#Alice probably should have her hair AT LEAST up

[monards]

your honor is it really a crime to manifest short/up-done hair for all the hexenzirkel ladies. Is it

[ellecdc]

okay but….

what about an angsty/fluffy fic for poly!maruaders + lily x reader. like the reader gets overwhelmed to she leaves when their hanging out or something and the marauders + lily get terrified that they did something wrong 😔 but they comfort her and make sure shes okay! 🫶🏻

aawwwweeeeee

marauders + lily x fem!reader when things become too much for her

CW: brief panic/panic attack, healthy coping skills though, hurt with comfort, also run on sentences used as a tool to portray panic - the gif I made uses artwork by @/upthehillart

You had to admit that the combined bravery of four Gryffindors could, at times, be contagious. 

One example of having contracted momentary bouts of boldness was when Remus, Lily, James, and Sirius convinced you that Marlene’s birthday party was going to be ‘a lot of fun’. 

And between James’ excitement, Sirius’ cocky confident smirk, Lily’s hopeful smile, and Remus’ reassuring eyes, you believed them.

And it had been fun; at least getting ready with Lily in the boys dorm room as they all wolf whistled and showered you with compliments every time you pulled a brush through your hair or tried on a new top.

It had even been fun when you got downstairs and watched James, Sirius, and Lily dance their hearts out from your place curled up on Remus’ lap.

But then….

But then there were far more dancers on the floor. And then James came over, begging you and Remus to join them on the floor to which you staunchly refused but insisted Remus didn’t need to sit here on your behalf. And then everyone came back to the sofas but so did Marlene and Mary and Dorcas and Peter and Benjy and Gideon and Fabian and Emmeline and Amelia and Frank and Alice. And then they started a game of Truth or Dare during which they mercifully allowed you to fade into the background, but then you quickly became horribly embarrassed that they were handling you with kid gloves. And then you became embarrassed that you had to be handled with kid gloves. And then a conversation started about the hottest people at Hogwarts and Sirius began bragging that he was dating most of them, shooting you a salacious wink as he pulled Lily tight into his side. And then James joined in to say the group of you were five tens which basically made you 500’s and then Peter had to tell James that he wasn’t doing the maths properly and then you felt like the noise of everyone’s voices talking over each other was a physical presence in the room that was slowly closing in around you and you could feel everyone looking at you and those who weren’t looking at you were definitely thinking about you and it was too much, too much, too much.

So, as James had Peter in a headlock and Lily was on Remus’ lap and Sirius was standing behind the chair that Remus and Lily were currently occupying, leaning forward on his elbows as he cheered James on, you snuck through the portrait hole and rushed down the halls of the ancient castle to look for a hiding spot to completely break down. 

Sirius felt his blood run cold when he looked up only to see you missing from your seat.

Damn it. He knew; he knew he should have been sitting with you.

Remus had told him and James to keep an eye on you, which was Remus-talk for “don’t overwhelm her, you sods”, so he refrained. 

But now you were gone and it was probably his fault.

He quickly tapped Remus’ shoulder as he moved to haul James off of Peter (who never even thanked Sirius for his service, mind you) and made for the portrait hole.

“What the hells, Pads!?” James pouted petulantly. “I was winning!” 

“I don’t know where our girl went.” He stated, ignoring James’ protest as he looked up and down the hall outside of the Gryffindor common room.

“Well here’s one.” James offered as Lily stepped through the portrait hole, quickly followed by Remus.

“What’s going on?” Lily asked.

“Where’s dovey?” Remus added severely, moving down the hall as if following her trail. 

“I don’t know.” Sirius admitted; his voice falling far more vulnerable than his usual boastful and arrogant affectation. 

James quickly moved over and pulled Sirius into his side. “I think it was my fault.” He whispered miserably.

“No Pads.” James reassured. “I was being too much.”

“I shouldn’t have made her feel pressured to come.” Remus said with a sigh. 

“We shouldn’t have drawn attention to her.” Lily mused as she chewed on her cuticles. “Oh god, what if this was too much? What if we’re too much? What if this is what makes her decide she can’t handle us?” 

“Whoa, whoa.” James interjected, pulling Lily’s hand away from her mouth. “How about we start with finding her, yeah?”

Lily and the boys were in agreement as they began their search of the castle. 

You felt ridiculously childish sitting on the cold stone floor hugging your knees to your chest as tears fell silently in some random alcove on the fourth floor of Gryffindor tower.

What were they thinking, being with someone as pathetic as you? This would do it, certainly; this is what would make them realise you weren’t worth their time. You couldn’t even sit through one sodding party for their sakes. 

You were such a fraud, agreeing to participate in a relationship you had no business in; silly, foolish, selfish.

They were all going to know it.

You were spiralling, that much was clear. You knew you tended to get like this when things became too much.

“Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater, Y/N.” You sighed to yourself, closing your eyes as you tried to take some steadying breaths.

Your breathing exercises were interrupted when you heard hurried footsteps making their way towards you. 

“Y/N?” Sirius called out quietly; though he may as well have screamed at you with the way your heart sped up and your breathing became erratic, eliciting a fresh stream of tears to start cascading down your face. 

“Hey, hey babydoll.” He cooed at you as he knelt beside you; the others appearing behind him with matching looks of concern. “You’re alright baby, you’re okay. Can you take some deep breaths for me?”

You let out a choked sob and shook your head quickly, causing Sirius to turn behind him in search of help. 

“Here, angel.” James said, taking Sirius’ spot and pulling you into his lap before wrapping his strong arms around you and squeezing. “But you have to take some big breaths for me, okay? Can we do them together?”

You worked hard to try to emulate the dramatic breaths James was taking for your benefit; and though yours were far shallower and much more shaky, he showered you with praises at every exhale. 

“What happened, darling?” Lily asked cautiously as she knelt in front of you and James, taking a moment to push some of your hair away from your face. 

“Too much.” You admitted through a hiccup, keeping your answer short lest your breathing become erratic again.

“Were we too much?” Sirius asked, his voice timid and his face vulnerable; you hated it.

You hated it even more knowing that you were the one to put it there.

“I’m not good enough.” You blurted; voice uncharacteristically high as you spoke through an ever present lump in your throat. “I can’t be-be brave like you, I…I can’t. I tried but I- I can’t. And I’m not good enough; I’m no good for you.” 

“Well that’s enough of that.” Remus decided; words strict but tone soft. “I like to think I’m able to decide what’s ‘good enough’ for me, and I’ve decided that’s you.”

“Yeah, and Moony’s the smartest out of all of us, so I trust his judgement.” James teased gently, wiggling his arms around you in an attempt to get you to smile.

“Well I take offence to that.” Lily responded as she looked at James wryly. 

“Second smartest.” Remus corrected; nudging Lily with his foot.

“Now that may not say much about them, though.” Sirius continued, his voice taking on the tone alerting you to his particular brand of teasing. “I mean, they do willingly put up with me and Prongs.”

James scoffed in faux offence as Lily and Remus chuckled. 

“If we can put up with these two,” Lily said as she dramatically motioned towards her two boyfriends with her head. “Then you’re a breeze, my love.”

You let out a sigh and burrowed your face into James’ neck who was all too happy to snuggle you closer.

“What upset you, dolly?” Sirius asked gently.

“It was just…”

“A lot?” Remus offered, causing you to nod.

“Anything we could have done to make it less…much?” Sirius offered again.

You left your sanctuary in James’ neck to look up at the long-haired boy before offering him your hand.

As if he’d only been waiting for the offer, he quickly fell to his knees beside you and pulled your hand into his chest with both of his. 

“I don’t want any of you to be less.” You whispered.

James let out an awe as he snuggled you closer and Sirius pressed a small kiss to your knuckles. 

“I didn’t mean to make you all leave your friend’s party.” You admitted shamefully. “I’m sorry; you don’t have to stay here with me; I can just go to bed.”

James made a protesting sound as Sirius scoffed and Remus shook his head with a fond smile.

“I think I speak for all of us when I say we are exactly where we want to be, darling.” Lily offered with a wink. 

You had to admit that you were, too.

[uravitypng]

𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐲 𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐰 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐮𝐧𝐠𝐫𝐲 𝐰𝐨𝐥𝐟

pairing: wolf hybrid denki kaminari x chubby cow hybrid reader

summary: denki kills and eats hybrids, you're his newest target... at least his target at the beginning...

word count: 3.8k words

a/n: this is actually quite messed up but i really like it, i've been writing this for ages!! i hope you like it !! please check the warnings before reading !!

content warnings: prey/predator, dubcon, smut, unprotected sex, knotting, yandere denki, stalking, manipulation, mentions of denki killing and eating people, blood (not descriptive), pet names, kidnapping (but lowkey willingly), reader is turned on by the thrill & danger, praise, degradation - mdni / 18+

cow hybrid reader and wolf hybrid denki!!! he's an actual predator and god you look so tasty. typically he goes for bunnies but you look irresistible. his yellow fluffy ears paired with a sleek tail that matches, along with a black tip end, resting against the side of his leg and a glint of a sharp tooth as he smirks disarming people who should be on high alert around him. slanted, hooded, golden eyes that scream impure desire. he's charming and friendly. just because he's a wolf hybrid it doesn't mean he's dangerous... he wouldn't hurt a fly... that's the last thought that runs through the bunnies heads who become his latest meal think at least.

denki drools when he spots you for the first time, he's seen cow hybrids before but none as beautiful and appealing as you. you're so soft and plump, dark patches litter your skin and your ears droop down the side of your face, two small horns at the top of your head just poking out of your hair too little to do any actual damage. always wearing short denim shorts and skirts with room for your small tail. overalls, dungarees and skin fitting button up shirts that leave little to the imagination. it's mouthwatering as he watches you bend down and tend to your vegetable patch. often twiddling your fingers whenever he spots you, he's been following you for days to know about it and he wonders if you can sense when he's watching you. he doesn't wait this long with other hybrids but he wants to watch you longer. he doesn't know why. he finds you fascinating.

one afternoon your hare hybrid friend visits your cottage in the middle of the forest. "i'm just saying you need to be careful all alone out here. hybrids have been going missing lately in the woods. no one has heard from alice in weeks and she lives closer to you than anyone else does."

your friend peers at you while you look away, instead focusing on your wooden table separating you two. you're not ready to look in his eyes yet, you know the concern will be evident. you glance at your lilies in a vase that are starting to wilt and your blue ceramic teapot with a homemade tea cosy covering the middle section that alice made you last christmas.

he frowns and crosses his arms, you can practically feel his annoyance and displeasure of you avoiding replying.

you take a sip of tea and finally fully digest the information, making eye contact with him. "i appreciate you looking out for me but i like it here. i don't want to move into town."

"move in with me then. i'm on just the outskirts. please, i don't want anything to happen to you." he tries to convince you but you don't budge.

"i'll be even more careful, i promise. i'll always double check the doors are locked and never go out after dark." you shut down the conversation and move on to how your sunflowers are growing quicker than normal this year. you don't want to move, you love your cottage, 'alice has probably just gone to see her family and forgot to tell everybody.'

denki watched as you bid your friend goodbye and he did not like the way you wrapped your arms around him on the doorstep, his taller body engulfing yours and he tells you to promise him you'll be safe. denki hated it. you're his prey, no one else is allowed to touch you.

alice isn't the only one that goes missing, hare doesn't taste nice. no one is allowed to touch you. his pretty heifer.

you unknowingly had denki's rapt attention, so much so that he ended up spraining his ankle on a tree trunk while observing you from the tree line. at that point he decided this little waiting game of his was done, he wanted to get it over with, now annoyed, you're not fast enough to run away from him even with his dodgy ankle and not fast enough to give him an exciting chase so he wants you gone. he does want to hear your voice close up and get you to trust him though, that's always his favourite part (even more than chasing). luring someone in the open, close enough for him to pounce.

today you ventured further in the forest than normal looking for berries to collect for the pie you're planning to make clutching a woven wicker basket tightly so you don't drop any berries, wanting to make it back home before dark just like you promised to your friend. also wanting to be home soon to start making your pie. you're planning to have an early night, you didn't get much sleep last night you swore you heard something outside but chalked it up to the wind playing tricks on you but the doubt still lingered, walking downstairs wrapped in a blanket as you triple checked you locked the doors.

even with a sprained ankle denki was still able to sneak up behind on you and surprise you, wolves aren't labelled as predators for nothing and he hasn't been following you for weeks without your awareness because of luck. "hey sweetheart," he's leaning against a tree bark and looking you up and down hungrily.

you jolt at the sudden voice and yelp turning around to look at him, startled at the handsome hybrid. you're no idiot though, you back away slowly, not taking your eyes of him. warnings from your friend blaring and running through your head. cautionary tales from neighbouring kids as children. your mother drilling into your head at a young age not to trust strangers, not to trust predators no matter how pleasant they seem. she told you stories about how many people still dehumanise hybrids, ostracising them from society. how it's rare to see none hybrids living in hybrid settlements but it still happens, love still happens, love conquers all. but predators... stay away from them. they will do anything in their power to get you alone and make you disappear. there is no such thing as love or friendship or kindness that a predator can feel towards prey, no wolf will love a bunny, no bear will befriend a cow.

"i-is there a problem sir?" you keep backing up, your back hitting the tree. you're cornered. he's faster than you and you know it, wolves are known for being good runners and you are notoriously known as a bad runner from anyone that knows you. you're not going to end up like one of those missing hybrids though, you'll find a way out of this, you're close to your house and you know not to trust a wolf. you're not going to be deceived...

"'sir'? i like that." he smirks and your face heats up. you're not going to be deceived...

"if you'll excuse me i have somewhere to be, someone is waiting for me." you try to keep your voice level and move around him.

denki slams his hand against the tree you're currently backed up against and growls, "don't think so babe," your eyes widen and he leans downs to breathe low in your ear, "why don't you talk to me instead. i get lonely and you're so pretty. i'll be better company than who ever you were planning to see." a shiver runs down your spine and before you can say anything else he crowds your space even more and presses his finger against your lips to stop you from talking again. with his other hand he's lifting your top up and stroking your waist gently.

you should resist. you should run. you don't move.

the voices of reason from your loved ones fade away as his words make you feel wanted and the way he's touching you makes you feel desired. instincts screaming at you, 'he's a wolf! this is a trap!' you ignore it. his hands on you just feel too good. you've never heard of wolves liking cows before, maybe he is just lonely because people don't trust him just because he's a wolf hybrid. you know what that's like, people assume things of you just because you're a cow hybrid.

denki smirks as he takes in your reaction, your shoulders slack and your body relaxes, 'adorable.'

you won't fight him now, you're going to be delicious.

denki digs both his hands on either side of your wide hips, keeping you in place, he doesn't want you to move and try to wriggle away. he breaths in deeply as the scent of your blood permeates the air from the way his sharp fingers from his paws are pressing into you.

you're physically frozen apart from a small quiver. a million thoughts flash through your head, 'this was always his plan, i'm going to die here.' he ignores your tremble and goes to bite you neck, tearing your jugular and killing you. his teeth grazes your skin and you unknowing gasp loudly making denki immediately freeze in his tracks because with that gasp comes a spike of a new smell and it's triggering his dick to harden.

his grip on you gets tighter and you whimper. he raises his head from your neck to look you in eyes in disbelief, "are you really turned on right now?" your mouth opens and closes, no words coming out. he swallows and his disbelief grows at your lack of a rebuttal or any answer, "i'm planning to kill you, you know?" everything is the silent and denki can hear your heartbeat loudly in your chest. "are all cows this fucking stupid?" more silence. denki lifts his head up to look at the sky and grits his teeth inhaling deeply before looking back at you. "jesus you smell so good."

he presses his leg in between your chunky thighs and you whine at the contact. denki groans and his eyes darken even more than they were. if any of his friends saw him right now they would be grossed out, it's not normal to want to fuck someone you're planning on eating. bakugou would tell him he's messed up in the head. maybe he's just horny in general, he wonders if sero is still single, sex with him is always so mindblowing. the thought of that makes him growl again...he doesn't want sero, he wants you, he needs you.

your eyes are cloudy and your blood is starting to drip down staining your skirt. denki glances at you and sees a dazed look on your face, "fuck it," he murmurs under his breath and rips off your underwear, disregarding your shocked shriek. he takes what he wants and he wants you.

he hurriedly unbuckles his belt and shoves down his jeans, pooling down at his ankles.

denki wastes no time slamming his cock into you and starts thrusting at a brutal pace. "feel so amazing, such a pretty little cow." tears run down your face as soon as he stretches you, it's painful and you've never taken someone as big as him before especially when no foreplay has happened. "too many clothes," he mumbles again and tears off your shirt, pulling your bra down and grabbing your breasts harshly, groping to his hearts content, occasionally pinching and flicking your nipples causing you to wince. your pussy warm and getting wetter, sucking him in every time he goes to pull out causing him to growl deeply. your moans get louder and the pain dulls into intense pleasure. little moos escape your mouth and it makes denki go even more feral, wanting you to keep making those sweet noises.

this whole time you haven't been speaking, you don't want to speak, you don't want to think about what will happen after this and after you had gotten used to the pace you stopped making any noises apart from a hushed sob or two. eventually one particular thrust leaves you squealing loudly mixed in with a loud moo. your head feels fuzzy, like its full of cotton wool and you're pressing your body closer to him and trying to match his pace he doesn't stop you, enjoying your neediness for him. "wan' more. need more. want you s'bad," slurring your words and hiccuping. denki is stunned by your attitude, this whole time you've been surprising him. picking up your plush thigh he wraps it around him higher and starts pushing into you harder. you scream loudly and try to hold onto his arms, losing your grasp as your body bounces on his cock. "lemme come," you beg.

"awe, you wanna come," denki teases you snickering, "think you deserve it?"

you nod your head frantically. "yeah, yeah, 'm good and pretty, jus' like you said."

he hums like he's actually considering it before answering "i never said you're good. i said you feel good. i might let you come later."

you start blabbering, fat tears streaming down your face as you beg and plead but he just smirks with a gleam in his eye. "i'll think about letting you come if you take my knot like a good girl." his pace becomes even harder than before and you feel something forming, it's enlarged, swollen, bulbous, that's getting bigger continuously smacking against you but not going in.

"knot?" you tilt your head confused. if your head was more clear you'd have an idea what it was, sometimes when you go into town you hear people talking and once you had heard about knots in passing.

"are you serious, are all cows this dumb?" he teases you and cackles.

pouting, you deny his accusation, "'m dumb, just don' know."

denki quirked an eyebrow, looking amused, "oh, when did you become so vocal?" he says playfully. "you'll find out what a knot is in a minute sweetheart."

wanting desperately to come you nod your head while your moans and ah's increase. "ssshit, gonna give it to you pretty girl," he groans and pushes his fat knot, ropes of cum spilling into and stuffing you full. a silent scream escapes your mouth and you lean against denki's lithe chest, a little moo comes out and you shake.

he growls at you telling you not to move after you start shifting and wriggling, unable to pull away from him and his knot. it's hard for you to keep still, you thought it was painful before but the larger stretch makes you feel like you're being torn apart.

as you lean against denki and pant heavily a light blush forms on his cheeks. in the back of his mind he's thinking about how he wants to wrap his arms and never let you go. he's brought back to reality as he hears your sobs and his eyebrows furrow. it shouldn't matter to him in the slightest that you're in pain, it's his plan that in the next hour you won't be breathing but he doesn't like it...

"want me to make you come now sweetheart?" he soothingly asks you. in between sobs and small cries you tell him you want to come and he lets you. "you've such a good girl. you've been such a good cow. so obedient. cute little heifers get to come."

being plugged full of his cum and his cock still hard and throbbing in you, he grabs hold of your pillowy thighs and spreads them further apart, lifting one up to perch it around his slim waist after slipping down his leg previously from hard thrusts shaking your body. his other hand going down, unknowingly he retracts his sharp nails to make sure he doesn't hurt you at all, and presses against your clit, making figures of eight, at the same time grinding into you and gyrating his hips.

denki can't stop his groans as he feels you clenching around him. he speeds up, wanting to feel you come around him and his knot.

you arch your back and your eyesight goes starry, you moan as you climax and denki helps you ride out your orgasm. denki groans again feeling you come undone. cunt now puffy and swollen. the pain begins to dull after such an intense orgasm but you still clutch onto denki's top tightly. he sees that you're still in pain and frowns, caressing your soft skin in a second attempt to calm you down and relax you.

there's so many thoughts running through his head right now as he holds you, thinking about how beautiful you are and how you make his heart skip a beat. he thinks about your cute patchy skin and supple body that feels so heavenly. thinking about the judgemental comments from people if they saw what just happened, and people could, neither of you tried to muffle your voices and you're out in the open. thinks about if he's starting to change his mind about you... thinking about what he was planning... it would be a waste of a couple weeks of watching you but he's thinking about how if anything did happen to you he'd be gutted. he thinks about how if he saw another hybrid try to hurt you he'd be furious. he'd make them pay. he would want to protect you, keep you safe. make sure you're his... 'safe? mine? what am i going on about. i don't think i'll go into the forest again for awhile... i'll stick with bunnies from now on...'

he's jolted from his thoughts as you copy him, tenderly tracing circles along his hip. denki intakes air as he feels the tender touch, almost lovingly, it nearly makes him cry with how you're touching him. your mind is completely blank and your face displaying bliss from the aftermath of sex. you're so pliant right now, he could just take you, no one would notice, you'd just be another hybrid that's gone missing in the woods. you wouldn't even fight him.

denki starts talking quietly, making it very clear what he says is for your ears only which makes it all the more sweeter and he tells you that you're beautiful and asks about the berries you were carrying and which berry is your favourite. he whispers to you about how he sprained his ankle earlier and little stories and anecdotes stuff like how he was once electrocuted when he was a toddler holding an umbrella in a thunder storm and how he lived surrounded by non-hybrids a lot of his life but he's still wary of how they might have turned on him at the drop of a hat, he carries that anxiety with him even now, hidden but still there. he lived there before he found his safe haven, his friends he met, hybrids like him, he called them like-minded and you weren't really sure what he was referring to.

you hum listening to his stories and press your body against his even more due to getting cold from the lack of clothes you were wearing and the sun that's staring to go down.

after a while of more of his stories you ask, "can we kiss?"

