#we can wrap here and do something fresh if ye wish!

[diarmad]

Diarmad watched with characteristicly cold and calculating light while Belladona circled the ritual site. Her words were a dark, twisted melody harmonizing with the symphony of decay he had orchestrated. He listened, his lips curling into a cruel, appreciative smile as she wove her magic into the nithing pole, nightmares made real and dreams spoiled by malevolence.

"Poison and honey," he rasped, his voice a low, harsh whisper that carried the weight of his approval. Diarmad stepped back from the nithing pole, his hands were perpetually stained with horrors, fingers tipped in necrosis dripped and writhed in churning puddles at his feet.

"The curse is set, our darkness is sown." Their business was concluded; less prone toward small talk Diarmad's form began to dissolve following the ritual's climax as his flesh crumbled into a dark, churning cloud of spores. His eyes were the last to go, their piercing blue gaze lingering on Belladona, silently.

The cloud of spores drifted away on the wind as a malignant, sentient fog. Save for the faint, wet sound of the mycelial horrors he left in his wake, the site was silent.

Hunger is an ever present reminder to take until satisfied, and as Belladona circles around the ritual site, the empty edge of her stomach gurgles in craving. Magic set heavily on the air, power vibrating in the air as she watched with rapt attention as Diarmad twisted flesh into monstrosity. The sound, wet and agonizing, was a symphony to her ears, only missing screams to make it the sort of masterpiece she would replay once she slipped away to her domain. To feed in the pain of the living and then turn around to impose it on their dreams was her task, to weave a web of lies and misunderstandings that tangled with the sort of despair that could only be found in dreams, to drag the captured down into the gaping maws of the Dark One. 

A singular goal that she moved forward with single minded focus. A deal for a deal, a millennia of power for an eternity in the Abyss. 

While Diarmad moved to curse the waking world, she moved to keep her chokehold in the dream world, to ensure her influence clouded the senses and common sense of all those who fell into her clutches to the point reality distorted until they lost hold of what was real and what was not. A nightmare to follow them into the waking world would be a nightmare she could use to force their hands to do the unspeakable.

“Let rest become an impossible hope, luring unsuspecting victims into the embrace of dreams only to find nightmares instead,” she coos, delighted by the hatred permeating the air. Her silver hair gleams in the darkness, the hair pin keeping it up shining like a guiding light in the darkness, encouraging people to come closer, only for them to be devoured. “Let weariness cloud the minds of the righteous, of the brave. Let hesitation bleed from the dreamworld towards reality, choking and strangling perseverance and hope.”

Like a hyena stalking its prey, Belladona keeps circling Diarmad as she cackles, the echo of her laughter cutting through the oppressing silence like a knife. 

“Let the nightmares I have sown be reaped, let them follow them into the waking world so that the lines between reality and dream blurs, so that the echoes of screams and the taste of blood dull their senses when they need them most.” Laugh pettering off into deafening silence, she steps forward to the nithing pole, placing a hand over the wood and imbuing it with her own magic. Adding to the weight of magic in the air, she reaches towards the dream realm to continue with the ritual. “Let every soul that falls into my clutches feed the darkness, let their screams and despair nourish the pulsing Blight spreading through the country until the ground and people are forsaken by their very gods, let there be nowhere to turn but towards the clutches of the Dark One. Let this be my offering to the Abyss and it’s Liege, let my body and will be used as a tool for the raising of the ever dark.”

[look-at-the-soul]

Every little thing you do- Part 1

Tommy Shelby x reader

Series Master list

✨So first part is finally here!! Please be aware this part is set to happen in different days therefore you’ll see a little divider in the middle… and also! There’s violence. Please note I’m trying to follow the ideas/education from back in the day so it won’t necessary fit for today’s way of seeing things.

Word count: 2,977

Waving her sister goodbye, Y/N headed outside. But to her surprise she found Scott stopping his vehicle.

“Hello sweetheart.” He greeted her with a quick kiss on her lips, she stepped back immediately in case her mother was watching behind the curtains.

“Scott, I wasn’t expecting to see you today.”

“We’ll I lied and said I felt sick to get out earlier.”

This wasn’t something he’d do, but she listened to his explanation.

“I wanted to see you.”

Y/N looked over her shoulder, her parents were strict.

“You know you’re only invited for lunch and tea on Sundays.”

“I know, I know.” He moved back retrieving something from the car. “Got you these.”

“I love them, thank you.” Y/N pressed the bouquet of flowers against her chest, the fresh aroma invading her, a smile growing in her lips.

“Why don’t you go back inside and put them in water? Then meet me at the bakery around the corner.”

“Where are we going?”

Scott gave her a wide smile that took her breath away. “It’s a surprise, you’ll like it.”

Butterflies got spread all over her stomach, the expectation building. She hurried to the unexpected date.

“Listen, I want to apologize for acting shitty the other day.” Scott announced. “Can you forgive me love?”

Y/N nodded eagerly, pleased by his change of heart.

“It’s alright, just be careful next time.” Y/N suggested as he drove.

“Careful?”

“You shouldn’t have talked Tommy that way.”

Scott rolled his eyes. “There you go again, defending him. This why we fight.”

“No, Scott I don’t want a war between you two all the time, he didn’t like the way you talked to me.”

“Why does he always sticks his bloody nose in our business?”

“It’s not like that.”

“He’s always standing in the middle, I’m sick of getting orders from him, he leaves me the worst jobs just to please himself, he’s got people to do those things. I thought they wanted me to do other things, not to clean horses shit.”

“Scott I can’t interfere in your role among the gang, he already has done more than enough.”

“There it is, you’re defending him instead of being on my side…”

Y/N realized how unintentionally she always put Tommy on a pedestal, her boyfriend was right, feeling like he was belittled. She knew Tommy didn’t like him, and there was a possibility that she wasn’t impartial.

“I’ll see what I can do.” She finally gave in, not wanting to spend their time together fighting.

“That’s my girl.” He stopped the car on the sideway and began to shower her face with soft kisses.

”Do you need anything else?” Lizzie walked around the desk, resting against the bookshelf.

“What happened with the contracts you couldn’t find?” Tommy asked leaning back on his chair.

“Arthur took them by mistake.”

“Keep those locked.” He pointed a finger at her.

“Are you going to Karl’s birthday party?” She tried batting her eyelashes at him, but Tommy wasn’t looking at her.

“Yes, in a minute.”

Lizzie looked down at him again, hoping he’d ask her to join him.

“Heard Ada bought a huge cake.”

Tommy took his briefcase and hummed nonchalantly.

“I wrapped you a present for Karl, take it before you leave.”

She didn’t get a response.

Giving up to her wishes to be invited with the Shelby family, Lizzie shook her head. Collecting the remains of her dignity from the floor.

Tommy followed her with his eyes as she stomped her foot on her way out but dismissed it a few seconds later, not understanding her attitude.

The office was quiet when he crossed it, everyone had headed home already and his family were already in Polly’s house.

This was the first time he left considerably early in a long time. The need to release some stress made him reach for a cigarette. He had a dozen of things to do, a trip to London in the upcoming days, visit one of the fabrics… before he realized, Tommy parked outside Polly’s property.

Karl’s celebration was a rare family gathering. For his brothers birthdays they’d usually went to camp close to the river and drink all night. He wasn’t used to paper decorations and chocolate cake.

A small figure crashed against his legs. “Oh oh.”

Looking down, he found one of John’s kids. Was this Kate? Or Barbara?

“Careful.”

“There you are.” John appeared with a sandwich in his hand. “Go with your siblings.” He instructed his daughter.

“John.” Tommy called him mysteriously, with his hand motioning his brother to step closer. “Wipe your fucking mouth, you’ve got chocolate all over it.”

Stepping into the living room, he joined his family.

“Uncle Tommy!” Karl ran towards him with his arms open.

Tommy rubbed the kid’s back and offered him his present. “Happy birthday Karl.”

“Thank you!”

“Looks like you owe me money Pol.” Ada chuckled as she helped her son open his present.

Tommy looked from his sister to his aunt, studying them.

“Damn it. I thought he wasn’t going to show up.”

“So you made a bet?” He asked in disbelief.

He usually wouldn’t. But when it came to his sister, he made an effort.

“Where’s Y/N?” Polly asked with a frown.

“I sent her the invitation, thought you’d arrive together.” Ada explained staring at her brother.

But Tommy shook his head. “No, I haven’t seen or heard from her.”

“Shit! Pol! Help me out here!” John shouted holding his son James in his arms, he was bleeding and crying. “Smashed his fucking head.”

As Ada rushed to get some clean towels, Polly tried to comfort the child.

Stepping away from the chaos, Tommy leaned against a column to think he actually hadn’t seen Y/N in almost a week. A million thoughts filling his mind, trying to find a reason for her to be distant.

He needed to know if she was alright because she had always been close to the family, she was always considered part of it to all their gatherings; she was there for them at Freddy’s funeral, at John’s wedding…

“Now that we’re here all together, I’ve something to say.” Arthur announced stepping on a chair, oblivious that Esme and Polly were taking care of a bleeding child.

As the room went quiet, Arthur announced he and Linda were expecting a baby.

“Congratulations.” Esme managed to blurr through gritted teeth. “Now help me hold James, because I need to rearrange his arm.”

As Arthur walked past Tommy, his brother patted his arm and mumbled a low congratulations.

But the thought of Y/N not being with them, stuck in his head.

Y/N felt like sleeping on the couch. Her feet were swollen, Lady Winchester lost one of her precious earrings and decided to put everyone in the search until they found it under her vanity hours later.

Oddly her family decided to stay up late apparently as she could see the candles still on. But just as she set one foot inside, her mother pushed her abruptly.

“You’re a dishonorable daughter! We gave you everything!” One of her hands intended to land on her cheek but hit her on her ear instead.

“What happened?”

“Y-your aunt says you’re with a child, she saw you this morning and came to ask me.” Y/N’s mother was furious.

A woman came into view, her sister poking her head from the kitchen as her mother pushed her into the room next to it and closed the door. She demanded Y/N to undress and started touching her breasts.

“She’s with a child.” The elder woman confirmed, her hands still on her breasts.

Y/N’s face got paler by the second. Her mother gave the woman money and asked discretion.

A heavy silence filled the room, Y/N could hear a pin drop if someone threw one. Dizziness swept over her as her palms started to sweat.

“Your father will be so disappointed by you.” Her mother sentenced firmly. “You’re a whore, this sin will follow you from now on.”

Blood went to Y/N’s feet and she had to grab the vanity for support.

“You’ll tell Scott tomorrow and get him to ask your father’s permission to marry you before you start showing.” Y/N could hear her mother’s words as if she was underwater.

“I’ll save him the embarrassment, perhaps you can go to your grandmother’s house and hide there…” she was pacing the room as a maniac, Y/N was starting to process everything, she could hardly breathe.

“I didn’t know I could get pregnant without being married.”

Y/N’s mother laughed sarcastically. “It’s too late for that now, you should’ve waited until you got married!”

“You never told me this could happen.” Y/N felt on the edge of tears.

“I educated you with values, God only knows what you learned from that friend of yours.” Her mother mumbled something else Y/N couldn’t understand. Slowly she sat on the carpet, her skirt pooled around her hips and she finally sobbed. When one day Scott touched her breasts and it felt nice, electricity ran through her body. But he stopped right there. Then after taking her to the river, one of his hands sneaked under her skirt and moved her intimate clothes to the side and her body trembled. A week after that, he was about to start a fight with Tommy, for the night when they arrived after visiting Tommy’s new house. So in an attempt to make up for that fight, he took her to the river again and after kissing her, he told her he wanted to do something else. It had been over a month since she stepped in the middle of Tommy and Scott.

Y/N didn’t know she could feel such pleasure until he introduced himself into her body and she exploded of ecstasy. It felt right, he said he loved her and they went back a few days later.

Scott had said this should be between just the two of them, just as their love. But he never told her she could get pregnant.

Worry kept her up all night. She felt sorry for her poor father.

Covering her face with her hands, Y/N felt the tears rolling down her cheeks uncontrollably.

“Scott,” Y/N breathed with relief, all the worry from the past days when she hadn’t been able to reach out soon, forgotten. “I need to talk to you.”

“Y/N… I’ve to rest, haven’t had a decent sleep yet. Can we talk about this another day?” He had been out of the city, busy with God knows what, but this was important for her, for them, for their future.

Y/N studied their surroundings carefully, trying to keep her voice from shaking she placed her hands on his shoulders.

“We’re going to have a child, Scott I’m carrying your baby.” She whispered.

Scott blinked unamused by the news, his nostrils expanding profusely. Y/N wanted to reach out, to throw herself in his arms but as they were outside his house, she had to control herself. Keep her distance with him and behave accordingly.

But when he took a step back, she felt confused.

“I-I’m… this must be a mistake.”

“No, no. There’s a baby growing inside me.” She repeated, keeping her voice down. “We’ll need to figure out about the wedding, it’ll have to be something intimate and soon before it starts showing…”

“I’m not going to marry you.” Scott scoffed. “How can I be sure this child is mine? You could’ve slept with someone else just as you did with me.” He mocked her.

Before she could stop herself, Y/N found her hand flying to his cheek. Her palm tingled after the slap she gave him.

“How could you say something like that?”

“Don’t you ever dare to fucking touch me again!” He snapped. “And as for this little inconvenient… I’m not taking responsibility, you’re on your own.”

He gave her a disgusted look and walked inside his house. Leaving Y/N turned into a crying mess, she was hurt and disappointed by his reaction and terrified of the outcome.

Her mother sent her to talk to Scott to arrange the terms of the wedding and now she just realized he didn’t have her back. But what was worse, he thought she would sleep around like a whore.

Folding her arms, she walked with her head down. Guilt and embarrassment written all over her face. How would she deal with this? How would she tell her mother what Scott just said? She had been so sure she’d be able to hide it from her father by marrying Scott but now she was left in the worst possible way.

She cried uncontrollably feeling defeated, it was now too late to do something, but at the same time she didn’t know how she’d take care and raise a baby by herself.

“Where’s Scott?” Her mother hissed when her daughter appeared in her eyesight.

Y/N couldn’t speak, something heavy made her walk slowly. Her whole world was crashing down and now she’d have to face the consequences.

“He told me he wouldn’t take responsibility for a child who might not be his.” As the words left her mouth, she started crying again.

“Of course he would say that! What did you think Y/N?!” Her mother exploded. “He must think the worst of you now, how easily you have yourself away to him!”

“He told me he loved me!” Managed to shout through her tears and sobs.

Her mother’s hand flew rapidly and hit her hard.

A heavy silence surrounded them. Her cheek was burning from her mother’s slap.

“Leave Y/N!” Her grandmother intervened.

“She deserved that.” Her mother explained, she was beyond angry.

Y/N’s grandmother wrapped an arm around her granddaughter protectively.

“What happened?”

“Tell her, go on… tell your grandmother what you did.”

Y/N kept her head down, she felt like she couldn’t look her grandmother in the eyes. She had failed them terribly, the values and principles they had showed her were thrown through the window.

“No? Well, I’ll tell her myself.” Her mother warned. “Y/N didn’t wait until marriage, she gave herself away like a whore and is now with a child. Couldn’t keep her legs closed.”

“Well we’ll think of something, she won’t start showing right away.”

“There’s nothing to think mother, Scott is out of the picture he didn't accept the responsibility.”

“But he’s as responsible as Y/N.” Her grandmother pointed out thinking this wasn’t fair on Y/N.

“Your granddaughter’s honor is right on the floor, he even suggested the baby isn’t his.”

Y/N saw her mother pacing around the small room, it was making her feel sick.

“And your father arrives tomorrow… should we send her with your sister to Durham?” She pondered the possibilities thinking of her mother’s sibling.

“Absolutely not.” Her grandmother defended.

“Then what? What are we going to do?”

Y/N felt sick and rushed away from them. Her head was pounding, her stomach in a tight knot and her heart shattered into million pieces.

“Ma’am you can’t go in there.” Tommy heard from outside his office, then saw the door swing open.

“Mr. Shelby you’re the only one who can help me.”

Tommy rose to his feet in a second, the worry he found in Y/N’s grandmother raised all the alarms.

“What happened?”

“My son in law is hitting Y/N badly.” Her voice cracked, her hands reached for the sleeve of his suit. “You’ve to help her.”

Tommy took his coat from the rack and rushed to see what was happening.

“John, get Polly and meet me in Y/N’s house.” He demanded.

“I’ll go with them Mr. Shelby.” Y/N’s grandmother expressed, not wanting to make him wait.

Tommy doubted for a second, but with her hand, the elder woman ushered him, so it must be serious. Stepping in Y/N’s house without knocking because he heard her cries and pained screams from outside, but Tommy wasn’t prepared to find what he’d see.

Y/N was in the middle of the living room half her clothes shattered, kneeling on the floor and her upper body leaned over a chair, her back covered by the belt marks and blood.

He felt a rush of anger and disgust through his body. Tommy could practically taste his bile in his mouth, but as Y/N’s father was about to hit her again, he stepped in his way, holding the man’s hand firmly in the air.

“You touch her again, and I’ll fucking kill you.”

“Stay out of this Shelby, I’m dealing with this whore.”

“Don’t make me repeat myself or you’ll regret it.” Tommy muttered through gritted teeth.

John joined him with a couple of some of their men, they went straight to hold Y/N’s father away from her.

Y/N winced in pain when Tommy tried to help her up.

“This is a family matter!” Y/N’s mother shouted disturbed for the interruption. “You should respect that.”

“Yeah? Just like you’re respecting your daughter?” Tommy snapped, he lost all self control over this injustice.

“She has to deal with the consequences of her acts! Behaved like a whore, gets punished like one.”

Y/N felt her mother’s words like daggers to her heart. She wasn’t sure what felt more hurtful; her father’s hitting her with his belt or her mother’s words.

