#the delicate touch of louis.

[privately-andre]

KILL ME IT WOULD HURT LESS.

[suesheroll]

CHOMP

[yourlocaljonghoe]

Your Gentle Hands (Please Don't Ever Let Go Of Me Again). || Kim Hongjoong. [ Part 2 ]

Part 1 here.

Summary: meeting the local outcast shouldn't have ended with you slowly falling for him. yet you did, all while knowing you could never have this man, because you were already someones else's wife. two lovers, a dress shop, and a violent man between it all. we all know how this ends, right? ... right?

Pairing: dressmaker!kim hongjoong x fem. reader

Genre: angst, fluff, suggestive

Wordcount: 22.7k

Warnings: misogyny, mentions of (domestic) violence, injuries, wounds, scars, lots of tears and trauma, allusions to sex but cuts right before the actual act

A/N: all i have to say is... thank fucking god i finally finished it. i struggled so much, and though i still love it im also so sick of this fic haha. there are so many people i want to thank for listening to my rambling, brainstorming and constantly reassuring me: @ghstzzn, @skteezcursed, @xomakara and also to @pali-writes-atiny-bit who beta read the whole thing <33 please don't forget to reblog and like! divider credits as always to @firefly-graphics!

Available here on AO3.

“When you fall in love, it is a temporary madness. It erupts like an earthquake, and then it subsides. And when it subsides, you have to make a decision. You have to work out whether your roots are to become so entwined together that it is inconceivable that you should ever part. Because this is what love is. Love is not breathlessness, it is not excitement, it is not the desire to mate every second of the day. It is not lying awake at night imagining that he is kissing every part of your body. No … don’t blush. I am telling you some truths. For that is just being in love; which any of us can convince ourselves we are. Love itself is what is left over, when being in love has burned away. Doesn’t sound very exciting, does it? But it is!”

Captain Corelli’s Mandolin by Louis de Bernières

The room around you was quiet, save for the distant ticking of the old grandfather clock in the hallway. As a child, you'd hated this clock. Now, as an adult, you despised it.

Your hands rested in your lap, the delicate lace of the dress you loved so much pooling around you like the last remnants of a life that, albeit short, once felt full of promises. The world outside was moving on, the townsfolk bustling about with their daily tasks, their lives seemingly untouched by the darkness that has taken hold of your heart.

It was funny, hilarious even.

Because despite pretending not to, they all knew, bowed their heads in shame whenever you walked by.

Yet not a single soul had ever cared.

Not until a man was dead, and another one was jailed for his murder.

You leaned your forehead against the cool glass of the window, watching as the winter sun set over the distant hills, casting a golden glow on the town below. The streets were full of people rushing to finish their errands before nightfall, their faces etched with concern and urgency. None of them spared a glance in the direction of your family's old house, none of them knew the depth of your despair.

Or maybe they did. Maybe they just didn't care. 

It wouldn't be the first time.

The sound of the door creaking open drew your attention, but you didn't turn to look. You knew who it was. Your mother had a way of entering a room that felt like an invasion, like an unwelcome breeze slipping through a crack in the window.

“You’re still wearing that costume,” she said, voice low and disapproving. “That man. Hongjoong. You shouldn't-”

“Shouldn't what, Mother? Mourn the only person who ever truly cared for me?”

You kept your forehead pressed against the glass, your breath fogging up a small circle. The lace of your dress felt heavy now, like a shroud. Once, you had worn it with pride. It had been a gift from Hongjoong, back when his friendship, care and love felt like a lifeline. Back when you were still able to see him, touch him, kiss him-

“Why do you still have it on?” she continued, stepping further into the room. Her footsteps were slow, deliberate. “It's time to let go of the past.”

You finally turned to face her, your eyes cold. The sight of her stirred a boiling rage within you, a fury that had been simmering for too long. She looked at you with the same passive face she always had, the face of a woman who turned away from the truths she didn't want to see.

“You let him do this to me,” you said, your voice trembling with restrained anger. “You saw the bruises. You heard the screams. And you did nothing.”

She flinched, just slightly, but quickly regained her composure, fidgeting with her hands. You two had that habit in common. “I did what I thought was best. It was a different time-”

“Different time?” you interrupted, standing up. The lace dress flowed around you, the wind making it flare up. “You watched your daughter suffer, and you did nothing. That's not the past. That's just who you are.”

Your mother’s eyes glistened with unshed tears, but you felt no pity for her. Not anymore. The betrayal was too deep, the wounds too fresh.

“E-everything's changed now,” she said softly. “He's gone. You’re free.”

“Free?!” you echoed, laughing bitterly. “Free to live in this prison of horrible memories? Free to be haunted by the faces of all the people who turned away? Free to watch the man I love be behind bars for a crime I committed?”

Silence fell between you, heavy and oppressive. The ticking of the grandfather clock in the hallway seemed so, so much louder now.

“You need to let go,” she whispered, a plea hidden in her tone.

“And you need to face what you did,” you replied, your voice cold and unwavering. “Or, well, didn't do.”

With that, you turned back to the window, shutting her out once more. The sun had nearly disappeared behind the hills, casting long shadows across the town. 

You wouldn't stay here much longer. You had a plan, and soon, it would be time to carry it out.

But before that, you had to see your entire family again. And tonight, while celebrating another successful harvest season was the perfect opportunity. Even though the bond you once shared was inevitably broken, they were your family, your people, whom you once loved and shared many memories with.

One last time, you wanted to look them right in the eye.

Because afterwards, you vowed to never speak to them again.

“Miyeon isn't coming today?” you asked as you and your eldest sister set the table. Unfortunately for you, you had to take off Hongjoong’s dress for real this time. To keep the peace, your mother insisted.

“She's with child, Y/N. She can't travel that far. Unlike some of us, she actually fulfills her wifely duties”, she remarked snarky, her voice cold and arrogant. 

You didn't take her usual bait. “What a shame. May she and her unborn be healthy,” you whispered. You were being honest; you truly wanted that. Your middle sister was a good human, and you knew if she and her husband Gikwang wouldn't be away so much traveling the world, she would probably be the only family member you could truly lean on.

Unlike Jisoo, the eldest of you. Your relationship had always been strained, even as children. While you and Miyeon were close, Jisoo had always thought of herself as the best of the best, thus never bothering to actually spend time with you.

And when she married her wealthy husband, Juwon, her arrogance reached a whole new level. When your family's fortune went downhill and you had to marry below your status, her evil, cruel nature fully revealed itself to you. 

While she was always cordial with your parents and sister, in private, you were her personal punching bag.

Your sister's voice snapped you back to the present. “Father's been asking about you,” Jisoo said, arranging the cutlery with a meticulousness that bordered on obsessiveness. “He's worried.”

“Worried?” you echoed, suppressing a bitter laugh. “Funny, he didn't seem worried at all when he handed me over to a monster.”

Jisoo’s lips pressed into a thin line. “He did what he thought was best for the family. You were meant to secure our future.”

“And look how well that turned out,” you said, the sarcasm dripping from your words. “One dead, another imprisoned, and me... here, all alone.”

For a brief moment, you could swear your sister's expression softened for a moment, a flicker of something almost like sympathy crossing her features. “Y/N...”

But you weren’t in the mood for her half-hearted attempts at empathy. “Save it, Jisoo. You’ve made your feelings clear enough over the years.”

Silence fell over the room as the two of you continued to set the table. God, in moments like these, you really needed Miyeon. Or ‘Always the peacemaker Miyeon’, as you called her. Because now, this large dining room, once a place full of warmth and laughter, felt like a mausoleum, merely filled with the ghosts and memories of happier, easier times. The ornate chandelier above - one of the rare expensive items your family kept after your father lost his job and status -, the polished wooden floors, the family portraits lining the walls - they all seemed to mock the illusion of a perfect family that had long since shattered.

The room fell into an uneasy silence afterwards. Jisoo's meticulously manicured fingers continued moving with precision, setting each fork and knife in its place, perfectly in order.

“Y/N,” Jisoo began again, her voice softer this time. “I know you’ve been through a lot. But we’re still family. We have to… find a way to move forward.”

You looked at her, really looked at her for the first time in years. Behind the cold exterior, you saw traces of the sister you once played with in the gardens, the sister that, despite never being interested in the same things as Miyeon and you, tried her best to somewhat bond with you, all for the sake of the family. Before life had driven a wedge between you. Now, all those memories felt like they belonged to another lifetime, a dream you could barely recall.

“Moving forward,” you repeated, almost to yourself. “It sounds so simple when you say it.”

“It’s not simple,” Jisoo admitted, setting down the last knife and turning to face you fully. “But it’s necessary.”

You opened your mouth to reply, but the sound of footsteps in the hallway made you pause. Your father entered the room, his once robust frame now slightly stooped with age and worry. His eyes, once so full of authority, now seemed to carry the weight of too many regrets.

He looked as miserable as you felt. 

“Y/N,” he said, “It’s good to see you. You've been hiding in your room every time I come back from the fields, I thought… I thought you were ignoring me.”

You nodded, not trusting yourself to speak because yes, you totally were ignoring him. Your relationship with your father had always been complicated, and recent events had only made it worse.. He had been the one to arrange your marriage, to send you into the hands of the man who had caused you so much pain. Forgiveness was a luxury you couldn’t afford, not yet.

Not ever, maybe.

“Father,” you finally managed, your voice tight. “Jisoo and I were just finishing setting the table.”

He glanced at the table, then back at you, his eyes searching your face for something, anything - understanding, perhaps, or absolution. “Thank you, both of you. It means a lot to have the family together again, minus your lovely sister of course.”

Jisoo moved to stand beside him, her hand resting lightly on his arm. “Are you worried? She's in good health, father, the delivery will surely go well.”

You tried so hard not to get upset at the scene unfolding in front of you. Seeing him so worried about Miyeon stung, because when has he ever shown you this kind of emotion?

He nodded, but his expression remained troubled. “Where’s your mother?”

“In the sitting room,” you replied. “She’s... resting.”

The truth was, you had left her standing in the middle of that room after yet another argument, lost in her own guilt and sorrow. But you didn’t have the energy to explain that to your father. 

“I’ll go get her,” he said, turning to leave. “Dinner will be ready soon. Jisoo, get your sons from the garden.”

As he walked away, you felt a pang of something close to pity. For all his faults, your father was still trying to hold the family together, still clinging to the hope that things could return to some semblance of normalcy. But you knew better.

Jisoo’s voice pulled you back to the present. “We should finish up. Mother won’t be happy if everything isn’t perfect.”

You nodded, moving mechanically as you placed the last of the plates on the table. The scent of roasted meat and freshly baked bread wafted in from the kitchen, mingling with the tension in the air. This dinner, this facade of normalcy, felt like a cruel joke. But for now, you played along, if only to keep the peace a little while longer.

Dinner was… a strained affair, to say the least. Your family gathered around the table, the flickering candlelight casting shadows on faces that had grown distant and unfamiliar. Your mother, seated at the head, looked as if she were holding herself together by sheer force of will. Beside her, your father’s attempts at small talk fell flat, met with monosyllabic responses and uncomfortable silences.

Jisoo, always the dutiful daughter, tried to keep the conversation going. “Father, have you heard from the merchants about the new trade routes? I read that they’re opening up opportunities in the south. It could be good for the farm, we could get more profit and such.”

Your father nodded, seizing on the topic like a lifeline. “Yes, I’ve been in contact with a few of them. They say the prospects are promising. It could be a chance to recover some of what we’ve lost.”

You listened with half an ear, your thoughts all over the place.

You wondered what Hongjoong was doing at this very moment. Was he getting enough food? Was the little prison cell cold? Was he… Was he thinking about you, just like you were thinking about him? All you could think about was the memory of his touch, his voice, once your only source of comfort, now a constant torment. He was the only person who had ever truly understood you, and now he was paying the price for your actions.

“Y/N?” your mother’s voice brought you right back to reality, “Did you hear me?”

You blinked, realizing she had been speaking to you. “I’m sorry, Mother. What did you say?”

She sighed, a sound full of frustration and sadness. “I asked if you had any plans now that... now that things have changed.”

You knew what she meant. Now that your husband was dead, now that the scandal had rocked your family to its core. “I haven’t decided yet,” you said carefully. “There’s a lot to think about.”

Your mother nodded, her eyes flickering to your father, then back to you. “Just remember, we’re here for you. No matter what.”

You wanted to believe her, but the years of neglect and indifference had built walls that were impossible to tear down. “Thank you,” you said, though the words felt hollow.

As the meal wore on, the conversation thankfully turned to more mundane matters - Jisoo’s children, Miyeon’s pregnancy, the upcoming harvest celebration in town. It was as if everyone was trying to pretend that nothing had changed, that you were still a family bound by more than just blood and obligation.

But you knew better. And as you looked around the table at the faces of your family, you couldn’t help but wonder if they felt that, slowly but surely, you were no longer a part of them.

Later on, as everyone else was lingering in the living room already, you turned around to your mother, now all alone with you in the kitchen. “Mother?” you asked.

“What is it?”

“The bread you made… can I have some more of it? It was… very good.”

For a split second, she looked you right in the eye. 

“...Sure, my daughter.”

She knew something was up.

But maybe, maybe, not intervening with your plans was her way of finally apologizing to you.

The small police station was cold and dimly lit, the flickering candlelight casting eerie shadows on the stone walls. As you stepped inside, Officer Kim, one of only four officers in your town, looked up from his desk, his expression a mix of surprise and curiosity as he spotted you.

“Mrs. Y/N,” he greeted, standing up. “What brings you here at this hour?”

You took a deep breath, steeling yourself. “I need to see him,” you said, your voice cold and determined. “I need to face the man who killed my husband before he is executed.”

Officer Kim’s eyes widened slightly, but after composing himself, he nodded. “Of course. Just... be careful. He’s not in the best of moods.”

You forced a tight smile. “Thank you, Officer Kim. I brought this as a token of my appreciation.” You handed him the neatly wrapped loaf of bread. “It’s from my mother. She insisted.”

He accepted the gift with a nod. “Thank you, ma’am. That’s very kind of you.”

As he led you down the short hallway to the cells, your heart pounded in your chest. The air grew colder the more you entered the building. At one point, it was so cold you felt multiple shivers run down your spine. God, Hongjoong must have frozen to death here. 

You shook your head, taking another deep breath. You had to act, and act well, for your plan to work.

“There he is,” Officer Kim said, nodding toward the second cell. Hongjoong sat on the narrow cot, his head bowed, his hands clasped together. At the sound of your approach, he looked up, his eyes meeting yours instantly.

You saw the turmoil of emotions behind his eyes. Guilt, sorrow, and so much relief to finally see you again.

“Y/N,” he began, but you cut him off with a glare.

“Don’t you dare say my name,” you hissed, stepping closer to the bars. “You have no right to speak to me.”

Hongjoong’s eyes widened, but he quickly masked his emotions. “What are you doing here?” he asked, his voice steady despite the turmoil in his eyes.

“I needed to see you,” you spat, your voice dripping with venom. “I needed to look into the eyes of the man who murdered my husband.”

Officer Kim shifted uncomfortably beside you, clearly uneasy with the tension. “I’ll give you a few minutes,” he said, retreating back to his desk. “But don’t take too long.”

You waited until his footsteps faded before turning back to Hongjoong, your expression softening. “I’m sorry,” you whispered, your voice barely audible. “I had to make it convincing.”

Hongjoong reached through the bars, his fingers brushing against yours. “What are you doing here?” he asked again, his voice trembling. He looked unwell; skinnier than ever before, his eyes sunken in and some torn, old clothes on his shivering frame.

“I have a plan to get you out,” you said, glancing over your shoulder to ensure Officer Kim wasn’t coming back just yet. “The bread I gave him... it’s poisoned. Not enough to kill, just enough to make him sick. When he’s down, I’ll get the keys and we’ll leave. Together.”

Hongjoong’s eyes filled with a mix of admiration and worry. “You’re risking everything for me.”

“I’d risk anything for you,” you confirmed, your voice breaking. “You’re the only person who’s ever truly cared for me. I can’t lose you.”

Before he could respond, you heard a muffled groan from the direction of the desk. It seemed as if officer Kim was already feeling the effects of the poison, his footsteps stumbling as he tried to return.

“Now,” you whispered urgently. “We have to go now.”

You hurried back to the entrance of the cells, finding Officer Kim slumped over his desk, groaning in pain. He looked up at you, confusion and betrayal clearly visible in his eyes.

“Mrs. Y/N... what...”

“I’m so, so sorry,” you said softly, reaching for the keys on his belt. “I had to.”

You returned to Hongjoong’s cell, unlocking the door with trembling hands. The door swung open with a creak, and he stepped out, his hand immediately finding yours.

“Let’s go,” you said, pulling him toward the back exit. “We don’t have much time.”

“Wait,” he said, and halted his steps. Before you could fully turn around and ask what's wrong, he was all over you. 

His arms wrapped around you in a fierce embrace, pulling you close as if he were afraid you might disappear. You could feel his heartbeat, fast and erratic, echoing your own.

“I thought I’d lost you,” he murmured into your hair, his voice choked with emotion. “I thought I’d never see you again.”

You held onto him just as tightly, savoring the warmth and solidity of his body against yours. “We don’t have much time,” you whispered, even though you wanted nothing more than to stay in his arms forever. “We have to go.”

Hongjoong nodded, pulling back slightly but keeping a firm grip on your hand. Together, you made your way out, your hearts pounding with a mix of fear and exhilaration. The night was cold and still, the moon casting a pale light over the deserted streets..

“We’ll head to the forest,” you said, squeezing Hongjoong’s hand. “I hid a few resources for us by the tree where we first met. Along with… along with some evidence. Against my former husband.”

“You want… you want to prove my innocence?”

You looked at him, and nodded. “You are innocent after all. And… and I am too.”

Hongjoong’s grip tightened on your hand as the two of you made your way through the dark, narrow streets. “I have someone who can help us,” he whispered urgently. “Someone… powerful.”

You glanced at him. “Who?”

“I can't tell you yet. But trust me, she can definitely help us.”

She?

You nodded, but your mind raced. “...Alright, let’s get to the tree first. We need those resources.”

The two of you moved down the all too familiar path. The town was quiet, the only sound the occasional bark of a distant dog or the rustle of leaves in the wind. Beside you, Hongjoong wasn't as quick as he'd usually be; the weeks of solitary confinement, barely enough food and cold temperatures were clearly evident, yet he did not once fall behind. You reached the tree where you and Hongjoong had first met, a towering oak tree.

The place where it all started.

“There,” you whispered, pointing to a hollow at the base of the tree. Hongjoong knelt down, reaching into the hollow and pulling out a small bag. He opened it, revealing the few precious items you had hidden: food, water, a change of clothes, and most importantly, the evidence that could clear Hongjoong’s name.

“These letters,” you said, pulling out a bundle of crumpled papers. “They’re from my husband. Threatening me, detailing his abuse and plans to ruin our family if I didn’t comply. They’ll prove what kind of man he really was.”

Hongjoong nodded, his eyes hardening. “We’ll make sure everyone knows the truth. But first, we need to get out of here.”

“Don't you want to rest?” you asked, clearly worried about his current state.

He just took your hand and placed a chaste kiss on it. “Later. I have to make sure you're safe first.”

“And you, too,” you added.

“And me too,” he repeated.

So, the two of you set off again, moving through the shadows, your hearts pounding in unison. As you reached the main street, you were determined to make it as far as possible, as quickly as possible. But as you rounded a corner, you came to a sudden halt.

A carriage awaited you, its dark silhouette looming in the moonlight. And standing beside it, his expression grim, was your father.

“Father,” you whispered, your voice trembling with a mix of fear and anger. “What are you doing here?”

He stepped forward, his eyes locked on yours. “I… had a feeling you’d try to run,” he said quietly. “And I couldn’t let you do it alone.”

You stared at him, confusion swirling in your mind. “What do you mean?”

He sighed, his shoulders slumping. “I’ve made many mistakes, Y/N. So, so many mistakes. But letting you suffer in silence was the worst of all. I’m not here to stop you. I’m here to help you. Even if it means I'll never see you again.”

Hongjoong stepped protectively in front of you, his eyes narrowed. “Why should we trust you? You never protected her before, why now?”

Your father met his gaze steadily. “Because I love my daughter.”

“You're a liar,” you whispered, hot, angry tears threatening to escape your eyes.

He fiercely shook his head. “I'm a bad person, Y/N. I do not want to earn my forgiveness with this. But I'm not a liar. Never that. Take this carriage and go, wherever you two want to.”

You looked at Hongjoong, then back at your father. “And what about you?”

He shook his head. “I’ll stay behind and livel with the consequences. It’s the least I can do.”

Tears filled your eyes as you stepped forward, embracing your father tightly. It was the first hug you shared in a long, long time, and also the last one. “Thank you,” you whispered, your voice breaking.

He held you close for a moment, then gently pushed you toward the carriage. “Go. Be safe. And don’t look back.”

You and Hongjoong climbed into the carriage, the soft leather seats a stark contrast to the cold, hard ground you had just left. As the carriage began to move, you looked out the window, watching your father’s figure grow smaller and smaller until it fully disappeared into the night.

The carriage rattled along the narrow, winding road, the wheels clattering over the uneven stones. The night was cold, the air crisp with the promise of frost. You wrapped a blanket around yourself and Hongjoong, sharing the warmth as best you could. The lantern hanging from the carriage’s front swayed with each bump, casting erratic shadows that danced across the landscape.

The path ahead was long and treacherous, leading through dense forests and over rocky hills. Every so often, the carriage would hit a particularly deep rut, jolting you both almost freaking the horse out numerous times.

Luckily for you, Hongjoong was some kind of animal whisperer and managed to calm the horse pretty quickly each time.

As the hours passed, the moon climbed higher in the sky, its pale light filtering through the bare branches of the trees. The forest around you was alive with nocturnal sounds - the hoot of an owl, the rustle of leaves, the distant cry of a fox. You kept a wary eye on the shadows, aware that danger could lurk in the darkness.

Dawn was beginning to break when the carriage crested a hill, revealing a panoramic view of the valley below. The first light of day painted the landscape in soft hues of pink and gold, the rolling hills stretching out like a patchwork quilt. It was a moment of fleeting beauty, a reminder of the world beyond your troubles.

“It's so pretty here,” you whispered. Hongjoong hummed in return, his gaze slowly becoming more and more unfocused.

He was tired, and in desperate need for some rest.

“Let me drive for a while,” you said softly, touching Hongjoong's arm. “You need to rest.”

Hongjoong shook his head, though his exhaustion was evident. “I’ll rest later. We need to put as much distance between us and the town as possible.”

“Please,” you insisted, your voice gentle but firm. “You’re no good to me if you collapse from exhaustion. Let me take over until we find an inn.”

He hesitated, then finally nodded, knowing you were right. The carriage came to a halt, and you swapped places. As you took the reins, Hongjoong settled into the seat, wrapping the blanket tightly around himself. His eyes closed almost immediately, the tension in his body easing as he finally allowed himself to rest a little.

You guided the carriage along the winding road, the rhythm of the horse’s hooves a steady, comforting beat. The landscape around you began to change as the sun climbed higher, the dense forest giving way to open fields and distant mountains. 

Hours passed, and you kept a vigilant eye on the road ahead. Occasionally, you would glance back at Hongjoong, who slept fitfully, his brow furrowed even in rest. The evidence you had gathered against your husband lay safely tucked away, a lifeline that could clear Hongjoong’s name and secure your future together.

As the sun began its descent, casting long shadows across the fields, you spotted a small village nestled at the base of the mountains. It was far enough from your town that you felt safe enough to stop for a while. The village appeared peaceful and quiet, only a few people out on the street at this hour.

You gently shook Hongjoong awake as the carriage rolled to a stop at the edge of the village. He stirred, blinking groggily. “Where are we?”

“A village,” you replied, helping him down from the carriage. “We can rest here for the night.”

He nodded, too tired to argue. The two of you made your way to the inn, a modest building with a welcoming glow emanating from its windows. 

The inn's common room was a bustling hub of activity, filled with the sounds of laughter and the clinking of mugs. The innkeeper, a plump woman with kind eyes and a warm smile, greeted you as you approached the counter.

“Good evening, dear,” she said, her voice soft and welcoming. “What can I do for you?”

“We need a room for the night,” you replied, glancing back at Hongjoong, who was leaning heavily against the wall, fighting to stay awake.

The older woman nodded, her eyes flickering to Hongjoong before returning to you. "Of course, dear. We have one room available, but it only has one bed. I hope… that’s alright?”

Her eyes flickered towards your hand. There was no ring on it and so, if you took that single bed room, it would be quiet… frivolous.

You felt a flush rise to your cheeks. You yearned to be close to him, to feel his warmth and comfort, but after everything that happened, the thoughts of sleeping close to someone terrified you. And, most important in this current situation; you weren’t married yet. 

Hongjoong, sensing your hesitation, stepped forward. “That will be fine,” he said softly, tired eyes settling upon your figure. “Thank you.”

It seemed you were the only one caring about appearances.

The innkeeper's smile widened, and she quickly handed you a key. “Room 3, just up the stairs. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask.”

