#what is the quality of life if you spend every moment in fear?

[thatonedudeinthecorner]

I can imagine them watching frozen when it came out and stiles immediately pulling out the moral conundrum (he’s right)

[sweetlikelace]

MY HANDS ARE TIED, MY SLEEVES ARE TORN

PART ONE | wandanat x reader

pairing(s): wanda maximoff x reader, wanda maximoff x natasha romanoff, natasha romanoff x reader

content warning: talk of smut, legal age gap, praise, reader is a brat but what’s new

word count: 2.1k

A/N: happy easter !! here’s a bit of a backstory on the readers relationship with natasha and wanda! i’m not sure how long to make each part?? so if you guys want longer content let me know!! i’m hoping to have the next part out within the week

⋆⁺₊⋆ ━━━━⊱༒︎ • ༒︎⊰━━━━ ⋆⁺₊⋆

you were officially a graduate. a career-ready member of the workforce. except... ready for what? that's the question that screams in your head every morning, louder than any alarm. what are you even ready for? and more importantly, what do you even want? your friends seem to have it all figured out, meanwhile, you're sitting here, staring at your inbox, which is a graveyard of rejection emails and vague LinkedIn invitations. "we appreciate your interest, but..." has become your new mantra.

you feel like you've been playing a constant, losing game of job application bingo, desperately searching for that one magic phrase that'll unlock the door to your future. it's isolating, this feeling of being lost at sea, surrounded by giant, confident cruise liners sailing towards clearly defined horizons. we spend four years being told what university would prepare us, that it would open doors and pave the way for success. and for some maybe it has, but more you, it feels like its just presented you with a bewildering array of choices, all equally terrifying.

part of the problem is the pressure. the unspoken expectation that as a young woman, you should be carving out this perfect, instagrammable life. you should be ambitious, driven, and know exactly what you want to achieve by twenty-three. but the truth is, you barely know what you want for dinner tonight, let alone the next five years of your life.

your mother keeps suggesting you to come home, stay with them for a while. its a tempting offer, a safe harbour in this storm of uncertainty. but the thought of retreating, confirming her silent worries about your "unrealistic dreams," makes you want to run away even further.

maybe that's why you were so attracted to the idea of natasha's offer. it was something you hadn't thought to try before, but the idea of giving yourself to them completely sounded more and more appealing each day.

you were currently working as a barista at buzzy brews, and it wasn't uncommon to see the older woman stop in weekday mornings. that's how you had gotten to know natasha in the first place. she'd order a nitro cold brew and always tip generously. it was no secret to you or your coworkers that she was wealthy.

for weeks, your interactions were purely transactional. but something about her calm demeanour and the thoughtful way she seemed to absorb the world around her piqued your curiosity. for natasha, it was the subtle blush that would appear on your cheeks the moment she came in, the way you would subconsciously hum along to whatever music was playing on the radio.

she began bringing wanda to the coffee shop months later, who also seemed to take a liking to you. when the older women told you about their offer, you were intrigued to say the least. both women could be intimidating, and part of you feared the experience, but an even bigger part of you was jealous at the idea of them presenting this proposal to someone else. you agreed almost instantly.

you spent most of your time with natasha. it was her you had grown closest too. from the moment you met wanda, there was an unmistakable aura of dominance about her. it wasn't arrogance, exactly, more like a quiet confidence that commanded attention. she didn't have to speak loudly or make grand gestures, in fact she was often the quieter of the two. the way she held herself, the directness of her gaze, it all spoke volumes. it was a captivating quality you found yourself drawn to.

initially that attraction seemed to be reciprocated. the day natasha brought her in, she was engaging, genuinely interested in what you had to say. it felt easy and natural. that's why the subsequent shift was so bewildering. the more time spent with natasha, the frequency of your conversation with her wife diminished. the warmth that had initially radiated from her seemed to cool, replaced by a polite, but detached manner.

natasha tried to explain that it wasn't that her wife disliked you. it was quite the opposite. wanda had spent so much time around chaotic and headstrong personalities, she became accustomed to a certain dynamic, or in other words, brat taming was her specialty. "you're far too sweet, she just doesn't know how to handle you." natasha would say before kissing your cheek. although you didn't really believe her. you may have been gentle, and 'too sweet for your own good' at times, but you were determined to win over the affection you craved so much from the sokovian.

you arrived at the romanoff-maximoff household earlier than expected, and natasha's meeting was running later than even she could anticipate. she stayed locked in her at-home-office while wanda tidied up the house. you sat on the on sofa watching tv, and patiently waiting for natasha to finish up her call. 

"turn the volume down, detka. natasha's in an important meeting." wanda spoke clearly as she wiped down the coffee table. 

wanda always seemed to find something to complain about. the tv volume being too loud, or your jacket not hung up properly, but tossed onto the floor. you thought if you had to wait all evening for natasha, then why couldn't you at least enjoy your time waiting? especially since natasha's meetings were becoming more frequent and you hated having to wait for her attention. with a frustrated sigh, you turn the volume down. your sigh did not go unnoticed by the older woman, but she chose not to press. 

wanda went back into the kitchen, turning on the faucet to clean the dishes you had left previously in the sink. their home was quite big, which is why each clatter of the dishes scraping together echoed directly back to the living room. you roll your eyes and grab the remote, turning the volume up even higher than before. you don't even hear the sink turn off and wanda rushing back into the living room.

she grabbed the remote from beside you and instead of turning the volume back down, she turned the tv off completely. "hey!" you sit up.

"what did i say? natasha is in a meeting. you can earn back your tv privilege when you start showing some respect." the brunette held her arms across her chest, the remote still in her hand.

"my 'tv privileges?' i'm not a child." you scoff, crossing your own arms. 

wanda shakes her head, "you're acting like one." with that, wanda takes the remote and returns to the kitchen, leaving you alone in the living room. once she was out of sight you lean over, punching the pillow she had just fluffed. maybe it was slightly childish behaviour, but you were irritated. 

when natasha did eventually finish her meeting, she came down the stairs and greeted wanda first. you could hear their muffled voices from the other room and it piqued your curiosity and excitement. you sit up straight and eager for the older woman. 

she came around the corner and you immediately stood up with a smile. natasha was always happy to see you after her long work days, you were a breath of fresh air after dealing with incompetent employees nonstop. she greets you by pushing your hair behind your ears, she hated when you'd hide behind your hair. "hi sweet girl." she sighs contentedly. 

"I missed you..." you say with a soft pout, a part of you wanting her to feel guilty for making you wait. "I missed you too, you little troublemaker." catching you by surprise, she met your gaze, her eyes soft but direct. "wanda told me you've been pushing her buttons today." she said, her eyebrows arched. 

"no..." your voice hinted with guilt.

natasha's lips twitched with the hint of a smile, amused by your feigned innocence. she didn't believe you for a second. "mhm." she hummed, her hands starting to gently trace patterns on your hips. "wanda said you've been acting like a brat. is that true?"

you shake your head. her grip on your hips tightened. "you know you can't lie to me, sweetheart. wanda said you've been testing her patience. now tell me the truth." 

you chew on your cheek shyly. "maybe...maybe a little bit."

natasha's smirk widened a bit at your admission, her hands still tracing circles on your hips. she didn't seem angry, more amused than anything. "a little bit, huh?" she repeated, her. tone slightly teasing. she pulled you closer, so you were practically pressed against her. "and why were you testing wanda's patience, sweetheart?"

you shrug, sinking further down in her lap. 

wanda's expression darkened a little from the doorway. "natasha asked you a question, and we expect an answer. you're a big girl, use your words." wanda spoke firmly, and hearing her scold you made your heart sink.  natasha smirked slightly at your expression, knowing exactly what you were thinking.

"just relax for me, princess." she murmured. she leaned down, her voice soft. "wanda won't bite, trust me."

you weren't exactly afraid of wanda, or were you? she was just a lot harder to read. you didn't want to apologize, but you didn't want to keep having this conversation either. you turn to look at wanda, who was leaned against the doorframe. 

"I'm sorry for being a brat, miss wanda." you speak so softly she can barely hear you, but natasha flashes a satisfied smile. "we forgive you, solnishko. thank you for apologizing." the older woman kisses your forehead and you smile proudly. although wanda was not very pleased. 

"tasha..." she gave a hinting tone, looking past you and directly at her wife, but natasha only shakes her head. 

she runs her hands through your hair. "she had a long day, isn't that right, baby?" natasha coos at you and you nod, leaning your head into her chest. she twirls a strand of your hair between her fingers before standing up and reaching out her hand. "you did so well waiting for me today, I know it wasn't easy to be that patient." 

wanda sighs, pushing off the doorframe and retrieving back to the kitchen. you shoot her a glare, but natasha's hand on your chin squeezes lightly, bringing your attention back to her. "easy, darling." your eyes relax once they land back on the blonde. her expression softens as she runs her thumb over your lower lip.  

"what do you need, baby?" she whispers.

"you..." you say, looking up at her with big, doe eyes. 

"on your knees." she said, calm and assured, like she already knew you'd obey. and of course you did. 

you moved across the room quietly, kneeling in front of her like muscle memory. your eyes didn't quite meet hers - at least not at first - but she waited, saying nothing until your gaze slowly drifted up to hers. "already so good for me."

her hand moved to your cheek, thumb brushing over your skin with a kind of reverence that made your chest ache. her touch wasn't hurried, nothing about natasha ever was. she liked to take her time. and with you? she always did. 

her words sent a shiver down your spine. your breath caught, but you didn't move. natasha smiled, clearly pleased. "you love when I take control. when I remind you who you belong to," she whispered, her fingers slipping through your hair, gentle, deliberate. 

"yes," you breathed, voice quiet. 

she saw the way your lips parted slightly, the way your knees shifted just a little closer. her hand dropped to your shoulder, coaxing. "up here," she said, patting her thigh. "come sit. let me feel you."

you claimed into her lap carefully, your body fitting against hers like puzzle pieces long since matched. she pulled you in, arms wrapping around your waist, mouth ghosting over your neck. natasha shifted on the sofa, parting her legs slightly so you could kneel closer between them. her fingers trailed down your neck to your shoulder, the touch featherlight, like she was learning you all over again. 

you weren't sure how long you could stay patient. her touch was maddening, never enough. she cupped your cheek with one hand, the other gently tilting your chin up. "eyes on me." 

you held her gaze, even though it made your breath catch. natasha's eyes were dark with need, but still so soft. she was in complete control. it was effortless to her. "you want me to touch you?" she asked, even though she already knew the answer. 

"yes," you whispered.

"I know you do, sweetheart." she leaned down, her mouth barely grazing your ear. "but I like making you wait."

tags: @ciaoooooo111

[3igbootyl0ver]

A New Face (Pt.4) | Home

pairing: Tara Carpenter x Reader

summary: after eight months, you and Tara are closer than ever. Her playful texts pull you away from a project, and you spend the night cuddling, reassuring her you're not going anywhere.

word count: 981

a/n: hi guys this is literally so short bc I didn't want to ruin it + I'm already working on another part for who hurt you. this can read as a oneshot by itself hence the extra title; anyways I hope u guys like it, any feedback is appreciated and I'm proud of myself for figuring out how to do this collage thing below xoxo

Pt.1 | Pt.2 | Pt.3

It’s been 8 months since you and Tara went on your first date and started dating; since then, you’ve shared countless memories, learned more about each other than you ever expected, and your bond only has deepened, making you both excited to see what the future holds together. There’s been a mix of growth, fun and intimate moments; and although there’s a few challenges, there’s always playfulness and banter in the relationship. 

Tonight, you’re focused on finishing your project, eager to submit it at least a day before the deadline so you won’t have to rush and send in poor quality work. But then, a ping on your phone distracts you.

Tara <3

can you come over? i miss you and I’m bored

Sent at 11.45pm

You

sorry babe, I can’t. i have a project due in a few days

Sent at 11.47pm

Tara <3

guess i’ll just sit in bed..alone,cold

all by myself

w nobody to cuddle with. allll alone

You

oh shut up I’m putting my shoes on

Sent at 11.55pm

This usual banter happens often. Honestly, you didn’t mind how clingy Tara is, you knew what the younger Carpenter has been through. She decided to let you know about her past after a month of dating, with what happened to her and the core four a year ago; and you comforted her with cuddles and kisses with soft whispers for being brave and having to go through all of that.

It’s almost midnight, but the way Tara’s playful messages cut through the tranquil night, it’s hard not to smile. You know her well enough to recognize when she’s pretending to be dramatic—and when she’s genuinely feeling a little lonely or vulnerable.The little banter between the two of you has become a ritual, a comfort. But beneath it all, there’s that deep understanding of each other’s lives, pasts, and fears. You know Tara’s history, and you know she’s been through a lot. You could never understand how anyone would willingly put her in harms way. A single glance from her could make you melt into a puddle, as if the weight of the world disappeared in the softness of her eyes, leaving you both grounded and utterly undone at the same time.

 You know that when you get to her place, all the tension in your body will melt away. As you head out, a small part of you can’t help but reflect on how far you’ve both come in just eight months—how much you’ve both grown together. Every little moment, where you can simply drop everything and be there for each other, makes all the difference.

Tara’s got a special place in your heart, and tonight, it’s all about making her feel seen, heard, and loved. For so long, the idea of "home" felt like a distant concept, something that belonged to a life you couldn’t fully reclaim after your parents passed. You thought you’d never feel settled again, that kind of deep connection, the feeling of being truly seen and understood. But with Tara, it’s different. It’s effortless, the way she makes you feel both grounded and free. Her presence fills spaces in your heart you didn’t know were empty.

As you may your way to her place, a soft smile tugs at the corner of your lips. It’s funny how simply being with her, in her space, cuddling under the blankets, or sharing small moments of laughter, feels more like home than anything else ever has. When you knock on her door, she’s already standing there, as if she already felt your presence from a block away; wrapped in a blanket, her hair falling messily around her face, and that familiar twinkle of mischief in her eyes. “You’re late,” she teases, her voice a soft mixture of playfulness and a hint of relief. Ever since you both got together, Tara’s been more anxious, fearing that Ghostface might pop out and take you from her. She’s expressed her concerns to you, and you’ve made sure to constantly remind her that you aren’t going anywhere. “I’m not going anywhere, Tara— you’re stuck with me, no matter what.” Besides, you don’t mind constantly texting her and sending pictures of whatever you’re up to.

���Lay with me? Please?” You fold almost instantly, allowing her to pull you into her bedroom while making sure to keep quiet, since Sam is asleep. Just as you settle onto her bed beside her, Tara does her little grabby hands and you pull her against you, her legs over yours and hugged your torso, resting her head and smiling into your shoulder, inhaling your scent as she had always associated you with safety. You smiled fondly, caressing her thigh with your hand before leaning forward to place a kiss on her forehead. Tara’s eyes fluttered at the gesture, and you can feel your heart soar at how adorable she is.

“I love you, so, so much. Did you know that?” You whispered close to her forehead. The warmth of your whisper sent a gentle shiver down her spine. “I know, but I don’t mind hearing you say it again, and again..” You chuckled softly at her statement.

“I don’t mind it either, because I’ll keep saying it; every day if I have to” You smiled softly, the words lingering between you.

Before you could say more, she pressed her lips to yours, soft and gentle—the familiar taste of cherry from her lip balm making you sigh in content. The kiss was warm, comforting, like coming home. When she pulled back, her eyes fluttered open, a shy smile tugging at her corner of her lips. “I love you more,” she whispered, her breath mingling with yours.

It was safe to say that you didn’t manage to finish your project anytime soon. But with Tara in your arms, you wouldn’t have it any other way.

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

a/n: i hope this is enough for ya'll bc i literally couldn't figure out a way to continue without it being too draggy and boring. fyi 'who hurt you' pt 2 should be coming out in 2 days hopefully idk AND idk how this taglist thing works so lmk if you'd be interested in it

taglist: @bella423

[yezznn]

Spending his break together — a Soobin drabble<3

pairings: Soobin x gn!reader

genre: fluff, comfort.

warnings: none! But pls let txt rest (I’m talking to you, HYBE employee reading fanfics for fan service purposes)

check out my masterlist | remember this is fictional!

You could see it in his eyes during video calls—the toll of constant comebacks and rehearsals. His dedication was unwavering, but his health was starting to suffer. His fans were literally begging on every social media for the company to give his group a break, but Soobin still came on camera with his beautiful dimpled smile and tried to reassure everyone that they were just fine. It didn’t take long to become more evident, though, to the point it was starting to worry you, too. Being an idol’s partner wasn’t fun all the time, you’d spent more time without him than with him, and you feared that asking him to take it easy would come out as selfishness.

But when his company finally granted him a long-term break, it was like a breath of fresh air. You received his call while at work, and the relief in his voice was palpable. "Guess who's coming home for Christmas?" he said, and your heart leaped with joy.

