#I could be persuaded to write a second part

[purpdrawsthings]

Watch me dissect the entirety of Can't Be Erased and point it to a funny thought/theory about the Fallen

And also pointing out similarities 💥

@michaelscorneroftheinternet @dorriostareyes

I'M GOING INSANE

Warning though I was lazy to write so some parts may come off as inconsistent or lazy af, sowwy =[

Long post =3 ↓

Quick note before we start this off :

I may be reffering to the goop as goop or entity! Adding this in so people's can understand my nickname inconsistencies ;w;

"I'm the dancing demon, watch me twirl and hop and spin

I'm quick to give a smile, but I won't forget your sins ha ha hahaha!

The wonders of imagination

Welcome home, dear friend

How long we've all been waitin'

Let's create a masterpiece, breathe life into your dreams

All you gotta do is start up the machine"

First two lines could be the entity immitating as 4 [possibly even mocking?] and it being aware of the sins he's committed

Last 5 lines could possibly be the entities intro to 4

I'm imagining these lines happening during this scene teehee =3

Ignore the watermark I couldn't get rid of it 💔

The last line probably could probably be the entity saying for 4 to start up it's plan / upbringing

"I'm the product of an artist, whose creations bring delight

Upon this somber threshold, imagination comes to life

Just free yourself from reason, soon you'll see in black and white

Call me a seed of evil but what's that mean, if I'm conceived within your mind?"

First line could be the entity saying that it's some type of entity that could bring people joy or delight

But we obvi know it's capping 💥

ERM, you do NOT bring delight 😔 /silly

The somber threshold could represent the dark room or world he believes he's in, and the imagination coming to life part being that even if you're in such a dark and sad world like this you could still make stuff, or whatever your imagination could come up with!

Bros really lying in front of that wetblue man hard smh.

3rd line is possibly it persuading 4 to look into an entirely new perspective, moving all other colours away. And also to see the world in only two sides.

Last line could be the entity admitting it could be something evil that spreads [like corruption spreading] yet it was already in 4s mind to begin with. [What it prolly meant by "but what's that mean if I'm conceived within your mind?"]

Not sure about the last point cuz I may be thinking about the lyrics wrong lmao

"Leaking from the ceiling, ink is bleeding through the lines

Is that your heart that's beating, or illusion you're alive?

Collect what's necessary, keep appeasing the divines

It's me you should be believing, 'cause he's deceiving you with lies"

First line I almost had almost nobidea what I could reference to in the Fallen but what I CAN imagine it COULD reference is that either

The ink bleeding through the lines could be the sins or misdeeds of 4 starting to leak out

Or possibly the ink [could be representing corruption =3] leaking out.

Second line I was so sure but I thought of 4 thinking he's alive when in reality he's just a monster. It's just an illusion.

Again, I'm unsure about this one cuz it doesn't relate to the lyrics much ;w;

The third line is possibly the goop encouraging 4 to keep doing what he's doing and the gods [or in this case the goop] will be pleased.

Last line could be the goop saying that it should be the one 4 TRUSTS in and the "cuz he's deceiving you with lies" is reffering to 3. Pointing at 3 being the liar and villain.

"Holy conniption, has it been thirty years?

It appears Mickey Mouse might've been murdered here

Lifeless pie-cut eyes, I have learned to fear

Kinda reminds me why I quit workin' here

Why did I come, lemme go home, I should be leavin'

Whatever happened, don't wanna know

What are these demons?

Guess if I gotta be stuck here, then I might as well investigate

Secrets are unlocking, but too bad the exit ain't!"

I'm genuinely not sure what to reference in this one buttttttt

This whole verse could be when 4 goes back down there after months =D

I can imagine a scene happening in my head... Anima- AUGH, I'VE GOT TO HOLD OFF THE URGE 😭

Continuing ;w; ,

"Despite this mask of happiness, I drown in dark despair

The world may be your canvas, what you paint on it, beware!

The pen is mightier than the sword, it has no limitation

Don't refrain, this ink will stain, and nothing can erase us now!"

I know I've been yapping about 4 the entire time, BUT THIS VERSE IS GETTING A 3 SPOTLIGHT!

Just for removing any confusion, I'm gonna interpret this scene as AFTER 3 got back up on the surface kay =3

First line could symbolize how he's happy on the outside but he actually feels really REALLY bad on the inside. Signifying that he still remembers and is scarred by what happened.

3rd line, I'mma just change it so it better fits with the AU, plus ull understand it better =3

"The mind is mightier than the hand, it has no limitation"

This could symbolize the hand doing the thinking, while the hand just obeys

Hey but you know what this could ALSO mean?

THE MIND BEING THE GOOP AND THE HAND BEING FOUR HE'S LIKE A UUHHHHHH PAWN OR PUPPET YAYAYAYA!

Full on speculation like wth 💥 /silly

"Can you describe the face you saw?

Could it be one you recognize?

We'd never harm the hand that draws

Imagination cursed us all with life"

First n second line, the face and could be the one he recognizes being 3 =3

The goop stating it would never harm the hand [OR IN THIS CASE 4 💥]

This is such a lie cuz, didn't you just try to kill him after he got out of that seat? /silly

Last line uhhhhhhhhh the imagination could be just being desperate or some type of corruption that gave it life

I dunno what I just said but yeah 💥

"Shamed and defaced, scathed and disgraced

Tainted by hatred and can't be erased

Creators betrayed us we've got it on tape

We've written your fate and it can't be erased"

3 HIGHLIGHT VERSE 💥

Shamed and defaced, scathed and disgraced could probably be 3 being betrayed, losing his old self, n' etc =3

Second line being how his hatred was so strong it was almost as if it couldn't be erased [HEY REMEMBER THAT LAST THEORY YEAH THE GOOP REINFORCED HIS HATE YEAH YEAH YEAH-]

Creators could be changed to 4 or a friend in this case =3

Third line being how he [3] has evidence of what 4 had done.

4s fate was already written and couldn't be erased, he would be forever remembered in history as a once beloved friend who betrayed a friend in exchanged for the perfect video.

"I was not always a monster, once I was somebody's muse

Innovation made us stronger, but that power was abused

The machine is thumping, and the ink is pumping now, you need to run

Because the Demon's coming!"

Another 3 verse!! 💜

First line being 3 admitting he wasn't always a 'monster' [possibly him reffering to his eldritch form], but he was once someone's muse [the muse in question prolly being 4 💥]

Innovation could mean ambition, pride or creativity

Second line could point to the innovation being a good thing, but was abused. Sounds like a certain blue person? =]

The machine is pumping, again, might reference the goop plan / upbringing.

Second to last line is the goops plan coming to fruition and the corruption spreading.

Last line, the demon being the goop!

"I really need help, someone send a telegram!

I'm surrounded by upside down pentagrams

I don't have a guide, just little bit of candlelight

With an axe that I don't know how to handle right

That Little Devil Darlin's on a lot of reels, long as he's on one, he cannot be real

Stop the projectors, Bendy's off his reel

Got a feeling he and Joey got a deal

An unholy bargain, a demonic seal, with a master plan, that I must reveal

Won't be long till this ink's all congealed, upon my body, head to toe, all concealed

But a little bit of bleach should do the trick

I'll never watch another damn cartoon I quit!

"Look at you, you're scared of a moving pic"

Hey, Bendy, how'd you get that tutu to fit?"

First line all the way to "I'll never watch another damn cartoon I quit!" could be pictured as 3 being stuck down in the cave for the first time, and exploring!

Help I'm having animatic ideas ;w;

Last two lines could be 3 possibly mocking one of 4's videos

Idk just a funny scenario I thought of heh

"I'm blinded by this evil growing

My heart is full of people-loathing

With secrets that I keep from showing

I am the wolf in sheepish clothing

Flood the shop with ink flowing

Push it to the brink of blowing

We hope you don't think of going

Weigh you down to keep from floating

Come with me, we'll bring you Joey

You'll be kept from being lonely

Kicking, screaming, sinking slowly

Give your soul, it's what you owe me"

Oh yeap this is PERFECT

This ENTIRE VERSE could be 4 slowly succumbing to the goops influence / corruption

I mean, LOOK HOW FITTING IT IS!!

Last line could be the entity saying that his soul is something he owes and belongs to it

"Shamed and defaced scathed and disgraced

Tainted by hatred and can't be erased

Creators betrayed us we've got it on tape

We've written your fate and it

can't be erased! "

Oh yeah I already wrote this same exact verse so I don't rlly need to explain it further =3

OH GOD I YAPPED

Yeah, I know, it's so perfect for the AU even though it's me and for BADTIM 💜

Anyways here's some final thoughts

Gonna be copying this from book since I'm TIRED ;w;

I think what we could possibly get from all this + from my previous theory is that the goop doesn't support anyone. I mean- it's quite obvious right?

The goop influenced and "helped" 4, going against 3. Yet when 3 was overtaken by the goop, the goop was AGAINST 4 and reinforced 3's hate. How is it supporting one side, yet supporting the other aswell?

I don't think it's for entertainment or any thing like that, more like spreading corruptness [I MADE THAT UP] or smth.

Like I said last theory, the goop isn't NECESSARILY evil. It's just encouraging the victims bad thoughts. It's possibly even using both people as pawns for a possibly bigger plan!

But that's prolly me being delusional again and thinking I'm cool when I'm not. 💔 /silly

So yeah, hoped y'all enjoyed my theory rambling, ONCE again

Yeet us chat =3

[the-dumpster-fire-of-life]

I love how Isha copied jinx by dying her blue and even doing her tattoos they're ADORABLE oh oh goodness. Could you write about how it would go? The process and all , it could be a headcanons or anything else!!!

Yeah i was crying when I saw Isha dressed as a little jinx bro 😭 BRIG ME BACK MY GIRLS BRO I did a scenario but it prob sucks cause I haven’t in a while but eh, thanks for requesting!

Mini-Jinx

You never thought you’d ever be taking care of a child, especially a mute child from the Undercity who clung to your girlfriend in the face of death.

And one that just so happened to never wanna leave your side, always having a finger looped onto your belt or gripping onto you.

Isha idolized you and Jinx since the moment you two saved her from those three goons, and you didn’t know why.

But ever since she started following you two and Sevika…

It’s like she just…fit.

She did wonders for your girlfriend, and you would sit back on the little pillow fort and watch them dance and see someone you never thought you’d ever see again.

Powder.

Isha was to thank for that, but she wanted to be like the two of you so badly she’d begged for dyed hair of your hair colors, tattoos or piercings.

Though the piercings were a no go, and so were permanent tattoos, Jinx had…other ways of persuading you.

“If I’d known you were ticklish I’d have said no.” Jinx said, playfully serious as you held Isha between your legs and colored blue clouds that replicated Jinx’s onto the girls back.

Isha laughed at the feeling, trying to squirm away naturally from the cold and ticklish tips of the colorful crayons.

“And…there! How ya like em, kid?” Jinx said, looking over her work on Ishas skin with a smile, as did the little girl.

Isha had a habit of dressing like the two of you, a mixture of the two she idolized.

Isha looked down at her arm, taking a second to admire as her lips parted and she made little sounds of awe.

She then looked up at Jinx, then over her shoulder at you, before grabbing Jinx in a hug and falling back into your chest.

You made a little “oof!” Sound of surprise, before smiling at the sight of your girlfriend so shocked at the hug.

Jinx sat, in the arms of a six year old child, stunned for a moment.

It was like she never got used to be unconditional love Isha so willingly gave her, and you.

Jinx peeked at you for a moment from beside the girls head, and you met her eyes with a little smile.

She slowly settled her hands on Isha’s back, hugging her back as you circled your arms around the two while the moment called for it.

Isha couldn’t have been more elated.

She’d found people that loved her and protected her till the end, and wanted nothing more than to be like you two.

Then came time for the hair.

“Isha! Stop squirming.” You giggled at the little girls excitement, some of the dye getting into your clothes and your own hair as Jinx simply laughed at it.

“Mh-mh!” Isha said defiantly, shaking her head with a laugh as she faced away from the mirror you and Jinx had put her in front of on the stool.

“You’re gonna look so cool kid- well, you’re gonna look like me. I’m pretty cool, aren’t I?”

Jinx said, a small little mix of a smirk and a smile on her lips as she leaned down in Isha’s face and emphasized it with gently wiggling Isha’s nose between her fingers.

Isha nodded in confirmation, looking from Jinx to you with her gapped tooth smile. She grabbed your wrist, a little smile shared between the both of you.

Isha wanted you to know she thought you were just as cool as she thought Jinx was.

You shook your head with a little smile, brushing dye on the girls cheek as she squirmed back, bumping into Jinx’s hip as she laughed.

“Gonna be cooler than me and Jinx, aren’t ya?” You asked, wiggling the girls ear as she gave another bashful smile, and you loved seeing the little tooth gap between her teeth.

Little bits and pieces of Powder you couldn’t deny embedded themselves into the girl. Maybe that’s why it was so easy to love her. Or maybe it was just that.

Because she was Isha.

“Ugh- Isha! You’re getting it on me!” Jinx complained once it was time for the shower and to rinse out her hair.

You laughed at how Isha purposely moved her hair to smack against Jinx’s side, painting it the color of Jinx’s hair with some of yours mixed in.

Isha kept letting out laughs and noises of joy, even as it was time for you to wring out her hair with a towel and make it all puff out.

Isha tried puffing her hair down, squirming as she was made to sit between Jinx’s legs as she brushed out her hair. The little girl had a sensitive and tender headed scalp, so she hated this part.

She kept trying to squirm back to you and away from the brush, but you were to busy putting the little twin braids in the back of her hair from already brushed out pieces.

“Cmon Isha, not sooo bad.” Jinx dragged out, laughing as the little girl huffed in her lap when Jinx accidentally tugged at a knot.

Jinx just grinned, and couldn’t help but look at you beside her.

You couldn’t help but return the grin, tooling over your beloveds face before leaning to press a small kiss against her lips.

Jinx hummed, stopping her movements with the brush as she leaned into the kiss.

For what felt like an eternity of bliss for you, it was two seconds of torture for Isha. She rolled out her tongue in disgust, waving her hands at you and pushing your faces away from each other.

“Hey!” Jinx protested, giving a frown but she knew it wouldn’t last long as she looked at Isha. The mute girl gave a little shrug, pushing the hair ties into your palms.

You giggled at that, and with one last look at jinx, went back to braiding.

It wasn’t long before Isha was done, and sprinting happily to Jinx’s work desk and waiting for you two to reveal the work to her on top of her head.

You watched with Jinx for a moment, waiting before Jinx looked at you with a funny look. You laughed.

“You’re the one who bet her.” You said, giving a look that said “I told you so” to your girlfriend. Jinx rolled her eyes at you, waving her hand.

“Yeah, yeah. Whatever, toots.” She said playfully before pecking your cheek, getting up to walk over and meet Isha who jumped in place on the back of her heels.

You watched with a smile the whole time as Jinx covered her eyes, and revealed her work.

The smile on Isha and Jinx’s face made everything worth it. Everything that went wrong, everything that went right, everything in your life.

You never wanted to leave this moment.

You wish it lasted longer.

You wish your peace with the two girls lasted longer, before it was taken…before she was taken…

[spiritgutz]

TWO TIME HEADCANONS

i am obsessed with this freak and need to dump my thoughts

WARNINGS: brief mentions of blood (involving two time's wings) and cults, two time being two time word count: 914

authors note: i'm extremely rusty with writing and i quite literally never use tumblr. please forgive any mistakes i've made as i try to get the hang of this 🙏

First of all, Two Time is absolutely enamored by you. The two of you are practically connected by the hip. It may seem a bit much, but they just feel so drawn to you! Why wouldn't they want to spend every waking moment by your side?

Very touchy. Their hand is usually almost always on some part of you in public, most likely on the small of your back or simply holding your hand.

They would likely refer to you as their "guardian angel."

You'll catch them staring a lot pre relationship with that signature smile on their face.

Glances turn into full-on staring, innocent touches seem to last longer, your personal space seemingly becoming shared between the two of you.

In all honesty you probably catch on fairly quick to their habits.

From across the cabin you could feel eyes trained on your frame. Most would find this unsettling, but you honestly didn't mind. You didn't move to find the source, nor acknowledge it for that matter.

However Chance, who you had just been talking to, seemed more focused on something behind you rather than conversing. You tilted your head in confusion before twisting your body around to discover the distraction. Ah, that suddenly made a lot more sense. Settled up on the second floor, Two Time gazed down at you while their arms rested on the wooden railing. Their smile seemed to grow the moment your eyes locked with theirs. Chance would address you, asking something along the lines of "Are they bothering you?" In response you would only wave your hand dismissively. Their behavior, albeit creepy at times, didn't bother you. It was almost...endearing.

As stated by the devs, Two Time is a little "insane in the membrane." But this doesn't mean that you love them any less!!

They can and will talk to you about the cult and the Spawn as a whole.

Speaking of that, Two Time would love for you to be a member of the cult someday! They won't force you by any means, but that doesn't mean they won't try and persuade you.

Sometimes you'll catch them watching you while you sleep. They'll just..stare at you. They almost act like a cat in that regard.

They sleep almost completely still minus the subtle rise and fall of their chest.

You might just end up staring at them instead. They look so peaceful when they're asleep, so serene.

I'd like to think that Two Time naturally runs colder than most people. Their hands would be like ice cubes.

PLEASE PRETTY PLEASE GIVE THAT CULTIST A HUG!!! WARM THEM UP RIGHT NOW!!!!

Two Time will melt if you touch their hair. I'm not arguing about this I am correct and anyone else is WRONG /lh

One of their favorite things is when you comb your fingers through their hair as they lay on top of you after a round is completed. It makes them feel safe

The two of you have totally fallen asleep on the cabin's couch before

If you're an active participant of the games(?), Two Time will always put your safety before theirs. A killer is trying to attack you? They’re using their body as a shield to protect you.

As much as they want to keep you safe, you're very against their methods. Your heart sinks whenever you see their wings burst from their back.

Sat on their bed, your hand gently trailed down from Two Time's shoulders, to their back, to just below where their wings had sprouted from their back the round prior. Their shirt still had remnants of dry blood, just barely blending into their black top.

You hadn't meant to get in the way. One moment you were assisting with a generator, and the next you were almost another victim of the masked killer, Jason. You surely would have perished right then and there if Two Time hadn't grabbed you by the arm, pulling you behind them as they took the blunt of the attack.

As you relived the events again in your head, a shuddered breath left the cultist sitting in front of you. Snapping out of your daze, you muttered an apology. You didn't want them to be hurt, to have put their life on the line for you.

"The Spawn would be pleased in knowing you're safe."

Two Time spoke, tilting their head back and smiling your way. It was pained.

Deep down you knew they would do anything for you, but you couldn't help but feel guilty. Even "The Spawn" seemed to encourage Two Time's efforts despite the pain that came with it. So wordlessly you shook your head.

You leaned forward, placing a soft but fleeting kiss just in-between their wings. Their posture stiffened at your actions, almost making you wonder if you had upset or even worse, hurt them. But they soon relaxed, releasing a sigh of contentment. You took notice of the way their face blossomed in color.

A wave of silence washed between you two. However as your finger traced shapes along their shoulder, your partner spoke up again, although a bit quiet.

"Perhaps they would be pleased with my safety as well.."

Their muttering, that small revelation—it brought a smile to your face. Carefully you leaned in and placed a kiss on their cheek, causing them to chuckle. They're devoted to The Spawn, but to you as well. Even if it conflicts, they'll try and make you happy <3

[verxca]

Hiii I maybe something with Jason who was recently injured nothing serious but enough to put him out of commission for a few days but for these few days the reader has been doing everything ,picking up his responsibilities,doing things for him and he realizes that it’s taking a toll on her so he persuades her to rest along side him

⋆ ˚｡ ⋆ ୨ ♡ ୧ ⋆ ˚｡ ⋆ [ imagine #02 ]

[ j. todd ] ⋆ ˚｡ ⋆ ୨ ♡ ୧ ⋆ ˚｡ ⋆

── . ✦ in which you tire yourself out for jason after he’d been hit with an injury, and he eases you into slowing down with him when he notices your stress.

On a typical day, you and Jason split tasks equally. Despite his rampant life of crime outside on the city streets of Gotham, he was still very domestic and responsible when back at your place. You would usually cook a nice dinner to share - He’d sweep the floors - And you’d always take a romantic hot shower together afterwards.

Despite your combined efforts, not everything remained completely equilibrated. You knew he was at a disadvantage… and you would be lying if you said you weren’t worried sick every day and night when he parts. Your stress was only fortified when he came home late one day with a sprained ankle!

“Jason… You need to rest, okay? I’m not letting you out the house like this. Please.” His eyebrows furrowed, a pain clenching his heart at your worry. “Okay- okay.” He nods reluctantly, hugging you.

You took extra care of him that night just to make sure; making his favourite food, doing all his laundry, cleaning the bathroom and kitchen, etc. You didn’t mind it, in fact, you liked taking care of Jason. He ushered you into bed afterwards, though.

Yet as the days continued on, more and more tasks got lifted onto your shoulders simultaneously. Even after Jason was forced to relax (reluctantly… the task of convincing him to stay in bed was probably the hardest of all), you still ran around the apartment. More papers you had to write, more errands you had to run, and more tasks you had to complete for Jason’s health and wellbeing piled up in the matter of hours and days.

You were currently finishing up an extra load of landry, packing your towels into the broom cupboard. Shit! You had forgotten to make dinner, too! Your gaze shifts towards the stove top, the time reading half past eight. You contemplate on what to make, and if you even wanted to make it in the first place. But then again, Jason… He was still recovering, and needed to build his strength back up. It’d be best if you made something small— You could have the leftovers.

You rush back into your shared bedroom to ask what he was up for, noticing quickly that he was already seated up on the bed— waiting for you in a manner. “You know you don’t have to do all this shit, babe, right?” You pause, standing in the doorway.

“Sorry?” Jason pauses, before starting up again. “This- I mean, you’re killing your self here, hon. You’re gonna’ work yourself to death doing too much for me. I’ve been seeing you run around all day.” You frown, taking a second to look back on everything. Sure, it’d been stressful, but you were just trying to help him, is all. After a second you walk over, sitting next to your lover on the duvet. His expression was evidently worried— Eyes flashing with love as he put a comforting hand on your knee.

“I’m just trying to help, Jay-” You explain, not really knowing how to put it into words, or even what to say for that matter. You just wanted to be a good, responsible girlfriend. “I know, I know, but you gotta relax too, yeah? If you managed to convince me to rest, then I sure as hell can convince you too.”

A chuckle almost immediately escaped your lips, and you nod after understanding his words. “This isn’t about some domestic shit, is it?” You pause, thinking. Maybe it was… again, you just wanted to take care of your boyfriend. Cleaning, cooking— They were common tasks, but still. On top of all that extra work, it was practically impossible to complete alone, let alone stay in a healthy mindset while running around.

He had to be right after all… plus, cuddling in bed sounded nice for the both of you right now. “Let’s order out, then watch a movie, okay?” You try to protest, but Jason had already pulled you into a kiss.

[mika-no-sekai-blog]

One bed

Azriel x reader

Word count: 3000+

Summary: Due to unforeseen circumstances, you end up in the same room as Azriel

Warnings: none

I'd love to say I have solved the Frozen thingy, but I haven't yet. I've started writing part 3 and that's where I stopped because of the madness around. I was so close to making a solid plan for it. Unfortunately, the work happened, then Christmas at work baking f***ing chicken farm. Then husband got fever🙄and he couldn't live without getting someone else sick as well, so now son has high fever too and I'm the last one somehow surviving here. At least I have whole week of holidays next week. I hoped to relax and write more, but we'll see. Wish me luck🥴

Anyway here's something small and not so angsty that just popped up suddenly. Hope you enjoy it.

And for everyone who celebrate, have a peaceful holiday 💕

"I thought I've reserved enough rooms," Rhysand sighed. The last hour he was talking with the owner of the inn we were staying at, trying all possible tactics to persuade him to find us one more room. Impossible task from the very beginning as the inn was full.

We were on non-official official mission. At first, there were only six of us supposed to go as Amren declined, intending to stay with Mor in Velaris, protecting it. However, the two of them had yet another quarrel recently, which led to Amren suddenly appearing with a packed bag in hand a few seconds before intended departure. Nobody, not even Rhys, had balls to tell her no. And that's why we ended up in this situation. Rhys had everything perfectly planned, as usual, but he couldn't have known this would happen. And now we were one room short, but again - nobody dared to tell aloud whose fault it was. Amren was like hungry bulldog, ready to tear to shreds anyone and anything at the best of her days. Now, she was pissed off.

Feyre and Nesta took their keys, Feyre giving me an apologetic look. From the start, they were supposed to share rooms with their mates. This was also kind of vacation for us, so it was only logical they wanted to be with their partners.

That left Rhys with last two keys in hand. Amren snatched one and without looking at anyone or even a small mumbled sorry, she left. We exchanged look and whole group finally relaxed.

"Sorry," Feyre murmured as she headed to her room with sorrowful expression.

Before she left, Nesta gazed at me with silent question and I nodded. I would be fine, for sure. Cassian winked at me as he followed her. They both knew about the feelings I had for Azriel for quite some time, each supporting me in their own way. At this point, probably everyone around knew, except for the mentioned Shadowsinger and I didn't plan to be the one to break the news. I knew my limits and he was off them.

Rhys turned to me and Azriel with sorrowful expression, brows furrowed. "I'm sorry, Az, but you know.. Ladies first," he offered me the last key. Spymaster didn't even as much as blink, no protests at all. He looked as his usual self, unbothered by the problem at the hand.

"Thankies," I smiled, took the key and looped hand to Azriel's arm. "Come."

They both opened mouth in surprise, none of them expecting this from me. Rhys recovered as first.

"Enjoy yourself," he smirked and I rolled my eyes.

"Ha ha ha, how funny," I stuck out tongue at him. He chuckled and hurried after his mate, leaving the two of us alone. I raised brow at Shadowsinger who was still too shocked to speak. He didn't even notice Rhys' teasing.

"What? Did you think I would let you sleep on roof or what?"

"B-b-but," he stammered, his cheeks dusted with pink.

"No buts. Come!" I had to pull reluctant Azriel down the hallway.

"I can try another inn-"

"Nonsense! You would miss all the fun. Plus, I really don't mind. We are friends after all. I have nothing to be afraid of, right?"

I came to a sudden stop, realizing something.

"Wait! You mind staying with me in the same room?"

Before, it didn't occur to me that he could be against. I thought we were getting along pretty well, given the fact that we tended to seek out each other's company, sitting together and talking. The two of us even often hung out in the city, venturing cafes and bakeries. I thought he liked to spend time with me, but it could be only my mistaken impression. I knew I couldn't hope for more than friendship and I was fine with that as long as I could be close to him. He could feel differently though.

"No!" he hurried with an answer, eyes wide. "No, nothing like that. It's just.."

"What is it?"

"It's just.. you are female and I'm male."

I was so relieved to hear that, that I wanted to laugh, but I didn't. "That means that you will pounce on me like an animal as soon as door close?"

He flushed fiercely, averting his eyes. "You know I will do no such a thing. It just means that you might be uncomfortable because of that."

"I'm fine. Believe me," I said softly and took his hand. "So come on, silly."

He chuckled and this time, he willingly followed me.

The room, we got, was quite a nice one for an old inn, but it was rather smaller one. Most of the space was occupied by bed big enough to accommodate Illyrian wings. It was one of the reasons Rhysand chose this place, thinking about the comfort of his brothers. We were supposed to spend here whole week, maybe longer, so it was necessary.

Except of bed, there was only small table with two old chairs, hearth and connected bathroom.

After we settled down, the air had somehow thickened, both of us suddenly embarrassed. And so I did what I could to lighten the atmosphere a bit, but every try for a conversation died out soon after it started. At last, I gave up.

"It was long day," I stretched out, all my joints making a satisfying cracking sound and Azriel grimaced. He didn't like when I did it. "I'm tired. Do you want to use the bathroom as first?"

"No, go ahead," he offered and started to line up on table all the daggers he had on him. I paused and watched him, amazed. How could he hide so many? I thought he had only two, max three. He noticed me and smiled shyly.

"I'll clean them while you take shower. Don't worry, I'll put them away afterwards."

"I don't mind them at all," I mumbled, ashamed I got caught. "I'm just stunned you managed to sneak in the whole arsenal. Seeing it now, I would bet that not only do you have one for each of us but also even one spare."

At that he finally laughed, the rich sound warming my heart. I already missed that sound. Corners of my mouth curled into satisfied smile and I quickly gathered all necessary things and went to the bathroom.

When I came out, the daggers were gone from the table. Azriel was seated on the same chair he occupied since we came, pyjama in hands. He was staring into space, looking somehow troubled. Shadows gathered around his ear and he looked up at me, faking smile. Without a word, he stood up and hurried to the bathroom.

While I was waiting, I shoved my used underwear to the bottom of my bag and climbed to the bed, snuggling up in a warm blanket. It was quite cold here, old window hardly blocking the cold wind from outside.

Azriel took quite long to finish. By the time bathroom door creaked open, I was almost asleep. He rustled around for a while and adding big log to the fire, he turned off lights. I waited. The room went completely silent.

