#to see what other crazy things we have up our sleeve

[thestarkerisobvious]

Saltburn - A Starker Story (With Footnotes)

This is a spoiler-free story, starring Starker, with amazing art by @mrstarksbaby Enjoy.

Peter’s father has a title.(1)  Peter’s family lives in a castle.(2)

Throughout Oxford(3), that is what people say about him.  The first thing they say about him.  Sometimes the only thing they say about him.  His father has a title.  His family lives in a castle.  What else would you need to know?

Unless, of course, you talked to Peter.  Then you would find out a few more things.

Like how his mother had been a ridiculously famous groupie, knowing all the bands that had been hot in London in the 90’s, to the point that she had songs written about her(4).  Like how his father would throw lavish parties for almost-strangers, just to give him an excuse to wear his family’s armor.  Like how his parents were so comically out-of-touch with the real world they had once asked him “where Liverpool was located.”(5)

He would also tell you about the many other people that lived at Saltburn.  And, if you were VERY special, he might tell you about Mr. Stark.

Mr. Stark was an employee of the family, but in many ways he was a family friend as well.  It was often that way when people worked together for decades.  Peter’s father trusted Mr. Stark with his life, and with Peter’s life as well.  Technically Mr. Stark's title was “Head Butler.”  Which is why the family called him “Anthony.”  It was customary for the royalty to call the help by their first name, and the help to call the family by their last name.  Only Peter insisted, even as an adult, on calling the trusted man “Mr. Stark.”  It sounded overly formal, but it was completely the opposite.  Peter trusted Mr. Stark more than any other human being on earth.(6)

And with good reason.  It was Mr. Stark that saw that Peter wasn’t doing well at school, not because of his title, but because of his brain.  It was Mr. Stark that convinced the family that Peter SHOULD graduate a year early - that the challenge of the extra coursework would help Peter thrive where he had been floundering.  It was Mr. Stark who convinced the family to let Peter take a math track,(7) rather than try to fulfill any vague artistic dreams his mother once had for him.  Yes, the boy had the soul of a poet, but the mind of an engineer.  A mind that would be be so much happier with a practical degree.(8)  

And so Peter excels at school.  You should know that about him.  You should know that he went to Oxford a year early.  And that he loves every minute of his studies. (9)

But not of going to university.  Peter is a real brain, and a complete softy, but no one ever sees that.  His cousin MJ never lets him forget, or lets anyone forget, that he has a title and lives in a castle.  Peter MUST be a careless snobby playboy partier because everyone in the upper-upper-crust crowd is a careless snobby playboy partier and Peter, well, Peter fits in with everyone in the upper-upper-crust.   (But that’s not really who Peter is.  Peter is a dreamer.  An artist.   A photographer.  But only Mr. Stark knows that about Peter.  Only he encourages it.)

Peter is not happy at Oxford. (10)

Enter Quentin. (11)

Quentin seems to be everywhere for Peter.  (12)  There when Peter gets a flat tire while biking (13) to school.  There when Peter needs a real conversation (14) while all his friends were doing shots.  There when Peter needs someone to answer the question “Tell me about yourself.”

And so the year at Oxford goes on.  Things are good.  Quentin makes a good mate and Peter makes good marks and MJ doesn’t get too toxic when Peter doesn’t spend his every weekend partying with her friends.  And Peter keeps Tony updated about everything and looks forward to break. (15)

But as the year comes to a close, tragedy strikes.  Quentin’s family seems to have imploded - but the solution seems simple!  Peter will simply invite Quen to Saltburn to stay the summer!  It seems like a great idea - to have his new friend at his side all summer.  And Peter is happy.  Happy that he can help Quen now, the same way Quen helped him in his time of need.  He’s thrilled!! His mother, as batty and clueless as she is, is thrilled!  His father is not bothered!  Even MJ, in her condescending muted way, seems to not-hate it…  

Everyone is happy!!!

Except Mr. Stark.

Peter can’t explain it.  But Mr. Stark is being odd.  Awful.  Mean.  Cold to Quen, hostile, even.  Peter can’t explain it.  Mr. Stark had always been wonderful to him… (16)

Quen is saying Mr. Stark hates him because he is the “common man.”  Not that kind of person that “belongs at Saltburn.”  Peter can’t stand the idea.  He “orders” Mr. Stark to “stop being so dreadful” to Quen.  Sometimes he acts like it’s a joke and laughs it off.  But mostly Peter just pretends it isn’t happening.  Quentin is his friend.  Quentin understands Peter.  That’s why Peter gave Quen the room next to him.

That’s why they were sharing a bathroom. (17)

Okay, the TRUTH is, Peter was really trying to seduce Quentin.  Only… he was bad at it. (18)

VERY bad at it.  As in… Quen seemed to be hitting on… MJ?! Only MJ wasn’t having it!?! Only they were like… a couple now?  Or something?!?!

Peter was NOT happy.

How could he be?

He thought his dream had just come true.  He has a FRIEND(19) at Saltburn.  A friend to spend the summer with.(20) A friend that MIGHT… just might… help him with his little problem. (21)

Except…

Except Mr. Stark does not like Quentin.  At all.  Keeps being cold to Quen.  Mean to Quen. Actively.   In ways that cannot be denied, cannot be ignored.  Seems to always be appearing in odd places, rarely giving the boys any time alone to themselves.  Keeps appearing at Quen’s shoulder saying cryptic, menacing things.  “People get lost at Saltburn”  Mr. Stark had said.  Whatever that meant.  And Peter didn’t know what to do. 

He had hoped this summer would turn out to be like a movie, like a Romantic Comedy, or at least like an 80’s Sex Romp.   But it is quickly shaping up to be a tragedy.  (22)

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

footnotes below

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1  Sir.  Peter’s father is a knight.  With an actual suit of armor.

2  Saltburn

3  A college he did NOT choose for himself.  But going to Oxford was his only option.  It was Oxford or nothing, a shameful secret that Peter has always resented.  

4  See Common People, Pulp 

5  But if you ever said “But Peter, you’re so down-to-earth!” he would go on to explain the influence of his aunt and uncle.  Who lived, along with so many other family members, at Saltburn.  He would explain how his aunt and uncle in essence raised him while his mother continued to globetrot and hob-nob with the famous elite as if she had never had children, or even had married, at all.  He would explain how, when his uncle Ben died, his adulthood had really begun.  It was the first time Peter had taken a hard look around him and made some decisions.  Some decisions about who he wanted to be.

There was another man, an older man, who had a great deal of influence on Peter.  A man who had worked at Saltburn on and off for decades, appearing and reappearing in Peter’s life for as long as he could remember.  That man had taken up permanent residence at Saltburn the year Peter had graduated high school, and had given him the courage he had needed to make his own demands about how his college education would proceed.  Everyone in Peter’s life knew that Peter was going to Oxford if he went to college, but only Peter knew that it almost didn’t go to college at all.  But Peter had a secret - a man with a superpower.  A man who could help him.

6 Like the fact that Peter DID NOT LIKE GIRLS.  It was Mr. Stark (who Peter called Tony, but only in private.  Only behind closed doors) that convinced Peter it was a simple fact that he would be able to speak out loud in time.  Convinced Peter that his parents were so much more open minded about these issues than Peter realized (after all, Mr. Stark knew Peter’s parents well.)  It was Tony that Peter confessed his secret to first, as well as his plan.  To tell the world.  Eventually.  After a year or two at Oxford.   At least.

7  Because Tony KNOWS Peter.  Knows what he’s REALLY like.  What he REALLY likes. How he doubts himself.  Completely.  Constantly.  What he wants to be in life.  What he finds attractive in a man.  Yes, Tony knows everything.   

8  And would that be SO BAD??!!  To have a REAL job?  To be an engineer, or an inventor?  Or an innovator?  To have his own career, his own flat, his own life?  (He wouldn’t live alone, of course.  That would be too scary.  He would bring someone with him from Saltburn, of course.  Someone to live with him.  Someone he trusted.)

(Like Tony.)

9  Well, he loves STUDIES.  But class ends eventually.  You have to stop studying EVENTUALLY.  Put down the pencil.  Shut the book.  THAT'S when the problem begins - when the tightness begins - when the low-grade panic starts.  But Peter ALWAYS knows the cure for that - the balm for that.  THAT'S when he turns to his superhero.  That’s when he gets out a sharp pencil and a clean piece of paper.  And he starts to write  a letter to Tony.

10  SO WHY IS HE STILL AT OXFORD?!  WHY has he not run scared, run back home, run back to safety?  How can he find the strength to get out of bed every day?  To walk out of the door every day??  Because of Tony.  Because of his superhero.  That’s why.

Because Tony writes back.  Constantly.  Weekly.  Sometimes DAILY.  And - hell - let's just admit it - sometimes the letters are not enough and Peter CALLS HIM ON THE PHONE.  And Tony tells him it will be okay.  He can stay.  He can study.  And then Tony starts to ask Peter about his classes, and then they are talking about maths again, and then it's all okay.  Peter is okay.  Because school is a GOOD thing.  It is a hard thing, but Peter can do hard things.  And because, when break comes, Peter can see Tony again.

And when those phone calls last long into the dark night, well, no one needs to know about that.  About what happens after Peter says goodbye to Tony, after he hangs up the phone.  About what Peter dreams about at night.  About what Peter’s hands do in the darkness, while his ears still echo with the sound of Tony’s voice.  

11 …with his stupid soulful eyes and his stupid handsome face.  Peter doesn’t know if he wants to kiss him or punch him in his stupid beautiful face.

12  Really, it DID seem like Quentin was everywhere.  Now that Peter knew his name, he realized he had seen Quen just about everywhere at Oxford.  Funny how life throws you together sometimes.

13  Oh god, that flat tire.  Peter was nothing without his bicycle.  MJ and his mates would forever give him grief about it, but Peter didn’t drive.  He had always been a year younger than everyone, and now he was two years behind, and driving was something that had always been done for his parents, not something that his parents did.  But he had no fear, as long as he had his bike.

It would be different in the future, he knew.  Tony had assured him that driving an automobile was not the mystery his parents made it out to be.  Peter was smart (Tony said) and once Peter saw how it was done he would wonder why it had ever intimidated him.

Besides, Tony would teach him.

Just like Tony had taught him how to take care of his bike.  Taught him how to take it apart and put it back together again.  When you saw Tony in his official suit, you would never imagine what a “grease monkey” he had been in his youth.  In his private time he liked to tinker with cars.  Peter would never forget last summer when he had been allowed to sit in the spare garage and talk to Tony while Tony tinkered.  Never forget what Tony looked like with his arms almost bare, his biceps bulging, sweat caressing his brow.  Peter would remember that forever.

And Tony would actually teach Peter to drive, he was sure about it.  That had been a promise.  Peter thought about it often (mostly at night.)  How Tony had pulled him into a friendly hug, Tony smelling of sweat and oil and something else… something… sturdy.  Something strong.  As if the man were made out of iron.

That’s when Tony had hugged Peter hard, clapped him on the back, and said “I’m your man, Kid.”  

(He called Peter “Kid.”  He was the only one allowed to call Petter “Kid.”)

“I’m your man, Kid,” he had said.  Whispered, really.

“When you’re ready, I’ll teach you how to drive.  I’ll teach you anything you want.”

He let go of Peter then, clapping him on both shoulders one more time.  Letting his hands rest there for longer than a moment.

“When you’re ready.”

14  And while Quen could sometimes be invasive (sometimes annoyingly so) the man was a good conversationalist.  Peter could talk to him for hours.  And Quentin was well-read in all kinds of subjects.  Really, anything Peter had latched onto, anything that caught his interest for a week or two that semester, Quentin always knew a lot about it.  Whatever it was.  It was uncanny, really.

15   Although when Peter DOES get home there won’t be any more letters from Tony.  Which is funny, really.  Peter loves those letters.  Tony sometimes fills them with sketches of Saltburn - the towers or the gardens.  And sometimes with sketches of Peter.  “But I know what *I* look like - I see myself in the mirror every day” Peter complains.  “Send me pictures of YOU.”  And Tony does.  Sends a single sketch of himself.  In the sketch he is looking down.  Looking tired.  Looking a little guilty.  But Peter likes to imagine Tony is looking down at something that has his complete attention.  Something important. 

Something like… Peter.

Yes, Peter likes looking at that picture of Tony at night.  In the darkness.  And then when he touches himself, he imagines his hands are Tony’s hands.  Callused, but gentle.  Knowing.  But commanding as well…

16 …always gentle.  Always helpful.  Always honest.  Because that’s what Tony WAS to Peter… the man who would cut through the bullshit.  Cut through the pretension.  Tell him the truth.

17   Because… and this was STUPID but… but Peter had a fantasy.

In that fantasy, he was done with university.  He had his degree.  He had freed himself, finally, from his family.  And then, with his new career, with his new flat, with his new suit… he rang up Anthony.  

Took him out.  Took him on the town.  They went to a pub together, took in a show.  And then they talked.  Talked like men.  Talked like equals.

And then Peter took Tony home, and invited Tony into his bed.

As men.

As equals.

Only… only that’s where the fantasy abruptly ended.  Because there was exactly one problem.  

WHY would Tony go to bed with Peter if Peter was still a virgin??

And that’s where Quen came in.

Peter had a pesky problem, and he had set out to find another man to take care of that problem.  And Quentin was that man.  Peter had decided.  This would be the summer - the summer that Peter lost his v-card and became a man.  The kind of man that could take Tony Stark as a lover.

18  AND HOW COULD HE BE SO BAD AT IT?!?  He thought he had made it CLEAR to Quen that he was ready.  That he was just waiting for Q to make his move.  I mean, how more obvious could Peter be?!?  How many forehead kisses, blowing-kisses, and goodnight kisses, and jokes about oral sex, and late-night drinking games, would it take?  Peter was being obvious, wasn’t he?  He had given Q an adjoining bedroom.  He had all but invited Quen to watch him bathe.  He slept every night with his door open!  What more did Quen want?  An engraved invitation?? 

19 Okay maybe not so much “friend” as “boy I am using for one thing and one thing only” but hey.  Friends used Peter all the time.  And no matter what Quentin was, he certainly wasn’t hard to look at.

20  And it was going to be so perfect!  Peter had it all planned out - he would tell Q that he spent every summer sunbathing - just like they did in France - completely in the nude.  And then he and Quen would go shirtless and lay about on lawn furniture getting tanned.  Shirtless - and eventually more than that.  Peter had wanted so badly to do that last summer - and this time he would get up the nerve. To position himself outside the Great Hall window where Tony had his office.  To take off his shirt - and maybe more - where Tony would certainly look out and see him.  See his new, adult body.  Realize that Peter was a man, now.  A man to take seriously.  A man that might want another man in his bed…

21  And okay dammit this was a big problem because that meant that PETER WAS STILL A VIRGIN HOW WAS THIS STILL A THING?!?!?!?  Life was so damn unfair.

22  And, okay, maybe everyone is right.  Maybe Quen does NOT belong here.  Maybe everyone can see what Peter has been denying.  Maybe Q IS too eager to please.  Too eager to fit in.  A little too obvious, too clunky, with his manipulation.  But DAMMIT QUEN WAS JUST A MEANS TO AN END and Peter really REALLY can’t figure out WHY would Tony be mean to THIS particular classmate?!  Dammit Peter just wanted to get laid…

At the dock MJ had demanded to know what was going on with Peter.  Actually accused him of being in love with Quentin.  Which was ridiculous - he wasn’t even 100% he would call Quentin a friend.  Quentin was, at best, a study partner.  He had invited Quen to Saltburn because of all the things he was going through at home… come on Quen’s dad having just died and his mom being a mess and…

Oh all right, let's be honest.  He doesn’t even like Quentin that much.  He brought Quentin back here because he thought Quentin had the hots for him.  But in the end, Quentin is just one thing to Peter - a warm body.  A warm body with a stiff cock, which Peter needs.  

Because many things got “lost” at Saltburn, but…

… Peter’s virginity wasn’t going to get lost by itself.

[nandosbunni]

our secret moments | 𝓯. 𝓪𝓵𝓸𝓷𝓼𝓸

pairing: fernando alonso x f!actress!reader, socmed!au

synopsis: you and fernando's rumored relationship isn't really a rumor at all.

a/n: nando needs more fics on this app. also, i just KNOW my pinterest feed will be filled with rich couple things and yachts bc i was so picky with the pics😭

yourusername

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yourusername i'll take any excuse to go back to monaco. thanks for having me, @/astonmartinf1 💞

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fernandoalo_official

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fernandoalo_official Love spending the summer break on the sea🌊⛵️

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yourusername

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yourusername two weeks of this before filming starts 🌊

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username BOTH FERNANDO AND Y/N HAVING SIMILAR POSTS AT THE SAME TIME OHMYGOD

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yourusername liked this comment

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yourprivateaccount just me, the sea, and my love ❤️

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carmenmmundt you look so lovely together🫶

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yourprivateaccount we should def plan a couples trip one day, carm!

carmenmmundt yes please!

georgerussell63 wait what?

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yourprivateaccount liked this comment

yourprivateaccount me too. i miss you already, nando ❤️

landonorris get a room

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fernandoalo_official You give me reasons to love you more and more

landonorris it's actually hilarious how the internet is going crazy over whether or not you're together

yourprivateaccount we love being a menace to society🥰

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fernandoalo_official posted a story!

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yourusername just lace sleeves and roses in the dressing room

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[denial-permanente]

Hello Mrs Edge. I saw a post from a woman who had some guilt because she was weaning her husband off penetration and I wanted to share my own experience with this for her benefit.

For various reasons my partner had been unable to satisfy me for some time. When it started happening we went round to some of the adult shops and discovered sleeves and extensions, and from there we found chastity cages, and the harnesses and strapons available (I had no idea then it was called foxing and absolutely LOVE the expression!). I admit that I may have been more enamoured of the idea of "no more penetration" than he was 😂 but he wanted to please me, and I found the idea to be erotically intriguing.

I realized that in order to make "no penetration" work I had to condition him to accept it; that is, to retrain his masculine instincts to make him a better partner. It took some time but I found that it worked best to keep "foxing" nights penetration free (for him, of course!). He learned to fox me to my satisfaction (which you have no doubt learned can be absolutely fantastic!), after which he cleaned up and came back to bed to cuddle me off to sleep. Unlocking him was off the table on those nights because I wanted him to learn that foxing nights were for MY pleasure.

While I am excited to make him "penetration free," I am not ready to make him orgasm free, so about once a month I pick an evening to remove his cage so he can have an orgasm and some "intimate touch." Usually I have him rub against my bum with a little cream. As your husband noted in his response, this allows him an orgasm while reminding him that he is not allowed penetration. Sometimes if I feel especially generous, I have him lie back while I use my hands to bring him off. And I admit that I have come to relish telling him that my hand is the best that he can hope for, since he will always be denied my pussy 😈.

I discovered that it was best to have him clean up and replace the cage as soon as his orgasm was finished. For some reason making him lock up when he did not really want to keeps his attention level higher and returns his focus to me more quickly, which is my goal.

We have been doing this since Covid, and even though I now have him well trained, I do know that my "no penetration" regimen has not been easy for him. He wants to please me, but he is still a man so it is hard for him to hold back those urges. Naturally I felt a bit guilty about denying him at first, but as my confidence grew, I discovered that my new sense of power and confidence helped me to lead our relationship to new levels; indeed, we are both much happier than we were in the old days. Like you, I do not think of myself as a dominatrix, but there is no question between us that I have the power and control over my partner. If only our friends knew our secret!

Finally, I want to thank you (and your husband) for all that you do. Until recently, I had no idea that there were other people in a penetration free lifestyle. Like you, we are a totally normal appearing middle aged couple, more South London than Soho, if you know what I mean. A decade ago, had anyone told me that this could work I would have thought them mad. It has been so wonderful to see that there are other "normal" 😂 couples who live this way out of choice, not necessity. 💋🎶 Mistress Melodie

Hello Mistress Melodie! First, thank you for sharing your experience for Mistress Karin and other women who are learning about relationships like ours. And I agree that if someone had told me about this 20 or 30 years ago, I would have told them they were crazy!

While you did not say why you got into this, I like that you took charge and investigated things with your partner. Many of the messages that we get are from couples where the husband introduced it as a kinky thing and now their wife has no idea what to do. It sounds like you both have good communication and are able to talk to each other about what works for you both. Well, more for you, I guess. 😂

You call your relationship "no penetration," but obviously you mean that only for your partner. It's funny but I do not see my own relationship that way... rather, I think of the Ranger Vixskin as my husband's "real" cock now, like a replacement for the old one. And since I can make him come (in his cage, obviously), I really do not think about him lacking in anything. However... I have learned that men think of these things differently 😉. Maybe it's a different thing because you do unlock him for sexual things. My husband has said that sometimes that makes men even more aware of what they are not having.