Tommy felt like throwing up, he apologized when he got Y/N in his arms and she complained from the pain.

“You can’t take her away!” Her mother warned, trying to stop Tommy.

He gave her a warning stare and mumbled; “watch me.”

Part 2

Divider

Tag list: @lyarr24 @runnning-outof-time @cillmequick @datewithgianni @cloudofdisney @gretelshelby @garrison-girl-08 @lespendy @onlydeadcells @fastfan @stevie75 @prettylittlehoneyeyesxoxo @esposadomd @forbidden-forest-witch @ange-thoughts @moral-terpitude @elenavampire21 @forgottenpeakywriter @thenattitude @winchestergirl22 @zablife @elk96 @blondie-22 @imichelle-l-rigby @allie131313 @already-broken144 @peakyscillian @babaohhhriley @shelbydelrey @shaddixlife @sloanexx @sydneyyyya @lau219 @adaydreamaway08 @pono-pura-vida @thomashelbyswife @darleneslane @lauren-raines-x @everythingelseisextra @kmc1989 @red-riding-wood @lovemissyhoneybee @theendlessvoidofdarkest @wannabeperfectionists-blog @yeppaweshallsee (can’t tag) @shydysneylover (can’t tag) @holacia3 @galactic3a @mysticalbouquetwolf-posts @ietss @abaker74 @natalie--rushman @elliaze @withyoutilltheendofthismess

[jinnie-ret]

Don't know if you're taking prompts atm but...

Can't believe I'm asking this but could you do a ninth member fic but they're Nuna to Bangchan as well instead of younger? Just wanna see all the boys taken care of, maybe like made casual dinner with their favorite foods or soft comfort after a hard concert or something. Just the boys and OC being good family.

let noona handle it

stray kids x ninth member!reader (platonic)

genre: fluff, slight angst

content warnings: flirty minho? (haha)

word count: 1k

summary: after a difficult, chaotic concert, you prepare a feast to take care of your beloved dongsaengs

Thank you for this request! Hope you enjoy! :)

MAIN MASTERLIST

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

The concert you had just returned from was hell, and you hated to say that it was because of the fans. You nearly had a bit of deja vu, as the events that took place reflected those which happened at a past Indonesia concert. This time, you were in Seoul.

Fans had been constantly pushing each other back and forth, those who were standing scrambling amongst each other to get closer and closer to you and the boys. It was chaos.

"Guys, please! We want to do this concert but you have to move back!" Chan said into the mic, desperately hoping that the frantic Stays would listen.

"Move back, please," Han tried to help, using his hands to gesture them to do as he said.

"We don't want anyone to get hurt, please move back and we can carry on performing for you," Chan signed, and you saw how he was getting more and more frustrated.

You felt awful, that you didn't say anything to help. As their noona, you always wanted to look after your members, and you kicked yourself for not taking some of the weight off of your dongsaeng's shoulders, instead of standing there quietly. It wasn't your fault you felt overwhelmed though.

At least you weren't the only ones. As soon as you all returned to the dorms, wordless wishes of a good night's sleep was wished and you all fell asleep easily, the exhaustion hitting all 9 of you.

But you had other plans. Setting an alarm for 10am the next morning, you prepared yourself to get up early enough where the guys would still be asleep, but that you could go out, get fresh food, and prepare them with a feast for lunch time.

Yes, the shopping was very heavy, but it was worth it for the premium dining experience you had brought to the dorm. You were surprised they hadn't woken up yet from all of your clattering around and the smells of food, but it only made it far more worth it in anticipation of them seeing all of their favourite foods: sashimi, jokbal, yubochobap, kimchi jjigae, fried chicken, ramen with fried eggs, pizza. And of course for dessert you had some cheesecakes defrosting.

"Boys!!! Come in here!" you yelled at the top of your lungs, giggling to yourself when you heard the thumping of footsteps and mutterings of 'shit'.

"Noona?! Are you okay?" Changbin was the first to rush in, eyes zeroed in on you as he went to check if you were hurt or not.

"Wow..." Felix gasped, looking across at all of the food spread out on the dining table.

"I'm fine, Changbin, why don't you take a seat?" you soothed his worries, gently stroking his hands that rested upon your shoulders and diverting his attention to where you wanted it to be.

"Noona, did you-?" Hyunjin cut himself off as he entered the kitchen, feeling rather moved that you had done this all for them.

"It was a hard concert yesterday... I thought this would help cheer us up?" you awkwardly stood there, hands clasped behind your back. You felt your cheeks flush from their reactions, but they all stared on in amazement.

"You're the best," Jisung whispered as he engulfed you into a big hug. His arms wrapped around your waist and he buried his face into your neck.

"You all deserve it," you smiled bashfully, ruffling his hair as he pulled away, going to take a seat.

"You deserve it too, noona," Jeongin said earnestly, giving you a quick side hug before he went and sat down too.

"I just... I know yesterday was difficult, wasn't it?" you asked them all as you began talking once more. As you did so, Seungmin silently patted your back as he walked around you, his own way of letting you know he took was thankful. "So I thought what could be more healing then our favourite foods?"

"I think a kiss from noona would be healing as well," Minho bluntly said, wiggling his eyebrows at you as you facepalmed.

"Yah, Minho-ah! Don't tease her, she already can't handle all of the compliments," Chan scolded Minho before taking a seat too, gesturing you to sit next to him in the empty one.

"Noona is so good to us," Hyunjin said, almost as if you wasn't there and he was confessing his thoughts on you.

"I think noona should take the first bite," Changbin folded his arms, leant back in his chair with a proud smirk on his face as he looked at you approvingly. You could tell his mind was going 'jutdwae, jutdwae, jutdwae'. He was very proud of sticking to his principles.

"No, no, you guys eat first, I just want to see you be happy," you waved them off, arms resting in your lap. And it was true, you just wanted to see them eating happily.

"Come on, noona, we just wish to see you eat first," Jeongin pouted, and normally you'd cave straight away, your dongsaeng knew that, but you had a few principles of your own.

"Nope, I refuse. I wish to see all my precious members eat first. I want to see you happy because that's all that really matters to me, ok? We had a rough time of it yesterday and this is my way of showing you how I'm supporting you all. Yes I'm a member of this group just like any other one of us, but I'm also your noona, let me take care of things. Let noona handle it, ok?" you preached, rambling off all the thoughts in your head as looking them all directly in the eyes as you wore your heart on your sleeve.

"I'm going to eat before I cry," Felix took a mouthful of ramen, looking away from you, feeling warm from not only the food but from your sweet words too.

"There, we've all taken a bite now, noona should eat," Seungmin firmly said.

"Or do you need me to feed you?" Minho winked daringly.

"You're so flirty today," you take a bite of fried chicken, not giving him the opportunity to tease you more.

"He wouldn't be Minho if he wasn't flirty," Chan laughed.

"And noona wouldn't be noona if she wasn't so caring," Jisung heartwarmingly said.

"Well, speaking of, there's cheesecake for dessert," you smile as you take a bite of some sashimi.

"Noona you're the best!!!"

tagged: @skz-streamer @kiraisastay @hannahhbahng @backintomykpopphaseagain @sakufilms @hanjiquokkaaa @arloo00 @dunno-wut-to-do @splat00z @cheesemonky

[eruherdiriel]

Not all tears are an evil

Jonsa ficlet Rating: T Universe: Post-canon, bookverse Other: Fluff and a bit of sadness, Jon POV, King Jon

Also on AO3.

“Why are you crying?” Jon asks.

Sansa is standing by the window of their bedchamber, wrapped in a large fur despite the warmth of the room. Outside, the sun has risen on what might be one of the final summer days before autumn. It has been a good season, bountiful and warmer than Jon remembers summer being when he was a boy.

“I am not,” she lies.

The truth is in the thickness of her voice. Jon hadn’t noticed the signs at first, when he opened his eyes to find her gone from their bed and then rolled over to see her by the window. There was no shake of her shoulders or sounds of weeping coming from her, not until she sniffled. That is when he knew.

Tucking his legs up and settling his feet on the floor, Jon reaches for his sleep shirt and pulls it on over his head so he is not entirely bare when he crosses the room. When he reaches his wife, he wraps his arms around her, her back against his chest, and presses his cheek to the side of her head.

He wants to ask again what upset her. She was coy but elated last night, when she told him of the babe, and then eager in their lovemaking when he did not know how else to properly convey his own happiness.

Did he miss some sign of her distress earlier, or did the feeling come after? He wants to ask. 

Instead, he waits.

“I was thinking about how my mother is not here to tell me what it is like,” Sansa says finally. “Having a child, being a mother. And your mother is not here either.”

“There are plenty of women at Winterfell who have had children. And Maester—”

“It’s not the same.”

It is not. He knows it, but he cannot take this reality from her, from both of them.

One of his hands drops lower from where Jon has his arms wrapped around her, and he splays his fingers across her belly, feeling what is not fully there yet.

“I wish they were here,” Sansa says. Fresh tears have sprung from her eyes, and desperation coats her voice. “All of them. Everyone we have lost.”

“As do I,” he murmurs into her hairline.

She twists in his arms until they are facing each other, then presses her forehead to his. She is so close that he can smell the salt of her tears. 

“I feel torn in two. I have you and now this child, but so many we loved are dead. It has been years, but it still hurts, and … those wounds may never heal. Every moment of joy will be tinged with loss, won’t it?”

Yes, he thinks, but Jon wants to say something more, something comforting. “At least it will be a shared grief. You do not have to endure it alone.”

This has happened before, he realizes. The day of their wedding, she had cried as they said their vows beneath the heart tree, and when Jon asked what was wrong, she said they were happy tears. He wonders now if the truth was more complicated, that despite their love for each other, she did not know or trust him well enough to speak the whole truth back then.

“I should be happy,” Sansa insists.

Jon lifts his arms so he can take her head in his hands, then leans back slightly so they may see each other better. “It is not wrong to feel sorrow. Or to feel two things at once.”

His own life has always been full of contradictions, so perhaps he is more accustomed to the feeling than his wife is. Highborn, but a bastard. Loyal to his brother and the Starks, but jealous that Robb was to become Lord of Winterfell and then was raised up as King in the North. And when Jon found out who his parents were, it stole from him Ned Stark as his father and Robb, Arya, Bran, and Rickon as his siblings. But it gave him Sansa as a cousin, then as his love, and finally as his wife.

Two things can be true. Joy and sorrow take flight together.

“You do not find my tears frivolous and weak?”

“Never,” he says, almost too sharply. “They speak to what we have lost. What you survived but did not let steal your tenderheartedness. Whether happy or sad, your tears are your strength, Sansa.”

A small laugh leaves her, then she leans closer and nudges his nose with hers. “You say the most beautiful things sometimes.”

At his look of surprise, she sighs and adds, “You don’t even realize when you are saying something sweet to me, do you?”

Whenever he tries, the words come out wrong, ungainly and inelegant. And while he was attempting to reassure her now, he was not trying to be romantic or sweet, yet that seems to have been what she heard.

“The other day, Arya told me you and I were perfect for each other because we are both romantics.”

Jon scoffs. “She did not.”

It has been three years since they wed, but Arya can still barely look at Jon and Sansa when they are at all affectionate with one another. She keeps a neutral face in public, savvy enough to understand that any derision toward their marriage could be disruptive to Jon’s rule, but as a family, she lets her true feelings be known. It is almost a joke now, and he wonders if that is part of why she keeps up her exaggerated gags, rolled eyes, and disgusted faces.

“She did. And she called us dramatic. The dramatic romantics.”

“That sounds more like her.”

Sansa smiles for a moment, then the edges of her mouth tip down again. “I wish you could have known your mother. She would be so proud of you, Jon. I never meant to suggest that my loss is greater, or that I think about it more.”

“I never thought you did.”

“Whatever we are, whatever we feel, we’ll do it together?”

“Always. Happy, sad, or both,” he promises. “Now come back to bed.”

Her head turns back to the window where the sun stretches over the castle walls, telling the time. “It’s late. We both have much to attend to today, my king.”

“As we do every day. Duty can wait for once, Sansa.”

She looks back at him with a lifted brow. “Can it?”

“Aye.”

Bending at the knee, he scoops one arm under her legs and the other around her back, causing his sweet wife to gasp in surprise. Her hands grab at him, and the fur around her shoulders slips, revealing more of her pale skin.

“Why bother being a bloody king if I cannot decide how to pass my days every once in a while?” Jon says as he carries her to the bed.

“That’s precisely why you are a good king! Sacrifice … being selfless … putting the people’s needs above your own desires.”

He frowns as he sets her on the featherbed. The fur falls all the way open. “A king must bring stability to his realm. Heirs are one part of creating that stability, and you are newly with child, my lady. Ensuring your health and happiness is critical.”

His queen is laid bare before him, but it is her eyes he cannot look away from as he braces himself above her—the deep blue of her irises even more pronounced by the red lines that run through the whites of her eyes, evidence of her earlier tears. “You might even say that it is my duty to the people to spend the day with you.”

She shakes her head and laughs, but when he kisses her, she kisses back, all her protestations gone.

[breakfastteatime]

Today's Fallen Order request is Shine for @thefinaljediknight

The planet sings. Cal feels it the moment they touch down. This world is so alive, and not because there’s a Maw somewhere beneath him, waiting for its next meal. The Force gushes and froths, a rapid river ready to swallow him whole. Beyond the cockpit, the planet’s incredible plant life shimmers in the soft rain, yellows, reds, purples, oranges, pinks, humming and swaying. The Force wants to take him by the hand and lead him in a dance. He looks to Cere. Does she feel it too? If she does, she shows nothing. Is that how effectively she’s cut herself off from the Force? Cal can’t imagine not feeling this, even if the Force might pull him apart like petals on the wind.

“Cal?” Greez calls as he finalises the landing procedure. “Something wrong? You’re looking spacey.”

He shakes his head, unable to put it into words. What would he say to someone who can’t feel the Force at all? How could he explain how this planet shines? BD too. He has no sense of this.

What a terrible, inexplicable loss for them. Cal can’t bear it. He can’t.

“Hey, whoa, what – ” Greez’s confusion is silenced when Cal wraps his arms around him and hugs him tight. “You okay, kid?”

Cal feels Greez patting him on the back, offering comfort when it should be the other way around. He reaches out, pulls BD in close too. “I wish you two could feel this.”

“Uh – ”

BD gives a curious beep.

Cal can’t speak.

“This planet is very, very strong in the Force,” Cere explains for Greez’s benefit. “Cal is a little overwhelmed by it.”

“Oh,” Greez says. He returns the hug. “If this is what Cal looks like when he’s overwhelmed, I think we can handle it.”

BD announces Cal scan results suggest he’s high.

Cere’s smile catches on the Force and flutters off on golden wings. “Yes, it probably feels a lot like that for him.”

Cal can’t contain himself a moment longer. Releasing Greez and BD, he rushes to the hatch, hits the override, and opens the ship up to the world ahead. He throws himself to the ground before the ramp can finish extending. His feet hit the grass – bare feet because he didn’t stop to put his boots on. Pollen and seeds cast themselves into the air, sparkling in the light when the sun breaks through the rainclouds. Cal tilts his face to the sky, eyes closed as he basks in the energy humming around him. No, he won’t fly away here. Maybe he’ll sink instead, into a cloud of light and life, streams of light dancing around him. He does a one-legged twirl worthy of BD just to take it all in, pulling the Force around him so it gathers like a cloak. The Force takes his hand and pulls him away, leading him up, up, up, above a forest of flowers in bloom and trees finding new life in spring. The world is coming back to life after a long, hard winter, and the planet sings with such joy the Force swells and rises.

A hand lands on his shoulder. “Cal.”

It’s hard, returning to himself. Cere’s warm hand, the cupped light that is her true self a beacon calling him back. He opens his eyes and sees a meadow around him, flowers turned to him like he is the sun. He’s on his knees, Cere at his side. Lungs full of fresh, clean air, he reaches out, lets the yellowpinkpurplered petals brush over his fingers. “Cere,” he breathes. He can’t capture what this place is. He’s never felt anything like it. Never. And with his slowly healing Force connection, it feels like… like maybe he really can do what Cere’s asking of him, expecting of him.

Trust only in the Force.

Cere crouches down, wrapping an arm around him. “I know,” she says.

He falls against her side, closing tear-filled eyes. Such joy. He doesn’t want to leave.

“Can you hold onto yourself while Greez and I head into town, or do we need to go somewhere else?”

It’s an effort to pull back, to put a barrier between him and this wonderful place. He is drunk on this place, so high he could brush the stars with his fingers.

Cere’s hand closes around his, pulling it down. “I think Greez might need to go on this trip alone.”

Cal falls forward, pressing his ear to the dirt. He can hear the planet’s song. He wants to listen to its ebb and flow forever.

“Is he okay?” Greez’s voice blends with the music.

“Can you manage the resupply?” Cere’s voice soars above the chorus. “I need to stay with him.”

Cal can’t contain himself. “I can hear the song.”

BD whistles, his weight leaving Cal’s back. The next thing he feels is Cere’s hand once more, resting on his back. She is a mute dulling the music, and he can’t stand it. He can’t. He doesn’t want to simply hear it; he wants to be in that flow.  “Let go,” he tells Cere.

“No. I know, Cal, I know what this must be like for you, but you mustn’t let it carry you away. Hold onto yourself. Let the Force flow around you here, not through you. If the Force is a river, you are standing on the banks watching it rush by.”

He doesn’t want to watch. It’s not enough. He’s never felt the Force so completely before, so happy, unrestrained, life, so much life, everything alive and –

Cere’s touch is more insistent now, a sharp tug where a Padawan braid once would have hung. Startled, he stares at her. “I know, I’m sorry. Focus on me. We’re going back to the ship.”

“To meditate?”

“No, not here. I think you’d disappear forever.”