"huh?"

"we haven't kissed this whole time and i think we should."

he bursts out laughing and accuses you for only wanting to kiss him because of his teeth which you vehemently deny causing him to laugh more. "alright sweetheart, i'll give you what you want." tilting your head up he kisses you delicately before evolving into something more hungry, his tail swishing softly and languidly behind him as he licks into your mouth, tongues intertwining, and teasingly trails your bottom lip with his teeth.

his knot begins to soften and he knows soon he'll have to pull out. he holds onto you tighter not wanting to let you go and that's when he's made up his mind. he's not going to let you go. you have no choice.

you whine and he hisses under his breath as he takes his cock out and watches his cum drip down your thighs, wanting to get you both home as quick as possible so he can go down on you and feast on your combined taste. denki holds onto your waist to keep you from falling over, your knees wobbly from standing in that position for so long. "i've decided what i'm going to do with you." you gulp and try to stay calm, at least you've had great sex before dying. "i'm keeping you." he grins at you.

"w-wait what?" you ask confused.

"i thought i was gonna to eat you." he explains and you nod your head gathering that was your demise. "but now i want you as my cute little girlfriend."

you're stunned, genuinely speechless. "i have questions... can i ask questions?" you request timidly.

'cute,' denki thinks before smirking and teases you replying, "maybe later, first lets get home."

you aren't refusing to leave with him, it's not even because you're worried it's your only option, it's that you want to leave with him. you know how wrong that is, on multiple levels, but somehow you want to trust him and put your faith in him. you want to think he sees you differently than before or differently to others. you see him differently too, not just during sex but afterwards too, all those words exchanged and chaste touches, you want more. it's wrong... but that doesn't mean you don't go willingly with him.

if you knew what denki did to your friends you wouldn't be compliant. if you knew the extent of what he's done you'd prefer to die and be with your friends but denki will make sure you never find out, he'll never let you out of his sight.

denki licks his lips and you panic worried that even this last minute was a ploy to get you to completely let down your guard but he stares at your bare chest. before you can have a reaction to his stare he shrugs off his jacket and drapes it over your shoulders, fixing the rest of your clothes the best he can, his hands hovering in between your breasts. "don't want anyone looking at what's mine."

he holds onto your hand and walks in front of you in the direction of his house. "i'm kaminari by the way. you can call me denki. you can also stick with 'sir' if you want." he smirks and turns to look at you causing your eyes to widen as he mentions the use of sir. "this entire time i never told you my name sweetheart, i can't believe i didn't tell you or you ask about it."

"that never crossed my mind, i was more concerned about being eaten." you say seriously and denki chuckles.

"understandable sweetheart. i told you mine so it's your turn. what's my pretty girlfriend called?"

[weasleykisses]

Astronomy I (Sirius Black x Reader)

A/N: You think you hate Sirius Black. As James’ sister though, you see an awful lot of him. If only you weren't desperately in love with him, and he wasn't the most handsome boy you'd ever met. 

word count: 5.6k

You didn’t mind hanging out with your twin brother. He was exciting and funny, always making you laugh aloud from his antics. You actually enjoyed his company, unlike how some others were with their siblings. You assumed he liked your company.

At least, he enjoyed your company when you weren’t fighting ruthlessly with a certain boy with long raven-colored hair and an awfully smug smile on his lips that never left his face. You couldn’t stand Sirius Black. He was just…just a womanizing pervert with no life. It was hard sometimes getting along with your own brother when his best friend was so miserable to be around.

You didn’t even mind your brother’s other friends. Peter was quiet and a great listener. He wasn’t anything special,  but he never got on your nerves either. Remus was practically godsent, helping you with homework and sitting with you when you had classes without any of your friends. He had this way of making everything so calm and tranquil when he entered the room. 

You were roommates with Lily, your brother’s crush since the first year at Hogwarts. You also hung out with Dorcas and Marlene, sometimes Mary, sometimes Alice and Frank. You could appreciate most of the people you found yourself surrounded by. Everyone but him.

At least, that’s what you wanted everyone to think. You actually really enjoyed your time with Sirius, much more than you should have. He was just so perfect. The guy of your dreams, literally. You often woke up in the middle of the night after having dreamt of him kissing you, calling you his girl. 

Only, he wasn’t interested in you. To him, you were just his best mate's twin sister, just another bro within the group. You didn’t know where he got that impression either. You were smart and considerate of others, unlike the majority of the marauders. You wore dresses and painted your face with makeup to highlight some of your more feminine features. You were a girl with feelings, not simply “one of the guys”. Peter and Remus didn’t see you like that. 

That’s why you found yourself absolutely furious with him all the time. You hated him so much. You hated the way he made you feel like your heart was about to beat out of your chest. You hated the way he smirked when you got flustered. You hated everything about him because he wasn’t yours. It wasn’t always that way either. You used to like him in your first few years at Hogwarts, but over time you started to catch feelings and you weren’t very tolerant of the heart break you felt whenever he inevitably flirted with other girls. 

That’s why you sat with your arms crossed, trying to zone out his incessant flirting with Marlene McKinnon even if she was gay as fuck. The way he complimented her beautiful blonde hair, and winked when she smiled at him. 

Peter was talking to you about something that happened in his History of Magic class that afternoon, but you weren’t listening. You’d checked out a long time ago. 

“Whatever, McKinnon, I’ve got a hot date with a Ravenclaw later. Your loss,” he joked, and she shoved his shoulder playfully. He respected that Marlene was in a committed relationship with Dorcas, but he couldn’t help flirting with everyone. Well, everyone except for you. You’d nearly bite his head off if he did. 

You immediately felt uncomfortable at his comment, now knowing he had another date with, no doubt, a gorgeous girl. He would probably snog her, maybe even hook up if he was feeling promiscuous. Your stomach turned like you might be sick all over the coffee table. 

Your brother piped up from his spot beside Lily near the fireplace, “When are you gonna settle down, Pads? You have a new girl, like every week.”

Sirius grinned and shook his head. “‘No plans on slowing down any time soon,” he declared, “I don’t think there’s been a girl to catch my eye yet.”

You deflated. Of course he would say that. You didn’t know why you always got your hopes up. He wasn’t the type to settle for a single girl. He liked to spread his affection thin amongst many suitors. 

“Aw, that's no fun. Don’t you want to find your true love?” Lily asked, leaning into James happily. You were happy to see your brother finally with the girl of his dreams. He’d spent enough years running after her, that was for sure. 

Sirius shrugged. “When I meet her, I meet her. If not, I won’t be disappointed.”

Except, Sirius Black did have a girl that caught his eye. In fact, you’d done so pretty long ago, before he could remember really. Only, you were insistent that you despised him, fighting with him since the third or fourth year. James’ pretty sister, the one that loved astronomy, cauldron cakes, and unfortunately,  scowling at any attempt he made to flirt with you. 

He wanted you. You were always endgame in his eyes, the girl he would marry and spend his days huddled up in a cottage with. One day, he wanted to give you everything you could need, anything you asked for. It was the only thing he saw when he thought about his future. 

You sighed, thinking about the girl he must like. You imagined he liked someone with soft long hair, sparkling eyes, a button nose and plump pink lips. Maybe she was intelligent and kind, or clever and sexy. You were rough around the edges. You weren’t the most attractive girl at Hogwarts, nor were you particularly intelligent or charming. You were fairly plain in comparison to some of the showstopping girls that you surround yourself with. Lily, for example, was drop dead gorgeous. 

“Come on. There must be one girl you fancy,” Marlene teased.

Sirius smirked. “And so what if there is? I’ll never tell who.”

“My guess is on that Hufflepuff in our charms class. She’s always sneaking looks at you,” Peter suggested, and Sirius didn’t reply, letting your mind wander. It simmered in your mind, the thought of Sirius and that Hufflepuff girl, you thought her name was Penelope, if you remembered correctly. She was a cute girl with sweet eyes and a soft voice filled with joy. 

You didn’t notice, but your lip quivered just a bit. Your heart had sunken down in your stomach like a boulder. With your shoulders turned in on themselves, you looked down at the carpet, trying to focus on the gold and red pattern instead of the discussion at hand. 

Why did you feel so sick at the thought of Sirius liking another girl? He was just a friend, if that. He was more like a friend of a friend that you eventually only begrudgingly hung out with. So what if he liked that stupid hufflepuff girl with her sparkly pink eyeshadow and her perfect nose and a voice that rivaled a siren’s song? It didn’t matter to you. 

Only it did, and when you felt that familiar wave of tears coming through, you shook your head. 

“Oh, Y/N, where are you going?” James asked, and you exhaled, trying to avoid the tremor in your voice.

“I forgot I have to run by the library and study that chapter on dittanies before that test tomorrow,” you said, and Remus looked at you, confused. You didn’t have a test in Herbology for another week. Only he knew that as he was in the same class as you. 

You picked up your bag and started making your way out of the common room. You heard Remus say something behind you, but you were too focused on rushing away from the conversation. You left out the portrait hole, letting the first of your tears run down your face when you were in the hallway. You sniffled, pressing your face to your puffy cardigan sleeves. 

The door opened behind you and you tried to cover up your little crying fit, but upon seeing Remus Lupin walk out, clearly looking for you, you let your guard down. You could trust him, out of everyone in the group, he was most likely to keep your secrets. 

You let yourself sob, shutting your eyes and pressing your palms to cover your eyes. 

His hand found your back and rubbed soothingly. “It’s okay, Y/N. Forget about him. He’s an idiot,” he assured, and you only cried harder. There was nothing much to say. 

“I just fucking hate that I like him, Remus. Why him? It’s so stupid. He’s so stupid,” you cried, so angry with yourself. “I’ll never look like those girls. I’ll never be like them. I’m stuck being boring Y/N.” You wiped at your tears, trying to stop yourself from being such a baby. 

He let out a heavy sigh. “Why do you think of yourself like that?”

“How can I not? Sirius won’t even flirt with me. I’m that disgusting that the biggest flirt in the entire world won’t even jokingly compliment me,” you told him. 

“Sirius is complicated. I’m sure it’s not what you think.”

“Yeah, right. That’s why I’ve never had a boy ask me out the entire time we’ve been at Hogwarts,” you groaned, “Give it up, Moony. I’m just the worst.”

“Have you considered boys might be too intimidated to ask you out,” he suggested, leaning down to make eye contact with you. “You seem to forget your brother is Quidditch team captain and you exude quite a lot of attitude.”

You rolled your eyes, an awkward smile on your lips. “I’m not intimidating.”

“You kind of are. I’ve even noticed a few boys look at you positively smitten this year, might I add.”

You smiled, leaning into his side to give him a little hug. “Thanks for trying to cheer me up, Rem.”

“That’s just what friends do,” he told you, hugging you back. He was probably the only person in this world that knew about your crush on the disowned Black. He encouraged you time and time again to just shoot your shot and ask him out, but you denied it every time. You just continued to argue with the boy, too scared to be nice to him and fall deeper into this pit you called love.  The downside was that you sort of chose to be an asshole. Sirius really didn’t deserve it, he didn’t do a thing wrong. You just couldn’t handle your feelings of inferiority mixed with intense emotions for the boy. 

You didn’t know what the next steps were, but you swore to yourself you wouldn’t let Sirius Black hold you back anymore. 

____

It was Christmas, so you and your brother had packed your things to spend the holiday at your house. Normally, you would be ecstatic to go home and enjoy yourself, only the past few holidays since Sirius was disowned, James decided it was time to start inviting Sirius to the family gatherings as well. As much as you loathed having to see him during your vacations, you agreed that it was the right thing to do inviting him. His own family was awful and cruel, and he didn’t deserve that sort of treatment anytime, much less so close to the holidays. 

“You know the drill, Black. This room is yours now. It’s got a bathroom over there, and obviously you can use any of the soaps, shampoos, whatever you might need,” you told him, pointing to the attached bath beside his bedroom. “You can also use the wardrobes and the closets if you want to unpack the clothes you brought with you.”

You didn’t know why your parents assigned you the role of showing Sirius around the house when you could have been the one to show Remus around, as he was also staying at the house. James was off showing their tall friend around instead, and you envied him. Whenever you were with Sirius, you just felt so awkward. 

He was so handsome. He was charming and beautiful, with just enough snark to be interesting, but not enough to be rude. He was handsome but not so much he wasn’t manly and rugged. You had to stop yourself from staring at him as you walked him around the huge house you lived in for your entire life. 

He hummed, looking at you with those stunning brown eyes. “Your room is right beside mine?”

“Yes, not that that matters at all.”

“What if I have a bad dream and need someone to comfort me?” he asked with a smirk, and you just rolled your eyes. 

“You can go to James’ room if it’s that serious.”

He sat on his mattress and tested the softness, seemingly satisfied with it. He waved you over to sit beside him, and shockingly, you did as he asked, sitting yourself at the edge of the bed with your legs crossed. He looked all around the stunning dark blue room, complete with intricately painted curtains hanging from the windows and a quilted comforter on the bed beneath them. The ceiling was painted to mimic that of an observatory. It was actually one of your favorite rooms in the house, the observatory themed guest bed. You figured Sirius would like it as he spent a bit of time in the Astronomy tower on dates with random girls. 

“So…Your parents are always so nice,” he attempted to start a conversation, “I’m really grateful they let me stay here.”

“It’s really no problem. We have plenty of space, not to mention my mum is glad to make double the portions for Christmas dinner. She’s quite the chef,” you assured him. “She’s always asked me to have friends over for the holidays, she’s just happy you all are here.”

“What are the plans for today?”

“I was going to head to the village and get some gifts for everyone. I usually wait until the last moment, so I don’t have much time left, do I?”

“I’ll come with you.”

“What? No. I never said you were invited,” you argued, shaking your head. It was supposed to be your peaceful day out by yourself, or with Remus if he decided he wanted to go. You didn’t want to deal with Sirius Black trailing behind you flirting with everything that could breathe. Not to mention he would probably comment on all the things you picked out for everyone. “Y-You can’t come!”

“What would your mum think if she knew you weren’t being polite to your guests?” he teased, and you groaned, pressing a hand to your forehead. He was right. Your mother would certainly be upset to find that you excluded one of your “friends” from the festivities on purpose. “I guess you’ll stop by to get me before you leave, then?”

“Fine. I have to go get dressed and gather a couple of my things before we leave so I’ll come by in a little bit. I still have to find out if Remus wants to come, too,” you told him, standing from the bed and smoothing down your sweatpants.”

“Alright, Darling. Don’t be too long,” he called as you walked through the doorway, pretending you didn’t hear him so you wouldn’t have to reply. Your chest tightened a bit at the term of endearment he always used rather than call you by your name. It always made your heart jump and butterflies flutter in your stomach. If only he really meant it. He was just like that with everyone, regardless of how he felt about them. 

Sirius Black didn’t like you. He was a womanizing jerk who couldn’t settle down even if someone paid him to. He was selfish and inconsiderate with other people’s feelings.

You shut the door to his room and turned down the hall to find Remus and your brother, most likely in the other spare bedroom where Remus would be staying. You approached the room across from your brother’s and knocked on the heavy wood, waiting for a reply before twisting the knob.

“Come in,” James called, and you entered, peeking your head in to see Remus shuffling through his trunk while James laid across the king sized mattress. “What’s up?”

“I was just about to head into town to get some last minute shopping done. I wanted to know  if either of you wanted to come.” 

Remus shook his head. You frowned a bit when your brother also shook his head, indicating that neither of them wanted to accompany you. Normally, you wouldn’t care if you had to go by yourself, but without Remus or your brother that meant you would be alone with Sirius, and that was most definitely not preferred.

“James and I are gonna help your mum with some Christmas baking. She’s letting us decorate the sugar cookies,” Remus told you. You were a bit jealous at that. Decorating the sugar cookies was one of you favorite Christmas activities, but you figured Remus and your brother had it covered. You nodded. “Why? Did you need someone to come with you?”

“No, I’m fine going on my own. It’s just that Sirius invited himself along and I don’t want it to just be me and him…” You sighed.

“Pads isn’t that bad. I don’t know why you insist on being so cold to him. He’s a good friend to all of us, including you,” James told you, as if you didn’t already know that. Remus nodded, and gave you a look that said all you needed to know about his opinion on the matter. Remus hadn’t forgotten about the night you broke down crying, sobbing about how you so desperately had fallen in love with the raven-haired boy and he would never feel the same way for you. 

You turned on your heel to leave the room, waving goodbye to both boys as you shut the door behind you with a soft click. You headed back down the hall to your room, pulling open the door to your closet and sifting through the rack of clothes. You eventually settled on an outfit. 

You slipped on your skirt, a sweater, heavy winter coat, and boots thick enough to endure the snow fall outside. You weren’t consciously dressing to impress, but looking over your ensemble, you wondered if you just somehow managed to pick clothes that you knew would catch the eyes of a certain someone, that being Sirius Black. You tried to convince yourself you didn’t care about his opinion, but you most definitely did. You wanted to look beautiful to him, for him to actually notice you as something other than the sister of his best friend. 

As far as you could tell, he thought of you as a sister, a younger one that he could push around and tease as he pleased.

You shook your head, mentally cursing yourself for having such ridiculous thoughts. Sirius was just a friend, a close friend who you could even consider family, even if he annoyed you quite often. There was no reason to get all dressed up for him. You certainly tried to tell yourself that as you applied your eyeliner and smudged it the way you liked it. You definitely told yourself that when you put on your most shiny lip gloss that smelled like candied cherries. Just a friend.

You grabbed your wallet, shoving it into your jacket pocket before leaving your room and heading to the door beside yours. You knocked gently, hoping that maybe he might miss the sound and you could leave on your own. He didn’t though, as the door quickly opened and you were met by dark hair and eyes to match. He didn’t let you see, but his eyes scanned your figure and he gulped, swallowing down his gasp at just how well you looked in your casual clothes. 

“Are you ready, Black?” you asked, and he nodded. You started down the hallway of your home, working your way down the stairs and out the front door, waving to your father on the way. He sat in the living room, as usual, reading the Daily Prophet. Sirius waved as well, bidding a farewell to your dad politely. 

The town was only a couple minutes walk down the road from your house, so you didn’t bother apparating there. You stepped outside onto the crunchy white snow covering the ground, sighing at the feeling of the winter air blowing past your face. You loved winter. It was so beautiful, with the white covering all the trees and buildings in a winter wonderland sort of way. Christmas was your favorite holiday as well. 

“What do you plan on getting for everyone?” Sirius asked, catching up to you as you walked down the sidewalk. 

“Probably a new novel for Remus. I’ll get James some quidditch equipment, some pads or something since he’s wearing down the ones he had now,” you told him. “Maybe I’ll get my mum some new earrings. She likes pearls so probably something like that. My dad, I’m not so sure about. I’ll have to see what he likes when I get there.”

He nodded in agreement. “Anything for me?” he finally asked, and you actually laughed. He furrowed his brow and poked you in the arm. “Why is that funny?”

“Because you’re a pain in my ass, Black, and you want me to get you a Christmas present?”

“Well, that’s not very nice of you,” he said, and for a moment, you thought he might actually be a little offended. You turned your gaze to look up at him, only to see him smiling a bit with the corners of his lips. You scoffed, shoving his shoulder with your own.

“Oh, yeah, and what did you get me?” you asked him. 

“Nothing. All you deserve is coal for Christmas. Not even Santa Clause himself would bring a nasty girl like you anything.”

“You are so rude.”

“Only for you, sweetheart.”

The walk to town was quite peaceful actually. The two of you teased each other endlessly, but there was no real arguing, not like you would find yourselves in Hogwarts when he would flirt with everything that passed him by. He was corrigible when in a private setting like this. It almost felt like the two of you were on a date as you window shopped. 

You two even stopped at a cafe on your way around, you getting a sweet cauldron cake while he drank some butterbeer straight from the tap. 

He watched you closely as you eyed down certain displays in the windows, taking note of what you liked and what you absolutely hated. He was particularly interested when you stopped and admired a piece of jewelry, a necklace with a gold chain and setting for the heart shaped, pink stone in the center. You stared at it for longer than anything else in the entire town, and he took note of that. 

You noticed the way he admired the record store, with all the old 60’s records lining the aisles. He liked the wooden record player, saying that he’d never had one of the muggle contraptions, even though he thought they looked pretty cool. They were classy, he said, just like him. You could only roll your eyes with a smirk, finding his ego to be quite hilarious. He always acted so cocky but really he was just as insecure as the rest of you. 

You had grabbed a couple things for everyone, Remus, your brother, your parents. You considered it a productive day out as you walked back home. He carried your bags even though you told him not to. It was endearing, and you felt your heart skip a beat when you caught him in the corner of your eye looking down at you with that gentle look in his eyes, like he truly enjoyed spending his time with you, regardless of how much you complained. 

You bid him farewell when you entered the house, hurriedly grabbing your bags and rushing off to your room, locking the door behind yourself so you could throw yourself into bed, practically screaming into your pillows. Why was he so wonderful? Why did he make you feel so special, like you were the only girl that mattered in the entire world? It made you feel like shit knowing that’s probably how he went through so many girls at Hogwarts, endlessly flirting with them until they felt just like you did. 

You weren’t anything special, you thought. You were just like the dozens of other girls he’d romanced. It broke your heart.

____

Christmas morning had come, and you were ready in your pajamas that your mum provided you, saying that you had to wear them for the family photos. Personally, you felt a little old to be wearing a set of pajamas that matched those of your twin brother, but your mother insisted. You were the green and red plaid set as you left your room and headed down to the living room where the most grand Christmas stood with all the little gifts scattered beneath it. There were gifts from your parents to everyone, including your guests. 

Your brother showed up second, followed closely by Remus and Sirius, who were talking quietly with each other as they entered the room, only to shut up when they noticed you sitting there on the carpet beside the wrapped presents. You smiled so brightly Sirius thought it might blind him. 

He was quick to mock your outfit of choice though. “17 and still matching with your brother, Y/N? Aren’t you a little old for that?”

