#usually my routine is braid one day down the next

[readingwriter92]

Been wearing my hair down more recently and like just really remembering my hair is longggg

[leighsartworks216]

Hello! I have ideas for Astarion and a druid Tav. Atv can shapeshift, and Astarion likes to sit in/enjoy the sun. Once they're close enough, Tav asks if they can use him as a basking perch. So sometimes Astarion will have a dog or cat in his lap, sometimes a snake around his shoulders, or even once a bird nesting in his hair (Tav was scouting and got too tired to shift back).

For some angst Tav could be injured while in animal form or stuck in one by magic and so Astarion takes them back to camp and keeps Tav close until they recover and can turn back.

It is almost 1:30am haha I need to go to bed

I also wrote this in 3rd person pov for no reason other than I felt it worked a little better

Astarion x gn!Tav/Reader

Warnings: none

Word Count: 693

Main Masterlist

First Baldur's Gate 3 Masterlist - Second Baldur's Gate 3 Masterlist

AO3

Tag List Form

Soft purrs fill the morning air. The sun is warm, and where Astarion sits on his rug is the first spot her rays touch every morning. And every morning, he cherishes the time he had left within it.

One hand runs idly along soft fur, while the other holds open a book. Every now and then, his pets slow down as the story becomes interesting, but he makes up for it with a gentle scratch behind the ears.

This was also part of his morning routine. Several weeks ago, the intrepid leader of their group began joining him on his rug in the morning. They asked first, of course, and they never bothered him. It was rather nice, actually. They’d read their own book or prepare herbs or even braid together a flower crown.

A week later, they had taken to shifting into an animal form and stretching out within the beams. They usually fell asleep like that. And once again, he didn’t mind. Their feline purrs were never grating or overwhelming, and even as a dog they had the decency not to drool on his stuff. The occasional snake or bird would warm themselves on a rock or perch nearby with their beak tucked under their wing. It was always a little fun to guess which animal they’d turn into each day.

And then they asked if they could lay in his lap. He’d scrunched his face up at the idea, asking why his lap was suddenly better than the rug. They’d just claimed it was hard to get comfortable lately, but they didn’t push to ask again. That day, they’d curled up in Karlach’s lap. They couldn’t sleep, because the tiefling was so busy gushing over how soft and adorable they were, and Astarion couldn’t focus on his embroidery because he’d become so used to their presence - Karlach’s noise level aside. So the next day he sighed and told them they could lay in his lap.

Now, it was so embedded into his mornings, he felt wrong without an animal on or near him. Cat or dog in his lap, snake or bird on his shoulders - he just needed something. He truly never realized just how nice petting an animal could be - even a druid disguised as one. They always thanked him afterward, though he found he wanted to thank them, too.

The sun’s rays slowly shifted. Warm, concentrated beams diffusing as it continued to rise into the mid-morning. The cat in his lap heaved a long sigh and rose to their paws. He watched as they stepped out from his crossed legs and along the rug, stretching with each step until they sat down nearby. The cat transformed back into a humanoid druid that yawned and stretched out their arms.

“Thanks,” they murmured.

Astarion chuckled. “Still tired? You’re even worse than Gale.”

They made a sound that almost sounded like a chuckle, if it was stretched and morphed by a sleepy sigh. “What can I say? Your lap is extremely comfortable.”

“I’ll add it to my list of remarkable qualities.” His head tilted as he studied them. Their shoulders drooped, their back was hunched, they rubbed their eyes, and stifled another yawn. “You look fit to collapse.”

They breathed out a long sigh. Their eyes were heavy with bags under them, staring blankly across the camp. So much to do, so little time, but Astarion was right. They wouldn’t be able to hold a half-decent conversation, let alone fight.

Astarion pat his lap, an open invitation. “I’m sure they would understand. Another day won’t kill us - hopefully.”

“How reassuring,” they muttered, but they were already shrinking back down once more into a cat. They lumbered over and curled back up, purring incessantly as they gave in to their exhaustion.

He stroked down their back again, lightly scratching along their spine. Their coat shone in the light. He wondered when the hell he’d let them get so damn close.

He sighed, allowing the mystery to fade to the back of his mind, and lifted his book once more, finding where he left off and reading on. Yeah, one day wouldn’t hurt.

---

Tag List:

@hypopxia @flsalazar @beverlybeav @angelofthorr @emiemiemiii @marina-and-the-memes @aurasyn @furblrwurblr @cappsikle @mjmygd @thegirlsadventuresinwonderland @kindadolly @bloopthebat @pandimoostuff @chesb0red @black-star1472 @sessils @olitheghostboy-blog @puppyg1rl666 @maruichio @cyber-dump-171 @katharynmarie @twinkliker3000 @cherifrog @catching-fire-in-the-wind @phantoms-fandom-blog @thespectacularspaceace @lynnlovesthestars

[rs-hawk]

ok. Here’s a screwball idea. I don’t care if you don’t do it or even ask, but it’s here.

This thing is a Venus figurine. Many people tie them to being symbols of fertility due to their exaggerated, chubby proportions, and a lack of a face (kinda looks like they’re wearing vases). Because these things were made like in the Upper Palaeolithic era, and since society was a lot different back then (clearly), many people speculate that they could represent healthy or fertile women, goddesses, or simply self-portraits by their own makers.

from the way I see it, a Venus figurine represents a healthy woman very much capable of loving and having kids regardless of her appearance (lack of facial features), so the idea is simplified to this:

Fucking a life-sized Venus figurine who only wants to love, and be loved.

and now it’s done. This was most likely a fat waste of my time.

Friendly reminder that I'm an Anthropology major. When I tell you I fucking love Venus- Lord. I'm basically vibrating rn. I can't wait to drop nerd shit in this post. More asks like this I'm BEGGING. Prehistoric is my second area of interest! Pre-Colombian Americas is my main. I will go feral every time I get an ask like this. I’m not a fan of the almost self deprecating way you asked it, but I like it so-

Come to Life Venus of Willendorf x College Student Cis Male! Reader

"You know, some say that instead of a fertility Goddess, this is just a self portrait of some random woman. Like, look at her hips. That's how they'd look if she was looking down at herself while carving, you know?" you gushed, marveling at the small statue as you and your friend crowded around it. The velvet ropes stopped you from getting too close, but the statue was almost magnetic.

“Imagine being this chick and knowing dudes for centuries have used you to jerk off,” your friend snickered, side eyeing you.

"Come on dude. Do you really have to talk about her like that?" you scoffed, hating the idea of anyone else using her to get off. There was an aching in your cock that you couldn’t explain. Admittedly, you felt a little embarrassed about it. It was just a statue, but there was something about it.

“ ‘Her’?” he repeated, grinning teasingly at you. “So sorry I insulted her. Is she going to be upset with me?”

Rolling your eyes, you drew them away from the statue. “Whatever. Let’s go check the rest of the museum. I’m sure there’s plenty of other things from the Paleo that we missed.”

“You’re not going to write your essay about your wife?” your friend gasped, putting his hand to his chest with mock shock. “She’s going to be so hurt!”

Rolling your eyes again, you waved him on, though you did spare another glance at the statue. After the museum trip, you found yourself coming back to the museum again. And again. And again. And again. You were there nearly every day. When no one was around, you started praying to the small statue, whispering wants to her. How you wished you could have held her. How often you thought of her. Sure, it still made you feel a bit silly with how often your cock ached when you thought of her, but who would a statue tell?

The next morning, you woke up early. Much earlier than usual. Despite that, you couldn’t fall back asleep, so you began your morning routine. When you made your way to the living room to head to the kitchen, you stopped in your tracks. Sitting on your couch was… Venus?

“What?” you frowned, thinking maybe you were still asleep. This had to be a dream.

Her head turned, Her braids moving just enough for you to see a glimpse of facial features, but they seemed scattered. Not quite right. Then they were gone completely. You stood frozen. Rooted to where you stood.

“I came to pay a visit to my most dedicated worshipper,” She said in a voice that sounded the way a first kiss felt.

The way She spoke, you were certain she was smiling, if She could. She gestured for you to come sit beside her, which you did. Your head was spinning. Was this even real? You couldn’t help it when your gaze roamed Her bare body. Everything about Her was so perfect that you felt like touching Her would be like defiling a holy place.

As a thousand thoughts ran through your mind, She cut them all off by placing one hand on your thigh, the other tilting your chin so you had to look down at Her chest. You swallowed hard, your cock already aching. How would She feel wrapped around you?

The two of you didn’t speak for several moments. You wanted so badly to touch Her, but you still struggled with the idea. She, however, seemed to have no such reservations. She pulled down your pajama pants, running Her firm palm over the bulge in your boxers. A low groan escaped your lips. That was the end of your hesitation.

You stood up, kicking the pants off from around your ankles, quickly taking off your boxers as well. She chuckled slightly, though She seemed intrigued when you got on your knees in front of Her, lightly pushing Her plush thighs apart. You worshipped Her cunt just as well as She knew you would.

Your tongue lapped at Her, Her thick thighs and the overlap of her tummy nearly suffocating you. The coolness of Her core made you almost desperate to make Her cum and taste it on your tongue. She tasted like saltwater and copper, and all but Her majestic cunt and thighs seemed to still be primarily stone. All you wanted was to make Her happy. All you wanted was to continue to worship Her.

She moaned as you slid a finger into Her dripping pussy, moving your mouth to dutifully suck on Her clit. The metal decorations on Her braids clinked together when She threw Her head back, letting you see the curve of Her throat. A Goddess’ blessing. Or maybe the sounds were of the metal decorations hitting against the stone like braids themselves. Your other hand snaked between your legs, pumping your aching cock in time with how you were fingering Her. It only took a few minutes for Her to cum on your tongue, much to your satisfaction.

“What a skillful worshipper I have,” She nearly purred, pulling you up by placing Her hand under your chin.

She laid on Her back, spreading Her legs for you. In seconds, you sank into Her. Your thrusts were not rhythmic, but She didn’t seem to care, moaning and arching Her hips up to meet you. Your mouth found one of Her large nipples, taking it into your mouth as you softly groped Her other breast, your stomach and chest pressed against Hers. The softness and squish of Her stomach making it easier for you to adjust as you slammed into Her. It surprised you as Her limbs and head seemed to be solid stone. Maybe She could control it at will, but you didn’t have much time to ponder it. Not with how She was pulsing around you.

When you finally came, you didn’t even try to pull out. Why would a Goddess of fertility want you to? The two of you were panting together as your seed spilt deep inside of Her.

“I think I’m going to stay with you,” She whispered in your ear, the coolness of the metal loops sending a shiver down your spine.

“Please do,” was all you could get out, your mind back to reeling.

Like this story? Support me on Kofi ☕️ ❤️

[klarex]

My main idea was to write Alastor x reader, but it kind of turned out to be Niffty, too. I love an idea where reader is a friend of Niffty or just taking care of her🥺

Genre: fluff

Warnings: none!

Summary: Just a sweet morning in a Hazbin Hotel. Reader mostly wears braids, but one day, she left her hair loose.

Paring: Alastor/Niffty (platonic) x Long-haired! reader

Long braids

Pov. (Y/n)

I woke up pretty early and decided that I could wash my hair today. My long hair was always a struggle, but I loved it either way. Mostly, I weared it braided, but after a few days it always got a bit greasy.

So I walked into my bathroom and turned on the water. I undressed myself and jumped into the shower. Because of the length of my hair, I had to use a lot of shampoo to clean it.

When I was finished, I knew that drying my hair would only work to lightly dry them, but I did it anyway. I used a hairdryer, and after about 15 minutes, surprisingly, my hair wasn't really wet. I brushed my hair and put some comfortable clothes on. I left the bathroom afterwards.

I went downstairs to grab some coffee and breakfast. I saw that Alastor, Niffty, and Charlie were already there. I smiled and waved to them.

- Hello!

I said, and they looked at me. Charlie's jaw hung open when she saw me.

- O.M.G. Your hair looks so pretty!!

She squeaked and quickly ran to me. She immediately looked at my hair and gently touched it. I sighed with a light smile and nodded my head in a 'thank you' motion.

While Charlie was playing with my hair, Niffty ran up to us when she finally looked at me. She looked at me from the ground with a wide eye with sparks in it. Her smile was so big. Alastor's usual smile seemed to widen as he slowly made his way to us.

After a bit of Charlie asking me questions about my hair routine and playing with my hair, she finally pulled away, saying 'sorry' a few times. She then walked into the dining area, getting out of my sight.

- I see that you finally let your hair loose. I thought I will never be pleased to see it like that!

Alastor said with his static sound and a smile wider than before. I chuckled, tugging my hair behind my ear.

- Well.. there must be the first time for everything!

I said and winked at him. He laughed and leaned on his cane.

- I must say, you look really beautiful like that, my dear.

He said, and his words made me blush. He was now nearly face to face with me.

- I- Thank you, Al..

I breathed out and nodded my head. Then I felt Niffty crowling onto my shoulder. She sat on it, and I laughed.

- (Y/n), can you sit on a couch?

She asked, and I walked to a sofa, sitting on it. She jumped off of me and sat at the headrest of the couch. She started brushing my hair with her small fingers and making a small braid on the back of my head. Alastor stood and looked at us interested. He loved seeing us interact, and I could tell that.

He teleported through his shadows to sit on the couch next to us. He put his arm on the armrest and leaned on it, watching us closely with that smile of his. Just this time, it was soft and lovely.

I rolled my eyes and let Niffty play with my hair. Then I remembered what I mainly came downstairs for.

- Al? Can you do something for me?

I asked, gently turning my head to the side to look at him, and also not to disturb Niffty. He hummed and tilted his head a bit.

- Could you make me some coffee? A black one, please.

I asked with a sweet smile, and he laughed.

- Ha Ha. Of course, cher. Anything else?

He asked when he got up. I shook my head, and he nodded, disappearing into the shadows of the halls.

After a few minutes of silence, I tried looking up to see Niffty, but I was unsuccessful.

- What're you making, Niff?

- You will see...

She said mischievously and started laughing.

- Just- please.. make it like I can comb it out later..

I said and sighed. When her laughter calmed down, she hummed.

She was quick, and my hairstyle was finished before Alastor came back with my coffee.

I took a quick glance at myself in the mirror. I had a 1950s hairstyle on my head. I giggled when I saw a proud look on Niffty's face.

- Beautiful hairstyle, Niff! I must say.. I'm impressed!

I said, and she looked at my face with a look full of joy. She then giggled and covered her face with her hands, closing her eye.

We heard soft humming of a song and footsteps behind us, and the sounds kept getting louder. I looked around and saw Alastor with his eyes closed and a cup of coffee in his hands. Then he opened his eyes and looked at us. His mouth got slightly agape, and his usual static broke for a second, but he was still holding his smile.

- How'd you like it, Al?

I said and twirled around, laughing. I walked up to him to take my coffee from his hands.

- Oh my.. You look stunning, my dear!

He said, and his smile grew bigger. I chuckled and took a cup from his hands. I took a quick sip and hummed.

- Thank you, but it is all Niffty's work. I did nothing here. Also, thanks for the coffee. You're such a gentleman..

I said with a sweet smile, walking away from him to sit on the couch. Alastor nodded his head and observed me.

- Any time, darling~

He said and bowed gently. Niffty followed me and sitted on the couch next to me.

- Can I have a sip?!

She said as she stretched out her hands, but I pulled my cup out of her reach.

- No, Niff! You are already full of energy today.

I said, and her arms fell down. Alastor shook his head and walked up to us with a chuckle.

I could already tell that this day would be a calm and pleasant one.

♡~masterlist~♡

[strawberryfairi]

Falling Asleep Together | Keisuke Baji

★Black Fem Reader One shot❤️‍🔥 ★ Fluff; Baji being demanding and pouty; you just trying to do your hair for the night; nighttime routine; sleepy Baji; pure cuteness

"What are you doing in there still?" Keisuke groans from the bedroom, dragging himself over to the connected bathroom where you were still doing your nighttime routine.

"I told you hold on; I'll be there in a sec." You chuckle, eyes locked onto your hair through the mirror.