The moment you saw him at the airport, a mix of emotions washed over you. He looked tired but happy, and the tight hug you share says more than words ever could. "I've missed you so much," he whispered into your hair, and even with his enormous height he looked like a vulnerable child, just glad to be back.

With Soobin home, your days are filled with cozy nights in. You’d cook his favorite meals, catching up on all the moments you missed. He helps you decorate the Christmas tree, laughing as he tries to untangle the fairy lights. You make it a point to take care of him, ensuring he gets plenty of rest. You have lazy mornings with breakfast in bed, and some late night walks to play in the snow— even when the cold becomes unbearable.

Knowing how much Soobin values quality time, you plan a day of relaxation. You both decide to stay in the day of his birthday, lounging in comfortable clothes and catching up on all the shows and movies he's missed during his busy schedule.

Throughout the day, you surprise him with little gifts. A cozy sweater, a book he's been wanting to read, and a new pair of headphones. Each gift is wrapped with love, and his eyes light up with every unwrapping. "You always know exactly what I need," he says, giving you a warm hug. In the afternoon, you suggest baking a cake together. Soobin's laughter fills the kitchen as you both fumble with the ingredients, making a mess but enjoying every moment.

As the day turned into night, you led Soobin to a surprise party you'd secretly arranged with his friends and family. The moment he steps into the backyard, he's greeted with a chorus of "Happy Birthday!" And you could swear you’ve never seen him happier before. Back at home, as you both got ready for bed, Soobin wrapped his arms around you and murmured, "This has been the best birthday ever. Thank you for everything."

As the year comes to an end, you spend New Year's Eve together, reflecting on the past year and all you've been through. At midnight, he pulls you close, kissing you softly and promising that the coming year will be even better.

This time together strengthens your bond like never before. Soobin appreciates your support, and you cherish every moment spent with him. As his break comes to an end, you both know that no matter how busy life gets, your love is the constant that keeps you both going.

a/n: in honor of Soobin’s update 💗 I miss him so so so much but I’m so happy to know he’s resting and sharing with his family. I’m just hoping they’ll get the rest they deserve and come back healthier and more energized! This was really rushed so I’m sorry if it’s kind of bad, just felt like writing a something for Soob.

[i-lived-i-died-and-now-i-sleep]

Baldwin IVs love language

I thought about how one person could possibly win over Baldwins heart and decided to write about the ways I think he enjoys to be cherished as a partner. Hope you enjoy!

I think Baldwin prefers three out of the five love language types: Quality time, words of affirmation and physical touches. Let me explain why:

Quality time: Baldwin definitely enjoys to spend some alone time with his significant other. It doesn't matter if you sit together after a long day and you listen to him talking about the political situation in the kingdom, you two sitting comfortably next to each other while you both read a book, or even meet up to eat dinner together: this is his favorite time of the day. Spending time with you,getting to know you is THE most important thing for Baldwin. For most of his life, he usually spend the evenings either alone or with work but ever since you came into his life, he looks forward to each end of a day when he can finally join you and just cherish your company. I really think due to the leprosy and the limits of physical love that comes with it, Baldwin falls in love with a mind,not looks. So if you talk to him about philosophy,history or some good stories of French knights,he will absolutely fall for you. He really needs this time to make sure that he stays grounded, to remember he found a home in you.

Words of affirmation: While Baldwin definitely stands his ground in political discussions and acts as a remarkable ruler on the outside (and the inside!), I think he also has a very vulnerable side to him. How could he not? Carrying the future of the whole kingdom on his shoulders while suffering from an incurable disease that may or may not be connected to the wrath of God? Baldwin definitely has his moments when he is sure that he can't continue like this. Shallow moments when the anger he feels about this situation does seem to get to his head. He usually spends these moments alone in his private chambers because he doesn't want to show anyone how he much the world hurts sometimes, but after some time, he would definitely let the mask down (haha) in front of you. It may take a while for him to be really comfortable to show anyone how he truly feels but as soon as he accepts you as his safe place, he WILL let his guard down. You accepting this side of him, listening to him rambling, drying his tears feels like heaven on earth to him. He loves to hear words of support from you, how he is a good king and how proud you are of him. But sometimes it's enough for him to just listen to your breath while he lays on your chest and accept his tears.

Physical touch: Listen to me, this man is touch - starved for what seems like forever. Every day of his life consists of people avoiding his presence, avoiding his touch, fearing him. And he isn't even angry about this,how could he? They fear the leprosy and he completely understands this. He himself still can't believe sometimes that God brought this upon him and the way this illness is destroying every part of his body is utterly disturbing. Yes, sometimes he feels like a rotten corpse that somehow still clings to life. He would never EXPECT anyone to willingly touch him, although he silently hopes that he will feel physical love again...somewhen. So when you softly touch his hand while you both play chess, he is sure that he can hear the blood rushing through his veins. His heart is beating faster than ever and although he can't exactly FEEL you, seeing someone closing the physical gap is enough for butterflies to fly in his stomach. The thought alone that you don't FEAR him, that you don't think him ugly or nasty but,on the contrary, long for his touch may be the best feeling for him. So every time you draw him in for a soft hug, kiss his mask or lay your hand in his, he feels like the luckiest man on earth. He will always make sure that he and your shared physical touches aren't a danger to you tho; the last thing he wants for you is to share this unholy illness with him.

[theunsinkableship1]

Lukola, the way they are

Lukola the way they are

Disclaimer: This is a Lukola space skip if you don’t believe.

This contains spoilers for the 1973 movie The way we were. If you haven’t seen it, I recommend you watch it and come back later. Once again, this is just pure speculation, one theory amongst many others.

I’ve been deeply immersed in the Lukola bubble for over a year now, and truthfully, it’s been an emotional rollercoaster, intense, unpredictable, and unlike anything I’ve experienced before. Spending so much time thinking about something so niche, so easily dismissed by others as irrational or far-fetched, is very unlike me. I’m not usually the person to fall headfirst into a phenomenon like this. And yet… here I am.

I can’t fully explain why this bond between Luke and Nicola grabbed me the way it did. It wasn’t planned. It wasn’t logical. But it has held me in a kind of emotional chokehold ever since. There’s something that I’ve recognized between them, something real, subtle, and hauntingly familiar. I feel it deeply, even if I can’t quite articulate what it is or why it matters so much to me. It’s a wonder. But I have my guesses.

One of my favorite movies from childhood, one I’ve returned to time and time again over the years. Is The Way We Were. And each and every time it breaks my heart like it’s the first time That film, in all its aching beauty, reminds me of the Lukola situation. In many ways, the dynamic between Luke and Nicola echoes the poignant, bittersweet rhythm of Katie Morosky and Hubbell Gardiner: The longing. The misalignment. The knowing that love exists, and yet watching as it bends beneath the weight of timing, society, fear, and compromise. Like Katie and Hubbell, Luke and Nicola at least in the way I perceive them, carry the glow of something rare and soul-deep, something that perhaps wasn’t meant to bloom under public scrutiny. What if Nicola and Luke were like Hubbell and Katie?

The way we were is a well-known movie, a classic but for those who need a quick reminder, it’s a romantic drama released in 1973 starring Barbra Streisand and Robert Redford. It follows the love story between Katie, a fiercely passionate activist, and Hubbell, a charming but apolitical writer. Despite their intense connection, their opposing values, her fiery idealism and his desire for an easier life, ultimately pull them apart. Set against the political tensions of mid-20th century America, the film explores how love alone isn’t always enough. Its bittersweet ending, where they reunite briefly but realize they can never truly be together, remains one of cinema’s most iconic heartbreaks.

In The Way We Were, when Hubbell and Katie meet at the end, years after their breakup, there’s warmth… but also a wall. Their chemistry is still there, the love is still there, but the timing, the life choices, the world around them, all of it conspired to keep them apart. One of the most heartbreaking parts of that film is the finality of that moment. Katie fixes Hubbell’s hair, a habit she had when they were together, and then they walk away, forever in love, but never to be together again.

In the movie, Katie is all intensity, political, emotional, and passionate. Hubbell is gentler, more passive, a golden boy who loves ease and harmony. When they fall in love, it’s electric, but never simple. Katie sees the best in Hubbell, believes in him, pushes him to be more. Hubbell is drawn to her fire, her belief in something greater, but he also fears it, because it threatens the peace he’s learned to survive within.

The story of Lukola, at least in the eyes of many fans, mirrors that emotional tension. Two people with different energies, caught in something deep, real, and not always allowed to bloom fully in the spotlight.Nicola has often embodied qualities like conviction, advocacy, self-expression, and openness. She's political, articulate, and fearless, not unlike Katie, who refuses to compromise her truth, even when it costs her. Katie is outspoken, impassioned, and intellectually alive committed to justice, expression, and truth, even when it makes others uncomfortable. Nicola can also make people feel uncomfortable not because she isn’t lovable, but because she isn’t predictable. Her humor is sharp, her presence subversive, her intellect disarming. Like Katie, Nicola has often been the more publicly outspoken one: defending her co-stars, advocating for peace in Gaza, women’s stories and trans rights, and embracing the literary and political Her Capricorn Sun gives her ambition and self-respect, while her Virgo Moon offers a detail-oriented emotional world, and her Sagittarius Rising adds boldness, curiosity, and philosophical depth. She is, like Katie, complex and not easily digestible for an industry that often prefers palatability. That Sagittarius Rising explains her outward warmth, wit, and sense of justice, a truth-seeker who is both humorous and expansive in her outlook. Her rising sign speaks to how she leads with energy that feels both fiery and thoughtful, resonating with Nicola's articulate and adventurous presence. Both Katie and Nicola are driven by a kind of fire from within. Whether it’s a creative mission or a political cause, neither can live a shallow life. Loyalty is central to both, once they give themselves, they give completely. But betrayal or ideological misalignment cuts deep. Both can appear composed or stubborn, but beneath that is a longing to be understood, seen, and accepted, as they are. But Katie and Nicola also have fundamental differences. Katie is all openness, all fight, all heart-on-sleeve. Nicola (astrologically with Virgo Moon and Capricorn Sun,) likely processes privately, with emotional caution, she may struggle more with initiating emotional exposure. Katie chooses her ideals over a man. Nicola's potential chart suggests a desire to blend the dream of a stable union with personal freedom.

Luke, on the other hand, feels more careful, image-aware, soft-spoken, and aligned with a system that values presentation.  His Leo Rising grants him the natural charisma, charm, and performer’s aura explaining his on-stage or screen magnetism, lush hair, and poised presence. It matches how people are drawn to him: not because he demands attention, but because he radiates a warmth that feels both gentle and royal. Aquarius Sun adds detachment, originality, and idealism, while Leo Rising ties it together with heart and visibility. But the Cancer Moon tempers this with a profound emotional core, meaning he’s more attuned to feeling than his Sun might suggest. It also explains a natural shyness beneath his public charm and an internal tug-of-war between independence and emotional safety. He’s like Hubbell: someone who loves deeply, but who may find it difficult to push back against the expectations placed on him. Both Hubbell and Luke have a magnetic, dreamy quality, and can be elusive in intimate relationships. Both carry a quiet ache, a longing for connection that’s often unfulfilled because they retreat rather than engage fully. Luke’s Pluto and Uranus dominance suggests he is more likely to undergo inner transformation and face darkness, whereas Hubbell avoids conflict. Luke might find strength in evolving through pain, he said he sees himself as less of a pushover than his Colin’s character, whereas Hubbell withdrew into passivity. The Cancer Moon makes him deeply sensitive, emotionally nurturing, and privately sentimental, someone who might hide his truest feelings under a shell of politeness or professional decorum. Hubbell, the All-American golden boy, thrives in a world that rewards simplicity, beauty, and charm. He is a good man, but one shaped by a system that never asked him to question his place in it. Luke, as a Leo rising with a tender Cancer Moon, carries the warmth and magnetism of the golden child archetype. He shines on screen, but there's a deep emotional undercurrent in him that, like Hubbell’s, may be both drawn to and overwhelmed by the intensity of someone like Katie/Nicola.

From Nicola’s perspective, stepping away from Luke, if she ever had to would not necessarily be about a lack of feeling. It might be about the harshness of reality. Being with someone in the same spotlight can feel like sanctuary or suffocation, depending on the day. She may deeply care for him, may have even loved him but protecting herself, her craft, and the life she’s built could come first. Nicola has carved her career through substance, sharp intelligence, and quiet defiance of industry norms. She’s not one to play a role offscreen just to make others comfortable. And if being with Luke, even privately meant being pulled into another orbit, another pace, another expectation of femininity or visibility, she may have sensed that love wasn’t enough to bridge that gap. Like Katie, Nicola could be someone with deeply held values and a fierce inner compass. She might be someone who feels too much and questions everything, while Luke, like Hubbell, could be more at ease in the mainstream, more conflict-avoidant, more inclined to fit than to fight. That difference can create a powerful magnetic pull and also a chasm.

Katie loved Hubbell, but she couldn’t bear to dull her convictions to stay in his world. She straightened her hair, softened her voice, tried to fit in, but in the end, it wasn’t her. If Nicola ever tried to adjust herself, make herself smaller, quieter, more digestible for the sake of harmony, she may have felt that she was betraying something vital.

If Luke is like Hubbell, he may deeply love and admire her, but feel pressure (from career, management, or internalized expectations) to choose a safer, quieter kind of relationship. One that doesn’t challenge the architecture of his public persona. Not necessarily because he doesn’t care, but because he doesn’t know how to fight for love that would require him to change his entire framework. Luke’s Cancer Moon would feel safest in a private, protected love one that doesn’t feel exposed or at risk. But the tension comes from his Aquarius Sun (which craves independence) and Leo Rising (which puts him in the spotlight). He may feel emotionally torn: the heart wants intimacy and protection; the public path demands performance and distance. Luke’s Mars in Virgo is more detail-oriented, cautious, perfectionistic and has a strong sense of duty. While Nicola’s Capricorn Sun and Virgo Moon echo that pragmatic realism, their two Moons (his in Cancer, hers in Virgo) are very different emotionally: she may intellectualize her feelings, while he deeply feels them. There could be tension in how they approach decision-making and conflict.

In both cases, the more emotionally expressive partner is the quieter one (Luke/Hubbell), while the more intellectually vocal partner (Nicola/Katie) speaks what others dare not say.

What makes the Lukola connection so compelling is how their dynamic subtly inverts the roles we see in Bridgerton and The Way We Were. On-screen, Nicola as Penelope plays the quiet outsider who loves deeply and watches from the sidelines, much like Katie Morosky. Colin, like Hubbell, is the golden boy unaware of the depth right in front of him.

But in real life, this dynamic appears reversed. Luke, much like Katie, seems steady, emotionally sincere, and possibly more willing to embrace something real, even if it's difficult. Nicola, on the other hand, resembles Hubbell, charming, admired, and caught between affection and ambition. Like Colin, Nicola is charming, ambitious, and outwardly self-assured. She may be drawn to Luke’s emotional truth while still navigating the expectations of fame, industry circles, and a life where simplicity feels safer than emotional risk. Nicola, in her real-life trajectory, is the rising star, funny, stylish, clever whose charisma naturally places her in the spotlight, yet she may feel ambivalent about vulnerability or romantic entanglements complicating her independence. Like Hubbell, Nicola could be seen as someone from a world that values simplicity, decorum, and upward momentum. She may be torn between the authenticity of a bond like Lukola and the easier public narrative. Like Hubbell, she might fear that love requiring change or compromise could cost her stability or alienate her from those around her.

Like Penelope, Luke has often been perceived as soft-spoken, gentle, and underestimated, but behind the boyish charm, he might hold depth and vulnerability that aren’t immediately visible. Both are observers, often watching from the edges, craving to be fully seen. Like Katie Morosky, Luke seems to love deeply and with conviction once he’s committed. There’s a sense of emotional loyalty, even stubbornness. Luke, too, radiates a quiet steadiness, like Katie, he may want more than the superficial relationship, even if he’s not always permitted to show it. There’s a fire under the calm. A desire to be chosen not just publicly but meaningfully. In Bridgerton, Nicola, as Penelope, is the yearning outsider who loves in silence, much like Katie. In life, Luke may be the one quietly holding space, like Katie, while Nicola navigates the public-facing, “Hubbell”-esque role, complicated by expectations, ambition, and perhaps a fear of disruption.

Their inversion only deepens the mirror effect: it’s not just their characters that resonate, but the way those roles flip in life suggesting a bond that is both cinematic and soul-level.

Nicola is intuitive, emotional, grounded. Luke may lean toward expressing through action or performance (Leo rising), not always verbal clarity. Luke’s Cancer Moon feels deeply and instinctively craves emotional safety and intimacy. When Nicola withdraws, his natural impulse might be to offer care or closeness, which could sometimes feel overwhelming or mismatched if she needs distance. This could lead to emotional misalignment, not from a lack of love, but from different emotional rhythms and coping styles. Misunderstandings could arise if they don’t verbalize emotions directly. Like Luke said in Italy, there needs to be good communication between two friends who fall in love.

