#there's still four more i want to do and they take me a while so it might be a bit before i get to them

[no-blastbeat-no-applause]

A little while ago I wrote a little something about that. I just finished translating it into english. Here are my thoughts:

Wimp

Thoughts on the patriarchy and why this crap sucks for men too

Queen Energy

I mindlessly let Instagram videos wash over my mind. A sketch wakes me from my pleasant torpor:

A woman dressed in a negligee talks to her husband. She orders him to have sex with her immediately. He says he is tired, he has just come home from work. He doesn't feel like it either. She is not interested. She becomes more direct and aggressive in her statements and demands. All of this culminates in her forcibly shoving a cookie into his mouth, repeating her order and expectantly marching off towards the bedroom.

The comment column is rolling with laughter, congratulates the woman and agrees with her demands. The comments reads something like:

"Her story, her rules, her empire." "Queen energy! This is the vibe we all need!" "Taking what's hers like it was always meant to be"

She should take what she needs; her husband should be a real guy and get it for his wife if and when she wants it.

So the point is: he's a wimp if he doesn't put himself and his needs first. He's not a real man because he doesn't jump when his wife is in the mood.

Let's imagine the gender roles reversed. A man comes home and tells his wife to wait for him naked in the bedroom because he wants to have sex. Regardless of her wishes and desires. Most people would find this behavior unacceptable. And rightly so.

Here though, sexual harassment is portrayed as a joke. Neither the producers nor the recipients seem to be fazed by this.

Such scenes suggest that men always have to be ready and willing. This stereotypical expectation completely ignores the fact that men are also people with boundaries who want to say "yes" or "no". However, in our society - as the comments column impressively shows - they are often denied this choice. Men are not even given the opportunity to prioritize their own wishes because their "yes" is taken for granted. If they do try to set boundaries, they are met with a lack of understanding, rejection, ridicule or even violence. This creates a burden that is subtle but always present.

The video and its comments make fun of a man whose freedom of choice over his own body has been taken away, making him yet another victim of patriarchy and toxic masculinity.

First naked and then alone in the corridor

I was 12 when my mother drove me and my ten-year-old sister to our pediatrician. Everything started as business as usual. The doctor asked us general questions, she took our blood pressure and did what doctors do.

Then something happened that I still remember vividly today. As a burgeoning teenager, I had to get naked from the wais down and lie down on a couch to be examined. My mother and sister both stayed in the room. I was embarrassed. I found it downright agonizing.

The doctor plucked at my penis for several minutes. I didn't know where to look. My face turned bright red and my hands got wet. I was suddenly terribly aware of how my kneecaps felt under my skin.

Then it was finally over.

But now it became particularly irritating: it was my sister's turn. She was facing something similar - with one important difference. I was asked to leave.

Don't get me wrong, I had no interest in participating in my sister's gynecological exam. I just wished that the same consideration had been given to me, a little boy.

My feelings were not ignored, no. No one here had even bothered to take an interest in whether I had any. I was treated with the same respect as the couch in the treatment room. The question of my dignity was about as important as that of the desk.

But that was nothing new for a 12-year-old. After all, I learned to swallow my feelings before I even started elementary school.

"Are you a man or a mouse"?

Of course I'm a man, I'm already four! I suppress every feeling that my environment deems too much or inappropriate.

I've learned that „Indians don't cry.“* Neither do boys. I'm not supposed to make such a fuss and pull myself together.

It eats into your brain. It stays. For almost 40 years and it's still there.

How my tongue got bitten

My aunt was celebrating her sixtieth birthday. The whole thing ended in her favorite pub. We danced, sang, drank and enjoyed ourselves. I chatted with old acquaintances on the edge of the dance floor.

Suddenly, a woman snuck up on me. She started to dance at me aggressively. I found it quite flattering at first. The stranger danced very closely with me, focusing only on me. She made me feel wanted.

But after a while I became uncomfortable. She took it for granted that I would return her advances. She waited for me in front of the toilet. She gave me no opportunity to move without her. She put her arms around me and kissed me on the dance floor.

I didn't want to be seen like this by my family. It was impossible to talk to my friends, my aunt was at the other end of the pub. I told the stranger that I wanted to talk to my family, but she wouldn't let go of me. I spoke to friends, but she pushed her way in.

I could have said "No!" at any time, walked away and enjoyed my evening, sure. But I have internalized the lessons of my youth: my feelings are not important and I have to make my body available, regardless of my own wishes.

I only plucked up the courage to tear myself away when the stranger bit my tongue painfully, because: I didn't kiss her the way she wanted me to.

But even then, at the end of the night, my "No, I don't want that anymore" was met with a complete lack of understanding. She was offended that I was not responding to her wishes. She had never cared about my consensus or my needs.

I was now in a similar role to the man in the sketch: my feelings were put on the back burner in order to offer a woman what she wanted at that moment.

Neither the lady in the sketch nor the stranger at the pub inquired about the wishes of the men in question. None of them asked for consensus. None of them took what they were explicitly told seriously, because they, like all of us, have internalized these toxic patterns of thought and behaviour.

As a farewell, I got a contemptuous "wimp" shouted after me.

And why all this?

I am well aware that the people who suffer most from patriarchy are, of course, those who do not appear traditionally male to society. Women, intersex and trans people, all non-cis-hetero men, should by no means be ignored here. My perspective, however, is that of a cis-het man.

We men are taught that our feelings are not important. We have to be tough and endure instead of being vulnerable and talking openly about our needs. Our bodies are common property. We learn to accept assault and laugh it off.

• The woman in the negligee wants sex? Then go ahead! No matter what the man wants.

• The boy is ashamed to be looked at naked by three women? He shouldn't behave like that!

• A stranger decides you're her plaything this night? Fuck your wishes and your family!

If we don't conform to the norms, we are wimps. We are considered unmanly. We're not real guys.

We need to recognize the harmful influence of sexism on men.

While patriarchy generally privileges men, it also subjects us to restrictive gender roles that harm us.

Even those who are considered the most powerful in the patriarchal hierarchy suffer from it.

The supposed masters turn themselves into the oppressed.

Toxic masculinity harms us and everyone around us.

Sometimes I do wonder if men actually get sexually assaulted and abused at a similar rate that women do but a lot of them just don’t know that’s what’s happening to them

[themusingsofacurlyhairednerd]

Ludos Imperiales 7

Summary: A long awaited discussion is interrupted by a dark visitor.

Content Warnings: Attempted Assassination, Character Death (Unnamed), Mentions of Body Mutilation/Horror.

Parts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

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“You know?” I blurt, head spinning. How long have they known?! I’ve spent all this time agonizing on whether or not that’s a benefit or a hindrance and all the while they’ve said nothing?

Rhysand reaches out to brush a tendril of damp hair off my cheek, while Azriel still keeps his grip on my chin. Both of their touch at the same time makes my knees wobble.

“Of course we do,” Azriel chuckles, tilting his head down an inch so I can look him directly in the eyes. “It is my job to know things.”

The shadow still sitting on my ear makes a sound like a cat purring as it rubs itself against my temple.

“You don’t…” the affection is making my head spin. This all feels like a dream. “Hate me for… this?” I gingerly run a finger along his forearm, careful not to touch the still blistered skin where I’d branded him. 

“Or this?” I motion to the collar around his throat. Stealing the key from the guard when he’d given it to me to unchain Cassian earlier had been futile. They’d made sure to search all four of us before leaving the Palace. 

“No-” Azriel starts as Rhysand catches my hand before it falls and brings it gingerly to his lips.

My heartbeat is once again very loud in my ears, a blush working its way across my cheeks. I’m suddenly very grateful that the candlelight doesn’t reach far beyond the bathing chambers. 

“The brand was me, Darling, don’t keep blaming yourself for that.”

As much as I want this with the two of them, there is a notable absence in the room. “Cassian doesn’t seem to share the sentiment.”

“He’ll come around,” Azriel assures. “He’s just processing.”

“You think he can process that Hybern is my father?” I return. “Most people can’t.”

Azriel lets go of my chin, scarred fingers sliding across my jaw to cup my cheek. I find myself leaning into his touch like a moth to flame, unable to stop myself from indulging in the warmth the floods through my body. For the first time in days the bond doesn’t feel raw or frayed or broken. It’s warm, glowing like the candles in the bathroom. 

“You don’t choose the family you’re born into,” Rhysand starts. 

“We’re pretty familiar with shitty fathers,” Azriel finishes.

This doesn’t feel real. I swear I’m dreaming!

“And, if we’re going to stop yours, we need to set some ground rules,” Rhysand says, bringing the conversation back to the moment at hand. “You don’t put yourself in harm’s way for us.”

“We will have to find middle ground, Rhysand-”

“Rhys, we’re not having a dinner party, you don’t have to be formal about it.”

“We will have to find middle ground, Rhys, because I’m not ok with putting you in harm's way either. I already have to sit here and watch you fight in the Arena; there is only so much I can take.”

The way Azriel’s eyes suddenly glaze over tells me they’re having a mental sidebar about what to do, since we seem to be at an impasse here.

I’d take the moment to appreciate our new understanding of each other if the creak of one of the floor tiles in the hall didn’t catch my attention instead. Strange, there shouldn’t be any guards patrolling inside… 

I incline my head, listening for it again. There are three loose tiles in the hall; I know this because I memorized their placement in order to sneak out into the gardens on the nights both my parents were in the house. One at the end, one under the windows, and one right outside the door. If someone were just checking the hall, I would only hear one. Any more than that, then someone who should not be awake at this hour is coming towards the door.

The second creak sounds just as my mates finish their silent discussion, Rhys’s mouth parting to announce a decision and I fling myself forward and clamp my hand over his mouth. “Someone is coming!”

The words are barely out when the third and final tile makes a noise, right outside my door.

Azriel’s shadow over my ear slithers down to rest on my shoulder with a hiss, writhing in agitation like a snake as it appraises the darkness. Azriel himself is a flurry of shadows as he launches into the corner, where he can grab anything that tries to step into the room.

Someone tests the doorknob to see if it's locked, and Rhys loops an arm around my waist and pulls me behind him with one hand, while the other reaches out and emits a small blast of glittering starlight that blows out all the candles in the bathroom.

He can do that around the gorsian stone?! I know that he’s powerful, but just how much? These chains have stolen the powers of some powerful beings over the years, reduced them to basically human, but he’s still functioning?

The door opens slowly, inch by inch, as if someone is testing to see if it makes any noise. Definitely not Anise then, she would know that it doesn’t. 

Rhys backs up until my back is flush against the wall and there’s several feet between himself and the door. 

“Smells like death.” I flinch, because that’s not Rhys in my head, but the shadow still perched on my shoulder, whispering in my ear. It can speak?!

One of the staff had closed the hall curtains, leaving nothing but a vague shape in the darkness as something slips silently into my room and shuts the door behind it. In the stillness, there is no mistaking the sound of a blade sliding out of its sheath, but whatever the creature is, it obviously can’t see in the dark. It has no idea Azriel is behind it until one of his shadows lashes out and knocks the blade from its grip.

The creature makes a strange gurgling noise as Azriel pounces, and though I can’t fully see around Rhys, I hear Azriel’s fist make contact with flesh, followed by several heavy thuds.

“It is subdued,” the shadow whispers. 

Rhys can either see in the dark, or is telepathically still communicating with Azriel, because he waves his hand and the candles in the bathing chamber light themselves again. There’s just enough light for us to see Azriel kneeling on a male’s chest in the center of my bedchamber. The figure is clothed from head to toe in black, a hood slipping off his temples to reveal a bald head covered in swirling tattoos that converge into a half moon right between his eyebrows. The tattoo is enough to tell me what and who this male is, but so would the stitching across his face that keeps his mouth sewn shut.

I shudder as I step around Rhys, or try to, he keeps an arm out to stop me from approaching, as if he thinks the male might just explode.

“He’s a Raven,” I say softly.

The male’s eyes are so dark they’re almost black, just like Amarantha’s, and they narrow in my direction. He’s either Fae or Elf, but the pointed tips of his ears have been shaved off, the rounded tips held in place with the same gruesome stitches that seal his mouth. Once indicted as a Raven, race and gender are removed from the equation, everyone in the brotherhood is mutilated to fit the same, rigid and ambiguous uniform their Order demands. 

“Fill us in, Princess,” Rhys prompts.

“They’re an order of assassins. Usually kids they pick off the street. They undergo rigorous training and body mutilation until the Order shapes them into ambiguous monsters that only know how to kill. The Order was started by my great grandfather, the thought was that they should be able to blend in anywhere, that they would have no defining features, until…” I know the history of them like everyone in the Capitol because it’s part of the school curriculum, but as I recite the information something clicks into place.

Rhys turns just enough to look at me. 

“Until my Father became Emperor and the modifications became… gruesome so that they could be identified. He wanted people to know that it was him who set them against their targets.” 

“Hybern tried to kill you.” Rhys says flatly. It’s not a question. 

Azriel’s teeth flash in a snarl as his knee moves from the assassin’s chest to his throat, but no sound gets past his stitched lips. Only a slight jerk of his bald head indicates that he’s choking against the pressure.

My Father tried to have me killed. Not executed like my Mother, he doesn’t have evidence of that, but murdered. 

I liked it better when my knees shook because my mates’ had their hands on me, not because of the icy terror that fills my veins. My Father tried to have me killed. 

I must look shaken because Rhys slides his arm around my waist and leads me to the edge of the bed to sit.

“We’re not going to get anything out of him,” Azriel snarls. “So unless you have any last minute requests, I’m killing him and dumping the body in the river.”

“Do not anger the nymphs, they’ll eat you whole,” I say distantly. Today has been the longest day of my life. 

Azriel’s shadow brushes gently over my cheek as if to comfort me, but it has stopped speaking for the moment. I’m so tired, I wonder if maybe I imagined it.

“If we kill him, Hybern knows that we’re on to him,” Rhys returns. 

This is enough, at least for the moment, for Azriel to remove his knee from the male’s throat, but he doesn’t move off his chest. His shadows bring him the dagger they knocked from the Raven’s hand, the blade jagged and curved in a crescent shape, reaching nearly eight inches. He would have had a hard time driving that directly into my chest, but it would have carved me up like a turkey with little resistance. A shiver runs up my spine; if my mates hadn’t come looking for me… if I had still been in the tub…

“What do you purpose we do with him?” Azriel snarls. “He can’t walk out of here.”

The Raven makes a noise that sounds like a chuckle, as if amused by the situation. 

We’re once again caught between a rock and a hard place. If Azriel kills him, then Father will know they were here in the room with me. If they let him go, Father knows they were here with me. We can’t make his death look like an accident either; that will look suspicious, Father will send others to see what kind of security measures I’ve suddenly added to the house. 

I take my lower lip between my teeth. What are we supposed to do?

Rhys starts to pace along the length of the bed, trying to plan, agitation evident down the bond. “We’ve clearly hit a sore spot if he’s already trying to kill you.”

Me. Not them. I hit a sore spot. I bet against him and won. I defied him. This isn’t about them at all, this is purely because I threatened his ego.

I glance up at Azriel. If this is about me, then I have to be the one to get us out. “I have to kill him.”

Azriel’s shadow hums approvingly as it nuzzles against my throat, even as its master’s eyes narrow. 

“He’s here for me. The only way we get out of this is if I’m the one who beats him.” Father will not see it coming, he has underestimated me my whole life. He thinks I’m an easy target who got lucky. 

“This is a game to my Father. One he thinks he can easily win-”

“You have to play the game,” Rhys finishes with a frown. “He’s testing you, trying to gauge where your threat level is.”

“I don’t like it,” Azriel huffs, even as he hauls the male to his feet. The Raven flails, using his elbows and fists to try to free himself, but Azriel holds tight. “It puts you directly in the line of fire.”

Rhys turns to look at me, violet eyes heavy. His shoulders sag, like he’s resigning himself to what he’s about to say. 

“No more chances to get on that boat from here,” I quip.

He reaches out to cup my cheek. “I wish things were different. I wish… that it wasn’t impossible choice after impossible choice…”

“But it’s my choice.” That’s why they were in the room in the first place, wasn’t it? “I choose you, all of you, and this. I will do what is necessary. I can live with this choice.”

He leans in, the heat of him enveloping me and I want more than anything to curl into his chest and stay wrapped up in his arms forever. I wish we hadn’t had to meet like this. I wish there wasn’t so much bloodshed and pain leading up to this. But I cannot change it. All I can do is hope that there is a light at the end of the tunnel and moving in this direction will get us all out of here alive. I can play this game for them.

He places a gentle kiss on my forehead. “Then I will find a way to live with it.”

I smirk, just a little as I turn to face the Raven. For the first time in months, I actively reach for my power, letting it pulse steadily through my veins until it can unfurl like a whip from my palm. Azriel’s shadow slithers down my arm to inspect it.

“You’ll have to leave before I do,” I say.

“Not a chance!” Azriel growls.

I draw a breath, making sure my grip is secure, just as I’ve trained to do. The exhaustion of the day and the months of solitude make my grip a little shaky, but I can manage. 

“I will have to call for the guards,” I return as I flick the ether of power out and wrap it around the Raven’s waist. 

His beady eyes narrow on the tendril of power before jumping to me with a look of pure venom. We were lucky Father hadn’t sent one of the more powerful wielders, this one can’t be more than an acolyte. The thought stings a little; he thinks so little of my powers he sent a student after me.

I suppose I should be grateful, this will probably be the easiest thing he’ll throw at us from this moment forward. 

“You can’t be here when they come, and there’s only one way out of this room.”

I get a firm grip on my power, making sure the tether around the Raven’s waist is secure before tugging on it, yanking the male from Azriel’s grip. I’m ashamed to admit that it’s a tremendous effort to fling him against the wall and hold him there. My head pounds under the strain. Goddess am I out of practice! First thing tomorrow, after the Senate meeting, Mother willing we all survive it, I’m getting back into the training field.

The Raven thrashes under my grip like he knows I’m the weak link here.

Azriel’s shadows drift around him like snakes writhing in agitation as he studies my grip. 

“My Father has alchemists and mages at his disposal, they will be able to ascertain the time from when I killed him and when the guards took the body away. If there are any gaps, if it looks at all like I waited to call the guards, they will find it.” 

He looks torn, bandaged wings sagging behind him. I know they don’t like the idea, there are things that could go wrong, but none of this will work if we don’t start trusting each other to handle our respective duties. Truth be told, I’d rather they be here. I’d rather they know what I’m capable of, but I won’t risk them just for a chance to show off.

“Go, I’ll be alright. We can talk about everything later.”

Rhys nods solemnly. 

Azriel’s jaw ticks as he clenches his teeth. 

“Believe it or not, I have survived my Father without any interference from you before,” I point out. “I’m not some damsel in distress.”

“Didn’t say you were,” he growls out.

“Then have some faith in me.”

Holding the Raven up this long is really starting to hurt, my muscles cramping from keeping my hand outstretched so long. They need to leave and they need to leave now!

Azriel finally steps close enough to press the Raven’s dagger into my palm, scarred hands wrapping around mine to make sure my grip on it is secure. The move is more intimate than it should be, my heart rate picking up.

“A shadow will stay with you.” The ether rubs against my wrist as it continues to study my grip on my power. 

“I’ll be fine,” I promise. 

They’re gone quickly, maybe because they know if they linger they will talk themselves out of leaving. 

I turn to face the Raven. It’s dagger is cold and heavy in my off hand, but it helps to remind me what my fate could have been tonight. I step closer, hand still splayed out in front of me so my power slams him back hard enough for the plaster to crack. Good, it looks like I’d been in bed and tossed him this direction. 

I glance down at the shadowy pet that Azriel left behind. “I don’t suppose you could go ruffle my sheets so it looks like I was sleeping?”

The shadow, much to my delight, moves in a way that looks like a nod before it flies over to my bed and starts yanking the pillows off the top covers. It even goes into the bathroom to start knocking out the candles so there’s no evidence that I wasn’t sleeping during this attack. I’m starting to get attached to the little guy. 

I turn my attention back to the Raven, who’s beady eyes narrow in challenge. I can do this. If I don’t, who knows what will happen to my mates.