I think that you bring up a good point about how the improvements in your relationship making it easier to deal with the pangs of guilt. My husband used to tell me that he was doing okay locked up, but it wasn't until I could really see the... improvements in his demeanor and feel how he was definitely happier around me that I could trust myself enough to keep him locked longer (and eventually permanently) and to just let any pangs of guilt float away. It's hard to explain, but I could just sense that he was more happy and content, even if he was having a bad time at work or if things were going on in our lives. Feelings like that give you the confidence to keep going, and having confidence in yourself and in your relationship means that you no longer feel like you "should" unlock him, or let him come, or allow him penetration, or do anything else that you might feel guilty about.

Thanks you again for commenting. If you have a Tumblr account, please message me to say hi and chat.

[cameronspecial]

Let Me Explain, Angel

Pairing: Frat!Rafe Cameron x Reader

Warnings:  Mentions of Toxic Relationship.

Pronouns: She/Her

Word Count: 0.8K

Summary: Y/N overhears a conversation that leaves Rafe with some explaining to do.

Masterlist

Rafe, Kelce, and Topper lounge out on the back porch with coffees in their hands. The week had been long and they finally got the fraternity clean from last night’s party. “Hey, where is Jaiden?” Rafe asks, looking for their other frat brother, who always seems to escape party clean-up. Kelce grimaces at the mention of the other brother, “Katie came by this morning in a big huff. Yelling at him for the party and how could he?” “What happened last night?” Rafe puzzles, not remembering anything shocking happening last night. Topper shakes his head with a shrug, “Jai didn’t do anything. He was literally just sitting in his room by himself all night. But you know how Katie is. She doesn’t let the poor man do anything.” “Right, she’s so clingy. It drives me crazy. Like, talk about a toxic relationship,” Rafe states, thinking about how Katie once yelled at him because she thought he looked at her boyfriend with bedroom eyes. 

The bed empty bed beside Y/N upsets her because she wanted to cuddle Rafe this morning. She lazily bounds down the stairs, swinging her arms in the too-big sleeves of Rafe’s sweater. The open sliding door clues her in on where her boyfriend might be, but something he says stops her from unlocking the screen door. “Right, she’s so clingy. It drives me crazy. Like, talk about a toxic relationship.” She knows she doesn’t have the full context of the statement, but what other she could Rafe be talking about but her? Y/N is Rafe’s favourite topic of conversation. 

The tiny squeak she lets out in heartbreak captures the boys’ attention and their heads turn toward the door. Rafe’s mind moves faster than his body, which causes him to trip over himself as he runs after Y/N. She is almost at the front door when he is finally able to gently wrap his hand around her bicep. Her body jerks back a little and he spins her around so her face crashes into his chest. He rubs her back as she begins crying. He moves her hair behind her ear, kissing her temple to help soothe her. She wants to run from the source of her pain, yet she also knows he is the only person who can stop her crying. 

“Let me explain, angel. Please, before you run off. Is that okay? Will you stay so I can explain?” he implores. He doesn’t want her to say no, but he is fully prepared to let her go if that’s what she needs. He would do anything she wanted. Her tiny nods allow him to let out a sigh of relief. He moves a hand down her arm to intertwine their fingers. His hand softly guides her to his room, where he sits himself on his bed and pulls her into his lap. Her sniffles quiet down and it helps heal a little bit of his heartbreak of having to see her cry. 

“Were you talking about me? Do you think I am clingy? Are we in a toxic relationship?” she questions between sobs, which rips Rafe’s heart into two that she thinks he would say those things about her. He moves her head into his neck, so he can cradle it, “No, no, no, angel. I wasn’t talking about you. You know Jaiden, right? I was talking about his girlfriend, Katie. Kelce told me that she came over this morning upset at him about something that happened last night. So I said that I thought she was clingy because she always has to be with him and is always angry when he has other plans without her.” 

“Oh, Katie. I don’t like her. She yelled at me once for talking to Jaiden. All I did was ask him if he could hand me your sweater on the couch.” 

“I’m sorry, she yelled at you. I’m also sorry that you thought I would say those things about you, angel.”

“It’s okay, I shouldn’t have assumed I was the topic of conversation. I’m not the only girl you know.” 

“Don’t be ridiculous. You are the only woman I need to talk about, angel. I love you and only you. Our relationship is far from toxic, I promise.”

“You’d tell me if our relationship is toxic, right?” 

His finger finds a place under her chin and lifts it up so they are looking into each other’s eyes. “Of course, but I can promise you that you could never do anything to make our relationship toxic. I feel totally safe in our relationship, we are great at communicating and we always make time for each other,” he promises, punctuating the statement with a kiss on the nose. A small grin forms on her face, “You make me feel those things too. I love you.” “I love you too. Now, how about we get something to eat? The brunch place you like is open,” he offers. He stands with her in his arms still, going off to look through their clothes in his drawers. She enthusiastically nods her head, “Yes, yes, yes. I want to get the avocado eggs benedict with a side of French toast. Ooh, and the special hot chocolate they make.” 

He smiles at her changed mood, “You can get whatever you want, angel. Always.” 

[nomie-11]

Chapter 10 - Shifting Tides

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“Soo, Sawyer, huh, Rhi?” Violet starts as the three of them walk down their new dorm. First year dorms may be the smallest private dorms on campus, but damn, all Genevieve could think was that was the best night sleep of her life. 

“I felt like celebrating,” She said, and Genevieve whistled. 

“You didn’t think to ask me first?” She says, her words light as a small smile comes on her face. 

“You have enough on your plate, sex wise,” Rhiannon said, teasing Genevieve. “And why have I not heard of you celebrating?”  She asks Violet. “Ridoc definitely has a thing for you, not emotionally just physically, and Liam has a thing for you emotionally.” 

“Liam? Liam Mairi? You’re insane.” Violet says, waving her off. “And either way, if he wants to celebrate with me, he’s going to have to ask first.” 

Genevieve and Rhiannon laugh, and she giggles too, a blush on her cheeks. 

“Good morning, Ladies.” Ridoc says, forcing his way through the crowd and slinging an arm around their shoulders as they enter the dining hall. “Or should I say, riders.”

“I like the sound of riders,” Rhiannon replies, shooting a smile in his direction. 

“It has a certain ring to it,” Ridoc agrees. 

“It definitely sounds better than dead.” Genevieve says, her voice serious but the tone implicates a tease. 

“Where’s your relic?” Violet asks, used to ignoring the awful offhand comments Genevieve makes. 

“Right here,” He says, his arm falling off of their shoulders as he rolls his sleeve of his tunic up to reveal the brown silhouette of a dragon on his upper arm. “You?” 

“Can’t see it. It’s on my back.” Ridoc whistles, and he spins to face Rhiannon. 

“And you? What about yours, Rhi?” 

“Somewhere you’ll never see,” She responds, and he laughs. 

“You wound me.” He slaps a hand over his heart. 

“I highly doubt that,” she retorts, but there's a smile on her face. The group moves through the hall into the line for breakfast. 

“And Genevieve?” He asks Rhiannon, completely bypassing asking Genevieve who he knows isn’t paying attention. 

“On her back,” Rhiannon says. “It’s crazy looking. Her rebellion relic mixes with her dragon relic. It’s insane.” 

As they make their way through the line, Genevieve’s mind is elsewhere. It feels as if the energy in the dining hall has shifted. It’s different now. 

“Asshole,” Ridoc mutters in a context Genevieve hasn’t heard. “I still can’t believe they tried to kill you.” 

“I can,” Violet shrugged, taking her chances with a maybe poisoned mug of apple juice. “I’m the weakest link, right? Unfortunately for me, that means people are bound to try and take me out of the wing.” 

“I don’t even know what you’re saying, but they’d have to kill me first,” Genevieve says, taking a bite out of her own apple. As they walk to the fourth wing section of the cafeteria, they find a table and only three extra seats. 

“Mind if we—” Ridoc starts. 

“Absolutely! It’s yours!” A couple of guys from Tail Section scurry off the bench. 

“Sorry, Hale!” The other says over his shoulder as they find another table. 

What the fuck?

“Well, that was really fucking weird.” Rhiannon rounds the other side of the table, and Genevieve sits on the other side as Violet follows. 

“Even weirder?” Ridoc remarks, gesturing across the hall toward First Wing. 

The girls follow his line of sight, and their eyebrows lift. Jack Barlowe is being squeezed out of his table. He’s forced to stand as others take a seat. 

“What the hell is going on?” Rhiannon bites into a pear and chews. Jack moves again, and then again.

”Oh, how the mighty have fallen,” Ridoc notes, watching the same show they all are. There’s no satisfaction in their view, everyone knows feral dogs bite harder when they’re cornered. 

“Hey, Hale,” the stocky girl from First Wing I beat in my second challenge says with a tight smile as she walks past our table. 

“Hey,” she says, nodding her head, but then she turns to face Rhiannon. “That girl hasn’t spoken one word to me since I threatened her hair when she beat up Violet.”

“It’s because you bonded Tairn.” Imogen blows her pink hair out of her face and throws her leg over the bench. She sits, pushing the sleeves up from her tunic. “The morning after Threshing is always a clusterfuck. Power balance shifts, and you, little Hale, are now the most powerful rider in the quadrant. If they weren’t scared before they’re definitely scared now.” 

She blinks, her pulse elevating. Is that what is going on? Social groups have split, but it still doesn’t make sense-

“Which is why you’re sitting with us now?” Rhiannon arches a brow at the second-year. “Because I can count on one hand the number of nice words you’ve said to any of us.” She holds up a fist with zero fingers raised. 

Genevieve glances around the table, to the seconds years, Quinn and Imogen, and to Sawyer who has finally arrived. Imogen is cool and Quinn is cool as well, but this was strange. Genevieve’s eyes glance at the patches on their jackets, but she doesn’t know what any of it means. She knows that her patches mean Flame Section, Fourth Wing, First Year, and now also Iron Squad. 

“You weren’t interesting enough to sit with before, and now you’ve survived Threshing, so you’re worth it.” Imogen responds as she bites into a muffin. Suddenly the third years in their section sit down too, and Genevieve almost chokes on the apple she’s been nursing the entirety of breakfast. 

“My dragon is not that cool, if that's what you’re looking for,” She says, biting her tongue from saying anything mean. 

“I take immediate offense to that,” Tairn huffs. “Now eat something more than an apple and get over your fear that Oren has poisoned you.” 

“I’m not eating the food on my plate,” Genevieve counters. “It’s definitely poisoned.” 

“We aren’t looking for your dragon,” Imogen says, her voice strong. “We’re looking for you, because now you’re under our watch. Now eat your food.”

Genevieve looks bewildered, but she doesn’t say a single thing. 

“You’re the Iron Squad, and you and Violet both have some crazy dragons on your tail. That means eyes are on you from every direction. A huge red target is painted on your back.” Her voice is low, but it cuts through the clamor of the hall. “And whether you like it or not, this balance isn’t going to change any time soon, so get used to it.” 

Genevieve glances at Rhiannon, confusion evident on her face. 

“That doesn’t explain why you’re here, though.” She says, her words biting and strong. 

“Oh, Xaden didn’t tell you?” She says, a sly smile on her face. “Tairn and Sgaeyl are mated, so even though your relic isn’t on your arm, you’re one of us now.”

“Oh shit,” Ridoc whispers, and Violet nods her head in agreement. 

“You’re in our squad now.” 

—————————————-

Violet had explained to Genevieve that mated dragons aren’t common, not even by a long shot, and to let mated dragons bond riders in different years was unheard of, but dragons do what dragons want, as exemplified by Violet. 

She explained that Xaden and Genevieve themselves are now binded, their lives intertwined in some sick curse that ties their fate with a little red string. When one dies, the other dies, when one gets hurt, the other feels it, when one feels another strong emotion, the other feels the emotion. She was never alone with Tairn now, but not only was Tairn in her head, Xaden was too. 

“Stop thinking so hard and get on my back, we have maneuvers to master,” Tairn grumbled, his voice low. She mounted his back, and found her seat easily. 

“Were you planning on telling me? That you and Sgaeyl were mated?” She asked over the bond, her mind distracted from her actions. 

“Sgaeyl had assured me that the wingleader would tell you, and that I shouldn’t worry about it,” He said, his tone grumpy like it usually was. “I see now that he did not, and I should stop trusting that wingleader.” 

“You don’t like Xaden?” She asked, as they took off, following second behind Professor Kaori, who Tairn had said he would only follow because he was Genevieve’s professor. 

“I don’t like the boy,” Tairn huffed. “But Sgaeyl loves him, so I won’t char him. Maybe I’ll lightly toast him.” 

“You shouldn’t set him on fire anyways, he’s an asset,” She said quickly, ignoring the blush rising on her cheeks. Genevieve cast another glance down at Violet, a few dragons back. Andarna didn’t come, Violet flew on Astrape alone.  “What’s the deal with Violet and Astrape?” Genevieve asked, quickly diverting the conversation away from Xaden and onto Violet. “She looks like she can’t hold her seat.” 

“She can’t,” Tairn replies, banking left, following Kaori into the canyons. “Astrape is one of the strongest dragons in the vale, maybe third to Codagh and I. Her powers are keeping Violet in that seat.” 

“Shouldn’t she be saving her powers, for…” Genevieve trailed off, not knowing how to verbalize what she wanted to say. “…combat?”

“Stop asking meaningless questions,” Tairn huffed, his annoyance evident in every word that was communicated in their bond. “Astrape has more power in her than most other dragons could even imagine having. She will be fine.” 

And Genevieve nodded, who was she to argue with a dragon, an all-mighty, all-knowing being. The dragon that had chosen her. She was not one to argue. Her grip tightened on Tairn’s back as the cool rush of wind from the canyon blew against her hot skin. She knew better than to press Tairn when he was already somewhat irritated, but she wanted to know how Violet was keeping her seat. 

As they neared the sharp turns of the canyon, Genevieve let the questions go, her focus snapping to the task at hand. Flight training was brutal, she couldn’t afford a lapse in concentration. Train’s powerful wings sliced through the air as they banked hard left, narrowly avoiding the jagged cliffs that seemed to rise out of nowhere. Kaori’s dragon led the pack, weaving through the narrow paths with ease. She could sense Tairn’s irritation at following anyone, but for some reason, it felt as if he cared enough about her to swallow his pride. 

Behind her, the presence of a struggling Violet claws at her mind. 

Be quiet, Geneiveve, She chastised herself. Violet is your friend. She’s trying. Be nice. 

“I didn’t know nice was in your vocabulary,” Train huffed. “Now focus.” 

“I am!” She shot back, adjusting her posture as they approached a narrow pass. The jagged rocks below glinted dangerously in the sunlight, promising death to anyone who made the wrong move. 

As they passed the gap, her eyes flicked back to Violet, who was struggling more visibly now. Astrape’s wings beat with precise power, but there was something off about the way Violet held herself in the saddle. She was slipping, her body tense and rigid, as if each move was a desperate attempt to stay upright. Geneiveve knew that look–the look of someone who was fighting for control, not just over their dragon, but over themselves. 

“She’s going to fall,” Genevieve muttered over the bond, her heart skipping a beat. 

“She won’t,” Train replied, his voice steady but cold. “Astrape won’t let her.” 

Kaori signaled the next maneuver–a sharp dive into a winding ravine, followed by an immediate ascent. Genevieve could feel the pressure in her chest as Tairn obeyed, plunging toward the ground with a terrifying speed that left her stomach in knots. 

As they pulled up, her breath caught in her throat as Tairn shot off. He was so fast. The wind in her hair was so freeing. 

“You ready?” Train asked, his voice taking on a sharper edge. 

“Always.”

With a swift movement, they dove into the loops, Train’s wings angling perfectly to guide them through the tight spaces. Genevieve felt every shift, every beat in sync with her movements. They were seamless, an extension of each other. The world blurred around her as they cut through the air, the adrenaline pumping through her veins. 

But out of the corner of her eye, she saw something. Violet, behind her, struggling more than ever. Astrape’s wings fell, just for a split second, and Genevieve knew–knew deep in her heart–that Violet wasn’t going to make it through the next turn.

“Violet!” She shouted, the sound swallowed by the rush of wind, her heart lurching. 

She felt the tug of the bond, Xaden’s awareness surging into her thoughts. He felt it too, the fear, the instinct to protect. But Genevieve couldn’t let herself be distracted by that–by him. 

“Leave it!” Train barked, sensing her instinct to intervene. 

Genevieve hesitated, her grip tightening as the next loop approached. She had to make a decision. Focus on the maneuver, or–

Astrape dipped down, grabbing Violet with her claws and tossing her back into her seat. 

“Thank the gods,” Genevieve whispered, her own heart racing as if she was the one who fell. 

“Look at you, you have emotions!” Train laughed. 

“Oh, shut up!”

—————————————

“Were you planning on-” her shin came into contact with the punching bag she was using. “never telling me that our dragons are mated?” 

Xaden’s eyes were dead set onto her body under the guise of watching her train. Garrick, Bodhi, Imogen, Liam, and a few other rebellion kids were in the gym. As Genevieve’s eyes cast over the room, her eyes narrowed on Violet. 

“And why is Imogen training Violet?” Her other leg made contact strongly, but she was distracted, so she stumbled back. 

“I was going to tell you, I was just waiting for…” he trailed off, his words lost on an already angry Genevieve. 

“No you weren’t. You were going to wait for me to ask like always,” she snapped. Her eyes held so much rage, Xaden could feel the flames of anger engulfing him. “Did you manipulate Threshing?” Her voice was a dangerous whisper. “Did you tell Sgaeyl to bond me so we would be linked together?”

“Of course not!” He immediately responded. “This is the worst case scenario, I do not want to be linked to you.”

Genevieve’s expression narrowed, her body going rigid with tension. Her expression darkened as she took a step closer to Xaden, the sheen of her sweat glistening under the mage lights, but her focus was far from the physical exertion of training. “Worst case scenario?” She repeated, her words venomous. “So being bound to me is so repulsive that it’s your worst case scenario?”

Xaden ran a hand through his hair, his jaw clenching with tension as the weight of his own words sank in. 

“Gen, that’s not what I meant and you know it,” his voice softened, trying to ease the fire that radiated off of Genevieve. “This bond just complicates things—everything. You know that.”

She scoffed, eyes flicking between him and the rest of the room. The rebellion kids continued their sparring, laughter mingling with the sharp sound of fists hitting targets, completely unaware of the storm brewing between them. Violet had slowed her movements, however, casting a glance in their direction. It only fueled Genevieve’s resentment.

Genevieve’s fingers curled into fists, her knuckles whitening with the force of her anger. She took another deliberate step toward Xaden, her voice low and cutting, barely concealing the fury beneath the surface. “Complicates things for you, you mean.” Her eyes narrowed further, the tension in her muscles betraying her desire to his something—maybe even someone. “Because Gods forbid you have to deal with the consequences of anything outside your control.”

Xaden’s jaw tensed as he fought to keep his composure, but Genevieve’s words hit home. He’d always prided himself on control—of his dragon, his squad, his emotions—and now, it was unraveling. Genevieve, with her endless need for vengeance, her relentless drive, and now their unwanted bond, was the epicenter of that chaos. She was the reason. 

“I didn’t choose this,” he said firmly, his voice edged with frustration. “Do you think I wanted Tairn to bond with you? This is as much of a shock to me as it is to you.” His faze flickered away briefly, landing on Violet again, who had now fully paused her training to watch. That momentary distraction only inflamed Genevieve’s temper further. 

“You don’t get it, do you?” Her voice was sharp, cutting through the air like a blade. She advanced again, her proximity forcing Xaden to meet her eyes. “This isn’t about the bond alone. This is about trust. This is about the fact that you kept this from me. That you decided what I should or shouldn’t know, like you always do.” 

Xaden’s face hardened. “I wasn’t trying to keep it from you. I was trying to figure out the details of it, how to handle it before—”

“Before what?” Genevieve’s voice rose now, drawing the attention of the others in the gym. Xaden’s group of friends in the training gym paused, sensing the rising tensions. “Before you thought it was convenient to share? Or were you hoping I wouldn’t notice the massive life-altering detail until it was too late for me to get angry?” 

Liam, sensing the explosive energy in the room, began walking toward them, his easy grin faltering, but Garrick held him back, shaking his head with an easy ‘no’. Imogen and Bodhi exchanged glances, but they stayed in place. Violet’s eyes lingered, her posture tense, though she hadn’t moved. 