Nicola’s Capricorn could want stability, control, and emotional structure. Luke’s Cancer Moon is nurturing, deeply sensitive, and emotionally protective but it can also be guarded, indirect, or withdrawn when overwhelmed. This could easily trigger her fear of instability, especially if she senses emotional retreat or unspoken feelings.

Luke and Nicola come from slightly different worlds. Not necessarily in status, but in tone and style. Nicola’s world is politically alert, inward, often quietly radical. Luke’s is perhaps more polished, performative, and traditional. Families or friends’ disapproval spoken or implied, could have played a role. Sometimes, it’s not outright rejection, but the invisible weight of not fitting into the box you’re expected to occupy beside someone so publicly cherished.

It’s easy to imagine they shared something real. Their intimacy, their comfort, their synchronicity, it reads like more than friendship. Maybe they were together, quietly, away from cameras and chaos. Maybe they talked about everything, scripts, secrets, the kind of future they each wanted. But sometimes, love has to reckon with reality. Different lifestyles, different family cultures, different definitions of “peace” can wear down even the strongest connection. For one, peace might mean stillness, stability, tradition. For the other, it might mean freedom, truth, and refusal to compromise.

And so, like Katie and Hubbell, maybe they loved each other in a deep and wordless way and still chose to part. Not with anger, not with blame, but with the bittersweet grace of knowing it couldn’t work as they were. They may never say it out loud, but some silences speak of a love that couldn’t survive the world but refused to die in the heart.

Your girl is lovely, Hubbell.” Katie says it to Hubbell in the last scene, knowing they’ll never truly reunite, yet still loving him. This famous line could easily echo in a future where Lukola no longer exists in the public eye but continues to haunt both hearts.

Katie and Hubbell’s love was real. So was its impossibility. This is the paradox that lives at the heart of Lukola, a love that feels inevitable yet exists within invisible constraints.

And just like Katie and Hubbell, Nicola and Luke, if their bond ever mirrored their characters, might have found themselves trapped between private truth and public duty between what feels right and what looks right.

This echoes the mirror theory: they feel each other, love each other, and reflect each other, but may not be permitted to join each other.

Timing was everything for Katie and Hubbell. If they’d met a few years later after Hubbell had grown into more of his potential and perhaps developed a backbone for conviction they may have stood on more equal emotional ground.

Katie loved Hubbell for who he could be, not necessarily who he was. That kind of love burns out. Hubbell, meanwhile, never really told Katie what he needed emotionally. If both had stopped idealizing each other and had more honest, vulnerable conversations, they might’ve built a life rooted in reality, in truth as Golda would say, not projection.

Their relationship always teetered on Katie bending or Hubbell retreating. What they lacked was a third space they built together, instead of folding into one another’s. A place where Katie could stay political and active, and Hubbell could still be creative without shame.

Katie wanted the world to change, urgently. But sometimes love means letting people evolve slowly. Meanwhile, Hubbell had to stop being passive and start showing up for the hard parts. If they’d each done a little more work on themselves, without expecting the other to carry the weight, they might have lasted.

If we had the chance to do it all again, tell me, would we? Could we?” sings Barbra Streisand, in “The Way We Were”

Lukola, like Katie and Hubbell, might always carry that question. Did we miss our window? Or was our love always meant to be a brief, breathtaking alignment?

Yet where The Way We Were ends in permanent goodbye, Lukola may still be mid-arc. Luke and Nicola are younger than Katie and Hubbell at the end of their story. There’s still room for growth, return, and reclamation, if courage meets timing.

Katie and Hubbell taught us that love alone isn’t always enough, but that doesn’t make it less real. Likewise, Lukola carries the ache of a connection that might not fit into the shape demanded by a certain part of public life. But that ache is sacred. It teaches. It mirrors.

In their emotional symmetry, supposed slightly political divergence, and unspoken longing, Lukola echoes The Way We Were, a love forged in truth, tempered by timing, and remembered forever in the softest corners of the heart.

Some people fear that Luke and Nicola like Hubbell and Katie might never work together again after Bridgerton, especially if their offscreen bond became complicated or emotionally intense. There’s a quiet anxiety that what once felt so effortless, so collaborative and creative, may now be too charged or too fragile to revisit.

But here’s the key difference: Luke and Nicola are not fictional characters, and this isn’t a script written to break hearts. Real people change. Real people heal. And real collaboration, especially between artists who genuinely respect each other, can take many forms.

Luke and Nicola’s on-screen magic is not common. The way they mirrored, moved together, enhanced each other’s performances, it was layered, nuanced, and organic. That kind of connection isn't something creators let go of easily. Whether they’re close personally or not, their shared understanding of rhythm and emotional storytelling is gold. Professionals know the value of that. And fans aren’t the only ones who see it.

Let’s say just hypothetically that Luke and Nicola did have a deeper bond that complicated things. That doesn’t mean collaboration is off the table. Artists work through far more intense dynamics all the time. Sometimes, distance and growth allow for reunion in new ways cleaner, more stable, even more powerful. If they ever did mean something to each other, that’s not a reason to avoid working together, they already do. In fact, it might be what fuels even more meaningful future projects. I don’t fear that for them. What I fear is an unhappy ending for them.

The Way We Were is a tragedy because Hubbell leaves. Because love isn’t always enough when the world around you won’t bend. Hubbell left because he couldn’t rise to meet Katie’s fire. But perhaps Luke is not like Hubbell. And Nicola is not like Katie. Maybe they are both fires, just learning to burn in the same direction. Or maybe they were once the sun and moon, orbiting in love, and now they are stars distant, but never disconnected. The last scene hasn’t been written. And even if they never share a screen again after Bridgerton, what they gave us, that ache, that truth, that beauty was already more than most actors ever get to give.

But in real life the Lukola story may still be unfinished. Perhaps they loved in the margins. Perhaps they still do. Or perhaps, they’re simply navigating different oceans now but carrying that deep, once-in-a-lifetime recognition in the quiet of their hearts.

And yet: unlike the movie, real life has no final credits, everything is possible until death. The connection, if it was ever real still lives, even if it has changed form. It lingers in glances, silences, what-ifs, and parallel choices.

So maybe Lukola isn’t Hubbell and Katie, maybe they’re the version who, given enough time, find their way back. Or maybe in our wildest dreams, they’re already walking alongside each other quietly, writing their love in invisible ink, until the world is ready to read it.

[swagyalastorwife]

Adam dating alphabet{ headcanons}

Author's notes : hiiiiiiii guyssss (^-^)/❤️I hope you like it and sorry for the spelling mistakes

⚠️warning ⚠️: jerk off, mention of sex very often, sex life

🔝maybe I'm overdoing it a little but I prefer to warn⚠️

♡A affection:

He is not afraid to show you how much he loves you in private, in public it's another story, he has to keep his cool guy image but even in public he won't hesitate to hold your hand and slap your butt

♡ B His favorite part of your body:

He loves your butt and your breasts my god, he will never take his hand off your butt and when you cuddle he automatically puts his head in your breasts

♡C curiosity:

He is a very curious man and he will always ask you what your things are for, makeup, sanitary napkins, etc.

♡ D dirty secrets:

He secretly dreams of doing it in public...or that you have total control over him, you will tie him up with handcuffs and ride him all night long..

♡ E experience:

He has had a lot of bad relationships because of lilith and Eve so the day he saw you for the first time he understood very quickly that you were the right one! don't disappoint him he loves you more than anything

♡ F favorite moment with you:

In the evening after a long day of work he loves to snuggle up to you and complain about others Angel

♡ G generous:

For you he will do anything and he will offer you everything you want, he just wants you to be happy with him

♡ H home:

He does not clean the house but will do the tasks that you tell him to do. If by some miracle he puts something away without you asking him he will want you to congratulate him

"hey baby I cleaned the dishes"

"ha that's cool thanks Adam"

"is that all you have to say to me?? just thank you??"

♡ I intimacy:

He loves these moments of intimacy with you but not only sexual no, just being snuggled up against you makes him so happy

♡ J jerk off:

Well he will only do it if you refuse to fuck him, he will do it by looking at photos of you

♡ K keep your secrets:

He is your biggest confidant and he will never betray you he loves you too much for that and he will keep your secrets and he will never use them against you

♡ L language of love:

Touch he loves touching you and his biggest fear is losing you, even at night he holds you close to him because he is afraid that you will leave and leave him alone

♡ M motivation to get up in the morning:

0/10 he does not like being woken up and go to work these are the excuses he uses because in truth he simply loves being stuck to you and loves the warmth that comes off your body, he does not want to be separated from you, good luck getting him up

♡ N name:

He calls you baby, honey, sweet heart, killer boobs, slut in the hottest moments and many other nicknames

♡ O Oral:

As much as possible, and will do anything to hear you scream his name too

♡ P physical touch:

As I have already said everywhere! and at any time

♡ Q quality time:

For him quality time is when it's just the two of you and there's no one else, snuggled up on the couch and watching TV

♡ R rock:

When he sees you naked or just wants you he'll get hard as a rock

♡ S sex life:

Every occasion birthday, party, in the shower, and especially in every room of the house

♡ T tickle:

He likes to hold you down on the bed and tickle you just to hear your sweet laugh

♡ U ugly:

He'll never admit it but he's very self-conscious about his physical appearance and always thinks he's too ugly to be with you

♡ V voice:

He loves hearing your voice, he could spend years listening to you talk

♡ W weird habit:

When you're away too long and he misses you he'll take a sweater of yours or your perfume to smell your scent {it's so cute}

♡ Xmas:

He didn't really Christmas before he met you but he quickly realized how great a party it was

♡ Y you:

You are everything to him, he literally lives for you without you his life would be like a punishment for him ,you are his fucking reason to live so please don't break his heart

♡ Zzzz:

He loves to sleep and especially with you, he will snore and will surely take up all the space in the bed

Iiii hope you like it (^-^)/❤️

[laidee-flegman]

30 journaling prompts for finding your true self

What does "authentic self" mean to you?

List three moments when you felt truly yourself. What were you doing?

Who are the most important people in your life, and why?

Describe a time when you felt misunderstood. How did you handle it?

What are your core values, and how do they guide your decisions?

What’s a hobby or interest that you’ve always wanted to explore?

Write about a time when you overcame a significant challenge.

How do you show love and appreciation to yourself?

What are three things you’re grateful for today?

Describe your ideal day. What would you do and who would you spend it with?

What’s a belief or habit you’d like to change, and why?

How do you deal with stress and what could you do differently?

What does success look like for you?

Write a letter to your younger self. What advice would you give?

Who inspires you, and what qualities do you admire in them?

What’s a dream or goal you’ve been hesitant to pursue? Why?

Reflect on a recent failure. What did you learn from it?

How do you define happiness, and are you living in a way that supports it?

What are your biggest fears, and how do they hold you back?

Describe a moment when you felt a deep sense of peace.

How do you nurture your creativity?

What’s one thing you can do today to move closer to your goals?

What limiting beliefs do you hold about yourself, and how can you challenge them?

Describe a time when you felt incredibly proud of yourself.

What does self-care look like for you?

How do you balance your needs with the needs of others?

What’s one habit you’d like to develop, and why?

How do you handle change and uncertainty in your life?

Write about a time you stepped out of your comfort zone. What was the outcome?

What does living an authentic life mean to you, and how can you strive towards it every day?

[multific]

Obsession

Vincent De Gramont x Reader

Summary: He had one obsession, you.

Vincent liked the finer things in life.

Food, drinks, clothes, cars or houses, it didn't matter.

To him, quality was the most important.

He became so rich that now he was at a point where he didn't even have the time to spend it. 

He was obsessed with fine things. He loved his suits, had a nice collection of only the best.

He was obsessed with cars, old-timers and newer models both parked in his garage. 

Vincent was obsessed with his job, it gave him authority, something he always craved, power.

But lately, his obsession was you.

You being just a normal woman he saw one day, he was confused as to just why he found you to be so enticing.

There was something about you, something he couldn't quite figure out.

He found it weird how a man of his status found himself completely taken by a simple woman.

He wanted to know everything. He needed to know everything.

And he needed to have you. 

You were quick to learn that Vincent wasn't the sweet Prince type. Oh, far from it actually.

He was dangerous.

The moment you met him you knew this. You felt the hair on the back of your neck stand up as soon as you saw him. 

He was a walking red flag. 

But just why did you not run? Why did you find yourself intrigued by him? Why did you say yes every time he whispered sweet things into your ear? 

And just why did he have to have that sexy accent?!

The man was a walking red flag, yes, but apparently you were colourblind because you ignored it. 

He was rich, elegant, sexy and dangerous. Truly an awful mix but what could you do?

Your first date was on top of the Eiffel Tower, he rented the entire place out, just for the two of you.

You tried to figure out if he was romantic or if he just knew how to woo a woman. 

Maybe both.

Because when later that night, he dropped you off at yours, he kissed all the way from your shoulder to your neck, making you see stars as he whispered 'You are mine' in the most possessive and sexy way a man could.

Your insides were screaming at you, both from fear and arousal.

Why did he have to be so handsome on top of it all?

It would have been so much easier if he just rude but no, of course not, he had to be a gentleman.

It wasn't until a couple of months of dating that you saw his scary side.

One late afternoon, you went to his office while he was on the phone, he failed to notice you as he yelled into the phone the scariest things one could hear.

Promises of torture and a slow death, his gaze and body language said it all, he wasn't lying.

When he was done, due to anger he smashed the phone to the ground and this is when he noticed you as you jumped a little. 

Your eyes locked with his as he cursed at himself in French.

You long forgot why you were in there in the first place.

"I have never seen you so angry, Vincent."

"Mon Amour, I'm so so sorry that you had to see me like that. I prom-"

"Do it again." you said cutting him off as he suddenly froze. 

He didn't expect for you to say that, you didn't expect to say that to be fair. He thought you would run and hide or yell at him to never ever look for you.

But you didn’t.

"Something about the anger, you are always so collected and calm. Even when you saw the guy flirting with me at the bar, you have never even raised your voice."

"Did you find it... exciting?"

"Yes." your answer was simple and immediate. “Do it again, Vincent.”

“Mon Amour,” He smirked, he knew you would be perfect.

Vincent truly found his other half in you. His obsession turned into love but his possessive tendencies never faltered. 

Even if you were only a simple woman with a boring job, you had no idea of the power you held in your hands, you had the great Marquis wrapped all around your little finger.

And on the other hand, you had the most expensive diamond wrapped around your ring finger.

Taglist: @fleursirvart @greenarrowhead @thisismysecrethappyplace @sincerelyfan @theoneanna @aestheticsandmarvel @rororo06 @castellandiangelo​ @destynelseclipsa @spilledinkindumpster @capsiclesdoll @puknow @alwayshave-faith @alex12948 @lxdyred  @imagines-by-a-typical-fangirl @anonymoussherlockandmarvelgeek @praline357 @trshngyn @avengers-r-us @violet-19999 @top1bbgloak   @manduse   @jacalineiscomingforyou  @mandoloriancookie @noname2246

@l4venderia

~Masterlist~

ˇAO3ˇ

DO NOT STEAL, REPOST OR TRANSLATE ANY OF MY WORKS  

[sleepingdeath-light]

finding out his s/o is pregnant hcs ; older!our!ciel

requested by ; echosoftheocean (—/02/23)

fandom(s) ; black butler

fandom masterlist(s) ; hub | main cast

character(s) ; our!ciel phantomhive

outline ; “ Saw the fluffy February event and meant to send an ask in sooner but forgot. I hope I'm not too late. I'm sure you know me by now, but my request is some fluff with OCiel x female reader regarding him finding out she's gonna have his heir.”

warning(s) ; none, just fluff!

his schedule had been packed full of meetings and missions for the past few months, leaving him very little time to spend with you during the day

this also meant that he saw very little of your early symptoms — certainly not enough to predict such a substantial announcement

of course he realised you were rather ill, but he assumed you were just under the weather and instructed the staff to keep an eye on you

to keep you fed, warm and healthy

so when he finally has the afternoon free to lounge with you, and he calls you into his office to spend some quality time together, he doesn’t quite understand why you seem so fidgety

nor why the servants are grinning and giggling amongst themselves as they escort you to his private office

and he certainly doesn’t appreciate he the knowing smirk on sebastian’s face as he dismisses himself with a warm smile and a bowed head to you

not until you take his hands in your own and blurt out that you were pregnant

like actually pregnant, having confirmed it every way you could: anecdotally (via bard), medically (through the family physician), based on symptoms and even according to demonic intuition (three guesses)

and as you’re explaining all of this, he’s dead silent with this startled expression on his face as he takes in the news — not quite able to believe that you were with child

this is the case for several moments until — just as you’re starting to worry — he snaps out of his stupor and he grins this broad, earnest grin and just starts laughing

he pulls you to your feet and into a kiss before dropping to his knees and placing his hands on your stomach (despite the fact that you were too early to show)

you were going to have a child, you were finally starting a family — you and him and this baby you were carrying

it was a dream come true… something more even

and between the affection and celebration of the moment he’s calling for sebastian and instructing him to ready a room adjacent to your own to become the nursery — and to increase protection around the estate

you mean the world to him and he wants nothing more than to nurture and adore this life you’re carrying — and whilst he’s scared and hurt and fearful for what the future holds, he knows that he’ll be able to bear it so long as you remain by his side

as is the nature of love

[forevamark]

time lapse | 1. dreams and all

remember when i said ‘would be posted tomorrow.’..? 

