#this idea came to me last night and I haven't been able to stop planning since

[poguehearted77]

Wild Child

summary: after being sent away to boarding school for being a wild child you're finally back and celebrating your return in the only way you see fit.

smut: pool party, ragers, drug use (alcohol, vapes n weed), size kink, Rafe is cocky, mentions of old flings, manhandling, hot tubs, they do it on her parents' bed, rough sex, step-mom slander, reader is such a flirt n a tease, curvy reader, dom! rafe, bratty! reader, skinny dipping, mentions of body shots, choking, spanking (like once).

The morning sun was ascending high into the sky when you finally managed to get yourself out of your king-sized bed, fit for someone of your status and your parents' financial standing.

Your socked feet took padded steps towards your window where you overlooked the hills of figure eight. This was the first time you'd looked out your bedroom window in years. With a deep inhale a soft smile etched its way across your lips. You were finally home, and you had the house all to yourself. Or so you thought.

Your ears pick up on muffled indistinct chatter that managed to travel from the kitchen, down the halls up the elaborate staircase and into your room. Quickly, you headed for the source of the voices and were disappointed to see your dad and his wife plaything, Maria, conversing over coffee at the kitchen island.

"I thought you said the Jet leaves at dawn? What are you guys still doing here?" You try not to sound too curious, arms crossing naturally with your inquiry. With a clearing of his throat, your dad speaks up, "You only just came back two nights ago. Maria and I just don't think it's the right time to leave you alone for the weekend."

You scoff, "Why? You still don't trust me after what happened last time? Get over it, I'm twenty-one now, you can trust me." As you walked over to the fridge for a glass of water, you heard a muted exchange of ideas behind you.

"You can't expect us to forget about all the damage you caused. We still haven't found anyone to repair my crystal vases." You take a long sip, trying to swallow your toxic thoughts with the water.

She thinks she can just waltz up and down the house with that huge ring on her finger and think that her opinion carries any value to you.

You took a deep breath and plastered on a fake smile, pitching your voice to become as sweet as honey.

"I can never apologize enough for what I did back then, but how will I ever earn your trust if you don't give me the chance." Your doe eyes land on your father, specifically his weakened composure.

You're about to break him, you can see it.

He exhales, all the air escaping through his nostrils.

Broken.

He glances down at his watch, "Fine, but if you throw another party so help me god Y/n you'll never see grass again." You play it cool, thanking him with a simple hug and completely disregarding Maria before you make your way back upstairs.

It's as though a weight had been lifted off your chest. You needed them out of the house, you'd been planning this party since you got back and made sure all the guests knew to keep it on the down low, just until they were gone.

The hours fly by, and you hardly keep track of time as you and some of your long-time friends set up the house for the party that you shouldn't be hosting, but you're Y/n Sinclair. Parties are your thing.

"Macy, you let the people in, kay? I'm gonna go get changed." The sun was beginning to set and the music was already blasting, vibrating over the marble floors of the house. Every lyric was punctuated with a shaking of the speakers that could be felt even outside.

The neighbours hated to see you coming.

You know your dad's jet was en route to Fiji and he wouldn't be able to reach you until he landed which wasn't for another six hours at minimum but by then the damage will be long done and far too late to stop.

You make your way up the stairs, the bass thumping through the house and vibrating beneath your feet. As you step into your room, your reflection catches your eye, excitement sparking in your gaze.

With a quick flick of your wrist, you reach for the strappy black and red two-piece, slipping it on, the cool fabric hugging every curve just right. Each strap crisscrosses elegantly, bold yet balanced, making you smile at how perfectly it all came together.

Next, you grab the sheer cover-up, wrapping it loosely around your waist so it drapes with a hint of movement, a playful edge that sways with you. You run your fingers through your curls, scrunching them gently to bring out their bounce, each coil framing your face in soft waves. Reaching for your lip gloss, you swipe it carefully over your lips, catching the light with a glossy shine.

One last look, and you’re ready, your heart beating in rhythm with the music below. The speakers are already blaring, the energy practically calling you back down. You step out with a final tousle of your curls, ready to join the night.

The energy crackles through the backyard as you make your way to the top of the outdoor staircase. The sun has slipped beneath the horizon, casting a dusky glow over the massive pool below, illuminated by floating lights that shimmer across the water.

The bar is buzzing with people grabbing drinks, and in the corner, the foam pit is already filling up, laughter and splashes mixing with the heavy beat of the music.

A neon sign hangs across from the bar, glowing boldly against the evening sky: The Queen of Kildare is Back. You grin, amused at the sight of it knowing it was 100% Macy's doing, and take a step down. Conversations hush, replaced by the roaring blast of excitement as heads turn your way. Hundreds of people, from familiar faces to those you only vaguely recognize from your past in Figure Eight, pause and look up, anticipation brimming in their eyes.

As you descend, your cover-up billows behind you, revealing the bold lines of your black and red two-piece. The crowd’s reaction is instant, erupting into cheers, whistles, and applause that echo across the yard.

"Y/n! Y/n! Y/n" They chant and you laugh. Every step closer to the party, you feel the atmosphere thicken, charged with that infectious blend of excitement and admiration. By the time you reach the bottom, someone’s already handing you a drink, while friends rush over to pull you in for hugs and greetings, their voices nearly drowned out by the music and shouts.

"Y/n Sinclair, s'Been a while."

There's a voice all too familiar addressing you from behind, prompting you to pivot to come face to face with a much taller Rafe than your brain could recall.

"Rafe Cameron. Long time no see." He goes in for the hug, your arms reaching over his broadened shoulders while his longer ones wrap around your waist before pulling back. He not so subtly checked you out, his tongue darting out over his lips briefly as he took you in and you did the same.

The buzzed hair sharpens his features, you think. Making his eyes seem darker, more intense, as they focus on you. His open linen shirt falls loosely over his frame, giving glimpses of his toned chest and the subtle gleam of a thin chain resting against his skin.

The shirt flutters with the breeze, barely hanging on his shoulders, hinting at the strong lines of his arms and drawing your eyes down to his relaxed, dark swim trunks.

He’s saying something, leaning slightly toward you, and his voice cuts smoothly through the bass of the party. Your eyes wander back up to his face, catching the faint smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth as if he knows he’s caught your attention.

"You look good, too good. How long's it been?" It's hard for you to think with the heat of his gaze on you, but you don't falter, never surrendering to this never-ending game between the two of you.

"About 3 years." He hums, the way he looks at you, casual yet purposeful, makes your pulse quicken, and suddenly, every sound around you fades, leaving only the warmth of his presence and the way he looks right at you, but you remind yourself to focus.

Rafe looks around the scene, eyes lingering over the wet t-shirt contest and then the game of chicken being held in the pool while others lounged on the various floaties or indulged in ungodly amounts of alcohol at the bar. As he does so, the pungent scent of weed drafts across your nostrils.

"Your old man know you're hostin' tonight?" You had to laugh, "Oh please, like he would ever let me have any kind of fun while he's in town. He and the skank are in Fiji."

The slight smirk that etches over his perfect lips taunts you. "So the house is yours?" He leans in, a little closer, closing the gap between you. "Until he comes back and banishes me again," You place a confident hand against his chest, pushing him away, "But for now, I'm here to party, and you should be too."

With that said you walk away from him, letting your hips sway with seduction radiating with each step. Rafe lets his thumb and fingers stroke over his jaw, feeling the weight of the pressure you'd just applied.

God, it was good to have you back.

The party raged on, slowly approaching its peak, body shots were going on at the bar, girls were doing lines in the bathrooms and the guys had insisted on a drunk game of volleyball in the pool.

Rafe took a break from the events of the party and watched from the sidelines on the couch, taking another hit of the vape that someone had passed to him, he's not sure he can remember who, and it wasn't relevant anyway.

The only person he had his sights set on is you. Watching you have the time of your life with your friends on the platform in the middle of the pool. Your little group, clearly intoxicated danced carefree while you'd begun to put your hands on the ground and throw your ass in circles.

Rafe choked, sitting up, some smoke coming through his nostrils at the interrupted airflow. He leaves his shirt behind on the couch with the abandoned vape, just as he heads for the pool topped hands him a beer which Rafe accepts before he gets in.

Maintaining a straight face as his body acclimatizes to the cool water he's almost immediately swarmed and roped into a round of whatever the current pool game was.

His icy gaze looks up to the center of the pool where you once were but are now nowhere to be found. "Looking for someone?" Your voice was mocking and he was grinning before he even turned around.

"I am actually." With little ripples in the water, he steps towards you maintaining a respectful distance that was driving you insane. "I was looking for someone to join me at the bar," He puts on a convincing facade but you roll your eyes, feigning innocence.

"Let me know if you find her," He slowly steps towards you and step back, "Don't play dumb with me, Y/n." Your plush lips form a gut-wrenching pout, "What do you mean?" Another step forward, another one back. The cycle repeats itself until he has you backed up against the edge of the pool.

Rafe’s hands find your waist, and before you can react, he’s lifting you effortlessly, placing you on the edge of the pool. You're reeling at the slutty display of his sheer strength.

Your legs dangle, brushing against his chest, and he steps closer, slotting himself right between them. His hands rest on either side of you, his arms framing you in as he looks up with that sly grin, every bit as teasing as you are.

“Always out here playin' games, aren’t you?” he murmurs, his voice low, a quiet rasp just for you. “Gotta say, I respect it—always sticking it to your old man, doing your own thing.” He leans in, his gaze drifting down to your lips before meeting your eyes again. “Not many people around here have the guts for that.”

You scoff lightly, though your heart skips as his gaze lingers on you, intense and challenging. “Oh, please,” you tease, rolling your eyes. “Since when do you care about any of this?”

A quiet laugh slips from him as his fingers trace slow, deliberate circles along your thigh. “You think I haven’t been paying attention to you all these years?” he murmurs, leaning closer, his breath warm against your neck.

“You might’ve been gone a while, but don't think I forgot all those nights we had our fun.” His words hang heavy between you as he pulls back slightly. Now his hand rests on your waist, his voice dropping lower.

He tilts his head, studying you with that familiar glint of mischief. “Now that you're back, I think we should relive some of our traditions, for old time's sake,” he says, leaning in until his lips brush against your jaw, light and teasing, close enough to make your pulse race. He pauses, his thumb skimming your cheek, his lips hovering just above yours, waiting. “But don’t act like you don’t want this as much as I do.”

Before you can snap back, his mouth claims yours, the kiss charged with all the years of pent-up tension and that all-too-familiar heat. His hands slide up to cradle your face as you wrap your legs around him, pulling him even closer. The kiss deepens, and when he finally pulls back just enough to catch his breath, he watches you with a smug, knowing grin.

“There it is,” he murmurs, his voice a low rumble against your lips, his thumb tracing your jaw as if memorizing every inch. “That look you get right before we make a mess of things. I knew it—you missed this just as much as I did.”

If only someone could recount how the two of found yourselves stumbling up the stairs towards your room, your soaked sheer cover-up left forgotten somewhere in the house after Rafe pulled it off of your frame.

"Shit-- Rafe," your teeth dug into the flesh of your bottom lip as you reached to open your bedroom door, horrified to see two other people had monopolized it. They hadn't even noticed the door was opened so you quickly closed it.

"What the fuck, I thought everyone knew my room was off limits." With a quick scan, you noticed items were hanging off almost all the guest rooms in the hall letting others know the room was occupied.

"Shit, there's nowhere else to go in here?" You think quickly on your feet before rushing off to get something before returning with a key in your grip.

Rafe pulls you close with a smirk as you clutch the key to your father’s room, the gleam in your eyes daring him to follow. “Breaking all the rules tonight, aren’t we?” he murmurs, his voice low and thick with approval. His hand slips around your waist as you unlock the door, both of you glancing down the hall to be sure no one’s watching.

You twist the handle and push open the door, and his hand slides down to squeeze your hip, pulling you against him. “I knew there was a reason I liked you,” he whispers against your ear, his lips grazing your skin, sending a thrill down your spine.

Once inside, you barely have a chance to lock the door before he has you pressed up against it. His lips are on yours, urgent and fierce, his hands roaming over your body with possessive ease. “Do you have any idea what you do to me?” he breathes between kisses, his fingers tracing the bare skin of your waist as he lifts your top, letting it fall to the floor. “Thought I’d forgotten?” you tease.

Rafe just about growls, dipping down to kiss along your collarbone, his hands sliding lower as he backs you towards the bed. His fingers hook under the waistband of your bottoms, tugging them down with a smirk that sends heat rushing through you.

Your heart races as you feel the cool, forbidden sheets beneath you, the thrill of defying every rule and having Rafe look at you like you’re the only thing he’s ever wanted. His hands slide up your thighs, lips trailing down your neck as he leans over you. “You know,” he murmurs, voice heavy with desire as he takes in the sight of you sprawled out before him, “I always knew you were trouble. Guess that’s why I can’t stay away.”

With a smirk, he leans in, his lips brushing over yours as his hands explore, both of you savouring the thrill of being tangled up in each other once again.

"Look at these perfect fuckin' tits." He curses, big hands cupping your breasts, kneading them and rolling your nipples between his index and thumb. Your back arches slightly with a gasp, chest pressing up into him and he laughs.

"Still so sensitive here, angel? Some things never change." He reminisces and you roll your eyes, "Fuck off, Rafe." With the blink of an eye, his much larger frame was caging you in from above, his bulging biceps giving him an erotic juxtaposition in comparison to your head.

Balancing himself on one arm he slinks his palm around the expanse of your throat with a weighted pressure. "Been gone so long you forgot your manners? Mm? That's fine, I'll be sure to fuck some sense back into you."

Your eyes flutter shut at his filthy words as you feel his hand move and begin to work you between your legs. "Your pussy's fuckin' soaked--shit." He hisses, gaze hungry and his body acts on his thoughts faster than you can register.

A particularly loud moan slips from you as you feel his tongue skillfully lap over your folds, splitting you open as the warmth of his tongue protrudes into your core. "Yes, fuck! Please, don't stop Rafe." You moan, one hand reaching down to hold him by the hair and it hits you that he'd shaved it all off.

You let out a frustrated gruff, both hands fisting the sheets while you're forced to feel the vibrations of his sick laugh running through you at your dramatics. Even the tip of his nose had been covered in your slick, your juices running down his chin as he ate you out like a man starved.

He wouldn't be surprised if they could hear you from outside, but he knows everyone is far too high, too drunk or both to hear you. It wasn't long before your legs were beginning to shake and came with his name falling from your lips over and over like a prayer.

Taking deep breaths to recover from debatedly the best orgasm you've ever experienced, Rafe walked over to the far wall, out of sight, doing something you couldn't see before returning.

Without speaking he scoops you up into his arms, bridal style, another shameless display of his strength but it would be a lie to say it didn't drive you crazy. "What-what are you doing?" Your questions are ignored until he approaches the bubbling hot tub.

A wicked smirk curls across his lips as he eases you onto your feet in the warm water, his hands lingering on your waist, keeping you close. He gazes at you with that knowing glint, the steam rising around you both.

“Feels nice, doesn’t it?” he murmurs, his eyes trailing down your figure, unapologetic. His fingers skim over your sides, sending a shiver through you that’s from anything but the water.

“Are you really just gonna stand there?” you call, feeling the thrill of his attention but wanting to turn the tables, your voice laced with playful challenge.

“Oh, don’t worry,” he chuckles, unfastening his swim trunks and letting them fall to the side with a carefree grin. “I plan on joining you,” he says, slipping into the water and closing the distance between you two with smooth, unhurried steps. You take a hard swallow at his size, you don't remember him being this big.

He was going to destroy you.

You raise an eyebrow, matching his smirk. “Pretty bold of you, Rafe,” you say, your voice teasing as he wraps an arm around your waist, pulling you flush against him. “Just like old times, hmm?”

“Better than old times,” he murmurs, dipping his head so his lips graze your ear, his voice a low rumble. “Because now, nothing is stopping us.” He punctuates his sentence by pressing his body up against your back, elevating you a bit so your torso leans over the edge of the tub, granting him easy access to you.

"Fuck, can't believe your ass got even more fucking perfect since last time." His hand raises and comes back down with a loud spank that pulls a sinful moan from your throat. "Rafe, stop teasing." You whine, arching your back and pressing back against him.

His composure already weekend, he decided to let you get away with it this time before he lined up the swollen head of his thick cock with your entrance, "Better grab onto something." That's the last thing you hear before you're being impaled on his dick, your upper half immediately falls forward, and he stills, giving you a second.

You're breathless, it feels like his cock was taking up all the room in your lungs. Some water had splashed over the ledge but that was the least of your worries. Your mind was hazy and focused on Rafe's grunts that escaped him with every snap of his hips.

"Wish you could see how hot you look right now. The Sinclair wild child knows how to take big dick like a champ." His words run straight through you like electricity, fanning the flames of the burning heat that was beginning to form in your belly.

"Shit--This pussy was fuckin' made for me, y'know that?" You moan at his possessive statement. You can only nod, your body had gone limp long ago as he drilled into you. "R-rafe! I'm-" As if you weren't close enough, his fingers begin to rub over your clit aggressively and you jolt with a shriek.

"Oh- fuck, don't stop! Fuck! I'm gonna cum! Please, Rafe." You beg, over and over, arms hanging onto the edge of the tub for dear life as more water splashes around you.

"Wait for me, hold it until I say you can come." You're chewing your lip raw, desperately trying to hold yourself back as he wrecks you from the inside out, his moans getting more frequent, a little more airy and breathless as he tumbled toward his edge of pleasure.

"Cum with me, Angel." Your body spasms as you finish together and he leans his weight against your back, his laboured breathing fanning your ear as you come down from your high.

"Not bad, princess." You couldn't respond and Rafe took note of this, carefully holding you up with one final smug remark, "Hope I didn't wear out the queen of Kildare."

[yetanothergreyjedi]

Ghosts of Our Pasts: 8

DP x DC Crossover

Danny Fenton and Damian Wayne sibling AU

Masterpost Previous Next

Ao3

Part 8

"I wasn't sure what colors were still free,"

"Tt, It is ridiculous." Damian needed to stop saying things on impulse. Even if the oversized construction-orange hoodie jacket was a monstity, everything he said sounded cruel. Everything was cruel, he was aware he was not a pleasant person. It had never seemed like a problem before.

But his brother took it in stride, just like all his brothers did. Danny grinned, "Exactly!"

"It will draw attention," Father warned, but in the resigned way most often heard when discussing Grayson's early decisions as Robin.

Danny shrugged, "I can handle that, but I'm not like, super attached to it though, if its a problem."

"It is not a problem. You're wearing pants."

"Oh?"

"Robin insisted."

"Oooohhh," Danny said, only... he was looking at Damian.

"Not me! That was Gra— the first Robin!"

"Are you sure, I remember a time when you and pants did not—"

"I am wearing pants!"

Dany made a show of considering this point before conceding. "You are wearing pants."

Damian did not grumble as he pulled a spare domino and Comm from his belt. He took a step forward to hand them off no too-quick movements, nothing that might be perceived as a threat. And Danny simply took the items, if his movements were equally choreographed he did not show it.

"Test, test?" The voice came clear through the comms. They ran the rest of the comm checks, everything came up clear.

Danny expectantly bounced on his feet, he was wearing worn sneakers not boots.

"This isn't a patrol." Father reminded them, then he looked to Danny "We may need to stop and handle something on the way. Don't feel obligated to join in."

"I haven't lost that—"

"I'm not discrediting your skills. Or saying you can't get involved. I'm asking you to take additional caution until we get you proper equipment."

There was a moment where Danny's mouth worked, the usual whiplash of being interrupted by someone who had accurately guessed your argument and addressed it before you finished the sentence. Then he responded, "Yeah, okay, makes sense."

A nod and then they were off. The route had been planned specifically so they wouldn't have to grapple until Danny had a proper harness. Damian didn't know exactly what Danny had said the night before that led to them leaping across rooftops, but he couldn't find himself suprised that Danny kept up with ease.

It was an inverse of a game they'd once played. Danny would run ahead to show the way, slowing so a younger Damian could learn the footing on his own. Only now it was Damian showing the path, and Danny attempting to reach the same place quicker or more efficiently. He melded into the shadows suprisingly well for someone dressed to meet OSHA safety standards.

As much as he had worried, this was a good idea.

---

This was a terrible idea. Danny reflected. He had no idea what was normal for an average human. He hadn’t stuffed himself so firmly into his flesh in ages, and trying to do that while leaping up buildings! Could normal humans jump this high? Should he be able to lift his weightlike this? Was the domino hiding the fact that his eyes were probably a fog light?!

His feet were too sure on uneven surfaces, his shoes were gripping far better than they should and he knew for a fact the shadows were clinging to him! He tried to tell Gotham to knock it off, but he couldn't do that without unfolding a bit and he was definitely gonna to do something inhuman if he did that!

Bio-dad was right behind him! He should've downplayed his skills more, should've just suggested they drive! But noooo, he'd wanted to run around Gotham's rooftops like a bat! He still wanted to, he just didn't know how to human!

It was so much easier back home, had he flown that last bit? Or had he caught a little gravity anomaly? Is he standing on a vertical surface as if it were the ground? Cool! Let's find the step that will let us do it too! Vanished from existence? Probably a portal, best avoid that area! Gotham was, while a bit more liminal than most places, was not going to hide his weirdness!

Crap, had he been breathing enough?

---

Neither of his children were out of breath. Bruce realized when he got to the top of the building. He was proud of them. But as they sprinted off across the next set of rooftops, he reflected that he was not as young as he used to be.

---

Danny stopped without warning. His shoes made the barest scrape on the ledge that alerted Damian to stop too. He was looking down towards an alley barely visible from their vantage point. Then Damian heard what Danny must have: a man's voice, demanding a purse.

Danny inclined his head, Damian nodded. As one they lept down.

He was a little insulted that the man noticed him first, instead of Danny who could only be more obvious if he was wearing reflectors. But he did notice Danny, and the crook for some reason decided Robin was the lesser threat.

Damian did not freeze up. But suprise made his actions waver, and it only took a second for the man to point his gun at his new target.

Less than a second to fire. Everyone was moving. The woman was running. The man was turning the gun Damian. Damian aimed his sword to disarm, because he had managed to retrain his instincts away from an automatic killing blow.

The gun toppled away. And before Damian could fear what the crook changing targets after firing might mean, Danny had the weapon pointed at the man.

The crook with a blade aimed at his throat and a gun pointed at his chest paled and raised his empty hands in surrender.

"Now what do we do?" Danny stage whispered to his brother.

-

-

-

Danny, realizing he can't suck the mugger into a soup thermos, and that human vigilanteism has so much more logistics to worry about:

The orange jacket is absolutely a reference to Haiju's sequel Shadow of a Doubt. Both Phantom of Truth and its sequel were a major part of me deciding to get into this Phandom, as well as part of the reason I write nowadays. So please check it out if you aren't familiar.

It's also a family thing for Danny, if he can wear both his dad's colors and his bio-dads symbol, idea makes the core go brrrr

Next one will be short one, because I find it super easy to set up lines that I feel close out chapters really well. And I couldn't just put more words after that! But it's already written, and so's the chapter after that, so I'll probably post it soon

Tag list!

