#she married into the family and created the garden that's in their home

[ladyofvoss]

FFXIVWrite 2024 #6: Halcyon

noun: denoting a period of time in the past that was idyllically happy and peaceful.

The garden was their sanctuary.

A living symbol of the near decades of dedication and love that was the work of Thalla Voss. Flowers, shrubs, herbs, even the occasional root vegetables, and a tree or two. A picturesque tapestry spread on either side of cobblestone pathways, winding around a fountain in the center.

The villa that served as the ancestral home of House Voss was built on land that, like many a structure in Ul'dah, was unforgiving to any plant that attempted to thrive there. Yet thrive this garden did.

The garden was their sanctuary.

Nestled at the heart of the Voss Villa, many amongst the family would seek solace amongst the fragrance and bright colors of Thalla Voss's pride and joy. It was a place of meditation, of contemplation. A place of a babe's first steps and ringing laughter. For the children to play and for weddings to be held. A place for joy to be cherished, where tears of anguish could be shed in peace.

And when she had been laid to rest, Thalla knew she could pass on in peace, leaving behind this gift to her family. For her children, and their children, a home within their home.

For the garden was their sanctuary.

[hoshifighting]

Arranged Marriage — Hoshi x Reader

— Synopsis: In contrast to the tired old plots of arranged marriages where the couple can't stand each other, you and Soonyoung are childhood friends. It's not just like marrying a friend—no, no, actually, it is marrying a friend, no-frills and simple. — WC: 10k — WARNINGS: smut, fluff, fingering, oral (m. receiving), penetrative sex, multiple orgasms, choking, one single slap on the ass, hair pulling, aftercare, whipped!hoshi, hoshi teases reader until she almost cries for dick, mentions of alcohol, mentions of body fluids (cum, sweat), DIRTY TALK—prob the nastiest dirty talk i've written.

You knew this day would come. 

Growing up in a world where luxury, money, stock exchange, and business were the pillars of existence, arranged marriages were just another part of the cycle. Two patrimonies merging into one for the benefit of both families—it was a tradition as old as time. 

Some couples embraced the spotlight, showcasing their unity to the world. Others barely tolerated each other, living in separate homes to maintain a fake image. There were also those whose mutual disdain led to chaos both in their personal lives and in the family businesses.

When you saw Soonyoung in your home, dressed in a suit that clearly wasn’t his style, you felt a hurricane of emotions. His usual vibrant, carefree energy seemed stifled under the weight of the tailored fabric. You greeted him and his family alongside your parents, both of you a shy mess, but something in his eyes told you things might not be as bad as you feared.

“Hey,” Soonyoung murmured as you both found a moment away from the adults’ formal discussions. “This suit is killing me.”

You laughed softly, feeling a sense of relief. “You look... different.”

“Yeah, definitely not my usual style, you know me” he grinned, loosening his tie. “But I guess we’re both out of our comfort zones today.”

You nodded, memories flooding back of the two of you playing outside when kids, during business congresses, your parents inside discussing mergers and acquisitions while you and Soonyoung chased each other around the gardens. “Do you remember those days?”

“Of course,” he said, eyes lighting up with nostalgia. “We had our own little world, didn’t we?”

“We did,” you replied. “And now, here we are.”

“So, how do you feel about this?” he asked, shy, looking at your expensive dress, clearly set for tonight. “About us... getting married?”

“I’ve been preparing for it my whole life, I guess,” you said honestly. “But with you... it feels different. Less intimidating."

“I feel the same,” Soonyoung admitted. “I mean, if it had to be anyone, I’m glad it’s you.”

You smiled. “Maybe we can make this work. Find a balance between our lifes.”

“Yeah,” he agreed. “We can create something new, something that’s ours.”

You looked at him, seeing not just the boy you grew up with, but a partner. Someone who understood the complexities of your world and was willing to navigate them with you.

You looked around your house, taking in the scene. Soonyoung’s family mingled with yours, coworkers from your parents’ firms exchanged polite conversation, and your and Soonyoung’s nephews were playing circles around the couch. 

The weight of the day pressed on your shoulders, a burden that didn’t match the elegance of the dress you were wearing for the marriage proposal.

Soonyoung’s eyes met yours, noticing your tense posture. “You’re nervous, aren’t you?” he asked softly.

You looked at him, sulking, and he recognized the same expression you had when you were eight. 

He leaned in, whispering, “Don’t tell anyone, but I brought a bottle of tequila. It’s in my trunk. Would you like some to relax?”

You stared at him in silence before nodding with an exasperated look, feeling like it was exactly what you needed.

“Did you bring a shot cup?” you asked, following him outside.

He stopped, bottle in hand, and you both laughed. Taking the bottle from him, you leaned against his car, opened the cap, and poured a generous shot—maybe a little more—straight into your mouth. Soonyoung watched, his mouth wide open in surprise. You handed the bottle back to him.

“Why are you nervous?” he asked, taking a swig himself, looking comically exaggerated as he did. “I’m the one who has to kneel and propose today. My heart feels like it’s about to explode.”

You both laughed like teenagers getting away with something forbidden, hiding behind his car.

After a moment of comfortable silence, you broke it. “Do you have the ring here?”

He looked at you and nodded.

“Can I see it?” you asked, your curiosity piqued as if he had a rare Pokémon card.

“Is that right?” he teased.

You made doe eyes and asked, “Pretty please?”

He smiled, pulling a small black box from his pocket and opening it for you. 

The diamond ring sparkled in your eyes, its brilliance captivating. “It’s beautiful,” you murmured.

Soonyoung nodded, grinning. “My sister helped me choose it. I originally wanted a diamond shaped like a cat, but she said that wasn’t appropriate.”

You laughed, the image of a cat-shaped diamond making you smile. “It’s beautiful, but a kitten-shaped ring sounds adorable. I would’ve loved that too.”

His grin widened, a small, proud smile lighting up his face as you both admired the ring.

Your moment was interrupted by Soonyoung’s mom's voice, echoing from the house. “Oh my god, are you already proposing?”

Soonyoung choked on his own saliva, his eyes wide with panic. The best thing to do now? Say no and face his mother’s scolding for showing the ring prematurely, or actually propose right then and there?

Before he could think it through, he found himself on one knee on the sidewalk, his heart pounding. You quickly hid the tequila bottle behind your back.

“Soonyoung, what are you doing?” you whispered, eyes wide.

“I... I’m improvising,” he replied, clearing his throat. “Y/N, will you marry me?”

The spontaneity of it all, made you laugh and cry at the same time, you needed to pretend you were actually emotional. “Yes, Soonyoung. Yes, I will.”

You barely noticed the sudden crowd that had gathered around you, they'd appeared out of nowhere, all eyes on the two of you. Soonyoung’s hand trembled slightly as he slid the ring onto your finger, the cool metal contrasting with the warmth of his touch.

You smiled nervously at him, teeth gritted. “Hug me,” you whispered urgently, your eyes darting to the tequila bottle that was precariously wedged behind your back. “Please, put the tequila bottle inside your car. It's practically shoved inside my ass.”

Soonyoung blinked, processing your words before a grin spread across his face. He pulled you into a tight hug, the kind that felt both reassuring and grounding. As he embraced you, he expertly reached behind you, his fingers brushing against the bottle. 

You could feel his body shaking slightly with suppressed laughter.

“Hang on,” he whispered back.

He managed to grab the bottle and discreetly slid it out from behind you. Still holding you close, he took a step back towards the car, opening the door with one hand and slipping the bottle inside. The whole maneuver was so smooth that you doubted anyone noticed the clandestine operation.

That moment eased the tension of the night, but the tequila hadn’t taken effect yet, and you knew you had to keep an eye on Soonyoung. His alcohol tolerance was notoriously low, and you didn’t want him to embarrass himself—or worse, get into trouble.

As the night wound down and Soonyoung’s dad started to lead him to the car, Soonyoung sulked, trying to resist. “I want to talk a bit more to my bride,” he protested, his voice slightly slurred. His words elicited good-natured laughter from both families, who were enjoying the unexpected turn of events.

You walked over to him, giving him a warm hug and patting his head affectionately. “It’s time to go home, Soonyoung,” you said gently.

He looked at you with wide, earnest eyes, the warmth in his gaze reminding you of why you felt less nervous than you should. Soonyoung had always been warm-hearted, and maybe that’s why you felt a sense of calm amidst the chaos.

As you pulled back from the hug, Soonyoung’s hand lingered in yours for a moment longer. “Promise you’ll call me tomorrow?” he asked, his tone earnest despite his tipsiness.

“Promise,” you replied, smiling as you squeezed his hand.

With one last affectionate look, Soonyoung allowed his dad to guide him into the car. You watched as the vehicle pulled away. Your parents approached, their expressions a blend of amusement and expectation.

“Well, that was quite a night,” your mom said, her eyes twinkling with delight.

“Yes, it was,” you agreed, glancing at your dad, who nodded in approval.

“You two make a good pair,” your dad said, his tone warm. “I’m glad to see you both getting along so well.”

Your parents were now expectant, believing you and Soonyoung were truly becoming a couple. And in a way, you were—just not in the conventional sense they imagined.

The next day, even though it was a promise to a drunk boy, you called Soonyoung in the morning. Like any typical business wedding, the preparations started swiftly, aiming to have the wedding happen as soon as possible. Today, you were going to choose the food and drinks for the event.

When Soonyoung arrived, he was all tidied up, but his face was clearly tired. You laughed a bit, “You look…”

He completed for you, “Fucked?”

You chuckled, “I wasn’t going to say that.”

“Long night,” he admitted, rubbing his eyes. “But I’m here.”

“Good, because we have a lot to decide,” you replied, glancing at the event agent who was discussing the dessert options.

As you both looked at the event agent, who insisted on adding superfluous things to the sweets—like a layer of gold—you exchanged amused glances. The agent was enthusiastically explaining the virtues of gold-leaf-covered desserts.

“Gold? For us to... poop?” Soonyoung murmured incredulously.

You stifled a laugh and leaned closer to him. “Can’t it be something more tasty?”

The agent looked slightly taken aback. “Gold leaf is quite a statement piece.”

Soonyoung nodded, trying to be polite. “But we were thinking of something simpler.”

“How about churros?” you suggest.

The agent blinked, clearly not expecting that. “Churros? For a wedding?”

“Why not?” you said with a grin. “They’re delicious, and everyone loves them.”

“But they don’t exactly scream luxury,” the agent protested.

“They scream fun,” Soonyoung countered. “And isn’t that what weddings are supposed to be?”

The agent sighed, making a note. “Alright, churros it is. Anything else?”

“Maybe some street-style tacos?” he added, enjoying the agent’s bewildered expression.

“Tacos?” the agent repeated, as if the word was foreign.

“Yeah, why not?” Soonyoung agreed. “Let’s keep it simple and tasty.”

The agent finally nodded, albeit reluctantly. “Very well. I’ll make the arrangements.”

Honestly, days flew by with Soonyoung by your side. Planning every little detail of the wedding together brought both fun and challenges, especially when your tastes didn’t always align. It was a bit complicated at first, like when you two were choosing the destination for your honeymoon. 

Soonyoung wanted an adventure-packed trip to the Amazon rainforest, while you preferred a relaxing beach resort in the Maldives. The negotiations were intense, but you eventually settled on a compromise.

Choosing Soonyoung’s suit also proved to be a task. He insisted on wearing a tie with a tiger print, a nod to his childhood love for tigers. You were surprised that his fascination with the big cats had persisted, but you drew the line at a tiger tie. “Absolutely not,” you told him firmly, trying to imagine the looks you’d get. “A tiger tie is a no from me, and I think a lot of people would agree.”

“Fine,” he conceded with a sigh, but you could tell he was already thinking about how to sneak a little tiger motif into his outfit.

When it came to choosing your dress, you were accompanied by your mom, Soonyoung’s mom, and his sister. 

Soonyoung, the only man in the group, tagged along as well. The other brides at the boutique initially assumed he was either your brother or your stylist. 

Their jaws nearly dropped when they overheard he was actually the groom.

One of the brides, adjusting her veil in front of a mirror, turned to you, wide-eyed. “Wait, he’s your husband-to-be?”

“Yes, he is,” you confirmed with a smile, watching Soonyoung fuss over a lace detail on one of the dresses.

Another bride laughed softly. “Lucky you! He’s so involved.”

“He’s been amazing,” you said. “Except for his obsession with tiger prints.”

Soonyoung, overhearing, grinned and walked over. “What can I say? Tigers are cool.”

“Soonyoung, you’re a unique groom,” his sister teased, shaking her head.

As you tried on dresses, Soonyoung offered his opinions with surprising thoughtfulness, balancing out his more quirky suggestions. He was genuinely invested in making sure you felt beautiful and confident in your choice.

You’d tried on everything: the biggest gowns, the tightest silhouettes, dresses with endless layers of skirts, and others that hugged your hips so closely it felt like they were molded to your skin. 

There were corsets that took your breath away—literally—and fabrics that shimmered under the boutique lights. 

But this time, when you left the dressing room, you were wearing a veil.

Soonyoung’s eyes didn’t lie for a second. He liked this one very much. The women around you—your mom, Soonyoung’s mom, and his sister—fussed over the dress, adjusting it here and there, offering compliments. But Soonyoung was speechless.

If Soonyoung were to be completely honest, up until this moment, he had always seen you as his friend, the girl he was going to marry because of an arrangement. You were the same girl who used to run around the events, eluding the security guards with your mischievous giggles. 

But now, you were different. You were a woman. His woman. And you looked stunning.

He couldn’t take his eyes off you. The transformation was breathtaking. You stood there, looking radiant in your wedding dress, and for the first time, the reality of the situation hit him. You weren’t just a friend anymore; you were about to become his partner, his wife.

He was so lost in the moment that he didn’t realize he was gawking until you and the women turned to him, waiting for his response. He blinked, snapping back to reality, and managed to find his voice.

“You look...” he started, his voice trailing off as he struggled to find the right words. “You look absolutely stunning.”

Your cheeks flushed at his earnest compliment. “You really think so?”

Soonyoung nodded, still unable to tear his eyes away. “I’ve never seen anything more beautiful.”

His sister grinned, nudging him playfully. “Told you she’d find the perfect dress.”

Your mom wiped away a tear, “You’re going to make a beautiful bride.”

Soonyoung’s mom stepped forward, adjusting a tiny detail on the veil. “This is the one. It’s perfect.”

You looked at yourself in the mirror, feeling a sense of certainty wash over you. “Yes, this is the one,” you said, smiling at the reflection and then at the people around you who made this moment even more special.

[...]

The days leading up to the wedding were a whirlwind of activity. Every day brought something new to choose, and your creativity was running dry. You were worn out, and Soonyoung knew it. Today had been particularly exhausting.

As the realtor showed you yet another option for apartments in the Metropole, you responded with short answers, your enthusiasm long gone after visiting sixteen places that day alone.

“So, what do you think?” the realtor asked.

Soonyoung noticed your hesitation. “Can I talk with my wife for a sec?” he asked.

The realtor nodded and walked off, giving you space.

“Y/N-nie... are you okay?” Soonyoung asked softly, looking at you through his lashes.

You sighed, your shoulders slumping. “I’m so tired,” you confessed.

He took a step closer, his voice softening. “Do you want to talk about it?”

You breathed out heavily. “My family is putting a lot of pressure on me, and I’m working relentlessly at the company. I can’t wait for us to get married…”

Soonyoung’s heart sank a little. “You want to get married just to get free from it?”

“No, it’s not just that. It’s everything. The wedding preparations, the constant decisions, the endless work... I feel like I’m drowning.”

He reached out, gently taking your hand. “We don’t have to rush this, you know. We can take our time.”

“But everyone’s expecting so much from us,” you replied, feeling the weight of expectations.

“Let them expect,” he said firmly. “And I want this to be as much about you as it is about us.”

“I just... I don’t want to disappoint anyone,” you admitted.

“You won’t,” Soonyoung assured you. “You’ve already done so much. It’s okay to take a step back and breathe.”

You took a deep breath, feeling a bit lighter. “Alright. Let’s look at this apartment one more time.”

Soonyoung nodded, giving you an encouraging smile. “And if it’s not the one, we’ll keep looking until we find the perfect place for us.”

You laughed softly, the tension easing. “You always know how to make things better.”

“Just doing my job as your soon-to-be husband,” he said playfully.

Soonyoung was doing an incredible job. 

From what you’d heard from friends who had gone through the same situation, they didn’t have partners like Soonyoung. You felt proud of him. 

He was your rock, making sure you took a breath when you were overwhelmed by the slightest things. He even insisted you didn't move a finger during brunch, making you so relaxed that you found the apartment you’d been searching for on the very same day.

The drive home was quiet, the car enveloped in a peaceful silence that allowed you a moment to rest. You laid your head back as he drove, appreciating the tranquility. Once you arrived, you stayed seated for a bit, soaking in the comfort of the quiet.

Soonyoung looked at you, waiting patiently. When you finally looked up, he gave you a gentle smile. “Ready to go in?”

You nodded, feeling a bit more refreshed. “Yeah, let’s go.”

He stepped out of the car and came around to your side, opening the door for you. “Take your time,” he said softly.

You appreciated his patience as you slowly got out of the car. “Thank you, Soonyoung.”

He smiled, wrapping an arm around your shoulders as you walked towards the house. “I’m just doing what any good partner would do.”

You leaned into him, feeling grateful for his support. “I don’t think everyone is as lucky as I am.”

He chuckled softly. “Well, I’m pretty lucky too, you know.”

As you entered the house, you felt a sense of relief. The apartment search was over, and you had found the perfect place. More importantly, you had Soonyoung by your side, making every step of this journey easier.

“So, what’s next on our list?” he asked, guiding you to the living room.

You sank into the couch, feeling the exhaustion of the day catch up to you. “I think a nap is next on my list.”

He laughed, sitting beside you. “That sounds like a perfect plan.”

You closed your eyes, feeling the weight of the day lift off your shoulders. “Wake me up in an hour?”

[...]

The days flew by in a blur with the whirlwind of wedding preparations. It felt like only moments ago you were choosing flowers, tasting cakes, and finalizing guest lists. 

Now, as you stood at the end of the aisle, holding a bouquet in front of Soonyoung, the reality of the moment hit you with full force.

The weight of the dress and the pressure of looking perfect made your hands sweat like never before. You felt like a porcelain doll, perfectly polished and poised.

Soonyoung stood there, his eyes fixed on you with pride. He couldn't help but feel a surge of happiness. Here you were, a perfect woman by his side, and even better, an old friend he'd known for years. 

The familiarity of your presence brought him comfort. Despite the fact that you hadn’t really dated, the idea of having someone as pretty and cool as you with him every day made him feel at ease about the whole situation.

As you walked down the aisle, your eyes met his, and a small, reassuring smile played on his lips. He looked stunning in his suit, and the way he stood tall, waiting for you, made your heart flutter. 

You could see a hint of nervousness in his eyes, mirroring your own, but there was also a calmness there, a silent promise that everything would be alright.

When you finally reached him, he extended his hand towards you. He leaned in slightly, whispering just loud enough for you to hear, “You look amazing.”

You blushed, your nerves momentarily forgotten. “Thank you. You look pretty good yourself.”

The vows were sincere, filled with heartfelt words that spoke more to your shared friendship than any romantic notion. Both of you couldn’t help but giggle as you remembered all the crazy things you’d done together as kids. 

Your minds flashed to the time you stole sweets from an event or when you both jumped into a water fountain during an important dinner with company directors.

As the officiant declared you husband and wife, all of these memories became a sweet reverie. You leaned in and whispered with a playful glint in your eye, “Are you going to kiss my lips or my cheek?”

Soonyoung blushed, clearly caught off guard by the question. A kiss on the cheek was typical in such moments since most arranged couples didn’t share a romantic bond. He stammered for a moment, his face flushing a deep shade of pink.

“Well… uh… I suppose the cheek would be safe,” he mumbled, eyes darting nervously.

You couldn’t help but chuckle softly, leaning closer. “But where’s the fun in that, Soonyoung?”

He looked at you, his eyes widening slightly. The playful challenge in your gaze gave him the courage he needed. With a deep breath, he moved in, his hand gently cupping your face.

“I think I’ll go for the lips,” he whispered back, his voice steadying.

The crowd held its breath as Soonyoung leaned in, his lips brushing yours in a soft, tender kiss. It was a simple kiss, not passionate, but filled with the warmth of years of friendship and the promise of a shared future. The applause that followed was thunderous, but all you could focus on was the feeling of his lips against yours.

As you pulled away, you both wore matching grins. “That wasn’t so bad, was it?” you teased,

He laughed, shaking his head. “Not bad at all. Actually, it was kind of nice.”

You linked arms, turning to face the crowd together. Your parents looked relieved and proud, while your friends were cheering loudly, clearly entertained by the spectacle. Soonyoung’s eyes met yours again, and there was a newfound spark there, full of possibilities.

As you both shared champagne with your parents, Soonyoung playfully asked, "No tequila tonight?" You were about to respond when his mom's voice cut in, "Tequila?"

Soonyoung’s eyes widened, and his mouth twisted into a frown as he tried to suppress his laughter. You quickly improvised, "Huh, h-he meant... tacos! We had tacos with tequila last time, remember?" You forced a smile, hoping it sounded convincing enough. His mom seemed satisfied with the answer, nodding along.

After mingling with guests—aka talking with people from work about the next meeting—you finally found a moment to escape the spotlight. You and Soonyoung crouched behind the kitchen, hiding from the crowd. The chefs chuckled at the sight of the newlyweds sneaking bites of food, but they made sure to hand you the best eats, knowing how overwhelming the day could be.

Soonyoung grinned, playfully nudging you. "We're so used to doing this at parties that we're practically pros now."

You nodded in agreement, a mischievous smile on your face. "Even though it's our own wedding party," you said, shaking your head in disbelief.

He chuckled, looking at the gold ring on your finger with a sense of wonder. "Our wedding... I still can't believe it. Oh my god, we're grown adults now."

You couldn’t help but laugh, reaching out to pat his head mockingly. "We've been grown adults for... kind of a long time already," you teased, a playful glint in your eye.

He rolled his eyes good-naturedly, then leaned in closer, his voice softening. "Yeah, but it feels different now. Like, we're really starting something new."

You nodded, feeling the weight of his words. It was true. The reality of your situation was sinking in, but in a way, it felt comforting. You had each other, and that made everything seem a little less daunting. As you sat there, hidden away from the chaos of the celebration, it struck you how much you appreciated this moment—just the two of you, stealing away for a breather.

“Shall we follow tradition?” Soonyoung asks, a playful glint in his eyes. You frown, confused, as he reaches into the fridge and pulls out a bottle of tequila.

“Should tequila be kept in the fridge?” you ask, laughing at the sight.

“I hope so,” he replies, pouring the liquid into a cup. “This one is expensive.”

You raise an eyebrow, taking the cup from him. “The cheapest has the same effect,” you say, waiting for him to pour his own.

He chuckles, raising his glass. “But today’s a special day. We deserve the good stuff.”

You laugh it off, crossing your arms before taking the shot together. The familiar burn makes you both scrunch up your faces.

The wedding party was truly one of a kind. You and Soonyoung were a bit too excited, turning the waltz space into a wild dance floor. 

At first, your parents were too embarrassed to join, especially at the sight of Soonyoung twerking on you. But soon, even the directors and business partners were on the dance floor, dancing and drinking extravagantly.

[...]

The next morning, you and Soonyoung were woken up by the buzzing of your phones. 

Your makeup was smudged and stamped on the pillow, and you were still in your wedding dress. You scratched your scalp, feeling the bobby pins still tangled in your hair. 

Soonyoung was no better; his shirt was unbuttoned to his belly button, his tie was loosened around his neck, and his hair looked like a bird's nest. He scratched his forehead groggily. Despite sharing the same bed, you both seemed unbothered by it.

You grabbed your phone and saw the company group chat flooded with messages:

“Wow, last night was incredible! Congrats to the newlyweds!”

“I can't believe we all danced that much! My feet are killing me. :')”

“Best wedding party ever! So happy for you guys!”

“My head is pounding, but it was totally worth it. ^^ Cheers to you both!”

“I’m still recovering from all that dancing. What a party!”

“Never thought I’d see the CEO breakdancing. ㅋㅋㅋㅋ”

You couldn't help but smile at the messages, as Soonyoung peeked over your shoulder, a sleepy grin spreading across his face.

“My head hurts,” Soonyoung complains, rubbing his temples.

You adjust the corset of your dress, feeling the tightness around your ribs. "My ribs are squeezed," you grumble, wincing as you try to get comfortable. "I can't believe I slept in this."

He yawns, glancing down at your leg. "You even kept the garter on," he points out, noticing the delicate band still around your thigh.

You crack your neck, feeling the weight of the long night. "Your sister gave it to me, so I put it on," you explain, lifting the voluminous skirt to reveal the bridal garter.

His eyes widen comically. "My sister?! Is there something I don't know?"

You frown at him, a bit confused. "You don’t know about the tradition?"

Soonyoung looks a bit lost, scratching his head. "I mean, it’s my first time getting married."

You sigh, laying back down. "Traditionally, the groom is supposed to take it off when... taking the virginity," you explain, watching his face turn a shade of pink.

His eyes dart around nervously, processing the information. "So... my sister thought I was... a virgin?"

You shrug, teasing, "Probably. Are you?"

He laughs nervously, rubbing the back of his neck. "Definitely not. And you?"

You raise an eyebrow, smirking. "Nope. Sorry to disappoint."

He chuckles, finally relaxing. "Good to know. Not that it matters, but... it's funny to think about how everyone just assumes stuff."

“Are you going to take it off?” you tease, stretching your leg up and wiggling your foot playfully. Your eyes glint mischievously as you watch Soonyoung’s reaction.

He scoffs, but a smile tugs at the corners of his lips. “What, you mean right now?” His eyes flicker to your thigh, then quickly back up to your face, trying to gauge if you’re serious or just messing with him.

You arch an eyebrow, maintaining your playful expression. “Why not? It’s tradition, right? Don’t you want to fulfill your husbandly duties?” You stretch your leg out further, making the garter more visible.

Soonyoung chuckles, shaking his head. “You’re unbelievable,” he mutters, but there’s a sparkle of joy in his eyes. He reaches out hesitantly, his fingers brushing lightly against your thigh. The touch sends a shiver to your skin, and you can’t help but giggle.

“What’s the matter?” you prod, your voice dripping with mock innocence. “You’re not getting cold feet, are you?”

He rolls his eyes, trying to suppress a laugh. “Not at all,” 

You bute your lip as his fingers graze the lacy fabric of the garter. His touch is feather-light, almost ticklish, and you squirm a bit under his hand.

Soonyoung smirks, clearly enjoying your reaction. “You’re squirming,” he notes, his voice low and teasing. “Does that mean you’re nervous?”

You scoff, shaking your head. “Me? Nervous? Please,” you retort, trying to sound confident despite the rapid beating of your heart. “I’m just surprised you’re taking so long. I thought you’d be an expert at this.”

He chuckles, sliding his hand a bit higher up your thigh, his thumb brushing against your skin in slow, deliberate strokes. “Oh, I am,” he replies smoothly. “Just savoring the moment.”

“Well, don’t take too long,” you murmur, your voice softening slightly. “We wouldn’t want to miss out on any other wedding traditions.”

Soonyoung grins, his fingers hooking under the garter. “Right, can’t forget those,” he says, his voice tinged with a hint of naughtiness. 

He gently tugs on the garter, slowly sliding it down your leg, his eyes never leaving yours. 

