#so she slept curled up on the horse's back

[renzaslasher]

today I learned charles dickens had a pet raven called grip that lived with his family, could mimic a couple phrases, sat on his shoulder while he read stories to his kids and stole things and bit people

this little rascal also got put into his book barnaby rudge and after she died of lead poisoning from drinking too much paint she inspired edgar allen poe to write his poem the raven

[nezuscribe]

𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐚 𝐛𝐞 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐞?

pairing: gojo satoru x fem!reader

part two of wanna be yours

summary: the aftermath of you and your husband's arranged marriage, but the better side of it. gojo satoru just loves you so much, that he's willing to bring down armies just for you

warnings: 18+ mdni, arranged marriage, very brief misunderstandings but they work it out, eating out (fem!reciving), fingering, unprotected sex, penetrative sex, he doesn’t pull out

word count: 6k

note: part two is finally done! and i think this is gonna be the last installment for this so don't ask for another part bc i will cry. as always, thank you to @jadeisthirsting for beta reading, she's the loml <3

jjk masterlist

there were a few things that changed after your night with satoru. 

as he promised, he got a bigger bed for his room. he promptly ordered all your things to be moved in with his, and it didn’t take long for all your belongings to melt with his. it was different from what you were used to, but you welcomed those nights when you’d curl into his chest, tracing patterns on his bare skin as his fingers ran up and down your back as he listened to you speak. 

mornings you would find him littering kisses all over your naked body, or you’d find him in between your legs, waking you up in his own unique (much appreciated) way. satoru was insatiable and you couldn’t find a bone in your body to deny him.

he smiled more, his eyes bright as he woke up to your cheek smushed into his pecs on other mornings, not wanting to wake you up as he pressed a gentle kiss to your forehead and pulled you closer to his body. 

everybody around you two talked in hushed tones whenever you’d pass by, obvious confusion laced in their tones, but somewhat glad to see the tension between you and your husband had simmered down. 

“he seems happier,” suguru told you one day as you leaned over the balcony, watching satoru spar with one of his men, your arms crossed over the railing as you glanced over at the man. 

“really?” you felt a faint smile tug at your cheeks as you tried to contain yourself. 

he hummed, his back to the railing, his legs crossed. he was dressed in his clans’ colors, a black tunic embroidered with red stitching covering his chest. he had come around more often ever since the feast, and he seemed more open to talk to you. 

the winds were picking up, the seasons were changing. it had been weeks since your night with him, but it felt like a lifetime had passed since then. satoru spent less time training and fighting, making as much time for you as he possibly could. you had your chair moved so that you could sit next to him during dinners, and in his free time he’d take you around the land on your horse, his face relaxed and gleaming whenever you’d turn around to look at him.

“well,” he turned to look over his shoulder, looking down at satoru, his white hair turning into a blur as he rhythmically and methodically moved, evading the wooden swords’ jabs with the agility only a seasoned fighter could have, “not right now. i think he’s trying to show off.” you snorted, rolling at your eyes at his statement (which was most likely the truth) and continued to watch him spar. sometimes you forgot of satoru’s rank amongst the other men, and watching him in this sort of state reminded you just how much he must have picked up on those years spent apart. 

“i’m happy for you two,” he said after a beat of silence passed, offering you a genuine smile as he said it. he was usually more stoic than your husband, never giving too much information off from his face unless it was absolutely necessary, and catching him in these moments would always startle you. 

“thank you,” you murmured, heat blossoming across your cheeks and neck as you kept your stare focused on your husband, not wanting to come off as too giddy. truth be told, you’ve never felt happier. 

you couldn’t remember the last time you woke up with a smile and slept with one on your face. every day it seemed that satoru was trying to win your love in different ways. he was so different from what you had seen from him the last few months, but just like the old satoru you remembered. he was teasing, always finding ways to make you laugh. 

“he told you he was going to be gone for a bit, yeah?” suguru readjusted his hair, making it so that it didn’t keep flying into his face. you nodded, holding tightly onto your clothes in hopes of preserving more heat. 

“yes,” you blew some hot air into your hands as you rubbed them together, “he said you’d be going with him.” 

“he’ll be needing as much help as he can get where he’s going,” suguru murmured, but didn’t try to hide his words as he tapped his fingers on his wrist. 

“what does that mean?” you balanced your elbows on the stone railing beneath you, brows furrowed as he shrugged nonchalantly.  

“he didn’t tell you what it was for?” if satoru was one who wasn’t above gossip then suguru was one who stirred it up. 

“he said it was a meeting with one of the eastern clans,” you say, rubbing yourself. your nose was freezing. suguru nodded, which made you feel a little more at ease. 

“did he tell you why?” you shook your head, indifferent as you looked back at your husband. he was shaking hands with the poor kid who went against him, barely breaking a sweat as he threw his sword to the side, a wide smile on his face as he looked up at you. 

“business,” you murmur, not quite giving him your full attention anymore because satoru was walking near where you were standing, craning his neck to look up at you as he grinned. 

“is he bothering you?” he called out, his chest moving up and down with labored breaths. he tried to make it seem like sparring didn’t take anything out on him and you nodded, smiling back at him. 

“i’m about to throw him off!” you called down, leaning on the railing as you gripped it tightly to ensure your balance and satoru gleamed, suguru scoffing at the interaction. 

“did you see me fighting?” he asked, and you wanted to chuckle at his words, the hopeful smile on his face as he wiped at his nose, the cold getting to him as well. 

“you fought very valiantly!” and suguru thinks that without your words and your praise, satoru would be a mess, not able to function. he wasn’t sure how he did it months without it, because he doesn’t seem to live without it.

his cheeks flush a cute pink, and you want to bottle up the way his smile grows.

“you two make me sick.” he groaned, pushing himself off the railing as he made his way inside, throwing you a playful wink as he shut the doors. the sun was beginning to set and you could see the bits of night peaking through the sky. 

you watched as satoru disappeared through the stairs, likely coming up to see you and you drummed your fingers on your arm as thoughts traveled through your mind. 

despite his playful tone, suguru’s words left a bitter taste on your tongue. even as satoru found you, pulling you close to him as he pressed a soft kiss to your lips you couldn’t get it out of your mind. he led you back inside, talking nonstop about what his men needed to improve on, but your mind began going blank.

---

dinner that night was just as it always was, but you still couldn’t find it in yourself to push past what you’d been told earlier. 

“i’m thinking of having a winter feast during the solstice,” satoru said, drinking his wine as his fingers played with yours, running down the skin of your palm as he absentmindedly pressed his thumb to the back of your hand. 

“sounds good,” you said, not quite listening as you pushed some potatoes around your plate. you should have gotten past this awkwardness to talk to him about these things, but that must have just been wishful thinking. 

“this year seems to be colder than the last, so i’ll ask shoko to see if she can bring back some furs from her clan.” he continued, oblivious to your state of being. 

“okay,” you blankly said, giving him

a short glance only to see him in his own world, plotting. 

“i’ll have one of the southern tribes see if they can bring any pomegranates in, and…” he trailed off, noticing your stare boring into the table. his fingers squeezed yours, bringing your attention to him. 

“are you alright?” he asked, and you quickly nodded, plastering on a false smile as you picked up your spoon, wringing your hand out of his. 

“mhm!” you scooped some vegetables into your mouth, spending an excessive amount of time chewing as you felt his eyes bore into the side of your face. 

he didn’t seem convinced in the slightest, a brow raising at your strange behavior. if you were trying to be funny you had an odd way of showing it. 

“do you feel sick?” he moved closer, his hands finding your forehead, pressing against your cheeks as he felt for your temperature. 

you gently pushed his hand away, holding his wrist as your feet moved quickly in anxiousness. 

this should be easier than you made it out to be. 

he looked worried, finger itching to feel you again despite your silent pleas. it was second nature for him to care about you. if he didn’t spend half the time hopelessly in love with you, he spent the other half hoping that you were doing alright. he wanted only the best for you, and vehemently tried to make up for the months he didn’t do so. 

“no, i feel fine. but,” you sighed, rubbing at your eyes as he patiently waited for you to find your words. you knew he wouldn’t lie to you, he didn’t have the ability to, but the way suguru spoke to you made it seem like there was something he wasn’t telling you, “why are you leaving? i feel as though,” you swallowed thickly, “as though i don’t fully know why.”

satoru sat back in his chair, his eyes squinting as he looked at you. it’s not like he didn’t like being asked things, but normally you didn’t seem this apprehensive about talking to him. he welcomed your queries, answering them to the best of his abilities, but he couldn’t remember the last time you seemed this nervous to talk to him about something. 

and he knew that he should have told you this before you asked, but he put it off. his fingers ran through his hair as he breathed deeply through his hair. 

“it’s with one of the eastern clans,” he started, taking another sip of his wind as his hands found yours again, as if he couldn’t breathe without having you near in some way, “do you remember that girl, the one from the feast?” 

despite him not being very specific, there was only one memorable girl from that feast. the one that he disappeared with four half an hour before he came back. your jaw clenched, nodding stiffly as you moved in your seat. he noticed your shift in emotions, trying to hide his own as he continued.

“i told you what she had tried to do, hm?” satoru seemed a bit awkward in his wording, and if it were in any other case it probably would have made you laugh. but you can only nod again, his words nothing new. he had told you about it after he spent the night with you, answering your questions as to why he had left with her. 

you could barely remember her name, but you distinctly recalled what satoru had said about her. how she had tried to come onto him, how he had forced her off. you hadn’t seen her around since, but that didn’t mean that she hadn’t fully stopped making her way into your mind at random times during the day.

“ i had her clan cut off from trading with ours.”

if you were expecting any response it definitely wasn’t that. 

“…what?” you gave a startled laugh, blinking as you tried to make sense of what he had just said. 

he shrugged as if it didn’t mean much, as if that was the least that was expected of him. 

“that’s why our import of sweet potatoes and eggplants has been lower than usual. but it’s alright, i’ve already ordered for the seeds to be planted in our garden. her father is seething at the moment, it’s why i have to go see them.” he cut away at some meat, glancing at you as a smile was forcing its way onto his lips. he kept it down, watching for your reaction. 

you swallowed thickly, a feeling growing in your chest as you glanced up at him, only to find him staring back at you, a little smile on his face. 

“she had the nerve to ask to be a concubine. i’m only hoping that in this meeting we’re able to get some more of their silk imports in, it shouldn’t take too long.” 

you couldn’t find any words to respond with, but could feel a smile growing on your own face. you were the more compassionate one out of the two of you but hearing this felt like a whole different experience. 

“that’s,” you tried to hide your giddy feelings, “new.” 

satoru rolled his eyes, hooking his hands underneath your chair to pull you closer to him if it was even possible. 

“and well deserved,” he commented, kissing your cheeks as you laughed softly, his lips soft against your skin as they found their way into the places he knew you loved most. 

you tried to push him away, feeling embarrassed at the guards that stood by the door, knowing they were able to see all of this happen before them. 

“suguru was telling me about it,” you felt his hands shift, lifting you over the armrest, his strength godly as he shifted you to sit on his lap, “i just thought that something else had come up.”

gojo hummed against your skin, your dinner promptly forgotten behind you as his nose nudged at your jaw, “yeah, like what?” he enjoyed hearing your shuddering breaths, the way your fingers automatically went to tangle themselves in his soft hair. 

“i-i don’t know,” you felt weak from being breathless from so little, and we’re glad your back was to the men behind you, “but definitely not that.” 

“it was the least i could do,” he said, “i wanted her banished but my advisors warned against it. said it would cause too much chaos,” his eyes flicked to yours, inviting, challenging, “as if i wouldn’t go to war for you.” 

you felt the air in your lungs squeeze out, your hands gripping his shoulders, anything to bring you back to reality as his tongue poked at his cheek, debating some things in his head.

“out,” he spoke, loudly now so that the guards could hear, his voice commanding and starkly different from how he talked to you, “get out.” 

while he liked showing you off, but there were things only meant for his eyes and his ears.

you could hear them shuffling to leave, looking over your shoulder as you giggled at their hurried movements, the door shutting behind them as they left you and satoru alone in the dining hall. 

you turned back to him, his eyes twinkling in the faint candlelight, his hands running across your back, up and down your arms as you shifted across his lap, your clog rubbing on his hard-on as he sucked in a deep breath. 

 “you’d go to war for me?” you teased, your sweet breath fanning across his lips as his tongue poked out, his eyes glazing over as he scoffed at your ridiculous question. his hands settled on your waist, your skirts hitching upwards. 

“i’d do anything for you,” he whispered against your lips, hovering above them as his eyes held yours, “if you told me you wanted me to ransack that clan dry i’d do it.” though he was a joking sort of person, you knew his words were nothing but the truth. 

if you wanted, he’d burn down villages for you. he’d make sure that when the stories were written, your name came first. he wanted the masses to know that he was yours and that his every waking moment was spent in your presence. 

satoru was sure the stars were shifting to accommodate for the two of you, and that it would only take years before he’d look up to see you there with him, splattered across the night sky.

“as much as i’d like you to,” you kissed his neck, enjoying the way he writhed beneath you, knowing that only you had the luxury of seeing him like this, “i wouldn’t want any spillage of blood to be traced back to me. i’d like for you to come home alive.” it’s not as if you doubted his talents, nor his strength, you doubted others. 

“i’ll always find my way back to you,” he promised, tilting his head to catch your lips in a searing kiss. 

it was slow, as if he wanted to savor every moment with you. satoru was cheeky, smiling whenever he’d pull slightly away to hear your sweet whines. your fingers tugged at his hair, warning him to stop. 

his tongue pushed its way into your mouth, and it didn’t take long before the kisses turned sloppy, spit staining your chin as you slowly move your body up and down on his. 

“you drive me to shambles,” he said against your lips, a train of spit connecting the two of you together, and it was sinful the way he looked right now. lips rosy and plump, his hair messy and his smile cocky. 

“me?” you ask slyly, coyly moving up and down his dick, enjoying the way he sucked in a breath through his teeth, his fingers digging into your ass as you tilt your head to the side, “really?” 

his hands hiked up your skirt so that it bushed around your thighs, his fingers pressing against your heat as he felt the dampness seeping through your underwear, his own victorious grin plastered on his face. 

“really,” he confirmed, grabbing a hold of your wrist as he guided it to his bulge, watching your eyes gloss over, your pupils widening at the feeling of him, never really getting used to just how big satoru was. 

his finger hicked your underwear to the side, letting it sink into your warm walls, your eyes rolling back, your slick staining his skin as he brought it out, tapping your lips as he motioned for you to open your mouth. 

you did, watching as he pushed his finger in, his eyes darkening at the way you closed your lips around him, sucking him hard as you tasted yourself on him, your hips shifting to ease your aching clit. 

“taste yourself? see why i can’t get enough of you?” he prompts and you slowly nod, not breaking eye contact with him as he feels pride swell in his chest, as well as something else a little bit lower. 

“see how i can’t get enough of you?” you ask, motioning towards his hand, and he chuckles darkly, drawing his finger out as he presses a short kiss to your lips, taunting you.

“be patient,” he murmured, fully enthralled with the way your tongue moved around him, his dick straining against his pants, painful as it wanted to be let free. you could feel him twitch beneath you, growing harder, if it was even possible. 

he couldn’t even be patient himself.

“then hurry up,” you whisper, biting his ear as he groans, pushing all of the silverware and cups out from behind you, lifting you up by your thighs as he made room for you on the table, setting you down as he settled in between your legs. 

he pushed down on your chest and you followed his movements, laying down on the table, your chest heaving up and down, the feeling something you’ve never experienced before. sex with satoru was unlike anything human, and he always left you with a taste of wanting more. 

your top fell loosely against your shoulder, almost undone from all of his ministrations, and some of the wine from his cup had spilled, soaking your white fabric red. it was hard to come out of this dining hall without hiding what had happened inside. 

his hand fisted the top that covered your chest, yanking it off with a swift motion, tearing it off of you in a split second. you didn’t have time to scold him for ruining yet another one of your shirts, taking in the way his breath came out in little puffs at the sight of your naked breasts. 

“‘toru!” you yelled, swatting his hands away as you groaned, looking at what was now rags, not knowing how you were going to be able to leave this dining hall with your dignity intact. 

“what?” he looked as if he truly had no idea why you’d be mad, and then looked at the remains of your top, sheepishly scratching at his jaw as he leaned down to peck at the corner of your lips, and you begrudgingly let him. 

“‘m sorry,” he whispered against your lips, but he didn’t really sound like it, “i’ll cover you in my robes, yeah?” you rolled your eyes, flicking at his forehead. he whined, back caught your hand, kissing just above your wrist as he winked at you. you could never stay mad at him for too long because he knew just what to do to make you forget about it.