“Become one with the Force?” It would be like being all the colours of a rainbow. He can’t help smiling.

“Definitely no becoming one with the Force, Cal. We’re going to ground you, one way or another.”

The Mantis hums around him, and Cal can’t remember if that’s the ship’s usual sound or if maybe it’s found a song to sing too. Cere sits him down on the couch.

“Potolli weave really is so comfortable,” Cal sighs.

“Come back down from the sky.” Cere sits on the table ahead of him.

“You shine,” Cal tells her. He pokes her. “You can’t hide it from me!”

Cere smiles, a strange smile, all sad and wistful. “When your master wanted you to hone your focus, what did he make you do?” she asks.

Padawan, it is –

“ – time for instruction.” He giggles at his own impression of Master Tapal.

“And what were those instructions?” Cere asks gently.

Focus on the here and now, what you see ahead of you, the scent in the air, the feel of the deck beneath your feet and the clothes against your skin. Tell me all about it.

By the time Cal’s done telling Cere all about it, the Force’s song has dropped in volume and he feels very aware of himself. Was he always so unwieldy? So clumsy? He stares at Cere, feeling the blush on his skin. Did he really try to hug the ground? Maybe if he asks nicely it will swallow him whole. “Sorry, I – ”

She cuts him off. “It’s very special, isn’t it?”

He grins. “Very.”

[yuri-is-online]

Jade would be VERY pleased about finally having another club member. I would be happy to listen to him info dump while we look at mushrooms and neat nature stuff.

I let this sit in my ask box for too long but I've had this idea kicking around in my head for a while and then harveston had to go and drop that one line validating my delusions and you've given me an excuse to post it ha

notes: they/them used for Yuu, violence against animals (a bear), swearing at animals (the same bear), Yuu is unnaturally strong (enough to fight a bear), Yuu is implied to have grown up in a forest/woodsy environment, Jade typical blackmail. Other more serious fic can be found on my masterlist here.

Once upon a time, back when you first arrived in this world, you had been unsure how to feel about NRC. Castles existed back home, sure, but ones like this belonged firmly in illustrations or video games; it felt a but nauseating to walk through your wildest dreams brought to life, even if it was exciting sometimes. It was little wonder to you then that the idea of a Mountain Lover's Club was so appealing.

"Did you hike a lot back home?" Trey has that strange smile on his face that suggests you have made him tense somehow.

"Yes. I practically grew up in the woods." The flow of wind through the branches, the smell of fresh rain on the decomposing earth below, all of it wrapped you in a familiar sense of serenity even if the tree line was completely foreign to you. What are men to rocks and mountains after all? You could make yourself right at home here-

"I still don't think you should join." Trey says with all the air of a man who is certainly not telling you something, but the surprising harsh nod of agreement Riddle gives before injecting himself into the conversation convinces you more than whatever Trey had in mind likely could.

"I'm not entirely certain what they do," Riddle has never forbid you from participating in things since you and his dorm-mates brought him back to his senses," but if you want to hike it might be safer if you did it by yourself, assuming you let one of us know when you are going and when you expect to be back. It wouldn't do to have something that brings you so much joy used against you prefect, none of us want that." But he has always expressed concern when he thinks things to be unsafe, and in this case his argument was something you found yourself agreeing with. Hiking is best done at your own pace anyway, why get a club full of self-centered assholes involved in your me time? Though you did wish now they had been a bit more... specific with their concerns. Maybe outlined some of the club's scheduling, but then they would have needed to ask him and in so doing betrayed your interest.

Which would have been much less embarrassing than how Jade actually found out. Because of course he did, was there ever any doubt he would? ~~~~ There is a creek not far up the mountain path behind your dorm you like to rest at when coming back from your adventures. It's a good place to check over the photos on your camera and enjoy the last few rays of sunlight before returning to whatever mess Grim had made in Ramshackle searching for where you had moved all the tuna cans. Sometimes he joined you, and the two of you would have a little picnic up the path a bit further, but that day had not been one of those days. Nor had the day you met this particular nemesis who is staring you down from just across the creek with such a judgmental glance you would think this was a Sunday brunch and not an afternoon meander through the forest.

"The fuck do you want bitch?" You snarl and the bear indignantly sniffs as if to imply she's better than you. "Oh I'm sorry I didn't realize it was my fault your face is so fucking crooked, thought you were just born that way." She huffs again, making a big show of turning her back on you as you rush to get your equipment off and tucked safely out of reach before the skankiest grizzly you've ever met whips around and charges you shrieking something about "how dare you steal her man!!!!" and blah blah blah "I'll show you, you good for nothing hussy!!!!" as if you could actually understand her and this wasn't a three act play you insisted on writing yourself. You weren't even sure this bear was a girl if you stopped to think about it in between punches, not that you really cared. She huffs and makes a valiant attempt to pin you as you snarl and flash your teeth and beat her right back into the creek laughing at what sounds like pathetic winging about "kids these days!!!" and how rude you are for-

A startled noise pauses your match, as you both turn, harsh glares towards a break in the thicket where a very out of place, very surprised looking man stands, hand infuriatingly poised casually at his chin. His infuriating smirk doesn't unfurl until you growl, deep and low reverberating through your opponent just enough that she decides to leave for the day while you are preoccupied.

"Oya, this is a surprise." Jade doesn't move and you stay firm in the creek, body shaking with unspent adrenaline as he decides to move just a bit closer. "If you were that desperate for a sparring partner, I'm sure Floyd would have obliged, animal abuse is not exactly legal you know?"

"What the fuck are you doing here." You spit before you exit the creek, a flash of something darting through Jade's eyes as his gaze darts between you and your pack on the ground.

"Me? I should be asking that of you. The Mountain Lover's Club had to go through quite an ordeal to get permission to leave the school grounds unsupervised..." His teeth begin to show as you crash down from your high, you hadn't actually thought of whether or not you would need to talk to someone other than a friend about where you were going... surely Riddle would have mentioned something if you did? Or did he not think to ask since he wasn't the adventurous sort? "I can't imagine how the Headmage would react to know his ward had been sneaking out to terrorize the local wildlife."

"Hey Brenda started it!" You snap and Jade looks briefly towards the treeline where a very indignant bear is pursing her lips and inspecting her claws, the very picture of innocence if he does say so himself. "She stole my sandwich while I was taking pictures of the sunset!"

"Maybe you should have had someone there to hold it for you." He laughs, finally moving from his spot towards you and your pack, eyes gleaming with familiarity as he looks over your things. "Perhaps, someone who would be willing to... forget about what he just saw if they accompanied him next time?" It's a threat using what gives you joy against you certainly, and you huff indignantly at it but don't deny his request. Jade is an eel of his word, and his joy at doubling the Mountain Lover's Club membership cannot be contained as he ushers you the rest of the way down the mountain, eager to plan your first expedition together.

Not that he intends to ever delete the pictures he took. Your angry face is just too cute.

[xenaizogie]

Hey sugaplum, you hungry? I got a little something for you! Plot? What plot? I tried this time, I really did, to feed you something more than shameless smut, buuttt...here we are lol. Enjoy!!!

3.7k word

A Day In The Life

The sun is brightly shining, the cloudless sky is brilliantly blue. Sounds of the village coming to life outside the palace walls fill the early morning air. The day is fairly warm already, but a steady breeze provides some respite. Breakfast will be wrapping up soon for the Agojie, and you sit soaking up these final moments with your beloved before she must head to the training grounds. You recline on the steps next to Izogie, side by side, her hand in yours. The sunlight is framing her ebony profile, a golden halo surrounding her making her skin seem to glow. Your eyes are drawn to her beauty, a soft smile gracing her lips, her facial features at peace, the stern warrior mask not yet in place. You caress her hand, your fingers draw to hers, mind wandering over all the things they do to you, all the things they make you feel. Her chuckle brings you out of your musing.

“Something on your mind?”

She’s looking at you, smirking, her lips soft and luscious, begging to be kissed by you. You’re staring again, lost in thought of her wonderful mouth. Another chuckle draws you back to reality and finally you meet her gaze.

“Yes…you…” Your eyes are half lidded, shameless as they take her in. Her smirk breaks out into a full-blown grin.

“Will you eat with me at lunch today? I wish to eat in our room.” She requests.

The innocent look she had on her face belying her tone, which was an octave too low. Not quite sultry, but definitely inviting. You return her grin and bob your head yes, not quite trusting your voice as Nawi approached. She smiled and waved to you in greeting before turning to Izogie.

“Good morning, Izogie. My mother wishes to speak with you before the morning run.”

“Good morning, TseTse.” Izogie greets rising from her spot next to you, her hand lingering in yours as she starts to step away.

“Come.”

She’s talking to Nawi, but she is looking at you and it sends an electric pulse straight to your center making you bite your lip to hold in the whimper that threatened to escape. She shoots you another smirk as she takes her leave. Your eyes devour her departing image, visions of this morning still fresh in your mind.

Dawn was just breaking, casting its soft glow around the room. You were pressed flush against Izogie, your back to her front, shades of brown melding together as her arm encircled your waist. Skin to skin from your ankles all the way up to the spot where her lips were placing tender kisses along your shoulder and up the column of your neck. You loved the way you melted into her touch, the way her warm skin on yours made you feel comfortable, made you feel safe. This must be what heaven feels like, cozy and treasured, you could spend eternity in her arms. You feel her smiling against the nape of your neck at the involuntary shiver that courses through your body, and you turn in her arms, gently cupping her face as your gaze meets hers. The kiss that followed was soft and sweet, without any urgency, a gentle greeting filled with love. “I love waking up to you.” she says as you part. The corners of your lips turn up before giving her a radiant smile. She litters your face with kisses before turning to get out of bed and start her day. “Can you stay a little longer” you pout, not yet ready to share her with the world. She laughs, a melodious sound, before turning back towards you in bed…

The sound of the trainees heading out for their run brings you out of your reverie and you turn, hoping to catch one last glimpse of her on her way out. You aren’t disappointed, she catches your eye and throws a smile and a wink your way before disappearing from view. A contented sigh leaves you as you stand, a grin plastered on your face and a bounce in your step, ready to tackle your tasks for the day. The sooner you got done, the sooner you could get back into her waiting arms.  

It didn’t take you long to get halfway through your list, but time seemed to crawl by as you went about your chores, the anticipation has been slowly building inside you. It’s near the midday break and the sun, along with your wayward thoughts, have you seeking out a shade tree to pass the minutes until lunch. You find a suitable one, not far from the Agojie sparring grounds, where you can watch your love manhandling the trainees. Her lithe form is glistening in the sunlight, hard muscles twisting and turning beneath soft brown skin, a thin sheet of sweat covering her body. You find yourself biting your bottom lip, a little moan slipping out, maybe sitting this close wasn’t such a good idea after all. Your already heated thoughts are doing summersaults over each other, the site before you only fueling the visions of you two together in your head. Thankfully the bells soon sound, lunchtime has finally arrived. Izogie dismisses the trainees before sauntering over to where you are seated. She is the epitome of sexy and she knows it.

“Close your mouth, you look like a...”

Your eyes narrow and she cuts out into a laugh as she pulls you to your feet, wrapping her arms around your waist. Her lips are on yours before you can even make a smart remark, her tongue invading your mouth, the kiss fiery and deep.

“I missed the way you taste.”

“Don’t start something you can’t finish.”

You speak at the same time making you both giggle, giddy and slightly breathless from the kiss. It amazes you how even after all this time, Izogie can still make the butterflies in your stomach take flight. Dark eyes flaked with gold are staring down at you, gazing into your soul. They left you with an eager longing, wanting nothing more than to feel her lips on yours again. She leans in towards you, her lips ghosting yours before trailing up to your ear.

“Race you!”

Then she is gone, her laughter trailing behind her as she speeds towards the palace. Your shocked gasp is short lived, and you take off hot on her trail, she knows this the only way she can beat you in a foot race. She slows to a stop near the gate, turning, ready to gloat in her victory, but you keep running, blowing right past her, your eyes on the lunch line ahead. The chase is on again, the few Agojie who can see your mad dash cheering you on. You skid to a halt at the end of the line, an eyebrow raised and a smirk gracing your lips, you wait for her to arrive.

“One day I will beat you.” She grins.

“But not today.” Came your cheeky reply.

You both wash up and grab a bowl, already eating as you make your way to your room. The banter is carefree and adoring on the way there, a mix of teasing and asking about each other’s day so far sprinkled with sultry and knowing looks. She makes it through the doorway first, you follow placing your bowl in hers on the side table by the door. As soon as the bowl has left your hand, Izogie is pulling you to her, warm lips seeking out yours. Her tongue is delving deep in your mouth drawing tiny whimpers from you as she guides you backwards towards the big table in the middle of the room. The backs of your thighs barely graze the frame before she is picking you up, roughly sitting you on the edge. Your excited squeal is swallowed up as she continues to ravage your mouth, sliding her body in between your spread legs closing the gap between you. Your hands slide over her shoulders, locking into place at the nape of her neck while hers grip at your hips. Urgency is radiating off her in waves, in the fervor of her lips and the groping hands now stalking up your thighs, you both know you don’t have long. You tear your lips away from hers to pepper hot kisses along her jaw and down the scar on her neck, pausing at her pulse point, suckling, tongue swirling drawing a low moan from the warrior. Hungry hands spread your thighs further apart, one coming to rest on your hip, the other pressed against your throbbing heat, caressing you through your clothes. Your hips are rolling, you want desperately to increase the pressure, you need more. Just as her fingers were making their way inside your panties…

“Ahem!” Amenza chuckles as she clears her throat from the open doorway. “Izogie, Nanisca requests you.” Another chuckle.

Simultaneous groans fill the air as your head falls to Izogie’s shoulder.

“Coming Amenza.”

She pulls back slightly and with her free hand she hooks a finger under your chin and tilts your face up, looking you in the eye as her lips meet yours in a promising kiss. Please stay, it’s on the tip of your tongue when she breaks away, cool air replacing the previous heat of her body, but you know the answer, duty calls.

“Tonight, my love” she whispered before heading towards the door.

Izogie glances back and the sight makes her steps falter. Your head is thrown back, legs still spread, one hand palm down on the table, the other traveling up your thigh headed for your center hoping to ease the ache left in her wake. She is torn, her body takes a step back towards you before she realizes it, but she shakes her head trying to clear it. Tempting as a quickie might be, she knew it was only going to tease her, leave her craving more. No, she would wait so that she could completely immerse herself in you.

“Aht. Mine.”

 The bark snapped your head up, a pleading whimper falling from your throat, but you oblige.

“Yes, daddy” you reply, giving her an innocent doe eyed look.

She’s back across the room in two strides, her lips taking yours in a searing kiss, branding you, claiming you as hers. You didn’t call her that often, but when you did, it always had the same effect on her, igniting something primal deep in her core. She breaks apart with an exasperated groan, taking off at a jog to catch up to Amenza. You are left hot and bothered, chest marginally heaving, still sitting atop the table. You take a few calming breaths, trying to reign in your runaway libido before jumping off the table. You needed to do something to occupy your thoughts and hands, fast. With the last few tasks in mind, you set off to finish your chores.

The rest of the day passes uneventfully, much of your time spent outside the palace picking herbs for the healers. Baskets full to the brim, you head back inside stopping briefly when you catch sight of Izogie. She is in the middle of the training grounds with the trainees in a big circle around her, turning to face each one as she gave instructions. You watch as she gets into position several feet in front of a training dummy, setting her feet then lunging forward landing multiple body blows before decapitating the dummy in one smooth strike. She makes combat look so effortless. You carry on your way smiling faintly, your mind already on the night ahead.

Once the herbs have been dropped off, you head to the bathhouse stopping by your room to grab your favorite lavender soap first, Izogie loves the scent. The temptation to linger in the tepid water is gone without her by your side, so you make washing up a quick affair, eager to be by her side once more. Your body lathered, rinsed, and freshly dressed; you head out of the bath house to the sound of the dinner bells. You spy the trio of warriors, Nanisca Izogie and Amenza, deep in conversation across the courtyard. A sigh escapes you; you have a feeling you’ll be eating dinner without her, but at least this means there should be no interruptions when she does make it home. Your eyes meet across the distance, and she flashes you a grin before turning her attention back to Nanisca. You grab a bowl and sit on the steps eating and conversing with Nawi, doing your best not to gawk at Izogie before eventually retiring to your room for the night.

The sky has darkened, the clouds look like they could burst at any moment, and lightening dances across the sky; a storm is brewing. The door softly opens and closes announcing her presence, but you are lost in thought, staring out the window at the formidable sky. Strong yet gentle arms embrace you from behind.

“You smell so good” Izogie whispers as she litters kisses down your neck and over your shoulders, reveling in the noises that involuntarily slip out of your mouth.

You sink into her embrace, her closeness igniting a passion within you, her hands blaze a trail of fire as they cup and toy with your breasts through your clothes. One hand slid down to grip across your waist, pulling you tight against her while the other circled and pinched at your nipple through the fabric.

“I need you bad” you breathe, your head lolling to the side to grant her lips better access.

Izogie spins you, pushing you against the wall and pinning your hands above your head. You are trapped, her body pressing into yours from knee to chest, but escape is the furthest thing on your mind. Her lips take yours in scorching kiss, tongues dueling wildly, the intensity of it has you moaning into her mouth, her free hand gripping at your throat. She squeezes slightly, sliding a leg in between yours, pressing her thigh into your damp heat. Your body arcs as you grind down onto her, a moan caught in your throat as she tightens her grip. She releases you, her lips kissing a path to your ear, her chest still on yours crowding you into the wall, her hands now on your hips, guiding them up and down her thigh.

“I’m going to make you scream my name.” She murmurs against the shell of your ear.