As he finally slips the garter off, he holds it up triumphantly, a goofy grin on his face. “There, tradition fulfilled,” he declares, waving the garter like a trophy.

You laugh, shaking your head at his antics. “Congratulations,” you say, clapping mockingly. “You’ve successfully removed a piece of elastic lace. Truly, a remarkable achievement.”

He bows dramatically, playing along. “Thank you, thank you,” he says, flashing you a cheeky smile. “It was a tough job, but someone had to do it.”

You can’t help but laugh, the light-hearted banter making the moment feel even more special. Soonyoung’s hand lingers on your leg for a moment longer before he finally lets go.

As Soonyoung gets up, stretching his arms with a yawn, he announces, "I'm going to take a bath." He heads towards the bathroom, closing the door behind him.

You sit up, still feeling the effects of last night's festivities, and shout after him, “Ya! Ladies first!”

From behind the closed door, you hear Soonyoung's laughter echo in the bathroom. “Sorry, didn’t hear you over the sound of me already starting the water!” he calls back, his voice filled with playful defiance.

You shake your head, smiling to yourself. It’s these little moments that make everything feel so natural and easy with him. After a few minutes, you hear the sound of running water stop, and Soonyoung emerges from the bathroom, his hair damp and a towel wrapped around his waist.

“All yours,” he says, grinning. “I left some hot water for you, too.”

You roll your eyes playfully, grabbing your toiletries and heading into the bathroom. The warm water is a welcome relief, washing away the remnants of makeup and the night's events. After a quick shower, you step out feeling slightly more human, though the hangover still lingers.

As you both finish getting ready, the thought of breakfast crosses your mind. However, just the idea of food makes your stomach churn. The hotel's breakfast spread is typically lavish, but today, the thought of greasy bacon and pastries is anything but appetizing.

Soonyoung, dressed in a casual outfit, catches your expression as you look at the food options. “Yeah, not feeling it either,” he says, rubbing his temple. “Let's skip it.”

You nod in agreement, both of you opting for just a coffee to stave off the worst of the hangover. With minimal conversation, you gather your belongings, checking out of the hotel and heading straight to the airport.

But one thing you definitely didn’t expect was Soonyoung falling asleep on your shoulder within the first thirty minutes of the flight. His head rested heavily against you, and his hand, seemingly by accident, was placed on your thigh. 

As he softly snored, you couldn’t help but chuckle at how comfortable he looked. Anyone passing by would probably think you two were an old married couple, so naturally attuned to each other.

His head's weight pressed down on your shoulder, a constant reminder of his presence. Every now and then, you felt him subconsciously moisturizing his lips, a small, almost imperceptible movement that somehow made the moment even more cute.

You glanced at the small TV screen in front of you, trying to focus on the movie playing. It was a romance novel adaptation, the kind with sweeping gestures and grand declarations of love.

Normally, you might have rolled your eyes at the cliché, but with Soonyoung sleeping peacefully beside you, it felt oddly fitting.

As the plane cruised through the sky, you found yourself getting lost in the storyline, occasionally glancing at Soonyoung. His breathing was steady, a gentle rhythm that added to the soothing hum of the plane. 

You shifted slightly, trying to get more comfortable without disturbing him, but his hand tightened instinctively on your thigh, holding you in place. It was a small, protective gesture that made your heart flutter.

What you loved the most was when Soonyoung finally woke up, blinking sleepily and then immediately apologizing. "I'm so sorry," he repeated, his face flushed with embarrassment. You chuckled, assuring him it was okay, that he had every right to rest. He seemed genuinely mortified, even offering, “You can sleep on my shoulder too, I promise.”

You smiled at his earnestness, brushing it off with a light, “Maybe on the way back, then,” as the announcement came that you were about to land.

Once you arrived, Soonyoung was quick to grab the suitcases from the taxi, his efficiency a comfort as you made your way to the hotel's check-in counter.

The concierge’s eyes seemed to linger on you a little too long, his gaze sliding over your sundress and perhaps admiring more than just the attire. 

As you waited for the receptionist, the concierge leaned casually on the counter, offering a friendly, yet slightly flirtatious, smile.

“First time here, ma’am?” he asked, his tone smooth and inviting.

“Well, yes...” you replied, keeping your voice polite but detached. You could feel the weight of his attention and tried to subtly stretch your hand, making sure the gold ring on your finger was clearly visible.

The concierge didn’t seem to get the hint, or perhaps he chose to ignore it. “You’re in for a treat. We’ve got some wonderful spots for—”

Before he could continue, you felt Soonyoung's presence behind you, a comforting warmth at your back. His body pressed lightly against yours, a subtle yet possessive gesture that didn’t go unnoticed. His hand slipped around your waist, resting just below your belly, the touch gentle but unmistakably protective.

He leaned in close, his breath warm against your ear. “Everything alright?” he murmured, his voice carrying a hint of curiosity and a subtle edge.

You could almost feel the shift in the air. The concierge straightened up, his expression flickering between surprise and a polite smile. “Oh, just making sure your stay is perfect,” he said, his tone now more professional, eyes darting between you and Soonyoung.

“Thank you,” Soonyoung replied, his voice steady. His hand didn’t move from its spot on your belly, and the slight squeeze he gave was enough to send a clear message. You leaned back into him, feeling a rush of warmth at his silent claim.

The receptionist finally returned with your room keys, handing them over with a bright, “Welcome to our hotel! We hope you enjoy your stay.” With the keys in hand, you and Soonyoung made your way to the elevator.

As the doors closed, sealing you both from the world outside, you turned to Soonyoung with a smirk. “Looks like someone’s a little possessive.”

He grinned back, a playful glint in his eyes. “Just making sure everyone knows you’re taken.”

You tease him back with a playful smirk. “Well, it’s just a business marriage. You shouldn’t worry about stuff like that,” you say, your tone light and slightly mocking.

Soonyoung scoffs, turning his gaze to the side with a dramatic sigh. “You’re such an idiot,” he mocks, a hint of a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

“An idiot, hm?” you counter, crossing your arms with a smirk. “Well, I’m an idiot you agreed to marry, so I guess that makes you twice the fool.”

He raises an eyebrow, a teasing glint in his eyes. “Sharp tongue of yours, huh?”

You nod, feigning innocence. “What can I say? I’ve had years of practice.”

Soonyoung leans in closer, lowering his voice to a conspiratorial whisper. “You know, it’s a shame. I was really looking forward to giving you something special once we got to our hotel room.”

Your curiosity piques immediately. “Something special? Like what?”

He grins, clearly enjoying your reaction. “Oh, just something that’ll make you remember tonight.”

You raise an eyebrow, trying to gauge his meaning. “Something that’ll make me remember tonight, huh? Care to elaborate?”

Soonyoung chuckles, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “Oh, I think you already know what I’m talking about.”

You narrow your eyes, playfully challenging him. “Do I? Because you’re being awfully vague.”

He leans back, enjoying the game. “Well, I guess you’ll just have to wait and see.”

The teasing glint in his eyes only fuels your curiosity further. You know exactly what he’s implying, but you play along, eager to hear him say it outright.

“So,” you press, “what is it? Can you give me a hint?”

Soonyoung’s grin widens, clearly relishing the moment. “Let’s just say it’s something that’ll make you very excited. And not just because of the hotel’s decor.”

You roll your eyes, laughing softly. “Alright, alright. I get it. You’re being all mysterious.”

You sulk, trailing behind Soonyoung as he walks down the hallway toward your room. “Tell me, pleeeease,” you plead.

Soonyoung glances back at you with a mischievous smile. “Nope, not telling,” he says, his grin widening as he enjoys your insistence.

When you reach the door, Soonyoung unlocks it and pushes it open, gesturing for you to enter. You walk in, your eyes scanning the room briefly, but your focus quickly returns to Soonyoung. He places the suitcases by the door and then hops onto the bed, sprawling out with a relaxed sigh.

You stay standing by the door, your arms crossed over your chest, giving him a sulky, upset look. 

“So,” Soonyoung says with a defiant glare, “am I forgetting something?”

You pout, trying to look as curious and frustrated as possible. “You’ve got me curious,” you admit, your eyes wide.

He laughs, brushing his hand through his hair with a playful sigh. “You’re almost throwing a tantrum over this?”

Soonyoung slides his hand down his abdomen slowly, getting lower and lower, until he's wrapping his fingers around his cock through his white shorts. The outline is clear, thick, and perfectly defined against the fabric.

He gives it a little shake, a sly smile playing on his lips as he watches your reaction.

You stare at him in shock, your knees almost giving way as you take in the sight. Your mouth opens slightly, but no words come out as you struggle to process what you're seeing.

Soonyoung’s smile widens, clearly enjoying the effect he’s having on you. “Are you surprised?”

He chuckles softly, clearly pleased with your reaction. “Well, I figured it was time to give you a little hint,” he says, his hand still resting casually on his bulge. “So, do you think you’re ready to find out what else I have in store for tonight?”

You stammer, unable to look away from the outline of his cock pressed against the fabric of his shorts. “Do we have to wait until nightfall?”

Soonyoung licks his lips, his gaze never leaving you. “Oh,” he drawls, “but you have to walk properly tonight, so we can go to the restaurant.”

Your eyes darken, a fire igniting within you. “You think I can’t handle all of this inside?” 

He raises an eyebrows. “You shouldn’t,” he says, his voice dripping with devilishness. “It’s just a business wedding, after all.”

You narrow your eyes at him. “Just a business wedding, huh? You really want to test me?”

Soonyoung chuckles, clearly enjoying the playful back-and-forth. “That’s right. Let’s see if you can keep your composure while we enjoy a nice dinner.”

You take a deep breath, feeling a rush of adrenaline. “Challenge accepted,” 

You’ve never been so turned on by someone’s mere presence before. The entire city tour was a cruel game of torture, all at Soonyoung’s hands. 

In the taxi, his hand had wandered to your nude thigh, brushing against your skin like a feather. The way his fingers lightly caressed your inner leg made your heart race and your breath catch. 

At the restaurant, the casual caresses continued. His leg pressed against yours under the table, his touch lingering just a moment longer than necessary.

The warmth of his skin against yours, the way he would occasionally let his knee slide up your thigh—each movement was like an electric current surging through you, leaving you squirming in your seat.

Walking through the jewelry fair was an exercise in restraint. As you admired the sparkling displays, Soonyoung’s hands kept drifting to the exposed skin of your back. His touch was light, almost playful, but each graze against your bare skin made you shiver with need. 

You could barely focus on the dazzling jewels in front of you; your mind was consumed with the need for him.

By the time you were back in the elevator, you felt like you were on the edge of losing control. You could feel his eyes on you, sharp and hungry, as you pressed yourself against the wall. 

You turned your face away, but you couldn’t hide the truth from him. Your nipples, straining against your dress, betrayed your arousal. Your legs, pressed tightly together, were a clear sign of your desperation. Even your unsteady breaths gave you away.

When you finally arrived at the hotel room, you barely made it inside before your desperation took over. 

You throw him against the wall, hands planted firmly on his chest. The sound reverberates through the room, probably making the neighbors wonder what the hell is going on. His usually small eyes are wide, staring at you flaggerblasted. 

Your breath mingles with his as you lean in, letting your lips barely graze his. Your voice comes out breathy, almost desperate, “Please. Stop teasing me.”

For a moment, he's stunned, caught off guard by the whininess in your voice and the look on your face—like you might break if he doesn't give you what you need right now.

It's a twisted scenario, considering you're his childhood friend turned wife is standing before him with an expression that borders on agony—an agony only he can alleviate.

For a moment, he looks like he might laugh, but he knows he's on the verge of losing all sense of control, but a part of him relishes the idea. 

“Say it again,” he murmurs. He knows he's playing with fire, but he can't resist the thrill. His lips barely brush against yours, teasing, taunting.

“Soonyoung, I'm going to fucking cry if you don't—”

“Hold it,” he commands,you shudder, your breath hitching as he lifts your dress. And you comply, bunching the fabric in your fists to keep it out of the way. 

His hand slides down the front of your panties, and your head falls back. 

Soonyoung leans in, his lips ghosting over your ear. “You’re so fucking impatient,” he growls. 

His fingers slide through your slick folds, finding you wet and wanting, throbbing everytime he rubs his fat fingers on you. “You’ve never even tasted my cock, and you’re already obsessed, huh?” He presses his thumb against your clit, making you gasp. “You’re such a needy little thing, aren’t you?”

You whimper, your hips bucking against his hand. You can barely think straight. “Please, Soonyoung,” you beg again, your voice cracking.

He chuckles darkly, clearly relishing your desperation. “You want my cock so bad, don't you?” His fingers slide inside you, curling just right, and you cry out. “You want me to fuck you senseless? Make you scream my name?”

“Yes,” you breathe, your voice barely a whisper. The words spill out of you, unfiltered and raw. “I want you to ruin me.”

“You’ve never had anyone fill you up like I will,” he says. “I’m gonna stretch you out so good, baby. You’ll be begging for more, even when you can’t take it.”

The dirty talk, the sheer vulgarity of his words, makes you even wetter. You feel like you're on the verge of losing control, and it's rousing. 

Soonyoung's fingers pump in and out of you, each thrust bringing you closer to the edge. His thumb rubs relentless circles on your clit, and you can feel the tension building, winding tighter and tighter.

“You’re gonna cum on my fingers first,” he whispers. “And then I’m gonna fuck you so hard, you won’t be able to walk straight for days. Is that what you want, baby? To be fucked so good, you can’t even think about anything else?”

“Yes, yes, please,” you pant, your voice high and desperate. You can feel the orgasm building, Soonyoung's touch is all-consuming, driving you wild with every stroke.

“Such a good girl,” he murmurs.“So eager to please. I’m gonna make you feel so fucking good.”

Here and there, Soonyoung is driving you insane with his body affixed to the wall, one strong arm holding your leg up. His wrist swiveling to match his fingers as they explore your weeping cunt and his repetitive rubbing of the areas that cause you to roll your eyes. 

You cry out, gasping as you roll your hips onto his fingers, the orgasm making you forget what would be appropriate at the time. Soonyoung's fingers work you through it, drawing out every last drop of you.

As you come down from the high, you realize you're still clinging to him, fingers deep on his muscular shoulders, your breaths coming in hiccups. Soonyoung pulls his fingers out of you, and you feel a pang of loss.

Your legs feel like jelly, and you can barely stand. Soonyoung catches you, pulling you close. 

Soonyoung's eyes rake over you, his smirk widening as he takes in the sight of your trembling legs. “You're trembling,” he chuckle. His gaze drops to the slick mess between your thighs, and he bites his lip, clearly reveling in the sight. “Better than this... you're literally dripping,” appreciating. 

He lets your leg down, holding you firmly as he guides you back onto the bed. The plush mattress sinks under your weight.

“God forgive me,” he continues, “but if our mothers weren't in that dressing room that day, I would've fucked you right there in the store. With that princess veil of yours... I would've pinned you against the mirror and made you scream my name.”

Your mouth falls open. The image of him taking you into that bridal shop, surrounded by white lace and satin, ​​hitting you like a punch to the gut.

You're not sure what shocks you more: his bold declaration or the way your body reacts to it, growing wetter with every word.

He smirks at your reaction.

“What's the matter, princess? Cat got your tongue?" He teases. His fingers slip under the waistband of your panties, slowly dragging them down your legs. “Or are you just too turned on to speak?"

He's right; you're completely at his mercy, unable to form a coherent thought, let alone a response.

He strips off his shirt, revealing the sculpted lines of his torso, then shucks off his shorts. His erection strains against the fabric of his boxers, and he groans, closing his eyes and tilting his head back as he palms himself.

“I could've fucked you on that altar,” he visualize. "In front of all those guests. Just to show everyone that no matter how arranged this marriage was, you're mine. No one else's.”

He opens his eyes, locking onto yours. “I would've spread you open right there, had you screaming my name, showing them all who you belong to."

His dirty words, the way he claims you with every syllable, makes your head spin.

Soonyoung's hand moves over his bulge, his eyes never leaving yours. “You don't even know how much I've wanted you,” he hisses. “How much I want to fuck you senseless, make you mine in every way.”

He leans over you, his breath hot against your ear. “And tonight, I'm going to do just that. I'm going to fuck you so hard, you'll forget about everyone else. Just me, and this cock inside you, filling you up until you can't think straight.”

You squirm, your body responding to his filthy promises. You can't tear your eyes away from him, your mind racing with the possibilities of what the night holds. 

Soonyoung's fingers brush against the hem of your dress, and you shudder at the contact. “Take it off,” he orders, his voice rough. “I want you naked, spread out on this bed, ready for me.” His eyes bore into yours, and you know he's not just asking—he's demanding. 

You slip your dress over your head, tossing it aside as you finally catch sight of Soonyoung completely naked. His hand moves over his erection, the cockhead glistening with precum. The sight makes you lick your lips.

“Can you—” he starts to ask, but you cut him off, not needing him to finish.

“Yes!” you nearly moan. His eyes darken, a smirk playing on his lips as you drop to your knees in front of him.

You take a moment to appreciate the sight before you. His cock is thick and veined, the head an angry red, glossy with precum. You can almost taste it just from looking.

Tentatively, you lean in and press a soft kiss to the tip, tasting the salty precum on your tongue. It's musky and slightly bitter, but it makes you want to choke on this cock. You swirl your tongue around the head, savoring the taste and the way his breath hitches above you.

Soonyoung's hand tangles in your hair, guiding you closer. “Yes, baby,” he groans, his voice thick with need. “Just like that.”

Encouraged by his reaction, you take him deeper into your mouth, your lips stretching around his girth. The texture of his cock is smooth yet rigid, the veins pulsating against your tongue. You hollow your cheeks, creating a tight seal as you bob your head, taking more of him with each movement.

His hips jerk forward involuntarily, and you hear a strangled moan escape his lips. “Shit, that feels so good,” he pants, his grip on your hair tightening. You look up at him through your lashes, your eyes meeting his. The sight of him looking down at you, his face twisted in pleasure, spurs you on.

You slide your hand up his thigh, wrapping it around the base of his cock to stroke what you can't fit in your mouth. Your other hand cups his balls, gently massaging them as you continue to suck him. 

You hum around his length, sending vibrations through him. He shudders, a deep groan rumbling from his chest. “You're so fucking good at this,” he praises, his voice breathless. “So eager, so perfect.”

You moan around his cock at the praise. You take him deeper, pushing your limits as you feel him hit the back of your throat. You gag slightly but push through, wanting to please him, wanting to show him how much you want this.

“Y/N,” he gasps, his hips bucking forward again. “You're going to make me cum if you keep doing that.”His voice is strained, you don't know if he's warning you or if he's desperate.

You don't let up, doubling your efforts. You suck harder, your tongue swirling around the sensitive head every time you pull back. Your hand continues to pump the base of his cock, matching the rhythm of your mouth. You can feel him throbbing, his cock pulsing with need.

Soonyoung's moans grow louder, more desperate. His breaths come in uneven pants, his body tense with the need for release. “Fuck, Y/N, I'm so close,” he warns, his voice breaking.

You look up at him, your eyes locking with his as you take him even deeper. You want to see him come undone, to watch him lose control because of you. You feel his cock twitch in your mouth, and with one last swirl of your tongue, he lets out a choked moan.

He comes hard, his hips jerking as he spills into your mouth. The taste of his release floods your senses, warm and salty. You swallow every drop, savoring the way he trembles above you. His hand in your hair tightens, holding you in place as he rides out his orgasm.

His hand gently strokes your hair after, a contrast to the rough grip from moments before. You pull back, licking your lips and savoring the last taste of him.

He lifts you up effortlessly, his lips crashing into yours. He doesn't care that his cock was just in your mouth seconds ago or that his cum lingers on your tongue. The taste of himself on your lips makes him moan, the sound vibrating between you.

After a moment, he pulls back, one hand wrapping around your throat, not tight but firm enough to make you feel his presence. His eyes bore into yours, as he licks his sensitive lips.

“You were sucking me so good,” he rasps, “that I almost said ‘I love you’.” 

A laugh bursts out of you, hearty and genuine, and he watches you with a smirk. 

“I swear,” he continues, his tone playful. “if I'd known marrying you would come with benefits like this, I would've done it way sooner.” “I feel like I owe you something after that blowjob,” he says, his voice dropping into a deeper, more sultry tone.

You bite your lip, a dirty thought flashing through your mind, and Soonyoung picks up on it immediately. Soonyoung's gaze narrows, reading the filth in your expression

“What is it? What do you want?” he asks excitedly.

“Can you fuck me… doggy style?” you ask.

“Yes, I can,” The corners of his mouth twitch, barely holding back a grin.

You look up, pretending to be lost in thought, then say, “Can you fuck me in missionary?”

He nods again, biting his lip, his grip on your throat tightening just a little.

“Can you fuck me inside… the shower?” 

He presses you tightly against him, his hand gripping your waist possessively, but your gaze still eating him whole. 

“I can fuck you upside down, sideways, any way you want, baby,” he answers, his voice steady and confident. “Just say the word, and I'll make it happen.”

You moan in response. Too early to say that you're already dumb for his cock?

“Get on all fours and lift that pretty ass for me.”

As you crawl up the bed, you make sure to put on a show. You arch your back, lifting your ass higher, giving Soonyoung the view he wants. You wiggle it a little, teasing him. 

The motion makes your pussy lips part slightly, already slick and ready for him. You can feel his eyes on you, burning with thirst. Without warning, his hand comes down hard on your ass, the sharp sting making you gasp. You let out a yelp. You know that mark will be there tomorrow, like a postmark, like a stamp, like a reminder of this moment, and the thought makes you even wetter.

He moves behind you, the bed dipping under his weight. You feel his hands on your hips, gripping you firmly as he positions himself. You can't help but push back against him, seeking more contact.

“So fucking perfect,” he mutters, running his hands over the curves of your ass, squeezing the flesh and kneading it roughly. He spreads you open, taking in the sight of your wetness.  “Look at how ready you are for me. You're dripping, baby.”

You moan, pushing back against him, desperate for more. “Please, Soonyoung, I need you.”

“Fuck, you sound so desperate,” he taunts, positioning himself behind you. His cock slides against your folds, teasing you, making you whimper. “Beg for it. Beg for my cock.”

“Please, Soonyoung, fuck me,” you whine. “I need your cock inside me, please. I can’t wait any longer.”

He doesn't tease, doesn't make you wait any longer. He thrusts in with one hard, deep stroke, filling you completely. The sudden intrusion makes you cry out, a slight discomfort as your walls stretch around him. But it makes your toes curl. 

“God, you’re so tight,” he groans, gripping your hips as he starts to move. “So fucking tight and wet for me. You feel that? That’s my cock stretching your pussy.”

You moan loudly, the pleasure building with each thrust. “Yes, Soonyoung, I feel it. It feels so good. Fuck me harder.”

He picks up the pace, his hips snapping against yours, the sound of skin slapping skin filling the room. He reaches around, his fingers finding your clit, rubbing it in tight, fast circles. The sudden burst of pleasure makes you gasp, your body jolting.

He pulls back slowly, only to slam back in, setting a rough, punishing rhythm, making you roll your eyes back.

He's so deep, hitting spots you didn't even know existed. Each thrust makes you see stars, and you can't help but moan loudly, not caring if the entire hotel hears you. The stretch, the fullness, it's all so overwhelming, so fucking good.

“Come on,” he urges, voice a low growl. “Cum for me, baby. Let me feel you squeeze this cock.”

It's all too much. The feel of his cock, his fingers on your clit, the dirty words spilling from his lips—it all sends you over the edge. The second orgasm of the night making you feel already exhausted. Your voice hoarse, as you feel yourself sloppier between your legs. 

There's no mercy in his movements; he's fucking you through your high, pushing you beyond your limits. Each time he hits your cervix, a sharp jolt of pleasure-pain ripples through you, making your arms tremble uncontrollably.

You try to hold yourself up, but your strength falters. With a soft cry, your arms give out, and your chest falls against the bed. Soonyoung lets out a low chuckle, a smug grin spreading across his face as he watches you crumble beneath him. Even with your body slack, you're impossibly tight around him, your pussy squeezing him like a vice. 

Soonyoung’s hands grip your hips tightly, holding you in place as he continues to pound into you from behind. You can feel his cock throbbing inside you, stretching you, making your walls clench involuntarily around him. 

He leans over you, his breath hot against your ear, and you can hear the pride in his voice as he coos, “Aww, look at you. So fucking helpless, so fucking wrecked. You can’t even hold yourself up, can you?” 

You can barely muster a response, a breathy whimper escaping your lips as you feel the tears start to stream down your cheeks. It’s an almost incredulous feeling, the tears mixing with the sweat on your face. 

You’ve never been fucked like this before, never been pushed to the brink and then beyond, your body betraying you as it trembles under his control. It’s a raw, visceral experience that leaves you gasping for air, your mind a hazy blur of feel.

Soonyoung notices the tears, and his smirk grows wider. “Look at you, crying for me,” he murmurs, his voice low and husky. “Is it too much, baby? Too fucking good? Love being fucked so hard you can’t even think straight?” 

His hand moves from your hip to your hair, tangling his fingers in it and pulling your head back, forcing you to arch your back even more. The angle shifts, and he hits that perfect spot inside you, making you moan loudly, your voice cracking with the intensity of it all.

“You’re so fucking tight,” he groans, his hips snapping forward with even more force. “God, you’re squeezing me so fucking hard. It’s like your pussy doesn’t want to let me go.” He punctuates his words with deep, hard thrusts that leave you reeling, each one sending a jolt of pleasure-pain through your body.

“So pretty when you cry,” he continues, his tone almost taunting. “I could do this all day, just watch you fall apart on my cock” His words are filthy, degrading, but they ignite something inside you, a desperate need for more. 

The way he speaks to you, the way he claims you with each word and each thrust, is addictive.

You can’t hold back your sobs. “Please,” you manage to choke out, not even sure what you’re begging for anymore. 

More, less, anything—just something to ease the dizzying sensation coursing through you.

He laughs softly, a dark, knowing sound that makes your skin prickle. “Please what, baby? You want me to stop? You want me to fuck you harder?” 

He pulls out almost completely, the emptiness leaving you gasping, and then slams back in with a force that makes your whole body jolt.

“You’re so fucking greedy. Can’t get enough, can you? You want this cock to ruin you, want me to fuck you so good you’ll feel it for days.”

All you can do is moan and sob, your body shuddering with each thrust as he pounds into you. The bed creaks under the force of his movements, it’s dirty, raw, and utterly nasty.

“Gonna make you cum again,” he murmurs, his voice a dark promise. 

And as you feel the tension building inside you again, that familiar coil of pleasure tightening in your belly—you know he’s right.

He lays you gently on the bed, your back sinking into the mattress. Your face, flushed and glistening with sweat, looks completely wrecked, completely exhausted. Soonyoung feels a brief flicker of pity, but it quickly dissipates as you babble out your dirty words, barely coherent but dripping with need. “Please... Soonyoung... more, need you so bad... fuck…”

He smirks, spreading your wobbly legs apart, exposing the slick, swollen mess between them. “You can barely form a sentence, and yet you still want more.”

He slides his cock back inside you, stretching you open once more. 

Soonyoung's thumb finds your clit again, and he begins to work it in slow, light-touch circles. The sensation is maddening, a delicious contrast to the deep, methodical thrusts of his cock. 

He watches your face intently, drinking in every expression, every gasp and whimper."That's it, baby," he coos. “Let me see that pretty face when you cum.”