“you owe me a new one, alongside the four other ones you’ve ruined so far,” you say, eyeing it with a hefty sigh. satoru nodded insistently, his hands wandering down your torso as he got himself distracted. his hands were so large, and you would never get tired of the way he looked at you.

“how ‘bout i make it up to you, hm?” and you didn’t have any restraint in you as you nodded slowly, knowing that you were the only person who could make him like this, the only person who could have the gojo satoru in such a vulnerable and loving way.

he began bunching up your skirt once again, sinking down to his knees as your back arched off of the table, using your elbow to stabilize yourself as your head tilted backward at the feeling of his fingers pushing past your walls. 

your underwear was thrown to the side, disregarded as his tongue poked at your entrance, his thumb flicking over your sensitive nub, knowing just the way to make you go crazy. he slurped up all you had to offer, the sounds too much for you to handle, cheek heating up. 

he took his time, wanting to make you feel every pleasurable feeling known to man as he ate you out. you would never get tired of the way he could reach that spongy spot inside of you that your fingers never could. 

“you taste like so fucking sweet,” satoru’s eyes found yours, glinting as his nose nudged at your clit. it was too much, the way he ate you like he had never tasted anything better. he hadn’t and he was sure that sin was below you. 

his other hand found your tits, palming them, squeezing at the flesh as he rubbed at your nipples, hardening against him as you whined, fisting the tablecloth beneath you as you panted, it was just so hard to get used to this. 

“f-fuck, ‘toru, please…” you could barely muster up any words, his thumb swiping at your clit in a delicious way, his tongue prodding at your walls. 

“please what?” he teased, enjoying the way he could make you unravel, the way that nobody else could hear the way you’d sing just for him. 

“faster, mhh, shit!” you liked the way he obediently listened to you, his tongue and fingers moving per your request, and you felt your stomach clenching, your release threatening to come at any moment.

it was embarrassing just how fast he could bring you to this sort of state, but he reveled in it. he knew what you liked and disliked, how to tease you to make you cry even louder for him. he was a master in everything he did, and he wasn’t one to fail. 

“who does this to you?” he asked, knowing he was fucking you dumb even without his cock. 

“y-you, you ‘toru,” you couldn’t look at him, everything hot as sweat dotted at your forehead, “only you.” 

a cheshire grin found its way onto his face. 

“come on, know you can do it,” he pushed you further, his fingers joining his tongue, and it was just too much, prodding at the place that made you see stars. he looked just as wrecked as you, with your own essence smeared all over his chin, mixing with his spit, but he couldn’t have had it any other way. 

“‘m ‘gonna…fuck, ‘toru, i’m ‘gonna come…” you breathed out, and it didn’t take long till you did. 

the feeling was unlike any other, your walls clamping around him, your release gushing out, your stomach clenched, and your back arched, spasming around his fingers. he didn’t stop until he was sure you had ridden out your orgasm, watching the beautiful way your tits moved up and down with your every breath, the way the light bounced off your skin. you were a heavenly being and nothing you told him could convince him otherwise. 

he slowly stood up, his hands finding purchase on your hips as he gently pulled you closer to the edge of the table, giving you some time to come back down to earth as he slowly tapped his fingers on the expanse of your naked skin.

“you good?” you groaned, hitting his chest lightly as he chuckled, his eyes softening as he looked more at you. he was so sure that the love he held in his chest was going to seep out that it made him worried, knowing that others could love you the same way, selfishly wanting you just to himself.

“you’re so annoying,” you say, rubbing at your face, eyeing the bulge in his pants, feeling your mouth salivate at the sight. 

“you love it though,” and you couldn’t even argue because you did. you loved all the little things about him, the things he hid away from the public eye and saved just for you. it reminded you that he was yours and you were his and nothing was ever going to change it. 

“i put up with it,” you say, watching him pout, his white hair all messy and his cheeks rosy. 

“you’re so mean,” he whined, but only kissed the tip of your nose as he said it. his swift fingers made use of unbuttoning the buttons of his pants, hooking a finger around them as he tugged it down, his cock springing free as it hit his chest. 

he was long, curving to the right. his dick was pretty, just like the rest of him, and you would never get tired of seeing it flushed red, leaking pre as he shuddered against the cold, biting air. his mushroomed tip was aching to push past your walls, and you obliged him, slowly moving so that your hands found him. 

he sucked in a breath as your fingers wrapped around his length, expertly moving up and down in a teasing manner, your thumb swiping at his head as his pre stained your skin. his chest was moving in a crazed pattern, as if his lungs weren’t working properly, and he watched as your hands moved up and down, up and down. 

“s-stop, i don’t want to,” he scrambled before he embarrassed himself and finished from just your hands, tugging your fingers away from his aching cock as you looked up at him through your lashes, knowing just what made him go crazy for you. 

“hurry up ‘toru, i need you sooo bad,” you whined, your voice laced with something that made him lose all sense of control, and he quickly nodded, his hands gripping your thighs as he tugged you closer to himself. 

it would have been easier if he had you perched on the table with your back to him, but he couldn’t risk not being able to see your face, the way your mouth opened and your eyes squeezed shut, so he lined himself up with your entrance instead, knowing this was the only way he could fuck you. 

his dick prodded at your entrance, his bulbous head pushing past your walls that were still tight, squeezing him as he slowly inched your forehead, the two of you moaning in unison at the snug fit. 

“shit, you’re so tight, how,” his lip caught between his teeth, and his eyes flickered over to yours, “how are you so tight?” his grip on your hips was bruising, but you welcomed the marks, loving the fact that when you woke up the two of you would carry each other on your skin.

“stop talking ‘toru,” your hands hooked around his neck, tugging him in closer as your lips slotted against his, your teeth clashing as your pussy fluttered against him, your noses rubbing against each other, “fuck me…please.” 

and he did, pushing all of himself in, and your head tipped backward at the sting, gripping onto his arms as he let you adjust to his size, his cock twitching in your heat, and his jaw clenched, refraining himself from moving just yet. 

when you gave him the nod to move he slowly inched out, his dick shining in the light, before he slammed himself back in, your cries filling the vast space as he began to fuck you the way he wanted, his lips finding your neck as you thrust your hips against his. 

it was always delirious when the two of you fucked, your bodies meeting at one point that drove each of you to your own euphoria. satoru tried to be slow and gentle, but after a bit, he couldn’t anymore, picking up his pace as his head kept hitting your g spot. 

“love you s’much ‘toru,” your fingers curled in his hair, your other hand scratching lines down his back as the squelching sound resonated around you, “f-fuck-” he cut you off with a chaste kiss, dropping his head to your breasts as he sucked at them, positioning himself in and out of you with all his strength. 

“i know, i know sweetheart,” he murmured against your spit soaked skin, rubbing gently at the marks he left, “i’m yours, all for you,” he promised, his thumb finding your clit as he swiped at it, enjoying the way you mewled for him to go faster. 

your eyes fall all over his naked skin, at the way sweat dots on both of your bodies, and the way satoru can’t contain his moans and whines when he sinks in and out of you. the sounds he makes are for you only, and you want to damn anybody who longs to hear them too. 

“you feel s’good,” you kiss at his chest, his tunic slipping down him as the buttons and knots become undone, your fingers tugging them down so you could have more area to kiss and suckle at, “s’big ‘toru.” 

he loves how your voice gets breathy, the way you can’t keep your hands to yourself and can barely formulate a thought. he fucks you like he hates you, but that’s only because he doesn’t know how else to show you just how much you mean to him. 

“yeah? this dick makes you dumb?” you nod helplessly, feeling like you were going to go insane with the way his veins dragged alongside your walls, at the way your pussy was molding to the shape of him. 

“yes!” you cried out, nails digging into his skin, and he encouraged you to leave more lines, knowing that once he had to take off his shirt for training and the men around his eyes the scratches on his back they’d know who left them. 

“are you ‘gonna come? come with me, know you want to,” his hips are shuttering as if he can barely keep his release at bay, “know you can sweetheart,” and you whine even louder, his thumb relentlessly attacking your clit as your legs wrap tightly around him, keep him from straying too far away from your body. 

“mhh fuck, ‘toru m’gonna, fuck…!” you felt your release come before you could even stop yourself, spasming around his dick as you wailed, creaming around his dick as the tablecloth bunched beneath you, the wine spilling everywhere as your husband came just seconds after you. 

you felt his hot release in you, your walls hugging him in as your eyes rolled back, white dotting your vision as he pumped himself inside of you, keeping his dick in for a little while longer. your orgasm was so powerful that you wondered if you were going to be able to walk after this, feel yourself pulse around nothing as satoru slowly pulled himself out of you, his cum seeping out and sticking to your doughy thighs. 

it was a mess; wine and cum everywhere, but your laughter slowly filled the heated room, laughing at the entire prospect of this. 

“what?” he nudged at your jaw, kissing your cheekbones as he smiled at the sound, “was that not to your liking?” 

you snorted, shaking your head as your legs dropped from his waist, leaning back on your hands as you looked around, taking in the mess as you heaved out a sigh, knowing that there definitely wasn’t any way to hide what you had done now. especially since you were sure that anybody within a twenty-foot radius could have heard you as well. 

“it was fine,” you teased, watching him huff in annoyance because the two of you knew that it was far from fine. 

“just fine?” he asked, scooping a finger into your pussy, watching the way your head fell onto his shoulder, smearing his cum around just for extra measure, chuckling to himself when he felt you lightly bite his skin. 

“you’re painfully full of yourself,” you comment, your skirt falling back down as it hid your fluttering pussy, making it seem as if he hadn’t just fucked you dumb seconds ago, and satoru tugged you closer to his chest, his hands sprawling across the naked expanse of your back. 

“only because i love you so much,” and he wasn’t lying, but you knew that his cockiness stemmed from himself. 

the two of you smiled, your rings shining and you looked out the window to see the moon up, a chill running through the curtains, ruffling them as it hit your skin and you shuddered. 

as if he suddenly remembered your top was ruined, now resembling cleaning rags, he shrugged off the robe that was resting on the back of his chair as he settled it across your chest, buttoning up the buttons for you as you let him work. 

it had some of his military rankings on it, a deep blue that resembled the clan's colors, and you instantly felt warmer in the wool. 

“‘toru?” you twirled some of his baby hairs around your fingers, your voice hoarse but soft. 

he looked up, feeling awestruck by the way you looked right now. he loved the glow you radiated after a round of him pounding into you, the way your skin was shining and you had a content look on your face, resonating deep within him.

“hm?” his thumb ran across your face, tracing your features as he did every night, committing them to memory. 

“come home safe,” you whispered, lashes fluttering against your cheeks as you held his unoccupied hand in yours, your fingers cradling his larger ones, “don’t do anything stupid, please.” 

he went to make a joke but stopped himself when he saw your serious stare, his mouth opening and then shutting until he nodded, smiling carefully, holding heavy emotions as he gave you a smaller, more understanding nod.

“okay,” he murmured, but you shook your head, not satisfied with his answer. 

“promise me,” and he hated and loved the fact that he couldn’t deny you anything. 

“i promise,” he whispered against your lips, bringing you closer as his tongue swiped against yours, your lips swollen and plush, just the way he liked it. 

and he held true to his promise, returning only a week later with a promise of no sort of war between the eastern clan. but according to suguru, your husband had shed off his clothes when he had to fight one of their men, everybody around him, including the girl, had seen the scratches and bruises you had left for him, 

just as he intended.

taglist: @chieeeeeee, @yxnjvnnie, @ladytamayolover, @iheartlinds

[eatmeandbirthmeagain]

Request: Baldwin cuddles/snuggles. Circumstance up to you, but make it as fluffy as humanly possible.

♡ Hold Me - King Baldwin x Reader ♡

♡ Fluff ♡

A/N: Hello Anon (I know who you are hehe)!! This is so cute I couldent wait to write this one, fluff is my faivorite thing ever. I hope you like it 🩷. As always, this is based on the film "Kingdom Of Heaven, not the real historical figures. Enjoy!

TW: Leprosy

Pain was nothing short of a constant in Baldwin’s life. His body ached, his head spun and the lack of sensation made it almost impossible to complete simple tasks.

But like with anything, some days it was worse than others. This day happened to be one of those days.

The young king lay on his bed as physicians worked on tending to his body. He had passed out during a meeting and had been immediately brought to his chambers for medical treatment.

As he faded in and out of consciousness, Baldwin could only think of one thing. Y/n. She had been out attending a wedding all day and said she would be back by evening, but for Baldwin the hour of her return could not come soon enough.

At times like these, it was her arms he craved more than anything. Nothing compared to snuggling into her warm body as she stroked his hair, whispering sweet words as he dozed off to sleep.

“Whe- when is the queen set to return…?” he spoke wearily to Tiberius who stood beside his bed.

“Very soon my lord. I shall inform her of what happened when she arrives” Baldwin nodded and closed his eyes again, but could not fall into sleep.

He wanted his wife. 

Outside the castle, y/n dismounted her horse. Handing the reins to a servant, she made her way inside only to be greeted by Tiberius who stopped her as she made her way to the royal chambers.

Confused, she asked if everything was alright to be met with a worried look from the official.

“The king lost consciousness today during a meeting. He is doing better now but has been asking for you all afternoon. I suggest you see him-” he didn't even get a chance to finish before y/n sprinted for the bedchambers.

Inside, she saw the physicians finishing up the last bandages on her husband who lay sprawled out on their shared bed. Dropping her bags, she rushed to him.

“My darling, what happened?” she spoke urgently but still in a soothing tone.

Baldwin opened his eyes just enough to see her before a crooked smile spread across his bandaged face.

“Y/n! You're hereee” he cooed, reaching up a gloved hand to stroke her cheek. The queen took his hand in hers and kissed it softly. Despite the situation, she couldn't help but smile at how cute he was.

“Come cuddle meeee pleasee” he whined, causing y/n to chuckle.

Removing her day clothes, the queen climbed into the bed beside Baldwin who reached his arms up, opening and closing his hands like a small child wanting to be picked up.

Y/n scooped him up gently, laying his frail body against her side so his head rested on her chest. The young king sighed blissfully, snuggling into the warmth of his wife.

She kissed the top of her husband's head, running her fingers through his blonde curls, earning a soft groan of pleasure.

“I love you so much, y/n” he mumbled through a poorly stifled yawn.

“I love you too, my beautiful boy,” she replied, kissing his forehead again.

Baldwin closed his eyes once more, his thoughts trailing off as he fell into a deep sleep. Y/n smiled at how fast he fell asleep. Barely a minute had passed and he was already snoring.

“You must be tired, poor baby” y/n muttered, running her fingers through his hair.

The young queen gazed down at her husband as he slept. The way his hands and feet twitched in sleep reminded her of a puppy having a pleasant dream. It was adorable.

He looked so innocent like this, it was hard to believe he was such a powerful king when he slept in her arms.

Soon, the soft sound of her husband's snoring and the warmth of the evening lulled the queen into a light sleep.

Even in rest, she held Baldwin tightly. Keeping her promise of holding onto him and never letting go for as long as she lived.

[yourlocaltreesimp]

if I was the guide I would try to help link more then just help him with puzzles and where to go next. I would try helping with enemies and bosses by distracting them, help with stealth missions by making noise to distract guards, scavenge for things like rupees, bombs, arrows, food ect, for them, watch over link while he slept,help teach them how to play instruments cuz i doubt they would automatically know how to play, help keep them warm at night, let link vent and not bottle up his emotions,ya know cuz the poor boy deserves some help. Maybe guide reader help teach the links how to fight, cuz time, wind, and maybe legend, hyrule and how to sword fight cuz there's no way time and wind would know how to sword fight when their journeys first began, they were just kids, legend and four might have cuz legends uncle knew how to use a sword and fours grandfather is a blacksmith and in the four swords manga his father is captain of the hyrule knights, hyrule I don't honestly know if the fairies taught him how to fight with weapons, twilight was taught by rusl, sky, warriors and calamity were training/were already knights, wild would definitely have to be re taught how to fight again, and sage already remembered/ relearned how. I don't know how old first, korodai and courage were when they first learned,How would the chain react to that if they remembered? Sorry it's so long.😅

Sorry this one’s been sitting so long! This is going to be a bit of a ramble, but it’ll make sense! Took some liberties!!

𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊

Player/Guide!reader is the epitome of comfort to the boys. Much of their lives they have been taught through experience to trust no one —not even their own goddess— lest they get a dagger in the back. And at first they are cautious. A person with no ties to hyrule who is so eerily familiar with the heroes and utterly bewitching? They’re half convinced you are a trick, meant to play on their insecurities and trauma.