I break my power into sections, one holding the male in place, a second sharpening it into a giant spike. My hand starts to shake under the strain and I grit my teeth. I can hold it. I can do this. I am not the weak little girl my Father thinks I am. I will not let him win.

The last candle winks out in the bathroom as I pull the spike back and ram it forward so hard the house shutters. And then I start screaming for the guards.

----

Hours later, there’s nothing left of the Raven but my cracked wall and a splatter of blood a couple of the staff are still trying to clean. I’m so exhausted I would have left it for the morning, but Anise had heard the commotion and taken charge of the situation before I could even get a word in. 

She still hovers. At some point she’d thrown a blanket over my shoulders like she expected me to start shaking over the ordeal. Honestly, after everything these last couple of days, this feels like it’s pretty low on the list of traumatic experiences. 

Maybe I will feel the weight of it in the morning. Right now, I just feel exhausted. 

“You should stay in another room tonight.” I’m pretty sure she hasn’t stopped speaking since she came running in to check on me, but I honestly didn’t hear half of it. “Guards should be posted.”

“No.”

She stops pacing long enough to look at me like she thinks I’ve grown a second head. “Don’t you no me! You were attacked-”

“By a Raven,” I retort.

She knows the history of them as well as I do, and there have only been a handful of other times in my life that I’ve seen her be shocked into silence as she is now.

“There will be no more attacks tonight.” There are few things I know for certain about my Father, but I know for a fact he never strikes the same way twice. Tonight was a test. The next will be worse.

Anise reaches out for my hands. “Is this because of those males-”

“Not tonight, Anise.” I don’t have the energy to fight her tonight. I just want to get some sleep. “Ladies, please return to your rooms. The rest of the cleanup can be dealt with in the morning.”

The staff sends me sympathetic looks as they pack up their things, but Anise doesn’t budge.

“You are scaring me, child,” she whispers.

Her disapproval is sharp as a knife, but I can’t cave now. “I am fine, Anise.”

“That’s what your mother used to say!” She hisses.

I flinch despite myself. Azriel’s shadow is back to its perch at my ear and it hisses softly beneath my hair. 

“This will blow over,” I insist, even though I know it's a lie. Tomorrow I will have to consider putting her on that boat I was looking at and getting her out of here before Father realizes she can be used against me. But it is a problem for tomorrow. There is nothing else left in me tonight.

“If you so insist on playing games with your life, fine! But don’t say I didn’t warn you that this is a mistake!” She shouts as she storms out.

It couldn’t have been easy for her, caring for me after we lost my Mother. I actively refused her help then too. But this is different. I am different. Eventually I will find a way to show her.

My bed looks as inviting as a prison cell. I’d sooner sleep on the floor than try to sleep here tonight, despite my exhaustion. My body moves on its own accord, following an instinct that feels like it grows more and more every day. Before I realize what I’m doing, I find myself standing in the kitchen cellar, hand on the lock of the secret door.

Azriel’s shadow hisses approvingly. 

I have thought about enough today; jumped through enough hoops. My brain feels heavy in my skull. I will weigh the consequences of this tomorrow, as with everything else. I turn the lock and slip through the tunnel without bringing a light. 

I wouldn’t have needed one anyway. Azriel left the door on his end open, soft light spilling down the tunnel. He sits on top of the altar, sharpening what looked like a knife he’d swiped from the kitchen. 

Rhys paces behind him until I’m close enough for them to hear me coming, by the time I reach the doorway, they’re on me. A new shadow roves over my skin, searching for injuries. One of their hands brushes my hair out of my face, checking for injuries. The other asks if I’m ok and all I can do is yawn. 

Sleep pulls at the edges of my vision. My body suddenly very heavy. “Can I sleep here tonight? I don’t want to be alone.” The words come out without conscious thought. They could leave me on the floor and I’d take it, as long as I don’t have to keep fighting to keep my eyes open. 

Everything shifts and spins as Rhys easily, and quickly, sweeps me up into his arms, holding me tight against his chest. He’s warm and the jasmine and citrus scent of him is soothing. My head falls onto his shoulder like it's the most natural thing in the world.

Azriel shuts the trap door behind us as he follows us into the adjoining room. There are enough rooms in the Guest Wing for them to sleep separately, but someone managed to shove three beds into one. Not sure if that was the guard’s or them. 

I have enough presence of mind to note that Cassian is awake in his bed, bandaged thigh propped up on some pillows before Rhys sets me down in the center of what I can only assume is his bed, because the sheets smell faintly of him. 

“Rest-” he moves like he might leave me and it’s the first real rush of panic I feel all night as I grab for his hand before he can pull away.

“Please stay.” The bed isn’t big by any means but it feels like I’m swimming in nothing but open water, with nothing to shield me from whatever dangers might come if I fall asleep now. It’s all coming in in a rush and if I have to lay here and think about it, it’ll consume me.

His features soften as he gives my hand a squeeze and slides in under the covers next to me. I don’t have to try and find Azriel, because he squeezes in behind me. He can’t be comfortable, this bed is barely big enough for two, and his wings are still healing. Yet he gives no complaint, just tentatively slides his arm around my waist.

“Is this ok?” His breath is warm against my neck, the caress not unlike the ones his shadows have been giving me. 

Exhaustion threatens to pull me under as the panic begins to ebb. This is much better. 

“You’re safe,” Rhys whispers.

I intertwine my fingers with the ones Azriel has resting over my stomach. There are so many things I want to say, so many things we still need to talk about. I have questions and concerns and tomorrow is a promise of threats we need to be prepared to deal with. But it can wait until morning.

“Thank you,” I murmur to both of them, voice thick as sleep begins to overtake me.

Azriel places a very gentle kiss on the back of my head. 

It takes moments for me to start drifting, even if I wasn’t exhausted, their combined presence is enough to make the bond and my body relax more than I ever have. Just as I start to go under, in a very hesitant voice, I hear Cassian ask, “Is she ok?”

The bond between us, broken as it is, swells just a little. Just enough to make me hope the others were right and he might eventually come around, but that too, will be something to deal with tomorrow.

------------------

Author's Note: Sorry for the slight delay, I've been a little under the weather! Hoping to be back on schedule now. :) As always, let me know if you want to be added to the tag list!

Tag List: @sirenpearldust, @saltedcoffeescotch, @littlemissfix-itfic, @waka-babe, @raisam,

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@marrass, @lia-h-r, @celestialzdiviner, @daughterofthemoons-stuff, @tenshis-cake,

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@of-outerspace, @erencvlt, @corvusmorte, @lindsayjoy444, @raccoonworld,

//

@byteme05 , @art1012 , @the-tummo , @kiwi-mothball, @onthewaytotimbuktu

[mejaemin]

˖⁺‧₊˚♡˚₊‧⁺˖♡︎˖⁺‧₊˚♡˚₊‧⁺˖ ˖⁺‧₊˚♡˚₊‧˖⁺‧₊˚♡˚₊‧⁺˖♡︎˖⁺‧₊˚♡˚₊‧⁺˖ ˖₊˚♡˚

valentine boy

˚ʚ jeong jaehyun ɞ˚

final day of my valentine’s day countdown!

wc ♡ 1.9k

summary ♡ it may be jaehyun’s birthday, but he still likes to celebrate you, and does so in the form of four love letters.

warnings ♡ suggestive, fluff, SO MUCH LOVE IT’S DISGUSTING, jae is SUCH a sap and SUCH a romantic in this, my heart hurts

lia's note ♡ happy birthday to my love, my light. i miss jaehyun so much, and he’s really so special to me. i couldn’t help but pour my heart into this, and i wouldn’t have it any other way

playlist 🎧 completely - jaehyun, best part - daniel caesar ft. h.e.r. , give you the world - steve lacy, sunny days - wave to earth

congrats to those who guessed jaehyun for day nine! @cigsaftersuh and @jae10velies are two very smart cookies 🌹🫶🏽

˖⁺‧₊˚♡˚₊‧⁺˖♡︎˖⁺‧₊˚♡˚₊‧⁺˖ ˖⁺‧₊˚♡˚₊‧˖⁺‧₊˚♡˚₊‧⁺˖♡︎˖⁺‧₊˚♡˚₊‧⁺˖ ˖₊˚♡˚

when you roll over in bed, first thing in the morning, you reach your hand out for your boyfriend, only to be met with nothing. popping one eye open, the bed is empty, the bed made on his side. sighing, you sit up, waking yourself up to go find him, when you finally notice the envelope laying on his pillow.

letter one ♡˚₊‧⁺˖

‘good morning my sweet thing ♡ happy valentine’s day.. if i’m not back by the time you wake up and open this, i went to visit my parents for a little. we’ve got a long day ahead of us, but mom wanted to see me for a little since, her words, “your birthday comes first, yuno! come visit your mom before you spend the day with your girlfriend.” i would’ve brought you, but you looked so pretty and peaceful while sleeping, and it would’ve ruined my plan, so i left you home. on that note, i know you told me not to do anything for you today, but i can’t help it :( spoiling you is my favorite, and it’s how i want to spend mine our day, okay? now, once you’re ready to get up, there’s something waiting for you in the bathroom…’

the ending of the letter is quite ominous, but it leaves a smile on your face nonetheless. you tell him every year to let you do all the gift giving, fully ready to discard valentine’s day and put his day first, especially when the former was made as a way for companies to gain money. still, he insists on celebrating you at the same time.

getting up out of bed, you make your way to the bathroom to get ready. as soon as you walk in, there’s another envelope taped to the sink mirror. pulling it out of the way, you set it aside to get yourself ready. the whole time you’re washing your face, brushing your teeth, you have to stop yourself from smiling at the idea of what’s to come later on in the day. jaehyun’s always been a loverboy, to an almost poetic extent, and upon looking at the letter sitting next to you, you’re sure there’s more to come, and you can’t wait to read all the loving words he’ll say to you. once done, you take the letter and sit back down on the bed to read it.

letter two ♡˚₊‧⁺˖

‘now that you’re opening this letter, i’ll assume you’ve woken up then? good, because i’ll be back in the afternoon to start our day. i wish i could be there to get ready with you, watch you open your first gift, but since i can’t, why don’t you check the closet? i’ve picked something out for you that i know will look perfect on you. i can’t wait to see it on you, and confirm my prediction. i can envision it now, you’d look so beautiful in that dress, it’ll compliment you perfectly.. okay, i have to stop now, or i’ll have a problem. anyway, enjoy your outfit my love ♡‘

with a smile you go over to your shared closed excitedly, pulling the door open and flicking the light on to reveal a beautiful dress in your favorite color right at the front of your clothing rack. pulling it off the hanger you immediately get dressed in it, stepping back to look at it on in the mirror. it’s fits perfectly, complimenting your body shape in all the best ways. when you look back in the closet for shoes to pair with it, there’s another envelope on the floor that you must’ve missed.

letter three ♡˚₊‧⁺˖

‘you’re getting dressed now, aren’t you? i hope you like the outfit. if not, don’t worry, we can get something else when we go out, okay? don’t stress. now, i’ll be wrapping up with mom pretty soon, so why don’t you finish your routine, okay? do yourself up however you like, in whatever way makes you feel prettiest. i’ll love it regardless. when you’re done, there’s something out in the kitchen, okay? i love you so much, baby. enjoy.’

with a soft giggle, you sit down at your vanity and start putting yourself together. even in the letter, jaehyun always reminds you of how much he loves you, in every form that you can take. he always uses the gentlest and most loving language he can, holding your heart with the most care. his love is so strong that when you fix your hair and do your makeup, you don’t feel a need to try too hard, doing the bare minimum, and thanks to him, you feel good about yourself just like that.

with the final touches of your appearance done, you grab your phone off the charger and check it for the first time today before you do anything. without fail, jaehyun’s texted you a string of good morning messages and words of love. you of course send some in return, thanking him for the letters and lightly teasing him for being a sap. you share a laugh before you shut the device off, making your way to the kitchen where your jaw drops.

there’s an entire display on the kitchen counter, rose petals scattered over the granite with a full bouquet in the middle, a bundle of prada gift bags sitting next to it. there’s a teddy bear as well, and one final letter with a card propped open next to it, reading ‘will you be my valentine?’ with the most perfect penmanship. you snap a photo, sending it to him with your reply, an obvious yes, before opening the last letter.

letter four ♡˚₊‧⁺˖

‘again, happy valentine’s day my love! i hope you enjoy all the gifts i put out for you. i know what you’re thinking, by the way. you’re mad that i’m spending money on you when it’s my birthday, aren’t you? if i were to tell you i’m sorry, i’d be lying, and that’s just not something i can ever see myself doing to you. more than anything, today is a day of love, and i’d rather celebrate us than make it all about me. my birthday wish is to keep you by my side and love you forever, every inch of you, and it just so happens that the day of love is at the same time. now, may i tell you why i love you so deeply?

we’ve known each other forever, and i’ve seen you grow into a beautiful, beautiful woman, with a wonderful personality that can warm an entire room. your laugh is more beautiful than any song i’ll hear in my life, and your smile is so bright, blinding in a way that makes me never want to look away. i’d let my eyes burn to nothing if it means i can continue to see it. i love the way you carry yourself as well, so thoughtful and considerate to everyone around you. you have so much love and kindness in your heart, and i’m so lucky to be a recipient of it. i’ve learnt so much from you as well, and i’m so grateful for the person you’ve helped shape me into. you’re truly everything i’ve ever wanted and more. i’ll cherish every piece of you that you give me with my whole being, and i promise to never let it go. my love for you is unconditional, and i’ll trace every ridge, scar, or imperfection in your body with nothing but adoration because it’s all perfect in my eyes.

i’ll save the rest of my sentiments for when i can say it out loud, okay? save you some reading. for now, remember that i love you with everything i have. happy valentine’s day, my love, my sweet, my peach.

-your forever only, jaehyun ♡’

his words are so beautiful, and you have to get a paper towel to hold to the corners of your eyes to stop the tears from messing up your makeup. he’s always so shy about things like this, getting flushed in the cheeks and ears at even the most simple words of affirmation. you know he’s a romantic at heart, but it still blows your mind every time you see him take a pen to help convey how he feels. he always lets his true feelings out when he has pen and paper, and it makes you cry without fail every single time. he really knows how to touch your heart, his words so sweet and loving.

you’re busy unboxing everything, a pair of sunglasses and a new bag in your hands, still letting his love letter sink in. you’re so stuck in your own world that you don’t even notice that jaehyun returned until his arms wrap around your stomach, his chest pressing into your back. his lips press against your temple, then your nape, and your eyes flutter shut as your body leans into his.

“happy valentine’s day.” he speaks softly, spinning you around in your barstool so you’re facing him.

your arms reach around his neck, pulling him closer so you can leave a sweet kiss on his lips. “thank you, baby.” you give him another one, “and happy birthday to you.”

he thanks you, pulling you flush to his body. you stay there, encased in his strong arms for what could be forever, you don’t know nor do you care, because it’s warm, safe, and comfortable. his head rests on top of yours, one hand gliding up and down the side of your body, the other on the back of your head. he’ll kiss your crown a few times, soaking in your scent, before pulling away.

your hands are intertwined, resting in your lap. “now that we’ve celebrated us, can it be your turn now?” you smile up at him, and his face is full of love.

his cheeks turn rosy, and he nods. you’re immediately up and out of your seat, shuffling your way into your bedroom where you pull out a birthday themed gift bag and box, followed by a valentine’s day basket. he opens them, overjoyed to see a photo album with a collective of polaroids from the past year, along with a new vinyl for his collection. the basket has a bunch of candies and small trinkets, along with a stuffed animal of the animal you’ve always said represents you. his smile reaches his ears as he looks through all his gifts, and a billion kisses are left all over your face as a thank you.

even more happiness fills his eyes when you take his cake out of the fridge, lighting the silly cartoon candles and singing to him. when you finish, he’s very thoughtful as he blows the candles out. you share it together, small enough to have in one sitting before putting all your new items away to finally head out for the day. he continues to treat you the entire time you guys are out, buying nearly everything you touch and complimenting you for even the littlest things. he has so much love to give to you, and it’s not even because of the holiday, or his birthday. he conveyed it to you many times throughout his letters, that he’s constantly thankful for you and your presence in his life, regardless of the date or who’s being celebrated more. the love continues to show even when you go back home, wrapping up the day, when there’s yet another display on the bed that wasn’t there before, which he lays you down on and continues to give you all the love he has.

˖⁺‧₊˚♡˚₊‧⁺˖♡︎˖⁺‧₊˚♡˚₊‧⁺˖ ˖⁺‧₊˚♡˚₊‧˖⁺‧₊˚♡˚₊‧⁺˖♡︎˖⁺‧₊˚♡˚₊‧⁺˖ ˖₊˚♡˚

perm taglist: @chenlezip @coquettejunnie

[sugarbbgrl]

biker!141 are big, mean looking men. they’ve done things the average human could never even begin to imagine. they answer to no one but themselves.

but when it came to you, these fearsome men caved almost instantly.

“what’s a pretty girl like you working at a place like this?” the man with dark hair and muttonchops, the name ‘price’ patched into his cut. “you don’t seem like the type to want to interact with sweaty men all night.”

“oh is that right?” you snort, wiping down a few of the freshly cleaned glasses. “and what type of girl do i seem like?”

“you belong in a museum,” the man with a a faux hawk and scottish accent begins, presumably ‘soap’ from his dingy patch. “you’re quite the sight for sore eyes, lass.”

you shake your head with a bright smile, the attention being solely on you at this point isn’t necessarily a bad thing; you’ve got nothing better to do.

“right you are, soap, i could look at you all day." the boyish one, 'gaz', rests his chin in his palm.

"although the flattery is much appreciated, i still have a job to do." you lean over the counter. "what'll it be, boys?"

"you, of course." price winks at you, resting his forearms against the bar. "but i guess i'll have to settle for the next best thing: a pint of your finest."

while pouring their drinks, the one who hides behind a skull balaclava, 'ghost', speaks up. "you never answered the question, love. what's with being a bar maid?"

"well, if you must know," you slide the full glasses toward the men. "i run the place. it pays the bills and i meet interesting characters to fill my time."

"love me a working woman. when we getting married?" soap asks after skulling his drink. you smile and shake your head, taking the empty glass from him.

"need a ring first, hon."

the weeks following the first interaction, they'd made it apparent they were making this their new hangout. they'd bring you all sorts of gifts: namely homemade meals from gaz, a new cut from price with the word 'birdie' patched on, a golden necklace with a small motorcycle pendant from soap, and an assortment of flowers from ghost.

"i know it's not a ring, but you seem more like a necklace girl if i do say so myself." soap pointed to his gift hanging from your neck as you put ghost's flowers in a vase.

"very observant, soap. gold star for you." you pour them their usuals, sliding their glasses to them.

"didn't know what flowers were your favorite so just got the ones that reminded me of your beauty." ghost grunts, a small smile seen under the mask.

"yeah, and i didn't know what you like to eat, made some simple spaghetti because who doesn't like spaghetti?" gaz eyed the tupperware container you set in the mini fridge behind you.

"you four are too much, y'know that?" you snickered and shook your head, shrugging on the leather cut.

"ay, but who wouldn't want the spoils, birdie?" price winked at you, admiring his gift fitted on you.

the most important thing was you felt safe around them. they'd take time out of their visit to escort a rowdy patron, taking their place as your own personal bodyguards. they made sure no one messed with their old lady, most would be too scared to try just by the sight of the four big men surrounding you.

idk how much i like this but i haven't written in a while and had this drafted for a bit. enjoy babes!