I opened eyes. "Are you kidding me," I sat up, sighing. "Az, I thought, we already talked it out." I glared into a dark corner by the hearth.

"Don't worry about me and sleep," he replied from his place on the old chair.

"You can't sleep on that old crap. It will most likely give in soon." The only answer was silence.

"C'mon, Az. It won't do you any good if you're sleep-deprived. To none of us in fact. What if something happens and you won't be able to fight because you are too tired and sore?"

Again silence.

"Do you want me to help you to the bed? I warn you, I'm going to drag you here not by arm but by ear this time."

He chuckled. His wings rustled and mattress dipped under his weight. "Fine then. Have it your way."

I tucked him in like a small child, mindful of his wings and settled down, heart pounding in my throat.

"That wasn't necessary."

"Believe me it was. And don't try to fake it. I'm light sleeper. I will know if you get up in the middle of the night."

"Fine, fine." He sounded amused. He was lying on his back, wings folded and tugged close to his body.

"Relax. The bed is enough big for both of us. Even if you touch me. I'm not made of sugar, I won't melt into puddle," I assured him as I curled up on my side of bed with back to him, taking as little space as possible so he had enough comfort. He made a sound at the back of his throat.

I thought I wouldn't be able to sleep at all with him being so close. But as bed warmed up with his presence and his calming scent wrapped around me as another blanket, I fell asleep in no time.

* * *

Azriel didn't even blink an eye. He was just lying there, stretched on his back, gazing at ceiling. He wasn't used to falling asleep next to someone. After she reassured him, he relaxed a bit but only his body. He was too nervous and excited at the same time. He was scared to even breath, not wanting to wake her up. How could she sleep so soundly? Didn't she feel the same? Didn't his presence stir her nerves?

Shadows curled on pillow near his ear, whispering. They described him in detail how she drifted off with sweet smile on her lips. Smile that she was still wearing. He wished he could see it with his own eyes.

He dared to turn his head to the side to watch her back, her shoulder slightly rising with every breath. Even at place like this in the middle of nowhere, she kept smelling like field of spring flowers, delicate and sweet. He inhaled deeply, enjoying the moment.

He felt so lucky right now and thanked the Mother for sending Amren at last minute, giving him this opportunity. For years, he was trying to get closer to Y/N. No matter how many times, he was ready to tell her about his feelings, he always gave up in the end, not daring to even suggest it. She was everything he wasn't, beautiful, kind and perfect. She deserved better.

He watched her entire night, mesmerized. It was strange. She was always so energetic during the day, yet at night she didn't move at all. It made him wonder whether it was because of him or it was normal.

It was after the sunrise when he finally calmed down and dozed off for hour or two.

* * *

Three days later, a knock sounded on our door. We were just finishing off the lasts of our breakfast. We looked up in time to see Rhysand's head peeking in. He held hand over his eyes with sassy smirk on his lips.

"Can I come in? I wouldn't like to see something inappropriate."

I rolled my eyes while Azriel bid him in, unaffected by his teasing. Honestly, everyone was making fun of us for no reason. After the first night, Nesta pulled me aside to ask me how it went and how I felt. I had nothing to tell her. At least nothing interesting anyway. I slept like a baby and not only the first night, but every night after.

Every evening, Azriel dutifully took his side of bed and I curled up on mine. No touching, only a pleasant small chat between friends. It was noticeable that he didn't sleep much the first night, however after that, he didn't seem to have such troubles. I was glad for that.

"I came to inform you that finally one more room is available. If you want, one of you can take it," he grinned and waited for our reply with one brow raised.

Out of the corner of eye, I looked at Azriel who was already eyeing me with unreadable expression. It seemed he wouldn't speak and it was up to me to decide.

"Well.. I don't mind to share room with Az at all. But if you'd like to have your privacy.." I turned to him.

His eyes widened slightly and his lips moved without making a sound.

"I don't mind, too," he managed.

"So," Rhys dragged the word. "You want to stay together? Really?"

We nodded as one man, not willing to give him what he hoped for. He was visibly disappointed.

"Fine then," he sighed, "as you want. I'll inform the owner."

* * *

A week later we were so used to this situation and each other's presence that we returned to our usual selves, rambling about anything, laughing, even touching lightly.

Our mission was over and this was our last night of sharing room. Azriel was spread on bed next to me, his wing gently touching my back. I was slowly falling asleep while we did small talk. Somewhere between dream and reality I got idea. Crazy as it was, my sleepy brain didn't find anything strange or wrong with it and my body acted on its own.

With closed eyes I rolled to his side, wrapped arm around his waist and rested my head on his chest. Azriel made a surprised sound and stiffened, but he didn't try to push me away. His smell filled my nose, his warmth seeping into me. Frantic but steady melody of his heart lulled me deeper into sleep. Last thing I felt before I completely drifted off, was his body relaxing under me and his arm holding me close.

* * *

Azriel was so surprised, he couldn't think straight. What was happening? He touched Y/N lightly, yet she didn't mind. She was almost asleep, relaxed and seemingly comfortable with him as her pillow. He felt her smiling into his chest and that gave him courage to wrap his hands around her. She hummed with satisfaction and dozed off completely.

Azriel gazed at her, unsure what to think or feel. Naturally, it made him happy, a dream-come-true kind of situation, but was it really okay? Was it really happening? It seemed to him just like a figment of his imagination, fed by amazing week spent by her side, so close to her.

He pinched himself, really painfully, leaving a bruise on his forearm. It was real. He swallowed hard. Slowly small smile spread on his face. He could get used to this.

When the initial surprise and embarrassment had passed, he found himself enjoying this. His heart was pounding fast, as he touched her hair and pushed them aside to see her face. He couldn't help it and traced a single finger down her face and jaw, mapping her full lips, lovely nose and soft arches of her brows.

He chuckled lightly. Y/N didn't even stir. So much to a light-sleeper.

As he watched her, his fantasy took over, offering him all kinds of imaginary situations that could lead to them ending up in this position; from innocent snuggling together for the night to them being naked, covered in sweat and spent after good sex. His heart squeezed in pain. He loved it and wanted it all. He didn't even realize that he was tugging her closer and closer, holding her so firmly there was no space left between them.

Despite everything, the scenario of innocent snuggling immediately became his favourite one. It held a certain kind of peace and warmth, something he longed for the most. He kept replaying it again and again until he fell asleep, too. The fantasy followed him even to his dreams where it became so real that it was unbearable.

* * *

I woke up unusually early at dawn. Still drowsy I looked around, not comprehending where I was. I was warm and comfy, so ready to close my eyes again, until I notice rising and falling steady flesh under me. That completely woke me up.

I looked up, finding Azriel still fast asleep. He was smiling sweetly, yet the tears rolled down his cheeks, soft whimpers leaving his lips. My chest tightened at the sight. It hurt me to see him like this. I reached up and gently wiped the tears off.

He slowly opened eyes and looked at me, still smiling.

"Good morning," I whispered.

"'Morning, Y/N," he replied, his deep voice raspy in the most sexy way. His thumb started to move up and down my waist in soothing motion.

"Bad dreams?"

"Sometimes dreams can be so beautiful that they make one cry," he murmured. He sounded so sad that I felt like crying too. Instead, I placed both of my hands on his chest and rested my chin on top of them.

"Do you want to talk about it?" I searched his eyes.

He shook his head and wiped off the rest of his tears. "I just wish I could go back and keep having the same dream for the rest of my life," he sighed, his eyes never leaving my face.

I propped up on my elbow and caressed his cheek. "You know that dreams don't have to stay dreams. They can became reality if you want them to."

His eyes widened and he swallowed hard. He seemed to be thinking very hard about something. Determination filled his eyes and he lifted up his head, stopping an inch from my face, waiting.

It was so sudden that I held my breath, but I didn't pull away. Watching me closely, Azriel leaned even closer and his lips lightly grazed over mine. I moaned, my body acting on its own. My eyes closed and I firmly pressed my lips to his. All the years of my suppressed feelings poured into this one kiss, not believing that there would be any more. He groaned and opened up, slowly moving, testing the waters. His fingers dug into flesh of my waist, holding me impossibly close.

It ended as suddenly as it started. He reluctantly broke the kiss and rested his forehead against mine, heaving.

"I want it to become real."

[gyuwoncheol]

15 Minutes

Pair: Scoups x f!reader

Genre: Smut, Concert!Cheol, husband!Cheol, 18+ only (MDNI).

Summary: Despite time constraints, no one is as committed to get you pregnant than Cheol getting ready for a concert.

Warnings: Concert!Cheol, daddy kink, breeding, multiple orgasms, quickie sex, fingering (f. receiving), unprotected sex (stay safe, children), creampie, public sex, marking, wall sex, dirty talk, getting “caught” while having sex

WC: 1.2k

Author’s Note: may be persuaded to write a part 2 to this. I’m back to my pussy drunk/breeding kink!Cheol brain rot.

Read part 2 here: Room Service

Smut directly under the cut.

“FUCK!” You gasped as Seungcheol inserted a second finger inside you, pumping it as fast as he did with the first one. You bit your lips harshly to suppress the loud moan begging to come out, but you knew that if you wanted to save face, you had better keep quiet.

“Cmon baby, let me hear you” he said, the tone in his voice perfectly matching the smirk plastered on his face as he pinned you against the wall. You glared at him angrily before squeezing your eyes shut, reveling in the feeling of his fingers expertly massaging your cunt.

When you flew in to visit Cheol on tour and confessed to him you were ready to try for a baby, you already knew he’d be a giddy and horny mess who’d make sure you’d end your trip pregnant. But you didn’t expect just how much he was committed to it, making up excuses to get you alone, dragging you to the closest secluded place he could find and fucking you full of his cum. And that’s how you ended up in this tiny unused dressing room by the end of the hall. It was bare, save for one set of drawers and a full length mirror to your right. Just yesterday, on day one of the show, he had his way with you right before soundcheck, in the VIP suite on the 3rd level that overlooked the arena.

“You were so loud yesterday and suddenly now you wanna be quiet?” He taunted, leaving a trail of love bites on your neck

“Cheol!” You hissed, “people are actually gonna hear over here!”

“So? everyone already knows i’m trying to get you pregnant” he said matter of factly, not a single care in the world

“Still!” you wanted to argue more, you really did, but the way his long fingers deliciously curled inside you to graze your most sensitive spot had you bucking your hips and mewling loudly to your husband’s delight, orgasm immediately hitting you from nowhere.

Seungcheol pressed his palm to your clit as his fingers continued to move in you, coaxing your orgasm for your full pleasure. “So good for me, baby”

“Scoups!” You heard two loud voices right outside the locked door, one you could make out as Joshua’s and the other probably a staff’s. Regardless, you froze at the sound, hand immediately clutching onto Cheol’s wrist right by your cunt to still his movements. “Vernon just finished with makeup, when Chan finishes, you’re the only one left.”

Much to your horror, Seungcheol replied with a loud “okay” through the door, confirming to the boys that you were definitely in that room doing exactly what you’re doing

“Be done in 15 minutes!” A stern voice called. Yup, definitely their manager.

“I’m sure he can finish in 10” Joshua laughed loudly before jokingly banging the door once.

Seungcheol rolled his eyes, at the younger’s tease, “Fuck off!”

“More like fuck her!”

“I will!” He called out just as you heard the steps outside move farther away

“Babe!” You glared at your husband. Your face and ears beet red at the exchange of Cheol and his best friend. Now would really be a good time for the earth to swallow you whole.

A loud whine escaped your throat at the sudden empty feeling when Cheol withdrew his fingers, but before you could even scold him again, his hands were under your thighs to hoist you up against the wall. “Sorry baby, but we gotta make this quick” he rushed before sinking you down on his hard length, your eyes immediately rolling to the back of your head at the intrusion. You weren’t even aware he had already undone his pants or stick his dick out, but you couldn’t be bothered figuring that out, not when your pussy was trying to fit in your husband’s huge cock.

There were 2 things you were thankful for at this moment: one, that your husband made you cum a few minutes ago so that the slide of his dick wasn’t as painful; and two, his strong and most solid body that kept you secured between him and the wall. God knows your knees wouldn’t be able to keep you upright with the way he’s just sheathed himself in you.

Seungcheol was running out of time but he was no quitter, after two slow pumps in, he was thrusting in you at a fast pace, eager to reach his release before he needs to be on the makeup chair and ready for day 2 of their concert.

“Fuuuuuuck yeeeees” you drawled out as the pain of the stretch had now turned into pleasure only your husband could give.

“Cmon baby, give me one more, yeah?”

“Y-yes, daddy!” Your dropped your forehead on his shoulder as you searched a way to ground yourself but hearing you call him daddy only had Cheol grow more feral than he already was.

“Gonna pump you full like you want, baby. Make you a mommy” he growled, now bouncing you up and down to meet his thrusts perfectly, the motion hitting your gspot at every hit.

“R-right there, daddy! Ri-ight th-there!” You stammered as Cheol pistoned his hips in you, desperate to have you reach your second high before he does.

You got pressed even tighter to the wall as Seungcheol’s large hand squeezed both your cheeks, turning your head to face the mirror “look at you, so fucking ruined already and you don’t even have my cum yet”

“Daddy, please!” You moaned in full volume, not at all caring anymore for anyone who can hear you.

“Really want my babies, huh? Don’t worry, you’ll be overflowing with my cum tonight, darling”

You nodded eagerly as you looked at Cheol through the reflection of the mirror. He was right, you looked ruined. You could make out the white ring of your juices that settled on the base of his cock as he impaled your fluttering hole. The hand that was once on your face had now snaked in between you as he pinched your clit hard enough before pressing circles that had the knot in your stomach tightening.

“Shit!” You screamed when you felt your orgasm wash over you in immense pleasure, triggering your husband’s own release to paint your inner walls white.

“Oh my goood” Seungcheol’s voice shook as he trembled beneath you, head falling backwards at the feeling of your pussy’s tight grip on his cock.

After staying silent a good while, just processing the orgasms you both had, Seungcheol slowly let your feet touch the ground, kissing you softly on your face and your neck, leaving you in a giggly mess as he smoothed down your shirt. When he pulled out of you, he made quick work to tuck his softening member back in his pants. His finger was quick enough to catch the glob of cum that dripped out of you before plugging it back in your cunt, your hands flying to his shoulders to steady yourself.

“Now, now. How am i gonna make you a mommy if you don’t keep my cum in you?” He chastised, a devilish grin across his face as he pulled your panties up before licking his finger clean. “you’ll keep it in for daddy, won’t you?”

It wasn’t a question, you knew that much. If anything, it was a threat. “Y-yes” you stuttered.

“Yes, what?”

“Yes, daddy.” you confirmed with doe eyes, squeezing your legs tight as Seungcheol buttoned up your jeans.

“Good” Your husband grinned, a hand reaching to the back of your head as he drove you against the wall again, kissing you feverishly “you better still be full of my cum when i fuck you after the show”

Your moan at his words were effectively cut off by another loud bang on the door as Joshua’s fist collided with the hard wood. “Cheol! Make up! Now!”

Part 2: Room Service

[hidden-poet]

Poison: part 2

Summary: Coriolanus always hated Sejanus Plinth. He had everything that Coriolanus should of had; money, influence, and you.

Warnings: Coryo being de-lu-lu, unrequited love, Reader insert, dark!Coriolanus snow, unedited, dead dove to not eat

Word count: 15,053

Part 1 here

Part 2

Part 3 here

Coriolaus wakes early the next morning and races to the Citadel to drop off Dr Gauls homework. 

He carried his anxiety about Dr Gauls potential comments along with him to his session with Lucy-Grey. 

He struggled to sit still, twirling his pen around and around in his hand. It was not how he wanted to present himself to Lucy-gray. 

What he wanted was her trust, her loyalty, her obedience. Things that would be hard to gain if he gave off a school-boy impression. 

Instead he forced his nails into the palm of his hand under the table, and tried to focus on Lucy-Gray as she spoke. 

“I am sorry about your friend”, she offered. 

“Thank you”, he returned. 

“That other girl. Was she okay? The guards whisked you away so fast. I couldn’t see-”. 

Something about her asking about you made Coriolanus irritated. 

He supposed it was just the image it brought back. The sheer shock upon your face, the fear that he wouldn’t get to you in time. 

“She’s fine”, he interrupted. His pen began twirling in his hand again. 

He wished he could have seen you this morning to check on you. You most likely woke up in the arms of Sejanus. He wouldn’t check on you like he should. His first words would have been complaints about the games. 

He shouldn’t be here really. Who choses mentoring a boy sure to die rather than taking care of you at home. Coriolanus bet he made no protest when you got ready for school. 

If it had been Coriolanus, as it should be, he would have ensured you stayed home in bed. He wouldn’t have left your side after yesterday. He wouldn’t have even let you be there yesterday. 

First Sejanus causes the wound, and then he isn’t man enough to take care of you properly. How sweet it will be, the day you finally belong to Coriolanus Snow. 

“I need you to sing in these interviews. It’s your last chance to win people over. I can’t send you gifts in the area without their money”, he states. 

“Maybe a guitar could persuade me. Maybe”, Lucy-gray offers. 

“Snow. Dovecote” Dean highbottom calls. 

Coriolanus whips around to see Peacekeepers waiting for them by the door. 

He could piece the clues together to come to the conclusion that Dr Gaul had called them. 

Clemmie on the other hand waited until they were climbing the Citadel steps to ask her obvious question. 

“She can’t actually have expected us to write that report. Could she? I was crying for hours last night”. 

Corionaus sighs. If Clemmie had kept her mouth shut he would have been next to you. You’d be nervous and in need of comfort, no matter how tough you talked.

“We did write it. I handed it in this morning”, he states. 

This time Clemmie sighed, “Great, give me the highlights”. 

Coriolanus obliged her if only to keep his mind focused. His bullet points took him up the entry stairs and through the doorway to Dr Gauls lab.

The lab exceeded coriolanus horrific expectations. 

It was cold and the large space only housed a long corridor of strange creatures in glass cabinets. 

Coriolanus taps the casing of a fish-type creature only to see if it moves. 

Its eyes shoot open only for a second before falling back into a drugged sleepy state. 

What exactly was Dr Gaul doing? What were these things? For what purpose could they be used for? 

“Mr Snow. Ms Dovecote. Come and see my new babies”. Dr Gaul's voice boomed in the empty space.

Coriolaus left the fish, following Clemmie as Dr Gaul led them to a new section and over to a large tank of colorful serpents. 

The rainbow moved within the glass in perfect sync. It was hard to tell where one snake started and another ended. 

“Is there a point to the color?”Clemmie asked. 

Dr Gaul scoffs at her as she ascends the stairs to the top of the glass cage.

“There’s a point to everything, Ms Dovecote, or nothing at all”, Dr Gauls answers. 

She spins to face the children, and rests against the side of the enclosure. 

“I must say I was expecting Miss y/n, in your place Ms Dovecott”. 

“As I said, Dr Gaul, Coriolanus and I do all our assignments together”, Clemmie defended. 

“Which is exactly why I was expecting the other one”. Dr Gauls eyes flick to Coriolanus, “exactly, which part did you write Miss Dovecott?”. 

Coriolanus tries to pull Clemmie out of the hole she was in but Clemmie talks over top of him.

“There was-”.

“I was inspired by Coriolanus, of course. But the sponsorships, and the gifts in the arena. They were all mine”, she cut him off. 

“Clemmie”, he warns. Dr Gaul already knew she played no part. Lying to her would only aggravate her sadistic tenancies. 

Dr Gual takes the bait. Crossing her hands in an almost gleeful manner she addresses Clemmie. 

“So it’s your sweaty handwriting on that page? Very impressive, Miss Dovecote”, Dr Gauls fawns. 

Coriolanus knew it was a tease. He anticipated the come down and the potential consequences of her lie. 

“Unfortunately’, Dr Gaul continues, “My assistant mistook it for trash and lined the shelf of this very terrarium with it”. 

Dr Gaul slides back the hatch to show the students the paper that was trapped between the snakes. 

“Retrieve it for us, won't you? So we might all consider your inspired ideas”, Dr Gaul smiles. 

Coriolanus hand twitched. He imagines you in Clemmies place now. How close he would have pulled you. How his own hands would latch themselves over yours and shield them against your chest. 

He wondered if he should do the same for Clemmie. She was an old friend, and her grades helped him to the top. 

Still he only stood back and watched. Half-Curious as to what would happen. 

The snakes couldn't be poisonous. Dr Gaul wouldn’t play with a students life. Especially a student from a high status family like Clemmie’s. 

Maybe. Coriolanus thinks back to the weird, mutated animals that lined the hallway. There was really no telling what Dr Gaul was capable of. 

“Don’t worry. My little predators are perfectly docile with those they can trust. So if they’re used to your scent, if you’ve handled their food, for example, or if they have inhaled the sweat of your palm on a page..they’ll leave you alone. If not, You’d be on your own, little girl”. 

Coriolanus knew from her words that Dr Gaul words were a threat. Those Snakes would harm Clemmie. 

Yet she reached her hand into the enclosure. 

“Clemmie!” Coriolanus grits. 

He is ignored to her own peril. 

As soon as her hand brushes against the edge of the page, a Snake lashes out and strikes the flesh that proposes to retrieve the paper. 

Clemmie screams upon impact. Trying desperately to shake the snake from her hand, she loses balance and topples off the stand. 

“Clemmie! No, no!” Coriolanus attempts to catch her as she falls, but Dr Gaul hinders him by pulling him back by his arm. 

She lands with a heavy thud on her back. Gasps fill the air as she tires to regain her breath. 

Already she looked pale. The skin on her hand turned a pale green color, and her eyes refused to blink or look anywhere else but directly in front of her. 

“You asked about the colors, Ms Dovecott.  I want my enemies to see a rainbow of destruction engulfing the world. I am not above using spectacle to create a little terror. A strategy your classmate here articulated very well in his proposal”. 

Coriolanus watches as two peacekeepers and assistant come running over. The assistant administered a large needle which helped Clemmie regain her breath but not her composition. 

The Peacekeepers then, without care, began to drag Clemmie across the floor and out a near door. 

Coriolanus was left alone with Dr Gaul who turned her attention to him. 

“I wonder if y/n would have chosen the same decision?”, she questioned. 

“Will she die?” Coriolanus asked in a hard tone. More than Dr Gaul mentioning you, he hated the image of you lying in Clemmies place. 

Dr Gaul shrugs her shoulders as if it didn’t really matter. 

“The pleasure of breaking ground in one’s research is one gets to find out”, she dismissed. 

She smirks as she turns back to the enclosure. Her hand reaches in and she begins to play with her pet snakes. 

“You don’t like me talking about her do you?”, Dr Gaul picks up a loose piece of paper and thrusts it at Coriolanus, “for a boy who came up with these proposals, you sure do wear your heart on your sleeve”. 

The paper crumbles in Coriolanus' grip. He looks at it to avoid eye contact with Dr Gaul. 

“What would Miss y/n think if she saw them? They’re good, these proposals. I am planning to implement as many as possible”. 

This causes Coriolanus to look up at Dr Gaul. If you knew, you were sure to never forgive him. 

“Don’t worry” Dr Gaul said, as if she could read his mind, “I’ll take credit for this one. Miss y/n is yet to realize her place in this world”. 

Dr Gaul closes the hatch to the snakes enclosure, turning her body towards Coriolanus. 

“And who is to be beside her, wouldn’t you say?”, she taunts. 

Coriolanus straightens up, dropping the ruined paper to the ground. 

“Y/n isn’t part of this conversation”, Coriolanus snaps.

Dr Gaul grins at him in response, stepping closer so she could talk quieter but still be heard. 

“We both want a new world, Mr Snow. My only question is how far are you willing to go to get it?’

She doesn’t let him answer. Seemingly, now bored of the conversation. 

“Now run along, you have an arena to promote and it’s time for my milk and crackers”, she dismisses. 

He takes the chance to leave. Storming down the steps and back along the hallway as fast as he could. 

Coriolanus tries to keep himself from running out of the Citadel. He nearly stumbles over his feet trying to get out as quick as he can. 

Turning behind him every so often to make sure no one was following him. 

The whole scene plays in his mind again and again. 

He was glad it wasn’t you in the end. You were already so traumatized after yesterday, it was a relief to not have to put you through that ordeal. 

The walk through of the arena was not for another hour. He had time to check on you. 

He was sure you were at school. Your parents wouldn’t let Sejanus into the house, and you wouldn’t have left Sejanus after yesterday. There was little chance you would have stayed at the Plinths. A smaller chance of Sejanus forcing you to as he should have. 

Suddenly, Sejanus’ lack of care turned out to be a good thing. 

Sejanus would be with his mentor getting ready for the tour. Which meant Coriolanus could see you without company. 

He knew your class schedule well. He liked the knowledge while he was in one class, he knew which one you were in. 

So he knew where to go and wait until the bell rang. 

A group of people rushed out of the classroom before you. You were the only one walking alone so you were easy to spot. 

You almost walk past him but he grabs your wrist and pulls you out of the line of people to a quiet staircase. 

“Coriolanus?” you question. 

You don’t fight him as he pulls you against the wall and stands in front of you like a shield. 

The people who walk past eye the scene but make nothing of it. 

“Coriolanus, are you okay?” you question. 

He couldn’t tell you about Clemmie and Dr Gaul but he was also so desperate for comfort. 

“Is it Arachne?” you ask. He nods his head ‘yes’ although his mind was far from it. 

You put your hand that was free from the weight of your books on his shoulder. 

“It’s not your fault’’, you console. 

“I just wish I could have done more”, he lied. 

He had thought little about Arachne since last night. But she was once again bringing you closer to him.

You shake your head, a sad expression pulls across your face and he instantly regrets his lie. Yesterday was traumatic to you, he shouldn't have played it up just for some sympathy. 

“No” you repeat, “what happened was no one's fault but her own”.

He wanted to make the argument that perhaps the fault lies with no one else but the tribute, but it would open a conversation he did not want to have. 

Instead he reaches up and places his hand on your elbow that had reached out to him.  

“Are you okay?” he asks. It should have been his first question.

“I am fine” you say. 

Your hand drops from his shoulder and he is forced to put his hand on the brick wall next to your hip. 

The position wedged you in a corner. With his tall frame towering over you and now his arm blocking you in. It felt as if you were trapped. 

“You should talk to someone. Arachne was your friend”, you state.

You shuffle slightly forward to hint to him that he was too close but he remains stagnant in his place. 

“Arachne was not my friend”, he deflects. 

You never liked her which meant Coriolanus never liked her. 

“You're my friend. Arachne was just someone I grew up with. I hardly knew her”, Coriolanus tried a softer tone as his previous speech came off harder than intended. 

He offered a kind smile that you did not return. 

“I’ve been worried about you all day” he breathes. 

His hand moves to your hip, and you are quick to push it off. 

“Coriolanus you are acting strange, perhaps you should go see the school doctor. No one would blame you if you chose to drop out of mentoring after yesterday”. 

Strange you called it. Not a man desperately in love. But a mad man that needs to be taken away. 

This causes him to take a step back away from you. His eyes go down to the ground but shoot back up at you. Mentoring. In a haste he checks his watch. 

He was supposed to be at the Arena in fifteen minutes but he is twenty minutes away. 

He groans, cursing the length of the Citadel from here, and cursing your late class.

 “I have to leave”, he says, “i just came to make sure you were okay”. 

“I am”, you acknowledge. 

He steps forward again, placing his hands on your shoulder blades and pulling you forward into his chest. 

You stumble into him, timidly raising your hands to pat his lower back. 

“Forget your last class, you should go home”, he begs. 

He feels you push back against him so he lets you go and takes a step back. 

“You should worry more about yourself. You look so pale”. 

When you reach out to touch his forehead, he leans into your touch. Loving the way your little warm hand felt. 

He knew it didn’t mean anything. You were kind. He could have been anyone and you would have done the same thing. 

Still he allows himself a second of pretend that it meant more. 

“I have to go”, he says again, “Just promise me that you’ll go home”.

“Sure, Coriolanus”, you amuse. 

It was enough to hear it. He didn’t need to believe it. 

With a final smile, he reaches up to touch your elbow once more and leaves you in the dark corner. 

His run to the arena would have been easier for him if he had any fuel to burn.

His breakfast of a single potato did not provide enough energy to make the distance, yet he pushed himself further than his body wanted him to. 

It paid off when he reached the arena just in time for walk-in. 

He filed in next to Lucy-Grey seconds before the doors opened. 

“I didn’t think you were going to make it”, lucy-Grey admits. 

“We’re going to win this” Coriolanus vows, “Together”. 

The arena is dark. An ominous red glow from the ticket vendor invites them in. 

The camera crew are already there, pointing their large frames in the faces of the tributes. 

Lucy-Grey smiles at it, before it pans to a Solomon looking Sejanus walking behind his tribute.

When the shutters open, the streaming light startles Lucy-Grey who pulls back against Coriolanus. 

He steadies her, looking around for possible strategies. 

“Please” Lucy-Grey grabs his arm to turn him towards her, “Please, Coriolanus, don’t let me die in here tomorrow”.

Before he can answer he is knocked off his feet by a large explosion. He feels heavy gusts of wind from three other directions meaning there was no safe direction he could turn too. 

Lucy-Grey lands beside him, and he scrambles to help her to her feet. 