Thunder rumbles and your body quivers, a lusty moan your only response. One hand is clutching at her shoulder, the other cupping the back of her head holding her in place as she nibbled at your lobe. She eases back just enough to remove your top, your breasts plopping out into her waiting hands. Your hips never cease their rhythm as her hands begin to knead your luscious mounds. Her thumbs graze softly against your pebbled buds sending electric jolts straight to your core.

“I need…” Your words trail off in a gasp as she lifts her leg adding pressure to your grind.

“Tell me what you need love.” She coos, her fingers pinching and rolling your nipples.

You take her right hand and guide it down your body to where you need her most. She doesn’t bother taking your skirt off, simply pushing your panties to the side, two fingers languidly massaging your engorged bud. Her fingers slip lower, dipping in your dripping entrance before returning to your nub, she can feel how much you want her in the throbbing of your clit.

“Inside. Now.”

Lightning flashes as her eyebrow arches and with a growl she takes you hard and fast. Her fingers sink deep and momentarily still, her forehead falling against yours as your walls clench around her, your sticky essence coating her palm. A moan tumbles out as you grind your hips, and her fingers take up a languorous motion, curling deep before sliding out and slamming back inside. She sets a feverish pace, stroking your g-spot, with every thrust. She’s only just begun, and already you are flying towards an orgasm. You grip at her back trying to ground yourself, you want to hold it off, to bask in the moment a little longer, but it is no use, your walls are already spasming and your thighs are clenching hers as she continues to dig you out.

“...’Zo…”

“I know baby…I know…”

The feeling of her fingers deep inside you and the sound of her voice in your ear, always a deadly combination, sends you plummeting over the edge. Your legs are shaking, threatening to give out, your hands weakly grasping at her shoulders, but she doesn’t stop. Her hand is caught between her thigh and your soaking pussy. She could no longer thrust in and out, but her fingers, her fingers, were deep inside your gushing heat fluttering against your sweet spot. Your moans resonate around the room as she whispers praises in your ear, urging you on. Your body shudders as your juices stream over her hand and down her thigh, your entire body trembling, weak as pleasure overtakes you again. Only then does she begin to slow.

Your lips seek out hers in a steamy kiss as she slips out, shudders still coursing through your body as she wraps you in her embrace. Your hands are almost frantic as you pull at her clothes, desperate in your need to feel her skin on yours. She unwraps your skirt and steps back allowing the clothes to fall to the floor. You reach for her greedily licking your lips, but she smirks and grabs your hand, leading you to the bed.

“First, I want to taste you.”

Lightning cracks and thunder vibrates the sky, as fat raindrops begin to pelt the earth. She sits on the edge of the bed, sliding off your panties before pulling you to straddle her lap, both sets of hands exploring every inch of silky skin they could reach. Honied kisses were placed along your collar bone and over your chest as she lay back, drawing you along with her, pulling you up her body until your succulent breasts were dangling right above her face. From one ebony globe to the other, she suckles and swirls her tongue, her hands squeezing at your ass, rubbing your wet pussy over her abs. With a groan you crawl up until your knees are on either side of her head, your glistening mound hovering just a breath above her parted lips. Feathery kisses greet you seconds before she starts to feast in earnest.

Your shins flush against the bed, her elbows hooked around your waist, one palm pressed against your stomach, the pointer finger of the other hand drawing lazy circles around your clit, head buried deep between your thighs, tongue even deeper in your core. A moan is ripped from your chest as she drags her tongue up to replace her finger, her mouth enclosing your aching bud. Sloppily she slurps you up, tongue flicking against your clit, her moans sending vibrations straight to your center. She changes the pace, tongue swirling lazily before popping you out of her mouth, languidly slurping you up over and over.

“Fuuck baaby…”

She is slowly driving you insane, edging you to your peak, you fall forward on your hands, her arms still locked around you. Pleasurable waves are washing over you in a crescendo, she has you wavering on the edge. Bit by bit, the coil in the pit of your stomach has been winding tighter and tighter. She latches onto your clit slowly shaking her head from side to side, humming as she savors your exquisite taste. Your climax blindsides you, forceful as it rocks through you. Body quaking, you scream out in bliss, your juices coating her lower face.

She slips from under while you’re still spasming on your hands and knees, heavy lidded eyes follow her movements as she slips the harness over her hips, a feral gleam in her eye. She steps behind, grabbing you by your thighs pulling you to the edge of the bed, and you whimper in anticipation. Slowly she drags the head up and down your slick folds, thumping the tip against your swollen nub, before sliding up and hesitating at your pulsating entrance.

“Please…”

Inch by inch she presses forward until she is seated fully inside you, a groan falling from her lips as your walls clutch at her length. She sets a steady pace, drawing only halfway out before drilling into you over and over again. A smack to your ass cheek brings a yelp from you as grip the sheets and fuck her back harder. A growl grumbles through her as she seizes your hips.

“Is that how you want me baby?”

Each word accompanied with a thrust as she leans back, stroking even deeper inside you. The force of her strokes sends you to your elbows, your arms no longer able to support you, your moans are almost nonstop.

“Daamn daaddy…”

The pressure inside you is building, it’s almost too much to bear, you feebly crawl forward on the bed. But Izogie stalks your every move, her hips never stop rolling, dirty grinding deep inside you.

“This your pussy daddy…I belong to you…”

She pulls back then slams her hips into yours, sending you headlong into euphoria, your entire body convulsing, her name a chant, screaming from your lips. Higher and higher she compels you on, words rambling from her lips, she’s on the verge of her own bliss.

“You feel soo good…that’s it baby…don’t hold back…”

As if you could, each stroke of her stuttering hips rubbing that spongy spot deep inside, it felt as if she was caressing your soul. Ecstasy explodes around you as you both plunged into a pleasurable abyss. When she calms enough to breathe normally, she slips out of you and out of the harness before climbing back into bed beside you, pulling you into her embrace. You lay with your head on her chest, her heartbeat created a rhythmic sound that soothed your spirit, lulling you further into your peaceful cocoon. Her soft voice guides you as you slip into the dreamscape.

“Sweet dreams, my love.”

A/N: Soo, what do you think?? As always, all feedback is swooned over!!!

[roosterforme]

A Love You Don't Find Everyday Part 6 | Rooster x Reader

Summary: You and Bradley skip work to spend the day celebrating Goose's birthday. Bradley appreciates everything you do to make him a priority. 

Warnings: Fluff, swearing and smut

Length: 3400 words

Pairing: Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw x Female Reader

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Bradley was still pretty useless in the kitchen. Whenever he offered to help you cook, you always tried to give him some easy tasks to keep him busy. But for Nick Bradshaw's birthday dinner preparation, you let him be an active participant. 

"Here's how you clean the shrimp," you told him, showing him what to do. He caught on quickly, and you let him finish it for you while you moved on to the pasta and vegetables. "Nice job."

He responded by kissing your neck while you cut up some cherry tomatoes. 

"And then, for dessert," you said with a smirk, "we can finish the confetti cake. I'm sure it was probably your dad's favorite."

"I can guarantee it was not," Bradley replied with a laugh. "Apparently he loved strawberry shortcake."

You turned and looked at him. "Roo, why didn't you ever tell me that?!"

He smiled and shrugged. "Just remembered it just now. I don't think my mom liked it that much, but strawberry shortcake always made her smile. She told me he liked it."

You started rooting through the refrigerator, searching for some strawberries you hoped were still fresh. "Yes," you muttered, also grabbing everything you would need to make whipped cream. "Here, put your big, strong arms to good use, and whip these together."

You finished making shrimp with pasta and garlic sauce while Bradley made the whipped cream and cut up strawberries. He didn't even complain when you used the confetti cake as the bottom of the strawberry shortcake. 

Bradley pulled you into his lap at the table and rubbed slow, lazy patterns across your lower back as you both ate Goose's birthday dinner and spoke softly through the scant memories Bradley had of his father. 

"This cake is less disgusting with the strawberries and whipped cream," Bradley commented, shoveling the dessert into his mouth. "I think I actually kind of like it."

"We'll serve it like this then. At the wedding," you said between bites of berries and cake. "It is good." 

"Thanks, Goose," Bradley cheered. "Next stop, powder blue cumberbunds."

You were still cracking up as Bradley led you toward the piano, and you clumsily helped him play the birthday song with Tramp in your lap. 

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

Calling out of work was your best idea ever. Bradley felt close to you again after this weekend. Just in time for you to go to Annapolis, of course. But he could hardly make a fuss when he left you home alone for months at a time. 

"I like this one the best," you informed him after dinner, holding up a wedding photo of Nick Bradshaw with his arms wrapped around Carole. 

"I'm pretty sure my mom was already pregnant when they got married."

"Yeah? I was thinking the same thing, since they got married in November. I wonder if they knew or not?"

Bradley shrugged and shook his head. "I wish I could ask her now. But she was so smart and organized, she must have known." 

"Hmmm, my parents also got married in November. Too bad we don't have enough time to plan something for this November, but we could try for next year?" 

Bradley could feel his face fall. He didn't want to wait fourteen months! "Is that what you want?" he asked softly, but you just shrugged in response as some other photos caught your eye.

"Bradley! What is this?" you shrieked. You were holding up the worst photo of himself he had ever seen, and he groaned, trying to grab it from your hand. 

"My own worst nightmare, Sweetheart."

"Look at your braces!" you gasped, examining the photo.

"And my acne. And my hair that for some reason I insisted needed to be dyed blond." Bradley tried one more time to take the photo away from you, but you jumped to your feet and checked the date on the back.

"Wow, fourteen was not a good age for you, Roo," you teased. "But what a sinful looking morsel you turned out to be!"

Now Bradley was also on his feet, stalking you around the kitchen island as you laughed. You stopped with the island between you both and grinned at him. "I would have had a massive crush on you back then, too." 

"Don't lie to me," Bradley growled with narrowed eyes.

"I'm not! I was into the frosted tips," you said, holding up the photo and tapping his awful hairstyle. 

Bradley lunged around the island and managed to grab you before you could get away. "I have a great idea," he whispered in your ear while you squealed. "How about we follow in Goose and Carole's footsteps and get married with you knocked up?"

He scooped you up into his arms and buried his face into the side of your neck. "I'm actually the opposite of knocked up, Bradley. My period started this morning, and I'm crampy."

He kissed along your jaw and cheek, whispering, "I still want you. Please? Gonna miss you while you're away." 

You would be flying to Maryland on Saturday morning, a day earlier than everyone else you worked with, so you could spend the whole day on Sunday with your parents. 

He knew you weren't usually a big fan of sex at the start of your period. You always thought you looked bloated, but he couldn't care less. He wanted you every day of every month. 

But he held you in his arms, and you wrapped your legs around his waist, whispering, "Yes. How about in the shower?"

Bradley carried you in the direction of your bathroom, and he set you down gently on the vanity counter, kissing your cheek before he got the shower warmed up and ready. 

You watched him test the temperature, and then he unwrapped one of your peppermint aromatherapy pods and tossed it into the bottom of the shower. 

"You know, Roo, I am very spoiled."

He just turned and looked at you as he got some fresh towels out of the closet. "Don't you forget it, Baby Girl."

You smiled as he took his phone out and queued up the massively long playlist of love songs that he had made for you.

"Are your cramps really bad?" he asked, returning to the counter and starting to lift the hem of your shirt. He guided it up over your body and dropped it to the floor

"Not too terrible," you whispered when Bradley's big hands drifted to your back and unhooked your bra. He watched every inch of your breasts as they were exposed to him.

"Orgasms can help with cramps, Sweetheart," he told you in a very serious voice. "It's science." Bradley watched your head tip back as he ran his thumbs softly over your nipples. You spread your thighs for him to stand between your legs. 

"You say that every time we have period sex. I'm not so sure I believe you." When he dipped his head to taste your tits, you moaned and held onto the back of his head. "Roo."

"I love you," he whispered against your skin. He pulled you to your feet and undressed you down to your panties, but then you stepped out of his grasp.

"Give me a minute while you get undressed?" 

Bradley nodded while you used the toilet and then scampered under the warm spray of water. He removed his clothing, guiding his pants and underwear over his erection and stepping out of them. He watched you run your hands over your body through the glass doors as they started to haze over with steam. 

He was palming his cock, absentmindedly stroking himself and inhaling the minty air as you turned to look at him. The smirk on your face as you squeezed your tits had him pumping himself a little harder. Your eyes were half lidded and needy as your hands traveled lower on your body.

"You're so fucking gorgeous, Baby Girl," he growled. "Do you have any idea how much I wanted you from the first moment I saw you?"

"Roo," you whined, your soft voice echoing through the bathroom over the sound of the water. "Come here." You were opening the door and reaching for him, pulling him inside with your warm, wet hands.

You pulled him against you, your lips pressed to his and your hands around his neck. "I love you," you told him. "More than my job. More than anything."

Bradley pushed you back against the tile wall, using one big hand on your ass and one on your back to keep you from getting too cold. "That's all I need to hear." 

Your eyes drifted closed as he rubbed his mustache along your neck and kneaded his hands into your back. 

Bradley loved everything about your body. It felt and looked perfect to him. But it didn't even compare with the rest of you.

"Do you know what my favorite thing about you is?" he asked, still teasing his lips and mustache along your skin.

"Tell me," you whispered, combing your fingers through his wet hair.

"You tell it like it is. You don't sugarcoat anything. Not even for me."

You laughed, and the sound was muffled from the hot steam and the shower enclosure. "Especially not for you. That's how you can tell you are loved."

Bradley looked at the smile on your face as he pulled his right hand from behind your ass and let it travel to the soft skin below your belly button. 

"But physically? I love the way your cheeks look when you smile. This curve...right here," he whispered, running his nose along your cheek and kissing it. "And I love the sounds you make when I do this."

His fingers slipped down until he was teasing your clit, the water from the shower mixing with your arousal on his fingertips. He didn't care that you had your period. Honestly, he'd even love it if you were pregnant right now. But mostly, he wanted to know that you needed him in all of the ways that he needed you. 

"Mmm, Bradley," you moaned as he teased. "Please, Roo." You were panting softly, head tipped back against the tile. 

"Yeah... all those little sounds. Gonna think about them when I jerk off next week when you're away."

Bradley slid his fingers inside you, feeling your warmth and your extra wetness. 

"You think about me?" you asked, trying to focus on him with your half lidded eyes as you gasped. 

He fucked you harder with his fingers, his dick rubbing against your belly. "I think about you all the time, Baby Girl. I think about you when I'm flying, when I'm working out, and always when I'm getting myself off."

You were clinging onto his shoulders now, riding his hand. "I didn't know that," you whispered as your voice shook. 

"Don't play with me, Sweetheart. That's why you made me that calendar. That's why you send me dirty pictures. That's why you make videos with me. You make sure you're always on my mind. Fuck, Baby Girl!"

Bradley hoised your left leg over his hip and slid his length inside you. "You're proud of yourself, aren't you? Made it so I can only want you. Mission accomplished, Sweetheart."

You smirked at him, looking very smug as he eased himself deeper before withdrawing slowly. Bradley watched you nibble on your lip and nod. "Yeah, I'm proud of myself." 

He mashed his lips against yours and fucked you hard against the shower wall, lacing his fingers through yours, rubbing your engagement ring. 

You felt wet and warm and so good to him, gripping him tighter as you got close to your orgasm. 

Bradley was close, too. The peppermint scent and the hot steam added another layer of excitement for his senses. 

"You gonna cum for me?" he grunted, his face buried against your wet hair and neck as he held your bouncing tit and slammed into you. 

Your whining noises and your firm grip on his body were your only answer as he came, fucking his cum deeper into you. He promised he would take care of you as he stroked you with his thumb until you were crying out. 

Then Bradley washed your body and his, caressing you in all of the places where you were soft and feminine compared to him. He washed your hair, using all of the products in the correct order, earning him praise.

"I'm so used to you being with me, and knowing how you do things," he whispered. "Not sure what I would do if you weren't with me."

You kissed him softly as he rinsed you. "I'm with you, Roo."

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

Tuesday morning was hectic. You spent hours in your office working on your presentation. But you did manage to run to the cafeteria at noon and spend a solid twenty minutes eating with Bradley, Jake, Phoenix, and Fanboy. 

With an apology, you stood to leave, and you kissed Bradley solidly on the lips in front of all of them. "I love you. I'll call you if I'm going to be late tonight," you told him, stroking the corner of his mustache. 

Jake catcalled, "Get a room, Angel." You threw a plastic fork at him while Bradley blushed. 

"Bye, guys," you called, stealing the cookie off of Jake's tray and running away with it.

If they were still making fun of you and Bradley for kissing in front of them, they were going to die if they ever saw the wedding gift you planned to get while you were in Annapolis.

Of course you ran into your boss in the elevator while you were eating the cookie and wiping chocolate crumbs off of your uniform. 

"Sir," you mumbled, trying to finish swallowing your food, wishing you had grabbed a napkin.

"Lieutenant. I just emailed you the final itinerary for next week. Let me know if you see any discrepancies. There's a group dinner planned for Thursday evening after our presentation. But I also wanted to extend an invitation for you to join me on Friday evening for drinks and a late dinner with Captain Francis and Admirals Jennings and Prince. I know we have early flights home on Saturday morning, but I think you should come." 

Your eyes were bugging out. You just knew you must look ridiculous. Your heart was pounding, and you thought you were going to throw up. Admiral Jennings was the highest ranking woman in the Atlantic fleet. 

"You're taking me with you to eat a meal with Admiral Tasha Jennings?" 

Captain Bickel nodded as you both exited the elevator and headed toward the lab. "If you would like to come."

"Yeah!" you almost shouted. "Yes, sir. I would like that."

He must have been used to you by now, because he just nodded and agreed to send you the details. 

"Holy shit, holy shit," you muttered, tapping your fingers along the counter as you logged into your computer. 

You were so excited, you couldn't wait to tell Bradley. But now you were going to need to run to the mall to buy another dress suitable for dinner with some admirals. Admirals! More than one! 