[littlefireball]

Hi I'd like to request something for the 500 follower event. Is it possible to do a dilf yunho × reader where reader has to babysit his kid. Reader is a broke college student that is desperate for any job that pays. She happens to see a listing for a babysitter even though she doesn't have experience. She takes the job any way. I'm bad with details but I would like smut in it. I would also like some tension between reader and dad yunho even though they don't vocalize their feelings. But he definitely finds her attractive when they first meet. That's all! Thank you

ʏʜ|[ᴍ]|ᴄʀᴏꜱꜱɪɴɢ ʟɪɴᴇ

ᴅɪʟꜰ ʏᴜɴʜᴏ x ʙᴀʙʏꜱɪᴛᴛᴇʀ ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ

ᴡᴀʀɴɪɴɢ: ꜱᴍᴜᴛ|ʏᴜɴʜᴏ ᴀɴᴅ ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ ʜᴀᴠᴇ ᴀɴ ᴀɢᴇ ɢᴀᴘ (ʏᴜɴʜᴏ: ᴇᴀʀʟʏ 30ꜱ, ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ: ᴇᴀʀʟʏ 20ꜱ)|ᴜɴᴘʀᴏᴛᴇᴄᴛᴇᴅ ꜱᴇx|ᴍᴀᴋᴇ ᴏᴜᴛ|ᴅɪʀᴛʏ ᴛᴀʟᴋ|ᴡᴀʟʟ ꜱᴇx (ɪ'ᴍ ᴛᴏᴏ ʟᴀᴢʏ ᴛᴏ ʟɪꜱᴛ ᴛʜᴇᴍ ᴀʟʟ)

ᴡᴏʀᴅ ᴄᴏᴜɴᴛ: 4.2ᴋ

(a/n: sorry for being late)

"A babysitter, huh?" Y/N pondered as you scanned the job advertisement. As a cash-strapped college student, any paycheck was a lifeline, so you decided to go for it, despite your lack of experience.

You never thought that you would be hired. The employer is a thirty-something single dad with a daughter who is more than four years old. You made your way to the address provided in the message and found yourself standing at his doorstep.

The sound of the door bell echoed as you fidgeted nervously, waiting for an answer. The thrill of being hired still lingered, though a shadow of uncertainty loomed over you—why had he chosen you? Suddenly, the door swung open, and there stood a tall, muscular man, his sharp jawline highlighted a serious, almost intimidating expression.

"You must be the babysitter, Y/N right?" He said, sizing you up with a critical glance.. 

"Yes, I am," you replied, trying to sound confident despite the butterflies in your stomach. He ushered you inside, and you followed him into a sprawling penthouse apartment. The high ceilings and pristine white walls were a stark contrast to your cozy one-bedroom.

"My daughter is asleep in her room," Yunho said with his low voice, leading you to the child's room. "I need you to watch her while I'm away for the night." 

"Alright." You nodded, still nervous. "Any special instructions?" 

"Just make sure she stays in bed," He said, gesturing towards the little girl in the room. "Her name is Aurora." 

"Aurora…what a pretty name." You moved closer to her bed, admiring her soft, peaceful features. She looked like an angel, her small hand clutching a plush toy close to her chest. 

Yunho followed close behind, the click of his footsteps muffled by the thick carpeted floor. He stood by the bedroom door, his gaze never leaving you, as if assessing your every move. The intense scrutiny made you want to squirm, but you maintain your composure, focusing all your attention on the tiny girl. 

"Anything else?" You inquired. 

"No," Yunho said curtly, his eyes still drilling into you. "Just put her to sleep and make sure she doesn't get out of bed. I shouldn't be gone for more than a few hours." You nodded silently.

"I'll be in my office if you need me," He nodded, turning to leave but pausing briefly at the door to look back at you with those intense eyes. "And Y/N?"

You looked up at him, startled. "Yes?" 

He hesitated for a moment, a flicker of something almost like concern passing over his features, before he nodded in dismissal. "Nothing, just…take good care of my daughter." 

You nodded with a smile and he went back to his room. He watched you from the hallway outside Aurora's room, his expression stoic and almost unreadable. He observed intently as you softly caressed Aurora's cheeks and gently brushed her hair. He noted how delicately you handled his precious daughter, how your touch seemed so natural and soothing. 

Yunho's gaze moved to a collection of framed photos that stood on a nearby table. They were photos of him and his late wife, a beautiful woman with a warm smile that radiated affection. 

As he looked at the photos, he couldn't help but draw comparisons between you and her. The way you tilted your head, the way you smiled, the way you talked to Aurora – it all reminded him of her. It was uncanny. 

He was taken aback when he stumbled upon your application. You resembled her in her youth, just as he remembered from their first encounter. The urge to bring you on board was irresistible, even in the absence of experience. A thought flickered in his mind—perhaps, just perhaps, fate had conspired to reunite him with her once more.

But a sense of melancholia washed over him at the same time. This wasn't right. You were just a babysitter. He had no right to feel this way, to see you as a replacement for his lost love. 

He took a deep breath, trying to shake off these confusing feelings. 

—---

This job isn't as challenging as you imagined, perhaps due to the presence of a little angel. Aurora, unlike her father, is perpetually cheerful, her smile lighting up the room as she eagerly shares her delightful school adventures. Who could resist such an adorable girl? Aurora thrived on your attention, often taking your hand to invite you into her world of toys or to share her favorite stories. Each time you interacted with her, her bright smile seemed to shine even more brilliantly.

The stark difference between her and her father creates an unspoken rule: you always steal a glance at him. Curiosity gnaws at you, wondering if he might crack a smile. His expression is perpetually serious, leaving you anxious about whether you've upset him. Yet, as time passes, you realize that his demeanor is simply a reflection of his serious nature. Initially, it feels a bit unsettling, but you gradually acclimate to it. Your eyes are drawn to him, almost as if an invisible force compels you to look, turning it into a familiar habit.

As you cared for his daughter, you found yourself stealing glances at Yunho. Your eyes would linger on him, taking in his tall, muscular frame and his strong, chiseled features.

Despite your best efforts to resist, you couldn't help the growing attraction you felt towards him. His commanding presence, the intense look in his eyes, and his deep, melodic voice all stirred something within you. It was a confusing mix of curiosity and desire, and you weren't sure how to handle it.

Every time Yunho looked at you with his sharp gaze, your heart would skip a beat. You couldn't shake off the feeling that he was assessing you, trying to decipher your thoughts. There was something about the way he looked at you, a combination of intensity and curiosity, that left you slightly unnerved but also intrigued.

You tried to ignore the butterflies in your stomach, but they seemed to intensify every time he was near. You found yourself wondering what it would be like to be closer to him, to have his full attention focused solely on you.

Your feelings were complicated, conflicted. On one hand, you knew it was inappropriate to feel this way towards the man who had hired you merely to watch over his daughter. But on the other hand, you couldn't deny the attraction you felt, the way your body responded to him in a maddening way.

You both remained quiet, exchanging only fleeting looks filled with unspoken words. Yet, Aurora caught the slight exchange of glances between you and her father. Her bright eyes sparkled with mischief as she made up her mind to playfully poke fun at you.

"Y/N?" she said, her voice filled with a mischievous tone, "You like Papa, right?" You were taken aback by her sudden question, your cheeks flushing slightly. You tried to brush it off, but Aurora was determined to get a reaction out of you.

"C'mon, you can tell me," she said with a cheeky grin. "My Papa is handsome and it is normal you like him." 

"I'm not..!When did you learn this?huh?" You tried to steer the conversation away, but she wouldn't let up. She seemed to delight in the idea of a romance between you and her father, even if it was just a harmless tease. 

"Don't lie~~ I know that~" 

"Ah!You spoiled kid." you pretended to be angry but you couldn't hold back the smile. "Stop it. You're just imagining things." 

"No~~"

"YES!" You pulled her onto your laps and held her firmly. "Don't say it in front of your father." 

"Why not??"

Your Papa is just really tired, okay? So let him be. You stammered, trying to come up with a reason for her to back off. "And look, it's already 9 PM. Time for you to hit the hay."

"Ah no~ You still haven't answered me~" She whined, clearly not satisfied.

"Absolutely not. Your dad is on his way home. Do you really want him to catch you awake and give you a lecture?"

"No way!! Papa is scary." She quickly broke free from your hold and dashed back to her bed. "Y/N, please don't tell Papa I'm still awake."

You shook your head, a soft sigh escaping your lips as a light chuckle followed. Stepping into her room, you carefully tucked her in and turned off the light. "Sleep well, sweetheart." you whispered, gently closing the door behind you, finally exhaling the breath you hadn't noticed you were holding.

As you turned around, your heart skipped a beat as you saw Yunho coming back from work, loosening his tie and shirt. "She's sleeping?" 

"Ye…yes." A hesitant smile crept across your face as you nodded, your eyes glued to him, unable to look away. His delicate fingers danced down the line of buttons, unfastening them slowly, deliberately. With a flick of his wrist, he pushed the tie aside, tilting his head slightly as he stretched. You felt a lump in your throat, your heart pounding wildly as the fabric of his shirt slipped to reveal his collarbone.

The room felt unbearably silent as you stood there, caught in Yunho's gaze. It seemed as if time had stopped, with only the sound of your own beating heart filling the air.

Yunho's expression was unreadable. He didn't smile or sneer, just held your gaze with a steady intensity that made your heart flutter.

Finally, he broke the silence, his voice deep and melodic. "Enjoying the view?"

Your cheeks flushed even deeper at his comment. He caught you red-handed, and now he was teasing you about it. You tried to come up with a witty reply, but your mind was blank, consumed by the mixture of embarrassment and attraction you felt.

"I...I wasn't-" you stuttered, trying to compose yourself. "I was just-"

Yunho raised an eyebrow, his expression amused, as if he was enjoying your flustered state. "Just what? Admiring the wallpaper?"

"I... I was just lost in thought," you finally managed to say, your voice slightly shaky.

Yunho leaned against the doorframe, his intense gaze still fixed on you. "You seem to get lost in thought a lot," he remarked, a hint of a smirk playing on his lips.

You felt your heart flutter at his response. It was as if he was aware of the effect he had on you, and he was enjoying every moment of it.

You tried to regain your composure, straightening your shoulders and clearing your throat. "I... I should probably check on Aurora," you said, desperate to escape the intensity of his gaze.

Yunho chuckled softly, a low, melodic sound that sent chills down your spine. "She's already asleep. Doesn't she?"

"I…I guess…?But it…it's better for me to check…"

"Hm?No worries…she's a deep sleeper. You should know that…" Yunho mused, stepping closer to you. He took a look at your face…you really looked like his lost love…but you were different. 

You lack her level of maturity; instead, you possess a certain innocence that stems from your limited experiences in life. You constantly attempt to conceal the yearnings that simmer within you, yet the harder you try to suppress them, the more they reveal themselves. A mere accidental brush of hands sends a flush to your cheeks. The way your body quivers slightly and your face warms ignites a deep desire within him once more.

His emotions for you might be intertwined with memories of a past love, yet what truly matters is the newness you introduce into his life. Each time he reflects on how tenderly you cared for Aurora, a wave of warmth washes over his heart. He yearns to hold onto that feeling indefinitely.

Yunho raised a hand, his fingers brushing lightly against your cheek. The touch was gentle, almost reverent, but it sent shivers down your spine. His thumb traced the outline of your lips, the touch electric and intimate. "Now there's no one here…how convenient.."

You looked at him, realization dawning. Without Aurora around, it meant that you would be spending the entire night with him. Your heartrate quickened at the thought, a strange, flustered sensation settling in your chest.

He leaned closer, his face just a few inches from yours. You could feel the warmth of his breath on your skin, the scent of his cologne enveloping you in a heady cloud. His eyes searched yours, as if looking for something, some hint of hesitation or resistance. But he found none.

"That gives me all sorts of ideas," he said, his voice low and smooth. "Ideas that involve spending the night together…doing something other than work." He lifted his other hand, gently caressing your cheek with his knuckles. "And I think we both know what that's something is…" He murmured, his eyes locked onto yours, a hint of desire in his gaze. 

His mouth hovered over yours, the space between you almost non-existent. You could feel his body pressing against you, the heat from his skin seeping through your clothes. It was all too much, the intensity, the proximity, the overwhelming connection between you.

"But," he continued, his thumb tracing the contour of your lips. "I don't want to make any assumptions. I want to hear it from you…tell me dear, what do you want to do with your free night today? With me?"

The question hung in the air, heavy with unspoken implications. You met his gaze, your mind racing with a million different thoughts and feelings. But there was something undeniable growing between you, a force almost too powerful to ignore.

You wet your lips nervously, your eyes flickering from his gaze to his mouth and back again. Your heart thrummed in your chest, your body trembling slightly with the intensity of the moment.

"I...I want you," you whispered, your voice trembling with desire. "All of you."

"More specifically…how do you want me to claim you? Where do you want me to claim you?" 

"I…guess…the…the bed…?"

"Ah, the bed." His eyes darkened with lust at your unexpected response. "I like the way you think…" But then, he took a step back, a coy grin on his face. "But why stop at the bed? I've got the whole house…and all night." 

"I…I…" You stammered, unable to form a sentence as your brain blank. He chuckled at your blush, finding it amusing. "What do you say we make the most of your free time…and have some fun together?" His hands were still firmly on your hips, squeezing them from time to time. "After all, the possibilities are…endless," 

He nipped at your earlobe, sending a shudder through your body. "And I'm eager to explore all of them with you," 

"Yunho…I want you…" 

Yunho's eyes darkened at your words, a low growl escaping from his throat. He pushed you back against the wall, his body pressed flush against yours, almost trapping you in place.

"Are you sure?" he asked, his voice low and rough with desire. "Once we cross this line, there's no going back."

You met his gaze, your heart hammering in your chest. You knew what he was implying, what he was asking. And despite the risk, the danger, you wanted it. You wanted him.

Your hands found their way to his chest once more, your grip tight and desperate.

"I'm sure," you whispered, your voice trembling with a mixture of fear and anticipation. "Please, Yunho. I need you."

Once you finished your words, his lips collided with yours in a passionate, commanding kiss, ignited by the fervor of your words and the rising heat that enveloped you both.

"Fuck..the things I'm going to do to you.

As the kiss deepened, his hands moved lower, trailing down your sides and resting on your hips. With a firm grip, he lifted you effortlessly, pressing you back against the wall. "Hold onto me," The sudden change in positioning made you gasp into the kiss, your legs instinctively wrapping around his waist."And don't let go," he adds, his eyes locking onto yours. "I'm about to take you on a ride you won't forget.

He took advantage of your momentary distraction, his mouth moving from yours to your neck, nipping and biting at the sensitive flesh. You moaned softly, feeling his teeth graze the column of your neck, sending a shiver down your spine. He moved lower, his lips tracing a path of kisses along your collarbone, his hands roaming across your back, exploring every inch of you.

You felt your body respond to his touch, your heart racing and your breath coming in ragged gasps. He seemed to sense your need, his touch growing rougher, more possessive.

Yunho's hands moved to the hem of your shirt, his fingers teasing the soft skin of your stomach as he pulled it up and over your head.

He took a moment to admire the sight of you, your chest heaving as you struggled to regain control of your breath. His eyes roved over your half-naked body, drinking you in with a look of unbridled desire.

"So beautiful…" he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. He couldn't seem to look away, his gaze burning with need.

Yunho's gaze never left yours as he hooked a finger through the elastic of your panties, pulling them down with one swift motion. 

His eyes raked over your nearly naked body, taking in every curve and contour. He let out a low, guttural sound of appreciation, his hands moving to your hips, his grip tight as they traced small circles on your skin.

"Perfect..." he whispered, his voice hoarse with desire. "Just absolutely perfect."

Yunho pressed himself against you, his body flush against yours, his breathing ragged and thick with desire. His lips found yours, his kiss rough and possessive, claiming you as his own. He positioned himself between your legs after pulling out his cock, his hardness against your thigh, teasing and tantalizing. 

"Are you ready for this, dear?" He whispered against your ear, his words rough with need. "For me?"

You nodded, unable to form words, only able to feel the heat and desire coursing through you. Yunho noticed your silence and pulled back slightly, his eyes searching your face. 

"Use your words, dear. I want to hear you say it. Tell me what you want." 

Your cheeks grew red, but you forced yourself to speak. "I...I want you, Yunho. I want this."

The moment the words left your mouth, Yunho smirked, his eyes darkening with an intense hunger. "That's what I wanted to hear."

His hands found your hips once more, shifting your position slightly to fit himself between your legs even more snugly. You could feel the heat and friction between you, the anticipation building with each passing moment. 

With a swift motion, he pressed himself against you, his hardness pressing at your entrance, a subtle warning of what was to come. His eyes met yours, the intensity in his gaze making your heart race. 

"Let me in, dear." He murmured, the words barely more than a guttural growl. He leaned forward, pressing his forehead against yours, his breath mingling with your own. "Let me make you mine." 

You nodded, your voice caught in your throat, unable to speak through the intensity of the moment. Yunho took your wordless response as the answer he was looking for, and with a swift, smooth motion, he surged forwards.

The heat and friction was almost overwhelming, and you gasped, your body arching involuntarily as he filled you, as if fitting exactly where he was supposed to go. He paused for a moment, letting you adjust to his size, then began to move, slowly and deliberately, pulling you close to him with the grip he had on your hips.

He groaned, feeling your tight heat clench around him, your body responding to his, as if made for him, and only him. His lips found your neck again, biting and kissing the sensitive flesh. 

"You're so good for me, so good," he murmured against your skin. "So tight, so perfect." He punctuated each word with a deeper thrust, driving himself further into you. 

"All mine." He growled the words, the sound deep and territorial, marking you as his for all to know. You were his, and he was yours. And in that moment, nothing else mattered but the feel of his body, the way he made you feel. It was pure, unbridled ecstasy. You belonged to him, and he belonged to you. And there was no turning back. You were his, and he would be yours. Always. Forever. Until the end of time.

Yunho was quick with his movements, his body a symphony of action. He was a flurry of motion, his hips rolling into yours with a practiced and fluid motion. He set a punishing rhythm, his pace demanding and relentless. His hands gripped you tightly, your body moved and molded to his desires, his wants. 

"You're mine, darling," He quickened his pace, his movements becoming more urgent. "Mine to claim, mine to possess. Say it. Say it for me." 

"I'm yours…oh gosh…I am…fuck…"

You writhe and squirm under his touch, your body responding to his every move. Your body felt like it was on fire, every nerve ending in your body alight with an intensity of sensation you had never experienced before.

He picked up the pace, his hips moving faster, his breath coming in ragged gasps. He leaned down, capturing your lips in another kiss, his tongue delving into your mouth, tasting you, claiming you. He moved his mouth to your neck, kissing and biting, leaving behind marks to show that you were his.

He changed the angle of his hips, seeking a deeper connection, as if trying to make you a part of him, to make you one with him. The way his cock battered your spot and rubbed along your wall made you insane, the urgency of release reaching the peak. 

"Close…close…fuck…yunho"

"I'm here. I've got you." He murmurs, his words as sweet as honey yet his tone holding an edge, as he knew this would overpower you.

"Let go. Give yourself to me."

The heat was growing, overwhelming every sense, as you could feel it taking control. 

His lips brushed your neck, kissing it softly, his breath hot against your skin as he whispered again, "Let go for me. Say my name." he commanded.

You felt so vulnerable yet safe in his arms, you surrendered. Giving him more power and control of this moment. His power over you took over your mind and soul, your own thoughts were lost, replaced with his presence.

Your release was intense, an explosion of pleasure that shook your entire body. 

Yunho's name escaped your lips like a prayer, the words leaving your mouth in a cry of ecstasy. He held you tight, his arms wrapped around you as you rode out the wave of pleasure. He whispered words of comfort and reassurance, his voice soft and tender, as he held you in the aftermath.

"You're incredible," he murmured, his lips brushing your hair. "You're so beautiful. So good for me." He rained kisses on your face, your neck, your shoulder, his touch gentle and possessive all rolled into one. 

"Yu…yunho…"

"Shh…don't be too loud…" He smirked, dropping a kiss on the mark he made. "We're not done yet…" His cock twitched as your wall squeezed hard, his pre-cum soaking your depth and creaming your velvet wall. "I'm still not cumming…" He pushed his length deep until you couldn't take it, your breath catching in your throat, struggling to adjust the overwhelmed pleasure. 

"We still have a long night…" 

—---

Yunho gently shook Aurora awake, running his fingers through her hair. 

"Morning, sweetie," he said softly. 

"Mmm, morning, Papa…" Aurora yawned, rubbing her eyes as she fought to wake up. "Where's y/n? Isn't she supposed to wake me up?" 

"Oh, she's still sleeping because she's really tired. So it's Papa's job to wake you up." 

"Hm... okay... can I see her?" 

"Nope. Let her sleep a bit longer, alright? You can hang out with her after school." 

