#threading it beautifully! needed this after the grind that is waiting for the three moves from midir you get to punish lol

[vaguely-concerned]

oh gael is SUCH a fun boss fight. this is peak, after beating him I was filled with wistfulness more than triumph because only wish I could fight him again immediately

[candy-and-writing]

Loose Ankles

This is my entry for @darkficsyouneveraskedfor Pre-Code Writing Challenge. I chose the movie Loose Ankles, where a young woman discovers she has inherited her grandmother’s fortune, but only if she can find and marry a man.

Summary: The night of Harlan’s birthday party, Harlan tells Ransom he’s cutting his family out of his will. No one will get a single red dime. But, still seeing potential in his grandson, Harlan offers Ransom a deal.

Warnings: smut, 18+, oral sex, tipsy sex, fingering, unprotected sex, choking, low-key Dom Ransom, fluff, Ransom discovering love and not knowing what to do

I am NOT responsible for your media content consumption. This work is not intended for those under the age of 18 due to explicit sexual content and/or dark themes. By reading this work you agree that you are at least 18 years of age. I do not consent to have my work posted on any third party app or website; if you are seeing this work anywhere other than tumblr and archiveofourown, it has been reposted without my permission.

Unbelievable. Un-fucking-believable. 

Ransom sped down the road, rage seething inside him as he gripped the steering wheel so tightly his knuckles were white. Harlan fucking Thrombey just kicked his family to the curb, his eldest grandson included.

Marta fucking Cabrera was inheriting his fortune. Harlan’s Brazilian nurse. Jesus, this all felt like a bad joke.

But, of course, Harlan wouldn’t just stop there. No, he wanted to make Ransom suffer.

If he could settle down and establish himself, ‘find a nice girl’ as Harlan so blatantly described it, he would give Ransom back his cut of the inheritance. It made Ransom’s blood boil just thinking about it. Ransom Drysdale didn’t date. He didn’t do domesticity. The old man knew that. 

But if it meant he could get his stupid money back, he would do whatever it took. As he pulled into the bar, taking a deep breath, he took his keys out the ignition. He needed a drink if he was going to do this. 

Ransom sat at the bar, nursing his fourth whiskey. There were a couple different girls who looked appealing, all of which Harlan would never approve of. He fished the cherry out of his now-empty glass, waving at the bartender for another drink.

Drumming his fingers on the wood top bar, Ransom caught eyes with a young woman in a booth across the room. You were young, with red painted lips that contrasted beautifully to the black dress you wore. It was modest, the neckline tickling your collarbone and the hem of the dress reaching your knees. A pair of flats donned your feet. You quickly looked away, cheeks flushed and Ransom smiled. You were perfect. Three other people sat in the booth with you, another girl and two guys. You sipped on a glass of rose-tinted wine, your eyes dodging back to Ransom every so often, darting away as soon as you saw he was already looking at you.

Ransom waited almost three hours. The other girl had left with one of the guys, leaving you with the second guy. You didn’t look like you were enjoying yourself—you were fiddling with your thumbs under the table and tapping your foot, smiling awkwardly as the guy laughed at something he said. Something about his dad’s boat. He not-so-subtly kept looking at girls’ asses as they pasted your table, ignoring whatever you were trying to say.

Ransom heard the guy say he was going to the bathroom. Five minutes later Ransom saw him leaving with his arm wrapped around some girl’s waist. You saw it, too. Your face fell. You got up and put a few bills on the table, walking up to the bar. You sat a few seats from him, waving down the bartender.

“Can I get an Amaretto Sour?” you asked, your voice soft and quiet. The bartender nodded as he walked away, grabbing a bottle of Amaretto. You sighed, resting your hand on your chin. Ransom got up, moving to sit in the chair next to you.

“Hey.” He smirked, earning himself a pair of wide eyes and flustered cheeks.

“Um—hi.” You gave him a tentative smile. You thanked the bartender as he handed you your drink, taking a quick sip.

“I saw what happened,” Ransom said. “That guy’s a dick.”

You let out a breathless chuckle. “Yeah, he was. That’s what I get for trusting my best friend’s boyfriend, though.”

Ransom smiled, downing the last of his whiskey. He let out a breath, setting his glass down. He watched as you played with the string of pearls hanging around your neck.

“I’m Ransom Drysdale,” he smirked. You told him your name, a sheepish smile spreading over your lips. He repeated your name, testing the way it felt on his tongue. “Can I buy you another drink?”

“Yeah,” you smiled. “I’d like that.”

You were drunk by the time the bartender kicked you two out. Ransom invited you home with him, his hand resting on your thigh. Your cheeks flushed a bright red, the blush trailing down your neck and to your ears. Ransom smirked at how cute you were, innocent in the way that had his cock throbbing.

“Yeah,” you said. “Sure.”

–

Ransom pushed you up against the door of his house, his lips moving against yours possessively. You whimpered as his hips rutted up against yours, Ransom thrusting his tongue into your mouth. He struggled to fit his key into the lock, turning the doorknob and roughly shoving you two through the door, kicking it shut with his foot.

Ransom grabbed your ass and squeezed, moaning into your mouth. You jumped, wrapping your legs around his waist, your flats falling off your feet. He carried you up a flight of stairs, his lips working over yours. He stepped into his bedroom and dropped you on his bed, watching you bounce before he pulled his sweater over his head.

He leaned over you, kissing you as he threaded his fingers through yours, pushing them into the mattress on either side of your head. He kissed down your jaw, sucking a dark mark into your neck. He grinded his hips against your center, a gasp leaving your mouth. 

Ransom pushed the skirt of your dress up past your hips, revealing your lacy underwear. Ransom groaned, leaning down to kiss your center through your panties as he massaged your thighs. You sighed, your skin tingling. He swiftly tore the lace down your legs, his mouth latching onto your clit. You squeaked, hips jerking off the bed. He licked a long stripe up your intimate flesh, focusing the tip of his tongue on your bud, earning himself a strangled whine from you.

He devastated you with his mouth, lips latching onto your little bundle of nerves as he pressed his index finger to your entrance. He pushed inside just a little and you gasped. Ransom began to pump his finger in and out of you slowly, his tongue working your clit. 

“R—Ransom!" 

Ransom moaned against your flesh, sending vibrations up through your clit. He pushed another finger into you, your thighs clenching around his shoulders as you cried out. The pads of his fingers pushed up against your walls, pressing against a certain spot inside of you that had you choking on a moan.

You were burning up, sweat coating your forehead. The coil in your belly was curling impossibly tight, your body on fire as Ransom teased your bundle of nerves. You began to babble, endless pleas of begging until your voice cracked. Ransom smirked against you, the tip of his tongue teasing your clit and that was all it took. The coil in your stomach snapped and you screamed, your thighs trembling as your back arched off the bed. 

Ransom rode you from your high until it was just too much. You tried to pull away from him, overstimulated. You whined, your voice cracking, and Ransom finally seemed to get the message. He pulled away, his chin slick with your juices as he hooked his finger under your chin, bringing you in for a sloppy kiss. You could taste yourself on his tongue, overtly earthy in a way that had you moaning into his mouth.

Ransom pulled away from you, placing a quick peck on your lips. "God, you���re so fucking sexy.”

Still blissed-out, you sighed in response, letting Ransom unzip the side of your dress and pull it over your head. He quickly discarded your bra, marveling in your body. He unbuttoned his trousers, shucking them off his legs along with his boxers.

Your breath stuttered in your lungs as Ransom’s length bobbed against his stomach. His tip was painfully red, leaking precum down his shaft. You swallowed, watching as he wrapped his fingers around his cock and pumping his fist up and down his length. He let out a shaky breath, bending down to kiss the valley of your breasts. 

The head of his cock poked at your entrance. He sucked a nipple into his mouth, pushing himself into you slowly. Even after an orgasm, you were still unbelievably tight, clutching Ransom like a vice.

“Fuck, sweetheart, you’re so fucking tight.”

You preened as he bottomed out. Ransom grunted, wrapping your legs around his hips and hugging you close to his chest, carefully rocking his hips up. His thrusts started slow and deep, keeping his pace steady until you’re writhing and mewling for more. His hand reached up and squeezed your breast, rolling his thumb between his thumb and forefinger as he sped up his pace, pounding into you in the most delicious way.

“Fuck!” you cried when Ransom hit a spot deep inside of you, his girth brushing against your walls. “Oh, God! Ransom!”

His hot breath hit your jaw as he moaned into your ear. “You feel so good, babygirl. So fucking good for me.”

His hand wrapped around your throat, pressing down slightly just below your jaw. You gasped, feeling your airway restricted. Your walls fluttered against Ransom’s cock, causing him to groan and tighten his grip on your throat. He cursed into your ear, hips bucking into you. 

You couldn’t breathe. You squirmed violently underneath his grip, whining pathetically as Ransom slammed into you punishingly. The little tears in your eyes and the little noises you make brought something out of him—he squeezed your throat tighter, watching as you writhed beneath him. 

You came with a strangled shout, seizing up and convulsing around Ransom’s length. Ransom dug his fingers into the divots of your hips so hard you were sure they were going to leave bruises. With a growl, Ransom pulled out of your slick heat, hot cum coating your stomach.

Ransom released your throat, crashing down on the bed beside you. You wheezed almost painfully, turning on your side as you caught your breath. With a huff of breath, Ransom pushed himself up, opening a door that was adjacent to the bed. You closed your eyes, still coming down from your high. Ransom came back into the room a moment later with a damp rag in hand, pressing it lightly against your stomach.

You hummed. “What’re you doin’?”

“Cleaning you up, baby, just relax." 