@spectralstardustandphantomnights @avelnfear @idfk-man10 @blackroserelina @candeartist422 @mur-ururu @luer-mirin @insufferablecatenthusiast @skulld3mort-1fan @alonedustspeck @voidbornposts @meira-3919 @marshmello @aethernorwood @mimilikey @undead-essence @cloudminder @markus209 @everything163 @latheevening226 @roman4517 @moobloomrights @battybatbat @lumosfeather18581 @werv @ahyesanerd @pyramaniac @lexdamo @princessbelix @bun-fish @deeannthepan @edgyboi10000 @thatrandomsarahchick @busterkeel @aconitewolfsbane @spoopyspoony @bright-shade @spidey29phangirl @idontgetpaidenoughforthisshit @keimiwolf @u-a-wizard-jamie @gay-puff @bicerise @itshype @blackfoxsposts @icanneverdecide @lolottes @chubbypotato @jovialherringtacoghost @saltyladynightmare

[storiesundercandlelight]

Just finished the game for the second time and I'm SO happy to see some people still active about Vampyr!!!

I haven't gotten thru all the fic out there yet, but a request: Jonathan needs a hug SO badly, but do hugs from humans even comfort him any more, when they shove his nose in delicious smells / remind him of the last embrace he had (killing Mary x2) ? Geoffrey awkwardly pulling him into a hug for the first time vs. Jonathan's hunger and trauma, if that sparks joy for you.

Ah thank you for the request!! I hope you like it!

Jonathan's mood had taken a darker turn lately, with the main threat hanging over London gone he wondered more often than not, what would become of him now. Would he stay until it became too obvious to those around him that he was no longer aging? And then what? Where?

Would his life be a constant game of settling down only to be uprooted again years later when his time there was up? The idea of a lifetime - more than a lifetime... eternity - alone, filled Jonathan with such a deep rooted feeling of dread he found that on this particular evening... he simply wished to be held by someone. To be told that things will be alright, even if it is a lie.

McCullum was pacing in front of him, muttering to himself about the pack of skals you'd found hidden in a lower level sewer. The chilled night air seeming to not have any effect on him as he tried to map out a plan. Jonathan had long stopped listening to him. His mind flitting back to the more depressing thoughts wandering his mind.

He wondered if somewhere were to hug him...would it even bring him the relief he's searching for? The comfort? Or would he simply be reminded of his last embrace with Mary... perhaps he would be so consumed with the fact that his face would be so close to the source of his hunger that he wouldn't even have time to appreciate the gesture at all.

"Reid!" Jonathan's eyes flicked back up to Geoffrey who was now stood still looking at him.

"Sorry?"

"Where the fuck are ya? Did you even hear what I said?" Jonathan could do nothing more than meet Geoffrey's gaze with a sheepish look of guilt. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing, just repeat what you said"

"No" Jonathan sighed at Geoffrey's answer, the hunter was still more often than not stubborn and purposely awkward when it came to the two of them working together - something he had also been stubborn about doing.

"I don't have time for your petty behaviour tonight"

"Touched a nerve did I? Tell me what you were thinking about" Jonathan debated just shadow warping out of this situation, the last person on earth that would understand what he was feeling right now would be Geoffrey.

"It's none of your concern" Jonathan spoke too quickly perhaps, didn't take enough time to hold back his emotions, to keep the answer free of the lump in his throat that wouldn't go away. But he didn't. And he saw the change in Geoffrey's features the moment the shaky response left his lips. The way his eye narrowed slightly, the creased from his brows coming together.

"No it isn't, but I asked anyway, so answer" Jonathan sighed, his gaze flicking to the ground briefly before he looked away into the distance, anywhere quite frankly other than at Geoffrey.

"I just... feel down that's all, it's not exactly easy being what I am" That wasn't the half of it, Jonathan knew that he couldn't go into it all right now, truth be told he wasn't sure he would ever be able to start pulling at the threads of his emotions, the last few months had been nothing short of hell for him. He couldn't even think about Mary without becoming so overcome with guilt and anger at himself.

When Geoffrey didn't respond Jonathan let his gaze find him again, his face had relaxed, now he didn't seem to be thinking of anything at all, just looking back at Jonathan, waiting for him to continue he supposed. "I don't want to talk about it, I'm certain you don't want to either... it's just, sometimes it would be nice to have someone to hug"

"You... want a hug?"

"Oh forgive me, I forgot your devoid of emotions... yes a hug, you do know the concept of that do you not?" Jonathan knew it was futile talking to Geoffrey about anything, their relationship - if it could even be called that - was purely an agreement that Jonathan would aid Priwen when called and listen to everything Geoffrey said. No questions, no demands, simply obedience in the rare moments when they valued his abilities. In return they left him alone.

Jonathan was falling so far into his thoughts which were now plagued with the fact that he'd just let loose some feelings to Geoffrey that he didn't even notice the hunter had moved closer to him. The movement was so quiet, so swift, that by the time Geoffrey's arms wrapped around Jonathan all he had time to do was tense. Which he did marvellously.

"Jesus it's like hugging a fucking statue. Relax Reid" The hug was rather awkward, Geoffrey was almost the same heigh as Jonathan so his arms wrapped around him whilst holding his own arms down at his sides. His scent was overpowering at first, the hints of smoke and musk, the underlying scent of whiskey from previous nights spent at the bar on his clothes. But his warmth was more than anything, the thing Jonathan chased. His mind was screaming at him, torn between wanting to let his head drop onto Geoffrey and let his teeth dig into the rather small part of his neck not hidden by his scarf. To taste what he could so easily smell, see even, the blood pumping red beneath his skin.

Images of the night he had hugged Mary flashed over, how easily he had allowed the hunger to influence him, to attack someone so dear to him. He refused to allow it to happen again. He let out a breath he didn't need before allowing his body to relax, his arms bent up to grip onto Geoffrey's coat and he let his head fall onto Geoffrey's shoulder.

He may not have been the comfort Jonathan had in mind, but he was enough, certainly enough in that moment. Jonathan willed his emotions to let him be for a moment, he did not want to allow himself to be anymore vulnerable in front of Geoffrey than he already was. So they stayed like that.

Moments went by and as they passed Jonathan found he'd relaxed so fully into Geoffrey the hunter was taking a fair amount of his weight. He didn't complain though, which was new for Jonathan, usually Geoffrey complained about...well just about everything where Jonathan was concerned but, now he simply held him.

He held him until Jonathan finally pulled himself away. Both of them straightened up, Jonathan now found himself too tired - emotionally if not physically - to feel embarrassed by what had just happened. He let a soft thank you fall from his lips.

"You're welcome" Jonathan looked at Geoffrey, searching for signs of malice or a snide remark that would have usually followed. But he looked more relaxed than Jonathan had ever seen him, almost completely unbothered by what they'd just done. Jonathan wondered if this was how Geoffrey normally was, that maybe it was just him that was on the receiving end of all of his anger and hate.

"You're staring"

"Sorry, you look different" Geoffrey's eyebrow rose in question. "Less, I hate you and want to kill you"

"Hmm don't get your hopes up too high leech, I may still kill you" Jonathan allowed himself to smirk, there was no spite in his words, he didn't spit out leech like he would have before. "Come on let's get it to, those skals won't kill themselves"

"After you"

[river13245]

The Last time (Tony Stark x Reader)

Angst, no happy ending

Warning: Alcohol and Tony being an ass kinda

This was not part of the plan, nor the agenda for the night. You hadnt planned on going out and getting drunk. However when Thor and Natasha both came up to you telling you that you should go with them to the bar, you couldn't just say no.

What you didn't expect was Natasha to participate in a drinking game with Thor. The both of them had a much higher tolerance than you, since Natasha drinks more than you do. Then with Thor being an actual god his tolerance is so high that you think he will drink up the whole supply. But when they started asking you to join the game and taunting who were you to say no. If you were anything...its competitive.

Thor and Natasha both had a higher tolerance than you since you didn't drink much. It also doesn't help that Thor was a literal god and Natasha drank at every party Tony threw..which was quite often.

So after an hour or two you were drunk while they were only tipsy.

Even in your drunk state you knew this was a bad idea but before you could stop what you were doing you had knocked on Tony's front door. Tony and you had an off and on relationship. The problem was he couldn't ever just commit to you.

Before you could turn to leave, the door opened and their stood tony wiping off his hands with a wrag and wearing his sweatpants and a tank top. He then looks at you "y/n"

"Tony" you said softly, Your eyes were red and wer leaning against the doorframe. "are you drunk" he asks and you shake your head but instantly regret it

He sighs "I thought we both said that we wouldnt see each other anymore." You steady yourself against the door and cross your arms glaring at him. "Yes I know that you said that..i just..I know this is a bad idea but can you please just hold me for a minute."

He nods and wraps his arms around your waist pulling you close to him. Your face rests against his neck and arms wrap around his torso. This is all you have ever wanted, all you have ever wanted was him.

You were getting lost into the moment that when he pulled away you had to force yourself not to frown. He pulls his phone out "im calling you a cab so you get home safe" you nod

Once you got home you climbed into bed and thought about all the times you would go back to each other. You always knew it would end the same way but it was like routine. It wasn't ideal but you get used to it after a while

-----

A month or so goes by and you had promised yourself you wouldn't go back to Tony. You had been able to keep things professional between the both of you. Everything seemed to be going fine until one night you heard a knock on your door.

You were in your pajamas watching a Disney movie when you heard the knock. The only people who ever came to your place was Natasha or Thor so when you opened the door you didn't expect to see Tony.

Especially the state he was in. Tony looked as if he had been crying, his hair was a mess and you could smell the alcohol he had been drinking. "Tony" you said in a soft voice not wanting to speak to loudly.

He placed his hands on your upper arms and looks at you "y/n I am so sorry for the way our relationship is. You mean the world to me and I don't know why I cant change for you. But I want to, I really do."

As he speaks you smell the alcohol and you know this isn't really him talking. This is how it always goes, you let him into your heart over and over again just to watch him go again. It never gets easier. He never sees the way you ache for him to love you for longer than a few days before he leaves again.

Placing my hands on the sides of your face I kiss your cheek and I repeat the words I always tell him. "its always been you Tony, I wish you would see that"

He looks at me and nods but I say something else. Something new that I haven't said before. "this is the last time I let you through my door" He kisses my lips before pulling away "this is the last time, I wont hurt you anymore."

You knew how this was going to end. But you figured why not one more time. A little love now is better than none at all right?

-----

How wrong you were, you had told yourself you wouldn't let it hurt you. Not anymore but when you woke one morning to find Tony packing his bag and grabbing his keys it still hurt just like all those times before. "Tony"

He freezes before turning to look at you. "y/n". Looking at him as tears fill your eyes you nod "There's someone else isn't there?" Tony refuses to look at you for a moment and that's all the confirmation you needed.

"I'm tired of asking to be the one you want. When time and time again you leave and break my heart in a blink of an eye" The hurt in your voice is very noticeable and he walks closer to you and says "I wont hurt you anymore" before placing a kiss to your cheek and walks out of the house. Leaving you behind for the last time.

[gabriel-xander]

I Wish You Died Instead Ch. 5

[Scaramouce x Fem!Reader]

A/N: I started writing this before all of his lore came out/Before the last Sumeru Archon quest, so there will be a handful of inconsistency later on. My advice to you? Just go with it!

{Also on Quotev, Ao3, and Wattpad under Gabriel Xander}

Chapter 5: Played Like The Cheap Kazoo You Are

One thing you can appreciate about Scaramouche is his guts. That man has nerves of steel like you wouldn't believe. And in an act of mercy, you were allowed to look away during his massacre.

"Help me gather them up."

".................I don't want to-"

"-HUH!?"

"My Lord, with all due respect..." You grimace with judgement as he hauls the bloody boar over his shoulder with ease, "That's really fucking gross."

"Quit your bitching. I already did you the favor of not helping me kill these things," Scaramouche frowns, "I order you to help me carry these back to the camp."

You roll your eyes before grabbing the other dead boar by the legs, swinging it over your shoulder.

"It's a Goddamn miracle that I haven't beaten the shit out of you yet," The Harbinger comments while you whine about the blood.

You deadpan, "I must be blessed."

It was the next morning of staying with Isaac, Ivan, and Noah, the Treasure Hoarders that had been so kind to allow you and Scaramouche to stay with them.

Noah was a person of interest; he was one the Treasure Hoarder's that was responsible for your misfortune. He didn't seem to recognize you both as Fatui, hopefully it stays that way for a while longer. You two are hoping that bringing them food and furs would get them to trust you a little more.

You wince in pain and stop walking for a moment, breathing through your nose to calm your nerves. Your injury still hurts, you haven't gotten the opportunity to properly heal yourself yet.

"What's the matter with you?" Scaramouche turns around when he notices you stopped.

"Nothing, My Lord," You sigh, starting your walk once more, "Just wondering how we'll learn anything from Noah."

He frowns, "Any ideas?"

"I don't know, I thought... He showed, like... a fraction of interest in me, I thought I could use, like... my woman-ness on him?"

"...Your what??"

"My womanly charms! I don't know! Seduce him or whatever!"

"..." Scaramouche squints at you with disbelief, "You want to whore yourself out to get some intel?"

You scoff, "Well, when you say it like that-"

"-No, you're not doing that," Scaramouche protested, "Anyway, you can't do that even if you wanted to. I told him you were my girlfriend."

Oh, right.

You sigh, "And I thought I would be able to forget about it easily."

"And what the hell is that supposed to mean?"

You shake your head, "Nothing, forget it. I don't really have any ideas, anyway."

You adjust your hold on the dead animal as you two walk in angry silence. Not a day goes by that you wish you were literally anywhere else but here. Hopefully Scaramouche had a plan, you honestly didn't know where to go from here.

"You might have to whore out." He says suddenly.

"Ah, so like a normal day then."

"......What?"

"I'm joking."

You were not.

"I liked it better when you didn't talk," The Balladeer huffs.

"Honestly, me too."

——

You and your superior had to stay another night with the Treasure Hoarders as the storm came back that evening. Luckily, you were all able to relocate to a small cave nearby before it got too bad. That also meant you did most of the heavy lifting as you're a strong, independent woman who don't need no man.

Scaramouche sat close by the fire to make sure it didn't die, and to try and eavesdrop on Isaac, Ivan, and Noah. You sat by the fire as well, but you were more focused on the letter you were writing to your best friend, Kazuki.

Which is fucking stupid, Nao!! It literally means Pants! The Tsaritsa is epic and all, don't get me wrong. But fucking Pantalone??? She couldn't give him a better title?? This has been bothering me forever and I need to say it if no one else will!!

With that said, yes. I DO want to wear a suit when we go see your sister in Sumeru soon. We should totally match, too. Maybe she'll think we're together and finally leave you alone about you being a lonely fuck.

Speaking of which, you know what Lord Scaramouche did?? The audacity of some bitches, I swear to the Gods-

"[Y/n]."

"Hm?" You lift your head, making eye contact with Scaramouche who was across from you, "Yes, Kuni?"

He scrunches his nose, "Kuni?"

You look around, finally noticing that it was just you and him. "Oh, damn. Where did they go?"

"Gods, you're such an airhead."

You smack your lips at his comment, "Did you need something, Kunikuzushi?"

He rolls his eyes, "They left so I can attend to your wound. Get over here so I can clean it."

You sigh, setting down your paper and pencil while making sure it won't suddenly fly into the fire. It would be too inconvenient to rewrite it all. You start removing your coat and shirt as you walk around the fire to sit by Scaramouche.

He works silently and efficiently. You've never seen this man bleed or bruise before, and his body is a little abnormally solid. You doubt he's ever taken an injury based on his seemingly perfect skin.

And yet... You've never once had a wound so gently attended to the way Scaramouche is doing now.

"What were you writing? A report?" He asks, confusing you as he hates small talk.

"Uh, a report on my feelings and emotions, yeah."

"You keep a diary?"

"Ew, no," You quickly reject the notion, "I'm writing to Kazuki. He works under Lord Ch-erm, Lord Tartaglia."

"You should keep your work life and personal life separate."

"You're the one who asked, sir."

"Whatever."

You had to bite your tongue as he cleaned your injury. The pain was bearable, but you were also a little bitch that likes to whine at any minor inconvenience. You hate the silence, and you wish you can at least hum to yourself, no matter if you're good at singing or not, but you know damn well that you already showed too much personality to this bitch ass man.

"Hey!!"

"The fuck?!"

You jerk around to glare at your boss with a flustered expression, "Can you not do that?!"

Scaramouche holds his hands up in confusion, "The hell are you talking about?!"

"You-When you just–" You mimic his previous action with your hands mid-air, moving your hands slowly in a similar silhouette of your own figure, "–The way you ran your hands up and down my sides! It-It was way too gentle!!"

By the look on his face, you can tell that even Scaramouche wasn't aware that he was doing it. He must've been lost in thought and did it subconsciously.

"I-I-"

"-Some people are ticklish, okay!!" You huff out in frustration, "Next time you do something like that, keep that in mind!"

"..."

"..."

You can practically see the cogs turn in his head. You raise an eyebrow.

That... is not what he thought you were upset about. Whether you were saving him from the embarrassment of being caught admiring how nice your skin is, or you genuinely thought he did it by accident, he didn't know.

And frankly? He didn't have the guts to find out the truth.

"Uh, okay. I'll–keep that in mind..."

You nod in satisfaction. You look down at your side, poking at the gauze taped over your wound.

"You're done, right? Thanks!"

You stand up and reach over to grab your shirt when the Universe decides it wants to mess with you just a little more. Isaac, Ivan, and Noah enter the tent laughing with each other, though they quiet down when they see you without your shirt and only your arm covering your titties.

You all stare at each other in silence, the three men becoming more red and flustered the longer they stare, and Scaramouche gains an unreadable expression. Your gaze flickers to him, trying to remind him that "hey, you're supposed to be my boyfriend, probably do something?"

Reading what you had in mind, finally the Balladeer catches on and stands up with a pissed off look.

"THE HELL ARE YOU LOOKING AT?!?! GET OUT!!"

"SORRY!!!"

———— Two Months Later ————

You slam the empty shot glass down on the counter, your gaze mindlessly wandering off to nothing in particular as you try desperately to forget the things you've seen today.

Scaramouche is not known for his patience, and out of all the Harbingers, he's definitely the least likable. But there's something you didn't think you'd ever take for granted, and that was his strange consideration for your feelings when it comes to-

"Cheer up, [L/n]. It wasn't that bad."

You roll your eyes and motion for the bartender to come over. "Easy for you to say. Some of us have morals and values, especially when it comes to human lives."

The bartender pours you your fourth shot of the night, you're finally beginning to feel a little tipsy from drinking straight Fire Water. You knock it back like a champ and semi-slam the glass back down.

"Ouch, is that judgment I hear?"

You look at your temporary comrade with a deadpan look, "What do you think, Soto?"

He laughs at your words, not feeling perturbed at all.

Amatista Soto, a man born and raised in Natlan only to somehow get involved with the Fatui. You don't know his story, other than the fact he has a Pyro vision and is most likely a fucking sociopath. You don't doubt that the only reason he joined the Fatui was so that he could kill people under the protection of the Fatui and the Tsaritsa.

His skin is medium brown with a beauty mark under his right eye. His very wavy hair was always tied back in a low ponytail, but that didn't make it look neater. He always wore an Iris flower behind his right ear, too. You have to admit that it brought out his vibrant eyes, the color of amethyst. That's probably how he was named, too.

You hated that he was attractive with a tall, large build. Made you hate him even more because how are you going to be a hot motherfucker who's so evil-

Under orders of Pierro, Scaramouche was sent somewhere unknown. You tried asking the Balladeer of his soon-to-be whereabouts, but all he did was shake his head in response. In the meantime, he ordered you to assist any other Harbinger so that your skill isn't wasted while you wait for him to come back.

——

"And... when WILL you be back, sir?" You had asked the day he left, accidentally showing concern.

Scaramouche sighed and shook his head, "I don't know. But... My advice is: don't wait for me. I could be gone for a VERY long time."

"Oh... O-Okay," You nodded, "Good luck, sir. And be careful."

He smirked, "You almost sound like someone who cares. Don't let me catch you getting soft again, [L/n]."

"Hmph! In your dreams."

——

After dealing with Noah and the other Treasure Hoarders (a memory you desperately are trying to forget due to how it ended), you started working under various Harbingers (minus Childe since he was still in Liyue).

Well, every Harbinger other than Dottore, though. You don't understand Scaramouche's resentment to the second Harbinger, but you don't question his demands as he is your superior.

Currently, you are working under the Knave, or at least, you think you are? You haven't been given direct orders from her yet, and the most you have done for her so far is fucking paper work.

"I'm going back to the Zapolyarny Palace," You sigh, pushing yourself off the stool, "Then I'm going to pass the fuck out."

"Have a good night!" "Bah."

———— Two Months Later ————

You wait patiently by the door for La Signora to be finished talking with Pantalone about some fundings, Il Dottore was with them, too. You were about to head off to Fontaine with Arlecchino, but she tells you there's a sudden change of plans, and that she was handing you off to the Fair Lady.

You were so lucky that your mask was hiding your deadpan expression. You asked her why you were suddenly being handed off to the 8th Harbinger, but Arlecchino just dismisses you with "she needs a new assistant since her last one died in Mondstadt."

...

HOW REASSURING!!

You were zoning out, a skill you learned in the Fatui so that you can be oblivious to the Harbinger's business. Unless it involves you directly, you don't want to know what their personal goals are.

You start to gnaw at your bottom lip. You are curious about this "Traveler" you keep hearing about, though. Apparently, La Signora has had an encounter with this blond haired person and their flying fairy while snatching the Gnosis from poor Barbatos. Barbatos... Barbie toes... Barbs... Barbara...

"Are you deaf?"

"Huh?"

You blink rapidly and look at who's talking to you.

La Signora, Pantalone, and Il Dottore were just staring at you now. Pantalone and the Doctor looked amused at your obliviousness. La Signora? Not so much.

"Oh, my apologies. I was lost in thought," You hold up the small stack of papers, "Here is the proper documentation on my temporary recruitment. I look forward to working with you, my Fair Lady."

"Hmph," The 8th Harbinger doesn't bother with the papers even though she requested them, "The Balladeer spoke highly of your abilities despite not having a Vision or a Delusion. So tell me, what exactly is it about you that is so praise worthy?"

"I was surprised as well to hear how high he puts you in regards. I never heard of a Harbinger having this much trust in anyone, even more so in a low ranking Fatui," Pantalone comments, "Then we hear from the Knave that you are quite competent, even in her standards?"

"It is hard not to be curious." Il Dottore adds.

"To be frank, I am just his secretary more than anything else. I take care of all his paperwork, I'm his messenger, I'm the commander of his Skirmishers, and I give orders to the lower ranks on his behalf." You shake your head, "Very seldomly would I go out on the front lines myself. I can probably count the amount of times I went into battle myself on both hands."

Which to the normal person, that is a lot. But for a Fatui? That's practically zero. And in all honesty, for anyone else, it'd be unacceptable.

Scaramouche is not known for his patience, and out of all the Harbingers, he's definitely the least likable. But there's something you didn't think you'd ever take for granted, and that was his strange consideration for your feelings when it comes to violence,

Never once had he actually forced you to hurt someone if you didn't want to, and he never made you kill anyone either. Anytime you had to hurt someone, it was self defense. And anytime you kill someone...

Well, you do your best to repress those memories.

Working for the other Harbinger's made you realize you took that silent consideration for granted. Since all these fuckers want from you is violence.

"I see. So it's safe to say you are what makes him look good from the shadows," Pantalone puts a hand to his chin.