"Alright..." She pouted a little. "Papa?" 

"Yeah, what's up?" 

"Did we have an earthquake last night?" 

"Huh? No way. Why do you think that?" 

"Hm?? Then why did I feel the wall shaking?" Yunho's eyes widened, momentarily caught off guard. But he quickly composed himself and came up with an excuse. 

"Maybe your bed is just a bit wobbly…?" 

"Maybe? But I also heard y/n yelling. Is she okay?" 

"No, no, no! She's perfectly fine. Just a little tired. There was no earthquake, no one got hurt, and no one yelled." Yunho rushed through his words, clearly a bit anxious. "Let's get ready for school, okay? Sounds good? Haha."

Aurora squinted, sensing that her dad was keeping something from her, but she just couldn't figure out what it was.  

"Papa, you can't pull a fast one on me, alright?"  

"Haha. I'm not lying. When have I ever lied to you?"  Yunho forced a smile, his ears were blushing due to embarrassment. Maybe he should find a more private place next time…no he should do it when Aurora isn't here. Hmm…maybe it's time to bring her to her grandparents for a week. 

He thought. 

tag list: @angelsaway, @yeosangcutie0615, @monsta-x-jagi, @sunnysidesins

[sinofwriting]

Valentine - Max Verstappen (I ❤️ MILFS verse)

Words: 956 Summary: The first time Logan asks Pan to be his valentine. (Part of the I ♥️ MILFS verse) Note(s): Takes place before the original I ❤️ MILFS fic in 2009. Logan is 6, Pan is 16.

Masterlist | Support Me! | I ❤️ MILFS verse

She watches as Logan carefully writes all of his classmates' names on the Valentine's Day cards. Or rather small mailbox style tins. She might have gone a bit overboard for his first Valentine's Day. But he saw them and she couldn’t resist buying them and letting him pick out a whole host of candy and stickers.

“Momma, help?” He holds up an opened bag of candy and she easily plucks it out of his hands.

“This is the last one we are opening.” She warns. “We’ve already got two bags open.”

He nods. “I want to give them candy hearts too!”

She glances down at the bag as she hands it back to him and sighs. She really was going to have to apologize to his teacher in her email. She had already not wanted Logan to give everyone four pieces of candy and now they were getting five. End of the year, she’ll give her a gift card. She seemed to drink a lot of Starbucks if Logan was to be trusted.

She listens to him spell out his classmates names, counting the candy, putting a sticker or two depending on the classmate in the tin as she looks over her calculus homework. She managed to finish it in the parking lot while waiting to get Logan today, but something is itching at her for question number three.

As he starts to close the tins, she realizes what she was missing, a small sigh leaving her, because since they had started this unit, this was the third time she had made this mistake. But at least this time she caught it before handing it in.

“All done?” She asks as she puts her homework in her backpack and seeing Logan try and take a piece of candy, all the tins shut.

“Uh huh!”

“You can have some candy after dinner, which lets get that started okay?” And she easily picks him up and puts him on her hip as she walks to the kitchen.

—

She’s been doing this since August, but she’s still not used to the looks she gets at student pick up waiting to get Logan. Her purse over her shoulder, keys in her hands, as she eagerly waits for the bell to ring. She already knew Logan was going to be excited because it was Friday, but he had also hopefully been given lots of candy which meant he’d be more hopped up than ever. She could only hope that the trip to the park before they went out to dinner would settle his energy a bit.

The bell rings and she breathes a sigh of relief, the doors opening and out comes the kindergarteners, their hands all attached together, backpacks stuffed more than usual. Her smile widens seeing Logan’s teacher and then Logan, directly in front and squirming as he sees her, wanting to let go of his teachers hand, but he waits and she crouches down as soon as he and the rest of his class is down the small steps and his teacher easily lets go of his hand and he’s running to her.

She easily catches him, breath slightly getting knocked out of her, but she clutches him tight.

“Momma! I got so many valentines!”

“Oh really?” She laughs, kissing his head. “How many?”

“So many!”

She laughs again, standing and when he doesn’t let go, his arms around her neck nearly a chokehold, she arranges him to be on her hip. “Did you wish Ms. Patters a good weekend?”

He shakes his head and then he’s waving at his teacher, just a few feet away as she watches all of her students go to their parents or whoever is picking them up. “Have a good weekend Ms. Patters!”

“You too, Logan! I’ll see you, Monday!”

He beams at his teacher and he’s pressing a sloppy kiss to her cheek. “Are we still going to park?”

“Yes, Lo. We are still going to the park.” She laughs, beginning the walk back to her car.

“And then out to dinner?”

“Yes, then out to dinner.”

He presses another kiss to her cheek, feet kicking a bit in excitement.

—

Logan thankfully runs off his excess energy at the park and somehow manages to not get any dirt on his clothes. His hands are a little gross and he somehow has dirt under his eye, but he sits still for her as she takes a wet wipe to his face before directing him to the sink for kids in the park bathroom.

“You want to wear these to dinner? Or change into your spares?” She asks, tugging at his shirt.

He looks down at it with a frown. “I want to keep my dinosaurs.”

“Alright then, let’s go get dinner.” She smiles at him, ruffling his hair.

The drive to the diner they like is short and she’s surprised to see him patiently waiting for her to unbuckle him, backpack on his lap.

“You want to bring your backpack with you?”

He nods.

“Alright, but no sneaking candy, okay? You’ve been so good this week, that I’m letting you get a milkshake.”

He makes an excited sort of squeal, feet kicking and she’s quick to unbuckle him before he gets to rowdy.

She expects him to immediately ask to be let out, but instead he’s unzipping his backpack.

“Momma.”

“What’s up, Lo?” She asks, bending a little to look at him better.

“Will you be my valentine?” And he’s pressing a homemade card against her chest.

Her eyes well with tears, hand coming up to catch the card before it can fall and she smiles at the shaky drawings but neat lines of ‘Momma’. “Of course, I’ll be your valentine, baby.”

[freakbabyy]

soft universe - Eris Vanserra x Princess!Reader Chapter Three

< chapter two | chapter three | chapter four >

3.004k words

warnings: drama, smitten!eris again, mating bonds

thank you thank you thank YOU for all of the love this has received, the comments, reblogs, and likes <333 i love you guys as much as lucien loves his hair

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Story preview: Y/N Erling - youngest descendent to the King of Vallahan, not special, youngest of seven girls and four boys, and certainly not next in line to the throne. A kind soul, free-natured, always does what's asked. Content with spending the rest of her fae life taking care of her nieces and nephews while her elder siblings dealt with court dealings. That was until they drew up an agreement - her hand in exchange for their agreement to the treaty with Prythian. Enter Eris Vanserra - new high lord who did not want a wife, nor a mate. Can they work it out together - under pressure from a blood rite, a language barrier, a culture barrier, and Eris' unfortunate attempts at flirting.

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chapter three - the seed

Third POV 

Eris Vanserra the entire next day spent his free time with his dagger and a thick piece of wood. Even during meetings, he would take the two items out – nicking his fingers only a few times, yet continued with what he was doing. Anytime someone questioned what he was doing, he either ignored the question or changed the subject. However, after half a day it finally began to take shape and he couldn’t hide it from prying eyes all day – he had to finish after all. 

“Is that a flower?” His eldest and most trusted brother, Garreth, questioned. “Is it for your betrothed?” 

“Shut up.” Eris responded, working on a petal of it, using his flames to catch the end of it on fire before putting it out – giving it a tinted colour. “Yes.” 

“I never knew you were a romantic, dear brother.” His other brother, Marcus, spoke that time – nodding in approval. “If you use the dull side of the knife, you can add details to it.” 

“I didn’t ask for your advice, you two.” As he spoke, he took his brothers advice anyway, adding small details to the stem. 

“No, because knowing how stubborn you are you’d refuse to ask, even if you needed it desperately.”  

“Sometimes I really hate you two.” 

“Love you too, brother.” Marcus stood, leaving the room to attend to duties he had most likely, leaving the other two siblings. 

“When do you see her again?” Garreth wondered, admiring his brother's newfound hobby. 

“Tomorrow, after the meeting. I’m taking her for a walk through the forest, here.”  

“Seeing her again so soon? Smitten are we, brother?” Eris didn’t respond right away, and his brothers teasing smile widened. “It’s about time, you deserve to be happy.” 

“Agree to disagree.” Was his only response, as he stood up, “We have a meeting with some new advisors in a bit. We’d better get going.” 

He left before his brother could say anything more. He let out a sigh, 

“Stubborn lovestruck fool.” 

----- 

“He what?!” Nesta dropped the book she was holding onto, letting it fall to her lap – page forgotten. 

“Did you not hear me?” Y/N cocked her head to the side, getting used to Prythian sayings still. 

“No, no I heard you; it just startled me – I didn’t expect it.” Nesta picked her book back up, cursing as she looked for her page, sticking her bookmark in randomly. “When did you-?” 

“I was looking out Nyx’s window, overlooking the river, and a figure caught my attention – he appeared out of nowhere before standing in front of the door. He stood for a while I feared he was a criminal.” Y/N laughed a bit, “But then I thought, what criminal shows up in the light? Until Cassian took him inside. Then it clicked when I saw his face turn.” 

“Do you think it clicked for him too?”  

“I don’t know. He was quiet.”  

“That’s out of character for him, actually.” Nesta sipped her tea, settling her book down just as Morrigan strolled in. 

“What’re we talking about?” She plopped onto the couch beside Y/N, tucking her feet underneath her. “Boys?” 

“Ah, yes!”  

“Eris is Y/N’s mate.” Nesta spoke the same time as Y/N, blunt in stating the facts. 

“WHAT?” Morrigan sat up straight, her feet falling to the floor, “Since when?!” 

“Two days ago.” Y/N answered this time, fidgeting with the edge of her shirt – it was a pale green, a sharp contrast to her dark pants curtesy of Morrigan. She had been supplying Y/N with clothing more common in Prythian, rather than just dresses in Vallahan. “I just spoke it, I’m nervous today.” 

“To spend time with him today?”  

“Yes. I gift him two carvings last time.” 

“I’m sure he likes them, is that what you’re worried about?” 

“I don’t know, a feeling.” The girls’ conversation was cut short, a knock happening at the door. “Ah, him?”  

Nesta opened the door, settling aside as it was indeed the Autumn high lord. He was dressed casually, a stark difference to his usual attire. A white buttoned shirt with green trousers.  

“Good morning,” Eris greeted the room, which was coincidentally full of women he feared. He spoke next just to Y/N. “Are you ready, then?” 

“Yes,” She nodded, walking towards him, following him outside the door to go past the townhouse’s wards. 

“Ah, don’t be out too late, children!” A voice shouted from the second-floor window, 

“Fuck off, Cassian!” Was Eris’ reply before he turned his back to the window, holding out a hand. “Have you winnowed before?” 

“Yes, from Vallahan with Morrigan. It is a funny feeling.” Y/N confirmed, taking his large warm hand in her own, ignoring the feeling of electricity going up her arm raising the hair in its wake. 

“Oh before we go,” Eris let go to dig in his pocket, producing a beautifully carved wooden lily, “I wanted to follow your custom, to the best of my ability – I’m afraid I don’t know how to carve stone.” 

“How did you colour it?” Y/N wondered aloud, inspecting its darkened petals, and even darker stem. It wasn’t paint, or charcoal. 

“I carefully burned it,” He demonstrated by holding up his hand, which produced light blue flames, which faded into orange ones, before flickering out. “The hotter the flame the darker the colour, it just takes control to be able to not disintegrate the entire thing... Do you like it?” 

“I love it,” Her smile was so wide it looked as if her cheeks hurt, she carefully put it into her pocket on her breast, patting it for safe keeping. “I can’t wait to display on my bed table. Thank you.”  

“You’re very welcome,” He stuck his hand out again, as she grasped it – finally winnowing to the middle of the forest, a path he often took his hounds on. “Morrigan said you enjoyed flowers, there are a bunch a bit up the trail.” 

Eris took in Y/N, who was taking in the scenery around her. She just now looked up, from bending over at the knees after winnowing. Her face lit up; she twirled slowly looking at everything around her. The different types of trees and leaves, at their many colours, even to the different insects buzzing around. 

“What are that?” Y/N wondered aloud, bending down to look at a tiny thing at the base of a tree, nearly covered by the foliage. She carefully poked at it – recoiling at the texture. Eris held in a small laugh, 

“That’s a mushroom,” He pulled one out of the ground, and showed her the underneath – which had her touching it, feeling the odd textures. “Do they not have mushrooms where you hail?” 

“On plates for eating, not like this.” She turned her head, instead inspecting something on a fallen tree trunk, “What this?” 

“That would be an ant,” He watched her in wonder, what else did she not know of? “Do they have any forests where you’re from?” 

“No,” She started walking, he sped to catch up to her, “We only have mountains, so high up that not many things grow. I saw grass for the first time when I came here. It feels nice.” 

Eris wasn’t sure what to say to that, in truth he felt a little pity – she never climbed trees as a child? She never ran barefoot through a meadow, chased by her siblings as they played a game? Too lost in thought he hadn’t realized she disappeared. 

“Y/N?” He spoke, a bit alarmed at where she could have gone and thought the worst. His resolve relaxed when he heard a giggle from above and looked up – she was in the tree. Hanging upside down, her hair hanging below her. “What by the mother are you doing?” 

“Hanging around,” She smiled, as he came closer, “It like climbing rocks at home.” 

“Be careful, I don’t need you dying on our first date, please.” Eris joked, as she dismounted with ease, landing on her feet – when did she take her shoes off? 

“I won’t,” Y/N confirmed, running off to look at something else new, and the more Eris thought she reminded him of his hounds, always so curious to look at something new. “Eris?” 

He could get used to hearing his name on her lips. 

“Yes?” As he approached, she turned around, and he was appalled. “Where in Prythian did you get that? How did you even pick it up?” 

“It was in bushes, friendly like a cat.” In her hands, was an entire fox. It was currently sniffing her hair yet not being hostile. 

“Are you a fox-whisperer?” Eris questioned, cautiously walking forward to take a look at it. It didn’t seem injured, rather relaxed if anything. He reached out to lightly pet it, and it didn’t bite him. 

“Animals like me,” Y/N smiled, giving it a hug before releasing it back into its bush, waving goodbye. 

“Whatever you say, mother-fox.” He held up his hands, watching once more as Y/N returned to the trail before wandering off to the side to look at something, a comfortable silence taking over before the light ahead got closer – the meadow. 

“Ah,” Y/N ran forward, hitting the meadow at full speed – her calves being tickled by the wildflowers and tall grass, “It feels funny!” 

Eris sat on a raised rock, where he often sat when he needed alone time, enjoying watching Y/N run circles around him, almost dancing in the meadow. When she spotted a new flower she stopped abruptly, bending to look at it, sniffing it, and moving on. It must have been about ten minutes before she finally collapsed beside him, lying flat on her back out of breath. 

“Have fun?” 

“Yes. Though, it remind me of a word I do not know in your tongue.” She sat up, leaning on her elbows. 

“Try to describe it, maybe I know it?”  

“I can’t, it’s too...” She seemed to have gotten an idea, she pointed to the bottom of her foot, “Here.” 

Eris stayed silent, unknowing what she could mean, until she grasped his foot that was on the rock, crossed on his knee. She began untying his boot, pulling it off with force that almost knocked her over, and then pulled his sock off, 

“What by the mother are you doing?” 

“Trust!” Was all she said, before pushing his foot off, and as it touched the grass and wildflowers though, he pulled it back up, holding in a laugh – his knee jerk reaction being what she pointed at, “That!” 

“My reaction?” She nodded, “It tickled, are you ticklish?” 

“Ah! Tick-Lish!” Y/N confirmed, “The meadow is tick-lish.” 

“There’s a new word for you, today.” Eris smirked as he pulled his sock and shoe back on, not choosing to go barefoot like she had. 

“Well technically my word of day was ‘radish’, but I like tick-lish better.” Eris’ nose scrunched, 

“Why radish?” 

“I bit into it thinking it was baby apple, not apple. I did not like.” 

“I don’t blame you, I don’t either.” 

“Tell me more, about you.” Y/N spoke, sitting cross legged across from him, he copied how she was sitting to look at her fully. “What colour do you like?” 

“My favourite colour?” He confirmed, she nodded, “I like green. A deep green – almost like moss. What about you? What’s yours?” 

“I like... (You can insert your own favourite colour, and what it reminds you of : ) mines light green, like a diluted sage green.)” She thought for a moment, “Do you have siblings?” 

“I do; I had six brothers.” 

“No sisters? Your poor mother!” Eris laughed at that, his mother had said the exact thing to herself at one point, “I have you beat, though.” 

“By the cauldron, how many siblings do you have?” 

“Ten,” His eyes widened, 

“Your poor mother,” Y/N laughed at that, “Are there any twins or triplets?” 

“Ah, three sets of twins. Do you?” 

“None, just single babies. I know you’re the youngest, too. I’m the oldest.” 

“We are the opposites!” 

“We are, though I hear we did the same thing, take care of babies.” Y/N smiled at this, 

“Ah, I love babies, they are so cute! Like... Well, I can’t think of anything really cute right now, but it would be really cute!” 

“They are, aren’t they?” Eris smiled, thinking of baby Lucien, the last baby he had taken care of. “Want to hear a secret?” 

Y/N nodded frantically, scooching closer as if they weren’t alone in the clearing, 

“The last baby I took care of, my youngest brother Lucien,” 

“Ah! Eyeball!” 

“Yes, him, you know how the autumn court is known for its fire powers, yes?” 

“Yes, orange leaves like fire, is how I remember.” 

“Indeed. Lucien, when he first laughed – let out a glow of light, so bright as if he swallowed faelight. I couldn’t explain it, neither could the one maid I had asked, worried I had messed him up,” 

“What was it?” 

“Well, come to find out, dearest Lucien and I have different fathers. My mother, had met her mate, and had conceived Lucien as a result.” 

“Who is her mate?” 

“Oh, no one, just... The High Lord of Day.” The way Y/N’s eyes widened looked painful, as she clasped her mouth with her hands, “That reaction was how I felt when I found out, trust me. My poor mother had to explain it to a fifteen-year-old me, mortified.” 

“The lady of autumn... Married to high lord of autumn, but mated to the high lord of day! What happened? Where is she now?” 

“Oh, she lives in day with him now, she is now high lady of day. She never really loved my father; their arrangement was purely political. She wasn’t too torn up when he died. Delighted, actually.” 

“I would be sad,” Eris looked up, meeting Y/N’s eyes, wide. “If you died, I mean.” 

“Oh, I hadn’t meant to bring up... You know. Our political arrangement, not in that light anyway, I really don’t want it in that light anyway – I don’t want to be my father, nor you my mother-” His rambling got cut short, a delicate hand grasping his own, 

“I know, Eris.” Y/N smiled encouragingly, “I met your father, once. I was young, apparently, I didn’t like him.”  

“When was this?” Eris questioned, completely unaware that this had taken place, 

“I was a babe, he made the trip to secure us with Hybern, my older sister, Vidia, told me that at one point he came to say hello to me and my siblings, to show his good-ness to my parents.” She laughed hard at remembering, “Apparently, when he held me, I had not only spit up all over him but also blew-out my diaper. It had gone everywhere, and the more he moved, the more it got worse-” 

She couldn’t talk anymore, full on cackling at this point – and Eris had joined her, delighted at the idea of his father covered in not only vomit, but also shit. Literally. When their laughter died down, Eris grasped her hand back, a genuine smile on his face. 

“Oh, I think the mother had known what she had done, putting us together.” Y/N looked up from their hands, quickly to his face, 

“Put us together?” He paled, 

“Oh, I didn’t- shit.” He pulled his hand away, “Cauldron, I had a whole speech planned to tell you, and a picnic, and I wanted to wait awhile until I sprung that on you, but I was too caught up in the moment-” 

He was interrupted by Y/N launching herself into him, nearly knocking him off of the rock, securing her hands around his shoulders,  

“I knew you felt it too! Though I do like picnics, if that is an option, still.” 

“I- you knew too? When?” Eris was at a loss for words, 

“I saw you outside Nyx’s window, you were stood at the door – for a while.” 

