#you too could not grab the hands of your passion/kind of brother and let him fall to his death... you could do that today even

[seacavepuzzle]

Die Benefiz-Vorstellung der vier Teufel (1920)

[kaleidoscopewritings19]

Joel Miller x F!Reader

Title: Ruin Me

Warning(s): language and SMUT! MDNI!!! If you are under the age of 18, you should not be here on this particular reader. I have warned you, and therefore am not responsible for what you’re about to read. MINORS DO NOT INTERACT!

Prompt Credit are in bold and go to: @ rent-white, @ dumplingsjinson

—————

Slowly, you opened the door to your assigned house in Jackson, Wyoming. The freezing air made you shiver, and you kicked the snow off your boots.

You pulled your coat off and hung it on the hooks hanging by the door. You had made your home as cozy as possible with decorations you would find when out searching for supplies. Any time you walked into your home, you felt at ease and at peace. Another pair of boots on the floor caught your attention when you were taking off your own. “Joel?” You called out, and a creak on the floor board made you whip your head around.

The familiar pair of eyes made you breathe out a breath of relief, “You knew those were my boots, and yet you were nervous.” He said and you looked down at your feet.

“The last time I trusted a pair of familiar boots, I was kidnapped.” You said and Joel took a step closer to you. A while back you were taken by raiders; you never talked about it, and Joel understood that- he could only imagine what happened to you. “I would never let that happen. Not now, not ever.” He said as he pulled you into his body.

You were twenty years younger than him- gentle and fragile. The both of you had gone through the most fucked up things before finding solace in Jackson. When Joel had met you, he knew he had to protect you at all costs. Despite the hellish things you had been through, you were still kind.

You were far different from Tess and the women he had met along the way. It was a warmth Joel hadn’t felt since before the outbreak, and he was drawn to you. He didn’t trust anyone (other than Ellie and his brother), but he trusted you.

You were told of Joel’s past; he had murdered, he tortured people for information, and often times he would torture people to death. But just as he was drawn to you, you were drawn to him. He seen the ugly of the world, but you only found the good and the beauty in this world. Joel found it fascinating and you were addictive.

This little arrangement happened a year ago- the two of you would fuck each other to release built up emotions and stress, and that was it. But one of you was bound to get burned, and it just so happened to be you. You had fallen hopelessly in love with the ruthless and complicated man.

“What’s going on in the pretty little head of yours?” He asked, tearing you from your thoughts.

“Nothing.” You lied.

Joel pressed a kiss to your forehead- he was different around you. The man that was deemed as lethal, was gentle when it came to you. He was always the one to initiate things, but this time, you decided to be brave. You grabbed Joel’s hand and led him to your couch; he had lit the fire prior to even coming home, but you were glad he did.

Warmth filled the room, as you straddled Joel’s lap. Your legs were on the side of his, and he stared at you a gleam in his eye. His hands wrapped around your waist, and your shaky hands rested against the scruff on his face. No words were ever used when things would get sexual, both of you had agreed less talking was better, because this was nothing.

His dark eyes stared up into yours- he knew you wanted to take control, and little did you know this is something he had dreamed of. You had needs too, and he wanted you take advantage of him and these needs, but you were always too shy.

Joel did not want to rush you. Slowly, your face inched closer to his, and your lips brushed against his. His breath tickled your lips, and there was no time to be shy, so you pressed a kiss to Joel’s lips.

A few months back, the two of you agreed to allow kissing in these moments, but they were never filled with passion. They were just necessary to make things more steamy and to get things moving along. You pulled away from his face to see his expression.

He gave you a small smile, trying to encourage you to keep going- the waters were fine and did not need to be tested. You deepened the kiss and slid your tongue between his lips, and he pulled you closer to him.

Joel hummed in response to you, and he leaned his head against the back of the couch. His lips were puffy and a lazy smile made its way across his face, “Kiss me like that again and I’m gonna think you’re in love with me.” He said breathlessly, and you froze above him.

Joel noticed the look on your face and he sat up straighter, and before you could stop yourself, the words left your lips, “But what if I am in love with you, Joel?”

His breath hitched in his chest, and he (gently) pushed you to the side of him. “I’m gonna need you to stop right there. Don’t you dare bullshit me with that.” He gruffed, and he pulled on his boots.

He did not even bother to tie them, instead he turned to you. His finger pointed at you, “We promised each other that this wouldn’t happen.” His Texas accent was thick; it always was when he was angry, and man, he was angry.

You stood up from the couch and stood toe to toe with Joel. Being quiet and letting things slide, that was expected of you, but you couldn’t remain quiet anymore. “Yeah, Joel, we did. But it happened. What do you want me to do about it?” You asked as you looked in eyes for an answer, and when you didn’t find one, your hands rested on your head. “I can’t un-love you, Joel.”

Joel twinged at the word love, and he looked down at his feet. “You need to stop.” He said as he walked to the door, but you blocked him. You stood at the door with your head held high, “Y/N, move.” Joel stated and you shook your head.

“No.” You responded and Joel’s jaw tightened. “Move. Now.” He said again, and you folded your arms against your chest. “What’s stopping us from becoming more than this?” You demanded and Joel stepped forward.

He kept stepping towards you, until your back was pressed firmly against the front door. You held your ground, you stared up at him and he looked down at you. His face was emotionless- it was like chiseled stone, and with a monotonous voice, he responded to your question.

“You don’t want to love someone like me, Y/N.” Joel’s hands went to the side of your head, resting on the hard wood. He barred you in and he looked into your eyes, “You have no idea who you’re falling in love with.” He said, and his big, strong arms were making you weak in the knees. You gulped as his face was inches away from yours, “I have murdered people without a second thought, especially if it meant survivin’, and protecting Ellie.”

His eyes darkened, “I’m a dangerous man, Y/N. I’m not capable of love.” He said and you shivered underneath his gaze. But you remained steadfast, “I don’t care about that, Joel.” You said.

“You should.”

“You are capable of love.”

“How?”

His responses were quick, but yours were faster. “The way you protect Ellie. She’s no longer cargo. I know what you did to those fireflies when you knew what they were going to do to her.” You said and Joel pulled back from you. “How do you know about that?” He questioned.

You stared into his eyes, and you brought your hand to his cheek. “Because you talk in your sleep when you are able to sleep, Joel.” You said and he took a step back from you.

Joel turned around and he was looking at the ground, “You stay up and watch while I sleep. You protect me, Joel. You’re gentle with me, and I am fully aware of what you’re capable of.”

He remained silent and you remained against the front door. “You care about me, Joel. I think you feel what I feel too and it scares you. You are capable of love, otherwise you wouldn’t protect me and shield me the way you do.”

Joel turned back around and he hovered over you, “I am afraid to hurt you. Do you not understand that? I have this darkness that surrounds me. You’re like sunlight to me- somethin’ I have never experienced. I- I don’t want to… I’ll poison your light. I will ruin you.” He whispered and you looked into his pain filled eyes.

You moved out of his way and he opened the front door; tears stung your eyes, and you gulped back a sob, “Then ruin me, Joel. Because I can’t keep doing-”

The front door slammed and in one swift step, his hands were on your face, and his lips smashed into yours. Your hands gripped his strong arms, trying to steady yourself. His calloused hands held your face- making it impossible to pull away from him, and you didn’t want to pull away.

His kisses made you feel weak and dizzy; he knew that when your body swayed. He lifted you up off the ground and took you to the couch and laid you down.

Joel’s body hovered over yours, and his hand traced down from your neck all the way down to your waist. “Every time I touch you, it’s like I can feel ya unravelin’ under my hands.” He whispered before pressing another kiss to your lips, earning a moan from your lips.

You couldn’t wait any longer, you sat up and wrapped your arms around Joel’s neck, your legs wrapped around his waist, and you used all of your strength to flip him over. Now you were on top, and Joel was in shock.

His arms were resting well above his head, and he had a smirk on his face. He sat up and pressed a kiss to your lips, and you helped him shimmy out of his flannel. All that was left in your way, was his white t-shirt, and his jeans.

Joel removed his t-shirt, and then reached over and ripped open your button up blouse. Buttons hit the floor, and you began to work on his belt; Joel was letting you take full control.

He wanted to see this part of you, and when you got his pants off, he sat on the edge of the couch, and removed the jeans that clung to your legs.

As he pulled them down, he began pressing kisses from your navel, to where you wanted- needed him, and then pressed kisses all the way down your legs.

Instead of letting him do what he wanted to do, you pulled him up and pushed him back on the couch.

His back was resting in the cushions, and you pulled down his underwear. Joel’s eyes darkened as he watched you straddle him; your panties were black and lacy- he didn’t know how you got your hands on a pair like these. But he was glad you had them. He could feel how wet you were, and he wanted nothing more than to pin you down and fuck you. Hard.

You rubbed yourself against his length and he groaned into your shoulder, gently biting down on your warm skin. Joel couldn’t help himself; his finger traced down from your arm to your laced panties, and he hooked his finger underneath the thing fabric.

His finger slid between your wet folds, and he pushed the lace to the side. You were entranced by Joel- the way his rough finger felt between your legs ; it made you want to unravel right then and there.

Instead, you led his thick cock to your entrance, and slowly slid down until he was fully inside you. A moan left your lips, and Joel ripped off your bra, leaving you completely exposed underneath his gaze.

You were already cock drunk on Joel- he had this effect on you no other man has or could ever have on you. The hunger for Joel was insatiable, after he fucked you once, there was no turning back.

He thrusted his hips up into you, clearly impatient for you to come to your senses. His thrusts were slow and even, then you remembered, gentle. Kind. Fragile. That’s how Joel viewed you, and these slow movements were not longer feeding the need of him. You pressed a kiss to his lips, and leaned in towards his ear, and whispered, “Ruin me, Joel.”

When you pulled back to look at his face, he held your cheek. “Are you sure? Do you even know what you’re asking for?” He questioned. All you could do was nod as he continued to thrust up into you. His hand went to your hair, and gently pulled it back, “I need to hear you say it, baby.” This time you were moving yourself up and down his cock, “Joel, I want you to fuck me. I’m tired of you treating me like I’m going to break.”

This was all the confirmation he needed. Joel flipped you over and now you were laying on your back, staring up at him. He shoved himself back inside you, the sensation overwhelming your senses.

The sight of you made Joel thrust even harder. You fit so perfectly around him; your walls clenched around him. He leaned down to press a kiss to your lips, and you took this opportunity to wrap your legs around his waist.

Skin against skin, his hand hovered over your throat, and his thumb gently pressing into it. His hips snapped into you, and finally you started matching his thrusts. Joel was no longer holding back with you; his thrusts were rough and sloppy- not his usual slow and rhythmic thrusts.

His teeth grazed your bottom lip, making you moan at how sensitive you were becoming. A new feeling had taken over your body; Joel felt you were coming to the edge of breaking. His fingers went down between your legs and began rubbing the sensitive bundle of nerves.

“Joel…. Joel…. Joel!” You were chanting his name like it was going to be the last time you were going to say it.

“I’m about come, baby girl.” He whispered gruffly in your ear. His thrusts became quicker and messier, the sounds coming from the living room were erotic. You silently prayed no one could hear the sounds your bodies were making, but then again, you didn’t care.

“You’re so fuckin’ beautiful— finishing all over my cock” he said as he pressed a kiss to your neck. “Wantin’ me to ruin you… You belong to me now.” Slowly he pulled his cock out of you and slammed back into you. “I want everyone to know who you belong to, Y/N.”

Small, love-bite bruises were forming all over your neck and collar bone, and with one finally moan of his name, “Joel!” You came undone on his cock.

Joel continued to thrust into you until he finished deep inside you. It took everything in him to pull out of you; your bare chest heaved trying to catch your breath.

He reached for the quilt on the back of the couch, and pulled it down to cover you both. You moved over to give him space, and then you rested your head on his chest.

Joel’s fingers ran through your hair and he pressed a gentle kiss to your temple. “I do care about you, Y/N. It’s hard for me to let my guard down, ‘cause when I do, it never lasts.” He said and your finger gently traced his lips.

“I’m not going anywhere, Joel. I promise.” You whispered and his lips locked onto yours. It wasn’t too long before he had you pinned down on the floor, and made love to you like it was going to be the last time he could love you.

————-

I hope you guys enjoyed that… I’m not the best at writing smut, but I am working on it. 🩶 kinda scared to post but oh well.

[kykyonthemoon]

How to romance the lovely Miss Hunter

By finding out the tropes you like to read in romance novels, he might know just how you would like this love to be.

ಇ. Character x Reader/MC

Included parts in order: Rafayel, Xavier, Zayne, Caleb

ಇ. Tags: soft, sweet, fluff, cheesy (it's a warning), teasing, established relationship (except for Caleb's part), roleplaying (with Rafayel), jealousy (Xavier being jealous with his other identity - Lumiere), mentioned of all the romance tropes I like to write about, childhood friends to lovers, adopted brother and sister, princess and her merman slave, damsel in distress.

ಇ. Word count: 4k3

ಇ. Requested by Krys.

ಇ. Masterlist

ಇ. Request

𝑹𝒂𝒇𝒂𝒚𝒆𝒍 

"What have you done just now?! "That was my first kiss."

The princess exclaimed. She then covered her lips with her fingers and concealed her face behind the veil that had just been removed.

The attractive mermaid, with his bare chest revealed beneath the water, smiled, half cold, half alluring. He migrated close to to the Princess and declared:

“Now you are mine.”

The book in Rafayel’s hand rolled from the sofa to the floor, and he began laughing uncontrollably, crawling even. You seized the book in anger, folded it flat, and requested:

“Please stop.”

Rafayel covered his lips with a palm and smiled. His eyes shone with tears, his cheeks went scarlet, and his stomach ached from laughing so hard. He leaned absolutely back on the sofa and gazed at you.

"Your Highness, you do have a hobby of reading such cheesy love stories."

Rafayel replicated the dialogue from the book, making you even more enraged. You shot him a stare.

"Hmm." You gripped the book hard in your hands. Ever since he caught you reading this romantic novel inspired by the legend of Lemuria, Rafayel had been teasing you by reenacting passages from the written scenes, but in a sardonic style that left you flush with embarrassment.

"Your Highness, where are you heading to?" Rafayel grabbed your wrist as you turned to go. "Do not forget that now, you are mine."

Rafayel restrained another chuckle. You violently yanked free from his grip. 

“I'm… sorry…” Rafayel cleared his throat. He eventually came to the decision to stop this childish game. 

"With the exception of a few references to Lemurian mythology, the rest are too… much. The author has let her imagination wander too far.” 

"You are insulting other people's interests!" You frowned and responded. "I enjoy reading passionate love stories like this. Is there a problem with it?”

Rafayel stared at you with an expression of pain. You were the one who got furious, so why did he appear to be more upset?

“If you wish to learn about Lemuria, wouldn't it be better to just ask me directly? You don't need to read stories like that.”

The book in your hand was titled The Lemurian Kiss. The plot focused on a handsome mermaid and the princess he was forced to obey. Tara first exposed you to it, which piqued your interest. Then you were absorbed in the love and resentment, as if it was your own narrative from another life.

Rafayel hated it. Yet you did not understand, if he disliked it so much, why did he even bother to read it more attentively than yourself? Even when he tormented you with passages from the narrative that made you blush, you had to concede that he had read and comprehended it better than you could.

Perhaps it was due to his Lemurian ancestry. Perhaps he had heard a similar story elsewhere in his long life. You had no idea how long he had lived, and you understood very little about Lemurians. Indeed, when you bought this book, you anticipated it to disclose more about his kind than he was eager to share.

Suddenly, you came up with an idea. You gave up attempting to get out of Rafayel's grip. To his astonishment, you crouched down closer to him, giving him no opportunity to sit up. A hand rested on Rafayel's chest, gently forcing him down into the sofa.

"So? Will you tell your beloved princess all the secrets of Lemuria then?"

You altered your voice to seem icy and pompous, like the princess in the tale. Your gaze fixed on Rafayel's, making it impossible for him to ignore you. He was completely taken aback by your abrupt shift in attitude.

“You… What are you doing?”

“Is that how you speak to a princess?”

You appeared unsatisfied, and before Rafayel attempted to get up, you opted to sit on top of him.

“Ouch! That's painful!" He shouted. “You're so heavy! Get off!”

"How insolent of you!" You grabbed Rafayel's chin so he could obediently stay down in place. "I'll have your scales peeled off for daring to insult my weight like this."

He snorted coldly while he was still pinned down on the sofa. "That's it! You're bullying me!"

"Isn't this your favorite scene from the story? When the merman attempted to flee, the princess sat on him. I'm merely offering help since I see you immersing yourself so much in the role from the story there.”

Rafayel's sullen attitude brought you a delicious triumph. He turned his face away, as if he was upset at being bullied. He stated:

“It's best that you don't read these kinds of stories anymore!”

Pleased, you softly patted his cheeks as he puffed them up like a toddler. You stood up, satisfied, and said:

“I'm going to let it slide. Next time, don't tease me like that anymore."

But Rafayel showed obvious disappointment. He grasped your wrist.

“Is that all?”

"Huh?" 

“Are you really going to leave?” He grumbled. “You are not dedicated to the role you play after all.”

Rafayel sat up immediately, then he pulled you down on the sofa and in a blink of an eye, you were in his arms. “Once you start a role, you have to be committed to it.”

Rafayel's long fingers slid down the bridge of your nose, then paused at your lips. You held your breath, looking at him, waiting.

“Her Highness loses interest too quickly.” 

You grinned, recalling the personal passages between the two main protagonists in the novel. Sometimes you put yourself and Rafayel in it. How astonishing that this was truly happening.

“Entertain me then. Would you?”

Your clear voice rang out. Your fingertips had rendered Rafayel's face red, and you could hear his heart pounding furiously in your ear. 

“I can grant all your wishes.” Rafayel held your hand and placed it on his chest, then began to kiss you. First your hair, then your forehead, a lingering kiss on the tip of your nose, and finally he stopped for a moment at your lips. “I can even make you forget all the cheesy things a human wrote about Lemurians in that book.”

Rafayel's fingers gently parted your lips a little. Yet still left you hanging. 

“After all, Her Highness needs not a work of fiction, when she already has a true Lemurian, in the flesh, right here.”

At that moment, the merman offered the princess a long-awaited kiss, as if reconnecting an incomplete romance from the past life.

𝑿𝒂𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒓 

Those days, Xavier noticed how you often had your nose buried in a book. It was nothing like daily life science research, nor was it like the ones you would usually read. It was brand new, with a silver mask on the cover.

He also realized another thing, that you always laughed to yourself while reading it. Occasionally, you would give him a covert glance, then go back to bury yourself in the pages of the book and smile. Other times, you would hold the entire open book in your hands and roll around on the bed with immense excitement, which he could not comprehend.

Then, one day, he picked it up, that thick large book. What caught his eye was the title of the story: Moonlight Lover. He rolled his eyes. 

Xavier's slightly trembling fingers opened the book in a slow motion. The page you were reading was marked with a lovely tiny star-shaped bookmark. He failed to take his eyes off the words presented under the light.

“My beautiful lady, fear not! I have come for you. I will protect you with my life.”

“Oh, my Lumiere…”

A very complicated expression appeared on Xavier's face. He read on, and the next paragraphs perplexed him. 

In the midst of fierce battle, Lumiere gave his lover a passionate kiss. Time stopped, the moonlight shone on two hearts in perfect harmony. Right at the climax, you walked in. With a haste you snatched the book from his hands.

“This… is mine!” 

You hid it behind your back. Your face turned red as if you had just done something so embarrassing.

"You… Why have you read my book?"

"You…" Xavier was ready to say something, but hesitated. His look remained stunned, as if he had just witnessed something so horrific that he could not speak. Yet that may be true.

"Tara let me borrow this book!" You spoke fast, not daring to look him in the eyes. "She said this… this is the best-selling romance novel in Linkon…"

"I see." Xavier responded. "Do you like reading romantic stories?"

"S-Sometimes…" You murmured. With the book in your hand, you swiftly turned to the bookshelf and placed it there. As you turned around, you nearly ran into Xavier. When did he come to stand right behind you? "Oops!"

"S-Sometimes…" You murmured. With the book in your hand, you swiftly turned to the bookshelf and placed it there. As you turned around, you nearly ran into Xavier. When did he arrive to stand directly behind you? "Oops!"

You exclaimed with surprise. You promptly drew away. Your back was ready to collide with the bookshelf, but Xavier's extensive hand saved you.

His face was so close. Somehow, you imagined that behind a silver mask, he would look just like Lumiere, which was bizarre.

"Xavier…" You quietly uttered his name, indicating that you were safe and that he could let you free. Yet Xavier held you even tighter.

“Do you like Lumiere that much?” He questioned abruptly, his expression not even trying to cover his evident sulking. 

“Lumiere… It's merely fiction…” You defended. 

“What do you like about him? His flashy appearance? Or his way of flirting with the female lead?”

Xavier's face stiffened. You caught his eyes gradually darken.

“In stories like this,” you clarified. “The male lead often appears just as the main protagonist is in peril to defend her. I simply appreciate their love..."

You could feel Xavier's heavy breathing on your cheek. His hand, which was previously on your back, then moved down to your hip, pushing you towards him so that your bodies were pressed against each other.

“I do the same too, don't I?” Xavier's voice was calm and soft, yet contained so much bitterness. “I will always defend you. I'm always there when you need me."

“Yes… That is true…” You replied, casting a quick glance at him. He rested his chin on your head and wrapped his arms around you in secure, as if afraid Lumiere would appear and take you away at any moment.

“So, me and Lumiere, who do you like more?”

Xavier's question left you hanging in confusion. Before you could respond, he added:

“Lumiere cannot hold you like this. He cannot be there whenever you call. He cannot hang out with you. Cannot be close to you… like this…”

A kiss from Xavier landed on your bare shoulder. You felt dizzy after being embraced with such force. You gasped:

“Erm… Lumiere is a… a legend… Even if he's real… he's probably a lot older than me…”

Xavier sighed deeply once more. He leaned in toward you and pushed you closer to the bookshelf. 

“Then tell me. Do you like me more, or him?"

Just when you thought everything was settled, Xavier continued to ask that question. You knew all too well that you could not get out of this situation if you refused to give him the answer he needed. Yet the look on his face made you want to taunt him even more.

“Well, let's see. Lumiere has a luxury attire, exceptional abilities, and—”

Without waiting for you to finish the sentence, Xavier's lips locked your mouth. His kisses were always as gentle as his demeanor, but this was more intense than ever. You were held in his arms, lips devoured by him to the point that every breath slowly left you, your body and heart trembling as you were forced to surrender to him in such a manner. 

When Xavier let you go, your mind already went blank. Who was Lumiere again? You no longer remembered. You could not recall.

Xavier gazed down at you, his lips parted slightly into a smile. He removed the book off the shelf and placed it back in your hands. 