Time gathers his recollections first. He remembers your calm voice correcting his form and swings, your encouragement to keep improving— not with the intent of killing, but with only his safety at heart. He’d buried his blade within the thick trunk of a tree and heard your old whispers through his ears, and it all made sense. That even as his bones were cracked and reformed and the threads of time unraveled, you were consistent. Even when he wasn’t the same him that you loved before, you were back again. Protecting him, even if he didn’t need it. You were arms for him to return to and someone to hold and love.

Legend remembered almost on accident. He’d bolted up from the solid earth, rings snagging at his hair as his fingers tugged at the root. His chest rose and fell rapidly, like that of a frightened animal. You’d cautiously found your way in front of him, talking him down from the world within. Your hands massaged his palms easing the tension and removing his hair from his grip. You’d done this many times before, he realised. You were all he had for the months after leaving Koholint, your unconditional love despite his less than stellar attitude was something he felt guilty to forget. But perhaps now he’d be content to make up for it by letting you keep him there, curled up against your chest… even if he’d get some teasing.

Twilight didn’t actually remember on his own. In fact, he’s so stubborn and protective over the ‘pack’ that he likely wouldn’t have if it weren’t for Epona. For a large part, he trusted her judgment. Most animals did have a keener sense for natural disasters, but she always seemed to have a good sense of character. Sure, it was odd enough she ate right out of your hand with a happy nicker, but she just really liked apples. She’s a horse, she’s easily bribed. But even then, he’s not sure how much bribing it would take for her to lay down and let you braid flowers through her freshly brushed mane. It was trust. From all the other times you did it absentmindedly —occasionally even to him— it seems her trust in character was still sharp.

Warriors was actually slightly embarrassed by how he came to remember. Dripping wet from the rain and favourite cloak littered with mud and holes, he was rather cranky. He got showered and changed —thank the three they were at an inn— and decided to leave the stained and worn clothes as a tomorrow problem. That was until his prized blanket scarf found its way into to your mits. He tried to snatch it back, earning some odd looks and the shutter of the sheikah slate. You were frustratingly difficult to catch. It seemed that hadn’t changed. When he was ultimately successful, however, he realised that you’d actually been making an incredibly successful job at washing and repairing it as you’d done thousands of times before. He remembers you my firelight, cobalt swathed over your lap as your needle glided through the fabric. He remembered trying to imitate your stitches. He remembered how he never quite got it right.

He let you finish working.

Four was having a crisis. Do not let his indifference fool you, this man is a wreck. Best believe that beyond his surprisingly stubborn stoicism, the colors are shaking each other by the shoulders and screaming. Red recognised you immediately. His heart was quite literally moulded after your soft words and carefully love, he couldn’t forget you so long as he had a soul. Green being the mediator between them all and heard his quiet utters. The most honest a man could be that his adoration was infectious. It was you who taught him who he was. Blue took a while. So strong-willed in his stance, the he forgot you were the one to teach him to take a stand. He forgot it was you who willed him to fight for what he loved. Vio fell last, what would you expect of the mind. He hardly noticed it. The way his thoughts timed to you, the way he sought your presence and craved your voice. It was you who taught them how to be separate and yet loved them wholly. And such loyalty could only be payed back.

Wind remembered you in fragments. He remembers his parent by oath, who shielded him from the vast world he was so desperate to see. He didn’t understand it at first. But loosing you, especially when his memory wasn’t fully gone like the others, was rough. He mourned and grieved, even if he didn’t realise it. He missed being cared for. Without the looming question of what favor needed done or when it would go away. He missed you. It took a while to heal. For him to feel ok trusting in people again, even eventually curling up next to Wars when he’d try to sleep. He felt guilty, as if he were betraying you when you dug up dead feelings. But it’s hard to be a rebellious rascal when your partner in crime is finally returned to you especially after you were concerned you killed them. It takes him a while to process your back, but he’s back at your side, tugging you along by the hand as he explains his next devious prank.

Hyrule remembers you through his magic. The way your heart stutters as he heals you is familiar, a beat he’s fallen asleep to many times before and the life within it is one he can’t help but feel… connected to. He keeps a close eye out, his ears wiggling at the familiar music of your laugh and his skin unfamiliar without your own to cradle it. You share a spirit with them, a bit of your soul and theirs and a small both of theirs in you. And yet his mind can’t call out to why. It keeps him awake, taunting at him. But he knows his soul yearns for the part with yours. He knows the rush of your blood and song of your soul. He knows he loves you. Even if he doesn’t get why.

Wild takes so long to remember you for exactly the reasons you’d expect. His mind hides away the most crucial parts of itself in plain sight, never to be noticed or recognized until the memories are far too warped and rotten to actually remember anything. Anything of note, that is. But for what it’s worth, he never really perceived you as a threat. You were homey and comfortable, a trait so unfamiliar to his life of travel, he didn’t care if it left a sword in his stomach. Besides, not any yiga could take on an act that long. He took off the cooked eggs and set them onto a separate plate as you sat quietly, Wind strewn over your torso. You hummed softly the same work song he’d sung for years. One for which he didn’t know the origin, not until hearing you for what felt like the first time again. He couldn’t help but hum along.

Sky was cursed to forget you.

I must preface because he is a lover boy first and hero second. He wouldn’t care who Demise was, nor his business, so long as you were safe and loved. He loved you more than each and every star in the sky. And he’d already began to start planning your home. He knew he loved you. He knew he was made to love you. And that was exactly why he was made to forget you. That loyalty was scary to the gods. That one would devote themselves to another for little more than love in return— Hylia could not risk her heroes to stray. But try as she might she couldn’t surpress you. Not when you were already married, souls intertwined through every timeline. Your role varied, a healer, a helping hand, a comfort, a home, a parent, a lover, a souse. But you were always someone to Link. No matter what the gods declared. He remembered you only after all the others had, but he’s alright with that.

[chereus]

Save a Horse, ride a cowboy | JJ. Maybank

Summary; Reader gets back from a trip to the mainlands and just wants to make sweet sweet love to her boyfriend.

Pairings; JJ Maybank x Fem!Reader

Warnings; Somnophilia!!, DUBCON!!, pegging, slight mommy kink, best friends sister, usage of a v!brator, (kinda) established secret relationship, P IN V contact with no protection *I’M UNWELL, OK.*, very minimal editing —lemme know if I missed any please!

Cherries Notes; y’all. What in the hell is this? I just imagine John B waking up to absolutely violent moaning and thinking, “what the fuck?” Because honestly, he’s not wrong.

Cherries Notes PT2; don’t bully me ok, this work is literally from months ago. I barley recognize my own writing.

Word count; 2.1k

JJ has been extremely horny all this past week. To the point where he could just think about his girlfriend and get hard. Unfortunately she was on a trip to the mainlands with her friends. It was extremely frustrating to not be able to talk to his best friend about his girl troubles considering this girl in particular was his sister.

Ever since their dad got lost at sea John B became her father figure and would absolutely flip if he found out that they were together. JJ wasn’t too concerned about it since he knew that even though John B would be absolutely furious in the beginning, there’s no way he could stay mad at his lifelong best friend and someone he considered to be his brother.

So here he laid, in the humid dark room of the chateau thinking of how he was going to nail his little sister when she got back. In this very room. He was thinking about how first he’d teasingly kiss her plump lips and wrap his hand delicately around her throat as their tongues messily tangled together. About every time she’s pull back for air he’d smile into her kiss and pull her back in further.

About how he would move his hands up and down her body in a way they both know only he could do to her. About how he’d smush their entangled bodies together by the widest part of her hips. About how he’d fall back on the bed and take her with him by her thighs and have her straddle him. And most of all he was thinking about how much he missed her.

How while he explicitly missed her touch and deep romantic kisses and the hidden desire in her eyes he also missed the way she’d snort when she laughed. Or when she got angry and she’d pout. Or when she would take care of him when he she knew he had a bad day. Or when she knew he just needed comfort.

The thought of her not coming back was sending JJ into a mindset that he wasn’t equipped to deal with when she wasn’t here, ironically enough. So he decided that going to sleep would be the best option right now.

It was the wee hours of the morning by the time that you got back to find JJ curled up in your bed sleeping. You smiled softly and thought about how last week before your trip you had talked about wake up sex. JJ was more than happy to indulge in that fantasy. In fact he more than begged and pleaded for you to start the gracious level of kinky shit you guys were into right away. You had slept the entire car ride home so you were energized just enough to mount your boyfriend like a horse and ride him into the sunrise.

You knew how heavy of a sleeper JJ was so there was no need to be extremely quiet. You did however take caution in the fact that he looked harder than a rock and hadn’t been touched by anyone other than himself in a a little over a week so he’d be extremely sensitive when you tried to touch him. You knew exactly what the man liked. And what he liked was to not be in control all the time. He absolutely adored when you’d boss him around in bed. And even more so he enjoyed being the brat everyone knew he was. You had been teasing him on the phone all week just getting him riled up so you could go for hours when you got back.

Setting your bags in her closet you pull out a medium sized black box with all of your favorite sexual related things. You scan the box looking for four bundles of rope and your strap on harness. Deciding to be nice you take out your and JJ’s favorite attachment. An 7 inch long duel ended vibrating dildo. You love it because fits perfectly snug inside you while you giving the best performance of your life.

As you move to tie JJ to the bed you could help but smile at the sight of him cuddling the pillow in place of you. Continuing with the task at hand you slowly remove the pillow from JJ’s death grip. He turns and groans at this action which you find equally as cute. Even in his sleeping form he always has to be touching you in some way. When you successfully get both of his wrists tied to the headboard you move on to his ankles. You notice how he’s starting to stir a little from his restricted movement so you take that as a sign to move faster.

A few minutes later you have successfully tied your boyfriend to the bed and we’re beginning to quickly strip your clothes off. The quicker you went the hornier you got. JJ always slept practically naked anyways. It seemed that his horniness got the best of him tonight and he was completely naked. But usually anything short of just his boxers was too hot. You definitely didn’t complain. Easy access.

As you moved to approach the bed you stopped by your nightstand and grabbed the bottle of lube that occupied the tight space of the upper drawer. Also easy access.

Crawling over JJ you sat directly in the middle of his thighs so when he woke up he would see you pounding into him. Luckily you’d tied his legs far enough apart that you didn’t have to worry about wiggle room as there was plenty.

You started by kissing his hip bones and then working your way up his perfectly chiseled abs kissing one after the other. He softly moaned in his sleep from your feathery kisses. Once you made your way up through his stomach and chest you quietly nudged your face with his, brushing your lips over his own. He groaned with the sudden attention not wanting it to stop. You quietly pulled away and sat down on your calves. Lubing up the toy adequately and lubing the rim of his anus. His cock twitched and he deeply groaned at the cool sensation.

Lining up the toy and his delicate hole you slowly start to push in. JJ let’s out a loud moan and his eyes shoot open. You ignore him and speed up gently. Your thrusts were beginning to get deeper and JJ is still half asleep moaning his heart out.

“What the fu—” he groggily starts but the words soon die on his lips as you thrust a particularly rough thrust. You lean forward and kiss him on the lips and mutter an ‘I love you’.

As your thrusts begin to get deeper and faster the other end that had currently resided up your vagina begins to hit every nook and cranny of your vaginal cavity. You couldn’t hold the moan that was brewing in your throat and certainly not when you heard JJ mutter “harder”, along with a strangled moan.

The deeper he moaned the harder you went. At some point you remembered that this toy had a remote that made it vibrate and you took full advantage of that. Grabbing the remote from the right side of the bed you don’t hesitate in quickly cranking it up.

You could tell that JJ was doing more than stellar as he couldn’t even form complete sentences out of pure pleasure. This created a massive grin to spread across your face in euphoria. JJ was right, you should’ve done this so much sooner.

As you thrusted in the deepest, most sensitive parts of your boyfriend, you couldn’t help but just put your hands anywhere and everywhere. JJ seemed to appreciate the warmth of your petite hands as your nails dug into him wherever they could find a spot. He was getting close you could tell by the slight arch in his back and the furrow of his brows. One last time your hands slid down his inner thighs scraping with your nails before you gently grabbed his swollen cock.

As you started to rub up and down JJ’s face twisted in fiery bliss. He was so close but so far. Watching him get absolutely demolished by something he did to you on a weekly basis had something deep in you stirring. As you came up on your high you started to rub harder and faster on him. His moans were unrecognizable at this point. You’d never heard him make those sounds before. They were deep and husk like. It would’ve sent you over the edge if you weren’t so focused on giving your boyfriend the time of his life.

One sharp trust later and JJ was spurring hot cum all over your hand and his stomach. Before your you removed your hand from his sensitive member and lifted it to your mouth and licked it all up you made sure to turn the vibrator on low as to not cause too much overstimulation. He attentively watched you preform all your actions as he was sure to get hard again after not having a proper orgasm in over a week.

His eyes widened as you resumed your thrust. “W-what are you doing?” He finally spoke.

“Good morning sunshine. How’d you sleep?” You menacingly taunted. If he wasn’t too fucked out to come up with a response he’d demand that you untie him immediately and let him maul you like a bear.

He whined as your slow speed made him feel like he was about to explode. You just laughed in his face as he would do to you.

“Baby, you wanna make mommy feel good don’t you? Hmm?” You asked reaching down to kiss him everywhere but the lips.

His submissive side was showing and you couldn’t savor enough of it. He mumbled a quiet, “yes.” That made your heart clench in awe.

You were careful not to cause too much overstimulation for him as it made him physically uncomfortable but just enough for you both to start sweating like bitches in heat.

You cranked the volume back up to full speed and everything was buzzing. Your head flew back in pleasure. You wanted, no needed JJ to be touching you. You rested deep inside of him while you untied his arms from the bed frame.

“Touch me JJ I need to feel your hands on me.” You eagerly demanded. JJ wasted no time in pulling you down to his level and kissing you like his life depended on it.

Your thrusts became sloppy at this angle so JJ hoisted you in place so the vibrator inside you was hitting directly the right spots. Your kisses mended with his to insure that neither of you knew who was breathing who’s air. Your hands hadn’t left JJ’s hips since your turn to finish and it was driving him crazy.

Just before you tipped over the edge JJ lifts up his head and says, “fuck, your so gorgeous.” And you were sent spiraling and cursing as your thrusts almost completely stopped and you realized JJ had came again without you even touching him or even acknowledging that he was there other than for your pleasure the second round.

You quickly shut all the vibrating devices off and removed your strap on. The thin layer of sweat covering your entire body was enough to make you chuckle at what just happened.

“I don’t think I give you enough credit J, that’s a lot harder than it looks.” You say lifting yourself from the bed.

“Yeah, well, I don’t wanna take all the credit,” he sarcastically murmured from his same spot as you untied his ankles.

“Oh ya, come on. Let’s go get you cleaned up.” You said dragging him from his middle of the bed antics.

When he finally tried to stand up from the side of the bed he immediately sat back down with widened eyes, “I don’t think I give you enough credit y/n, that’s a lot harder than it looks.”

“Yeah, well, I don’t wanna take all the credit,” you laughed back helping him up.

As you were cleaning each other up and washing each other in the shower he bent down and gave you a long slow kiss and clearly said, “I love you more.” With a smile on his face.

[frannyzooey]

I wonder so much about the little SDLN family and how their trek across the country was, especially with a little baby. Any insights on that, or notable events that happened during it?

Yes!

In my mind, it was mostly uneventful -- mostly.

I allude to something in the epilogue, an attack by raiders that injured Joel and gave him a permanent injury (I imagined it to be him getting stabbed in the lower back). Honey would have been sick out of her mind with worry: alone in the wilderness with dwindling supplies and an infant, watching him suffer and knowing she might not be able to save him, but I also know they brought more than enough medical supplies with them (having raided all the cabins for them earlier). He is fine, if not slower on his feet for awhile, but that's about the most eventful thing that happens.

Otherwise: sleeping under the stars while the other kept watch with lots of June curled up against her father's broad chest as they slept, lots of trying to find shelters that would protect them from being too exposed (including finding some cabins along the way that they raided/stayed a couple days in), lots of meandering through the sunlit woods and talking about what they might find in Jackson or telling each other about their lives before, lots of worrying about June and keeping an eye on her, lots of lingering looks and teasing and kisses when they could grab them to evade the constant low, simmering knot of tension that lived within each of them as they traveled through the open land. Lots of Joel being extremely vigilant in order to protect his family, and lots of Honey doing her best to soothe him and distract June from the long, tiresome days.

Some bright spots: June's first steps in a sun drenched field as her parents ate lunch, her first babbled word said over the steady clip of horse hooves, the vast expanse of night sky that Honey saw as she laid on her back next to Joel before he covered it with the shadowed form of his own body, the gates of Jackson when they finally came into view and Tommy's face shortly there after. ❤

[penvisions]

return the favor {chapter 21}

Pairing: Post-Outbreak! Joel Miller x Smuggler! Reader

Summary: After an explosive fight the night before, your trio gets ready to depart from Jackson. Finding yourself back on outside the gates, everything seems different. But then again so are you, so are your circumstances.