“You saw that!? That’s humiliating! I was so scared to meet you!” Eris groaned, rubbing his hand down his face, as Y/N laughed a bit.  

“When did you know?” 

“When I saw you singing to Nyx, it was lovely. I was completely entranced by your singing. You’re so caring to Nyx, too.” 

“Oh, that is better than standing at a doorway for ten minutes.” Eris groaned again, “Kidding!” 

“You aren’t upset? About the bond?” 

“Ah, no. I grew up hearing stories of it, how wonderful it is. Even now, with everyone at home with a mate. It is beautiful. What about you? You are high lord; you have a lot to do right now...” 

“I am, and I’m ecstatic. Ah, that means very happy. I do have a lot right now, and it might take a while for me to fully be able to devote my time to you, but in the meantime... I’m more than happy to spend my free time with you, my free days wherever you want, here or there.” 

“We can go slow; we have all the time.” Y/N concluded, as Eris agreed, pressing a light kiss to the back of her hand, 

“Though, we shouldn’t announce it yet, to anyone other than who needs to know. I have a lot of enemies at the moment, especially in autumn. I do not wish for them to harm you.” 

“I might have told Nesta. And Morrigan.” 

“That’s fine, I trust them. They’re good at holding secrets. Plus, I told my brothers last night, they practically pestered me until I told them what I was hiding.” 

“Okay, then only Nesta, Morrigan and your brothers?” 

“Works for me,” Eris nodded, standing, “It’s been three hours, I should probably get you home, before they come to strangle me. Nesta scares me.” 

“Ah, good idea. I promised to put Nyx down for his afternoon nap.” 

“I’ll see you next week? For our next afternoon together? Same time?” 

“Yes,” Y/N smiled, and Eris smiled back. 

Both of them excited for what the future holds, for the first time in forever. 

-----

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[theocddiaries]

[Amy rushes into a café and heads to where Tails and Sonic are sitting.] Amy: Guys! Guys! Guess why I feel more like Sleeping Beauty than ever today? Because the spinning wheel is the reason of my dreams! Hahaha! Sonic: Amy, will there ever be a day when you tell us something like a normal person? Amy: No. Look. [hands them some sketches.]: I'm entering the designer contest! Oh, I'm so over the moon!!! Knuckles [walks in and approaches the table]: Guys, guess what! I'm entering the designer contest! Sonic: Damn it. Amy: Oh, Knuckles, I didn’t know you were into that field. Knuckles: Yeah, fields and fashion. I’m multi-talented. Amy: Oh, that’s so cool! Do you want to show me your sketches, and I’ll show you mine?? [showing them.]: Look, look. Wow, can you imagine this on a runway? Knuckles: Not bad. But in runways, people walk. And I still see you crawling a bit. Here, [shows his sketches]: take notes from mine, I’m not competitive with a friend. Amy: Ah, thank you, friend. Oh, but look at the train of that dress! What is it? Multi-purpose? A gown and a tablecloth so the rest don't go hungry while waiting their turn? Knuckles: Oh well, the one I like from yours is this one, with those sleeves. So 2005. Amy: Well, you know, fashion is cyclical. But I guess you know that, master. You’ve lived through the ‘80s, like, four times, huh? Knuckles: Hehe, as witty as always! Well, I’ll see you around. Good luck with your designs. Though clearly, you don’t need it… Amy: Oh, you even less, beauty! Knuckles: You even less than me, gorgeous! Amy: See you at the contest, then! Knuckles: Not if I see you first. Amy: Or if I see you first, my sweet, confident hare. [They each leave in different directions.] Tails: … … Did those two just have a fight?? Sonic [eating his chili dog, completely unfazed] Tails: Sonic. [taps his forearm.]: Sonic! Sonic: Hm? Tails: I think Amy and Knuckles just got mad at each other. Sonic: Probably. Buddy, no offense, but with Amy and Knuckles, I do the same as with Shadow and you: when I see you guys together, I shut my brain off, and unless I hear punches, I don’t get involved. Otherwise, my life expectancy drops, and that’s not ideal.

[hmhas-00]

Ch. 16

Hit Me Hard & Soft

A/N- It gets pretty angsty this chapter & the next few chapters! I hope the girlies can work this one outttt…🤞🏻 Please like and reblog, it means so much to me! <3 ALSO I’ll be posting twice a week again starting next week. Tuesdays and Thursdays!😌

Remy’s POV

I looked at the time on my dashboard, anxiously tapping my foot against the weather mat in my car. It was 4:15pm and they were still not here. I don’t know what the hell the crack I was smoking earlier was laced with when I thought there was even a slight chance of me getting to San Jose by car on time. I searched for the fastest, cheapest flight out of LAX I could find, and booked it.

If I could get out of here and to the airport by 5:30pm, I’d make it on my flight on time and get to the concert by 8pm the absolute latest.

I got out of my car, headed straight to the women’s restroom, when I saw Joe and three other slightly younger men sitting at a table. They were loud, drinking out of fancy cocktail glasses, and barely even noticed me walk by. I made my way over to the table, probably looking confused and a little bit pissed off.

“I didn’t see you guys come in?” I stood by their table. The four of them turned to look, fixing their eyes on certain attributes, before Joe got up to pull my chair out so I could sit. His hand grazed my lower back, his touch invading my personal space, as I sat in the chair.

“Well, we were at the bar at first, getting a couple drinks.” Joe sat back down after me, reintroducing me to the corporate bodies next to me. His hand rested on my shoulder as I mentally took myself out of my own body to get through dinner.

“Would you like to order anything? We have sushi coming out any minute. You want a drink? It’s on the company card tonight.” One of the men, Victor, offered.

“I’m okay, Victor, thank you.”

“Please, call me Vic.” He insisted.

I nodded, smiling politely, wanting to get on with the reason I was here.

I began to bring up my ideas, explaining what Rachel and I wanted to do, and even opened up the opportunity for Joe to tell them how much he likes my writing. I felt like I was just there to be stared at, like a museum display that no one bothered to read the inscription on.

I watched as they looked me up and down while I spoke, taking their time to notice the square neckline held up by my ribbon shoulder straps. I tugged at the hem of my red dress, feeling exposed and in the wrong company. I very quickly noticed they weren’t really interested in what I had to say.

They would interrupt to compare what I was saying to something that didn’t really relate, as well as direct questions toward Joe, that should’ve been for me.

I found myself fighting to get a word in, as the room would fill with laughter due to their inability to be serious.

“Seriously. How many time a day do you need to make copies for this guy, huh?” The one named Connor joked.

I fake laughed, asking myself if this was even worth it at all. Maybe this is how they network. Maybe this is how I get in with the important people, I lied to myself. I had to play the game.

“So, Michael.” I put a hand on his arm, leaning in and noticing a wedding ring on his finger. “What’s good to drink here?”

I noticed his demeanor a little flustered, flipping through the drink menu for me. Side eyeing, I caught a glimpse of Connor looking at my legs. I gracefully cross them, showing off a little more skin.

Michael waved a waiter over, ordering me a Cosmopolitan. I hated cosmos. I smiled at him with my eyes. I sipped it anyway, making sure to be delicate and proper, unlike them.

“Are you sure you want to be writing these things, instead of posing for them?” Vic said.

“Oh Vic, it’s my dream to be a columnist.” I nodded, flipping my hair behind my shoulder. “Maybe I could show you some of my outlines?” I reached into my purse, pulling out my phone.

“You can just email those to us, sweetheart.” Vic shrugged me off.

Upon seeing my phone, I saw I had 4 missed calls from Billie. My stomach dropped, seeing it was 5 o’clock already, making me more anxious by the second.

“Excuse me a minute.” I stood up, sashaying towards the restrooms. I dial Billie, staring at myself in the mirror.

“Helloo.” She answered.

“Hey, sorry I didn’t answer sooner. What’s up?”

“I was checking on you. About what time are you getting here?”

“8pm the latest.”

“But, that’s right when I go on stage.”

“I’ll be there, don’t worry! We’ll do Guess together. Or Bad Guy. Whatever you want.” I adjust my strapless bra and breasts.

“Okay. I’ll see you there, then!” I could hear them sound checking instruments in the background.

“Of course. See you soon.” I hung up.

I walked out, knowing I had to beat traffic to make my flight on time. I sit back down as they feast on sushi. I grab a few pieces, careful not to get any soy sauce on my dress. They continued to talk through me and about me, without even really acknowledging me.

Anytime I contributed to the conversation, I swear they looked at me with pity in their eyes, like I was this ditsy, precious, little thing. It made me hate myself. I wish I was another man they could respect and admire.

“Gentlemen, you’ll have to carry on without me. But I thank you for your time. I had a great time with you.” I began to stand up.

“Oh, please, stay a bit longer!” Michael begged, waving the waiter over to get me another drink.

“Really, I need to get going. But please, enjoy yourselves.” I smiled, rage building inside me.

“Before you leave.” Connor stood up, with a glass of red wine in his hand. “You don’t spend an hour with a young lady like this and not give what she wants.”

I looked over at Joe as he stood too, “Rachel’s office is yours. She’s going to be working remotely from her apartment and we wanted you to have it.”

“The- the office?” I squinted, confused as to what he meant.

“Yes, for now, let’s not get ahead of ourselves.” He laughed, the rest of the men joining him.

I laughed in disbelief. “That‘s not what I wanted-“

“I look forward to those ideas of yours in my inbox tomorrow morning.” Connor leaned in to say goodbye. He hugged me, laying a clammy hand on my lower back.

Michael waited his turn before planting an uninvited peck on my cheek, and Vic gave me a goodbye hug, pressing his chest into mine a little too tight.

I nodded, my head throbbing and spinning from how ridiculous I felt being passed around like an appetizer.

I sped to the airport, making maneuvers I’ve never made before.

I made it 20 minutes before boarding began, going through security with nothing but my small, leather clutch. It didn’t even matter to me that my outfit was getting strange reactions from people passing by.

As if tonight couldn’t get worse, the pilot announced a delay due to an issue with the tarmac. You have to be kidding me. I text Billie I’ll be a little late, but would be there in time for Guess.

The next 2 hours go by and the plane finally lands in San Jose. I shoot out of my seat, not minding the people reaching for their overhead carry ons. All I care about is calling an uber to take me to the arena.

By the time my uber driver pulled up, it was 8:45pm. He did a double take, unlocking his car and greeting me.

“Hello, are you-“

“Remy, yes. I’m going to the SAP Center.”

He looked at me thru the rear view mirror and began to drive, noting my rush. “Is this a special event?”

“Kinda.” I tapped my foot, constantly checking the time. The acid in my stomach created a whirlpool of anxiety.

Eventually, we made it to the venue. I made sure to tip the driver, running as fast as possible, ignoring my aching feet in these heels.

I showed my backstage privileges to security at the door, hoping they wouldn’t hold me up much longer. By almost 9pm, I was finally backstage, where Maggie and Patrick greeted me and offered me food.

“I’m so late, did she already do Guess?”

She nodded. “You just missed it.” She looked like she knew Billie would be upset, like Billie already knew I wouldn’t be on time.

It felt awful, watching Billie do the barricade walk without me, smiling at her fans, taking the time to hold their hands up close. I watched the rest of the concert alone backstage on a screen, while Maggie worked her Support & Feed stand outside.

Once it was over, I stood up, fixing my dress and putting my heels back on.

Billie walked in a few minutes later holding her water bottle and a sweat rag. She looked at me, her head tilted, her brows furrowed, and her mouth slightly parted.

I braced for impact, hoping she wouldn’t be upset.

“What are you wearing?” She put her things down, taking off her rings.

I looked down at my bright red dress, “I had a work event, I didn’t even bother to change-“

“Yeah right. You wore that for work?” She stood, watching me trip over my words.

“It was at a restaurant- it doesn’t matter, I’m here now.” I anxiously laughed, hoping she’d stop focusing on that.

“Is that why you were late? You were eating with that girl? What was her name- Sydney?”

“Stevie, and no, if you must know, it was dinner at Nobu with Joe and a bunch of the executives from Variety.” I crossed my arms.

“Wait, wait, wait. What? Dinner? How’d you have dinner and drive up here, 5 hours away.” Her voice raspy as she tried to catch her breath. She needed her inhaler, I could tell.

“I didn’t. I flew on a plane.” I furrowed my brows. She was so upset, I felt like anything I said would automatically annoy her.

“You flew here? You mean this was your last stop of the night.” She scoffed. “What a waste of fossil fuels.”

“Billie, I’m so sorry, I thought it would work out better than this, and then my flight got delayed- Believe me, I tried my best to get here on time. It’s not my fault!”

“Nothing ever is, is it?” She sat on the couch. “You said you’d be here and you chose whatever the hell you were doing over keeping your promise.” Her voice was low and exhausted.

“Hey! It was for work! I couldn’t miss it! Joe promised it would get me closer to my own column! All three of the execs were there to listen to my ideas.” It stung knowing it wasn’t even worth it. But I didn’t want to add fuel to the fire

“Oh so that’s why you dressed like that! That’s why you’ve been dressing like that. Showing off, thinking it’ll get you in with the elites? Who told you that? Rachel?” She shook her head.

“What are you talking about?” I squinted my eyes.

“You send me pictures in your new work clothes, looking like the secretary every married piece of shit hides from his wife… you don’t even look like yourself anymore. And you’re fine with that. You’re fine with flaking on your friends, and giving yourself up, just to write some bullshit on a magazine no one even reads! You don’t even read it!”

“I- what the fuck do you mean!” I uncrossed my arms, feeling that sting. “I showed up! I’m here, and I tried my best! I’m sorry that I have to make just a few compromises so I can advance in my career!”

“Once you get this promotion you’ll have to make a few more compromises.” She held her fingers up, making air quotations. “And one day, you’re gonna realize you spent your whole life compromising, and never showed up for your friends or for yourself!” At this point, she was shouting. Every word resonated with me, but I didn’t want to face it.

“This is about you not understanding how much this means to me. You don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“No, I hate what those people have turned you into. Look at your inability to tell people no! Rachel takes advantage of you. She makes you do her work and she gets all the credit, and you let her! And Joe tells you where to be, and what to do whenever he wants! You haven’t taken a day off in so long! Even on weekends he makes you do shit for him! And you’re not even clocked in! You get paid salary, you’re screwing your self over! What- you think they’re giving you overtime? They know you’ll fucking do anything so they made you their bitch! And don’t even get me started on you wearing this shit just so they’ll look your direction!”

“Oh, fucking please! Look who’s talking! As if you even worked a day in your life! You have the perfect voice, the perfect face, you wear whatever the fuck you want, and everyone just fucking throws their money at you! You could show up and scream into the microphone, and still sell out arenas. Everyone says yes to you, whatever you want, whenever you want it, and if there’s ever an issue, you can pay for it to get solved. I have a family to take care of, I have bills to pay! I don’t get to travel the world and be admired! I have to bust my ass to barely make it to the end of the month!”

She stood up, shaking her head, “Oh hell fucking nah! You’re really going to go there? You know the hard work and dedication I’ve-“

“You’d never understand all the hard work and dedication that went into the position I have today-“

She cut me off, “WHAT POSITION? You mean the assistant to the assistant manager bro?”

“No! Thanks to them tonight, I have my own office now! And they asked me to email them my outlines for a new column! You swear I don’t know what the fuck I’m doing!”

“OHHH WOW! My bad! She has her own office now! She’s bad as fuck!” She waved me off.

“Yeah, sorry for assuming you’d give a fuck.”

“You lied to me saying you’d be a little late, knowing you were 5 hours away, because you double booked yourself, even though you pinky promised ME you’d show up! You took a flight to make up for your lie and contributed to global warming!! And meanwhile the ICE CAPS ARE MELTING! You know what next time- don’t even show up!” She ranted, throwing her hands in the air, pacing now.

“What about all of the stupid fucking things you’ve bought that you said you’d never buy if you had this kind of money? What about all the cars! Those burn fossil fuels too, genius!”

“I barely even drive them!”

“Exactly!! Stupid!”

“What does that even have to do with any of this?”

Flustered, I found anything to cling onto. “You’re judging me and you don’t even know what the hell you’re talking about! I can’t just drop a band and get whatever I want! I need theis job!”

“You can get any other job you want!”

“No! That’s you!” My speech rapidly increasing in pitch. “Look, Billie, I was trying to be supportive and show up for you, while also worrying about my career. When you couldn’t show up for me because of something happening in yours, I was never an asshole to you!” I pointed at her, watching her expression change.

“When I pinky promise to show up, I show up!” She got closer, staring in my eyes, her voice sharp and aggressive.

“I DID show up!” I looked at her, pronouncing every word forcefully.

“You know what I mean! I wouldn’t be 5 hours away and have to rush over! I would just- BE THERE!” Her voice broke, becoming creaky and guttural.

“Billie. I am trying my fucking best here.” I felt like I was being shot in the heart.

“No! You know how exhausting it is to rely on you, and trust you’ll be there, and every single time I end up disappointed! At some point, it’s not just you thinking about your career, it’s you not thinking about me.” She took a deep breath after finishing out her sentence, wheezing a bit, thanks to her asthma. She grabs her inhaler out of her pocket, taking a hit. I watched her stabilize her breathing. I tried to think of anything to respond with, but I didn’t even know where to start.

Billie continued, “You KNOW he’s using you. You KNOW those pigs aren’t the least bit interested in what’s on your mind. Joe didn’t even care about you until you started walking around the office in a mini skirt!”

“You just can’t fucking believe that one day I could be SOMEONE other than just Billie Eilish’s friend!”

“No? What I can’t believe, is that you’d really let some piece of shit treat you like that in front of people, and not even allow you to grow unless you suck his metaphorical dick. That’s abuse of power and you know it! And you of all people should know I know a thing or two about that!”

“You of all people should know how hard it is to accept it in the first place!” I shut her up.

She glared at me, her eyes glossing and her jaw clenching, like she wanted to cry. She scanned my body, ending her stare at my red, strapped heels.

“Just leave. Don’t worry about squeezing me into your schedule anymore.” She grabbed her things, throwing them in her duffle bag.

[out-there-tmblr]

Young zaundads wip (48)

***

The mine is too small to keep secrets for long. Even using Piltover labourers and engineers, someone still talks to someone, and the rumours start spreading.

"They're building ventilation shafts," Benzo says. He heard it from someone who heard it from someone else, who overheard the Piltie workers talking about it. It's not verifiable truth but when they look to Connol, he shrugs.

"I've been watching the steel they're using. It could be fan blades." Connol crosses his arms and leans back, thinking. "It's possible. It would take them a while."

Benzo looks around the mess hall. Nobody's paying attention to their little table, everyone's eating and drinking and enjoying what's left of their night. Still, he keeps his voice low. "I've heard they're building machinery to dig down to level four. That fancy uniform, the white and blue vests and the red shirts? They're from the Science Academy. They're here to build the machines. Some kind of final assignment."

"Great," Felicia says. "How many miners are they going to need once they've got machines to do the work?"

Vander was wondering the same thing. The work in the mines might be heavy and dangerous, but it's still better than starving on the street. Beside him, Silco is worryingly quiet. "What do you think?"

Silco frowns at him, like he had no intention of sharing his thoughts just yet. "We should watch for the rock they dig out."

"Why?"

"See if they can separate the coal from the bedrock," Silco says, and Vander pulls a face at him. Sometimes, Silco's explanations don't explain much at all. "The mine makes money by selling coal. They can't sell dirt mixed with coal dust. They won't make any money if those machines grind it all together, so our jobs might be safe."

There are some nights where Silco will join in with the chatter, even if half the time he does it with a patronising little smirk like he finds them amusing. There are other nights like tonight where he'll ignore them completely, head bent over his little notebook, pencil working across the page. Occasionally he'll look up and stare across the room, blue eyes unfocused as he thinks.

So Silco misses the way Connol stumbles over his words when he tells Felicia they have a surprise for her, the way Connol grabs for his glass and takes a gulp when she gives him a suspicious stare.

"A surprise for me?" Felicia turns to Vander, eyes narrowed. "Did you get more of that lip stain?"

Vander shakes his head. "Nope."

"Then what is it?" Felicia asks, turning back to Connol.

"It's a surprise," Connol says.

