#that these aren't the kind of people you wrap in your arms and whisper sweet nothings to and ply with blankets

[not-poignant]

Hi Pia. Just curious is Gary good at giving aftercare to his partners or is he like Temsen?

Also that list of stuff Gary's into is making me squeal XD Can't wait to see how and what sort of intimate activities Gary and Ef get up to together in the future

Hi hi,

This just really depends. Gary doesn't consider the people he has one night stands with to be 'partners.' He doesn't really bother with aftercare with them beyond making sure they're not injured physically (and by that, not even too injured, some blood is considered acceptable to him). He's usually the first one to leave, and he has left partners who are asleep / borderline knocked out once he's reassured himself that they don't need to go to a hospital. He usually just leaves a business card in case they leave him lmao.

And otherwise the only partner he's ever had is James. I'd say whatever aftercare he provides is mostly based around health more than comfort, though there might be some reassurance in there, alphas don't like to feel the alpha version of emasculated for too long, so like... most of the classic things associated with aftercare would just really prolong a scene for an alpha.

They're more likely to need to actually re-establish themselves as being independent and capable rather than want comfort. We even see this with Efnisien in their first real kind of 'sex' scene (the handjob scene coming up). Efnisien doesn't want to be hugged and coddled and petted, he actually gets up pretty quickly and goes to have a shower, in part because he's sort of...falling back into his own power again.

But that is also part of the aftercare for Gary.

I also think it's part of his aftercare - like, for himself - to be allowed to just leave or detach soon after, or be more like 'you don't matter to me so much that I need to be around you 24/7 I'm going to do something else now' - which is necessary for peak alphas to a degree as well.

With James, I'd say he probably made sure James had access to food and water, and you know, told him that he's beautiful and hot and held him for a while and then actually just gave James a hell of a lot of space if James wanted it, or went back to giving James a lot more power and control in the relationship.

I doubt Gary's ever given serious thought to the word 'aftercare' and if someone said 'what aftercare do you do' he'd just give them a blank look and say 'I don't do any.'

Everything he does after sex to him is the basic thing you do after anyone runs a physical marathon and might be injured after doing it. He's as likely to consider that aftercare as he is to consider a post-workout protein bar 'aftercare.' He doesn't really think that way! Which makes it harder to kind of think about for me in general because it's like, my kneejerk reaction is to be like 'he does not give a shit.' That's not quite true, and he does things that some would consider aftercare, just...Gary never would, and he's incredibly skimpy on it with strangers.

[phoward89]

Banner by me, dividers by @cafekitsune & @saradika-graphics

Based on this ask

Warnings: Dark!Stepbrother!Coriolanus Snow, Bigot General Crassus Snow, Implied child abuse, cussing, obsessive behavior, smut. AU of sorts.

When your mother started dating some war hero general, you didn't think much of it. Your mother's dated men, mostly officers, over the years and nothing ever came of it. So when your mother announced that Crassus proposed and she said yes, you nearly had a stroke.

Your older brother, Rein, had signed up for the peacekeepers the very next day. You think it was to get the hell out of the house, since Crassus Snow had a reputation of being a very cold, stern, and cruel man.

Not that you knew much about him. But you kind of knew his son. Well, you didn't know Coriolanus, but you went to the Academy with him.

Little did you know, Coriolanus has been secretly watching you ever since his balls dropped and his voice changed. He always thought that you were a beautiful little dove. His darling rose. He had a crush *cough* obsession *cough* with you, but would only watch you from afar.

His group of friends (rich asshole kids he had to play nice with) weren't the type of people that would accept you. You weren't from one of the great Capitol families.

But, despite not being able to be seen with you, he was determined that one day he'd have you pinned down on his bed.

How he planned on doing that if he never talks to you, well, who knows…

So, when Crassus Snow told his son that he was getting married to your mother, well, Coriolanus was over the moon. He was finally going to be able to fulfill his fantasies; pin you down on his mattress and fuck you into it until you begged for mercy.

The day after he found out you were going to be his new stepsister, he approached you at the Academy. You were talking with one of your friends, waiting for classes to start, in the main hallway. He felt that now was the perfect time to introduce you to the right friend circle to have; to claim you as his own too.

“Why isn't it Y/N Halvir, my new stepsister.”

“Your mother's marrying his father? Oh, I feel so bad for you…” Your friend whispered so only you'd be able to hear her.

Giving Coriolanus a fake smile, you simply greeted him with, “Hi, Coriolanus. Shouldn't you be with your own friends?”

“I’m actually here to take you with me so that you can meet them, now that you're a Snow.” Coriolanus replied, his icy eyes taking in every inch of you.

“Our parents aren't married yet, I'm nothing to you, but your classmate at the moment.” You reminded him, since he's never shown interest in you before; doesn't need to either since your parents’ are still planning the wedding.

Well Crassus’ mother, your soon to be new Grandma’am, was planning it while her son was footing the bill. You hope she doesn't pick out some frilly, gaudy, girly puffball of a dress for you to wear.

Coriolanus gave you a smile that was all pearly whites and sickeningly sweet. “Dear sweet stepsister, in time they'll be married, and I just want to introduce you to my friends.”

Your friend noticed the glint in Coriolanus' icy eyes and was afraid for you. She didn't know much about him, but he always intimidated her. Gave her the creeps for some reason she couldn't pinpoint. Your friend looked between you and your soon to be stepbrother, hoping that he'd just leave you alone.

Sadly, that didn't happen.

Coriolanus' large hand grabbed your arm, his long fingers wrapping tightly around it like tentacles. He leaned in close, so close that his breath was fanning your face, and gritted through his perfect teeth, “You're going to be a Snow, Y/N, so you need to start acting like it. The first step is to let me give you friends that are worthy of the Snow name.”

Your heart raced and you felt fear bloom in your chest. You nodded at him, giving into his will.

Coriolanus smirked when you turned to your friend and told her you were going with Coriolanus.

You were his now. His, and he’s never letting go.

Integrating yourself into the Snow family was easier said than done. First, you were stuck moving into their 12th floor Corso penthouse right away. Right away being mere days after the engagement was announced.

Your mother was so happy to be living in the grand penthouse, but you missed your old apartment.

At least your old, albeit smaller, apartment was warm and felt lived in. The Snow penthouse was cold and felt dead despite its large size and grand decor.

“Coriolanus, show your new sister to her room.” Crassus sternly ordered his son while standing in front of the fireplace in the main room, sipping tea.

Your mother and Grandma’am, Coriolanus’ grandmother, were sitting in chairs around a glass star shaped coffee table, sipping on tea and hot chocolate. Grandma'am was the one with the hot chocolate.

Grandma’am and your mother seemed to get along well, while Crassus didn't seem to care.

Hell, the general had a scowl on his face and looked a bit miserable.

You wondered if Coriolanus would grow up to be like his father since he already looked like him.

“Yes, father.” Coriolanus nodded. Grabbing your hand and leading you away from the adults, he said, “You'll be in Tigris' old room, little dove.”

“Who's Tigris?” You innocently asked.

“My cousin; she moved out into her own apartment not long ago.” He explained, dragging you down the hall.

You knew what Coriolanus truly meant. His cousin left after his father announced the engagement with your mother.

“My older brother just joined the peacekeepers, so it looks like we both had some family move out.”

Coriolanus stopped at a door, only to push it open and drag you inside of the room. “Mark my word, sweet stepsister, father will be pushing for your brother to take an officer's aptitude test as soon as he's eligible.”

“I don't see why, Rein's not his son.” You told the blonde as he let go of your hand and flipped on the light switch.

The room was spacious. The only furniture in it was a bed, a nightstand, and a desk with a chair. The bed linens were simple too.

The room felt more like a guestroom then a room that had once belonged to somebody in the Snow family.

Maybe it was the lack of personal decorations that made the room feel so lifeless?

But wasn't that to be expected considering Tigris has vacated the room; took any decorations and personal touches with her.

Coriolanus guided you over to the bed. “Not by blood, but as soon as our parents marry, your brother will be another son of Crassus Snow.” You both sat down on the soft mattress. You felt as if his blue eyes were studying you, taking you in like a fine piece of art, as he explained, “Being a part of the prestigious Snow family, Rein will have certain expectations to stand up to now, as do you.”

“I didn't sign up for this, Coriolanus.” You shook your head. Staring at a wall, you bitterly remarked, “My mother decided to marry Crassus, but I didn't know that meant I'd have to be some perfect, rich military brat.”

“Yes, well, we just have to make the best of our circumstances.” Coriolanus told you, his voice a bit crisp and tight. His large, pale hand heavily rested on your thigh. His face got dangerously close to yours, causing his breath to warm your skin. His icy eyes flashed with a fire as he smirked, “At least you have me to guide you, ensure that you're perfect.”

Your heart was racing wildly in your chest. Was your soon to be stepbrother coming on to you?

No. He couldn't be.

He couldn't.

Could he?

But before you could find out, Coriolanus was called by his father to help show the movers where to place your things.

Leaving you alone in your room with a million different thoughts swimming in your head.

Not long after moving into the Snow penthouse, you were asked out on a date by Sejanus Plinth. He was very cute and sweet. Plus he came from a good family.

And you accepted, much to Coriolanus' horror.

Dinner that night was interesting, to say the least.

“But father, you can't let her go out with him. He's district.” Coriolanus protested after hearing Crassus approve of your date plans for the following night.

Grandma'am’s wrinkled face shook with worry. “Coriolanus is right, Crassus. The district boy might hurt her. He’s not Capitol blood; he's not civilized despite living amongst us.”

“Sejanus is a sweet boy. I’ve heard only good things about him from Mrs. Plinth.” Your mother smiled in between daintily eating her spoonful of soup.

Correction, not soup, but a tomato lobster cream bisque that was the first of 4 courses. Which also included a desert.

Yea, dinners were a lavish affair in the Snow household. But since Crassus had a cook on staff, you guess they could be.

Coriolanus’ jaw twitched at your mother's words. He felt that she was foolish for taking the words of a district woman to heart. That she shouldn't be encouraging you to go out with that dirty district dog just because his mother- no his ma, said he's a sweet boy.

He's district and anyone with a drop of district blood in them hated those born and bred in the Capitol. Even those who were district transplants that were allowed into the Capitol as a reward for making their fortunes from betraying the blood of their own couldn't be trusted. No, not when their blood wasn't pure, but was tainted.

Sejanus Plinth, although living in the Capitol and being from a filthy rich family, was and always will be a filthy, dirty blooded, district dog. He was undeserving of you. Infact, even a boy from the Capitol was undeserving of you.

Because you deserve nothing, but the best. You were a part of the Snow family, so only the best for you.

And that was him.

Coriolanus was the best. The only one worthy of you.

He knew it was taboo, forbidden even, but he didn't give a fuck.

Coriolanus was going to have you and his father approving of your date with that damn district born Plinth boy wasn't going to stop him.

General Snow reached for his goblet of wine, only to announce in a deep, authoritative tone, “I've given my approval of Y/N’s date with Sejanus Plinth, so all protests of it will stop.” Giving his son a hard look, Crassus cruelly remarked, “Coriolanus, son, perhaps you should find a girl to entertain yourself with instead of your studies. I wonder about you sometimes, if you even like girls at all.” An evil glint appeared in the light blonde general's cerulean eyes. “Perhaps you'd rather go out with the Plinth boy tomorrow night instead of sending Y/N.”

The room went deadly silent. One could hear a pin drop.

“Crassus…” Grandma’am shook her pearl encrusted turbin covered head at her son. Her blue eyes were full of disappointment.

Your mother didn't say a word, just kept eating her soup. If she felt bad, well she didn't show it. Her grey eyes were glued to her spoon, as if the liquid in it was the most fascinating thing she's ever seen.

Coriolanus flew up off his chair, causing it to loudly clatter to the floor, and stormed out of the dining room.

“Coriolanus!” You called out after him, rising from your own chair with the intention to follow after him.

You felt bad for Coriolanus, for what his father said at the supper table. It was uncalled for. It was disgusting and rude. He was trying to shame and embarrass his son, it wasn't right.

Before you could even make it an inch away from the table, your future stepfather rose from the table and rounded on you. Roughly grabbing your wrist, he coldly said, “Let him sulk like the weakling he is. Sit down, Y/N, and finish your first course.”

Everything inside of you screamed to listen to Crassus, to just sit down and eat that damn tomato-lobster bisque, but your need to run to Coriolanus, to make sure that he was alright, won out. You don't even know why, but you seemed drawn to your future stepbrother. You couldn't just abandon him to wallow in misery by himself.

You wretched your arm out of the general’s cold, tight hold. Looking up at him, you said, “I'm not hungry anymore, Crassus.”

“You'll address me as father now, you little brat.” Crassus ordered, towering over you. The imposing war hero looked ready to kill. It seems that nobody has ever stood up to him before, but always fell in line with his command.

You nodded and went to turn around, only for your ‘father’ to grab your wrist once more in a tight hold. His grip on your small wrist was so hard that you could feel the bones squeezing painfully together.

He twisted your arm behind your back, making your wrist flare as if it was on fire while the rest of your arm threatened to snap like a twig, and spin you around to look at the table.

Crassus' voice was deep and full of cruelty as he told you, “Take a good look at your soup, dearest daughter, because your serving will be given to the Avox.”

Your eyes looked at the table, but not at the soup. No, you looked at the pair of women seated at it. Silently, you begged them to help you. Sadly, they wouldn't.

No…

Your mother was too preoccupied with her bowl of soup, or maybe she was afraid of crossing her future husband. And Grandma'am, oh the elderly woman just gave her son a pitiful look, but wouldn't dare speak up against him.

“In fact, for your insubordination you'll starve tonight.” You heard your mother's fiance chuckle cold-heartedly.

Crassus shoved you to the side, causing you to hit the ground with a loud thud. The force of your side colliding with the hard marble floor knocked the wind out of you. So much so, that you didn't even hear the sound of large, loud footsteps hurrying over to you as you weakly pushed yourself up.

You felt a large hand wrap around your upper arm, but the touch was different than before. The long fingers weren't bruising around you, but surprisingly gentle with their lithe hold.

You felt yourself being lifted up to stand on your own two feet as Crassus seethed at his son, the one helping you, “Coriolanus, take that bitch with you and keep her all night. I don't want to see either one of your disrespectful faces until morning.”

Coriolanus’ eyes were full of icy hate as he curtly nodded at his father. Without a word, he ushered you away from the dining room.

Sadly, he'd have to teach you that General Crassus Snow likes his children to be seen and not heard. That he enjoyed slinging out biting, stinging remarks to cut down his children. That he was worse then the devil to deal with. That life could either be hell or something worse then hell with the Snow patriarch.

Coriolanus Snow would teach you how to navigate life under his father's roof because you're his.

Yes, your mother might be marrying his father, but nevertheless you are his and therefore he must protect you.

“What did you do to make him lash out?” Coriolanus asked, sitting with you on his bed.

His room, you discovered, was sparsely decorated. Just like yours, all he had was a bed, a nightstand, a desk and chair. A couple of portraits hung on the walls, and a few trinkets were stacked on the window sill. Oh, and a couple of pictures frames and small items were on his desk, overlooking his school books and papers.

But, all in all, it felt as empty as your room did.

Damn…

This house was cold and empty, full of nothing but sorrow and hate it seemed.

And your mother willingly brought you here.

Fuck your life…

“I got up from the table to follow you; make sure that you were okay.” You honestly told Coriolanus, listening to the sound of his father yelling at your mother about how unmannered you were.

Oh, and they were still in the dining room.

Yea…

That's how loud Crassus was.

Biting your bottom lip, you looked at the boy with platinum curls that you were stuck with for the night, and told him, “Thank you for coming back and helping me, Coriolanus.”

Coriolanus tucked a stray strand of your hair behind your ear. “Y/N, my darling, you belong to me. I'll always come back for you, help you when in danger.”

Before you could even ask him what he meant by belonging to him, he leaned forward and pressed his lips to yours. It caught you off guard. You honestly weren't expecting his lips to be so lush, so soft. And you definitely weren't expecting him to kiss you.

He's going to be your stepbrother soon.

For Christ's sake!

He's going to be your stepbrother!

That revelation caused you to place your hands on his chest and gently push him away, while leaning your head back to break the one-sided kiss. You looked into his icy blue eyes, only to see something dark swimming in them.

Correction: not something dark, but lust.

“What's wrong, Y/N? Why did you push me away?” He asked, voice heavy with wonder. Lust blown baby blue eyes never leaving yours.

“You're going to be my stepbrother soon, Coriolanus. We can't kiss and stuff, it's not right.”

“Oh, darling, we're not blood related, so it's perfectly fine for us to kiss and to fuck.” Coriolanus assured you with a whisper in your ear. His breath was hot against your cheek as he confessed, “I've been watching you at the Academy for years, my little dove. Fucking my fist every night to fantasies of you and now that I have you with me, well, Y/N, I'm not ever letting you go.”

“You've liked me for that long?” You asked in bewilderment.

He couldn't have liked you for so many years, only to never make a move.

Could he?

It just didn't seem possible.

“Mhm…” Coriolanus hummed, only to nip at a spot right below your ear. “You've consumed my thoughts since we were 13, my darling rose.”

What? He's had a crush on you since you were 13?!

Like what?....

He's liked you for that long and never said a word? Never made a move, until now?

Wow…

“Corio-” You began, only for him to sigh and cut you off with, “Please, call me Coryo.”

Nodding, you turned your head slightly so you could look at him. “Coryo, you should've told me how you felt years ago.” Your eyes flickered to his hand, that had found its way on your thigh, and back up to his baby blues. “It's too late to do anything about it now. Our parents are getting married and I'm Sejanus' girlfriend now.”

Coriolanus did not like that remark. Oh no, he didn't like it one bit.

You're NOT Sejanus' girlfriend!

You're his girl, you belonged to him. Hell, you're part of the family now too.

His, his, his!

You're his and he's going to show you.

“You don't belong to him, Y/N. You’re mine.” Coryo darkly declared, only to kiss you.

He kissed you with so much fervor. He was a man possessed as his lips slid against yours. Kisses you as if you were the air he needed to breathe.

This time you didn't push him away. Instead, your lips moved against his. Your hands tightly fisted his shirt; pulling him closer as your lips clashes with his.

Coriolanus pushes you onto your back, causing you to let out a surprised gasp. He used your shock to deepen the kiss by slipping his tongue into your mouth.

His hand caressed the inside of your thigh as his tongue explored your mouth. Tasting you as if you're the sweetest treat.

Your hands ran up his chest and snaked around his neck as your tongue flickered against his, causing you both to moan. As your tongues began an intimate dance, his other hand found its way to your neck.

You pulled away slightly, catching your breath as your lips hovered close to his.

“Coryo.” You breathlessly moaned, feeling his long fingers brush against your soaking wet panties.

“You're so wet for me, darling.” He smugly told you. “You need me, don't you?” He asked, even though he knew that your entire being aches for him at this very moment.

Coryo wanted, no needed, to hear you tell him that you wanted him to fuck you dumb. That only he could take away the ache in your cunt.

Him, the very reason for your wet pussy.

“Coryo…we can't…” You weakly protested as your core aches with a fiery desire. One that you've never felt so fiercely before.

Or at least until now.

“We can, little dove.” He told you, using his fingers to slip your panties to the side. The air hitting your wet pussy causes you to shudder.

Your reaction has him smirking. Pulling your legs open wide for him, he announced in a dark, lustful tone, “I'm gonna fuck you and you're gonna like it, Y/N.”

Breaking eye contact with him as his hands ran over the insides of your spread thighs, you confessed, “I've never done this before, Coryo.”

“You’re a virgin.” Coriolanus stated, not asked. He knew you’ve never been fucked before. He would've known if you had since he stalked looked after you from afar for years.

“Yea…” You trailed off, blushing in embarrassment.

God, your skirt was bunched up and your legs were spread wide open, like a whore in heat, with your panties pushed aside exposing your dripping tight hole to your step brother. And here you were, blushing at having to confirm that you're a virgin.

Coryo took a sick pleasure in you being embarrassed about your innocence despite the wanton state he had you in.

“Don't worry, your stepbrother's going to change that.”

“God, Coryo, don't call yourself my stepbrother while my legs are spread for you. It's dirty.”

“And you're my dirty little slut because your cunt’s drooling and clenching around the air from my dirty words.” Coriolanus taunted as his hands rested on either side of your pussy, thumbs spreading open the lips to expose your tight dripping hole to him. “Oh, darling, you've got such a pretty pussy for me.” He cooed, dipping his head down between your spread legs

“Oh god…” You shakily moan, feeling Coryo lick a thick stripe up your cute with his hot, wet tongue.

You could feel him smirking against you before his tongue flickered your clit.

“Coryo.” You moaned as he wrapped his lips around your clit and sucked on it.

He smacked the inside of your thigh, only to lift his head away from your pussy and hiss, “Shut up, bitch. Don't wanna get caught, do we?”

“Sorry, it just felt really good.” You apologized, your voice tinted with need.

“You're forgiven, darling, but don't be loud again or else I won't prep you. I'll just fuck you face first in my pillow to muffle your screams and call it a night.” He told you, making new gush of wetness spill out of your pussy. “Oh, looks like me fucking you face first in the mattress turns you on, stepsister.” Coryo darkly chuckled, his breath hot against your aching core. “Don't worry, I'll do that to you, but not tonight. Tonight's your first time and I don't want to hurt my girl. I want to swallow your moans of pleasure, not muffle your moans of pain.” He told you before placing his mouth back on your dripping cunt.

“Mmmm….” You bite your lip, preventing your moan from being too loud, as Coriolanus sucked on your clit.

Your hands found their way into his platinum curls as his tongue teased your tight, wet hole. His thumbs let go of your pussy lips as his mouth latches onto your cunt, tongue messily lapping thru your folds. His hands grabbed onto your thighs, spreading them even wider.

Painfully wider.

But you couldn't help, but curl your toes into the mattress as his icy blue eyes pierced into your soul. He looked at you with such hunger as he messily ate you out.

It was as if he craved you; couldn't get enough of you.

As if he was starved and you're the only meal he's eaten in days.

Your hands tightened in his hair as you felt his tongue enter your hole, fucking you.

“Coryo…more…” You begged, for what you didn't quite know, as your chest began to heave up and down heavily.

Coriolanus knew exactly what you needed.

You needed your tight cunt filled and fucked.

And he was going to give you exactly what you needed.

He wrapped his lips around your clit sucking it harshly, as he slipped his middle finger into your pussy.

Coriolanus moaned at how tight your hole clenched around his long fingers. The tightness of your virgin cunt clenching around his digits had him rock hard and grinding into his mattress. Fuck, he couldn't wait to have his cock inside your tight pussy. Stretching it to its limit, making it fit around his large cock.