You scowled and brushed off his comment, knowing he was just being a pest for no reason. Your parents entered the room, your mother holding a plate of cookies decorated quite messily by your brother and friend. You couldn’t tell what the one you picked up was supposed to be, perhaps a stocking or a Santa hat, you weren’t sure. Not that it mattered, it tasted delicious regardless. 

You opened some of your gifts, the first one coming from your parents. A new polaroid camera that you had been asking for, wanting to take as many pictures of your friends and you during your final year at Hogwarts as possible. Remus had gotten you a new cardigan, and your brother got you some perfume he knew you were running out of. You hugged everyone after opening each gift, thanking them brightly for what they had gotten you. 

They thanked you for the gifts that you got them, even if they were last minute presents. They still loved them. It wasn’t until James was reaching further under the tree before he found a couple more boxes hiding in the low hanging branches. One was addressed to Sirius while the other, a tiny box was addressed to you. 

You picked up the last gift waiting for you under the tree, shaking it gently when you noticed it was Sirius’ handwriting. You suspected it might be a gag gift, something silly or prank-like. He didn’t say he was going to get you a gift at all, much less something meaningful. 

But then again, you said you weren’t getting anything for him either. So much for that. 

He tore open his last present, blinking when he saw what was in the box underneath. It was a beautiful, new cherrywood record player, the same one he was admiring in the village when you went to the record store earlier that week. He stared at the box, and then lifted his eyes to meet yours. You refused to look at him, far too embarrassed. He wasn’t supposed to know you were the one that bought it for him. It was addressed anonymously for that reason. 

“Y/N, I don’t know what to say,” he stumbled on his words for perhaps the first time ever since you met him. He struggled to find the right thing to say. All he could muster was a “Thank you”, staring down at his present in awe. 

Secretly, while he was off looking at records in the store, you’d asked an attendant to send the parcel through the mail to your home so you didn’t have to carry it all the way home. That way, Sirius didn’t know you bought it for him either. You wanted it to be a surprise.

“I saw you looking at it, so it only made sense to buy it for you,” you told him, trying to fight the flames threatening to rise in your cheeks. 

“Well, you should open your gift too,” he said, rubbing the back of his neck as you looked down at the tiny box in your hands. You untied the ribbon on top and set that on the floor beside you. Hesitantly, you opened the box, revealing the necklace you’d been eyeing down in the store the other day, the one with the pink stone and sparkly golden chain. 

You looked at the chain for a moment, gawking at how stunning it was before lifting your eyes to meet Sirius’ gaze. You opened your mouth to say something, anything really, but no words came out. 

James whistled, peering over your shoulder at the piece of jewelry. “Wow, nice one, Pads. It’s just her style, that’s for sure,” he commented. 

“Thank you, Sirius. It’s lovely.”

“It’s nothing really. It was the only thing you really seemed to like when we went to the village together.”

But it wasn’t nothing, really. It meant everything to you as you clipped it around your neck, taking a hold of the pendant and admiring it. When you looked up, your mother was trying to get photos of the two of you, motioning for you and Sirius to sit beside each other. You couldn’t say no to your mother, so you sat beside Sirius, maintaining space between you two until she urged him to wrap and arm around your shoulders. 

You felt strange pressed to his side, smiling for the camera. It felt different, being by his side in his arms like this, as a family. For a moment, everything felt so perfect. Him holding you in his arms, your mother smiling brightly at the two of you while your father and brother watched content. Remus watched from the sidelines with that knowing smile on his face, one that made you flustered at what he was proposing behind that grin. 

You felt the same that night, when you climbed onto the roof of your house, on the old shingles. You laid back on the roof, staring up at the half moon above you with a sigh. The necklace hung from your neck, and you didn’t think you would ever take it off. It was your favorite gift you’d ever received, if you were being honest.

The window beside you opened and there he was, sticking his head out the window to find you, tilting his head to the side. “Do you always come out here?” he asked, and you nodded. 

He climbed out his window and laid down beside you on the just slightly sloped tiles, folding his arms behind his head. “What do you want?” you asked, sounding a bit harsher than you wanted. You bit your tongue from saying anything else that might come out worse than you intended. 

“Nothing, just wanted to see what little miss Y/N was doing all on her lonesome. Just watching the stars, huh?”

“It’s one of my favorite things to do, after all.”

“I forgot. You’re a total astronomy nerd.”

“I just like the stars, the way things align just perfectly.”

He hummed. You couldn’t see, staring up at the sky, but he turned his head to face you, watching your profile as if it was the most gorgeous sight he’d ever behold. He wanted to roll over and kiss you, to hold your cheek in his palm and press his lips to yours, to taste your lip gloss and the hot chocolate you drank after dinner. He wanted to brush your hair behind your ear and fall deeper into your soul. He wanted to drown in everything about you. 

The necklace he bought you looked just right around your neck, and he was happy you were still wearing it. He wanted everyone to know that you were his girl, the one that he’d given his heart to. He could care less about all those other girls when he had you, if only you were within arm’s reach. 

“Do you think the stars will ever align for you? Give you everything you dream of?” he asked.

“I think we all have to work for what we want. The stars don’t control our destiny,” you replied softly. 

He looked back at the sky with a smile across his lips, finally feeling at peace after wishing for so long that you would let him have a moment with you where you weren’t trying to argue with him or run away like you usually did. “Wise words from a wise girl.”

“Wise? We’re talking about me, not Moony,” you laughed, “I’m just as lost in life as you are, Black.”

“I might be lost, but I do know one thing. I’m glad to be here with you.”

“And I’m glad you’re here, too.”

Part Two coming soon

[dilatorywriting]

Oh, 4k? Hold up then, looks like you dropped this 👑👑👑

CONGRATS TO YOU, ONE OF THE BEST WRITERS HERE!! If I could partake in the event, I'd love something with Riddle and prompt 17; love my short red angry king and alice in wonderland in its entirety tbh. If the Reader could be a bit of a rule breaker too and have known Riddle since childhood that'd be awesome as well. Again tho CONGRATULATIONS!! HOPE NOTHING BUT THE GOOD STUFF FOR YOU!

Gender Neutral Reader x Riddle Rosehearts Word Count: 2.3k

Prompt 17: "I think I’m in love with you and I don’t know what to do."

[EVENT MASTERLIST]

You were annoying.

At least, that was the kindest way his mother described it. And Riddle would have to agree. Always hanging over his shoulder like some overeager parrot and rattling off nonsense into his ear just as loudly. He was hardly allowed out to the park—mother said his studies were far too important, and even as a child Riddle certainly agreed. Mostly, at least. Enough to never argue—but when he did get time to sit out in the sun under the shade of the grand, painted trees, you were always there.

A bother, a nuisance. Sticky fingered with the remnants of swiped tarts and chattering on, and on, and on.

“I tried to follow a rabbit,” you said, rolling around in the dirt like a heathen. Weren’t you worried your parents would scold you for mucking up the smooth, blue fabric of your jacket? “But it ran too fast and I fell. Do you think I could catch it with a net, maybe?”

“Hopped,” Riddle correctly, stiffly. “Rabbits hop.”

“Well this one ran,” you argued back. “Faster than a car. Faster than a cheetah.”

“Cars are faster than cheetahs,” he said, turning to the next page of his book. “So grammatically you should have put that part second.”

You flopped back onto your stomach and pulled yourself to your knees, before scuttling behind his back and peering over his shoulder.

“How can you pay attention to a book with no pictures in it?”

He hunched up his shoulders and you dropped your chin down with a bonk. Refusing to budge.

“Some of us don’t have the attention span of goldfish,” he sneered, turning his nose up at you.

“Well, if I could only think as much as a goldfish, I wouldn’t want to waste it on that,” you snipped back. “Doing homework in a park. What are you, a robot?”

“I’m efficient!” he snapped. “Mother says I shouldn’t waste time on frivolities.” On things like you, he doesn’t say. A part of him wants to. The part that sounds like biting words and a sharp, firm voice demanding he get to bed by 7pm unless he wants to rot his brain. Another part is… is worried that you might not like that. And then you’d just get even more annoying.

You reached around and snagged the textbook out of his hands with an audible ‘yoink!’ and immediately ran off at full speed. Which is never fair! Because you’re used to climbing up trees, and sprinting through mud, and scaling boulders like a wild beast. And Riddle is—Riddle isn’t! He would never! So it takes him an age to catch up to you. By the time he does, he’s huffing, and puffing, and as red as his hair.

“Don’t do that!” he snapped, livid. “Ever again!”

“Alright,” you shrugged, a loose grin on your mouth as you returned your pilfered treasure. You’ve barely even broken a sweat. “I won’t bother you during homework, Riddle.”

Which is… That’s certainly what he wanted Of course it was. But it made something in his stomach drop nonetheless. Probably because you’d just find new ways to be irritating. Yes. That’s certainly why.

The first time he felt it was on his twelfth birthday.

He’d tried so hard. And he’d done so well. His exams had all come back with perfect scores, his projects and papers immaculately graded. He’d been going to bed on time every night, combing his hair exactly how his mother liked, even folding his clothes into perfectly pressed little squares. She’d seen it in one of her cleanliness magazines and had lamented how nice the style looked for something so tedious. But Riddle had learned. And now his closet looked as tidy as a militia.

“Can I go? Trey’s whole family will be there. And it’s just dinner. Fully monitored!” he reassured, fighting the urge to twist his hands behind his back. “Please?”

“Of course not,” his mother droned, not even looking up from her laptop. “You’ve been doing well, but we don’t want you slipping up, now do we?”

“But—” he started, and her eyes cut up to him like daggers. A warning. “…of course, mother.”

“Good boy,” she smiled, with that smile that was never really a smile. “Now go up to your room. You can have an extra half hour of free time today,” she said, like it was something worth celebrating. “For my special birthday boy.”

Riddle had sat in his bed wishing he’d never known what a birthday was at all. And then there was a tapping at his window.

He opened it in shock, to see you hanging off the edge like a particularly determined cockroach. Which was—! No! It wasn’t safe! And you were going to get him in trouble, and—

But instead of opening that stupid, fat mouth of yours and letting of your siren call of a laugh—summoning every sensible adult in a five-mile radius to come checking for delinquents—you simply swung around a bit to reach back into your jacket pocket. Riddle almost lurched forward when he saw your fingers scrabble a bit along the ledge. Ready to fall. But then you righted yourself and gently deposited a little, paper-wrapped parcel atop of the smooth surface.

And then you shot him a wink and disappeared from view, no doubt scuttling back down the siding like the demon you were.

He approached it hesitantly, like one would an active bomb. He carefully peeled back the sticky tape and smoothed out the edges of the sloppily wrapped package. Inside was a small, round strawberry tart. Freshly baked, by the smell of it. And the waft of warm, soft steam curling up from the flaking crust. With a little note tucked beside it in your chicken scratch. A lopsided smiley face doodled at the corner, beaming up at a hastily scrawled ‘Happy Birthday, Riddle!’

He took a small bite of the little, perfect treat and his eyes burned. Something in his chest gave a worrying thump-thump.

‘Oh my god,’ he thought in a panic. ‘The idiot poisoned me.’

But aside from the horribly loud ticking of his heart, nothing else seemed to go awry. He ate the rest of the tart in silence, feeling lightheaded and far too warm. He wondered if maybe his mother was right about sugar and myocardial infarction after all.

Riddle didn’t see much of you the next few years. His mother doubled down on his study times, and he wasn’t even allowed to spend time with someone as responsible as Trey anymore. Let alone the person his parent had deemed ‘a menace upon polite society.’ The next time he saw you—really saw you. Not just your hurried waves from across the street or the trace ends of your bubbling laugh from around a corner—was when the Royal Sword Academy’s students had descended upon Night Raven for the VDC.

You were chattering away with Che’nya, the pair of you looking equally as mused and ridiculous. All splashes of raucous color and uniforms so out of place that one would hardly be able tell what institution you were meant to be a part of at all. For a moment he thought you’d walk right past. It’d been years, after all. And certainly you’d moved on to bothering some new stick in the mud.

But then you saw him and your eyes lit up. His chest gave another of those terrible thump-thumps.

“Riddle!” you all but screamed. And launched yourself at him like a feral cat. “How are you! Your hair is so neat! Did you grow out your bangs? Oh! Look at your cape! So cool! Did you know that we don’t get capes? I think that’s a crime. Especially with how yours looks,” you rambled on. And despite that lingering thread of him that demanded that you must be annoying, because that’s what you were. Loud, and uncouth, and everything he’d been raised to not be. The rest of him was… Warm. And happy, to hear the familiar chatter back in his ear.

He scoffed, hoping it would cover the noise of his pounding heart. “No one in their right mind would trust you with a cape. You’d get caught on every door in existence.”

“Oh, that’s fair,” you agreed on a nod. “But surely a top hat, at least?”

And then you were back in his life like you’d never left to begin with. Or, well, like he’d never left you.

Showing up at Unbirthday Parties with the tackiest serving plates and even worse outfits. Telling him all about the rabbit you finally managed to catch, and how it does run, Riddle. I swear. Bringing him trinkets you’d found in small shops that had no practical purpose to speak of. Breaking every rule in the Queen’s Book and smacking yourself on the forehead each time he shouted a stern reminder. You even bought a little notepad to jot down his instructions. But all it ended up being good for was an ever growing pile of doodles and little, folded, origami animals that he’d find tucked all around his room like secrets.  

And amidst all of this, that thumping, bumping pressure in his chest just kept getting worse.

It was a warm day, not unlike the one all those years ago where you’d plunked yourself on his shoulder and stolen the textbook right out of his hands. Now you had your own book to read, some monstrosity on analyzing ravens and writing desks, with your head precariously close to his lap but not there. He didn’t even know why that bothered him.

“This book is too complicated,” you complained. And Riddle fought the urge to point out you were holding it upside down. “Both have quills. Is that so hard to understand?”

“That makes no sense,” he argued back.

“Of course it does,” you said, perfectly pleasant and sure of yourself. “But you know everything, so you really ought to know that too.”

He snorted. “I do not.”

“Do too.”

“Do not.”

“What’s fifteen times thirty-four.”

“That’s not knowing. That’s just math,” he argued. “And it’s five-hundred and ten.”

“See,” you poked. “I knew you’d know it.” You rolled over to stretch out on your stomach—reaching forward to twist a long blade of grass between your fingers. “You always know what to do.”

Something in his stomach turned unpleasantly at that. Had he known what to do when he’d cowed to his mother’s commands and cut you from his life? Had he known best when he’d turned away from your warm greetings and friendly overtures to hide away behind the unsurmountable walls of expectation? Worse over, did you think that he thought all those things were… for the best? That he’d wanted to push you aside like all your cheerful banter and sweet attempts to brighten his dull, miserable life had been worth nothing.  

“That’s not true,” he finally said, stilted and near whisper quiet.

You propped yourself up on your elbows and looked at him with a curious tilt of the head.

“Of course it is,” you blinked, guileless and genuine. Smiling up at him from your place in the grass with that familiar, twisty little grin on your mouth and a brightness in your eyes that never seemed to dim.

“It’s not,” he said, a bit firmer. And his gaze flickered off away from yours. “I think I’m in love with you, and I don’t know what to do about it at all.”

Riddle wasn’t sure what he was expecting. Silence, maybe. The horrible, awkward, biting sort that ate away at his soul like a rat gnawing through his bones. Maybe you’d laugh at him, in that bubbling, carefree way of yours, and tell him that you thought one of those rules of his was never to lie on a Thursday afternoon. That would hurt worse than the silence, he thought.

But instead you just rolled back over with a flick of your wrist, like you were gossiping about the weather.

“Then love me,” you said, simple. “I love you. It only seems fair.”

“…oh,” he spluttered, face lighting up crimson and warm.

You hummed, as if in agreement. But to what he wasn’t sure. You looked him over for a minute, like you were searching for something. And then you reached for his sweaty hand with your own and twined your fingers there in the grass.

“If everything always made sense, nothing would be what it is because everything would be what it isn't,” you said, like that was supposed to make any sense at all. “And contrariwise, what it is, it wouldn't be, and what it wouldn't be, it would. You see?"

“What on earth are you on about?” he gaped.

You burst into delighted giggles and tucked your nose against his hip. “Silly, silly. Stop trying to analyze everything, yes? It will only make things more confusing.”

You sighed and stretched, a contented smile on your lips. You reached up to tap a finger against his nose.

“Things don’t always have to make sense. That’s what makes it fun. And, well, if you’re really that determined to be able to figure out how things are supposed to go, we can do that later, yes?”

“…Right,” he managed to eek out after a long moment. Feeling far too light and far too… too something. “Later. There will be a later.”

And as much as that would have felt like a lie all those years ago—had been a lie even—when he said it now you looked up at him like he’d hung the stars in the sky. And he couldn’t help but hope for all the tomorrows in the world.

.

.

[yuriririnnie]

Is it love?

A/N: It’s literally 1:51 in the morning and I’m supposed to be studying my last few topics on Tax Law. I really should be focusing, but sometimes don’t you hate it when you have this idea in your head that you just need to let out otherwise you’ll go insane? Yup. So that’s today for me.

PAIRING | Park Jongseong (Jay) x reader

WC | 2.8k (wth Alice?!)

GENRE | angst, fluff

WARNINGS | mentions of drinking, explicit language, mentions of sex and pre-marital cohabitation 

SYNOPSIS | When you first met, he didn’t believe it was love. When you fight for the first time though, that’s when it hit him.

—

Maybe it was the alcohol that’s making your head throb so incredibly hard right now but you were sure that it wasn’t this painful when you came in here. You were having the worst week of your law school life because of upcoming midterm examinations, terrifying judges as professors, and mock trials so you actually allowed your friends to pull you out of your dorm, go to a bar, and loosen up. 

At least, that was the plan. 

“Why are you being so uptight even until now?” your best friend asks before sipping on her drink which mind you, was the exact same drink that made your head ache so bad tonight. God has it been a while since you went out. 

Trying not to throw up you say, “How are you guys holding your alcohol so well? We’ve been here for three hours.” 

“You just haven’t been drinking that’s all.” 

“I shouldn’t even be drinking tonight anyway. I’m swamped with things I’ve yet to read.”

She scoffed, ordered another drink for you, and left to go to the dance floor with some unknown guy you’ve seen around campus. 

Leaning onto the bar, you stared at your drink, hoping it would finish itself. 

“It’s not going to finish itself.” Did you just hear your thoughts out loud? You looked up to search for the unfamiliar voice.

And there he was. Tall, slender, platinum hair that’s carefully pushed back further accentuating his jawline that’s sure to be able to cut through paper with how freaking sharp it was. His features were extremely strong. He had fierce eyes, tall nose bridge, and a smirk that carefully crossed his thinly-lined lips. 

He sat next to you without making eye contact and gestured to the bar tender indicating that he was probably a regular around here.

Realizing that you were seconds too late in replying, you shook your head and muttered, “I’m not rushing. I’m here with my friends.”

“I take it you didn’t want to come in the first place.”

“Is it that obvious?”

He let out a small laugh at your response and you could have sworn that it was the most handsome laugh you have ever heard in your life. 

“I’m Jay.” he offered his hand, which you shook, of course. You weren’t a fan of talking to strangers but he was just that inviting. No bias, but he was so gorgeous you just couldn’t ignore him! You wanted to be careful, but you’re not crazy.

“I’m Y/N. You from campus?”

“Yeah. I’m taking the 2-year MBA program,” he took a sip, “and you studying fashion or…?” 

“God no. I could never.” you nearly spat your drink hearing his assumption, but flattered nonetheless, “second year, JD.” 

“Yikes, there’s no wonder you looked like you didn’t want to be here.” 

You scoffed, “what’s that supposed to mean?”

“Well, of course, I didn’t first think you were in law. You look way too pretty to be someone who’s swarmed with school work.” 

“Is that your way of talking into picking girls up at bars?” 

He put his drink down to face you. This time, the smugness on his face disappeared and was replaced with a slight pink on his cheeks. He was flustered, and you made him lose his cool. Even you surprised yourself. You just didn’t know you had it in you to flirt tonight.

“Believe it or not, I don’t normally talk to girls around here.” 

It was your turn to laugh, “Is that so?” 

“Yeah. I’m not like other guys.”

“That is such an other guy thing to say!” 

The conversation went on for about an hour and you didn’t even notice how many drinks you were both having. The topics went on from school, to work, to friends, and to plans after school, and finally came to the part where he asked you out. You were hesitant at first (or at least you pretended to be hesitant), and thought that maybe this was just going to be a one time thing. He was kind and smart, but he did look like your typical college fuckboy after all. However, it’s been a while since you actually went out on a proper date and he seemed like there was more to him than just his appearance. 

“Sure.” you say, offering your last cheers for the night. 

—

“You said you were having a study group session, not a one-on-one with someone you obviously know has the hots for you.”

You can’t believe you were having this conversation just five months after meeting your boyfriend at the bar. Fighting was never a common thing between you two because you rarely even had the time to argue about anything. Jay was patient, loving, caring, and often just supported you and your decision to work and study. He offered to have you quit your job and just move in with him but you always thought that it was way too early into your relationship to accept the idea of living together. However, you did sleep over a lot considering he lived alone. 

Tonight you were scheduled to sleep over once again because it was just convenient. He lived much closer to campus and had a car. His program wasn’t as heavy as yours so he had the time to pick you up and send you to work and school. Everything was just peachy until this happened. 

Taking a deep breath you responded, “Jake is just a classmate, and we got partnered up to form a legal opinion together. It takes a lot of time Jay, and I didn’t know that the others would finish up much earlier than us. It’s no big deal, it was only a few hours.”

“I bet he purposely slowed things down to spend more time with you that’s all.” 

“What do you want from me? I can’t just avoid him just because he makes you feel uncomfortable.”

He scoffed, “Does he even know you have a boyfriend?” 

“Jay, I don’t need to tell him that I have a boyfriend. Everyone knows you’ve been picking me up to and from school.”

“Yeah, but it’s different when you actually tell them.” 

Finally arriving in his dorm, you put your bag down on the couch and stormed into the bathroom. He placed your laptop on the coffee table and tossed his car keys on the kitchen counter. You can sense his anger because you could hear him slamming the fridge shut from across the room. You just cannot believe him right now.

Ignoring his tantrum, you washed your face, brushed your teeth, and tied your hair up. 