The dust is heavy and clouds them. He could feel lucy-gray in his grasp but could only faintly see her.  The screams and commotion make it impossible to hear what she is trying to say. 

Another loud explosion tore the roof down over them. 

He releases Lucy-gray so they could both run for cover. 

Days of the war spring to his memory. The rebels were back to finish him off. 

The force of the explosion knocked him off balance and onto the floor. 

He could see peoples feet as they scramble past but none stop to help him. 

A louder, cracking noise spoke of his bigger issue and he turns to see a large pailing coming down towards him. 

Knowing he wouldn't have enough time to get to his feet, he began to crawl as fast as he could. 

It wasn’t fast enough. The hot metal pailing pins his shoulder to the ground. He could smell his own flesh burning as he lay trapped. 

Was this how it ended? He regrets not kissing you today. He had always been reserved. Afraid of your rejection. But he should have just took. Now he’ll die without ever getting to taste you. 

Through the smoke he could see Lucy-Grays boots come into view. 

“Help me” he begs. He still had so much to do. 

She looks to be bending down to assist when she is interrupted by Marcus flying across towards the open door. 

“Leave him” he demands, “He wouldn’t save you”. 

Marcus doesn’t stick around for her decision. Running to his freedom just across the room. 

It was true, if it come down to it Coriolanus would save himself. But Lucy-Gray needed him to survive. She would only get caught in the Capitol and then thrown in the area without a mentor. 

She must have realized that too because she bent back down to lift the burning metal off Coriolanus. She didn’t have to lift it far for Coriolanus to roll out from under it.

He is panting heavily he realizes, and is unable to move his shoulder.When Peacekeeper came to take lucy-gray away. Coriolanus couldn’t even rise from the floor to stop them. 

He throws out his good hand in an attempt to do something. But the searing pain in his shoulder and his cloudy head hindered him from being able to help. 

The last image he could see was her looking down at her burnt hands before it all went black. 

His pounding headache woke him to the sight of you by his bed. 

He didn’t believe it. He had to be dead. 

His hand lashes out to take a hold of your wrist. You felt real. 

Your reaction seemed real. A startled look of surprise and discomfort. 

“Woah, Corio, take it slow”, the voice of Tigres calls to him. 

He looks away from your face to see Tigres sitting in the chair next to you. 

“What?” Coriolanus questioned, “What happened?”. 

He lets go of your wrist only so he could rise from the bed. The ache in his shoulder becoming more apparent as he moved. 

“It was a rebel bombing. They must have been planning it for months. Four tributes were killed”. 

Coriolanus almost scowls hearing his voice. 

Sejanus sat in a chair positioned on the other side of the bed. You hadn’t come to him in his hour of need. You were merely tagging along with your boyfriend. 

“Everyone is terrified, Corio” Tigres explains, “Fliex Ravenstill is on life support”. 

“The rebels released a message. They said they want to tear down the symbol of the Hunger Games. Marcus got out. He’s the only one. Peacekeepers are hunting him in the streets but at least he has a better chance out there than he would tomorrow”, Sejanus gravely mutters. 

“Tomorrow?” Coriolanus expounds, “They’re not still going ahead with the Games?”

“We can’t look weak in front of the enemy,” you spat, “Everything is going ahead as scheduled. I don’t even know if Lucy-Gray will be able to play tonight”.

“The interviews”, Coriolanus guessed, still hazy. 

He pulls himself up out of bed, holding out his arm for you to help his rise. 

You do, automatically, hooking his good arm over your shoulder and wrapping your arm across his waist to keep him up. 

‘‘You shouldn’t get out of bed”, you criticize him. 

Normally he wouldn’t ignore you, but the interviews started fifty minutes ago. 

Sejanus rises to in order to assist Coriolanus as he shuffles forward, but Coriolanus barks another order at him. 

“Sejanus, turn the Tv to the interviews”. 

Like a good dog, he obeys. Leaving another man hanging onto his girlfriend. 

“Careful, Corio” Tigres directs. 

Coriolanus takes tigres arm as he couldn’t lift his shoulder so all his weight wasn’t passed on to you. 

The Tv turns just in time to watch Lucy-gray come out with a guitar, and a big smile. 

Sejanus makes his way over to you, offering to take your place as Coriolanus’ anchor. 

He is quick to speak for you. Stating that the change would topple him to the floor. 

Sejanus relents and takes his place beside you. You made no complaints so Coriolanus’ weight couldn’t have been hurting you. 

Coriolanus had missed the opening introduction due to Sejanus, but was now focused enough as Lucy-Gray went into her song. 

“Where did she get the guitar?” Coriolanus asks. He had been too busy to organize her one before the bombing. 

“I brought it for her”, you answer, “i went to see if she was okay after the bombing and she said she needed a guitar for her interview. Said she’ll feel naked without it”. 

“Thank you. That was very kind”, Coriolanus commended softly. 

Coriolanus always knew someday that you and him would make a great team.

Your eyes are trained on Lucy-gray, and Coriolanus followed suit. 

She sang about a boy back home and a betrayal. Was that what she was referring to when she said it was complicated back home. Will she fight with everything she had in her or does she secretly hope that she will die just to spite her past lover. 

It was additional stress Coriolanus could have lived without. 

“The poor girl” you mutter with tears rolling down your face. 

Coriolanus squeezes your shoulders in comfort. 

‘She’ll be okay” he promises. He would ensure it for his own survival and your personal satisfaction now that you and his tribute were friendly. 

“Thank you for being here”, he says looking down at you, before turning his sights to Tigres, “All of you”. 

“It’s what friends do”, Sejanus answers. The only person Coriolanus was not speaking to. 

“I don’t think you should be standing”, you say, trying to turn Coriolanus back to bed. 

He allows you to lead him there where you tuck him back into bed. 

You ruin the moment by going straight back into Sejanus’ arms once Coriolanus has settled. 

“We’ll leave you to rest” Sejanus states. 

He looked too unhappy for a man who held you in his arms. 

“Goodnight” he bids, ‘and y/n, thank you for helping Lucy-Gray tonight”.

Her performance wouldn't have been half as moving with the soft, sad melody accompanying it. 

“Good luck, Coriolanus. I hope she wins”, you remark. 

With the Plinth prize and the love of his life on the line; lucy-gray was going to be the 10th annual winner of the Hunger Games. 

Coriolanus just had to figure out how to give her a competitive edge. 

He visited the zoo later that night after scouting out the new arena. With four tributes already dead and the new tunnels revealed, the bombing may have been the best thing that had ever happened to him. 

“Lucy-gray!” he calls softly, “Lucy-gray!”

He can hear the pounding of her footsteps as they come closer. He checks for Guards and woken tributes as she made unnecessary noise. None were aroused so he remained in his spot. 

“You’re alive!” She exclaims as she nears the fence. 

“Those bombs have changed everything”, he wastes no time to explain his purpose here, “They blew the walls out. So that means you can escape up into the stands. Theres a hole down in the floor, it leads down to some tunnels. You can escape there, I tried it.So the moment you hear that bell ring, you run as fast as you can for that hole and find a palace to hide down below alone”. 

‘Alone? No, jessups my friend”, she argues. 

He shakes his head ‘no’. 

“The moment that bell rings, you can’t trust anyone. Not even jessup. Just lay low down there until its safe to come out”, he demands. 

Couldn't she see that she was risking not only her own life, but his, with her undying loyalty. 

“Thank you. You and y/n have been so nice to me. I don’t know what I would have done without you both”, Lucy-Grey declares, “I don’t know how i’ll ever pay you back for your kindness”. 

“You can win”, Coriolanus orders, “you winning will be life changing for y/n and I. We can finally live the life we want to live. When you win, you’ll win for all of us”. 

‘I’ll try, but-” she begins but never finishes as Coriolanus cuts her off. 

“Theres no ‘buts’. Theres no other option”, he asserts. 

Lucy-Gray begins to cry from the pressure of it all. 

“Hey”, he whispers in sympathy. 

“I am sorry. I am more hopeful in the day light but when it gets to night”, she whimpers. 

“It’s okay” he consoles, reaching for his handkerchief in his pocket. The same one he used to wipe your tears, he now used to wipe the tears of Lucy-gray. 

“We are going to win, Lucy-Gray. I promise.”.

“Y/n, real lucky to have a friend like you” Lucy-gray comments. 

He knew that. Who else would be willing to risk everything for your happiness. It didn’t even bother him that Lucy-gray referred to him as your friend. 

All that matters is that someone else realizes the depth of his love. 

“I am very lucky to have her”. He breaths. He was cautious to say too much.

“Look, that song, I need to know that you are serious about winning”, he demands. 

“That song? That was just pay back, that’s all”, she defenders, “my old boyfriend Billy taupe was cheating on me with the mayor's daughter. She got crazy jealous, had her pa read my name out on stage, and now everyone will know what they did to me”.

The look upon her face told him that she was serious, so he reached into his breast pocket to pull out his most prized possession. 

“Here” he shoves the compact into Lucy’s-Grays hand.

“I can’t” she resists, “It’s too fine”

He clasps his hands over hers to stop her passing it back. 

“It’s not a gift. It’s a loan. His large hands wrap entirely around Lucy-Gray’s little fingers. 

“Whats in here, don’t touch it. Don’t even breathe it in because small amounts can be deadly”. 

He could faintly see Lucy-gray staring back at him in the dark. Her big brown eyes caught the lighting of the Zoo and shined back at him. 

“I have seen what war does to people, okay?”, he lectures, “I’ve seen it, and there will come a time when you need this, when you need to act. We all do things we’re not proud of to survive.”

Unexpectedly she brings her head forward to bars in an attempt to kiss him. He lowers his head slightly to dissuade her. 

The last thing he needed was word getting back to you through a Tribute pretending to be asleep, or just his poor luck to have a Capitol citizen decide to visit the Zoo at the exact moment of weakness. 

“I am sorry”, she gasps, “you said it was complicated with y/n, and y/n said she was with Sejanus so I”. 

She doesn’t finish her sentence, too embarrassed. 

Coriolanus shakes it off like it was nothing, in an attempt to ease her. 

“It’s fine. I just”, Coriolanus wasn’t sure what to say. 

You were with Sejanus. There was no real reason why he couldn’t kiss lucy-gray. 

It was mis-guided loyalty to a woman who kissed another man. Sometimes right in front of Coriolanus. 

Still it didn’t feel right. He wanted you to be the only person he kissed. 

“It’s”, Coriolanus begins. 

“Complicated”, Lucy-Gray finishes. 

Coriolanus moves closer, bringing his head as far as he could to the bars.

“We’re gonna win this Lucy-Gray. We’re gonna win this together. I’m going to get you home, back to the Covery, okay? I promise”. 

Coriolanus looks at his victor. His dog in the race. He’s bet it all on her, and he’ll be damned if she was going to let him down.

The morning of the Games, Coriolanus couldn’t even eat his cabbage soup that Tigres had worked so hard to prepare. 

He kisses Grandma’am and Tigress goodbye before beginning his long journey to school. 

There would be cameras and crowds of people. He had to look composed, but inside he felt the most scared he had ever been. 

The feeling eased seeing you across the auditorium. 

Your hair was down, and your uniform looked freshly pressed. Sejanus held you by the waist as you spoke to him, and you rested your hands on top of his. 

It didn’t matter you were here for Coriolanus just as much as you were for Sejanus. His tribute wasn’t even participating. If anything you had come to support Coriolanus and Lucy-Gray. 

“Coryo!” Sejanus called for him as he approached the mentors chairs. 

Sejanus lets go of you, which is something Coriolanus would never do, to place a hand on Coriolanus shoulder. 

“Hey” Coriolanus greets. His eyes remain on you and how you smile at him. 

“How you doing?  You alright?” Sejanus asks. 

“Better”, Coriolanus dismisses. 

He sees a photographer approaching from the corner of his eye, and takes the opportunity to take a step back to invite you between Sejanus and himself. 

With a hand on your lower back, he propels you forward. The hand remains as you shuffle next to him. 

“Over here please!”, the man with the large camera calls. 

Coriolanus smiles at the camera, and he hoped you were too. The flash blinds him, and your smiles fades too fast to be certain it ever was really there. 

“How are you this morning?”, Coriolanus asks softly. 

“Not about to be forced to fight to the death”, you snap.

You don’t look at him as you speak as you often choose not to do. 

“Here we go. Here we go, everyone, come on”, Lucky flickerman diverts people back to their seats, before Coriolanus has the opportunity to comfort you.

Sejanus' large hand goes to the back of your neck, and he leans down to whisper in your ear. 

“Wait for me over there?” he asks, flicking his head to the nearest bleacher to his seat. 

It was the furthest from Coriolanus’ seat, but you nod in agreement and move to his direction. 

Coriolanus is ushered into his own seat. He has to crane his neck to look at you sitting on the end of the bleacher all by yourself. He hates to see you as a social out-cast. 

“Five, four, three, two”, the music signals the start of Lucky Flickerman's introduction. 

Coriolanus ignores him mostly. Turning in his chair to watch you engrossed in the large television in front of you. 

Your hands grip the seat underneath you. He would give anything to be able to comfort you. 

He wanted to tell you that it was all going to be okay. If he sat you where he wanted, he would have been able to hold your hand, but Sejanus had put distance between you and him, so he would have to watch from afar. 

Suddenly you gasp, bring your hand up to your mouth with a frightened expression. 

Coriolanus turns back to the screens to see what could have caused such a reaction. 

They had found Marcus and left him strung up and half-alive in the arena. It was cruel even for Coriolanus. 

You shouldn’t have had to see that. Coriolanus wished he could have protected you from it. A district boy taught a lesson, at the expense of your poor, soft heart. 

You’ll be crying about it for weeks with only Sejanus for consolation. 

Coriolanus wasn’t sure who would be comforting who with the way Sejanus jumped from his chair. 

As soon as he is out of it, the chair was flying across the room. Only stopping when it hits the force of the wall. 

“You’re monsters! All of you!” He screams to the audience. 

He storms past Lucky flickerman who begins the countdown to the Games as if Sejanus had never existed at all. 

Coriolanus gets up, rushing over to you as you rise to follow Sejanus. 

He manages to catch your arm just as you make it to the exit way. 

The scene was out of the line of camera-shot. Past the first three rows of seats, and hidden by the depth of the stands. 

Coriolanus felt hidden enough to not let go of your arm, despite you struggling against him. 

You turn back to see how had stopped you with an angry expression, but it doesn’t soften when you see it’s him. 

“Don’t”, he begs. He wanted you to stay and support him. 

It didn’t matter if you knew it or not, but you were his biggest comfort, and that’s what he needed as he watched Lucy-Gray fight for his life. 

You don’t listen to him, tugging your arm out of his grip and chasing after Sejanus without looking back. 

Coriolanus watches as you go with a heavy breath.

‘And they’re off!” Lucky announces. 

Coriolanus turns to watch Lucy-Gray run from her mark.

“Run”, he demands softly. He takes a few steps forward but is halted when Lucy-Gray remains in the same spot, looking around. 

“What are you doing? Run” he groans. 

He staggers back to his seat, gripping the plastic back tightly in his hand. 

His eyes shut when Lucy-Gray narrowly avoids a strike from Reaper.  

Why won’t anyone ever listen to him, he wondered. 

A district 2 kid gets slaughtered which gains the Cameras full attention. When it pans back to a field shot, Lucy-Gray was crossing the broken fragments with Coral hot on her heels. 

Coriolanus felt the need to take a seat as he watched. A few of his eliminated classmates wished him well as they left, but Coriolanus remained slumped against his hand. 

It wasn’t until she had gathered Jessup and began racing for the hole in the ground that Coriolanus lifted his head again. 

“Go, go, go”, he muttered. The pack was closing in. Hell bent on taking out Lucy-gray. 

They almost manage to, but Lucy-Gray slips through the broken door, and a squabble prohibits the hunters coming in. 

He sighs. At least she was safe for now. He would worry about Jessup when it came time for it. Whats the point of worrying now? It was still anybody's game. He could very well die within the next hour from a surprise attack. 

Coriolanus squirms in his seat watching as another child is hacked apart by dull weapons. 

He pushes it from his mind as soon as the camera shifts. Lucy-Gray was safe, thats all that mattered. She still has a shot at winning. 

Nothing more happened. All the tributes found shelter in one corner or another. Only Reaper paced the opened space, willing someone to come attack him. 

Coriolanus wonders if you will be back. He hoped you would come check on him. 

Coriolanus rises his head to the screen once more as Lamina makes her way up the broken fragments to where Marcus hung. Reaper gave her space, seemingly knowing what she was doing. 

A small conversation between the two preceded Lamina swinging her axe down. 

Coriolanus shudders hearing the impact. He hoped you didn’t see that. 

He could only imagine the sobbing it would cause. 

Lamina cuts marcus down and he falls like a bag of bricks. 

She gazes down at him. Coriolanus couldn’t tell if it was in remorse, or in quiet pride of giving him a merciful death.

The sound of the drone coming near broke her concentration. The water attached swung in the air as it flew too fast towards her. She rose, reaching out to catch it. 

Coriolanus almost laughed when it drove straight past her and smashed into the rocks. 

The night dragged on, but Coriolanus remained. Eyes glued to the screen in hope of a glance of Lucy-Gray. 

The camera stayed mainly above ground where the action was, but sometimes he got a dash at what Lucy-Gray was doing. 

She was still alive. Or at least was, ten minutes ago. 

The other mentors, and most of the audience had left as the night bled. 

Nothing had really happened for hours. A squabble or a chase here and there but most of the fight had left the tributes. 

“If only you could trap y/n as easily as you have trapped that poor girl”, Dean Highbottoms voice surprised Coriolanus.

“I’ve trapped her?”Coriolanus fought, “I didn’t create the Games”.

He saw Dean Highbottom flinch ever so slightly. If he hadn't been looking so intensely, he would have missed it. 

“No”, Highbottom concedes, “but you’ve fueled its continuance. You’ve turned dying children into spectacles , Mr Snow. Congratulations”.

Coriolanus ignores him, turning back to the screens. 

“Are you honestly hoping that winning the plinth prize will win you the girl?”, Dean Highbottom mocks. 

“I am hoping my hard work will pay off”, Coriolanus bites. 

“I saw you before with miss y/n, trying to stop her from leaving”. 

“I was trying to stop her from making a fool out of herself”.

“What do you want from that poor girl?”. 

Coriolanus knew there was no point in lying. Dean Highbottom had already figured out Coriolanus’ intentions. 

“Only whats best”, he answers. 

“Hm and you think winning the Plinth prize will help you decide what is best for her?”, Hightbom begins to laugh, his voice taking on a sing-songy tone, “Wake up mr Snow. Who do you think decides? Even if your songbird wins, I’ll do everything in my power to ensure you don’t see a single dime of that prize money’. 

Coriolanus turns back to Highbottom with his anger logged in his throat.

The older man smiles back. Coriolanus knew the man was trying to get him to slip up. But his aggravation won’t lose him the prize. If Highbottom wanted it, he would have to rip it from Coriolanus’s hands. 

Instead he turns back to the screen. Lucy-gray was still underground, feeding Jessup water. 

He could hear Dean Highbottom walking away which left him with a small victory. 

Coriolanus takes a deep breath, and sits straightener in his chair. 

It wasn’t over. Dean Highbottom wasn’t the only authority. When Coriolanus won, surely Dr Gaul would fight for him. The other teachers too. The star pupil robbed of the victory? Coriolanus would see to an up roar. 

At some point Coriolanus began to doze off. The late night and the slow turn of events left him the last one in the auditorium. The quietness of it all had his eyes shutting.

“Coriolanus?”. He heard your voice call. 

He ignores it ,sure it was a dream. But you tap his arm, and his eyes shoot open to see you standing in front of him. 

You were still in your school uniform, your hair slightly more messy than a couple of hours prior and you looked on the verge of tears. 

It panicked him greatly to see you in such a state. 

He reaches out, quickly taking your wrist in his hold. 

“Huh, what happened? Are you okay?”, he asks. 

“Has Sejanus been here?”, you quake. 

Coriolanus shakes his head ‘no’. 

He could have rolled his eyes. Of course, Sejanus was behind your tears once more. Coriolanus had never made you cry. 

“Why would he be here?”, Coriolanus asks. It seemed an unlikely place to visit while his old friend lay dead on several different screens.

Tears begin to roll down your cheeks causing Coriolanus to spring up, attempting to bring you in his arms. You push him away, keeping an arms length distance between you both. 

“I thought maybe he would come see you. We were sleeping and I woke up, and he was gone”, you explain with a shaky breath, “I don’t know where he could have went, Coriolanus. He’s not in a good place. I am worried-”

“Not in a good place, indeed” Dr Gauls voice booms through the open space. 

This time when Coriolanus touched you, he was given permission. He pulls you next to him to face Dr Gaul together. 

Dr Gaul was disinterested in the couple, taking the master remote and turning all the channels  to the same camera. 

“Sejanus!”, you gasp upon seeing your boyfriend knelt down next to his old friend in the arena. 

Your hand takes a hold of Coriolanus' arm in a tight grip. Your painted nails dig into his uniform jacket. 

“Breadcrumbs” Dr Gaul annotates while the room watches Sejanus spread the food over his friend, “I believe substance for a fallen comrade in his final journey. A district 2 superstition”. 

“How did he get in there?” you question, never once tearing your eyes from the screen. 

“I’ll work on finding the peacekeeper he bribed to let him in, and remove his tongue”, Dr Gual snarls, “in the meantime I need you to get him out right now”. 

Dr Gaul looked directly at you which spiked Coriolanus heart rate, 

“You should send Peacekeepers in”, he demanded. There was no way you were joining Sejanus in the arena. 

“Only to have him bolt and hide like a rabbit?”, Dr Gaul retorts. “Fleix Ravenstill is fighting for his life in a hospital bed, Mr Snow. I will not have these rebels make a further mockery of my games. Anyone sees us lose control of this arena, it might as well be sounding a horn to the districts to revolt!”. 

Dr Gaul takes a breath, trying to regain the composure lost. She turns her sight back on you, who had dropped Coriolanus' arm during her speech. 

You stood brave, staring straight back at her with discontempt. 

“You choose to be lovers with the radical. Don’t you want him out?”, Dr Gaul gages you. 

Coriolanus steps forward trying to take Dr Gauls attention away from you. 

‘‘Sending her into the arena will get her killed. It’ll look a lot worse if the tributes kill two Capitol students”, Coriolanus justifies. 

“A volunteer then?”,Dr Gual pushes.

“I’ll go”, You say too quickly, “I can get him out”.

“I’ll go”, Coriolanus declares. 

The mere thought of you in the arena left a sick feeling in his stomach. He wouldn’t watch helplessly on the other side of the screen while you risked your life for Sejanus. 

He couldn’t believe Sejanus had put you in this position. Coriolanus’s every move was calculated with you in mind. 

It was pure luck that you had chosen to seek Coriolanus out. If you hadn’t he would have woken the next morning to see you dead in the arena next to Sejanus. 

He would go into the arena to save Sejanus if it meant saving you. 

“No!” you protested, once again grabbing hold of Coriolanus arm to pull him back. 

He turns to you with a look of irritation on his face. 

“What chance do you think you stand if one of the tributes decide to attack? I am stronger, faster”, Coriolanus explained. He hated being irritated at you, but you wouldn’t see sense, “I’ll get him out, y/n. I promise”. 

“Unless you are both secretly hoping he’ll die in that arena, we need to move fast”, Dr Gaul utters.

Her expression had changed from one of anger to quiet amusement, but she had not forgotten the task at hand. 

She turns, expecting the children to follow her as she talks. Coriolanus follows suit, leading you as you wrap yourself around his arm. 

He would have shaken you off. You had no place being even near the arena, let alone outside of its gates, but he loved the way you clung to him. 

Your tight hold told him you would fight if he tried to leave you. Really it was the way you should be holding him. Not just now, in a state of emergency. 

“I’ll freeze the feed for one hour”, Dr Gaul says as she moves out of the school, “I expect thats all the time we have until someone notices”. 

A Peacekeeper van is waiting down the steps of the school. Dr Gaul jumps in, leaving the back of the van open for the children. 

Coriolanus helps you up into the back of the van before lifting himself up behind you. The doors are closed shut as he enters, and the van takes off before he is fully sat next to you.

You are unusually quiet. Coriolanus could tell you were scared from the way you sat. Arms crossed across your chest, looking straight ahead of you with a glazed look. 

Coriolanus places a hand on your knee in comfort but you don’t seem to register it. 

He tries not to mind Dr Gauls' searing stare from the other bench. He focuses on you and your state of worry. 

You begin to chew your lip absentmindedly. He wanted to pull it from between your teeth to get you to stop, but the van lurched forward as it stopped. 

The drive wasn’t long, but the peacekeeper sped to it anyway. 

As the doors are pulled open, Coriolanus takes a deep breath. There was no guarantee that he wouldn't be beaten to death by a tribute trying to save a man he loathed. 

Grandma’am and Tigres wouldn’t survive without him, but if he died, he would at least make sure Sejanus died along with him. 

If he couldn't have you, Sejanus definitely couldn’t. 

“Lets go, Mr Snow”, Dr Gual urges. 

She jumps out first. Coriolanus could hear her directing the Peacekeepers on what was about to happen. 

You rise with Coriolanus. But He doesn’t allow you to get to the door as he does. 

He jumps down and spins, placing his hand on the doors and bringing them closer together. 

"Stay in the van”, he orders. 

Surely, even on the off chance that a tribute managed to get through the gates, you would be safe in a locked van. 

You nod your head in understanding, trying to ease his worry. 

It doesn’t work but he appreciates it anyway. 

He smiles up at you, taking the time to have a good look at you in case it was his last time. 

With the doors shut on you, he could focus more clearly. He wasn’t going to die in that arena. He wasn’t going to die by a district hand. 

He was going to get out alive. You were going to wake up to yourself and realise that you had been hopelessly in love with Coriolanus this whole time. 

The gates are unlocked and he feels his confidence waver. Nevertheless, he persits with his mission and with a careful step he enters the arena. 

It’s dark and quiet. The moonlight does little to help. A tribute could jump out at any time and Coriolanus would never see them coming. 

He was cautious to make any sounds,  stepping softly on the fragmented rocks. 

The gate makes it stupid welcome message as he passes through it under the belief the game makers would have been smart enough to disable it. 

His breath gets caught in his throat while waiting to see who it attracts. He doesn’t move. 

He feels the blood rush to his ears, and his body ready itself to fight. No one comes. 

Coriolanus’s eyes scan the room for whatever movement he could pick up on. It seemed there was none. 

With a shaky breath he attempts to continue on, when his heightened ears pick up on a scuffle behind him. 

He spins quickly, ready to dodge an attack. He wished it had been a tribute, and not you trying to climb over the turn stalls. 

On its own accord, his face scrunches in anger. His footsteps are louder than he liked as he stormed over to you. 

He takes your hips into what he was sure was a painful hold, and looks past you to see they had already locked the gate. You were now trapped in here with angry Tributes with nothing to lose. 

Previously, he had never thought it possible to be angry with you. Now he wanted to scream in your face until you cried. 

He helps you down, softly to the ground, and catches your hand harshly in his. 

“You’re an idiot”, he whispers, “Stay close”. 

He squeezes your fingers into the palm of his hand, but you make no complaint as you follow him into the arena. 

Coriolanus felt his anxiety and senses heightened. He could faintly see Sejanus in the moonlight still knelt on the ground next to Marcus. 

He felt you pull against his hold as you near Sejanus, but he refuses to let you go an inch. 

If there was a tribute lurking he wanted to know where you were. 

“Sejanus”, you whisper when you are within earshot. 

He spins straight away upon hearing you. The panic he should have had all along, comes crashing all at once. He looked like a man who had seen a ghost as he rose from the floor. 

‘What are you doing here?”, he questions in a strained, soft voice. 

Sejanus takes your arms in his hands. Coriolanus wanted to yank you out of his hold, but a squabble would cause unnecessary attention. 

“Get her out of here, Coryo”, Sejanus demands.

“I would like to. Believe me”, Coriolanus scolds. His eyes darted around the room, ensuring that all was still unnoticed. 

“I am not leaving without you”, with your free hand you reach out to take a fist full of Sejanus shirt. 

“I have to do this” Sejanus justifies, “I have to go where the cameras are”. 

“You think anyone is watching this?” Coriolanus spat, taking a step closer to the couple, “Gaul cut the feed. Tributes kill you in here, she’s just going to say you died from the flu”. 

“They won’t kill me”, Sejanus vows. 

“Yes they will!” you reproach. 

Maybe there was hope for you, Coriolanus thinks, Maybe Sejanus hadn’t brainwashed you fully. 

The moonlight as it bounces off Lamina’s axe catches Coriolanus’s eye, and the safety net had now disappeared. She wouldn’t attack, but she could draw attention at any time. 

“You need to decide right now”, Coriolanus demands, he breaks Sejanus' hold on you in case you need to run, and focuses Sejanus attention on himself, “do you want to fight these tributes or fight for them? Because if you want to make real change, you need to stay alive”. 

“How can I make any change from out there?”, Sejanus discredits his power. 

He was not worthy of his power if he had no brains on how to use it. 

