#DON'T GET ME STARTED ON A THE ROMANCE BUG

[the-writer-of-waterdeep]

If I see one more post treating Gale and Mystra like a genuine couple I will scream

In a game where all the companions are in relationships with immense power imbalances, don't you think Gale is in one too????

It is heavily implied that Mystra (A goddess known in the Forgotten Realms for tricking and deceiving, look up Dornal Silverhand) groomed Gale, being his teacher first and then a lover. He didn't fumble anything, he was the magical equivalent of a high school banging his teacher and everyone (more like in real life with male abuse survivors) treats it like he "bagged a baddie" and "fumbled it"

The most horrific thing is that he STILL doesn't quite realise what's happening, he still believes everything she says and believe she knows best for him.

Also, he wasn't trying to unsup her, that's what Mystra saw it as. He adored her and wanted to be her No.1 special little guy so he did something FUCKING OUTRAGEOUS out of LOVE (because he believed and still believes it's love). Does Mystra have the right to interpret it as an attack on her godhood, absolutely but don't get it twisted with what Gale actually says!

"Not to destroy Mystra, but to prove my love for her"

"I merely sought to return one tiny diamond to an imperfect crown"

Sorry for ranting but FUCK.

[nthflower]

Who the fuck is male sole survivor smh I only know one Nate and he is cyrodead in my backyard vault.

[bolognamayhem117]

Hot Take: Astarion does NOT hate flowers. You just missed a few subtle hints through Act 1 and early Act 3.

Astarion's negativity is directed toward just about anything remotely pleasant as you move through early act three, starting the moment you leave Wyrm's Rock. First thing after Gortash's coronation he marvels near tears at the colors of the city in daylight. If you ask if he's alright, it pisses him off.

There's other instances I can't quite remember but he's a straight crank throughout early Act 3 and it took me several hours of gameplay to have a lightbulb moment about his newly crappier attitude.

He just spent the last two hundred years seeing everything in the overwhelmingly warm dim tones of indoor lighting via sconces, rushlights, and braziers, or the dingy blue gray of moonlight outside. Daylight colors are something he had more than a lifetime to forget and now that he has a chance to remember that vibrancy in his own home town, he knows he's going to have to forget it all over again either by death or by remaining a vampire spawn forever. The worm isn't going to live rent free in his head forever, and killing Cazador to ascend in his place likely feels like an insurmountable and impossible fight against a literal titan who could stomp him flat without a corm of effort.

He doesn't hate flowers, he hates EVERYTHING right now because it's all going away very soon and if he convinces himself he hates everything then he won't miss it when it's all gone again. He was denied this for two hundred years and he's PISSED at what was stolen from him and PISSED it's all going away again.

He behaved similarly in Act 1 about anyone besides him enjoying physical intimacy. Some of this content was cut, to my best knowledge, but the overwhelming majority of his dialog addressing the PC romancing anyone but him are negative or backhanded. This is for two reasons, I think. A: his Simple Plan just dissolved right before his eyes when you chose someone else which in his mind means he has zero safety net, and EVERYONE gets to enjoy sex (key wording being ENJOY, not simply having) except him... And it pisses him off.

He also gleefully interrupts the bug bear and the ogress, I think for the same reason as the above paragraph, being: If he doesn't get to enjoy intimacy neither do they.

He reacts with anger and disgust at anything he's being unfairly denied. Which... That's fair. His feelings are valid, but his reaction to it is pretty shitty and meanspirited.

The other companions I tend to keep in my party, (that is Lae'zel, Halsin, Karlach, and Wyll) however, are actually appearing to behave pretty patiently with him in Act 3 which I find interesting.

In the instance with the flowers Karlach doesn't bother trying to convince him otherwise of his opinion, she just tells him how they make her feel instead and rather than getting snippy or doubling down he more or less agrees to disagree. I also don't recall anyone disagreeing with Astarion during Gale's last quest tasks when he mentioned that he quit praying to gods who wouldn't hear him a long time ago but to be fair, I think the gods did everybody in this crew dirty and they all know it. It seems like they're consciously giving him the space to be mad about things, is what I'm saying.

Everyone I know including myself who crawled out of a long-term hot garbage situation kinda went wild for a bit with freedom, spoke poorly, behaved strangely, had extreme emotional reactions to things, and made some particularly terrible choices. I think that's just a part of recalibrating yourself, healing and learning how to be okay again.

Point is, I wouldn't conflate too many of the turbo-negative things he says with how he actually feels about anything. We certainly know what he says and what he feels are two very different things.

[diz-eaze]

please write more modern yandere scara please please please pretty please woth a cherry on top…IM BEGGING YOU i love this so much

; thank u for enabling me to rot over yandere scara nonnie <33 you've heard of cyberstalker scara and roomie scara, so now I'll present to you jealous scara in his most unserious way possible <3

; others; 3rd, 2nd, 1st.

; half serious half silly, not proofread, yandere, freak behavior, implicit afab (y/n) for this one bc of periods, slight nsfw, not proofread so there may be typos !!

some jealous scara thoughts !!

modern au yandere scara gets jealous of your phone. literally what does this tiny, rectangular device have that he doesn't (everything)? never mind the fact that he also uses a phone because it's different, he uses his as an archive for everything related to you !! and what about you?? 🤨🤨 what's your excuse for being glued to your phone 24/7 doomscrolling through tiktok and ig reels, huh? sigh. what's the point of life if the huzz (you) don't even use your phone to cyberstalk him back :(. wdym you don't bug his phone to secretly place a tracking app to monitor where he is at all times, wdym you're not spying on the private conversations he has (he literally only talks to his mom). where's the passion, the romance? the dating pool is truly cooked - says scara, as he struggles to form a normal social connection with you without being borderline manic. for both your sake and his, put the phone down <3.

modern au yandere scara gets jealous of your tampons/pads/menstual cups. he hates their existence. they are impeding in his life !! why are you using all these products, that cost money btw, when you can use his mouth instead :( he's being serious when he thinks that, like that is genuinely his mindset. in HIS perfect world of delusion, you'd never go outside during your periods and will instead use his mouth like a menstrual deposit while you do your pending work 😭😭. every month he begs to any deity above that you'll finally throw out your feminine products like god PLEASE let him have this (no one is listening to his prayers). please never trust him around your trashcan because he WILL dig that shit up like some fucking raccoon and suck the blood out of it like he's some modern day vampire. he doesn't even care if he gets sick from doing it :(

modern au yandere scara gets jealous of your skin products like lotions or face serums. oh to be the toner that you apply to your face day and night, seeping deep into your pores and bringing your skin nutrition and hydration :((( curse this blasted mortal body of his !! why can't he be the one to do that for you !? and don't even get him started on body lotion that you lather into your skin after every shower... sigh. sigh. SIGHHHH. if he was your lotion, he'd moisturize you in record time, btw. at the very least, if he can't be the product himself then at least let him be the one to apply it on your body.

modern au yandere scara gets jealous of the food that enters your mouth. it makes him want to throw up and cry every time he eats with you and watches as the food enters your mouth and goes into your digestive system. he wants to be that so fucking bad it's downright ridiculous. he laughs and makes idle conversation with you outside, but underneath the table he's clenching his fists so hard it's undoubtedly starting to wound. it's fine, he tells himself, but in reality he's so so upset because he badly wants to be entrenched in your saliva and be put through your intestines, too :(. is that not romantic? and don't tell him otherwise.

modern au yandere scara gets jealous of your clothes. he's like the wolf tearing his t-shirt meme whenever he thinks about you and encroaches on the fact that you wear clothes just like any other human being :0. he's dramatically slamming his gaming desk over in anger because grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr there are other species that get to be wrapped around your body for a good portion of the day :/ (ignoring the fact that it's literally just pieces of cloth?). he gets even angrier if you wear bras, too, because just let him be the one to hold up your breasts, please. it won't remove his jealousy, but it'll be enough to get him to function again.

modern au yandere scara gets jealous of whoever makes you laugh. like, haha !! nice one !! anyways, what's so funny? :// it wasn't even that good, lol. he'd downplay the other person's jokes SOOO BAD it's highkey pathetic of him. he tries to have this air of 'idgaf' and in his mind he's executing it amazingly but then you take a look at him being so pressed over a goddamn joke and that illusion just shatters completely. he stays up at night replaying the way you laughed at their joke over and over and over again. it's literally his sleep paralysis demon. he could be 58 years old and married to you but he'd still have nightmares about it. he's that bothered. and GOD FORBID you laugh at a meme because now he's deepdiving into a new career (becoming a meme account) and just hoping that he lands on your timeline and hopefully get a chuckle or a hehe out of you or else someone prevent him from pulling the trigger. don't worry diva, why laugh at tiktoks or tweets when you have a jester at your disposal? scara believes that the online world needs to be destroyed and to bring back medieval times because he has to be the only who makes you laugh ok.

modern au yandere scara gets jealous of your video games. it's like those stereotypical gamer bf x normie gf relationship except he's not a normie nor is he a girl, but he still acts like a possessive toxic gf who gets insanely insecure over their s/o playing minecraft out of all things. think of the insane levels of jealousy he'll experience if you play games that require playing with other actual people btw. think of valorant, league, overwatch, etc. he'd actually fall to his knees in complete agony. he overhears someone on mic laugh at something you said one time, and when you get home from college classes he's already destroyed your built pc :). how about playing with only him next time, yeah?

modern au yandere scara gets jealous of your friends, especially if that friend has known you longer than he has. there's nothing that can compare to the sheer envy he holds for people who've known you for that long - the lotions, the video games, the clothes don't even hold a candle to this - because there's no greater bliss in his life than your existence and the act of knowing you intimately. and he likes to think that he's the best in that field. the number one researcher, even, so when he gets to know more about the people you surround yourself with and see some that have known you since childhood.... it leaves a heavy weight in his chest. his fingers uncontrollably itch. he gets his dreadful cloud of gloom over his head. it's not fair. he should've been the one to know you since preschool instead of your friend, right? ugh, if only he had the premonition to see into the future !! don't let him be alone with your friends because you'll end up experiencing friendship break-ups with no rhyme or reason 😭😭😭

[makeitmingi]

When Flowers Bloom In The Dark [Chapter 16]

Genre: Romance, Mafia!AU, Violence, Angst, Slow burn

Pairing: Hongjoong x Reader (y/n)

Characters: Florist!Reader, Mafioso!Hongjoong, Mafioso!Seonghwa, Mafioso!Yunho, Mafioso!Yeosang, Mafioso!San, Mafioso!Mingi, Mafioso!Wooyoung, Mafioso!Jongho

Summary: When you appeared and wept at his mother's funeral, Hongjoong found himself wanting to find out more about you. A regular girl, who owns a flower shop in his territory and has a relationship with the mother that he hasn't spoken to in years, why hasn't he ever noticed you before?

[Warning(s): 18+ for violence, use of weapons, smoking, alcohol consumption, slight gore, gang affiliation, tattoos and character deaths. Minors DNI. This is a work of fiction and does not represent the Ateez members in real life.]

Word count: 3.3K

"(y/n)!!!" Hongjoong heard Wooyoung's excited footsteps as he ran past the captain's office, heading down to supposedly greet you. He hadn't spoken to you since that day at the tracks and right now, he didn't really know what to say to you so maybe it was best he avoid you today again.

"I'm always apologising to her." He grumbled and slapped his forehead with a shake of his head as he typed on his keyboard.

"Good morning." You greeted an excited Wooyoung, who threw his arms around you. Luckily the driver was carrying your fragile things for you or you would have dropped it.

"Seonghwa, I made more kombucha for you. Sweetened with local honey and flavoured with hibiscus." You informed.

"Thank you, (y/n). I'm excited to see how this compares to the pineapple one you brought last time." He smiled, watching you.

"They're in here." You dug through the bag the driver was carrying for you and took out two big glass bottles. Seonghwa received them gratefully and brought them to the kitchen.

"Any goodies for me?" Wooyoung tilted his head.

"Sorry, Wooyoung." You rubbed the back of your neck. San shook his head and slapped the back of his best friend's head.

"He doesn't mean it. We'll let you get to work, (y/n)." San tugged Wooyoung away while you bowed and went to the garden. There was no sight of Hongjoong yet.

While you were starting your work, you didn't know that Hongjoong was looking at you from his office window. Luckily you never thought to look at the windows facing the garden or you would have seen him there in his office.

"Not gonna say hi?" Seonghwa asked, sipping some kombucha in his glass. Hongjoong shot him a flat look.

"Every conversation I've had with her always started with an apology from me." Hongjoong sighed as he reviewed the papers that Seonghwa just brought to him.

"I'm surprised you're the one sitting here while I'm the one working." Hongjoong scoffed.

"I just had to greet (y/n) first." Seonghwa shook his glass.

"Yeah, I know where your priorities lie, Hwa." Hongjoong rolled his eyes. Seonghwa was mentally snickering at Hongjoong's subtle sulking behaviour.

"She'll be here the whole day. Maybe go say hi to her just once while you're here." Seonghwa suggested and got up to leave.

"Hyung, we have a suspicious tailing." Yunho came to get the two oldest members.

"Where? Show us." Hongjoong frowned. Yunho handed the iPad to Hongjoong and Seonghwa that was mirroring the feed that Jongho was watching in their computer lair downstairs. There was a car that was tailing the police commissioner's car, keeping his distance but definitely following him.

"Contact the driver now. They need to stay calm and do things as per normal until we find out more of who is tailing them." Hongjoong said as the 3 of them headed down to the computer room.

"I've run the plates. Of course they're stolen but I'm trying to run traffic cams to see other possible sightings." Jongho informed.

"I'll let the commissioner know." Seonghwa took his phone out.

"Text him, don't call him. At this point, we have to assume the car is bugged." Yunho said, having just informed the commissioner's driver of what to do.

"Damn, I have my meeting." Hongjoong cursed as his phone beeped with a reminder for him.

"I can go." Seonghwa volunteered.

"No, I should go. Those rich brats have been causing too much trouble outside their parents' country club premises. I need compensation today." Hongjoong sighed.

"Hyung?" Yeosang poked his head into the computer cave, looking for Hongjoong. The captain nodded and held a hand up to wait.

"See how long the driver can drive without causing suspicion. Get Mingi to go deal with the stalkers." Hongjoong ordered those in the room before leaving the room. He went up to change into a nicer suit and grabbed his coat.

"Let's go, Yeosang." Hongjoong said, coming downstairs. As they were going to head to the basement carpark, he caught a glimpse of you working in the garden.

"Hyung? Is everything okay?" Yeosang tilted his head. Hongjoong chewed on his bottom lip.

"Yeah, come on." He nodded and went downstairs with the younger male. Since he couldn't drive yet, Yeosang was the driver.

"Mingi ah, you got the license plate?" Yunho spoke to his best friend on the phone since Mingi was out and in the area, able to go see the car that was following the commissioner's car.

"On it."

Mingi said from his end and those in the computer room could hear the revving of his engine as he sped.