You rested your head back against the pillow, letting him wipe you clean. You were half asleep by the time Ransom laid down next to you, pulling the covers over the two of you. When his arm wrapped around your torso, his heat drawing you closer to sleep. 

Ransom listened to your soft and even breaths, something tingling in his chest. He knew he wasn’t going to kick you out in the morning. Something about you was different. He hadn’t had sex that good in a long time—the way you let him take control and do whatever he wanted. Most girls he brought him were needy and loud, but your cute little noises went straight to his cock. Just thinking about it made his dick twitch.

You snuggled up against him, flipping over and burying your face in his chest. 

Ransom was fucked.

–

"Are you sure this is a good idea?” you asked, fiddling with your thumbs in the passenger seat of Ransom’s Beemer. “What if they don’t like me?”

Ransom sighed out your name. “Will you stop worrying? They’ll love you. And if they don’t, they can fuck off. The only thing that matters is that I love you.”

You and Ransom had been dating for almost a year. He hadn’t talked to Harlan since the night of his birthday. It turned out you were an assistant at a publishing firm in Boston and with a little pushing from you, he published a best-selling novel. He had done everything his granddad had wanted: he established himself without the help of his family’s money and he’d found a girl. A girl he isn’t planning on letting go. Maybe that was why he hadn’t told Harlan about you—he was worried that you’d think you were disposable, that you were just a means to an end.

It was Harlan’s birthday, exactly a year since Harlan had given Ransom the ultimatum. He was surprised how excited his family was to meet you, certain they had an ulterior motive. 

He pulled into his grandad’s driveway, killing the engine. He sighed, leaning back into his seat.

“Listen,” he said. You turned to look at him, concern flashing behind your eyes. “My family is… a lot. Just don’t let them get to you, okay? They’re assholes.”

You smiled. “I know, Ran. Just calm down, everything will be okay.”

Ransom leaned over and cupped your cheek, bringing you in for a kiss. “You’re amazing.”

“Let’s go inside, okay?” You grabbed the pan of lemon bars you made and waited for Ransom to get out of the car and let him open your door for you. 

Ransom opened the front door for you and you were immediately met with shouting. Ransom helped you out of your coat and hung it up on the coat rack by the door, rolling his eyes as Linda’s shrill voice echoed through the house.

“C'mon, I’ll show you to the kitchen.”

You set your pan on a beautiful granite countertop as Ransom opened a cupboard. He fished out some expensive brand of cookies just as someone stomped into the kitchen.

“Ransom?” It was Richard. “Hey, when did you get here?”

“Two minutes ago, you’d know that if you weren’t all busy screaming at each other,” Ransom retorted, popping a cookie into his mouth. Richard frowned, about to open his mouth when he noticed you hiding behind Ransom.

“Hello, you must be Ransom’s girlfriend?” You nodded, smiling at him. You told him your name, stepping around the countertop to shake his hand. “Well, why don’t you come into the living area and meet the family, we’ve all been dying to meet you.”

–

Dinner was loud. You were sitting between Ransom and Ransom’s cousin—Meg. Meg kept picking fights with her other cousin, Jacob, who was always on his phone. Linda was yelling at Joni, Meg’s mother, who was going on about her Instagram.

Ransom kept mostly quiet, laughing when he found something amusing. His hand had taken place on your thigh, complimenting you on your lemon bars. You smiled at him, nibbling on a carrot. 

After Linda served Harlan’s birthday cake, everyone moved to the living area. You took the chance to refill your wine glass, quickly disappearing to the kitchen. You found an expensive red wine and filled your glass halfway, taking a small sip. 

“Hello, my dear.” You jumped, turning around quickly. Harlan Thrombey stood a few feet away from you, holding a piece of cake in his hand. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you.”

“No, it’s alright,” you smiled. “I just needed a refill. I’m not hiding in here, or anything.”

“I’d understand if you were.” Harlan chuckled. “I love my family, but they are… a lot. Ransom seems to be doing well, uncharacteristically so.”

“Yeah,” you laughed breathlessly. “He… he was really worried about bringing me here. He doesn’t talk about his family a lot, and when he does, it’s you—I think he was worried about his parents being judgemental.”

Harlan nodded. “Ransom has done well for himself. I hear he’s writing a second book?”

“He is, started working on it a couple weeks ago.”

“And he has a beautiful young woman. I’m glad he finally managed to get his life straightened out.”

You smiled. “Me too.”

“Hey.” Ransom entered the kitchen, carefully walking past Harlan. “You disappeared, I got worried. Everything okay?”

You nodded. “I just needed a refill.”

Linda started shouting for Harlan from the living room. Harlan rolled his eyes, excusing himself before he left the kitchen. Ransom looked down at you, raising an eyebrow.

“What was he talking to you about?”

“Relax, Ransom. He was just telling me how proud he was of you.”

You watched as Ransom let out a breath of relief. You two left the kitchen and sat on a couch in the living area, listening in shock as Richard and Joni discussed politics. At some point during the night, Harlan called Ransom into his study. He kissed your cheek before he got up, closing the door to the study behind him.

–

“What did Harlan want to talk to you about?” you asked Ransom, pulling on Ransom’s old sweater. It had shrunk in the wash and you stole it before Ransom could throw it out.

“He just talked about you, mostly,” Ransom told you. “Said he was proud of me for growing up, for finding someone like you, etcetera. Just stuff like that.”

You smiled, crawling onto the bed to kiss his cheek. “I really like your family. They’re… eccentric.”

Ransom laughed. “Babe, they’re a bunch of dicks. Don’t try to sugarcoat it.”

You sighed. “I like Harlan. He doesn’t deal with anyone’s bullshit.”

“That he does not. Now, come here.” Ransom grabbed your waist and pulled you onto his lap, kissing you. You threaded your fingers through his short hair, moaning into his mouth. He quickly flipped you onto your back and straddled your hips, pressing your hands to the mattress. You laughed, Ransom leaning down to kiss you again. “I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

[thecandywrites]

Of Heaven and Fire Chapter 19 Finale Epilogue.

Woo, it’s been way too long. But I have other projects that got in the way and I had this all figured out and an outline written up and then...the go juice ran out. UNTIL TODAY. So, after way too long, finally. We have the finale to this story that will also segway into a campanion piece that takes place at the very same time Heaven and Fire takes place, actually about six months earlier, but half a world away, on the other end of orc country that takes up practically a whole continent in my made up world. 

Also behold, that gorgeous brunette, THAT is the OG The Original Audravienne, the one that Audra in Blood For Gold is named after. So think of it as Suchi and Stormbreaker are on the west coast and Yekmeni would be the east coast, different ocean, different ocean coastline. 

And so in this fantasy world- you mix mouras with jade green orcs- you get aqumarine orcs. You mix moura with Yekmeni orcs that are a dark and drab olive green with dark brown splotches- and they are born looking exactly like their orc parents but as toddlers change to look kashmire blue in place of olive green and bright amethyst intense purple in place of brown. So then they got nicknamed paradise orcs, because they have the same coloring as birds of paradise, you mix aquamarine orcs and paradise orcs-you get PEACOCK ORCS that also get called paradise orcs. The Aquamarine goes to turquoise and teal, just like a peacock, with the same splashes of kashmire sapphire blue and amethyst purple. But that’s another story all together. I’ll get to it. Eventually. 

Of Heaven and Fire 

Part 19

A week later, you woke up to Brock’s hard cock pressing at your rear as he spooned you. 

It’s been more than long enough for you to heal and recover from Brive’s birth and your first thought is you needed to reconnect with Brock on this most physical intimate level. Most women take three to four months to recover from a birth before they can have sex again comfortably. Moura women and especially moura mated women who have a moura husband to help heal them from the birth, that gets whittled down to barely a month. And it’s been a month and a half for you. 

You looked down at Brive as he slept away the morning, his blond hair growing fast in gorgeous blonde curls. His mint green skin that had more aquamarine notes to it the older he got was a beautiful mix of your pale ivory and Brock’s emerald green. Even though he is only a month and a half old, he has doubled in size thanks to your milk and he has fat rolls for days, which is the sign of supreme health for all babies. 

You gently moved Brive farther away from you and make sure he’s perfectly covered and warm. The fireplace in the bedroom is ever burning- keeping the room toasty warm while you can watch the snow fly outside. 

Your movement stirred Brock and his arm reflexively tightened around you and your backside was then pressed into his front as he woke up and now that Brive is far enough away that your movements won’t disturb Brive, you ground your ass against Brock’s cock to see if you can stir him awake, which worked to a degree because Brock growled a grunting moan as he started to wake up before he seemed to become aware of himself and moved his hips back so that his morning wood isn’t touching you anymore. 

“Sorry Babe.” He apologized sleepily. 

“Bring it back.” You whined as you started scooting backwards towards him to feel it again. 

“You’re still healing.” Brock gently argued as he rolled onto his back and stretched out just as Brive did the same in his sleep before you quickly rolled over him so you straddled him, your night clothes vanishing in an instant as you sit up onto his belly and braced your hands on his chest which made him open his eyes as he blinked and frowned in confusion at you.

“Moura women usually take 3-4 weeks to heal from birth. It's been 6 weeks. I’m more than healed. Please Babe, I haven’t had sex in the last 7 months, if you don’t fuck me senseless right now I’ll go mad.” You pleaded as you stared down at him and could feel his cock tap at your behind again, he was as hard as a rock and you wanted him so bad it hurt. 