You nodded, taking the key with trembling hands. “Thank you,” you managed.

You carefully led Hongjoong up the narrow staircase. The wooden steps creaked under your weight, the sound echoing in the quiet hallway. It seemed that with your arrival, the sound of previous laughter had fully died down. Or maybe the ringing in your ears was too loud for you to notice any other noises. When you reached the door to your room, you hesitated for a moment before unlocking it and pushing it open.

The room was small but cozy, with a single bed pushed against one wall and a small window that offered a view of the village below. The bed was covered with a thick, quilted blanket, and a simple wooden chair sat in the corner.

Hongjoong sank onto the bed with a sigh, his eyes already half-closed. You stood awkwardly by the door, unsure of what to do next.

“Y/N,” Hongjoong murmured, his voice gentle. “You can take the bed. I'll sleep on the floor.”

You shook your head, stepping closer. “No, you need to rest properly. We'll share the bed. It’s... it’s fine.”

He looked at you, his eyes filled with a mixture of concern and gratitude. “Are you sure?”

You nodded, though your heart was pounding in your chest. “Yes. We'll manage. I trust you.”

And you did. What you did not trust though were your inner demons.

Hongjoong fully collapsed onto the bed, his exhaustion finally catching up with him. You sat beside him, brushing a lock of hair from his forehead. “Rest now,” you whispered. “We’ll figure out the rest in the morning. I'll go ahead and fetch us something to eat, okay?”

He nodded, his eyes already closing. You stayed by his side for a few minutes, then quietly left the room to look for food you both desperately needed.

After finding some bread, cheese, and a couple of apples in the inn's small kitchen, you returned to the room. The scent of the simple meal filled the space, mingling with the comforting warmth of the inn. Hongjoong stirred as you entered, his eyes slowly opening.

“Food,” you announced with a soft smile, sitting down on the edge of the bed and handing him a piece of bread. “It's not much, but it's something.”

He took the bread with a grateful smile, his fingers brushing against yours. “Thank you,” he murmured, taking a bite. “This is perfect.”

You both ate in silence for a while. Despite the simplicity of the meal, it felt like a feast after eating little to nothing the past few days. Hongjoong's presence, his gentle smile, and the way he looked at you with such trust and affection made the food taste even better.

As you carefully cut and shared the apples with him, your fingers occasionally brushed against his, each touch sending a small shiver down your spine. The tension of the past days seemed to melt away, replaced by a sense of peace and connection. You found yourself laughing softly at the way Hongjoong tried to juggle the uncut apples, almost dropping them.

“You're hopeless,” you teased, giggling as he finally managed to catch them.

He grinned, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “I'm just a man hopelessly in love,” he corrected, his tone playful yet sincere.

Your heart fluttered at his words, and you couldn't help but laugh, a genuine, carefree sound that you hadn't heard from yourself in a long time. It felt good to laugh, to share this moment of lightness with him.

As the meal came to an end, you both settled back on the bed, the small space forcing you to be close. Hongjoong's warmth radiated against your side, his arm brushing against yours. Despite the comfort of his presence, your body immediately tensed.

The last time a man laid next to you, he'd done unspeakable things to you. 

But this… this was Hongjoong. Your Hongjoong.

You trusted him.

Yet at the same time, you were still terrified.

You tried to focus on his steady breathing, the rise and fall of his chest, but your heart raced, and your skin prickled with unease. You felt a knot of anxiety forming in your stomach, your muscles tightening involuntarily.

You couldn't breathe.

Hongjoong sensed your discomfort, his hand gently covering yours. “It's okay,” he whispered, his voice soothing. “I'm here.”

You nodded, but his reassurance did little to calm the storm inside you. Your mind was flooded with conflicting thoughts and emotions. The warmth of his body was both a comfort and a reminder of all you had endured. You wanted to relax, to let go and feel safe, but your body wouldn't allow it.

Your breathing quickened, your chest tightening. You could feel your pulse pounding in your ears, each beat drowning out every other sound. Your hands trembled, and you clutched the blanket tightly, trying to ground yourself.

“Breathe,” he murmured, his voice soft and steady. “Just breathe with me.”

“I can't,” you sobbed.

“Shhh. Just close your eyes.”

You did as he said, focusing on his voice, his warmth. Slowly, you matched your breathing to his. The tension in your muscles began to ease, though the fear still lingered at the edges of your mind.

Hongjoong's hand never left yours, his thumb tracing soothing patterns on your skin. “You're safe,” he whispered, his voice a balm to your frayed nerves. “I won't let anything happen to you.”

Tears welled up in your eyes. You squeezed his hand, finding strength in his presence. “Thank you,” you whispered, your voice trembling.

He pulled you closer, his arms wrapping around you in a gentle embrace. You felt the steady beat of his heart against your cheek, the rhythmic rise and fall of his chest grounding you. “We'll get through this,” he murmured. “Together.”

“You know,” you slowly began, carefully turning around. Now, face to face with him, you carefully lifted your fingers and started tracing husband features; his acquainted eyebrows, over husband prominent cheekbones to his soft, plush lips, where you remained a little longer.

“I don't think I'd be alive without you, Kim Hongjoong. For that… for you, coming into my life and selflessly saving me, I am beyond thankful. But at the same time… at the same time, I can't help but think that if you'd never met me… you could still live your normal life. Sometimes… it gets all too much.”

You held his gaze, your fingers repeating your previous actions of lightly tracing the curve of his lips. “You’ve given me so much, Hongjoong,” you whispered, your voice barely audible. “More than I ever thought I deserved.”

His hand came up to cup your cheek, his thumb brushing away a tear that had escaped. “You deserve everything, Y/N. More than I could ever give.”

The sincerity in his eyes made your heart ache. “I don't know what I'd do without you,” you said, your voice breaking. “You've been my rock, my savior. I... I don't know if I can ever repay you.”

Hongjoong's hand moved to the back of your neck, his fingers gently kneading the tension there. “You don't need to repay me. Just being with you is enough. Seeing you smile, hearing your laughter... that's all I need for the rest of my life.”

You closed your eyes, savoring the feel of his touch. His fingers were warm and strong, yet so gentle. It was a stark contrast to the harshness you had known before. 

“You shine so bright, Joongie. Like the sun. My sun.”

He leaned in closer, his forehead resting against yours. “And you will shine like that too again. Soon,” he breathed, his lips brushing against your skin. The intimacy of the moment made your heart race, but it wasn't fear this time. It was something else, something deeper.

Something only Kim Hongjoong could make you feel.

You opened your eyes, finding his face so close to yours that you could see the flecks of gold in his brown eyes. “Hongjoong,” you whispered, your voice trembling. “I'm scared. Not of you, but of losing you. Of the future. Of what might happen if they find us.”

He pressed a soft kiss to your forehead, his lips lingering. “We won't let that happen. We're stronger together. They won't find us. Once we're in the capital, I’ll handle everything, okay?”

His words gave you strength, and you found yourself leaning into him, your lips brushing against his in a tender, lingering kiss. It was slow and gentle, a silent promise of your love and devotion towards each other. His hand slipped into your hair, holding you close as your lips moved together, exploring and savoring each other.

When you finally pulled back, you were both breathing heavily, your foreheads still touching. “I love you,” you whispered, your voice filled with pure, raw emotion.

Hongjoong's eyes softened, his thumb tracing your jawline. “And I love you,” he replied, his voice just as tender. “More than words can say.”

You stayed like that for a moment, wrapped in each other’s arms, the world outside forgotten. In his embrace, you felt safe, cherished, and deeply loved. The fear and anxiety that had plagued you began to fade, replaced by a warmth that spread through your entire being.

“Let’s rest now,” he whispered, his voice a soothing balm. “Tomorrow is a new day, and we’ll face it together.”

You nodded, feeling a sense of peace wash over you. “Together,” you echoed, your voice steady.

He gently guided you down onto the bed, pulling the blanket over both of you. His arms remained around you, holding you close as you settled into the warmth of his embrace. 

As you drifted off to sleep, you felt his lips press a gentle kiss to your temple, his breath warm against your skin. “Goodnight, my love,” he murmured, his voice a soft caress.

“Goodnight,” you whispered back, your heart full. 

That night, you finally had a good, peaceful sleep.

“How long until we arrive at the capital?”

Hongjoong was leaning against the carriage window, his eyes scanning the horizon. A storm would be coming soon, he said.

“Two more days, if we keep this pace,” he replied, turning to face you. “The storm may slow us down a bit.”

You nodded. The journey had been long and exhausting, the constant tension of being on the run making you an anxious mess. But with Hongjoong by your side, you felt a strength you had never known before.

The carriage jostled along the uneven road, the sounds of the wheels clattering against the stones a constant reminder of the distance still left to travel. You glanced at Hongjoong, his face etched with determination despite the exhaustion that lingered in his eyes.

“We’ll make it,” you said softly, more to yourself than to him. “We have to.”

He reached out, taking your hand in his and giving it a reassuring squeeze. “We will,” he affirmed, his voice steady. “And once we’re there, we’ll find a way to solve all this mess. To start over.”

You leaned against him, drawing comfort from his presence. 

You traveled through several more small villages, their inhabitants just beginning to stir. Farmers led their livestock out to pasture, and shopkeepers opened their doors, the smell of fresh bread and morning fires wafting through the air. The sight of these simple, everyday routines filled you with a strange sense of peace, a reminder that life went on, and that, maybe in the future, your life may look like this too.

Simple yet happy and fulfilling.

And then, you arrived. 

You gasped as the large gates of the city appeared in front of you.

The capital was a sprawling maze of streets and alleys, bustling with activity. Everything here was just so much larger, louder and generally more impressive, a stark contrast to the quiet, simpler life you had known. The noise and commotion seemed to close in around you, but Hongjoong’s steady presence kept you grounded.

“It's a lot to take in, right?” he asked.

You nodded, mouth opened in awe as you took in your surroundings. “It's huge. I can't stop looking everywhere!”

He laughed, gently squeezing your hand. “We'll have plenty of time to explore everything once we've settled in properly. I'll show you all my favorite places, okay?”

You smiled at him. A gentle, real smile. “Okay!”

Hongjoong looked around, his eyes bright with excitement despite the exhaustion. “Luckily for us, two of my closest friends live here. They’re good people, and I’m sure they’ll offer us a place to stay.”

You felt a wave of relief wash over you. “That would be wonderful. I can’t wait to meet them. You haven't told me much about your past, so I’m really excited, Joongie.”

“In the future, I'll tell you everything you want to know. My past, present and future are yours, Y/N.”

Your heart fluttered, and a deep blush coated your face. A sheepish smile stole its way onto your lips.

Hongjoong led you through the bustling streets, expertly navigating the maze of alleys and markets. After a few twists and turns, you arrived at a modest but welcoming home. 

He hastily jumped up the carriage and then held his hand out for you to take it. You smiled at him. Your lover was a true gentleman, and it made you feel all giddy inside, even at such a small gesture.

Hongjoong knocked on the door, and moments later, it swung open to reveal a tall, athletic man with sharp features and an inquisitive look.

“Hongjoong?” the man said in surprise, his eyes widening. The first thing you noticed was his clothes. They looked… expensive. And yet, he lived in such a small home.

You wondered what his story was.

“What are you doing here?”

“San, it’s a long story,” Hongjoong replied, pulling San into a hug. “We need a place to stay. Is Wooyoung home?”

San nodded, stepping aside to let you both in. “He’s in the kitchen. Come in.”

As you stepped inside, you were immediately greeted by the comforting smell of home-cooked food. A few moments later, another man appeared, carrying a tray of freshly baked bread. He had a playful sparkle in his eyes and a welcoming smile on his face.

“Who do we have here?” Wooyoung asked, setting the tray down and wiping his hands on a towel.

“Wooyoung, this is my friend,” Hongjoong introduced you. “She's been traveling with me.”

Wooyoung’s eyes widened in surprise and then softened. “Well, any friend of Hongjoong’s is welcome here. Please, make yourself at home.”

You felt a warmth spread through you at their genuine hospitality. San and Wooyoung led you to a cozy living room where a fire crackled in the hearth. You sank into a comfortable chair, letting out a sigh as your aching muscles relaxed.

“Sorry for the sudden arrival,” Hongjoong said, his tone sincere. “We didn’t have time to send word ahead.”

San waved his hand dismissively. “Don’t worry about it. We’re just glad you’re safe. What’s going on?”

Hongjoong looked at you first, before briefly explaining: “It's too long of a story to share in detail. But, we had to flee from where we came from and are now on a mission to… clear up some misunderstandings. I can promise you two that you'll be kept out of any trouble. I just… need a safe place, especially to keep my woman safe.”

San nodded, curiously glancing towards you as the words ‘my woman’ left Hongjoong’s mouth. You smiled awkwardly at the man. “We have a spare room you can use, Hongjoong.”

Tears of gratitude welled up in your eyes. It wasn't much, but just having a place to stay, surrounded by people you knew Hongjoong trusted, was enough to make you feel all sorts of emotions. 

“Thank you,” you said, your voice choked with emotion. “Thank you so much.”

Hongjoong squeezed your hand again, his own eyes full of gratitude. “We’re going to be okay,” he whispered softly. “Wooyoung and San are good, nice people. How about you just relax and befriend them while I'll do the work, hm?”

“I couldn't possibly-”

“Oh, but you can”, he interrupted you, playfully playing with your hair. “My Y/N should never worry her pretty head about anything again now that she's with me.”

You giggled sheepishly. “Oh Joongie, you're such a flirt!”

“Ahem.” A voice interrupted you and suddenly, the bubble around the two of you burst and you were reminded that you were not alone but, in fact, in the house of two men who were now very openly staring at you.

One who was cackling behind his hand like a menace - Wooyoung - and the other one who did not know where he should look. You, or the very interesting ceiling?

“So, ‘my woman', huh?” Wooyoung teased, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “Since when did you become such a romantic, Hongjoong? And most importantly: where’s our invitation to the wedding?”

Hongjoong’s ears turned a deep shade of red, and he cleared his throat awkwardly. “Wooyoung, now’s not the time…”

“Oh, but it’s always the time for love, Joongie!” Wooyoung replied with a dramatic flourish. “Here we were, thinking you were just wandering around from city to city and selling your dresses, but no, you were secretly out there sweeping a lovely lady off her feet!”

San tried to interject, a desperate attempt to hold the man beside him back. “Wooyoung, maybe we should-”

“San, don’t be a killjoy,” Wooyoung interrupted, waving his hand dismissively. “This is the most excitement we’ve had in weeks! Besides, our Hongjoong, who couldn't even look a woman into the eye the last time we saw him, has finally grown up. We must celebrate!”

“I'm older than both of you, Wooyoung!”

Hongjoong buried his face in his hands, clearly embarrassed. You couldn’t help but giggle at the situation, feeling a bit more at ease in the presence of the two strangers now.

“Y/N, you should know,” Wooyoung continued, leaning in conspiratorially, “Hongjoong here is quite the catch. He’s a gentleman, a true and talented dressmaker, and apparently, a poet. ‘My woman’, indeed.”

San finally managed to find his voice. “Alright, Wooyoung, give them a break. They’ve had a long journey, and they need rest, not your joking.”

Wooyoung pouted dramatically. “Fine, fine. But don’t think this conversation is over, Hongjoong. We need all the juicy details later.”

Hongjoong groaned, but there was a hint of a smile on his lips. “You never change, do you, Wooyoung?”

“Never,” Wooyoung replied proudly. “And you wouldn’t have it any other way.”

San shook his head, though a smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. “Let’s get you both settled in. You can rest, and we’ll talk more later. Until then Wooyoung, behave yourself.”

Wooyoung saluted playfully. “Aye, aye, captain!”

Later that evening, after a hearty meal and much laughter with Wooyoung and San, you were led into a small, cozy room. The modest bed in the corner looked incredibly inviting after the long journey. You quickly freshened up, San kindly lending you some spare clothing for the night, before returning back to the room. Hongjoong was already there, lying on his back, staring at the ceiling lost in thought. You quietly slipped in beside him, the bed creaking softly under your weight.

He turned to you, his expression softening as he reached out to brush a stray lock of hair from your face. “How are you feeling?” he asked gently.

“Tired,” you admitted, snuggling closer to him. 

Only then did you realize that, despite sharing the bed with him multiple times now, this was the first time both of you wore proper sleeping clothing. Therefore, both of you were a bit… more exposed than usual.

Suddenly, you were very, very aware of the naked skin his hand was occasionally touching.

And your heart skipped a beat. This time, not of the usual warmth Hongjoong ignited within you all the time.

No, this time, there was also a hint of fear rushing through your veins.

You closed your eyes for a moment, savoring the softness of his touch, yet the past clung to you like a shroud, and you felt a flicker of hesitation within you.

“Y/N,” Hongjoong’s voice pulled you from your thoughts, low and soothing, “you can trust me.” There was an earnestness in his tone, a promise that echoed in the silence of the room. He shifted closer, his body radiating heat and a sense of safety that beckoned you to let go of your fears and open your eyes to meet him.

Nothing but sincerity and love greeted you in his gaze.

As his hand traced a gentle path along your arm, you shivered at the sensation. It was a touch that was so different from what you had known, devoid of the harshness that had once marred your skin and spirit. His fingers danced lightly over your wrist, and you felt a rush of warmth that sent a thrill through your heart, igniting a yearning you had thought was lost forever.

“Is this okay?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper, his eyes searching yours for any sign of discomfort. You nodded carefully. It was a struggle to separate the innocence of his affection from the painful memories that tainted your every being. You could feel your breath quicken as he leaned closer, the scent of him - fresh and comforting - surrounding you like a soft embrace.

Hongjoong’s fingers slipped beneath your chin, tilting your face towards his. The way he looked at you, with such reverence and care, made your heart ache. “You’re safe with me,” he murmured, and it felt like a balm to your soul. You had craved this kind of tenderness, and even though the man in front of you was willing to give it to you, to give you his all, a remaining feeling of panic remained deep inside of you.

“I'm sorry you have to deal with this again. One may think that after we slept side by side so many times already I would get used to it. I don't know why I'm so pathe-”

“Princess, don't you dare finish this sentence. You're incredible and don't have to apologize for a single thing.”

He leaned in, brushing his lips softly against yours, a gentle caress that sent shivers down your spine. It was a kiss that said so, so much, a kiss that was patient and completely unhurried. You melted into him, feeling the warmth of his body envelop you like a protective cocoon.

You did your best to believe in his words.

That night, nothing more happened. 

Hongjoong knew that it would take you a long while to truly let go of your fears.

And, while tracing more gentle kisses along your skin, all he said was: “I don't need you to give me your body to know that you are already mine and I am yours.”

The next day, as you slowly woke up and blinked the tears away, you noticed two things immediately: winter was coming, and the temperatures were dropping quickly and, most importantly; Hongjoong's side of the bed was empty.

There was no logical explanation for the panic that immediately set in, yet you felt your chest tightening and your heart pounding quickly. You rushed out of bed, almost stumbling over your own feet as you slipped into the soft pantoffels San provided you with, and sprinted down the stairs. 

“Woah, what's the rush-”

“Wooyoung”, you interrupted the man with sleepy, still half-closed eyes, “Where's Hongjoong?”

He scratched the back of his hand. “He left when you fell asleep last night. All he said was that he had some matters to take care of and would be back early in the morning. He… isn't back yet?”

The weight of Wooyoung's words hit you like a train. If Hongjoong had promised to be back by morning, then where was he? The sun was already peeking through the curtains, casting long shadows across the room, and there was still no sign of him. A thousand thoughts raced through your mind as you tried to make sense of the situation.

You took a deep breath, trying to steady yourself as the panic threatened to overwhelm you. “No… he isn't back yet,” you murmured, your voice barely above a whisper. The words felt foreign on your tongue. 

Wooyoung's expression shifted from confusion to concern. “Maybe he got held up somewhere? You know how he is… always taking on more than he should.”

You shook your head, refusing to accept that as the answer. “He wouldn't just leave without telling me. Not like this.” 

But what if he would? 

The unease in your chest grew stronger, the fear tightening its grip around your heart.

Wooyoung reached out, placing a comforting hand on your shoulder. “Let's not jump to conclusions. Maybe he's on his way back right now.”

But you could see the uncertainty in his eyes, the doubt he was trying so hard to hide. The pit in your stomach deepened, and you knew you couldn't just sit around waiting, hoping that everything would be okay. 

“I need to find him,” you said, determination lacing your voice. You quickly turned on your heel, heading for the door without another word.

"Wait!" Wooyoung called after you, but you were already halfway out the door, your mind set on one thing: finding Hongjoong.

And then you pumped head first into San.

“Careful, little one. What's the-”

“Have you seen Hongjoong?” you blurted out, your voice trembling as you nearly collided with San.

San’s usually warm expression was replaced with a frown. “No, I haven’t. What’s going on? Why are you in such a rush?”

You hesitated, your mind racing. Should you tell them? Would they even understand? Hongjoong hasn't told them anything concrete about your situation as of now, and you weren't sure if you should tell them without him present.

“He’s… He’s not back yet. Wooyoung said he left last night, but he should’ve been back by now.”

San’s eyes widened. “And he hasn't said where he's going?”

You shook your head, fighting to keep your voice steady. “No. But I... I can’t just sit around and wait. I need to find him.”

San looked conflicted, glancing over at Wooyoung, who had followed you outside. “But you don’t know your way around the capital. You could get lost or… worse.”

You opened your mouth to protest, but San gently placed a hand on your arm, stopping you. “I get that you’re worried, but let’s wait a bit longer, okay? He wouldn’t want you getting into trouble trying to find him.”

The thought of sitting around doing nothing while Hongjoong was out there - somewhere - felt unbearable. He was shouldering all your problems alone, and it made you both guilty and mad that he didn't even tell you a single thing. 

Reluctantly, you nodded, and San led you back inside the house. The atmosphere was heavy as the three of you settled into the living room, the clock on the wall ticking away the minutes in agonizing slowness.

“So… uh…”

Awkward silence set in, both men looking at each other concerned. Wooyoung, trying to lighten the mood, leaned back on the couch and stretched.

“Uh.. Did you know that San literally can't sleep without hugging something? And with something, I mean me - like, this man doesn't know how strong he is and literally suffocates me every night!”, he laughs.

You glanced at San, who looked somewhat mortified, a blush creeping up his neck. “Wooyoung…” he muttered, giving him a half-hearted glare. Unfortunately, his joke did nothing to soothe your nerves. If anything, it only made the awkwardness more palpable. “Uh, that's… interesting,” you mumbled, not really knowing what else to say. You liked them both, but conversations with them always felt like you were navigating a minefield, unsure of where to step. 

Especially now that Hongjoong wasn't here with you.

San rubbed the back of his neck, clearly embarrassed. “It's not like that, really. It's just… a comfort thing, I guess.”

You fidgeted with the hem of your shirt, stealing glances at Wooyoung and San, who were both trying, in their own ways, to lighten the atmosphere. They were being so kind, so patient, but it only made you feel worse. You weren’t used to this. It was foreign, almost suffocating, in a way you couldn't quite understand. 

Wooyoung cleared his throat, breaking the silence, seemingly ignoring that you still haven't said anything to his joking attempt to lighten the mood. “So, uh, have you had breakfast yet? I can make something if you’re hungry.”

You shook your head, though the thought of eating made your stomach twist in a knot. “No, I’m… I’m not really hungry.” 

“Coffee, then?” San offered, trying to keep the conversation going. “Or tea? I think there’s still some left in the kitchen.” 

You hesitated, not wanting to seem ungrateful. “Maybe… tea?” It felt like the right thing to say, even if you weren’t sure you could stomach anything right now. 

San nodded, giving you a small, encouraging smile. “Tea it is. I’ll be right back.” He got up, his footsteps almost too loud in the quiet room, leaving you alone with Wooyoung. The silence between you and the other man was thick, both of you unsure of what to say. You could feel his gaze on you, but you kept your eyes fixed on the floor, afraid that if you looked up, he’d see just how out of sorts you really were.

Wooyoung shifted in his seat, clearly trying to come up with something to break the tension. “You know, I don’t think we’ve really had the chance to talk much… Just us,” he said.

“Yeah,” you murmured, feeling your cheeks heat up. You wanted to be able to talk to him, to say something normal, but the words just wouldn’t come. It was frustrating - feeling like you were locked inside your own head, even when you desperately wanted to reach out. He leaned back, a soft smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “I get it, though. Meeting new people can be… overwhelming.”

You looked up at him. “It’s just… I’m not really used to this. To any of this,” you admitted quietly, the words slipping out before you could stop them.

Wooyoung nodded, his expression thoughtful. “Yeah, I figured. But hey, no pressure. We’re just… trying to make you feel welcome, you know? You're Hongjoong's girl, after all.”

“I know,” you replied quickly, feeling a pang of guilt. “I really appreciate it. I do. It’s just… hard, sometimes.”

He didn’t press you, just nodded again, his eyes soft. “It’s okay. We’re not in any rush. We’ve all got our own issues, you know?”

Before you could respond, San returned, holding a steaming mug of tea. He handed it to you with a small, reassuring smile. “Here you go. It’s chamomile - good for relaxing.” 

“Thanks,” you whispered, wrapping your hands around the warm mug, letting the heat seep into your skin. 

