, and also had to come up with a fake name for security and privacy.

“Wait, so what’s your ‘fake name’?” Eddie asks using quotation marks.

“Lilith.”

“Why Lilith?” 

“It means ‘belonging to the night’. It’s also associated with meanings like ‘demon’ or ‘spirit.’”

“Well that’s badass. How did you come up with that?”

Look down at your lap. “Um, in one of your D&D books. The one you gave me about character building.”

“No shit.”

“Yeah…so anyway. I didn’t even think about dancing but Bianca asked me one day if I wanted to try it, so I did. Everyone thought I did a good job…I was on the next night and it just took off from there.”

“Why haven't you told anyone?”

“Because when Bianca asked me to come to the charity event I didn’t really know what to think about her being a stripper. I didn’t want to judge her, and I didn’t want people or colleagues to judge me. I really enjoy it. I have this new built confidence when I walk through those doors. We all really care for one another and root each other on.”

Eddie shifts himself closer to you. “What do you mean ‘new built confidence’?”

“Let me answer this with a question for you. How do you feel when you’re DM’ing at Hellfire?”

He shrugs. “I don’t know, like I’m taking charge. Assertive. I know what I’m doing and I like how I make people feel afterwards.”

You reach and put your hand on his leg. “That’s exactly how I feel when I’m dancing.” You smile, shake your head, laugh to yourself.

“What’s so funny?”

“It’s just hilarious that we both feel the same way about two completely different scenarios.”

“Hm, true.”

“Can I ask you a question though?”

“Sure, anything.”

“...What did you think…about the dance…on your birthday?” You gulp.

“Psh, don’t you remember the way I was talking about you when I came here the next morning?” You nod. “Everything I said was true. I couldn’t get you out of my head. And then when I figured out it was you I just…had to tell you I knew. Couldn’t live with that secret, it would have driven me nuts.”

“How did you ask for me anyway? You didn’t even know my name.”

“I asked for the devil from the night before. The women who led me to the private room recognized me from when I was called up for the dance.”

You pondered, “Was she dressed in all silver?”

“...yes?”

“That’s Jade. She gave me a bit of a pep-talk, I almost asked her to go out instead of me.” 

Eddie looks at you muddled, “why didn’t you want to dance for me?”

“Because you're Eddie, you’re one of my closest friends and it just felt…I don't know, awkward.”

“Well, if I’m being honest your friend is very beautiful but,” he takes your chin and lines you up with his eyes, “I’m glad it was you.”

You smile, “I’m glad it was me too.” 

You stare at him for a bit, melting into his touch and his eyes ; and when your lips touch just seconds later without even realizing how close you were, you feel like you died and went to heaven. It was when his tongue slipped its way into your mouth that that confidence you talked about earlier started to kick in. You kick yourself up and straddle his lap, bringing your hands to his shoulders to steady yourself but never breaking the kiss. His hands find your hips, rings digging deep into your shirt, bringing them along to the slow steady pace as he starts with his own hips grinding up. You follow his rhythm and hum, starting to feel way too good.

And even though that confidence was built up for a few moments, your insecurities came rushing through. You part and separate yourself too quickly and mumble “no” ; Eddie looks upset as you stand up. “What’s wrong? Did I take it too far, I’m sorry-”

“No no it’s not you it’s just..me. I’m sorry.”

“Do you want to tell me what’s wrong?”

You stutter, tears beginning to paint your cheeks. “It’s just-you never did any of this before. And-now you find out I strip and we’re suddenly making out on my couch. I feel like I’m in some stupid rom com where I took off my glasses and suddenly you see me differently.”

“Hun, I can promise you it’s nothing like that.”

“I don’t mean to sound rude Eddie but I think you should go.”

“But-”

“I just need space, if that makes sense? Can I call you tomorrow or sometime later this week?”

“Yeah of course, whatever you need. I know this is a lot for you.”

“Yeah-yeah it is.” 

He walks over and kisses you on the top of your forehead before leaving. 

“And that’s basically what happened.” You swirl around in an office chair, disappointed in yourself. You were a mess, you spent the whole next morning thinking about Eddie and what happened. Today is even your day off, but you felt like you needed company so you made your way to the club for some hopeful reassurance you weren't taking this too far or overthinking.

“I think it’s sweet he’s giving you space, he understands your concerns and he’s respecting it. You don’t see that a lot nowaday..” Your other co-worker and current security cam watcher Leah has been listening to your rants all day. She just came back from maternity leave but wasn’t ready to dance, so her shifts have been bartending and security watch, mainly the private rooms from the cameras. When you arrived at the club no private dances were happening, so Leah took you to the security room for privacy. “I’m kinda glad you came though, I want to show you something from the night he was here.” She holds up a VHS tape and puts it in the VCR. You watch with bated breath as Eddie shows up on screen.

“What does-”

She puts her hand up, “Just listen.” You watch the footage, as Eddie paces the private room waiting for you to arrive. 

“Hey so, I’ve kind of liked you since high school and…no I can’t start with that.”

>>FF>>

“Finding out about dancing? That is just a perk that will come in the soon to be hopeful relationship…no that doesn’t sound right. Steve is a fucking idiot for coming up with that line.” 

>>FF>>

“So…wanna go out on a date? Bowling, dinner? …What am I, 14?”

>>FF>>

“Alright Munson, you got this. Just tell her you figured it out and that this doesn’t change how you feel.” Then he plops down on the couch and lays back just as you found him.

Leah stops the tape and looks back to you.

“He…likes me?”

“Guess he does. So much for your negative thoughts huh?”

“I can’t believe this. He’s never shown any signs of…anything.”

“Pft, guys are weird. It took my husband years to ask me out on a first date but I waited! Here we are three years later with a new house and baby. It was all worth the wait, and I’m sure this will be for you too.”

“But how can I make this right? I feel like I screwed it all bigtime.”

“Why don’t you invite him to our charity event in a few weeks? It’s how your story started. Maybe it’ll be a new chapter for him too. Show him instead of talking to him to make things right.”

You smile wide, “...Has anyone told you you’re a genius?”

“And I thought Mom-Brain was getting to me already. But I’ll take the compliment.” You give Leah a hug and head out to make a very important phone call.

Eddie (of course) agreed to attend the charity event, and even offered to pay full price instead of the family and friends discount. You went in a few hours earlier to help set everything up while Eddie arrived when the event began. You introduced him to your co-workers ; some already knew about what happened but for your sake played it off like they knew nothing, which you greatly appreciated. Eddie took a seat at the bar, wishing you luck for your performance later which he was secretly looking forward to. Just before heading to the dressing room you stop by the DJ booth.

“Hey Cassie, here’s my tape for my dance. It’s Track 8, and I go on at 11.”

“Got it. Thanks love!” She looks at the cassette and ponders to herself, “huh, who’s Corroded Coffin?”

Your turn couldn’t come soon enough. Eddie was only two drinks in, constantly looking at the clock waiting for 11 to strike.

“You okay babe?” Leah, (or in tonight's case since she’s working, Carmella), comes over to check on him.

“Huh-yeah. Thanks.”

“Of course, she’ll be on in a few. Excited to watch her?”

“Ohyeah-yeah,totally.Can’t wait.” He takes a large sip of his drink.

“You’re nervous, aren’t you?”

“Can I be real with you for a second?”

“I’m a bartender, I’m here to lend an ear to your problems.” Leah leans in, “talk to me.”

“I’ve liked her forever, I’m just stupid and have never asked her out properly. And I don’t want her to think I’m asking her out now because of all this,” he motions his arms around the room.

“Well maybe she won’t think that.”