“Return it to Tara once you're done reading.”

He turned away. At that moment, you concluded that you could read every love story ever written in this world, but the one true male protagonist in your life could only be Xavier.

𝒁𝒂𝒚𝒏𝒆

There was a book café established on the same street as Akso Hospital recently. And so you have found another place to go while waiting for a certain doctor to finish his shift.

Originally, you intended to pass the time by sipping a drink and munching some sweets. Yet you had no idea that you would also be drawn into the pages of books there, especially a very thrilling love story about a man. The doctor who led two divergent lifestyles.

He was a doctor at an esteemed hospital, also a cold-blooded killer who must conceal his identity from the person he loved. Right from the very first lines, you were drawn into the story that was both tragic and sensational. Especially when the main character resembled a doctor whom you admired. You were so absorbed in reading that you failed to notice the time. You went around the café, holding the book in your hands, and read without paying attention to the world. As a consequence, you ran into someone.

“Zayne?” You cried out in surprise. He stared at you first, then at the book on the floor. He leaned down to pick it up.

“The secrets of Doctor Li?” Zayne read the title aloud. In a haste you used your hands to protect the book from his inquisitive gaze. When he returned it, you clutched it securely against your chest and purposefully turned the cover toward you.

“Well… This is…” You searched for an explanation. “My reference book…”

"Is that so?" Zayne's eyebrows furrowed slightly. “Another one of your reference books?”

You were perplexed while recalling that you had lately left another book in Zayne's office. Of course, you claimed that it helped you understand more about the medical field, and he had pointed out some of its factual misunderstandings. This time, just by looking at the cover, Zayne understood precisely what type of books you were reading, and they had nothing to do with medicine.

“I thought medical books were supposed to be displayed on the other side of the coffee shop, right?” Zayne replied nonchalantly.

“Ah… It was a bit crowded over there, so I moved to this area…”

Zayne turned around to look at the other side of the café. There was not a single person seen. On the contrary, the place you had chosen had more readers.

Realizing what a mistake you had made, you quickly pulled Zayne's hand out of there. “Let's go, Doctor Zayne! I've been waiting for you and now I'm hungry!”

A few days later, you caught Zayne intently reading something at his desk. Moving closer, you recognized the very familiar cover of the book almost immediately.

“The secrets of Doctor Li?! So you're reading it?"

Being caught in the act by you, since you had decided to come to the hospital on your lunch break that day without a notice, Zayne could only chuckle. He covered half of his face with the book, leaving only his eyes visible behind the pair of glasses. You knew he was adjusting the muscles around his face.

“Yes. Hello."

"You. Are. Reading. This. Too!" You uttered every single word as if this was a big deal. 

Zayne calmly lowered the book, closed then placed it neatly on the table. He replied:

“I also want to refer to some things from there.”

You appeared perplexed. “Didn't you say that this book is wrong in even basic healthcare knowledge?”

Zayne's serene demeanor belied a sense of perplexity in his gaze. His eyes never lied. He immediately turned away. 

"Medical expertise is not what I am looking for in it."

“What is it then?” You placed a hand on your chin thoughtfully. “Is there anything that even Doctor Know-It-All Zayne has to learn from love stories? Unless it's…”

You abruptly discontinued talking. It appeared you already knew the answer.

Zayne glanced at you for a brief moment. He pursed his lips, but it was evident he was smiling.

“People easily find what they want in fiction.” He explained. “For instance, if a girl likes to read romance, then she is waiting for such a sweet love story.”

“That doesn't sound like something Doctor Zayne would say.” You inquired once again: "Are those actually Yvonne's words?"

You guessed, given that you just witnessed the nurse passing the identical book to Doctor Greyson in the corridor.

Zayne confessed that Yvonne had suggested that he read the romantic novels you enjoyed to better understand you.

Zayne admitted that Yvonne had hinted that he should read the type of romance novels you liked to understand you better.

“I've never dated anyone before.” Zayne did not look you in the eye, but his fingers were squeezing your hand as he stood up. “At the start of our relationship, I had certain concerns. I'd want to know which type of partner you prefer, or how you wish to be loved."

You could not hold back the happy smile on your lips anymore. The fact that Zayne was so open about what he was thinking like this was enough to bring you closer to him.

“You can just ask me. Just like how you would always answer my questions about anything.” 

You took initiative to stand on tiptoe and wrapped your arms around Zayne's neck. He gently rubbed his nose against the tip of yours.

“I like to be loved by you in your own way,” you whispered very softly, just enough for the two of you to hear even though there was no one else in the office. “There is no need for any stereotypes. Just be yourself, because that's who I like.”

As soon as you finished speaking, you placed a gentle kiss on Zayne's cheek and added: "Do you find me easy to please?"

Zayne lifted you up and let your feet rest on his. “You are as easy to please as a three-year-old child. Just give you sweets and a few romance books, you would obediently sit still all day."

“As expected, the person who understands me best is certainly Doctor Zayne!”

𝑪𝒂𝒍𝒆𝒃 

During the summer, after graduating from high school and waiting for the official announcement from the Hunter Association, you spent the whole day lying at home resting. And, with so much spare time, you began re-reading literature that you had previously missed.

While you were giggling with a romance book in your hands, Caleb stepped in. He snatched it and said:

“Does Gran know you're still reading these things?”

“First,” you said. “Grandma is not at home. Second, I am old enough to read whatever I like now.”

You extended a hand towards Caleb, but he refused to give the book back. He quickly glanced at the cover, then looked at you with a serious expression.

“Pip-squeak, did you forget that I and Grandma had to confiscate your books?”

You crossed your arms over the chest and huffed at him. “Speaking of which, you were a snitch who told her about my books.”

“You stayed up all night reading until your eyes got dark circles.” Caleb laughed. “While you must focus on studying. Books like this will give you a false perspective on love. I'm just worried that any boy would say a few sweet words like in those stories, and you would give him your heart."

“Do you even know what I read?” You sighed. “But you got exactly what you wanted. I've graduated from high school without having had a single romance. Now give me back the book so I can continue daydreaming, okay?"

You sat up straight and were about to reach out to take the book back when he held it up higher. He shook his head.

"Not yet. I must read it first to ensure that this book is safe.”

He sat in another armchair and proceeded to open the book to the page you were already reading. Quick as lightning, you darted forward and placed your hands over to stop him.

"No way! This… You can't read it!”

Caleb glanced at you with perplexed eyes. With just one hand, he easily pushed you away. 

“I said, you can't read it!”

The more you attempted to reclaim the book, more firmly Caleb held both of your hands. He rapidly read the stuff you never wished him to know. You bit your lip and dropped your head to the floor in ashamed defeat.

He knew. 

He knew what you read. He knew what kind of love you were desperately hoping for.

A moment later, after about ten pages, Caleb turned to look at his sister, who was sitting on the ground in her pajamas and her hair undone still. You simply wanted to hide yourself away so he would never find you, since you knew he would only lecture you.

In fact, you were waiting for that lecture to happen, but Caleb said absolutely nothing for a while. He closed the book and placed it on the sofa.

“So…” He eventually spoke. “The story you are reading… Is it the romance between a brother and his sister?”

“Foster brother and sister.” You added it right away. “They are orphans… Like us.”

You deliberately said the last words in the most quiet tone. But Caleb heard it. He cleared his throat. 

“So you like romantic stories… like this?”

You covertly gazed at him before turning away immediately. This room suddenly became so airless.

When you were alone, you could let your imagination run wild. You could prolong the daydream in which you were free to express your feelings. Just like the heroine in the story. Yes, you adored that story, because it told you about the romance that bloomed between two orphans who were adopted and fell in love with each other as they grew up. You enjoyed portraying yourself as the female lead and dreaming that he was the male lead.

That was probably why you dated nobody during your school years. That was probably why you always waited for his vacation to greet him when he returned from Skyhaven.

You wanted to be connected to him in a different way than being his adopted sister.

Then he already knew everything. How could you simply bury this guilt? You dared not look at him anymore. Nonetheless, Caleb sat down in front of you, on the floor. His hand was placed very close to yours.

“Well… You could have told me that you…” Caleb stopped mid-sentence. You also did not know what to say in this case. Then he decided to leave.

During that weekend, you never spoke to each other save for brief phrases when compelled to say something. 

Caleb returned home the following weekend, but he arrived by the doorstep late at night. The unexpected summer downpour soaked him. You soon let him inside and after taking a shower, Caleb sat in the living room alone with his hair still dripping.

“You should dry your hair.” You spoke, in your hand a clean cotton towel.

Caleb grinned, but averted your gaze. "You usually help me with it."

You refused to say anything else and proceeded gently towards him. There was a chaotic sense between the two of you, as if a fire that had been smoldering for a long time suddenly flared up in violence.

You did not sit next to Caleb, but rather stood behind the sofa, drying his hair. Caleb's eyes were closed, he leaned back slightly, and his gorgeous face was directed towards you. If it had not been for the cotton towel, his hair and head would have likely touched your abdomen.

"It's done." You spoke quietly. You slowly took one step backwards. But Caleb reached out and held you back.

“Pip-squeak, don't go.”

You lost your breath and lowered the head to look down at him. His eyes opened a little, just enough to capture the image of you half confused, half expectant like this.

“Do you still read that story?”

Your head shook slightly as an answer.

"How come? Why did you stop?"

“It makes me… think about nonsense. Didn't you want me to stop reading those kinds of novels and hoping too much for a romance?"

Caleb laughed. His cold fingers touched your cheek, then slid down to the corner of your ruby lips.

“What a pity. The two characters in that story seemed to… truly be together eventually.”

He knew, since he had read ten more pages than you. You never picked up that book again after that day.

“Of course, because they are the male and female protagonists...” You replied in a soft tone.

“You can also be the main character,” said Caleb. “You are the main character in your own story. So… How would you write it?”

He looked at you for a long moment, waiting for your reaction. Waiting for a sign from you. Waiting for you to let him in. 

At last, you allowed yourself to be immersed in his touch, his breath and the delicate aroma of soap on his skin. You rubbed against his palm, your head lowered slightly to get a little closer to him. 

If you were the heroine in that story, you would hope this dream to never fade.

“I want… I want Caleb to be mine…”

[enthusiasticharry]

the one where YN is the governess for Harry's children, and they cannot hide their growing affection for each other.

author's note: part one of governess!yn (who is my lil angel baby). after the love on good omens, i finally got my mojo back and i'm back with another work! pls be kind and definitely let me know what you think (and what you would like to see in part 2!)

word count: 12.4k of mutual pining (but they just don't know it yet), friends to lovers, employer/employee relationships going out of the window and meddling modistes!

WARNINGS: death during childbirth, child abandonment, parent death, death of a spouse (you have been warned)

let me know what you think of daisies here! mwah <3

YEAR ONE

“Noah!” YN called from where she sat on a picnic blanket on the house grounds, “Slow down, wait for your sister!”

“But Miss. YN,” The younger boy groaned, a second away from stomping his feet YN assumed, “She’s so slow.”

“Noah,” YN warned again with a tilt of her head, watching as the little boy stopped and waited for the even smaller girl behind him, “Thank you.”

YN loved her life.

Whilst YN had not had the easiest of upbringings in life, she had truly found her passion and calling in being a governess. The Styles household had not been the first family she had worked for – but they were her favourite. Noah, the six-year-old little boy, was bubbly, mischievous and had a penchant for teasing his younger sister made her life interesting every day. Honorah, who was just three years old was the complete opposite of her brother – quiet, sweet and the happiest little girl YN knew.

The family that YN had been with before were difficult to work with. There was an absent father and a mother who interfered with YN’s work too much for her liking so when Mr Styles asked her to come and work for his family – she did not even have to think about it. Mr Styles loved his children, but from what YN had heard – he had loved his wife too. Mrs. Styles had died during the birth of Honorah, and from what YN had experienced it had shaken the family.

YN had started working for the Styles about three months ago. Before, Mr. Styles had relied on his mother and his household staff to aid with the upbringing of his children. Unfortunately for them, his mother had been unable to continue helping in her old age and that was when they sought out help from YN.

“Miss. YN,” Honorah’s voice shook YN out of her daydream, “I picked this for you.”

“Thank you, Norah,” YN smiled, accepting the small daisy that the girl was holding out for her, “This is a lovely daisy.”

The girl sheepishly smiled, rocking on her feet slightly as she stood above the older woman. YN smiled, tapping the space on the blanket next to her for her to drop down.

“How about this…” YN smiled, pulling out some paper and pencils that she had packed in a basket and placing them in front of the girl, “I packed these for you, would you like to try and draw the daisy?”

Honorah nodded, accepting the paper and pencils from YN. The older woman watched with a smile on her face as the girl carefully placed the daisy down in front of her, her tongue slightly slipping out from her lips in concentration as she grabbed the pencil and started to sketch. In her peripheral vision, YN could see Noah chasing what looked to be a butterfly around some of the flowers in front of them.

YN loved the summer, and the Styles children did too it seemed. They had a perfectly good classroom spare in the house to use but when the weather was this lovely, YN saw no need to keep the children holed up within the four walls. They had completed spelling tests each earlier in the morning, and seeing as though it was a Friday, YN saw no need to overwork the children.

“Miss YN,” Noah screamed, running over to her with his hands clutched tightly in front of him, “I caught it!”

“You caught it?” YN’s eyes widened, trying to match the younger boy’s excitement, “What did you catch, Noah?”

“The butterfly I was chasing!” The younger boy’s words were followed by a giggle and a small shake of his shoulders, “It is tickling me.”

“That is probably because it is scared, Noah,” YN explained, placing the younger boy’s hands in hers, “Remember how small the butterfly is? Small enough to fit in your hand. Even though you are a little boy, you are big and scary to the butterfly.”

“Oh,” Noah’s face dropped, his shoulders dropping slightly, “I do not want to scare it.”

YN nodded, “Should we let it go?”

Noah nodded, accepting YN’s help when she cupped his hands and opened them and there was the butterfly. It immediately flew away from them, and Noah saw that as the opportunity to go chasing after it again, Honorah could not resist abandoning her drawing and running after her brother.

YN leant back on her hands lightly and watched as the scene unfolded in front of her. YN had come to terms with the fact that she would not have children of her own, and these two little ones filled that void. YN had been trained with people that she knew would not be the kindest of governesses and at most hated children and she swore she would never be like that. She had been dealt this life, but she was not going to let it change her.

“The last time he caught a bug it took us three hours to convince him to set it free,” YN jumped at the sound of Mr. Styles’ voice from the side of her, the man standing a few feet away from her with his hands in his pockets.

YN smiled, turning her attention back to the children, “I must admit I am surprised he gave it up so easily.”

Mr. Styles chuckled, his hand pointing to the blanket next to her, “May I join you?”

YN nodded, “Of course.”

She tried not to stare as he sat down. There was a decent amount of space between them, and whilst YN’s legs were curved to the side of her – Harry’s extended in front of him. YN would be lying if she said her employer was not attractive. Even with his mood which often reflected the tragedies he had experienced in his life – his features still stood out to YN. Mr. Styles was not shy about eye contact, and every time YN was under his gaze her heart fluttered – just as she was now.

YN looked out at the children who were now chasing each other around a tree, “They completed their spelling lessons an hour or so ago, and instead of keeping them indoors I thought this was a better way for them to spend their time.”

“I am in no position to criticise your methods, Miss YLN,” Mr. Styles nodded, a chuckle escaping his lips as he watched his son taunt his daughter from behind the tree, “If anything, this will ensure that bedtime goes smoothly.”

YN chuckled, watching as the children spotted their father and came bounding over to him. Noah immediately latched onto his father’s side, with Honorah wrapping her arms around his neck.

“Papa, did you see?” Noah’s beaming face almost shouted at his father, “I caught a butterfly! But I let it go because it was scared.”

“I did see, Noah,” Mr. Styles nodded, pulling down his son’s shirt that had rolled up at the back, “It was very nice of you to let it go.”

Noah nodded, obviously trying to suppress the smile on his face due to how his father was happy with him. Honorah, obviously feeling slightly left out of her father’s attention, picked up her half-finished daisy and passed it to him.

Even though YN knew the difficulties of making sure that each of the children had equal attention, Mr Styles did it so effortlessly. After YN’s first experience with a family, one in which she was sure that the father had no idea as to what his children’s names were – it was a lovely sight. He managed to ensure that each one of his children knew that they were loved, and he did everything he could to ensure that they did not feel the hole that the loss of their mother created.

“How about we go inside for supper?” Harry offered to the children, both of whom nodded their heads and scrambled to stand up.

YN took that as the opportunity to start packing up the things she had brought out with them and retire for the evening. Just as YN was about to fold up the blanket, Mr. Styles had already beaten her to it. He smiled at her as he offered the folded blanket to her, which she accepted with a nod of her head and placed it within the basket.

Just as she was about to turn and walk towards the house, Mr. Styles cleared his throat.

“Would you like to join us for supper?”

“Oh,” That stopped YN in her tracks immediately, “I… I should not…I would not want to intrude.”

“You would not be intruding,” Mr. Styles shook his head, “I am offering. There is no need for you to eat alone when you can dine with us.”

YN contemplated his words for a second or so before nodding with a small smile on her face, “Thank you.”

Walking side by side, the two adults followed the children as they ran ahead – a supper waiting inside for them.

For the last three weeks, YN had not eaten alone.

To anyone else, that may have not seemed a fate that would be something to be concerned about – but it was strange. It had started with the supper after the day in the garden with the children and had then been followed by an invitation to breakfast the next day.

YN supposed that it had been for ease, and even more so to allow for her teachings of the children to continue into the rest of the day rather than just to the previous allotted times. The only issue that YN had found with the new arrangement was how YN was being affected by the newly increased amount of time she was spending with Mr. Styles.

Throughout the day YN did not see much of him (just like before) as he tended to retreat to his study to take care of the estate and any other issues that may be presented before him. During mealtimes, however, Mr. Styles now took his place to the left of her at the dining table.

Their conversations never strayed far from the weather, food or most likely the children. Whilst it was strange for YN to join them for these meals, there was a slight comfort that was now found between the two of them. YN never saw Harry converse with friends or leave the house late at night to engage with mistresses which had been a favourite pastime of the previous husband she worked for. A part of YN just assumed that maybe he was lonely, and a conversation with someone that was above the age of six was something that he wished for.

There was also a side of YN that missed the quiet that eating alone gave her. It allowed her time to pause and think. Whilst she loved her job, and she loved the children more than anything YN often wondered what her life would have been like if things were different.

Similarly to the Styles children, YN’s mother had died in childbirth. She had known nothing of her but that information. Her father, a gentleman from the city had remarried almost immediately and his new wife had wanted nothing to do with YN – so she had been abandoned at an orphanage. It was only due to her father’s lineage (even though she had not the faintest idea of who he was) that she had not been made to work, and instead had been trained to be a governess.

YN often wondered what would have happened if that was not the case, if she had not been abandoned in the way she had. She could have been married and had children of her own by now. At the age she was (eight and twenty) the only way in which she could even register the thought of getting married was to a businessman in the village, and yet she did not venture into the village long enough for that to even be a possibility. These thoughts would swirl around YN’s head, just as they were doing now, but then she would be reminded of how fulfilled she was in this role and none of these thoughts would matter.

Whilst YN would often brush these thoughts out of her head, there was a slight comfort in imaging what her life could have been.

YN sat on the steps outside of the residence, a cup filled with tea next to her and the light summer’s breeze a comfort to her. It was deep into the night, and there had not been movement in the house for a few hours and YN was at peace. Dressed in just her nightgown and shawl, the only comfort to her being the silence and the night sky – YN was happy. This time, whilst it had become few and far between recently was the time that she cherished.

“It is a lovely night.”

YN jumped out of her skin at the sound of Mr. Styles’ voice behind her, just as she had done in the garden a few weeks ago. With a hand pressed firmly on her chest in hopes of calming her heart rate down, she turned to look at the man.

“Mr. Styles,” YN gasped, her hand still clutching her chest, “I am afraid you quite terrified me.”

“I apologise,” He offers her a smile, “I heard footsteps earlier and I thought it was the children, but then I saw you sitting out here, and I am now assuming it was you.”

“I apologise,” YN was quick to insert, unable to hide her embarrassment at the situation, “I had no intention of disturbing you.”

“I am most certain you did not,” He pointed to the space on the step next to her, as though asking her permission to sit down and she nodded, watching as he dropped down next to her, “In fact, you were very quiet, it is just me who is a light sleeper. Since my wife…I became the one who had to listen out for the children.”

YN’s body froze when she heard Harry mention his wife. It had been Mr. Styles’ mother who had initially told her about the death of Mrs. Styles. YN had never heard Harry even mention her. She had not a single idea as to whether he spoke to the children about her. She assumed that whilst he may not speak about her now, he must at some point speak to them. YN knew what it was like to have not met a mother, and she knew the pain that it causes and would certainly not ever wish that upon anyone else – especially not those darling children.

“We had another eventful day in the garden today,” YN explained, “I attempted to teach the children how to play pall mall with the old set I found but we instead ended up with a game of cat and mouse – and I am therefore not surprised that they are worn out.”

Harry chuckled, “My family and I used to play pall mall when I was a boy. I had hoped that I would get around to teaching them, but I never had.”

YN’s eyes immediately widened, “I apologise if I overstepped Mr. Styles – I was merely attempting to make use of the day.”

“No, no do not apologise,” Mr. Styles shook his head, “I heard their joyful glees earlier in the day – I would allow for anything to continue to hear those sounds.”

YN wrapped her arms around her knees, bringing them closer to her chest, “I know that I have given you this information before, but you do have two beautiful children, Mr. Styles.”

Mr Styles’ face beamed a smile, as though he was proud to be hearing such information. If YN had heard this information about her children she would not have been prouder to be a parent. Mr. Styles’ face reflected that.

“I wish I could take all of the credit but indeed I cannot,” Mr. Styles sighed, a hand running over his face, “Norah, is, well… she is exactly like her namesake. My wife was sweet, gentle, and kind. She was inquisitive, just as Noah is. Unfortunately for him, he may have inherited my unfortunate mischievous side which I had as a child.”

YN chuckled slightly before offering him a small smile, “It must be lovely to see her in them. To know that she is still here, in them.”

Mr. Styles hesitated. YN’s heart dropped, the fear that she had overstepped coursing through her veins.

“Mr. Styles, I apologise,” YN’s chest started to rise up and down, this time from the nerves rather than being scared, “I completely overstepped. I did not mean to offend you.”

Mr. Styles shook his head, “You did not, and please forget the formalities – call me Harry.”

YN nodded, “I am still sorry if I offended you, Harry.”

“You did not, YN, I can promise you that,” Harry offered her a smile which settled any of the woman that might have still harboured, “In truth, you are correct. Whilst she is no longer with us, I see her face every day. I see the aspects of her that I fell in love with day after day. Whilst it does not fill the hole of what we have lost, it offers a sense of comfort that I am more appreciative of than words could ever explain.”