Word Count: 5k

Warnings: canon typical language, canon typical angst, canon typical violence, use of weapons, use of guns, use of machete, fighting, violence, reference to previous injuries, reference to past traumas, ptsd symptoms in both joel and bean, self-depreciation, super fucking sad moment in scene two of this one, MAJOR ANGST, yelling, conflict, emotional baggage, talk of outbreak day, medical jargon, reader has a lot of thoughts on a cure for the virus, existentialism

A/N: inspiration for this chapter was 'let it burn' by shaboozy. these two have grabbed a hold of my thoughts and i am writing pages like a mad woman. bean and joel mean so so much to me. hopefully it's all coherent, please let me know what y'all are thinking! i know it's a mess for these two right now an the content is angsty and may be triggering in this part of the story. my inbox is always open, love y'all ♡

ao3 link || series masterlist || main masterlist || ko-fi

The morning came quickly, no sleep having been found under the cover of night.

You couldn’t have dosed off for more than a few minutes at a time, an hour at the most spent on the cusp of awareness. That in-between state where you were immobile, and your mind tried it’s hardest to let you slip under but just shy of lying about. It was warm, that was the only consolation of the house offered to you for the night. It wasn’t another night sleeping on the frozen ground and hoping the temperature didn’t drop or the windchill robbed you of breath and feeling. Of constantly waking to check if the other sleeping bags were still rising and falling with the even breaths of those inside.

Sighing, you reached out across the empty bed to stretch out your arms from the curled up position you had adopted. But you sat up suddenly when the spot your hand had reached was warm. As if someone had been sitting on the edge of the bed. As you did so, a thick blanket you didn’t recall seeing when pulling the covers back pooled around your waist.

You heard the front door open and close, but no footsteps came further into the house. Not Tommy coming over to begin the day, but his brother departing on his own.

He must’ve returned after you hid away for the night, biding his time until things calmed down enough for him to enter the house undisturbed. Tears pricked at the corners of your eyes as you pictured him laying the blanket over you, sitting on the edge of the bed and watching as you slept.

Of him setting on the edge of his own bed, consumed by his thoughts and feelings that had to be so overwhelming he had decided to self-destruct and tear everything around him down in the process.

It hurt. It hurt to picture him alone by his own creation, but still feeling the desire to make sure you were comfortable in wake of that.

 But it didn’t mean anything, it couldn’t. He had made it his mission to find the words that would hurt you the most and use them against you. To use your own insecurities against you, point them out and use them as a way to rationalize this course of action. Rationalize abandoning you, you and Ellie.  

Joel.

Joel was standing beside one of the horses, the stall gate open as he fastened a saddle to the tall creature, tightening the buckle to make sure it was secure. The horse snickered, signaling to him that you were approaching if your footsteps hadn’t reached him quite yet. When he turned to look over his shoulder, you felt your body twitch, fight or flight activated in a visceral way.

You immediately dropped Ellie’s hand. She reached for it even as her own emotions fluttered up and became overwhelming. But you stepped away, nearly knocking into Tommy in the process.

When he looked up from his task completely, his eyes met yours and you turned on your feet and walked away without a second thought. Your name followed, but you didn’t turn back. A chorus of your name sounded all around as you fled the stables on shaky legs, face hot and heart thudding painfully hard in your chest. Head dizzy with the brief encounter of a man who you hadn’t expected to see ever again too much after a fitful night.

A hand closed around your arm and you thrashed against it, whipping around and landing a punch on whoever it was right in the middle of their chest.

“Get off of me!” Terror colored the air, the pure feeling of being trapped. Of being touched by someone who you didn’t give permission to. But the person moved toward you, grunting from the force of the hit you had landed on them, breath being drawn back in to recover. Their arms came around you, cradling you to their chest and hands holding the back of your head as you lost the feeling in your limbs. Body going slack in a last-ditch effort of self-preservation.

The person didn’t expect that, and they lost their footing, knees hitting the ground hard when you jostled along with them. But they tried their best to not let you land on your own numb limbs. You could barely hear anything over the sound of your blood rushing in your ears, your own name being called out softly not breaking through. Eye blinking rapidly, you tried to clear your blurring vision, though it wasn’t from tears. You had exhausted all of those last night.

“We gotta stop, darlin’.” Joel’s somber tone finally broke through, his voice thick with tears he wasn’t letting fall. They were a shine in his beautiful eyes when you looked up at him with an unfocused gaze. Vision blurring and sharpening in a rapid succession. His own softening when he realized you were barely there, barely present under the direct attention he was giving to you now. You watched the wrinkles around his brow furrow, deepening as he tried to coax something, anything out of you.

But you were unable to comply, unable to give him anything else. He had taken everything already, burned down what he didn’t like with vicious words that had festered all night. Taken ahold of you and ruined the rest. You had nothing for him anymore.

“I-I can’t keep feeling like my chest is gonna cave in every time I lose sight of you.” He murmured into your hair, leaning down to speak only to you. Distantly, you were aware of the watching eyes of Ellie and Tommy, just inside the threshold of the stables. Both uncertain of what to do, if they should separate you from each other or let this play out. Joel was holding you with such care, such caution and it made them both pause. “My breathing gets stuck, it hurts, darlin’. Feels like knives when you get hurt, spreads all over my body, it numbs me. When I can’t help you, when I can’t see you or reach you, call you back to the present. And that’s not good, we both know that.”

“Joel…” You cautiously treaded, voice sounding foreign and so unlike your own even to your own ears as they steadily cleared. Unsure why he was doing this. Now, of all times. He had already made his case, tore you down as he self-destructed. But he was trying to explain now the reason he had done so in such a catastrophic way. Just like how he was trying to make amends with Ellie, giving her the choice he had so selfishly stolen from her on the same path of destruction just the night before.

“It’s not…it’s not easy. And the further we’ve traveled, the more time we spend out here. It’s just…it’s not something that can last. And for that, I am sorry. I-I didn’t mean any of the bullshit I fired at you yesterday, you have to know that was all projection. You are strong, you are capable, you are so god damn smart, darlin’. But…it’s not…” His gloved hands were strong on the back of your head, on the small of your back despite the way they ached in the cold of the early morning. One last hold on you before he let you go. You knew him, you could read him, and it was too real of an understanding that he was trying to spell out for you now, even through the fog taken over your entire being.

You had known, deep down. That the feelings didn’t mean anything, even if you acknowledged them. They didn’t change anything, didn’t alter the dynamic, only gave it a depth that was dangerous.

“I’m the one who isn’t strong enough, can’t move fast enough. Can’t keep up with everything thrown our way to get here or what’s to come. But I would try until my last breath, darlin’, please believe that. And that’s the problem.”

“Because you do feel something for me.” You didn’t argue, didn’t try to call him out. You simply wanted to understand, the hurt of his words still rooted deep in your mind and heart.

“…yes.” He finally admitted, finally decided to be honest with you about what had begun to develop over the journey here. But it didn’t bring you any joy now, to know that the man felt for you the way you had begun to felt for him. It was damnation, he had been correct in his description. Because you both knew that clinging to that spark was far more dangerous than trying to cultivate it into a fully grown tangible thing. It would prompt the most resilient of things from you both, violent in their tendencies and ugly in the worst ways if picked up upon by others. Leverage to use against one or both of you, something that would bring about death.

“Okay.” Was all you could say, face calm despite the storm raging inside of you. It was breaking, beginning to wane and soon it would disappear. It would leave you empty, a gaping hole in the thick plaster you had slathered and smoothed over yourself in order to make it in the world as it was today. Having already been torn down once by a man with careful words and hands, capable of helping you to create something when nothing seemed to matter.

He had given you hope, but the man standing in front of you now was different. Joel wasn’t feeding into the same notion, instead adding his own layer of solution over the walls he had stumbled through in clumsy motions. He wouldn’t be helping you to dismantle it, too afraid of what it would mean. Too afraid of what it would symbolize in this world. So unlike the man before him, but so similar in the ways that he had nestled himself into the confines of your heart.

Your arms didn’t feel like your own as they reached up and snaked around his neck, your legs didn’t feel like your own as they moved to straddle one of his own and give you purchase to embrace him back. Your lips didn’t feel like your own as they met his in a chaste kiss. A goodbye that wasn’t bittersweet, but venomous. His tears finally fell, dampening the skin of your neck.

Overcoming the disastrous events of yesterday would take time, something of a luxury neither of you had. He was trying to make amends, trying to make you understand. That’s all he could do, was try. And all you could do in return was take the heavy stones he had tied around his limbs and loosen them. Let them fall away and take them on yourself so he wouldn’t have to carry them. You had before and you could do it again.

“I can’t go with you.” You whispered, lips brushing against his as the words sprouted from you. The truth too painful to admit at full volume, too painful to say at all. But you had to. You had to tell him you understood it was the right thing, that he understood it was the right thing. Distance. Perhaps long-lasting separation that turned into only once knowing each other.

“I know.” 

He helped you to stand back up, putting distance between you both as he walked back into the stables. Tommy trailed after him, both men giving you a moment with a confused and concerned Ellie. She was too young to understand that despite the apology, the bridge had been burned and it was only one of you who would take her to where she needed to go.

You turned to her, not wanting to do this, not wanting her to see how hurt you were but knowing that whatever she did glimpse, it was absolutely not aimed at her. “I’m not mad at you, Ellie. I just…I’m not good enough to get you where you need to go if he’s there. And he’s not good enough to do it if I’m there. He made it clear as crystal he has one care he’s allowing himself in the world and it’s you.”

“You’re being selfish! I know he’s an ass. He yelled at me too, but look! I’m trying, I’m giving him a second chance. Why can’t you?” Her words were sharp, cutting into you like the blade you wielded and you took each one without a grimace.

"Ellie, that man is your future. He will protect you until his last breath. But we can’t all travel together again.” Your eyes moved from her deep frown and her hands gripped tight on the second bag that dangled by her legs to the figure of Joel leading a singular horse out of the stables. “I have so much care and love for you, but it’s not a good fit. All three of us, it was always supposed to be him, Ellie.

I’m not able to protect you, I’ve been out of it most of our trip, unable to do anything without his help. He’s the one who can get you there, he’s the one who is capable. I’m so sorry for making you feel like you could count on me, I’m not the one to place your bets on. He is.”

"So what, it all meant nothing? The whole fucking journey here didn't mean anything to you?"

"Ellie, please listen to me and hear me, it meant everything to me. but it's past and there are some things I have to take care of."

“You’re just gonna leave me? Like he tried to, like he regrets trying to do. But you’re actually gonna fucking do it, huh? You’re a real piece of work. So much for sticking with me. Fucking liar.” She stalked off, refusing to hear anything else you had to say. “Go, get the fuck away from me! I never want to see you again!”

Joel’s hand curling around her shoulder as she crossed the threshold of the stables made them the perfect wounded pair and you turned your back on them as they began to walk away, hoping that this was all for the best. That you were making the right move.

You were still at the stables when Tommy returned, his pack still over his shoulders but his rifle was missing. He was silent as he entered the stall you were readying a horse in. It was a beautiful animal, with white and brown patches all over. You figured the coloring would help you to blend into the landscape easily, having a long journey ahead of you.

“Where will you go?” Tone so unlike his brother, though the twang of a Texan accent curled around his words all the same.

“Home.” You grunted as you tightened a bag to hang from the saddle, the pack holding a small collection of camp kitchen supplies. Maria had tried to give you as much to work with as possible, not wanting you to starve or be without a source of heat should more storms greet you outside the gates.

“And where is that?”

“California. Should’ve gone back a long time ago, but…things never worked out.” You could sense the curiosity in him, so unlike his brother who hid his emotions. He had been nothing but kind to you, even if you hadn’t directly interacted with him. But if he was related to Joel, he was a good man. Indulging him, you found yourself opening up to him with more directness than you had with anyone before. Wanting a lifeline here in Jackson should you find your way back here. “Tennessee was home when the Outbreak happened, stuck around there for a while….then found myself in Boston. I remember catching glimpses of you with Joel, every so often. And then suddenly you disappeared. Wasn’t ever sure what happened, but I figured a loss is a loss.”

“Yesterday was such a hectic day. With falling on your arm and everything…will you be okay?” He followed you out of the stall, out of the stables, the horse letting you lead it leisurely along. Two shadows waiting close by, a horse already saddled and ready beside them.

“I hope so.” You offered him a soft smile, grateful for his concern.

“Will you be okay?” His inflection changed, eyes looking between both of your own as he moved closer and placed a hand on your shoulder. You sighed, trying to shake the thoughts of what happened today from your mind, knowing they would be revisited tonight when you try to rest.

“I’ve done pretty good so far, think I can manage to get over your big brother.” You knocked his shoulder with your own. His arms suddenly came around you in a hug, his chin hooking over one of them and nearly knocking your hat from atop your head. But you didn’t flinch, too worn out to fight against comfort if someone wanted to offer it to you. With warmth blossoming in your chest, you let your head lean into his own and closed your eyes.

“Thank you.” His low voice was strong, emotions strong as you hesitantly returned the sudden embrace. “Thank you for helping get him here.”

“Thank you for being alive,” You whispered back, the worry of how this all could’ve turned out weighing heavily on you even in of luck and chance. Of the sheer determination Tommy must’ve exhibited to not only leave with the Fireflies all those years ago, but to actually leave the organization and not find himself on a hit list. That he found refuge here in Jackson, a life here in Jackson, it was all so overwhelmingly wonderful. For a man who had been down so many wrong paths to find a good one to travel on after so long. That it allowed him to not only survive but live, given him the opportunity to reconnect with his brother.

Given him the chance to make something out of the wreckage of this world that would last.

“You have a home here.” He leaned back, arms still around you as he looked down at you, trying to find the right words for a goodbye that wouldn’t add weight to the events since arriving. “Maria likes you, sees you. I like ya just based on the fact that you’re not afraid to holler back if someone comes at ya. Can throw a hell of a right hook too. We’ll be here for you, whenever you decide to return.”

You nodded once, allowing him to help you mount the horse and followed that morning’s patrol through the town and toward the gate.

The railroad was easiest, so you stuck close to it when you could. The open land setting your nerves on high alert, there was no coverage out here on the plains. But you were hoping that the advantage of having a horse now would allow you a good head start if someone tried you, the rifle on your shoulder too. Maria did well, giving you everything you might need. More help than you could have ever hoped for, including the map you had found in the pocket of your new coat, detailing the route Joel and Ellie would be taking.

You had stood still for a long while, beside the horse you had let loose to get a drink from a small creek. The map tight in your gloved hand as you stared out toward the expanse of Colorado. The state line between Wyoming and Idaho close by, only a few minutes travel. Torn between moving in the opposite direction of them, worried for them and the possible threats that awaited them. But they were strong, stronger without you. They would be okay, you had to hope they would be okay. Tucking the map back into your pocket, you clicked your tongue to get the horse to come back to you.

Mounting it easily, you made your way west and crossed the state line.

Night fell and with it you hunkered down in the mild protection of the woods. The horse laying down and allowing you to lean up against their warm body, one blanket thrown over his neck to help stave off some of the cold. You had your sleeping bag curled over your shoulders, unzipped to make a small shield against the biting chill, but even with all the supplies and advice and kind words Maria had offered you, you were still utterly and completely alone. The fire crackling in front of you did nothing to warm the cold that had taken root in your chest, not born of the weather. It would only defrost with the snickering laughter of a sarcastic teenager, in the rumbling chuckle of a stoic man, in the lightness they both inspired in you despite the endless circumstances that decided to rain down upon you all.

Your heart ached for the gruff grunts Joel would make when settling down for the night, either in front of the fire for an imitation of a family dinner or for the attempt at getting some sleep for the evening. But it was a thing of the past, something you wouldn’t hear again. Alone. Completely and wholly alone. A sentence of your own making, a reality brought on by your foolish naivety that you were now subject to. Journey now shrouded in the selfish need to seek answers to questions that had plagued you for far too long.  No longer intertwined with that of a brooding older man who had space in his heart enough for a girl who hid her pain behind terrible jokes. No longer a part of that dynamic, unsure if you ever were supposed to even be a part of it in the first place but having forced yourself into the fold when faced with returning behind the walls of the quarantine zone.

Spit back out in such a damning way.

Sighing, you stretched a boot out to stamp the small fire out. Shrugging tighter against the horse behind you, prompting them to turn their head and snuff against your hat in a teasing way. He was a good animal, easy to direct, willing to follow, gentle. But still, you were alone. Surrounded only by the bare trees of the wilderness you had to cross.