“But she does, I know she does. And I just feel like a fucking idiot.”

“Eddie, I can assure you by the end of the night you’re not going to feel that way.”

“How do you-” Just then the lights dim ; Eddie looks at the clock ; 11:00. 

Cassie takes the microphone and introduces you, “and now ladies and gentlemen one of our veteran and favorite dancers, Lilith!”

You take the stage ; back turned towards the crowd, grabbing onto the pole ; a beautiful black outfit snug to your body ; and your music hits the stereos, a loud guitar solo opening the song. 

Eddie thought his eyes were going to fall out of his sockets, immediately recognizing the solo as his own. ; And when you turned your head to face the crowd making eye contact with Eddie and giving him a wink, he knew he was done for.

He watched you in awe, he couldn’t believe someone in a strip club was dancing to his song. But in this case it wasn’t just anyone, it was you. Someone he’s known almost his whole life, someone he’s been trying to ask out for way too long but had doubts because of his own stupidity. When your performance was over he whistled from his seat and immediately turned to Leah, “are any of the private rooms taken?”

When you exited the stage and headed back to the dressing room you were met with cheers and hugs. Everyone loved your dance and gave you your praises. 

After a few moments of celebrating and thank yous, Leah came in, a smirk across her face ; more or less as a ‘I told you so’ look. “Room #2. Go, now” The girls all gave a collective “ohhhhhhhhh”, as you rolled your eyes and left.

Eddie is standing in the middle of the room this time. You shut the door and lean up against it. You're the first to speak up ; “So,” you start to walk closer, “what did you think?”

“Don’t come any closer.” 

You stop, baffled at his words. “Why?”

“Because if you come any closer I’m going to lay you on this couch and do unthinkable things to you.”

You blush, hard. “You sure you wanna do that with a security camera in the corner?”

He looks up at the camera and waves, “free entertainment, no?”

You chuckle, such a typical Eddie answer.

“Well-”

“If you wanna know what I thought, I’m seriously never gonna get you out of my head now. How the hell am I going to ever perform that song without thinking straight?”

You look down shyly, rocking on your heels. 

“And as much as I would love to give your friends some content, I do want to do this whole thing right.” He brings himself to stand right in front of you, “let me take you on a date, a proper one. Pick you up, dinner-”

“Maybe…bowling?” He brings his head to the side, giving you a bewildered look.

“I mean, if you want too-”

“I’m joking, but dinner would be great.”

“Cool-cool. Can I pick you up tomorrow at 6?”

“Sounds like a date.” You stand more on your heels, placing a small kiss to his cheek and leaving him alone in the room.

Quick Notes - Didn't expect this to get as much love as it did so thank you again! Reblogs are appreciated! :) also yes I have an idea for a Part 3 but we'll see!

[demonic0angel]

PhantomBat Next Gen 2.0

I remade this post bc I’ve been thinking about it for awhile lmao (click for clarity)

The numbers symbolize age, so 1 is the oldest, and 12 is the youngest. Each square also separates each family. And ofc, these are my preferred ships so maybe your idea of the PhantomBat next gen is different.

Details are always susceptible to change, but notes and details (very long) are below:

1) Abigail “Abby” Crystal Weston: (31 years old) the adopted daughter of Stephanie and Wes. She is Stephanie’s biological daughter that she gave up for adoption when she was 15. When Stephanie got pregnant for the 2nd time with her son, she felt depressed and guilty for her first child. Wes used his investigative abilities and connections to find her daughter and they discovered that she was still unadopted. They quickly adopted her and only years later did they tell her the truth. She is a civilian, but is aware of her family’s activities and acts as an alibi. Fun fact: she is married and has a daughter!

2) Jove Dillon Gordon: (24 years old) He is the adopted child of Barbara Gordon and Valerie Gray. Originally part of the DP universe, he became a liminal through contamination and accidentally transported himself into the DC universe. He was adopted by Barbara and when his origins were revealed, Valerie stepped in to help (and then they fell in love). He’s a hero named Rabbit and has teleportation and time/matter manipulation abilities that he hasn’t fully discovered yet. Fun fact: he is albino!

3) Marillyn “Mari” Maddy Grayson: (24 years old) Dick and Dan’s only child. Her conception was an accident because Dan didn’t think he could get pregnant, but when it happened, they were overjoyed. She is extremely mischievous, free-spirited, and a bit arrogant, but she is brave and bold, often the first one to defend her family. She is a hero who takes on the name Flamebird to fight alongside Dick. She has pretty strong halfa powers and can switch between forms as a hero. Fun fact: She is best friends with Elinor and the two usually travel together.

4) Elinor “Ella” Catherine Nightingale: (24 years old) Jason and Jazz’s oldest daughter. She is tall and very intelligent, having gained both of her parents’ literature loving habits. Compared to Mari, she is more mature and responsible, but she still enjoys a fun time. She has no powers, and takes on the name of Romola as a hero with wolf motifs like Jazz. Fun fact: Her face is a female version of Jason’s!

5) Seth Austin Weston: (24 years old) Wes and Stephanie’s oldest son. He is a great investigator and brawler like Steph. He works as a hero by the name of Warning, since he wanted to have a somewhat similar name to Spoiler. He can be abrasive and he focuses on the big picture rather than details, but he is protective and very loyal. Fun fact: He is considered a player by his cousins.

6) Thomas “Tommy” Bruce Drake-Kent: (20 years old) Tim, Kon, and Dani’s oldest son. When he was young, his dream was to take over the world. He still has that dream as he’s older, and he is extremely successful in taking the steps necessary to recreate the world into a utopia. He is a civilian with no powers, but he uses his money and skills to support and provide for his brother and cousins. He has a bit of brother-complex, but he just really loves his family. Fun fact: He takes advantage of the fact that he has Vlad, Lex, and Bruce as grandparents to further his goals.

7) Alfonso “Alfie” B Nightingale: (20 years old) Jason and Jazz’s only son. He is the twin of Marianne and is the middle child. He has no powers and takes on the name of Remus as a hero with wolf motifs like his mom. He and Elinor are the wolves to Marianne’s Little Red Riding Hood. He is quiet and serious, but he has a soft side. It’s also said that he looks a lot like Bruce. Fun fact: He used to have a very long emo phase!

8) Marianne “Annie” Talia Nightingale: (20 years old) Jason and Jazz’s youngest daughter. She is the twin of Alfonso and is the youngest. She has no powers and takes on the mantle of Little Red in replacement of Jason (he is alive, just mostly retired). She is cheerful and air headed, but she can be a bit trigger happy and has a temper. However, out of her entire family, her strength is extremely strong. Fun fact: She got her blonde hair from her paternal grandmother! (Sheila Haywood)

9) Melia “Mel” Misty Wayne: (18 years old) Danny and Cass’ oldest daughter. She is the twin of Daphne. She is rowdy, mischievous and careless, but also very empathetic and compassionate. She has halfa powers and uses them as a hero named Omen. Like Marillyn, she can also switch between forms as a hero. Her core is one of water. Fun fact: Both she and her sister are extremely talkative, which Cass loves.

10) Daphne “Daph” Rain Wayne: (18 years old) Danny and Cass’ youngest daughter. She is the twin of Melia. She is quiet and shy, but also very brave and excitable when comfortable. She has halfa powers and uses them as a hero named Herald. Like Marillyn, she can also switch between forms as a hero. Her core is one of ice. Fun fact: She has a secret girlfriend that no one knows about.