You can barely keep your eyes open, your body overly sensitive from the previous orgasms, but he doesn't let up.

His other hand moves to your chest, fondling your breast, his fingers pinching and rolling your nipple before sliding up to wrap around your throat. This time, the grip is firm, real, and you can feel the delicious pressure as he chokes you just enough to make your head spin.

He leans in closer, his eyes never leaving your face. 

You cling to him, your arms wrapping tightly around his body, pulling him closer as if you could merge with him, become one. The scent of sweat and skin mingling in the air—it all consumes you. 

Your body is trembling, the tension coiling tighter and tighter in your core, a white-hot band of pressure that threatens to snap. Soonyoung's moans are louder now, but they seem distant, like they're coming from underwater, muffled by the roaring in your ears.

His pace quickens, and you feel yourself losing control, your mind slipping away from the physical world. The room, the bed, even Soonyoung—all of it fades into the background. 

There's only the blinding, all-encompassing pleasure that fills every nerve, every cell in your body. It's like being pulled under a wave, the sensation crashing over you with a force that's almost violent.

Your thighs tremble uncontrollably, and you can feel the muscles in your abdomen clenching, the buildup to your orgasm reaching its peak.

And then, it hits. The climax rips through you, a white-hot explosion that leaves you gasping, the world narrowing down to the blinding sensation of pure, unadulterated pleasure. 

Your back arches off the bed, your mouth opening in a silent scream as your vision goes white. The intensity is mind-numbing, erasing everything else from your mind except the overwhelming euphoria that pulses through you.

Your body shakes with the force of it, your legs quivering, toes curling as the pleasure radiates outward from your core. You can feel the slickness between your thighs, the way your walls flutter and squeeze around Soonyoung, pulling him deeper inside you. 

Soonyoung's name falls from your lips in a choked sob, your voice hoarse and trembling. 

You slowly come back to reality, feeling the weight of Soonyoung's body on top of you, his cum warm and sticky between your bellies.

Soonyoung pants loudly, trying to catch his breath. He lifts his head slightly to look at you, concern flickering in his eyes despite the satisfied smile on his lips. “You okay, wifey?” he asks.

You manage a weak smile, still feeling the aftershocks of your intense orgasm. “I’m okay, hubby,”

His smile widens, and he leans down to press a gentle kiss to your forehead. “Good,” he murmurs. “You were amazing.”

You chuckle softly, the sound a bit strained. “You weren’t too bad yourself,” you tease, your hand coming up to rest on his back, feeling the muscles still taut from effort.

He laughs, the sound rumbling through his chest and vibrating against your own. “Glad I could satisfy my wife on our first night together,” 

“Think we should clean up?” Soonyoung asks after a while.

“Probably,” you agree, though neither of you makes a move to get up just yet. You’re too content, too wrapped up in the warmth and comfort of each other’s presence.

Eventually, with a reluctant sigh, Soonyoung shifts, carefully pulling away from you. The cool air hits your skin, making you shiver slightly. He helps you sit up, his hands gentle and supportive as you both make your way to the bathroom.

The weight of the wedding ring on your finger feels heavier now, more symbolic than ever. It’s not just a piece of jewelry; it’s a constant reminder of the commitment you’ve made and the life you’re building together.

Soonyoung, despite his own exhaustion, is kneeling beside the tub, gently washing you. His focused expression as he works to make sure you’re clean and comfortable. The sight of him, so dedicated and caring, makes your heart swell.

You feel a pang of guilt as you see the tiredness etched on his face, a reminder of how much he’s given for you, both physically and emotionally. Your legs, still trembling from the aftermath of the passion, had given up on you, leaving you reliant on him. The thought of him taking care of you, even in his weariness, makes you feel both grateful and a bit ashamed.

“Hey,” you say softly, reaching out to gently touch his arm. “You don’t have to do this. I can manage on my own.”

Soonyoung looks up at you, his eyes softening as he smiles. “I want to,” he says quietly. “You took care of me earlier, and now it’s my turn to take care of you. Besides, it’s kind of nice, being able to do this for you.”

You look him in the eye and sense the truth in his words. His warm, comforting smile belies the weariness that is evident in the lines on his face. 

[...]

As you and Soonyoung lie together in bed, the room is quiet except for the soft rustling of the sheets and the occasional sigh from either of you. The memories of what just happened still lingers in the air, making both of you feel a bit shy and stunned.

As Soonyoung lays his head on your chest, you can feel the warmth of his breath against your skin. He sighs contentedly, his fingers lightly tracing patterns around your breast. 

“So,” he begins, his voice tinged with both surprise and a hint of playfulness, “when I hinted at what I wanted, I honestly didn’t think you'd go for it. I was kind of... hoping, but also preparing for a rejection.”

You chuckle softly, your fingers running through his hair. “Oh really? And why not?”

“Well, for one, you’re ridiculously hot. I didn’t think you’d be that into it right off the bat.”

You giggle, feeling a rush of confidence. “Oh, come on. Why wouldn’t I? You’re hot, and let’s be honest, you knew exactly what you were doing.”

“Damn, so you think I’m hot, huh? And here I was thinking I’d have to put in a little more effort.” He rises to look at you, but you make him lay again, your cheeks flushed.

“I can’t believe we managed to go from ‘I do’ to ‘Let’s fuck’ in just a few days. We really don’t waste any time, do we?” You say, grinning. 

“Yeah, I guess I underestimated how much I’d resist you, but I knew I was in trouble from the moment we got married… I thought I’d be a strong soldier, holding out a bit longer.”

He hums thinking. 

“I’m surprised I managed to hold out for as long as I did.” he finishes.

You raise an eyebrow, a naughty smile playing on your lips. "Well, I guess you’re not as disciplined as you thought. Seems like you fell for me quicker than you’d like to admit.”

Soonyoung’s eyes sparkle. “You’ve got me completely hooked.”

You let out a dramatic sigh, your hand resting on his cheek. “Poor soldier. Captured by the enemy and all. What will you do now?”

He leans in, brushing his lips against yours in a tender kiss. "I guess I’ll just have to surrender to you completely.”

“Even the strongest can fall. And let’s be real, I’m pretty good at making sure my soldiers surrender.” You shrugged, smirking. 

He bursts into laughter, shaking his head in disbelief. “Damn, you really know how to make a guy feel like a total pushover.”

“I plan on keeping you hooked, you know—well, at least until the next time we have a ‘conversation’ like tonight."

“Well, if this is what marriage looks like, I think I’m going to enjoy every minute of it.”

[kumkaniudaku]

At Last: Part One

Summary: Patrice returns home to celebrate a birthday and a new beginning.

Pairing: Terry Richmond x Black!OC

Word Count: 6.7k

Warnings: None

In a little corner of Wilmington, NC, tucked behind towering Spanish moss trees and sprawling acres of lush green grass, the Habersham family were monarchs on ancestral turf. 

Enslaved Sierra Leonean men and women had tilled this land long before Patrice was a twinkle in her mother and father’s eyes. They hoped, prayed, and danced for a future where babies far down their lineage could have a place to visit for a connection to their love and guidance beyond the physical realm. According to some, their spirits still roamed the fields once holding them captive in great triumph.

Long-held West African customs preserved and passed down over time had transformed into the uniquely rich Gullah culture that still governed the eldest generation of Habershams and their children. While much of the language patterns had been lost, Sybil Habersham-Lewis and her baby sister, Rosalyn, worked tirelessly to keep the family home tidy and traditions alive. 

They never hesitated to tell stories of how their great-grandfather rebuilt the big house with his bare hands to rid his offspring of a torrid legacy from a man he reluctantly called father. They sometimes laughed about how he, a fair-skinned man with green eyes and a mean streak, met and married a slender songstress with blue-black skin within six months of laying eyes on her. Paul and Efua produced eight children in that home. Those eight children created a line of movers and shakers that stretched far and wide. 

One of those movers and shakers stared out of the passenger side window with eyes wide as saucers and a smile that rivaled the sun, watching trees donning brown, red, and orange leaves whiz past on the way to her favorite place in the world. Patrice was itching to get out of the car and kick her shoes off to feel the soft tickle of damp Bermuda grass between her toes. She longed to see her uncle’s horses, eat fresh seafood until her stomach ached, and recap moments in her girlhood with her cousins. She couldn’t wait to kiss Nana's face 95 times for her 95th birthday. She needed to smell the blue hydrangeas in her auntie’s garden. She needed to be home.

Terry stole glances at Patrice, finding joy in her enthusiasm. She hadn’t slept a wink the night before or in the nearly two-hour ride from Fayetteville. He knew she’d tucker out eventually, but seeing her brimming with unbridled happiness made his heart swell. 

“God, I hope my auntie made okra. Oooh and crab cakes. I haven’t had any in so long!”

Terry listened to the way her accent slurred and shortened words in rapid succession with a smile. “I don’t know if I’ll be able to understand you by the end of the weekend.” 

“You’ll be lucky to keep up past tonight.” she laughed. "My granny ‘dem Geechee tuh de bone."

“Y’all make everything sound like music. I like it.” 

“If you tell Moon Pie that, she might try to take you from me.” 

“You gon’ let her?” 

“Hell nah. I’ll whoop her ass. She ain’t crazy.” 

The thought of having to put hands on her cousin behind her man made Patrice scowl while Terry let off a loud, shoulder-shaking cackle. Though she was serious as a heart attack, she laughed along with him to release the tension building in her muscles. 

Terry reached across the center console to gently rub her arm before playfully caressing her chin to pull a smile from her lips. 

“No way I’d let you fight as pretty as you are. Plus, we’re celebrating all weekend. If you aren’t smiling from tonight ‘til Sunday, I didn’t do my job.” 

Patrice’s mouth twisted into a suspicious smirk. “And what’s your job? You know, if someone were to ask for a friend.”

“Keeping you happy.” His cheeky quip made her eyes roll as she kissed her teeth. 

For over a week Terry had been tight lipped about something Patrice couldn’t put her finger on. She’d tried to catch him in a fib or make him slip up and share whatever details existed behind hushed calls and unmarked deliveries. But, Terry was notorious for keeping secrets under lock and key. Whatever he was planning would sneak up on her like a thief in the night. 

“You nervous to meet everyone?” Patrice questioned to change the subject.

“Nah, I’m good.” He cut his eyes in Patrice’s direction and smiled when he found her already eying him skeptically. “Think I’m lying?” 

“Yeah, I think you’re full of shit. Either that or you’re truly unaware of how crazy my folks are. No way you aren’t a little concerned.” 

He shrugged. “I’m not too worried. I love you, so I know I’ll love them. We’ll figure out the parts in the middle.” 

Everything Terry knew about Patrice, in his mind, was a beautiful amalgamation of those who had a hand in raising her into the woman she’d grown into. He knew her mother and how the two shared the same heart for community service. From her father, she’d inherited an uncanny ability to stop a whole room from speaking with only a raised eyebrow. Though he’d only heard stories of her grandmother, he could tell that her independent nature was a founding feature. And, if those things could make his heart turn flips with one look across a crowded room, he’d have no trouble making space for his bonus family. 

Patrice tried to formulate a counterpunch to Terry’s levelheaded assessment of the situation but had a change of heart as smooth asphalt transitioned into the familiar crunch of gravel beneath her car’s tires. 

Black iron gates adorned with an ornate H were pulled open, giving anyone casually walking by a peak into an almost mythical land. Terry’s eyes darted from place to place, lingering on the hanging moss trees lining their path, then on the children gleefully chasing each other through fallen leaves around a small white gazebo, before landing on a magnificent wrap-around porch serving as a gathering spot for elder men taking inventory of fishing equipment for an early morning trip to catch the evening’s meal. The Big House, as Patrice affectionately called it, was a modern marvel, an oasis for every hue of black man, woman, and child with Habersham blood in their veins to feel like they were somebody in an otherwise cruel world. 

“Beautiful, ain’t it? Auntie did her thing with the last renovation.” Patrice asked, beaming as she started to unbuckle her seatbelt.

“Incredible. Is this al-” 

Whatever was left of Terry’s awe-inspired sentence was swept into the wind as Patrice hopped from the passenger seat and onto the concrete driveway before the car could come to a full stop. 

Like a child finally released from the confines of their classroom onto the playground for 30 minutes of recess freedom, she hit the ground in a slight jog to greet a woman about her age skipping down the porch steps to meet her halfway. 

“Imani,” Patrice hollered, her arms already outstretched in anticipation of a hug. 

Imani called her name back with equal excitement until the two women were joined in a tight embrace. Terry watched from afar, a warm smile tugging his lips to one side as he shut off the engine and exited the vehicle. 

The two women rocked side to side until they’d had their fill of one another. Imani pulled away first to get a look at her favorite baby cousin. 

“My girlfrieeend,” she sang, imitating the theme song from the only show they watched for a full summer in their teens. “You look so good. The skin, the hair, the body! It’s all working right now.” 

“Me? Look at you! I know for a fact this caftan is from like Paris or Bali or somewhere crazy.” 

“Oh you know, just a little somethin’ custom from London. Not too much, not too much.” 

“How you stand it there with that nasty looking food is beyond me, girl.” 

Imani laughed. “That’s for them other folks. People that look like us know where to get a good meal. You oughta come see me sometime. Book a flight and let me worry about the rest.” 

“Next summer?” 

“I’ll throw it on my calendar. Bring Mister Man, too.” 

Patrice didn’t need to turn around to know that Terry had made his presence known. She could feel the warmth of his hand on her lower back as he joined her side. 

If he hadn’t known her for nearly two decades, Terry would have easily gotten Patrice and Imani confused. Both women wore glowing deep dark skin like a badge of honor, soaking up rays of sun and reflecting them in the way that only ethereal beings could. Wide noses and plump, pink and brown lips complimented impossibly high cheekbones. Beauty marks at the corners of opposite eyes might possibly be a tell-tale sign if one could fight being lulled into a trance by the sheer grace they both possessed. The only difference was Imani’s slight height advantage and low, ash blonde haircut.

“Wow,” he whispered, the words catching him by surprise. He shook his head in embarrassment. “I’m sorry. I just - y’all are damn near twins.” 

“Don’t I know it,” they spoke in unison. 

Patrice took over after a chuckle. “They used to call us Frick and Frack. Mostly because they couldn’t always tell who was who.”

“Which Petey over here never wanted to use to our advantage.” 

“Petey?” Terry questioned. 

“Wait, she never told you her nic-” 

“And, that’s enough,” Patrice hollered, purposely eclipsing Imani’s voice to keep her cousin from going further. “Terrence, this Imani. Imani this is Terrence, my man.” 

Terry could feel a bolt of lightning surge through his body as he reached out to shake Imani’s hand. Truthfully, he wasn’t sure what Patrice might call him in a simple introduction. He’d always given her a treasure trove of titles - his lady, the love of his life, maybe his wife one day if the Lord willed it so. He’d introduced her so much that they never explored how the inverse would work. But hearing himself be proudly referred to as her’s was a shock to the system that he hadn’t prepared for but welcomed all the same. 

Imani waved his outstretched hand away and pulled him in for a hug. “Boy, we family. Come here and get this squeeze.”

Like an old friend, Imani pulled Terry into a welcoming hug. Patrice looked on with a silent thanks to God. If what she knew of her cousin still held weight, they’d be fast friends and thick as thieves by the end of the weekend. 

Pulling away, she lightly tapped his chest and looked at Patrice. “I can’t believe I finally get to meet Terry Richmond in person. You’re basically her Nelly!” she laughed, recalling Patrice’s near obsession with St. Louis and their hometown hero after Hot in Herre debuted. Patrice rolled her eyes while Terry and Imani held on to each other through loud laughter.

“Got damn, Moanie, hold ‘em hostage why don’t you! You ain’t the only person they know ‘round here.” 

“Hey, Daddy!” 

“Hey, Baby Girl!”

The perfectly timed distraction took Patrice’s attention away long enough for the newest tandem to exchange hushed conversation.

“Yeah, but I’m the best!” Imani hollered back before winking at Terry and Patrice. “Go on. I’ll have the boys get y’all’s stuff. Make sure you get to the kitchen. Think Mama’s got some pound cake cut for you.”

The mention of other family members awaiting their arrival was a quick reminder that Terry had barely scratched the surface of new faces and connections. Every direction he turned presented another opportunity to be pulled into a spirited handshake or warm hug. 

With the men in her life, he was immediately received with masculine equivalents of praise for his physical form.

“Son, you look like ya 'bout tuh buss out dat shirt 'round ya arms. Petey, you don’t have to worry ‘bout no protection, huh?” was Uncle PJ’s way of saying he was confident in Terry’s ability to keep Patrice safe. 

“You comin’ out fishin’? Country boy like you probably catch catfish with your bare hands!” 

“Where you from?”

“Where your people from?” 

“They white? How you get them green eyes?”

“You got kids? You sure?” 

“You know you got some ears on you, don’t ya!”

Patrice’s father, Leon, interjected to save Terry from an increasingly invasive dive into his personal history. “Don’t answer none of that. But I would like you to come out on the water with us. Have a beer or two so we can finish that conversation from the other week.” 

“Y’all talking about me behind my back?” 

“Hell, I do,” Junior laughed. “She aggravating, bruh. You can say it. Go ‘head.”

“You better not.” 

Patrice playfully poked a perfectly manicured finger into Terry’s chest to force his silence, earning a chaste kiss on the forehead. Junior scoffed and sipped from his half-empty bottle of water.

“T, you grown now. Your big ass don’t have to let her boss you no more.” 

“That’s my favorite part,” Terry answered, finally speaking up for himself. “She sweet when she wanna be.”

“I ain’t seen it.”

“Because I don’t like you, Junior. How many times do we have to go over this?”

Terry tried to contain his wide grin from watching the siblings bicker like old times. He’d been in the middle of many a verbal tussle between them, always stepping in as the voice of reason. He still held the role of peacemaker all these years later. 

“She loves you, man. Still keeps your room up and everything.” 

Leon shook his head at his children’s antics. “Good thing you here. I couldn’t take that shit this weekend.” He pointed at the passenger seat of his truck and the open lunch box resting in it. “So, you comin’. Got food for you if you wanna ride.” 

“Uh, yeah,” Terry started before looking toward the house at the small audience of women crowding at the kitchen window. They scattered when he caught their gaze, making him laugh at the ridiculousness of the whole thing. “Give us a few minutes. I think there’s some people inside I gotta meet first.” 

“Good luck, man. I would say you got five minutes but we both know that ain’t happening. We’ll wait a bit.”

With one trial by fire ending, another began. In their short walk to the front porch, Patrice had given Terry opportunities to gracefully bow out of the incoming circus and take her father’s invitation as a get out of hell free card. He’d refused every effort with a kind smile and unfounded reassurance that everything would be okay. In his mind, he’d hug a few necks, kiss a few cheeks, and be out of dodge before anyone could hold him long. 

Stepping into the home’s foyer felt like being in a museum. Photos of Habersham descendants living and passed on to Glory lined the hallway as a reminder of their history on this land. Eyes that carried an array of stories looked back at him, leaving goosebumps across his arms. Especially once he landed on a young woman with a familiar half-smile encased behind an antique picture frame. 

Patrice noticed him stop short to give the photo his full attention. 

“My great-great-great grandma,” she informed, adding extra emphasis on the final ‘great’. “Efua. Nana says she was barely bigger than the kids but ran this place with an iron fist. I believe it. She look like she don’t play.” 

“She looks kinda like you and Imani.” 

Patrice tilted her head to get a better look. “Hm. I guess you’re right.”

Clamoring in the kitchen pulled them away from Efua’s watchful eye and around the corner for their grand entrance. 

Women of every age, size, and shape filled the room from wall to wall, each one participating in the cooking process. On one side, a small group of teenagers huddled to inspect bushels of greens for bugs and cut them in preparation for a proper wash. On the other, small girls shelled black-eyed peas and giggled amongst themselves over TikTok videos. But in the center of the room, where spices and fresh ingredients intermingled for an almost intoxicating aroma and conversation was the loudest, all of the cornerstones of the family gathered to share gossip and wisdom alike. 

Terry’s appearance, tall and muscled with a winning smile to match, sent a hush over even the loudest woman present. 

“Oh God,” Patrice mumbled to herself, preemptively embarrassed by the storm she knew was sure to follow. 

Someone whistled. Then came a low “mm-mm-mm” from an auntie fighting hard to contain herself. Terry let every sound and look fuel his ego for just a few seconds before speaking. 

“Hey, ladies.” 

“Hey, Terry.” 

Every voice greeted him in unison like the Angels speaking to Charlie over that old speakerphone. Patrice screwed her face and pinched his shoulder. He’d been given strict instructions the night before, but being in the moment called for an audible that immediately made him a shiny new toy to be paraded.

Before he could have any say so, Patrice’s mother was ushering him around for every aunt and cousin to say a personal hello. He charmed each woman who met his acquaintance like a seasoned politician. If nothing else, they could all hang on to the memory of meeting the long-fabled Terrence Richmond. 

But, for all the pomp and circumstance, every breath hitched once Rosalyn led Terry to matriarch. 

She wore 95 years on Earth well. Chestnut skin covered in beauty marks crinkled around her eyes as she smiled back at him. Even as she sat in her wheelchair more slight and fragile than Patrice remembered, Terry could see her inner strength shining through.

Patrice watched her mother lean down and speak something into her grandmother’s ear before directing Terry to crouch down to eye level. He did as he was told, gingerly capturing her much smaller hands in his. 

“Hi, Ms. Ida. I’m so happy to finally meet you. My name is Terrence.” 

The softness in his voice ignited a chorus of heartwarming sentiments from every corner. Patrice had become so enraptured in the meeting she never thought would happen that she nearly missed her mother directing her to join Terry’s side. 

Ida didn’t say much back to him. Instead, she slid her hand from his grasp and traced her fingertips along the perimeter of his face. She examined him from all angles with a nostalgic look in her gaze. Terry tried not to let confusion come through in his expression, but Rosalyn caught the sliver of uncertainty. 

“You remind her of somebody close, that’s all. Same eyes.” 

He’d inadvertently sent her back to her childhood, bringing back memories so deep in her mind she thought she might never get them back. Even with slightly darker skin and broader features than Paul could boast back then, Ida still saw him clear as day. And that, all those years later, made her feel more alive than ever on her 95th birthday.

Ida tapped his jaw lightly and laughed. “Mhm. Petey, this him?” 

Finally joining Terry’s side, Patrice mimicked him and knelt by her grandmother’s feet. 

“Yes ma’am. He wanted to be here for your birthday.” 

“Nice looking boy, ain’t he?” 

Patrice giggled. “He cute, I guess. I heard he got you a gift for tonight, but he won’t tell me what it is. Can you believe it?”

“Well, hell, this all the gift I need. Give me anything else and I might not make it to 96!” 

“Mama!” 

Sybil hated when her mother made jokes about death, but Terry couldn’t help but laugh. He wanted to joke with her, see what else she might say knowing that no one in the house could tell her what to do, but the loud blast of a car horn in the front yard reminded him that he’d made a prior commitment. 

Gently, he squeezed her knee and spoke loud enough for her to hear. “Now, I go gotta go catch you somethin’ for tonight. You gon’ be here when I’m back?” 

“Oh yeah,” she answered, reinvigorated and saucy like her younger self. “I’ll be dressed up real nice too. Might leave here with two gals on your arm.” 

“You know I never been the sharing type, Nana.” 

Ida smiled at Patrice, nodding in approval. “That’s my girl. Keep that up.”

A second and longer beep let Terry know that time was running out. He quickly bid the group farewell, ending on Patrice with a simple kiss on the cheek and a promise to be back soon. 

While she became swept up in a whirlwind of who, what, when, and where, Rosalyn and Sybil slipped away to speak with Terry on his way out of the door. He’d become the center of attention, even long after his scent had faded. 

“Is he the one from high school?” 

“What’s he like?” 

“Is he always this nice?” 

“Y’all shackin’ up?” 

“When y’all getting married? What about kids?”

More questions, more prying, more assumptions than she could handle. Short, vague answers weren’t enough for them. They wanted the full scoop from the young lady they once knew as a shy girl who only focused on her studies. 

Patrice answered every question with enough detail to satiate their curiosity and maintain some level of privacy in her relationship. For a moment, that was enough. They’d unveiled the mystery of Petey’s other life and could move on to more pressing matters.

They quickly shifted to discussions of other people’s business. Who’d had a baby? Who was divorcing? Who’s kids were raising hell in the community? They took a winding road filled with chats about celebrity news and politics, nonsense about music, and, Patrice’s personal favorite, the old days. 

Those chats, full of lore and laughter, always took place in Nana’s parlor. A room covered in powder pink wallpaper and situated in the corner of the home where natural sunlight welcomed any guests that had the privilege of visiting. 

The older women sat side by side, crammed on expensive armchairs and soft couches, to convene at their leisure. Patrice stood by her favorite spot beside the window with Imani sitting on her right and her grandmother positioned in front of her. On her left stood a small table holding hair grease, a fine-toothed comb, and duck bill clips to help her pincurl Ida’s shoulder length silver hair. Her favorite pastime. 

“Everyone of y’all was bad,” Sybil laughed, referring to the crop of children that came up with Patrice. “Y’all came here every summer acting a damn fool.” 

“Not me and Petey!”

“Especially you and Petey. The worst of the bunch. Just sneaky and sassy!” 

“I don’t know what you talkin’ about. All I did was read and sit up under Nana.” 

Patrice’s highly inaccurate recollection of her time in the country every year made Ida laugh in her wheelchair. “Don’t let ‘em lie on you. I never saw my baby gettin’ in no trouble.” 

“Oh yeah right!” Sybil exclaimed. “Ros, wasn’t you there when these two let all the chickens out and had us chasin’ them ‘round out back.” 

“Sure was. They had all the grown folk out there huffin’, puffin’, and ‘bout to blow the house down!” 

The room fell into laughter watching Sybil imitate the group of adults fighting to capture livestock. Patrice remembered that afternoon and tried to defend their actions. 

“Okay, that is true, but I remember that being your daughter’s idea. I was only helping my sis.” 

Imani shrugged and sat back in her seat. “You raised an activist. Those animals were in captivity.” 

“Moanie, you eat meat,” Moon Pie commented. 

“I never said they didn’t taste good. I said we were holding them captive. The circle of life is different. Now let’s talk about how Moon had us sittin’ at the eating table all night because she wouldn’t finish her Frogmore stew thinkin’ there were real frogs in it.”

“Heaven forbid a girl need proof!” 

More laughter. The kind of laughter that healed deep emotional wounds. The kind that seeped into the walls, keeping the home full of love and light. The kind that made Patrice happy to not only be home but to share a piece of her heart with the man she loved. 

While she wished he could hear the silly stories and witness the exaggerated retellings, Terry was fidgeting with his fingers as he waited for Patrice’s father to meet him at the back of his truck. 

Across the way, the other men sat in small clusters, chatting their way through a midafternoon lunch break. As much as he wanted to talk shop with them about the fate of the Carolina Panthers, there was a more meaningful matter on the table. 

Leon grunted as he closed the driver’s side door and rounded the truck’s cab. “Let that down, will you?”

Terry sprung into action quicker than he meant to, nervousness making him move at hyperspeed. Leon laughed and lifted himself onto the truck bed before handing over a small cooler. 

“Grab whatever you like. We got plenty.” 

“Thank you, sir.” 

“Just Leon. Kinda weird to call your father-in-law sir, ain’t it? Plus that’s that fool’s name over there and he ain’t worth a damn. Lazy sumbitch.” 