Xaden stepped closer to Genevieve now, his voice lowered but charged with intensity. “I was waiting until I could tell you in a way that didn’t—”

“Make you look like the selfish bastard you are?” Genevieve interjected harshly, her words hitting with the force of a blow. Her body was shaking, but not from the fatigue. It was from the rage she’d been suppressing since Imogen told her news that Xaden should have said in private. Since she’d realized that Xaden, despite everything they’d shared, still decided to withhold something so vital. 

He flinched, a flash of regret crossing his face, but he didn’t retreat. “You know that’s not true,” he said quickly, but with conviction. “You know I never wanted this, but I didn’t want to make it worse either.”

”Worse?” Genevieve spat, her eyes blazing. “There is no ‘worse,’ Xaden. They’re dragons that bind our fate down to our own deaths and you let Imogen, someone who is practically a stranger, tell me? Instead of facing it and telling me you ran. You ran from me, from this, from everything.” 

For a moment, the silence between them was deafening. The others in the gym held their breaths, waiting for the explosion. Genevieve’s breaths came in ragged gasps as she glared at him, waiting for him to say something—anything—that would justify his actions. But Xaden remained still, his expression unreadable as he weighed his next words carefully. 

“I didn’t run,” he said finally, his voice like a storm on the horizon—low, dark, and gathering strength. “I’m here, aren’t I? Fighting for us, for whatever the hell this bond means.” 

Genevieve’s gaze hardened further, but something flickered beneath her fury. His words had struck a chord, and for a brief second, she felt the weight of his own burdens, his fears. But it wasn’t enough to douse the fire inside her. 

“And yet,” she whispered, stepping back, the space between them feeling like a chasm, “you keep pushing me away. Every time I get close, every time there’s a chance for something between us that isn’t just physical, you shut down. You keep your secrets, your plans, and now even this from me.”

The gym was still now, the air thick with unspoken tension. Everyone was watching, waiting for the next move. But Genevieve didn’t care. She was done playing his games, done being a pawn in a world of half-truths and manipulations. 

“Maybe being bound to you really is the worst-case scenario,” she said bitterly, her voice cold as ice. “Because I don’t think I can trust you anymore.”

The mage light above her blew out in a craze of sparks and glitter, and it felt like her skin was on fire with… magic. 

“Day one of dragon bonds,” Imogen started, awe laced into the sarcasm she normally carried. 

“And Genevieve is already channeling.” Violet finished. 

And with that, she turned on her heel, leaving the gym and a stunned silence in her wake, her anger radiating like heat off her skin.

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Hello everyone! What’s up? I’ve currently written a few chapters ahead so I can keep updating twice a week for at least a few weeks, so hopefully this new schedule makes you all happy!

On another note, I just wanted to say thank you for all of your words of appreciation and your compliments, I seriously cannot believe you guys actually read what I write and for you to tell me how much you love it makes me so happy I want to cry.

Please, like and comment if you enjoyed and please let me know your thoughts! What’re your predictions on her signet? I want to know~

[xxspringmelodyxx]

Misunderstanding

Gojo Satoru x F!Reader (Angst)

You have unfortunately found yourself falling in love with the one man you shouldn’t have. The one man who told you himself that love was a curse. You knew he would never be able to love…and if he did, it would be with Utahime. Those two were spending a lot more time together than usual, and that was a tell-tale sign that they would soon become a thing….or at least, that’s what you thought.

______________________________

Warnings: None

Word count: 6.3k

_____________________________

I looked up at Toru, watching his eyes sparkle as he continued to talk about his crazy day. I was too dazed by his eyes, feeling my heart race just a bit from seeing the gorgeous blue hue they had. They were especially pretty when he was talking about something he was passionate about, just like now. I could quite literally stare into his eyes forever.

That was shortly lived, however, as the sound of a door opening came from behind me, though I ignored it. Toru, unfortunately, did not. Not even a few seconds passed before he looked away, his eyes catching something…or someone else. My eyes followed his and saw our good friend, Utahime. I looked back at him and saw that he was staring at her with what looked like infatuation. I felt a tight pain in my chest as he continued to stare at her. What I would do to get him to look at me like that. The thought of it made my heart flutter a bit, quickly snapping back to normal as I realized I was daydreaming again.

I looked up at him once more and saw that his body was tensed up as well. Was he…nervous? I had never seen him like this before, well at least not towards people. Without realizing it, my body involuntarily tensed up as well. I won’t lie, I felt a little hurt that he would look at her anytime she showed up, completely ignoring me.

For the past three months, whenever Toru and I were alone together, she would just come in and ruin the moment. If she wasn’t your friend, you would hate her with all your being…

I looked away from Toru once I realized I had completely lost him. My posture started to slouch a bit as I started to grab my things to get ready to leave. All I needed to do was make an excuse and, voila, Ill be out of their hair.

While I was thinking of how I could get out of this situation, Utahime looked back at you two and rolled her eyes at him, looking at you. Her face brightened up a bit as she walked closer to you two. At this point, Toru had already stopped talking about his day, subtly fidgeting with his sleeve as she came closer.

“Hey N/n! Satoru.” She said as she sat down next to me, placing her arm around you to give you a slight hug. Not wanting to be rude, you gave her one back.

No matter what feelings you had for Toru, you knew it wasn’t her fault that she caught the attention of the white haired boy. After all, she was a good and true friend to you.

“Hey ‘Hime.” You said, trying to hide the sadness behind your voice. Unbeknownst to you, the two caught it with ease.

“Are you okay?” She asked, unsure of where this sudden sadness came from.

“Yeah, I’m good. Just a little tired.” You lied, making the both of them confused.

“Well, that stinks! Because I was hoping that you would come to the park with me later tonight with Satoru, Shoko, Geto, and I. We were all planning to hang out for a bit since it’s been a while since we last hung out.” She said, hoping you would say yes to going.

“Didn’t we all hang out last week?” I asked, making her pout.

“Yes, but it was fun! We need to do it again! Human communication is good for the mind and the body. We could even play baseball, your favorite sport!” She said with her hands clasped together. I rolled my eyes playfully, smirking a bit.

“Last time I remember, Baseball is your favorite sport. Besides, I think I am a bit tired out.” You said, making Toru and Utahime look at each other with concern.

“W-We could just come over and hang out with you!” Toru suggested, but you shook your head.

“No, I don’t think that’s a good idea. I just need a little…alone time for myself.” You said, still feeling hurt from the whole Toru situation. Gosh, you knew it was a horrible idea to fall for him. He even said it himself that love is the greatest curse…so why the hell is he falling in love with Utahime! Sometimes you just wish everyone would just go away and maybe…just maybe your feelings would eventually disappear as well.

Oh how you wish you could just go back to the times where all you felt for Toru were platonic feelings. At least then you would have probably felt more energized and happy. But now, you are stuck with stupid feelings for a stupid guy.

“Oh come on, N/n! Just stay for thirty minutes with us! I’ll even make the boys carry you if you need it. Please!” Utahime begged, holding your hands in hers, hoping you would say yes.

You looked up at her eyes and saw how desperate they were. You sighed, wishing you could just say no…but you’d feel bad if you did. She’s doing those stupid puppy dog eyes on you, too.

“Fine, but only thirty minutes. No more.” I said, making her smile widen.

“Good! That’s all we need!” She spoke, looking towards Toru now.

There that awful feeling was again. The feeling that made your stomach churn and your heart break little by little. The feeling that made your throat stiffen up, making it feel as though you were swallowing nails.

“Listen, it was really nice talking to you two…but something just came up and I need to go.” I said, packing my things and quickly standing up to get out of there. However, Toru and Utahime both stood up and tried to follow you.

“Wait, is it something bad? Do you need our help?” Utahime asked once more.

I waved them both off, trying to rush to the door so they wouldn’t ask any more questions.

“don’t worry about it. Just got a call about an important thing I need to attend to.” I said, lying straight through my teeth. I cringed a bit at my poor excuse, but I needed to get out of there fast before the two of them started ogling eyes at each other.

“Are you sure?” Toru asked, quickly noticing that you were lying.

“Positive. See you both tonight.” You said, finally getting out of the building you three were in and rapidly walking towards your car. You buckled up and left the area, going right back to your apartment.

———

“Ow! What the hell was that for!” Satoru hissed at Utahime for slapping him on the shoulder.

“What is wrong with you, you idiot! You were supposed to ask her to go with you!” She yelled at him.

“I know…but….I got nervous.”

“Yeah, no shit Sherlock! By the way, way to ignore her after I came in.” She glared at the boy.

“It’s not my fault! I couldn’t just keep looking into her eyes! Her bright, beautiful, gorgeous looking, eye catching-“

“Yeah we get it Romeo. You get nervous looking into her eyes, causing you to look anywhere but at her. But you looked like a total dick when you did that! You need to learn to keep eye contact with her! And DON’T look at other women when talking to her, then getting distracted! How the hell did you think that was okay?!” She said back to him.

“I don’t look at other women! I just looked at you because you came barging in yet again!” He yelled back

“Because you sent the signal that you need help! You have done this for the past three months and we have gotten nowhere! I swear this is the longest and most borish way of asking a girl to be your girlfriend! I’ve seen teenagers more efficient in asking out their crush!”

“Yeah, well they don’t understand the risk that will come if the other person doesn’t accept. They don’t have to worry about losing a lifetime relationship just because someone caught feelings!” He said back to her, placing his hands over his face as he tried to calm down.

“I just wish it didn’t have to be so hard to ask her.” He mumbled into his hands. Utahime placed her hand on his shoulder, scooting closer to him, and trying to soothe him.

“Listen, I know it’s nerve wracking, but you can do this. You are Satoru Gojo! Deemed the strongest of them all! And you’re going to let something like this trouble you?” She asked

“But this is Y/n we are talking about, Utahime. I…I love her. Literally everything about her is the embodiment of perfection. Her smile, her laugh, her eyes, her personality. Everything. What if she doesn’t reciprocate the same feelings as I do? What will happen then? I don’t want to risk our relationship we already have going if it means I would lose her for good.”

“If you don’t try, you will regret it later on in your life and it will come back to haunt you every day if you don’t. If you do try, then at least you know you did everything you could.” She said, smiling softly at the stressed out man sitting in front of her.

Satoru stayed silent after what she said, taking her words into consideration.

He was terrified to say the least. What if you didn’t respond too well to his confession? What if you only see him as a friend…or worse, a brother? What if your guys’ relationship that you already had would be gone forever?

He rubbed his face in frustration, hating this rare feeling. Never in his life did he think he would actually fall in love with someone, let alone his lifelong best friend.

But then, Utahime’s words replayed in his head over and over again.

What if he never asked you? Would he truly be filled with regret? Sure his friendship with you would be fine…but would he be fine many years down the line when he sees you with another man that wasn’t him? Would he be fine with never knowing what could have been if he did ask? What would happen if you did accept?

Suddenly, he feels his heart race as his body starts to tingle at the thought of you accepting. That would make his whole world complete.

He still thinks to the day he realized he caught feelings for you. He and you were walking alone together down a street, just enjoying each other's company. You treated him like he was a regular human being, rather than this untouchable and other worldly being. You made him feel happy. You made him feel safe and… loved.

He remembered looking down at you as you smiled happily, talking about a memory from your guys’ childhood. He remembered how the golden sun rays hit your face perfectly, lighting your entire body up. You truly looked like an angel.

He remembers your scent that day. A warm and sensual scent that would drive anyone crazy, including him. The short and simple dress you wore, elegantly swaying in the opposite direction as it hit your thighs.

Everything about that day was beyond compare. That was when it hit him that he, the strongest sorcerer in the world, had captured feelings for you. He tried his best to deny it for several, long months. But as each day passed by, he noticed his want for you grew even stronger. He would catch himself staring at your hands, wondering what they would feel like to hold. He would constantly stare at your eyes, getting lost in them every time you spoke because they would sparkle. He would stare at your lips without you noticing, wondering what they would feel like on his. He watched as your hair blew softly in the wind, wondering what it would feel like as he played with it. Not a single day passed by where he didn’t think about you. And after almost a good two and a half years, he realized that he couldn’t deny his feelings about you anymore.

That’s when he reached out to Utahime about it because you and her were good friends as well. He wanted to get advice from her about how to ask you out. She was ecstatic to say the least, and agreed on making a plan to help you two get together. And so, three months later, here they were, still trying to figure out how to get you and him alone so that he could muster up the confidence to finally confess and ask you out.

“You are right, Utahime.”

“As usual.” She said

“And tonight could be perfect! All I need to do is get her alone-“

“Somewhere near a large fountain…maybe a tree on a hill! The lake even!” She interjected

“But how will I ask her? How should I confess to her? Should I just straight up tell her, ‘hey I am madly in love with you, so please go out with me.’?” He asked, making Utahime place a finger on her mouth, signaling to him that she was thinking.

“How about you practice with me? That way, we can go over what you should say, and what you shouldn’t say.” She suggested, making Satoru shrug.

“It’s worth a shot. I want to make this perfect for her.” He said, making Utahime smile.

“Then lets go over it. First things first, you’ll want to ease your way into your confession. Talk about something you two will remember.” She said.

Soon, the two of them worked little by little, revising when needed, and worked on making the best speech of all time.

However, little did they know that this would absolutely destroy their future plans.

As they were speaking, a certain someone came back to grab her phone as she left it due to her hurry to leave

———

As I was driving back to my apartment, I realized I didn’t have my phone. Sighing with frustration, I stopped my car as I realized I had left it back with Toru and Utahime.

“Damn it!” I spoke quietly under my breath.

I took another turn and headed back to the building I just left.

As I drove there, I was praying silently that those two would have already left. I was still hurting from the two of them, so I knew it would be hard for me to see them there.

I took one more turn and parked right in front of the building.

I got out of my car and looked up a bit to see both Toru’s and Utahime’s vehicles there.

“Great. This is just great.” I said, looking up to the sky. I noticed the weather was quickly changing, seeing the once light blue sky being quickly replaced with gray clouds that looked ready to release a monsoon.

I had better hurry up. Last thing I need now is an outdoor shower.

I picked up my pace a bit and made it towards the main entrance to the building. However, just as I was about to open it up, I heard Toru and Utahime talking.

Quietly, I placed my ear up against the door, eavesdropping in on what they were saying. However, I wished at that moment, that I never did.

“I love you. I love you so much that it hurts. Every day when I think of you, my heart melts and I get this weird feeling in my stomach.” I heard Toru say.

My eyes widened a bit as I felt the pit of my stomach drop.

“There isn’t a passing day where I don’t think about you. Not a single one. I honestly wish I told you all of this sooner so that we could have spent more time together as one rather than two.”

Second by second, I felt my heart slowly crack with each sentence he spoke to Utahime.

It was until he said four final words that really broke everything.

“Will you be mine?” He finished

That’s when your entire world fell apart. Tears that were pooling in your eyes began to fall involuntarily. Your breathing became uneven as you replayed his words in your head. He finally did it. He finally asked Utahime out to be his love….his one and only.

Silent sobs began to escape your mouth, and you knew you needed to leave. You forgot all about your phone, too hurt to remember.

You got in your car, started the engine, and quickly drove off to your place.

You knew it wasn’t possible. You just knew it. But a part of you had silently hoped that maybe it was all a trick in your mind. A part of you had hoped that maybe…just maybe…he had the same feelings as you did. But now, it was obvious that it was all just in your head. How could he ever love a girl like you when someone like Utahime exists? She must be perfect in his eyes. Pure beauty.

Tears kept falling down your eyes as you got closer and closer to your apartment.

Once you did make it to your place, you quickly ran in, noticing the rain beginning to start.

You went inside and threw your stuff on the couch and walked to your bedroom, shutting the door and sliding down it as sobs continued to come out of your mouth. You were absolutely heartbroken and you didn’t know what to do about it. Your cursed energy became uncontrollable and your plants started to wilt. Whenever a teardrop fell to the ground a small plant would uproot itself from deep underground, only for it to wilt once it reached you.

It was all over. There was no chance left for you. And you had to deal with that…all alone.

——

“Together as one rather than two?” Utahime said with a grimace.

“W-Well, yeah. Isn’t it smart?” Satoru said with a proud smirk.

“It sounds cheesy as hell.” She said, deadpanned, irking Satoru.

“Oh yeah! Well why don’t you-“ Satoru started, but stopped once he realized your phone was still here.

“Hm?” He spoke, picking up your phone.

“Shit, she must’ve left it here by accident.”

“Wow, you’re a sorcerer and a detective. You really have it all don’t you.” Utahime said, making Satoru glare at her a bit.

“Why don’t you go to her place and give it to her. It would be a good way for you to talk to her a bit before we all go out tonight.” She suggested.

“Hm…not a bad idea. Who knew you had the capacity in your brain to make smart suggestions.” He said, making her smack him

“Whose the one helping you out right now because you’re too terrified to do this all alone!” She spoke, making Toru smirk a bit before standing up.

“Well, I suppose I should head over to her place now before it gets too late. Maybe Ill go get some snacks and I can give them to her as an apology for ignoring her today. I still can’t believe I did that.” He said, mentally cursing himself for doing that to you.

“Well then you had better make a move on buddy. She doesn't have all year.” Utahime said, shooing him away to go and talk to you.

“Alright, alright. I’m leaving. I can tell when I am not wanted. At least my sweet Y/n will want me…I hope.” He said, his body stiffening up.

Utahime took notice of this and smiled, walking up to the poor guy. She placed her hand on his shoulder once more and encourage him.

“You will be fine, Satoru. Now go. It’s already pouring rain, so hurry it up.” She said, pushing him outside.

“Thank you again, Utahime. For helping me out with all of this. I won’t forget it.” He said, walking back to his car.

Now, time to go buy you a bunch of stuff!

——

A good hour had passed and you were still on the ground. Though you were not crying anymore. You just stared at your dead plants with an empty look. Suddenly, your puppy and kitten came in to cuddle up to you. They took notice that something was wrong with you.

You chuckle a bit when your puppy, Tico, licks your face.

Your kitten, Mochi, purred as she wrapped her tail around your arm. They both cuddled up to you, making sure to show you that they care about you. They felt so warm and soft, it almost made you fall asleep.

However, you felt dirty and gross, plus you also knew that a shower would help you a bit. So you got up and went to take a shower.

You started running the water, discarding your clothes into the hamper. You felt the warm water and got in, easing into the water as it splashed onto your skin.

You took a good while in the shower, thinking about your feelings, hoping they would wash away with the water and down into the drain.

Tears started to form in your eyes once again, threatening to spill out. It hurt so much. It hurt so much to the point where you didn’t want to go anywhere for a long time. All you wanted to do was stay home, watch TV, and eat.

Maybe you just tell everyone you fell ill so you don’t have to go out. So you don’t have to watch Utahime and Toru be all lovey dovey in front of you. The thought of it made you sick to your stomach.

Fuck.

Why did you have to fall in love with him? Why?!

You were so caught up in your mind that you didn’t even notice tears were falling down your face like a waterfall.

Maybe Toru was right after all…maybe love is the biggest curse in the world.

—-

“Wow, that’s a lot of food you got there. What’s the occasion?” The cashier asked behind the counter, taking notice of the cart full of sweets, savory foods, and…some flowers.

“Oh well, they are for a special someone.” Toru said, a very faint blush evident on his face.

“Oh? A lover perhaps?” She asked, taking each item and placing them nicely in a bag.

“I hope…” He said under his breath. His hands gripped tightly onto your phone, getting more and more anxious with every minute that passed by. Thoughts were screaming in his head about how you would never feel the same way as he did. He did his very best to get rid of those thoughts, trying to give himself a pep talk. He was the strongest sorcerer of all time. Anyone would want him….anyone….right?

Once he paid the amount that was due, he quickly left and got in his car. He started it up and drove to your place, thinking about what he would talk to you about.

—-

You put on some comfy sweat pants and a tank top, going to the living room and turning something on. Though, you didn’t pay attention to it at all as you were still too lost in your own mind. Your eyes were swollen from crying, your nose was red, and your cheeks were tearstained.

You sat on your couch as you ate some cereal, desperately trying to remove Toru from your head.

You noticed that every single plant in and outside of your place were all wilted, but you didn’t care at the moment. You could fix them anytime you please if you wanted, so for right now, you didn’t tend to them.

It was so dark and gloomy in your house, especially with the rain that was practically pouring right now.

You were about thirty minutes into the show you were watching, still not fully attentive of it, but still catching up on some bits of it. Mochi and Tico were lying on top of your legs, keeping you warm and cozy.

You placed another spoonful of cereal in your mouth, when all of a sudden, your doorbell rang. Mochi and Tico ran off, going towards the door with excitement.

Confused, you placed your cereal down and paused the movie you were watching. You got up and went to the door, not realizing you were going to regret it in a few seconds.