11) Sean Kyler Weston: (18 years old) Wes and Stephanie’s youngest son. He is a basketball player like his dad and has no powers. He wants to live a normal life, but like Abigail, is aware of their family’s identities and helps as an alibi. Fun fact: He used to want to be a hero, but after watching his family get hurt constantly, he decided to stay a civilian and help in other ways.

12) Kenneth “Kenny” Clark Drake-Kent: (17 years old) Tim, Kon, and Dani’s youngest son. He is extremely bold, cheerful, and adventurous. As a child of both a Kryptonian and a halfa, he is extremely powerful and has abilities of both races. As such, he is considered the next “Superman”. Even at 17, his powers are not far from rivaling Clark’s and Danny’s. Fun fact: He is out and very gay, with a boyfriend that he lets no one meet.

Notes:

+ Most of the OG Batfam and Phantoms are semi-retired. They still patrol and check on things, but since their kids reached the age of 21, they’ve been drastically lessening their heroics. Bruce is fully retired tho and mentors the kids.

+ There are 2 hero teams, one with the older kids (Jove, Marillyn, Elinor, and Seth) and the younger kids (Marianne, Alfonso, Melia, Daphne, and Kenneth). They split up for their hero teams out of Gotham, but when inside of Gotham City, these are the teams they usually regroup in.

+ The only ones with powers are Jove, Marillyn, Melia, Daphne, and Kenneth. The others have no powers, but are varying degrees of liminal.

+ Elinor is considered the de facto leader of the PhantomBat kids, with Marillyn as her right hand due to their efficiency and skill on the field.

+ If I had to powerscale the hero kids, it would look like: Kenneth >>> Jove > Daphne ≥ Melia > Marillyn > Marianne > Seth ≥ Elinor > Alfonso.

+ Melia and Daphne are named after water nymphs associated with Apollo, the god of prophecies, within Greek mythology. Melia means “ash tree” and Daphne means “laurel tree”. Both were consorts or desired lovers of Apollo.

+ Seth and Sean have middle names that are somewhat related to their uncles (Easton and Kyle).

+ I assume that in this AU, the Phantoms have cut off Maddie and Jack and don’t share their name anymore. As such, they either take the last name of their spouse or just use the last name Nightingale.

+ Any other notes on names can probably be found in the OG post that is linked above.

+ Bruce cried like a baby at every birth of his grandkids. He cried harder whenever they have names that relate back to him. At the rate that he kept crying at every birth, his kids just let him cry all over their newborns while the Phantoms were like ???? every single time. He is a grandfather of 12 and very, very proud of it.

+ Yes, it was also very weird when people were pregnant around the same time. There were months in between (ofc), but they definitely gave each other awkward laughs whenever they started showing. Danny and Jazz were especially baffled to be having twins one after another.

+ Dani had the most difficult birth because she couldn’t create her own DNA, so she had to drink blood (from Kon and Tim) and eat a lot in order to have a somewhat stable birth. There are lots of science shenanigans I kind of want to get into, but I think it’ll be awkward to talk about here, so maybe I’ll write about it one day. (I love science stuff and world building :3)

+ Damian and Duke are either married/dating their own partners, but Damian has no kids while I don’t really know Isabella that well?? But Duke and Izzie probably have 2 kids as well. Idk what to decide with Sam and Tucker, but they help Danny with his stuff and the kids.

[gingernut1314]

X's and O's

Summary: Luffy loves physical affection

Content: gender-neutral reader, headcanon mixed with drabble, Luffy's love language slightly expanded on

Word Count: 540+

A/N: Just a small thought I've had for a little while now. It's a little short just cause I don't have too much time to write at the moment but I really needed to write something so here it is lol. I hope you enjoy! (also I didn't read this back over because I'm posting this while I hide away from family, but I'll look it over later)

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We all know Luffy loves physical affection

He’s attacking you in hugs any chance he gets

Holding your hand and hanging onto your front and back like a stretchy limbed baby koala 

But I think he’s also a big kisser

And not just small little peaks on the cheek

No no

Big old, wet, smacking kisses

Those attacked hugs that send you flying into things and onto the ground are going to be accompanied by kiss after kiss after kiss

Kisses to your cheeks, forehead, nose, chin, neck, collarbones, shoulders, and lips

He’s kissing you anywhere he can get at

Kisses are just another form of affection he thinks he should be able to give to the people he loves

He has no true sense of boundaries whatsoever so if you're not into his type of affection you’re gonna have to shout it at him 

He may look at you like a scolded little puppy

But he’ll find another way to shower you in lover in no time

The first time Luffy kissed you, you were stunned. You weren’t sure if he had meant it romantically or not, but you allowed it because it made you feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

Luffy always had that effect on you. On everyone he cared for, it seemed. 

He was happiness incarnate and his kisses only further solidified that. 

You found yourself seeking Luffy’s affection more and more, especially after days when everything seemed to be wrong. 

And Luffy, of course, was always more than happy to shower you with hugs and kisses

But today, you weren’t the one doing the seeking. 

No, Luffy was on the hunt for you. A hunt you were only alerted to by the cheerful shout of your name from across the deck of the Sunny. 

You perked up instantly at the sound, knowing what was to come in mere seconds. 

Robin perked up as well, blue eyes looking from the book she was reading towards where you sat next to her. A small smile tugged at her lips as Luffy shouted for you again. 

“Looks like Captain’s searching for you.” She mused, watching as you quickly placed your drink down before going to get up. 

“Yeah and I better--” But before you could even finish your thought, your name was shouted once more. A shout that was growing closer in a split second you didn’t even have time to try to stand up before Luffy was flinging himself at you. 

An Oofed huffed of air was knocked out of your lungs as you were shoved right back into your chair, the wood it was made up of groaning at the sharp movement. 

Arms were stretched round and round your waist, hand holding you tight. Legs did the said as kiss after kiss was planted to your face. 

“Lu--” His warm, chapped lips kissed your own. “--ffy.” You finished when lips kissed at your cheek. “What’s all this for?” You asked when he nuzzled his face into the crook of your neck. Luffy gave that mishvious laugh of his, lips kissing at your neck. 

“I was just thinkin’ about how much I love you.” He pulled away to smile brightly down at you. “Just wanted to let you know.”

[wolfatemybaby]

Only posting these on here because I want to redo their sheets sometime in the future

CW: OLD ART EWWWW

Eurylochus - 6'5

Odysseus - 5'5

Polites - 6'3

Ctimene - 5'6

Telemachus - 5'8

Penelope - 6'1

————— EURYLOCHUS ODYSSEUS POLITES —————

The EuryOdyPoli were designed by Saxon (TWINN!) I just added a few twists here and there.

I struggled a lot with Eurylochus' pose. It was originally going to be him unsheathing his sword from his back but it would’ve been out of place for only him to have a weapon. I much prefer this shy-ish pose anyways. Also the usual hand on hip was not working so he’s cunty w it.

Odysseus is a small man. He’s below everyone he faces in the musical in some way.

Polites has a sleeper build made for scouting. He absolutely abuses his natural strength for suffocating hugs.

—— Hair headcanons

Eurylochus buzzes it all off over the summer after everyone gets used to it

Odysseus' hair is as soft as feathers

No one knows how Polites dyed/bleached his hair ginger, he just did one day and never stopped

—— Scars

Odysseus was the one to give Eurylochus the eye scar. When they were younger, they were having a heated battle and Athena offered Odysseus some power, (similar to in Little Wolf) but it nearly caused Odysseus to fatally injure Eurylochus. Since then Odysseus has been trying his hardest to make amends for it (not really), but all Eurylochus can see is the boy who nearly killed him.