"Not at all. Lord Scaramouche has done a lot more than I. Really, I only take care of the boring things." You redirect your attention to the woman, "If I may, my Fair Lady, can I know why you have requested my assistance so suddenly?"

"Simple really. I haven't gotten the chance to personally witness what makes you so great. It'd be a shame if you went off to Fontaine for who knows how long before I got the chance to use you."

Mmmm pues.

"I-I see. Well, I hope I can meet your expectations," You force a smile, "Is there anything else you need?"

"Yes, pack your things," La Signora smirks slyly, "We're going to Liyue."

....

SHIIIT.

[bg-brainrot]

WHaBFHtLA - Astarion x GN!Reader - Chapter 7: Just One Night

Pairing: Astarion x GN!Reader (Elf!Tav)

Genre: Reincarnation, Angst, Mystery, Slow burn

Rating: Explicit, 18+

Tags: Gender-Neutral Pronouns, POV Second Person, Canon-Typical Violence, angry Astarion, threats

WC: 3k words, 7/?? chapters

Summary: You plead your case to the vampire.

Ao3 | [Ch6][Ch8] | WHaBFHtLA Masterlist

You idiot. How could you be so dense? How in the hells is 'You're the man from my dreams' the right sentence to spout when meeting the man whose very existence makes your soul sing? This might be worse than your previous life. You may as well send your soul back to meet Corellon for all the good it's doing, but no. You can salvage this. You take a deep breath.

Another few knocks on the door. 

You don't hear anything from the other side for a second or two, but the door swings back open in another breath. "What about 'not interested' did you not understand?" Astarion’s tone seems to be growing angry now, and you recall a memory with a vile drow woman, how important saying ‘no’ was to him. You don’t want to push this, and you know that this is different. You just need to be yourself and help him understand.

“I know you’re not interested, and I’m sorry that this is abrupt,” you start, holding up your hands in a show of peace.“But I’m an elf!” You say, as if that were an explanation.

He clicks his tongue at you. "That you are. The pointy ears rather gave it away I'm afraid." 

"I mean," you start, shooting him an annoyed look. How in the hells did your previous self deal with his attitude. "I have an elf's soul. I know it's hard to believe, but I've been dreaming about you since I was young. Hence the– erm, rather odd introduction. In my previous life… I was the hero of Baldur's Gate."

Astarion all but laughs in your face. "My what an original idea you have. Must have earned yourself a pat on the back for that one." 

“I… don’t know what you mean by that.” Your tone is cautious, sensing that his hostility is not improving by any means. “But, please let me prove it to you.”

“No need,” he responds easily, waving a hand at you dismissively. “If you’re here on that premise, I know what it is that you want.”

Your brows furrow– the words should make you feel better, if he truly understands. But it just fills you with a bit of dread. “You do?”

“Of course,” he says, flashing you a fanged smile. “I should have assumed, night has fallen, you’ve done your research. You’re here for a vampire.”

You blink at this, unsure what he means. “I did do research, but I’m not sure what–”

The man holds up a hand to stop you. "Are you here for a nibble or aren't you? I haven't got all day.” He crosses his arms and taps a single slippered foot on the floor impatiently. 

Oh, no. He thinks you’re here to offer him blood? Or sex. You’re not sure which is worse.

"Gods below, none of this is going to plan," you mumble, putting a hand to your head in frustration. Halsin had been entirely too optimistic, and 'eccentric'? Eccentric was certainly not the way to describe it – more like a closed off, standoffish, arrogant man. You suddenly realize how woefully unequipped you are to handle this man. “I’m not here to–to be a meal of any sorts. I just want a bit of your time and understanding.”

“My understanding?” he asks, tone sharpening. “I’m afraid I’m fresh out.” He starts to close the door on you and you shove a hand forward to stop it. The look that he shoots you could curdle milk.

“Please. Just five minutes. I beg of you.”

At that, he barks a single laugh, short and harsh. "Darling, if you think you'll be able to get something from me, you have another thing coming. I have dealt with fools like you for my entire, unending existence and you’re no better than the last person who came to my door to beg.”

Something in you finally snaps at this. You were so used to his sweet, loving words over decades and decades of dreams. The reality of it threatens to bring you to rageful tears. How dare he, you can’t help but think. How dare he treat me – my soul – like this, after a lifetime together. “I am telling you, I’m nothing like them! I promise you, on my life, I want nothing more than to speak my peace.”

Sensing your own building anger, he stops snapping back for a second, opens the door a small crack once more. You feel his eyes rake up and down your body, the judgment in them plain as day. “You, my dear, are everything like them. And more importantly, you could not possibly be the Hero of Baldur’s Gate. If anyone were to recognize them, it would be me.”

“Halsin recognized me!” You spout, and immediately regret the words out of your mouth when his face shifts from one of open judgment to one of complete and utter disgust.

“As if my former lover would go see that oddity of an old man before me. You’re not even a good fraud,” he says, going back to closing the door.

Oh no you don’t, you think. Through the crack in the door, you focus on a point. Magic flows through you as you speak the incantation, “Inveniam viam!” Blue mist surrounds you as you’re teleported into the house in a single step.

You find yourself in a grand foyer, framed by two grand staircases leading up to the top floor. You’re struck by how opulent this entrance is, all reds and golds, including the extravagant carpet you’re currently standing on.

“Gods, do you have any idea how expensive that rug is?” Astarion’s voice comes out annoyed, you turn back toward him just in time to see him taking long, angry strides toward you, knife drawn. Shit. “Get your dirty boots off of it before I’m forced to spill your blood on it.”

Hastily, you hop off the rug, onto an equally lovely looking hardwood floor. Astarion tuts, clearly still annoyed, but stops short of an attack. Now that you’re both staring each other down like this, you have a chance to get a better look at him.

And good gods, you’re not surprised he left you speechless. Not only does he look identical to your memories, but he’s dressed impeccably, neck to toe in delicate satins, each piece of his outfit a testament to the arts of embroidery and fashion. It fills you with a small joy to see him doing so well, one that’s quickly dashed by the predicament you find yourself in.

“Fine, you’ve had your fun,” he says, pointing the knife at you. “You’ve managed to anger the beautiful tortured vampire in his mansion. You’re not here to offer blood or sex, you’d be even more of an utter fool to rob me. What are you really here for?”

You sigh and pinch the bridge of your nose to compose yourself. Is this worth it? you think. He’s clearly not interested and he seems hellsbent on misunderstanding me. “I only want you to believe me. Can I please show you my memories?” you ask, chancing one last effort. You’re prepared to use a number of illusion spells to prove who you are, and you raise a hand to express this.

Astarion waves the knife back and forth in a pseudo-head shake. “Not a chance, darling. I saw that magic you used. If you so much as think of a spell, this blade will find its way into your pretty little throat.”

You expected as much, nodding. “Right then. I’ll just talk.” 

“Excuse me–”

You cut him off, understanding now a bit better how your past-self might have dealt with him. “I remember memories that only the Hero of Baldur’s Gate would know. I can’t tell you everything, but I can recall a lot of your time together, defeating the Absolute, helping the spawn in the Under Dark, living a life together.”

“I’d really rather you didn’t recite history books to me,” he says, but there’s no venom in his voice. Now it seems to be clouded by a dull ache. “Especially of events that I myself have experienced.”

“It’s not history, it’s memories. Like that time you both spent the day sitting at the glowing purple lake in the Under Dark. Or the time you both tried riding unfamiliar horses at night on a farm– I could never tell where that was…” You trail off, realizing that his expression is entirely closed off to your words, his mouth firmly set in a displeased frown.

“Darling, you think I’d trust a wizard with their horrendous little tricks?“ He jabs the knife in your direction emphatically.  “You could be reading my mind for all I know. Out with you.”

You shake your head, “I’m not done. I have notebooks, journals filled–” Your hand approaches the lip of your Bag of Holding and before you can so much as pull the string, Astarion’s cold hand wraps roughly around your wrist.

“I’m not about to let some strange person open their magic bag in my house,” he says through gritted teeth. “Keep your hands where I can see them.”

Startled, you try to pull your hand back. He doesn’t budge so you simply say, “I promise I only brought journals. Full of your life and…” You gulp. “Your love.”

His hand grips your wrist even tighter, painful now in its pressure. “I don’t know who put you up to this,” he growls, face suddenly closer to yours. His red eyes are narrowed at you, and you don’t think you’ve ever seen him level a look like this at you in any of your memories. “But stop. Now.”

Suddenly, you feel so small in the face of his fury. It’s entirely unfamiliar to you and you don’t like it. “Let go of me,” you command, voice steadier than it has any right to be.

To his credit, Astarion releases you. Taking a moment to rub out the pain in your wrist, you dart a look back at him only to find him staring at you, eyes trained on where he’d grabbed you. He still holds the knife, but it seems to be limp in his hand. “I’ve listened to you,” he says, voice losing all of its anger, all of its bravado. It sounds tired. “Now please, leave.”

There’s something about his resignation, the slump of his shoulders, the dead voice that gives you pause. And a slight modicum of hope back. He’s not mad at me, you think. He’s just… sad? And tired. Well, I’m tired too. Tired enough to try one last tactic. A tactic that might work on the reluctantly kind man from your memories, the man who wasn’t quite as mean as he made himself out to be.

“I traveled so far to get here, and it’s getting rather late. Could I at least stay the night? Surely you can spare a room for a lonely traveler.”

“There’s an inn down the road, closer to Baldur’s Gate.” His words come out flat, harsh. 

It’s better than anger or sadness, so you keep going, trying your best to look pathetic. You feel pathetic after all of this, so you suppose it’s not a grand disguise. “That’s almost an hour out. Please? I promise I’ll be on my very best behavior. No magic in the house unless you ask.”

Astarion arches a single eyebrow at you and narrows his eyes in suspicion. “If you were really who you say you are, I know you wouldn’t be on your best behavior. So which is it?”

After all of your memories, you know his words come from decades of experience. You also know that you have no plans on giving up now. So you smile at him unconvincingly and say, “I won’t be on my worst behavior?”

“I'm 500 years old, darling, do you really think I'd fall for a pair of puppy dog eyes? Especially when the pup is fresh off the teats by the looks of it.” Another narrowed look, this time his gaze boring into your eyes. As if he could see through them to your real intent. 

“What if I offer you something in return for the stay?” You say, sounding far more easy-going than you feel. You know that you’re treading a very delicate line at this point. “I have blood.” 

He yawns at you dramatically, looking bored. “That ship has sailed.”

“I have gold.”

“I have more gold than you can hope to see in your entire lifetime. You’ll have to do better than that.” He inspects his nails, putting on an air of indifference.

An idea strikes you then, understanding that this might be the only truly unique thing you have to offer him. “I have memories from my past-life. Memories before they met you, memories where you weren’t present. If you let me stay, I’ll share them with you.”

He stops his inspections at that. Then Astarion looks at you, eyes open and questioning, vibrant like how you remember them. Perhaps you’ve finally broken through. He asks, “And why would I care for those?”

“Because you loved them,” you answer, simply.

The way his expression closes off just about stops your heart. “Exactly right. Loved. Past tense, my dear.” You might have up and left at the sharp honesty he’s pierced you with. But you can see a bit of his former self in the hard set of his jaw. Like when he was in the early stages of his relationship with your past-self, lying through his teeth.

“Well then, because they loved you.”

“That’s where you’re wrong, and where it’s abundantly clear that you know nothing of whom you speak,” he says, a cruel glint in his eyes as he leans forward. “If they truly loved me, they would be here, not you.”

It hurts. Your heart is fighting for its life and he may as well have stabbed you in the chest with the knife he brandishes. But you can’t relent, because you know your past-self wouldn’t either. “It may mean nothing to you now, but they died loving you.” You look away from him, the anger in his eyes far too much for you to bear. “Until their last breath.”

A moment of silence passes between you. You wonder if you've gone too far, pressed too hard on an unmended wound. Perhaps you've come too soon, or, more likely, should never have come at all.

Then he says something that leaves you well and truly speechless. You were about ready to ungracefully bow out, leave him and this waking nightmare behind. But he lifts his head and glares as he says, “You can stay the night. But come morning, I want you gone.”

–

Once things settle down, you finally introduce yourself to him– your present day self. He nods in acknowledgement, and only says, "I'm Astarion, but you clearly already know that."

Better than you're willing to believe, you think.

So many questions burn on the tip of your tongue, and, if you hadn't already barely made it into the house, you may have been foolish enough to ask them. As it is, you silently follow him up the stairs to the East wing of the house.

You walk down the hallway in awe, amazed by the tapestries on the walls, the decadent rugs that lead you forward. Again, you're struck by how very ostentatious this all is, and a huge part of you wants to ask him just how much gold he's spent on this house. You refrain, mentally calculating what must be an absurd sum.

When you finally reach the doorway of your lodgings, you find that the room is somewhat tucked away, this part of the house markedly less gaudy than the rest. Astarion doesn't seem to have any commentary on this, nor much more to say. As you're tired of saying the wrong thing, you leave him with only words of gratitude, "Thank you, Astarion. For letting me stay, and, well, hearing me out."

The man gives you one long look, eyes guarded behind his long lashes. After the appraisal, he gives you a scoff. "Only because you look so ludicrously weak. Also, if you get bored after your reverie, don't even think about crawling your way to me. If you try anything, you'll be dead before you can so much as whimper my name."

Turning on his heel, he leaves you in the doorway to your borrowed room. You know you should take that for the threat it is, but you only find yourself blushing. Gods, I'm as idiotic as my past-self. It must be that damn voice.

You ignore the warmth in your veins and turn to the room you've been offered. It seems oddly out of place in terms of decor, somewhat cozy compared to the luxurious trappings of the rest of the mansion, and something about it sets off a thought in the back of your head. The couch is plush, the bed is laden with blankets, the hearth is large and welcoming. And there's a large standing mirror in the corner. You distinctly recall that Astarion can't see himself in mirrors.

Whose room is this?

You have no one you can ask, of course. So you turn to the next best thing. You flip to a journal entry, recalling a particular passage.

Hero’s Life - Entry 9978: I was in bed with Astarion again. He refused to let me get up, claiming that I'd and I quote, "Been neglecting a stunningly beautiful lover in favor of dull adventures for too long." I felt guilty, but also a bit… annoyed. I don't know what my past-self has been up to, but he seemed really reluctant to release me. I would have just stayed in bed all day with him.

We did stay in bed for a while, I lost track of the number of kisses he showered me with. I just remember sitting up in bed to see myself in an elegant standing mirror. My hair was tousled, my face flushed, and before I could even attempt to get up, his pale hands pulled me back to bed.

[ladythornofrivia]

WORK OF ART

Pair: Geto x Reader

Warnings: just plain smut, dirty talk, fingering, tattoo kink, breeding kink, reader and Geto being horny, one night stand to lovers, club, alcohol, Geto being dirty-minded pretty boy. Reader thirsty for Geto. Cunnilingus, Cockwarming. Breathing kink. Sex in Tattoo shop. Birthday Sex. Love at first sight.

a/n: for kinktober! There will be three parts! Hooray!

(Listen to this song)

Night time was the best time to get away from annoying people. More so, your “boyfriend”, who constantly asked you where you're going. Despite your intentions on not telling him, you ignore his insults and back-handed compliments to you.

"You should ignore them, (y/n)," your friend, Angeline, said, touring in Japan. No matter what you do, or say, everyone are just as stubborn. Stupid, even, to not realize their hypocrisy on you.

People who are called as “boyfriend”.

"I can't believe this. But if he goes out, he’s fine with it. He can go whereever and whoever he wants. He doesn't have to notify me. He can be shirtless, and nobody wouldn't insult him. He kept saying things like how he's respectable and shit. But if I make my own plans, he won't let me go anywhere without him or his cousin to take with. They practically volunteer themselves them in and then says they don't remember about them going with me. And it happened last week when I wanted to go to a fancy restaurant by myself, and he didn't want me to go alone and then they volunteer on taking his cousin with me. When I confronted them, they said they weren't there at my birthday, they said that her cousin wasn't there on my birthday, that she's working. They betrayed my wishes, and always lie to me, and always defend then at their wrong choices in life. Why the fuck did I move out so soon?”

"Your soon-to-be family fucking sucks. Losers can't even appreciate you. Well, once you break up with him, I'll take you in with no problem. We can be sisters!"

"Aren't we already sisters?" you teased.

"True. Anyway, just forget about them, we're going at the club! Besides, you look gorgeous in that dress, so don’t waste the effort!”

Looking down on your dress, you felt different. A good kind of different.

(This is the dress)

Eyes widened at your friend's statement.

"Aw come, on, you're good at dancing," she complimented. "If you show off your skills, boys will go to you. Even cute ones--you know the ones that look innocent, but is good in bed."

"You read too much smut," I told her.

"And sometimes, a guy that you'll find, will be able to do anything for you!”

"Not in the club, for starters! We came to have fun, not a marriage ceremony. Besides, I haven’t broke up with him yet."

Angeline pushed you back lightly. "Don't make it sound so bad. Of course we're going to have fun--tons and tons of fun! It's time for a change!"

You nodded. "Enough negativity! I can change my life around!"

Angeline cheered. "Good! That's how an independent woman should think! Damned if you do, damned if you don't. You heart will be set free! Starting tonight!"

~~~

Drinking another liquor, Gojo said, rested his arm on the couch frame, surrounded by ladies, fawning. "Geto, aren't you satisfied you're taking a break from your work?"

Geto, on the other hand, had a shot, uninterested. "I'm glad."

"You don't sound glad," Gojo notified, smirking. "You haven't gotten someone's pussy lately."

Geto choked. "I just want to rest."

"Yeah, rest on someone's pussy."

"Would you stop that? The girls will get the wrong idea."

Gojo shrugged. "I don't think the girls hate it, based on what I've been seeing."

The girls giggled at Geto's reaction.

"Knock it off, Gojo."

"Come on, lighten up. If I was a girl, I'd flirt with you with my blue eyes."

Geto rolled his eyes. "I have to rest for tomorrow. Another client is requesting for a large tattoo on her back."

"What was it?'

"A photo of her husband. Ex husband."

Gojo spat out his drink. "Are you fucking kidding me?"

"I wish." Geto shook his head. "Though she paid me a hefty amount of cash, so I can't say shit to her."

"Damn, that's dedication for your tattoo shop. Guess I don't have to worry about it anymore. You need to relax. Who knows it'll be fun at the end of the night."

Geto shrugged. "Maybe." Then ate his appetizer, ignoring the girls who try to gain his attention, never minding Gojo, who seems to be doing well with socializing.

~~~

"I'm telling you that this is for your own good. If your stay with your pussy of a “boyfriend”, you're not getting a new dick for tonight."

My eyes paused at Angeline with shock.

"Yeah, if you say it out loud, everyone's going to think I'm desperate."

"(y/n), you have to do this. Staying indoors with him acting as a housewife won’t do you good! Meeting new people is when going outside, sometimes online. Unless if you date someone on virtual mode, then it's weird."

Angeline shoved you slowly, yet gently against your back. "Don't be shy. Show them what you're made of, and someone will notice you. That way, you can move on from your life with your stupid family and relatives who doesn't give a shit about you or remembers a single thing about you."

"Okay, but--"

"No, buts, you have to do this. You have to be more like those Disney princesses who wanted new adventures."

"This isn't Disney, though."

"Still, you get what I mean." Angeline patted your upper arms. "You got this! I'll be here, watching."

You sighed. "Okay, but I want this song to be played in order for me to get started. I know you have to pay the DJ to play the song that people personally like."

"Okay, we'll do that." You friend dragged you and went up to the DJ, requesting the song to play from the Iphone.

"How much?"

"¥14,977," the DJ confirmed.

You took out the wallet to pay, but Angeline already paid.

"Angeline," you began.

"No, I want you to live your life. This is my treat."

"What if I don't get a date?'

"Even if you don't get a date, it's fine."

"But you told me earlier to find someone and fuck them at the end of the night."

"Yeah, I know, but, it doesn't matter now. Whatever the outcome is, all that matters is you being happy away from your “boyfriend”. Even just for tonight. I want you to be happy, far and wide, so that they'll forget about you. I know you're better than them, and I know you can do better than them—even your pussy of a “boyfriend”. Believe in yourself, and never lose sight of your goal, even if it means of cutting them off."

You smiled. "Thanks, Angeline."

"Anytime. Now go have fun," she encouraged.

The DJ played the tune you wanted. All the people on the dance floor stopped, but you we're just getting started.

Super Shy by Newjeans is your favorite song, and you've been practicing dancing the choreography. And that's how you gained confidence, though little by little. At first, you're frightened of making a single mistake, that everyone would laugh, so you pretend that you're inside your room, dancing like no one's watching. In the end, you were giggling, still moving your body.

~~~

"Oh, I never heard that song before," Gojo commented, "Very cheery."

Geto stopped and listened to the beat. "Defintely not from here in Japan."

"Ah, I can probably give you a few reasons why," Gojo said, pointed at you. "She stands out. In fact, too much from the crowd. Can't say it's a bad thing, though. Don't you think so, Suguru?"

Smoking, Suguru said nothing and kept an eye on the dance floor. A girl's movements swiftly clean and sharp with every turn and step. He had never seen a girl who's energetic to do dancing. He has seen girls who dance, but not in a way that you did. The song's rhythm is filled with cheery beat. None of the crowd seemed as cheery as you, but everyone kept watching, your feet insync with music. And by the time it ends, you ended with a smile and a few claps and cheers, but other than that, you left the dance floor and try to search for your friend.

But then another song came on, Jungkook's song, 3D, and you find yourself dancing again. This time, people are jamming in, because everyone knows BTS.

With a finger flicked the cigarette, Suguru stood up, stretching his legs with a groan huffing from his chest.

"Ooh, where you going, Sugee-Woogee?"

Suguru cringed. "I'm heading to the restroom."

Suguru walked ahead and carefully approached the crowd.

"Suguru, that's not where the restroom is," Gojo pointed out.

~~~

When you danced along Jungkook's song, your friend tapped you on the shoulder, rather rapidly.

"Dude," Angeline said. "Dude!"

"What?"

"Dude!"

"What?!"

"I think someone's coming this way!" your friend said with glee.

"Who? I don't see anyone." The crowd is too thick for you to see.

"Have fun," Angeline said in a sing-song voice, waving a farewell. "I'll be at the bar if you need me."

"Dude!" you said in English, whining.

Continue on dancing to a different tune, The Weeknd's song, you felt a large hand slithering around your waist. Then a large bulge grinding against your backside.

When you staggered back, to face who was grasping you, your nealy collapsed on your back; another hand hooked on your back to break your fall, and there you see a man with dark, longish hair with narrowed eyes glinting at you, his lips curved into a small smirk.

"Careful, there, no one wants to see a beautiful princess fall now, don't we?"

A young man gave another subtlety of his smirk.

"Thank you," you uttered, not confident, face covered in blush.

He pulled you right back up. "Don't mention it, princess." Then he did a little waltz with you on the dance floor, treating you with care. "So what does the princess doing here in the club?'

You frowned at that. "Am I not allowed to go to club?"

"You're allowed," he said. "But you look too ravishing compare to the girls I stumbled onto tonight."

Is he serious? you thought to yourself. For all you know, he might have a girlfriend waiting for him. You didn't want to get to a certain point of involving wasted drama.

"You might mind, but I don't."

He hummed. 'Why's that, sweet lady?'

"Your girlfriend might get upset with you if you associate with someone like me. I hate to say this, but it'd be great if you back off. I don't want to get involve with drama.'