... and that was like... 2 years ago? well i lied. LOL life has been rough lately but alas my pride and joy is finished.

Pairing: mark lee x fem!reader

Tags: pre idol debut to idol au, christmas and new years time line, slice of life moments, college student reader, substantial plot leading to smut, very dialogue heavy, angsty moments, slow burn, relationship struggle, lovers to exes to lovers

Intended for 18+ readers, minors do not interact.

masterlist for time lapse

ᥫ᭡.next

Word Count : 6.1k+

Summary: Mark has always had the dream of becoming a big music star, meanwhile your aspirations lied with academics and coexisting with Mark. Mark struggles with telling reader that he will be leaving for Korea to pursue his music career very soon, in fear of losing what they have.

warnings are under the tab for chapters that apply.

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

“What do you think about this?” Mark asked as he sat above you strumming on his guitar. You were sitting on the floor between his legs focused on your eight-page paper.

“In a sec,” you reply while wrapping up the sentence you were on.

“Take a break…” Mark whined trying to pry the laptop from your speedy fingers.

“Mark, it’s due in two days. I will listen in a sec.”

“Mhmm.” He sulked, leaning back into the sofa and continuing his chord progression.

Days like this were stressful- due to the plethora of assignments that piled on- but soothing in a way. Your schedules never aligned this often, but Mark was so entirely enamored with you that he’d do anything to spend his free time just being with you. 

“I can’t believe it’s been three hours and I only have my thesis done,” you sighed while resting your head on his knee.

“You got this,” he replies while running a hand soothingly through your hair while the other writes something down on the notepad next to him, “I believe in you.”

“Do you need anything to help you focus? Am I being too loud?” he asks while going to the kitchen and lighting your favorite candle, “I can make you a snack?”

“Do you mind getting me some fruit? I feel like I need some brain food.” You asked while cracking your knuckles and continuing to type away.

Mark nods and walks back over, handing you a cut persimmon with the skin peeled off. He always knew what you needed before even saying it out loud.

Humming in appreciation you immediately start chewing on the sliced fruit.

Eyeing him from the corner you see him looking out of your apartment window. It was raining hard outside, Mark’s favorite. 

“Anything else you need to work on?” you ask. He shrugs his shoulders. 

“Not much else, I want your opinion on what I have then I’ll see what I can add from there. Don’t worry though,” he turns to look at you with a small smile, “I can wait.”

Mark has always been supportive of your dreams and aspirations. It was a shock when he told you he wouldn’t be joining you at university, but rather pursuing music instead. Although an adjustment, you supported him and he rooted for you. It seemed to be working out, he passed the first two rounds of auditions for a big music company and it looked like things were finally looking up for him. 

Some days you wouldn’t see him at all, and some days he picked you up from class and would stay glued to your side. He claims that he ‘soaked up inspiration from you’ hence the constant quality time and skinship. He knew you were working hard, pursuing a higher education was so important to you and your family, and he wanted to be present every step of the way. 

Unbeknownst to you, Mark also had a dark cloud overlooking him just like the city in front of him. He hasn’t yet told you that he passed the third and final round of auditions for his company and would be slated to move to Korea before the end of the year to begin his training. He couldn’t bear to break the news to you, not yet. Not when you were so close to finishing one of your hardest semesters yet.

“I think I can pull you away from that screen now y/n,” he says while tugging you away from the black-and-white screen.

“Hey! I’m not finished yet! I thought you said you could wait” you pouted trying to get loose.

“You’ve been working nonstop, you aren’t being as productive anymore.” He chuckles while slotting you to the seat across from him.

“Hi.” he smiles at you.

“Hi,” you respond.

There’s a moment of silence shared between you two. The only sound was the soft pitter-patter from outside hitting the patio. Mark stares at you lovingly, you can tell something is wrong but you can’t find the words to ask him just yet, too entranced by the current hold he has on you.

“So, the song, yeah?” you finally whisper aloud. 

“Hold on,” he replies, licking his lips and searching every inch of your face, memorizing this very moment to inspire him for what he’s about to play.

“What’s the holdup? Don’t get stage fright in front of me now Lee,” you lightly say while giggling.

“I, I just want to make you proud, okay?” he finally says with sad eyes.

“You always will, Mark.”

Guilt washed over Mark. Things were great, perfect even. But he just had to aspire for more. He should be satisfied with what he has now, he’s close to home, has a stable music career here in Canada, and most importantly, you. But just like you, he had the moon but he wanted every damn star in the galaxy. He didn’t want change, but nothing could satiate the hunger for something more. He was leaving, because he knew that this life, now, isn’t enough.

“Okay.” he takes a moment to gather himself, taking in some deep breaks and shaking his nerves out through his hands.

“Let’s hear it!” you shuffle sitting up straight in your chair.

Mark lets out one final breath before starting a low strum on his guitar. Flashes of memories throughout your relationship flash before his eyes. Your first snow day in Canada when you couldn’t get the ice off of your windshield, to the countless nights of watching reruns of Glee in your small shared apartment. 

He hits the chorus for the first time, opening his eyes to look around the room, unable to look at you just yet. Pictures of you two littered the walls, filled with your smiling and laughing faces. 

Mark mumbles small noises of nonsense to fill in the parts he doesn’t know what to put in between, sometimes trying out some lyrics at the top of his head. He shakes his head and chuckles when words don’t rhyme or quite fit, in return you share a smile enjoying him delving into his craft.

There’s something about the way that Mark can lose himself completely, in his little world and for brief moments you’re able to enter his mind, envisioning every note in a flow of synesthesia. He’s able to create color and landscape through sound, and what’s crazier is that he doesn’t even realize the extent of his art.

“And… I guess that’s it. What’d you think?” He asks as he lets out a final strum. The warmness of his music is still palpable in the room, despite the cold and dark weather that demands to be let inside. 

You take another moment staring at the man in front of you. Mark bit his fingers in anticipation. His large white tee hung loosely on his shoulders, his ripped jeans bounced waiting for your feedback.

Everything is perfect.

Nothing can take this moment away from you two. 

No words could exactly encapsulate how you felt so you decide to throw your arm around him. 

Mark lets out a sigh of relief as he sets his guitar to the side, “So I guess you liked it?” then reciprocates by pulling you into his lap.

“I loved it, Mark. I can’t wait to hear it all together, I liked that chord progression, I can hear it on the radio one day,” you mutter into his shirt.

The pitter-patter of rain outside was accompanied by the soft whimpers from the man whose chin sat upon your head.

“I’m always going to be here for you y/n,” he jaggedly says.

You two sat in each other's embrace for what seemed like an eternity. 

“Let me show you something,” he says, breaking the silence and adjusting your position to where your back is flush against him.

Mark sat the guitar in your hands, “Let’s start from the top, yeah?”

That night Mark taught you the song on his guitar, sometimes you filled in lyrics that felt right.

“They know we got the chemistry…” Mark sings.

“Love how your body feels on me, when you get back let me get that…” you finish with a small laugh.

“Yo!” he jumps up, lifting your laughing frame into the air, “That’s a bar!”

“Are you jealous that I may be a better rapper than you?” you giggle back.

“You’re coming for my career, baby girl!”

—

Six more hours.

Six more hours until this paper is due, and you’re almost done with this last page. 

Six more hours until the hell that was this semester is finally done.

Six more hours until you can crawl into bed with Mark and take a long-deserved nap.

“Almost there baby,” Mark says while massaging your shoulders.

“I got this,” you say while typing furiously.

“Hell yeah, you do.”

Your train of thought was interrupted by Mark’s ringtone going off from behind you.

“I’ll be right back, when I come back you better have this paragraph done!”

Sending him a stiff salute you continued to trudge on as he stepped into your bedroom and closed the door.

“Mark! What’s going on my man? Happy holidays!” his new manager cheered into the phone.

“It’s going well, just spending some time with family and friends while I can,” he replies while lying down on your bed and grabbing a stuffed My Melody to hold against him.

“Well, I’m glad you have been enjoying your last moments of freedom while you can. Speaking of which, I do have an early Christmas present for you!”

“Awesome! What is it?” 

“Well, the company wants you to start as soon as possible. I played them your audition and they think you can finish your training in less than a year!”

“That’s amazing!” Mark shoots up and runs his hands through his hair, “when do I fly out? Next year I hope?”

“Mark, I did say Christmas present didn’t I? You’ll leave the day after the 25th. I bought you some more time to spend with your family, but you’ll be spending the new year here, in Korea!”

Mark felt his heart drop. That was in two weeks. 

Two weeks to eat all the food he can.

Two weeks to brush up on dancing.

Two weeks to say goodbye to his family.

Two weeks to erase all traces of his friend groups’ antics.

Two weeks till he has to leave you.

“Uh… two weeks… wow that’s really soon.” 

“Absolutely! Now rest up Mark, this year is going to be the craziest experience of your life!”

His manager kept going on about the potential future he had coming for him. But Mark couldn’t seem to focus on all the newfound information. Slowly feeling the aroma of you envelop him fully, being surrounded by you everywhere, it was suffocating. 

How is he going to tell you?

“I finished it!” he heard your jumps of triumph in the distance, echoing to the pits of his empty stomach, “I’m finally done with this God-awful semester! One more year till graduation!”

You burst through the door interrupting Mark’s pensive state, wrapping yourself into him.

“You okay babe?” you realize pulling away slowly, eyeing his sweating frame, “you look a bit sick, want me to make you some ramen?”

“Oh no I’m fine, just fine really,” he shallowly laughs pulling himself away from you and moving to turn on the fan, “just got a little warm is all.”

“Who called?” you asked before flopping on the bed and sighing, “was it your manager? Did you get the job?”

“Uh yeah…” he shuffled, not meeting your eyes, “It was my manager, he had some good news…”

“Oh my God, did you pass?” you pounced on him awaiting the news.

“Uh… yeah, I did.” he lied.

“Markie!” you showered him in kisses and tight squeezes, your love for him unfaltering, “When do you leave?”

“Not for another year,” he smiled, not looking at you.

“Hopefully you’ll still be here for my graduation…” you sighed, “Nonetheless I’m glad I get to keep you to myself for a bit longer.

—

December 25, 2022

“And this one's for you babe,” you smiled plopping the present into his hands. The Christmas tree behind him set the picture-perfect scene. Surrounded by your closest friends and family exchanging presents in your matching red and green pajamas, bellies full from the holiday feast, and presents waiting to be opened. 

Mark happily obliged and ripped into the small package immediately. His eyes were wide as he lifted the contents with careful fingers.

“It’s a guitar pick,” you explained, seating yourself in his lap as he closely examined it, “so when you practice, you’ll always remember that I’m with you, cheering you on.”

Mark flipped the small piece over and nearly shed a tear at the small gold embossed scrawling you had designed a tiny heart.

“But hey, just because you have this doesn’t mean you can just stop cutting your fingernails! Also, it’s a reminder of me scolding you to stop biting your nails!” he chuckled lightly.

Mark didn’t have any words, mostly scared that he was going to start choking up if he even dared to open his mouth.

His present for you sat heavy in his pocket, the box weighing him down, anchored to the floor. Or was it the guilt that sat in his chest?

“Mark!” your friend Izaiah shouted while making his way over, interrupting Mark’s contemplation, “Heard the great news! So excited for you man! Look at you, finally pursuing your passion!” 

“Thank you, man, I appreciate it,” Mark responds, reaching a hand out to dap him up.

“Say, can’t believe you’re leaving so soon, what a shame, your mom has been a mess crying every time she hears your name.”

“We will make the most of the time we have together that’s for sure,” you interject snuggling into Mark.

“Well, you two better hurry,” Izaiah says while looking at his watch, “Time's ticking…”

“Well, good thing he is leaving-”

Mark suddenly stands up meeting Izaiah before you can finish your sentence, “Yeah I mean we will make it feel like a year that’s for sure! Gotta spend as much time with my baby as possible!” While patting his shoulder rather harshly and pleading with him with his eyes.

“Uh… Dude did you not-”

“Izaiah! Did you try the cherry cheesecake that y/n made? It’s so good! Let’s go have some now!”

“But I’m allergic!”

“Be right back babe just going to get a slice!” 

Mark pulls Izaiah to the kitchen in a secluded corner.

“Did you seriously not tell her yet? You leave tomorrow! Eighteen hours to be exact!” He harshly whispers to Mark.

“I just haven’t had the right moment to tell her yet…” Mark sighs, running a hand through his hair, “It’s going to break her.” 

“You know what might break her more? She wakes up tomorrow and goes over to your house to only be told you left the country!”

“I know!” Mark yells a bit too loudly. Everyone in the house turned to the shouting two with questioning eyes.

“Sorry folks! Just talking about some music things!” 

“Mark, you are going to quite literally ruin y/n. The only thing you are accomplishing-” 

“A toast!” The pair were interrupted by Mark’s parents who asked everyone to gather around.

“We are not done here, you will tell her tonight,” Izaiah states, shoulder-checking Mark before grabbing a champagne flute and joining everyone.

Mark takes a moment to collect himself before plastering a fake smile and rejoining at your side.

“Thank you, everyone, for joining us here tonight, as you all know Christmas is such a lovely time for all of us to reunite and enjoy each other’s company,” Mark’s dad announces.

“It’s been so long since I’ve seen some of you, that I almost didn’t recognize a few!” a chorus of chuckles resounded before he cleared his voice and continued, “As some of you may or may not know, God has truly blessed one of our own with the opportunity of a lifetime,” everyone turned towards Mark with proud smiles, “And I would like to thank each and every one of you who supported and believed in our dear son. Mark, we are all so proud of you and can’t wait to see you make music for the whole world to hear!” 

“That’s my boyfriend!” You shouted from the back, also receiving a coral of laughter. 

“Though we may not see you for a while, just know we are rooting for you, all of us here at home, love you dearly,” his mom chimed in, raising her glass towards him, “to Mark.”

“To Mark!” Everyone cheered, raising their glasses in unison.

“To Mark…” you softly said confused while looking up at him. 

Mark was sweating. Puddles.

He weakly lifted his glass and downed it in one gulp, not making eye contact with your questioning eyes beneath him. 

“Baby? What does she mean for a while? You don’t leave for a long while?” you ask with lips pouted.

“Uh… I think she just means that you all won’t see me for a bit because… I uh… will be busy getting ready to leave for training is all! Yeah! I am just so excited to be diving into my craft!”

“Oh. Okay. She made it sound like you were leaving tomorrow or something,” you chuckled sipping from your glass, “So, what did you get me for Christmas?”

Already flustered, Mark was saved by his ringtone, “Not yet, lemme take this real quick, it’s my manager.”

You nodded, turning to wait for your turn for the karaoke microphone while he stepped out onto the porch in the cold.

“Merry Christmas Mark!” his manager sang to him, “How is your day going?”

“Uh…” he huffed out, a puff of visible breath leaving his mouth as he shivered, “It’s been good. Hard to say goodbye.”

“Well, it’s another Christmas miracle, Mark! Luckily for you, unlucky for the company, all the airports in Canada have been temporarily unable to send out or land any planes due to severe weather warnings so we won’t be able to fly you out for a bit. I went back and forth with the company and bought you some more time, so you’ll leave the first of the year! New year, new beginnings, am I right?”

Mark couldn’t believe his ears. 

More time with you. More time to tell you.

“Are you serious?” he choked out.

“Yes! So please, tell that girlfriend of yours, I have a feeling you haven’t been able to break the news,” he pokes.

“Pshhh… what makes you think that?” 

“Well, considering the first file you sent over to me of singing samples were painful ballads, I would guess that you haven’t told her or you two broke up. And I just know neither one of you could do that.”

Mark looks out down the street, blurry colors barely visible due to the heavy amounts of snow falling, “I’ll tell her soon. Just not on Christmas.”

The two spent a few more minutes talking about logistics and excitement before Mark went back inside.

How is he going to break the news to you?

–

Mark was able to successfully avoid you for the remainder of the party, too many aunties and uncles pulling him away to congratulate him- even sneaking a few bills and checks into his pocket- and asking way too many questions about the future that made his head spin.

From time to time he would look over and see you playing with the heaps of children with their new toys, or holding some lady’s newborn baby, or helping his mom pack people’s takeaway plates. One aunt had to quite literally snap her fingers in front of his face to redirect his attention because he couldn’t stop swooning over you holding a set of sleeping baby twins. 

