#she doesnt know how much he's already changed

[szarina]

Hello! I really love your latest yan!zayne fic especially when you wrote how soft zayne was even what he did. Is it okay to request where he's tired and need emotional support from his wife but also worry that she still doesnt trust him? so he get frustrate to himself if that make sense loll

❆ ₊⋆ content warnings. non mc reader + some fluff? + established relationship + implied past noncon

The porch light was still on when he went home at three in the morning.

He slowly opens the front door and gently closes it. Taking his shoes and changing it for his home slippers. His footsteps padded as he take the stairs to check on the nursery before going to his shared bedroom with you.

The twins were peacefully asleep in their cribs. The scent of milk lingering in the air and something that belongs to his wife. You must still be up at this hour to feed the twins and knowing that, he went back downstairs.

Sitting on the couch with a sigh. His coat abandoned in a nearby chair. Today or rather yesterday was rough.

Back to back surgeries. The increase of people suffering from the Protocore Syndrome being admitted in the hospital. Some had succumbed to the sickness that even he can't intervene. He's not a miracle worker. He's a surgeon.

And even a hardworking surgeon like him needs a break sometimes. It wasn't rest he desires right now. His blood still running on adrenaline from the last surgery. Charts. Pulse. Oxygen Levels. He even still dreams about working and he needs you.

It's not right. He doesn't have the right to demand anything from you even as simple as wanting your affection for he had already taken you despite your pleas and he's in no place to ask something from you. He can live it but still it frustrates him. He can wait. He's patient but why was his patience died that night when he forced you.

Out in the corner of his eyes, he sees you peeking in where he sat. He pretended he didn't notice you and he can hear the footsteps coming down.

“You should be sleeping.” There's a bit of roughness in his voice but he can't hide the tiredness seeping down in his bones.

“And you should be resting.” You silently quipped back before approaching him.

He didn't meet your gaze. The guilt still swimming in those depths of his eyes and he watches you hesitating on wether to approach him for real or get back to bed.

“I'm still your wife.” You whisper. A little too unsure but it was true. What he did wasn't right but it wasn't also wrong to ask for you when everyday he punishes himself for the things he did. “You can ask for me.” You added. Your fists are curled in your sides.

“Can I hold you?” He dared to ask and you nod.

Zayne slowly pulls you down in his lap. Wrapping his arms around you and he breathes a sigh of relief like you were the first breath of fresh air. His face buried in the crook of your neck and he might break at any moment. So much for him who hold it all. From saving lives that he's close to being a god from testing the limits of what he can do just to save.

Years ago, if you told your younger self that you get to hold him like this, she won't believe you but you did. Your fingers are tangled in his soft dark locks. Your nails gently scraping his scalp and he just melts in your hold.

“Rough day?” You still asks him even it's obvious. He just needed to be grounded, anchored that he still have someone to lean on with these things that made him weary — that he still have a home.

He only grunts softly in your neck. You pressed a kiss to his temple. Letting it linger there before pulling away and then he raises his head to look at you.

You gently hold his cheek and his palm hovers before engulfing it to his larger one. He kisses your much softer hands.

“Care for a cup of hot chocolate?” You offered. Knowing it is his favorite and can lift one's spirit.

“Tempting, but you're the one I need.” You smile. “You can hold me closer if we're in bed.”

His eyes drifts into yours before landing on your lips. You beat him to it. Kissing him first because it's the assurance he needed from you. You're still healing in some parts but you won't be too cruel on him who just have a twisted version of love.

There's a lot of healing needed in this relationship but now, you both needed rest — before the world wakes up again.

[youngpettyqueen]

there is something very sad about Peg just wanting to tell BJ about her day to day life, the mundane things in the house that need to be fixed and the funny things that happen to her, all things he would've enjoyed hearing about or would've handled with her if he'd been there, and having absolutely no idea what effect these letters actually have on him

[frobby]

i love madoka magica however i dont think we as a fandom talk enough about how tragic madoka herself is. probably because the narrative itself steers you away from thinking about her personally. shes not a character shes a desire that homura has, shes a force of good, shes homura's foil. but those are all madoka's narrative roles but madoka herself as a person is not really looked at because we are viewing this world from an unreliable narrator(homura) who only sees madoka as those things. The best thing homura could have done for madoka was give up on her, to let her go. because every time we go back in time the image of madoka is distorted, she loses more of herself every regression of homura's as she tries harder and harder to save her. We don't even know what madoka originally wished for to become a magical girl in the original timeline. and she actually acts quite differently than the madoka we meet. shes a lot more honest and caring and bold. by the time homura's has reached the actual anime madoka has been reduced by the sands of time to a figment of herself. she has no wants or desires of her own beyond wanting to do good and help her friends and when all her humanity is stripped away is when she finally acends to godhood because thats all thats left of her. an ideal and a faith in her. madoka kaname died a long time ago and all that is left is her ghost.

[springcatalyst]

question of the decade Is Julian. a misogynist

[florexyy]

𝓗𝓮𝓪𝓻𝓽𝓫𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓴𝓮𝓻 - ✗♡✗♡

ﮩ٨ـﮩﮩ٨ـ ♡ ﮩ٨ـﮩﮩ٨ـ

ㄨpairing: Playboy!San x Fem!Reader

ㄨsummary: Y/N never paid much attention to Choi San: campus heartbreaker, walking red flag, and notorious for ruining girls with just one crooked smile. He had a reputation for chewing people up and spitting them out before sunrise. Shes spent months avoiding his games. But one drink fueled night at Hongjoongs dorm changes everything. Lingering stares turn into something heavier. The tension snaps when theyre left alone and resisting him stops being an option.

ㄨcontent: nsfw! mdni!, smut, sexual tension, p in v, fingering, eating out, blow job, bite marks, dirty talk, san being rough, hair pulling, pet names(princess,good girl), ons, alcohol consume, san being possessive asf(and crazy jealous of hongjoong + mentioned while fucking) IF U DONT LIKE ANYTHING ROUGH DONT READ THIS(╥‸╥)

ㄨwc: 4k

ㄨa/n: hi guys im back with another smut story, since the last one literally blew up, tysm for all the reblogs n likes!! i hope u like it(˶˃ ᵕ ˂˶)

(also the ending feels a bit rushed mb D:)

The first time you heard Choi San’s name, it came like a warning soft, sharp, and impossible to ignore.

“Dont even think about it. He will flirt just to watch you fall.” “Hes hot as fuck, sure, but trust me, look away.” “He will say youre different. He says that to everyone.”

You never put much belief in gossip. But San? He was the gossip.

The cocky grin. The loose hoodie always half-untied. A girl curled up in his lap, or his hand casually splayed on someones waist, like it was his campus.

Youd only met him once, a half-asleep introduction when your best friend, Hongjoong, dragged you to his dorm to pick something up. San was shirtless on the couch, eyes heavy-lidded, like he couldnt decide whether to irritate you or ruin you.

He said your name once. Smirked. Went right back to sleep.

You still remember how he said it.

Lately, though… somethings changed. Or maybe hes just actually seeing you now.

Youve caught him watching from across the quad, by the cafeteria, leaning against some wall like time doesnt apply to him. And when your eyes meet?

He doesnt look away.

He holds it, just long enough to settle in your stomach. Then that damn smile, like he knows something you havent figured out yet.

Fucking jerk.

This morning, you spot him again, just outside the lit building as youre leaving class. Your notebook is clutched to your chest, your focus on not tripping down the stairs.

Hes there, leaning against a random wall like he always does waiting for the next girl to talk to him and end up breaking her heart, one earbud in, casually scrolling through his phone like nothing around him matters. Like the whole worlds moving, and hes just waiting for it to catch up.

Then he looks up.

Your eyes meet without thinking. Reflex. You couldve looked away. Maybe you shouldve.

Definitely shouldve.

But you dont.

This time, he doesnt smile. Just tilts his head, eyeing you slow and deliberate, like hes studying something hes seen a hundred times but never really looked at before. Like maybe youre no longer part of the background.

Which sucked.

Youre the first to look away. You feel it, tight in your chest. And you know he sees it.

He always does.

Later that day a message from your best friend pops up on your phone.

joong⋆˙⟡: “dorm hangout tn. bring urself + your tolerance lol”

You pause, thumbs hovering.

You already know San shares that dorm. And suddenly, your stomach flips.

You tell yourself its not about him.

Its just a chill night, with your best friend, and his friends...

Just drinks. Just games. Just a couch and some music and a few bad decisions.

Nothings going to happen. Probably.

ﮩ٨ـﮩﮩ٨ـ ♡ ﮩ٨ـﮩﮩ٨ـ

You hadnt planned to stay long.

Well guess who was sprawled across the beanbag chair in the corner, already a drink in hand,

Right

San

His gaze lifts lazily from his red cup to your face, and that grin widens.

“Well, well… look who it is.”

You roll your eyes and walk in like hes not even worth acknowledging. The couch cushions dip as you squeeze between two mutual friends, and someone passes you a drink without asking.

Across the room, you can feel him watching you.

“You know San, right?” someone says to you, like youve never met.

“Unfortunately,” you mutter under your breath, taking a sip.

He hears it.

“She acts like she hates me” San tells the room, his voice smooth and loud enough to cut through the music, “but she never actually leaves when I show up.”

The room laughs. You don't.

You glance at Hongjoong, who raises his eyebrows like dont start. You wont. You swear.

But when your eyes flick back to San, hes still looking at you.

Not smirking now. Not teasing. Just watching.

You turn away.

A while later, the lights are lower. The drinks are stronger. A half-circle has formed on the floor for some classic chaotic college game, Never Have I Ever.

You get roped in.

People are already tipsy, confessions flying across the room like grenades.

“Never have I ever made out with someones ex.” “Never have I ever had a one night stand.” “Never have I ever sent a nude to the wrong person.”

Laughter. Groans. People are getting louder. Bolder. Sloppier.

And San, fucking San, is sitting directly across from you now, legs spread, leaning back on his hands like hes right where he belongs.

Your eyes meet.

He lifts his drink slowly, watching you over the rim of the cup.

“Never have I ever wanted someone I shouldnt have.”

He drinks. So do you.

Silence.

Then a couple people ooh and giggle, but youre barely listening.

Because San is still watching you. Like he knows.

Most people have cleared out.

The musics still playing in the background, but its quieter now, muted by the foggy haze of alcohol and half shut doors. A few bodies remain scattered across the couch and carpet, tipsy, distracted.

But you only notice him.

San is leaning against the wall, red solo cup dangling lazily from his fingers, eyes still fixed on you like hes waiting for something.

Thats it.

You slam your empty cup on the table and get up.

Walk straight across the room. Grab his wrist.

He lets you, doesnt resist for a second, just arches an eyebrow as you pull him down the narrow hall toward the back of the dorm.

“Y/N” he drawls, half amused, “you planning to fight me or fuck me?”

You dont answer.

You shove open the door to Hongjoongs room, thankfully empty and drag him inside.

It clicks shut behind you.

You release his wrist and turn to face him, jaw tight. Your hearts pounding, but you ignore it.

“What the hell is your problem?” you snap.

He blinks. “My problem?”

"Yeah, San. You stare at me all night like you own me. You say shit like that in front of everyone. What are you trying to do? Embarrass me? Make me part of your collection?”

I pause.

"Why are you so obsessed with me being next on your "who i played" list "

He’s quiet.

Too quiet.

Then… a laugh. Soft. Dangerous.

He steps forward.

“You really think Im trying to play you?” he says, voice low. “Youve been ignoring me for months. Dodging me like Im contagious. But the moment I look at you a little too long, you drag me into a room and ask me what my problem is?”

Hes in front of you now. So close you can smell the cologne clinging to his shirt, spicy, smoky, infuriatingly good.

You hold your ground, even tho you could practically feel your heart jumping out your chest.

“I dragged you in here to tell you to stop.”

“Then say it.”

“What?”

His voice drops.

“Say it. Tell me you dont want me. Right now. Ill walk out that door.”

Silence.

Your mouth opens. Closes. Nothing comes out.

And you hated yourself for that.

Because hes looking at you like he knows. And the worst part is, hes right.

He takes one more step, and suddenly his hand is on your hip. Gentle. Testing. Like hes giving you time to push him away.

You dont.

His breath ghosts along your cheek as he whispers.

“Didnt think so.”

You lift your head, looking up at the tall boy standing in front of you, your eyes meeting his. His gaze softens for a split second as he notices your vulnerable expression, but then hardens again.

“Those eyes... theyre going to be the death of me” he mutters before leaning down, his lips hovering near yours.

Your eyes flick down to his soft, plump lips, then to his Adams apple as it bobs while he swallows. Your face heats up a rush of alcohol and flusteredness mixing in your cheeks.

He holds the tension there, close enough you can feel his breath, but not quite touching. Then his voice drops lower “Say it. Tell me you dont want me.”

You can barely breathe, caught between wanting to push him away and the pull of every inch of him so close. The room feels smaller, the world narrowing down to just the two of you.

His lips press against yours, slow and teasing at first, then deepening with an urgent hunger that makes your heart pound. You reach up, trying to wrap your hands around his neck, but youre a little too short, and its harder than you expected. Your fingers barely graze the nape of his neck, but he just chuckles softly against your mouth.

Without missing a beat, his hands find your waist and lift you up effortlessly. You gasp, your legs instinctively wrapping around his hips to steady yourself.

“Wrap your legs around me. Now,” he commands, his voice low and rough, but there’s something almost desperate in it.

You obey, pulling him closer as your fingers finally find their way to the back of his neck, tightening your grip as the kiss deepens again.

He grunts in approval against your lips, the heat between you igniting something fierce. His hands tighten around your waist as he carries you forward, closing the small distance to Hongjoongs bed.

Without hesitation, he spins you around and slams you down onto the mattress, his body pressing against yours with delicious force.

Your breath catches, heart hammering as his hands roam, and the air between you crackles with raw, unspoken promises.

"So you did plan on fucking me?" He whispers between sloppy kisses.

Before you can answer, he leans back down and kisses you.

Sans eyes darken with lust as he looks down at your disheveled state, chest rising and falling, lips kiss swollen and parted. His hands grip the hem of your shirt, knuckles brushing the warm skin underneath.

His fingers trail upward slowly, brushing against your stomach, light, teasing touches that make your breath hitch. His gaze flicks up to meet yours, and for a moment, everything slows.

“Youre so fucking pretty like this” he mutters, voice thick and strained.

Your right hand grabs the back of his head, pulling him closer to your mouth as your lips brush his jaw, desperate and breathless.

“Cross me off your list” you whisper, voice trembling. “I dont care about it anymore… just take me already.”

You whimper the words against his skin, and it breaks something in him.

His body shudders, a low groan escaping his throat as he crushes his mouth back to yours, rougher this time, deeper, like hes been holding back for far too long and finally snapped.

A predatory grin spreads across Sans face at your words, his patience snapping completely.

“You asked for it, princess” he growls, his voice dark and full of promise.

In one fluid motion, his fingers find the hem of your shirt again, only this time, theres no teasing. He yanks it upward and over your head, tossing it somewhere behind him without a second thought.

Your breath catches, skin prickling at the sudden exposure, but before you can say a word, his lips crash back onto yours, hungry, wild, and unapologetic.

His hands slide over your bare skin like hes claiming every inch, fingertips burning trails across your waist, your sides, the curve of your back as he presses you deeper into the mattress.

You moan into the kiss, the sound slipping out before you can even think. Its not just from the way his mouth moves against yours, but from the way the tension thats been coiling in your chest all night finally snaps, spilling out in that one broken, breathless sound. Its messy, needy, and it makes him kiss you harder.

Your hands move instinctively, driven by something primal, sliding up his chest until they find his broad shoulders. Your fingers spread wide as you grip him, feeling the firm muscle flex under your touch. Theres something grounding in it, something solid and safe beneath the chaos. You cling to him, like if you let go now, you might fall apart completely.

His body reacts immediately, a low growl vibrating from his throat as your nails graze his skin. He pushes into you more firmly, the kiss deepening, hotter, rougher, like hes been waiting for you to unravel in his hands.

Sans hands roam up your back, fingers quickly finding the clasp of your bra. With practiced ease, he unhooks it, the soft click echoing in the quiet room as the straps slip off your shoulders.

You grow impatient, breath hitching as you lean closer and say, “San just do something already.”

His grin widens, dark and hungry, as he pulls you back into a heated kiss, eager to answer your challenge.

A dark chuckle escapes him once again as he slides your bra straps down your arms.

“Patience, princess. I want to savor this.”

But his hands betray his words as they roam greedily.

Your head falls back against the smooth fabric of Hongjoongs pillow. Fuck, were really doing this in my best friends bed, you mumble softly to yourself.

San pauses for a moment, a flicker of amusement flashing across his face before he leans down to nip at your neck.

“I dont care whose bed this is” he murmurs, biting harder, clearly unfazed by the location.

A-ah! San- you moan softly as his teeth gently sink into your skin.

He sucks on the bite mark, making sure itll leave a dark mark, his hands gripping your waist possessively, kissing down your chest.

You feel a familiar heat pooling between your legs. “Dont tease me” you whisper, voice thick with need.

Sans eyes flash with mischief as he notices your growing desperation, deliberately steering clear of where you want him most.

“But I love teasing you… its too fun watching you squirm.” He presses a soft kiss to your stomach instead.

Your hand quickly snakes into his hair, gripping a handful and pulling him closer down your body.

“Please” you whine, voice trembling, probably sounding needy as hell.

He lets out a low grunt at your boldness but finally yields, lowering himself until his face is just above the waistband of your jeans.

His fingers hook into the fabric, tracing the edge of your pants with deliberate intent.

There was nothing innocent in the way he looked at you. You whimper, hips arching up slightly.

San hooks his fingers into your jeans and underwear simultaneously, his breath growing heavier as he slowly tugs them down.

“Youre gonna regret being so demanding… Ill punish you for it.”

You quickly glance upward, suddenly finding the ceiling incredibly fascinating the moment he pulls your pants down in one smooth motion.

A soft ahem escapes you.

Embarrassment washing over you.