A comfortable silence loomed over the two of them, the words that had just been spoken dancing around them, invading their thoughts. It was at this point that YN felt her sense of loss wash over her.

“I, uh, well…” YN offered Harry a sad smile, “My mother died giving birth to me too. I do not wish to bore you with the details, but I did not have a father looking out and loving me in the way that you do. Your children will be grateful in the future for that – I promise you.”

Harry nodded, “I am ever so sorry for your loss, YN.”

YN shrugged, “It was a long time ago now, Harry. Whilst I do not advocate the idea that wounds heal with time, I suppose that the effects of such become easier to deal with.”

“I tell them stories of her every night,” Harry offers her a small smile, “I will not allow them to forget her.”

“Then that is all that you can do.”

YEAR TWO

“I do so wish that I could dress you proper, Miss YN,” Miss Francis, the modiste, spoke as she continued to pin the dress on YN’s body.

YN chuckled, “I do not need them, Miss Francis. It would be a waste of an expense.”

The older lady sighed, continuing to pin the length on YN’s new-day dress. It was in a delightful lilac, trimmed with lace that around the cuffs and soon to be the hem.

“But you would look so gorgeous adorned in the latest fashions,” YN sighed but allowed Miss Francis to continue, “I do not know if you have heard, but Mr Jacobs’ son is looking for a wife.”

YN sighed and shook her head, “You know that I do not entertain myself with the idle gossip of the village.”

“Well, I for one believe you should,” Miss Francis stood up, her eyes focusing directly on YN, “You have done your duty as a governess, and I am sure the Styles’ are nothing but grateful for your service but there is a time where one must think for themself.”

YN shook her head, not allowing her words to infiltrate her mind at all, “I would never betray my role. Those children need me… Mr. Styles –”

“Mr Styles can find another governess at the drop of a hat,” Miss Francis sighed, “I am sure that if an advertisement went out today there would be a line from here to London hoping for the role.”

YN scoffed and shook her head, “We both know that is an exaggeration.”

“From here to Manchester, then,” Miss Francis corrected.

YN sighed and stepped off the podium, allowing Miss Francis to help her remove the dress on her body and return to the gown she had arrived in. Today the children had gone with Mr Styles to his mother’s house, something that they did every so often and allowed for YN to have a day just to herself. It was a rarity, and in some parts, YN was thankful to receive these days but sometimes she truly did just miss the children. She would also be lying if she said that she did not miss Harry.

In the last year that she had worked for him, she would say that their relationship grew to what YN would deem as a friendship, to more than just an employer-employee relationship. That in itself was something she cherished alongside the life that he had given her. They still ate meals together with the children, and more often than not in their alone time she would find herself in his company. Even if the room was quiet – they would be together.

To anyone looking in, their situation would seem strange. In all honesty – it was. But no matter how strange the situation, YN would not change it for the world.

“I am happy just the way I am, Miss Francis,” YN smiled at the woman, “I do not need to change anything.”

The older lady just scoffed, “Well, if you are ever to change your mind I would be happy to arrange a meeting.”

YN just shook her head, “I promise that shall never be the case.”

It was at this point that YN could tell that the older woman was slightly annoyed with her, “I shall send your gown to the Styles residence when it is ready.”

“Thank you, Miss Francis,” YN smiled, “Do not be too angry with me.”

“I am not,” Miss Francis shook her head, “I just wish that one day you realise your full potential, my dear.”

YN left the modiste with her brain spinning with the words that Miss Francis had said. It was not that she was taking account of anything that Miss Francis said about marriage because she knew that was not on the cards for YN. She had made her peace with that a long time ago. It was more so that YN was struggling to decipher what the older woman meant by saying that she had not met her full potential.

All of her life, YN knew that her only job in life was going to be a governess. The orphanage had made that very clear to her, and fortunately for YN – it was also something that she enjoyed. That was her potential. That was the start of it, and that was the end of it. There was nothing else that anyone could say to change that.

It began the age-old question discussion again. It started YN’s spiral as to when she would think about what life could have been like if certain things were different. Then, no matter how much she would imagine what her life could have been like – she always circles back to right now and how this was where she wanted to be.

Sighing, YN stepped out from the side of the building and onto the road in hopes of crossing it and continuing her journey home. Just as she was about to step out, a hand wrapped around her waist and pulled her back by the side of the building. It was just as she had been pulled back that a carriage went riding past her, too fast for the speed of a normal carriage.

It was only then that YN realised that whoever the person was who had pulled her out of the way of the carriage had pretty much just saved her life.

“Oh,” YN sighed, her hand lifting to rest again on her chest – her heart rate rising once more.

“Are you okay, miss?” The saviour asked, his hand reaching out to touch her arm.

For the first time, YN’s eyes turn to meet the man and they widen. He was tall, and the only word that YN would have to describe him would be rugged. But in between all of that ruggedness, he was handsome, and YN was not ashamed to admit that.

“I am fine,” YN offered him a small smile, “I… Thank you for that. I fear I was not paying much attention to my surroundings.”

“I gathered that,” YN’s eyebrows furrowed at him, “From the way you ignored my calls for you to stop.”

“I, uh, I did not hear you,” YN chuckles, “I was just…”

“Not paying much attention,” He chuckles.

It was then that YN realised that her hands were shaking. In the adrenaline of it all, she supposed that her near-death experience was finally catching up with her body.

“I… I, uh, thank you for… saving me,” YN nodded, pointing across the road, “But I must be getting home.”

“Allow me to fetch a carriage for you, miss?” YN shook her head at the gentleman’s offer.

“No, I cannot, but thank you,” YN gave him a small smile, “I would very much prefer to walk.”

“Then allow me to escort you,” The man continued to press, obviously not wanting to take her no for an answer, “Just to ensure you are out of the path of any other carriages.”

YN chuckled but again shook her head, “Sir, even if I was to say yes I know better than to accept offers from strangers.”

The man offered her a smile, “Well, that is an issue that is immediately fixable – Mr Jacobs, it is lovely to make your acquaintance Miss…”

“…YLN,” YN chuckles, realising by the second that this man was insanely stubborn, “But I assure you, Mr Jacobs, I am perfectly capable of walking myself home.”

“Well, Miss YLN,” Mr Jacobs presses, “How about instead of me walking you home it turns out that the two of us are just walking in the same direction.”

YN tilts her head at the man, “I fear that may be worse.”

“Yes,” The man laughs, unable to stop himself, “I knew that the minute I said so.”

There must have been something that made it so that once Miss Francis had mentioned this man to her she would meet him. YN would not say that she believed in fate, but this was certainly an odd coincidence.

“Whilst I am not saying yes to your offer,” YN started, offering the man a small smile, “I suppose I cannot stop you from joining me if you do so wish, Mr Jacobs.”

“Very well,” He opened his arm out in the direction she had been walking in, “After you, miss.”

YN makes it obvious that she double-checks whether or not any carriages are coming down the road before she attempts to cross it. Her heart has calmed down, as well as the shaking in her hands but in all honesty she would rather curl up with a book and relax.

“Seeing as though we are walking in the same direction, would it be improper of me to ask you a question or two?” Mr Jacobs prompted from the side of her.

“I would say that I owe you as much,” YN sighed, offering him a small smile, “Seeing as though I could have been in a very different situation if it was not for you.”

Mr Jacobs laughs, “Yes, I must admit saving one from a carriage is a much better play.”

YN shrugged, “Ask away.”

YN was surprised. The conversation, barring the near-death experience, seemed to flow with ease. More often than not, YN found herself laughing. Whilst she loved the conversations that she had with Harry, and she would say that he was her best friend within this world – it was nice to converse with someone who did not necessarily know her.

Whilst it had been nice (as it always is) to play make-believe for a little while, she knew that the second the turn-off for the Styles estate came into view she would have to return to her reality.

YN stopped just at the turning, and Mr Jacobs had not anticipated this as he continued to walk. She cleared her throat, and that was when he stopped and turned around – his eyebrows furrowing at her stopped movements.

“This is me,” She pointed down the road.

He pointed down the road, “The Styles estate?”

“Yes,” YN nodded, lifting her hand to brush her hair out of her face, “I… I am their governess. I work with the Styles children.”

“Oh,” Mr Jacobs seemed to relax slightly, “An honest profession, I must say.”

YN just smiled, “I do appreciate you walking with me, and also not allowing the carriage to run me over.”

Mr Jacobs shook his head, “Do not mention it – I would do it over again if you needed.”

YN opened her mouth but shut it again almost immediately. YN just decided to offer him a smile instead.

“Well, thank you again,” YN pointed down the path, “I must go but I hope you have a good rest of your day.”

Mr Jacobs nodded, “As I wish you do too,” YN turned and started to walk down the path when his voice called out again, “Stay out of the way of any carriages!”

YN could not help the chuckle that left her lips at his words.

The second that YN had returned to the house she had dropped down in the drawing room and stayed there. The house was still silent, letting YN know that neither the children nor Mr Styles were back at the house, and surprisingly to her YN was thankful for that.

Near-death experience aside, YN had enjoyed herself. It was always a pleasure to see Miss Francis (even though she enjoyed meddling more than anything) but the real shock of the day had been her walk and subsequent conversation with Mr Jacobs.

The issue that YN found herself in was that the bridge between her thoughts and her reality had started to merge. From one conversation YN could not presume that she was going to marry the man and she was certainly in no place to do that – but she could not say that the prospect was not there.

YN could have been sat there for an hour, or maybe even five by the time that she was knocked out of her daydreaming. She had not even heard Harry walk into the room and it was only when he moved to stand in front of her was when she realised that he had returned.

“I have been looking for you everywhere,” He sighed, dropping down on the settee just next to her, “Did you not hear me calling your name?”

“I seem to be doing that a lot lately,” YN sighed, offering him a small smile but saying no more.

Harry furrowed his eyebrows, confused by the state that she was now in which was very different from the one that he had left her in this morning.

“That was not ominous at all,” Harry stated as though it was the most obvious thing, but YN seemed to be paying no attention, “Are you going to give me an explanation at all?”

“I was nearly hit by a carriage today.”

“What?” Harry’s eyes widened, his body immediately leaning towards her, “Are you okay? Were you hurt?”

“No, no I’m fine,” YN shook her head, leaning back on the seat she was on, “I am just…”

YN’s sentence trailed off and then she did not say a single thing. Harry’s eyebrows furrowed again, and he decided then that he did not believe her, “Are you sure you were not injured? You did not bang your head or anything?”

“Harry, I did not hit my head!” The exclaimed rather loud, earning a laugh from Harry from across the room, “I am perfectly okay.”

The silence washed over them again. YN’s eyes continued looking forward, out of the window and to where the trees were slightly swaying in the breeze. She could hear the children squealing throughout the rest of the house, and she was reminded that they were probably happy from spending the day with their grandmother.

“How was your day?” YN asked, still not looking away from the window, “How did the children enjoy it?”  

“They loved it, as they always do,” Harry shrugged off their questioning, “But, and promise me you will not be angry with me –”

“Harry, we both know that if you start a sentence with that I am probably going to be angry with you.”

“I know this but still, I have to ask,” Harry sighed, “Are you positive you are okay?”

YN went silent, her hands messing with a loose thread of fabric on her dress. Harry looked at her, still unable to figure out why on earth she was acting so strangely.

“Do you ever think of marriage?”

Harry’s mouth opened once, before shutting again. He then sighed, and then the realisation of what had been said washed over her and her eyes found his.

“Harry, I am so sorry,” YN shook her head, completely unable to understand why on earth she would have said that, “I should not have said that, God, I do not understand why I said it.”

“No,” Harry shook his head, “I must admit I was a little shocked but do not apologise. My mother had a lot to say about marriage earlier today.”

“She did?”

Harry nods with a slight shrug of his shoulders, “She just mentioned how beneficial it would be for Noah and Norah if they had a mother in their lives. And when I say mentioned, I mean brought up every other sentence.”

YN chuckled. She would be lying if she said she did not love Harry’s mother. She was lovely, and just a ray of sunshine. Whilst she had not experienced having a mother in her life, she did have some idea as to what it would have been like to have a meddling mother. She also had the experiences with Miss Francis, and she gathered that it must have been something like that.

“So, you have considered it?” YN asked, her fingers still pulling on the thread of her dress.

“No, I would not say that,” Harry shook his head, “I would not say consider, but rather had the idea in my head for a few seconds before removing it altogether.”

YN laughed, “I honestly do not blame you for such.”

“Have you…” Harry’s eyes found her, “Thought about it?”

“I do, sometimes,” YN shrugs her shoulders, “I would not say very often but sometimes I find myself doing the same as you. I think about it, and then I remove it from my brain.”

YN laughs, but Harry does not join her. Once she realises her laughter drowns out, she finds herself under his gaze. She should not be so surprised that someone she has lived with for almost two years now knows her so well, but it still shocked her. Just as it had done earlier on in the day, YN found herself unable to stop the increasing of her heart rate. It was silly. He had not even said anything to her, and yet she was completely and utterly a mess under his gaze. It should not be like this, and yet it was.

“It is not unnatural to think about marriage, YN,” Harry says, and YN can tell that every single word he was saying was sincere and he believed true, “Whilst as your employer I should be saying to you not to marry because my children and I… they need you, I cannot in good conscience say that. If marriage is what you wish – then nothing should stop you from doing so. As your friend, I would even go as far as to say that any deserving man would be lucky to have you as his wife.”

YN was silent, taking in his words with nothing but shock swirling around her head. To hear him say those words, as well as the look his face held whilst he said them shook YN to her core.

“Harry I…” YN shook her head, attempting to not focus on the tears that were starting to collect in her waterline and more so on her breathing.

Harry cleared his throat, attempting to mask the awkwardness that now loomed over them, “I apologise if I spoke out of turn, YN.”

“No, you did not,” YN shook her head, “And I appreciate everything you have said, Harry, I truly do but… today must have just been a lapse in my judgement. I would be lying if I said that I am not happy here because I truly am.”

YN’s face could not help the smile that crossed her features at the sight of the one across Harry’s lips.

“I truly do not believe that I could have asked for a better life, and you are the one I have to thank for that.”

Harry just nodded, “Whilst as your employer I am more than happy to hear those words, as your friend I am just delighted that I have managed to help you in this way.”

YN smiled, finally feeling as though whatever mood she had found herself in after today had been brushed off. She stood up, her eyes catching Harry’s as she motioned her head towards the door.

“Let us go find your children and get them ready for bed before they terrorise the rest of the staff.”

Harry laughs and stands up, following YN out of the room and towards the sound of children’s laughter down the hall.

YEAR THREE

“Noah, it is not appropriate to throw food at your sister,” YN warned from her seat next to Harry.

The little boy did not seem to care about her warnings and continued to load grapes onto his spoon and launch them at his sister.

“Noah,” Harry was the one to warn the little boy this time, “Pass me the spoon?”

Harry held his hand out for the spoon. Noah continued to hold the spoon, his eyes darting between his father and the grapes set out in front of him. Harry just raised his eyebrow at his son who sighed and placed the spoon in his father’s hand. YN watched as the boy picked up the grape and without his spoon launched it at his sister.

“That is it, Noah,” Harry shook his head, “If you carry on with this behaviour you will be staying here instead of going to your Grandmother’s house tomorrow.”

That was all that the little boy needed to drop the grape that he had picked up and sit up straight in his seat. YN pursed her lips in hopes of suppressing the giggle that was attempting to escape her lips at the child’s antics.

“How about the two of you go to the classroom and wait for Miss. YN?” Harry asked, a smile present on his lips, “I just need to have a quick word.”

YN nodded, wiping her hands on her napkin, and placing it on the table next to her plate. YN watched with a smile as the children started a race upstairs to the classroom. YN knew that they were going to be a handful today as they always were when they were going to see their grandmother. It was as though the excitement of waiting for tomorrow was too much for them.

“Is something the matter?” YN asked, taking a sip of her tea.

“I had a question to ask you,” Harry started, “It is about tomorrow.”

“Oh,” YN smiled, “Do you mean your birthday? Something about your birthday?”

Harry sighed, shaking his head and the girl giggled. YN knew that Harry did not enjoy his birthday and that made it ever so easy to tease him.

“It is unfortunately something about my birthday,” Harry sighed, “Even though I am not supposed to know, I do know that my mother is throwing a ball for my birthday tomorrow night. She has tried to for the past few years, and I asked her to wait, and she has.”

“That should be lovely,” YN smiled, “I have heard from others how enjoyable your mother’s balls are. I hope you have a lovely time, no matter how much you hate it.”

Harry shook his head, knowing that he would be unable to stop the girl’s teasing, “I was wondering whether you wanted to join me? At the ball?”

YN’s eyes widen. That was certainly not what she was expecting him to say. YN thought that she would do what she normally does when Harry and the children go to his mother’s house which was have a day to herself. She honestly would never have thought would be what he was going to say to her, and yet here he was asking her this.

“Harry I…” YN shook her head, “I… even if I did, I do not have anything to wear.”

“That is an easy rectifiable issue,” Harry sighed with a smile on her face, “I will take the children for a few hours this afternoon so that you can go and see Miss Francis.”

“I do not… how will she even manage to…”

Harry shook his head, “Please stop your worrying, there is no need for it. Do not worry about the cost or the timing for I am sure that Miss Francis will be happy to do this for you to attend the ball.”

YN just shook her head, “I shall be so out of place, Harry.”

Harry placed his hand on the table, leaning forward to offer a comforting look, “No you will not. You will be with me, and I am positive some of your acquaintances from the village shall be there. And even if they are not, it is my birthday, and you are my best friend, and I will not go unless you are there.”

YN sighed and shook her head, “You will upset your mother by doing that.”

“You will upset me by not coming,” Harry retorts quickly.

YN sighs, and nods her head, “Will you send word to Miss Francis that I shall be coming to see her later?”

Harry beams a smile at his friend and nods, “I will do so immediately.”

A few hours later YN was standing in front of Miss Francis with an already complete dress on her body. YN was shocked, and confused as to why there was an already complete garment ready for her but then she remembered Miss Francis’ penchant for meddling and the fact that Harry knew that she would not have been able to say no to him.

“When Mr Styles sent word of the ball a few weeks or so ago, I knew that this fabric would be perfect for you,” Miss Francis explained as she pinned the hem of the dress for the girl.

YN’s mouth opened in shock as the older woman’s words registered in YN’s head, “I saw you just a week ago to alter my winter dresses and you made no mention of the ball.”

The older woman’s face broke out in a smile, “Mr Styles wished for it to remain a secret and who am I not to oblige?”

Even though YN was pretending to be annoyed with the woman, she was sort of pleased that she had only been told about the ball the day before. Whilst the children had known they had been going to their grandmother's for the last few weeks and each day they had become more and more excited, YN would not have experienced that. If YN had found out about the ball at any time before today, she knew that she would have convinced herself not to go. Finding out so late and knowing that a dress had already been made for her – there was no way that she could convince herself not to do so.

“This gown is truly beautiful, Miss Francis,” YN smiled, “You truly have outdone yourself.”

“I have said to you all along my dear, if you allowed me to dress you in the latest fashions you could have suitors lining outside the door.”

YN sighed and shook her head. Since YN’s conversation with Harry last year after her near-death experience with a carriage, she had not even thought about marriage. When she had said that she was happy during that conversation – she had truly meant it. She was happy in her current situation, and she would not change it for the world.

But, seeing herself in this dress she would be completely and utterly lying to herself if the thought had not crossed her mind one more time. This could have been her life if things were different – these outfits, and balls could have been her day-to-day life. But, there were balls, and these dresses were now her day-to-day in this life and to her that meant everything.

“I must admit, Miss Francis, I am completely out of my depth with this entire thing.”

Miss Francis just shook her head, “Do not worry, my dear. There is no pressure on you, at all. At most, you will have a few drinks, some sweet, possibly a dance if you are lucky and that is it.”

YN sighed with a chuckle, “Goodness, I have not danced in years.”

Miss Francis placed a comforting hand on YN’s arm, “As long as you do not stand on your partners’ feet, I believe you shall be okay.”

“That is easier said than done, Miss Francis.”

The older woman aided YN out of the gown and into her previous outfit so that she could make the last amendments to her gown.

“If I were you, every time that you find yourself nervous, or without somebody to talk to I would just remind yourself of why you are there – because Mr Styles is your friend, and he wishes you there.”

YN reached out to grab Miss Francis’ hand and give it a gentle squeeze, “Thank you. If anything, I am lucky that you are my friend.”

Miss Francis held up her finger as if to delay that thought for a second and moved into the back room. She came out with a wooden box in hand, unlocked the clasp and passed it to YN.

“This belonged to my mother. It was a family heirloom of sorts,” Miss Francis explained, “I always thought that I would pass it to my children, but that never came to be. I wish for you to have them, and to wear them tomorrow.”

YN gasped as she opened the box, placing her hand on her chest as she peered at the matching diamond necklace and earrings that were inside. YN had seen the jewellery that many members of society wore, and whilst this was not like that – YN preferred it more. The earrings were modest, with a tiny diamond falling from a gold stud and the necklace matched. It was beautiful, and it was timeless.

“Miss Francis, I do not know what to say,” YN shook her head, “I cannot accept this.”

“You can, and you will,” The older woman nodded, “You are the closest thing that I have to a daughter in this world, and this is your first ball, and you deserve to show yourself off.”

YN chuckled through the tears that were collecting in her waterline, shut the box containing the jewels and wrapped her arms around the older lady. Miss Francis laughed in obvious shock at the girl’s antics.

“I do not know how to thank you,” YN muttered into the woman’s shoulder.

“Do not thank me,” Miss Francis shook her head, “Just promise me that you will have a good time and enjoy yourself.”

“I promise,” YN nodded.

YN had never felt more out of place in her entire life.

She knew that the way that she had grown up was different to those in society, but being surrounded by them in the way she was truly allowed YN to realise how much of that was true.

YN did not even know where to begin.

That was how she ended up standing, hovering by the wall as people mingled and danced around her. She had arrived with Harry earlier in the day but had left the family alone to celebrate with each other. Once she had joined the festivities of the ball, she still had not seen the birthday boy. Of course, he could have been anywhere in this room and YN would have missed him entirely due to the amount of people there.

With a sigh, YN’s eyes fluttered around the room until she spotted Harry and his mother walking into the room. YN would be lying if she said that the smile adorned on his face did not cause a matching one on hers. He truly did look happy. His eyes were wide, and his cheeks were red, and YN wondered whether or not he had some liquid courage before joining the party. YN could not blame him and chuckled to herself at the thought.

“Miss YLN,” YN jumped out of her skin slightly at the sound of a voice next to her, but relaxed when she saw that it was only Mr Jacobs, “Is something amusing you?”

“Oh, no,” YN shook her head with a small shrug, “Just an amusing thought, that is all.”