All you were doing was putting up your hair for the night, braiding multiple sections so you could protect your hair while you sleep, and then take them down in the morning back into your fluffy afro braid out.

"It's been like fifteen minutes; you're in here havin' a whole...spa treatment." He scrunches his face up trying to find the right descriptive word, gesturing around the whole bathroom with a hand.

"It ain’t been no fifteen minutes. I got like maybe three pieces left so just hang on; almost done." You assure with a light laugh, getting to work splitting a big section of hair into two in the front.

"You always love my hair but you hate when I gotta actually do it." You murmur, glancing over at his tired, pouty face. He grunts in response, leaning his head against the doorframe while watching you do your thing.

Even though it bothers Kei, you really love moments like this with him, when he's all eager and whiny for you to come to bed. Usually after his rushing he'll go silent just like right now, watching you skillfully braid your hair, mesmerized at how meticulous you are.

He's learned the process by now. First you make the main sections, then part them again for two chunky braids per section. Then you grab your favorite Jamaican black castor oil water, misting your hair lightly in the section before you add that amazing smelling leave-in conditioner that he loves to sniff every time you use it.

Once those two main steps are done, you rub some Argan oil in your hands and run it through your hair before finally making the braid.

He had to admit he could absolutely never spend this much time on his own hair every single day and night. In his eyes, the nighttime routine alone was ridiculously long, and particular, and just..long!

Keisuke's never really been a patient kind of guy, so having someone like you around was honestly good for him. You were patient with everything. Your hair, your nails, cooking, even patient with him! It's one of the main things he loves about you. You level him out, it's perfect.

"Look, see? Boom. That wasn't that long at all; I'm done!" You beam, turning around to look at him face to face instead of through the mirror.

Your hands were covered in product, along with that brush he always seems to forget the name of-dannin? Debberman? Denman! Right the denman brush. Pieces of your little coils wrapped around the brush and your fingers like snakes.

Keisuke grunts tiredly in response, his eyes halfway open at this point. If he could sleep standing up he absolutely would be passed out right in this doorway.

"You're a mess..." You smile softly, shaking your head as you turn the sink faucet on, washing the products off your hands and hairbrush.

About five minutes after you clean up in the bathroom, you're finally in the bed, putting your scarf and cute lime green bonnet on.

"Sheesh, only took forever and a day." Kei grumbles lowly, brows furrowed as he pulls you down onto the pillow next to him, cuddling up close against you with your back resting perfectly on his chest. The two of you sigh in content, little tired smiles on both of your faces as you drift off into a deep sleep.

****************************************************

A/N❤️‍🔥 I felt so warm and fuzzy writing this omg. Poor Kei just trynna go to sleep for real

[thesparklingwriter]

taking fate into one's own hands

09—acceptance

Word count: 2.5k

navi | taglist | masterlist

“Is there some kind of invisible barrier I am not privy to?” you joke, unfolding the layers of fabric and preparing to hang them up in your closet. They are soft and cool against your hands. A luxury, you remind yourself as your fingers slide over the pink embroidery. It is beautiful and familiar. The familiarity confuses you, and you move one to the next piece.

Zhongli’s response is delayed as his eyes zero in on how you’re unfolding your clothes—into colour piles first, and then you look at each piece in more detail. The action is familiar to him, and even more so is the glint in your eyes as you look over your shoulder at him.

“Does the aforementioned barrier reduce your ability to hear, too?” you add, holding a brown dress with golden embroidery. You had never thought much of earth tones, but this one is so stunning that it almost takes your breath away.

“I apologise. I was preoccupied. It is your space and I did not want to intrude.”

And as much as you would like to deny that it has become your space, a quick look around quickly tells you that it has—it is lived in but in a neat kind of way. You surprise yourself with your emotions nowadays—you actually like your routine here, you enjoy looking out and the Liyuean scenery, and you want to talk to Zhongli.

“That’s sweet.” you reply. “You don’t have to stay out there if you don’t want to.”

He glances over to your desk, at the sealeed letter that rests there. “You finished it?”

You nod, getting up to hand it to him. “Do you know anything?”

“Nothing that is certain.” he replies. You don’t even know why you bother. 

“Do you think my parents made some kind of deal with them?”

“That is a possibility.” he says. And you want to call him out on being secretive and not telling the truth, but the look in his eyes is telling you that he wishes he’d known more, that he could help you more.

And you find yourself staring into those eyes—for longer than is reasonable before you clear your throat. “I should find Alanna.”

“I shall see you at dinner, then.” he says finally, and you smile lightly. There is nothing else for you to say as he excuses himself. As he walks out, Alanna walks back in, brandishing what can only be described as a trove of assorted accessories.

“How on Teyvat do you disappear like that?” you grumble as she urges you into your seat.

Alanna doesn’t reply to your question. “Sit down, please! I heard there’s a new inn opening in Liyue Harbour, and they invited the king to the opening. And I have it on good authority that the king will ask you to accompany him.” 

You glance up at her as she starts fussing with your hair, “He would have asked me earlier.”

“Have you ever considered that the king has nerves?”

“Of steel? Yes, I have.” you sigh. “How long have you known about this opening? Is this why you wanted to dress me up?”

“I found out while I was hunting for hair pieces.” Alanna smiles. “But now I have a perfect excuse to make you look even better since I’m not allowing you to decline the invitation.”

“Alanna!” 

“I see the way you look at him. And I know you. You will wallow in pity for as long as I allow you to. You are allowed to make friends, you are allowed to be happy. Stop denying yourself that because of decisions your parents made.”

You scowl at her, but you allow her to doll you up. You don’t question it when she picks the gold and brown outfit, and the dragon hairpiece. You don’t question the way she hurries you out the door when Zhongli arrives once again to let you know dinner is ready.

“Why the fanfare?” you ask him, noting his hair is braided and his attire is more formal than on usual days.

“It would be impolite to allow you to dress up while I relax in my casual wear.” he replies easily as you both begin the short walk to the dining room. You wonder why he always finds you himself rather than asking one of the palace help to get you.

Your dinner is quiet and amicable. You ask Zhongli about grammar rules, and when you mention that they're similar to an old dialect from when your kingdom was first born, the look on his face changes so slightly that you almost miss it. He asks you to elaborate, and when you do, he is shocked that you sound the same as you used to.

But as usual, he doesn’t address it, and pushes the topic forward. Clearing his throat as he finishes his meal, he speaks.

“I was wondering if you might accompany me on a small outing later. I have been invited to the opening of a new inn and i thought you might appreciate it if i passed forward the invite.”

You blink at him. You expected this, but you didn’t expect him to ask so humbly. “Does the initial invitation extend to me?”

“In a very discreet way, yes. They mentioned provisions for an additional guest. This rarely ever happens.”

“If i am not putting anyone out,” you agree quietly, “I would be honoured.”

The tension in Zhongli’s frame seems to dissipate. “I shall ask someone to alert you when the carriage is ready.”

“Do I need to do anything to prepare?” you ask, and zhongli pauses.

“It is not a political affair.” he says finally. “There is nothing for you to worry about in that regard.”

“Okay.” you say. “I’ll come.”  

~

The carriage differs from the one you were in the first time you came to Liyue, and you are grateful. Although your time here hasn’t been unpleasant, you don’t think you’d be able to cope with reliving your emotions from that morning.

“What's so special about this inn? Do you always get invited to all new openings?”

Zhongli smiles, sat across the carriage from you. Alanna opted to stay home, and Xiao had chosen to make his own way there.

“Not ordinarily. An acquaintance of mine is in charge of the kitchen, and since she has invited me to her previous ventures and most have thrived, she seems to believe that I am a lucky charm.”

You laugh at him. “It’s one thing for her to believe that but another thing for you to indulge it.” You've learnt that there are many complexities to Zhongli’s character. Although he can be firm, there’s a soft side to him bubbling under the surface. A soft side that seems to be coming out more as the days go by.

“She is a dear friend and her joy is contagious," Zhongli says. "You’ll see.”

You feel the beginnings of jealousy build up in your chest, but you ignore it. As far as you’re concerned, you have no claim on him other than on paper. So you glance out the window so Zhomgli can’t see the conflict on your face.

The inn is incredibly popular. There are already people milling about, and although they are waiting for the announcement of the store opening, Xiao catches quite a few people expressing excitement for being in the king's presence. And he even hears a few people mentioning you, the foreign bride—although there was no wedding to be heard of.

And Xiao himself had his concerns, but he was mostly interested in viewing the two of you from the people's perspective.

Even though the carriage is parked a decent distance from the inn due to space constraints, it's easy for Xiao to pinpoint when you're both in the vicinity. Zhongli brings with him an air of tranquillity. But you seem to have the opposite effect. 

There’s a buzz in the air when they catch sight of you, and as it isn't a formal event, there is no one to announce your entry, so speculations ripple through the group. People at the back of the crowd see Zhongli talk to you quietly and urge you forward so you are not walking behind him. They see—but probably don't notice—how he positions himself so you are at the centre of his vision.

They cannot fault your attire or your demeanour. You are not loud or intentionally disrespectful of their culture; there is not a single hair or piece of fabric out of place. And more than anything, the king looks at ease near to you.

Zhongli’s friend darts out of the inn doors, flying out at him as if to give him a hug, but she glances at you and pauses.

And then, even more to your surprise, Zhongli glances at you too, and you conjure up a phrase from the kids books you’d been going through to say you don’t mind.

Immediately she turns to you instead, pulling you into a hug.

“i’m Xiangling, it’s nice to meet you.” her accent is different to Zhongli’s and you feel bad that your grasp of her language is so bad that she has to speak yours.

“It’s lovely to meet you too,” you reply, smiling brightly. You open your mouth to apologise, but Zhongli thinks better of it.

“Xiangling often travels to different nations for ingredients. She enjoys practising her linguistic abilities.” Zhongli lowers his head to speak to you, and his warm breath against your ear makes you shiver. What is happening with you today?

“Already sharing secrets.” Xiangling scoffs. “i never thought i'd see the day.”

Zhongli makes no effort to defend himself. “If a heart doesn’t beat once in it’s lifetime, it cannot claim to be one.”

Xiangling scoffs. “That makes no sense. Come, I want to show you around.”

Xiangling takes you both around the inn, showing you all the suites and important rooms and meal preps and menus. She lets you taste the champagne, and after a while, it all becomes a little too much, so you excuse yourself.

You sip at your flute of champagne, glancing over at the plains. It is bittersweet to see the green and fresh grounds when you know things aren’t so idyllic at home. All the inn does is remind you of your home and how busy it used to be in your palace.

“May i join you?”

“You may.” you reply, as Zhongli rests his hands on the balcony railing beside you. “It’s a beautiful view.”

“But you feel guilty for appreciating it.” He says quietly.

“I know my parents, and despite everything, they would only ever send me away if I was in danger. Whatever they did, whatever deal they made was going to affect me. They’re choosing me over their people. I am the reason my kingdom is dying. And they won’t tell me the truth, so I can’t even help, and I’m scared. I’m so scared that the blood of thousands and thousands of innocent civilians will be on my hands, and I can’t do anything about it.” Your hands begin to shake, and Zhongli takes the glass out of your hand and places it on the deck.

“It will not be on your hands. You are not responsible for your parents actions.”

“Have they replied to my letter?”

“My courier has not returned.”

“This is all my fault.” you sob. “They wouldn’t do this if not for me. I pray their deal was worth it because I don’t know if I can take the guilt.” you wrap your arms around your body as if you can compact yourself with your own hands.

Zhongli is silent for a while, trying to think of any comforting words. But he knows what you need is the truth, and he does not know it.

“Would you like me to hold you?” he says finally and you turn to hug him before he even finishes the sentence. You melt into his arms as he gently rubs your back.

“This is not your fault. Not at all. So please, I beg of you, do not let it make you feel guilty.”

Your knees give way underneath you, and Zhongli follows, using himself to stop your knees from tsking the most of the hit as you sob into his chest. He doesn't say anything, he doesn't ask when you'll be done, and he doesn't try to soothe you with cheap lies and half-truths. His hands cradle the back of your head until your tears have subsided.

“I’m sorry.” you whisper.

“You can feel every single emotion under the sun if you need to. you never have to feel sorry for relying on me.” he replies. “We will figure this out. It will all be as it should..”

You get comfortable in his arms, so much so that when you reluctantly separate yourself from him, the world suddenly feels cold.

“Do not rush yourself.”

“I fear I overestimate your goodwill.” you reply drily, gently rising to your feet.

“No such thing. Do you think you can tolerate the ride home tonight?”

You nod. You would rather sleep in your own bed.

On the carriage ride home, your head lolls against Zhongli’s shoulder as you fall asleep. Acting impulsively, he cradles your head as the carriage flies over a rocky patch. As much as he promised to not let his past emotions influence what he does in this life, he cannot help but be drawn to you. And maybe you’ve begun to do the same over the past few days.

When the carriage draws to a stop, he decides to at least try to carry you if you’ll let him, and if it will keep you asleep for longer, he is okay with doing it. He is surprised by how you turn into him and ignores the look Xiao gives him as he carries you in.

“Might I speak with you?”

“You may. Once she is comfortable,” he replies, almost dismissing Xiao. He grapples with where to let you sleep—he doesn’t want to invade your privacy by taking him into your room, but he doesn’t want to worry you by leaving you in his.

“Surely the obvious choice is to—“

“Is your grand plan to wake her up?” Zhongli shoots back. He decides to risk your scrutiny and leave you in your room. Alanna is nowhere to be found when he opens the door, so he places you in your bed and tucks you in. Suddenly, he feels the urge for more—to stroke your hair, to kiss your forehead… but he regains his composure and excuses himself.

Xiao immediately returns to business as Zhongli is back in his sights. 

“It does not take a genius to observe, but you don't think as negatively of her as you want us to believe,” Xiao replies drily.

“Giving precedence to unrequited emotions is a waste of time.” 

“You wouldn’t give precedence to any emotions if I allowed you the opportunity to do so.” He grunts. “I don’t see why you cannot simply refrain from lying to yourself.”

“I am not lying to myself. I am simply being realistic.” Zhongli retorts, sitting wearily at his desk. “

“She is here anyway. There is no shame in doing something for yourself for once. Allow yourself happiness. It is not a crime to like a woman, you know.”

“Perhaps the fact I like her is the problem.” Zhongli shoots back.

The two men stare at each other blankly until Zhongli clears his throat. “I believe I have a better understanding of the Abyss’ intentions. But if what i suspect is true, i do not know how to solve this problem.”

Neither of them notices you as you leave your room, looking for an entrance to the gardens and catching the tail end of their conversation.

notes: are we all enjoying the celeste resurgence? two posts in the last 2 days like wth who even am I

Taglist: @tartigglez @ainescribe @blue-sapphire-ink @mikashisus @local-lover-boy @osmanthus-wine-addiction @vitanye @peachystea

[storm-angel989]

Outside The Office Part Fourteen

Hi All,

I have been WAITING to write this chapter, almost as much as I think some might have been waiting for it! Again, without giving away spoilers, this post deserves a trigger warning for graphic content.

Enjoy- and as always, I appreciate any and all feedback!!

One uneventful limo ride home, and a well understood request for a few moments by myself, I stood in my own shower, allowing the hot water to wash away the events of the night. I tried to process what had happened over the past few hours and wondered, not for the first time, if my perception of heaven and hell had truly been wrong this whole time. Although I couldn’t necessarily get behind the idea of soul ownership, I saw the value in an Overlord stepping in before the Sins did, and offering them a safer landing than the one that inevitably waited for them when they crossed. Even more so now, I understood the point Vox said made before our interview,  and could even see myself someday stepping in, solely to help a soul in need. Even though ownership of a soul made me uncomfortable at best, I had to admit after knowing what I know now, it was absolutely the kinder of the two options. 

I dried my hair as best I could and braided it back before slipping into clean pajamas. I flopped down on my own bed and snuggled under the covers, willing myself to sleep, but it just didn’t feel right without Valentino’s presence. After tossing and turning for a half hour, I gave up andI made my way into his bedroom. I pushed open his unlocked door and he was sitting upright against the pillows, a book open in his hand. 

“Mi Amore, I didn’t think I would see you tonight,”” he said as he placed a bookmark in his novel and closed the cover. 