He catches your sudden shyness and smirks, swiftly pulling your pants all the way off and tossing them aside. "Dont act shy now, you were the one begging for this. Look at me" His voice is firm and commanding as his hands slide to spread your thighs apart.

You let out a soft groan as his strong hands spread your thighs apart, your pussy completely exposed and on full display beneath his touch.

Sans gaze turns almost feral as he drinks in the sight of you, pupils blown wide with desire. His thumbs glide in slow, teasing cirlces along your inner thighs, spreading warmth and tension with every pass. "So fucking pretty…and all mine to ruin" he mutters, voice low and wrecked. He leans in, breath hot against your trembling skin, making you twitch beneath his touch before he even lays his mouth on you.

He finally gives in to your pleading, lowering his mouth to you with a hunger he no longer tries to hide. His tongue slides out, giving you one slow, deliberate lick that makes your whole body jolt. "Mmm…you taste even better than I imagined" he growls against you, voice low and ruined. Without another word, his tongue begins to move with purpose circling flicking, devouring you like hes starved and youre the only thing thats ever mattered.

“Fuck, San… please” you gasp, your voice shaky with need as you throw your head back, sinking deeper into the pillow.

Your fingers stay tangled in his hair, gripping tighter, desperate to keep him right where you want him.

You bite your lip gently at the sudden contact of his tongue on your wet hole, a soft gasp escaping you as the sensation sends a shiver down your spine.

San flicks his tongue faster, one hand gripping tight to steady your wild movements as you try to buck beneath him.

“Dont hold back those sounds, i want to hear every one of them” he growls, voice thick with heat, before diving back in deeper.

You whine between broken moans, "Fuck, Sannie, please…use a finger."

He lifts his head slightly, a dangerous glint flashing in his eyes.

“Since you asked so nicely…” he murmurs, sliding one finger inside your as his mouth returns to worshipping your needy cunt.

"Oh fuck, please… yes", you gasp, bucking your hips upward with desperate need.

He slips another finger in, curling them expertly as he pumps in and out, "Youre so wet for me… dripping all over my hand" he growls, voice rough with desire. "My fingers arent enough, are they?"

“Mh, San… I’m gonna—cum!” you moan, struggling to catch your breath as waves of sensation overflow your body.

San doesn’t stop, his fingers repeatedly finding that sweet spot as he growls against your skin.

“Cum for me, Y/N. Cum all over my fingers and scream my name” he commands, voice low and urgent.

The familiar rush of your climax builds faster than you anticipated. “Shit- I-”

It doesn’t take long before you finally fall apart, your breath coming in heavy, ragged gasps.

He senses your approaching climax and presses down harder, his fingers coiling inside you as he watches your face twist with pleasure. "Let go, princess… Ive got you" he whispers, eyes locked on you as you unravel completely.

San slowly slides his fingers out, bringing them to his mouth to taste you as you catch your breath.

“That was just the beginning” he murmurs, wiping his chin before reaching for his belt buckle.

You swallow hard, your head still spinning from the alcohol as your eyes fixate on the noticeable bulge beneath his clothes.

He unbuckles his belt with deliberate slowness, savoring the way your eyes are locked onto the movement.

With a smooth motion, he unzips his jeans, releasing his hard cock from the confines of fabric.

Your eyes widen, saliva pooling in your mouth as you realize hes already leaking beads of pre cum.

San notices your reaction and lets out a deep chuckle, wrapping his hand firmly around himself.

“You look hungry… come here and taste it. Unless youre too scared,” he challenges, slowly stroking with deliberate intent.

You slowly inch forward, your hand wrapping around his shaft.

“Im not,” you whisper, voice steady and filled with quiet confidence.

His breath catches the moment your fingers brush him, but he keeps his cool, eyes locking onto yours with steady confidence.

“Prove it, then. Show me what that pretty mouth can do” he hums tilting his head back slightly, patiently waiting for you to make the next move.

You softly wrap your hands around him, stroking lazily before opening your mouth and shoving him in. A moan escapes as he hits the back of your throat causing you to gag.

Sans hips jerk forward instinctively at the sensation, his hand quickly gripping your hair. "Fuck… just like that. Take it deeper. Y/N. I know you can" He pulls your hair slightly, urging you on.

Tears welled up in the corners of your eyes as his cock twitched in your mouth, signaling he was already close.

He looks down at you with dark, intense eyes, noticing the tears gathering at the corners of your eyes.

“Youre crying, but you’re still sucking me so well. Such a messy girl” he groans, his thighs tightening. “I’m gonna cum…”

You quickly pull away, a thin strand of saliva stretching from your lips to the tip of his dick.

San curses under his breath, chest rising and falling rapidly as he watches the string break.

“Whyd you stop? I was so close to filling that pretty little throat” he growls, gripping himself tightly, struggling to hold back his release.

You whine softly, looking up at him with pleading eyes. “I want you to fuck me” you say, your needy hole throbbing painfully.

His eyes flash with raw desire as he grips your chin firmly, compelling you to meet his gaze.

“Turn around. Now.” His voice is sharp and commanding, thick with lust as he moves to position himself behind you.

You turn around in one swift motion, obeying him, arching your back and lifting your hips, presenting yourself to him without hesitation.

San grabs you firmly as he aligns his cock with your entrance.

“This what you want? My cock inside you?” he teases, pressing the tip gently against your wet folds but deliberately not pushing in yet.

You desperately wiggle your ass against his cock, eyes pleading.

“Please, Sannie,” you beg softly.

He roughly slaps your ass, making you jolt forward before he finally thrusts into you with rough urgency.

“Youre so desperate, its pathetic,” he growls, burying himself fully and setting a brutal pace as he moves inside you.

Your eyes roll back at the sudden stretch as he bottoms out.

“Fuck!” you scream, breath catching in your throat.

He pulls your hair once more, using it as leverage to pull you even closer, tightening his embrace around you.

You open your mouth, broken moans and whimpers escaping as he pounds into you, every movement sending waves of heat crashing through your body.

San leans down to bite your shoulder, his movements becoming erratic as he repeatedly hits your sweet spot.

“Youre so good… squeezing me so damn tight. Im gonna ruin you for anyone else.”

“Fuck, you feel so good… so big-” you gasp, clenching tightly around him.

He groans deeply as you clench around him, his grip tightening on your waist with just enough pressure to make you gasp. A crooked grin on his face despite the intensity between you. "Youre gonna cum again, arent you?" he mutter, voice low and rough. "I can feel it… your pussy is trembling" With that, he snaps his hips harder, driving deeper with every thrust.

“Ah- so good! I dont wanna cum yet,” you whine, voice trembling as your body fights to hold back the overwhelming release building inside you.

He lets out a dark, breathless laugh, slowing his movements but staying buried deep inside you, his chest pressed firmly against your back.

“Then dont. Hold it in” he murmurs, lips brushing your ear. “But Im not stopping until you break.” He grinds deliberately against your g spot.

You bite down on your lip hard, so hard, youre sure you can taste the faint metallic hint of blood.

His hand tangled in your hair tightens suddenly, slamming your head down firmly into Hongjoongs pillow, claiming control without hesitation.

The sharp scent of Hongjoongs cologne floods your senses as San presses you down into the pillow,

“Smell that?” he growls low in your ear. “Thats Joongs pillow. Makes me want to mark you even more.” His voice drips with eager possessiveness.

You feel the air catch in your throat, forcing muffled sounds to spill into the pillow as you struggle to breathe through the intensity.

San keeps you firmly pinned, his every thrust pressing you deeper into the mattress, your muffled sounds swallowed by the pillow beneath you, only feeding the fire in his eyes. "Thats it" he growls, voice low and commanding. "Let Joongs pillow muffle those screams… while I ruin you like this."

You couldnt help but notice how often San mentioned Hongjoong. Was it… jealousy lacing his voice?

He pulls your head up again, jaw clenched tight as his eyes lock onto the pillow with a sharp glare.

“Why do you always smell like him? It pisses me off” he growls, jealousy thick in his voice as he thrusts harder.

“H-hes my best friend” you moan softly, your voice trembling with a mix of nerves and need.

San lets out a low, dangerous growl, his eyes blazing with possessive fire.

“Best friend or not, you belong to me now.” He sinks his teeth aggresively into your neck again, leaving his mark.

You finally feel your second high building, clenching around him one last time.

“San, I’m gonna cum!” you gasp, breath hitching with desperate need.

He growls against your neck, teeth still harshly biting as he feels you tightening around him.

“Cum for me. Cum all over my cock” he demands, his own release drawing near.

“Cl-close!” you scream, your release spilling over his cock as you tremble with overwhelming pleasure.

San lets out a raw roar as he feels your release wash over him, his cum swelling deep inside you.

“Fuck yes, good girl.” He thrusts inside you one last time, locking himself firmly inside.

San collapses beside you on the bed, breathing heavily.

“Shit” you mumble quietly, still catching your breath.

He wraps an arm around your waist, pulling you flush against his chest.

“Don’t ‘shit’ me” he pants, breath ragged but voice firm. “You loved every second of it.”

"shut the fuck up youre an asshole" You whisper softly as your heavy eyelids begin to close.

Until you quickly drift off to sleep.

Was he still the schools heartthrob, the boy every eye chased and every rumor circled? Maybe to the outside world, he kept that title effortless, untouchable.

Or was he fully yours now?

Who knows.

[mallory524]

Can I request thunderbolts and how they handle female reader whos feeling down? About a person thing or a mission or whatever, it doesnt matter, just maybe some hugs if its not too much to ask? I love love love your thunderbolts reactions to reader getting kidnapped!! Im also so obsessed with them rn <3

(ahhhh you're so nice thanks)

thunderbolts when you're feeling down

tags- fem!reader, comfort, hugsss, vague mentions of injuries, people are mean but the thunderbolts love you

notes- i know i've been taking so long to get back to requests i've been busy and i barely went on tumblr the last few days but i'm turning that around now let's go babyyy

Yelena

You’d gotten hurt during a mission that went very wrong and Yelena had to help you hobble out of there herself. Your body may have healed pretty quickly, but you were definitely acting differently for the next few days. You were just so … sad. It was surprising for Yelena, especially since this was by no means the worst mission you’d ever been on. Nonetheless, you weren’t your usual bright self, and Yelena knew something was eating away at you.

Yelena won’t let you pretend nothing’s wrong, of course. She eventually gets to the bottom of it, hearing you say it made you feel weak after needing so much help the other day. "Yelena, you and Ava have such cool abilities, and we’ve got three super soldiers Plus, a guy who can’t even go on these missions because he’s too powerful to be let loose-" She quickly cuts you off. "No, do not start that. Don't start comparing yourself to other people. You are one of the most capable people I know. You've saved me and the others so many times. You don't even give it a second thought," she tells you, taking your hand into hers. "This is just one of those times we get to help you. You deserve to have someone take care of you for once." Just the way she says that she gets to help you really shows how much she cares about you, and how much she wants to be there for you when you need her.

If going out and taking a brisk walk around town would make you feel better, Yelena's got her shoes on, ready to go. If you want to fall asleep watching a movie with her, she'll grab some snacks and a big blanket to wrap around you. She won't leave your side until she's seen you smile - really smile - and even then, she's still spending as much time with you as she can. No such thing as too many hugs or too many kind words for you.

Bucky

Being with a congressman, you already had a lot of events you had to attend, but now you're both in the New Avengers sort of against your will, so double that. It's constant formal events and conferences and banquets, and talking to some of the most arrogant people in the world at all of them. You try to make friends, or at least find someone to talk to, but your efforts aren't often met with the response you want. Some are nice, but a lot of these high society types look down on you. You try not to take it personally, because they look down on everyone, but it's hard not to be discouraged when you're constantly surrounded by people who believe themselves to be so much better than you. They're so cold, and Bucky is often the only real source of warmth or kindness you have all night.

After you get home after an especially exhausting evening, Bucky waits for you to get changed into your comfy clothes so he can talk to you. The moment you walk back into the room, he pulls you into a hug. "You're so patient for putting up with all these things," he mutters to you. You try to tell him that you don't mind, but he knows. These events have gotten to be draining. You finally tell Bucky how those people are really starting to bring you down. He reminds you that he loves you so much, and you shouldn't spend time worrying about anyone who can't see how wonderful you are.

Bucky will cook you some comfort food or draw you a bath if you want, or the two of you can just spend the rest of the night quietly enjoying each other's company, watching something or listening to music. He'll do anything you want. He hates when you're discouraged like this and he just wants you to feel better.

Ava

Life with the Thunderbolts/Avengerz has been great, but lately things haven't been as fun. The team is getting really busy, so you aren't taking the time to hang out anymore. It feels like when you're not on a mission, you just sit around the tower and everyone does their own thing. It was nice at first, but it's gotten lonely. You're spending all your time alone or working, and you've been in low spirits as a result.

Ava's concerned by your change in demeaner, and one day she asks you about it. When you finally open up and tell her how lonesome you've been lately, she feels terrible. "You're right, we haven't been spending enough time together. I'm sorry," she tells you, gently reaching out to embrace you. "We should be making more of an effort to hang out throughout the day. We've had a lot of big changes in our lives lately, and you shouldn't be processing it all by yourself." She sits with you for the rest of that afternoon, talking, laughing, watching tv and holding each other. When you leave the room for a moment to grab a blanket, Ava texts Yelena and asks that she make sure no one has anything planned later tonight; the team should do something together, even something simple like a movie night with everyone crammed on the couch. Ava likes her solitude, but she knows you'll love spending some quality time with the group. She doesn't want you to have to spend another night isolated in your room.

John

The mission had been pretty rough, and nearly failed completely. It was a rescue mission, and in spite of the chaos and darkness, you thought you'd figured out where the hostages were. It immediately became clear, though, that you'd fallen into a trap and led your friends right into it with you. You eventually got out of there and saved the people you were looking for, but you were all injured to varying degrees because of your mistake.

Back at the tower later, you're laying down on your bed all alone while everyone chats in the other room. John walks in, sits beside you, and asks what's going on. "I almost got us all killed, Walker. I can’t face any of them,” you say, sitting up but not turning your head to meet his eyes. Hearing you talk like this breaks his heart - and hearing your voice tremble a little like you might cry sends him into a panic. "Hey, hey it's okay! You made a mistake. Everyone does... you know I have."

"Well, Ava was pretty mad at me back there. She has every right, but you know... it hurts." He gently turns your face so he can look at you. It's sad, you're blaming yourself for everyone else's injuries, but you're looking pretty banged up yourself. "Well I'm not mad at you," he says softly. "You helped a lot of people today. It just didn’t go very smoothly. You did your best, don’t beat yourself up about this." You've got him by your side for the rest of the night. He doesn't want to rejoin the group, he just wants to be there for you. You lay there with your head on his chest, as he gently strokes your hair. He occasionally leans further down to quietly compliment you: telling you how smart you are, how beautiful you are, how strong...

Alexei

The news is rarely on in the tower. It's a lot of the same stuff over and over, and many channels don't have anything nice to say about any of you. It's usually not anything surprising or even very personal, just repetitive. A lot of "Who even are these people?" and "How can we trust them?" and "Captain America is suing those frauds " and "Remember when John Walker killed that guy?". It starts to get to you, though, when the press starts to find out more and more about your past. Turning on the tv and seeing literal footage of the things in your life that you regret the most is the worst feeling.

Alexei catches on to what's happening. You seem sort of down all the time and you're not talking very much anymore at those galas and charity events that you all have to go to, or even to your friends for that matter. You eventually confide in Alexei about how much this is all beginning to bother you. He grabs you by the shoulders, looking you in the eyes and immediately trying to cheer you up. "Do not listen to any of them. You know who you are and we all know who you are. These vultures just look for the worst in everyone. You have come a long way and you are doing your best. Do not forget that." You now have someone standing up for you whenever some reporter tries to give you a hard time. Alexei is a very friendly guy, but he can be intimidating when he needs to be. He texts you throughout the day to see how you're feeling, even after you insist you're fine. He will do anything you want to do if he thinks it'll raise your spirits, even if that's just a big hug at the end of a really tough day.

Bob

Most of the time, the team works on their own, but you do have to check in with Valentina occasionally. No one enjoys that. Her career is almost entirely in the hands of the New Avengers, so she kisses up to you when she thinks it will help her, but she's still kind of the worst. You meet up with Valentina on your own today and you try to be cordial, but she keeps throwing in little digs. She asks you if you’ve slept because “you look so tired”, she asks if that's really what you're wearing to the press conference, and before you leave, she tells you to leave the talking to her tonight. "We really want them to root for us, and with your past... well you understand,” she says. You carefully remind Valentina that she's one to talk about bad press, and that shuts her up, but her words stick with you regardless.

Bob's in the other room, listening to the constant slights. He knows all too well how Valentina can be so inviting, and then belittling a second later. It’s not clear whether or not she even realizes she's doing it. Maybe it makes her feel like she still has a little power over you and the team. You brush off all her words, but Bob knows it's gotten to be too much. Throughout that long, boring press conference, Bob keeps glancing your way, and you seem sort of off. Bob pulls you to the side afterwards and asks you about that meeting with Valentina, checking in to make sure you’re okay. You just wave it off and tell him you don't care, and that "being a little rude is definitely not the most egregious of Valentina's many crimes". He nods and takes your hands as he tells you, "I know, but I don't like hearing her talk to you that way. You’re just… you’re just so great. I don’t want you thinking otherwise. Especially not because of people like her.” You wrap your arms around him and thank him for his sweet words. Bob doesn't just move on after that, though. He knows how much impact words have. He makes sure to regularly assure you, tell you how nice you look, and comment on how kind and strong you are whenever he can. The world isn't kind and he wants to make up for it. He doesn't want you forgetting how wonderful you are.

[i-cant-sing]

Time Traveller AU pt 6

Part 1 is here. Part 2 is here. Part 3 is here. Part 4 is here. Part 5 is here. Time Traveller AU masterlist is here. Check out my MASTERLIST for more!

PART 7 is here!

Its been a week since Baldwin finally came clean about the kiss with Charlotte, a week since you cleared of him "cheating on you", not that you cared if he did, and a week since you realised Guy tried and failed miserably to sabotage Baldwin through Charlotte.