“I got you. Won’t happen again,” Terry chuckled as he pulled a piece off of his turkey sandwich and popped it into his mouth. They sat in silence for a few moments to enjoy the sound of nature around them until he reignited the conversation. “I appreciate y’all agreeing to all this. Especially so quickly. I hope things don’t feel rushed.”

“You ain’t doin’ nothin’ I wouldn’t want for my girl. She need somebody willing to go above and beyond for her. I know you always have and I don’t see you slowin’ down no time soon.” 

Terry nodded, smiling. “Couldn’t if I tried.”

“I know. Moanie got the ring, right?” 

“Yeah. We worked it all out a couple weeks ago. She’s hiding it for me and keeping Treece distracted. You know she’s nosey.”

“Her mama said to call it inquisitive.” 

“Hm. Inquisitive, huh?”

They looked at each other and spoke at the same time. “Nosey.”

“That’s her,” Leon remarked. “Time’s flyin’, ain’t it? I remember when it looked like you was drowning in your clothes. Now look at you. Big as a damn tank. What they feed y’all in the Corps?” 

“Shit, nothing but slop and a hard time seasoned with a dash of casual racism from some crazy white boy outta one of the Dakotas every once in a while.”

Their shared laughter disturbed a cluster of nearby birds, making the rest of the men look in their direction. Sir threw his hands up in the air. 

“Well, damn, Leon. Gone ‘head and fuck up the catch!” 

“Or I can fuck you up instead.” He looked over at Terry struggling to keep his face neutral and shook his head. “I can’t stand his ass. Or his daughter. Or his wife. All of ‘em get on my nerves. C’mon, so we can finish up.”

As high noon gave way to early evening and the sleepiness of fall pushed the sun into the west earlier than usual, Imani and Patrice sat alone in one of the guest rooms engrossed in conversation. 

Imani was the only sister Patrice had ever known. It didn’t matter what portion of the world they occupied or how long it’d been since they last talked, they always picked up right where they left off when they were reunited. 

Patrice focused on the vanity mirror to examine Imani’s careful twists and twirls to place her thick natural hair into bantu knots.

“You think I can grow my hair out like this by January? I’m going to Ghana and I wanna switch it up a little bit.” 

“Of course. Manifest it, my sister!” 

Imani laughed as she parted out another section. “If I ever need somebody to follow up my foolishness, I know I can count on you.” 

“What Whitney said on the Waiting to Exhale soundtrack?” 

Together, they broke into song, harmonizing to breathe life into the final track from one of their favorite movie soundtracks. Imani hugged her cousin from behind and kissed her cheek. 

“I love you, girl. I miss you so much. It gets so lonely being away from home all the time.” 

“I love you, too. Life be life-ing, don’t it?” 

“All the time. I gotta make my way out to Fayetteville and spend more time with y’all. Maybe learn some more about Mister Man.” Patrice tried to hide her bashful smile, making Imani squeal behind her. “So…tell me about Terry. I know you said something downstairs but I wanna know the real scoop.” 

Patrice sighed at the mere thought of their romance. “The way I love that man, girl, I can’t even explain it. I feel like I’m going crazy.” 

“Oooooh! Swept you clean off your feet, huh?” 

“Threw me over his shoulder and hasn’t put me down since. Never in a million years did I expect to end up here with him. I mean I hoped for it, but to be here is mind-blowing. He’s so sweet, Moanie. So, gentle. Kind. More affectionate than I think I was ready for. I don’t know. I’m just in love. I’m happy.” 

“It’s all over you. I see the glow.” 

“Well, that’s from other things,” she added, a cheeky grin spreading across her face.

“Not the choir boy!” 

“Please, don’t let him fool you. Can’t keep him off me or keep his mouth closed when he gets to talking.”

Their shared laughter spilling out into the hallway became a beacon of their location for Terry as he dragged his tired legs up the stairs in search of Patrice.

His knuckles rapping against the closed bedroom door halted the private conversation until they gave him permission to enter. He slowly pushed the door open before poking his head into the room. 

“Everybody decent?” 

“Mhmm. Come on in.” Imani invited over her shoulder. She looked back at Patrice through the mirror as her cousin adjusted her clothing and sat up a little straighter in anticipation of Terry’s avalanche of affection. 

His eyes seemed to close beyond seeing clearly from the sheer force of his smile. 

“Hey, pretty.” 

“Hey, love. You have fun?” 

Terry released a dry chuckle. “Yeah. A real hoot.” 

Imani watched the young couple flirt back and forth, her hand outstretched to pass a small black velvet box from a drawer in her vanity to Terry while he kept Patrice occupied with short kisses. He secured it in one of his cargo pockets before pulling away. 

“You stink,” Patriced joked, half lying.

“I know. I still have some set-up work to do, so I’ll bring your stuff. Don’t want you to get behind on account of me.” 

“Thank you, baby. You’re so sweet.” 

Patrice captured his chin with her fingers and pulled him closer for another kiss. 

Terry lifted an eyebrow in concern. “You sick?” 

“No. I just love you.”

“I love you, too.” He couldn’t take his eyes off of her. The way she softened her gaze to scan his face. The way the gloss on her lips caught the sun. The way every one of her perfect features was on display with her hair pulled up and away from her face. He’d never been more confident in a decision in his life and, if not for the promise he’d made to half of her immediate family, he would’ve done what he drove all the way out to Wilmington for right then and there.

Knowing time was of the essence, Imani cleared her throat and gave Terry a look to urge him along behind Patrice’s back. 

“Well, Terry, think you oughta get down there and set up a table or something, right!”

Snapping out of his trance, Terry stood to his full height to look down at Patrice. “Yeah, you're right. See you a little later?” 

“It’s a date.”

He wanted to give her one more kiss to take with him, but a final reminder for him to scram was the catalyst to push Terry out of the room and leave the ladies to readying for the evening. 

She was all he could think about as he toiled away setting up tents and placing tables exactly how Rosalyn wanted them, sometimes several times over. Even as he casually sipped strong moonshine with Junior and the younger men under lantern light, all dressed in his most pristine white to fit strict instructions, he thought about Patrice and what might look like in the dress she’d chosen. He needed to see her.

His hands were sweating inside of his pockets. He casually caressed the velvet of that small black box, occasionally flipping it open to touch the cold metal inside. Time moved painfully slow. Hunger gnawed at his empty stomach. His mother’s constant phone calls for updates and reassurance didn’t help. Nervousness made his chest hot with anxiety. 

“You gon’ be alright,” Rosalyn assured while adjusting his collar on one of her many trips around the backyard to adjust the tablescape. “Breathe. Won’t be too much longer.”

He thanked her for her kindness and prayed she was right. Or he prayed for the dream he’d written down on a random Tuesday in his creative writing journal to come true. He wasn’t sure anymore. But, when he opened his eyes and lifted his head to check that sliding glass door for the umpteenth time, there she stood amongst the Habersham women as they escorted the guest of honor arm in arm. 

Angelic was the only way he could describe her. Cosmically beautifully and capable of bringing the strongest man to his knees just by batting those long lashes. A toothy grin helped him bare each one of his teeth as he watched her saunter down the decorated pathway to the event tent with Imani in tow. 

“Happy Birthday to you,” the group sang once Ida and all her ladies had made it to the long communal table packed to the brim with food and decorations. 

They serenaded the woman responsible for much of their existence until their faces ached from the singing. She bobbed her head along to the song with a smile on her face then quieted their loud applause with a simple wave of her hand. 

“Ninety-five of those and you’d think I’d be used to it by now,” she laughed. “Thank you. Each of y’all are beautiful. Young and strong. Blood of my blood and I’m glad to have you here with me. Even the ones who just came along to spend some time with an old lady. I love you. Eat, drink, and dance ‘til you bust out your clothes. That’s alright with me! We got a lot to celebrate.”

Teary-eyed and full of gratitude, Patrice reunited with Terry at the dinner table as soon as she ensured her grandmother was comfortable. He worldlessly dabbed at her waterline with his thumb and kissed the top of her head. 

“You okay? Need to step inside for a second?” 

“No,” she answered, laughing at herself for her dramatics. “I’m just really happy. C’mon. Let’s eat.”

Eat, drink, and be merry had a whole new meaning under the soft, warm light wrapping variations of black skin in its embrace. Loud pockets of conversation and laughter made for a melodious cacophony of sounds while music played in the background. 

Patrice clung to Terry the entire time, always staying connected by a hand on his thigh or their fingers laced together beneath the table. Every once in a while, they’d break from separate conversations and catch each other’s eye and smile like schoolyard crushes sitting at the lunch table together. 

The romance in the air between them was palpable enough for Imani to pull out her phone and covertly shoot Terry a quick text. 

Dessert’s out. Do it now or they’re gonna start dancing. 

Now?

NOW!

Terry eyed Imani across the table. She urged him to do something with a sideways nod. He chewed his lip and fiddled with the box in his pocket. The music was starting to pick up as a few small children hit the dancefloor. Imani gave Rosalyn the signal to make a video call.

Now or never. 

He nervously clinked his knife against his wineglass and cleared his throat. 

“Nigga, you gone break it! That’s Big Mama good crystal.”

“Shut the hell up, Sir! You ain’t pay for none of this.” Rosalyn’s reprimand came with visual daggers sent to her baby brother at the far end of the table that only softened when she looked back at Terry. “Go ahead, sweetheart.” 

Terry stood to look at every confused face in the vicinity while he waited for one of the teenagers to turn the music down. 

“Sorry, y’all. I just had a few words to say. I won’t be before you long. In the real way, not the pastor way.” His attempt at a joke fell flat. Patrice tried to keep him motivated with a smile, but her eyes begged him for answers that he couldn’t provide. “Um, I know I’m the odd man out around here. Y’all have been incredibly kind and welcoming. I really appreciate it because you didn’t have to. Especially you, Ms. Ida. Happy Birthday, again. You look beautiful.” 

“Thank you, baby.” 

He nodded his appreciation and continued. “I also wanna thank Ms. Ida and everybody else who gave me permission to ask a question of somebody really important to me. Because I know being here with all of y’all is really important to her. Can you stand up for me, Treece?”

Patrice allowed Terry to help her to her feet before whispering through her teeth. “What are you doing?” 

“Something I’ve been wanting to do since I met you.” 

There wasn’t time for Patrice to process his statement. Terry slowly dropped to one knee, not caring about the dust below him. He kept his focus on her the entire time, even as quiet whispers turned into fervent murmurs. 

“When we were kids you told tell me that, if you ever got proposed to, you didn’t want a big speech or any of the stuff they did in movies. So, I promise not to do that. What I will do is tell you how much I love you. And I’ll do that today, tomorrow, and every day after that if you allow me the privilege of being your husband.” 

“Terrence,” Patrice huffed out as she tried to contain her mess of emotions. He reached up to grip her hand. "Don't make me cry in front of my people."

“Too late. Patrice, I’m askin’ you scared as hell in front of all these people, will you marry me?”

Everyone watched as Terry presented Patrice with an open ring box and a sparkling diamond illuminated by the small light tucked into the inside.

“I knew it,” Patrice whispered, losing the battle against the happy tears pouring from her waterline. 

“No, you didn’t, girl! We got you. Answer that man,” Imani hollered.

Her heartbeat pulsed in her ears. The cheering from her family began to muffle. Her body temperature skyrocketed. She felt faint. The people were waiting. What would she say? 

Just as reality began to slip away, Terry’s eyes looking back at her quieted the external and internal noise. 

Driven by pure love, Patrice met Terry in a squat and grabbed his face with both of her hands. 

“What you doing tomorrow?” 

“Hopefully saying a couple vows to this pretty girl I know from way back. I brought a tux with me just in case she wasn’t too busy.” 

“From way back, huh? I think I talked to her and she has a little time on her books.” She took another look at the ring before plucking it from its box and placing it on her left ring finger. She examined it for a bit then leaned forward to kiss her betrothed with enough passion to send the crowd into a frenzy. Pulling away, she smiled and wiped gloss from Terry’s lips. 

“Let’s do it. Let’s get married.”

----

TAGS: @planetblaque @wvsspoppin @thatone-girly @avoidthings @slutsareteacherstoo @eilujion @amyhennessyhouse @yaachtynoboat711 @jenlovey @pinkpantheris @blowmymbackout @onherereading @hrlzy @becauseimswagman1 @thiccc-c @urfavblackbimbo @blackburnbook @ashanti-notthesinger @xo-goldengirl

[whateversawesome]

Spy x Family AU Fic Recommendations

It's been a while since I've done fic rec list. There are so many good fics out there, so I thought it was time. For this list, I will focus on my favorite Alternate Universe fics!

After Peace by @unhappy-sometimes : My current favorite AU, also named by someone else the "midwestern au" for its vibes. In this fic, Twilight is no longer the best spy of the West, but an agent forced into retirement in small town in the middle of nowhere because of a terrible injury. As you can imagine, he's quite depressed without a purpose until a little girl named Anya enters the picture.

Tactic & Strategy by Puolain: In which Twilight and Thorn Princess are forced by their agencies to get married. Twilight is undercover as Lionel Reiss, from the national guard. This fic is not only beautiful but also very exciting.

Hidden Under the Roses by @sister-cna-reader : This is a mafia AU that has plenty of fluff and plenty of spice! In this story, Yor is the Garden's heir and must marry Loid to ensure an alliance. Also, did I mention Anya is a baby in this universe?

As Time Goes By by @nightofnyx8 : In this AU, Twilight is a spy and an American pilot that crashes near Yor's garden. After nourishing him back to health, they face the terrible Captain Winston Wheeler, who won't rest until he captures that spy. This story is incredibly exciting and also sweet.

Green Eyed Monster by Bigbruja: If you like jealous Twilight, this is the fic for you! Here, an old friend of Yor's returns with the intention of taking her away from her husband, but Twilight is not going to let him do that so easily.

Air by @cantareincminor : In this AU, Twilight and Thorn Princess meet during a mission gone wrong. I can't say much without spoiling it! Just know that it's very sweet and you can feel the strong chemistry between those two! Major flirting alert hehehe.

The Cat, the Key, the Cook, and the Queen by @lpham2525 : If you like fairytales, this fic is perfect for you. In this universe, Queen Yor must marry, so she creates a clever competition to find the right man for the job!

Lo que se hace en el primer día by @gijipaw : Yes, I am aware this is in Spanish but, do you want to see Loid and Yor as boyfriend and girlfriend? Then you have to read this fic! If you speak Spanish or if you know how to use Google translate, give this short and sweet fic a try.

The Five Times Loid Forger Went Topless In Front of His Wife and the One Time She Reciprocated" or "Bare-Chested in Berlint" by Talik_Sanis: Ahem...yes, I am aware of the title and what can I say? This list needs a crack fic! This is probably the funniest fic I have ever read (the title says it all) so I encourage you to read it and have a good time. And when you get to the ice cream scene come back and tell me what you thought about it. It's my favorite scene in the whole fic hehe.

The following is not a fic per se, but an exciting, ongoing multichapter fancomic that has become a staple in the fandom and is definitely worth checking out. I'm talking about none other than...

Doppelgänger by @buf309 : Without giving too much away, in this AU there's a man who looks exactly like Twilight going on a killing rampage. Twilight will have to face his worst nightmare and do everything he can to save his family. This is an amazing story!!

And finally, the list wouldn't be complete without some shameless self-promotion 😆

My Enemy : A war fic AU in which the Briars are forced to host a Westalian high-ranking officer in their home. As an Ostanian, Yor hates this man, of course! However, little by little Captain Loid Forger wins her over and, despite being enemies, they end up falling deeply in love. Riddled with exciting twists and turns, this story is also full of fluff and spice.

Love Is...: A non-traditional omegaverse in which Twilight is a shifter (a person who can shift between Alpha, Omega or Beta) who experiences his first rut after a kissing practice with his wife. This fic has plenty of fluff, plenty of angst, and some spice too!

Eden's Ball: If you like Eden AU, you're going to love this fic! In this story, Loid Forger, president of the student council, is in charge of organizing a ball at school. His intention is to ask Yor Briar to go with him but things go terribly wrong!

That's it! If you like these recommendations, check out my Spy x Family fic compilation and my previous fic rec lists (part 1 and part 2).

[eds6ngel]

why can i see either nancy or eddie being in absolute HEAVEN with a nara smith coded reader and them falling in love with their cooking and sweet domestic mannerisms during their relationship 🎀 can you please perhaps do a blurb on that with whoever you choose?

had to whip this up asap! i chose eddie as my brain conjured up some background quicker ♡ also i’m not the best baker/cook, so sorry for any inaccuracies !!

warnings: fem!reader (reader referred to as ‘momma’.) teen pregnancy mention. abortion mention. r is a stay-at-home mom. established relationship. kissing. swearing. food mentions. rockstar!eddie. eddie book context but i changed said context. just lots of fluff!! [0.6k].

Yours and Eddie’s lives hadn’t always been easy.

When you found out you were pregnant at 16-years-old, you were locked and loaded in to have an abortion. Your parents immediately agreed to the decision, wanting you to continue your education and graduate with your high school diploma.

However, after crying your eyes out the night before the scheduled appointment, you just couldn’t do it. And after nine long months of pregnancy, you gave birth to your baby girl Joni, named after Eddie’s mom’s favourite singer.

You moved in with Eddie and Wayne at the time, realising it was easier to take care of a baby in a smaller, more secluded home, rather than a family home full of your bustling, younger siblings.

But, luck managed to strike the two of you when a girl named Paige offered Corroded Coffin a record deal. Your boyfriend made it big.

Big enough that you bought your own home in the center of Indianapolis.

When Eddie wasn’t touring with the band, he would take over from you, looking after Joni whilst you got to doing your favourite activity: baking.

Eddie relished in the fact that he got to see you dancing around the kitchen in your pretty, little apron, decorated with strawberries and calligraphy writing that spelled ‘Kiss the Cook.’

He would always sneak up behind you when you were baking, making you shriek and pressing a firm kiss to your lips, teasing “Just following your apron, sweetheart,” with a shit-eating grin on his face.

“What-cha makin’?” he would always ask with his arms wrapped around your waist, pressing soft kisses to your shoulder.

And your answer could be anywhere from chocolate chip cookies to a new homemade stew, but, in typical baker fashion, you were always making bread.

“I attempted a new sourdough starter whilst you were off in Europe, and it seems to have worked this time! So, I’m attempting to make some sourdough bread for you.”

“Mmm,” he hums contently, “Sounds delicious.”

“I hope it is,” you replied, “I bought a store-bought one for Joni, but she literally turned her nose up at it. She’s got your fussiness, Munson.”

“I think fussiness is an understatement. She’s getting the rockstar attitude instead of me,” he chuckles.

“But, hey, at least we’re both fans of chocolate. Can always put that on our bread, can’t we, babe?” he yells to his daughter, who simply replies with ‘Dada.’ She’s not quite there with her words yet, but at least she knows who you both are, which is a good start.

“Well, the two of you might just be in luck. Take a look outside.”

Eddie reluctantly lets go of you and steps out into your shared garden to find a new tree had been planted.

“Babe, what is this?”

You cheese at him, “A cacao plant! I’m harvesting cacao beans so I can make authentic chocolate for you!”

Eddie literally moans in delight, running up to you and smacking a kiss onto your cherry-flavoured lips.

“You’re perfect. I love you. I can’t wait. I have to tell Joni.”

His energetic self bounces off to his child, literally singing “Baby, baby! Momma is the best!”

You love your little family so much. You can’t wait to marry Eddie one day so you can have more of his beautiful children. Children which he treated as his own personal best friends. But, maybe that’s what family was all about. Maybe it was creating and loving your own best friends on the deepest level possible.

taglist: @cosmorant @ye0nvibezzn @tlclick73 @superlegend216 @agxxb

eddie masterlist.

[thescarlettbitch]

Inanna / Ishtar masterpost

Inanna / Ishtar is the deity that I am devoted to, and there is a lot of misinformation out there about her, so this is a masterpost about her and her mythology, which does involve sex and rape, and revenge. Read with care.

Edit: I forgot certain points I wanted to add, so instead of editing and adding them in as an after thought, find them here :)

Lineage

Sources disagree on who her parents are. Some say Enki or Nanna, both male presenting, but most often she is depicted as the granddaughter of Enlil, and the niece of Enki. Her mother, as stated in Inanna Prefers The Farmer, is Ningal, as it is the only story that discusses her mother. Perhaps she is the daughter of Enki, Nanna, and Ningal. Regardless of who her parents are, she is the twin sister of Utu, and the sister of Ereshkigal. In the story of Gilgamesh and a few others, she is also portrayed as Gilgamesh's sister. She is married to Dumuzid.

Myths

Inanna and the Huluppu Tree: "A young woman who walked in fear of no man, and would not be owned, Plucked the tree from the river and spoke: “I shall bring this tree to Uruk. I shall plant this tree in my holy garden.”"

Enki, God of wisdom, planted a tree by the Euphrates at the beginning of time. Eventually, the tree was taken by the Euphrates. Inanna came, picked the tree, and decided she would nurture it so she could carve her throne and bed from it. Many years passed, and a serpent who couldn't be charmed made it's home in the tree. Then the Anzu-bird raised his family in the tree. And the dark maid Lilith made her home in the trunk. No matter how much Inanna wept, the creatures would not leave the tree. Inanna called to her brother, Utu, God of the sun, for help. He refused. She went to her brother, the great hero Gilgamesh, and he helped. He struck the serpent who couldn't be charmed and the birds flew away and Lilith fled to the wild uninhabited places. From the trunk, he carved her throne and her bed. From the roots, Inanna fashioned a pukku for her brother, and from the crown a mikku for Gilgamesh.

Inanna Prefers The Farmer: "No, brother!

The man of my heart works the hoe.

The farmer! He is the man of my heart!

He gathers the grain into great heaps.

He brings the grain regularly into my storehouses."

Inanna asks her brother, Utu, who she will marry. He tells her to marry Dumuzi, the shepherd. She responds that her heart is with the farmer Enkimdu. Utu tells her no, Dumuzi is the better choice, but she says no, Enkimdu is. Dumuzi and Enkimdu fight over this, but eventually Inanna is swayed and marries Dumuzi, in a rather erotic scene.

Inanna's Descent: "Then Erishkigal fastened on Inanna the eye of death.

She spoke against her the word of wrath.

She uttered against her the cry of guilt.

She struck her.

Inanna was turned into a corpse,

A piece of rotting meat,

And was hung from a hook on the wall."

Inanna goes to the underworld for her sister Ereshkigal's husband's funeral, having been the cause of his death. Inanna tells her priestess Ninshubur what to do should she not return. Dress in a single cloth like a begger, go to the temple of Enlil and beg for his help. If he does not help, go to Nanna. If he does not help, go to Enki. Inanna arrives at the gates, and as she passes through each of the seven gates, a garment is removed until she stands naked. The Anunna pass judgement, and Ereshkigal turns Inanna into a rotting corpse with the Eye of Death, and hangs her on a hook on the wall. On the third day, Ninshubur follows instruction. She dresses in a single cloth like a begger and goes to Enlil. Enlil denies. She goes to Nanna. Nanna denies. She goes to Enki. Enki creates the Kurgarra and the Galatur, neither male nor female, and gives them each the food of life and water of life. He tells them how to get on Ereshkigal's good side and to take the corpse from the wall and give it the food and water. They do, and Inanna rises, but the Annuna prohibit her from leaving. She must put someone else in her place. The Galla, demons from Ereshkigal, try to take Ninshubur, Shara, and Lulal, but Inanna spares them, as they mourned her. Then they find Dumuzi, dressed beautifully, with women around him. Inanna was betrayed, her own husband did not mourn her. The Galla take him away. Eventually, Inanna misses him, and sets a deal. For half of the year, Dumuzi will be on the wall in the underworld. For the other half, his sister.

Inanna and the God of Wisdom: "“In the name of my power! In the name of my holy shrine! Let the me you have taken with you remain in the holy shrine of your city. Let the high priest spend his days at the holy shrine in song. Let the citizens of your city prosper, Let the children of Uruk rejoice!”"

Inanna goes to Enki, and Enki treats her with butter cake and water and beer, lots of beer. Enki, while intoxicated, gives Inanna the Meh, the various humanities. She takes them and flees with Ninshubur. Enki, now sober, sends his servants to get the Meh back. Ninshubur protects the Meh for Inanna. They go back and forth six times, until Inanna gives the gifts to her people, and Enki resigns himself.

Inanna and Utu: "She makes perfect the great divine powers, she holds a shepherd's crook, and she is their magnificent pre-eminent one."

Inanna is given reign over fertility and sex, but she knows nothing about that subject. Utu and her go to the underworld and Inanna eats the fruit from the tree of knowledge, gaining that information.

Inanna and Su-Kale-Tuda: "He recognised a solitary god by her appearance. He saw someone who fully possesses the divine powers. He was looking at someone whose destiny was decided by the gods."

Inanna had had a long journey, so she rests on earth beneath the shade of a tree in a garden. The farmer Su-Kale-Tuda sees her sleeping and rapes her, then flees to his father. Inanna wakes up, seeing what had been do to her, and vows to find the man who did this. Su-Kale-Tuda confesses to his father, who tells him to hide. Inanna turns the water of the realm to blood, she sits on a storm cloud and drowns the world, then sends a dust storm, then stopped trade entirely within the world. Unable to find him she cries to her father, Enki, demanding his help. Enki turns her to a rainbow so that she stretched across the sky, and saw everything. Su-Kale-Tuda still tried to hide, but he could not hide from her any longer. She found him, and her first words are lost to time (some words translated to "How ......? ...... dog ......! ...... ass ......! ...... pig ......!") Su-Kale-Tuda tried to defend himself but Inanna told him "You will die, but the world will remember your name. Rapist."

Symbols:

Lions - she is often depicted with lions harnessed, to symbolize her power over the king of beasts

Roses - roses are symbols of beauty and sex, and their thorns represent the war side of her. At one point, the rose/rosette eclipsed the eight pointed star as her main symbol

Doves - another symbol of beauty and sex, in one of her temples was a mural of a dove emerging from a large palm tree, leading many to believe she was able to take the form of a dove.

Lapis Lazuli - the only precious stone I have seen be named as something she wears, specifically referenced in The Descent Of Inanna

Eight pointed star - the symbolic meaning is lost to time, but it shows up frequently in her depictions

Hook shaped twist of reeds - a symbol of fertility, and was her cuneiform ideogram

The planet Venus - many hymns credit her as being the personification of the planet

Carnelian - one of her epithets means "precious carnelian"

Thank you for reading, and I hope to make a similar masterpost detailing Mesopotamian mythology as a whole.

Edit: I did, you can find it here.

[cherriecove]

Beneath Silver Skies

Helena Targaryen x Fem!Hightower Reader

Summary: Sent to King’s Landing to serve as Princess Helaena’s lady-in-waiting, you quickly become her closest confidante. As you grow up together, your bond deepens, turning into a quiet love that remains unspoken. Cherrie's Notes: This was a request from the lovely @amreyglass, I was given more or less creative control. I hope you like it. Feedback is always appreciated! Warnings: in typical hotd fashion some incest (Mainly targ! for helena and Aegon), unwanted marriage, breif mention of aegon being aegon but nothing in detail. Masterlist

When you were sent to King’s Landing, you hadn’t anticipated just how closely your life would become entwined with Princess Helaena’s. A distant cousin from the Hightower line, you were summoned to the Red Keep to serve as her lady-in-waiting when you were only a few years older than her. At first, it seemed like any other duty your family would assign, but soon you realised that it was so much more.