Mr Jacobs just hummed, “I must admit, it is nice to see you. When I received the invitation for the evening I did wonder whether or not you were going to make an appearance, and I am happy that you did.”

YN just smiled, dropping her head slightly. She had not seen Mr Jacobs (or thought about him at that) since the almost fatal carriage incident day. It amused YN to no end that had not been the case for Mr Jacobs, and he had thought about her. Maybe she left more of an impression on people than she had thought.

Mr Jacobs looked around the room and cleared his throat, “How are you enjoying yourself so far?”

YN chuckled again, “I would be withholding the truth if I did not say I am slightly overwhelmed, but, I must admit there has been a lovely turnout to celebrate Mr Styles’ birthday.”

Mr Jacobs just hummed again, “That itself is not surprising.”

YN’s eyebrows furrowed in the man’s direction, “And why would that be?”

Mr Jacobs lifted the glass he held in his hand up to his lips and shrugged, “I heard that Mrs Styles extended invitations to every eligible lady in the county, as well as a few from London, seeing as though Mr Styles wishes to take a wife.”

YN nearly choked on her spit at his words but attempted to cover it up in hopes of not raising any questions. This was the first that she had heard of this subject. The last time that she and Harry had conversed on this subject he had made it painfully aware that he was not thinking at all of marriage. Of course, that conversation had been almost a year ago and his intentions could have changed since then. The only question that floated around in YN’s brain was – if so, why had he not said anything to her?

“Oh,” YN faked a laugh, “Well that does make sense. If Mr Styles wants to marry again, he should ensure that he makes the correct choice.”

Mr Jacobs’ eyebrows furrow, “You did not know that he was looking for another bride?”

YN lightly shook her head, “I am not shocked, though. I am only his governess, he does not have to discuss such important, personal matters with me.”

“I just thought that since you had been invited to the ball perhaps you were friends,” Mr Jacobs pressed, confusing YN slightly.

“To a degree, yes,” YN nodded, “But not to the degree of discussing these matters, I suppose.”

Mr Jacobs nodded, finished his drink, and placed his glass down on the table behind them. YN had hoped by that point their conversation would be over, and she could go back to watching the room – but that was not to be the case. YN was admittingly shocked when Mr Jacobs extended his hand out before her.

“Miss YLN,” He spoke, a small smile etching across his features, “Would you do me the honour of joining me in the next dance?”

“Oh,” YN shook her head, “Thank you, Mr Jacobs but I will have to politely refuse – I have not danced since I was a child.”

“Well,” Mr Jacobs shrugged, “To me, it seems there is no time like the present to start again.”

YN watched from over his shoulder as other couples began to migrate to the dancefloor. Exhaling a nervous breath, YN nodded and placed her hand into Mr Jacobs’. He led her towards the dancefloor, and they somehow ended up directly in the middle. Her eyes fluttered to the left and the right of her before they settled directly in front. Mr Jacobs offered her a smile, and that was seemingly all it took for her nerves to dissipate almost completely.

The music started, and they danced.

What YN could not see as she moved around the room, her hand tightly placed in Mr Jacobs was the two eyes watching her from across the room. Harry had been speaking to one of the many ladies that his mother had invited without his knowledge (he will remember this for next time) when he saw them. There was not a possible way that he could have missed her. When he had instructed Miss Francis to make her a dress, he knew that the older woman would succeed at making it beautiful but the only word that seemed to stand out in his head was breathtaking.

Harry tried to listen to the conversation he was in, but he could not. The only thing he could pay attention to was how she floated around the dance floor. She was smiling, an indication to him that she was enjoying herself. At one point he even saw her share a laugh with Mr Jacobs, a man that Harry knew of but not very well. A wave of longing washed over him, a longing for that to have been him.

“Mr Styles!” A voice called from the side of him, “Mr Styles?”

“Hmm?” He hummed, turning back to the lady who had grown impatient at the expense of his distraction, which was now finishing thankfully.

“I asked whether or not you enjoyed dancing?”

Harry’s eyes caught YN walking over towards the refreshment table, alone, and he saw this as his opportunity. He excused himself from the lady, who stood there in shock and watched as he walked away. Harry made a beeline for the refreshment table, ignoring any calls of his name the entire way there.

YN had just picked up a glass to take a sip when she felt someone beside her. She turned, saw that it was Harry and smiled – only for that smile to drop when she saw the expression on his face. The once smiley Mr Styles had been replaced with a look of sadness. It concerned YN to no end.

“Harry?” She dropped the drink back down on the table, “Is everything okay?”

He sighed, “I require some air. Would you care to join me?”

YN just nodded, knowing that he was probably wanting to talk to her more than have some air. Saying that, the room was quite stuffy with the amount of bodies occupying it so she would not be shocked. She followed him through the house until they could slip out of the back door. There was a chill in the air, seeing as though it was February, but that was not the important thing right now.

YN stood by the door, hoping to guard herself from the child slightly as she watched Harry pace in front of her. With each step, she grew more concerned for the man.

“You are worrying me now, Harry,” She started, her voice turning to a slight plead, “Would you please tell me what is wrong?”

Harry sighed and stopped his pacing before turning and walking so he was standing just a few feet from the girl.

“If you wish to marry Mr Jacobs then you should do so.”

YN feels as though all of the air has been sucked out of her body. Her heart begins to beat uncontrollably – the only sound she can hear is her heartbeat throughout her body. Out of everything that she thought he was going to say, that had certainly not been it. She could not even imagine why it had made him act in this way.

“Harry, I…” YN shook her head, unable to hold back her laugh, “That is… I had not even… I only danced with the man Harry.”

Harry shook his head, “I need you to know that if you wish to marry him, then you should.”

YN laughed again, “Harry you are being preposterous! You cannot just go around saying things such as that! But, seeing as though you have said such things, I would like to reiterate all of the information which you already know – I am happy just as I am, with you and with the children.”

Harry sighs, “You do not have to lie to me, YN. I can take the truth.”

“By this display of emotions Harry I find that very hard to believe,” She shakes her head once more, “And even so, I am not lying to you. I merely offered a dance, and I accepted and whilst I do not have the most experience with balls – I have gathered that this is something that usually happens at them!”

Harry’s eyes narrowed at YN once more, and that is when she noticed that his chest was heaving just as much as hers was. The more that they were standing staring at each other, the more confused YN became. That all came to a head when Harry turned and walked away from her, walking into the house without a single second look at her.

YN watched him as he walked away, and she was overwhelmed with the want to cry. She took a deep breath, lifting her hand to rest a hand on her chest in an attempt to calm her breathing. YN took a few steps away from the house so that she could rest against the wall surrounding the steps, the chill in the air the last of the worries.

YN sighed, lifting her hand to her forehead in hopes that would help regain even an ounce of or so of calm again. It was no use though as all she could think about was Harry, and what was the reason behind his sudden outburst of emotion.

“Oh, Miss YLN,” YN lifted her head at the sound of her name, “Are you quite alright?”

There was a part of YN that wanted to groan slightly at the fact that Mr Jacobs had somehow found her even admits the festivities. Instead of groaning, however, YN, found herself offering him a smile.

“I am fine,” She nodded, “Just needed a breath of fresh air.”

Mr Jacobs nodded, approaching where she was sitting on the wall. She did feel bad for the man, seeing as though he was the cause of so much turmoil and yet he had no idea of it. At the end of the day, Mr Jacobs had technically done nothing wrong, and she could not blame the man for something that was between herself and Harry.

He dropped down on the wall with an adequate space next to her and ran his hands over his trousers, “I did wish to ask you something after our dance, before I realised you had disappeared.”

YN just nodded, “Of course, Mr Jacobs.”

“I do not wish for you to read too far into this, Miss YLN, but I do enjoy your company,” Mr Jacobs started, “And, even though I had wanted to do this the last time I saw you I knew it would be inappropriate, but now I do not think the same.”

“Mr Jacobs, you do not have to justify yourself to me,” YN offered him a small smile, “Please, ask whatever it is you would like.”

Mr Jacobs nodded, “Would you care to join me for a promenade tomorrow?”

For the second time in a short period, YN found herself short of breath. She could not believe how these declarations were coming one after the other.

YN knew that if she lingered on the thought too much she would lose herself or talk herself out of it. She supposed, in deciding for herself for once she nodded her head at Mr Jacobs.

“I would very much like that.”

YEAR FOUR

“Do you think Father is scared of bees, Miss YN?” Noah asked, holding YN’s hand as they walked back towards the house.

YN shrugged her shoulders slightly, “I do not know, Noah, you should ask him yourself.”

The little boy nodded, “I do not wish for them to sting me, but I would not say that I am scared of them – not like Norah is.”

The little girl’s head perked up at the sound of her name, “I am not afraid! I just do not like them very much.”

YN chuckled at the discussion between the small children. They both pulled away from YN once they reached the steps to the house, turning it into a race just as they did with everything. Sighing, YN followed them up the steps slightly slower than they had done. Once she stepped inside the house, she saw both children standing in the doorway of the sitting room with shocked expressions on their faces.

“What is it?” YN questioned, turning to look at what both of the children were staring at. She stopped in her tracks at what it was.

Sitting on the settee was both Harry and Mr Jacobs. YN could not figure out the expression that Harry’s face held, but she could see that Mr Jacobs seemed to be one of happiness. YN placed a hand on the back of the children’s shoulders.

“Why don’t you both get yourself cleaned up for supper?” She smiled, ushering the children out of the room before she stepped inside.

YN stayed standing up just by the door as she watched the uncomfortable air that seemed to be passing between the two men. In all honesty, YN believed that this was probably the first time that they had met properly. They had both been a topic of conversations with YN but had never spoken directly. It caused YN’s stomach to twist. 

YN had agreed to meet Mr Jacobs the day after the ball mainly to spite Harry, and the words that he had shared with her just a few moments before. What she had been surprised by was the amount she had enjoyed herself. Their walks had been few and far between over the past year or so, as YN would not have let herself forget the real reason she was there in the first place – and that was the children. She could tell that Mr Jacobs had wished for more, but she was unable to give him that. In all honesty, she did not know whether she wanted to give him that.

She had not expected him to show up at her house, though.

“Mr Jacobs,” YN greeted with a small smile, “It is lovely to see you.”

“As it is for you, Miss YLN.”

YN’s eyes flickered between Harry and Mr Jacobs, “May I ask the reason for your visit?”

Harry cleared his throat and stood up, looking at YN with an unreadable expression on his face, “He is here to ask you a question, YN. Or really, to ask me whether it is agreeable for me if he was to ask for your hand in marriage.”

YN gasped. Out of everything that Harry could have said, she had not expected that. Whilst it had shocked her, there was another feeling present that YN couldn’t quite put her finger on.

With a slight drop of her head she looked towards Harry, “Mr Styles, would you mind leaving the room?”

The second YN said those words, she regretted it. The expression on Harry’s face had gone from unreadable to pained, and she knew that she was the cause of this. She hoped that he would not let himself get too worked up over this. Whilst YN had no idea as to how this would play out, she had hoped that Harry would have a little more faith in her than to just abandon him in this way.

With a nod, Harry nodded and walked past her to leave the room. The door shut behind him, and she was finally alone with Mr Jacobs. That was when she realised the other emotion that was swirling within her – it was anger.

“Miss YLN,” Mr Jacobs stood up, “I had hoped that I would be able to…”

YN shook her head and held her hand out so that he knew not to take a step closer to her, “I do not want to hear it, Mr Jacobs.”

He stopped in his tracks, his eyebrows furrowing at her words, “Miss YLN, if I have done something to offend you –”

“You have,” YN nodded, unable to hold back her anger, “You have offended me, Mr Jacobs. You have offended me by coming to my place of employment to ask for my hand in marriage instead of coming to me.”

“You have avoided me for weeks, Miss YLN,” Mr Jacobs responds, his tone turning stern, “Of course, I had wished to speak to you first, but I was unable to do so.”

“So you thought your best course of action was to show up here and what?” YN sighed, laughing slightly at the absurdness of the entire situation, “Ask Harry for my hand in marriage?”

“I only wished to ask…” Mr Jacobs stopped in his tracks, his expression changing once more, “Harry?”

YN shakes her head, even more confused, “What?”

“You call Mr Styles by his first name?” Mr Jacobs presses once more.

YN scoffs a laugh, “Yes I do, Mr Jacobs, but I do not see how that is your business.”

“I think it is,” Mr Jacobs nods, “Seeing as though he is your employer, and you call him by his first name.”

“Yes,” YN nods, “My employer who is also my friend, and has been for the past four years.”

Mr Jacobs scoffs, “I should have known. I should have known when you were at the ball, even more so when you refused to join me on promenades, and this has just made it even more apparent.”

YN shook her head, “Made what even more apparent?”

“That your affections lie with Mr Styles, or Harry is it?”

YN could not believe what she was hearing. It angered her more so than she thought anything ever could. The audacity of this man to say such a thing – make such a claim when he did not the extent of the accusations that he was making.

“I think it is time for you to take your leave, Mr Jacobs,” YN stated coldly.

“No,” Mr Jacobs shakes his head, placing his hands upon his hips, “Not until I receive my answer from you.”

“I think my asking of you to leave is answer enough.”

Mr Jacobs sighs, “Will you not at least give me a reason as to why?”

“I said leave!���

“I will not,” YN was surprised at the level at which Mr Jacobs raised his voice, “You have no authority to order me out of this house.”

That was when the door opened and Harry stepped in, the look on his face matching Mr Jacobs in anger.

“That is where you are wrong, Mr Jacobs,” Harry speaks calmly, “This is just as much Miss YLN’s house as it is mine, and if she does not wish for you to be here anymore then you should leave. If you refuse, well that is when I shall step in – and I have no qualms in physically removing you from the property.”

Mr Jacobs looks at YN one last time before scoffing and practically storming out of the room. Once she hears the front door from the side of them slam shut, YN thankfully knows that she is in all clear. It takes all of a few seconds before she breaks down, the tears streaming down her face involuntarily.

“Oh, YN,” Harry takes one look at her shaking body, and he is there, wrapping his arms around her shaking body. The pressure of his body against hers was all she needed to collapse, her legs giving way and her body falling to the ground.

Harry is there to catch her, pulling her body even closer to his. Her hands grasp at the lapel of his jacket, hoping that would give her even an ounce of relief.

“Harry,” She gasps, the tears still streaming down her face, “I am so sorry.”

Harry shook his head, resting his cheek against the top of her head, “You have nothing to be sorry for. Nothing at all.”

YN was sitting at the front of the classroom, the complete silence in the room offering an inch of comfort to YN after a difficult few days. 

She was not necessarily one who thought that silent reading time was the best for the children, but she had no other option. The past few days she had not been herself, and unfortunately whilst she had tried to not let it affect her work – there was unfortunately no way that it would not.

YN was staring out of the window when the door opened, replacing the silence in the room with footsteps that could only belong to one person. It was at that point that YN realised that the children had not been reading, and instead had been occupying themselves in other ways. The pencil that Noah had been attempting to balance on his face fell off and clattered to the ground the second his father made an entrance into the room, and Norah dropped the hair that she had been attempting to colour with her crayons.

“Noah, Norah,” Harry addressed his children, “How about you go and find the cook. From what I have heard, she has a plate of treats waiting for you both.”

The children’s faces broke out into smiles, and they bounded past their father, the two of them making it a competition as they did. YN sighed, offering Harry a small smile as he closed the door to the classroom. It was the first time that the two of them had been alone since the incident occurred and YN supposed that was not for a lack of trying on Harry’s part – more so that YN had been avoiding him.

“I know what you are here to discuss, and I fear we cannot,” YN shook her head, watching as Harry leant against the children’s desk and crossed his arms over his face.

“We can,” Harry nodded, “You cannot avoid me forever, seeing as though we live in the same house, and you are the governess to my children. And more importantly, you are my friend.”

YN sighed, “There is nothing to say, Harry. We both know what happened, and I believe the best thing for us to do is move on as though nothing has happened.”

“But we both know that is not the case,” Harry sighed, running a hand through his hair, “I know that you think the best thing for us to do is ignore the situation, YN, but we cannot.”

YN sighs and nods her head, “Very well, then. Say what you need to.”

Harry sighed and stood up, taking a step closer to YN from over the desk, “Did you want to?”

“Did I what?” YN offered him a puzzled expression.

“Want to marry him?” Harry asks, “Mr Jacobs?”

YN sighed and almost immediately shook her head, “No. I did not. If I had, I would have accepted his hand right then and there. I have told you time and time again, Harry, I am happy just where I am.”

Harry nodded, starting to pace up and down in front of her just as he had the night of the ball. If he was not careful, she would not be surprised if a scuff mark appeared on the floor from his shoes.

Harry stopped directly in front of her and nodded again, “Then marry me.”

YN’s eyes widen. Whilst the last proposal she was shocked and appalled by – this one, she was just shocked. YN could not even believe that those words had just come out of Harry’s lips, and more so that it was directed at her.

“Harry,” YN addressed with a laugh and a shake of her head, “You cannot mean that.”

“But I do,” He nodded, walking around the table so that he was directly in front of the chair that she was sitting in, “I do mean it.”

YN scoffed, “I understand if you are upset with what happened with Mr Jacobs but Harry, what you are saying is preposterous.”

“It is not,” Harry shakes his head, dropping down so he is at eye level with the girl, “I know that you wish to marry, YN, and I am saying – let that person be me.”

“Harry…”

YN’s eyes start to fill with tears, even more so when he reaches forward to grab her hands, “I know that I need to marry, and I know that somewhere, deep down you would like to. We are already acquainted, and I would definitely say that we are friends and I already know that the children like you. I mean – it makes perfect sense to me.”

YN sighed, beginning to shake her head again, “No, Harry you do not mean that.”

“But I do,” He nods his head, his eyes never leaving hers, “I do not think I have ever meant anything more in my life. I lov…” Harry’s eyes widen at his words and then he shakes his head, “I appreciate you more than anything, YN. You have changed my life and my children’s lives for the better. We do not have to care about what society may think, all we have to care about we think. Let me change your life.”

YN opened her mouth, but no words came out. She was truly and honestly in a state of shock.

[cowboybeepboop]

Hidden Passion

"I don't think I'm ever gonna forget this night, darlin'. You've been drivin' me crazy for way too damn long."

Pairing: Scott Miller x fem! Reader

Genre: Smut

Word count: 5200

Summary: Kate invites you along to the group's camping trip and you’ve decided you finally have had enough of Scott’s indifference to you.

Warnings: p in v sex, semi public, unprotected sex, jealous Scott bc I like him jealous

A/n: I’m having fun with all the twisters smut 😭 hopefully you all enjoy. At some point I’m gonna write some more top gun maverick stuff. But as always, let me know if you have any ideas/requests for me 🤗

Boone is your twin brother, which means that you spend all of your time following him and his friends around. Because you’re the ‘responsible’ twin and mostly because his friends really know how to have fun.

Regardless, Boone has been extra careful bringing you around because he’s under the impression that you have a thing for Tyler. So of course when Kate invited you along to their camping trip you just knew you were going to get on his nerves by flirting with the cowboy.

Your brother was right about one thing: you do have a crush on one of his friends. Who just so happens to be the biggest asshole out of them all. Scott. So it's a win-win situation, you can piss Boone off and see if Scott even gives a shit. Even though you know Scott only came along because Javi is trying to get with Kate.

You’re sitting across from the fire with your knee touching Tyler’s, a small smile on your face as you notice your brothers stare. You could tell already that Boone was dreading having you there, but that was part of the reason you wanted to go in the first place. To piss him off.

Scott is sat off to the side with Javi and Kate, he’s drinking a beer with his usual scowl on his face. ”Hey, wanna make some s’mores?” Your cheerful voice rings out through the night air.

Scott’s scowl deepens as he hears your sweet tone, and seeing you talking to Tyler does nothing to improve his mood. He takes a long sip from his beer, trying to quell the growing irritation in his chest.

The rest of the group has mixed reactions but Tyler grabs a stick and puts a marshmallow at the end. “Do you want me to roast it for you darlin’?” You grin up at him.

“Yes, I’d like that.” You rest your head on his shoulder as you watch the flames.

As he watches Tyler roast a marshmallow for you, Scott's jaw tightens. He mutters under his breath, "Darlin'....what a load of bullshit." Your eyes flicker over to Scott and you give him a small smile.

Scott catches your smile and huffs in response, his expression remaining grumpy. He tries to ignore you, taking another sip from his beer, but he can't shake off the irritation that's bubbling up within him.

He glances back at you, noticing you're still talking to Tyler, the marshmallow still roasting in his hand. Scott's grip tightens around his beer bottle, trying to keep his anger in check.

You lean over Tylers lap reaching for the graham crackers and a chocolate bar. Tyler’s free hand goes to your lower back as you hover over him. “Wow there darlin’ be careful.” He chuckles as you find yourself on the log again, the cracker and chocolate prepared for the hot marshmallow.

Scott's eyes narrow as he sees Tyler's hand go to your lower back. His grip on the beer bottle tightens even more, his knuckles turning white. The sight of you leaning over Tyler's lap ignites a fire of jealousy within him.

Your brother's glare bores a hole into the back of your head, his arms crossing over chest. “He’s kind of scary when he’s mad like that,” you whisper to Tyler as he completes the s’more.

“Seems like your plan is back firing on you,” he replies with a smirk, handing the treat your way. You nod as you take a bite of the dessert, a smear of chocolate left on your bottom lip.

Tylers smirk grows wider as his eyes flick to your lip, his thumb moving to swipe the chocolate away. Scott's scowl deepens as he watches Tyler smirk and the way he swipes the chocolate away from your lip. He can feel the anger boiling within him, his grip on the beer bottle almost painful now.

Boone however wasn’t going to sit by and watch you two flirt all night, he gently grabs your arm pulling you away. “What are you doing?” Boone sits you down in between Scott and Javi.

“Stay there.” Your brother commands you like a dog, earning a grin from you.

“I’ve gotten banished,” you say to Javi, nudging his arm with your elbow, turning to Scott to smile at him. He's still fuming over the interaction with Tyler, but your presence next to him has a way of lessening his irritation, even if just a little bit.

Scott takes another gulp of his beer, trying to ignore the jealousy that's still gnawing at him. Javi laughs, "Banished, huh? Can't say I'm surprised." You giggle in response.

“Well in my defense I never thought Boone would get so bothered.” Javi shakes his head with a bright smile.

The night drags on, and the group slowly disperses into their tents, leaving just you, Scott, and the crackling fire in the center of the campsite. You’re both a few drinks deep at this point, and the alcohol has done little to quell Scott’s sour mood.

He glances at you sitting across from him as he takes another swig from his beer. The fire casts a warm glow on your face, and despite his best efforts, Scott can't help but find you somewhat attractive even in the dim lighting.

”Scott?” You murmur his name. Scott looks up as you speak his name, his eyes focusing on your face. He tries to keep his expression neutral, hiding the slight hitch in his breath at the sound of your voice.