“Coryo…feels so good…” You panted as he fucked you with his finger while sucking on your clit.

He smirked against your clit, only to add his pointer finger into your cunt. He curled his long fingers up inside your slick walls, causing you to writhe in pleasure every time he hit that spongy spot deep inside of you.

“I-I think…” You trailed off, biting your lip to keep a moan from spilling out, as you felt pressure build up in your lower belly.

“You think you're gonna cum?” Coryo supplied for you, his breath hot on your cunt, as he began to piston his fingers deep inside of you. He knew you were close by how tight your cunt was squeezing his fingers. He couldn't wait until it was squeezing his cock.

“Yea.” You squeakily nodded.

“I want you to cum on my face like the little slut you are. Can you do that for me, darling?” Coriolanus told you, his voice raspy and thick with lust, before dipping his head back between your spread legs and sucking your clit.

“Please…make me cum, Coryo. Please, so close…” You begged, causing him to fuck his fingers up into furiously while sucking hard and fast on your clit.

He needed to taste your juices spilling out onto his chin, needed to feel your pussy tightening around his fingers. He craved it like the headmaster at the Academy craved a fix of morphling.

Your toes curled tightly in the sheets and your nails scratched Coryo's scalped as you came with the sound of his name on your lips.

He slowed his movements just enough to help you ride out your high. His tongue greedily lapped up every bit of your juices that came squirting out of your pussy.

Your hands fell out of his curls as you began to calm down from your high. You couldn't help, but smile at how messy his hair looked as a result of you pulling on it.

When Coryo pulled his fingers out of you and sat up, sucking them clean, you were horrified to see that his chin was glistening, that your juices were dripping down his chin and onto his neck. Your cheeks flushed red and you quickly sat up, trying to clean the wetness from his chin. “I'm so sorry, I-” You attempted to apologize, only to be cut off by Coryo chuckling, “Don't apologize, darling. You squirting all over my face turns me on.”

“Really?” You asked, eyes wide with shock.

“Really.” He nodded, grabbing your hand that you used to wipe his chin with. Bringing your palm up to your face, he huskily ordered, “Now taste yourself.”

You blinked, feeling your pussy begin to pool and ache again, only to obey Coryo’s command and lick his hand clean.

The taste of yourself was a bit sweet and tangy. It was also intoxicating.

Standing up and pulling you up with him, Coryo said, “We need to get undressed.”

“Okay.” You nodded, feeling a bit nervous despite having just had Coriolanus’ platinum blonde head between your legs mere moments ago.

You went to grab the hem of your dress, only to have Coryo bat your hands away and grab it himself. “Lift your arms up, darling.” You nodded and did what you were told. Quickly, he pulled your dress off and tossed it to the side. “Take your bra and panties off.” He instructed while quickly working to unbutton his shirt.

Coriolanus’ lust blown eyes were glued to you as you reached behind your back and unhooked your bra. He felt his breath hitch as you took off your simple, white lace bra.

“Oh, little dove, your tits are perfect.” He cooed while removing his shirt and tossing it to the side.

You shook your head, only to look down at the floor and sigh, “No they're not, Coryo. You don't have to say that.”

Being nearly 18, you're self conscious about your boob size. Especially since you didn't seem to be as developed as the most popular girl in school. The girl that every boy (well, maybe not every boy since Coriolanus was half naked in his room with you) wanted to fuck. The perfect, pretty, popular, dirty blonde with jewel tone eyes.

Livia Cardew.

Coryo had just toed off his shoes and unbuckled his belt when your self doubt caused him to stop undressing. He closed the small space between you and reached his hands out to grab your tits.

You shyly bit your lip as he squeezed them. “Your tits are perfect because I say so, my darling.” Coriolanus huskily told you as the pad of his thumbs roughly ran over your nipples.

“But I'm not-” You began to protest, a feeble attempt at explaining your thoughts, only for Coryo to cut you off with, “Shut up, I told you that I think your tits are perfect.” He roughly squeezed them. “As long as I say they're perfect, little dove, then they are.” He declared before bending his head and taking one of your, now pebbled, nipples into your mouth.

The feeling of his wet tongue swirling around your nipples while his fingers tweaked your other one has you rubbing your thighs together, seeking friction to relieve that growing ache between your legs.

Letting go of your nipple with a wet pop, his lust filled blue eyes bore into yours as he orders, “Unzip and pull my pants off, Y/N.”

“Okay.” You nodded before doing as you're told with shaky hands, all the while Coryo was biting and nipping at a spot on your left boob.

You knew he was leaving a hickey there and, for some reason, it turned you on. The idea of him marking you as his made something flare up in you.

You've never had somebody want you before, but Coryo wants you so much that he's putting his mark on you. Staking his claim.

Coryo pulled his head up off your chest as his pants pooled around his long legs. Stepping out of them and kicking them to the side, he smirked, “You should take your panties off. But put your kitten heels back on, I want to fuck you in them.”

“Okay.” You nodded, pulling down your lace white panties while watching him pull off his socks.

You bent over and grabbed your shoes from the floor. Putting on your black kitten heels, your eyes popped out of your head as you watched him pull down his boxers only for his big cock to spring free and slap up against his lower stomach. You've never seen a cock before, but you knew his was big. It was long and girthy. Must be at least 8 inches, had veins on the underside and an angry red head that's tip was leaking precum.

You felt yourself gushing just from looking at it. Oh my God, how is that going to fit inside of your pussy.

“Don't worry, it'll fit.” Coryo assured you, a proud grin on his angular face.

What the hell? Did you say that out loud about him not being able to fit? Oh hell…you must've.

Taking your hand in his large one, he brought you over to the bed. “Lay down and spread your legs as wide as you can for me.” He instructed.

Nodding, you quickly laid on the bed and spread your legs for him. Your knees slightly bent, kitten heels slightly digging into the mattress.

“Fuck, your pussy’s so perfect.” Coriolanus swore while kneeling onto the bed, right between your shaking thighs. “Perfect and all mine.” He said while using his thumb to smear his precum around his cockhead. He began to give himself a few shallow pumps, to coat his cock with his precum, as you stared up at him with anticipation dancing in your eyes.

“You want me, Y/N?” Coriolanus asked, lining his dick up with your pussy. “Once I have you, take your virginity, I'm not letting you go.” He told you, teasing his cock thru your wet folds. “I fuck you and you're mine forever. You understand me, my darling rose?” He seriously asked, giving you a last minute opportunity to back out, as his dick bumped your clit.

Your hands held onto his shoulders as you looked him square in his icy blue eyes and confidently said, “Make me yours, Coryo. I want to be yours.”

That was the sweetest thing he ever heard. You begging him to make you his. Saying that you wanted to be his.

Coriolanus was in heaven.

He dipped his head down and captured your lips in a quick, but needy kiss before lining his tip up with your tight hole. He leaned his forehead against yours as he surged forward, pushing his length inside of your tight walls.

Your nails clawed at him and your eyes teared up at the stinging sensation of being stretched wide open on his large cock for the first time in your life. You bite your lip, swallowing back a cry, as your walls struggled to accommodate his large cock.

Coryo was about halfway in whenever he brushed away a stray tear rolling down your cheek. “You're taking me so well.” He praised. Kissing your cheek, he said, “Just a little bit more, Y/N. I know you can handle it. You cunt's made for my cock.”

“It stings, Coryo.” You gritted out, feeling him pop your cherry before sliding the rest on the way in and bottoming it.

“I know, it does. I know it does, darling.” The platinum blonde told you in a feeble attempt to soothe away your pain. With a proud smile, he pointed between you and said, “Look, a perfect fit.”

You looked down to see that he had disappeared inside of you; the only evidence of his cock being the outlining bulge in the bottom of your tummy. You ran your fingers over the outline in awe, causing your-hell you don't know what to call him right now except for Coryo, to shudder blissfully.

Bringing his large hand to cover yours as it traced over his bulge in your tummy, he proudly announced, “My cock’s deep up inside of your womb, darling.” Lacing your fingers with his, he pinned your hand onto the mattress and began slowly thrusting into you. “I'm gonna fuck my baby up into your womb. Show everyone that you belong to me.”

His words were like a bucket of ice water being dumped over your head. The reality that you weren't on birth control and had your soon to be stepbrother's cock in your not so virginal pussy anymore had you slightly panicking.

“Coryo, you can't do that. You can't cum inside of me. I'm not on anything and our parents’ll be mad if-” You began to frantically ramble as Coryo fucked his cock slow, but deep inside of you, only for him to cut you off with a rough toned, “I don't give a fuck what those assholes think, Y/N. I'm 18 and soon you'll be 18, so they have no say over us fucking.”

You bit your lip, leaving out a mewl, as your felt his dick brush up against the spongy spot inside of you.

“Hell, come mid-summer we'll be graduating the Academy, so knocking you up won't interfere with your education cause there's only a handful of months left til the games and the graduation ceremony.”

“Coryo, were too young. Just, please, pull out before you cum.” You pleaded with innocent eyes.

Coryo couldn't grant you that. He couldn't do that for you. He's selfish and wants you all to himself. What better way to ensure that you stay with him then to baby trap you?

It's perfect, really.

Knock you up and you're stuck with him forever.

Nobody will ever want you let alone look twice at you once they see you're pregnant with his baby.

With your stepbrother's baby.

Oh, yes, knocking you up will make the perfect scandal that'll keep you two together forever.

Plus, Crassus won't want the shame of having a bastard grandchild, so he'll push for Coriolanus and you to marry in order to give the baby a legal name.

Sadly, Coryo underestimates how evil and cruel his father can be (even to his unborn grandchild). If he wasn't so pussydrunk, maybe Coryo would've realized that knocking you up would only enrage his father.

But he wasn't thinking clearly. He's pussydrunk and high on his obsessive love for you.

“I'm not pulling out, Y/N.” Coryo firmly told you. Speeding up his movements, he grunted, “Now stop whining and enjoy me fucking you.”

You didn't argue about the subject of him pulling out anymore, just nodded your head and let the feelings of pleasure wash over you.

Your breath hitched and you let out a mewl when Coryo's hands grabbed a hold of your legs and pressed them into your chest, causing them to rest on his shoulders as he began to thrust harder into you.

“Coryo…you feel even bigger…’ You muttered, the position change making him hit deeper inside of you.

“You like my big cock fucking splitting open your pussy, don't you? Fuck, your taking my cock like such a little cock slut, Y/N.” He darkly told you, lust tainting his voice, as you scratched his back and babbled his name.

“Coryo, please. I'm so close. So close…” You begged him to make you cum as your head got heavy, making you feel like you're underwater.

“I'll make you cum, darling. I'll make you cum right now on my cock.” Coryo told you, snaking his hand between your bodies only to roughly rub and pinch your puffy clit.

The feeling of his thumb roughly abusing your clit and his cock deeply plowing into your pussy has you clenching around him, cumming hard with his name on your tongue like a prayer.

Coryo fucked your thru the aftershocks of your second orgasm, only to sloppily speed up and chase his own release.

“I'm gonna cum inside your pussy and you're gonna take it all, Y/N. You're gonna drain my cock dry, little dove.” He told you as he felt his heavy balls, that were slapping relentlessly against your ass, tense up.

“Coryo, I think I'm gonna cum again.” You told him, feeling that warm fluttery feeling well up in your lower belly once more.

“Fuck, your creaming my cock like such a good little slut.” Coryo groaned at the sight of the white creamy ring you were leaving around the base of him. “Fuck…” He gasped, about to cum. “Cum with me, darling. Cum with me.” He demanded, his hips stuttering before he let out his release.

You came again once you felt his hot cum shoot up deep inside of you in thick ropes.

“Oh fuck…” Coryo panted, collapsing on top of you.

“Oh fuck…” You agreed with him, kicking your feet and causing your black kitten heels to go flying across the room.

Your legs limply slipped from his shoulders as your hands shakily carded thru his sweaty light blonde curls. All while his face nestled into your perfect tits. Coryo's softening cock was still nestled inside of you, but you didn't mind. The closeness felt nice.

Your first time was amazing. It was nothing like the horror stories you heard other girls at the Academy gossip about. You were lucky that Coryo knew what he was doing. You felt wanted for the first time in your life after losing your virginity to him.

Coriolanus felt that fucking you was the best experience in his life. Honestly, it sure beats all those stupid quickies he had with dumb whores in the alley behind the club. He'd never tell you that tho.

No, you didn't need to know about his sexual past.

All that you needed to know was that you’re the only one that he wants. The only pussy that he’s getting his dick wet with for now on is yours.

You were cuddling in bed together, blankets pulled up around the both of you. Your head was resting in the crook of his neck as his long fingers raked thru your hair.

You felt happy in this moment, but you knew that it couldn't last. That it has to end. Your parents were getting married.

You could never be together, not truly.

You were going to be stepsiblings soon. Being together would be considered taboo.

Coryo could sense something was bothering you. “What's the matter, darling?” He asked, searching your eyes.

“We can't do this again, Coryo. Despite how we feel, it's taboo.” You told him, breaking eye contact with him because you didn't want to see his reaction.

“Y/N, I don't care what society thinks about us, our situation.” The platinum blonde spat. Lifting your chin up, so you had to look him in the eyes, he swore, “You're mine and I'm not giving you up. I'll kill anyone that tries to take you away from me, Y/N.” Coryo leaned in, kissing you on the lips. “It's us against the world, my darling rose. And you know what? Snow always lands on top.”

You were tired and didn't want to fight, so you decided to give in to him, to the man whose arms you were in. “Okay, us against the world then.” You smiled, eyes fluttering tiredly.

“One day when I'm the president and you're my first lady, nobody'll even remember that our parents decided to get married. And if they do, well, they won't be breathing for long to say anything about it.” You heard Coriolanus tell you while drifting off to sleep, warm and safe in his strong hold.

If only you knew how many people Coriolanus would kill in his lifetime, would you still stick by his side?

Probably, since he was ingrained in your soul once you gave him your precious gift that was your innocence- your virginity.

After all, you discovered quickly after becoming a part of the toxic Snow family that it truly was you and Coryo against the world.

Tags: @kuroosbby001, @purriteen, @poppyflower-22, @meetmeatyourworst, @whipwhoops, @bxtchopolis, @readingthingsonhere,@savagenctzen, @ryswritingrecord, @erikasurfer, @tulips2715, @universal-s1ut, @thesmutconnoisseur, @squidscottjeans, @sudek4l, @wearemadeofstardust0, @mashiromochi, @gracieroxzy, @belcalis9503, @shari-berri, @aoi-targaryen, @whiteoakoak, @spear-bearing-bi-witch, @gisellesprettylies @loverandqueenofdragons, @qoopeeya, @mfnqueen1

[luveline]

hi Jade!! I LOVE your remus with my whole heart. can I request remus comforting shy!reader after a bullying incident?!

thank you ♡ cw bullying 

People tend to assume that the entirety of the pain that stems from experiencing bullying is just the hurt, but a bigger part is the shame. How can you allow someone to do this to you? Where's your backbone? 

You're sure Remus is thinking it as he pulls egg shells from your hair. What else could he think? What grown woman allows her housemates to smash eggs against her head, in her own kitchen? He's been quiet since he picked you up, sniffling on the side of the road outside of your house with nothing more than your purse. 

He drops a last egg shell into the sink. You're standing beside it, the few inches of height he has over you feeling taller and taller as the night goes on. You've never felt so small in your life. 

"That's all of the shell." 

You avoid his eye. "Thank you." 

His hand bumps your stomach. Careful, Remus draws a line to your sternum, where it curls into a ball. It presses tight to you as he steps close, forcing you to raise your head. 

"What are you thinking?" he asks. 

"'M embarrassed, mostly." 

"What do you have to be embarrassed of?" he asks, his hand leaping up. His fingers spread across your chest, and it's all a little much. 

You slip from between him and the counter top with your shoulders pulling up like they've been tied with string, a corset yanked in. "You know what," you say miserably. 

Remus catches up with you. He's more cautious now, asking before he touches you. "Can I have your hand, lovely?" 

You give it to him because you're desperate to know that someone likes you. Remus loves you, evident in the tenderness with which he takes your hand, and how he doesn't flinch when you start tearing up. 

"If you're embarrassed by what someone else did to you, that's okay, but there's no need. No need." 

"You don't think it's pathetic?" you ask quietly. 

His tone —that bordered stoic only moments ago— threatens to crack. "It's not pathetic. It's pathetic how those girls treated you, and it's pathetic that I haven't done better looking after you. But you're not pathetic, sweetheart. You're just not. They're cruel, sour girls who–" Remus bites off his sentence to touch his nose briefly against your cheek. "You're not pathetic. You're anything but." 

"Why do they hate me so much?" you whisper. 

"I don't know. But it's something wrong with them, and not you. There's a level of meanness to this that can't be antagonised, sweetheart, I can't imagine how you'd ever deserve it." He wraps his arm around your shoulders with care. "Let's go wash your hair, yeah? Can we do that?" 

Remus hasn't washed your hair before. You're not sure how to cope with it. The aching tears slow, a weird pain you could almost say feels cathartic taking root as you close them against the shower spray. Remus hums a loving sound under his breath as he wets your hair, washing out the stringy whites and slimy yolks. You feel it trickle down your back. 

"I love you very much," Remus says suddenly, breaking a comfortable if heavy silence. "I know it doesn't make this sort of thing better, but I think I know you well, I know you're sweet, and kind, and you have so much love to give. If they can't see that, it's because they don't want to."

He makes it sound infallible. You know it isn't anything that grand, they aren't thinking of you like he is. They just don't like you because of something you've said or done, or not said or done, and they're comfortable expressing it. Maybe that's your doing for being meek, but when Remus says it like this, you could believe it isn't your fault at all. 

"It does make it better," you confess. Knowing you have him on your side, and that he thinks highly of you, definitely makes it easier to cope with. 

"You're good as gold. I promise I'll make this better." 

Remus finishes washing your hair. The longer he touches you the more flustered you become, worse when he wraps you in towels and then a dressing gown and then thick blankets, marking each layer with a kiss. He sits at the middle of the bed to pull your legs into his lap, massages moisturiser into them in quiet. It would be a miracle if he couldn't feel the capering skip of your pulse beneath it. He's touched you tenderly a hundred times before but this is different —he's seeing you at your very lowest, and he's building you back up. 

His hand rests on the soft inside of your thigh. "You don't ever have to go back there again. Me and the boys could pack your things, I'll help you pay the rent that overlaps. You don't have to… well, you can stay with me as long as you need. I'd love to keep you." 

You rub your hot cheek with the side of your hand, looking down at his arm and its stark green veins. 

"You're so good to me," you say. 

Remus takes on a teasing, almost blasé attitude, arms winding behind your back and pulling you close as he says, "You deserve good!" passionately enough to trick a smile from you. "I have no choice but to be good to you. I can't help it. I haven't tried otherwise, obviously, but nothing in me ever wants to. I meant everything I said, yeah? You're my sweetheart." 

You breathe out of your nose, unable to meet his eyes. He shuffles closer across the bed, kissing your warm cheek. "Sorry. I'm embarrassing you." 

But it's like he said earlier: you've nothing to be embarrassed of. 

[idkyetxoxo]

Four | Enchanted | Aemond Targaryen

Word count - 3870

Warnings - Substance use?

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The next morning, I awoke with an involuntary smile tugging at my lips. Sunlight filtered through the curtains, and I could already see Alaric standing dutifully outside my chambers.

My thoughts were elsewhere—lingering on the kiss I had shared with Aemond the night before. A kiss that still haunted my senses, making my skin hum with a strange, undeniable energy.

I touched my lips lightly, recalling the firmness of his, the way time had seemed to stop in that one heated, unexpected moment.

Even the dull ache between my legs—a reminder of the night's other... indulgences—couldn't distract me from the memory.

I stretched lazily, shaking the sleep from my limbs. My handmaidens, who had grown accustomed to my moods, dressed me with begrudging efficiency, wrapping me in fine silks and adorning me with jewels.

Their whispers and curious glances did not go unnoticed, but I ignored them. Let them gossip. None of it mattered.

"Alaric," I greeted curtly as I stepped into the corridor, my tone betraying nothing. He nodded stiffly, falling into step beside me as we made our way to the dining hall. 

Inside, my father and Nymor were already seated, locked in one of their usual heated debates that barely paused as I entered. 

I slipped into my chair with practiced ease, plucking an orange segment from Nymor's plate with a casual smirk.

"What?" I asked, feigning innocence as Nymor glared, swatting at my hand in irritation. His scowl only deepened as I popped the fruit into my mouth, savoring its sweetness.

But before the banter could escalate, my father's voice cut through the room, authoritative and unyielding. 

"You two will accompany the princes and princess to the market today." His words were simple, but his tone left no room for argument.

I scoffed, my distaste immediately showing. "For what possible reason would I waste my morning pandering to those dragons?" 

My voice dripped with defiance, my face twisting into a scowl at the very idea. "I have no interest in playing handmaiden to a bunch of pompous Targaryens."

Nymor grunted in agreement beside me, his irritation evident. 

The last thing either of us wanted was to spend our day trailing behind the very people we resented—the silver-haired gods who thought the world bowed to their whims. The dragons who thought their fire made them untouchable.

My father's brow furrowed, eyes narrowing with impatience. "They are our guests, and you will treat them as such."

I leaned back in my chair, crossing my arms with a defiant huff. "I don't see why I should be dragged along on their little sightseeing expedition. Let them find their way to the market on their own. They are more than capable, aren't they? Or do Targaryens need a map when there's no sky beneath their dragons' wings?"

The barb landed, sharp and intended, but my father's expression didn't waver. He simply looked at me with that same steely gaze he always had when he was laying down the law.

Nymor, always quick to jump into the fray, chimed in. "She's right. Why should we babysit a bunch of silver-haired brats who think they're better than the rest of us? Let them explore the market on their own."

But my father wasn't having it. His voice dropped to a measured calm, the kind that warned of an argument I wouldn't win. 

"He has proven himself worthy, just as you requested." His words were pointed, meant to strike, and they did.

I felt my stomach twist, a hot flicker of embarrassment rising in my throat. "What's that supposed to mean?" I snapped, though the answer was obvious.

"You know exactly what it means," he replied, his voice steady but firm. "It was you who insisted on testing his worth, and now that he's met your challenge, you're ready to turn your back? Will you go back on your word, or is it all just bluster when it suits you?"

The sting of his words cut deep, and I clenched my teeth, my pride and frustration warring within me. 

He was right, damn him. I had been the one to demand Aemond prove himself, and now that he had done so, I was bound by my own challenge. I hated the way my father's gaze pinned me in place, like a hawk watching its prey. 

The silence that followed was suffocating.