“You’re rich, smart. You care. You stood up to Gaul in that class, didn’t you? Spend your fathers money, do some real good”, a clash of the metal resounds in the arena. More would wake from the noise, and the group wouldn’t stand a chance. 

“We’re dead. Y/n’s dead if we don’t leave right now”, Coriolanus reprimand, “Come with us, or just be another body in Gaul’s war”. 

He knew he would have to fight to get you to leave Sejanus. But he was only allowing a few more seconds before he raced you to the exit. 

Worried that you would get yourself killed in the struggle to save Sejanus, Coriolanus turns to begging as a last resort. 

Placing a hand on Sejanus' shoulder, he brings the delusional boy closer. 

“Please, Sejanus. We’re friends. Trust me”, Coriolanus pleaded. 

You tug on Sejanus' shirt to move, “Come” you implore. 

His large, dirty palm goes over your hand, “Alright”, he whispers. 

The attack came at the perfect time. Coriolanus heard the shuffling of the boys shoes giving him time to pull you back towards the exit, before the war cry resounded through the arena. 

“Go, Run!” he demands, pushing you ahead of him. 

You sprint as fast as you can across the broken floor. Coriolanus caught up easily, pushing you forward urging you to move faster.  

Sejanus lagged behind, choosing to look at the fast approaching tribute. 

“Go! Go!” Coriolanus yells at you when you turn around to see where Sejanus was. 

You don’t look back again, until you reach the turn stalls. 

Coriolanus jumps over with ease, turning back to help you over. You stumble as your foot gets stuck on the rusty metal turn, and Coriolanus drags you over it as fast as he could. 

His hand takes a hold of yours once more as Sejanus approaches the stand with the tribute hot on his heels. 

He runs forward with you, eager to get you to safety beyond the gates. 

Sejanus screams as he stumbles over the hard metal and you halt your quick pace to safety. 

You call for him, trying to tug your hand out of Coriolanus’s. He resists, trying to get you to leave Sejanus.

Coriolanus promises to go back for him once you were beyond the gates but you wouldn’t have it. 

He drops your hand, rathering his own life to be in danger for Sejanus than yours. 

Coriolanus reaches Sejanus quicker than you do, and yanks him off the ground. 

‘Come on, get up!”Sejanus tries to regain his feet but his knee refuses to take any weight, “y/n, get to the gate!”, Coriolanus commands. 

You don’t turn, running towards Sejanus instead of away. You take his other arm over your shoulder, trying to assist Coriolanus. 

The screaming of the tribute came closer, and before Coriolanus could move, the sharp edge of a blade hacked into his shoulder. It was a far swing from the tribute but with enough force to split skin. 

He drops Sejanus to dodge the next attack. You fall into the wall, unable to support Sejanus by yourself.

The tribute now closer, stalks over to you with his sword held high. Sejanus tries a feeble attempt to shield you, but Coriolanus takes hold of a metal ruin that was stuck between cement, determined that not one hair on your head would be touched. 

He scrambles off the ground and swings the cement at the tribute with a loud scream. 

The young boy stumbles off balance, but readies himself again. He swung back with the blade which Coriolanus narrowly missed before bringing the cement down across the boy's head. 

It lands him on the ground, but Coriolanus doesn’t stop there, bringing it down once more on the boy who threatened his girl 

“Coriolanus!” you call to him. More tributes were coming out of the shadows. 

He drops his weapon, going back over to you to help lift the weight of Sejanus. 

Sejanus pushes through the pain to quicken the pace of the shuffle, but comotion had inlived  the most dangerous pack. Corals groups hooped and hollered as they approached.  

“Y/n, open the gate!”, Coriolanus demands, wanting you to be first out. 

Sejanus drops his arm from your shoulder, and you take the permission to take off ahead and bang on the gate until it opens. 

Coriolanus could hear the tributes as they run. They weren’t far off. He wasn’t sure they would even make it to the gate in time, but you would and that’s what matters. 

You push yourself out with the gate as it opens, turning back to look at the boys with wide, fearful eyes. 

Coriolanus pushes himself to be faster, taking nearly all of Sejanus' weight onto him. 

They make it just in time, and fall to a heap on the floor next to Peacekeepers boots. 

Corioanus pushes Sejanus off him. His hand reaches for his shoulder that now weeped blood. 

He groans as he feels the ache of the gash, next to his still searing burn mark.

He is distracted momentarily when Coral reaches the gate, and throws her spear into it. 

“Keep your eyes on the screen, gorgeous”, she taunts Coriolaus, throwing her head in the direction of you, “ I may have missed her tonight, but your songbirds next on my list”. 

The Peacekeepers demand that her group get back and the tributes disappear back into the dark tunnel.

He had followed Corals gaze to you on the floor. Your tears run down your cheeks now that the adrenaline is gone. 

Coriolanus moves to get you off the floor and into his arms, but you move as he does, and crawl across the floor to where Sejanus lay. 

You wrap your arms around his neck and sob into him. 

“I am okay”, he promises. His large hand rubs soothing circles on your back. 

You pull back in anger and begin hitting his chest as you speak. 

“How could you?”, you reprimand, “how could you do that?”.

“I am sorry, I had to do something”. Sejanus winces as he tries to sit up. His knee no doubt, completely ruined. 

“You could have been killed”, you cry with a push against his attempted hold. 

Was this the end of the bleeding heart couple? Coriolanus felt a spark of joy, watching as you fought. 

“Coriolanus could have died!”, as if you had forgotten about him you now turn to him, ‘Oh, Coriolanus”, you cry, “Are you okay?”. 

Coriolanus hand went back to his shoulder, feeling the wet patch of blood soak through his school jacket. He had no other uniform, even Tigres wouldn't be able to fix it. 

“Coryo, I am so sorry”, Sejanus apologies. It meant nothing to Coriolanus who ignored him. 

A car screeches to a stop and two car doors slam. 

The car is sleek and expensive with its own full time driver waiting with the lights on. 

Next to it stood Ma and Mr Plinth, who were well dressed as always. 

Ma was crying, but Mr Plinth stood stoic and angry. 

He gave Coriolanus a thankful nod but remained far away expecting his son to come to him. 

Ma runs over to her baby, wrapping herself around her sons head. 

Coriolanus takes the opportunity to move closer to you. You stand upon seeing him approach. 

“Are you alright?’, he questioned. 

You reach up, taking his neck and bringing him down into a hug. He gratefully goes, never expecting a hug before the relationship began. 

“Thank you, Coriolanus. I would have died in there”, you muttered. 

The hug is too short, before he is ready you are pulling away to look at his shoulder. 

“Coriolanus needs help!’, you announce, “Somebody needs to take him to the hospital!”. 

“Come with me”, he begs you.

“Don’t worry, Miss y/n. I’ll take care of our hero here”, Dr Gaul inserts herself where she is not wanted once more. She looked amused at Coriolanus’s physical and emotional pain. 

“Y/n, baby”, Sejanus calls to you. The driver had left the car to assist Sejanus while his father looks on. 

Coriolanus reluctantly lets go as you move to the sound of your name. 

“You’ll look after him?”, you question Dr Gaul. Coriolanus wanted to beg you not to believe her. 

“He’ll be good as new. You have my word”, Dr Gaul promises. 

He shutters as you move further back. 

Mr Plinth does not cross for his son, but he crosses to come collect you. 

He wraps an arm around your shoulder to lead you to the car. 

You look back at Coriolanus as you are led. Taking one final glance before entering the car with Sejanus. 

Coriolanus watches as the car takes off. He wondered if you had your arms wrapped around Sejanus in the back. 

He decides it is best not to submit his body to further stress and pushes it out of his mind. The walk home would help him clear his head, and focus only on the positives of the night. You relied on him tonight. Even acknowledged that he had saved your life. That was a step in the right direction. 

“And where do you think you are going, Mr Snow”, Dr Gaul calls out after him. 

“Home”, he announces over his good shoulder. 

‘And make a liar out of me?” she walks in the opposite direction towards the Peacekeeper van, “Come”. 

The ride back is silent. The same hurry to get there was not offered on the way back. Coriolanus shoulder ached, the blood would not stop pouring, sticking his shirt to his back and irritating his wound. 

Dr gaul doesn’t speak again until they are back in her lab. 

He couldn’t believe she had taken him back to her experimental freak show instead of a hospital. But he was in pain and in need of medical care so he didn’t verbalize his complaints.

“How did it feel?” she asks as she readies her station for him, “when you killed the boy to save y/n?”. 

He should have known she was watching. 

‘I didn’t have a choice”, he spat as he unbuttoned his shirt and took a seat in front of her. 

She laughs at him as she begins her first stitch. 

“All your fine manners, education, background, stripped away in a blink of an eye. Fueled with the terror of becoming prey, how fast we become predators".

Coriolanus lets out a shaky breath as the adrenaline dies down and the needle stitches him together. 

“Who would have thought that one day Crassus Snow’s boy would be fighting for his life in the area over a girl?”, he feels her stop stitching while she waits for the answer to her next question, “That's why you did it no? It wasn’t until news of her involvement that you volunteered. Or did you still wish to proceed with the guise of friendship?”

“Sejanus is not my friend”, Coriolanus declares. 

Her needle work began again, pleased with his answer. 

“You want to protect y/n, Mr Snow? Then it’s essential that you accept what human beings are, and what it takes to control them”. 

He feels her knot the thread into his skin

“So I’ll ask you again, when you beat that boy to death with a club, how did it feel?”. 

“It felt”, Coriolanus breathed, wondering if he should give the honest answer. Deciding he had nothing to lose from it, he answers. 

“It felt powerful”.

“Answer this next one honestly and you won’t have to walk home”, Dr Gaul teases, “Were you hoping that Sejanus died tonight?”

“Yes”, Coriolanus croaks. His own tears welling in his eyes. He refuses to let any more than two fall, which are wiped away harshly. 

“How did it feel to have her life in your hands tonight?”, Dr Gaul pushes. 

Coriolanus nods, unable to form words. 

A hand is placed on his good shoulder. She squeezes to let him know the sincerity of her words. 

“People will do anything to survive, Mr Snow. It doesn’t matter how miserable of an existence it is”. 

Coriolanus thinks to his bare apartment, and cinder block bed. It was true, and he was living proof. 

Survival meant hope. 

He closes his eyes, feeling more tears forming and remembers how malleable you were tonight. You trusted him wholly with your survival, and with that came power over you. 

Lucy-Gray was the same. Tonight you showed him the same loyalty, and respect that you had denied him previously. 

Lucy-Gray had tried to kiss him, and you melded your body to him when you could. He was sure if you were alone, you would have kissed him for saving your life. 

If only he could trap you as easily as Lucy-gray. Keep you in a state of panic that rendered you totally dependent on him. 

He lets out a low, breathy laugh, remembering Dean Highbottoms words. 

Maybe the old man could see more than Coriolanus would like. 

Despite the pain in his shoulder and his little sleep, Coriolanus arrived back at the auditorium bright and early.

Lucy-Gray was still alive. He could see her sleeping against a pole next to Jessup. 

The dead tribute was noticed, but soon forgotten. Only Lysistrata pushed to know more, but she too dropped the subject as the tributes began to wake and fight. 

There were ten tributes left. Not an impossible task for Lucy-Gray to outlive them all. 

He kept careful watch of the screens.  While the rest of the mentors took lunch, and socialized, Coriolanus sat with his head in his hand, hoping for a split second of screen time that told him Lucy-Gray was okay. 

“Coriolanus!”. Your voice shocked him as it appeared. 

He stood to greet you. It was a welcomed but unexpected visit. The games were announced a public holiday, you had no obligation to be at school. 

He would have thought after last night that you would be glued to Sejanus’s side. Was this the beginning of the end? 

“Y/n, what are you doing here?”, he questioned. 

In the daylight he could see a bruise on your temple from when toppled into the wall, under Sejanus. He reaches out to run his finger across the black spot, and you hit his hand away. 

“What are you doing here?”, you push back with a hard tone “I went to your house to check on you, but Tigres said you were here?”. 

Coriolanus felt his body twitch at your words. You went to his run down apartment? How much did you see? Surely, Tigres shielded his shame. Your eyes didn’t carry pity, maybe you didn’t know. 

“Don’t you ever go to my apartment without my permission again”, he scolded. 

That was close. Too close. He was days from getting the plinth prize. Days from burying his decade long shame. 

You seemed drawn back at his harsh tone. He had never spoken to you unkindly before. 

In an effort to ease the mood once more, before you left, he threw his hands up as if it wasn’t a big deal. 

“My Grandmother has severe social anxiety. We can’t have unexpected visitors”, he lies with a soft and airy tone. 

“Oh, I am sorry. I didn’t know”, you offer. 

Coriolanus tuts, bringing his hand up once more to brush the hair off your bruise. 

“You shouldn’t have been in there”, he complains. 

The bruise looked painful. He was sure it would cause you a headache. You should be resting with ice upon it, not here talking to him. 

“No one should be in there”, you return. 

His hand is pushed away again, but he attributes it being too soft to touch, rather than disdain for him touching you. 

"Thank you for checking on me”, he says. 

“You shouldn’t be here, Coriolanus. Not after last night”. 

“Lucy-Gray needs me”, he observes.

Your eyes flick to the screen behind him, before back to Coriolanus’s eyes and nod in agreement.

“Sejanus is in the hospital. They have him on morphline. His knee will never work fully, but he is alive and that's because of you”, you proclaim, “Lucy-Gray is fortunate to have you looking out for her. We all are”. 

His heart flutters. ‘We all are’, yes! Yes! You were lucky to have him looking out for you. Have you finally come to appreciate all he does for you?

He smiles down at you. If his shoulder didn’t ache, he would have reached out for you. 

“If there’s anything I can do”, you offer.

“There is!” He responds too quickly. 

He clears his throat, trying to conceal his eagerness. 

“There is”, repeats more even toned, “You could stay. I could use the support”. 

You looked unsure of the request, but he had saved your life just hours prior, so you felt an obligation to do as he asked. 

“Sure, Coriolanus”, you finally say, although you still looked unsure, “I can stay for a little bit”. 

He could barely breathe. The “great” he manages to get out is hardly above a whisper. 

He leads you to the front bench just in front of the first row of mentor chairs.

You sit obediently and he takes his new seat in front of you.

The tributes have become more lively. Coral was on the hunt for Lucy-Gray trying to convince one of her group members to go down and flush her out. 

None would so they go back to making traps to catch Reaper. 

Coriolanus reaches his hand back to you, trying to see how far his luck would take him. 

You do take his hand into your own, but only for the time it took to give him three encouraging pats to the back of his hand. 

It was close enough. Leaving Coriolanus with a feeling of satisfaction. 

The feeling stayed for less than a second. His good mood disappeared when the camera flew back to Lucy-Gray underground. 

Jessup was getting agitated. Yelling at Lucy-Gray and twitching uncontrollably. 

“What’s he doing?”Coriolanus jumps out of his chair and moves closer to the screens. 

“They’re friends. He wouldn’t hurt her”, you comment, coming up beside him. 

“Somethings wrong”, Lysistrata agrees, “He wouldn’t turn on her like this”.

Lucy-Gray makes a mad dash away which only further angers Jessup, determined that he had done something. 

Coriolanus watches in panic. Lucy-gray couldn't defend herself. She would never hurt Jessup, even in his mad state. 

“Go to the stands, go to the stands!”, he directs. 

Lucy-gray does go to the stands, climbing up as fast as she could but Jessup was determined to catch her. 

Coriolanus couldn’t watch. He turns and paces, trying to figure out a way to save Lucy-Gray. 

It couldn’t be over. You had only just come around, he needed more time.

The camera zooms in on Jessup allowing full view of the white form dripping down his lips. 

‘Wait, look”, he tells you. 

Your hand balls at your mouth. He hated to see you so frightened yet again. 

As soon as this was all over, he would ensure nothing would ever worry you again. 

“I think it rabies," he announces. 

He could have danced. There was a way out of this mess. The game wasn’t over yet. 

“That bite from the train”, Lysistrata deducts. 

“Send him water”. He demands of Lysistrata. 

“What? No”, she denines. 

He leans across her desk so she is forced to look at him. He was half tempted to just take control of her computer himself. 

“You remember the posters from the war. Rabies. It makes you scared of water. Send him a drone”, he demanded. 

“That’ll scare him”. 

He knew Livy had come to care for Jessup

“Yes” Coriolanus agrees in a hard tone, “away from her”. 

Lysistrata still looked in denial. There was no other option, both their tributes didn’t have to die. 

“Jessup is done”, he says with haste, “Livy, you’re the only one that can get it right to him”. 

Coming to grips with reality, Livy does as she is told, sending a water drone in the direction of Jessup. 

“Thank you”, Coriolanus feels better watching the drone fly in. 

“Nothing to be proud of”, Livy mutters. 

As planned, the drone smashes into him just as he reaches Lucy-gray. 

He hears you gasp as Jessup falls to his death and hits the bottom with a heavy thud. 

He turns to see you still with your hand pressed tightly against your mouth, and eyes squeezed shut. 

The sight makes him feel horrible that he had asked you to stay. 

You were on the side of his sore shoulder so he had to reach across with his good hand to touch you. 

“Coryo”, Livy called as Carol’s group came out of hiding. 

The hand on you balls watching as Corals group surrounds Lucy-gray. 

“Oh no”, he complains. 

He needed to make a distraction, so she could run and hide. He couldn’t just stand and watch. But the only thing he could do was send food and water in on badly operated drones. 

The same badly operated drones that just took Jessup out. 

He reaches for his communipad, and selects as many bottles of water as it would let him. 

He didn’t need to kill the group. Only give Lucy-Gray a chance to get away

The drones go flying in. He hoped Lucy-Gray wouldn’t give the surprise away, but she managed to keep her cool until it was time to duck. 

“Hey! You can’t attack the tributes” a fellow mentor complained. 

“I am just sending water”, Coriolanus jeered. 

He could hear your chuckle of approval behind him. You reach out to his good shoulder and murmur in his ear. 

“Good work”, you encouraged. 

He wished he could have stayed in the moment but it wasn’t over yet. Lucy-gray disappears into the dust, taking with her a bottle of water. 

She hides in the shelter of the ruin and he can faintly see her take something from her dress pocket. 

No there, he wanted to say. What if someone saw her poison the water and he was disquailified. 

He looks around the room to check no one else is noticing. All eyes seemed to be on the group turning against Lamina. 

Lucy-Gray ducks back out with the water, placing it back on the ground before emptying the others collected. It wasn’t a bad idea. 

Lamina's death stopped the clock and the attention was once more turned back to Lucy-gray. 

“Go” you mutter, flicking your hands out as if she could see. 

Lucy-Gray takes off with Coral and her group chasing her back up the stands. She finds an air duct and dives to close it in time. 

Coral catches it before it fully closes and it begins a tug of war against the two. 

“No, No”, you complain. 

He wanted to shield your eyes from the screen. With every inch Coral got, Lucy-Gray found the strength to tug it back. 

When it finally closes, sealing Lucy-gray in safety, Coriolanus lets out  a sigh of relief. 

“She’s Okay” he says to you. 

Coral takes out another tribute over a squabble over the water, and Dill drinks the poisoned water. 

So that was three dead tributes in less than 20 minutes. With this pace Coriolanus would be announced winner before the night ended. 

He sat you back down on your seat, and retook his in front of you. Your fingers cling to the bench underneath you, and your posture is tight and unnatural. 

He expects you to leave him, but you remain watching as Reaper collects the fallen tributes into a neat line and draps the Panam flag over him. 

“Are you going to punish me now?” reaper yells to the cameras. 

He begins to scream again but his words are cut off by a broadcast from Dr Gaul. 

“Capitol Citizens, I’m afraid I must interrupt our games to announce a tragic loss. Fleix Ravienstill, son of our beloved president, has this morning succumbed to his injuries sustained in the rebel bombing.Out there, in the districts, they will be celebrating this young boys death. I will not allow my games to give our enemies such a victory. I swear to you here and now, before the sun goes down tonight, a rainbow of destruction will engulf our arena. Even if it means there’s to be no victor in these games”. 

The broadcast ends, and the tributes go back on screen. 

“What?” you spit, “What does she mean no victor? That's not fair. She can't do that”. 

You rise from your outrage, ranting to Coriolanus. Your anxiety has been taken over by your anger. Coriolanus agreed it was not fair. All his hard work gone down the drain because of the death of Felix,  who was never going to amount to anything anyway. 

A rainbow of destruction. The snakes. There was no way he could protect lucy-Gray from them. 

He would need something with her scent. Could he get the string of her guitar that she played in the interviews? He didn’t even know where it was. By the time he found it, the Games were sure to be over. 

Maybe, he could go to the zoo. Toss as many things as he could into the snake pit and hope one of them was hers? It might mean the survival of everyone but her too. 

The zoo, he remembers. He digs into his breast pocket to pull out the handkerchief he used to wipe her tears away. If the sweat of his palm can keep him safe against the snakes, then surely her fresh tears dried on the handkerchief could. 

He had to get it to the lab before it was too late.

He grabs your forearms and turns you away from the screen to him so he had your full attention. 

“Stay here, okay. I’ll be right back”. He commands. 

“Where are you going?”, you ask astounded that he could be leaving after such news. 

“Just stay here. Don’t move”, he reiterated. 

You nod sensing his urgency and he dashes out of the auditorium into the empty hallway. 

He knew he couldn’t walk into Dr Guals lab without a reason, and begging for Lucy-Grays life wasn’t a good one. 

As he jogs down the steps, he claws at the stitches in his back, reopening the wound. 

He groans from the pain but ensures all eight stitches have torn open. 

His body is weak as he sprints to Dr gauls lab. It barely gets him through the front door, where he demands to see Dr gaul. 

As if she was expecting him, the Peacekeeper lets him directly through. 

“Come to beg for her life?” Dr gaul asks uninterested. 

“No” Coriolanus puffs, “No, my stitches. They came loose. I didn’t want the doctors asking questions”.

She looks at him suspiciously but relents, going to her work table. 

“Come, pull down your shirt”, she directs. 

He walks past a row of black birds locked in cages. Her newest toys. 

“The news must have shocked you Mr Snow. With no tributes, no victor, with no victor, no girl”. 

Coriolanus faces the birds as Dr Gaul stitches the needle into his shoulder. He eyes the large snake tank in the corner and the people who ready it for transport. 

“Y/n’s actually at the auditorium. She came to support me. She’s the one who noticed the stitches”, Coriolanus lies. 

“Support you and not her boyfriend in hospital? Things are looking promising”, she says. 

"Looking promising, looking promising” her voice echoes across the room. Seemingly from the mouth of the birds. 

She sighs and stops stitching to click a receiver. 

“Jabberjays”, she explained, “We sent them out during the war to pick up rebel conversations. A failed experiment. They only pick up useless phrases unless manually operated. I am collecting them to see what better purpose they serve”. 

Coriolanus remains quiet trying to figure out how he could reach the cage before it was too late. 

The needle knots in his back, a feeling Coriolanus had come to know to mean that the stitching was done. 

“I’ll see you and your girl back in the auditorium for the finale, Mr Snow”, Dr Gaul dismisses, “you should be proud of yourself. Your songbird put on a wonderful show, and you didn’t need money to steal the girl after all”. 

Coriolanus quickly buttons up his shirt, watching as the cage was wheeled out. 

“Thank you, Dr Gaul”, he says. 

He races to catch up to the assistants wheeling the cage, pretending to be following them out. 

They don’t see him as a threat so pay him no mind. He falls back as they take a hallway just off the exit, and watches as they leave the cage out for an airlift. 

He stays hidden behind a pole until it was time. Leaving his jacket to keep the door wedged open. With their back turned, he dashes out to cage. The snakes are upset when he slams into the large cage, beginning to move and fight with each other. 

He finds an air hole large enough and stuffs the handkerchief in. it moves along the bodies of the snakes until Coriolanus could no longer see the white in between the rainbow. 

When the harness is lowered, Coriolanus makes a run back to the door, taking his jacket and making his own exit from the Citadel. 

He pays for the taxi this time. Sure that his body couldn’t take anymore strain. 

It cost him his fathers watch, but he arrived back in the auditorium before the entrance of the snakes. 

“What happened?” he quizzes you, taking a hold of your arm, “Lucy-gray is she okay?”. 

You point to the screen where Coral and Treech poke and prod a vent. 

“She’s in there”, you address with horror in your voice. 

Treech points up and Coral takes his palace directly under the vent. 

Blocking the camera, Treech begins to sway of balance and nose begins leek small amounts of blood. 

“Wait, what's wrong with Treech?” his mentor asks. 

Corilanious was worried about his own tribute, who was three lucky strikes away from being impaled. 

Coral hits the metal too many times and the vent collapses on top of her. 

Coriolanus' hand latches out to yours, which you accept with the same nervous tension in your fingers. 

“Run, run” Coriolanus begs. 

She runs back into the arena. Not the safest place with reaper still sitting by the dead tributes. 

Coral chases after her, too slow to catch up. 

The whole arena stops when the chopper lowers in the cage. 

“Please work”, Coriolanus whispers. 

“What is that?” you ask. 

“Wouldn’t it be fun if it was candy?” Lucy Flickerman answers you. 

Coriolanus feels your hand tense in his, then open in surprise when the glass cage cracks and the snakes fly out. 

“Not candy!” Lucky Flickerman announces as three tributes are overtaken in rainbow. 

The Snakes chase the last two tribute who head to the stands for higher ground. 

“Lucy-Gray, please” Coral begs. The snakes lash at her heels as she tries to drag herself up the stands, “Please it couldn’t have all be for nothing”.

It was. More snakes latch on and Coral dies with two loud screams. 

“Now all colors lead to Gray” Lucy Flickerman narrates. 

The snakes slither up and around Lucy-Gray but none bite her. 

Coriolanus lets out an unbelievable scoff. 

‘She’s..She’s won” he says watching as the snakes continue to follow Lucy-Gray. He had won. The 10th annual victor. She was last standing, even Dean Highbottom couldn’t contest his win.

“It’a over. She won”, he says in a louder voice. Why was no one doing anything to stop the snakes, “Let her out!”

“Afraid that’s not your call to make, mr Snow”, Lucky insists. 

He turns to the audience. Dr Gaul had come to see the final show. She sat high up in the breeches and must of come in when Coriolanus was distracted. 

He drops your hand so he could turn and face her. She stared back with the same hateful and curious gaze. She knew what he had done. 

But if she squealed on him, he would return the favor. 

Your hands fly up to your face once more when Lucy-gray begins to sing. Tears pour from your eyes watching the young girl sing her last song. 

Looking to get away from the camera that played on your pain, you pushed your way to the back.  

“Dr gaul. She’s won”, Coriolanus yells, “It’s over let her out”. 

“Why aren’t they attacking her?” Festus asks. 

Dr Gual raises her eyebrows at him in a mocking fashion. 

“It must be the signing. It’s calming them”, he deceives. 

“She can’t sing forever”, Festus comments bitterly. 

She just needs to sing long enough for Coriolanus to figure out a way to get her out. 

“Dr Gaul, please”, Coriolanus tries, “Get her out”. 

He could see the audience engrossed in the scene. He just needed to figure out how to turn it against Dr Gaul. 

“Get her out!”, you yell across the room, following Coriolanus stare to Dr gaul. 

Her eyes flick to you and you scream at her once more to release Lucy-gray. 

Others join, chanting in protest. 

“Who will watch the games if there is no victor?” he threatens. 

Dr Gaul raises her hand to silence the audience, before turning to her assistant. 

“Get her out”, she says loud enough for everyone to hear. 

A cheer erupts the auditorium and Dr gaul wades herself through it to the silence of the hallway. 

“She’s won! Lucy-Gray! Coriolanus Snow is the winner of the tenth annual Hunger games!” Lucky announces. 

People rush from the stands to swarm him. Offering him congratulations and applause. 

It all felt real now. He had done it. The plinth prize, you, were all his now. 

He pushes to the crowd to get to where you stood in front of the bleaches. 

You were smiling and clapping. He wasn’t sure if it was entirely for him, or if you were just glad Lucy-gray would live. 

You looked beautiful and for once Sejanus was nowhere by your side. In this moment, you were entirely his. 

You treated you as such, taking your face between his hands and stilling you for a kiss. 

His lips smashed against you, his teeth nipped at the skin of your bottom lip asking you to part them for him. 

You don’t pull away at first, but his lips are on you for less than ten seconds before you are shoving against his sore shoulder. 

He is forced to drop his hand upon the impact. His shoulder ached from pain of being moved, and on reflux he lowered his arm to ease it. 

Coriolanus could tell by the look on your face, you did not enjoy the kiss. Did he come on too strong? Did he accidently hit your bruise when he kissed you?

He opened his mouth to apologize for the above, but you took off before he could catch you. 

It was impossible to follow you through the crowd of people. People would not part to let him through. 

Some jeered at him for being pushed away but most still rode his victory wave. 

Had he made a mistake? Where you not ready to leave Sejanus for him yet?

You had no right to reject him. He had won. Saved your life. Risked his own. 

Coriolanus took a seat while the crowd surrounded him, and then disappeared. He stayed there until he was summoned by a peacekeeper much later. 

He figured he was to see his victor before they sent her back home. The Peacekeeper led him to a chamber, but Lucy-Gray was nowhere to be seen. 