“I like her,” his aunt smiled while joining him in the hallway, “She’s the type you want to lock down.”

“I love her.”

“Then don’t break her heart, Mark, soon is coming whether you like it or not.”

You were now playing hide and seek with a few of the older kids and saw your bright red socks peeking out from under the tall curtains giving your spot away immediately.

“Only a coward will let something this small get in the way.” his aunt pats his shoulder before walking away.

—

“You know you never had the chance to give me your Christmas gift…” you trail while facetiming Mark in bed.

“You’ll get it soon, don't worry,” he laughs, shuffling the sheet music on his desk.

“You know, it is customary to exchange presents on Christmas right?”

“I am aware, I’ll give it to you next time I see you. New Year’s Eve right? We’re still going over to Izaiah’s?”

“I should be back by then.”

Trying to find the right time to tell you was arduous. The day after Christmas your family surprised you with a trip to New York to visit some of your family there. Just more time wasted where he couldn’t spend his last waking moments of freedom with you. Scrolling through Instagram, it tugged at his heartstrings seeing you smile and laugh with cousins you haven’t seen in a while, unaware of the disastrous news waiting for you at home with him. 

Cheers to the end of Fall 2022! Your caption reads, a boomerang with you cheering to the camera, a pint of beer daring to spill over.

“What time is your flight tomorrow?” he asks.

“Nine pm,” you respond yawning, “a few more stops for sightseeing, then my cousin is dropping us off at the airport.

“Am I still picking you up to go back to the apartment?”

“Yes please.”

There was movement on your end of the camera due to your cousins wrestling you to the ground, trying to sneak a peek at Mark.

“Hi, hyung!” one of the younger ones shouted with a toothless smile.

“Hello hello! Please be careful with my girlfriend, she is highly valuable to me!” he chuckles, leaning back into his bed. 

“No promises! She needs to take us ice skating now and she hasn’t gotten dressed yet!” he whines back.

“Okay okay, I surrender! Please get off, I’ll get ready now!” 

Mark bids you a farewell and heads to bed. 

One more sleep until it’s time to see you.

–

December 31, 2022

“Red or blue for tonight?” you shout from your closet.

“Hmm… I am wearing baby blue tonight. How about that dark blue dress you bought the other day?” Mark replies by sporting a towel around his waist and a toothbrush in his mouth. 

 “The sparkly one or the satin one?” you walk up behind him as he spits into the sink, taking in the options through the mirror.

“Definitely sparkly, it is New Year's Eve after all.”

“I don’t even want to go out…” you whine leaning onto Mark’s back and pecking his shoulder, “Can we just stay in…?” continuing a path of open mouth kisses to his neck.

“Hell no! Izaiah will kill us if we don’t show up! He’s been planning this all month!” he says trying not to give into your feeble attempts at seduction and focus on shaving his faint mustache.

“But I don’t wanna… the new year means another day closer to you leaving and I want to spend every minute with you!”

Mark’s back tenses at the mention of his departure.

“Yeah… me too baby,” he says, shrugging you off and heading towards the dresser to grab some boxers, “but let’s celebrate rather than think about that!”

The fresh hot shower couldn’t ease the nervousness that Mark felt. He was keeping this a secret.

Again.

From the moment he picked you up at the airport he tried, he really tried, to confess to you about his early departure. But the way you kept talking about your fun adventures from New York, he couldn’t just rain on your sunshine just quite yet. Then he decided he would tell you when you two got back to the apartment, after dinner. But you obviously had other plans as you decided to immediately jump his bones upon unlocking the front door. He even tried to disconnect your needy lips from his own, but alas he wasn’t just a man with needs- he was a simp with needs. And who was he to deny you of anything you wanted?

He decided now, as he was putting on his socks, that he was going to have to tell you before you two left for the party. Especially with how much of a loudmouth Izaiah is, everybody in attendance probably already heard of the news and his send-off the next morning. 

Mustering up the courage to approach you, he eyed your frame standing at the mirror near the door, just putting the last of your lip gloss on for the night.

It’s now or never.

“Hey baby, I have something to tell you,” he said shakily, standing with knees that felt like they were going to give out any second. 

“What’s up,” you respond, walking past him to grab your purse and then meeting him in the hallway.

“Just know, that I know that this is very last minute, and I probably should have told you sooner but I didn’t want to make the moment super emotional. I love you. You mean so entirely much to me, and I’m scared I would push you away,” he admits.

“Mark,” you start, taking his hand in yours to shut down his insecure thoughts, “It’s okay. I already know.”

“Wait you do?” he shouts incredulously, “who told you? Was it Izaiah? Oh my God, it was my mom wasn’t it? I told her not to say anything…”

“Baby no none of them told me, I was just waiting for you to show me?”

Mark cocked an eyebrow, “Show you…?”

“My Christmas present, right?” you chuckle shoving him lightly, “I don’t mind if you forgot, I know you’ve had a lot on your mind recently. So what, did it just come in or something? I’m sure the snowstorm probably delayed whatever it was.”

“Oh! Yeah… Right! Your Christmas present that’s what this is all about haha,” he says fumbling around then heads into the room to find the small box. The little angel on Mark’s shoulder was shouting at him to turn back around that instant to tell you the truth, meanwhile, the little insecure Mark on the other side sighed a breath he’d been holding in, glad to take a moment to collect himself. Mark reached into his bedside drawer and reappeared in the hallway to meet you.

“Merry belated Christmas, y/n,” he whispers, presenting the box.

“You’re not proposing to me, right?” you eye him breaking the palpable tension in the air, “because there is usually a part where you get on one knee and then there’s the speech.”

“No, no,” he laughs, “not yet at least,” he says with a wink, “gotta chase our dreams first.”

You open the tiny black box to be met with a small silver ring without a gemstone, but rather small engravings. 

Forever it read on the outside

♡ Mark, it read on the inside.

“It’s a promise,” he starts, “a promise to forever be yours.”

He steps closer with every word, “a promise to forever be supporting you, near or far. A promise to love you even when you don’t love yourself.”

“And lastly,” tears pricked your eyes as you stared down at the ring, Mark so close that his breath fanned across your skin, “It’s a reminder that no matter how much of a dream this opportunity is, that you, you y/n, are my dream.”

He slots the ring on your manicured pinky before sliding his to intertwine with yours, “I promise, that I love you.”

Time stood still at that moment. Nothing could pull you two apart. Standing together with pinkies interlocked.

“I love you Mark, dream and all.”

“I love you forever.”

“Dream and all.”

–

“Finally they’re here!” 

Izaiah did outdo himself with this party. Lights were strung up along the ceiling and banisters, bottles of alcohol lined the kitchen tables, and so many people there that they had to park around the block.

As Mark's heart sank with the weight of his secret, the party continued in the background. The music was loud, and people were dancing and laughing, unaware of the turmoil that was unfolding between you and Mark.

Confetti rained down from the ceiling, and balloons bounced around the room, adding to the festive atmosphere, but Mark couldn't bring himself to enjoy any of it. All he could think about was the fact that he was leaving and that he had hurt the one person he cared about more than anything.

As the night wore on, Mark felt himself becoming more and more detached from the party. 

Many people came up to him with words of encouragement, pride beaming on their faces as he would go on to make your small town proud.

 He watched as people wrote their New Year’s hopes on small pieces of paper and then taped them to the wall, their faces filled with excitement and anticipation. A couple of hours in, he sees you being whisked every which way by friends that were visiting home from university, he smiles knowing you have been looking forward to seeing them all year. Mark's heart was heavy as he looked around the festive New Year's Eve party. The excitement of the countdown to midnight, the laughter, and the clinking of glasses all seemed to fade into the background as he thought about what he had to do.

But Mark couldn't join in their celebration.

 He knew that when the clock struck midnight, his world would be completely different.

“Tick-tock, Cinderella,” Izaiah whispers into Mark’s ear while passing by and then pointing at the clock above. 

One more hour till midnight.

“Wanna dance for a bit?” he heard your voice from next to him, “or are you too busy being broody in the corner?”

Much to his dismay, you pulled Mark onto the dance floor. He couldn’t ignore the gnawing feeling in his chest as your hips melted into the rhythm of the song, your arms snaking up to his neck. He felt multiple sets of eyes land on you two, some filled with love, others in sadness, and some people even raised their cups in solemn of what’s to become of you two.

 In just a few short hours, Mark would be leaving for Korea, pursuing the dream that you both talked so highly of. It was an opportunity that would change his life, but it also meant leaving behind everything he knew and loved.

Mark looked around the room, friends he grew up with, family that supported him through everything, you, you being his world. Was he really ready to leave this life?

“Girl, if I were you I’d be fucking him into the next year!” a drunk girl slurred while bumping into you two.

“I mean I plan on it!” you chuckled while trying to steady her rocking frame.

“I don’t know how you’re able to do it y/n… long distance that already sucks… him having to keep you a secret for the rest of his life? Damn, that’s even worse.”

Feeling flustered by the truth, you begin to talk down the reality, “Oh I feel secure enough in my relationship! I know Mark is just doing what he has to do for his career, but that doesn’t mean he loves me any less! We have great communication-”

“Pshh communication my ass! Did he even tell you that he leaves–”

“Okay! That’s enough! Too much to drink as always Mina, huh?” Mark shushes her while pulling her to a couch to lie down.

“Oh fuck off Mark, if you don’t want to tell her, I’ll tell her myself because you are too much of a pussy boy to do so!” she yells while being thrown onto the couch. 

Gathering his wits, he makes his way back to you. 

“What was that all about? What are you not telling me?” you ask, taking a step forward.

“Don’t worry about it babe, you know Mina gets too drunk at parties and keeps saying shit…” Mark sweats.

“Wait, you know that is weird because Riane also brought up something along the lines of “Oh wow he hasn’t told you yet?” when I was talking to her earlier… what are you hiding?” you suddenly feel the bottle of soju you had earlier. 

“Not here please, not now…” he pleads, frantically looking around as people start to be intrigued by the madness happening in front of them.

“No, tell me now. New year, no secrets!” you stomp.

When the countdown finally began, Mark felt a sense of dread wash over him. He knew that once the new year began, his life would be changed forever. 

“For fucks sake, y/n,” he says before pulling you outside.

He looked over at you, who was standing with your back turned to him. He wanted to go over to you, just hold you, to apologize, to make things right, but he knew that it was too late. 

He had to face the truth.

“You have ten seconds to tell me, Mark,” you say with crossed arms, chests pressed against each other.

As if on cue, he hears the crowd from inside the house start the countdown into the new year.

10!

“I have been keeping a secret.”

9!

“I haven’t been able to find the right words to tell you.”

8!

“I did pass my audition and I will leave for Korea soon.”

7!

“My manager called the other day to tell me I'm leaving on Christmas.”

6!

“But I got an extension.”

5!

“When do you leave Mark?” you ask with a shaky breath, eyes clouded with tears, as you stand watching the man you love break down.

4!

“I love you, y/n, don’t forget that.” he chokes out.

3!

“When do you leave Mark?!” you scream at him.

2!

Time stilled as he just stared at you with a trembling lip. 

1!

“I leave today.”

As the countdown ended, and the room erupted into cheers, fireworks went off from the backyard. Mark felt a sense of emptiness inside. 

“Happy New Year!” was ringing in his ears, the festivity inside contrasting the pit in his stomach. He knew that he was supposed to be celebrating, but he couldn't find it in himself to do so. All he could do was watch as you slowly walked backward, face twisted with pain.

You both stood there, both lost in your thoughts, as the new year began. And as the party continued around him, Mark felt more alone than ever before. 

"What? When were you going to tell me? You waited till the day of?"

"I didn't know how," he said, his voice barely audible over the sound of the cheers. "I didn't want to hurt you."

You took another step back, tears streaming down your face. "You're leaving me?"

Mark reached out to touch you, but you pulled away. "No, y/n, it's not like that. I just..."

“You didn’t what?” you whispered finally stepping forward, him retreating backwards, “You didn't do what, Mark!” finally yelled.

“You lied! You lied to my face, of all secrets to keep, you kept this. For what? Think I couldn’t take it? Couldn’t bear the fact you’d be chasing your dreams? What is it?” you screamed, pushing him with each sentence.

Mark took every beating, the punishment for his personalized brand of torture he put you through. You hit his chest as he stood taking in every blow, face and body empty, a shell of the man you’ve come to love. 

“So much for forever right?” you finally stop, “so much for dreams and all.”

“Baby,” he pleads, “baby please don’t.”

“No, because…” you lift your face, running your hands through your hair, your ring getting caught in the tangles reminding you of his promise, “fuck this Mark. This really was never going to work.”

“You don’t. You don’t mean that.” he shakes his head reaching out for you.

“I fucking mean it.” you say while staring at him and taking off the ring and throwing it on the ground, “I hope it works out for you Mark, I really do. Dreams and all.” 

You left Mark there as he fell to his knees, cradling the ring that symbolizes everything you meant to him. The real engagement ring in his pocket never felt heavier in his pocket.

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

and i hope she was worth the wait? first three chapters are posted today. next chapter released first week of 2025.

open to feedback and reactions :*

happy holidays and happy new year <3

xoxo

forevamark

[oishitea]

I cannot begin to summarize how Monster Next Door finally portrayed a flawed parent getting a good ending in a way that satisfied me. I have such beef with Thai BLs constantly giving our mains difficult parents, terrible asshole parents even, and then just justifying the way they treated their child like shit as being parental love and their kid accepts an apology (not you Bed Friend, the holy grail of giving shitty parents their due).

The tension between Diew and his mother, Kade, is obvious, and I was really afraid that the issue would be brushed off as casually as all the rest, due to my past viewing experiences. For a good portion of the show, she seemed overly concerned and harsh toward Diew and it really bothered me.

It was this visual that made things really click for me:

(also I'm sorry for the quality of photos of the show, Gaga now seems to turn the screen black when I try to take a screenshot on my laptop, so I took them with my phone)

Loss of a loved one is hard to talk about with strangers, but it's often more difficult to discuss it with other loved ones who knew them. Diew's father meant everything to him in his childhood because their personalities and dispositions made it easier to enjoy spending time together. I cannot speak as a parent, but I can only imagine the loneliness generated by the loss of a partner (losing a main emotional support you now desperately need) and then watching your child deal with grief by withdrawing from you (a child you have, up until now, not established a relationship as close as your late partner had).

God had the fortune of meeting Diew in the present, and that allowed him to get to know him without any preconceived notions of who he was to influence that development. Kade didn't have that luxury; being a parent means seeing your child through every stage of life and adapting to the changes that come with them. I can only imagine how much harder that had to be when she became a single mother and the clash of personalities made it significantly harder to connect. At some point, she clearly clung to a version of Diew that at least made her feel relevant by presenting her love as wanting to remove all possible worries.

Grieving separately being the main wedge between them runs with some of the themes of the show, I believe. We've watched God and Diew grow together and sort out their differences because ultimately they wanted the same thing - to show they are interested and care for each other - but their challenges presented mostly in how they went about it. Diew and his mother also care about each other. The strain is part of that love and how it has also been weighed down by years of misunderstanding and uncertainty.

Kade recognizing her failure to meet Diew in the middle and letting him know how she felt about it was HUGE to me. So many people will refuse to recognize the failure, and if they do recognize it they do not want to admit it for what it is, much less voice how they feel about it. Also disappointment in one's self as a mother, I believe, is incredibly relatable. It doesn't absolve all wrongs, but it's an incredibly important factor in being willing to do better.

She isn't blaming him here. She isn't using his feelings against him. She apologized without trying to erase what happened. She is simply letting him know that all she wanted was to be closer.

And then Diew seizes the moment. He's grown up and become someone less recognizable to the person she already didn't know very well. That doesn't mean they can't work things out.

Of course this is the solution. This is the green flag communication boyfriends show. But moreover, it's about realizing that life and people come with differences and changes and that doesn't mean that things have to go wrong or end badly. Often the fears that get built up in our heads - the monsters we first perceive them as - are not as scary as they seem, if they are at all. If growth is going to happen, we have to face them.

Excuse me while I sob in the corner, but this response makes Diew such an exceptional character to me. It demonstrates how he has changed from the beginning of the narrative but also remained true to himself. He has always needed someone patient and kind enough to listen to him as attentively as God does. Being heard for what he needs has done him wonders. His struggle to reveal the things that deeply hurt him and seeing how not sharing them can hurt the people he loves in return was an important lesson. Now that his mom has finally shared her pain, the pain that started years ago by no fault of either of them, he can extend that love toward her in a way he knows will reach her.

Diew and his mother are equal in how they can move forward. The relationship isn't treated like a hole in the wall to putty over, but truly something that can be built upon a newer and stronger foundation. I greatly enjoyed the finale as a whole, but this aspect of it tugged at my heart strings personally. I adore this show. Forever and ever.