I walked over to him and climbed into bed wordlessly, snuggling into him. 

He ran the back of his hand down my cheek, concern coloring his features.  “Are you alright? There is no shame in needing time to yourself, little love. I would not be offended.” 

“I tried to sleep, but I couldn’t,” I replied softly. “Is it okay if I stay with you?” 

“More than okay, Princessa.” He planted a kiss on the top of my head and adjusted himself so that I was comfortably laying on top of him. 

I allowed the weight of my body to relax against his, his heartbeat steady in my ears. I closed my eyes and under his touch, the feelings of love, safety and security wrapped around me like a blanket. Finally, I allowed the exhaustion to wash over me. The last thing I heard was his soft voice, whispering to me. 

“Goodnight, my princessa.” 

The next few weeks passed in a blur as I readjusted to my pre-injury routine. Every night except for our usual Wednesday, the four of us went out- dinner, and then one of Valentino’s clubs. Although the protestors remained, with each passing day there seemed to be less and less- and not once did they do anything more than shout angrily. 

Although I now made it a point to notice when they left the table, neither Vox or Valentino invited me to join them when they went out to gather a new contract. Velvette, on the other hand, brought me with her several more times. With each scene I encountered, it solidified my initial feeling that presenting a soul with a choice between the lesser of two evils was a kindness I could accept, at least partially. 

At home, Valentino and I fell into our own routine of nighttime kisses and snuggles. Although I occasionally slept in my own bed, for the most part I fell asleep to the steady beating of his heart and his arms wrapped around me. And some nights, we took it just a little further beyond our usual cuddles, though he carefully sidestepped my desire for more. 

“I know you’re healed physically, but Princessa, please- put some time between what happened and your commitment to me,” he told me gently when I expressed my frustration to him. “There is no rush, and I want to be sure, without a doubt, that you are ready for this.” 

I grumbled but leaned in and kissed him. “Fine. But I expect chocolate covered strawberries and champagne when you finally decide to get it together.”

He laughed and wrapped his arms around me as we fell into bed once more. 

Two weeks after that conversation, I was running on the treadmill when my phone pinged. I slowed down and hit the open text button, scanning the words within. 

Princessa, I have a surprise for you. Valentino’s text read. Tell Velvette I told you to wear something pretty. She’ll know what it means. 

I stared at the message, and inside, my heart soared. Could it mean what I hoped?

I jumped off the treadmill and took a long hot shower, making sure I scrubbed every inch of my body. Downstairs, Velvette’s team took their time, and did a more than thorough job as they ensured every inch of me was groomed to perfection. 

The dress Velvette put me in was a short, red number. I spun in front of the mirror, looking at both our reflections in awe and disbelief. Gorgeous wasn’t the word. 

“You look stunning, Reader.” She winked at me and checked the clock. “You can head upstairs now. Valentino should be waiting.” 

I thanked her with the briefest of hugs. I took my spot on the elevator and hit the button for the top floor. I could barely contain my excitement as the butterflies fluttered, encouraged by both my eagerness and my nerves.

I stepped off the elevator and looked to where Valentino sat at the table, his eyes moving from his laptop to me as I walked across the room. 

“Princessa.” Valentino greeted me. His smile grew, and eyes seemed to sparkle as he slowly took in my outfit. “You look fantastic, as usual.” 

“Velvette. She outdid herself again.” I said softly, looking away from his eyes as a sense of uncharacteristic shyness flowed over me. 

“Mm, no, Princessa. She only designs the outfit. It is you who is beautiful.” He stood up and strode over to me, pulled me into his arms and planted a kiss on my lips as he scooped me up, carrying me to the bedroom. 

I wrapped my arms around his neck as our kiss continued. Behind us, the bedroom door slammed shut. Inside, the lights were set to dim, and several lit white candles overcast the room in a romantic glow. Valentino set me down next to the bed and with the quick snap of his finger, my dress fell to the ground, leaving me totally and completely exposed to him. 

He pushed me to the bed, his own clothing joining mine in a heap on the floor as his skin pressed against mine, the kisses becoming more frantic with each passing second before he pulled away and pressed his lips slowly down my neck. He paused at my chest for the briefest of moments. 

“V-Valentino.” I moaned as my body made it known just how good his kisses felt. “V-Valentino!” 

His kisses lowered again and he paused as his lips hovered above my belly. “Princessa. Are you ready?” 

I groaned in eagerness and frustration. “Yes, Valentino goddamn it yes!” 

With my words his tongue plunged deep into me, his fingers falling against me as I exploded into an orgasm. Slowly, he pulled away and planted a kiss on my clit before he stood up. 

“V-Val..” I whispered. I reached my arms up towards him. 

He shook his head, but took one hand gently, giving it a squeeze before he reached for a bottle on the nightstand. He leaned down and hovered his lips above mine.  “Not yet, Princessa. This was just to make sure you are nice and wet for me.”

I felt his hands slowly separate my legs, and his cock pressed against me. I reached around him and dug my fingernails into his back as I bucked my hips impatiently. 

“I need to know if something hurts. You need to tell me,” he said softly as he held himself in place. “Do you understand, Princessa? Use your words, so I know you hear me.”

“Y-yes Valentino.” I moaned and looked up at him.

The sight of him standing there just about pushed me over the edge on visualization alone. Every inch of him was perfectly muscular, a body built to attract and keep a mate. This man, who was harsh to everyone else in his life except for those he held dearest. Who treated me with a softness I had never once felt before. Every single part of me yearned for him, and the love he gave to me freely. My breath caught as I caught sight of his entire length right before it slipped inside of me, and I wondered for the briefest of moment what the glint of silver on the very tip of his cock was for. 

Before I could ask, I felt the weight of his body press into mine, the very tip of him making its way inside of me. An indescribable euphoria overtook every thought I had and the only thing I could focus on was the feeling of his body joined into mine. Somewhere inside me, I felt a flash of pain and dull ache form as he began to thrust slowly and steadily. 

“Relax for me, Princessa,” he said gently. “You need to tell me if it’s too much.” 

I felt his cock grow harder inside of me and his pace quickened. I let out a gasp and my body responded and exploded around him.  The intense feeling of pleasure overwashed any pain I felt. Unable to handle the feeling, I dug my nails deeper into him.

“Valentino!” I cried loudly. “Valentino!!” 

He grunted at the sound of his name. Deep inside of me, I felt his cock spasm as he came, a fast, foreign movement. I gasped at the sharpness of the feeling and around him, I orgasmed again. Unable to move, unable to breathe, I laid under him. I could feel the expansion somewhere deep inside of me, feel his cum shifting as it settled in my lower belly. He slowly pulled out, and from where I laid, I could see the silver glint in the light. His hand slowly fell against my clit, and another finger slid inside. I let out a gasp as the room flashed black. 

“That’s right my love. You’re mine.” He growled softly as he pressed his lips to my neck, his fingers quickening their pace. 

An unfamiliar fire burned in my belly and I couldn’t tell if it was pain or an overabundance of pleasure I felt. 

“V-Val, it hurts!” 

The words were barely out of my mouth before his fingers were out. My entire body felt like jello and I was covered in a sheen of sweat. I gasped as I tried desperately to catch my breath. He carefully pulled me against his chest and he ran his hand down my back. Under me, his heart thundered, a vibration I could feel simply by laying against his bare chest. 

“What hurts, Princessa?” He asked, concern in his voice.

I couldn’t catch my breath to tell him. He seemed to understand, and he took my hand gently.

“Breathe, my love. Just show me. Put my hand where it hurts.” 

I placed his hand on my belly, and then lower, gasping as his finger brushed my clit, and my back involuntarily arched. 

He tried to hide a smile and cradled me to his chest as he laid us both down on the bed. “My princessa. Are you sure it’s pain you feel?” He laid his hand just below my belly button. “If you relax, the overstimulation will settle itself.” He pressed my abdomen lightly, a calmness in his tone. “In. Out. Deep breaths. All the way into your belly, and out,” he instructed. “Move my hand with each breath you take.” 

I did as he commanded, and concentrated on watching the rise and fall of his hand on my stomach. Slowly, the fire began to fade, leaving behind nothing but the dull ache. I cuddled into him and settled my body against his as my breathing slowly returned to normal. 

“That’s my good princessa,” he muttered. He relaxed the pressure and instead wrapped his arms around me in a protective embrace. His gaze fell down towards the sheets and he moved as if to push them away. “How about a shower, mi amor? Let me take care of you.”

With the shuffling of the blankets, even in the low light, I could see the bright crimson splashed against the whiteness of his bedsheets. Fear flooded through me, and I looked down at my bloodstained thighs. 

“Princessa. Look at me.” He cupped my chin and forced me to look into his eyes, his voice growing deeper. “Listen to my voice. You are not hurt- this is what happens your first time. Maybe even the first few times. I promise you, it’s okay.  I’ve got you, and I’m going to take care of you.” 

He pushed aside the bedding, lifted me up and carried me into the bathroom. With one hand, he kept me against him, with the other,  he opened the shower door and turned on the water.

“Listen to me, princessa. You are alright, I promise. The bleeding may have stopped, or it may not have, I’ll know when I put you down and you stand up. Either way, I promise you it won’t hurt, and you’re okay.” He continued as he held me to him. 

Even with his reassurance, the fear exacerbated the ache deep inside of me. I laid my head against him, unable and unsure what to say or do. I watched in silence as the steam started to rise above the shower. He reopened the door and stepped us both inside. Carefully, he adjusted me so when set me down I stood upright, his arms still wrapped around me. I looked down before he could force me not to. A bright puddle of crimson formed on the floor of the shower, the water whisking it down the drain. 

“Fuck!” I cursed. I felt my cheeks turn pink as I watched the blood pour down my legs. I didn’t even consider that this would happen, and I knew I shouldn’t care. Even less so with Valentino. In his line of work, he probably dealt with this all the time. But even that thought couldn’t keep the feelings of shame and embarrassment away. 

“Hey, sweetheart, it’s alright,” he pulled me to his chest. “It will stop, I promise.” He cupped my chin again and leaned down. He pressed his lips against mine before he pulled away gently. With one hand on my shoulder, he grabbed the bottle of body wash and ran the soap all over my body. He paused for just a moment as his hands ran down the inside of my legs, washing away the orange-red mess. “Speak, mi amore. I can’t read your mind, as much as I wish I could.”

“I’m so embarrassed,” I finally answered. I looked away 

“What, Princessa, could you ever be embarrassed about?” He asked as he guided me back under the water. “You were- you are perfect.” 

He pulled me out of the water and into him. With a gentle force, he pushed me against the shower wall. Carefully let go, leaving my body pinned between the warm tiles and him. 

“I would take you again right this very moment if I didn’t think that it would cause you pain tomorrow. Get any notion of insecurity out of your pretty little head this instant because you, babydoll, are mine.” He pressed his lips against my neck. “Do you understand, mi amore?” His voice dropped into a low demand, “use your words.”

“Yes, Valentino.” I let out an involuntary shiver. 

“Good. Let’s get cleaned up then, shall we?” He pulled away and positioned me back under the water. 

Peppered with kisses as we washed each other, our shower ended sooner than I wanted it to. He turned the water off and wrapped me in a towel before he perched me on the counter top. He handed me a second towel and I wrapped my hair up, giving it the best towel dry I could. The dull ache inside me hadn’t left yet, and while it wasn’t the worst feeling in the world, it was definitely uncomfortable.

“Are you okay, Princessa?” You’re quiet. What's bothering you?” Valentino asked as he pulled on his bathrobe. He walked over to me, my robe over his arm. “Princessa? Communicate.” 

“My belly hurts, but not like my stomach. Lower. Like down here.” I pointed to just below my belly button. 

His hand fell to the small of my back and he helped me down off the counter. He answered after a moment, and removed my towel before he wrapped me in my bathroom, speaking as he did so. “That feeling isn’t uncommon. The first time you have sex- the first time you take that step, it’s almost like a trauma. The bleeding that comes with it is normal, natural. I did my best to be gentle, but it doesn’t take away from the fact that your body has experienced something breaking. That’s part of the reason I wanted you to wait until I knew you were back to your normal self.” He kissed me on the forehead. “I have dinner waiting for us in the kitchen. Let’s get some food in you and a heating pad on your tummy and see if you feel any better.” 

Dressed in our pajamas, we walked hand in hand out to the living room. To my suprise, it was empty, save for the steaming platters on the table. 

“Vox and Velvette took this opportunity to go out on their own,” Valentino explained when he saw my expression. “It’s been awhile since they’ve spent time together, just the two of them.” He bent down and kissed my cheek. “I would have cooked for us, but I didn’t want to make you wait any longer for dinner than you had to, so I ordered your favorite. I hope that’s okay?”

“It’s perfect.” I said as I gave him another kiss. 

I wrapped my arms around him and he spun me around, leaned me back and kissed me again. 

“I love you,” he said with a softness reserved solely for me. His eyes met mine and he gave me a smile and another kiss.  “I love every single inch of you.” 

“I love you too.” I wrapped my arms around his neck and leaned up to give him yet another kiss.

He accepted my show of affection and with a final press against my lips, he released me from his hold. He tugged me to the table and loaded up a plate, and then he handed it to me.

“Couch or table?” I asked, unsure as I held the steaming hot dish.

“Couch would be more comfortable, I would think. We can put something on, a movie or a show or whatever you want,” he answered. He filled his own plate and turned around to where I stood, planting a kiss on the top of my head. “Tonight is about us, and what we want. Nothing else.” He set his plate down and poured two glasses of wine before he settled himself on the couch. 

Love and joy spread through me, and I kissed his cheek as I took my usual place next to him. He pulled the heating pad from the back of the couch and placed it against my belly. He kissed my cheek again, and then picked up the remote. After a few moments of flipping through the channels,  and playfully discussing our options, we settled on one of our usual mutually agreed upon. Side by side, we enjoyed dinner, occasionally sharing bites with each other between comments and giggles about the events on the screen. Love. This is what love was, I was sure of it. 

“You know, I did get dessert if you want it,” Valentino said after we had both finished eating. He shifted himself and stood up as he stretched. “I’ll be right back. Close your eyes.”

I did as he instructed, leaning back against the couch. The dull ache had disappeared, and I felt completely and totally normal again. A few seconds passed and I felt something press against my lips.

“Open up, my Princessa,” he said softly. 

I did as he instructed and the sweet taste of chocolate touched my tongue. I opened my eyes and took a bite. The tartness of the strawberry combined with the sweetness of the chocolate was divine. He pressed a champagne flute into my hand. 

“I told you I always keep my promises.” He clicked his glass against mine. “To us.”

“To us,” I echoed. 

We both took a sip and he settled himself back on the couch, placing the box of chocolate covered strawberries between us. The TV forgotten, we spent the next half an hour or so sipping our champagne and feeding each other bites of dessert. I snuggled against him once both our glasses and the box was empty and tried to suppress a yawn. 

“Sleepy?” He pressed his lips to my forehead and lifted me up into his arms. He carried me to the bedroom. The bed, now freshly made and the sheets were back to their crisp, clean color.

“How did you..”

He laughed and kissed me, pulling back the covers and settling both of us under the coolness of the clean sheets. “I don’t employ housekeepers who aren't discrete, mi amor.” 

I snuggled into him, “more souls you’ve saved?”

“Something like that,” he responded lightly. “It’s nice to hear you’re starting to see our side of the story.”  He kissed me again and guided my head to his chest. “Now close those pretty blue eyes and go to sleep.” His voice softened ever so slightly, “I’ll be right here when you wake up, I promise.” 

I snuggled against him and allowed the exhaustion to wash over me. A final thought washed over me before sleep overtook me.

Valentino always kept his promises.