Its also been a week over the due date you were supposed to return to Egypt to get your tools from Abbas, but its been hard to leave when Baldwin insists on spending time with you 24/7 because wants to make up to you for "suspecting his devotion to you".

He draped himself over your shoulders, caging you in his arms as he pecks your temple. "I'm sorry for making you doubt my love for you, princess. No, no- clearly, I'm the one at fault! Let me make it upto you~" Ugh, sometimes him being such a green flag is making it seem like a red flag. But you cant argue because... well, if you dont let Baldwin shower you in affection, then he might stop chanting "its my fault, princess" and change the narrative into "its your fault, princess and you need to be punished for doubting me- the KING, for slapping me- the KING, for thinking yourself so highly that you think i cant have all the women i want, me- the KING! To the dungeons you go, darling!"

Anyways, you both were now sitting down in the royal gardens, Baldwin's head laid in your lap as you worked your fingers through his luscious locks, absentmindedly braiding his hair while he made you tell some stories.

"And so, she found out her husband was cheating on her because she found out a jar of strawb- a jar of lard in her house." You looked down at his face, finding him already staring up at you, eyes full of awe. "And she doesnt eat lard. She hates it, so she never allowed it in the house."

Baldwin let out a small gasp. "And then what did this- Sharkerilla lady do?"

"Shakarina left Pickle. Divorced him." You told him, adding in small daisies in his hair. His face displayed pity. "Wow. And how do you know these people?"

You paused for a second. You cant explain to him how Shakira and Pique were celebrities and the concept of drama channels on youtube.

"We were neighbours." You hummed, patting his head. "There, I did your hair. Now I'm going-"

"No. Come on, we havent spent enough time." He whined, blue eyes looking at you pleadingly.

You scoff. "Baldwin, we've spent the entire day together. We ate breakfast and lunch together, we read books in the library, we looked at tiaras and crowns for the wedding, we even played chess." He lifted his head up from your lap and rested it on his palm as he leaned on his shoulder.

"And you lost all 5 games." Baldwin grinned, making you smack his forehead gently.

"I need to go-"

"Why?"

"Because I need to make arrangements for my trip to Egypt." You explained as Baldwin groaned, plopping his head face-first into your lap. "No." He mumbled against your dress.

"No?"

"No." He raised his head, pouting at you. "You're not going to Egypt. I miss you too much."

You gave him a lazy smile. "I'll be back soon."

"Not soon enough." He argued. "I have to go find my family, Baldwin." You continued on with your lie, raising a hand to caress his cheek. He sighed and leaned into your touch. "I can send the knights to find them." "They wont be able to. Only I will. Besides, I need to know what theyre like, if its even best to let them back into my life again, hm?"

He pondered over for a moment. "Then I will come along?" "What? Why?" He gave you a charming smile. "Because I dont want to part from you. Not for weeks, not for days, not even for-" He leaned up close to your face, eyes darting from your eyes to your lips back to your eyes. "-a minute."

Your face flushed and you looked to your side, using your hand to push his face away, making him chuckle as he grabbed the same hand and pressed a kiss to it. "You're so adorable, my little prude."

You shot him a glare. "I- I'm not a prude. But at least one of us should have a little shame."

He gave a chuckle, poking your still flushed cheek. "Shame? Whatever for? I love you." His eyes lit up in amusement as your head whipped towards him. Baldwin raised a brow at you. Its not the first time he's confessed, but... it still catches you offguard everytime.

"Did you hear me? I love you." He repeated, eyes still twinkling at how you continued to become flustered.

You opened your mouth and then closed it like an idiot, not knowing how to reply.

"Thank you." You finally said, looking anywhere but at him. He burst into a fit of laughter. "Oh god- I tell you- I love you and you say "thank you"? You really are something out of this world!" Baldwin teased you, making you huff.

"Lets not get off topic, Baldwin. You cant come with me to Egypt because you cant abandon Jerusalem. If your throne is empty, Guy- though he doesnt have the brain for it, or Salauddin or someone else will attempt to take your throne from you! You have a responsibility to your people! Keep them safe." You reminded him.

Baldwin stared at you before sighing, leaning back and resting his head on his arms. "You're always so smart, aren't you?" He smiled with his eyes closed. "I suppose it is a good thing that you care so much for your future subjects."

-

Next day, you were all set to leave for Egypt again. Baldwin and you stood at the gates of the castle as the kingdom all gathered around to bid you safe travels. You were ignoring Baldwin's stupid lovey dovey eyes boring holes into you, because there are people here and you dont want this blue orbed man to embarrass you.

But alas, he took your hand in his, making you look at him. He flashed you his dimples, bringing up your hand to press a kiss to it, the crowd cooing while you blushed (though it could be mistaken for anger with how hard you were frowning).

Tearing his eyes away from you, he addressed his people. "O people of Jerusalem! Your princess is going on an important journey. I ask you all to pray for her safety and well being!" The crowd looked on you two with awe, or more at Baldwin for being such a doting husband-to-be.

"While I know that your hearts must ache to see your princess depart from us for some time, I bring you good news to keep your hearts at peace as well." You looked at Baldwin in confusion. Good news? What is he talking about?

Baldwin smiled at you, the sunlight hitting his face at angle that made him look majestic.

"In 3 weeks time, the princess and I will marry!" Your eyes widened as the crowd erupted in cheer.

Baldwin hugged you close, and you whispered. "Three weeks? But I'll be gone for at least two! I wont have enough time to make-"

"Dont worry about a thing, princess. Sibylla and I will make all the arrangements necessary and trust me, it'll be a wedding for generations to remember." He pulled back, grinning at you as he pecked your forehead. "You just focus on returning safely, okay?"

Sibylla, Guy and their son were also there to bid you farewell. Sibylla pulled you in for a tight hug, promising to give you a grand wedding and that she'll keep your prefrences in mind. Their son ran off and Sibylla went to chase after him, leaving you alone with Guy.

"Bye." Guy gruffly said while you smiled tightly at him. "I know what you did, you buffoon." He looked at you slighted. "What the hell are you-"

"Charlotte? The letters? Yeah, we'll talk when I return. And you better not cause anymore trouble for me or else-" You turned to look at Baldwin, waving sweetly at him. Guy gulped, taking in your threat.

-

As usual, your first stop was at Salauddin's camp. You would go without stopping here, the knights Baldwin sent with you claimed to know the way but... you dont trust them to know how to survive the desert. And you knew you were right when some people from your caravan started feeling faint.

"Return to Jerusalem and take care of yourself." "But we cant just leave you, princess-" "You are not going to be able to serve me if you dont survive the desert. Salauddin's camp is near and with his guards combined with mine, I'll be more than safe. Go now. And tell the king that I insisted you returned." You assured them, commanding a few knights to guard them on their way back.

Looking ahead, you saw the sand hill beyond which Salauddin's camp was. Isabella, your lady-in-waiting, gave you your niqaab and chaddar.

-

"And then, he told me about who Charlotte was and what really happened. It was all a big misunderstanding." You told Salauddin as he moved his pawn.

"You believed him?" He raises a brow as you made your move.

"Of course! I already knew Guy was behind it. I figured it from the letters, and his face practically gave it all away when I confronted him about it." You reached under your veil to fan yourself. "Is it burning in here or am I just imagining it?"

Salauddin turned and brought you some cold water. "Guy could be a threat to you. Dont trust him."

You turned your head to the side, barely lifting your veil before bringing the glass underneath it to your lips, gulping it down as you let out a relieved sigh. "I know. Guy is a tool, and tools are meant to be used."

His lips quirked slightly at your words. Sitting back down, he played his move. "When do you plan on leaving Baldwin?"

"Soon. The plan is in motion." You took some time before moving your knight. Salauddin wasnt making this game easy for you this time and neither was the hot temperature.

He leaned forward, taking your knight with his bishop. "And how do you plan on doing that when your fiance has just announced your wedding date?"

You narrowed your eyes at him. "How did you- spies?" Salauddin's silence confirmed how news travelled so fast. "You dont need to worry. I'll be long gone before the wedding day."

"Care to indulge me on your plan?" He popped a date in his mouth.

"No." You replied making him glare at you. "If your plan involves relying on Guy, then you're even stupider than you look."

You scoff, pushing his king down. "I'm sorry, how many rounds have you won against me?" He smirks, though you suspect that he's just trying to cover up for being a sore loser.

"Maybe I just let you win so that you get to live." Of course, how can you forget his "win or you die" version of chess.

"Whatever you say, grandpa." His jaw clenched, making you chuckle. "Your existence gives me a headache. Leave."

As you walked out, you're suddenly hit with a wave of dizziness. Under your veil, your face is sweaty, you cant even use your hands to wipe it away because of how clammy they are, you even feel beads of sweat rolling down from your neck to your leg.

"Are you alright?" Salauddin came up behind you, eyes studying you stumbling a bit.

"Yeah- I'm just- hot..." You muttered, sweat gathering around your upper lip while your mouth felt like cotton. He watched you blink slowly as the sun hit you in the face, making you raise your hand to shield yourself, even though your muscle cramped.

"Y/n?" You heard him call you, but black dots clouded your vision and then in a second, you fainted.

-

You woke up to the sound of drums playing outside. Looking around, you recognised this to be the women's tent you had been in the first time Baldwin brought you here.

Isabella walked in, halting for a moment when she realised you were awake before rushing towards you. "Princess? Are you okay?" She poured you a glass of water, helping you drink it. "What happened?"

"You fainted from the heat. We were going to take you back to the kingdom but Sultan Salauddin advised us all to stay put here because the air was only going to get hotter for the rest of the day. And by night, it would be too cold for us to make it back." She smiled gently. "He was kind enough to offer us stay here."

You nodded and sighed. For sure none of you wouldve survived if you were to return to Jerusalem today.

You walked out of the tent to see it was night now. The drums you heard earlier were being played by some men of Salauddin's, accompanied by few women clapping and having an overall merry time around the bonfire.

You didnt spot Salauddin with them, but you suppose he's probably either working or resting.

The temperature had indeed dropped as night fell, and you wrapped a shawl around before joining the camp fire. You sat down on the ground with some women, smiling as they immeadiately welcomed you warmly. The one on your right was quick to show you her baby, and you recognised him to be the one you saved.

"Jibrael." She told you his name. The baby was almost a month old, and his chubby cheeks made you coo. Jibrael- or Gabriel, is an angel who acted as an  intermediary between God and humans and as bearer of revelation to the prophets, most notably to Muhammad (PBUH). In Christianity, Gabriel was the archangel announcing the coming birth of Jesus Christ and John the Baptist. In Judaism, Gabriel is a helper to Daniel and a warrior angel for God's cause.

You played with the baby for a while before handing him back to his mother to be put down for sleep. It was getting cold now and most had already left to go to bed now. You wrapped the shawl around you closer, snuggling into it as your eyes gazed at the dancing flames. You felt someone sit next to you.

"How are you feeling now?" Salauddin asked, keeping his eyes ahead.

"I'm fine. Thank you for catching me."

"I didnt. You fell. It was funny." You turned to glare at him (the respectable gap between you two did not go unnoticed... or unappreciated by you.) and perhaps for the first time you saw him smiling. Genuinely.

Though his thick beard covered most of his lower third of the face, you could see his sharp jawline that sculpted his face. Strong. Hard. His lips, bottom one appearing to be plumper than the upper one, were resting in a relaxed smile.

The moonlight seemed to soften his sharp features, but his kohl lined eyes adorned with luscious lashes shone with amusement and... something in the orange hue of the bonfire.

He turned his head to you. "What?" You were thankful for your veil covering your expression for being caught staring at him like an idiot. You shake your head, dismissing him, turning your head back towards the dying fire.

"What are you going to do once you leave Baldwin?" Salauddin asked, stoking the fire.

"Leave."

"To where?" You shrug. "Anywhere. Maybe try finding my family. Or venture somewhere else."

"He wont give up so easily." You rolled your eyes. "Yeah yeah, because he loves me and all-"

"He wont forgive your betrayal." Salauddin cut you off. "He wont forgive you for the embarrasment. He wont forgive you for the insult of rejecting a king. He wont just- let you go." He looked at you, his tone haunting as he uttered the next words.

"Baldwin will hunt you down. And he will make you wish you were dead."

You stared at him, processing his words. Baldwin would... hurt me?

"Are we talking about the same man?" You ask him with a light chuckle, though your throat has ran dry.

He nods. "I know he seems like he couldnt hurt a fly, and physically, he couldnt until you cured him. But I've seen him on the battlefield. I've had him as my enemy and I've observed him obliterate people who just tick him off." He offered you some dates, and you took a few. You were hungry, and these looked pretty good right now.

"Baldwin is smart, calculating. He's the king, he has the power to end his enemy very easily. At the drop of a hat. But he doesn't. He waits for the perfect moment, or rather creates the perfect chance to torture any man who had the misfortune to be on the receiving end of his anger. And he does it with a completely cool, clear mind." And even though Salauddin has fought Baldwin many times, they both know they're only fighting for their people, for their religion. Its nothing personal, so they're technically not enemies.

"So what do you suggest I do to not piss him off so badly? I've already tried rejecting him respectfully."

He stayed quiet for a few moments, stoking the fire. He smiled when he felt your curious eyes on him.

"There is a way." He said.

"Which is...?"

His smile widened even more. "You're not ready for it yet." You frowned. "Drop the act, Salauddin. You came here by yourself because you wanted to tell me the plan. Stop teasing and just tell me." He chuckled hearing you become frustrated.

"In due time, Y/n. In due time." You roll your eyes, standing up. "I'm not going to beg you to tell me. But your "plan", which I dont think exists, it better not mess with my escape." You stomped back inside your tent, and Salauddin snickered as you tripped a bit on your chadar on the way in.

He stood up, giving a nod to the rest as they all settled in for the night.

-

"Salauddin!" You cried out, your eyes full of tears that he could see from a mile away, even if your were wearing a niqaab. He could feel your agony, your distress. You were standing in the middle of the desert alone, the boiling sun along with your black chadar covering you from head-to-toe, would only be increasing your body temperature. Why were you all alone? He left you with his caravan. Or did Baldwin leave you in this harsh enviorment to die? Did he find out you were going to leave him?

"Salauddin!" You called out to him again, your voice wet from all the crying. This time, he rode his horse towards you. Fast. He needed to get to you, even though the galloping hurt his shoulder. Yes, he got wounded while he was fighting. He sustained many injuries, many gashes, so much so that by the time he reached you, his white armour had turned bloody. But he was not bothered by it, no. He needed to reach you. You. How long have you been out here? Arent you dying of thirst?

Your arms were still wide open, though drooping from the lack of energy. He could hear you sobbing as you called him again, and he all but ran towards you, bodies colliding as he pulled you into a strong embrace. Muscled arms wrapped around you, comforting you that he's here now. You're safe now.

Salauddin looked around as you bawled into his chest, trying to see if everyone had really abandoned you here and... left you die.

You pulled away from him, but Salauddin didnt remove his hands from you. And thats when he felt the cloth you were wearing. It was too thin. The sun must've burned your skin now. Is that why you're crying? You're in pain?

In a blink, he removed his own thick black chadar that rested on his shoulders and wrapped it around you, pulling it over your head to stop more heat damage.

"Y/n?" He spoke softly as you continued to cry so brokenly as he adjusted the cloth over your body. "What happened?"

"Y-you left me!" You blubbered. He shook his head. "No. I- I left to go in battle. I couldnt take you along. It was dangerous-"

"You left me, Salauddin! You left me here! Baldwin- he hurt me! He hurt me so badly! And you weren't here to protect me!" You sobbed out, your eyes red and swollen from the tears. "I am a part of the ummah! I am a Muslim! You- you were supposed to keep me safe! On your honour, I was in your care! Why didnt you save me, Salauddin?"

Salauddin felt his heart being crushed at your words. He failed to keep you safe? But... he was at war. What was he supposed to do?

He grabbed your shoulders, pulling you to his chest as he rubbed circles into your back. "I'm sorry." He whispered, shushing you as your body shook from tears. "I'm here now. I promise to keep you safe, Y/n. I will never leave you again. I will never let anyone hurt you again. I swear, Allah as my witness, I will do everything to keep you safe." You pulled your head back from his chest, your red eyes looking at him weakly.

"You're too late, Salauddin." You whispered and a sharp sound whooshed through the air, making your body jolt in his arms. You both looked down and thats when he saw it-

An arrow. Poking through your chest.

"Y/n?" His voice trembled, watching the life drain out of your eyes.

You fell, and so did Salauddin, catching your body. He couldnt- he couldnt believe it. He cradled you in his arms, readjusting the chadar over you again, softly calling your name.

Wake up. Wake up, Y/n. Return to me.

Footsteps approached him, though he couldnt bare to tear his eyes from you. He already knew who it was.

"Why?" Salauddin asked him.

Baldwin kneeled down to his level, staring at you for a moment before yanking his arrow out of you, making a stream of blood gush out. Salauddin panicked, tried to cover the gaping wound with his hand. He looked at Baldwin in disbelief. This... this was not the Baldwin he knew. Baldwin was never so cruel- so heartless.

"She deserved it." Baldwin stated before stabbing him in the chest.

Salauddin continued to hold you in his arms, watching Baldwin leave on his horse as you two bled out to your deaths in the middle of the desert.

Salauddin woke up with a jolt, his forehead sweaty as he breathed fast. He could feel his heart beating against his chest loudly.

Nightmare. Thats all it was. He was still in his bed, in his tent.

He got up to fetch himself some water, taking sips to slow down his heart. Judging from the darkness, he knew it was still nighttime. It was quiet, everyone was asleep except for a few men he left to guard them.

It was quiet. Too quiet.

Salauddin whipped around just in time to knock the shadowy figure standing behind him with a sword. In a second, Salauddin had overpowered and snapped his neck, only then realising more shadows moving outside his tent.

"We're under attack! WAKE UP!" He yelled before grabbing his two swords and running out to defend his caravan.

-

You woke up to screaming and Isabella pulling you out of bed.