There, standing out drenched from the rain, was the last man you wanted to see right now. He was holding bags of stuff, and your phone.

——

I drove into Y/n’s parking lot, parking my car and sitting there in silence. My heart was racing as I thought about her once again. My hands were wrapped tightly around the steering wheel to the point where my knuckles were bright white.

I looked up at her place and noticed something was wrong. All of her plants were extremely wilted, barely holding onto what life they had left of them.

I started to grow concerned as Y/n would never let something like this happen. I quickly grabbed everything in the car and walked up to her door. My hair was drenched from being outside for too long, but thankfully, my coat kept the rest of me dry.

I rang the doorbell, starting to grow anxious again. Within a few minutes, the door finally opened and there…she stood…

I looked down at her and saw that she was a wreck. Her eyes were red and swollen. Her face had tear stains on them…was she crying?

Suddenly, his concern grew more and more as he caught a glimpse of her. What the hell happened that caused you to look like this?

Whatever the case, he was going to make you feel better. He couldn’t stand seeing you like this. It broke his heart seeing you in such a distressed state.

“Y/n…what happened?” He asked with genuine concern.

—-

“Y/n, what happened?” He asked me, making my heart wrench from his voice. This was the last thing I needed.

“N-Nothing, please just…go away.” I said, trying to shut the door. However, Toru blocked it from shutting with his shoe, pushing the door open.

“What do you mean it’s nothing? Did someone do this to you? Did someone hurt you?” He asked, starting to grow frustrated.

You hurt me

I thought, as he asked his questions.

“No. Now just please leave me alone. I don’t want you over.” I said, growing equally frustrated at his stubbornness.

He wasn’t letting go though, not after seeing you like this. He cared far too much about you to just leave you be.

“Y/n. You are going to tell me what is going on, right now. I am not leaving until you do so.” He said sternly.

“Damn it, why are you so stubborn! Just go, Gojo!” You yelled pushing against the door.

His eyes softened, looking down at you with hurt as he realized you called him Gojo instead of the usual Toru.

He didn’t want to admit it, but that stung when you said that.

Were you mad at him? Did he do something?

“Y/n…I…please just tell me what is going on.” He said, pushing past his feelings so that he could figure out yours.

“If I tell you, it will ruin everything. Besides, it doesn't matter anyways…just go back to Utahime.” You said with a bit of bitterness on your tongue.

That caught him off guard.

“Utahime?” He asked, confusion hitting him hard.

“Yes, I heard everything Gojo. Everything. I heard your confession to her at the building. How you told her that not a second goes by where you don’t think of her. And if that is the case, why the hell are you even here? Shouldn’t you be spending time with the love of your life?” You asked, the plants around you starting to grow once again, a little too much though.

That was when it hit Satoru. You caught him practicing with Utahime. Fuck!

He looked down at you frantically and dropped everything in his hands, forcing the door open and grabbing you.

“Let me go!” You said, struggling to escape his grip.

“Y/n stop.” He started, but tears started to fall down your face and it broke him. It wasn’t someone else who hurt you, it was him. And all because of a huge misunderstanding.

“Y/n would you stop for once and just listen to me!” He yelled, making you stop and stare up at him, your eyes full of water. If it wasn’t for the situation you two were in right now, he would grab you and kiss you to make you stop.

“What could you possibly have to say?” You asked, your voice breaking a bit.

“Y/n…that conversation you heard…it wasn’t what you think.” He started, making it your turn to be confused.

“That conversation…I was…I was practicing with Utahime. It wasn’t meant for her.” He said, making you calm down a bit and actually listen to him.

“Then if not for her…then for who?” You asked. You weren’t sure if you wanted to hear. If he said someone else’s name, you would officially break.

Before you could say anything else, you heard Toru sigh. His grip on your arms relaxed, and he let you go.

He suddenly became extremely fidgety with you, and you swore you could see a faint blush spread across his face. His eyes were now looking anywhere but at you.

“Y/n…that speech…it was actually made for…” He started, his breathing becoming more rapid from his nerves.

“Well….for you.” he said softly, still averting his eyes from your shocked gaze.

“W-What?” You asked, making sure you weren’t hearing things.

“It was for you, Y/n. I was just practicing it with Utahime because I wanted it to be perfect for you tonight when we all went out. You see, Utahime has been helping me try and confess everything to you for the past three months. Unfortunately, I didn’t realize it would be so hard confessing something like that to you. Every time I got nervous, I would send her a signal to help me out…but it always ended with you leaving.” He said, making your eyes widen at his confession.

“Y/n, I…I love you. A lot. Everyday I wish that you could be with me in my arms. I want to be the first thing you see every morning and the last thing you see at night. I want to hug you, touch you, kiss you, talk to you, and more. Everything about you is just so beautiful. Your eyes, your smile, your voice, all of it. I get nervous just thinking about you and I wasn’t sure what to do about it. I tried to reject my feelings for you, but no matter how hard I tried, my feelings for you just came back stronger than ever. I was just so scared of losing you because I wasn’t sure if you’d like me back the same way.” he said, making your heart instantly repair from his words.

“But just say if this is all one sided and I will let it go. If I can’t have you romantically, I still wish to have you as a friend. I don’t want to sour our relationship we already have going.” He said, this time looking deep into your eyes. It all processed in your head too quickly, resulting in even more tears coming out of your eyes.

He took that as a bad sign however and sighed, feeling his heart break.

“I understand, I will just head out then. I don’t want to make this more awkward for the both of us.” He said, defeated.

However, just as he started to turn around and walk out. You ran towards him and hugged him, making you both fall to the ground.

“You never even let me say anything, you big idiot!” You said with tears still falling down your face. Quickly, all the plants and flowers in and outside of your place started to bloom like crazy.

“W-What?” He asked, still shocked from the sudden movement.

“I love you too!” You blurted out, making his eyes widen a bit and his heart race.

“Y-You…do?” He asked, completely in disbelief.

“Yes. I have loved you for so long. Almost three years. I just didn’t tell you because I thought you didn’t want to love someone. Also, I thought you had a thing for Utahime.” You said, making him sit up with you in his lap.

“Every time you would talk to me, I noticed how my heart would pick up its pace. I noticed how often I would stare into your gorgeous eyes and get lost in them. I noticed how often I would stare at your lips, just hoping that one day, they would get to touch mine. That was when I realized I had truly fallen for you. The one man who told me himself that love was the greatest curse of all time.” You said, making him chuckle sheepishly.

“I can’t believe I said that, especially now that I understand what it feels like.” He said, wrapping his arms around you and pulling you close.

Both of your faces heated up from the close contact. You could feel each other's breath on your lips as you came closer and closer.

“You said you wished for the day where my lips met yours?” He asked, making you look away from embarrassment, but you still nodded.

He chuckled and took your chin in his hand, making you face him.

“Don’t hide your pretty face from me, Y/n. I’m about to make your wish come true.” He said, finally closing the gap between the two of you.

It was at that moment where you felt as if everything around you didn’t exist. As if it were just you two alone in an empty space. You felt sparks as you felt his lips on yours, your heart was racing so fast you thought it was going to explode. He felt much the same. This was a moment he had been fantasizing about for ages. And it finally came true for the both of you.

You wrapped your arms around his neck and pulled him in closer to you, kissing him deeper.

After a few more seconds, you both released the kiss and stared at each other's eyes.

Suddenly, a vine from one of your plants wrapped around his arm, catching both of our attention. You gasped a bit from the overgrowth, barely able to see past your living room due to the crazy outburst of plants.

Toru chuckled a bit as you threw a mini fit at them, putting them back to normal.

Toru looked at you once more with a smile, rubbing small circles on your hips.

He kissed your cheeks, your eyes, the corners of your lips, and finally, your lips once again.

“I am sorry I made you cry this much. Had I known it would have done this to you, I would have confessed much earlier.” He said apologetically.

“Don’t apologize. You didn’t know. Besides, that doesn't matter anymore. All that matters is that we have each other now…” You said with your bright smile that he loves and adores.

“So…does this mean we are official now?” He asked, making you smile at him, playing with his hair.

“Why don’t you kiss me again and find out.” You said, making him smirk a bit. He grabbed the back of your neck and pulled you into him, kissing you again with just as much love and passion as before.

“I love you, Y/n. I love you so much.” He said as he placed his forehead on mine.

I smiled, feeling butterflies in my stomach.

“And I love you, my Toru. More than you can imagine.” You replied, making his heart skip a beat once you said he was your Toru.

Suddenly, you both got a text from the group asking where you two were.

Toru replied and said that you two had a change of plans and decided to hang out together…alone.

Everyone in the group said some kind and sweet things…and some not so safe for work type of things.

Either way, you two ignored them and went back to each other.

“So what’s in the bags?” You asked, making him pick you up in his arms. A small squeak escaped your mouth as you felt his hands grip onto you.

“I bought a bunch of snacks for us to eat. They were supposed to be a little gift for you, but since you and I are going to be spending the night together, I figure it would be fun if we watched some movies and cuddled.” He said, making you chuckle at the amount of food he got.

“We are going to have the best time ever.” You said pulling him to the couch with you.

You two cuddled up together, turned on a movie and spent the rest of the night together. It was honestly one of the best nights that you both have had in a long time.

Toru kissed your head and whispered in your ear once more,

“I love you~”

You smiled again and turned your head to kiss him on the lips.

“And I love you~”

After that, you both slowly started to fall asleep in each other's arms, keeping each other warm and cozy.

______________________________

[moonshynecybin]

I find Marc covered up fully underneath his leathers, upto his neck & wrists, so fascinating when we have the others in half sleeves, mesh or nothing. I can't remember if he always was that way or changed midway, if there was a particular reason? If Alex does the same? It just gives regency era eldest spinster daughter hair tied up tight covered up to the neck waiting for the highest titled rake to come show her the pleasures waiting for her.

marc would be SOOOO good at the kate sharma of it all. like bridgerton season two is in many ways rosquez 2 me. marc WOULD deny himself love and marriage if he convinced himself it would protect alex and vale WOULLD close himself off from love for fear of losing anyone he loved ever again after the untimely death of his [dont worry about it] from a bee sting. perfect set up for vale to decide to court marc's much more agreeable and younger (NOT A SPINSTERRRR) brother who because he needs someone to secure the family's future with and alex is one of the most eligible and educated bachelors on the market. and he knows he will never fall in love with him. whereas marc is known for going on crazy person horse rides (how he first meets vale) and pissing people off. and ALEX is locked in this fun codependency thing with marc, where marc sacrificed so much to get him there from spain and its the only way they can like. still live in the same household because the marquez finances are a lil shaky for regency reasons (alex it should be noted will fall for vale's ward franky SO fast and they shall have their own tortured by familial obligation repressed regency drama please trust this. it WOULD involve alex saving franky from bandits. again trust.)

so anyways vale commits to courting the idea of alex. butttt marc and vale. kind of hit it off. chemistry! goofballs ! a game of crochet that legitimately turns a little dangerous (marc is. cheating the whole time lmao. vale is ALSO cheating he is kicking balls into the bushes and. possibly. checking out marc's ass when he bends over to fetch them. victimless crime looking never hurt anyone.) truly luca meets marc and is like lovely to meet the man my brother plans to marry :) and alex vale marc are all like. um. hah. about that. EVERYONE can see and marc and vale are down fucking horrendous but are cutting themselves off from love so aggressively its UPSETTING ! vale CANNOT lose anyone he loves and marc will sacrifice EVERYTHING for alex's future so they are locked in horny tension for monthsss. it is. insanely horny close proximity sniffing. it is. dancing at balls probably more than is strictly proper. it is. marc getting pushed into a body of water and having to strip off his paper thin old-timey shirttttt. getting wayyyy too into betting on horse races like they are throwing elbows. alone in various well dressed rooms breathing the same air SO much yearning and holding back because like. they CANT do that to alex (alex. does not want that man lmao).

until finallyyyyy its alex and vale's wedding day and marc feels like hes going to THROW UPPPPPP. worlds saddest little spinster. pale sad brave face on. but he walks in and vale is just. he cant take his fucking eyes off marc. at the alter in a church in his best suit. he cant stop looking at him. and he feels like hes going to cry but he doesnt know why. and alex walks in and looks at the two of them looking like they want to DIE and it clicks. right then. that theyre in love (huge relief off of his shoulders tbh. already sexting franky via horny letter in his mindpalace) like alex KNOWS his brother and he KNOWS the only way get marc to stop doing something self destructive is for alex to tell him he doesnt have to. so he turns away from vale and he takes marc's hands. and he calls of the wedding.

BUT that doesnt resolve our central conceit on vale's end. what do you do when the scariest thing in the world is the person you love dying. and that is a belief that has been informed by person you love dying trauma. well in vale's case you simply have to realize YOU ARE ALREADY IN LOVE... TOO LATE IDIOT. having them and MAYBE losing them is better than never having them and losing them ANYWAYYY. so in this its like. the wedding falls through, alex marries franky so hes fine, and marc gets in a HORSE RIDING ACCIDENT ! and its uh. not looking good. and marc almost DIES and vale wasnt even THERE and he didnt knowwww how vale feels. he never got to be with him :( truly life is fleeting go fuck your twink :( finds out marc is going to be okay and cries for hmm. maybe the first time in ten years? and then they get married :)

[theostrophywife]

be my baby.

if you know how to by my lover, maybe you can be my baby hold me close under the covers, kiss me boy and drive me crazy

author's note: happy valentine's my loves. in honor of this day, please have this sweet, toothache inducing fluff of our favorite bat boys. the lil cas cookie cutness is dedicated to my darling @writingsbychlo to hold her over until i finish a smuttier cassian piece 😈 song inspiration: be my baby by ariana grande

The High Lord tapped his fingers.

The Illyrian general narrowed his eyes. 

The shadowsinger crossed his arms. 

The three brothers watched one another in quiet contemplation, waiting for the others to break the silence. 

In true Cassian fashion, the male sighed and succumbed to his impatience. “So, what’s it going to be?”

Rhysand’s fingers hovered over his ornate desk, scanning the room. “It appears that we find ourselves in a conundrum, brothers.”

Azriel nodded as his shadows curled over his shoulders. “We have to make a decision soon. The day of hearts is coming up.”

“Well the solution is obvious, isn’t it?” Cassian stated. “One of us should just ask her.”

“Yes,” Rhysand agreed, “But which one?” 

“Since I’m the one who even introduced her to you two idiots in the first place, I should be the one to ask.”

The High Lord crossed his arms. “Just because you met her first doesn’t give you some sort of claim,” Rhys objected. “Besides, it’s obvious that we have the most chemistry. Did you see the way she looked at me during dinner?” 

Azriel rolled his eyes. “Everyone was looking at you, Rhys. Who wears a godsdamned cape to a restaurant? You looked like one of those bloodthirsty vampyrs from the north.”

Cassian snorted in response while Rhys glared at him. “Like you were any better, Cas! Don’t think we haven’t noticed that all of the sleeves on your tunics have suddenly disappeared. We get it, brother. You have biceps.”

The shadowsinger bit back a smile. “It was a bit exhibitionary for my taste.”

“Not all of us can be dark, brooding, mysterious pretty boys, Az.”

“Did you just call Azriel a pretty boy?” Rhys mused. 

“That’s besides the point!” said a frustrated Cassian. “Who is going to ask Y/N to be her date for the day of hearts? All three of us obviously like her so how are we going to decide?”

“Maybe we don’t have to,” Azriel mused. His brothers inched closer, eager to hear the shadowsinger’s solution. “It should obviously be her decision. Each of us will come up with our own strategy to ask her out this week. Once she chooses, then we put this rivalry to rest.”

Cassian nodded thoughtfully. “That works for me.”

Rhysand smirked, pleased by the challenge. “May the best male win, then.”

Azriel raised a brow. “I intend to.”

Rhysand was the first of his brothers to try. 

It was early in the week when he invited you for a day out in the city. Never one to turn down brunch and a shopping spree, you found yourself walking down the sunny, cobblestone streets of the Palace of Thread and Jewels. You squeezed the High Lord’s arm as you strolled side by side along the Sidra River, throwing your head back in laughter. 

“You’re absolutely vicious, Rhys,” you chastened in a teasing tone. “You almost gave our poor waitress a heart attack from all your shameless flirting.”

Violet eyes twinkled with mischief as he recalled the eventful breakfast. The two of you had indulged yourselves in pancakes, eggs, bacons, and bottomless mimosas, laughing and joking as you regaled each other with your most expensive purchases. Not unlike yourself, Rhys had a penchant for the finer things in life, often splurging on expensive silks and luxurious velvets. The most exorbitant of which was a shirt made of spider silk, which cost nearly a month’s worth of your wages. 

Still, Rhysand had nothing on you. One of your shoes had diamonds the size of a fist encased in a transparent heel and the High Lord’s eyes had widened at the damage it had inflicted upon your coffers. It was worth every penny. As the drinks flowed, the more boisterous the both of you grew. The tables around you kept casting amused glances in your direction and your waitress, a pretty little nymph, had nearly fainted as Rhys sent her an apologetic smile. 

“It’s not my fault that females find me irresistibly charming,” he retorted with a wink. 

“And unbelievably humble, too.” You retorted dryly, “Is there anything you can’t do, High Lord?”

“Pull off a cape, apparently,” Rhys exclaimed with an exaggerated sigh.

You burst into a fit of giggles. “It was an interesting choice,” you mused, earning you a fond eye roll. “But you should really run your more experimental ventures by me first, Rhysie.”

“I won’t make the mistake of not seeking out your expert fashion advice again,” his lips quirked and an easy smirk spread across his devastatingly handsome face. “Though I know you prefer me shirtless and sweaty.”

His words drew the attention of the crowd around you, making you blush. You lightly pinched the inside of Rhysand’s arm. “Silver-tongued Rhys,” you said with an incredulous shake of your head. “One of these days that wicked mouth of yours will get you into trouble.”

“Trouble is the least of what this wicked mouth can get into, darling.”

You rolled your eyes in response and tugged him into one of your favorite stores. Tease or not, you weren’t about to let Rhysand distract you from the goal of this outing. You fully intended to shop until you dropped today. Luckily, the High Lord was more than happy to oblige. 

The shopkeeper had a rack of the newest arrivals waiting for you at the back of the store. You were a frequent and loyal customer to the point that the female sequestered the largest dressing room for your use every time you dropped by. Today was no exception. Although now another rack filled with elegant suits and sleek shoes sat beside your own. 

You plopped down on the cushioned seat in the middle of the dressing room, swirling a glass of champagne in your hands. “No capes this time, Rhysie.” 

The High Lord rolled his eyes before picking out a few choice pieces and disappearing behind a thick privacy curtain. You perused through the dresses the shopkeeper had laid out for you, running your fingers through the fabric and setting aside the clothes that you were most excited to try on first. 

Caught up in the beautiful garments, the sound of the curtain being drawn back registered a beat too late. You turned, mouth gaping and hand clenching around the stem of your champagne flute at the sight before you. 

Mother save you.

Rhysand emerged from the dressing room clad in a lavender silk shirt that brought out the color of his eyes. The cut of the garment was seamless, accentuating every delicious inch of him. As was his custom, the High Lord left the first few buttons undone which granted you a generous view of his golden brown skin and the intricate tattoos swirling through his chest and shoulders.

Your mouth suddenly felt as dry as the desert. 

He cocked his head to the side, waiting on the answer to a question you couldn’t recall hearing. A devious smirk spread across his face as he crossed the room. Rhys pressed something into your hands, his fingers brushing against your palm. 

“Would you be a doll and finish me off, darling?” 

You were pretty sure that your face was as scarlet as the famous locks of the Vanserras. “W-what?” you stammered. 

Rhysand raised an amused brow. “The tie, dear.” You looked down at the slip of fabric in your hand. “I’d love it if you tied me up. You were always better at knotting than I was, if I recall correctly. A most useful skill to have.”

“Charming,” you muttered in bewilderment. 

The arrogant, attractive, delicious…stop. You took a deep breath to center yourself before approaching the smug male before you. Rhysand was grinning as you looped the tie around his neck, focusing on the intricate knots. He watched as you worked, his fingers caressing the inside of your wrist. The touch was distracting and you had to re-loop the damned tie three times before you finally got it right. 

“You’re quite good at that,” Rhysand mused. “I wonder if it translates to other uses as well.” You tightened the bow around his neck while glaring at him for making you blush so furiously. The High Lord only laughed. 

“I’d stop your teasing if I were you. I’m half tempted to cut off your circulation.”

Rhys winked. “Who says I’m not into that, darling?”

Before you could respond, he strolled through the dresses you set aside and picked out a stunning, silver number that glittered against the light. “Shopping for something special?” 