[aforestescape]

simon ‘ghost’ riley - roommates

-the one where: simon helps you with your wash day routine

content includes: no warnings, just a fluffy little post i made based off a prompt. gender neutral. readers hair is described as curly and based off of my own hair routine as a black person:). also selectivelymute!simon because he’s my muse

having been living with you for a few months, simon had noticed how every weekend you’d carry out an array of products over to the kitchen sink. he was steadily growing used to the routine of his life surrounding yours. after his morning workouts he’d make sure the sink was clean before you woke, least you have to snark him again for the dirty plates making your task take longer.

usually he was too busy to stop and just relax with you. traveling for work often and busy with his own responsibilities. but he’d found that this was one of his favorite times to catch you. there was something about watching you bent over the sink, fingers scrunching shampoo into your scalp. muttering and complaining to yourself about how much of a workout this was for your arms. it filled him with a sense of calm and belonging in this tiny corner of the world.

after a few times of him hovering by the kitchen table you even let him help you. so here he stood just to the side of your frame. his thick, calloused fingers scratching product and buildup off your scalp. he was so gentle with his touches despite you telling him you weren’t tender headed.

you liked how soft he was with you though so you didn’t bring it up more than once. you just stood bent over the sinks counter with your eyes closed. head rested against a fluffy towel as he let the sinks spray run through your strands.

after shampooing, he moved over to the next product. grabbing the new hair mask you’d been trying out and twisting the top off. he takes a small dollop of the sweet smelling mask and smooths it into the section of your hair. running it from root to end before moving to unclip another section and starting the process again.

when he’s done you lift your head from the sink and let out a breath. as you slip on your shower cap to let the mask sit he can’t help smiling down at you. scarred skin pulling around his pink soft lips. you look so perfect to him like this. like something he’s started to define as home. a real one, nothing like the one he grew up in.

you catch his dopey smile and raise an eyebrow at him. he doesn’t reply to the questioning look. just reaches his hand up to gently tug on a curl that managed to escape your cap. you swat his fingers away, moving over to the kitchen table to sit at while you wait.

he moves right behind you, big frame trailing you like an obedient dog. he takes the seat across from you and stares at you in silence.

“your hair is really soft after you wash it,” he signs to you absently. you offer him a small smile, tilting your head.

“yeah? you’ve told me a few times. but i’ve gathered from how much you seem to enjoy touching it.”

when the fifteen minutes are up simon washes out the product and then moves on to the next step. conditioning and detangling section by section before rinsing. he helps you carry all the product back to your drawer full of hair supplies in your bathroom. cleans the kitchen sink and counter while you get started on moisturizing and oiling your hair.

he comes back into the bathroom to you sectioning off your curls to braid them. he stands behind you, brown eyes tracking your fingers quick movement as you go. while you focus on your hair he sneaks a hand up to touch your curls again. you roll your eyes in the mirror, that small sappy smile on your face.

simon hopes next time you’ll let him attempt to braid your hair.

[sapphicsnzs]

my wlw ocs<3

Hey!! I’ve been working on making wlw ocs for a while and I’m ready to introduce them to you! Meet Libby and Maisey!!

Feel free to ask any questions or send asks about them. The first fic I wrote is after they get together, but I have ideas to explore them as they get together. 

Info: Maisey and Libby met as sophomores in college. They go to the same college and met working at the same coffee shop. They worked the Tuesday/Thursday opening shifts together every week. After the first few shifts Libby started showing off her talent for making drinks, which Maisey in desperate need of caffeine fell hard for. They went out for a bit before making it official. 

Libby (She/they): Environmental science student who is also minoring in painting. One day she wants to work in environmental activism, but for now she's learning. She works at the coffee shop called, The Coffee Bean, which is how the two met and fell in love. They will typically be wearing some sort of second-hand clothing (that's usually covered in paint or mud) with their hair braided. She’s very relaxed, easy-going, but also is very social. They live with two roommates who are their best friends (Clara and Harper). Libby likes to take things a little slower. She appreciates having time to relax and take care of herself. She loves a good bath or a day resting, and hopefully she'll be able to get Maisey to join her. Her love language is acts of service so she loves taking care of her Maisey in any way whether it's making her favorite meal or doing tasks so she can relax when she gets home. Libby loves gardening, hiking, or doing anything outside, although she has the worst allergies. Maisey always jokes that she loves the earth but the earth doesn’t love her back. In addition she is an avid user of handkerchiefs because she is very environmentally friendly, however, she knows Maisey exclusively uses tissues so she has no problem buying them for her. Although she's more easy-going she puts her foot down when it comes to Maisey taking breaks. 

Maisey (She/her): Pre-med student who overworks herself constantly. She doesn't really know what field she wants to go into, but she loves science and helping people. She works at the coffee shop and volunteers at her local hospital. Despite being insanely busy, she always looks put together. Her friends always joke that they have no idea how she always looks so put together. She is typically seen wearing colorful fashionable clothing with her hair expertly styled. She has also perfected her skincare and everyday makeup routine. Maisey is very social and outgoing with classmates, friends, and patients. She's a bit of an oversharer, but that is how she humanizes herself to her peers and the people that love her. Maisey wants to be a perfectionist, but often falls short, however, she is very loved and the people around her always support her no matter what. Maisey lives with one roommate who she used to be close with but isn’t really anymore. She also has a small orange cat named Peaches (although her and Libby love calling her Princess Peach). As a pre-med student she is a natural caretaker, so the second Libby feels unwell she absolutely dotes on her. Maisey’s love language is physical touch, so whenever Libby is unwell she is all over her despite the risk of contagion. Additionally, she is a walking pharmacy and has anything her friends or Libby could possibly need, although she rarely uses it for herself. Maisey tends to catch any bug that she comes in contact with, which is a lot working at the hospital. A lot of the time she is able to work through her illnesses, but Libby is always there to remind her to take care of herself too. She is slightly allergic to cats, but loves them so much that she suffers through it. 

I'm really excited!!! They're so precious and I hope you like them!!! I’m hoping to have their first fic up in the next few days. Once I get more comfortable with writing for them I’ll probably open up requests but in the meantime feel free to send asks about them. I’ll tag all my fics under my fics and my ocs and their names. I’m super excited thank you<3

[harrywavycurly]

Sarah, I literally love you so much you're one of the best people on this app istg❤️

If it's not too much trouble, for the joseph quinn x princess reader can we get something like Joe and readers nighttime routine?

I'm quite particular about my skincare but sometimes I'm soooo lazy and too tired to do it and I need someone like Joe to treat me like a princess and do it for me🥹

Or something similar if you don't vibe w/ that, anything like that would be super cool if you could, please & thank you🫶🩶

Hellooo lovey!! Awe oh my goodness you’re too sweet omg🥹 I literally love YOUUU so much!!! I absolutely can give you some Joseph Quinn and his Princess’s nighttime routine! I feel you on the skin care like I’m obsessed with it but also half the time don’t want to be bothered with it😩😂 so I hope you enjoy, I gave you some conversations that you’d have throughout the night💖

-hi! Hello! Keep scrolling if RPF isn’t your thing and also if you’re not into spoiled/princess reader. I swear I won’t take it personal 😂✨

-find all things Joe x Princess here💖

*You have a thing for skincare…you just don’t always want to bother with it so that’s where Joe comes in*

“My love you have to be still or it’s going to be all wonky looking.” “Sorry I’m just sleepy…that’s a little tight.” “Sorry baby…did you have a long day hmmm? Spent too much time out at the shops with your friends?” “It was fun but yes…I didn’t get my usual nap so I got a little cranky.” “You do like your little half hour mid day nap don’t you love?…how’s that? Need me to redo it? I’m still new on the whole French braid thing.” “I can’t help it…working mornings and getting off in the afternoon just makes it hard for me to not need a nap…oh yes it looks great.” “I for one am pro nap…I enjoy when you’re all sleepy and cuddly in the middle of the afternoon.”

“I’m too sleepy…I don’t want to.” “Baby…you know you’ll be very annoyed in the morning when you wake up and your face is all dry…” “can you…do it for me?” “Put on your skincare? Sure love..you just have to tell me what order you do things in because there’s…a lot.” “I can do that…you really don’t mind?” “Of course not my darling…now what’s first?” “That green bottle…yeah that one it’s my serum to make me look radiant…do you think it works?” “Oh yes it works you’re always looking absolutely radiant love…how’s that feel? I’m not being too rough right?” “It feels amazing…I’m never applying my own skincare again.” “Oh is that so?” “Next is the gold bottle that’s my nighttime face cream…don’t forget to drag it down the neck.” “Jesus this stuff is quite thick…so down the neck…got it…that feel okay?” “Mhhmmm” “baby…come on you can’t possibly be falling asleep while sat on the bathroom counter.” “You underestimate my ability to sleep anywhere…” “what’s the last step love?” “Eye cream…tiny white jar….you don’t need a lot and use your ring finger and tap it in.” “Okay..tap it..in…like that?…are we done now?” “Yes…can we go lay down now?” “Yes baby we can go lay down now.”

“You said we can lay down…” “and you can love…I’m just going to rub your feet with that lotion you like and put those socks on that have the little hearts all over them.” “Oh but I got those new ones with smiley faces on them at the store today.” “Did you? Would you like to wear those instead love?” “Yes please…” “okay…get comfortable for me…perfect…left foot please baby…that’s a good girl thank you…” “will you read to me tonight?” “Sure princess what do you feel like reading tonight?…right foot now love…thank you.” “I like that poetry book you’ve been reading to me lately.” “Oh good choice baby…okay feet are nice and cozy let’s get comfy shall we?” “My feet are very happy…thank you.” “You don’t have to thank me baby…you know I love pampering you.” “I love you Mr. Quinn.” “I love you too Princess.”

[writtenjewels]

Hair Care

[Thank you to BasicWitGirl's community for giving me this idea!]

Kaidan pushed the door of his daughter's room open, expecting to find her still in bed. It was summer break and she could have taken the opportunity to sleep in. But Tori proved to be too much like both of her parents and had already left her room. Kaidan sighed and headed on to other rooms in the house.

Jane was on the porch outside enjoying the morning breeze. Kaidan hovered, not wanting to disturb her. After all they had been through, it was nice seeing his wife so relaxed. Her head was tilted slightly to catch the sun and a small smile was playing on her lips. All too soon, the moment broke and she focused again. She turned to look his way.

“Hey, there,” she greeted. Kaidan didn't know how she managed to make two simple words sound so alluring.

“Hey,” he answered, unable to resist dipping his voice to match. Jane's smile grew warmer. It took Kaidan a moment to get back on track. “Have you seen Tori?”

“She ran out back. Probably playing in the orchard.”

Kaidan let out a huff of laughter. With their daughter, that usually meant climbing trees or chasing any small animals that made their way inside. He headed outside and searched around. Sure enough, he spotted a small figure perched on one of the lower branches of an apple tree. He moved to stand just underneath her.

“Daddy!!” the girl squealed, kicking her legs.

Without any more warning than that, she jumped from her branch. Kaidan was ready to catch her in his arms. She had definitely inherited her spirit from her mother. Yet no matter how much his girls made him worry with their crazy stunts, Kaidan couldn't help loving them. He kissed Tori fondly on the cheek.

“Want me to help with your hair?” he asked her. Her hair was dark like his, but without biotics charging her body, the hair ended up going wild on Tori's head.

“Yes, please.” She looped her arms around his neck and pressed her cheek to his.

Kaidan carried his daughter inside and into the living room. He set her down so he could gather all her favorite hair accessories. He did this for her nearly every day and knew what she liked to wear. Tori already seated herself, kicking her feet restlessly while she waited. Kaidan smiled and took up a comb, positioning himself behind his squirming daughter.

“So what are we doing today?” he prompted as he gently moved the comb through her tangles.

“Braid crown!” she chirped. “With the sparkly flowers!” Kaidan moved the requested accessories closer and started tying off her hair to start braiding.

The moment he learned he and Jane were having a girl, Kaidan took it upon himself to learn how to style hair. It felt like a simple way for him to treat his daughter. Jane let him practice on her while she was pregnant so by the time Tori was born, he was decently skilled at it. It had still been a bit of a learning curve once he started working on Tori's hair, but by now it was all routine.

“Daddy, I saw a squirrel,” Tori announced. “That's why I was in the tree.”

“I hope it was already in the tree when you started climbing.” When Tori didn't answer, Kaidan sighed and shook his head. “Tori, some little animals are okay to have in the orchard.”

“I wasn't chasing it away!” she protested. “I wanted to pet it! But then it ran up the tree and I climbed after it.” Kaidan smiled to himself. He finished combing out the last tangle and began to weave Tori's hair into a braid. “It was really cute, too,” Tori continued. “It had a fluffy tail.”

“Next time, be more gentle and slow,” Kaidan told her. “I'll get some nuts from the kitchen and show you.”

“And then it'll let me pet it and be my friend?”

“If you have even an ounce of your mother's charm, I'm sure you will. You can probably make friends with anything.”

“I don't know about that,” Jane spoke up. Kaidan turned to watch her join them in the room. She sat down on the couch near her daughter and husband. “The vorcha were a hard sell,” she said.

“But you won them over in the end,” Kaidan added, smiling at her warmly before turning back to his daughter's hair.

The three of them continued to chat as Kaidan worked on the braids. Tori went over name ideas for her squirrel friend with her parents offering some suggestions. Once that topic was exhausted, they moved on to the status of their fruit trees. Tori was proud to inform her parents she saw with her own eyes that the apples were growing.

“When they're ripe, we should invite everyone over,” Jane suggested. “It's been a while since we've all been together.”

“Good idea,” Kaidan agreed. “Done,” he said to Tori. She jumped out of her seat, running fingers over the braids and flower clips. Her face lit up in a delighted smile and she threw her arms around him.

“Thank you, Daddy, you're the best!” She ran off back into the orchard. Kaidan watched her go, warm affection filling his chest. He loved that he could do something so simple to make his daughter happy.

“She's right,” Jane spoke up. She moved to take up the seat her daughter just left, leaning so she was resting on Kaidan's chest. “You really are the best.”

“Thanks.” He let out an embarrassed laugh. Jane just smiled and snuggled more comfortably against him. Kaidan lifted a hand to comb fingers through her hair. “Want me to do yours?”

“Sure,” she agreed. “You could always use more practice.”

“Why's that?”

Jane tilted her head up to look at him, a hand resting over her stomach. “In case Tori gets a sister.”

[sequinsmile-x]

Home - Chapter One

Revenge - (re·​venge: Noun.)

The action of hurting or harming someone in return for an injury or wrong suffered at their hands.

She'd been comfortable and safe for so long that she'd allowed herself how to forget how it felt to be afraid.

A sequel to The Way Home

-x-

Well, it took longer to get this out than I hoped, but better late than never! I love The Way Home and I am loving writing this version of them.

A quick shout out to @aubreyprc who, no matter how much she screams at me over the next several weeks for this fic, was involved in planting this very firmly in my head when we were in Blackpool for the weekend last year.

I do have some ideas for a series of one shots between The Way Home and this fic. Just a series of moments in the 16 years between them meeting in college and the start of this sequel. Let me know if you'd be interested!

Chapters will be posted every Friday.

-x-

Words: 3.1k

A full list of warnings can be found on the Series Master List.

Read over on Ao3, or below the cut

Fall 2007 - Arlington, VA 

Emily wakes up to the feeling of small hands pressing into her cheeks and the comforting scent of her daughter's shampoo surrounding her.

“Daddy says it’s time to wake up, Mama,” Eleanor says, her attempts at whispering somehow louder than her usual voice. She opens her eyes and looks at her little girl, who smiles widely at her, “Morning!”

“Good morning, Ellie,” she replies, her voice rough with sleep, and she looks briefly at her husband's side of the bed and is unsurprised to find it empty, the sheets cold to the touch indicating that he’d been up for a while. He’d always been a morning person, even back when they were in college, and it was something he had passed on to their five-year-old who was already dressed and ready for school, her hair in perfect braids that Aaron had clearly paid close attention to. “You look pretty.” 

The little girl beams, her smile getting impossibly wider, “Like Mommy.” 

Emily chuckles, knowing that was absolutely not the case right now. That she likely had remnants of yesterday's mascara smudged under her eyes, never quite coming all the way off no matter how many steps there were in her skincare routine, and her hair would be a mess. 

“Thank you, sweet girl,” she says, sitting up just enough to pull Eleanor into her arms, something that the little girl needs no encouragement for. It had become part of their morning routine all the way back when Eleanor was a tiny dot of a thing, content to be in her mother’s embrace for a while before the day began. Emily knows thats why Aaron would always send their daughter up to wake her up just a few minutes before her alarm went off, so they could start the day in a way they both loved. 