"Don't confront the car yet, Mingi ah. The commissioner will be heading home now and they will follow but we believe they won't do anything. Only after he leaves, take him." Seonghwa instructed.

"Yes, hyung. I'm on it. I need eyes, there are too many cars on the street now."

"You're on the right road, Mingi hyung. You'll be taking the second exit coming up. Head in the direction of the commissioner's house, we have told the driver and the commissioner to head home. At least it is guarded there. The car will either follow them or split when they realise he's going home." Jongho said.

"Got it... Okay, I see the car. You're right, they're splitting up since they know there's a police car parked in front of the house. I'm going after them now."

With that, Mingi hung up the call. Seonghwa left Yunho and Jongho to get updates from Mingi since he had a meeting to get to too.

"Oh, Seonghwa." You bumped into him as you were coming out of the restroom.

"I'm heading out for a meeting. If you need anything, let the others know or the staff." Seonghwa smiled and you nodded your head with a slight bow as he walked to the main door.

'I temporarily forgot (y/n) was in the house. Despite all the issues coming up, let's remember to please be discreet. - Seonghwa'

Hongjoong glanced over at the message that was sent by Seonghwa and put his phone back down.

"We're very sorry, Mr Kim and Mr Kang. Please accept our apologies, our children will be disciplined." The 4 sets of parents bowed to Hongjoong and Yeosang, who remained seated with stoic expressions on their faces.

"Not good enough." Yeosang said.

"We'll pay for all the damages and more. Whatever amount you want." One of the fathers spoke up.

"You think we want money? Do I look like I need more money?" Hongjoong spoke calmly, raising an eyebrow. Yeosang merely tilted his head as he met the scared faces of the parents.

"It's sad that our generosity, letting you build your private country club here, is repaid as such." Hongjoong let out a sigh.

"We're sorry, Mr Kim." The parents all kneeled on the ground with full bows.

"The company stakes." One of the mothers gasped.

"That's more like it. Come, let's talk business." Hongjoong smirked. The two were pleased, that was what they came for. They didn't need money but company stakes gave them power.

"Please understand, we cannot make all these decisions on our own. There's still the board of directors and-"

SLAM!

Yeosang stood up, slamming his palms on the table, making the other people in the room, except Hongjoong, jump in fear. He was someone with a 'pretty' face and calm demeanour but he could be fierce and he was one of the strongest in the group, alongside Jongho and San.

"Are you giving us excuses? Would you prefer to say goodbye to one of your kids?" Hongjoong offered.

"No, please." The mothers begged for their children's lives. There was no sympathy here, these were rich children that abused their power and broke the rules.

"Go ahead, we'll give you one more chance to make an offer worthy of our time." Hongjoong smirked, gesturing to himself and Yeosang.

"Hey, (y/n)." You turned around to see Jongho standing there with a big tiered lunch box.

"Hey, Jongho. What's that?" You stood up.

"Lunch. Would you like to have lunch outside with me?" He asked. You blinked, not really expecting him to ask you that. You checked your watch, not realising it was already past noon.

"Sure." You smiled. The two of you sat in the gazebo. Jongho handed you a wet tissue to wipe your hands as he laid out the food.

"Wow, this is a lot of food." You chuckled, seeing all the food nicely arranged in the boxes.

"Hope you're hungry then." Jongho said with a smile, handing you a pair of chopsticks. It was nice and peaceful to sit with Jongho to each outside. What you didn't know was that Jongho was sent to distract you as Mingi dragged a beaten up body to the basement.

"So, have you been busy at the shop?" Jongho asked as he chewed. From the corner of his eye, he could see San helping Mingi drag the person across the main foyer.

"It's alright. Of course not as busy as holidays like Valentine's or Christmas. But I have some events coming up." You shrugged.

"You do event arrangements too?" Jongho tilted his head.

"I... try... I'm content with what I do, not like I'm looking for much publicity. But it's nice to change things up a little. Arrangements for events are so different." You chuckled.

"Take the chance to learn something new?" Jongho asked, he was now aware of your open mindedness to things.

"Yes." You giggled, taking a bite of the beef sushi that tasted absolutely delicious.

"So, tell me about your new big project then?" Jongho probed, resting his head on his hand, showing you interest. As you opened your mouth to say something, two voices emerged.

"Oh, Yunho, Wooyoung." You blinked as Yunho slid beside you and Wooyoung slid beside Jongho, taking the chopsticks out of the youngest's hands. Jongho clicked his tongue with much annoyance and slapped the back of Wooyoung's neck. But the older didn't care and started eating.

"Are you hungry, Yunho?" You asked the tall male beside you.

"No thanks, I just ate. Just came out for some fresh air. But please, continue your conversation." He chuckled, leaning against the back of the bench.

"I was just asking (y/n) here, about her new upcoming project as she branches into event arrangements." Jongho explained.

"Give me that." He snatched his chopsticks back from Wooyoung, who pouted as he chewed.

"It's nothing much, really. Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if the whole thing is a scam. But it seems like a big event, a gala of some sorts." You explained to them.

"These are the designs." You pulled up what you sent to the organiser and showed it to them on the phone.

"Wow, they're really nice! Pretty." Wooyoung complimented.

"Thank you, it's not much but I'm still learning. I'm glad the organiser approved of them. And I have my friends helping me make the different flower arrangements for the event." You informed.

"Have you ever thought to hire any help? Like a shop assistant?" Yunho asked.

"I did think about it but I don't think I would make a good boss. Managing myself has always been easy but managing someone else, being responsible for them and their pay. And there's no fixed schedule with how I work." You said.

"Nonsense, you'd make a great boss!" Wooyoung insisted.

"Maybe in the future, I'll think about it. Right now, I like my space and schedule of working and studying botany." You laughed. The three nodded, understanding where you are coming from.

"Hey, (y/n). Sorry for interrupting your conversation but guys, Hongjoong hyung needs us for a meeting." Yeosang said.

"We'll continue this." Jongho smiled as he packed up the boxes with the help of the others.

"No worries, I-I should get back to work too." You forced a smile, feeling a little weird at the mention of Hongjoong's name. So he wasn't out, he was home and probably avoiding you.

"Have a great meeting." You wished them as they waved and headed back into the house while you continued your work.

"Things are finally starting to look right." You smiled, proud of yourself as you dusted your hands.

"Hi." You jumped when Mingi's face appeared in front of yours with a cheeky grin. Being so tall, he had to lean down quite a bit in order to get to your crouched height.

"Mingi, you scared me." You placed a hand over your heart.

"Sorry! I was just curious to see what you were doing." He chuckled. On the outside, Mingi was someone that looked fierce, charismatic and confident. Frankly, all 8 of the boys were. But you have also come to learn that he was rather clumsy and scared of a lot of things, he acted like a princess sometimes.

"I finally finished repotting the plants so this is it. Everything is in the right place and should grow a lot better." You explained to him. He nodded his head, listening intently.

"Did you forget that spot then?" He tilted his head, pointing to the empty plant box on the right.

"No, I didn't. There are actually seeds there that are planted and going to grow so it's not empty like it looks." You giggled.

"Do you want to help me put the signs in?" You offered. He nodded like an excited child as you handed him a little signs that you made at home to mark the soil.

"There." You guided him on where to stick the signs into the dirt.

"Ooh, cucumbers. Wooyoung hates cucumbers." Mingi said as he read one of the signs.

"Here. You can water them too. Just go across the bed." You handed him the hose. But of course, Mingi underestimated the strength of the hose and water went everywhere.

"Mingi!" You squealed and he dropped the hose in shock, resulting in himself getting soaked too. You reached over to turn the hose off.

"Is everything okay?!" Having heard your scream, everyone else came running out, seeing you and Mingi there, drenched from head to toe. Meeting Hongjoong's worried gaze, you cleared your throat and looked away.

"Mingi ah, what did you do?" Yunho facepalmed.

"Why did you assume it was me?" Mingi asked his best friend, a betrayed look on his face.

"Because it obviously couldn't have been (y/n). You're the bumbling fool in this scenarios." Seonghwa crossed his arms, making Mingi scoff. San came over to you, draping his jacket over your shoulders.

"Thanks, San." You smiled gratefully, feeling yourself start to shiver as the cold wind blew against your drenched body.

"You should take a shower and change into some new clothes, (y/n). You'll fall ill." Yeosang said.

"I-I don't have extra clothes." You laughed awkwardly.

"It's fine, we'll find something for you. Come, let's get you out of the cold and into a nice, warm shower." Wooyoung wrapped his arm around your shoulder and led you into the house.

"Wow! Thanks for showing me concern too!" Mingi yelled as all 7 of his brothers walked into the house with you.

"Come upstairs. You can use my bathroom, it's the neatest." Seonhgwa said, much to the protest of the others there. Except Hongjoong, who stayed back and just watched. He was worried that you were hurt or would get sick but couldn't find it in him to say anything or voice any concern.

"It's okay, I'll use the bathroom downstairs." You shook your head.

"Nonsense. Go shower and we'll find you some clothes." Seonghwa led you upstairs to his room. It was such a neat and elegant space, much like how Seonghwa was as a person.

"Sorry for what Mingi did and interrupting your work." He asked as you were going to enter the bathroom.

"No need to apologise, all in good fun." You smiled softly and closed the door behind you.

It was a grand, luxurious bathroom. You removed your wet clothes and placed them in the sink, not wanting to create a puddle on the ground. But you placed your underwear on the towel warmer.

"Oh my..." You stared at the expensive soap brands that lined the shelf in Seonghwa's shower stall.

Taking a deep breath, you just took a shower like normal, following the labels on the bottles. You grabbed a spare towel from the shelf.

"I smell like Seonghwa." You chuckled as you wrapped the towel around your body and stepped out. Thankfully, there was no one in the room but you noticed an outfit laid out on the bed and the towel warmer dried your underwear.

"(y/n)!" Mingi came barrelling down the hall the moment you stepped out of Seonghwa's room. You blinked in shock, taking a small step back just in case he crashes into you.

"I am soooooo sorry!" He bowed and apologised repeatedly.

"It's okay, Mingi. It was an accident, I'm not hurt or anything. Don't worry." You patted his arm.

"So, we cool?" He winced as he held his fist out. You laughed and nodded, bumping your fist against his.

"(y/n), hand the maid your clothes. We'll wash it and dry it." Seonghwa said, coming up the stairs with a maid following behind him. You walked into the room, remembering your clothes in the sink.

"You don't have to. You can just put it in a bag and I'll bring it home to wash." You waved them off.

"No, we insist." Seonghwa nodded to the sink. The maid bowed and retrieved your clothes, disappearing before you could protest.

"Anyway, thanks for letting me use your bathroom, Seonghwa. And where ever you got these clothes." You giggled, holding the ends of the shirt that was way too big it extended past your thighs. The pants were also too big but luckily you could pull the drawstrings tight to tie a knot to help the pants stay up.

"No need to thank me just because you used my bathroom, (y/n). It's alright." Seonghwa laughed while you rubbed the back of your neck in slight embarrassment.

"Ah, I'm just wondering how to work now. I don't want to dirty these clothes." You sighed.

"If there's no rush, you can just do it next time, (y/n). Or if you want to work, I'm sure Hongjoong won't mind." Seonghwa said.

"Oh... These are Hongjoong's..." You said slowly in realisation. Seonghwa nodded with a hum. He opened his mouth to say something until his phone rang in his pocket.

"Excuse me." He held a finger up and stepped aside to answer the phone.

"Miss, have some tea." The butler came over with a friendly smile, placing a cup of tea on the coffee table.

"Thanks..." You sat on the couch, alone in the living room. Now knowing who the clothes belonged to, you noticed how much they smell like Hongjoong.

"(y/n). Are you alright?" Speak of the devil, Hongjoong stood there. He cleared his throat as you put the tea cup down and stood up. For some reason, you felt so small under his gaze even though you had nothing to feel guilty about.

"Thanks for lending me your clothes, I'll wash them and return them as soon as my clothes are dry." You bowed to thank him.

"It's fine, (y/n). There's no rush for the clothes. Don't worry about it." He shook his head.

"If that's all, maybe I shouldn't take up more of your time." You forced a smile. It was starting to get awkward and you wanted to get away from this.

"No, wait. You're not... Can we talk? ...Please." Hongjoong asked.

~

Series masterlist

[raven-at-the-writing-desk]

The happy ending of Chapter 7 somehow makes me scared. It feels like something bad is going to happen next...

You can read my thoughts on the book 7 conclusion here!]

Calm before the storm... I just hope whatever’s next isn’t even LONGER than book 7 💦

At this point, there's no official confirmation for what's coming after (what I expect to be) book 8. However, I've been seeing a lot of... doomposts worrying that Twst will shut down as soon as the main story wraps up, which is just silly and plain untrue. (It makes me wonder if such comments are coming from people who are new to gacha games? Or if these comments are being made while the poster is running very high on emotions and not thinking rationally.) Let me tell you: that's NOT how any of this works. Gacha games DON'T terminate service as soon as they finish their main story. Live service games will generally only shut down if they have insufficient interest or revenue to keep it going, and that is most likely not the case for Twst seeing as how it has tons of merch, as well as several ongoing adaptations (anime, manga, light novel, etc.). Like, I'm pretty certain Twst regularly brings in several million yen a MONTH. One way or another, there will almost certainly be a follow-up to this first "arc" of the main story.

How long do we have to wait for the next main story update? No clue. It has varied a ton for Twst; there's no set schedule. For reference, here's the amount of time we had to wait between the end of a book + the start of the next book (you'll notice that the time spent waiting between each book drop increases/correlates with the length of the book):

books 1 + 2 end and book 3 start - 12 days

book 3 end and book 4 start - 39 days

book 4 end and book 5 start - 122 days

book 5 end and book 6 start - 337 days

book 6 end and book 7 start - 469 days

It's not a line said in the update, it's just a popular meme format. Not sure about where exactly it comes from, but all you do is say "This truly is/was our [insert title of the media here]."

I believe it's meant to be a dry way of commenting on endings in the same way you might go, "Yup, that just happened" or, "Maybe the real treasure was the friends we made along the way."

Sebek's for real such a softie 😭 HE CRIES OVER HAPPY ENDINGS, HOW IS THAT NOT CUTE????? Make me think he gets all emotional when he reads a good romance novel too...

asdsjvasvufoyefefai I still laugh in disappointment that the Dawn Knight is just a Silver recolor 💦 We could have gotten such a cooler design!! AND POOR LEAH, she gets no representation in her son's physical appearance 💀 even though she's such a stunning and gentle-looking woman...

***New character design + outfit spoilers below the cut!***

LIKE C'MON SKBFHLDFILBAFDBIAF ARE YOU REALLY GONNA SIT HERE AND TELL ME SILVER'S MOM DOESN'T AHVE IT GOOING' ON??????? ? ??? 🤡 Takea away the tiara and fancy gown, put her in a potato sack, and she'd STILL look amazing.