"Yeah?" Scott replies, his tone gruff, as he raises an eyebrow in your direction. Scott watches you move closer to him, his eyes tracing the movement of your body. He tries to ignore the way his heart rate picks up at your proximity.

“How much have you had to drink tonight?” You reach for his half empty bottle, he tightens his grip on the beer bottle as you reach for it.

"Why, tryin' to cut me off?" Scott asks, his voice a mixture of defensiveness and irritation.

”Maybe,” you huff, still trying to steal his bottle, “why won't you let go.” Scott stubbornly tightens his grip on the beer bottle as you reach for it again. He can feel the heat from your body sitting next to him, and his heart rate quickens at your proximity.

Scott grunts in frustration, "Damn it, just leave it alone," he snaps, his voice betraying his rising irritation. You flinch away crossing your arms under your chest.

“Okay, fine, whatever.” You grumble. Scott notices your reaction and internally scowls at himself for snapping at you. Seeing you pout and cross your arms ignites a strange mixture of frustration and guilt within him.

He takes a deep breath as he watches you sulk, trying to calm his irritation. "Look, I'm...," he starts, his voice gruff, "I didn't mean to snap at you like that." You steal the bottle away successfully.

“I know, that’s why I’m trying to cut you off.” You smile triumphantly, wrapping your fingers around the bottle. “You’re even more of a grump than usual.”

He bristles at your comment about him being a grump, but he can't deny the truth in your words. "I'm always a grump," he retorts, begrudgingly, "especially when I'm around you."

You finish off his drink, swiping at your lips as you give him the empty beer bottle. “What do you mean?” Your eyebrows furrow in confusion. Scott watches as you finish off the beer and swipe your lips with your fingertips. He can't help but notice the way your actions send a jolt of desire through him.

He lets out a frustrated sigh, "I mean that you always seem to rile me up, in one way or another." His statement confuses you.

“Scott, how do I rile you up?’” You’re offended by his words, “Are you saying I piss you off?” Scott rolls his eyes at your question, the alcohol making it harder to suppress his true feelings.

He lets out a scoff, "No, no, not piss me off," he grumbles. "You...you just...get under my skin," he admits begrudgingly. You scoot closer to him on the log, the alcohol you’ve consumed through the night giving you confidence.

“Under your skin how?” You narrow your eyes at him, Scott lets out a growl of frustration as you move closer to him on the log. He can feel the warmth of your body radiating towards him, and it's driving him crazy.

He looks at you as you narrow your eyes at him, and he's hit with the urge to pull you even closer, to run his hands over your body, to taste the alcohol on your lips.

He grits his teeth, trying to control his thoughts as he responds. "You just...always seem to do things that get a rise out of me," he admits through clenched teeth.

”You’re saying a whole lot of nothing Scottie.” Your voice is stern. Scott's irritation sparks at your firm tone of voice, but it's overpowered by the way his heart skips a beat hearing his nickname leave your lips.

He huffs in frustration, running a hand through his messy hair. "You just...you're always so damn cheerful and friendly, goddamnit," he mutters, the alcohol loosening his tongue.

”There’s nothing wrong with being friendly” Scott scowls at your words, his frustration growing as he tries, and fails, to articulate his feelings. He knows there's nothing wrong with being friendly, but your friendliness always seems to make his heart race.

"I know that..." he mutters irritably, his eyes scanning your face as he tries to find a way to explain his tumultuous feelings. You set your hand on his knee as you move even closer to him.

“Scott?” You sigh, still not understanding what he’s meaning, maybe it's the booze or his lack of proper communication.

Scott's heart leaps at the touch of your hand on his knee, a jolt of electricity coursing through him. He can feel the heat of your body next to his, and it takes everything in him to maintain his resolve.

At the sound of his name on your lips, he groans, "Goddamnit, stop sayin' my name like that."

“Like what, Scottie?” You tease, Scott's heart flutters at the sound of you saying his nickname again, his frustration mixing with a surge of desire.

He mutters under his breath, "There it is again," he replies gruffly, his tone a mix of irritation and something deeper. "You say my name like it's a damn melody, and it drives me crazy."

A playful smirk places itself on your lips as you lean forward pressing your palms onto his thighs, your face inches away from his. Scott's breath catches in his chest as you lean forward, your palms on his thighs sending a wave of heat through his body.

He can feel the warmth of your breath on his face, and it takes every ounce of his willpower not to close the distance between you and capture your lips with his. He swallows hard, trying to keep his composure. "What are you doing?" he manages to ask, his voice a hoarse whisper.

”I just wanted to get a closer look,” your smirk grows as you watch his expression. Scott's heart races at your proximity, his breath coming in short gasps. He can feel the heat of your gaze on his face, your smirk driving him crazy, and all he wants to do is pull you into his lap and taste those lips.

He grits his teeth, struggling to keep his cool. "And what exactly are you looking for?" he asks huskily, his eyes locked on yours.

“I think I see a little bit of a blush on your cheek.” Scott's heart skips a beat as you touch his cheek, your fingertips tracing the outline of his cheekbone. He swallows loudly, trying to maintain his composure as your touch sends shivers of desire coursing through him.

He can feel his face growing hotter beneath your touch, and he knows his blush is becoming more prominent. "Shut up," he grumbles, stubbornly trying to deny the effect you're having on him.

“Don’t be like that, it's cute” Scott's breath hitches in his chest as you pull your body against his, your thighs pressing against his knees. He can feel the heat of your touch searing through him, igniting a fire within him.

He scowls at your words, his face growing hotter with each passing moment. "Cute?" he mutters, refusing to admit how desperately he craves your touch. You sigh with the realization that you’re gonna have to make the first move.

“Scott.. Close your eyes for a second.” Scott's eyebrows furrow in confusion as you instruct him to close his eyes. He hesitates for a moment, his heart pounding in his chest, but he complies, his eyelids slowly closing.

As he sits there, his eyes shut, he can feel his other senses heightened, attuned to every sound and every movement. "What now?" he asks, his voice a gruff whisper.

You cup his cheek, “Keep them closed, okay?” Your breath fans across his face as you lean in. He nods slightly in response, his eyes still firmly shut, his other senses hyper aware of your proximity.

He can feel the heat of your body against his, and his every instinct urges him to pull you even closer, but he remains still, waiting for your next move. You press a soft kiss to his lips, your other hand sliding up his thigh as you move closer.

Scott's heart nearly stops when your lips press against his, a jolt of desire coursing through him. He can feel your hand moving up his thigh, and the sensations sent his mind reeling.

He responds to your kiss, his hand coming up to gently cup the back of your neck, his thumb tracing the line of your jawline. You pull your lips away, your eyes scanning the expression on his face.

Scott's eyes slowly flutter open, his mind swirling with desire and need. He gazes at you, his eyes dark with emotion. He swallows hard, his chest heaving as he tries to regain his composure. "Why..." he starts, his voice low and gruff, "why'd you do that?"

”Why not?” You murmur, leaning in for another kiss. Scott's breath catches in his chest as you lean in for another kiss, his body responding vehemently to your touch.

He allows himself to be consumed by the kiss, his hand moving to the small of your back, pulling you onto his lap. It becomes more heated as you push your chest against his own, arms wrapping around his neck, your fingers tangling in his hair.

Scott groans loudly in response to your actions, the feeling of your body pressed against his and your fingers in his hair sending shivers down his spine.

His hands roam over your body, wanting to feel every inch of you. He deepens the kiss, his tongue expertly exploring your mouth, tasting the mixture of alcohol and sweetness.

You moan into his mouth at the roughness of his hands against your skin, “Scott, we should go to a tent…” you shiver at the cold air, “It’s getting cold,” Scott reluctantly breaks the kiss, his breathing ragged, his body aching with desire.

He nods in agreement, his mind clouded with lust, desperate to get you somewhere private. "Yeah..." he mutters, his hands still touching your body, almost reluctantly letting you slide off his lap. "Let's go."

You lead him to your tent, your hand comfortably holding his. You unzip the tent and slip inside, pulling off your boots as you sit on the air mattress that you forced your brother to set up.

Scott follows you into the tent, his heart pounding in his chest as the reality of the situation hits him. He watches you kick off your boots and sit down on the air mattress, his eyes scanning your figure in the dim light of the tent.

He closes the tent behind him, zipping it up, and sits down next to you, his body inches away from yours. You smile up at him, the flush of his cheeks darker than before. “You’re so cute Scott,” Scott's heart skips a beat at your words, his cheeks growing even hotter under your gaze.

He huffs in feigned irritation, trying to hide the effect you have on him. "Shut up," he mutters, trying to sound gruff and annoyed, but the hint of a smile tugs at the corners of his lips.

”Would you prefer being called handsome?” You tease, your hands reaching out to roam his body. Scott's breath catches in his chest as your hands move over his body, his heart racing in his chest.

He tries to maintain a cool exterior, but the way your touch ignites a fire within him is impossible to ignore. He scoffs, a mixture of annoyance and desire in his voice. "Handsome, cute, it's all the same damn thing," he mutters, trying to remain unaffected by your touch.

”But you love it, don’t you?” You mumble against his ear as you settle into his lap once again. Scott's breath hitches as you settle into his lap, your breath brushing against his ear. He wraps his arms around your waist, pulling you close, his body practically buzzing with desire.

He growls in response to your words, his hands tracing the curve of your hips. "Damnit," he mutters, his voice a gruff whisper, "You know I do." You respond by kissing him. More passionate than before, your eyes flutter shut as he slips his tongue in your mouth.

Scott groans lowly in response to your passionate kiss, his hands gripping your hips almost possessively. He matches the intensity of the kiss, his tongue tanging with yours in a heated dance.

He pulls you flush against his chest, wanting to eliminate the space between you, the feeling of your body against his nearly driving him mad with desire. You lean against him pushing his back against the bed, hovering over him as you pull away from his lips, asking for air.

Scott's breath hitches as you push him back against the bed, your body hovering over him, dominating his every sense. He gazes up at you, his eyes dark with desire, his chest heaving with each breath he draws.

He reaches up, his hands finding your hips once again, desperately holding on as if he's afraid you might disappear. "You're killing me, you know that right?" he mutters, his voice rough with need.

”Then why don’t you do something about it?” You tease, you voice low and sultry. Scott's eyes darken at your words, a low growl escaping his lips. He flips you over, pinning you beneath him, his body pressed firmly against yours.

He gazes down at you, his eyes locked on yours, his voice a gruff whisper. "Be careful what you wish for, darlin'" he mutters, his lips hovering millimeters from your own. You arch up against his body, pressing your lips to his hungrily.

Scott's breath hitches in his chest at the feel of your body arching against his, the need coursing through him becoming nearly unbearable.

He kisses you back with equal fervor, his tongue seeking entrance to your mouth. His hands roam over your body, desperate to memorize every contour of your curves. Your arms wrap around his torso pulling him closer to you, your fingers pressing against his back.

Scott groans loudly at the feeling of your arms around him, your fingers tracing patterns against his back, sending shivers down his spine. He presses his body against yours, his desire and need for you escalating with each passing moment.

His hands move to your hips, gripping them tightly, his lips moving down your neck, leaving a trail of heated kisses in their wake. You arch your back, gasping at the sensation of Scott's kisses along your collarbone, your body responding to his touch with eager anticipation.

His hands glide under your shirt, his rough fingertips tracing the sensitive skin of your lower back, sending shivers down your spine. You can feel the tension in the air thicken, the electricity between you growing more intense with every passing second.

The sound of fabric rustling fills the tent as you both fumble with the buttons and zippers of your clothes, desperate to feel each other's skin against your own. Scott's eyes never leave yours, the raw desire in them leaving no room for doubt about what he wants, what you both want.

As the last barrier falls away, your bodies finally align in a dance of passion that's been building for what feels like an eternity, the cool night air forgotten against the heat of your union.

Scott's eyes darken even further as he takes in the sight of your exposed skin, his desire to taste and pleasure you becoming an all-consuming need. He shifts his position, sliding down your body, his hands firmly on your thighs as he spreads your legs wider.

You gasp as his mouth descends upon your pussy, his tongue eagerly flicking against your clit, teasing and exploring your folds with a hunger that's both thrilling and overwhelming. His movements are unbridled, driven by a passion that's been simmering just beneath the surface for far too long.

Each stroke, each lick, sends waves of pleasure crashing through your body, making you quiver and moan beneath him. You grip the blankets tightly, your breaths coming in ragged gasps as he devours you, the heat of his mouth a stark contrast to the coolness of the tent's interior.

His eyes never leave yours, the intensity of his gaze only serving to heighten the intimacy of the moment. You can feel your orgasm building, your body tightening with every flick of his tongue, and you know that this night is going to change everything between you.

As Scott's mouth continues its relentless assault on your sensitive flesh, you can't help but let out a series of muffled cries, biting down on the fabric of your shirt bunched in your hand to stifle the sounds of your pleasure. Your body tenses, your legs quivering as the first waves of your orgasm begin to crash over you. You clench your eyes shut, trying to hold on to the last shreds of your self-control, but it's no use.

With a final, desperate whimper, your climax takes you, your back arching off the mattress as your hips buck against his face. He doesn't relent, though, his tongue still working its magic as you ride out the intense sensations that grip you, the fabric of your shirt now damp with your efforts to remain silent.

When the tremors finally subside, you collapse back onto the bed, your chest heaving with the force of your gasps for air. Scott kisses his way back up your body, a smug smile playing on his lips as he claims your mouth once more, tasting the sweetness of your release.

The sound of your muffled moans only spurs him on, his own need for you growing with every second that passes. He can feel his cock straining, demanding release, but he's in no rush. For now, he's content to bask in the aftermath of your pleasure, knowing that the night has only just begun.

Scott lays down on the air mattress, his eyes never leaving yours as he pulls you on top of him, a silent invitation for you to take the lead. The feel of his hardened cock pressing against your still-sensitive core sends a fresh wave of desire through you, making your own need for him even more urgent.

You straddle him, the warmth of his skin against yours sending shivers down your spine as you line yourself up with his length. With a look of pure determination in your eyes, you slowly lower yourself onto him, feeling every inch of him fill you up. A low moan escapes your lips as you adjust to the feeling of him inside you, his eyes never leaving yours, filled with a mix of passion and challenge.

You begin to rock your hips, setting a slow and steady rhythm that has you both panting within moments. His hands grip your waist, guiding you as you move, his fingers digging into your skin with just the right amount of pressure to drive you wild.

Each movement sends a delicious friction through your body, and you can feel yourself getting closer to the edge again. Scott's eyes never leave yours, the intensity of his gaze holding you captive as you both succumb to the passion that's been brewing between you for so long.

Scott's quietude breaks as he becomes increasingly vocal with every sway of your hips, his breaths hitching in his throat as he watches you take control. His hands glide from your waist to your breasts, kneading them gently, his thumbs circling your hardened nipples in time with your movements.

His voice is low and gruff, a series of grunts and moans that seem to be ripped from the very depths of his soul, a primal response to the pleasure you're giving him. You lean into his touch, your own breaths coming in short gasps as you rock against him, the friction building into a crescendo of desire.

The sound of your bodies moving together fills the tent, the only music to accompany the symphony of your ragged breaths and moans. The feel of his strong hands on your body, the way he watches you with such raw hunger, it's all too much, and you know you're about to shatter once more.

You lean forward, pressing your palms into his chest, using it as leverage to drive yourself down harder onto him, the intensity of your movements growing with every stroke. His eyes never leave yours, the challenge in his gaze only making you want to push him further, to make him lose control in the way you're so close to doing. The world outside the tent fades away, leaving only the two of you, lost in the throes of passion and desire.

Your moans sync perfectly with Scott's, rising and falling in tandem as your bodies move together in a timeless rhythm. You feel your orgasm building again, a crescendo of pleasure that threatens to overwhelm you. His eyes, still locked on yours, grow darker, his pupils dilating with the approaching storm of ecstasy.

You lean in, capturing his mouth in a desperate kiss as you quicken your pace, the need to feel him come apart in your arms driving you on. His hands tighten on your hips, urging you faster, his own hips bucking up to meet your movements.

The air in the tent grows thick with desire, the only sounds the slapping of your bodies and the muffled cries escaping from your mouths. And then, with one final, shuddering thrust, it hits you both. Your orgasm crashes over you like a wave, sending sparks of pleasure throughout your body, making you tremble and clench around him.

Scott's grip on you tightens, his cock pulsing as he releases deep inside you , his own moan of pleasure melding with yours. The world outside the tent seems to fall away as you ride out the intense waves of your shared climax, your hearts beating as one, your bodies intertwined in a dance of pure, unfiltered passion.

When the storm finally subsides, you collapse against him, your breaths mingling as you both try to catch your breath, the tremors of pleasure still echoing through you. You can feel his heart racing beneath your cheek, a testament to the depth of his own release.

The silence that follows is filled with an understanding that transcends words, a bond forged in the heat of the moment that you know will never truly be broken.

You lay your head against his chest, breathing in his musk. Scott's breathing is ragged as he tries to catch his breath, his heart still racing from the intensity of the moment you just shared. He wraps his arms around you, pulling you closer, his body still buzzing with the aftermath of his climax.

He rests his cheek against the top of your head, his fingers tracing lazy patterns against your back, his mind struggling to form coherent thoughts. "That..." he finally manages to mutter, his voice hoarse and gravelly, "that was something else."

You smile as you cuddle closer to him, basking in his body heat. “We should do that again some time.” You giggle softly. Scott lets out a low chuckle, the sound rumbling through his chest. "Damn right we should," he mutters, his arms holding you closer against his body.

He presses a soft kiss to the top of your head, his lips lingering there for a moment before he speaks again. "I don't think I'm ever gonna forget this night, darlin'. You've been drivin' me crazy for way too damn long."

”Have I?” You tease as your eyes flutter shut. Scott lets out a huff at your teasing tone, his arms tightening around you.

"You know you have," he mutters gruffly, his lips finding the sensitive skin of your neck once again. "You and your damn adorable smile, and your beautiful eyes, and your infuriatingly cute laugh..."

He trails off, his voice growing huskier as he continues to list off your desirable qualities. A blush paints your face as you bask in his compliments. “I didn’t know that you thought so highly of me.” You press gentle kisses into his muscles.

Scott lets out a low hum of pleasure at the feel of your kisses against his muscles, his body already responding to your touch.

"How could I not?" he mutters, his voice gruff and sincere. "You're goddamn perfect, darlin'. Smart, beautiful, kind, funny...the list goes on and on." You bury your face into the crook of his neck, flustered by his words.

“Okay, okay. I think that’s enough now Scott…” your cheeks feel hot against his warm skin.

Scott lets out a low chuckle, feeling your flustered reaction against his neck.

"Awh, you're blushing," he teases, his hands roaming up and down your back. "And here I was just getting started..." He grins, enjoying seeing you flustered by his compliments.

But he acquiesces, not wanting to embarrass you further. He gently pulls your face back, so he can see your expression. You press a kiss against his lips, your eyes falling heavy as exhaustion comes over you in a wave.

Scott returns the kiss, his lips lingering against yours for a moment. He can feel your body growing heavy against his, your exhaustion evident.

He pulls you even closer, your head resting on his chest, his arms wrapping around you. "Let’s sleep, darlin'," he mutters softly, his voice gruff but caring. "I'm not goin' anywhere."

[lacedupforyou]

Can I request yandere ex bf Kaiser x reader who's dating yandere isagi

𝒲𝑜𝓃'𝓉 𝐿𝑒𝓉 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝑅𝓊𝓃 Yandere Isagi & Yandere Kaiser

~

You had known both boys in childhood, Supporting their careers in soccer and their passion. You had originally lived in japan and knew Isagi first but you had to move away and say your goodbyes promising to come back for him, of course he was going to wait for you. He was going to wait as long as he needed to.

when you first met kaiser, he seemed to think highly of himself but you respected his courage and passion. He admired your patience and kindness, Keeping you close at all times and making sure you came to every game he had. He could be seen walking around with you gripping your hand tightly as you could only smile and go along with it. Love could only blossom from then, But it wasn't perfect. he's a perfectionist.

He's extremely controlling always going on about what you wear, who you talk too, your love languages. He was so much to deal with and it was exhausting. But when you had came home one night to see him kissing and sucking lip with some girl you were devastated. You didn't take any explanation to his little stunt for your attention, he almost grabbed you and knocked you out right then and there, But he wasn't in the best headspace at the time. You rushed out the door home.

You stayed in bed for a few days hearing kaiser at your door a few times but you made sure to be dead silent. He wasn't crazy enough to break in or anything..Right?

You needed to take your mind off of what was going on around you. But while scrolling on your phone you notice something called blue lock going against the Japan U-20! Sae Itoshi and his brother would be playing..! And..Isagi!? You had to see it in person! You packed your things for a vist to take your mind off of your surroundings and see your best friend again!

While in the stands you saw isagi and he had definitely matured...During the match you re-met with isagi's mom and she was ecstatic to see you again and that isagi had a girl in his life. When halftime had come you called out to isagi with everything you had. When he noticed you his eyes lit up he smiled a huge smile of an egoist and signaled for you to come down. You rushed from the stands to a hallway. He was already there waiting for you before he even got any water. You rushed at each other hugging tightly as he lifted you off the ground. It seems his teammates noticed and snickered a little but he didn't care. Having you in his arms gave him the strength to crush the U-20 team.

Meanwhile, kaiser was fuming. He stalked you enough to know where you were at all times. To shine your light on some nobody instead of him? Ridiculous. He was coming for you and taking you back with him. No matter what it took. But Isagi had plans to make you his right after the game.

This was a dangerous game, And poor you seemed to be caught up in their twisted Ideals. But I guess it's up to who you choose..Right?

Wrong. That doesn't matter much to them anymore. They're never letting you leave again.

| Part 2? Request it! | Thank you to all the lovely words I've received you guys are too kind! |

[chatterbox-73]

Simptember 2024.

Day 9 - A live performance.

Eren Jaeger x fem!Reader

This story is a smut story for simptember, I’ll be writing more characters x reader one shots for simptember and if you want to see a character please let me know...

You must be 18 years or older to read this...

🔞⚠️NO MINORS ALLOWED⚠️🔞

Summary: you and eren are hired for a very special job for an art exhibition.

Word count: 1.3k

CW: NSFW and adult content, oral (f&m!receiving), unprotected sex, creampie, exhibitionist, riding, mention of BDST,

The room was quiet as you applied lipstick to your lips, you usually did your own makeup while you waited for the hairstylist to do your hair, however currently she was busy with your costar. The woman finished powdering his cheeks before he was pulled away by a stylist, this gave the woman a chance to start working on your hair.

You were an actress… well kind of… you filmed in adult movies and videos, you also did live demonstrates for certain clubs and people, such as today… today you’d be doing a live demonstration with your co-star for a small group that was paid of some body art exhibition, though usually these demonstrations weren’t really demonstrations they’re more of a way for creepy rich guys to watch close up as woman get railed without it being ‘weird’.