“Are you sure?” He asked, even though you could see the desire burn behind his eyes but he was absolutely insistent that he would never, ever hurt you again before you gave him a meaningful look and canted your hips back so that his cock fell towards his belly then set your pelvis down so that your pussy laid over his length and rocked back so that your lips engulfed the underside of his cock as you rubbed yourself from the tip to the base, your own essence making it glide almost effortlessly and watched as Brock’s eyes threatened to roll back into his head while the head of his cock spurted precum onto his belly. 

“I’m sure. Please Baby.” You begged and you saw him cave. 

“If anything hurts, you stop me immediately, got it?” He insisted. 

“Promise.” You vowed before you got into position and slowly eased down onto him, both of you breathing out a breath of relief in being rejoined as he looked up at you questioningly. 

“Nothing hurts, it feels so fucking good.” You confessed as your grin grew giddy as his did the same as you felt him dig his heels into the bed and begin to push up into you as you saw the hunger in his eyes grow before you fell into what was once a familiar rhythm but yet it felt new all the same before milk started to drip from your nipples and he was sitting up in an instant to lick it up. 

“Good?” You couldn’t help but giggle as he started to wrap his mouth around your breasts and suck in earnest before he hummed in confirmation before he moved from one to the other as you sighed happily and contentedly as you leaned back to give him room to do as he pleased before you removed his mouth from your chest to gather you closer and start kissing you as you could taste the rich sweetness on his tongue as he devoured you whole. 

“Gods I missed you,” he confessed in your ear as his hips hiked up into yours as your body rocked against his. 

“I missed you too.” You mirrored earnestly. 

“I’m just...so sorry I made you wait.” Brock began to apologize and you could tell he was getting choked on emotion again. 

“Hey, hey, don’t, don’t start this again? Ok? We’ve been through this, I forgive you. No more beating yourself up. It’s enough. We can’t go back and change it. We can only change now. And right now- is all that matters.” You insisted as you held his handsome face in your hands and looked into his eyes earnestly as you could see his eyes start to shine with tears. 

“No more hurt. Only pleasure.” You repeated as you grinded down onto him for emphasis before you kissed him hungrily and passionately as all the pent up feelings over the last year came to a head and you lost yourself in the passion as did he and it wasn’t until you came down from your respective releases when you heard a giggling coo before you looked over to see Brive fully awake and giggling from his spot nearby which made you and Brock both start laughing as you untangled from Brock to go to your son as you pulled him closer. 

“Well good morning Brive, did you sleep well?” You cooed to him as you laid down on your side and put him to your breast so he could eat his breakfast which he was all too happy to do, nursing and smiling up at you and Brock who cuddled his back as Brock combed Brive’s hair with his fingers as he stared down adoringly at Brive. 

“He’s getting so big.” Brock murmured. 

“He is, because he nurses just as fast as I can make the milk.” You grinned as you laid on your side and let Brive use your arm as his pillow while he nursed and in near record time, he had drained one breast and was ready to drain the other before you put him to your chest and rolled with him so that you could lay on your other side and let him nurse from that one as Brock cuddled into your back and rested his head on yours as he nuzzled the juncture of your neck and shoulder, pressing soft sweet kisses to every bit of you his mouth could reach. 

“I love you, thank you so much for... everything.” Brock thanked you. 

“You’re welcome. Love you too.” You cooed as you kissed his cheek affectionately and once Brive had nursed till he was full and had almost completely drained your other breast of milk, did he detach his mouth with a pop and smile happily up at both you and Brock. 

“Ok, my turn.” Brock insisted as he reached over you and got his son and picked him up and cooed to him and kissed him all over before he brought him over to a changing table and changed Brive’s diaper while you slipped out of bed and went to the bathroom, grateful that Brock was so involved and helped with everything he could with Brive and you could tell Brock loved Brive dearly and once you two were ready, you went from your bedroom to the kitchen to prepare breakfast together. 

Come spring Brock was unusually busy getting ready for the spring equinox festival since the lunar new year was the greatest celebration to date and Brock wanted the spring equinox to be even bigger and better than the lunar new year. Brock turned so much gold himself for it and saw to most of the details himself, which you didn’t mind. Your biggest hurdle was making clothes for Brive who was growing so fast and his moura cloak was coming in really beautifully but it would still be a few years at least before he learned to control it and it felt like you were sewing all day every day and you felt like you spent a fortune just in fabrics and needles and threads but Brive could wear a burlap sack and look adorable and all who saw him thought he was the most handsome baby boy any of them had ever seen and whenever Brock was around he was all too happy to insist that Brive got all his good looks from you but you could see the unmistakable resemblance Brive had with his father. 

When it was time for the feast Brock had you dress in a special dress he had commissioned for you from a group of seamstresses that had settled in Drauch. You felt like a queen wearing it. It was brightly colored and almost every inch of it was embroidered and it even had the prettiest jewels sewn into the fabric. You didn’t want to think about what it must have cost him. But you honored him enough to wear it with immense pride especially when Brive had a matching outfit and even Brock’s outfit was similar, but not as fancy. With how hard he usually worked, you wondered if he was afraid he’d get it dirty or something. Brock escorted you to the main feasting tent and you graciously sat in the seat of honor which was in all realities, basically a couch at the head table with lots of cushions so that it was exceedingly comfortable to prop yourself up and Brive up as you noticed your entire extended family had come for this as they took their seats around you and all the married ones were showing baby bumps or their own little ones since they had gotten pregnant shortly after you did. 

“Brock? Aren’t you sitting with me?” You asked when he had you sit down but he moved to leave. 

“I gotta take care of something first.” He excused himself before he left, leaving you looking on curiously as Brive was all too happy it sit in your lap and watch what was going on with bright excited eyes as you noticed almost all the women around you who weren’t in your family were also sporting baby bumps or their own little ones along with before Brock took center stage in the tent and got everyone’s attention. 

“I would like to thank everyone for coming today to feast on behalf of not just the equinox, the sewing of the fields- which was just completed a few days ago but also to celebrate my official proposal dinner to the most beautiful, goddess divine to swim in the seas, walk the face of the world and fly in the skies.” He gestured to you as you blushed but smiled adoringly at him. 

“And I’m sure we’ve all heard the legends..” Brock began before he very elaborately and dramatically retold what had happened in the last year as you and your family and all your friends all laughed almost hysterically at most of it as Brock used every tiny little opportunity to praise you and practically sing your praises. 

“And that is why, I would like you all for coming to my surprise betrothal feast for such an amazing goddess!” Brock announced as your eyebrows rose in surprise as your jaw dropped as everyone else cheered excitedly. 

“What?” You asked as you bounced Brive in your lap as the real feast was then brought out as you realized what all of you had been grazing on before had just been appetizers before suddenly things seemed to fall into place. Your whole family and all your friends were here, they were all seated around the giant tent along with everyone in the clan and you notice that it’s Brock’s captains and generals that are the servers and it’s the men who are serving the women and the families which was a refreshing change of pace and you were drinking your favorite drinks and eating your favorite foods as Brock then left and brought into the arena in the middle of the tent- his betrothal gifts and you were shocked when they were all new, you had never seen any of them before as you started crying tears of happiness when each and every single one was actually really thought out and you could tell that Brock put so much effort into all of them. And it wasn’t just gifts for you, there were gifts for Brive and all your other future children with him and you couldn’t be happier about that and your smile was brighter than the sun and you and especially his family were practically glowing with pride. 

“So, do you Benyana Auksa, accept by betrothal?” Brock eagerly asked. 

“Yes.” You happily answered before you happily got up and kissed him which caused everyone to cheer. 

“Wanna get married?” Brock asked when you broke for air.  

“Yes!” You answered. 

“Right now?” Brock asked which made you bust up laughing. 

“Right now? Right now, right now?” You asked. 

“Yeah, I have a wedding dress for you and everything.” Brock informed you. 

“You do not.” You laughed, in disbelief.

“Yeah, it should be back in the house. I had the seamstresses look through all your other clothes and what you usually turn your moura cloak into to get a gage on your tastes and then your mom and your brothers and sisters helped put different elements to it.” Brock confessed as you gasped and stared at your family as all your siblings were giggling gleefully while your mother was looking pleased as punch. 

“Let’s do it!” You readily agreed before you and Brive and all your siblings and friends happily got up and all of you practically running to your house and going inside it as your mother followed closely behind to get Brive from you while your dad had your baby sister as you walked in to see your wedding dress already laid out as you just started crying and laughing at the same time, not knowing how it was possible to be this happy. But you were. 

It was hands down the most beautiful wedding dress you had ever seen in your life. It had all of your own benar, that you had cried that first night that Brock had captured you. It seemed like a lifetime ago by now and you noticed they were sewn into the sweetheart neckline. You eagerly stripped out of your clothes and your siblings helped you get dressed first before they too dressed in their own clothes that had been prepared for this that matched what had been made for you. 

And it all felt so surreal but you were trying to memorize every single moment. What started off as the beginnings of a the spring equinox festival turned into an impromptu wedding feast and celebration as your siblings brought priests from every realm to make a sacred document so that it was recognized the whole world wide that you were married and mated with Brock before you finally got to exchange moura cloak collars as Brocks’ collar had to shrink down to fit your neck while yours had to grow a little wider to encompass his neck before the two seemed to form a link between them so that they both took on the traits of the other so now the two matched in both style and aesthetic, making something altogether new and different and unique. It was so much more than you ever thought to expect or want. It was perfect. 