You swatted him away and grabbed the dress from his hands. “Wouldn’t you like to know?” 

Rhysand sprawled out on the velvet settee, sipping on champagne and watching you over the lip of the glass. The scrutiny of his gaze awakened a horde of traitorous little butterflies to erupt in your stomach. Flustered, you drew back the private curtain and busied yourself with putting the dress on. 

“I am curious,” Rhysand said from the other side. “The day of hearts is coming up, you know.”

As if you could ever forget. You’ve only been fretting over it for the past month. Mor was convinced that Rhysand was going to ask you to spend the holiday together and while the thought was extremely flattering, you couldn’t say yes. Not because you didn’t like Rhysand. Quite the opposite, actually. 

But you’d also grown fond of Cassian and Azriel, which only served to complicate the situation. The last thing you wanted to do was get in between the three brothers. You valued their friendships too much and it would break your heart to lose any of them. 

The safest route was to establish clear boundaries. You were friends. Just friends—even if a part of you craved more. 

You slipped on the dress and straightened, reminding yourself of the same motto you’ve been drilling into your mind over and over again for the last thirty days. Just friends. 

Rhysand’s head darted up as you exited. Your heart dropped as soon as your eyes met. The way he was looking at you…that wasn’t how friends looked at one another. 

You wrung your hands together, turning your back on him and surveying yourself in the mirror. Attempting to busy yourself, you absentmindedly tugged at the zipper of the dress. It snagged halfway up your spine. 

“Here,” Rhysand said softly. “Let me.”

The room fell silent as he stepped behind you. His reflection was one of hesitance, but he gingerly swept your hair over your shoulder and gently pulled the zipper up. Your breathing was shallow as he worked, the back of his knuckles brushing against your skin as your eyes met in the mirror. 

“You’re stunning,” he breathed, twirling you around. The dress flared around your ankles like soft dusk and the diamonds embedded into the fabric glittered like stars as you swayed across the plush carpet. 

Rhysand smiled. A bright, genuine smile that caught you completely off guard. 

Beautiful. 

Rhys was so beautiful. 

“Have you gone into shock, love?” he asked with a low chuckle. You blinked, unable to speak. The High Lord tucked a stray strand of hair behind your pointed ear, his thumb caressing the juncture between your neck and shoulder. “No one would blame you if you did. I am quite irresistible.”

You snorted, swatting his hand away. “Careful, Rhys. If your ego grows any bigger, you won’t be able to fit that fancy little crown of yours.”

“Then take me down a notch,” he said smoothly, sliding his hands inside those perfectly fitted trousers. “Be my Valentine and spend the day of hearts with me, love.”

Eyes widening, you stilled as panic seized you from within. You wanted to say yes—so, so badly, but you couldn’t. You wouldn’t. It would be utterly selfish considering how you felt about Cassian and Azriel.

Plastering on a half-smirk, you turned towards Rhysand and cocked your head. Boundaries. You had to draw boundaries. “As enticing as that would be,” you said softly, “I already have plans for that day.”

If Rhysand was disappointed, he didn’t let it show. Instead he gave you a sly, easy smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. 

“Oh? Anyone that I know?” His tone was casual, but you could hear the curiosity that he was trying to reel in.

“No.” 

It wasn’t a complete lie. You planned on spending the day cooped up in your flat while reading one of the steamy romance novels that Nesta had lent you and Rhysand technically didn’t know the brooding silver-haired elf prince on the cover. 

“Well, whoever it is,” Rhysand drawled, his gaze meeting yours in the mirror, “I hope he knows that he’s a very lucky male.”

The afternoon passed quickly after that with you and Rhysand indulging in more shopping and champagne. With your pockets lighter and your head swimming, the two of you strolled side by side along the Sidra River as you walked home. Like a true gentleman, your friend insisted on carrying your shopping bags for you though the starlight dress wasn’t among your many purchases. Mostly because you couldn’t get that look on Rhysand’s face off your mind and you realized that you didn’t want to wear it if you didn’t get to see the twinkle in those violet eyes of his as you twirled. 

The High Lord bid you goodbye and kissed your cheek. Before he winnowed from your quiet street, Rhys handed you your bags and departed with a wink. 

You didn’t think much of it until you were putting away your purchases. Tucked underneath the skirts and corsets that you’d splurged on was the starlight dress. It was neatly folded and tied with a lavender ribbon. A note with familiar handwriting snagged your attention and you bit back a smile as you slowly unraveled it. 

It would have been a shame to leave this at the store. Promise to wear it out even if I’m not there to witness it. A beautiful dress like this deserved to be worn by an equally beautiful female. Go outshine the stars, darling. 

Yours, 

Rhys

The smile that spread across your face remained even as you turned in for the night.

Cassian’s plan was foolproof. 

The Illyrian general approached the task of asking you to be his Valentine with a well-thought out strategy, considering the pros and cons of each idea with the perspective of a battle hardened warrior. In the end, he settled for a simple yet effective plan. 

“You do know that the goal is to actually bake the cookies, right?” you stated, batting Cassian’s hand away from the bowl of cookie dough. 

Your flat was filled with the sweet smell of chocolate as you whisked the mixture in your hands. For all his preaching about maintaining a balanced diet, Cassian had devoured nearly half the bowl of cookie dough and you hadn’t even decorated the first batch. 

He snatched the mixture from you and stirred faster, his strong arms flexing with each movement. “Says the female who devoured half a cup of chocolate chips when she thought I wasn’t looking.”

You gasped, feigning an affronted expression. “Didn’t anyone ever tell you that it’s rude to shame a female for her eating habits? Someone should really teach you some manners, Cas.”

Cassian smirked. “I’d like to see you try, sweetheart.”

Rolling your eyes, you snatched the bowl back and hip checked the Illyrian general as you rolled out the dough. Cassian fell into place beside you, watching intently while you worked. Despite his sweet tooth, he managed to stay on task and follow your instructions. It was highly amusing to watch the large, heavily muscled warrior squint in concentration as he rolled the dough between his rough, calloused hands. 

You couldn’t help the smile that spread across your face as Cassian’s brows furrowed in concentration. The two of you had always shared a love of cooking, having met at a master class in the city. The instructor had assigned you as partners and by the end of the night, you and Cassian managed to prepare a six course meal and strike up an instant friendship. 

You’ve been crushing on him since then. 

There was something endearing about his gentle manner, the softness that came out when he was doing what he loved. It was the complete opposite of what you’d expect from a battle hardened warrior, but it made perfect sense at the same time. You watched with a fond smile as Cassian leaned over the counter, his wings pressed tightly across his back, a pastel pink apron tied around his midsection, his shoulder length hair haphazardly thrown into a half bun with a few strands framing his ruggedly handsome face. Rich, hazel eyes were laser focused on icing the cookie in front of him. 

You hadn’t realized how intently you’d been staring until Cassian looked up at you. He lifted a brow, the slit in the middle rising as he shot you a smirk. “See something you like, sweetheart?”

You stuck your tongue out, making Cassian chuckle. “Actually, I was critiquing your piping methods. It looks a little sloppy if you ask me.”

“No one’s ever complained about my piping before,” he said with a suggestive tone, “But you’re free to correct my form if you’d like.”

Heat crept up your cheeks, but you weren’t about to back down now. Not with the challenge dancing in Cassian’s molten gaze. “Let the professional show you how it’s done, Cas.”

Before you could think better of it, you grabbed his wrist. You tried not to gape at the obvious disparity of your hands, the way your fingers barely covered his palm, the roughness of his skin against your own, the warmth of his touch as you directed the piping bag over the surface of the cookie. 

With shaking hands, you drew a sprawling shape with the red frosting and Cassian chuckled behind you as he beheld your creation. “Wonder what that could be,” he mused. 

The rendering was a little off, but that was to be expected thanks to Cassian’s effect on you. Under the conditions, you thought you’d done a rather great job at imitating those giant wings of his. 

“Looks awfully accurate,” he continued. “Been thinking about my wings quite a bit, have you?” 

“It’s kind of difficult not to when they literally take up half the room.”

“I’ve been told they’re bigger than average.”

Fire snaked across your belly. “But not the biggest, right?” you said with a smirk. “I believe that honor belongs to Azriel.”

Cassian scoffed. “My brother has yet to prove that claim. Az refuses to measure.”

You giggled as your friend took the bait. “He doesn’t have to,” you said with an innocent smile. “Az just has big wing energy, you know?” 

“Big wing energy?” Cassian repeated. His confusion made you burst into uncontrollable laughter. He rolled his eyes once he realized that you’d been toying with him. “You’re devious, you know that?” 

“Perfectly aware, thank you very much.” 

The Illyrian general chuckled to himself as you returned to your own pile of cookies. Pink, red, and white frosting were spread out across the marble countertop and the two of you worked in silence, wrists flicking in the air as you drew hearts, arrows, and other decorations befitting the upcoming holiday. 

“Do you remember when Varian asked us to teach him how to bake a cake for Amren last year?” you asked, adding frills to your sugar cookie. 

Cassian snorted at the memory. The Prince of Adriata was good at a lot of things, but baking was not one of them. With Amren’s newfound ability to actually consume food, he wanted to gift her with something of his own making. Though he did purchase a diamond the size of Cassian’s fist in case the cake went horribly wrong, which it did. 

It would’ve been fine had Varian not insisted on making the entire thing by himself while the two of you watched. You had suggested something easy like a plain vanilla cake with strawberry filling, but the Prince was dead set on a molten chocolate lava cake, which was considered a generally advanced bake. 

In the end, the desert that he had presented to Amren looked more like a heap of ash than anything remotely edible. Cassian had to give it to the Tiny Ancient One, though. She limited her grimace to two side eyes directed at the both of you before fixing her expression into a reluctant smile. You nearly wet yourself from laughing so hard. 

“I honestly thought we were done for,” Cassian remarked. “Amren looked like she wanted to stick us in the oven after that first bite.”

“It’s not our fault!” you exclaimed, “Varian was adamant about doing everything by himself.”

“This is why the nobility have private chefs and cooks. They’re all helpless when it comes to cooking. No offense, duchess,” he added with a smirk. 

You scrunched your nose up in distaste. While the noble title had technically passed to you upon your parent’s passing, you rarely used it outside of your emissary duties. “You know I hate it when you call me that.”

“Not as much as Amren hated eating that cake,” he responded dryly. 

The two of you doubled over in laughter. Wiping your tears away, you chuckled softly. “Love makes you do strange things, I suppose. Either way, it was a day of hearts that Amren will never forget.”

“Speaking of which,” Cassian said, training his voice into a casual tone, “The big day is coming up. Do you have any plans?” 

He kept his eyes on his own cookie, the writing almost finished as he placed one final loop over the question. Cassian angled it towards you, the culmination of his plan coming to fruition. This was it. The big moment. The final play. 

“I—um, well I—” 

That was not a good sign. Cassian perked up at the hesitation in your voice. In all the time that he’s known you, you’ve never faltered. You were sure, decisive. It was one of the many qualities that he found incredibly sexy about you. 

But now you looked like a deer caught in faelights.

Retreat. Fall back. Abort mission.

“Well, I’ve actually already got plans,” you declared in a rushed whisper. 

His heart clenched in his chest. Of course. Of course he’d been too late. One of his brothers probably already asked and you’d said yes, which would explain why you looked so uncomfortable. 

Cassian’s eyes widened as your gaze landed on him. He immediately looked down at the cookie and the silly question he’d carefully frosted over its surface. 

Be my Valentine? 

The pink and red cursive of his own handwriting mocked him. Cassian had to get rid of it. Now.

You stepped closer to him and any second you might look down and see his pathetic little question. Cassian only had one choice to make. 

The Illyrian general stuffed the whole cookie into his mouth.

You stopped in your tracks, eyes widening at your friend’s sudden outburst. “Cas?” you asked incredulously. “What the hell are you doing? You’re gonna choke on the damned thing!”

Cassian coughed, wincing as fragments of the cookie scratched the back of his throat. Still, the embarrassment he felt in this moment paled in comparison to what he would’ve felt if you’d seen the writing. 

He smiled sheepishly. “I was hungry,” he said, swallowing the last bits of his botched plan. 

You furrowed your brows in concern before Cassian wiped his hands on the front of his apron. He grinned, elbowing your side. “So, you’ve got plans, do you?” he said even though pain lanced through his chest at the words. “Whatever you do, don’t bake him a molten lava cake.”

The two of you broke out into another conspiratory grin before you looked down at the cookie before you, angling it away from your friend. The wings you drew earlier flared out with the help of your magic and as they fluttered, you flicked your wrist to wipe away the doodles that you added. 

Tiny pink and white hearts that matched the striped apron Cassian was wearing. 

Unlike his brothers, Azriel didn’t see the need to resort to gimmicks. 

The shadowsinger had always been meticulous about every goal he set his sights on and asking you to be his Valentine wasn’t any different. His best chance would be during your weekly meetup in the city and he was fully prepared to execute his strategic ten step system until he’d walked through the coffee shop to find you seated at your usual table. 

Then you looked up at him and smiled and he forgot all about the damned system and nearly tripped on his feet trying to get to you. Before he knew it, a half hour had passed and he still hadn’t built up the courage to ask you the pressing question, but instead rambled about the mystery novel he’d just finished reading. 

Not that you minded one bit. 

One of the things you adored most about Azriel was your shared love of reading. 

While the shadowsinger was by nature a silent male, he came alive when you talked about books. You loved listening to him talk passionately about a new novel he’d discovered, watching as those brilliant hazel eyes glowed golden, his shadows darting excitedly around his shoulders as though they too, found the change in his reserved behavior entirely enchanting. 

That was the Azriel that greeted you in the cozy alcove of your favorite coffee shop, his beautiful face animated, his hands gesticulating as he explained the plot twist of his newest read, his normally cool, dark voice filled with warmth and excitement. Your friend was a brand new male and you were grateful to be able to witness such a breathtaking sight. 

Azriel cocked his head, a smile toying at his lips. “Why are you looking at me like that?” 

You shook your head, forcing yourself out of reverie. “Nothing, you’re just cute when you’re passionate.”

The shadowsinger narrowed his eyes. “Cute? I’m the High Lord’s Spymaster. I can rip a male’s spine out without blinking.” He crossed his arms, clearly affronted. “I am not cute.”

“Yes, yes, you can be quite terrifying, shadowsinger.” He pouted as you reached across the table and tapped his nose. “It doesn’t change the fact that you’re absolutely adorable when you get excited like this, Az.”

The Illyrian male playfully flicked your wrist. “You’re lucky I like you, angel. No one else would dare to speak to me like this.”

You rolled your eyes, snorting. “Just drink your damned hot chocolate before I hex your nose off.”

Azriel stuck his tongue out, but did indeed take a sip of his hot drink. It was a little known fact that the shadowsinger had a vicious sweet tooth, which was yet another similarity that you bonded over. You’d won him over by inviting him to Deja Brew, a little hole in the wall coffee shop tucked into a quiet street at the Palace of Hoof and Leaf. 

The shop was quaint and homey, part coffee shop, part bookstore, complete with the most delicious hazelnut latte you’ve ever tasted and a collection of books that rivaled your own shelves. By far its best feature was its privacy. Within its walls, you never had to worry about being viewed as the shadowsinger or the emissary. You were simply two friends eating, reading, and laughing without worrying about garnering unwanted attention. No one even looked at you twice in here. 

And the silence—comfortable, glorious, silence enveloped you like a warm hug. 

You basked in it and you knew Azriel did too. As much as you loved your friends, the two of you were introverts at heart. Sometimes all you wanted to do was sit in a quiet room and read until the sun disappeared over the horizon. Thus, Deja Brew became a sacred haven for you and the shadowsinger. 

Once a week, you had a recurring date to simply sit in silence and read. Most days, you barely spoke a word to one another aside from the initial greeting. It didn’t matter who arrived first. Your designated spot underneath a hidden alcove towards the back of the shop was supplied with the usual. For you, a hazelnut latte and an almond croissant. For Azriel, a hot chocolate and a cinnamon roll the size of your head. 

The elder dryad who owned Deja Brew brought another refill of your drink, her kind eyes appraising you as she set the latte down. “Thank you, Esme,” you said with a smile. 

Esme grinned back. “Anything for my two favorite customers.” She set a heart shaped danish between you and Azriel, a knowing look on her face. 

“I don’t think we ordered this,” Azriel murmured. 

“It’s on the house, dear.” Her eyes flickered over his face as a deep flush turned the tips of his ears pink. “In celebration of the day of hearts. I’m experimenting with some of my recipes. If you two don’t already have plans, you should stop by during the holiday and try some of the other pastries I have in store.”

It was your turn to blush. “That’s quite sweet of you, Esme. We’ll keep that in mind.”

As the dryad winked and disappeared beyond the alcove, silence settled between you and the shadowsinger. A different type of silence. A tense, adrenaline inducing silence that made your body crackle with electricity. Hazel eyes darted towards your direction and suddenly, your mouth felt as dry as hay. 

Azriel gave you a lopsided grin, shrugging his shoulders in such an endearing way that you were almost tempted to close the gap between you and kiss him right then and there. But you didn’t. 

Instead, you reigned those feelings in and focused on your book instead. Except you couldn’t focus on a single word. Not with the way Azriel was looking at you from across the table. 

Hiding behind the safety of your book, you allowed yourself to sneak a glance at the shadowsinger. Azriel’s cheeks were a lovely rosy color, warm from the heat of the crackling hearth, its hazy red glow kissing the elegant planes of his face. His scarred hands, as beautiful as the rest of him, toyed with the spine of his book as the bright emerald green and soft earth of his irises swirled to combine into the most stunning color. The golden flecks in his eyes gleamed brighter as his shadows swirled around his wings. 

They were moving about excitedly. One curled around his ear to whisper something. Azriel’s head snapped up, smiling as he found you openly staring at him. 

It was one of those rare Azriel smiles. A smile that had taken you months and months to coax out of him. The force of it would have knocked you off your feet if you had been standing. 

“I love it when you look at me like that,” Azriel said quietly. His voice was barely a hoarse whisper, but the words reached the depths of your soul nonetheless. 

“How do I look at you?” you asked, curious. 

The shadowsinger held your gaze. “Like you see me. All of me.” Something unreadable flickered in his expression. “And you’re not afraid of what stares back.”

You grinned, feeling your chest tighten with emotion. “I could never be afraid of you, Az. When I look at you, I think about books and cinnamon rolls and comfortable silence. I think about our secret little spot, away from the crowds, away from the noise. It makes me feel…safe.” 

So much for containing your emotions. The revelation settled between you, but you didn’t regret saying them. Azriel deserved to know. He needed to know what this friendship meant to you. 

The shadowsinger’s expression softened. He stared at you, weighing his words. “And should I expect to see you in our secret spot for the day of hearts?” 

Your heart fluttered at the question, but you quickly tampered it down. First Rhys, then Cas and now Azriel. Every rejection felt bitter in your mouth, but you had no choice. You were not going to let your selfish desire ruin the wonderful relationship you had with each male. 

“I’m afraid I’ll have to miss out on Esme’s new creations,” you said with a small smile. “As I’ll be indisposed during the holiday.”

Azriel’s expression revealed nothing, just mild curiosity. He smiled back, but it wasn’t like before. It was guarded, masked. Hiding layers of emotion that you couldn’t decipher. 

“Very well, then.” Azriel stated in a cool, even voice. It might’ve made your stomach twist into knots had he not followed it up with a sly grin. “That leaves more sweets for me.”

Grateful to settle back into the comfortable silence, you spent the rest of the night reading. At least, you attempted to. You weren’t sure you retained any of the plot of the novel in your hands as you and Azriel walked through the empty streets of the quiet market square. While you usually would’ve winnowed while Azriel flew back to the House of Wind, neither of you seemed keen to end the night quite yet. 

It was only when your flat building came into view when Azriel bid you goodnight. You stood on your tiptoes and kissed his cheek, thanking him for—well, everything. For being him. 

He descended down the stairs leading up to your front door, turning back at the last step. With his wings spread across his back, he looked at you over his shoulder.

“Y/N?” 

“Yes, Az?” 

Azriel pinned you with his gaze. “You make me feel safe, too.”

With that, he shot into the skies, flying across the city of starlight and taking your heart with him.

On the day of hearts, the three brothers gathered. 

Azriel, Cassian, and Rhys agreed not to reveal your choice until the morning of the holiday. The Illyrian warriors gathered at Rhysand’s office in the House of Wind, surveying each other with quiet contemplation. 

This was the moment of truth. 

“So?” Cassian prompted, “Which one of you did she say yes to?”

“Not me,” Rhysand said, his violet eyes shifting to the shadowsinger. 