Of the two new outfits for the Diasomnia boys, I think I definitely prefer Silver's look! It's simple but very classic and regal. I love how the collar of the cape is half folded down and the pattern on the inner lining...

Malleus looks cool too, but personally I find it a little overdesigned, even when compared to the outfit Maleanor had. My eyes are pulled to his horn ornaments and jutting shoulder pads, or the thorns that snake around his boots. I get lost in all the stuff in the middle... What really bugs me out though is that... V-neck... for his top. It looks weird on Malleus because I'm so used to seeing his skin there covered up. sadbhliabsdabsp Draconia cleavage jumpscare to cap off book 7 💀

[hellcatinnc]

Guys Of Love & Deepspace Perfect Partner - SFW Edition

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Warning This includes: SFW(Read Tags Before Continuing)

Tags: sfw, fluff, romantic, cuddles, snuggling, romance, poetry, kisses, french kissing, breakfast in bed, pet names, cuddles from nightmares, taking care of you when your sick, care, cooking together, food, movie watching

Feature: x Fem! Reader

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Zayne

He challenges your mind and can talk to you about some of the most interesting things at times, however he can also bore you sometimes if he gets too lost in his medical advisories

if you ask nicely he will let you lay in his arms as he reads to you may not always be what you want to hear but its his way of comforting you

if you fall asleep on the couch he will carry you to bed and tuck you in, he doesn't want you getting chilly and catching cold

he will make you soup and make sure to have medicines on hand for you when your sick

he is the guy that when he kisses you he will always caress your cheek first before engulfing your lips into his

kissing is how he expresses his feelings sometimes when words escape him or he has a hard time expressing them. If he french kisses you while already kissing you then he is showing you the passion you bring out in him

he loves to take you to nice restaurants ones you been wanting to try and the money isn't a issue and he always pays even when you try he will take care of it before you even get a chance to try. He knows you don't have the money his job has and he wants to spend it on whatever your heart wants.

he loves taking you on vacations when his work allows its and tries to make as much time as he can to be on those vacations longer than just a day.

Even though he doesn't always show it due to lack there of knowing how to express how he feels sometimes, he is a doctor because he does care about people but he cares about you more than any of them and you should never forget that.

Most times he will use your name and not pet names but if your good and you beg him to show the endearments you might get him to call you honey or dear but in the bedroom you might just get called kitten if you ask nicely

he gives you the silent treatment when he is mad, but he can't stay mad with you long especially if you bug him and try to cuddle and kiss him he will forgive you in no time

he lectures you because he cares when it comes to your health and how you eat, granted you have to tune him out most times when you want that sweet piece of cake or that bowl of ice cream but he means well.

he is the guy that will put his coat around you when your cold

he carries candy with him all the time and in certain moments that may stress you out he will simply pull one out to make you smile again even if only for a little while

he has a sweet tooth but he tries to keep that from anyone knowing because well he is a heart doctor and telling people whats not healthy and to stay away from would just make him look like a hypocrite

he is very subtle when he does little things to impress you or let you know he cares, if you don't know him well enough you will miss these hints

he will carry an umbrella on rainy days and even when you forget yours, he may not say anything to you but when it starts pouring down he will just open his umbrella and put it over both of your heads

when he doesn't think your looking he will smile if nothing but for a moment because even though he spends so much time babbling about what you should do to change trust me he wants you just the way you are flaws and all even though he can't say it....yet!

he will call you after a late night at the hospital especially after a stressful day and although its a short call and you don't know why he is calling but its because after all the stress in his day your the only one that makes his heart a little lighter

he loves making little snow creatures for you to hold on to when he can't always be with you

he loves cats they fascinate him he loves to watch them as they bask in the sunlight or lay under a table. the first animal you two will probably get will be a cat

he likes sending you text messages some that are meaningless but they make him smile even if you can't always see him smile

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

Rafayel

He always spoons you every night before sleep

he is very romantic a bit of a hopeless romantic

loves to call you pet names like darling, baby, and honey

breakfast in bed when you worked so hard the day before

will run you bubble bath after a long day

never forgets birthdays, anniversaries, and especially not valentines' day this man lives for these holidays to shower you with gifts

he will stay by your side when your sick taking care of all your needs

he can be clingy but honestly in a good way its part of his charm

he does have abandonment issues but this means when he is loyal to you he will never ever leave you as long as you never leave him

he has lower self esteem than you think he does, he flirts and comes off that he has it all together but when he is vulnerable you can see the scared little boy under it all afraid to live without you and afraid he will mess it up and you leave

he will fall asleep with his head on your lap or lean against you so you can rub his hair

he may seem like a baby girl but down deep he really is just a genuine guy, yes a bit flirty but its all fluff to make you notice him because when you make those advances back you will leave him flustered.

he is very caring and will always be compassionate with your needs

he will always protect you and keep you safe. He is that guy that will pull you into his arms to shelter you from harm, or jump in front of a bullet if he feels its to save your life

he will fall asleep sitting on the couch, in a chair or against the wall because you had to work late and he refuses to go to bed without you.

he is the guy who likes matching shirts, or ones that say he is your is prince and your his princess

he will hold you hand any chance he gets but you can't just drop his hand whenever you want, when he slides his fingers between yours this isn't jsut regular pda he is telling you no matter where you are...you complete him!

he is the guy that will bring you an umbrella then pray you will put it aside and stand in the pouring rain with him. He will be that guy from romantic movie clique where he will pull you close while you are soaked to kiss your lips so tenderly you almost lose your breath.

he is very loyal and if he makes a promise its set in stone if he has to move heaven on earth or dive the lowest depths of the ocean he will make it happen

loves to recite poetry to you to show you his affection

he loves to give you compliments daily like your beautiful, stunning, a model or anything that makes you smile because that was his goal all along. He will do anything for that smile, that smile that you show to only him, its like no other smile that lights up your face and only he notices the difference.

He loves when you tell him about your day if you spend with friends or what not but he does get jealous if they made you smile because really he wants to be the only one that makes you smile. Then he might get pouty and ask if he can join next time.

he will take you to play the claw machine just so he can win every one of the plushies for you

he will take you to the arcade and he will play every game that gives him tickets so he can turn it in and surprise you with something you wanted from the prizes

he can be greedy when it comes to you, he is a introvert anyways so if he could keep you to himself and never share you well he would be in heaven

he likes to be playful in your banter with him he just enjoys this time together this is how he knows your the woman he wants to spend his life growing old with...yes he has been thinking about popping the question way before he should but he is waiting for the time to be the most romantic and when he doesn't think he will scare you away. Know this though he would have already married you if you would have let him.

he will carry your bags with no complaint

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

Xavier

He likes to have a romantic night under the stars just you and him and a blanket with your favorite champagne or wine

he will keep the house clean and in order for you if your sick and can't do it because he knows it will be helpful for you

he will cook you a meal and alternate nights of when you cook and do the dishes however he isn't the best cook so be prepared to watch or help one

picnics are cute and sweet and he loves laying in the sunlight with you taking it all in and making memories

he is a good listener since he doesn't talk unless he needs to. He will lay with you for hours as you tell him the good and the bad in your day without every interrupting you or changing the subject.

he tries to be an optimist to keep you level when you feel like the world is caving in on you

when you cry he will be the first there to wipe those tears off your face and make sure you feel validated

he does have a mischievous/cheeky side to him that comes out when you least expect it

he will spend all day playing the claw machine even if he doesn't always understand the mechanics just so he can get the plushie you wanted most

he will turn on the shower and get your towel and stuff together just so you can have a nice hot shower...he might join you though ;)

he will go grocery shopping with you and carry those bags of groceries even though he complains a bit he really means nothing by it more of a banter than anything

he likes when you tug his shirt to let him know you don't want him to leave even if you didn't say it

he likes a good movie on the couch cuddled up next to you, after all the work he does everyday this is perfect way to relax with you in his arms.

he won't tell you but when you feed him things like strawberries by mouth you think he is focusing on the strawberries instead its the feel of your fingers touching his lips which make him want to kiss you, then when you put them in your mouth he can't take it any longer he will pull you in for a kiss by then.

he doesn't mind watching chic flicks with you and you talking about the lead actor being hot but he will sit there and tell you why all the reasons he is a better hunter and that this guy you find so hot to be the most horrible hunter he had ever seen...the green eyed devil bites him from time to time

when you fall asleep on him in a movie he will carry you to bed and tuck you in, he won't linger but thats because he respects you in that way

if you have a night mare he will run to your side comforting you. he will tuck your hair behind your ear, turn on the light by your bedside table and let you tell him about it, then he will tuck you back in bed and hold you the rest of the night to watch over you while you sleep

he likes to pick at you at times, like one night he woke you and you were calling his name, he reminded you that dreams are what you think about all day he will tell you with a joke that he knows now you were pining for him all day this is just some of his banter and fun ways he picks on you

when your hands are cold he will intertwine his fingers in your and rub them getting them nice and warm for you

if you find yourself in the hospital he will sit right there with you until your feeling better and can go home he will be very stern but thats cause he cares so if the doctor says lay down he will make sure you do if they say don't talk he will put his finger over your mouth to hush you. this is the serious side of him you never knew was there but he is worried cause you are in the hospital

he can be very over protective at times

when he has alone time with you he doesn't want to share it so he will mute your phone and his if it gets too annoying he will turn them off this is his time right now

he loves to snuggle into your lap and nuzzle into you this is the time you get to feel the closest to him, this is that bit of him thats vulnerable, that part that will admit that in his lifetime he has never met someone as special and as important to him as you are to him

he loves to sleep but has a hard time sleeping most places cause he always has his guard up but when he is in your arms he sleeps the best, soundly and feels safe with you even if he thinks he is the more skilled fighter

if you have something on your mouth he will lean into wipe it from your lips stealing a kiss while he is already there

he is very confident in himself even though he doesn't do well with others most times he is still comfortable in his own skin especially since your beside him touching that very skin as he loves when your caress his hands and arms when you are cuddled in a blanket on a cold day

[xxgoldie]

went to karaoke and someone sang crush by david archuleta so now im thinking abt lighter romance enthusiast lorenz also listening to the most pining songs just the sappiest playlist known to man

as usual, i am Obsessed with lighter being down bad. he's such a fucking dork, i need him. have been listening to a variety of love song playlists for the last few days as i write this and its not helped the brainrot. cw: none, pure fluff, gn!reader wc: 444 (or 618 with the bonus)

when he's out and about, he tends to listen to metal and rock, the same kind of stuff that's in his demo trailer. it gets him in the right headspace for his champion duties. when he's alone, though? his headphones are playing exclusively sappy glitter-gel-pen love songs. he would rather die than let anyone know, he has an image to upkeep - wouldn't even put it past him to have a second spotify account, bc u know the girls will bug him to see his wrapped every year.

within the love song genre, his favourite songs are ones that remind him of you.

his listening history is an amalgamation of different musical styles, but what he really pays attention to is the lyrics; if there's a song that really captures the way he feels about you, or one where the singer describes their lover and they're similar to you, he can't help but put it on repeat. he also loves duets - just like with romance movies, he loves imagining its the two of you in that situation. when he's deep in crush territory, he'll even make a playlist of those songs (it's long - can't help that every other song reminds him of you).

when you're finally together, he's more open about his love of love songs. it may take a bit into your relationship, during some late-night conversation about your respective silly behaviours when you were pining over each other, for him to show you the playlist, titled with just your initial and a heart emoji. but even before that, if you happen to play any of the songs he secretly listens to, you might catch him singing along under his breath (lowkey this post every five seconds). you might chalk it up to him picking up the words of songs the girls listen to, but that's because you don't catch the way he looks at you with the lyrics on his lips.

there are other times where he'll slide up behind you in your kitchen, arms around your waist and head propped on your shoulder, the domesticity and the fact you're wearing his tshirt getting to him. he's not much of a singer, but he'll hum one of those songs in that moment (his voice has a lovely smooth n deep timbre, so his humming sounds Heavenly in your ear). he might get a little embarrassed if you recognise the song and start humming along with him, or god forbid singing, but he'll still sway the both of you along to the music. he's not much of a dancer either, but he can figure out a midnight slow dance in the kitchen for you.

bonus!! a few songs i think he'd listen to, tho kinda influenced by my own music taste (+ spotify links): kiss her you fool - kids that fly (he has it on loop when he's psyching himself up to ask you out) meteor shower - cavetown davy crochet - the backseat lovers (perhaps i'm biased on this one bc i crochet) stitch me up - set it off can't help falling in love - elvis presley cloud 9 - beach bunny ("even when we fade eventually to nothing / you will always be my favourite form of loving" really hits with his whole 'dying for love' thing) love grows (where my rosemary goes) - edison lighthouse paper rings - taylor swift jackie and wilson - hozier (there's a lot of hozier in his playlists, but he really likes the thought of a family with you, even if that's only a couple lines of the song) valentine - atlas sweet tooth - cavetown ("guess i must be satisfactory / you said you love me exactly the way i am" takes him Out i can just feel it) would you be so kind - dodie

[pandora-writes-one-piece]

The Meet-Cute - Zoro's Story - 1

Source for pic

Trouble 1

Word Count: 3819

Tags For The Whole Story: Fem!Reader; Protective!Zoro; Soft!Zoro; Sexual Tension; Teasing; Flirting; Mature Audiences (I'll always tag the NSFW chapters); Modern Day AU; Reader is being stalked; Fear; Paranoia; Angst; Rom-Com Vibes; Mild Gore-like Descriptions; Blood; Dead Animals Mentioned; Reader in a terror-like state; Fluff; Romance; Banter; Manipulation; Miscommunication; Frustration; Reader is very clumsy;

Special Warning: English is not my first language, I apologise for any possible spelling or grammar mistakes.

Special Warning 2: I advise reading the introductory chapters first, as they give a sense of the story, introduce characters and locations and, this chapter starts off immediately after the Sanji chapter. Your first interaction with Zoro is in those chapters! If you don't want to read the other characters, I recommend reading, at least, Zoro's Chapter since it's their first interaction!

Summary: After moving away from the hustle and bustle of Grand Line City to help your father around the property following a horse-riding accident - and in the hopes of healing your broken heart after your asshole ex-fiancé cheated - you settle into the country calmness of the Calm Belt. You and Zoro are slowly returning to your easy friendship filled with banter and flirting and you actually begin to glimpse a future with the green-haired cop. But then you start to receive weird gifts. They quickly escalate to manipulative texts. And now you're stuck in a spiral of terror and there's no way to get help because the Stalker, whoever he is, is threatening something other than just your life.

Notes: I'm posting this but with some dread weighing on my chest, I'm afraid... I hope (and I'm crossing all my fingers and begging Lady Luck to be on my side) that I'm able to post one chapter per week. But if I fail this goal, please forgive me in advance... I do have the whole story planned, I just (sadly) don't have much energy to write it. Alas, I am too curious to see what you guys think of my grumpy green-haired cop. I hope you enjoy, let me know all about it, will you?

Masterlist | |Chapter 2|

Party at Luffy's on Saturday. Just the usual suspects. Meet at six and bring snacks! 