He looked at you intently before giving a good laugh. "Oh, you sweet princess. Here's the thing," his lips leaned closer to your ear. "I don't have anyone in my life at the moment."

That doesn't sound convincing enough.

"Ooh, is the little lady doubtful of me?" his voice laced like honey. "You shouldn't be."

'Oh, but I wouldn't count on it.'

'Why's that?'

Your head nudged towards the girls behind Geto, who are sitting at their seats furiously, glaring daggers at you.

'Gojo set me up for a date I didn't like.'

"Date?" You never heard of a guy being set up to a date with numerous girls at the same time.

He nodded. "I was supposed to rest for tonight. My back was hurting for my work. Bending my back down and then stretch it."

'Well, you can go to a chiropractor to adjust your spine. It usually works.'

He hummed. 'I'll keep that mind, princess.' His other hand clung onto your waist and spun your back around for him to grind against you.

'Bet you never have a guy who does it good as me, princess."

You found yourself blushing. 'No one has actually. In fact, I don't even know your name.'

He leaned his face against your locks, inhaling a fainted rose water scent. 'Let's enjoy ourselves for now.'

Despite his claims, you can't help but to look back at the girls the guy used to hang out, are entirely pissed at you. But the guy with white locks and blue eyes gave a toast to you with a smirk.

"Let's go somewhere private," he said into your ear, getting your attention back to a raven-haired man. "What do you say?'