It was the fifth day after departing from Jackson when the universe decided you were ready for it to pick back up the punches. Tracking your progress on the map as you tried to calculate how many hours or steps it would take to trek through the dense woods that would get you through the state of Idaho and into the desert landscape of Nevada. It had been a discussion, between you and Maria, which route would be the most logical.

Either to gear up impossibly so in order to endure the remaining time of winter through the pacific northwest and make your way south through the long state of California to your hometown. Or to put up with the snow and ice for the duration of traveling through a corner of one state before finding relative refuge in the desert landscape that made up most of the south west part of the country. It would mean more exposure through the desert, but it would also mean lesser chances of running into people or Infected. More reliance on supplies and rationing.

After admitting that you weren’t very fond of the cold, of winter in general, maps of different states had been brought out from where they were collected in the council’s meeting place. She had allowed you to look them over, wanting to give you the best chance she could at accomplishing what you were set out to do. To help you, to help you find what you needed to in order to move on and begin to heal on your own terms. A journey she did not envy, but one she would do whatever she could to give you the best chance of returning to Jackson someday.

She liked you, came her admittance over a cup of coffee. You had sought her out in the early morning before Tommy had awoken to ready himself for the task his brother had desperately asked him to take over. Maria had been awake, her kitchen light visible from the house you were in across the street. Not having the courage to bother her otherwise in the wake of being torn down so completely by someone who you thought had accepted you. Hesitant to reach out and force a connection with the woman who had a literal commune’s worth of worries on her shoulder, paired with the ups and downs of pregnancy in a time where every aspect of it was washed in uncertainty.

But she saw you. Most likely told of the disastrous confrontation that had happened by her husband. Perhaps seeing you more then than she had previously.

You had initially planned to take Ellie to where she needed to go, staying with her for however long it would require hearing the Fireflies out. To apply logic and statistics to their case of proposed action with Ellie now in their hands. With her blood and tissue at their relative disposal in order to run tests, to assuage that she truly was immune in tests and medical procedures that would warrant a solid base to work off of. You weren’t being honest though, with either Joel or Ellie. You didn’t think it was possible. You didn’t think the creation of something so expansive that it would eradicate the very real and adaptive being of cordyceps would be easy, if at all possible. In this lifetime or the next.

The world had shifted. And there was no way to turn back the hand of time on something so complete and expansive. The world had decided what the new order was, the best way to endure it was to adapt. Alter ways of thinking to align with it, accept it. Hell, cordyceps had found a way to adapt in a relatively short twenty years. Evolution almost fast tracking in order to preserve itself for a longer duration. Another thing to consider when thinking about overcoming it. Adaptability meant survival, and if it was fast acting then surely it would find a way to take on elements of a vaccine or cure and circumvent the attempt.

The issue didn’t lie solely in the science and medical proficiency of the staff, but in the resources that it would take to even jumpstart such research. Ellie was only one person, so young and developed into her own mindset, she would’ve listened to them. Turned to you for your opinion, your guidance.

And you would’ve been honest with her then. In the face of whatever plan the Fireflies had concocted up while playing the waiting game. Playing the hoping game. That she would have to most likely remain at their facilities, if they even had any up and operating on the level they would require for such an egotistical task of altering the shift the world had deemed to make. That she would have to give herself over wholly to them, to their ministrations. That she could weaken her immune system in the process, fall victim to some other illness or virus in the efforts to find one for the outbreak. That it would be a shadow of a life, with no guarantee that it would make a difference, let alone a universal one.

That you believed it was hopeless.

And then you would’ve told her of your hometown, beginning the journey in that direction with the determination to show her the other coastline. To help her find another meaning for her life to have worth. Even if it was simply being alive. It meant so much these days, to simply be alive.

Though your thoughts were zoned out on an endless play of ‘what if’ ‘then what’ that didn’t matter anymore, you were on alert as you continued on. The sun trying to break through the cloud coverage in the last dredges of the day.

Just as your foot came down in another, countless step you swooped down to cloak yourself behind the fallen trunk of a pine tree. Ears straining and chest hurting with the effort to quiet your breathing, you could hear the distant sound of branches crunching, people walking among the wooded area just like you were. One voice sounded feminine, the other masculine. It was an easy conversation between them, a simple request to gather kindling for a fire since night would fall within the hour.

They weren’t speaking English, as least not completely, the voices sounding in a mixture of it and Spanish. Familiar but yet so wedged into the crevices of your mind after years of not using your household language. Such a tantalizing siren song that would allow for easier connection with the people you otherwise knew nothing about. Closing your eyes, you felt more than the pull of a weak desire to announce yourself, take a risk of introducing yourself in much the same way.

As soon as their voices seemed to move away, you pushed yourself up from where you were hidden and turned the other way. Not wanting to be around people after the disastrous attempt of connecting with someone so fresh and painful, a weight that you’re not sure would ever lift from your mind and heart. Resigned to be a singular soul wandering around the desolate landscape of what was once the world.

You were about to turn away when you heard a shuffle far too close for comfort. Followed by the hesitant call of something you hadn’t heard in over two decades. Your name. Your full name.

Head jerking around, rifle aimed at the ready; you gazed into a pair of eyes so similar to your own.

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[edbloves]

Small Drabble set in the All My Hope Universe

1.8k words; at this point, they've had Grace for a while. She's comfortable with them, thinks of both of them as her parents, and is experiencing her first thunderstorm. Inspired by this post.

Hammered this out in the hour before my soccer game. Enjoy!!

Rain slams in harsh sheets against the house, rattling their single-pane windows. It echoes through their hallways into the darkness of each room, and this far out from the city the storm feels big enough to shake the house. Gale and John are lying in bed, legs tangled together and facing each other. Lightning blazes across the sky in harsh bright flashes, followed closely by enormous booms of thunder seemingly hovering overhead. 

“It sounds like…” John whispers nervously into the dark, but trails off, unable to finish the sentence out loud. He doesn’t need to.

“Yeah.”

And he’s right, it sounds like the vast mine fields of flak they used to risk their lives navigating through. If he closed his eyes, it wouldn’t take much for John to be back there, sky high and gripping the yoke in a fight against his failing fort. It’s all too familiar the way the booming thunder mirrors the way flak bursts and explodes, the way lightning crackles and burns like fiery graves. He knows it's the same way for Gale.

“It’s not, though.” John murmurs, grounding himself in their reality, convincing himself as much as he is Gale.

“No, it’s not.” Gale nods along, his face pinched and tense as he flinches at another round of thunder and lightning. 

The moments feel heavy between them, anxious with anticipation as they wait for each wave of the storm and flinch when it comes. John presses the side of his head harder into his pillow, tries to muffle the noise further. He feels Gale’s hand clasp tightly around his own, thumbs interlocking and grip almost bruising if it weren’t for how comforting it feels. The memories of sheet metal, shredded through by bullets and screaming-hot flak, of men – the living dead, really – flying through gruesome, airborne graveyards never feel closer to him than they do now. 

It's a doozy of a storm, too. The weatherman on the radio had been warning of its progression all week, and Gale and John had been dreading it more and more with every morning update, but they’d dutifully boarded up the stables and bedded down the horses, taking more precautions than they thought would be necessary. Gale had come home with a paper bag stuffed with extra candles, and John with extra cans of gasoline for their truck, fearsome of being caught unprepared. While John had spent half the afternoon chopping wood for their fireplace, Gale and Grace stocked up on groceries, all the while dreading the storm’s arrival. 

It would be Grace’s first thunderstorm with them, and though she claimed not to be wary of it, both men had their doubts. New York city storms weren’t comparable to the winds that whipped up over the Great Lakes and the storm clouds that rolled in pouring torrents of rain over Wisconsin. They’d done their best to keep their somber mood away from her, tried to infuse a light and unbothered tone into their words and faces, but it had been difficult to say the least.

They’d put her to bed that night just as the winds were truly starting to pick up, rustling through the trees and whistling eerily through the woods around them. John silently prayed to himself all through her bedtime routine that she’d drift off to sleep before the storm seriously hit them, though he knew it was likely a fool’s belief to think she’d make it through the night without waking.

Neither of them had slept a wink, too keyed up and wary of Grace waking up scared. They’d both gotten up numerous times to peek in on her, anxiety driving them from bed, but so far she’d remained asleep and curled up with Meatball.

They make it another twenty-five minutes buried beneath the safety of their duvet, before John catches the telltale snick of her bedroom door opening, and the pitter-patter of her little feet on the hardwood floor above the racket of the storm. He’s out of bed in seconds to meet her at the door, Gale sitting up sharply in bed behind him. Flinging the door open, he finds her clad in her butter-yellow pyjamas clutching Bunny with thick tears welling in her eyes, Meatball hot on her trail.

“Daddy!” She cries, and John has her picked up and cradled in his arms before she can even reach her arms out for him.

“Oh, baby.” John shushes. “Come here. You’re okay, Gracie, you’re alright.”

She tucks her head into his shoulder and cries into the soft cotton of his t-shirt as he rakes a gentle hand through her blonde curls. Gale looks at him holding her from his place in their bed and his face is painted with a pained sadness that John’s own feelings match.

“Were you scared of the storm, baby?”

He gets a muted nod that he feels against his chest rather than sees as he settles them down onto the bed. Meatball pushes his luck and hops up onto the bed too.

“That’s alright, Gracie.” Gale murmurs and reaches out to slide a hand along her back. “It’s a scary storm. Real big.”

As her cries settle into hiccuping breaths now that she’s in the safety of John and Gale’s presence, John extracts himself from her grip and settles her in his lap instead so that she can see Gale too.

“You wanna stay here with us, tonight?” He whispers into the darkness as another crash of thunder hits so loud that he hears the windows rattle, and sends Grace diving for the safety of John’s arms once more.

When a tiny, timid “Yes, please.” echoes from the crook of his elbow, he breathes a sigh of relief. He and Gale weren’t sleeping anyways, and this way they can keep an eye on her.

Gale pulls back the duvet between them and John deftly slots her between it in the momentary break between rounds of thunder and lightning. He follows suit immediately, settling in next her to her and bracketing her small frame between his and Gale’s.

“It’s just a storm, Gracie.” John whispers from his place lying next to her. “Just a bit of thunder and lightning and rain. It’ll pass.”

She burrows herself further into the bed linens with each passing crack of lightning and boom of thunder, and visibly unable to stand her fear, Gale had taken both her hands between his and let her squeeze them tightly enough that the force of her grip blanched his skin. When a sharply loud one echoes close enough that it seemingly feels right on top of them and draws a whimper from Grace, John caves and gathers her up to his chest, arms locked around her with her hands still linked with Gale’s.

“Why does is it sound so mean?” She cries.

“It’s not mean, honey.” Gale whispers, and slides in close to Grace and John, petting a hand along the crown of Grace’s head and down to cup her cheek. “It’s just very loud and scary, but you’re safe here.”

“You promise?" She asks, eyes wide and rounded out with fear. In this moment, John knows they'd both promise her anything in order to wipe that look off of her face.

"Promise." Gale assures.

The storm is taking its sweet time passing over them, and it's eerie that it doesn't seem to move on, hovering and crackling above them. Buried beneath their pile of blankets, the three of them taking shelter in their bed eases something twisted up and gnawing in John and he feels a little more grounded in reality than he did earlier. But Gale, for all his assurances to Grace, seems to be teetering dangerously close to their old reality, twenty-five thousand feet high and four thousand miles away.

He jostles Grace a little as he drags his palm up Gale's arm and roughly squeezes the junction between his shoulder and neck. Gale's eyes snap to his at the brusque grip and John gives him a firm look. You with us? He tries to ask with his gaze, but Gale doesn't seem to be hearing it. Instead, his whole body jerks sharply in tandem with a deep, rolling boom of thunder. It's hard enough to catch the attention of Grace, who frowns soft and concerned.

"Daddy scared too?" She asks, referring to Gale with worried curiosity dripping from her voice as she watches him.

John watches as he clearly hears her, and evidently tries to answer but no words come out. Instead, he flinches again in synchronization with the storm. John answers for him; goes to lie but thinks of Gale's dedication to honesty with Grace - or at least mostly-truths.

"The sounds remind Daddy of bad memories, is all, baby. It's very difficult to forget them during times like this." He answers, as vaguely honest as he can muster.

She turns in John's hold to tilt her head up and look at him, worriedly clarifying, "Daddy is hurting?"

He goes to dissuade of this notion - he's not hurting, not in the literal meaning of the word, but stops. He knows from experience, being back there in your head, witnessing the horrors on an endless loop, it's a harrowing, terrifying experience and though the pain isn't physical, it's feels real and true inside his mind. "Yeah, Gracie."

"Maybe I can help him feel better?" She whispers, and squirms out of John's embrace to crawl closer to Gale. John keeps a hovering hand nearby as she gets into his space, wary of her startling Gale and ready to snatch Grace back quickly.

He sees recognition bloom in Gale's eyes and he breaths a gentle sigh of relief. She shimmies into the space between Gale's arms and peers up at him. "It's okay, Daddy. You're safe here." She murmurs, parroting his own words back to him.

The corners of Gale's lips tilt up and he closes his eyes, embracing Grace close to him. In turn, Grace tilts her face up so that she can see his face, and cups his face between her hands, palms tiny against his stubbled jawline and cheeks. "I love you, Daddy." She says, and leans in to press a kiss to the tip of his nose.

John, watching this, feels his throat close up around a thick lump, struck by how sweet his daughter is. She continues pressing small, childish kisses around his face - both cheeks, his eyelids, the tip of his nose again, his forehead - and whispering that she loves him, and that John also loves him, and Meatball, too.

When she sits up, satisfied with her work and now entirely oblivious to the lightning flashing ominously outside, she looks at John with a nod and informs him, "I think Daddy will feel better now."

As she makes to crawl back into John's arms, he catches Gale's gaze - eyes now open and fully with them - and get's a soft smile and a wink in response. Then he's reaching out and snatching Grace away from him, receiving a shrieking giggle from her in response. He tucks her into his side, and as John is laughing alongside them, he catches Gale's murmured, "I love you too, Gracie."

[siena-sevenwits]

Trespass

She was used to seeing all manner of people fishing in grander folks’ purses. Her father had taught her to look the other way, and refresh her promise never to do it herself. “Never judge anyone you see doing it,” he told her over a campfire and a seething pan of trout. “You don’t know what might have brought them down. And for all blessed sake, never rat them out. But don’t ever let your own fingers get wandersome in somebody’s pocket. White bugs will bite them. And give you blood rot. You’ll never get your fingers back.”

“But what if something brought us down?” Noemie  asked, holding the tip of a coppery hair from her own head close to the fire, just to watch it curl up and turn black.

“Nothing can bring us that far down,” her father said, staring into the bluest part of the fire.  “You and I, we’re knights of the road. The difference between us and them is we know how to find our way onward,  no matter how bleak it gets. So we’ll never have a need, and never an excuse.” 

“But we slept in someone’s chicken coop last night,” she pointed out, throwing away the hair, which had melted into a tiny knot,  “and you said a judge would call it  burglary. And we just took this trout straight out of the king’s river.”

Her father took the whittled wooden spoon in hand. “The law has nothing to do with it. It’s about what’s right. Sleeping in a coop isn’t burglary. It’s trespass. And God never outlawed trespass. As for the trout,” (he flipped as much of the fish over with the spoon as didn’t stick,) “He made it, not man, and put it on this earth that anyone might have it.”

Noemie settled in for an argument of it, just for sport. “But he made the horse too - so it’s all right to just take a horse?”

Her father gave a long whistle. “Well, he did make it - but man did an awful lot more helping make the horse than the trout, so no.”

“Then it’s worse to steal a book than a horse?”

“Loads worse. That’s why no one ever does it.”

Something had changed in Noemie’s moral code that night. She had never even picked up a quarter penny from the road after that. It was why now, even with the prison’s looming deadline for debt repayment, and her father on the other side of those iron bars, she had never even considered pinching the last few coins to make up the sum.

He would find out if she did. He'd whittle the truth out of her. And she’d never have her fingers back.

[bleucaesura]

WAITING TO WANT YOU LESS - 5 / ?

Blitzø hadn’t slept. It had been - what felt like - hours before he managed to peel himself off the bottom of the bathtub and out of the freezing shower water. His skin was raw, tears all cried out, and he shook from head to toe. He’d toweled off, ignoring the sting on his skin, and tossed on his boxers and Horse Girl t-shirt, ready to crawl onto the couch and into the sweet oblivion of sleep. But even though he was bone tired he couldn’t fall asleep. His mind spun around and around the last two days. It all felt like a terrible nightmare.

He didn’t know how long he laid there, desperately reaching for sleep, before he heard Loona stirring in her room. He pretended to sleep as Loona tiptoed out of her room, grabbed her keys and left the apartment.