Fifteen years later

“Thanks mom.” Brive thanked you as as he held one of younger siblings and tried to feed them and himself at the same time as you passed out all the portions of pepper crab to all of your kids as Drauch had come to Suchi for another summer solstice celebration as you were wearing another silver belt that had a long tether to the rest of your smaller children while your elder children all had silver bracelets, all of them matching before you were approached by Warchief Lukher and Warchieftess Audravienne and all of their children from Yekmeni which was just on the other side of the continent to the east as they had flown in since Audravienne had come as a moura bride from the stables to Warchief Lukher 17 years prior and themselves had started a large family and their union and the other unions that followed from mouras who married into this particular clan of orcs saw a new kind of orc become born, orcs who had become known as paradise orcs. Because as toddlers they changed from dark olive green with splashes of dark brown to royal blue with bright purple splashes, like a peacock’s feathers or other birds of paradise. 

“Audrey!” You greeted her as you hugged her tight as Lukher and Brock hugged too. 

“Yana! It’s so good to see you!” She greeted you sweetly and excitedly. 

“Oh my goodness is this Brive? Oh my goodness, look how you’ve grown!” Lukher praised Brive as he measured Brive, trying to see how much taller he was than him as Brive came up to his chest already as Brive smiled bashfully as he did his best to stand as tall as he could in the face of Lukher’s praise almost as much as he was happy to see Audravienne’s son Ahi-Shumai who had been his friend since infancy and was trying not to be too awkward to see Ahi’s sister Monrhi who was only a year younger than him and good friends with his own younger sister Brilanni as the two girls were quickly talking and sharing food and complementing each other on their clothes which were their own moura cloaks as they quickly picked up details about the other’s clothes and then began to mimic each other as Brilanni had the same coloring that Brive and all their siblings had, they had the same bright aquamarine coloring and blonde hair as Brive and Brilanni as Ahi was in a similar state that Brive was in as he was trying not to swoon too hard at the sight of Brilanni again because she was still the prettiest girl he had ever seen in his life as Audrey’s sister Maisara and her husband came over with all of their kids before they retreated to Drauch where there was more room since the streets were getting almost overcrowded as they had someone with a big messengerari take a picture of all of them together as something of an extended friends and family picture as they continued to eat the fare offered on Drauch for the summer solstice. 

“God, I swear Drauch makes the best fried fish.” Audrey praised as she happily bit into the large fried fish on a skewer. 

“Yeah they do. Don’t forget to get a bite of the pepper crab.” You reminded her as you ate beside her, taking the special leg of king crab out of its shell and dipping it into the amazing sauce the vendor made. 

“Oh how could I?” Audrey answered between bites before she looked up to see Brive trying to feed Monrhi. 

“I think we have a little romance going on.” Audrey teased you. 

“Between Brilanni and Ahi? Oh only since they were two.” You teased back. 

“Wait what?” Audrey asked before she looked to her own eldest son to see him doing the same thing that Brive was doing by feeding Monrhi the peppered crab leg. 

“Wait, which kids were you talking about?” You asked her. 

“Brive and Monrhi.” Audrey said as you looked then blinked as you looked from one to the other. 

“Well I’ll be blessed.” You laughed as she did the same before you snapped your fingers softly to get Brock’s attention and Brock and Lukher were talking very animatedly about griffins. 

“Yeah?” Brock said when he noticed you were trying to get his attention before you nodded over to where Brive and Monrhi were talking and eating and feeding each other as Audrey used sign language to Lukher to look over at his son and daughter- Ahi and Monrhi before they both looked over and started laughing and then teasing each other about it. 

“Well I hope one of them works out, just for pure curiosity because if their colors meld, then they’ll really look like peacocks.” Audrey mused. 

“They would.” You had to smile fondly. 

“To peacock orcs then.” You offered as you offered your cup of wine up to toast with hers. 

“To peacock orcs.” Audrey laughed as she toasted her glass with yours. 

The End.

[k-fiction-therapy]

Beautiful Liar

Moodboard by Admin Scar

Starring: Kim Wonshik & Jung Taekwoon [WonTaek/Vixx’s LR]

Includes: Music Video Inspiration, Angst & Mentions of Infidelity

Rating: 18+

~*.*..*I love him, but she has me in her grasp. If I make the wrong move, she will tell everyone, but...if I do nothing, I could lose him. What do I do? ~*.*..*

Music Inspiration: Sam Smith - Leave Your Lover

A/N: This piece is heavily based on VIXX LR’s music video “Beautiful Liar”, and eventually I will be writing a prequel entitled “Whisper to Me” that details how this plot-line came to be, so I hope that you enjoy this fic, and look forward to that one. This angsty, loving fic took my heart through a fucking rollercoaster, and even after writing it, I was throttled with emotion. It was a lot. Ugh. Enjoy. :)

Asks Open for Feedback, Comments, Kudos and Thoughs. <3

             If there is one universal truth in this world, it is that when the thread of fate tethers two souls, they cannot be separated by any means.  Regardless of all the hardships, the twists and jagged turns that life takes, the two will always be connected. In many paths of life, the two become one. In others, the two walk aimlessly in the dark, seeking the hand of the other for eternity—and sometimes the hand that they were seeking was right in front of their face the entire time, they just refused to reach out and grab it.

             Leo and Ravi had been close for a long time. Sure, in the beginning they had their problems, but during debut, who didn’t? Over the years and the quiet moments spent between the two males, they had found themselves in many intimate situations. They had crossed the line a few times, Leo resigning to hit him and shy away from his kisses afterward. Tsundere or not, Leo loved Ravi and Ravi felt the same.

             Being homosexual in any industry, especially one where your appeal to women is nearly vital, is hard. Ravi knew that—and that is why he didn’t lose his mind when Leo started dating an actress to keep up appearances. Of course, as an idol, dating isn’t easy, and when Leo found himself upset or bothered, he ran directly back into Ravi’s arms; the place he’d always felt the safest. Ravi settled for this, being on the sidelines; there for Leo when he needed. Love was love. Ravi would die waiting if he had to, but there was no one in his heart other than Leo—he was the only one that Ravi could see.

              Though it was a day unlike any other day, Ravi felt some sort of chill in the air. He’d gotten a message from Leo around noon asking to meet him for lunch, which wasn’t something that Leo generally did. This could be bad. Ravi prayed that Leo wasn’t upset or hurting too severely, and it was something that his kisses could clear up. Though it wasn’t specifically his intention to take Leo to bed when he felt underappreciated, Ravi didn’t shy away from the idea as a possibility.

             Leo had arrived at the restaurant not long after he had sent the message to Ravi. He was nervous and couldn’t stop fiddling with the table cloth, sure that he looked as if he was on some sort of drugs. Leo dressed simply, the shirt and jeans he wore fitting him perfectly well. He had picked out his outfit nearly a week ago, knowing what he would be doing today, and he wanted to look as normal as he could, hoping it would make Ravi feel calm. Sitting at the white clothed table, he sipped his water and stared down into it. Reflected in it were his memories of the place and the first time he and Ravi had ever eaten there. A weak smile was all he could muster, though no emotion came across his face.  It was middle of the day on a Wednesday, and the normal crowd was nowhere to be found. Leo thanked God for that.  

             Ravi was late, as usual, and he walked up the sidewalk in a large busy-patterned long sleeve button-up shirt, the sleeves rolled up to his elbows and tattoos showing. Leo had seemed rather stressed the past few days and he knew that this dinner wouldn’t be something easy, and more than likely it would be quietly dramatic, as most of Leo’s life was–but he loved the man, dammit. Entering the place, he moved to the table they always shared and sat down. Ravi was a thickly built man with toned muscles and a severe eye, but somehow he softened at the sight of his hyung. He stared at the other across the table and managed a small smile, happy to see him regardless of what he was about to be told.

             At that gaze, Leo could barely breathe because truly, this was unfair. His fear and anxiety were making this choice for him and he knew Ravi deserved so much more than a cold lover who would make decisions based on cowardess. The kicker was that he loved the man and he couldn’t let go, even if he couldn’t admit his feelings to the world. So much that the mere sight of Ravi, though he didn’t show it in the slightest, made him weak all over. Inside the confines of his mind, he was crying, sobbing and throwing things—but his mask didn’t dare crack. Instead, he silently gave back a small, unreadable smile. An envelope, blue with white, trimmed with thin lace, sat to his side on the table. “Ravi…” He reached over, voice barely a whisper, fingers ghosting along the man’s knuckles. “Will you eat with me? Or would you rather… We just cut to it?”

             Leo kept his hand there and Ravi didn’t protest the near-touching of his knuckles, but he didn’t exactly give anything back as he stared at the male, eyes searching for some sort of answer. The expression on Ravi’s face changed from gentle happiness, his smile fading at the way Leo spoke, “If it’s all the same to you, I’d like to get this out of the way. It seems heavy.” He all but growled, staring at the other.

             Ravi’s temper and anger never, ever affected Leo. If anything, it pulled him closer because of the safety it promised. Regardless, the way that Ravi spoke hit Leo in his core and he pulled his hand back quickly, placing his palms on the table in front of him. Focusing on his breathing, he pushed emotions back and brought his eyes back up to look at Ravi, “Right.“ He bowed his head, black hair shifting to cover his eyes a moment as he regretted withdrawing his touch. Ravi didn’t take his eyes off of Leo as he moved, desperately trying to figure out what this was all about, eyes observing Leo as he took the envelope and fidgeted with it before handing it over to Ravi. Leo said nothing further, staying in his seat and staring at the other male. He owed Ravi so much, for his personal development, both emotional and spiritual, the least he could do was respect him enough to do this in person—but he wouldn’t be lying if he said he was terrified, or that this hurt like hell to watch.