Today though you’d have to make passionate ‘love’ with your co-star, your script gave you a lot of creative freedom but there was a need for intimacy, for closeness, it was strange and you wondered what purpose this would serve the art exhibition to have a couple ‘making love’, but you tried not to think about it too much.

You stood at the door leading into the small platform that stood above a foot off the ground and had a bed on it with some room around the bed to stand, beside you was your co-worker, “I’m Eren Yeager, it’s probably best I introduce myself” the man reached out a hand that you took with a smile and introduced yourself, “it’s nice to meet you… Is this your first time doing a public performance?” You asked and the man shook his head, “I’ve been really into the BDSM scene when I was young and started doing demonstrations back then” he explained and you nodded, now that you think about you’d seen him before as a rather kinky club, were you did a deep-throating and an impact demonstration with a blonde man, who just so happened to share the same last name as your scene partner, “oh yeah, I think I saw you around, you had shorter hair and a rounder face with no facial hair” you chuckled and he nodded, “yeah, I’m pretty sure you did a few demonstrations with my elder brother… though you went by vixen back then, right?” he explained and you nodded, “so Zeke is your brother? You don’t look anything alike” you smiled and he hummed tugging at the string of his robe, “yeah, different mums… but when he doesn’t have his beard we look a lot more alike” he chuckled and before you could continue on with your conversation and artist of this exhibition walked up to the both of you, “hi, I want to thank you both again for this… I’m excited to see the raw passion your bring, now if you could follow me please” the woman smiled brightly, you kind of found her quite endearing and and charming, you suddenly felt anxious about not doing well enough. You and Eren followed the woman out towards the small platform and she signalled for the both of you to walk over to the bed and to start, you grabbed Eren’s hand and pulled him over to the platform, the man stepped up onto it and then proceeded to lean down to help you up.

Now face to face you looked up at Eren and ran a hand over his chest, he grabbed the tie holding your robe closed and pulled it, the warm fabric covering you fell away, leaving you exposed before everyone, one of Eren’s hands tangled into your hair while his other wrapped around your back and pulled you in close, his lips moving deep and rough over yours. You had originally planned to try and focus on what the woman was saying as you both completed your task, however Eren had made that task impossible now, the way his body moulded against yours and his lips blocked your senses… and of course, the monstrance beast he has pressing against your stomach, Eren pulls back from your lips and moves down your neck, before moving more and more down until he is kneeling before you, he lifts one of your legs over his shoulder and without hesitation and thought he’s face is buried in the cunt, you whined out loudly as his mouth worked on you, your hands grabbed his hair and your head rolled back, as you released another airy moan, quicker and quicker he was getting you to a release, Eren groaned and your cunt squeezed around nothing, your legs buckled and just as your were about to fall, he caught you and lifted you up carrying you to the bed.

Eren placed you down on the bed and removed his robe, before climbing on the bed and setting between your open legs, he slowly pumped himself before pressing his hefty length into you. You cried out loudly, that only seemed louder as your voice echoed through the room, “fuck… you’re so warm, it’s like I’m a perfect fit…” he groaned and held himself above you, “though I’ll have to warm you up some more so you can take it all without pain” Eren hummed and began thrusting at a steady pace, with each roll of his hip you could have sworn you saw heaven it self, your arms wrapped around the back of the man and your nails dug into his back, angry red lines began to form down his back, “oh shit… Eren please… I’m so close” you cried as you bucked your hips to meet his thrusts.

Honestly you were surprised by how quickly Eren was getting you off, between his groaning in your ear and his chiseled body you weren’t totally shocked, he was hot and good a fucking, and worst of all he knew it.

“Yes yes yes… oh fuck yes” you whined coming undone completely, your hips bucked harder and your legs raised up and shook, while your toes curled, “your face is so cute when you’re cumming…” Eren chuckled and grabbed your face before leaning in “show me again” he smiled, however before he could continue were he left off you managed to push him onto his back before climbing atop him.

You pushed Eren down onto the bed and lifting yourself up onto his tip before slowly lowering yourself down, moaning loudly you dug your hands into your hair and began grinding on him, “fuck baby… oh yes” Eren moaned as his cock twitched in you and your cunt fluttered, you bounced ever so slightly every so often, you had found the perfect rhythm and set it into motion, as you did Eren began to grab your breast squeezing them while he wondered closer to his release, “oh please… please finish in me” you cried so loudly not a single person in the room that couldn’t hear you, groaning Eren’s hips began to buck up into you.

You sobbed as your body shifted up with each thrust of Eren’s hips into you, your nails dug long lines into his chest as he began to finish himself off into you, by reaching a hand down and gently fondling his sack, he groaned and watched your breasts bounce intensely. Eren’s hips faulted and you felt his thick ropes of cum fill you, squeeze your cunt as you pulled off him and moved down the bed, you leant down and wrapped your lips around his cock sucking and licking it clean of the mess you made.

You and Eren spent the rest of the art exhibition repeating his cycle, by the end of the end, the artist could not stop praising the both of you and thanking you for making her show a great success.

Simptember Masterlist

Day 8 - Shota Aizawa: In service

Day 10 - Hatsuharu Sohma: Closest distance

[mykoreanlove]

pet names

For the first time ever you were dating someone younger than yourself. You didn’t plan on getting close to Jeongin, but his persistence payed off, so you gave him a chance. It felt weird at first but you got used to him so quickly that you never once questioned your age gap. Even if he was way younger, he was mature, loving and kind - traits that you rarely found these days. You spent the entire weekend with him. Getting to know him and all his little quirks filled you with joy. Having him in your life felt so natural at this point, you didn’t think twice about asking him for things that mattered.

„You want me to go dogsit with you?“ He was taken aback by your request but complied happily, being an enthusiastic dog lover himself. And now you found yourself in your friend‘s flat, tangled with each other on her new beige couch. Your attention has long left the dog who was sleeping happily in front of the tv. All you could see, all you could comprehend was the beautiful boy right in front of you. Jeongin was an enigma to you - soft and nourishing, yet forceful and bold. The two of you stopped talking a while ago, lips too preoccupied with kissing every centimeter of each other. His porcelain skin was soft, his plush lips were even softer - you lost yourself in him entirely. He hummed in pleasure as he kissed you passionately, not wanting to let go of you. „Fuck, I really love kissing you, y/n.“ You grinned widely. „You’re a great kisser too, baby.“ Jeongin‘s eyes widened in surprise. „Did you just call me baby?“

Fuck, did you? You grew insecure, cheeks reddened instantly. You only started dating - was this too early? Did he even want to be your baby? „Oh, did I? Sorry. Did you… Did you not like it?“ Anxiously you held your breath. You were used to giving it your all from the very beginning, but not everybody was like that. Not everybody liked that. His smile put you at ease though so you relaxed again. „No, I liked it. Very much actually. Can you… can you call me baby more often?“You let out a heartfelt laugh, relieved that you were on the same page. „I can do that. Baby.“ You winked at him before kissing him again. Jeongin kissed you back, hungrily, while roaming your body with his big hands. „Wait, y/n wait. I want to call you something cute, too.“ „Oh?“ He cleared his throat before speaking again. „I know it‘s cliché but I really want to call you jagi.“ Jeongin looked down, cheeks flushed now. „Jagi? Really?“, you laughed out loud. Your hand reached for his chin as you tilted his head to yours. „Okay“, you whispered. His eyes lit up in excitement. „Really?“ You nodded happily. „Can I also call you noona then?“

Flashbacks of your annoying brother calling you that flooded your mind. He used to get on your nerves, always pointing out your age, always mocking you for being older. Were you okay with your beautiful, young lover calling you that? Hell, no. „Please don’t call me noona. Anything but that, Jeongin.“ He laughed out loud, trying to convince you. „Oh come on, it makes sense since you’re older and everything. Please let me call you noona.“ He enjoyed your uneasiness way too much. You shifted your position, untangling yourself from him but failed as his strong arms grabbed you quickly. „Where do you think you’re going, noona?“ His voice overly seductive, his brown eyes glued to yours.„Jeongin, I don’t like you calling me that. I really don’t.“ You grew defensive. You didn’t want him to see you as an old hag. He caught on quickly, feeling sorry for triggering an insecurity of yours. Reflexively, he caressed your arms with his hands, trying to soothe you. „I’m sorry y/n. I won’t call you that anymore. What do you want me to call you instead?“ You took a minute to yourself before answering. With a shy smile on your lips you whispered your reply.

„Yours.“

[merajsblog]

Can you do Blue Lock Rin x female reader x Sae? The reader is a very sweet and kind girl. The Itoshi brothers are fighting for her love.

authors note: hi!! :) my first ask! i will absolutely try my best to do this for sure. obviously the reader is femme, and is in a love triangle. no set relationships yet! just some itoshi brothers pining for a girl :)

*ੈ✩‧₊˚ *ੈ✩‧₊˚

you had known the itoshi family for some time now. you couldn’t say you were particularly close to them, but you were closer with their kids, rin itoshi and sae itoshi.

rin had a particular aura around him, one that differed from his older brother, sae, in a lot of ways. they shared some similar traits like their cold, calculating stares, but rin was a little more passionate than sae was. not to say sae wasn’t a passionate person, it just wasn’t something your noticed off the bat like with rin. they both devoted themselves to soccer.

rin was devoted to the challenge. he didn’t like half baked stuff. he wanted something that challenged his norm, and looked beyond the threshold. he was cold and calculating, much like his older brother. he liked horror, and yoga. his soccer seemed almost rooted in desperation.

sae on the other hand, was a little older. he had lived in spain, and he kept wanting to go back. he was calculating and manipulative at times. he was straightforward and honest. his soccer was rooted in searching.

it was a cold day, winter at its finest. you had gone to see your family friends, and especially the itoshi brothers. your relationship with them was…interesting. you were polar opposites, while being polite and kind instead of calculating and cold. there was something about this opposition that attracted both of them to you. maybe it was your sweetness that drugged both of them to lust for you, even though they dreaded feeling that way towards someone out of their control. they had control of everything, at least on the field, but this was way out of their league.

“oh please y/n, come inside its freezing out there!!” says mrs. itoshi. you stepped inside, finally seeking refuge from the storm outside. it was time for your yearly visit to see the family.

you grinned kindly at the older woman for letting you in, doing your respectful bow.

“oh hello y/n” a familiar voice says to you from the stair case. you look upwards, batting your eyelashes at rin itoshi. his hair was swooped forward a bit, and dark teal. his eyes were mesmerizing, a vibrant teal color. you could see from where you were standing his long lashes fluttering as he walked down the stairs with his strong demeanor. he was donned in a button up and slacks, your guess was it was his mom who coerced him to dress nicely. his button up wasn’t fully buttoned, leaving one open button at the top. you smiled, “hello rin! how have you been?” you asked, taking off your shoes slowly.

“i’ve been good.” he says curtly. he’s avoiding eye contact. you let out a soft huff, “is that all? tell me about this soccer thing you’ve been at! i’ve heard all about it from school.” you say, looking up at him from the entry way.

“oh, yea it’s been pretty cool we actually just-“

he gets cut off, pulling your arm towards him, almost into his chest, as the door behind you unlocks and opens again. sae is standing in the door way, the tip of his nose is red. he must’ve been standing outside for a while…

“oh, y/n, i didn’t know you were gonna be here yet. sorry for the intrusion, i was just throwing the trash out.” sae says, donning a crooked smile looking at you. he’s also wearing a button up, except the top few buttons aren’t done, revealing much more than you thought you’d see.

you stifle out a laugh. “it’s nice to see you too sae.” you say, smiling as you politely angle your head down in a casual bow. he takes this opportunity to ruffle the top of your head as he passes by, ignoring rin. you turn around, heat spreading in your cheeks.

“i can take your coat if you want..” rin mumbles out. you grab your coat and give it to him, before walking into the kitchen of the house. there’s food everywhere, in nice plates, and sae is pouring himself a glass of something to drink. his red coral hair is smooth in the ambient light, his back to you. he has the same beautiful teal eyes as his younger brother.

“i was just telling her about the recent game we had.” rin says, leaning against the door way, right next to you. you can smell his expensive cologne.

sae snickers. “the game i lost in?”

“yes that game.” rin says sharply.

you’re looking at the two of them, as they talk. you couldn’t tell if this was banter or something worse.

“just know that i wasn’t really trying at the beginning, i was just testing out shidou. i didn’t even break a sweat the entire time.” sae says, focusing on his drink, smiling at himself.

the air feels tense. rin opens his mouth to retort, when you hear the door open once more. you all turn to look, seeing more family friends pour in the hallway. you’re tapping on rins arm now,

“rin where is the restroom again?” you ask making direct eye contact. it’s like lightning striking through you when you make contact like this. it’s sharp and hard to ignore. he’s opening his mouth, and moving his arm almost as if to take your hand to lead you over, when sae speaks right next to you.

“i can show you. i want to grab something from my room anyways. come with me.” he says, handing his drink to rin before softly grabbing your forearm.

“she asked me you know.” rin says, eyes boring into saes skull. he is clenching the drink. you put your hand on his arm, “it’s fine, we’ll be back soon okay? then i can catch you up on school.” you say, smiling softly. you and rin shared the same grade, while sae was a little above you guys.

sae is already ushering you towards the area where the bathroom is and up the stairs.

“i got you a little gift actually..you can use my bathroom too.” sae says, still walking ahead of you. you can’t see his expression at all. he’s always been a little harder to read than rin. rin always shared the same peachy cheek, puppy eyed look with you, but with sae you had no idea what was going on in his head.

it’s not long before you’re in his room. it’s rather empty, but it makes sense since he doesn’t really live here anymore. he hands you a box, a small bracelet with a gem on it.

“it’s your birthstone actually…” he says scratching the back of his head. he also isn’t making eye contact with you. the bracelet is adorable and when he puts it on your wrist, it seems almost like it fits perfectly.

“thank you sae, this was really sweet of you, but i didn’t get you anything besides the family gifts…” you say starting to pout. maybe your family sized chocolates you brought wasn’t good enough this time..

he lets out a small smile, “no you’re fine i just felt like giving you this something special. oh! the bathroom is right there by the way, i’ll be out in the hallway if you need anything.” he says, starting to walk away. you head in, fixing your appearance in the mirror. you could swear you hear talking outside saes room in the hallway.

you’re about to step out after opening the door, when you hear the booming echo of all the guests in the living room. it’s almost overwhelming for a second. here you are, in a house that isn’t entirely familiar, struggling between two angsty boys. you’re frozen in the middle of the hallway.

“are you okay?” you hear someone ask behind you. whipping around, you see rin looming there behind you.

“oh, yea no i’m fine it was just..a little loud for a minute there…i swear there wasn’t THAT many people before…” you said nervously chuckling.

“yea they kinda all just appeared..i went to my room for a minute but then i saw you just standing here like an npc…” he says, seriously.

you can’t help but laugh a little at that.

“do you want to head down with me? or do you want to take a minute up here?” he says, cocking his head a little. “everyone will love you down there, trust me. how could anyone not like someone like you.” he mutters.

“we can head down, thanks for coming with me.” you said, now it was your turn to look away. the blush was looming over your face. he was standing awfully close. his cologne was intoxicating. you turn around slowly, heading towards the stairs. there is swarms of people crawling around downstairs. you stop at the crest of the top of the stairs case. a warm hand is placed on your lower back. his touch is like a spark as your goosebumps go up.

“i can go first, just follow close behind me, okay?” rin whispers in your ear, moving seamlessly around you. he’s headed down the stairs case, stepping a few steps, before turning around, beckoning you to come. you follow not long after. you two step down the staircase, while sae is sitting at the bottom. he seems preoccupied with a conversation, probably what you were hearing while in the bathroom.

he’s staring now, his eyes boring into yours.

as you two reach the bottom of the stairs, sae immediately starts speaking to you.

“sorry about that, i got pulled away, i was gonna head back up there to see if you were doing okay.” he said, ignoring his old conversation.

rin scoffs before starting to head past sae.

“do you like the bracelet i bought for you?” sae questions, stopping rin in his tracks. rin usually notices anything new about you. how could he not? he noticed your new shoes, and how your mascara was sitting on your pretty eyelashes. your eyes seemed lighter due to the season change. how often you furrowed your brows when anxious.

“i love it, it is really beautiful sae. and thank you rin for coming down with me.” you say, trying to please both of them.

“how sweet of you to say that.” sae cooes, particularly in jab to rin. they’re both standing at the bottom of the stair case, looking up at you. what in the world was going on with them tonight. it felt almost like…a competition.

it couldn’t be that they were both pining for your attention, could it be?

[rubendiasthoughts]

I loved writing this one so much!! Thank you to the person who requested it 😘

Wedding with Ruben Dias - headcanon:

-Okay, so I think the way Ruben would propose would be pretty casual. Like I just don't see him renting out a fancy restaurant or anything like that. I feel like he would maybe take you on like a nice beach or something, somewhere where there's not a lot of people and he would maybe organize a little picnic or something like that. I think he would want it to be a surprise and he would want you to think that it's just a normal date. So you two would sit on the blanket, watch the sea and the waves for a little bit. And maybe he would lead you by your hand, closer to the shore. And then he would get on one knee and propose. He would definitely tell you how you are the girl of his dreams and he would promise to take care of you for the rest of your life.

- But he would definitely tell at least one of your girlfriends that he's going to propose, just so that she can take you to get your nails done and stuff, because he knows you would be sad if your nails weren't perfect for the pictures.

- I already talked about this, but I feel like Ruben could be the guy to ask your parents for permission. And he would promise them to always take care of you and protect you.

-And he would tell his own family that he's planning to propose too! His mom would be so happy, maybe she would say something how you are definitely a keeper 🥺

-I think planning a wedding with Ruben would be the best experience. He would definitely have his own ideas and opinions that he would share with you, but at the end of the day I feel like he just wants you to be happy and have the wedding of your dreams. Maybe sometimes when you guys are cuddled up on the couch, talking about the wedding you ask him something like "You think we can have that? " and he's smiling "we can have anything you want, sweet girl" and gives you a forehead kiss.

- And when the wedding day comes I think he would be super calm and collected. Just because I think he is so sure he wants to spend the rest of his life with you, so he's just like "what is there to be nervous about? ". You would probably be much more nervous than him, worrying if everything will go the way it's planned and all of that. I feel like his approach would be more like: he gets to marry you so he doesn't care if something else won't be perfect.

-And when he sees you for the first time, walking down the aisle, he has this little smile on his face and he's literally looking at you like you are the most beautiful thing in the world. He wouldn't be able to take his eyes off of you, like you are the only thing he could see.

-Let's just take a moment to think about Ruben standing there in a suit 😫

-His brother is the best man for sure.

-When he is putting the ring on your finger, he's looking into your eyes with a serious look on his face. And can you imagine how great he would look with his wedding band on his finger?? 😭

- And when he's allowed to kiss his bride for the first time, he would grab your face in both of his hands, your hands resting on his stomach. And the kiss would be sooo good! I feel like he would kiss you very gently, but at the same time with a lot of passion behind it.

- The first dance would be so sweet and cute. Honestly I don't see Ruben doing any kind of crazy choreography, I think you two would just slow dance, he would hold you close to him, look into your eyes with a smile on his face, maybe you would rest your head on his chest for a little bit too. He would whisper to you, telling you how beautiful you are. And I feel like the song you two would dance to would be one of those old love songs.

- The guests would maybe make little toasts, talking about your love for each other and stuff - your maid of honor, his best man, your friends, family, maybe even some of his teammates. Ruben is definitely raising a toast "for his beautiful bride".

-And for the rest of the night you would have so much fun. You would be dancing with all of your friends, celebrating your love surrounded by all the people you love. Just imagine Ruben laughing with his friends 🥺

-You know the thing they sometimes do at weddings, when they seat the bride on the chair and the groom is supposed to take her garter off using only his mouth? Ruben would dive under your dress, he would plant a few kisses starting from your ankle up to your thigh.And when he takes your garter in his mouth, he would lightly graze your thigh with his teeth. And when he comes out from underneath your dress and he takes your garter out of his mouth he has the goofiest smile on his face. And when he sees your red face and how you try to hide your face in your hands he laughs, takes your hands away from your face, leans over you and gives you a kiss.

-And the wedding night would be an absolute dream. Ruben couldn't wait to finally get you alone. You two would stumble into the room, Ruben holding you in his arms, hands around your waist, kissing you passionately. He would take off your dress and lay you on the bed. Then he would hover over you, his forearms resting next to your head as he would look into your eyes. His nose would nuzzle against your neck and he would say "gotta take care of my wife now, make her feel good". He would kiss every inch of your body, constantly whispering praises. He would fuck you in missionary, your legs wrapped around his waist. And when he finally pushes inside you it would be so slow, but his thrusts very deep, hitting your sweet spot with his every stroke. His breath would be heavy, panting above you, relishing in your cute, little moans. Feeling you squeeze around his cock would trigger his own orgasm. He would hide his face in your neck when he shoots his cum deep inside you. And after that, he would craddle you in his arms, pressing kisses to your head.

I haven't written anything about how honeymoon with Ruben would be like in this piece, because I feel like maybe I should do a separate headcanon about that? Let me know if you would be interested ❤

Thank you for your support, hope you enjoyed this 💞

[laurenairay]

I loved and I loved and I lost you - J. Hughes

Summary: Sometimes, relationships just end.

Warnings: Pure angst

Words: 1.7k

A/N: I don’t know even know what this is or where it came from, but here it is. Needed to get some angst off my chest in the healthiest way I could think of, and I feel so much better for it. Hopefully I’ll write something for Jack that’s not so angsty another time!

Title from Hurts Like Hell, by Fleurie

*

Breathe in. Breathe out.

Nothing.

Nothing.

Nothing.

You didn’t know when the end had started. There wasn’t anything in particular that had triggered this downfall, this spiral that you’d been floating on for as long as you could remember. Parties had lost their shimmer, all the laughter and conversations feeling stilted and fake. Nights out clubbing had lost all their energy, the loud music and bright lights grating like they never had before. Date nights were rare, as were the random romantic surprises he’d dotted around in the first year or so. Watching him play hockey felt like you were just going through the motions, barely able to feel anything when you would once scream with pride. Even nights in together were lacklustre, as infrequent as they were, sitting on opposite ends of the sofa like the two of you were flatmates rather than lovers.

Somewhere along the line, your relationship with Jack Hughes had drifted into nothingness, and you didn’t know how to salvage it. You longed for his laughter, his love, his touch, but you weren’t sure you knew how to ask anymore. Gone were the days where you felt cherished and adored, all replaced with brief kisses in passing and half-hearted words that felt rehearsed. Everything inside you that used to bubble over with excitement and joy and wonder felt like an aching chasm, empty and depleted, nothing left to recover. Like you were trying to grab at frayed strings to hold onto, but it all just flickered out into smoke between your fingers. You wondered if it was the same for Jack too, although he’d never said a word about the obvious diminishing of the passion between you two. It felt like you were a ghost, drifting along at his side, just simply existing in a world that used to make you feel like you were on fire.