“Lucy-Gray?” he called, “Lucy-Gray?”. 

He sees a table in the middle of the room with his fathers handkerchief and his mother compact. 

“To think, Mr Snow, you almost had it all” Dean Highbottom's voice taunts him. 

“Where’s Lucy-Gray?”Coriolanus demanded. Had they hurt her for Coriolanus’s mistake?

“I would be more worried about yourself” Highbottom answered, stalking towards him. 

“First y/n rejects you and now the prize money slips through your fingers”, Highbottom torments, “it’s fitting that both your parents could be here for your big moment”. 

He gestures to the items on the table in front of Coriolanus. 

“That compact, how many times did I see your mother use it? Come now, we both know that child from eleven didn’t die of disease. And that old handkerchief, we found it in the snake tank, condemning you with your fathers own initials”. 

Highbottom rounds Coriolanus completely before standing in front of Coriolanus across the table. 

“President Ravenstill has left your form of punishment up to me, and I’ve decided banishment to the districts where you’ll serve your Capitol in exile for the next twenty years as an anonymous, peacekeeping grunt”. 

Dean Highbottom grins at Coriolanus who felt too frozen to do anything. 

“You’ll never get your hands on y/n. She’s too good for you Mr Snow. By the time you get back I imagine her and Sejanus will be married with three or four children”. 

It was true. Coriolanus wouldn’t be able to block the ongoing turn of events that was sure to happen with Sejanus. It wasn’t right. It wasn’t how things were supposed to go. He had worked so hard to have you, only to be taken away as soon as he got on equal footing with Sejanus. 

“You hear that boy? That’s the sound of snow failing”, Highbottom proclaims. 

He’ll be left with nothing more than a memory of you, while you will forget completely of the man who loved you so. 

[bueckersleftbraid]

pazzi as moms!!

An AU one shot in which Azzi and Paige both play for the Los Angeles Sparks and have a daughter.

wc: 2.9k (sry its short!!)

pls leave live reacts I will love you 4ever!!

p.s. I would possibly be down for writing a part 2 of like this scenario or the flashback?? lmk! <3

“But mommy I don’t wanna!” The little girl whined, her brown curls messy as she had just gotten out of bed. She looked just like her mother- except for those icy blue eyes which some how always persuaded Azzi to give her what she wanted.

“I know Abby baby, but you don’t really have a choice. If you want to see mama and mommy play this weekend, you have to go to school.” Azzi spoke, her voice soft but firm, as she looked down at her mini doppelgänger. The name Abby had come for a sweet girl that was a friend of Paige and Azzi when they played at UConn, someone who they both held close to their hearts. She was a light to all of the girls on the team- and ever since she had met her, even before she passed, Azzi was sure that Abby would be the name of her child in honor of the special girl. Paige had been totally on board with the idea, and didn’t hesitate to agree as Abby was also a memory she would never dare to let go.

“Hmft!” Abby plopped down on the floor, crossing her arms with I pout, “I want mama!” Abby’s voice was whiny, and Azzi knew the little girl wouldn’t give up until she got what she wanted. Plus, she could never say no to the eyes that looked almost identical to the ones she fell in love with years ago.

“Okay baby, how about we give mama a call while you get ready for school?” Azzi pulled out her phone from her back pocket and Abby’s face immediately lit up, her arms falling to her side to push herself off the ground. Azzi clicked on the pinned contact and the phone rang only once before a familiar voice echoed through the speaker.

“Hi, what’s up Az?” Paige spoke through the phone. She was clearly in the middle of something, walking swiftly through the city of Los Angeles, car horns and voices bustling around her.

“Abby wants to talk to you while she gets ready, she’s been a real pain this morning. If your busy we don’t-“

“No. No don’t even finish that sentence. I am never to busy for my girls.” Paige said, cutting her off. Azzi gave her a soft smile before handing the phone over to Abby. “Hi my sweet girl. Are you giving mommy a hard time this morning?” Paige cooed through the phone, a smile melting onto her face as soon as she saw her daughter on the screen.

“Nooo mommy wants me to go to school- mama tell her that I don’t have to go to school.” The little girl demanded, a pout still evident on her face.

“Well Abbs, school is important- but how about this? Mommy and I will take you out for ice cream tonight if your good allllll day?” Paige always had a way of annoying Azzi by giving into more than what Abby had asked for. 

“Really Mama? Your gonna buy me ice cream??” The little girl sounded ecstatic, her eyes immediately lighting up and the words ice cream. 

“Sure sweet girl, anything for you. Now listen to Mommy and get ready for school.” Paige spoke, her face looking up from the phone every few seconds to check her surroundings. Azzi set up the phone against the bathroom mirror before taking a brush and some hair spray to try and tame the toddlers messy curls. 

“Mommy I want braids like mama today” Abby spoke as she watched Paige intently through the phone screen, noticing that the blonde had her signature hairstyle in. Paige gave the girl a small smile as she heard her request.

“Okay, and how about a pink bow to match your outfit?” Azzi suggested. Paige and Azzi had both agreed that their daughter would have the best style—no matter where she was going- because she was their daughter after all. Paige and Azzi both being known for their pregame fits, and sometimes accompanied by their daughter— who always wore a matching bow in her hair—had made it their goal to make their daughter an icon in the fashion world before the age of 12. And sometimes accompanied far, they had succeeded. 

“Abbs guess who you get to see this weekend?” Paige said, the same smile that had been on her face since she answered the call only growing.

“Who mama?” The little girl said her voice a mix of curiosity and excitement.

“Well this weekend mama and mommy’s team are playing the Mystics. Do you remember who plays for the Mystics?” Paige said, as she looked down at the phone to see her daughter’s reaction. Abby thought for a second before her face lit up.

“Auntie Lili!!” Abby exclaimed, as Azzi tried to keep her head still so she wouldn’t pull on her hair. The girls chatted until Azzi finished Abby’s hair, and then Abby went to get dressed, leaving Azzi alone in the bathroom with Paige still on the phone.

“I like that color on you baby,” Paige spoke as she stared at Azzi through the phone. Azzi was wearing a brown set, which complimented her skintone perfectly. Really, she had worn it because she knew Paige liked it, but she would never admit that fact.

“Thanks P,” Azzi smile softly at her wife through the phone, “What time do you think you’ll be home? I wanna go for lunch” Azzi spoke as she pulled her hair up into a bun.

“Um.. probably 10? I should be back on the road in a few so maybe even before that.” Paige and Azzi had made the conscious decision to buy a house about an hour away from the city, in Calabasas, wanting a quieter life. Even though they had to go into LA often, they enjoyed having a homier neighborhood to raise their daughter in. Azzi was also very adamant that her daughter not be exposed to the craziness of the city before she was old enough to understand it. So, whenever they went to games, it was a quick in and out.

“Okay, any ideas for lunch? I’m sort of craving a salad.” Azzi had always been one to eat healthy. Paige on the other hand hated vegetables—or anything of the sort. She would much rather have a greasy fast food meal any day of the week.

“How about I take you to Erewhon? My treat.” Paige said, knowing that the store would have something for both of them—despite the high price tag. Paige had been begging Azzi to bring her recently anyway because she was dying to try their Mac and cheese.

“That’s fine with me, just text me when you’re almost home so I’ll be ready” Azzi said as she picked up the phone from the counter and walked into Abby’s room. “Abby baby say bye to mama” Azzi said, handing the phone off to the toddler.

“Bye mama! I love you!” Abby said as she waived to Paige through the screen.

“I love you too sweet girl, be good for mama okay?” Paige said as she looked at her daughter, now dressed in a pink tshirt and jean shorts, and of course wearing her cross necklace to match the ones that adorned both her parents necks daily.

“I will!” Abby said as she handed the phone back to Azzi before scurrying to grab her backpack.

“Safe driving, love you P” Azzi gave her wife a soft smile, taking a second to admire the way the California sun made the blondes blue eyes glow.

“Love you too Az” Paige before hanging up the phone.

——

The breeze of the mid July wind felt perfect against Azzi’s face as they drove on the road with the rolled down. It was the perfect day. The sun was shining and it wasn’t to hot, but just the right amount of warm. Paige’s hand rested against the exposed skin of her wife’s thigh, softly squeezing it every now at then, her thumb subconsciously rubbing against the soft skin. Azzi’s gaze landed outside the passenger window, gazing at the gorgeous view of the coast as they took their favorite drive. They rarely got to take this adventure anymore, since having Abby they’d become busy at every turn. But today was the perfect opportunity, considering Abby was at school and they both had a free schedule. Driving was one of their favorite activities early in their relationship and it always gave them both flashbacks to when Paige had first driven Azzi around Storrs.

Flashback - Summer 2020

“Come on Az, I promise it’s worth it.” Paige had been practically begging Azzi for the last hour to let her take her for a drive around Storrs. The town wasn’t exactly the most exciting place, but Paige knew every corner of it—every shortcut, every hidden gem, every quiet escape. And more than anything, she wanted Azzi to see it the way she did.

She wanted her to see UConn as home.

Azzi sat cross-legged on Paige’s dorm bed, absently scrolling through her phone. She could feel Paige’s gaze on her, those piercing blue eyes, the ones she was slowly falling deeper for by the second, filled with mischief and anticipation. The truth was, Azzi never could resist her.

“Fine. But only a short drive- 30 minutes tops.” Azzi huffed, finally caving. 

Paige grinned, triumphant. “You’re gonna love it.”

Azzi rolled her eyes, but her lips curled slightly at the sight of Paige’s excitement. There was something about her energy, something contagious, something that made Azzi’s carefully built walls lower just a little every time they were together. Paige had a way of making the world feel smaller, like it was just the two of them, like nothing else mattered. And that terrified Azzi more than she was willing to admit.

Paige and Azzi were currently in what one would like the call ‘the in-between’. It was obvious to anyone that there were feelings, and sure, they had made out more than a few times… and maybe more… but, they weren’t dating. Nor had they addressed the butterflies that erupted in their stomachs when they caught each others eyes from across the room, or how the quiet and intimate nights spent together when Paige would visit Azzi in DC felt. They were just… them. Paige and Azzi. P and Az. They were just figuring it out.

Azzi slipped on one of Paige’s many UConn sweatshirts that she had collected through her past few months on campus. 

“Hmm.. you look good in husky blue Az,” Paige said, a small smirk growing across her face as she saw Azzi in her sweatshirt, her eyes drifting up and down her figure.

“You think?” Azzi said, not even noticing the smirk on Paige’s face as she looked at herself in the mirror. The choice had always been sort of obvious to Azzi. I mean, playing with 3 of her best friends, Amari, Caroline, and Paige, plus it all being at the Basketball Capital of the World? How could she say no? But she had also been swayed by Maryland—it being close to her family— as well as UCLA, considering it had always been a dream of hers to live in Los Angeles. But despite not telling anyone, her mind was pretty set on UConn. Mostly because of a certain blonde, but she would never admit that.

“Come on Az, let’s go” Paige said, her voice soft as she took Azzi’s hand in hers, intertwining their fingers and pulling her out of her thoughts. Paige always had a way of making the brunette feel safe with the simplest of gestures. And that? That was dangerous.

——

“Paige we’ve been off campus for 20 minutes, where are we going?” Azzi spoke, her voiced tinged with a hit of annoyance, though they both knew she didn’t mind these quiet moments alone with the blonde.

“Almost there, promise.” Paige squeezed her hand softly as her thumb traced over her knuckles. 

Eventually, Paige pulled off the main road onto a barely visible dirt path. The car bumped along the uneven ground until they reached what looked like a small, secluded parking area. There wasn’t much to see- just tall grass swaying in the breeze, a hint of water glistening beyond the trees.

Azzi furrowed her brows. “Are you planning to murder me in the woods? Because if so, I’d like to know beforehand.”

Paige laughed, shaking her head as she unbuckled her seatbelt. “Just get out of the car, Az.”

She made her way over to the passenger door, continuing the tradition of opening Azzi’s door for her whenever she gave her the chance. She reached out a hand to help her step down from the car and Azzi accepted it, not letting go when she reached the ground. Paige led her down towards the darkness, but then suddenly a dock was illuminated in the distance by a few stands of hanging lights.

“What… what is this?” Azzi’s voice was soft as she looked around. She had never seen or heard of this dock, which was as odd considering it seemed like a pretty nice spot.

“It’s nothing really, Geno’s family owns the lot, but their away right now. He said the team can come here whenever so… I brought you with me.” Paige spoke as she led Azzi down the dock towards the patio furniture that sat at the end. 

As they reached the dock Paige sat down, pulling Azzi into her, but Azzi was hesitant.

“Come on Az. No one’s around, just let me hold you,” Paige’s eyes were pleading, she needed this. She needed Azzi. Her Azzi. 

The brunette gave in, leaning into Paige’s body- well more like melting into it. She had craved her touch, the closeness that they had lacked since she had last spent a night with Paige. 

“I’ve missed you so much Az, more than you’ll ever know” Paige muttered into the cool summer air. Azzi instinctively moved closer, her arms finding their way around Paige’s waist from the side as she inhaled the familiar sent of the blonde. They sat in comfortable silence for a moment before Paige spoke again, noticing how quite Azzi was. “What’s on your mind pretty girl?”

Azzi exhaled softly before responding, melting impossibly further into Paige’s touch.

“I think I’m gonna commit.” Azzi spoke. Her voice was quick, like she’d been dying to get these words off her chest for weeks.

“Wait Az- seriously?” Paige sat up, meeting her eyes. 

Azzi nodded. “Yeah. I mean, I haven’t told anyone yet. You’re the first person I’ve said it out loud to, so you can’t tell anyone yet, okay?” 

For a moment, Paige didn’t say anything. Then, suddenly, she was moving- wrapping Azzi in a tight embrace, burying her face in the crook of her neck.

“Oh my god, Az,” she whispered, her voice thick with emotion.

Azzi felt a dampness against her skin and realized with a jolt that Paige was crying.

She pulled back, cupping Paige’s face in her hands. “Hey... are you crying?”

Paige let out a watery laugh. “Shut up.”

Azzi smiled, her thumb brushing away a stray tear from Paige’s cheek. “I didn’t think you’d be this emotional about it.”

Paige sniffled, but her grin was unstoppable. “Are you kidding? I’ve been waiting for you to say that since the moment I met you.”

Azzi’s heart flipped in her chest.

She didn’t respond—she didn’t need to. Instead, she leaned in, closing the distance between them in a soft, lingering kiss.

It tasted like promises. Like the start of something real.

And for the first time, Azzi wasn’t scared.

——

Present - June 2031

The engine hummed softly as Paige pulled into the daycare parking lot, easing the car into a shaded spot near the entrance. Azzi sat comfortably in the passenger seat, her head tilted back slightly against the headrest, eyes half-lidded from the warmth of the afternoon sun. The remnants of their afternoon drive still lingered—the salty ocean breeze in their hair, the faint scent of sunscreen on their skin, and the shared laughter that had filled the car as they cruised down the Southern California coast.

It had been a perfect day.

Lunch had been as predictable as ever—Azzi with her fresh Cobb salad, something light yet filling, and Paige with her usual combination of comfort foods. Mac and cheese, strawberries, and grilled chicken. She had barely glanced at the vibrant array of fresh vegetables Erewhon offered, much to Azzi’s amusement.

“I don’t understand how you survive without eating real greens,” Azzi had teased, twirling a forkful of her salad.

Paige had only grinned, popping a strawberry into her mouth. “These count.”

Now, parked in the lot, the golden California sun cast a soft glow across Azzi’s skin, making it nearly impossible for Paige to look away.

The way the sunlight kissed her tan complexion, the way the warmth made her eyes just a shade lighter, like pools of honey—it was almost unfair. Paige had seen Azzi in every possible setting, in every lighting, in every moment of exhaustion, excitement, and everything in between. But somehow, she never got used to how effortlessly stunning she was.

She let out a small breath, shaking her head slightly before speaking.

“You look so beautiful, Az,” Paige murmured, her voice dipping into something softer, something more raw. Her eyes traced every inch of the girl beside her, like she was committing the sight to memory.

Azzi turned, her gaze meeting Paige’s, amusement flickering in her brown eyes at the sudden intensity. But it only lasted a second before something more tender settled in her expression.

“Thank you, baby,” she hummed, reaching out to brush a strand of blonde hair behind Paige’s ear.

Paige swallowed, her heart skipping at the simple touch.

God, she was in so deep.

Azzi’s thumb traced lightly over Paige’s cheekbone, her touch featherlight, but the effect was immediate. Paige felt her breath hitch slightly, her pulse thrumming in her ears.

“You’re staring,” Azzi whispered, tilting her head slightly, her lips curling at the edges.

Paige smirked, but she didn’t look away. 

“Can you blame me?”

Azzi laughed softly, shaking her head. “You’re ridiculous.”

“And you’re perfect.”

Azzi rolled her eyes, but the warmth in her gaze betrayed her. Paige could tell she liked hearing it, even if she pretended otherwise.

For a moment, they just sat there, the hum of the world outside the car fading into the background. It was these moments Paige cherished the most—the quiet in-between, where nothing needed to be said, where everything they felt was just understood.

A soft buzz interrupted the stillness, Azzi’s phone vibrating against the center console. She glanced at the screen and sighed, stretching slightly before unbuckling her seatbelt.

“Time to pick up the little monster,” 

Paige groaned playfully. “I was really enjoying just staring at you.”

Azzi laughed, leaning over to press a soft kiss to the blonde’s cheek. “You’ll survive.”

Paige sighed dramatically, but a smile tugged at her lips as she watched Azzi step out of the car, the sunlight catching in her curls.

Yeah, she was definitely in too deep.

____

“Mommy! Mama!” Abby’s excited voice rang through the warm afternoon air as she sprinted across the small daycare yard, her tiny backpack bouncing with each hurried step. Her curls, wild from a day of play, framed her beaming face as she launched herself toward the two women standing at the bottom of the steps.

“Hi sweet girl” Paige cooed as she took her daughter’s backpack and slung it over her shoulder. 

“Ready for ice cream Abbs?” Azzi hummed, lifting up her daughter and carrying her on her hip. 

“Yes Mommy! Can we go to the beach ice cream shop? So I can see the seals in the water?” Abby said excitedly. She had always loved the ice cream shop that sat across the street from the coast, Ted’s. Coincidentally sharing a name with UConns on campus bar, which Paige and Azzi frequented during their years in college.

As Azzi held Abby close, the little girl wrapped her arms around her neck, resting her head on her mother’s shoulder. Paige reached over, smoothing a few stray curls from Abby’s forehead as they made their way back to the car.

The afternoon sun had started to dip lower in the sky, casting a golden glow over the daycare lot. The warmth of California’s breeze wrapped around them, carrying the distant scent of saltwater and summer. It was one of those moments Paige wished she could freeze in time—the three of them together, no rush, no stress, just this.

After buckling Abby into her car seat, Paige slid into the passenger seat while Azzi took the wheel.

“Alright, Ted’s it is,” Azzi said, turning on the car.

“Yay!” Abby cheered from the back.

Paige turned her head for just a second to catch the girls eye, before turning back to the road. “What flavor are you getting, Abbs?”

“Umm…” Abby scrunched her nose, deep in thought. “The chocolate one with the rainbow sprinkles. And the cookie on top!”

Paige gasped playfully. “No way! That’s the best one.”

Abby giggled, kicking her little feet excitedly. “Mommy what are you gonna get?”

Paige glanced at Azzi, smirking. “Let me guess… vanilla?”

Azzi scoffed, crossing her arms. “Excuse me, I have taste.”

“Do you?” Paige teased. “Because all through college, you only ever got plain vanilla or maybe chocolate if you were feeling wild.”

Abby burst into laughter at that, and Azzi rolled her eyes. “Okay, Mommy, what are you getting then?”

Paige shrugged, smirking. “Mint chocolate chip, obviously.”

Azzi groaned, making a dramatic gagging noise. “You would. That is the worst flavor ever.”

Paige gasped, feigning offense. “Oh, we’re breaking up.”

“Too late, you’re stuck with me forever,” Azzi shot back with a mischievous smile as she waived her left hand in the air, flaunting her wedding ring.

Paige shook her head, laughing, as she reached for Azzi’s hand, squeezing it as she drove. It was the simplest of gestures, but it made Azzi’s heart flip, the same way it had when they were just kids navigating their feelings all those years ago.

As they pulled up to Ted’s, the familiar hum of the ocean filled the air, waves crashing in the distance. Abby practically bounced in her seat, eager to get her ice cream and see the seals.

Paige turned to Azzi, watching as she smiled at their daughter, her eyes filled with nothing but love.

This- these little moments, these small but infinite pieces of happiness- this was everything.

And Paige wouldn’t trade it for the world.

[80ssong]

I Feel You

|| 1.07k words ||

no outbreak Joel x female inexperienced reader

tags: no Y/N (ever!!!), dub-con, mean but sweet Joel, unprotected vaginal sex, pronouns for genitals, slight power imbalance if you squint, reader is afab, size kink, ~just the tip~

came up with this on a whim while writing a paper, as one does. just a short drabble. if anyone wants more, let me know? i could be easily persuaded to write a second part...

reblogs and likes are greatly appreciated!

thank you @saradika for your header

Joel is kissing down your neck, hot and wet across your skin, his breath making your skin break out into goosebumps. He’s undressed you so tenderly, worshiping every bare part of your body presented to him.

“You are so fucking pretty,” he breathes against your soft tummy. “Too fuckin’ pretty for me.”

He licks his way down your lower tummy to your bare pussy, public hair covering your mound. Joel pulls back to stare admiringly, his thumbs running up and down your outer lips, his tip of his thumb just pushing in. “Is she ready for me?” His eyes look up at you.

Your arms are covering your breasts and your chest is breathing heavily. You still haven’t let Joel enter you - doing everything but.

You want to, oh god do you want to, but you were nervous. You’d never taken anyone as big as him and you were scared.

You bite your lip. “I’m not sure if I’m ready…”

Joel smiles sweetly at you. “She sure feels ready,” he says as he lets his index finger slip just inside you, not touching your clit. Just resting inside you. You choke on your breath and your hips squirm in response. “Your body is ready too, I reckon,” he says as he lets your heat pulsate around him.

You look down at Joel, who is looking down at your pussy. He seems mesmerized by it. You take this moment to appreciate his soft, broad body; the strength you can see underneath his skin when his arms are caressing your legs. The grip you feel when he pulls your head close to his, rutting against your leg while kissing you deeply.

“What if I give her a little kiss?” He coos as he bends his face to your pussy, inhaling your arousal. “You want that?”

You moan and nod slowly, your arms still covering your breasts shyly. Joel smiles darkly at you and leans in, kissing your lips sweetly, excruciatingly slow, and letting his tongue slip inside. You gasp and raise your hips; you feel Joel smile against you and his hands skim your fleshy outer thighs. He presses his face harder against you, his thumbs coming up to slowly spread you apart, your pussy glistening in the low light of the bedroom. He pulls back for just a quick look and leans in again to lick a long stripe up to your clit. You let out a guttural grown, which makes Joel swirl his tongue around your hard clit.

“I think she’s ready now,” he murmurs against you; you can feel his hot breath against your desperate cunt.

Joel doesn’t wait for a response. He sits up on his haunches and pulls his hard cock out of his boxer briefs. You’ve seen him before but not like this. Ready, stiff, throbbing at the thought of you. He brings a heavy large hand to his cock and strokes lazily, noticing your eyes fixated on him. “You think you can handle him, baby girl?”

You look up at Joel with nervous eyes. He smiles and leans in to give you a breathtaking kiss - his tongue sweeps across the inside of your mouth, sucking on your tongue like he sucked your clit.

When Joel pulls back from you, he whispers, “let me just put him inside you. Just the tip. You can handle that, can’t you sweet girl?”

Your mind is so foggy and you nod absently, dumbly. Joel smirks; he holds his cock in his hand and lets it sweep up and down your slit teasingly, pulling out an embarrassed moan from your mouth. He then lets the head of his cock slip into you, your wet warmth enveloping his sensitive head and he lets out a throaty moan. Your skin feels on fire, down to the roots of your hair on your scalp.

Joel lets himself just stay inside you, cooing and murmuring softly to you to settle you down. When he feels you relax more, he starts thrusting shallowly, careful to keep just the head in you. He lets out words of praise, telling you you look so pretty, you feel so good, he wants all of you soon. Told you it didn’t hurt so bad, now did it? Will you let him slip all the way inside you, let him show you how much he loves you? He slides the tip of his cock up to your clit, the precum wetly circling your hard bud, getting under your hood, and you hum out the sweetest sigh. Joel, Joel, Joel.

Joel pulls your arms away from your breasts and suckles on your left nipple, letting his hips groove against you. “Prettiest fucking tits I’ve ever seen, don’t hide them from me, sweet girl,” he rambles; he slips his cock head into your tight heat again and you keen so prettily.

“Oh fuck, baby, I’m going to come,” he croaks out and lifts himself up, holding your hip bones tightly in his grasp. “I’m gonna fucking come right now.”

“Not inside Joel, please,” you rasp, watching him through half lidded eyes.

Joel doesn’t respond but keeps thrusting superficially. He brings his thumb to your sweet clit and rubs a haphazard circle in time with his thrusts. “Come first, baby, please, I need to see your face, please,” he begs.

You let yourself succumb to him, your back arching off the bed, crying out until actual tears fall from your face over how fucking good you feel. Over how he feels just inside you. Joel starts to feel his cock leak and sees your eyes widen open at him, silently begging not to come inside you yet. He pulls out just in time to come messily over your pussy, his thick white ropes of cum tangle in your pubic hair.

Joel collapses on you, your chests heaving in tandem. He kisses you wetly and sloppily, humming against your mouth. “See? Not so bad was it?”

You close your eyes and purr quietly.

“Think you can take all of me next time,” Joel says as he buries his face in your neck and you lift your arm to glide your fingertips across his broad back.

“Mmm, yeah, next time,” you agree.

Joel’s already got an idea on how to prep you next time.

[imorynn]

⁠⊹ᰔ 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 ( l. calderu )

⊹ᰔ 𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 : lilia calderu x reader ⊹ᰔ 𝐰.𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭 : 3k+ ⊹ᰔ 𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞 / 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬 : fluff, established relationship, kissing, teasing / banter, just two gays in love, two alternative endings ( thank you @liliasenbyhusband !) because I could not decide which to go with —

author’s note : I insist for this to be read with ‘send my heart with a kiss’ by Stephen Sanchez — it literally guided me through writing this, and just enhances the love we feel for lilia <333

LILIA CALDERU had become familiar with your dramatic antics already.

She did not even bat an eye when you lingered at the spot that parted her store and your shared residence, eyes wide and longing, or when you made a pitiful sound akin to a prolonged whine, shifting your weight like a restless child while your fingers fiddled with the linings of beads hanging there. 

Her hands maneuvered with dexterity as she prepared her tea, the silver spoon stirring the amber liquid, metal and porcelain ringing in unison the only sound between you. Light tendrils of mist spiraled over her face, threading through the silver locks of her hair, in the fine lines that maintained her well aware smirk. Steam curled in the air before disappearing, much like the time she was aware she was wasting by entertaining this stubbornness.

“Shouldn’t you be gone by now, darling?” Her muse was accompanied with an ascent of her brow. 

She sauntered towards the couch, the cup’s rim coming in contact with her lips as she took a leisurely sip. The gleam in her gaze betrayed her amusement, though she feigned disinterest and set her tea down, preparing for what was about to follow.

Silence was what you offered her, accompanied with one foot moving forward. And then the other. Legs striding you closer and into her space, coming to a stop right in front of her. You leaned forward, encasing her on the couch, knees bracketed on either side of her hip.

Lilia exhaled, something similar to indulgence. Palms found their natural position on your hips, ringed digits flexing around the clothed flesh there.

“I need a kiss before I go, love.” You requested, your gaze fixated on the canvas of Lilia's features like it was the first time you had ever laid eyes on her, in awe of her beauty.

“If you think about it, something bad could happen to me…” The pad of your thumb swept the soft dip of her lower lip, applying just enough pressure for it to part away from the other before releasing it. “And if that happens, I want your lips to be the last touch I receive.” You peered down and into those brown pools, your bottom lip tucked between gleaming teeth, hands planted upon her shoulders, quietly insisting for one more kiss. 

She inhaled deeply only for her to catch your fragrance mingled with hers — strong, sweet, citrus, incense, you, her, each other — her eyes darting between yours before descending to your mouth.

Your love for her was always so breathtaking, so captivating. The knowledge sent Lilia’s heart rattling in its rhythm behind her sternum, urging her to revel in this fulfilling feeling that was once foreign to her. 

She exhaled through the overwhelming surge and she inclined her head to meet your gaze. Dove-hued spirals brushed her cheeks at the motion. “You’re only going to the grocery store, y/n. I highly doubt you require a farewell so dramatic. You’ll be fine, baby.”

She was teasing, and the expression morphing your face was worth every second. You took it as a challenge, you were not above persuading her to get what you desired.

“I’m serious.” Her fingers ascended to stroke the soft flesh under your jaw as you leaned in. "You need to give me at least six kisses before I leave. You know, just in case.”

She only inclined her head back against the cushion, eyeing you with fond, jaded patience. "Six, is it?"

"Minimum," you affirmed, a comical solemnity settling in your eyes.