“It isn’t me, either.” Azriel declared. 

A brief silence settled through the office. Cassian paced, his expression twisting into confusion. “If it’s not any of us, then who is it?”

“Maybe someone from the Day Court?” Rhysand theorized, “She was helping Helion out with his nobles during her last mission.”

“It can’t be,” Azriel said. “My spies would’ve reported any activity, friendly or otherwise, with the nobility.”

“Maybe it’s someone from Velaris, then.” Cassian interjected. 

“Do you think she’s meeting up with him in the city?”

Rhysand tapped his fingers against his chin, a devious glimmer in his eyes. “There’s only one way to find out, brothers.”

“What?” Cas sputtered, “You mean spy on her?”

“We can’t do that,” Azriel argued. 

“Why not? You’re the Spymaster, Az. It’s literally your job.”

The shadowsinger rolled his eyes at the High Lord. “I said we can’t, not that I can’t. You two are about as stealthy as two bulls in a china shop. I’ll scope out the situation and report back with my findings.”

Cassian snorted. “There’s no chance in hell that we’re staying back while you spy on Y/N. We want to come, too.” He cocked his head to Rhysand, who nodded in confirmation.

Azriel sighed in resignation. There was no use in arguing. His brothers would make a right mess of things if they attempted this on their own. 

That was what the shadowsinger repeated to himself as the three of them staked out your flat from the rooftop across the street. Just a glimpse, Azriel thought. A glimpse of the male so he could go home and research every single fact about the poor bastard while sharpening his beloved dagger. 

Rhysand and Cassian seemed to hold the same sentiment as they leaned over the railing, surveilling the empty street below. One misstep and his brothers would be hurtling towards the cobblestone steps. Azriel rolled his eyes. 

“Cas, if you lean any further you’ll tip over,” Azriel said, pinching the bridge of his nose. “And Rhys, stop pacing back and forth. You’re giving me a headache.”

“Wait!” Rhysand declared rather loudly. Clearly, the High Lord was not at all used to fading into the shadows. “There he is. Walking up to her door, right now.”

The three Illyrians hunched over, watching as you opened the door. You greeted the male with a bright, cheery smile. He seemed to be carrying a present of sorts. You gladly took it and Azriel waited for you to invite the male inside, but instead you placed a gold coin into his hand and bid him goodbye. 

The shadowsinger moved, watching as you plopped down on the couch and tore open the box. He clenched his fist, only to release it a few moments later when you produced an array of food. Azriel recognized the logo of your favorite restaurant written on the takeout boxes. 

“Is she…eating?” Cassian asked in confusion. 

Rhys blinked. “This doesn’t make any sense. She said she had plans.”

You curled up on the couch, an egg roll in one hand and a romance novel in the other. 

“Maybe she’s waiting for her date?” his brother said, scratching the back of his head. “Maybe he didn’t show?” 

Azriel snorted. “If a male stood her up, do you really think Y/N wouldn’t be on her way to tear him to shreds rather than laying on the couch?”

Rhys chuckled. “Az is right.” He tapped his chin, “Besides, she never actually said she had plans with a male. We all just assumed. There must be another reason why she turned us all down.”

Cassian crossed his arms. “Well I’ve had enough of sneaking around. I say we go in there and ask her ourselves.”

“What?” Azriel asked incredulously, “You mean to march in there and demand answers from her? She’ll hex the three of us into the next century.”

Rhys grimaced. “You may be right brother, but at least we’ll know.”

“This is a terrible, horrible, idiotic idea.” Azriel grumbled his disapproval under his breath, but followed his brothers across the street.

He came to a stop behind Rhysand, who was watching Cassian knock on the door with a wary expression. A few moments later, you came to the door and gaped at the three males gathered outside of your flat. 

“For the record, I tried to stop them.” Azriel announced in greeting. 

Your gaze flickered from Cassian to Rhys to Azriel before you sighed in resignation as though you were expecting to face this exact situation. “Come in, boys.”

The three Illyrian warriors followed you into the cozy flat, settling into your couch. Rhysand crossed one ankle over his knee, Cassian sprawled his long legs in front of him, while Azriel leaned against the cushions, watching you. 

“So,” you started warily, “I assume you’re all here for a reason.”

“We…were just stopping by,“ Cassian started. “Scoping out the mysterious plans you had for the day.”

You raised a brow. “By that, you mean you were all spying on me from the roof.”

Azriel groaned. He knew his brothers would give them away.

“We weren’t spying, darling.” Rhys said, cowering a bit when you glared at him. “We were simply satiating our curiosity.”

“I’ll satiate more than that if you don’t wipe that damn smirk off your mouth, Rhys.”

Cassian snorted. You turned on him with narrowed eyes. “Don’t even get me started on you, Cas.” 

“And you,” you said, settling over Azriel’s calm expression. “I expected more from you, Az.”

He sighed. “Trust me, I have no idea how I got roped into this either.” Azriel offered you an apologetic smile. “Despite our questionable methods, we really just wanted to make sure that whatever lucky male you decided to spend the holiday with was respectful.”

“Imagine our surprise when you decided to ditch us for egg rolls and an elf prince,” Rhysand teased, nodding to the romance novel on the table. 

You rolled your eyes. “At least elf princes don’t spy on me.” Pacing the living room, you pinned the High Lord with a withering glare. “Give me one good reason not to transform you into a slug.”

Cassian chuckled. “You wouldn’t dare. You like looking at our pretty faces too much.”

At that, you cracked a smile. “Idiot,” you said fondly, smacking Cassian’s knee. “You’re lucky that I have a soft spot for foolish Illyrian warriors.”

“Speaking of that,” Rhys said, segueing into the reason why they gathered here in the first place. “Why did you reject all of our offers? Though I was banking on myself as your favorite, I thought you’d at least choose Cas or Az once you turned down being my Valentine.”

You sighed. “It’s…complicated.” 

“Try us, angel.” Azriel said softly. 

“I said no because I wanted to say yes.” The three brothers exchanged a confused look, but waited for your explanation. “I wanted to say yes to all of you. Because I like all of you, but obviously I could only pick one and…I can’t. You all mean so much to me, in different, unique ways and I couldn’t bring myself to choose.”

Rhysand stared at Cassian and Azriel, seemingly conveying a mind to mind message. Cassian grinned while Azriel nodded in confirmation. 

“Who said you had to choose?” Rhys said with a wicked smirk. 

“W—what?”

“We all like you, too.” Cassian provided, “And we all want to make you happy. Nothing should stand in the way of that.”

“I don’t understand.”

Azriel grabbed your hand and caressed your knuckles with his thumb. “What Rhys and Cas are saying is that we’re more than open to explore between the four of us.” A mischievous smirk slid across that handsome face. “Besides, we’re all quite good at sharing, aren’t we?” 

Rhys and Cassian grinned. The Illyrian general pulled your other hand while the High Lord twined his arms around your waist, enticing you in. 

“What do you say, darling?” Rhys asked, his violet eyes flashing with desire. “My brothers and I are all on board with the idea, but the choice is up to you.”

Cassian nodded, tracing soothing circles on your palm. “Think about it, sweetheart. This way, you can have your cake and eat it too.”

You shivered as his words snaked down your spine. “How would this even work?” 

Azriel chuckled, his gaze settling on Rhys. “Like this.” 

You watched in suspense as the shadowsinger leaned in and pressed a hungry kiss against Rhysand’s lips. The High Lord responded with equal fervor, twining one hand through Azriel’s hair while the other gripped your right hip. 

Not one to be left out, Cassian winked at you before palming Rhys through his expensive trousers. He twisted and kissed Cassian’s neck, eliciting a low growl from the Illyrian general. 

Azriel chuckled as you bit your lip. “What do you say, angel?” 

Rhys pulled you between his legs. “Make us the happiest males and be our Valentine, darling.”

Cassian brushed your cheek with his thumb. “Put us out of our misery, sweetheart.” 

“Yes,” you breathed. “Yes, I’d like to be your Valentine.” 

The three males smiled at you, but it was Azriel who tugged you into his lap and tilted your head back to give you a proper view of Cassian and Rhys as they continued kissing.

"I think you'll find that all three of us are more than generous Valentines."

A shiver went down your spine and you laid back as Azriel, Cassian, and Rhys pounced.

taglist: @viradeity @moony-thoughts @i-opened-the-chamber-of-secrets @demirunner @swansworth @heart-defendor @momlo @mali22 @roselensage @searchingford@nessianxgwynriel@azriels-angels@brekkershadowsinger@morelovemorepeacemoretattoo-blog @mattte-black @marina468 @lillithathecathecat @highladyofillyria

[cheeseceli]

Cheeseceli 1K Event

𝅗𝅥 ── Celi's Playlist ── 𝅗𝅥

1. As you can read below, there are some lyrics that will be used as prompts.

2. When requesting, please tell me the prompt you chose + the idol of your choice (I will be writing for all members of Stray Kids, Tomorrow X Together, BTS and Ateez)

3. You can also tell me which format you would like more (headcanons or drabble) and which genre (fluff, angst or hurt/comfort). If you don't, I'll choose it myself!

4. Each prompt can be only used once. So after someone sends the request in, I will be scratching it from the list

5. Have fun <3

01 ── "cause my baby's sweet as can be, she gives me toothache just from kissing me" - Hyunjin

02 ── "aren't you the sweetest thing on this side of hell?" - Hueningkai

03 ── "you're my escape from reality, you know what you mean to me" - Felix

04 ── "if you hold me without hurting me you'll be the first who ever did" - San

05 ── "i like shiny things but I'd marry you with paper rings" - Jongho

06 ── "it's the way you wear your emotions on both your sleeves to the face you make when I tell you I have to leave" - Lee Know

07 ── "there used to be nights where you were a little bit drunk, baby. The stories I heard for the first time, I liked to see you being honest" - Changbin

08 ── "let me stay by your side cause it's good enough for me" - Jin

09 ── "but friends don't say words that make friends feel like more than friends, so let's just put the 'end' in 'friends'" - Lee Know

10 ── "I look up from my phone and think there's no way it's you, but it is"

11 ── "This life is crazy, but it led me to you. If you call on me forever I will come" Yeosang

12 ── "she's a lady, and I'm just a boy" - Mingi

13 ── "yesterday it finally came, a sunny afternoon. I was on my way to buy flowers for you" - Jeongin

14 ── "The only thing that is harder than sleeping alone is sleeping with your ghost" - Yoongi

15 ── "I could have that voice playing on repeat for a week and in this packed out room, I swear she was singing to me" - Jimin

16 ── "Although our steps might not match each other I want to walk this road with you" - Jin

17 ── "I lost her in the crowd. It's unfair, she's out there somewhere. I wonder if we'll ever meet again" - Beomgyu

18 ── "everything could be everything if only we were older" - I.N

19 ── "And I found love where it wasn't supposed to be: right in front of me" - Lee Know

20 ── "if you're looking for stable that'll never be me, but I hope that I'm able to be all that you need. If you think I'm someone to give up and leave, that'll never be me" - Wooyoung

21 ── "So baby, if you think you can handle me please handle me carefully" - Bang Chan

22 ── "Even ten years from now, if you haven't found somebody I promise I'll be around. Tell me when you're ready. I'm waiting" - Bang Chan

23 ── "Brand new apartment, we sat on the floor. You're all that I wanted, never been so sure" - Taehyun

24 ── "I loved you for three summers now, honey, but I want them all" - Lee Know

25 ── "A house made of cards and stupidly us inside. Even if you say it's a useless dream, just stay a little more like this" - Hongjoong

26 ── "I don't want to want you, but in my dreams I seem to be more honest. And I must admit, you've been in quite a few" - Hyunjin

27 ── "you know I talk too much. Honey come put your lips on mine and shut me up" - Soobin

28 ── "I swear to God when I come home I'll hold you so close, I'll never let go" - Hyunjin

29 ── "I had all then most of you, some and now none of you. Take me back to the night we met" - Hyunjin

30 ── "you tell me that you'd rather fight than spend a single peaceful night with somebody else" - Yeonjun

Thank you all once again🤍

Taglist open !

Dividers by @saradika-graphics and images by @tyunlouv

[heartfullofleeches]

Okay okay, i know she's a bully, a meanie and whatever. But can i request a girly sleepover with peach? Like doing our makeup, paint our nails and look pretty?

"Hey, Y/n - wanna have a sleepover this weekend?..." Peach nonchalantly shoves a stick of gum in your mouth before you can speak. "Great! Come over around nine on Friday. You don't have to worry about bringing anything besides your cute self and maybe snacks since you'll be here a while."

And that's how your weekend began - tossed at the mercy of preppy hybrid without preparation or a say in the whole ordeal. You arrive an hour earlier than she told you to on whim of the vague hints she left in her text messages leading up to the day. Peach has the nerve to act surprised seeing you there a whole sixty minutes earlier than planned, pulling her fluffy cream robe over her chest and flashing a flushed smile as she leans against the doorframe to let you in - batting her long lashes behind the bangs shielding her eyes.

"Y/n, oh my gosh, what a surprise! I didn't expect to see you for another hour I look hideous... but since you're here and everything else is already set up come on in."

Peach hooks her manicured nails in the meat of your arm and drags you inside her home. The whole house smells like someone burnt down an orchard centering from the candles lit up around her room. When Peach said you didn't need anything, she meant it. A foldable bed couch had been arranged beside hers, adorned with flower petals, a travel bag full of soaps and scrubs, and pajamas in your exact size.

Peach goes through your bag for the snacks you brought and a few other things then tosses what's left in her closet. While you're checking out the items and the extras you find under the bed, Peach grows bored of hiding away the things from your luggage she wanted to keep extra safe and stalks up behind you. Her blondish mane falling over your shoulders the only sign of her approach, Peach plucks you off the ground with one arm before you're fully aware and places you up on her bed.

She's surprisingly delicate as she pokes at your face and body like your some experiment in a lab, removing any accessories you were wearing and rolling up the sleeves of your pants. As she starts massaging the balls of your knuckles you feel it's safe to ask what she's up to.

"So... What are the plans for tonight?"

"Not too much. After I give you a bath and rinse out your hair, I want to get started on your nails while the cream I put in it dries. Spice gave me this new cuticle spray for my birthday that I think will be good for your nails too. While I'm doing your makeup, we can put on a movie in the background. You're absolutely adorable as is, but I want to see how your eyes will look with a little more flare, y'know? It's crazy how pretty you are naturally. I'd be super jealous and probably shove you in a busy street due to blind rage... if you weren't all mine~"

[misc-obeyme]

SLEEPOVER SLEEPOVER SLEEPOVER

On the way up to Mammon's apartment, he's definitely complaining he won't be able to sleep. "N-Not because I'm scared or anything from the movie! It's just ... T-The plot twist was so crazy, I-I'm gonna think about it all night!" Poor Mammon.

okay Mammon's apartment is above the coffee shop. I'm thinking it's a maybe two rooms and one bathroom. But one is his bedroom and the other he uses as his office/storage, so Solomon and I will have to sleep on the pullout couch. Solomon does offer to take a sleeping bag if I'm not okay with sharing, and I stubbornly reject his proposal. That wouldn't be fair.

But it'd be cute if we all got changed into our pajamas and got ready for bed together (Solomon in a long sleeve shirt and plaid pants gotta save the tattoos as a surprise, Mammon in a tank top and sweats, me in a comfy shirt and shorts.) I gotta admit, I am dying slightly getting to see Mammon in a tank top, but am doing my best to hold it together. Solomon on the other hand is mostly unaffected. There is the tiniest hint of a blush on his face though.

But everyone getting ready for bed in the bathroom together would be so domestic akdjd. Asmo has definitely roped Mammon and Solomon into having skincare routines, so they're squinting at each other when they notice similar products. Meanwhile I've finished brushing my teeth and take my hair out of it's ponytail, which has the two of them looking at me like I've grown a third head because they've never seen me with my hair all the way down.

Mammon gets everything set up, pillows, blankets, everything, and tells us to wake him up if we need anything before he heads to his room. Now I get to share the couch with Solomon, but I'm definitely curled up on the edge and trying to take as little space as possible to not bother him. It takes what feels like forever for me to fall asleep. But the horror movie is still fresh in my mind. It was all I could think about before sleeping, and I have trouble sleeping in new places as well.

I'm woken up by Solomon shaking me and startled as hell when they're both leaning over me, before I remember where I am. Solomon says I was tossing and turning, and sounded upset. And he had knocked over something trying to turn on the light, which in turn woke up Mammon. Though, by the looks of it, Mammon hadn't even went to sleep in the first place. I sheepishly apologize to both of them, trying to tell them they don't need to worry.

Solomon is having none of it, and he definitely picks up on how rough Mammon looks. Once again, he is the one to initiate things. He scoots over on the couch, before beckoning Mammon over. Mammon scoffs and denies that he needs any comfort and that the futon will be too small. Solomon pats the space next to him again, but with a stern smile, and Mammon is quick to comply. "I meant it when I said I'd protect you both."

Mammon is grumbling but he doesn't fight when Solomon pulls him against his chest so he can lay his head down, he's just blushing hard.

As always, I'm more hesitant to be vulnerable because I'm not used to this, even when the cuddles look so tempting. But Solomon is a sly mf. He reaches out to run his fingers through my hair, making me jump at first before relaxing. He scratches at my scalp, sneakily guiding me down to also curl up against him. And it's hard to be scared or nervous when I'm feeling so cared for. I can hear Sol's heartbeat like this, and despite him taking the initiative and appearing calm, his heart is racing as fast as mine, probably as fast as Mammon's too- Oh wait, he's snoring quietly. It didn't take long for him to pass out. We both share a glance and snicker at the adorable sight.

My own eyes feel heavy, and Sol's hands are moving slower and slower. I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding, draping my arm across his waist as I press my face against him. There's no more nightmares for anyone that night. Only the best sleep anyone's ever had.

So good that Mammon sleeps through his first alarm, and tries to ignore his second one. He groans and sinks deeper into the warmth, only to be startled by someone chuckling. Solomon, who is tracing patterns on Mammon's bicep, and is groggy af but had been woken by the persistent alarm (he is not a morning person). Meanwhile, I'm out like a light.

Mammon gets embarrassed when he recalls everything that happened last night, but he's never felt so well rested, even on only a couple hours of sleep. He disentangles himself reluctantly, only because he needs to get ready for work and actually get up if he wants the alarm to stop blasting. It wouldn't be fair to make the other two suffer. He quiets any half asleep protests, pulling the blanket over Solomon and I before he gets ready for the day as quietly as possible and heads downstairs to begin baking. He's definitely running behind.

'Come down when you two wake up. I'll have fresh coffees and pastries, so don't keep me waiting, yeah?' - Sticky note left on Sol's forehead, with a heart scrawled out and the smiley Mammon always uses next to it instead.

AKSJD THIS GOT LONG AGAIN WAHH. Horror devilgrams and the bed sharing that ensues lives rent free in my mind. The way both Mammon AND MC had nightmares about the other being the bad guy after watching the scissor movie. Rip them.

Solomon is always in the middle, living his best life !! I'm sure they'll take turns being in the middle once they actually get together, but they always end up a mess of limbs by morning. Y'know, whenever they get together. Omg. Is this a slow burn ?? Oops. They're gonna have a happy ending !! Yeah!!....just ...... Some obstacles to get there 😗 ahem, learning to let people in... The boys are going to be losing it with my obliviousness as well aksjd. Wish them luck.

*checks notes* Playlist drama next ?! I think I might add the concert scene before Halloween party, for a little bit of ✨ spice ✨ (the emotional kind, not the frisky one unfortunately saving that for halloween AHAHA) ... I really gotta figure out the time line! I keep thinking of scenes aaaa. We'll see. OKAY BYEEE, HAVE A GOOD DAY/NIGHT/DAWN UHHH... MAY A SUPER GOOD SALE COME TO YOUR LOCAL SUPERMARKET ON YOUR FAVORITE SNACK ?? WISHING THAT BC I HAVEN'T GOTTEN BETTER WITH HYDRATION AJSD

- ✨ anon

GOOD LUCK, BOYS. I AM ROOTING FOR YOU!!!

Can I just say how much I love these updates? I look forward to every single one! When I see it, I'm always like awww yes I'm gonna get cozy and enjoy the latest scenario with these three cuties!!

AND I LOVED THIS SO MUCH. AHhhhh Solomon is the glue that brings you all together!! 'Cause without him, this would be an EVEN SLOWER burn, y'all are lucky to have him lol.

Yes yes yes I was HOPING that they'd all end up cuddling together, it's seriously so sweet!!! I love it so much! And Mammon just being like ugh I gotta get up and omg the sticky note!