You stare at the screen of your phone, your teeth chewing absentmindedly on your lower lip. A party does sound fun. ‘The usual suspects’ means your classmates and friends, some of whom you haven't seen in forever and actually miss. 

“Son of a three-legged chicken! Goddammit!” And then there's Shanks, hurting himself and cursing like an old man because he refuses to get surgery. 

Should you leave him alone?

“Dad? Are you in one piece?” You scream into the living room as you fill your coffee mug. 

“Yes, Bug. I'm fine! I just stubbed my toe on the couch, it wasn't my back this time.”

With a heavy sigh, you take a long gulp of your drink and close your eyes when you scald your tongue, your fist pounding the countertop to stop a string of your own curses from leaving your lips. 

“Bug?”

“I'm fine, Dad!” Opening the cabinet to take a cookie from the tin to soothe your ache, you realise it's empty and release another sigh. Your father always had a sweet tooth, but you could swear that the tin was full to the brim yesterday! 

Since you need to buy snacks for the party, you'll use the trip to fill up the cabinets and fridge. “I'm going to the store, Dad. What do you need?”

And as Shanks lists rows of unhealthy things you're not really going to buy for him, you reminisce about the old school days when you and your friends used to hang out after school. 

Nami, Robin, Luffy, Zoro, Kaya, and Usopp, the usual suspects, as Nami said. Those were the good old days. But now that you are all grown up, will hanging with them feel the same? Or will you feel left out? 

Shaking your head as you gather your keys and purse, you realise that you're overthinking things. You've already spent time with Robin and Nami, and everything still feels the same. Reconnecting with Kaya at the clinic also felt familiar and heartwarming. You still haven't met Luffy and Usopp since you got back, but you can't stop a silly smile from forming on your lips when you think about your encounter with Zoro. 

When you were both younger, there was a time when you had the biggest crush on him. It happened almost right before you left your hometown. You were starting to feel rebellious from all the fights your parents were having, and Zoro had the ultimate ‘bad boy’ look. 

But then you left. 

And you didn't even decide to peek behind that door. And now? Well… now you are just off men in general. So you're hoping your first encounter will be the prelude to rolling back into an easy friendship full of banter and good times. 

-*-

You haven't been to this particular grocery store since you were a teenager, and it has evolved! What was a simple, small store with essentials is now a full-blown supermarket, and you have no idea where anything is. 

As you stumble blindly through the maze-like corridors, you sigh in relief. There, at the top of the shelf, lies the only thing missing from your list, the only sweets you're willing to bring to your Dad, his favourite cream-filled chocolate cookies. 

Just out of reach. 

You look around, feeling a little lost. Maybe you should ask for help, or locate a stool or something you can use for height. But as soon as you start to walk towards the aisle, a gentle tap on the shoulder startles you, and you shriek. 

“I'm sorry! I didn't mean to frighten you. You look lost. Need help?”

A shaky smile curves your lips as you try to calm your racing heart. It's just a store clerk. His smile is cute, and clearly, he finds you cute too because he's smirking suggestively. 

“I just need the cookies on the top shelf. I can't reach them.” You smile politely, trying to show that you're not interested in flirting, but actually need his help. 

He walks with you until the end of the aisle and points at the box of cookies. “Those?” You nod with a smile, already anticipating leaving the store that gave you a small migraine. He lifts his arm, stops, lowers it again, and smiles at you. “Are they for you?”

Your brow quirks up, and your smile falters as you balance your heavy basket on the other arm. “No.”

“Oh.” He tilts his head, crosses his arms, and you frown. “A boyfriend, perhaps?”

“They're for my father.” You say, slightly annoyed, and point at the cookies again. “Can you please help me?”

Raising his arms, he nods. “Sure thing.” And then he lowers his arms again, pulling a sigh from deep within you with the gesture. “Say… what did you say your name was?”

“I didn't.” You have half a mind to turn away and leave the store without the cookies, except they are the only indulgence you are allowing Shanks amidst an entire basket filled with healthy food. So you force another smile through gritted teeth. “Can you please help me with the cookies?”

The tips of his fingers brush the box, and you raise your hand, but he lowers his arm again, making you grunt in frustration. “You're drop-dead gorgeous. How about I give you the cookies and you give me your number?”

Seriously? 

It's not even clever flirting, it's just downright aggravating. 

“I think I'll–”

“Is this what you wanted, babe?” A gravelly voice interrupts your tirade as an arm raises above your head, retrieving the box of cookies and waving it in front of your face. 

You feel your cheeks heating up, but you force a smile to appear so you can play along. Zoro's wicked grin lets you know he came to your rescue. 

“Yes, baby, it is. Thank you so much.” 

The look on the clerk’s face is a mix of displeasure and disbelief, but he doesn't move from his spot, so Zoro laces his hand around your waist and pulls you closer, raising his brow at the employee's direction. 

He finally gets it and wishes you both a good day before leaving you alone. After he turns the corner, Zoro loses his grip on your waist, and you don't read too much into the way you miss his touch. 

“Hey there, Troublemaker, making trouble?” He teases and you laugh. 

“Always.” Taking the box of cookies from his hand, you nod. “Thanks for the help, that was getting awkward! The cookies are for my dad.”

Zoro smirks and crosses his arms, a six-pack dangling from his index finger. “Mr. S. still likes those cookies?” A snort leaves his lips. “Guess some things never change.”

You're about to agree with a shake of your shoulders when you bump into the shelf, making it rattle. A squeak leaves your lips when Zoro pulls you away from the shelf just as a tin of biscuits rolls off and crashes on the floor, right where you were. 

“Careful!” He admonishes you as you hiss and thank him. After a stern look, his face returns to an easygoing smirk, and he shakes his head. “Some things never change.”

“Hey! I resent that.” But he's right. You're a hazard. And that's why he's been calling you Troublemaker since you were both teens. “Are you shopping for Saturday too, officer?” You call him an officer, but he must be off duty since he's wearing jeans and a tee. 

He nods with a chuckle. “Nami said to bring booze. Usopp, Robin and Luffy won't drink.” He raises the beers. “These are for Nami and I'll bring real alcohol for myself. I'll be off duty.” Then his smile falters. “I'm not sure if you drink or not. We've been away from each other for so long.”

Your eyes leave his for a moment as guilt washes over you. It's your fault you fell apart from your friends. You left, you chose to stay away during the holidays, you were the one who abandoned them.

“Not too much.” You sound small as a resigned sigh shakes your shoulders. “Just socially…”

The silence that drags afterwards begins to stretch into awkwardness, until Zoro snorts. “Well, if you decide to be social around Luffy, you won't drink much, but if you stick with me, Trouble, you'll drink a lot!” 

His teasing makes you grin as you balance on the tips of your toes so you can be at eye level with him. “We'll see about that, officer.”

A low chuckle leaves his lips, and you giggle with him. Then he reaches out and takes your heavy basket from your hands. “You done shopping?” 

“Yes, but I can carry my own groceries.” You say as you start to follow him down the aisle. And then you trip over your feet and smack his back with your nose. Zoro stops, turns his head, and raises his eyebrow in a very ‘you were saying’ manner, and you flush beet red. “Fine! You can carry the groceries.”

But as he takes another step, you grab his arm, squeal internally at how well-defined his bicep muscle is, and turn him the other way. “It's this way, though. Smartypants.”

Zoro grumbles and purses his lips but follows you wordlessly. You're still rubbing your sore nose when you give him a teasing smirk and playfully stick out your tongue. “I might attract trouble, but you still can't tell left from right to save your life.”

“Hey!”

“How did you pass the ‘How to Be a Cop’ exam?”

“That's not a thing.”

“I'm sure your captain has to stick a GPS collar around your neck, or they never know where you are…”

You can practically feel him fuming beside you as you walk up to the cash register, and you feel your chest bubbling with laughter. 

“Keep it up, Trouble, and the next thing you'll bump into won't be as soft as me.” He snickers as he helps you unload your basket onto the register. 

“Aww!” You take out your phone and place it in front of his face. “Say you're soft again so I can record it. I'm sure Nami will love to tease you about it.”

His smirk turns into a grumpy pout in a mere second. “I didn't say I'm soft. I'm just trying to keep you alive so you don't end up as paperwork on my desk. I've got enough to do as is.” You laugh so hard that the cashier stares at you both. 

“Sure, big guy. You'd probably get lost on your way to find a pen just to fill it out.”

Zoro's about to retort when the cashier clears his throat, clearly done with his job and waiting for you to stop flirting and pay. You blush and settle the bill, then wait while Zoro pays for his booze. 

Once again, he carries the bags for you and, this time, you don't even protest, knowing how futile it will be. 

“Thanks, but you don't have to walk me to the car. I'm a big girl, you know?”

Zoro grabs your arm before you bump into the door, which takes a beat longer to open, and you clear your throat as he hums. “Yes, you are.”

You focus really hard and manage to avoid stepping on a puddle and bumping into a cart just to prove that you can handle it, but Zoro's snicker is still in place when you both reach your car. 

“So what's a girl gotta do to get some good coffee around here?” You tease as you load the groceries into the trunk of your car and close it. Then you kind of want to smack your face against it. You didn't mean to sound so forward, you just wanted to spend some more time with Zoro. It all felt so… natural. 

He clears his throat and scratches the back of his neck. “Well, there's a good spot just around the corner. You can't miss it.”

“Oh, is it the best?”

“Nah…” He sighs and curls his lip in contempt. “Swirly Brows has the best coffee. But it's on the other side of town.” Zoro leans against the car, and you open the door. Either he's not getting your hints, or he just doesn't want to have coffee with you. 

“You mean Sanji?” He grunts in agreement and you sense some story there. “I've met him. He's really nice! And the coffee is to die for.” You smile and Zoro stiffens a bit. 

“Yeah, he's nice to all girls.” He leaves it at that, and you don't pry. The conversation stalls, and you linger, but he still doesn't say anything. 

Oh, well. Maybe you were the only one having fun, and he just felt like he was babysitting an accident-prone big baby. 

“I guess I'll–”

“Want to get coffee, then?” He interrupts while placing his hands in his pockets. 

“Oh.” You smile. “Thought you'd never ask.”

You close the door, lock the car, then pace a little faster to keep up with Zoro's long strides. 

“You sure we're heading the right way?” He groans as an answer, and you giggle. “It better be good coffee.”

“Like I said, it's good, not the best. But you can ask for the best on Saturday, the Cook will be there too.” His voice is clipped, like he thinks you might show some interest in Sanji, and you can't help but feel a little warmth in your chest. Is he jealous? 

But then his mention of the gathering churns your stomach for a whole other reason, and you become quiet all of a sudden. Zoro silently switches sides with you, making you walk on the inner side of the sidewalk as he takes the side closer to the road, and you sigh. 

“What's wrong?” Zoro's eyebrow quirks up and you realise he's splitting his attention between your surroundings and your expression. He's attentive to every car, every person, every sound, and motion. 

And he's doing it unwillingly. 

“I… I just… I'm nervous.” You finally admit with a resigned sound. 

“About what?” He grimaces. “The Cook?”

What? “No!” You let out an exasperated huff. “You guys stuck together all these years, and I left… I made no effort to connect with you, besides Nami and Robin, and you kept going with your lives. Now I just kind of fell back into your lives, and Nami is dragging me back into the group like I still belong.” You sigh without meeting his gaze and he places a hand on your arm to steer you away from a pothole you missed and would've tripped over if he hadn't seen it. “I feel like an outsider, that's all.”

“That’s the dumbest shit I’ve ever heard.”

“Excuse me?” You stop dead in your tracks just to stare at his smug face. “I’m baring my heart to you, and that’s all you have to say?”

Zoro crosses his arms and stares at you deadpan. He was never one to mince words or to soften them to deliver lighter blows, and you always cherished that about him. His brutal honesty. 

“You’ve been gone for a while, it’s true, and maybe some of us don’t quite understand why you didn’t feel the need to stay connected… to reach out… but that was your decision.” There’s a hint of hurt in his voice, and you feel shame shadowing your thoughts again. He’s talking about himself. Running a hand through his short green hair, he exhales a deep breath. “But you’re still part of the crew. You’ll never be an outsider. And if you think Luffy will let you feel left out, you’ve forgotten who you’re dealing with.”

A small smile curves your lips, and though you’re not fully convinced, you resume your slow walk. 

“I know… but still… it’s been so long, and–”

“Careful!” Zoro’s hand shoots up, and he stops you just as you were about to cross the road with a red sign. “Jesus Christ, you’re even worse than before. How the hell did you survive all these years? You should carry a neon sign with you since you’re a walking hazard.”

A flush burns your cheeks as you cross your arms and pout your lip. “I was going to stop!” You weren’t. “I didn’t need your help.” You did. “I can survive very well on my own!” Barely.

“Geez, Trouble…” He chuckles softly. “I might have to keep a permanent eye on you from now on. I was joking about you becoming paperwork on my desk, but it’s becoming frighteningly clear that it’s a very real possibility.”

The light turns green, and you both cross it, reaching the coffee shop where Zoro holds the door open for you. You choose a booth near the window and fidget with the napkin on the table before the waitress comes to take your orders. 

“Are you still thinking about not fitting in?” You grimace. “Stop that. Don’t be an idiot.”

“Geez, Zoro! You really know how to cheer a girl up.” You thank the waitress when she brings your coffee. Zoro shrugs and blows on his. 

“I’m not trying to cheer you up. I’m just stating the truth.” He points at your coffee. “It’s hot, don’t drink it yet.”

Every time he does something to keep you safe, your chest constricts, and your heart pounds harder. He’s not even doing it on purpose, so he must be this careful and protective with everyone. You shouldn’t be feeling special at all. 

Being distracted by your thoughts, you ignore his advice and take a sip, wincing immediately from burning your tongue.

“What did I tell you, Trouble? Will you ever listen to me?”

“Maybe if you stop being mean.” You mumble between your teeth, not believing your words because he’s not being mean. He’s just being Zoro. Straightforward, no-nonsense Zoro. Like he always was. 

Conversation flows easily between the two of you after that. There’s a long moment where you both reminisce about your childhood and the silly things you and your friends did as dumb teenagers. Then you ask Zoro about life as a cop and what the worst dangers he has to face in a small-time town like the one you live in are. After that, he asks you about life in the big city and what you studied, and the smile you had plastered on your face for the last hour suddenly falls as you’re reminded of your ex and how he broke your heart. 

“What’s wrong?” Then it must have dawned on him because he grimaces and adjusts his form in his seat. “Shit, I didn’t mean–”

“It’s okay. I don’t mind talking about it. It’s just…” You shake your head. “It was still a four-year relationship. Though anyone could see the end coming, I just didn’t expect to be cheated on.”

You sip the rest of your coffee while Zoro stares at you. “His loss.”

“What?”

“His loss. If he couldn’t see the wonderful person you are, he’s the one who came out of the deal losing.”

You try to read whatever is in Zoro’s eye, but you can’t. He just seems very serious, so you have to assume that he is being serious. 