Lilia hummed a contemplative note, then lifted a brow. “And if I refuse?”

Though the answer was already settled between you, nestled in how her fingertips scaled down your spine, memorizing the curve of your body before you could slip away, even if only for an hour.

“Then you are a cruel witch.” Your lower lip pushed forward, an exaggerated action, as you rested your forehead against hers. 

It was not the first time you had pulled such actions. She had lost count a while ago, but it probably started somewhere around the time her visions came disoriented, without warning. Only pain and perplexity spasmed within her psyche and blurring the lines between past, present, and future. Your perturbation did not go unseen by her, and while you were always gravitating towards her before, this was even more frequent. Even for the smallest of things, you found a fleeting reason to stay near her, with the ache that swelled in the spaces between meetings and partings.

And Lilia never chastised for it. Still, she played along. “A cruel witch?” she mused in her glower. “For withholding a kiss?”

“For withholding six,” you corrected, brows lifting in emphasis. 

“Six,” she echoed, drawing the syllable out like a consideration. “A steep demand for a simple errand.”

You leaned into her touch, unashamed, unrepentant in your devotion. “I’m just a person in love, Lilia,” you cheeked, as though it were the simplest explanation in the world. 

This earned an eye roll from the love of your life, and you pushed even deeper. "It’s scary out there, Lilia. Wild people. Covenless, insane witches. If something happens to me, how will you feel knowing you let me go without a kiss of protection?"

“If I recall correctly, you are much taller than I am –”

“Yet you manage to have me on your lap–” You interjected with a scrunched brow.

“Excuse me, please do not interrupt me when I am speaking,” she mirrored your expression, dismissing how you grumbled under your breath something along the lines of ‘respecting your sassy elders’. “And you are intelligent. I hardly think you’re in real danger if you put one and one together.”

"Funny, isn’t it?" you murmured, pressing a soft kiss to her forearm as her hand settled over your shoulder.  "Considering you called me brainless for confusing salt with sugar in your coffee only the other day."

Chuckling, she waved her hand as if to bat the memory away. "That was a mere mistake on your part. It’s inconvenient to bring that into this." “You also said, ‘how can someone so pretty be such an airhead?’, so I think it is convenient and you’re going to wish you considered this when I’m at risk.” Your swift rebuttal had her attempting to hide her laughter.

Fortunately for you, she failed. “What risk is that, hmm?”

Undeterred by Lilia’s insolence, your mouth continued its tender journey on her arm, pausing at her wrist to trace the pulse with a sweet nip. “I’m at the risk of getting kidnapped almost every time I leave your side.”

“You have me to divine that no such harm will come your way.” she intoned and shook her head. “It’s highly unlikely.”

“So is meeting the woman of your dreams,” You turned your head, leaving more kisses along the warm hued skin of her other arm when it rose to cup your cheek. The action caused the cozy shawl around her shoulders to slip out of place, and you beamed at the sight of freckle-splattered flesh. “And yet here we are.” “Y/N.” She made an effort to sound firm and to straighten, but the way your lips touched her bare shoulder rendered her efforts useless, to feign she was not yearning to kiss you herself.

“Yes, sweetheart?” Your neck bent lower and your fingers lifted her jaw with nimble ease, guiding her into the golden glow peeking through windows where you could soak in every feature. The sight left you devastated — her beauty was ruinous, and you, hopelessly undone by it. “Do you have any idea what you’ve done to me, Lilia?” Lilia’s softly parted mouth could not conjure a coherent sentence because you were giving her that look, brighter than the stars and more alluring than any landscape she has experienced in the entirety of her life.

So many of those moments, and yet only one Lilia, you always muttered when she brought this up. It spoke more than what verbal speech could ever do.

She could have sworn you have perfected it, knowing when to unleash the sheer depths of just how much you loved her with a sole glance.

You followed the canvas of her face before coming across a particular detail that beseeched for your heed; her mouth, hovering there, having her taste your pristine exhale.

“You don’t understand what it’s like to kiss you,” Lips pushed against her forehead with all the softness in the world, thumb skimming beneath her eye. She stilled at the feel of your touch stroking along the regal form of her nose, the slope of her cheeks, the descent of her eyelids. 

“Oh.” A bashful grin stretched across her face. “I—”

"If you knew," you continued, nosing her cheek, “if you had even the slightest idea of how you feel — of how good you feel you’d understand why I want to spend my entire life kissing you, and only ever you.”

Feeling your affections spill out on her brought forth another low gasp from her throat. Your face turned curious then and hers flamed like the sun. 

“Just one kiss, Lilia.” you bargained, transfixed with how her tongue absentmindedly darted across her bottom lip. 

“6 more, you mean.” she muttered as her hands fell on your waist, tugging you into her.

Your chuckle kissed her before your lips did, a featherlight caress. Your hands remained on her face, bringing it a bit more up. In return, you were met with the prelude of her warmth before she distanced herself for a bit. Just to drink in your expression.

One.

The next was more intent, lips fully pressing into yours, savoring and present. You were mapping her, memorizing the way her exhales melded with yours, how her pulse thrummed beneath your palms. 

Two. 

Your digits dug against her skin, not enough to hurt her. Never that. But more so a small, unconscious plea she always picked up on. Stay. Be here. Let me hold you a little longer.

Three. 

You were in no rush as you angled your head, your tongue delved past her lips, savoring her wet cavern with slow, languid strokes. 

Four. 

Rich sensations slithered around your spine, twining around and across each individual rib until its heat mollified your bones. Her lips parted once more, enough for you to savor the remnants of herbal tea upon her tongue. 

Five. 

You sighed her name, earning a soft whimper as her reply. Her fingers come to clasp over your nape, the soft curls there contrasting the coolness of her jewelry. 

The crescents adorning your flesh were done by none other than Lilia, lashes flitting as she momentarily let her eyes searched yours, as if she, too, wished to make this last just a moment longer.

Her chuckle rippled through your bones when you leaned in to kiss her, mouth insistent only for her to move. “Someone’s desperate.” 

“Look who’s talking.” your mumble was barely above a breath. “And you still have one more to go.”

“Hush.” She responded with another scrape down your neck, then allowed her lips to slot over yours.

Engrossed in the control and plea, the franticness, the softness, you let her linger, longer than the others, the kiss searing words into your skin and to your heart.

For luck. For love. For the peculiar trick of fate and time that had made you hers. 

Six.

“I really have to go.” You did not want to. 

“Uh-hmm…” She sweetly kissed the corner of your mouth and then the hollow of your cheek. 

“Tea —” your attempt lacked conviction. 

“What about the tea?”

“You’re running low on your favorite tea bags…” you managed, nudging her temple with your nose. “You need them to soothe that lovely mind of yours–”

Cool rings soothed over the heat flooding up your neck. Her arm had found its way around your waist, hand curling up the fabric at your lower back. “That does calm me after dealing with customers.”

“And the fridge,” you continued, voice tapering off as lips kept brushing, brushing, and dragging up your cheek. “We need to restock … for dinner.”

Lilia released a knowing sigh, her thumb partaking in a small, rhythmic pattern on your side. “Then go, baby.”

But she did not make an effort to pull away. And neither did you.

A small whine clawed out your throat, incoherent and ridiculous, and her chuckle became one with your skin. 

“Stop with the teasing—” your head slanted back as if that alone could help you escape her, but your hands betrayed your true nature — still clinging, still weak for her. 

Lilia inched back just enough to meet your gaze in playful reproach. "You started it."

You pouted, palms grasping her head. an accusation formed only to dissolve just as quickly as it came. A different thought took its place, petulant and cloud-soft sealed in one. “You’re just too irresistible.”

The older woman snorted, pleased though not surprised. “I’m aware.”

You rolled your eyes, body remaining against hers betraying any semblance of frustration. Instead, you let your head fall over her shoulder. “This is your fault. Now we’re going to end up eating takeout for dinner."

Fine lines deepened with her wide grin. “For one, I don’t mind. And I’m sure you don’t either.”

If your eyes spoke of love, then your lips left no doubt — each movement whispered of yearning, of a need that eclipsed even the oxygen in your lungs.

Contentment swelled with pride enveloped your face. Lilia was the reason for this. For your state of happiness. Just as you were for hers. 

You then began to climb off her lap. Instead of heading out, you reached for the hands that still sat on your back and pulled her up with you. 

She allowed herself to be guided, bemused at how eager you were. “So we’re changing our mind?”

You grinned and brought her down to settle on the pillows. You quickly followed, pecking her cheek. “I think I should be rewarded, you know, now that I’m staying with you.”

“Oh?” She was pleased to have you get rid of your jacket, hands straying from your forearms to your shoulders, granting a loving squeeze. 

“For the kisses I would’ve missed if I did go out,” you clarified, warm irises expectant when they peered at her. 

Lilia lowered you by tugging on your neck until your cozy weight became one with her. Placing a soft kiss to your nose, she muttered, “Then by all means, collect them all. I need my fair share of them too.”

────── 𝐎𝐑 ──────

You then began to climb off her lap. Instead of heading out, you reached for the hands that still sat on your back, bringing her knuckles to your lips. It was blurred, the line between you delaying your departure and the natural act of just loving Lilia.

She smiled, but her hold on you tightened when you brushed over her ever trembling fingers, showcasing her own reluctance. Silver strands caught in the light when she moved her head, “You do realize you have yet to take a single step toward the door?”

“I’m going.”

A raised brow and chortle. “Are you?”

You gave an exaggerated sigh, forehead dipping down to rest over her knuckles, muttering soft ‘i love you’s with punctured kisses that warmed her heart. A ‘don’t forget me while i’m gone, kooky’ made the witch scoff, jerking her wrist up so her rings could jab your forehead. “Ow, Lilia—”

“Get off the kooky witch and go.”

“Liliaaaaa, i say that out of love —”

“Y/N.”

“Alright, I’m going!” There was transparent hesitation, giving her hands another squeeze and peck before letting them go. 

You turned on your heel, took a few steps forward before she stopped you. “Wait.”

Lilia chuckled when you spun back around immediately, a marionette whose strings were controlled by her word alone. Your face gleamed like a child’s, hoping she had changed her mind and would beckon you back into her arms. Of course, Lilia did no such thing.

Instead, she reached for the book that was just beside her awaiting tea and perched it on her lap. She opened it and took a handful of seconds or so at finding where she last stopped with her moving finger — page 197, chapter 19 you recalled from the night before when she would not leave the thing alone for proper rest and your cuddles. Muttering a few words under her breath, mouth puckered until she clicked her tongue. You assumed she found her spot and was not quite happy with the outcome of it. 

Only then did she offer you an infuriating sweet smile. “I just wanted to see how fast you’d turn back.”

A scandalized gasp left you. “You wicked witch.”

“ ‘Cruel’ was the term you used earlier, if I recall.” She tapped her cheek in mocking consideration. “Along with kooky.”

Your eyes narrowed at her, no true irritation within their fondness. “I knew you were trying to stall me too. It takes two!”

As she hummed, her gaze raked over your figure before turning back to her book. “Well you should be on your way out now, love—”

In the next breath, you were marching forward again, closing the distance between you in mere seconds. Lilia barely had time to react before her face was cupped between your palms, “I refuse to be outdone.”

You pecked her lips once, twice, three times before breaking the kiss completely. When you finally pulled back, you took immense satisfaction at the daze whirling within chocolate eyes. 

Blinking once, then twice, and wryness clutched her speech. “Now who’s the wicked one?”

You mocked her words from mere moments ago, “You started it.”

Lilia’s hand smoothed over your arm, thumb stroking  your wrist. “Mmm. Perhaps.” Her voice was quieter, tender. “But now, my love, you really should go. The faster you go, the faster you’ll get to come back to me.”

You pouted, nonetheless you obeyed when she gave you one more kiss, taking a few steps backwards toward the open area. And then you paused again.

Lilia lifted a brow in warning and your hands sho up in surrender. “Yes, ma’am.”

Just before you stepped past the beaded curtains, Lilia’s voice halted you one final time. “Be safe, baby.” Come back to me in one piece.

You turned around and you were met with her harboring a tender smile. Deep browns watched you, housing nothing but love, care, and worry.

You gave an assuring expression, “Always, love.”

And with that, you finally left, but not without the distinct feeling of her gaze lingering on you long after you were gone.

Lilia exhaled, shaking her head in amusement as she reached for her tea, mind still preoccupied with the thoughts of you.

Only to feel the porcelain was cool. She frowned while bringing it close, expecting the usual cozying heat against her palm, the familiar steam curling toward her face — only to find nothing. Her brow quirked as she took a tentative sip. Completely, distastefully cold.

She set the cup down with a sigh and shook her head. See what you do to me, darling? Perfectly good tea down the drain.

She stood up to brew another pot, reached for the small tin where she kept her tea, and lifted the lid with a soft clink — only to be met with the sight of a single, lone teabag resting at the bottom.

Her lips pressed into a thin line, her fingers hovering along the last remaining tea bag as if debating whether to treat herself to it or wait just a little longer.

She exhaled, leaning against the counter, her gaze drifting toward the entry. You would be back soon. And when you did, you would come through that very door, your arms laden with a fresh supply and extended in the air, exasperatedly shaking your head while beaming that beautiful grin, "What would you do without me? I deserve to be compensated with more kisses, Lilia."

Lilia smiled to herself, rolling the last teabag between her fingers before placing it back in its tin, and decided to wait for you. Tea tasted better when you were with her.

[versevibess]

Commandress

Cassian X Reader

PART FIVE

Part Four

Part Three

Part Two

Part One

SUMMARY:

The Commandress grows closer to the members of the night court and gives her final answer to the High Lord. Cassian’s absence makes her heart grow fonder, yet once everything snaps into place, her first instinct tells her to run.

WARNINGS:

SMUT, minors DNI. This was my first time writing smut and I hope my Cassian girls have been FED. I don’t know what kind of warnings to add so just assume everything until I figure it out <3

I can probably note that it was rough, could be rougher though x

18+ under the cut!!!!

Nonsense.

Dare I say it, but the High Lady was talking absolute nonsense.

I had two days to stew over her words; that my heart may not be entirely content, regardless of whether I held my wings. Two days to heal and two days until I had to tell the High Lord and Lady that I planned to stay.

My back still ached with pain, yet mostly my muscles had become accustomed to the weight of my new, or old, wings. I could walk freely throughout the house, climb in and out of bed without wincing from the strings of pain holding my limbs together. Yet it seemed as though my stomach, my heart, had not entirely achieved the same.

Cassian had been gone for a few days.

Those few days felt like an eternity, even by fae standards.

We had gotten to know one another well, although not enough for me to feel this way. I couldn’t place what it was, but I felt so drawn to him that each time I found us apart, my gut would twist in such a horrific way that I thought perhaps I had fallen ill; that I had caught a virus of some sort, or that he was using magic to toy with me. Regardless of what it may be, I found myself thinking of him, before I slept, as soon as I woke. Thinking of the way he’d hold me as we soared through the sky’s, how the Lord of Bloodshed seemed so soft at heart, how he kissed my temple so delicately as I withered away in bed. Sometimes I thought so hard about it all that I could feel his chest beneath my palm still, that smooth plane of hard muscle, the soft patter of his heart.

Some nights, the thoughts would lead to unsavoury acts.

It had been a while, since I had any sort of sexual attraction to any man. After spending years secluded with nothing but females and young surrounding me, sex wasn’t even a thought. Of course, I had engaged in it before, yet only with whichever male at whatever tavern seemed the least unbearable; it was meaningless, a quick release which I would soon after realise I was better off before hand. It made me feel sickly, yet once I thought about doing those sickly things with him, it would turn sweet.

On one hand, I thought about how I would need to restrain myself from ripping the leathers from his back and climbing on top of him once he returned. On the other hand, I couldn’t bare the thought of the Illyrian warriors believing I was second in command because I had persuaded him with open legs.

‘If you listen close enough, I think you’ll find that your bed is calling my name too.’

His words lingered in my mind for longer than I would like to admit.

•

Morrigan, once again, helped me in dressing for Solstice Eve dinner.

She made an effort to pick out my gown for tomorrow as well, one similar to the one I had worn that night we ventured out in Velaris. This time it was a satin of deep emerald green, to match my siphons she said, with a deep chocolate brown shawl of fur. Tonight’s dress was much more simple, a slate grey thick cotton with a square neckline, embroidered with silver thread. She had to summon the slats with magic, I didn’t have her down as much of a sewer anyway.

He had arrived as I was buttoning the dress with the new power of my siphons, glowing green threads pouring down my back to where they threaded each cotton coated button with care. I could smell him, almost following the scent of sandalwood and melted snow with my eyes to where it dragged through the hallway, down to the entrance of the House. My cheeks flushed as I patted down my dress, my body tingling with both nerves and excitement.

Mor had already darted out of the door upon his arrival, and I didn’t hesitate to follow close behind. Although my steps were slowed with the weight of my wings, I almost tore through each door as if I was searching for him. My body was betraying me, in a wicked cruel way. It was telling me something that my mind simply couldn’t comprehend.

He was grinning from ear to ear once I reached the landing, deeply engrossed in conversation with Rhysand and Morrigan, yet when his eyes met mine, they never left. My brain was a wreck of rushing thoughts, I couldn’t help but wonder if he felt the same way, whether he had been thinking the same things. His change from his usual scaled leathers and gleaming red siphons hadn’t helped either; a silk black shirt left unbuttoned just low enough so that I could see the tanned taught muscle of his chest, pressed black trousers held together with a silver buckled Illyrian leather belt. It was as though my body had began to melt away with the snow beneath my feet.

And then his eyes widened as he noticed, the gigantic wings which shuddered with nerves behind me, the flickering siphons mounted in perfect peaks above the apex of muscle.

He began to stride towards me.

And my heart began to pummel in my chest.

I hadn’t even noticed Morrigan and Rhysand slithering past and into the house silently.

“Commandress.” He addressed me formally, his polished black boots settling in the snow a few inches before mine. He reached down slowly as his lips brushed my cheek so featherlight that I thought that maybe I had imagined it.

“General.” I said back with a smile tugging at my lips.

His eyes scanned me from head to toe, “you look different? Did you change something about your hair?” His grin sent warmth through my body, despite the harsh winter air prickling at my skin.

“Yes, hair heavy enough to leave me bed ridden for three days.” I replied back with a playful snarl, yet my heart was bursting with gratitude.

He let the silence settle over us, just for a moment. “You look beautiful.” He said quietly, eyes flickering from my face to my wings, catching me off guard completely.

My mouth hung open for a second before I could come up with some witty remark, some snide comment to mask the fact that my insides felt as though they were doing leaps and jumps inside of me. “You don’t look so bad yourself.” My voice was barely a whisper above the wind. “About time you took those leathers off for a clean.” I managed to add before slowly turning to walk through the doors.

He let out a breathy laugh which vibrated straight through me. Our steps slowly fell in sync as we walked through the grand entrance of the house, following the lingering scent of Rhysand and Morrigan.

“How are you feeling?” He asked, “I came to visit during the treatment, I’m sorry I couldn’t be there once you woke - I was tied up in Illyria.”

Blush creeped to my cheeks at the memory, of him dangled on that bed beside me as he smoothed the hair from my face, leaning over on one elbow as he kissed my forehead. “I know you did, thank you.”

His cheeks also grew a deep crimson, a beautiful contrast to his deep Illyrian skin. “You remember?”

“I remember.” Silence washed over us and I fought with the fact that I should lay it all out before us.

I couldn’t. Wouldn’t. I couldn’t stand the thought of it being seen as a quick ticket into my position. I had proved myself, I knew that, proved myself by living on that land surrounded by sea and snow for countless years. Proved myself by fighting in that sickening war, even if it meant I was standing alone by the end of it.

But the desire still burned.

And my restraint was fraying.

•

Dinner was delicious. Slightly more formal than usual, yet still filled with the usual lighthearted laughter and easy flowing talk that the Night Courts inner circle often possessed. It was as though once they took their seat at the table, all of the outside chaos would vanish. It was just them, and their family.

Nerves loomed over me the entire meal, disguised with a smile and a trembling laugh. Cassian could tell, and decided he would make it worse by sitting beside me and brushing his knee against mine throughout the dinner. Although my decision had been made long before I spoke the words, it made my stomach churn with self doubt at the thought of swearing my life to their legion.

It wasn’t only for me, it was for the rest of the females who had suffered at the cost of men and their sick tainted minds. To rot away on an island, it would spark satisfaction in those twisted souls if they knew.

It was when we were in the sitting room with an opened bottle of wine on the coffee table before us that Rhysand had crossed his leg one over the other, and began to tell me about the priestesses and their positions in the library. He had even told me some of their stories, stories which almost made me weep. Mor, Cassian and Azriel were seated along a couch underlining one of the grand arched windows, participating in a much less heavy manor of conversation, wings shaking behind them as they laughed and complained that Rhysand was putting a damper on the night. It wasn’t a damper to me, it was a window of opportunity, one to make me say -

“- I’ll stay.” I breathed, as if I had been holding the words in with my breath. I watched as Feyre’s eyes widened at the side of her mate. “I will stay, I will help you lead your armies, as long as my females are cared for.”

Rhysand raised an eyebrow, before a smirk slowly stretched across his lips. My sudden outburst drew the attention of the others, Azriel standing from his seat, followed by Cassian.

“Well then,” Rhysand jutted his bead towards his mate, who was positively beaming beside him. “We will have you take your oaths the day after Solstice. But for now, Commandress, enjoy the holiday.”

•

Once the fuss of my decision had settled down, and everyone had finished bracing me in the warmest of welcoming hugs, it was only Cassian and I left in the sitting room.

We both sat on velvet armchairs beside one another, an audience to the High Lady and her mate as they both overlooked Velaris’ beauty on the red stone balcony. His wing was wrapped around her to shield her from the cold, and although I was unable to hear what they were saying, it seemed as if Feyre was absolutely infatuated. I watched from a distance as that was all I could do, the reality of such love ever finding me so farfetched.

Cassian and I were consumed by comfortable quiet, sipping from our glasses occasionally. The stunning night sky illuminated his face in such a way it made him even more beautiful, structured. Even the scars that braced his skin suited him.

“Thank you.” Was all I whispered to break that silence.

He didn’t respond for a moment, as if he was wrapped up in thoughts of his own. “For what?” He said.

I almost laughed. What shouldn’t I thank him for.

“For everything.” I said with sincerity, my heart practically bursting inside of my tight chest. “For the opportunities you have given my people and I, for the wings, just everything. I doubt I will ever be able to repay you for your kindness, but I am in hopes that my service will cover some of the debt.”

“You are in no debt to me.” He said firmly.

“I am, and I forever will be, Cassian.”

He didn’t argue further, instead continued to watch the Lord and High lady with heavy lidded eyes. He gestured a glass towards them, the amber liquid sloshing around with the movement.

“Do you ever think people like us could find a love like they have.” He asked, his voice lowered, hoarse.

I swallowed sharply and narrowed my eyes at the two.

People like us, who held so much unforgiving rage in their hearts that perhaps there was no room for love. People like us who believed with our own minds that we were not worthy of such a thing, and that the Mothers plan for us only consisted of war and bloodshed. Thick skinned and sharp witted to withstand the judgement of others and ward off any comfort.

“Perhaps if you asked me three weeks ago, I may have said no.” My vision grew unfocused on the High Lord and Lady, their figures merging into a fuzz.

My statement peaked his interest.

“What changed your mind?”

I thought about answering him truthfully, thought of confessing all of my muddled feelings. Yet I just shrugged.

“I don’t know, my eyes have just opened to the possibility.”

He didn’t respond, and as I turned to glance at him I noticed he was already looking, an unreadable expression on his face. His knuckle which was propping his chin up unfolded and rubbed along his stubble; I had to look away as heat shot through the centre of my body.

I didn’t know whether to address it, didn’t know whether or not I should acknowledge the fact that I felt this way or just allow it to eat me alive.

His boots shuffled against the ground as he stood, my eyes glued to the coffee table despite his movement. Then he walked to me, until his body shielded my vision, one calloused scarred hand hooking beneath my chin and tilting my face upwards. My wings shuddered behind me at the contact, wide eyes meeting his as my hands gripped the embellished arms of the chair.

“You are in no debt to me.” Was all he said, before leaning down and pressing his warm lips to my cheek. I didn’t even bother to mask the way my breath hitched as he lingered there for a moment, his scandal wood and smokey scent consuming me whole like some sort of spell.

And then he walked away.

And that was the last time I saw him that night.

•

We didn’t celebrate Solstice back at my camp.

It didn’t seem necessary.

But once I experienced the traditions and the joys in which the holiday brung, I realised how much I had been depriving myself and my people of. My heart warmed at the thought of my females all surrounded by warmth, presents, delicious foods. The kids who would receive the more prestige cuts of meat on their birth dates would now receive presents wrapped in ribbon and love.

We sat at one of the cozy stone tables situated on the landings, the starlit sky watching over us as presents were exchanged with beaming smiles and grateful thanks. The food was ready in the kitchen, the smell wafting throughout the house and tickling our noses with temptation.

Although I had requested not to be a part of the gift exchange, I still experienced the second hand joy of each person who unwrapped their presents with wide grins across their faces. Amren received the most beautiful of jewels, Mor received bundles and bundles of clothes, Feyre received some more sentimental gifts. Yet although my eyes could not leave them, my mind was stuck on one particular gift still resting against the red stone floor, the wrapping paper as if it had been crumpled and unraveled again.

Cassian’s chair screeched from beside me as he pushed away from the table, the group still heavily engrossed in laughter and conversation as he did so. He slowly swanned to the gift lying in solitude, sweeping down and grabbing it with one hand before bringing it back over to his seat. My eyes dragged slowly as I followed him around the room, right until he had landed back next to me.

He sat back down on his seat, shuffling it forward a few times before turning to me. “This one’s for you.”

My brow immediately furrowed, my eyes narrowing at the small beige tag which hung from silky red ribbon. It indeed said my name.

Slowly I took it from him, one finger pinching at the end of the ribbon as I pulled it and watched it unravel into my lap. It was soft yet heavy, squishy yet firm. I began to peel away at the crumbled paper, settling the gift in my lap. As the ripping revealed more and more, black scales began to become uncovered, leather lined with fox fur adorned with emerald green siphons. A beaming smile spreading across my face, my eyes shooting to Cassian’s who watched me in anticipation.

“You like them?” He eventually asked.

My smile still hadn’t faltered, my knuckles gripping the shoulders of the fighting leathers as I held them out in front of me. They weren’t quite the same as his and Azriel’s, the insides lined with a mix of satin and fur, as well as fur spilling from the collar and sleeves. One siphon had been adorned to the chest, two others to the shoulder.

“I asked for the fur to be added so they could be similar to your usual leathers, but if you would rather them without I could-“

“I love them, Cassian.” I cut him off, eyes flickering towards him for a brief moment before I found myself staring back at the leathers in awe. So carefully crafted, not a stitch out of place and I still hadn’t looked at the trousers which lay folded against my lap. “They are beautiful, thank you.” I said, my voice wavering with sincerity as I leant over and pressed my lips to his cheek. Warmth had already spread throughout his face despite the plummeting temperature, and I couldn’t help but notice that his breath hitched slightly at the heartfelt gesture.

“Only the best for the Commandress of the Night Court.” He smirked as I pulled away, smoothly masking his slight slip up in breath as heat began to travel up my neck too.

•

“Azriel would you be able to grab me that bottle of wine, the one with the wax top, please?” My head jutted towards the alcohol cabinet behind him, in which he immediately stood from his chair and swung around to grab.

Once he had retrieved the heavy glass bottle, a scarred hand gripped its neck as he passed it towards me across the table. I was about to take it and bid him thanks, when Cassian’s thick fingers shot out to snatch it away mid air. My mouth jutted open in protest, yet I noticed that he had only done so he could read the label stuck to its centre. I simply continued my meal.

“I believe we have become bad influences, you didn’t drink nearly as much when you first arrived here.” He stated, eyes lifting from the label to meet mine, which I rolled in return.

I quickly chewed my mouthful of food, swallowing it dryly. “Excuse me for being nervous about moving into a house with complete strangers, I’m sure my body didn’t need alcohol to add to that.” I settled my fork down beside my plate, reaching out to grab the bottle which hung in mid air. He snatched it away the moment my fingers grew near. “Consider it a compliment, I must have warmed to you.” My head tilted to the side as I leant forwards and reached for it again.

Azriel raised his eyebrows. “Warmed to him or want to numb the pain of being around him?” He mumbled, a sly smirk etching across his lips as he side eyed his brother whose mouth fell open.

“More than just a pretty face, aren’t you Shadow Singer?” I smirked in return.

“Well you’re definitely not getting the wine now that you two have decided to join forces against me.” He tucked the bottle beneath his arm, his bicep bulging against the glass bottle. I couldn’t tell which one I wanted more in my mouth.

“Fine then.” I scowled, my chair screeching along the tiles as I pulled away from my seat.

“Stop being a nuisance Cassian.” Feyre scolded him, which he simply ignored as he rose from his chair.

He had absolutely no reason to stop me from filling another glass, absolutely no reason other than being a terror. He was in one of his playful moods, clearly; one that I had no intention of matching, especially when my throat was crying out for some aged wine.