Pondering your gazing look into his eyes before a chance of bestowing him an answer.

~~~

He slammed you against the wall against the bathroom stall in a ladies restroom, kissing and ravishing your neck and collarbone with few licks and nibbles mingling his lips with languid and passionate kisses.

You sighed, clutching his hardened body. "Mhmmm~'

"You like it, princess?” He made sure the restroom's lock so no one can go in. Kisses more on the shoulders, then your neckline until it reaches to your earlobes, tugging it gently with his teeth.

His eyes glinted, examining your flushed skin as you breathed hard, eyes filled with plea.

His hand slid underneath your dress, pressing his fingertips against the nub of your cunt, circling it as it sends a thousand waves crushing against you, soaring with pleasure. Undoing your straps, his tongue and teeth delved and ravished the hardened nipple on your breast with a low moan, fondling the other.

'I'm guessing you have never been touched or have been pleasure by a man.'

Blushing furisouly, you turned your head away, which it lead to him taking your chin and rotated your head, facing him.

'Tell me, princess, and I'll make your dreams come true,' he said into your ear with intent eyes daggered to your sheepish ones.

You gulped. "Fuck me, please." With your hands hung around behind his neck, indicating it gently for him to get closer to you.

Smirking, he lunged his lips and crashed to yours. His slick tongue gained acess to your tongue, his hands clutched the fabric of your underwear, pulling it downward bit by bit. His lips pulled away, looking into the haziness in your eyes.

"Shall I go further, little lady?' his eyes twinkled in anticipation.

Gasping, you held onto his hair. indicating for your thirst to be quenched.

Geto took the initiation of bringing your legs up to his shoulders as he flicks and consumed the taste of you on his tongue, humming in pleasure.

"Ah~" Your head threw back, clutching him tight without fall.

Bucking your hips against his face, your lower body gyrated against him. Large hands steadied you, but with a flick and slurp on his mouth driven you crazy. Your legs enveloped around his head.

He moaned, hands now gripping on your ass and pushed it toward his face closer to a point he wanted to suffocated from your delicious thighs.

"Ah~" your breath ragged, body coldly shivering, shoulders and neck became intensely hot, finding your ragged breath became loudly desperate. "I'm getting close," you said.

His biceps locked your thighs in tighter, his tongue lapped a few more rounds until your walls clenched and drenched his mouth with cum.

As it was over, he settled your legs down carefully. Inclining his head upward, your eyes gazed at the glazed cum you implanted on him. With a smirk, he licked his lips and hummed in satisfaction.

"Taste just as exquisite as you are, princess," he said, getting up on his two feet in haste, and approached you, zipping his pants down, revealing his long and thick cock. Before you could react, he lifted you up, placing your legs on his waist as he pinned you against the wall.

"Hold onto me, princess," he moaned, tugging your earlobe with teeth before he pounded his cock into your hole.

You never had sex before, but you're pretty sure how it works in movies and books compare to real life feels different. Sudden without warning.

But it didn't mean awful in your case. In fact, it felt good and full in your cunt.

Noticing your gasps, his lips curved into a smirk and pounded his cock all the way to your g-spot with a loud grunt, tossing his head back, his moans echoed loudly towards the restroom's ceiling. His hips picked up the pace and pounded twice as rough and rapidly brute. Little by little, your arms weighted with exhaustion, still wrapped behind his neck, as your sloppily kissed with him, tasting yourself from his greedy lips.

"Almost there, princess," he said, breathing onto your mouth, thrusting sloppily yet callously.

"Coming~" you moaned aloud, and his semen spilled onto your hole, filling with hot seed, draining to your inner thighs.

Both of your leaned your foreheads towards each other, pressing with heaving breaths lingering.

His eyes lingered to yours, pressing his lips against yours, almost lax and carefree. He chuckled when saw your flushed expression.

What a cutie, he said.

"That was fun," you said, chuckling.

His long hair swished as he found himself chuckling.

"Tell me something, my princess," he leaned closer. "What is it that you want? From what I can tell, based on you, I can tell you want more than a simple life. What is it that you want, that you truly want?"

Your breath staggered. "Tell me, and I'll give it to you."

Heaving, you contemplated; your legs are shaking and leaden, almost as if it was pinned to the ground.

He kept you steady. "Woah, we can't get a break, huh? You're so beautiful, my darling princess, even in this state."

Nuzzling against his chest, you breathed as your cheeks.

You never knew this man, but somehow he made you feel like you're in heaven with him--a solace from your hell.

"You okay, princess?'

"I'm okay. My legs are sore."

"First time sex always get sore," he said, smirking.

"Clearly," you said, giggling.

He kissed you again, caressing your waist with both of his hands. "I want to see you again soon, baby~"

"I want to see you, too, but--"

"But?"

Your eyes saddened. "My boyfriend. They won't let me be as myself around him, and always supervised me everywhere I go; I can't go alone without him, and my friend brought me here. I just want some peace—I was planning on breaking up with him.”

His eyes looked onto you intently. "What do you truly want, princess?'

You said nothing.

"I'll give you anything you want. Just say the word, and you'll have it."

You sighed, looking away for a second. "I don't know..."

"Look at me, my good princess..."

You looked at him, eyes locked with fear.

"Tell me what you wish for, and I'll make all of your dreams come true," he guaranteed. “Put your trust in me.”

"Well, it might sound silly, but I want to have a couple of tattoos. I just want something for myself."

"Ah, a sign of rebellion," he mused, still holding onto your waist, gripping it tight and proud.

Your gaze lowered. "Yeah.."

His finger tucked under your chin for your gaze to be lock onto his in an extension of time. "That's not silly, at all." He fished in his pockets and gave you something, but before he could touch your hand, the restroom doors banged.

"What the fuck?! The door's jammed!"

"I need to pee!"

"We have to get the security to pry this open!"

Then the silence came.

He chuckled. "Guess we better go." He took your hand and unlocked the door.

Quickly, both you and him snuck out of the restroom, but only to be caught by your friend.

"(y/n), where the hell have you been? I've been dying to tell you about this guy I saw, tall and gorgeous with blue eyes, I--"

Suddenly, she both saw you and him together outside of the restroom, put two and two clues together.

Instead of talking, Angeline gave you a subtle smirk. "I'll leave you guys to it..."

She walked away as he placed his arm behind his head, chuckling awkwardly.

"Sorry about her, she wanted me to--"

"I know," he said, then his hand outstretched. laying the paper material onto your hand. "Call me, princess." He gave a soft, loving peck on your cheek. His suppled lips lingered a little longer than you expected.

"Keep in touch. I'll be waiting." He gave a smile before he went back.

But you seized him.

"We don't know each other's names," you said, frantic.

He chortled. “You’re right.” He looked back and leaned his tall height close to your level, his face nearing against yours. “Tell me your name, princess.”

"(y/n)," you said proudly.

Watching his lips curved upward, he said. "Beautiful."

"I don't even know your name," you pointed out.

"It's on the back of the card," he purred into your ear.

"I want to hear it from you," you said, pleading. “Your voice.”

He chuckled. "Since you're a good girl, I'll tell you. My name is Geto Suguru."

Suguru...

Your said boyfriend texted you in a total of 138 messages and phone calls and angry voicemails.

"Your boyfriend is a piece of work," he commented.

"Yeah, he is. I just want to take a break." You shut the phone off. You rushed off to your friend---him following you--and showed her the missed calls and messages from your said boyfriend.

"They're that persistent," Angeline said, rolling her eyes.

"We should go back. My soon-to-be annoying in laws is going to think I got drugged or something," you said.

He took the card from you and tucked it in. And took your phone and dialed the number instead.

"What if my boyfriend discovers you on my phone?"

"There's a landline," he suggested. Call me by this number."

Fear overtook you for a second, numerous scenarios running in your head.

His callous palm lingered onto your skin as he placed it. "Don't be afraid, princess. I'll be waiting for you," he said with a smile before he gave you one last kiss.

But then you said, tugging his sleeve. "May I see your phone?"

Without hesitation, he gave you his phone, and dialed your phone number and added into his contacts, then looking at him back, watching his smile at your sudden move on entering your phone number.

"That's my girl. I'll keep in touch," he said, and walked away back to his seat with his friend, music blasting away as you and Geneva.

Your eardrums banged even after heading outside. Angeline couldn't help you but smirk.

"What?'

"Where did you go, missy?' she teased.

"I was chatting with him," you said.

"Does banging the restroom stalls count as chatting?''

Your face instantly blushed.

"So, how good is he?'

Hands shielded over your face. "Angeline!"

"I'm just kidding! See, I know you'll meet someone. He's been eyeing on you since the dance floor," she cheered and embraced you by the side while ruffling your hair with her fist. "You're becoming a woman, (y/n)," she said, cackling.

Your phone rang again.

"Don't answer it. I'll do the explaining for you," Angeline said.

"No, don't. They're going to suspect we're doing drugs."

"We'll just tell them there's traffic. Japan is a very busy country, after all. Oh yeah," she took out the napkin. "Might want to use this. His cum is spilling out on your legs and heels."

"Don't say stuff like that in public." As you wiped the cum, the wind breezed against your skin and dress. It felt nice and cold, and yet...naked.

"Oh no," you muttered in horror.

"What? What's wrong?"

"I'm not wearing any underwear," you uttered quietly, blushing at the thought of your knight in shining armor, Geto, taking your panties with him.

© kinggetou - all rights reserved.

Taglist: @galactict3a

[awordsmith]

Secrets and Liars

Chapter Ten

----

Not that I'm complaining, but sitting here, with the entrance ticket box is really not what I'd planned to be doing on a Friday night. I let Hannah and Spencer in with their dates a little over ten minutes ago, and though, no I wasn't planning on bringing a date–nor was I planning on even coming–I find it completely offensive Lucas didn't even think to ask me before.

I sigh, leaning forward, hands holding up my face as I try forgetting the luck I've been getting recently.

Spencer's sister even came, I think she's chaperoning, but all I could think when I saw her–all I've been able to think about her ever since the morning after Ali went missing–was a single question playing no-stop in my head. Does she know?

The answer is likely no. I feel weird around her, she wasn't close to Jason or Elio, but Ian was their friend, so perhaps they spoke through him? Though, I'm not sure I can recall a single time anyone of them ever brought her up.

The doors fall shut behind me as Aria approaches the booth, I wasn't expecting her to come tonight, I'd actually planned to ask her if she wanted to hang out, but then I got stuck with Mona's job–and that plan fell through the roof.

"Hey Kat," she smiles, "how'd you end up here?"

I hold out a hand, "don't. Ask."

She nods, "fair enough, but don't worry," she says, handing me her ticket, "you're not alone, I'm working the booth first."

I cringe, "good luck," I hate loud noises, but loud noise paired with people sounds like absolute hell. I'd never have survived, that's why I brought my noise-cancelling headphones. It was Dr. Kierson's idea for me to try them and I haven't been able to function without them ever since. I'd say it's an addiction, but you can't get addicted to what isn't bad for you, right?

Aria takes in a deep breath, prepping herself before heading inside.

I frown, pulling my headphones from my bag, and sliding them over my ears. I doodled in the notebook I'd brought. A few more people show up, but then it dies down again. Everyone's mostly already here and if they're not, they're not coming.

I mean to pack up, but then I feel someone approach, not her or see, but feel. His presence sends my world rocking. What is he doing here? He's not even suppose to be in town.

"Can we talk?"

My eyes roam over him and his finely-pressed suit. His gelled hair and his eyes, so devoid of everything I remember them to be filled with. I want to cry and scream and punch him all at the same time–preferably in the face.

Despite my wants and needs, I force myself to look away, "Jason," I falter. I didn't plan anything else after that.

"Katherine please, I–" he pauses, then his hands come down onto the table, gripping the edges as he uses it to hold up his weight. His eyes are molten lava and I second-guess my decision for a second time today. I've been doing that a lot since our last conversation.

"You what?" I find the courage to whisper.

"I'm sorry," comes out of his mouth and this is when I know I've messed up, because I've already forgiven him. My face takes on a painful expression, I turn away and blink a couple of tears back.

"I know," my voice is quiet, but clear.

"Look at me," he pleads, "please."

Did you know I would be here? I want to ask. Is that why you came? But before I can say any of that, his hand grabs my chin and forces it upward, a soft, but unpleasant frown adorns his face. "Let's talk." He tilts his head with a small smile and damnit, the resolve I've built this past year crumbles.

I hate this. I hate him.

"I can't," I feel a tear drop down, "I don't..." I jerk my head away, "why are you here, Jason?"

"This is home," he whispers, "and... I've missed–"

"Don't say it," I shake my head, pleading with him. Eventaully I find the courage to look him i the eyes on my own, "it wouldn't be fair." His brows furrow in silent hurt.

He pulls away, a cold demeanor coming over him. "I'm moving back," he states, "I don't know when, but as soon as my house is back on the market, I'm coming back."

My heart physically aches, as if it's shouting at me to protect it. A shaky breath and then, "why didn't you call?" His mask slips, caught off guard, "or text?" I press, sniffing.

"I lost her too," he runs a hand through his hair, "I think becasue we left people forget she had a brother."

"Those are excuses," I shake my head, "not ansers."

"Really, Katherine?" He scoffs, "you're saying I'm the only one you lost contact with?" My face pulls back an expression I've never used before, it's almost saying 'you can't be serious'.

"No, but–" he cut's me off.

"–I lost my sister–"

"I lost you both." I stand shoving my things in my bag. Screw this. I don't even know why he's here. I should even be here. If I hadn't been, maybe my night would have gone a lot more uneventful.

A notification pops and as I read it I not only feel a pit in my stomach, but an ache in my chest at the realization.

Blocked ID

Tears are only pretty in the movies, look around, this is reality bitch. - A

the night had been so uneventful, why–oh why–couldn't it have stayed like that a little longer. And now I'm truly contemplating my entire relationship with Jason Dilaurtentis because of some psycho that gets off on kicking me when I'm down.

I grip the phone, feeling new tears stream down my face. "I'm sos sick of this," I need to scream. Everything falls to the table as I turn and palm my face with my hands, letting out a blood curdling cry.

I take a breath, ready for another one, when my hands are pulled away from my face and around a torso, Jason's stupid, soft, warm, comforting torso. Just this once–and last time–I bury my face into his chest and scream.

When I pull away, I'm met with eyes I'd once thought I'd never have again. Home.

"I hate you," I whisper.

"I know," he swipes at my tears with a thumb, "I know."

He rubs the back of my neck for a little, helps me clean up the area, and for a moment I contemplate going home, but then I decide not to. Instead, we head to his car, as silver as ever.

We don't have to talk anymore, an understanding passes between us, however silent or loud it may have been. He let me scream without question, and I didn't pull away–which to us, is an exchange of an apology, and acceptance.

I remember when we first came up with it, we came up with a lot of secrets back then, some things less obvious than others, and some completely personal.

How do I know you won't leave again? Without a word, without a goodbye, without notice?

I don't ask him these because I've come to a the conclusion that I don't have to, because I've already asked them and he's already answered. He will never do it again.

Never in his life, I got that much from the way he held me, but the look in his eyes was another type of confirmation.

"Are you still going to Hollis?"

"Yep," he pops the 'p'. "Criminal Justice and Sociology," he sighs.

"You want to be a cop?"

"Kind of," he nods, "the FBI is my end goal."

"Because of Ali?" The words are out before I can stop them, but I think we're passed all that.

"She's part of it, a big part," he confirms.

"And the other part?" I press, leaning back into the passenger seat.

"I want to help people," he says, "because I've been hurt and," our eyes meet breifly, "I've also hurt a lot of people."

"That's noble," I sniff.

He scoffs and playfully punches me in the arm, "yeah, yeah."

"I still hate you," I roll my eyes, closing them right after to stretch.

"Hate and love can be substituted in certain circumstances." He informs like a complete dork.

I turn to him and we stare at each other, wondering who's going to be the first to break, it's me, "Shut up," I say, a childish laugh escaping my throat.

Jason's laugh follows and we talk about almost nothing on the drive back o my house. We sat in front of it for a few minutes before he decided let me walk up alone, "I don't want anyone to know I'm back yet," he'd said. "Because, technically, I'm not–not yet anyway."

"I get it," I say, then jab a finger in his direction, "but if you don't call or text me I'm never talking to you again.

He'd held up his hands as I made my way out the care and up the steps. A notification popped up on my phone before my hand landed on the doorknob.

A grin spreads across my face as I read the message,

Jason When you can't find the 8/26/10 Moon, look for a shooting 9:36 pm star. 8/26/10 I'm pretty sure that's not 9:36 pm how that quote goes

Who said I was quoting 8/26/10 anyone? 9:37 PM

8/26/10 You're an idiot

9:27 pm

An intelligent idiot 8/26/10 9:37 pm

I turn around, stick my tongue out at him, then head inside.

----

Thank you for reading, I hope you continue to follow up with these chapters 😊!

[fischerfrey]

A Christmas Prince; The Royal Wedding

Chapter 6: Two Sides of the Same Coin

Summary: Dawn is missing and Quincey and Evander both face challenges of their own.

A/N: It's the customary Quincey chapter! This time with a little Evander twist... It's way past Christmas at this point but this is the second to last chapter and I'm hoping to post the last one as soon as I'm able. This story had a lot of moving parts and I've had to leave many things out simply because I haven't had the time to write. If you're sick of Christmas stuff already, I acknowledge your suffering but I do not apologize😂

Words: 2.8k

Characters:

Dawn Harvelle, Rosa Yaxley, and Evander Alderly by @potionboy3

Quincey, Olympia, and Isabella Alderly, Tess Brandon

Rocky Weasley by @magicallymalted

Pandora Lovelace by@gcldensnitch

Beginning | Previous Chapter | Next Chapter

Want to read the first fic in the series, A Christmas Prince? Click here!

Chapter 6: Two Sides of the Same Coin

Quincey

Quincey could safely say that he was not having a good day. Of course, he understood that Dawn wasn’t used to the kind of rigorous protocol that life at court demanded but what he couldn’t understand was why he had insisted on going out on some crazy adventure the previous night. Anything could have happened. After the unpleasant meeting at Pince’s office, Quincey went through the notes his mother had made to his speech and resolved to deal with it later. He really had to talk to Dawn. Nothing had gone according to plan ever since Dawn had arrived. He came to the smaller sitting room, holding out hope that Dawn would be there when he heard Olympia’s voice.

“Still at it?” she was asking.

“Silence, cousin,” came Evander’s voice as a reply. “I’m getting there.”

“Are all those coffee mugs yours?”

“And mine,” said Dawn’s aunt Tess.

“Anything I can do?” Olympia asked.

“Develop malware for me to drop into their RDP…” said Evander and that was when Quincey decided to stop eavesdropping and enter the room.

“Good morning,” he said, and all three people suddenly jumped, like there’d been an explosion.

“Quincey!” said Olympia. “How lovely to see you.”

Quincey frowned. “What are you doing?”

“Oh,” said Evander. “I was just introducing your dear sister and Miss Brandon to the intricacies of cryptocurrency so maybe we could all come together and save the kingdom.”

Quincey ignored the sarcasm in his voice. “Have any of you seen Dawn?”

“Not since last night,” said Tess.

“Well, damn,” said Quincey.

“Is everything alright?” Olympia asked.

“I don’t know…”

That’s when the double doors were pulled open with haste and Miss Pince came in, Miss Yaxley in tow.

“Has anyone seen Mr. Harvelle?”

“That’s what I was wondering,” mused Quincey.

“You mean to tell me he’s not here?” asked Pince.

“Well, I’m not hiding him in my pocket,” said Evander but Pince did not find this amusing.

“He has to be found,” said Rosa. “The queen is going ballistic over the wedding preparations.”

“I’m half of the equation, maybe I can help,” Quincey offered.

“No, the queen said Mr. Harvelle must be there,” said Pince.

“It’s almost like it would be her wedding…” said Quincey with a sigh.

~

Quincey found his mother in the room reserved for wedding planning, outfitting, and all those other things that his mother seemed to think she had some sort of control over. The outfit Quincey assumed Dawn was supposed to wear was on a mannequin. It was very traditional, nothing like he’d imagine Dawn would pick for himself. He realized he hadn’t the foggiest idea what his mother, Miss Yaxley, and Dawn had been up to with the wedding preparations. It wasn’t a pleasant feeling.

“Dawn’s missing?” he asked his mother as he entered. There was nobody else in the room but them.

“He did not show up for his fitting.”

“I’ll call him,” said Quincey.

“His phone is offline.”

That was worrying. Quincey tried it anyway, but true enough, he only got a message saying the phone had been turned off.

“Well,” said the queen. “I sincerely hope we won't have to cancel the wedding.”

“Stop,” said Quincey.

“Maybe he has finally realized that the pressures of court are too much for him,” said Isabella, forlornly.

“You’re certainly not helping,” Quincey sighed. “Is that what he’s supposed to wear?”

“Yes. I had a hand in its design.”

“I’ll ask Flitwick to look into Dawn’s whereabouts,” said Quincey. “And mother?”

“Yes?”

“You can forget about that costume. I’ll have a word with Miss Yaxley. I sincerely hope that it’s not too late to make this wedding mine and Dawn’s, and not whatever you’ve been doing behind my back.”

Isabella looked shocked. “Quentin, I’ve only been trying to help you.”

“I know, and I truly appreciate the help,” he said. “Especially when it comes to the financial situation. But I never asked your help in this.”

“Alright,” said Isabella. “I admit, I did get a little carried away.”

“A little?”

“Fine,” said Isabella. “A lot.”

“But you can help me find Dawn now,” said Quincey.

“I would be glad to.”

~

The palace had its fair share of hiding places and so, a lot of the staff were requested to keep an eye out for the run-away groom, but Quincey had an idea of his own of where to look. He headed to the courtyard.

“Dawn!” he called out between the hedges.

“No such luck,” said Olympia, dressed up against the cold in her light pink winter coat. “I figured I might also look here.”

“Oh, hey,” said Quincey but his spirits were immediately lowered.

“Don’t worry, we’ll find him.”

“I’ve been such a fool,” said Quincey.

Olympia walked up to him and put a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

“I screwed up,” he said, miserably.

“What happened?” asked Olympia.

“Dawn’s been having a hard time adjusting to everything here and I’ve been too invested in my duties as king to be supportive.”

“You’ve had a falling out?”

“Just when he needed me most, I caved in to the crown.”

Olympia sighed, seemed to think about something for a while, and then said: “After father died, and you left us to go soul-searching, I was so angry with you…”

“O, I…”

“…At first. But then I realized this life we find ourselves in, the titles and responsibilities we bear, can overwhelm any person, especially a good-hearted one.”

“I've allowed it to happen,” said Quincey.

“You accepted your title with eyes wide open, with the best intent. And that's the brother I love.”

“I've made such a mess of everything.”

“Thanks to Dawn, and I can’t believe I have to say this, Evander, I think we have an actual shot at fixing the country’s problems,” Olympia said.

“What?”

“I’ll explain later,” Olympia said. “Just trust me. All you should focus on right now is finding your fiancé.”

Quincey thought about it. The thing was that he did trust Olympia with his life, but this wasn’t just about him. He had been the one to swear an oath to serve and protect all of his subjects and right now he was doing a piss-poor job of it.

“Please, Q,” said Olympia.

Quincey sighed. “There is one more place he could be in.”

“Yeah?”

“I’m going to need Archimedes.”

~

His father’s old hunting cabin’s windows were lit when Quincey and Archimedes arrived. He stabled the horse and entered the cabin, finding Dawn sat in front of a small fire, drinking hot chocolate.

“Dawn,” he said when Dawn didn’t make a move at the sound of the door.

“I'm so sorry,” he tried again. “Talk to me.”

Finally, Dawn turned around, demanding: “Now you want to talk? You had nothing to say when I needed you in Pince's office.”

“I know.”

“They want me to give up everything, Quincey. My voice, my career.”

“I thought you didn’t want to be a journalist anymore,” said Quincey.

“That’s not the point!” said Dawn. “The point is that I’m supposed to act like a goddamn ornament in one of your over-the-top Christmas trees and that’s not me!”

“Forget about everyone else,” said Quincey. “This should be about you and me.”

Dawn got up from the armchair. He didn’t look pleased. “I always thought that you would support me, and this week has just been so tough.”

“Dawn, please…”

“Just let me finish, okay?” said Dawn and Quincey shut up. “Everything is changing. I feel like I'm losing control and… I'm not used to living like this. This fishbowl, this distance between us,” he finished, taking a deep breath.

“I know it's hard,” said Quincey. “Trust me, I know.”

“It’s not the same for us, though,” said Dawn.

“Everything is changing. For both of us,” said Quincey, stepping closer to Dawn. When Dawn didn’t pull away, he took his hands. “But there is one thing that will never change: My love for you.”

“Shut up,” said Dawn. “You’re not sweet-talking your way out of this one.”

“I don’t want you to have to sacrifice anything to be with me,” Quincey continued. “Your talent, your creativity, your determination… But some things are out of my control.”

“Like my little mission last night?” Dawn asked.

“You could have been hurt,” said Quincey. “The country isn’t exactly approving of us at the moment.”

“That might have been a miscalculation on my part.”

“But I need you,” said Quincey. “And Alderly needs you, too.”

“Well, it has a funny way of showing it,” Dawn said. “I’ve been nothing but a glorified wedding planner–, no not even that. I’ve been standing in the sidelines while our wedding has been planned for us.”

“Yes,” said Quincey. “About that. I had a chat with mother. The wedding’s going to see some changes.”

“What?” asked Dawn. “You did?”

“Well, it all got a bit much, don’t you think?”

“I very much do think that, yeah,” said Dawn.

“How come you came here?” asked Quincey. They hadn’t been back together since the snowstorm last year, though Quincey had visited on his own.

“I just wanted something to feel Christmassy,” Dawn explained. “So I stole some of the biscuits meant for our wedding and came here.”

Quincey laughed. “Okay, that’s actually fair enough.”

“It hasn’t really felt too festive here, recently.”

“I know.”

Dawn bit his lip. “I’d like to have an active role in the family. I don’t want to be just an ornament.”

“You won’t be. I don’t want that either.”

Dawn sighed and reached to touch Quincey’s face. He hadn’t entirely forgiven him; Quincey wasn't foolish enough to believe that. But at least he hadn’t told him to fuck off, so he considered it a start. “Alright, we need to get back to the palace, now and see if Evander has saved the country.”

Quincey decided not to question it, for now.

~

Evander

Evander had commandeered a couch after his back began to protest, sitting at the table. Dawn’s little laptop was putting in the works and Evander sincerely hoped it wouldn’t give out now. He decided to give Dawn a proper laptop as a wedding present, until he remembered he was pretty much broke. Maybe he could sell the ugly cabin in the mountains his mother had gotten him one Christmas. Evander looked up when he heard someone enter the room, but it was just Tess, bringing another round of coffee. The table was starting to fill with mugs.

“Here,” she said, handing the other to him.

Evander took it. “Oh, thanks…”

Tess was pretty much the only person who had been nice to him this entire time, which was odd, since she had no reason to. Unless she was secretly adding poison to his coffee, or that weird herbal tea she had made him the other night. He had slept like a baby the first time in months after it but that had only made him doubly suspicious. He sniffed the coffee, cautiously.

“No herbs,” said Tess. “Just coffee.”

“So just like the previous three.”

Tess nodded. “Just like them.”

Evander eyes her and then the coffee. “Okay.”

“How are you doing?” she asked, still standing up.

“I found a promising lead, but I can’t crack it,” said Evander. “At least, not yet.”

“Damn.”

Evander resolved that the coffee probably wasn’t poisoned. He took a sip. “You make surprisingly good coffee.” Considering the tea tasted like shit, but he didn’t say that part out loud.

Tess chuckled, quietly. “Thanks, though I think it’s probably just that you people have quality coffee here. I don’t normally drink it an awful lot.”

“Could be,” said Evander. “You should consider adding coffee to your selection.”

Just as a suggestion. For all the other people who didn’t like suspicious herbs. He didn’t know much about Tess’s business, other than that he found all the herbal teas horrid but for some reason it was relatively successful.

“I’ll consider it,” said Tess. “If we don’t go to jail for this.”

She motioned vaguely at the computer on Evander’s lap.

“Don’t worry, if I get caught, I won’t bust you.”

“I appreciate that,” Tess mused. “But I think we’re sort of in this together, now.”

Evander didn’t say anything while Tess sat next to him, pulling a blanket on her legs. He thought she was pretty but pretty in a way his mother wouldn’t approve of. Kind of like Rosa was but somehow, he had a feeling like his mother would approve of Tess even less. The only person he could conceive of his mother approving was Diana Somerset but that had been doomed from the start, and Evander was happy she’d turned down his proposal.

He hadn’t spoken to his mother in months and in a way, he missed her a little. It had been about time to cut the cord, though. To find out what he actually wanted for himself. One thing he had learned was that it sucked to be poor and lonely. He missed his family. Especially his entitled royal cousins who he’d never even really liked before. And he knew that he couldn’t trust the country to Quincey’s hands alone when the man had gone to a fucking liberal arts school. Deep down he felt bad, too. Bad about what he had done to him and how he’d left things. He had put himself first and not Alderly, as he should have done. The right thing to do would have been to be there for Quincey and help him, instead of listening to his mother, but that was a lesson learned.

Tess leaned in closer so she could see the computer screen better. Evander was pretty sure she didn’t have experience on the hacking front, but he appreciated another pair of eyes, and maybe he also appreciated her presence. She smelled nice. He felt immensely tired. It had been almost ten hours and they still had pretty much nothing. He felt his focus drift and drank more coffee. He wasn’t exactly sure how much time passed, when Tess suddenly grabbed his wrist and pointed at the screen.

“What’s that?” she asked.

Evander examined the piece of code. “If I just follow this strand…” he said quietly.

Tess let go of his hand so he could continue typing.

“Is this…” he started as the computer did exactly as he had wanted it to.

“Oh my god,” said Tess.

“I think I’m in!” said Evander and jumped up from the couch in excitement. He had almost given up hope so he couldn’t quite believe this plan might actually stand a chance in hell at working.

Tess got up as well and said: “Holy crap,” with a delighted laugh. She did a little jump and clapped her hands together. Evander, high off of his achievement, kissed her cheek before thinking better off it. The pair looked at each other for a fraction of a second. Then Evander cleared his throat and sat back down, grabbing the computer.