“We started out pretty strong, in college. But then, when we graduated and he took over a lot of his family’s business - not all of it legal, for sure - he became distant and cold.” Zoro’s brow rises as he listens to what you have to say. “Everywhere we went, he brought bodyguards with him. It became frightening to go out, I was always expecting conflict to arise.”

You set the coffee mug aside and start to fidget with the napkin again. 

“There were nights when, even though we went out together, he had so much to do that I spent more time talking to his bodyguard than to him. It hurt a bit to separate because it wasn’t on amicable terms, but it wasn’t devastating.” 

You shrug, and the napkin flies out of your hands with the gesture. You mumble a curse and bend down to pick it up, not taking into account the corner of the table when you get up, so you bump your head into–...

Zoro’s hand?

“Ouch!” You still rub your head, but when you lift your body, you see Zoro’s outstretched arm with his hand wrapped tightly around the corner of the table, a look of disbelief in his eyes. “Uh… thanks?”

He shakes his head and removes his hand silently. “Trouble magnet… you’re a hazard.” He sighs and finishes his coffee. “I’m sorry for what happened. It sucks.” He opens his mouth as if he’s about to say something else, but then closes it.

“What were you going to say?”

“I’m being selfish. Forget it.”

“Zoro!” You press. He always says what’s on his mind, so why not now?

“I’m glad he cheated on you, there, I said it.” You blush and narrow your eyes at him, so he explains. “If he hadn’t, you might still be living in the city, and we wouldn’t be sharing memories over coffee right now.” He takes out some berries from his pocket to pay for the coffees and gets up. “Shall we?”

It’s clear he wants to end the conversation, so you nod and get up, both leaving the place in complete silence. It takes you another minute before you gather your voice. “I’m secretly glad too… even though it made me feel useless and unwanted for a while. I’m happy to be back.”

“You’re not useless.” He says as he pushes you aside before you bump into a street pole. “You’re trouble, that’s what you are.” He quips with a smirk, and you can’t help but chuckle back at him. 

The banter continues until you both reach your car, the sun starting to set on the horizon already. You open the car door but linger outside for another minute, Zoro’s company making you feel warm and happy.

Though you can’t shake a weird feeling, a prickling in your neck and  a slight shiver down your spine, since you left the coffee house. 

“See you around, Trouble.”

“Bye, Zoro. Thank you for the wonderful afternoon.” You get inside and close the door, leaving the window rolled down so you can wave at Zoro. He taps the hood of the car twice before shoving his hands into his jeans pockets.

“Drive safely, please.” He says with exasperation. 

“I don’t make promises I’m not sure I can keep.”

He groans, and you chuckle. 

“Bye, Zoro!”

“Bye, Troublemaker.”

And as you check the rearview mirror for the dwindling figure of Zoro, you can't stop warmth from spreading in your chest. Today felt light and easy. And you have a certain green-haired friend to thank for that.

Tag list: @rosidaze @beachaddict48 @armiliadawn @jintaka-hane @sprinkklz @baby5555 @hopelesslover06 @mars-mizuko @sleepykittycx @nerium-lil @eustasscapitankid @ren-ni @jqperi @lycoriskalmia @daydreamer-in-training @iloveyoushanks

|Chapter 2|

[lehguru]

BE MINE + ONE PIECE MEN

request: them asking the reader to be their partner + luffy, zoro, sanji & law

info: gn!reader, i forgor how i characterize them so bear with me, also this is me trying to crawl back to one piece so im sorry if its rlly bad; not proofread!!! (i should start asking ppl to beta read those istg)

monkey d.luffy didn't really straight up asked you to be his partner. luffy being luffy, he walked up to you one day and said that you were his partner. you, having feelings for the captain for a really long time now, chuckled nervously, asking "what do you mean?". as he explained that nami told him that if he liked you, then he should ask you out, you could hear the red head sighing from somewhere—you knew at least half of the crew was watching you two right now. you laughed softly at the proud smile he wore and nodded, agreeing to be his.

roronoa zoro was almost the same as luffy, but at least he had the decency to actually ask you about it. during a beautiful day, you were on one side of the little garden that was built in the thousand sunny's deck, helping robin to water the plants. out of nowhere, a shadow was cast upon your crouching form; looking up, you noticed the green haired swordsman and smiled at him, getting up. "yes, zor—"

cutting you off, he asked in the same stoic tone he almost always had: "do you want to be my partner?". your eyes went wide and you let out a small exclamation of surprise. taking that as a denial, he turned back and started to walk away, but you managed to yell out his name. "yes! i will be your partner." the man huffed and nodded, but you could see a slight blush dusting his cheekbones.

when the subject is romance and love, you always expect sanji to be a master at it. out of everyone, he should be the one knowing how to ask someone to be his significant other, but he has never felt this... strongly about someone like he feels about you. when he approaches you to ask that, he's holding a little box with your favorite dessert, his long slender fingers shaking a little as words seemed to catch on his throat for the first time in front of someone he loves. he took a deep breath, a bead of sweat dripping down the back of his neck, you touching his arm and asking 'is everything okay, sanji?' with your sweet voice sent him over the edge. "do you want to date me?", his words were clear for him, but for you, he simply spat all of them out at the same time. you told him to breathe and say it again, and he did, his eyes looking at the floor with the shame of the rejection that would surely come his way. your head almost bumped on his as you jumped on his arms, screaming a yes and giggling loudly. he hugged you and spun you around, giggles of his own leaving his pink lips.

trafalgar d.water law didn't want to acknowledge his feelings for you. you were one of his closest friends, one of the few people he trusted the most—you knew things about him that he never told another soul; so he was afraid of losing you. terrified even. he had lost enough people that he loved during his life and he couldn't bear to lose another one. but... his other friends knew a little too much about his "silly" feelings.

"c'mon man, go ask them out." law saw himself being cornered by penguin, sachi and bepo one day, all of them with playful expressions. "the worst you can get is a punch."

he tried to ignore them, ignore how his cheeks seemed to be heating up, but they were being so obnoxious and annoying, he couldn't handle them anymore. with a burst of rage, he yelled at them, "can you shut up? i don't like them and they don't like me, either!"

"like who?" your voice made his heart leave his body and he felt like stabbing the three men—and bear—that were running away now. "no one." law replied, scoffing to himself for the slip up. "torao! tell me! come on!" now you were the one bugging him and he rubbed his face with his hand. you poked his cheek, giving him a little pout. "law, please!"

"it's you." he snapped, making you freeze. "it's you, dumbass." surprising the man, you started to giggle, making him go from annoyed to even more embarassed. "what?" you kissed his lips softly and started to walk away, saying that you accepted to be his partner.

2024 © content belongs to lehguru, but the characters used in them belong to their respective creators!!

[superfreakfranky]

Franky discovering the types of books you like to read 🥵

Cw: 🔞, afab, thigh riding, hair pulling, dirty talk, oral (you receiving), fingering, wall sex, unprotected sex (wrap it, kids), creampie, smut for smut's sake.

I apologize for this. I wanted to be normal about him, I really did...

Another 3am wakeup.

Another warm night on Sunny.

Another morning you find yourself awake before the others, sneaking down into the kitchen to make yourself some tea and enjoy the silence as you read a book.

Only this morning, the door swings open as you're pouring.

You startle, hand coming to your chest.

It's Franky, looking dashing in the low light.

You hush a hello as he approaches.

"Jeez, you're up early. Or...stayed up late?"

You smile softly. "Been having a hard time sleeping."

"Oh, yeah?"

"I wanted some bubble tea. Would you like some?"

You offer him the cup, grab him a straw. It'd been a special request you made for Sanji to pick up at the last port.

"Oh, Hell yeah!"

You laugh, make yourself a cup as Franky plops down at the table.

"Don't tell Sanji I'm in here."

"Especially when you're barely wearing anything," Franky comments, mid-sip.

You glance down at your shorts and oversized t-shirt.

"They aren't panties," you defend, "I'm clothed."

"Sure, sure. But we shouldn't talk too loud. Cook's probably got this place bugged for these exact moments."

Your jaw drops. "Oh? And he'd be able to pull that one off himself, yeah? No help from someone like you, right?"

He laughs.

"Got me."

There's a moment of comfortable silence between the two of you.

You take a sip of the drink, chewing the tapioca balls with a pleased hum.

It makes early wake ups like this worth it.

Your eyes take in the kitchen. You adore this space, had always dreamt of a kitchen this glorious back home.

When your gaze sweeps over Franky, your heart skips.

He's. Reading. Your. Book.

"Hey!" You round the counter, frantic to get it back.

"So this is the kind of filth you like to read."

"Give it back!" You approach him, reaching for the book, only he holds it above his head, far out of your reach.

You stretch more, trying to ignore how close you are to him, how you're between his knees at this point.

"Franky, please!"

"Please, what?"

You're now aware of the gruffness in his voice, your attention no longer on the book in his hand, but on the way he's observing you, how his chest is pressed against yours.

"This what you're into? That 'push-me-against-the-wall-and-kiss-me' kinda thing?"

He lowers the book now that he's got your attention, gauges your reaction before continuing, "the 'ride-my-thigh-and-get-me-super-worked-up' kinda thing?" He tucks your hair behind your ear. "This okay? Can I touch you?"

"Yes," your voice is hushed. It feels like it's just you two on the ship.

He drops the book down on the table. The thud startles you. You lean into his touch when he grips your hips.

"You're sure these aren't panties?" he teases, lifting the hem of your shirt.

You tap his shoulder in jest.

"Ooh, don't start that. I might like it."

You hold his gaze, his fingers caressing your hips over your tiny shorts.

"You sure you're not an avid romance reader?" You challenge.

"Would you blame me if I said I skim 'em and use 'em like instruction manuals?"

"You're all talk."

He grins. "A challenge, then."

You raise a brow, say nothing.

In seconds, he's got one hand grabbing your ass, the other behind your head, pulling your mouth toward his.

The kiss isn't rushed, but you feel the urgency. Chills cover your body, even though the room is warm.

He guides you down onto his left thigh, tensing his muscles there as he maneuvers you, and grinds his thigh upward to stimulate your clit.

You gasp out, greedy for the sensation.

His fingers grip your hair, yanking lightly to expose your neck. He peppers kisses there, nips gently - all playful - while he's guiding your hips still.

You feel him hardening as you ride his thigh. All wandering hands, he seems pleased just by being touched.

You can't get enough of him. It felt like a loss when his lips left yours, and you're eager to meet him with the same need he showed you.

Gripping his hair, you dip your head down to unlatch his lips from your neck, meet him with a greedy open-mouthed kiss.

You're pawing at him, wanting to feel him in your hand; how big he is.

"Oh, fuck..." he moans when you reach between you two.

Each grind, you pump your hand around him, feel him tensing beneath you.

"That's it-" he pulls away and in seconds, your back is against the table.

You feel his lips on your thighs as his large fingers pull your shorts and panties down.

"Mmm...so fucking pretty," he plants open-mouthed kisses. "May I?"

"Yes. Hell...Please, Franky."

He chuckles darkly against your skin.

His large fingers at your clit, mouth lapping at you, you let out a gasp and cover your mouth.

"Oh, no..." he shakes his head. "I wanna hear you." His tongue swirls around your clit then he tenses it and licks up and down harshly.

You grab his hair, back arching off the table.

It's so good, but you want more.

His hand cups you while he kisses up your body.

His middle finger plays with your opening and you almost worry his hands are too big.

As if reading your reaction, he urges you to suck on his finger, prep it.

His gaze is intense as he watches you suck his finger; erection twitching in his briefs. When your tongue swirls around his fingertip, he groans lowly.

And then he's slipping it out of your mouth before slowly easing it between your legs.

He acts gently, is aware of your reaction, and moans when you take it like a champ.

Shortly after he curls his finger inside you, his thumb presses to your clit as he rubs and the stimulation sends you into overdrive.

Gripping his shoulders, digging your nails in, you cry out for him as you come.

He pumps a few more times, chuckles when you pull him in for another kiss.

The urgency slows for you as you wrap yourself around him, kissing him deeply.

Wordlessly, he picks you up. You're pressed against a wall in moments.

Your breath leaves you from the impact.

He steps out of his briefs then guides himself between your legs.

A few tantalizing seconds and he's filled you, leaning his head against your shoulder as he presses his hand to the wall, other hand holding you up with ease.

The pace he sets is devilishly slow, enjoying every sensation.

Too overwhelmed to speak, you selfishly capture his lips again; the kisses heated and needy.

You're clinging to him. It's been so long since you've been touched. Longer still since you'd been fucked like this.

And he meets you with the same desire, as if needing you wholly as well.

"In your books, I'll bet this is the part where the character says some sexy stuff, huh?"

You laugh out loud.

"Give it your best shot."

He's silent a moment then shakes his head, nuzzling into your neck.

"No thoughts, head empty," he laughs. "Only thing that comes to mind is: it'd be damn irresponsible to not do this again."

"Agreed."

He's captured your hands above your head now so you can't touch him and his thrusts have gotten more intense.

The lack of touch makes you groan, but he makes up for it with more greedy kisses. You can't help but grind into him harder. You feel a bruise forming from your position against the wall.

"Gonna need you to come soon, honey," he hums against your mouth.

The urgency pushes you on and before you know it, you're gasping through another orgasm.

"Mmm...wanna touch you. Please, Franky."

He lets your hands go, leans into your touch when you pull at his hair.

"You feel so damn good," he compliments. "I'm close, damn it. Where do you want it?"

When you say, "in me," he's almost in tears.

"Yes, ma'am," he growls, nipping at your neck before his thrusts become slow and deep.

His breathing is heavy as he cums. Watching this large cyborg fall to pieces makes you feel something. It's almost powerful to be the one to shatter him.

You can't stop touching him. Not after he's slipped out of you, not as he sets you on the floor, not while you get dressed, and certainly not while you finish your bubble tea. You're enamored- playing with his fingers or touching his arms. He seems pleased.

"Same time tomorrow?" He teases.

As you wash the dishes, he comes up behind you, wraps his arms around you, and kisses at your neck.

You realize you never want to leave.

"I'm going to bathe before the others get up." You manage quietly, as if in secret. "Bring my book. Let's reenact a scene."

"You're after my heart."

[sanguinesky-if]

[Announcement + Sneak Peeks] Chapter 3 Pt. 1 Release Date Postponed

Hello! I know I was supposed to publish a post with sneak peeks a week before the release, but I've decided to postpone the update to September 7.

Although I'm upset that I have to break my original deadline, I believe it's the right decision because it will allow me to:

Spend more time fixing bugs that I keep discovering.

Add content that wasn't originally planned but feels necessary to add after reviewing what was written.

I apologize for the inconvenience, but I don't want to rush and risk my errors ruining the reader's experience.

Now, let's get to the promised sneak peeks.

Next sneak peek: I decided to include an after-choice moment to demonstrate that even if you don't select the flirt options, most of the ROs will still express their interest in the MC. [This means that the romance system overview have some inaccuracies about this, but I'll make another post explaining the technical aspects of the update and how it works.]