“What do you want to eat?” he asked from the other side of the door.

“I’m not hungry.” You stepped out of the bathroom and went straight to your bag to bring out some of the books you were scheduled to read tonight. There was just so much to do and you can’t be wasting your time dealing with Jay right now. 

He on the other hand was just laying on the couch mindlessly scrolling through Netflix. The silent treatment from him would have been fine for you but the TV was being awfully loud you just can’t get yourself to study. 

“Are you doing this on purpose?” you finally spoke. 

“Doing what on purpose?”

“Jay, you’re being ridiculous right now.”

“I’m not doing anything.” 

You slammed your book shut, heavy enough to be intensely audible. He jumped a bit from the vibration as you gave him the most piercing look you have ever given him your entire relationship. He was being difficult the entire time on the way here despite knowing how much you seriously did not need it tonight. He knows that you had a lot to study for tomorrow and yet he was still being a brat about practically nothing.  

You packed up your books and rushed to the bedroom to change. “I’m leaving. I can’t study here.” 

“Fine.” He still never made eye contact. 

And with that, you left. 

—

Jay got up from the couch with what felt like forever. He knew you couldn’t have gone too far since your dorm was just a short bus ride away, but still, it was 7pm, dark, and cold outside. He didn’t mean to sound harsh, nor did he mean to piss you off. He typically did try his best to be the most understanding boyfriend for you knowing how much you cared about your studies. 

He unlocked his phone to see no new notifications. No messages from you whatsoever. 

Alright. If she needs time off from me to study, then fine. He thought. 

But what if you weren’t fine? What if you didn’t get to your dorm safely? What if the entire time you were walking home you entertained thoughts about breaking up with him? 

Jay shook his head to snap out of his own thoughts. He had been so emotional about you getting way too close to this classmate of yours. It wasn’t like him to act so jealous, but lately he has been noticing that you’ve been hanging out with that guy a little too much for his liking. He tossed and turned from the couch thinking about how he would make this up to you or how he would respond if you did try to reach out to him after tonight. He was losing his cool because of you again but this time it was a mixture of jealousy, worry, and frustration. 

He stood up feeling a slight blood rush from all the shuffling. Maybe he was just being paranoid, but he has never been so worked up for some girl before. His past relationships consisted of summer flings and college hookups that didn’t last more than a month. He never really believed in love just yet because he was so careful in saving it for someone he would actually want to devote all his time and heart to. However with you, it’s been more than three months, but is it too soon to categorize this as love? Was this what love was supposed to feel like? Was it always coupled with an impending fear of losing someone you barely spent an entire year with?

It was his turn to use the bathroom this time. He stepped onto what he expected to be a cold floor but to his surprise, the tiles never sent a sudden chill at all. He looked down to see a small carpet carefully placed on the bathroom floor. It was probably your doing because you always said that it was dangerous to keep the bathroom free of any rugs. The lack of friction might cause a slip and you wanted to rid yourselves away from any accidents. 

He sighed at the thought of you being so concerned about him. Looking around the bathroom, it was always clean these days ever since you semi-moved in with him. The towels were always newly replaced, the mirror was spotless, and the drug cabinet was always stocked up with medicines Jay never thought he ever needed. All of this he could have done all on his own but with you being on top of everything all the time despite your busyness, he just couldn’t shake the thought of wifing you up. He never thought he needed anyone until he found you. 

There was one thing that really tugged his heartstrings though. Your toothbrush was carefully placed in a cup near the sink just close to his.

“Do you even ever change your toothbrush?! You’re such a slob!” 

“I do too change my toothbrush every month!” 

“That’s fucking gross Jay, do it at least every three weeks.”

Jay watched you as you threw his old toothbrush away and opened a fresh new box with two toothbrushes this time. You placed the pink and blue ones in the cup near the sink and turned to him with the most satisfied smile. 

That was three months in your relationship. 

Feeling a rush of adrenaline, he grabbed his phone from the couch and started texting you asking where you are. He ran to the coat rack, grabbed a jacket, and exited his apartment within minutes. 

—

You were on case 12 out of 30 for your assigned cases to read tonight and thankfully you had the entire dorm to yourself because this was practically cramming since these cases were set for tomorrow’s recitation. Even if you’ve already been studying all day, it felt like you still had loads to cover before you were done with tonight. It wasn’t like you weren’t thinking of Jay the entire time but the fight wasn’t really worth pausing and you really couldn’t afford to lose momentum. 

Knock knock. The sound of the door interrupted your concentration. 

“Y/N, it’s me.” you heard him from the other side.

Well of course who else would it be?

“Jay I—“ you couldn’t even open the door fully and finish your sentence because he barged right in and surrounded you in the tightest embrace. He was panting, caressing your hair, digging his face in the crook of your neck. 

You can feel his heart thump against your body. He was so cold from the outside weather, but his breath was hot, and he was shaking. 

“Oh my god, is everything okay?!” you hugged him back, “are you hurt? did something happen?!”

“Why are you like this? I was picking a fight, left you alone to go home by yourself, was a total brat, and still you’re asking me if I’m okay??” he was exasperated, but continued to wrap his arms around you like his life depended on it. 

“Are you crazy? I’m not the one who’s barging into his girlfriend’s dorm acting like he didn’t see her just a few hours ago!”

He loosened his grip and faced you. You were probably just tired but was he crying?

“So you’re still my girlfriend?” he squeaked. He was so cute and so not himself right now if it weren’t such a worrisome atmosphere, you would have laughed. 

Okay, so maybe you did laugh a little bit. 

“Of course, I am!” you chuckled, “why did you ever think that I wasn’t?!” 

“Because we fought,” he sniffed, “I thought I was going to lose you.” 

You were full on laughing at him right now. His eyebrows furrowed and gave the cutest, tiniest pout. 

“Jay,” you finally managed to say, “I was mad, and yes we did fight. But I’m not breaking up with you. I’m sorry if you felt that I was going to.” 

He hugged you again, but this time tackling you onto the couch putting his entire weight on top of your smaller frame. 

“Jay—“ you choked, “’Jay, if you don’t get off of me right now I might actually break up with you.”

“That’s not funny!” he backed away in an instant, “You can’t just sprinkle all this domesticity onto my life and just walk away.” He continued to rub his eyes, sniffling, and struggling to sit next to you on the couch. You caressed his back and waited for him to calm the eff down. 

“I’m not sure what your idea of romance is babe, but that’s how relationships are supposed to be,” you comforted him as he turned to face you, “we will fight, butt heads, disagree, get jealous, and even walk out on each other but that doesn’t mean we love each other any less.”

He sat up straight hearing the word and you notice his ears turn cherry red. 

“—and yes, I do love you, Jay.” 

“You love me?” he sounded like the word was so foreign, so uncommon, and so alien that the slight hesitation made you feel like you trespassed in some unfamiliar territory. 

With that, you just nodded. 

He buried his face into his hands. Is he going to say it? Is this finally the day he’s going to say it? He pictured that the first time he would ever say it to anyone would be special. He imagined it being on a hill, or by the ocean, or on top of the city lights, or somewhere more beautiful and deserving than this. But come to think of it, he never would have thought about saying it before, not to just anyone at least. 

He only really imagined saying it to you. 

There were nights where you two would just be eating, watching TV, brushing your teeth, he would watch you get up to study right after you just had sex, just doing the most mundane things, and he would just have this strong urge to tell you something. Something he has never ever felt with anyone else before. 

He tensed up, took a deep breath, and said:

“I love you.” 

He looked at you so intensely.

“I love you, so much.”

And you knew. He didn’t need to say it, but you knew. 

[marzipanandminutiae]

i'd love to learn just how victorian rational dress reformists would react at contemporary feminine hairstyles!

...in a similar line of thought do we have any records about their opinions on the Practicality of little girls hair or even the 20's bob (if some lived to see it)?

I'm not sure!

One of their biggest beefs with hair in their own time was often with hairpieces: false buns, curls, bangs/fringes, etc. used to augment one's natural hair. I'm not sure if they felt it weighed the head down or the extra pins were uncomfortable or what, but they didn't like it. false hair still exists, but its popularity has vastly waned. so maybe they'd think we had solved some issues- though long hair worn loose all the time would probably be seen as Hampering to women's daily activity

You do see some advocacy for short hair as an easier and sometimes healthier (??) option, but more often I've seen artistic and/or Dress Reform-oriented women with short hair who said nothing about it. You also have men who are...clearly just into ladies with short hair writing long Ye Olde Thinkpieces about how great it is. I mean, no shame there, I guess- everyone has their Thing. And while short hair on women was unusual, the Victwardians didn't seem to regard it with the same massive distrust and hand-wringing as conservative commentators of the 1920s did. Perhaps because it was less widespread?

The idea that little girls not only could have short hair but should was fairly common throughout the 19th century, obviously with variations. Similar reasoning was in play to that you might expect nowadays: that it was easier to care for, and that an active child wouldn't be hindered by it. there was also an idea, similar to that which led some women's hair to be cut off during serious illness, that short hair kept the head cooler and prevented or lowered fevers. I've actually read an admonition to keep children's hair short for just that reason in a book from the 1830s- The Ladies' Medical Oracle, by Elizabeth Mott. obviously this wasn't universal- see also: the original Alice in Wonderland illustrations, although it's worth noting that the real Alice Liddell had a bob as a child

(yes, little girls were expected to be active to a degree- even more if you're reading a book by someone who has experience with Actual Human Children. some doctors fretted that the uterus would be damaged by too much physical activity, but it seems like in practice, parents' were...again, aware of how real children behave. Longfellow's 1860 poem The Children's Hour describes his daughters storming his office to shower him with affection, quite energetically, and it was a smash hit)

as for how they reacted to 1920s bobs...well, most of the adult adopters thereof had at least lived through part of the Long Hair As Default For Women Edwardian era, and their thoughts ranged greatly on the subject. In fact, essays by Irene Castle (believed to be the originator of the trend in her late 20s c. 1913 or 1914, long before it caught on properly) and Mary Pickford (a late adopter at age 36 c. 1928) on why they had vs. hadn't cut their hair are often paired together as a commentary on how the trend was seen, along with others. sometimes these essays are rather strange- one wonders why these women, who must have lived when adult women all wore their hair up every day, describe the alleged oppression of "long, trailing locks." I guess when what you like has some social unacceptability, you might be inclined to phrase things in black and white thus

Dress reformers of the 1920s were more concerned with the deleterious effects of high-heeled shoes and the general idea that young women were encouraged to be too frivolous- and too loose in their sexual morals, as represented by the "short skirts"- actually about calf-length -and low-backed evening gowns of the era. that sounds kind of weird today, in the era of sex positivity, but earlier dress reform had, with a few exceptions, disavowed ideas of sexual freedom as thoroughly as mainstream society did. and I kind of get it- the notion that they advocated "free love" was often used to discredit genuine women's rights groups. still they weren't totally immune to sexual mores of their time, and some likely genuinely believed what they were saying

and that's not even getting into the Coiffure a la Titus trend of the late 18th-early 19th century, which had advocates claiming it was the best thing ever and detractors insisting it would result in women catching colds all the time. it was ever thus

anyway that's a bit of a long-winded answer, but I hope it helps!

[fbfh]

curiosity is a wonderful thing - ch 8

wc: 3.1k

genre: slowburn, friends to lovers, fluff

pairing: audrey x ben, mal x ben????, eventual ben x daughter of alice!reader

warnings: audrey being a lil bitch again, mind control/hypnosis magic, implanted thoughts, minor emotional manipulation from mal

summary: disappointed again by Audrey's motivations, Ben prepares for a huge tourney match. But something - or someone - becomes very distracting all of a sudden.

song recs: the king - sarah kinsley, mind control - topsecret, do it for her - steven universe soundtrack

a/n: so we took in a stray cat (orange ofc) and he literally did this to me the other day???? peak orange cat behavior tbh. not my pic if that wasn't obvious

TAGS @yesv01 @magcon7280 @hopefullhearts @thatawkwardlittlefangirl @sunshineangel-reads @dustyinkpages @inejsknifes @tulipmagnoliaisme @ev3ningrain

“So, where’s bunny?” Audrey asks Ben as they head to the tourney field. She says his nickname for you with a note of venom. Even though it rarely happens, whenever someone else refers to you as bunny it always hits Ben’s ear wrong. 

“She’s probably just running late,” Ben says, “nothing out of the ordinary.” 

He says it sweetly. You three were supposed to meet up before the match today, but Ben figures you probably took a wrong turn, or got tied up in a project. Ben covers for you like that a lot. He doesn't mind at all, and since he can't go with you to Wonderland, he feels like this is the next best thing. Or the least he can do, he supposes.

“Well great, that's…” Audrey starts, trailing off as she gets distracted by a group of girls. More specifically, by how amazing their hair is. She tries to pay attention to what Ben is going on about this time, but their hair… it’s too distracting. It looks photoshopped. It looks like the hair they use in salon ads and shampoo commercials. She glares at them, her gaze venomous until she realizes her eyebrows are all scrunched up. She snaps out of it, smoothing out her face. First not just one person with better hair than her, but multiple girls with hair so much better than hers that she’s going to get wrinkles over it? What’s next, mixing patterns? Unblended eyeshadow? Orthopedic shoes?

“Do you think they actually paid for those?” She spits conspiratorially.

“D- uh, they- they might have…” Ben sputters at the sudden change of topic, following her gaze and trying to figure out what exactly has got Audrey in such a bad mood suddenly. 

“She did it to Jane’s hair too,” Audrey continues in that tone she only gets when spreading gossip. “And Fairy Godmother’s not happy about it.”

Oh. She’s talking about their hair. 

The realization dawns on Ben, and he takes a closer look at the group of girls. The girl on the left’s new color and style remind him a lot of yours. It looks good. Ben glances back at Audrey, realizing she’s this upset over someone else’s hair.

“I mean… what’s the harm?” Ben starts gently. From what you’ve told him about Mal and Evie, Mal is probably just trying to make friends with the makeup and fashion tips she’s picked up from Evie - and as far as Ben’s concerned, that’s something that should be encouraged. Before he can finish his thought, Audrey interjects, as she so often does when the conversation isn’t about her.

“It’s gateway magic!” She exclaims incredulously, as if this should be obvious to him. 

Gateway magic? That’s… not a thing… Ben thinks, wondering for a fraction of a second if Audrey might be joking. The only reason that magic is retired in the first place is because of the technology boom that came from Auradon’s alliance with Atlantis. All the new technology can do pretty much anything magic can do in people’s day to day lives. 

Aside from that, it’s also much easier to regulate and add in safety precautions. Most people have become more interested in exploring and expanding new technologies than focusing on magic and its traditions. Ben has a feeling that in the coming years, magic will eventually begin to be re-incorporated into society, but for now, it’s somewhat obsolete. Technology is easier to learn, gets more consistent results, and you don’t need to dig through ancient texts for information - one quick Doogle search and you’re good to go. 

“I mean, sure, it starts with the hair.” Audrey continues, and Ben can sense a tangent coming. “Next thing you know it’s the lips, then the legs, then the clothes, and then everybody looks so good, and…”

As he listens, Ben starts to see her point. If using magic to alter the way you look becomes common, it could have dire consequences. Adolescence is a fragile time, and if cosmetic alterations start running rampant at Auradon Prep, who knows how detrimental that could be to the student body’s self image and self esteem? The last thing Ben wants is to contribute to misogynistic, unrealistic beauty standards, give young girls even more unattainable ideologies to compare themselves to. 

He’s sure Mal is well intentioned with all this makeover stuff, and he doesn’t want to punish her for efforts to make friends - solve one problem by causing another. If he can just talk to her, have a heart to heart and explain why he’s concerned, he’s sure she’ll understand. That way they can collaborate, come up with a solution for how Mal can make friends without doing anything that could inadvertently create a negative aftermath. 

“...Then where will I be?” 

Audrey’s voice breaks Ben’s momentary, spiraling train of thought. He looks at her as she pouts, fussing with her own hair. She pulls out a compact mirror and begins inspecting her face. The realization that Audrey is only worried about herself yet again sends a flash of disappointment through him. Maybe if things were different he could talk to her about it, maybe he could get her to understand. But he still has a tourney game to get ready for, a meeting with his parents after that, and a new potential crisis to put out. 

“Listen, Audrey-”

Either she doesn’t hear him, or she doesn’t want to, and cuts him off again - something Ben starts to realize he’s growing very used to. She snaps her compact shut and looks at him vaguely, digging around her bag for her plumping lip gloss. She makes a mental note to get more, the extreme plumping kind if she wants to get ahead of all this magic beauty bullshit on the horizon.

“I will see you after my dress fitting for coronation, ‘kay?”

“O-Okay…” Ben replies, but Audrey is already bounding away.

“Bye bennyboo.” She calls out behind her, leaving Ben alone in the hall. He feels himself cringe a little at her repeated use of the nicknam, but reprimands himself. It’s well intentioned - well enough at least - so he shouldn’t be judgemental. 

Behind him in the empty hall, Mal stands, staring at the back of Ben’s head intently. She steadies herself with a breath. She’s been practicing on the birds outside her window - she even practiced on Carlos a few times - she’s been pouring over her mom’s spellbook nonstop since yesterday, she’s ready. She has to be. She takes a breath and walks forward, clearing her throat. 

“Hey bennyboo!” She says, sarcastic and saccharine. 

Ben turns around, startled by the sound of Mal’s voice, and bites back a sigh. He really wishes people would just call him Ben. Before he can greet her, Mal takes a few steps closer, locking eyes with him, and holds up a baggie of cookies that look very… homemade. 

“Do you want one?”

He looks at the cookies briefly, then smiles at Mal. It seems a little strange that she would take up something like baking when she refuses to even take an art class, but Ben is too distracted by the fact that she’s finally putting a good foot forward. She’s doing something kind, making a gesture, she’s trying.

“Oh,” he chuckles, smiling and trying to find a polite way to decline. He never eats right before a tourney match, especially dessert. 

“I uh,” he starts, fumbling for words that always come so easily. “I’ve got a big game - I don’t eat before a big game, but thank you so much!” He adds quickly, her eyes locked onto his. Have they always been that green? 

“T-thank you. Next time, next time definitely.” He concludes. He should go. He needs to go warm up or he’s going to be late. Why is he still standing there?

“No, yeah.” Mal says, pulling his thoughts back to her. If her eyes had always been so intense, such a vibrant, glowing green, Ben is sure he would have noticed before. “I completely understand.”

Mal smiles sadly. 

“Be wary of treats offered by villains…” She laughs sadly, eyes still locked on his, drawing him in. “I’m sure every kid in Auradon knows that.” 

Panic and guilt flash through him. 

“No, no, no-” He fumbles, trying to explain, but finding the words feels like trying to run through quicksand. He can feel his brain slowing down, struggling to think, growing more and more quiet. 

“No, that’s not it,” he sputters, desperately trying to correct her impression of him, that he doesn’t trust her, doesn’t like her. “I- I really do-” 

He gestures weakly toward the tourney field, eyes still locked on Mal’s, stuck in her entrancing gaze. Everything around him seems to glow with a tinge of that green, that intoxicating emerald color of her eyes. He tries to say something, but there are no words in his head to draw on. It’s like someone cut the power supply to his mind, leaving him reeling in the dark, stuck in place as Mal stares him down, inching closer to him. He can’t think, can’t blink, can’t move. All he can do is watch the shades of green emanating from Mal’s eyes, casting everything around him in emerald and lime and harlequin. He wishes he could say something, then slipping into the back of his mind like a snake, words begin to form. 

Everything you say and do makes everyone believe you’re wildly in love with me. Even yourself. 

Everything you say and do makes everyone believe you’re wildly in love with me. Even yourself.  

“No, I get it.” Mal says out loud, sounding just like the strange orders permeating Ben’s mind. “You’re cautious, that’s smart.” 

Everything you say and do makes everyone believe you’re wildly in love with me. Even yourself.

“Oh well,” Mal sighs, “more for me I guess…”

Everything you say and do makes everyone believe you’re wildly in love with me. Even yourself. 

She holds up her sugary concoction between them. 

Everything you say and do makes everyone believe you’re wildly in love with me. Even yourself. 

Ben steps forward.

Everything you say and do makes everyone believe you’re wildly in love with me. Even yourself. 

He reaches out his hand, compelled by her, then hesitates.

Everything you say and do makes everyone believe you’re wildly in love with me. Even yourself. 

“Eat the cookie, Ben.” Mal says, her melodic voice sounding just the same out loud as it does echoing around his head. 

Everything you say and do makes everyone believe you’re wildly in love with me. Even yourself. 

“Eat it!” She snaps. Ben reaches out automatically, taking a bite. The glow in Mal’s eyes softens, a glint of that green still reflected in Ben’s, and he blinks, trying to come out of this strange stupor. 

“See?” He replies hazily. “I totally trust you. Totally.” 

Mal smirks. She glances over at her friends, who Ben didn’t even notice. Mal looks back at Ben. 

“...How are they?” She asks tentatively. Her heart pounds uncontrollably in her chest. This is the moment of truth. She can feel Evie and Jay and Carlos all holding their breath, right along with her. 

“They’re good, they’re great.” Ben answers quickly. “They’re amazing! They’re, uh…”

A warm, fizzy feeling fills his mouth, trickling down his throat as he swallows. 

“I mean, they’re warm, and chewy, and-” he sputters mindlessly. That addictive, bubbling, fizzy feeling spreads from his throat to his chest, making him feel all hazy and disoriented. “And, you know, they…”

He trails off for a moment. That warm, itchy fizzing feeling begins bubbling in his stomach, spreading throughout the rest of his body. 

“Is that walnuts?” He blurts out, continuing to ramble mindlessly about the cookies. “I love walnuts.”

She knows that, comes Mal’s voice in his mind again, she must know that. That’s why she put them in there. God, she’s so beautiful, and considerate too. Always thinking about other people before herself…

“And, um, you know, the chocolate… the- the chocolate…” he sputters. “The chocolate chips are… uh…”

The earth seems to move around him, absolving him of all his duties, all his responsibilities and obligations besides pleasing her. 