I also love the domesticness of them all getting ready for bed together! Ahh domestic scenes are the best!

OH NO DRAMA. I'm ready!!

And personally, I love slow burns! It takes time to let someone in when you're guarded like that!! I like when characters take the time to really get to know each other!

Anyway, I am loving it all as always!! I hope you also have a wonderful day/night/etc!

[0sincerelyella]

Protector - Colby Brock

Summary: Sam and Colby invite a fan on the channel and the fan begins to have a panic attack because some very unreal things are happening to her, and she begins to realize she’s on the spectrum of being a medium, all firsts for the sam and colby channel. and colby feels the need to protect the young fan, and the other fans eat it up

Notes: this isn’t romantically at all!!:) i think it’s a cool concept because he’s the sweetest, and gives protective older brother energy!

i also made up the whole story of the house

THIS IS REALLY REALLY LONG

WARNINGS: I mention miscarriages, domestic violence and suicide (for the story of the hauntings and one experience y/n had) panic attacks

“What’s up guys it’s sam and colby!” Colby calls, throwing his arms infront of it. “we’re here at the the banville manor with axe murderer seth” sam says as seth laughed. “And someone whose never ever experienced anything paranormal, our fan, y/n” colby said, holding his arms next to her as if to show case something, wiggling his fingers in awe. “hi guys!” she waved, her hands covered by her flannel sleeves as if she was cold.

y/n stood off to the side talking to seth as sam and colby gave the intro. “so you’r sceptic?” seth asked, starting conversation. “well maybe” she says. “when i was little i used to talk to this little girl” she said, “my mom had a miscarriage before me, they think that’s who i used to talk to but i think i was just a kid with imaginary friends.” she laughed, seth’s mouth opened wide. “your kidding? you could be a medium!”

y/n explained that sometimes she felt she could see and hear people around her that no one else could hear, but she tried to tune it out cause she felt crazy. “your kidding y/n that’s so cool, maybe we can change your mind today” seth said, placing his hand on her shoulder and smirking. “what happened?” colby asked, sam faced the camera toward seth and y/n

seth asked y/n if he could tell the camera and y/n nodded “y/n was telling me that she can see and hear people but tunes it out because she felt crazy” seth said. “so you might be a medium?” colby asked, just as seth did. y/n nodded, scared already.

“y/n, if you get to scared, we can take breaks or we can stop, and you don’t have to do anything you don’t want too” colby said off camera, letting her know that they would keep her safe. she nodded with a smile, still really scared.

the story of the banville house is, in 1973 aliza banville, a seventeen year old girl, got pregnant with her boyfriends baby. Unfortunately, her boyfriend didn’t like the idea of having a child and thought it was aliza’s fault, inevitably taking it out in her violently. soon enough aliza lost the baby, aliza did not cope well with the loss of her baby and ended her own life by jumping off the top of the building.

“this story is so sad” y/n said, walking into the house, standing between seth and colby as sam recorded. seth agreed, admiring the beauty of the manor. “this house is big” seth said. “well aliza’s parents were famous for owning a brewery downtown” colby mentioned, walking further into the house.

around midnight, they had started the investigation. y/n had a pounding headache, not alerting anyone of the headache in fear of ruining their video. they handed y/n the emf meter as they entered the room of aliza. as the four of them walking into the room chit chatting and explaining, y/n looked at a chair in the corner.

in the corner, was a girl with long red hair, holding an empty wad of blankets like a baby. y/n froze as the girl looked up. the emf immediately went to red and stayed there.

the girl looked up at y/n, she had tears on her face. and she said “hes gonna hurt you” y/n stepped back and screamed

“hey hey? what happened?” sam pointed the camera at y/n but suddenly noticed the tears in her eyes and a frozen look on her face “y/n what happened?” colby walked to her. “is this okay?” he asked, getting ready to rest his hand on her back and hold her hand to help her sit down. she nodded as colby attempted to set her in a chair, but y/n could still see the girl. “can we please go outside?” she was shaking. colby nodded. “what happened y/n?” sam said, leading them down the stairs “can i tell you outside? please i don’t want to go in here right now” sam turned off the camera and helped y/n down the stairs

as she moved all she heard was screaming, and the further she moved through the house and away from the door the more screaming she heard and the bigger her headache became

as soon as they broke the thresh hold it all stopped.

colby sat y/n on the steps and sat next to her, seth on the other side and sam right in front. “are you okay to tell us?” sam asked, y/n nodded, taking a deep breath and wiping her tears. “you guys can film if you want, your viewers will want to hear this” she gave permission, and colby turned on the camera “did you see a girl in that chair in the corner?,” she asked, visibly shaking. colby took a sharp breath. sams mouth opened wide. “no, there wasn’t anyone there y/n” seth said, y/n shook more, putting her hands on her eyes as she began to cry more. “i- i saw a girl- long red hair and a dirty bloody dress, holding a blanket in the wad of a baby swaddle but there was no baby-“ she explained. “aliza…” colby whispered.

“she looked at me when the emf went red and she said “he’s gonna hurt you” and that’s when i screamed” she said, shaking her hands. “that’s crazy y/n! are you okay? do you want to stop?” colby asked, rubbing her back. “no no i’m okay i’m just crazy” she shook her head, standing up. “y/n would you like to call amanda?” colby offered, “you know her right?” y/n nodded, of course she said. she wasn’t a sam and colby fan if she didn’t know amanda. “she’s a medium, she could help” y/n nodded, taking a breath as sam handed seth the camera so he could call amanda.

“hi guys! what’s up!” amanda smiled. “hi amanda! we have a fan with us today and she just had a weird experience we want your opinion” y/n explained her experience, and her experiences as a child. amanda listened with intent. “y/n i think your like i am” she explained. “i understand how scary this can be but they can not hurt you” she promised, “you just have to assert dominance, and tell them they can’t hurt you. but sam, colby, if you see her get physically ill or if she mentions getting physically ill please take her out, be careful” they all nodded, hanging up and turning off the camera. “are you okay with going again?” y/n nodded, standing again. “can you guys stay by me? i’m sorry if i’m ruining the video” colby shook his head. “no this is the most we’ve ever caught, plus your safety is more important y/n” colby promised. “if your only wanting to go back to not ruin the video please don’t, we don’t want you to get hurt” colby said, sam agreed.

“one of us will be with you at all times, we promise” seth said, giving her a high five and a smile.

the group went back inside, and back to aliza’s room. “whatever is in here can not hurt me or my friends here!” aliza said with confidence. “i have God on our side” she spoke. and as she did aliza walked through the door and sat on the bed

“she’s in here” y/n said, holding her hands up to make the boys be quiet. “i won’t hurt you” aliza said. “will you answer my friends questions?” aliza nodded “she said yes guys”

seth asked the first question. “who is gonna hurt y/n?” aliza looked up, pointing to the doorway. it was a man, he stood in the door with an angry face. he stood with blood on his hands. “get out” he said

“you can’t hurt me” she spoke at him. “you can not hurt aliza anymore!” she snapped, as the spirit stepped backwards and a little girl ran passed his legs to hide behind aliza on the bed. “get out!” y/n yelled towards the spirit. he lunged forward, with a scream at her face and then was gone, y/n pressed her hand to her back.

“thank you” and the sad face aliza had, went into a smile as she held this little girl, her little girl. she was reunited. and y/n felt content. “what happened?” seth asked, the boys had gotten this whole thing on camera. “the man who hurt aliza stood in the door, and aliza’s miscarriaged baby ran to aliza and they are reunited” she said, happy tears in her eyes.

“yo y/n!” sam said, pointing to her back. “what?” colby gasped and seth yelled “yoooo!” they all went crazy.

three long bleeding scratches seeped through her shirt, she lifted it up to show the camera.

“your kidding me?” she said, “the one time i meet my hero’s and i find out i’m a medium and i get scratched” she began to breath heavily. “i can’t i can’t..” her breaths began to go quickly, and her heart sped up. “i can feel him he’s watching us” she said, freaking out. her head started hurting and then everything went black.

when she woke up she was on the steps of the manor. “what happened?” y/n asked. “you passed out” sam said, explaining it to her. “are you okay? do you need water?” colby asked, seth was filming after getting permission. “no i’m okay, i just.. i can’t go back in there” they had been investigating and touring for 6 hours now, it was dark and all this happened at 3am.

“thank you, y/n for allowing us to use this footage and get that” sam said, colby nodded. “well i don’t want anyone to be like i was, they need to know” she said, shaking. “do you want a hug?” colby asked, holding out his arms. “yes of course” she smiled, getting pulled into a hug. “thank you guys for letting me come with you” “you were a blast y/n, i’m glad your safe” colby said, pulling sam into the hug.

and the video ended

Video comments:

user35: WAIT I LOVE Y/N BRING HER BACK ON!!!

user07: THATS SO SPOOKY IM GLAD Y/n IS OKAY

user23: BRING Y/n AND AMANDA ON

user04: BRING Y/N BACK.

user32: SHES SO PRETTY

user65: that’s actually so scary!! i’m so glad your okay!

user76: BRING Y/N back😡😡😡😡😡😡😡

[shade-pup-cub]

Febuwhump 2024, Day 22 - Wars, Mask/Time & Chain - ALT Last Words

Fandom: LOZ/Linked Universes

Summary: Through a portal, Time is reduced to his younger self. Things are never simple with the heroes and they all learn how young Time really was when fate forced him into his role of being a hero.

CW: Slight blood and language

“We aren’t gonna last much longer here!” Legend grunted out as he blocked a sword that was aimed at Hyrule.

Four hissed as he got nicked by an arrow. “Any tricks up your sleeve Vet?”

“I’m fresh out of tricks and we are overrun!”

Wild was in a tall tree picking off monsters when he shouted, “Portal! It’s towards the end of the hill.” It was a snow covered hill and a straight shot into the portal. They all kept fighting as WIld thought of a plan. “Shield surf to it, the monsters can’t keep up!”

One by one they all hopped onto shields, pulling off the crazy stunt they all gave Wild a hard time about multiple times. Legend and Sky sat on their shields. Wind and Hyrule dove onto theirs, laying on their stomachs as the others were more experienced with balancing on their feet. It didn’t take long for them to crash through the dark portal and roll across the green grass on the other side. Of course Wild’s shield broke and he went flying into Twilight, bringing them both to the ground.

Shaking off the dizziness from switching worlds, there was someone missing. “Where’s the Old Man?” Wind asked when the eldest couldn’t be seen.

“Uh, you guys, I think I found him.” Sky was crouched down next to what looked to be a child. “I didn’t see him get hit by anything. Did the portal do this?”

Hyrule was the next one to kneel by the child. “He’s so tiny.”

Time groaned and rechead for his head. Two bright blue eyes opened and he took a moment to register that what was in front of him were people. He rolled away and pulled his sword. “Who are you people? Where am I?”

Being the youngest, Wind wiggled his way through everyone who was gathering around. “Back up! Give him some space will ya!” Wind huffed and turned back to the kid. “Hi, you don’t remember us do you?”

“Why should I know any of you?” His blade stayed between him and the others. He glared at them with an all too familiar look, even if he was turned into a kid, baby fat still laid over his muscles.

Twilight stepped closer, then stepped back when the young Link pointed his sword at him and growled.

Wars was the last to be coherent to everything and the voice from the past had him pushing everyone to the side quickly. “Mask?” His little brother was standing right in front of him again. How did he not know that Time was Mask?! He was kicking himself for not putting it together. “Hey little brother, it’s been a long time. You want to put the sword down so we can talk about what’s going on?” Warriors got onto one knee to be more eye level.

It was clear that Mask knew who Warriors was. His face softened, shoulders relaxed and sheathed his weapon on his back. “Cap?"

"Yeah, it's me. You haven't changed a bit. How long has it been since you were in my era?" Wars needed information. He needed to know what they were dealing with. Mask wasn't always the levelheaded one like he was as adult Time.

"Maybe a month or two." His eyebrows pulled together and the boy's features turned from calm to anger. "Did you try to find me after our last battle?"

Warriors didn't have to think back very hard. He knew the battle, the sinking feeling in his gut when he saw his little brother's green tunic grow darker due to a stab wound. He had hollered for Mask to get back up when the kid hit the ground. Wars never got the chance to see if he did.

"I looked for you for days on end. There was no sign of you anywhere."

"You ran away and left me for dead." The words came out coldly, meant to sting.

"That's not wha-" He was stopped by a fist colliding with his cheek.

Mask sat on Warriors chest and kept punching. He gave three more blows to his once big brother's face before the Captain grabbed Mask's wrist and sat up. "I didn't run away! I was kidnapped!"

"Bullshit! You left because we were losing!" Mask slammed his head forward, effectively making Warriors grab his bleeding nose as it broke against the younger's forehead.

Twilight, being the strongest, wrapped his arms around Mask. The boy thrashed against the hold. "Let me go!"

"Not until you calm down so we can talk everything through." Twi moved his face out of striking range when he saw that Mask was going to slam his back.

"Fine, let's talk! Let's talk about how Link left me dying with a gut wound, under a pile of his dead soldiers, bleeding out and I had to use the Fierce Deity Mask just to stay alive!"

Sky looked at Wars, then Mask. "How old are you?"

"Eleven." Mask felt Twi's grip slack some and took his chance to get free. He drew his sword to keep the others from grabbing him again.

Legend surprisingly was at Warriors side first, "The Cap said he was kidnapped, don't you think you should hear him out?"

"So he can tell me lies?"

Hyrule was fixing Warriors nose, saying, "He is your brother. He always talks about you, how great of a kid you are and how he misses you."

"I don't care!!" He huffed as his anger rose and clouded the little bit of a filter he had. His eyes locked with Warriors and venom dripped from words, "You are not my big brother, you are a coward that left me for dead and I hate you. I hate everything about you. I wish you were dead!"

The others gasped and Warriors felt like he had just been stabbed in the heart. 'Is this how Time felt?'

Mask covered his mouth as soon as the words came out, big ocean blue eyes watering. He had seen the Cap close to death before and it terrified him. He would never wish real harm to him. His guilt was clear as his ears drooped and the tears spilled over.

Wars looked hurt and turned his head away from the child he adored and protected.

Mask looked around at the others who were shocked by his words. His bottom lip wobbled and his chest ached. Here he was being a cruel brat to the one person who never lost faith in him and he never thought he would see again. 'What have I done?!' He took a few slow steps back. "I-I'm sorry. I didn't mean it, I promise I didn't mean it."

Dread sank into his gut like a stone thrown into a lake. Warriors wouldn't look at him. 'Why do I keep messing everything up?' "M'sorry…" Mask bolted for the forest, ignoring the calls for him to come back.

"Let him go…" the Captain said as Wild went to chase after the boy.

"But he-" Wild began to protest.

"Give him some time, then I will go after him." Wars began washing the blood off his hands and face. He had so many questions, but he needed to ask Time, not Mask.

"He's eleven, but Time said he went on three adventures. We know of the original one, then some adventure where he got the mask collection, but he was in the War?" Wind was trying to wrap his head around it all.

Legend paled. "He had three adventures within three years. No wonder he doesn't talk much about his journeys, his childhood or hardly anything personal outside of Malon."

There was a heavy silence as everyone pondered over their own traumas leading up to Ganon and other evils. To think a child, well they were all children, but a nine year old kid that should still believe in make-believe went through anything remotely similar, if not worse. The Goddesses better have been desperate.

"I'm going to bring him back." Warriors whispered as he finished getting as much crimson off of him as he could. He followed the clear signs of where Mask had gone. Tall grass was split by the boys frantic run.

"Mask?" He started to call out once he was fully in the woodline. "Mask, come out so we can talk. Please?"

He stopped at a downed hollow log, seeing the trail end there. He could hear the faint sniffles from inside it. He sat with his back relaxed on the rough surface, rubbing the edges of his scarf as he gathered his thoughts.

"When I was captured and taken to Cia, I was thankful that it was only me. She would have used you against me. I saw you get hit and not get back up. I could only pray that someone found you in time. I managed to escape that night and I ran right back to where I had been standing before and began the search. There were so many bodies that needed to be sorted through, but I only wanted to find you. I didn't stop until midday that next day. Impa knocked me out so I could get medical attention and promised to continue the search. No one ever found you and I thought I lost you forever."

The sniffles slowed to a few hiccups. Warriors he could hear Mask moving around before he poked his head out just enough to look at the Captain.

Warriors sighed heavily. “I have hung onto your last words to me before we went into that battle. ‘Children are the promise of a future, the assurance of greater things to come’. You sounded too old for those words, but now I know why. You really are an adult trapped in that body, aren’t you?” When Warriors turned to his side and saw Mask looking at him, he smiled gently and reached out a hand. Mask came crashing over into his arms.

A few moments of a tight embrace, Mask gave a wet laugh. “You were trying to keep me and Tune from fighting because we were children. I was glad I changed your mind, but how did you find out about my physical and mental age thing?”

“I got to meet you as an adult, late-ish thirties. You are actually traveling with me and all the other heroes that you saw earlier.”

“And Tune?”

“Tune too, but he hasn’t been to the war yet.”

“I didn’t see myself though.”

Warriors didn’t exactly know how to say this to him easily, but they kid deserved to know. “That is because you are him, but when we all went through the last portal it changed you back to this age and clearly with no memory past this time in your life.”

“Of course it did. I hate time travel.” Mask mumbled before looking up at Warriors. “I really have missed you and I’m sorry for what I said. I didn’t mean it.”

The now older hero pulled his little brother into his arms. “I’ve missed you too Sprite.” Releasing his hold, Wars asked him, “Ready to go back before one of them is sent after us?”

“Probably smart to get you back to safety.”

“You little shit…” Warriors, with as much love as he could, pushed Mask off his lap and got some of the best giggles out of him.

Arriving back to the others, Mask stayed slightly hidden behind Warriors, barely talking as the others were introduced to him, again. Warriors was patient, knowing that Mask was trying to trust the ones in front of him. “I go by Warriors or Captain, this here is Sky, he is the first of us. -”

Mask gave a breathy “wow”.

“- That is Four also known as Smithy. Legend is next to him, he is our veteran.”

“Or Bunny.” Sky added.

“Ha ha.” Legend gave a rude gesture with no heat behind it.

“Hyrule is next to him, he is our Traveler and part fae.” Warriors loved the starry eyed look Mask had at that. “Next is Wild, he is the only one that can cook. The taller one is Twilight and your descendant.”

“So which girl did I marry?” Mask somehow asked innocently.

Twilight choked. “W-which one?”

“Yeah.” Mask gave a chuckle. “I’m technically engaged to Princess Ruta and Malon.”

Wind burst into laughter. “Twi could have been part Zora!” Twilight promptly caught the now second youngest in a headlock, thoroughly messing his hair up.

Warriors rolled his eyes, also messing with Mask’s hair. “Malon.”

“I was hoping for that.” Mask said with pink cheeks.

Wind broke free of Twilight's playful hold, going for a kick to the knee, saying, “She’s great! You two look so happy together.”

Something in Mask’s chest stirred… Happy… He was going to finally be truly happy. He pulled on Warriors scarf, whispering in his ear. “Is that Tune?”

“Sure is.”

Mask flung himself over to the pirate. He was still shorter than him, so he wrapped his arms around the boy’s middle, squeezing tightly. The last time he saw Tune was the last time he had seen the Captain, but the sailor had been forced through a portal created out of nowhere.

Wind was always happy to help someone, but even as he wrapped his arms around their age reduced leader, he asked, “Did I miss something?”

Mask nodded. “Yes, but I can’t tell you what it is or it could ruin what has already happened.”

Those two were tied at the hip the rest of the day. It was terrifying and refreshing. The two played in the trees (easily dragging Wild along in their fun), played more pranks than imaginable and told stories with such animated movements that only children had.

The terrifying part, Legend had asked Mask what his favorite magic was. Instead of just telling the Vet, ‘Din’s Fire’, Mask felt the need to show him. Everyone took cover as the little monster in green rolled on the ground, laughing hysterically as the fire was pushed out around him.

Warriors got up from where he took cover. “Sprite! Really?!”

The other sat up with black soot smeared on his face and into his hair, “What?”

Warriors pointed to the whole woodline behind Mask that was now up in flames and looked to be only growing larger, spreading from tree to tree at an alarming rate. “You are going to burn the whole forest down!”

“I can fix it!” Mask pulled out his blue ocarina and began to play an upbeat song that Mask swayed to. Thunder clapped as lightning streaked across the suddenly darkened sky, then the rain came pouring in. Somehow Mask was laughing even harder at the others expense, falling back over.

Warriors really couldn’t be mad. At least the fire was out.