There are a couple more not 'nice' options that could lead to interesting moments in the future.

That’s all for now. I apologize if this news is disappointing, but I believe this decision is necessary.

Given how anxious I felt about the mistake I made in K's Side Story, I want to avoid repeating that experience.

Thank you for your messages, interest, and support! The next post will be the update announcement, and after that, I’ll start answering the asks that have been sent to me.

Have a great week! ♥

[rahuratna]

Synopsis: [MH Wilds Erik x GN Hunter/Reader]

Erik ropes you into assisting him with his research, but there's more to this little project than meets the eye ...

Genres: Romance, fluff, humour.

Dividers by: @strangergraphics

The hefty tome slammed down on the surface of the table in front of you, raising a small cloud of dust. Waving it away with one hand, you glanced up at the eager face of Erik, dedicated handler of the Astrum Unit, and offered a nervous smile.

He was wearing that look. A reason to be wary indeed.

"Erik?"

"Listen."

He stepped over the bench you were seated on, straddling it as he flipped through the book. Pale hair fell forward across his brow and he brushed it back impatiently.

"I've been thinking. We've got this handy guidebook that you hunters compile with the research commission, right?"

"Yes?"

"But we can hardly call this a complete guide when it's so lacking."

You shuffled around to face him.

"Lacking in what way?"

"Arthropods. The insect life, specifically. Think about how many hunters may be carted away in the field because they didn't think to collect bitterbug broth, or snatch up a handy vigormantle bug?"

"And what's your solution?"

He waved a hand, cutting decisively through the air.

"We make our own guide."

"We?"

He leaned forward, peering wide-eyed into your face. Long lashes grazed his cheeks, his expression expectant. 

"Of course. Who else would I ask?"

You cleared your throat and nodded.

"Me. Naturally. So ... what kind of information are you after?"

"The kind that lurks close to the earth, or on the trunks of trees. Whenever you see a new form of insect life on your hunts, I'll trouble you to make a small sketch of the creature, along with noting some of its properties. Not that I expect you to gather all of this at once."

He raised his hands in cheerful surrender.

"Only where you're able to. And make sure to note down the location of where you found it."

You raised an eyebrow.

"Is that a good idea?"

"What do you mean?"

"Providing you with the location of ... anything."

Across from you, Alma buried her nose in her own notebook, mouth twitching suspiciously.

Erik seemed confused for a moment before realisation struck home.

"Oh ... oh. You think I'll go running off to find them, with no protection or preparation of any kind?"

He slapped at your shoulder, laughing, and you narrowed your eyes. You tapped a finger on the table.

"At least you're self-aware."

"Oh, come on. Right ... here."

He took your hand between both of his, grasp always surprisingly strong.

"I promise I will not get myself in unnecessary trouble."

"Define 'unnecessary'."

"You don't trust me at all?"

"In the pursuit of arthropods? No. No, Erik, I don't."

And so began the great insect compendium, the fruit borne of both your labour, and Erik's. Through the months that followed, you did your best to follow through on your promise to him, taking time out of each hunt to carefully jot down the insect life you found. 

Granted, you had never been the kind to appreciate such things before. Bugs, as useful as they were, were all too often shunted to the side in a hunter's mind to make way for faster and more effective means to use the environment.

They were useful, no doubt about it, but they were certainly one of the myriad things you took for granted on your many forays into the wilderness in search of much larger (and more dangerous) game.

You started to find ways to make your insect studies more interesting.

Along with the notes, diagrams (and suspicious stains that came with the territory of hunting), your weekly reports to Erik contained little doodles of your palico and amusing anecdotes of how you'd found particular species. They also contained some of your terrible puns, the ones that made Alma look at you with long-suffering pity and Gemma offer to place your head on her anvil to 'knock some proper humour into you.'

You never knew whether he actually read them. The moment you showed up with the report, he'd snatch it from your hands with a hurried 'thanks' and scuttle off to his den to pore over them. The little footnotes to your many-legged adventures may have to remain in your own memory for posterity.

At least your palico laughed at your jokes. Most of the time.

A sad state of affairs, but you'd survived worse.

It was some time before you saw any actual progress on the insect compilation. Erik impressed on you the importance of proper research and hypothesis testing, of statistical analysis and prediction of potential pathways, of peer-reviewed critique on his scientific writings by learned scholars of the research commission, before anything could be ratified as fact.

Sounded like a great deal of work, but you understood the necessity of it.

One wrong point of information, and a hunter could very well find themselves the prey, under certain circumstances. If this work was to be a hunter's resource, it had to be a reliable one.

So it was with a certain degree of anticipation that you entered Erik's research base one afternoon, having been called over by a message through your palico.

Was there finally some kind of solid outcome?

Erik was standing at the table, hands placed flat on its surface, back hunched, eyes trained on the bound collection of pages before him. He glanced up briefly before his face broke into a sunny smile of genuine pleasure.

"Ah, there you are. Come and have a look. We're finally making some headway."

Approaching the table, you saw that the bound pages were covered in his sloping hand-writing, with diagrams obviously fashioned directly from those you'd drawn, smudges of colour added here and there.

"Is it finally ready?"

"I do think so, yes! Of course, a scholar's work is never truly done. We keep etching away at the frontier,  discovering new ideas that may put our previous ones to shame."

He spread his arms wide, as if to encompass the room, your joint research on the table, you.

"But this is a start. And a great one too! Just look at all the data we've managed to compile."

You glanced at the thick sheaf of paper and gave a rueful smile. Now that the majority of the work was in, you doubted that Erik would have much further use for your time or services. You supposed you should be thankful, but you had to admit, on some level, that you liked being useful to him.

You'd long since given up scant hope that Erik would take notice of your charms. You were just so ... different.

He was compelling to you, yes. With the soft fall of his hair, the gleam in his eye when new knowledge was to be gained, the deft fingers with which he pried open the secrets of the world and the rare occasions when he displayed the part of himself that showed exactly why he had been chosen for Astrum unit, the gall, determination and sterling professionalism, it was no wonder that he'd anchored himself so firmly in your admiration.

And you, well, you were a hunter.

In spite of your many accolades, you'd never considered yourself above average when it came to personal charms. You gave yourself to your work, and it defined who you were.

Signing, you placed an elbow on the table, chin cupped in one palm.

"I suppose you never included all of those funny stories I put so much time into."

Erik's reaction was not one you were expecting. His demeanour was suddenly evasive, eyes darting to the old steel cabinet that stood in a corner.

"Ah, well. Hm. Those were entertaining, of course! But in research terms they - "

You mouth curved down at the edges, rather exaggeratedly.

"Ah. And after all that effort."

There was something definitely off about him.

"Erik, what's in that cabinet?"

"Which cabinet?"

"The one you're eyeing like a Gypceros with a shiny trinket."

"What? Nothing at all. Just an experiment I'm running. Needs to be kept closed."

You raised an eyebrow.

"Is there something you - "

"No."

He waved your concerns aside, already bustling about the table where his research notes lay scattered like chaff. He glanced over his shoulder, seeing that you were still unconvinced.

"Oh? You really want to see my Congalala dung anaerobic fermentation experiment? I could open it up for you, but the smell - "

You raised your hands in swift surrender.

"No need. Only the fresh stuff gets a ride in my slinger."

He nodded, looking rather relieved.

"Oh, good. Because it's anaerobic, you know. If I did have to open it up, the whole thing would be ruined and - "

At that moment, Olivia strode into the tent, brisk and confident as always. She gave you a cordial nod of greeting before making her way to the steel cabinet, past Erik, who was suddenly looking a trifle panicked.

"Oh! Olivia, wait, you can't just - "

She shot him a slightly puzzled look.

"I'm just getting my cup. Athos is brewing us some coffee."

"Not now! Just hold on, you - "

Supremely unconcerned, she stared right at him while casually slinging open the door of the cupboard.

"No, I can't wait. My coffee's getting cold."

The door knocked against a nearby shelf, swinging slightly on its hinges. On the inside you could see, pasted in painstakingly careful chronological order, every single humorous note you'd left for Erik since the start of the compilation, complete with palico doodles and scratched out puns.

Squinting, you could even make out the discarded ration wrapper on which you'd once sketched a stick figure illustration of Werner forgetting your name again.

Following the line of Erik's mortified gaze, Olivia raised an eyebrow and grabbed her cup before turning to you, jerking her thumb at the evidence.

"You should probably get him more insect stories. I swear, the way he hordes these things, you'd think they were actually funny."

Having delivered this crushing judgment, she strode back out of the tent, humming slightly.

Her departure left a highly awkward silence in its wake.

You fiddled with the scabbard of your dagger.

"So ... "

"It's not - "

" ..., you really think I'm ... "

" ...at all what it looks like, I - "

" ... funny?"

You both spoke at the same time, but he heard you clearly, coming to an abrupt stop. A faint flush chased over the bridge of his nose. He brushed his hair back and straightened his posture a little.

"Uh ... yes. Yes, I think you're funny."

"Even though nobody else does?"

"Um, well, humour is sort of ... subjective, isn't it?"

"And mine is ... to your taste?"

He scratched his cheek.

"You could say that, yes."

A grin spread across your face and his mouth twitched in response, curving into an irrepressible response.

"Shall we test that hypothesis further, do you think?"

He tapped at the thick stack of papers before taking a bracing breath and meeting your gaze.

"If you're willing, hunter, then I guess ... that science demands more answers."

Tagging a few who might be interested, based on previous notes: @mrs-potatocat @maxdotmp4

[oscquinn]

okay okay, hear me out. marriage of convenience trope between carmy and uncle jimmy's daughter

hi dev bee !! thank u for the req my love <3 warnings; angst then comfort, hint of mean carm, then soft carm. very very very soft and fuzzy carm.

marriage of convenience from this trope list. part of my 1,500 follower celebration!

carmen needed unwavering financial support from your father, and you needed your family off your back about marriage. so, the two of you found yourself at the courthouse about a year ago. carmen was sweet, at the very least. he'd sent you with sugar and his credit card to thrift a vintage wedding dress, something you'd always wanted to do. he wore slacks and a navy button up with a white tie, his unruly curls hastily slicked back, one falling down in a spiral by his brow.

you kept your heart guarded to the best of your ability. sometimes it was difficult, when carmen would cook your favorite meals and maintain a level of attention to your needs that had never been met by another partner. all of that, without the romance or intimacy of your previous relationships either. it was honestly the most frustrating thing you've ever dealt with.

one night while the two of you maneuver around your one small bedroom getting ready to sleep, you mention to carmen how your parents have moved past bugging you about marriage and turned to questions about when you'd be having children. your husband frowned, wringing his hands in annoyance. "you knew that would happen when we started this," he snaps. "restaurant's in a good place, i'm paying cicero back, y-you can tell 'im we're separating."

oh. his words bite at you, a few tears welling in your eyes. "yeah, okay." you move to grab your pillow from the bed and keep your face hidden from him, not interested talking things out. you were scared if you spoke you'd say something you regretted. "i'll sleep on the couch."

carmen shakes his head, "hey, don't be like that. this has never-" he gestures between the two of you, a lost expression on his face. "don' look at me like a kicked fuckin' puppy. i'll take the couch."

that night as you lay in the king size bed your father had bought, you realize for the first time how much you'd grown to enjoy spending your nights with carmen. his warmth beside you tends to quell the loneliness in your chest and despite the lack of romantic connection, there's something between the two of you. when your eyes flutter closed you see the indescribable emotion on his face. when your restless body tosses and turns you imagine his warmth beside you.

around 3am you cave, seeking out your husband in the living room. his shoulder is warm as you rest your hand there and shake it gently. "carmen. carmen, wake up," you whisper.

he startles, bleary blue eyes peering up at you. "mmhf, hey," he grumbles.

"come to bed, don't sleep out here."

a puzzled expression crosses his features, "'s'alright, m' s'comfortable." his voice is soft and tired, and your heart swells.

you kneel down beside the couch, fingers gently brushing curls back from his forehead as you gather the courage to speak the words on the tip of your tongue. "carmen, i want you to come back to bed. i want my husband to sleep in our bedroom." you stop there, trying to convey the things left unspoken with the gentle touch of your hand.

and of course, carmen understands without a single word. he catches your hand, eyes locked on yours as he brushes a kiss to your open palm. "we can talk in the morning," he says, lips lifting into a gentle smile. his hand stays in yours as you return to the bedroom, one arm wrapping around your waist and pulling you close once the two of you are settled.

the last thing you hear before drifting off is his voice mumbling, "i think we can make this work."

[archangeldyke-all]

Hi Angelllllll !!! Remember when you answered that one ask about divorced reader and Sev? I kinda wanna see Sev busting her ass to get her family back together 🫡

EEEEEK okay this is adorbs

men and minors dni

"ma..." little fucker begins one evening as you read her a bedtime story. you close the book of fairy tales and turn on your side to face your girl.

"yeah, baby?"

"mommy says she wants to marry you." your daughter whispers. "she told me."

you chuckle and shake your head. "oh, did she?" you ask.

your daughter's eyes grow wide as she nods and spills her mom's secrets to you. "she says i can be the flower girl. she'll buy me a pretty dress." she says. "an' she says we'll go on family vacation after! to the beach!"

you snort and roll your eyes.

it's been a year since you and sevika have started going to couples counseling and it's been going really well. it hasn't been easy, but it's been so worth it.

sevika's been trying her best to communicate how she's feeling. she struggles with it; and you try your best not to laugh each time you watch your wi-- your girlfriend's face scrunch up in emotional constipation before she admits something romantic or sad or stupid.

you've been trying not to pull back out of anxiety. it's hard. you come home from an amazing day with little fucker and her mommy, and suddenly, you're consumed with fear that this go around end just like it ended last time.

but... you've been getting better at trusting sevika. and she's been getting better at being honest. and... you've been looking to move to a new house, all three of you, at the end of the year when your leases end. and she's been teasing you about marriage the entire fucking year.

"you're mommy's full of s-h-i-t." you say. your daughter giggles mischievously at your spelled curse word.

"whaddya mean?"

"i mean she's gonna have to wait a while if she wants me to marry her again."

"but why?" your daughter pouts. you giggle-- your baby's just discovered the concept of romance, and lately, she's been enchanted with it. (you suspect her mommy might have something to do with it.) "weddings are so romantic!" she coos. "and we can wear matching dresses!" she squeals.

"you don't even like it when me and your mommy smooch in front of you!" you laugh. your daughter huffs.