"But I want to know now." Felicia grins brightly, and Vander wonders how she doesn't see it. Connol's soft, answering smile; the way he always turns to her in conversation, looking for her reaction or approval.

Vander glances over at Silco, but Silco's got his head bent over his notebook, missing the whole thing.

"That's not how a surprise works," Benzo says.

Felicia laughs and picks up her glass. "So how long do I have to wait for this surprise?"

"Let me finish my drink," Vander grumbles.

Felicia hounds Connol for clues. He agrees to answer yes or no only, so there's a whole series of questions: is it bigger than my hand? Could I lift it up? Can I wear it? Can I eat it?

The questions get more ridiculous as they walk over to the market. Does it float? Would it make me the envy of Piltover? Would it make an enforcer angry? Connol fights to keep a straight face but he only answers yes or no, keeping her guessing until they step inside.

Once the door is closed behind them and they hang their lanterns by the door, burning bright, Connol leads them to the far wall. There's a piece of fabric hung over a pile in the corner – dark red and thick, that Silco wanted to eventually use for curtains – and Connol leads Felicia there.

Felicia steps forward and yanks the material away, her long plait bobbing with the force of her movement. Underneath, the old jukebox is polished and clean, the dark glass reflecting like a mirror.

"You always say you want music and I know it doesn't look like much, but here, you just have to wind it," Connol says, stepping to a handle on the side and cranking it over and over. "We'll fix this if we work out how to get power here, but Benzo and I figured out how to make it work."

The machine crackles to life, the inside lighting up in blues and pinks, the light reflecting on the metal arms inside.

Felicia's face lights up with a delighted smile. She steps forward and skims the list behind the glass, reaching towards the buttons. "Can I…?"

"Pick something."

Felicia presses a button and the machine whirs as it lifts a record and drops it on to the turntable. After a moment, a song starts to play, sweet and longing.

"Dance with me," Felicia says, grabbing Connol's hand and dragging him in front of the machine, its bright lights and joyous sounds. She curls her hands around his shoulders and he slides his hands around her waist. They sway together, not much of a dance, but it's sweet.

Vander wanders over to where Silco's sitting on the floor. He's under the lanterns, knees pulled up and notebook leaning against them. Vander slides down beside him, nudges his shoulder. "They're sweet, don't you think?"

Silco looks up at him, annoyed at the interruption. "What?"

Vander nods over at the couple slowly dancing together. "Felicia and Connol."

"Took them long enough," Silco mutters, but the expression on his face is soft. Maybe a little yearning.

"Do you want to dance?" Vander asks gently.

"I've never danced in my life."

"Can't be that hard. They're managing."

Silco shakes his head but he curls his fingers round Vander's hand. "Let them have this," he says, leaning his head on Vander's shoulder.

***

[hunters-vigil]

Marry Me - Mavuika x fem!Reader

request: if you're accepting requests, could i request a fic where mavuika is planning to propose to her very shy gf, but her gf ends up unexpectedly proposing first? thank you!

A/n: this request gave me a lot of happy thoughts, it's also vague enough that you could read it through the lens of a modern!AU if you wanted to. Not sure if I made the reader shy enough but definitely flusters easily and can succumb to peer pressure... not to be associated with any writing from The Archon's Baby universe. Enjoy<3 happy early valentines to anyone who reads this...

Fic under the cut, don't repost my stuff on other platforms, i have ao3. Reader is not the traveller.

She had been planning this for a while now, sneakily gathering all the details she needed to make her proposal to you perfect. She knew you weren't one for the spotlight, so a proposal in front of everyone would no doubt leave you uncomfortable...

It needed to be private, it needed to be perfect, if it all went well... you will say yes, and you would be granting Mavuika the honour of marrying her...

But there were still some things she needed to arrange. Commissioning a ring from Xilonen, she had drawn up designs down to the most specific details, and getting your ring size had been...

It had taken Mavuika a couple of attempts to get your ring size, unable to get anyone to help or distract you for her to get it undetected, but her attempt to find your rings had fallen flat, finding that you were wearing them instead. Another option was to try with her own rings, while some were designed to fit over her gloves, Mavuika had others that would work.

"Is there something wrong? You're... staring at my hands? They're clean, I swear-" you could feel embarassment tingle in your bones as you tried to continue eating dinner, but Mavuika's gaze had been locked on you for a while now.

"No, no, it's not that, I just- is that one new?" Mavuika gestured to a random accessory that didn't seem super familiar to her.

"Hm, oh, it was a birthday present, I found it in some stuff... is there something wrong with your magmic ode?" you changed the subject quickly, noticing how Mavuika's favourite dish was currently still intact.

"Ah, I was distracted by your beauty," Mavuika's tone turned playful as you began to shy away, mumbling to eat her dinner. Gods above, Mavuika adored you.

She decided to try get your ring size while you were sleeping, but her first attempt at that didn't go well. She could recall it with ease, shaking her head at the memory.

Mavuika had rolled onto her side, believing you to be asleep as she woke up just before she needed to get up to begin her day. Her tasks were never-ending, but she loved any and all time she could spend with you.

"Oh-" the noise escaped her lips before she could help it, realising you were looking right at her with a soft smile, leaning in to press a quick kiss to her lips.

"Good morning..." you whispered, nuzzling closer as Mavuika let herself dissolve into your embrace. Her plan would need to wait for another time.

Her next attempt wasn't as perfect as Mavuika wanted it to be. The piece of string had gone easily around your finger as you slept, your deep breaths coaxing Mavuika into a sense of security. You hadn't woken up yet at least, carefully taking the string to try for the measurement, but she only could frown to herself. This wasn't super accurate, for her liking, or for Xilonen to create an accurately sized piece.

Her third attempt was the one she was the most confident in, although Xilonen would most likely give her some grief over it. Four words. Multiple pieces of string. A bigger sample size would mean more possible validity when it came to the accuracy of measuring your ring size, right?

"Mavuika, seriously? Did you think to just ask for her ring size?"

"But then she would know what I'm doing, Xilonen. How can I surprise her with a proposal if she knows I'm planning on proposing?" Mavuika grumbled, standing in Xilonen's workshop as the smith went over the plans' details.

"You've put a lot of detail into this... just how long have you been planning to propose?"

"You'd be surprised." Mavuika replied ominously, but Xilonen only eyed something off to the side carefully when Mavuika wasn't looking.

"I doubt that..." Xilonen muttered under her breath, only hoping that you wouldn't turn up early to pick up your commissioned piece.

"Is something wrong?"

"Well, your timing could be better-" her ears twitched, hearing Nepecha happily talking to someone outside of her workshop, quickly rolling up the plans Mavuika had given her and grabbing an old one of Mavuika's sunglasses.

"Xilonen?" Mavuika raised an eyebrow, before turning her head, spotting Nepecha run through the door with her hand in yours, "uh-"

"Hey, I came to pick up that commission, but it can wait, you're clearly busy," giving Mavuika a quick grin, you nodded to Xilonen, who understood seamlessly, "Nepecha, come on, I'll play with you outside if you want?"

"Yeah, sounds good, I'll wrap up with Mavuika quickly. But, actually, Nepecha's been wanting to show you a piece she helped me with in the forge, so why don't you two run along while I deal with Mavuika, and her ability to break the unbreakable." Xilonen held your gaze for a moment, before looking to Nepecha, who gently tugged on your hand to lead you outside again.

"Nice save." Mavuika let out a breath of relief, unaware that she was not the only one who had needed saving.

It was only after Mavuika left, hopping on her bike to go talk to Iansan that you headed inside with Nepecha following you.

"Thanks for that. I knew she had broken some of her sunglasses, but I thought she already had them fixed by you." You let out a nervous chuckle, watching as Xilonen grumbled under her breath about Mavuika, before heading over to where she had finished your commission.

"It's all there, your design was nearly impeccable, just keep it hidden until you want to give it to her. Any ideas or plans for that?" Xilonen stated, opening the box to reveal the ring to you, a warmth in her chest developing as she saw your eyes light up.

"Thank you so much for this, it means a lot to me." You grinned brightly, carefully showing Nepecha the ring as she stood on her tip-toes to look, "and everything else is sorted, I just needed this and the final piece of the puzzle."

"What's the final piece?" Nepecha inquisitively asked, Xilonen gently kneading her ears with a soft smile.

"Mavuika is the final piece." You felt your cheeks warm up, knowing what you needed to do, but Mavuika's schedule could be unpredictable sometimes, and coordiating everything had taken some work.

Chasca had helped you scout out the perfect spot, and you had already spoken to Chanca at Zakan's Street Bites for advice on foods too... now you had the ring. All you needed to do was bring everything together, and bring Mavuika into the equation. Hopefully, the end result would be her saying yes.

///

Meanwhile, Mavuika had arrived at the beach to scout out locations with Iansan, Mualani being quick to join them.

"Of course, depending on the time of day you want to do this, you have to take into account where the tide will be, and the day itself, especially the weather, so, when are you planning on popping the big question?" Mualani rambled and skipped ahead, while Iansan and Mavuika followed her.

"I passed on my plans for a ring to Xilonen today, so the sooner she's done crafting it, the sooner I can ask my beloved for her hand in marriage." Mavuika explained, eyeing the beach carefully for the most perfect spot.

"She'll say yes, I have no doubts." Iansan affirmed, Mavuika grinning at the prospect, her hair almost spontaneously combusting with her excitement.

"I hope she says yes too."

///

"Thank you for helping me get everything set up... I know it's a bit more short notice than the original plan, but Mavuika was at Xilonen's today, and that sunglasses excuse was flimsy, so-"

"It's fine, don't worry about it. This is no trouble, plus Chuychu worries less about me when she knows we're hanging out. She's been saying for years that you're a good influence on me, somehow. Probably with how shy you can be."

"Anything to give your baby sister less heart attacks, hm?" you chuckled, fixing the picnic blanket down carefully, "not like we've been best friends for years or anything, Chasca. Wait, what do you mean 'somehow'?" you felt your body flare up with heat, still easily susceptible to your friends teasing you, even after knowing them for years.

"How about we focus on your proposal to Mavuika, rather than our messy childhoods? Since those will no doubt come up during the speeches anyway." Chasca shivered at the idea, while you grimaced visibly at the idea. Sitting through long speeches, all the attention on you... at least at your wedding, you could look at your wife?

"The elders know far too much about us all, don't let Citlali drink too much, okay? She always teases me when she's drink."

"You have a lot of faith in me that I can somehow stop her..." Chasca deadpanned, "Chuychu's here with the food. Want me to go track down your woman?"

"Track or hunt?" you chuckled, before your eyes widened, "track or hunt, Chasca?"

"She's going to be marrying my best friend, so-" Chasca replied, smirking until she was cut off.

"What do you mean 'your' best friend?" Chuychu pouted, having overheard as she carried the food for you and Mavuika.

"Whoah, okay, let's not start this again. Chasca, please bring Mavuika here, unharmed, and wearing something nice." You emphasised 'unharmed' as Chasca let out a playful huff that almost felt uncharacteristic of her, while Chuychu's pout disappeared the moment you turned to her, "thank you so much for bringing the food, you are a lifesaver. Mavuika was at Xilonen's today, so we're speeding up the plan."

"You're that worried?" Chuychu asked as she helped you arrange the food to keep it protected from the air until it was time.

"She had Kinich keep an eye on me earlier in the week, that was enough for me to realise she's up to something -what are you doing?" you froze as Chuychu's hand reached up to your face, staring at it in slight horror.

"Fixing your appearance, if you think I'm letting you propose with whatever that is, on your face, you are mistaken." Chuychu huffed as you tried to duck away from her hands, eventually she got to fix the issue, despite your squirming.

"Sometimes I forget who is supposed to be the older sister between you and Chasca- but then you pout like that and I see the little girl who just wanted saurian crackers so, I know it's you." You playfully pitched Chuychu's cheek as she pouted at you.

"You and Chasca are so- I can't believe I thought you were a good influence on her. You kept her quiet with your quietness." Chuychu grumbled as you let out a laugh.

"Correlation, not causation. Chasca hanging out with me meant she got into less fights, and it gave you less stress. Win, win, your parents approved of me too."

"Yet you're going to marry Mavuika." Chuychu deadpanned before shaking her head, "That's probably for the best, actually. I don't want to see you and Chasca kiss ever again. That one time at that party when we were younger was enough."

"Yeah, let's not go there... in my defense, it was Mualani's idea to play spin the bottle, then give me the puppy eyes when I tried to leave, also first kisses are awkward!" Chuychu gagged at that while you felt your body screaming to retreat into its metaphorical shell like a tortoise.

"You looked like you were ready to cry too, even if it was gross seeing my sister kiss *my* best friend, it would have been weird if it was anyone else, since we didn't even know Mavuika well enough yet."

"Speaking of, I think I can see Chasca on the horizon, so that means Mavuika is on her way here," You turned your head to acknowledge the younger girl, "you and Chasca are my best friends, you know."

"How can you see Chasca from here-Wait! So does that mean I could be your maid of honour? Or maybe a bridesmaid if you already asked Chasca, or Xilonen?" Chuychu asked, her eyes glowing with hope as you smiled shyly, opening your mouth to answer, but the incoming revving of an engine drowned out your thoughts. Mavuika was nearly here.

"How do I look? And we can talk wedding stuff as much as you want, as long as Mavuika says yes to marrying me," you hurriedly looked at Chuychu, who quickly adjusted one last thing before she hurried away to meet with Chasca nearby with a kamera in the bushes.

"You can do this!" Chuychu's exclaimation made you flinch, your face full of horror as a shaky breath escaped your lips. Slipping the box between your fingers, you checked that the ring was still there before hiding it in your pocket.

"My love? What's all this?" Mavuika looked over the set-up in front of her, biting the finger of her glove between her teeth to tug it off, followed by the other glove as you adjusted your footing, moving from one foot to the other nervously.

"Lunch?" your hand rubbed the back of your neck, your stomach trying to twist itself in knots, "I hope you've not eaten yet..."

"As a matter of fact, I haven't yet, so this is perfect timing," her sunshine eyes gazed over the foods, carefully removing the covers to see what was available, "and you got both of our favourites!"

"Of course," you felt heat creep into your cheeks, a soft smile crossing your face at the joy on Mavuika's, but the awareness that Chasca and Chuychu were nearby in the bushes, watching, had a nervousness running through you.

Did you propose now and let the food go cold, or wait and hope neither of you make a mess-

"Napkin?" Her smooth voice cut through the jaggedness of your thoughts, relief washing over you as you gave her a grateful smile, taking the napkin and gently unfolding it to lay in your lap.

"Did your conversation with Xilonen go well?" Mavuika asked nonchalantly as she covered the bowl of magmic ode, her favourite, while you moved the volcano cake, reaching for the grainfruit wraps.

Chuychu held back a sigh as she was stuck with her sister in a bush, trying not to watch you and Mavuika nearly feeding each other lunch, waiting for time to speed up so she could photograph the proposal instead.

Chasca's fingers tapped against her thigh as she waited, trying not to squirm too much even as her legs began to ache. Sitting still for so long wasn't exactly a strength of hers when having to watch something so... intimate.

You'd talked about your dates with Mavuika before, Chasca had even helped you get ready for your first one, reluctantly, since she knew how nervous you were, and worried that Mavuika would hurt you somehow.

How things had changed... unfortunately Chasca's reminiscing was cut short as Chuychu elbowed her in the ribs, gesturing to how you and Mavuika were done eating, tidied up the food, and had gotten up to observe the view better.

"Beautiful views like this... remind me that everything is worth it." Mavuika remarked quietly, her fingers brushing yours as she turned her head, catching your gaze resting on her.

"I like this view too." You chewed the inside of your cheek momentarily, your nerves getting the better of you as the weight of that little box in your pocket grew heavier.

"If only you were looking at the view, and not at me." Mavuika chuckled, squeezing your hand as you flicked your gaze away for a moment, looking back to meet her sunshine eyes.

"Well, I'm looking at the woman I'm in love with, so I think my view is even more beautiful than the view of Natlan." You stated unashamedly, a small grin on your face as Mavuika let out a nervous chuckle that felt almost uncharacteristic for her. The usually stoic woman who hid her playful side, yet somehow you were able to make her blush.

"Mavuika... I'm really glad you're here," keeping ahold of Mavuika's hands in yours, you were able to bypass the shaking of your fingers, squeezing her hands comfortingly as she gave you a soft smile in exchange. Relief flickered in your eyes as you were able to keep talking, no interruptions, no mistakes or fumbles, you were going to do this.

"I have loved every moment that I've spent with you, and I hope we can continue that going forwards, but as more than just girlfriends. Mavuika, I wondered if you would grant me the blessing of your hand in marriage, and the honour of becoming your wife?" you let go of Mavuika's hands, getting down on one knee and removing the little box with the ring from your pocket, opening it to show her.

"So that's what you've been up to," Mavuika let out a chuckle, her fingers gently hooking under your chin to look up at her, "I never predicted you would beat me to it and propose first, but yes, I would love to marry you, my love. If I could, I would marry you right here, right now, with Chasca and Chuychu as our witnesses."

Your eyes widened, turning your head to spot where Chasca and Chuychu were hiding with the kamera.

"Wow they could have picked a better bush to hide in..." you muttered to yourself, your face burning as Mavuika guided your gaze back to her, gesturing to the ring with her eyes, "ah, you said yes!"

"That I did," her face mirrored the joy on yours, as you helped her slip the ring onto her finger, "this design... it's beautiful."

"Ugh we should leave." Chasca grumbled as Mavuika pulled you in for a kiss that was lasting longer than necessary.

A yawn caught your attention as you broke away from Mavuika, turning your head to spot Xilonen in a nearby tree.

"Uh-" you raised an eyebrow, leaning into Mavuika's touch as she wrapped her arm around your waist, keeping you close.

"Xilonen, how quickly do you think you can make the ring for my fiancee?"

"Ugh, seriously? You gave me the plans this morning, while your fiancee gave me her plans weeks ago." Xilonen's eyes fluttered shut again, whether you'd accidentally picked one of her napping trees to propose near, or Xilonen went out of her way to witness your proposal... you had no idea, especially as Mavuika's eyes widened. Weeks ago? When- oh, near your anniversary...

"I sped up my plan when I realised you were up to something with Xilonen this morning. My speech probably could have been better but-"

"It was perfect, don't worry. But I still plan to propose to you in return, since you beat me to it." Mavuika's eyes lit up with a competitive fire as she made her declaration, only getting distracted as you pulled her in for another kiss.

"Told you you could do it." Chuychu interrupted, making you flinch into the kiss, hiding your face in your hands as Chasca let out a snort.

"We're leaving now, Xilonen, you coming?" Chasca looked up at where the name engraver began to move, climbing down the tree.

"Sure, sure, do you want to get some food? I know a place that does great barbecue, and alcohol." Xilonen suggested as she went to leave with Chasca and Chuychu, "congratulations you two."

"Now we're alone..." Mavuika smirked slightly, pulling you in for another kiss, "you surprised me today, I never expected you to propose first."

A hum escaped your lips as you leaned into her, "it took a lot of planning, but I'm glad it was worth it. I love you, Mavuika."

"I love you too, my fiancee." Mavuika grinned, holding you close as she looked into your eyes, "I can't wait to marry you."

[psychotic-nonsense]

Amateurs

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Credit for the idea - and some of the fic entirely - goes out to @thesolarangel !!!!! They allowed me to use their lovely idea, so many thanks, my friend!! Added my own flair but I hope I did your thoughts justice :D

Fudging the timeline a lil for this too. Continuity errors? Plotholes? The hell you going on about, bud, it's Valentines Day, we're just having fun here ;]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dear Steve Harrington, You are the most handsome, athletic, and considerate man I've ever known, and I want you to be my valentine. Meet me in the band hall at 4pm Love, your secret admirer

Steve eyes the note warily, confusion morphing his face. He can feel how comical it must look, but he doesn't really care. He just can't comprehend what he's looking at.

Senior year, fallen off his throne, the apocalypse factory sealed away (for forever, hopefully). He forgets how mundane life is outside of the hell he's lived the past three- almost four years.

Proven by the fact that, apparently, someone's left a Valentines card in his locker. And a little over a week until the day itself, no less.