             Inside the envelope was a wedding invitation so beautifully hand-made and detailed, it had to be Leo’s current girlfriend. They had been sneaking around behind her back for the last three years, but Ravi had never thought it would come to this. He ran his thumb over the date and the bridge of his nose tensed, eyes reddening as they welled with tears. The wedding was in five months. A spring wedding.

             Leo watched Ravi and the moment he realized that he was about to cry, his eyes widened. That wasn’t good. Fingers twitching and the need to run making the muscles of his legs flutter. He could have choked right then, watching Ravi’s fingers against the paper of the invitation. Emotion flooded him, and he swallowed audibly to try and hold it back from showing itself. Leo couldn’t think of a word to say, so he just stared, brows wrinkled.  

             Ravi stared at the invitation for what felt like a year as his hands began to shake. He could feel the heat of his temper rise, bubbling over almost immediately. His shoulders lifted and tensed, his teeth grinding as his head fell, "Are…you…FUCKING kidding me?!” He snarled, looking up as a tear rolled down the slope of his cheek, “Are you fucking serious with this, Leo? After everything…” he shook his head and stood, nearly knocking the table over with the force of his thigh, “No. No, no, no. No!” He ripped the invitation into pieces and threw it at the table, the pieces falling in a flurry, “I can’t fucking believe this.” He turned on heel and walked in the direction of the door, the few patrons in the place staring.

             Leo flinched at the anger. He had tears shining bright in his own eyes, but he was not one to let them ever fall. “Ra-” he tried, strangling his words when more spewed from the other. His perfectly sloped lips staying parted, snapping closed only when the letter fluttered to the table. “It wasn’t-” he tried again, but Ravi had already stood. He couldn’t let him leave like this. In a panic, Leo shoved up and chased after him. He allowed Ravi to make it just out of the restaurant’s door before grabbing hold of him and yanking on an elbow gently to turn the male around, “Ravi, please. She found out about us!” His exclamation was soft, just like him, but harsh enough to be a different tone. “She told me this was the only way she’d trust me to be loyal to her. I didn’t want it, Ravi… It was her idea. Please…”

             Leo can’t imagine a world without Ravi. Without the depth of his voice and the gentle touch of those loving hands. Without those eyes, brows, and the perfect curve of lips. He couldn’t live without the way the males body moved, the way Ravi breathed and the way he loved him. Every moment spent with Ravi was the only time that Leo had felt truly happy in his life. He couldn’t lose that.  Leo’s grip on that arm tightened, moving down to Ravi’s wrist, to hold him though they stood at arm’s length. Leo could feel Ravi’s heartbeat at his pulse point and it made Leo want to sob, holding on tightly to the resolve he’d kept his entire life.

             Ravi wanted to run far away from this and never look back, but that hand on his arm kept him from moving. He wouldn’t physically hurt Leo, would never raise a hand to him or even so much as take a chance on making him wince in pain, so he remained still, staring at the other, “She found out about us…and you’re fucking marrying her?” He snarled, glancing to the side and then back at Leo. It was hard to grasp, and even harder to hear. This couldn’t be happening, “You want me to go along with this? –act like you didn’t choose her over me? How inconsiderate can you be?”

             “I… I don’t know what to do.” Leo had always been deeply terrified of being seen with Ravi in an intimate setting due to the homosexual stigma. From the beginning of his relationship with the female, he had always willingly gone to Ravi time after time without hesitation, falling directly into his embrace. Perhaps it had been cruel or irresponsible, but he couldn’t stop. “I… I want you more. But…” He took his hand back, eyes frowning right along with his brows, more expression than he’d showed in public in years. He bowed, wrapping his arms right around himself and hunching shoulders. All he could think of was how he would rather Ravi be the one to take him, take him home and make everything better. But even then, she would still exist and his fears would not have left. “I don’t want any of this.” He whispered softly, hair a canopy that shadowed his face.

              Watching Leo like this made Ravi hurt somewhere deep within himself. He couldn’t bear to see the male curled in on himself like this, even as they stood on the sidewalk. Ravi could have run, now that he was let go, and he could have escaped this, but his heart wouldn’t allow it. Exhaling slowly, Ravi took a step closer, putting a hand on the male’s shoulder. He tried to comfort because it was his instinct, but he hurt. He hurt so badly. His masculine, strong exterior stopped him from showing more than a stern expression at that moment and he wrinkled his brows, “…Leave her.” He said as he stepped closer, running his hand to the back of the male’s neck, touching the ends of his dark hair, “…but you won’t, huh?”

              Leo rolled himself back up to standing, returning Ravi’s stare. His movements had forced Ravi’s hand to grasp his neck and he inhaled through his nose, eyes watery. Leo looked over Ravi’s face, knowing him enough to know see that hurt despite the male hiding it. This was probably harder for him than Leo. Lips parted to the touch and he leaned into it, neck arching as he touched up a forearm, always weak for this man. “I… I can’t…” Leo nearly mouthed and the words are almost unheard, tears slipping from his eyes, an uncharacteristic act. “I’m sorry, Ravi. I love you so much… but I’m so scared….”

             Ravi dropped his hand from that neck, grazing a shoulder on it’s way. He shook his head, “Well, I can’t hide myself with you any longer. I can’t live like this.” He tensed his jaw and his expression went cold, “I only want you. This is cruel and you fucking know it.” He snarled as he pulled back from Leo and took off walking down the road, his gait angry and strides long. Once he was far enough away, he cried, deep within himself, tears falling, but no sound left him.

              Leo was terrified of following Ravi. He’d hurt the man so much he’s sure he’ll never be able to look himself in the mirror again. He waited only a few minutes before he left himself. He shook hard all the way home, his own arms around his form not enough to quell the screaming voices of guilt in his mind. Once he returned home, after making sure he was alone, he allowed himself to cry and sit miserably, sure he wouldn’t sleep at all.

               It was a few days before Leo had gotten up the courage to be an absolute idiot. He showed up at Ravi’s doorstep, unannounced, knocking gently like he always did. It had been pouring down rain and Ravi hadn’t expected any company, so when he heard the knock, his stomach fell. Unexpected visits weren’t usually fun ones. Leo waited, thankfully wearing a raincoat, though hair and pants were dripping as he’d walked there from home.

              Walking towards the door, Ravi sat his computer down on the couch as he passed. He had been writing lyrics, thinking the heightened emotions he was feeling were helping him along. It was the only positive aspect he could find in all of this. Answering the door in a red silk bathrobe and basketball shorts, Ravi stared at Leo through rouge-lensed sunglasses, his white hair tousled to the side. Eyes puffy and head tipping, he took a deep breath, “What are you doing here?” His tone was even and deep, the anger behind it still very much audible.

              Leo stared, hating himself. Hating everything about himself. It was the depths of his depression coming back but, this time no one was at fault but himself. Moving his hands to tuck them tight against his sides to calm himself, he inhaled slowly. “I don’t want to leave us as that… I want… I need to talk to you. Can I come in?” He wanted to wipe those eyes when tears fell, to kiss away the pain he had caused, but he knew he couldn’t. Ravi didn’t say a word and after a moment of silence, Leo continued though it was unlike him to talk this much, or at all, “It was wrong, to take you to a public place…but I didn’t think you’d want me here when I told you. I just think, perhaps… We should talk?” His sharp eyes stared, face the usual resting lack of emotion.

              Ravi’s heart ached just standing there and looking at Leo. The wound that had been cut into his heart a little over twenty-four hours prior just hadn’t had time to even think about numbing its pain. Staring, it took him ages to respond, having to keep himself from just closing the door in Leo’s face. Knowing how much it would hurt Leo, he would never—though the male deserved it. “Ye, fine.” He hissed, stepping back and into the place.

              When allowed in, Leo closed the door behind himself with a click and peeled the raincoat off so he didn’t get the place wet. Putting it on the coat tree, he followed Ravi. The dim lights of his apartment illuminated his tattooed, honey skin and he walked toward the sitting area, his silk robe billowing a bit. He turned when he reached the center of the room, raising a brow, “So, go on… Talk.”

              Leo stopped inside of the room and stood a good six feet away, not wanting to be too close in case Ravi got mad again. Pushing the tips of his fingers together, he shook slightly, “When she saw the messages on my phone, she knew. When she found out, she asked me if I wanted you more. And I refused to answer. She didn’t stand for the silence long, and stormed out. I assumed she’d make the decision to leave for me and I was so… Relieved.” He shrugged, eyes downcast as he rubbed his own arm. He wasn’t sure exactly why he was telling Ravi the entire story, and he certainly didn’t realize that he more he spoke, the more he angered the male. He inhaled audibly, not used to speaking, “She showed up with invitations to the wedding and told me that if I didn’t agree to marrying her and supporting her financially… She would make sure everyone knew that I was… Into men. I panicked, Ravi.”

              Leo finished his story and Ravi was fuming. Leo had come here to explain something that didn’t need explaining. Leo was too much of a coward to stand up to his convictions, to be who he was. That was the end of it. Ravi exhaled through his nose and pushed his hair back before dropping a hand down his front, ”…You should have fucking told her.“ He snarled, gaze furious, "Tell her you like the cock.” Ravi cracked, grasping himself through his shorts threateningly, gesturing to Leo with it in a lewd fashion, “Stop lying to her. Lying to your fucking self.”

             Leo twitched at the vulgar grab, making a small face. “I’m not… I’m not lying to myself. I know what I like. I know what I… I know who I want. She isn’t you, she never will be, but I…can’t tell her, I…” He tried to fight through the emotions, but seeing the male react in this way had him looking away, a bit flustered and shocked at what he was seeing, the anger he could feel, “C-Can you not grab yourself?” He looked away, skin hot from all the emotions and thinking about Ravi’s dick was not going to help this situation.