Now you were thinking about Admirals. You sucked in a sharp breath and started laughing. Your mind had drifted to getting railed by Bradley on Admiral Simpson's hotel room desk. And then you could barely focus at all.

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

Bradley was sitting on the floor, playing tug of war with Tramp and waiting for you to get home. It was so late. Again. But he wasn't going to get upset. 

You had called him this time, and told him you had exciting news. He didn't know what you meant, because you sounded rushed, but you said you would bring dinner with you. 

"Bradley!" you shouted, bursting through the front door at nearly eight o'clock. 

He watched you drop a garment bag on the floor and rush toward him with a paper bag full of what looked to be takeout. 

"You okay?" he asked, but you set down the food and plopped down into his lap. 

"So good." You wrapped yourself around him, your insignia pins digging into his chest as you squeezed.

He chuckled. "You gonna tell me your news?"

You kissed his ear and squeaked with excitement, and Bradley would be lying if he said he wasn't instantly thinking about taking you to bed.

"Bickel invited me to have dinner with him and Admiral Jennings next Friday. Me, Roo. And her!"

You literally sounded like you were about to meet a celebrity. And Bradley supposed you kind of were. 

"Damn, Baby Girl. Get your uniform ready for your new pin."

You just melted across his lap and pulled Tramp in for a hug as well. "I'm more excited that I get to talk to her than anything, really. She's kind of an icon. I just spent $600 on a new dress for dinner."

"Try it on for me later?"

"As long as you promise not to rip it apart."

"I....can't guarantee that."

You just rolled your eyes with a smile, and unpacked the Thai food, dousing yours in extra hot sauce. You both sat on the floor, hip to hip, and ate while Tramp begged. 

Then you tried your dress on, and Bradley sat back on the bed. It wasn't actually sexy by any stretch of the imagination. Really, dark green wool shouldn't have been doing anything for him. But....of course it kind of was. 

"Looks good," he muttered, watching you spin around in front of the mirror. "Want me to help you start packing?"

"Yeah, that's not a bad idea. I need to wash our uniforms tomorrow night. But you can help me pack up my underwear and shoes." 

Bradley went to your drawer and pulled out your most basic bras and underwear. "No need to pack anything cute; I'm not going with you." 

But you reached past him and grabbed a few lacy items and set them on top of the pile he had made. When he gave you side eye, you gave him side eye right back. 

"What?" you asked innocently. "I might want to send you some pictures. Make sure you're thinking about me while you jerk it." 

Bradley groaned and added the red set to the pile. "I honestly love that for me."

You laughed and pulled some black heels out of the closet, along with your polished uniform boots. "Can you drop me off at the airport? Or should I leave my car there? I could ask Jake to pick me up next weekend if you can't."

Bradley scoffed. "First of all, there's nothing Jake can do that I can't, Baby Girl. I can drop you off and pick you up. Second, I probably need to take the Bronco in for a tuneup and inspection. Can I use your little shit-mobile for the week?" 

You gaped at him. "Of course you can. But I'm warning you, be nice to it," you scolded. "And don't forget, it sticks when you shift into reverse."

"Yeah, yeah. It'll be fine."

Bradley was shocked when you managed to get home at a decent hour on Friday, after being late Wednesday and Thursday. But things felt better now. On Friday, you hauled a bunch of your equipment inside with bubble wrap.

"You know what we should do for our wedding?" you asked offhandedly as you started wrapping things up and taping them. 

Bradley was like a predator, excited and ready to pounce on the conversation. "Tell me."

"Keep it small. Just simple, you know?" 

"Yes, simple. Let's do that," he instantly agreed. He would have been okay with inviting the entire Pacific fleet if you wanted to. But simple sounded perfect. "What else?" he asked, pressing his luck.

"Well....I had been thinking about the honeymoon earlier today."

Fuck. Bradley thought about that constantly. "Hawaii. At least ten days." 

You chuckled, lining the wrapped equipment up in a plastic bin and then taping that shut. "You wanna be in charge of planning it then?"

Bradley cocked his head, reaching out to run his fingers along your necklace chain. "Are you giving me permission?"

"As long as you stick to a budget."

Bradley smirked, because you hadn't put a price tag on the budget. "As soon as we have a wedding date, consider the honeymoon booked, Baby Girl." 

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

Um, super secret wedding gift will be revealed in the next chapter when she heads off to Annapolis....

PART 7

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[aishangotome]

Elbert Greetia: Blind Love Ending Chapter 25

Blind Love Chapter 24 Premium Story

♡———♡

If life were a fairy tale, it would be easy to find happiness.

A sinful and ugly monster is awakened by true love, becomes a handsome prince, and finds happiness.

But reality is more cruel than fairy tales that speak of such beauty as a condition for happiness.

--The chatter of people dances on the polished marble.

Bernard Trading Company's malicious "customers." The Queen has ordered their conviction, and I, along with several members of the Crown, have infiltrated a certain ball.

(This is...my last mission as a "one-month Fairytale Keeper".)

Alfons: This crowd reminds me of a while ago. When El wanted the "painting of the sea".

Kate: It feels like it was a long time ago.

Elbert: ...Yeah.

Alfons looked around the venue and yawned rudely.

Alfons: Ugh... Well-behaved parties are so boring.

Alfons: I wish the target would just show up.

Elbert: Roger is searching through all the sounds in the venue. I'm sure he'll find him soon.

Alfons: Roger, can you hear me? Find him quickly. I'm dying of boredom.

Kate: Won't that interfere with the search?

Alfons: Yes, it will.

Elbert: Don't you want him to be found quickly...?

Alfons: The ability to enjoy contradictions is what makes us human, isn't it?

Alfons: That guy can shut out sounds when he doesn't want to hear them, so he won't hear me anyway.

Alfons: I'm going to go get a drink somewhere.

Alfons: William is here for the mission, so I shouldn't be needed unless something major happens.

Alfons: If you need me, call me.

Elbert: Yeah, I got it. ...Have fun.

Alfons: Absolutely! I live to have fun.

Alfons turned around and disappeared into the crowd like a phantom.

Kate: Hehe... He's the same as always.

Elbert: ...I've been saved many times by that side of Al.

Elbert: If it weren't for Al... I might have been even crazier before I met you.

Elbert: Speaking of which... I remembered something I forgot to tell you.

Kate: What is it?

Elbert: Al was saying... about the day we got the painting of the sea.

Elbert: ...Thank you for trying to protect me.

Lord Elbert gently wrapped his arms around my waist.

Kate: Protect...? Ah, that time--

*flashback*

Kate: Lord Elbert. It seems the host hasn't arrived yet... Would you like to step outside for a bit?

Elbert: ...Kate.

Kate: Ah, well... Your face is a little pale, so I thought some fresh air might do you good.

*flashback over*

The feeling of not being able to bear seeing Lord Elbert's face turn pale came back to me.

(But...after that)

*flashback*

Elbert: ...Stop it.

Elbert: Stop touching her, stop criticizing her...

*flashback over*

Kate: ...Lord Elbert, you protected me that day too.

I didn't know anything about his past, his sins, but from that moment on, I knew his kindness.

Kate: Thank you.

Elbert: Mm...

The eyes of the people around us continued to observe Lord Elbert without hesitation, and the whispers that occasionally reached my ears criticized him as if he were a piece of art, but Lord Elbert's face did not pale, and he smiled gently at me.

Elbert: I won't let you make a sad face like that anymore.

Just then, a familiar loud voice suddenly came flying.

Elderly Man: Well, I saw you from afar and thought it couldn't be, but Elbert, it's good to see you again.

White Haired Lady: My, my! You've become even more beautiful!

I turned around at the familiar voices and saw the gentlemen who had been at the previous party.

(...These people)

I was just remembering the time I met them, and I reflexively became wary.

Elbert: ...Hello.

But Lord Elbert greeted them with his usual calmness.

(Lord Elbert...?)

Lord Elbert stepped forward, as if to shield me.

The glance we exchanged for a moment spoke to me.

(..."It's okay.")

Elderly Gentleman: Come now. Don't stand so far apart, let me see your face more closely.

The elderly gentleman reached out his hand without hesitation and strode towards Lord Elbert.

But before his fingertips could touch him, Lord Elbert spoke clearly.

Elbert: ...Stop it.

It was the same cold, resolute rejection he had given me that day to protect me.

Elbert: Stop touching me like that.

Elderly Gentleman: Wha...?

White Haired Lady: Wh-what do you mean, Elbert?

Elbert: ...Exactly what I said.

Elbert: After my father's death... I was taken care of by you.

Elbert: I want to repay my debt of gratitude properly,

Elbert: But... The only person who can touch me freely now is her.

He gently wrapped his arm around my waist and pulled me closer.

The gentlemen stood there stunned, as if they had been bitten deeply by a beast they thought had no teeth.

Elbert: ...Let's go, Kate.

Lord Elbert was about to leave the scene when he suddenly remembered something and turned around.

Elbert: Ah, I should probably tell you this beforehand.

Elbert: If you try to harm her, no matter how much gratitude I owe you,

Elbert: I won't show any mercy... Just remember that.

Elbert: If possible... I hope we can avoid such a thing.

The two men, sensing the unease in Lord Elbert's gentle smile, left the scene quietly without saying a word.

Kate: Lord Elbert...

Lord Elbert had properly rejected those who would hurt him.

Joy burst in my chest.

When I looked up, Lord Elbert was smiling a little shyly.

Elbert: Did I manage not to make you sad?

--CHOICES--

I should have said something too

Yes, of course you did

You were great

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

Kate: ...Yes.

Kate: Yes, of course...!

Elbert: ...Good.

Elbert: ...I wonder if I went a little too far.

Kate: I don't think so at all.

For Lord Elbert to say that was going too far, he must have never blamed or insulted anyone before.

The change in Lord Elbert, who has become stronger, and his unchanging kindness are both so dear to me that it hurts my chest.

Elbert: ...! Kate.

As if he suddenly noticed something, Lord Elbert hugged me, covering me up.

Kate: Lord Elbert...!?

(W-with all these people watching...)

Elbert: ...No, with so many people watching...

Kate: N-no, what do you mean?

Elbert: You... You had a very cute look on your face just now.

Elbert: I don't want to show it to anyone else.

Kate: ...?

Elbert: ...I want to gouge out the eyes of everyone who was looking at you.

Kate: ...

Elbert: The person who was looking at you as we were coming here,

Elbert: And the person who was pretending to drink champagne but was sneaking glances at you.

Kate: Was there someone like that...?

Elbert: ...There was.

He hugged me tightly, pressing me close to the point of discomfort.

(He's jealous of even the slightest glance that I wouldn't even notice...)

Lord Elbert is almost scentless, but I recently learned that when he clings to me so closely that his body heat transfers, he has a faint sweet scent.

His desires are deep, his obsessions are dark and dangerous.

But I loved all of it.

Roger: What are you two lovebirds doing during a mission?

Elbert: ...!

Kate: Roger...!

I hurriedly pulled away from Lord Elbert.

Roger: Sorry, but this is work.

Roger: Target confirmed. Moving to a deserted hallway. Now's your chance.

Today's target is a high-ranking nobleman who used to assault the daughters of other nobles. As a valued customer of Bernard Trading Company, he would have beautiful women kidnapped and assaulted.

I remember feeling sick just imagining it when I heard the story.

Roger: I'll go inform Will. Make sure the target doesn't come back to the venue.

Elbert: ...Yeah, I got it.

Lord Elbert nodded quietly, and Roger disappeared into the crowd.

Kate: I'll go with you.

Elbert: Yeah... I can't leave you in this venue.

Elbert: I'll protect you from the sad sights... Come with me.

-

As I walked down the hallway, hand in hand with him, I kept thinking.

The reason Lord Elbert continues to stay with Crown.

He said he joined Crown to obtain something beautiful to atone for his sins.

But even now, after letting go of his atonement, he remains in this organization, in this darkness.

(That must be because--)

Elbert: ...Kate.

Elbert: Stay back a little.

At the end of the hallway, there was a figure.

The moonlight cast a black shadow.

Elbert: ...Good evening.

Man: ...!

It was instantaneous.

Without hesitation, Lord Elbert's toe stepped on the shadow, and the man's body staggered, unable to turn around.

William: --Kate.

Kate: William...

The King of Righteousness, who had appeared out of nowhere, seemed to grasp the situation and turned his gaze towards Lord Elbert.

William: Ah... Tonight, El's "evil" is even more beautiful.

Without immediately approaching, William looked at Lord Elbert with a cheerful expression.

William: Speaking of which--

William: Tonight's target seems to have had an unusual obsession with young ladies with blue eyes and blonde hair.

(Eh...?)

Man: Ugh... Ugh... What is this...?

At that moment, the man, who had turned around with unsteady steps, opened his eyes in astonishment.

Those eyes, even in the darkness, were clearly recognizable--ocean blue.

Man: Cecilia...?

Elbert: ...

Lord Elbert turned his back on the man without answering the question.

Elbert: ...Will, I'll leave the rest to you.

William: Yeah, leave it to me.

Elbert: Let's go, Kate.

(...Just now, the name he called was,)

(Lord Elbert's--)

The man who once assaulted noble daughters.

An abnormal obsession with golden hair and blue eyes.

(Perhaps...)

I started to think, but stopped.

There was no point in searching for the truth.

Lord Elbert was no longer bound by the past.

Man: Wh-what are you doing, stop it, stop--

Lord Elbert's hand gently covered my ears.

Elbert: You don't need to hear this.

Elbert: You don't need to see it.

Elbert: Sad memories can easily... kill people.

(...That must be)

(The reason you stay in this darkness.)

To prevent even a single sad event, like the one that happened to Lord Elbert when he was young, that would leave an unfillable hole in someone's heart.

(If you continue to resist sadness in the darkness like that,)

(I want to stay by your side... always.)

Even if it leads us to the bottom of the endless darkness.

A certain man was condemned by Crown, who "fights evil with evil".

From now on, there will never be another victim of the man's evil hand.

The truth that will be revealed tonight was enough for both Lord Elbert and me.

-

--If life were a fairy tale, it would be easy to find happiness.

A sinful and ugly monster is awakened by true love, becomes a handsome prince, and finds happiness.

But reality is more cruel than fairy tales that speak of such beauty as a condition for happiness.

Sin remains sin.

When a monster looks in the mirror, the reflection is still a monster.

But even with sin, surely--.

-

Victor: It's been a month since you came here. Time flies, doesn't it?

Kate: Yes, it really does.

One month after the promise, the last night.

Just like the first night I met them, I was facing Victor.

The report I wrote about Lord Elbert was submitted to Victor a few days ago.

Victor: You certainly kept your promise.

Victor: From now on, I want you to choose by your own free will.

Victor: The life you want.

Kate: Yes, Victor. I--

Kate: I want to stay in this castle and be by Lord Elbert's side.

Victor: Can you tell me why?

Kate: ...Because I want him to smile.

Kate: Lord Elbert... and someone somewhere in this country.

Unexpectedly, Daisy's smile came to my mind, and my chest ached painfully again.

Kate: My power is small... and I will probably make many mistakes.

Kate: But if I'm with Lord Elbert, I think I can handle anything.

After hearing my answer, Victor smiled brightly.

Victor: Thank you for telling me.

Victor: It's a very kind and wonderful choice, just like you.

Victor: If you choose to live in this darkness with him...

Victor: I welcome you, Kate.

Victor: Welcome to the world of the dark night.

-

Elbert: ... Aren't you cold?

Kate: I'm fine. If we stay close like this, we'll be warm even if the wind blows.

Elbert: ...Then, let's get closer.

Kate: Wow...

We walk hand in hand along the shallows of the early morning, slowly opening up, and talk about random things.

Occasionally leaving the castle and cuddling up on this beach is a blissful time for me.

(...I'm sure it is for Elbert too.)

I can tell by his expression.

A place where we can gaze at each other without being disturbed by anyone.

That kind of place is Elbert's favorite.

Elbert: Speaking of which... I think I'll get rid of everything in my room someday.

Kate: .....!

Kate: Then I can add a lot of things for you.

Elbert: .............

Kate: What kind of things would make you feel more comfortable...

I remember the seashell I picked up before, so small, being put in a fine box and still cherished.

(...It might be fun when that big box is full.)

Kate: Ah...

Elbert: ...What's wrong?

I just found a small, faintly glowing seashell at my feet.

When I squat down and pick it up, the shell that looked white shines in rainbow colors.

Kate: This is very beautiful, Lord Elbert.

I try to hold it out while squatting.

Kate: What do you think, Lord Elbert?

Elbert: ...Yeah.

Elbert: I think it's very beautiful.

Kate: ...Hehe.

I'm happy to get an answer other than "I don't know," and when I smile, Elbert suddenly looks serious and squats down next to me.

Elbert: You still... seem happiest when you smile because of someone else.

Kate: Huh...? Wow--

The moment I let out a small voice in surprise, I was hugged...

I lost my balance and fell into the shallows with him.

The chilly seawater gently wets our bodies.

Kate: Lord Elbert...mmm...

Before I could close my eyes, our lips touched.

Lord Elbert takes my lips as if to quench his thirst, and as he seeks me with an almost painful intensity, my confusion fades away, leaving only a growing affection in my heart.

Kate: Mmm...Mm...

Even though I knew Lord Elbert would get wet, I couldn't help but wrap my arms around his neck.

The more I felt his heat, the louder my heartbeat became, and the sound of the waves faded away.

In between our drowning kisses, Lord Elbert whispered, as if revealing a secret.

Elbert: I'm sorry... Right now, I want your kiss.

Elbert: I want it, I want it so badly.

Elbert: Ever since we met... Every time you smile happily,

Elbert: I'm... My eyes are captivated, my heart is stolen. It scares me how much.

Elbert: If this continues... I might even want your life next.