From the moment you arrived, there was something about Helaena that drew you in. The princess was soft-spoken, often lost in her own world, with a mind full of thoughts and dreams that few seemed to understand. Many at court overlooked her, but you didn’t. You saw the quiet strength in her, the kindness in her heart, and the wonder with which she viewed the world. As the years passed, you became her constant companion, a source of comfort in a world that often seemed too harsh for her gentle nature.

Growing up alongside Helaena was like living in a dream. While others became consumed by the endless politics and schemes of court life, the two of you created your own little sanctuary. You’d spend hours in the gardens of the Red Keep, wandering amongst the fragrant flowers as she shared her strange and beautiful thoughts, or you’d sit in her chambers, talking late into the night about everything and nothing. The connection between you grew deeper with time, and soon, you found that her presence was the only thing that made the cold, stone walls of King’s Landing feel like home.

You had always been her pillar of support, her protector in a world full of uncertainties. And as you both grew older, something changed. What had once been simple affection turned into something deeper, something more profound. You found yourself drawn to her in a way that was impossible to ignore, and you sensed that she felt the same. It wasn’t just the comfort of friendship anymore—it was love. A love that was quiet and unspoken, but ever-present between you.

But then came the news that shattered the peaceful world you had built together: Helaena was to marry Aegon. The betrothal had always been a looming possibility, but when it became real, you felt as if the ground had been pulled out from under you. Helaena, usually calm and composed, was devastated by the news. She was to be married to her brother, a man she had no affection for, a man who would never understand the depths of her soul the way you did.

On the night before the wedding, Helaena had come to you in tears. Her distress was palpable, and though she was always quiet in her sadness, you could see the agony in her eyes. The thought of being bound to Aegon, of having to play the role of dutiful wife, was almost too much for her to bear. Yet, despite it all, you were there, holding her close and whispering promises into the quiet of the night.

“No matter what happens, I will always be by your side, Helaena,” you had told her, brushing a strand of her silver hair behind her ear. “I swear it.”

The only solace she had in the marriage was the knowledge that you would never leave her. That you would stay, even when everything else felt unbearable.

The wedding came and went, a grand affair that felt hollow to both of you. Helaena played her part, as did you, but when the time came for her to fulfil her marital duties, it left her heartbroken. After bedding Aegon for the first time, she returned to her chambers, trembling and desperate for comfort. Without hesitation, she came to you, her trusted companion, her love.

You held her that night as she wept into your shoulder, her body shaking with the weight of what had been asked of her. Your hands gently caressed her back, soothing her, as you whispered soft reassurances in her ear. It wasn’t long before her tears slowed, and the two of you were lying in her bed, limbs tangled together as you offered her what comfort you could.

“I can’t do this without you,” she whispered, her voice barely audible in the darkness.

“You’ll never have to,” you replied, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. “I’m yours, always.”

Small kisses were exchanged between you, the weight of the world falling away for just a moment. It was in those moments that you both found the peace that had been so elusive in the palace. The warmth of your love for each other surrounded you like a protective shield, and as the night stretched on, you fell asleep in each other’s arms, the steady rise and fall of her chest beneath your hand a reminder that, no matter what, you were in this together.

In the months that followed, Helaena gave birth to her twins, Jaehaerys and Jaehaera. With their arrival, Aegon seemed to lose whatever passing interest he had in his wife. He kept to himself, only visiting Helaena when he was too drunk to seek out anyone else, leaving her to raise the children almost entirely on her own. But Helaena found joy in her children, and even more so, in the quiet life she could share with you.

Alicent, always aware of her daughter’s pain, granted Helaena a room that connected directly to yours and the twins’ nursery. It was a small comfort, but a meaningful one. From that moment on, your lives were even more deeply entwined, as you and Helaena created a space of warmth and love within the cold, unforgiving walls of the Red Keep.

There were mornings where you and Helaena would wake together, the twins giggling in their cribs, and you’d both share a look of contentment. As the children grew, you became like another mother to them, caring for them alongside Helaena. The four of you became a small family, filled with moments of quiet joy that you cherished more than anything.

You and Helaena would often sit together with the twins, watching as they played, their laughter filling the room. She would look at you with a soft smile, her love for you clear in her eyes, and you would feel the same warmth in your heart.

In those moments, it didn’t matter what the court said, or what role Aegon was supposed to play. What mattered was the love you shared, the life you had built together, and the family you had created. Helaena and the twins were your world, and you were theirs.

[the--last-great-american-dynasty]

seeing jonathan bailey in wicked made me remember how absolutely incredible he is in the second season of bridgerton and just how good that season is in the first place. so anyways i’m back in a bit of a bridgerton swing and i was just thinking about how it’s so funny that the bridgertons are one of the most prestigious families of the ton and yet literally every single sibling has a major scandal with their partner. (this is going off both the books and the show)

daphne and simon get caught in the garden, simon and anthony duel, and daphne and simon are forced to marry (this is literally the tamest scandal by far)

anthony nearly marries kate’s sister but he literally makes googoo eyes at kate during the fucking wedding so edwina catches them and ends her wedding that THE QUEEN LITERALLY SET UP

benedict falls in love a maid, sophie, at his house (it’s a little more complicated than that, but this is the short version), sophie gets fucking ARRESTED for stealing from her stepmom, benedict marries her anyways. also sophie is an illegitimate daughter. and the scandal of benedict marrying ‘below his status’ forces them to move out to the country to get away from the ton

COLIN MARRIES LADY WISTLEDOWN

eloise runs away from home to go decide if she wants to marry her pen pal. her brothers find her and basically force them to get married so it doesn’t create a scandal. (said pen pal is literally MARINA’S WIDOWED HUSBAND, so this is going to be even messier in the show if they don’t change it because then she’s going to marry the husband of colin’s ex and penelope’s cousin which is… interesting)

francesca starts out normal, but then she marries the cousin of her dead husband, who they’re making a woman in the show, which means she’s gonna be GAY which is gonna make an even bigger scandal

hyacinth is basically a scandal just in and of herself because basically all the men of the ton are scared of her. but then she helps lady danbury’s GRANDSON break into his dad’s house to search for hidden diamonds (said dad is also not actually his dad (he mom cheated with his uncle) and also hates him and wants to ruin him). (this is my favorite book by far.)

you think it can’t get any messier and then gregory goes and becomes the most unhinged bridgerton to date. he falls in love with this girl, lucy, except she’s already betrothed to someone and he literally RUNS IN AND INTERRUPTS LUCY’S WEDDING and asks her to marry him instead and she fucking says NO. but then it’s revealed that she’s being blackmailed and they end up together. also at one point he ties her up in a closet so she doesn’t try and sabotage herself.

anyways, poor violet bridgerton. she seriously never gets a break from her children

[she-whatshername]

EVEN MORE Tyrrish Headcanons you didn’t ask for (Xaden, Garrick, Bodhi, Imogen, aka the Kitchen Table crew)

AN: Wow I’m just posting everything but a chapter update to ‘Drifted’ aren’t I? Writing about trauma is hard for me, and IDK why i chose to make Cree’s character full of it and pair her with Bodhi who’s…surrounded by it. But, what’s a fanfic without a little author induced torture, right?

ANYWAYs, let’s get into it

Garrick, Imogen, and Bodhi would draw straws on who would have to update Xaden on Violet during her first year before Liam was tasked as her bodyguard. Bodhi never drew the short straw but was always the one who ended up telling Xaden. He carried on the tradition after Garrick and Xaden graduated.

Bodhi is viewed as the little brother of the group for two reasons. One, he always was one step behind Xaden and Garrick and a physical year younger than him. And two, despite everything he's been through, he never let it take away his humanity. Xaden cruelly jokes that Bodhi is the only one in the revolution with a still beating heart

Bodhi only 'broke character' once during his years at Basgiath when someone in his squad used a particular slur when referencing his deceased mother. Garrick and Xaden had to drag him off the cadet and dispose of the body and make a cover up so he didn't get charged with breaking the codex. It was their first trio heist together before the actual weapons operations.

Garrick didn't talk to Imogen the first month of her year at Basgiath because he was ashamed of all the horrible things he'd done in his first year

Every one of them has cried in front of Xaden at least once. Even Imogen, though she was heavily inebriated

Also, everyone has cried in Bodhi's lap. Even Xaden, who was also heavily inebriated.

Xaden didn't want to let Imogen into operations at first due to her unpredictable emotions; Garrick convinced him otherwise. When Imogen thwarted not one but 4 separate attempts on Xadens life, it was one of the first and few times he actually admitted to Garrick that he was right.

When Garrick and Xaden found out that Bodhi lost his virginity to someone at Basgiath the two literally detoured from their weapons operations to find out who it was like the protective and nosy older brothers that they are.

Imogen snorts when she laughs. She rarely laughs as deeply as she used to so when it does slip out, it instantly makes everyone feel like they aren't in a active war and that they're back home in Aretia.

Bodhi, Xaden and Garrick have all had sexual relationships with Fliers/Poromish people. Imgoen has not and refuses to out of what she calls 'pride and respect for dragons.'

I think all Tyrrish folk are pretty open and fluid about their sex lives until they find their person. Much like fated couples or mates, its Tyrrish tradition to find 'your person'.

I think they all marry for love only and Xaden's family dynamics are the outlier. Though I think Fen's 'person' was Tyrrendor the country verses Xaden's mother.

Because of this, Xaden grew up with a warped perception of romance and relationships. Also, he's fluent in all Tyrrish history and customs. He knew and spoke Tyrrish before the common language, and learning the common language was very difficult for him.

Also, Imogen is Garrick's person, 100%.

Xaden got his ego, wit and charisma from his father but his aunt, Bodhi's mother, taught him a lot about actual charm.

It was actually his aunt who, upon finding out that then 13 year old Xaden ghosted his girlfriend, made him go the the gardens and pick fresh flowers and hand deliver them to the girl's house with a handwritten apology declaring his 'boyish stupidity'.

Before the unification, if someone finds their person and they choose to marry, the couple would create a rune specific to the joining of their love/family house. Xaden giving Violet a book on weaving textiles was NO coincidence.

Tyrrish weddings are fun as shit (Why yes, there is one in 'Drifted'). In fact, there is a 'Cardulo Clause' that states that any wedding guest who drinks beyond their fare share at a wedding ceremony most pay a balance to the respective wedding partners. This came in part due to Imogen's great, great grandfather who, legend says, drank an entire keg to themselves during a wedding.

Okay now I'm actually going to go back and write 'Drifted'.

[fatherforgivethem]

The Crown: The Targaryen Family

Queen Mother Alicent: Alicent, mother of four, served her country strongly for years leading up to her late husbands death. When her childhood friend, Queen Rhaenyra, took hold of the crown, Alicent was finally able to live a life of freedom. With Daeron, her youngest, away at school and only visiting on the weekends, her house was rather empty.

Several years had passed before she met Captain Criston Cole. They met at a small dinner hosted by their close friends. The two began to meet every time that Criston was in London, and before long, they found themselves falling for the other. While Alicent had been nervous to introduce her children to Criston, they seemed to like the man. After years of being together privately, Criston proposed, and the two married at Westminster Abbey surrounded by the Royal Family, the prime minister and other members of the British government, and many other notable friends of the family. Alicent likes to spend her days riding her horses in the country side with her grandson Jace, tending to the gardens with Helaena, and creating as many dinners as possible for her family to attend.

Queen Rhaenyra: While still young, to the throne and in years, the mother of one tends to be kept busy with her duties as Queen of England. She can be found attending galas, international charity tours, and private meetings with the Prime Minister, as well as walking the halls of Buckingham Palace with her half-brother, Aegon, right beside her.

She married young when she was still just a princess and gave birth to her son, Jace. Her son was only two when her husband was tragically killed in a car accident and she vowed to never marry again. Instead, she put her focus into her duties as the heir to her fathers throne, and when her father passed away, she was crowed Queen. While she had intended for her own son to be her heir, Jace abdicated when he was only 15, and so, with the council of others, named Aegon her heir.

She likes to spend her free time with her beloved son Jace, as well as her close friend, Alicent. The two can usually be found at tea at Buckingham Palace with newspapers in their laps. She also makes sure to spend her time with her siblings and enjoys when her little niece and nephew run through the halls of the palace.

Criston Cole: Captain Cole of the Royal Navy had never imagined a life where he was married to the former Queen Consort, now Queen Mother of England. He had never given much thought to the Royal Family, and with the ever going war, it was the last thing on his mind. However, on a rare trip back home, he met the love of his life, Alicent. His life shifted from there, and as time went on, and the war was over, he finally allowed himself to be with her the way she deserved.

It was hard to win the favor of her children, now his. While Daeron and Helaena had decided that they liked Cole quite early on, Aemond and Aegon gave him a rather hard time, out of worry for their mother. All without Alicent's knowing of course. Aemond had refused to shake his hand and Aegon was set on giving him a stare whenever they saw each other. Though, as time went on, the more they got to know each other, and the closer they became. By the time Alicent and Criston were getting married, Criston couldn't see them as anything other than his sons.

Prince Aegon: The young heir splits his time between the workings of the crown and his family. Though, those two things tend to bleed into the other at times. He's happily married to Helaena and they share their beautiful twins, Jaehaera and Jaehaerys. At only three years old, they keep Aegon and Helaena busy.

He hadn't expected to become heir, but when Jace abdicated, a sixteen year old Aegon more than rose to the challenge as the new heir to the crown. From the time he was young, Aegon took his position very seriously and he has become passionate about his role. With his younger brother being an infamous playboy, someone had to keep the family name from tarnish. He can often be found walking just behind Queen Rhaenyra, offering his council and advice while he learns the ways of the monarchy from his older sister.

He likes to spend his time with his family when he's not busy working. He and Helaena like to take the twins to Balmoral, the Royal Family's home in Scotland when they can. And when Aemond is back, the two can usually be found on a hunt of some kind. Family is the most important thing to Aegon, and it just so happens that his family is also his job. He enjoys playing polo with his club when he's able to get away. While he prefers polo, his wife does jumping, and their home has a large farm full of beautiful horses.

Prince Jace: The young prince is furthering his education at Oxford university for his masters degree. He went there with Aegon when they were both younger and he couldn't help but fall in love with the school and his studies. Despite the gossip that went around, Jace had found a good group of people he could call friends. In the beginning, it was normal for him to hear the whispers of others behind his back about the inter workings of his family and making assumptions about his abdication. However, he learned to ignore these people and the rumors eventually died down.

The truth of it all was that Jace didn't want to be king. He loved his family more than anything, and aspired to serve them as a prince and valuable member of the royal family, but he had no wish to rule. And so, the smartest decision he ever made was giving it to Aegon. Jace had always looked up to Aegon, and so it only seemed right. The man was like an older brother to Jace, still was.

Jace, when he's not at school or a public family function, can be seen with his (technically) grandmother, Alicent. The two like to go on horseback rides together, and when they get lucky enough, Rhaenyra will join them. He spends time with Helaena and they usually watch the twins roll around in the garden. And when Daeron is back from school, the two like to spend their days playing tennis. Jace's favorite place in the world is Balmoral Castle, the family's summer home in Scotland, where they spend every Christmas and summer holiday together.

Princess Helaena: The young princess and mother of two likes to stay away from the politics of the family crown as much as she can, though she's known to attend many of the charity events hosted and attended by the family. Her wedding to Aegon was one that the public would never forget. The young princess is a favorite by many and their wedding at Westminster Abbey was said to be quite magical.

She loves to spend her time training her horses for her horse jumping career. Aegon had the farm built and decorated just for her. With her favorite colors painted all over the barn, and beautiful trees planted everywhere to make it seem like she was in a different world. Aegon is known to spoil her, but she's also known to never tell him off for it.

While balancing her time as a mother and wife to the heir of the crown, she does love to attend the ballet, and the twins enjoy it as well. She also enjoys spending time with other members of the family, including Aemond, Jace, and her mother Alicent. While she's a private person, she's prepared to become Queen Consort alongside Aegon when the the time comes.

Prince Aemond: With being in the Royal Navy, he tries his best to see his family as much as he can. Though he still finds himself at home very little. However, when he is home, his time is full of family dinners, public events, and private family matters. At the moment, he's been trying to defuse an argument between Helaena and Jace because the two disagreed about something in a book.

Public events are full of photographers trying there best to get photos of him talking to the young ladies in attendance. He's been given the title of Royal Playboy and while that might be true, he knows that his mother doesn't appreciate the title too much. Aemond, when not with his family, can usually be found at a club, where the girls are nice to look at and the alcohol is top shelf.

While his elder brother doesn't always like his partying tendencies, Aemond is more concerned with making sure Aegon doesn't sleep at his desk to care all that much. Aemond likes to spoil the twins as much as he can, and on special occasions he's known to spoil Daeron and Jace. Aemond also enjoys getting to hunt with his brothers and Jace while on holiday at Balmoral.

Prince Daeron: Prince Daeron is young and trying his best to take on the world one exam at a time. Being away for school makes him both excited to have freedom and has him missing his family. While he was always told to never use his title to get what he wants, using the prince card to visit home on the weekends is the only exception.

At school he's been lucky enough to make the tennis team along with a few boys he calls his friends. Tennis is something he's passionate about.. that and sneaking out of his dorm at night.

When he's home he can usually be spotted following his mother around, playing tennis with Jace, and hanging out with his siblings. He's not sure what he wants to do yet, but he's got some time before he finishes school and is expected to serve in the Royal Navy. For now, he's fine with playing tennis and spending time with friends and family.

Moodboards and editing done by @sidraofthewildflowers 💓💓💓💓

(This was a really fun collaboration!!)

** Repost because I missed some tags in the original 🫣🫣

[malanasims]

Taylor Swift Eras themed Legacy Challenge

i wanted to put together two of my favorite things: the sims and Taylor Swift. so i came up with this 10 generation legacy challenge in which each generation is inspired by a different album. I created this challenge for the sims 2 ultimate collection since that is the game i normally play, but i am sure it can be adapted for sims 3 or sims 4. i also implemented the traits project for ts2 but you can easily do the challenge without it using different personality points. i set up this challenge so that each generation alternates genders but you can switch that up. i also chose first names for each generation based on references of the album. also some of the writing is very cheesy and has a lot of references because why not go crazy. this is my first legacy challenge so if you have any critiques let me know. the rules are not strict and cheats can be used as its a story-based challenge.

Debut- Gen 1: Mary

“Take me home where we met so many years before. 

We'll rock our babies on that very front porch: After all this time, you and I”

You grew up in a small town where everyone knew each other. Your parents never had the greatest relationship and your mom was always with her best friend. Since birth you and her kid have been inseparable. Will you fall into the same patterns as your parents…or will you find a place in this world?

family/romance 

LTW: reach golden anniversary

nurturing, jealous, loves the outdoors, great kisser, family oriented

marry your first love

have 2 children (at least one son)

formal wear is a little black dress

Fearless- Gen 2: Stephen 

“You played in bars, you play guitar

I'm invisible and everyone knows who you are”

Your parents raised you well but something about the fact that they only ever knew each other scares you. You want to get out there and make a name for yourself. You know no ones coming for you on their white horse. You’ll have to be fearless to become a superstar: but for now all you have is your mothers eyes and her old guitar.

fortune/pleasure

virtuoso, charismatic, irresistible, ambitious, non-committal

LTW: become rock god

go on at least 5 first dates

have at least one daughter

date a fan

Speak now- Gen 3: Emma

“When Emma falls apart, it's when she's alone

She takes on the pain and bears it on her own”

You often felt overlooked by your rockstar father. He was always busy and you spent most of your time with your mother until her mysterious disappearance. You feel like you grew up too fast, and now you love to travel back to your youth and fantasize about castles and dragons. So you become an actress; a character. Will you break out of your fathers famously destructive patterns, or will you regain your balance on the tightrope and break out before fire can catch you?

popularity/romance

LTW: Become Icon

natural born performer, childish, bookworm, shy, hopeless romantic

your first love doesn't work out/ you break their heart

have at least one son

have a strained relationship with your father but a good relationship with your mother

meet your true love at a party and then never see eachother again

Red- Gen 4: Bobby

“How you took the money and your dignity, and got the hell out

They say you bought a bunch of land somewhere

Chose the rose garden over Madison Square”

You grew up in the starlight of your mothers fame. You two were always close but after suffering from the tabloids and the camera flashes you decide this life is not for you. You move out of the Angel City and start anew. Your mother has given you some funds and you build up a family home. You tell everyone you left because the city wasn’t right for you… but maybe it was partly to run from your playboy/girl ex who you know was trouble. Now you spend your life painting and searching for your muse. Will you stay paralyzed by time or finally begin again?

Knowledge/family

LTW: become visionary

artistic, eco friendly, night owl, loves the cold, loner

Have an on and off toxic relationship

Move out of your parents house

Settle down with someone nice

Have 3 children (at least one girl)

1989- Gen 5: Love

“You searched the world for somethin' else

To make you feel like what we had

And in the end, in Wonderland, we both went mad”

You grew up secluded from the world, surrounded by your mothers paintings. Your mom loved the environment but you couldn’t wait to get out of the woods and explore new places. Somewhere along the road, you fell into a rabbit hole of insanity: mascara running in the bathroom and rose gardens filled with thorns. You blow money and string lovers along. You have fantastic delusions until your wildest dreams turn into nightmares. Will you accept the help from your family and abandon your affinity for screaming, crying and perfect storms? Or will every day continue to be a battle?

knowledge/pleasure

LTW: Become space pirate

Insane, unstable, diva, adventurous, jealous

Join the adventurer career

Have 3 loves at once

Have children with multiple people (one must be boy/girl twins)

Lose money in poker

Reputation- Gen 6: Burton (the name is so bad help)

“I don't like your kingdom keys

They once belonged to me

You asked me for a place to sleep

Locked me out and threw a feast”

Yeah, your mother may have done a number on you, but who's counting? Maybe your twin sister… Everything you did, she just had to do better. In the wake of your mother’s madness, you turned to dancing. You found peace in swaying as the room burnt down. Your twin sister on the other hand hated how you were lit up every room you walked into, but you couldn’t help it. There's nothing she hates more than what she can't have… so she turned to sabotage. Just when you think that your life is perfect- you're at the top of your career and you finally found love- your sister starts a rumor that you cheated on your love. Your reputation as a famous dancer goes down in seconds. But to your surprise, your lover isn't reading what they call you lately and your relationship is stronger than ever. Will you get revenge on your sister and become exactly what you despise, or sit back and let karma take over?

Popularity/romance

LTW: Become world class ballerina

Party animal, irresistible, social butterfly, hot headed, unlucky

Be enemies with your twin sister

Never be unfaithful

Have a bad reputation

Have at least one daughter

Lover- Gen 7: Cornelia

“I’d be a fearless leader, I'd be an alpha type

When everyone believes ya, what's that like?”

You've always known you wanted to change the world. Who cares if you were overlooked and discouraged. Snakes and stones won’t break your bones. You never had a big family as your father walked away from his. Sometimes it gets lonely trusting the wicked, and your loyalty was often a fault. You turn to politics to combat your feelings of helplessness, but no one takes you seriously and you feel lost in the light. You have to start from the ground up with the help of your best friend. You start to build your picture-perfect life: the kids, the lyrical smiles and the power. Will you drive away your lover by searching for their dark side, or will you put aside your ways and find the daylight?

Popularity/family

LTW: Become mayor

Good, easily impressed, brave, unlucky, perfectionist

Fall in love with your best friend

Have 10 best friends

Have children (at least one son)

Folklore- Gen 8: James

“I had the shiniest wheels, now they're rusting

I didn't know if you'd care if I came back

I have a lot of regrets about that”

You grew up trying to meet the expectations of your politician mother. Everything had to be picture perfect, even your private life. So she set you up with the daughter of one of the most powerful families in town, Betty. At first you are skeptical, but over time you fall for her integrity and affinity for old cardigans. Along the way you begin to feel stuck, tired of the sensual politics and your mother’s watchful eye. That's when you meet August -the polar opposite of Betty- and some part of you has to know what she is like. You meet in parking lots and dive bars, but after Betty finds out, you realize that summer is dwindling. In wake of losing two girls, you turn to writing: poetry and sad prose. You get lost in your stories, but once you start to gain traction, you can’t help but wonder how different your life could have been. Will you rekindle your wild flame with August or go back to the peace you felt with Betty?

knowledge/ romance

LTW: Publish 5,000$ best seller*

Great kisser, coward, bookworm, brooding, commitment issues

Fall in love with Betty

Fall in love with August

Confess to cheating on Betty

Write novels

Move into a cottage by a lake

Finally choose the one girl

Have at least one daughter with her

Evermore- Gen 9: Ivy

“And the skeletons in both our closets

Plotted hard to fuck this up

And the old men that I’ve swindled

Really did believe I was the one”

You always resented your father because he abandoned the good life for a cottage in the woods and his stories. You don’t want that; you want power and wealth. You don't need love, just a fancy car. So you turn to crime, because it’s easy for you; you love the gold rush. You con men and no one will ever prove it. You marry rich men and inherit their money when their time runs out. But then one day you meet your match, a fellow criminal, and wonder if this life will really bring you happiness. But you realized this a little too late, and now you're forced to drink your husband's wine… but he was the wrong guy. Will you leave the life of crime behind or will you stay frozen in time?

Fortune/pleasure

LTW: Gold digger

Kleptomaniac, genius, charismatic, mean-spirited, rebellious

Go into the criminal career

Marry a rich sim

Fall in love with a criminal and have an affair

Have a son

Midnights- Gen 10: Snow

“And I don't dress for villains

Or for innocents

I'm on my vigilante shit again”

You knew your mom wasn’t the most ethically-correct person. You like to think you inherited her better half; but that isn’t entirely true. You are determined to be different, so you become a spy; you get the satisfaction of working for the good guys and the pleasure that comes with great wars. Being a spy is difficult though, and you never know when things could go wrong. You are constantly burning files and deserting old lives. But you’re a mastermind, nobody can deny that. You finally meet your perfect person, but it's hard concealing your true occupation from them. You have money and respect… But can all of that pay for someone to just know you?

Fortune/knowledge

LTW: Become head of the SCIA

Perceptive, disciplined, loner, proper, daredevil

Join the intelligence career

Move homes at least twice

The rest is up to you since it is the last generation 

*50 new LTW mod can be found here

if anyone decides to do this challenge tag me! i'd love to see it

[meabh-mcinness]

Memories (Balam Shichirou x AFAB!OC) Comm

Summary: Today is a very special day for Lee Kai. After all, she's finally getting married to her one true love. As she readies for the big event, she can't help but be overcome by memories of the times they spent together.

This was a piece commissioned by a friend for a mutual friend of ours, @shichirolover666! She gets the lovely joy of marrying our best boy Shichirou

Check out my other works on my masterlist!

The day had finally arrived.

Kai was preparing for her wedding. As she stood in front of the mirror, gently manoeuvring her obsidian black curls into just the right positions, memories of her high school days flooded her mind, each intertwined with the presence of Balam Shichirou, her lover and soon-to-be husband. Turning slightly, she leaned over and picked up the crown woven from flowers picked from their shared garden. Lightly plucking one from the crown and bringing it up to her nose she sniffed, a giddy smile lit up her face as the familiar floral notes flooded her brain, an echo of a time long past joining it.

It had been the first day of high school. Her first time far away from home and it was to attend the prestigious school of Babyls, headed by Lord Sullivan himself. It was an honour, and an anxiety fest because of it. A new school meant new rules and new demons to learn about while trying to survive. Kai was well aware she wasn't the strongest of demons, her family, the Lee's, rarely ever even earned rank Vav, but they were well regarded regardless due to their bloodline ability.