San settled back into his seat, the three of you once again falling into a somewhat awkward silence. You sipped your tea, the warmth soothing your throat, but it did little to calm the turmoil inside you. They were trying so hard, and that only made it worse. You could see the effort in every glance, every word. They didn’t know your past, your struggles, and you didn’t know how to tell them - didn’t even know if you should. And so you stayed quiet, trapped in your own thoughts, feeling like an outsider despite their best efforts.

“I guess… I’m just not good at this,” you finally said, your voice barely above a whisper.

“At what?” San asked gently, leaning forward slightly.

“Talking. Being around people. Making… friends I don’t know how to…” You trailed off, unable to find the right words.

Wooyoung chuckled softly, not in a mocking way, but as if he understood more than you realized. “You’re doing just fine. We’re not exactly pros at this either, you know. Most of the time, we’re just winging it.”

San nodded in agreement. “He’s right. It’s okay to not know what to say. We’re just… glad you’re here.”

Their words made something inside you ache. You still weren’t used to kindness without strings attached, to people caring just because. It felt undeserved, even after Hongjoong showed you that you did in fact deserve it, and that made you even more unsure of how to act. 

“Thanks,” you whispered, feeling the weight of the moment pressing down on you. You wanted to be better at this, for them, for Hongjoong, but you didn’t know how.

Wooyoung grinned, nudging your shoulder lightly. “No need to thank us. We’re all in this together, right?”

You nodded, managing a small smile in return. It wasn’t much, but it was a start. And that was enough for now.

If someone would've told you that you'd ever be genuinely mad at Kim Hongjoong, you definitely would've laughed right in their face. Because Hongjoong was the kindest, sweetest man you'd ever known, so what would ever make you angry at him?

“Ah, look who's back,” was all you said as you heard the door close behind you.

You had never imagined feeling this way toward Hongjoong, the man who you grew to love so much. But now, as you stood in your shared living room, hearing the door close behind you, that anger burned hotter, fueled by the fear and helplessness that had consumed you all morning.

You didn't turn around to face him immediately, your hands clenched into fists at your sides. Your mind raced with thoughts, each one only making the knot in your chest tighter. 

The sound of his footsteps approaching filled the room, and you could feel his presence behind you, close enough to touch. For a moment, you considered letting it go, just brushing it all under the rug like you’d done with so many things before. But this was different. This problem wasn't just his alone; this was your life too, your problems, your fears, and he had just walked away, leaving you in the dark.

Hongjoong hesitated. “I’m sorry I was gone for so long,” he began, but that was all it took to make you whirl around, your emotions spilling over.

“Sorry? You’re sorry?” The words came out harsher than you intended, but you couldn’t stop them. “You left without saying a word, Hongjoong. I don't even know where you went! You promised you’d be back by morning, and then you just… didn’t come back. It's almost midnight now! Do you have any idea what that did to me?”

His eyes widened, clearly taken aback by your outburst. “I didn’t mean to worry you,” he said, his voice softening, but you could see the guilt in his eyes. “I just had to take care of some things-”

“But why alone?” you interrupted, your voice trembling with a mix of anger and hurt. “Why do you always do this? You think you have to handle everything by yourself, like I’m some fragile thing that needs to be protected. But this is my problem too, Joong! I have a right to know, to help, to be there with you! Because…” your voice broke, and you looked at the floor as you wiped a tear away, “because the guilt is eating me alive, Joong. Without me… without me, none of this would have ever happened. It all began with me, so I should… I should take responsibility too.”

Hongjoong’s expression softened as he saw the tears welling up in your eyes. “Hey, hey, no,” he murmured, stepping closer and reaching out to cup your face, but you took a step back and shook your head silently.

“Don’t,” you whispered, your voice trembling. “Don’t act like this is just something we can brush aside, like it’s no big deal. You think you’re protecting me by keeping things from me, but you’re not. You’re only making it worse. I can’t keep doing this, Joong. I can’t keep pretending that it’s okay for you to shut me out. For you to shoulder everything alone.”

Hongjoong’s hand dropped to his side, his face crumbling with regret. “I never wanted to shut you out. I just… I didn’t want you to worry, didn’t want you to feel like you had to carry this burden. You're still so… hurt. I thought I was doing the right thing by handling it on my own.”

“But it’s not just your burden to carry!” you cried, your voice breaking. “We’re supposed to be in this together, Joong. You don’t get to decide what I can or can’t handle. You don’t get to just leave me in the dark, wondering if you’re okay, wondering if you’ll even come back. I was worried sick the whole day!”

His eyes were filled with a pain that mirrored your own, and for a moment, he looked like he didn’t know what to say, like he didn’t know how to make this right. “I’m sorry,” he whispered, his voice cracking. “I thought I was protecting you, but all I did was hurt you. I’m so, so sorry.”

You shook your head, tears spilling over your cheeks as you looked at him, at the man you loved more than anything in the world, the man who had somehow become a stranger to you in this moment. 

“I'll be sleeping on the couch tonight,” you mumbled. “You may talk to me again when you're finally ready to include me in your plans. Until then… good night, Joong.”

“Y/N, wait-”

But the door shut close behind you before he could finish his sentence.

“H‐hey, I'm sorry, I really didn't want to eavesdrop, but I heard you two arguing...” San’s voice trailed off, his gaze meeting yours. The moment your tear-filled eyes locked with his, the emotions you’d been trying so hard to keep in check threatened to overflow.

For a second, you hesitated. You weren’t close to San - not really. He was still more of a stranger than a friend, someone who was kind and caring but still somewhat distant. But right now, you felt like you were drowning, and he was the only solid thing within your reach.

Without thinking, you moved towards him. As soon as you reached him, you hesitated again, but before you could pull back, San’s arms wrapped around you in a warm, protective embrace. You buried your face in his chest, and the dam inside you finally broke.

Tears poured down your cheeks as you cried against him, the sobs you’d been holding back all day finally breaking free. San stiffened for a moment, clearly caught off guard, but he quickly relaxed, his hold tightening slightly as he let you cry it out.

The warmth of his body, the steady rhythm of his heartbeat against your ear - it was the first comfort you’d felt all day. But even as he stood there comforting you, you still felt torn. The only person you'd ever fully confined in was Hongjoong. This was new territory for you, and it was both comforting and terrifying at the same time.

San didn’t say anything, just stood there quietly, holding you as you trembled in his arms. His hand moved slowly to your back, rubbing gentle circles as he tried to soothe you. His touch was hesitant, like he wasn’t sure if he was doing the right thing.

As your sobs subsided, leaving you with shaky breaths and red, tear-streaked cheeks, you slowly pulled back, wiping your eyes. You were still in his arms, but you felt the awkwardness creeping back in, and your gaze wandered again, not knowing where to look.

“I… I’m sorry,” you whispered, your voice hoarse from crying. “I didn’t mean to…”

San shook his head, his gaze softening. “You don’t have to apologize,” he said quietly. “You’ve been through a lot. It’s okay to break down sometimes.”

You managed a small, shaky smile, but the uncertainty was still there, lingering between you. “I just… I don’t know what to do, San. I feel so lost. Hongjoong… he means everything to me, but he’s shutting me out. I know he has only my best interest at heart, but… This is my story, too. And I don’t know how to handle that.”

San hesitated, as if weighing his words carefully. “I’m not gonna pretend I know exactly what you’re going through,” he began, “but I do know that Hongjoong cares about you - more than you probably realize. He’s just… used to handling things on his own. ”

You nodded.

“You’re… you’re really kind, San,” you murmured, your voice still trembling. “But we barely know each other. I don’t want to burden you with my problems.”

San’s expression softened even more, and he gave you a small, reassuring smile. “You’re not a burden. We all have our struggles, and sometimes it helps to have someone to lean on, even if it’s someone you’re not that close to… yet.” He added that last word with a gentle emphasis, as if offering a bridge to something more.

You looked up at him, meeting his eyes, and for the first time, you felt a small crack in the walls you've built around yourself. 

And so, in the heat of the moment, you told him everything. San brought you to the living room, where he carefully sat you down and wrapped you in a blanket, and as Wooyoung joined you two, you told them everything.

About your marriage, your family, your town - and about the man who took it upon himself to save you from this cruel fate.

The tension between you and Hongjoong had been unbearable for days. Ever since that night, neither of you had spoken more than a few words to each other. 

You had thrown yourself into anything that could keep your mind busy - cleaning, reading, anything to avoid thinking about the rift that had formed between you and the man you loved. 

Then, one evening, as you sat alone in the living room, lost in thought, you heard the front door creak open. Hongjoong stepped in, his presence immediately filling the room with the weight of everything left unsaid. Your heart clenched at the sight of him - he looked exhausted, worn down by the stress of the past few days.

He stood there for a moment, just looking at you, as if trying to gauge your mood, before finally breaking the silence. “We need to talk.”

The words sent a chill down your spine, but you nodded, too tired to resist any longer. “Okay,” you said quietly, standing up from the couch and facing him.

Hongjoong swallowed, his throat bobbing as he struggled to find the right words. “I know you’re still angry at me,” he began, his voice low and strained. “And I understand why. I learned my lesson, Y/N. But now… now I wanna include you. If you… if you want that.”

You didn’t say anything, just watched him, your heart beating faster as he continued.

“There’s someone we need to see,” he said after a pause, his eyes searching for yours. “Someone who can help us, who can clear my name and… maybe, just maybe, give us a chance at a life without all this running and hiding.”

You blinked, not sure if you’d heard him correctly. “Who… who are you talking about?”

Hongjoong took a deep breath, as if steeling himself for what he was about to say. “The Queen,” he replied, his voice barely above a whisper. “She’s the only one powerful enough to undo this mess. I’ve been trying to arrange a meeting with her for days, but she’s… she’s not easy to reach. But now… now we can finally meet her.”

Your eyes widened in shock. “The Queen? As in… the Queen?” 

The Queen was a figure of almost mythical power, someone so far removed from your world that the idea of asking for her help seemed as impossible as wishing on a star.

But Hongjoong’s expression was deadly serious, and you could see the determination burning in his eyes. He wasn’t just grasping at straws - he truly believed this was your last chance, your only hope to end the nightmare that had taken over your lives.

“The Queen,” he confirmed, his voice steady, though his hands were shaking slightly as he reached out to you. 

“You know… I… I’ve worked for her for years, Y/N. I made her gowns, her dresses, the wedding dress she wore when she married the King… that was mine. She told me once, when I presented it to her, that if I ever needed anything, anything at all, she would do her best to help me. And I never thought I’d have to take her up on that offer, but now… I have no other choice.”

“The Queen… oh my God,” you whispered. “This is… insane.”

The reality of what Hongjoong was saying began to sink in, and your mind spun with the implications. The Queen, the most powerful woman in the kingdom, someone who could alter the course of your lives with just a single word… It was overwhelming, to say the least. You’d grown up hearing stories about her, tales of her beauty, wisdom, and strength. But those were just stories. The idea of meeting her, let alone asking for her help, seemed impossible. Yet here Hongjoong was, standing in front of you, serious and resolute.

“I know it sounds insane,” Hongjoong said, his voice breaking through your thoughts. “But this is our best chance, Y/N. Maybe our only chance. And we have evidence. The letters, remember?

“-And the scars on my body,” you whispered. 

Hongjoong bawled his hands, his jaw clenching immediately. “You never… told me you had remaining scars.”

You nodded. “Ignoring them is easier. I try to… forget them entirely when I can.”

Without a word, he moved closer, wrapping an arm around your shoulders in a silent gesture of comfort. You leaned into him, the warmth of his body making you relax immediately.

After a moment, he cleared his throat, shifting the focus back to the task at hand. “We need to get ready,” he said, his voice steady. “If we’re going to meet the Queen, we can’t go in looking like this.”

You raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”

“There’s no time to waste. I have to make something for us,” he said, determination flashing in his eyes. “We need to look elegant. I might not have my supplies here, but I can work with what we have.”

Your heart raced at the thought of him making outfits from scratch. “Are you sure you can do that?”

He nodded firmly, already moving toward the small room where you were temporarily staying in Wooyoung and San's house. “I’ll figure it out. Just give me a minute to gather some things.”

You watched as he began searching through the limited fabric and materials you had, his hands working swiftly. He rummaged through the closet, pulling out old sheets and any leftover clothing you had brought along. You felt a mixture of admiration and anxiety as you realized the weight of what he was attempting to do.

“What do you need me to do?” you asked, stepping closer to him.

“There's a shop nearby that sells fabrics,” he said, already rummaging through his pockets for money, “I need you to buy me some. Can you do that?”

Your heart raced at the urgency in his voice, but a wave of uncertainty washed over you. “Uh, sure, but... I’m not sure where it is,” you admitted, glancing out the window. The sun was starting to set, and you were acutely aware of the time slipping away.

“I’ll draw you a quick map,” he said, moving quickly to grab a scrap of paper and a pen. He sketched a simple layout, marking the route to the shop with clear, careful lines. “You can do this, Y/N. Just follow the map, and don’t let anyone see you.”

You nodded. “What do you need me to get?” 

“Just some quality fabric, something that looks nice but isn’t too extravagant. Maybe something dark for me, something light and flowing for you,” he instructed, glancing up at you. “Can you remember that?”

You took a deep breath, nodding again. “Yes, I can do that.”

“Great,” he said, folding the paper and handing it to you. “I’ll need you back as soon as possible. We don’t have much time.”

“I’ll be quick,” you promised. As you turned to leave, you caught a glimpse of him, already immersed in his work, the fabric and thread strewn across the table like a chaotic canvas. 

As you stepped outside, the cool evening air hit your face. You followed the map he had drawn. The shop wasn’t far, and soon you found yourself standing in front of a small fabric store, the sign creaking softly in the breeze.

Once inside, the overwhelming scent of textiles filled your senses. Bolts of fabric in every color and texture lined the walls, and the shopkeeper gave you a curious look as you stepped in. Remembering Hongjoong’s instructions, you immediately focused on finding something that fit his descriptions. 

After scanning the shelves, you spotted a soft, flowing fabric in a light cream color that seemed perfect. You could almost picture how beautiful it would look on you. With that in mind, you also searched for a darker fabric for Hongjoong. You settled on a deep navy blue, rich yet understated, that would complement the cream tone perfectly.

With your choices made, you approached the counter, your heart pounding as you handed over the money Hongjoong had given you. The shopkeeper smiled and carefully wrapped the fabric. 

“Thank you,” you said, clutching the bundle tightly as you headed back outside. 

As you stepped through the door of Wooyoung and San's house, you saw Hongjoong still working diligently. He looked up, his eyes lighting up as he saw the fabric in your arms. “You did it!” he exclaimed, taking the fabric from you. “This is perfect!”

You smiled, relieved to see his excitement. “I hope it’s what you wanted. I wasn’t sure…”

“It’s exactly what I needed,” he said, moving quickly to lay the fabric out on the table. “Now, we can start putting everything together.”

Hongjoong spread the fabrics across the table, eyes gleaming with purpose. “This is going to be incredible,” he said, barely able to contain his excitement. You watched him with admiration as he quickly sketched designs in his notebook, his mind racing with ideas.

The first night stretched on, the room dimly lit by a single lamp casting shadows on the walls. You could hear the rhythmic hum of the sewing machine as Hongjoong lost himself in the work. 

Time blurred as the night turned into dawn, and you found yourself falling in and out of sleep. The only sounds were the soft whir of the machine and the occasional rustle of fabric. You’d occasionally catch Hongjoong stealing glances at you, and though he was clearly exhausted, there was a fire in his eyes that wouldn't die down.

By morning, the first pieces of your outfits began to take shape. “Look at this,” Hongjoong said, holding up the bodice of your gown. His excitement was contagious, and you couldn't help but smile. “It’s coming together beautifully, don’t you think?”

“It’s stunning, Hongjoong,” you replied, your heart swelling with admiration. “I can't wait to see the final piece.”

As he set it down and returned to his work, you noticed how hard he had to concentrate just to keep his eyes open. He was clearly pushing himself to the limit. You wanted to urge him to take a break, to rest for a moment, but you hesitated.

Hongjoong moved with practiced precision, cutting and sewing and cutting and sewing; repeating the same routine over and over again.

Yet, as the hours ticked by, his pace slowed down more and more.

“Hongjoong,” you finally said, breaking the comfortable silence. “Maybe you should take a break. You’ve been at this for so long.”

He paused, looking at you with those tired yet determined eyes. “I can’t stop now. We’re so close. I just need to finish your gown, and then I’ll rest, I promise.”

You sighed. “Okay, but promise me you’ll take care of yourself too. I don’t want you collapsing from exhaustion when we meet the Queen.”

A soft chuckle escaped his lips, but the laughter quickly faded as he nodded. “I promise, Y/N. Just a bit longer.”

A bit longer turned out to be one more day full of work.

On the evening of the second day, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Hongjoong finally stepped back, surveying the gown he had made for you. The fabric flowed beautifully, a soft cream color with delicate embroidery that accentuates your figure. It was breathtaking.

“Look,” he said, gesturing to the dress. “It’s finished.”

“It doesn't matter how many dresses of yours I'll see, I'll always be amazed… you're so talented, Joongie,” you said, slowly stepping between his legs and carefully combing through his hair.

Hongjoong slung his arms around your waist and laid his head on your stomach, closing his eyes for a few minutes.

You took a deep breath, letting the warmth of his reassurance settle within you. “So, how exactly will we get to the palace?” you asked, trying to shift the focus from your worries to practical matters.

He pulled away slightly, his eyes brightening as he began to explain. “The Queen’s servants are discreet and efficient. After I sent word to her, she agreed to send a carriage for us. It should arrive tomorrow morning.”

“Tomorrow?” The reality sent your heart racing again. “Do we have everything ready? What if something goes wrong?”

Hongjoong chuckled softly, trying to lighten the mood. “Don’t worry. Everything is in place. The only thing we need to do is stay calm.”

The following morning arrived way too fast. You woke to the sound of birds chirping outside and a warm breeze entering your room through the window.

Hongjoong was already up, carefully folding the outfits he had poured his heart into over the past two days. You stood up and approached him, placing a gentle hand on his back. “Are you ready for this?” you asked softly.

He nodded. “As ready as I’ll ever be,” he replied, offering you a small smile. 

You gave him a reassuring nod yourself, though your own nerves were starting to fray. The idea of meeting the Queen, of putting your fate in her hands, felt surreal. But there was no turning back now. You quickly changed into the gown Hongjoong had created for you, the fabric cool against your skin, yet surprisingly comforting. It fit you perfectly, accentuating your form in all the right ways, the soft cream color making you feel both elegant and ethereal.

Though the dress Hongjoong created back in your hometown, the one so blue it reminded you if the sea itself, would always be your favorite, this one was nonetheless nothing but breathtaking. 

When you finally emerged, Hongjoong’s breath caught in his throat. He stared at you for a long moment, a proud smile stealing its way on his lips. “You look… beautiful,” he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. “Just like I imagined.”

You smiled, stepping closer to him. “You look amazing, too.”

Hongjoong's gaze softened as you stepped closer. All that mattered was him, standing before you, his eyes tracing every curve and line of your face.

You reached out, your fingers trembling slightly as you brushed a stray lock of hair away from his forehead. His breath hitched at the simple touch, and you could see the raw emotion in his eyes, the love, the desire, and the lingering regret of the days you'd spent apart. 

His hands found your waist, pulling you gently but firmly against him. The heat of his body against yours sent a shiver down your spine, and you felt your heart pounding in your chest, 

Hongjoong’s eyes searched yours, silently asking for permission, for reassurance. You didn’t need to say a word - your eyes told him everything he needed to know. Slowly, deliberately, he leaned in, his lips hovering just a breath away from yours. The anticipation was almost unbearable.

When his lips finally met yours, the world around you seemed to disappear. The kiss was slow, almost hesitant at first, as if he was savoring every second. His lips were soft, warm, and as they moved against yours, you felt a deep, aching need stirring within you, a need that had been building for days, weeks, months.

Your hands found their way to his shoulders, fingers digging into the fabric of his shirt as you pulled him closer, deepening the kiss. Hongjoong responded in kind, his grip on your waist tightening as his other hand tangled in your hair, tilting your head back to gain better access. The kiss grew more intense, more passionate, as if all the emotions you'd both been holding back were pouring out in this one, desperate act.

You could taste the urgency on his lips, feel the way his heart was racing just as fast as yours. His tongue brushed against yours, sending a wave of heat through your body that made you feel like you were melting into him. The kiss was everything - sweet and tender, yet fierce and consuming.

Hongjoong’s hands roamed your back, pulling you even closer, until there was no space left between you. You could feel the strength in his arms, the way his muscles tensed under your touch, and it only made you want him more. 

When you finally broke apart, both of you were breathing heavily, your foreheads resting against each other as you tried to catch your breath. Hongjoong’s eyes were half-lidded, his lips slightly swollen from the intensity of the kiss. He looked at you with an expression that was equal parts awe and desire, as if he couldn’t quite believe you were real, that this very moment here was real.

“I love you, Y/N,” he whispered, his voice rough with emotion. “I love you so much.”

Your heart swelled at his words, and you cupped his face in your hands, brushing your thumbs gently across his cheeks. “I love you too, Hongjoong. I always have. I always will.”

He smiled, a soft, genuine smile that made your heart skip a beat. And then, without another word, he leaned in and kissed you again, slow and deep, as if he had all the time in the world to show you just how much he loved you, how much you meant to him.

“You ready?” he asked as he took a step back. You instantly missed his lips on yours, but you nodded nonetheless. 

He offered you his hand, and you took it without hesitation.  

As you stepped aside, clearly overdressed in this rural neighborhood, the carriage was already waiting, a sleek, black vehicle with the Queen’s crest emblazoned on the side. The horses were well-groomed, their coats gleaming in the sunlight. A stern-looking driver stood by, his expression unreadable as he held the door open for you. With one last deep breath, you and Hongjoong climbed inside, settling onto the plush seats.

The carriage began to move slowly, the sound of the wheels clattering against the cobblestones filled the silence. You glanced at Hongjoong, who was staring out the window, his jaw clenched. 

For a while, neither of you spoke. You simply watched the world pass by outside. 

Finally, Hongjoong broke the silence, his voice low and contemplative. “Do you remember the first time we met?”

The question caught you off guard, and you turned to look at him, surprised by the sudden change in topic. But as you met his gaze, you could see the hint of a smile tugging at the corners of his lips, a softness in his eyes that you hadn’t seen in days.

The sudden shift in conversation caught you off guard, but a small smile crept onto your face as the memory came flooding back. “Of course, I remember,” you replied, chuckling softly. “How could I forget that? Ah, Django… I miss him… And Benji… oh God, my little Benji… I hope they're all well.”

“They are, my love. I'm sure they are.”

And then, as the carriage rounded a final bend, the palace finally came into view. It was a magnificent structure, with its white marble walls glowing in the fading light. The Queen’s residence was every bit as awe-inspiring as the stories had said, its towering spires reaching towards the heavens.

Your breath caught in your throat at the sight, and you felt Hongjoong’s grip on your hand tighten.

As the carriage drew closer, you could see a group of palace guards standing right outside the gates, their armor gleaming under the soft glow of the lanterns that lined the pathway to the grand entrance. The carriage came to a smooth stop, and the driver emerged, opening the door for you and Hongjoong.

You took a deep breath. Hongjoong stepped out first, offering his hand to help you down. As your feet touched the ground, you felt a shiver run down your spine.

The grand doors of the palace opened with a slow, deliberate creak, revealing a tall, elegant woman dressed in a deep burgundy gown. Her presence was commanding, yet her expression was kind as she approached.

“Welcome,” she said, her voice smooth and authoritative. “The Queen has been expecting you.”

You exchanged a quick glance with Hongjoong, who gave you a small nod, before you both followed the woman inside. The interior of the palace was just as breathtaking as the exterior, with high ceilings adorned with various paintings and chandeliers that sparkled like diamonds. The floor beneath your feet was made of polished marble, and the soft click of your shoes were echoing through the halls.

As you walked deeper into the palace, the grandeur only increased. Walls were lined with portraits of past kings and queens, their eyes seeming to follow you as you passed. 

Finally, you were led to a pair of ornately carved doors, which the woman pushed open with ease. Beyond them was a grand chamber, bathed in the warm light of a thousand candles. At the far end of the room, seated on a throne that seemed to be carved out of pure gold, was the Queen herself.

She was as regal as you had imagined, with an aura of quiet power that made the room feel smaller, the air more charged. Her hair was a rich, dark color, intricately braided and adorned with jewels that sparkled with every movement. Her eyes, sharp and intelligent, fixed on you and Hongjoong as you entered the room.

“Your Majesty,” Hongjoong said, bowing deeply before you had a chance to follow his lead.

The Queen’s gaze softened as she looked at Hongjoong, a small smile playing on her lips. “Rise, Hongjoong,” she said, her voice warm but firm. “It has been a long time.”

Hongjoong straightened up, but his grip on your hand tightened. You could feel the tension in his body as he struggled to maintain his composure. The Queen’s eyes flicked to you, her expression unreadable. “I see you have brought someone with you, Hongjoong. Please, both of you, come closer.”