About Eury’s top scars + Mini BG: Eury’s family kept trying for a son but gave up after five daughters. But in still wanting a son they made Eury take responsibility as one, and it helped him figure out who he was. Coming out in his mid teens then transitioning when he was of age.

Odysseus' thigh scar is as faded as the ones from the war. That’s how long it’s been. A scar that cut so deep when he was young, couldn’t be differentiated from war.

—— Clothing

Like most transmen, Eury prefers the baggiest of clothes known to man. He and Ctimene have a matching set of earrings that he fiddles with them when nervous. It was a wedding gift from Ody and Pen.

Ody's clothes have an inverted colour pattern, to tell apart the king from the rest of the crew. He was given a red cape and owl pin by Athena before going off to war. He also shared his ankle strap with Polites because Poli uses his as sleeve garters.

My clone told me to give Polites a green headband instead of the red, but do not worry! It’ll be stained red right after I make some panacakes. When Polites’ glasses are hit at the right angle his hazel eyes look red

————— CTIMENE TELEMACHUS PENELOPE —————

Ctimene’s feathers usually grow at the base of her head. She used to have more but they were clipped, literally, from the drawing and in the story. She had to clip her feathers so she doesn't get outcasted + they're itchy.

Telemachus got his vitiligo from Penelope and she got it from her dad. I made Telemachus’ vitiligo go around his chin to look like a beard because, (if I remember correctly) I heard in the Odyssey, Odysseus said that Telemachus will become king when he gets his beard. Tele's vitiligo is reminiscent of a wolf's spotted fur. Telemachus has luscious hair for no reason, all he uses is coconut oil. He’s also trans because we say so. It took me ages to find a good pose for him.

Penelope's skin is very translucent at some parts to showing off the blue undertones. Her vitiligo is supposed to represent fish scales. AND HER FUCKING POSE OH MY DAYS I CANT DRAW STAGNANT FRONT VIEW CHARACTERS FOR THE LIFE OF ME

—— Clothes

Ctimene has the matching earrings and a red shawl given to her by Ares. She’s barefoot because she doesn't like shoes since her feathers get caught in the straps. Also she has a toe ring like Zeus. She gave one her bangles to Telemachus and even pierced his ears.

Penelope is elegant as always and her outfit drops to the floor. You’d imagine the white being on the lower half would turn muddy from being dragged along but she’s not going anywhere. She’s cooped up in her room, weaving.

Ctimene’s and Penelope’s head wraps are the blue the soldiers wore to war, to honour them in some way.

[muiitoloko]

Opinion on Alpha/Beta/Omega dynamics? Could see either Turpin or Nottingham finding out the read is an omega and doing everything in their power to make her his so he can take her in a heat and claim her as his. For Turpin just cause, for Nottingham because either she’s actually a magic user or related to the king (I dgaf about historical accuracy, if they can make king Richard lionheart care about England (which he didn’t the man HATED the country he ruled over), then I can say he has a relative who’d do Nottingham lmao)

Title: Bound to the Alpha

Summary: In a world of betas and omegas, a young woman’s coming-of-age celebration sparks the possessive instincts of a powerful alpha, leading to a dangerous game of desire and dominance.

Pairing: Judge Turpin × Fem! Reader

Warnings: Obsession

Author's Notes: Honestly, there aren't many fanfics like this in Brazil, so I know very little about these dynamics, but I gave it a shot and wrote a little imagine for Turpin. I even tried to do the same for the sheriff, but, well, laziness got the better of me 😅.

Also read on Ao3

Turpin stood at the edge of the grand ballroom, watching the festivities unfold around him. The celebration was in full swing, the room filled with laughter, music, and the mingling scents of various omegas and betas. But among the crowd, one scent stood out, a tantalizing aroma that beckoned him, stirring the alpha within. His hazel eyes darkened with desire as they locked onto you, the source of that irresistible fragrance.

You were surrounded by other omegas, laughing and chatting, completely unaware of the way your presence was affecting him. Turpin had known your family for years, and while he had seen you in passing, he had never paid much attention to you. After all, your parents were notoriously protective, hardly ever allowing you to venture out into society. You were their cherished cub, hidden away from the world.

But tonight was different. Tonight, your parents had thrown a grand party in your honor—a coming-of-age celebration for their beautiful daughter, now a young omega in full bloom. And as you stood there in the soft candlelight, your scent filling the room, Turpin finally understood why they had kept you so sheltered. You were exquisite, a vision of youth and beauty, your omega scent weaving through the air like the most intoxicating perfume, calling to the primal alpha instincts deep within him.

He swallowed hard, his pulse quickening as his gaze roamed over your form. Your dress, modest by all accounts, did little to hide the soft curves of your body, the gentle swell of your breasts, and the delicate lines of your waist. But it was your scent—rich, warm, and undeniably omega—that truly drove him wild. It seeped into his mind, clouding his thoughts, filling him with the overwhelming need to claim you, to mark you as his own.

Turpin's fingers tightened around the glass of wine in his hand as he imagined it—his body pressing you up against the cold, stone walls of his estate, his teeth sinking into the soft flesh of your neck as he marked you, leaving no doubt that you belonged to him. He could already hear the sweet sound of your whimpers, your voice breathless with need as you begged for him, your heat making you desperate for an alpha to take you, to fill you.

He could feel the tension building inside him, the pull of the alpha instincts becoming almost unbearable as he watched you from across the room. His hooked nose flared slightly as he took in another deep breath of your scent, his hazel eyes narrowing with barely contained hunger. How could he have been so blind before? How could he have overlooked the treasure that had been hidden away in plain sight?

A part of him wanted to march across the room, to take you right then and there, to claim what was his in front of everyone. But no. He would not rush this. You were the daughter of his friends, and this required patience, subtlety. He would have you—of that, he was certain—but it would be on his terms, in his time. And when the moment came, you would beg for it. You would beg for him.

He watched as one of the younger omegas brushed against you, making you laugh, your cheeks flushed with the innocence of youth. The sight of it sent a surge of possessiveness through him, a low growl rumbling in his chest. That omega had no right to be near you, no right to even breathe the same air as you. You were meant for a true alpha, one who could protect and provide for you, one who would give you the life you deserved.

One who would claim you completely.

Turpin’s mind wandered to the future, imagining you in the throes of your heat, writhing beneath him, your body slick and ready for him. He could already hear the way you would moan his name, your hands clawing at his back as he pushed into you, filling you over and over until you were marked, claimed, and utterly his. The thought made his blood boil with lust, the alpha inside him roaring to the surface, demanding to be let free.

But Turpin was a man of control, and tonight was not the night for rash decisions. No, tonight, he would observe, bide his time. He would allow you to enjoy your party, to bask in the attention of those around you. But soon—very soon—he would make his move. And when he did, you would know exactly what it meant to belong to an alpha like him.

Turpin’s predatory gaze remained fixed on you, savoring the way your every movement seemed to draw his attention more and more. He imagined you in his bed, your scent filling the air of his grand, stone-walled estate, already carrying his pups—belly round and full, just as nature intended. His lips curled slightly, his thoughts spiraling into darker fantasies. The vision of you begging for his knot—his knot, no other’s—flashed through his mind. You’d be so sweet, so utterly devoted to pleasing him, building a nest for his pups, for your alpha. He could almost hear the soft, submissive pleas leaving your lips.

His thoughts were interrupted by the sudden presence of Beadle Bamford at his side. The beta male’s tentative approach grated on Turpin’s nerves. Beadle hesitated, shifting uncomfortably before clearing his throat.