              To that reaction, Ravi raised a brow, “Oh? I shouldn’t grab myself?” He asked, taking a rough step towards the other male, blinded by how angry he was, “She’s not me. Do you need to be reminded that?” He grasped Leo’s wrist and walked him back towards the wall, teeth gritting and jaw tensing, “…You have to fucking tell her, Leo. What are you afraid of? Being a faggot?” He growled and when Leo hit the wall, he pressed against him, “Afraid of everyone knowing? Don’t. Be. A. Pussy.” He said, hand pushing between them to cup Leo through his pants, “…Be a man.”

              Leo had been cracked against the wall, his back hitting it densely, “Don’t say that… Ravi!” He flinched hard, cheeks red from blush at the way Ravi grabbed him. He was semi-hard, admittedly, and this only made it worse. He felt a bit more than ashamed, but he couldn’t help but react to those hands. Trembling, he arched against the touch and stared, pupils huge and lips trembling slightly, their pout supple. He grabbed Ravi’s arm and braced against the wall. “You know I don’t want people knowing tha-Nnn! That doesn’t make me a p-pussy. L-let me go…”

               Ravi didn’t stop, but rather moved his hand up and down, just to stimulate Leo, showing him how perfectly his body obeyed and begged for Ravi, even the slightest bit. He growled, “No. Being scared of being yourself because of what people will fucking think. That makes you a pussy.” He growled against Leo’s ear and pressed tighter, nearly knocking over an end table next to them.

              “G-God…” Leo moaned ridiculously hot into the air, his mouth open. He can’t believe how fast he went from depressed to needing Ravi to take him where he stood. Just needing it as primal as he could get it. He was hard, twitching, hips bucking up for more despite his mind screaming for this to stop, that it was wrong. Moaning, he turned towards that mouth, eyes half lidded. “You make it hard to think… God, Ravi…” He gripped the male with both hands, nails digging into silk as he arched from the wall, knees twitching apart. He didn’t even notice the table even though his leg hit the side of it, knocking it fully over, but it wasn’t too hurt by the fall.

              Leaning forward, Ravi kissed against a cheekbone and then growled against the shell of Leo’s ear, “Fuck…you feel so good.” His deep whisper was low enough to shake the soul and it made Leo tremble. Ravi grit his teeth and sneered, frustrated, “…but I can’t…” he pulled himself away immediately and turned his back to Leo, his hand pressed to his forehead as he fought with himself, “…We can’t do this.”

              Leo had so ready. He had been like putty in Ravi’s hands, ready to be molded. Ready to do anything the male asked or wanted of him—but then the contact was gone. Chest heaving, breaths so ragged they were almost silent, he stared at Ravi’s back. It would be wrong to ask for more but oh, he wanted it. Wanted it like a drug. Hands curled in his shirt, pulling up to give the room a tease of his abdomen and slopped hips. “You make me so weak.” He murmured, blood searing through his veins. The words next spill from his mouth without thought and he hated himself the moment they were out. “Tell me how I feel good.” Leo tried, hoping Ravi would just give in.

               Ravi raked his fingers down his face, pulling at his jaw a bit. He bit into his tongue at the male’s words, holding his teeth there to scold himself. He didn’t turn around, eyes closing as his back straightened. Ravi resigned to act as if Leo hadn’t said anything in that sultry tone of his, “If you won’t reveal yourself for me…you can’t say that you love me. You can’t say that you’re mine….” He inhaled slowly, “Fuck…all the times you writhed beneath me and told me you wanted me more than anything…that you never loved anyone like this…” He shook his head, still not turning around, “If you’re too afraid to tell her, to tell the world…then you don’t love me like you say you do. Then you truly are…a beautiful fucking liar.”

              Leo stared at Ravi, unable to think. He couldn’t do anything and found himself barely able to breathe. He’d hurt the one person in this world that he cared for—how could sex be anywhere close to on his mind? Leo couldn’t move for a few hard, brutal breathes, but then he slipped forward onto his toes. Glancing to the table, then the man he loved, he paled. “I’m sorry…” he murmured before turning and leaving. The door clicked a bit too loud for Leo’s taste but he needed to go. He ran, hands over his mouth, as he made his fast way back home in the rain that had resigned to sprinkle.

              Ravi let Leo leave. He wasn’t about to run after him. It wasn’t that Ravi didn’t care. No, he fucking cared too much. That was his problem. How could this happen. All those nights he had held Leo in his arms, daydreaming of a day when they would be together finally, facing the world and letting them see them for who they truly were–but he had been lying to himself. That day would never come. Anger pooled in him and he shouted, punching a wall, leaving a deep hole. His foot met the end table then, smashing it to bits. He growled through gritted teeth and stared at his bleeding knuckles, the wood of the wall having splintered and cut him. The blood made him feel like he might be able to breathe, and he fumed.

              Ravi was the one out of everyone that had a horrible temper, but he managed to keep it at bay all of these years. Leo had seen hints of it, but nothing like the terror he had left when he ran.  Leo didn’t go back to Ravi’s home as he didn’t want to test that temper any further, afraid that he would somehow make things even worse than they already were. Many nights of crying himself to sleep and avoiding his fiancé gave him time to think—and if he were honest, he was terrified of the decision he had made in his most solitary moments.

              Days slipped by and it was due time that the members of VIXX went back to work. The boys were unaware of what had gone on between Ravi and Leo, so they treated their return day as they would any other work day, excited to see their lead rapper and eldest hyung. Ravi was called, asked to come to the studio for some warm-up practices before they started work on the new concepts for the comeback. He was bluntly asked if he would contact Leo, and Ravi couldn’t blame them for not understanding his reluctance towards the action Leo hadn’t been answering his messages and they all knew of his tendencies to be depressed. Ravi had sent a quick text, which ended up being read and not responded to. What did he expect?

               Come the day, Leo did not show up, but the guys didn’t seem too worried or upset, but rather they were eating their lunch in the floor of the practice room with cheery smiles. Ravi appeared rather late, but he was there. Talking himself into coming had been quite a difficult task. Eyes set on the guys, he took up post on the edge of the circle of three boys and sat, seeming very moody. He didn’t ask about Leo and he didn’t answer when the others asked about where the other male was. Truly he wasn’t ready to be around Leo again just yet and he had somehow ignored the urge to reach out to him past the text he’d sent informing him of practice. His anger kept him controlled, but his heart, however, was screaming.

              The boys did not ask though they appeared concerned about the anger and unapproachable manner Ravi had. They didn’t inquire about Leo more than once, Ravi seeming touchy about the subject. After a few moments of silent eating, N checked his phone and smiled softly as he looked at the screen, seeming slightly relieved, “Leo got snagged, he’s gonna be a bit late. He suggested we get started. Ravi, you want anything to eat before we head to the studio?”

              Ravi tensed towards the guys when Leo was mentioned, and he nodded, inhaling through his nose. This had to happen eventually. They were still a group, and they still had to work together regardless of their personal issues. Perhaps time would help, but Ravi couldn’t see an end to this pain. Glancing to N when he asked about food he shook his head, “Nah, babe. I already ate.” He flirted like his natural self, patting N on the back softly.

              N nodded, smiling as he gathered up the trash that the boys had left behind, tidying up. They all stood, stretched, and headed towards the studio area to ready for recording. Hongbin inched over to Ravi as they walked and nudged the male, moving with him along the way, “You hear about Leo?” His voice was soft, his hands stuffed into his own pockets cutely, “It seemed tough, but… Wish he’d done it sooner. It’s hard to keep secrets like that. Makes you feel like you’re not yourself. I’m happy he did it.” Hongbin smiled gently.

              Snapped out of his furious state momentarily by those words, Ravi blinked and stared at Hongbin, "Nah, I was out most of yesterday. What happened?” He asked, curious, though he was angry. Old habits die hard and he couldn’t make himself care less about Leo. He wanted to ignore the urge to check up on him, to make sure he was okay, but at this point he was sure that was never going to be a reality for him. He hoped Leo was alright despite his blood fuming. It was horrible, but his heart still very much in love.

              Hongbin gave a cheeky grin. “He came out. Soo-ah kicked him out of their place, so he’s staying with N. Poor guy called N at three in the morning or something, I guess. N had to get go get him from that alley by the bar.” Hongbin lifted a hand and brushed hair from his brow, “It happened a few days ago…and his depression is back because of it, but he told everyone he was…. You know. Gay? I’m surprised you weren’t told.” He shrugged and opened the studio doors for Ravi to go through, his eyes sparkling. He seemed proud of Leo’s strength.

              Ravi could have choked on his own tongue. He couldn’t believe what he was being told. Dumbfounded, he blinked, his eyes widening, “Gay…” He said as he watched Hongbin enter. He patted his arm and nodded, “Give me a sec.” He turned on heel and ran towards the entrance to the building and out the glass doors. He had set himself to run wherever Leo was, but the heavy doors were a task and he found himself outside moments later where he almost ran face first into Leo. Gasping, he grabbed the man and pulled him into a hug, causing him to drop everything he was holding. Arms wrapped tight and he pressed his face into the crook of Leo’s neck, immediately sobbing, muscles shaking.

               Leo was deeply depressed and had not, in the least, wanted to come in today. That was all that was on his mind as he had made his way to the doors of the place. He hadn’t in the least expected Ravi to come out to greet him, let alone pull him into an embrace. The snacks and water for the members he had been carrying had hit the ground, but as Ravi took him into his arms, he didn’t care at all about that. For a moment, he was terrified of the male and didn’t know what to think or how to react. Was he mad? Ravi had every right to be mad. Leo tensed, but Ravi’s emotional meltdown had him inhale hard, hands grasping at the male’s shoulders, “R-Ravi?” He questioned, voice quivering. “W-what’s wrong?” He didn’t think for a second Ravi had heard the news, and he fully expected the male to still want nothing to do with him.