It was strange to think that Eleanor was now the age Jack had been when Emily first met him. She hoped that the years would go slower this time around, that it wouldn’t feel like she blinked and then had a teenager going off to college, but time had always been a thief and she knew it always would be. The vague fear that Eleanor would be her only chance at motherhood always lingered in the back of her mind. The losses she’d had before she had her little girl were enough to make her anxious just at the prospect of getting pregnant again, but they were trying. Both she and Aaron keen to have one more child. 

She pulls her daughter closer just at the thought of it, excitement and anxiety bubbling in her stomach in equal measure, and she smiles as Eleanor wraps both of her hands around one of hers before she starts to trace one of her fingers up and down the scar on Emily’s forearm. The now thin silver line stretched from her wrist to halfway to her elbow. It was the only physical scar she had from that time, the only reminder etched onto her skin. She always found herself oddly grateful for it, a physical manifestation of the worst time of her life, because it was proof it happened.

Something she needed when the mental scars, which she knew would never fully heal, reared their ugly heads. She hated that every time her throat was sore she could feel Ian’s hand wrapped around it. That whenever the first sign of a cold would enter their home, Eleanor coughing as she came home from school, she knew it was only a matter of time until she’d feel the familiar scratchiness. The nightmares would follow shortly afterwards, they always did, and she’d wake up to Aaron talking her through it, knowing from experience that if he touched her before she was fully awake and aware of her surroundings he’d only add to the torture her subconscious had lined up for her. A grim showreel of things she wishes she could forget. 

The hardest thing to grabble with was that she couldn’t wish she had never met Ian, because without him she never would have moved and met Aaron. It felt like a cruel twist of fate, a joke of sorts from the universe that had no punchline, that the very worst thing that had ever happened to her had led her to the best. 

The alarm on her nightstand rings out, and she reaches to turn it off before pressing a kiss to Eleanor’s forehead, “Ok honey, you go downstairs and tell Daddy I’ll be there in a minute.” 

Eleanor nods before she scrambles off the bed, talking over her shoulder as she goes, “Love you, Mommy.” 

“Love you too, Ellie,” she replies, smiling as she watches her daughter run down the hallway, her footsteps slowing as she reaches the stairs. Emily stretches her arms over her head as she climbs out of bed, sighing as she rubs at her eyes before she leaves the room, ready to go downstairs and join her family. 

She yawns as she walks into the kitchen, distracted by the thought of work and everything she needed to get done that day, and she almost walks straight into Aaron. He stops her just in time, his hands on her shoulders as he holds her in place, a wry smile on his face. 

“What is it with you and always walking into me?” He asks, his tired eyes sparkling with love for her as he leans down to kiss her cheek. 

She rolls her eyes at him but can’t help but smile as she remembers the first time they met. How she’d walked straight into him, distracted by moving to a new town and the things she’d never quite been able to escape. He always brought it up, exaggerating how they met for all of their friends, false claims that she’d literally knocked him over, the first impression so strong he’d had no choice but to fall in love with her. 

“Any excuse to get caught by you,” she quips, winking at him as he kisses her cheek before he lets her go, “Do you have a busy day today?” 

Ever since he’d successfully prosecuted George Foyet a year ago he’d become one of the Attorney General’s favourite prosecutors and was now often given the most high-profile cases in DC. It was everything he’d trained for, those long nights in law school when she’d switch between helping him study and distracting him to give him a well-earned break, paying off. There were rumours the Attorney General was training him up to eventually replace him. 

“No court, thankfully,” he replies, turning to the kitchen counter where Eleanor was sitting to finish pouring the milk into her cereal, “But a lot of casework to look over,” he puts their daughter’s cereal in front of her and then turns back to Emily, “You?”

“Just a lot of meetings,” she says, grimacing as she thinks of her day. There were times when she missed being more actively involved in social work, but mostly she was grateful for what she did now. Working closely with government officials to help create policies to protect the most vulnerable in society. It was a change she made when she had Eleanor, something that allowed her to spend more time with her family. “But I’ll be able to pick up this one from school,” she says, playing with one of Eleanor’s braids, “How about you sweet girl? Busy day at Kindergarten?” 

Eleanor shrugs and continues eating her cereal. Aaron chuckles and kisses his wife’s temple before moving past her to make coffee.

“You go get ready, sweetheart,” he says, smiling at his wife, “I’ll get your breakfast sorted.” She nods and turns to head back upstairs, ready for the day ahead of her. 

When she looked back on that morning in the coming weeks, she was grateful for it, for the last taste of normalcy before their lives were turned upside down.

___

“A spokesperson for Red Onion State Prison has confirmed that the riot is now under control-”

Emily switches the tv channel from the news, something Aaron liked to watch when he couldn’t sleep, to a cartoon for Eleanor.

“Right, sweet girl,” she says, kissing the top of her daughter's head as the little girl settles on the couch, “Mommy has to do a little bit more work, ok? And then when Daddy gets home we’ll have dinner.” 

Eleanor nods, her focus on the tv already and Emily kisses her head once more before she heads towards the dining room. She sits at the table, about to read over some paperwork, when she hears the doorbell ringing. She stands up and shakes her head at the thundering footsteps from her daughter, who seemed to always create a lot of noise despite being small, running down the hallway. She reaches the front door seconds before Eleanor and raises her eyebrow at her. 

“Eleanor Brooke Hotchner, what have we said about you answering the door?” She says, grateful that she’s able to hide her amusement at her daughter's enthusiasm. Eleanor was such a happy little girl, always excited to see the people she loves, and Emily couldn’t help but wonder what she herself could have been like if Elizabeth had been a little more like the mother Emily always strove to be. 

Eleanor looks up at her, her eyes wide in a way that Aaron always said she got from her, “Not to do it because it could be anybody.” 

“Exactly,” Emily says, squeezing her shoulder, “We’ve got to be safe, right?” 

“But Mommy it’s not just anybody it’s Aunt Haley, I saw her car,” Eleanor exclaims, almost bouncing back and forth on her feet with excitement at the prospect of seeing her favourite person outside of her direct family. 

Emily shakes her head, and smiles, “Well, I guess we’d better let her in then, huh?” She turns and opens the door, smiling at her friend as she comes into view, her arms loaded with Pyrex dishes, “Hi Haley, sorry about that.”

“It’s ok,” she chuckles, the sparkle in her eyes letting her know she’s heard their conversation from outside, she looks down at Eleanor who smiles and rushes to Haley, wrapping her arms tight around her, “Well hello to you too, El.” 

“Let Aunt Haley in the door at least, Ellie,” Emily says, reaching to take the food Haley had brought for them from her hands, “I’ll take these,” she says gratefully, “You know, you really don’t have to cook for us.” 

“Well someone has to,” Haley replies, wrapping her arms around Eleanor and guiding her into the house, closing the door behind her, “Neither you nor Aaron can cook anything apart from boxed Mac and Cheese,” she quips, following Emily into the kitchen, Eleanor still wrapped around her, “Besides, it took my mind off of things.” 

Emily pauses just before she puts the casseroles down and she turns to look at her friend. There was tension in her shoulders and a sense of sadness in her eyes, her smile a little tighter than usual, and Emily sighs. 

“Ellie,” she says, turning her attention to her daughter, “Why don’t you go play for a little bit and then find all those drawings you did at school for Aunt Haley? I know she’d love to see them.”

“You did drawings for me?” Haley says, looking down at Ellie, her voice full of enthusiasm that was only partially exaggerated, “I’m excited to see them.”

“Ok!” Eleanor says, dislodging herself from Haley and running out of the kitchen and up the stairs to her bedroom. As soon as she is out of earshot, Emily leans against the kitchen counter and looks at Haley.

“Is this a glass of wine conversation or a coffee conversation?” She asks, and Haley chuckles humourlessly, sitting on one of the stools at the counter. 

“Rick moved out today.” 

Emily groans sympathetically, “Wine it is,” she says, placing her hand over her friends before she turns to the fridge, “What happened?” 

Haley had met Rick several years ago at a work conference, and they’d hit it off. At first, Aaron had been unsure about the relationship, worried about his son spending so much time with someone he barely knew, and Emily had been the one to point out he’d moved on to her. That Haley had accepted someone else in her son’s life even if the road to where they were now was rocky at the start. Their friendship was forged the day Haley saved her from Ian. A case of being in the right place at the right time that led to where they were now - Emily and Aaron’s daughter calling the woman he once would have married ‘aunt.’ 

More recently, especially since Jack had left for college the year before, Haley’s relationship with Rick had seemed to slowly unravel. Ever since Haley was twenty her entire life had been about her son and doing the best for him that she could, and all of a sudden she had time to do what she wanted. It’s when the differences between her and the man she’d been with for 6 years started to show. She wanted to get married, but he didn’t. He wanted a kid, and she didn’t want to start all over again. 

“We just…didn’t want the same things,” Haley says, smiling gratefully when Emily passes her a glass of wine, “He kept talking about kids and I’ve been so clear from the start that I didn’t want any more. I guess he thought I’d change my mind.” 

“I’m sorry Haley,” she says, sitting next to her, “I know you love him.”

“Yeah,” she chokes out, “I do,” she shakes her head at herself and has a sip of wine, “I’m sure he’ll move on. Find someone a bit younger to have a family with, I seem to be a good practise long term girlfriend” she looks at Emily, and clears her throat, “Sorry, no offence.” 

Emily smiles, “None taken.” 

It was easy to forget sometimes that Haley and Aaron had ever been together. She wondered if it was because she’d never seen it. She’d come into their lives after they had already broken up. There were no romantic feelings between the two of them, but Emily knew that Aaron loved Haley as a friend and the mother of his son. 

“Anyway, I came here to distract myself,” Haley says, “How are you?” 

Emily blows out a breath, “Ok, I guess,” she replies, shrugging, “Work is pretty steady at the moment. Aaron is doing really well with his work.” Haley smiles at her indulgently, her eyebrow raised, “Are you really asking me about the baby thing?” 

“Yes,” she answers immediately, her eyes sparkling, “I don’t want a baby of my own but I want to spoil another one of yours.” 

Emily shakes her head, “Well, we are trying,” she says, “And if…” she swallows thickly, a tight smile spreading over her face, “If it happens you will be the first to know. Apart from Aaron of course.” 

Haley reaches out and places her hand on Emily’s arm, “It will happen. I’m sure of it.”

Emily chuckles, “Well I’m glad someone is.” 

A door flys open upstairs, and the time Eleanor had allowed them as she played had clearly come to an end. 

“I found the drawings!” 

Emily and Haley exchange a soft smile and then Emily shouts towards the stairs, “Come and show us, sweetie.”

___

Aaron picks up his briefcase and rolls his neck as he prepares to leave his office, excited to get home to his wife and daughter. 

He’s barely made it into the hallway, still standing in the doorway of his office, when one of the assistant attorneys approaches him, a grim look on his face. 

“Grant,” Aaron groans, “Please don’t tell me it’s a new case. Surely it can wait until morning. I’d quite like to get home.” 

“No,” Grant says, shaking his head, “Nothing like that. Have you heard about what happened at Red Onion State?” 

Aaron nods, “Yes, there was a riot. It’s being reported that it’s all under control now.” 

“It is,” Grant replies, clearly choosing his words carefully, clearing his throat, “But…two prisoners escaped. Cell mates. The prison guards believe that the riot was started so they could get out.” 

Aaron feels a pit form in his stomach and his chest gets tighter, a sense of foreboding that he can’t describe washing over him. 

“Why are you telling me this? Is it someone I put away?” 

Grant nods, “It’s George Foyet.” 

Aaron sighs and pinches the bridge of his nose before looking back at the other man, “He escaped custody before his trial, he knows what he’s doing,” he shakes his head, “I assume they’ve followed the usual procedures.” 

“State troopers are checking all vehicles in the surrounding area and every cop has an up-to-date photo of him, we’ll capture him.” 

“Ok, thank you,” Aaron says, “I appreciate the heads up, at least I can tell my wife before it ends up on the news.”

George Foyet had made some pretty distinct threats towards Aaron when they were in court, and had twice had to be removed from the courtroom by order of the judge. When he told Emily about it she’d worried. Concerned that on the off chance Foyet did get found not guilty, he’d come after Aaron. 

“Of course,” Grant says, and he turns to leave, but Aaron stops him. 

“Who was the other prisoner? His cellmate?” Aaron asks out of curiosity, sure that whoever it was wouldn’t compare to the danger that George Foyet would pose to the general public. 

“Oh,” Grant says, “Some guy who got put away for attempting to murder his ex-girlfriend,” he adds, shaking his head, “He tried to choke her to death in the middle of the street.” 

Aaron feels everything slow down around him, his throat going dry as he tries to swallow against the fear that climbs up it, the taste of it bitter against his tongue. 

He hoped he was wrong. That his instincts that were kicking in were incorrect. He couldn’t tell her this. Couldn’t tell his wife that the man who had caused her such pain, who still managed to sneak his way into her subconscious and haunt her in her dreams even after all this time, had escaped. It couldn’t be him. 

It couldn’t be him.

“What’s his name?” He demands, his fists tight by his side and his jaw tense. 

“Uh, I’d have to look again, he’s not-”

It couldn’t be him.

“His name, Anderson.” 

Grant flinches at the use of his surname, at the way Aaron spits it out like its poison, “It’s Irish. Donavon? No. Doyle. His name is Ian Doyle.” 

-x-

Tag list:

@ssa-sparks, @lukeclvez, @lyds102, @glockleveledatyourcrotch, @hotchnissenthusiast, @danadeservesadrink, @ssamorganhotchner, @emilyprentissisgod, @notagentprentiss, @freesiasandfics, @emilyshotchniss, @thecharmingart, @paulitalblond, @hancydrewfan, @camille093, @whitecrossgirl, @moonlight-2-6, @rawr-jess, @florenceremingtonthethird, @jareauswife, @ms-black-a, @beebeelank, @aubreyprc, @zipzapboingg, @psychopath-at-heart, @criminalmindsgonewrong, @fionaloover, @kinqslcys, @prentissinred, @ccmattis-22, @denvivale317, @thrindis, @hotchsguccitie, @cmfouatslota77, @alexblakegf, @aliensaurusrex, @prentissxhotch, @emobabeyy, @victoiregranger, @stormyweatherth, @wanderingdreamer009, @ssablackbird, @luhwithah, @lex13cm, @prentiss-theorem, @dont-emily-me, @mrs-ssa-hotch, @jocyycreation, @itsmytimetoodream, @hotchnissgroupie, @controversialpooh, @capsshinyshield, @canuck-eh

Join my tag list here!

[myers-meadow]

Hogwarts Uni AU: Potion for Dreamless Sleep

Chapter 1: Potion for Dreamless Sleep. Chapter 2 here.

Summary: After returning to Hogwarts, Minoes is nervous about meeting her old crush again, and hopes the emotions have run out over the summer. The first day passes by, introducing her back into the university life. It's a good thing she's not there alone.

Warnings: none.

Word count: 2370

Thank you so much for indulging me and sharing this AU with me. Jasmine belongs to @devil-doll13, Scarlet belongs to @vincent-sinclair-deserved-better. This is a heap of fun, and already a considerable wordcount for just a fragmented single day at Hogwarts university. I hope you enjoy! Dividers by saradika.

Hogwarts, how I’d missed it, yet being in the halls again filled me with that strange mix of dread and excitement. I missed my own country, my home, as soon as I took the first train, but as soon as I saw Scarlet on the Hogwarts Express, all the homesickness vanished.

The first week, and my schedule started strong. Potions on Mondays!

I pinned my braided hair in place in front of the mirror in the dorm Scarlet and I shared, followed by the usual routine; dark lipstick, my dear spider necklace, strings of beads and a floral headscarf tied loosely under my chin. This early in the morning, Scarlet didn’t seem to share my good mood. I put in some newly enchanted snake earrings, glad to be able to wear magical jewellery on a daily basis again. Mom never liked magic much, so she didn’t want to see or hear anything about it during the summer. I frowned as I thought of her – it was hard to understand. After all, she married a wizard.