You nodded, bowing deeply in respect. “It’s an honor to meet you, Your Majesty,” you said, trying to keep your voice steady despite the anxiety that almost made you fall ill.

The Queen studied you for a moment before her gaze returned to Hongjoong. “I understand you’ve come to ask for my help?” she said, her voice carrying the weight of authority.

“Yes, Your Majesty,” Hongjoong replied. “We’ve found ourselves in desperate need of your help. I’ve brought evidence to prove our case, but… there is also something that only Y/N can show you.”

The Queen raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. “And what is this evidence?”

Hongjoong hesitated, glancing at you before speaking. “Your Majesty, before I ask Y/N to show you the evidence, I feel it’s important for you to understand her story - our story - in its entirety.”

The Queen nodded, her expression growing more serious as she settled back into her seat, indicating for him to continue.

Hongjoong took a long, deep breath. “Y/N came from a decent, middle-class family. They lived comfortably - not wealthy, but certainly not poor. Her future should have been secure, perhaps with a marriage that would maintain or even improve her standing in society. But things took a dark turn.”

He paused, glancing at you as if seeking your permission to continue. You gave him a small nod, and he went on, his voice heavy with emotion.

“Her father… he made a decision that changed everything. He married her off to a man well below her status - a drunkard, a violent brute. This man - he was no husband. He was a monster. He raped and beat her almost every day, treating her worse than a common servant. She was trapped in a nightmare, until she… until she had to kill him in self defense to save the both of us.”

“And to protect me,” you chimed in, your desperate gaze finding the woman before you before you continued: “J-joong- I mean, Hongjoong took the blame upon himself. He… he was about to be beheaded for a crime he didn't commit, so I… I took it upon myself to release him and flee with him.”

“We are here to plead our innocence, and to ask for a royal pardon of you, your Majesty,” Hongjoong spoke, standing proud and tall beside you, like the safe haven he always was for you.

“A royal pardon, you say?” she asked.

“Yes. Since no one in our town bothered to even investigate, we ask for you to review all evidence and overturn the decision.”

The Queen’s expression remained inscrutable, giving away nothing of her thoughts. Silence stretched in the grand chamber, broken only by the faint crackling of the candles and the distant echo of footsteps in the vast corridors beyond.

At last, the Queen rose from her throne, the jewels in her hair catching the light as she moved. She descended the steps from the throne with grace 

“I can see the truth in your eyes, but understand this - granting a royal pardon is not a decision I take lightly. There must be undeniable proof,” she said.

She turned to you, her sharp gaze assessing. “Y/N, I need you to show me the evidence Hongjoong mentioned. Whatever it is, it must be enough to convince me beyond doubt.”

You reached into your cloak, pulling out a stack of worn, yellowed letters tied together with a frayed ribbon. Your hands shook as you untied them, revealing the harsh, almost frenzied handwriting of your late husband. You could feel the Queen’s eyes on you, her gaze intense, as you stepped forward and placed the letters in her outstretched hand.

“These letters,” you said, struggling to keep your voice steady, “are from my deceased husband. In them, he admits to everything - his abuse, his threats, and… even his intent to kill me one day. They are his own words, Your Majesty. Written in moments of drunken rage, or cruel clarity. He was proud of what he did, and he never hid that from anyone. But he was also reckless, and he left these behind, never thinking they might be used against him.”

The Queen’s expression remained unreadable once again as she began to read the letters. The room was silent save for the sound of rustling paper. With each page she turned, you felt your heart pound louder, your hands clasping Hongjoong’s tighter.

After what felt like an eternity, the Queen looked up from the letters. Her gaze was more somber now, tinged with something that might have been pity, or perhaps understanding.

“These letters are indeed compelling,” she said slowly, “but it alone is not enough. The word of a dead man, though through his own admission, cannot fully clear your names. I need more.”

You hesitated, biting your lip. “Your Majesty,” you began, choosing your words carefully, “the whole town knew what was happening. They turned a blind eye, because… because they didn’t want to get involved. I don’t know if I can rely on their testimony. But… my parents, though they looked away for so long, showed great remorse before I fled. They knew what was happening, and they did nothing to stop it. I… though I can never reconcile with them, I have no choice but to trust them this one last time.”

The Queen’s gaze softened slightly as she regarded you. “And you believe they will speak the truth, even now?”

You nodded, though you felt a knot of uncertainty in your stomach. “Yes, Your Majesty. They have to.”

The Queen considered this for a long moment before nodding slowly. “Very well. I will send for your parents and have them brought here to testify. But… there's another thing you want to show me, right?”

You swallowed hard. The letters had made an impact, but the Queen needed more, something undeniable. Your heart raced as you prepared to reveal the evidence that you had hidden for so long, even from yourself.

“Yes, Your Majesty,” you replied, your voice trembling. “There is… one more thing I can show you.”

The Queen's eyes narrowed slightly. You hesitated, glancing at Hongjoong, who was watching you, his eyes telling more than words ever could. His presence gave you the strength to go on.

“My body bears the scars of my husband's cruelty,” you said quietly, “Scars that… tell the story of what he did to me.”

For a small second, something in her eyes flickered - perhaps sympathy, perhaps disgust at the thought of such brutality. But it disappeared as fast as it appeared, and she composed herself quickly. “Very well,” she said, her voice low and measured. “Show me.”

But before you could move, the Queen raised a hand to stop you. “Hongjoong,” she addressed him firmly, “you must wait outside. As you are not married, it would be inappropriate for you to remain here.”

Hongjoong looked like he wanted to protest, but he caught himself, understanding his words would make no impact. He nodded and gave you a reassuring look. “I’ll be right outside,” he said softly. “You’re not alone.”

You nodded, trying to offer him a smile. “Thank you, Hongjoong.”

As he was escorted out of the room, the Queen waited until the door closed before turning back to you. The room felt emptier without Hongjoong by your side, but you tried to stay calm nonetheless. 

As he left the room, the Queen gestured to a few of her attendants, and a group of maids quickly approached. Your dress was elegant, more elaborate than you were used to, and you realized you would need help to reveal the scars that were hidden beneath its layers.

The maids moved with practiced efficiency, unfastening the intricate clasps and loosening the delicate fabric of your gown. You felt a wave of vulnerability wash over you as they carefully peeled back the layers, revealing the faint, jagged lines etched into your skin. 

The Queen stepped closer, her gaze intense as she examined the marks. She didn’t speak, but her silence was heavy.

After a long moment, she stepped back, her eyes closing for a moment. “These scars… they cannot be ignored.” She turned to one of her attendants, a stern-looking guard who had been standing by the door. “Send for a scrivener,” she commanded. “These letters and the scars on her body must be documented.”

The man bowed and hurried out of the chamber, leaving you alone with the Queen and the maids, who carefully refastened your dress. The Queen’s eyes softened slightly as she looked at you. “Hongjoong has been a long confidante of mine, so naturally, he has my trust” she said, “But there is still a process that must be followed. The evidence will be recorded, and your parents and anyone else willing to testify will be brought before me. Until then, I must uphold the law.”

Once the scrivener arrived and began documenting the evidence, the Queen addressed you again. “You will be given quarters where you can rest,” she said, her tone kind but firm. “And I will ensure that you have everything you need until the trial begins. Be strong, Y/N. The truth will come to light.”

You bowed deeply. “Thank you, Your Majesty.”

And with that, the Queen turned and left the chamber, leaving you alone with your thoughts.

Now all you could do was wait.

“Y/N,” Hongjoong's voice reached you the moment you stepped into the tower room. But before you could even respond, you found yourself distracted by your surroundings. For a place meant to imprison you, the room was unexpectedly luxurious - far more so than anything you'd ever experienced. The walls were draped with rich tapestries and the bed was covered in soft linens. A large, plush rug covered the stone floor, and the air smelled faintly of lavender.

You paused, blinking in surprise at the sight. This was supposed to be your prison? It surely made you feel out of place, like it belonged to a royal guest chamber rather than a cell.

"Are you alright?" Hongjoong’s voice broke through your thoughts, concern etched in his features as he took a step closer to you. But before you could answer, the door behind you creaked open again, and a small group of maids entered.

“Your bath is ready, my lady,” one of them said with a polite bow, her voice soft yet firm. “Please, come with us.”

My lady?

You looked at Hongjoong, startled and confused. He gave you an encouraging nod, though he looked just as confused as you.

“Go on,” he said gently. “I’ll be here when you’re done.”

Reluctantly, you allowed the maids to lead you away, down a small corridor that connected to an adjoining room. The room was even more elaborate, with a large copper tub set in the center, already filled with steaming water that scented the air with rose petals and herbs. Thick, fluffy towels were neatly stacked nearby, and a selection of fine soaps and oils were arranged on a small table besides.

They helped you quickly undress and step into the bath. The warm water immediately melted away the tension from your muscles. As they poured fragrant oils into the water, your eyes closed and you sank deeper into the water. The maids worked in silence, their hands gentle as they washed your hair and scrubbed your skin with fine soaps. Eventually, the bath was over, and you were lifted from the water, wrapped in a thick, warm towel. The maids dried you off and led you to a big mirror where they brushed your hair and dressed you in a white nightgown that felt impossibly soft against your skin.

Once they were done, they stepped back, quietly observing you. You glanced at your reflection in the mirror, almost not recognizing yourself. The nightgown was simple yet elegant, the white fabric almost transparent against your skin. It flowed down to your ankles, delicate lace trimming the neckline and sleeves. It made you look delicate and almost… sensual. 

Still deep in thought, you were guided back to the main room where Hongjoong was waiting. As you stepped into the room, you saw him pacing near the window, lost in thought. The moment he heard your footsteps, he turned around, and his breath hitched in his throat when he saw you.

For a long, long moment, he simply stared at you, his eyes wide as they traveled over your figure. His usual calm and collected demeanor seemed to crumble as a faint blush colored his cheeks. He quickly looked away, his jaw tightening as he struggled to maintain his composure.

“You-” Hongjoong began, his voice strained as he took a step closer, his gaze flicking back to you before quickly averting again. “You look… beautiful.” His words were quiet, and you could see the internal battle playing out within him as he tried to keep his emotions in check.

You could see the way his eyes darkened whenever he sneaked a glance at you, something that made your heart skip a beat. His fingers twitched as if he wanted to reach out and touch you but was holding himself back. The air between you was thick with unspoken tension.

Hongjoong cleared his throat, attempting to regain his composure, but the way he avoided your gaze told you that he was struggling. “I… I didn't mean to stare,” he muttered, his voice rougher than usual. "I just… You-”

You took a step closer. Hongjoong's eyes snapped to yours, and for a moment, you saw a flash of something raw and intoxicating in his expression - something that sent a shiver down your spine, something that made your mouth dry and your heart beat faster.

“Hongjoong,” you said softly, the sound of his name breaking the silence that had settled between you. “I'm fine. You can-”

“Sir, your bath is prepared as well,” one of the maids said with a polite bow. “Please allow us to assist you.”

Hongjoong stiffened slightly at the offer, clearly taken aback. “Uh, that's not necessary,” he stammered, his usual confidence faltering as a blush crept up his neck. “I can manage on my own.”

The maid, seemingly unfazed, simply nodded. “Of course, sir. But if you require anything, we will be right outside.” With that, she and the others gracefully exited the room, leaving the two of you alone once more.

Hongjoong let out a quiet sigh of relief, running a hand through his hair as he glanced back at you. “Well, I suppose I should... take that bath now,” he said.

You nodded, offering him a small smile. “I'll wait here,” you said softly, trying to ease the tension in the room.

He stood there for another moment, as if he wanted to say something more, but instead, he simply gave you a nod before retreating into the bathroom. The door clicked shut behind him, leaving you alone with your thoughts.

Desperately, you tried to distract yourself from the fact that the man of your dreams was completely bare just a few feet away. But just after a few minutes, you had to admit that it was pointless, and so, your feet took you to the bathroom once again.

You hesitated outside the door, your heart pounding in your chest. You knew this was a bad idea, that you were crossing a line, but curiosity got the better of you. Slowly, you pushed the door open just enough to slip inside.

Hongjoong was sitting in the tub, his back to the door, the water lapping gently around his figure. Steam filled the room, the scent of the same herbs and soaps you previously used in the air. His head was slightly bowed, his eyes closed, and he seemed lost in thought, completely unaware of your presence.

For a moment, you just stood there, silently watching him. His usually sharp features were entirely relaxed, his shoulders sacked as he soaked in the water. You couldn’t help but admire the way the droplets clung to his skin, the way the muscles in his back moved with each breath he took.

Taking a deep breath to steady yourself, you silently crossed the room. The soft pads of your feet made no noise on the stone floor as you approached the tub. Without thinking, you reached for a cloth that was hanging nearby, dipping it into the warm water.

He still hadn’t noticed you as you knelt beside the tub. Your hand hovered for a moment before you gathered the courage to press the cloth gently against his back.

Hongjoong stiffened immediately, his eyes snapping open as he realized someone was there. He turned his head sharply, his eyes wide as he met your gaze.

“Y/N?” His voice was breathless, and he immediately tried to shield his naked body from you. “What are you doing?”

You bit your lip, trying to fight back the blush that was creeping up your cheeks. “I thought… I thought I’d help you relax,” you said softly, your voice trembling with nerves.

Hongjoong’s gaze flicked down to the cloth in your hand and then back to your face. His expression was unreadable, but you could see the way his breathing had quickened, the way his muscles tensed under your touch.

“Y/N… you don’t have to…” He trailed off, his voice faltering as you began to gently scrub his back, your movements slow and careful. You could feel the tension in his body slowly melting away under your touch.

He let out a shaky breath, his head dropping forward again as he allowed himself to relax. “You don't have to do this,” he murmured, though he didn't sound entirely convinced either.

You smiled a little, continuing your work, the cloth gliding over his skin in soothing circles. “Maybe not,” you whispered, “but I wanted to.”

Hongjoong’s breathing was uneven, each exhale shaky as you worked your way across his shoulders, the cloth tracing the lines of his muscles. You could see the way his body tensed, his fists clenching against the edge of the tub as if he was trying to control himself. 

“Y/N,” he murmured, his voice low and rough, almost pleading. “W-we should really stop… I-”

You gently pressed a finger against his lips, silencing him almost instantly. “Hongjoong,” you whispered, “I want to… I’m ready.”

His eyes found yours, wide with surprise and something else - something deeper. His gaze searched yours, as if he was trying to find any hint of uncertainty, any reason to stop this before it went too far.

But you didn’t waver. You had been through so much, had faced so many demons from your past, and now, standing here with him, you felt a sense of clarity you hadn’t in a long time. You wanted this, wanted him - wanted to break down the walls you had built so carefully around your heart.

Slowly, you leaned in closer, your breath mingling with his as you pressed a soft kiss to his temple. His eyes fluttered shut at the contact, a shiver running through his body. You could feel his resistance, the way he fought to hold himself back, but there was also something in the way he leaned into your touch, a silent plea for more.

Your lips traveled from his temple to his ear, brushing against the sensitive skin as you whispered, “I know you try to hold yourself back for my sake. But I’m not scared, Joongie. Not anymore.”

Hongjoong’s eyes were locked on yours, the intensity in his gaze making your breath hitch. Without breaking eye contact, he stood, water cascading off his naked, sculpted body, droplets glistening on his skin in the soft, dim light of the room. 

Before you could say anything, his arms wrapped around you, lifting you effortlessly from where you stood. Your breath caught in your throat as he pulled you close, his wet skin soaking through your clothes as he carried you out the room. 

He reached the bed and gently laid you down on the soft sheets, the fabric cool against your heated skin. You looked up at him, your heart racing as he knelt beside you, droplets of water still clinging to his skin, his hair damp and falling into his eyes. He was completely bare, his body on full display, and yet his focus was entirely on you.

Slowly, he leaned down, his lips brushing against yours in a slow, passionate kiss. His hand slid up your side, fingers grazing your ribs, leaving a trail of fire in their wake. The kiss deepened, his tongue teasing yours, fighting your own in a battle of dominance you quickly lost.

Hongjoong’s hand moved under your gown, and with a gentle tug, he began to lift it, his fingertips brushing against your skin as he pulled it over your head. The cool air hit your newly exposed skin, making you shiver, but the heat of his gaze warmed you instantly. He paused for a moment, taking in the sight of you, his eyes so full of love and lust it made you ache.

“You’re so, so beautiful,” he murmured, his voice low and rough. He leaned in again, his lips trailing down your neck, leaving soft, lingering kisses as he made his way to your collarbone. Each kiss sent a jolt of electricity through you, your breath coming in shallow gasps as you felt him explore your body with his lips, his hands, his entire being.

He moved lower, his hands sliding over your skin, slowly. You shivered under his touch, your hands gripping the sheets as you tried to steady yourself, your heart pounding in your chest.

His hands moved delicately, tracing the lines of your body, exploring every curve, every dip, every inch of your skin. He was in no rush, savoring it all; every moment, every touch, every breath you took. The way he looked at you, the way he touched you, it was as if he was worshiping you, as if you were the most precious thing in the world to him.

“Y/N,” he whispered against your lips, his voice shaky, filled with emotion. “I want this to be perfect for you… for us.”

You reached up, cupping his face in your hands, your eyes meeting his with a soft, reassuring smile. “It already is,” you murmured, your voice filled with the same emotion you saw reflected in his eyes. “You make everything perfect for me, Joongie.”

He smiled, a tender, almost shy smile that made your heart flutter. “I’ve wanted this for so long… wanted you for so long,” he confessed, his voice barely above a whisper as he pressed his forehead against yours.

“I know,” you whispered back, your fingers brushing through his damp hair. “I’ve wanted this too… I’ve wanted you.”

His breath caught in his throat, his eyes darkening with something deeper, more intense. “I’m scared… of hurting you,” he admitted, his voice trembling slightly. “Of moving too fast.”

You shook your head gently, your hands moving to his chest, feeling the rapid beat of his heart beneath your palm. “You could never hurt me,” you assured him softly. “I trust you, Hongjoong. I’m ready… because I know these hands of yours could never hurt me like he did.”

He closed his eyes, taking a deep breath as he tried to steady himself. When he opened them again, they were filled with an intensity that took your breath away. “I want to love you… properly, Y/N.”

You smiled, your heart swelling with love and adoration for the man above you. “Then love me, Hongjoong,” you whispered, your voice trembling with anticipation. “Love me the way you’ve always wanted to. Make me yours.”

He chuckled, before slowly lowering himself into you. “Silly woman. You've been mine the moment I met you.”

If anyone would've told you you'd ever see your parents on their knees, begging for mercy in front of you, you would've laughed right in their face.

But here you were. Witnessing it at this very moment.

Well, technically it wasn't in front of you - but the Queen, who was looking at them with intense, cold eyes.

You stood to the side, Hongjoong right beside you, close enough to witness every detail, yet far enough to keep the emotional distance you needed to not break down in tears.

The Queen's voice cut through the silence. “You have been called before the court to deliver your testimony. If you lie, it will have severe consequences,” she said, her tone leaving no room for argument. “We have gathered here today because a man was killed. Without any evidence or witness testimony, it was decided that Kim Hongjoong was the one responsible and would be hanged for it. Now, after careful investigation, I and everyone else here is fairly confident that this is not what happened. The man who died abused his wife L/N Y/N for close to a decade. And everyone supposedly knew. On the night of the alleged crime, it is to be assumed he came home to beat her once again. Kim Hongjoong was just there at the wrong time. Y/N had to kill her husband in self defense to protect the both of them,” the Queen continued. 

The whole room was deadly silent. Only the occasional sobs of your mother could be heard.

“Now I ask of you to truthfully answer my questions”, she said, looking at your parents directly, “is it true that you knew your daughter was getting abused?”

The silence that followed the Queen's question was suffocating, each second stretching into an eternity. Your father kept his gaze fixed on the floor, his hands trembling slightly as he knelt beside your mother. 

You remembered the last time you saw him. The moment where he apologized, where you saw the pain in his eyes. But would he also admit to his faults in public?

The Queen's eyes bore into them. She was not just asking for a simple answer; she was demanding the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. And there was no escaping it.

Your father was the first to speak, his voice barely above a whisper, rough and strained. “We… we knew,” he confessed, the words stumbling out of him like a boulder finally giving way to gravity. “We knew what was happening, Your Majesty.”

A collective gasp rippled through the courtroom, but you remained still, your heart pounding in your chest as the truth you had been denied for so long was finally laid bare. Your mother’s sobs grew louder, her hands covering her face as if to shield herself from the reality of what was happening.

The Queen’s gaze did not waver. “And yet, you did nothing to help her?” she pressed, her tone hardening. “You allowed your daughter to suffer for years, without lifting a finger to protect her? Knowing that one day she could possibly be killed?”

Your mother finally lifted her head, her face streaked with tears. “We… we were afraid,” she stammered, her voice shaking with emotion. “We didn’t know what to do… We thought… we thought it would be worse if we intervened.”

A bitter taste filled your mouth as you listened to their excuses. They had left you to fend for yourself in a nightmare, and had turned their backs on you when you needed them the most. 

Even after you tried for months, years to come to terms with their betrayal, it still hurt deeply.

The Queen narrowed her eyes, but her expression gave nothing away. “You thought it would be worse?” she repeated, “Worse than watching your daughter endure unimaginable suffering? Worse than allowing her to be beaten, night after night, while you did nothing?”

Your mother’s tears flowed uncontrollably now, her sobs wracking her body as she nodded, unable to form any coherent response. Your father remained silent, his head hanging low, as if the weight of his guilt was too much to bear.

The Queen’s gaze flicked to you for a moment, her expression softening just slightly as she took in the sight of you standing there, silent and strong beside Hongjoong. 

This wasn't the first time you saw that expression on her face, and for a second you were left wondering if, maybe, she understood your pain. Really understood.

From woman to woman, from victim to victim.

“Your Majesty,” your father spoke again, his voice hoarse with emotion. “We… we failed her. We know that now. We were wrong, and we are deeply sorry.”

For a second, his eyes found yours. And though you knew you could never forgive them, you saw nothing but love and guilt in your father's eyes.

Maybe in another life, where you as a woman would have more rights, you all could have been a happy, normal family.

Maybe.

“But… There is one last thing I want to do for my daughter,” he whispered. “Your Majesty, if I may…?”

Her gaze flicked towards you. You clutched Hongjoong’s hands tighter, before giving her a final nod.

“Go on,” she said.

Your father hesitated for a moment, gathering his courage, before speaking again. “I brought them here, Your Majesty,” he said, his voice trembling with emotion. “The rest of the people who stayed quiet. I brought all of them here today.”

The Queen raised an eyebrow, her gaze flicking between your father and you. The courtroom seemed to hold its breath, waiting for her decision. Your eyes widened and you immediately felt a lump form in your throat. 

Finally, the Queen nodded, “Bring them in.”

She turned towards the grand double doors at the back of the room, and with a slight motion of her hand, the guards opened them. One by one, a dozen people began to file in, their faces pale and solemn. You recognized each one of them - neighbors, former friends, even the local shopkeepers who had all turned a blind eye to your bruises and hushed cries for help. They looked as though they were walking to their own execution, eyes downcast, hands desperately clutching their clothes.

As they entered, they arranged themselves in a line before you, and then, as if guided by an unspoken command, they all began to bow. The sight of it - the people who had once ignored your pain now bowing before you, in front of the Queen herself - struck you like a blow to the heart.

You tightened your grip on Hongjoong’s hand, your breath hitching as the overwhelming weight of the moment began to settle over you. Tears welled up in your eyes, and no matter how much you tried to hold them back, they eventually began to spill over, silently tracing lines down your cheeks. Hongjoong’s hand remained warm and steady in yours, his presence grounding you as you struggled to process the scene before you.

Slowly, an elderly woman who had been your neighbor for years, stepped forward. Her voice trembled as she spoke. “Y/N… we have no excuse for what we did, or rather, what we didn’t do. We failed you, just as your parents did. We saw the signs, but we chose to look away, to pretend it wasn’t our business. And for that… we are truly sorry.”

As everyone in line took their turn to speak, offering their apologies, their regrets, and their shame, the emotions you had been holding back for so long finally broke free. You wept openly now, the sound of your sobs filling the otherwise silent courtroom. These were the apologies you had never expected to hear, the recognition of your suffering that had been denied to you for so many years.

Hongjoong wrapped his arm around your shoulders, pulling you close, and you leaned into him, burying your face in his neck. The tears kept coming, and you let them. 

After each person spoke to you, they all remained bowed, waiting for your response. The Queen, too, seemed to be waiting, her gaze fixed on you.

You took a shaky breath, wiping your tears with the back of your hand as you tried to find the right words. But there were no words that could truly capture the enormity of what you were feeling. So instead, you simply nodded, acknowledging their apologies once and for all.

“Thank you,” you managed to whisper, your voice raw and hoarse. “Thank you for saying what I needed to hear… even if it’s too late.”

There was a collective sigh of relief from the crowd, but the weight of the moment still pressed down heavily on you. The Queen stepped forward, her presence immediately commanding everyone's attention. “You have all acknowledged your failings here today,” she said, “A man has died, and even if Y/N pulled the trigger, everyone here knows that at the end of the day, she remains an innocent woman. A woman who had to save herself because no one else did.”