Manisfesto. The ability to project anything they pictured in their head onto a piece of paper. On its own, it didn't sound like a much-needed ability unless you were an artist but with a bit of creativity, the ability was incredibly useful. Especially when you worked as an informant or spy and could create layouts of homes and compounds just by seeing them and then copying them down on maps. This made the Lee's a nice family to have on your side in times of skirmishes, but in general, they much preferred hanging out in the background and painting their days away, and Kai was no exception to this.

This is why when the first day of class came around and she entered her new homeroom, she had made an immediate bee-line for the quietest part of the room where only two other demons sat, avoided by everyone else. The one on the left was nearly a head taller with short black hair and curled back horns combined with a grimace on his face that made him seem like a permanently snarling dog, and she had to lightly bite her lip to keep from laughing at the image. The one on the right however seemed to be their polar opposite, far shorter (even shorter than her and what a surprise that was to a 4'9" lamb!) with fluffy white hair falling to their narrow shoulders and a gleaming metal mask covering their lower face, leaving only wide circular eyes staring at their desk partner.

Kai gently plopped into the seat next to the tinier demon, catching only the tail end of their conversation, "-was the quietest seat. I can't stand the other seats, they're noisy. You can move if you don't like it," the dark-haired one growled out, black eyes quickly flickering to her before going back to looking at their book.

"I agree," she added as casually as could, placing her sketchbook on the table, flipping it to an empty page, once more trying not to laugh as the smaller demon visibly startled at the addition of her voice, white hair whipping with their head as they turned their wide eyes onto her.

"Ah no..." his voice came out softly and almost awed sounding as his eye flicked back and forth between the two demons he was now surrounded by, "It's fine. I'm...Balam Shichirou."

The dark-haired demon flicked another look in their direction, a considering look in his eyes, "...Naberius Kalego," he finally said, almost causing Kai to squeak in alarm knowing very well how infamous the Naberius family was, before turning his dark gaze solely onto her with a raised eyebrow.

"Lee Kai," she said with a smile, "It's a pleasure to meet the both of you."

A sigh left herand she placed the flower back into its right spot in the crown before resting it gently above her head, being careful to avoid the sharp horns poking out from her forehead.The bright colours of the flowers shone brightly in stark contrast to her black hair. Clawed pale hands reached out from behind her head and carefully lifted the top portion of her hair up so that the back half of the crown settled beneath the flowing locks, before separating and braiding them around the crown so that the curls were nearly inseparable from the flowers from behind. 

Kai glanced up into the mirror as the demoness behind her got to work, the taller figure's own silky blonde locks were done up in an intricatebraided bun of her own. Leaves and wildflowers twirled in and out of the hair strands as if they had grown there naturally, a show of talent no doubt from the third member of this little bridal party. The feathered wings on her back were a green so dark they looked black until they moved just right under the lights, and the showing couldn't help but remind Kai of Shichirou's own set of similar but far larger wings. Even when they had been kids, she couldn't help but be fascinated by his wings, so uniquely different from all of the other demons she had met at the time, and even now, she knew of only a few who shared that similar trait, and all of them were members of his family. Even the one currently doing her hair was.

Lyra Northman, a member of an off-shoot branch of the Balam family. They not only had similar looks, with their deep green feathered wings and varying levels of blonde hair, but they even had a similar blood-line magic. Whereas the Balam family had 'Buzzer', which could tell whether or not you were lying, the Northman family had 'TruthSeer,' an ability to detect the intentions behind why you were doing something. It came in quite handy on several occasions but had also led Lyra to pick many fights while in school, both as a student and a teacher's aid, much to several people's discernment. Even now, as a bonafide teacher themselves, while having calmed down, they still picked fights.

Most notoriously were the fights between Opera-senpai, Lyra, and her partner Kalego. Though really, it was Opera and Lyra picking on Kalego who then usually started the fight.

Kai could still remember the first time she had met both Opera and Lyra.

Bam!

Kai and Shichirou jumped in surprise from where they had sat at the cafe table looking over one another's drawings, a squeak even leaving her mouth at the suddenness of it. Kai stared wide-eyed at Kalego who slumped down into his seat with a snarl. "This is the eighth time!"

Now that she recognized that it was merely Kalego and his usual surliness, she simply sighed and put her sketchbook away, mentally praying that she wasn't about to be drawn into something before asking, "Eighth time?"

Another snarl from him was her answer before devolving into a rant, "This is the eight time I've been pestered by upperclasman! I've only been enrolled here for a month, and I don't know why the keep picking fights with me! What bad luck! How awful! It's also getting pretty annoying..!" He devolved into growls, harsh vibrations escaping his throat as his body visibly jittered with it. Kai and Shichirou simply exchanged a glance, more than use to their classmates surly attitude by now.

"You draw a lot of attention Kalego-kun," Shichirou commented, crossing his bird-like feet over one another under the table, "and you look menacing." he continued on looking away and ignoring Kalego's shout of hey.

"Well," Kai pipped in before Kalego jumped over the table, "Do you have any idea why they might be pestering you?"

"Maybe you bit them in a fit of rage?" Shichirou said, taking a sip of his drink.

"I don't," Kalego replied, "I'm not some feral dog. I wouldn't attack first unless I had to. In other words..." he trailed off leaning forward, folding his hands together and resting his chin on them as he stared at them intently. "They mistook me for someone else. Dark curly hair...wears both a male and female uniform...has two horns-"

"That's you." Shichirou and Kai deadpanned together.

"Listen! I'm telling you two that's not me!! I'm not foolish enough to go around beating anyone up that I see! That 'Top Dog' halfwit, I will definetely find them!"

"And what are you going to do after that?" Shichirou asked. Kai leaned forward slightly, lamb ears twitching in curiosity at the answer. They had been listening to Kalego complain about this person for weeks, whaevert revenge he had dreamed up had to have been interesting.

"Strip them down and shave their head." Kai blinked at the response, well she hadn't been wrong at least but still-

"That's worse than just beating them up." Shichirou voiced her thoughts and Kai nodded to show her agreement.

"Why not change your hair?" She asked, internally holding the giggle that wanted to erupt at the sudden picture of a blond Kalego.

"Why should I have to give in?" He snapped at her, seeming to sense that she was laughing at him. "Once the foolish 'Top Dog' stops their foolish fighting spree, the fools who are pestering me will cease and I'll return to a life of peace and quiet."

"Quiet huh..." Shichirou mumbled seeming to stare off in the distance, before shaking himself out of it and laying his head down on the table, " I think you tend to get yourself involved in troublesome situations, though."

"What?"  Kai hummed in question.

"Nothing, just talking to myself." Shichirou replied.

Suddenly Kalego slammed his hand on the table causing a loud banging noise to ring out through the cafeteria and causing Kaitlin to jump at the sound as he stood up. "Anyway, we're going to investigate! I'm definitely going to catch the 'Top Dog' by the tail, and make them pay."

Kati and Shichirou both let out a sigh but dutiful got up to follow him. They were definitely getting dragged into something and she could already tell it wasn't going to go the way Kalego wanted it to.

After spending several hours, just trying to find even a glimpse of information not already

known to them, from searching the library to asking both the teachers and students, Kai had definitely gotten confirmation that nothing was going to go to Kalego's plan.  After all, how could he do anything to this "Top Dog" when they couldn't even figure out what they fully looked like? Collapsing onto a bench out in the courtyard, leaning onto Shichirou and even using his head to rest hers on she watched as the little gargoyle demon produced a picture of what looked like an angry ball of fur with two horns to show to Kalego.

"And so, based on our research we can conclude that the identity of the 'Top Dog' is this." Shichirou concluded proudly. Kai started to lean over and coo over the cute drawing before falling over with a startled bleat when Kalego's hand appeared and gripped Shichirou's face, barely missing her own.

"Tell. Me. Which part of that exactly looks like me!?" Kalego snarled out, tightening the grip he held on Shichirou.

"The eyes," he replied at the same time Kai muttered, 'Your surly attitude,' as she righted herself and sat back up properly with a sniff, ignoring Kalego's shout of 'hey!' "Everyone just gave us vague descriptions!" Shichirou continue, unbothered by their fighting, "Doesn't help that the witnesses are all in the hospital. This is what they look like when we combine all of the rumours."

"...So we're stuck," Kai piped in, before sinking further into her seat, legs stretched out before her as she slumped down. "If only there was someone who knew everything about all of the students." Kalego visibly flinched at her words, eyes darting away from her and she raised an eye at the reaction.

"Hey, Kalego-kun," Shichirou called while leaning forward, "Isn't it about time? You should ask him." Him? Kai sat up, ears perked in interest at who this him was that could cause such a reaction in Kalego.

"I...don't want to," Kalego muttered, still looking anywhere but the two of them.

Shichirou took advantage of Kalego looking away and hopped down from the bench gingerly before pushing Kalego in the direction of the school, ignoring his Kalego's struggles and indignant squawking. "Don't be so selfish, it's for the sake of our research! Come on!"

Curiosity piqued even further Kai also hopped down from the bench and followed them back into the school and down several hallways before ending up....in front of the teacher's lounge? She blinked several times in confusion as Kalego struggled even harder against Shichirou's grip before her curiosity roused even higher and she opened the door for all of them. Taking advantage of it Shichirou gripped Kalego slightly harder and raised him off the ground slightly before depositing him into the room and quickly shutting the door again behind him.

Kai's ears lowered in disappointment at not being able to know who was causing that reaction in Kalego before Shichirou gestured her over from where he was leaning against the wall. "You're not going to want to be in front of the door when he comes back out." Obidiently Kai walked over to where he stood and leaned agaisnt the wall too before sliding down to sit on the floor.

"Who is he?" Kai asked after a few minutes of silence. At Shichirou's confused look she clarified, "the one that Kalego doesn't want to talk to, who is he?"

"The guard dog of Bablys, also known as his uncle."

"Oh, ok."....wait what?

Before she could ask further questions the door slammed open and Kalego raced out with a loud shout of, "The rooftop!" Without even thinking Kai and Shichirou's feet pounded after him, following him down the halls towards where Kai could only assume the rooftop was. "That shitty uncle!" Kalego complained as they ran, "He was stalling on purpose, this is why I hate him. And I even had to use my brother as an excuse!"

"The rooftop...can we even make it in time?" Shichirou asked.

"We just have to try, there's no other choice!" Kalego answered as they raced up the stairs. Kai's ears twitched as the sounds of grunts and shouts filtered down. So there really was a fight up there, and if Kalego's uncle was to believed, than the 'Top Dog' they had been hunting all day was up there.

A loud bang echoed through the stairs, followed by a started squeak from Kai as the three first years barely had enough time to dodge as a door flew down the stairs followed by a large student who landed uncounscious behind them.

"Wha..." Kai muttered turning back to look at Shichirou and Kalego before her eyes darted up to stare at the now open door, daylight streaming through and almost blinding her. The idenity of the 'Top Dog' was right behind that entranceway. Carefully climbing up the rest of the stairs, Kai's ears stayed up and alert in case there were anymore flying objects headed her way, but everything seemed quiet now. Had the fight ended?

Crossing through the archway Kai blinked to let her eyes adjust to the sudden brightness before gasping in shock. Standing before her was a large pile of what she could only assume were fellow students, and sitting on top of the pile, as casual as could be, was a single demon with-

"Dark curly hair, wears both the male and female uniforms..." she muttered out loud.

"You!" Kalego interrupted, " So you're the one!!"

"...Oh my," they said before hoping down effortlessly, gracefully even. Every nerve in Kai's body was singing that this demon in front of them was dangerous and it only rose as they gave a small smile, "You three...got a problem?" "Oh," a voice cooed from behind the pile of defeated students. Kai's eyes whipped over to where a head with blonde hair popped out casually, followed by a body obviously belonging to an older student and a large pair of feathered wings so dark the green almost looked black except when they hit the light just right. "Have more little mice decided to try and...Shichirou?" The voice ended bewildered, eyes wide as they finally caught onto the smallest member of their little trio.

"Lyra?" Shichiriou questioned in return, obviously just as confused at this new person's appearance, as Kalego snapped something at the first demon who had appeared, not as easily distracted or deterred in his mission to stop the 'Top Dog'. Though perhaps it should be 'top cat' Kai mused to herself, noting the feline features before focusing back in on the other conversation, following Shichirou as he wandered closer to Lyra. Kai would much prefer being near what was obviously a reunion of some sort rather than being dragged into the fight that was most definitely about to occur between the other two as they argued.

"Look at you! I had forgotten you were starting this year. How are you finding it so far? Let me know if you need anything and - oh!" Lyra's eyes finally moved to Kai tilting her head and staring in such a way that Kai felt like a mouse being watched by a bird of prey before Lyra suddenly grinned, eyebrows waggling at Shichirou. "Who's this cutie? Did you get a girlfriend already baby bird?"

Fierce blushes covered both Shichirou and Kai's faces at the question, a startled bleat even squeaking out of Kai as Shichirou spluttered out denials. This went on for a few seconds before Lyra let out a laugh, enjoying their reactions immensely, waving their words away. "You're both far too easy to tease," She said with a wide grin.

Shichriou sighed before gesturing to the blonde, "Kai this is Lyra, my older cousin from my mom's side of the family. Lyra this is Kai, my....ally?" He ended hesitantly. Technically, even though they had been chatting and hanging out for over a month now, they had never actually confirmed whether they were just acquaintances or if they enjoyed each other's company enough to be allies. 

Kai sent a smile and slight nod at the tinier gargoyle before bowing at Lyra. "It's a pleasure to meet my ally's family. My name is Lee Kai, a first-year--"  a loud crackling noise rang out and Kai barely even paused, though she was certain that meant Cerberion had been summoned "and that grumpy dog over there is Naberius Kalego, also a first-year." 

"Northman Lyra, older cousin of the baby bird here and a fifth year. Mr. Top Dog over there," her grin widened, clearly amused at the misnomer as well, "is Opera, a second year." Lyra's eyes flickered over to where Kalego and Opera were, letting out a low whistle at the sight of the large dog made of electricity that Kalego had surely let out by now.

Shichirou whirled around, just now registering that Kalego and Opera actually intended to fight on the rooftop, "Wait, Kalego-kun, calm down!" 

"This is your last chance," Kalego said ignoring him, " Are you going to quit fighting?" 

"No," was Opera's simple reply. "I mean if you want to try and stop me by force go ahead and try. I was planning on silencing you by doing the same anyway. I can't have you going around revealing my identity can I?"  A shiver of fear ran down Kai's back and she involuntarily took a step back, the pile of bodies next to her an awful reminder of what this Opera was capable of, and was apparently ready to do to all three of them. Suddenly her view of the fight was slightly blocked by a large green wing curling around her as Lyra stepped closer to her and Shichirou, ready to protect the both of them.

"These two are off-limits kitty-cat, keep your claws off of them,"  Lyra called over to them, getting the slightest nod of acknowledgement in return.

"I prefer this method of talking," Opera claimed as they got into a fighting stance, ready to take Kalego and his magic on barehanded, now that they knew Lyra wouldn't be stepping in.

"Don't mock me!" Kalego snarled, whipping his arm out to send Cerberion charging towards Opera. Kai's eyes widened and her hands flew to her mouth as she watched Cerberion's claws come crashing down onto Opera's figure. Kai's arm flew up to protect her eyes from the wave of dust that came flying at them at the impact, once the flow of wind came to a stop, she dared a peak and let out a gasp at the sight.

Where there should have been a flattened student, instead stood Opera, barely slouchy as their hands gripped the far larger claws of Cerberion, looking all for the world as if they were blocking a puppy rather than an electric dog that was close to the size of a small home. All three of them watched in shock as Opera readjusted their grip before throwing Cerberion over their shoulder -- right towards where Kai and the other two were standing.

Kai let out a bleat of distress at the sight of the incoming dog and barely had the thought to me before a wall of crystal appeared, blocking the canine's descent on top of them.

Lyra's shout, "Give a girl a warning you stupid cat!" and Shichirou's exclaim "A shoulder throw!?"   sounded as if it was miles away, barely heard over the blood rushing and heart beating rapidly in her ears as Kai watched Opera dart forward before landing a solid punch into Kalego's gut. She couldn't help but wince as Kalego was visibly lifted off of the ground from the force before falling to the ground, certain that he was blacking out -

Until Kalego's feet caught the ground and he whipped forward with a snarl, fangs flashing as he bit down harshly onto Opera's tail. Spitting it out he growled, "I couldn't possibly care any less about whatever reason your hunting is, but stop using that stupid 'Top Dog' title..." he paused staring directly into Opera's eyes, "because the guard dog of this school is me!"

Silence descended upon the rooftop at that declaration.

Opera blinked slowly, "Guard dog?" they muttered, before deadpanning, "You look more like an underdog to me..." Lyra snorted in amusement and even Kai couldn't help a startled laugh at the statement. "I see, you're quite --"

A startled scream from Shichirou interrupted whatever Opera intended to say and had everyone whipping their heads towards the small gargoyle. Kai's eyes widened at seeing him lifted off the ground by one of three students she had assumed was as knocked out as the rest of the pile. Had they simply been biding their time? 

Did it really matter what they had been doing though, when what she could only assume was the head of the group, had his arm wrapped securely around Shichirou's neck.

"Don't move!" The leader shouted, brandishing his bat at them.

"Oh my," Opera commented as Lyra simply raised an eyebrow at the group.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you," she said.

"Ya hear me, don't you dare a move a muscle," a crazed grin lit up the leader's face, "Heh, you let down your guard ya morons."

Shichirou grunted as the arm squeezed tighter, his fingers curling around the arm just that much tighter so that it wouldn't choke him, "It'll...it'll break."

"Really," Lyra said, "you should let him go or it will break."

"That's right! Try to fight us and I'll break this kid's ne..." He paused and Kai pulled at her ears, worry coursing through her veins at what was about to happen when she noticed that the leader was tilting. "ne...ee..." A loud crack resounded throughout the rooftop and before Kai could blink the leader was on the floor screeching in pain as Shichirou stood above him, arm still clutched in his hand as he fretted.

"I'm so sorry! I'm really bad at controlling my strength so...I might break your..." Shichirou trailed off, quickly letting go before he did further damage.

Lyra sighed, placing her forehead in her hand, "I tried to warn you it was going to break. Honestly, how is it you can hold a newborn devikitten but the second it's another demon all control flies away." 

'Ah,' Kai thought, her eyes refusing to leave where there was a significant dent where Shichirou's fingers had connected with the leader's arm, 'so this is why Shichirou refused to ever touch her or Kalego.' To be fair, if she had the same problem, she would probably never touch another being again. 

Her thoughts were interrupted as the leader did his best to get up, wondering to himself about what they all were. "Damn it! We'll retreat for now." He shouted as he ran past Kalego and Opera towards the exit. Privately Kai wondered why they didn't fly away rather than risk getting closer to the one who had beat them initially, though if she was in their position she might not have been thinking rationally either.

"Those who can still move report back to the Ethos Battler!" Another one shouted as he also ran past, and soon it was only the five of them left. Well the five of them left who was still conscious at least.

"Lyra! Opera! What in the Demon King do you two think you're doing!" A feminine-sounding voice screeched out from behind Kai, startling all of them. "You better not have been the cause of all this or I swear I'm going to-"

"There," Lyra said dragging Kai out of the memory, "your hair is all done and you're looking like a proper demon king if I say so myself." Kai's hand immediately flew up to touch and admire how the top of her black locks had been drawn up into an artful braid around the flower crown, woven into the vines and looking almost natural despite it being two different materials. The lower half had been left down but curled into a wavy mess that flowed behind her back, with tiny braids filled with flowers throughout it.

"The demon king?" A new voice popped in amused, sounding far nicer than when Kai had first heard it, "She's looking more like one of the goddesses above themselves. Could even give that adorable little princess a run for her money." Slowly appearing into the frame of the mirror, Kai met the gold eyes of the new demoness and blushed at the compliment. Kagetsu was always heaping compliments onto her and others, her succubae training always apparent in this manner, though according to Lyra, Kagetsu had always been the one people go to feel better, even before she had been dragged into the Succubi battler.

"Hardly," Kai replied, "but...do you think he will like it?" Her hands fiddled with the thick fabric of the slightly off-white gown she wore, being careful that her long claws didn't rip the delicate upper layer of thin lace above the main fabric. Out of the corner of her eyes, she could see Lyra and Kagetsu exchange a look before Kagetsu came closer and wrapped her arms around the lamb demoness. Kai could feel the warmth of the older demon's body as her breast pressed against Kai's back, Kagetsu's larger hands lightly gripped Kai's own forcing them to hold still before a hole could be worn through as Kagetsu's face nuzzled into the side of Kai's head, careful to not ruin Lyra's handiwork.

Two large pairs of black bat-like wings flowed out of Kagetsu's back, one pair slightly smaller than the other, and wrapped around them both, effectively hiding them from the view of the world, even from the view of the mirror so that all Kaitlin saw was the leathery blackness of Kagetsu's wings. "Oh, darling little Kai, he adores the ground you walk on and the sky you fly in. He would like it if you appeared in a potato sack or one of those overdone crystal ballgowns. This allows your true beauty to shine and the second he sees you he'll be praising Derkila and the gods themselves for letting him have even a chance at courting much less to marry you."

Kai's eyes teared up slightly at her adoptive parents' words and she nodded with a light laugh. With that Kagetsu's wings were gone, once more tucked neatly into her back, and she walked around the chair so that she was in front of the tinier demon. Placing a clawed finger underneath Kai's chin, Kagetsu gently tipped it up and tilted it from side to side, nodding softly to herself before waving her other hand, several palettes and a couple of bottles floated over leisurely, filled with what Kai could only assume was a multitude of makeup products.

"Besides," Kagetsu continued casually as she grabbed one of the bottles filled with a thick, viscous liquid, eyeing it carefully then opening the lid and pouring some onto the back of her other hand, before looking Kai in the eye with a feral grin, "should he be anything less than courteous and respectful to you I will personally rip out his wings and shove them down his throat before taking his tail and strangling him with it. Now tilt your head up and keep looking at me." Kai merely sighed at the threat, more than used to Kagetsu's darker side at this point, as Lyra nodded along and offered more colourful threats should Shichirou displease her in any way. Being essentially adopted by the older demonesses in her first year meant also having two bloodthirsty females who would go to war for her.

Kai didn't really mind it in the least now. In the beginning, it had been slightly horrifying, always terrified that their bellicose ways would turn on her somehow, but it never did. Not once. Oh, there were definitely times they argued and snapped at one another, you couldn't have three inherently territorial creatures in one space for ages on end without them, but never had Kai felt truly scared of them when it happened. There were, in fact, times when they had made Kai feel stronger and more empowered when it happened. Kagestu always twists and manipulates words so that even when she wins the fight, Kai feels like she has also won and is all the more confident about it. Still, it was probably for the best that she never mentioned the few times Shichirou had actually made her cry, otherwise there wouldn't be a demon left for her to marry today.

Or she'll end up a widow before the night is over, and as she would really like to avoid that it was probably best to avoid mentioning anything. It was really no wonder that the two allies kept the Naberius brothers well in line.

Kai laughed at her thoughts and shook her head slightly, mindful not to disturb Kagetsu's careful handiwork. Lyra, catching her movement, raised an eyebrow in curiosity.

"What's amusing you, Kai?" she asked, her voice as gentle as the brush strokes against Kai's face.

"Oh, nothing much," Kai replied, her smile widening. "Just thinking about how far we've come. If someone had told me back then that I'd be here, getting married to Shichirou, with you both by my side, I wouldn't have believed them."

Kagetsu and Lyra exchanged a look before breaking into matching smiles.

"Life has a funny way of surprising us," Kagetsu said, her tone softening. "But I, for one, am not surprised. You and Shichirou are perfect for each other. You balance each other out in ways that not many mated pairs can claim. I bet even Lilith herself would be jealous of you upon this day."

Lyra nodded in agreement. "And you've always had a knack for finding your way, even when the path seemed unclear."

Kai's heart swelled with affection for her friends. They had been through so much together, from the early days of school to the trials and triumphs that had followed. Their bond had been forged in the fires of adolescence, with her often heavily leaning on the two for parental advice, and it had only grown stronger with time.

"Thank you," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "I couldn't have done this without you."

"Nonsense," Kagetsu said, brushing off the sentiment with a wave of her hand. "You've always had the strength within you. We just helped you see it."

As they finished the final touches, Kai took one last look in the mirror. She barely recognized the radiant demoness staring back at her. Her gown fit perfectly, and the intricate lace, embroidered vines that trailed up from the hem, and oversized sleeves highlighted her slender frame. The flowers in her hair added a touch of natural beauty, making her look like she had stepped out of a fairy tale. A far cry from the little first year who hadn't even known what a menstrual cycle was and had to have her, then ally's, mother explain it to her.

Kai lay curled up in Shichirou's nest, wings tightly curled around her as she lay clutching her stomach, waves of pain coursing through her body. She had come to visit him during their winter vacation, looking forward to a week of relaxation and fun. But instead, she had been struck by a mysterious and agonizing pain that left her weak and trembling.

Shichirou sat beside her, his face etched with worry. "Kai, what's wrong? What can I do?" he asked, his voice tinged with desperation. Kai could only shake her head, unable to speak through the pain.

"I don't know, Shichirou," she managed to gasp out. "It just... it hurts so much."

Panic flashed in Shichirou's eyes, and he quickly got up, rushing out of the room. He knew he needed help, but he didn't know what to do. Bursting into his mother's study, he found her reading a book, her green wings draped gracefully over the back of her chair.

"Mom! Something's wrong with Kai!" he blurted out, his voice high with anxiety. "She's in so much pain, and I don't know what to do!"

His mother, Althea Balam, looked up quickly at her youngling's panic before gripping his shoulders and kneeling before him. "Take a deep breath, Shichirou," she said gently. "Tell me what's wrong."

As Shichirou explained, Althea's expression softened with understanding. "It sounds like Kai is having her first period," she said, a slight laugh in her voice as relief gripped her. "It's a natural part of growing up, though it can be very painful and confusing, especially for the first time."

Shichirou's eyes widened. "Her...period? But, what do I do?"

Althea stood up, placing a comforting hand on her son's shoulder. "I'll help you. First, we need to make her comfortable. I'll get some tea and pain medication. You go back to her and just be there. Let her know she's not alone."

Shichirou nodded, his heart still pounding with worry but now bolstered by his mother's guidance. He returned to his room, finding Kai still curled up on the bed. He gently climbed in beside her, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her close.

"It's going to be okay, Kai," he whispered, his voice soothing. "My mom's getting some tea and medicine. I'm here with you."

Kai buried her face in his chest, finding comfort in his warmth and the steady beat of his heart. "Thank you, Shichirou," she murmured, her voice trembling.

A few minutes later, Althea entered the room, carrying a tray with a steaming cup of tea and a small bottle of pain medication. She set it down on the bedside table and smiled reassuringly at Kai.

"Here you go, dear," she said, handing the cup to Shichirou to give to Kai. "This should help with the pain. Just sip it slowly, and take these as well." She handed Shichirou the bottle, and he carefully measured out the proper dose before giving it to Kai.

"Thank you, Mrs. Balam," Kai said, managing a weak but grateful smile.

Althea nodded and gave her son a gentle pat on the back. "Just let her rest, Shichirou. She needs comfort and warmth right now. You're both doing great."