“Sorry. They’re, uh… they’re warm, and soft, and sweet…” He rambles, describing the angel before him more than the cookies. His breathing gets shallow as he subconsciously steps closer, needing her like he needs air. He’s fixating on her again, aching for another hit of that intoxicating look she had trapped him in.

“Mal, have you always had those little golden flecks in your eyes?” He murmurs, voice more low and intimate as he gazes down at her. He’s looking at her differently than he had been - that much is obvious. He reaches up to take another bite of the cookie and she gasps, grabbing it from him.

“I think that’s enough for now…” She says. Ben chuckles, his gaze unwavering. She’s so considerate, always looking out for him in little ways that no one else does. His pupils dilate as he stares at her, overwhelmed by a sense of familiarity, comfort. A strange, aged brew of feelings rises up through him. It makes him think of something, remind him of someone, but he can’t put his finger on it… He’s so wrapped up in the sensation that he doesn’t even notice Jay standing behind him until he speaks, placing his hands firmly - and somewhat roughly - on Ben’s shoulders.

“How you feeling, bro?” Jay asks. There’s a knowing element, a note of some inside information shared between Jay and his friends within his words, but it goes right over Ben’s head. Everything in his mind is screaming Mal Mal Mal! You want to be around Mal as much as possible! She’s your whole world, and you’re totally obsessed with her! 

“I feel… I- I feel…” Ben murmurs, eyes still locked on Mal’s as he tries to find the words, struggling to put his finger on it. A dreamy smile crosses his face.

“I feel like singing your name-”

Mal’s eyes widen in fear and she moves forward, clamping her hand over Ben’s mouth before he can even think about actually doing it. He wasn’t going to, but he smiles into her palm as he realizes she thought he was serious. 

“Okay, well,” Mal says softly with a nervous chuckle. They’re attracting too much attention like this already, and she knows they have to move on if they want a chance at pulling this off. “Don’t do that.”

Ben takes in a deep breath, and the scent of worn, grungy leather and spray paint fumes invades his senses. There’s something else too… nail polish? It’s intoxicating coming from her skin, dizzying, and he wants more. He takes her hand in his, holding it tenderly and inspecting it closely for a moment, his eyes fixated on her bitten nails. They glint in the afternoon light, reflecting off the sparkly, cracked mixture of purple and green polish. Just like her eyes. He looks up at her so softly, and it makes her feel sick. 

“When did you do this?” He asks, glancing back at her nail polish, his thumbs tenderly grazing over her fingers and knuckles. 

“Um-” Mal starts. She’s uncomfortable. She’s not used to having this much attention unless she’s getting screamed at or is knee deep in a gang fight. She’s… unsure of what to do with Ben looking at her like that. He continues before she can try to figure out a response.

“It looks really good, it… it suits you…” He says wistfully, staring at her hand and wanting so badly to kiss it. He looks back up at Mal, and the intensity in his eyes, in his body language makes her waver for a moment. She looks over Ben’s shoulder at Jay, silently begging to bail her out. Jay bites back a laugh at the sight of big bad Mal squirming when someone shows interest in her, but he nods anyway. 

“We gotta go, we have a big tourney match to get ready for.” Jay says, playfully shaking Ben’s shoulders in hopes of snapping him out of his stupor. It doesn’t work, but he hears what Jay is saying anyway. “Right Carlos?”

Carlos blinks, walking closer to help drag Ben away. 

“Uh, right. See you later, Mal.” He says, shooting Mal a thumbs up, silently congratulating her on pulling off such a complicated, difficult spell. Ben feels his heart plummet as Jay pulls him away, Mal’s hand slipping out of his. He twists around in Jay’s grip, struggling to not let her out of his sight yet. You can’t leave her yet, you can’t! 

“You’ll- you’ll be at the tourney match, right Mal?” He asks, a distinct note of desperation reaching for her as he speaks. 

“Yup.” She answers with a performative smile, skin crawling at all the attention he’s throwing at her. “I’ll be the one in purple.”

She mutters the last part under her breath, muscle memory kicking in as she deflects her unexpected discomfort with verbal jabs. She doesn’t think anyone will hear her remark, much less acknowledge it if they do, but she flinches a little as Ben laughs loudly. “I’ll see you there.” He says, beaming at her. Mal can’t remember the last time she made someone laugh out of anything other than fear. 

“I’ll see you right after.” 

He repeats it desperately, like a prayer. Like he’s trying to convince himself that the pain of being apart from her will be over soon. A cold sweat breaks out on the back of Mal’s neck. She grabs Evie’s arm, desperate for some sense of comfort, and walks away as quick as she can without breaking out into a full blown sprint. 

Jay and Carlos attempt to drag Ben away, a little surprised at how hard he’s fighting to look back at Mal every few seconds. Eventually, after a lot of squirming at talking out loud about how great she is, how pretty her eyes are, isn’t she just the best, they manage to get Ben to the tourney field to get ready for the match. Ben stumbles through his usual routine when getting ready for a match, his head swimming the entire time. He’s completely preoccupied with thoughts of Mal. Soon it’s time to head out onto the field, and it couldn’t come sooner. 

Mal is out there, waiting for him, and he is not going to let her down. He calls out morale boosting chants with the rest of the team, psyching himself up to lead his team to victory, because Mal is going to be up in the stands watching him. He’s going to break records, play the best game of tourney in history for her. Everything he does is for her.

[farity]

Sorrow, part 3

It was a good sign that his sister had linked arms with her, Aemond thought.

Helaena was not given to befriending strangers and she was leaning in, speaking with the lady Elyse, who had a small smile on her face. She turned and her gaze landed on him, and she went perfectly still.

Aemond nodded at her and strode to greet his sister and his mother, while his brother sighed wearily as he headed back to the keep.

Elyse watched him as he approached and he saw her wring her hands together, her smile frozen in place, and the familiar fear in her eyes.

"My lady," he said, bowing to her and offering his arm.

"Your Highness," she replied in a voice so quiet it might have been a breeze. She placed her hand in the crook of his elbow and looked up at him.

He felt the agitation in her, the way her breathing had quickened, and he wanted to tell her she was safe, that no one would hurt her again.

"Why?"

Her simple question rattled him. Because for the first time in a very long time, Aemond had no idea why he had made a decision. He looked down at her, her eyes bright with fear, her lips trembling despite the heat of the day.

She hadn't let go of his arm, however, and he placed his hand over hers.

"No one will harm you here."

She was looking at him as if she didn't understand his words. Did she not believe him?

"I will have my servants and one of my men standing guard," he added, and then he watched as his free hand rose to her cheek, the backs of his fingers stroking her skin as her eyes stayed on his.

He hadn't spoken to his mother about the betrothal. He could tell she wasn't pleased, or maybe she wasn't pleased about something else, there was always something to disappoint her.

Aegon, he thought. Probably Aegon.

He realized he was still stroking her cheek and he pulled away, startling her. "We should go inside."

* * * * *

She would meet with queen Alicent in the morning. Today she had been shown the room she would occupy as Aemond's betrothed. It was very finely appointed, Elyse thought as she ran her hand over the bedcovers. And it didn't stink of alcohol and sweat the way her marital bedchamber had.

A young maid had run a bath for her and at her door, as Aemond had promised, a guard would stand at all hours, changing shifts twice a day.

Elyse laid down on the bed, her hair still damp from her bath, and for the first time in a really long time, began to cry.

She'd been so careful to not cry, no matter what. Servants talked, and if her husband had found her crying, he would have probably backhanded her and called her a stupid girl, stupid useless girl.

It was his usual reaction to just about everything she did.

She would have to write to her father, explain that she wasn't coming home. Maybe she would have asked if he had already spent all the coin he had gotten for selling her into the marriage.

Her thoughts went back to the prince. He'd never answered her question and it nagged at her. He had assured her that she was safe and she had nodded while wondering if he, too, would turn on her as her husband had.

Would this prince become angry and take his rage out on her? Would she end up in the same situation as before except this time with a husband who was younger and seemed healthier than the first one? She'd looked at the scar that stretched beyond the eyepatch he wore, it looked wicked and jagged and she could not imagine what the pain must have been like.

Queen Alicent hadn't smiled the whole time they'd traveled to King's Landing. Queen Helaena was far more cheerful, although Elyse couldn't quite make out what she was saying half the time, but she had been kind and Elyse had experienced little kindness in her life so she would do her best to please the young queen.

She had heard terrible things of the young king but if he had noticed her at all, he couldn't have cared less.

Elyse dried her tears - at least for the moment, she was in warm, safe place, with assurances that she would not be harmed, and that was more than she could say about the last few years.

* * * * *

"She cried for a long time, my prince, and then she fell asleep."

Aemond nodded at the servant, dismissing her, and fought the urge to find his betrothed.

She was pretty in a pinched sort of way, her collarbones standing out starkly and her fingers cold and thin. Her hands were usually grasped together or clasping her skirts, and her eyes, when she chose to raise them from the ground, had a permanently fearful look he wanted desperately to erase.

There was a knock on his door and he took a deep breath, readying himself for what was to come.

"Come in."

He heard the soft rustle of skirts and the gentle closing of the door and he knew who it was.

"What were you thinking?"

"I was thinking that our duty is to help our people, and Lady Elyse looked very much in need of help," he said monotonously, having prepared his answer.

His mother walked around until she was facing him. "You are to wed for the benefit of our house, not out of pity for some nothing girl who-"

"She is not nothing," he said, his tone growing terse. He looked up at his mother's worried face - the face he was most familiar with - and stood, nearly bumping into her. "She is a noble lady, from an old House-"

"From a House with no coin and no resources!"

"I have made my choice."

Alicent scoffed. "Do not trap yourself in this situation, Aemond, because you had one moment of sentiment for the girl. She can be sent back to her family and no one would ever know.""

"Other than for yourself, mother, do you ever feel pity for anyone?"

Her hand, small and pale, landed on his scarred cheek, and she whirled around in a flash of green before leaving his rooms.

He stared at the door as it closed, and decided he'd marry Elyse as soon as possible.

* * * * *

Early in the morning, Elyse awoke to find a young maid patting her arm. "My lady, please."

"What is it?" she asked, fear climbing up her chest.

"You must wear this and follow me, now," the maid whispered, holding up a garment.

She looked toward the window, at the pinks and pale blues of dawn and could only nod at the maid. She had no choice, no one who'd back her protest, so she dressed and let the maid place slippers on her feet before she ran out the door.

It was still cool and she clasped the cloak she had been given tightly around her. It was black, with a hood, and lacked any sort of ornamentation, but when she put it on, Elyse could swear it smelled like the prince.

"This way, my lady."

Once outside the keep, she was led to a garden and stared down the path at the two figures who awaited her.

[leedamandy]

Mhaenyra Velaryon, blonde Hair like her mother.

Daughter of Rhaenyra Targaryen and Leanor Velaryon (Ser Strong)

16 yrs old -After Episode 8 of HOTD-

Aemond Targaryen x fem!OC (blonde strong) /Aegon II Targaryen x fem!OC (blonde strong)

°• Hēnkirī •°

(Together)

Part 1

                                         •*•

Out of breath, the young pretty girl with white-blond hair arrived at the walls of a parapet of her chambers. The cold of the stone penetrated through the skin on her hands and felt pleasant, for she was heated from walking so fast.

After such a dinner, who could blame her for leaving so quickly? Never one to get involved in her family's quarrels, she almost didn't notice them. Or at least tried with all her might. Her thin fingers slowly traced the splitting of the individual stones of the wall. The situation between her brothers Jayce and Luke, and her uncles Aegon and Aemond escalated. Not least because of the latter. The movements of her hand stopped. There was something incredibly whimsical about him, something inhuman. She had glimpsed it in his intact eye. Pure dislike. The words he spoke during his toast, he chose incredibly cunning and clever. Without a doubt, he was dangerous and not to be underestimated. Calming down, the girl decided she would try to talk to her mother about it.

Mhaenyra loved her mother with all her heart. They had a deep connection. The last six years on Dragonstone had been extremely comfortable and almost peaceful, but the young princess felt that those days were probably now numbered. Soon her grandfather, the king, would die. And then nothing would stand between Otto and Alicent Hohenturm and their family. Even at her tender age, young Velaryon knew about most of the political happenings around her.

She exhaled haltingly, letting fresh, cool air enter her lungs.

A sudden weight on her shoulders surprised her and she looked around quickly. The shiver that ran down her spine when she looked into the almost luminous eye of Prince Aemond was ice-cold.

He had put his heavy, noble cloak over her figure and was now staring at her. How had he come to be on the parapet? As if automatically, her eyes immediately searched the surroundings, finding some thick vines that the agile prince must have climbed up.

Mhaenyra tried to hide her shock. To suppress the tinge of fear. The prince continued not to say a word, he tilted his head silently. Then the princess found her voice again. "Thank you very much, uncle. Forgive me, I did not expect to find you here. At this hour." She sounded calm and in control, almost somewhat admonishing toward the end of her words. She had this quality in common with her mother. "Such a wind as tonight will chill you as swords do some men when they pierce them, princess. You should not catch cold."  His voice sounded harsh, yet not heartless. Mhaenyra could not interpret it.

Slowly, the prince moved away. He took a few steps backward without averting his gaze from the blonde woman, and ultimately eyed her figure. "Your concern honors me. I will be fine." Mhaenyra wrestled a gentle smile from herself. Silence enveloped the two and once again the prince tilted his head, a false smile gracing his lips.

"My coat suits you. Or is it the color green that flatters you?"

"What have you come here for?" With a hard face that was supposed to cover her uncertainty, she asked her question. "I came to invite you." The young man began to circle her unobtrusively. From one side of the railing, to the other. The princess's hands searched behind her for the protection of the cold masonry. An invitation? A blush rose in her cheeks. Just the two of them? Why else would he climb onto her balcony at night, surely not to convey a formal invitation? Before answering, she again suppressed her fear and excitement. The intimidating man was only her uncle. "An invitation? And that couldn't have waited until tomorrow?" Her voice grew louder and more determined. She pushed herself off the stone with her newfound strength. Aemond just smiled his creepy smile and remained silent.

After a few seconds of silence, Mhaenyra decided to strut past him, press his cloak into his hands and walk towards her chamber. This situation became too awkward and uncomfortable for her. Even if the prince made her feel insecure, he had such an attractive effect on her. This was something the princess had to put a stop to immediately, as soon as possible. Besides, she wanted to avoid being seen on the parapet. This evening was already eventful enough for all of them.

"Jaelan naejot sōvegon lēda ao va vaghar." (I want to fly with you. On Vaghar.)

Abruptly, the princess stopped. He was speaking high Valyrian. His accent was clearly audible and there were also trivial mistakes in his sentence structure, but it softened her mind immensely. She loved this language.

It was as if an invisible barrier between them had been broken.

Suddenly he seemed more human to her. Curious, Mhaenyra turned around, her blonde hair flying over her shoulder to her back like a fan. "Ao ȳdragon Valyrio Eglie?" (You speak High Valyrian?) Unlike before, she didn't try to hide her excitement. While the prince moved his chin towards the ground as a hint of an approving nod, the princess took a step towards him. He seemed to be waiting for a response.

"Va se zaldrīzes mazēdā?" (On the Dragon you stole?) She had raised her chin as she chose her words. Newfound confidence flowed through the blonde. Aemond didn't make a face. He did not avert his gaze from her eyes as he began to walk slowly, with large strides toward her. "Nyke addemmagon syt ziry." (I paid for it.) He stopped close to Mhaenyra and looked down at her. Aemond was much taller than Manhyra; she could feel his breath on her hairline. She did not flinch, however she felt weaker next to him. "Nyke gīmigon. Iksan vaoreznuni nūmāzma bona" (I know. I am sorry about that.) Ashamed, the princess lowered her head. "Is that so?" Now he sounded heartless.

She raised her head and looked him straight in the eye. "Yes. The whole event was an atrocity. Nothing about it should have happened."

With a snort, the prince shifted his weight from one leg to the other. His hand found its way to her cheek, his index finger brushing from her forehead over her left eye. The woman flinched, but his hand remained rigidly on her. She could not escape him.

A sudden knock snapped Mhaenyra out of her conversation. Immediately the pressure on her cheek was gone and with hurried steps she made her way inside the keep. "Who is there?" She exclaimed half aloud. "It is I, child." The Velaryon recognized her mother's voice and quickly looked at the parapet to send her uninvited guest away. But she found only the freezing wind on the balcony.

                                         •*•

Part 2

[blakeswritingimagines]

Asking to put makeup on them

Aegon: It would probably surprise him more than anything else, like, why would you want that out of nowhere, but he wouldn't mind trying it himself. He'll do whatever he can to experiment and try new things. And hey, if he doesn't like it, he can always take it off. Life's short, y'know? So what's the point of being insecure?

Aemond: Doesn't wear it, and thinks neither should you. Thinks about it as your face is one of the most, if not the most, important part of your natural beauty, and if you're covering it with things that are false, are you really giving people the chance to see the real you? When you're hiding yourself behind fake nails and powder, you would have to talk this man off a ledge just in order to actually try which he’ll still talk all the way through trying to simply prove his point.

Jacaerys: It’s probably something he’d be open to. He can see how it could make for a fun bonding experience — maybe even something that creates an even closer connection between you both. As long as you are understanding of his need to present as a masculine man, then he’ll be willing to experiment with the make-up and discover together what looks good on him and what doesn’t.

Lucerys: Would be open-minded, but he would have a lot of questions. He wouldn’t want to just jump into things without learning about what it’s like to put on make-up, the history of make-up, and how it makes people feel. To him, makeup is something that can be empowering and make you feel good about yourself, he would want to make sure that you know what your doing and is doing it for the right reasons.

Rhaenyra: Doesn’t see the point to embellish what is already perfect, as is. She will not sit still like a piece of clay, waiting for a sculptor to add paint. She is a dragon. Her eyes gleam red with flames. Her hair shines gold. She thinks if her appearance is not pleasing enough, then she would say the problem is not with her, but with those who dare to look upon a queen.

Daemon: Not a chance. He likes to look a certain way, He has an image. He likes to be as masculine as possible.  Makeup, nail polish, and anything feminine is a total no for him. He refuses to even think about being anyone's little pretty princess at least unless you bothered him enough about it.

Alicent: She'd probably be shocked, but she thinks she'd eventually let it happen. Just wants to make you happy, you know? I think it'd really only get weird if you insisted on doing it all the time and never letting her make the decision for herself.

Helena: Are we talking colorful eyeshadow that complements her natural features? Or are we talking a full face of makeup - foundation, contour, concealer - that transforms her into a whole new creature? Whatever you want to really try she’ll happily try as well, She’s willing to try it and you can make this into a beauty routine that you do together, trying out new products and styles until you both find something that you both love. This is an exciting opportunity to explore your creativity and express yourselves in a way that you've never done before!"

[mostofthingsmostofthetime]

I finished the second episode of Heartstopper last night (wanted to post about it yesterday, but I was too tired from work), so here are some of my thoughts in no particular order for you now.

Good on Nick for checking up on Charlie after what happened. I found it odd, though, that he seemed more emotional about it than Charlie, but I guess they're in two very different places, mentally. One being 'why do I seem to like this guy way more than my other friends?' & the other being 'omg stop being so nice to me, your straight!' lol. Plus, I get that everyone deals with stuff in their own way & poor Charlie is probably so used to being mistreated that he might just be repressing the full weight of how his feeling as a copeing mechanism. It was also probably very cathartic to finally tell someone everything that happened between him & Ben (as I'm guessing he kept most if not all of it a secret from his friends & sister).

WE FINALLY MEET NELLIE!!!! And she is as cute as I'd hoped (though for some reason I expected her to be a different colour).

Sorry, Charlie, but Tori's right. Your hair looks exactly the same. Also, love that they kept the gag from the novel about her scaring him with her, always showing up suddenly without warning.

Nice to see that the outfits are on point for our boys so far with the plaid/black jeans (trying to impress someone, I see Charlie) & T-shirt/joggers (also what product is Miss Nelson using coz Nick's tops look soft as hell).

Wait, what season is it supposed to be because it looked really sunny when Charlie was walking to Nick's house (I know he was wearing a coat & hat but Charlie is always cold) but then suddenly it's snowing? Idk when Alice first came up with this story, but as a Brit, I haven't seen proper full on Snow since I was probably around eight years old. But hey, maybe in the Heartstopper universe, global warming doesn't exist.

I don’t care what anyone says, I will never get the fun of a snowball fight. If I go somewhere with a friend & they start throwing stuff at me, I'm leaving! Also, picking it up with your bare hands? One, it's been on the ground 🤢, and two, where are your gloves? Do you not feel the cold? Snow angles do look fun until I think about how my entire behind would be frozen/damp. Sorry if that makes me a "stick in the mud", I don't care 😝.

Damn, that is one photogenic dog & and aww, they already look like a couple. Also, give it up for Nick's freckles, the real star of the show 👏.

Omg, being in the same group as someone you hate must be so hard, but I get why Nick can't really say anything about what Ben did, at least not right now. Also, what is up with that Imogen girl? Mind your damn business.

I think it's good we get to see Elle longing for a bond with other girls that she just can't get from her male friend group. Makes her transition feel more fleshed out (for lack of a better word), you know?

Yay, we finally meet Tara & Darcy & they're exactly how I thought they'd be (except I imagined Darcy with brown hair for some reason). Ooh I didn't know Elle was artistic. I wanna decorate pencil cases now. Tara's pink puffa coat is so cute. What is up with adults dictating how long kids' hair can be? Like who gives a fuck! Also "gal pals" had me 😆.

Oh, thank god, it's just misinformation. For a second, I thought Tao was making shit up just to make Charlie get over his crush. Are kids really like that, though? I can't imagine kissing someone once & having people insist, I'm madly in love with them to this day, like move on already.

Ok, I officially really like the gay teacher, lol.

Love Charlie's sweater & Nick's coats are also very nice. Where are these kids getting their clothes? Coz I'm embarrassed by most of the stuff I wore as a teenager.

The big hoodie moment should be cute, but I just can't help thinking about how skinny Charlie is, which makes me ☹️.

Ok, so I didn't care much for the leaf animation in the first episode, but omg, the little fire crackles when Nick was trying to hold Charlie's hand? Screaming, crying, throwing up!!!!!!! & the hug before he left? Fucking crops watered for life, bitch!