Nymor groaned beside me, rubbing his temples in frustration as if the entire conversation had already exhausted him. 

"Fine," he muttered under his breath, clearly resigned. "But let's be clear: I'm not doing this because I want to. I'm doing it because we apparently have no choice in the matter."

I exhaled slowly, turning my head away from my father's piercing gaze. Swallowing my pride with a bitter huff, I relented. 

"I will go," I said through gritted teeth, my voice edged with resentment. "But don't think for a second that I'll enjoy a moment of it."

My father nodded, his stern expression softening slightly as if that was all he had ever asked for. "That is all I ask."

The Targaryens could have their market visit, and I would play the dutiful host, but I wouldn't make it easy for them.

They wanted to see our world? I'd make sure they saw it—thorns and all.

─── ✦⋅♡⋅✦ ───

The golden carriage jostled and rumbled with each turn of the wheels, the ornate crest on its side catching glints of sunlight as we rode through the bustling streets of the Dornish capital. 

The city was alive with noise and color, the air thick with the smell of spiced meats and exotic perfumes. 

Inside, Helaena gazed out the window, her pale eyes wide with wonder as she quietly muttered observations to Aegon, who barely mustered the energy to respond. 

Half-awake and disinterested, he slouched in his seat, a portrait of royal indifference, his eyelids heavy from what I suspected was another night spent in some tavern or brothel.

I watched him, irritation bubbling beneath my skin like molten lava, and I had to resist the sudden urge to yank him back by his hair and slap some semblance of life into his lethargic expression. 

"If he keeps staring at you like that, I'm going to gouge out his other eye," Nymor whispered in my ear, his voice dripping with protective annoyance, his breath hot against my neck.

Following his line of sight, I spotted Aemond across the carriage, his sharp gaze locked on me, his one good eye glinting with a mixture of amusement and something darker. 

That insufferable, self-assured smirk played on his lips, the one I both loathed and couldn't quite ignore. There was something magnetic about his attention, even as it set my nerves aflame. 

He seemed to find every moment with me some private, twisted game—a battle of wills neither of us was willing to lose.

"Let him stare," I whispered back to Nymor, my voice laced with defiance. "It seems I have become his latest fascination."

Nymor shot Aemond a glare that could've melted iron, but the prince only smiled wider, utterly unfazed by my brother's barely veiled threat. 

He leaned back casually, as if the carriage ride, the tension, the entire city were little more than an amusement to him. His attention, however, never wavered. He was watching me like a cat watches a mouse—no rush, no fear, just the certainty that he'd win in the end.

The carriage finally slowed to a halt with a creak of wood and metal, and Nymor was the first to step out, ever the protective brother. 

He turned immediately to offer me his hand, his grip firm and steady as he helped me descend, his touch a reminder that, for all my defiance, I wasn't alone. 

I accepted his hand with a small nod of gratitude before he moved to assist Helaena, whose cheeks flushed pink at the unexpected chivalry. 

She mumbled a shy thank you, her fingers brushing his arm as he helped her down, and I caught the ghost of a smile on Nymor's lips.

The marketplace sprawled before us, a riot of color and sound, vendors shouting out their wares, stalls overflowing with silks, spices, and jewels. 

It was a feast for the senses, and I felt a surge of pride. This was Dorne, a land of beauty and danger, where nothing was ever as simple as it seemed.

We began our stroll through the crowded market, Nymor and I setting a pace that dared the Targaryens to keep up. 

Helaena, to her credit, was enthralled, her eyes wide as she took in the sights. She ran her fingers along the delicate threads of an embroidered rug, marveling at the craftsmanship with a soft, breathless wonder.

"Everything here is so beautiful," she whispered, her voice filled with genuine awe.

I couldn't help but smile at her appreciation. "It's the finest craftsmanship you'll find in the realm," I said warmly. "Each piece tells a story."

Aegon, meanwhile, looked bored, glancing around the market with an air of indifference, though I didn't miss the gleam of greed in his eyes as he eyed the golden trinkets on display. 

"A lot of gold," he commented dryly, his tone laced with disinterest.

I laughed lightly, the sound mingling with the vibrant chatter of the market. "Gold is the prettiest metal, don't you think? It has a way of making even the simplest things feel extraordinary."

But it was Aemond who captured my attention the most. He moved through the crowd like a shadow, his eye taking in everything, though it always seemed to return to me. 

His presence was unsettling, a constant reminder of the kiss we'd shared—a kiss I couldn't seem to banish from my thoughts, no matter how hard I tried. 

And it wasn't just the kiss itself; it was the way he looked at me now, like he knew something I didn't, like he could see into the very heart of me and was daring me to acknowledge it.

We stopped at a jeweller's stall, where Helaena's gaze was drawn to a pair of delicate emerald earrings that shimmered in the sunlight. 

Without a second thought, I picked them up, holding them against her ears with a smile. "Do you like them?"

She nodded shyly, her face lighting up with joy.

"Then they're yours," I said, turning to the jeweller. My fingers slipped deftly into the pouch at Nymor's side, retrieving a handful of coins and handing them to the jeweller without a word.

Aegon watched the exchange with a smirk. "How generous of you, Princess," he drawled, his tone dripping with mockery. "I didn't know you were in the habit of giving gifts to strangers."

I rolled my eyes, but before I could respond, Aemond spoke, his voice smooth and laced with a hint of mischief. 

"Very generous indeed," he murmured, his gaze fixed on mine, his words heavy with insinuation. "I wonder just how far the princess's generosity extends."

The air between us crackled with tension, his challenge hanging in the space like a sword waiting to fall. 

Aegon snorted with laughter, clearly enjoying his brother's taunt, but I wasn't about to let Aemond get the better of me.

I raised an eyebrow, my tone cold and sharp as a blade. "Wouldn't you love to find out?"

Nymor, ever my shield, cut in before Aemond could respond. "Keep dreaming, one-eye," he sneered. "My sister's generosity doesn't extend to the likes of you."

Aemond's smirk only deepened, his gaze never leaving mine as he ignored Nymor completely. 

He leaned in slightly, his voice low and dangerous, meant for me alone. "Tell me, princess," he whispered, "what's more maddening? That I kissed you... or that you can't stop thinking about it?"

His words were like a spark to dry tinder, igniting something hot and angry inside me. "Get over yourself," I snapped. "I'm not one of your conquests, and I won't be another name for your list of careless indulgences."

His gaze darkened, though his voice softened. "Then don't be. But don't lie to yourself either. I know you felt it. I know you still do."

I opened my mouth to deny it, to tear him down with words as sharp as the blade I wanted to stab through his chest, but I couldn't. 

The truth was there, lingering in the space between us, undeniable and infuriating.

I tore my gaze from his, turning sharply on my heel. "Come," I called to the others, my voice too cheerful, too sweet. "There's something I'd like you all to try. A true Dornish delicacy."

Aemond's gaze burned into my back as we wove through the market stalls, the tension between us like a taut string, ready to snap. I would make him pay for rattling me, for making me feel anything at all. 

I would show him exactly what it meant to play with fire in Dorne.

Helaena's face lit up with curiosity, while Aegon looked mildly interested, probably hoping for another indulgence to amuse himself. 

Nymor stayed close, casting suspicious glances at the Targaryen brothers, but he didn't question me, knowing better than to interrupt when I had that particular glint of mischief in my eyes.

We made our way through the bustling market, weaving between stalls of silk, fragrant spices, and brightly coloured wares until I stopped in front of a small, unassuming stand. 

The air was filled with the sweet, heady scent of candied fruits and honey, the stall covered in vibrant, jewel-toned sweets that shimmered under the sun like tiny, edible gems.

"These," I announced, gesturing to the array of brightly coloured treats, my eyes sparkling with barely concealed mischief. "Are my favourite Dornish sweets. They're made from a rare fruit that grows only in the deep desert. Quite the experience, I assure you."

The vendor, an elderly woman with a knowing smile, nodded as she carefully arranged the sweets. She gave me a wink, recognizing me instantly as a regular patron. 

We'd shared more than a few quiet chuckles over the reactions of those unaccustomed to the particular effects of her confections.

Helaena leaned in, her gaze fixed on the array of vivid colours. "They're beautiful," she murmured, enchanted by the glossy reds, purples, and blues. "What are they made of?"

"Oh, a blend of fruits, spices, and a touch of something special," I replied with an innocent smile. "One of the rarest tastes in Dorne. It's said to heighten the senses, make the world feel a bit more...vivid."

Aegon, always eager to try anything that promised pleasure or distraction, reached out without hesitation. 

"I'll bite," he said, popping a deep violet sweet into his mouth and chewing eagerly. "What's the catch?"

"No catch," I said sweetly, watching him closely as he savoured the flavour, his expression quickly shifting from casual enjoyment to something more bewildered.

His eyes widened slightly, and I could almost see the moment the candy's subtle, mind-altering effects began to take hold.

I turned to Helaena, offering her a pastel green sweet. "You should try one too. The taste is... unlike anything you've ever experienced." 

She hesitated for a moment, then took the sweet from my hand, trusting and eager as she popped it into her mouth. 

Her reaction was slower, more subdued, but I could see her pupils dilate, her gaze softening as the colours around her seemed to grow more vibrant, the world suddenly full of shimmering light and unexpected beauty.

Aemond watched his siblings' reactions with a mix of curiosity and suspicion, his eye narrowing. 

"What exactly are these sweets meant to do?" he asked, his tone guarded, but there was a challenge in his gaze as he looked at me as if daring me to tell him the truth.

"They simply elevate the senses," I said coyly, selecting a deep red sweet and holding it out to him. "They make you see things differently, feel things more deeply. Dorne is a land of intense experiences, after all. Why not embrace it?"

He took the sweet from my hand but didn't eat it immediately. 

Instead, he studied it as if trying to determine its secrets. "You seem awfully eager to share," he said, a hint of suspicion in his voice. "Should I be worried?"

I leaned in closer, my smile mischievous, eyes locked on his. "Only if you're afraid of a little adventure. But I wouldn't worry—you like playing with fire, don't you?"

Aemond held my gaze for a beat longer, then popped the sweet into his mouth with a decisive snap of his teeth. 

He chewed slowly, his expression impassive at first, but then his eye flickered with something new—a brief, unguarded moment of surprise as the effects began to take hold. 

His posture shifted, and for the first time, the ever-composed prince seemed caught off guard, the sharp edges of his demeanour softening just a touch.

I grinned, watching them closely, satisfied as the subtle effects worked their magic.

 "Welcome to Dorne," I said, my voice tinged with a playful edge. "Where nothing is ever quite as it seems."

We continued our stroll through the market, Nymor and I stayed close, exchanging knowing glances as we watched the Targaryens, eager to see the full effects unfold. 

It wasn't long before the signs began to show: Aegon, ever the eager fool, started to sway slightly on his feet, blinking rapidly as if the world around him had suddenly become too bright.

He stumbled into a stall selling perfumes, knocking over a display of glass vials that shattered in a symphony of colour and scent, the air filling with the overpowering mix of jasmine and rosewater.

"Easy there, Aegon," I teased, biting back a laugh as he fumbled to steady himself, his movements clumsy and disoriented. 

He looked at me, his pupils blown wide, his usual arrogance replaced by a dazed, blissful confusion.

"Everything's so... so colourful," Aegon mumbled, his voice slurring slightly as he squinted at the world around him. 

He grabbed at the air as if trying to touch something invisible, his fingers twitching in odd patterns. "It's like the sky's moving... the colours are... singing?"

Nymor snorted, barely able to contain his laughter. "Maybe stick to wine next time, Aegon. Seems sweets aren't your strong suit."

I couldn't help but laugh, watching Aegon make a fool of himself, staggering and tripping over his own feet. He wandered over to a nearby fountain, dipping his hands in the water and splashing his face repeatedly as if trying to ground himself.

 "The water feels... alive," he muttered, marvelling at the way it seemed to shimmer and dance under his touch.

Helaena, meanwhile, was fairing better, though she wasn't entirely immune to the effects. 

She moved slowly, her eyes wide as she gazed at the intricate patterns of a nearby fabric, her fingertips tracing the threads with exaggerated care.

"It's like... I can feel every stitch," she said dreamily, her voice soft and breathy. She was lost in her own little world, a serene smile spreading across her lips. "I've never seen anything so beautiful."

I patted her shoulder gently, feeling a small pang of guilt but also relieved that the effects on her were mild, more like a pleasant daydream than anything troubling. 

"Just enjoy it, Helaena," I said kindly, guiding her away from the stall so she wouldn't be overwhelmed by the bustling crowd.

But Aemond—oh, Aemond was having the worst of it, and I couldn't deny the wicked satisfaction I felt watching him try to maintain his composure. 

The ever-stoic prince, who prided himself on his unshakable self-control, was clearly struggling to keep it together. His gaze darted around, his eye glassy and unfocused as if he were seeing things that didn't quite make sense.

He blinked rapidly, shaking his head as though trying to clear away a fog. 

"What... what is this?" he muttered under his breath, his voice strained and edged with a frustration that only made his predicament funnier. "The walls are... moving. And the ground... it's... it's breathing."

I bit my lip to keep from bursting into laughter, but Nymor had no such restraint. He doubled over, clutching his stomach as he howled with laughter. 

"Look at him!" Nymor wheezed, pointing at Aemond, whose attempts to appear unaffected were failing spectacularly. "The mighty prince of the Targaryens, undone by a bit of Dornish candy!"

Aemond shot him a glare, or at least tried to, but his expression quickly melted into one of bewilderment as he reached out and touched the stone wall beside him, recoiling as if it had burned him.

"It's... it's moving," he stammered, his voice tinged with a mix of anger and disbelief. He turned to me, his composure cracking as he struggled to make sense of what was happening. "What did you give us?"

I shrugged, feigning innocence while barely suppressing my laughter. "Just a little taste of Dorne. You said you wanted adventure, didn't you?"

Aemond's mouth opened and closed, his words failing him as he tried to keep his balance. He stumbled back, nearly tripping over his own feet, his hand reaching out to steady himself against a merchant's cart. 

The vendors and passersby watched him with a mixture of confusion and amusement, the sight of the prince reduced to this state proving to be quite the spectacle.

"This isn't... this isn't real," Aemond muttered, his tone a mix of defiance and vulnerability as he fought to regain control. He clenched his fists, trying to force himself to focus, but his body wouldn't cooperate. "Everything's... distorted."

Nymor and I were beside ourselves, trying to contain our laughter as we watched Aemond grapple with the vivid hallucinations.

 The market seemed to pulsate around him, colours bleeding into one another as if the world itself was playing tricks on his senses. 

His frustration was palpable, and for the first time, Aemond looked genuinely lost, struggling to reconcile the reality he knew with the chaos unfolding in his mind.

"Relax, Aemond," I said, trying to maintain a straight face but failing miserably. "It's just the sweets. It'll wear off soon. Or not. Who can say?"

He shot me a withering look, though the effect was somewhat diminished by his dilated pupil and the bewildered expression he couldn't quite hide. 

"This... this is your idea of fun?" he asked, his voice laced with a desperate attempt at his usual snark, though it came out shaky.

"Oh, you have no idea," I replied, enjoying every moment. 

Aemond groaned, rubbing his temple as if that would dispel the vivid, swirling colours that seemed to dance at the edge of his vision. He tried to collect himself, but every time he seemed to gain some ground, another wave of distortion hit, pulling him back under.

 I could see the frustration boiling beneath his calm facade, and it was all the more satisfying knowing he couldn't hide from it.

Nymor finally straightened up, wiping a tear from his eye as he patted me on the back. "You're wicked, sister," he said, still chuckling.

I nodded, my eyes still locked on Aemond, who was leaning heavily against the wall, his breaths coming in shallow, uneven puffs. 

"Just a little reminder," I said softly, my voice carrying just enough for Aemond to hear. "Dorne isn't for the faint of heart."

The Targaryens might have thought they could handle anything, but today, they'd learned a valuable lesson: Dorne had its own way of humbling even the most arrogant of dragons, and I was more than happy to be the one to teach it.

A/n - Got a tad bit carried away writing about their acid trip oops 

Enchanted tag list - @mamawiggers1980 @shilphy87 @esposadomd @targaryendestiel @deepeststarlightmoon

@thebirdandthebee @queen-of-elves @believeinthefireflies95

[starhvney]

𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐘

𝐏𝐀𝐈𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆: mcd laurance x fem!reader

𝐒𝐔𝐌𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐘: he's lost too many people he's loved, he can't lose you too

𝐓𝐀𝐆𝐒: diaries!laurance, hurt/comfort, laurance and reader aren't explicitly said to have a relationship or feelings for each other but it's implied, reader and laurance are travelling for a mission together

𝐂𝐖: nightmare, descriptions of blood but no specific description of injuries or violence, mentions of character death

𝐀/𝐍: why is it so hard to write endings >:( anyways kind of short drabble but i needed to get this idea out

𝐌𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓

before he could ever see anything, he could smell it.

that familiar metallic scent of blood soaking into the ground. he smelled it when joh was shot right under his nose. he smelled it when he was in the nether and the scent of his own blood was his only reminder that he was still alive. when he was barely conscious but felt the life of ungrth draining next to him, that same sickening smell invaded all of his senses.

it can’t be happening again. his chest fills uncomfortably with panic, his rib cage feeling like it could break at the seams and burst through his skin. not again.

one second you were right in front of him, that sweet smile on your lips and that certain sparkle in your eyes that you seemed to reserve just for him. he must have blinked, or turned for only a slight second, but that was enough for you to slip from his fingers and out of his sight.

for a moment he froze. the sight of blood trailing into the dark forest ahead replacing the warm image he had of you just a moment ago. it’s deafeningly silent, before a scream echoes ahead. your scream. his feet carried him forward before he even realized he was moving. wind rushed past his ears and twigs snapped under his feet, your name frantically falling from his lips. he usually ran faster than this. why couldn’t he run any faster?

and the smell. it nearly staggers him to a halt as it hits him like a tidal wave.

he finds you, sprawled in an uncomfortable heap on the forest ground. your chest heaves unevenly, every gasp of air was followed by a pained whimper. and your blood. it was everywhere. smeared across your skin. seeping into the moss below you. there was so much he couldn’t even tell where it was coming from. 

he drops to his knees next to you, lifting you up to hold you in his arms. he moves your hair out of your face, cupping your cheek and rubbing it like it would put more life into the paled, blood-drained color.

“come on. don’t do this to me.” he says through clenched teeth, hoping for some sort of response but getting none.

not you. not you. not you. 

he repeats your name, his voice strangled and desperate. he feels your blood staining into his clothes, that metallic scent seeping into his skin.

he lightly shakes you as he’s once again met with silence. complete silence. your chest doesn’t heave for air, and your body now lays completely limp in his arms.

it feels like suddenly his own blood has been drained, all feeling in his limbs numb as he cradles your body to his chest as you go cold.

no, no, no.

“laurance…? …up…”

no. no. no.

“…wake up. laurance, wake up!”

he shoots up from his bedroll in a panic, barely giving you enough time to move back as he nearly bashes his head into yours. his panicked breaths fill your shared tent as you contemplate reaching out to him.

“woah, woah. it’s okay,” you try to reassure him, leaning over to catch his gaze.

frantic eyes meet yours, and before anything could be said, you’re yanked forward into an almost crushing hug. laurance’s hands grip on to you like you could disappear at any moment. fingers thread through your hair as he holds the back of your head, tucking you into the crook of his neck as his other arm wraps around your waist.

“you were having a nightmare… it’s okay.” you whisper to him, voice slightly unsteady.

you’d never seen him so shaken. not since he thought hayden died, or ungrth sacrificed himself. even then, he managed to keep some sort of composure. now, his muscles tremble and tense weakly, the adrenaline from his dream dissipating and wearing him down.

“…laur-“

“just. stay here. for a moment.” his voice hoarsely strains out.

you go quiet, hugging him back. a few minutes pass like this. with your chest pressed against his, you feel his rapid heartbeat eventually slow to a less panicked pace. he regains some control of his breathing, each breath in your ear shaky and stuttered. 

“what did you dream about?” you ask tentatively. 

he doesn’t respond at first, but you feel his breathing and hesitate pick up for a moment. 

“stay with me.” his voice is muffled in your hair.

“…what?”

“don’t leave my side. don’t go out of my sight for the rest of the journey.”

“we’re only two days away from phoenix drop, i’ll be-“

his arms tighten around you, squeezing some of the air out of your lungs. you try to squirm to get a better look at his face, but you can’t budge even an inch. 

“…okay.” you agree, hoping to calm whatever anxiety had been caused by his dream.

“promise.”

“i promise.”

his grip slowly relaxes again, but he still doesn’t let go. instead, he leans back into his bed roll, taking you down with him. you make a small noise of surprise as he does, grasping into his linen shirt to steady yourself as you practically lay on top of him.

“…do you want to stay like this till morning?” you ask hesitantly, moving your head to finally get a look at his face.

there’s a light sheen of cold sweat across his face, his eyes shut tight as he seemingly tried to focus on his breathing. slowly, he nods, exhaustedly extending his arm out to grab the blanket from your bed roll. he yanks it over you, respectably keeping contact with you while using your blankets as a barrier.

“try to go back to sleep and get some rest.”

you wrap your arms around his neck, running your fingers through his hair and shifting up to tuck your chin over his head. laurance releases a shaky breath, steadying himself as he relaxes further into you. soon you hear nothing but the crickets outside of the tent and his deepened breaths.

“i’ll be here when you wake up.”

©starhvney, 2024. please do not steal or repost my works as your own.

[azlrse]

nah bc i NEED to know what happens to mc after their wakes up from their thousand-year slumber w malleus

they just wake up to realize that everyone they loved passed away centuries ago and that they’re living in an entirely different era, and that they need to haul their ass outta that castle

➳ once upon a dream part ii (a yandere malleus draconia x gn!reader oneshot)

cw: yandere themes, angst, implied forced marriage, isolation, using magic against one's will, implied minor character death & manipulation.

a/n: man I suck at creating dialogues lmfaoo

read the last fic here !!

"Please I beg of you, Tsunotarou!" You desperately gasp for air as you spoke those lines, clinging against his chest. You can feel your eyes glowing a dark green from the fae's magic to put you in a induced sleep, not to mention on how painful your body felt from this sudden transformation. "Don't put me to sleep, I still have a family waiting for me on the other side of that mirror."

On the other hand, Malleus consoles you, rubbing your back while both of his hands are glowing the same shades of green from your eyes. The prince felt really bad as guilt and desperation surges through his mind, repeating like a mantra that it's your destiny to stay here in Twisted Wonderland and forget those people you call your family. The mirror from his school proves it too! That the mirror calls for you despite someone who is powerless and didn't possess any kind of magic of your own.