The first class of the day was Charms. On the way in the classroom, a familiar young woman in a Ravenclaw robe walked by. The one we shared the train car with during the journey, how fun to see each other again.  

“Hey, Jasmine,” I greeted, finding myself a seat beside her. Scarlet entered a little later, sitting on my other side. “Looks like we have Charms together this year. Mind if I join you?”

“No, not at all, go ahead,” she said, opening her book on the first chapter and getting her quill and ink out. Before we could talk more, Flitwick started the lesson.

“How nice to see all your familiar faces again! During this school year, there will be more challenges for you, as the end of year exams will impact those of you who seek to become an auror, or go into researching careers. Let’s go over the course syllabus,” and the sheets of parchment flew to each of our seats, landing softly in front of us. I glanced it over, seeing what subjects would come up this term.

Soon after, the strange swirling feeling in my tummy distracted me from the lesson. Flitwick truly has a nice voice to stare out the window too.

Class ended as usual. I packed my bag slowly, taking my time to arrange my bag neatly while I normally wouldn’t.

“Do you guys also have Potions after this?” asked Jasmine.

“We do,” answered Scarlet, who had their bag already packed. “Minoes, what’s taking you so long? You know Snape doesn’t tolerate tardiness.”

I sighed and slung the bag over my shoulder. “I’m coming.”

We walked next to each other, the three of us. It was nice with an extra person there. The halls and staircases on the way to the dungeons gradually got chillier.

“What’s gotten into you?” asked Scarlet, “Normally you can’t wait to get to Potions.”

Jasmine eyed us curiously.

“I don’t feel like going today,” I grumbled, hoping the cold of the dungeons will clear my thoughts. “Just… Nevermind.”

“I don’t blame you,” said Jasmine, kindly. “Snape’s not exactly known for his good mood and easy-going classes. We’ll probably get a ton of homework again, even though it’s just the first lesson.”

We reached the door, immediately spotting Draco, who’d already sat down and whose eyes spewed fire as soon as he spotted Scarlet. To let her know she wasn’t alone, I briefly squeezer her arm.

“Oh boy,” I hissed. Last year I sat all the way at the front, like a pathetically eager student, and I was determined to be normal about Potions this year. So I directed us to an empty table the furthest away from the sacred pureblood students. “Let’s maybe sit here.”

Scarlet quirked an eyebrow. “Not up front?”

With a thud I sat my bag down and got the book out. “I know what you may think about me, but I’ll have you know I had this lovely summer fling with some sweet muggle guy, and it really helped. So, no, sitting this far back is just fine for me.”

Jasmine looked from one to the other, and I felt bad that she wasn’t in the loop on this, but was simultaneously relieved. It’s freeing that she doesn’t seem to have too many prejudices against me yet. Although, when it comes out, I’m sure she’ll dislike me then…

It was already bad enough last year, when the rumours first started going around Slytherin, about my pathetic crush on professor Snape. Letting myself fall down in the chair, I steeled my nerves. Yes. This year was going to be normal. Normal; and I’d get passing grades but nothing special, and I’d complain about Snape just like the other students, and everyone will forget about the mess that was me the first year. And that one embarrassing slip-up as we making Amortentia… I rubbed my temples. Yes, this year will be normal.

Then the door opened and Snape entered, a silhouette moving like an ink spill in a glass of water, and he reached his lectern. His eyes passed over the rows of students, meeting some by eye, although most cast their eyes down as soon as he reached them. When his gaze reached me, his eyebrow quirked up almost imperceptibly and the butterflies in my stomach released themselves in such whirlwind fashion that it felt like having taken a kick to the gut. I sucked in a breath. All else fell away. Still looking straight at me, he started the lesson.

“This year will present new challenges to you all, and I expect only the best of you will make it to the third year of this class. In today’s lesson, you will brew a potion for Dreamless Sleep. The instructions are on page 22 of your handbook, and I suggest you start quickly, the ingredients need to be added with great care.”

Scarlet got up, on her way to the ingredients cupboard along with the rest of the students. It was Jasmine who shook me from my thoughts, as she laid a hand on my shoulder.

“Are you alright?” she asked softly. I got up with her, keeping my eyes on either her or Scarlet.

“I’m good, just nervous. Let’s try to get the potion done well. I’ll really be needing that dreamless sleep,” I joked.

As we chopped ingredients, and stirred as per instructions, I remembered the times my dad would sit with me over the summer, to keep my skill in potion’s up, and the advice he gave. Chopping in meticulously equal bits, removing the skin with a sharp knife instead of with a peeler, and rather stir too often than too little. The lavender we had for this was dried instead of fresh, and while the recipe didn’t specify whether it required fresh or dried, I put a little more in to be sure. This was only the first class, so if this failed, I could find a free evening this week and try again.

Jasmine anxiously picked at the skin next to her nails as she stared to a point somewhere beside us, before clamouring to lower the heat under her cauldron. I followed her line of sight and my heart skipped a beat – Snape was making his way over to our table. She adjusted her glasses, before returning to the instructions. I quickly threw in another hand of the dried and crushed lavender flowers and stirred, ignoring the prickling feeling of my hair in my neck standing on end as Snape surely stood beside me by then, looking over my shoulder without a word.

“Miss Vleerebosch, what have you done with the lavender?” his stern voice rang, and I almost jumped, my heart rate spiking. Oh, this is certainly gonna be my normal year. Scarlet gave me a terse look.

“The recipe didn’t specify whether dried or fresh was best, and assuming they wanted fresh, I added more just to be sure.”

Snape sighed as if I just said the stupidest thing he heard that day. “Is it not that dried ingredients are often more potent?” he drawled, sounding almost bored, ready to give me a fail grade within the first hour of the new semester.

I didn’t look at him as I stirred counter clockwise. “Not if the active ingredient is the lavender oil, Professor, so I added more to compensate for the lack of moisture.”

“A daring choice…” and I expected him to follow up with something scathing, but he didn’t. As I looked behind me, to check his expression for how bad I messed up, he had already moved on to Jasmine’s potion, which was nothing like the soothing pale purple it should be after stirring the ingredients. I held my breath for her as he tore into her. She looked down into her cauldron, adjusting her glasses and waited for him to pass on to Scarlet. Scarlet didn’t receive any comment, which was praise in Snape’s books, and he moved on to the next table. They sent me a triumphant look for a brief second, before turning back to the instructions for the next step.

“You okay?” I said softly, brushing elbows with Jasmine, to let her know I was looking out for her.

“Yeah,” she said, a bit shaky. “Potions isn’t my best course.”

“I’ll help, if you want,” said Scarlet. “And don’t mind him, he’s…”

“Like that,” Jasmine finished, nodding. “I know.”

I held myself back from defending him, reminding myself that this was my normal year.

“If he gives you nightmares, you can always have some of the potion,” I said to try and cheer up the mood. “Merlin knows I’ll need it.”

Jasmine gave me a soft smile and adjusted her glasses.

Scarlet scoffed at my remark, “yeah, for another reason, though.”

“I’d like for this class to be over,” I mumbled.

Lunch break, Great Hall. Jasmine sat at the Ravenclaw table and I felt her pleasant energy leave along with her, chatting and laughing with friends and I was glad Snape’s harshness left her less shaken than she seemed when we left the dungeon. Further down the table, I spotted two friends, Dana and Anatoli. We took Ethics of the Wizarding World together last year. They greeted me with enthusiasm and Dana patted the seat next to her.

“So, first part of the day done, it’s already feeling a lot less daunting to be back,” said Dana, as I sat down with them on the bench.

“How have you been?” I asked. “Look at you, you’ve gotten so tan!” And reached over the table to briefly link hands with Anatoli.

“It was such a good summer!” he said. “Good to be back too, though. Which other classes are you taking this year?”

“Just the usual. I’d love to drop Ethics, but I just can’t do without you both,” I joked.

“Show us your schedule,” said Dana. “I think we’ll have Transfiguration together, maybe?”

Lunch passed with laughter and a I gained a new excitement for even the dullest course (Ethics).

Defence Against the Dark Arts. I was nervous about being late, so I was the first one there. The teacher, a kind but shabby looking man, was still setting up the final things for the first lesson. I greeted him and found myself a seat.

Just as I bent down to get my things from my bag, another person sank into the seat.

“Found you,” they said. It was Scarlet. They grinned a handsome playful grin at me, and I smiled.

“I forgot how nice Hogwarts lunches were,” I said, making easy conversation.

Lowering their voice, they glanced to the teacher, mischievous look in their eyes. “Looks like he could use a good lunch, too.”

I chuckled. “I’m actually excited for DADA this year.”

“Right. Always glad to learn to defend myself from little gits like Malfoy.”

The new teacher introduced himself as Professor Lupin. Class passed without much of interest.

The final class of the day, and after a laidback summer, I was tired and ready to be done with it. Ancient Runes. This class had more Gryffindors in it than some of my other classes, and I sat next to Neville. Just before the class started, Jasmine entered, and sank down on Neville’s other side with a wave and a soft-spoken greeting.

After class, as we were packing up, Neville asked: “Are we still on for our agreement from last year?”

Herbology’s Neville’s best course, where mine is Potions, so near the end of the year, we helped each other out, through some tutoring, but also… He grew some extra plants that didn’t do so well and it just so happened that he let me turn those in when mine horribly failed, and I then wrote him an assignment about the best ways to use Knotgrass in potions, which then turned into a regular thing. We still did as much as we could ourselves, of course.

I grinned. “You bet. Herbology’s gonna be tough this year, I can feel it. Can I see your timetable?”

“Yeah, we have Herbology together, but not Potions,” he said, as he compared our schedules. “Starting the week off with Potions- whew, rough…”

“If you need some more practice, let me know and I’ll find some time.”

“Thanks. See you tomorrow, then!”

After a filling dinner, I visited the library to borrow two books on different potion ingredients, which I read in bed until it was late enough to go to sleep. With the curtains closed, staring at the ceiling, I cast a spell to make little stars glitter and pulse. What a flop… Even though I didn’t fail the Potion for Dreamless Sleep, it was jarringly obvious that I can’t be normal about Professor Snape. Another year of pining stretched before me in my mind’s eye, and I watched the stars twinkle until I fell asleep, the books still next to me in bed and my wand in my hand.

[dakotakazansky]

Ghost • Four

Previous | Master List | Next

Warnings: 18+, Fluff, Angst, lots of Dumb Bitch Juice, Some Smut

Pairings: Jake ‘Hangman’ Seresin x OC & Javy ‘Coyote’ Machado x OC

Word Count: 1,646

Kota

Jake dropped me off back at my place, and I ran inside to do my usual morning routine before work, showered, brushed my teeth, washed my face, and refreshed my braided hairstyle from yesterday. I excitedly got into my usual black tank top and nike pro shorts before slipping on my flight suit and boots. Today was the day at work where we'd finally start flying with our wingmen. I couldn't wait to see how Jake, Tate and I did together. I hurriedly grabbed all my stuff, and tossed it into a backpack, grabbed my motorcycle keys, and helmet and took off towards my bike. It had been a while since I had rode my bike, since most of the time I took advantage of living on base, which meant I didn't really need to drive anywhere unless it was off base. I make sure my Bluetooth receiver is working on my helmet, turning on my Spotify playlist, jumping on my bike and making the drive over to the hangar. 

I spot Jake's truck in a parking spot, and notice there is a spot next to his open so I drive my bike into that spot. I turn everything off, get off my bike and take my helmet off and tuck it under my right arm. I go up to Jake's window and knock on it, pulling him out of whatever thoughts he was in, when he notices it was me he smiles brightly and turns his truck off and gets out of it. "Are you as excited to fly as I am?!" I asked Jake. I noticed he wasn't paying much attention. "Hey are you okay, you seem zoned out, and you were zoned out in your truck?" I question him, concerned for him. "Huh, oh yeah I'm good, I'm good." He replied back to me. I shrugged, not sure if he was telling me the truth or not.

We walked into the hangar together before I stopped at the table with Tate, and Jake taking the empty table in front of us. "Today we'll be sending you up in your wingmen groups so you can get to know how each other flies." Commander Davin says sternly. 

Jake, Tate and I are going to be flying together towards the end of the day, so we spend the beginning part of the morning quizzing each other over a few flight checks and what we've retained from the NATOPS. About two hours before lunch, we head over to the radio and listen to the current group of wingmen that are out flying. They sound like they've already meshed pretty well together and I wonder if they had all been to flight school together. Their callouts seemed well timed, no one was yelling over the other or anything like that, they really were a well oiled machine. 

We all eventually had lunch. Tate, Jake and I were chatting while eating when we noticed this person all by themselves. "Hey, do either of you recognize that person there?" I say, nodding my head towards the person. Both Tate and Jake looked into the direction I nodded, Tate shaking her head no, but Jake looked puzzled like he was trying to place where he'd seen the person before. I noticed the patch on their flight suit didn't match ours, it looked like it had a snake on it. 

I waved my hand in front of Jake's face, he shook his head, "Did you hear what I said?" I said chuckling. "No sorry, what did you say?" He replied. "I asked if you knew that guy, your brows are scrunched together like you're trying to remember something." I chuckled again. "Oh yeah he looks very familiar." Jake said at the same time the guy looked over at us.

"Seresin! Is that you?" The man calls over towards Jake. "Wait, Javy?! No way, what're you doing here? Come join us!" Jake says back to the man. "Javy that name kind of rings a bell." I say pondering. "You don't remember Javy, my roommate and friend from the academy." Jake says back. "Oh my god, Javy!" I say jumping up from my seat and jumping into Javy's arms for a hug. Javy catches me and laughs, "Well hello again Kota" he says returning the hug before dropping me back down onto my feet. "Like Jake said, what're you doing here?" I question again. "I'm stationed here as well, I got assigned to the Sidewinders." Javy says pointing to his Sidewinders patch.

Tate clears her throat, and I immediately felt bad for not introducing her yet, I had just gotten so caught up in the hype that Javy was here too. "I'm so sorry Tatertot" I say apologetically to Tate.  "Tate this is Javy, a friend of Jake and I's, from the naval academy, Javy this is Tate my new WSO." Both Javy and Tate reach out to shake each other's hands. "It's okay Kotakins, I forgive you." Tate says. 

"Kota, the second greatest Kazansky, flying a double seater, I pegged you more to be a solo flier, like Jake here." Javy says teasing me. "Why fly solo when you could have a buddy with you! Plus you know me, the math and calculations. While I'm good at it, I'm not its greatest fan." I smirk back to Javy. 

I look over the patches on Javy's flight suit and take special notice of his name patch. "Coyote?" I began to question, "How'd you get a call sign already?!"

Coyote replies "Well Kota, my squadron realizes I fly like I'm stalking prey." He says confidently.

I laugh saying, "Now Coyote, we all know the only prey you're stalking is barracks-bunnies."

Jake says proudly "That's my girl!" and Tate says starting to laugh "Damn Kota, quick put the flames out!" All four of us burst out laughing in one of those make your belly hurt laughs. Once we all settle down I say, "Nah, but in all seriousness congrats Coyote, that's amazing!"

I look down at my watch to see how much more time we have left for lunch, "Shit guys we only have 5 minutes left of lunch!" We all scramble to finish our lunch, say goodbye to Coyote, but not before making sure we all hang out again soon. Tate, Jake and I ran back to the hangar to await instructions to start our pre-flight checks.

Commander Davin finally gave us the green light to go start our pre-flight checks. Tate and I inspected our plane meticulously. I even double and triple checked just to be safe before following Tate into the cockpit of the plane. Once we were in and settled and everything safety measure wise was attended to, I put my helmet on, and snapped one half of my mask onto my helmet. Using my left hand I held my mask to my face, and spoke into it, "Lieutenant Thatcher, Lieutenant Seresin do you copy?" I listen in for Jake and Tate's response, both saying "copy" one after the other. I reply, "you both come through loud and clear as well." 

Commander Davin taxis to the runway first, followed by Jake, then Tate and I. I clip the other side of my mask to my helmet, my mask now flush and snug against my face, I pull my visor down on my helmet to keep the sun out of my eyes. One by one we take off Commander Davin first, then Jake and then myself. 