“My lord,” Beadle stammered, his voice betraying his unease. “I, uh, thought perhaps you might like to... inspect the preparations for—”

Turpin’s sharp hazel eyes flicked toward him, narrowing dangerously. His fingers tightened around the stem of his wine glass. He loathed interruptions, especially when his mind was filled with such delicious thoughts of you.

With a low growl rumbling from deep within his chest, Turpin tilted his head slightly, just enough to pin Beadle with a glare. The beta male visibly cringed under the weight of his gaze, his body instinctively shrinking back, as if he could sense the alpha’s displeasure.

“What is it, Beadle?” Turpin’s voice was a low, dark baritone, thick with suppressed irritation.

Beadle gulped, his eyes darting to the floor as he shifted nervously from foot to foot. “I... I only wished to inform you that everything is in place for the—”

“Silence,” Turpin hissed, his voice sharp as a blade. He took a deliberate step forward, looming over the smaller beta. “Do not presume to interrupt me again. If I want something from you, I will tell you.”

The beta male’s shoulders hunched as he took an involuntary step back, his entire demeanor one of submission and fear. Turpin could smell it on him—the scent of a lesser male, a beta who knew his place, who knew that his only role was to serve his betters. The scent of Beadle’s fear made Turpin’s lip curl in contempt.

Satisfied that Beadle had gotten the message, Turpin turned his gaze back to you, once again allowing his mind to drift to darker, more carnal thoughts. You, the perfect omega, so untouched, so pure, would be his. You would carry his pups—plump and swollen with his seed, your body begging for his knot, desperate to be claimed. He could already imagine the way you would cry out for him, clawing at his shoulders as he filled you over and over, ensuring that you would never carry another alpha’s pups.

You would belong solely to him, and the rest of the world would know it.

He clenched his jaw as the image of you flashed through his mind: heavy with his pups, your hands protectively cradling your swollen belly, while you nested in the home he would build for you. You would fuss over every detail, making it perfect for the life growing inside of you—his pups. You would glow with the radiance of an omega fulfilling her purpose, nurturing and caring for the next generation of alphas he would sire.

The thought of you like that—your body ready, aching for him—made the primal alpha within him stir. You wouldn’t just beg for him during your heat; you would plead for his knot, cry out for it, knowing it was the only thing that could truly satisfy the burning need inside of you. You would be slick, needy, ready to take him in any way he desired, submitting completely to his dominance.

Turpin’s hand tightened around the stem of his wine glass again, his knuckles white. Soon, you would be his. And when the time came, you would know exactly what it meant to belong to an alpha like him—an alpha who would claim you, mark you, and make you beg for more.

[queenofhawkins]

Love As Pure As This

Main Pairing: Steve Harrington X Reader Summary: You've just given birth and Steve admires you and your newborn Author's Note: Hi guys... It's been a while. I'm sorry about that. I was finishing school and going through life. I actually wrote 95% of this last year and literally finished it 5 minutes ago so if it seems kinda odd, that might be why. Hope you like it because I honestly kinda do. Warnings: Pregnancy

Steve never thought he could love as strongly as he was right now. As he held your son in his arms, the baby sleeping softly nestled in a blanket, and as you laid sleeping in the hospital bed, Steve knew that love like this was pure. Steve looked down at your son, Isaac Harrington. When he was born, he looked a bit like a potato, squishy and pale, but a few days later he was shaping up to look more like a baby. He had a tuft of dark hair atop his head and Steve loved the smell of him. He smelled so fresh and beautiful, untainted by the horrors of the world. 

“I promise to you,” Steve whispered into Isaac’s head. “Nothing will ever hurt you. Not as long as me and your mama are here.” His voice was soft and gentle, not wanting to wake either of you. Isaac stretched and whined before Steve caressed a finger over the baby’s chubby cheek. He had been waiting for this moment since he found out you were pregnant. Waited for the chance to hold his child and love them dearly and strongly. 

“You know, your mama is one of the strongest people I’ve ever met. She was always strong, pretty too.” Isaac yawned and Steve felt his heart burst full of love. This little boy that he had helped make was finally here in his arms. This little boy who had been kicking Steve’s hands through your stomach. It made tears fill Steve’s eyes and he sniffed so he wouldn’t wake you or Isaac. 

There was something surreal about holding his son, his son who had been in your stomach just a few days ago. Steve could remember every kick Isaac had made, wanting his mommy and daddy to know that he was there, that he could hear them. That he loved them. 

Steve looked up when he heard the door to your hospital room open up. One of the nurses that had been so nice and sweet to you walked in with a bright smile on her face. She held a small blanket in her hands and she placed it on the armchair in the corner of the room. 

“Hey, Dad. How are we this morning?” She asked quietly. She approached slowly, seeming to know that Steve didn’t want to not have Isaac in his arms anymore. He smiled back at her and glanced down at Isaac. Isaac cooed softly and shifted before settling down, nuzzling his body into Steve’s.

“I think we’re doing okay.” Steve’s voice was light an airy, a portrayal of his emotions. The nurse smiled as she walked over to your side, careful to not wake you. Steve watched closely, because while he trusted the nurse, you were his wife. His gorgeous wife that gave him the best thing of all. He needed you to be safe. 

“I’m just going to let you know that the doctor is thinking about keeping her just a little longer. She’s having some blood pressure issues. Nothing too serious but we just want to keep an eye on it.” The nurse said quietly as she rounded the bed, pulling the clipboard out of the foot of your hospital bed and jotting down a few notes. Steve nodded, still slightly rocking Isaac. The baby stretched and yawned, making Steve look down and smile. 

The nurse placed the clipboard back and went to the hand sanitizer propped on the wall, rubbing it over her hands before opening the door. 

“The doctor will be in in about 15 minutes.” She said with a smile. Steve nodded as she closed the door. He looked over to you, smiling softly. This was what he wanted all the time. A gorgeous wife, and a beautiful child. A family he could love for eternity. And he had that. 

And Steve was content.

[antivancathedral]

Eating the concept of Caterina forcing Lucanis to decide Illario's fate.

I have no stakes in the relationship, so personally I would've killed him. I reckon several Talons and Crow houses would consider getting ~involved~ with the Venatori and ordering your cousin killed a pretty killable offense.

But Caterina passes that responsibility on to Lucanis. On one hand, that might be considered kind; Lucanis has already had one kill stolen from him. This time, he ought to have the revenge he wants, whatever that ends up being.

On the other hand...Caterina is no longer responsible for the potential death of yet another family member, when the others died because she gave them her mark of favor. Even further, she doesn't have to look weak for either not killing her grandson or even going so far as to let him off scott free. That's a decision that can be attributed to a young, sentimental Talon fresh on the job...or, if the Crows are inclined to think that way, it can reduce Illario to a non-threat in the face of her favored grandchild.

I'd love to get a peek inside her mind when her newly appointed First Talon turns to his closest confidant/lover (instead of her!!!) and asks what he should do in front of that entire crowd, and with such conviction. Lucanis asks with such clear faith in the fact that Rook will answer with his best interest in mind. Does that show strong bonds and strength of character to her? Or is this the first instance where Caterina realizes that someone might have more sway over Lucanis than she does?

Caterina just announcing Lucanis as First Talon at a dramatic moment in front of all the other Talons feels the same as when someone proposes to their partner in a public place with friends and family around so they feel pressured to say yes

[blueberry0409]

DRAGONROSE INTRO +HCS+ TIMELINE

ok so somehow i am now the supreme general in the fight for Dragonrose/ The Creature Feature Years

This is a intro post and all the fun stuff is always tagged in this blog under "felix x charlie" and "felix rosier" and "the creature feature" my asks are also always open

ok so first

basics (from hogwarts legacy) (pls correct me if im wrong)

canon info

we know that Felix Rosier was Evan Rosier'syounger brother

he became a dragonologist and loved dragons in school.

he was smart. talented in charms, potions, herbology and care of magical creatures

he was invited to the Three Broomsticks by Bill Weasley.

born 1969

Slytherin

Fanon

he is besties with Charlie and Tonks they are known as the creature feature by they wrecked havoc.