"Shhh shhh." He whispered softly, now laying you by his side while your body's about to give out, signaling that his spell is working it's magic on you. "It's okay, my child of man. Do not fight it, let my magic lead you into a slumber that you will never forget. After all," He hugged your delicate body, his arm is wrapped around your torso while his other arm is pressed against your head, placing it against the nape of his neck. "A thousand years of sleep would feel like a dream and when you wake up, I'll be by your side." You felt a pair of lips pressed against your own cold ones while he caresses your cheeks.

"Sweet dreams, my love. I'll see you soon."

You felt your eyes fluttering for the first time, letting out a yawn and attempting to get up from the soft cushions of the bed you're laying in. In an attempt to get up, your head bumped into something what appears to be a glass. It surprises you that your bed has a glass cover on top, not to mention the absurd amount of flowers surrounding your room. You opened the glass coffin and for the first time, you are in awe the way the entire room looked like; it's gloomy yes, but the way the flowers added to the room's atmosphere makes you feel...at ease strangely.

You wondered to yourself how on earth did you ended up in this marvelous room. You tried tracing your memories on how you ended here in this strange place and yet, no luck. Your eyes landed on the sole exit of the room, trying to unlock it by nudging the door knob. No one answered. You tried speaking towards the door, in hopes that someone could hear you, no one responded. You are about to give up, returning to the bed coffin you once laid in when all of the sudden, the sound of locks and deadbolts are unlocked, revealing a small, petite maid carrying various flowers and her gardening tools.

Judging on how she looked, she is indeed a fae from the ears and the shade of dark olive green hair. She seems friendly enough for a fae so you spoke her meekly. "Um hello there.." From the shock alone, the maid dropped both the gardening tools and the bouquet of flowers that Malleus ordered her to be planted on your room. Stuttering, she bowed down before you, making you surprised in return. "Y-y-your majesty! I d-didn't expect you to be awake! It's an honor be by your presence, my king/queen!" Not only you are confused on why that woman called you by such rank you didn't even recall gaining it. You remembered that you aren't someone who is deemed as royalty but also you weren't from a royal blood line.

Unless someone who is royalty married you–

"I'm so sorry but this is a misunderstanding." The maid looked up at you in confusion. "What do you mean, your highness?" You quickly shooked your head as you picked up the various tools and flowers she dropped minutes ago.

"I am not used to be called by such endearment and I am not from a royal blood line–" The maid cut you off. "B-but, you are (y/n) Draconia! The crowned ruler of the Valley of Thorns and his majesty's love." She felt like you didn't by her words, which confuses her even more. As a last attempt, she pointed her finger to the portrait right above your bed which turns out to be a coffin. From the picture, you can see on how happy Malleus is alongside you. But, what makes it even more creepy is that you didn't recalled being married to him as your portrait portrays you as someone who is equally as happy as he is, the only difference is that your eyes glowed a bright green along with the black and green garment as your wedding attire.

"Y-your majesty? Are you okay?" You felt like you are about to pass out, stumbling upon the overgrown grass and vines on the floor below. With the adrenaline pumping by your veins, you ran away, pushing the guards and dropping your crown in the process. You ignored all of the sounds that rang around the place, ranging from the guards pleading you to stop from the bells above ringing, signaling that someone of royalty is in distress.

Which in fact, caught Malleus's attention as he saw the guards running and heard the bell ringing above.

Turning around the corner, you see a huge door which could lead to your forgotten freedom when suddenly, your body jolted backwards from the sudden force as the tip of your cape was caught by a sharp stone. In desperation to escape, you pulled your cape so hard that the expensive fabric was ripped and once again you sprinted against the tall door right around the corner. Your entire body was covered entirely with sweat and you never felt this good since the day you've slept and the adrenaline you have felt, it felt so accelerating yet weird at the same time.

You are about to open the door and to your surprise, Malleus appeared alongside with several guards and Lilia by his side. "My beloved!" He spoke, his voice is laced with a series of emotions ranging from disappoinment to sadness upon seeing your distressed state. Seeing his eyes alone, your precious memories from the past reminded you of what you once had. From your heartslabyul friends to your own family back in your world, it was those happy moments you want to cherish for the rest of your life.

However, you also remembered how that man you saw not only is your captor but also your husband and king. It was dawned upon you that Malleus himself took you away in fear that you will leave this world that called you in the first place and out of greed and desperation, he married you against your will. Seeing him for the first time made you sacred to the core, ignoring his attempts on coercing you to leave that door alone. Not listening to him, you opened the tall doors which turns out to the door that leads to the balcony.

This made Malleus worried for you even more as he shouted your name once more in fear. With nowhere else to go, you climbed on the stone fence of the balcony and felt the cold wind hit your face for the first time. "I knew that this day would come." Lilia murmured as he held Malleus's shaking hand as an attempt to console the once young prince. "(y/n)!" Lilia shouted, successfully getting your attention. "Malleus has something to say! Please let him explain to you!"

In return, you shook your head side to side, tears seeping through your face as you held the stone pillar for support. "How can I believe his explanation if that man before me casted me that wicked spell that cause me to have that slumber?!" You shouted fearlessly despite being scared towards him. The man that was once your friend walk towards the open doors of the balcony, with your crown by his hands. "I'm doing what's best for you, for us and seeing you leaving me is indeed torture and I won't spend thousands of years ruling alone without someone to call both my love and spouse."

"Then why did you choose me out of all those people? Why not someone's who's the same species as you?" Now, Malleus was right below you, with a sad smile on his face. "Because you didn't fear me even after you knew my name. You are the first and last human to whom my heart yearned for and the one I call the love of my life." He spoke. "I indeed apologize for casting that spell against your will but as I've stated before, I'm doing this for the sake of your love."

You didn't trust his words but asked another question. "How long I was asleep?" You asked, in which the king of faes gladly answered. "About a millennia, my dear. Just like the tale of the sleeping princess I've read to you when we are still in NRC." You almost lost your grip against the pillar upon hearing his words. Sleeping for a thousand years? For you it felt like you've been sleeping for at least a day or two. Then, another realization dawned upon you, making you nauseous. "Does this mean that-"

You look at Malleus's green pair of eyes and the fae said nothing but a sad nod. Everyone you loved in NRC, even your friends and family on the other side of the mirror are dead and you didn't have the chance to say good to them face to face. You failed to realize that while you are in deep thoughts, Malleus pulled you down from the pillar as you knees gave out once more. Tears begin to stream down your face once again, hitting Malleus's chest as a way to protest and as a way to wake up, hoping that this moment is nothing but a nightmare you couldn't wake up. You didn't believe that it's been thousands of years since you last saw your friends and everyone you knew in NRC.

If it weren't for you visiting that cursed dorm where he once resided, you could have the chance to go home, to be with your friends and family and to die as a human. You continuously hit his chest and it didn't bothered him, not even once as he cradles your tired body against his body. "No no no..." Your murmured, slapping his body. "This must be a dream- no a nightmare. This isn't real, I'll just wake up and everything's back to normal." You sobbed, now giving up on hurting the man before you.

You know that there's no one to take you in if you ever ran away from the castle since everyone you knew is now dead. No blood relatives nor friends to be by your side except for Malleus. For he and he alone could take care of you and he gladly accepted that offer. "This isn't a dream, my child of man." He replied, caressing your messy locks and placing the crown on your head. "You don't have anyone else but me to turn to. For I, Malleus Draconia, your husband and king, will love and cherish you for as long as I've lived." Kissing your head once more, he carried you back the room that was once his sleeping quarters, is now a shared room of both you and him.

He stared at you in awe as you kept on clinging close towards him. "Please don't leave me, my love. I will promise you that no harm will go through you, even from me." He replied, to which you kept on sobbing against his chest, now covered with tears and snot but the king didn't mind at all.

After all, he would like to thank his grandmother for the spell she taught him since he was a child. You are indeed this fae's sleeping beauty, now in his arms and forever be his.

Do not republish, edit, or repost to other websites.

Reblogs and likes are appreciated! 💕

[avenging-fandoms]

after met one on one time with pedro. IMMEDIATELY. PLEASE IM BEGGING

"My god.. what time is it?" Pedro whines and you click on your phone, showing him the time. "Oh, 3am. This old fart's gotta get to bed" he grunts as he stomps up the stairs and you hold your stomach as you laugh. The stomps stop and his shoes squeak. "Babe, get up! I'm ready for bed. And if you aren't there, I can't sleep"

"That was.. that was just hilarious" you manage to get out in giggles and he chuckles with you, grabbing your bicep and helping you up and you catch your breath. You reach your bedroom and don't even bother touching the light, jumping on your bed and kicking off your heels.

"Ow! Jesus Christ" Pedro grumbles and turns on the light, rubbing his shin. "My legs are exposed, and you hit my shin with your goddamn heel" he laughs softly in between words and you hold your mouth as you laugh.

Pedro takes off his coat and drapes it on you after you moved up to the pillows. He lays next to you while laying on his bicep, dragging his fingertips over your eyebrow.

"Did you have a good time?" he asks and you nod, smiling.

"Did you flip off a camera?"

"I plead the fifth"

"You were on video! And there's pictures!" you laugh and he licks his lips. "You really know how to make every carpet yours, Pedro" you scrunch your nose and he blushes.

"You are too kind, princesa. But you.." he inhales and growls a bit as he exhales while sliding his hand down your side. "You are the most beautiful thing I have ever laid my eyes on. My sweet girl"

It was your turn to blush and you kiss his nose with a smile. His arm wraps around you and pulls you close to him, your arm under his. "I'm glad we just took pictures, but it was still so loud. I wanted to run inside"

"I know how you feel, thank God there were drinks" he huffs and you giggle, pecking his lips. Your index finger traces his features and pull his bottom lip down. He kisses you slowly while rubbing his thumb over your cheek.

"Are you ready for bed? I'm ready for bed" you throw his coat over his head and head to the bathroom. You take off your jewelry and every single clip, bobby pin and hair piece. You take off your eyelashes off and grab a makeup wipe.

Pedro enters the bathroom in his pyjamas with yours in hand and sets them on the counter. He moves your hair and unzips your dress, helping you step out of it.

He slides on your shorts - but not before. kissing your bare ass - while you scrubbed away at your face. With your face your dripping wet, Pedro slid on your shirt and you laugh. You apply your lotion and grab your toothbrush while Pedro grabs your hair brush.

Starting from the bottom, Pedro gently brushed the Met out of your hair and you brushed your teeth. He put your hair in a very messy bun and you thank him.

Pedro started to brush his teeth as you swished water. You kiss his back through his t-shirt and climb into bed. You plug your phone in and check on Twitter and Instagram as you wait for Pedro.

You were his biggest fan, retweeting pictures of only him and posting him on your story. You were his biggest cheerleader and he adored every ounce of you.

Finally, Pedro made it into bed next to you, pressing his front into your back and tucking his chin into your neck. "Are people being mean?"

"You need to stop worrying if people are being mean. You're sexy as fuck and they can suck it" you shrug and Pedro laughs, kissing your cheek over and over, your phone sliding out of your hand.

"I'm so thankful for you" Pedro whispers with his nose pressed against yours. "You're my date forever"

"And ever, Pedrito" you press your lips against and he rolls back onto his side, holding the small of your back. "I just adore you"

"Like music to my ears" he sings and you laugh, covering your eyes. "We need sleep, you can't stop laughing and I'm.. on Space Mountain I don't know"

You couldn't contain your laughter, even when Pedro tried covering your mouth. You finally calmed down and Pedro shut off the light, turning his back to you and you pushed your leg between his and arm over his waist.

"Goodnight Pedro"

"Goodnight Princessa"

[heyybaejjk]

MODERN AO'NUNG HCS.

pairing. human!aonung x human!fem reader

summary. modern au, ao'nung in highschool + boyfriend headcanons

notes. boyfriend ao'nung headcanons, human & in high school. ao'nung & reader are both 18.

warnings — swearing, mentions of blood! making out, implied smut but nothing too far

masterlist. pt. 2 pt. 3

A lot of his peers from school assume he's just some muscular, hot headed guy with an ego so big, when in actuality he's not.

He was, until he met you.

People change, people don't change. He was the first factor.

People naturally assume Ao'nung is the type to just buy you expensive shit that have no meaning, but he really puts thought into every little thing he buys or crafts himself.

Also assuming that your relationship with Ao'nung was going to end after one month.

How could that possibly happen if he is head over heels for you?

Mans is caught off guard by the thought of you, even when you're not there with him physically

Brags about you, his kind and sweet girlfriend 25/8 just because.

"Bro my girl is so fucking cute, she met my mum yesterday and brought her flowers. like??? if you want me to get on my knees, just say so babe. My dad and Tsireya love her already... AND OH MY GOSH, my baby sister, Luna, Y/N held her for five seconds and Luna was already so smiley and giggling. Like yeah Luna, I get the same feeling,"

"We've heard this shit for the last 10 minutes" his friend rolls his eyes playfully.

When he's playing basketball with his friends, he's the type to shout "Oi, this is for my missus" before shooting the ball, and making it in.

Laughs at Lo'ak when he attempts to shoot for Tsireya but misses the hoop completely 😹

"Mean ass airball" is all Ao'nung says while chuckling

Bites back to the mfs who want him, even when they know damn well he's got a girlfriend

He posts about you every hour of the day, how could anyone not know ☠️

rayraybae has sent you a message!

rayraybae: hey you got some fine ass back muscles

m.nung: i will literally make a film of my girlfriend leaving scratch marks all over my back, back the fuck up.

Ao'nung says before blocking the user that texted. Rolling his eyes, he places his phone on the night table of yours. Sitting up from his position, his arms wrap around your waist as you sat on the edge of your bed. He lifts you easily on his lap as you let out a soft squeal. "Ao'nung!" you softly say, blushing intensely.

"Let me hold you, baby," he says smirking into your neck, pecking along your shoulder trailing up. Whispering into your ear, "I want us to try something."

Grabbing your phone and press onto the camera icon before hitting record. Placing your phone on the side table while his phone lit up with notifications. Getting the perfect landscape angle of the both of you, as he lays on top of giving your neck slow and sensual kisses. From the corner of his eyes, he caught a glimpse of his phone repeatedly turning on and off, yet he ignored it as he was too busy with the lovemaking you were about to do.

That little thing he said before was half true and half untrue.

Truthful to making you scream his name while scratching his back, recording it all

The untrue factor was sending it.

He respects you and knows your boundaries (every relationship has boundaries ofc) he only really said it to her because bro just loves to argue and brag about his girlfriend

Every recording you make, whether on his or your phone stayed between you two.

Posts a lot about you. His insta story, his tiktoks, twitter acc = all about you. Lets you make tiktoks on his account to show you off

But sets his comments only for his mutuals, he doesn't fuck with the comments that talk about you as if you aren't his.

Hell, his bio on everything is "@y/nnnnn 💓" or "i love my girlfriend."

Trusts you 100%, doesn't force you to give him your passwords to anything nor asks to check your phone

Spams your camera roll so much, like a lot.

Once he sees your phone without you around, he's already on your camera roll

"Mama. Mama, come. I got y/n's phone, she's in the bathroom. Pose with Luna. Smile Mum." he says with a hushed tone, smiling with his arm around his mother's shoulder. Ronal chuckles at her son's actions, the newborn baby in her arms, she lays her head on his shoulder as she sees in the camera her newborn baby lying against her chest.

"Hey! Let me be in it!" Tsireya quietly whispers before making her way beside Ronal, kissing her cheek as Ao'nung presses the shutter button.

That happened last week because now Ao'nung was smothering kisses all over your face while you giggled after he saw your new lock screen.

He loves to send paragraphs

Loves typing (even writing letters) paragraphs all about you. From the way your laughter sounds like a melody from Eywa, how your smile along with your pearly white teeth make him also smile, how your soul ties him in.

He loves pda, but not the type where you both makeout with each other's tongue down your throat

(i have a couple from my school who does this & it makes me wanna cry cos literally stop & go to class pls.)

Holding hands, wrapping an arm around your shoulder, hugging, kissing your knuckles (uses you as an armrest to tease you but stops when you elbow his side.)

Forehead kisses, kisses on the cheek & pecks, that's how far he'll go in public.

in private, BROS GOING HAM DURING MOUTH TO MOUTH SESH.

"Nung," you let out a breathy laugh as you feel your boyfriend trail kisses from the side of your mouth down to your neck.

"Hm?" he mumbles, lightly sucking and licking the sweet spot of your neck. You moan lightly, too immersed in the pleasure. "O-oh!" you gasp slightly, your hands now on the back of his head, bringing him closer.

"Nevermind, keep going," you say as you feel Ao'nung smirk into your neck.

Loves to spoil you.

Whether it be with clothes, makeup, shoes, stuffed bears. Anything.

But his most favourite are handmade gifts

He loves it when you shyly hide your squeal of excitement to everything, but when he pulls out an origami rose that he sprayed with your favourite perfume rather than an expensive stuffed bear, he loves seeing the glimmer in your eyes

Since you're his baby, he's already got both the handmade and the expensive shit hiding in his bag.

As he pulls out the bouquet of paper-coloured flowers from behind his back, he watches as you hide your squeal with your small hand, a bright blush appears on your face as you bring him into a tight hug, your head on his chest. You pull away before rocking from side to side shyly as you look to the ground, hiding back a smile as you hold onto the bouquet softly.

"Thank you, Nung, they are absolutely cute. I love them," you say politely, your nose slightly red. You stand on your tippy toes as you kiss his cheek. He smiles gently at you, wrapping his arm around your shoulder, walking with you. "Well, I love you."

He will fight for you, doesn't care if the person is taller or more muscular (as if he's not already the tallest mf in school 🧍‍♀️)

Will never, ever bring up the fact that he got his ass beat by Lo'ak when he was 15

If Lo'ak were the one to bring it up to you, he'd definitely tell Tsireya about all the stank ass piss stains he used to leave on his bed when he was sixteen.

Neteyam told Ao'nung this because he just felt like it. Or maybe Lo'ak just pissed him off that day, who knows.

Safe to say that if they sparred now, Lo'ak's ass is 6 feet underground.

But they're best friends now, won't ever happen.

"He what? Where the fuck is he?" He angrily says, throwing his bag off his back harshly. You look around frantically, "Nung, really. It's okay," you calmly say as you grab his bag before following behind him, trying to grab one of his arms.

"No, no, no, he touched your thigh when you told him to stop."

He walks around the halls and finally spots the guy he was searching for. Rushing up to him as you call out his name from behind, stopping as you figured it was no use. Grabbing him by his collar, he harshly throws the guy up against a wall. As people surround the two, you can only watch as his friends try and pry him away from the poor, shaken up boy. Lo'ak who made his way beside you, grinning at the sight.

"I would've gotten my ass beat if I tried to intervene," Lo'ak snickers. You roll your eyes before push his shoulder roughly as a joke.

Both your faces cringed and heard the crowd grow loud as you heard something from the crowd crack. A few seconds later, you see Ao'nung being pulled away from the crowd as the guy on the ground holds his nose, blood staining his hands.

You look over to your boyfriend who had an angered expression on his face, his shirt being pulled at as four of his friends pushed him back. His shirt slightly riling up, revealing his define V line and toned abs. "Touch my missus again, I'll fucking knock you out." You hear him yell out.

"He deserves some good head," you blurt out. Lo'ak side eyes you so fucking hard.

He walks you to class <333

If you have a class together, best believe mans is seated next to you

But if he knows one of your best friend's in the same class, he rather you sit with them

He feels like you spend a lot of time with him & rarely with your friend group, so he feels slightly guilty

Although you feel the opposite as you've sorted a way to spend time equally with both him & your friends, you give him a soft peck on the lips for the lovely thought

If you do sit together though, it doesn't necessarily mean he'll be distracting you with kisses and secret whispers of affection

He knows education means a lot to you and knows when and when not to be affectionate

You do still hold hands under the table often, or link arms.

You both take notes, help each other out, ask each other on what you've misheard from the teacher

He does give your thigh or hand a comforting squeeze when he notices your brows furrow or a slight pout on your lips form, an overwhelming feeling taking over your body as you look stumped on a certain task

You both are mature people and can communicate, so he lets you speak your thoughts rather than going ahead and helping you immediately, if that makes sense

Only when you really feel like something is too much and you can't talk or communicate properly like you both usually can, that's when he drops his shit and soothes you.

"Would you like some help, baby?" he whispered soothingly, his hand comfortingly caressing your thigh, as he notices your confused expression. The rest of the class was too focused on their sheets of paper. You were too caught up in your thoughts that you let your hands massage the temple of your head. You shake your head, signalling no.

"It's okay if you don't know the answer immediately, sweets. You don't need to rush," His hand now on your back, sliding up and down slowly.

For a few seconds, he lets you take a breather, and you finally answer with a broken voice and a small whisper. "Can you help me please?"

"Of course, lovely," an arm around your shoulder and he kisses your temple. "Which part are you stuck on? We can break it down and solve it."

Doesn't give any care about who you're friends with, even if they're a guy. Will warn you or hint if he knows something is up with certain people.

Is protective, will always be there behind your back to defend you.

He has friends that are girls, but aren't close with them either. Even if he is close with another girl, bro never touches her. Just a simple dap is good enough to him.

As soon as he gets the "I got something to tell you." text from a girl.

Blocked. Sorry, but he literally blocks them.

He knows exactly what that six worded sentence means because those were the exact words he said to you before confessing.

He has a girlfriend and only has eyes for you, they should know better than to pull shit like that 🤷‍♀️.

my fingers hurt... from typing of course 🧍‍♀️ ANYWAY thats all i got, im tired LOLOL <333

[chiiyuuvv]

Wonbin, poll, this is a sorry as i decided not to write the flyers thing. So i wrote this instead ♡ 886 also for the people that voted eunseok, the idea wasn't ideaing anymore, so take this as a sorry. I feel so disappointed with myself :(

• TAGLIST — @soul-is-a-strange-kid

"I know, I know." The voice tries to reassure you, the door creaking shut as it tries to engulf you in a hug. "I dont wanna hear it." You mumble, stepping back from the body as your arms were crossed, your foot tapping on the floor impatiently.

"Bab-"

"The foods cold." You interrupt, before breaking into fits of laughter, unable to keep your facade before finally hugging the boy. He sighs, "i thought you were mad." His arms wrap around your waist tightly, his head resting against yours. "I am, but i understand." You look up at your boyfriend as your head was buried in his chest.

"I'm so sorry im late, baby." Wonbin cups your cheeks, leaning closer to give you a sweet kiss. "Mm!!" You giggle, your hands wrapping around his waist as he breaks the kiss for his overjoyed smile. "Ya!" You yelp as he begins tickling your sides, walking past your shaking body and towards the small kitchen in your apartment.