               “I…” Ravi held onto the male and pressed hard into him, gripping his shirt enough to pull it tight, “…you told her…you told everyone…you didn’t call me…” he pulled back, looking Leo in the face. Every bit of his anger melted away as he stared at that face. The expression he’d fallen in love with. Ravi knew Leo was the other half of his soul, that the thread of fate was tied around their wrists. They were two parts to the same soul, ripped apart at conception and fortunate enough to find one another. Leo was the be all end all of Ravi’s adoration; beloved. For the first time in weeks, Ravi truly smiled, the expression lighting up his face as he came in close, their lips grazing, “Idiot…” He whispered and then kissed the male deeply, hands holding his face, unashamed and uncaring who could see.

Admin Death

[unicornsandphoenix]

Roses of Hope

A drarry Cinderella story (one of two) based off of this post from this adaptation.

Written for the absolutely amazing @drarrymylove (I hope you enjoy!) with the help of my fabulous beta, @staganddragon

Read on Ao3 here

Draco’s mother had left him as swift as the winter breeze and as painful as the frost when Draco had just grown tall enough to steal her cookies off of the kitchen table. With a kiss on the forehead and a whispered “I love you,” she could have only one last wish for Draco.

“If nothing else, my darling, I wish for you to be kind and good. Please understand why there is rudeness or unpleasantness in the world, as you should understand why it arose. The more happiness you can bring to their lives, the more happiness your life will be filled with.”

Draco had taken these words to heart and lived by them everyday. He remembered the words when he accepted that to be happy, his father had taken another wife. He remembered the words when his new step brothers took his fine clothes from him, as they hadn’t had the pleasure yet to feel the fine cloth brushing their skin. He remembered the words when his stepmother asked, so his face would not act as a reminder of her late husband and his dead father, for him eat and sleep in the kitchen. He understood that their grief was lessened by his sudden disappearance into the servants quarters. He knew that the burden of death would be easier to bear if he contributed to the housework, washed the clothes, carried the water, and made the fires roar. By the end of the day, Draco would be so exhausted that he would fall asleep in the warm kitchen, next to the dying fire. This earned him the name Cinders, as he would often wake up with ashes on his face and clothes.

The household had soon forgotten that Draco was once the son of a lord, as they soon forgot his real name. The servants no longer called him Master, but Draco was happy as long as Winky and Dobby still called him a friend. His stepmother and step brothers, however, turned vicious and cruel, always calling upon him to do the chores and physical menial labour that was required to run the household.

Draco’s only solace was visiting his mother’s rose garden to care for the plants. It had been the pride and joy of the Lady Malfoy, and she had tended to it everyday. When she passed, the roses passed as well, turing an ashen grey on the brittle vines. It was after the passing of Lord Malfoy that Draco first went to  the rose garden to weep. The tears he shed had fallen on the roots of the plant, and after hours when Draco’s eyes refused to release anymore, he had looked up to see the pale pink roses blooming once more. Since that day, Draco came back to the garden every day. He cared for all the life there: the birds who came with feathers as beautifully white as the hair on his head and would pick lentils off of his hand, the mice that came to feed off of dinner scrapes that Draco could hide in his thread bare pockets, and the roses that he coaxed to bloom year round that would reach to his touch. In return for this gentle care, the roses whispered a reminder of his real name to him when the breeze rustled their leaves, and the perfume they dispensed reminded him ever so softly of his mother’s baking and father’s hugs.

Years went by, and soon after Draco’s seventeenth birthday, the kingdom was in celebration. Their prince was to be married, and not only this, but to find his future spouse, there would be a festival that would last three days to which the whole kingdom was invited to. Draco was ecstatic. He had never seen the castle before, only dreamt of it from afar. He searched through his father’s old wardrobe, still untouched from after his death, and found the finest clothes they had owned, the clothes father had married in. His stepmother, however, was not as thrilled. As swift as a viper, she snatched the clothes from Draco’s hands.

“Cinder! You cannot possibly come to the festivities in these worn clothes. You would be the embarrassment of us all.” She promptly flung the garments out the window. “It is just as well, Cinder, as you could not have possibly finished picking the lentils I dropped in the ashes, and you still need to dress and prepare my sons.”

Dismayed but still demure, Draco left to do as he was told. Only once the carriage with his step mother and brothers had ridden off in a sparkle of bronze, feathers and jewels adorning their bodies, and the chores were nicely stacked against the sink, did Draco allow himself to come to the garden to weep. As he arrived, he saw the garments that had been flung out the window hanging on the rose bush. The garments themselves had changed into magnificent displays of silver and gold. It was soft to the touch, and the most beautiful thing Draco had ever seen. And the shoes, spun with silk and embroidered with strands of silver; he had never dressed so quickly in his life. Without the ashes on his face and dressed in fine fabrics, he was unrecognisable. The doves cooed at him as he raced off to the festival.

~~~~

Prince Harry had never before seen a man as ethereal as the man who came striding in through the door of the ballroom. His arrival precipitated no announcement, and yet, none was needed. The two boys, brothers the prince recalled, that had been grinding the prince’s nerves were forgotten as the Prince distractedly left them to follow the glinting silver and gold robes of the beautiful man. Prince Harry was almost afraid to reach out, to tap the shoulder in front of him lest he disappear. Almost.

“Hello,” Harry said, breathless. Draco turned, and smiled. Harry was lost.

“Hello,” Draco breathed, eyes sparkling. “What is your name? Is it your first time at a ball too?”

Harry started; he couldn’t lose this, not now, not him. “Ha-Henry. My name is Henry. May I ask yours?” Draco shared only a small smile and shook his head. Harry held out his hand, eyes darting between Draco and the dance floor, and his heart melted as Draco laughed and grabbed his hand to drag him into a waltz. They danced all night, ignoring the other party members, the King’s thoughtful frown, and enjoyed each other's company.

At the end of the night, Draco left Harry with a kiss on the hand and a low bow, disappearing before Harry could get control of his beating heart. He knew at that moment, he would never be in control of his heart again.

~~~~

Draco hummed to himself as he walked home and straight into the garden. Placing the clothes safely under the roses, he sung the tune that he had seen dancing in his partners eyes as they swung around the room. Henry was kind, and Draco could envision the world bending to his hopes and dreams in a heartbeat. Draco knew he would as well. As Draco tended to the kitchen fire, he knew he had decided- mystery was nice for one night of freedom, but if he got the opportunity to join the festivities again the next day, he would share his name with Henry.

His step mother and brothers returned soon after, all sour faced and bitter. They rambled on about how the Prince had looked at no one but the mystery man, bragging that they had held the attentions of the Prince before he had been wrongly stollen away. Draco let them ramble on. His mind was on a different man.

The next day, after they left, Draco ran quickly back to the garden. The birds chirped at his arrival, and the roses opened with new blossoms. His mood grew. “Hello, all,” he whispered, Entranced by the love he could feel there. He ran his hand gently against the rose vines, jumping slightly when a single thorn cut into his finger. The drop of blood fell from his finger onto the beautiful garments he had worn before.

Before he could despair, however, the clothes transformed in front of his eyes. The deep red color of the blood spread through the robes, ribbons and ruffles appearing the folds. The color fell onto the shoes as well, with an extra shine. “Thank you,” Draco whispered, entranced by the beauty of it. He quickly washed his face of soot and went to the Ball.

~~~~

The ballroom was filled with men and women who had dressed in their finest silver and gold, obviously trying to appease the Prince, seeing what had worked the day before, but Prince Harry had eyes for only one. He paced the floor, refusing to speak with anyone else, much to the king’s chagrin. The King understood, however. He had been much the same with his wife.

When the Prince saw his chosen one sweep into the ballroom again, a slight flush on his face, he froze once more. The garb was different this time, delicately demanding, attracting the eyes and attentions of everyone in the room against a sea of silver and gold. The contrast to his almost white hair made Harry take a shape intake of air. Harry shook his head and went straight to his waiting dance partner.

“Hello,” Harry rushed out, reaching out for Draco’s hands.

Draco took his hands readily. “Henry! I- Henry is that the king?” Draco’s eyes widened in slight fear and admiration as he felt himself press into Harry’s side.

Harry blanched. No, he thought. I needed more time! “Father,” he said instead, tightening his grip on Draco’s hands when he squawked and went to move away.

“Harry, my son, who is it you have here hidden away?” The king smiled kindly at Draco, who bowed with a slightly awed look on his face.

“Someone close to my heart,” Harry chanced, “someone I hope to know more.” He tugged on Draco’s hand and led him away, through the french doors and down a flight of steps that lead them to the Palace gardens. Draco went willingly, albeit a bit numbly.

As they raced through the gardens, the only thing the other was aware of was the heat of the others hand on theirs.

Stopping by a bench near a field of lilies, Harry spoke. “I am sorry I deceived you before,” he said, head bowed. “I was so enchanted by you, I did not want to lose you to prior expectations or formalities.”

Draco smiled warmly, touched. “He- Harry. I forgive you.” He grasped Harry’s chin and tilted it up to meet his eyes. “You deserve to find someone without the pressures placed upon you.”

Harry smiled, and the conversation flowed from there well on till midnight. As the clocks struck 12, Draco jumped a little, almost hitting Harry’s head from how close they were seated next to each other. Draco grinned sheepishly. “I am afraid I must leave you. My journey home is long.”

“Stay,” Harry pleaded with him, but Draco only shook his head. “Will I at least have the promise of one last dance tomorrow?”

Draco hesitated. “Harry, I-”

“Please,” Harry implored grabbing his hands. “I must see you again. I don’t even know your name.”

The corner of Draco’s mouth tilted up in a half smile. His hand, without thought, came up to cradle Harry’s cheek. “My name is not important. Just like me. I want you to be happy, Harry. Dance with some others tomorrow. Find yourself some other partners.”

Harry frowned and mirrored Draco’s hand on his cheek. “The last dance at least. Will you deny me even the final dance on my birthday?”

Draco chuckled, and kissed Harry’s palm before he stood up nodding. “Until the last dance, then.” Harry watched him go around the bend, hand still burning with the kiss held tightly to his beating heart.