“It’s not over yet,” he said, as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened. “This is pretty time sensitive.”

“Right, yeah, of course,” said Tess. She also sat back down, and Evander was careful not to look at her. Maybe he had been wrong. Maybe his mother would like her. Tess was pretty smart, after all.

~

Half an hour later Olympia, Rocky, and Pandora returned, presumably from searching for a certain run-away groom.

“We're in,” Evander said.

“What?” asked Pandora. “Seriously?”

“I honestly didn’t think you had it in you,” said Rocky with a yawn. It seemed Evander and Tess weren’t the only ones in need of a nap.

“Shut up and come see,” he said, and the newcomers gathered around the couch Evander and Tess had occupied, to see the screen. All the information pertaining to the companies was there for them to see. Silently Evander echoed Rocky’s sentiment though. After almost ten hours he’d begun to think that maybe he had overestimated his abilities.

“What does it say about those three companies?” asked Rocky.

“Each are listed as a division of this... Glockenspiel Consortium,” said Evander.

“Glockenspiel?” wondered Olympia. “What's that?”

“It could be a parent company, or a shell, used to funnel the money to a foreign entity,” Evander said. It would make sense why neither he nor Olympia had ever heard of it, despite being Alderlian.

“You have a disturbing knowledge of underhanded activities,” Olympia said but there was distinctly less venom in her voice than there had been before, so Evander didn’t take it too personally.

“That would explain why so little of the money's staying in Alderly,” said Tess, who had a much more comprehensive grasp of how businesses worked than dear cousin Olympia.

“Perhaps if we dig a little bit deeper into Glockenspiel…” said Evander, clicking further into the files. “Oh, shit…”

Everyone had seen it; Evander could tell from their shocked expressions.

“I can’t believe it,” said Olympia.

“What are we going to do now?” asked Pandora.

“Quincey’s gone to look for Dawn. He might be a while,” said Olympia.

“We’re going to wait for the king to get back,” said Evander. “He needs to hear this before we do anything.”

tag list: @lifeofkaze, @gcldensnitch, @endlessly-cursed, @cursed-herbalist, @magicallymalted

(ask if you want to be included or removed)

[xojennyboo]

A/N: double update today! This one contained loads of smut. Thank you for reading and liking my stuff. This will be the last part of this mini story. Let me know what you think. There’s also a small message at the end of the chapter for anyone who needs to hear it. Love you guys. Thanks once again. Happy reading!

Y/N POV

As the months passed, dealing with what happened got easier. I continued on going to therapy, having some sessions by myself and some with Harry. When I had brought up Harry joining in on some sessions to my therapist, she instantly thought it would be a great idea considering how comfortable I felt with Harry. Harry also had private sessions by himself to talk about his feelings with everything. As the days passed by, Harry and I got closer and closer. It was weird adjusting to not spending time with one another prior, to now spending every minute together.

After doing months of therapy, I learned to stop blaming myself for what happened. I also learned so many things about myself that slowly started to make sense as the days went by. Having control of my life was important to me. I wanted to be able to be happy for myself and to be able to not break out if things didn’t go my way, things that I have overcome by therapy. As for my fears about pregnancy, I learned that it’s all about taking chances and going with the flow. Yes, it might be scary obtaining the answers to tough questions, but these are obstacles that we must surpass. After facing my fears to obtaining the answers to my fertility questions, I decided on booking appointments to my gynecologist. I went with the same doctor who oversaw my pregnancy since I felt super comfortable with her. I had expressed my worries and she helped me get all of the fertility exams done. Harry came to some of the appointments when he wasn't busy with the last-minute arrangements for his album release. He was officially finished with it and was super excited to release it to his fans. Once the doctor provided me with the results on my fertility, I was relieved to know that I had no issues. She explained that sometimes, miscarriages can be common, especially when it's your first pregnancy. Harry came to this appointment with me, and he was very happy to know that I was okay too. Harry also decided to do a fertility test on himself with me, and his testing came back clean as well. Having him take a fertility test with me meant the world to me.

Harry moved back into our house a couple of months ago, selling his apartment. Things felt right with him here. He became super attentive with me, making sure I was okay emotionally, physically, and mentally. We cooked almost every night together and created new memories that I Cherish every day. Our relationship has been kept private from the media, only our closest family and friends knowing about it. Thomas was very happy when he found out about it. Thomas has been supportive about everything. We’ve definitely had gotten closer after everything that had happened. He occasionally came to our house for dinners or just to hang out and write music with Harry. He recently started a new relationship with one of the women who works with us. I couldn't be happier for him.

Since Harry and I decided to rekindle our romance, we haven't had any intimacy. This being that I wasn't ready emotionally. I was too scared to take that step. I had talked about it with my therapist, and she mentioned that it was okay to feel that way but that I would have to take those necessary steps to overcome. As the time passed by, the need to feel Harry intimately was consuming my thoughts almost every day. The desire to feel his naked skin against mine grew and grew each day. I knew that he felt the same way by the way he would look at me with desire. Today, I planned on taking the first step. He had a long day of meetings which gave me plenty of time to plan what I wanted to do. I was going to cook a romantic dinner for us, decorate the dining room and our bedroom with candles. Our bedroom will have rose petals are around the floor and on the bed making this very intimate and romantic.

As soon as Harry left for the day, I went to the grocery store to purchase the ingredients for tonight's dinner. I decided on cooking chicken for dinner with a creamy sauce to accompany it. I also decided on making mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, and a bit of rice. Then I went to a flower shop to purchase enough roses for tonight. Lastly, I went to Target to purchase enough candles,the light up ones, not the real ones. Once I got home, I decided on decorating first since I knew it would be more tedious. Once finished, I started cooking dinner. Once that was done, I went back upstairs to shower, shave, get dressed and do my makeup. I decided on wearing a simple champagne colored dress that hugged my curves in the right places. Underneath, I wear a sexy lingerie set I had purchased a few days ago. it was also champagne colored, having the matching bra, thong, stockings, and garter belt to put together the whole outfit. I was definitely nervous. I went downstairs after I finished getting ready and heated up the food. It was already 6 pm. Harry usually comes home around 6:30pm, which is perfect since it gives me time to set the table. At precisely 6:15pm, I get a message from Harry saying that he's on his way home. I quickly get the champagne out of the fridge and place it on the ice bucket. I look at the time again after a couple of minutes I hear Harry pulling up in the driveway. "Get it together y/n ", I tell myself. "You're ready", I tell myself again, giving myself as much affirmation before he walks through that door. I go to the dining room to wait for him there, shaking away the last-minute nerves that have appeared in the last hour. I take a couple of deep breaths before I hear the front door open.

"y/n I'm home! It smells so good in here", I hear him say, lightly giggling at his comment. I take one last deep breath before building up the courage to answer. " Babe where are you?", I hear Harry say. "In the dining room!", I yell back so he hears me. I hear his footsteps coming closer and closer until he's fully in here. He looks shocked at first, and then a wide smile spreads across his face. "What's all of this for?", he says walking up to me placing a small peck on my lips. "I have decided to cook us a romantic dinner", I say to him. "It looks delicious ", he says admiring the table before him. "What's for dessert?", he teasingly asks, knowing that baking wasn't my expertise. With all of the confidence I had left I answered. "Me", his head snapping back towards me in shock and desire. A Mischievous smile takes me in a trance, my need for him growing intently. "Hmm. Is that so honey?", he says with a raspy voice. His arms snakes around my waist pulling me closer to him, his eyes darker than before filled with lust. "Y-yes", I stutter at the close proximity, his face getting closer to me, his eyes staring at my reaction, eyes, and lips. "Well, in that case, I think we should skip right into dessert don't you think?", he says, his lips extremely close to mine, barely touching. "Dinner will get cold", I whispered against his lips, my chest rising and falling at a quick pace. "Hmm, you're right. Let's eat then that way I can eat you afterwards ", he says, placing a kiss on my lips finally. The kiss intensifies as he pulls me closer to him, his tongue entering my mouth. My fingers go directly to his hair, tangling in his curls. He pulls away, our breathing heavy, as he walks towards my chair to pull it out for me. Still stunned, I gather myself and sit down. I feel Harry getting closer to my ear, his breathing heavy. "By the way, you look absolutely beautiful tonight", he whispers against my ear as he places a kiss on my neck before he sits down across the table from me.

How am I going to get through this dinner. That whole interaction, as simple as it was, made me wet. Harry had a thing of making everything he said super sexy, especially towards me. Or maybe it was just in my head. We eat in complete silence at first, savoring the meal I made. I poured us a glass of champagne needing it a bit more for confidence. I watched as Harry ate his dinner his jaw clenching with every bite he took. " Mmmm, so good", he moaned in satisfaction. I felt those moans directly on my clothed clit. Every bite he took of his food he would make some sort of moan or groan, making it harder to contain myself. The suppressed want and frustration for him slowly making its way out. He knew what he was doing, loving the reaction he was getting from me as I squirmed in my seat at how wet I was getting. Once we were done eating, I got up to clear the table. "Stay here", I instructed before going into the kitchen and placing everything on the island. I quickly took my dress off and let my hair down, exposing the lingerie. I felt so sexy in this it boosted my confidence more. I took a deep breath, seems I have to do that a lot nowadays, before walking back into the dining room. Harry quickly looked in my direction and gulped down the bit of champagne he had left. "On my...", he said, as he squirmed around in his seat. "Do you like it?", I ask as I walked towards him. He didn't utter a word, too stunned to speak.

"I'll take it as a, yes?", I say. He gets up abruptly, attaching his lips to mine, the force causing me to take a step back. His tongue entered my mouth swirling around with mine, tasting the champagne on his lips. "You look like such a goddess", he says. He gives me a couple more kisses before pulling away and sitting back down. "Now do me a favor baby and come sit in front of me so I can eat my dessert", he says with confidence. Jesus. I walk towards the table, getting on top of the table to position myself in front of him. Once I’m lying on the table, he gets up to admire me. He takes one of the straps that's attached to my stocking around his finger and pulls it back before letting it go causing it to snap against my skin. I moaned a little at the sensation that it gave me. “My goodness where do I start with you?", he says, unclamping the clips. He slowly reaches to the hem of the thong that I have on and removes it, bringing it up to his face and smelling it, before placing it in his packet. "You smell divine", he says as he places my foot on either side of the table, my legs spreading in front of him. He sits back down on the chair, scooting closer to my exposed pussy. "So wet for me y/n", he says before kissing my clit. My hips buck up at the satisfaction of his lips making contact to where I need him the most. "So ready for me", he says, spreading my folds with his fingers before sucking on my clit, a moan coming out of me. His hot wet tongue swirled around my aching clit over and over, my moans echoing throughout the dining room. My hands gripping at the sides of the table as the noise of Harry's tongue on me consumed me. His tongue licked me all over, not missing any spots.

He inserted his tongue in my aching hole, slowly licking all of my arousal onto his tongue. My legs spread for him, giving him more access. "Oooh fuck Harry, don't stop baby, don’t stop", I moaned as he sucked and flicked my clit. My back arching on the table as I felt my orgasm coming. "That's it baby, let the neighbors know who is making you feel this good", he says as he inserts two fingers inside me making me gasp and choke up. He instantly starts thrusting his fingers in and out of me as his tongue works on my clit. My aching hole clenched around his fingers as I was about to come. Before I did, he withdrew completely from me causing me to whine. "Gosh look at you so desperate", he says. He gets up, attaching his lips to mine, tasting myself on his tongue, causing me to moan against his lips. "You taste so good baby ", he groans against my lips, his clothed crotch pressing against my cunt. "Take me upstairs", I say breathlessly. I wrap my arms around his neck as he carries me bridal style up the stairs. He slows down and notices the rose petals on the hallway leading up to our room. "Oh y/n what do you have up your sleeve ", he smirks. I open the door with my hand since he's carrying me, and we walk into the dark pre-lit room that is filled with rose petals. "Surprise!", I childishly say to him smiling widely at my work. He looks around in awe giving me a long passionate kiss as he places me on the bed. "Do you like it?", I ask. "Like it? I love this", he says, climbing on the bed with me. "Are you sure you want to do this?", he asks. "Yes Harry", I say grabbing his face and pulling him in a kiss. He reaches behind my back and unclamps my bra, exposing my breasts. The takes one in each hand, gently palming them and pinching my nipples occasionally. My head falls back in pleasure, my body sensitive at the lack of pleasure that it hasn't received in months. My neck exposed, Harry places kisses on my neck, biting and sucking the spot below my ear causing me to moan."Harry please", I gasp, pleading for more. He groans as he kisses down my neck and onto my chest, taking one of my nipples into his mouth while massaging my other breast, my fingers playing with his hair. He switches, now sucking on my other nipple, giving it the same attention.

I kneel up, pushing him against the matters. "Now it's your turn baby", I say as I unbutton his trousers. I took them off, taking his briefs with them. I took his shirt off exposing his tattooed body to me. I could never get tired of looking at his naked body. I straddle his legs, placing delicate kisses on his chest and down his torso. His stomach flexing at the contact of my lips against his skin. "I've". Kiss. "Missed", kiss, "you", kiss, "so", kiss "much", kiss. His eyes closed, feeling every kiss I gave his body. I kissed down his torso and down to his pulsating cock. I placed delicate kisses up his shaft before placing the tip in my mouth, Harry hissing at the sensation. I moaned as I felt his precum on my tongue, the sensation causing Harry to buck his hips upwards inserting himself more into my mouth. "Fuck", he moans as I start bobbing my head, gently squeezing his balls as I sucked him off. I took more and more of him in until I was able to put all of him in my mouth. His tip hitting the back of my throat causing me to gag in pleasure. " fuuck ", Harry moaned as he felt my mouth close around his cock. I was so horny, our actions making me wet. I pulled away a bit looking at him, how sexy he looked right now. "Fuck my mouth Harry", I say as I fully take him into my mouth causing him to groan in pleasure. He reaches down to gather my hair together as he starts to thrust himself into my mouth. "That's right baby, take my cock ", he pants as he continues to hit the back of my throat causing me to gag around his dick. I close my eyes, tears spilling from them as they go down my face. "Fuck baby", he moans the sound of our moans filling the room. Before I can pull back, I feel his cum shoot down my throat. I pull away, a string of my saliva attached to his cock making this super-hot.

I take my finger and wipe my lips, tasting him on my fingers as I sucked his juices off "mmm", I moan. "Delicious", I say as I straddle his hips. His hands were instantly on my waist ready to guide me. I was in a euphoric daze, wanting Harry to fuck my brains out. I grab Harry's dick and I slowly rubbed my wet pussy against it, feeling every pulsating vein on me. My wetness glistening on his cock. "Look at how wet I am for you baby", I moan as we both look down. "Fuck Y/N, please baby", he says as he digs his fingertips on my sides. I grind on him a couple more times before I lift myself up and insert the tip in me, causing both of us to moan. My head falls back in pleasure his tip already stretching me. "You're so big Harry", I say as I slide down on him completely, his cock stretching me out in all the right ways. "Move baby, gosh you feel so good", he pants out, his hips bucking up in desperation. I move my hips up and down, my hands on his chest as we finally connect. With every movement I make, the more I feel my orgasm coming. I'm a moaning mess, my body overly sensitive. "That's right baby, ride my cock", he moans. "Look at your arousal dripping down", he moans as he starts to thrust up, in need of a release from the both of us. We look down and I can see his cock disappearing inside me, covered by my wetness with each thrust. My hands go down to my throbbing clit, rubbing myself as I try to reach my high, but Harry swats my hand away and replaces it with his instead, rubbing me at a steady pace. “Oh fuck, baby that feels...uh", I moan out, my release spraying on Harry's torso. Our actions stopped, looking at the mess I just made. “Fuck that was hot to watch", Harry says. "Want to see if you're able to do that again for me baby?", he says as our movements resumed. I start riding him faster and harder, each thrust hitting that familiar spot from earlier, causing me to moan loudly as Harry rubbed my clit faster. The feeling was so intense sending me into a bliss. "Fuck. Fuck. Fuck", I moan out I squirt on Harry's torso again, my arousal dripping down his sides and onto the mattress. "That's a good girl", Harry says as he stops my movements and switches positions. One thing you enjoyed about your sex life with Harry was that he wasn't afraid to explore different things sexually.

Harry pushes me against the mattress, taking my legs in his hands and placing them in a "V" position. My head is hanging from the bed as he positions himself in front of my entrance. Slowly, he thrusts into me, both of us moaning in pleasure. "Look at you already fucked out of your mind", he says, his words causing me to be wet again. "Do you like me stuffing you with my cock y /n?", he asks as he begins to thrust into me. "On fuck, yes Harry", I say as I squeeze my breasts in pleasure. "Tell me how much you love it", he tells me as he thrusts harshly into me. "Il love it baby", I say as he thrusts into me harder and faster, this position hilling my g-spot repeatedly. "I love how your cock stretches my tight wet pussy. I love how hard you fuck me. I love how you make me yours, baby", I gasp for air as his thrusts are literally knocking the air out of me. I let my head hang, the rush of my blood going down causing me to feel the pleasure with much more intensity. "Fuck baby I'm gonna cum", Harry pants as the grip on my legs tighten. I feel very lightheaded in this position but I'm enjoying Harry ramming into me. My moans become louder as Harry rubs my clit again. A few more thrusts and we’re both screaming and moaning our release. I lift my head up, afraid of passing out from the intensity of my orgasm. Harry drags me closer to him, so my head is no longer hanging. He leans closer to me, his sweaty body against mine, our breathing heavily from our highs. "That was", "Amazing", I finish saying.

We both started laughing at what just happened. Harry removes himself from me laying down next to me and engulfing me in a hug. Still in a daze, too tired to do anything. "That was a very good dessert", he says causing both of us to burst out laughing. "You're too much", I playfully hit his chest. "I love you", he tells me, a bit more serious. I look up at him, a few strands of curls sticking to his sweaty forehead. I take my hand and push his hair back, removing it from his forehead as I lean up and kiss his lips softly. "I love you more", I whisper against his lips as we start kissing passionately. He sits up on the bed before straddling me on his lap, my chest against his. He holds me tightly against him, his lips molding against mine, our tongues fighting for dominance, he wins. Smirking against my lips, he moves his arms around my waist and slowly sinks into me again, my head resting against his shoulder. We slowly start to move against each other, kissing our lips with passion. We both moan against one another, his fingers tracing down my back, the sensation causing goosebumps against my skin. The familiar feeling in my stomach appears. My arms are around Harry's neck, my hands gripping at his hair at the intensity that he's making me feel. "Marry me ", he says abruptly, his movements not stopping whatsoever. I look into his eyes and see the sincerity in them. Our movements pick up, our breathing picking up as we’re about to cum together. "Marry me y/n", he says again. He puts his arms around me tightly as he thrust upwardly, my head falling back. "Yes. Yes.yes", I moan out, answering his question repeatedly. A couple more thrusts and we both cum on each other, my orgasm taking a toll on me. After calming down and feeling Harry's dick go soft inside me, I look into his eyes. " a million times yes", I say against his lips. He smiles widely and kisses me passionately.

This whole experience has taught me that life can be very difficult. Everyone is dealing with issues left and right, some more intense than the rest. In my case, I lost our baby, got depressed, and surpassed it. Having a support system, whether it’s a family member or a close friend, having someone there who is willing to help you can make the biggest difference in your life. Seeking help doesn't make you weak or a failure, it just means that you need that extra help to become the better version of yourself. Trying to control everything around you will he straining and will cause you to burn out. Take it one step at a time and learn to take it easy from time to time. Always live in the moment and cherish where you are now. Also...always remember to stay true to who you are and never let anyone change you. You're perfect the way you are whether you believe it or not.

[lynne-monstr]

hi, it's the anon who's stopping by! how have you been?? I hope you're having a nice week. this last month has been very hectic for me, work was very busy, which both helps with my situation and doesn't. on the one hand work is pretty much the one thing that's going okay in my life rn so focusing on that helps distract from everything else. on the other hand, when all of a sudden work becomes a struggle too, it's tough. but as always, it's best to focus on the positives (easier said than done lol). for example: it's summer! I was actually able to wear a dress to work today, finally!!

I wanted to ask: I remember you mentioned a while ago that you recently cracked the code to making salads tasty, and I was wondering if you could share some tips that worked for you? I'm trying to eat more healthily bc I haven't been doing a very good job of that lately, and I struggle with vegetables tbh. I like the idea of a salad in theory but when I try it it's either bland or straight up acidic (looking at you, lettuce). I don't mind making it "more unhealthy", veggies are still veggies. I just want to be able to eat them without the experience being absolutely miserable 🥲

as always sending you good vibes! I always enjoy seeing you on my dash! have a lovely week!! 💞

hi anon, it' good to see you again! I've been super busy lately, mostly work stuff. we're gearing up for a big deadline and so the meetings and the business travel have ramped up. my flight home on friday got super delayed and I got in late, and i think it's a sign that I'm getting older because the late night really threw off my whole weekend. I had plans to get out and explore but i just bummed around for 2 whole days, which was admittedly pretty nice.

I totally feel you on the busy work stuff being both a blessing and a curse. work was a great distraction for me when I needed it but lol I wish it came without all the stress and the pressure and the rest. it sounds like you're hanging in there, and I am sending lots of good vibes your way! looking on the bright side is SO HARD but ughhh it's one of those things I've found actually pays off. I hope work stays relatively chill for you.

and yay for summer! (it's my favorite time of year). dresses are the best! it's always so fun to break out the summer wardrobe. i've been living in long flowy skirts for a few weeks now!

okay salads! I love tasty salads. I should probably preface this with the confession that i genuinely enjoy vegetables. but i hope you can still find some of this useful. my biggest issue with salads was that i'm lazy and also hate spoiled browning salad mix, so those were the two big problems i was looking to solve for myself. i'll put my process in bulletpoionts because i love bulletpoints.

chopping the lettuce! game changer.

baby spinach stays fresh the whole week. also i can use it in morning fruit smoothies to get extra veggies.

i chop all my veggies (usually red bell pepper, cucumber, tomatoes, feta cheese) at the beginning of the week because i'm lazy. also, i roast extra veggies at dinner and use the leftovers in my salads for variety

i supplement fresh veggies with canned: heart of palm, artichokes, baby corn, roasted red peppers

carbs in the salad! couscous, pearl couscous, orzo, rice. it makes it more fun and gives good texture

also beans! (omg butter beans in salad is amazing!). canned because i'm lazy

crispy tortilla strips! yum

for protein, i braise a batch of chicken thighs and shred them up , and pop them in the salad as needed. also i keep grocery store frozen fried chicken in the freezer for if I run out of fresh.

i don't like completely cold salads so i gently reheat the chicken before i use it to give it some temperature variation

homemade tahini lime salad dressing because it's delicious. also I will 100% take the leftover salad dressings from catered work lunches.

I guess that's a longwinded way of saying that i make sure to actually put stuff I like eating in my salads. I switch things up for variety, but the combo of chopped lettuce, carbs, protein, veggies and a good dressing goes a long way. tbh, a good dressing is 100% the most important part of a good salad. I stopped buying those crappy low fat salad dressings because they taste like cardboard. I either make my own or splurge on the nice full fat ones and use them in moderation.

good luck with your salads! i've definitely felt a lot more energetic since i got better about eating more fruits/vegetables. (granted, some of that might also be the vitamin supplements I started taking on the advice of my doctor.) i hope it works for you!

thanks for stopping by, I was wondering how you were doing and I'm so glad to hear the updates!

[lulubelle814]

Just Dizziness - Chapter 17

That night I dreamt of him again.  He was wearing a black nike shirt, running shorts, and running shoes.  He was completely sweaty and had his earbuds in while trotting around the park.  I saw him from my bench as he made his rounds while I read a book.  He hadn’t seemed to notice me.  In fact, I didn’t realize it was him until about his 4th or 5th lap around.  

Rather than bother him, I let him be, figuring he’d rather enjoy his privacy.  I was in the middle of a good chapter when something or someone covered my eyes, startling me so much that I almost screamed but swatted them with my book instead.

He was laughing at my response to his sneakiness and moved to join me on the bench.  “Did you miss me so much that you followed me to the park?”

I took a moment to catch my breath.  “You son of a….I’ll admit you got me there.  To be honest, I didn’t even know you came here.  I didn’t recognize it was you running about until just a bit ago, but I like to come here sometimes to read.”

He looked at my book, curious as to what I was reading.  “Jane Eyre?  Good book.”

I smiled in return.

He hesitated for a moment then continued.  “I was wondering.  I know a lovely lady such as yourself probably has plans, but if you’re free, would you like to grab some breakfast?  I know this place nearby that has amazing scones.”

Blushing at him calling me lovely, I accepted.  I didn’t have any plans for the day, seeing as it was a Saturday.  “I’m surprised you’re out and about yourself, not having a lay in or something.”

“Running is something I enjoy doing, even when I’m not working.”

“I’ve never been much of a runner.  I’m afraid I’d explode a lung or something,” I retorted.  “I’ve never been very athletic.  Never really had the coordination for it.  I’m more of what you call an indoorsy girl.”  He bent over clutching his stomach, laughing hard at my last statement.

“Truth be told, I’m more of a homebody myself.  I enjoy running or jogging because it helps clear my mind, and sometimes I like to observe those around me.”

I smiled at him.  “I completely understand.  I like reading at a park, sometimes just people watching, wondering what their lives are like, occasionally making up stories about them.”

What I didn’t realize was that as we were talking, he was guiding me towards the restaurant and, at some point, had begun holding my hand, not that I was going to argue with that.  When we arrived, he sat right next to me, not letting go of my hand.

“So,” he began, “I have to ask.  How does a lovely lady such as yourself not have a boyfriend?  Surely your datebook must be filled out for weeks and weeks on end?”

I turned red and buried my face in the menu.  “I mostly keep to myself.  To be honest, I’m usually shy and pretty much a homebody myself, but surely a good man such as yourself has women lining up down the block and around the corner vying for your attention?  I’m sure you have dates lined up through the end of next year.  I’m surprised you have time for a breakfast date this morning?”

He smirked.  “So this is a date?”

“I’m just going to go hide now.” I reached for my purse, but he grabbed my hand which is when I realized he or I had let go at some point.  “I’m just teasing, darling.  I haven’t really been on a date in a while other than with you the other night, and I haven't been able to stop thinking about you.  Before that, no one really captured my attention.  I would love to get to know you better if that’s ok.”

“I would too.”

Rather than just letting go of my wrist, he slid his hand down to take my hand again.  “Is this ok?”  I shyly grinned and nodded, both of us feeling like awkward teenagers.

I didn’t know it, but Tom was enamored, wanting to spend every minute together that he could and had an idea and decided to go with his gut, hoping it wouldn’t scare me away.  “I was wondering…..”

I looked up at him with a soft smile, seeing the hope in his eyes.  All I wanted to do was stay with him, but I didn’t want to spook him or make him think I was some weird stalker.  Maybe he was just being sweet to me and trying to find some nice way to let me down?

Tom took a moment as he was really nervous.  I wondered if he liked me as much as I liked him. We didn’t know each other very well, but he wanted to very much.  Before he could lose his nerve, he pushed himself again.  “I was wondering, if you’re not busy, that is, if we could spend the day together?”  He held his breath, but I wasn't sure why. If anyone should be nervous, it's me; however, I was screaming with joy internally and trying really hard to contain the excitement that was threatening to burst out of my chest like the thing in Alien.  Anyone could look over and see the broad smile could be seen across my face as I nodded.  “I would love that.  I’m free as a bird.”  

“I just need to shower real quick and change.  Shouldn’t take me more than 30 minutes once we’re finished here if that’s ok?”  I agreed.  Once breakfast came, we continued to chat.  Once breakfast was over, he walked me home, promising to pick me back up at my place in the promised 30 minutes.  He took my hand, kissing the back of it, and bid adieu.  

Once he was gone, I ran inside to change into my cutest blouse along with a pair of linen pants and comfy but completely adorable shoes.  I had just finished applying some soft makeup and was grabbing a light sweater as I heard a knock on the door.  It had been maybe 20 or 25 minutes.  He was a little early but was excited and ready to go, wearing his trademark blue sweater with skinny black jeans and his gray Italian leather shoes along with a light gray sweater of his own.