Elbert: Holding you tight in my arms, making it so you can only see me.

Elbert: Whispering in your ear so you can only hear my voice.

Kate: ... El...

Elbert: Your body temperature, your gaze, your voice, all of it... even though I have it all to myself.

Elbert: It's still... still... not enough.

Elbert: I want you... all of you.

Our lips meet again, stealing my breath away.

The water that wets my skin, the sound of water that reaches my ears, kisses so intense I can't even breathe--

It's like I'm drowning in his desire.

(Why is it... I'm happy, yet...)

(It's painful, and I feel like crying.)

Elbert's curse, its nature is "greed."

Once directed towards the most beautiful thing in this world to atone for his sins, that desire is now all focused on me.

He wants all of me, to make me happy.

Kate: I want to give you everything too.

Kate: But... just like your heart and body belong only to you.

Kate: My heart and body can't completely belong to you.

Elbert: ... I know.

Elbert: Even if these lips stop breathing... and you can't go anywhere.

Elbert: I will surely want to see "you," to make you smile, and it will become unbearable.

"Unsatisfied and gaining nothing" -- that ending will surely come.

Because it's impossible for a person to truly possess another person completely.

Kate: Even so...

Kate: Even if being by your side continues to torment you.

Kate: ...Can I still be with you?

When I confessed everything honestly, Elbert embraced me without hesitation.

With a smile far, far more beautiful than a bisque doll.

Elbert: It's okay... even if I can never truly possess you.

Elbert: I want to eternally seek you, struggle, suffer, and die.

Elbert: ...That is my happiness.

Even with the burden of sin, the two of us can find happiness.

Even if we get hurt, even if we hurt each other--

As long as we're together on this beach, I'm sure.

FIN

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Blind Love: Epilogue

If you’d like to support my translations, feel free to buy me a coffee here! :)

[nariism]

links ➠ event info ✧ rules ✧ send a request!

works will be added here in no particular order as they get (probably slowly) completed ^ ^ due to similar submissions, some requests have been combined into one. subject to change !!

BLUE LOCK

wherever you are, wherever you may be — i. rin

soulmates + "i'm done waiting."

itoshi rin meets you under a sky full of fireworks. he spends the next 6 years of his life trying to convince himself that he doesn't love you. you spend the next 6 years giving him every reason why he should.

another sunny day — i. rin

handcuffed together + matchmaking gone wrong

rin doesn't get how his "friends" can come up with such insane ideas. like, seriously.

to the ends of our world — i. rin

academic rivals to lovers + "i could kiss you right now!" + "we fell asleep by accident and woke up as a mess of tangled limbs."

all he said was that he would help you with calculus. he didn't think he'd be waking up to your morning breath and wishing the moment would last forever.

always watching over you — i. rin

enemies to lovers + drunk confession

if rin hates you then why is he calling you up at two in the morning?

the voice in my heart — i. sae

forced proximity + "oh no, the power went out, however will we stay warm?!" (/s)

itoshi sae doesn't like how mushy you make him feel, but the warmth is nice. kinda.

those words you spoke to me — i. sae

"i think i'm in love with you." + "don't look at me that way." + unrequited love (damn are you ok)

you were always staring at itoshi sae's back. he was forever chasing something greater, not once turning around to see that look in your eyes.

the love that binds us — i. yoichi

mutual pining + "i could kiss you right now!"

isagi yoichi already has you wrapped around his finger. now all he has to do is be brave about it. or, you know. impulsive.

GENSHIN IMPACT

across the violet sky — lyney

"you look beautiful in the moonlight."

all that fretting was over nothing, because he's looking at you now and the only thing he can think of saying is...

ink to paper — k. ayato

mutual & oblivious pining + "don't look at me that way."

yes, he thinks. what would he do without you? well, his schedule would be a mess, for one. and he wouldn't know how to cut bunny ears into his apples, either.

a simple mission — neuvillette

accidental confession + "say it again. please."

oh. oh no. you were most certainly not supposed to overhear this conversation between the iudex and the duke, but now you don't even know how to act right.

HAIKYUU

a place to call home — k. shinsuke

one bed + childhood rivals to lovers

"be kind, shinsuke." that's what yumie always told her grandson. and he would live by those words, even if it meant sleeping on the floor every weekend.

strangeling — u. wakatoshi

"we're fighting. i'll take the couch tonight." ➡️ (bonus) "we were fighting???"

it's not fair. how are you supposed to stay mad at him if he's going to choose you over the comfort of his bed?

JUJUTSU KAISEN

what it means to love — f. megumi

accidental confession + "do you want my jacket?"

turns out that being raised by gojo means sometimes accidentally throwing all inhibition into the wind.

letters from heaven — g. satoru

"i think i'm in love with you." + "wait, don't pull away... not yet." + oblivious pining

love tastes like chocolate ganache topped with fresh strawberries. that was satoru's first thought when he accidentally blew your cake shop into smithereens.

CHAINSAW MAN

adamantine dreams — h. aki

one bed + "wait, don't pull away... not yet."

there was a time before you when aki found it hard to sleep. call it sleep debt or whatever, but he's going to squeeze every ounce of rest he can get from his body now.

© NARIISM 2024 — please do not translate or post my works to other platforms.

[fangirlingfromdownunder]

7th Day of Christmas

A Christmas Market

Summary/Prompt - Visiting a Christmas Market/Fair

Pairing - Dean Winchester x Reader

Christmas Masterlist | Masterlist

Having finished cleaning up from the hunt of the day a few hours ago, you, Sam and Dean have just been lazing around the dingy motel room. You’d all had a much-needed nap, but now you’re bored.

You sigh as you roll over and place your head on your boyfriend’s strong chest. He looks at you quizzically as he wraps his arm around you and traces patterns on your back. After a while, you sigh again.

“Alright, what’s up, Sweetheart?”

“I’m bored…”

“Cuddling with me not enough for you?”

“It’s great, you know I love cuddling with you, but we’ve been in bed for hours. I wanna go out.”

“We can go to a bar?”

“We always go to bars,” you sigh. 

“Fine, then tell me what you want.”

“I wanna go on a date. A proper date, not one where every girl in the place is drunk looking at you like they wanna get in your pants.”

“Y/N, you know I don’t look at anyone else now. You’re all I need.”

“Yeah, but that’s not the point. They’re still looking and look at me like I don’t deserve you, and …”

“Don’t you dare finish that sentence. If anything it’s me that doesn’t deserve you. You’re perfect.”

“Thanks, Dean. I love you.”

“I love you too, Sweetheart. How about you go for a shower and get dressed in something nice and I’ll figure something out for us to do.”

Your face lights up as you sit up to look him in the eyes. “Really?” 

He leans down and kisses your lips. “Yes, really. Now hurry up before I change my mind.” He slaps your ass as you turn to climb off the bed and gather your stuff. 

Sam rolls his eyes at the two of you from the opposite bed but he also has a small smile on his face. He loves seeing his big brother so happy and in love. He’s been through so much raising him and trying to be the perfect son and protective big brother, he deserves every happiness he can get. And as much as it makes Sam feel lonely and miss Jess sometimes, he’s glad that he’s got a front-row seat. 

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

When you emerge from the bathroom in a fresh pair of skinny jeans, and a nice T-shirt with a subtle layer of makeup — just some light powder, mascara and lip gloss — that you’d snuck in hopefully and your hair left in a neat braid on your shoulder Dean turns around from his place at the table and wolf whistles. Coming from anyone else you would cringe, but you know it’s Dean’s way of showing his appreciation so you just smile. You grab your boots from beside the bed and join him at the small table while you put them on. 

“You look beautiful,” he says while checking you out.

“You don’t look too bad yourself, Winchester.”

Once you finish tying up your laces he stands up and offers you his hand. “Ready?”

You nod as you take his hand and stand up. You wave to Sam as you head towards the door.

“Have a good night you too. Be safe,” he says.

“You should go out, see if you can’t get lucky,” Dean says.”

“Get outta here, Jerk.”

“Bitch.”

You shake your head at the brothers, but you can’t help the smile that spreads across your face. Despite all their teasing, they love each other more than anything. You wish you were that close with your sibling. But as a frown starts to invade your features you brush away the thought and focus on the present. You squeeze Dean’s hand as he leads you outside to his precious Impala and opens and closes the door for you. You don’t often get the chance to go on real dates with the life you lead, so whenever you do he becomes the proper gentleman. While it’s nice to enjoy gentle-Dean for a few hours, it’s the rough, damaged hunter that you first fell in love with. 

As he starts the engine and backs out of the parking lot you look at him and ask, “So where are we going?”

He places his hand on your thigh and squeezes it. “It’s a surprise. But I’m sure you’ll like it.” He turns up the music, effectively cutting off any more questions of what he has planned. 

After what feels like an eternity but was really only 20 minutes he pulls a park in a busy parking lot in a field. In the distance, you can see sparkling fairy lights as well as large outdoor spotlights. Dean shuts off the engine and comes around to help you out — he would only ever dare do that on a date, during hunts you become a strong independent hunter and he wouldn’t dare treat you like a lady. You take his hand as he leads you towards an archway covered in fairy lights and leafy garlands. Hanging from the archway is a banner that reads: “Local Annual Christmas Market”.

Your face lights up. You rarely get to celebrate holidays with constant hunts, but you remember telling Dean ages ago on a quiet night after drinking that you love Christmas. It means so much to you that he remembered and would bring you here when you had barely even remembered what time of year it was. Since losing most of your family and becoming a hunter, celebrating things like Christmas just seems less important. Butl, with Dean by your side and you finally starting to love your life again it feels like the perfect time to let some of that holiday spirit back into your heart. 

He squeezes your hand and leads you through the archway down a well-worn dirt path. You stop at booths as you pass by. There are all sorts of stalls peddling wares like Christmas cards, toys, trinkets and jewellery. He notices you eyeballing a pretty, simple silver chain with a heart-shaped charm decorated with small gems so he buys it for you and helps you put it on before moving on to the next stall. You run the fingers of your free hand over the charm as you smile up at him. Despite his rough front, he’s a true romantic at heart. All he ever wants is to make you happy and spoil you. While he mightn’t have a lot to give financially he always puts a little aside after hustling pool to spend on nights like this. As you keep walking through the stalls you notice his eyes light up as you near a stall with boxes of old vinyls. His step speeds up a little as he pulls you towards it. You happily speed up and join him in searching through the boxes. By now you know the kind of music he likes so you know which ones to hold up and show him. While there are heaps he wants to buy he holds back wanting to keep some money for anything else you might like. He walks away with just three vinyls in a paper bag. As you continue your journey it starts to snow. That’s when you notice you forgot to grab your jacket. As he feels you shiver at the feeling of snowflakes littering and melting on your exposed arms he sheds his jacket and wraps it around your shoulders instead. 

“What about you?” You protest.

“Layers, Sweetheart. I’m fine. Besides, I’m a warrior, I don’t get sick.” 

“Nor do I,” you argue back. He raises an eyebrow at you. “That was one time! And we’d been hiking for hours in the rain!”

“I don’t care.” 

You finally come across a circular alcove off the path with food trucks and portable tables and chairs under umbrellas. You take a seat at a free table opposite each other.

“Also, I never get to treat you like this. I know you’re no princess and on a normal day I wouldn’t dare treat you like one. But there’s little I truly have to offer you except the shirt off my own back. So please, just let me do what I can.”

You reach across the table and squeeze his hands. “Alright, you big sap, I’ll keep the jacket.”

“Thank you.”

“Thank you for bringing me here. I can’t believe you remembered.”

“I remember everything you say to me.” You smile at him. “You hungry? I know I am!”

“I could eat.”

“Good. I’ll be right back.” He gets up, kisses the top of your head and walks off to get a selection of street food to share from the trucks.

[memphisnovels]

Evermore

Chapter 22. Christmas tree farm

Previous chapter

Masterlist

Hi friends, here's this... :P Chapter 23 is spicy - thats all <3

pairing: Pietro Maximoff x OFC

warnings: Suggestive conversations, Pietro and Nadia being Pietro and Nadia, tension, flirty flirty behavior, some angst (par for the course).

A chill sat heavy in the air of my bedroom when I woke up, dancing across my skin and causing me to shiver slightly. I sat up to see a blanket of white outside my window. I got up quickly, pulling a sweater over my head and slipping into some shoes before wandering down the long corridor that led to the compound's back entry. I pushed the door open, taking a deep breath of the brisk air that immediately bit at my flesh. The first snowfalls of winter almost settled me strangely enough. Even if they served as a bittersweet reminder of Russia. We never saw snow in the Red Room, it was only when we got to go outside that we’d feel the sting of the glacial air. The burn of the fresh snow on our skin was a reminder that we were still alive.

“You’re going to catch a cold, Prinţesă.” His warm breath against my ear had a small smile tugging at my lips. His warmth seeped into my bones as he wrapped his arms around me. I let my body melt ever so slightly against his solid chest.

“It must have snowed all night; I wish I’d been awake to see it.”

Pietro tucked some stray hair back behind my ear, pressing a soft kiss to the side of my head. “I am leaving in 3 days, and you’d rather look at the same snow that you see every year than my devastatingly handsome face?”

I sent him a glance over my shoulder, lips curving upward. “Can’t I look at both?”

“So, you admit it? You think I’m very handsome.” He spun me in his arms, hands falling to sit at my waist.

“I don’t recall saying that. In fact, it doesn’t really sound like something I would say.”

He narrowed his eyes at me. “You don’t have to be shy; you can just say you are floored by my beauty.”  

“Or perhaps it is your self-assurance that has me astonished.” I slipped from his grasp, heading back towards my room.

“Where do you think you’re going?” I heard a whir and suddenly Pietro stood before me with a raised eyebrow.

“I’m getting dressed, we have to go with the others to get a Christmas tree remember.”

Pietro closed the door behind him after entering my room and I tossed my jumper onto the bed. “I forgot that was today.” He sighed exasperatedly.

I snorted. “You were the one who wanted to get involved with the festivities.” I turned away from the silver-haired man, slipping my shirt over my head and promptly interrupting whatever he was about to say. His words cut off into a strange drawn consonant sound that barely resembled a word. “Are you short-circuiting?” I taunted, slipping a bra on.

“I…” His eyebrows were raised, and he looked a little light-headed when I turned around. “You just took your shirt off.”

I raised an eyebrow at him. “Yes well, I told you I was getting dressed, and you followed me in here I assumed you understood how the concept of getting dressed unfolded.”

“Very funny, Nadia. I think you know what I mean.”

“No not really, Pietro.”

“You are standing in front of me in your underwear right now!”

I looked down at my body, eyes then sliding up to meet his. “I have pants on. Besides you’ve seen me in my underwear before, Moscow, remember.”

“That was different, and you know it.”

“I didn’t mean to make you so uncomfortable, I’m sorry, it's just not really that big of a deal to me. You’re not exactly the first person to see me without clothes on.”

His eyes narrowed at me, and he tilted his head slightly to the side.

His expression made me giggle slightly. “I didn’t mean it like that… I just mean, where I grew up, there wasn’t exactly a lot of privacy, you get used to it.”

“I’m not uncomfortable.”

“Well, then why the freak out?” I watched him intently as his eyes shifted, venturing downwards for the first time since my shirt had come off. What I’d said was true, about him not being the first person to see me without clothes, yet the way his eyes looked as they traveled over each inch of exposed skin had goosebumps prickling across my flesh. My spine tingled as his pretty blue eyes became a little darker and suddenly, despite the bra and sleep shorts I felt completely exposed. Yet, I didn’t feel the need to cover up. Instead, I reached down to my waistband, slipping my thumbs beneath it. “You can always go if it’s bothering you.” His eyes flickered back up to mine, and a solitary eyebrow rose, jaw clenching. He looked irritated; it sent a flurry of amusement through me. I shrugged, tugging my shorts down and letting them fall to the floor, pooling around my ankles. My eyes fell on Pietro again who was almost eerily still, barely breathing. I bit back a grin as I approached him, stopping when there was barely an inch between us. His sharp intake of breath had me doubling down on my effort not to laugh. “You’re in my way,” I murmured.

His eyebrows furrowed. “What?” He managed to get out.

I nodded to the set of drawers that were behind him. “Unless you’d like to hand me some underwear.” The muscle in his jaw feathered as he watched me. “Well? What’s it going to be?”

“You’re playing a dangerous game, Nadia.”

My eyebrows rose and I leaned a little more toward him. “I don’t think it’s dangerous?” I wanted him to kiss me so desperately, I felt sure I’d burn to bits if he didn’t. It had been like this for days, the tension between us so thick it was choking me, yet he refused to act on it. He’d kissed me but it was always sweet, gentle, and short. It never eventuated into anything else. Ever since that night when he stayed in my room. “I mean it’s not like you’re actually going to do anything, Pietro.”

I felt his warm hand land on my hip, gripping it. My breath hitched at the contact, heart speeding up. His finger slipped beneath the waistband on my panties, fiddling with it for a moment before letting the elastic snap back against my skin. I narrowed my eyes at him, frustration intertwining with the desire that enveloped me. “Are you going to take them off, or should I?”

I swore my heart simply stopped beating for a second. My cheeks felt hot, and I had to suppress a shudder at his words. He was nonchalant about it, raising his eyebrows as though he was completely unsure of why a question of that nature would take me aback. “I- what?”

“That is how getting dressed generally unfolds is it not?”

I could no longer suppress the grin, as he so casually used my own words to taunt me. He was not winning this round, as much as he thought he was. “Since you’re so insistent on being helpful, maybe you should take them off.” Both of his hands were on my hips, pressing his fingertips into my flesh, grazing over the soft black fabric that covered me. My lips parted at the sensation.

“Nadia…”

“Pietro.” I brushed my lips over his, but he pulled away quickly, putting plenty of distance between us.