They set up camp right there, not wanting to travel after the day's events, especially as the night krept closer. There was a buzz of happiness around them all as Wild cooked, Mask curiously looking into the pot.

Warriors had a fond smile as he settled into his spot to eat, just watching Mask. He had missed him and now never wanted him to leave his sight.

Wars looked over when Twilight sat next to him, a fond smile also on his face. “How’s it feel to see him like this again and know that he turned out okay?”

A low laugh slipped out from the Captain, “I imagine it’s the same feeling you had when we found Wild. Seeing the young man he had become during the time apart. Someone to be proud of.”

Warriors paused as he pumped his shoulder into the other man’s. “The same feeling Time has every time he looks at you. Proud.”

Twilight lowered his head, ears dusted pink. The young man always looked up to the eldest hero from day one and Warriors had always been curious over why, but that was a secret Twi kept close and he would never push for him to spill it.

Across camp, Mask stood before placing both hands on his head. He stumbled a bit to his left, knocking into Legend who caught him before he fell.

“Kid, you good?”

“I don’t… I don’t know. Som’tin isn’t right.” Mask slurred.

Warriors was on his feet instantly, headed for the youngest when they all saw Mask fade in and out like a blur or the static that would come up on Wild’s Slate. Not a soul moved when Mask screamed, voice going from his young pre teen voice to a post puberty voice. When he came back into focus, he was no longer the young child, but a tall teen in a green tunic, cap, white collared undershirt and white leggings.

Looking at the closest people to Mask- Time- Link(?), Wars took a mental not for later of how Wind paled, but clearly had excitement in his eyes while Legend paled with a whole different emotion. Anger.

“Y-you-!” Legend started, but Warriors put a hand up for him to stop and took slow steps as if the teen in front of him was a spooked animal. “Mask?”

Sorrow filled eyes looked up at him. “Link… Cap? What is happening? Where am I?”

“What is the last thing you remember?”

Mask seemed to be searching his memory. “I- Zelda… s-she was sending me back.”

“Back to where?” Warriors didn’t want to pry on a memory Time hadn’t ever told him, but he needed to know.

“We defeated Ganon after I woke from the seven year sleep, but she-” he was starting to struggle to breath with his panic. “She wouldn’t let me stay there, in that time, making me go back to when it all started.”

Mask crumbled to his knees with another scream, body blurring again until he was an even smaller child than he was at the beginning of this chaos. He looked so heartbroken as he cried out in anguish, but it wasn't physical pain as much as it was emotional.

Twilight was the one to step in as Warriors was trying to work through his shock. “Hey, Link right?”

The child- gods… he was a child!- showed no fear as he looked up at the Rancher, removing the tears from his eyes. “Mhm.”

“What’s the matter?”

“She left me.”

“Zelda did?” Twilight did a head tilt, similar to Wolfie.

“Navi, she left me. She was supposed to stay with me forever, but she left!”

Off to the side, Hyrule gasped and placed both hands over his mouth. The name must have meant something to him.

Before the child could collapse into Twilight’s arms, he blurred out again, coming to as a young adult. His hair was long, coming to his mid back while braided. He was in his green tunic, but took up the black fitted undershirt and black leggings.

His head was down, hands holding his face, hands that were covered in blood. The sight of blood pulled Warriors from his pause. He landed next to Twilight, grabbing the changed hero by the wrist.

The other gasped, startled by the contact and jerked his head up. There was so much blood, the wound over his eye fresh. He was trembling like a lead, but Warriors didn’t have time to console him since he seized up again into a blurry translucent mess.

Now his hair was cut short, his body more bulked with muscle like they knew Time to be, but his face was still young, mid twenties.

“C-cap… make it stop. Please, I can’t- ha-AHH!”

Another see through static blur and Time was back with them. He looked beyond exhausted, white as a ghost and older… older than he had been that morning before all this happened.

“Wars, I’m gonna be sick.” Time barely had a moment more before he began to puke. Somehow Four already had a bucket waiting. Then again, Four had a tendency to get sick and probably saw it coming.

Twilight helped keep Time up on his knees as Warriors kept his hair out of the way. The others tried not to gather too close, not wanting Time to get claustrophobic, but they were concerned for their leader.

Mouth rinsed, Time abruptly stood, staggering for a moment. Legend had his hands on the man’s back, Sky and Twi at his sides, Wars at his front. He didn’t listen to anyone telling him to take it easy and that he needed to sit down. Instead of sitting, Time’s good eye rolled back and he collapsed forward into Warriors, bringing them both down to the ground.

With the air officially knocked out of him, Warriors wheezed out, “By the Three Sprite, you are heavy!” Some of the tension bled out with that, bringing a chuckle to the boys.

Once checked for injuries, taken out of his armor and cleaned up a bit, Warriors laid his brother back onto his chest in a non crushing way, allowing him to sleep peacefully for the first time since the last time they were at the ranch.

With the moon high in the sky, the forest child stired, waking Warriors. Time was groaning a bit as he pushed himself up off the Captain and out of the embrace.

“Hey, where are you going?” Warriors asked as he saw Time sigh, ears lowered, running the blue fabric through his fingers like he had two decades before. It was a look of longing, a look of still needing or wanting to be close and maybe even protected.

“Too big. Too big and too old.” The simple words cut like a knife. Time thought he was too old to be held close. It was even more of a sign that he was forced into the role of an adult too early. He should have been held as a child, had someone care for him and codle him before he was thrown into his first adventure, but he wasn’t.

Wars sighed. “You aren’t too big or too old to lean on your big brother. Now get back over here Sprite.”

Time looked like he wanted to flop back down where he had been, but he held himself back, going slowly until his head was resting on Warriors chest again, blue scarf around him like it had been when he was twelve.

Warriors carded his fingers through his brother’s hair. “Children are our future, but that doesn’t mean they should have to step into the roles the future holds for them before they are ready. Be a child for a while longer. I have you.”

He didn’t mention how his tunic started to feel wet under Time’s cheek and how he clung to him a little more.

[stranger-fanfiction-n-things]

CHAPTER 5: THE FLEA AND THE ACROBAT

This is an Original Character fanfiction. All Stranger Things characters and content are owned by Netflix and The Duffer Brothers.

a/n: Chapter 4 is such a filler episode and I didn't like how I wrote it after I posted, but in rereading it after Chapter 3, it really does flow together and I can tweak loose ends in this present chapter! (See? Glass half full). Enjoy another mother-daughter moment between Diana and Sue!

Warnings: None.

Word Count: 1021

Masterlist

PART I || PART II

Friday, November 11, 1983 - SINCLAIR RESIDENCE

The house is quiet this morning as everyone gets dressed for Will’s funeral. I stand in front of my full-length mirror staring at my reflection. After finding evidence of the thing that took Barb, neither Jonathan, Nancy and I had any idea on what to do with the information. How are we going to find it? Are we going to find it? As a group we decided not to tell the police because they already believe Nancy, Ms. Byers and I are crazy for suggesting that Barb and Will were taken by an animal with no face. This is something we would have to handle ourselves. If my parents found out about anything, they would probably move us out of town, far away from this insidious madness. Part of me wouldn’t blame them but, if there was even an inkling of hope in finding and bringing back Will and Barb, I was going to take that chance. The glimmer of hope in finding them burned deep in my gut. Lucas and I deserve to have our best friends back. 

I run my fingers through my hair. I couldn’t sleep and woke up early to take a hot comb to it in the kitchen. It took two hours and my arms burned from the arduous task, but the ease in repetition calmed the spiralling thoughts in my head. I even trimmed my ends a little. With my natural curls, my hair was at my waist, but after straightening it and trimming the ends, it fell past my bottom. Way too long for my liking and heavy. My neck aches. I lean forward making sure the lack of sleep didn’t show on my face. I can’t attend the funeral looking like I am half dead myself. I clear my throat smoothening out any wrinkles in my modest black dress. It seems like everyday something new happens in Hawkins and none of it has been good. Today my little brother was burying his best friend. Despite the glimmer of hope inside me, it is going to be a tough day to get through. 

“Diana, are you ready?” I hear Mom from the other side of my door. 

“Come in,” I say. 

Mom enters my room. She’s wearing a simple black dress, her freshly styled hair combed neatly in a bob cut. She looks very pretty. Mom smiles softly eying me from head to toe. I shift side to side on my feet, wiggling my toes against my nylons. 

“You look pretty.” Mom says, walking to me. She stands behind me, combing her fingers through my hair through the mirror. “I knew I smelled hair product in the kitchen this morning.” 

Heat creeps up the back of my neck. “I couldn’t sleep.” I admit. 

Mom sighs, parting pieces of my hair to lay over my shoulder. She gently places her hands on my arms swiping away any lint on the long sleeves of my dress before squeezing them. Her eyes soften as she looks at me through the mirror. The voice in my head screams for me to tell Mom about the photo, but I ignore it leaning into her touch. 

“I know the past couple of days have been hard on you and I’m so sorry, sweetheart.” 

“It’s okay,” I shrug, flaring my nostrils to satiate the burn in them. I don’t want to cry, not now.

Mom looks at me, shaking her head. “No, it’s not.” 

Tears immediately swim in my eyes and quickly wipe them away with my fingers before they fall down my cheeks. It’s too early to cry. I clear my throat, sniffing and fix my dress again. “Can you help me pick a shoe? Should I wear flats or heels?”

Mom stares at me for a moment and I know she wants to talk about everything, but decided against it, thankfully. I’m not sure I have the words to express how I’m feeling at the moment or have been the past couple of days. 

“Heels.” she responds. 

“Okay.” 

“Okay, put on your heels and I’ll be right back.” 

I nod my head and go to my closet rummaging around until I found my only pair of black kitten heels. I’ve only worn them for special occasions like Dad’s company dinners. Never for a funeral. I slide my feet into the shoes and walk out my closet just in time for Mom to walk back into my room. She’s holding a little black tube between her manicured fingers. A tube of lipstick. I blink in awe, feeling a jolt of surprise. Mom and Dad had a strict rule about not being able to wear makeup until I was 16. It was the one rule, I hated and begrudgingly followed. Yet here Mom was holding a tube of lipstick for me. I only ever worn lipstick for performances. Mom smiles at my reaction. 

“I think this will complete your look today.” 

I take the lipstick out of her hand, cherishing it like a delicate flower. I open the tube and stare at the wine-coloured lipstick. This was different than the colour I used for performances, darker and more elegant. I walk to my mirror and neatly apply the lipstick on my lips, opening my mouth to get the sides. I rub my lips together melting the wax between them and clean the edges of my mouth with my finger. I take a step back to look at my work. I already look more mature and womanlier, like Mom. Short stature and flat chest be damned. I smile, genuine and true. I smile so much my eyes disappear into my cheeks. Mom chuckles softly behind me and I can’t help but giggle at my reaction. 

“Thank you, mommy.” I gush, turning to give the lipstick back to her. Mom shakes her head, closing my fingers. Her gold wedding band twinkles. 

“Keep it.” 

My eyes widen. “Really?” 

“Of course, sweetheart. You’re almost 16.” 

I squeal happily thrusting my body onto hers and hug her tight around her neck. Mom laughs, her rumbles vibrating against my stomach. 

NEXT -> PART II

Taglist 🤍: @tinydramatist

[hanmi-xo]

Touch of Love (SVT Jeonghan x You)

O N E S H O T S | S C E N A R I O S | S M U T | M A I N

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

Status: Complete Genre: Romance, Fluff, Marriage Life, Oneshot Word Count: 1.1k

Summary: Jeonghan and his wife are getting ready for their night out, and Jeonghan can't seem to leave her alone.

Note: This is a work of fanfiction. Please respect the real Jeonghan IRL!~ P.S. This a gift for a friend who passed her exam <3

Jeonghan held my hand before slowly bringing my fingers up to his lips. I smiled from his sweet action.

He gave me a look of mischief before leaning in towards me.

I closed my eyes. I felt nervous. The way he was making me feel felt surreal.

Jeonghan and I have been married for 3 years now. We met through a friend of mine in college, and one thing lead to another. At first, I chased him, but when I thought he had no interest in me, he came to me in the middle of the night.

It was like a dream.

That was 7 years ago. Now here we are in our hotel room. It was our honeymoon and we left our kids with his parents. We were going to head out to the restaurant he booked us in, but I guess you can say, we just couldn't help but be in awe with one another.

He wore a loose black sweater tucked into his black jeans. He had a long chain necklace with my initial as the pendant. His blonde hair was neatly styled with a few strands covering his eyes.

He looked unreal.

I, on the other hand, wore a black over sized buttoned dressed with a belt that helped shape my figures. My sleeves were folded above my forearm, and I had black boots that went up to my ankles. My hair was tied up with a few bangs framing my face. I had a few accessories, but the one that stuck out the most was my matching chain necklace I had with Jeonghan. Except, my pendant was his initials.

"You look great," he whispered in my ear.

I felt my face burn from his words. I wanted him to kiss me, but he was always a tease.

"Not as great as you..." I whisper back to him.

I brought my hand to his face as he pulled back to look at me.

He never did change.

His alluring eyes and soft features were always eye catching to me. Though he's beautiful, he always surprised me with his masculine charm.

He smiled at me with his eyes wavering between my eyes and lips. He brought one hand up to my cheek and his other to my waist.

"You're as beautiful as the day I met you." His thumb rubbed against my cheek. He always did know what to say.

I felt him pull me closer. My arms naturally made their way on his shoulders.

Our lips pressed together and I felt a rush of butterflies in my stomach. His lips were soft, but the way he kissed me- it made me feel on fire.

I played with his hair as his lips continued to shape against mine. I felt him softly massage me with his every touch.

God, I love him.

He pulled away from me and my eyes matched with his. He looked at me as if I was the only thing in the world, and I wanted to hide from the amount of emotions he was giving me.

He moved a strand of hair from my face before laughing.

"You should fix your make up," he teased.

I felt my eyes widen. I quickly pushed away from him and covered my face. I could hear him laughing while I tried to see myself in the bathroom mirror.

My lipstick was clearly smudged and I began to quickly wipe it off with one of my makeup remover wipes.

I can hear him make his way to me. He came behind me, and wrapped his arms around me. He laid his cheek on top of my head and stared at me through the mirror.

"You look better like that though," he said with a smile.

I turned around to look at him as if he was crazy.

"Huh? Do you have any idea what people might think?" I tell him while I still wipe off the smudge lipstick stains.

He laughed while his eyes locked onto mine. "Let them think whatever they want to think."

I grew red. I tried to cover my face with my hands, but he was fast enough to turn me around.

My hips were pushed against the counter while he leaned over me. His hands rested on the counter while my elbows sat next to them.

"Don't hide~" he playfully said while I tried to avoid eye contact.

He laughed once again and I wanted to hit him with one of the pillows on the bed.

"Stop laughing at me!" I tried to stand my ground.

He looked down at me with such an expression that made me grow red.

"Or what? You'll hit me?" He leaned in closer.

I felt my body go weak against him.

Why did he have to be like this? Why did he have to be so handsome? Why must he always mess with me?

I can't think straight because of him!

"What if I do hit you!? Hm!?" I yell at him, or well, I try to. My voice came out a lot weaker than expected.

He tilted his head at me with a smirk.

"Hit me then," he whispered. His voice grew a little deep.

I raised my hand to hit him, but the way he was staring at me made me question if I really wanted to do that.

"We all know what's going to happen later when you do hit me~" he whispered in my ear. I could hear him smiling from the way he spoke.

I stood there with my cheeks red while he pulled away to stare at me.

I hate how he has so much control over me. Damn you Jeonghan!

He smiled brightly at me as if he did an amazing accomplishment.

"You really are easy to tease, Babe." He pulled away from me.

I refused to look at him. I crossed my arms and scoffed.

"Whatever," I say. I didn't know what else I could say.

He made me feel so nervous.

He laughed and I felt him lean in towards me once more.

"I love you," he said.

I looked towards him, and in return, I felt his lips touch my forehead.

"I'll wait for you. Just don't take too long. Okay, Babe?" He made his way out of the bathroom with ease as though what just happened didn't bother him as much as it bothered me.

I stood there not sure what to say or react. 

"Stupid, Hannie," was all I could mutter.

But I know even if he may bother me and tease me, I would always stick by his side. Through thick and thin, worst to come, I would always love him.

For he will always be the love of my life.

• • •

O N E S H O T S | S C E N A R I O S | S M U T | M A I N

[stickycollectorunknown]

Peppino spaghetti x reader

[Warning am Terrible at writing so there is gonna be grammer errors because I have literally BRAIN DAMAGE so yeah enjoy the shit show]

🍕 You were look for a good place to eat after your original go-to pizza place shut down do to an Infrastation of hilariously large rodents owning the place now you had to go eat some where else.

🍕 You then saw the sign....peppino's pizza. You weren't sure if the place was open or not due to the lights were off but the door was open so you enter. The place was dark except for the light shining through the windows, you took a sit on a red swerving chair. You looked around the place it had it had Italian décor you wondered if the owner was Italian or if it's another case of your culture is our decor.

🍕 then you hear a door open and see a middle age man walk out of the door. He seem super stressed out still looking at the paper he took a sit next to unaware you were there. You stared at him curiously and spoke "let me guess Bill problems". The Italian man sighed "yes it's- wait a minute " he stopped looking at the paper and looked at you. "A CUSTOMER!" He ran the kitchen quickly and grabbed their note book and pencil and ran back out. You were shocked he can move so fast, he handed you one of the menus "what-a you would like to-a order" he said with a nervous smile.

🍕 You looks down on the menu and spoke "I would like a small Pizza a everything pizza and a soda please", "anything else? " You shook your head sideways " Nah am fine thanks " he nodded and went back to the kitchen. He shook his friend Gustavo, " awake up we have a job to do "the little man jumped up and looked around in shock at first but returned to sleeping. Peppino rolled his eyes and rolled up his sleeves "fine then I'll do it my self".

🍕half a hour later he brought your pizza and a soda. "Here iz your pizza " he stood by waiting for your reaction. You took a bite of it and... loved it! "Oh my goodness! It's amazing! you made this pizza?", he blushed and scratched the back of his head "yes I did-did" peppino has heard compliments before but for some old reason this stuck to him maybe it because he hasn't heard it in a long time but whatever it was it had spark the love of cooking that he thought he lost so long ago. And for you? You just found your new favorite pizza place.

🍕 You went to peppino whenever you got your paycheck or had some spare money laying around. But also even if you didn't have money he would invite you over to the pizzeria. You both would chat for hours and got to learn about each other likes and dislikes. It got to a point where you would visit each other outside of the pizza place.

🍕 and you would do each other favors like peppino has no money for a taxi? No problem you give him a lift. Your parents are coming to town to visit you but you don't know how to cook anything besides ramen? He's got your back!

🍕but peppino noticed something he couldn't stop thinking about you! About how you look..laughed and looked at him it was driving him crazy, at first he thought it was just his anxiety but it wasn't it felt nice being around you and you were always so nice to him. Sometimes he would doodle you on his orders notebook or just some how make a pizza that kinda looks like you.

🍕 he wanted to confess to you he REALLY did but he was worried about so many things like what if you rejected him and never want to see him again? That thought made him shutter. So he kept it all bottle up but he wasn't very good at it.

🍕he would hold your hand and touches you when he gets a chance (like your hair or tug on your clothes) and make the excuses of oh you had a bug on you or your hands were cold or he wanted to show you something.

🍕 he finds himself staring at you and he becomes embarrassed once he realizes that he was staring at you and feels like a creep.

🍕 he feels a bit more relaxed when you are around him, he feels a bit more lose. And smile more when you're around.

🍕then he heard from Gustavo that you have been trying to find a date on dating apps. His heart dropped to his stomach no no no no NO! He made up his made and decided that he had to confess!

🍕 You walked into the restaurant and sat in your favorite sit "hey peppino! Guess who got some money for some pizza!". Peppino came out the kitchen with a fancy rented suit and a pizza. You whistled "Damm peppino! You looking fine! What's the special occasion?" He put the pizza in front of you it was a heart shaped "wow you still make heart shaped pizza's? Wasn't valentine's day 5 days ago? " You said jokingly but then he hold you hand. You looked at him curiously and let him speak.

🍕 "ever since you step into my pizzeria you have been nothing but kind to me.. your so helpful and you know so much stuff and l...." he gulped " I love you...." man felt like he was going to get a heart attack. You smiled at him gently and put your hand carefully on his face.

🍕"oh peppino...I have always loved you" and you kissed his forehead. Peppino took a minute to Process what just happened but when it finally hit him. He was esthetic! He pull you in to dance you both danced happily, hand In hand you both like this moment can last forever.

Bonus!

🍕 Gustavo totally lied about you looking for dating he just tired of the constant will they or won't they routine.