I didn’t see a car and quickly discovered that he had walked.  As it turned out, he lived maybe a few minutes away.  He gave me a hug, asked if I were ready, and then took my hand without thinking about it (not that I minded anyways).  

Neither of us had any particular destination in mind, walking around aimlessly and chatting, continuing to hold hands.  If he saw someone who looked shady, he went into protective mode, getting closer and putting his arm around me, resting his hand on my waist.  By the third time, when he went to move back away, I wrapped my arm around his waist, placing my hand on his back.  It was very comfortable being this close to him which was very unusual for me.  Normally anyone, men in particular, made me nervous, but with him? I felt comfortable and wanted to be closer to him.

When I placed my arm around him, some of his nervousness seemed to melt away, and he visibly relaxed.  The comfort I felt with him?  I wondered if he felt the same about me.  Whenever we stopped at a crosswalk at this point, I leaned my head on his shoulder which he seemed to enjoy.  

As lunchtime approached, I saw a food cart that looked interesting.  I refused to let him pay (he would get me back for that later), but he also let me pick whatever I thought looked good for us to eat as neither of us had dietary restrictions (it was one of the many things we already talked about).

By the time dinner rolled around, we ended up back at the park where we had run into each other that morning, sitting on one of the benches and watching people.  It was starting to get dark when someone approached Tom (when the occasional person had done this throughout the day, he smiled and took pictures with them.  I even offered to take the picture for them).  This time, the person approaching them had a basket.  I seized up, getting really nervous.  Tom looked to see what was causing the anxiety.

“Ah, Luke!  Thank you so much!  You didn’t have to bring this yourself.  I really appreciate it.”

“It’s not a problem.  I was passing by anyway on my way home.  I hope this meets your request?  I don’t mean to be rude, but I must be going.  I hope you both have a lovely night!”

I started to relax since Tom knew who this was and waved at Luke as he took off.

“That was Luke, my PR person.  I’ll have to properly introduce you two sometime.  He’s so busy all the time which is why I was surprised he brought this himself.”

“Thomas, what did you do?”

He grinned and picked up the basket.  On top was a blanket that he spread on the ground.  He then opened the basket and started unloading the contents of various types of picnic foods, cheeses, and a couple of water bottles.  He then took my hand and guided me over to sit with him to eat and stargaze once the sun had gone completely down (even though we couldn’t really see any stars in the city).

Out of nowhere, it began to rain which was nowhere in the forecast.  We quickly threw the picnic items and started running.  He grabbed my hand and, without thinking, started running towards his house, going slowly enough that I could keep up with him.

Finally reaching his house, we were drenched from head to toe.  He grabbed towels and showed me to the closest bathroom.  He ran to his room to dry off and change, then brought me one of his shirts and a pair of joggers to wear while he washed our clothes.

Once dressed, I curled up on the couch.  He joined me shortly, pulling the blanket off the back of the couch to help warm me up.  I adjusted, curling up into him, resting my head on his shoulder.  He wrapped his arms around me, resting his head on mine.  The more comfortable we became, the more sleepy we felt  especially with the blanket and body head warming me up.  Soon enough, we fell asleep.

Chapter 18

[ilovecupcakesandtea]

Pairing: Steve Harrington/Eddie Munson Rating: NSFW 18+ Chapter Summary: Unwelcome home comings and confessions lead to a little fun on the way home. Word Count: 4,607 Warnings: Shitty parents and smut Commentary: I can't believe the last chapter is here!! Seems like only yesterday we started to plan this, not two months ago!! thank you so much to @slipperygiraff for trusting me to help them write this <3

Part One Part two Part three Part four Part five

Steve couldn't believe it had been six months since they finally did something about their feelings for Eddie. It was probably one of the most terrifying things they'd done, a close second to all the stuff with the Upside down. Things had been going well despite the distance. They had made time to see each other at least every other week and talked on the phone every night. Recently they had been discussing one of them moving, Steve keeping their promise to J to not try and get Eddie to move back to Hawkins. 

It wasn't an easy decision to make. The idea of leaving was hard, even though it would mean getting significantly more time with Eddie. The kids were all still in Hawkins with a couple years of school left and the idea of not being that close to them was hard. All it took was Dustin telling Steve to leave. They'd be fine without them, some would be learning to drive soon. Somehow the kids knew that wouldn't be enough and had made a point to stop asking Steve for help or rides as often. 

The only other thing keeping Steve in Hawkins was Robin, who wouldn't allow them to stay for her. She'd be graduating soon and promised to move after, already planning on going to college there. With everyone all but packing for Steve, the choice was obvious. The next time they went to visit Eddie they told him their decision. Steve would stay in Hawkins for one more month before moving so they could give Family Video their two week notice and have time to pack. 

Today they were waiting for Eddie to come over as they sat on the couch. He was going to help them start packing some of their things so they had dressed comfortably in a slightly oversized lavender sweater and a pair of black ripped jeans. Hearing the front door open, Steve got up. Only it wasn't Eddie who was walking through the door but their parents setting suitcases just inside. It had been so long since Steve had seen them, the couple of times they had been home Steve had made it a point to be anywhere but home. Of course their luck would end here, only a month left and their parents chose now to show up unannounced. Sure it was their house but they usually called first. 

"Take these upstairs for us Steven. Then get ready to go, we'll be going out for lunch." Their father ordered, not even looking in Steve's direction. They took the suitcases upstairs as asked but headed back downstairs without changing. The gasp that came from their mother as she looked at them for the first time in almost a year only confirmed what Steve was already thinking, this was not going to go well. 

"What did you do to your hair!" Their mother said, almost yelling. Steve's dad finally looking up at them, giving them a look they haven't seen since they accidentally broke an expensive lamp when they were eight. 

"You will go back upstairs, change into some respectable clothes, and you will go shave that eye sore off your head. We will not be seen in public with you like that." Their father demanded. 

"No." Steve answered, crossing their arms and leaning against the wall at the bottom of the stairs. 

"I must have been gone too long and you've forgotten who's in charge around here. You will do as you're told. Now go, we have reservations." Steve didn't move, not even to uncross their arms. They knew this would happen if their parents ever came home before they were able to move out. There was only a month left, they'd find somewhere else to live temporarily if they really had to. They had done too much work on bettering and finding themselves, they weren't about to undo all that now. 

"I said no. You don't have to like it. I just won't go." Steve stated, staring blankly back at their father. 

"You have until I've made it to those stairs to get your ass up there." The look in their dad's eyes wasn't one they'd seen before, it was dangerous. They'd never stood up for themselves like this before. 

"Don't." Their mom said, placing her hand on their dad's arm as he got up. She knew that wouldn't stop him but Steve didn't expect her to really try. They knew their mother didn't care enough to really stop their dad, she never had before. 

"You had your chance." He said, grabbing the collar of Steve's shirt from behind and walking up the stairs. Steve was trying to pull the collar away from their neck with one hand while trying to loosen their fathers grip with the other, they weren't having much luck.

"Richard stop! You're hurting him! He doesn't have to go." She yelled from the bottom of the stairs. Steve was surprised she'd even gotten up, it was the most she ever tried.

"Absolutely not. He will go. He will shave this pink shit off his head. He will change. This is not how a man dresses. I raised a respectable man, he will look and act as such." Their father screamed as he continued to drag Steve up the stairs by their shirt collar. None of them heard the front door open. 

"Unhand them!" Eddie shouted up the stairs as soon as he saw what was happening. 

"Who are you to tell me how to deal with my son?" Richard asked in response. 

"I said unhand them now or so help me god I will make you." Eddie growled, dangerously low whilst stepping forward, almost at the bottom of the stairs now.

"This doesn't concern you. This is a family matter. Please leave." Steve's mother whispered. 

Richard, being slightly distracted by Eddie, didn't notice his grip slowly loosen on Steve's collar, giving them the chance to free themselves. Before Steve could get far, their father pushed them back against the wall with his forearm to their chest. 

"You aren't going anywhere but upstairs like you were told." Richard commanded, looking back at Eddie. "And you will be leaving."

"I am not leaving without Steve. I will say it again, unhand them or I will make you!" Eddie seethed, reaching for Steve. 

"I think not." Richard growled, moving to put space between Steve and Eddie while keeping Steve against the wall.

"Right, come on baby, let's go. Just move in with me early." Eddie said, taking hold of Steve's wrist and trying to pull them away from Richards' hold. "Let go of them dick"  

"Dad just let me go." Steve begged, trying their hardest to wiggling out of their dad's grip. 

"Who the hell is this boy and why does he think he can walk into my house and tell me how to handle my own son?" Richard demanded.

"That's Eddie. He's… he's my boyfriend dad." Steve answered hesitantly.

"Well not anymore. I raised you better than this. This ends now. He leaves and you will not be seeing him again." Richard dictated. 

"You raised them better than to find someone who supports them? Would do anything for them? Loves them? You wish you'd raised them to do what you want but that's not the case anymore. You have no idea what a wonderful person Steve is." Eddie said, "Now I will not tell you again. Unhand them." 

"You love me?" Steve whispered, tears starting to form in their eyes.

"Oh" Eddie said, realizing what he had admitted, suddenly panicked that it was too quickly to utter those words but knowing he meant them. "Yeah, i do, I love you"

Steve manages to wiggle out of their dad's grip, throwing themselves at Eddie. "I love you too." They sobbed.

"Now this wonderful person," Eddie stated, pulling Steve closer but glaring at both Richard and Karen, "is going to go upstairs to pack some essentials and is leaving with me. We will be back once you two have fucked off again for the rest of their stuff and neither of you are going to stop us, am I clear?"  

"Richard, please, let's not cause a scene. What would the neighbors say? Let them both pack up some things and leave. We can discuss this later once everyone has calmed down."  Karen pleaded, laying her hand on her husband's arm.

Steve and Eddie made their way up the stairs. Eddie making sure to always be in between Steve and Richard, he wasn’t going to give him a chance to lay another hand on Steve. Shutting the door and locking it, they stood there awkwardly for a moment. They both knew what needed to be done but needed a moment to calm down to try and think clearly. 

"Soooo, we should probably talk a little about what just happened" Eddie spoke quietly, breaking the silence that had washed over them. 

"I'm sorry you had to see that. I didn't know they'd be home." Steve agonized, grabbing any bag they could find from their closet to pack things in.

"No, you're not going to apologize for them. You do not deserve for that to happen to you and it will not happen again" Eddie replied pulling Steve away from the bag they were packing to hug them.   

"I hate that it happened. I was really hoping I could just leave before they came back. Normally they call but not this time. I'm so glad you're here." Steve said wetly, trying to hide their face on Eddie's shoulder. 

"hey, hey. It's ok. I'm here. Let's pack and get out of here." Eddie whispered, tilting Steve's head towards him and kissing them lightly on the lips. 

"What do you need to take with you now? Let's just get all that packed as quickly as possible and let's get home" Eddie said, squeezing Stevie's biceps and stepping away to continue to pack clothes. 

"I guess really just clothes and some bathroom stuff for now." Steve answered, coming up behind Eddie and wrapping their arms around his waist. "Thank you for being here and helping me." They whispered, kissing the back of his neck. "I love you." Kissing Eddie's shoulder before starting to back away. They didnt feel like their words were enough. Steve knew it would only have gotten worse if Eddie hadn’t shown up. How could they possibly begin to show Eddie how grateful they were?

"I love you too baby, you're never going to have to face them or this house alone again. I'm always going to be here for you." 

The rest of their time packing had been mostly spent in silence, wanting to focus more on packing in hopes of getting out of there as quickly as possible. All of Steve’s clothes and toiletries just barely fit in the bags they had found. There was still stuff they didn’t want to leave behind but it could wait. Steve’s parents didn’t usually stay longer than a few days before heading back out again, they could come back then and get the rest. Once all the bags were set next to Steve’s bedroom door, they took one last look around to make sure they weren’t forgetting anything. Eddie insisted on carrying all the bags no matter how much Steve had argued, makng sure he was the first one down the stairs too. Thankfully Steve’s parents had moved from the stairs to sit down in the living room, Richard glaring at them while Karen just looked down at the floor, unable to look at them, as they made their way out the front door and to Eddie’s van.

"We'll grab your car next time ok, I want you with me on this trip home" Eddie said moving Steve away from their own car.

"Home" Steve smiled, "that sounds perfect"

They had been on the road for 20 minutes and had passed the 'Leaving Hawkins' sign 15 minutes ago. So far the journey had been silent and a little tense. 

"Are you ok? Do you want to talk about it?" Eddie asked, running a soothing hand up and down Steve's leg, squeezing slightly. "It's ok if you don't want to, or want to right now."

"Yeah, yeah I'm ok, or I will be anyway. Thank you baby" Steve replied, taking Eddie's hand and squeezing back lightly before turning the radio on. 

" Where have all the good men gone

And where are all the gods?

Where's the streetwise Hercules

To fight the rising odds? " Eddie sang along, very badly. Whilst tapping along to the beat on his steering wheel and turning to look at Steve who was trying their best to not laugh. " Isn't there a white knight upon a fiery steed

Late at night, I toss and I turn

And I dream of what I need, " Eddie continued badly and even more theatrically. 

" I need a hero

I'm holding out for a hero 'til the end of the night

He's gotta be strong, and he's gotta be fast

And he's gotta be fresh from the fight

I need a hero

I'm holding out for a hero 'til the morning light

He's gotta be sure, and it's gotta be soon

And he's gotta be larger than life

Larger than life " They both sang along badly to the chorus before dissolving into a fit of giggles. 

Eddie continued to sing along to the next few songs on the radio, getting even more theatrical as he went. Steve just sat and watched, utterly entranced by this gorgeous, funny, perfect man they could call theirs. How did they get so lucky? 

"You're staring sweetheart, what's up?" Eddie asks, raising an eyebrow, glancing at Steve again and back to the road. 

"Nothing, just looking at you." Steve replies, shrugging. 

"Something on my face?" Eddie asks, running a hand down his face. 

"No, just thinking about how lucky I am. How lucky I am to have the most gorgeous, amazing, perfect boyfriend." Steve says simply. 

"Shit sweetheart. You can't go saying shit like that when I can't kiss you. I'm the lucky one though. How did I, the king of freaks and over all social reject, end up with the most perfect person in the world? I know we haven't been together long but you're it for me sweetheart. Seriously, I will spend every day from now until the day I die making sure you know how loved you are." Eddie says bringing Steve's knuckles to his lips and kissing them quickly.   

"I guess we're both lucky" Steve laughs, finally feeling a little lighter than they had done in the last hour or so. Finally realizing that they'd never have to live in that house again, never have to see their parents on their own again. All thanks to this man sitting next to them, a man that hadn't thought twice about stepping up to defend them and threatening their dad.

"I have an idea, always something I thought would be fun and I'm feeling in the mood to say thanks." Steve says with a very mischievous tone. "Got to trust me though baby and got to concentrate on driving. Think you can do that for me?" Steve asks seductively. 

"Yeah, yeah. I'll try" Eddie says as Steve reaches for the zip of his jeans. "Fuck baby, want me that bad you cant even wait until we're home?"

"No, I need my mouth on you now" Steve whines, unzipping the jeans and unbuttoning them. 

Eddie lifted up and helped Steve pull his pants and underwear down the best he could whilst keeping control of the car. It really was going to be difficult to concentrate but his rapidly hardening cock is very interested in the idea of being in Steve's mouth. 

"So big, fuck" Steve whispers almost to themselves, taking Eddie in hand. Using one hand to jerk Eddie off, they used their other hand to unbuckle their seat belt so they could lean over the central console and take Eddie in their mouth. 

"Baby, shit, so needy, my perfect needy princess" Eddie rambled, unable to help a string of compliments coming out as Steve started to suck his dick. "So good, always so good with that mouth of yours" 

"Not enough, need you to fuck my throat" Steve panted, pulling back off Eddie leaving a string of silivar as they did so. "Please" Steve pleaded as they started to jerk Eddie off again with a much slicker hand this time. 

"Anything for you" Eddie replied, trying to maintain some control so that he didn't crash with his dick in his partner's mouth. 

Luckily slightly further down the road there was a turning into a wooded area which Eddie took. Pulling as far down as he could to make sure they couldn't be seen. He pushed the seat back as far as it would go and made himself more comfy. 

"Come take what you need baby, I'm here for your taking" Eddie said, rubbing his hand down Steve's cheek. 

Steve took Eddie back in their mouth, deeper than they previously had been. Eddie hand found Steve's hair and started to thrust upwards. The moan that Steve let out in reply told Eddie that they really did want their throat fucking. 

"So good for me, always so fucking good for me baby. I love you so much, fuck. I'm close already, shit baby that mouth of yours is sinful" Eddie rambled as his thrusting became more exaggerated, forcing himself further down Steve's throat causing a choked off moaning to come from his partner. Seconds later Eddie's thrusting became very erratic before he spilled down Steve's throat. 

"Whatever I did to deserve that, I need you to tell me so I can do it again" Eddie joked breathlessly. "Now come here, need you on my lap" he said encouraging Steve to come over the console and onto his lap. 

The two of them on one seat, even in the roomy van, made for a tight squeeze but neither minded this. Steve was situated and within seconds Eddie had his Steve's pants opened and their dick out of their underwear tugging Steve's dick as quick as he could knowing that Steve didn't mind it being dry, they liked a little pain with their pleasure. 

"Please" Steve pleaded, not sure what they were pleading for, Eddie always seemed to know though as he sped up his hand on Steve's dick and brought a hand up to their hair tugging slightly. 

"You look so beautiful like this, so needy and wanting for release." Eddie whispered against Steve's lips. 

Steve couldn't think straight enough to kiss Eddie as they came between their two bodies. 

"I made a mess" Steve giggled looking down between them, "You'll need to change your shirt before we take everything in" 

"Worth it" Eddie laughed before kissing Steve softly. "I love you, you perfect little minx, now let's get you home" 

"I love you too" Steve said, taking Eddie's hand and kissing the middle knuckle on his left hand, over the first of two tattoo's Eddie had gotten for them in the last 6 months. An exact replica of Steve's favorite pair of earrings, a dagger with a rose wrapped around. Steve then lent forward moving Eddie's shirt collar down slightly so they could kiss the second tattoo that Eddie had gotten for them, a print of Steve's lips in their favorite lipstick shade a soft pink.    

One thing that had not changed in their relationship after Steve moved in, was a weekly date. Each week they made time to do something together. Sometimes this was a meal out, a hike in the local area, taking in a sports game or rollerblading. Today they had spent the whole day out of the house to make up for the long hours both of them had been working with Eddie trying to make a name for himself and with Steve still having had to work a few days at Family Video before their notice was up. A lot of time when not working was also spent unpacking Steve's things and making the place look like 2 people lived there and not just Eddie. 

Their day started with lazy morning sex and then breakfast at a local diner they both loved going too. They spent the afternoon walking around the local shops doing a little bit of shopping for upcoming birthdays and the holiday season that wasn't too far away. They had eaten a late afternoon meal at a quaint restaurant before ending their day at the local drive-in movie for a showing of The Princess Bride.

"You didn't need to do all of this, you know, we could have brought my car and sat on the hood." Steve said shyly as he looked at the back of the van Eddie had just opened up. It revealed a nest of pillows and blankets, lights had also been strung on the inside. 

"No, my boyfriend deserves the best drive in movie experience. He deserves all the sappy cliche shit I know he loves. Plus we couldn't really sit close on the hood of your car, I know Indy is progressive and all but let's not risk what's been a perfect day so far. " Eddie said, quickly squeezing Steve's hip. A gesture they had adopted as a public way of affection towards each other. 

"I love you" Steve whispered back. 

They sat and watched the movie with their legs dangled over the back of the van sitting as close as they could and inching closer and closer as the movie went on. 

"Oh that was amazing! Romantic and funny. Westley loves Buttercup so much! He went through so much to be with her." Steve gushed at the end of the movie. 

"I'd go through all of that, and more for you, already have" Eddie said, running his hand under the polo shirt was wearing, using his thumb to rub soothing circles on Steve's hip. "I haven't kissed you in far too long can we go home now" Eddie whispered. 

"I don't think I'll ever not get a little bit giddy over you calling a place we both live home, lets go baby" Steve replied.  

Four months since Steve moved out of his parents home a month early. Four months of feeling happier than he had in a long time. Living with Eddie had been one of the best decisions he’d made. Here he could be himself with no fear of his parents coming home. Sure they had gotten into a few silly arguments since but it was to be expected. Eddie leaving just a sip of milk left in the carton in the fridge, who was supposed to clean what, Steve getting mad at Eddie for using way too much of his hair products, which way the toilet paper was supposed to face, squeezing the toothpaste in the middle versus the end. They had started learning each other and compromising once they were able to stop laughing at how ridiculous some of their arguments had been. Of course once they had found themselves in a decent spot things only changed again. Which is how Steve found himself standing in the kitchen arguing with Robin.

“Robin, I thought you were gonna take care of this?” Steve groaned.

“Don’t look at me. I thought you were going to?” Robin answered with a shrug.

“You live here too, you know! I cooked last night so it was your turn to do the dishes.” He said, rubbing his hand over his face. He thought they went over this before he started cooking. Now he stood in there wanting to make them breakfast since none of them had to work any time soon but he couldn’t since the dishes he’d needed were still dirty.

“J, baby, sweetheart, darling. Help me out here.” Robin said pouting at J.

“I am not getting in the middle of your little sibling argument over there. I know better than that after what happened last time. Plus I did the dishes last time.” J responded.

“How about you Eddie? You’ll help me won’t you?” Robin begged.

“And have to sleep on the couch? I think not.” Eddie replied.

“Looks like breakfast is on you today Robs.” Steve announced.

“Aw come on Steve.” 

“Nope. That’s the rules.” Steve , leaning back on the counter and hands on his hips, Robin turning towards him with a pout. “Don’t look at me like that. You agreed to this before you even moved in.”

“Fine. Guess I have to actually change out of my pjs today.” She sighed, walking back towards her bedroom to change. Steve looked over to find Eddie and J giggling on the couch.

“What are you two laughing about?” Steve asked as he sat down next to Eddie.

“Nothing at all princess.” Eddie replied, giving Steve a quick kiss on the forehead.

“You know I don’t believe that for a second right?”

“We were just joking about how we don’t even need a tv with you two around.” J giggled as they smiled at Steve.

At least someone was entertained by their bickering. He knew this is how it’d go when they discussed the four of them moving into together. Steve still loved Robin though. It was nice to go from a house that was always eerily quiet to their apartment that was almost constant noise now. He was glad that J and Eddie had remained friends after everything. Steve couldn’t imagine not having them around, quickly  becoming almost as close as him and Robin. 

Robin had moved in first so she’d be closer to school. It was obvious how much of a crush she’d developed on J. As if the shopping trip the three of them had gone on hadn’t made it clear enough. Robin rambled on and on with them around, he caught her staring often, and as much as she denied it for a while she talked about J any time they weren’t around. J was just as obvious in their flirting, Robin just didn’t believe him when he pointed it out. The two of them had helped push Steve towards Eddie so of course he had to do the same for them. He tried talking Robin into making a move first but quickly gave up. J was easier to convince, telling them the plan he’d come up with.

Steve and Eddie suggested a movie night and invited J. Eddie had picked a horror film he'd seen before, loudly asking Steve to help him get everyone drinks from the kitchen when he knew it was about to get scary. The two of them watched from the kitchen doorway as Robin jumped only for J to pull her close and whisper something, whatever it was had Robin blushing so hard that it was impossible to miss even with how dark the living room had been. It hadn’t been long after that, Robin finally admitting to Steve that he had been right.

J had ended up spending the night enough times that Steve and Eddie had just told them to move in already. He’d worried it’d be awkward, and at first it was a little but all it took was Steve and J picking on Eddie together once for everything to fall into place. J had even helped him get a job at the bar when he was having a hard time finding anything else. He’d been nervous to move to a new city but now he knew, as long as he had these three with him it would be just fine.

[undead-potatoes]

So! Tell me about Aurora! Did they have a life before the Urge came calling? How has their journey been through the game? Are they romancing anybody or do they have any other significant bonds?

I hope you don't mind, but I decided to split this into two posts. You asked about her journey through the game, and suddenly I had written 1400 words that didn't fit with the rest. So uuh yeah, here's the first and the last question at least!

I'm still a little unsure about her life before the Urge. There's the few "canon" things we're given through bits of dialogue (like murdering their parents as a child), but I honestly don't tend to get too caught up in canon if I want to do something different.

She had a lot of nightmares as a child (thanks dad), and it made her a very skittish and nervous child. In combination with minor Urges which made her say and sometimes do off-putting shit, I imagine she wasn't exactly a social butterfly. Like once she probably bit someone when the Urge overtook her, but bc they were baby urges and she was like 6-years-old it didn't really do much but alienate her.

But I think she was otherwise a good kid, doing her best and loved by her adoptive parents, even if they probably worried about her a lot.

I kinda like the idea of her being slightly older, someone who briefly escaped her heritage due to Bhaal's death before he returned in full, and the Urge became too strong to ignore. To have the Urge hovering around in the background her entire life, but always being able to repress it, until she suddenly couldn't.

Idk there's just something to the tragedy of being so close to escaping your predestined fate, when in reality it was always going to end like that, on way or another. You never truly escaped anything, you simply just delayed the inevitable.

She could still have murdered her family, still living with her adoptive parents and possible siblings, or maybe she had her own family by then. Either way, Bhaal would have wanted them out of the way.

The Urge building and building, sending her flip-flopping between moments of bloodlust and lucidity filled with fear, until the Urge took her away completely.

(Would the Urge even work like that for any of this? Who cares, just gonna do as Larian does, my city now).

TL;DR: I don't even know, it's still stewing in there.

- - -

Though I've watched like every Durge related video on YouTube, I haven't actually played very far in Aurora's playthrough, mostly bc I'm waiting for Larian to stop breaking the game with every new patch 🙈

Meaning I haven't actually had a lot of time with her interacting with the companions and gotten a good feel for where they're at.

Wyll and Shadowheart are possible candidates for some at least surface level boding. Like Wyll's whole "self sacrifice for the good of others" thing, and with Shadowheart they both have been brainwashed and forced into cruelty in service of an evil god.

And Karlach bc I love her and I said so.

Maybe some more interesting dynamics will pop up once I really get in there with her 🤔 (Larian fix your shit already, I want to plaaay)

There's also Jay who's already wrangling every other companion and their problems, so I'm sure he'll have some fingers in her pies too eventually (it's what he does, after all).

-

The only solid relationship to have formed in my head as of yet is her romance, and bc I'm as original as a pair of earbuds from AliExpress, she eventually starts a thing with Astarion.

He initially sees her as an easy target, a shy and possibly meek person quite literally removed from the others at camp (a deliberate choice on her part), but it doesn't go quite as he had planned.

I've written a whole post about it that's hanging out in my drafts, but tl;dr: he tries to bite her, but she wakes and angrily sends him away. She later comes to him one night, panicked after the Murder At Camp™, and he (begrudgingly) agrees to help her with the body. This begins this weird partnership where they keep each other's secret, and she lets him drink from her as thanks for helping her.

Their relationship is a bit rocky at first, like they don't hate each other or anything, but there's a fair share of bickering and such. She can be a bit blunt, and is too impatient and exhausted from the urge to deal with his very obvious mind games, tiredly telling him "stop trying to seduce me, you already have what you came for".

When he offers to sleep with her at the party, she thinks "why not". They're already putting each other at risk, so might as well have some fun with it. He might have tried to bed her sooner if she hadn't been so blunt and unapproachable, but it did also give him some time to rethink his strategy. Based on finds with the freecam during his party sex scene, he has set up a lil spot on a blanket, with wine and maybe some food, in an attempt to seem more genuine, which admittedly she does find a little cute.

Ultimately it's all the bits in between, the quiet moments after feeding or sex that gives them an excuse to talk, and they realize they enjoy each other's company a lot more than they first thought. She vibes with him a lot more when he's being genuine, something she sees more of when he's fed and generally less guarded.

She've kept her distance from the others bc of the urge, in fear of either harming someone, or being discovered through the tadpoles somehow. It puts her on edge constantly, but Astarion already knows, and she knows he doesn't judge her for it, so she's more at ease too.