It was almost a relief when Luke signed to the team, moving in with the two of you.

And it helped you see that it wasn’t all just in your head – Jack had changed. The apathy he’d been showing you for longer than you cared to admit was nowhere to be seen when he interacted with his brother. That laughter you fell in love with years ago filled your apartment where it had been so quiet before. The rapid conversation, filled with energy and jokes, once again lit up Jack’s body like a livewire, the two brothers making the apartment feel like a home once more. Even the smile that had made you weak at the knees when you first met him had made its way back – and you couldn’t remember when he had stopped smiling like that at you to begin with. You had no doubt that you held blame in this crumbling relationship too. In a way, the fact you hadn’t noticed how bad everything had gotten was damning in itself. Your own blindsided realisations had to have come from somewhere, and you knew in your heart that Jack wasn’t the only one at fault for letting things get to how they are. It felt like you were just moving along in a fog, the public kissing and hand-holding some kind of act, and you knew you shouldn’t feel so empty, not like this. But you couldn’t stop any of it, couldn’t vocalise any of it, thoughts feeling like they were in slow motion while the rest of the world raced by. How had things gone from so good to so bad so quietly?

There was no anger, no burning need to confront him, no reason to hate him to any degree. He’d never cheated, couldn’t even fathom the thought, and neither had you. There were no lingering arguments, no irritations, no hurtful reasons for you to leave, not really. There was just…nothing. Nothing left inside that held any meaning, not like it used to. You felt nothing when you once felt on top of the world, consumed with joy and love and laughter, and knowing the difference? Knowing how much you felt before compared to how little you felt now? That cut you deep most of all.

It was all of this that made your decision easier than you thought.

When you thought about a future with him, all you could picture was an endless tunnel, taking steps forward each day with an interminable road in front of you. No journey, no destination, just emptiness. A void, if you will, and if nothing else that scared you. What was there to stay for, if there was no future you could envision with him?

Why stay?

It was only once that thought passed your mind that you felt a clarity for the first time in a long time. A beacon of hope out of the darkness that had taken over you so completely. Leaving Jack was your answer.

Leaving Jack.

Leaving Jack?

A different kind of ache filled your chest as your decision settled into your bones, the deep unnerving sadness of a life together that could’ve been wonderful if it hadn’t fallen apart. A swirling pool of missed opportunities, a life you could’ve had, all washing away down the drain like it meant nothing at all when it had once meant everything to you. Because it had been your everything, once upon a time. You’d loved Jack with your whole heart, body, and soul…but those feelings were gone, that love was nowhere to be found. It had all left you – and now you had to leave too.

While Jack was away with the team, you packed your bags. Years together had accumulated a lot of shared belongings, and in what felt like a haze you picked up only the things that you knew Jack wouldn’t claim as his own. Years together melted down into a few bags, a couple of suitcases, and half a dozen boxes. Everything that had once symbolised your life together, reduced to essentially nothing. Nothing. Staring at the pile by the front door only made you feel even more hollow, like you were cracked open without anything holding back the aching in your chest, and it was all you could do to retreat back to the bedroom you’d once shared, tearing a page out of a notepad Jack always left on his nightstand.

It didn’t feel enough, writing him a goodbye letter. It didn’t feel enough and yet there was nothing more you could do in this moment. You couldn’t call him – you knew he would be too busy to answer. And if he did answer, what good would that do with him down in California with the team? He couldn’t come back and you couldn’t bear the thought of him asking you to stay. Or not asking you to stay at all. Texting him felt too bland, even if it would be as impassionate as you felt right now. A sentence typed out on a phone felt too impersonal for all the memories you had together, the ones that you’d been clinging to longer than you could remember. Not saying anything at all would just be cruel, and as much as your relationship had reduced to wisps of air, he deserved more than that.

That didn’t mean it hurt any less to write down your thoughts on the page. As you struggled to write out the words that’ll end everything, all the missing emotions slammed into your chest, both stabbing and twisting in sharp agony, and overwhelming you like a tidal wave, leaving you stranded in shock as you struggled to breathe. A high keening noise filled your ears, and it wasn’t until you gasped for a jagged breath that you realised the noise was clawing out from your own throat. Tears trailed down your cheeks, obscuring your vision as your writing continued on, shaky in this final act to sever what remained between the two of you. Tears. These tears were the first you’d shed, and they felt like a river cascading down your face, dripping off your chin, stinging your eyes. An unending river draining your emotions from your body for what felt like hours, until you were left gasping for breath with a red puffy face, washed out and dried out like a husk.

But it was done. With your final words to him, you let your heart start to let him go, head swimming with the dull throb of losing the boy that had been your rock for so long, your safe space. Where were you supposed to go from here? What were you supposed to do without him? It was overwhelming, finally knowing what it was like to be alone, having nothing to hold onto. But you’d been alone for a while, in truth, and it took the last of your willpower to leave the note on your pillow for him to find, for whenever he returned home. With one last look at the bed the two of you shared, the ache in your heart almost too much to bear, you left, walking away from the life you once shared with Jack into a future that you had no idea what to do with.

But it was for the best. It had to be.

~

Dear Jack,

If you’re reading this, I’m already gone. I’ve loved you, and I’ve lost you. I don’t know when but it hurts like hell. What we had has been over for a while and I don’t think either of us knew how to change that. So I’m changing that for us. Someone has to, before we wind up hating each other and I can’t bear the thought of poisoning the happy memories we shared. I know you must hate me right now, but in time you’ll thank me for walking away when both of us should’ve left a long time ago I hope you find someone who makes you as happy as we once were.

Take care of yourself x

~

Tagging a few who might like this: @wyattjohnston @starshine-hockey-girl @senditcolton​ @fallinallincurls​ @thebookofmags​ @sorryjustafangirl @jostyriggslover96​ 

[blues824]

Greetings, friend! Can I ask for 24 with Trey and 25 with Ruggie? (Both with male readers, if possible, please❤️)

You requested: New Year’s Countdown + NYE Party

I just did both prompts for both guys lol. Male reader

Trey Clover

You had accepted his invitation to stay at his family’s home in the Queendom of Roses, and the scent of flowers kind of punched you in the face in the best way possible. Trey carried your suitcase for you, even though you didn’t want him to because he had his own suitcase to carry. However, he warned you that your arms needed to be free to catch his siblings when they try to tackle you.

Laughing as you knocked on the door to the house, it shouldn’t have come as a surprise to actually be tackled. Trey walked in with your suitcases before coming back out and picking his brother and sister up, hoisting them over his shoulders. They pounded against his back, trying to get him to let go, but he’s carried too many sacks of flour to be deterred so easily.

Meeting his parents for the first time was a bit awkward, as they had no idea that their son had a boyfriend. Then, there was his siblings, who saw how grossly in love you both were and asked when you were going to get married. Instead of being embarrassed, though, Trey just said that he was waiting until you both graduated, and that made you flustered as hell.

Anyway, your time here was mostly spent helping the bakery run. You often helped your beloved baker in the kitchen, fetching the ingredients and measuring cups that he needed. You would then help at the counter whenever a customer walked in to collect their party order. Now, his family’s bakery was a fairly well-known spot, so to see someone else behind the counter was unusual.

However, Trey would introduce you to each person as his boyfriend. If they were being honest, every single person thought that he would stay single for his entire life because he never showed interest in anyone. You laughed at their surprise, saying that you were very lucky to have a man like him.

Unfortunately, this job never stopped, so the Clover family just opted to celebrate New Year’s in the bakery. It was a small celebration, but it meant that it would be special. The younger children indulged themselves on the treats left over, and you, Trey, and his parents had a small glass of champagne to toast to the new year.

Then, the countdown began.

“10, 9, 8, 7…” Trey pulled you into him, grabbing your face with his hands.

“Y/N L/N, in the rather short time I have known you, you managed to throw my life upside down completely. I love you, and I know I say it rather often, but I hope you know I mean it, sweetheart. You have no idea how much I love you. I’m glad I’ve had the privilege of knowing you and loving you.” His words were enough to bring you to tears, and once the clock ran out, you pulled him into a rather passionate kiss.

“Get a room!” Trey’s younger brother shouted with his mouth stuffed full of a cupcake.

Ruggie Bucchi

The Sunset Savanna was very warm, even at this time of year. That being said, you were very happy to go because you did not want to stay in NRC. Crowley was an insufferable piece of shit, and Ruggie was less so and also your boyfriend. Plus, he wrote to his family about you and they very much wanted to meet the human who tamed their son.

Once you stepped foot onto the street he lived on, you realized that these people probably knew how to party. Everyone was pitching in on getting ready for a big New Year’s Party, any skills were accepted into preparation. You moved on to his grandmother’s house, and you could smell the food she was currently cooking. It made your mouth water.

You learned that his grandmother, while a bit strict, was really sweet. Once you showed interest in what she was making, she had you and her grandson helping her in the kitchen. She told you many stories of your boyfriend when he was just a young pup, which embarrassed him but made you laugh. You were totally going to use these stories as blackmail later, but that was another story on its own.

Anyway, at the party itself, you met many people from Ruggie’s childhood as you helped set up. His aunties and uncles (who were really just close family friends) all loved you, saying you were a good man for their little Ruggie. You relationship with one another was very heartwarming and cute to the others in the area, again with some little kids asking when you two are getting married. Is it so bad if you were daydreaming about it? 

Eventually, the preparation was ready. The food was laid out and everyone started sitting down at tables that were put out in the street. One of the residents was a retired DJ who kept up with recent trends in music, so you had a free DJ. It was definitely a very exciting party, especially as you got up to dance with your lovely hyena.

Then, the music slowed down. The couples got together and started dancing with one another. There were even a few children, their love only equating to a small crush, that were dancing together. Your arms went about his neck, playing with the ends of his hair on the back of his neck, making him melt as you both swayed side to side.

Over the mic, the DJ started counting down, and that’s when Ruggie stopped to speak his mind.

“Y/N, I know I haven’t been the kindest to you this year, but I hope you can accept a poor hyena’s apology. I love you, sweets, and I’m hoping you could be mine for the next year and the year after, all the way until you are absolutely sick of me. I am your hyena, I am your problem.”

“You could never be a problem to me, Rugs.” You pulled him into a rather passionate kiss once the clock ran out, earning a few whistles and cheers from those around you.

Pulling away, you whispered, “I love you, too,” against his lips.

[moodymisty]

Love your fics!!! You and imagine darksiders are my favorite writers😍

I have a small request for you. Could you write death/reader story where the reader is a beginner doctor and is trying to figure out the anatomy of a nephilim? Very curious human and a very grumpy death fluff! Thank youuu

Author's Note: You mention little 'ol me alongside Imagine-darksiders? I'm going to sob; She was the reason I started trying to write for these silly little Nephilim after playing the games. I read CHWH so fast after completing ds2. Thank you for such kind words, and I hope you enjoy :3 Death is not a very good patient for examination, so you're mostly going by sight XD

Relationships: Death/Fem!Reader

Warnings: Some vague pining (mostly from Death lmao), Fluff, Medical references

"Is curiosity to the point of annoyance common, for your kind?"

Death's words are slathered with sarcasm like grease over a freshly polished weapon, watching as you just shrug your shoulders at him.

"Depends on who you ask."

He doesn't respond; Though the cross of his arms and the fact that you feel like he's rolling his eyes at you gives enough away that he doesn't really need to. But it's not as if you can help being curious, leaning against the countertop that puts you opposite of Death. Nephilim are just so, different, that little passionate part of your brain finds itself itching for all the answers.

"I could always just ask Strife, if I'm bothering you."

You don't mean it sarcastically, shrugging your shoulders; If anything, the gunslinger would probably be quite eager to have a chat with you that didn't involve the elder Horseman looming over you like some sort of sentry.

The idea of you just ending this conversation going to Strife however seems to make him recoil, and bristle at the shoulders. You can't fathom why; If he's so irritated by you curiously prodding him like a bunch of med students around a donated cadaver, why is he so against you asking his more outgoing brother? You'd think he'd be eager to shove your eagerness in the direction of the most talkative Horsemen.

Well, if you aren't going to win either way, might as well get whatever you can out of him before he decides to finally brush you off.

"I just have to know; I noticed awhile back War has actual-" You bring your index fingers to your mouth, hooking them to form the pantomime of fangs. "Do all Nephilim have them?"

Death knows he should correct you to past tense, but he doesn't.

"Most, yes." You cock your head a bit into one shoulder and look up at him with an expression that erodes at him like waves hitting a cliff.

"Do you?" Death, watching your raised brows and expectant face, changes little from his cross armed stance.

"If you are asking me to remove the mask you should know well by now the answer is no." Death's hair, having actually been washed at some point in the past few weeks softly falls over his shoulders as he raises his head, pitch black strands brushing over his bare skin.

"Do you need to take it off to use your tongue?" Death takes one step to round the counter, and you quickly jump backwards with a nervous smile to maintain the same amount of distance.

"You are getting far too comfortable with that tone of yours." He points at you with a single finger before he gives up on the chance and returns to his previous position. Standing back upright, you smile at him and attempt to once again appease him away from reprimanding you any further.

"Ok, ok, one more question?"

Death, in all of his bite about your excessive comfort around him, doesn't refuse your request. He doesn't have to wait very long to hear it, thankfully.

"Can I see you hand?"

Death's eyebrows quirk behind his mask visible to you by the change his eye shape, but he doesn't retreat when you come closer. Gently you reach for the fingers of his right hand and he lets you grab them, pulling his hand upwards towards what is about your chest height.

You put your own hand against his palm, observing the sheer difference in size between the both of them. From this angle it's a bit hard for him to fully see, just barely catch glimpses of your skin pressing against his palm when he adjusts his hand.

"Wow, they're even bigger than Strife's..."

When did you hold his younger brother's hand?

He tries to ignore the unwelcome feeling bubbling up inside him with the feeling of your soft skin against his own, as your fingertips barely make it halfway up his own fingers. Your hand is so warm and gentle, as well as the fascinated smile on your face as you eagerly look at every possible angle. If it was this easy to entertain you, Death might not have been so apposed to it originally. The feeling of being the apple of your eye is nice, for a moment.

But he doesn't know how to respond- so he clams up, taking his hand away from yours and crossing both his arms back across his chest.

"Can you call your curiosity sated for now?"

Not really, but you don't think you're going to be able to get much more out of him for the time being. If anything you're counting your blessings you got this much out of him in the first place, considering how unreasonable Death is at times.

"Yeah, thanks for the help." He just makes a small hum in response.

"Don't make this a common occurrence; I won't be holding Despair still while you poke and prod at him as well."

Well animals aren't exactly your area of expertise, but that doesn't mean it wouldn't be interesting, to have a look... Death notices your visible perk in body posture and shakes his head. You can't help the curious part of your brain from working.

"Just keep your hands away from his mouth. I won't be returning your fingers."

[lovelyladyabsinthewrites]

Neither Iron Or Glass, But Steel

Pairing: Theon Greyjoy x Greyjoy!Reader

Warnings: sibling incest, taboo love, forbidden attraction, separations, past abuse mentioned (aka what ramsay did to theon), revenge, mentioned mutilation

Words: 2875

Summary: You weren't made of iron, like those of your family. Nor glass like many noble women seemed to consist of. No. Now you were something stronger. Steel like the blade in your hand.

“Quiet little one.” Theon breathes against the shell of your ear as his hand grabs onto the round of your ass to slam himself deeper into you.

Well, you would have been more quiet if he wasn’t fucking the living daylights out of you. The cold of Winterfell made your nipples hard and easier for Theon to pinch and tease.

Due to the failure of the Greyjoy Rebellion a couple of years ago, the two of you had been taken as captives by the Starks. They had put it in nicer words but you and Theon knew better. As long as you had your brother with you though you knew everything would be okay. He was there to protect you from the foreignness of the north. Yet you had grown to love Winterfell more than the gloominess of Pyke. You would take the snow over the sea. Theon however dreamed of the Iron Isles. Dreamed of being swathed in the kraken of house Greyjoy. He always said you would be the most beautiful woman on Pyke if you were to return. From the hard faces you remembered from your childhood you didn’t doubt it.

In the early days of having first arrived in Winterfell, you were understandably scared. Being a Greyjoy you couldn’t show how you really felt so you covered up your fear with silence and cold indifference. Theon was the one to build up your comfort and confidence. Each night he’d steal to your room and keep you company while whispering sweet words to you. Any kind of warm affection was normally frowned upon in your family, but when it concerned you, Theon didn’t care. Never cared. Balon Greyjoy wasn’t there to frown at you, calling your affections weakness.

Maybe it was there where it all began. Lips strayed away from areas that were considered innocent. Hands roamed in a hungry manner that didn’t belong in a brother-sister relationship.

Who had given in to desire first?

When had innocence turned to desire?

Neither of you could be able to answer that. Neither of you cared.

Yet you knew others would care. They would condemn you

“Th-Theon” you begged “s. . . slower!” You were going to break. You were going to scream loud enough for all of the north to hear if your brother didn’t slow down. What made it worse was Theon rubbing your clit.

You were coming undone.

Bright dots splashed across your vision as your inner walls clenched and pulsed around his cock. Theon groans as he fucks you until he too reaches his climax in shudders. You feel his cum overflow and trickle out of you, dribbling down your leg.

Panting and red faced, your knees buckle making you nearly fall face forward into your pillows. Theon catches you, pulling you on top of him as he falls backwards onto the mattress. He holds you tightly to him. Head still swimming you close your eyes and attempt to catch your breath before reminding Theon that he should be leaving. You could practically hear his smirk. “What, now that you’re fucked me you want me to leave? How cruel of you, sweet sister.”

Smiling back you reply “Yes, I’ve gotten my fill. Your cock is the only use I have for you, brother mine.”

His touch soft now, Theon tilts your head up so that he can brush a delicate kiss to your lips. All joking aside, Theon whispers. “I love you (y/n).”

“I love you too Theon.”

In the quiet of the night, your warm bodies fending off the cold, the two of you share another kiss. It lacked the passion of moments before. Instead no replaced with unwavering love and devotion.

You wished he could stay in your bed like this. “Theon, you should really get going.”

Theon’s arms tightened around you, unwilling to let you go. “Just a few more minutes.”

The protest was on your tongue, but you were exhausted from Theon fucking all sense out of you. You nuzzled against his chest, the warmth of it making your cheeks burn even more, and close your eyes. Just a few more minutes wouldn’t hurt.

What a fool you had been to assume that.

The moment you heard the door open and the maids shriek, you knew that you and your brother were screwed.

You and Theon hardly had time to scramble for clothes when the Lord of Winterfell was summoning you to his chambers. The maid had made quick work of alerting Ned Stark. Fear wasn’t something that the two of you were customed to, but standing there in front of the sour faced northern lord, you felt it creeping down your back. Even Theon was on edge, the slight twitch of his fingers giving away how he felt now that your secret was out in such a way. Ned didn’t need to say anything. You knew what was about to happen before he opened his mouth.

Separation.

But who would take in the disgraced daughter of Balon Greyjoy? That was the hardest part. Although Ned did keep quiet about you and Theon, there were those who weren’t so ready to bring up a child of a wannabe usurper. As delegations were being made about where you would be sent (for it had to be you since having the only son left of Balon’s would be most beneficial to the Starks) there were guards posted at your door every night and you were forbidden from even looking at your own brother. Hot headed and arrogant Theon fumed. Robb had tried many times to cool down his tempers, but when you were involved, there was nothing to be done.

Ned had to make a decision quick or else. . . he feared what would happen if he prolonged the decision.

Without being near Theon, you crawled back into yourself. You couldn’t let them see how scared you were. How devastated you were to be away from your brother, your lover. Your room had never felt colder.

The beauty of the north fled, now seeing it as a wasteland that sucked out all warmth.

Finally after weeks of correspondences, Ned sent you away to some lord. Far away from Theon.

You didn’t even get to say goodbye. The guards rushed you past Theon’s door as others were trying to keep it closed while your brother raged on from behind the barrier. You trembled underneath your cloak as you willed the tears inside of you to freeze up as well as your heart.

What would you do without him? How were you to survive without your big brother beside you?

It took years but eventually you learned how to live without him. You would always miss him, but now you didn’t need him to feel strong. To feel confident. You were a grown woman, having been away from the north for years. The lord Ned had sent you to was not a kind one. He abused you. Eventually you thanked him with a knife to the gut. Thanked him for all he had taught you. Thanked him for making you strong and fearless. You took what you could from his estate and fled into the dark. You weren’t scared. Even when you came across a band of thugs and thieves of the like you never flinched. You proved yourself time and time again, earning scars and a reputation. Many called you a beast with a blade; the terror in a skirt.

You weren’t made of iron, like those of your family. Nor glass like many noble women seemed to consist of. No. Now you were something stronger. Steel like the blade in your hand.

You were ready now to see your brother. To demand that Lord Ned Stark.

Fate had different plans though.

Execution.

War.

Betrayal.

You were still reeling from the news when, drinking away your shock in some tavern halfway into the north. Now Winterfell belonged to the flayed men of Bolton. Where was Theon now?

“It took a while to find you.”

By nature your dominant hand moves to the hilt of your sword as you turn around in your barstool. A young woman stood there, dark eyes as well as shortened hair make her appear hard; just like yourself. They gave her the look of a warrior. There’s something about her that you can’t quite place. A familiarity. Something in her face.

“I had to follow many leads. Whispers and gossip.” She continues, making her way to the seat next to you. With a closer look you see the bright blossom of young bruises on her face. “Just to find you, little sister.”

Little sister. . . “Excuse me?” Your heart ached, remembering the last person to call you that was Theon. It never bothered him when he emphasized on the fact that you were his sibling. No, it made his feelings stronger for you.

Unceremoniously she takes your drink, acting like a fish dying from lack of water. She slams the mug down. “It’s been years since we’ve last seen each other. It’s Asha, (y/n).”

“A. . . Asha?” Last you checked she was still on the Iron Isles. “What in seven hells are you doing here?”

Asha smiles, a crooked smile so much like Theon’s. “I missed you too.” Then her expression darkens. “(y/n), I searched high and low for you because of Theon.”

You nearly leapt at the mention of your brother. “Where is he? What’s wrong with him?”

“He’s become Ramsay Bolton’s prisoner.” Eyes as heavy as a storm drill into the wood of the bar table. “He’s. . . Not the same. I went to try and get him. Try and save him. Gods how it all went wrong. He didn’t want to be saved. Ramsay’s tortured him. I need your help. You’ve always been closer to him. The two of you have gone through a lot together. And if the stories are true, you’ve become quite a warrior. You can reach him. I thought about giving up on him. That he was a lost cause. But then I remembered when he was last on Pyke.”