I stomped around the table, Cassian’s broad stature blocking my access to the wine cabinet entirely. “No, I brought her here and now she wants to team up with Az, I’m not having it.” Amren rolled her eyes at him as she bitterly chewed on her food and I had to bite down on a laugh.

“Cassian, please pass me a bottle.” He ignored me.

Azriel turned in his chair, mischief written across his face as he raised his eyebrows at the both of us. “How are you going to refuse an order from your second?” He asked, clearly satisfied at his slight stir before he turned to dig back into his plate of food.

“She’s not my second yet.” Cassian grumbled, his eyes narrowing down at me as I stood before him with my arms crossed. Rhysand choked out a laugh from further down the table.

“Is that right? I won’t be tomorrow either if you don’t pass me the wine.” I hissed.

His mouth opened to speak yet immediately closed straight after; perhaps he believed I was speaking the truth.

“Fine.” He mumbled and triumph sparked within me.

He peeled the bottle from beneath his arm and I offered a mocking smile as he outstretched it towards me.

I raised my hand to snatch it away before he changed his mind, and my fingers grazed his.

Yet I didn’t grasp the wine.

My vision went black and that bony finger began to tap beneath the skin of my chest once more, this time frantically, matching the rhythm of my heart. A sea of ink washed over my vision with a ribbon of glowing gold snapping taught between the shadows in which we stood. Energy shot through me as if I had been possessed by a spirit, the wine bottle colliding with the ground and shattering into smithereens as I heaved for breath. My body shot into complete shock, my vision still dimmed with only that glowing stream connecting the two of us, chest to chest, heart to heart.

I stumbled a few steps back, blinking rapidly to adjust my sight on Cassian, whose hand gripped his chest as if he was about to rip his heart from his flesh. His face was contorted in both pleasure and pain, as was my own. The entire room fell silent around us.

He was my mate.

My vision had cleared, shadows of black drifting away behind me as I stared at him in complete and utter shock. My shoulders heaved up and down as I tried to swallow my breaths and he slowly stepped towards me. Heat soared through my entire body as if it had been ignited in fire, the mix of emotions swirling above my head before they came tunnelling down on me.

I took one look in his hazel eyes and they were soft, understanding, glazed over with what seemed to be relief. Almost as if -

“- You knew.” The words fell from my lips in disbelief, his steps towards me quickening as mine fell backwards, further and further away from him. “You knew, and you didn’t tell me.” My voice began to raise and anger defeated the lust which was crawling over my body at the sight of him. He didn’t immediately jump to protest, which confirmed my rather bold statement; Rhysand even rose from his chair.

It was supposed to be an emotional time, yet not like this. My anger had bubbled over every glittery thought that came with that glowing gold tie to him, the one that begged my body closer to his as I stepped away. Had I been this incredible warrior who worked hard to prove the strength of my women, who lead an army of females into a sea of men swarming Hybern’s bloody battle field; or had I simply just been his mate. Had all this been a lure into his trap.

“You sly, wicked being.” I said lowly, although my heart dropped as his face fell as if it had been released my invisible hands holding strings. I felt sick to my stomach.

He etched closer again, stepping over the glass with an outstretched hand, reaching to comfort. “We can talk about this.” He stated slowly, cautiously.

I shook my head immediately, swallowing my shallow breath as tears began to brim in my eyes. “No we cannot. Matter of fact, I do not wish to speak to you at all.” My glazed pupils trailed over the table of star stuck fae, who hadn’t said a word since the bond snapped in place. Mor even remained holding her fork full of food mid air, mouth stuck in a small, unmoving circle. My lips pressed into a small forced smile as I nodded to the group. “Please, enjoy the rest of your holiday. I shall see you all tomorrow.” The words faltered as I spoke, and I began to step towards the doors.

“Wait!-“ Cassian bellowed from behind me, yet I didn’t do as much as look back as my hand reached out for the door handle.

•

Perhaps it was the heightened hormones and emotions of the mating bond snapping into place that made my skin itch and burn from the inside out; or perhaps it was the sheer anger of being fooled into a position rather than earning it. All of my hard work, a trap glamoured by flattery to get me to enter this court, this army, this man. The thought of him had me ripping at clumps of my hair.

My mind was like a ball thrown back and forth on a court; maybe it was never their intention to hurt me, but what had stopped them? Was I too much of an unpredictable brute that they couldn’t have me know until I had pledged an allegiance. Was I the problem? Or was it Cassian. Was I some pillar of strength and a potential role model to his female Illyrians, or was I just his pretty mate?

I scoffed at the thought, submerging my body further into the lukewarm bath water which was muddled with tears and sandalwood soap. A pretty mate, that’s what he needed. A little doll who could be placed on a pedestal, one that wore dresses without itching away at the fabric and had never handled a dagger in her life; one who’s skin didn’t tell a battlefield story. I thought at the ways I would get back at him, perhaps surprise him at breakfast with a fist to his gut or wake him with his own dagger to his throat. Maybe I was punishment enough.

It made sense now that it had all fallen into place, the innuendos, the uncontrollable thoughts I had been experiencing, the way my body was drawn to him. No matter how many violent acts of vengeance I imagined, they soon turned into something more; a dagger to his throat which soon slid to his leathers, cutting through the material until the golden brown skin covering his muscles peeked through. My thighs clamped together at the thought, water sloshing over the sides of the tub at the immediate reaction.

He had been pacing outside the door for twenty minutes. He had remained down stairs for an hour or so after I stormed off, most likely to consult the rest of his circle on what his next strategy may be. Cunning, that’s what he was. I wondered whether or not he had a brain of his own behind that handsome face, or whether it was his friends who made his decisions as well as keep his secrets for him; he paid no heed to the pain his own actions may cause to others.

And neither did I apparently, considering I had decided I will be leaving by tomorrow afternoon.

The High Lord had arranged for my people to be at my ceremony, so their proud faces could watch me as I pledged my life away to set them up for theirs. My gut twisted in unspeakable ways as I thought about the looks of disappointment on their faces as I told them we would be leaving this beautiful land they had grown to love through the High Lords mind. Selfishly, I told myself I didn’t care. I would not be ranked as his second in command simply because of the Mothers choice, because I was his mate.

My thoughts continued to spiral as I dried off and dressed in my night gown, eyes dragging along my wings as I did so. Despite his ill made decision to hide the bond from me, he had given me something I had only dreamed of. My wings, my lifeline and my purpose for all of this. He had said it was so I could teach the young to fly, yet some twisted part of me believed it would be so he could have the satisfaction of clipping them himself, having me sit beside him as he commanded his armies with so little as a breath from me.

It was when my feet padded through the cool tiled bathroom and into the bedroom when he knocked. Three times, sharp and pointed. I just ignored them.

Three times again, I could see his face in my mind as his knuckle grazed the polished wood, cold and stern yet worried. My body itched to open the door. I just ignored it.

“Open the door before I knock it down.” He threatened from the other side and I raised my eyebrows to myself, perching on my bed before swinging my legs into the crumpled white sheets. I leant over to the nightstand where my holder laid limp across the wood, unsheathing the blade from its leather case and resting it in my lap.

I attempted to seem unbothered by his presence, unfazed by the pulsing ache beneath my skin. Perhaps it was to convince myself that I could resist him, perhaps it was so once he did manage to burst down that door, he would know that I was not one bit interested in whatever he had to say. He could talk to me through the walls for all I cared, my mind was made up.

The handle giggled twice before he groaned, the sound sending shockwaves to my core as I began to clean beneath my fingernails with the tip of the blade. My toes were curled beneath the sheets in anticipation, anger once again rising through the centre of my body as I gritted my teeth to myself.

Open the door.

His voice echoed around my mind as if he was stood right beside me, my body becoming frozen in complete shock at the internal sound. Magic crackled through me, my eyes instinctively fluttering closed as he lead me towards him. To my own surprise, I allowed it; curiosity taking over as I stepped into a world of dark mental mist. Whispers of black smoke untraveled to reveal a wall of onyx polished marble, vines of red roses with steel thorns climbing up the surface. And in the middle was a single door, wide open for me to enter.

My breathing grew erratic as I struggled to hold my composure through the bond. It took every bone in my body not to grab those roses of steel with my bare hands and tear them down.

Come anywhere near this room again and I will not hesitate to kill you, Commander.

I could feel the warmth of his smirk as I spat through the bond, tracing my body like a sheet of silk.

Don’t threaten me with a good time, Commandress.

I let out a snarl as a growing red thread weaved its way through the keyhole, unlocking the door with ease. It slowly pushed open, yet the smug look on Cassian’s face soon vanished the moment my siphons flung across the room and launched the contents of my vanity at him. Hair brushes and mirrors fell to the floor as he shielded them with a flick of his wrist, yet I didn’t let up, another glowing green line of power flying towards a vase that sat on top of a tall chest of drawers. It bounced off of his shield and shattered to the floor.

I stood up from the bed, knees wobbling from the sheer amount of force that the bond was throwing at me, my dagger still clutched tightly between my fingers.

“What do you want?” I seethed through gritted teeth at I stepped around the bed.

He held his hands out before him, as if he was surrendering to me. “I just want to talk to you.”

“I have nothing to say to you.” I grimaced.

“You need to understand that it was never my intention to hurt you-“

“No, it was your intention to fool me into the bond.” I sneered, my eyes dragging from his head to his toes. He looked ready to pounce on me at any moment, as did I.

“Why is it such a bad thing?” He asked.

My eye twitched as silence washed over us, my heaving breaths filling the air between us. He didn’t speak a word, just watched me, eyes trailing from my face to my chest and back up to my face again.

“Because I believed that I had worked for that offer-“ my voice came out a broken cry, yet it wasn’t tears in my eyes, just raw, burning anger. “I believed that you sought me out for the warrior that I am, for the good I have done.” My voice began to raise to almost a scream, a plead to get my point across. “Yet I know that I am only here because of your own desires.” I stepped closer to him once more, a trembling finger pointing towards him.

He kept his cool entirely, stepping further into the room as he slid the door closed behind him. I audibly gulped, not from the terror which often followed the Lord of Bloodshed, but because of my own desires and the close proximity we were now in.

“If you truly believe that then we can make a trip downstairs and let Rhysand show you my mind.” He said with a deadly calm tone, his voice almost hushed in comparison to my screams. “From the moment I saw you, until this moment now, let him show you all of it. How I came off that battlefield and pondered your existence for months, how I spoke of you and how you fought once we were ready to. You didn’t leave my mind for a moment-“

“-Yes, because you knew I was your mate.” I spat.

“No, because I hoped for it.” He said, a slight plead in his voice as his hands flexed in front of him. “I wished and I prayed that my gut feeling was true, no bonds had snapped and no words exchanged, I begged the Mother every night that our paths would cross once again, so I could seek out your guidance-“

“Lies.” Was all I could sneer over the sound of pounding blood rushing to my ears.

He puffed out a breath before reaching for me, grabbing my hand before I could push him away. I didn’t want to, deep down I knew that I wanted to cave. He rested his fingers over mine as he placed my palm across the plane of muscle beneath his shirt; just above his heart, as he had done that night we returned to The House together.

“Feel my heart as I speak.” He begged as I tugged desperately to release my hand beneath his. “Feel my heart when I tell you I did not bring you here as my mate, but as the General Commandress of our court. That I not only see you for your beauty but your power, as an equal to myself.”

It was almost as my heart stopped, whilst his remained a steady pace beneath my skin, unfaltering despite the tension of the situation. Part of me still didn’t believe him, and he could tell by the look in my eyes as he slowly released my hand and I let it fall limp at my side.

“I am leaving tomorrow.” Was all I said.

I watched as his shoulders tensed, his breathing slowing yet drawing deeper and deeper.

“You are not.” He said with certainty.

I scoffed and pointed the tip of my dagger towards him as I spoke. “You do not command me, General.” My voice dripped with malice.

A twinkle in his eye. “No I do not, but I know you will not leave.”

“How so?”

He stepped towards me again, so impossibly close that I could feel the bond simmering between our bodies, crackling and fizzling like an open fire. His scent surrounded me, sweeter than usual, now laced with almond and honey.

“Because a female of your strength could crack my skull with their bare hands, and yet I still stand here untouched, the dagger clean. If you wanted to leave, you would have by now.” His words caressed the skin of my cheek like a warm brush of air, a shiver shooting down my spine.

My eyes flickered across his face before the final thread of restraint snapped for the both of us.

His lips soared to mine, hot heated and heavy as his hands grabbed my hips; it was like he knew I would take off from the abrupt clash of our mouths. My wings fell limp behind me as his fingers dug into my flesh, my mind such a blur that I was frozen in shock for a moment, until my lips gradually began to move against his with equal intensity. He took it as confirmation, that I too, couldn’t resist him.

Our footsteps stumbled over one another as he pushed me throughout the bedroom, our tongues working against one another, teeth clashing, desire burning. My back eventually collided with the wall, Cassian’s hands still gripping me as if I was about to run, his knee impacting with the stone behind me as he pushed it between my legs. I gripped at his shoulders, clenching his shirt and his skin as if I was about to tear him apart.

Heat pulsed through my body the longer our tongues rolled against one another, my heart pounding in my chest as he pushed me further into the wall. I allowed it, allowed him to consume all of me until he eventually trailed his lips to my jaw and down my neck. Saliva coated my lips, dripping down my chin as I gasped for breath, gripping him so hard I was afraid my fingers may break.

“Cassian-“ I gasped as he began to suck along the skin, his chest pushing further into mine.

“Yes sweetheart.” He purred breathlessly beneath my ear, the ache between my legs growing unbearable.

My eyes squeezed shut as a sigh left my lips, his knee pushing higher between my thighs to where I needed him the most. “We are not finished with this.” I said breathlessly, biting back on my moans as he feasted on my neck as if he was starved.

“Punish me on the bed if you like.” He mumbled into my skin, peeling my body off of the wall and spinning me so my back was to the bed.

I raised an eyebrow at his statement, forcefully turning him mid stride so that it was the backs of his knees which folded against the mattress. Hauling my night gown over one of my legs, I bunched it up at my hips as I crawled on top of him and into a straddle, his hands now finding purchase at my glutes; tugging and squeezing at the fatty flesh. My head tilted back as I moaned, exposing my chest, my extended neck to him, which he gladly ran his wet lips over once more.

“So beautiful.” His words were a faint whisper against my skin, as if they were only to himself. I ran a hand through his tousled hair, tugging slightly at the root so his head would would tilt back and my lips could meet mine again.

The grip of his hands, the desperation in our lips; I found my body moving in sync against his as our tongues fought, my core grinding down on his clothed erection for any sort of friction. I was growing desperate, not only myself but the bond too. His lips left mine and I met his hazel eyes, heavy lidded and shadowed with lust. His usual deep tanned skin now had a pink flush to it, his lips swollen and wet from a mix of our saliva. He was the picture of something perfect.

“We do not need to go any further,” he said hoarsely whilst he pulled back, his voice as rough as gravel. His hands loosened on my ass as I slumped into him slightly, still completely dazed. “I can leave right now and we can forget this ever happened, but if we start something I’m afraid I won’t be able to stop it.” His words hardly made it over the sound of hot blood rushing to my ears.

I pressed my chest to his as a pathetic pry for any contact, my razor sharp nipples dragging along his clothed skin. He marked my movements, one large hand raising to cup my heavy aching breast through my nightgown as he waited for my response, running a thumb over the tender pebble. I hissed with pure bliss.

“I want Rhys to show me your mind first thing in the morning, I want to be sure you are telling me the truth before a swear allegiance; this is not just about me, but my own people, Cassian, so I hope to the Gods you haven’t deceived me.” My words left my lips frantically, desperately and breathlessly. “And I will make my decision on what to do with the bond once - if - I am sworn in-“ I gasped as his lips attacked my neck once more, hands fisting clumps of his dark brown hair before he shifted me onto the bed.

My back fell softly on the mattress, Cassian’s siphons flaring as their threads began unbuttoning his shirt. His face was one of thought, yet he shook it quickly as leant over me, brushing his lips to mine before speaking.

“We will talk more about it in the morning.” He dismissed, eyes trailing down my nightgown before his fingers grazed its hem, shifting it up my thigh ever so slightly. “But for now let me enjoy you-” His hazel irises met mine, clouded by nothing but lust. “-Just whilst you’re in a good mood, before you start throwing things at me again.” He smirked as my hands met the mountains of muscle gracing his stomach.

“Yes in the morning.” I breathed and my eyes fluttered closed. He began to raise my nightgown higher, the cold air creeping up my legs as my fingers tugged to peel his shirt away from his arms. He stopped for a moment to shrug it off, and I sat up to finish the job he started, lifting my nightgown over my head until I was completely exposed before him.

My back hit the bed as his eyes drank in my appearance, the air from the duck feather pillows beneath my wings puffing out from my weight. His wings flared out slightly, shamelessly dragging his gaze over my naked body as if it was the last time he would see it. My eyes trailed shamelessly too, lapping up every defined crevice of muscle, the tattoos swirling across his chest and arm, the taught strain of his pants where his erection pressed against the fabric. I reached forwards and began to unbutton them before his fingers clasped around my wrist.

“Let me take care of you first.” Was all he said, anticipation creeping up on me as he slowly began to shift further to the edge of the bed, until his head was level with my knees. His fingers pressed into my hips, thumbs digging into the subtle flesh of my backside as he gently nudged my legs open, groaning at the sight of my sex. I almost came undone right there.

“Body of a goddess-,” he said between kisses on the scarred skin of my inner thigh, alternating between the two, “strength of a warrior.” He slowly flattened his tongue against my wet slit, my head thrown back and my back arching off of the bed immediately.

He worked his tongue against my clit as if he had done it a thousand times before, like he knew where to press, suck, lick. The amount of times I had touched myself to the thought of him, imagined him doing the most unspeakable things to me, they didn’t amount to this. The press of his grappling fingers to my skin, the sound of him drinking my wetness mixed with my whines and moans, the heat radiating from his own skin; it had me coming undone within moments. He held me down as he ate me through my orgasm, giving me little to no time to recover as he worked me to another.

Two fingers prodded at my pulsing entrance, slowly sliding their way through the slick spongey flesh.

“Cassian-“ I gasped, screwing my eyes closed as my hand reached to grab his free wrist. My hips instinctively began to move with the swipe of his tongue and the pump of his fingers, hums of approval rippling from his lips and through my body as if we were connected as one. I was shocked at how quickly I had recovered from my first orgasm, eager for the next as I pressed my sex to his face with more and more force.

The ache had returned, coiling and swirling in the base of my stomach as his fingers pumped and curled inside of me. Something about being in this much anticipated moment, with him, made me forget about the company on the other floors; I paid no heed to the thought of them as another orgasm rippled through me and this time my body had shook with the overwhelming pleasure of it. My thighs clamped around his head as I screamed, the feeling unworldly as I felt the bond between us grow taught. My chest heaved as he slowly lifted his head from between my trembling legs; my vision was as if it had become white spotted, yet I still enjoyed every second of watching his swollen lips wrap around his own fingers before groaning at the taste. He looked me dead in the eye the entire time, towering over me until he lowered back down to the level of my lips.

I was becoming greedy, two orgasms ripped from me yet needing more and more. My heels wrapped around his hips as I pulled him further towards me, fingers nimbly fumbling with the button of his trousers.

“Tell me,” he began to say in a hushed tone, running his nose along the strained muscle of my neck. “How many times have you touched yourself in this bed to the thought of me?” He asked, and my fingers immediately fell from the lace of his trousers. He sat up straight to shove them off his body, head tilted in curiosity as I struggled to breathe, let alone find the words to answer.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” My voice croaked, unable to shake the goosebumps which coated every inch of my naked skin. He didn’t say anything, just continued to undress until he was entirely nude before me, his long thick erection resting against his lower abdomen. He didn’t try to hide it, rather flaunted it, the gleaming flush tip which swayed with his movement, already leaking with his seed and his heavy balls which rested beneath it. My throat went dry at the sight.

He eventually crawled back on top of me, one arm propping him up as the other trailed over my body with a feather light touch, stopping as he grasped my nipple between two fingers. The ache in my breasts morphed into a pleasurable pain as he pinched harder, and for a moment I believed he had forgotten his own question.

“I can smell each time you orgasmed in this bed. You must have been rather busy whilst I was away in the mountains.” He said lowly before wrapping his warm lips around my pebbled nipple, my eyes screwing shut as he sucked on the sensitive peak harder and harder. He released the throbbing skin, “So tell me, what did you think about?” He moved to the next one.

I refused to answer, my eyes still screwed shut in pure bliss, unable to shake the unbearable ache soaring from my cunt and through my body. My nails dug into his shoulders, hips thrusting upwards as I tried desperately to find some sort of relief.

Tell me sweetheart, tell me what you thought about.

His sultry voice slithered through my mind, warmth coating the insides of my skin from his internal presence.

“I thought about this, about you.” My voice was a shaky whisper, I had turned into putty beneath him.

He hummed in approval, lips leaving my breasts and trailing up my neck, towards my jaw. The hand supporting his body remained planted into the mattress, the opposite one coming down between us as he began to stroke himself. I whined pathetically at the sight.

“What was I doing? Did I fuck you hard or soft? How many times did I make you cum?” My cunt clenched around nothing, whines and moans leaving my lips even as I laid there untouched. He hissed through his teeth, eyebrows furrowed as he continued to stroke himself to the sight of me.

“I think you have tortured me enough today, General.” I seethed, my heel looping around to his arse and pushing him further towards me, my patience growing unbearably thin. He let out a deep rumble, a laugh or a groan, I couldn’t quite tell.

“Very well.” He smirked, lining his length up with my pulsing entrance, the anticipation of him coating my walls burning away at my skin with raw unrelenting desire.

He pushed his wide tip into me, a strained moan leaving both of our lips as he slowly inched further into my hole. The stretch was so painfully delicious, my touch starved body glittering at the feeling of someone being inside of me. He then began to move, his muscled arms caging me beneath him as I withered under his slow thrusts. My heavy eyelids eventually fluttered open, nose twitching as I noticed a purple haze beginning to slither beneath the gap between the bedroom door and floor.

My hand patted his shoulder, my breath hitching slightly as I furrowed my eyebrows at the sight. “Wait - what is that?” I asked, leaning on my elbows slightly as he halted and looked towards the door.

“Rhys shielded the room, he must have heard us.” Blush creeped up my neck, embarrassment washing over me knowing that the High Lord and Lady must have heard me in such a state; although Cassian seemed quite pleased with himself.

He thrust into me again, knocking my thoughts out of me as my head tilted back in pure ecstasy. The tip of his penis hit a wall in me every time, every vein and pulse in the muscle prominent to me as he slid through my walls over and over again. The sight of him was something godly, sweat glistened caramel skin, rippling muscles, hair falling in his face. None of my thoughts and wildest fantasies of him amounted to this.

I was thankful for the shield, not only because of the noises leaving my lips but because of his too. He was near growling as he thrusted into me with a relentless unfaltering pace, skin slapping, the bed pounding into the wall almost as much as he was pounding into me.

He positioned himself upright, his knees planted firmly in the mattress as he gave me a sloppy, open mouthed kiss. I moaned into him, nails dragging along his pecs as I tried to get a grip on anything to steady the feeling of pleasure bursting throughout me. Once he pulled away, he gripped the headboard with one hand, the other grabbing one of my left breast as he kneaded it in his palm, entering me at an new angle that heightened the feeling of everything.

He hummed as he watched me arch my back from the bed, “you like that, don’t you?” He asked, his hand moving from my breast to my clit which was aching to be touched. I answered him with a near scream as he began to rub the nerves with his thumb in tight firm circles, his teeth grit as he watched my face contort with overwhelming pleasure. He let out a breathy chuckle, “so responsive, aren’t you?” He taunted, and I couldn’t tell whether he meant the physical reaction of my body, or the fact I simply couldn’t find the words to respond to him.

“Please-“ I didn’t know what I was pleading for, so close to my third orgasm that I had started to see stars. It may have been a plead to stop, a plead to keep going; the rest of my body, including my mind going fuzzy as the tight coil inside of me grew.

But just as I was reaching my breaking point, he pulled out in a swift fluid movement, hands bracing my hips before I could yell in protest and flipping me onto my stomach. I immediately raised my arse in the air, arms scooping underneath the cool side of the pillow as I waited for him to enter me again. He chuckled lowly at my eagerness from behind, slapping his penis against my dripping wet sex before sliding in again.

He kissed down my spine as he began to thrust once more, the skin on skin contact of his chest against the root of my wings sending sparks throughout my entire body. I couldn’t fathom how something could bring me so much pleasure, how I no longer cared how loud I was, how desperate I was acting. Two large calloused hands gripped at the skin of my glutes, spreading them open before releasing them, followed by a sharp slap on one side. My head fell into the pillow, the white cotton soon becoming soaked in saliva as I was simply so fucked out that I couldn’t even keep my mouth closed.

His hand left my burning cheek, grabbing a fistful of my hair as he pulled me upright and flush against him. He briefly pinched at my nipple, before his hand trailed lower, settling on my lower abdomen where I could feel his bulge about to burst through my skin. His palm rested there for a moment before he grabbed my own, placing it in the same spot so I could feel him sinking in and out of me.

“Do you feel that?” He asked me, his voice deepening with nothing but lust and longing. He pressed down harder on my stomach, where the bulge continued to grow larger and smaller, my head rolled back onto his shoulder as I moaned. “This is where I belong now,” he nipped at my neck, my earlobe. “My beautiful, beautiful mate. How many men can say they’ve had the Commandress of the Night Court come undone for them?” His rhetorical question rung around my mind, and although I had imagined my answer, I didn’t dare speak it aloud. “Do you know what it’s doing to me? Knowing your strength, your power, and knowing that I will be the only male able to make you loose yourself like this.” His words came out through gritted teeth, as if he was holding himself back.

I could have came once more from the penetration alone, but as he began to circle my clit again the tie in which was holding me together began to unravel. A white hot light tore through me to the point that the orgasm was almost on the brink of painful, my entire body shaking as he fucked me through it. And as my muscles were almost limp with fatigue, one final, forceful thrust from Cassian had him coming undone, the shadow of his wings casting darkness across the bedroom as they flared out behind him. He roared as if he had been wounded, his warm thick seed spurting into me, claiming me.

We stayed there for a moment, my mind a complete haze as our chests heaved in sync. My wings had gone completely limp, trailing along the bed on both sides of us as if they had been turned to jelly. Sweat coated my entire body, from my forehead to my breasts to my thighs; stuck to Cassian’s front like glue. Our scents had merged into one, and it took every grain of restraint in my body not to walk down stairs exactly as I was and offer him a plate of food. Whether his earlier actions had ill intent or not, I could get used to sex like this for the rest of my life.

He placed a kiss below my ear, one hand sprawled across my stomach as he held me in place. I didn’t fight it, soaking up the warmth and the scent of his skin.

“You did so well, so good for me my mate.” His words were breathless as he ran his hand through my tangled hair, bringing it over my shoulder.

My eyes were still closed, my mind still a blur, his softening cock still inside of me. “I am not your mate yet.” I managed to say between heaving breaths.

He planted another kiss to my neck, nose dragging along the damp skin before he exhaled. “No but you will be. Come tomorrow you will see my intentions were not malicious, and after tonight, I’m sure you won’t be able to resist the bond. I know I won’t.” I felt him smirk against my skin and I couldn’t help but roll my eyes at his arrogance.

“We will see.” Was all I said in return, my colder demeanour washing over me once more, now that my thoughts had travelled back to the reason why he was in my room in the first place.

After a few more seconds, he shifted away from me; his cum oozing out of my hole as his penis pulled out. He immediately stood from the bed, and I felt a slight pang of pain in my chest at the thought of him leaving so soon, my wide eyes raking over his naked body like it was the last time I may see it.

“I’m going to run you a bath.” He said as an ever so slight wave of relief washed over me. His hand reached for my face from where he stood at the side of the bed, fingers nestling in the hair behind my ear before pulling me closer towards him. I kept my eyes lowered as he pressed a kiss to my forehead; such an innocent gesture to combat what we had just partaken in.

“My mate.” He said once more.

[flutterylust]

“SUGURU GETO, THE OLDER MAN...”

🎈PAIRING 🎈 : older!suguru x fem!reader

🚨 WARNINGS 🚨 : age gap relationship (all legal but not explicitly stated how much of a gap), angsty, slightly ocish, a little lewd but not TOO much now. Big dick suguru implied lol.

NOTES 🍎: Hey... how y'all doing? Happy 2025! No Yuta bcs I haven't been able to decide on a plot. BUTTTTT I got smthin better than headcanons, actual writing! Hurray! I'm writing actual smut but stay tuned bcs Idk when I'll finish it. Hopefully soon! I ain't gonna lie, this was written on a whim at like 3:00 am. It is currently 4:42 am as I prepare everything 😔. I randomly got the urge to write, and so I wrote. Hope some of y'all see this 💔💔💔 love you guys please like and reblog if you like it!

🖍 WORD COUNT 🖍 : 1.2k

You're somebody's daughter. Somebody's beautiful, amazing, talented daughter with such a bright future ahead of you. Yet instead of enjoying your youth and taking downtime to study, here you are getting your back blown out by the older man who only calls you late at night.