"We will be working on some combat maneuvers today, and test your dogfighting skills. Hard deck is 5000ft." Commander Davin says while in a welded wing formation with Jake while I'm flying below Jake. "Kota are you even up here in the sky with us?" Jake questions checking his radar, and looking around outside his plane. "What you don't see me?" I tease back, before doing a barrel roll over the left side of his plane ending up inverted over top of him. 

"Why hello there flyboy, see me now?" I say chuckling. I look over to Commander Davin who is shaking his head, probably putting all the pieces together than I am Admiral Kazansky's daughter and also making me Uncle Mav's niece/goddaughter. "Alright Kazansky enough fun and games." Commander Davin says sternly. I barrel rolled back over the way I came, ending up back underneath Jake's plane before slowing down just enough to be able to move into welded wing formation as well.

"Now you see me, now you don't! How're you doing back there Tate?" I say checking on my back seater. Nervously I hear her say, "oh you know, I'm chilling, chillin’ like a villain Kota!" We all laugh a little and I reply, "You sound neither chill or like a Villain Tate."

We finished our flying with Commander Davin, and all landed back on the tarmac. "Good progress today Lieutenants", Commander Davin compliments. "Thank you," the three of us replied. I lightly elbow Jake in the ribs, "Good flying today Seresin! Up top!" I hold my hand up waiting for him to high five me, he doesn't notice me waiting, "Well damn don't leave me hanging man!" 

Tate then gets a bright idea, "Oh my god Kota, that's a perfect callsign for him, Hangman!" I laugh replying, "We could call you Villain even though you're pretty much a cinnamon roll, little miss chillin’ like a villain." Jake jumps in, "I mean at least we don't fly like you, I mean you fly undetected and ice cold, it's kind of scary. You're like a ghost you know!" 

From that day on we became Hangman, Villain, and Ghost. Over the following week of training and practicing we became a well oiled machine, probably one of the best teams in the squadron and we were a force to be reckoned with.

Previous | Next

Taglist:

@mayhemmanaged @desert-fern @roostette @startrekfangirl2233 @cassiemitchell @lovinglyeternal @sarahsmi13s @lavenderbradshaw @roosters-girl

[theunfortunateplace]

Say you love me (Neteyam X OC!Na’vi) Chapter 3

Read On AO3 Previous Chapter Next Chapter

Pairing (Neteyam X Original Metkayina female character)

Synopsis: follow Luaewe as her world literally gets turned upside down with new na’vi joining her village. Never having to face many obstacles besides finding her way back home. How will she be able to handle the constant jealousy she's faced with and an unwanted love triangle.

Disclaimer: All characters in this fic have been aged up for the convenience of storytelling and to match the aging system up with both pandora and earth

Ages

OC Luaewe-22

Neteyam-23

Kiri-23

Lo’ak-21

Tuktirey-10

Aonung- 23

Tsireya - 21

Warnings for chapter: discussion of sexual assault, alcohol consumption, flirting, cursing

Three weeks…..

Three weeks that’s how long it took for my wound to fully heal and for those two weeks, Neteyam was right there helping me with everything even with the stuff I could do.

“ so how far is it usually to get the crystals?” Kiri asked while observing the unfamiliar area as we walked. Originally it was supposed to just be Neteyam and I but after going for the morning dive with her to collect food for the clan I filled her in on what I was doing today and she was excited. She even mentioned her own crystal collection she started. I’m definitely gonna have to go and see that maybe there’s ones I have found before.

“We should be there soon!” She hummed and pulled out a piece of fruit.

“This place is really far out! I can see how you got lost.” Neteyam said while moving up to walk beside me. He walked in front of us just Incase anything were to pop out. Oh, where would I be if I didn’t have the mighty warrior with me? I chuckled to myself causing him to raise a brow.

I shook my head “ it’s nothing I was thinking of something….but yeah at least you see why I would get lost. The second time I came here I almost ended up in a damn ditch!” He smirked and kept his eyes locked on me for a bit but looked away once kiri said something.

“We had a place like this at home but Nantang lived close by of course I didn’t know that nor did Lo’ak.”

Neteyam scoffed “ yeah and then I come to find you up in a tree and Lo’ak mounted on the back as the Nantang tries to flip him off.” He shook his head recalling the memory.

“ you guys seemed to have a lot of fun back in the forest I hope one day I can visit. He smirked with his eyes moving back to me.

“ you would have to learn how to fly ikran nor would you be able to wander alone.” He said almost in a teasing tone. I raised a brow and scoffed.

“ why you think I will get lost?”

“ yes our forests are very dense and our village has moved so you wouldn’t be able to use that as a dictator to where you are”  I was about to ask why their village had moved but then I remembered why they moved here in the first place.

“Well, I’m sure if I have you as my tour guide I would never get lost after all you are the mighty warrior right?” I  teased while giving him a little shove he smirked and brushed his long braids from his face. “ do you want one? It might get annoying having to do that constantly when digging.”  I dug in my bag and help up a little hair tie. As he reached to grasp it our fingertips touched causing my breath to shudder.

Why did I do that?

“Thanks, I didn’t even think to bring one.”  I watched as he lifted his hands to tie his hair up I could help but admire his frame. Chiseled jawline but a face still soft he resembles his sa’nok. My eyes trailed from his face to his abdomen what is this dude's workout routine? How is he so-

“ Luaewe?” I blinked my eyes snapping out of whatever trance I was in. To him squatting and  waving his hand in front of my face.

“ shit I’m sorry I-I don’t know what happened there.” I chuckled sheepishly and started walking to catch up with Kiri who was already further than us

“ no worries I don’t mind you admiring me.” I rolled my eyes and huffed. “ I wasn’t admiring you I was lost in thought!”

He hummed in a nonbelieving tone and scoffed. “ I wonder what thoughts made your eyes watch me like you were going hunting? You even drooled look.” He pouted at my face and I gasped quietly wiping the nonexistent drool.

“ you ass!” I slapped his arm and he started laughing “ I’m just teasing..you what’s the fun if I can’t feathers teaser.” He winked and bumped up against me playfully.

“Will you guys stop fucking around! I’m trying to get the crystals before it’s dark out!” Kiri yelled I shook my head and started jogging up to her.

-

I explained where to look and how to find your way out of the cave if they choose to go. Kiri scampered off pretty much forgetting about us but Neteyam decided to stick with me.

“ so how do you know if this is a good spot or not?” I hummed as I squatted down to look into the water closer.

“ mmm, you don’t. It’s not like fishing where you know what you want, you see it, and catch it. With this you know what you want, know the location they are found in but you don’t always get it….it’s very fun when you have time to fill.”

I placed my hand in the water and scanned with my fingers there was a particular feeling the crystal had you would know immediately.

I let out a sigh and just sat down slightly defeated dipping my feet into the stream. I watched as his legs passed by and joined me by the edge, water splashing as he walked. “ thank you.” I said while looking up at him.

“ for what?”

“ for everything I guess…I really appreciate you looking after me you didn’t need to.”   He shook his head and smiled. “ it’s nothing really like I said it’s my responsibility to make sure you heal well.”

I raised a brow as I observed his face when you spend a crap ton of time with someone pretty much every day you notice the smallest little thing that’s off. “ what’s going on?” I asked in a serious tone while turning to him. I folded my legs not caring that my thighs would get wet. “what do you mean? We are looking for crystals… do I need to bring you back to tsahik?” He chuckled lightly while placing the back of his palm on my forehead.  I scoffed pulling his hand away.

“ you know what I mean ‘teyam.” His eyes darted back to me as if I spoke a different language but he smirked. “ that’s new I never heard that one before.” I nodded my head and began to stand up. He keeps changing the topic that’s a clear indicator- “ wait!” he said while grabbing my hand.

I sat back down and watched as he let the walls come down showing his true emotions. “ can I be honest with you?” He asked while looking at me. He let out a sigh and cursed under his breath.

“ I would never admit this to anyone….not even my grandmother though she is tsahik and knows everything probably even knows that I’m having this conversation right now…” he let out a soft chuckle and clasped his hands together. “ Things have just been….hectic a-and I don’t want you to think that this is your fault or you play a part because you don’t.”

I held my hands up letting him know I wouldn’t think that way because this is obviously an issue beyond me. “ I genuinely worry for my sibling's safety, especially my brothers…my mind just keeps going back to that day and it doesn’t help that sempul expects so much from me he was never like this it only started when the sky people came back…”

He scoffed and shook his head. “ it’s always ‘look out for your siblings’, ‘you are the oldest’ ‘where were you’… the list goes on… I know this seems like me complaining-“

“ no this is what friends are for!” He smiled and nodded his head.  I squeezed his shoulder reassuringly. “ I leave you guys for an hour and you sit by the water doing nothing! Must I do all the work?” Kiri said in a half-joking half annoyed voice. I smirked and motioned for her to come sit.

“ maybe I need to give you lessons too on patience?”

“ no no no I love my sister but our lessons are the only time I get alone time!” Neteyam said practically begging me not to take her as a ‘student’

“  LIES you just want to have her all to yourself!” Kiri said in a mocking tone I laughed to myself watching Neteyam side-eye her

“ yes! Exactly that why would I want to share such a good teacher with someone who does not value the expertise?!” She scoffed “ expertise my ass!” She playfully kicked him and he sprung up Charging at her she yelled as he chased her.

I laughed as the two chased each other.

After some time though they both came back. “ it’s beautiful here!” Kiri said letting a sigh of relief out while watching the water. “ it is…have you picked out your outfit for the celebration?” She raised a brow and looked at me.

“Huh? What celebration?”

“ the return of the tulkun sxnd.” Neteyam says while nudging her she hissed and rolled her eyes. “ no I have not no one told me about this what exactly is it?” Kiri said while turning back to me.

“ our spirit brothers and sisters come home and we celebrate their return we have a feast and then after a couple of the young members go out to an island that’s kinda….kinda past the reef.” I watch as neteyam’s ears perk up and his tail thump against the ground almost erratically.

“ I thought only skilled fishers go past the reef?” He said I nod my head and smirked. “ mhm but it’s only one night out of a couple of months. When we were teens we did much riskier things.”

Even without a need to celebrate we would find new places to have fun. We would have had one go-to place if we didn’t constantly get busted.

Neteyam smirked and looked away briefly

“ I’m sure I can find something to wear!” I nod my head and spring up.

“ come on let’s head back since we didn’t find anything today.”

-

The sound of the horn blew loudly just by the pitch alone I knew what it meant. I put down the materials and smiled. “ what’s going on?” Tuk asked while standing up curiously looking at the various clan members swimming out into the water urgently.

“The tulkun have come back! Let's greet them!” I said while taking her hand. We ran down to the beach and she jumped in soon finding her sister who was watching the meet-up in awe. I beamed as I felt a familiar presence behind me. I quickly turned around and smiled wide seeing my spirit sister swimming up to me. Utsì twirled in excitement and gently nudged me with her nose.

“My sister I missed you!” I signed

‘ i have missed you too I have exciting news for you’ i nodded waiting for her to share and she flipped over slowly. My eyes grew wide. Due to the confusing weather patterns, the tulkun have not returned for some time so we had a lot to fill each other in on, but never did I expect it to be such wonderful news.

“ A BABY! I DIDN'T EVEN KNOW YOU HAD A MATE!”  she nodded and began to talk about her mate and explained that the calf she was pregnant with was very unexpected. We talked for what seemed like hours. It wouldn't be a meet-up if we didn't dance together either. Utsi is known for her dancing, telling stories with movements like no other.

-

After grabbing a few bites to eat I snuck away back to my marui pod. I’m sure there were others already at the party but I waited for the sweet dessert to come out.

We were only allowed to eat it when the tulkun came home.

I changed into the outfit I had been working on since the last celebration. I kept the Loincloth  traditional but weaved seaweed of different shades that hung at my hips slightly covering my butt…

I groaned while adjusting my top. “ damn boobs won’t stay where they need to stay”

It was a little bit more revealing than I would have hoped for. My cleavage was definitely noticeable and if it wasn’t for the thickened seaweed threaded in with the sanded crystals I would be fully exposed.

All I had left to do was my hair and that wasn’t going to be a fuss. I simply undid my braids letting the thickness come to life. It’s not every day I can have my hair out since it constantly gets in my face when working.

I hope this time whoever planned the party brought food. Last time all they had were drinks. I crouched down opening the sealed jar of flowers I collected yesterday. I quickly ground them up and smeared the fragrant juices all over me.

I let the ilu on it’s her as I dismounted. I clicked my tongue letting it know it was ok to go. I couldn't help but smile as the music from deep within the island met my ears.  Though we all were all adults it was still nice not to be around the eyes of judgmental elders and just be ourselves. That’s how the whole started.

I smiled widely as Reya and her group of friends chanted as I walked closer to them. “ the goddess has arrived!” One yelled making me playfully nudge her.

“ oh my gosh look at you! Did I not say it would come out well!” Reya said while looking at me gleefully.  I playfully rolled my eyes and did a quick spin. “ yeah yeah yeah I know….it does look good.” I chuckled and she linked her arm with mine.  Before I knew it I was dragged to where the alcohol was.

Despite her being the next tsahik it didn’t stop her from having fun. Times like this were her only break from the image she had to uphold.

“Tonight we party our spirit brothers and  sisters have returned and we have been blessed with another successful feast LET US PARTY!” Reya shouted soon following us cheering.  I quickly downed the drink and hit the dance floor.

Where ever there was music I would be there. I don’t know what it is but it’s almost like a spell was cast and I couldn’t stop dancing.  I closed my eyes briefly feeling the vibrations of the drums and started to sway my hips to the beat.

The girls shortly joined me and I gasped seeing Kiri. “ LOOK AT YOU!!!!.” She smiled shyly and playfully shooed me away. “ this is nothing I just threw on whatever.” I scoffed and shook my head she and I both knew that was a lie, especially after the conversation we had earlier.

We continued to dance and sing along to the various different songs but after some time I felt a pair of eyes watching me. It wasn’t until felt a hand graze my shoulder breaking my focus away from the girls.

It was Neteyam. eyes looking down at me smirking.  he looked over to the girls as his hand rested on my shoulder. My breath hitched causing all movement to stop. he cleared his throat. “ would you wonderful women mind if I stole Luaewe for a bit.”

Reya’s eyes darted to me and back to him.

“ mhm have fun you too!” She winked at me and I shook my head. I looked up at the tall figure towering over me.  

I smiled slightly as his hand left my shoulder and went for my hand. I hesitantly placed it in his hand and he led me away from the dance floor back to the area where the drinks stayed.

I eagerly grabbed on and he chuckled watching me sip on it. “ I didn’t think you would come,” I said while looking at him pick up a drink from the table.

“ neither did I but my father spared me after finding out what was happening tonight.” I smirked. “ well remind me to thank him. I would hate for you to miss out on such a fun moment on work that didn’t need to be done.

I stepped back trying to get a better look at his outfit and I couldn’t help but smile. He wasn’t wearing our traditional clothes but the ones of his clan. I quickly looked up to rejoin the conversation only to advert my gaze embarrassingly.

He chuckled “ yeah I’m glad I came. I would have missed all of this-“ I gasped hearing the familiar beat of one of my favorite songs. “ Come! This is my favorite song!” I grabbed his hand not even fully thinking maybe the effects of the potent drink is taking over.

“ I do not know how to dance to this song.” He said nervously. “ don’t worry I will teach you! Just follow my lead.”  

The only thing that played in my head were the words of Utsì ‘go for it he has good intentions.’ she was never wrong with the advice she gave me

I reached out for his other hand and started to sway my hips once again. I felt his eyes watch trying to grasp where he should come in. It wasn’t until I let go of his hand and quickly spun around pressing my back against his chest.

His hips matched mine immediately following the motion they moved in. His hands snaked around my waist pulling me in closer and I let him. It was as if it were only us dancing. I leaned my head back closing my eyes, letting my body be engulfed in the warmth coming from his body. “ dances like this only happen when courting is taking place so forgive me for my unfairness.” I leaned my head back on him letting a grin grow “ no need to apologize we all have different customs. I’m, sure there's some stuff you do that would be the opposite for us. Is this ok do you want to stop?” I asked hoping I wasn't making him uncomfortable.