"it's gross when you guys get slobbery!" she sticks her tongue out. "but... a kiss like this--" she darts forward and pecks your cheek, "you can do that at your wedding!"

you cackle, and kiss your daughter right back. "you go to sleep, little miss. stop worrying about me and your mommy. y'know when we move into the new house you're gonna be sick of the two of us." you say as you tickle her tummy. your daughter squeals and starts smacking you with one of her stuffies. "you're gonna get twice as many tickles." you threaten.

little fucker squeals, then starts kicking. you laugh as you pull away, smiling down at your giggling baby. "but i'll also get twice as many kisses!" she says.

your heart melts, and you lean back down to hug your baby. "yeah, you will." you kiss her head, your heart surging with excitement.

as much as you wanna give sevika a hard time-- as funny as she is when she's grovelling-- you're happier than you've ever been right now.

little fucker has been adoring having both of her moms paying attention to her at the same time on all the family adventures and outings you've been going on.

last night, sevika took you and your girl to the local carnival. she and little fucker had a blast going on all the rides-- sevika was determined to win her daughter teddy bear (the same one she's cuddling now) at the ring toss stand, and then she was determined to turn you on at the strength tester, where she hit the meter so hard she nearly broke the bell at the top.

you've never been happier in your life.

to you, nothing feels more perfect than walking hand in hand with your wi-- girlfriend-- as your daughter trails ahead of you, gasping at bugs and rocks she finds.

and, if your daughter was a little older and could keep a secret, you'd tell her the truth. you'd tell her that the real reason you've laughed off all of sevika's (and little fucker's) attempts to talk about marriage to you is that sevika got to propose last time. it's only fair that if the two of you get married again; you get to be the one to propose this time.

you want to wait until you're all moved in together and settled... but you've had a ring picked out for sev since your third couples' therapy appointment.

for now though, you just tuck your baby in, gently close her door, then turn to your bedroom, sending a message to your wi-- girlfriend.

little fucker says u wanna marry me

cat's outta the bag...

she says u invited her on our honeymoon :/

you'd be heartbroken if we left her for a week.

you giggle and flop on your bed, ignoring the urge to kick your feet in the air behind you as you text her back.

how are we ever gonna fuck again if the kid's always there?

same way we fucked last night ;)

good point... speaking of...

i'm parked in the driveway.

what!?

i figured this text was coming.

well get your ass inside!!!

🏃🏾‍♀🏃🏾‍♀🏃🏾‍♀

you bury your face in your hands to muffle your giddy laugh, and outside; sevika's car door slams, and her heavy boots come running up the driveway.

taglist!

@fyeahnix @lavendersgirl @half-of-a-gay @thesevi0lentdelights @sexysapphicshopowner

@shimtarofstupidity @chuucanchuucan @badbye666 @femme-historian @lia-winther

@ellsss @sevikaspillowprincess @emiliabby @sevikasbeloved @hellorai

@glass-apothecary @macaroni676 @artinvain @realgreeniebeanie @k3n-dyll

@sevsdollette @ellieslob @xayn-xd @keikuahh @maneskinwh0re

@raphaellearp @iamastar @sevikitty @claude999

[fakescenariosbeforesleepblog]

By fire and heart Pt 7.

Daemma Targaryen. Second daughter of King Viserys and queen Aemma, you're the living portrait of your mother with the character of a true dragon, as a second daughter you don't have right to the throne but certainly, you will protect your sister's succession by heart.

Warning ⚠️: Credits of this images goes to whoever they belong to, most of them belong to the TikTok user ccarmyy! Grammatical and spelling errors, maybe this won't be good enough but In my head the story was a good one, it's a long chapter.

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters nor do I claim to own them. I do not own any of the images used nor do I claim to own them.

Pt 8 is here

It wasn't easy to be in the north, it took you time to make the northern people trust you, but you were persistent, you show that side of yourself that not many people are allowed to see.

You still remember those days involving yourself with the work around those lands, visiting every house in the north to learn about all of them, meeting every lord, by the end you arrived and stayed with the Stark's.

Lord Stark fell quickly for you, not only for your natural beauty and intelligence but also your bravery, your combat skills and your kindness. The rumors about a romance between you and him ran quickly around the kingdom, none of you neglected them, because in fact it wasn't a lie, you and him were more than friends, you proposed to him a future marriage alliance with the only condition to keep the promise of supporting your sister which he joyfully accepted.

The memory lives for free in your mind, you remember every detail of it.

The library was warm, empty, only you and him, sitting in front of the smokestack, he was holding your hand in his when you talked.

«My Lord, I think it's very clear that the north has become my home... I wish to stay, and for that I propose you a marriage alliance»

«Go on, tell me, princess. Between who this marriage would be?»

He was smiling brightly and playfully to you, you returned that smile while rolling your eyes.

«Don't play with me, Lord Stark, you know I talk about me and you»

He left a quick peck on your lips.

«You honoured me, my princess. I will gladly accept your hand and your conditions, but I only have one condition...»

«Tell me, Lord Stark, I'm all ears.»

«I love the free spirit of my warrior princess, having said that, my only condition, is to get married at the time my princess decides.»

Those words sent shivers, you felt your cheeks turning red, he always has been a gentleman, you would renounce your freedom in a good way if it's him who will be your future husband.

Since then, You won the loyalty and heart of the north and with that you knew you would have it at your side whenever you needed.

Your dragon, whitefyre, seems to be pleased being in the north which is almost impossible since Dragons are looking for warmer places, you started to think maybe your destiny was there, perhaps that's the reason why your dragon looks like a snowflake, white scales that shine like diamonds and can easily get lost in the clouds.

In your dreams, you saw yourself flying over the north, those lands bathed in Snow, you saw yourself running through the forest escaping from the flames of your own house, sometimes you saw yourself with a crown over your head but some others you saw yourself burning alive. Of course you never talk about what you see in your dreams because that's all they are, just dreams, but lately you've seen them becoming real, a living proof of it, your dark haired nephews, the fire and the death of some people around you, so it's a constant bug in your brain, you wonder which part of your dreams will be true, you try to have as many interpretations as possible.

You heard the news about the sea snake, badly hurt, the fever attacking him and with that, his brother Vaemond ready to feed himself with the bones of his poor brother, he always wanted to control his house.

Your aunt, Rhaenys put him in his place informing him about Corlys leaving the succession to his grandson Lucerys Velaryon. Clearly it makes Vaemond drawn in his own rage.

You haven't seen your home in a while, you don't receive letters from no one, you sometimes feel like they forgot about you and you prefer it that way, you feel free, unfortunately your happiness can't last forever.

«Dear sister, I hope deeply and sincerely that your stay in the north has been pleasing. I would wish to have more time to write about how much I've been missing you, but we will have plenty of time for that later. The succession of my son Lucerys as the next Lord of Drift mark has been put in doubt, by extension I fear Jace and mine too. I'll need you at home, Rhaenys had to fly to Kingslanding, let's hope it is not to support Vaemond's claim. We will need people to support and defeat your nephew's claim.»

You didn't waste time, you left the north the same day your sister's letter arrived, before leaving you informed Lord Stark that you will announce to the king about your engagement.

The skies of Kingslanding are empty, there's no cloud at the sight, and the warmth of the weather hits you, you land at the dragon pit, the trip to the castle is short, your guard was already waiting for you at the principal door, his face shows how angry he is.

- What is it, Sir? Is there a problem?

- I apologize, my princess, but there's no one who could attend your arrival.

You laugh, clearly no one would be there waiting for you, you take it as a sign that you're not so welcome at home anymore.

- It is fine, we didn't inform them about my arrival. Let's go to find out where they are.

Your guard nods and walks at your side, on your way you can see empty halls, you can barely recognize your home, there are no more Targaryen symbols in the walls, not even the colors of your house.

The few people you see on your way simply smile at you, some of them stop to talk with you, a little conversation and finally one of them talks about the entire court at the training yard watching a prince practicing with the sword.

- Did you hear that, Sir? I think we can take this as an opportunity to catch some attention to the real Targaryen family.

- I follow you, my princess.

And as your informant told you, almost every person of the court was there, some of them were immersed in the friendly sparring while some others noticed your presence. You approach as close as possible to the people who were fighting.

A young silver haired man with a patch over one of his eyes, he's fighting against a guard. Your common sense tells you it's Aemond and Criston Cole.

- My sword, please.

You demand to your guard.

- My princess, I think is not the right time, you're wearing a dress.

- It will make it more interesting and the young prince will look ridiculous after I win.

Not so fine with your idea, your guard gives you your sword. You can see him praying the gods to keep you safe.

You jump in the middle of the men, in a quick movement you send to the floor to Sir Criston making him lose his balance, he doesn't stand up to fight you, he simply makes himself aside.

Aemond is not surprised, he quickly goes against you, the dance of swords, punches and kicks last a few minutes, until you're on the ground, your guard tries to go and help but you ask him to stay in his place, Aemond smiles at you, his sword and yours is close to your throat.

- Give up, dear Sister.

- Never.

He uses more strength and the swords are more and more close to you. Your other hand holds the other side of your sword, you feel the cut but you don't care, you can feel the warm blood running down, Aemond sees it and the strength decreases, that's your chance while he pushes himself back you hit him in the abdomen, he falls and his sword is far from him, you jump over him, now it's your sword against his throat.

- Give up now.

He doesn't say a word but smiles at you with his hands up. You stand up and take a bow to all the lords and ladies who were observing.

«I hope you enjoyed the show, my lords and ladies.»

Your guard quickly has a piece of cloth to cover your bleeding palm. You Walk away, there's dirt on your dress, your sword has fresh blood too but you're happy with your demonstration.

You were passing by in front of a window when Suddenly you saw your sister's carriage.

You walk quickly, almost running and then you hear one of the guards announcing her arrival.

- Welcome home, Rhaenyra!

You yell as soon as you see her, you approach her, her pregnancy makes her look more beautiful than ever. You're hugging her tight when the voice of your uncle fills the silence.

- Daemma, it has been a long time.

- Uncle.

You walk to him and hug him, the scent of his hair always was your favorite, oak and mint leaves. The boys and your uncle's daughter received a quick hug from you.

- I have to warn you, our house is not anymore Targaryen territory. There's green everywhere, it's disgusting in my opinion.

- Aunt, Why are you so... Dirty?

- Your hand is bleeding.

Lucerys and Jacaerys observed and questioned you.

- I was in a friendly sparring with a certain prince. I'm fine, I think he's still practicing at the training yard.

Once inside, you, your sister and your uncle went directly to your father's chambers.

The smell of sickness fills the room, there's a lot of incense, and the room looks sad and dark.

- Father?

Your sister asks. You can see the silhouette of a thin body laying on the bed.

- Who's there?

- It's me my king, Rhaenyra.

- Rhaenyra...

He repeats almost in a whisper, exhausted.

- Yes, I'm here, with Daemon and Daemma.

- Dae... Daemon, Daemma... Daemon. Help me to sit, please.

You and Rhaenyra help him to sit on the bed, Daemon looks at his brother, your father looks like a walking skull, his skin is almost grey, he lost some teeth, for a moment you feel like the worst daughter, you left and never came back, his health is worse than ever.

- it has been a long time...

Your uncle Starts to talk about Corlys Velaryon and the war at the step stones, the petition about who will control drift mark. You want them to stop and not fill his head with all those problems, the poor man is living for miracle, he doesn't even stand up from bed without help.

- Alicent and Otto, attend those business.

- No, brother, listen to me, you have to position at Lucerys side so he will be Corlys successor.

Rhaenyra took his husband's shoulder, she also feels like it's a lot of information for the man.

- Father, there's someone we wish you met.

This takes you by surprise, the servants come in with two baby boys, silver hair, chubby and beautiful.

- Father, Daemma, this is Aegon and this is Viserys.

Two beautiful babies, you smile at everyone in the room, those babies are the most beautiful thing you've seen, the boys started to cry while your father started to groan in pain.

- I'm sorry, please, hand me my tea.

Daemon quickly gives him the tea and as soon as Viserys finishes it, your uncle takes the goblet and smells it. Meanwhile you feel like you already had enough of it. You've seen a lot, you can't tolerate one more second of your poor father's suffering.

You excused yourself and waited out of the room, you felt nauseous, the air was heavy, your lungs needed more and more oxygen.

One of your maidens sees you and runs quickly to you.

- Welcome home! Can I help you, my princess?

- Yes, please prepare me a bath, I'll be there soon, thanks Dalilah.

Your maiden leaves while you take some air, minutes later you walk to your dorms.

Dalilah is waiting outside of your chambers.

- My princess, your bath is ready but... you have a visitor in your chambers.

- Thank you, I'll attend our visitor, don't worry.

Once in, you see the thin male shape sitting on a chair.

- Aemond, what do I owe the visit?

- Why did you come back, Daemma?

You walk around your room without paying him enough attention, you're thinking about what to say, you will not speak about the real motive of your visit.

- Why do you care, dear brother?

- It seems like you're here for our nephew's business, Lucerys...

- What about Lucerys? Is he hurt?

Aemond stands up quickly and takes your arm to make you confront him, face to face, too close.

- Don't try to fool me, Daemma.

- I'm not. I really don't know what is going on with him, I haven't talked to them in years. It's a coincidence I arrived at the same time as them, can you believe that?

He leaves your arm but doesn't lose his distance with you.

- Let's suppose I believe you, then What are the reasons for your visit, huh?

Looking at him so close he looks very attractive, his jaw and his thin lips, the scar that patch can't hide well, he has a mysterious aura, you like how dangerous it feels to be in the same room as him, the adrenaline running through your body.

- Perhaps I was missing my home, perhaps I came back because I have duties to attend.

- What kind of duties?

- Marriage.

You said without thinking about it. He gives a step back and has a little smile on his lips, he observes you carefully and then looks at the books placed in a small table at your side.

- Marriage? Did you finally find a good suitor?

- That's none of your business, Aemond. I already told you what am I doing here, now I'm asking you to leave.

You're acting offended as if his question was the worst thing in the world. He silently nods and walks away. Once your door Is closed you undress yourself and get inside the bathtub, the scents of berries and forest filling your lungs it's relaxing until you hear a noise.

- Dalilah, is it you?

No response. You hear someone sobbing softly. You ask again, «Who's there?» standing up from the bathtub, carefully taking your bathrobe and looking for something that can help you to protect yourself.

- If you don't answer, I'll call the guards.

Suddenly, a young man with silver messy hair, puffy eyes and a red nose is standing close to your bed. He observes you as if you were a ghost.

- Well... Hello stranger.

You speak again. You can't recognize him. But he looks attractive.

- Daemma... Is it really you? You...you Don't recognize me anymore?

He finally answers you, but not even his voice is familiar to you.

- Who... Are you?

- Aegon.

Both are standing there not knowing what to do. In the blink of an eye, Aegon walks to you, his arms are around your body and his face hidden in your neck. Seconds later you react and return the hug, he looks like a man now but he is still that little young boy you left a long time ago. The hug took you by surprise but it is a good sign, maybe after all this time away he still has strong feelings for you, you can play and twist him as you wish.

- Oh my sweet brother, I apologize, I couldn't recognize you, look at you, you're a man now.

- When did you arrive? Why no one told me?

He says without leaving his place between your jaw and neck.

- I arrived today, I didn't announce I would come home.