“I should let you get dressed; we don’t want to keep the other waiting.” With that he sped off, shutting the door firmly behind him.

I sighed heavily, snatching a skirt and tights from my closet. When I arrived in the foyer of the compound, Pietro was already there talking to his sister. Natasha was not far behind me, tailed by Steve and Sam. I could see Tony and Pepper through the open front door, speaking in hushed tones. “Alright everyone, we’ll have to take two cars to fit us all.” Steve began with his regular leading countenance. I snickered slightly.

“Aye aye, Captain.” He made a face at me as we walked out toward the two black SUVs. I opened the driver’s side door of one just as Tony did the same to the other car, Nat slipped into the passenger seat beside me immediately fiddling with the radio to find a station she liked. My eyes met Wanda’s as she glanced between the two cars. I offered her a smile which – by my standards – was warm. “Hop in.” I nodded toward the car I was entering, a bright smile emerging across her lips. A glance at Pietro had my mood soured slightly as I saw him quickly slip into the car with the other boys, not sparing me a glance. The action made my stomach twist up, why was he so damn confusing? I dropped into the driver’s seat exasperatedly. Natasha spared me a suspicious glance before rolling her window down and leaning slightly out.

“Hey Pepper, what do you say we make it a girl’s trip to the tree farm?” The woman agreed eagerly, slipping into the seat beside Wanda without hesitation. When we were all buckled up, I pulled our car up beside the boys, glancing over at Tony who revved the engine performatively.

He sent me a smart-ass look. “Now when we beat you girls there don’t take it personally.”

I raised an eyebrow. “I don’t think that’s what’s going to happen.” The boys were snickering, smugness exuding from their car causing me to grip the steering wheel tighter. I could see Natasha putting the address into the GPS from my peripheral prompting me to smile over at Tony.

He opened his mouth to respond but before the words were out of his mouth I floored it, taking off in front of him. The moment we hit the open road Natasha started the Christmas music. I shot her an unimpressed look before returning my gaze to the road. “Oh, don’t be such a grinch, it’s festive.”

“Whatever you say.” I sighed.

“You seem tense, Nadia. What’s on you’re mind?” Pepper asked with a kindness to her voice that had the corners of my lips quirking up.

Before I could respond Natasha was speaking one more. “Oh, don’t mind her she’s just sour because she misses her boyfriend.” She sing-songed the last word, nudging my shoulder teasingly. The glare I sent her would have been bone-chilling to anyone else, no doubt, yet she only laughed it off. I heard Wanda snickering from the back seat and sent her a look in the rear-view mirror.

“Don’t encourage her.”

“I think it’s sweet that you like him so much.” Pepper gushed.

I scoffed. “I wouldn’t go that far.”

“Oh, deny it all you want we all know you’re completely smitten.” Natasha’s words had me flushing though I attempted to play it off. “And we all know he’s been obsessed with you since the beginning so really it was just a matter of you giving up the whole broody indifferent act and now, we get to watch you two be sickeningly cute.”

I rolled my eyes. “New topic please!”

Pepper laughed at that. “You sound just like Tony.”

“How is he doing? he’s seemed a little… off lately,” Nat said.

“You’re guess is as good as mine. Talking about his feelings isn’t exactly his forte, most of the time he either changes the subject or literally flees. I’ve barely seen him these last few weeks.”

Nat glanced in my direction. “Sounds like someone I know.” I pinched her in retaliation causing her to gasp and smack my hand away indignantly.

“Maybe he just needs some time.”

“I hope so… It’s just hard, he carries so much weight around on his shoulders and I’m standing there practically begging him to let me carry some of it but he won’t let me.”

…

“Are you mad at me?”

Pietro furrowed his eyebrows at me. I’d cornered him practically the second we arrived at the tree farm, having barely beaten the boys since Tony’s ego was seemingly more important than obeying road rules. The others were off perusing trees or warming up by the coffee stand. The smell of pine and hot chocolate enveloped my senses as we stood nestled in between a stack of trees. “Why would I be mad at you?”

“I don’t know you tell me. You know I’m not good at the whole human emotion’s things, I didn’t mean to piss you off.”

“You haven’t pissed me off at all, you never piss me off, Nadia.”

I smiled at him. “You can tell me the truth I won’t be offended if you say I pissed you off, you piss me off all the time.”

Pietro narrowed his eyes at me, visibly fighting back a smile. “Really? I’ve never gotten that from you before.” A slight laugh bubbled in my throat. The smile won out, spreading across his lips. He caressed my cheek pressing a gentle kiss to my temple. “I’m not mad at you, Nadia. I promise.”

“So why are you acting so strange?”

“Am I acting strange?”

It was my turn to narrow my eyes at him. “Don’t do that.”

“Do what?” He wasn’t nearly as good at the nonchalant thing as he thought he was, and even if he was, I’d spent most of my life playing this game, he wasn’t likely to fool me. Though his attempt frustrated and frankly slightly upset me.

My shoulders sagged slightly. “Fine,” I muttered; his eyes softened at my tone. I moved to turn away from him, but his hands grasped my upper arms, holding me in place.

“Wait. Please. I’m sorry.”

“For what?”

He closed his eyes for a long moment. “I’m not mad at you.”

I clenched my jaw. The feelings that swirled through me were not entirely clear. They were, however, abundantly unpleasant, that much was obvious. “Okay you’re not mad, so what’s going on?”

He opened his mouth to respond but then closed it again with a heavy sigh. Instead of answering me he furrowed his eyebrows once more and began rubbing up and down on my arms over my sleeves creating friction warmth. “You’re cold.” He noted. I glanced down at the movement of his hands and just like that I was gone.

A soothing heat covered my upper arms as my hands moved over them.

“I told you to wear your jacket.” There were more words, but they were jumbled, I didn’t recognize the voice but then I couldn’t hear it anyway.

While I’m alone and blue as can be, dream a little dream of me.

Birds singin’ in the sycamore tree.

A ringing sound filled my ears and the man in the glasses was back, placing something over my eyes.

The ballerinas were on the stage again.

Sweet dreams ‘til sunbeams find you.

Sweet dreams… in the sycamore tree.

Birds singin’… in your dreams whatever they be.

Your dreams… your dreams… whatever they be…

I shut my eyes tightly in an attempt to block out the sounds.

“Tell me who you are.”

“Nadia, are you alright?”

The hands stopped and when my eyes opened again Pietro was before me again, a concerned look drenching his features as he scanned me for signs of distress. I shook my head, swallowing heavily and taking a shaky breath. “I’m fine…” I murmured.

“What happened?”

“Oh, so now you want to talk. You know, for someone so big on communicating you certainly have a knack for dodging the things you don’t want to talk about.”

He scoffed. “Well, I learned from the best.”

“Иди на хуй.” Go fuck yourself. I responded with a huff, turning to walk away.

“I don’t know what that means but I’m guessing it's probably not nice.” He called after me, but I ignored him. He caught up with me in a few long strides, blocking my path and offering me a tender smile. “I know you’re mad at me, but you look really pretty right now, and I would very much like to kiss you.”

I crossed my arms over my chest, glaring up at him. “Your audacity is unbelievable, truly.”

His smile turned from sweet to cheeky in an instant. “Is that a yes?” I turned away from him again, storming off, though I only made it about three feet before I turned back around and approached him, grabbing the lapels of his jacket and kissing him hard before shoving him off and walking away.

…

It was Nat who picked the tree in the end, refusing to hear any argument. When it was loaded into the car, we found ourselves wandering down the main street perusing the shops and taking in the rare day of peace.

I fell back a few paces from the group, taking in the snow-spattered streets of upstate New York. Pepper’s strawberry blonde hair filled my line of sight as she joined my side.

“Hey, Nadia.” I offered her a very small smile of acknowledgment. “I’ve actually been meaning to thank you for whatever you said to Tony.”

I furrowed my eyebrows at her. “I didn’t say anything to him.”

“Well, you must have said something because, while he’s still cryptic, he’ll at least tell me why he doesn’t want to talk right now.”

When she spoke it was as though my mind went blank, unsure what to say in response. There was genuine gratitude in her eyes, I looked to the ground. “I’m glad you two are talking more, but I really didn’t do anything.”

She was quiet for a moment, only the whisper of a smile remained on her lips. “Okay.” She murmured.

“Speedy come on man, I’m freezing my ass off over here!” I heard Sam complain, causing me to look ahead. Pietro was looking at something in a shop window and it was evident from the expression on his face that he wasn’t quite ready to leave.

“Yeah, I’m getting pretty cold too, and the snows starting to get heavier we should probably head off soon.” Nat spoke up. I looked Pietro and the others, wringing my fingers together. The red-headed woman’s eyes lit up as she looked over at me. “I mean there are two cars, the rest of us could go together and I’m sure Nads wouldn’t mind sticking around and then driving the two of you back later.” I rolled my eyes at her not-so-subtle scheming. The corners of Pietro’s lips curved upward as he looked over at me.

“Okay fine, piss off all of you then,” I spoke cooly, switching keys with Tony as I’d driven the bigger car.

He sent me a side-long glance, amusement plain on his face. “Drive safe.”

When the others had left, I wandered into the gift shop after Pietro. Scanning the aisles of trinkets for any sign of the familiar silver hair. I found him in the back corner, lingering in front of a display that was obscured by his shoulders which had begun to sag slightly. Wordlessly, I joined his side, immediately understanding the shift in his demeanor. Before us stood a small but beautiful array of what I assumed were traditional Sokovian Christmas decorations as well as some other small knick-knacks. In center was an old, faded image of a small boy and his family, below that was a hand-written sign that read ‘Even when lost, we keep them alive in our hearts.’  Pietro was completely silent beside me. I let my fingers brush against his, he grabbed my hand before I could move it away, intertwining our fingers and holding on tightly. Without uttering a single word, I let him hold on to me. I didn’t know what to say to him, what could even begin to cover it; so, I just stayed beside him, holding onto him just as tightly.

We remained for quite some time after this, still allowing the comfortable silence to sit over us as we walked through the icy streets. My nose was numb and my cheeks red by the time we returned to the car, blasting the heating to defrost. The radio played softly as I drove, a gentle hum in the background blanketing the lack of conversation between us. I felt like we should talk about whatever was bothering Pietro, but this felt like the wrong time, maybe there wouldn’t be a right time. Either way, I chose to simply remain in the silence that was beginning to become a little tense.

“Just say it.” He murmured, looking out the window at the landscape that was now covered in powdery snow.

“Say what?” I spoke, feeling my phone vibrate in my pocket. Without taking my eyes from the road I slipped it out, glancing over to see Natasha’s caller ID. I put my phone in the cupholder – whatever it was could likely wait until we got back and if it was important, she’d call again.

Pietro exhaled deeply, looking over at me with a smile so small it was almost imperceptible. “Whatever is on your mind.”

The snow was getting heavier and heavier the further we drove, and I was beginning to grip the wheel tighter, speed lowering to keep traction. “There is nothing on my mind, I am free of thoughts right now.” My phone began buzzing in the cupholder. “Can you check who that is?”

“Natasha.”

“Shit, answer it.” He did as I asked, her voice coming through the car speakers a moment later. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing major but we just got back to the compound, and they’re currently closing all the roads because of the weather. I doubt you guys will make it back without getting turned around and it’s not really safe to be driving right now anyway.”

I squinted, slowing down again as the visibility became even worse, cursing in Russian and checking my rearview mirror before pulling to the side of the road. “So, what are we supposed to do?”

“Your best bet is probably to grab a hotel there. Hang on Tony is tracking the car to see where the nearest accommodation is.” I laid my head back on the seat, frustration beginning to fray my nerves. Chatter sounded in the background of the call before Nat spoke again. “Okay the closest hotel to you guys is a 10-minute drive, sending you the location now.” My phone pinged and I thanked Natasha before hanging up and turning the car back on to begin driving to the hotel. The problem being when I accelerated, and the loud sound of skidding filled my ears whilst the car remained stationary. I hit the pedal again and the car did the same thing, not moving even slightly. The door slammed behind me as I walked to the back of the car to see we were in fact bogged down in the snow and sleet that had built up on the side of the road.

“That might be a problem.” Pietro mused, glancing at me from the other side of the car. Without responding, I squatted down and began digging at the sleet with my hands, kicking at the parts that were too tough to move. “What on earth are you doing?”

“Trying to get us out of here, are you going to keep standing around asking stupid questions or help?” My tone was snappy as I continued digging around the tire.

He huffed a laugh, not moving, only fueling the fire in me. “Forget the car, let’s just walk and we’ll call someone to tow it when the roads are clear.

“No, we don’t need someone to tow it. It’s fine. I can do it.” I moved to my feet once more, flattening my hands on the back of the car and using all of my strength to push it, only for the car to barely budge. I gritted my teeth, going back to digging. My hands were stinging from the bite of ice against my flesh, but I ignored it, steadfast in my mission.

“Jesus, Nadia, stop it you’re going to give yourself frostbite.” Pietro yanked me away from the tire. “It’s freezing out here, let's just get to the hotel and we’ll deal with the car in the morning.” I pulled away from him, turning on my heel and beginning in the direction of the hotel Nat had sent me, not speaking a word to Pietro. “Nadia come on, just tell me what’s on your mind.”

I halted abruptly, turning to him with an accusing finger pointed in his direction. “I don’t want to talk to you Pietro! This is your fault if you hadn’t held us up, we could be back at the compound by now not walking through this fucking freezing bullshit.” I kicked at a large pile of snow, not thinking through my actions and feeling my balance crumble as my foot slid across a sheet of ice. Warm arms wrapped around me before I hit the ground, Pietro’s blue eyes gazing down into mine as he held me up. He pulled me back to my feet gently. My face burned and my face was beginning to hurt from the cold. I shook the snow from my shoulders, turning dramatically and continuing toward the hotel without uttering a single word to him.

[captainnameless]

Any cute moments with Maxy and Leo? Any moments that stand out? Maybe when Maxy first gets Leo? I just need to cute Maxy moments to make me fell better (my work didn't tell me that I didn't need to come into work far an advent until 30 after I was to be picked up)

Max is fresh out of a nap, soft and flushed, pressed into Daniel’s side.

He’s playing with one of Daniel’s hand, tugging gently at the fingers before wrapping both his hands around Daniel’s and holding it close.

There’s a content buzz that vibrates through Daniel, ready to spend eternity right here in this moment when it dawns on him that Max doesn’t have anything to soothe with when he’s not here.

“Muffin,” Daniel hums, using his free hand to brush Max’s hair off his forehead. “would you like it if we got you something to cuddle when Daddy isn’t here?”

The suggestion of Daniel not being here sours Max’s face just a tad, his lip jutting out in a pout. “Stay.”

Daniel pokes it, a soft smile on his face. “Right now, I’m not going anywhere. But,” He moves slightly, sitting Max up too, still keeping his hand available. “For when I’m not? I could get you something to keep you company, huh? Or do you want to pick something out yourself?”

“You.” Max says, trying to focus on what Daniel is saying, still kind of groggy. “You pick.”

“Okay,” Daniel breathes. Okay.

He gets it wrong the first time, it’s some sort of baby toy that’s soft, yes, but it’s tiny and Max isn’t sure what to do with it so it lays abandoned to the side and get tossed out of bed during nap time.

They’re streaming YouTube onto the TV when the add pops up. Max is too engulfed in the football match that’s being streamed to notice but Daniel has got the app open and orders it right then and there.

They don’t see each other for a week after that, and Daniel’s sort of nervous to get it to Max, hoping he’ll like it.

Daniel wishes he recorded Max opening the box, just so he could make sure to never forget the look on his face but it feels to private.

“Leeuw.” Max breathes, eyes twinkling, both of his hands twisting into the soft fur.

“Leo?” Daniel asks, mishearing, but a soft amused smile on his face, figuring Max naming the plush must mean he likes it.

“No, leeuw.” Max says, then shakes his head. “Uh, lion. Dutch.” He looks up, a soft flush spreading over his cheeks, fingers gently kneading into the plush.

“Oh,” Daniel nods, works on keeping the soft smile up, trying to look encouraging. “Yes, a lion. Made me think of you.”

Max looks from Daniel back down to the plush, before looking back at Daniel with wet eyes, sucking in a breath.

Oh no.

“Hey, Max- muffin.” Daniel rushes forward, sitting down next to Max to wrap an arm around him. “It’s okay, it’s- Don’t worry about it, we can return it and try again. I’m sorry-”

“No.” Max rushes out, crying now, bringing the plush up to his chest before turning to bury his face into Daniel’s chest. “No, I like it.”

Daniel’s confused now, but that’s not a priority. He wraps both his arms around Max and pulls him onto his lap so he can properly hold him, pressing a soft kiss to the top of his head as he lets him cry. “What’s wrong, bub?”

“It’s making me feel funny.” Max cries, burying closer. “I don’t know.”

“A good funny?” Daniel asks, rubbing a hand down Max’s back and feeling him nod.

“A bit overwhelming, maybe?”

Max nods again, his breath catching in his throat.

“Oh buddy,” Daniel soothes, holding Max a bit tighter, pressing another kiss to Max’s head. It’s taken them a while to get to this point, this point of understanding. This level of trust, of love and care.

“I’m happy.” Max cries, he emerges from Daniel’s chest to catch his eyes, a chuckle escaping him through the tears. “I am.”

Daniel smiles back at him, thumbs at the tears. “I believe you.”

“It’s just,” Max takes a deep breath, wipes at his own face. “It means so much.”

Daniel has to blink a bit himself, pulls Max close again. “It means a lot to me too.”

-

It’s 48 hours later, 2 naps and 2 nights with their new addition and Daniel makes sure he sprays his cologne on the little lion before he leaves.

He gets a text when he’s boarding.

Leo smells like you.

Daniel smiles. Leo?

I liked that when you suggested it.

Daniel’s about to respond when

Even if it was just you and your old man ears mishearing me.