It's the end of the school day, already 3:45. The note wasn't there this morning, so it must've been dropped somewhere throughout the day. He puts away his notebooks, closes the locker door, all while staring at the note.

Robin - the unlikely new friendship from this last summer from hell - is neck-deep in the locker across the hall from him, rambling about her day (and Vickie) and completely ignoring any outside force. It takes a little shove to get her out of her stupor.

"Hey, I was talking about something important here-"

"Oh sure, your endless pining is so interesting," he retorts, the hallway already blissfully empty so he can make such a joke. He shoves the note into Robin's face, holding it as she mouths the message to herself. "Any info about this?"

Robin scoffs, shoving Steve's hand away. "You know I'm bad at romance stuff, why ask me?" She turns back around to finish whatever she was doing in her locker.

Steve rolls his eyes. "I mean, do you have any idea who this could be? I don't know anyone from band."

"Who said it's from someone in band?"

"The note?"

"School's out, who's going to be in there? Pretty good place to sneak away for a Valentines meetup. Besides, I don't know everyone from band, what do you take me for, social?" She fake gags.

"Right, you just know the one-" He gets a shove on the arm for that.

"Sorry, Cupid, think you're on your own this time. Besides, you have been looking for a girl, right? Here's one falling right in your lap," Robin says, finally closing her locker. She pats his cheek, starting to walk away. "Hop to it, you're cutting it close!"

Steve stands frozen, watching her leave him behind. "Wha- I drove you here!" he calls out. "Where are you going-"

"It's Wednesday!" Robin calls over her shoulder. Right, the 'maintenance day' for Robin and her bike ("You can't forget how to ride a bike, Robs-" "Well I'm not testing it!"). No alibi for Steve, it seems.

He sighs heavily, quickly checking his watch. 3:55. He turns back to the note, seriously eyeing it and considering what might come out of this.

Oh well. Steve's not one to let someone down with punctuality, plus Robin was kinda right. Whether or not he'll have to let down this poor girl, he'll have to see.

He walks through the halls to the band room. Senses a little on edge from that uncanny feeling, but he does his best to ignore it. Hell's closed up, and everything's okay.

He makes it to the band hall just in time, yet upon walking in, the place is barren. Nothing but chairs and stands and the half-lit lights. Strange, how much more disappointed Steve feels about being stood up than he thought he would - meaning any at all. Still stings to know he's not always wanted.

Always needed, always the babysitter.

He's just about to turn around when a loud CRASH sounds from the far wall, and a storage closet door rattles as someone swears behind it.

Instincts now fully blaring in his ears, Steve immediately drops his backpack by the door and picks up a music stand, running to the back in a burst of energy. Upon throwing the door open, however, all that happens is a body falling into him, and the box said person was holding once again crashing to the floor.

Steve, in primary protective mode, drops the stand and grabs the person before they both hit the ground. A mop of dark hair is shoved into his mouth with an earthy cloud of smell around it, with a masculine grunt as they're caught and the feel of denim under Steve's hands.

Steve barely gets the person in a standing position without falling over himself, and this person takes a minute to get their legs working again. But they finally pick themselves up and massage their hands and something about that hair and smell seems so familiar...

"Whew! Thanks, man, I thought I was toast under that thing- Harrington?"

The person- guy finally turns around with a grateful smile that falls the moment he makes eye contact.

Eddie Munson. Local town Freak and D&D master, and the name Steve has heard way too much about since last semester. Thank the kids for joining that damn club.

Of course, Steve knew the guy already, word travels fast and appearances stay familiar in small towns. A three-peat senior, not too unlike Steve's super senior status (brain got too rattled after '84, and '85 didn't make it much better). A showman, either in the cafeteria or Steve's English class, he's always got something to make the people laugh. The kids praise him like a god, the halls whisper that he's the copycat of a deadbeat, and the town preaches that he's the harbinger of their fake hell.

But Munson doesn't seem dangerous to Steve right now. Nothing bad at all, actually, standing here under the light of a single sputtering light bulb that reflects in his big doe-like eyes just right, haloing his wispy hair into something angelic, and if Steve saw him in any other context he'd almost think him cute-

Oh.

Well shit.

It's well past 4pm. Munson's in the band hall by himself, in the dark.

Robin and Dustin have been telling Steve to 'broaden his horizons,' and didn't Steve himself say he 'liked more' in that food court booth?

And writing love letters sounds like something only a nerd would do...

Could it be him...?

"Munson, h-hey," Steve stutters out, realizing it's been a bit too long since anything was said. He throws the confused-curious-scared-relieved crisis to the back of his mind, focusing all his energy on just acting normal. 'Casual' went out the damn window when one of his hands ran through his hair. "What, uh.. what're you doing here?"

Thank god for that simple little response. Eddie latches on to it with a smile that makes little dimples show on his cheek, though they're gone too soon when he turns to kick the half cardboard, half duct tape box still in the storage closet.

"Just repaying some old debts," he says, that same jesting lightness he'd throw in quips against Mrs. Schneider. Eddie snaps his fingers, brings those so bright eyes back around to Steve. "Say, think you could give me a hand? Could use some old jock strength here."

Steve lets the jab roll past him, he's heard worse from the kids. He just agrees - because who is Steve Harrington if not ever helpful? - and steps into the cramped storage closet. It takes some maneuvering to make sure the poor thing doesn't fall apart in his arms, but he gets the box up off the ground. Nothing too strenuous, but Eddie is quick to direct Steve on which shelf to place the box. One more strain against the old cardboard gets them both in a panicked frenzy, but their combined push gets the box settled.

Now they're cramped in a tight storage closet shoulder to shoulder, and Steve is hyperaware of the presence. Eddie doesn't seem like that bad of a guy, he's willing to give it a shot, but he's afraid his charm might not work the same-

Eddie lightly slaps Steve's arm, drawing his attention and dear lord his eyes look so much brighter now- "Not that I'm not grateful for the aid, Mister Strongman, but only satisfaction brings a curious cat back." He leans against the opposite shelving of the closet easily, not very eager to leave the tiny space, it seems. "What brings you into the den of us freaks?"

Eddie looks so confident, speaks every word with an air of comfort and ease, that it makes the last of Steve's anxiety leave him in a huff of light laughter. He just draws in a breath, suddenly very curious to see where this goes, and starts up the charm.

"You tell me, Munson," he responds lightly. Tilts his head so he's looking up at Eddie through his eyelashes, pulls the face Nancy used to call stupid and begs that it isn't anymore. The smile is easy, though. It's so easy to smile around a presence like this.

Yet Eddie's comfort immediately wavers, and he looks surprised. "Uh..." he chuckles out nervously, "what's that supposed to mean, Harrington?"

Oh, so Munson plays hard to get? He can work with that. So much more familiar in this game, Steve just saunters the last few inches to face Eddie with only a breath's space between them. Keeps just enough distance, though, to make them both crave the closeness, leaning against the shelf beside Eddie to look down on him. "C'mon, Eddie... you know why I'm here."

And may the corpses of Upside Down monsters be his witness, Eddie "The Freak" Munson damn near blushes at the tone and proximity. Bingo.

"I- uh-" Eddie clears his throat. "'Fraid I don't recall," he mutters. There's a little bit of tension in his shoulders, hidden in the motion as Eddie leans further into the little space between them, staring Steve right in the eyes as he says, "Care to enlighten me?"

Steve is more than happy to remind him, especially if it gets the last of that tension out of him. It doesn't look right on Eddie. The line's been cast, the lovely fish caught, and now it's time to reel it in. "Well, got word lately of a new... development in Hawkins High." Steve meets Eddie's eyes and loses himself in them a little. "Figured I'd come by to talk to the source."

To Steve, it's the smoothest pickup line this side of the midwest.

But Eddie's entire demeanor sours in an instant. His shoulders tense, his eyebrow furrows so much that glorious light is gone, and he leans forward not by want, but by attack. "Alright, listen here Harrington, I wanted to give you the benefit of the doubt for those kids, but I swear if you don't pick your next words carefully-"

"Woah woah woah, hey wait!" Steve immediately backs up to give Eddie space - not much considering they're still in the damn closet, Steve walks right into the opposite shelving rack with a loud clatter - the tension in the air taking an instant 180. "I didn't- What did they- What're you talking about, I didn't mean any harm!!"

Eddie's still eyeing him warily, but he's not leaving despite the open door. That's a start. "What did you mean then, your highness?" he spits, and it sends a crack straight through Steve's heart.

One that shines light on the ignorant hope resting all on that damn...

"Did... did you not want to talk to me?" Steve asks quietly.

The volume seems to wear Eddie down a little too, as the light comes back to his eyes and the tension loosens. "Where'd you get that idea?" he asks, stern but lacking in power.

Suddenly this whole attempt - finding the note, following it, saving Eddie from the box, helping him, daring to take the leap - feels so fucking stupid that Steve can't believe he went through with it.

But Eddie's looking at him like he genuinely wants to know. Not just to get Steve away, but to know what's got him so out of sorts. Like he's bothering to care.

So Steve fumbles for the words with Eddie waiting patiently, his defenses falling with each failed sentence as Steve's too open heart shows him everything. In the end, Steve gives up, reaches into his back pocket, and pulls out the note. Looks away from Eddie as he holds it out for him to take. Feels his treacherous heart stutter at the brush of their hands as Eddie takes it. Can't bear to turn around, his face too flushed and his heart too worn as he hears the note crinkle, at Eddie's tiny gasp as everything clicks.

"Steve..." Eddie whispers, pleads, and Steve is oh so weak to such a sound. He looks up and comes face to face with an expression just as hopeful, as daring, as Steve has felt this entire interaction.

Eddie's a smart guy, it seems. He knows. But still he dares to ask. "You... thought I wrote this?"

Steve clears his throat, can't look away as he waves at the note held almost reverently in Eddie's hand. "It was 4pm when I showed up, wasn't it?" Jokes, feels the sincerity choke him a little. Eddie laughs like he gets it, looks back down at the note.

"I'm almost insulted then, Steve." Something happens to his face then that crushes all of the leftover tension in the closet. Brings back the right one with a teasing glance back at him, Steve's heart stuttering again. "This little thing-" he waves the note, "-was written by a complete amateur."

It's the same game, same rules, but he's playing with a teammate now and it feels so much sweeter. "Oh yeah?" Steve tempts. Doesn't try looking a certain way, not The King or The Hair. Just Steve. "Think you could do better?"

"Mhm, certainly," Eddie drawls. He looks back down at the note, steps off the shelf but doesn't dare step closer. "Shouldn't expect much, it's just an invitation... but to encourage an appearance, one should entice the recipient with the truth." He takes a slow, single step forward. To Steve it feels like crossing the world just to get them closer. "I'll give the girl this, she got all this right. But it just scratches the surface, doesn't it?"

Finally, Eddie looks up, and his eyes are black holes that Steve never wants to fight and his smile one that Steve would blind himself on if it meant it was the last thing he ever saw.

It's a universal truth that Steve Harrington falls hard. But the way Eddie's looking at him makes him hope like a fool that Eddie fell first.

"Because based on what I've seen..." Eddie takes another step closer, enough for their feet to rest beside each other, their knees almost touching, "Steve Harrington isn't just considerate, or athletic.

"He's brave. Smart. Loyal. Selfless. Seems like he'll throw himself into danger if it meant he's saving a life." Eddie takes that last step forward, leans fully into Steve's space with an open expression that is at once confident-scared-hopeful-real. Steve wouldn't look away if his life depended on it, because dying under Eddie's touch, Eddie's words, Eddie's gaze, would be the kindest death he could ever have.

"He's kind, cares so much it's a wonder his heart has room for the blood that keeps such a perfect guy alive." Eddie's almost whispering now. The shelving biting into their every limb is second to the tension pushing them together. "And while handsome is true, I'd have rather used something like... gorgeous."

That's when Eddie's eyes drift down to watch the shiver those words send through Steve catch right on his lip. "Sounds much more fitting, don't you think, Stevie?" Eddie looks back up to meet Steve's, and it's the most exposed Eddie's ever seemed, the most seen Steve's ever felt.

Steve can't breathe, can barely move his head in fear of being scalded by the heat of his face. "Yeah..." he gasps out. Swallows, his voice shaking as he forces it to move. "S-something like that..."

Steve Harrington is stuttering. He couldn't be ashamed if he tried, because what else could a weak man do to survive this?

The last of Eddie's confidence slips then, like he's just as weak. "Tell me I'm wrong," he whispers, pleads. "Tell me all the wishing I've done all this time was for nothing."

Steve doesn't have to. All he has to do is take that final leap, grabbing Eddie's waist. It's the answer to the begging left unsaid.

Waits to catch Eddie as he finally, finally closes that last tiny space.

Eddie kisses Steve with the emotion of a hundred years of waiting, the ferocity of fearing it going away, but the care of never daring to let it go now. Steve kisses Eddie back with the desperation of a lonely man given a hand, the strength behind a promise of protection, and the love hidden away in his poor heart finally allowed to burst.

He's lost in the feeling - Eddie's hands in his hair, Eddie's body pushing them closer, Eddie's lips and tongue on his own, Eddie's sweet gasps of air between their mutual desperation. It's a beautiful push and pull that Steve never wants to win.

A hand goes to Eddie's jaw, holds it reverently, tracing the bone and skin and motion. Another goes down to the side of Steve's neck, a light pressure, feeling the pulse and air and swallow.

They don't dare leave each other's lips, can't move away from the tight hold trying to connect every inch of them together, barely leaves room to breathe. Eddie wants to bite, Steve wants to see, but the thought of leaving is impossible to them, so they don't.

Until there's a sudden knock at the door of the band hall that breaks the haze. Steve pulls away to huff in anger, glaring at the wall they're hidden behind to whomever is behind it. Eddie shakes his head at the motion, laughs quietly, pulling Steve's attention back like a moth to flame.

"Steve?" calls out a tentative female voice. If Steve wasn't so drunk on Eddie's everything, he'd feel guilt over the poor girl finally showing up.

Eddie, however, just grins like this is another stage. Pulls away - with much agony from them both - from Steve just enough to look out the door. Steve can hear the girl gasp in shock when he's visible.

"Sorry, sweetheart," Eddie calls out. They're still close enough for the sound to vibrate under Steve's hands through Eddie's entire being. "Haven't seen him!"

The girl mumbles out a profuse apology and promptly exits herself. Such a shame, that people don't want to be around Eddie. What a blessing, that that leaves him all for Steve.

Eddie barely has time to close the closet door enough to keep them hidden more before Steve breaks and surges forward again. Catches Eddie's mouth while he's mid laugh, Steve mid smile. Nearly splits his lip with the force, but Eddie soothes it with his tongue before it can sting.

"Still breaking hearts, huh Steve?" Eddie whispers against his lips. Steve backs away, for the sound of Eddie's words is far sweeter than the taste of them, and the sight of Eddie's eyes far warmer than them both.

"'S long as it's not this one," Steve whispers back. Kisses Eddie again right, if a bit chaste. "Wanna know it instead, if his owner will let me?" Can't help but beg even under Eddie's full attention.

But Eddie just takes it in stride. Grabs the hand on his face and pulls it down to rest over his heart. "It is a little broken already, I'm afraid." His expression falls, just a smidge, but Steve sees it like clouds over the sun. "Sorry for assuming the worst earlier. I'm still scared I'm gonna wake up..."

Steve just does his best to hold Eddie's hand back. "You dream of me?" he can't help but ask.

Eddie looks at him with a look of pure longing. "Can't dream of anything else."

Steve holds him tighter, everywhere. Hands, body, sight. Mind and soul and heart. "Would you let me heal you?"

The clouds pass and Eddie holds him back, bonking their foreheads together - "If you dare, rearrange me so you may fit between the pieces..." - before going back to his lips.

'I wouldn't want to be anywhere else...'

Steve barely knows Eddie, but he wants to try. Eddie barely knows Steve, and he wants to show him everything. Robin and the kids are going to go crazy with this, but Steve's willing to brace for the aftermath.

So long as it means this secret admirer will stay by him for their lives to come.

[undertale-fic-librarby]

Got any fics where cross joins the bad sans? Preferably with a poly but I don't mind any other ships 💜

Howdy, thanks for asking! Here are some fics that might fit what you're looking for!

It's Just Casual… Right? by SXH1417 (Explicit, Incomplete)

"Do you need help?" Cross asked, nonplussed. The question itself was as jarring as the way it was said. Just deadpanned and maybe a little bored? He had the most blank expression on his face. Confused, Killer said, "Uh... What?" "Do you need help? With this?" Cross asked again, this time running a finger over the top of his pelvis. He didn't touch the straining magic, Killer still let out a whimper at the touch. "You... You really asking that?" (Additional tags in the beginning notes of each chapter.)

Haze by Askellie (Explicit, Complete)

That muddy, warm feeling in his bones? Cross is pretty sure it's just a fever. That throbbing, heavy feeling in his soul? Probably just Chara messing with him again. He's never felt this way before, but that doesn't mean it's anything to worry about. [Cross experiences heat for the first time. The rest of Nightmare's crew are as unhelpful as you would expect.]

It will take me a long time to recover, so please, hold my hand while I do by Abomination_X (Teen And Up, Complete)

Sometimes Cross still has trouble believing that this is real. He still has trouble believing that this isn't just a beautiful dream, that he won't wake up alone again, that he won't be surrounded by nothing but white and be left to suffer for all eternity. But everything is as real as it gets. He has a home, he has a pack who loves him and he's safe. Cross is safe. ——— Future edit: I wrote this when I was fourteen and it's not very good. I'm holding onto it for nostalgia reasons, but please don't expect much + don't let this be a judge of how I write now lmao. If you want a better written a/b/o fic I still have some :3

The Forgotten City by WhisperingEcho (Mature, Incomplete)

Then they appeared. Three figures, emerging from the shadows, their forms dark and wraithlike in the dim blue glow. At first, they seemed like nothing more than silhouettes. But as they stepped forward, more details emerged, each one more horrifying than the last. One of them - no, two of them - moved like animals, low to the ground, and one even crawling on all fours. Their bone-clad bodies shuddered, their movements unnatural, and Cross’ stomach turned. They were covered in a strange, greenish-black substance that glowed faintly, like algae festering on dead flesh. It clung to their forms in long tendrils, the sickly lichen-like growth looking as though it was the only thing keeping their decaying skin from falling off entirely. After his disownment, Cross finds himself wandering the world alone, until a skirmish with some wolves leaves him falling for some creatures leaving in an abandoned city inside a Hollowed Mountain. And they're just as loving as they are terrifying.

The Crime King by The_Borb_King_2020 (Not Rated, Complete)

"You truly are an idiot!" The spirit hissed the words out like poison as he glared at the wounded skeleton who was clinging to the balcony at night. The skeleton called Cross, only sighted quietly and watched the cops go by on the ground. _______________________ Cross knows that the city is a dangerous place, but he made the mistake of living there and found himself a job, a dangerous one that puts him at risk every time he does it. But what do you expect when you work for the crime king?

[chxmpagneprxblem]

Chapter Four - Third Thing

Tough Love Masterlist

“Third date, huh?” Leah asked. She was sprawled across your bed, her usual spot when she was at your house rather than the other way around.

It had been a while since you hosted the Thursday sleepover but Bella hadn’t had a nightmare in such a long time. It had been a peaceful night, the usual movie and take out.

But now it was Friday afternoon and you were curling your hair at your vanity while Leah put a voice to your anxieties.

“Yeah, third date.” You sighed and looked up at her in the mirror. You knew the expectations around the third date and you knew Paul’s past reputation.

It wasn’t like you were a blushing virgin or afraid to sleep with him. You just didn’t know if you were quite there.

You and Paul had made out a little on the first date at his house. Your second date had been in a bar in Portland to see some underground band you liked. You had gotten a little handsy in his truck after.

But this was the third date. He was making dinner and had something to discuss. Which was also making you feel more and more nauseous as the day wore on.

“You think he expects you to sleep together? Maybe he’s gonna ask you to be his girlfriend.” Leah rolled over so she was on her belly, hands propping up her chin.

“Isn’t three dates a little early? For either of those things?” You asked her desperately and she shrugged. “I mean three weeks ago I was glaring at him in the diner.”