Although he was smiling, you could see how tired he was, the exhaustion washing over his face, heavy eye bags. "Come shower with me!" You yell, wonbin shouting a quick "okay!" as he pulls something out of the fridge.

Opening the bathroom door, you sit two matching pajamas on the counter, before turning on the water faucet. "Hey silly." The door opens again after a few minutes, wonbin coming to sit you down on the toilet to kiss you. "How was your day?" Your arms wrap around his neck as he looks at you closely. "Mm.. it was something." He mutters before leaning closer to lay another kiss on your lips, but your finger come to hover his mouth.

He gives a pout as you jump up and strip yourself of your clothes, hopping into the hot shower as you pop your head through the curtain. "You coming?" You grin, an amused smile on wonbins face.

Damping your head and grabbing your shampoo, you feel wonbins arms wrap around your bare waist, his chin coming to rest on your shoulder. "I got it." He whispers in your ear, taking the shampoo from your hand with one, and scratching your hair with the other one.

You raise your eyebrow at his action, him only biting his lip teasingly in return as he turns you around, your hands coming to rest on his chest. "Aren't you sleepy?" You question as wonbin opens the bottle, spreading the watery ingredients on his hand before lavishing it on your hair.

"I wanna take care of you." He mutters, the water droplets taking over his voice. You chuckle at his kindness, before snatching the bottle out of his hands. "I got it." You say, watching wonbins smile grow wider as he hugs your wet body. "Don't smile at me like that." You jokingly push his shoulder, wonbins body shaking from his laughter.

"Mhm." A small smirk is on his face as he inches toward you, his hands placed on either side of your waist to push his head down, his lips finding yours again. "You're going to get shampoo in your eyes." You mutter, to busy focusing on his hair to notice the way the boy was looking at you.

"Oh?" His voice quiet as you massage his head. He sighs, "your hands feel perfect in my hair." You finally look up to look at the male whos eyes were closed, a growing smile on his face as his eyes flicker open, looking at you fondly. You reach up to peck his cheek, his giggles getting louder as you turn around, his chin back on your shoulder.

"Ready to rinse?" You question, wonbin quietly nodding as you guide the water to his hair. He hums of delight, a hand finding yours to intertwine. "Just like that.." he mumbles. You finally turn off the water and grab a towel for the both of you, having a bit of trouble getting out of the tub as wonbins attached to your body.

"Dont move.." he sleepily mutters, his resting against yours as his eyes begin to close. "Hey, hey.. lets get you dressed first." You pat his head, sitting him down on the edge of the tub.

His big boba eyes follow your every move, a thankful smile on his face as he begins to admire you. "You're the most beautiful person I've ever seen." He randomly says, a smile forming on your lips as you boop his nose, more giggles coming from wonbins lips.

You finally put wonbins clothes on before changing to yours, grabbing your intertwined hands and dragging him to your bedroom. "I love you." He yawns, placing small kisses on your neck. You hum in acknowledgment, sitting yourself on your bed and opening your arms.

"I love you too." You whisper as wonbin climbs on your body, his head resting on your chest and his arms wrapping around your waist. Turning off the light, you place a blanket over your bodies, your hand coming up to ruffle his fluffy hair.

"Good nigh-"

"I didnt get my goodnight kissie," he whispers like a sleepy baby, his big boba eyes staring back into yours with his lips puckered. Trying not to melt, you give him a big kiss, wonbin smiling happily before resting his head back on your chest.

"Good night~"

[hatelangdon]

Promise Ring.

Pt 2 of this fic/ 1.4k words.

(Franken!Kyle x Witch!Reader)

Slight angst, Hurt/comfort, & fluff

(🚨Warnings: Talks of Fever, Being sick, Crying, Screaming, Possible panic attack🚨)

Summary: After removing Kyle from his problematic situation with Madison, You notice that the poor zombie has also developed some kind of sickness, possibly from the neglect he experienced in the midst of his heartbreak. He has become your "responsibility" so you take care of him and show him a kindness and gentleness that he hasn't experienced before.

(A/N: ...This is very long, I am so sorry but I absolutely love sick!hurt/comfort and I got a lil carried away because Kyle is my sweet angel and I would feel so bad if he didn't feel good, because he definitely doesn't understand why :(....also y'all are going to jump me but there's going to be a part 3 🤓☝🏾 that will be actually taking care of Kyle because I know that is what ya'll want. )

Also, this is not proofread i'm sorry, but once again...Kim, there's people that are dying.

✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧

You had put Kyle to bed in your room, he didn't protest much.

Your bedding was very soft, and the sheets smelled of you and lavender pillow spray.

You already had him lying down, piling your purple weighted blanket over his body, which surprised him but he remained calm.

"Are you alright? Do you need anything?" You moved some of his hair from his face, he suddenly grabbed your hand which slightly scared you, but he was gentle.

He pressed your hand up against his face, right on the scar under his right eye from the accident, he looked up into your eyes lovingly.

"y/n t-t-thank you"

"You're welcome Kyle, I know it can be hard sometimes. You've gone through a lot, honey." You gave him a encouraging boop on the nose.

He blinked twice at you, probably trying to decipher what you were feeling, but he knew that you called him honey and honey was good so he smiled, pressing your palm to his dimpled cheek, you could tell that he was getting sleepy from the way he completely squished his face into your hand and how slowly he was blinking.

"Go to sleep Kyle, I'm right here for you."

He nodded, his eyes closing almost obediently.

Once you were sure that he was asleep from his soft breathing, you moved yourself into your papasan chair in the corner, you wanted Kyle to be as comfortable as possible and have a bed to himself.

There was already a blanket in the chair, so you wrapped it around yourself, it was pretty comfy, you'd fallen asleep in in a dozen times before.

You turned off the lamp that illuminated the room in warm white lighting, and slowly found yourself drifting into unconsciousness.

3:42 a.m.

You were woken from your sleep by a shift of weight on top of your body.

You almost freaked out, thinking sleep paralysis had gotten ahold of you, but you were surprised by soft tufts of blonde hair tickling your face, and warm skin against your chest.

Kyle had balled himself in your lap, his arms completely wrapped around your torso, and his head lying on your chest it didn't look like a comfortable position, considering he was much taller than you and practically slipping off the chair.

"Kyle?" You rubbed him on his back gently, trying to wake him up.

He must've been already awake, because you were immediately met with a long groan.

"What are you doing? Why aren't you in the bed?"

"Comfort." he whispered

You cooed, feeling your heart flutter

"Well wouldn't you be more comfortable in the bed?"

He shook his head

"Want...y-you." He said it like it was the plainest thing in the world

You felt your face heat up.

"Well cmon, you can still be with me but let's get in bed. You're falling off the chair Ky."

He grunted, his grip around you tightened

"I'll lay with you, we're just gonna get back in bed okay?"

Kyle sighed and groaned, like the moody baby he was...but he obliged, standing up. His eyes were squinted from the tiny bits of morning light coming through the curtains

You guided him to the bed laying down first, patting a spot for him to lay in your arms.

He immediately crawled into your embrace, letting out a sigh of relief as you wrapped your body around his. You pressed your head into the back of his neck, feeling the warmth radiating.

"Try to get some sleep, Kyle. Alright?"

By the time you had got your words out you could already hear soft snores coming from his lips

5:56 a.m.

The second time you woke up, was from Kyle tossing and turning in his sleep.

At first you thought he was having another nightmare but his face was red and you could feel the heat radiating off of his skin so it seemed like there was something more.

"Kyle, wake up. It's okay you're just having a bad dream."

You tapped him on his chest, trying to wake him up.

He Immediately sat up, hyperventilating and sobbing, his head felt like it was pulsating and he could feel his racing heartbeat in his ears, he wasn't recognizing his surroundings at first, he was scared.

You reached out to comfort him, placing a hand gently on his shoulder.

"Kyle, what's wron-"

He, threw your hand off of him, and jumped out of the bed.

"NO!"

He was having one of his "fits" Kyle often didn't know how to process his emotions when he was upset, he had lost his sense of emotional regulation and his ability to communicate when Zoe and Madison brought him back.

"NO! NO! NO!"

He grabbed the lamp on your nightstand and threw it to the ground, the glass going everywhere

"KYLE NO, STOP," you grabbed his arm to stop him breaking anything else "you're okay! You're okay! You're not in any danger!" you turned him to look at you, you could tell his eyes were pleading for some sense of understanding, while his brain worked at a million miles a minute trying to connect his pain and confusion to a reason besides anger and a imminent threat.

After a couple of seconds he recognized you as a safe face. He looked around at what he did, all of the glass on the floor and your worried face.

Tears started falling from his eyes, and he reached out to you, he needed touch.

"Kyle, oh come here." You hugged him right away, crossing the sea of glass in your crocs.

"I understand you're upset angel. Come sit down, be careful." You guided him back over to the bed, making sure he didn't cut his feet.

He was completely red in the face, and the tears just wouldn't stop. He was crying so hard, that it looked painful.

"Kyle, I think you're sick baby. You don't feel good do you? It's okay to not feel good, we can fix it."

His big, teary, brown eyes peered into yours as he blinked slowly, not understanding.

"Can I touch you Kyle? Is that alright?"

He hesitated for a second before nodding. You felt his forehead, and he practically melted into your touch which was a relief to his warm skin, he definitely had a fever.

"Does it hurt in here?" You tapped his forehead and he nodded

"Okay, can you show me if it hurts anywhere else?"

He motioned to his stomach patting it, as well as his back, he was finally feeling understood by someone.

You nodded, patting his head to signify that you understood him.

"You're sick Kyle, but that's alright. I'll take care of you. That just means that your body needs some time to calm down and fight something that's not supposed to be in there."

He didn't fully understand what you were talking about, but he trusted that you knew what would make him better.

He always thought you were so smart, even when Zoe was around he noticed how kind you were and how you always seemed to have answers.

"Alright, first things first! I gotta clean up this glass, stay here and lay down." You rubbed his cheek.

Just the notion of you leaving him, made him cry harder as he grabbed onto your arm.

"Kyle, I'm not gonna leave you, I'm not" you shushed him "I'm coming right back, I promise"

He wasn't letting up Zoe had said those same words to him, and she walked straight out of his life after promising that she would be in it forever.

"listen, I take promises very seriously," you gently kissed his forehead and removed one of your rings from your finger. It was silver, and heart shaped with a rose quartz stone "This is the ring my best friend gave me before I had to leave my town," you pressed it into his hand "as long as I'm gone, you get to keep it, that's how you know I'm coming back. It's very important to me, and so are you."

Kyle just stared at the ring, it was very pretty.

"You are important to me"

he understood that enough to let you go.

(Pt 3)

[wingedjellyfishflight]

All Aboard

You are one of the few people outside of the Admiral, and a few below him who know of the men riding below decks, catching a ride to their next drop off. You are the go-between, making sure they have everything they need in these few days until they leave. The only problem is that they have suddenly become extremely needy, constantly asking you for this or that. You've never felt so skittish as when you were surrounded by these tall, muscular men, their predatory eyes watching you closely as you drop off their latest request and pick up a new one. Finally, just a few hours before they are scheduled to leave, you refuse the latest request.

"I can't get this done in time, sorry, sir," you say quietly to Captain Price. "There just isn't enough time before you leave for me to get these specific rations. We don't carry them on this ship. The rations I brought this morning are the only kinds we currently have on board." He seems to consider this for a long moment before nodding.

"Understood, baby girl," he says casually, making your eye twitch. His terms of endearment have gotten more and more familiar and possessive sounding as you have dealt with him for the past week. "We will have to make do with what we have then."

You nod in acknowledgment and go to turn away, only to be blocked in by Ghost, Soap, and Gaz, who are standing behind you. "Excuse me, gentlemen," you say politely, trying to edge past Ghost. You don't expect his arm to shoot out, blocking your way.

"Mmm... pet," he says in a deep, rumbling voice as he looms over you. "We are going to make do... with you." You can't ignore the shiver that runs down your spine at his words, your eyes widening and pupils dilating with arousal. You close your eyes and shake your head after a moment.

"Sorry, sir, but I am not-" you begin before he cuts you off, tugging you close to whisper in your ear with his lips brushing your skin.

"You're not going to refuse our request, are you, pet? Not gonna make us beg to make such a sweet thing ours?" He kneads his fingers into your lower back as he speaks, pressing you against himself intimately as another man brushes against your back. "It's just a little request, after all. You be ours, and we will take care of everything else."

You feel overwhelmed in the most delicious way as the man standing behind you cups your breasts through your uniform, caressing them gently as he presses gentle kisses to your hair and neck. "I... umm... I don't..." you stumble over your words, trying to form a coherent protest even as you lean into Ghost's chest. "We shouldn't."

"That isnae no, is it lass?" The man behind you, Soap, whispers in your ear, and you can hear the teasing grin in his voice as he begins nibbling on your neck. You feel Ghost's hands slide down to grip your ass, tugging you forward to grind against his hard length. "Jus' say yes, hen." Soap growls in your ear, his Scottish accent making you weak-kneed.

"Y- yes," you whimper finally, and in a flash, the two men have you stripped bare between them, having only been waiting for your agreement to yank off your uniform. Soap's fingers tease your breasts gently at first, but he quickly begins pawing at them, tugging hard at your nipples as you moan and whimper. Ghost is teasing your slit, slowly working one, then two fingers into your clenching sleeve, stretching you with them, preparing you to take more. His thumb taps, swirls, and squishes your hard nub, watching your face as you struggle not to fall apart immediately. If you could focus, you would see the smirk on his face even under the skull mask he wears.

In minutes, the two men have you moaning between them, cunt dripping down your thighs. Your hands aren't idle, clenching at Ghost's shirt then wrapping around Soap's neck, holding him close as he bites and suckles at the expanse of skin before him from your shoulder to your ear, marking your skin. You squeak in surprise when Ghost suddenly lifts you, his broad tip notching into your slick entrance, your arms wrapping around Ghost's neck to help stabilize you. Soap tips your chin up, forcing you to look into Ghost's dark eyes as he lowers you onto his cock, relentlessly bullying his way deep into you despite your squirming.

"Fuck, pet," Ghost groans. "Carving out my own little place deep in you, ain't I?" You nod, trying to relax as he keeps pressing deeper, until finally, you feel his hips against your own. "That's it, lamb," he sighs quietly, eyes shut as he revels in the feel of your silken heat surrounding him. Ghost lifts you back up and lowers you again slowly, letting you get used to the feel of him inside you. Soap is still pressed against your back, and after a few slow thrusts, he gently tugs your arms from around Ghost's neck, making you lean against his chest, supporting your weight.

"Look at ye. All laid out pretty fer me n Ghost," Soap mumbles in your ear as he watches Ghost snap his hips into you, his patience worn thin as he allows his arousal to take charge. Ghost's hands wrap around your hips, holding you in place, one thumb rubbing your clit aggressively with little care to how much it is overstimulating you. "Yer gonna cum all over Ghost's cock, ain't ye, bonnie lass? Yea, yer gonna be a good girl fer us and cum." Soap's mumbling has you whimpering and clenching around Ghost who can't get enough of your wet cunt or the tears welling up in your eyes as he drives you to the brink, your eyes falling shut as you focus on the sensations.

"Cum for me, pet," Ghost growls. "Cum on my cock. Look. At. Me!" The authority in his command has your eyes snapping open, your orgasm overtaking you as you look deep into his eyes. You grunt, unable to form proper words, your body tightening around him like a velvet vise. Ghost chokes out a moan at the grip you have around him, his thrusts faltering slightly as he tries to hold off from cumming in you. When you dig your heels into his ass and pull him tight to you, he can't stop himself, grinding deep in you as his cock pulses, dumping weeks of pent up cum right at the entrance to your womb. His brain supplies the image of you swollen up with his child, making his cock twitch excitedly and pulse a few extra times as if to guarantee it.

After a few moments, Ghost pulls back, panting heavily, running his hands over your body gently before Soap pulls you away to lay on one of the bunks. "On yer belly or yer back," he asks, a thread of desperation in his voice as he nuzzles your throat.

"B- back," you answer softly, wanting to look up at him as he takes you.

"Good girl," Soap groans, gently laying you down before he lines himself up, wasting no time burying his cock in your core. He is thicker, but shorter than Ghost, stretching you wide over him as he quickly ruts into you. "F- fuck, hen," he gasps into your throat. "M'not gonna last. Make it up to ye next time," he mumbles before his words dissolve into grunts and whines. You wrap your legs around his back as you take him, sensitive, but eager. Soap forces your head to the side as he bites onto your shoulder, growling against your skin as he pistons into your cum-filled cunt, desperate to add his own load to the one Ghost already left in you. Your eyes are a bit glazed over, but you can't help but notice Gaz and Captain Price leisurely stroking themselves, waiting for their turn with you. The scene makes you clench tight around Soap, startling a whimper out of him. A few more thrusts and he finally releases his bite from your shoulder, roaring as he cums inside you. His hips never slow, rutting into you until he is too sensitive to keep moving, whining in your ear as he finally stutters to a stop.

You caress Soap's back, your hips moving slightly against him even as he softens and slips out, needing more after how well he worked your body. He finally moves off of you, and immediately, Gaz takes his place over you. "You look so pretty, baby," he sighs, looking down at your flushed, marked body and well-fucked cunt. "Such a beautiful body and so eager for us." Gaz wraps his lips around one of your nipples, suckling at it and lifting your legs up to drape over his shoulders as he lightly rubs his tip around your clit, teasing you. You squirm, trying to get more friction, whining as he holds back. Your hands fly up to grip his forearms, holding him tightly as you quietly beg him for more.

"Please," you whisper, your voice hoarse with desire. "I need more. Fuck... please!" Gaz just grins, his teeth scraping against your nipple.

"Keep begging for it, luv," he says teasingly as his hands reach down to pin your hips to the bed. You try to move, but he holds you in place with ease. "Nuh uh, pretty girl. Beg," he says, biting your nipple to admonish you.

"Please, Gaz," you whine. "Ugh! Please fuck me. Wanna cum! Let me cum on your cock... please, please. Need you-" Your voice cuts off when he plunges into you, driving deep into you and hitting somewhere deep inside that makes spots flash across your vision and your jaw drop open. A strained gasp is all that comes out as he smirks down at you.

"Like that, baby," he asks smugly as his bollocks slap wetly against your ass. "That's the spot, isn't it? The one that's going to make you scream for me." His tip punches against that spot again and again with hard, sharp thrusts. You can already feel the knot tightening in your stomach as the pain and pleasure mix together, making your brain feel a bit fuzzy as you babble at him, begging for him to make you cum. "You'll cum, luv," he promises as he thrusts even harder. "When I'm done bruising your insides, you'll cum with me. Ghost might have carved you open, but you'll feel the ache from me for days." Your nails dig into his forearms as you clench around him, his words making the heat in you threaten to boil over.

"Just a little longer, pretty girl. It's going to be worth the wait," Gaz coos to you, trying to last as long as possible inside your tightening cunt. He keeps thrusting deep inside, trying to get that little bit deeper into your core with each thrust as he feels the familiar ache in his bollocks building. "Ready, luv? Let go and cum for me. Show me just how much you love me, baby!" You squeal as he pushes you over the edge, your toes curling and your vision going white.

When you are somewhat aware again, Gaz is pressing kisses to your face and throat, mumbling words you can't parse out just yet as you tremble beneath him. You catch his lips, kissing him back for a long moment before you drop your head back onto the bunk, panting quietly. He slowly pulls out of you and stands up, backing up as a new set of hands cups your face. You look up to see Captain Price leaning over you. "How are you feeling, little one? That was a good one, wasn't it?" You nod, fighting past the languid feeling in your body to answer him.

"Good. Am good," you mumble, smiling weakly up at him before your eyes drift down, admiring his muscular, hairy body. You can't help but follow the dark treasure trail down his body, seeing the slight pudge at his belly, concealing his abs. Your eyes lock onto his heavy cock, seeing the angry red tip and dripping pre-cum. "Captain," you sigh happily. "Let me help." You reach up for him and wrap your hand around his length, gently stroking him. His hand wraps around your wrist, pulling you away.

"No, baby girl. I'm gonna add to the little collection you have here," he says, rubbing your belly. "Roll over." You nod, carefully rolling over and letting him slide a pillow under your hips to get you at the right height. "That's better. Don't want to strain my knees," he says with a chuckle as he grips your ass in his hands, spreading you wide. "Gaz is right. You look beautiful with all that cum leaking out. It's covering your thighs so nicely." You feel him stare at you for a long time before he finally guides the head of his cock against your welcoming entrance, slowly sliding into you as if he has all the time in the world to enjoy your body. You try to press back against him, to urge him to move faster and he stops. Whining, you try again and this time, he spanks you, a hard swat against your ass. "I'm in control, little one. Not you. Behave."

"Yes, sir." You nod and relax under him again, knowing just from the last week of taking his requests that he does not allow for insubordination.

"Good girl," he purrs in your ear, leaning onto his elbows on either side of your head as he slowly rolls his hips against you, every inch of your bodies pressed together. He doesn't miss the way the praise makes you blush and tighten around him. "Knew you'd have a praise kink," he says, chuckling darkly. "You're desperate to be our good girl. Fulfilled every silly request we could come up with, making those sweet doe eyes up at us." Price grunts as he thinks about how innocent you looked just a little while ago and now here you are, taking your fourth cock in less than an hour, dripping seed from the other three men onto his bollocks as he lazily thrusts into you. "Taking me so good, little one," he praises you. "Think you'll fit into the team nicely with a bit of training. Would you like that? A transfer to our squad? Be our baby girl at home and our sniper in the field?"

You struggle to concentrate on the words he is whispering to you, his gentle thrusts taking up most of your attention. "Anything, Captain," you finally murmur, willing to agree to whatever he wants. The few words that register don't make enough sense for you to focus on them, so you just nod along as he keeps talking.

"You'll be the perfect addition to the team," he says decisively. "Now, you're going to cum nice and hard for me, aren't you? Just like you already have. I want to feel you squeeze me nice and tight." You lace your fingers in one of his hands, holding tightly as he starts pumping faster. His body presses you deeper into the mattress, surrounding you completely so the only thing you know is him.

"Captain," you moan, muffled slightly. He can feel you starting to tense around his hard length, and he growls in your ear. He doesn't speak, wanting to hear your needy whines and whimpers as he slowly builds you up and you don't disappoint, quickly becoming desperate as he stimulates your body. "Captain," you beg, turning your head to look up at him. He smiles encouragingly down at you and presses a kiss to your forehead, not adjusting his pace or angle.