"We're under attack!" She says, yanking you out of the women's camp that was set on fire. Your eyes were wide and for a moment, you were frozen as you took the scene in front of you.

Fire. There was fire everywhere. All the camps were ablaze, along with some people being burned alive. Haunting screams echoed the entire area. Time slowed down as you saw Salauddin's men fighting... some people. You couldnt figure out who they were, but you knew they werent the knights Baldwin had assigned for you. No, you saw them fighting these mysterious figures as well. They were covered in dark clothes to blend in with the night, had hoods and masks covering their faces but they fought skilfully and very fast.

"Princess, we must leave!" Isabella caught your attention again, dragging you away from the chaos. You saw her following a knight- your knight, who led you towards a horse for you to escape with.

Salauddin... where's Salauddin?

You looked back frantically and you spotted him in the sea of flames, cutting through multiple armed one with his two swords slicing them brutally.

For a moment, your eyes met and then in the next, he screamed your name.

Isabella had pushed you away just in time as two men came at you with swords. You knight yelled at you to run. Again, Isabella pulled you to make an escape but it wasnt long before you two got separated by a woman who was on fire, running in between you two.

"H-help her." You told Isabella who took of her shawl to put out the fire. In the middle of all this commotion, you heard a distinct cry.

A baby's cry.

Jibrael!

It was coming from one of the tents. You ran in, looking around for the baby before spotting the bassinet. You grabbed the crying baby and held it close to your chest, trying to shush it as you walked towards the exit only to halt when you saw who was blocking it.

The shadowy figure. He was wearing dark hood and mask, while the rest of his armour was made of leather. He was armed with swords, daggers and a satchel.

It clicked. Assassin.

The assassin stared at you with dark eyes taking a step forward. You backed away, holding the crying baby protectively to your chest. He tilted his head at you, and for a second, you thought you saw amusement in his eyes.

Slowly, he walked out of the tent without saying a word but he stood right behind the curtain of the tent. You saw his shadow pull out his sword before standing there still.

What is he doing?

You turned around, hoping to find another exit but thats when you saw it. Two more shadows stood outside the tent and then they dropped something on the tent walls.

Fire. They lit the entire tent on fire and stood outside with their swords, giving you the choice to either die by their swords or burn yourself alive.

The fire spread fast, burning the flammable tent easily. Dark smoke started to surround you making you cough. The baby continued to cry harshly and you pulled him under your chadar to protect him from the fire and smoke.

But you didnt realise it until it was too late. Your chadar, your clothes had caught on fire as well. You screamed for help, screamed in agony as your skin burned. It felt like you were being branded, felt like someone was ripping your skin off.

Is this it? Is this how it all ends for you? Suffocated, skin charred, body naked? In a period where no one knows who you really are?

You fell to your knees before hunching over the baby, cradling it in your arms as its harsh cries burst your ears, protecting him from being burned for as long as you can.

Allah... Allah... Allah...

Through the thick smoke, a figure ran and covered your body with a thick cloth, patting down to put out the flames.

He picked your trembling body up, your arms still wrapped around the baby protectively. He walked through the ablaze tent, his face still covered by the smoke, or perhaps your vision was too blurry.

He exited the tent, the smoke cleared out and a gush of air filled your lungs. But you were burned, suffocated and exhausted.

The last thing you saw before your world faded to black was Salauddin's face.

-

You woke up to the sound of Quran recitation. A gentle, steady voice read the words beautifully.

Fluttering your eyes open, you looked around the room for the source. To your side, you found Salauddin reciting the Quran with his eyes closed in concentration. Was he a hafidh? (Hafidh is someone who has memorised the Quran completely).

He opened his eyes when finished reciting, looking stunned for a second to find you awake before a small smile graced his lips.

"We're in Egypt now." He informed you before concern washed over his face. "How are you feeling now? I changed your bandages in the morning, but I think its time to replace them." He grabbed the bowl of water and bandages on your side.

"B-bandages?" He stopped before understanding your confusion.

"You were in the tent when the assassins set it on fire. Your... clothes caught on fire, which stuck to your skin and burned it as well. I had to remove the remains of your clothes to treat your burns-"

"What?!" Your eyes looked down to confirm his words, he had indeed changed your clothes. "Why did you-" Your hands touched your face, heart sinking as you realised your veil was not there.

"You removed my niqaab?! My clothes?!" Your fury was only a disguise for your fear of what he'd seen, what he'd done to you in your vulnerable state.

He shook his head. "I had to do it as soon as we were safe. You were hurt-"

"Why? Why did you have to do it? Why not Isabella or any of the other women?!"

His face turned solemn. "Isabella... was gravely injured. She was in no position to look after you. Most people- most women from my tribe did not survive. The few who did were also wounded. The men... I just thought you wouldnt prefer someone you didnt know to look at you in such state." Salauddin looked at you, his eyes clear. "I did not do anything unbecoming of a man. Allah as my witness, I did not touch you with ill intent."

Perhaps it was the way he said it, or perhaps you just wanted to keep your mind at peace but... you believed him.

"How's Isabella now?" You let him change the dressings on your arms, watching him like a hawk as he moved quickly and carefully, no unnecessary touches or lingering that would make you uncomfortable. Even when he treated the the burns on the back of your legs, he worked fast, applying some balm on the red areas. The balm was like a cool gel against your irritated skin.

"She's better now. Just needed some rest." He replied as he finished wrapping the bandage on your legs. "Your back." Salauddin softly asked. You hesitated.

He sighed. "Y/n... I need to apply the balm or your skin will scar." You slowly turned around, holding your breath as you removed the robe from your back partially.

If he wanted to, he could've done anything when you were unconcious. You calmed yourself.

Again, Salauddin's hand worked fast, applying the balm quickly and placing some gauze over the marks. He pulled your robe over your back again, letting you turn around with a flushed face.

"My... my face?" You asked cautiously. You did not know if damage had been done there as well.

Salauddin understood you. "Fortunately, your face was save from the flames." He stood up and went over to the wardrobe to grab you a white chadar, handing it to you so that you cover your head with it. "Maybe when you were ducking over Jibrael, your arms covered both you and him from the fire."

"Jibrael...?" You asked. He smiled assuringly. "He's fine. You saved him... again." You sigh in relief. At least this wasnt all for naught.

Salauddin sits back down in the chair and though you've covered your hair with the shawl, he keeps his eyes trailed down on his hands in his lap. "I must ask you of one thing." You peeked at him before keeping your eyes focused on your lap as well.

"Will you... tell Baldwin about this incident?" Why would you when it would only cause Baldwin to panic and prevent you from leaving the castle, or his sight at all? You still need to come here to get parts for your time machine and even if the machine was working, you need to be able to use it without Baldwin or his army of knights breathing down your neck.

"No. It will only cause misunderstandings between you and him and I need to punish the real culprit for it."

He frowned but didn't raise his gaze. "And who might that be?"

"Those men... they were assassins, right?" He hummed. "Judging by how vicious they were, I think they were Ismailis."

Ismailis were a sect of Shia Muslims. Basically, like the great schism of Christianity into Orthodox and Catholic Church, Islam also had a schism that divided it into Sunni and Shia Islam. Shia Islam further had divided into different sects, of which one was Ismailis.

Sunni and Shia Muslims have been at war with each other since the beginning over religious differences. And considering Salauddin was not only Sunni Muslim but also targeted many Ismaili assassins so that they would not oppose his rule, it would be an understatement that they wanted Salauddin dead.

But... you know Salauddin had already gotten rid of most of the assassins and established his dominance over them. You're sure he's already had a peace treaty with them.

"Salauddin, you have an agreement with the Ismailis, don't you?" You watched his eyes widen slightly. "You're on peaceful terms with them at the moment?"

"How did you know?" Of course, the great Sultan Salauddin, an orthodox Sunni, wouldn't want the world to know that he spared the Ismailis. No, that would stir rumours that Salauddin has empathy for Ismailis, for the Shias, and which would lead to the rumours of hum being a Shiite Muslim.

You waved him off. "I know your character. I know of your mercy. Besides, I know both you and the Ismailis have a bigger common enemy- the Christians. Its more than likely that the Ismailis are supporting you so that you defeat Baldwin and claim Jerusalem, then they can focus on you. Plus, if the Ismailis wanted to kill you, why wait until now? They know you've been camping outside Jerusalem for months now." Salauddin was... impressed by your deduction skills to say the least. How are you connecting the dots so fast? Just who are you, Y/n?

You rubbed your chin. "So that means that someone not only hired the assassins but also wants us to think that the Ismailis were behind it all." Who could it be? Someone who wants to harm Salauddin but... they also wanted to harm you. It couldnt be the Roman Catholics or other Christians. No, they'd know better than to interfere with Baldwin, their Holy Emperor's war. Especially not with his wife-to-be in harms way. Who... who would know that you're with Salauddin and still attempt an assassination-

"Guy." You muttered, pinching the nose of your bridge. Of course, its fucking Guy, shit for brains Guy who cant sit still and wait his turn to play king.

"Guy? Why would he attack me when you're still here?" Salauddin's mind immeadiately gives an answer as soon as he asks out loud.

"Because I am here." You groan. "He's trying to eliminate us both, or at the very least- me, while I'm with you so that he can provoke Baldwin to go to war with you because you "killed" his future wife. He would tell Baldwin that it doesnt matter if they were Ismailis or not, we were all Muslims and this is just how Muslims are! He'd send Baldwin off to not only go to war with you but rather go to war with Muslims everywhere! And knowing Guy, he probably hopes that Baldwin dies in the process of his rampage. If you, me or Baldwin are all dead, or even one of us is, then Guy will only have to worry about dealing with one less person. His best bet was probably to get rid of me and you both, then have Baldwin go to war with all the Muslims who killed his fiancee. He's using all of us as pawns so that he gets to sneak on to the throne and be king!"

You heard Salauddin sigh. Perhaps he agreed with your theory. Perhaps he didnt. Whatever he may think, you know he will still conduct a thorough investigation of his own to find out who the real culprit is,

"Dont worry, I will deal with Guy. In fact, I'll let you have him to slaughter as you please." Of course, Salauddin will kill Guy. He has to pay for the blood of all his people.

Salauddin watched you get up from the bed and walk towards the vanity. "How long will these take to heal?" You asked, referring to your burns. "Usually take about a month, but the balm I used will significantly fade the marks." Good. You dont need Baldwin freaking out over them.

He stood up to take his leave. "I'll check on what information they've been able to gather from the assassin we caught. You-" He pointed towards the bed. "Rest. I mean it. These burns will only get worse in the heat outside, thats why I gave you the coolest room in the palace." He continued to glare at you until you finally sighed and sat on the bed. "I have to go see Isabelle-" You tried but he raised his hand. "No. You are to stay here, in your room. No one gets in, and no one gets out. I dont trust anyone to not try to kill you, not even in your own entourage- whatever is left of them. My men are stationed right outside. If you need anything, you tell them. But you are not to leave your chambers."

"I'll see you at dinner." He left and you saw the guards stationed outside your door.

The great thing about Egyptian palaces was that they had big windows to allow for ventilation. So you were already out of the window and climbing along the edge. You were about to jump when you heard someone call you.

"P-princess?!" Isabelle looked at you in horror. Apparently, you had climbed down near the balcony of her room. "Oh hey, Isabelle! How are you now?"

"I- I'm fine- princess, please get down from there!" She practically begged, fearing for your life. You climbed over her balcony and hugged her. "I'm so glad you're okay! Because I need you to do me a favour." You gave her a sweet smile while she looked at you in confusion. "See, I need to go out for a bit but Salauddin has told me to stay in and rest. So... I need you to cover for me again, just like last time."

"I- what- princess-"

"I wouldnt ask you if it wasnt of grave importance." You pleaded, finally making her give in. "Okay, I'll go to your room-" You stop her when she begins walking away.

"You cant just walk in there. There's guards stationed there and they wont let you in."

"Then how am I supposed to get in?"

You smiled at her. She didnt like that smile. It wasnt... well meaning.

"Well..." You looked at the balcony and she followed your gaze, almost immediately coming to tears.

"Princess please-"

"I am right here. I will help you, I promise Isabelle! I wont let you fall."

-

After helping a trembling Isabelle climb into your room, you had finally made your way to the madrassa. You had covered your face with your chadar and sneaking inside was no feat.

Abbas jumped out of his seat the moment you entered.

"Y/n! I thought you forgot all about me- wait what happened to your hands?" He referred to the bandages.

"I had an accident while conducting an experiment." "What experiment? Can I be a part of it? Please please please-"

"Abbas." You silenced him. "Business first. Did you make the tools I asked you to?" He quickly ran to his desk and pulled them out from the drawer. You examined them. They werent the best but you could make do with them. You nodded before asking for a paper so that you could draw the last few bits you needed.

"I need these by the end of this week." Abbas chuckled. "Oh I thought you were joking. How do you expect me to build- whatever this is! in a week? No way. I would need to get all the material and-"

"Abbas. I need it this week. I dont care how, but you have to do it."

He looked at you suspiciously. "Maybe if you could just tell me what it is that you're making-"

"No. I cant. And you will make me this by the end of the week, if not earlier because I have a very good reward waiting for you."

Abbas rolled his eyes. "I dont need your money-"

"I will let you ask me anything you want. Any question on any topic you'd like." You knew Abbas's thirst for knowledge.

You saw the twinkle in his eyes. "I will still take the money." "Of course, but I'll pay you after you make me this." He sighed and agreed.

"Wait- check this please?" He handed you his journal that had some math equations. You huffed, grabbing his pen and working on the mistakes. "I'm doing this just so that you do my work." You gave him some other math problems you did in grade 8 and handed it back to him.

You turned to leave before pausing.

"Abbas?" He hummed. "I think... we should set some security measures." You whispered.

"Whatever for?"

"Just in case someone came looking for me or my work. You know you're not supposed to tell anyone about this."

"I couldnt even if I wanted to." He tilted his head. "Why would someone come looking for you? Are you in trouble?"

You shake your head. "No. But you're aware of how other... scholars are eager to steal ideas." He nodded, being a victim of such crime.

"What do you have in mind?"

-

Salauddin was informed when you had returned to the palace. Of course he knew the moment you left. This was his Egypt. Not a bird flies without his knowledge here.

He sent out a spy after you, both to keep you safe and to follow you around. He couldnt help but let out a huff when he was told of your daring climb out of the window. Didnt he tell you to stay in bed?

"This girl..." He grumbles.

The spy told him that you went inside the madrassa. Why? What business could you possibly have there?

Perhaps you're creating a poison? To kill Baldwin? No, there would be easier ways to get poison. You did tell him and Baldwin that you were going to Egypt to find your family, but he has a hard time believing that.

Just what were you upto?

He'll find out soon enough. This is his kingdom, he finds out things. And he'll find out your secret too.

He knocked on your door before entering. You were sitting on your bed, your face now covered with a niqaab and your hair with his white chadar. His clothes. He felt something warm in his heart at the thought.

"How are you now?" He asked, his hands clasped behind his back.

"I'm fine. Just bored waiting here all day." You sighed exasperatedly.

Such a liar.

"I apologise for not being able to entertain you. I was busy with the assassin." You looked at him in anticipation. "He didn't reveal much but he did say that they were hired. I suppose that would bring us closer to your theory."

He watched your eyes narrow in thought. "It has to be Guy. He knew I was going to the desert to you first. He needed to get rid of me without anything to come back on him. Coward."

The door was knocked.

"I hope you dont mind- I had them bring dinner up here." Salauddin explained, letting the servants in. They set down a dastarkhawan in the balcony. A red table cloth was set on the ground, onto which many dishes were placed. You both sat down on cushions, the area was lit up with candles placed. You were busy admiring the view of the pyramids from your seat while Salauddin poured you some ginger kehwa.

"Here." You lifted your niqaab a bit to sip the hot tea, a sigh escaping your lips. Salauddin's lips quirked a bit but he, like you, kept his eyes focused on the pyramids.

You picked up the plate of dates from your side, knowing how fond he is of them. "Here." You mimicked his voice, making him smile as he grabbed a piece.

You both silently ate, admiring the view and enjoying each others presence.

Some time later, you were both done with dinner and just sat in silence. That is until Salauddin spoke.

"I'm sorry." You looked at him. "For letting you get hurt."

You exhaled, trailing your eyes back towards the night sky that was littered with gleaming stars.

"I know. But you shouldnt be, Salauddin. I'm not made of porcelain."

I know. I saw you jumping off the palace walls with the confidence of an assassin and the grace of a headless chicken.

"Still, you're under my care. I am responsible for you-"

"I free you of this burden." You're not a burden. "I am not that hurt and I am not scarred for life. If anything, all that incident made me question is just how far would man go?" Your eyes glazed over as you recalled the incident in the tent, where the assassin left you and the baby to burn to death. You could understand killing you, but a baby? He was willing to let a baby burn?

"It makes me believe just how barbaric people were to the Ahl al-Bayt (family of Prophet Muhammad PBUH). How easy it was for them to slaughter his lineage, how easy it was for them to keep water from them, how their hearts did not halt for a moment when they heard the cries of Ali Asghar- who they killed with an arrow in the neck." Your eyes glistened. "A baby. He was just a baby. How would've his father felt in that moment, holding his dead son in his arms, knowing he had to bring him home to his wife?" The battle of Karbala was one of the most heart wrenching tragedies of Islam and whats worse is that Prophet Muhammad knew of it years before it happened. He knew his own grandsons will face martyrdom years before it actually happened, when they were just little children in his arms.

"Man is cruel." Salauddin stated.

"But Allah made man. Why... would he allow man to be so cruel? Even animals are not this merciless." You wondered.

"Because man cannot see God." He says. "There are signs of His existence, signs for those who wish to be guided. Animals can see God. Angels can see God. Humans... Allah has made us with the ability to think, to choose. Man chooses to be cruel when he forgets that Allah is watching, that these things- the stones, the trees, everything around him? They're all living beings who will testify against man." He smiles. "But that is why the true believers also have a greater reward in the hereafter. What do you think of the reward, of what you'll get when you enter heaven? You dream of wealth, of food, of all luxuries. But there's a greater reward waiting for us. Do you know what that is?"