“You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do.” Leah reminded you and you sighed, shoulders tensing up by your ears. You curled the last piece of hair and switched the curler off.

“If I say no to either it looks bad. Things won’t be the same. What if he doesn’t like me anymore?” You asked and she sat up on the bed. You turned on your stool to face her.

“The he can fuck off. If he’s gonna treat you differently for not wanting to sleep with him yet then I’ll go down there and make sure he can’t sleep with anyone anymore.” You smiled at how heated she got, her hands shaking.

“Relax Lee, he hasn’t even done anything wrong. I’m just, you know, what if?” You sighed and Leah clambered off the bed to come over and kneel in front of you.

“If he’s the right guy then he’ll choose you. Just like I keep choosing you over and over again. You’re the winning choice, always.” You nodded, pursing your lips and inhaling deeply through your nose to keep the tears at bay.

“Once you keep choosing me then I’ll be okay.” She smiled and leaned up to wrap you in a hug.

///

Paul pursed his lips when you answered the door and shook his head. “How’s a guy supposed to keep up when you look this good?”

Roses, store bought this time, were passed into your hands and you smiled, inhaling from them and then without looking, you passed them back to your father who got far too much joy out of annoying you.

“You know-“

“I’m going to go joy riding in the cruiser and leave it somewhere you’ll never find it if you finish your sentence.” You warned your laughing father. You grabbed your jacket and ushered Paul out the door. “Thank you for the flowers.”

“No problem, Sunshine.” He helped you up into the truck and you rolled your eyes at the stupid nickname that seemed like it was sticking.

When he got in on his own side his hand found yours, which had become customary. Paul drove a manual truck and still held your hand between gear shifts.

Paul was consistent in the small gestures that showed you how much he really cared. It was beyond fascinating to you that you had internalized so much contempt for him when he was this sweet in person.

“How was your sleepover?” Paul asked, tapping his thumb against your hand to draw your attention back from where it had drifted.

“It was good. Leah got that new Cheaper By The Dozen movie on DVD.” You told him, turning to watch his side profile while he drove.

“The one with Hilary Duff?” You scoffed, attempting to pull your hand free. He only laughed, holding tight.

“Of course you’d know she’s in it. You’re such a guy.” You rolled your eyes, accepting that you weren’t getting your hand back.

“Nah, I only got eyes for you baby.” He laughed and you only turned your face away. “Hey now, you’re way prettier than Hilary Duff.”

“I’m sure I am.” You muttered, trying to hide your smile from him. “Pity you ain’t as hot as that Tom Welling guy. You know the older brother?”

Paul only laughed at you, squeezing your hand and shaking his head. “Whatever you say, Sunshine.”

“Whatever.” You pursed your lips, still trying to hide your smile.

“But if we’re talking hall passes then-“ you pulled your hand from his, smacking him while he laughed.

///

“So you cook, you have your own place, you bring me flowers and you do all the clean up too.” You were sitting on the counter by the sink, glass of wine in hand, right where Paul had put you while he washed the dinners. “Why are you still single?”

“Well, I mean am I technically single if we’re dating?” He asked, wiping his hands on a towel to dry them. “Because I don’t count myself as single.”

“Besides me. Before me.” You sighed, parting your legs when he slipped between you. He stole the wine glass from your hand and you let your arms rest over his shoulders.

“I haven’t ever done this for anyone. I don’t bring people into my home. I don’t cook them dinner. I don’t let them sit pretty while I wash the dishes.” He shrugged and your arms shifted with the movement. You curled one hand around the back of his neck, scratching your nails through the hair at his nape.

“I’m sure I’m the first.” You laughed and then frowned when Paul did. “Paul I know you got around. I’m not bothered by it.”

“I mean technically, yes. But I didn’t date them. I didn’t bring them over here. I’m not treating you like this because I want to sleep with you.” He sighed and you smiled, pressing a kiss to his cheek to draw a smile from him.

“So why me?” You asked him quietly. He hummed, tilting his head into your hand massaging his scalp. He was like a puppy, basking in the comfort.

“Well, I’ve known since the first moment I really looked at you that I wanted you. I want to date you. Do it properly.” He admitted and you laughed.

“Oh yeah, you knew that three years ago in Jared Call’s bathroom?” You asked and his brows scrunched together in confusion. “You and Jenna Fuller were getting off but I had a puking Leah do I kicked you out of the bathroom.”

“I don’t remember that so it doesn’t count.” He argued and you laughed at his petulant pout. “I meant that day in the diner. You looked at me like you wanted to string me up by my own intestines and what can I say? I was kind of into it.”

“That’s oddly sweet.” You laughed and pressed a short kiss to his lips. “Who knew you were so soft? You better be careful or everyone will know.”

“I don’t care who knows once you do.” Paul chuckled, pressing his forehead against yours. “I’ve got something I’d like to talk about with you.”

You swallowed and nodded against his forehead before pulling back. This was it. He could only possibly want to talk about one of two things. Sex or a relationship.

“Go on.” You urged and he smiled at you softly again. He hesitated and it was your turn to smile. “Best rip it off. Like a band aid.”

“I’m a Spirit Warrior Wolf and I imprinted on you.”

Or maybe a third, very different topic. Like your almost boyfriend being stuck in a psychosis.

[colettebronte]

30,000 Feet Up in the Air (Drop Down)

Taglist Form

Ao3 Link

Bridgerton Masterlist

Pairing: Modern!Anthony Bridgerton x Fem Reader

Summary: A sequel to (Not Exactly) A Fairytale in New York, our couple decides to join the Mile High Club on a Transatlantic flight for two on Valentine's Day

Word Count: 2.8k

Warnings: 18+ specifically for vaginal fingering and anal sex. Minors DNI. I will put this up on Ao3 so please do not repost my work elsewhere

Author’s Note: I knew I wanted to revisit this version of Anthony and Reader for Valentine’s Day. The title comes from a line from the Gregory Porter song, Concorde. This was a another fun one to write and I hope you enjoy it. Thank you to @fayes-fics for betaing. Yoda best, my friend! 🫶❤️

If someone had told you that having the entire contents of a large cup of iced coffee dumped all over you just days before Christmas would lead to you dating a viscount, let alone one had his own airplane, you’d have told them they were nuts. And yet . . . . 

In the month and a half since you met Anthony “Please for the love of everything, stop calling me Lord” Bridgerton; you’ve amassed more stamps in your passport than you have in the last several years you’ve had one. First, it was ringing in the New Year in Paris. Then it was a long January weekend in Bruges. Next it was an overnight stay in Amsterdam. In between all those were weekend jaunts across the pond to stay at his apartment in London.

So you were unsurprised when on your lunch break, just days before Valentine’s Day, Anthony texted to see if you wanted to spend a long weekend in the UK, this time meeting his family at their country estate. While you were nervous, you were also excited to take your relationship to the next level. Never mind that you and his mother were already texting on a regular basis.

It’s early evening when you step out of the town car and onto the tarmac, the plane you dubbed “Anthony One” sitting with the bay door open and the stairs down, waiting for you. You thank the driver as they pull out your luggage and hand it off to Mary, one of the flight attendants. Taking hold of the silver railing, you climb up and into the plane.

Once aboard, the sight before you leaves you speechless. The long, plush couch that spans half the length of the main cabin of the plane is lined with six of the largest bouquets of roses you have ever seen, each a different color, the air fragrant with the scent of fresh petals. Anthony emerges from the back and chuckles softly at your shocked face.

He comes to stand beside you, taking your hand and says, “I wasn’t sure which was your favorite color so I . . . .”

“Bought out an entire florist’s shop supply of roses,” you finish for him.

He shakes his head and smiles. “Something like that.”

You reach up and tug him down into a kiss, moaning into his mouth as his tongue dips effortlessly into yours. After a few moments, you break apart to catch your breath. 

“Ant, this is too much,” you gesture to the half-dozen bouquets. He gently pulls you back against his body, wrapping his arms around your waist.

He nuzzles against your cheek and then murmurs into your ear, “Think of them as a thank you gift in advance for dealing with my family this weekend.”

You huff a laugh. “Still. What am I going to do with all these roses?”

Anthony presses a kiss into your hair and then pulls back, entwining your fingers together. “You could just enjoy them all,” he suggests.

What you choose to do instead is pick your two favorites and before the crew makes the final preparations for departure, you give the remaining four bouquets to Mary, the other flight attendant Theo, the pilot and co-pilot.

Once the door is closed and secure, you and Anthony sit in a pair of large, plushly cushioned captain armchairs and buckle in as the plane prepares to depart. As you taxi down the runway, you look out the window and watch as the city lights begin to fade in the distance, becoming tiny dots of light as the plane takes off and begins to gain altitude.

Soon enough, Theo comes into the cabin to let you know you’re able to unbuckle and move freely about the cabin as he takes your drink and dinner orders.

Toeing off your shoes, you get up and move to sit in your favorite spot, Anthony’s lap. He smiles up at you as you tangle your fingers into his hair and press your face into the crook of his neck, inhaling the scent of his cologne. You reach down to undo his tie and the first few buttons of his dress shirt. Anthony shifts around you to tug off his suit jacket. Before you can unbutton his shirt all the way, Theo returns with a bottle of champagne and a bowl of chocolate-covered strawberries.

“Surely not dessert before dinner,” you gasp in mock horror.

Anthony smiles and shrugs as you go back to your seat and swivel it around to face him. Theo says nothing as he sets the bottle and strawberries down on a small table and places it between you and Anthony. A moment later, Theo produces a pair of champagne flutes as well. You take a strawberry while the bottle is uncorked. Once Theo hands you both filled glasses, you toast each other and then enjoy the strawberries and chat about your day while you wait for dinner to be served.

You’re flying over the Atlantic Ocean when Mary comes into the cabin carrying your dinners on a large tray. You and Anthony move to the other side where a large table with cushy seats on either side sits near a large tv mounted to the wall in front of it. She places the tray down on the table and you both sit and tuck into the meal. After being assured you both have everything you need, Mary excuses herself back into the crew cabin.

Dinner passes pleasantly as you continue to catch up, a movie playing on the screen while you eat. Once you finish, Mary returns to clear your meal while Theo offers to turn down the bed.

The bed. The first time you ever entered Anthony One, your eyes had been drawn to the queen-sized bed that sat at the rear of the main cabin. Lavishly decorated in a plush, light blue comforter, adorned with gold and light blue accent pillows, it was your second favorite spot in the whole plane. After a long day of work you love snuggling under the soft blankets and against the 500 thread count sheets. None of this has ever been your normal, but if this was the price that came with being in love with and loved by Anthony Bridgerton, it was a sacrifice you were willing to make.

While Theo turns down the bed, you step into the bathroom; which has an actual shower, to wash your face and change into something cozier to rest in… along with a little surprise you have for Anthony underneath your fleece sleep pants and loose-fitting sweatshirt.

When you emerge, ready to beckon him to join you in bed, you find the window shades closed, the cabin lights dimmed and your boyfriend nowhere in sight. After a moment, he emerges from the cockpit, still fully dressed, his messenger bag in hand.

“Apologies, Love,” he says softly. “I have to check in on the Asian markets, but I’ll join you in a bit.”

You pout inelegantly and Anthony places his bag down and comes over to you. He tugs you into a heated kiss, pleasure zinging through your core. You wrap your arms around his neck and hop up to wrap your legs around his waist. He rocks back to land on the couch and you get lost in each other for a few minutes, hands roaming up and down his back, attempting to free his dress shirt from his pants. Anthony finally pulls back, out of breath, hair adorably mussed. The glint in his eye holds a promise even as he gently extricates himself from you.

“You are far too distracting,” he murmurs as he pulls out his laptop.

You stand, your smile unrepentant as you head to the back of the cabin. “You have ten minutes to get your work done, Lord Bridgerton.”

Anthony laughs and counters, “Thirty minutes.”

You turn around and shake your head, putting an extra sway in your step. “Fifteen,” you call out.

“Deal,” Anthony says with a laugh as you pull closed the curtain that separates the bed from the rest of the cabin.

**********

You awaken alone sometime later, unsure of the time, but you’re certain it’s been far longer than fifteen minutes. Sitting up, you push back the blankets, pick your phone up off the charging station and check the flight path tracker to see where you are.  Frowning, you note it’s been nearly two hours since you fell asleep. With a sigh, you get up and push aside the curtain, ready to give Anthony a piece of your mind for not joining you.

But as you stride into the main cabin, you stop short at the sight before you. Anthony is fast asleep on the long couch, his partially unbuttoned shirt and dress pants rumpled, head lolled to the side with the blue light of his laptop illuminating his handsome face. You wince as you imagine how much his neck is going to be hurting. Sighing, you close his laptop and gently shake his shoulder. He comes awake with a jolt, blinking up at you in the dimly lit cabin, his hair adorably sticking up in all directions. 

Taking in both you and his surroundings, with a wince he offers up a quiet, “I’m sorry.” He sits up and rubs his neck as you push away his laptop and sit down on his lap. You feel Anthony’s interest, hot and hard, through your sleep pants as you grind down. He tugs you closer, hands banding around your ass.  You undo three more buttons on his shirt, exposing the dark thatch of hair on his chest that you love running your fingers through.

As you do just that, fingers slowly walking across his pecs, you lean into his ear and whisper, “My Lord, I would love to join the Mile High Club. I don’t suppose you can help me with that, can you?”

Trapped between the couch and your body, Anthony leans back a fraction of an inch to stare into your eyes. Even in the semi-dark, you can see them glimmer with mischief. “We can join it together,” he murmurs hotly.

Without another word, you pull your sweatshirt over your head, tossing it behind you, showing off part of your surprise. Anthony moans as the top of your see-through black lace lingerie is revealed.

In one fluid motion, Anthony stands with your legs wrapped around his waist. Drawing you into a heated kiss, he starts to walk you to the bed, but you tug on his hair and he pulls back to look at you curiously.

Standing on your own feet, you gently push him back down on the couch. Anthony glances towards the bed and you gently chide him.

“We fuck in beds all the time, My Lord. I think for the true Mile High experience, we ought to use the couch,” you pause to add, “or better yet, one of the captain’s chairs.”

Anthony growls and then you squeal as he picks you up to carry you bridal style over to one of the large, plush swivel chairs, dropping you carefully into the seat as he unceremoniously strips off his clothes. You pull off your sleep pants while he kicks off his boxers to land in the pile with the rest of your clothes. You take his hand to tug him down towards your body. He gently lands on the floor before you on his knees, staring up at you reverently, pushing aside sheer black lace as you part your legs.

“No panties,” he murmurs as he runs a finger along your slit.

You can only moan as you slouch down in the chair, allowing him full access to the lower part of your body.

Breathless, you ask him, “What do you plan to do about that, My Lord?”

Anthony’s smile is sharp as he rocks back onto his heels. “Why don’t you ask me very nicely what it is you want and find out.”

Widening your legs, you say, “Please My Lord, touch me.”

Anthony clicks his tongue. In a low growl, he says, “Look how wet you are. Surely My Girl can do better than that.”

Nipples instantly hardening into pebbled peaks, you squirm in the chair as you try, and fail to keep the whine out of your voice as you beg, “Anthony, please, please use your fingers to make me come. Please.”

Anthony shifts only a fraction closer. “Where do you want me to touch you?”

His tone alone could bring you off, but you look him straight in the eyes and say, “My pussy, please.”

Anthony smiles another sinful smile and at last rucks your lingerie up around your hips, exposing your lower half to the warm air of the cabin. Leaning in, he nuzzles against one of your thighs as he dips his index finger into your soaked folds. You reach up to grasp the top of the chair to keep yourself from slipping down.

“You are so wet, aren’t you, My Girl,” Anthony murmurs. You moan in response, which seems to satisfy him as he adds a second finger. “How many fingers can you take, I wonder,” he muses.

You cry out, “All of them!” as he adds another one and swirls around your clit. He makes a thoughtful noise as he adds the fourth, continuing to move around inside you.

“We’ll save my thumb for another day,” he says softly and you nod. He strokes your clit with expert precision, your pleasure ebbing and flowing under his careful ministrations. Just when you’re sure you’re about to come, he carefully withdraws his fingers. You watch in fascination as he takes his wet digits into his mouth and stares into your eyes and smiles as he sucks your juices off them. Your eyes shift from his face to his fingers, down to his flushed, leaking cock.

Once finished, he pulls his fingers out of his mouth. Sitting up, you moan and tug him up into your lap. Grabbing his face you whisper, “Forget your fingers; I want to ride you in this chair, right here, right now, until we both come.”

Anthony’s shocked face gives way to another sharp smile. “As My Girl commands,” he says, rising up and then you’re shifting on shaky legs to sit on his lap as he takes your place on the chair. 

For a moment, you fight for balance as the chair starts to swivel under you, but Anthony plants his feet down firmly, steadying you both. Lifting the hem of your lingerie, you seat yourself fully onto his cock, which feels like velvety steel inside you. Anthony whines as you settle yourself as comfortably as you can, both of you feeling every minute movement you make. You grab onto his shoulders and he takes hold of your hips. You stare deeply into each other's eyes as you begin to move in tandem, easily building a rhythm. You’re still near the edge from his earlier ministrations and it’s not long before he joins you, leaning forward to gasp into the side of your neck, keening with pleasure.

You reach around to run your fingers up and down his bare back, something you know he loves the feel of as you continue to bounce gleefully on his cock. He reaches up to support your back and then soon enough, Anthony is throwing his head back against the chair and starts to yell out your name as bright, hot white light overtakes your senses as you, too, tumble over the precipice, crying out his name in return.

After regaining your breath a few minutes later, you carefully unseat yourself from him and, on even shakier legs, pull him towards the bed. Clearly spent, Anthony leans heavily on you as you walk slowly to the back of the cabin. Anthony falls onto the bed and you go into the bathroom to get a wet washcloth to clean you both up with.

Once the task is done and you’re both settled comfortably under the blankets, Anthony pulls you onto his chest, your head resting under his chin. Sleepily, he says, “The sex was wonderful, as always, but I have to say . . .”

“Joining the Mile High Club in an airplane seat, no matter how cushy is not all it’s hyped up to be,” you finish, your last word punctuated with a yawn.

Anthony nods and with a yawn of his own says, “Exactly. Let’s stick to the bed from now on, shall we?”

You press a kiss to the underside of his jaw. “I like the way you think, Lord Bridgerton.” On the charging stand, your phone chimes with a notification that it’s officially midnight back home. “Happy Valentine’s Day,” you murmur sleepily.

Anthony kisses the top of your head. “Happy Valentine’s Day, My Beautiful Girl.”

taglist: @queen-of-the-misfit-toys @faye-tale @cosmiclove330 @abridgerton @fiction-is-life @kmc1989 @alexandrainlove @ietss @multi-fandom-lover7667 @turtle-cant-communicate @liliac-dreamer @hottytoddyhistory @laniec03 @kwbaby24 @queenofmean14 @jtheteenagewitch

[corpsentry]

at the asian american studies sponsored movie screening i run out of my seat to press a button for the presenter and you look away, not in shame, but in anger

go make your own movie.

One where you’re the star

and everything’s my fault

the way you want it to be. I know, it’s easy

to let someone else hold this grief

and sit in the bathtub,

all dressed up to go to the party.

Maybe in this movie it’s your party

and I the party crasher,

holding cymbals and a baseball bat, et cetera.

But we don’t stop getting older when we’re angry

and you’re only twenty,

can’t listen to lullabies at night,

can’t sleep without a blanket

over your head like you’re scared

of your own shadow. God, go

write your own movie.

You could do it,

you’re still

pretty. Angry? Me too.

The bathtub’s overflowing,

the bathroom’s flooding

with whatever you couldn’t say

to the poet with their palms glued shut

in a cheap simulacrum of prayer.

Didn’t you say you were tired? Angry? Me too.

Upset? Unhappy? Me too. Hungry? Lonely? Me too. Me too.

Standing barefoot in the grass

I remembered the month of bad weather.

How I parted the fog with broken hands each night,

looking for your voice.

Oh, I will not forgive you.

Not like this.

With your fingers splayed

against the brute February sky,

lips cracked open like windows,

waiting, like you always are, for me to say the first word.