As her final words settled over the courtroom, you felt a deep, heavy relief wash over you. The people who had failed you had spoken their apologies, and though it could never erase the pain you endured, the recognition of your suffering soothed your wounded soul.

Hongjoong kept a protective arm around you as you walked outside. The air outside the courtroom was crisp, the world feeling both too small and too vast after what had just happened. You took a deep breath, trying to steady yourself, when you heard a familiar voice calling your name.

“Y/N!”

You turned just in time to see your sister Miyeon rushing towards you, tears already streaming down her face. Her belly was still slightly rounded from her recent pregnancy, and in her arms, she cradled her newborn, your tiny niece or nephew, who was bundled up warmly against her chest.

Miyeon threw her arms around you, careful not to hurt her child, pulling you into a tight embrace as she sobbed uncontrollably. “I’m so sorry,” she choked out between sobs, her voice filled with guilt and anguish. “I didn’t know... I didn’t know everything that was happening. If I had known, I would have been there for you. I should have been there for you!”

You held her tightly, your own tears spilling over once more as you buried your face in her shoulder. “Miyeon, it’s okay,” you whispered, even as your voice trembled. “I know you would’ve helped me if you could. You were far away, and you had no idea. You were also preparing to be a mother… I never wanted to burden you with my pain.”

“But you’re my sister,” she cried, pulling back to look at you with red, puffy eyes. “I should have been here. I should have done something, anything, to protect you. How could I have let this happen to you?”

You shook your head. “You couldn’t have known, Miyeon. None of this was your fault. I don’t blame you, not even for a second.”

Before you could respond, her husband, Gikwang, who had been standing a few steps behind her, joined the two of you. His expression was filled with compassion and guilt as he handed you a small, trembling bundle. “We… we brought something for you,” he said gently. “One of Hongjoong’s neighbors found him in his house and thought you’d want him back.”

Your breath caught in your throat as he placed the tiny, trembling creature in your arms.

“Benji!” you cried out.

The moment he was in your arms, the dam you had been holding back broke entirely. You clutched him to you, your sobs echoing through the quiet corridor as you cried even harder than you just moments before.

Hongjoong stood beside you, his hand on your back, his own eyes glistening with unshed tears as he watched you cradle Benji. Miyeon wrapped her arms around both you and Benji, and for a long, long while, you simply stood there, the three of you wrapped in a comforting embrace. As you finally pulled back, wiping your tears away, you looked at Miyeon and Hongjoong, then down at Benji, who was now purring softly in your arms, and also at Gikwang and their newborn child.

With a trembling but genuine smile, you whispered, "Thank you, Miyeon. Thank you for being here. And thank you for bringing him back to me."

Miyeon nodded, her own smile breaking through her tears. "I’ll always be here for you, Y/N. No matter what. You and I will keep in contact, right? You'll come visit me and I'll visit you, right? And… and you and Hongjoong will be happy together, right?”

As you wiped the last of your tears away, you gave Miyeon a firm nod. “Yes,” you replied, your voice steady for the first time in what felt like an eternity. “We will keep in contact. I’ll visit you, and you can come visit us. And yes… Hongjoong and I will be happy together. We’ll find a way to move forward.”

Miyeon smiled through her tears, her grip on her newborn tightening slightly as she nodded back. “Good,” she whispered, her voice full of emotion. “That’s all I want for you, Y/N. To be happy. You deserve that more than anything.”

Gikwang placed a reassuring hand on his wife's shoulder. “You’re strong, Y/N,” he said softly. “And even if your parents and Jisoo aren't included, you have us that care about you, no matter how far apart we may be.”

You took a long, deep breath before looking down at Benji, who was still purring contentedly in your arms, then up at Hongjoong, who met your gaze with a look of unwavering support and love.

“Let’s go,” Hongjoong murmured, his hand gently squeezing yours. “It’s time to head home.”

You nodded. Turning back to your sister, you reached out and gave her one last, lingering hug. “I’ll see you soon,” you promised, “until then, take care. And also of your bab-”

“Jihoon. His name is Jihoon,” she whispered, carefully cradling the baby in her arms.

You smiled warmly at her and her child. “Take care of Jihoon too, okay?”

With that, you and Hongjoong turned and began to walk away, Benji still cradled safely in your arms. 

“Hey, Joongie?” you asked.

“Hm?”

“Do you think Django is doing well?

He laughed. “Oh, I know he is. That damn goat is probably terrorizing the whole town by now.”

My Dearest Husband,

I hope this letter finds you well and you are not too weary from your travels. Though I'm proud the Queen has once again asked for one of your dresses, the house feels a little quieter without you here, though Miyeon, Gikwang, and little Jihoon are doing their best to fill the void. You wouldn’t believe how much he’s grown since you last saw him – he’s already running around like he owns the place. God, I’ve had to take more breaks than usual chasing after him. I’m sure you can guess why.

Miyeon has been a great help, though, and Gikwang even managed to fix the squeaky gate that’s been bothering you for months. We spent yesterday walking along the shore, Jihoon squealing with delight every time the waves came in. It made me think of how much you would’ve enjoyed the sight with him together. The sea is as beautiful as ever, though not nearly as beautiful as it is when I get to share it with you.

Oh, our little shop is thriving more than I could’ve imagined. Your teachings on sewing have paid off wonderfully, and the people can’t seem to get enough of the dresses I make. I'm so honored, though I still try and convince them yours are so much better. They keep saying how elegant the stitching is and how there’s something special about each piece. I always smile and tell them it’s because they were made with love – a love you taught me with every thread and needle. Though I do admit, I’ve had to slow down a bit these days. The shop misses you, too, but it’s running smoothly, and I can’t wait for you to see how well it's been going. 

I know you were worried about leaving me alone, but honestly, my love, you overthink too much. I think you forget sometimes just how capable I am. I may be waddling more than walking at this point, but I can still manage just fine, especially with Miyeon here to keep an eye on me. But I can’t help but smile when I think about how you’re already fretting over our little one, even before she’s born. You and your little princess – I can just see it now, the way you’ll spoil her rotten with all those tiny dresses you’ve been making. If she’s anything like her father, she’ll be quite the charmer, and I can’t wait to see you two together, hand in hand, as you show her the world.

She’s been kicking more these past few days, and it hurts like crazy. I can't wait to finally meet her. I’m already dreaming of the day when we’ll finally get to meet her. I know you’re just as eager as I am – I can see it in the way you smile whenever you talk about her. Our little princess. I think she knows, too, because she always seems to calm down when I think about you.

So, my love, don’t worry too much about us. We’re safe, happy, and counting down the days until you’re back home. The sea is waiting, the shop is thriving, and most importantly, your little family is here, eagerly anticipating your return. I’ll keep everything running smoothly until you’re back – though I must admit, I’m looking forward to resting when our little one decides it’s time to make her grand entrance.

Take care of yourself, and don’t let business keep you away for too long. We miss you dearly.

With all my love,

Your Wife

[cera-writes]

Heyo saw you were taking requests for Gambit and I'm deathly starved for content of our favorite cajun could I request something really fluffy maybe Remy taking us to the french quarter and going to cafe du monde for beignets and taking touristy pics in front of the st Louis just light hearted fun 😊 anyway love your writing and hope you keep it up!

I love this idea! I literally went to New Orleans again over the weekend and it's fresh off my memory so this was a fun idea to write <3 Pairing: Remy LeBeau x Reader Prompt: Remy shows reader a fun, cute time in the French Quarter.

A walk Around the Quarter

The air hung thick with the scent of chicory coffee and powdered sugar, drawing Remy LeBeau and you deeper into the bustling heart of the French Quarter. The vibrant hues of Creole cottages and wrought iron balconies blurred past as Remy, ever the charming guide, navigated the labyrinthine streets with practiced ease. Each corner turned revealed a new treasure: a hidden courtyard overflowing with blooming jasmine, a street musician coaxing soulful melodies from a weathered saxophone, the tantalizing aroma of Cajun spices wafting from an open doorway.

"Welcome, cher," Remy announced with a flourish as you both emerged into the sun-drenched plaza fronting the iconic St. Louis Cathedral. "The crown jewel of New Orleans, and the perfect backdrop for our first touristy snapshot."

He winked and produced a camera seemingly from thin air, capturing your smiles against the majestic facade. Then, with a playful tug, he led you towards your ultimate destination.

"Prepare yourself," Remy warned with a grin. "For a taste of pure, unadulterated bliss."

Cafe du Monde, a bastion of beignet-fueled delight, awaited. The air thrummed with the lively chatter of patrons and the rhythmic clatter of trays laden with the irresistible pastries. Remy secured a coveted table, its marble top already dusted with a generous layer of powdered sugar. A street performer, drawn by your laughter, serenaded you both with a jaunty tune on his accordion, adding a touch of whimsy to the already enchanting atmosphere.

"Three beignets, s'il vous plait," Remy requested with a practiced charm that had the waitress returning in record time.

The beignets arrived, a trio of golden-brown pillows, their airy centers promising a symphony of flavor. Remy, a connoisseur of the finer things, demonstrated the proper technique: a delicate pinch, a generous dip in the accompanying mound of powdered sugar, and a bite that elicited a satisfied sigh.

"C'est magnifique, non?" he asked, his eyes twinkling with delight.

The afternoon unfolded in a leisurely haze of powdered sugar and laughter. You strolled through Jackson Square, admiring the vibrant works of local artists, and paused to listen to the soulful melodies of a street musician. Remy, ever the entertainer, even tried his hand at juggling, much to the amusement of onlookers. A horse-drawn carriage clopped past, its passengers waving merrily, and Remy couldn't resist doffing his hat with a flourish.

As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the Quarter, Remy and you found yourselves back at the St. Louis Cathedral. The plaza was bathed in a soft, ethereal light, creating a scene of undeniable romance. The street lamps flickered to life, casting dancing shadows on the ancient walls, and the distant sound of jazz music drifted on the breeze.

"One last photo, cher?" Remy asked, his voice a low murmur.

He captured the moment, your silhouettes framed against the cathedral's illuminated spires.

"But the night is still young," Remy said with a wink. "Care to hear some real New Orleans music?"

He led you down a dimly lit alley, the sound of a saxophone growing louder with each step. You emerged into a smoky jazz club, the air pulsating with the rhythm of the music. Remy took your hand and led you to the dance floor, where you twirled and swayed to the infectious beat. The music wrapped around you, a tapestry of notes and emotions, and you lost yourself in the moment, in Remy's eyes, in the magic of the night.

As the final notes faded, Remy pulled you close. "Merci," he whispered, his voice husky with emotion. "For sharin' dis perfect day with Remy."

The French Quarter, with its vibrant tapestry of sights, sounds, and flavors, had woven its magic. And at its heart, amidst the beignets, laughter, and the rhythm of the jazz, a connection had blossomed, leaving a trail of unforgettable memories in its wake.

[justmeinatree]

05 - Woke Up Still Dreaming

Summary : Part 5 to Let Passion Get Too Much … niall x louis x reader threesome

previous part /// jump to pt. 1

TW : smut, choking, double penetration, spitting, spanking, subspace

Word Count : 7k

A/N : this chapter takes place hours after THIS EXTRA - it’s not absolutely necessary to read although it may answer a few questions as to how their relationship seemed to jump so quickly !

GIFs : unknown - msg for credit

louis isn’t sure the exact thing that woke him up. whether it be the soft pecks of your lips against his, or the quiet, melodic calling of his name, or your nails gently scratching at his scalp. what ever it was, he couldn’t complain in the slightest. 

that is, until he cracks his eyes open, the soft golden glow of early morning streaming through niall’s sheer white curtains. it was much too early. too fucking early for people that didn’t get to sleep until sometime past 4am. “time s’it, love,” louis croaks, his eyes fluttering shut again.

a small giggle leaves your lips, a happy, playful, sweetness to it, one that’s reserved for those early hours, one that louis is tucking away as a core memory because it was just so damn cute. “just about 7am,” you whisper, pecking over his bottom lip again.

“christ, darling, ya couldn’t wait a bit ?” he groans quietly, his hands scrubbing at his eyes, almost painfully, pulling himself from sleep.

“i really hope you like morning sex,” you murmur, nibbling against his lip now, pulling his mouth open just enough for your tongue to slip through, and lick against his own, pulling a quiet breathy moan from him.

“you have full permission to smack me if i ever turn down an offer from you,” he hums, as you throw your thigh over his waist, his hands falling on your hips, fingers digging into your skin.

“you’re sappy in the morning,” you giggle, breathing against his lips, before dipping back in for more kisses. 

he breathes a laugh against your lips, letting himself get lost in the kiss, his hands exploring your body, finding that you’d stripped down your pants at some point, currently only wearing panties and a thin tank top. 

one hand rounds down your hip, over your bum, and up your thigh to your knee, holding your leg in place over his hips, his other hand settled right on your ass, squeezing.

you groan, shuffling impossibly closer to him, in search of any sort of friction. “and you’re needy in the morning,” louis hums, trying to hold you down, trying to wake up, trying to keep up. but his brain was always a little fuzzy with you, and well he’s barely slept, and throw in last night’s admissions, and your cunt is dangerously close to finding out that he’s already quite hard. and really, he just needs to breathe.

“c’mon, darling, slow down,” louis whispers against your lips, “we have all the time in the world,” he adds, hoping that the prospect of lengthy, lazy, slow early morning sex would win you over. 

but instead, he’s met with a disgruntled groan, and a shake of your head, teeth sinking into the plushness of his bottom lip, “m’already going slow,” you speak, actions contradicting your words as your hips grind down again, harder, a bit faster, your clit colliding with the hard tip of his prick.

a smirk pulls at your lips, shaking your head again, although more playfully this time, pulling away from his mouth to lock eyes with him, a silent conversation between the two of you. 

and a moment later, your thigh was off his hips, your hands on the waistband of his pants, pulling them clean off his legs, boxers following suit just as quickly. in your rush to get onto him, you’d almost forgotten your panties, something you’re thankful that louis catches. his hands fall delicately on your hips, thumbs tickling your skin, still making any sort of effort to slow you down, even if just a little bit.

louis slowly glides his hands, fingers splayed out, selfishly trying to touch as much of you as possible, bringing your thin panties down your legs in the process. he notices the tremor run through your body, following his hands, an eruption of goosebumps left behind in their wake. he watches the sticky line of your arousal still attached from your pussy to your panties, thinning out the more he pulls them down. he feels like he’s looking at someone almost ethereal, with the way the golden glimmer of morning sun makes your skin glow, makes your arousal glisten, it takes his breath away. he really doesn’t think he’s ever been this lucky.

as soon as your panties were off, you threw yourself onto him, louis landing back onto the mattress with a soft thud, your legs on either side of his hips, straddling him, elbows supporting yourself on the mattress, above louis’ shoulders, your hands buried in his hair. 

instantly, your lips are back on his, grinding yourself down over his bare length. your cunt was soaked, slit spread over his cock, gliding effortlessly with every roll of your hips.

your fingers were wrapped tightly into louis’ hair, gripping at the roots, his nails leaving deep indents in the skin of your hips, as a particular roll of your hips made the tip of his cock press up into your clit one moment, getting caught on your entrance the next. 

neither of you were quite sure how it happened, especially without the use of hands, but louis’ hips had lifted clean off the bed, taking you along with him, cock pressed snuggly against you, and with your pussy absolutely drenched, his length painfully hard, the angle just right, he was sinking inside you.

your mouth falls open, breath knocked clean out of your lungs, forehead falling forward onto louis’, eyes rolled back as you struggle to catch your breath. 

a soft groan grumbles deep in his chest, his hands pressing into your hips, holding you, trapping you down onto him, his prick seethed deep inside you, not letting you move an inch. he could feel you splitting open for him, could feel you spasming around his cock, could feel you desperately trying to move. and if he let you, he was instantly going to cum. and he was not about to let that happen. not when he’d just gotten you back onto him. 

in an effort to distract himself, one of his hands leaves you, blindly swatting in the space occupied by niall, eventually colliding with his head, leaving a series of small smacks.

but he’s met with nothing more than an annoyed grumble from niall, and a few laughable swats back in his sleepy state. louis rolls his eyes, gripping hard into niall’s hair, giving a sharp tug.

“fuckin hell,” niall quips, “what do you wan-“ he cuts himself off as he finally turns his head, eyes peaking open, taking in the scene in front of him, a soft, sleepy, sighing chuckle escaping his lips.

“one of those mornings, pet ?” niall murmurs, every bit of malice in his tone completely wiped away, giving louis the impression that morning sex is clearly a definite regular occurence. 

niall’s fingertips reach out for your arm, gliding up and down softly, soothingly. you whimper against louis’ lips, nodding your head to niall’s question, your pussy clenching particularly hard at the tickling smoothness of his fingers on your warmed skin. louis lets out a whimpery moan, one he couldn’t hold in, even if he’d tried, the grip on his prick so unexpected, his teeth biting into your lip.

niall eyes the both of you, unable to see your hips under the blanket, his eyes settling on you, “y’already sitting on him, petal ?” he asks softly, hooking his finger under your chin, making louis’ teeth slip from its grip on your lip, forcing you to look up at him.

“mhmm,” you nod, as best you can with a finger holding your chin, feeling the soft press of niall’s lips against the tip of your nose, breathing quietly, “really missed him didn’t you ?”

you were nodding again, tilting your head back to reach for niall’s lips, his falling on yours effortlessly. almost like the pull of magnets. his large hand falls on your jaw, thumb spread out to rub on the apple of your cheek, right below your eye, his pinky splayed out on your neck.

he takes his time enjoying the kiss, before pulling away from you slightly, eyes flicking over to louis, nodding his head for him to lift himself from the mattress, which he does swiftly, connecting their lips as well. 

you watch them take a moment for themselves, niall’s hand holding louis from the nape of his neck, before pulling away, and sitting himself back on his calves. you and louis could both see that he had a plan working in his brain, one that you were both about to question when you feel the press of niall’s hand against the middle of your back, forcing you and louis back into your original position. and then, he disappears under the blankets. 

you were left more confused, until niall grips onto louis’ hands, placing them on your bum, his fingers reaching down to where your ass met your thighs, niall making him grip into you, spreading you open. 

the next thing louis is made aware of, is a loud moan breathed onto his lips, your cunt spasming around him, “christ, what’s he doing to you, darling ?”

but you couldn’t answer, your head was spinning, niall’s tongue flicking hard against your hole, exposed to him thanks to louis’ grip. and just as quickly as he’d started, he was pulling away. you whined, stuffing your face into louis’ neck, noting the breath leaving him, his head tipping back, breathy “oh fuck,” leaving his parted lips as his back curls slightly. your eyebrows furrow, lifting your head from the comfort of louis’ neck, giving him a questioning glance, “what’s he doing ?”

“he’s got-“ louis starts, cutting himself off, niall giving a particularly hard suck around the testicle sitting in his mouth. louis is panting, his head absolutely swimming, the feeling intensifying when niall’s hands join louis’ on your lower bum, forcing you to start riding him. slowly. so fucking slowly. he felt borderline delirious, and he fucking loved it. christ, maybe he was going to regret wanting things slow. 

the way louis’ cock was rolling into you, the way it was so fucking smooth, the way it felt like he was impaling you, his tip pressing into your sweet spot deliciously, steadily, heavily. your brain was flying, body trembling from the languid strokes of his dick along your inner walls, unable to move much more than what niall was controlling.

niall pops off louis, flattening his tongue, timing his actions just as he makes you slowly rise, thrusts still deliriously paced, taking a long lick from the base of louis’ cock, up to your hole, flicking your ring of muscles again.

both you and louis moan out loudly, his fingers digging into your bum harder, your face picking itself up from the comforts of his neck to smash your lips against his, panting against his mouth. you were a whimpery, whiny, trembling mess. louis struggling not to buck up hard into you, fighting within himself since the scene was just so fucking good as is. 

it’s a rhythm niall’s taken an obvious liking to, his tongue working in tandem with the thrusts he was implementing, licking up louis’ cock just as you pull up, tongue falling onto your sensitive hole as you sit back down on louis’ prick. 

he was losing his fucking mind. louis was sure of it. he’s not sure he’s ever felt such, such- christ even he’s not so sure there’s a word for it. but it’s got his toes curling, and his fingers gripping, and his back arching, and his head tipping back, even his fucking eyes were rolling. 

and niall noticed. was not about to let this happen so soon. not when he was enjoying this so fucking much. loved all the noises he was able to pull from the two of you. loved all the body tremors. the pure neediness seeping out of the both of you. 

so on the next lift of your hips, niall pulls you clean off louis’ prick, hearing the sharp inhale from you, and the loudly desperate groan from louis, his fingers almost ripping at your skin. your nails dug deep into louis’ scalp, cunt clenching over nothing, a small spurt of liquid squirting from your pussy, getting both louis’ cock and niall’s face.

niall never, in a million years, thought he’d be lunging mouth first at someone’s cock, but he guesses life is meant to surprise you. watching louis’ length dripping with both your arousal and your squirt was all he needed for his brain to go blank, and for his body to take over without thought. 

his mouth sinks down on louis’ dick, as best he can considering he’s never done anything remotely close to this before, sucking up as much of your taste as he can, revelling in the heady, musty mix of louis’ flavour. 

one of louis’ hands shoots out to grip niall’s hair, tugging hard, “fuckin christ, this isn’t gonna stop me cumming, mate.”

niall breathes a chuckle as he slides off of louis’ prick, “know i love to taste, can’t help myself,” he hums, feigning innocence, taking a few more licks and another bob of his mouth for good measure. and with his eyes zeroed in on your dripping entrance, he helps himself to a quick lap of his tongue, before sliding louis’ cock back inside you. 

you moan out loud, your face falling into louis’ neck again, mouthing at his stubbly jaw, his head tipping back to give you more access. he was panting, his hand leaving niall’s hair, falling back onto your bum.

niall catches the small twitches in louis’ fingers, the restlessness of his legs, somehow understanding exactly what he’s silently asking, niall tapping his fingers against the back of louis’ hand, something they both seem to understand. like a code they’ve never even discussed.

and so louis’ hand leaves the swell of your ass, landing a hard smack, your mouth instantly falling open, breath knocked clear from your lungs, your body curling up slightly, as best as it could in the position you were being held in. 

it seemed to calm louis a bit, the edge taken off, as he fights to release. to hold off. to fucking anything. “kiss me, darling, please” he breathes, trying to reach your mouth, needing something to tether himself to, especially since niall’s started the languid lapping of his tongue again. up and down and up and down, a rhythmic flow that’s driving him absolutely mental, timed with the trusts, and fucking hell he’s never felt so prickly, so tingly, so god damn heated. 

you were trying to kiss him, trying to suckle at his lips, but your jaw kept slacking on its own accord, the kiss somehow turning into more of a panting in each other’s mouths, and you think you were revelling in it. both of you were. in the intimacy of random pecks wherever they may land, sharing breath, sharing moans, and then louis was itching again. needed to do something. needed, needed.

he doesn’t know what kind of primal reaction came over him, he doesn’t even know if his brain was in on it, but your mouth was hanging open, and it was right fucking there, and he just needed to have some kind of control. some kind of something.

the next thing he knew, his head was lifting just slightly to have a more direct angle at you. your eyebrows furrowed, confused as to how he even has the power to lift his head at the moment. that is until his eyes locked on your mouth, spit flying onto your tongue. 

your eyes flutter shut, whimpery moan breathed out, pulling his head closer to yours, foreheads resting together. you swallow quickly, panting quietly, “again,” your jaw slacking, tongue sticking out, another dribble of saliva smacking onto your tongue. and you were cumming.

louis’ eyes roll back, his body falling onto the mattress, fingernails dug so deep into your ass, the clench of your orgasm so tight. too tight. fuck, he can’t. he’s not sure this was exactly his plan, but his grip was so rough, he pulled you clean off of him, another rush of liquid gushing from you. 

and when louis feels it splashing over his prick, he can’t help but cum as well.

niall’s eyes go wide, mouth falling on louis’ prick instantly, sucking and swallowing down every spurt enthusiastically. he’s really always loved to taste. 

louis moans loudly, back arching, lifting you with him, his hands finally leaving your poor bruised bum, gliding up your back, holding you to him tightly, hips lifting in a quick thrust, tip hitting the back of niall’s throat. 

the gagging. fuck, it’s so tight around his prick again. from your clenching cunt to niall’s spasming throat. louis is seriously going to lose his mind. very soon. he needed to calm down, needed to ground himself somehow. christ, he felt like he was high. high on nothing but the two of you.

niall pops off louis’ cock, taking another smooth lick at your weepy cunt, before wiggling his way out of the blankets, taking in the state of both of you since he’d started his ministrations. 

he’s not sure what he was expecting, but it wasn’t quite this level of fucked out for the both of you. a smirk can’t help but pull at his lips, almost proud of himself for being able to render you both into a puddle of goo in the middle of his bed. a scene he’ll definitely store under lock and key, the golden streams of sunlight filtering through his billowing curtains, the window cracked from last night. goosebumps littering both you and louis, the glimmering rays making you both glisten with sweat, chests panting, eyes heavy. he’s never seen something so beautiful.

he reaches out to run his fingertips along your exposed back, up and over louis’ arm, to his shoulder. “feeling good ?” he murmurs quietly, the moment feeling incredibly soft, not wanting to disrupt the fairly soundless moment. 

louis smiles, his head rolling heavily towards niall, nodding, breathing out a “yeah,” his eyes shining. fucking shining at him. and niall thinks his heart actually bursts.

and then he catches the soft crinkles by your eyes, telltale sign that you were smiling, something he could tell even if your face was mostly hidden in louis’ shoulder. that is, until you raise your head to properly look at niall, and god fucking christ, he’s not sure what he’s done to have his two favourite people look at him like he’s actually hung each star in the sky, one by one, just for them, but he’s soaking this moment in. has to. his eyes flicking from yours to louis’, drinking you both in. 

he leans down on his elbow, laying sideways next to the both of you, pecking oh so gently over your lips, revelling in the softness of the moment. niall spends a moment getting lost in your mouth, before turning his attention to a very patient louis, landing a deep, slow kiss to his lips as well. 

it’s when niall stretches a bit to go from your mouth to louis’, that his rock hard prick bumps into your hip, and you realize how neglected his cock must feel.

you sit yourself up, your bum rested against louis’ thighs, looking down at niall’s tented boxers. you bite your lip when you note the wet patch, dribbles of precum staining a small spot right at his tip. he looked painfully hard. so much so, that you really feel bad for him. 

niall pulls away from louis when he’s noticed that you’ve shifted, both of them looking over at you questioningly. that is, until louis notes that you’re staring right at the tent in niall’s briefs, “we’re not done,” he chuckles, taking a long look himself, before smirking up at niall.