"I've got you, baby girl. Fall apart for me. You can do it." Price squeezes your hand tightly and watches you closely as you feel your orgasm building higher and higher. When your eyes roll up and your hips jerk against his, the pleasure rolling over you, he finally lets go and fills you full, grinding his hips against you as he pulses shot after shot deep inside. He collapses slightly, pinning you down even more firmly against the mattress, and you reach your free hand back to wrap around his back, pulling his chest against you just a little tighter.

"We've got you, pretty girl. You've got nothing to worry about," Gaz promises, his voice like silk, soothing you even as you realize that they planned every moment of this evening out. They wanted you before you even gave into your desire. Wanted you on their team for some reason despite never seeing you do anything but bring them the things they requested. While it worried you that they only wanted you for your body, you had the feeling that Captain Price knew everything about you from your service record to your family history and wanted you because of your skill in the field, not in the bed. Though, the way Ghost's hand wraps around your thigh as he whispers quietly in your ear about keeping his cock warm on the flight home has you nodding eagerly and biting your lip, looking forward to it.

A throat clears across the room after a few minutes. "Captain, we need to be up top in twenty minutes," Gaz gently reminds him. You feel Captain Price sigh silently before he pulls away, standing up behind you. After a moment, you sit up as well, blushing slightly as you see the rest of the team dressed in their full gear, with their bags next to the door and waiting to leave for their trip back to their home base. Soap hands you the uniform you had been wearing, his fingers brushing purposely against yours with a small smile on his face. Dressing quickly, you try to regain your professional demeanor and guide them through the ship to meet the boat they will be taking ashore. Ghost, Gaz, and Soap cast lingering glances at you before they disappear over the side of the ship, climbing down the ladder quickly. You turn to tell Captain Price goodbye, and instead, he grips your arm gently and guides you to the ladder.

"C'mon, baby girl. It's your turn. Ghost already packed your things, and your transfer was finalized yesterday. You belong to us now." His tone is firm, and you know there is no arguing with him. Not when the officers are watching your interaction with him. You give him a sharp nod, your eyes making it clear that you will be having a full discussion about this later. Climbing down the ladder, you feel your nerves starting to build, worried about what all this means. But when you reach the bottom, Ghost is there, steadying you and guiding you to sit between him and Gaz. Both men rub your back gently, the darkness on board hiding the way they press close to you and whisper encouragement into your ears.

[animekpopsimp]

Genshin Impact x Plus Sized Reader

Diluc

Diluc is a man of few words but when it comes to your size, he'll defend you as much as he needs. He thinks you're beautiful and won't let anyone else say anything else. He'll remind you of this every day, he never wants you to feel bad about your size. He'll also cuddle with you, keeping his arms around your waist as he holds you while he whispers sweet things into your ear.

Kaeya

Kaeya finds it unacceptable that you would ever feel bad about the way you look. He'll make flirty comments about your appearance every day, it's his way of showing you that he loves everything about you. If someone makes fun of you for your size, Kaeya doesn't resort to violence or anything, he'll simply make passive-aggressive comments. No one gets to hurt your feelings.

Albedo

Albedo doesn't always pay much attention to your physical appearance, though he does compliment you on it from time to time to remind you that he thinks you're beautiful. He doesn't care about your size, it's something that doesn't even cross his mind that often. However, when someone decides to try and use it against you he'll step in. He gets angrier than you've ever seen your boyfriend before, and you knew he would never allow anyone to bring you down.

Zhongli

Zhongli is a gentleman, your size doesn't matter to him. He loves wrapping his arms around your waist, whispering compliments in your ear, just to see you blush. When it comes to someone who tries to make you feel bad about the way you look, he completely ignores them, he'll distract you and make sure you don't even pay any attention to them, they aren't worth your time.

Childe

Childe is very loving, and he finds you beautiful, despite your size. He loves giving you hugs from behind. He'll run his hand up and down your sides, silently making you feel good about yourself. The moment he hears anyone talking bad about you, he'll already be planning how to take care of them.

Baizhu

Baizhu is such a sweetheart, he always compliments you about your size, no matter if you're feeling bad about your appearance or not, he just loves showering you with kind words. He also loves wrapping his arms around you, holding you close to relax. He'll instantly shoot down any negative comments about you, all while remaining completely calm.

Itto

Itto is on the bigger side too, so he doesn't see a problem with you being that way. In his eyes, it makes you even more beautiful. He always has his hands somewhere on you, it's his own way of showing his affection. And if anyone decides to speak badly about the way you look, they can prepare for a long lecture from your loving boyfriend.

Gorou

Gorou is such a sweetheart, he loves you, regardless of your size. If he ever notices you feeling bad about yourself he'll be next to you in an instant to make you feel better, and he won't stop until he sees a smile on your face. Gorou reminds you every day that you're beautiful. He won't confront anyone who talks badly about you, he's not the type for confrontation, instead, he focuses on making you forget about whatever they said.

Cyno

Cyno absolutely loves you with all his heart, regardless of your appearance. He always reminds you of this, not wanting you to feel bad about yourself for even a second. He's a very intimidating person so not many people dare to talk badly about you, if they do, he will find out and have a chat with them.

Tighnari

Tighnari thinks your size is endearing, he thinks you look adorable. He'll wrap his arms around your waist and pull you close to him. He will always remind you that, no matter what anyone says, you will always be beautiful in his eyes.

Alhaitham

Alhaitham doesn't fall for someone solely based on their physical appearance. He loves you for more than that, so your size doesn't bother him. If he hears even one bad word about you he will make sure that person learns their lesson.

Kaveh

Kaveh is very open about how he thinks you're beautiful, he's not too shy to say it at all. He'll have an arm wrapped around your waist in public, showing you off like the most beautiful jewel that existed. And you can bet he'll lecture anyone who tries to talk badly about you, he won't stand for it.

[lord-sharl-perceval]

Champagne Problems

Pairing: Charles Leclerc x Reader Summary: In which they maintain the ruse to get back at someone of her past. Warnings: fluff, angst, fake dating, overly romanticized for entertainment purposes, made up girlfriend of Carlos & Pierre, google translated french. Notes: sorry, for not uploading any time sooner, but I was busy with uni! Also english is not my first language, so criticism is always welcome, but please be kind xx NOT proof read yet! Word count: 7.2K

Masterlist

Part One: The Sweet Stranger

Part Two: The Deal

Part Three: Karma Is My Boyfriend

»your mom's ring in your pocket, her picture in your wallet, you won't remember all my champagne problems«

"Charles" you breathed.

"That is not true. You said it yourself, love is a choice and sometimes people stop choosing" you spoke under your breath, still holding his warm hand.

"Are you bluffing to cheer me up, y/n?" He spoke, the corner of his mouth quirking up.

"No, I'm not"

Charles narrowed his brows, doubting the truthfulness of your words.

"Only the bravest dare to love" you continued, locking eyes with him.

"Because love is painful, we just have to find the one worth the pain"

"And what about the people incapable of love?" He whispered back, his voice sounding raspy and deep. Bringing up the sort of people you used to categorize yourself as.

"They aren't incapable of love, they're just scared of getting hurt" you admitted.

"Scared of losing themselves in love" the words left your lips feathery.

Tension gradually built up between you two. There was something intimate, almost poetic in laying close to one another under the clear night sky having the same conversation a year later, only with altered notions.

"I see you have reflected on my words" Charles murmured, his eyes looking down on your lips. Your heart started to hysterically pound in your rib cage, hearing the blood flushing in your ear.

"Yeah" you replied scarcely audible.

Just as Charles wanted to lean forward to put his beautifully defined lips on yours, you backed away.

"You're hurt, Charles, you don't really want that"

"Have a safe flight, text me when you land" the monegasque said with a crooked smile on his lips.

"I will" you assured, wrapping your arms around his torso, feeling his arms embrace your body and pulling you closer.

You lost track of time, the hug that could have only lasted a few seconds, felt like minutes. Your senses sharpened, taking as much in as possible within the limited time. The warmth of his body, the smell of his perfume, the way his hands gripped your waist. You both held tight onto one another, deep down not wanting the first ever hug to presumably be your last.

"Thank you" he whispered into your ear, his nose and lips brushing your cheek as he let go off you, unintentionally elevating your heartbeat.

"Anytime" you faintly smiled, waving him goodbye one last time, before you turned around and strode to the passport control.

Charles stood still, watching you pass your passport to the officer, secretly hoping you would turn around one last time, but he knew better.

You weren't one to look back.

Just as the last spark of hope was about to go out, you turned around meeting the brunette's eyes, flashing him a soft smile before you eventually disappeared out of his sight.

As soon as you reached the particular waiting area, you sat down awaiting permission to board the plane. In the meantime you caught yourself reminiscing about what you had experienced the previous day. The fun you had cruising through some of the french cities close to Monaco, Charles' showing you the beauty of the Côte d'Azur and reminding you of what it felt like to be unconditionally happy.

The south of france was marvellous, the perfect getaway for a busy woman trying to escape reality even if it was just for one day.

"What was the hardest case you ever had to handle?" Charles enquired interestedly, while you were strolling on the promenade in Nice.

"Child molesters cases are always the hardest, that's why I stopped taking them. But there was this one guy, wasn't a hard case per se, but it was tricky nonetheless, 'cause he suffered from Bipolar Disorder and wanted to build a library in his home, that made him buy ten thousand pound worth of books he couldn't afford"

"Oh damn" he replied astonished.

"And you had to asses his criminal liability?"

"Exactly, he was found not criminally responsible due to his manic episode in which he didn't have any control over his actions whatsoever" you explained.

"That's rough"

You nodded.

"Yeah, indeed"

"Do you do that in everyday life? Analyzing people?"

"Only people that interest me" you grinned playfully and carefully watched Charles' expression that showed fear of exposure.

"Relax!" You said, punching his shoulder.

"To properly analyze, I'd have to ask the right questions"

While daydreaming you became aware of an odd feeling of emptiness laced with gloom creeping up on you, resulting in a small, eternal panic attack.

You knew that feeling and it couldn't be good.

Repeatedly you told yourself that it meant nothing, you did him a favor and Charles nicely returned it by taking you on a short road trip.

It meant absolutely nothing.

You and Charles came from two different worlds. He was a public figure, who raced for a living and you were an ordinary woman with a normal job. To restore order you ultimately had to return to your own worlds.

Luckily, the lady working for the airline you were traveling with interrupted your train of thoughts by announcing that the passengers may now board the aeroplane.

You got in line and waited your turn, putting in your AirPods to kill time, whilst scrolling through your Instagram until you were next in line and showed the employee your passport. After she waved you through, you exited the waiting area and wandered towards the plane.

At the entrance you were politely greeted by the boardcrew, whom you greeted back and walked down the aisle until you found your seat. After you stored your bag into the overhead lockers, you sat down on the assigned passenger seat and put your seatbelt on. While you still could, you texted everyone back, informing your youngest brother that you had just boarded the plane, so he could plan when to pick you up from the airport.

Absorbed in thoughts your mind replayed the memory of the night Charles tried to kiss you. Closely after you had told him that he was acting upon his hurt feelings you alertly watched his expression, fearing to have upset the monegasque, because he kept a straight face not revealing his feelings.

At first you thought, you had ruined it, but thankfully Charles mumbled a "I'm sorry" shortly after and shot you an exhausted smile.

You then snuggled up to him, his hand still entwined with yours, laying your head in the crook of his neck.

Your upper body was partly laying on his, your clasped hands resting on his belly. Both of you enjoyed the moment, sensing your heart rates synchronizing, beating in the same rhythm.

Charles was the first man to be this close to you after you broke off things with your ex-boyfriend, no other man was able to arouse the need of closeness inside of you before. Instead of experiencing anxiety, whenever a man tried to come close to you, his nearness felt soothing and so naturally as though you were always meant to lay next to each other that night.

The next morning Charles revisited the topic of the night before, excusing his behavior and thanking you repeatedly for stopping him. You shrugged it off, telling him not to worry about it and since then you two hadn't mentioned it again. Both knowing it was for the best.

Cruel Summer by Taylor Swift came on and you couldn't help but associate the past few days with that song, leading you to look outside of the narrow window of the plane and paying attention to every lyric.

"It's blue, the feeling I've got and it's ooh, whoa, oh. It's a cruel summer"

A deep sigh escaped your lips. You hadn't expected to be effected by the weekend this much. Now you were feeling blue, mourning the relationship you had had, missing the feeling of oxytocin releasing whenever a certain someone held you. You went from being a content single woman to one longing for a relationship again.

It was indeed a cruel summer.

You spent the rest of the two hour flight listening to more Taylor Swift and moping around.

Everything went according to plan, your brother picked you up from Heathrow and drove you home, asking how your short trip to Monaco was to which you responded that it was good and exactly what you needed, when in reality it was the quite opposite. If you had known, that going to Monte Carlo with Charles messed with your emotional life, you wouldn't have agreed to go in the first place.

Once you reached your apartment you texted Charles that you had arrived safe and sound as he requested, not anticipating that you initiated a conversation leading to another. Before you knew it you were texting back and forth, even talking on the phone in course of months, developing a real friendship. It even had got to the point where you started actively watching Formula One to support your friend, texting or calling him no matter the outcome.

"You're glowing, are you seeing someone?"

"What are you smiling at? Has your secret lover texted you?"

"You look happier these days"

You were hearing comments like these all the time and while there was a wisp of truth in their statements, you were not ready to admit it to yourself yet. Charles wasn't your lover, you pretended to be a couple once and now you were good friends. And friends could make each other happy and pay one another a surprise visit, couldnt they?

Of course you had contacted Arthur Leclerc beforehand, ensuring that you wouldn't inconvenience Charles with your presence at the Italian Grand Prix, whereupon Arthur suggested you surprise him after the race to not distract your boyfriend from his duty.

You felt bad for keeping up this farce, Arthur seemed to be a very nice guy, surely not deserving to be part of your self-serving plan. But you knew better than to meddle in family business, instead you played along and gratefully accepted Arthur's help. However the purpose of this trip to Monza wasn't only to bring Charles joy, it was because you needed to get out of London after learning unpleasant news. News you preferred to discuss with Charles in person. Conventionally there were no races taking place after Monza for two weeks, giving you the perfect excuse to finally visit Italy, a country you had always wanted to see.

Naturally your family started to ask questions and demanded to meet the mysterious man you're seeing, putting you under a lot of pressure, which led to you repeatedly telling them that you were just friends. But given the circumstances, they didn't believe you.

Charles' busy schedule thankfully worked in your favor, hence you always had a good reason ready, whenever one of your family members opened up the conversation about your friend and why they couldn't invite him for dinner.

"You okay? You seem a little off" Charles asked with a frown on his forehead.

You grabbed your phone with him on the screen and crawled into bed.

"I'm having a rough case at work" you lied, whithholding the true reason behind your absent-mindedness.

"Sorry" you apologized, tucking yourself up.

"Wanna talk about it?" He sweetly asked, but you shook your head in response.

"Maybe some other time, thanks" you shot him a tired smile.

"Does the Ferrari home race put extra pressure on you?"

Charles pulled up the hood of his black Hoodie and nodded.

"Yeah, it does" he replied, a deep sigh following shortly after.

"But qualitying went well, so I'm pretty confident"

"Pole position is a good opportunity to win a race"

"I like the fact that you started watching Formula One because of me" he grinned.

"Yeah, I like seeing that cute dutch guy kick your ass" you countered, teasing him with his biggest rival Max Verstappen.

"Verstappen is not cute" Charles spat, rolling his eyes in annoyance.

"He's cute when he smiles on that podium" you replied sassy, enjoying pissing off Charles.

"Ouch" he pouted, crossing his arms.

There was just something about the way he sat on the bed, looking cuddly in his oversized hoodie. A soft smile appearing on his lips, his tired eyes dreamily gazing at the camera. It gave you a fuzzy feeling.

Tomorrow I'll see you again you thought.

Subconsciously you were replaying the moment of how Charles wrapped his arms around your body and gave you that right and safe feeling, like you had always belonged into his arms.

Tomorrow.

By this time you were both laying on your sides, barely being able to keep your eyes open, talking about all kind of different things like most nights until you both fell asleep.

The next morning you took a taxi to Heathrow, went through security and waited the last half an hour until you could board the plane. Though the flight only took two hours, you managed to catch up on some sleep before you landed in Milan and were picked up by the youngest Leclerc.

"Hey y/n!" Arthur pulled you into a warm hug as soon as you were in reach and relieved you of your suitcase after you let go of one another.

"Hope you had a pleasant flight"

"Yeah, it was fine, thank you" you smiled.

"You look tired, lucky for you we still have an hour drive ahead of us to Monza" he shot you a playful glance.

"Maybe catch up on some sleep to get rid of the shadows under your eyes" Arthur added, teasing you.

"You're horrible!" you laughed, loving how familiar you already were around each other.

"I'm just kidding, I swear" he said, raising his hands.

In the car you had no troubles finding topics to talk about, Charles' little brother was as bubbly and easy going as him. You felt comfortable around him up until Arthur revealed that he unravelled your webs of lies.

"Look, I know you're not really dating my brother"

Shocked you turned your head into his direction, trying to say something but only splutter came out of your mouth.

"Charles didn't tell me of course, but I know my brother. Lorenzo and I know our brother" he briefly looked over to you.

"We knew something was off, especially because there is no way he could've genuinely fallen in love or start something casual with someone he met during a get together. Not with this crazy schedule and top of that not without telling anyone" Arthur proceeded.

"Plus the break-up with Violette messed him up pretty badly. That's why Lorenzo was so rude to you, he thought you were taking advantage of Charles' vulnerability"

"No, I promise" you immediately said.

"Charles and I are friends. He did me a favor once, so I returned it by accompanying him to that jewellery event" you continued, breathing a sigh.

"But how did you discover the truth?"

"At first I thought the same as Lorenzo, 'cause I couldn't think of something plausible, but then I overheard Charles FaceTiming you. I know, eavesdropping is disrespectful" he flashed you an apologetic look.

"But I heard you saying that you don't feel comfortable accepting our mother's invitation to dinner, 'cause you don't wanna lie to her about being his girlfriend and then it all made sense up there" the monegasque pointed to his blonde head.

"In addition to that you just confirmed my assumption" Arthur grinned, looking over to you.

"But I'm dying to know how it all started"

So you enlightened him, telling Arthur all about how Charles and you met on the Tower Bridge a year and couple months ago right up to how he had randomly called you two months ago to ask for the favor and that you had been texting and FaceTiming ever since then, having unintentionally formed a close friendship.

"Not gonna lie the concept of trusting a stranger more than your close ones has a ring to it" Arthur laughed, but you could tell he was slightly hurt.

"It's not about trusting more, it's about embarrassment. I, for instance, was too embarrassed to tell my friends and family that I didn't wanna get married without having an 'apparent' reason. Talking to Charles, a total stranger at that time, really helped, 'cause I didn't have to live up to any expectations, you know?"

You looked over to Arthur, who just nodded.

"When Charles called me up and asked me to be his company, he was embarrassed as well. It wasn't that he trusted me more, but I was a stranger, he couldn't care less what I'd think of him. But with family and friends it's different" you clarified the whole situation.

"I understand" he flashed you a faint smile.

"I'm glad, he has found someone like you"

"I'm glad, I found someone like him too"

When you arrived, you were late intentionally, so Charles wouldn't see you. However Arthur's older brothers spammed him with calls, which the youngest Leclerc brother knowingly ignored.

"We gotta hurry" he said, handing you the VIP Paddock Pass to hang around your neck.

"Lorenzo is gonna murder me" he mumbled, picking up the pace. You dashed through security and sprinted to the VIP area, where Lorenzo welcomed his brother with angry french scolding and you with a disapproving look.

All the Formula One drivers were already sitting in their cars, Charles on pole position followed by the Red Bull driver Max Verstappen.

The moment the light turned green, the drivers went full throttle, causing your heart to skip a beat.

You were eagerly watching the race, unable to shift your attention elsewhere, fearing you would miss something. The only time your eyes left the huge screen was when you were asking Arthur questions to clear up your confusion about certain things.

Since you started genuinely watching Formula One, you understood what it meant to get excited about a sport. You finally discovered the beauty of it, how it brought people together and made them bond. You even got Lorenzo to explain a thing or two to you without trying to glare you to death.

Before you knew it, the race was nearly over, time flew like those cars almost flew over the grid.

The last few laps were nerve wrecking, Charles was fighting for the first place with his Ferrari teammate Carlos Sainz. Like being on tenderhooks you were alertly watching Charles trying to keep his leading position.

Eventually on the penultimate lap Charles was able to put Sainz off, with the gap between the two drivers growing bigger.

When Charles crossed the finish line, the crowd went crazy and so did you and his brothers. Arthur grabbed you by the arm and motioned you to follow him to the barriers to surprise his brother right after his win. You saw Charles climbing out of his racing car, cheering towards the crowd. He then carefully took off his helmet, revealing his beaming smile. After depositing his helmet on the car, he excitedly ran towards the barriers firstly hugging all the pit crew members, shortly after joined by his teammate that won second place. Charles and Carlos Sainz exchanged hugs as well, both proud to have won the home race for their team.

As Charles moved on, his eyes met yours. Confused he started running towards you, not fully believing his eyes until you were standing face to face.

His hair rampled, his gorgeous hazel eyes sparkling in excitement, the beautifully contoured lips slightly parted.

"What are you doing here?" He whispered overwhelmed, instantly pulling you into his embrace.

"I came here to see you. Congratulations!" you replied, putting your arms around his neck, feeling how much his heart was hammering against his rib cage.

"Sorry, I'm all sweaty" he apologized, letting go of you to lean his forehead against yours, wearing a soft smile on his lips.

"It's fine" you chuckled.

"You did it, Champ. You overtook Verstappen"

"I did" Charles exhaled full of relief.

"Sorry y/n, it's our turn now" Arthur interrupted and pulled his brother away from you, hugging him.

When everyone finished hugging and congratulating this year's winner of the italian Grand Prix, Charles briefly returned to you.

"I'll be right back, promise" the monegasque said, flashing you his typical dazzling smile before he disappeared.

Soon later the podium ceremony started, Charles standing on the highest step with Carlos Sainz on his right and Max Verstappen on his left. A combination of the monegasque and italian anthem started playing, honoring Charles' win as well as the win of Ferrari's constructor, who was standing on a seperate podium. Subsequently Charles was handed his glorious trophy followed by the representative of the constructor's team, Carlos Sainz and lastly Max Verstappen.

Charles kissed his precious trophy before he lifted it with a big fat smile on his face, celebrating his victory with the Ferrari fans. After the drivers trophies were put aside, they continued with the famous Champagne celebrations, spraying each other with the sparkling liquid.

After the procedure of the winning ceremony was done, you went to the paddock with Arthur and Lorenzo to wait for Charles.