They are friends with hagrid <3

Felix was much younger than the twins so he was the ultimate annoying sibling when he was little and the twins were at Hogwarts

He loved barty and reg and would follow the skittles around when they came over

His parents died (DE dad) died when he was young so he was raised by his grandmother

------

So in order to solve the age gap problem (hc from the lovely @lirenthenonlyrist )

1969- Felix Born

(1980) lets say) During the First War - Felix get obliviated by DE's.

-- Same time as Evan's death (did not get time to process)---

(1980-1984)- He gets sent to a muggle school/hospital where the help students with disabilities. He goes there from 11-14 and Felix is happy he has friends, and life’s good even if he can’t remember most of it.

(1984) He gets his memory back.

(1984)-He remembers everything, his brothers death, the war, gets his memories removed. TRAUMA. He has to go to Hogwarts.

-------

(1984/1985)

Goes to Hogwarts becomes friends with Charlie because of their shared love of dragons, Tonks comes sees these two oddballs and says THEIR MINE NOW.

Charlie and Tonks help him with the trauma.

Charlie and Felix bond over not wanting to always be compared o their siblings.

Felix reaches out to Pandora.

(1995-1997)

Happiness.

Felix vists the Weasley's they love the excitable dragon boy that Charlie brought home. (percy clocks them)

Shenanigans

(1987)

Fourth Year Ball GASP feelings

The boys ignore their connection that goes deeper than friendship

Tonks wants to get them together, they are oblivious.

Happiness.

(1990)

Sixth Year

Pandora dies

Felix goes into deep despression and has a breakdown in the field after pandoras death (during winter break in sixth year) between the Weasley and Lovegood home while holding Luna

He wont let go of Luna and Xeno is suffering too

Sings Luna the Rosier family lullabies - cries.

Ms. Weasley saw him in the cold crying and brought him inside for hot cocoa and a blanket and told him stories about pandora.

he reminds her of her brothers fabion and gideon

A few days later she gave him a matching blue Weasley sweater with luna. it had a matching dragon with charlie :)

It starts the tradition of Felix and Charlie’s matching sweaters having little dragons on them.

Charlie and Felix realize they love each other and start dating.

tonks is so relived.

(1991)

They graduate

Charlie and Felix go to Romania for the Dragonoligist Institute

Tonks goes to Auror Academy.

Happiness.

Bonus May 1992:

Charlie and Felix and Tonks were the ones that came and rescued Norbert Charlie recruited Felix for the dragon emergency after Ron's letter. and he ofc went along with his equally crazy bf.

They rode their dragons to Tonks who went with them IMMEDIATLY/

before they went to pick up Norbert they went to Hagrid where Felix and Charlie yapped to him about dragons while Tonks played with a odd lil creature.

THESE ARE ALL MY HCS + SOME FROM MY MOOTS

@mairon-goth-minion @lirenthenonlyrist @guess1mjustheren0w @hawaiianshirttaco64 @percyweasleyapologist @danaris112 @aidens-ocean-galaxy @look-a-gay @l1ve-l4ugh-lov3craft @bibeantransbean @yesiamprocrastinating @aceofspades42 @mrstellmeafuckingsecret

[spac3d0lls]

my penny lamb headcanons from post-rtc because i wanted to write a fic but have no time or motivation:

-penny took shifts at the blackwood cafe as well as many different odd jobs around town so that her and ezra would be able to leave uranium after she graduates. being her senior year, penny knew that she couldn’t live with the foster family for much longer, but simultaneously wanted to give ezra a sense of permanence and stability. while she worked at the cafe, the blackwood family would always send her home with a big bag of leftover sweets, knowing that her and ezra only got the bare minimum at their foster home. every so often, penny would find evidence of constance’s history there, whether it be photos on the mantle or experimental recipes taped to the back of cupboards in handwriting that obviously wasn’t mr. or mrs. blackwood’s, decked out in stickers of rainbows and unicorns.

-penny ended up growing close to ricky’s family. i headcanon that ricky was going to ask penny out after the cyclone (despite not knowing her name, in true ricky fashion,) but for obvious reasons never gave it to her. after he died, they found the note in ricky’s pocket and his parents gave it to penny, and told her she was welcome at their home if she ever needed anything. being a lonely girl and an animal lover, she would come over and feed the cats after school and his parents, who broke their vow of silence after ricky passed, would tell her stories about who their son was in life. they laughed through explanations of zolar, and penny didn’t have the heart to tell them they weren’t telling her anything she didn’t already know, but they showed her all the art that he made as a budding comic book illustrator. they taught her how to draw, and although her drawings of animals weren’t as….freaky as ricky’s (😭) it turned into a lifelong hobby for her.

-when penny was well enough to come back to school again, she would help organize a fundraiser that they hoped to turn into a tradition—founding a scholarship in ocean’s name. what this fundraiser was changed every year after penny graduated, but her first year it was rather small—a bake sale, with sweets donated by the blackwoods (eventually, a small portion of all purchases made at the blackwood cafe would go to the scholarship fund.) ocean’s final act of charity was bringing back penny, and she wanted to pay it forward in a way that ocean would have wanted. i personally headcanon that ocean wasn’t intentionally a bad person in life, but a product of neglect, desperate for attention, and misguided. she didn’t express it in her words, but she was always looking to help the community in whatever way she could.

-penny was the one who reached out to talya after misha had passed. remembering from purgatory that misha didn’t communicate with his adoptive parents and knowing that the relationship he had with his gang in uranium was superficial at best, she found talya through the comments under an old badegg video and broke the news to her. talya asked penny if they could call, as she needed someone to process her emotions to and nobody in her life thought misha was real either, and scoffed at the fact that she talked to her boyfriend online. penny reassured her that even though she couldn’t tell talya exactly how she knew it, talya was the person that misha was thinking about as he was dying and that he loved her very, very much, and wished desperately that he could have said goodbye to her. talya was inconsolable after that, but she stayed in touch with penny for years after the accident and the two became very close friends.

-noel’s mother was penny’s nurse at the hospital (cr for the idea goes to “are we ever going back” on ao3 by lynncanigula.) ms. gruber was the one who ended up suing the fair, and penny ended up testifying to the negligence of the fair for her. she ended up giving penny the money that noel was going to use to move to france as compensation. penny ended up donating the money to a queer helpline.

[slaymitchabernathy]

A Rich Man

| "The only way people should know a man has money is when they see his wife." |

Coriolanus sits in an expensive room on an expensive chair while wearing an expensive suit and an even more expensive watch.

Coriolanus Snow is a rich man.

Anyone could see that just by looking at him. He exudes power and wealth from his hair to his shoes, he is the poster child of success in the Capitol. Born into money and made even more of it, carrying his family name like a badge of honor.

But should anyone glance at his wife, then they'd truly be able to grasp how much money he really makes.

He remembers clear as day when he and his friends were discussing how you knew when someone was rich. He argued you could tell when a man had a lot of money based off his the jewwles he adorned himself with. A fancy watch, large rings, golden cufflinks.

It was in the details.

Festus Creed had argued that it was how a man dressed. Expensive suits, nice coats, fancy leather shoes.

Felix Ravenstill insisted that it was where a man lived. If he lived on the Corso, he was well off. If he lived in the President's Mansion, well, he was the richest man ever.