You gave a slight shake of your head.

"The true believers will see Allah. They will get to meet their Lord, their Creator, the One who saw them through it all, the One who knows their secrets and kept them hidden, the One continued to shower His blessings upon them even when they were not grateful." Those words... they comforted you. How peaceful it is to the heart to hear that your Creator waits for you. The One who has seen you shed tears and took care of you in this world will also take care of you in the next. And at the same time, this is such devastating news for the sinners too. Those who act selfishly, who forget who their Lord is, they will end up in hell and will never get the opportunity to see their Creator again, to ask of mercy from the most Merciful.

"Still..." You mumbled, wanting to find an excuse for such wickedness.

"It is not our place to ask why, Y/n. Allah does not owe us answers, explanations. He already has given us His book for guidance, his prophets for example. But know this- everything happens for a reason. Maybe the battle of Karbala was just to show us how quick man can turn on his own. Perhaps in the future, a time will come when people will kill many women and children, slaughter men so brutally while the entire world watches and yet... no one does anything. And then people will wonder- surely, man is not so evil. Surely, man wouldn't kill innocent children. Perhaps then they will remember history."

-

Salauddin woke up with a sigh. He had gone to sleep after he left your room last night, but he woke up from yet another dream he had of you. You. You. You. Since that night in the desert, he's been having constant dreams about you. Its either you dying at the hands of Baldwin or Guy, or its you asking him to help you. Tonight, he dreamt of you two celebrating Ramadan together, with you picking up the plate and offering him dates, however unlike dinner, you were sitting much closer to him in his dream, by his side. So close, he could see himself in your eyes.

Salauddin wasnt vain enough to admit it to himself- he had feelings for you. But what were they?

Lust? Not really, he's seen far prettier women than you. Beauty... is subjective and Salauddin is a firm believer in "beauty is in the eye of the beholder".

Admiration? No. He admires your intelligence and your wit but Salauddin also has those qualities.

Infatuation? Sure he does think about you often during the day but not enough to call it obsession.

No, its love. It has to be. His heart doesnt know what exactly it is about you that draws him in. His mind doesnt comprehend why he feels like you belong with him but his soul, every fibre of his being screams that you do.

Allah has created someone for someone. He created Eve for Adam, He creates a woman from the rib of the man.

Salauddin touches the side of his chest, just above his abdomen.

Perhaps you're his missing rib.

You were smart, you were daring, you were also stupid enough to put yourself in harms way but it was... endearing. More importantly, you were the only person who could bicker with him, stand your ground against him and get away with it too.

He sat down on a chair, looking out at the pyramids. Like the man he's named after (Prophet Yusuf/Joseph), Salauddin believes in dreams having meaning. Perhaps its a way for God to talk to you, to warn you or guide you.

And from all his dreams about you, he's come to interpret it that he must save you from Baldwin... and everyone else. And he can save you- he can save you without you having to go through the trouble to be plotting against Baldwin and endangering yourself by working with Guy.

He could marry you.

If you were to marry Salauddin, you would become the queen of Egypt and the wife of the strongest Muslim leader of the time. Not only that but the entire ummah, Muslims around the world will come together as one to fight against Baldwin, against anyone who dares to harm you. You would be safe, you would be secure by his side as his wife.

But the plan is easier said than done.

Baldwin wouldnt backdown so easily. He would wreak havoc and if he's as obsessed with you as Salauddin has seen him, then he wouldnt stop at nothing to get you back. Baldwin will have to be dead for you to be safe from him.

Besides Baldwin, you yourself also are a hurdle. You havent shown any interest in him (which is understandable because you're engaged) but he doubts you're interested in marrying anyone at all. You're not one to be affected his wealth or status, you dont go for materialistic things. He's sure if he were to ask your hand, you would laugh hysterically and then maybe try mocking him. And Salauddin does not want to force you to marry him. He wants you to want him.

There is a way he could convince you. All he has to do is make himself look better than any man, especially Baldwin because you do seem to have a soft spot for him despite trying to sabotage him.

A sinister idea comes to mind.

What if Baldwin breaks up with you?

If Baldwin, for any reason, decides not to marry you then not only will you be free from him but a war will be avoided.

All Salauddin has to do is give Baldwin a reason to break up with you. He could send some concubines to him, but he doubts Baldwin would use them. And even if he did, it isnt reason enough for him to call off things with you. No, the only way Baldwin would break up with you is... if you're unfaithful to him. You dont need to cheat, dont need to sleep with any man. No, you dont have to do anything at all. All he has to do is make sure you're in the right place at the right time and Baldwin's there too, just enough to create doubt in his mind. And the ball will roll from there. Baldwin will continue to second guess your loyalty to him until he's driven himself insane. Then he'd leave you without ever punishing you for a crime he thinks you committed but has no proof of. Thats when Salauddin will swoop in as your knight in shining armour and you'll see that all men but him are shit and you'll say yes to his proposal-

No.

He sighed, rubbing his temples. Despite it being a perfect plan, the safest plan- Salauddin cant bare to stain your character. He cannot spread a rumor about you being unfaithful. He cannot have anyone talk badly of you, even if it will end up with you in his arms. You're important to him. And if you ever figure out that Salauddin was the one behind it all, you'd never forgive him. You would never trust him.

The thought of you not trusting him, just like you dont trust him enough to tell him why you sneaked out of the palace, it hurts him. He doesnt know why but he wants you to trust him- trust him enough that you come to him with your problems and have faith that he will solve them for you. He will keep you safe. He will protect you.

He will have to find another way.

Salauddin offered the morning prayer before reciting the Quran, asking Allah for guidance for his problems and good health for you.

He walked out of his room and turned to the corridor where your room was, only to find you sneaking out of the room with Isabelle. You were still wearing his white chaddar, and it engulfed your small body like a blanket as you hurriedly walked down-

You tripped on the bottom of the long chaddar and fell face first.

"Princess!" Isabelle cried out as she helped you up, but you quickly dusted yourself off and continued talking her ear off as if nothing had happened, the tail of the chaddar trailing behind you as Isabelle walked beside you to keep up with what you were saying.

"Idiot..." He whispered to himself, though he was smiling. He called a servant and ordered him to bring the finest chaddars and niqaabs for you. He cant have you tripping all over the place because you wear his chaddar that was too big for you, despite how adorable you looked in it.

-

You knocked on his door.

"Salauddin, I was going to the market-"

"And you came to ask for permission? Okay, granted." He waved you off with a smirk.

You rolled your eyes. "Where do you get the audacity- nevermind. I came to ask if you'd lend me a few gold coins? I need to buy some things, souvenirs if you will." You had lost your coin purse in the desert and you need to pay Abbas.

He raised a brow. "What do you need? I can have it brought to you here."

You pursed your lips. Why is he being difficult? "I dont know what I need until I look. Just give me some money, I promise to pay you back as soon as I can."

He stood up, walking upto you but you neither backed away nor moved your eyes from him. "Its not about the money." He pulled out a pouch and dropped it in your hands. "I worry for your safety. Who knows how many others Guy has hired to kill you? I'm coming along."

"Aww, you're worried about me? That's so sweet-"

"I wouldnt want my image to tarnish because a guest died in my care." Your smile dropped as you grumbled something under your breath.

"Whatever. I still dont need you to tag along-"

"Good thing about being the sultan is that I dont need anyone's permission." He cut you off before walking past you. You stomped after him. "Salauddin, dont you have work-"

"You can either come with me or stay in your room for the rest of your stay here." He stated.

-

"What?" He heard you snicker beside him. Your eyes twinkled with amusement. "Oh, its just these rags suit you a lot." Salauddin and his guards had worn disguises to blend in with the commoners. He didnt want to draw attention to you two.

He rolled his eyes. "I have to blend in for your safety-" "I have never looked more in danger than I do right now. Look around and see people staring at a lady dressed so modestly is surrounded by brooding men wearing rags." You giggled as Salauddin looked around to see some people were indeed looking your way.

You stopped at a small stall that was selling some jewellery. You were looking at some rings, trying to choose something for Sibylla. The shopkeeper, an old man must've seen Salauddin standing over your shoulder looking around for any suspicious men.

"Son, why dont you help your wife pick something? Focus on her!" The shopkeeper said, catching you both off guard. You looked at Salauddin and laughed at his surprised face. Continuing to pull his leg, you stared up at him and batted your lashes. "Well, husband? What do you think would suit me?" You asked raising two different earrings to your face. One had a ruby in it, the other had sapphire.

He looked at you for a moment.

"Neither."

Your smile underneath your veil vanished, and you placed the earrings back on the table.

"The blue opal ones." He nodded his head as the shopkeeper handed him the tear drop gold earrings that had the precious stones fixed in it. He brought the earrings near your face, never touching it as his eyes assessed his pick.

"They bring out your eyes." He said before paying the old man and giving them to you, all while you were looking at him in awe.

"Wait! Why did you pay? I had the money." You two had begun walking again. "You mean the money I gave you?" You frowned. "I'm gonna pay you back." He smiled. "You dont need to. I have enough. As for the earrings... consider them a gift."

"Gift?"

He hummed, his chest puffed up. "Part of the hospitality of the sultan."

You glared at him before smiling. "Thanks." You two continued to walk around the market, Salauddin gave alms to the poor he encountered. You were standing at another stall, watching in fascination as the man ground up the black powder and mixed it with oils to make kohl. He filled it up in a beautiful vessel before asking if you'd like to try it.

"Oh, I dont know how to." Especially not without a mirror, which the man didnt have. But he was persistent to sell his product and when he looked at Salauddin's kohl lined eyes, he offered it to him.

"Would you apply it on your wife?" This time, Salauddin didnt react like he did the earlier when he was associated with you. He took the wooden stick dipped in the kohl and looked at you for permission.

You gave a nod. He walked upto you, gently cupping your veil covered face. You thanked God for the niqaab, or else he would've seen how violently you were blushing.

"Chin up." He whispered before tilting your chin up. Your eyes shifted as they stared into his brown ones. "Open wide." He ordered, even though your eyes were already saucer shaped from the close proximity.

He began tracing the soft edge of the stick along the waterline of your right eye. He seemed to have noticed that you were holding your breath. "Relax." He softly commanded, patting your cheek with his thumb. That broke you out of your trance as you narrowed your eyes at him.

"Dont tell me what to do." You grumbled. "Open wide." He ordered again bringing the stick up to your left eye for a second coat. You hated the way he commanded you, hated that he seemed to be having his fun with this.

"Dont order-"

"If you dont listen to me, I will marry you today." Your eyes blew wide open in shock.

"What-?!"

"Hush." He smiled placing kohl on your now wide eyes. "Whats wrong? You seemed to enjoy playing my wife but when I joke to marry you, you dont like it."

He's... joking?

Without realising, you blinked causing the still wet kohl to spread in your eyes. Salauddin had pulled the stick back just in time to not poke your eye out.

You hissed in pain, raising your hand to rub your eyes but Salauddin caught your wrist pushing it down.

"Open your eyes, Y/n. Look at me. I said- look at me." You opened your eyes to stare at him, your vision blurry from the mixture of tears and kohl.

Salauddin grabbed his handkerchief and began to dab the excess away as he tutted at you to stay still. Once he was done wiping the excess away, he blew cold air on your irritated eyes gently.

"I swear... if you dont sit still, I really will marry you today." He threatened you as he watched your red eyes glare at him. He didnt like that you were in pain, even if your own stupidity was the cause of it. This time when he applied kohl, you didnt dare to move an inch.

Fortunately, he worked faster this time around.

He gave a nod of approval when he was done. You dont know whether it was because he liked how your eyes looked now or if he was admiring his own work.

Salauddin handed the man money before taking a few bottles of kohl.

For the next hour, you two walked around in silence mostly. The image of your kohl lined eyes occupied his mind, not only because of how beautiful they were but also all the emotions that switched in a matter of seconds. You could try and hide your feelings all you want but your eyes tell. The eyes... they're the window to one's soul.

He saw attraction, anger, mesmerisation, disgust and pain in your eyes. Or maybe he's overthinking this. Maybe it was all just momentary and you really do hate the idea of being married to him.

You were both standing at yet another shop, this one was selling dates. Salauddin walked inside the shop a little more to inspect the quality of the dates, expecting you to be following behind him but when he turned around, you were gone. He walked outside the shop, hoping to find you there but it seemed like you had vanished. Even his guards hadnt seen you.

And then, as Salauddin whipped his head around, he saw the silloutte of your chadar disappearing around the corner. He ran after you, hoping to not lose you in the crowd but as soon as he turned around the corner, he couldnt spot you anywhere. He ran down the street, looking left and right but you werent there.

Where are you, Y/n?

He began walking back towards the main street when in the corner of his eye, he caught the sight of a familiar chadar. He turned his head to the right and there you were, standing with your back to him under the shadow of the large canopy of the shop talking to some man.

He walked up behind you, the man you were talking to seeing him first.

"Y/n." He snapped. You turned startled before your shoulders relaxed at the sight of him. "Oh, its just you. Did you buy the dates?"

Dates? You're asking him about dates after you just made his heart stop for a few minutes?

"Why did you leave me?" Ya Allah, that came out way more desperate than he wanted it to.

"I was getting something from this man." He raised a brow, almost as if he didnt believe you. You sighed. "This is Abbas. I hired him to make some things for me?"

"Such as?" You narrowed your eyes at his accusatory tone before nodding at Abbas, who then pulled out a heaxagonal shaped board that looked somewhat similar to a-

"Its 3 people chess!" You exclaimed, bouncing on your feet as you handed it to Salauddin. "I designed it and had Abbas make it for you!"

"For me?" He asked, turning the board around as he tried to understand how it would work.

"Yeah. I wanted to thank you for saving my life. And for your hospitality. And for lending me money."

His eyes softened slightly. "You dont need to thank me, Y/n. Its... my duty. I'm responsible for you." You waved him off. "Yeah yeah. Look, just take this and I'll teach you how to play so that one day you could play it with your wife and... kid? Or maybe with your wife and Baldwin? Or two wives-?"

"Y/n, I appreciate the gift but I would appreciate your silence more now." You pouted at his words but never the less, you both left to return to the palace, unaware of the eyes watching you two.

The mysterious figure wrote down what he'd seen before using messenger eagle to deliver the note to Jerusalem.

-

It had almost been a week in Egypt. You and Salauddin were having lunch together when a guard came to him and whispered something in his ear, the sultan frowning.

"Whats wrong?" You asked him.

He looked at you. "Baldwin... he's coming to Egypt."

"What? When?"

"He's crossed the desert. He should be getting here today, in a few hours." Salauddin was still frowning. Why is Baldwin coming to Egypt?

You shook your head. "Baldwin wouldnt ever leave Jerusalem, not unless..." Your eyes widened at the realisation.

"He's coming for a war." Salauddin confirmed.

Fuck.

Part 7 is here!

[artsninspo]

"TIKTOK PRANK 📱" - RIO X READER

🎁 here's a present - holiday fic

Summary: This short one-shot explores the viral TikTok prank and how Rio would react to his woman telling him she cant cover this months mortgage.

Pairing: Rio (Good Girls) X Reader

Word-Count: ~900

「 ✦ full library & archive ✦ 」

➨ rio's library - good girl nbc

You never once thought the charismatic and elusive man that you met at the gas station would become everything to you. The more you got to know him the less you expected this. He was home every night for one, which was a grand departure from your chaotic beginnings. He’d always been a man, dominant and uncompromising in his vision but somewhere along the way things had changed. 

“Whats up baby” he rasps coming over to the living room to kiss you.

“Nothing much, dinners in the microwave” you smile and he nods warming it up. Your beginnings were full of charged and passionate arguments about everything under the sun. Followed by the best sex you ever had. Rio had fought hard for the position he had now in your life and your heart and you're grateful for it. Seated at the table with his drink and cutlery his eyes close over his food before he starts eating.

“So fucking good” he nods packing the food away for a man as slim as him. “Thank you baby” he praises.

“You’re welcome” you smile.

“Come sit with me” he calls out. This is the part of him it took months to get to. The man that doesnt even want to eat dinner alone. Getting up you head to the dining room table as he scoots his chair back making it clear if there was any confusion. He wants you in his lap and not on your own chair beside him. His right arm hooks around your waist securing you to him as his left continues making quick work of his dinner.

“How was your day?” he asks and you snuggle into him, happy your man is home. 

“Better now” you admit and he scoffs. 

“I bet mama” he says and you know he’s smiling when he kisses the top of your head. 

“Did you ask Marcus what he wants for Christmas?” you ask knowing he spent the day with his son.

“New phone, computer and camera - kid wants to be a streamer. He talks in tiktok half the time. I don't understand the shit he’s on!” Rio says making you chuckle.

“I ordered him the phone and phone cases already” you tell him when it hits you. The newest tiktok trend that has been making you giggle, is the perfect harmless prank for Rio.

“Cool, I gotta call his mom to make sure shit is straight, then we can go pick up the computer tomorrow” he says. “You decide what you want yet?” he asks.

“Haven't decided yet” you tell him and he sits back chewing his last bite as he watches you skeptically. His phone rings and you get up to give him privacy. Heading into your bedroom you set up a hidden camera and start on your nightly routine. You’re sitting in bed scrolling when he comes in heading into the shower. When you hear the water shut off you make sure the cameras are recording and get back into bed. You tell yourself to stop smiling in preparation for his emergence but you want to laugh already. A straight face is necessary to reel him in. He comes out a few minutes later in black pyjama bottoms, getting in bed beside you.

“Rio, I have to tell you something…” you swallow pretending to be nervous.

“That’s why you got down today in the kitchen huh?” he comments already annoyed. Instead of smiling you look at your hands twisting them in a nervous gesture. His frustration turns into concern.

“Who’s life is coming to an end?” he asks calmly. His attention is piqued and he reaches over, rubbing your thigh in a comforting gesture. “Baby, tell me” he says softening. You take a breath to keep from laughing and swallow hard.

“I can't pay the mortgage this month” you say and he blinks in shock. “I’m sorry, I went crazy on black friday and there’s no more money” you continue.