He didn’t know why Loona had left so early in the morning - or was it late at night? What would you call five in the morning after you’ve been up all night? Whatever it was, he didn’t know why she left and he wasn’t about to ask her. They were long past him demanding play-by-plays of her movements. He trusted she could take care of herself and would let him know her whereabouts if she was going to be out for a while.

Blitzø checked his phone. Nothing. No messages. Nothing from Loona. Nothing from Stolas. Fucking NOTHING.

He fought back the burning of tears and the lump forming in his throat. He deserved this. Deserved to be abandoned. Deserved to be left behind. Stolas deserved better. Everyone he loved deserved better than him.

I have to do better. I have to BE better.

Blitzø moaned and buried his face in his pillow.

How the fuck do I even DO that? How the fuck do I get BETTER?

He thought back to his morning with Stolas. To what he had said.

… this entire time I assumed the worst because I was convinced a prince could never love someone like me and I’ve let my self hatred stop me from apologizing to anyone I could ever care about…

Why the fuck did he have to go and stomp all over Stolas after that? He could have fixed things if he hadn’t be such a fucking dick and scared out of his gourd.

You want to be loved fuckface? Then stop pushing the people you love away!

Blitzø sighed. He curled himself around his pillow and hugged it tightly, nuzzling his face in its softness, desperately wishing it were a warm body and a chest of feathers.

Fuck me.

The tears came. Silent and slow. Sleep eluded him still, so he spent the next few hours forming a plan.

*****

[m-jelly]

The Crow's Song - Chapter 12

Prince Levi x Witch Reader

Royal Romance with magic.

A blockade makes Vance change his plans with you. When you get a moment alone you make a break for it. Levi discovers what's happened and leads a charge to find you.

Ao3

Ending

Due to your bad ankle and magic not healing it, Levi carried you almost everywhere he could. You accepted it, but you didn’t fully like it because you worried that you might be heavy, but Levi always assured you that you were light. After spending some time at the camp, he bundled you up in his arms and carried you to the carriage.

You gazed at Levi. “Love? Are you going after Vance?”

Levi nodded. “Yep. Dad is going for King Rowen, but my job is to go after Vance and the Applegate family.” He shifted you and opened the carriage door to reveal the floor was covered in blankets and cushions. “I made you a comfy bed.”

You hummed a laugh. “Thank you.”

He settled you down on the blankets. “There, all cute and cosy.”

You wrapped a blanket around you. “Thank you.” You smiled at Levi. “You joining me?”

He leaned closer and kissed you. “I can’t. I’m riding up front to lead the charge.”

“But Levi.”

He sighed. “I know, I know.” He caressed your cheek. “But it’s for the best.”

You pouted. “What if someone attacks my carriage?”

Levi knew you could fight back due to your magic, but he understood you wanted him around. “Just call my name and I’ll come running.”

You stared at him. “Levi.”

He chuckled. “Not now, my little bunny witch.”

You flopped onto your side. “So mean.”

“I’m very mean.” He watched you hide under the cover and curl up. “Bunny, please don’t be upset.”

“I just…sorry…”

Levi gripped the doorframe. “You’re scared and don’t want to be alone.”

You peeked over at him. “Yeah…I understand though. You need to be at the front.”

Levi hummed a moment. “I’ll be right back.” He hurried down the line and went over to Erwin as he set up his horse. “Erwin?”

Erwin smiled at his friend. “Yes, Your Highness?”

He sighed and softly said your name. “She doesn’t want to be alone. I’m going to ride with her until I’m close to the mansion.”

“I was going to suggest that.” He leaned a bit and nodded. “Looks like she followed.” He smiled softly. “Hello, Your Highness.”

You pulled a blanket around you a bit. “Hello, Duke Erwin. Are you prepared for battle?”

“I am. We’re very prepared. Everything will be okay.”

Levi scooped you up into his arms. “Come on, tired little bunny witch.”

You whined. “But Levi.”

He kissed you. “Erwin will lead the charge. I’ll be with you until we make it to the mansion.”

You hugged him tightly and hid your face against the crook of his neck. “Okay.”

He carried you back to the carriage, laid you back in your spot, and then climbed in and sat with you. “Get some rest, okay?”

You placed a pillow on Levi’s lap and then lay down with a blanket over you. “Mm.”

Levi massaged his fingers in your hair. “Cute. You rest as much as possible.”

You closed your eyes and hummed. “Thank you.”

Levi leaned back against the seat and sighed. He closed his eyes for a moment and rest. He softly slept for a while, but a slight shifting woke him up. He frowned when his armour was grabbed and he was slowly pulled to lie down. He smirked as he heard you huffing and whining as you tried to move him. He let you try for a bit, but then he was going to surprise you.

You tugged Levi again trying to get him to lie down. “Mm.” You squealed when he dove at you and lay on top of you. “Ah!”

Levi chuckled. “Cute.”

You wiggled. “You were awake!”

He leaned up and looked down at you. “I was. What is my cute wife up to?”

You pouted and looked away. “I wanted to lie with you.”

He slipped off you and lay on his side next to you. “I’m here.” He massaged your hip. “Come here.”

You wiggled up to him and pressed yourself against his chest. “Mm.”

Levi hugged you tightly. “More sleep.”

You leaned up and kissed his face a few times. “I love you.”

Levi smiled at you. “I love you too. I love you so much.” He tapped his forehead against yours. “You’re so wonderful. I’m glad you’re in my life.”

“I’m glad you’re in mine too.” You caressed his cheek. “Please be careful when you go after Vance, okay?”

He nuzzled your hand. “I swear, okay? I have a wife to spoil for many, many years and cute little babies to have.”

You giggled. “You’re right.”

He reached down and placed his hand on your pelvis. “Do you think we’ve been successful?”

You placed your hand on Levi’s. “I hope so. Have you thought of names?”

Levi’s eyes sparkled. “So many!”

You giggled at how excited he was. “I’ve thought of some as well. We’ll have to talk more about it after this fight.”

He wrapped you up in his arms and squeezed you. “Yes.”

You sighed as the carriage rocked. “I can’t believe it’s all come to this.”

Levi hummed as he thought. “Before he lost himself to his new magic, was he always like this?”

You let out a long sigh. “Yeah. He was always rather possessive and a bit controlling, but then he learned his new magic and realised he was powerful and it consumed him. I believe he was jealous of how much power I had. He’s always been jealous of witches. A lot of witches are connected to nature and the gods. He felt like he didn’t have that. So, he took.”

Levi kissed the top of your head. “So, he was always bad.”

“Yeah.” You nibbled the inside of your lip. “I guess he has.”

“Bunny, are you going to be okay? I’m going to have to fight him.”

You sat up and sighed. “Yeah, yeah I am. He needs to be stopped.” You looked over at him and smiled. “My feelings for him are gone. After everything he’s put me through? Fuck him.”

Levi chuckled. “I love how spicy my little bunny can get.”

You pouted. “I’m very spicy!”

He sat up and held you. “My little spicy bunny.” He kissed your cheek a few times. “So yummy.”

“Little nom nom spice.”

He kissed your temple and huffed when the carriage stopped. “We’re here.” He kissed you. “Stay here, okay? Don’t leave the carriage.”

You nodded. “Promise. I’m not well enough to use much of my powers. I still need to heal up.” You lightly touched the mark on your neck from the magic suppressor, there was a faded-like burn there. “Magic suppressors should be banned.”

“I’ll ensure they’re all destroyed.”

“Thank you.”

He winked at you before closing the door. He released a long sigh as he thought about what was to come. He trudged over to the main gate where Mike and Erwin were waiting. “Tch, they actually sent guards?” He yanked out both of his swords and stormed closer. “I won’t let anyone stop me from getting to Vance.”

Shadows and wind rushed around Levi as his range consumed him. As soon as he kicked the double gates open. Shadow soldiers and his knights rushed in and clashed with the very terrified guards. Levi didn’t even have to focus on fighting because the guards were being stopped so easily, while others were racing away due to fear.

Levi called shadows around him. “Find him and Jane, now.”

All his shadows rushed into the mansion and went to every corner possible. The front door slammed open as his shadows dragged Jane out and threw her to the floor. Levi pointed one of his swords at Jane. He watched her sob and scream on the floor, none of it made any sense to him. All he knew was that this woman helped Vance here, tried to ruin your reputation and worst of all tried to kill you.

Jane reached for him. “Prince Levi! Please! I’m your princess.” She laughed a little, her eyes a bit void of sanity. “The evil villainess witch tried stealing your heart, but now you’re all mine. Right?”

Levi tapped the tip of his blade against her chin. “I should cut your head off and mount it on a pike for what you’ve done to me, but I’d rather see you lose it all and suffer.”

Jane’s eyes widened. “But we’re meant to be! We’re destined to be together!”

Mike stood at Levi’s side. “Shall I tie her and take her?”

Levi nodded. “Yes, she needs to stand trial. She needs to lose everything.” He lifted his head and heard you scream his name. He turned and shouted your name and sprinted towards the carriage to see Vance ripping the door off the carriage. “NO!”

You backed up in the carriage, held your hand up, sent your light magic out and burned up the side of his face. “Don’t touch me!”

Levi jumped in the air, twisted with both his swords and cut off Vance’s arm. He let out a battle cry. “Ahh!”

Vance’s eyes widened when he saw blood fly and something wasn’t right. He looked down to see his arm missing and it was on the step up to the carriage you were in. He grabbed his arm close to the cut and screamed. He stumbled back as he held up his arm. “Fuck!” He fell back onto the floor as his magic bubbled away, but he couldn’t focus enough to attack. “This is not how this was supposed to go!”

Levi walked up to him, placed his foot on his chest and shoved him down. “How fucking dare you touch my wife!”

Vance panted and looked back at you to see you were bleeding from your nose and mouth. “Levi, you have a choice, tend to your bleeding wife or capture me.”

You stumbled to the doorway of the carriage. “Levi, you hurt that son of a bitch. I’m fine. Don’t let him get away from us.”

Vance’s eyes widened. “Why? Why would you?” He looked up at Levi. “She’s bleeding!”

Levi pressed his boot down harder. “My wife told me to not let you get away and to hurt you, so I’m going to do exactly as my wife says.” He dragged the tip of his blade down Vance’s cheek. “I’m going to enjoy breaking you.” He narrowed his eyes at Vance. “Maybe I should use the magic suppressors you used on my wife on you.”

You sat in the doorway and smiled. “I think that’s a good choice, Levi.”

He glanced over at you. “Promise I’ll get rid of them after this.”

You stumbled out of the carriage. “Where is the bag with them in?”

“Back of the carriage.”

You walked through the mud like you were a deer walking for the first time. “Almost there. Sorry, love, I used too much magic to burn his stupid face.”

“Proud of you, little bunny.”

You shoved open the back and yanked the bag out. You limped closer and stopped next to Levi. “Can I put it on him?”

Levi smiled at you. “Yes. Please do. See this as revenge.”

You put your hand in the bag, yanked the collar out and clasped it around his neck. “I hope Levi breaks you over and over.” You pulled back and sighed. “All done.”

“Don’t forget the clasp on his wrist like he did to you. The other one could fit on his ankle.”

You nodded and fitted him with the last two. “Will that work?”

Levi hummed. “Of course, he’s a weak warlock.”

Vance snarled. “I’m not WEAK.”

“You are. You were jealous of my wife’s power.”

“Shut UP!” He gritted his teeth. “I am a power warlock. I advise a KING!”

You wrapped your arms around Levi. “I married a prince and helped change a whole country.”

Levi smirked. “What have you done with all your supposed power?”

Vance spat towards Levi but ended up spitting on himself. “Fuck you both.”

“He spat on himself.”

You laughed. “Not surprised.”

Levi winced as Vance started screaming and shouting. “Ugh, too loud. He needs a gag or something.” He used his magic to lift Vance into the air. “Maybe I should cut his tongue out.”

You looked over at Erwin walking over. “Erwin? Could you take Vance, I fear my husband will lose control.”

Erwin grabbed Vance from Levi. “Levi, tend to your wife she’s bleeding.”

Levi’s features softened. He turned to you, put his swords away and wrapped his arms around you. “Bunny.”

You hugged him. “Levi.”

He picked you up and carried you to the carriage. “Did you use too much magic?”

“Yes.”

He climbed inside the carriage. “Naughty bunny.” He sat with you on his lap. “I should spank you for it.”

You giggled at how playful he was. “Promise?”

He nuzzled his nose against yours. “Later.” He pulled back and saw the blood on your face. “Let me clean you up.”

You hummed as he started wiping your face. “Thank you.”

You hugged your legs in the pool bath and felt the weight of everything. The magical doctor had told you damage had been done because of the suppressors and you using magic while you were healing. The doctor had told you that you couldn’t use magic for at least a year, for your safety and your babies. You felt so guilty that you’d put your life at risk and your child’s just to burn Vance a little.

“Bunny?”

You lifted your head and smiled at Levi. “Hey, love.”

He pulled his robe off and climbed into the pool. “You look so pretty.” He sat behind you and hugged you. “Bunny.” He kissed your shoulder a few times. “Talk to me.”

You rubbed your tears away. “I spoke with the doctor and it’s just got me thinking.”

Levi softly said your name. “Talk to me when you can.”

You released a long sigh. “Just that I put myself and our little one at risk.”

Levi squeezed you. “You had no way of knowing, okay? You didn’t know that using your magic to burn Vance would hurt you.”

You turned around in his arms and gazed at him. “But…”

He cupped your face. “You didn’t do it on purpose, okay? You did it to protect yourself. Everyone would have done the same.”

You tapped your forehead against his shoulder. “Really?”

“Yes.” He rubbed your back. “You did the right thing.”

You released a long sigh. “You know, I’m going to miss not being able to float and fly around for a year.” You pouted. “I’ll miss it. Plus, I used magic to change clothes.”

Levi chuckled. “I’ll help change you.”

You whined. “You won’t because you get distracted by my boobs.”

Levi laughed hard. “You’re right, but I’ll be a good boy.” He kissed your face loads. “I have to look after my darling wife.”

You hummed a laugh. “I’ll hold you to that.” You climbed out of the bath and heard your husband growl. “Keep it in your pants, Mr.”

He leaned on the edge of the bath and watched you dry off before wrapping up in a robe. “You are so beautiful.”

You walked over to Levi and crouched. “You going to stay in there or come join me for breakfast?”

Levi stood up quickly. “I wanna eat with you.”

Your eyes widened at seeing Levi’s dick right in front of your face. You looked up at Levi. “Nice view.”

Levi blushed hard and stumbled out of the bath. “S-sorry.”

You purred as you watched him hurry around. “Such a tasty husband.”

Levi tugged on his robe. “Oi, you said keep it in your pants.”

You reached for him. “I did about you. Now, hug.”

He wrapped his arms around you and lifted you. He chuckled as you wrapped your legs around him. “You just want attention, right?”

You squeezed. “Yes. I need you more than ever.”

He rubbed your back as he carried you into the bedroom. “Let me get your clothes for you.” He sat you on the bed. “You want something light?”

You nodded. “Please.”

He hurried to the closet and grabbed a few things he thought would be comfy and looked pretty. He helped you change and saw the scar on your skin, along with how you were weaker than you used to be. He leaned and kissed you. “I love you.”

You felt your heart flutter. “I love you too.”

He knelt and kissed your tummy. “And I love you, tiny little bean.”

You giggled. “They will love you so much.”

He massaged your legs. “You really think so?”

You played with his wet hair. “Of course. You are incredible, Levi. All our kids will adore you.”

He leaned up and kissed you. “I’m glad. I know all our babies will love you. How come they not?”

You hummed a laugh. “You’re cute.” You gasped when your stomach gurgled. “I am hungry.”

Levi rose to his feet. “I’ll change and we’ll get going.”

You stood up and watched your husband change. “You are so handsome.”

He fixed his shirt and smiled. “Still love me?”

“Always.”

He yanked you against him and nibbled your neck. “Good.”

You giggled in delight. “Do you still love me? I’m not the strong woman I was when we first met.”

Levi walked with you. “I will love you for all eternity.” He picked you up making you laugh. “And if you ever try to leave me, I will lock you up and chain you so you can never ever run.”

You wrapped your arms around his neck. “I’ll do the same to you.” You pocked his cheek. “You are mine.” You leaned and bit his cheek. “Forever.”

“Good.” He spun around in the hall as he walked to the dinner hall. “I love this woman!”

You watched the maids and butlers giggle. “You goofy man. You know, people will say you’re the insane prince.”

“I’m just crazy in love.” He sat you down and fixed your hair. “You are everything to me.” He leaned his cheek on his hand as he gazed at you. “You are just so wonderful.”

You poured Levi a cup of tea. “You are a dream.” You leaned on the table and kissed him. “My little tasty crow.” You giggled as black crows appeared. “Did I fluster you?”