By the time the Ferrari duo arrived, you had got to know Carlos Sainz' girlfriend Alyssa, who you ran into on your way to the Ferrari garage.

Both soaked in champagne they opened their racing suits and left the upper half hang down to give you a hug without staining your clothes with champagne.

Charles introduced you to his fellow teamate and the second you told Carlos that it was nice meeting him, the spaniard raised his eyebrows.

"Oh british" he stated, swiftly facing Charles.

"Is that London Girl?" Carlos asked his teammate with a crooked smile on his lips.

The monegasque awkwardly rubbed his neck while nodding, his cheeks turning crimson.

"Yeah, she's the girl I met in London" he stammered.

"So you guys are dating?" Carlos interestedly asked, raising one of his thick brows.

Not sure what to reply, you looked at Charles for help, who grabbed you by the waist and tugged you closer to him.

"Yeah" the brunette then said and looked at you smiling.

"Since when?"

Just as you needed to come up with another lie a blonde guy joined you, thankfully interrupting the awkward conversation about your fake relationship to congratulate Charles and Carlos with a brotherly handshake and tap on the back and went over to the other Leclcercs and Alyssa to greet them as well.

"Hi, Pierre" Alpine's driver politely introduced himself to you.

"Pierre, that's London Girl" Carlos cheekily interposed.

The fact that Charles' friends knew about you, flattered you so much, you could feel how the blood rushed into your cheeks.

"Give it a rest, mate" Charles barked, flashing him a warning glare.

"Hi, y/n" you disclosed your name to Pierre Gasly, trying to act as natural as possible, after Carlos' remark to Pierre, who examined you from head to toe.

"Finally we get to meet the girl that Charles told us so much about" the frenchman said, grinning at his monegasque friend.

"We'll need an explanation, mate" Carlos too focused his eyes on the monegasque.

"Later" Charles grunted, obviously containing himself from attacking his colleagues for exposing him like that in front you.

"I'm all sticky, gotta get a shower" Charles looked over to you and placed a soft kiss on your temple.

"I'm sorry for keeping you waiting all the time"

"No, don't worry about it" you shyly shrugged it off.

Meanwhile Charles and Carlos were washing up, you were bridging the gap with Alyssa and the Leclerc brothers. Pierre returned to his team's garage to freshen up as well and agreed to meet you for dinner to celebrate his friend's victory.

On the way to the hotel, you rode with Charles and the first thing you did was enlighten him about his baby brother seeing through your act.

"Please tell Lorenzo and your Mom" you literally begged.

"I don't want you to lie to the people closest to you"

"Wait, are you upset I told Carlos and Alyssa we were a couple?" Charles asked, shooting you a worried look.

"No, it's not that, Charles. It's that I don't wanna cause any problems between you and your family and friends. Secrets tear people apart"

"How did that little shit find out in the first place?" He wondered upset.

"He heard us FaceTiming"

"Imma beat the crap out of him for eavesdropping" Charles huffed, visibly angry with his younger brother.

"Don't. He was worried about you" you defended Arthur.

"Worried about me? why the fuck?"

"He thought I was taking advantage of you" you admitted.

"Lorenzo still thinks that"

Charles inhaled sharply, running his fingers through his already tousled hair.

"Fine, I'll talk to him"

"Please, Charles. Don't be mad, today is your day. You're supposed be happy and celebrating. You fucking won in Monza, for the first time you have more points than Verstappen" you grabbed his hand, that was resting on his thigh and interlocked your fingers.

"You're right" he said calmly, squeezing your hand.

Soon after you arrived at the hotel, you quickly got in to rest and unpack your stuff to get ready for dinner. Arthur didn't let you book a hotel room and demanded to take care of the reservation and booked you a room on the same floor as Charles.

You went for a strapless top with lacey sleeves and ripped skinny jeans combined with plateau heels and a matching purse. You agreed to meet the Leclerc brothers in the lobby, so when you arrived, you spotted them sitting on leather couches scrolling through their cells.

"I hope, I didn't keep you waiting for too long" you excused yourself.

All three brothers looked up to you at the same time, but only Charles' glance lingered on you, couldn't detain himself from checking you out.

"Shall we?" You asked, blushing.

"Shut your mouth, brother, there's a bus coming!" Arthur scoffed, chuckling with Lorenzo joining him.

"La ferme, Arthur" (shut up, Arthur) Charles hissed through gritted teeth and got up.

"Charles" Lorenzo warned and then turned to their youngest brother.

"Tiens-toi bien" (behave yourself)

When you arrived, the waiter of the posh restaurant seated you at the table, where Carlos, Alyssa, Pierre and his company were already awaiting you.

The food was great, the atmosphere joyful. Alyssa and Helena were great gals with whom you connected immediately.

It felt genuine and right, if it weren't for the fake relationship.

You called it a night earlier than the rest, so you resorted to the pretentious hotel.

You and Charles changed into more comfortable clothes before he knocked on your door to hang out, before you go to sleep.

The second the door of your hotel room engaged in the lock, you walked up to the monegasque, looking up into his pretty, hazel eyes.

"I came here to embarrass myself"

"What is it?" He asked a smirk spreading across his face.

You breathed out loudly, crawling into the kingsize bed and motioned Charles to join you.

"It's kinda messed up" you warned, slipping your feet underneath the blanket.

"I'm listening" Charles said, sitting down on the edge of the bed.

"Benjamin, my father's godchild is getting married next friday and Will, my Ex is going to be at the wedding" you began.

"With my former best friend as his plus one" you said in addition and watched how Charles' expression changed to dismay.

"That's fucking messed up" he panted and shook his head in disbelief.

"I know right, so I was wondering-"

"Say no more. I'll be your date at the wedding" the monegasque got ahead of you and answered your unspoken question.

"You're the best" you smiled, gazing into his dreamy eyes.

"Is that what has been on your mind the past few weeks?"

You nodded, letting yourself sink beneath the cushions.

"I haven't seen both since that night"

"Why didn't you tell me, y/n?"

"'Cause you already have enough on your plate" you reasoned.

"Arthur told me you have two weeks off, that's why I came here"

Charles laid down next to you, pulled you into his arms and brushed the hair out of your face.

"I just don't know how to face them" you groaned, burying your face into your hands.

"Wanna talk about it now?" The brunette offered, tucking a strand of hair behind your ear.

"I still feel so guilty, yet so betrayed and mad"

"What happened when you returned that night?" Charles inquired.

You breathed in and out before putting yourself through that horrible experience again.

"When I went back to our flat, everyone was waiting for me boiling with rage. Their faces full of fury, disappointment. Especially Will's, his eyes were blood shot and swollen, he looked so devastated and so angry, rightfully so" guilty you looked down on your hands and paused for a short period of time, collecting your thoughts.

"His parents, his sister, they basically mopped the floor with me the second I walked through the door and I let them, because I deserved it" a painful smile appeared on your lips. That night was one of the most horrible nights of your life.

"Then when everyone left Will went berserk and threw me out of our shared flat, so I had to sleep at my father's place. Will refused to see me after that"

Charles' brows furrowed and his eyes glinted with sadness at the sight of your sorrowful face.

"I screwed up, I'm well aware of that, but that didn't mean I was fine doing that, I needed someone by my side, I needed my best friend. But instead of being there for me, she took care of him"

You rested your head on his shoulders, sensing how is warmth and smell soothed you after revisiting this topic that never failed to upset you all over again.

"She was in love with him all along and waited for the perfect opportunity to snatch him and he went with it. Probably to get back at me or because he had feelings for her too"

"You don't deserve that" Charles spoke in a soft voice, rubbing your shoulders with his thumb.

"This only proves how disloyal they are and how you made a good call declining his proposal"

"Yeah" you agreed, still crushed.

"What about other friends?"

You just shook your head.

"I was too ashamed of myself to talk to anyone, besides they were more Will's friends than mine. I'm not really the group friend kinda person. That's why it hurt so badly, when Diane distanced herself from me. It ripped open old wounds. She favored him over me, it reminded me of the time when my mother left us for one of her lovers"

The brunette held you close to his chest, provided you with what you needed exactly. Just two arms wrapped around you, giving you secureness and above all company. With Charles by your side you didn't feel alone like on most days.

"I'm so sorry y/n..." Charles said under his breath, gently stroking your hair.

"I should have given you my number that night"

"No, you had Violette back then, it wouldn't have been right" you whispered back, closing your eyes and feeling your heartrate decrease.

You laid in his arms so naturally as though you had done this a hundred times already. You couldn't think of a better company than Charles'.

"What's up with London Girl anyway?" You asked after some time glancing up to him, a smile climbing up your face.

"Oh lord" Charles groaned, letting his eyelids fall shut.

"I wasn't sure, if I was supposed to tell Violette about you, so I asked Carlos and Pierre and then they started calling you London Girl" he briefly explained.

"And did you tell Violette?"

"Yeah, I did" the monegasque replied.

"How did she react?"

"She reacted pretty well, glad her boyfriend and I quote 'was such a kind soul'"

You perceived the immediate sadness that crept into his gaze, while the words left his lips and his eyes were blankly staring into the void.

Charles was still mourning after Violette.

"What's the plan for tomorrow?" You then asked to distract him from thinking of his ex-girlfriend.

After you discussed your plans for tomorrow you wandered from one topic to another until you both calmly fell asleep on your hotel bed. Your head on Charles' chest while his head leaned against yours, his arms still around you keeping you sheltered.

The next morning you awoke Charles was still peacefully sleeping looking like an angel. You couldn't help but to smile at the sight of him, carefully gazing at his face noticing his long lashes, his sharp jawline and his beautifully defined lips. You caught yourself wanting to kiss him and that made you retreat.

You couldn't kiss him, he wasn't actually your boyfriend.

Without waking him up you freed yourself out of his embrace and decided to get ready for your busy day.

Eventually Charles woke up, looking drowsy and cute with his hair tousled in all directions.

"Good morning, sleeping beauty" you teased him.

"Sorry, I fell asleep" Charles abruptly apologized, nearly sounding panicky.

"It's fine" you assured.

"Can't remember the last time I slept so tight" it slipped out of your mouth.

"Im glad to hear" the brunette replied, his voice sounding raspy.

Attractive.

You shook off that thought.

"Wanna get breakfast?"

"Yeah, yeah. Just give me a few minutes to get ready"

"No rush"

Still half asleep he dragged his feet to his room to get ready for the day, whilst you were scrolling through your socials.

A decision you regretted instantly.

The picture of you and Charles hugging and leaning your foreheads against each other were circulating on the internet.

You should have known better.

You just digged your own grave by fake dating Charles Leclerc.

Several knocks on your door caught your attention, making you jump to your feet and rush to the door.

"Have you been online?" Charles asked instantly when you opened up the the door at which you responded with a nod.

"I'm so sorry! Arthur should have known better than to bring you to the barriers"

"Don't worry about me, I'm not the one standing in the public eye after all"

"We have to talk to my publicist"

After discussing further steps regarding that matter with Charles' publicist, you grabbed something to eat and sallied out to take a look around Monza. Despite all of this drama you tried to enjoy the trip the best you could, even though running into fans that spotted you together was unavoidable.

The rest of your stay in Italy was filled with panic and anxiety as more people saw you out with Charles and more pictures of your face surfaced on the internet. Even pictures from when you were in Monaco appeared out of nowhere.

More and more people started to recognize you.

Sadly that didn't end when you both travelled to London together for the wedding Charles promised you to accompany you to. Fans kept recognizing you, asking Charles for pictures and started recording you, almost shoving the camera in your faces, to upload the footage to the internet.

All kind of people you knew started calling or texting you, to learn everything about the famous racing driver you were supposedly dating.

It was a nightmare.

You decided to take your Mini Cooper which was less flashy than Charles' signature Ferrari and allowed you to drive to the venue without being noticed.

When you arrived, you handed the valet your car keys and set foot into gigantic venue alongside Charles.

"May I take your Coat, Miss?" A girl working here politely asked.

"Let me help" Charles offered and helped you take off your long black coat. You then turned around and watched Charles freeze at the sight of your long black figure-enhancing dress that was only laced up with thin straps from behind, revealing your whole back.

"You look...gorgeous" he blurted out and gave you the confirmation and self-esteem boost you needed to survive this evening.

"You look dashing yourself" you complimented him back.

Charles Leclerc in a Ferrari suit was no doubt your favorite fit on him.

You wrapped your fingers around his upper arm and walked down the hallway to enter the actual location.

"Unlike you I told you about meeting my family here" you whispered into his ear and watched him roll his eyes.

"I told you, I was sorry"

You guided Charles to your father, his wife and your brothers and was finally able to introduce them to your mysterious friend.

Your fathers wife immediately hugged him and your father shook his hand firmly.

You had feared this situation becoming extremly uncomfortable. After all your father and you didn't really share a strong bond due to him not being exactly present, therefore introducing him to Charles was rather a formality than something you wanted to share with him.

But to your surprise he reacted excited seeing the Formlula One driver, even congratulting him on the good season so far, catching you off guard. Completely surprised you looked over to your stepmother, who lovingly smiled and whispered to you how handsome company was.

After getting to know your brothers as well you went over to the bride and groom, both hardly being able to pull themselves together meeting Charles.

In course of the evening you noticed Will and Diane arriving, greeting your family and relatives. They looked well, you couldn't deny that, but you and Charles looked better. You could perceived how they were shooting you looks, inspecting you and Charles.

You tried your best to not let them affect you, tried to seem as unbothered as possible. But nevertheless it stung in your chest when you saw the people that once meant the world to you for the first time after nearly one and a half years again.

"You okay?" The monegasque softly asked, noticing your mood shift.

"They're here" you said under your breath, subtly motioning in their direction.

His hands cupped your face, his gorgeous eyes staring into yours.

"Don't let them ruin the night, it's going well so far, isn't it?"

You laid your hand onto his warm one, your lips forming a small smile.

"You're right, thank you"

A few minutes later the DJ played "Thinking Out Loud" by Ed Sheeran and slowly couples went to the dance floor to slow dance.

"Aren't you gonna ask me to dance?"

"Y/n, may I have this dance?" Charles asked, offering you his hand, that you took and let him guide you onto the dance floor.

Overchallenged your dance partner didn't know where to place his other hand, not wanting to disrespect you by touching your naked skin without consent.

"You are my boyfriend, you're allowed to touch me" you brought his hand up to your waist, promptly feeling a tingling sensation rushing down your spine as Charles' fingers met your skin.

"Wow, you can dance" you remarked in surprise after dancing for a short while.

"I do and I don't even hate it"

"I enjoy dancing too"

You smiled at each other. His eyes mesmerizing you like an infinite galaxy, making time stand still and everyone fade down.

It was just Charles and you. All that matters was this intimate moment.

"They're starring at us" he spoke, looking inconspicuously over to them.

"You chose the right dress for this revenge move" the brunette murmured into your ear, gliding with his fingertips along your spine, causing you goosebumps. Once again you both shared intense eye contact and then something that you had been surpressing all along hit you.

You had developed feelings for Charles Leclerc. Feelings you never wanted to experience.

The song ended, you were brought back to reality. Charles' hand dropped from your back, taking one step back.

"May I have a word with you?"

Your heart skipped a beat hearing those words out of his mouth. You turned around and looked directly into your exes face.

You narrowed your eyes, not fully grasping this was happening.

"You wanna talk now?"

"Please, y/n"

"Fine" you flashed Charles an assuring look.

"It's okay" you mouthed and smiled.

You followed Will to a corner for some privacy and eagerly waited for him to start.

"What are you doing y/n? Have you sunk so deep?"

"Excuse me?" You said outraged and folded your arms.

"So you're sleeping your way to the top now?" Will shamelessly claimed.

"Would you rather I sleep with your best friend?" You hissed, feeling the anger increase.

"You see Benjamin and Victoria? This could have been us" he said, adding salt to the wound.

"Are you hearing yourself?" You looked at him in disbelief.

"Aren't you sick of playing the part of the victim?"

"I gave you everything and you still dared to humiliate me" Will argued furiously.

"Yes, I've hurt you badly, Will. That haunted me for a long time, but my intention was to do right by you. As your wife I couldn't give you what you deserved, at least that's what I thought back when I used to think high of you" you began feeling pressure on your chest and tears welling up.

"I feel glad now, glad that I left you standing, 'cause it uncovered your and Diane's true self" you took a deep breath.

"You guys deserve one another" you spat over your shoulder before running out of the venue.

Outside you started weeping, covering your face with your hands. You hated how the right path was always the more difficult one and never the easy one.

"Hey, what happened?"

You felt the warmth of a coat wrapping around you and one arm clasping your waist.

"What did the bastard say to you?" Charles questioned, trying to get you to look at him.

However you didn't answer his question, you just threw your arms around his neck and sobbed terribly. The monegasque walked you away from the entrance, not wanting the other guests to see you like that. He let you cry it all out, softly stroking your hair and holding you tight while doing so. Once again giving you what you needed without having to communicate it.

Then when you stopped, you told him what had happened. It took you back to one year prior to this event, when you stopped crying after telling the brunette you had just ran away from your boyfriend and Charles wiped off your blurred mascara and took you for a stroll during a chilly London night with his jacket around your body.

The night were it all started shaped your relationship to this day.

Oftentimes laughter followed after crying and that was what had happened. Charles started making you laugh with his wit and goofiness, making you wonder how someone can be so perfect.

Then you took a short break on a bench to take off your heels with Charles' help due to the dress restrichting you from bending down. When he finished, he took a seat next to you.

"Thank you for everything, Charles. I don't know what I'd have done without you"

"Always at your service"

"I do not take that for granted" you stated, resting your head on his shoulder. Charles then put his fingers around your chin lifting it towards his face and leaned closer to kiss you.

"We can't, I'll end up hurting you" you breathed, looking into the monegasque's eyes.

"You're worth the pain"

With these words Charles put his lips on yours, doing what he intended to do ever since you were on his yacht.

Taglist:

@pleasantducktimetravel @annoyingsaladstrawberry @buendiabebeta @leilani13gc @rosesintj @my-only-way-tocooperatewithlife @allilah @weekknds @fleetastic @xcinnamongirl @carmelita-holland @moneymasnn

[hebimoonlightwrites]

#Hebi100Special inukai and shogo (separately), Hate/Angry sex and Against a Wall. powerful ⁄⁠(⁠⁄⁠ ⁠⁄⁠•⁠⁄⁠-⁠⁄⁠•⁠⁄⁠ ⁠⁄⁠)⁠⁄

Writer's corner: Hi!! Another NSFW! wow- you guys really enjoy the way I write them- I'm glad! Congrats dor being the 6th request I got! Unluckily you didn't get any surprise, sweetheart, but don't worry. If they will be appreciated, I promise I'll do even one for you!♥ Hope you'll enjoy what I've written for now :3 if not, let me know so I can improve myself! Enjoy~ I made it gn!, hope it's fine!

Warnings: NSFW (MINORS, DO NOT INTERACT, PLEASE) (also sorry if it could sound a little bit dirty to someone of you!!- :'D)

⋆𝐍𝐒𝐅𝐖⋆ 𝐈𝐧𝐮𝐤𝐚𝐢 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐠𝐨 (#𝐇𝐞𝐛𝐢𝟏𝟎𝟎𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥)

⋆Interesting...

⋆Very interesting!...

⋆Inukai could seem harmless...

⋆Oh well.. At first!

⋆We all know who Inukai is actually.

⋆When his dark side takes over, Inukai becomes totally another person.

⋆And I feel like it'd be his dark side to block s/o, smirking and staring at their eyes.

⋆It would be his dark side to provoke and sex s/o very hard.

⋆If they like it rough, then they will be soon satisfied~

⋆Especially if he came back home after an hard day at the prison.

⋆He'd be quite tired but also angry and pissed off.

⋆S/o would approach him, feeling that he's not fine at all and wanting to make him relax or simply comfort him.

⋆Inukai would try to move them away, because he knows that his dark side couldn't treat them well.

⋆"Please, s/o.. Don't... I don't know if he..."

⋆After a while, though, s/o would see Inukai changing completely, his eyes becoming red, his smirk and his voice deeper than before.

⋆That's when he would grab their arm and block them, roughly and suddenly, making them placing their cheek against the wall.

⋆S/o would gasp in surprise.

⋆"Babe..- it hurts-..", they would say because of the grab.

⋆"There's still time to get hurt, babe!", he would answer, wrapping his left hand around their body, fondling them and touching their butt.

⋆Without hesitating, Inukai would start kissing and biting s/o's neck, keeping whispering dirty things to their ear.

⋆"You're my slut, aren't you?~ Does it feel good?~ Now you'll learn a lesson!~"

⋆Soon Inukai would tear s/o's clothes and look at their body, licking his own lips with his dirty look.

⋆He'd lick and kiss his nipples, even playing with them with his thumbs.

⋆Until he'd decide to pull their hair.

⋆"Kneel down, slut!!"

⋆That's when he'd start to take off his own pants, licking his own lips.

⋆After that he'd force s/o to do oral.

⋆In short, Inukai would be very active and leading.

⋆He'd be the one to decide the right moment to pull their hair and fuck them from behind.

⋆Their bodies would be all sweat while in the background s/o would try not to cry.

⋆Inukai wouldn't care if it hurts or not.

⋆"What's wrong, s/o?... Are you crying?... Aw... 𝐇𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐧? 𝐎𝐫 𝐝𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞?~"

⋆Shogo is so cute and adorable!!

⋆He's always so kind-hearted with people and always cares about his fellows Visty.

⋆So it'd very difficult to imagine him being so hard and rough with his s/o in bed..

⋆Oh well..

⋆Maybe for most of yours~

⋆Your dear Hebi knows Shogo could be dirty too~

⋆I don't know why, but I imagine him being quite similar to Allen.

⋆Allen is hard to imagine in bed too, because he's adorable and also introverted.

⋆So imagine Shogo being in front of his fans with Visty and near his own s/o.

⋆Nobody can really imagine how that bright smile of his turns into a dirty smirk when in bed, letting his s/o riding him.

⋆S/o wearing a turtleneck to hide some bites that sweet guy gave them.

⋆But let's start from the beginning.

⋆Shogo had never felt anything like that..

⋆He had never felt that desire to fuck them so hard when he helped them not to fall and grab their arm.

⋆"S/o!! Be careful, babe!"

⋆Shogo would find himself very close to s/o, who'd have their own back against the wall, facing him.

⋆Their chest moving due to their breath..

⋆Their scent and their mouth slightly open because of the heavy breath..

⋆Shogo would feel strange and without thinking he'd put his own lips on s/o's ones, starting exploring their body, and pulling them closer to his own.

⋆He'd let himself go, brought by the desire to own them.

⋆He would whisper in their ears how horny they made him.

⋆"Babe... you're so sexy... damn, I don't know what you did to me...~!"