Was digging Elle's outfit, very 70's vibes.

Ah, so their "secret" is out. Also obligatory: 🗣 LET'S GO LESBIANS LET'S GO 🗣

Can't wait for the next episode, but I practically passed out after watching episode 2 (manual labour is hard, kids 😭), so maybe I hallucinated, but did that Imogen girl ask Nick out? I thought she was daiting Ben? Or is that a different girl?

PS. I found out Aled won't be in the show, which I accept & the only reason I haven't talked about Isaac is because he hasn't really done much yet

[aeligsido]

[WM] Prompt 27 — Fix-It.

Rating: T.

TW: war and its consequences on the survivors.

Characters: Sirius Black, Remus Lupin.

Additional Tags: hurt/comfort, it’s 1993 if anyone is asking, not explicitly said but the characters have PTSD, Altair is Remus & Sirius’ son, Daisy is James & Lily’s daughter, lots of characters are actually mentioned but I don’t want to write all their names sorryyyy.

Summary: Tomorrow is September 1st, and Sirius can’t sleep.

Words count: 604.

A/N: At first I was thinking about fixing Sirius’ death but then went ahead and fixed everyone’s death bc why not. Also I was hesitating between right after the end of the war when it's still fresh or way down the line, but it kinda flew that way. I hope you like it! ❤️

@wolfstarmicrofic

—

It’s the third batch of kids they’re sending off to their first year at Hogwarts, and yet it’s still the hardest thing he’s ever done.

Sirius wonders if it’ll ever change, or if each time he’ll still feel like he’s taking his heart out of his chest to let it walk free around the world.

Last year it was Maxime, and the year before that Harry, Neville, and Susan; this year it’s Daisy and Altair, his niece and his son.

“You’re thinking too loud,” mumbles his husband against him, and Sirius relaxes at the sound of his voice.

“Sorry, love.” He drops a kiss in Remus’ hair and listens as his husband hums happily.

The silver lightning here is that Remus will be with the children, at least; it’ll be his sixth year as the DADA teacher already. Alex will be starting his second year as the Divination teacher as well, and their eldest all took the class — probably more to annoy their uncle than anything else, though.

“You’re thinking too loud again.”

Sirius cuddles Remus closer to him — or as closer as he can without smothering him.

“I know, sorry. You know how I get.”

Remus yawns. “It’s about tomorrow?”

Tomorrow, first day of the new year, when he’ll put his niece (mischievous and stubborn and brave) and his son (his firstborn, naive and smart and kind) into the Hogwarts Express and watch them leave.

It should be easier. They’re at peace, and their family is whole, and close, and happy. But the war left its scars, both carved into their body and burned into their mind. It’s in the way they cling to each other and never quite let go, in the wards always up around their houses and kids and themselves, in the panic and anxiety and reflexes they’re still learning to control; it's in James’ need for their locations at all time, in Peter’s still shameful silences, in Lily’s gaze scouring for threats, in Alice’s fingers always hovering above her wand, in Frank’s ever growing backup of newly created wards, in Fabian’s inability to go outside alone, in Mary’s hands shaking when she leaves home, in Marlene’s grip when she squeezes them to life, in Dorcas’ startles at too sudden movements, in Regulus’ ever present night terrors, in Paula’s too-tight hugs, in Alex’s too old eyes.

It’s in Remus' frozen smiles on bad days, and in Sirius’ impossibility to let go.

It’s in all of them, and sometimes he wonders if it’ll ever leave; most days, he hardly notices it anymore, and they call it progress.

“It’ll be okay,” murmurs Remus against his skin. He kisses Sirius almost absentmindedly before nuzzling back against his chest, ready to go to sleep.

And Sirius smiles, taken with so much love and fondness and gratefulness he almost chokes on it.

The war is more than ten years into their past. It can stay here. He has children to send to school and curses to break and family to take care of, and it’s a work he fought to have, to keep.

He’s not letting go, but maybe it’s alright.

“I know,” he murmurs back, even if he can feel Remus already asleep in his arms.

“I know,” he says louder to the moon and the stars and the earth and the sky.

“I know,” he says, lastly, to himself, and this time he believes it.

In the morning, he’ll help Daisy get on the train, and he’ll hug Altair goodbye, and he’ll tell all the kids he loves them, and they all will be here to do so.

But for now, Sirius finally sleeps.

[valaenatargaryensdragon]

Professor? (MODERN AU)

pairing: Harwin Strong x OC!Reader

summary: Daeneryn Targaryen, youngest daughter of Viserys Targaryen and his second wife Alicent Hightower. Daeneryn is in her senior year of university with only a couple of months left until she graduates. Harwin Strong is her hot Wars of Westeros professor.

Word count: 7,5K

Warnings: Fluff, smut, P in V, Fingering, Blowjob, Professor kink, Degradation kink, Spanking, Size kink, Grinding, Praise Kink

Masterlist 1

Masterlist 2

Daeneryn has always admired her hot professor Harwin, he was one of the nicest professors, always smiling and patient even when students showed their aggravating sides, sometimes even she wanted to throw her shoe on people like this, making fun of their own history but professor Strong remained cool and responded with a smart answer leaving the student baffled.

She took the course to merely watch him during the lectures, she did not need it for her future, besides she had her dream job waiting for her thanks to her father, yes he was absent but he at least tried to make sure her life along with her siblings were at least decent. She was to take the position of Marketing Manager in one of her father's many companies, Daeneryn was truly eyeing Dragon Fire Corporate (DFC), which was under the supervision of her older half-sister, Rhaenyra and her husband Daemon, who she had a good relationship with. Many times she had babysat her youngest children during her breaks whenever Rhaenyra went on a business trip, sadly she was the only one of her siblings who had a good relationship with Rhaenyra.

Professor Harwin's class was going to start soon which is why you should probably leave soon. Your eyes watched as the handle of the clock a couple of feet away ticked moving in a perfect circle. Professor Strong, oh how handsome he was, his curly hair down to below his chin which he sometimes slicked back into a man bun. The muscles on that man were insane, when did he even have time to go to the gym and get them.

Dany could not help but imagine how his veined hands would look like wrapped around her neck, even better if his cock was inside of her pussy drawing breathy moans from her lips but his lips were there to swallow them whole. She could not help but squirm at the thought of both his arms wrapped around her waist guiding her up and down his cock as she rode him in his lecture room where anyone could walk in.

"Earth to Dany" Daeneryn snapped back to reality when Baela snapped her fingers in front of her face. She reeled back confused for a second, she quickly realized that everyone were already done with their lunch and stood up except her.

"I'd pay every single penny in my pocket to know what you're thinking about" Jace teased, he wrapped an arm around his girlfriend, Sara Snow. Daeneryn pushed her chair back with a roll of her eyes.

"If I wanted you to know I would've shared, dickhead" She hissed slapping his shoulder. He chuckled pushing her gently, minding that she were wearing heels for the day.

"Besides if you pay for her thoughts who will pay for lunch?" Rhaena pointed out from the other side of the table. Jace groaned throwing his hands up in frustration, every time they all went to lunch suddenly everyone forgets their wallets, its not about the money none of them cared about spending their parents' money it is more of a game on who it falls on and it seems it is Jace's turn for the day.

"Why did you have to choose such an expensive restaurant?" He huffed brushing passed Daeneryn t go pay at the register. She giggled along with Sara, she was from a rich family but not even considerable close to Daeneryn's, no one ever was.

"You know he will be grumpy about paying for the next like decade" She expressed with a giggle. Daeneryn smirked knowing this would actually put a dent on Jace's bank account after he got caught with Sara fucking in the living room and her half-sister cut some of his allowance until further notice.

"He can go cry to his mama about it, she is soft for him and will give him his money back in no time" Daeneryn huffed. She picked up her bag along with her books ready to go back to university for the last lecture of the day, Wars of Westeros. Baela linker her arm with Daeneryn's as they all walked out, she had the same class as Daeneryn but for what reason she had no idea.

"We will meet you guys at nine by the bar, right?" Rhaena wondered. Daeneryn felt her phone vibrate in her pocket and pulled it out to find a text from her older brother Aegon.

DrunkBlonde: Where is my car?

Daeneryn's eyes snapped up to the red Black Lamborghini a few feet away parked. She had taken the first car key she found on the way out considering she was late and she did not care whose car she ended up with. Still she smirked knowing that will irk Aegon once she drove off.

Dany: With me

"Yes defiantly. I'll change at Dany's so don't wait for me" Baela replied to her sister. Daeneryn up looked grinned as Jace stepped out as well muttering under his breath, she can only hear 'Bitches', but it was so low it could have been something else, it was his fault he agreed to have lunch with only girls really, knowing that they liked expensive shit. Another text rocked Daeneryn's phone making her look down at the newest model of the half eaten device in all pink.

DrunkBlonde: If you scratch it I will fucking kill you

Daeneryn smirked evilly having half a mind to scratch it just to get on his nerve but decided against it. She may be spoiled and does not give a fuck but if she scratched a car every time she bickered with one of her siblings their money would be spent only on cars.

Dany: Do you not trust my driving skills?

"We'll go now, see you at nine" Baela noticed Dany not paying attention slowly stirred her to walk down the street to the Lamborghini. Dany gave a wave without even looking up from her phone. She pulled out the key unlocking the beautiful car and slipped in. The second Baela's door was closed Dany dumped her books and bag in the girl's lap.

"You bitch" Baela gasped dramatically. Dany smirked at the girl as her phone vibrated again. Dany winked at Baela before turning back to her phone.

DrunkBlonde: No

Dany: You literally taught me

DrunkBlonde: I never said I trusted myself with that car either

Dany: Fuck you

Dany threw her phone in her bag and turned on the car loving the sound of the loud engine. She did not even bother to put on her seatbelt as she pulled out of the lot and sped out of it an down the street. There was still fifteen minutes before classes started but knowing it was Professor Strong's lecture she could not wait. Excitement coursed through her body along with blood.

"What were you thinking about back at the restaurant?" Baela wondered. Dany slowed down before coming to a complete stop at a red car beside a black Range Rover.

"Not telling" Dany waved her off. She pulled her lipgloss out of her back and pulled down the screen with the mirror. She applied some on her lips smirking seeing as her makeup was done to perfection. She slammed close the screen and turned to place the bottle in the bag again. She looked up to find Baela gaping at her like a fish.

"What?" Dany asked confused. She looked around trying to identify what could have her sister's stepdaughter/ her best friend in such a shock.

"You like someone" Baela said as if it was a fact. Dany let out a fake laugh shaking her head from side to side.

"You've gone crazy" Dany noticed the light turned yellow prepared herself to take off again. The second the light lit green she was off again with the Range Rover close behind but still under the speed limit unlike her. She swerved into the university and into the closest spot near the doors. The sound of the expensive car earned the attention of many of the students around them. The Range Rover parked beside them much to Dany's annoyance, she could not endanger the Lamborghini.

"You do! You like someone!" Baela almost shouted handing Dany her things. The two girls slipped out of the car.

"Girl you've lost it. Me? Like someone? impossible" Dany shook her head as she locked the car. It is a known fact that Dany did not believe in love, not romantic at least, she lover her husky son Vermithor, but no one else. Dany has never been in a relationship before, she literally lost her virginity to Aegon's best friend Jason Lannister without him knowing.

"You do! Otherwise you would not doll up all the time and you would not deny it" Baela hopped around like some bunny. Dany's mouth fell open at her sudden excitement.

"Have you ever heard of someone agreeing to something that did not happen?" Dany sassed. She moved to stop Baela from jumping up and down. The other girl pouted teasingly. Before she could speak though her eyes snapped to something behind Dany and gasped shocked. Dany turned around fearing that something happened to Aegon's car but found Professor Harwin Strong himself stepping out of the Range Rover.

He was wearing black suit pants along with a white button up with the couple first buttons undone. Even from the small distance between them she could smell his cologne, a mix of wood and lemon. Dany's heart stopped when his eyes met her own as he closed the door and locked the car.

"Miss Targaryen, Miss Targaryen" He greeted both of the girls. Dany's sister's husband chose to change his last name along with his daughters to your Rhaenyra's which she was super proud of and in the tabloids they kept calling her a power woman.

"Professor" Baela greeted. Noticing Dany's lack of response she nudged her snapping her back to reality. Professor Strong turned to look at Dany as well.

"Professor" Dany nodded in greeting. Dany rubbed her upper arm where Baela had elbowed her. She turned to glare at the other girl but she only smirked at Dany with a shrug.

"You should not speed so fast Mis Targaryen, you are not only endangering yourself but others as well" He scolded. Dany's face dropped and heat rose up to her cheek noticing the annoyed tone in his voice, a tone she have never been on the receiving end of until today.

"Sorry Professor" She muttered, hand still rubbing where Baela hit her. He took a deep breath as if he was trying to compose himself before nodding his head. He moved both of his hand forward with his own bag and held them formally in front of him.

"Good, I'll see you both in class" His voice had changed in tone but it was not necessarily a good thing, he sounded gruff and it lowered a couple of octaves which only made Dany wet. She rubbed your thighs together to get some relief but that did not help at all.

"Yes Professor" Dany mumbled. He brushed passed her to get inside of the building. Her heart picked up in speed when the fabric of his shirt brushed against her bare skin causing goosebumps to form up her arm.

"This is wrong" Baela snapped Dany back to reality. She wanted to hit Baela for interrupting her fantasies for the second time in a span of less than thirty minutes.

"What?" Dany turned back to look at Baela. The other girl had a scowl on her face making Dany feel uncomfortable, she shifted fixing her hold on her books.

"What are you talking about?" Dany tried playing innocent. Baela eyes her up and down with a sigh.

"You fell for your professor? That is disturbing AF" Baela shook her head from side to side. As if she gets to speak! She was the one who fucked her high school biology teacher which she was failing until one day she wasn't.

"I did not fall for my professor I was merely praying he does not scratch Aegon's ride as he got out" Dany began walking into the building. Sweat of fear started building up her back and she had some speed in her step as if she can get away from the other girl who was not only in the same class but they were in a project together for said class.

"Do not lie Dany, you do not even believe in gods" Baela pointed out trying to keep up with the taller girl. How in the world Dany cold walk so fast with heels Baela had no idea.

"Enough Baela, you are delusional" Dany snapped, pushing open the hall door and stepping in. There some people in there but not everyone yet, they tend to come minutes before the lecture begins. There mostly girls fixing their makeup and hair.

"See those girls? You are just like them" Baela whispered. Dany's eyes widened in horror when the truth spilled right into her ear. She was acting like som desperate whore and for her professor no less. Baela moved to sit in their usual spot, the last row to the side where it was hard for them to be seen.

Dany followed her quietly with her head hung low, her blonde hair covering her embarrassment. She sat down huffing and her back let out a loud thump as it landed on the floor. She could hear some girl gasp in shock as if she could not believe Dany could throw a Louis Vuitton bag on the floor.

Dany did not dare look up at Professor Strong the entire lecture, even when he passed by to check on her and Baela's progress through their project, the project she could not concentrate on anymore and thankfully Baela did not comment on it. When the two hours were over she was the first out of the hall and in seconds she was by the car waiting for Baela.

The drive back home was quiet and neither girls said anything to one another. When they got there they decided silently to let the situation go for the time being and spoke of only their clothes and jewellery and on what to wear to the party. Dany chose to wear a simple black dress in no mood for exaggerated clothing as usual, she matched it with glittery silver heels and a matching purse. She left her hair in it's natural curls that she got from her mama but in platinum blonde that was from her father's side. Her makeup light with a minimum lipgloss.

This time Daeneryn took her own car, a white BMW, she did not know the number it was Aegon who usually changed her cars to the newest version or whatever, she did not really care. Baela seeing the tension and the turmoil of thoughts going on in Daeneryn's head decided to speak of her crush, a boy from their class as well, an Alyn Valeryon or whatever. Daeneryn tried to seem interested she really did but Professor Strong was all she could think of, the way she could see his muscles flex under the fabric of his shirt or the way his trousers looked tight around his thighs, he was just so muscular.

"There you are!" Rhaena greeted the two by the doors. She pulled them in for a group hug gasping at their dresses.

"You look so pretty, Dany!" Rhaena squealed. Her hand moved to twirl a curl around a finger, it was a rare accusation Daeneryn let her natural hair show but after showering earlier she had no energy to fix it.

"Yes pretty and in desperate need to get laid" Baela teased, wrapping an arm around Daeneryn's pulling her into the bar. Daeneryn rolled her eyes at the exaggeration of Baela.

"Not really feeling it, I'm here to get hammered no more" Daeneryn denied. She slid into the booth beside Jace who looked glum that Sara had to cancel for some reason. At least Lucaerys and Aemond were here.

"Yes hammered by someone's dick" Baela wiggled her eyebrows. Aemond grumbled taking a swig of his drink.

"Yes hearing my sister's sex life has always been a very interesting subject" He murmured. Daeneryn cringed agreeing that talking about this around Aemond was just awkward as hell.

"Like I said I just need a drink" Daeneryn waved a waited over. Usually they would go the bar but considering it was Dylan Hightower, a second cousin of theirs, who was bartending he did not mind coming over to the table to get their orders.

"Fancy having you here again, what can I get ya'll" Dylan's American accent was obvious from having studied there ever since he turned thirteen until two years ago.

"Vodka with whatever you want" Daeneryn was the first to throw her order at the young man. He chuckled scribbling down her order.

"Vodka on the rocks" Aemond was next with Jace getting the same thing. Baela and Rhaena chose to not drink so they can drive the two cars. Lucaerys ordered plain old beer.

The drink arrived soon after when the conversation were all different, the girls gossiping about a Baratheon girl who ended up pregnant while the guys were talking about cars. Daeneryn's drink was of reddish colour and tasted of cherish with he burn of vodka with each sip. She took huge gulps in need of getting drunk. In less than thirty minutes she was off the bar ordering a second one before returning to the table with shots.

"I needed more energy" She smirked as Dylan placed down the tray before leaving. They each took a small glass except Rhaena and Baela.

"You ready?" Daeneryn asked, one hand occupied with the shot glass and the other with a lemon slice.

"One... Two... Three..." The four drinking that night downed their shots in one quick motion, Jace and Luce scrunching their faces with disgust not used to the alcohol one being twenty and the other eighteen still new to drinking. Daeneryn laughed biting into the lemon slice and tearing the skin off before eating the juice part.

"Lets go!" Baela cheered filming the two's reaction before turning the camera onto Daeneryn. Daeneryn shook her hips to the tune of the music in the background with a smirk at the camera giving it a show.

"Dany!" Aemond scolded earning a laugh. Dany pouted innocently picking up her new cherry tasting vodka drink and took a small sip.

"Where is Aeg and Hel? Aegon doesn't usually miss opportunities to drink" Rhaena asked making sure Baela had ended the video. The older sister was quick to post the video on her story with no caption, it was not needed in her opinion and she was just a little bit lazy.

"Hel has early class and Aegon is out of town with some girl" Aemond shook his head disappointed. He sipped on his vodka on the rock, an unusual drink really but he liked it. He has been struggling with his on and off relationship with an older girl called Alys recently.

"Their loss" Daeneryn shrugged. Her head was beginning to feel a little fuzzy, she never fared well with alcohol. She signalled Dylan to bring another round of shot and he was quick to do so. The clear liquid made Daeneryn's mouth water.

"Come on wuss" Rhaena nudged Luce who was shaking his head afraid of the alcohol. He sighed defeated and took the shot. Baela whipped her phone out again and filmed Daeneryn alone this time.

"Here goes nothing" Daeneryn swung back letting the liquid trickle down her throat, her eyes watered because of the burn but she was quick to tear into the lemon and chew on it for a distraction.

"Wooo" She yelled for no reason, slamming he cup down on the wooden table causing an echo. The music sounded louder in her ear and the figures sitting around the table grew blurrier with each second.

"Imma dance" She announced proudly. Aemond muttered an 'Oh no' knowing his younger sister was already half drunk. She sashed away with a perfect sway of her hips. Soon none of them could find her in the crowd on the dance floor.

"Let her have her fun" Baela immediately shot down Aemond when he tried getting up to find Daeneryn.

The blonde young adult found herself in the middle of the dance floor hanging off some guy who looked just as drunk. He wrapped his arms around her waist pulling her close to his chest swaying to the music. There was a drumming in her head and her ears rung but the music was still very evident in her ears. She looked at the guy through her lashed gasping when she saw Harwin Strong in front of her.

"Professor?" She tilted her head to the side confused. The guy leaned down to lean his head against her shoulder.

"You're into your professor blondie?" he asked nibbling on her ear. He pulled back to look at her, Harwin Strong was long gone and in his place was a younger guy but with almost the same physic.

"I can work with that" He smirked. He leaned down trying to capture her lips but she turned away. Her hands trembled as she tried pushing him away. For once luck on her side and the dude saw she was panicking or whatever was happening to her.

"Hey hey, calm down, let me get you some water" He wrapped an arm around her waist guiding her away from the dance floor and to the bar. She sighed in relief as she let her body sit on one of the high chairs there.

"A water for the lady" The man ordered Dylan. Dylan nodded and scrambled to get her some water. Daeneryn thanked Dylan and sipped on the water trying to regain some sense.

"Thank you" She nodded at the blonde guy. He had a sweet smile on his face.

"No problem blondie, need me to get you someone?" He asked. His eyes roamed the room looking through the people still dancing and the tables filled with people.

"Baela from table four" She whispered. The guy nodded and went off in search of the number on the tables. Soon he returned with Baela by his side looking worried a little.

"Dany! Are you okay, girlie?" Baela asked. Her hand raised to push some of her hair back behind her ear. Daeneryn could already feel the bile rise in her throat.

"Get me out of here" Daeneryn begged. Baela wasted no time wrapping an arm around Daeneryn's waist and helped her off the stool thanking the guy before pulling the blonde out of the bar. The second fresh air hit Daeneryn in the face she was crouching down the side throwing up whatever there was in her stomach.

"Shhh girlie, let it all out" Baela pulled Daeneryn's hair back and away from her face. Dany whined feeling a headache approaching and she was nowhere near sobering up.