“can take a break if ya need,” niall hums, “both look tired.”

but there’s some sort of awakening, some sort of adrenaline running through your veins, as you and louis lock eyes with a mischievous glint in your gazes. so louis decides to follow niall’s lead from earlier, landing his hand in the middle of his chest, making niall lay back onto the bed, stripping him of his boxers, spreading his thighs open wide.

you and louis get yourselves situated between niall’s legs, louis going in for the first lick, his tongue flat, almost slightly wrapped around niall’s girth, stroking its way up his shaft, flicking over the tip. 

the moment louis’ tongue lost contact with niall’s cock, your tongue was on him, doing the same thing louis was, taking a long lick from base to tip. 

you kept trading off, treating niall’s prick like a popsicle, licking up the dribbles on a hot summer day, swirling around, sucking along, nipping lightly, flicking expertly. and niall was losing himself. not just in the feel, but in the opportunity to watch the both of you between his legs, watch you both licking over his length like you were fuckin starved for it. it had him panting, groaning, whining, toes curling, struggling to keep his eyes from falling, not wanting to miss a single second, reaching down to grip each of you, tugging on your roots.

“fuckin luckiest guy in the world,” he breathes quietly, more to himself, but it doesn’t go unnoticed to either of you, louis’ gaze flicking up to niall’s with a playful smirk pulling at his lips.

“let me have a minute, love ?” louis murmurs, gaze returned to you, having a silent conversation, something he was getting good at with both you and niall, assuming the inclined physical and emotional contact having a hand in the matter. 

he waits until your tongue’s flicked over niall’s tip, his mouth opening wide and sliding down his length, throat giving way effortlessly until his nose is pressed tight around niall’s lower belly. 

“fuckin hell,” niall hisses, his grasp on louis’ hair tightening exponentially, back curling, panting along with the sucking of his mouth, the stroking of his tongue, the constricting of his throat. 

louis lets himself enjoy a few bobs of his head, pulling off niall’s cock, watching you lick up the mix of spit and dribbles of precum, dripping their way down his shaft.

“can’t tell me it’s your first time,” niall breathes a chuckle, blinking back to reality as he catches his breath, enjoying the soft licks you were providing as a way to calm himself a bit. 

“no idea what you were missing on bus one, mate,” louis laughs, his breath hitting niall’s prick, making a shiver run through him.

“wha-“ niall’s head shoots up to look at louis properly, watch him take a few licks himself, “never told me that, ya fucker. you and-“ he’s cut off by louis’ hand smacking over his mouth, with a shake of his head, a small smile pulling at his lips, “s’like 8 lifetimes ago, ni. just glad the practice paid off,” he giggles, pulling his hand away, joining you again. 

niall hums quietly, letting his head fall back, letting himself get lost in the feel of both of you again. the scene in front of him was like one from a dream. the best fucking dream he’s ever had. it’s an image he’d never get tired of, that he knows for sure. his prick standing tall, tongues fighting for a chance to stroke him impossibly harder, mouths falling onto him, sucking his cock down. he was in heaven, he was sure of it. he’d never felt better, more satiated, more powerful, more blessed. 

hell, there was even something about just watching the two of you, the connection you both seemed to have, the little glances you’d steal, the way your tongues would mend together whenever the opportunity arises.

even the moments where you and louis would get a little too lost in each other, tongues too busy stroking over one another, sucking on each other, had niall in a chokehold. it made his heart burst in ways he could never explain. almost like something clicking in his brain. like adding louis to the mix somehow made everything even better. christ, he never thought it could get better, it was already perfect. he doesn’t quite know what’s better than perfect, but he’s sure he’s standing in it right now.

but the more he was watching, the more his skin began prickling, itching for more. he was heated, held on the edge of blissful pleasure, never quite enough to bring him right to where he was so desperately craving. 

“petal,” niall whispers, his fingers leaving your hair to stroke down the side of your face, down your cheek to your jaw, giving a little rub along your chin to really grab your attention.

when your gaze flicks from louis’ to look up at niall, you can see it. see the desperation seeping out of him. it also seemed like the moment that your brain kicked in, noting that he’s been getting increasingly fidgety, something that made you crawl up his body, letting louis take the reigns again, his mouth sinking down on niall’s length.

“what’s wrong, ni ?” you hum softly, nose bumping against his, as he gasps, louis obviously taking great care of him as you check in.

his mouth closes around your bottom lip, whimpering quietly, nipping at your skin, “how are you feeling, love ?” he questions breathily, holding you tightly against him. 

and you knew exactly what he wanted, what he was truly asking with that question, something that made your lips quirk up into a smile, nodding happily. you knew he wanted your cunt, wanted to check that you were okay to do so. wanted to be wrapped by your smooth inner walls, tight and absolutely drenched, just for him. “want to, want you,” you clarify, pressing your body closer to his, tongues mingling together, a loud groan echoing in your mouth, shooting straight down to your pussy, silently thanking louis and whatever he was doing.

“c’mere you,” niall mumbles, tugging on louis’ hair, growing ever more desperate for more. just fucking more. he’s kept the pace slow all this time, and although morning sex usually screams this type of momentum, he’s fucking breaking.

with a loud, wet pop, louis’ mouth leaves niall’s dick, coming up to press a chaste kiss to niall’s jaw as he lays next to him, “feeling good there nialler ?” 

“too good,” niall laughs softly, “need mo-“ he cuts himself off with a hiss, feeling your pussy open up and slide right down his length, hands shooting out to grip your hips bruisingly. “fucking hell, pet,” he gasps, back arching off the bed, “warn a lad, will ya ?”

he’s met with nothing more than a giggle from you, followed by a satisfied hum, biting on your bottom lip, hips starting to grind back and forth, forward and backwards.

niall groans loudly, his eyes fluttering shut, helping you keep up the rhythm you’ve created, “that’s it, pretty girl. fuck, that’s it,” he mewls, breathing deeply, almost purring as he does so. the spasming of your cunt, squeezing his cock tightly, almost sucking him in, dripping down his thighs with your arousal, it was enough to send niall spinning. this is exactly what he’d been waiting for.

watching your head tip back, your jaw slack, feeling his prick bob heavily back and forth inside you, pressing into your sweet spot with every rut of your hips, sensitive little button grinding over his lower abdomen, you were blissed out as well. you could feel both of their eyes on you, brain too fuzzy to really care, your hips keeping up their rhythm, panting into the air, hands gripped into niall’s forearms.

his head slowly turns to the side, eyes blinking up at louis, “c’mon, don’t be shy.”

louis’ not sure he’s ever seen niall look quite so fucked out. his eyes were heavy, breathing shallowed, muscles jittering. a stark contrast for the lad that usually has everything under control. and you. fuck, you were like something right out of a movie. you were glowing in the morning light, face tipped back in pure ecstasy, beads of sweat running down in the valley of your breasts. he was in awe of you. both of you. plus, he’s always been fascinated by your connection…

“s’it weird if i just watch for a bit ?” he finds himself asking, figuring if there’s anyone he knows that won’t look at him like he’s actually a sick fuck, it’s the two of you. and it’s not that sick really, is the frustrating part, but anyways.

thankfully, he’s met with a large smile spreading across your face, niall’s breath hitching, groaning, “think she likes that idea,” having felt the clench of your cunt at the mere thought of a spectator. 

“yeah ?” louis coos, tongue darting out for a quick lick between your breasts, unable to help himself at a little taste of you again. 

“mhmm,” you shudder, a shiver running through your body, niall’s grip on you tightening, pussy trembling on him, in time with your tremors. 

“and what about you ?” louis asks, turning his attention to niall, face hovering a bit over his, looking over his features.

“just don’t want you feeling weird about any of it,” niall whispers, wanting to check in on him. he knows how jealous louis can get, and he’s been kicking himself for not checking on him more. he’s not going to let it happen again. with one hand leaving your hip, his fingertips gently stroke over louis’ forearm in comfort.

but louis’ shaking his head, and leaning down to peck at niall’s lips, “i want this, want to see how strong you two are, how fucking hot you two are without me,” he chuckles, “seriously, just wanna see how it is, what it is i’m striving for with you guys.”

and niall thinks for a moment, that something’s clicked in louis’ brain as well. without much of a second thought beyond that, his fingers are leaving louis’ arm, reaching out for his jaw, pulling him in for a proper kiss.

you watch them interact, feeling the twitches in niall’s hips as you notice louis’ tongue stroking his, notice the flutters in niall’s stomach muscles as louis grips his hair tighter. hear the little grunts leaving louis’ chest as niall sucks on his tongue. fuck, it was getting you off. 

niall could feel it, could feel the telltale way your cunt started clenching. instantly his mouth was pulled away from louis’, hand darting out for your throat, fingers pressing into your skin tightly, “don’t you fucking dare.”

your eyes open wide, fixated on niall’s, as you start panting, trying to calm yourself. you were already going fuzzy, but with the sheer command in niall’s voice, the lack of oxygen to your brain, the complete exhaustion of a sleepless night, your mind was floating, skin was prickling, and you needed to do as he said. another option didn’t seem to exist at the moment.

your hips stilled, as you focus on breathing, body trembling, muscles twitching, slowly regulating yourself, pushing your orgasm at bay, eyes locked on niall’s the entire time, like a form of pure grounding, one that could calm you right down, no matter how commanding the tone was. 

“s’a good girl,” he praises, smiling at you, fingers loosening their grip, index stroking the column of your throat, “such a fuckin good girl,” he coos quietly.

louis was once again, absolutely rock hard, cock standing tall, and christ, he’s only been watching you two for a couple of minutes. he’d never seen something so god damn hot. he’s watched his fair share of porn, but nothing came close to being privy to this.  

niall could tell the moment your eyes opened, the moment the shift happened, with his hand wrapped around your throat, could tell how far you were floating. he pushes himself up into a sitting position, pecking along the side of your neck, your jaw, your ear, murmuring, “m’gonna take over, pet. can you give me a colour ?”

he was patient about it, coaxing an answer out of you with every delicate kiss, until he heard the breathy, satiated, comfortable puff, “green.”

and there was the shift in niall, quickly pulling you off your comfortable seat that is his prick, positioning you like a rag doll. your pliancy in these moments was something niall was always grateful for, folding you over so that your face and chest were pressed into the mattress, lifting your hips high into the air.

instantly, his cock was nestled back into you, making you gasp loudly, arms stretching out above you, hands gripped tightly into the sheets, tugging as niall’s hips pull back slowly, impaling you the next moment, feeling his dick so fucking deep inside you. he does it a few more times, before picking up the pace, hands holding onto your hips to keep you in place.

your ears were ringing so loudly, you weren’t all too sure what sounds were coming out of you, nor did you have half the mind to care, but if you focus enough, you can pick up your whiny moans, and breathy gasps. your face was being pressed into the sheets below you, niall’s palms pressed into the swell of your ass, fingers gripping, using it as a hold on you, hips held in place.

“left some marks, tommo,” niall grunts between thrusts, your bum pulled up by his hold, splatter of bruises all over the underside of your cheeks, a mix of fingerprints and scratches littering your skin.

louis turns over on the bed, feet now aimed up above your head, laying on his side, supported by his elbow, peeking over and noticing the dark blue and purple pattern, bright red, slightly raised scratches. he’s not sure how to feel. his hand reaches out instinctually, fingertips delicately lining up with some of the bruises, almost as if needing to confirm for himself that it was, indeed, his own hand. 

he feels the pure hot heat coming off of your skin, making him flinch lightly, pulling his hand away, “fuck, m’sorry, darling. did i hurt you ?”

but he’s met with nothing more than niall’s hand falling on his shoulder, shaking his head, “ask her that later,” he groans, biting his lip, your cunt squeezing him like a vice, “she- fuck, she can’t answer that right now.”

it’s moments like these that louis’ learned to make a solid mental note about. he’s learning. learning you. how to be with you, how to care for you, how to grow the bond. 

“she’s fine though,” niall fills in, swatting fairly hard, right where louis left the worst of the bruises, a loud guttural groan punctured from your lungs, grip in the sheets tightening, nails close to ripping through the fabric. your chest presses harder against the bed, bum lifting on its own accord, in an effort to search for more, pushing itself into niall’s hand, almost obediently so.

niall chuckles breathily, biting his lip for a moment as he takes a deep breath through his nose, “fuckin perfect girl,” he curses, landing another spank, on the same side, over the same spot. 

you mewled, your back arching impossibly more, surely a move that would cause you pain later, right as another quick smack falls on your bum, this time on the other side. a move that makes you almost purr, legs trembling, one of your hands pulling down, tucking your arm under your face in comfort, elbow bumping into louis on the way.

it’s the first time you realize he’s so close, eyes blinking open, noting his thighs, his prick fairly close to your face, still watching where niall’s cock is disappearing inside you. without much thought, your mouth opens, taking his tip in your mouth, tongue swirling.

louis gasps loudly, a quick moan following his initial shock, niall’s eyes opening and falling on your mouth, wrapped around louis’ cock. niall quickly lands a hard smack against your ass, your jaw slackening, wailing around louis’ length.

“did i fuckin tell you to do that ?” niall growls, watching you instantly slide off his shaft, mouth leaving with a pop, and a small whine.

he reaches down, grasping your hair, pulling you up onto your knees, back pressed to his chest, head falling to his shoulder. it was too heavy for you to hold up anyway. 

niall’s arms wrap themselves around you, tucking his face against your shoulder, holding you tightly to him, hands grasping your breasts, your hips, your arms, unable to get enough of you, taking a moment to drink you in. he takes a big breath in your neck, leaving a series of pecks, eyes flicking over to meet louis’, “c’mere.”

and louis can see it in his eyes, sees that the scene is about to come to an end, something he’s always cued from niall, something he just seems to know, always. so louis slides himself under the two of you, his cock so painfully hard, standing tall right below your entrance, hands falling onto your thighs, silently letting you know that he’s right there too.

one of your hands leaves it’s grip in niall’s arm, falling to grip onto louis’ hand. when louis’ eyes flick to your entwined fingers, he swears he can almost see your tummy jumping softly in time with niall’s thrusts. 

with your hand in his, he slides over to that spot on your lower abdomen, his palm pressed to the back of your hand, and you could both feel it, feel the steady bomp, bomp, bomp of niall’s cock. it sent your mind reeling even more, something so fucking intimate about feeling someone inside you like that.

“fuck, fuck,” niall groans loudly, feeling your cunt squeeze down on him, orgasm rippling through you, the grip on him bringing on his own high quickly. too quickly. niall was not ready. he pulls you off of his prick, mid-high, pussy spasming around nothing, strong gush leaving your centre.

just as quickly as you’re pulled off of niall’s cock, you were being seated on louis’, a loud groan leaving him, your still cumming cunt sucking him in, constricting around him tightly. the move makes you fall forward, hands landing on either side of louis’ head, forehead dipped to his, panting against his mouth, jaw slacked open, still trembling from your high without any time to recover.

niall’s panting, holding off his high, hand delicately falling on your back, “colour, pet,” he whispers, his other hand against louis’ thigh, silent warning not to move yet. no matter how hard it may be. and then, there it was, the hushed breath, “green.”

louis’ hips instantly buck into you, feet planted on the mattress, hips picking up right where niall had left off, a blinding pace, something that louis was silently grateful for. the slowness he was searching for, however many hours ago, had been long satiated. 

the harsh pace, switched up angle of louis being below you, you could feel the warmth spreading from your belly to your extremities, prickling, tingly heat, and for a moment, you’re not even sure your last orgasm even really finished as this one starts to come on.

a drawn-out groan from louis, tightening grip of his fingertips into your hip, was all niall needed to know that you were cumming again, wailing mewl leaving the both of you as he pulls you off of louis’ cock, too fast for louis to quite get where he wanted to be, feet kicking out in frustration. a long spurt of liquid gushed from you again, barely having time to finish before niall’s cock glides right into you, sharp gasp coming from niall’s lungs.

he grips you from your throat, lifting you up to rest against him again, niall a panting mess against your shoulder. he reaches over your hip, lining up louis’ cock with your entrance, alongside his, “colour,” he sighs, trying to catch his breath, trying to hold himself back, but fuck your cunt was absolutely screaming at him, squeezing him, sucking on him. fuck.

“green.”

louis bucks up immediately, your cunt so fucking soaked, he had no issues sliding right in, stuffed deep alongside niall, all three of you with your jaws slackened, panting, mewling, gasping, whining, fuck no one was really sure anymore. and then when niall’s hand tightens around your throat, your pussy clenches hard, a sob leaving your lips as you tremble through another orgasm, constant stream of clear liquid leaving you, milking their orgasms with the squeezing of your centre.

niall’s hold on you tightens as he comes down from his high, pecking delicately over your shoulder, murmuring loud enough for louis to head, “we’re gonna pull out, petal. get you cozy, perfect girl.”

and you assume they do just that, as by the time that you float back to proper consciousness, you were sandwiched between them, their hands gently stroking your skin, both taking turns telling you how perfect you are, how much they love you, how happy they are with all of you here together. it was sweet, it was soft, it was filled with kisses and sweet licks. you could feel the warmth of the day lulling you back, the sunlight having shifted long ago from the early morning glow, to the mid morning brightness. 

you take a deep breath, eyes fluttering open, niall smiling up at you, noting the telltale puff of air, “hello beautiful,” he murmurs quietly, not wanting to startle you. he’s met with a beautifully soft, content smile, and a ruffle of his hair. louis smiling at you as well, offering a small, lingering kiss to the underside of your jaw. 

with your return to the real world, the promise that you were okay, comfortably placed between them, the sleepiness returns quickly, adrenaline of the moment having worn off. nobody’s sure who it was that nodded off first, but the gentle rubs were dwindling down to nothing, all of your limbs touching in some way, tangled together, in a soothing pile on niall’s bed, louis breathing out quietly, “m’definitely gonna get used to this.”

……

Series Masterlist

Main Masterlist

tags : @cc-horan28 @acesofspadess @slutforcoffein @blondedmgc @daphnesutton

[cellythefloshie]

;; Daddy Dunn

Summary: You, Dunn's fiance, travel with Vince to Lindsay, Ontario to celebrate the St Louis' 2019 Stanley Cup victory. It is in his hometown, after seeing Dunn's sweet interaction with children that - after years of thinking you would never have kids - you decide you want to have a baby. After telling Dunn, he assures that the two of you take a night to sleep on it, but not without a little practice.

Set in the summer of 2019.

Kinks & TW: Breeding/Desire to Become Pregnant, Oral Contraceptives, Unprotected Sex, Vince likes to Moan, Have to Stay Quiet, Hand Around Throat - Not Quite Choking, Hand Over Mouth, Woman on Top, Sundress Sex.

Notes: Apparently Vince had 4-5 surgeries during this off-season after sustaining a broken jaw in the series against SJS. This is touched on very briefly but nothing in detail.

Inspired By: This video and this anon.

Word Count: 2448

Taglist: @mp0625 @starshine-hockey-girl

For as long as you could remember you hadn’t wanted kids. Whether it be the responsibility that came with having a child or the pregnancy itself that scared you away from the idea of being a mother, it was something you have been comfortable with accepting. You would be the cool, wealthy, aunt that spoiled your nieces and nephews but that all changed in a single moment and it was all thanks to Vince. 

It was summertime, which often meant a relaxing postseason, but this off-season was different since St Louis had won the cup. Since Sanford scored the 4th goal in game seven, your life had been a whirlwind of festivities but it was all meant to wind down after Vince’s day with the cup. You had travelled with him all the way to Lindsay, Ontario, his hometown, and quickly faded into the background of the festivities. You followed him in his parade in the quaint community. 

With the population less than a tenth of St Louis, it almost left you feeling lost, but the crowds that flocked to Lindsay were far from underwhelming. Blues fans travelled from all across the Province - and even the country - for their opportunity to see Vince and Cup. You watched them all, the young and the old flock to him. Their hockey hero, the pride and joy of an entire community, had brought Lord Stanley home to them. 

He was met with smiles, with fondness, and some were even brought to tears. They had known him since he was a boy, and now he was a man. A humble man who had not forgotten his roots, and who spent his time with every single one of them who had come to celebrate his success with him. 

While it all had warmed your heart, there was one moment that left your heart fluttering and seemed to alter your brain chemistry in all of a single second. A woman that you hadn’t had the opportunity to meet yourself since you were watching the day unfold from the sidelines had brought her 8-month-old to meet with Vince and the cup. And while you would have admitted that the baby was cute, you didn’t fully appreciate the sight in front of you until Vince had taken the baby in his arms. He was kind, and sweet with zero hesitation or fear when it came to cradling such a young, sweet child. It was that moment that changed it all. 

Seeing him with the child in his arms. Hearing the soft voice he used and the ease at which he handled the child as they grew finicky as they sat in the Stanley Cup had ignited something deep inside you. You wanted a baby. 

It was something that weighed heavily over you the rest of the day. It left you fidgeting at the dinner table, your fingers twisting the delicate engagement ring on your finger. Vince had only proposed over the holiday season and you weren’t set to wed until the next summer, which should have been enough to have you biting your tongue - but the moment you had him alone in his childhood bedroom that had been given a bit of a facelift to be more suited for guests, you couldn’t hold yourself back from him. 

The moment the bedroom door had been shut behind you, your hands had found Vince’s chest. He was still wearing the same polo shirt, black with a thin white detail along his collar and sleeves, and you wanted it off of him. Fingers dragged down the buttons of his polo drawing his gaze down, and soon you were subject to a slack-jawed breath and his bedroom eyes. Your name left his lips in a slow hum. A hum that was laced with the little restraint he could muster. Before your trip, the two of you had agreed to not have sex if there was a chance his parents could overhear. Yet, you were undressing him with the very risk of his parents hearing everything from the next room. 

“I’ll be quiet, promise,” you whispered up at him, your lips curling into a faint smile that coaxed one up onto his own lips. 

“But I don’t have anything-”

You almost laughed as you pulled his shirt up and over his head and tossed it aside. You watched as your gleeful expression perplexed him. You had always insisted on using a condom, until now. “I don’t want to use one,” you told him in a soft whisper, your hands finding your bare chest to push him back towards the bed. 

Once you had him seated, the skirts of your sundress pulled up just enough for you to straddle his lap, you spoke again, “and, with your permission, I want to stop taking the pill.”

His face softened at your words, his full lips parting with a heavy breath. His hands quickly settled on your hips, caressing over your soft silhouette slowly as he spoke your name, “Are you sure? I mean, I’m not saying no - I just - you’ve - this is a big surprise.”

“I know, I know,” you sighed, your hands coming to rest on the strength of his shoulders, “but seeing you with all the kids today,” you looked away as you felt your heart begin to race in your chest, “and seeing how you were with the baby…”

Vince wore a cocky smile as he lay back against the bed, his arms reaching up to stretch out and flex the toned muscles of his body before they came to rest behind his head. “Oh, you liked that, huh?” he raised a brow, his words coy before he let his tongue run over his bottom lip slowly, “Daddy Dunn,” he said the words as if to taste how they would feel in his mouth, and they left him grinning ever wider when he saw the reaction it got out of you. 

Your skin had flushed with color, your jaw slacking for a moment before you found your composure and gave him a playful shove. “Stunner, don’t,” You had tried to be firm, but your words were laced with a nervous laugh, “don’t tease me like that and make me regret telling you.”

“Hey, hey,” Vince hummed and reached out a single hand to stroke over your cheek slowly. He used the touch to draw you in. He greeted your lips with a soft and gentle kiss before he eased back just enough to mutter out to you; “no teasing,” his hand reached up to brush your hair back gently, “but I do want you to sleep on it. You took your pill this morning, yeah?”