With that, Althea quietly left the room, closing the door behind her. Shichirou adjusted the blankets around them, creating a makeshift nest that enveloped them both in warmth. He held Kai close, stroking her hair and whispering soothing words until the tea and medication began to take effect.

As the pain gradually subsided, Kai felt herself relax in Shichirou's arms. The warmth of his body and the gentle rhythm of his breathing lulled her into a state of calm. She nuzzled closer, finding solace in his presence.

"Thank you, Shichirou," she whispered again, her voice barely audible.

"Anything for you, Kai," he replied softly, resisting the urge to kiss the top of her head. "Just rest now. I'm here."

Kai closed her eyes, the pain fading away as she drifted into a peaceful sleep, secure in the knowledge that Shichirou would be there to take care of her.

"Ready to go?" Kagetsu asked, her voice filled with anticipation.

Kai took a deep breath clearing the latest memory away and nodded, carefully flipping her veil down to cover her face without messing anything up. "Ready."

With that, Lyra and Kagetsu led her out of the room and towards the grand hall where the ceremony would take place. As they walked, memories of her journey flashed through Kai's mind, each step bringing her closer to the moment she had been dreaming of.

The doors to the hall swung open, and Kai's breath caught in her throat. The room was filled with friends and family, all gathered to witness this special day. At the end of the aisle stood Shichirou, his eyes locked onto hers with a mixture of love and awe.

As Kai made her way down the aisle, she felt a sense of peace wash over her. This was where she was meant to be, with the people she loved most by her side and the demon she adored waiting for her.

When she finally reached Shichirou, he took her hands in his, his touch sending a shiver down her spine.

As Kai stood hand-in-hand with Shichirou, her mind drifted back to the first fight they had ever had. It was a memory she rarely revisited, but today, on their wedding day, it seemed important to remember how far they had come.

It had been a stressful week at Babyls. Exams were approaching, and the pressure was getting to everyone, especially the third years, as this marked whether or not they would be able to continue their next three years of final schooling at Babyls. Kai had been working tirelessly, balancing her studies with her familial duties. Her sketches, studies, and plans fill her every waking moment. Shichirou had been equally busy, his responsibilities as a student and his own family obligations leaving him exhausted.

The tension between them had been building for days. Little things that normally wouldn’t have bothered them became sources of irritation. They hadn’t had much time to spend together, and when they did, their conversations were strained and filled with misunderstandings.

The breaking point came one evening in the library. Kai had been hunched over a particularly challenging assignment, her frustration mounting with each passing minute. Shichirou had arrived late, looking worn out and distracted.

“Could you please keep it down?” she snapped, not even looking up from her work.

“I’m not making any noise,” Shichirou replied, his voice equally sharp.

Kai glanced up, her eyes narrowing. “I could hear your talons clicking from a mile away, and you’re fidgeting. It’s distracting.”

Shichirou sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I’m just trying to get comfortable. Can we not do this right now?”

“Do what?” Kai shot back. “All I’m asking is for a little bit of consideration. Is that too much?”

Shichirou’s eyes flashed with irritation. “Consideration? You’re the one who’s been snapping at me all week. Maybe if you weren’t so wrapped up in your work, you’d notice how stressed I am too.”

Kai felt her anger flare. “Oh, so it’s my fault now? I’m doing the best I can, Shichirou. I’m sorry if that’s not good enough for you.”

They stared at each other, the tension between them thick and palpable. The library felt suddenly too small, too quiet. Shichirou’s wings twitched in agitation, and Kai’s ears flattened against her head in anger before snarling at him. Her usually hidden fangs bared and Shichirou startled, eyes wide in his surprise and tensing in case she snapped and tried to attack him, a low warning growl in his throat.

Without another word, she gathered her things and stormed out of the library, leaving Shichirou standing there, his expression a mix of surprise and worry at what had just happened. He had never felt so out of place in her company before, and he didn't like the feeling.

It wasn’t until a week later, during a particularly quiet evening in the garden, that Kai finally found herself in his presence again.  She found him in their garden, sitting on a bench, looking lost in thought as he worriedly picked at the scales on his arms. Gathering her courage, she approached him, her heart pounding in her chest.

“Shichirou,” she said softly.

He looked up, surprise and relief flashing in his eyes. “Kai.”

She sat down beside him, her hands trembling slightly. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have snapped at you. I’ve been so stressed that I ended up pushing myself into an evil cycle and I took it out on you. That wasn’t fair.”

Shichirou sighed, his shoulders relaxing slightly. “I’m sorry too. I should have been more understanding. We’ve both been under a lot of pressure.”

They sat in silence for a moment, the tension between them slowly melting away.

“I don’t want to fight with you,” Kai said finally. “You mean too much to me.”

Shichirou reached out and took her hand, his grip warm and reassuring. “I don’t want to fight either. Let’s not let this happen again. Next time let me help you, okay?”

Kai nodded, a sense of relief washing over her. “Okay.”

As Kai stood at the altar, she squeezed Shichirou’s hand, her heart filled with love for the gargoyle before he. That fight had been a turning point for them, a reminder that their relationship was worth fighting for. And today, as they stood together, ready to face the future as partners, she knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, they would face them together.

"You look beautiful," he whispered, his voice filled with emotion.

"And you look handsome," she replied, her smile matching his.

As the ceremony began, Kai felt a sense of completeness she had never known before. Surrounded by love and supported by her friends, she knew that whatever challenges lay ahead, she would face them with courage and strength.

What few clouds there were moved and the sun bathed the garden in a warm, golden light as Kai and Shichirou stood before their gathered friends and family. The air was filled with the scent of blooming flowers and the gentle murmur of the assembled guests. Shichirou's white hair, for once properly brushed and pulled back into a high ponytail, shimmered softly in the sunlight and Kai's eyes sparkled with emotion.

The officiant, a respected elder from their community, nodded to Kai to begin her vows.

Kai took a deep breath, her heart pounding with the weight of the moment. She looked into Shichirou's eyes, finding strength in the love she saw reflected there.

"Shichirou," she began, her voice steady, "from the moment we met, you have been my anchor, my confidant, and my greatest challenge. We’ve faced countless obstacles together, and every trial has only made my love for you stronger. I promise to stand by your side, to support you in all your dreams, and to cherish every moment we share. You are my heart, my home, and I am honoured to become your partner for life."

A soft murmur of appreciation rippled through the guests as Shichirou squeezed Kai's hand gently. He took a moment, collecting his thoughts before speaking.

"Kai," he said, his voice filled with warmth and sincerity, "you have brought light and joy into my life in ways I never imagined. Your strength, your passion, and your unwavering dedication inspire me every day. I promise to be your protector, your supporter, and your friend. Together, we will face whatever challenges come our way, and I will love you with all that I am, for all of my days."

The officiant smiled and nodded, signalling for the next part of the ceremony. He raised his hands, signalling the completion of the ceremony. "By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you bound in love and life. You may seal your union with a kiss."

Kai and Shichirou turned to face each other fully, Shichirou carefully lifting the front of the veil so that her face was exposed. They both held out their out their left hands to the other’s face. Kai felt a mix of excitement and nervousness as she gently took Shichirou’s hand, bringing it to her lips. She met his eyes, silently asking for permission one last time. He nodded, a small, reassuring smile on his face.

With careful precision, Kai bit down gently on Shichirou's ring finger, leaving a small, neat mark. She felt a strange sense of connection flow through her as she did as if this act truly bound their souls together. Shichirou then took her hand and did the same, his bite firm but tender, and Kai was quite proud to have held in the wince at the pain that hit her.

Kai and Shichirou leaned in, their lips meeting in a kiss that was soft, yet filled with all the passion and promise of their vows. The guests erupted into applause, celebrating the union of two souls who had found their perfect match in each other.

As they pulled apart, Shichirou whispered in Kai’s ear, "You’re finally mine.”

Kai smiled, her heart swelling with happiness. "I always was.”

Yes the day had finally arrived.

And it was perfect.

[m-jelly]

hey long time fan and reader! Love your work and specifically how u write post war! Levi with his kids, im wondering if you could write something on one of the kids being absolutely convinced about having a monster in their closet or under the bed etc typa trope, and levi and the reader help cleanse the room of monsters and ensure that even if there was a monster that their parents would absolutely protect them <3 thank you! Much love!

Brave heroes

Pairing: Postwar Levi x Fem!Rader

Genre and tags: Canon world, postwar, married life, dad Levi, parents, love, fluff, looking after kids, cute.

Concept: Levi and you are having a nighttime cuddle on the sofa with a drink. While relaxing, your eldest comes crying to you about a monster under her bed. You and Levi assure Lilly that she is safe and you as a family scare the monster away.

Taglist: @levisbrat25 @ladycheesington @skittlelover69 @li-anne @nyxiieluna @notgoodforlife @2moth-anon2 @nbinairyn @galactict3a @thebobaprincess @cypidity @youre-ackermine @demonsimp6

Levi squeezed you as you sat on his lap and played with his hair. He smiled up at you and thought you were incredible. He'd met you after the war by hiring you to work as his only assistant at his tea shop. He fell hard and fast for you and you deeply loved and cared for him. You had the perfect love, wedding and married life. You brought in two wonderful children into the world.

Lilly was your first and was five years old and a bundle of joy. You now had a one-year-old son, Evan. You and Levi wanted more, but you were going to wait for Evan to grow up a bit more. You were happy living in a cute home by the sea and forest with a huge garden for the kids to play in and for Levi to watch birds.

Levi kissed you and hummed in happiness. "I love you."

"Love you too." You hugged Levi's head to your chest. "You're so wonderful."

Levi pressed his face into your chest making his voice muffled. "You're better."

"Mummyyyyyyy!" Little feet ran down the hall followed by sobs. "Daddyyyy!"

You slipped off Levi's lap and hurried to the stairs to see Lilly in a shirt of Levi's with her hair a mess, tears running down her cheeks and her cuddly bunny in hand. "Lilly?"

Lilly opened her arms to you as she sobbed. "Mummy!"

You scooped her up and hugged her. "Oh, baby, my sweet little flower."

Levi limped over to his precious daughter. "Little flower, what happened?"

Lilly struggled to talk because she was crying so much. She took in deep breaths and kept crying. You kissed her forehead all over as Levi held her hand and kissed the side of her head. You both waited for her to talk.

Lilly rubbed her eyes and sniffed. "Monster."

Levi frowned. "Monster?"

She nodded. "In my room."

Levi clenched and unclenched his jaw as he instantly assumed some man had gotten into his daughter's room. "Where?"

Lilly whined and hid against you. "Mm."

You rubbed her back and whispered. "Levi, I don't think it's a person."

Levi relaxed a bit. He grew up in a world where the monster was always a man or titan and he knew all titans were dead, so it would be a man. What he wasn't used to was a child's pure and wild imagination creating a big monster in a room due to the dark being scary. This was all knew to him and he needed you more than ever.

Levi gulped and nodded. "Monster, huh?"

You looked down at your daughter. "Lilly? Why don't you show me and Daddy where the monster is and then we'll scare it away." You nuzzled your nose against hers making her giggle. "We're super scary. Can you do that?"

Lilly nodded. "Okay."

Levi smiled. "You're very brave."

Lilly blushed a bit. "Brave like daddy?"

"Of course! You're very brave like me."

Lilly giggled. "Good!"

You carried her upstairs to her room and stood in the doorway. "Okay, point for daddy where the monster is."

She pointed to her bed and the closet. "There and there."

Levi nodded. "Right, right, I see." He opened the closet and looked inside before looking under the bed. "Mm, yes I see the monsters. It does look like the naughty things are there. I believe you little flower."

Her eyes widened. "You do?"

"Of course." He walked over and took her from you and gave her a big hug. "They're horrible mean things to scare a cute, kind and smart girl like you."

Lilly played with her daddy's shirt. "They're mean."

"They are! So, you know what we'll do?"

"What?"

He smiled at her. "We're going to scare the monsters away. We're the Ackermans and we can be a lot scarier." He bounced her making her giggle. "Give me your best scary face."

Lilly laughed. "Daddyyy."

He smiled at her. "Come on. Give me your biggest scary roar!"

Lilly put her arms out. "ROAR!"

Levi gasped. "Wow! So scary!"

"Really?!"

"Yes! Right mummy?"

You giggled as both looked at you. "Best roar I have ever seen and heard."

Lilly giggled. "Thank you, mummy."

Levi carried Lilly to her closet. "Ready? The three of us will roar together. Go!"

You all roared at the closet over and over again making Lilly laugh hard. Levi kicked with his bad leg a few times into the closet to defeat the last of the monsters. You all ran to the bed and got on the floor to scare the monsters there until it was all done.

You put Lilly in her bed and handed her the bunny she loved so much. "Lie down, little flower."

Lilly snuggled up in bed. "Thank you, mummy and daddy."

"You feeling okay?"

Lilly nodded. "Yes. I'm not scared anymore. I'll just scare the monsters away."

"Good girl."

Levi grunted and said your name. "Help? My knee has locked up."

You stood up and helped pull Levi to sit on the bed. "There you go."

He smiled and massaged her knee. "Thank you." He turned to his daughter and sighed. "You've got this, okay? If you ever need help, we'll always come running."

Lilly nodded. "Yes."

"When your brother is older, he'll help too and I know you'll help him."

Lilly smiled. "Yes."

Levi leaned over and kissed her cheek. "Good girl. Proud of you."

You kissed her cheek as well. "He love you so much."

Levi nodded. "We love you a lot."

Lilly grinned. "Love you too."

Levi held her hand. "Want us to stay until you fall asleep?"

She snuggled up and hugged her bunny. "I'm okay."

You tucked her in and got up. "All right." You pulled Levi to his feet and helped him to the door as he limped. "Sleep well, little flower."

She yawned and waved. "Night mummy, night daddy. Love you."

Levi blew her a kiss. "Night, love you."

You closed her door a bit. "Love you too." You turned the light off and walked with Levi to Evan's room. "Gonna check on Evan."

Levi opened the door for you to see Evan happily passed out in bed softly snoring. "Out like a light."

You giggled. "Bless him."

Levi closed the door and put his arm around you. "Did I do well?"

"Fantastic. You were incredible." You took the lead down the stairs and held Levi's hand as he walked down. "You were perfect with her."

"I'm glad."

You led Levi to his seat again. "Is your knee okay?"

Levi dropped into his chair and sighed. "It hurts a bit, but I did use it too much. Slowly but surely. I mean, I wouldn't have been able to do that five years ago." He grabbed your wrist and pulled you onto his lap. "You've made me stronger."

You cuddled up to your husband. "You're so handsome and cute."

He chuckled. "I try."

"I'm proud of you, Levi. You're so strong and filled with love." You cupped his face and kissed him. "I love you."

"I love you too." He massaged your thigh. "So, umm...do you want to try for another baby?"

You hummed a laugh. "Yes, but not tonight cause you hurt your knee."

Levi's eyes sparkled in delight. "Of course. Tomorrow?"

You giggled. "Yes."

[youling-the-ghost]

So after hearing about sfth's next D&D streams having some longform characters, I can't not create some character concepts for them.

Anyway, here's Peter Steven :D

(Also a note to @i-may-be-an-emu: I know I said in DMs that he wouldn't work well as a D&D character. I take that back, this was incredibly fun to make and druid!Peter is my new favourite headcanon now.)

Name: Peter Steven (obviously) Race: half elf Class: druid Background: prodigy Alignment: neutral good

Strength: 1 Dexterity: 2 Constitution: 1 Intelligence: 3 Wisdom: 2 Charisma: 0 (side note: this is after adding the +2 charisma from his half elf race, I originally intended for him to have a -2 charisma)

Proficiencies: survival, animal handling, nature, and medicine

Personality traits Daring and loyal, this adventurer is the ideal companion when adventuring. Between his proficiency as a healer and love for nature, Peter is a sweet and gentle soul despite his intimidating stature. While his towering height might suggest that he's more of a fighter, Peter is actually quick on his feet and prefers using hit-and-run tactics rather than fighting head-on. He contributes this, along with his strange affinity for milk, to his upbringing though the others rarely question it.

Backstory Peter was born to upper-class parents. While he wasn't quite at aristocractic status, the Steven family name was quite well-respected in the village. Peter himself was also quite well-liked by the village when he was younger, especially when he proved himself to be a studious and bright young boy. Although he had some strange hobbies and dreams, such as digging holes in his back garden and one day becoming a milkman, the Stevens showered their son with love and affection nonetheless.

However, as the days went on, Peter's height grew at an rapid—almost unnatural—rate, akin to the growth cycle of an elf. Rumours quickly spread throughout the village that Peter was an illegitimate child, and in the blink of an eye, the Steven family name was beginning to tarnish. Despite his lack of pointy ears, no villager would ever reject the opportunity for a good gossip, no matter how unrealistic it might be. After months of discreet finger points and accusatory whispers, Jemima cracked under the pressure. Peter was forced to use a wheelchair to hide his height, and he was forbidden from leaving the confines of his house. Despite her efforts, the rumours didn't cease. Soon, the Steven family name was in shambles and simply going out to the market earned the family judgemental stares and mean-spirited snickers.

Unsure of what else to do, Peter's parents sent him to boarding school to get him away from the scornful looks. Even at boarding school, the lies regarding the wheelchair persisted, and every day the guilt ate away at Peter's conscience. The boarding school was cruel and unjust, the torture chamber located in the building's basement should be enough evidence of that. Peter suffered it all in silence, believing that if he was a good little boy and behaved himself, his parents would want him back again. It was all make-belief, and some part of Peter's subconscious knew this, but every night he would whisper to a squirrel that perched on his window about the day when he would leave this tortous school and return to his life as the child of Jemima and Jim Steven.

One day after years of boarding school, a 19-year-old Peter received a letter addressed to him from his mother. He excitedly opened it, expecting an announcement that he was going home, and was met with the stark truth: the rumours were right, he was the illegitimate child between his mother and the elven milkman. In the letter, his mother explained that she and his father were divorcing, and that she planned on marrying the milkman. He was asked to join this new family as a Jeffrey, living a life that would certainly be less prestigious than before, but one that would be honest. Peter was going home.

But as he lay on his glorified rock of a bed, Peter came to the realisation that he didn't want to join this new family. It made him sick to his stomach to imagine taking family photos, with Mr Jeffrey's hand on his shoulder as if it was the most natural thing ever, all three of them smiling and acting like nothing was wrong. Then a daring thought emerged in his head: he wanted to escape.

On the day of his apparent departure, Peter sat on his wheelchair one last time and was escorted to the carriage. But just as he was about to go on, Peter jumped up and ran into the forest with nothing but his suitcase and the squirrel who hid in his scarf. That day was his 20th birthday. From that day onwards, Peter lived in the woods, foraging for food and conversing with the woodland creatures using his special druidic tongue.

[abbysimsfun]

The Sims is love. List 5 facts about a favorite sim couple of yours, and why you love them so much. Then pass this on to 5 others, whose sim couple(s) you also love. 💘💕

Thank you for the tag @matchalovertrait!! I was totally going to do a Heather and Conrad post for this, but we're living their love story right now and new history is happening with them every day, so instead I decided to throw back to my In Bloom Legacy Gen 1 powercouple, Daisy (Darden) & Neal Nesbitt.

FACTS: 1. Neal was a gallery sim I made no edits to whatsoever, chosen because I liked his look and he had the Loves Outdoors trait like Daisy (challenge requirement). His WCIF post is here. 2. Daisy was created by mashing the random button in CAS until I had a blonde because I had only seen the challenge start with pretty blonde Daisys and sometimes I'm a trend follower. I picked her original last name, Darden, because it rhymes with garden. I'm the CAS-laziest, I've said this!

(Also I'm not actually keeping the Nesbitt name for every gen, which in a way makes this not really a Sims legacy at all, but I felt like the obvious last name for the challenge, Bloom, was too expected, and since I play with so many premades I'm curious to see where the main-line surname goes and who marries in, etc.) 3. Daisy maxed out the botanist career in early adulthood and then joined the Sims Aeronautical Space Agency (SpaceY) as an astrobotanist testing plant life in space. After obtaining a UFO fruit and achieving the gardening collection plaque, she quit to become a florist but by then I was ready to start Gen 2 so didn't really play it (I have the chance later in this legacy challenge though so Daisy's just enjoying being semi-retired now! 4. Neal maxed out the Civil Design career (Eco Branch only), but his great career move was inventing Nesbeets - a plant-based meat substitute grown on a vertical garden wall. The success of Nesbeets put him on the map enough that the Goths and Landgraabs were both aware of his success in business when each family's story became entwined with the Nesbitts. As an elder, he invented Buttercups all-natural pet treats, inspired by his daughter's quest to end her business contracts with greedy conglomerate Landgraab Corp. 5. As Neal and Daisy raised their four children, their favourite vacation spot was Granite Falls. Daisy loved to fish and meditate in the forest, and Neal, a sustainable living hobbyist who outfitted their home in numerous contraptions to save on water and power consumption, maxed the herbalism skill and the Outdoor Enthusiast aspiration.

Collage Template: Canva (free)

top row: Daisy takes off to outer space as an astrobotanist, Neal and Daisy's wedding day middle row: Neal and Daisy and Luke and Leia for Halloween (Ep 4 before they knew they were siblings so it's fine right?! 😂, Neal and Daisy share a pregnancy cuddle, selfie in Granite Falls, Neal and Daisy as elders after more than 25 years of marriage bottom row: Neal's Nesbeets garden wall, Neal and Daisy with their four children - Heather, Hazel, River, and Holly

[cynic-spirit]

Orchid Garden i

Fluff, excessively long

john wick x you

John Wick, born Jardani Jovonovich, stands as an icon in the clandestine world of professional assassins. His career, marked by a relentless string of high-profile eliminations, has earned him the moniker Baba Yaga, the Boogeyman. Known for his lethal precision, impeccable skill, and unwavering determination, John's name evokes both fear and respect across the international criminal underworld.

His demeanor is that of a man molded by necessity and survival. Stoic and serious, John rarely wastes words, letting his actions speak volumes. His few utterances are marked by a strong sense of obligation and commitment to his tasks, reflecting an unshakeable confidence in his abilities. Among his peers and adversaries, John’s reputation is unparalleled; many criminal organizations and assassins regard him with a mixture of awe and trepidation.

In combat, John is a force of nature, methodical and ruthless. His lethal efficiency is matched only by his focus, a trait that has allowed him to survive countless deadly encounters. Despite the violence that defines his existence, there is an underlying code he adheres to, a set of principles that govern his actions. This code, along with his formidable skills, has cemented his status as a legendary figure within the shadowy echelons of the criminal world.

John Wick found himself in a precarious situation, navigating the thin line between his alleged retirement and the ongoing suspicion from those who doubted his departure from the assassin’s life. Despite his claims of having hung up his guns for good, whispers of his continued involvement in clandestine operations persisted, threatening to drag him back into the dark abyss he sought to leave behind.

To dispel these suspicions and convince his skeptics that he was indeed living a normal life, John knew he had to create an illusion of domestic bliss. Having meticulously cultivated the image of a reformed man who indulged in mundane activities like gardening and dog training, it was now imperative to take the final, crucial step: he needed to present himself as a family man.

Yn, a linguistics professor on a work visa, found herself in a dire predicament. With her visa nearing its expiration, the prospect of returning to her homeland filled her with dread. Back home, her family had arranged for her to be married off for financial gain, a fate she was desperate to avoid. Determined to find a way to stay and continue her career, she turned to Winston, an old friend and mentor, for help.

Winston, ever resourceful and always willing to help those in need, suggested a solution that was both unconventional and risky. He proposed that she marry John Wick, on paper, to secure her legal status in the country. While it seemed like an extreme measure, it was the only viable option to prevent her from being forced into an unwanted marriage and to allow her to continue her work.

John Wick, despite his fearsome reputation, had always maintained a sense of loyalty and duty to those he considered friends. When Winston approached him with the proposition, John recognized the gravity of Yn's situation. Although initially hesitant, he agreed to the arrangement, understanding the importance of offering her a way out.

Yn and John met at Winston's bar, The Continental, to discuss the terms of their agreement. The contrast between them was stark: Yn, with her academic background and warm demeanor, and John, the stoic and feared assassin. Despite their differences, they found common ground in their shared need for survival and a desire to help one another.

The marriage was to be purely a formality, a legal arrangement to ensure Yn could stay in the country. They agreed to move in together, presenting a facade of a married couple while allowing Yn to continue her work at the university. For John, it was another layer of his carefully constructed normal life, further dispelling any lingering suspicions about his retirement from the assassin's world.

The transition was not without its challenges. Yn had to adapt to John's silent, disciplined lifestyle, while John had to make room for Yn's academic materials and her penchant for late-night reading and grading papers. Their coexistence was marked by a mutual respect and an unspoken understanding of the stakes involved.

Living under one roof, Yn gradually began to see beyond John's formidable exterior. She noticed the subtle ways he cared for his beloved dog, the quiet moments of reflection he often spent in his garden, and the meticulous nature with which he maintained his home. In return, John found himself appreciating Yn's dedication to her students and her passion for linguistics, a world so different from his own.

The charade required them to occasionally attend social events together, posing as a couple. Yn's warmth and John's silent strength created a convincing portrayal of a married life. Neighbors and acquaintances saw them as an unusual but genuine couple, further solidifying the illusion necessary for their mutual benefit.

Yn was unaware of the true nature of John Wick's past and present. The stoic and reserved assassin maintained an air of mystery, speaking to her only when necessary and keeping their interactions strictly minimal. This suited Yn just fine; she was a naturally reserved woman herself, content to focus on her work as a college professor without prying into John's affairs.

Their shared home was a quiet one. John would often disappear for hours, sometimes days, leaving Yn to her own devices. She spent her time preparing lectures, grading papers, and conducting research. The library became her sanctuary, a place where she could immerse herself in her academic pursuits and find solace in the familiar world of books and learning.

When John was home, their conversations were brief and functional, typically limited to household matters or essential communication. Yn appreciated his respect for her space and his lack of intrusion into her personal life. In turn, she reciprocated by not pressing him for details about his own comings and goings, understanding that some things were better left unspoken.

Despite the minimal interaction, there was an unspoken understanding between them. John ensured that Yn had everything she needed, from groceries to household repairs, maintaining a well-organized and efficient household. In return, Yn made sure to keep to her routine, respecting John's need for silence and privacy.

Occasionally, their paths would cross in the kitchen or living room, and they would exchange a few words—simple pleasantries or necessary updates. Yn would sometimes find herself curious about the enigmatic man she was married to, but she knew better than to ask questions. John's reticence spoke volumes, and she respected his boundaries.

In her classroom, Yn was in her element, engaging with her students and sharing her passion for linguistics. She found joy in teaching, her interactions with students providing a stark contrast to the silent companionship she shared with John at home. Her colleagues often remarked on her dedication and the warmth she brought to her lectures, unaware of the complex and unusual situation that awaited her each day when she returned home.

John, on the other hand, continued to navigate his dual existence. He kept his true activities hidden from Yn, maintaining the facade of a reformed man living a quiet life. Yet, there were moments when he found himself watching her from afar, intrigued by her quiet strength and dedication to her work. He admired her resilience and the way she managed to create a sense of normalcy in their shared space.

Over time, a mutual respect developed between them. Though their marriage was born out of necessity, they found a certain rhythm in their coexistence. Yn's presence provided John with a semblance of normal life, a reminder of what he had lost and what he was trying to protect. For Yn, John represented a shield against the unwanted fate that awaited her in her homeland, giving her the freedom to continue her academic pursuits.