[futurefamousdeadmusician]

Escape to the Eden Club - Sister! reader x Shelby Brothers

Summary; Emily Shelby wants to spend the night away from the confines of Small Heath and decides to head out to the famed Eden Club of London. All was well until a certain trio arrived and reigned havoc.

Author's Note; I took some liberties with the plot/ location of the Eden Club itself. That being said, this is still meant to be aligned closely with the fight scene from season 2. As always, let me know what you think.

Eager to escape into the cool evening air, Emily wrapped her shawl loosely around her shoulders and took stock of her purse. A small roll of bills, lipstick, a dainty opal hairbrush, and a shining Colt Pocket Hammerless Arthur had given her some time ago. With one last glance to the mirror, she smoothed out her dress and went for her bedroom door, shutting it softly behind her. Seeing as Polly would still be at the church for sometime, she decided it would be best to inform her brother on her intentions. Emily approached Thomas’ office and peered in to see the stout man sitting behind his modest desk. She rapped lightly on the door frame and was beckoned inside by just a flick of her brother’s eyes instead of a word. After only taking one step into the room she spoke in the most clear, confident tone she could muster.

“I’m going out with Ada this evening. I’ll be back by midnight.” Hoping the conversation would end there she turned to leave only to be stopped by her brothers words. Still not looking up from the papers spread across the wood before him he cleared his throat and said,

“Going out with Ada, eh? Why is this the first I’m hearing about this?” Emily rolled her eyes, hoping her brother didn’t see, and replied,

“Because I didn’t think there would be any issue.” Emily didn’t like lying, a quality instilled in her by her Aunt Polly since her youth. Though, as a Shelby, it came naturally. Exhausting Emily further, Thomas continued in his questioning. 

“Where about are you two going?” Calmer this time, as to not arouse suspicion, the girl replied, 

“Just to dinner, in Digbeth.” 

“The name of the establishment?” With more attitude, she replied, 

“The Carriage.” The man sat for a moment, only sparing her one more glance as he searched her face for deceit. He apparently found none. 

“Be back by 11.” Emily offered a small smile and made her way out of the home on Watery Lane, calling over her shoulder, 

“I’ll see you at 11:30, Tom.” 

The night was still young and the chance for her to walk the streets of Birmingham alone and untethered was an excitement of a life time. She wouldn’t just be walking the streets of her hometown tonight, though. After meeting her friend Scarlett by the cut they hailed a cab and set out for London. 

The passage was just under 2 hours before they arrived to the Eden Club just outside of the city. After tipping the cabman and exiting out into the brisk night they set for the front doors of the avant-garde establishment. Scarlet giggled with excitement as they approached the doorman who knew better than to question two striking young women trying to enter the club. The main hall filled was filled with the smell of smoke and sex and the band played on to ring in the young night. It wasn’t often that Emily got to leave the holdings of Small Health, let alone the claws of her brothers. After Ada’s departure, Thomas was more worried than ever about loosing his youngest sister. This fear often manifested into the overarching control of Emily’s every move. He felt it was both an act of love and an act of necessity. Emily knew she was deeply loved by her brother and cared for him in the same way. Yet, at the end of the day, if Tom could have his thumb on the pulse of every member of the family, only then could he ensure their safety, or so he believed. 

“Isn’t this amazing!” Scarlett squealed in Emily’s ear. Scarlett was one of the few friends that Thomas approved of. She came from a respectable, working-class family who raised horses and often did work with the Shelby family. 

“I know.” Emily said back, raising her voice to soar over the loud music. The pair approached the bar and beckoned the attendant for a drink. Soon after, two men approached the women introducing themselves as Paul, a tall man with short black hair in a pressed grey suit, and David, a slightly stout man with dusty blonde hair and rosy cheeks who’s slim black suit made him look taller than he was. Paul explained that Emily had caught his eye from the moment she had walked in and it would be a crime to let a woman like herself buy her own drinks. It was only out of the confines of Birmingham that handsome men would approach her, unafraid of people she was related to. She could speak freely and finally feel a sense of control she was never afforded at home. 

“Would you care to dance?” Paul asked the young woman and carefully took her hand in his. They left their drinks at the table where David and Scarlett sat completely enthralled with one another. He led her to the dance floor just as a new song started over at the bands stage. Spinning around the floor Emily couldn’t help but laugh at the happiness she felt in Paul’s arms. He leaned in close to her face and breathed, 

“You are absolutely stunning.” His breath smelled of bourbon and lust. This was Emily’s dream; to be young and free. Finally she was living it. 

She only noticed the violent outburst taking place across the large room once she heard the crashing noise of a wooden table full of glassware hit the ground. The band cut to a halt and gasps filled the audience. Out of instinct, Paul shoved Emily behind him as he assessed the situation. When it became clear that the men dressed in black meant to do harm he ushered his date back to their table to collect their friends and make a run for the door. Through the crowd, Emily peered over the bobbing heads of patrons ducking and running at the chaos she noticed a familiar jacket fly up as one of the unknown assailants struck another man across the face. As he turned to face another man she saw the face of her brother adorned with a busted lip and small drops of another mans blood. 

“Fuck.” She whispered and made a run for her table. Scarlett and her companion had already gathered their things and stood to meet the other couple. The four of them hid behind the large sofa they had once sat on while they waited for a path to clear to the main exit of the building. Emily grabbed her friend by the arm and swung the girl around to meet her scared face. The two men were conversing anxiously at the best plan of escape while the women spoke in hushed words. 

“It my fucking brother!” 

“What?” Scarlett gasped “Are you sure?” The two women peered over the couch to see the men still going at it near the center of the room. This time, Arthur’s face came into view through the madness. 

“Fuck it’s the lot of them. We need to go. Now!” Emily shoved the other girl forward and the men followed suit. A gunshot rang out through the building and they all dropped to the floor covering their heads. Paul grabbed Emily’s shoulders hovered his body over hers to protect her. When the men quit fighting and stood to see where the shot had come from all became quiet. The four took this opportunity to head straight for the exit. Emily only heard the indistinct echo of Tommy’s voice before clearing the doorway. 

Pouring into the street patrons ran every conceivable direction to vacate the path of anymore possible bullets. After reaching the end of the block Paul spoke, out of breath. 

“Is everyone ok?” Each took their turn affirming that they were not hurt, just a bit shaken. Emily turned to her friend communicating with just their eyes that they all needed to get leave before her brothers had a chance to exit the building. “Alright, I need to get you home.” Paul said and took Emily’s shoulder and David followed suit with Scarlett. 

“No!” Emily said too forcefully, “I - We will get home, I promise. You need to get on your way,” she explained gently. Truthfully, she wanted nothing more than to go anywhere with Paul, that handsome, caring gentleman. He stood firm on his words and said again,

“Emily, really, I need to make sure you get home. I don’t know who the fuck those bastards were.” Scarlett let out a worried laugh at the irony of the situation and still couldn’t take her eyes off the doorway expecting any moment that the men would emerge and see them. Emily took her arm from him though it pained her to do so. 

“Please, Paul, really. You need to get going.” She said urgently. He took a step back and dropped his eyes to the ground, looking hurt. Defeated, he touched David on the shoulder, prompting him to let go of Scarlett’s arm. 

“It was lovely meeting you,” was all he spoke before turning and walking off into the dark alley way. Emily rifled around in her purse and pulled out some small bills shoving them into Scarlett’s hand. 

“Go. Now!” She said before beginning to turn away. 

“What? I’m not leaving you!” Her friend yelled back, grabbing onto her wrist, stopping her movement.

“Scarlett, go! Please. Before they come out.” She pleaded. Even her friend knew that there would be hell to pay if her family found out that she had been running around, getting into trouble with the Shelby girl. With eyes darting between the front door of the Eden Club and Emily’s worried expression Scarlett forced herself to embrace her friend. 

“Please be safe.” Emily nodded in response and they both took off into opposite directions. After quickly crossing in front of the building, the younger Shelby tried her best to hail a cab as many former club goers tried to do the same. Every few seconds she found herself looking over her shoulder praying that she wouldn’t turn to find her brother’s red face looking back at her. After a few failed attempts she saw a empty taxi just across the way parked right next to the entrance of the club. If she hurried, she might just be able to make it before her brothers emerged. With a quick decision she bolted as fast as her heels would carry her across the street and made it just steps the the cab door before she felt the shoulder of a much larger man connect with her own. As she was shoved back onto the hood of the cab she couldn’t help but shout,

“watch where yer’ fucking goin!” Just as any other Shelby would. She watched in anger as that very man climbed into the cab himself and the car began to drive away forcing her to move back onto the side walk. Collecting herself and still cursing the man under her breath she only made it a few steps from her place in front of the club before she heard her name called from behind her. 

It was John. The word pierced her soul like a knife. Without thinking, she swung around to see him standing only about 10 feet behind her as Thomas and Arthur filed out of the door. Without a second to reconsider, she ran. Though slowed down by her shoes and the lingering effects of alcohol, she carried herself briskly down the street. 

“Emily Lenora Shelby!” She heard Arthur roar from behind her. Continuing down the sidewalk shoving between the still clearing crowd she did not stop. Just before she reached the nearest intersection a strong hand gripped her shoulder and spun her around causing her to stumble. She was caught by her oldest brother’s hands of either shoulder lightly shaking her to emphasize each word as they came from his red, blood splattered face. 

“What the fuck are you doing here? Are you bloody mental?” She squinted to shield herself from the yelling as she put her hands to his chest to push him away. He wasn’t planning on letting her go lest she run again until he felt the hand of Tom guide him away from the younger girl. She almost preferred the outright rage of Arthur over the chilling coldness of Thomas, at least with the former, his true intentions were always clear. John soon arrived behind the men and took to consoling Arthur while Thomas pushed the girl to side of the road. Unwilling, she attempted to hold her ground against the man though a stronger grip on her upper arm and a stern look from his piercing eyes encouraged her to comply. She kept her head low has he was still catching his breath from the conflict and subsequent jog to catch his fleeing sister. Finally, in a low, gruff voice, he spoke. 

“In the club, ye?” She nodded her head but still wouldn’t meet the man’s eyes. Instead, she peered past him to see John and Arthur leaned in close to one another talking. Arthur waving his hands around like a lunatic while John tries to calm him down. Out of all her brothers, her and John butted heads the most. Maybe it was the age difference, sitting at just enough years to give them not much in common but enough to argue about. Though, when it was all said and done, she knew John would have her back just as much, if not more, than anyone else. She met his eyes in a quick glance before turning back to Tom’s shoes. Now, the more pragmatic Shelby took in a deep breath to gather his thoughts before continuing the conversation with his sister. 

“Why? Eh?” He said quieter this time. She couldn’t tell if his low voice was an attempt to deescalate the situation or to intimidate her into telling the truth. Well, the truth as it may be, wasn’t that interesting. Emily shrugged and only spared him a small glance up. She went to the Eden club that evening for the same reason as any other girl of her year would; to have fun. 

“You have no business being at those clubs. Getting yourself fucking killed, right?” He said lowering himself to her level, even closer to her face. Her jaw tensed as she thought of a thousand words she could say back to him.

“Everything was fine until you bastards shot up the place.”

“Weren’t you just at the same club, Tom?”

“It’s none of your business what I do.”

Using her better judgment though, she held her tongue. The irony of the situation was not lost on Tommy. He knew that the standard he held for his sister was much different than he held for the men of the family, though he held it steadfast. At the end of the day, he knew Emily was a good girl. Smart, calculated, quick, and usually honest. When the silence hung in the air for too long, he took a gentle hand and guided her face to meet his eyes. 

“Don’t scare me like that again.” He said pointedly with his finger pointed at her face. Emily pursed her lips and gave a curt nod before he pulled her in for a quick but firm hug and placed one kiss on the top of her head. Trying to break away from the clutches are her brother once more she took a step away from Thomas and said, 

“I’ll see you at home,” before attempting to leave in the opposite direction. He let out a sigh once again and wrapped a strong, possessive hand around her arm once more. His lips parted and he eyebrow went up in astonishment, almost as if he was testing her to defy him once again. She looked in his eyes a moment longer, unwavering, before following him back to the other men. Thomas cleared his throat and released the grasp on the girl before speaking, 

“Let’s just go home, shall we.” The four walked in uncomfortable silence back to the car, just over a block away from the fateful scene. As they walked, her oldest brother moved closer to her eventually putting a hand on her upper back and bending down to her level.

“You knows I just want to protect you, right, love?” He offered in a nicer tone than before. Emily knew and nodded a reply. 

“I know.” 

“It’s just you can’t go running around like that.” Before he could get another sentence out, Thomas called out from the front of the group. 

“She knows, brother.”  They eventually made it to the Bentley and it was John that opened the door for his sister to enter the back seat. As she took the less-than-sober step up into the vehicle her brother gently pushed her, just to see how unstable she was.

“Acting like a fuckin’ harlot,” John laughed quietly to chastise the younger girl. Quickly, Emily turned to face him hunched over in the car and raised her purse as if she was going to hit him. 

“Oi, you fuckin’ bastard!” She seethed. Before the two could go at it Thomas darted a look at them in the rear view mirror and raised his voice in a menacing shout. 

“Enough!” Was all it took for the pair to quiet down and sit silently for the rest of the ride home. 

[rottencherrypie]

R-18+; His Lioness (Alpha!Fili x Omega!Fem!Reader)

Summary - You had promised your status wouldn't get in the way of their journey and you were a hobbit of her word, that was until you began spending more time around him. Now without the aid of your herbs, you must fight off your heat and avoid the golden prince at all cost.

Warnings - Smut, language, semi-public sex, afab reader, female reader, unprotected sex, bodily fluids, omegaverse, biting, being claimed(?), heat, language, knotting (brief mentioned), mention of a cervix, mention of trolls, mention of medical herbs.

Pronouns & Pov - She/her, third-person-ish

Word Count - 6,800+

A/N - I apologize for any grammar or anatomy issues. I do not remember a single word I wrote, this was an old paid for smut by an ex-friend of mine. (I no longer have the collage I originally posted this with.)

Read on AO3 Read on Wattpad

«────── « ⋅ʚ♡ɞ⋅ » ──────»

It had been ages since you last spoke to the golden-haired alpha yet alone glanced in his direction, it was a sudden change as if you had been cursed or snapped overnight. Normally he would be okay with this, understanding he and his brother could be quite the handful while traveling, however, you still spoke to his brother! It felt as if you were proving a point that you no longer needed the lion to stand beside you, a twinge of pain shooting right through his sensitive heart, a pain he saw worse than any blade or arrow which pierced his skin before.

A pain which extended towards you as well, not only were you fighting the physical urge to fling yourself at him for comfort but you were also constantly fighting the little lioness who lived deep within you as she cried for her mate to ease her pain. Oh, how you wished you could, nothing would make you happier than to finally rid those sleepless nights by resting in between your lion's scar-tattered arms, but you had made a promise to control your heat alone and you were a hobbit of your word.

It was not a binding promise, one you propositioned yourself insisting not all omegas needed a knot to soothe what ails them but that was before you finally noticed him. He was vastly different from the alphas you had met amongst your journey so far, he was the main reason you were allowed on this journey insisting you could fight as well as any alpha or beta who walked with them, yet he was still protective enough of you which warmed your heart but did not degrade you down to your status' qualities alone. Those once innocent thoughts of how wonderful he was to you quickly turned into deeper, more lustful ones especially after that dreadful night with the trolls.

Squirming around in that fabric sack whilst your eyes darted towards each dwarf, why did you agree to such a foolish plan? Thoughts of annoyance quickly replaced with fear as a massive, slimy hand wrapped around your entire form with ease. "Would you get a whiff of that, an omega ? I've never eaten one before!" Eyes widening to the size of dinner plates while you failed your limbs inside of the scratchy fabric, the scent panic oozing from your sweet aroma as each movement grew faster; this was it, this is how you'll perish at the hands, or rather mouth of a disgusting troll!

The lids of your eyes squeezed together snugly whilst your scent of panic spread throughout the forest, the entirety of your life flashing through your eyes; you had always wondered what that was like, excepting moments from your childhood or major milestones but instead, it was all of your adventures so far. An unexpected, chaotic, beautiful mess and every time a memory would fade a certain golden-haired dwarf would pop up before the memory continued. Each smile, horrible joke, or punch of your shoulder lightened the fear within the bottom of your belly as a horrid stench filled your nose, troll breath, gross.

The bottoms of your feet growing warm as the moist breath danced around the scratch fabric, it'll be okay- " STOP! " The scream pierced the air sharper than any arrow you had seen cast before, your memories and reassuring thoughts of your undeniable fate quickly stalling as did the troll's movements. "Oh? And why should I, dwarf ?" The troll snarled as he jerked your form down to his shoulder, peaking your eye open only to meet his menacing gaze. "You can't eat her! Because, erm, because-!" The panicked lion flailed around in the matching sack as he scanned his mind for any excuse good enough to free you, you're pregnant! No that could only tempt them further , a shiver shot down his spine at the disgusting thought.