Their Professor who was listening to their adolescent conversation had chuckled at their ideas of what wealth looked like. Then he imparted a small pearl of wisdom that stuck with Coriolanus ever since.

"The only way people should know a man has money is when they see his wife."

His friends had laughed it off but Coriolanus held onto those words ever since. Because he was right. Women were always the center of attention, no one looked at a man's watch when they could stare at a woman's diamond necklace.

Who cared about a man's height when a woman was wearing the nicest high heels in the room?

From that day forward, Coriolanus swore to himself that his future wife would have everything she wanted. The clothes, the jewelry, the handbags, anything she wanted he'd gladly give her. As long as she gave him what he wanted of course. He wanted respect, loyalty, and obedience. He wanted a wife who was perfect for him, who looked perfect with him by his side when they went out in public.

Which was why he married a girl like Soarynn Nightingale.

She was two years younger than him but quite mature for her age. He had first laid eyes on her at a charity auction being thrown by a museum. She had been attending with her father and while most of the girls her age looked bored out of their minds, she was paying attention.

A specific piece of artwork came up for sale, something that caught her eye. Coriolanus of course, bid on it and won after spending a whopping amount of money for it. Later that night Soarynn and her father came up to congratulate him on his big win.

Soarynn had been rather reserved during the interaction, her father doing most of the talking but from what Coriolanus gathered, she was a sweet, quiet girl who would make the perfect wife for him. He offered to gift the painting to her in exchange for a single date, a fair trade in his opinion. Soarynn had reluctantly agreed and the rest was history.

He watches her from across the room, watches how she talks, how she moves, how she softly laughs while her blonde hair falls down her back like a golden waterfall, gleaming in the light. She's beautiful.

She's wearing a beautifully crafted dress, made just for her since she deserves only the nicest things in life. It's a soft pink dress that shows off her collarbones and dips in the back, showing off a tasteful amount of skin. It stops right above her knees, accentuating her smooth legs and showing her black high heels that perfectly match her handbag, designer of course.

Her jewelry is simple despite the fact that it costs a small fortune and could feed an entire District family for years. Her ears are adorned with beautiful gold earrings with real pearls. Her wrists have two gold bracelets each, inlaid with diamonds as they dangle in the air. And her ring, well, her wedding ring is truly the showstopper.

Coriooalnus still remembers the gasps that filled the room at their wedding when he put it on her finger. The rock he bought for her was the most expensive diamond that's ever been sold and it's on his wife's finger.

Soarynn looks classy to put things plainly. Not flashy like the other women at this party, and not like she's trying to fit in like some other women he's seen today. She's complimented for her beauty once again, just another reason Coriolanus married her.

Soarynn has been blessed with perfect skin, not a blemish in sight, not even during that time of the month. Her skin is tan and it makes her blonde hair look even brighter, which draws people to her eyes which are arguably the most startling part of her complexion.

It had taken Coriolanus several dates to realize that they weren't just blue, no, they were blue and gray, a perfect storm for the perfect girl.

She was also gifted with a rosy set of lips and an upturned nose with freckles dotted all over her face, giving her a youthful look despite her being twenty-three years old.

He likes watching her, observing her in social settings to see if anything needs correcting. Once he knew he was going to marry her, he knew he'd need to be strict, not harsh but firm, she wasn't about to walk all over him. Not that she would even think about it, Glen Nightingale raised a quiet, polite daughter who never questioned Coriolanus on his decisions.

If he thought it was for the best, then it was for the best.

She'd once whispered to him that he was the smartest person she knew, how adorable. He was very smart and very ambitious which was once again, why they were the perfect pair.

He was aggressive when needed whereas she was gentle.

He was assertive and she was polite.

He was dominant and she was submissive.

Never posing a threat to the women around her and never giving any man the wrong idea. He didn't want to know the type of man he'd become if he ever witnessed his wife flirting with another man. Right now her back is turned to the nearest man while she talks to her friends, probably about something that doesn't truly matter but he always pretends to listen and sound interested when she tells him about it.

She looks over at him for a split second and he holds his hand out, it's been far too long since he's held her, touched her, been near her. They've been at this party for hours and they eventually went their separate ways to speak to their assigned genders. While Coriolanus discussed politics, money, and business. Soarynn discussed fashion, gossip, and anything that had to do with their social circles.

She immediately excuses herself from the conversation and makes her way over to him, another thing he appreciates about her, she never keeps him waiting. Her hand slides into his and his fingers wrap around her wrist, gently pulling her down until she's seated in his lap. Coriolanus isn't one for obnoxious public displays of affection but people have enough alcohol in them to where this is socially acceptable so long as his hands don't wander anywhere they're not supposed to.

"I was thinking we might leave soon," he says, resting his other hand on the small of her back. He's not really asking and she knows that because she nods, "Whatever you think is best," she softly replies. She's always known what to say. Coriolanus nods, it's best to leave before they get caught up in the crowd, he'd never be the first but he'll never be the last either.

Coriolanus leans in and gives her cheek a gentle kiss, just so she knows he's been thinking of her while they've been apart.

"Are you having fun?" He asks her, lacing his fingers with hers, not really caring about her answer but he listens all the same. "Mhm, Clemmie mentioned something about taking a trip," she tells him, her voice laced with hesitance, "but I think it's in the Districts and I know you don't like the Districts."

Coriolanus looks over at Soarynn's good friend Clemensia Dovecote, a woman who still hasn't settled down and it's painfully obvious to him in the way she behaves. Always sharing her loud opinions, always wanting to run off on some adventure, always pressuring Soarynn to do certain things even though his wife always sweetly declines.

She's been a constant thorn in his side since he started courting Soarynn.

"I do not," he confirms, "and we're going to be quite busy in the next few weeks," he reminds her, "I can't afford to miss anything."

The Hunger Games are a month away and they're always the perfect excuse for people to mingle and talk business. It's an imperative week for Coriolanus when it comes to business and he refuses to spend it in the Districts. "Alright," she replies, "I'll tell her we're busy."

Coriolanus grunts and flags down Festus who seems to be doing a whole lot of nothing, "Both Snows in the same place? Must be my lucky day," Festus playfully remarks, "what do you need Coriolanus?"

"A drink," he plainly states, "then we're leaving." Festus sighs, shaking his head, "Leaving so soon? We've only been here for six hours."

The party they're attending isn't just any party, no, it's a party celebrating the first baby of their entire circle. The Heavensbees welcomed a beautiful baby boy two weeks ago and finally felt it was time for him to be introduced to society.

Coriolanus would be lying if he said that he didn't wish that he was the first of their group to have a child. He's been trying tremendously hard to get Soarynn pregnant, granted it's only been eleven months but still, he's desperate for an heir.

"Get me a bourbon," Coriolanus says, ignoring his friend's joke. Festus disappears and Soarynn turns back to him, "Did you see the baby?" Coriolanus honestly hadn't cared to see the child, not when he had already seen the photographs in the newspaper. But women love babies, always fawning and cooing over them.

"I didn't," he tells her, ignoring the way her eyebrows crease, "but I'll make sure to take a look before we leave," he adds, not wanting to cause a fight. He knows how much Soarynn loves babies, how good she is with children. Which is a good thing since she'll be raising their children. Coriolanus is a rich man but he's also a traditional one and the man of the house shouldn't be chasing around children.

"He's so sweet," she sighs, looking over at Domitia Heavensbee who's surrounded by other adoring women, "and so little."

Festus comes back with a glass of amber liquid and Coriolanus lets go of Soarynn's hand to take it, "You're a good man," he tells Festus, bringing the glass to his lips. "Tell that to my wife," Festus grumbles, "she's all upset because we won't be going to the races next Sunday."