He pouted a bit. “Yes.”

You reached over and tickled one of the crows. “Adorable.”

He shivered. “I can feel that.”

You slipped back and sat down. “Good.” You made yourself a tea. “Can I pet one?”

He sent one over to you. “Go on, let her cuddle you.”

You giggled as it hopped over to you. “Come here.” You picked him up and cuddled him. “Cute little thing.” You kissed its head making it wiggle against you and make adorable happy noises. “Look at you.”

Levi mewled. “Keep kissing him, please. I can feel it all.”

You scratched under the crow's chin. “I’m glad.” You smiled as Charles and Maria served breakfast and left you and Levi alone. “So…”

Levi looked over at you. “You wanna talk about Jane and Vance.”

You gulped. “I just want to know how they’re doing. I do want to see both of their trials.”

Levi stared at you for a moment. “Uh…well…Vance…”

You kissed the crow. “Have you been beating him?”

Levi blushed a bit. “Yes, but he deserves it all. He needs to be broken.” He looked away. “Cut his stupid hair off and he freaked. I burned his remaining hand 'cause it touched you.”

You smiled at him. “Good boy.” You hummed a laugh. “You protected me.” You titled your head. “You do know a lot of him touched me, right? We were physically involved.”

He growled a little and grabbed his knife. “I’ll be right back.”

“Levi, no cutting his dick off.”

“But.”

You hummed a laugh. “He has to be a bit presentable for trial. Do not cut his dick off.”

He huffed. “Fine.”

You cuddled the crow and gave it kisses making Levi smile. “What about Jane?”

Levi frowned. “She’s completely delusional and insane. She still strongly believes you’re the villainess, she’s the female lead and I’m the hero who is supposed to snap out of it and take her and kill you.”

You hummed in thought. “Kill me, huh?”

“I would never kill you.” He smiled. “Even if you hate me and want to run, I wouldn’t kill you but simply lock you up.”

You hummed a laugh. “What if I were to die?”

He leaned his cheek on his hand. “Then I would go to the underworld and kill everything in my path, grab your soul and then drag you back to the living.”

You felt your heart race. “That’s so romantic.”

“It is? I think some would see me as crazy…I’m glad you find it romantic.” He hummed a laugh. “Anyway, Jane’s mind is very twisted up. I don’t know what can be done. Hange has tried working with her, but she’s stuck in her fantasy.” He smiled at you. “I’m stuck in mine. My fantasy of us.”

You giggled. “Me too.”

[carelessflower]

Trouble was firing down the Lightwood's door, an old submission turned more bitter than the poison the matriarch and her husband had gladly lapped from Morgenstern's palm.

Common folks and nobles alike shook in fear, as the Mad King was back, devilish spawns sprinting with their father's every step. The combined force of Idris's houses had only managed to push him down, not out, never out. With a daughter whose hands draw golden and spirit was more fiery than her hair, and her terrifyingly blond brother, who would wipe the blood of those Morgenstern cheekbones with a smile.

Valentine was still alive. He called for the throne.

Of course, Valentine's insanity had not faded away, but neither had his wits, The Mad Ruler - always three steps prepared. The political landscape of Idris had shifted over the decades he spent in the dark carving ladder from people's flesh. The Clave never gave back their trust in the Lightwood. Valentine could regain fortune for his victory, and punishment for his betrayal.

Maryse the Unmercy tensed when a letter with familiar signs came down her sparrow, commanding words capable of drawing expressions few had seen her displayed. Though burnt, the sentiment stayed.

Maxell Lightwood could stay, for he posed the perfect future pawn in Valentine's army. Lady Isabelle would become Valentine's dear Clarissa's Lady-in-waiting, her hands in marriage awaiting whatever house Valentine deemed suitable to sway over.

And when the gentle spray of she spring came, along her the first bloom of Moon Magnolia, Sir Jonathan Herondale would sweep on his horse, and renounce his love for Valentine's daughter. A family united, at last.

The firstborn, oh how Valentine looked to meet the Lightwood's grace, his son's soon-to-be bed warmer. The most useful hostage in the family. Breaking him would be the perfect jewel on the Morgenstern's crown.

Time spinned. The wheel went on.

Day of tourney returned. Words spread faster than wind, a foreign blade drawn. Prince Magnus Bane was never known to back down from a challenge.

The commoners laughed and cheered, bets in taverns went one thousand, one million. They all heard the tales, and Sir Herondale had run into his tough match. Magic ran through Edom's veins, and as one of The Eldest Curses, Prince Magnus's power rivaled most of his royal peers.

The competition would be unpredictable, many claimed. But some only cared about who would the winner dedicate his history to. Whether the blessed magnolia crown of love and beauty would rest on Morgenstern's flaming curls or the intricate blonde braid of Bane's newest amour.

To say this year's round was the most anticipated in centuries would not be a stretch by any means.

Everyone at the joust recalled the moment of their bated breath, as the Great Destruction knocked their prideful heron off his horse. Sharp as Bane's laughter when he took off his helmet, not letting anyone get in his way- reaching for where noble houses were posing in observance.

His eyes flitted over to the right, where the lady Isabelle abode with her family.

Oh— of course. Others whispered. The one true jewel of Alicante. Lady of the Roses.

What a quaint couple would they make. Most knew Maryse was anticipating her frosty rage.

It didn't matter.

For blue petals bloomed in between Sir Alexander Lightwood's raven locks.

okay so this malec x GoT inspired idea has been haunting me all night I need to get it out of my system may pick up later when I'm feeling lucky 🤭

tag list: @magnus-the-maqnificent @literallytypogod @ukisteria @hoezier-than-thou @sociallyineptbibliophile @queenlilith43 @khaleesiofalicante @wandererbyheart @raziyekroos @onetimetwotimesthreetimess @alexandergideonslightwood @andrwminward @noah-herondale-lightwood @elettralightwood @dustandducks @deliciousdetectivestranger @delightfullyterrible @letsgofortacos @kita-no @thelightofthebane @secrettryst @pocketoffeels @cityofdownwardspirals @stupidfuckindinosaur @i-have-not-slept @rinadragomir @potato-jem @kasper-tag @cam-ryt @banesapothecary

[adelinevw7]

the only flower that blooms in hell

This was a legend far, far older than she was. Its origins were lost to time and repeated telling had muddied the details, but she could attest that most of it was real—after all, Sakura Haruno had contributed to its unweaving.

Because now, nothing remained of all the legend’s mysteries. Now, she slept in the tender embrace of an erstwhile terror, marveling at him: the way the light of dawn settled softly on this shapely mass of dreaming man, whose legs were tangled up with hers under the covers of their marriage bed.

She had conquered the beast, and the spoils were all hers.

Sakura could scarcely believe it, but here they were: released from the snare of enchantments, free to embark upon the rest of their lives unstoried.

But first there was the tale, the terrible tapestry before her touch had unraveled it. Thus we return to the beginning.

***

Once upon a time, a tyrant king ruled over his lands without mercy. He was as beautiful as he was cruel, with eyes clear and dark as a winter’s night, and pale unblemished skin. His stature was likewise unmatched. In all the land, there was no one who stood as his peer in strength and agility—who could mount a horse and wield a sword as well as he did.

The monarch’s name was Sasuke Uchiha.

All those who lived within his domain were compelled to bend to his will: from the lowliest peasant to the wealthiest noble. So absolute was his power that nothing mattered save what he wished—not even the most heartrending plea could move him, nor the most meritorious display of skill.

Or so the stories held.

But there came a time when an old sorceress knocked at the doors of his castle, seeking shelter. On a whim, the king allowed the crone entry, but soon turned her out upon seeing her face. She had given no name, but he thought he recognized her features—wasn’t this hag of the Senju, the ancient enemy of his house? So Sasuke sent his knights to whipping her, until her back was bloodied and shredded into ribbons. Then she was thrown out onto the road, to fend for herself against the king’s own hounds.

“Away with you, Senju scum! The likes of you have no claim to my hospitality!”

The woman met the despot’s gaze with a slippery smile, her eyes gleaming with foreknowledge.

“So be it, brat. But you will regret this.” Her tongue slid across her bloodstained bottom lip, erasing the red. She bared her teeth at Sasuke, and despite himself, he shivered in the face of her stare. “Your rottenness will become manifest, Uchiha boy: on your form and in your mind. You will wish, very dearly, that you did not cross me—oh! And you will find no salvation on your own!”

She laughed, sounding younger and more hale than her appearance suggested. The king and his guard knights stood frozen to the spot as she went on, “Nothing will ease your suffering henceforward… except if you find yourself a flower that willingly blooms in hell!”

The crone vanished after that, seemingly into the mist. As soon as she had gone, the king sank to the ground, bent by a sudden affliction. A yell tore itself out of his mouth as the cracking of bones commenced, twisting his tall frame into a wretched hunch. His fingers curled into his palms as he fought the urge to scratch at his skin, which was slowly being covered by coarse and wiry fur. He threw his head back, eyes flashing open to reveal the blood-red irises of a predator, framed by ghoulish yellow sclera.

“Damn you, Senju witch!” The sound that burst from his throat hardly sounded human. Sasuke thrashed and growled as his robes gave way to burgeoning flesh. Even the stoutest of his knights shrank back from him in terror.

“Damn you!”

The curse had begun.

.

.

.

.

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read the rest of it here:

[rumbelleshowdown]

-

Author: Sourcherryjam

Group: E

Prompts: Stables, centaur. Sacrifice. DO!Rumple, beautiful stranger.

-

The Centaur

It had been months since Belle woke to the sound of hooves. Without the ogre wars raging on outside her library window, she slept peacefully, but now the forceful thunder of a galloping horse had her bolting upright. 

“Papa?” she called before her eyes adjusted and her mind came to enough to recognize her new home. 

Shaking her head to clear it—and hoping Rumpelstiltskin had not heard her cry for her father—she rushed to the window and threw it open. This surely indicated an emergency, and if Rumpelstiltskin was in trouble, she wanted to know.

A gust of chilly dawn wind blew the wisps of hair that had come out of her braid as she slept, and she saw nothing, which was only a little unusual since her window didn’t face the front door. She  leaned out, wind whipping through her thin chemise and right to her bones.

Even from this vantage point, she saw nothing. A worrying thought took hold—what if horse and rider were invisible? She ducked back in, slamming her window shut with more force than necessary. Invisible could mean one of two things—either someone powerful had come, or the horse was not of this world. Neither bode well.

She hastened to her dressing gown, paying so little attention that she slid it on backwards, and then yelped at the renewed galloping.

Looking wildly around, she was convinced her invisibility theory held water, and she yelled, “Rumpelstiltskin!”

He appeared behind her in a pop of smoke, lips pursed. “Did you call me in because you’ve forgotten how to dress yourself?”

She whirled around. “Shut up, this is important.” 

His eyebrows raised, but she didn’t have time to consider whether the Dark One was used to being told to shut up or not. She flung her hand toward the window.

“I heard horses.”

At that, he did frown. “Horses?” 

“Yes, outside! But I couldn’t see any.”

He raced to the window and Belle followed, standing back when he threw it open again. After leaning out farther than she had, he shook his head.

“I don’t see anything.”

“Maybe they’re invisible?” 

The look he gave her almost silenced her, but he undercut it when he waved a hand out the window and sent a carpet of smoke out. Belle scooted up next to him and they both watched the smoke settle over the grounds, sticking to nothing and no one in the air. 

“Were you asleep when you heard horses, dearie?” He sneered, leaning away from her when he discovered how close they stood.

Belle licked her lips. “Well, it’s possible, I suppose—”

A tinny scream ripped through the room, and Belle all but jumped into Rumpelstiltskin’s flailing arms. The galloping was back, but this time, they both zeroed in on a small flurry of limbs tearing across the floor. 

“What—” Was it a toy?

“Rumpelstiltskin!” the thing screamed, then drove a spear into the Dark One’s boot. It was so small, it couldn’t pierce the leather, and it snapped. Rumpelstiltskin watched, lip quirked in amusement.

“You’ll have to try a little harder than that to kill me, dearie.”

Belle knelt down to get a better look at horse and rider and then gasped. The man with russet curls flowing down his muscled back, an inscrutable tattoo on his forearm, and a broken spear in hand was not riding the horse. He was the horse.

She leaned closer and he jabbed the jagged spear end toward her face, startling her backward. “I’m so sorry, I mean you no harm!”

“The Dark One is my enemy, and if you share his bed, then you are my enemy!” He charged her and might have gotten her eye had Rumpelstiltskin not yanked her to her feet, leading the centaur to crash harmlessly against the thick wool of her backwards dressing gown.

“Share a bed?” Rumpelstiltskin said. “What, you think the Dark One sleeps in a library?” 

Belle’s face heated, but she said nothing as she watched the miniature man set himself to rights. If Rumpelstiltskin’s sole objection to the insinuation was the location of the bed, who was she to contradict? 

“I challenge you!” the centaur roared, waving his broken weapon. “Fight me man to man!”

“Who are you?” Belle asked. 

For the first time, the centaur paused, looking up at her with what she thought might have been incredulity. “I am Sir Rowan of the Autumn Kingdom, and you—”

“Ah, yes, I remember you now.” Rumpelstiltskin twirled a finger. “You sacrificed yourself to break the curse on your—people.” He narrowed his eyes. “How are you still here?”

“What do you mean?” Belle asked. “Who cursed him?” 

“You, Dark One—you said you would take away my physical prowess!” 

“Which is exactly what I did.” 

“Excuse me, Sir Rowan?” Belle said. When Sir Rowan merely screamed in displeasure, she continued. “If you’ll allow me, I can lift you so that we may all speak together.”

For the first time, Sir Rowan quieted. Belle pressed her lips together, wishing now that she had righted her dressing gown when she had the chance. 

“I will allow it.”

She knelt again and held her hand out, waiting for Sir Rowan to climb onto her palm before standing again. Once he was eye level, Rumpelstiltskin plucked the spear out of his hand.

“If you stab her in the eye, you’ll have much worse to deal with than some lost prowess,” Rumpelstiltskin said over Sir Rowan’s roars. 

“Why did you make him so small?” Belle asked. “What happened?”

“The Dark One cursed my people, and then he made me sacrifice myself to undo it!” Sir Rowan screamed.

Belle’s eyes widened, and she turned her wounded look on Rumpelstiltskin. “Is that true?”

Instead of his usual flippance at the mention of his past crimes, Rumpelstiltskin’s face scrunched in annoyance. “Only,” he said, raising a finger, “in the most technical sense.”

Since she couldn’t fold both arms, Belle crossed one over her chest. “What does that mean?”

“He cursed us and then abandoned us!” Sir Rowan pranced around on her hand, and his little hooves stung. 

Rumpelstiltskin pressed a scaly hand to his chest. “I did not curse you, dearie. The Dark One cursed you.”

“You are the Dark One,” Belle said, though she was confused. Rumpelstiltskin was always careful with words, but he never cared whether he went by name or title.

“I am now, but I wasn’t always.” He jabbed a finger at Sir Rowan. “The Dark One before me cursed your people, and I removed it. All magic comes with a price, and yours was your essence. How was I to know that the thing you loved most was being—ah—bigger than everyone else?”

Sir Rowan glanced at Belle like she might have something to say about this, and when she finally understood why everyone in the room looked uncomfortable, she blushed.

“Oh please,” she said. “I’m not a child.”

“I want my essence returned,” Sir Rowan said. “Or I will avenge myself.”

“I’m afraid I can’t do that.” Rumpelstiltskin twirled his hands. “I already used it to break the curse. Without it, your people wouldn’t be free.”

Rowan scowled, a charming expression on his miniature face, but Belle tried not to show her feelings on that matter.

“Then I want to return to my people.”

At this, Rumpelstiltskin’s head twitched, like he’d just received bad news. “That might be difficult.”

“What do you want?” Belle asked. “What will you send him home for?”

“Send me home, or I’ll kill your woman!” Sir Rowan lunged for Belle’s throat, hands outstretched, so she thrust her palm away and all he did was clutch the air.

“Manners, dearie!” Rumpelstiltskin trilled, waving a hand. Purple smoke enveloped Rowan, and then his hands were cuffed together. “There’s nothing you can give me to send you home.”

“Why not?” Belle asked. “Please, he’s suffered so much.”

“They’re all dead,” Rumpelstiltskin said. “They were wiped out about a hundred years after our deal. I thought you’d died, but here you are.” He tittered without humor. “You must have been frozen by magic.”

Belle watched Sir Rowan’s arms drop, and then he buckled into her palm. “Then I have nothing to live for.”

“You could stay here, with me,” Belle said. Both men snapped to look at her, and she swallowed. “I could always use another friend.”