“Pay what, when?” he asks, shaking his head.

“I’m sorry” you whisper, keeping things going.

“You bump your head or something? You think I’m someone else? One of your ex’s maybe because when have you ever paid the mortgage?” he asks absolutely thrown.

“I’m serious”

“Babe, when have you ever paid any bill?” he asks, annoyed at the thought.

“So it's okay?” you ask and he shakes his head again making you smile.

“Stop playing with me, can’t pay the mortgage” he mocks.

“It’s a prank from tiktok,” you laugh. Rio shoot’s you an annoyed look.

“Better be, had me worried for bullshit” he says.

“Who’s life is coming to an end” you mock, laughing at him.

“That’s the difference between us mama, I’m not playing about you and you want to prank me” he comments and you pepper kisses onto your mans face. When Rio deepens the kiss pulling at the knot in your robe you pull away.

“Wait a minute I was filming the prank for Marcus.” you laugh.

“You and my son better stop neglecting me for tiktok” Rio says as you turn off the cameras. 

“Let me make it up to you” you smile, taking your robe off and straddling your man.

“I’m always gonna pay the bills for this place as long as you're in it” he says kissing you hard and you smile against his lips knowing he takes care of all your needs just the way you need.

hi my loves! back with a quick little holiday fic based on a tiktok trend. let me know if you guys like this and I can continue with little tiktok trends.

: ̗̀➛ Loved the story? ❣ Like, ❝ Comment, ↺ Reblog, ☑ vote —it all helps me so much! 💌

tags: @meadows5 @wnbweasley @becauseimher @ariiaeltheedonn @woahthatshitfat @miniaturehideoutmentality @kokobells @ffenthusiastt @sowhatariyana @1xtral1983 @theegoddessofmelanin @fictionalreads @roxytheimmortal

[here-there-be-drag0ns]

i need. i need chip to become violently aware of his attraction to his best friend and very suddenly, being in the same space as gillion makes him feel like hes going to spontaneously combust or do something stupid - maybe both in that order. gillion, of course, dense as a brick wall, has No Fucking Idea and thinks chip is like. mad at him or something and thats why hes avoiding him out of nowhere

gillion progressively looking more and more kicked puppy-like the longer chip seems to be fleeing from his presence. when gillion eventually puts together the courage and determination to ask what he did wrong and how he can fix it, he cant even take one step in chips direction before chip stiffens and immediately scurries away. he catches chip watching him train or work from a distance quite often, now, but the second chip sees him looking he turns and walks away. gillion is confused and hurt and doesnt know what to do :(

chip however cannot stop daydreaming about gillion. gillion holding him, gillion kissing him, gillion in the moonlight, gillions smile with big flashy teeth, gillions hands on his cheek and the small of his back, gillions lopsided grin as chip offers him part of his meal. and he feels like hes going to explode, like the love hes felt for gillion has somehow changed until it doesnt fit. like his love for his crew has always found a way to feel too big for his body, and gillion as his best friend was no exception. but now its changed from a squeeze in his chest to a writhing thing that threatens to burst free of his ribs. hes had to ask queen to patch his jacket five times already from the flustered smoldering before she just reinforced the shoulders with a flame-proof material, and there are scorch marks in the deck and railing from his magic acting up in response to that overwhelming surge of emotion.

and the worst part of all this? the worst part is chip is Scared. hes head over heels for his best fucking friend and he is scared. he doesnt know what to do with this. hes never felt like this before, not this strongly, at least, and its as overwhelming as it is dangerous. hes terrified hes going to fuck it up. just by existing. hes going to ruin this, ruin this good thing he somehow managed to wrench out of a world that seems to want him in a pit of misery. hes scared hes asking too much of it, now. that he'll lose his grip and lose this entirely. he was already scared that hed taken more than he deserved by putting together a crew this good, god help him if he tries to take this, too.

[k-aemi]

hii! how r u? hope you're doing well! can i request this: i know it mighttt sounds weird but i just thought of it🥹 can u do stepbro!rin and he's like a sick pervert for his lil step sis? and her lil step sis is like sick and told him her throat hurts so much and rin makes sure to help her, feeding her soup and helping her abt everything but she'll just complain how hurt her throat is and he'll tell him that maybe she needs smth warm and thick to swallow then he'll make her give him head, saying 'it'll help her throat' thanks!

itoshi rin ˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ it’ll all be over soon.

face fucking, rough, stepcest, innocent reader.

a/n: hope it is good! again sorry for not posting a lot but i try! i will do more requests soon!!!!

brother!rin just loves how youre so helpless being sick and all. but you're suffering and your throat hurts so much, you could barely even speak a word, of course he'll help you get better.

"nii chan...throat hurts..." you'd whine pathetically as little tears peeked from the corner of your eyes. your voice became groggy and hard to understand. due to weather change, your condition just worsened and soon you just woke up with a cold with your throat hurting.

"ill make some soup." he soothes your warm forehead with those big hands of his. trying to soothe some of the pain if it even helped. he told himself he hated seeing you in pain—but deep down, something twisted in him relished the sight of you vulnerable. it was thrilling for him to say at least.

but, even when he tries his best to make the most delicious soup ever for you, it doesn't help with your sore throat at all :(

"rin-nii..! still hurts! nothing helps..." you cried, sniffling because you seriously had no tolerance when it came to sickness, it just got so bad to the point you're a whining mess.

he only stirs the broth with a soft and slow circular motion, he doesnt know how to help with your condition. but don't worry though! doctor itoshi thought of the perfect solution to help fix your sore throat.

he'd rub your thighs in a endearing way, squishing the soft flesh occasionally. "'mouto, there's a medicine for you. but its very difficult to get. you need to help me okay?" he tucks a strand of hair behind your ear.

you nod eagerly, just anything to cure that sore throat of yours. your eyes full of plead and rin feels sick. sick that he's lying to you just for his own pleasure, but who knows, maybe it will work.

you stare in awe, seeing rin-nii's intimidating cock that springs to life as it smacks your cheek. you don't really know what he's going to do, but it's going to help your sore throat and sickness! :D

a faint blush crept onto his cheek, feeling the way your breath hit his cock, twitching in contact. he can't contain his excitement any longer, sucking in his bottom lip.

"put your pretty lips on here. then the medicine will come out 'mouto." he rests his hand on your head, tangling his fingers in your locks. you feel pretty nervous about this, your hands laid on his inner thigh.

"you sure rin-nii? will it help..?" your teary eyes look up at him from your position and he loves it. "yes. promise." he says sternly and your lips slightly make contact with his pink tip, which he sucks in a breath.

"take all of it. that way the medicine can come faster." he grips your scalp, forcing some of his cock inside of your mouth, you were already struggling to take the tip. trying to get the whole thing was going to be difficult, but you really wanted to get rid of your sore throat as quick as possible.

drool drips down the corner of your lips, coughing from the intrusion of rins cock. he takes in sight of your pretty lips on his cock, mouth hanging slightly, seeing the way you bobbed your head and the excessive amount of saliva that was covered all over.

he couldn't help but grip your head tighter, involuntary thrusting his hips upwards at you, making you gag. "sorry...sorry." he chants but he continued to force your cock down till your nose hit his pelvis. you whimper and whine, tears streaming down your cheeks.

your hands clawed his inner thigh, a hiss falls from his lips, but the pleasure subsided that pain, feeling so replenished just having his little 'mouto suck his cock in front of him.

this feels so wrong. youre sick and hes over here making you suck on his cock. he's that pathetic. the way your teary eyes eyed up at him made him lose it. without any warning, he comes undone inside your throat with a choked moan.

the thick seed makes its way down your throat, it tasted so bitter yet sweet at the same time. you swallow it all, not like you had a choice either way.

you release off his cock with a cough as rin tries to recover his breathing.

"still hurt rin-nii.." you sniffled, rubbing your tears that went dry on your cheeks. he only rubbed your cheek with the back of his hand, he felt sick and twisted doing all this, but he can't help but love you so much.

"one more time. promise 'mouto, it'll work."

I MEANT TO POST THIS LAST NIGHT BUT I FELL ASLEEP HAHAH

tags ✎: @rinrinniebaby @theirlimerence 

[blushingdread]

Knowing how the construct and Princess works makes playing the game a fun game of trying to figure out which voice did what to do this

The Razor route becomes even funnier because you're just watching Cheated stack the deck against himself. Like congratulations, you played yourself

Skeptic gets your ass trapped by fucking with the chain on the other side of Prisoner, which was ment to hold her other hand aka the Long Quiet, and THEN he gets you OUT by nitpicking about how the cabin should be changing if time is passing plus not thinking about how our not starving doesnt make sense!! Task failed successfully!!!

Cold is competely unintentionally fighting a one man war to keep the Princess as powerless as possible. All of Cold's Princesses are dead, except for Fury and Stencil. Stencil flicking between alive and dead, which is likely because of Opportunist's and Hero's thoughts being stronger than his, because in Wraith, she just stays dead. In Fury, he comes in late, and Stubbron already doesn't think she can die, so he doesnt effect her much. Cold's insistence that she's dead and easy to kill is at war with Hero's fear of ghosts and the Narrators insistence that she's alive. It's so funny when you realize that he's doing that

I always felt that Adversary!Fury was kinda overreacting. She seemed more disappointed in you. It felt really strange when she went full endless torture when thats kinda out of left field, but she makes so much more sense from Stubborn's pov!! He's the one that's supremely fucked up about the situation, he's the one yelling at Cold for his fucking audacity, he's the one who sees her in a new light after she beats you to death without a weapon when she just seemed scared and wanted to mercy kill you. Stubbon did that!!

Most princesses have a version of themselves but more. Needle to Adversary, Caged to Prisoner, Clarity to Nightmare, Den to Beast, Apotheosis to Tower, Razor, and I would say Wraith to Specter, and that's probably because the first voice you got thoughts were confirmed but now there's a second voice adding details. It's literally just confirmation bias, that's all that's happening here. Its really funny

Anyways i gotta ask what the fuck was going on in Hunted's and Opportunist's heads to make Wild? Like, I assume Hunted was thinking about when Beast dies, they'll return to nature together as one. Creating "We are a path in the woods,", but what the FUCK was oppy thinking to lead to this. Let me inside of your brain freak

[starkeymeow]

❛ we make each other alive . .

does it matter if it hurts? ❜

I’M COMING, WAIT FOR ME.

PLOT you enter the hunger games a proud weapon of your district, only to find your sharpest blade is the boy beside you, and you’re not sure which one of you the capitol wants to break first.

CONTENT chapter eight, best read in dark mode, rafe cameron x reader au, toppers dying, me lowkey not giving any of u guys any connection to him so his death doesnt even mean anything LMAOOO, FAST PACED ON PURPOSE, also late update omg my bad

main masterlist | series ml | tag list | previous next

kie talks you through it with shaky hands. she tells you what to grab, how to press the cloth to the bleeding, where to fold the torn strip of shirt, and you follow each step like it’s gospel.

your fingers are clumsy, your mind racing, but you do it. it’s not perfect, not close, but it’s enough for now. her breathing steadies. she won’t be healed, not really, not in a place like this. but she’s not going to bleed out on the cornucopia floor either.

when the boys return from the hunt, they’re empty-handed and frustrated. they say they searched all the way across the field, even pushed up near the forest line, but nothing. no more sounds, no signs of anyone. topper says they didn’t wanna go too far, not without knowing if you and kie were safe. it’s fine. whoever it was, whatever it was, they’re gone now. someone else will come along eventually. they always do.

but you can’t stay here. not with the bodies. not with the hovercrafts that are about to be looking overhead like vultures waiting for a meal to clear. the air reeks of blood and burned metal.

you gather your things. someone picks up an extra bag, maybe one of the dead boys’, and slings it over their shoulder. anything could be in there. anything might help.

you don’t go toward the birch forest again. no one even suggests it. the caves are off the table too, even if they’d be good for hiding. but you all saw what that forest could do, and nobody wants to imagine what else is waiting in the dark.

afternoon creeps by as you move. jj and rafe support kie on either side, helping her walk, though half the time it’s more like dragging. her leg’s stiff, wrapped in the cloth that’s already spotted with fresh red, and her teeth are clenched so tight she hasn’t said a word since you left the clearing. you keep glancing back at her, your stomach knotting every time you see her wince. she hates this. you can tell. hates being the weak one now, hates not being able to fight or hunt or run.

you and topper scout ahead. neither of you talks much, just short murmurs about the terrain. topper’s wound from earlier is covered. nothing serious, not like kie’s, but he keeps favoring that side slightly. you’re not sure if it’s pain or paranoia.

and your cheek still stings from the other night.

you keep brushing your fingers against it, even when you know you shouldn’t. the skin feels raw, and it burns every time your dirty hand presses against the line that forest carved into you. sometimes you wonder if it’s bleeding again, but it’s not. it just hurts. always.

up ahead, the trees change. they’re different here. there’s no more tall pale birches, no more whispering air or invisible blades. these ones are darker, rougher, bark cracked and dry under your touch. there’s more earth here, more scattered leaves, a few berry bushes that you don’t trust. you stop walking, but listen.

there’s water nearby. you can hear it. it’s a stream, not far off. good. you’ll need to refill soon.

“set her down,” you say quietly. you’re standing in a patch of ground that looks as good as any. there’s no perfect place to rest, not here, but this feels . . . still. feels okay for now at least.

jj and rafe lower kie to the ground carefully, easing her down near the roots of one of the trees. her leg stretches out and she groans, barely audible, but it’s the most she’s said since everything. she’s holding in more pain than she lets on, you’re sure of it. her hands are trembling again. her jaw’s locked.

you don’t say anything. you just crouch next to her and help adjust her backpack so she can lean against it more comfortably.

you don’t know who’s in charge anymore. rafe hasn’t said much. so maybe it’s jj, maybe you, maybe it’s no one. but you can tell just by the way everyone moves, the way they keep looking at kie, that they want something to hit back. someone to pay. it doesn’t matter that the ones who hurt kie are already dead. every tribute you meet now is going to pay for it.

you hate that. yet you understand it completely.

you wipe your hands on your pants and straighten up. there's still enough daylight to do something with it. you’re not sure what yet, but you feel like staying here too long will only get you killed.

you walk between them, with rafe on your right, topper on your left, close enough to feel like guards, but no one says anything about it. the three of you have been wandering for what feels like hours, the only sounds being the crunch of dirt and twigs beneath your boots and the occasional snap of a branch overhead. no signs of life. no tributes. no traps. nothing but open space and silence. it’s getting old fast. you wonder if the capitol is getting bored.

“this is fucking stupid,” topper mutters, dragging the flat of his axe over his shoulder like it’s heavier than it is. “where is everyone?”

“hiding,” rafe answers, voice rough from disuse. “waiting for us to do somethin’ dumb before they do probably.”

you’ve already filled your flasks at the stream. there’s no cannon, no anthem, no parachute gifts from above. just a long stretch of forest that refuses to end, but then something catches your eye. it’s a rose, red and full, nestled against the base of a tree. then another. and another, a few feet apart. you stop walking.

topper nearly walks into you. “what?”

you don’t answer. you’re too busy staring at the ground.

“roses?” he scoffs. “real subtle. there’s gotta be somethin’ wrong with ‘em.”

“just looks like the arena decorator got trigger-happy,” rafe says, giving a faint smirk.

you glance around. the roses aren’t in any kind of pattern. they’re just . . . there. out of place. but they don’t look dangerous. they just look dumb.

“think it’s a trap?” topper asks, eyeing the nearest one.

“everything’s a trap,” you mutter. “but this just looks like bad taste.”

“you wanna go through or around?” rafe asks, watching you carefully.

“doesn’t matter. just don’t touch them,” you say, stepping wide around the first bush. “it’s not like we’re gonna be eating them anyway, so there’s no use for them. but i’m not in the mood to die by a flower.”

“you’re no fun,” topper grins.

you roll your eyes. at this point it doesn’t feel like the hunger games, it feels like someone hit pause. you half expect a bird to startle or a cannon to boom just to break the tension.

rafe falls into step beside you again. his posture is tense, eyes scanning the trees. same as you.

“we’ll check the next clearing,” you say after a beat. “then head back.”

“yeah,” rafe agrees, rubbing the back of his neck. “kie’s probably bored out of her mind.”

“she’s not gonna like sitting still much longer,” topper says behind you.

“none of us do,” you mumble.

eventually you’re crouched low, dagger in hand. there’s something small. a rabbit maybe, or something close to it. but it’s edible, has to be. topper’s only a few feet away, his axe held loose in one hand as he scans the trees above.

you’re both quiet, breathing barely there. the arena gave you a gift, meat, if you’re lucky enough to catch it, but you haven’t seen anything yet except for rustling that never amounts to anything.

then topper shifts suddenly. quick, like he sees something. he straightens slightly, shoulders tense, and turns his head back toward the direction of camp.

you look up just in time to see his jaw clench. “what?” you whisper.

“someone’s moving,” he says under his breath. “headed back. toward—” he flinches like he’s about to bolt.

but rafe’s hand snaps out and clamps down on topper’s shoulder. “stay with y/n.” he doesn’t even look at him when he says it. his gaze is trained on the trees, locked in on whatever he saw, body already leaning toward motion. then he’s gone. he jogs forward, weaving through thick brush until you can’t see him anymore.

topper lets out a breath through his nose, shifting the grip on his axe. “i could’ve gone.”

“i know,” you murmur, watching where rafe vanished. “he probably figured we’d be more useful together. still gotta eat. what can he kill with a mace anyway?”

“. . . like a lot.”

“shut up.”

you shake your head and crouch again, dragging your fingers through the dirt to find the tracks you lost. no point in arguing. you trust rafe. you trust topper. you’re fine.

“besides,” you mutter, glancing up at him with the barest smirk, “we get the fun job. stabbing dinner.”

topper huffs, something close to a laugh, and drops beside you to keep searching. his axe hangs at his side.

you spot fresh claw marks in the bark of a nearby tree, low to the ground, uneven. squirrel. recently, too. you swear you see something run past just a few feet away.