Coriolanus can tell from her body language that Soarynn is interested in why the Creeds won't be attending the horse races with the rest of them, but because she's polite and good, she doesn't ask why.

"Why not?" Coriolanus inquires for both of them. The horse races are always another good excuse to get together and discuss business with a side of betting and entertainment. The Snows have a private box, of course, fully staffed with air conditioning. Soarynn enjoys the races because she enjoys the horses which is good enough for him, better than her complaining about it.

"We're having lunch with my parents," Festus explains, "and if Persephone wants to be able to afford nice things, then she'll come with me."

Coriolanus is glad that he doesn't depend on his parents the way other men do. He comes from old money, yes, but he's made a life for himself, a name for himself. He and Soarynn have dinner with his parents once a month and usually see them in between at social events, the same goes for her own father.

You can't be rich if you're scared of upsetting your banker.

꧁ ꧂

Half an hour later and they're finally leaving the party.

Coriolanus briefly glanced at the child and congratulated the parents before thanking them for a lovely party. Soarynn held the baby boy one last time and it was a picture he could get used to. He just has to get her pregnant first.

They stroll down the street, hand in hand while he thinks about what he could be doing wrong. But maybe it's her.

He looks down at Soarynn who's oblivious to his internal dilemma, looking into shop windows while going wherever he takes them. Perhaps she's infertile, it's not like they're having sex for a lack of trying. And he always finishes inside of her to ensure the greatest chances of having a child.

Coriolanus sighs, he might have to schedule her an appointment with their family doctor if this issue persists. He can't be left behind by his friends without a family to call his own. He's so caught up in his own issues that he doesn't even notice Soarynn coming to a stop until his hand slips out of hers.

He turns and finds her stopped in front of a store window, hypnotized by whatever's inside. He takes a closer look and quickly sees what's gotten her attention.

Kittens.

A pen full of kittens running around, playing with one another.

Soarynn takes another step towards the window and rests a hand on the glass, smiling down at the little animals. Coriolanus joins her by the window and watches as the kittens jump on each other, rolling around and playing. "They're so cute," she says, laughing when a kitten rolls on its back. Coriolanus has never been too fond of pets, he never had any growing up but knew plenty of people that did.

They were all dogs though and they were all tremendously loud. His father was always put off by the idea of dogs in the house, claiming they'd soil the furniture and bite any guests who came over so that was the end of that.

But cats must be different.

At least that's what he tells himself when he sees how enamored Soarynn is by the tiny felines. "Which one is your favorite?" He asks, finding himself caring about her answer for once. Usually, Coriolanus buys Soarynn things without asking. He knows her well enough to know her preferred taste when it comes to clothes and shoes.

She likes pink and blue, nothing gray and she despises the color orange. She doesn't like scratchy fabrics and isn't a fan of stripes. For shoes, she doesn't mind a heel but does not like flats.

Kittens are very different.

Soarynn scans all the kittens until she points at a fluffy white one, the only white one in the pen. "That one," she tells him, "her pink nose is so cute."

Coriolanus hums, storing that information away for another day before taking her hand, "Let's go, darling, I need to get some work done before dinner." Soarynn lets him pull her away from the window, not asking to stay longer or whining, another thing he likes about her.

He's not only rich financially, but in his perfect marriage as well.

꧁ ꧂

After dinner has been eaten and Coriolanus has finished his work, he searches his penthouse for his wife.

Soarynn often disappears after dinner, hiding away in some corner to read the books she can't get enough of. He doesn't mind it though, it's good that she has things to keep her busy. As long as she remains doting and obedient, he has no problem with her love for reading.

He finds her in the library, curled up on the sofa deep into another book, a long one from the looks of it but she's more than halfway done. He knocks on the door frame and she looks up from her reading, "Hi," she says softly.

Coriolanus steps into the library and taps his watch, "Time to get ready for bed," he tells her. Soarynn nods and sits up on the sofa, slipping a ribbon in between the pages and shutting the book. He truly can't imagine marrying a woman who doesn't instantly comply with his wishes.

If he wants to go to bed, Soarynn will come to bed.

If he wants to go to dinner, Soarynn will go to dinner.

If he wants to leave the party, Soarynn will be right behind him.

She's so good for him, if only she could grant him a baby.

Coriolanus walks back out into the hallway and decides they'll have sex tonight, he'll make sure to be deep and thorough when fucking hr, and once he finishes, he'll have her lie there for a while to ensure nothing is wasted.

Soarynn follows behind him and once they reach their bedroom, he sits on the edge of the bed, taking off his cufflinks like he always does, "Why don't you go put on something pretty?" He suggests, eyeing her bare legs. Soarynn changed into one of her many nightgowns after dinner but he prefers to fuck her when she's wearing lingerie.

It pleases Coriolanus to see her dressed so provocatively for only him to see. He loves buying her lingerie, spending his well-earned money on panties he's going to rip off of her later.

Soarynn swallows, immediately understanding what he's hinting at, "Okay," she whispers.

While she's busy in the closet, he's busy taking off his tie and his shoes, neatly putting them at the foot of the bed. Coriolanus likes things to be done in a precise, certain way and Soarynn is more than willing to do things exactly how he wants them to be done.

From keeping the penthouse clean to how she acts in public, she's once again, perfect.

She comes back out wearing the black set he just bought her. She's never looked too comfortable in the lingerie he buys for her but she's also never complained about it either.

This set leaves little to the imagination and makes her look fantastic.

"Tonight we're going to do things differently," he tells her, standing up, "I need to get you pregnant." Not even Soarynn can hide her look of surprise when she ehars him say that. He's not normally this blunt but he has to be if this is going to work. "You've pleased me in every aspect of this marriage," he continues, beginning to unbutton his shirt, "except for giving me a child."

Soarynn stands there silently, accepting his berating words without complaint, "We need a child," he tells her, "a son more specifically and I cannot rest until we produce one."

He looks up to make sure Soarynn is following along with what he's saying and her eyes are wide and her hands are fidgeting, "Okay," is all she whispers.

Coriolanus grunts, it's good that she sees where the fault lies. The fault lies within her side of their marriage and she needs to fix it. "It shouldn't take too long," he says, more to himself than to her, "not if we time it right." A woman's body goes through so many phases in a month, Coriolanus really only cares about two.

When Soarynn gets her period, and when Soarynn begins to ovulate.

Both are very important for different reasons. If they time it just right, they'll have the best odds, the best chances at getting pregnant as soon as possible.

Coriolanus might be rich when it comes to money, but he's dirt poor when it comes to family.

꧁ ꧂

The next morning Coriolanus wakes up before Soarynn which is nothing new. He usually wakes up early so he can shower before work and take his time getting ready but he simply watches her sleep for a moment.

She looks much younger when she's asleep, her lips slightly parted with her hair falling in her face. She's beautiful, no one can deny that.

He gently brushes her hair out of her face, she'll have a busy day today, attending an event on behalf of both of them since he won't be able to make it. He brings his hand down to her stomach, sliding it under her nightgown to feel her flat abdomen. He imagines what it would look like swollen with his child, his heir.

He pulls himself from his thoughts for the future and slips out of bed, he can't run late because he can't get a hold of his imagination. While in the shower he begins to think about what testing she could be subjected to just to make sure that they're doing everything they need to.

His Professor was right, you can easily tell how rich a man is based on looking at his wife and once he gets Soarynn pregnant with his son, people will know that Coriolanus Snow is the richest man in Panem.

Just how he likes it.

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