"You can't eat them, especially not her, because they have, erm, worms in all their tubes ." Eyes quickly darting over to whom had just yelped, the hobbit wiggled around his restraint before continuing. "They're all infected with parasites . I wouldn't risk it, I really wouldn't." The hobbit choked out tone wavering as he wiggled up onto his covered feet, the troll yelped in disgust quickly releasing you to the squishy floor. Wait, squishy? The lids on your eyes both snapping open, head tilting up locking onto those familiar ocean eyes; the same eyes which widened with terror yet softened in relief. "Parasites? Did he say we have parasites?" "We don't have parasites!" Screamed a dwarf. "Yeah! You have parasites!" Hissed another, their disgruntled yells quickly stopped after a loud thump- "I mean I have parasites!" "We all do!" "Mine are as big as my arm!" " Mine are the biggest! I've got huge parasites!" One chimed in after another as the hobbit nodded his head at their antics, ones you merely missed out on due to how lost you became in the dwarf's eyes.

Heat flooded beneath the skin on your cheeks while you attempted to wiggle off of him, a string of soft apologies barely catching his ears as the dwarves continued to scream about their 'parasites' and bicker over which ones had the biggest. "Are you okay? You aren't hurt, are you?" The worry which dripped off of each word awoken the lioness within you, a silent purr rumbled within your chest as you cleared your throat; she was purring? She had never purred for anything besides food and warmth! "I am fine, Fili, but what of you?" "What of me?" A bushy brow raising as he leaned towards you aiding in your attempts to stand up. "I fell on you! Aren't you hurt?" Your panic not being eased as he simply shrugged his shoulders, a playful grin spreading upon his lips while the trolls squealed in disgust. "Dwarves can withstand many things, my dear hobbit. And even if I were hurt, who cares ?" The same loopy smile stayed glued upon his lip; I do! I care! Your inner lioness roared as you simply stood there, eyes blinking slowly whilst chaos ensued behind you.

A faint smile spread upon your lips at that memory, as terrified as you were then, you couldn't help but laugh at it now more relieved Fili had come to your rescue in time than anything. "What's with that look on your face?" A familiar voice questioned, wrapping a sturdy arm around your shoulders while the crunch of an apple caught your ear. "Oh, I'm just thinking of those huge parasites of yours." A small laugh slipping through your lips as you watched his eyes loop around in their sockets, a groan of annoyance slipping through his lips as he took another bite of his apple. "I told you, I panicked." He muttered holding out the unbitten red side to you, quickly shaking your head no, causing him to shrug and bite that side as well. "And we both know that's the face you make when you think of Fili." His tone growing higher in pitch at his brother's name, the attempt at mimicking your voice quickly reigniting the flaming heat beneath your cheeks.

"I do not know what you are talking about, have the parasites gotten to your brain again?" Muttering the words out whilst you slapped his arm away from your shoulders, the rising heat rapidly spreads across your flesh starting from your face down to the very tips of your toes. "Y/N, I can smell your lust from miles away and it's disgusting." His nose scrunching up at the end, giving you no choice other than to turn your head away from him; he had noticed? Could the others smell it too? Oh dear gods, could Fili smell it? Your sweet aroma was quickly drenched with the bitterness of your fear and the alluring tones of lust, an odd combination surely any who got within five feet of you could get a strong whiff of. "Y/N, I was kidding. I only noticed it when I made my way over." The brunette reassured you while gently patting his calloused hand on your upper back, your tensed shoulders quickly dropping back to your sides as you released the breath of air you unknowingly held onto.

"When was the last time you took your herbs, Khazush?" The softness in his tone and the nickname he frequently used for you brought you to the brink of tears, he insisted on calling you 'Khazush' which Bofur claimed meant sister, you were unsure if that was true or another joke Kili was playing yet it warmed your heart to that he would even consider seeing you as his own family, joke or not. And now with your heat in full swing, any emotions you had towards anything were amplified by ten yet it always oddly resulted in you in full-blown tears. "When were we in Rivendell?" Your pitch rising slightly whilst you twiddle your thumbs, head ducked down meekly as the brunette dwarf began to screech at you for being so careless, which was rather rich coming from him.

"Why didn't you say something sooner?!" "Because I do not want pity and keep your voice down, they'll hear you!" The yelled whispers forcing many's attention onto the pair of you including the sharp gaze of the lion you desperately avoided, his ocean orbs burning holes at your skull as he attempted to tune in on your conversation. "Oh like they cannot smell it-" The brunette quickly gulped down his words as your eyes narrowed at him, a glare he would typically only see in the midst of battle or if he had accidentally got you in the crossfire of his pranks.

"You could have asked for more! Oin has plenty of herbs which stall rutts!" The brunette dwarf whispered out quickly as he motioned to the elderly dwarf who walked mere feet behind you, blissfully minding his own business amongst the soft bickering and laughter of others. "Kili, heats are not the same, nor will they ever be the same as a rutt. They're so much-" A loud yelp escaping from your lips while your arms quickly wrapped around your lower abdomen, chest rising and falling at a faster pace while your scent further seeped into the area surrounding you. "worse." You managed to finish your sentence while beads of sweat began to form on your forehead, your entire form trembling painfully unaware of the concerned gazes upon you. Kili's hands gently tracing small circles upon your upper back as he whispered faint apologies and swears at whomever damned you to bear this curse.

"Are you okay, Y/N?" Another familiar voice greeted your opposite side, a much softer hand resting upon your shoulder as the beta's scent filled your nose; freshly cut grass, clean linen, and a hot mug of freshly brewed tea, that was your dear friend Bilbo Baggins. "Yes, yes. I'm fine, Bilbo." A faint whimper leaving your lips a matter of seconds after the words did, every fiber of your being burning ablaze as the fabric between your thighs quickly dampened whilst your mind began to haze.

"Y/N." The hobbit warned as his nose filled with your alluring aroma, while the scent of your slick barely affected him, the sight of his dearest friend quivering in pain split his beta heart into two. "I will not say anything but I want you to speak to Oin...please." The seriousness in his tone rapidly turned timid as he fought the urge within him to scoop you up and scent you in the hopes of easing your pain, a common practice between the pair of you that had died off at your request the moment your journey began, a request he wished had ignored yet he was a hobbit of his word. "I will, I promise. I just- fuck!" Your howl in pain catching each dwarves' ear, especially the golden-haired one, panic began to rush through his veins while he watched you crumble down onto your knees from afar.

The thumping of rushed steps was accompanied by the dried leaves they destroyed beneath them, all vastly different scents danced together all due thanks to a shared emotion that oozed out of them; panic. "Miss Y/N are you o-'' The toy-maker's voice quickly caught in his throat as the heavy scent of lust caught his nose, a heavy heat spread upon his face as your whimpers quickly turned into choked out sobs at the unbearable pain which wracked your body. "Oh, lass…" The softness in his tone forced another quiet whine from your body, the typical warmth of his calloused palms felt cooling compared to the excruciating heat that admitted from your trembling form. "Come on, lass, let's see what Oin has for you." His calloused palm gently tapped upon your lower back, an attempt to distract you from the waves of shooting pain that roamed throughout your body.

An innocent action by two friends was not perceived as such by a particular alpha who loomed nearby. A low growl escaped the blonde's thin lips while the goofy alpha rushed past him, you snugly draped over his left shoulder knowing well you could barely stand let alone walk in your condition yet he could not control the fire of jealousy that grew inside the pit of his stomach; how he wished that was him. It was painfully obvious how much he adores you to the other alphas and betas who traveled amongst his side, though he denied his true feelings at first claiming you two were merely friends yet there were certain actions the company noticed that he could not deny as easily.

How his cheeks would flush red while he gazed upon you during battle, how only you could calm down the lion amidst an argument between himself and Thorín, and how he would stir whilst you were on guard alone yet he would quickly fade into the soothing embrace of sleep the moment you stepped foot inside your bedroll. Each small action struck another nail into his coffin, he was madly in love with you and all could see it other than yourself.

The announcement of stopping for a night's rest quickly snapped the alpha out of his brief daze. The announcement was met with sighs of relief and the quickly scrambling of each alpha and beta to set up camp, though their king was kind he was also rather hard-headed when it came to traveling. As the day of Durin inched closer each moment, put further stress upon each member including yourself, admitting you had gone into heat would be the last thing all of the company needed.

By the grace of the gods, Bofur delivered you to Oin without any of the company stopping you. Whether that was out of pure luck or pure embarrassment you did not care to know, all you cared for was those magic herbs to ease any of the pain that shook you from your very core.

You were quickly instructed to go down by the river to wash some of the stench which clung onto you, concerned it would only spike another wave of pain throughout your body before the herbs could do anything. The elder dwarf quickly nudged you off to the edge of the campsite, nodding his head kindly before removing vials of herbs from his pack.

Your eyes quickly scanned over the camp ensuring that no one was following you before walking off into the wooded forest. The path of endless cedar trees seeming to taunt you as each step you took burned throughout your tired body, the only motivation that flooded your veins was the distant roar of water crashing against each other.

While you were inching closer to the glorious waterfall, a particular golden alpha back at the campsite was anxiously looking around for you. Your heavenly scent still lingered throughout his mind even with you away, the homey scent that danced comfortably within his nose simply fueled the anxiousness deep within his belly. Despite smelling like a pure dream, you looked so miserable.

"Stop pacing, you'll tear the ground in two." The familiar nag of his brother's voice greeted his left ear, his ocean-colored orbs quickly looping around his skull. "So what if I do? There is a hobbit missing from our company, who I must remind you is an omega, and no one is doing a thing about it!" The lion huffed, his muscular arms crossing in front of his chest. Why was no one doing anything about your absence?

"Hmm? Oh, you mean dear, Y/N!" A beaming smile spread upon the dark-haired dwarf's face, a hint of mischief rising beneath his sapphire eyes. "I believe she went to bathe in the stream, something about smelling like an orc." Tapping a calloused finger upon his thin lips while his gaze shifted towards the path you had wandered down, pretending to ponder on the supposed words you spoke to him.

"I see..." Fili trailed off, the panic which roamed his veins slowly dying off until the image of you hunched over nearly sobbing in pain flashed throughout his mind. "She looked ill earlier, are you sure it is wise she bathes without a guard nearby?" His expression greatly softened, the thought of you needing help and not receiving it made both his and his lion's hearts twinge in pain.

"That's why I came over here, Khâzash." A bushy eyebrow quirked upwards in the younger dwarf's direction, utter confusion spreading upon the lion's face more so at the use of the sudden word of brother in their tongue. "It was suggested I guard her while she bathes," His brother began, a spark of jealousy flashed behind the ocean eyes peering into his soul, exactly as planned. "however, I do not feel comfortable with that. The thought of seeing her nude is rather repulsive." Forcing a shiver throughout his body and a quiet gag within his mouth.

"And how exactly am I brought into this?" The eldest uttered out, a poor attempt to keep him in his conversation and not dwell upon the lewd images of your bare form which danced within his mind. Each inch of flesh on full display, the small scars that tattered your body due to the fights you had gone in, the slightest of curves throughout your form, just all of you in your purest of forms caused the fabric in front of his trousers to tighten ever so slightly.

"You owe me a favor, remember?" The brunette inquired, tilting his head to the side similar to a dog curiously listening to their owner's odd command. "I took the last watch so you could look for your sword? Have you truly forgotten your promise or are you simply refusing me, my fair payment?" His toned arms crossing in front of his chest, an exaggerated pout spread across his thin lips.

The blonde simply nodded his head not remembering the action spoken of, typically he would roll his eyes at his brother's antics but he was given the chance to protect you! To prove he was truly good enough to be your mate! Without another word to his brother, he quickly went down the lightly stoned path towards the stream barely missing the soft chuckle that escaped his brother's lips towards his sudden movements.

The cold water splashed against your skin, each tiny ripple a moment of ease from your burning flesh. A relieved sigh escaped your lips while your body further sank into the glorious stream, maybe you should've seen Oin beforehand. If your heat could have been fixed with a simple bath within some streams you would've spoken up the moment you got that disgusting troll's scent on you, a faint shiver shooting down your spine at the memory.

A memory cut short by the sudden snap of a twig breaking. Rushing towards the edge of the stream, you leaned forwards to grasp your sword within your slipper palms, your breath catching in the back of your throat at the thought of another foe coming to attack you. "Who goes there? Show yourself!" Your voice booming throughout the silent woods, a few birds flying off at the sudden disruption.

"Y/N, it's me, Fili." The soft voice cut through all panic in your veins, another relieved sigh escaped your body as you dropped your sword. The faint click of metal against the base of a tree ringing in the prince's ears. "You startled me. I'll be done in a few moments and then you can have the streams to yourself." Sighing at the sudden disruption though your lioness didn't mind it, invite him in! She gnawed, pawing at your chest. You know we both want to!

"Oh, erm, that's not why I'm here." A sudden heat arose throughout his pale cheeks, his words coming out more rushed and excited than he had intended. "I mean, I came to guard while you bathed...you looked unwell earlier and I wanted to make sure someone else would be beside you in the off chance of an ambush. Not that you would need my help!" He quickly corrected himself, relieved the giant cedar tree hid his rosy cheeks.

The panic in his tone made your inner lioness purr, he's worried about us. Tell him the truth and ask him to help. She sang while your chest began to rumble, her soft purrs not catching the prince's ear but his lion's. "It is alright, Fili. I know what you meant and I appreciate-ah!" A sharp twinge of pain erupted within your core, your lioness growing less patient as each second passed. I said to tell him! She nagged angrily, her sudden playful tone turning harsh and serious.

"Y/N! Are you okay?!" Panic arose throughout the dwarf's veins, was someone attacking you and not allowing you to speak?! His inner lion roared at the thought of his lioness being harmed, though he was unaware of what beast lived within you, certain actions made him conclude you owned a lion similar to him.

"I'm okay, Fili. I just-holy fuck why me?" Your stuttered words turned quickly into stretched-out whines as you sank further into the stream. The once cooling water appeared boiling against your skin, a faint sheen of sweat forming on your forehead as your steady breaths turned into slow pants.

His limbs suddenly moved at your outburst of cries, panic flooding through his entirety as his lion began to growl prepared to fight whoever was bringing you this pain. His tracks suddenly coming to a halt at your heavenly image, you looked like a goddess in your purest form, the fabric between his legs quickly turning into a tent as both his and his lion drank in your form.

"I am so sorry, I heard your cries, and I-" His words dying on his tongue the moment your alluring scent filled his nose once again, a scent he had only vaguely smelt before but that was when you were meant to be in heat. His pupils dilated whilst his eyes enlarged in shock at the sudden revelation, you were in heat! That was why Kili and Bofur were being so nice to you, not because they fancied you-wait, you're in heat!

"Y/N, are you by any chance in heat?" The idiotic question was quickly answered by the pathetic little whimpers that escaped your lips, your arms tightly embracing your lower abdomen allowing your breasts to be on full display for the golden prince. "Would you like some help?" The words escaped his lips faster than the thought of speaking, the blush in his cheeks dying off as the air grew heavy with lust. Lust for you and returned lust for him as both lions lept around excitedly within their homes.

"Please, it hurts so bad." You whined, pearls of tears rolling down your cheeks as you finally caved to the lioness's demands. The lion before you quickly shedding all cloth barriers from the sun's golden rays, his enlarged cock sprung up towards his abdomen with the removal of his undergarments. If you had not been soaked beforehand, both by water and with your slick, you surely would have been at the sight of the prince's muscular and scar-tattered body.

"Are you sure about this, Y/N?" The sloshing of water accompanied his words as he inched closer towards you, his heavenly scent flooding all of your senses as you stared up at him, eyes glistening with lust. "I need you to tell me to get out and leave right now if you do not want this, if you do not want me." His breath slowly accompanied yours in pants, eyes burning within the depths of your soul as your lioness growled excitedly within you.

"Please help me, alpha." The melodic way you whined out his title was almost nearly enough to make him cum right then, his lion growling deep within his chest with appreciation at your pathetic mews. His sturdy arms quickly scooped you up from the stream, your legs mindlessly wrapped around his muscular waist while your lips melded together.

Every question and doubt of his feelings for you easing away, all worries of what your journey held before you being carried off by the stream. In those few blissful moments, there was no fighting, no fear, and no running, it was simply you and him in those woods as bare as the day you were born. Your curious hands wandering throughout his golden locks, the softness of his hair tickling your inner fingers while the two of you continued to melt into one another.

"Fuck." The alpha groaned against your plump lips, his calloused hands wandering down from your waist to your soft arse. A soft squeeze forced your hips to buck forwards and arms to wrap behind his neck in surprise, the sudden glide of your skin against his throbbing cock allowed a moan to slip through the lips which hovered mere centimeters above yours.