~~~~

Draco left the castle in a daze. His head was spinning as he sat beneath the rose vines in his haven. He wanted Harry to be happy with someone well suited to run a country. He wanted to please Harry’s father by allowing someone more suitable than him to take the place by Harry’s side. Perhaps a wife for children. Perhaps a foreign diplomat for his status.

And yet.

And yet his heart still pounded in its cage when he thought of Harry. Their conversation revealed a beautiful, caring soul behind the alluring exterior, but Draco knew this could never be. He belonged here, caring for his garden. He was no one anymore, he didn’t even have a name besides Cinders anymore, and Harry deserved someone. He peeled his layers back one by one, and placed the stunning red garments beneath the roses once more.

The next day saw his step mother and brothers more grumpy than before, and the overcast skies let go the rain they were holding. Draco could only spare a glance in the direction of the garden as hard pressed as he was to finish all the chores they piled on him. It was well into the night before he could release himself from his duties to go to the ball. All the better, Draco thought. I only promised him the last dance, afterall.

The garden seemed reticent as he crept up to it. Silent, but peaceful. He looked under the rose vines to find his clothes. Last night's rain had washed the vibrant colors away, leaving it damp, cold, and dirty. He struggled to pull his hands through the sleeves, trying not to feel frustrated, trying not to cry, when the pale pink garments moved on their own with a strange golden light.

The light surrounded him, caressing his skin in a kind manner that he had not felt in a long time. A tear fell down off his chin, as he recognized his mother's face in the midst of the golden haze. The light moved and swirled, sparkling in the night and covering and uncovering Draco and the clothes in an intricate dance. By the time the light left him, flowing back into the roses, he was cleaner of soot than he had ever been and dressed in the most magnificent robes. Pale pink with golden embroidery the robes fell to the soft earth in cascades of smooth, beautiful fabric. Pale pink flowers lined his head in a delicate crown and detailed the cuffs of his sleeves. The shoes had turned to gold, and Draco had never grateful in his life.

Blinking away tears, he looked at the roses and smiled. “Thank you,” he whispered. “I love you.”

~~~~

Prince Harry had danced with every eligible bachelor and bachelorette at the ball, but none held a flame to his match from the nights before. He sighed and, eyes widening, turned around a corner quickly to avoid the two brothers who would not seem to let him alone. He let out a breath of relief when the brothers passed right by him. The clock was ticking by, and soon the final song would play. Harry had not seen his heart the entire evening, and he feared he would not see him now or ever again. Soon, they were two songs from the end. Harry shared a sorrowful glace with his father and mother, and turned to head outside, away from the ball. Suddenly there were gasps filling the hall. The music slowed to a background humm, and collectively, the room turned to look to the entrance.

Standing there was the most beautiful man they had ever seen. Harry’s heart skipped a beat. His love had come. He bore a crown of roses, and Harry had never seen anything so fitting. He could imagine it as a ringlet of gold and hoped beyond hope that he could make this happen. The color of his clothes matched his pink cheeks, faintly blushed as he looked over at Harry. The robes were magnificent, Harry noted, nothing like he had ever seen before, yet they were pauper clothes in comparison with his love’s enchanting smile.

Harry strode up to him confidently as he dared as the music stopped, and the musicians’ papers shuffled around for the last dance of the evening. He held out his hand to Draco, chuckling at the clumsy bow he had received. “You have returned.”

“I have,” Draco said wryly, unable to stop himself from reaching out to Harry. “I promised you one last dance, after all.”

“That you have,” Harry said, and swept him off his feet. They twirled around the room, eyes only for each other and no words needed. Their arms embraced one another as they danced as close together as they could, neither willing to sacrifice even an inch. Their blooming hearts were not unnoticed by the King, but he only smiled, happy at his son for finding his true love.

The song ended, and with it, the last night of festivities. “Tell me your name,” Harry begged softly in Draco’s ear.

“I cannot, Harry,” Draco said sadly, mind made up. He was not the match for Harry. Harry deserved more than the orphaned boy had to give, which could only ever be himself. He stroked Harry’s face for what he knew to be the last time. “Goodbye, my prince. I can wish only the best for you.” Harry reached out to catch his arm as he pulled away, but the guests of the ball, all wanting to pay their respects to him on his birthday, had crowded around him, and by the time he got out, he saw only a hint of gold disappearing behind the door. Harry gave chase.

Running after his love, Harry tore down the halls and down the stairs. “Wait!” he called, though this only made Draco run faster. “Don’t go! Wait!” Harry was desperate. Draco was quick, however his shoes were making him slower and Harry would catch up any minute. After a moments hesitation, he kicked them off, but only managed to scoop one up before he took off again, down the road and through the town. Harry stopped by the lost shoe. Breathing hard, he picked it up. He knew he would have this man, and this man only as his partner and king. He would return the shoe.

~~~~

Days had passed since the ball and the announcement that the King’s son would be visiting every house in the kingdom, searching for the owner of the lost shoe. Draco sighed at his reflection in the pail of water. He wasn’t worried. The soot had dimmed his hair and made his face unrecognizable. Even if the Prince did recognize Draco, would he still want him like this? Disheveled and without a true family?

Draco carried the pail into the kitchen and almost dropped it when he heard the shrieks of his step brothers. The prince had arrived.

Draco sighed and continued his chores, not bothering to come out, the fear of heartbreak too great. That is, he tried to continue his chores, but could not when the prince proclaimed loudly, “Is there no one else in this house?” The echo of Draco’s step brothers laughing cruelly rung in the air as Draco dropped the pail and pressed his back against the wall, holding his beating chest.

“Only Cinders,” They said. “But he cannot possibly be the beautiful man you are looking for. He is covered in ashes day and night.”

“All the same,” Draco heard Harry say firmly. “I would like to see him.”

Draco’s step mother sighed treacherously and called out, “Cinders! Come out! Mind yourself and don’t track soot on the carpet again!”

Draco stood up on shaking legs. He wiped his hands on his rags and slowly made his way to the parler. Could it be that he would really want me? In the parlor, his prince was standing with his back to him, dressed as finely as a prince should be dressed. In his hand he held tightly on to a slipper. A golden slipper. His hair was tossed and unkempt, but it made Draco’s heart soar. That being said, Draco knew he had fallen in love with this man for who he was, and not how he looked.

“H- My lord,” Draco corrected himself as he bowed deeply and kept his head down. He did not have a chance to see the Prince's eyes light up in recognition, nor to see him running at Draco, arms outstretched.

“It’s you!” He cried, embracing a startled Draco. “I have found you!” As Draco clutched him back, hiding his tears of joy at being recognised. For the first time in years he felt safe, cared for, and at home. He couldn’t remember when the feeling of being home, in this very house he had grown up in, had slowly turned into stifling dread. It had happened so slowly, so gradually, it was only here, in Harry’s arms, he felt the years slowly fall off of his shoulders and pool on the floor by his feet.

For the first time, he felt liberated. And it was glorious.

Draco took a breath, breathing Harry in, and allowed himself to be selfish, just this once. If Harry truly wanted him, if he gave Draco a chance, Draco would do his best to be everything Harry could ever hope for in a partner, because Harry was everything Draco could ever hope for in life.

“You knew it was me. How?” He said softly, his eyes still squeezed shut as tightly as his hands were wound around Harry’s back, and as tightly as Harry’s hands were wound around him.

“Did you think I could forget you? Did you think I could forget your bow, your smile, and your voice? You looked magnificent in your clothes at the ball, but I fell in love with you. Not them.” Draco was sure his heart had stopped beating. Harry pulled back and smiled at him. “Now I believe I have something of yours.” He held out the slipper and gestured to a chair, which Draco promptly sat in with a heavy thump, eyes still open wide. Ever so carefully, Harry knelt, keeping his eyes on Draco the whole time. He slipped the shoe onto Draco’s foot and cradled it, as if he cared not about the soot covering him. It was a perfect fit. Harry stilled, looking at his thumb softly stroking the arch of Draco’s foot. Quietly, he asked, “Why did you run away from me?”

It was a simple question, and yet, Draco did not have a good answer. “I just wanted you to be happy, Harry. I still just want you to be happy.”

“All it would take for me to be happy, Cinders, would be for you to be happy with me.” Harry said, looking up, eyes blazing. Draco could see the determination, the promise, in them. Draco beamed as his eyes grew wet and cradled Harry’s cheeks between his palms, choking out a damp sob.

“Draco. Call me Draco.” And with that, Draco placed his lips upon Harry’s, and both of their dreams came true.

Outside, the doves cooed as the petals fell from the roses and the vines turned ashened and brittle and sighed once more in liberation. Draco and Harry would start a garden of their own, they knew. With lilies and roses, moon vines and narcissuses. With love, hope, and trust. A new start that would comfort each in turn for years to come. A garden that was not an escape, but a home.