“Yeah,” you breathed out gently before biting down on your lower lip. 

“Good girl,” he hummed, his head shaking slightly as his thumb dragged down over your jaw to coax your lip from the bite of your teeth. He stroked it carefully with the pad of his thumb when he spoke again, “In the morning, if you feel the same way we’ll throw them away, but until then I don’t see there being anything wrong with a little practice.” 

Your head cocked to the side, your lips speaking into the touch of his thumb, “Practice?”

Vince let out a hum of confirmation as he leaned in, cast his thumb aside and placed a lingering kiss against your lips. It was slow and careful, a little cautious even as both were mindful of the tenderness that still lingered after his jaw had been broken during the playoff run. If anything, it forced the two of you to slow things down. Desperate hungry fucks, became tender, deliberate touches - and that didn’t change with the proposition of starting a family. 

His touch was gentle as a single hand brushed down the length of your body. It caressed over every curve as it sought out the bottom hem of your sundress. He pushed up the skirt of your dress slowly, his hand coasting over the flesh of your thigh as he let out a groan, “I’ve been wanting to fuck you in this dress all day.” 

“Oh, have you?” you raised a brow at him, your breath heavy as you pressed back into his touch. 

“All fucking day,” he reiterated with a groan as his hand found the waist of your panties and hooked onto them with a single finger before drawing them down the length of your legs. With every inch it travelled, you could feel your own arousal as it became a cool trail down the inside of your leg. When he pulled the panties from your legs, Vince balled them up in his hand, feeling the arousal that had pooled there, “you thinking about me too, Princess?”

You nodded slowly, your hands dragging down the length of his chest only to come to rest at the waist of his dark denim jeans. Fingers toyed with the thin hair of his treasure trail as you smiled down at Vince, who smiled in return, as he waited for you to indulge him in the fantasies in your mind. 

“Thinking about you,” you spoke slowly, your hands pulling the button free before toying with the zipper of his fly, “your cock…” you trailed off slowly, hesitant on letting the next words fall from your lips, “and your cum.”

His eyes ignited as he lifted his hips for you to rid him of his pants and his boxers with ease before returning to your lace in his lap. “Tell me about it, Princess.”

You spoke slowly as you took his cock in your hand. You stroked him slowly as you spoke, your words soft and just above a whisper, “I was thinking about your cock,” you licked your lips slowly as he twitched his cock in the hold of your hands, “and how it would spread my desperate cunt, and fuck me. You always fuck me so good baby, but to feel you, to really feel you,” you let out an exasperated breath, “and how you would fill me up. Leave me dripping-”

“You want a baby, Princess. All you’ll be feeling inside you until your round with my baby is my cum,” Vince grinned up at you, his cock hard in your hand, “and we can start right now. You nice and wet for me, Princess?”

And you were. You had been all day. 

Lifting up the skirt of your dress, you guided him to your slick core. You dragged the head of his cock along your entrance, your stomach jumping up into your throat as you felt him. You could feel every bit of him. From the head of his cock leading away to the thick vein along the underside of his cock. You quivered at the feeling, and at the realization that you were working him so deep inside you with nothing but the oral contraceptive you had taken that morning to keep him from getting you pregnant. 

You weren’t the only one who relished in it as you began to ride him, the pleasure coaxing a satisfied hum from his lips, “Ah fuck.” 

There was nothing more you liked than Vince getting vocal with you, but with his parents sleeping down the hall, it was the last thing you needed them overhearing. 

“Vinny,” you sighed to him in a low whisper as your cunt flexed around his cock, “you’ve gotta be quiet-” Your cautions were lost on him as his head lulled back into the bed with his lips parted. He was on the verge of ecstasy, and there would be no holding him back from letting the entire household know how good you rode his cock - that was unless you intervened. 

Your hands left the strength of his chest and slid up over his shoulders until one hand settled carefully around his throat. You gasped at it, anchoring yourself to him before your left hand came to rest over his mouth so that he could feel the warmth of your engagement ring against his flesh and every single attempt at a moan would be muffled by your palm. 

It was enough to silence him, but his pleasure wasn’t lost on you. You could feel it in the throbbing of his cock inside your walls, and it could be seen in the emotion in his eyes. They had always betrayed him, even now as they threatened to roll back in ecstasy but instead, he held your gaze as you continued to ride him. With each role of your hips, you took him into your cunt, feeling all of him from the tip of his cock buried deep inside you to his balls as they smacked up against your flesh and you didn’t stop - not until Vince had let his hands slide free from where they rest behind his head to grip at your hips. With his heels pressed down firmly into the mattress and your hand still firm over his mouth Vince plowed into you in a series of forceful thrusts that left your cunt and legs weak. 

Then, on the final thrust, you felt him. All of him. Every inch of his cock, and every drop of his cum as it consumed your core. It heated the blossomed through you, rendering your body still with the very exception of your walls that vice gripped him with your own pleasure. Your hands eased from his mouth and his neck, easing down onto a mattress as your lips parted in a ghost of a moan. 

“You like that, Princess?” Vince whispered against the shell of your ear as your body collapsed down on top of the strength of his body. You could only manage a feeble nod in return, “Good, you’ll be feeling me well into the morning after that one.”

The thought painted a soft smile across your features, one that was met with the exhaustion of the day and the fall of your pleasure. It left your eyes heavy, and your body calm as Vince eased out of you and moved your carefully to rest against the pillows. It was there, still in your sundress and with his cum coating the inside of your thighs, that sleep took you quickly, quicker than it had ever before. 

Come morning you moved straight for your bag and took your pills into your hand. You held them in against your palm for a moment, hearing their soft rattle in the packaging before you gripped them firmly in your hand. Taking a steady, confident breath, you walked across the room and straight to the trash bin. You showed no hesitation as you opened your hand and let them fall. 

[leslutdepointedulac]

Louis getting insanely jealous over Estelle and Celeste cosying up to Armand is quality Loumand content.

And what appalled me as I watched was not their exquisite form, their delicate features and graceful hands made hard as glass by vampire nature, or their bewitching eyes which fixed on me now in a sudden silence; what appalled me was my own fierce jealousy.

Like, he met Armand only the night before. They've known each other only a few hours, they've had one conversation at this point and yet already, Louis' seething with jealousy at the idea of literally anyone else touching Armand, despite the fact that they've known him significantly longer than he has.

When else has Louis ever gotten this territorial over anyone, ever. And they barely know each other.

Bonus moments of Louis being weird about Armand:

Louis getting giggly over Armand literally just looking at him, like he's a teenage girl.

And my heart expanded when I saw him this way, saw that no one amongst the small throng caught his glance as I caught his glance, and no one held it from time to time as I held it.

"Omg he looked at me! He doesn't look at anyone else like he looks at me, or for as long. I hear wedding bells!"

And Louis arguing his love for Armand with Claudia.

Claudia: He draws life out of me into himself,. . . Life out of the boy who is his slave, life out of me whom he would make his slave. He loves you. He loves you. He would have you, and he would not have me stand in the way.

Louis: You don't understand him!

Louis " you just don't get him like I do. You should be happy for me that I'm getting a new man, and grateful I'm getting you a step-dad" de Pointe du Lac.

Louis ignoring Claudia's foreshadowing of her own fate.

Claudia: No, I understand him only too well,. . . It is you who don't understand him. Love's blinded you, your fascination with his knowledge, his power. If you knew how he drinks death you'd hate him more than you ever hated Lestat. Louis, you must never return to him. I tell you, I'm in danger!

Louis: Early the next night, I left her, convinced that Armand alone among the vampires of the theatre could be trusted.

Louis really said "And so I ignored my own daughter's fears of being murdered by my new boyfriend. Just because she can't get a man, doesn't mean I can't."

And finally, whatever this is.

It was an icon for me of love. The love I felt. Not physical love, you must understand. I don't speak of that at all, though Armand was beautiful and simple, and no intimacy with him would ever have been repellent.

Louis: I curse god everyday that I cannot have sex the mortal way. Not a day goes by that I don't wish I could fuck Armand. Just, absolutely rail him, and let him bang me in return. I want to obliterate each other's asses, is that so much to ask 😫

Moral of the story, Louis is down incredibly bad for Armand, moreso than he's ever let on about his same feelings for anyone else. Not even Lestat got this kind of treatment from Louis. I just know Lestat is fuming about that. Lestat would be so jealous of Louis' jealousy over Armand.

[simpforboys]

just thinking about you

jj maybank x fem!kook!reader

summary: seeing your ex happy with someone else doesn’t feel great, but when you’ve both moved on, you come to terms.

warnings: angst, lovers to acquaintances, they still love each other, swearing, right person wrong time trope

i think this is the prettiest piece i’ve ever written, so lmk what you think!

based on little freak by harry styles

the guilty feeling that resided deep in your stomach as you changed into a sundress was something you couldn’t shake.

the dress was navy blue as you wore a gold necklace, strapped sandals on your feet as you slipped on your bracelets.

mr and mrs carrera had invited you and your family to celebrate the anniversary of the wreck.

a nice boy named hunter had asked if you wanted to go with him, and you reluctantly accepted.

he was tall, brunette, with a big nose, so surely you were attracted to him, right?

but then why did you feel underlying guilt?

you hadn’t seen sarah, kiara, or any of the pogues in awhile. so when you walked into the party on hunter’s arm, sarah and kiara quickly ran over to you.

“i missed you so much.” they whispered in your ear, hugging you tightly.

“you need to tell me everything. where did you guys go? i thought you died.” you joked.

kiara’s eyes left you and looked at hunter. the man licked his lips nervously, taking his arm out of yours.

“i’ll be over there.” hunter dismissed himself to where topper was.

“why are you here with him?” kiara asked, disgust written on her face.

“he asked me,” you shrugged.

“jj isn’t going to like that.” sarah raised her eyebrows.

“jj and i are broken up. we have been for awhile.” your voice was laced with sadness as you grabbed a shot from a caterer.

sarah and kiara shared a look.

“now, you two better get talking.”

➽─────────────────❥

as the night went on you found yourself trying to avoid hunter, much like how sarah was avoiding topper.

“i shouldn’t have came here with him-“

you were cut off by kie kicking your shin. you turned around to see hunter approaching, his green eyes glowing in the lantern light.

“wanna dance?” he asked.

you bit the inside of your cheek, already on your fourth shot. you nodded, taking his hand as you felt sarah and kiara’s eyes on you.

“she’s so fucked,” kiara whispered to sarah.

you put your arms around hunter’s waist, closing your eyes as you leaned against his shoulder.

he smelt like louis vutton cologne, much different from jj’s infinity cologne he swiped from a store.

hunter’s hands were placed on your hips, the skin softer than jj’s calloused ones.

and as you swayed with hunter, your mind played dangerous tricks as you imagined it was jj with you. a tear trickled down your cheek.

a relationship that was taken too fast by stupid teenagers trapped in a world of danger, they missed the little things.

the little things that induced happiness instead of sorrow, gave life to death, light to dark.

you were always so bright, seeing the good in things that were pure evil to jj. your delicate view on things made him change perspective, and it was one of the things he loved about you.

and jj’s world went dark as he saw you leaning on hunter. his heart shattered in his chest, but in true jj fashion, he tried to push it aside and focus on the mission.

you were so trapped in your imagination, you didn’t notice john b had shown up to the party until you felt hunter pull you aside quickly.

“no hard feelings, bro.” you saw topper say to the man who tried to leave.

your gaze narrowed as john b turned around, punching topper in the nose. the cracking noise that was heard made chills run down your body as topper laid out cold on the wooden floor.

hunter went to pull john b off of topper, but jj was quick to push hunter back.

“don’t touch him!” he shouted, anger coursing in his veins. first, hunter had touched you, jj’s world. then, he touched his best friend. it took everything in him not to beat the man’s face in.

“get out!” mike shouted.

jj shrugged mike off as he grabbed john b from topper, your heart pounding in your chest.

the next second happened too quick as jj turned around, punching hunter in the jaw.

you gasped, hand over your mouth as jj looked at you. your normal glowing self was dim, eyes glazed with tears. all jj wanted to do was run over and scoop you up and promise you everything would be alright, but he couldn’t.

jj and john b walked on the dock as you ran over to where sarah was, tears pouring from her eyes as john b stared back at her.

you hadn’t noticed your lip trembling until a tear dropped off your cheek and onto your chest.

and jj never stopped looking at you until the boat left the dock and you became out of sight.

the devastated look on your face burned into his memory, connecting with the one he left you with the night he broke up with you.

the look he thought about every day, never wanting to see you so broken ever again. and maybe that’s why jj left, because he knew he would only break you until you were left shattered like him.

he didn't want you to waste your life on him, a pogue with nothing, while you had everything. he just never realized that your everything was him, and you never knew until you were left with the mere memory of his touch, thoughts, and self.

jj wiped away the tears from his eyes as he clenched his jaw, his knuckles turning purple as he observed the color.

“what the fuck are we doing with our lives, john b?”

and as you stood on the dock under the moonlight, the guilt you had felt all night finally coming to light, you stared out into the water. you stood where the they had tied their boat, ready to leave out on another great adventure.

the realization that at the end of the day, you didn't belong to him anymore, and he was off seeing the world on a quest that left you stuck on kildare.

all you could do was think of him, the legacy he had on your life, and hope that one day, he'll come back to you.

[savebylou]

The chemistry between early Larry is actually unreal. So many actors would die to be able to fake that kind of chemistry.

Hi anon. I'm so sorry I answer so late to this. I totally agree with you.

I mean just look at them, they are in the middle of the interview and is like there is no one in the room for them.

Then we have this moment of Louis hugging Harry and Harry hugging Louis too 😭🤧.

Look at this two, Louis always saying nice things about Harry, touching him and Harry putting his arm in Louis back to hold him as well.

Another interview when Harry forgot who he was and only knew Louis is the Sun of his universe.

And this sweet moment of Louis touching so delicate Harry's arm and Harry smiling and looking at Louis.

So glad we had the footage of those years.

Thank you for sending your ask, I hope you see my so late response.

[christianpulisexy]

The Poison that Eats at You - MM7

Mason let’s his jealousy get the best of him, but there’s nothing confessing things in the dark and a few wet kisses can’t sort out ANGST‼️

Putting the finishing touches on your lips, you rubbed them together and pouted in the mirror, satisfied with your makeup, you stepped out of the bathroom.

“Where are you baby?” Mason laughed, a t-shirt tied around his eyes.

“Mase it’s not like this is my wedding dress, you can look at me.” You giggled as he stumbled around your room, his arms outstretched.

“Marco?” He said, as he tripped over a shoe.

“Polo.” You giggled, as he eventually found his way to you, but before he did, he tripped on a pair of shorts and fell into your arms.

“You could say I fell for you.” He joked, as you lifted the t-shirt above his eyes to see those gorgeous eyes. He smiled as he traced up and down your body.

“You look unreal.” Mason beamed, as he placed a kiss on your lips. As he pulled away, you sniggered at the lipstick etched across his own lips. You lifted your thumb and wiped it off.

“Why’s my girl so gorgeous? I’m so punching.” He groaned, as he kicked you up effortlessly and set you on the bathroom counter as he searched for his aftershave.

“Bottom drawer.” You told him, and he ‘ahhed’ in response, and winked at you before applying.

“I’d rather just stay at home and be with my baby.” He whined, as he delicately circled shapes onto your thighs.

Your black dress was modest, yet incredibly sexy. What made the look was the Louis Vouton heels that currently hung off your feet. A treat you got yourself when you started your big girl job, and you were absolutely obsessed with them, and so was Mase. You hoped of the counter, as he span you around.

“Let’s get this show on the road.”

Tonight was a gala event celebrating the end of the Premier League season. Mason was dreading going, and you knew that. He’d had a shit season, and he knew there’s be at least one snarky comment.

As you arrived at the event, Mason found the familiar face of Ben, as the pair of them chatted, you chatted to the date Ben had brung.

It was scary coming into a world like this, one where everyone knew. your business before you even knew it yourself. You could be one friendly face for her tonight.

“What do you want to drink love?” Mason asked from behind, his mouth close to your ear, his hands on your waist.

“Double vodka-”

“Coke.” He finished, interrupting you. “Knew you’d say that.” He grinned, grabbing your hand and placing a drink in it.

A double vodka and coke.

“If you knew why’d you ask?” You teased, turning around to face him, as he looked down at you.

“Ego boost.” He joked, shrugging his shoulders. He introduced himself to Ben’s date, while pressing you into his shoulder.

Maybe tonight wouldn’t be that bad?

Tonight was bad, you take back everything you said.

“I’m going to nip to the bar, anyone want anything?” You asked, and you quickly remembered everything recited back at you.

Walking to the bar, you felt a hand across the bottom of your back, but it wasn’t Mase’s.

Quickly turning you were faced with Matt. Your ex boyfriend.

Matt was a physio at city, and he credited himself for the talent the players produced.

“Y/N darling, it’s been a while.” He said, smiling down at you. You cringed as you looked at his teeth. Someone had been to Turkey recently.

“Matt, it has been a while.” You said, a short grin from yourself to him, hoping he reciprocated that you did not want to talk to him.

He had treated you awfully, his ‘lad’ attitude showing nothing but disrespect to you, and you knew you deserved better. And better is what you got.

You got Mason.

As you went to pay, he stopped you, his cold hand gripping your wrist as he pushed it away.

“Ladies don’t pay, tut tut Mount.” He grinned. His stupid white teeth almost blinding you.

As you took your drinks, Mason noticed how long you were taking and headed up to the bar himself.

“Baby you oka-” Mason stopped when he seen what you were faced with.

“Great season Mount.” Matt snarled, his tone nasty and followed with hatred, like the venom of a snake. He was waiting to sink his teeth into Mason, and now, he had the opportunity.

“Wasn’t how I planned, but hey, life’s full of obstacles.” Mason said through gritted teeth, flashing him a toothy grin as his hand came protectively around your waist.

“How many goals did you get? 2, 3?” He questioned, counting with his hand as he held it up. Mason’s grip on you tightened.

“How many injuries did you prevent? 2, 3?” You retorted, and his eyes turned dark, before he laughed.

“Always quite the cheek on this one aye? You deal with that in bed to Mount? I know I did-”

Masons grip on you was completely lost, as he grabbed Matt’s shirt.

“Say one more thing about her and i’ll shove my fist so fucking far down your fat gob, it’ll come right out your ass.” Mason spat, before letting go of him.

Matt, obviously embarrassed, fixed his shirt before clearing his throat.

“Y/N, do you remember, what was it you said, “Mount looks like a good fuck, but there’s nothing up there.” As Matt tapped his brain. You stiffened at his words, his words that were completely untrue. You’d never comment on anyone in such an objective way, ever. Mason had to know that, but with Matt’s charm and his pantie eating grin, you too found yourself wondering, did you say that?

Mason slapped a few notes onto the bar, before he let go of your hand.

“Fuck you Heather.” Mason said, before he made his way out of the building.

Dumbfounded, you just stood there. Unsure of what to say or do.

“Aren’t you going to go after lover boy?” He said, taking a sip out of Mason’s drink to mess with you even more.

“Tastes cheap.” He said, and you were grabbing your handbag before swiftly making your way outside to find Mason, but not fast enough cause you would cause a scene.

Mason knew there was nothing in it, he knew you didn’t like him in that way, Matt he meant. But he hated how he touched you and how you didn’t pull away, he hated how he let him get to him. He hated himself for the whole situation.

He recognised the click-clack of your heels and sighed, watching his breath fly away in front of him, turning into nothing in seconds.

“Since when do you smoke?” You asked, seeing the cigarette between his two fingers. You weren’t even sure where he got it out off, and it pissed you off that he’d ran away from the situation.

Mason’s heart twinged in embarrassment when he watched your face follow the smoke exhaling from his lungs. This wasn’t him, but as of recently, with everything happening, he didn’t know who he fucking was.

Stamping the cigarette out on the ground, you moved in to kiss his cheek, to offer some sort of comfort. Anything.

But Mason moved his head, and swayed with his hands in his pockets as he stared up at the night sky in front of him.

No excuse to look at the stars, as none hung in the night sky, them too seeking shelter from the cold. Which cold you were unsure off. The winter night in London, or the coldness of your boyfriend who stood so close to you, yet you couldn’t have been further.

“Mase.” You pleaded, trying to hide the hurt in your voice.

“Not in the mood darling.” He said, the bitterness dripping off his tongue like some poison as he spat the nickname out.

—

As Mason payed the Taxi man, you opened the door of the house. The silence was thick in the air of the small cab, and Mason sat in the front seat beside the driver instead of his usual space beside you. Pressed into your side comfortably, chatting about your night out.

Waking into the house, Mason knew he’d messed up. He knew he overreacted, and he knew he had to apologise. But his pride got in the way, and instead he watched you take your heals off, take them into your hands and move upstairs.

He sat in the living room, head in his hands. The alcohol burned his tongue, and his throat longed for the words ‘sorry’ and ‘i messed up’ to come out, yet they got lodged in it, as he wished he could mould into the seat and just forget about tonight.

Removing your eyelashes, you stared at yourself in the mirror, and after cringing at your own reflection, you had to peel your eyes away. Scrubbing off your makeup, you brushed your teeth before you got changed for bed.

You lifted Mason’s shirt, your usual bedtime attire but your arms turned to jelly as if your body was allergic to the cotton material. The smell of his aftershave stung your eyes as you sighed and dropped the shirt, instead poking through your drawers to find a comfortable pair of pajama bottoms and the matching top.

After plaiting your hair, you noticed Mason leaning in the doorway. His shirt rolled up at the arms, and his eyes heavy with remorse. Your lip quivered and you looked away, knowing you’d start crying.

The moon snuck in through the gap in the open curtains, and basked the room in a soft light. The light reflecting every angle of his face. His stupidly beautiful face.

Climbing into bed, you chose to i ignore him. You heard him moving about as he shut the curtains and climbed in beside you, not daring to touch you, or even breathe near you, scared his jealousy might somehow sicken you.

He knew you were awake, and you knew he was awake, but you both waited for the other to speak first.

“Sweetheart.” Came softly from the other side of the bed.

“Don’t you sweetheart me Mason.” You huffed, still annoyed with how he’d treated the situation.

Mason heard your voice, and you were genuinely annoyed. His name was never a bad thing when it left your lips, but this one it was cold. And he felt it.

Mason gave up, instead turning around as he smelt your shampoo off of the pillowcases. The coconut one you insisted on.

He shuffled closer to you, his hand draping across your waist, as his nose nuzzled into your neck.

“Sweetheart.” He urged, begging you to look at him.

Mason moved closer to you, his chest completely flushed against your back, as he played with your hair.

“I’m sorry baby, i’m so fucking sorry.” He pleaded, hearing you sniff. At least you made a sound?

Mason’s voice cracked, and you knew he meant it. He didn’t have a bad bone in his body, and he didn’t lie. Not to you, not to anyone.

“I was immature, and stupid. I got annoyed because I realised, i’m so lucky to have you, and you could have anyone you bloody wanted, but you somehow chose me. I got scared when I seen you with him, and I know that’s not excuse, i’m not using it as one. I had a moment where I lost you, and I got so fucking scared Y/N, so scared.” Mason honestly admitted, and your heart heart knowing he was hearting.

“I know he’s well up, and I know he’s good at what he does, and i’m not. I’m shit at what I do, and I felt fragile when he went for that and I let that annoy me, and i’m sorry because I shouldn’t even be apologising right now because I shouldn’t of did what I did. I ruined your night.” Mason rambled, and you turned around and wrapped every limb you could around him. He held you tight, his hand rubbing your hair as he felt your breath on his neck.

“You’re stupid, and you’re a prick.” You said into his neck.

“I’m definitely stupid, and i’m definitely a prick.” He admitted, almost crying of happiness when he heard your soft giggles against his neck.

“Mason, I get how you felt, because it boils my blood every time I see another girl giggle with you, or bat her eyelashes at you.” He nodded in agreement, listening to you.

“And he’s such an asshole. He really is, and you should’ve fucking shoved your hand down his throat.” You laughed, both of you teary in this intimate moment.

“But Mason, you don’t ever get to treat me like you just did, you hear me?” You said through your tears, that he wiped away with his thumb as he nodded at you.

“I didn’t deserve that.” You said finally, and you seen the tears hush out of him.

“I know baby, you didn’t. You fucking didn’t, and i’m so sorry.” He mumbled into your neck, embarrassed that he let this man reduce him to tears.

You lifted his head, as you wiped his tears. Before placing a kiss to his lips, one that was mixed with tears, love and apologies.

“You’re such an idiot.” You laughed, wiping your tears away.

“I know, but i’m your idiot.” He said, poking your chest lightly.

“Love you. So much. Even if i’m a dick.” He laughed, before pulling you close.

“I know you do. And I love you. A lot.” You replied, placing both thighs on the other sides is his legs. “You’ve got nothing to be insecure about Mase. I’m yours. All of me.”

“I know that. And i’m yours.” He said, pulling you into his chest and kissing your forehead.

You had all morning to talk, but right now your boy needed you, and that was all that mattered.

“Mase.” You said.

“Yes baby?” He replied.