“there,” you whisper, motioning him forward. you can’t bring the group back a full recovery, but you can bring them dinner.

as you and topper move quietly through the thick brush, the squirrel stays just ahead, skittish but unaware, stopping now and then to gnaw on something or twitch its tail like it’s teasing you. the trail has curved slightly, leading you away from where you were and closer to the darker edge of the terrain. there’s more shadow, more uneven ground. the caves.

you slow your pace. topper does too, glancing at you like even he knows this feels off.

the squirrel darts toward the opening, its small frame barely making a sound as it scurries inside. you take another step, eyes narrowed as you peer into the shadows.

it’s still bright out. the sun’s filtering behind the trees, but the inside of that cave swallows the light whole. you can’t even see where the walls end.

you raise a hand to stop topper from getting closer. “hold on.”

but before he can answer, something moves in the dark. it’s not the squirrel. a sound echoes. it’s a wet, guttural clicking, like bones being sucked clean. and then it comes. fast.

not just fast, but wrong. a blur of movement and sound. the mutt is long-limbed and slick-skinned, pale like it’s never seen light, with ridged arms and a jaw that seems unhinged, split in two like mandibles from hell. it was made for the caves. its back legs are almost canine, but the front limbs are lean and human-shaped, with claws too long, too sharp.

and its eyes, there are too many. six, bulging, pupil-less, just black and glistening.

it launches out of the cave, mouth opening wide with a scream that sounds like metal tearing. you’re dead.

you and topper dive to opposite sides, pure instinct.

“go, go!” you yell, scrambling back to your feet as it claws at the dirt where you just were.

topper throws his axe, but it bounces off the thing’s back with a sickening crack and it only screeches louder, its body jerking as if it’s already healing. it doesn’t care about the squirrel. it was waiting for tributes. it was waiting for you two.

your heart’s pounding as you grab toppers hand and run. you duck under branches and stumble over roots as the thing crashes behind you. it’s fast, relentless, and too quiet for something its size. it doesn’t howl like an animal. it doesn’t growl. it just moves, all hunger and precision, like it’s wired to kill and nothing more.

topper spins mid-run and throws a rock next, something, anything, to buy time. you see the jagged chunk of bark miss its mark completely, and the mutt doesn’t even flinch.

“fuck!” topper yells. your legs feel like lead.

the trees are too dense and there’s no straight path out, just tangled brush, fallen logs, and nowhere to hide. you’re running blind when your foot slips in the mud, and you crash into the ground.

you let out a scream. it tears from your throat without thought, raw, desperate, loud enough to echo through the forest. you don’t know if jj or kie or anyone can hear it, but you hope. gods, you hope.

topper grabs your hand and hauls you up again, and for a second you’re running together, barely outpacing the thing.

until you hear him cry out.

you turn just in time to see his body lifted—no, dragged, his legs kicking as the mutt sinks its claws into his back and pulls. its jaw splits wider than you thought possible, ripping into him like he’s nothing more than a piece of meat.

“topper!” your voice breaks.

you don’t even realize you’ve dropped your dagger. your hand is still holding his hand, trying to pull him, trying to save him as if you can still. your body is trembling with the effort. he’s screaming, his other hand trying to grab anything nearby, but the mutt’s too strong.

his grip starts to loosen.

he meets your eyes for one moment. there’s a mixture of pain, fear, acceptance. “run,” he gasps.

and you let go.

you fall backward, crawling away in the dirt, tears streaking down your face as you choke on your own breathing. you want to look away but you can’t. the thing, this mutt, this serpent-limbed, frog-eyed, reptilian horror, keeps tearing into him. it doesn’t even acknowledge you anymore. you’re nothing to it now.

but then, hands grab you.

you’re hauled to your feet, your legs barely cooperating, your lungs collapsing. everything’s too loud, too quiet, too much.

“y/n!” rafe’s voice cuts through everything.

he’s frantic, his arm tight around your waist as he pulls you through the trees. you’re stumbling, barely upright, but he won’t let go. you don’t look back. you can’t.

rafe’s voice is a blur in your ears the second time he says something. it’s just sound, not words.

his hand is a vice around yours, pulling you through trees you barely register. everything around you blurs, colors smeared together like wet paint. the only thing sharp is the memory of topper’s scream still echoing in your skull, blood-soaked and too real.

you’re moving, but it just feels like you’re underwater. like your legs are carrying you, somehow, but not fast enough. your brain is disconnected from your body. your chest burns with every breath, but you don’t feel it, not really. not yet.

you don’t even notice the way your ankle rolls until the ground disappears beneath your foot.

your body jerks. pain sears up your leg like fire, and you cry out, but you don’t fall. your grip tightens on rafe’s arm, knuckles white, and he’s already twisting toward you. his other arm loops around your back in an instant, dragging you up, holding you upright, muttering something under his breath you can’t make out.

“‘ve got you,” you think he says. “you can— please, come on, y/n!”

he adjusts his hold so you’re almost tucked into him now, half-dragged, half-carried, your face buried in the side of his arm as he keeps moving. it’s easier like this, running with him carrying half your weight, grounding you in a way your brain can’t do on its own right now.

your eyes blink rapidly, breath catching as trees rush past you, as your feet start to fall in rhythm again. you don’t know where he’s taking you. it could be anywhere, just away from the cave, deeper into the woods, toward safety or another death trap, you don’t know.

but you let him lead. you don’t ask questions. you just hold on.

in just moments, you don’t know how long you’ve been running. it feels endless. the pain in your ankle is still there, throbbing, but dulled now, probably from the adrenaline. it’s like your body knows you can’t afford to feel anything else right now.

you stumble after him, blinking up as the trees begin to thin out, and you realize too late that he’s leading you straight toward a ledge.

you want to scream. you want to stop. your feet try to dig in against the dirt but there’s no time, no grip, no warning. your heart seizes in your chest as the world disappears from under you, your stomach lurching violently like it’s trying to climb up your throat. and then—

water.

you hit it hard. you sink for a second, deeper than you expect, your limbs flailing on instinct. you’re not sure what direction is up until your fingers brush the surface and you kick toward it blindly. when you break through, you’re gasping, coughing, spitting out water that burns your throat as it forces its way out. you blink rapidly, trying to clear your eyes, trying to focus. but you’re yanked back again.

your heart jumps for a second time, it’s rafe. his arms wrap around you fast, anchoring you, guiding you toward the side of the rocky wall you just leapt from. you crash gently against it together as he presses you close, keeping both of you low in the water, bodies half-submerged.

his hand clamps over your mouth before you even realize you’re still coughing.

you freeze, eyes snapping wide, your fingers curling tight around his wrist, and you don’t even try to pull away. not when you see his expression. not when you hear it.

it’s still out there.

you can hear the mutt somewhere in the forest, claws scraping bark, paws pounding against the underbrush. it’s sniffing, hunting, close. your breathing is frantic behind his palm, nose flaring with panic as you force yourself to blink the water and tears away, trying to see, to hear more clearly.

there’s a scream. it’s someone else’s. a girl. your whole body jolts.

rafes arm around you tightens immediately, and you don’t realize how hard you’re shaking until he pulls you flush against his chest, like he’s trying to shield you even though there’s nothing left to protect you from. not right now. not with the mutt running in the other direction, toward her.

you don’t even know if that makes it better or worse.

your fingers are still trembling when his hand starts to loosen over your mouth, his palm dragging slowly away as he watches your face. your chest rises and falls fast, but not as hard as before. you finally pull in a proper breath. and another. your fingers fall away from his wrist.

you look up at him. he’s soaked, blood and mud and water smeared all over his arms, across his jaw, in his hair. he looks back at you, and for a second there’s a flicker in his eyes, something pained, distant, heavy. like he did see it. like he saw everything.

you don’t speak. neither does he. he just shakes his head slowly, like he’s telling you not to ask, so you don’t say anything.

you look away first, just back toward the water, then back toward the forest. your lip trembles once before you bite it. you want to scream but you can’t. you just close your eyes and swallow it down.

when you open them again, the sun is starting to shift. somewhere in the distance, you think you can hear birds again. like nothing happened. like topper didn’t just die. like the world didn’t just tear open and leave you raw.

you exhale through your nose and glance up at the forest again, your jaw clenched.

wherever kie and jj are . . . you just hope they’re still breathing. you hope they’re not next. you hope you don’t have to lose anyone else. you just hope.

a/n: im at school on my phone so lowkey i havent checked the tag list for any new responses so NEXT CHAPTER ILL GET CAUGHT UP ON WHOEVER WANTS TO BE TAGGED IM SRY ILY

@nicholaschavezslut69 @iissza @snowtargaryen @yootvi @ariiwritess @spideysimpossiblegirl @skyslowalking @adribarbie @obsessionsarenotfortheweak @0-tatiana-0 @beebeerockknot @rafestar @drewstarkeyzwhore @drewsephrry @annaconscience @writtenbyhollywood @yourtypicalteenagegirl @daisydark @v4mpscrms @issahruiz @ilovefictionallmenn @derpjungkook @vanessa-rafesgirl @sunny1616 @alphabetically-deranged @nrmlgirl @supercxnt @xoxosblogsblog @rafegetinmybed @siyahmoonlight @livie4lifestarkeyblyth @d-daxx @tsumudoll @ogcrashout @jjasmiineee @loverliner @ailimedae @belle101200 @hiimbrina @nomup @ayy1234567 @girxwrp @k4yr14 @amterasuu @theteenagementality @maggscr @hey-you22w @delilah22pbp

[koszmarnybudyn]

The ouaw crew as humans :]

Individual charakters and design details under cut:

Frost: I think Frost would work as an account (the not sexy kind) because idk he has the vibes and he likes math and stuff. He also has his giant backpack, and he has his hiking boots (which i think are very conftrouble because im projecting my fucky knees onto Frost now). And he is greying early and probablly looks older than he is.

Gricko: I probablly made Gricko look cooler than he should but i coudnt resist. I think he'd work at a zoo. He is missing a finger cause normal Gricko has 4 fingers and i thought it would work, plus he has the scar Frost gave him in canon (probablly not Frost inflicted here though). And he has bracelets (green for Frost and brown for Hootsie). Also gave him flipflops cause he aint wearing shoes. Oh and i made his totems heychains.

Hootsie: Hootsie is both a cat and a girl cause she kinda acts like both in canon. And they are named the same because human Hootsie (whose goverment name is either Athena (cause owls) or Helen) named cat Hootsie as a baby. Idk how Gricko got a kid, idk if she's adopted or a bio kid but she's his daughter so who cares, its one of lifes greatest mysteries. I think she'd be mute and the ipad (now with a banana cause bananyas idk if its still called a flypad) has text to speach for her. She has comfy hiking boots (probablly a gift from Frost), and i borrowed some of Grickos colors for her design. She's also like around 10-13? She's a tween.

Twig: she has a baby face but she's like 20-30 something? I'd say. I think she would dress in lolita-foresty kinda vibes, i think it fits. Still probablly has an inn or a restourant not sure. She doesnt change much from canon tbh cause she's already pretty human looking.

Torbek: i made his shirt striped instead of like a restraintment thing he has in canon (defintly intentional and not just because i havent notice that that's what those were). He's sad, he's kinda pathetic, he is probablly living and Frost and Gricko's place (i think Frost and Gricko live together, cause aro life partners/best lads, yes, and Gid and Kremy live together cause "ironic" husbands), and hes being Torbek.

Kremy: made his suit a bit more modern, but still quite vintage (i think he'd like that), oh his (as well as Grickos, Frosts and Hooties) nails are painted, cause they all have claws, and i think it would be cute. Idk what he does. He and Gid got "ironicly" married in vegas, and have been living together for like years, and act in love, but still think they are just friends, and not together.

Gideon: apart from Twig he's the most human looking so not much changes tbh. I made his pants and boots slithly diffrent. I think he'd be a mechanic of some kind maybe? Idk about his gauntlets, i basiclly know nothing. I think he looks like Mace. He has a wedding ring (silver while Kremy's is gold, cause cute matching rings, even tho they both wear silver, but Gid is more fiery so i wanted Kremys to be gold (and to be a color he doesnt really wear so its obviously a wedding ring))

[flamingoofeathers]

𝗔 𝗣𝗜𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗘’𝗦 𝗦𝗘𝗖𝗥𝗘𝗧 || 𝗝. 𝗛𝗢𝗢𝗞

pairings: james hook x mermaid!reader

part 2 -> VK GONE SOFT || J.HOOK

summary: the times that hook came to see you and the time he didn’t. A forbidden love between a royal and a rebel, a pirate and a mermaid.

one shot; wc: 1.8k

genre: angst, fluff

main masterlist j.hook masterlist

a/n: you can imagine the reader as young Ariel or the daughter of Ariel, it doesnt really change much.

James tried to be as subtle as he can, cautiously looking around incase any one of the vk's were to see him, he wouldn't want to imagine what would happen. Dont get him wrong, he doesn't care about what anyone thinks, but this is his friends, the VK'S, dangerous people, that would hurt anyone who gets in their way.

Finally reaching the woods far behind Merlin Academy, he walked calmly through the forest, whistling as he neared the enchanted lake. No one comes to the lake during the week, since it's quite far from campus, but it would be filled with student wanting to take a swim during the weekends.

His chest filled with glee when he heard the splashing of water, grinning to himself, as he rushed to get to the lake faster.

When he arrived, the view he saw made all his problems go away, there she was, in all her glory, swimming around, humming a song.

The girl didn’t noticed him arrive, too busy in her own world to hear the sound of his chained boots.

He walked closer to the water, leaning into it "Hello there, my Princess" he said in a low voice, reaching his right hand towards the startled girl "James! You came!" The girl cheerfully said before swimming towards her beloved pirate.

Now face to face, Hook carefully touched her chin before leaning in, giving her a tender kiss.

Pulling away, hook asked "i hope you havent been waiting long for me" as he stood up, carefully taking off his clothes, leaving only his boxer before diving into the water.

"I haven’t, dont worry, at least you're here now" y/n replied as she hugged her lover.

"Good. Bridget pissed Uliana off again and it took a lot longer than expected to calm her down" Hook said hugging her back, thinking about Uliana was starting to stress him out again and his girlfriend noticed it.

"Well, dont think about her now, think about me instead" she said flirtingly, causing the boy to chuckle before kissing her again.

Y/n didnt like Uliana at all, while she wasn't a target of her bullying, she felt really bad for poor Bridget, who just wanted to be friends with her, but instead get made fun of. Other than that, she didnt like the fact that she always stresses her boyfriend out.

The sun was already setting when the couple got out of water and put their clothes back on.

They layed on the ground cuddled up, y/n leaning on James chest as they watched the sunset.

"You think we'll be able to date freely, one day James?"

"One day, we will."

The next time Hook was about to sneak away to meet his lovely mermaid, he got stopped by Maleficent.

"Mali- hi! Why arent you with Hades?" Hook chuckled nervously.

"Drop the act, Hook." Maleficent sneered.

"Wat are you talking about?" Hook was getting more nervous by the second.

"I know you're off to meet that little mermaid of yours, you're not slick" she scoffed.

"I have no idea what you're talking about"

"Im not dumb, i see you staring at her every time she's around." she scoffed.

"I-"

"-and i'm not the only one who noticed, Uliana is getting more suspicious every day, i suggest you stop seeing her, James, just for a little while." Maleficent said, her voice getting softer the more she observes her friend.

If Hook was nervous then, he was panicking now.

"What? No- i cant possibly-" Hook stumbled upon his words.

"James, i have no problem with you seeing her, if you're happy with her then I'm happy for you, but you know how Uliana is, she finds out and she'll make her life a living hell before she makes yours one too. It's just until Uliana stops suspecting" Maleficent pats his back before leaving him alone.

Hooks stands at the exit of the Academy as he stared in the air, conflicted.

Y/n was getting worried, its been hours since she and Hook was supposed to meet, she's been out of the water since well before, just sitting down, staring into the forest, wondering if maybe Hook was just a late, bc of Uliana again, but as the sky got darker, there was still no sign of him.

Disappointed, she started her way back to the Academy.

The next day, during her free period, she roamed the halls of the school, in search of James, knowing he skips almost all of his classes. They barely ever meet within school grounds, too scared to be seen by others.

She stops as she notice a hooked figure sat against one of the trees in the courtyard, happy, y/n walked closer as she yelled "james! Where were you-" she stopped herself when her dear boyfriend, saw her and instead of greeting her, he rushed away from her.

Weeks goes by and everyday, y/n slowly lost hope for them. Everytime she tried to talk to him and waited for him, her heart broke a little bit more.

As Bridget sang around the courtyard, giving out cupcakes along with the two new kids, Chloe and Red, she sat on a bench melancholically.

"What?" The girl watched with a broken heart as James disappear from her view.

As the VK's made their entrance, y/n stared at her boyfriend, well ex-boyfriend now, she assumes, with longing eyes.

On the other hand, Hook was trying not to look at her, afraid he might break and rush to her.

As Uliana chased Bridget and Ella out the courtyard with everyone else following, he hesitated, finally staring at his beloved mermaid, making eye contact with her after so long.

He watched as y/n stood up and started approaching him.

They stood face to face with each other, not saying anything.

"I- i'm so sor-" Hook raised his hands to cup her face when a familiar loud grunt was heard.

"you need to go, please." Hook managed to push her away before Uliana and the vk's saw her.

"SHE'LL PAY FOR THIS" was the last thing y/n heard before she left.

The night of Castlecoming arrived and y/n didnt even want to go, but the dress she bought for this night was too expensive for her to not come. It was a dark red color to match Hook's suit for the night, it was supposed to be a surprise for him, her wearing his favorite color, but right now she regretted it.

She walked past happy students chatting about how excited they were, she wanted to roll her eyes at them, but she knew she was just bitter so she just sighed.

She didnt know what to do, she just stood there in the middle of the crowd not engaging with anyone, until Bridget came with Ella and greeted her.

"Y/N! Did you go with somrone?" Bridget said very happily, and hugged her, as if they were close, but she knew that was just how Bridget is.