“S’fine.. Just different that's all.”  

“ you’ll have to show me those moves one day” I smirked

feeling his face dip into the crevice of my neck. “I don't think you would be able to handle that…You smell so good.”  He said while coming up. I pulled away slightly getting ready for the next part of the dance. I whined my waist slowly while lifting my hands up my sides. “Thanks, it's a new scent I created.”  

I seductively bent over moving my hips like a snake. Despite the music being loud I heard a low hiss erupt from the man behind me. He gripped my waist and pulled me up “ no not the perfume you smell good” He turned me around caressing my chin in the process. Though he was taller than me, my eyes always met his as if I didn’t want to miss anything. But this time was different. The way his fingers slid across my cheek while he kept his eyes on me. He licked his lips and cursed as I pulled his empty hand to my waist. “ you have no idea what you do to me, princess.” I felt my cheeks heat up. Was this the feeling… I bit my lip holding back the urge to test the theory.

“ you got to be fucking kidding me!” I hissed as I felt my arm being yanked away from Neteyam  “ wha-LET ME GO!”  I tried pulling away but an all too familiar hiss rang through my ear telling me to be still but I didn’t listen.

“Seriously  Luaewe! HIM”  he shouted as he still had his hold on me.

I look back at Neteyam angrily clenching his jaw I knew he was holding back…that was the same look he had when he confronted him the last time he did something stupid but this was worse. “ I advise you to let her go.” He managed to get out calmly.

“ what are you even talking about Ao’nung?” His eyes grew wide.

“ what am I talking about? YOU'VE BEEN FUCKING HIM! YOU'VE BEEN HAVING SEX WITH THE FUCKING TREE-SWINGING BITCH !” He yelled causing me to jump I whimpered as he tightened his grip on me. I try to pry his hand off of me but he aggressively shoved me away making me fall back against Neteyam. He scoffed and shook his head. He carefully lifted me up and almost pushed himself in front of me.

Trying to shield me from Ao’nung’s outburst.

“you're just as blind as you having no sense of direction! It’s been years Luaewae YEARS but you pick him.”

“Listen I don’t know what your deal is but it’s clear that your drunk so just go home,” Neteyam said trying to de-escalate the situation.

He took a step forward and I instinctively one back frightened by this behavior.  Neteyam held his hand out stopping Ao’nung from getting closer but he slapped it out of the way aggressively.

“ you’re a fucking joke Luaewe A FUCKING JOKE ! You should have never come to me back then if you were just gonna whore yourself-“ not letting him finish I move from beside Neteyam quickly and punch him dead in his face.

It was only then that I realized the music had stopped and people were staring at the whole ordeal. Reya and Kri gave me a confused look ready to come over and ask if I was ok. I cursed and ran off not wanting to be there anymore.

Everything was ruined how did such a good night turn into this?

The sounds of twigs snapping behind me didn’t stop me from running it wasn’t until  I felt the same hand that touched my shoulder earlier. “Luaewe.” He called out softly I stopped hesitant to turn around.

“ you do not have to tell me anything I just want to know if you are ok?” Even though we talked about personal things i didn't think this topic would come up but it was bound to come out someday if not by me but by someone else.

“ honestly fuck him! I’m done!” I huffed out bending down quickly, grabbing a rock, and throwing it into the forest. “ I told him those things in confidence Neteyam! And he’s jus’ gonna throw it back in my face calling me a whore!….what did I do to deserve that?” I wiped the tears that were now rushing down my cheek.

“ come.” He said softly while taking my hand. He led us back to the beach and clicked his tongue calling the ilu to the surface.

I sat down towards the back with him sitting in front taking off. I gripped his waist as the current moved against us. I should have never said anything to Ao’nung back then!

We were back inside the barrier and he helped me dismount into the water. I shook my head lightly once I realized we were on the island I showed him.

“Now you can talk freely no one should be here.” He said as I sat down looking off into the distance where the village was. I let out a sigh and brought my knees up to my chest.

“It happened a couple of years before my sister passed… we got separated by accident. it was a really bad storm we knew it was hurricane season but we didn’t think it would hit us that bad.” I closed my eyes briefly trying to muster up the courage to speak about that day again.

“ I don’t know his name but he was the same age as me. Infamous for having a ‘crush’ on me but it wasn’t a crush it was an obsession! No one believed me…. ‘ oh he’s courting you’ is all they would say.” I scoffed and shook my head.

“ it just had to be that day too… I was lost I could barely see despite knowing the ways I’d the water I almost drowned too, but of course, he was following and saved me…. It all went downhill from there, to spare you the nightmare he assaulted me and defiled me! Then proceeded to tell the whole village that I put out easily, that I begged for him….”

I felt him move closer and gently rubbed my shoulder. “ Ao’nung wouldn’t get off my back about what really happened because any time someone would as I would say ‘nothing happened he’s lying’ of course, they didn’t believe me because our people don’t lie.” I rolled my eyes and placed my head on my knees.

“So I told him Reya was the only other person who knew. I begged for her not to tell..”

“ why? He hurt you and did something that is unforgivable.” Neteyam said I could tell he was pissed at the man who did this but tried his best to remain calm.

“ I didn’t want blood on my hands…I didn’t want to be the cause of someone’s death.” He hummed “ I understand…but a man-no a boy like that does NOT deserve to live.” I smiled slightly at his kindness but let out a sigh in the end.

“Anyways though Ao’nung was a Jackass-“

“ he still is-“ I smirked and looked at him. Nothing but hatred could be found in his face brows furrowed jaw clenched. If Ao’nung was here I bet you all the 20 days' worth of tasks that he would knock him dead in his face.

“ yes he still is, but I stayed friends with him because I thought I saw the real him and now I know that him being a jackass is his true self….here in my clan when you tell someone information that you wouldn’t tell another that’s seen as a sign of trust, and for some people seen as a sign of possible courting…..I’m sure you can tell which one I saw it as.”

“ I lost a lot of friends due to that rumor and though I had Reya and my sister I found myself wandering more and distancing myself...anyways,”  I said quietly turning my head back to the village that lit up in the distance.

“ I’m sorry that happened to you.” He said I smiled lightly and let a sigh out.

“ It's in the past so it doesn’t bother me an-“

“ You don’t have to put those walls up. You can trust me…” I looked back at him and all I saw was honesty if he really wanted to he would have shared what I told him weeks ago with the village.

He reached over and wiped my cheek. I cursed under my breath sitting up. Before I could turn away he pulled me into a hug. “ it’s ok.”  And that was when I came undone.. he pulled me closer making my head rest in the crevice of his neck. It was as if he could sense something much worse happened that day than what I was saying…that whole year was hell and though Reya knew part of it I dealt with the rest alone afraid of what people would think or say.  

Previous Chapter Next Chapter

[ohjustkreat]

Moments In Between

A Shuriri x Riri One-Shot series

Available on Wattpad/AO3

************************************

A/N: Hi everyone! I hope you guys are enjoying this series.

Prompt: Riri gets Jealous

************************************

Chapter 3

“Jaded love”

A still groggy Riri turned over in her bed to only find emptiness. She continued to feel for a warmth she knew wasn't there. Rather out of instinct or hope, she couldn't determine. Every morning had been the same as the one before recently. Her only company being the silk sheets she was currently wrapped in. Curling back into herself, Riri sat with herself. The coldness of the morning seeped into her covers. There were not enough blankets though to feel the void of her missing lover. Obligations to her people kept her in her lab as of late.

Rolling over, Riri begrudgingly got out of bed. Her own duties, calling her out of the bed and to face the day. She walked across the bare floor, feet meeting the coolness of the wooden floors. As the silence of the room played like an old melody. One she wanted to forget, but was played in every corner of the room. Dragging herself through her morning routine, Riri eventually was ready to start her day. On her way out the door, she noticed Shuri had left her workbag.

"Forgetful. As always." Grabbing the bag, she made a note to stop by the lab on her way to her first meeting of the day. Riri headed out the door of their shared quarters, starting her day without her person. Something she had not and did not want to get used to.

After a brief walk she came upon the lab As she got closer her ears were met with the sound of laughter. Almost instantly she recognized the source. Shuri. But she wasn't alone. Someone unfamiliar. A woman. A beautiful woman was laughing with her girlfriend. her hand playfully swatting at Shuri's shoulder.

"Ahem" Riri said standing in the doorway. Her hand sitting promptly on her hip, and anger ridden on her face.

"Oh, good morning ,babe." Shuri said, oblivious to her girlfriend's building anger.

"Mm, Good morning. babe." Riri responded, a dangerous tone in her voice. " I was just stopping by because you left your work bag."

"Oh, I didn't even notice. This morning has just been so busy. Oh, Uh, Liyema this is my girlfriend Shuri." Shuri said as she began to walk over to where Riri was still standing. Shuri was surprised, as she leaned in for a kiss only to be met with Riri's cheek.

"Everything okay, babe?" Shuri asked lowly, but feeling as if she already knew the answer.

"Of course, I'll see you at home." And with that Riri turned on her heels and began to march out of the lab. Garnering looks of attention as she left. Nothing had to be said or heard, the energy was felt. And the owners of those looks made a point to stay out of her way. It had almost become custom for the couple's peers and anyone in proximity of them to stay out of the way of either person during one of their arguments. Among those lookers was Aneka, who unlike many others was not scared of either woman. Riri avoided her look as she did the others, but that did not stop Aneka from approaching her.

"So, what is it this time?" The warrior asked.

"What are you even talking about, Aneka?"

"Hm, if you had to lie for your life, we'd be planning your funeral right now." Aneka said, biting back her laughter, eliciting a glare from Riri.

Riri sighed in defeat as she rolled her eyes, " I don't even know. it's just this bitch Liyema or who the hell ever had her hands all over Shuri. Do you know the last time I had my hands all over her? Or even woke up next to her? I sure as hell don't. And between that and her always being at work, I just- it's too much. And knowing that someone else has more access to my girlfriend than I do...that really just pushed me over the edge." Riri ran her hands down her braids and exhaled heavily. Being able to vent was refreshing for once.

Aneka watched the woman in front of her. Usually she would laugh at Riri's rants, but she could tell she was really struggling with this.

"Have you told her any of this? Besides just now of course."

"No, I haven't had the time. We're usually too busy. Maybe if I was a blueprint or a project, she'd spend some time with me." Riri responded, tears threatening to spill from the corners of her eyes. Not from sadness, but frustration.

"I'm not sure if there is a right or wrong answer in this situation. I do know that as much as you two put your people first, you often forget about yourselves. Relationships included. You're supposed to navigate the waters of life together. When the ship gets off course, talk to your co-captain. Communication is key, Riri. I know you two will figure it out. Now, I have some training to do so we can continue this conversation later." Aneka said.

"I can't say you're wrong. Thanks, Aneka."

"Anytime, Riiri." Aneka said as she began to walk in the opposite direction. Pausing and turning around a smile began to form on her face, "Oh, and Riri? If that had been me, not even the Black Panther would have been able to get me off of her." Aneka added as she winked and walked away.

"Riri laughed as she continued on her walk back to her first meeting.

As she entered the conference room, any distractions and thoughts of her current problems began to fade away from her mind. All of her work day was dedicated to the project and team she had been a part of. The day seemed to fly by as she went from meeting to meeting with little to no breaks. Only stopping briefly at lunch to eat. And that was only because she received a short break in between her sessions. Her current developmental project had been keeping her busy. Once her last meeting ended, she made her way back to her room. Walking out of the conference room though, seemed to bring her issues back to the forefront of her mind. Shuri would usually surprise her at some point on her walk back home, but as of late that hadn't been the case.

Inside her room, Riri waited for Shuri to come home. Pacing the room, she began to think about the impending conversation. Shuri was the love of her life. She knew that. And she didn't question Shuri's loyalty. Shuri would never cheat on her, she would never step outside of their relationship. But recently, there has not been much of a relationship. Riri understood the responsibilities that came with protecting their people. As much as Riri tried to shake the insecure thoughts that were creeping up, they demanded to linger in her mind. Reserving a place in the depths of her mind. Riri stopped pacing the floor and sat on the edge of their bed. Head in her hands, tears fell from her broken eyes. Sadness, frustration, anger. Every emotion released itself into the streams falling down her face. As her sobs turned into a soft cry, she heard the door open,

Shuri was home.

"Babe? BABEE?!" Shuri yelled out as she entered the door.

Riri sat on the bed, her nerves gluing her to the spot she was in.

"Babe?" Shuri's figured appeared in the doorway. Her eyes fell upon the site before her. Shuri's heart almost broke at the sight of her girlfriend. Shuri immediately went to the bedside, kneeling in front of Shuri. She took her hands into her own. Her strong hands cradling Riri's gentle ones.

"Babe, what's wrong?"

Shuri was met with silence as she tried to get Riri to look into her eyes. Pulling her chin towards her, she finally met the eyes she had been longing to see. Yet, it wasn't the look she was hoping to see. Something broke inside Shuri, as she looked into tear filled eyes.

"Babygirl, talk to me. Please." Shuri said, her voice breaking from desperation.

"Shuri," Riri started, fighting through impending tears. Riri pulled her hands from Shuri's hold. "I-dammit, Shuri." Riri let out a deep breath as she moved from in front of Shuri to create distance. The thoughts of this morning replayed in her mind, adding more fuel to her current emotional state. "You this. With her."

"Who ar-"

"Oh, don't play dumb. We both know that's something you're not. I SAW you. Her hands were all over you. Just a ki-ki-ki."

"You mean Liyema."

"Li-who the hell ever. Liyema, limeka, library. I don't give a damn. The point is, I barely get to see you. When was the last time we had a date night? Hm? Because, I don't even get to wake up next to you? But some random broad gets all your attention?" Riri raised her clasped and trembling hands to her mouth as she exhaled. As she attempted to calm and soothe the anger that was residing in her, tears she fought to hold back started to fall. The woman she loved was slowly slipping away. And Shuri didn't see it. How could she not see it? Riri thought.

Shuri stood with caution as she consumed what Riri had said.

"I never meant to neglect you or to make you feel like you were never a priority. And I swear to the Gods that I would never put another woman before you or even think about cheating." Shuri approached Riri, not understanding how she could have put Riri in this position.

"Riri, no other woman holds a candle to the light you have brought into my life. You are my source of strength, my rock. I look at you and I'm instantly grounded. You bring me back to earth and I somehow pull me into your orbit. I couldn't love anyone else if my life depended on it. I would rather be lying cold in a grave before being with someone else." Shuri stood in front of Riri. She pulled Riri's hands from in front of her face, and with the other hand she pulled Riri's face upwards. Their glossy eyes meeting for the first time after what seemed like an eternity.

"Baby, I'm not complete without you. I need you. You're my oxygen. My rainbow after the storm. Every part of me craves to be with you. If I have to leave everything behind or fight the entire universe to be with you. I will. I am yours. No one and I mean no one will ever get any part of me. Not in the way you do. I'm reserved for you. In this lifetime and the next. My mind, body and soul, they belong to you. And I'm sorry for not showing you that. But from this moment on, I'll change that."

Riri didn't notice the tears falling from her eyes. She was enamored with Shuri right now. The love she had once felt now radiating from her girlfriend and making its way into her heart. This was the Shuri she had fallen in love with. The one who never failed to make her feel seen and loved. The one who ran to her defense without any thoughts or questions. The one who made her feel at home.

"Shuri, I -" But her words were cut off by Shuri's lips meeting hers. Riri melted into Shuri's lips. Shuri deepend. Almost as if she was trying to reach Riri's soul and intertwin herself within it.

Time had stopped as the couple continued to fell weeks of tension and turmoil melt away and disappear as desire and love consumed them again.

Needing air, Riri eventually broke the kiss.

"I love you, but if I ever see anyone like that with you again, I'll show you why they call me Iron Heart." Riri bit her lips as she smiled from ear to ear, her insecurities fueled by envy long gone.

Shuri smiled, looking down at Riri's now glowing face.

"I love you, too"