Their lives, though intertwined, remained distinctly separate. Yn never questioned John's silences, and John never intruded on Yn's routines. In their own way, they found a balance, each finding solace in the other's presence without demanding more than the other could give.

As the days turned into months, the unusual arrangement became their new normal. Both Yn and John continued to navigate their separate worlds, bound by an unspoken agreement and a shared understanding. In their quiet, reserved companionship, they discovered a unique partnership, one that allowed them to exist peacefully within the boundaries they had set for themselves.

John, the ever-observant assassin, found himself increasingly drawn to Yn. Initially, their arrangement had been a matter of convenience, a means to an end for both of them. Yet, over time, John's keen eyes began to notice the finer details of Yn's presence and behavior.

Yn was undeniably beautiful, her quiet grace and natural elegance a stark contrast to the violence and chaos that had defined John's life for so long. She was hardworking, dedicated to her role as a professor, and never once complained about their unconventional living arrangement. Her intelligence shone through in the way she approached her work, and her kindness and gentleness were evident in her interactions with others.

As days turned into weeks, John found himself paying closer attention to Yn. He noticed how she hummed softly while preparing her lectures or cooking dinner, a melody that brought a rare sense of tranquility to their home. Her habits, once merely background noise, became points of fascination for him.

John observed how Yn meticulously organized her workspace, her books and papers always in perfect order. He saw the way she cared for her students, often spending late nights grading papers and preparing detailed feedback to help them improve. There was a quiet strength in her, a resilience that John couldn't help but admire.

One evening, as Yn sat at the dining table deep in thought, John noticed the way she puckered her lips, a subtle gesture that she made when lost in her work. It was a small, endearing habit that brought a faint smile to his usually stoic face. He began to look for it, finding a strange comfort in the familiar motion.

Despite his growing awareness of Yn, John maintained his distance, unsure of how to navigate these unfamiliar feelings. He was a man accustomed to solitude, his emotions carefully guarded behind a wall of stoicism. Yet, Yn's presence had a way of chipping away at that wall, revealing cracks he hadn't known existed.

John's protective instincts began to extend beyond mere necessity. He found himself ensuring that Yn had everything she needed, going out of his way to make her life easier. He fixed things around the house before she even had a chance to notice they were broken, stocked the pantry with her favorite foods, and made sure her space was always comfortable and welcoming.

Yn, for her part, remained oblivious to the depth of John's attention. She appreciated his quiet support and the stability he provided, but she was content to respect his boundaries and maintain the peaceful coexistence they had established.

As John continued to observe Yn, he began to wonder what it might be like to let her in, to share more than just the superficial aspects of his life. He knew it was a dangerous thought, one that could complicate their already delicate situation. Yet, the more he watched her, the more he found himself yearning for a connection that went beyond their pragmatic arrangement.

In the quiet moments of their shared life, John started to see a future he had never dared to imagine. It was a future where he could find peace, where he could leave behind the shadows of his past and build something real with Yn. But for now, he kept these thoughts to himself, content to watch and admire her from a distance, his respect and affection for her growing with each passing day.

As the days passed, John noticed more changes around his home, subtle yet undeniable signs of Yn's presence. The lawn behind his house, once a simple patch of grass, had transformed into a vibrant garden. Flowers of various colors and types began to bloom, adding a touch of beauty and life to the otherwise stark landscape. It was Yn's doing, her quiet way of leaving a mark on her surroundings.

John found himself drawn to the garden more often. He observed how Yn tended to the plants with care and patience, her hands deftly working the soil and nurturing the flowers. Orchids, he noticed, were her favorite. Their delicate petals and intricate patterns fascinated her, and she took great pride in cultivating them.

One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, John stood at the edge of the garden, watching Yn as she carefully watered the orchids. She hummed a soft tune, lost in the simple pleasure of tending to her plants. The sight was strangely soothing, a stark contrast to the chaos that usually defined John's life.

Yn looked up, catching John's gaze. She offered him a small, warm smile, her eyes reflecting the peace she found in the garden. "I hope you don't mind," she said softly. "I've always loved gardening. It helps me relax."

John shook his head, a rare hint of a smile touching his lips. "I don't mind," he replied. "It's nice."

They stood there for a moment, the silence between them comfortable and unforced. Yn returned to her work, and John lingered a while longer, the sight of her among the flowers a welcome respite from his usual concerns.

As the weeks went by, John began to help Yn in the garden. At first, his assistance was practical—carrying bags of soil, setting up irrigation, and fixing any broken tools. But gradually, he found himself enjoying the process. The repetitive tasks, the feel of the earth in his hands, and the quiet companionship with Yn provided a sense of calm he hadn't experienced in years.

Yn taught him about the different plants, her passion and knowledge evident in every word. She showed him how to care for the orchids, explaining their needs and the delicate balance required to keep them healthy. John listened intently, appreciating the way Yn's eyes lit up when she talked about her favorite flowers.

In the garden, they found a shared space where words were unnecessary. Their actions spoke volumes—John's careful tending to the plants, Yn's appreciative smiles, and the silent understanding that grew between them. The garden became a sanctuary for both of them, a place where they could escape from their respective worries and find a semblance of peace.

John's feelings for Yn continued to deepen. He admired her resilience, her dedication to her work, and the gentle kindness she showed in everything she did. The garden, once a mere patch of grass, had become a symbol of their evolving relationship, a testament to the quiet bond forming between them.

Though John still kept many of his thoughts and feelings to himself, he knew that Yn had become an important part of his life. She brought a sense of normalcy and beauty that he had long believed was out of reach. In the midst of their unusual arrangement, John found himself longing for more than just a façade of domestic life. He yearned for a genuine connection, one that he hoped could eventually blossom, much like the orchids Yn so lovingly tended.

Deep down, John constantly reminded himself that his marriage to Yn was purely a practical arrangement. The terms were clear: they were doing this to secure Yn's stay in the country and to help John maintain the façade of a normal life. Yet, as he found himself increasingly captivated by her presence, he struggled to maintain the emotional distance he had initially intended.

He often found himself in quiet reflection, convincing himself that this was a means to an end, not an emotional entanglement. Every time he felt a flicker of affection or noticed a new, endearing trait of Yn's, he would firmly remind himself of their original agreement. She was married to him only on paper, and their lives were intertwined solely out of necessity.

Still, it was becoming harder to ignore his growing feelings. Yn's presence brought a warmth and tranquility to his life that he hadn't experienced in years. Her gentle humming as she worked in the garden, her quiet dedication to her students, and the way she cared for the orchids—all these small, seemingly insignificant moments had begun to weave themselves into the fabric of his daily existence.

John's internal conflict became more pronounced with each passing day. He told himself that his actions—helping Yn with her garden, ensuring her comfort, and observing her habits—were merely to keep up appearances. But deep down, he knew the truth. He was falling in love with her, despite all his efforts to remain detached.

One evening, as John watched Yn from the kitchen window, tending to her beloved orchids, he felt a pang of something he hadn't allowed himself to feel in a long time: longing. He wanted to be more than just her husband on paper. He wanted to share more than just a practical arrangement.

Yet, the remnants of his old life and the shadows of his violent past held him back. He feared that allowing himself to fully embrace these feelings would put Yn in danger. His world was one of darkness and danger, a stark contrast to the light and peace Yn brought into his life.

As Yn turned and caught his gaze through the window, she smiled warmly at him, and John felt his resolve waver. He managed a small smile in return, but his mind was in turmoil. Could he ever truly allow himself to love her without putting her at risk? Could they ever have a real future together?

The practical side of him insisted that keeping their relationship strictly business was the safest option for both of them. But the part of him that had begun to hope for something more yearned to break free from the constraints of their agreement.

John knew he had to make a choice. He could continue to maintain the façade, keeping his feelings hidden and convincing himself that this was just a practical arrangement. Or he could take the risk, open his heart to Yn, and hope that together, they could navigate the complexities of his past and find a way to build a real future.

John knew, deep in his heart, that he had fallen in love with Yn. Despite his attempts to maintain the practical facade of their marriage, his feelings for her had grown undeniable. Yet, the world's deadliest assassin found himself grappling with an unfamiliar emotion: vulnerability.

Expressing his love was a daunting prospect. John had faced countless adversaries and navigated perilous situations, but the thought of confessing his feelings to Yn left him paralyzed with nerves. He had always been a man of action, preferring to let his deeds speak for him. The idea of putting his emotions into words was something he found profoundly unsettling.

So, for the time being, John kept his feelings to himself. He continued to observe Yn with a mixture of admiration and longing, finding solace in the quiet moments they shared. He marveled at her grace, her dedication, and the warmth she brought into his life. Each day, his love for her grew stronger, yet he remained silent, unable to summon the courage to express it.

John's internal struggle was a silent battle. He feared that revealing his true feelings might disrupt the delicate balance they had established or, worse, put Yn in danger. His past was a constant shadow, and he worried that involving her in his emotional world could jeopardize her safety.

Despite his reservations, he showed his affection in subtler ways. He made sure Yn's favorite flowers were always blooming in the garden, took care of household tasks without her needing to ask, and provided support in ways that demonstrated his deep respect and care. His actions spoke volumes, even if his words remained unspoken.

Yn, for her part, continued with her life, unaware of the depth of John's feelings. She appreciated the stability and support he provided and valued their quiet companionship. She sensed that something had changed, but she respected John's reticence and focused on her work and her garden.

John's love for Yn remained a guarded secret, a powerful force that shaped his actions and decisions. He knew that someday, he would need to find the courage to speak his heart. For now, though, he settled into the role of a silent admirer, hoping that, in time, the right moment would present itself for him to reveal the truth and, perhaps, find a way to build a future together.

John's love for Yn grew into a silent expression of care that manifested in the smallest, yet most meaningful ways. Without ever voicing his feelings, he began to make thoughtful changes around their home to enhance her comfort and happiness.

He noticed the clothes she wore and began subtly updating her wardrobe. New dresses, elegant heels, and cozy sweaters began appearing in her closet, each item chosen with careful consideration. John ensured that her favorite snacks and treats were always stocked in the kitchen, anticipating her cravings before she even mentioned them.

John's meticulous nature extended to every detail. He observed that Yn used a particular pen for her work, and without her noticing, he refilled it with her favorite ink, ensuring it was always ready for her next project. He took care of household chores, fixed things around the house, and made sure everything was in order before Yn even realized there was an issue.

Yn, absorbed in her own world and focused on her work and garden, often didn't notice the extent of John's gestures. She saw them as acts of kindness and graciousness, a sign of his respect and consideration. To her, John was a quiet, supportive presence who seemed to take care of her needs without fanfare or expectation.

She occasionally marveled at the little things—like the perfectly stocked pantry or the fresh clothes that seemed to appear just when she needed them—but she attributed them to John's generous nature. She appreciated the effort he put into making their living arrangement comfortable, never suspecting that these gestures were born from a deeper affection.

John's actions were his way of expressing the love he couldn't yet verbalize. Each thoughtful detail, from the clothes to the ink in her pen, was a reflection of his feelings. It was his way of showing that he cared, even when words failed him.

The small, consistent acts of kindness became a quiet testament to his affection. While Yn remained unaware of the full extent of John's feelings, she sensed that their arrangement was more than just a practical necessity. John's gestures spoke of a deeper connection, one that was expressed not through words but through the meticulous care he took in ensuring her happiness.

In this delicate dance of unspoken love and silent support, John found a bittersweet solace. He hoped that one day he would find the courage to reveal his heart, but for now, he was content to show his love through the everyday acts of kindness that filled their home with a gentle warmth and unspoken understanding.

Yn remained blissfully unaware of the profound impact she was having on John. Wrapped up in her own world of academia and gardening, she focused on her work, her students, and the small joys she found in tending to her plants. The subtle changes John made around their home—new clothes, stocked snacks, and thoughtful details—were to her just tokens of kindness and generosity.

She saw John as a quiet, supportive presence who maintained a respectful distance. His thoughtful actions were appreciated, but she never suspected they were driven by anything beyond a genuine desire to help. To her, their arrangement was a practical one, a mutually beneficial setup that allowed her to continue her work while avoiding an unwanted fate back home.

Yn continued to immerse herself in her daily routines, grateful for the comfort and stability John provided. She enjoyed her time in the garden, where she found solace and peace. The small, considerate touches—like the pen refilled with her favorite ink or the neatly organized pantry—were seen as part of the unspoken agreement they had made, rather than indications of deeper feelings.

John’s growing affection for Yn went unnoticed. She didn’t see the subtle signs of his care or the way his actions were carefully designed to bring her happiness. To her, John’s acts of kindness were simply part of the dynamic of their unusual arrangement, a reflection of his nature rather than a signal of his emotional investment.

In her interactions with him, Yn remained courteous and appreciative but did not probe into his personal life or feelings. She respected his silence and privacy, believing it to be part of his personality. She was content with the companionship they shared and continued to focus on her work and the things that brought her joy.

John’s unspoken love, expressed through his meticulous care and attention, remained a private sentiment. Yn’s obliviousness to its depth allowed John to continue his silent devotion, navigating his feelings through actions rather than words. For now, this delicate balance maintained their peaceful coexistence, each finding solace in their shared yet unspoken understanding.

For John, Yn had become more than just a part of his life; she had become an object of profound admiration and reverence. To him, Yn was like a goddess who had appeared in his world and saved him from the darkness of his solitary existence. Her presence, though unassuming and unaware of the impact she had on him, had transformed his life in ways he had not anticipated.

John observed Yn with a kind of awe that went beyond mere affection. The way she moved with grace through their home, the calmness she brought to the garden, and the dedication she showed to her work—all of these aspects seemed almost divine to him. He saw her as a beacon of light in his otherwise shadowed life, a gentle force that counterbalanced the violence and chaos he had endured for so long.

Every gesture of hers, no matter how small, was significant to John. Her humming as she worked in the garden, the way she pored over her academic papers, and the quiet moments she spent lost in thought—all of these became sacred in his eyes. He cherished these moments, understanding them as gifts that illuminated his world.

John’s admiration was so profound that it bordered on reverence. He felt that Yn had given him a reprieve from the loneliness that had defined much of his life. Her presence was a source of solace and purpose, a reminder that there was beauty and peace even in the most unexpected places. The way she had seamlessly integrated into his life, bringing warmth and calm to a home that had previously been defined by solitude, was nothing short of miraculous to him.

In the quiet of his thoughts, John often reflected on how Yn had become his sanctuary. He viewed her not just as a partner in their practical arrangement but as a savior who had provided him with a semblance of normalcy and hope. His feelings were a mixture of deep respect, gratitude, and a love so profound that it was almost sacred.

Though he kept these emotions hidden, they influenced everything he did. His meticulous care for Yn, his thoughtful gestures, and his silent support were all manifestations of this deep-seated reverence. To John, Yn had become a goddess of sorts, embodying the salvation he had never believed he could find.

John had long ago familiarized himself with Yn's daily routine. Her days were marked by a series of predictable actions, a comforting rhythm that had become an integral part of their shared existence. Each morning, she woke early, slipping out of bed with a quiet grace that never disturbed his rest. She would make her way to the kitchen, where she brewed a pot of coffee, the rich aroma filling the house. John had observed that Yn had a particular way of sipping her coffee: a small sip, a pause to savor the flavor, and then another sip as she read through her emails or papers.

After her coffee, Yn would prepare for her day, dressing in a carefully chosen outfit, often a combination of professional attire that was both elegant and practical. She would then gather her things and head off to the college where she taught, her day filled with lectures, meetings, and grading assignments. By late afternoon, she would return home, her steps slightly wearier but her spirit undiminished.

Typically, Yn’s first stop upon returning was the kitchen, where she would make herself a light snack and another cup of coffee. She would then sit at the dining table, flipping through her notes or reading a book. Only after this quiet interlude would she venture out to her beloved garden, tending to her plants with the same meticulous care she applied to her work.

However, today was different. As soon as Yn walked through the door, John sensed a change in her demeanor. There was a tension in her posture, a subtle heaviness in her steps. Instead of her usual routine, she bypassed the kitchen entirely and headed straight for the garden.

John watched her through the window, his senses heightened by a vague unease. Yn moved among the flowers with a distracted air, her usual serenity replaced by an unfamiliar restlessness. She knelt by the orchids, her hands moving mechanically as she watered them.

Concern gnawed at John. He had come to know Yn’s habits so well that any deviation felt significant. He decided to approach her, driven by a need to understand what was troubling her.

Quietly, he stepped out into the garden, the evening air cool against his skin. He walked over to where Yn was crouched, her back to him. "Yn," he said softly, careful not to startle her. "Is everything all right?"

She stiffened slightly at his voice but did not turn to face him immediately. "It’s nothing, John. Just... nothing," she replied, her voice barely more than a whisper.

John’s instincts told him she was lying. Her tone, the way she avoided his gaze, and the unusual change in her routine all pointed to something being amiss. But he knew better than to push her. Yn was a reserved person, and pressing her for answers would only make her retreat further.

"All right," he said gently, respecting her need for space. "If you need anything, I'm here."

Yn gave a small nod, but her focus remained on the plants before her. John lingered for a moment longer, hoping she might open up, but when she didn’t, he turned and walked back to the house. Inside, he felt a growing determination to find out what was wrong. He couldn’t bear the thought of Yn being troubled and not being able to help her.

John returned to the kitchen, his mind racing. He considered all the possibilities: something at work, an issue with her visa, or perhaps a personal matter she hadn’t shared. He decided to start with what he could control. He checked the kitchen for any signs of what might be wrong, making sure everything was in order, hoping to find some clue.

Then, he moved to her study area, scanning her papers and notes for anything unusual. He found nothing out of place, but the sense of unease lingered. Finally, he went to his own study, determined to figure out what was troubling Yn.

As John sat at his desk, he realized how deeply he had come to care for her. It wasn't just about maintaining their façade anymore; it was about her well-being. He knew that whatever was bothering Yn, he would find a way to help, even if she wasn’t ready to tell him yet.

John was sitting in his study, still trying to piece together what might be troubling Yn. The quiet evening was broken by the faint sound of Yn’s voice from another room. She was talking on the phone, her tone hushed and strained. John’s finely tuned instincts as an assassin kicked in, and he found himself listening intently, picking up on every nuance of her conversation.

"...Diana, I just don’t know what to do," Yn was saying. "He's been making me so uncomfortable. I've tried to ignore it, hoping he would stop, but today... today he crossed a line."

John's grip tightened around the pen he was holding. He recognized the name Diana. Yn often spoke to her, a colleague from the college. Diana had always seemed supportive and trustworthy.

Yn continued, her voice trembling slightly. "He’s another professor. He’s been trying to flirt with me for weeks, and I’ve brushed it off, but today... he touched me. It was just a moment, but it felt so wrong. I... I didn’t know how to react. I just left as quickly as I could."

John’s heart pounded in his chest. Fury began to build inside him, a cold, controlled rage that he hadn’t felt in a long time. The idea that someone had made Yn feel unsafe, that someone had dared to touch her without her consent, was intolerable. His protective instincts flared up, and the darkness of his past, the skills he had tried to leave behind, surged to the forefront of his mind.

"...I know, Diana," Yn continued, her voice barely above a whisper. "But I don’t want to cause trouble. I just want to do my job and be left alone. I can’t afford to lose this position, especially now..."

John could hear the fear and frustration in her voice, and it only fueled his determination. This wasn’t just about protecting her from discomfort; it was about safeguarding her dignity and ensuring she felt safe in every aspect of her life.

He stood up quietly, moving closer to the door to hear more clearly. Every word she spoke cut through him like a knife, each one a stark reminder of his failure to protect her from this threat. The man who had violated Yn's personal space, who had dared to touch her, had no idea of the storm he had unleashed.

John waited until the conversation ended, listening as Yn exchanged a few more reassurances with Diana before hanging up. He could hear the weariness in her movements, the subtle sound of her feet shuffling as she probably made her way back to her study.

He knew he had to act, but he had to be careful. Yn didn’t know about his past, about what he was capable of. He couldn’t afford to scare her or reveal too much. Yet, he couldn’t let this slide. The professor who had harassed her needed to be dealt with, and John knew just how to handle it without leaving a trace.

Stepping back into the shadows, he formulated a plan. He would gather information about this professor, find out everything he could about him, and ensure that he never posed a threat to Yn again. John’s old skills, honed through years of being one of the deadliest assassins, would come into play. He would handle this with the precision and stealth that had earned him his fearsome reputation.

As he moved through the house, making sure not to alert Yn to his intentions, his mind was a whirl of controlled fury and meticulous planning. Yn was more than just a part of his life now; she was the light that had saved him from his darkest days. He would protect that light at all costs, even if it meant reverting to the shadows of his past.

The next steps were clear: he would gather intel, identify the man, and make sure he understood the consequences of his actions. John would ensure that Yn could go back to her routine, her peace undisturbed, her safety guaranteed. And he would do it all without her ever needing to know the lengths he went to protect her.

For now, he reigned in his anger, focusing instead on the task at hand. Yn had given him a reason to fight again, and he would not fail her. As he set his plan into motion, John felt the cold determination of his old self return, but this time, it was fueled by love and a desire to protect the woman who had become his everything.

John knew exactly what to do. Once Yn had fallen asleep for the night, he quietly slipped out of the house, his steps silent and purposeful. The moonlight cast shadows that danced across the yard, but John moved with the confidence of a man who had navigated darkness his entire life.

Finding the professor wasn’t difficult. John had already done his research, using his old network of contacts to gather information. The man’s name, address, and routine were all laid out before him like pieces on a chessboard. John moved swiftly, his mind focused and cold, his heart burning with the need to protect Yn.

He arrived at the professor’s house, a modest two-story building in a quiet neighborhood. The street was deserted, the only sounds the rustling of leaves and the distant hum of traffic. John approached the house with the stealth of a predator, his movements fluid and silent. He picked the lock with ease, slipping inside without a sound.

The interior was dark, but John’s eyes quickly adjusted. He moved through the rooms like a shadow, his senses alert. He found the professor in the study, slumped over a desk littered with papers and empty coffee cups. The man looked up, startled, but before he could react, John was upon him.

John’s hand clamped over the professor’s mouth, silencing any cry for help. His other hand pressed a blade to the man’s throat, the cold metal a deadly promise. The professor’s eyes widened in terror, his body trembling beneath John’s iron grip.

“Listen carefully,” John whispered, his voice a low growl. “You’re going to resign from your position at the college. You’re going to disappear, and you’re never going to come near Yn again. Do you understand?”

The professor nodded frantically, his eyes pleading. John’s grip tightened, the blade pressing harder against the man’s skin. “If I ever hear that you’ve bothered her again, I’ll find you. And next time, there won’t be a warning.”

With that, John released him, stepping back and watching as the professor gasped for breath, his hands shaking. John’s presence was a looming threat, a silent reminder of the consequences of his actions. The professor quickly began to pack his things, his movements frantic and disorganized.

John stood there, a dark sentinel, ensuring that the man followed his instructions. Once he was satisfied that the professor understood the gravity of the situation, he turned and left as silently as he had arrived. He walked back to his car, the night air cool against his skin, his mind already shifting back to Yn.

By the time John returned home, the first light of dawn was beginning to creep over the horizon. He slipped back into the house, making sure everything was as he had left it. Yn was still asleep, her breathing steady and calm. John felt a sense of relief wash over him, knowing that she was safe.

The next day at the college, Yn went about her routine, unaware of the events that had transpired. She noticed the absence of the professor, hearing whispers among the staff about his sudden resignation. It was a mystery to them, but to John, it was a mission accomplished.

The man was never heard from again. John’s actions ensured that Yn’s peace was restored, her safety guaranteed. She continued with her life, oblivious to the lengths John had gone to protect her. To her, he remained the quiet, supportive presence she had come to rely on.

John, for his part, returned to their home, his heart filled with a fierce protectiveness. He knew that his love for Yn had driven him to act, and he would continue to do whatever it took to keep her safe. In the quiet of their home, he found solace in knowing that she was free from harm, and he vowed to remain her silent guardian, watching over her with a love that was as deep as it was unspoken.

n was perplexed by the sudden disappearance of the professor who had been making her life difficult. She had confided in Diana, hoping for some advice, but never expected such a swift and definitive resolution. The news of his abrupt resignation spread through the college like wildfire, leaving everyone baffled. Yn couldn’t fathom what had happened. She had never mentioned the harassment to anyone but Diana, and now the man was gone without a trace.

In her mind, there was no logical explanation. She couldn’t even begin to imagine the connection between John and the professor’s sudden departure. John Wick, to her, was just a man who had offered her a lifeline in a foreign country. Their marriage, though on paper, was a practical arrangement—one that allowed her to stay and continue her work, and perhaps helped him maintain appearances for his investors.

From her perspective, John was reserved and kind, but distant. He didn’t talk much, rarely engaging in conversations beyond the necessary pleasantries. He was meticulous in his habits, and while he often showed small acts of consideration, like ensuring her favorite snacks were stocked or fixing her ink pen, these gestures seemed to be part of his orderly nature rather than indications of deeper feelings.

Yn continued her daily routine, grateful for the newfound peace at work but troubled by the mystery of the professor’s resignation. She wondered if it was a coincidence or if perhaps Diana had somehow intervened. But even Diana seemed surprised by the abruptness of the man’s departure.

One evening, as Yn sat in the garden, tending to her beloved orchids, she found herself lost in thought. The garden had become her sanctuary, a place where she could reflect and find solace. The air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers, and the gentle rustling of leaves provided a soothing background melody.

John watched her from the kitchen window, his heart aching with unspoken emotions. He could see the questions in her eyes, the lingering confusion. He wished he could tell her everything, explain how he had protected her, but he knew it would only complicate their delicate arrangement. He feared revealing his true nature, the darkness that lurked beneath his calm exterior. Instead, he chose to remain silent, hoping that his actions had spoken loud enough.

As Yn watered the orchids, she tried to push her doubts aside. She reminded herself that John had been nothing but kind and respectful towards her. He had never pried into her personal life, never made her feel uncomfortable. In fact, his quiet presence had been a source of stability. She felt a growing sense of gratitude towards him, though she couldn’t fully understand the depth of his care.

That night, as they sat together at the dinner table, the silence between them was comfortable, yet charged with unspoken thoughts. John observed Yn with his usual attentiveness, noticing the slight furrow in her brow, the way she absentmindedly twirled her fork. He knew she was still puzzling over the professor’s resignation.

“Yn,” he said softly, breaking the silence. “Is everything all right?”

She looked up, startled by his sudden question. “Yes, John. Everything is fine,” she replied, forcing a small smile. “Just... a lot on my mind, I suppose.”

He nodded, his expression unreadable. “If there’s anything you need, you can always tell me.”

Yn felt a warmth spread through her at his words. Despite the distance between them, she realized that John genuinely cared for her well-being. “Thank you, John. I appreciate it.”

After dinner, as she prepared for bed, Yn’s mind wandered back to the mystery of the professor. She couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more to the story, but without any evidence, she had no choice but to accept the situation as it was.

John lay awake long after Yn had fallen asleep, his mind racing. He replayed the events of the previous night in his head, the adrenaline still coursing through his veins. He had acted out of love, a fierce need to protect Yn from any harm. Yet, he knew that his actions would remain hidden, a secret he would carry alone.

In the quiet darkness of their home, John made a silent vow to continue protecting Yn, to be her guardian from the shadows. He would do whatever it took to ensure her safety and happiness, even if it meant keeping his true self concealed. For now, that was enough. Knowing that she was safe and at peace, John allowed himself to drift into a restless sleep, his dreams filled with the image of Yn’s gentle smile.

Part 2