"Home" She whined like some child. Baela directed Daeneryn to the white BMW helping her into the passenger side and slid into the driver's side.

Baela kept turning to look at Daeneryn every now and then checking on the drunk girl, she never really faired well with drinking. She tried being as quiet as possible trying to get to Daeneryn's room without alerting Alicent or Viserys who slept in two different rooms or Helaena who was also asleep.

By two in the morning she finally managed getting Daeneryn out of her dress and into her lingerie looking sleep dress and slid her under the covers. She changed her clothes and slid in on the other side of the bed so she can sleep as well.

Classes did not start until late in the day the next day so they were able to get at least six hours of sleep before the alarm went off waking the two girls up. Daeneryn was the first to get up rushing to the bathroom to throw up again and shook Baela off deciding to stay in that day and miss the two classes she had.

Baela was not happy but did as Daeneryn wanted and went on her own. Her mood worsened when she noticed Professor Strong's eyes kept searching the lecture room pausing at her before resuming, he was searching for Daeneryn.

Daeneryn was not having a good time, she kept throwing up her bathroom and could not keep anything down except some warm tea and Aegon's miracle sandwich he sent her the recipe of. She slept most of the day trying to get rid of her hangover.

The next morning Daeneryn was much better and decided to join Baela to class. She wore much simpler clothes this time, just jeans and Aemond's King's Landing university hoodie. She tied her hair back in a pink bow to match her purse and sneakers. Baela kept Daeneryn updated on their project, they were almost done with it and they definatly will be if they worked hard enough during class.

The two sat in the furthest corner int he lecture room whispering to one another and adding some information here and there and some references before submitting the project to Professor Strong one five minuted before the lecture was over not like they listened much.

"Miss Targaryen do stay for a minute" Professor Strong called as everyone pilled out. Baela froze by the door and turned to look at Professor Strong. He turned from his computer to look at the two girls.

"You can go Baela" He nodded at the other girl. Baela raised her eyebrow but nodded and left the room.

"What is the matter professor?" Daeneryn asked worried. Harwin pushed back his chair and moved closer to the blonde.

"Where were you yesterday, you missed important information" Harwin glared down at her. Daeneryn could not help but feel aroused at the way his muscled flexed or how his voice dropped some octaves as he spoke with her.

"I was not feeling well professor however Baela kept me updated" Daeneryn answered. She gasped shocked when he pushed her back against the closed door. One of his hands remained by her head while the other trailed down to the lock and with a click it was locked.

"Yes I saw" His hand moved from the door to his pocket pulling out his phone, he unlocked it and opened something before turning it to show her.

It was an article one some website with the video Baela took of her swaying her hips after the first shot emerged. The caption read 'Big brother Aemond disappointed with younger sister's behaviour' the video then turned to Aemond, it was mute but Daeneryn remembered the warning in her brother's voice.

"It was just a night out, they exaggerate" Daeneryn laughed awkwardly. Harwin pocketed his phone again, placing his hand on the other side of her head and leaned down.

"You have been a very bad girl, Daeneryn" He growled lowly. His face was inches away from her own. She gulped attempting to rub her thigh together to get some friction. She wanted to slap herself for feeling this way around her professor, Baela was right this is wrong, besides Baela was the one with the experience of getting involved with your teacher.

"What? Professor I-" he cut her off with a finger to her lips. His eyes turned from looking at her right eye then to the left and again repeating the process. He leaned even closer to the point she could feel his breath on her face. She gulped unconsciously fearing what was to come. Her bag fell from her hand in shock from how close he was to her.

"You've been out partying like some whore showing off your body to some unworthy man, tell me did you get laid?" He asked, cocking up an eyebrow. She whimpered at the title he threw her way and he noticed, smirking victoriously at getting a reaction out of her. Her teeth tried breaking the skin of her lower lip successfully.

"No professor, I promise-" He cut her off again by shoving his fore and middle finger inside of her mouth. She gasped shocked, her eyes snapped up to look at him wide and so very beautiful, the lavender in the were almost gone as her pupil dilated.

"I do not want you to promise me shit" He hissed. He pulled his fingers out of her mouth slowly watching as a string of spit connected them to her plump lips.

"What do you want then?" She asked, feeling her patience running thin. Harwin was having none of that and delivered a slap to her thigh with his other hand making her squeak.

"Spoiled brat, I should fuck that attitude out of you" His hand snapped up to wrap around her throat. The little bunny act was gone in a second and a smirk painted Daeneryn's lips. Harwin's eyes widened when he realised that she has been toying with him this entire time, riling him up and she succeeded with an A+ from his reaction.

"What are you waiting for then, Professor?" She asked, her eyebrow shot up teasingly. She tried rolling her hips feeling his bulge against her thigh. He sighed at the contact but his glare did not waver.

"You truly are a whore, huh?" He asked. He leaned his forehead down on her own, putting pressure on her neck slightly. She whimpered desperately.

"Come on professor, punish me for being a whore... your whore" She moved her hands up his huge biceps and back down his chest towards his buttons. She unbuttoned two buttons exactly before he moved back with his hand still around her neck and pulled her like some dog to his desk. With a swipe of his hand all the papers and his things were scattered all around the room. His hand moved to the back of her neck instead of her throat and pushed her to bend over the table.

"I'll punish you alright, little Targaryen" He pulled reached forward to unbutton her jeans before pulling them down to her knees. He pushed her knees apart as far as possible with the jeans stretching as far as possible. He felt a feral feeling grow in his chest at the sight of her black lace underwear, she planned this.

"Naughty girl" His hand came down on her ass cheek making it jiggle. She whined wiggling her hips desperate.

"Such a little slut for professor, huh?" He asked delivering another blow to her backside. He leaned down so his chest was flush against her back. He trailed kisses from her ear down to her neck, licking a strip up and back down loving the ways bruises were already forming seconds after turning red. Daeneryn forgot all about the spanking enjoying the feeling of his body so close, his heat engulfing her so perfectly and his lips felt like feathers on her skin which earned Harwin a loud squeal when he delivered a third spank surprising the blonde girl.

"Professor" She moaned pushing her hips back, rubbing her reddening bottom against the tent that formed under his black dress pants. She pulled Aemond's hoodie off to show her matching bra.

"What? Are you already wet?" He teased, feeling his cock growing harder at the sight of the bra. He moved to stand up straight again. His hand trailed down her spine and down to her hips grabbing her panties and pulled them down to join her jeans at her knees. They probably would stretch beyond being wearable but Daeneryn did not care, she can just buy a new pair.

"Look at that! A waterfall is coming out of you, little Targaryen" Harwin teased. He ran a finger over her slit gathering some of her arousal on the digit. Daeneryn whimpered feeling her cheeks growing warm at the declaration, she felt like a teenage girl again getting wet from three spanks and his mere voice. She reached behind her back to undo her bra and threw it over her hoodie by the desk.

"Whose this for?" He asked. He put some pressure on her clit earning a sigh of relief. He rubbed slow circles letting her get used to his touch, the roughness of his skin before moving back over to the slit.

"Answer me" he demanded, pushing his pointed finger inside of her with ease. Daeneryn squealed unconsciously pushing her hips back for more.

"You, all wet for you, professor" She cried. Harwin hummed approvingly curling his finger inside of her. She moaned happy with the attention he was giving her. His finger explored inside of her in search of that soft spot that got her seeing stars.

"Tell me little Targaryen, did you enjoy whoring yourself around?" Harwin asked, adding a second finger inside of her. Daeneryn gulped grabbing at the edge of the table for some stability.

"I- I-" She could not even answer because he found that spot. Her eyes rolled back and moan left from her chest instead of her throat. Harwin smirked seeing her legs begin to shake and pressed harder at the spot before pulling out earning a whine. He pushed her jeans and underwear further down and off along with her sneakers.

"Answer me and I will let you come" He promised. Daeneryn turned her head to look at him over her shoulder. He was smirking and his hair was a mess, he probably ran his fingers through her watching the way she sucked his fingers in so good. Her cunt clenched around nothing at the mere sight of him.

"I- I-" She still could not speak. Harwin placed his hands on her hips grinding his hips against her behind with a smirk. He leaned closer to her until his lips were by her ear again.

"I-I- speak, whore" He mocked. His hand came down slapping her thigh sending a jolt of sparks straight to her core.

"I did it to forget you" She cried, her forehead made contact with the table to hide her humiliation.

"Hmm is that so?" He pulled back. Daeneryn's heart picked up pace when she heard the sound of a zipper being pulled down. Her body's shaking worsened with anticipation.

"Professor" She whined, at the feeling of his tip making contact with her clit. He shushed her prodding at her whole getting her arousal to coat his cock. He pushed his tip inside slowly to not overwhelm her.

"Bad girl" He smacked her bottom again when she tried pushing her hips back to get him to push inside. He pushed in, in one go making her scream. He leaned down to cover her mouth his his hand. He started moving without giving her time to adjust, gone was the caring professor and in his place was Harwin Breakbones, a man who enjoyed the pain.

"Bad girls get punished, good girls get rewarded. Which one are you?" He asked. He leaned his forehead against the back of her head. His pace was relentless, Daeneryn's head was fussy and she started loosing feeling in her legs.

"Bad- ooh" She moaned, he moved his hand to give her space to speak. With each thrust his mushroomed head pushed against the spot his fingers reached earlier, an area Daeneryn could not reach with her fingers hence the dildo hidden in a box under her bed, but his cock was nothing like the purple dildo, no he was longer and had a wider girth to him the biggest Daeneryn has had ever had inside of her.

"Hmm will you be a good girl for me?" He questioned. Daeneryn moaned a little too loud to his comfort and his hand slapped against her mouth again. His other hand moved to her hips to assist with his thrusts.

"Bad girl" He moved to stand straight and pulled her back with him with the hand over her mouth. His hips were snapping against hers at this point, Daeneryn tried rolling her hips back to meet his as much as she could. She could feel the area where her the edge met her his skin already burning and a bruise was forming there.

"Sorry" The singular word came out muffled. Harwin moved his hand down to her throat cutting some of her airway, enough for her to breath but not make too much sound.

"Close" She whined. Her head rolled back against his chest, she could not even reach his shoulder. Harwin smirked also noticing the size difference.

"Say you'll be my good girl and I'll let you cum" Harwin had to fight back his own orgasm when he felt her walls clenching around him, trying to milk him.

"Please... I'll be g-good" Daeneryn tried to run at her own clit but Harwin was faster pushing her hand away and began rubbing it himself. Her whole body was burning, sweat was coating her hairline and the back of her neck. Her legs were shaking and she could barely breath.

"Yes!" She cried pushing back against him trying to swallow more of him if possible. Her hands tweaked her own nipples needing an anchor to stay conscious.

"Tight" Harwin's voice sounded strained. Her cunt pushed his cunt out of her much to both of their displeasure. Daeneryn's hips pushed forward to grind her clit against the table pushing his hand closer to her cunt if that was possible. His rubbing did not stop riding out her orgasm. She leaned down on the table for some stability, she could not hold her own weight up and her arms were shaking.

"Good girl" Harwin moved both of his hands to her hips helping her hold up some of her weight. She sighed in relief as her shaking ceased slowly.

"But I am not done just yet" She gasped at the suddenness of his movement, he turned her around and picked her up to sit on the table.

"Professor?" His hand rested in between her breasts, covering half of both, everything about him looked too big compared to her. He pushed her back to lay on her back.

"Shh little Targaryen" He spread her legs open and let them curl around his waist. His head fell back as he slowly pushed back inside of her hole. Daeneryn whined from the overstimulation, she barely got to cum once when she was with a guy let alone to feel a fully hard cock inside of her after an orgasm.

"That's it, sucking me in so well" Harwin praised. Daeneryn wiggled her hips from side to side trying to adjust to his size again. He leaned down close to her, cupping her face with his big palm.

"You okay?" He asked concerned. She willed her eyes to peal open with a soft smile on her face. He realised that he did not ask for permission to touch her in the beginning and was about to pull out but she pulled him closer with her legs.

"Never better" She whimpered, grinding against him. Harwin smirked beginning to move again. Slower this time, but still just as deep if not deeper.

"Good girl, taking my big cock so well" He praised. Daeneryn tried to move her hips to his rhythm. Harwin moved to kiss along her neck and collarbone. Daeneryn's fingers buried into his brown curls moaning straight into his ear. Harwin himself let some moans slip through, she felt so good around him, like a glove made just for him.

"Yes soo big" She cried. His lips trailed down to her chest sucking against the skin. He took a nipple in one mouth and the other was covered by her hand. His hands held her sides moving her body on the table to meet his thrusts.

"You're so big Professor" She resumed her whining. all fear that anyone can hear was erased from both of their head. Harwin tugged at her nipple with his teeth before moving to the other one moving her hand away. One of his hands reached in between their bodies to rub at her numb. her back arched into him at the pressure.

"Yes make me cum, professor" She cried. Harwin's thrusts picked up pace almost matching those of his fingers.

"Come on little Targaryen, cum on my big cock again" Harwin moved to whisper in her ear. He groaned feeling her walls clench around him again. Her arms wrapped around his shoulders, pulling him closer using him as her anchor this time instead of her own breasts.

"Fuck yes" She spasmed around him, her whole body shaking with her second orgasm. Harwin picked up his thrusts to ride her orgasm and feeling his own approaching.

"Fuck yes little girl" he pushed her arms away to stand straight, pulling her legs up over his shoulders to thrust even deeper, covering more of his cock.

"Fuck!" Daeneryn cried body still recovering from her second orgasm but he was still moving. Her hands grabbed at the edges of the table feeling it moving against the floor.

"So good" Harwin cried, throwing his hair back. His sweaty curls looked amazing around him, he looked like a god.

"Fuck me professor" Daeneryn cried. Harwin looked like he was in a different universe with her cunt clenching so tight around him. She felt a third orgasm building up, it was close to her second one since he gave her no time to recover.

"Cumming" She warned, wiggling her hips. Harwin turned from looking at where they were joined to look at her face, snapping out of his trance to find her eyes rolling back, her back arching of the desk, her arms looked like they were tensing by her sides unable to move and her legs shook over his shoulder.

"Cum" he growled, snapping his hips harshly against her own. Daeneryn slapped a hand to her mouth to cover the scream that erupted from her chest. Harwin grunted trying not to cum inside of her as he rode out her orgasm.

"Fuck" He groaned pulling out fully, palming himself furiously. Daeneryn used whatever energy she had to roll off the table and kneel down in front of him. Harwin's eyes darkened even more if that were possible at the sight of her on her knees for him, the daughter of the richest man in the city if not the whole country.

"Here, let me professor" Daeneryn pushed his hand away and took him in her mouth. Harwin was so close, he could already feel some of his cum moving through his cock.

Daeneryn sucked and licked his shaft, tongue flattening against the veins that adorned his cock. She moaned against his skin when his hand grabbed a fistful of her hair to move her faster against him. She bobbed her head back and forth. He looked down and the sight was his undoing, he grunted loudly as his cum shot down her throat. Daeneryn did not stop her movement and even moved her hand to cup his balls making sure she got everything he could give her.

"Fuck" He pushed her head off him gently. Daeneryn panted leaning back against the table. Harwin crouched down to her height looking over her, body shining from the sweat that covered her body, her thighs were covered in her own cum and her hair was a mess.

"You were such a good girl" He leaned closer to capture her lips. She giggled letting him help her up and to sit on the table. He moved to his bag pulling out wet wipes. He wiped her arousal from between her legs before moving to clean the spit and cum from his own cock.

"How is that for roleplay?" Daeneryn asked. Harwin threw away the dirty wipes before moving back over to her.

"You like roleplaying as the bad girl?" He teased, wrapping his arms around her waist pulling her closer to the edge. She wrapped her arms around his neck pulling him down for a heated kiss. His tongue immediately prodded her lips and began exploring her mouth, battling her own. Daeneryn pulled away from him panting.

"Baela is starting to catch on, she thinks I have a crush on you" Daeneryn pulled away from him and hopped of the desk in search of her clothes. She pulled up her underwear moving to clasp on her bra.

"Is that truly a bad thing?" Harwin asked pulling up his own boxers. Then he pulled up his dress pants and buttoned his shirt again, Daeneryn realised that in their haste Harwin kept his shirt on the entire time.

"My love I am not telling anyone so you don't get fired and I expelled. When I graduate I swear I will scream it from the roof of the building if you want" Daeneryn walked over to him as she buttoned her jeans. Harwin smiled leaning down to kiss her forehead.

"I'd like that" Harwin moved to grab Aemond's hoodie and handed it to her. Daeneryn raised an eyebrow with a smirk. "Me screaming from the roof?" She teased.

"No, everyone knowing how much we love each other" Harwin pulled her close to his chest the second her shirt was on. He leaned his forehead on her enjoying the smell of her perfume and sex that filled the room.

"Soon, professor"

[fandonnavyce]

Crossover Danuary Day 2

Day 1 - Ben 10 Xover

Day 4 - DpxDc Xover, Alice in Wonderland References, Dead on Main

Sokka looks over at the final one of the trio. A spirit. Obviously. He had snow white hair and glowing green eyes.

ATLA Crossover, Sokka POV

Don't forget to reblog to spread the post!😊

Read Fic Below

See Sokka was a sceptic, not stupid.

When a monstrous forest spirit drags you away from the reality you know and then you find yourself dry-heaving in a paranatural forest, where the air is buzzing with unnatural whispers, the ground and sky is host to freaky animals, and the tint of your skin is off-colour; it doesn’t take much to figure out that you’ve been Spirited Away.

Getting dragged by a monster forest spirit into the Spirit World was not exactly what Sokka thought would happen when travelling with the Avatar in order to defeat the Fire Nation, but maybe he should have seen it coming. Being around the Bridge to the Spirit World, clearly meant that the chances of travelling to the Spirit World have drastically gone up. Sokka, from the corner of his eye, still and wary, watched the monstrous raging spirit utterly ignore him and go away.

Pros: he’s no longer fighting an immortal spirit.

Cons: he’s now very alone. In The Spirit World.

“Hey are you feeling alright?”

Scratch that con, clearly Sokka was not alone.

Wiping the corner of his mouth, Sokka blearily looked up to see who had just spoken to him.

Sokka did a double take.

In front of him were the three strangest people he’s ever met in his entire life. And he’s including Aang at the bottom of that list. Aang may be the sole survivor of a nation dead for over a century but at least he was still from one of the Four Nations.

These three people obviously weren’t.

Two-thirds of them didn’t even dress in the right colours. And the one who did failed to even get close to getting anything further right.

The girl was dressed in black and purple, styled in fashions Sokka suspects might be vaguely similar to what a Fire Nation teenage girl might wear. Maybe. But her features, whilst still human, were unfamiliar. Although, fair skinned and dark haired like the richer natives of the Fire Nation or Earth Kingdom, the cut of cheekbones, the shape of her violet eyes, betrayed that she was anything but.

One of the guys, the one dressed in Earth Kingdom colours, was similarly unfamiliar. His colouring (the yellow of his top, the green bottoms, his warm dark skin) may be common in the Earth Kingdom, but everything else wasn’t. From the slant of nose, to the threads of his clothes.

Sokka looks over the final one of the trio. A spirit. Blatantly. He had snow white hair and glowing green eyes.

Sokka crossed his arms defensively, “Who are you?” he asked in suspicion.

The girl spirit answered very matter of factly, “We’re lost.”

The two boy spirits pulled a face at that response but ultimately didn’t correct her.

“We’re looking for the Bridge to the Spirit World?” the spirit guy further explained. “We’re here to be his Spiritual Guides, his Mentors, in his role as the Balance Between Worlds.”

“Oh, you’re looking for Aang,” Sokka brightened up in realisation. That made sense. Aang was the first active Avatar in one hundred years. The Spirits probably would be interested in helping out Aang so that he could restore balance to their world too, not just the human one.

“Is Aang the Bridge to the Spirit World, meant to bring forth Balance Between The Spirit World and the Human World?” the dark skinned one asked.

“Yeah that’s him. In fact Aang is currently in the middle of trying to do just that, and it’s not going so well. That's why I’m even here in the first place.”

“Oh?” all three chorus. It was a little freaky. Which is probably par on course for spirits.

“Yeah, I kinda got kidnapped by this angry monster spirit when I was trying to save Aang because it was attacking him.”

“It was attacking Aang, the Bridge to the Spirit World?” the girl clarified.

Sokka nodded, “Yeah that’s right. You can just call him Aang though, it’s way short-.”

“Ah we’re being moved” the white haired spirit interrupted in a blase tone.

“What?”

All of a sudden the landscape warped and one second Sokka was standing in a freaky forest and the next he was back in that village. His stomach twisted and groaned in protest at the displacement.

All around him, villagers were getting greeted and hugged by loved ones.

“SOKKA!” Katara came sprinting up to Sokka to give him a hug.

“Hey Katara, what’s going on?”

“You were trapped in the Spirit World for 24 hours! How are you feeling?”

Sokka put a hand on his queasy stomach, “Like I seriously need to use the bathroom.” He was just about to waddle away to do just that when he noticed his company.

The trio were standing behind him.

“Erm who are they, do you know them Sokka?” Katara looked at them in wild-eyed bewilderment. In fact all the villagers were starting to pay attention to the three.

“We’re here to be Spiritual Guides to the Avatar,”

“In order to help him on his Journey”

“And help bring back Balance between the Human and the Spirit Worlds.”

Omake

Danny@Aang: Apparently your mentor, the Air Monk, talked to my mentor, the Spirit of Time, about how you probably needed a mentor. So my mentor told me to mentor you in the ways of being the Balance to Both Worlds because I’m also a Bridge that Brings Balance Between Worlds.

Aang(Desperately trying to hold back the heartfelt waterworks of gratitude): Monk Gyatso got me an Avatar Spiritual Guru! (ಥ‿ಥ)

Sokka: Wait, hang on, if it’s just Danny who’s the Bridge Person then why are all three of you here.

Sam: Oh we’re a package deal.

Tucker: Yeah, we don't come separately, so you get three mentors for the price of one.

@crossoverdanuary

[bananadrinkxxx]

THE BLOOD CROWN

[Aemond Fanfiction ] reposted on wattpad

Pairing:  Aemond Targaryen x OC female!