"You ready, my omega?" His low growl and possessiveness at your title sending a desperate wave down your spine, your slick further drenching your inner thighs. "Yes please, alpha. Need it so bad, need you!" Your hips moving on their own accord, desperately bucking towards him attempting to receive any form of relief from your pain-stricken state.

"I have such a needy little omega." Humming contently while squeezing your arse again, his right hand lowering down between his legs to grasp his hardened cock. The swollen tip lightly grazing your drenched cunt, a soft gasp sliding out between your plump lips at the sudden sensation.

Your alpha decided to take a few extra moments to glide his throbbing cock up and down your drenched slit, enjoying the whimpers while he hit that sensitive bundle of nerves before moving away before you received an ounce of relief. The adorable pout you bestowed upon your soft lips being all too much for him, finally caving as he began to sink his pulsating cock deep within you.

Satisfied groans leaving both of your lips while your heads tilted backward, the sudden pressure accompanied by that blissful burning stretch that eased your aching cunt more in a matter of moments than your fingers ever could in hours. "Thank you, alpha." You whined softly into his ear, his only response a low growl as he held your arse firmly into place, a subtle attempt to restrain himself from destroying you right then.

Silently thanking the gods for his perfect match as he closed his eyes allowing himself to become quickly absorbed with the sensation of your drenched pussy, how it perfectly wrapped around him just like you were crafted for him as he knew you were. You were his one, his true mate and there was no doubt in his mind of this especially not now with how your body responded to being filled to the brim with him.

"I'm going to start moving, tell me if it hurts." The words muffled softly against your neck, his length slowly sliding out of your slick causing a disappointed whimper to slip through your lips as he moved you up ever so slightly. His sturdy palms slowly lowering you back onto his thick length allowing your satisfied moans to ring throughout the empty woods.

His lips curling upwards into a pleased grin, you responded so perfectly, the movements of raising you and lowering you slowly turning into a steady speed. Yet he still restrained himself from you, fearful of harming his one by being blinded by momentary bliss. His worries were quickly carried away by the stream as those glorious words escaped your lips, "More alpha, please." A sentence which would forever be ingrained in his mind, how beautifully it sounded while it left your lips and how heavenly you looked while saying it pleased the lion within him.

A satisfied growl rumbling through his chest as the pace of lowering you down onto his throbbing cock quickened, your cunt clenching tightly around him with each buck of his hips. Nipping at the corners of your neck with each movement, mindlessly searching for that one heavenly spot- "Ah!" You moaned out, a wave of electricity sparked throughout your body as his teeth grazed the most sensitive corner of your neck. Perfect.

Sucking against the supple corner of your neck, the prince began to speed up the pace he was impaling you upon his cock. His hips bucking upwards further carving a path within you slick. "That's a good omega." He hummed lowly against your flesh, the soft squelch of your aching cunt was accompanied by the soft trickling of the stream and soft splashes from each thrust the prince made.

Your inner walls embracing the dwarf's mighty length entirely, each stroke of his cock reaching sensitive depths you had never even grazed before. "Fuck! Right there!" His sturdy thrusts came to a quick halt as his cock rammed into that magical spot near your cervix, the steady throb within his cock aligning to his speeding heartbeat as he slowly drew himself out of your heavenly cunt.

Before a whimper of disappointment could escape your soft lips he had already rammed his cock back into you, hitting that heavenly spot perfectly with each rough stroke. "Fili!" You whined out, your claws digging into his muscular back while your legs squeezed tightly around his waist.

The speed of his thrusts created a small burn within his hips yet he paid it no mind, the beautiful moans that escaped your lips and that heavenly sound of your sopping pussy burnt fires deeper within him.

A familiar tingle began to spread up from your toes throughout your entire body as his strokes became sloppier, his soft moans and whimpers fueling your own as the pit within your belly began to knot. Every thrust bringing you a step closer to pure bliss, a bliss you had been craving from him the moment he had saved you wanting nothing more than to properly thank him.

"Let it all out, omega." He cooed out between his gasps, the vibrations against the sensitive spot on your neck sending a shiver of pleasure down your spine, and as if on command your moans grew louder. Birds flying from their homes as your pleasure-filled cries rang throughout the trees, any restraints from showing your alpha how good he truly made you feel dying down as a calloused palm made it's way up from your hip and down in between your legs.

The tip of his rough thumb gently grazing the sensitive, throbbing bundle of nerves between your legs. "Oh!" A small wave of static pleasure sparked throughout your body, your body arching further into his touch as your head arched towards a tree on his opposing side.

Soft circles being etched into the throbbing bundle of nerves as his thrusts grew more animalistic as he rose his head from your arched neck, drinking up the entirety of your lustful form as low growls escaped his lips. The fire within him burning brighter as the snap of his hips against yours grew louder, your nails clawing further into his scar-tattered back as he began to bend you down towards the stream.

A temporary wave of panic striking throughout your trembling form before his harsh thrust met that heavenly spot deep within your core, your eyes rolling back into the deep abyss of your skull as your mouth fell agape. Cries of his name growing louder as small tears roamed your cheeks, the thumb on your clit quickly accompanying the sloppy speed of his hips as he nipped at the base of your neck.

"Fili! I can't hold it much longer!" You whined out, nails dragging down his back sending a small wave of electricity down his spine. "Do it, omega. Cum. Cum for me." His commanding growl was the final tug at the knot within you, the heavenly static which flooded your entire being was simultaneously accompanied by the gush of pleasure rushing down your legs.

The fast swirls of his thumb against your clit further sending you into the deepest abyss of pleasure as your alpha repetitively struck the bruised pleasure center within your cunt, nails clawing down the entirety of his back entrusting him completely to shield you from the roaring waters below.

The flutter and squeeze of your cunt around his cock nearing too much for the prince, each milking motion bringing him to the same cliff you had delved off of in the midst of your pleasure. The low vibration of his grumble against your neck momentarily anchoring you back into reality, a reality that quickly faded away as his teeth sunk into the most sensitive nook of your neck.

The blinding heat of pleasure shoving you back down that glorious depth, your entirety trembling within his grasp as your aching cunt pulsated and fluttered around his massive length. His scent slowly crept onto yours as your lioness roared happily, his, you were finally his! An unbreakable bond between two mates sent your core ablaze and your heart flutter, a pleasure-filled memory you would later shyly adjust for the sensitivity of your pups.

"Fuck! Omega!" He growled lowly, your flesh still between the sharp daggers which rested in his mouth. "Shit, I want to knot you so bad-fuck! You're so tight, so fucking good!" The slight puncture of your neck being released as the knot within the prince tightened, his animalistic thrusts becoming sloppier as his eyes squeezed shut tightly. Images of painting the deepest depths of your aching cunt flooding his mind, his most primal instincts to breed you nearly taking over as his orgasm approached rapidly.

The warmth that filled your belly on the inside was suddenly accompanied by a splash of warmth on the outer, you whimpering at the lack of being filled as the base of his cock swelled outside of you. His white-hot ribbons painting your lower abdomen as he grasped onto your arse firmly, soft whimpers flooding your ears whilst the faint tickle of his beard nuzzling into your neck greeted your pleasure-filled sense.

"Fuck." He gasped out softly, his wobbling limbs slowly leading you out of the roaring waters beneath you before lowering you down onto his stained tunic. "Are you okay? I didn't hurt you, right?" His brows furrowing in concern as if he had not pounded into your very core mere moments ago, a bewildered smile spread upon your lips as you weakly bobbed your head.

The little energy that took you towards the stream completely washed away with the intense pleasure he had given you. "Good." He sighed in relief, the corners of his chapped lips curling upwards into a gentle smile while he quickly busied himself with cleaning up the white ropes that rested upon your belly.

"I am aware it is common for alphas to knot when they claim their omega," He began softly, worries of him regretting his lust-driven actions slowly creeping into your mind, the gentle slosh of water stilling your speeding heart. "but, I want to wait until we reclaim our home. If that is okay with you, of course. You're my omega and I would love to hear your opinion but I am afraid I will not budge on this since-" His panicked rambling being cut short with your soft lips on top of his, a pleased hum slipping through his as you cupped the side of his bearded face.

"I understand, alpha. You are only thinking of our future together." The hoarse words scratching the back of your throat upon exit, had you truly screamed that hard? A faint heat rising in between the skin of your cheeks, a familiar heat rising between your legs at the hazy memory. "Let's get you dressed and see if Oin has some herbs for your throat." A loving glint shining behind his ocean orbs as he pulled himself from the roaring waters, right Oin!

The memories of secretly coming to bathe trickling back into your mind, nothing striking as odd until Fili had shown up unannounced. "Did Oin tell you I had gone to bathe? He promised me secrecy in terms of my heat." A hint of disappointment arose in your tone, not of what had happened before with Fili, that you had adored, but rather at your friend breaking such a promise.

"No? Kili did." An eyebrow quirking upwards in your direction while he spoke, confusion spreading upon his face as you slid your leather outerwear over the cotton tunic. His words were spoken as fact as he began to observe you as if you were some strange troll he had stumbled upon, his calloused fingers entwining in your leather cords before pulling the taught.

"He told me he was meant to guard you as you bathed but he asked me to cover for him instead." "Oh, I am going to kill him." You muttered under your breath as you tied the cords behind your waist, uttering a small thank you towards your alpha as embarrassment and anger arose within you. "He planned this, didn't he?" Fili questioned, slipping on his garments after ensuring yours were put on properly. "I am afraid he did, my alpha." The pair of you chuckling softly as realization struck both of you, all this time his teasings towards both of you were hidden truths you had both willingly ignored.

His calloused palm quickly entwined around your smaller one while you began your path back towards the camp weapons in opposite palms, the fresh bite mark on full display for all of the company to see to know you were his and only his, that is if they hadn't guessed that already from the screams coming within the woods.

"I knew it!" The youngest dwarf cheered as he bounced from his seat, quickly whipping around towards the dwarf beside him. "Come on, pay up!" He stated holding out his palm with a wide grin spread upon his stubbly face, an annoyed grunt that left the elder dwarf's lips was quickly followed by the swish of coins within their satchel. "A pleasure doing business with you." His short victory was cut short by your angered voice.

"Kili! Did you bid on my love life?" The hissed words made the young prince's blood run cold, his mouth quickly opening before flying shut as he struggled to find any excuse that would save his skin. "Run." You growled lowly sending the prince darting down the opposite path from you. Pressing a soft kiss to your lover's temple, you quickly tossed your sword aside the loud clunk gathering everyone's attention before you sped after the terrified prince.

An amused laugh slipped through his lips as his younger brother shot him pleading glares, hoping somehow he would stop his enraged omega. "YOU'RE GOING TO LET HER KILL ME!" He yelped between desperate gasps for air, limbs moving faster than they had in any previous battle before. "She won't kill you, rough you up a little yet but murder no." "YOU DON'T KNOW THAT! GET BACK HERE YOU ARSE!" Your booming voice followed by an eruption of laughter, each dwarf silently looking or loudly cheering on the fight which ensued in front of them as the other hobbit panicked at your drastic actions.

"Quite the mate you have there." His uncle praised, grasping a warm palm upon his shoulders, his stoic feature curled upwards in amusement at your actions. "My lioness is something else." Fili chuckled as his lion straighten up in the pride of you, a faint blur of his golden locks catching the corner of your eye during the chase against his idiotic brother. "That she is." The slight impact of his uncle tapping his back brought warmth to his chest knowing he had accepted you into their pack, a chaotic one which you had grown to love throughout your travels and would continue to love as your journey came to an end.

«────── « ⋅ʚ♡ɞ⋅ » ──────»

[ddarker-dreams]

one of yan scaramouche's most difficult traits to navigate is his unreasonable jealousy.

it bleeds into everything, permanently staining numerous interactions a hot, angry red. he thinks he hides it well but he doesn't. what makes matters worse are the lengths he goes to convince himself he isn't being unreasonable, so as not to endanger his fragile hubris. if he ever were to do some serious soul-searching (don't hold out for this, it's not going to happen), he'd come to the bitter root of this issue; his fear of abandonment. this unsightly weed festers in his subconscious and has grown to such a monstrous size that any hypothetical soul-searching could be wrapped up in like, two minutes flat.

(he still isn't going to go spelunking through the mire that is his feelings though and you're forced to weather the consequences).

scaramouche considers your attention a finite resource more valuable than glittering gold. it's just... nice, how after a long day of dealing with idiots, he can come home to the only person he likes. every moment he spends in your vicinity he expects to be the only thing on your mind. why shouldn't be be? he knows his appearance is attractive, he's interesting, and the fact he's willingly spending time with you should be the highest compliment. so why aren't you putting that book down when he's right there.

are you actively trying to spite him?

he knows the secrets of the universe and you're over here waving him off like he's a fly because you're reading some low-quality light novel likely published by that insufferable kitsune. hey, did you know that this celestia humanity reveres is little more than a glorified prison? that there is a higher power that even the archons must answer to? crazy, right? how everything you've believed your entire life is probably a lie, that he's dispelling right here, right now—

you have the audacity to tell him that's nice, as you flip the page of your mediocre book. he's internally seething. the audacity you have to blow him off is nothing short of appalling. it's difficult to focus on your story when you feel daggers being glared into you. he isn't going to outright confess that you neglecting him is stirring up such a negative tempest of emotions, yet he won't leave you alone either. he's going to sit there, tapping his foot, arms crossed over his chest until you're finished you're oh so important task.

the following day, when you go to pick up the book, you find it's nowhere to be seen. the fatui grunts stationed to watch you refuse to offer any explanation, which, at this point, confirms scaramouche's involvement. he returns that evening with a pep in his step. he's already thinking of all the cute faces you'll make when he makes his wry remarks, how he'll whisper into your ear and get you all flustered—

aaaand now you're working on a book. he can't so easily do away with this infraction because he's secretly kinda curious how it'll turn out, the insights it'll give him into your mind... still, he's far from happy about the development. expect your manuscripts to have corrections written on them every morning. he's petty like that.

[astro-royale]

How to “make it” when you live in a toxic environment

‼️Disclaimer: This is my personal opinion based on what has helped me and is by no means professional advice. Please take what resonates according to your situation.

1. Drop your expectations. People who have shown you consistently that they don’t care will not change.You need to preserve as much energy as you can for yourself and your goals. Stop setting yourself up for disappointment. Yes, it’s sad. Do the shadow work and don’t tell people things YOU KNOW they will react negatively to.

2. Don’t expect people to be happy for you or support you. Move in silence. People’s subconscious fears will be projected onto you and your goals, why do you need those curses placed upon you when you have so much to deal with anyway.

3. Take what you can get. Accept whatever help you can receive that you know will have no repercussions. Sometimes people can help you with some things and not others.

4. Shift all your efforts towards being able to leave that environment. Do research on how you can expand your finances, and that may mean doing something out of your comfort zone such as creating a social media platform etc. Never compromise on your well being however.

5. You need to believe in yourself as much as you can, even if people won’t.

6. Take advantage of the free help and advice on the internet. Can’t afford something? Well you have time more than money at the moment so use it to research. That research can be used as an asset to help you now and maybe later it can be the reason you start a particular business or are inspired to help people.

7. BE SOLUTION ORIENTED. focusing on problems only creates more problems. You’re going to have to try over and over again in life. Focusing on what’s wrong all the time will not allow you to step outside of the box and see things from a detached point of view where you can actually see a solution.

8. Prayer. I cannot stress this enough. Prayer has caused miracles in my life. Rely on God/Universe whatever you resonate with as much as you can. Your connection to yourself and your higher power is something you always have access to and if you believe and have faith even in times of darkness your high vibration will cause the ripple effect you’re looking for and problems will be solved. I recommend praying and setting up an intention every morning and night.

9. Even if you’re in survival mode 90% of the time. That 10% you spend meditating and praying. Even a little 10 minute meditation, if you can do it and have that time to be in complete surrender and serenity it will still make a difference. It’s not about how much time is spent on something but rather the quality of that. Allow that 10 minutes to be sacred, profound.

10. Ask for all the help you can get from where you know you can. you may get turned down, life is about risks. But always keep going.

11. Create time if you don’t have it. Give something up in order to gain something else. You may need to compromise on something for the time being to be able to create a prominent change/shift in your life. But make sure it is something that won’t affect your health and well being. Example; less time watching tv, more time spent on cultivating faith

12. Be very consistent in your efforts. Consistency towards something is what creates that energetic momentum which will eventually lead to a manifestation.

13. Daily affirmations and listening to affirmations when you sleep is also a great method to reprogram your subconscious and set you up for success. Again, so many free resources out there you can use, you just have to consciously use your will power and pray to receive the strength you need so you can push through.

I’ve linked my energy healing playlist as well as another energy clearing I listen to. I will also be posting more energy healings , always listen with the intention to receive. You don’t even need to pay attention when listening to those.

The meditation I linked says “love meditation” but I’ve used it to manifest other things and I’ve received answer to my prayers immediately.

I hope this helps and I’m sending much love to everyone needing this.