Daniel snorts. Old man ears? Watch your mouth.

Max types for a while, then stops, then types again.

Thank you.

Daniel smiles. For what?

For being you. Max types back. And getting me Leo.

Max sends a picture then, of him and Leo, a goofy smile and wide eyes.

I love you. Daniel types back, chest warm and fuzzy.

Love you!

And then.

🦁 💓 👴🏻

[angels17324]

Chance - Chapter 8

Word count 2.0k

A/n: I am fairly certain I can wrap this up in another chapter or two plus an epilogue, so I hope you all enjoy 😇

Genre: Mostly fluff, like an overload of fluff. Angst

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She had never seen Friedrich as angry as he had been after her confession, but it had all been for her protection. He decided they would talk to his aunt after the event was over and make sure Lord Jameson would be arrested. 

Friedrich had also managed to convince his aunt that (Y/n) and her family should stay at the castle until the wedding to make sure they were safe. (Y/n) couldn’t be more thankful about it. All the preparation for their wedding had finished so it gave (Y/n) some time to relax before the wedding. She also wouldn’t argue with seeing Friedrich more often. 

(Y/n) had been sitting in her widow with it propped open to let some fresh air in, her and Friedrich’s rooms had been placed practically on opposite sides of the castle ‘to keep their reputations intact’ as Queen Charlotte put it. However, it seemed like Friedrich’s fencing practice moved closer to her room so she could watch him. Anytime Friedrich looked up to her window she’d quickly look at the book in her lap and pretend she wasn’t just staring at him. 

Friedrich chuckled when he noticed she tried to pretend like she wasn’t staring again. He didn’t mind, as of tomrrow she’d be his wife. He couldn’t wait for their wedding. He almost wished it could be the day of their wedding already. He noticed she was talking with her ladies maid he learned her name to be Marie. As she had been helping the two talk when no one else knew. He’d actually asked her to help him with a surprise for the next day as well. 

They both caught each others eyes and waved. In embarrassment he saw her turn back to Marie, while he felt a weight on his shoulder. His fencing partner. “Ah, so now I finally see why you asked us to move all the way over here,” He chuckled. He was one of the few that wouldn’t just let Friedrich win because he was a prince. “It has nothing to do with her room being there,” “I said nothing about her room, I just happened to notice her in the window,” He grinned. “Now are we going to fence?” 

“Yes we are,” Friedrich turned back to him. 

“Great, because you have a little something,” He pretended to wipe his own chin with a chuckle, “Wouldn’t want you to embarrass yourself more in front of your future wife when I beat you.” 

Friedrich took a quick swipe of his chin finding nothing causing his friend to laugh. “Maybe rely more you your skill than jokes,” Friedrich said as they began to spar again. 

Their wedding was slated to take place in the morning so they could begin their long journey before it got late. She had already been up for hours when Marie came to wake her up to get her ready for the day. “Are you excited,” Marie said with a smile as she sat on her bed. “So excited I can barely think,” (Y/n) grabbed one of the pillows behind her and squeezed it to her chest. “Well, good news, you only have to remember to walk down the aisle, say your vows and finally kiss your prince. With maybe a few other surprises along the way.” She winked. “Surprises? What surprises Marie?” She questioned.

“Nothing, nothing!” She giggled and pulled the girl from her bed, “Now lets get our bride ready!” 

It felt like days while they got her ready in truth it was just a few hours, and she couldn’t help but notice Marie disappeared a few times while others did her hair, and helped her into her gown. 

She was sitting on one of the chairs while she waited. When she heard a knock on her door and Marie popped her head in. “Good you’re alone now,” She smiled and (Y/n) walked over. 

“I am, why?” She raised her brow. Marie came in but left the door slightly open. 

“For a surprise,” She smiled. “What surprised?” She tried asking again. “Me, Schatz,” She heard a familiar voice on the other side of the door. She could help the grin that formed on her face. “I asked her to help me so we could have a moment alone before everything today,” He explained and reached his hand through the opening in the door. She took his hand and they both leaned against the door and she took his hand.

They stayed in silence for a bit just enjoying being close. “You still haven’t told me what Schatz means,” she smiled. “Treasure,” He said, and played with her hand a bit. “Because you are my treasure. And I’m glad I found you.” 

They spent a few more minutes standing together until Marie let them know someone was coming. Then they reluctantly let go. The ceremony itself passed in a blur and they were finally married. 

Everyone was ushered out into a large hall except for the young couple. (Y/n) had planned to follow them but her husband had a slight change of plans for them. Before they entered he gently took her hand and pulled her into a different room. 

“Friedrich?” She questioned and looked at him with a smile. 

“No one is going to miss us yet,” He explained with a smile and they sat down happy to be alone together for a few minutes which they probably wouldn’t get again until they were ready to leave for their honeymoon. 

“How long are we planning to stay here?” “Just a few minutes,” he chuckled. “Tonight, we will stay in our home here in London,” he smiled. “Then tomorrow we can start the real journey,” He kissed her gently.

“I can’t wait,” She smiled and pulled away slowly. 

There were so many people at their reception that it was almost impossible to move around once the couple joined the reception. They could forget about walking around much though as everyone was coming up to the couple to congratulate them or to enjoy their wedding night. Most of the latter comments embarrassed (Y/n) a bit.

She smiled and held his hand as Lady Danbury approached them.

“Lady Danbury,” They both greeted her with a nod.

“Congratulations your highnesses,” she bowed to the two. 

“Thank you Lady Danbury,” (Y/n) smiled. 

“And don’t let me forget to invite you to one of my ladies only parties your highness,” Lady Danbury winked to her before walking off. 

After hours of exchanging plessentries with most of the Ton both (Y/n) and Friedrich were ready to go, Friedrich excused himself from his wife to go get their carriage ready to go. They didn’t need to worry about any of her things as they were already sent to their new home. So all they needed to worry about was getting themselves home. 

As soon as Friedrich walked away that’s when her stepmother walked over. 

“(Y/n), dear I’m glad I found you again before you leave.” She said. “What is it mom,” She looked to the older woman who looped her arm under hers. 

“It’s time to have the talk about what happens on your wedding night,” She stated, and lead her past a few guards to a private room for their chat.

When Friedrich reentered the hall, he didn’t immediately see his wife where he had just left her only a few moments before. Some people had already left so it was a bit easier to walk around. He started to make his way around the hall. The first people he noticed were his family, then hers. 

“Friedrich,” His aunt called him over to her. He walked over slowly still scanning the hall for her, “Yes Tante?” he asked and looked at her. “Getting ready to leave so soon?” she asked. 

“As soon as I find my bride again,” He nodded. “Our mother took her aside to speak with her,” One of her brothers piped up. “Probably of what to expect tonight,” Another chuckled causing Friedrich to blush a bit. “Yes, I hope to soon hear my favorite nephew and his wife are with child,” Charlotte chuckled and caused his blush to deepen. Her mother soon joined the group but without (Y/n). 

“Where’s (Y/n),” He father asked. “I think our little chat embarrassed her a bit, I believe she’s still attempting to calm down,” Her mother chuckled a bit and waved their worries away. “She should be coming back soon.” 

Friedrich nodded calmly and decided he’d wait not to cause her to be more nervous. But he’d be lying if he hadn’t thought about what tonight would be for them. It had been one of the only things he could think of besides how happy he was to spend the rest of their lives together. He thought back to that day a little more than a week ago in the library. 

“She sure is taking a while,” Her oldest brother stated, which snapped Friedrich out of his little day dream. 

“What,” He said, he hadn’t really noticed he’d spaced out a bit. 

“What did you tell her,” Her youngest of her older brothers asked their mom nudging her. “Nothing that bad, we should check on her,” 

“I’ll go,” Friedrich said and went off to the room her mother said she left (Y/n) in.

After her stepmother had left with the information she’d told (Y/n) she was fanning herself and opened the window to let in some cooler air to calm herself down. She hadn’t know anything of what was going to happen and now she couldn’t be more nervous about it. 

She paced around the room and took deep breaths in attempt to calm her nerves. After a few minutes she’d finally calmed herself enough to try to rejoin the others. There was a knock at the door where she was at. “Come in,” She said. 

“Your highness,” A young guard she didn’t recognize popped his head in.

“Yes…?” she said slowly still not used to being called that. 

“Prince Friedrich asked me to give this to you,” The guard handed her a note. “Oh, thank you,” She said and opened it. The young guard quickly left. 

‘I have the carriages pulled around if you’re ready.’ was all it said. She looked at it and took a few more deep breaths before leaving the room to go out to meet him.

Friedrich reached the room and knocked. He didn’t hear anything at first and knocked a bit louder before opening the door to see the room was empty. He was confused and walked in. Nothing seemed out of place but the doors to the balcony were open, maybe she was sitting outside? He walked slowly over and looked out and still didn’t see her. Where else could she be, he surely would have seen her if she’d entered the hall again. Maybe she went to the library? He thought, it was their secret meeting place. He exited the room and began to think of any other places she might have gone.

He walked over to a few guards to see if they’d seen her. “Sorry your highness we haven’t since her mother brought her here,” He had asked them to help him look. He didn’t want to cause a panic if it was nothing. But now he couldn’t help but remember that no one had informed them of Lord Jameson’s status and if he’d been found or not. 

He shouldn’t think about that now, it’s their wedding day nothing bad could happen today. And there were guards everywhere if he’d tried anything he would have been stopped. His pace to the library quickened as he hoped to find her in the back reading her romance novel they’d picked out a few days ago.  He made it to the back of the library where he’d hoped she’d be saying something about wanting to take the book on their honeymoon. But she wasn’t. A few guards ran up to him out of breathe.

“She isn’t in her room, or in the hall either,” One told him.

“My wife is missing,”

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Next

[your-mommy-ems]

here is an excerpt from my writing today!

callum's pov btw

also um yeah meet Emberly and Earley.

Earley lives in a two-storied home that seems its straight out of a fairy-tale mother tells Addiline and Lorelei. It’s a white wooden home with vines creeping up the walls, the windows are thrown open each with a small box of flowers hanging from them. A picket fence wraps around the house with a path that travels through the yard connecting the rows of plants. Butterflies float around the garden in harmony dropping to land on flowers and the flying off again when they’re satisfied with their work. A gentle breeze floats through the air and the smell of fresh air and rain hits me – this place smells like Aurelia.

Earley directs us towards the small gate underneath an arch leading us into her home, but the second we step foot in her garden the butterflies freeze, and a high-pitched shriek emits from them as they hurtle towards us. The once gentle breeze picks up to a deadly pace and whips around us caging us in, the clear sky suddenly darkens, and we’re trapped in an air storm that’s closing in on us quickly. Leahla screeches when a butterfly touches her and she lifts off the ground, gripping onto my arm with surprising strength. Aurelia is calming looking about, not showing any signs of panic or care as her hair is whipped into a frenzy, in fact it seems like butterflies are just landing on her and resting.

Earley and Emberly both turn around with frowns on their faces. Earley’s directed at the butterflies and Emberly’s directed at Leahla who is still making noise.

“Oh enough already,” Early scolds to the butterflies, she waves her hand towards them all and the arm walls vanish, and the butterflies move away from us crowding Earley as if she’ll protect them from us. “Yes, I know they aren’t from here,” she says when one of the critters starts chittering in her ear. “That shouldn’t bother you dears okay? Just go back to work, I’ll make sure to leave out extra water for you tonight.” The insect just bobs in the air for a few more seconds before fluttering off taking the rest of the swarm with it.

“You’ll have to forgive me, I forgot about my little friends, they can get quite hostile when new visitors arrive.”

“You think?” Julias mutters to himself so quietly I can barely hear it.

Earley spins around. “Yes I do think that. Next time you wish to say something under your breath you may as well say it out loud, no point in mumbling.” Julias’s face turns red. How did she hear that? “As I was saying, I’m sorry if the Airnts scared you. Sometimes they have absolutely no boundaries.” She sends another scolding look at the flittering insects.

I look back over to the swarm of butterflies and realise they aren’t butterflies at all. They’re small little human like creatures with wings and crystal-like skin. They’re small hands gently tending to the plant they’ve landed on before flying to the next one, laughing with each other and playing with the wind the control.

“So they’re like human bugs?” Julias asks disgust clear in his tone.

No one liked that.

Leahla swats him in the arm. “Are you kidding me Julias? Shush!”

The lead Airnt that was squeaking in Earley’s ear, shrieks loudly at that and sends a large blast of air at Julias sending him flying onto his ass, to the Silent Court and Earley’s amusement.

“They are not bugs, they are Airnts. A word of advice Mr Julias, don’t call them bugs again, they won’t take it nicely.”

“Couldn’t you just stop them?” Avena speaks up.

“I could – but if he insults my Airnts again it’s not that I can’t stop them, it’s that I don’t want to stop them.” By the time we’ve reached the first step I realise that was the second time Earley heard something she couldn’t have.

~~~

its def unedited btw

@nqds @skeelly (sorry for dragging u into this lemme know if u want me to stop lol)

[mochi-owos]

I just like sharing my thoughts with people, either old friend and new friends (especially if it's hurt/comfort)

Have you ever imagine inazuman boys with s/o who is very healthy since childhood but when the times goes by their conditions go worse and they can't get out of the house and always coughing up bloods everytime

Its not threatening their life but he just got worried they might left him somedays

He tried to find medicine for you even he had to cross the sea, your life is so important and he can't bear losing another people he loves after what happened in the past

(So yeah, that's it, you don't have to rush tho, I just want to share my thoughts)

Inazuma men with a sick reader?!

Ayato, Heizou, Thoma, x Reader

The blood part seemed a bit too much for me so I didn’t do it, a little bit of angst if you squint rlly hard. HOPE YOU ENJOY LOVE

Ayato

Due to the nature of his work it wasn't often he go to see you. He would do his best to visits you on a regular basis, but it never truly was, at times he would miss a week, and if the gods do not look upon you, a few months.

Through the years he’d often deny the presumptions of your dating, people often thought so seeing the way he would talk about you— all too poetic for a “friend”.

Little had you know, on the long periods of time he wouldn’t see you he was out aboard, of course for work, but also in hopes to find something to help you; ease your pain, or even perhaps take the entire illness away. Oh, how he wishes.

"Ayato?" You whispered, attempting to sit up from the bed. The sun rays peeking through the curtains, a light scent of flowers flowed through the room, you look to your bedside table, fresh flowers?

Seeing your attempt to sit up he pushes you back, "Don’t over do it," He pushes away some hair falling onto your face, his thumb rubbing over your cheek. His voice was soft, gentle.

"You’re here so soon. Has something happened?" You feel over Ayato’s hand, giving it a gentle rub.

He smiles feel warmer, "My dear, I’ve finally found a someone and something who may help you."

Most would feel bursts of joy, not to say you didn’t, but you couldn’t help but be skeptical. For many years has this illness plagued you, not only that but most doctors from Inazuma still have not been able to find something to treat such an illness.

Feeling the skepticism in your heart he grabs you hand, placing it to his chest, "For many years have I been searching for someone, something, anything to help you. The many trips I would take out of Inazuma I would be looking for something for you. I can understand your skepticism, but please, my love, I want to see you better." Gently kissing your hand, his eyes watering, "For naught my future is without you."

Heizou

Heizou is a smart man, always has been, but it feels as though it is all thrown out the window when you arrive. All his intellects seemingly gone, the countless times he on his own has tried to find a way to help you- all failing miserably.

Frustrated, he forgets his work wrapping himself into helping you. Hungry? He’s already cooking. Want some fresh air? He has your clothes prepared. House is getting a bit dusty? Hes already bought cleaning supplies. And as much as you appreciate the things he does you can’t help but be worried.

"Heizou?" You turn to him, a questioning look on your face.

"Yes, my dear?" He sets his book down, his gaze turning to you.

"I most appreciate the things you do, but please understand," you motion him closer, and take his hand, "I’ve noticed you haven’t been going to work as much, and I can’t help but worry you’ve been neglecting your work because of me."

His eyes soften, his kisses your hand, "I appreciate your concern. But it’s quite the opposite really. During your resting times I’m working—" he smiles, "but all from home, I had a friend of mine go out of the country, and they found something that may help you. And just like how we are now, I’ll be here."

You laugh, reaching a hand out, being his face closer to yours, giving him a gentle kiss, "Always so diligent and loving."

Thoma

Thoma is the definition of house wife. Now, of course he has his work at the estate, but every free minute is spent with him.

The awfully generous Kamisato Ayato had provided you and Thoma home in the estate in hopes we won’t overwork himself, but that’s all for naught. Thoma, the diligent, sweet boy, is always tending to everyone— but himself! Some days when he comes home you worry if he’s eaten. And as much you would like to help him you can’t. You’d be a liar is you said you didn’t feel like a burden.

Lately, Thoma has been coming home extra late. At first you thought he was busy doing some extra work, but you couldn’t help be suspicious when you noticed he would be in the study spending an awful lot of time writing letters.

One night you decided to go check up on him. Gathering all the strength you had and walking to the study, coming up behind him and steadying yourself on the desk.

"Hello, my love." You whisper in the shell of his ear.

Jumping he swivels his chair to face you, his eyes wide, but once his eyes lay upon you he relaxes, hand on his heart, "Goodness, darling. You scared me."

You smile chuckle leaning in closer, "Sorry, sweetie." He smiles, putting a hand on your jaw pulling you closer, pressing a kiss all around your face.

Smiling you pull back looking your head over to the letter, "What’s that, dear?" Gesturing your head to the paper.

He looks back, "Oh! That.. uh, I have some news." He trailed off, you nod, gently playing with his hair, "I had been sending letters to a friend of mine in Mondstadt, he said that he may know someone to stabilize your condition," his head leans into your hand, exhaling he looks into your eyes, "Would you perhaps be ok with someone coming here to help you, love?"