What started as something you'd do for the plot turned into something more. Something you craved. A connection. Not with just any man, but with Suguru Geto. He didn't love you, of course he didn't. He had his own life, his own job, his own worries. You just happened to be a pretty university girl who is just always miraculously available. No strings attached. Just sex.

The mattress wasn't even remotely comfortable. It was hard, stiff. The duvet was cheap, but it reeked of him. And to you? That was perfect.

Typically, you weren't like this. If anyone had told you that you were gonna get your back blown out by a guy who wouldn't even give you a second glance as he told you to clean up, you'd look at them crazy. You thought women who slept with guys who didn't deserve them were pathetic until you became that woman. The one who craves more but never receives it because it wasn't a part of the deal.

Isn't it degrading to moan into the cheap fabric of the comforter, your ass up while he pressed your face down, his strong hips rolling into your dripping cunt with mind-numbing precision. Every languid thrust making your gleaming folds cling onto his cock greedily, clearly never wanting to let go. You couldn't see the obscene sheen of your juices coating his cock but you could hear just how wet you were. This was pathetic. It was pathetic how you crawled back every time he called despite convincing yourself you wouldn't. Although, was it really convincing yourself if you knew that you wouldn't keep your word? Were you delusional instead?

It didn't matter to you. It never did. Not when his cock felt this good, not when he pressed you down and fucked you until your mind was blank and your cunt was dripping with his cum. How could you deny him such a pleasure when he draped his sticky strong body over yours, whispering into your ear asking if you'd let him cum inside.

Suguru never pressured you, he never even tried to persuade you to change your mind if you wanted him to pull out. In fact, if anyone begged to cum inside, it was you. Always you begging Suguru to cum deep inside you only to regret it once you were waiting outside for your friend to pick you up with his cum leaking out your pussy.

Every hook up always ended with Suguru cumming deep inside you, sheathed balls-deep inside your syrupy cunt, moaning lowly as he pumped you full before pulling out. He wasn't completely heartless, he let you come down from your high and let you use the bathroom before asking you to get dressed and leave. Except this time was different only because one thing slipped out.

Three insignificant words slipped out of your lips as he fucked the rationality out of your head, ‘I love you’. What did you love? Did you love being ignored? Did you love being left on delivered for hours at a time? Did you love only being used for your body? What happened to all your intelligence? How could you have fallen in love with a man you barely even fucking knew?

When did your occasional thoughts about him turn into manifesting a text back? When did you actually start to consider buying some kind of service from a witch?

Was it that night when he comforted you when you failed your exams? Or the day he didn't just call you up for sex but actually took you to a warm diner that you now frequented? Was it when you saw how handsome he looked when he smiled? When he rolled up his sleeves before eating?

All of that was irrelevant. All of it was irrelevant when Suguru didn't finish inside you like you begged, pulling out mid-stroke, making you whine at the loss of friction. The loss of pleasure immediately makes you crash into hazy clarity.

“What did you just say?”

Your heart dropped. It was like your heart stopped beating for a second as you hastily sat up, ignoring the ache in your lower back from your previous position. Sure you were naked, your tits out and your cunt still puffy and soaked. But none of that mattered when Suguru's voice was full of disbelief.

You had never seen Suguru so bewildered before, looking almost…insulted. You tried to explain yourself in a haste, stumbling over your words, “No–No it's–It's not what you think! I just said it in the heat of the moment!”

Of course it wasn't. You knew what you said, you knew you meant it. But from Suguru's expression, he didn't like your confession one bit. He was still hard, your juices still slowly sliding down his hard cock, every thick inch covered in your syrupy essence but it didn't matter. Not when Suguru sighed, sitting his ass on the bed and running a hand through his hair in exasperation, “Don't lie to me. You know very well we can't be together. I made it clear that this—” Suguru gestured between you two before continuing, “This isn't anything serious.”

“Why not? Why can't we have something serious?” The words sounded like a whisper the moment you spat them out. The feeling of something getting stuck in your throat intensified as you swallowed thickly, tears already beginning to blur your vision. Your heart was sinking down to your stomach with every exasperated sigh and word coming from Suguru's mouth.

Suguru groaned before speaking, “Don't start, I don't want to be that guy. I don't want to hurt you.”

“You already are! So just tell me!” Suguru sighed at your response before responding begrudgingly, “Because you're not the one I want. You're young, you don't understand life. You're just beginning to navigate it on your own and I don't want to help you navigate it when I've got my own shit going on.”

The words hit you like a ton of bricks. He didn't want you because you were too young? Because you were going through new experiences? What made him think that you were going to complicate things? That you hadn't already gone through shit he went through later?

Sensing your shock and hurt, he simply sighed and stood up, grabbing his boxers and sliding them on as he spoke, ignoring his still raging hard-on, “I think you should go. And uh, don't text me again for a while. At least not until you really think shit through. You're just confused.”

All you could think about as you hurriedly got dressed past all your tears was, ‘yeah right.’ How could you be confused when you could feel the anger and heartbreak itching to claw itself out of your throat? You wanted to scream, to fight, to argue. But he was right about one thing, you should go.

So that's what you did. You left his apartment, but not with his cum seeping out of your cunt this time, but with your heart crumbling a trail behind you.

THANKS!!

shy.

please do not steal or copy my work!!

[brainrotbabe24]

Okay HELLOOO so i wanna request Thorins company with a reader who is very feminine and pretty and stuff, but simultaneously very bossy, assertive, dominant and likes telling people what to do and stuff?? If that makes sense lol

Have a good day/night!!!

HI!! This was such a fun one to write! I'm not sure if it answers the questions correctly, but I just got lost in the sauce with this one and went crazy, lol 💖😂

Balin: Balin admires your assertiveness. He finds it very fitting for you to be in command with your no-bullshit, bossy attitude. Balin would regularly turn to you for support, and he always trusted your honest opinions. He saw you as his advisor when he advises Thorin. Plus, your appearance only adds to your ability to persuade others…who could say no to those beautiful eyes. To him, you are a double threat—both in personality and looks—who can command respect and loyalty from anyone.

Dwalin: Dwalin is in love. The moment you started leading the group and demanding respect, he was captivated. Not to mention, your looks took his breath away. He loves a dominant, commanding presence who can lead a group, demand attention, and know their way around a weapon. *wink wink* Dwalin will always have your back, just as you have his. To him, you are an incredibly capable person.

Óin: Oin is glad you can handle yourself. The second you joined the group, he feared you might need constant protection, but you quickly proved him wrong. You instantly became an influential part of the group, guiding Thorin's decisions, earning the trust and respect of the group, and even outshining some of the most seasoned warriors. Your presence reassured Óin that you were vital to their mission.

Glóin: Link Oin, Gloin had doubts but was quickly shut up when he saw you fight. Your skills…your knowledge… your command. You dominated the battlefield, earning his respect. Even with blood splattered all over you, you were still gorgeous. Since then, Glóin has been ready to drop everything and listen to you, knowing you are someone worth following.

Bifur: Bifur is inspired by your assertive personality. You don't address the group broadly; instead, you call out each person, demand perfection, and engage in personal, intimate conversations. You look at each one of them as their own person. He likes that you take charge while ensuring everyone is seen and valued. You inspire him and make his heart soar whenever you call out his name with a wink.

Bofur: Bofur is lost in your beauty. He can barely focus on what you say when his mind drifts to how soft your lips look when bossing around the group. How your brow furrows when something isn't up to your standards. How you let your guard down just a little when someone compliments you. His mouth goes dry, and his knees are weak whenever he's near you, lost in admiration. Sadly, your commands are lost to him.

Bombur: Bombur is scared of you. You are one wickley, intimidating person. Your commanding presence and fiery attitude make him cautious not to cross your path. However, he can't help but steal glances, admiring how the sunlight dances on your skin.  Although he is scared, he starts to think he might have misunderstood you. Maybe there is more to you than a bossy attitude—he might even start looking up to you. 

Ori: Ori finds your personality and appearance to be a sick joke. How could someone some sweet, so tender, so feminine bark such harsh orders? He is caught between feeling like he must listen to you and listening to his brother, Dori, who seems to contradict everything you say. Ori is lost but knows that all he wants is to follow you, even if it means going against his brother's wishes.

Dori: Dori is confused and conflicted about you. He feels like he should dislike you and how you boss people around, especially his brothers. But at the same time, he can't help but admire you and how you can control situations, get his brothers to listen, and cooperate. It's a love-hate relationship for Dori, as he both resents and respects your ability to lead.

Nori: Nori grumbles whenever he hears your commanding voice directing the company. He hates being told what to do. He hates how your face will twist into a smirk when he jokes with you, and you already have a comeback set up.  He hates your soft smile, and he hates that he loves hearing you say his name. But he especially hates it when he finds himself obeying your commands without hesitation. Hate is a strong word for Nori…he just hates how you make him feel. Yet he could never fully hate you—not when you look like a perfect creation of Aulë, as beautiful as Yavanna herself.

Thorin: It's complicated. Thorin constantly feels like he is competing with you, as if you're planning to undermine him at any moment. He glares, snarls, and pushes past you, rejecting your demands. Yet, there is one thing he is a complete bumbling idiot about—your laugh. The way you laugh is dangerous. It's infectious, bold, and handsome, and it takes his breath away. Despite all the tension and jealousy, when you laugh, Thorin feels safe, and all his competitive instincts vanish.

Fíli: "Yes, mommy!" Fili is utterly devoted to you. Your commanding orders make his heart race, and your beauty leaves him blushing. He often finds himself staring, and when your eyes lock, he waits eagerly for your sass —he craves it. Fili would do anything for you. He would get on his knees for you, worship you, even die for you.

Kíli: Kili can be a bit of a brat when it comes to your authority. He laughs at the way you hold yourself, demanding respect and directing the group to do things. Pfft. He practically hates it, wanting to prove that he's your equal. But when you snap back at him and grab his shirt, he finds himself caving. "I'm not listening to you," he might say, but the moment you respond with, "I'll make you listen, Kíli," he's putty in your hands.

Bilbo: Biblo is a little ass. The first time he met you, he thought you were a perfect copy of Thorin. Both of you are beautiful, alluring yet domineering and controlling. He rolls his eyes at your bossy attitude. But over time, Bilbo starts to realize how utterly wrong he is. He sees you as protective, loving, and a material figure for the group. His initial distaste and sass fades, and he soon comes to see you as his rock. He needs that when all seems to go to hell during the journey. 

Gandalf: Gandalf trusts you completely. He knows that with you around, the group is in good hands, which is why he leaves so much in the movies. Your skills and wit speak for themselves. You're quick to take charge in high-intensity situations, yet your feminine side allows for more compassionate, loving care. Gandalf wouldn't have come to you for help on this important quest unless he trusted you to keep the dwarves in line.

[rhys-writes-some-shit]

Prompt: "Any time away from you is far too long."

Alastor x Reader (Queer-Platonic)

No matter how much Alastor tried to persuade you, you refused to quit your job to take up a position at the hotel. Under the terms of your contract, you knew he had the power to force you to do as he asked, but he had yet to. You weren't sure if it was because he was biding his time or if he simply didn't want to, but you weren't going to ask.

You worked as a secretary for a small-time porn studio, your work mostly consisting of doing paperwork and writing spreadsheets. It wasn't much different than what you did when you were alive, which was why you stuck with the position for so long. Plus, it was a lot better than other jobs in Pride, if you excluded the fact that Valentino was always trying to take the studio over.

Very rarely did the studio ever ask you to do anything more than your job description. However, there was one time you were asked to make a trip outside of Pentagram City to pick up a lost package. No one else was available, and you'd had some free time on your hands. Without much argument, you agreed to get the package. That was the easy part. The hard part was getting Alastor to let you leave Pentagram City.

"Seriously, Al, I'll be fine," you insisted, pulling on a jacket. "It's just a quick drive over to Imp City, it's not that far."

Alastor's smile was becoming forced. "They can get someone else to do it. You don't have to leave."

"I already agreed to it." You buttoned up your jacket and brushed it off. "I promise, you won't even notice I'm missing."

There was a tense silence for a full minute before finally, eyes narrowed, Alastor stiffly conceded. "I'll hold you to that." He placed a gentle hand on your shoulder. "Be safe, darling."

If it had been any other context, Alastor telling you to be safe would've been sweet, but you could tell from his tone and the way he was gritting his teeth that it was a threat. To both you and anyone who tried to hurt you. If you didn't come back safe, he'd never let you leave the city without him again. And if someone hurt you... they would never be seen again.

Fortunately, the package pickup was quick and simple. The only eventful thing that happened was you having to take a small detour to avoid a shootout. The imps who'd held the package were nice, and your boss had stayed late to make sure you and the package were safely returned.

"Just a heads up, I don't know if my partner will ever let me do anything like that again," you warned your boss lightheartedly, chuckling a little. You never told them who exactly your partner was, but it was known throughout the studio that they were possessive and dangerous.

"Well, hopefully you won't have to," your boss remarked, obviously annoyed at the situation. "Thank you again, though. Let me know how much gas was so I can add it to your paycheck."

"Of course." After saying a quick goodbye, you ducked out the door to return to the hotel.

Alastor was waiting for you in the lobby. As soon as you walked in, he was at your side, taking your jacket off for you.

"I noticed," his voice was tense. He walked alongside you as you traveled up to your room.

"Figured you would," you shrugged, unsurprised, but grinning lightly anyway. "How long was I out of the city?"

"24 minutes and 17 seconds." Alastor's shadow quickly dashed ahead, opening and holding the door to your room open. You stopped right outside of it, looking up at Al's bright eyes.

"Not too long. Could've been longer." Taking your jacket back, you already started thinking of how nice it'll be to change out of your clothes. You'd put on something different for dinner, but after that, it was t-shirts and sweatpants, no matter what Alastor said.

A hand ran down your back, pulling you into his chest. He inhaled deeply, resting his cheek on the top of your head. "Any time away from you is far too long."

Your smile became soft and content, as you leaned deeper into Alastor's hug. He didn't usually hug you, so you were going to savor it. If he ended up hugging you every time you left the city, you might end up leaving more often...

[hoshinasblade]

im going to need you all to send me happy thoughts please because i am having a very bad week and it's only monday lol anyway here's some angst. i know i have written a lot of stuff here already but so far this one is my favorite (despite me literally drafting this in my phone so expect some grammar errors or spelling mistakes), so if you can, let me know what you folks think. likes, replies, and reblogs are appreciated but i will bonk you in the head if you repost or copy any of my writings. THANK YOU ANON FOR THIS ASK!

you could bring a numbered kaiju into submission but it seems that your heart is an entirely different monster.

you should have known better than to fall in love with a colleague, and you should have known better than to fall in love with the third division's vice-captain. your own commander, gen narumi, threw you a dirty look when he found out about your intimate relationship with the bowl cut bastard, and as much as you want to come up with a good enough excuse, the best thing you were able to give is a cliched the heart wants what the heart wants. narumi scoffed at you upon hearing it, following it up with a personal vow to never be romantically involved with anyone in the force.

it didn't have to be said but hoshina still did the honors - there's not a lot of ground rules in your relationship but the first one is this: you and he are soldiers first, lovers second. you pondered if it was supposed to hurt you, and you asked yourself what the hell is wrong with you to say yes to such a set-up: all those love advice by your family and friends about how you should not settle with the bare minimum flew out the window. "i have a responsibility to my division. but i also know i love you," was what hoshina told you. in hindsight maybe you did not care about anything else he said except the part where he confessed he loves you.

you convinced yourself that nothing is more important than being loved by hoshina soshiro. and you persuaded yourself that if he could place you second in his priorities, you would be able to do so too. "i mean, i was a defense officer before i became your girlfriend," you agreed with him.

but there's no worse lie than the one we tell ourselves, you realised too late.

hoshina soshiro took you to dates almost every weekend although he is also almost always late. but you guess being one of the highest-ranking official in an anti-kaiju division burdens him with a heavier obligation than the rest of the officers so you did what a good girlfriend would do: you tried to understand his situation and offered him comfort whenever you catch him overly stressed or fatigued in his tasks. "i'll make it up to you," he would promise, and you would kiss him on the lips.

but after a while he stopped asking you out entirely, blaming it to his busy schedule - and yours - and a month after that, you would see hoshina soshiro only when there are inter-division conferences. narumi gives you his ugliest frowns everytime he spots the vice-captain walking towards you. "get a room," the first division commander rolled his eyes at you and your boyfriend one time.

to be fair, hoshina is good at making you disregard his misgivings. may it be with his tongue or his fingers, even for just a fraction of an hour, you cannot deny that hoshina makes you feel loved and taken care of. hoshina would tell you he loves you and nothing else matters again in your world but those three little words.

you could have perfectly proceeded in your charade of being fine if hoshina only remembered your anniversary. the straw that broke the camel's back, disappointment and frustration and heart wrenching pain consumed you when it came clear to you that hoshina was not planning for some surprise for you after not giving you a single greeting throughout the day - he simply forgot.

"so it skipped you that today's supposed to be our day, but you had time to go to lunch with okonogi," you accused him, feeling a bit guilty that you are involving another person in the argument. the trip to tachikawa base was not short, and your muscles are already killing you, but you made the effort to see hoshina in hopes you can salvage the occasion. the guilt died down after several seconds when hoshina replied.

"how is okonogi-chan a part of this?" he defended her. it did not escape you how he seemed to not be answering you at all.

"okonogi-chan?" you mocked hoshina. "jesus, i am so tired of this!" you did not recognise the sound of your voice when you shouted. "i - i know what i signed up for when i compromised with you, soshiro. you said duties first, i just did not expect i would be at the bottom of the things you care about. that's if i was even in that list at all."

"that's not fair -"

"what's not fair," you gritted your teeth, "is that you keep treating me like shit." you held back your tears; you refused to cry in front of hoshina - you had already given him the power to hurt you, it would have been to much handing him the knowledge that what is happening is effectively breaking you from you within. softly, you determined to get the bottom of things - fuck your dignity, the most you can get from this scenario is hoshina's honesty. "do you still love me?"

"you know i do," he declared too quickly. hoshina strode towards you, crossing the three, four feet distance to reach you. grabbing your cold hands and attempting to cradle it with his own warm ones, hoshina looked sincere and sorry, and you regret that you cannot for the life of you remember the last time he was this tender with you.

"actually i don't." you did not know how you're supposed to bridge the sea between you and hoshina as you withdrew your clammy hands from his touch. you chose to ignore the sudden sadness that crossed his face when you stepped away from him.

the loud ring of the alarm announcing a kaiju attack echoed in your ears. "i have to go, we'll talk more later," hoshina offered, his stare at you was surely meant to glue you in your spot but you did not let it so. "i love you."

"no, wait." you are a defense officer, and a good one at that, and you thankfully did not have to remind the third division vice-captain of that. "i'm going with you." even on the verge of heartbreak, your response is to stand beside hoshina. you almost winced at the implication.

you did not wait for his approval. narumi will be pissed, he joked after seeing you in a battle suit, helping you out a bit as you pick your weapon of choice. "hey." his grip on your elbow distracted you. "be careful out there," he whispered.

bodies break in the strangest of ways, you found out while fighting a considerable strong honju alone in the sector where you were assigned. you weren't officially in the area to be on duty, and protocol says you cannot be under hoshina's command so you had to be borrowed as a back-up to another platoon. your tenure and experience could easily place you as a team leader, that is why you were confident to face a number of those monstrous creatures at once. that is until the suit you were wearing - just a spare one that hasn't been used yet by a recruit - overheated.

"retreat to somewhere safe," you heard hoshina in your in-ear comms, out of breath. "that's an order." you wanted to assert that he isn't really your commanding officer, that he is not upon him to command you in any way but air feels like liquid in your lungs, the exhaustion catching up to you. in a minute or two the suit will lose its integrity after overheating, and you will be vulnerable to attacks of even the smallest yojus. "stay there and i'll send someone -"

you hoped you were not making a habit of interrupting hoshina as you mustered your strength to speak in a firm sentence - "the mission, is to neutralise the kaiju, sir." you screwed your eyes shut, ignoring the searing sensation of the wound in your shoulder.

throwing caution in the wind, hoshina did not relent. "i will come get you."

"soldiers first, soshiro." the static in your in-ear comms was deafening after you had called the vice-captain by his given name, and knowing that whatever you say will be broadcasted to the other officers, you continued. "to hell with what happens to us, right?"

you couldn't say you recall what happened next. dizzying darkness claimed you as your suit gave out, your combat release putting your body to too much pressure. when you came to consciousness, it was at a hospital - in a white room too big to cater to only one patient. tubes were attached to you, needles poking at the delicate vein in your wrist. it hurts to move, it hurts to discover you woke up alone.

the hours passed, each tick of the hands of the clock racing against your own thoughts. a nurse found you awake while in a roaming duty, and alerted the doctor. it was not after that when you saw hoshina again.

"how are you feeling?" you could sense his awkwardness from across the room. you saw his hesitation to come close to you; you cannot decided whether to feel satisfied that he seems to be in pain seeing you like this.

"i can't do this anymore, soshiro." your throat was dry from not speaking in ages, and your words sounded hoarse, as if you had to scrape yourself for them. "i almost died, and i can't do this anymore."

a piece of you wanted for him to tell you to shut up.

"i could have died, and you weren't there. and my god, this entire time i had to assess if i am just selfish, or greedy, and i know there are people to save, but soshiro, it's tiring to be the one who loves the other more," you exclaimed. "maybe it's my mistake that i am in a relationship with the third division's vice-captain but i fell in love with hoshina soshiro."

"i'm sorry." you didn't miss the slight tremble in hoshina's voice, and your chest tightened because after everything, he couldn't say you what you needed to hear.

"i would have died trying to save you, you know," you added weakly.

"i'm sorry," he repeated like a chant, like some mantra that would cure everything damaged for you and for him.

"me too," you replied, because there was nothing else left to say.

[louloulemons-posts]

Secret Kisses

Steve Harrington X Fem!Henderson!Reader

Summary : You and Steve are secretly dating, here are 3 times you were almost caught and the 1 time you were.

Word Count : 1.2k

Warnings : Not proofread, 3am writing, swears, pet names, FLUFFY, kisses, suggestive at parts, fem reader, no use of Y/N, Steve and reader just want to make out lol.

~ / / / * \ \ \ ~

- First time : Driving you home and nobody’s in

You’d been hanging out at Eddies trailer, watching some horror movies and smoking a bit with your friends.

Giving the metal head a hug and waving goodbye Steve drove you and Robin home.

“See you guy’s tomorrow,” she said, kissing your cheek from the backseat and climbing out.

“Let’s get you home,” Steve smiled, taking your hand in his. “Thank you for driving me.”

“Couldn’t leave my girl stranded could I? Or worse, Eddie could’ve drove you home in his death trap!”

“Eddie can drive,” you laughed.

“Sure, doesn’t mean the vans safe.”

“You worry too much,” you sighed, leaning over and kissing his cheek.

“Just want you to be safe.” The drive was quick and quiet, one of your favourite tapes of Steve’s playing. Steve pulled up to your house, no lights on inside.

“Tonight was fun,” you spoke, smiling.

“It was, we do need a proper date night though. Maybe the movies?” he asked.

“That sounds good, I’ll trust your taste in movies.” He leaned over the console to kiss you, leaning in softly.

You lips almost touched when you heard a foggy voice, “Are you coming in or not?” Dustin.

Pulling away from Steve you sighed, “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Y-yeah, goodnight.”

“Night,” you smiled, climbing out the car and headed over to your brother.

“Have you been smoking?!” he exclaimed.

“Shut up!” you slammed your hand over his mouth, shoving him in the house. “Why are you sitting in the dark?” Waving at Steve before heading in yourself.

~ / / / * \ \ \ ~

- Second time : Movie dates, sat in the dark, perfect right?

Sat in the movie theatre side by side, fingers linked, waiting for the lights to dim. You’d decided to see The Breakfast Club, after Nancy had said it was really good.

“You’re going to run out of popcorn and the movie hasn’t even started yet,” you chuckled at Steve. “It’s good!” he defended.

“Lies, but either way you’ll be grumpy 15 minutes in because you have nothing to snack on.”

“That’s why I got you snacks my love.”

“What so you can steal them?”

“Exactly that.”

“And what if I said no?”

“Well I’m sure I could persuade you..”

“Oh yeah?” He leaned closer to you, lips touching, “Yeah.” He softly pressed his lips to yours when familiar voices came.

“Okay so G6 and G7 El,” Max Mayfield spoke. “Shit,” Steve whined. The seats right in front of you. “Shit,” you repeated.

Walking down to their seats El spotted you, smiling, “Hi guys!”

“Hey,” you smiled back, nudging Steve.

“Hi,” he let out a pained grin.

“Just you two?” Max asked.

“Oh yeah, had to drag Steve with me. Nobody else would come with,” you shrugged.

“Hm, seems like Robins type of film. Eddie thought … not so much,” the redhead hummed. “Yeah exactly.”

“Should have come with us,” El said softly.

“If I’d have know you wanted to see it I would’ve, could’ve made a girls night out of it,” you smiled at her. Always having had a special place in your heart for that girl.

The lights dimmed, “Well we’ll see you after the movie,” Steve said. The pair sat down facing forward. “Guess we can’t make out now,” he sighed.

“You’re literally a horny teen.”

“Well I’m a teen and you’re hot so … I’m always horny.”

“Shush,” you laughed, punching him lightly.

“Maybe you can stay at my place?”

“Hm, if you’re lucky.”

~ / / / * \ \ \ ~

- Third time : Lunch breaks aren’t easy either.

It was Steve’s lunch break, just him on today as it was a slow Monday. He shut the door and turned the sign to close, smiling at you who’d brought him food.

Pushing you into the back room, hands on your waist, your own tangling in his hair. Lipgloss transferring onto his own lips, “Stevie,” you giggled into his mouth.

“Missed you … so much,” he spoke between kisses. “Saw me yesterday.”

“Not enough!” Pulling you as close as he could, your legs wrapped around his waist and he lifted you into a filing cabinet.

“So. Fucking. Perfect,” he kissed and kissed and kissed. His hands played with the bottom of your skirt, pulling away. Lips swollen and hair messy.

“We’ve got 20 minutes Stevie.”

“That’s plenty of time to do what I need to do to you,” he smirked, lowering himself.

The bell on the door jingled, “Steve!”

“I’m gonna kill your brother.”

“Oh I’ll help.” Tidying himself up he left the back room, you jumping down from the cabinet.

“Henderson, thought you were smart enough to know what the word closed means.”

“Ha you’re real funny. I was just wondering if you’ve seen my sister?”

Steve’s heart went to his throat and you panicked trying to keep your breathing quiet. “Nope, why?”

“Well I saw her car outside and I thought maybe we could head home together,” he explained, “She might be getting some groceries though.”

“Mhm, maybe. If she stops by I’ll tell her you’re looking for her.”

“Great, thanks man.” You heard the bell ring again, signalling his exit.

Walking out of the back room you sighed. “Your brothers looking for you,” he teased.

“Oh you don’t say?” Kissing the boys cheek, “I should probably go.”

He whined, “Steve if he catches us-“

“I know I know. Okay go, but next time something like that happens I’m not stopping.”

“I’ll take your word for that.” Pecking his mouth you headed out the door to find you shit head of a brother.

~ / / / * \ \ \ ~

- The time you’re found out

You heard soft knock on your window. Not wanting to turn the light on in fear your headache would get worse, you walked over.

Pulling back the curtains, you saw a familiar face. You pulled up the window and stepped back, “What are you doing here?” you asked.

Steve climbed in (fell in) to your room, “Robin told me you weren’t very well, couldn’t really call cause you know,” he motioned to the door.

“Thought I’d come check on my girl, brought you some gatorade and snacks.”

“You, Steve Harrington, are the sweetest boy I’ve ever met.” Pecking his nose, you walked back to your bed.

“What’s wrong?”

“Migraine.”

“Oh baby I’m sorry. Have you taken anything?”

“Took some more tablets not too long ago, they should kick in soon.”

He sat down next to you, stoking hair gently. “Do you want me to go, leave you in peace?”

“Could you stay?”

“Course. No place I’d rather be.”

Taking off his shoes, jacket and jeans he climbed in beside you. “Come lay on me baby,” he whispered. Resting your head on his chest, you hummed, his warmth was so nice.

Running his fingers up and down your back you were quickly lulled to sleep.

Stirring awake to a knocking sound, “Yeah?” you said voice croaking, thick with sleep. Steve also woke up, giving you a sleepy smile.

“Mom said do you want breakfast, she’s made waffles,” Dustin spoke.

“Oh yeah sure, I’ll be there in a minute.”

“Does Steve want any?” He asked through the door.

You looked at the boy, both of you wide eyed. “Hello? Does he want any?” your brother repeated.

“Oh um sure if she’s got any spare,” Steve said. Hearing you brother grumble as he walked away, you put your head back on his chest.

“Well he knows.”

“Yeah.”

“I can do this now then,” Steve smirked, kissing you square on the mouth.

“Hm, yes Mr Harrington you can.”

~ / / / * \ \ \ ~

A/N : I wanted to do some fics with other characters soon, they don’t have to just be Stranger Things characters, I’m part of many many fandoms. So if there’s any other characters you’d like to see, let me know! 🤍

Thank you so much for reading! Please leave any requests 🤍