Your sweet and soft voice on his ear has him In a rollercoaster of emotion, he doesn't want to leave your body, you put your arms down a long ago but the poor man still can't believe you're there, you feel his bulge growing in his pants and pressed against you, that's when you step back, pushing him a little.

- Let me see you well, you have changed a lot these years...

Smiling at him, You place your hands on his face, one is caressing his cheek, the other is busy running your thumb through his lips and jaw, you're acting fool but you really know what you're causing him.

He hides his desire with his hands over his pants, his look is full of sadness and nostalgia. Before your hands can leave his face he catches one of them and leaves it there in his cheek.

- I thought you would never come back...

- Hmm, I thought the same. But here I am.

- Why?

- Hmm?

- Why are you here?

- Perhaps I couldn't handle being far from home anymore... Or perhaps I'm here because of that duty I've been avoiding all this time.

You turn your back at him, walking to the wardrobe, you take one of the dresses there and before you start to dress you ask him to not look, he turns his back, you know there's a small mirror and he will have a small view of your body, just the exact amount to be sure he will be in the palm of your hand again.

- What duty?

- Marriage. Since the queen informed me about your wedding and your two children, I finally accepted I needed a husband (...)

He's lost in thoughts not paying enough attention to what you're saying, observing you through that small mirror, drawing your body shape In his mind, the locks of your hair, the moles on your back.

- Aegon?

- Uh? What?

You laugh when you realize he wasn't paying attention to you.

- I was asking you if you can help me with the buttons of my dress, please.

He clears his throat and walks to you, he has trouble to button the dress.

«It is easier to quit than to put it...»

He murmur. You don't say nothing, you're observing the big mirror of the wardrobe door. He's being careful, as if touching you would make you vanish.

Once he finishes he looks at the big mirror, it is a nice image, you and him, together, in the same space, close to each other.

- We could be good for each other, you know...?

You break the silence and he places his jaw on your exposed shoulder and simply sighs in agreement. You're not saying the truth, you know you wouldn't tolerate him much, you've heard he drinks a lot, he spends most of his days swimming in wine and spreading his seed in every woman he sees.

- But I suppose I will have to be satisfied with one of your brothers or perhaps an old fat lord... We will know soon.

- What?

- It has been so good to see you again my sweet prince, but I have some visits to pay to the queen, the hand and the king if it's possible, you know, to see what we will do with my marriage.

You don't give him a chance to speak and walk out of the room, you were passing by for your father's chambers when you heard the voices of your family and the Queen's voice. You stopped and stood close enough to the door.

You smiled when you heard your uncle talking about the poor welcome they had.

You opened the doors as soon as you heard your sister, questioning the queen about who will decide the inheritance of your nephew. The three of them just looked quickly at you and continued with the conversation.

Before Alicent leaves, you stop her.

- Alicent, I would like to discuss some things... With you and the hand of course, since my father is... Unavailable. I hope I can talk with both of you before dinner.

She nods and quickly leaves the room. Once all of you are alone, the first one to question you is your uncle.

- What do you want to discuss with those snakes, Daemma?

- My marriage.

Both are quiet, no one expected it. You scoff.

- What? is it so hard to believe?

- Who's the man, Daemma?

Rhaenyra is speechless but your uncle demands answers.

- As you know I've spent most of my time in the north. I proposed a marriage alliance. Between me and Lord Cregan Stark. He will support Rhaenyra's claim.

- What are his demands in exchange for his loyalty to me, Sister?

- Not many, At the moment, he only asked to marry me until I decide when the right time is.

Your uncle doesn't look pleased, he never thought you would be married, he always told you no one would be good enough for you. You try to find more arguments that could please him.

- The north is an enormous territory, full of strong houses who would follow the Starks without hesitation. I think it is a great opportunity for us, to have the north on our side.

- But will you be happy living there, sister?

- I will... I am now and I'm sure I will in the future. But I have to act quickly, if Father approves and announces my marriage before dinner, that's why I am here right now, I want to talk to my father. Alicent and Otto will not have a chance to act or go against the king's wishes. That's why I planted the seed of a meeting with them, I will cancel my meeting at the last minute, they would be wondering why or what I wanted to discuss, eventually my father will announce it.

After some more minutes discussing, they leave you alone with Viserys. The announcement of Vaemond Velaryon was in everybody's mouth.

«Father?»

You whispered a couple times before he could make a sound. With difficulty he opens his eye, instantly putting his hands over his head.

- What? Who... is... it?

- I'm... Daemma, Father.

- Daemma? Oh... my girl... You're the living portrait of your mother.

He painfully tries to laugh.

- Yes, dad... it's me. I have some news for you.

- What... happened?

- I... I will get married, I found the right man, Father.

- Did you? Who is him?

- Lord Stark, father.

- An... honorable man. Good for you my girl.

He's starting to close his eyes again and before he falls you speak again.

- Dad, listen to me, I need you to announce it soon...

- Why?

- Because...

You don't know what to say, what would be enough reason for your father to agree to your wishes.

- Because I love him and he loves me, Father. I love him as you loved my mother.

You actually don't know if that will be reason enough, you don't know if you love the man in that day, in fact, you're wondering if it's love in the romantic way or merely the kind of love you have for a good friend

- My dear daughter... Oh...

The pain is coming back to him, you quickly take the cup with poppy milk. He drinks a little and lays again.

- Daemma...

- Father.

- I... I give my approval to your marriage. You... you have... My... Blessing.

- Thank you Father. I would be so happy if you announce it soon, Would you?

Heavily breathing, coughing he agrees, you can't be sure about him announcing your marriage, but you hope at least he can inform it to the queen and her father. You stay at your father's chambers, just observing him, occasionally he talks to you, things with no sense, sometimes he confuses you with your mother, or Rhaenyra, even with Helaena, but you don't care, you feel guilty for leaving him here alone for so long.

Meanwhile, Alicent, the hand and Vaemond are discussing the succession of Drift mark. While Rhaenyra and Rhaenys are talking about alliances.

You're tired of them, allies and arrangements, you sometimes want to fly away, follow Laenor steps, yes, you know about what actually happened to him, your sister told you and some days you really want to do the same but you made a promise, you promised to protect your family.

You were leaving your father's chambers when Rhaenyra came in. She doesn't say anything to you, she simply walks to Viserys.

They talk about Aegon's dream, the song of ice and fire, about to keep the kingdom safe against the enemies. You're not understanding why is she so anxious, talking to him desperately, until she finally says he separated the kingdom when he named her his heir.

- I thought I wanted it. But it is a heavy... Too heavy.

You hold her hand, you never thought about how hard it was for her to be the next In the throne.

- If you wish me to bear it, if you wish Daemma stays at my side in this... then, defend us and my children!

She broke into tears, sobbing, crying in exhaustion. Both left.

The king and the hand are in the daily meeting, usually they're short, the hand informs, the king barely listens. Today the vibe is different.

Your father demands dinner with the whole family. Greens and Blacks together with the living corpse of your father. Will it be the right thing?.

The day it is full of anxiety, you're nervous as much as your sister, overthinking about what could possibly go wrong today.

You have your sword and your dagger with you, maybe it doesn't help to hide how nervous you feel.

Once In the iron throne you feel your body burning in anger, Otto Hightower, sitting on it.

Vaemond Velaryon is the first one to talk, arguments of how it is unfair to leave such a land in the hands of a kid who hasn't been raised there. Same blood as Corlys, an authentic and immaculate true Velaryon.

He's talking about the legitimacy of your nephews and your sister can't contain herself. Defending Lucerys, allegations about how he only cares for himself and his own ambitions, the Queen's intervention gives more confidence to Vaemond.

You're observing the young man at the Queen's side. Aemond observes you too, he looks at you from head to toe, while Aegon looks occasionally to you and your sister.

You were remembering the previous moment with both, you admit they're handsome in their own way, you imagine how it would be to be with any of them, a carnal desire appeared inside you.

Your sister starts to talk when the door of the hall opens.

«KING VISERYS OF HOUSE TARGARYEN, FIRST OF HIS NAME, LORD OF THE SEVEN KINGDOMS AND PROTECTOR OF THE REALM!»

Everybody watches your father walking, he walks slowly, observing everybody, he walks to the throne, once there he simply looks at Otto Hightower.

- I'll sit on the throne today.

- Your grace.

Otto leaves the stairs of the iron throne, your father is using all his strength to walk, one of the guards walks to him to help but your father rejects his help.

The crown falls and your uncle runs to help his brother, with the crown in his hand, he slowly and carefully helps Viserys, once his sitting, your uncle puts the crown over your father's head and goes back to his place with your sister.

- must admit my confusion, I don't understand the petition to a succession previously settled. The only person who knows the desires of Lord Corlys is the princess Rhaenys.

- Indeed, your grace.

She answers instantly. Walking in front of the king, talking about Corlys and his desire to inherit his place to Laenor's son, Lucerys Velaryon and her following her husband desires.

Suddenly the unexpected news, about her agreement of your sister's sons and Corlys granddaughters arrangement marriages takes everyone by surprise.

- Well, it's settled... Again. Prince Lucerys of house Velaryon is named heir of drift mark and next lord of tides.

Vaemond can't believe it, he can see his plans drowning in the deep of the sea. He will not let this pass, he starts to talk about how your father broke the laws naming your sister his heir, now doing it again with the future of the Velaryon's house.

- (...) I will not allow it.

- Allow it?

- As I will not allow you to disrespect my father in my presence, Vaemond.

You speak, with your sword in hand, but your uncle takes your forearm and neglects. Your father speaks again

- You're forgetting your place.

- THAT! IS NOT A TRUE VELARYON!

- Leave, you have spoken enough.

Your sister says to Vaemond who's pointing at Jace and Luke. You place yourself in front of them.

- Lucerys is my legitimate grandson, you're no more than a second son of Drift mark.

Vaemond spills his poison around everyone, your uncle is only waiting Vaemond's exact words that will allow him to finish that man.

- Say it.

Daemon murmurs. Vaemond doesn't care anymore about his place or who is he talking to.

- Her sons are... BASTARDS! and she is... A whore.

Everybody whispers, while your father stands up from his place, but in less than a second.

Daemon cuts Vaemond's head.

- He can keep his tongue.

Blood splashes a few people, and a bunch of guard are around your uncle. Your father feels the pain again and Alicent and you run to help him.

- You have to take something for the pain, husband.

- Daemma, your engagement... Your marriage...

- it's okay father, We'll take you to rest, we can discuss that later.

Alicent looks at you in confusion while you decide to act foolish. As if nothing happened, the dinner arrived.

«You don't drink enough» «and you drink more than a Lord of Braavos» «i drink the right amount »

You were talking with Helaena about her children, telling her you bought some presents for them, while she was talking to you about some strange insects she has. You always thought Helaena was a sweet girl, a dreamer as some Targaryen are, too good for a world like this.

Suddenly, your father appears. Tired, but he refused to cancel the dinner with the family, everybody took their seat and you were in the middle in front of your father's chair.

It is an uncomfortable moment, but your father is unaware of it.

- it is an occasion to celebrate... it is a lot to celebrate. My grandsons engagement with their cousins and my Daughter's engagement...

- Congratulations, dear Niece. I hope you have a happy marriage and a happy life ruling the north.

Daemon says loud enough, so everybody can hear it. Alicent looks at her father, both are clearly surprised.

While everybody drinks, more and more toast to everyone's little achievement, you hear Aegon bothering Jace.

- I'm very sure Jace knows how to treat a lady, Brother, there's no need to...

- Or maybe should I explain it to you, sister? After all, you will get married soon, you will need some lessons.

- Keep your tongue when you talk in front of my aunt and my betrothed.

The conversation ends when your father stands up and speaks again, talking about the distance created by all of you. Suddenly everybody wants to talk and make peace, but you feel like it's impossible, everybody has a lot of hate and sorrow inside them, a dinner will not fix what years of secrets and treasons created.

Helaena talks about how Aegon doesn't pay her enough attention or shows affection to her, and while for her there is nothing to worry about, the rest of the family feels sad for her.

- I suppose, in the end, you don't know how to treat a woman either, brother.

You whispered to Aegon. He rolls his eyes and continues drinking. Jace takes Helaena to dance a little while the rest is eating and talking. Your father leaves the dinner before all the mess. Because just as you predicted, when everything looked bright and peaceful, the dinner ended in a mess.

- A final tribute, to my nephews, Jace, Luke and Joffrey, each of them, Handsome, wise and strong...

That was all, the dinner ended in punches and fights, Rhaenyra and Alicent exchanged some words in a friendly way after the fight, but the damage was already made.

You were in your dorm, ready to pack your clothes, Dalilah was preparing you a bath once she finished, she helped you to pack some dresses and the left.

You were brushing your hair before getting inside the bathtub when you felt someone behind you, you barely looked at him, was Aegon.

- Don't you knock on the door anymore?

- I used the hidden halls.

- You and Aemond cannot cause trouble, huh?

- It was Aemond, I merely helped him, it was unfair, Two against one.

He walks to you and starts to unbutton your dress, you don't complain about it.

- You said horrible things too.

- If you talk about Jace I was just joking.

- How dare you? talking about how to treat a lady, when you treat Helaena in that way!

You stand up abruptly and walk creating distance between him and you.

- For your information I know how to treat women... When I have affection for them. Helaena doesn't love me, and neither do I, we don't have nothing in common.

- I'm glad Lord Stark is a gentleman who can treat me as I deserve.

You say while you tie your bathrobe and then Aegon makes you face him, holding you by your shoulders.

- What do you mean, Daemma?

- I'll just say he pleases me in more than one way.

That hurts him, your words hurt. You're quiet, observing him, there's something about his face, maybe his chubby chin, or his pink lips, maybe his sad puppy eyes, the dark circles around them, his silver messy hair, something about Aegon makes you strangely weak, you feel that desire coming up to you again, Aegon stares at your lips then to your eyes and once again looks at your lips.

From one moment to another, his lips collide with yours, you hesitate but soon you melt in the kiss, you feel the warmth between your legs while he presses himself on your body, you break the kiss before something else can happen.

- This is not fine, you have to go Aegon.

He kisses you again and you break the kiss again.

- Daemma, please. We both want this. You want me and I want you.

- No, we... I can't! Now leave.

- You know it sister, deep inside you, you know we belong to each other Daemma, you've seen it in dreams just like me, we're destined to burn together.

- Leave, Aegon, just... Leave.

He disappeared in the shadows of the room and For the first time in your entire life you experimented with the desire, the need of touching and being touched, the space between your legs aching and pleading to be filled. You took your bath and dressed up, you wouldn't stay another night. You felt the big wall you built before crumbling with that kiss with those words about dreams, you needed to forget about it, you needed to remember who you were and focus on what you promised years ago.

You left that night on your dragon, flying right back to the north. Without a clue of what would come.

Your poor father, a dreamer, a king who kept the peace while he was sitting on the iron throne, he died the same night you left your home.

That same night, your sister's right to the throne was stolen from her, with that many lords who accepted your sister's claim, died or became prisoners forced to change their loyalty or lose their freedom or... Their heads.