Warning:  Dark Romance / Enemies to Lovers.

Summary

"𝗜𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗞𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝘀𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲, 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗤𝘂𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹."

Queen Alicent had spoken the truth when these words had left her mouth, the moment the King decided not to punish Princess Rhaenyra's son for taking the eye of her child. In the night, in the safe place of her chambers, she gave the order to have Lucery's Velaryon taken and sold into slavery. But a regrettable misunderstanding causes Larys Strong's men to take, not the culprit, but Aemma Velaryon, Rhaenyra's youngest child, and banish her to a life of suffering and loneliness.

Aemma Velaryon had not been seen since then but the gods do not forget and sometimes fate strikes back harder than you would have expected.

PART 4

Rose watched Prince Aemond take on Ser Criston Cole in a training match.

From the rooms of Helaena Targaryen they had a perfect view of the training ground.

She watched Aemond move smoothly and evade the blows of Ser Cole effortlessly.

His hard training had paid off.

"I think if you brush my hair any longer, Rose, I'll soon have none", said Helaena monotonously and the maid looked down in fright. The Queen stared at her through her mirror, knowledge reflected in it.

"Forgive me, my Queen. I was distracted for a moment", she apologized and put the comb back on the table. Helaena also looked out the window.

"He's still training every day."

I know, was on her lips. 

Apparently, the Queen had noticed that Rose had been watching her brother.

She had often watched Aemond secretly in the last days, well, at least she tried, and she wondered if he had even thought of her a fraction of the time she had wasted on him. Probably only when he had imagined his blade piercing her chest.

She didn't know why Aemond Targaryen had such an attraction to her. He had shown her nothing but hostility since the moment she arrived.

Rose glanced at the prince again. His movements were fast and smooth, like a dance that he mastered perfectly. His long light blonde hair swirled around while the sweat glistened on his skin.

Suddenly the door swayed open and Rose was ripped out of her mind.

She twitched and turned round in surprise.

Shock flooded her body. Her eyes widened, stunned at the sight in front of her.

Helaena didn't even bother to turn around.

King Aegon stood in the middle of the room, naked, just like the gods made him. He seemed surprised for a brief moment when he saw Rose before a grin appeared on his lips.

"Excuse me, my wife, I thought we were alone", he apologized, but the apology didn't really sound serious. A hint of amusement resonated in his voice. Rose lowered her gaze. The gods seemed to be joking today.

"We aren't alone", said Helaena monotonously, and if it hadn't been so unpleasant, Rose would have almost laughed. Almost.

Aegon seemed annoyed.

"I know. I see it. Have you seen Dyana?" Aegon asked, looking around Helaena's chambers as if Dyana were suddenly appearing out of nowhere.

"No", the Queen answered.

"Well, where is she?"

"Not here."

Rose really didn't know whether to cry or laugh. This unpleasant embarrassment was hard to bear.

And Aegon was still naked.

Couldn't he at least cover up his manhood?

"I need her. The new maid is incapable. I don't like the clothes the new one picks out for me," said Aegon annoyed, glancing over Rose. 

"This is unfortunate."

The only unfortunate thing was that Rose couldn't vanish into air.

"Your maid can help me!", suggested Aegon.

"That's not possible, Mother says she should only help me," Helaena answered dryly. 

"Well, and I am the king," Aegon said it as if he had to remind himself that he was the most powerful man in the Seven Kingdoms. "I want her to help me."

Rose had to admit she wasn't thrilled. But who was she to say no?

Helaena looked at Aegon for a moment, before she shrugged and turned around. Obviously, that was a sign that she was supposed to help Aegon. Rose bowed and walked past the Kings to his chambers.

"And how do you like it here, dear Rose?", he said sweetly after they left Helenas chambers and entered his.

"I am very grateful to be here, my king."

"Well, well, and we are very grateful to have you here."

He winked at her. It was uncomfortable considering he was naked and his wife was just a room away waiting for her.

She didn't go any further and opened the closet in which Aegon's clothes were.

"What color would you like to wear today?"

"Look at me", the King ordered, and she had no choice but to obey his order.

"What color would you like to see on me?"

"Doesn't matter, as long as it covers your skin, my king."

Before Rose could stop herself, the words had left her mouth. For a moment she had forgotten herself and spoken as she was only allowed to speak in Daeron's presence. 

She really had a problem keeping her mouth shut.

She looked anxious, and in shock at the king, who looked at her in surprise.

Before she knew it, she was on her knees, head bowed in humility, hoping the king didn't want her head. She was already expecting him to discipline her when Aegon suddenly started laughing.

"What a cheeky thing you are", he said and approached her. Panic rose in her, which she tried to suppress. 

"Is that how you talk to my brother Daeron?" Aegon asked and Rose shook her head. It probably wasn't a very good idea to confess that she didn't treat Daeron with the respect a prince deserved. Even if it was his own wish.

"Please forgive me, my king. It will not happen again."

"Hmm, is that so? You're lucky I like girls like you. Girls who stand up to me. There's nothing worse than maids who bore you with their submission."

Rose got sick. The king's words disgusted her, but she was at his mercy. She had nothing to oppose him. She had already been warned about the King several times. 

"My king?"

They both looked aside, she frightened, he annoyed.

A maid stood in the door with her eyes wide open. What a sight they had to give. He's standing naked in front of her, she kneeling.

"What?" Aegon asked annoyed.

"The Queen Mother has sent me to ask for your presence."

"Tell her she has to wait."

"I am sorry, my King, but she said it is urgent."

"What could be so urgent that it couldn't wait?"

"She said it is about Lord Corlys, my King."

Aegon turned his head.

"What? Is that old man finally dead?"

"No, my king. He was seen at Dragonstone."

Aegon raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Well, that's actually a very interesting coincidence."

He let his eyes glide over Rose again before smiling. The smile didn't reach his eyes.

"Then we don't want to keep my Mother waiting. You can go, Rose."

With these words, he released Rose and she couldn't escape from his chambers quickly enough. 

It had been an unbelievably awkward situation and she hoped she would never have to be alone with the King again.

She closed the door and turned around just to run into a wall.

She looked up, frightened, into the eye of Aemond Targaryen.

Blood froze in her veins.

After their last encounter, Rose hadn't seen him for days. Well, she had seen him, watched him more secretly, but prevented him from seeing her, too. Their last meeting was still in her head, never leaving, never let her forget how dangerous that man was. 

Aemond looked down at her unimpressed, his gaze fixed on her for a moment before it wandered to the closed door of Aegon's chambers.

He raised an eyebrow. His forehead was worn with sweat, his clothes dirty from the swirled up dust.

"I helped the King get dressed", she explained. 

"Hmm?" he said, and she knew he didn't believe her. "Most of the ladies who came out of these chambers helped to undress him."

Rose knew what he was suggesting.

Aegon was the King but what he implied could ruin her forever if it hit the ears of the wrong people. 

"You dishonor me with your words, my prince." It was dangerous to speak these words but it was an injustice that Rose could not and would not accept. "I have done nothing but obey orders."

"Such a good servant you are, right? And when my brother tells you to bend over, do you obey too?"

Goose bumps ran over her body and shame went trough her body. Although she would never do it, she was ashamed by the prince words.

"Don't think I care what you do, maid. I was just surprised how quickly the mask fell. But don't get your hopes up too high. Aegon attaches no importance to your unfortunate alliance."

With these words Aemond said goodbye, leaving Rose with a feeling of shame and disgrace. 

She looked after him, and wondered if he was like this to every maid, or if he only hated her.

Rose saw Vhagar land on the mountain next to the Red Keep. She saw its huge wings and imposing mouth that could swallow hundreds of men with just one bite. 

Vhagar landed heavily, a tremor shook the ground and there was a moment of silence.

She watched as Aemond Targaryen dragged a boy into the castle and handed him over to the guards.

The prince had been gone for two days. Tongues spoke of war, some of alliances and oaths. 

"Let go of me," the strange boy yelled. "Set me free!"

Aemond answered in High Valyrian. At least she suspected so. His words sounded hard and powerful. Rose didn't understand Valyrian but it did sound familiar. Weird, because she had never heard that language before.

Aemond rammed the hilt of his blade into the boy's head, knocking him unconscious.

Rose was shocked by the brutality. He had not hesitated for a second to strike down the defenseless boy, who was inferior not only in size but also in muscle strength.

She saw the horror in Alicent Hightower's eyes and the amazement in Aegon's.

In Helaena's gaze there was nothing but pity.

"What have you done?"

"I have won us a hostage, mother. A strong boy." Aemond said. The corners of his mouth curled up, his expression content. "You can thank me later."

They brought the boy before the Iron Throne. 

Rose stood near Queen Helaena, alongside Dyana and other servants.

Dyana had told her who the boy was.

Lucery's Velaryon. The son of the Black Queen, as she was already known in the people. Rumors of her coronation on Dragonstone had already made the rounds.

Allies of the Greens had gathered, all to watch Princess Rhaenyra's son bow the knee to Aegon Targaryen.

"Nephew," Aegon began as they threw water in Lucerys Velaryon's face to wake him up. The boy opened his eyes, slowly and confused, before his hopeless situation caught up with him again, and horror was seen on his face.

"You are a long way from Dragonstone, aren't you?" His eyes danced with the joy of his misfortune. "We were sad to miss you at my coronation. Perhaps that is why you have not yet bent the knee?"

Prince Lucerys remained silent.

"Bend the knee before your king," Aegon urged.

"I have to disappoint you," Lucerys began. "I don't see a king before me." The boy seemed suicidal. The court erupts in whispers. "You sit unlawfully on the Iron Throne. All I see is a traitor sitting on my mother's throne."

"The late king, may he rest in peace, made Aegon his heir before he died," Alicent interjected, announcing what only she is said to have heard. The people around her murmured in agreement. "It was King Visery's last wish."

"And were there witnesses to this statement?"

"You question my mother's word, bastard?" Aemond said angry, stepping forward.

She saw the fear in the boy's eyes as the prince stepped towards him, menacing and ready to fight. Rose understood his fear. She herself had felt what it was like to be threatened by Aemond Targaryen. But unlike him, she wasn't surrounded by enemies who wanted to see her head roll.

Aemond growled and grabbed Lucerys, sinking his hand into his hair and jerking his head back. Rose's mouth twisted. That had to hurt. But before Aemond could do anything more, Alicent was standing next to him, one hand on his shoulder and a shake of her head. Aemond studied his mother's face for a moment before he released Lucerys.

Lucerys gave him a hateful look, a look Aemond returned.

"If you refuse to bend the knee, Prince Lucerys, then this court cannot guarantee your integrity. Refusal is treason against the Crown."

Despite the fear reflected on his face, Rose saw combativeness in the boy's eyes. She was impressed by his fighting spirit. And at the same time she felt sorry for him.

He was alone. She knew that feeling.

"Then so be it. Kill me and let fire speak."

"The king is merciful, Prince Lucerys," Alicent explained. She had stepped close to the boy, Aemond right behind her, as if Lucerys was about to leap at her like a wild animal. "We don't want blood to be spilled. We don't want to see anyone dead. Swear allegiance to King Aegon Targaryen and your life will be spared." She took his hand in hers. "I beg you, boy."

Alicent sounded desperate.

Lucery's eyes flickered, dancing from left to right, but instead answering the Queen Mother, he jerked his hand from hers and looked away, lips pressed into a thin line.

His answer is understandable for everyone.

"Bring the news of her son's capture to Princess Rhaenyra. Prince Lucerys, you are now a prisoner of the crown," the hand declared. "You will be locked in your rooms until your mother comes to her senses and bends the knee."

Otto Hightower signaled the guards that the hearing was over. They grabbed the Velaryon boy and led him out of the hall.

Rose looked at Aegon, who hadn't spoken much. He had a tired look, and followed Lucerys with his eyes. He seemed out of place despite being the one sitting on the Iron Throne.

And for the first time Rose was here, she had the feeling that Aegon Targaryen didn't want to sit on the throne.

No one was allowed to enter the room of Lucerys Velaryon. The Greens had ordered that the boy would be locked up and barred from any contact with others until he came to his senses and bent the knee to Aegon.

Rose knew the tense situation, and yet she felt sorry for the boy. She had seen the fear in his eyes, the desperation, the concern for what might happen to him.

"What should we do with the Velaryon boy?" Lord Lannister asked. The man sat back in his chair, arrogant, almost condescending. All parties were silent, which is why he continued. "I say, he should be made an example of," he continued. "A public execution. The boy should serve as a warning. Rhaenyra had a chance to respond to our first offer, but no response. Her arrogance cries out for our answer."

"Perhaps we should first give Princess Rhaenyra time to respond to the fact that we have her son here before we speak directly of an execution, Lord Lannister," Alicent interjected, looking at the man judgmentally quickly. "You are frighteningly quick to end a life and start a war."

"Your Grace, I'm just being realistic. The Blacks want the throne, the Princess will not give up until we put her in her place. Her lack of education has suppressed any connection to reality."

"In front of the smallfolk?" suggested Orwyle. He seemed enthusiastic.

Rose was disgusted by the two men. The prospect of war seemed to delight her, but first and foremost it was the smallfolk and the soldiers who would lay down their lives before even one of those present would think of being on the front line.

She felt completely out of place. The wine in her hands was heavy and not even Aegon paid attention to the sweetish liquor.

She looked at Prince Daeron, who was sitting next to Aemond. She wondered what he thought. He was silent, but she hoped that he would speak up to take sides with Lucerys Velaryon.

"No," whispered Alicent. "That was not my husband's wish."

"With all due respect, your Grace, the King had also never expressed a desire to appoint his eldest son as his legitimate successor, always held to the ridiculous appointment of the Princess until shortly before his death, when he changed his mind."

"Didn't we already have this conversation? Is your bloodlust so big?"

Lannister jumped up. His expression was indignant. "Your Grace, I-"

"We will not start a war because we murder Princess Rhaenyra's son."

"Alicent," Otto began, "I know about your past with Princess Rhaenyra, the friendship you both shared but we have not yet received an answer from her side. It is safe to assume that the princess has declined our offer."

"We haven't received an official refusal from my sister yet, right?" interjected Aemond, and all eyes turned to him. "I would suggest we listen to my mother and show patience and a cool head." The prince looked to his brother. Aegon sat at the head, right next to their mother.

Rose was surprised that Aemond opposed the execution of his nephew. She would have thought that he would be the first to take up the sword. Dyana had told her that it had been Prince Lucery's who had taken Aemond's eye. A fight between two boys. Rose understood why Aemond had no sympathy for the prince, but she hoped he would refrain from murdering the boy.

Rose saw how the young brothers, communicated with their eyes. Aegon looked to his mother, who looked at him pleadingly. "Lucerys Velaryon will remain alive."

The verdict was in. At least for the time being.

The septa at Red Keep was a cruel woman, Rose had noted. Since her arrival, she had not attended morning prayers, having neither the time nor the sense of direction. She did not know how many times she had gotten lost in the past few days, but it was often.

Septa Morana, however, did not seem satisfied with her statement.

"Do you think you are special?"

Rose looked at her in surprise.

"No, of course not, honorable Septa."

"I heard that Prince Daeron brought you here. You've earned a high place right away, girl."

Anger flooded Rose's body, but she remained silent. It was not a good idea to mess with a septa. Especially not when she had such a high influence.

The septa stepped close to Rose and examined her from top to bottom. "I know girls like you. Girls who hope a man will take care of them so they can live a comfortable life. It doesn't take much to warm a bed, does it?"

Rose wondered how she had managed, within a few days, to be called a whore several times. First Prince Aemond, now Septa Morana.

"Such behavior is not tolerated here."

"I don't expect anything from a man. I didn't come here to warm a bed, I came here to live a better life."

Before Rose could even respond, the septa had lashed out and punched her in the face. The blow was so strong and surprising that she lost her balance and went down. She tasted the blood in her mouth.

Stunned, she looked up at the older woman. Her blow had been brutal.

"You dare to talk back? Girls like you have no respect. You open your mouth when you're told and keep silent when it's expected of you. You bastards are getting cheeky and forgetting your position."

Rose swallowed the blood in her mouth. Her hands balled into fists. The septa was doing her an injustice. Never before, had she been so humiliated by a woman of faith. Full of anger, she looked up, straight into the eyes of the woman, who drew in her breath indignantly.

"What? You dare look at me like that, you whore? I will have you whipped for-"

"What is the meaning of this?"

Rose would recognize the voice among thousands. She turned, and saw Prince Daeron hurrying to them.

"Prince Daeron," said the septa, intimidated, and bowed. "I apologize for this unsightly spectacle. I had to discipline this maid."

"Discipline?," Daeron repeated irritably, looking down at Rose. "For what, Septa?"

"I don't want to bother you with the details, young prince, I'm sure other matters require your attention."

"That's for me to decide, speak!" commanded Daeron.

The septa hesitated for a moment before looking down hard at Rose, who was still kneeling on the floor.

"The girl is insolent and does not participate in the morning prayers."

"It is not a duty to participate in the prayers. Your punishment is not appropriate."

"It is still a sin."

"It is hardly a sin if the king has let it be known otherwise, Septa," another voice suddenly spoke, and Rose turned in surprise.

Prince Aemond stood beside his brother, looking down at Rose.

His gaze as always cold, but the expression in his eye was different.

The humiliation could hardly be deeper.

"Additionally, I think this is hardly the appropriate place for disciplinary action."

"My honorable princes," the septa began. "You are right, it's true, and I apologize for bothering you with it. I will get the girl out of your sight and-"

"You seem to like to digress, Septa," Aemond interrupted her. Septa winced and looked at the prince indignantly. "It is important to visit the morning prayers." Her spine straightened. "Even if a soul seems to be lost."

"Hmmm," Prince Aemond uttered and strode forth. His arms folded behind his back. "So you think your word carries more weight than the king's word?"

The septa looked at him, startled. "Of course not, my prince. I act only in the name of faith." Aemond moved past Rose with casual intent. He surveyed her for a moment before surprisingly extending his hand. Rose looked up at him in surprise. His expression revealed nothing. He raised an eyebrow, and Rose briskly grabbed his hand. With complete ease, Aemond pulled her up. His hand lingered there for a moment as he studied her face before releasing it.

"The girl does what she wants, and it is my job to guide this hopeless creature to the right path."

"Hopeless?"

The septa jutted her chin. "She is a bastard. Her blood is already stained by shameful behavior. I just want to keep her from knowing what place she's in, and that we won't tolerate any outrage."

It was no surprise that the septa saw her that way. Nor was her hostility a surprise. Rose could no longer count the insults she had received in her life because of her heritage, and yet the humiliation ran deep. Her nails dug into her skin.

"This -bastard-, as you like to call the girl, is subject to the Queen. The king himself has accepted her admission. Do you think the king is a fool?"

The septa drew in a hissing breath.

"What, of course not, my prince, I-"

"Then you think the queen is?"

Rose watched the septa blush and widen her eyes in panic. She shook her head in bewilderment. The sight of her did her good.

"Your comments about this servant, will no longer be tolerated, Septa. If it comes to my attention again that you are going beyond your authority, we will have to look for someone who knows his place."

His words were harsh and cold. Merciless and they hit where it hurt the most.

"Forgive me, my prince," the septa said with lips pressed together, bowing to the princes before giving Rose a hateful look. Her look promised hatred and sorrow and it would not be the last time she would meet the Septa, Rose was sure of that.

The septa disappeared as quickly as she had come.

Rose looked after her before a cold hand on her neck made her wince. Startled, she looked to Prince Aemond, who looked down at Rose with amusement.

"It seems to me you've brought a problem into our house, brother."

The prince's voice was rough. His hand on the back of her neck pulled her closer to him so that she stood only a few finger-widths away.

"You know very well that the septa is the problem, brother. Let her go."

Aemond seemed to pay little heed to Daeron's words. His free hand gripped her chin and squeezed her mouth slightly. Now they stood there, one of his hands on her neck, the other on her chin.

"You like to cause trouble, don't you, girl?"

She didn't know what answer he was expecting.

Aemond looked down at her with amusement, almost defiance, probably hoping she would say something rash and stupid so he would have a reason to ram his sword down her throat.

"If you say so, my prince," she pressed out. Congratulations, Rose had proven she didn't know when it was better to shut up.

The prince raised an eyebrow as she heard Daeron moaning in the background.

"You must like your girls naughty, Daeron. A passion I cannot share. I must say I prefer them when they know their place and submit to their role."

Prince Aemon's hand was firmly on the back of her neck, his fingers curled and pressing into her flesh. Not enough to hurt, but firm enough to serve as a warning to keep her silence.

"Make sure she learns to adjust or I will," Aemond threatened before letting go of her and shoving her slightly away from him. It was a promise she immediately took from him. Without giving her another glance, the prince strode away, leaving her behind once again.

Rose looked after the prince.

And for some reason, she found it difficult to avert her gaze.

̶T̶H̶E̶ ̶B̶L̶O̶O̶D̶ ̶C̶R̶O̶W̶N̶

Lyly had been in the service of the princess since her 10th and 9th name day. She was proud to stand at the side of Rhaenyra Targaryen.

She had watched the little girl grow into a graceful and proud woman. She had not hesitated for a second to bend the knee when the princess was given her father's crown and made queen of the realm.

A worthy successor.

For her, there was only one ruler of the Seven Kingdoms, and that was Rhaenyra Targaryen, the first of her name. The rightful ruler.

She knew that Rhaenyra valued her. She had never treated her disparagingly, always with respect, usually more respect than an upstart from the lesser folk.

But she was sure that the princess would not hesitate for a second to feed her to her dragons when she learned of the guilt she carried in her heart. A great mistake that had been with her for years and that she would never forgive herself for. She had not acted with evil intent, it was desperation that had driven her, fear.

She had wanted to pay off a debt, but she had replaced one debt with another.

She had destroyed the life of a family and relegated an innocent child to a cruel fate. She had taken away a mother's child and allowed strangers into her home.

She looked at the woman who had just received the news that the Greens had captured her son Lucerys Velaryon. Lyly saw the fear in her eyes, and again felt a wave of guilt come over her.

And all because she had gotten involved with the wrong man.