"Oh! Hi, Bridget! Hi, Ella! And uh, no, no one asked me to be their date so im free for the night" y/n said, trying to hide the disappointment, but failed as Bridget noticed her expression.

"Oh...it's alright y/n, no one asked me too, i came here with Ella, you should hang with us" Bridget offered as Ella nodded her head.

"Oh no no, i wouldn't want to impose"

"You won't be, you'd make this night more bearable for me, trust me" Ella said jokingly making the other two laugh.

"Ask her to dance later" Maleficent whispered to him.

The three chatted for the whole night, y/n had fun just chatting with them, not even noticing a certain hooked man entering and staring at her from across the dance floor.

"What?" Hook asked confused.

"Ask her to dance later, dont worry about it" Maleficent smiled.

"What about-" Hook started.

"We'll take care of Uliana" she winked.

"We?"

"Yeah, 𝘸𝘦" Maleficent nodded her head towards Hades and Morgie, who nodded back at him with knowing smirks.

Hooks smiled back at them "Thanks, Mali"

As the night comes to its end, a final dance is presented to the students.

Hook went back to staring at the mermaid girl, with a new found feeling.

The dancefloor got cleared, only Charming, the crowned prince, remained as a slow song starts playing.

𝘚𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦

Everyone waited expectantly for him to approach someone.

Charming approached the three girls. Bridget and Y/n pushing Ella towards the prince.

𝘴𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘥𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘦

𝘐'𝘮 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘢𝘨𝘭𝘰𝘸, 𝘮𝘮

"Ella, may i have this dance"

𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘪 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸

Y/n looked at the newly formed couple in the middle of the dance floor with so much happines yet envy. As she stared at them, she noticed a pair of eyes staring at her from across the dance floor.

"Yes" Ella said as charming lead her in the middle of the dance floor.

𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘬𝘦𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘦

It was as if the world stopped and it was just the two of them

All Hook could think was how beautiful she was, in that dress, in his favorite color.

Maleficent noticed his stare "go" she whispered.

Hook looked at her and she smiled at him, before turning back to the others.

"This is so boring, Uli, lets just go before i die of boredom" Maleficent groaned.

"Exactly, i wanna rip my ears out, this song is awful" Hades complained as he wraps his arms around Maleficent

"Yeah, Uli, i thought this was gonna be fun but it's just torture" Morgie whined.

"You're right." Uliana rolled her eyes before she turned away and went for the exit not caring who follows her.

"Go get her" Hades patted his back before leaving with the others.

No one else went to the dance floor, all endeared by the unexpected pair, thats why everyone gasped when the one and only James Hook, invaded the dance floor but his eyes was only set on one person, his beloved.

Y/n stared as Hook approached her.

The two stared at each other.

𝘪'𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘰𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘬𝘺

"May i have this dance, my love?" Hook asked in a soft voice.

Y/n just stared at him with an open mouth, before Bridget nudge her.

"Yes." She let out a breathe.

Hook beamed as he kissed her hand before leading her to the dance floor.

The two stared at each other with so much love and longing.

𝘴𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘪𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘭𝘦

"I love you, y/n l/n" Hook whispered.

"I love you too, James Hook" y/n said back with no hesitation, before they share their first kiss in front of everyone.

𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪'𝘷𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘧

They didn't care when everyone gasped at the even more unexpected pair, all they cared was they were finally in each others arms again.

There's still so much they need to talk about, but that can wait for tomorrow, tonight is for them.

"So...this is love"

James said as he stared at her.

[ashwhowrites]

OMG I CANT BELIEVE REQS ARE OPEN YAYAAYAYAYAYAYYYYY

okay so basically i was wondering if you could do something with popular!bully!eddie x sensitive!reader

okay okay. so reader and eddie like each other but its a secret from the other and eddie bullies her lightly (cos he doesnt know how to deal with emotions) and shes super insecure cos she has like no friends and stuff and he went prom dress shopping with chrissy and saw reader there and teased her about the dress she picked and she got sad and cried at home then its prom and eddie's rejected everyone cos hes waiting for reader to show up and finally confess but shes nowhere to be found so he goes to her house with flowers or smth and he finds her crying and he comforts her and has her put her dress on and they kiss

IM SORRY IF THIS MAKES NO SENSE!!!

but thank you SO MUCH ash your writing is literally amazing it always has me in my feels <333 thank you for bringing so much happiness (and angst LMAO) to my feed!!

You are so sweet!! Thank you so much 🫶🏻I hope this is what you wanted and you enjoy it. Thank you for requesting!

Prom Dress

Eddie never had a good hand on his emotions, he never learned how to express what he felt correctly. All he saw growing up was expressing emotions through anger. His dad was never around to tell him about girls and his mom was never there to teach him how a girl wants to be treated. So he went with what came naturally, except he barely ever felt real feelings towards a girl.

Until he met Y/N

Eddie was popular, it was easy to have girls on his arm and in his bed. But he didn't have feelings for them, so it was easy sweet talk and then they wouldn't talk again. But it was like his brain froze when he was in Y/N's presence. His sweet talk was out the door as he stuttered out something to say, and it was always a comment that sent her over the edge. He just didn't know that.

Y/N was a very alone person. She wasn't the best at making friends, making peace with being her own friend. She was insecure, never telling a boy how she felt because she knew it would go the exact way she thought it would. And when she realized her heart raced when Eddie walked in the halls, she knew that one would never happen.

Plus she has a good damn feeling he hated her guts. He added fire to the hell she lived in but there was something about him that she wanted. She allowed herself to be his punching bag because she felt alive when his eyes were on her. He was practically the only person that talked to her, and she didn't want to give that up.

Because at the end of the day, she had Eddie Munson's attention.

~~~

Eddie groaned as Chrissy picked up another dress to try on. He looked at his watch, annoyed that they had been in the same shop for two hours.

"At this point, Jason won't care what you pick. Can we please go?" Eddie moaned, his head thrown back as he sat on the uncomfortable chairs.

"You're fine. I have two more dresses and then we'll leave!" Chrissy sighed, going into the changing room.

Eddie moved his head back and looked around the store. He blinked a few times when he saw someone familiar. He stood up and slowly walked closer, squinting his eyes as a girl walked away from the register with a puffy pink dress.

"Y/N?"

She froze as she recognized the voice. Already on edge as she turned out. Panic in her eyes as she met his brown ones.

"Hi Eddie," she said, a small smile as she greeted him politely.

"Is that your prom dress?" He asked, his eyes looking over her shoulder as she held it.

"Yeah," she said quietly

"So you are going to prom? What? Alone?" He scoffed, a mocking chuckle left his mouth and Y/N shifted on her feet uncomfortably.

"Um, I don't know yet. Depends if someone asks" She shrugged

Eddie felt his body burn, a sense of discomfort thinking of someone asking her. Some guy takes her, takes pictures, and spins her on the dance floor. Someone she would have gotten dressed up for. He wasn't sure why the thought made him so damn angry. But the good news for him, he knew how to express anger.

"Ask you? You know that's not going to happen" he argued, his eyes dark as he stared down at her. "And while you are wearing that? A puffy pink dress, you think you are some fairytale princess? That dress looks like it's for a five-year-old old" He teased, but it wasn't his usual tease. This time it felt like every word he said sliced through her.

The one dress that fit her like a glove. The one dress that made every problem wash away. A dress where for once she felt beautiful.

She didn't say anything, just turned around and walked out of the store.

She cried as she raced to her car, harshly throwing the dress in the backseat. She cried the whole way home, feeling helpless in this world. She wasn't sure why it felt like everything was always up against her.

~~~

It was the night of the prom, and Y/N ignored the dress that hung up in her closet.

She bought it a week ago, a week since Eddie ruined the one bit of confidence she had left.

She wanted to return it, but the store wouldn't take it. So now she was stuck with a reminder that she would never be the gorgeous girl who walked into prom and changed everyone's perspective of her. She would still be that loser everyone laughed about.

So she stayed home. Her parents weren't too involved with her life, out on vacation as she sat on the couch. She watched romantic movies, crying as she stuffed her mouth with chocolate ice cream.

~

Eddie checked his watch for the tenth time of the night. The loud music overwhelmed him as he kept his eyes on the door.

"Want to dance?" A girl from the cheerleading squad asked.

"No thanks. I'm waiting for someone" he said with a tight smile, then moved his eyes back to the door

The prom started two hours ago, and she still wasn't there.

He turned down about ten dances before he took matters into his own hands.

He grabbed his keys from his pocket and hit the road. The flowers he bought sat in his passenger seat, guess he was going to drive them to her instead.

He pulled up to her driveway, letting out a nervous breath as he got out. He fixed his suit, patted down his hair, and gripped the flowers. He knocked on the door, stepping back as he waited for it to open.

"Eddie?" She was surprised, her body mostly covered by the door. Some sort of protection for herself.

He looked up and frowned. Her eyes were red and her cheeks were wet. And she wasn't anywhere near dressed up for prom. Her hair was down, but no makeup on her face.

"Hey, can I come in?" He asked

"Why?" She asked, covering her body even more with the door

"Why didn't you come to prom?"

She was surprised he even noticed. But she was more curious as to why it mattered to him.

"Didn't want to go. Is that all?" She snapped. It was enough that he could torture her at school and outside of school. But at her own house is where she drew the line.

"Um, uh, these are for you," he said shyly, not used to her face looking so annoyed and a snap in her tone.

She eyed the flowers as he held them out for her. She opened the door wider to grab them. They were truly beautiful and it was the first time she ever received flowers.

"Oh um thank you, Eddie," she said, smelling the flowers

"Can I come in? Maybe we can talk?" He asked, he twiddled his fingers as he waited for her to reply

"Uh sure but don't you have like a date or something?" She asked

"No, I was waiting for you," he said honestly, for once just saying what he felt instead of turning it into a joke.

She didn't know what to say so she opened the door and let him step inside.

She walked to the kitchen and got a vase for the flowers. He followed without asking.

"So why were you waiting for me? Was a big bucket of red paint gonna fall over me?" She asked, watching as the water filled the clear vase.

"No, why would I do that?" He asked, his head turned like a confused puppy

She laughed to herself bitterly

"Because you make my life hell" She looked at him like it was obvious. Softly placing the flowers on the kitchen table.

"I don't mean to, I'm sorry" his eyes looked sincere but she wasn't sure what trap he was waiting for.

"Then why do you do it?" She asked, her arms crossed as she angrily looked at him. Maybe this was her chance to finally stick up for herself and tell him to shove everything up his ass.

"Because I like you, and I wasn't sure how to show that" he explained, a small blush formed on his face as he muttered the words.

Y/N stood frozen as she stared at him like he had two heads.

Eddie confessed he liked her?

What kind of prank was this?

"Which I can see now I did in every wrong way possible. I'm sorry for everything, I didn't know I was upsetting you."

She sighed as the apology lifted some weight off her body. It felt nice to finally be apologized to.

"Thank you for apologizing," she said, a small smile on her face

"Thank you for allowing me to," he said, a shy smile on his face

They stared at each other, neither knowing what the next move should be.

"Can I uh see your dress? I saw it in the store but didn't get to see what it looked like on you" he asked, his eyes moving to the floor

"Are you going to make fun of me?" She asked, her arms crossed. Her protection shield is back up.

"No!" He shook his head dramatically, "I know my horrible take on flirting was more hurtful. So I will keep my mouth shut" he said

"That was flirting? God, you are horrible" she joked, loving the way the air shifted into something lighthearted. He laughed with her and agreed.

She led him to her room, allowing him to sit on the bed as she went into the bathroom to change.

She slipped on the pink dress, looking at herself in the mirror. That same rush of confidence filled her body. It was like the dress was magical and healed every broken part of her. She tried to reach the back zipper but couldn't get it. Her face was already on fire as she realized what she had to do.

She walked into the room, Eddie looked up from his hands and his mouth dropped. His eyes skimmed over her dress, the way it hugged her body perfectly.

"Could you zip me up?" She asked, turning around as she tried to keep her breathing normal.

He coughed and stood up. Wiping his sweaty palms on his suit pants. His fingers danced down her spine, making her shiver. He reached the zipper and slowly pulled it up, her skin disappearing under the fabric.

The room felt thick as she slowly turned around. The ghost of his fingers was still on her back.

"You look breathtaking," he said, his voice a quiet whisper as he looked into her eyes

She gulped when his eyes dropped down to her lips. Then he was slowly leaning in.

His hand moved up to hold her cheek, and his eyes moved up to her eyes to check for a sign of rejection. But her eyes were zoned in on his lips.

He smirked as he noticed, slowly leaning in until his lips pressed perfectly against hers.

She wasn't sure where to put her hands so she softly placed them on his chest. Her head turned as he deepened the kiss.

She felt like he kept chasing her lips, sucking away her breath as she gripped his suit in her fingers.

Her body buzzed with electricity. His lips and hands were softer than she thought they would be. His kiss was gentle and slow. Her stomach fluttered and her head spun.

He held back his moans as he slipped his tongue in her mouth. Her lips were soft and warm. Her hands on his chest made his heart race and his face flush. He tried his best to not get carried away, not wanting to scare her. His free hand slipped to her back as he pushed her further against him. He never felt this way ever when he kissed a girl.

She pulled back when she felt like she couldn't breathe. She took a huge puff of air into her lungs as they kept their faces close.

Panting against each other as they looked into each other's eyes.

Like she said, it was a magical dress.

Tags!

@bmunson86 @mxcheese @ladymunson @michaelfuckinglangdon @z0mbie-blah @biittersweet @mirrorsstuff @somethingvicked @micheledawn1975 @ago-godance @magnificantmermaid @tlclick73 @hargrovesswifee @cityofidek @silky-luxe @lokiofasgard616 @loving-and-dreaming @eddiemunsonsbitch69 @thegemaqua @ashlynnkennedy @strangerthingsstories5255 @harringt8ns @pleasinghellfire @whoscamila @stusdollface93 @gretavankleep37 @bellaisswagger @arlx @ineedmentalhelp123

[youleftmenochoicebut]

Part two of gold rush where they get their cottage in whales please 🙏🏽

PEACE — regulus black.

SUMMARY. — you and Regulus live happily ever after. that's it.

PAIRING. — regulus black x fem!pureblood!reader

WARNINGS. — fluff, kinda au cause reg doesnt get the dark mark

A/N. — i didnt plan on doing a part 2 but oh well <3 anyways! heres part 1; this is so short im sorry!!!

war is over. as much as you can't believe it, it's true. Voldemort is dead, mostly thanks to Regulus' brother and his friends' actions, and to the Order's activity. it ended weeks ago.

meanwhile, you and your husband have been hiding here for the past three years, ever since graduating Hogwart's. you've been hiding, like cowards, and unfortunately you can't feel shame or embarrassment in that regard. at least you're alive, unlike some of your friends. Evan didn't make it, which led to Barty's psychotic break. Dorcas' girlfriend, Marlene and her family didn't make it, killed by Voldemort personally this summer. Peter, who turned out to be a traitor, didn't make it either. there are a lot more loses on both sides of the war, of course, but you try not to think about it much.

it's early morning when you sit on the edge of your shared bed, reading through the letter from Lily that your owl just delivered. you take in the latest news from London, a small smile on your face. Lily's pregnant again, Sirius and Remus moved in together into Grimmauld Place, Mary's got a new cat. it all seems so mundane, after months and months of bad information, you shake your head at it.

you place the letter on your nightstand, then settle back to bed, turning around to find Regulus staring at you sleepily. your baby girl is still fast asleep in her crib by your bed.

"what's with the letter, huh?" Regulus rasps out, reaching his hand out to graze his fingers over your bare shoulder, leaving goosebumps in their wake. "is it Lily or Remus?"

"s'Lily. m'gonna write her back later after you read it." you murmur, careful to keep your voice down, and you sigh. "i have to feed Astra. can you make pancakes for breakfast?"

"sure." your husband nods, leans in to plant a quick peck on the bridge of your nose (he knows how much you despise morning breath), and gets up. as you watch him leave the bedroom you thank Merlin that he sleeps in only his boxers, and you can ogle his backside like a horny teenager as he walks away.

you roll onto your back, letting out a heavy breath, then glance at the crib just few feet from you, your four month old sucking on her dummy with her eyes already wide open.

almost forty-five minutes pass before you finally go downstairs. Astra is fed, changed and completely awake, swaddled in a baby wrap close to your chest. your steps are slow and deliberate as you make your way into the kitchen, where you are met with the sight of Regulus moving around the space, humming some tune under his breath whilst flipping pancakes. you stand in the doorway, just watching him happily before Astra betrays you with a bubbly shrieking laugh, her eyes focused on her daddy too.

"i'm almost done, ladies." your husband looks up at you, nodding you to come closer, and so you do. you lean back against the kitchen island, your hands resting under Astra's swaddled body, making sure she's held up alright. your baby keeps sending Regulus toothless smiles, cooing and babbling. she's been like this for only a few days after she hit a milestone.

you spend your days in peace like that. being a family. sometimes you go out for walks in the nearby woods, letting Astra nap in the fresh air. sometimes you sit in your garden, by the pond. sometimes you don't leave the house, lounging around all day and marvelling at the miracle your daughter was. today is one of these days. so domestic, most would deem boring. but that's what you love.

when you and Regulus go to bed that night, it's late. past midnight. you're certain Astra is starting teething, because she's been fussy ever since her afternoon nap. for now she's back asleep in her crib, although tossing and turning a bit, and you stare up at the ceiling mindlessly. you feel Regulus' hand creep over your body and resting on your hip, but you're too tired to even look at him now.

"ma chérie." he whispers, his thumb moving over your hip in soothing circles, and his other hand grips your chin lightly, turning your head in his direction. "hi."

"hi." you whisper back, nibbling on your lower lip as you stare into his grey eyes. you snuggle closer to him, your head resting on his chest and your arms wrap around his torso. "Merlin, you're always so cold."

Regulus snorts, and without looking up you know he's rolling his eyes, squeezing you in with his hands settling on your bum. you shiver at the feeling, reaching down to pull the covers over the two of you, and the moment you close your eyes a piercing wail sounds out from the crib. you practically jump out of bed, but Regulus brings you back down.

"stay. i'll go"