Aurora can become ride or die pretty fast, especially in combination with other intense personality traits (hello devotion), and I think maybe Astarion picks up on that and thinks he can use that to his advantage. At least until he too accidentally catches feelings and becomes pretty ride or die himself lmao. Great job idiot.

Which is also when her more self sacrificing nature goes from something that could be to his advantage, to something that actively upsets him. Stop it! Stop sacrificing yourself for others who probably don't even deserve it! Stop putting yourself in situations that could take you away from me for no good reason.

They're note super lovey-dovey either. Like sure there's romance and tenderness there, but there's also some clash of personalities ("stop being an asshole" "stop trying to be such a bloody hero"). Nothing too bad but there's definitively something for them to work on.

This became the Aurora and Astarion post, sorry about that (not really). I hope to have some better answers to these in the future, my brain is still cooking (unfortunately it's a slowcooker).

[korgbelmont]

Male MC (Nick Taylor) X Stacy Green

An AU where Jane Marshall never died and explores what could have been had she not died. From the moment they came across Redfield, to Senior Year and after.

Written in the present tense

Warnings: None

Word Count: 1118

Notes: I don’t own these characters, they are the property of Pixelberry Studios.

What if... She Survived? made on cooltext.com.

Jane transparent created by the @itlivesproject

Originally written for @ila-appreciationweek Day 7 - Wildcard

THEN

Stood at the house Jane showed him the other day, Nick looks to everyone else.

Andy - This is so...

Ava - Cool!

Andy - I was gonna say creepy.

Nick - But get this.

He picks up a stone and throws it. And just like last time, it stops in mid air for a moment before dropping.

Dan - That's so freaky.

Lucas - And maybe not a great idea to keep doing if there is a ghost in there like you say.

Voice - What do you kids think you're doing?!

They all look round to see an elderly woman approaching them, half her face scarred.

Stacy - Ohmygod!

Lily - That's...!

Ava - Pritch the Witch.

Cora - I do have a name, you know. Now come away from there, all of you.

Jane - Why?

Cora - The thing in there is evil.

I... Remember... You...

Cora moves protectively in front of all the kids as shadows seep out of the doorway. Shadows that soon take the form of a creature with long fingers. Cora raises her hand and it glows.

Cora - Return.

A pulse emits from Cora's hand and the shadow creature disperses. All of the shadows return to the building. She turns to the kids, glaring at them.

Cora - What were you thinking?!

Nick - We--

Cora - I suggest you all go home. Now.

Able to see that Cora is not willing to talk, the group turn and return to Nick's house. As they do, Cora turns to look at the ruins.

Cora - You tried to mess with things that shouldn't have been, Douglas.

Out of breath by the time they emerge from the woods, the entire group is out of breath. Jane looks to Nick, neither sure what to think of all that just happened.

Lucas - I think we should stay away from there.

Andy - Me too.

Stacy - Me three. She made it sound really dangerous. Like...

Lily - Like someone could have been hurt or worse!

SENIOR YEAR

Seeing Noah and Jane part way on the walk to school, Nick runs to catch up with them.

Jane - Hey, Nick!

Noah - Hey.

Nick - Hi. Ready for our final year of high school?

Jane - Absolutely. College, here I come.

Nick chuckles.

Jane - So come on, Nick. Are you actually gonna ask Stacy out or do you plan on chickening out? Again.

Nick - I...!

Noah - You did mess it up at her birthday party.

Nick - I just... I panicked.

Jane - Well, I refuse to let that happen.

Nick - Wait, what're you planning, Jane?

Jane - To do it for you if you don't.

Nick - Jane!

She sticks her tongue out at him and they all laugh as Nick shakes his head.

Jane - Noah, can you give us a sec?

Noah - Sure.

Noah picks up the pace and leaves his sister and Nick. Once he is in front of them enough, Jane looks at Nick.

Jane - But in all seriousness, Nick. Why haven't you asked her out yet?

Nick - I guess I'm just afraid to lose a friend if she said no, or if she said yes and I screwed something up.

Jane - Well on that first bit, it's a risk you have to take. And then with the second, I think you might be overthinking it.

Nick - I know. But you know me...

Jane - I'll have your back.

Nick - Thanks. Don't know what I'd do without you...

PROM NIGHT

With everyone having gathered at Nick's to prepare, Jane covers Nick's eyes.

Jane - You're good, Stace!

He waits a few moments before Jane takes her hands away and his eyes widen at the sight of Stacy in her prom dress.

Nick - Wow...

He takes her hands in his, laying a light kiss on her forehead.

Nick - You look beautiful.

Nick's mom enters with a camera.

Mom - Alright, everyone. Group photo.

Ava - Pretty sure I won't show up.

Mom - You will on this. Modified for Vampires.

Ava can't help but smile as Jane pulls her in with everyone else.

Mom - And smile!

The flash goes off as the moment is captured. Jane blinks as she takes a moment for her surroundings to come back into focus from the flash.

Mom - Sorry. Had it on auto.

They all laugh as they recover from the flash in their own ways.

YEARS LATER, THE MORNING OF THE WEDDING OF NICK TAYLOR & STACY GREEN

Standing, Stacy takes a deep breath as she mentally prepares herself for one of the biggest days of her life. Jane rests her hands on Stacy's shoulders.

Jane - Ready?

Stacy nods with a shaky breath, turning to face her, Lily, and Ava.

Jane - You sure?

Stacy - I never expected it to feel like this.

Jane - Look, there's only one question that matters.

They both sit down, Stacy's hands in Jane's.

Jane - Do you love Nick?

Stacy - I do.

Jane - And there's the magic words.

Stacy laughs lightly.

Stacy - You aren't ordained.

Jane - I can do a quick online course if you want.

After the ceremony, Jane watches from the side as Nick and Stacy sway to the soft music. Ava joins her.

Jane - Did you manage to do it?

Dan - Uh, do what?

Jane jumps at the sound of Dan's voice.

Jane - I might've asked a little favor of the magical variety.

Noah - Jane, Cora--

Ava - Nothing to do with the Power. This was my own Witchy magic.

Everyone gathers outside, much to Nick and Stacy's confusion.

Nick - What's going on?

Ava - Jane asked me to put a spell on your rings.

Stacy - What kind of spell?

Ava - Nothing dangerous. If the two of you ever get separated, the rings will allow you to open a portal to each other.

Jane - No matter what, you'll always find each other.

Nick - That's...

Unable to find the words, Nick wraps Ava and Jane in a hug.

Nick - Thank you.

Ava - Okay, that's enough.

Laughing, Nick steps back, only for Stacy to take his place. Ava pats her back.

Stacy - That's really amazing of you.

She steps back, smiling. Even after all these years, the entire group knows that no matter what, they'll always have each others backs. All of them. Nick Taylor, Stacy Green, Ava Cunningham, Lucas Thomas, Andy Kang, Dan Pierce, Lily Ortiz, Jane and Noah Marshall.

Or at least it should have been all of them.

[capricornwriter5]

OUR SEESAW - Chapter 14

Pairing: Min Yoongi x female OC

Genre: idol au, Suga X female OC, smut, fluff, angst, college romance, friends to lovers, exes to lovers, happy ending. ⚠️Warning: mentions of mental health affections, drugs, explicit sex

Words: 4k

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Chapter 14 - Blue & Gray

The next morning, the couple had coffee together and left the house at the same time. Yoongi had to work, and Emmy needed to talk to her professors to justify the absences for those days. Though she couldn't care less about her academic life, shaming her family name by failing courses was not an option. Moreover, she was planning to meet Hoseok and take care of an even more important business.

After successful meetings with all her professors, Emmy hung out with the dancer, who nearly fell off his chair when he saw his friend enter the university dining room. They had met up after Hobi's dance rehearsal. To Emmy's surprise, Nara was also there. The girls hadn't seen each other for some time because she had gone to visit her family in Japan.

"Hobi... what the hell happened to her?" Nara whispered as Emmy was getting closer.

"Nara!" Emmy's greeting stopped the two dancers from talking further.

Even though Emm hugged her as fondly as always, Nara seemed to remain in shock. Hoseok was exactly the same as her, for although he was afraid of how Emmy could return from Italy, he did not picture her in those lamentable conditions. Yet, he ignored that her state was not only the consequence of Capri, but also of her conversation with Yoongi last night. 

“Emm, honey, is everything alright? Have you had any sleep? Your eyes look irritated." Nara was not able to completely hide her concern.

“I haven't slept properly these last days, but I'm feeling a little better now.”

Meanwhile, Hobi was trying to keep the conversation in a safe zone for as long as possible. However, sooner or later he would ask her about her family reunion. "And... what about Yoongi? You just came back, have you seen him yet?" 

The memory of the conversation with her boyfriend prevented the typical smile she always showed when thinking about Yoongi from appearing. “Yeah, he visited me last night and even made me something to eat."

“Did you guys argue? Normally, when you talk about him you turn into a heart, but not today…” Nara remarked.

"No! Yoongi's not the type to argue.”

"So…?"

“I wish I could have spent more time with him, that's all. I need to wait until tomorrow to see him again because of work."

"I have an idea! Since you are free tonight, how does a girls' night sound to you?”

Emmy cheered up as soon as she heard that, and before Nara had to go to class, the girls arranged to see each other at night.

Once Hobi and Emmy were alone, the dancer suggested to go for a walk, the student cafeteria had gotten too crowded and the voices of all the people at the same time were getting annoying. The university was so big that they quickly choose where to sit and talk quietly.

"Finally some silence. Now tell me, how did you manage to survive Seri?”

“I did the usual thing, trying to stay out of her way, but no such luck this time. I was an idiot and spoke when I didn't have to. The others were talking about a pretty big case and Seri had already said what to do, I don't know why the hell I had to open my big mouth and give my opinion. I could've just said that she was right…”

"There's nothing wrong with you talking, you're as much a partner as she is."

"Hobi, please. You know how minimally relevant my voice is to those people, especially during meetings... In short, she became enraged and well…”

"Did she bully you again?" Emmy shrugged her shoulders without wanting to go into too many details, her sister's words had been especially sour that day to want to remember them. "At least it's over now, change that face." Hobi said trying to cheer her up. “Yoongi told me that you visited some friends. Did you go to Capri?"

"Yes, I stopped by to say hello." She responded avoiding the dancer's gaze.

“Did you stop by to say hi for a whole week?”

"Hobi, please, not today."

Strangely, a deathly silence surrounded Emmy and Hobi, two people who never shut up when they were together. It was so weird for both of them, that Hobi cleared his throat and tried to make a joke about his new haircut, but seeing that his friend didn't even smile, he knew something else was up.

"Are you okay? Emm, it's been a long time since I saw you this discouraged, and as painful as it’s to see your sister, you don't usually react this way, you... please don't take this the wrong way, but you've never looked like this before."

“It's not because of Seri, it's Yoongi. I hurt him yesterday, Hobi. I try, I swear I try to talk to him about things that aren't easy for me, but words just don't come out. It's so fucking frustrating. What will happen when Yoongi finds out that my father and sister hate me? I mean… what kind of person does her own family hate?”

“You aren't to blame for what happened at your house and Yoongi will tell you the same. Talk to him, maybe if you hear it from him, you'll understand, Emm."

"I'm not the one to blame? Hobi..."

“Emmy, your mother suffered a very severe depression that…”

“That I caused. As much as it hurts to admit it, Seri has reasons to despise me. My birth changed everything at home, mom suffered postpartum depression from which she could never recover and now the only way for her not to hurt herself is for her to be sedated all day. Can you imagine how much it must have hurt my sister and my father to see that change? I still don't understand how my grandfather didn't hate me too."

“Because he understood that it was NOT your fault. Emmy, your father and your grandfather sought help and they still couldn't help your mom. If Seri didn't want to understand that isn't your fault either. Maybe if you talked to Yoongi about this, he'd…”

"Hobi, stop, please."

*****

Emm's appearance also struck Woosung. In the afternoon, the girl left class and then went to the studio where Woosung and his band practiced. Despite hearing the last of the rehearsal, she managed to go slightly unnoticed by the boys, but not by the singer. 

Once alone, Woosung dropped his first comment. “You know that I always tell you that you're stunning, but today… Emmy, today you look terrible. Girl, are you sick?"

"I swear to you if I get one more comment about how I look, I'm gonna lose my shit." Her bad temper was rising not only because of the comments, but also because of an annoying headache. "I haven't slept well, but that's not the point, I want to talk to you about something important."

"Something important? Then, let's talk tomorrow, beautiful, you just came from Capri, get some rest. Nobody can resist that without a decent rest." 

“Woosung, focus.” She asked sounding more serious than usual. "I need to ask you a favor."

"Okay... I'm all yours." He replied with a smirk and seductively leaning back in an armchair.

Emmy ignored the playful and flirtatious nature of her best friend and although Woosung was quite surly the moment he understood that it was about Yoongi, he listened. That was how the girl told him about the songs, about Yoongi's old friends, and his current situation.

As soon as Emmy started with the story, Woosung knew who she was talking about, yet his pride and jealousy towards Yoongi kept him quiet. 

“Woo, this is important. We're talking about his lifelong work. You're not a bad person, I know that if it's in your hands to help someone, you do it. You don't like him, but he's telling the truth, I'm sure of it."

"You're right, he's not lying." Woosung blurted out, he couldn't stand the fact that he was admitting that Yoongi was right. “Those musicians you're talking about, his friends… I knew them from some time ago and they weren't good. I even remember when they sent some songs to the label that I had signed with. They were all rejected. After that, they worked with other people, your boyfriend included, and they weren't doing that bad. I found it strange when they sent music to my agency again, not only because the songs only went under the names of the two of them, but because they were really, really good. That music and those lyrics were not their style. If you pay attention to those old songs and the new ones they had released, you won't find any similarities. Those guys have no idea how to compose good music, but they have talented people working by their side. I know it because I've collaborated with them.

“Yoongi’s not convinced to sue them, but…”

“He’s not stupid, Emm, he's right to think that way, he has everything to lose. We're talking about some big fish, they're a gold mine to the agency."

"They're still using Yoongi's music! That's not fair!"

"Baby, they may be thieves, but clever ones. They are surrounded by important people, if you compare that with Yoongi, who hasn't even wanted to accept help from the professors, you'll understand that he has the odds to lose. You study law, you know what will happen if he doesn't have enough help."

"Woosung, you can change that."

“Me giving a testimony? ME in court helping that jerk? No, that's not gonna happen."

“Don't you have any trace of honor as a musician? What about your dignity as an artist?"

"Don't cross the line." The singer warned raising his eyebrows. "How the hell am I supposed to change that? In case you don't remember, my agency is SHIT, I've also been scammed several times, and I haven't been able to do anything. I'm on lousy terms with the directors, if I open my mouth, it's all over for me and my band."

“What about the first songs they sent to the label, the songs where it was just the two of them? The difference between those and the ones that were stolen from Yoongi could be key. There must be a way! I know they're important but such as you!"

"Of course, but those guys are generating a lot of income, Emm, the double of my band."

The girl got up and walked around the room thinking about what to do. Ever since Yoongi had told her about it, she had been trying to come up with something, but it wasn't easy at all.

“Shit…” Emm murmured as she felt how the headache was becoming a migraine.

At that point, she wasn't even sure what was triggering it anymore, the poor diet, the few hours of sleep, the abstinence of the last two days, or not having been able to figure out how to help Yoongi. “There must be a way. I'm sure your testimony would change many things!”

“Emmy, chill! What's wrong with you? You're hands are shaking!"

 "What's wrong with ME!? This is important and you could do something if you didn't have this fucking selfish attitude."

Woosung was about to suggest seeking advice from one of her family's lawyers on how to proceed; however, her friend did not let him speak and did something that was not common for her. She stormed off without saying goodbye.

"What the hell is wrong with her..."

************

Three days passed in which the migraine did not give Emmy a break, it did not let her eat well, rest, concentrate on her classes or, even worse, think about how to help her boyfriend.

Although they had got to meet in college, something that hadn't happened in a while, Yoongi didn't see her as excited as he expected. Evidently, his girl was depressed and tired, which led her to walk distractedly. Possibly that would have continued if it hadn't been for a poster at the entrance to the university auditorium that made her stop.

"Yoongs, look," she said, pointing to the poster of the invitation to what, without a doubt, was the most important piano concert of the year, the spring recital organized by the university.

It was a tradition that the best pianists participated in it. The university even received applications from musicians from all over the world, knowing that it was the perfect time for talent scouts to sign them. It was the dream of any pianist, but it was not that simple to enter, the participants not only had to pass the auditions, but they also must be recommended by someone renowned, it could be a professor or another influential musician. On highly exceptional occasions, the pianists were invited by the organization itself, which had been the case with Yoongi the previous year; yet, he was aiming higher, not just to be a pianist, so he ended up turning down the offer.

“My grandfather and I went to all the spring concerts together. The last one we could attend was my favorite, I still have the tickets. Would you like to go?"

The boy looked at the date and somewhat discouraged had to decline the invitation. The recital would be on a Friday and those used to be the most difficult days since the bar received many clients. "There's still time for you to sign up for the auditions."

"Yoongi, please!" Emm chortled. “In a parallel world where I pass them, who'd recommend me? I can't sign up without first having the support of someone from the organizing committee or another renowned pianist. Also, can you imagine what would happen if my father found out that I participated in something like that?

"We could find a solution for that if that's what you want to do." He commented winking at her.

Yoongi knew that his girlfriend dreamed about it, that it was a unique opportunity, and that it would be the ideal first step that she needed, but Emmy was afraid of what she might go through.

To Emmy's surprise, Yoongi grabbed her face not caring if the people nearby saw them. The musician was very sweet when they were alone, but even so, he was not especially affectionate. Normally, she was the one hugging him, kissing him, holding his hand, tickling him… everything that had to do with physical affection used to come from Emmy. Therefore, seeing him with such an expression of endearment in a public place was not common.

“Princess, you can do it. If you participated, you'd leave everyone open-mouthed; besides, the professors will get to know you, and…”

“Why do I want them to know me? Yoongs, I'm not gonna dedicate myself to that."

“You can do it, you have all the talent, and it makes you happy. Why not give it a try?"

Dedicate to music? Spend her days in front of the piano? She had never allowed herself to dream of something that perfect. Emmy could lead a riotous life, yes, but only when she wasn't playing her role of the perfect high-society girl. Unlike what anyone would think, Emm was much less bold than her boyfriend, so just thinking about the reaction of her father and her sister, her dream ended before it began.

"Think about it, freckles." Yoongi suggested as he tenderly caressed her cheek.

Yoongi's display of affection did not go unnoticed at all by the students passing by. If it hadn't been for the fact that they had already turned to see Emmy there, they had done so when they saw the musician. Both were quite well known at the university, for completely different reasons, of course, but there was no doubt that they were people who did not go unnoticed, much less now that they were dating.

"Yoongs..." Emmy whispered noticing the curious looks.

Yoongi followed Emm's gaze, and noticing what was happening, he laughed in such a way that he left several people drooling over him due to the combination between the smirk, the raised left eyebrow, and the way he took his girlfriend by the hip.

“Oh no… what shall we do now?" Yoongi asked dangerously close to his girlfriend's lips and with such a raspy voice that Emmy could do anything else but listen to him. "Everyone will be talking about you dating the bitter and unfriendly musician…”

Yoongi sighed in relief as he heard an honest laugh coming from Emm's lips, finally seeing her recover her good humor.

"Baby! Who told you that? You are not a bitter musician!”

Emmy got that serious and mysterious boy to giggle at the way she covered his face with sweet kisses. He had already gotten used to those explosive expressions of love from Emm, which, despite being so foreign to his normal behavior, he loved, he couldn't deny it, and if he did, it was just to tease her.

Later that night at Yoongi's apartment, the couple had dinner with Jin.

"Can I eat the last piece of meat?"

“That's weird, I cooked enough meat for all of us." Yoongi commented looking that, indeed, there was still a piece of meat left, as well as several vegetables. There was no way that it was Jin who left them, and just looking at his girlfriend's plate, he understood. "Emm, aren't you going to eat?"

Yoongi's question took Emmy out of her world, the girl had been reading the script of a play in which Jin was participating.

"No, Yoongs, I'm not hungry."

“Even if you're not hungry, you never say no to something Yoongi cooked. Are you okay?" Jin asked really alarmed, for him it was unthinkable that someone would reject food from his friend, it was delicious.

"I love what Yoongi cooks, but I'm not hungry, come on, eat it yourself, and then tell me how your play ends."

“There's no way I'll tell you that. I have tickets for you two, you must come to see me. Front row tomorrow. You can't say no." Jin warned pointing at his friend with the chopsticks. "The tickets are for a function in an hour when you don't work, so you have no excuse."

"Do I really have to go?" Yoongi asked sighing, he knew it wasn't just going to see Jin, later he would ask him to go eat with his friends and lately Yoongi's social battery was really low.

"Yes, you have to go. It's important to Jin." Emmy replied. I'll take many pictures of you and then I'll upload them so everyone will come to see the attractive new actor.”

“Why can't you be like your girlfriend, huh? Look how she cheers me! Hey, Emm, can you introduce me to some of your friends later?”

"Weren't you dating Nara?"

“Dating isn't a word you can use around Jin. He saw her a couple of times, nothing more."

"It wasn't my decision, it was hers." The actor tried to clear it up with a mouth full of food and then begged Emmy to introduce him to at least one of her model friends.

Dinner continued and despite they talked for a long time with Jin, Emm didn't take a single bite of what Yoongi had served her.

Even more strange was the fact that when they finished with the class, Emmy was looking for her things to leave. She was always looking for a way to spend more time with her boyfriend, she made up the most absurd excuses to be by his side; yet, that night when the musician was about to tell her to go to his room, Emm took her coat.

"Are you cold, baby?" Yoongi asked approaching her and hugging her, the idea that she wanted to leave did not cross his mind. Somewhat nervous, Emmy tried to explain that she had quite a big task pending and that she had to hand in it the next day. Uneasy about leaving her alone, Yoongi insisted that she stay a little longer, hopefully, he would get her to spend the night there.

As expected, Emmy couldn't deny anything the musician asked of her and soon they were in Yoongi's bed having sex. The boy wasted no time in hugging her. For a while, Emmy did nothing but close her eyes, hug him back, and enjoy the feel of Yoongi's hands running down her back to her neck, then caressing the long strands of her hair. 

“You skipped a meal again…” commented the musician. "You're making me think you don't like the way I cook that much."

“Yoongi, don't say that again! I love everything you do. I have no appetite, possibly because of the migraine.”

"Has it not eased? Baby, you have three days like this. Haven't you felt anything else?" Anything else? That fell short! The anxiety brought on by her withdrawal was slowly killing her. "Wait for me here, I'll go to the drugstore to get you something." 

“Yoongs, it's okay, don't worry. It's nothing serious, it's happened to me before. I'm sure I'll be better tomorrow."

"But…"

"Tomorrow I'll be better, I promise."

Although later Yoongi made sure to leave her in the safety of her house, he was quite uneasy. The musician could bet she would not eat or properly sleep again. Nevertheless, to his surprise, the next night when they met for Jin's play, he saw Emm with a lot of energy, as if she had rested, even as if she had eaten well. He heard her laugh with Hobi, who, along with Namjoon, had gone to see Jin. During dinner, the girl ate normally and was excitedly planning the dancer's birthday. The celebration sounded like a big thing, especially because Hobi's and Woosung's birthdays were very close, so they would have a single party.

Despite so much energy, enthusiasm, and excitement, Yoongi felt that something was wrong, but he couldn't figure out what the hell it was. As if that wasn't enough, he did not feel comfortable in the place where they had dinner. There were too many people, the music was very loud and that, plus the noise made by all those who came to greet his girlfriend, made him quite awkward. There were days when Yoongi could force himself to keep up with Emmy's pace and at least flash a smile to the people who came up to say hello to the girl, but that day Emmy's popularity was proving to be more than incompatible with Yoongi's social anxiety.

Even under the drugs' effects Emmy couldn't ignore a trace of discomfort in her boyfriend, but she already knew him well enough to know how to approach the situation. Thus, taking advantage of the fact that Hobi was distracting some friends by introducing them to Jin and Namjoon, the girl took her boyfriend's hand and asked him to accompany her outside.

Once outside the restaurant and without being surrounded by so many people, Emmy hugged him and kissed his cheek, which helped Yoongi relax a bit.

“Okay…we're done seeing Jin and hanging out with Hobi while he plans his party. Ready to go home?"

“Emm, you don't have to because of me. I don't want you to feel like you have to change your lifestyle for me." Yoongi smiled sweetly at her and tucked behind her ear a lock of hair that had come loose from the bow she had made. “You look beautiful, and I'm glad you're having such a good time, you've been a little down since you came from Italy. Stay a little longer, it's still early."

Emmy looked down, again her guilt was punishing her. She wasn't used to that, she wasn't used to hurting someone with her actions at all, much less when it was something as normal for her as doing drugs.

Just as she was about to respond, a car stopped on the other side of the street, and they both saw Woosung getting out of it with several friends. The group greeted Emmy and entered after Woosung told them that he would catch up with them shortly.

The two musicians looked at each other coldly and Emmy sighed, resigned that there was no way for them to be in the same place without making it terribly uncomfortable. But to her surprise...

"Hello, Woosung." Yoongi greeted offering his hand. The singer received it, but his greeting was only a slight nod. "You're just in time, Hobi's planning the birthday party." Yoongi was forcing himself so they could have a civil enough conversation.

"Oh! Then I better come in or we'll end up celebrating in a dance class.”

"Freckles, why don't you go back with Woosung?" The singer would have bet his life that he had misheard, and that Yoongi hadn't told Emmy to go with him; however, he had said it. Yoongi wasn't lying, and if he had told his girlfriend that he was going to try to be more polite with Woosung to avoid problems, it was because he would comply even if it cost him a lot.

Leaning closer, Emmy hugged him again and whispered something in his ear that made Yoongi's cheeks turn into an adorable blush.

"Well..." he said nervously scratching his neck, still somewhat shy from the comment and the peck Emmy just stole him. "I'm leaving... enjoy."

The quick shy but sweet smile that Yoongi gave Emmy, followed by the effort he made to say goodbye to Woosung, left the girl gawking at him as she watched him leave.

"Okay, let's go inside." Woosung proposed trying to take her friend's hand, but he didn't even touch it when Emmy shook her head.

"See you later, Woo."

The singer's jaw dropped as he watched his best friend run up to Yoongi and grab his hand. That shy, adorable, quiet, and introverted boy had completely stolen her heart. Yoongi loved her so much that he was able to ignore his jealousy and resentment toward Woosung. For her part, she didn't have to think twice, there was no place that she would rather be than anywhere Yoongi was.

"Emm?" He asked, surprised to see her next to her. “Precious, what…?”

"Do you want to go home with me?"

“But, the party, your friends…”

“Yoongs, did you know there's something I've dreamed of all my life, but I thought I'd never have? Not until recently..." She asked totally lost in his cat-like shaped eyes. "I've always dreamed of having a have a place to go, of knowing how it feels to have someone waiting for me. And with you, I have that. I know I don't tell you this enough, but YOU are what I've always dreamed of, baby.”

Yoongi was taken by surprise by Emmy's words. Once again, the girl gave him no warning before causing his heart to pound uncontrollably. His girlfriend was turning out to be increasingly unpredictable; no matter how much time passed, her kisses, her smiles, and her comments always caught Yoongi off guard. And one of the reasons why he felt so in love with her was precisely because of that magic that came from her.

That night, contrary to what usually happened to him, Yoongi found the right words to respond as he wanted.

"Emm..." He said, delicately cupping her face. “I've never allowed myself to dream much. In fact, I used to wake up before I could even dream long enough to remember, but dreams last longer since I met you. And if I can continue seeing you in them, I don't want them to ever end."

Later that night, the couple lay comfortably in Emmy's huge bed, both naked and breathless. Yoongi hadn't even tried to fight off sleep and had closed his eyes as soon as he'd rested his head on his girlfriend's chest. In those moments when there was nothing but Emmy's hands playing with his hair Yoongi couldn't draw a clear line between reality and dream, being like that with her was the best thing that could happen to him.

However, his girl didn't let him rest and woke him up when she giggled, according to her softly, but being so close to her, Yoongi listened.

"Hmm... what's so funny?" He asked still not opening her eyes.

"You're always talking about how much you like my freckles, but I bet you haven't realized you have the most adorable mole ever."

“A mole? Me?”

“Right here…” she replied, brushing the tip of the musician's nose with her index finger. An adorable blush graced Yoongi's cheeks at Emmy's compliment, causing her to hug him even tighter.

Definitely, the time she spent with Yoongi had no comparison, and that night the girl managed to rest comfortably in his arms.

In the following days, Yoongi didn't hear her complain about the migraine and he saw her with much more energy. It seemed that she was getting on her feet, although such an abrupt change only led to turning on all the musician's alarms. That couldn't be normal… however, the only option left to him was to wait for Emmy to feel comfortable to talk.

To be continued... 🐱