The only warmth you had ever seen that belonged to an ironborn was from Theon. But now Asha shares the same tenderness; not exactly the same as Theon’s, but that of a sister’s.

“He spoke so much about you. How he was going to raise an army and find you.” There was a lingering accusation. A suspicion that you caught onto in the lilt of her voice, but Asha disregarded it as soon as she had said it. Now was not the time for questions. And even if the question in her tone was true, well, she was never one to judge.

In an instant you were up. “Enough talk. We can have a proper reunion once I get Theon back.”

The mock in his eyes was very clear. He didn’t try to hide it. Cruel amusement glittered in his eerie pale eyes. Once upon a time, without your brother, you would’ve cowered underneath such a look. Now you were your own woman. A woman skilled at the singing of blades. You cowered in front of no man.

“Little Kraken.” Ramsay Bolton grins like a cat who got it’s beloved cream. “Your sister sends the Little Kraken to try and take Reek?”

“Theon.” You corrected him. Standing as tall as you could against the Bolton bastard, you take small steps closer to him. They had let you in with no problem, assuming someone as tiny and harmless as yourself wouldn’t pose much of an issue. All too willingly guards brought you forth to Ramsay. The bastard who killed his father and step-mother in order to gain power in Winterfell, thus in the north. You would’ve found it comical had it not been for the fact that he had been torturing your beloved brother.

A scoff rakes through Ramsay’s mouth before calling behind his shoulder. “Reek!”

Something sick rises in your core. No. You didn’t want to see him like this. This wasn’t him. This cowering, trembling, man that was dragged in front of you. Where was your beautiful brother?

His shifty, scared, eyes move from you to the ground. Hands covered with dirty bandages are held close to his chest, as if he was scared that Ramsay might grab them and chop off more fingers. Theon’s whole entire disposition was so. . . wrong. . . The arrogance that used to make you laugh was completely gone. Dark hair that you loved to run your fingers through was cut short and now tangled and matted in a mess.

“There is no ‘Theon’ anymore. He’s Reek now. Do you still want him?” Ramsay’s hand grabs the back of Theon’s neck making him flinch.

“Of course.” You keep your gaze on this dilapidated man even when it hurt you to do so. “He’s still my brother.”

“Your sister failed.” The bastard lord muses. “What makes you think that you’ll be any different?”

“I have no army. So you can rest assured that no more of your men will be spared. It’ll just be you and me.”

That makes him laugh outright in front of your face. “You’re going to fight me? And what will I get if you lose?” He already sounded like a man who had won.

“Whatever you want of me. Kill me, torture me, or take me as your own.” Men, you had learned, when overcome by lust whether it be sexual or violent were often clumsier during a fight. And the man in front of you, was one that was insecure as well. He had to kill his own father just to gain notoriety and a title other than bastard.

Something on Theon’s face twitched, coming to life. A spark igniting in his dark eyes as you were so willing to give yourself over to Ramsay. It told you that there were bits of your brother still there, still clinging on.

Ramsay motioned for someone to bring him his sword. “You have a deal then, little Kraken. Just don’t go back on your word.”

“I never do.”

No one could believe it.

All they could do was stare at the bleeding mess that had once been their master. Dead at your feet. Specks of his blood drying on your cheek as you gaze down at the monster that had mutilated your brother. If only Asha hadn’t tried to use brute force to rescue Theon, this would’ve been done sooner. One on one had always been your aim.

Putting your sword away you walk over to Theon. “Lets go Theon.”

He shies when you hold out your hand to him. Patient and gentle, eventually he puts his mutilated hand in your’s. Before you could leave with your brother, several Bolton soldiers block your path. Theon freezes, refusing to move. You speak softly to him, telling him everything will be okay as you draw your sword once more. You’d fight everyone if you had to.

“Let them pass!”

“B-But Lady Bolton! She just killed the Lord of Winterfell!”

A fair skinned young lady with bright auburn hair is standing on top of a balcony. Her giant black furs nearly enveloping her as she leans over the ledge to yell. “It was a trial by combat. Lord Bolton failed and thus paid with his life. Let her pass.”

They were hesitant but dispersed and watch you and your brother leave with grudging eyes.

Later that night you and your brother were stationed at an inn so that you could wash and feed him. Theon was utterly fragile both physically and mentally, often flinching under your featherlight touch. He didn’t protest as you undressed him but you could tell that he was incredibly uncomfortable.

“(y/n). . .”

“It’s okay Theon. Turn around so I can wash your front.”

He furiously shakes his head. “(y/n), I can’t.”

Frowning you put down the washcloth and stare at his abused back. “What do you mean?”

Shivering not from the cold but from his own insecurities, Theon continues to shake his head.

“Please Theon.” You put all of your love into your voice.

It reaches to him as he hesitantly turns around.

You stare and your throat clenches up.

You should’ve tortured that bastard Bolton.

His arms are crossed in front of his chest, not hiding something important that is missing from his lower regions.

“That. . . That son of a bitch.” You growl, fury warming your cheeks and making your hands tremble with rage. You wanted to kill Ramsay all over again.

“I’m sorry. . . Even. . . Even if you wanted to- well- be together like we once were. . . I can’t. You should’ve just left me there. I’m useless now.”

“Don’t you dare say that.” Gingerly you run your hand up his arm and to his cheek. “Don’t you ever say that again. I don’t care what that monster did to you. You’re still you. And I still love you.”

Theon melts under your touch, probably the first gentle one he’s felt for quite a while. Tears run down his face, releasing all the anguish and pain he had went through.

You kiss the crease between his brows. “I love you Theon. It’ll be okay. We have each other now. We’re together again.”

[alterchaos]

CALL OF A HERO

Tails receives a sudden and unexpected message, prompting the fox to call upon his brother for yet another adventure. Eve wishes to join them, though is met with pushback. Can she convince the trio of brothers to let her tag along...

PREVIOUS CHAPTER: HUMAN

NEXT CHAPTER: A HIDDEN GEM

“Call of a Hero”

ALTER CHAOS: A Hero’s Purpose Saga

created by Eve

beep beep

“Huh?”

Tails peered down at his wrist communicator, the girl with the golden hair leaning in as well with curiosity.

He clicked open the message.

“Muahahahahaha! Guess what, heroes? I’ve finally developed the ultimate weapon! In just three days, I will conquer this pathetic rock you call Mobius. Think you can stop me?”

The doctor’s sinister voice laughed once more.

beep

The two friends remained quiet, unsure how to react to the sudden message.

“...”

“...”

The girl pointed to the communicator, “Look, Tails, I know I’m new to Mobius and all but, uuh…Eggman doesn’t normally announce his evil plans like that, does he? Is this some kind of cultural thing ooor…”

Tails’s gaze grew serious, “No. He doesn’t. Something’s off…”

The girl’s expression grew worried, “What do we do?”

Tails stood up from the sofa, taking both of their mugs over to a nearby sink to be rinsed, “I’ll get Sonic and the two of us can plan on how we’ll approach Eggman from there. I should probably also notify Knuckles to be on high alert. Knowing Eggman, this could very well be a setup to distract us and steal the master emerald…”

Eve stood up in like, “Okay…What should I do then?”

Tails jolted slightly, the memories of both her injury and the incident aboard the resistance base replaying in his mind. He remained quiet, his ears flopping forward slightly.

Her eyes widened, “Tails?”

“I…” He took a deep breath before facing her with a forced smile, “You don’t need to do anything. Just leave this to us, okay?”

“What? But Tails-”

“It’ll be dangerous.”

“So?” Eve placed a hand on her chest passionately, “Let me help! It’s just Eggman, right? M-Maybe…i-if I can help put a stop to him…th-then…” She faltered, trembling slightly as she did.

Tails looked at her sternly. He knew what she was thinking, “Eve…”

She shook it off, looking back up in determination with a smile, her aqua eyes sparkling with excitement, “This is my chance, Tails! I’ll take down Eggman and prove to everyone that I’m a hero, just like all of you!”

His brow furrowed, “Eve, you have nothing to prov-”

Too late.

She already made up her mind.

“It’ll be awesome, Tails!” Eve grabbed his hands excitedly, “We’ll take him down as a team! We can even give ourselves a fancy name like…oh! How about ‘Team Heroes’!” She smiled big, “We’ll be the talk of the-”

“ENOUGH!!!” Tails pulled his hands away, “Just listen to yourself for a second! This isn’t a game! You could get seriously hurt and for what? Like I was saying, you have nothing to prove!” He softened a bit as he took in her shock and disappointment. He placed a hand gently on her shoulder, “You can’t force others to like you like that. It’s superficial and definitely not worth putting your life at risk over. We love you…just as you are…Isn’t that enough?”

Eve bit her lip in frustration.

He was wrong.

Who she was…

It wasn’t good enough.

She wasn’t good enough.

…

…

She needed to do better.

Eve gently moved Tails’s hand from her shoulder as she looked away, her face growing red as she fought back tears, “I just want to find my place on this world…to help everyone…is that so wrong?”

Tails’s ears drooped, “No, it isn’t. This isn’t how you go about it though, Eve.”

“...” Frustration continued to line her features.

Tails sighed before heading for the hangar the Tornado was kept. As much as it hurt him to leave her like this, he knew that nothing he could say would change her mind. She needed to come to that understanding on her own.

Still…

“I’m sorry, Eve. As your friend, I just can’t let you do something so reckless. Just take some time to breathe and think about it for a bit. I’ll be back soon. We can keep talking then.”

clack

The girl with the golden hair continued to stand there, head hanging in silence as her ears caught the whirr of the biplane outside. 

Everything fell still…

Quiet…

…

…

…

—----------------------------------------------------------

“Soooo…Eggman just decided to randomly announce his evil plan to us? You know…the heroes who stop him time and time again?”

“Pretty much.”

“But why now of all times? It doesn’t make sense…”

“It does to me.”

The fox and hedgehog turned to look at their eldest brother in surprise.

“Whaddya mean, Knux?”

The echidna guardian looked at the massive emerald behind him, “Think about it. The master emerald was under constant supervision aboard the Blue Typhoon, right? There was nowhere for him to escape if he did decide to take it. It makes sense that since we’re back on Mobius, Eggman just got impatient and wanted to steal it before we could fully recover.”

The air fell silent, prompting Knuckles to turn back around and look at his younger brothers.

“What?”

“N-Nothing…It’s just…that was very perceptive of you, Knuckles…”

“Heh.” The echidna pointed to himself as he sparkled with pride, “Underneath all this muscle and skill, I’m pretty smart, ain’t I?”

Sonic looked at him incredulously, “Way to kill it, Knucklehead…”

Tails closed his eyes in deep thought, “Well, regardless of his reason, we can’t just ignore this. He could be serious for all we know.” He opened his eyes, looking to his older brother, “We need to find Eggman and uncover what this ‘ultimate weapon’ really is.”

Sonic began to stretch, “Right you are, buddy.” He tapped his foot behind him, looking back at the echidna, “Well, Knux…You think you can handle things up here until we get back with more info?”

Knuckles folded his arms and closed his eyes, “Of course…” He opened them in a wink, releasing a sly grin as he leaned in towards the hedgehog, “...is what I WOULD say.”

“Huh?”

“I’m coming with you two!” He placed his hands on his hips, smiling with pride.

“What!? But the master emerald-”

“Will be safe. Honestly, you two…did you really think I wouldn’t have a plan in place in case I needed to leave at any point? It is only my life-long responsibility after all.” The echidna winked.

Tails’s brow furrowed in worry, “But-”

Knuckles knelt down, planing a hand on his shoulder with a sincere smile, “Come on. It’ll be fun…just like old times…” Truth be told, he was worried about the young and tired fox after how things ended with the Metarex…and Cosmo…

Not to mention Sonic…

The hedgehog may have thought he fooled everyone but Knuckles knew better. To go from such an intense despair and desire to sacrifice himself back to his normal, cheerful ways in only a few short days…it had to be an act. No doubt he’d been forcing a smile to try and keep everyone from worrying about him, especially with Eve needing the support after staying behind…

Knuckles watched him as he continued to stretch with his back turned. He recalled how broken Sonic had been after they’d found their human friend with such severe burns.

If anything like that were to happen again…

Sonic turned, watching Knuckles back with curiosity. The echidna’s brow furrowed.

Yeah…

He was worried about his little brother…

Both of them…

The hedgehog stepped towards him, “Knuckles?”

VROOOOM!

“What the-!?”

The trio of heroes turned their gazes upwards as a small aircraft flew by overhead. Its rosy wings caught in the sunlight as it prepared for landing. 

The youngest of the brothers stared in bewilderment, “You’ve GOT to be kidding me…”

Knuckles squinted his eyes, “Isn’t that…Amy’s ship?”

His older brothers looked to each other in confusion. Sonic spoke first, “You uuh…know something about this, Tails?”

The fox crossed his arms in frustration as the ship touched down on the soft grass, “Yeah…something like that…”

The trio watched as the purring engine fell silent. After a moment, the hatch opened.

…

…

A familiar face popped out.

“Hi, guys!”

The figured waved as Sonic and Knuckles jolted in shock.

“EVE!!?!?”

Tails sighed in exasperation, “How in the HECK do you know how to fly a ship!!!??”

Eve smiled, her aqua eyes sparkling even from a distance, “Chris taught me in case of emergency!”

Tails rubbed the space between his eyes as his voice dropped, “Of course he did…”

Sonic raced over to help her down from the aircraft, though he was reluctant to touch her, “Emergency!? Did something happen!?”

Knuckles joined him, offering his hand instead, “You’re not hurt, are you!?”

Eve hopped down by herself, “Mm mn…” She shook her head before pumping her fists and smiling excitedly, “I’m here to join you three on your adventure!!!”

Sonic and Knuckles froze, speaking in unison, “...what?”

Sonic jolted before turning towards his younger brother, “Hang on…I thought you said only you received the message…”

“I did…” Tails rubbed his head nervously before scowling at the girl, “Eve just happened to be over for a visit though when it came through…”

“Really? What kind of visit?”

“She…” Eve pleaded with him in her eyes not to tell. After a moment, Tails smiled, “...just came by to see how I was doing.” Though he hated lying to his brother, Eve had gone to him in confidence. He wasn’t about to betray her trust like that, “That was when the message arrived and…well…” Tails scowled at her once more, “It seems SOMEONE thought it’d be a good idea to STEAL one of MY ships after I told her NOT to come…”

“Oh come on, Tails! I just want to help!”

“I don’t know, Eve…” Sonic rubbed his head as his brow furrowed in concern, “I’m worried too. There’s a good chance this could be a…y-you know…trap…” He stared off into space with a deep intensity.

Knuckles placed a hand on his shoulder, causing Sonic to jolt slightly, “The point is…maybe you should sit this one out…”

Eve’s eyes widened slightly.

“We just don’t want you getting hurt.”

She stared at them.

“Without powers to protect yoursel-”

BA-BUMP!!!

She jolted, her lip trembling slightly as she inhaled sharply.

No…

This wasn’t fair…

She was strong…

She had to be…

If she wasn’t-

BA-BUMP!!!

She quickly forced another smile before interrupting, “Whoever said I need powers? I’ve got this!”

“Eve…no one here thinks-”

She folded her arms with a cocky, confident smirk, addressing the echidna in a sing-songy tone, “If you don’t let me join you, I’ll just fly in on my own…” She winked in a sassy manner, “You wouldn’t want that, now. Would you?”

Knuckles folded his arms, “Nice try. What? Did Rouge teach you that one?”

Eve pouted, “Maybe…”

“Hang on, Knux…” The hedgehog frowned, “Eve…has a point…”

“About what?”

“About going off on her own…” He hugged his sides as he recalled her wandering through the scientist’s base, “Maybe…it wouldn’t hurt…you know…keeping an eye on her…” He paused, before abruptly adding, “...a-as a team!!”

Tails frowned as he approached his brother, “Sonic…Can I talk to-”

Eve raced over in front of Tails, taking the hedgehog’s hands in hers excitedly, “Oooh! I already picked out a name and-”

Sonic pulled his hands away sharply with a nervous smile, “Th-That’s nice! You can tell us all about it on the way! Heh heh…heh…”

“Y-Yeah…” She watched with curiosity as he pulled his hands close to his chest.

Tails leaned in with a whisper, “Sonic…This isn’t a good idea…”

“I-I…” The hedgehog grew nervous, now having been put on the spot to make such a crucial decision.

Eve clasped her hands together, “Sonic? Please?”

“U-Uh…I-I…” He began to sweat.

What if…

BA-BUMP!!!

“Sonic…think about this…”

BA-BUMP!!!

“I only want to help!”

What if his choice led to her getting hurt again…

BA-BUMP!!!

“U-Um…U-U-Uh…”

Or worse…what if she…

BA-BUMP!!!

BA-BUMP!!!

“Sonic!”

“Sonic!”

“I-I…uh…”

What if she were to…

BA-BUMP!!!

BA-BUMP!!!

BA-

“Hey.”

Sonic jolted, following the strong, steady voice to his big brother next to him. He looked into his eyes, his emerald irises crying for help even if he refused to ask out loud. Knuckles nodded in determination, ready to support his little brother in whatever he needed.

“I’ve got this…”

The echidna stepped in front of the two pleading friends in order to give the hedgehog some space to breathe. He pounded his fists together to gather their attention, “Alright, listen up. Here’s what’s going to happen.” He pointed to the human, “Eve, you’re coming with us.” She went to express her joy until Knuckles held up a hand, “BUT you have to listen to EXACTLY what we tell you to do, and under NO circumstances are you to run off. Got it?”

Eve nodded, her aqua eyes sparkling, “I will! I’ve got it! Thank you, Knuckles-”

“Then promise me- No. Promise all three of us…right here…right now.”

The girl jolted at the unexpected addition. She paused, thinking things over for a moment.

Was this…really the right thing to do?

…

…

Should she maybe-

No.

If she didn’t take this chance, then who’s to say she would find another?

…

…

Right?

…

…

No.

She had to do this.

She had to prove herself as more than just human…

As a hero…

As one who could walk beside those she cherished in her heart…

Eve reached out, shaking the echidna’s hand, “I promise, Knuckles…”

She took the fox’s hand next, “Tails…”

She paused slightly before reaching out her hand towards the last of the brothers with a warm smile, “Sonic…”

He frowned, looking between her face and her hand a couple of times.

“Eve…”

He slowly began to reach out…

…

…

He stopped himself.

Sonic smiled, popping his signature thumbs up, “Your word is good enough for me.”

Eve’s smile faltered. Though his words should have brought her happiness at the trust he displayed, something felt…wrong about it. Part of her wondered if he was maybe still hurting from what had happened on Narcissus’s ship.

If she were to bring that up now though…

Sonic tilted his head slightly in curiosity as he watched his friend begin to stare off into space, “Eve? You good?”

“Huh?” She snapped out of her thoughts, smiling at the hedgehog once more, “Y-Yeah! Never better!” She turned, throwing her fist up into the air with excitement.

“Let’s go, Teeeeaam Herooooees!”

CHAPTER END

[aschwe]

A crime of passion. How tragic. Siblings, cheating, murder, everyone's favorite!

For as long as you can remember, you've been following your big brother around like a lost puppy. He's so kind and gentle, he's always made you feel safe, even though he gets a little scary when you piss him off, which is something you do regularly. He moved out first, and you felt a little homesick for a few years until your parents couldn't legally tell you what to do anymore. You spent your 18th birthday alone again and packing your bags. You were off the next day, and he greeted you with the warmest hug you've ever received. He loves you so much. You love him more.

You told him you weren't in the mood one night, you liar. He does so much for you, and rarely ever asks for anything in return, you just knew he was going to drag you into your bed and take what he wanted. He could've hit you for that, and he made sure to let you know that you've got a backhand with your name on it all lined up. You wished he did hit you, if only he had just a little less patience... You let yourself cry. He was a little too rough with you, so it wasn't exactly difficult. He kissed you all over, told you how much he loves you, and handed you your favorite little plushie. The way he held you, assured you he'd try and be quick, tried his hardest to share the pleasure with you… He must still have some kind of heart, cold as it may be, and with which he loves you. You love him.

He mentioned a friend from work. You didn't really listen. Just some girl, a girl who is not you. Why did he always talk about other girls? Weren't you enough? He read the look on your face and assured you she's just a friend, and he loves you more than anything. You love him, too.

You had to start wearing long sleeves. Your friends noticed, and they were a little concerned. You didn't care. They'd ask if you're okay every other week. You ignored them. They told you that you can trust them. They don't need to know the details of your relationship. "We think he's hurting you. Does he abuse you? You can tell us anything, we won't judge." Nobody had ever understood you like he did. You knew the scars were permanent, physical reminders of his love. Not a text message, not a stuffed animal, not a locket, nothing. Nobody could take them from you. You couldn't lose them. They'd never leave until your flesh decayed. You asserted that they don't get to fucking talk about him like that, that they don't know anything, and why would you not just leave if he was hurting you, anyway?! They're just jealous, they want to take him away from you, but they'll NEVER have him, because he only loves you, and you only love him!

Some of his guy friends visited, about a month ago. You were sure to dote on your brother extra hard in front of them, but you still played the part of everyone's personal maid and waitress. You reveled in the looks you both got as you lit his blunt for him and kissed him on the cheek. Some were from him, too. After the crowd dispersed, he had to get back at you. You couldn't wait, extending your arm out to him, as he grabbed your wrist and swiped his knife across your forearm. Life was good. You snuggled up to him on the couch as he shared the leftover weed with you. As he ran his fingers through your hair, he sighed and said you needed to talk. He said you needed to stop. You agreed to tone it down in front of people you knew, to which he replied "No… WE need to stop this, entirely." What? But… He loved you? You love him. You'll work through it.

Earlier tonight, you got home from work, and your brother did not greet you. You assumed he was taking a nap, so you got to work on dinner. You mused to yourself about how lucky he is to have such a dutiful housewife. You walked into his room to let him know "Hi, honey, I'm home! I love you so much! Dinner will be ready soon! Hugs, kisses, more kisses with—" Your heart drops. He was on top of some whore, their clothes were strewn about, his back was covered in scratches, her own neck and shoulders covered in hickeys… He let some bitch take your place. Who does she think she is? Does she think she's better than you? She can fuck him better than you can? You were BORN for it! He's yours, yours, yours, NOBODY else's! You always thought seeing red was just a metaphor. You shouted about how much he meant to you, he shouted back, his fling started to cry. You stormed off to the kitchen, grabbed your knife, and… The room has fallen silent. Your hands are stained a deep crimson. The slut you butchered is lying on the floor, every square inch of it. You're back in your spot, cuddled up right next to your brother, who's now sporting one deep gash across his throat. You're enjoying his embrace while it's still warm. Your neighbors surely heard the commotion, and called the police. The sirens are getting louder, and they're calling your name. You'll join him soon enough, you know you're nothing without him. You never were. You hope he forgives you. You love him... You still love him.