“You’re not a shit footballer.”

I really like this one 🥹🥹 even if it broke my heart writing it :(((

[cold-blooded-jelly-doughnut]

It’s still Wednesday woohoo! Thanks to @whatsintheboxmh @inkweedandlizards @heartstringsduet @sznofthesticks @orchidscript @three-drink-amy @lemonlyman-dotcom @alrightbuckaroo @carlos-in-glasses @theghostofashton @sanjuwrites @carlos-tk @bonheur-cafe and @jesuisici33 for the tags! The boys are so achy and soft in First Time After (which is taking me an age to write, but I’m having so much fun working on it!)

“I love you,” Carlos tells him, and TK nods, sniffles. His cheeks are wet and his eyes hurt now, a strangely moreish ache to every blink. When he presses his eyes shut for long enough, the feeling translates into sheer fatigue, and he wonders how much longer he can go without caving to it. But it’s not time yet. Since the tears started tonight, hard and fast in the bedroom, he hasn’t been able to stop them. They’re gentler now, and he can speak without sobbing, but the steady stream over his cheeks has left his face puffy and pink, and still Carlos stares at him as though TK hung the moon, as though somehow he were still magnificent.

“I love you too,” TK says, and Carlos gives a delicate squeeze to his waist. TK, through his tears and the thick haze of his grief, manages a smile at the press of his boyfriend’s touch.

Carlos’s eyes seem to brighten at the gesture. A ghost of relief flits across his features, palpable while the steam rises and the water sprays hard against TK’s back, loud against the pristine tiles of the shower floor. Carlos slides a hand through TK’s wet hair, eyes tracking the movement as he does it. TK’s gaze stays trained to Carlos’s face, catching the perfect fleeting second in which his lips press tighter together, quirk upwards at the edges. A smile; small and gorgeous and achingly sad. TK’s chest cracks open anew at the sight, the way Carlos’s eyes sparkle here, the big light off, whole bathroom candlelit. The spark in his eyes is like hope in a dark place, like a wordless promise of what they do have, no matter what they don’t. The very thought stirs another current of grief through him, crashing beneath his ribs like waves breaking over rocks. A rush of tears stings his tired, aching eyes, and his lip trembles as he peers up at his boyfriend.

“You’re an incredible person,” he says, fighting the way his voice wants to strain; quickly losing the battle. “Do you know that?”

No pressure tags below the cut 💛

@birdclowns @welcometololaland @paperstorm @catanisspicy @chicgeekgirl89 @detective-giggles @fitzherbertssmolder @freneticfloetry @goodways @herefortarlos @lightningboltreader @louis-ii-reyes-strand @mooshkat @meditating-honey-badger @noxsoulmate @never-blooms @paperstorm @sugdenlovesdingle @strandnreyes @reyesstrand @rosedavid @reasonandfaithinharmony @rmd-writes @thisbuildinghasfeelings @thebumblecee

[daisyblog]

Love at Wembley

Our Story Masterlist Summary: Harry asks YN to marry him at Wembley.

In the last twelve years, Harry had learnt a lot about YN. He’d learnt that she still needs a cup of tea before bed to fall asleep, or she’s up until the early morning tossing and turning.

He knows she still blasts One Directions and all their solo songs at every opportunity she gets, singing all the words and nagging both Harry and Louis about when they were going to get back together.

Her favourite song to listen to when she’s having a sad day or when she misses her Mum and sister even more is Angels by Robbie Williams.

Louis was her rock, they don’t go a day without talking or at-least texting each other. She doted on him and vice verse and Harry often feared how much she told Louis about their relationship, because if YN was anything shy didn’t cover it.

On the subject of not being shy, their sex life had only grown and got better as they aged. Harry had learnt that her favourite position was between doggy-style or missionary with Harry’s hand around her neck in a loose hold.

Another thing that Harry had learnt was that YN disliked anything that was romantically cringey, like being proposed to in Paris. Her words being “It’s just not special, everyone gets proposed to there” whilst watching a Tik Tok of a couple getting engaged whilst standing near the Eiffel Tower. Harry made a mental note of never proposing in a popular engagement location.

This brings him to this moment where he is walking through London with Louis and Jeff on his way to choose a ring for YN. He’s known for the last twelve years he wanted to marry her. But with fame, touring and losing important people, it never seemed like the right time to pop the question.

As they walk into the store that Harry has been researching for what feels like years. They’re met with more options than they imagined. He thinks back to the day he asked Louis permission to marry YN, because if he wanted anyone’s blessing it was his.

---

They were visiting Doncaster one weekend for the twins birthday and after the busy day of celebrating the twins turning nineteen, with lots of food, family, friends, Louis and Harry had found themselves sitting out in the garden together.

As Louis took a drag from the white stick he held between his fingers, Harry breaks the silence “I..uh…I wanna ask you something”.

Louis tilts his head to look at him and blows the smoke out from his lungs and flicks some ash off his cigarette end before responding “You can ask me anything mate”

Harry nervously turned his rings on his fingers, Louis hadn’t seen him this nervous for a long time. “I wanna ask YN to marry me…and…I guess what I’m trying to ask is for your permission”.

Louis took another long drag from the white stick, before blowing the smoke out in front of him and then scratching his cheek with his thumb and tried his best to keep a serious expression. Harry still anxiously twisting the rings that sat on his fingers.

Letting out a sigh, “All I can say is…it’s about fookin’ time man”, causing both men to look at each other and let out a laugh. “No ‘onestly you have my permission, blessing and whatever else you need”.

---

Bringing Harry back to the moment of where the three men sat in a consultation room, looking at the few options they had chosen. Louis had already said which one he thought YN would love. Jeff stating that YN would say ‘yes’ even if Harry proposed with a Haribo ring.

Harry stared down at the ring that sat delicately in the box in front of him. The small band held a diamond on top with a touch of green. He didn’t understand why Louis would be so adamant that YN would love this one.

“I still don’t understand why you think this is the one” Harry spoke with a tad of stress in his voice, picking up the box that held the ring to study it more.

Louis and Jeff shared a look before Louis let out an annoyed sigh. “Mate…please just listen to me…Lottie literally sent me all the photos of engagement rings that YN has sent to her of the last few years…and guess what they’ve all had a touch of green in them”.

Harry nervously played with his bottom lip with his fingers “Why green..I just don’t kno-“

Interrupting him, Jeff intervened “H..when you look in the mirror..what do you see?”

Harry look at his manager and friend with a scowl, confused by the questions.

“Uh myself” Harry sarcastically replied.

“And what do you look at yourself with?” Louis prompted.

Harry took a moment to think, before he had a lightbulb moment “Uhh..my eyes”. Louis and Jeff stared at him waiting for the moment where it clicked. “My eyes are green”.

“Well done Mate…you got there in the fookin’ end” Louis sarcastically said, earning a nudge from Harry. Harry couldn’t wipe the grin off his face at the new fact he had learnt. YN wanted a green ring to represent the colour of his eyes. How romantic. “She’s romantic and soppy when she wants to be”.

---

Harry wanted the moment to be special but with the last leg of the tour underway it was proving to be difficult. He wanted the moment to be just YN and him, but being on tour it was rare for them to have a moment to themselves.

He debated popping the question whilst he had a show in Coventry, as it was the first show in the UK but something was telling him it just wasn't the right moment. He considered asking her in Paris, but then remembered she hated the thought of it being in a popular location. He began to believe there was no right place, but being inside Wembley Stadium made him realise that this is where it all began for him. If he didn't go to an audition, he wouldn't have met the love of his life.

Anne, Des and Gemma had arrived along with Harry's auntie, uncle and cousins. They all knew Harry had planned to ask YN today, ahead of the show, but the suspence was eating at them.

There was a quiet spell before the opening acts took to the stage. Harry took this as his opportunity "Babe...will you come with me to the stage a second?". Anne and Gemma sent him an excited grin as Teddy was cuddled up on Gemma's lap, knowing this was the moment they had been waiting for, for the last twelve years.

YN followed Harry out to the hallway as they made their way to the stage, Harry's arms slung over her shoulder and the little box discreetly hidden in his short pockets.

As the walked out and took in the empty stadium, before the room was about to be filled, Harry stood behind YN, his arms wrapped around her front resting across her collarbones.

"I'm so proud of you Bubs" YN began as she leaned back into his hold "Four nights in Wembley..you've absolutely fookin' smashed it"

Harry leaned down a pressed a kiss to her cheek "It all started here for me..and to be back just feels so fucking incredible".

"It's crazy to think that if you and Louis didn't audition that year...we wouldn't even know eachother" YN thought out loud, her hands reaching up to hold onto Harry's that were still wrapped around her "Fook...I don't even want to think about that". YN reached in her pocket for her phone "Let's take a photo..I wanna remember this moment".

After YN snapped the selfie of her and Harry, she studied the photo for a second, before turning to show Harry. As she turned, she realised Harry was no longer standing behind her, but knelt down on one knee with a black box in his hand, holding the little ring that was about to be on her finger. Capturing the moment, Lloyd was hiding behind one of the black boxes, positioned to the side of the stage.

For once, YN stood still and speechless. Harry began the speech he had rehearsed in his head for the last few weeks.

"YN..baby..it's been twelve years since I made you mine and my life has never been better...I would love to let you know all the reasons why I love you...I love you because you make me laugh when I needed it most...I love you because you inspire me to be a better person...I love you because you are extremely patient with me during my lowest points...I love you because you are an amazing sister who loves and takes care of your family...I love you because I know you’ll also be a great mother to our children someday...I love you because you have dreams and you’re not afraid to go after it...I love you because you dare to be yourself and own who you are...I love you because of how the light shines each morning together...I love you because of how comfortable silence can be, with you...and most importantly, I love you so much that I’ll want to be with you forever and I hope you’ll say yes. Will you marry me baby?"

Tears flowed down YN's face, Harry had always made her feel loved and wanted but listening to him list all the things he loves about her, was overwhelming. YN leant down and held Harry's cheeks as she kissed him deeply. Lips moving together, YN mumbled "Yes".

Standing up, Harry took the ring from the box and placed it on YN's finger, both admiring the start of their commitment to each other. "You're gonna be Mrs Styles".

"And I can't fookin' wait" YN excitedly announced, before Harry cupped her face and brought her in for another kiss. Their lips together in sync, YN's top lip being squeezed between Harry's as he deepened the kiss and moving his hand to sit at the bottom of her back to pull her even closer.

Pulling apart, but their hands still attached to one another, they couldn't wipe the smiles from their faces. "I love you"

"I love you more...Mrs Styles to be"

liked by louist91, thephoebetomlinson, and 2,543,224 others

yntomlinson and harrystyles Mr and Mrs Styles to be👰🏻‍♀️🤵🏻 View all 15,677 comments

annetwist Congratulations my Darlings ❤️ I can now officially call you my daughter-in-law xx

jefezoff Congratulations Lovebirds!

mitchrowland Congrats guys!

gemmastyles I've finally got a sister 💕 Congratulations to my faves xx

niallhoran Finally!! Will I be bridesmaid or groomsman?😂

louist91 12 years too late!! Happy for you both xx

lottietomlinson I can't wait for the wedding prep! Love you both 🫶🏼🖤

the.daisytomlinson my sis is getting married 🤍

thephoebetomlinson omg! Sooooo excited😆

lloyddddddddddddddddd Congratulations! So glad I got to capture the moment.

pillowpersonpp The dream couple! Congratulations both

bradgouldtraining Yessss! Absolutely buzzing for you both ✌🏼

madidiaz Cuties! Congratulations both❤️

Tag List: (let me know if you would like to be added) @pansexualwitchwhoneedstherapy @harrys-flower @platinumbarbie143 @frickin-bats @harrysbbyh0ney fanfictioncafe lilfreakjez jerseygirlinca iamahallucinationnn @chronicallybubbly @goldensunflowe-r  @walkingintheheartbreaksatellite @kaverichauhan @peterholland04 @panicattheuc @indierockgirrl @hittiesontour @or-was-it-just-a-dream

[cuntyfieddemon]

{graphic} hc for the finale.... not spoilers! (im truly sorry idk what happened while i was writing this)

louis beating up armand tonight... armand loving it... his face wounded... all fucked, blood blinding him, his mouth stretched into a content, pained smile... teeth drenched in red... his head laying in a pool of his own blood on the floor... curls all wet sticking to his forehead and neck,,, daniel at first standing far away, looking at him, his blood rushing to his head, his heart, his dick... then walking to him... kneeling next to him... and after careful consideration, he tries to give him his blood to heal what he can heal in him... armand refusing to hurt his beautiful boy... to feed on him... but they lock eyes, daniel is not afraid of him, and armand can't hide his desire any longer... daniel goes in to caress his hair, his cheek, armand leans into the touch... daniel doesn’t realize he closed the distance between their faces, their lips,,, they kiss, a bloody, wet kiss, one they get lost in,,, daniel deepens the kiss, tongue on his teeth, in his mouth, he's delicate, but hungry, he's tasting the blood, he's remembering. louis watches, his husband's body being traveled by an electric shock of arousal, desire, heat and fascination... he watches as he's losing both of his boys to eachother, the longing between the devil and the minion clear as crystal, making him realize how much he is longing for his own devil, his rockstar, his husband, his captor and maker, everyone is in the trenches, i have lost my mind, the screen goes black, the episode ends.

[ateez-ana]

Ana on Instagram

a view of Ana's first post in the last 72 hours

second post

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lalanabanana picnic in paris with the best photographer

Hongjoong and Ana are in Paris to attend the fashion week that is taking place in the city of love, they both decided to walk through the city and have a picnic, many fans and reporters saw them walking hand in hand during the day and leaving the hotel where they were staying for a night walk along the Seine River, the photos uploaded by Ana are a small sample of the small and intimate experience that the couple had in Paris, which has raised rumors around the ship

In the heart of Paris, amid the grandeur of Fashion Week, romance blossomed between Hongjoong and Ana, They strolled hand-in-hand through the cobblestoned streets, their whispers echoing in the romantic ambiance. They paused at a quaint park, sharing a picnic beneath the shade of a chestnut tree. Ana's laughter punctuated the air as Hongjoong's gentle touch sent shivers down her spine. As night fell, they embarked on an intimate walk along the Seine. The city lights danced upon the water's surface, casting an ethereal glow over their stolen moments. With no witnesses save the stars above, they kissed, their love a secret concealed from the world. Ana's social media posts from that day hinted at their clandestine adventure, sparking rumors among their devoted fans. The public remained oblivious, but the shared glances and whispered promises spoke volumes of their newfound connection. And so, in the city of love, Hongjoong and Ana's romance remained a sweet secret, cherished only by two hearts entwined.

third post

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lalanabanana it has been such a great honor to be part of louis vuitton dinner gala What an unforgettable night

Ana, a radiant vision in a cerulean gown that shimmered like moonlight on the Seine, was the epitome of elegance at the Louis Vuitton gala. As Ateez's ambassador, she graced the red carpet with a captivating smile, her presence radiating warmth and charisma. Beside her stood Felix,  member of Stray Kids, who sported a classic black suit that accentuated his sharp features. 'Ana's dress is absolutely breathtaking!' gushed a fashion critic, capturing the collective gasp that swept through the crowd. 'It's a bold yet sophisticated choice, perfectly complementing her ethereal beauty.' 'Ana is a vision!' exclaimed actress Cate Blanchett. 'Her dress enhances her natural beauty.'

'Felix looks effortlessly suave,' another commentator chimed in. 'He embodies the timeless charm of Louis Vuitton.' At the dinner table, Ana and Felix shared a quiet conversation, catching up on their busy schedules and exchanging playful banter. Their easy camaraderie, built upon years of friendship, was evident in their shared laughter and knowing glances. They were two stars, shining brightly on their own, yet finding comfort in each other's company, a testament to the unspoken bond between two souls who understood the demanding world they navigated.

fourth post

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lalanabanana Congratulations on 10 years of @nicolasghesquiere A big thank you for inviting me, the last show of fashion week ends in style

The air crackled with anticipation as Ana, walked into the Louis Vuitton show. It was the final night of Paris Fashion Week, and Nicolas Ghesquière, celebrating ten years at the helm, had invited her to be part of the exclusive guest list. Dressed in a tailored, ivory ensemble, the press buzzed with excitement. Her outfit, a stark contrast to the usual bold fashion choices on the red carpet, drew a sea of flashbulbs.

'Ana’s understated chicness is a refreshing change,' one fashion critic declared, noting the nine white flowers delicately embroidered on the bodice, each representing a member of ATEEZ. 'It’s a subtle nod to her group, while still embodying Vuitton’s elegance.'Her fans, known as ATINY, were ecstatic. The internet erupted with photos and videos of Ana, her smile radiant as she greeted fellow guests.

The after-party was a whirlwind of champagne, laughter, and celebrity sightings. Ana found herself chatting with Sophie Turner, discussing the beauty of the collection, and later, dancing with Emma Stone. Videos of her laughing and enjoying the night with her new acquaintances went viral, generating even more buzz for ATEEZ. 'It was an incredible experience,' Ana said in a post-event interview, her eyes sparkling. 'The collection was so beautiful, and I especially loved the celebratory feeling of the night. It was a true honor to be invited.' As she spoke, she gently touched the flowers on her dress, her voice softening. 'These represent my brothers,' she said, a hint of pride in her tone. 'Each petal represents their individual talents and the unique bond we share. It’s a reminder that we’re all connected, even when we’re apart. The night was a testament to Ana’s own rising star. She wasn't just a K-pop idol; she was a fashion icon, a force to be reckoned with, a young woman embracing her individuality and using her platform to promote her group and her values. And the nine white flowers, blooming on her dress, were a silent testament to the love and loyalty that bound her to ATEEZ.

fifth post

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lalanabanana Morocco time, now my day smelled like 8 men again, how loving, ready to rock the desert

The day Ana returned to the others was the day before her presentation at the festival in Morocco, so they had a few hours in the afternoon to rest in the pool, where Ana gave the boys the gifts she brought them. From Paris to each one, Hongjoong and Ana looked even more romantic than ever, which caused the boys to tease them and wonder how much the couple did on the short trip they had together.

[mundaneandmagicalcreature]

Content Warning: episode 5 discourse (and I won't say anything groundbreaking, so feel free to skip this post)

First of all, about the domestic violence scene at the end of episode five, I'm of the opinion that it happened. They fought. Lestat overpowered Louis so much and was so violent that Louis ended up disabled for months and probably traumatized for years. If not, Claudia would have registered it in her diary and Daniel would have picked up on it. That's what's important.

Now, there's this moment in the new teaser when you can see Louis wearing the same cardigan he wore in episode 5

I keep thinking about the costumes. The three of them are dressed in a meaningful way.

It's the third time wearing that cardigan. The first time was when he as worried about Claudia not eating enough, and then he wears it again when she comes back home. Beautiful knitwear, but Louis mocks Lestat's old fashioned clothes when he meets him, and now he's wearing an old piece of clothing that has a bunch of holes. Hasn't he bought new clothes in seven years or so? This man has fallen deep into depression and is a shadow of himself.

Lestat is wearing head to toe black. He looks like a villain. This is one of his pajama sets. He usually doesn't wear them with the shirt tucked in, but he does in this scene. Sam said that this costume was chosen because it makes Lestat look like a matador. It's probably my favorite outfit of the show.

Claudia is wearing a mixed of clothes that she's clearly picked up from her victims: a delicate lacy blouse, dungarees made for heavy work and a men's jacket (she takes after Gabrielle). So, mostly practical clothes with a touch of femininity.

None of the costumes would look out of place in the '20's... or the '40s, or the '70s, or the '90s, or 2022. Why? is this a mere coincidence? is this a way to show that this traumatic event is ever-present for Louis? is he merging it with some other event? Something else? I don't know

[dmitriene]

— escape to love.

 ᠌ ᠌ ᠌᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌  ᠌ ᠌ ᠌᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌  ᠌ ᠌ ᠌᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌  ᠌ ᠌ ᠌᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌«all i ever wanted, all i ever needed»  ᠌ ᠌ ᠌᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌  ᠌ ᠌ ᠌᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌  ᠌ ᠌ ᠌᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌  ᠌ ᠌ ᠌᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌  ᠌ ᠌ ᠌᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌᠌ ᠌«is here in my arms»

summary: Luis was often absent due to his stay in the laboratory or could not find time to go somewhere together, but at last you both were able to go out for a picnic. content: luis serra x gn reader tags: pure fluff, comfort, lot's of kisses and warm hugs, pet names. author's note: my first very short and luis include work, hope you will like it! enjoy your reading, cariño) 🍷

Luis worked tirelessly in the lab, devoting most of his time to research as a biologist, however this weekend was different, he managed to free up his schedule and was determined to make the most of it, the sun was already setting when he went with you on the long awaited adventure, his heart was pounding with anticipation, as if with childish delight.

The two of you found yourself in an idyllic clearing, surrounded by the gentle rustle of leaves and the soothing whisper of nature, scarlet cloth was spread on the ground, creating the perfect setting for a romantic picnic, Luis's warm brown eyes sparkled when he looked at you, and his lips curved into a soft smile.

You sat between his legs, pressing your back against his chest as he wrapped his strong arms around you, enveloping you in a light tart scent of perfume and something vaguely reminiscent of grapefruit, his touch was soothing, a reminder that you were here together, away from requirements of everyday life, Luis brought with him all sorts of picnic goodies — delicate finger sandwiches, fresh fruits, and a selection of cheeses that salivated and made all other thoughts fade into the background.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, coloring the sky with orange and pink shades of dull rays, Luis reached for a bottle of wine, pouring the thick red liquid into two glasses, his movements were leisurely and graceful, handing you one of the patterned glasses, he raised his own, his voice sounded warm when he murmured — «A toast to us and to this moment of escape»

You clinked your glass with his, the soft clinking of crystal on crystal filled the air, the wine was exquisite but pale in comparison to the company you shared it with, Luis's fingers touched yours as you took a sip, his touch sent a slight shiver down your spine, the air around was filled with a sense of serenity and anticipation of the unspoken words that hung between the two of you.

Luis's fingers played with a strand of your hair as he leaned in, his lips touched your ear and his voice was a warm whisper as he spoke, his words laced with a teasing tone — «You know, it's good that i managed to escape from the lab for this»

A soft laugh escaped your lips, your heart fluttered at his words as you turned to face him, the corners of your lips curved into a playful smirk — «Oh, really? And what other privileges do i grant you, Mr.Serra?»

Luis's smirk matched yours, his gaze was gentle as he purred — «Well, for starters, the privilege of stealing kisses whenever i want» and with that he leaned in, his lips meeting yours in a tender, long kiss that was filled with all the unspoken words, all the longing and love that had accumulated over time.

The kiss was followed by a warm hug, Luis held you close like he never wanted to let go, his fingers traced soothing circles on your back, the rhythm of his touch was like a lullaby that cleared any remaining traces of stress or anxiety, the world seemed to disappear leaving just the two of you and the bond you shared.

As the stars began to twinkle in the darkening canvas of the sky, Louis reached for a piece of chocolate from the assortment of treats, handing it to you with a smirk, his voice gentle as he said — «Try it, it's like a little piece of heaven»

You took the chocolate from him, savoring the rich taste that burst on your tongue, your gaze slowly met his and a mischievous light flashed in your eyes — «You know, you're a little charming, Luis Serra»

He chuckled as his fingers playfully tapped the tip of your nose — «Only a little?»

Your laughter filled the air, the sound mingled with the soft rustling of the leaves, Luis's arms wrapped around you again, holding you close as you gazed up at the stars above, the night was calm, the perfect canvas for the solace you found in each other's presence.

The silence was broken by the voice of Luis, his words sounded sincere — «I've wanted this for so long, just a moment of peace and connection with you, mi amorcito»

You turned to look at him, your eyes filled with tenderness — «That's what i wanted too, Luis, moments like this remind me why it's worth fighting for the time we spend together»

He nodded in agreement and his lips met yours again, this time the kiss was softer, promising all the moments that lie ahead for the two of you, Luis's fingers tangled in your hair, his touch at once gentle and possessive, a silent recognition that he cherishes every second spent with you.

As the night deepened, the temperature dropped a little, Luis reached for a soft blanket to cover you both, you snuggled into his arms, his warmth wrapping around you as you watched the stars continue their twinkling dance.

Luis's voice was a low murmur, his caressing Spanish nicknames rolling off his tongue into a melody that made your heart race — «Mi amor, you bring so much light into my life, i'm grateful for every moment with you»

With a contented sigh, you pressed even closer to him, the sound of his heartbeat soothing, a rhythm that matched your own, the world around you faded into the background, leaving only the two of you and your shared connection.

So, under the canvas of the starry sky, you and Luis found comfort in each other's arms, this night was filled with tender kisses, common laughter and the simple joy of being together and near.

It was a moment frozen in time, a memory that will forever remain in your shared hearts — a reminder that even in the chaos of life, there is always love and connection to be found, waiting to be embraced by a loved one.

translate: mi amorcito - my sweetheart / mi amor - my love

© dmitriene - my masterlist please, don't copy my works as your own, and if you want to post them somewhere else - contact me. reblogs, likes and comments are very much appreciated, thank you for reading! ♡