“It would be improper for me to live in your room alone,” Sir Rowan said. 

“Rumpelstiltskin could build you a stable on that side.” Belle turned wide eyes on him. “It would be like a peace offering, since your people are gone.”

Rumpelstiltskin’s lip twitched, but as she knew it would, her innocent lash-fluttering softened him. “Fine. But if you cross me, I’ll make you a gelding too.”

Belle snickered, though Sir Rowan did not, and then she set him down so they could find a place for his new home.

“Thank you, Rumpelstiltskin,” she whispered. 

“Don’t mention it.”

But she would. She would definitely mention it.

-

[calcitedraws]

FENS DIARY

Tw: Mentions of death, suicide, depression, brief mentions of sexuality and Fen being generally sort of creepy and trying to rationionalize it.

Around 2,300 words

This was supposed to be a few entries and I got too invested lol and I use y/n because I'm old school. Also when Fen says 'Im not a girl' that isn't indicating a bio or gender identity I was just including the fact that they're nonbinary.

November 17th

I haven't written in a while, eh? After… what happened I sort of shut down for a while. Even now I want to shut down, but my dad always said I should face things head on. Ok, as my therapist used to say: if I don't know how to word something I should just say it as plainly as I can to get started.

I'm in pain.

I can't sleep I can't eat and I can't fucking breathe. The only person making sure I have a moderately healthy sleep/wake cycle is Dandelion, and even then he doesn't seem to mind if I sleep on the couch all day as long as he's fed.

I'm packing to head down to the funeral and I came by my journal. I don't even know why I'm doing this. This is fucking stupid.

I'm scared of seeing them. I haven't seen my mom or siblings in… 5 odd years? I never even came out to them. I'll have to explain so much that I'm just not in the goddamn mood to. I don't even think they want to see me. Dad told me that once they figured out the whole situation that they didn't take it well.

Dandelion keeps curling up in my suitcase. If he behaved better in crates, I'd bring my little man with. But he chews on the bars and yowls, so I'm leaving him at one of those pet boarding places.

November 19th

I don't want to go tomorrow. I'm sitting here at this shitty hotel desk that's sticky in this shitty hotel room that smells like booze and mothballs. There's a weird mark on the carpet and I can't decide if it's old blood or a shit stain. Either way it's suspiciously big. The people in the other room keep having really loud and bad sounding sex, all the damn time. Like, literally, their headboard is apparently against the same spot as mine, because the thumping keeps me awake. I tried to move my bed and found another stain that I'm convinced is blood. I put the bed back and slept on the tiny couch in the room. I'm pretty sure there's bedbugs on every fabric surface.

OH MY GOD THOSE TWO ASSHATS ARE HAVING SEX AGAIN!!! WHY ARE THEY BLASTING THAT ONE SONG FROM SHREK 2 I HATE THIS HOTEL

November 20

I'm just sitting here. At this sticky desk again. I don't think I can do this. It's 3:30 AM and I can't go back to sleep. Waiting for my sleeping meds to kick in.

My therapist always said that the best time to journal about something is when it's the hardest to think about.

I wish I had someone. I like to think soulmates exist. Maybe Dad was right and that's all horse shit. Maybe I should just throw myself into oncoming traffic instead of going to his funeral.

I've been paying more attention to cars recently. Funny how many look like my dad's.

I think the meds are kicking in? No clue, maybe I'm just too angry to think.

—---------------

It's 8:10 AM and I need to leave in 20 minutes.

I've decided to go, because I owe it to him. I think I'd hate myself more if I didn't go.

What do I even do if I see my mom again? Is she even my mom? Am I allowed to wave if she spots me? Will she even recognize me. I can recognize her. I've been cyber talking her Facebook. Her husband and her just got back from a weekend trip to the Bahamas.

I haven't dared look for my siblings. I miss Sherry.

Had to take a minute to reign myself in.

I'm glad my aunt (my dad's sister) took care of the funeral prep. Shes nice. Haven't talked to her in a half a decade, I should send a nice letter after the funeral.

The thought of coming back to that house alone is killing me. No more face times. No more random phone calls. No more sending him pictures of weird stuff Dandelion did.

I need to head out soon. My hair is greasy. My eyes hurt. I look like shit. But I have to go.

I forgot to charge my phone last night but there should be enough juice in it to get me there and back. Don't know where I'm headed since I've never been here. My dad said I wouldn't like where he lived because it's crowded. Maybe I can just throw myself into oncoming traffic after.

—----------------

I think I met an angel.

I got lost after the funeral and my phone died. I started crying in the middle of the side walk like some fucking weirdo when I spotted them.

They were so cute, in their cozy sweater and jeans. They asked what was wrong and I said I was lost and that my phone died.

They actually lead me back to the hotel! Apparently they live here in the city too but near the outskirts. I never got their name, I'm such a fucking idiot.

I've always felt like there's been a wall between me and other people. But with them… I didn't feel that. I felt I had known them all my life.

Shit, here I am rambling about someone I just met after going to my dad's funeral.

It was awkward. Like, painfully awkward. No one approached me. My dad's funeral was closed casket, which all things considered, makes sense. But I felt like if I opened that casket it'd be empty. It was a weird feeling.

I didn't know any of his friends and only Sherry showed up to the funeral. I don't know why but that somehow made everything worse. Sherry couldn't even look at me. I didn't stick around long afterwards. She looks so different from when I last saw her (why did she go blonde?) but I recognized her instantly.

I'm packing up to head home. I technically don't need to go until tomorrow but the longer I stay here the more I feel the need to itch the back of my throat with a shotgun. At least at home I can cry into Dandelions fluffy belly.

January 8th

—------------------

Guess who's forced me out of rotting in my bed? My boss threatening to fire me if I don't log on and do my job!

A fair point, but fuck him anyway.

I said I'd log on today and he seemed satisfied.

So here I am instead, procrastinating. I can't keep my eyes open for very long. I mean, I logged on and have been reading meeting notes. That's progress.

Dandelion has been very accommodating with allowing me to randomly pick him up and cry loudly into his fur.

Oh! I found a new cat! Her name is Queenie and she's a little black cat. I found her right outside the hotel I was staying at before the funeral. I thought she had that lethal cat bloat I had heard about, but she was just really pregnant! Like, ready to pop pregnant. She gave birth on Christmas and now I have a small army of tiny black and orange kittens! I woke up to 6 of them on Christmas morning. They're all so small and cute and they won't stop meowing very very loudly. I got Queenie spayed as quickly as I could afterwards.

Queenie warmed up to my quickly despite being a stray. I named her that because she's a little diva. The amount of times I had to separate her and Dandelion from fighting over mutually favorited spots is well, embarrassing since these are two adults. But now? Queenie just lays on top of Dandelion and he seems to enjoy it.

Why am I jealous of two cats?

January 15th

—----------------

Oh my God I found them. The person who saved me and lead me back to the hotel, I found them!

Ok, so, I'm a penetration tester, which means I hack into systems. It's boring so I never talk about it. But, the job we were handed made us pen test a random hospital and I found them! They went in for a checkup recently and I found their data while spelunking! I took a picture of their government ID before I could stop myself.

I can't believe I found them! I clicked on a random name because I liked the way it looked and it leads me right to them! I know it's them, because the ID card looks like them and says they live near where they said they did.

I've been looking at our star signs. I also found their social media and they're so chatty! I think they just think their friends are watching because they post sporadically. I scrolled through everything I could find during my lunch break.

Oh my God I sound insane. This is insane and totally illegal. I need to step back and calm down.

January 25th

—----------

I tried!! Couldn't step back couldn't calm down. I've been cyber talking a stranger for like, a week now.

But I've come to a revelation: I'm very greasy. I haven't showered in… no clue to be honest. I only realized because I accidentally leaned against the sliding glass door and my head left a strong imprint on the glass.

I haven't changed my bedsheets in a while either. Or vacuumed, or cleaned the kitchen, or swept the patio. So instead of any of that I have spent the entire afternoon paralyzed on the couch in sustained fear. Dandelion has joined me.

February 4th

—----------------

I finally got fed up of being greasy and took an actual shower instead of sitting under the water staring at the floor and disassociating for like, half an hour. The sheer amount of dead skin I scrubbed off is embarrassing.

*Y/n* (the name of my angel) talked about spring cleaning early online. They even have the link to their favorite songs to listen to while cleaning. I recognize some of the songs but most of them are new to me. Maybe if I listen to the playlist it'll make me want to clean?

Update: It did. Managed to clean the kitchen and living room before getting tired. Maybe I should start working out again…?

Feb 14th

—-------------

Y/n is single! (Very good information to know)

When I clean I just put y/n’s play list on and I'm suddenly full of energy.

I think it eases the loneliness. I miss my dad.

Feb 20th

—--------------

I've discovered something about myself that I can't unlearn. I think I have a praise kink?? I was watching my favorite show with Dandelion and one of the characters that kind of looks y/n said ‘good girl' to the main character and. I got so horny I had to pause the show and sit in silence. I'm not even a girl. What the fuck just happened? I think the cats know because they've been staring at me judgementally all afternoon.

March 1st

—-------------

Lasagna is my enemy.

April 29th

—------------

It was my dad's birthday yesterday. He would've been 46 today.

I sort of shut down for the entire month, again. House is a fucking mess. Only think I can manage is taking care of the cats, who don't seem to mind the mess.

I just wish I had someone. The house is pretty quiet. Sometimes I put the TV on to avoid how quiet it is. I miss talking to my dad, about literally anything. The weather, what my cats were up to, about my dad's new girlfriend of the week, literally anything. I miss how funny he was. I remember when I was in secondary school how him and I would watch TV every Friday night and eat Mac n cheese from the box.

May 1st

—--------------

I think I'm in love with y/n?? Is that a thing you can do? I had a dream we went on a date to a coffee shop and then we went home and made dinner and I kept making them laugh and smile and when I woke up I just burst out sobbing. I literally couldn't calm down for who knows how long.

But I want something like that! I want it so badly! I want to make them dinner while they talk with me! I want to cozy up to them on the couch while watching a movie! I want to hear them breathe next to me at night!

So I might've done something maybe unethical. I located their IP Address. Which isn't bad since I already know their physical address and their safe with me and it's not like it's illegal to find it!

May 10th

—------

So I did something stupid. I did something really fucking stupid I hacked into their email. All it took was a phishing scheme and bam, I was in. And Lord knows how everything is connected to emails nowadays. I'm a criminal now. I've been reading their emails for like, three hours. I mean… the government can like totally see your emails so it's not that big of a deal?? Right???

Oh my God I'm a criminal now!

But I'm learning so much!

May 18th

—-----

The time has come. Queenies kittens have all found new homes, I can't have all these cats in the house. But I kept my favorite kitten; Cali, the little calico. Short of Hotel California, My dad's favorite song.

Cali is a menace against society. He's chewn through wires, eaten pillows, and I've had to take him to the vet twice for eating batteries. I don't think another family can handle him.

I like to think he gets this from Dandelion, who despite being well over ten years old still chews on wooden furniture.

June 19th

—-------

I've been trying to find a way to say this that doesn't sound bad. But like, I literally can't? So I'll just say it.

I broke into y/n’s phone.

I'm not doing anything bad! I just want to see what they're up to! I won't use this to hurt them so it isn't bad, is it?

I've been watching them play candy crush for 45 minutes. They're bad at candy crush but something about that is so cute! I've downloaded candy crush. Maybe I can play the same levels at the same time as them…?

I've also been eating meals with them. They watch stuff on their phone as they eat and I've started eating at a regular schedule again. But their diet sucks so much?? Why the fuck are they eating gas station sushi so often? I'm scared they'll get worms!!

July 1st

—----------

What if my cats tell me neighbor I got high???

July 2nd

—----------

So um, I tried edibles for the first time yesterday. You'll never guess how it went.

Anyways, high me decided that cleaning the entire house was their sole mission. Thank you, high me.

July 19th

—---------

I finally gathered the courage to go into my old room.

I only had the attic room because everyone had their own rooms and I was sick of sharing with Sherry. So, my dad fixed up the attic and gave that room to me for my 10th birthday. When everyone left, I took over Sherry's old room. Mom only left the mattress and headboard, so it didn't feel like Sherry's anymore. All that's left is the thumbtacks from her old posters.

Anyway, my old room is just how I left it. Dusty, but the same. I even found Howie, my old plushie! I took all of Howie's stuffing out and it's in the wash right now, but they still have the old lavender satchet I put in them. I don't know what to replace it with, to be honest.

[queengiuliettafirstlady]

The gentle stag Lovely surprise

The gentle stag Lovely surprise

Fandom: Ikemen Prince

Pairing: Keith x MC                                                                                           

Tag: Established relationship Birthday Fluff

Word Count : 725

Author’s Note: A special birthday deserves a special surprise, like a kiss from his lover that awaited his return admiring the country she take as their home. As soon as he comes back they did not shy away from confessing their feeling to each other, basking pleasantly in the warm hug of their love. 🥰

Side Note: All the images were found on Pinterest-Google and I was unable to find the source, please if any of you know the owner tell me and I will provide to give the artist the credit for the image.

Tag list

@kissmetwicekissmedeadly @aquagirl1978 @violettduchess

@nightghoul381 @william-rex @candied-boys

@writingwhimsey @fang-and-feather

@moonstruckmelancholic @lichtluv

@wistfulwanderingone @rjthirsty

@ike-garden2024 @jollibeeshappiness

@starzyquee  @maeko-kun @rkmaru

You can find me on AO3 as QueenJuliet 😊

Thank you for everyone who will like, reblog, or comment please be gentle with me english is not my first language so please do not leave rude comments I apologise for eventual errors I hope you will like it 😊

It was a frizzy winter morning, one of those she would have desired to spend snuggled in the covers, but duty calls and so she was up so early, waiting impatiently for the return of her husband.

She stifled a yawn leaning in the softness of the sofa lazily admiring the town stretching before her eyes, each corner bustling with noise while the early birds sang a sweet melody, she would have never got tired to listen to,  chirping happily as they flied carelessly around the trees, chasing one another in the shy tepid rays of the rising sun,

The roads were filled with chit chats and clatter of horses' hooves on the cobblestone, a suffused music came from the vast land of the countryside, a shepherds’ song followed by the tingling bells of the animals with their verses seemed to accompany the song.

The sweet aroma of bakery and cooking wafted in the frizzy air of dawn, eliciting her an idea or two about certain recipes she desired to bake with him, even though she already pictured the mess the palace kitchen would have been in after they finished.

A scenario that was not unlike to happen, as it already had, making her giggle at the image of his lovely husband grey's hair covered in flour as he looked at her like a puppy caught in the rain, knowing far too well she would have hugged him and reassured him with ever so sweet kisses ... and later when they were alone in the bedroom even more than that.

A smile raised to curl her lips as soon as the pleasant scent of musk and wood reached her nostrils, the same perfume she would have recognized amidst a thousand, affection wrinkling her eyes as she turned to greet him.

"Welcome home."

"I am sorry to have woken you up so soon, you could have slept a little longer."

"Thank you but  I wouldn't wish it any other way, or else I would have missed the spectacle the dawn was."

His ever gentle fingers adjusted the velvet jade shawl around her shoulder as he took a seat next to her, wrapping his arms around her, holding her close as she nuzzled into his chest.

A rush of boldness ran in her as she raised her face to cup his face in her hands, staring in his gorgeous amber eyes glimmering with surprise as she leaned to brush a gentle kiss on his cheek.

"Happy birthday Keith."

The smile curling his lips was so bright and pure she felt an urge to steal that ray of sun only for herself, but he moved first melting his lips on her in a sweet slow kiss they savoured each other with.

Favourite flavour because to them both their love tasted like Home.

Reluctantly he pulled away, brushing his finger ever so gently over her cheek leaving an achingly tender kiss on his forehead.

"Thank you. It is now you are here with me."

His smile mirrored her own, while his eyes reflected all the love and devotion he felt for her alone.

Swiftly he took her in his arms, laying with her on the bed determined to show off his love to her until the stars would have come out again, solitary audience to that spectacle that was their alone to indulge in behind closed doors.

Gently he pulled away looking straight in her eyes, losing himself in the contemplation of all the affection reflected in them as he bent over to brush his nose with hers revelling in her soft giggles.

"I love you so ma douche biche."

"I love you too mon cerf, all of you."

His heart burst with warmth at the unconditional love spreading from her words, but he did his best to convey his own happiness wrapping his arms around her as they basking a little longer in their soft hug, brushing gentle kisses on her hair making her giggle, music he would have never fog tired to listen to, feeling his heart swell with affection as she nuzzled in his chest.

That day he would have made more than sure to show the depth of his feeling to her, his one and only Queen, deepening that feeling that bound their heart together for nothing was stronger than the mighty power of love.