⋆Shogo would bite their neck slowly and romantically until he'd decide that they both need more friction.

⋆That's when everything would become harder and rougher.

⋆It'd be in climax:

⋆He'd start romantically but end it roughly.

⋆His hands exploring their body, undressing them and kneeling down.

⋆He'd be the one to do oral, to satisfy them.

⋆"You taste so sweet--..!"

⋆Our dear boi would fondle s/o's butt and pick them up, opening their legs.

⋆That's how the game would start becoming more interesting~

⋆Their sweat bodies would move against each other, wedging in roughly, in background their moans.

⋆"Babe... Are you okay?... Heh.. 𝐘𝐨𝐮'𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐝𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐦𝐞 𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐳𝐲~!"

©hebimoonlightwrites_tumblr Please, do not copy my contents nor repost it without my permission.

[gretavanfleetposts]

I'm so sorry you aren't feeling well in regards to your mental health, I would like to present you with a reblog I had made a while back in reply to your post below...

Sam:

The back door sliding shut behind you was the first clear indication that you weren't on the porch alone anymore.

The second indication was the sensation of soft fur rubbing against your legs repeatedly, and upon looking downwards you noticed sweet Rosie pacing by you, looking up towards you and vying for your attention.

The third indication was the incomparable feeling of being wrapped in your lover's arms.

Without hesitation you leaned against Sam's chest, unwilling to falter your rightful place with him.

He held his arms tightly around your chest and your hands found purchase over them, clinging to his forearms like they were your lifeline.

How lucky the both of you were to call each other your safe spaces.

His head hung right by your shoulder and he pressed his nose to your temple, inhaling deeply, like one would when they first wake from a proper night's rest.

"You smell wonderful," he complimented.

You giggled for some reason, shy in his embrace.

"Thank you dear."

"How's my girl?" he queried, unmoving from his spot behind you.

You could die happy like this.

'My girl', those words sounded lovely falling from his lips.

"Amazing now that you're here," you whispered, tilting you head just slightly to take a look at his profile.

He pecked you, gentle and short, on the tip of your nose before nuzzling his face into the crook of your neck, effectively tickling you just a tad.

"Good," he conceded, and you could feel his smile against the supple skin of collarbone.

Delighted in each other's presence.

Jake:

The ladle felt almost fitted in your hands. As it always had, and it felt wonderful every time.

You stirred at the delicious mixture of sauteed vegetables in the iron pan.

Once every now and then both you and Jake would host dinners for your close friends and family.

Your love for your passion never strayed when you left work, you were a chef in any kitchen, at your restaurant and at home.

When you first began seeing Jake the both of you bonded over your insatiable love for food, and not necessarily the contents of the plate itself, but what it brought to the table. Food in both your and Jake's opinions brought love, family, and togetherness. And you would relish in it constantly.

The both of you were wonderful cooks too, however, as skilled as he was in the kitchen, his 'guitar fingers' were no match for your hands, nimble and daring, concocting wild and delicious creations inspired by a plethora of different cuisines. Tonight was a more casual dinner, full of warm Middle Eastern food and fruity drinks.

"My goodness that smells incredible," he said, standing beside you, resting his hand on the countertop and letting the aroma of whole spices take over his senses.

"I'm so glad you think so."

"I haven't cooked this in so long and I'm ecstatic to see what everyone thinks of it," you replied earnestly.

You were absolutely the kind to seek praise in what you do.

And it wasn't a bad thing. Your career revolved around people validating your art, and when you did well, you wanted people to express their opinions.

"Would you like to try it, my love?" you asked, pausing your ministrations to look at him.

He nodded with an enthusiastic grin, shifting from his reclined position against the edge of the countertop to look for a tasting spoon, pulling a little steel one from the drawer behind him.

You took the spoon from his grasp and before he could protest scooped a bit of the shakshuka curry into the utensil and lifted it to his mouth, encouraging him to take a bite.

He smiled, knowing how much his thoughts on your food meant to you. And he was always honest and encouraging.

He wrapped his lips around the spoon and slowly ate the food, savoring it, anticipating for the first bite to be magnificent. And it was.

Oh it was delicious beyond compare, and you could tell how much he liked it by the way he closed his eyes and grinned, swallowing the bite.

He hummed, he thought it was absolutely decadent and his facial expressions showed it.

Fluttering his eyes open, he looked at you with a smirk on his lips, shaking his head lightly, almost like he was in disbelief.

Turning his attention to the pan on the stovetop he stared at the dish for a moment before meeting your eyes again.

"Atta girl," he muttered under his breath, just loud enough for you to hear.

You face broke out into a full fledged, Cheshire cat grin. Thrilled that your partner enjoyed it.

You continued to work at the sauce in front of you while simultaneously checking on the other dishes that sat on the accompanying ranges.

Jake proceeded to wrap an arm around your shoulder, saddling up to your side. He bumped his hip with yours playfully.

"My girl's a real talent, eh?" he said, commending your work in the kitchen.

You blushed, you were confident in your abilities but Jake never failed to make you feel even more special, always.

He sighed wistful and dramatic, and you moved your gaze over to him in question.

"What's wrong?" you asked, a lilt in your voice.

"Oh nothing," he exhaled, staring up at the ceiling before looking over at you.

"Just hope you don't forget about me when you win Iron Chef or something one day," he teased, the both of you swiftly swept in soft laughter at his antics.

Josh:

You felt drifty, head heavy and foggy.

You hated it. Oh, how you hated it terribly.

An all consuming fever had you practically incapacitated, lying in bed, the thick curtains drawn closed and a small lamp being the sole item illuminating the space around you.

You despised being sick, and it happened rarely, but when it did occur, you would be out of commission for days on end.

And you were cold too, so unbelievably cold.

Josh insisted on coddling you and taking care of you in your time of need, hand and foot. He dressed you in his comfiest sweaters and sweats, of course, who were you to complain when you got the opportunity to wear Josh's clothes.

Any time he'd hand you a clothing item of his you felt giddy like a high school girl whose boyfriend dropped her off with his hoodie in her hands.

You could hear his steps encroaching and he pushed the slightly cracked open door to allow himself inside the room.

"Oh Y/N," he cooed, pity for your state laced in his voice.

Kneeling in front of you by the bed his left hand laid above your head on the pillow softly scratching your scalp, and you groaned, the light massage shooing away the headache that had you bed ridden and hurting.

He sang softly, classic children's lullabies in an effort to put you to sleep. His strong voice with it's midwestern inflections calming you in a comforting manner.

You moaned in agony as another wave of nausea made it's way through your chest, your sternum constricting in pain. Your immune system doing it's level best to combat the illness.

He stopped his massage and looked at you with these soft puppy eyes.

He whispered to you, "I'm sorry you're in pain, baby."

"I wish there was something else I could do to assist you," he continued, just barely chastising himself, like he was responsible for your condition.

But you wouldn't have any of it.

"You have nothing to be sorry for, Joshy," you insisted, your voice crackling and rough, the result of a very sore throat.

"Please don't apologize for how I feel."

He looked at you, crestfallen, but willed his emotions away immediately.

Of course you would comfort him even when you felt sick.

"Okay," he complied, smiling at you.

He stood up from his position on the floor and winced when he could feel the burn in his kneecaps from his prolonged position on the rug beneath him.

Moving to the other side of the bed, he took his shirt off before climbing into bed behind you. He closed himself around you, like a shawl around your shoulders on a rainy day. He lifted the hem of the sweater you had worn almost imperceptibly, digging his fingers into your lower back muscles in soothing circles.

Suddenly you felt this desire to be even closer to your lover than now. Turning around in his grasp, you moved to face him, a foot of space between your chests.

Wordlessly you shucked your sweater off of your torso, and he helped you once he understood what you were attempting to do.

The both of you would always indulge in skin to skin contact. Your body ran as cold as ice while his would be hot to the touch.

You desperately needed the warmth, and with wandering hands you pushed your bare body to his, tight against his skin, and you could feel each other's heartbeats this way.

His arms moved around you and rubbed at your back, creating enough friction to subdue your frigid muscles.

"My sweet girl," he spoke into your hairline.

And there you slept soundly for the rest of the afternoon.

Danny:

"I'm so happy you wanted to go out with me to the course," Danny squealed, unable to contain his excitement for your unwavering interest.

Golf never particularly thrilled you, but you had never tried the sport, and when you began dating your beloved Daniel a few months ago, you made it a point to support him in his athletic endeavors, regardless of whether or not golf meant something meaningful to you.

You kissed his cheek, fanning his already sweaty face.

It was the most gorgeous, sunny day, and when you woke up this morning you decided that today would be the day you indulge in Danny's hobby with him.

He was over the moon when you asked him if you both could go golfing today.

He had kissed you breathless with fervor before rushing to your shared closet in search of proper attire for the activity.

He picked a plain white tennis skirt that you had still kept from your high school days when you had played, and a baby blue cotton polo.

He surprised you when you stepped onto the golf course with a matching visor to his. The yellow and blue Michigan 'M' embroidered beautifully on the white band.

Supposedly he had bought you one for when he planned on taking you out golfing on his own volition, however, you beat him to it when you had asked him to take you first.

He held your hand, swinging it while walking in stride through the golf course with you. You offered to carry the caddy for some time but he refused, and gasped when you had even suggested the idea.

"Nice girls shouldn't carry their own clubs," he faux chided you.

And you were complacent, letting him treat you as a guest star.

When the both of you reached your first hole, he explained the basics of the sport to you slowly and in a manner in which you would understand, was never condescending once, and kept checking with you to make sure you were following. He mimicked the motions with his club and helped you sift through his collections of materials to find a club that fit your grasp best.

You teed your first ball, nervousness began to seep into you, you wanted to do well, you didn't want to embarrass yourself in front of your boyfriend, especially considering this was something he took so seriously.

You did your best to recall the movements he had taught you earlier and took a swing at the ball.

You had hit it, but it went sideways, a direction you hadn't meant for it to follow. You stared at the ball that pinged on the hill a little ways away from the both of you in disappointment.

Turning back to Danny, you grimaced, ashamed of your performance.

"I'm sorry, I thought I had followed all your instructions," you explained rubbing your arm, feeling sensitive.

"That's okay baby, I believe you, your form was well, it takes practice, I'm not expecting you to suddenly turn into Tiger Woods," he consoled you, a teasing remark towards the end of his sentence.

You smiled up at him sheepishly before looking back out into the green.

"Here, can I help you?" he asked. Motioning towards the tee that you were just stood by.

You nodded your head with a small 'please' and let him lead you by your shoulder towards the tee, setting a golf ball on top.

He encircled his arms around you, his arms covering yours that held the club. Shuffling his feet behind you, he moved the both of you until your feet held a firm stance on the ground below. Bending just a tad lower, his front pressed flushed to your back he maneuvered you so that the both of you were completely and utterly synchronized.

With a sharp swing, you heard the pop of the ball and the both of you broke apart slightly to watch as the ball went in the direction of the hole.

"Look at that," he chuckled.

"You did much better, eh?" he praised you, and you swooned.

His support meant the world to you.

You tipped yourself up on your toes to press a peck to the corner of his mouth and stared at him with love in your eyes.

"Thank you for helping me," you told him.

"When your turn is over, I'll try again," you promised him.

He smiled, proud of you and your genuine efforts.

"That's my girl," he said, his voice laced with pride.

===

Enjoy my darling :)

,Violet <3

Now this is just topical because I made curry last night for the first time (which would NOT have received an "atta girl" from Jake because I somehow zapped all the flavor from the spices) AND I'm getting sick haha so cue me thinking about Josh soothing me to sleep in my time of need.

And I stand by what I said! This is just further validation of that.

Thank you, my dear 🖤

[saviolum-sanguineus]

I wish it was two weeks ago... She wants to say it, wants it more than anything she's ever wanted in this shining mayfly brightness of youth.

sometimes memories aren't enough. sometimes they're too much.

“When do you need to be home by?”

"What?"

The party around them is too loud and Joel doesn't want to yell, so he leans in and cups a hand around his mouth—Esme's hair smells like roses and the cherry lipgloss it swiped from her mouth when she was dancing earlier—to repeat, "When do you need to be home by?"

Someone bumps into her as they pass, jostling her forward into Joel's automatically protective surprise; his chest is warm and muffles her muttered "ow" when her nose smacks into him. Esme looks up, eyes watering slightly (or maybe it's just the lights through whatever the people in the room down the hall are smoking), and tips her head towards the relative quiet of the backyard. Joel nods and she smiles when she tugs him by the hand into the cool open air.

“Technically eleven, but they know I'm with you. I don’t know what they think would happen anyway, Aplesnay is tiny, I couldn’t get into trouble if I went looking for it.” Esme isn't drunk, but being around Joel makes her feel like she is, dizzy and floating on the feeling of his hand in hers, smile buoyant on her lips like the little boats they make out of leaves and send downstream together in the woods.

Joel looks a little sceptical but grins back when she swings their intertwined hands back and forth to the music they can still hear thumping outside the house. "It's almost ten, and I'm pretty sure your parents don't like me that much."

Esme pulls a frowny kind of face that melts rapidly into a teasing smile as she leans into Joel. “They like you, they just don't like that I dyed my hair after we got together—and anyway, I like you very, very much, so all that means is that we’ll have to leave now.”

Joel looks bewildered. “Now? You don’t live an hour away.”

“Yeah, but you took the motorcycle here, Jojo. You think I’d miss a chance to make the most of a ride with Ryder?”

It’s a stupid joke, but Joel laughs anyway and it leaves Esme giddy, smiling adoringly at him when he pushes the visor of her helmet securely in place. The choke purrs loud as her heart as they ride off, black night breeze whipping past the column of light carved out by Joel’s headlight. He’s always warning her to hold on tight—a little needlessly, but it’s those little things that keep Esme’s arms wrapped so tight around him, body pressed to his so closely that the contour of where they touch is a kiss. It feels like flying.

Two minutes before eleven, Joel cuts the engine at the end of her block and walks Esme to the door, looking shyer with every step towards the geraniums on either side of it. She squeezes his hand and rises up on her tiptoes for a parting kiss: chaste, sweet, and comforting (even if she lingers a little).

“Goodnight,” Esme whispers just before the front door opens to reveal Yvette and Tobin behind her. "See you tomorrow?" Esme asks, eyes hopeful where her voice is cautiously casual.

“'Course,” Joel answers, smile as tender as the hand that gently pushes Esme’s hair behind her ear from where the helmet had squashed it awkwardly.

"Kay," Esme beams; Yvette clears her throat and Esme flushes a little before turning to go inside—she pauses to call over her shoulder, "Say hi to Mittens for me!" before disappearing into the house.

They go to the beach one summer day to soak up the sun and each other. The water is barely cold enough to justify Esme's excuse for insisting that she needs to snuggle up to Joel on the shore after they're done splashing about, but neither of them poke the façade. Sunset glitters on the water in a riot of gold and flushed sky. Esme drags her finger through the wet sand beside them, drawing out a heart big enough to fit both their hands in. Joel watches, smiling at the concentration on Esme's face, though there's a strange glimmer of nervousness in his eyes.

"Put your hand here," Esme instructs, tugging Joel's wrist so he presses his palm flat to one of the spaces inside. She lays her hand in the other, stroking the tip of her thumb over Joel's knuckles before she pushes her hand down into the empty half of the heart. "Heart handholding. Hearting."

Joel smiles and lifts his hand, shakes the sand off, and cups Esme's face, thumb brushing over the freckles that are starting to show under summer sun. They're barely visible, hidden little treasures he's found by virtue of knowing how to look tenderly enough to be let close. He traces a little heart over her cheek, connecting the faint freckles into an invisible constellation. "Heart headholding. Hearting."

The constellation crinkles up into a new spread of stars as Esme laughs. Joel's hand is still warm where it brackets her face, but he doesn't tip her head up to meet him—she does that herself, smiling as he lowers his head to kiss her softly, slow enough that it feels like she's melting like the shore under rolling waves.

When she opens her eyes, Joel is holding a little velvet-flocked box. The hope in his face is the colour of home and the way his eyes turn into dark honey under sunlight—the promise ring is gold with a dark red stone cut into the shape of a heart, and its slim band fits around her finger as neatly as her arms wrap around him.

"It's beautiful," Esme says, holding her hand up so the heart sparkles in the dying sun. Aplesnay is tiny and she already knows that she doesn't have enough fingers or toes to count the days Joel must have saved up for this. "I love it, Jojo." I love you.

She wants to say it, wants it more than anything she's ever wanted in this shining mayfly brightness of youth: the words taste so sweet shimmering on her tongue, but there's a clench of fear that keeps her voice down. She's not good enough for herself, nowhere near the perfect girls in the magazines or on TV, never sweet or smart or anything enough, not when you look close—how can she ever be enough for someone as perfect as Joel? She's just gotten unthinkably lucky so far—and Esme learned early not to look a gift horse in the mouth.

Instead, she looks at Joel and hopes that he knows what's behind the giggle she can't stop from escaping her lips before she rolls onto him, holding his face between her hands and peppering kisses over his face like she can leave him a constellation to match hers. I love you. I love you. I love you.

"I love...you just make everything feel right. We're like my mom and dad," she says later, when they're watching the last of the day spill over the ocean. "Y'know?"

Joel turns and looks at her, fingers finding hers and squeezing gently. "Yeah," he murmurs, and his eyes sparkle before he kisses her. And they keep sparkling even as night cools the beach and paints their shadows long and blue along the sand.

His room is always neat, welcoming in the way of a simple memory and well-worn, familiar touch. Esme stares at the framed verse on Joel's nightstand and fidgets with the promise ring on her finger. Corinthians 16:14, Let all that you do be done in love.

She should have known that he'd see through her attempts to smile. Joel's concern cuts deep, salt rubbed in raw by the gentle touch of his hand on her shoulder, embrace too tender for the knives her voice has unsheathe from her throat. Esme would kill someone for calling her meek, but that's exactly what her voice rolls into, pricked by brambles, when she says slowly, "You know how I applied to school in the city? I, um...I got in."

"That's great!" he says, and it feels like she's being torn apart by the earnestness holding Joel's voice together. "Congratulations, Essie—I know you worked really hard for this. I'm so proud of you and so happy for you."

She lets him hug her tight—hugs him back just as tightly—and hates herself for it. Joel cradles the back of Esme's head, callused fingers unbearably tender, and Esme knows that if she believed in hell, this would be the moment that would sentence her soul there. The killing sentences she'd prepared herself to deliver slide back down like bile.

Esme can't look at him when he kisses her goodbye one last time at the door. She'll always wish she did.

"I can give you a ride," Joel offers—when Esme thinks back on it, she's never quite sure if she's imagined the note of desperation in his voice, and worse still is that she doesn't know if that would make it hurt more or less.

"That's okay," she says (let all that you do be done in love). "Thanks, Jojo."

At home, Esme types out what she'd meant to say in person (is it really love if she's so selfish? this kindness feels like cruelty no matter how much her head is spinning), deletes it, and retypes it five times before hitting send.

we shouldn't have to wait around for each other. sorry.

It has to be curt, with all the sharpness of how Esme tells—used to tell—the pretty people who like flirting with Jojo—Joel—Joseph to piss off into the next dimension's hell. She's got to sever her own heartstrings as well as his, after all. Esme cries herself to sleep and dreams of taking pictures at the beach and a drawing in the sand that the waves never manage to wash away.

Her parents drive her to the airport. Esme's flight is delayed and her fingertips touch bare skin when she goes to fidget with the garnet heart whose comfort is locked inside her carry-on. Even that feels like she doesn't deserve it.

On the plane, she taps out a message to the only person she hasn't said goodbye to and sits in a cycle of deleting and rewriting until takeoff. Her seat neighbor smiles sympathetically. "First time flying?"

Esme's never been on a plane before, but she shakes her head, remembers black nights and the way Joel's hair streaks gold under streetlamps in summer. "No. Just my first time leaving home."

"Ahh. Hey, chin up, don't let the nerves get to you. You'll do just fine!"

Classes are hard, the devil works harder, and Esme decides that for the amount of money draining into this school from her bank account, she's working smarter. She starts with streamlining her schedule (dance PE credit sparks more joy than queuing up for the campus gym and getting ogled on the elliptical anyway) and ends up going to office hours for Ethics in Business and Organisations thrice a week.

Taran (he freaks if you call him Mr. Etoni, as their entire discussion section found out on day one) starts recognising her on week two. The way he smiles like he's in on some joke you aren't isn't unique to just her, but it does make Esme hate the idea of asking him a stupid question, so she researches their homework, the textbook, and every paper she can find by the same authors before showing up.

The third day, Taran glances at her quizzically from across his desk. "You...these short answers are all right, Esme. You went into more detail than I was expecting—than any of the TAs would. You've been coming in a lot. Not just to see me, right?"

He laughs, and Esme's face burns as fiercely red as her hair—the brown dye faded fast under dorm water, clinging auburn at the ends of her hair like autumn leaves that refuse to fall just yet. "No, no, I—" she splutters (does she look like that kind of girl? is that what she is, without Joel? is that what she's always been?). She looks away sharply and her breath hitches when she sees the citation scrawled in Taran's distinct, long-stroked handwriting on the whiteboard calendar. Corinthians 16:14.

"Are you Catholic?" Her voice comes out more demand than she meant it to—not that she'd meant to ask at all, but now the words are out and Esme's spine is prickling with adrenaline she doesn't know how to explain.

Taran glances between her and the whiteboard a few times before answering, "Uh, yes? Raised that way, anyway. You too?" His smile is smooth, curiosity rippling through bright blue eyes.

Orientation introduced Esme to a lot of people and the delicate art of covering up shock with a sparkly smile (turns out she's a fast learner as to what kind of hot fresher takes are even worth engaging with). "No, it just reminded me of someone. That's his favourite verse."

Taran's eyebrows lift and he nods. "Nice. Pretty romantic—your boyfriend?"

Esme's smile falters and she looks down at her hands: bare and a little cold from the aggressive AC in the building. "Oh, um, no. I don't—I don't have a boyfriend."

"Well, in that case, what are you doing this weekend?"

The world seems to go very still and very silent for a split second. The place where Esme's little red heart used to sit aches and she folds the fingers of her other hand over the wound. She'd told him herself not to wait. Unfair to him and to everything they'd had, to lament how she'd ruined it like this. Let all that you do be done in love. Esme wishes she'd had the courage to say it sooner, that day at the beach.

Taran looks a little concerned at how long it's taking her to respond. Esme swallows and looks up at him—his eyes like the ocean, washing over her like some kind of baptism. The salt won't sting if she just swims a little deeper. Taran isn't perfect—she's not expecting him to be. But he's already the opposite of Joel, and maybe that's what will help.

"Um, whatever you want to do, I guess!"